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Garthûn will also gladly accept the deal with the armor.
As for Seven and Irruth, they are happy to see again the dwarf. " There is the thing about the goblin attacks. We have heard the guard has been closed at the baths for a week and the Stormblades descended to fight the problem "
" The nobles are all chatting about the incoming grand ball they are organising for the Flood Festival next month "
At the Exports it is easy for Ryan to find a better replacement for his backpack.
Maxim shakes his head at Ryan's question regarding the scroll;
"Too powerful for me to use. It could be cast on the fly... but I ain't versed in using magick items in such a manner... Juraan perhaps is a better bet?"
At Ghelve's Maxim studies the gnomes spell book with stoic diligence. He keeps Ghelve updated on their endeavours, but downplays the challenges they face knowing the gnome to be a nervous sort.
:
Once learned he thanks the locksmith for his continued support and takes his leave.
"Once again Keygen, your help is appreciated. Get yer rat some fine cheese..."
He hands the gnome 10 gold suns for his trouble, not taking no for an answer.
Before finding his informants, the dwur stops by Gurnezahn, the smith and purchases a silvered dagger.
Maxim listens intently to the news from both the young lamplighter and the chandler.
"Interesting news. Keep your eyes and ears open, anything more is always gratefully received.. Any dirt on the nobles or city notables will net even more..."
He rewards both with an additional gold coin, then heads back to rendezvous with the group at the Tankard.
Maxim returns to the Tankard on the morrow with a satisfied air;
"Got us 1000 gold suns for the kitty. To spend on the hunt... so if yea've shelled out on combating' the damned fanger then there's coin available to balance the books..."
The gun-mage looks to the waitress, then adds some more;
"I learned a new spell from our old friend Ghelve. Will hurt undead... not greatly but enough to make him sting..."
Entering the tavern, Ryan hands off potions to both JJ and Kikinnin, Bull's Strength and Magic Weapon to Kikinnin and a Bull's Strength to JJ. "Good morning, use these well." Turning to Maxim, "Do you still have the potion of Cat's Grace? Making it harder for Sir Fang, as JJ called him I believe, to hit me seems a good thing." After everyone has gathered and and eaten breakfast. "Are we ready?"
cantrips - detect magic, guidance, resistance, light
1st - Bless x2, magic weapon, divine favor[d]
2nd - lessor restoration, bulls strength
regarding the potions, Ryan takes 190gp thankful for the share given back but also still spending his share on this.
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Maxim nods;
"Do indeed still have it Taskerhill..."
The gun-mage hands Ryan the Potion of Cat's Grace, before scowling momentarily;
"... though I'd prefer we not call the damn fanger some story-book nickname from Surabar's time with his wet-nurse. It is undead an' a hated goblin-kin to boot... Let's keep its name uncivil as befits the blood-sucking basterd."
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JJ nods "Baron Bloodfang is the nemesis in the ongoing series of stories I have been reading. Rumour on the streets is that the next book will be serialized in Cauldron's weekly paper! "
A thoughtful look crosses his face.
"Oh I do wonder who the author is. It's all a big mystery!"
"Um...the p-p-protection spell I've b-b-been using should h-h-help keep D-D-Drakthar's charms at b-b-bay," Marigold replies to Kikinnin's query. "Not s-s-sure how I kn-kn-know that, b-b-but I do," she shrugs.
"It s-s-sounds like I sh-sh-should g-g-get some things from the a-a-alchemist's shop. And another healing w-w-wand. And..." she looks thoughtful, "...m-maybe a wand of that p-p-protection m-m-magic..."
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A true belly laugh escapes Ryan when Maxim criticizes his use of JJ's nickname , and then JJ oblivious, takes it in stride simply wondering who the author was
Maxim nods at Marigold's logic, adding his own take on their situation;
"Heard something else on the streets... Tongues waggin' suggesting our old sparrin' partners The Storm Blades have headed into the bath-house..."
The dwur grows impatient for his beverage, looking to when his ale has gone;
"Ain't sure iffen its true or street-gossip. If they are down there possible we might have to lock horns, rescue 'em or pool resources dependin' on how they've faired..."
"The storm who? Sorry, but the name escapes me. Word must be moving fast, if others are interested in seeing the vampire ended. I'm all for it. The more hands against it, the better. Let's just hope they're as well-armed as we intend to be. I'm ready to head back, and see the holy work done. If everyone has what they need, let's get going again. Won't do to let Drakthar have his time to strengthen himself however he sees fit." The black-beard's tone shifts a little, a slight unease slipping back, as he remembers their last encounter with the bug-vamp-bear-ire.
"Marigold, if you want to help us purchase those protection magics in the form of a wand, I'm all for it. Should we consider separate potions, instead, in case we get separated?" Kikinnin clinks his new vials from Ryan, making room in his belt pouch.
"They were Ryan's cousin's and her pals. Rich kids with a silver spoon stuck up there...." he glances at Ryan.
"oopse, sorry Ryan."
"What say I got check out the progress on enchanting my sword, and then we meet at the bathhouse. Can't let those wet-blankets grab all the glory."
Borrowing a word from Maxim "Arse?... No worries I've thought the same before. They can be well meaning but this bugbears a bit meaner than the last one they fought. I'm ready when you are, slept well last night and both in the training yard and at my morning prayers everything felt right."
You do pick up your new weapons the next day. By when you go back to the bathhouse three days have past.
Dandarrion is not at the place this time. The guards confirm the rumor "The Stormblades went down the bathhouse last night. We attempted to dissuade them but they exposed their adventuring license and came back hours later with a signed order by Terseon Skellerang."
"While they were out there was a goblin upbreak out of the caverns doors. Sargent Dandarrion was injured, but when the Stormblades came back we were able to secure the place back again. We fear this vampire is using goblin tribes to quickly refill their ranks" explains the guard at the leading role.
"The adventurers went down some hours ago but they have not returned, so we start to fear they have been captured or something worst..." the man looks worried "For Abadar, I hope I have not to tell their parents they have gone missing... they will remember my face and name forever"
"Ever has my cousin been able to find trouble, or all to often lately it has found him, godspeed to the healers. We'll do our best to help you avoid that situation corporal."
Looking at the others. "Apparently we may be required to clear this area once again, be vigilant."
Ryan prepares to go below, Shield and heavy mace ready...Light cantrip in place once they start below.
JJ struts into the bathhouse, and shows everyone his flashy new silver shortsword. "What a beauty eh? Lets see how this overgrown terror of maidens does against it!"
He nods to the guards. "I hope they have not been hurt as well. When we go down, we should search the dwarf ruins first, make sure there are not more goblins re-infesting the place ready to come up behind us. Remember those traps they set!"
"I think the goblins will be the least of our worries."
As you descend the stairs into the shadows of the ruins, you discover the place has been witness to a terrible fight. Goblins lie to side and side of the stairs, blood still running down the stone ground.
Back at the dwarf ruins, you explore back room by room, discovering the barracks had been filled by goblins once more, but they now lie at the ground, chest open.
As you descend through the natural cavern, you overhear human voices discussing. A female is saying "I tell you it is dead Annah. You saw how did I pierced its chest before it vanished into mist. We must aid Zachary, the beast is done"
A different female is saying "Zachary can wait, the beast is not dead Cora, it is a vampire we need to pursue the mist and finish it while it is vulnerable. We might not have another opportunity"
"But look, how is Zachary, he might die if we do not move on" answers the first voice.
"Your cuz..." notes JJ to Ryan.
"Sounds like they also ran into our fanged friend... with similar results to us. Could be we would be best off joining forces for once..."
Maxim descends with the others. When they reach the dwur ruins he bids Juraan enchant those who would benefit with Mage Armour.
At the sound of the voices, and JJ's identification he scowls and growls a whisper;
"Let's just see what kinda shape they're in afore we get into bed with those blue-bloods..."
The gun-mage loads his pistol with an alchemical silver cartridge, then holsters the readied firearm.
"Ever has my cousin been able to find trouble, or all to often lately it has found him, godspeed to the healers."
Kikinnin's face turns several screws, as confusion sets in. "Wait, is Ryan's cousin lad or lass? I only remember a female leading them, spitting words of derision." The black-beard looks to Ryan for help.
When the female voices arise, Kikinnin moves forward until he's brought the speakers into view.
"Well, at least we have folks who can back our story, about mist and monster. Can you tell us what happened? We ourselves were almost slaughtered to the one. You may have wanted to wait, if you had heard our report to Dandarrion."
Ever has my cousin been able to find trouble, or all to often lately it has found him, godspeed to the healers.
Smilling Ryan turns to Kikinnin...
"Dondarion, my cousin, is injured and I asked godspeed for the healers helping hiim, while Annah is also my cousin and appears to have issues of her own ahead. Guess we should speak with htem."
Moving forward toward Annah "Cara, you should listen to her, the vampire is the primary concern. He will continue to fill the dwarven ruins with his goblin lackeys or worse. Send your newest member there to get guardsmen to carry Zackery to the healers, tell them to take him to Jenya. She has experience dealing with the after effect of the vampire's touch. Other than Zack, how are you equiped to deal with him
Figuring he's stepped on enough toes for the moment Ryan waits for responses.
Marigold can't help but be a little impressed as she gazes around at the dead goblins everywhere.
The Stormblades aren't all talk like a lot of these 'noble' groups are - they mean business!
"D-do you n-need someone to look at your f-friend?" Marigold pipes up, feeling shyer than usual around so many of the big names of Cauldron. "I'm h-happy to help until the g-guard can g-get him to Ms. J-Jenya..."
Maxim moves forward with the group, eyes focussing not on the ailing Stormblades, but rather the nooks, crannies and shadows around the cavern.
The gun-mage presses his point with a gruff comment;
"By all means engage yer tongues in gentile conversation, but keep eyes an' ears sharp for rats an' other servants o' the fanger..."
:
"Wait, I think I heard something. Look, the lights someone is approaching" says a males voice followed by swords drawing.
As you get into sight of the group you observe Cora Lathenmire in first place rapier at the ready, with Annah Taskerhill behind holding a wand and Todd Vanderboren aiming at you with a bow. Laying in the ground, there is a pale Zachary Aslaxin and next to him the mysterious man bounded and head to the floor.
"Look whom is here, your cousin and his band of boors" says Cora laughing.
When Kikinnin asks what happened Todd answers "We got some big beasts on our excursion. Nothing of your business" and turning to Annah "You are right let's leave Zachary with this peasants and finish the job"
As Ryan makes his intervention Annah asserts the cleric's words "Now, listen to my cousin Cora. Let's send someone with Zachary to the church" she points to the bound man "Although Ikkyu is not in conditions to carry anyone. The vampire got into his head and conquered his will"
Cora relaxes his blade looking at Annah "You cannot be serious!" she then kneels in front of Zachary and takes his head lovely between her hands "I will not leave you alone Zachy"
When Marigold offers herself Cora raises again the rapier "Hold your thievery hands away from him half-woman! No other woman will touch him"
You cannot hear or see any signs of any enemies around
Maxim eyes the shadows once, then satisfied of no immediate threat turns his attention to the assembled Stormblades.
As Todd aims bow, Maxim smiles hard and drums his fingers across the handle of his pistol;
"You. Weasel face. Lower the bow or it won't just be the fanger spilling blood today..."
:
The gun-mage then addresses Cora;
"You say no other woman. Who else touched him? Another vampyr? Well girl... we ain't got all day..."
Juraan approaches with his palms open towards the new group,
as a sign of no ill-will.
"We too came to kill that vampire."
"We should work together."
"Enemy of my enemy and all that."
"He is also dangerous; the more of us fighting him the better."
JJ keeps quiet.
I'm of nobler blood than any of them, not that they would acknowledge it as such. Plutocrats.
When Cora speaks harshly to Marigold he has a hard time holding his tongue. He steps forward angrily.
"Marigold has no interest like that in Zachy. All she wants to do is help him. If you felt any real affection for Zachy you would be welcoming aid not pushing it away. " he spits.
He can't but help look at the bound man... "The vampire entranced a lot of other people too..."
"I suppose there is no reason to fight each other" says Todd lowering his bow slowly. Still the despise at his face is clear.
"Only me is touching Zachary" she looks at Annah and takes the man through his arms pushing up "I am taking him out of here. I will not stop you if you want to come out of here with me, but only me touches Zachary"
Annah looks at Juraan then says "We made all the work here, and we are the ones to finish the work now. We do not need your help"
Todd adds "Do not trust them Annah, they just want to sack the vampire like they did with the goblins. They are going to cause problems to us"
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Marigold blinks as her offer of help is rudely rebuffed. "W-w-well if you're that w-w-worried about s-s-someone like m-m-me being around your Zachary then m-m-maybe you've g-g-got b-b-bigger issues than whatever that vampire d-d-did to him," she responds quietly.
He's not that handsome anyway.
She looks at her friends for a moment and then back at the group of ill-mannered and ill-tempered nobles. "Th-th-this is stupid. We sh-sh-should b-b-be working together against th-th-this thing, n-n-not st-st-standing around arguing over who has the r-r-right to b-b-be here!"
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JJ puts a protective arm around Marigold.
"The only reason you made it this far is because we dealt with the goblins, the demons and the wolves that were here to begin with. So don't try and claim some "first dibs" rights. There is a blood sucking, life draining, mind entrancing and mist forming honest to evilness vampire down here." he fumes.
"Go take Zachy, and take your charmed friend too. If Todd and Amnah want to actually help out, they would be more than welcome."
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Ryan listens to the petty bickering going back and forth between both groups, getting more frustrated by the moment.
"Enough all of you! Cara should you wish to escort Zachery above, along with this fellow you've yet to introduce, by all means do so. Yet do not turn up your nose at proffered help because you can see no further than your own nose and perceived birthright! The blood of Surabar and Malachite stand before you and should be looking down their nose at you." Looking towards JJ and the Dwarves.
Turning back to Annah and Todd, pointedly ignoring Cara....
"We came below before you and dealt with the initial goblins within these ruins, thank you for dealing with the reinforcements, the Vampire needs to be dealt with now. Annah, you have two men down and it appears a third member choosing to retreat. We are moving on, do you and Todd wish to join with us? We would welcome seasoned help that is willing to work together in the short term for the good of Cauldron. If all you wish is vain glory for the moment join Cara in her chosen retreat, the vampire will pick you off one by one if you choose to move forward alone."
"We have a chance together, and even better chance with your help. The two of you alone almost non existent."
Maxim flashes a hard smile as Todd rescinds his threat.
That's the way boy. Smarter than you look.
As talk turns to joining forces, the gun-mage adds his own voice to the parley;
"Those who join'll be entitled to an equal stake of the coin... Those that ain't fit, or left behind... get jack."
The dwur spits once. then nods forward whilst jerking a calloused thumb backward;
"Either step up or ship out. Ain't for asking again."
Cora looks back at Marigold with a question mark in her eyes "Are you trying to suggest something half-woman?"
"Yes, we were told how you did run away with the tail between your legs" cackles Todd laughing as any response to JJ reasoning.
The Stormblades look at the dwarves and JJ as their nobility is pointed out. Then Annah rises her hand and says with a softer tone "Hold on Todd. As the halfling says, there is much benefits they can provide right now."
She points to the bound man "This is Ikkyu. He comes from a rich family, the oldest child and inheritor of the Lucky Monkey. Cora, take him and Zachary out of here. Let's make sure our friends are protected"
"Todd, pack your weapons and let's go after the vampire while he is vulnerable." and looking at Maxim she says "I am sure we can reach a good payment deal for your services to the Stormblades"
She points south to the stairs in the cavern "The vampire mist left that way. I bed his coffin is somewhere there"
Cora, still looking at Marigold, takes both Zachary and Ikkyu and starts moving up through the caverns complex.
Kikinnin stares into the darkness that bleeds beyond his ability to see, watching for something shifty to play at the corners of his sight. He doesn't care to look upon the faces of this snooty group of adventurers. He almost doesn't speak, as his friends do a solid job of answering and riposting some of the stinging words leveled against them, even now, in their condition.
"Band of boors..."
"None of your business..."
"...these peasants..."
"...thievery hands..."
"Do not trust them..."
Most of the comments roll off his shoulders like lazy gnats. Most of them.
"Yes, we were told how you did run away with the tail between your legs."
Kikinnin turns back to look directly at the speaker, Todd. "Speak that way to JJ one more time, and I'll break that beak you call a nose, for your insult. You're half the man that boy is, and blind to your circumstance. Far as I can tell, you need to pull back, like we did."
The black-beard continues to stare at Todd, marking the man.
"Todd, pack your weapons and let's go after the vampire while he is vulnerable. I am sure we can reach a good payment deal for your services to the Stormblades."
Kikinnin snorts, as he begins to look away from Todd, to his own. "We're done here, talking, bickering, negotiating. We didn't come here to profit. We came to make Cauldron safer. We're not in service to storm bleeders, Annah. Humble yourself, or you're not long for this world."
Kikinnin moves forward, murmuring prayers to Abadar, and seeking out Drakthar, as soon as his friends are ready. He will begrudgingly wait if Annah and Todd seek to tag along.
Maxim eyes the remaining Stormblades with a hard, wry smile;
Huh. "Our services"... will prove costly to you b1tch. In blood or coin. Perhaps both.
The gun-mage nods toward the dark shadows;
"The glory should go to the well-bred Stormblades. Lead the way and show us how our "betters" will bring this fanger to heel..."
The punctuate the point, Maxim gestures ahead with his now drawn pistol.
"We insist."
Todd opens the way followed by Annah and Kikinnin.
Looking to your left, you see a sagging rope bridge spanning the rough-hewn passage at a height of thirty feet, connecting two ends of a five-foot-wide worked tunnel. Sturdy wooden posts hold the bridge in place.
But you instead climb up the stairs.
Three moldy straw pallets lay heaped against the eastern wall of the chamber, which has a door to the south and an open archway to the north. The walls are covered in goblin graffiti, and large rat droppings litter the floor.
Todd checks the door, then opens it slowly moving into the next room.
A large section of the room has fallen away, forming a gash in the west wall and a forty-foot-high precipice overlooking a rough-hewn tunnel, the ceiling of which is the same height as the roof of this chamber. Three, moldy straw pallets are heaped in the southeast corner of the room, which contains no other furnishings.
Annah moves on and reaches the corridor next. It opens in two different directions. After checking the platform communicating with the main cavern, you walk into the first bifurcation.
The walls of this sinister chamber are painted in blood, which has dried and turned a rusty shade of brown. The back corner of the room has fallen away into a dark crevice, and a roomy chair made of stitched skins, torn-off faces, and bundled bones sits in front of the gaping orifice.
The throne is fashioned from the skins and bones of various humanoid creatures, but predominantly goblins, gnomes, and dwarves. The dried blood that covers the walls like flaking paint was like wise drawn from many sources.
"Looks like mostly goblins, nomes and dwarves... underground dwellers. What a ghastly room." notes JJ.
He moves into the room and over to the "window" to examine it. As he does so, the young man draws his weapons, feeling ill at ease in the odd room.
As the others enter the 'throne' room, Ryan steps to the corner and looks down the hallway towards where the rope bridge connects.
Ryan looks through the corridor but observes nothing out of order.
By when JJ reaches the other side of the room, the throne animates. It is clear everybody is catch by surprise because the throne attacks JJ before anyone else can go out of astonishment.
And it hits with his back to the young man on the arm, then follows with a second attack JJ parries with his readied swords.
Despite seeming an object, this seems to be closer to an skeleton, an as such should be damaged as other undead and have resistance to non-bludgeoning weapons.
JJ winces as the horrible thing attacks him, but quickly turns on it with his two swords.
"The chair is possessed!" he calls out in alarm.
AC = 22
HP = 34/34
Weapon Equipped = MW Dwarven Greataxe
Condition(s) = None
Kikinnin steps forward, taking his place on the other side of the furniture, hoping his axe is strong enough to cripple the animated thing, and stop it from attacking. He can't bring his full strength to bear upon the chair, as something behind his eyes tries to understand why there's a possessed item down here. The vampire do this? Or one of his lackeys?
Marigold hears the yells of surprise from ahead of her but she can't see what's happening from her position near the back of the group. She quickly nudges past Juraan but then stops, realizing she needs to leave room for Ryan and Maxim to squeeze into the room ahead.
With a worried look, she reaches out and places a steadying hand on Maxim's shoulder.
Juraan uses a charge of his wand of Mage Armour on himself.
He'll wait for a bit more space to follow the others in.
"Todd and Annah have been as irritating as a skin rash up to now."
"I sure hope they're more helpful than that right about now!"
Maxim accepts Marigold's enchantment with nod, then moves into the room and raises his pistol.
Charging it with an edge of his arcane power the gun-mage pulls the trigger :
:
:
:
:
Hear the commotion and Maxim's gun go off Ryan backtracks to the room, ending up behind Kikinnin.
-.-
Unsure as to what this thing is Ryan cast guidance on Kikinnin
Abadar guide thy blade and this abomination
JJ stabs one of his swords into the throne but it seems his weapon is not that useful against the skeleton made creature. The damage does not seem to affect it.
Similarly, Kikinnin's axe arrives short powered to the throne and the bones seem to not take damage from the edge of the weapon as it should have happened.
Marigold guides Maxim while Juraan covers himself with a magic armor.
Maxim looks for a clear shot and triggers his gun. The noise reverberates in the caverns while the bullet impacts the bones making it to jump into splinters terribly damaging the left side of the throne.
Annah starts to sing an inspiring song "For Cauldron and the Stormblades you abomination shall disappear from this world!"
Todd shots a silvered arrow to the throne.
But the arrow seems to not affect the bones at all.
The throne keeps mindlessly attacking JJ.
And the creature smashes the young man twice with his back and his right side bones!
With grim-set efficiency, Maxim loads his pistol once again... this time with a alchemical paper cartridge
The gun-mage levels his pistol, charges it with arcane energy and pulls the trigger :
"Bullet by bullet. Back to the boneyard with ye!"
:
:
Ryan steps forward on Kikinnin's left shoulder, to stay out of Todd and Maxim's line of attack attack, grateful for Annah's song.
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Seeing how ineffective his new sword is, JJ drops it and draws his silvered mace instead. "I'll have to get a refund."
AC = 22
HP = 34/34
Weapon Equipped = MW Dwarven Greataxe
Condition(s) = Guidance
Kikinnin slashes at the throne again, trying to take a chunk out of it. He disregards Annah's attempts to bolster their confidence through song.
Maxim triggers his gun again, the bullet making splinters of more bones with its powerful strength.
Ryan follows up with a hit of his mace over the throne, breaking some more bones, as he does JJ after drawing his silver mace.
Kikinnin's axe fines the throne moving and fails to find the thing.
Todd shots an arrow.
But it goes far to high and lands at the ceiling of the room.
It is then when Annah casts a spell and holds up her hand stepping forward to touch the throne.
As she delivers the spell the remaining bones explode with a bright light and the throne collapses to the ground with each piece at one side.
"Good. Job is down here, let's continue" comments Annah.
Without the harassment of the throne, it is easy for JJ and the others to peek at the next cave.
This ledge overlooks a cavern nearly twenty feet across and fifty feet high. The cavern floor, which slopes down gently toward the southwest, is twenty feet below and quite uneven. A twenty-foot-long makeshift wooden ladder rests against the side ofthe ledge, offering an easy way down. Thirty feet to the south, a similar makeshift ladder climbing twenty feet to a recess carved into the wall of the cavern is visible.