Gameplay is open, turns out due to being busy my first Gameplay post will be tomorrow.
She was sitting in her inner office when she got the order.
She had been reviewing case notes, a mage who has sold his soul had sort to hide in a cult of undead makers. It had been sent up to her because of two failed attempts to collect.
She was just going over the latest report when her sword pipped up.
It was laying in it's rack, burning darkly sucking up the light around it.
::"The Mail is here"::
She sent to her mind, she could tell it was sulking from not being out for a while. All Hounds have Hell have a weapon linked to them, most go for maces or hammers. But she had taken a blade, she liked the way it felt in her hands. Once taken no other made weapon could be used. That was because a hound put over power and bind into it a lawful outsider, she had and it was now in there sulking. Their relationship was complicated, it kept her living but it also had power over her, just as she had power over it. For she know its true name.
She put the file down and waved a hand. The office door opened and in came one of the office imps. Flying and and dropping a scroll on her into her hand. She opened it and read slowly, then read it again. Finally putting it down.
"You know of a place called Sandpoint, it's on the prime in Varisia?"
::"No"::
sent back her sword with a snap.
::"Sounds like a S**t hole, bet its a fishing port, I hate $&$* fish!"::
Rosa ignored her wining blade, leaning back she took up a cigar and lit it slowly, looking away into the distance, thinking to herself. Then making up her mind she said.
"Where going on a trip, overland, you on best behavior understood, this is not a normal mission."
The sword said nothing, but she could tell from its darkness spilling off it. That is was darkly happy.
.
The great gold Dragon, Drogondus was laying on a bed of gold and sipping tea from what looked to be a bathtub.
"And that's all it said?"
His voice boomed around the large cave like room at the center of his own, privet plane.
"Yep"
Rosa said, sipping her green tea and looking at the new paintings lining the walls.
"Could be a prophecy, the high ups just needed to make up the numbers and feet your the one to send."
She put her cup down and then puffed on her cigar.
"Thought of that, might well be, had a look over the records but could find nothing. Nothing with this Sandpoint in anyway."
Drogondus's great gold eyes blinked.
"Well I did hear there was some trouble there a few days ago. A big red wen't to play smashy with the town. Seems it was sent packing, could be it."
This was news to Rosa, mind you just about anything on the prime not related to work was news to her. She and Drogondus had unlikely friendship, he being a gold dragon and all, she being, well herself.
He was one of the few beings she had been unable to scare the pants off.
When she had tried it had just looked at her and bust out laughing. At the time they had both been hunting a skin Demon who has single handedly started a war. He did not laugh for long as the horde of Chaotic nightmares that had come at them, had taken there attention. finding themselves fighting back to back, they agreed not to kill each other until later. Later never came, when they had at last stopped the war and she had the Demons soul in a jar. They had agreed to tolerate each other. That had been some 250 years ago, they had helped each other often and still had respect for each other.
"Why do you trust me"
She had once asked him,
"Because your my enemy and as such I know what you will do, you and that sword of yours. Where as its always friends that let you down"
She chuckled at that.
Today she had come to ask his advice, he had claws all over the prime and if anyone could work out why she had been ordered to walk to a place with no explanation it would be him.
"Could be a joke"
He offered up.
"That's what contract says, just the kind of thing he would like. But no, I think someone would have tipped me off it it was."
The Dragon stretched looking up at the halls vast skylight.
"Then gods if I know"
He said.
She sighed.
"Well that's that then"
He tuned his massive head at her and in a low voice said.
"Could be a trap, you upset anyone of real power of late girl?"
She had been thinking on that as well, upset no, but the hells don't need ,upset, to get you killed, when power was always the goal.
"That as well has crossed my mind"
She grinned.
"You know you could always come to our side, we could use you. Get you a better sword than that grumpy old lag that you hall around."
This again, he did it every time they meet.
"You know why, we fight the same fight, you know just like I do thats out there, in the darkness the madness waits. Chaotic things of mindless , disorders. You don't want me on your team, Drogondus I will not be able to stop myself slapping the happiness the angels."
She Chuckled again.
"Always worth a try"
She stood,
"Thank you for seeing me Drogondus, I best go see what Contract's been doing in your antechambers. If you hear of anything let me know"
The Gold Dragon nodded.
"Will do Kido"
It said, watching her go out the large doors.
Well, well, well, Sandpoint, hummm...
Drogondus, changed into a golden man and went to a desk.
Picking up pen and paper he started to write a letter.
Rosa was sitting, she had found a nice large rock and was having a drink of Hell wine. The heat haze was all around and she felt happy she had picked this spot on the prime to start her trek to Sandport.
She had liked the Cinderlands, it felt like home. Hot dry and mostly dead. really it would make a nice place for a longer brake.
Her walk along what ever this old road was called had been fun, but now she was sitting and looking at trees. Large Twisted and dark green trees. A thick dark woods, spreading out before her. It was brooding even foreboding. Travelers daring to enter would be the pray of the evil and dark things in there. All manner of things. She could see a sign that even said that.
::"Why are we doing this again?"::
Contract said to her
"Orders that's way and stop complaining."
She finished her drink, put the flask away. Standing she standing she stretched and then set off. The path was hard to follow and standing 10'6" meant she had to keep bending. She even used contract to cut her way passed some parts. Which means putting up with his endless complaining. As she cut a few trees complaining but stopped after she looked at them.
A few things where not wise enough to know better attacked her, thinking she was lunch. It was short and bloody and her sword drank well. She thought yet another ghost had come for a chat. When She came across a bunch of Erastil followers facing off against a pack of werewolves.
Both stopped fighting the moment she stepped out from the undergrowth.
Looking from the human and elf fighters to the wolf kin she waited an moment and said.
"Sorry, did not mean to interrupt, please carry on. I'll just wait until your finished."
It was interesting to see both sides thinking to themselves who they could be fighting, the other side or her. They seem to make thire minds up in the same instant and all turned to face her.
She sighed, A few says later she walks out the forest, looking up at the blue sky. She checked her wayfinder and kept going on to sand port.
He put on his spell component and dagger belt, then his baldric, which held his favorite new item; his rapier, named "Hornet," a gift from Queen Telandia Edasseril herself.
Finally, he donned his haversack and cloak to complete his traveling ensemble.
Please be sure to water the plants, he said to his housekeeper, Idra. Not sure when I'll be coming back. Bye!
Good bye, sir, and good luck, she responded.
The young wizard first cast Mind Blank on himself. No need to attract any enemies while he's out.
Lefty then used his ring to make himself invisible, then cast a spell, a single word of power, that instantly teleported him from the veranda of his modest lakeside villa in Erages to the outskirts of Sandpoint, sight unseen.
So this is Sandpoint, he muttered, to no one in particular. The recent destruction hadn't been cleaned up, yet. It was pretty torn up.
The queen's orders were simple: Find out what's causing all the tumult, see if it could negatively affect Kyonin in any way, and deal with it if necessary.
Business as usual, he sighed. He then made himself visible and walked into town, looking for a tavern and hopefully a bottle of good wine.
Now the road was better, well paved and traffic. There where looks, always where and a few challenges. Enlarge person could explain away the height and her clothing, well just a female Hell Knight Cleric. Yes a long way from home, but after the casting of magics finding no evil just laws she was let past and on her way.
She had been walking along at a slow pace when two Caravan Guards rode past her, she looked back to see a long Caravan heading her way on the road. She stepped to one side. Faces looked at her, some with worry.
"Where you headed?"
She called out to a drover.
"Sandport"
Came the reply.
Making her mind up she fell in behind it and sped up to keep pace.
The guards doubled back one flowing his spear at her.
"What you doing?"
She locked eyes with him on his mount.
"Seems to me your a little light handed by way of protection, bad area this, bandits and such. Best I tag along and keep you all safe."
She could see his mind working, then the spear went up and they rode back to the front.
::"Really caravan baby siting. Cant we just fly there?"::
"Your really don't get it do you Contract. Look at the caravan what do you see?"
::"Mortals and stuff so what!"::
"Builders and building tools its a caravan of stone workers. We know a big red had a play with the town, seems damage was done, Now its paying of rebuilding work. This place is a small out of the way fishing town. Yet a Red Dragon has sort it and now someone is paying for high cost building work and I have been ordered there. You getting it now?"
::"Someone of power and wealth has interest in this place."::
"Precisely"
She followed the caravan all the way to Sandport, walking in with it to the town center.
A burly muscular half-orc dressed in wolf furs wielding a polearm comes walking into Sandpoint. He is immediately concerned about the state of the town. He had been summoned by Father Tobin, a decent man who had been one of the few people who ever treated the half-orc as a child at the orphanage with any sort of kindness. The rough life had taught Drogar to be tough and strong and callous. But he always treasured his friends and outside of his barbarian tribe, there were few Drogar could count on as friends. He had received Father Tobin's summons a month ago, but the travel from the Realm of the Mammoth Lords had been long. Concerned about Father Tobin's safety and well-being, Drogar raced to the Church. He prayed he was not too late.
A very tall woman dressed in a well made Black, red and silver uniform followed a Caravan of crafts men and women into Sandpoint, she broke off from them as they headed to a makeshift work camp. She stopped and ignoring the looks of passers by glanced around what was left of the town.
::"Told you, a *&^& hole, stinks of fish and mortals."::
She said nothing back to her sword, which was affixed to her back not giving off dark vapors at the moment.
Well the place was a mess that was for sour, thing was why where so many interested in this place. She court site of a church, well someone there would know something, best go find out.
She set off that way.
As you head through town, some of you towards the church, and others in search or answers and wine, not necessarily in that order, you get a true sense of both the battle damage, and the resilience of the people of Sandpoint.
Most of these people are not soldiers, and for many the biggest hardship they have faced recently has been which tavern to drink at, but now their peaceful town is in shambles.
They however are not. As you walk through town, you see carpenters working on the theater, that had obviously taken several boulders to it's core. TH carpenters were not rebuilding however, but removing, while a man in bright purple robes watched them, dictating a letter
Tell them not to send the troup doing the Banshee's call. We will no longer have ropes and scaffolding above the stage. We are ripping all of it out. I envision a grand amphitheater. We are doing open air now. And the programs, all programs will have to be changed. We are not longer simple the Sandpoint theater, this is now The Vanzant!
He seems eccentric. Most of what appears to be the town guard is assembled in the middle of town. Their slightly worried eyes fall upon you as you watch, as they stand between a small crowd and men moving something.
Curiously it appears the town hall was also attacked but faired much better than any of the buildings. It's gates and main door appear to be made of heavy cold iron, difficult for anyone to break down even a giant
This movement is being coordinated by an older man wearing full plate, and a woman with short red hair.
Outside what appears to be a moderately sized tavern you see a woman with wild black hair arguing with 3 men dressed in robes. 2 are older men and 1 is a younger elf. They appear to be arguing over a pile of rusty metal.
How is this not a simple request! yells the woman.All I want is it back the way it was. I too know magic. I know make whole is a spell, and I know oyu can cast it. It's why I brought you here.
The elf replies Ms. Kaijitsu, it is well within our power to restore your metal dragon. The casting of make whole is a simple task for us. The issue arises that you wish your dragon only half repaired. You wish it to be whole again, but still rusted, and that will not due. We have a reputation, and we cannot have people think we do shoty work because of your need for
She cuts him off
FIRST, it's Ameiko, no last name. I've buried that name after all of this. Second, do you see the sign, the one that says the Rusty Dragon. I can't be the owner of a tavern called the rusty dragon, with a shiny dragon on top of it. I liked it the way it was, how much to make it that way again?
One of the older men speaks nowPerhaps if we repaired the dragon, placed it on top of your tavern, then aged it with spells. Would that be acceptable
Amekio replies Fine, do it, then get to work on the houses until the money I paid you runs out.
On the north end of town stands the cathedral. While much of the glass is broken and the peak of the cathedral is gone, it's open air no roof construction has provided a unique advantage. despite the devastation, the services at the church can continue. The cathedral is actually divided into 6 sections. Each section is for the worship of a specific god: Abadar, Desna, Erastil, Gozreh, Sarenrae, and Shelyn. THe fallen debris has caused one section, Gozreh, to close due to many large chucks occupying where the pews used to be. Their worshipers are being sent to a small outside worship area by an older man with a short black beard, wearing a plain blue robe, and a small holy symbol of Desna. You hear one of the worshipers call him Father Zantus.
Rosa walked passed the gathering in the town center, she did no really care why they where all there. Looking like some kind of handouts or something. She was just not interested, being the size of a half giant she gets looks but as she seems to be heading to the cathedral no one really pays heed.
Once at the cathedral she had a look around. She may not follow the other gods but one should always show respect. The big hole in the roof was not hard to miss. She looked over the 6 sections, Abadar, Desna, Erastil, Gozreh, Sarenrae, and Shelyn. Seems about right for a place like this with so many humans.
She walked into the Gozreh area, and could see the large chucks stone and cement occupying the space where the pews used to be. She held out her hand and into it came her great sword. Grasping it formerly she held it high and then swung it down. Biting deep into the stone chunks and braking them down in size. Sparks flow and her hell blade left a trail of darkness. She the lumps got smaller, she picked them up and tossed them to one side. It was slow work but she kept at it.
As she worked she called out.
"Gozreh worshipers, come help me clear this mess"
As some started to come, one talked to an older man with a short black beard, wearing a plain blue robe, and a small holy symbol of Desna. She got his name Father Zantus.
She waited for him to come over and talk to her.
Laszlo was around the Varisian area searching for some materials he was interested in when he heard about the attacks on Sandpoint. Believing Sandpoint to be a small village, he was amazed at how could it survive an invasion of giants and a red dragon, and thought however they did it these people needed help. He left his farming behind and directed himself towards Sandpoint, wondering what would he find there. And what he found was disheartening...
Moving around town shows Laszlo that these people really have the will to come back from their ashes, something that makes himself stir of emotion. "Bravo, Sandpointers, this is the spirit."
He overhears some of the conversations then and there and his amazement still grows. "This Ameiko is willing to pay a fortune to restore her tavern's insignia. What an amazing willpower!"
After hearing about the existing of a Father Zantus, he decides it would be nice to meet him, hoping he will be a servant of a deity akin with his.
A very well travelled elf meanders into town. His clothes, cloak, skin and hair are ragged and unkempt. He has all the demeanor of a drunkard save a beautiful long curved sword sheathed across his back. As he shambles into town often drinking from his waterskin he pauses for tens of minutes staring at the damage and reconstruction.
When he finishes his balking he moves slowly to the construction site at the temple. As the large woman shouts for 'Gozreh worshippers' he moves over and begins to pick up the rubble and move it outside. He does his work silently and keeps his head down.
::"That elf's got a nice blade, cost a coin-or-to by the glint of it."::
Rosa said little but stopped a moment from rubble shifting to look the defter elf up and down.
"Nice blade elf, where you one of the ones who fought the Red Dragon?"
She bent back to shifting some of the larger rocks.
Without looking up the elf casually responds, "Nah. I just got into town. The blade was a gift from a friend." He continues moving the rubble.
After several more trips he stops to swig from his waterskin.
"What's a fancy lady like yourself doing in this little town?" He addresses Rosa bluntly.
Now most of the lager rubble had been broken up, Rosa calmed over it to where the elf was drinking.
To Rosa the elf seemed to be telling the truth, so she found a pew to sit on so they where are eye level.
"Some gift, and you seem well informed elf, yes a lady in deed in some courts..."
She let that hang, few know the courts of The Hells well.
"But here, just Rosa is fine, And as for why I am here humm."
She took out a small silver case, popping it open she took out a long thin cigar. Lighting it she takes a pull and lets a small amount to smoke out of her nostrils. The smell is sweat and unlike the vulgar whiff of tabasco this is something else. A mix if incense and brimstone. She looked at him to gage his response.
"That has a lot to do with a large and aggressive red dragon who came to town not to long ago. Some would like to know why."
Her words where open ended, she left them as such. If he know what is was then he probably know who had sent her. A large chaotic best running around would need a response from her superusers.
The shoddy elf pauses but a moment at the tieflings words and then suddenly bursts into uproarious laughter. His head back and face in the air. Now more visible, his face is covered in a myriad of small scars. Some from burns, some from cuts, and even a small piece of cheek (at the bone) missing. His laughter though is full, almost contagious. He soon quiets down and lowers his head once more.
With obvious deep joy he speaks, "It seems, yet again, that my stumbling is not without purpose." He takes a deep bow and says, "Lady Rosa, Hound of Hell, and now bearer of my fate, please allow me to tag along on this mission of yours. I assure you of my usefulness." He raises his head with a sincere smile, "I'm here to help."
She looked at him a moment, well he will not be dull company.
::"I don't trust him, looks like a right panty sniffer if you ask me."::
her sword said into her mind, she ignored it and said.
"You know I have a contract some place you could sign if you like, make that offer official"
But she said this in a joking voice. She know very well here was no fool to be tricked out of his soul.
"If not, no matter, but I will still take you up on your offer. But before we go on, You know who I am, now lets have your name shall we."
She looks close to see how he he would act when he replayed.
Bowing his head once more, "My friends often call me Lil. Though you m'lady may call me what you wish." He then adds casually while righting himself, "My apologies. I'm not terribly beholden to names."
After that he begins hauling again.
Seeing the tall tiefling and another elf, Lefty figures they're adventurers from the look of them. He walks right up and introduces himself.
He's a fairly typical looking elf. Tall, with blond hair. He wears a cloak with a star-covered robe.
Greetings! I just got here and I'm curious as to what in the hells happened to this place. You folks look like you might know. The name's Latharien, but you can call me Lefty, he says, the rapier on his right hip suggesting that he's aptly nicknamed.
Father Zantus watches for a moment as the worshipers move and begin hauling the small rocks out of thier former worship area.
Some gather around and begin poking at the 2 largest portions of rock. Each easily over 2000 pounds.
Rememebr, Gozreh teaches us that the moss grows at the base of the tree becasue the tree is strong.
Some look at him slightly perplexed, until he motions his head at Rosa, and then the rest of you.
We should follow the lead of our guests. Do not worry my lady, the beast that caused this carnage is long dead. Our late heroes made sure of that. Help is with these, and I have some tea brewing I can give you the whole story over.
The father takes up position at one of the rocks
::"^$* there's another one, your collecting them girl"::
Her sword says to her as Lefty comes up.
She tapped it to shush.
"Nice to meet you Lil and.. Lefty. So lets see if we can shift the last two rocks shall we."
She moves to get a grip.
For was slender even think for all her height, but there was no mistaking he power in her as she hefts at the rocks.
"Dead is good but What I want to know is what was it doing here in the 1st place?. You know I think after we have moved these rocks I would like to sit down and talk about what happened I have a feeling it will be most enlightening."
As they get to the task Rosa makes no sounds as she aids with the lifting but she dose say.
"It's always in situations like that that one could really do with the odd Half-Orc Barbarian. You don'y happen to have any on you do you?"
She asks the two elves.
Lil moves over to the rocks that dwarf him doubtfully.
Lil heaves himself against the rock uselessly.
The half-orc chides himself for misremembering the priest's name. Or was Father Tobin a prior priest? Maybe I haven't been back to Sandpoint for more years than I recalled?! Drogar introduces himself to Father Zantus, "I am Drogar. I remember a Father Tobin...my memory may have become foggy after one too many hits up north. Either way, this sanctuary was one of the few happy childhood memories in my life. The Festival of Desna, with her doves. Yes, they were quite pretty. Either way, I received a summons from you or one of your priests. It seems you could use the help. But what do you need of me? The summons was not clear." Drogar snickers as Rosa strains every muscle in her body to lift the rock.
The half-orc puts his weapon to the side and either picks up or pushes the rocks to the side with ease. He looks to the crowd and smiles, "That's how it's done!"
Rosa feeling the wight lifting off her, steps back and lets the orc lift the lump out the way,
She looks at the two elves as if to say.
Just how did you do that?
Father Zantus, upon seeing the large chuncks pushed by some, and then simply lifted by others
And sometimes the Moss and the tree are overshadowed by the mountain! You remind me of someone my half-orc friend. Does the name Gudrik Skull-smasher mean anything to you?
The parishioners move out of your way as you move the rubble. Even the other services and some of the other comoshion about town stops to witness your strength.
Came then, I have tea brewing in my office. Now that that task is complete I have plenty of time to answer your questions about the dragon, and Father Torbyn, as they are actually slightly related.
The father leads you into the central area of the church, the only part with a permanent roof and you enter a large but sparsity furnished office. The room seems rather bare, with a simple woven carpet, 2 small desks, half a dozen chairs and a couch.
1 desk is covered in messy papers, the other is neat and tidy with a small burner boiling a pot of tea. The couch is currently occupied buy a small hunched man, quietly snoring. The father offers you a chair and pours the tea
Do not worry about waking Naffer. He has always slept like a rock, and recent events have had him horribly overworked. He is the keeper of our Boneyard.
Now then, to answer your question my lady, I unfortunately must first being with his. First however, I do not believe I have the pleasure of your names. I am Father ABSTALAR ZANTUS, and I thank you for your help in this trying time.
He takes a drink of the tea. My Elsa did not lie, this is absolutely delicious.
For those of you that drink the tea it is absolutely delicious, however something seems slightly odd about it. which you can attempt to determine with craft:alchemy, knowledge Nature, or similar skill.
Lil follows the group as Father ZANTUS leads them to his office. His raggedy cloak and robes sweeping the floor as he passes. Such a thing would seem to clean the floor but due to their state, they appear to merely exchange particles instead.
When Zantus offers the tea Lil gently cradles the cup with both hands, revealing some strange, dulled forearm bands (one on each arm). After receiving the cup Lil gracefully sits down onto the floor and ritualistically smells and swirls the tea. After a couple moments of such he begins sipping the tea and seems focused on Zantus once more.
She follows the priest into his privet office, paying no heed to the looks she gets. Once in his rooms she takes a moment to test the chair then makes her mind up. Sat, it creaked a bit but took her weight.
When tea is offered she takes it, the cup small in her hand.
She drinks and smiles.
"Nice blend"
She comments, not really caring about why.
When asked her name she says in reply
"I am The Lady Rosa Luminass, a lord commander in Hounds of Hell."
She sips some more tea.
Laszlo directs himself to where Father Zantus is, leaving a trail of surprised looks behind him. "That man... he's got wings, mum! I swear!"
He gots there in time to see an orc (or half-orc) lift a stone over his head like he was drinking a glass of water. "Oh, my, that guy..."
Believeing someone like him would be here for comparable purpouses as himself, Laszlo walks over there and follows the group that enters the church. Here, the effect of his wings is lessened by the miracle they all have just witnessed, though still everybody points at him when they think he's not aware.
Entering the tea, he greets everyone. "Hello? Sorry for interrupting... oh, tea!" Laszlo offers his hand to whoever is wearing priestly robes, believing him to be Zantus. "Sorry again. My name is Laszlo, humble servant of Milani." He takes a look at the symbols the man is wearing, as well as what's depicted in the church. "I was around the area and heard voice that Sandpoint might need some help. But you were about to tell a story; please, go on. I hope you don't mind me listening."
Then he turns to the rest. "Ops, sorry. Forgive my bad manners. Laszlo, at your service. A pleasure to meet you all." He accompanies his words with a communal wave.
Rosa's has she had sat disappeared and reappeared just behind her.
Hovering in mid-air. Rosa's eyebrow went up as she took a double take.
::"Where the &$^&$* did he come from?"::
"Precisely"
She seemed to say to no one, then added.
"Sorry won't be a moment"
She got up and walked to the priests privet room's door. where she meet three more hero types seeking to self invite themselves in for free tea and a possible adventure.
She placed her hand and the door, blocking thire way in.
"Thank you so much for showing interest but we'er all full up now. Have a nice day."
There where some words of complaint which where cut of by a look from Rosa and the slamming of the door in there faces.
She came back and took her seat once more, saying.
"Sorry but two elves, a half orc and an... angel is about as much circuital diversity as I can put up with, so please carry on."
"Sorry, never heard of Gudrik. He must not have amounted to much. I am Drogar White-Tusk, Chieftain of the White-Tusk Tribe. And the men in my tribe do not drink tea...that is left to the women undergoing childbirth."
The barbarian waits impatiently as to why he was summoned from half a continent away.
Lefty sips the tea, and listens.
Lil looks over to Drogar with a smirk.
"Aww.." he starts mockingly, "He's afraid of some tea. It is understandable though. Every time I drink tea I turn into a woman. That tingling sensation in my loins is just too irresistible."
Lefty snickers at 'Lil's comment.
::"Great the panty sniffers want to wind up the orc, someones going to get a beating if they are not careful."::
But Rosa chuckled as Drogar comment, she liked the Orc.
She reached into a pouch and brought out a flask, she poured some of its contests into her tea and then tossed it over to Drogar.
Oldlaw Whiskey
10gp Source PPC:AA
This single-malt smooth rye whiskey is a favorite of old soldiers everywhere.
"You may like that better Drogar"
She adds, then looks over at the Angel.
"So Laszlo you follow Milani, interesting, I know her when she was just a saint... Done well for herself, her very own faith, not bad, not bad at all."
She seem to be thinking then as if remembering.
::"O Yes we know her, you going to tell him what she did, tell him how she scramble for what was left of the followers after Aroden's death, so desperate for godhood was she. The politics and back stabbing, go on girl, be worth it just to see his face."::
But Rosa paid no heed to her sword and waited for others to talk now.
Laszlo answers Rosa. "Yes, exactly. Glad that you know her from so long. I'll give her regards from you next time" he says, bowing gently. Then he turns to Father Zantus. "Sorry, Father, as you were saying..."
All who attempted the skill check for the tea were successful.
Father Tobryn is dead. He has been for several years in fact. He died in a fire that claimed our old church, and we thought his adopted daughter Nualia. As we discovered almost a year ago however, she had not died. In fact, she was the one who started the fire. Nualia had fallen under the influence of the Mother of Monsters, Lamashtu. As we would later discover this was due to an ancient temple of Lamashtu hidden under Sandpoint.
We discovered her survival after a group of goblins attempted a raid on our town during our yearly festival. Those goblins were repelled by a group who would come to be known as the Heroes of Sandpoint. Gudrik as I had mentioned was one of them. A strong but shamed half-orc. Some like the owner of the local store, thought him vile. I found his bluntness insightful. Though he did make it a habit of destroying things unnecessarily.
The father chuckle sot himself slightly
He made it a habit of breaking down the door to town hall whenever he wished to speak to the mayor. Then there was Bingles Burnabunch. A devout cleric of Sarenre for Magnimar. He did his best to keep Gudrick in check, but he too often reveled in destruction. If you happened to make him mad, he would quickly switch from healing, to lighting you on fire. Bingles also mentored Michael. No last name just Michael. He was a fighter from the north who Bingles eventually convinced to join the church of Sarenre as a holy paladin.
Yorik Vanzant was a Halfling Bard from a farm right near here actually. He told so many fantastical stories I was never sure how much of it was true. Elsa was the last member of our Heroes, and my personal favorite. A sorceress who had found the light of Desna, she was a kind and gentle spirit, who would not hesitate to teleport you into space, or disintegrate you if necessary.
These heroes fount the goblins to a small fortress to the north, and fought Nualia until she was forced to flee.
After that the heroes continued to prove themselves. They discovered that a local noble was behind a string of murders and a rule of undead, and the rooted out a corrupt judge in Magnimar.
From there the Mayor of Magnimar sent them east to investigate a rise in Ogre activity. What they discovered was that a group of Ogres and Stone giants were planning an attack, on our very Sandpoint.
With their help we fought, and you can see the results. The giants brought a dragon to do much of the damage, and cause chaos while they go what they wanted.
Our old lighthouse wasn't always a lighthouse. Apparently Mr. Quink, who had gained the unflattering nickname, Mr. Quack, was not crazy when he would ramble on about the lighthouse being a ancient weapon of great power.
The giants also inadvertently caused a sinkhole to opened up and revealed access to the ancient temple of lamashtu that had corrupted Nualia. It has been cleansed now, but still I shutter to think of how many bad things have happened in this town due to that evil down there.
Anyway, our heroes went to defend us. They went forth to the source of the Stone giants and beyond.
I don't know the whole story of what came next. I only got updates from Amieko and Mr. Quink. But they headed out in search of an ancient city far to the east.
Yorik and Elsa survived long enough to teleport to Magnimar, but they were followed by a powerful evil planer being, a deamon I believe, and that was that.
With the last sentence, Father Zantus looks sadly down at his tea and sighs heavily.
Does anyone else hear that it sounds like somone pounding on one of the church doors?
I lied, none of you can fail this perception check, so here are the results
You hear what the father hears, a loud pounding, though it is not rythmic. Further listening reviels that it doesn't sound as much like pounding as it does crashing. You notice the liquid in your drinking glasses is shaking. Whatever it is, it's big
We've got company, people!
The elf draws his rapier, then becomes invisible (ring).
"Whelp" Lil says as he unfolds his body and floats to a standing position, "S'pose I'll go see what that's about." Lil walks out with the tea in one hand and drawing his sword in the other.
Laszlo quickly grabs his bow and moves to the part of the room further away from the door. He lifts the bow and points at the place the sound is coming from, in case someone breaks in.
Rosa is up in a moment sword in hand, then she is out the door.
Drogar drinks his potion of enlarge person and rushes outside, weapon in hand.
As you rush outside in various stages of visibility, size, and mode of transport you easily see the source of the pounding sound. Enormous boulders are being hurled at the town wall, the church and onto various building around you.
All around giants of various shapes and sizes are storming the town of Sandpoint, the townsfolk fleeing for the safety of the larger buildings, running out of town, or hiding anywhere they can.
That right tiny pink skins, flee, flee like pigs ready for slaughter! one of the giants wielding an ax bellows. He appears slightly blue, as if made of ice.
From what you can currently see most of the Giants appear to have grey skin, like rocks. Some have blue or red skin. 2 giants appear to be leading the giants you bother are larger than the rest of the giants (Huge size). One with pale skin, and one dark skinned.
The dark skinned giant shouts orders in a surprisingly high voice.Break their buildings, their bones, and their spirits! Let them know their heroes are dead, and we have come for vengeance in the name of Karzog!
While you can see that giants appear to be assaulting the whole town, a majority are concentrated in the north near you. You can see 5 of the grey skinned giants, 3 of the blue skinned, along with the larger 2. Beyond the wall you can see more giants, primarily the grey skinned running towards the wall.
The grey giants are Stone giants, the blue ones are frost giants. The larger pale skinned Giant is a storm giant, and the dark skinned one is a Taiga giant.
You can all give me initiative, and we will prepare for first combat tomorrow!
For all her size Rosa moves fast, twice that of a normal human.
As she moves out side to see the scene, from her back two large Silver Angel wings come into being, made of light and shadow. With a mending of her nee she is into the air.
"By Laws might and size"
She says moving her hand as and arrow up and growing to 21' in size.
Frightful Aspect
[ooc] Casting Frightful Aspect [ooc]
You become a larger, awful version of yourself. You grow to size Large, and take on features that horrify your enemies. You gain the following abilities: a +6 size bonus to Strength, a +4 size bonus to Constitution, a +6 natural armor bonus, DR 10/magic, and spell resistance equal to 10 + half your caster level. You also emit an aura that emanates 30 feet from you. Enemy creatures within the aura are shaken. Each time a creature shaken by this aura hits you with a melee attack, that creature becomes frightened for 1d4 rounds, though at the end of that duration it is no longer affected by this aura. The aura’s effect is a fear and mind-affecting effect.