War of the Beasts Part 2 - Howling of the Winds (Inactive)

Game Master Deiros

Will introduce Nichelle the moment she reports back that she is ready to go

The area outside town is unharmed it's a beautiful landscape of a snowed forest as you prepare camp for the night.

As night falls and Alaire prepares the fire as best he can, taking him a couple of minutes more than usual as you can all see the weariness that hangs on him.

You all sit around the camp fire for a moment looking at each other, each and one of you showing the depth this battle has scarred you with, as Adrem words are still there, very fresh and vivid in your minds So! The hunt begins, I'm closer than you think.

Tomorrow I will heal my wounds as of now I can barely do only minor things just to keep me able enough to get here

They asked Akela (the druid) to start the fire. Besides, Alaire is a noble, like he would do peasant tasks like starting fires (joke).

Alaire nods wearily to Lindynt during the ride in agreement.

Eventually he gets his tent set up and eats once the camp is made. Feeling a bit better he channels healing energy into Reinholdt (and any others that need it) once more before he seeks his rest to relieve his pain. He keeps one last channeling on the chance they are attacked during the night so he isn't completely out of power.

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

He seems surprised by the power he is able to call forth, thanking Adest for his blessings.

As he retires for the night he glances over his new companions, "Your help was invaluable this day. You have my thanks. In any case, I'll be up an hour or so before dawn to pray for my spells. Rest well."

Vance settles down against a nearby tree and pulls his hat down low and his long coat around him for warmth.

So tired. With luck I won't dream.

*coff coff* minor detail *coff coff*

I will try Alaire, noble of you to be so and speak like one as Reiholdt just stares into the fire like he could see something in there My thoughts haunt me, what I have seen, their cries... as a couple of tears fall down his cheek, and then a sudden flare of anger as hot as the bonfire I was POWERLESS!! standing up suddenly and kicking at nothing, and also as if he was kicking everything he hated What good is my title and the allegiance of my people if I don't have the power to save them, and fight this things... as he just falls again on his knees so powerless... with a sob and anger clear in his face as his temper flares and wanes inside him, until he just sits down and looks at the flames I will rest when I die... but not until I kill him as you all know to whom he refers by him.

Akela busys himself making the fire, lighting it with a snap of his fingers.
Spark, Survival 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"Our stories are much the same, Sir Knight." Vance says in a low tone, not moving or looking at the group around the fire. "My only question to you is- Why stop at him? He is a symptom. Not the disease."

Reinholdt opens his mouth but no words come out, as he nods in silent.

Nichelle you are up!

As you get ready to finish your meals and an uncomfortable silence falls, since all have their inner demons to fight and nightmares that haunt them.

A strange figure down the trail becomes a apparent, looks like a person you just can't make out yet but it's definitely there and it's getting closer to the camp.

Vance draws and thumbs back the hammer on his pistol but keeps it under his coat.

I know there's no danger, but Vance doesn't. He will still ready an action to fire.

Lindynt notes Vance's pistol and stands to put himself between the figure and the camp, leaving his lance resting on a nearby tree. He puts his hand on the hilt of his sword, the other resting at his hip, and waits for the person to draw closer before speaking. "My name is Lindynt Auroral and I represent the Fenrisian Knights, keep your hand where I can see them and state your names and business."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Alaire lifts his head, seeming utterly surprsied by the figure's presence and simultaneously thankful Lindynt has already rose to deal with it. He gives his head a brief shake to try quell his sleepiness and sets his hand on the pommel of his sword as he turns to watch the unfolding confrontation.

The voice that called back to the Knight's challenge was that of a young female, and rather cheery, at that. "As if every dark figure who approached is intending harm!" There was certainly a playful tone in her voice, and it was likely that she was also grinning.

The further she strode towards the camp, the more details one could make out, such as the worn cloak that lay over her pack, and the light spring in her step, despite the pack on her back. Her clothes were nothing special, of good make, yes-- but there was no embroidery, likely not an excess stitch on them.. She was also alone, but her tone did not belie the expression on her face, and there was indeed a bright grin on it, though it seemed that it was also a shade relieved.

Once she had reached the range at which she could be seen clearly, she stopped, spun around once with her hands out to her sides, the spin also showing them a braid that was wrapped around her neck, the top of it pinned with a pair of metal sticks. She was also wearing leather armor, but then again, in these times, many did. "My name is Nichelle", she said, the grin fading to a smile as she swept a slight curtsy, "Might I enquire about those of your companions?"

Alaire, Nichelle seems somewhat familiar to you, but you just can't figure out from were or is it just a look a like someone else you might now. Role play the scene gents & lady.

Where the hell have I seen her before. Why is she here now? Was she following us?

Vance says nothing and does not move. He just keeps his pistol out of sight beneath his coat, still trained on the girl, and waits.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Alaire sighs softly with relief, glad to not be accosted by more beastmen and demons. He lifts his hand away from his sword, pushing himself to his feet with some effort, the fatigue from a long day still written on his face.

"A rather cheery voice to find so close to trouble", he remarks as he moves to Lindynt's side to peer at the woman. "One has to wonder why would a lady be traveling alone along such dangerous roads in the dark of the night?"

A slight frown touches his lips as he gets a better look at her, his brow furrowing as if trying to recall something. He adds in a somewhat careful tone, "Pardon my abruptness, but have we met before?"

"One can never be too sure, even the figures who approach in the light of the sun seem to be intent on harm today," Lindynt replies though his stance remains unflinching.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"To which of my companions are you inquiries intended for lonesome traveler, Nichelle?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Sense Motive 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
and Spirit Sense for the hell of it
All beings are eventually Hunter or Prey. You would not carry those weapons in your hair if you did not see yourself as one of the two. So, what do you hunt, or what hunts you?

The grin returned to her face as she was faced with questions from nearly everyone, though Akela would notice her gaze linger just longer on the dark one than the others. He was also given a playful wink in response to his observation, before she addressed the other inquiries. "Sir Knight, your wisdom is sound, and I did not arrive seeking harm, either to do or be done.." Her eyes shifted to Alaire, dark in the firelight, and there was a a sense of resolution in that smile, as well as relief. "Quite the opposite."

She turned her open hands down, and brought them together with a clap, opening them to reveal a small toy, barely bigger than a coin. The small toy was that of a knight, and she held it out to Alaire, taking nonthreatening steps towards him so that he could see it, and formally curtsied towards him. "Master Raveness, until my duty is discharged.." No matter how serious the situation, it seemed, she was prone towards a sunny smile.

"..I am at your service."

Alaire, you recognize the toy as one of your favorite toys when little that your younger sister kept in memory of you when you left

Alaire accepts the small toy with a gentle smile, his face reflecting fond remembrance of times past. He rolls it around in his hands, letting his fingers recall the now slightly chipped paint and grain of the old wood.

There is no hiding the concern in his eyes as he once again turns his attention to Nichelle and addresses her, "You are welcome to join us, Lady Crassior".

He gestures for her to accompany him to the fire and dishes her up a serving of food as he continues, "The twins sent this with you, I presume? How fares my family...and what brings you this far to seek me out? Please elaborate."

So, Hunter then.
That would make you the prey today, Alaire.

Vance rolls his eyes at Akela's remark and gently lowers the hammer of his pistol, slipping it back into it's holster.

He should be so lucky.

The food was happily accepted, and she ate neatly between bites, sidling a little closer to the fire in order to better warm herself after she took her pack off of her shoulders. "Put simply, your sisters worried." She ate another spoonful and sighed in contentment. "Also, if I can speak plainly, in your absence, there is somewhat of a... 'surplus' of servants."

She was a small girl, seeming like she was barely able to shoulder that pack, much less fare out in the wilderness. Here and there, there were signs of how hard she pushed herself, despite the face she put on it. "They could have sent someone else, I suspect, but.." a shrug made her shoulders rise and fall under the cloak, "..they wanted me to make sure you were taken care of."

She set to finishing the bowl, and did so efficiently, handing it back to Alaire with a murmured thanks when she did. [b]"Your family is well, with no urgent news to convey, but you are missed." It was not of her station to speculate upon the possible motives in why she was not stopped, and she was here now, so ultimately, they were unimportant.

Lindynt remains motionless and struggles to keep his face from betraying the surprise at the woman's ability to hide any weapons in the bun of her hair, and furthermore by Akela's ability to spot them. As he listens to the girl's story he cannot help but feel a prick of dissatisfaction, "Why would they send an eighty-five pound servant girl to track down the son of a noble? Have you any idea the trials we've faced in the past five hours alone? Alaire, unless you can think of anything better I suggest we keep this girl in our shelter for the night, make sure she is well fed and see her off in the morning at once. These woods are no place for her, not if we're to be seeking out the Keep tomorrow."

Alaire steeples his fingers as he listens to her, nodding along his face looking thoughtful. He accepts the bowl when she offers it back and places it with the other dishes out of the way. His nod to Lindynt is respectful though he holds his palm up to indicate to the Knight he wishes to speak.

"I will admit your time is fortunate as Zerig...I'm uncertain if you met him back at manor, but he was filling your position till recently. In any case, he recently took his leave." His look is one of sorrow for a moment before he shakes it away and gestures to the others before continuing, "Suffice to say it has been a long day. I would introduce my companions but we met only this day due to circumstances so I'll allow them to do so themselves in a moment. Before that, however..."

Alaire turns back to her, giving her a somber look. He makes sure to meet her eyes directly with his gaze to show the gravity of the situation. He takes a few moments to gather his thoughts before he begins to speak, "The village not a days travel from here we found burned to the ground and under attack by Beastmen. Few survived outside of Sir Rammsteiner here and many others were sacrificed to the Dark Zodiac. We battled a demonic entity and lost several of our number, though drove it off. I understand you are here to serve and appreciate your offer, but I would not want you to commit yourself before you know how grave the situation is. You are welcome for the night to rest and recover your strength. If you would rather turn back in the morning, though, I could not fault you it. Seeing so many dead paled even stoic Zerig. He is now accompanying a few of the survivors to safer places and away from the bloodshed that has stained these lands. We now travel, as Sir Auroral said, to inform the nearby Keep and determine our next course of action. I suspect it involves the hunting and bringing justice to those that stole so many lives though."

He withdraws a canteen from his pack, taking a long drink. As he replaces the stopper he glances from her to the others, evidently having said what he wished and seeing if they wanted to add anything more.

See her off where? We already are bound for safety, she may as well stay that far.

"Just as Woodale should have been a simple town with a simple Winter's Festival but somehow managed to become the stage for a mass sacrifice to appease a dark zodiac demon. Forgive me if I feel the term 'safety' has lost the grip it once had. I hope for Rammsteiner's sake that the Keep has held this long; seeing as it's a day's travel away there is nothing to say it has been struck some time ago by the same forces who overtook the city. Strategically speaking, it would make more sense if they attacked the defenses before advancing on the townsfolk."

As the time of night grows late and come to the agreement of letting Nichelle join the group as you try to travel to the Red Keep. The night goes without major problems except for those that haunt you in your dreams of the slaughter of innocent lives, the smell of death and what might wait further up the road.

The first thing you hear come the morning is Reinhold prayers to Faia as he asks to the goddess to fuel his strength so that he might bring her ever burning light to bear.

To whom ever comes out of their tent/sleeping bag first

Let Faia's light shine upon you, I have started a stew and rekindled the fire, did you sleep well? as you can see his tired eyes and his wary look.

Well enough. My meditations felt stronger, but there hangs a shadow in the land.

The day of a servant was started early, and Nichelle was up about the same time as Reinhold was, though she kept a half-doze until someone else stirred.

Though there was some internal debate about where to sleep, she settled for a spot closer to the fire, stripping off her boots and the cloak before taking to her bedroll, the pins that were in her hair disappearing somewhere. Everything of hers was kept nearby, within arm's reach out of habit, and the ease with which she had fallen asleep was likely envied by some of the others.

Sitting up, she donned her boots again, leaving her hair unpinned for now, though her bedroll was quickly rolled up and refastened to her pack. Akela got a slightly sleepy smile in greeting, and Reinhold got a bob of her head in acknowledgement and thanks. She started stretching, a process that seemed like it was going to take some time, if the pace with which she was going about it was any indication.

Vance woke stiff and slowly unkinked himself, rolling his neck and shoulders, popping a number of joints and taking a few moments to make sure his weapon was working properly.

Wouldn't want it to get stiff overnight.

Taking out a book, he thumbed through it for a while and kept quiet as the others awoke, tipping his hat to them, but otherwise keeping to himself.

Alaire was awake, as promised, around an hour before the sun even touched the horizon. Within his tent in a respectful silence he prepared himself for the day ahead, lighting a small incense burner and praying that the spirits of the deceased find Adest's guidance in the afterlife. Near the end of the ceremony he selected and humbly asked for the spells he would need for the day.

Once finished, he quietly began to pack up his belongings and camp with a rather serene expression on his face after the he spent in reflection and prayer. With that out of the way he offers the others a simple smile as he joins them at the fire.

Lindynt is the last to pull himself from the warmth of his bedroll and greet the sun. He hurriedly shovels half a day's trail ration into his mouth as the holy men send their prayers and prepare themselves for the day. He scratches at the coarse stubble blossoming from his chin and cheeks. Judging on the length and texture it’s been nearly a week since he last shaved and he knows that he’s got about five more days before it begins interfering with his full-face helmet, four days if it remains this cold.

”Vance, I’d apologize for dragging you into such a mess but given the circumstances I think you owe me your thanks.” He smiles before continuing, ”After all this is how you planned to spend the next few days anyway; tracking down beastmen and the foul creatures they consort with to – among other reasons - further your studies. Am I right or wrong my friend? At least now we have others to assist and advise us.”

"Further my studies? If by studies you mean "find new and better ways to kill them" then sure. Thanks." Vance says flatly around a mouth full of flatbread. "I felt damned useless in that fight. I have a few ideas that might help me avoid that in the future though. We should head to a town. We need to spread word of this and we could all use a bath."

As the morning ends and you pack up your things, you continue your journey to the red keep, the home of the Rammsteiner family. Close to the keep as Reiholdt has told you, a single soldier in red armor riding a light horse at full speed comes into your line of sight.

Lindynt instinctively takes point and leans into his chocobo, leading her towards the oncoming red knight. He positions himself about 40ft from the traveling ensemble with his lance cradled across his forearm, it's gleaming spade point down at his side. He raises his left hand and directs his open palm at the soldier and speaks in a booming, steady voice:

"We travel in peace, dear knight, with the young nobleman Reinholdt Rammsteiner of this very province. As a sign of goodwill I ask that you keep your weapons at your side and I and my friends will return the kindness."

Passive Diplomacy: 19
Passive Sense Motive: 15

The rider stops his horse and with some authority pose as proper of an officer you can still clearly see the face of alarm and some blood in his armor We are under siege by beastmen I'm going to get reinforcements from the tower the officer does not notices Reinholdt in his hurry If you are going to the castle go in by the back there should be 2 of m'lord best men keeping watch still. I must make my leave and hope that as a fenrisian knight you are able to improve the morale as he spurs his chocobo into full gallop.

Nichelle found that she was rather enjoying the somewhat leisurely waking of life outside of the keep, and after getting her items in order and freshening up as best she was able-- which was less than she liked-- she took to the foot travel with the others, admiring Lindynt's chocobo. As with anyone tasked, she traveled near the object of her protection, namely Alaire, but was also gathering a sense of the party dynamic.

When the officer came riding up, she only tilted her head in slight curiosity, her eyebrows drawing together slightly at his state. He seemed alarmed. When he spoke, she nodded mostly to herself and looked at how the rest of the group was taking it. While she expected that they would not be the ones to break the siege, it was very likely that they would play a role or two once they reached the keep.

She looked to Alaire, wondering what his response would be.

Alaire remains quiet when Lindynt hails the man and the upcoming exchange. When the gravity of the current situation is revealed, he quickly begins preparations for the upcoming combat. He raises his voice over the noise of the road so he might be heard, "Sir Rammsteiner, if thy would, please take the lead. These lands are your own and it would be only fitting. If we are to avoid the tragedy of the day prior we must make haste, though."

In a more gentle voice he glances to Nichelle and adds after, "The road I shalt be walking will be a bloody one. Thy are welcome to join and your help appreciated, if you so desire."

He moves toward Rammsteiner's side as he awaits her answer, his expression stern though caring.

Finally Alaire you have chosen to hide behind a commoner's farce and show thy self as what you are with a smile in his face Let us be of then since time is of the essence if what that soldier has spoke is to be the truth as he finishes his last words he pick up the pace to a light trot We are not far, we should be there within the hour at this pace

Nichelle walked with Alaire easily, as if unconcerned about what path he would be walking.. Which was true to a point. A shrug of her shoulders shifted the pack on her back a little-- the straps were digging into her shoulders slightly-- and she looked up at him with a smile and a determined expression. "Your sisters tasked me with ensuring your return. Fain would I make of myself a fool in returning, my task unfinished. I accept your welcome and render my aid to you and yours"

It seemed that she was not budging, giving him a polite smile, and a nod of her head to the others, though Vance was still a curiosity in this group.

Alaire is quick to adjust his pace to keep pace with Rammsteiner, his tone taking on a firm edge though his expression still gentle, "I have hid nothing, you perhaps just could not perceive it. A Templar walks amongst all people and denies them not the service of the Gods simply because of birth."

After he responds to Nichelle with a warm smile, "Then I suppose I will have to thank my sisters on our return. Go about your duty as you best see fit, I know well to trust their instincts."

"Words of the fate of Woodale should alone suffice in stirring hearts towards retribution. I shall see to it personally that each of your brother's blades thirst for the blood of their appropriately named foes." Lindynt doesn't break his gaze on the other knight even as he charges out of sight, into the snowy haze.

"So it would seem that trouble seeks us in all directions," he says as he tepidly fights a smile. "Seeing as your steward allows it and separation spells certain death, I find myself happy to embrace your services, Nichelle." His eyes slowly take on a heavier form and his voice grows severe as he continues on. "But let none of us forget that which we witnessed all but a few hours ago. An act of violence from a seemingly weak enemy could just be the guise of a clever and more dangerous lot. Expect the worst, even if the threat appears pitiful at most."

As you approach and you can still listen to some skirmishes here and there, the first thing you can see are two big men being fought by a group of kobolds and much to your surprise and demise some soldiers from the keep...

Bend the Knee Frampt and Buriel! You will both be spared by the master or I might just cut your legs to see you on your knee.. as the two big men in full armor covered in blood and minor wounds.

That will be the day traitor you will deserve to use this armor, but the man that sits in Rammsteiner's throne is an usurper and fake

what do you do gentlemen & lady?

Sense Motive 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Akelayou do recall there should be two guard at the rear gate they are being attacked by regular guards and kobolds. The knights in a nice ornamental plate armor sound very honest and not only that, but you can see Rammsteiner's face of shock and recognition of those men.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Showing some confusion at the sight that greeted them, Nichelle instead looked around their area.. If the guards were fighting kobolds, were there any others? What were the state of the guards? Were there other things beyond kobolds lurking nearby?

Depending on what they would have to do, her hands hovered near the release strap that would drop the heavy pack to the ground and allow her more mobility without being encumbered. The case for her bow was strapped to the side, and her quiver was strapped under it. If they needed arrows lofted, it would take her a few seconds to get to her bow.

It looked to her that they were not only walking into a siege, but some political unrest as well? As she continued to watch their surroundings, she waited to hear Lindynt or Alaire's voice offer a direction.

Rammsteiner finally coming out of his shock by the scene before him I'm Reiholdt Rammsteiner! True born son of Haftan Rammsteiner, what folly is this!

As Frampt and Buriel turn to see their awaited master the kobolds and the guards jump to finish Frampt and a strange glaive like weapon pierces through Buriel's heart as a knight clad in vermillion armor seems to have fallen into his back from the sky.

Take care of this rabble, but don't underestimate them as the knight dashes back into the keep[/b]

Perception DC 25

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Initiative 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Move: Draw club
Standard: Cast Shillelagh.
Free: Tap Ley line
Akela draws an club from his belt. Drawing the power of the land into himself he chants, and the stout oak begins to glow with a faint light.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 init

"Monsters." Vance growls as soon as he sees them. Drawing his pistol he is about to fire when Rammsteiner rushes forward. Snarling at the interrupted shot, Vance moves laterally from the group, moving wide to open up his sightlines. Taking aim against one of the Kobolds, he fires...

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 attack (+1 if they're withing 3 feet)

The gun clicks, releaing a puff of smoke but otherwise doing nothing.

"Damnit!" vance hisses, dropping to a knee and beginning to unjam his weapon.

begin to clear weapon as move action.

ROUND 1 INIT 19

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Though initially interested in seeing how the scene was to play out, the sudden turn in events clears the option from consideration. Lindynt sets sight on the largest and most intimidating foe nearby and howls deep enough to shake the stones of the keep as he takes charge at him.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Damage: 2d8 + 20 ⇒ (4, 4) + 20 = 28