Nahia will grin at Sakkarot and say "Oh, are you afraid that we will fail at our mission? Worried to give us information that we may disclose under the hot irons of the Mitran inquisitors?" Nahia leans back, still grinning, obviously letting the silence sit for a bit while she sips her drink. Finally, she continues "Well, I don't blame you. I wouldn't have much faith in our ability to do this either, were I in your position. However, I was not asking about your war tactics. I was asking about you. What are your plans after the war is won, when we stand as conquerors? Find a wife or three and have a litter of children... if you haven't already? Build a new nation for your tribes with you as emperor? Migrate to the mainlands and continue burning down the cities of man, elf, and dwarf? If everything goes as planned and Talingarde as it has been known is burned to nothing but ashes and cracked stone, what does the great and mighty Sakkarot Fire-Axe, disciple of Asmodeus, bringer of divine providence, intend to do with his life then?
Nahia takes a quick sip of her drink and continues before Sakkarot can respond, saying "And let me go ahead and answer your question, in case it loosens up that tongue of yours." She giggles and takes another sip as she says, "I was raised the adopted child of a pair of farmers. My father worked me like slave labor and my mother had resigned herself to live with a bitter old man and to work heavy labor until she died or her hands could no longer do her chores. My brother took after his father but my sister was quite sweet. My mother finally got her wish and passed away when I was 12, and that was when I decided to leave the farm. After wandering in the woods and nearly starving to death, I found my way to my real mother, following her sirens call."
Nahia stares off as she continues, not really looking at anyone or anything, "She told me of my history and what she had planned for me. She taught me many things: many rituals to draw or repel nature spirits, herbs used to treat or poison, and the power of the voice and movement of a beautiful woman. Her lessons probably would have been, or should have been, horrifying... luring men and women the their deaths, torturing them, using them in dark rituals... but it all seemed rather... normal... to me." Nahia stares off silently for a few moments.
And then snaps back, smiling warmly at Sakkarot, and continuing "And with her lessons taught, I was sent off to become more worldly. I plied my skills, ran the social circles, got a job, all the normal things. And, well, it turns out that you can't work luring people into the hands of slavers without getting onto the wrong side of the law. Hence how I came to be arrested and ultimately taken to Brandescar. Which, as you have heard, has lead my path to us sitting here enjoying each others company." Nahia giggles as she takes another sip of her drink.
I've been drinking too much. Remember, hold something back. Then, when you act embarrassed and reveal it in private you can garner sympathy. With sympathy, you earn trust and gain information...
I'm scary, I saw goblins, and I might be a little tipsy. Got to do it.
Seren stands up suddenly from the table, a wicked grin on her face, her eyes full of mischief. She wobbles slightly before correcting her stance.
Okay...maybe a lot tipsy.
"Sakkarot with your blessing I would like to go partake in some of the revelry. You have my word that no one will, err, is likely, to die by my hand tonight." She asks in a deep curtsy. Black mist starting to form around her arms while her glamer starts to noticeably shimmer as it slowly disappears.
hmm, I wonder if this appears sudden...Nahia seemed to be saying something important about herself...Maybe I should stay and listen...But when will I get to have this chance again! How often do you really have the protection of an army's leader?
"I've heard goblins are such cowardly creatures when it comes to magic, and I think some fun can be found tonight." Seren giggles.
Zeri's hand moves to the hilt of his sword when Sakkarot demands that the squire remain here, and threatening his companions. He is ready to leap across the table and strike at the bugbear chief when Eirc responds... diplomatically.
Zerik relaxes and the conversation seems to continue. "I like this Sakkarot less and less. He asks much and offers little."
Zerik stands up and begins to leave the table remember his plans to eliminate the crew. "Firth the captain. He seems the most dangerous. I shall take Jack and Eirc's aid. No taking any chances with that one."
”I see, my manners must be like of an savage bugbear of the north…”
”I would ask you to refrain from leaving this tent tonight, this is after all a monster gathering and I cannot guarantee you will be safe outside, but I will not forbid you either. ”
“Tomorrow you must depart this camp. It will never be truly safe for you here. Over the next week, more tribes will rally to my banner. I will promise them blood and give them steel. Then at last I will be ready to march. A week after that – I will be poised to strike. I will move my horde to the valley just north of Balentyne. There we will wait for your signal. Fire this rocket into the air. Within the hour, we will attack. Make sure that the way is ready.”
“After we gather, my horde will be idle and start to grow anxious. I can hold them together for another two weeks. After that, I expect desertions and squabbling. Get your work done before then. You have one month to infiltrate and destroy Balentyne.”
Sakkarot hands you a single carefully wrapped signal rocket. Suddenly the bugbear warlord gets very serious and stern. He stares straight into your eyes.
“Can you do this? In one month, can you break the Watch Wall? ”
"I understand your desire to go with us. However, if you can not trust me, your friend, with the truth, then how am I to trust you with this important task we have at hand. If I were to your true intent, then perhaps myself and the others could convince Fire-Axe of your usefulness."
The magic disappates from around Seren as she refocuses on her disguise, it shimmering back around her. She stumbles back to her chair and sits down, her moment of fun dashed by Sakkarot.
Listening to the rest of Sakkarot's plans for Balentyne Seren perks up a bit.
"One month to dismantle the Watch Wall? Hmm, if I have to delay my fun I suppose I will for that. It will certainly be an exciting month."Seren responds affirmatively.
Not sure how though...Has the Watch Wall ever even been infiltrated?
"I won't guarantee it, but with this group beside me I see no reason why it is not possible." Seren adds looking over the rest of the ninth knot around her.
"Let me see what I can do. If I cannot convince Fire-Axe to allow your involvement, then I will deliever your message. How can I find them? Oh, and I'd keep an eye on one of the sailors. Pay careful attention to his looks and mannerisms. That sailor might need you to take his place during his leave of absence."
After his discussion with Timeon, Eric returns to respond to Fire-Axe's request. "One month? More than enough time. I trust you and the other tribes will be ready. The itch for that next kill never goes away."
"Zerik, Nahia, Seren, Jack, we will have to re-work our plans. Since we will be down one important asset for entering the city, we will need to change our duties for this mission. Before bed this evening, we will need to meet. For now, enjoy the rest of the festivities."
After a notion that he will be taking his leave, Eric moves to a more peaceful area of camp in which to offer his prayers to Asmodeus.
Grumblejack toss the Iron Circlet back to Eric
”I’m staying with the horde, someone gotta keep an eye in the young un’” he says looking to Timeon ”And if Grumblejack goes, Seren will have no fun.” says he ogre.
He grunts and nods. “Thorn has faith in you. If you weren’t his best, he wouldn’t have sent you. Do this and your names will be legend. Now go. Hail Asmodeus!”
This is one of the Things that make the watch wall famous. Never in history it has been unfiltered.
Sakkarot then leaves the tent, leaving you to plan your assault. Tell me what you’ll do in the night, before you depart in the morning.
Seren slumps back in her chair. Exhausted from drinking and having to be social. She laughs aloud after Sakkarot exits.
"So... Any idea how we can infiltrate A fortress that never been infiltrated? The whole point of that place is how impenetrable it is. Time to start thinking of ways to do the impossible." Seren laughs.
"At least we've got these." Seren continues in a chuckle, grabbing her circlet and letting the glamer disperse.
"Somehow I don't think I'd be getting in like this." She raises her hand, marveling at its rotting state.
A sullen look suddenly comes to her face and she concentrates a moment more, re-engaging her glamer.
Nahia takes her glass, stands from her chair, walks over to a nice fur laid on the floor of the tent, and lies down. Letting out a brief whistle, she says "So we need to do another first and take down another fortress. Well, either Cardinal Thorn is desperate or believes heavily in us. But I'm not sure we have enough information to really plan yet. If Timeon could give us a map, that would be helpful. Along with an estimation of the number of soldiers, the command structure, important figures, defense protocols, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera..."
Nahia will turn her head, look at Seren kindly, and say "Sorry you don't get to have your fun yet..." After a brief pause and a look of concern, she will say "Does it hurt?"
Once unloaded, Captain Odenkirk is more than anxious to leave the bugbear camp. Already bugbear warriors have been eyeing his ship and though they have not yet built up courage enough to attack, the Captain knows it is only a matter of time. He does not trust Sakkarot and is not shying about saying so. “Look in that one’s eyes. He’s smart -- always plotting. Bugbears should not be smart.”
”I’m not getting paid enough for this kind of thing! Imma gonna leave you behind if we do not depart now! he threatens.
He speaks partially true. He wants to leave you behind, but he is afraid of something, and you are sure it’s not you.
"Let me see..." he thinks for a bit then says "Sir Thomas is angry because the mad old fool don't leave the rookery, he is afraid if needed, it will not be in good condition to use it." after some more moments "I know that Captain Eddarly is having an affair with Captain Mott’s wife and I can draw a map from the tower. I've been to the place and talked with Lord Thomas. There's about a hundred soldiers in the watch tower, guarding it all times. I know nothing more about the tower. I went there only once."
Edit:
"Here is the map I can draw from the place." he hands you a crude map.
2. The Armory
The base of the circular tower holds the castle armory and smithy.
8a. The Servant’s Entrance
This set of large solidly-built doubt doors is the servant’s entrance and the commoners who work in the tower arrive through here. These doors are open during the day.
8. The Main Thoroughfare
This large passage way is the main artery for the lower level of the watchtower. Various denizens of the watchtower are always coming and going.
8b. The Pontine Gate
Located here is a large set of sturdy double doors meant to keep invaders out should the bridge (18) be overrun.
10. The Kitchens
This large room is a busy place both night and day.
12. The Mess Hall
This large room is where meals are served and guards congregate to chat while off-duty.
18. The Bridge
This hundred foot bridge spans the River Tyburn and connects the gatehouse to the watchtower.
19. Gatehouse Entryway
This wide-open death trap.
19a. Portcullis
This stout latticed grill of iron forbids entry to Balentyne and is never kept open.
26. The Choir Hall
This open hall is the center of Mitran worship here in the watchtower.
31. The Great Hall
The bottom level of the keep is one great open room where the garrison may gather and be addressed by their commander or where great feasts and other functions may be held. (This is where I stayed while Sir Balin was in the lord chambers talking to the Lord.)
32. Flag Room
This large circular chamber is the second level of the tower. This open room is where the banners and honors of the garrison are kept.
Seren attempts a smile at Nahia's questions. Why do I trust her so?
She looks at the roof collecting her thoughts. "The pain...is bearable, Asmodeus has been kind in that regard. However, having to Watch my body rot day by day...is substantially harder."
Seren alters her glamer. Appearing now as a ravishing young girl, with piercing blue eyes, and flowing blonde hair cascading across her shoulders. Her body in near perfect proportions, with the hints of well trained muscle peaking out from under a flowing blue dress, the Mitran holy symbol etched largely on it's bust.
"I remember the night of my declaration, the night where Asmodeus 'gifted' me with these powers. I remember how proud I was to finally take my place in the Mitran church, and how envious some of the other girls were of me. Perhaps worse of all, I remember how I looked when I gazed in the mirror." Seren recalls, sadness apparent in her eyes.
"But how quickly do things change. Cast out by the church, exiled from the noble life, Wracked with pain, and destitute on the street. Gods above my life turned horrible then." Seren adds with a chuckle.
Whatever I may suffer from now, I will always be thankful of Asmodeus for his salvation at that time. If this is the cost of that salvation then I will accept it as a necessary reprecussion."
With her story ended, she resumes her prior glamer. Her blonde hair turning brown, and her body aging to somewhere in the mid twenties.
"If we must depart now, then fine. I think our time with the Bugbears is close to an end regardless." Seren replies.
Nahia will nod at Seren, smile, and say "I'm not sure if it is appropriate to say I'm sorry or congratulations. So instead, let me say something that my mother used to tell me: We, people like us, are special. Unlike so many others, we do not suffer. Instead we endure, and in enduring grow strong. I know it is probably a lesson that you already know, but I have found comfort in it in the past, knowing that my hardships are not in vain, even if I have to make sure if that." Nahia will then finish the rest of her glass of whisky.
I guess I lucked out on this one. Seren's plight reminds me of my mothers, graced with power but at a price. Anahita spent her life manipulating people with her beauty and charm, only for all of it to be an act, only able to accomplish her desires by being someone other than herself... I wonder if it is worse for Seren, having had such amazing beauty at one time. They say you don't miss what you never had as much as what you had and lost... Poor Seren. I wonder if her power truly brings her peace... or if she is just stuffing down the hurt and suffering...
- - - - -
No longer in her disguise, Nahia will smile at the captain and say "I understand your concern Captain, and agree that we shouldn't dally. We have things to do and the sooner we get to it the better. I, personally at least, will not delay us any longer."
That was a good, though brief, respite. I do not look forward to getting on this ship again, but I will put up with it for the betterment of our mission. Besides, at least we'll have a nice, big bonfire once we arrive... And while I don't see any courage worth scavenging around here... and just what is it he is afraid of?... He does seem... wary... attentive. I might just get a decent snack out of this after all...
The night goes in a comfortable manner. It has been weeks since you last slept in something that was not wet and moving. And even the bugbear smell and the noise did not brother you at all.
In the morning, you prepare to depart, Grumblejack as he told before stays in the camp, to now slow you down and to keep an eye in Timeon.
Captain Odenkirk cross the mist-shrouded Lake Tarik under cover of darkness and deposit the you upon the southern shore no closer than a couple of hours walk from the Tower Balentyne and the small town of Aldencross. He then means to sail east.
”Ye have been delivered, the contract is done. Me, I’m getting meself off this cursed island. Nice traveling with ya sexys” he laughs and turns his back to you.
Not so fast Captain.
"I have been denied my fun for far too long." Seren states ominously.
Seren grins wickedly, letting dark energy build within her. The ground tremors slightly as she releases the energy into the ground underneath the sailors feet. A skeletal hand reaches out from the ground to the right of the sailors, as the skeleton reaches out of the loose dirt and sand.
A skeletal Hand breaks through the sand beside the sailors . Within moments the skeleton has forced its way to the surface, black energy swirling within it's eye sockets as it glares at the nearest sailor.
A cursory glance into it's eyes show the despair within. This creature is not here of it's own volition, the power for its animation coming from a tortured soul with Asmodeus' realm.
Nahia smiles at him and puts her hand on his shoulder, grinning, and saying Well, I'm going to miss you and I hate that you're going to miss all the fun. Do you want me to bring you back anything?"
Nahia will smile at Seren, saying "I like they way you think."
Turning to the captain, Nahia will begin to coo to him "Been dreaming of us have you? Nice dreams? Very nice dreams? How about visiting them one more time before it's too late..."
Eric and Zerik use this opportunity to get their swords.
x DC 14
The captain does not fall to Nahia charms.
Initiative:
Round 1-
Ordered Initiative-
Zerik ⇒ 22
Nahia ⇒ 20
thug4 ⇒ 20
Kargeld ⇒ 14
thug1 ⇒ 13
Eric ⇒ 11
thug3 ⇒ 10
Seren ⇒ 6
thug2 ⇒ 4
Active Effects-
Raise Undead (5 rounds)
Map-
Notes-
Action-
Earlier- Eric stays in contemplationg during his prayers. After a time he thinks better of his plan to sneak Timeon along.
Having drawn his sword, Eric smiles wickedly at the captiain. "You would be correct, captain. Our contract with you is complete. However, you're wrong about getting off this cursed island. You're not going anywhere," says Eric, his voice turning to a deep growl.
Eric shouts, "Now, fall to your knees and beg," and pushes forward in a round-about way. He attempts to pincer Kargeld with Zerik, watching where is friend takes up postion
If Eric beats the DC to demoralize Kargeld by 10 or more, Eric issues one command to Kargeld: Fall (go prone). Kargeld gets a Will Save, DC:14 (10+1/2 level + Cha).
Nahia grins wickedly at the captain, saying Well, well, well, were your dreams not that good? Too bad... I was hoping to give you one last comfort before your end."
Drawing a bone wand from her pack, Nahia turns to one of the soldiers and begins to coo, "And what about you? Did thoughts of us make you restless nights as well? Did they leave you tired? Exhausted?"
Seren glee at finally getting to remove these sailors is obvious on her face as she looks on at the sailors.
"Time to have some fun. You there, Go attack him if you would please." Seren calls out, pointing between a pair of sailors, her voice uncomfortably sweet.
Bones crack and creak as the Skeleton lunges for the nearest sailor .
Zerik with his sword draw, move to intercept Kargeld path from Nahia, attackin with a powerful horizontal blow.
Even thought it was not his best attack, he was able to hit the captain.
Nahia then, use her hex in another thug.
x DC 14
putting him to sleep.
The Thug4, seeing the situation, pick up his bow and shoot an arrow at Nahia.
Missing her.
Kargeld, with rage in his eyes, pick his great axe and with a bestial scream attack Zerik
(+8 str +2 rage power +6 power attack)
Hitting Zerik for a really bad injury.
The Thug1, seeing the situation, pick up his bow and shoot an arrow at Nahia.
Missing her again.
Eric closes in flanking with the already injured Zerik and attack with another powerful attack.
Thug3 is sleeping and Seren cast a dark command to the last crew member
x DC 16
He fails and walk over to his mate, drawing his shortsword, attacking with while screaming something in a foreign language.
But misses his attack, while being almost clawed to death by Seren Zombies.
Kargeld x DC 14 he pass his save.
Round 2-
Ordered Initiative-
Zerik ⇒ 22
Nahia ⇒ 20
thug4 ⇒ 20
Kargeld ⇒ 14
thug1 ⇒ 13
Eric ⇒ 11
thug3 ⇒ 10
Seren ⇒ 6
thug2 ⇒ 4
Active Effects-
Raise Undead (4 rounds)
Map-
Notes-
Action-
The skeleton Shambles Forward, lunging again at the Sailor.
Smirking at the effectiveness of her skeletal minion on the poor sailor, Seren dashes across the beach towards Nahia.
Seren shows some slight concern at how heavily Zerik appears to be bleeding but stopping the Archers is her priority.
The boys can handle themselves. Nahia however.. I'm not sure how much protection her gorgeous outfits gives against arrows.
She spots one of the sailors as he lifts his bow.
"Really Arrows? Go attack something Else will you."
Nahia nimbly dodges the first arrow, but is nearly struck by the second, it whizzing by her as she turns, almost clipping her in the chest.
Damn archers. Stupid captain... And if Zerik takes another blow like that he is dead... I hope he appreciates this!"
Nahia takes a step, moving behind Zerik, and begins gesturing with a hand and chanting "Spirits that float in the wind of life, please, come and grant him your blessed energy..."
Green pinpoints of light start to dance and collect around her outstretched hand, swirling in wind currents that are twirling around her form. The winds and lights follow as she brings her hand closer to Zeric, and upon her touch the wind and swirling lights transfer to him, lightly whipping his hair and clothes, before the green lights start to enter his body and fade, soothing his pain and beginning to close his wounds.
- - - - -
Seeing Seren step in to cover her, Nahia will smile and give her a brief "Thanks for that, the cover is appreciated."
This one is strong. He uses anger to further his might. Just like that big guy from the ravens. I got to take the attention off of Zerik.
"Hey, come on coward! Leave the small fry and face me," shouts Eric at Kargeld.
Taking another two-handed stroke, Eric brings his blade crashing down on Kargeld.
Zerik smiles when he is dealt the bloody blow. He fights through the pain adding, "Your time is at its end captain." spinning into his next attack.
Nahia cast a healing spell on Zerik and the Ranger attack the captain with another bloody blow.
The thug4 will shoot at Nahia again
Kargeld, more dead than alive yells in rage “You want my ship, do ye? I killed my brother to take her and I’ll kill all of you to keep her!”
And attack Zerik again
Will attack Nahia again
Erik deals a death blow into the captain, making him fall into a bloody mess.
Seren cast a murderous command
x DC 16
And her zombie finish off the thug2
After the captain falls, the other crew members stop fighting and began to ask for mercy in a strange language, not that they find it, while Seren Zombie, Zerik and Eric finish then off.
After having received a gash across her arm, Nahia smiles as she watches the men (and Seren) do their work.
It’s too bad we have to keep our cover. Those men would have made wonderful pack slaves. But oh well, there will be plenty of time for that later. First, we have to get on our way. Time is of the essence... But first, I've earned a tasty snack...
She takes a different kneeling position, this one clear of the corpse, and, after a gesture with her free hand, pops one eye into her mouth. She holds it there, the eye staring out from within her teeth, closes her own eyes, and begins to chant in a soft mumble, the movement of her jaw seeming to make the pupil of the eye expand and contract. After a minute or so of her chanting, she rolls her head back and opens her eyes again, staring at the sky. She takes the eye still in her hands, raises it up before her face, and mumbles softly again as she punctures it, letting the fluids inside fall into her own eyes.
Finally, with her chants finished, she closes her lips over the eye in her mouth, and gulps. She brings her head forward, returns to the corpse, and places the remains of his eye back into one of his sockets.
- - - - -
After everyone has finished their fun, Nahia glances at her companions and says ”So, we dump the bodies in the boat and set the boat on fire? After we search it for valuables and provisions of course.”
"Perhaps we should land lock the ship before we burn it. Don't want any pieces of the ship floating around to cause suspicion," said Eric in a flash of wisdom.
Though it would be much easier with we had Jack to help haul it onto land...
With a sigh, Eric goes about helping to round up valuables and any equipment worth scavanging.
Seren watches with a sadistic glee as her minion tears through the remaining crew members. She lets out a satisfying sigh. I needed that.
As Eric talks about land locking the ship Seren shakes her head.
"Do you remember the pass we came though? I would think A giant fire on the beach to be far more suspicious then a boat that sank trying to get through that ice infested pass. I doubt floating debris are all that suspicious in these months." Seren argues with Eric.
"I prefer Nahia's approach, let us ransack it, and watch it sink to the bottom of the lake."
Giggling at Seren, Nahia will say, "Well, I had originally suggested burning it as well, but thank you for believing I suggested much better ideas than I did. But yes, I agree with Seren, lets get the valuables out of it, throw the bodies it, tie them down, and then sink it. No floating debris, no obvious corpses, pretty explainable deaths.
"We could tie them down... or." Seren replies bending down and lightly placing her hand on the corpse of the captain.
Black tendrils creep down her arm slowly towards the body. Upon the tendrils making contact with the captain Seren stands up, a wicked little grin on her face, as the tendrils slowly encapsulate the corpse.
The tendrils begins to expand, coating the Captain like a second skin. Nothing seems to happen for a minute or so and then the black tendrils begin to slowly disintegrate. What had once been skin, muscle, and tendon was all gone, leaving only the bones.
Seren tenderly reaches down and procures the captains skull from it's resting place, and places it in her pack.
Standing up she looks back at her companions and shrugs
"Bodies are heavy, and they float. Skeletons aren't and don't."
Crew: each carries a longsword, a shortsword and a shortbow. They use studded leather and a buckler.
Inside beneath the captain’s foul, flea-infested wardrobe is 6000 gp neatly stacked in an unlocked wooden box. Additionally a small silver statuette of a nude mermaid (worth 50 gp) and 115 gp in loose coinage clatters around the sea-chest. A wooden crate labeled ‘emergency rations’ contains six fine bottles of whiskey worth 10 gp apiece.
You are close now. Just a few miles from here sits the small market town of Aldencross and less than a mile from there is the watchtower of Balentyne – your goal. Already Sakkarot’s horde gathers and prepares to move. Within two weeks, they will be in a small valley north of the lake awaiting your signal. Fire the rocket into the air at just the right moment and you will take the first step towards claiming vengeance against Talingarde. Destiny has taken you here. Destiny has given you a mission. There is no doubt that the future of this green and pleasant land lies in your hands. You could go to that town right now and warn them of the plots of the sinister Cardinal Thorn. You could give yourself up and face the justice you deserve. You could turn back from the horror and the slaughter that you are going to inflict upon these Mitran sheep. This is that moment. This is the turning point. After this, there is no going back. Any one eager for redemption?
*Dramatic pause*
I thought not. Come, my friends. We have work to do. We must burn Balentyne.
The journey to Aldencross from the lake shore is a short and uneventful one.
Aldencross is a market town and it is not rare for smaller traders to come from all over to peddle their goods here.
Aldencross is a fine place to buy supplies. There is an alchemist in town who sells all manner of potions. There is a scribe with a fine selection of scrolls. In the market place are found the random magic items that a town of Aldencross’ size usually has for sale. Normal equipment is available in abundance. Aldencross is a soldier’s town so there are numerous smiths who make arms and armor. They’re eager for some side business to supplement their contracts to the crown.
Though Aldencross is a sizeable town, there is only one inn that caters to travellers -- “The Lord’s Dalliance”. It is a pleasant enough place with strong drink and adequate food. In the evenings there are often off-duty soldiers. Dancing girls and comely bar maids ply the soldiers eager to earn a share of the king’s gold.
During the trip to Aldencross, you come across a strange scene, it appears to be some kind of fight, you can see a trail of blood and dead dogs, a little bit ahead, and you began to hear barks and a panther growl. Curious to see what is happening you follow in the sound direction and in a small clearing in the trees near the road you see a black panther, near it two carcass of dead dogs, and other two ready to attack it. A boy behind the dogs waving then forward.
In the instants to follow, the two dogs charge at the panther, that dodges one while biting it to death, but is unable to flee from the other dog, it get bitten and in a confusion of teeth and claws the other dog lies in the floor, dead. The panther dripping in blood turn his gaze to the boy, that holding a small spear look around trying to flee.
The panther charge at the boy who pierces it with his weapon, but not in time to prevent the cat from biting his throat.
Both fall down, you hear the boy struggle while blood pours out his destroyed throat, the panther tries to get up again, only to fall down once more.
Seren looks on at the panther impressed, and saddened by it's plight.
Such a blood thirsty creature. Pity to see such a marvelous killer brought low.
Seren wanders over to the beautiful feline her gaze set steelily upon it.
"Heal it or kill it?" Seren asks her companions. "Either way I will not leave this magnificent killer to die a slow death it doesn't deserve." She pulls out her dagger, and her wand of Cure light wounds waiting on her companions responses.
"Shall we offload some of this gear we've been accruing? Wouldn't mind having some gold available if we are too be here for a while."
"And then I think I could go for a drink. Something about killing sailors leaves me wanting to have a drink of some kind." Seren replies off-hand.
Best get in well with the barkeep, he's likely to know far more about the running of this town then most.
Seren starts heading towards The Lord's Daliance, perusing the various vendors on the way, looking for a jeweler of some kind, and someone willing to purchase their various spoils from the trip out here.
Noticing the black gleam of the precious gem, Seren slows down, her eyes glittering with little hidden lust. She seductively approaches the jeweler, never taking her eyes off of the precious onyx. She lightly picks up one, cradling it in her hands and rolling it in her palm.
Such a pretty little gem, and oh the fun to be had! the Cardinal mentioned that Onyx would be required to further my abilities. What fun it will be to bring death to this sickly sweet little town. Oh how I hope there is a paladin to defile with the joys of undeath.
"These. I will take these." Seren intones lovingly, thrusting her gold pieces haphazardly on the table.
Nahia looks at the Panther before squealing "Poor kitty cat!" and rushing over to it. She does hesitate, briefly, upon seeing all of the carnage, but soon recovers before going out to the cat to heal it. Drawing her hand close, she once again starts to chant as pinpoints of green light appear, "Spirits of nature, come and grant this creature life, that it may savor its victory..."
Nahia will nod at Serens comment, saying "Agreed. Twould be nice to have some glittering coin to prepare for what is to come... Here, if someone else can help me carry it, I'll talk with the various merchants to sell this stuff."
As things are gathered and prepared, Nahia will smile at Seren and say "Mind if I join you for a drink once my mercantilism is done?"
Nahia, in her disguise, will deal with the various different merchants and vendors, examining their merchandise and watching their haggling. When she finds one that she likes (...seems like a sucker...), she will start by trying to look cold and pitiful until she gets their attention. When asked about her goods and what she is doing here, she will explain that she is an herbalist who came looking for snow herbs and to possibly start a business. She talks about how some of the bodyguards that she and the other merchants traveled with were killed by bandits, and how the proceeds will go to help pay for their arranged funeral expenses. Of course, much flirting will be done, alternating between pitiful and very appreciative.
Seren chuckles to herself as Nahia rushes towards the cat with her wand out.
Heal it it is.
She casually stands up, sheathing her dagger and wand. "Okay great, we've healed that massive cat of death. Now what? I'm certainly not dealing with this, but I would prefer to not worry about being stalked by the thing." Seren sighs.
"Absolutely. Just make sure you bring the coin, else we may be in for a rough introduction with the barkeep." Seren says with a laugh.
Zerik snaps out of his trance as the battle comes to and end, the fierce black cat collapses from its wounds. Zerik suddenly finds himself beside the cat.
He looks into the cats half open eyes, seeing almost a reflection of himself. The fierce, proud, solitary hunter. Zerik is about to call out when he finds Nahia by his side, working her magic to heal the injured animal.
[Zerik pulls out herbs from his pack, he wets them with his water skin and starts to mix it into a paste before packing the cats wounds with mixture and bandaging the wounds. "Rest brave hunter, this shall not be your last fight."
Zerik remains by the cat's side until it's better, feeding it meat from his pack.