Malgrim darted out of the webbing before it could ensnare him; before addressing the traitor.
Underneath the manor- Johan and Eldred fought to the last. You hid behind me, rather than fighting. Get back in the dirt where you belong, coward. Malgrim hissed in fury as he tripped Damien once again and closed in for the kill.
Reflex Save
The crew began to talk to each other in a different language, it appears some want to take back the weapon others want to prevent that, and they do nothing more than that.
Round 4-
Ordered Initiative-
Damien = 22
Eldred = 20
Johan = 16
Malgrim = 12
Thug1 ⇒ 11
Thug2 ⇒ 10
Thug3 ⇒ 3
Thug4 ⇒ 8
Active Effects-
Map-
Notes-
Action-
x DC 17
"Why don't you revel yourself the coward you are and 'flee' from my presence?" says Damien to Malgrim
Eldred comes in swinging hard with both hands.
Without a word Johan starts to methodically tear his way through the sticky mass of webs, his hate filled eyes never leaving the traitor Damien.
Eldred comes in swinging hard with both hands.
1d20 + 7 + 2
1d8 + 4 + 2
Ahhh I see my problem.... Ignore my earlier post.
Round 3
CMB to escape web
Round 4
Yet another escape attempt and moves out of the webs.
Round 4 Action-
Malgrim's hatred of Damien's betrayal was too strong for the man's spells to affect him and he resisted the compulsion to flee. With the gambler still lying prone upon the floor, Malgrim simply kicked the man furiously, wounding him further.
When Malgrim kicked Damien in the floor, you all felt as if something had snapped, a strange pressure over each one of you, and instantly you know its meaning: The contract was violated.
The crew stop what they were doing and look dumbfounded to you, they know not what is happening, but they know something is happening.
Round 5-
Ordered Initiative-
Damien = 22
Eldred = 20
Johan = 16
Malgrim = 12
Thug1 ⇒ 11
Thug2 ⇒ 10
Thug3 ⇒ 3
Thug4 ⇒ 8
Active Effects-
Map-
Notes-
Action-
”Do you think I’m afraid of this? Let the ‘master’ show himself!” laughs Damien getting up again, and he does nothing more besides that.
You should be more afraid of me, scum Malgrim interrupted Damien's speech as he brought his knee into the rising man's face. Damien crumpled to the ground once more...
Round 5-
The Cardinal would surely enforce the same cost for betrayal as I have deemed... Malgrim said softly, justifying his next action to himself. Malgrim reached down and snapped the man's neck with his bare hands.
No! Johan feels the breaking of the contract like a harsh slap in the face; yet another betrayal added to the long litany of broken trusts that made up his life. We were not the ones to break faith! We stayed true! Johan lowered his gaze for a moment, and when he raised his head again there was unhinged grin on his normally expressionless face. He would not be damned for the actions of another. If he were to be punished, then let it be for his own actions. Blood would flow in rivers before he was dragged to hell.
You've ruined everything you cackling toad!
Don't forget the weasel.
Eldred closes on the witch with murder in his heart... The effects of a broken oath like splinters under his nails and sand in his eyes.
Malgrim in a fury rarely displayed, brake Damien’s neck, Johan and Eldred advanced in the crew and slaughter then, while they beg in a foreign language for mercy. After that you search the boat for any valuable you might find, and for the coins the master told you about.
Kargeld: hide armor, masterwork great axe, throwing axes (5), key to his lock box, great sword.
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.
After that, you gather the bodies, throw then inside the boat, and let the fire clean the mess, after some time has passed, only ashes and burned bones can be seen where once stood a ship.
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.
Johan takes Ace's pelt as a trophy.
The remaining members of the knot now have a sizable pile of loot and gear. More than the three can carry on foot. Johan sets up a hidden cache for the stuff they can't carry. They stash the Talingarde marked weapons and the mundane gear from the sailors. Everything else ( the coins and valuables, the trident, the mstwk greateaxe, the seashell armor)they carry with them to Aldencross.
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.
Aldencross is a small and vivid town, you see a few adventures, some dwarfs and halflings. Its rare to see an elf or any other race here.
As the first step in your mission, you read to the only Inn available to travelers in the town, the “The Lord’s Dalliance”. It is a pleasant enough place. Dancing girls and comely bar maids.
As you enter the place, you get some looks, but no one is really interested in you.
The owner is a man in getting to his fifties, a huge belly and a smiling face. He is currently talking to a very beautiful woman, with almost silver hair and bright green eyes.
She then turn to you.
She run crying and throw herself in Johan arms
”Dearest! What took you so long? I was beginning to think you did not love me anymore!” she crys, a perfect image of someone how really miss her love.
”I am thankful for the two bodyguards you hired to accompany me, I am alive only because of them! But come, you must be tired.” she turn to Eldred and Mokoa ”you too must want to rest! Thanks for bringing my Dearest to me! I have already paid for a room; let’s go there, you need to tell me why you are so late!” with that she guides you upstairs into a private room, waiting there, are already two humans.
Dropping her act, Tiadora continues
”Now Dearest, we got much to talk about. But first things frist. Who broke the contract?”
A tall human with striking features stands as you arrive. He carries a ruby topped cane and wears dark yet elegant noble clothing. My name is Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim, but I would think that name carries a certain....stigma for now. Therefore you may call me Agrippa. The Master sent me and this fellow Agrippa indicates Fet To accompany you on your mission here. You may find my knowledge and ability to plumb the depths of arcane mysteries most useful
Looking distinctly uncomfortable with Tiadora's feigned affections, Johan is all too happy when she drops the pretext behind closed doors. Until she mentions the contract.
It was Damien, he says flatly. Apparently the treacherous toad didn't like our chances for this mission and thought to throw in with Kargeld . . . tried to poison us.
He turns to Agrippa as the tall man introduces himself, then turns back to Tiadora. You brought us another witch? You know we burned the last one, right?
Its like sand in my damn eyes! ALL the time - I feel like there is hair growing INTO my a&** h~#*... there are no words for how bad I feel, he whines.
Wasn't our damn fault - feckin' witch.
Agrippa notices Johan's apparent disdain for the arcane and responds Dear man, you do know the different between a sophisticated university trained Wizard and some hedge dabbler right? I bend the very laws of nature to suit my whim, and speak to powers greater than either of us to master their secrets. Your fire might just prove useless. But nevermind, put away your fire for now, we are allies. We have a contract.
Fet said nothing at first, allowing Heinrich to take the brunt of these scoundrels initial mistrust. He judged that they would be wary, especially after Tiadora mentioned a contract being broken. He listened carefully, letting his gaze drift from one person to the next. Based on their appearences they were an interesting assortment of characters.
After a moment he stepped forward, but seeing as the contract he signed indicated they were equals, he kept his hat on. He was dressed nearly as well as Heinrich, having been well supplied by the Cardinal in that respect, though his outfit leaned more towards the style of an extremely wealthy merchant, including elements such as bright colors, feathers, and elaborate trim.
"Given that you have mentioned Damien as a traitor, may I presume that you three are Malgrim IronSkin, Johan Hale, and Eldred Crofter? I am Fet Naiton, oh so humble servant of the great Cardinal and his master the Prince of Nexus. Maybe we should shake hands, to relieve the tension or something?" Offering his hand forward in a simple gesture. Unlike Heinrich who clearly did not excercise, Fet seemed in good shape.
Ehhhhrrr... sure?, Eldred sounds confused as he takes the hand in a firm shake.
He then turns to the woman.
I take it that you CAN fix this?
Johan looks startled at Agrippa's statement. What contract? Tiadora, what's going on here?
”Now Dearest” she says to Johan ”the master was expecting Damien to betray him, but not just this earlier. And with this situation at hand, Thorn concluded that with your current force and possible a betrayal from Damien, your mission you be in danger.” she look at the new comers ”He took pains to select the most brilliant, and ruthless minds the salt mines had to offer, and trained then in the same way he did with you.” she then look to Eldred ”Of course Dearest, there’s always a way.” she then hand over to Eldred a small parchment ”Here are your instructions, Just take care to not being discovered.”
”Your orders remain the same” Tiadora says ”Tomorrow I’ll recruit two more guards to take me ‘home’. I’ll be in my room if you need me.” then she leave.
The parchment contains instructions of a ritual, all the steps, and symbols. There is many things you do not understand; maybe Johan or the new appointed self-powerful Aggripa will know better. There is just one thing you can know for sure. A sacrifice is required.
Eldred peers at it then tilts it sideways trying to work it out... then he hands to Johan with a grunt.
What do you make of that?
Johan squints at the instructions on the paper . . .
The parchment has information about magic circles, symbols, prayers and chants.
To perform the ritual, everyone must attend, even the new members, there is a series of chants and prayers ending with a sacrifice of a devout of Mitra.
It can be performed at any time you want.
Johan can not make any more sense of the instructions on the parchment than Eldred. He had a healthy distrust of nobility and wealth, and these two newcomers stank of money. It galled him to have to turn to this wizard for help, but the curse from Thorn's broken contract scratches at his brain every waking moment and had stretched his patience to the breaking point.
He grumbles something rude and hands the parchment over to Agrippa. Well, now would be a good time to show off that "knowledge and ability to plumb the depths of arcane mysteries." How do we break this curse?
Heinrich coughs a little sarcastic cough and peers at the document intently Childs play Master Hale.
Malgrim's (Makoa's) mood was especially foul for the march to Aldencross. Plagued by the effects of breaking the contract, he nevertheless did not regret killing the traitor Damian for even a moment. He regretted not savouring the moment more, though. The foul turncloak and oath-breaker had deserved worse than the swift death the Hobgoblin had given him.
He added to Johan's reply about Damien's treachery- letting his magical disguise fall. Before Fet and Heinrich's eyes, the scarred half-orc transformed into his true form; an extremely scarred, one-eyed Hobgoblin; extremely lithe and athletic but not without muscle; and with a spark of intellect and discipline to him that was uncommon for such goblinoids.
I struck the first physical blow; after the filthy witch had assaulted Johan, Eldred and I with magic; the former were trapped in a web spell and I was targeted by that filth no less than three times; his magic never overcame me. He found that my martial prowess was more than a match for his tricks.
The veiled threat was not a subtle one; nor was it intended to be. Malgrim had fixed the newcomer Heinrich with a dead stare throughout the entire speech. The stare did not waver as he continued. The Hobgoblin spoke softly, as was his manner, but the seething, cold fury behind the words was as evident as if he had been shouting.
I took him down to the dirt with my whip. But he continued to assault me with magic. I slew him with my bare hands. Knocked him out with a knee to the face and then snapped his neck like a twig.
I do not wish to have to manage another betrayal. I hope I have made myself clear. You speak of university training. Good. This implies discipline and an ordered mind.
Malgrim appeared to have no objections to Fet's introduction, shaking his hand firmly.
Malgrim looked over the document carefully. He had learned a little of ritual and magic from his time with Damien, much as he would hate to admit that the traitor had taught him anything. He planned to devote more and more time to the subject; should the need for a specialised mage-killer become apparent.
Various rituals and chants; i'm sure our new associate will be keen to prove his worth with these. The part that is of import is that we must all be present- and the ritual requires the sacrifice of a devout Mitran.
Impressive Master Ironskin, most impressive. But I leave your threats aside, I have stared into the eyes of the Dark Father's own children summoned with sulphur and brimstone.
One eye can sometimes be more terrifying than a pair... Malgrim whispered malevolently, but he let the matter drop.
Johan grunted at the description of the ritual. With a goal to focus on, his practical mind left aside any mistrust of the newcomers and bent to the task at hand
A devout Mitran. Well that shouldn't be hard. Close your eyes and throw a stick - you'll likely hit one. We need to break this curse sooner rather than later. Here's two ideas:
First, this building seems secure - Tiadora wouldn't be using it if it wasn't. Some of us hit the local tavern, and find a pious man - even the devout like to drink...especially the devout he mutters under his breath. Get him very drunk and "escort" him back here The down side is it is likely others will see our victim leaving the tavern in the company of strangers. We risk exposing this safe house. This place is in the middle of town, which could be a problem if things get...loud.[/b]
Second, we visit the local chapel during a sermon. Locate a rural looking chap. Follow him home, hopefully a farm house or such out of town a ways. At nightfall we descend upon the house and conduct the ritual there. Downside here is that it may take more time to pull off, but it is remote and away from prying eyes; much less chance of detection. And there will likely be other people in the house that would need to be silenced. Here he turns to Agrippa and Fet: Would anybody have a problem with that?
I like the second - works for me. Then we burn the place to the ground. We don't want the locals getting paranoid. We want them thinking all is well..., he thinks, shaking his head and finding fault with it almost as soon as he articulates it.
Hells, if we can find a wagoneer, we can use him in the middle of nowhere and none of the locals would be the wiser. We offer him a decent fee to take us to the next town and return with 'our workshop stuff' or something. We use different faces for the way out and new ones for the way back in. I think a guy missing for a few weeks is less likely to draw attention than a farmer and his family.
And we don't even need to wait for the service! Put word around for a pious wagoneer - you've got cover from your current disguise - its a family shrine or something religiousy we are transporting and we only want to give the job to a pious man - we can hit the bars now and should have a half a dozen candidates by dark.
First, this building seems secure - Tiadora wouldn't be using it if it wasn't.
I like it. Also gives us the chance to pick up the gear we stashed by the lake and gives us a wagon to transport it in. Traders are through this town all the time, should be easy enough to pick someone not well known.
I'm not an expert on human sacrifice, but I do know something about placating otherworldly powers; Why would we choose some random person haphazardly...it seems chaotic and a half-measure at best. We should think carefully and plan fully our choice, it should have meaning. The more meaning the more powerful the sacrifice will be. Besides...would a tavern be the best place to find a devout Mitran
You don't get it do you? Ever had a nose hair ripped out? Now take that feeling and multiply that 100 fold... and it just goes on and on and on.
The mans face is contorted in anger and frustation.
So you figure out something there but you figure it fast and you figure it in a way that we can do it without freaking these people out or putting them on guard and you figure on doing it soon!
Anything worth doing takes time Master Crofter. We should take several days to survey the town and identify our target. After identification we should abduct the target and transport him to a secure location. There the sacrifice could be made with the proper rituals.
Heinrich, this cannot be approached with such delay. For one thing, we are on a tight time schedule. Several days, only to remove an obstacle before we truly begin our mission? No. I will not have this broken contract weigh over us for so long. We do it quickly and out of sight; and then we get to the task at hand. Were you and Fet sufficiently briefed as to our purpose here and the timeline we are on?
We find our target today.
"Our days have been filled with testing and training, and little time was devouted to filling us in on details. Perhaps the Cardinal did not know whether you three would live or whether us two would? He may have decided not to speak such things aloud until the time came to put all such plans in motion. I do not know. Simple truth is I know little of the assignment I am to do and any illumination into this matter would be appreciated."
Fet turned to Heinrich and held out his hands, turning his palms toward the ceiling. "While I do appreciate the more calculated method you suggest, it would seem this is a matter that needs to be expedited. As such I am keen on the idea of finding a pious wagoneer to take us beyond the town."
The Hobgoblin's appearence was surprising to him and he wondered if the rest of them were also disguised by magic. Peering at them more closely he stepped back to address the all. Though he too was university trained, perhaps his use of extracts and potions would be viewed with less hostility by the Hobgoblin and the two other men of the contract. He'd never seen a hobgoblin before, at least a living one (there were a few body samples in the university), but tried not to stare.
"I'd be willing to be a corpse needing transport to a family burial shrine by that lake you speak of. I can brew an extract of disguise that might more fully give me the pallor of the deceased. Alternatively, if Heinrich is easily recognizable, we can wrap him up in burial shroud and I can utilize my extract to take on the form of a chaplin."
Not a bad idea... maybe we can get the Chaplin to come for a ride, he says thinking.
He's too visible to go missing so soon but hells, we are arguing over little - lets just get out of here and go looking for pious men. We ask around, be careful how we lie to that story so we don't spook the prey, pick one and suit the plan to the target? How about that?
"There is the matter of disguises. Both Heinrich and myself are wanted men and it would be risky to show our faces in the public. I can devise a chemical solution that should aid in disguising my features, but its effects will be limited to less than an hour. It would be f-ing unfortunate if such a disguise fell away in the midst of our well laid plans and schemes." Fet said with some annoyance. He didn't like being cooped up in this room, but he knew that showing his face would be a risk the other companions might not wish to take.