"It's a Hellnight fortress Raspar, and they are an illogical and dour lot as a whole." he says as he walks into the room and looks around. "It does seem an odd place for an opening, but I agree with Ðakaþos, let's try the secret door first."
He lines up, not too close, but ready for action with his flask in hand.
When Cuthberwyn misses so spectacularly he chuckles along with him.
"And Cuthberwyn, didn't you say you were an expert on goblins? Why would the goblins want to encamp here? It seems awfully drafty and full of spiders," Raspar asks, sincere in his question.
Drafty won't bother them, Cuth says, happy to discuss his favorite topic, and as for spiders...well, you see, goblins are willing to eat many things. Every things, actually. Spiders included. So a collection of them would be seen as a nice invitation to lunch, even with the biting.
So a collection of them would be seen as a nice invitation to lunch, even with the biting.
Raspar’s jaw drops, then he looks guilty.
”So..that really was the kitchen then? Did we...did we...just kill all the goblin’s food? Oh no. Some heroes we are...coming and destroying the larder!! We’ll have to make up for this somehow,” Raspar worries, trying not to hurt those he was supposed to be saving.
”Can we...can we...fix the spiders, Cuth? How do we put them back in their nests?”
"When your food tries to bite you, you kill it first. Don't question it, Raspar," Kelvin chimes in. "Though if you want, think of it this way. The spiders are halfway prepared now. Let the goblins cook them."
He then gestures Dori forward, and moves to the secret door that Dak pointed out. "Good eye, elf. Not sure how I missed this. I see it now though, so let me make sure it's safe."
Assuming it's safe he then works the mechanism to open the secret door.
Cuth chuckles in spite of himself. Heh. No, my friend, we didn't take their lunch. If they knew the spiders were here, I would presuppose that they would already have dined. The barrack bed-fort we saw and the disrepair all about suggests they don't come this way overmuch.
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Working the secret door Kelvin finds it to already be unlocked and slightly opened, recently in fact.
This well-hidden closet holds dust-furred tables covered in jumbled but ominous accessories: Pentagram-covered tomes, heavily melted candles, scattered pieces of loose chalk, vats of moldy incense, moth-eaten robes, and several empty and dusty weapons racks.
Raspar looks back over this shoulder at the kitchen and the spoiling goblin food that the party had left out. He briefly considers scooping up the remaining bits and starting a nice spider bisque, but realizes that they probably don’t have time for that right now.
He waits for the group to come out of the closet, still enjoying whatever draft comes from the opening.
"Can't say I like the look of this," Kelvin says, looking over the paraphenalia as he moves into the room. "Is this for some weird devil worship? Strange magical experiments? I don't like it."
"The meat is still there if they really want it."
I am uncertain. Dark forces at work here indeed, however! Cuth notes. This seems incongruent with what I have studied about goblins, but nothing appears to have been here for some time, so perhaps they are unrelated.
"I don't know why they'd lock this stuff up, looks harmless enough all things considered. Maybe there's something in the tomes worth investigating, but for now I think we should proceed."
He lines up by the West door toward the top of the map in the training room and awaits someone from the brute-squad to helpfully open it, thanking them as they do so.
"Thank you."
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As Kelvin enters the room, one of the floor tiles underneath his feet shifts downward about half an inch. A mechanism clicks in the wall as a small socket opens releasing a spear.
The group watches horrified as Kelvin's body is launched across the room as a spear impales through the dwarf's ribcage, pinning him to the opposing wall. After a moment Kelvin's weight snaps the spear in two as he crashes against one of the tables coming to rest on the stone floor, barely breathing.
In addition to half-burnt candles, used pieces of chalk and various badges and religious symbols bearing the sign of Asmodeus, there is a sealed and forgotten lockbox underneath the table that Kelvin fell against, his body pushing it to the side enough to reveal it.
Raspar (17/17)
Ðakaþos (12/17; Wounded 1)
Cuthberwyn (15/18)
Kelvin (0/20; Dying 2)
Cabaguil (14/14)
Dori (23/23)
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Weapon Equipped: Lesser Tanglefoot Bag, Lesser flask of bottled lightning
Conditions: None
Spooky: 5/5hp, Fast Movement, Life Link
Spells Spell attack +7 (T), Spell DC’s 17 (T)
Bloodline Focus: Diabolic Edict* (Focus Points: 1/1)
Cantrips: Detect Magic, Light, Prestidigitation, Produce Flame*, Read Aura
First Level: (2/3) Charm*, Heal, Purify Food and Drink
Cabaguil rushes to Kelvin's side (•>) and casts Heal (•>>) intent on keeping him from death!
Cuth races over to Kelvin as well, fighting with his pack to try and drag out his healer's tools. His mind is eased somewhat by Cabaguil's ministrations, but he stays nearby in case the kit is needed as well.
...he appears to be breathing...
Kelvin comes to with Cabaguil and Cuthberwyn looming over him. He groans, still feeling the intense pain from the sudden trap. "Oh... that was... not friendly."
He sits up and inspects the wound. Though it had found a gap in the scalemail he wears, the wound itself is simply a large scab with an even larger bruise. "Who did this? Who healed me?"
"I did. Well, I healed you anyway. Some trap did the damage. We should be more careful." Cabaguil straightens up and helps Kelvin to his feet when he's ready.
Cuth is clearly grateful to put his kit away and offers a hand up to the dwarf as well. That was inspiring, sir! he says to Cabaguil. Would that I had the ability to have that sort of impact! I dare say, we are all in your debt!
Raspar cries out way too late at Kelvin is kabob’d. He moves over to help the dwarf to his feet, wishing it had been him being impaled rather than see his new friend get hurt.
Raspar looks in the room for more things of interest and notes that don’t really exist.
Perception
"Yes, let us restore what can be restored. I can try my hand at the medicinals too, though I'm not as skilled on that front." he smiles broadly, and dives right in working on Kelvin, since he's there. He suggests to Cuthberwyn that he might help Ðakaþos who also needs aid.
vs DC 15 (likely)
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Dori is right behind Kelvin as the trap goes off. He's stunned at how fast it happens. One moment there's a click and all of a sudden Kelvin is on the floor impaled by a spear. By the time he process what happens, Cab is already tending to Kelvin's wounds.
Dori rushes over to the downed dwarf. "are you ok, Sonny?" A look for concern on his face. He breaths a sigh of relief as he starts to recover. His eyes turn to Cab, he takes a moment to look for a holy symbol on his person.
Later...
Dori takes a moment to look around the room:
Raspar makes himself useful during the downtime, going into the kitchen and straightening the place out. He puts the spiders in any containers he can, wishing he had a nice quill to write on the name and date of the ingredients. After working for a bit, he pops his head out of the kitchen. He wants to make sure they haven't ruined the kitchen for the goblins.
"Excuse me, Mr. Cabaguil? Can I borrow your scribe for a moment? I'd like to label the spider drawer," Raspar asks with a smile.
Cabaguil sports no holy symbol visibly.
"Sure thing Raspar. Careful how you hold it, it's very sharp." he digs out and hands Raspar his pointed scribe.
Raspar takes the scribe gingerly in his sooty hands, being very careful with the point. He writes 'spiders - dead' on the spider container, then thinks about what else to write.
"Should I date it, Mr. Cabaguil? Do spiders go bad?" Raspar asks, then sticks his head into the training area.
If Cuth answers that they do, he will put today's date on the container with a used-by date as well.
When finished, he will return the scribe to Cabaguil.
* * *
When the party is done resting, he will gather the party at the north door (next to Rasp now) and open it.
Kelvin sits down with the lockbox, pulls out his tools, and gets to work opening it.
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Kelvin gets helped to his feet as the divine magic closes his wounds and gets him back to health in no time. Removing the dwarf's armor Cabaguil begins to tightly wrap the wound in gauze while Raspar boxes up the dead spiders in neat to-go containers.
While he waits Kelvin grabs ahold of the lockbox and begins to fiddle with it. His eyes go wide as he hears another small audible click, this time a good one as the lock releases.
Inside is:
Raspar (17/17)
Ðakaþos (12/17; Wounded 1)
Cuthberwyn (15/18)
Kelvin (20/20; Wounded 1)
Cabaguil (14/14)
Dori (23/23)
During the violence, Dak grabs his blade for combat almost instinctually. His expression doesn't show it, but his is deeply relieved to see his new friend back in action. "Cuthberwyn, if you can provide succor, I'd be most appreciative."
Upon seeing the hand, Dak shows revulsion on his face for the first time. "What manner of thing is this?" His revulsion doesn't stop him from picking it up though.
Kelvin picks up the mummified hand, then points it so the middle finger is gestured towards his dwarven friend. "Hah! Look at this. This dead elf just knew it'd meet you, Dori! Guess he's not a fan of yours!"
He then hands it over to Dak who, though clearly grossed out isn't prevented from analysing it.
"Show respect dwarf." Dak quickly walks back his harshly spoken comment. "Please Kelvin, don't do that." Dak looks at the others, and barring objections, places the chain around his neck.
Kelvin shrugs. "I'm not the one wearing it around my neck, elf. But hey, it serves a purpose for you. And it served a purpose for me."
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Rasp waits patiently by the door for others to be ready, and when they are, he opens it.
I guess Kelvin does admire Dak, he really hands it to him.
Raspar smiles a happy smile and waits.
Dak's only response is a mild snort before checking to make sure the dwarf is healed enough to continue.
Cabaguil is impressed by Kelvin’s skill, ”Well done there. How’d you come about such skill?”
He’s surprised when Ðakaþos places the mummified hand around his neck. Isn’t that, like, cannibalism?, he wonders to himself.
When the party is ready, so is Cabaguil. He lines up with the others at the next door, tanglefoot in hand.
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Oneone of the tables you also find a loosely bound, but otherwise intact manuscript that describes a Hellknight's Test.
The Hellknight test involves is typically administered twice a year, although sometimes exceptions are madde for armigers who show particular promise or who need to be officially inducted quickly.
The Hellknight test involves a leader, or lictor, of the order (or another suitable high-ranking officer) conducting a long, ceremonial introduction. then the armiger in question steps into the testing arena's clearly marked area, and a ranking spellcaster, or signifier, summons a devil the order has deemed a suitable challenging opponent. these are often bearded devils, but can be any devil, depending on the armiger's expertise and the officer's involved.
The armiger and the devil then fight to the death. If the armiger is victorious, they are then inducted as a full, ranking member of the order with the title of Hellknight.
You open the doors to some form of a test arena. It's flagstones painted entirely black, this sprawling and irregular shaped room contains a circular, sunken arena in its middle. The arena's edges are painted deep crimson, and an ominous crimson pentagram fills its center.
This is the staging area and observation area for the infamous Hellknight test, which all recruits must undertake before they are given official status within the organization. As you enter you see a handsome, dark-haired man in matte black armor wielding a heirloom greatsword, moving with confidence and an assured technique while engaged in combat against a snickering imp. He is just about to defeat the imp, in fact you see him drive his greatsword through the shrieking creature's heart.
He looks to you as the door opens, catching his breath as he nods a small welcome. Though time to talk is short, just as the first imp falls three more little devils hiss and drop down from the rafters. He grumbles, wiping sweat from his brow. "Great. More bloody hell monkeys," He gestures to you and to positions around the room. "Might need a bit of help on this one."
Cabaguil (14/14)
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Devils
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Dori (23/23)
Raspar (17/17)
Cuthberwyn (15/18)
Kelvin (20/20; Wounded 1)
Ðakaþos (12/17; Wounded 1)
Cabaguil is impressed by the Hellknight test, "Wow, they have to fight a devil to get in. That's pretty impressive. Any of you fight a devil?" he wonders aloud.
Round: 1
Weapon Equipped: Lesser Tanglefoot Bag, Lesser flask of bottled lightning
Conditions: None
Spooky: 5/5hp, Fast Movement, Life Link
Spells Spell attack +7 (T), Spell DC’s 17 (T)
Bloodline Focus: Diabolic Edict* (Focus Points: 1/1)
Cantrips: Detect Magic, Light, Prestidigitation, Produce Flame*, Read Aura
First Level: (2/3) Charm*, Heal, Purify Food and Drink
Cabaguil waits after the doors are opened for others to enter the room. Though he can’t see the creatures, he does hear the voice. He’s surprised there are others here with apparently helpful attitudes. He had assumed it would be all monsters and goblins. Unsure what to do, and certain he doesn’t want to enter the room first, he delays.
Cuthberwyn takes Cabaguil's suggestion with a nod, scurrying over to inspect the elf's wounds.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
Cuth smiles at Raspar's question. Eventually, I'm sure they would. He stares off into space a moment, pondering this deeply, then gets back to work on Dak.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
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Cabaguil listens from a distance as the devils swoop in around the man.
Two of the devils' bodies bulge and break apart as they contort into different beasts. One forms into a boar while another forms into a giant spider.
+ Venom
The man is attacked on all sides and has a difficult time holding the shape changing devils back as he is hit by each of them.
Alak (-10)
Cabaguil (14/14)
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Devils (Red boar)(Green spider)
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Dori (23/23)
Raspar (17/17)
Cuthberwyn (15/18)
Kelvin (20/20)
Ðakaþos (17/17)
"Where'd I learn this?" Kelvin says, a grin on his face after having defeated the lock. "My great uncle Carraig. He picked up the trick from a business partner when he was younger. When you've spent your youth crafting horseshoes, axe heads, and blades it's really nice switching gears, to reverse engineering complex devices with tiny parts. And trust me, making yet another sword is boring."
=================
Action 1: Stride
Action 2: Stride
Action 3: Strike
At the sound of battle Kelvin hustles in and swings his morningstar against an imp. "Looks like we've got some talking bats to swat!"
Round: 2
Weapon Equipped: Lesser Tanglefoot Bag, Lesser flask of bottled lightning
Conditions: None
Spooky: 5/5hp, Fast Movement, Life Link
Spells Spell attack +7 (T), Spell DC’s 17 (T)
Bloodline Focus: Diabolic Edict* (Focus Points: 1/1)
Cantrips: Detect Magic, Light, Prestidigitation, Produce Flame*, Read Aura
First Level: (2/3) Charm*, Heal, Purify Food and Drink
Once Kelvin has entered, Cabaguil follows (•>), he then takes a look at the creatures, to try and determine what they are (•>).
He announces all he discovers before throwing his Lesser Tanglefoot Bag (•>) at the red creature, hoping to pin it down.
”Boy, I should practice with these things first, huh,” he says hoping he didn't just plaster Kelvin in the back.
Round 1
Action 1: Stride while lecturing the Hellknight
Action 2: Draw Starknife.
Action 3: Throw Starknife@red.
Raspar follows Caba into the room, standing protectively in front of the man. Raspar’s usually smiling face is a mess of mixed emotions and internal conflict.
I should let them kill that human.
I should save him. He could be saved.
He shouldn’t be enslaving things.
"You know, it's really not all that nice to bring these creatures here just to fight them... let them mind their own business! Let them be free!", he observes, addressing the Hellknight specifically. With his own freedom so hard-won, he has no patience for creatures who enslave others for sport. There's a natural order to things, and it needs to be respected. He truly hopes the Hellknight will do better next time. This is pitiful.
Nevertheless, he realizes it's too late in this case, and he needs to defend himself against the summoned devils, however terrible he may feel about it. He hopes their deaths will be quick, and release them from their bonds.
Reluctanctly, he tosses his starknife at the red imp.
to hit;
damage.
AC: 18 +2 with shield action.
Fort/Ref/Will: 6/6/6
HP: 17/17
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 1
Speed: 25'
Cuth hustles into the room. Weren't the Hellknights supposed to have abandoned this place...?
With no time to dwell on it, he draws his hand crossbow and loads it.
Action 1: Stride (done)
Action 2: Strike (done)
Action 3: Strike
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And trust me, making yet another sword is boring."
"Bah! you lack the patience to see the beauty in the art of the forge." The older dwarf responded almost automatically. It's like tey have had this discussion before.
============================
Action 1: stride
Action 2: stride
Action 3: strike
Dori moves first into the room and takes a defense position along the wall. No need to get flanked...
He swings his axe at the closest thing.
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Dori shuffles into the arena as he swings his axe at the devil. The axe cuts into the fiend's wing as it turns screeching at him, hot spittle flying into his face and beard. His axe is deflected to a small degree to the side from where he aimed.
Raspar tosses his starknife and misses as it whirls through the air. Cuthberwyn draws and loads his crossbow while Kelvin's morningstar cracks down on the devil's head, swatting the pest to the ground where he grinds it into a pulp.
Cabaguil studies the devil's though has a hard time determining exactly what variety they are. Tossing the tanglefoot bag, it sticks to his hand and flops to the ground where it bursts open.
Alak (-10)
Cabaguil (14/14)
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Devils (Red boar)(Green spider)
------------------------------------
Dori (23/23)
Raspar (17/17)
Cuthberwyn (15/18)
Kelvin (20/20)
Ðakaþos (17/17)
With long legs and elven alacrity, Ðakaþos moves boldly into the room, "Let us send these fiends home." He slides past the creature to pin the foe between him and the beleaguered Hellknight.
He settles into a stance with a snap of his hips and a swing of his bastard sword. for
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Ðakaþos' bastard sword cleaves right into the devil as Alak dips left to help the elf. "That's it, send the monkey back!" He makes a powerful attack.
Missing his strike Alak twists back around, catching the devil off guard. The devil's drop their beastial forms. The wounded devil begins to diabolically heal, before leaping at Alak and Ðakaþos.
+ Venom
+ Venom
+ Venom
+ Venom
Both Alak and Ðakaþos take a few strikes as the devil's barbed tails stab into their arms and shoulders.
Alak (-20)
Cabaguil (14/14)
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Devils (Red -11)
------------------------------------
Dori (23/23)
Raspar (17/17)
Cuthberwyn (15/18)
Kelvin (20/20)
Ðakaþos (11/17)
With gritted teeth, the elf focuses on his swinging.
, but is wildly off. He tries to twist and get back to the line:
for he stays on target.
MISS
Round: 3
Weapon Equipped: Lesser Tanglefoot Bag, Lesser flask of bottled lightning
Conditions: None
Spooky: 5/5hp, Fast Movement, Life Link
Spells Spell attack +7 (T), Spell DC’s 17 (T)
Bloodline Focus: Diabolic Edict* (Focus Points: 1/1)
Cantrips: Detect Magic, Light, Prestidigitation, Produce Flame*, Read Aura
First Level: (2/3) Charm*, Heal, Purify Food and Drink
Sure they’re immune to fire, Cabaguil tries anyway to see if his power will have any effect on these devils. He steps (•>) to the side to get a clear shot, and produces a ball of fire in his hands which he throws at the red beast! (•>>)
Confident that he's done what he can, he watches and waits to see if they are immune to his most powerful attack as the other creatures were.