Making very sure no one else hears Stanislav responds quietly. Taking Cori's hand he explains.
Temporary, yes, as in life is temporary. he pulls his shirt aside to fully expose his neck and a deep set of puncture wounds. Got this a while back; before we met. Thought I'd get over it but it seems to be getting worse. I think I can hold out for the duration of this mission but then I'll need a break for, well, lets call it a transition. I already hunger and can only imagine what the full thirst will be like. He hesitates for a moment then continues From what I have read at first I will be weak of will and unable to resist my thirst. You might need to bring people to me, or even, dare I ask, offer yourself. I think I can be gentle and do minimal damage to those I mean no harm and I can confirm that is can be very pleasurable... He looks at Cori with a hunger. There is no risk of passing along what I have become unless I take too much and I will not do that.
Cori looks Stan in the eye, and gives a crooked smile. She whispers softly "We must still fulfill our Master's most recent command. It seems we can accomplish a lot with one simple plan, then. I think next evening, I will be dancing for the crew, a dance raise their spirits and their trousers. I will then make myself available to our captain, or if I'm not his type, one of the other officers. When we go to his bunk, I will subdue him in a way he will not object. You then enter, finish him off, and take what you need. I will mask the sounds of his screams with some of my own. How does that sound?"
A heartbeat later, Cori looks around her, then blushes in foolish embarrassment. There is no Captain's cabin, or any other cabin. They are on an open-air longship.
"I just realized that plan isn't going to work," she says, clearly mortified by her own stupidity. "I'll keep an eye out for you. If you feel yourself losing control, come see me, and we'll figure out what needs to be done in that moment."
[ooc]Also, since we cannot really sail or navigate this ship we need to let the captain take us as far as he can. I expect him to make a move on us when the time is right. Thinking just be ready.[/o-c]
Stanislav smiles at Cori. We bide our time and stay ready. I am better not in the direct sun but I can still fight. he says quietly.
@Vinnick
@Sid
On the third day of your voyage, the ship comes to a stop at a small wooden pier in what appears to be a deserted area. A small cabin that looks long abandoned is nearby but there are no signs of life.
"These be the place. I was told to drop you off here and no further. My orc contacts will be here to gather their cargo in the morn so unless you have business with them I sugest you be gone." Says the Captain.
Cori gathers her gear and gets herself ready to leave. She brushes past one of the largest, fiercest-looking crew members and whispers in his ear, "kill your Captain."
She continues moving, as if nothing happened.
Once the ship drops anchor at the pier, she and Ajikisshochraos glide down from the crows nest onto the nearby land, happy to be on firm ground once more. She waits for the others to disembark.
STanislav, still looking ill, takes some time to gather his belongings. Boats and water do not agree with old soldier. he complains.
Vinnick remains near his pets, keeping eyes out for trouble.
The man's eyes go blank and he marches right to his captain and takes a swing at him with his ax.
He catches him unaware and lands a hit but it's not enough to bring down the burly captain.
The spell wears off and the man regains his senses.
What do you do now?
Roll 20 map updated
Cori acts surprised at the sudden attack on the captain by his crewman. She waits to see if the Captain retaliates.
She looks in the direction of the commotion of the captain and a sailor, softly speaking to Vinnick and Slid nearby as she moves behind the tiger, An argument regarding wages I guess.
The Captain is surprised and about to retaliate but the crewmen quickly drops his weapon. "It wasn't me captain, twas the witch there! She did something to funny my head! Made me do it I swear" he says pointing to Cori.
Cori draws her bow and looses an arrow at the Captain.
Stanislav will 5' step to be within 10' of an enemy sailor, trying to make sure no others are within 10' and attack, power attacking. His face is pale and he seems to have somewhat of a canine smile.
Seeing Coriandrinne and Stanislav attacking the sailors, she speaks in draconic, Attack those in front. She begin casting a spell weaving her hands as she enchants.
Gleefully Ajikisshochraos walks pass Vinnick and spits a blob of acid at the group of sailors.
You managed to surprise the crewmen who were still looking at the conversation between the captain and the man who suddenly attacked him.
The undead tiger and Reginald move in to attack as well at vinnick's command.
Lightning bolts fall from the sky in succession while Cori and Stan get to work.
The crewmen start to fall one by one.
The Enemy Captain is a strong fighter but once his crew is dealt with you surround him and bring him down as well.
You've just finished that a massive form clad in armor and wielding an enormous sword arrives on the scene.
However, you recognize that this is Grumblejack the Ogre.
He nods to you "Came to help but looks like I wasn't needed."
She jumps up excitedly when she sees Grumblejack, Great to see you again. What you doing here? Wait... How did you get here?
When Ajikisshochraos joins, she points to her drake, Look how big she has grown since we left the manor.
Oh, by the way these sailors mentioned they meeting up with orcs tomorrow at this location.
The fighter goes to each man making sure each is dead. If anyone were to be watching closely they might catch Stanislav put a wounded and unconscious man down with a bite to the neck. Wehn he gets to the captain he pays special attention to his gear. Can someone detect magic here? he asks.
Stanislav looks up from the task of looting the bodies and making sure all are dead and waves at his friend. You missed the action Grumble. Want to help scuttle the boat?
As she nears Stanislav, she whispers to him, You feeling alright. Saw you drinking blood from a neck or two?
Sure I can see what is magical, as she moves toward the captain and Grumblejack and cast detect magic.
I am feeling better now. Stanislav notes. Shame to let resources go to waste. His color is better than it has been in days but he squints in the sun and seeks shade when he can. Very soon I will have to completely avoid the sun...
Vinnick grins wickedly as he performs a small ritual spell, raising the now dead captain to serve them once more.
Vinnick regards Stanislav.
And if my understanding is correct, you'll not be able to enter most "homes" without permission? I do hope we don't need to infiltrate a dragon's lair.
She chuckles at Vinnick's comment of entering homes, while placing her hand on the neck of Ajikisshochraos, Think we have less issues with dragons, than the filth of the urban settlement to contend with.
Grumbles nods and scratches his chin "I walked here...The bosses's Boss told me to come here and become the boss of my tribe so I did. The orcs will be here later tonight we just got here first to make sure there was no problems."
You notice a few more ogres hanging back behind grumble.
Come now Rizzy, while I can certainly make use of the corpses of humanoids, It requires more effort and energy than simply raising the corpse of a mighty dragon... or similar, would. After all, they are much more powerful by nature.
He looks to Grumble Then I suppose that means we wait. My... servants, will unload for us.
She chuckles some more as Vinnick's comment, Well behaps it is best not to have a zombie dragon after all.
Seeing other ogres, she says to Grumblejack, Seems you were successful in your mission. Good on you.
Looking around, So we take our stuff off the ship, plus the gold we paid the captain, sink the ship before nightfall.
Oh, what was it that we were supposed to do with the orcs?
"Adrastus wants the orcs as part of our cause. My guess is our pal Grumblejack here will be adding them to his ranks. We can stick around for introductions, I suppose, or move on and maintain a lower profile. As much as I relish the idea of scaring the piss out of some greenskins, I'm partial to the latter option. The less we're recognized, the better; at least until it's time to drop the hammer on Lastwall."
You unload all the weapons and you dispose of the bodies and take some rest. Inside the ship, you find the captain's stash of gold a chest containing 6000 Gold pieces. You also retrieve his pair of +1 returning throwing axes, his amulet of natural +1, his ring of protection +1, and his belt of giant strength +4.
Grumble advises against leaving, you need to meet with the orc chieftain to from the alliance.
Later on that night, a large group of orcs arrives at the docks.
Their leader steps up. "You have the steel?" he asks. Upon your confirmation, he opens one of the boxes revealing finely made axes and shields.
"These ones are our allies! Behold they bring us fine steel!" he says.
This earns a roar of cheers from the surrounding orcs.
The chief motions for you to follow him to a nearby cabin while his men distribute the weapons and shields among themselves.
Once you are alone he says in a surprisingly well-spoken manner "I am Sakkarot Fire-axe and I know who you serve but those under me do not. They see this as just another raid on the foolish denizens of Last Wall but if they knew Tar-Baphon was involved they would likely not be so eager to follow us. So we must keep his involvement a secret for now and move to recruit other tribes to our cause. Between the alliance with the ogres and these new weapons, we are currently the most powerful tribe in the area apart from the empty hand tribe led by Urgir."
"So how do you want to play this?" Cori asks. "A simple business transaction, or do you require a show of strength for your men, some bluster and intimidation, or perhaps a threat of violence?"
A quick dot of deniable plausibility.
@you don't sense any lies in his words. He seems to be stating the truth rather matter of factly.
Sakkarot sees a half-orc man entering the cabin. "This is Alexandr, he was sent to me by our mutual friend to help me gather the tribes under a single banner. He has proven useful as an adviser I now command a horde of a thousand orcs."
Before you stands a fairly attractive if perpetually smug looking powerful mal. The incisors, and a subtle greenish tint clearly mark him as a half orc.
He is dressed in what looks like mercenary clothing if somewhat on the Flamboyant side, wielding a breastplate and an assortment of weapons. Before your arrival, he was certainly the best dressed individual in a radius of 10 miles.
The overall appearance is quite refined, with a serious effort in terms of personal grooming having been put in, but his nails are rather long.
You notive that his armored gloves have actually been altered to allow the nails to get through.
You perceive scratch marks inside the gloves, he can probably grow claws and fight with them.
Greetings fellow adventurers, Alexandr, traveling mercenary, occassional diplomat, raider, perhaps I will pick of Lawyering as well given the provenance on such contracts, which I understand you have signed as well? I am to assist you in your further endeavors, presumably with violence, diplomatic subterfuge and infiltration.
He casts an interested glance at Gori.
Bleh, typical male, he is ogling you, although not that obviously.
Probably ogling you and also checking out your gear, as if to make assumptions on your capabilities.
He seems to assess you in terms of danger and attractiveness, and you get the feeling that he considers these 2 to be mutually reinforcing, and strongly approves of you being quite dangerous.
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"Coriandrinne Vespida, Champion of Calistria and current thrall of our mutual Master. Cori is fine, especially in dangerous situations. It's just easier to say," Cori replies. "Normally, I'd flirt, and tell you a tangle of lies and half-truths about me to keep you curious and confused, but it just doesn't seem practical to our current circumstances. If we are going to be working together, we need all need to be fully aware of each others' capabilities, especially where it pertains to dangerous situations. We've already lost a few members of our original team, no doubt why you were sent to rendezvous with us here. Anyway, as you have no doubt already guessed, I do a lot of the front-line fighting for the team, as does Stanislav, the pale fellow over there. R'yzzntyg and Vinnick are our casters. Not a lot of flash and bang magic, but no less deadly, make no mistake. Anyway, yes, I do look quite lovely out of this armor, and the clothes beneath it, if I do say so myself."
Enchantee madmoiselle, my full name is Alexandr Sergjevich Kerensky.
In terms of violence well...
He instantly grows in size, to Grumblejacks proportions and sprouts claws.
I have this trick and a couple of others. I do prefer to attack from a degree or reach however, my size makes it quite easy to hit me in this state. My physical endurance should exceed yours, but not by a particularly large margin. You have likely operated alongside Barbarians or Bloodragers before? Or at least know the rough capabilities by reputation? The main difference, other then my clearly superior looks and my unmatched ability to put two sentences next to one another, between them and me is that I am very difficult to afflict with mind affecting magics.
As he beguns cutting off the still extended nails with a cold Iron Falchion Cori hears him murmer.
Однако, если для стрижки ногтей нужно холодное железное боевое оружие, это довольно неприятно.
before continuing in normal speech.
A devotee of the formidable savored sting? If some things in my biography were different, we could well be co-religionists.
If you are one of her avengers, would you specifically register on a Paladins perception? This would be somewhat of an operational concern.
She remains with Grumblejack, as he goes about organising his orges, taking the opportunity to catch up on events since she mansion. All the while Ajikisshochraos can be seen sitting on the chest guarding it, after they have retrieved, and insulting in draconic any moving close to the chest.
When the orcs arrive, she is seen sitting on Grumblejack's shoulder, relaxed, chatting softly.
When the half orc arrives she scans him, What have we here, another one here who likes to waste time grooming.
Too focussed on the half-orc's appearance, his words fall upon deaf ears.
Suddenly seeing the half-orc grow in size and bearing a decent set of claws, My, my, my! The beauty becomes the beast.
After the half-orc finish speaking, So do you have a name beauty-beast?. Clearly she missed hearing his name being said by the orc and himself.
Stanislav strides over to greet the newcomer. Captain Stanislav Greymist. he introduces as he extends a pale hand. He is handsome muscular and walks with a cat's grace. Despite his pale complexion he seems to be the picture of health . His clothing is well made and with a knowledge local roll of about 15 you would recognize it as the uniform of a captain of the city watch, over which is a fine chain shirt. I too prefer to fight from reach. He note and twirls his glaive. I am am perfecting my skills at tripping, disarming, and taking foes down as they approach so that cannot attack. But I can sword and board when the situation calls for that, and have only recently learned a new close fighting technique that, well, is quite satisfying. With your skill set I can think of some synergies that we should discuss and perhaps work on together.
Noting Alex's obvious interest in Cori, Stanislav adds with a toothy smile She is a beauty, isn't she. Deadly too. We have learned to work well together. And with vith Vinnick and R'yzzntyg as well. It might seem strange to an outsider but we have built trust and depend on each other. I look forward to seeing how well you will fit into our team. I know we can trust you as the contract you signed assures that. You do not want to go against that contract. Stanislav pales a shade further at the thought.
Lady Thiadora is not one on whose bad side I would want to be. He remarks.
Oh, in case s%@* goes horribly pear shapedHe points to the spring loaded wrist sheath on his right, currenlty holding a wand.
Infernal healing He says.
Shield He says pointing at the other.
Lead blades at belt attached wand on his right.
Long arm at a belt attached wand on his left.
Infernal healing being the important one, as it doubles as a bluff He pauses, blinks, adjustst his posture and somehow makes his eyes look stupid. "No Paladin-Sir Cori-Lady not evil being is, hurt was by evil being! Rorek maeked smesh of evil being, then used wand of feel good but also bad to make her not bleed!" his entire personality changes to a picture of a completely stupid stronk half orc.
"If I weren't wearing the gift from our employer, any paladin worth the gold in his gilded armor would know me for what I am. Thankfully, that little trinket ensures I register as neutral as a seamstress or tavern wench."
Ah you got the same ones I got, good.Alexandr shows his own.
In terms of imaginativ fighting strategies, I once worked with a hilariously murderous halfling, our special tactic consisted of me throwing him at enemy mages or archers, while he shouted "Noooo, good Sirs, help me I am an Orphan!" before perforating them in a couple of dozen knife cuts. But I dont think Lady R'yzzntig would benefit much from that. Alexandrs eyes light up at the memory, shining with what seems genuine warmth as he speaks to Stanislav.
As the conversation happens the door swings open to a neatly organized man in somewhat dirty clothes. Looking ordinary for the most part he has with dark hair, a lithe build, and human characteristics only 3 things of note stand out. His eyes, violet and piercing he immediately starts to look about the cabin at the people within. The slight alchemical burns on his face and hands are disconcerting to say the least, and finally tucked up and under his small travel cloak is a dagger in an inverse sheath it looks ornate and jarring compared to the rest of him which is all practicality.
He looks about the room with the look of a predator amidst prey before it quickly shifts in a moment to one of boredom.
“Ah, it seems the others have finally arrived. I have accomplished the task Sakkorat. Balentyne is quite fortified but is not impregnable, The fort only has around 150 soldiers guarding it in addition to a handfull of paladins and priests. They do however have a defensible position and artillery positions watching the only path to the fortress. The castle regularly sends out patrols of six men to check the areas around the castle for danger. I have a personal matter that must be attended to within it. But that is another conversation. Who are our new compatriots and what do they offer? I expect Thorn offers only wheat, I would loathe to find uselessness amidst our ranks. He then looks at the others and just stares.
Hmm, send a small group around, semi bluff its way in, disable the artillery? Ambushing and impersonating a scouting group could work, but if they arent completely stupid they will have code words, including codewords to speak if captured and tortured. Seduction may work better, but because they know they are going to die it is unlikely to work, even with a true specialist present. He gives a polite nod to Cori.
Other options hmm, create a refugee crisis and slip in alongside them? Not a whole lot of possible refugees this side of Balentyne though.
Looking at Rhyzzn, We have some air mobility, but not enough to get the majority of the group very far I believe.
Oh, Casta, have you given operation Nailbomb some thought? While I dont think a Nailbomb using my nails will be that much more efficient then a normal nail bomb, a post battle obduction may have our foes assume we have a lot more demonic support then we actually do, on account of all of Abyssal claws.
Vinnick approaches the newcomer(s), mainly glancing Alexandr up and down. On his right side, an undead tiger stands almost at rest, staring through Alexandr with its yellow eyes, and to his left stood a hooded and cloaked figure in heavy armor and shield, and behind him the late crew of the ship they arrived in. Though minus most of their flesh. He gives a small bow.
Vinnick Varzel, I do hope you are as apt as you are acclaimed.
He then turns to Sakkarot.
Would it be possible to join this empty hand to us? If so, what would it require?
Without taking his stare off the new compatriots he responds, All excellent ideas. I was unable to circumvent and sneak close enough to test out any sample plans to sneak in. However accounting for all 150 persons makes infiltration difficult. If we go in and begin to cause a mayhem we must be ready for variables to change. I suspect continues subterfuge and sabotage to be the best course of action. Immediate and violent actions will likely result in the same to us. I would prefer to not face 100 plus soldiers. he stops and thinks for a moment on Alex’s comment.
“Nailbombs infused to look like tools from the Abyss. Interesting possibility considering the implications. Worldwound is close enough to induce fear, but far enough to reduce knowledge. Possibility exists that we could use these in tandem with ambushes and disguises. Could draw out patrols or raise alert status to uncomfortable levels. We will need more information of the area and fort to decide. I will however consider the idea later on.”
I intend to use my Abyssal descent to my full advantadge.
Hmm, do we know what their procedurs are if one of the scout squad calls for help? Ambushing them, and then hopefully luring a greater number into a kill zone far from the castle walls would be of great use. It would certainly put the garrison on higher alert though.
As far as covers go, I am familar with a group of 6 Pathfinder-adventurers who are currently missing, because I made sure they will be missing forever, assuming their identities, and claiming to be returning, seeking to sell supplies and rest after a harrowing mission, is a plausible enough cover. Even better, we could feed them false yet true sounding information. Spreading the rumor that Sakkarot and Urgir are at odds and war is likely between them? This could serve to masks Sakkarots troop movements, and lessen Lastwalls guard.
To Costa Stanmislav is grim. I do not know you and was not expecting you. Show us that you are indeed from Thorn. Alex, can you vouch for this newcomer? Stanislov holds up his amulet, expecting Costa to do likewise. ooc]Been a while. I have forgotten what our mission was after we finished delivering the weapons. Costa does not seem to carry new orders for us from Thorn, or does he. Also Stanislav needs a few down days to, well die. :)[/ooc]
At some point after introductions Stanislav will offer I believe we have good intel on Castle Balentyne. We should have maps, troops strengths, ect, from a young squire we captured under Thorn's stronghold. At least one possibility is for us to sneak in, capture some of their siege and use it to break the gate to let our ogre and orc friends in. Also, whatever the plan I need to make sure everyone knows that starting very soon I operate only after sundown. This is not negotiable.
Without missing a heartbeat he produces the same necklace tucked under all the layers. “Fair but slow. If I was not then why would myself and Alexander talk with such familiarity. As for ideas, we seem to have plenty working to find the correct one might require some more information or discussion possibly. As for operating at night, I can see at night for a time but not permanently… yet.”