Action 1
Hal was happy to show case the head to his disabled ally, and talk about past legends and victories.
He was also happy enough to sing songs of the small bands effectively ending a number of threats in a single day! It felt good to rest and relax among friends and allies. Ale helped. He wasn't shy in asking for refills.
Action 2
His blood thrilled to the call to a action... but he decided that silence and deference to his friends was the best course of action...
Roscoe shrugs smirking, "A plan a goal and it stated plainly. Not knowing what the Grey Garrison is other than a scary name. I am down for it. Though I might need more to drink. If Cayden can touch the Starstone on a dare. I'd be willing to risk for the lives of these folks here. "
Hallvardr waited as they were briefed before taken each of his friends aside and quietly state Lets also get a second opinion from that sage Aravashnial, that worthy may have something else to add, aye?
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With the explanation by Irabeth and Quednys, Damon took another look at the note from Minagho to Faxon.
"Vorlesh has already left to meet with our Lord's daughter in the Abyss to secure a Nahyndrian crystal of the proper purity, and once she has what she needs, she'll arrive in Kenabres to finish the job and turn the wardstones fully to our use," he read from the note. Looking to the pair, Damon said, "So you are saying that our Kenabres wardstone is so weakened that it is vulnerable to this Vorlesh's crystal magic that could turn the wardstone network against us instead of the demons."
Looking to Irabeth, he asks, "How sure are you that the remaining fragment is worthless? Could it be worth the risk to recover the remaining portion of the wardstone and bring it to our experts instead of destroying it, if there is any chance you and Quednys might be wrong? Destroying it seems so...final."
"Yet if destroying the fragment of the wardstone is the only way, I would be honored to undertake this important mission, though we will have to consider how to infiltrate their stronghold and reach the fragment in time," Damon responded to Irabeth's request.
At first Kokam was a bit embarrassed as they returned to the Inn, but soon warmed to the congratulations and cheers...for the evidence was right there hoisted about Hallvardr's head...a true demon, that they had vanquished!
She laughed and cheers along with the others as the bard recounted their exploits, especially his spot on impression of Roscoe's encounter with the chandelier. Her side hurting from laughing so much, she couldn't help but juxtapose the joy and happiness all around her in this room and the despair and horror out in the city.
These thoughts stayed with her when they talked with Irabeth and she revealed the truth of the lilitu's note. Glad she'd at least paid attention in that history lesson, "The fact that the witch Vorlesh was involved, seals for me that we must act! The wardstone is the key to her plans, a great blow to her efforts it would be if we were to succeed!"
Upon hearing details about the Grey Garrison, Kokam frowns, "A frontal assault sounds unwise....these caretakers of the museum, do we know if any survived the attack? Perhaps they would know of a secret, less obvious entrance..."
Stella, tired as she was, joined in on the revelry for a time before she snuck off to her room to relax and stargaze in peace.
The following morning, Stella listened with the others as they were briefed on their next dangerous task. As Quednys began to speak, her mind drifted wistfully for a few moments. Though she was glad she had been of use to the city and Desna's call so far, she sort of wished that Desna's call for her aid had been of the more "mundane" variety. But as with all matters relating to her Goddess, Stella belief in her will and judgement refocused her and brought her back into the moment; allowing her to only miss the beginning of the man's speech.
"A frontal assault sounds unwise....these caretakers of the museum, do we know if any survived the attack? Perhaps they would know of a secret, less obvious entrance..."
"I agree, unless they're used as a distraction of sorts while another group sneaks in and destroys the crystal; presumably us..." Stella adds with a wink to her comrades. Continuing, "Do we have any reason to suspect that this Vorlesh is already in Kenabres? It would be great if we could scout the place for a day while we finalize a strategy. Figuring out at the very least where exactly the wardstone is located and how many cultists are there would be good to know ahead of time."
"Lets also get a second opinion from that sage Aravashnial, that worthy may have something else to add, aye?"
"Makes sense to me. If there's anyone we know who'd have some extra information or tidbit that could help it'd probably be him. We should probably go check as soon as we're done here.
In the last hours of the day Roscoe took to revelry as any cleric of Caydean would though his jovial nature was cracked here and there with the heaviness of what was coming down the pike.
In the morning he listened to the various strategic ideas. "The tunnels we were in beneath the city. Do they reach toward the Grey Garison?"
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Actions 1:
"Onyx and Lann are men of honor and skilled scouts. Their help would be invaluable," commented Damon. Smiling at Roscoe, he added, "That's a good thought, Master Tosscobble, and Lann has patrolled those tunnels for years--if anyone knows a secret way to the Grey Garrison, he does."
Indicating his sword, Damon said, "Hosilla stole Radiance from that very building, so it stands to reason that the tunnels from her hideout may actually connect near or even to the inside of the Garrison."
Actions 2:
Damon offered to speak with Onyx and Lann, then introduce them to the curator of the Grey Garrison so they could all discuss their approach. "Onyx, Lann, it is wonderful to see you again," he said, looking to the older man with him and continuing, "and this is one of the museum's caretakers who may be able to make us a map."
Now addressing all three, he said, "Roscoe here brought up the idea that the tunnels below may connect to the Grey Garrison, and indeed this blade was stolen from the museum and was in Hosilla's hideout." Showing the curator the recovered blade, Damon encouraged, "Yaniel's holy blade has re-entered the fight on the crusader's side, and last evening it took part in wounding the vulture demon our Ulfen barbarian slew. Take heart, good man, that we will prevail, but we need to work together--citizens of Kenabres above and below the ground--to be successful. Let's get to work."
Good idea on pumping Lamm for more lore... but again I don't think it would hurt to get more from Aravashnial. Do we go ourselves or send a runner?
Good idea on pumping Lamm for more lore... but again I don't think it would hurt to get more from Aravashnial. Do we go ourselves or send a runner?
"Maybe we should split up and cover more ground? A few of us go see Aravashnial while the rest stay here and gather more information? I don't mind going back into the city if we need any volunteers." Stella offered.
Kokam nodded to Quednys, "It's our good fortune that one of the curators survived. Can you take me to him, perhaps I can sketch a layout of the Garrison from his descriptions..."
"Maybe we should split up and cover more ground? A few of us go see Aravashnial while the rest stay here and gather more information? I don't mind going back into the city if we need any volunteers." Stella offered.
Kokam places a hand on Stella's shoulder, "I for one do not doubt your bravery, Stella, my friend. But if we go out into the city, we should go at full strength!"
“I for one do not doubt your bravery, Stella, my friend. But if we go out into the city, we should go at full strength!”
"But if time is of the essence, then we might need to if we want to gather as much information as quickly as possible!" Stella replied back. She then looked to the rest of her comrades for there thoughts.
"Sounds like a solid plan to me!" Stella replied as the group finalized their attack strategy. "It might make sense to send a couple people there ahead of time to keep watch of the place before we actually strike.
Afterwards, beaming at seeing Onyx again, Stella walked over to the tiefling and hugged him warmly before saying, "Glad to see you're doing alright. Hopefully it has not been as crazy below as it has been up here."
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Once Damon greeted Onyx and Lann and they started strategizing with the museum caretaker on tunnels and maps, he said to Stella, "Yes, let's go this morning to Aravashnial and get his counsel. Hopefully we can be back by lunchtime, and we will be armed with the best scouting and maps, as well as the best research for destroying or recovering the wardstone."
To Irabeth, Damon suggested, "Your plan is sound, especially if we can approach undetected through the tunnels. Let us make our preparations this morning, meet for lunch, and strike from below at midday."
"What do we need?" Roscoe looks toward Lann, "What's reasonable timeframe for us to get to where we are going?"
Once Lann answered Roscoe looked back, "Anything that could keep those in the Garrison concerned about something other than us might be helpful. Some sort of distraction."
Well... time being an issue? We can forgo the blind elf I suppose. Me? I'm ready now... as for what we need? I think Roscoe has a point. A distraction would help.
The maps are 1st and 2nd floor, left and right respectively.
No, they are going to provide a distraction and try to make sure that no one enters or leaves the garrison while you're inside.
I intend to recap today.
Questions?
Game on!
OOC: too late. I already worked it in the turn recap. :)
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
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Damon's Level 4:
Pretty simple, choosing between Strength and Charisma for ability bump, decided to go with Charisma (+2), given his need to channel the power of Iomedae.
That gives him improvements in the DC of his abilities and such, and allows him to pick up a few more prepared spells. For now, I am choosing Command and Divine Favor as prepared spells. Hit points go up as normal--looks like 36.
We've come to pick your brains for knowledge of Ward stones, Hallvardr says, clapping his hands together, enthusiastically.
Apparently our Kenabres wardstone is so damaged that it is vulnerable to some sort of magical cursing from a demon crystal... and could be turned against us. What can you tell us about that and the Grey Garrison?
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"And the Defender's Heart is the safest place we know of right now, if you would like to bring your books and librarians to stay with us, Aravashnial. We could escort you back now if you can get packed up quickly, then discuss the wardstones as we walk," suggested Damon, following up on Hallvardr's exuberant response.
The old wizard presented the magical rod to the group, “Who will carry this? It is probably the only way that the wardstone can be truly destroyed. Do you have any questions for me?”
"I can hold on to it if that's alright with everyone?" Stella offered to the group. "I'm not sure how fragile it is so might be best if one of the party who's slightly less likely to be hit by a hammer holds onto it." she added with a laugh before winking to the others. "You'll have to let me know what I need to do when we get to the wardstone. Hopefully it's nothing too complicated..."
“I’m not doing as well as you guys. I heard you slew a vulture demon…”
A sly smile spread across Stella's face as she replied to the tiefling "Well, they don't make demons quite like they used to! Hal did take it's head as a trophy though after finishing the thing. You should have him tell you the whole tale; it's quite good! Especially the part with the 'flying' gnome!" she added before bursting into laughter, looking directly at Roscoe at the last part
OOC: you can change out your cantrips every time you gain a level.
Questions?
Game on!
+2 Wis
1 Additional Spell Slot
+12 pluckiness
Stella checked her satchel to make sure the rod was wrapped and tucked safely at the bottom before she nodded in agreement and followed Damon into the tunnels; a determined look on her face.
I am... pleased, to return to the fray. My heart sings to return to battle, the Skald said waving away the offer of an Iomedaen symbol, instead letting the silver symbol of Gorum, hung by a leather thong, rest openly on his chest.
He donned the chainmail he has purchased earlier from Damon, happy for the extra protection.
Your old armour does not fit so well friend Damon, Hallvardr said with a cheeky grin and evident humour. Too narrow across my shoulders... too tight around my biceps... And too loose around the waist.
Before leaving he grabbed a full set of ten torches and made sure everyone had fresh provisions.
Kokam quietly greets both Lamm and Onyx, listening to their tales, glad that both have found a place in the fight against the Demon.
"Thank you, Aravashnial. While Quednys seemed an honorable man, it is good to hear you vouch for him. It does sound like destroying the wardstone is the correct plan, " Kokam said, helping the blind man stack some books. "Do not tarry here too long..."
Kokam gathered her gear and announced, "I am ready, yes let's 'save the world'..." she said smiling, sharing a look with Damon.
Roscoe points to the fat creatures. "Demon worms. Vermleks they wear corpses like armor."
Kokam nodded at Roscoe's assessment, "horrible creatures, best we use their over confidence to get inside....What is Damon doing?" she hisses, as the holy warrior advances, contrary to the plan.
Looking at Hallvardr for a moment, Damon started to get offended, but noticed the warrior's teasing before he retorted sharply. Instead, venturing a riposte of his own, he said with a sly grin, "Well, it appears the codpiece has plenty of room, at least."
Hallvardr clearly has NO idea what these creatures are... to him? They are merely Draugr, in the Skaldic tongue, undead. He also follows Damon's reckless lead, and charges in.
For Damon, it might be to save a friend... for Hallvardr it was primarily a thirst for battle and the Paladin had slipped the Vikings leash!
Still, even as the Viking closes, he too considers the tiefling Ranger, yelling dreadful cursing directly from the God of War, if for nothing else, an attempt to keep Onyx from the halls of the dead.
Vicious Mockery/Cursing DC13 or take and disadvantage
ooc: How's this?
So... Kokam acts first and is able to grab Damon before he rushes into battle.
Damon has NOT yet thrown his javelin and Hallvardr has NOT followed Damon into battle.
Please RP this scenario.
Questions?
Game on!