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Oi! Looking for Aries!, Hallvardr said a few minutes later striding into a mass of muttering troops.
One among the many snapped his head around at the mention of his name.
You're him?, said Hallvardr, striding almost larger than life among the paladins. Good! I need you to help me with some of the names of your fallen friends. We need to honour them eh?
What are you babbling about you sava...? I mean sir. What do you mean?, Aries shot back before catching himself on a more respectful note.
Your Lady of Valor is in many ways, not so different from The Lord in Iron. Both value a stout heart and a good fight. Those men, and those few women didn't tarnish their honour by all accounts. They knew the odds and went in to save their friends and send demons to hell. for one want them remembered! I won't have anyone say they were 'shirkers' or 'cowards' or 'piss weak', he said choosing his words with care and using them as subtle barbs, each one a lash designed to stir the listeners to outrage or wound pride. NAY! I want their names and deeds to SHINE... their families demand it, their honour demands it and The Gods themselves demand it. A warrior is not truly dead while their name is still spoken... and sure as I'm standing here we will be speaking their names. He paused and continued.
I'm pretty dammed sure The Inheritor is embracing them now. Death is nothing... s@$#! We're ALL gonna die - We're born to it... but what's not in the weft and weave of fate is your acceptance into Iomedae's presence. You earn that! And those warriors definitely earned that. They showed their devotion and are being rewarded for it in the afterlife! And they'll be rewarded for it now! For we shall sing of their deeds and laugh over their stories, and live now for those who have passed!
using inspiration,
So you, Aries, are gonna sit down and share tales of how great your friends are and focus on being the man who will tell your children of their lives and how you KNOW you faced hell and didn't flinch, and how you KNOW your place in heaven is sure! And I?, he said laying a heavy hand on his shoulder, I'm gonna make sure that the songs are worthy ones...
Oi! Looking for Aries!, Hallvardr said a few minutes later striding into a mass of muttering troops...
OOC: Very nicely done!
Keep your inspiration!
Game on!
Hallvardr put real time and thought into the song... this unit needed an anthem, something to sing even while they bled out or marched without food and water. Something that gave them heart and put iron in their backs. He decided on the following format.
A verse featuring 4 to 8 lines, every couplet within each verse covering the name of a fallen warrior and something amusing or personable about them before a chorus... something stirring... before moving to the next verse.
Sadly there was plenty of room for new verses... he started to pull it together. He decided this needed to be a group effort, something the unit as a whole OWNED.
Here's the go warriors, no man writes his own epitaph... so it's for the living to sing for the dead. Help me put this together... get in groups while you rest and eat and help me by telling me what each of our hero's should have as their lines... and remember, he said with a laugh best to not piss off your mates lest you be Nory the Nosepicker or such immortalised in song.
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He cobbled this together with the help of the friends of the slain...
"The hundred and more hero's March"
He locked this in as the songs Start, chorus and end-
From Terendelev's fall to Drezens hold
Rode the hundred and more of hero's bold
Blessed by Queen and gods
Against the odds
They rode through demon foes in glory!
He then decided each segment would then outlay a battle and the fallen from that battle, breaking up batches of casualties with the chorus-
Again, with help, the armies first battle was also locked in song...
Oh at Vilareth Ford
Our tale was told
By the slain and vanquished dem'ns
And while we mourned the newly mown
The hundred grew by more than just renown
Freed warriors swords now a-gleamin
Time to move to the memorial...
And now we sing to-oooo-ooo:
Old Johann Sole, was first to fall
Unbowed by years and troubles
Valetius the brave died unafraid
As he charged against the demon
And George of Trann, though Inheritor bound
Was a lover of Caydens libration
He'll be joined by Samantha Yourne
Who will sing no more of maidens...
From Terendelev's fall to Drezens hold
Rode the hundred and more of hero's bold
Blessed by Queen and gods
Against the odds
They rode through demon foes in glory!
And now we sing to-oooo-ooo...
Then they added the next of the dead to the song...
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He then was inspired to compose something a bit easier for battle... the song of remembrance would be the units anthem and legacy, it would tie them together but THIS song? This would be their battle chant and war song... perfect for charging, marching and sieges all. A real morale booster...
Iomedae's Chosen cease your dreaming
Can't you see their claws a-gleaming
And their spear top pennants streaming
To this battlefield
Iomedae's Chosen stand ye steady,
Then it can not be said of ye,
That for the battle ye weren't ready,
Crusaders never yield!
From the hills rebounding,
Let this war cry sounding,
Summon all at Mendev's call,
The mighty force surrounding!
Crusaders all, march on to glory,
This will ev-er be your story,
Keep these burning words before ye,
Mendev will not yield!
Hallvardr reflected that he'd probably heard the tune and possibly similar lyrics elsewhere but gave a happy shrug. Skalds had been appropriating and repurposing songs since time immemorial... why break a hallowed tradition now?
Besides, this stirred the blood admirably.
Stella was relived when she heard that the army was not going to continue on until the following morning. Though she knew there was a race against the clock to reach Drezen, she also suspected she was likely to fall off her horse from exhaustion if she had tried to ride today!
Once it seemed that paladins manning the triage area had it under control, Stella slinked off to a "secluded" spot within the ravine to close her eyes and rest for a few moments. Within seconds, she was out cold and curled up like a cat in dreamless sleep.
Waking up hours later, disoriented by the darkness but feeling better, she rose and found her friends eating dinner by one of the campfires. When Sosiel arrived and shared the news regarding the army's morale, she let the others handle it; partially because she was likely to say the wrong thing and make it worse and partially because she was ravenously hungry and didn't have the energy for the task just yet!
Later in the evening as Hallvarðr began singing his new war song, she tapped finger along to the familiar tune, trying place where she may have heard the melody before.
Can we use recruitment as discussion given that we use discussion for gameplay?
OOC: I rather you didn't and use this board.
If it's something that pertains to both games or 5e in general then you can use the thread that I have linked on the Campaign Info tab (bottom of page).
Recapping now...
Questions?
Game on!
I've a mind to push on. Any victory won in cleansing the place would be purely symbolic. We're running increasingly low on supplies in case we get caught in a siege and times a factor. There's nothing to be won in failing in our goal only to say 'But we saved the remote church'.
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Question: How did Aries respond to Hallvardr's overtures? How is the overall mood/morale of the army after Damon and Roscoe's efforts? Did Nurah help at all given that she is a bard (I think) as well?
Actions 2:
As they rode into the Worldwound proper, Damon felt a chill and an isolation, as if the very land tried to block his connection with the divine. Yet, his faith held strong, and Magnus was a living conduit to Iomedae; he persevered. He saw, however, that Stella was even more discomfited and spoke to her briefly that morning, saying, "Stella, you seem disturbed. Is it the wrongness of this land, or some other ill that burdens you so?"
Actions 3:
Hearing the suggestions of the advisors, Damon was about to speak, but decided to listen to others' counsel first, and he gave full weight to their words before he spoke.
"I propose a compromise," he said thoughtfully, continuing, "Our forces are still tired and injured from the battle yesterday. I suggest the bulk of the army travel slowly this morning, pausing at the base of the chapel when they arrive. A small squad of us--perhaps the Blessed of Terendelev--rides ahead more quickly and investigates the chapel, looking for supplies as you suggest Aron, and paying our respects as you counsel, Sosiel."
Thinking for a minute more, Damon added, "While this may slow us down a few hours, Nurah, we should still make reasonable distance today and hopefully make camp more rested and healed than if we spent the whole day at top speed. We may find more resources in the chapel as well--and if it is unhelpful, hopefully we Blessed can find that out quickly, finishing our business there with minimal delay to the bulk of the army."
OOC: It is evening, at the time where you would normally break for camp. You have ridden a full day in 'hostile' territory'.
Questions?
Game on!
If it doesn't delay the army? Sure... I'm game. Who will be in charge? I mean we just tearing off to possibly bash skulls for fun, someone needs to lead them in the meantime.
Kokam was buoyed by Hallvadr's songs in honor of the fallen, his artistry reminding her of her own meager talent. Soon after camp was set, she could be seen on it's periphery mainly, sketching the unnatural vistas , then in camp offering quick sketches of comrade-in-arms to those who wished it.
When mention of the chapel, she immediately declares, "It is a small thing, but any holy site free from the grasp of the Demon aids our cause!"
"Let's check it out."
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Answering Hallvardr, Damon said, "Well, I certainly want to go as well. I say we ask Aron to stay with the army so he and his scouts can give fair warning if an attack is immanent, and Nurah should stay as well, to blow the signal horn if we are needed to return forthwith."
"Sosiel, I leave it up to you to accompany us--maybe with a few knights carrying cleaning supplies as you indicated--or to stay with the army so they continue to receive the benefit of your wisdom. I think the Chosen of Terendelev should be able to handle most resident monsters," he said confidently, then added in a more confidential tone, "And if not, having another healer along would be good."
Damon led Magnus over to the other horses as they began to set up camp and spoke to him in Celestial, "Guard the horses if you would, as you often do. If I need you, I will call upon you from the chapel, for I would not risk you on such a treacherous staircase."
Tired as she was, Stella did not stay up much longer after Hal's rousing songs. Finding a quiet spot near the periphery of the army, Stella set up her bedroll and stared up at the stars, falling fast asleep a minute or two later...
Stella awoke with a start. Where am I...? she thought to herself as she looked around. Looking down, she realized that her form was spectral and she was hovering slightly off the ground. So I'm dreaming... Though, this one is a bit odd... she thought to herself as something came into view. Up ahead in front of her, she saw a lonely building sitting atop a small cliff. Below it resided some sort of dark valley or gorge; it was difficult to tell for sure what laid below. Perhaps Desna wants to show me something! she thought happily to herself as she floated her way over to the building. It had been too long since she had a vivid dream from her goddess and she was happy for the change.
As she slowly floated towards the the small building though, she quickly realized that something was wrong, terrible wrong. For starters, the sky was off. There wasn't a single star in the sky and the clouds formed strange shapes in the forms of creatures she'd never seen before. The sky was also a shockingly bright red instead of a typical sky blue. And as she approached the building, she got a better glimpse of just what exactly lurked in the gorge below: Demons, or something much worse. Thousands of bright red lights attached to nebulous dark forms shifted about, all of them seemingly looking directly at her. Worst of all though was the building itself. Drawn to it more than moving towards it herself at this point, Stella was at first filled with a sense of dread when she sensed - no saw - a malignant aura surrounding the building. That was quickly transformed into horror when she realized exactly what the building was: a Temple to Desna. Before she could do anything, she was brought past a narrow flight of stairs that wound around the cliff and placed directly in front of the entrance. Suddenly unable to move, Stella was forced to watch as the door slowly opened, allowing a rush of shadowy fog to spill out and reveal...
The following day was not a good one for Stella. Anyone who would've seen her as the army readied themselves to move would've thought she hadn't slept at all - or had run a marathon while everyone else was sleeping. She had a haggard expression and seemed to be lost in thought, muttering to herself.
"Stella, you seem disturbed. Is it the wrongness of this land, or some other ill that burdens you so?"
"It's almost like I saw..." Stella replied distantly after a beat, seemingly on some sort of odd delay. "The sky is off though..." she added to no one in particular before trailing off; lost in her thoughts once again.
Stella wasn't surprised when the report of a chapel up ahead came in. As the leaders decided what to do, Stella finally spoke up and said, "I need to go there. That building belongs to Desna, I've seen it, and there's a presence fouling it at the moment that needs to be cleansed. I cannot continue until that is accomplished." Turning to her friends, she continued almost pleadingly, "I'm sorry for this, but will you help me? I will not leave it in its current state; but I probably cannot do it alone..."
OOC:
Good stuff, Stella!
I intend to move things along this evening/night.
Questions?
Game on!
Kokam nodded at Damon and Stella after hearing her friend's plea, "My desire to see the shrine cleansed is moreso now, Stella! " she says, grasping Stella's hand earnestly.
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Not the most graceful of warriors in his full plate armor, Damon slipped and started to fall halfway up the cliff. The silver scale holy symbol embedded in his chest flared with power and lifted him to the top of the staircase, where he stepped several steps away from the steep edge.
With a heartfelt prayer of thanks to Terendelev's memory, Damon braced himself against the crumbled wall, looping the end of his 50 feet of hempen rope around a big rock and flinging the rope around to land on the steep staircase as much as possible, calling, "I'm dropping a rope to help,"
Actions 2:
Though his attention was initially on the treacherous path below, Damon quickly pivoted to the front, using his Divine Sense to get a read on the influences at play in this chapel area.
Roscoe moved to the climb and made a concerned wince when Damon slipped. Seeing the magic carry him brought a bit of relief. When the rope was dropped. Roscoe began his climb using the rope to make things easier.
Despite the help from the rope for aid Roscoe slips and starts to tumble. "Whoa." As the magic within his tattoo activates he speads his arms out with a grin as he rises as high and fast as he can.
Once at the top Roscoe looked around taking in the ruined chapel.
Kokam easily makes her way up the steep stairs, the sidesteps the small avalanche of rocks caused by Damon and Roscoe's more clumsy attempts.
Still the ascent isn't easy, she stops and assists Stella and Hallvardr over the more tricky sections of broken rock.
Reaching the top, she gives Damon and Roscoe ( and anyone else who were flown up by the power of their dragon scale ) , a smile "I should have
'slipped'...that looked heavenly."
30 ft.
60 ft.
The Viking seems sure footed as a mountain goat navigating the rocky and treacherous stairs with ease, not needing aid.
He stops and frowns as he looks around. He discovers collection of well-gnawed human bones among the debris.
This bodes ill of our chance of finding the place empty. Something is eating men... and chewing all the flesh off.
Stella was distracted as they made her way up the narrow stairway towards the chapel. Barely watching her step - and failing to notice a few of her friends flying towards the summit - she seemed to narrowly avoid any pitfalls in front of her until the very last step. Her luck leaving her suddenly, she began to plummet before Terendelev's magic coursed through her, slowly lifting her back up the few remaining feet to the clifftop. Curiously, she kept moving as she flew as if she were still climbing the steps, oblivious to the magic's effect on her.
This bodes ill of our chance of finding the place empty. Something is eating men... and chewing all the flesh off.
Stella didn't hear the Viking's tidings; she was too focused on the statues on the chapel's roof, clear symbols of Desna. Heedless of anything in front of her, she slowly moved forward towards the chapel's main entrance, dreading what she'd find inside.
Turn 220 - Flying up the Cliff
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
advantage
Roscoe called out. "Those statues their alive!" He rushed ahead of Stella protectively and held aloft his holy symbol. "Bite this Demon."
Moving closer to the chapel, something did not seem right. Though they were winged creatures, upon closer examination as she approached, she realized that they were not any type normally associated to Desna. Before she could do anything else, three of the false statues "awoke" and she saw Roscoe stream ahead in front of her...
-Waiting for initiative
When Stella began to walk into the shrine without due care, Kokam rushed to accompany her, just in time to step in front of her friend when the statues came alive!
Her hand goes to her belt and plucks a dart from there, flinging it at the closest flying statue...
... but the missle bounces off of the statue's hard surface.
She the levelled her spear waiting for the oncoming assault...
OOC: Gargoyles wouldn't trigger 'divine sense'.
Also don't forget that I do not like 'radar' type sensing. In my games, you have to explicitly say what or who you are trying to detect evil (or other detects as well) on.
I have always thought that the 'radar type' of spells spoil adventures and plot lines. I like the fact that it was nerfed in 5e where it only detects fiends, celestials, and undead and not just an 'evil cleric'.
Recapping now...
Questions?
Game on!
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, hit
, hit
, hit
, hit but scale
, hit but scale
OOC: You know what, nevermind, I'll let those spells play out as written.
I think they are easily foiled by 'barriers' if really needed, and it would otherwise curtail one of the paladin's key abilities.
In any case, the rules support the fact that the gargoyles would not have been detected by 'divine sense'.
Questions?
Game on!
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Concentrating on sensing holy or unholy energy, Damon was relieved to detect no evil presence nearby, but distraught that the chapel no longer has a residual hallowed aura. Of course, when Roscoe gave the alarm, he was slow to react, only drawing his blade and starting to move after the gargoyles had sprung their attack.
Moving around the adjacent enemy, Damon flanks it with Hallvardr and swings at it twice with Radiance, hoping the holy weapon can penetrate its rocky hide.
Roscoe began a prayer as he did in the space around him there was angelic figures in a whirlwind dance of revelry.
Hallvardr moves around the gargoyle to set up the flank further, and take the long way round closer to Stella.
for
Or advantage
Taste my vengeance Stone Crows!
Bonus Action: Healing Word Stella
Shocked into focus when one of the false statues viciously attacked her, Stella produced an orb of purplish light that shined down upon the two gargoyles closest to her. Simultaneously, her whole body flared with light as she reactivated her Starry Form; the ghostly shape of a dragon unfurling its wings briefly encompassing her before disappearing. Gone from her eyes was the faraway look she had moments before, instead replaced with a fierce righteous anger!
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, fail
, pass
, pass
, fail
, pass
, hit
, hit
, hit
, hit
, hit