George starts waving his cestus in a circle overhead. He maintains his stance in the middle of the room.
Firas, Coop, and Clancy are stymied by the sudden appearance of the half-orc in the corner and can't seem to land any of their attacks. Coop moves back and draws an AoO
Anevia uses the momentary distraction to move out of the house. Double move into the streets.
The half-orc grunts and shouts as she tries to leave.
He will then move to chase after her and strike.
Round 5
Skald Song
20 Coop 21/30
09 George 23/27
12 Clancy 25/25
08 Firas 31/31
14 Anevia, -9
04 Red
"Take a chance on me"
George takes off after the couple, staying out of reach of the polearm.
Coop rushes after
"Oh no you don't!" he says as he tries to halt his pursuit.
Firas attempts to trip the fleet-footed half-orc, but misses.
George heads out the door, shouting at the man.
Coop moves up next, drawing an AoO.
Coop, Firas, and Clancy all launch their attacks, and miss.
Anevia continues trying to flee down the street, the wicked orc persues doggedly.
Round 7
Skald Song, linger1
Coop 21/30
Clancy 25/25
George 23/27
Firas 31/31
Anevia, -9, Prot Evil, -9pending
Red, shaken 2
______________________________________
"Take a chance on me"
George charges after the half-orc, risking a slash to make a trip attempt on the villain.
Coop charges sixteen-intelligently moves around the orc, into flank with George.
Firas and Coop both land their attacks as the fiend tries to chase after Anevia. He takes a few limping steps, breathing heavily. Coop then moves at blistering speed and with a sickening crunch, the fight has ended.
Anevia turns to see the man fall to the group, motionless, panic still on her face. "Are there more?"
"He made no call to allies. I suspect he was alone, but we should of course be wary. Now that you can get a good look at him, is he familiar to you? He certainly seemed to know you or at least Irabeth. I do not know if you understand the orc tongue, but he boasted of his plot to exact revenge on the two of you. Apparently over a claim of being 'left to rot' by Irabeth...?"
While reassuring Anevia, he kneels down and checks to see if the half-orc can still be saved.
|
Clancy will cast Detect Magic as he surveys the scene.
"I wonder how long this one lay in wait for you Anevia? And if it wasn't long, how did he or his cronies know you had returned? Let us get off the street for now."
Clancy will then stow his bow and grab the remains by the legs to drag it inside. Once inside Clancy would like to inspect the area to see if he can figure how long this guy had been lurking inside and then for recent movements outside the home.
George will pick up the polearm and other items that fall as the the group goes back to the house.
"I have one more healing for the day. With it being as late as it is, Anevia, would we be able to stay here the night?
Shake it off!"
"YEAH, GOOD IDEA." Coop says, scanning the area for onlookers.
Coop helps Clancy drag the remains inside.
With the body dragged limply back to the house, the group is able to inspect and identify items and auras.
Loot!
potions of invisibility (2)
Wand of magic missile (CL3, 11 charges)
Ranseur of the Gargoyle
42gp
Anevia shakes her head at the questions. "I do not know who he is... was... Well, wait. There was this cultist that Irabeth had arrested. Something about him wanting to burn down an entire neighborhood in the River Kingdoms. That one stuck out, because once she captured him, he tried to use his orc heritage as a bargaining tool. Saying that she has that same blood, running through her veins." Anevia blushes slightly, "I don't think I mentioned it, but Irabeth is a half-orc too." She glances at Firas and George sheepishly. "Maybe being around her is why I was able to trust you guys so quickly." She shrugs and hobbles off into the bedroom. There is a clattering sound, and she returns holding a small piece of parchment and some bottles, that she then tucks into her pack. "She left me a note in our hidey hole. So, I know where we can find her. It's a bit of a walk, and yeah, I could use some rest after all that's happened. But... does he have to stay in here too?" She points awkwardly at the corpse.
Once the villain has been stripped of gear, George will help drag the body to another location. He then spends some time using prestidigitation to clean up the area and the party's equipment. Later that evening, George has slipped on his new red leather jacket and is seen trying out the polearm. Momentarily, he skin turns slate gray before he continues to practice.
"If nothing else, the guy had a sense of style."
Firas chuckles at Anevia's comment, "He certainly doesn't. No sense in ruining your lovely home with further blood. I do apologize for the harm we've already done. I would be happy to help tidy up. You are afterall opening your home to us for the night, so it is the least I can do. But first, allow the healing light of the Dawnflower relieve everyone's injuries." he says as he lays his hands on the wounded.
Anevia accepts the healing gratefully and goes to the pantry to retrieve some items. She then sets about making a big meal. "I for one am looking forward to a home cooked meal. It feels like it's been ages. Feel free to check the stores and see if anything sparks your fancy, pans and whatever else you need are over here." She points to a few pans and the stove.
Coop assists with enthusiasm, although he insists on using his own equipment—a battered but clean iron pot and a well-worn mess kit, wrapped in cloth which he unfolds with a murmured prayer.
Firas clumsily helps in the kitchen, his large frame frequently getting in the way and knocking over items. He apologizes frequently and does his best to help more than hinder the process. Mostly, he keeps insisting that the dish needs more spice, despite any insistence that it is not intended to be a spicy dish.
George asks to say a blessing over the meal before it is prepared. If allowed he would cast purify food and water. But he would then retreat from the crowded area to continue going over people's gear.
The meal is prepared and everyone is able to eat to their hearts content, with George offering a bit of comfort in "blessing" the food.
Night has fully descended on Kenabres and explosions are heard through the night. Occasionally the ground shudders, either more quakes, or something very, very large stomping it's feet. Random screams are also heard, and it seems like it might be prudent to keep any lights very low or out completely during the night.
Coop suggests setting watch, and offers to take the first one.
"Hmm, that seems wise. I will take the following watch."
After the series of very large footsteps, Firas quietly extinguishes the light radiating from his sword. He looks extremely unsettled as he hears the screams of those he is unable to help.
George thinks watches are a great idea, and one of the middle ones is fine with him.
The night passes without the group facing any direct incidents.
The next morning arrives, with the air still carrying the stink of burnt wood and death.
"According to her note, she said she'd be at Defender's Heart. As long as nothing is in the way, that's not too far from here."
"WELL, LET'S GET ON OUR WAY THEN." Coop says cheerfully, securing his gear and shouldering the bags of loot.
George nods in agreement as he settles into his equipment and picks up a sack of loot.
"You would know better than me. But is Defender's Heart a stronghold, or a religious institution?"
"It's a really big inn. One of the older buildings in the city, if she went there, that's a great sign."
Moving north through the city, it doesn't take long before the large structure comes into view. As the group approaches, without warning, an arrow flies just over everyone's head, the archers above, looking ready to launch more. Anevia hobbles up ahead of the group and holds up her hands. "Silverstrong!"
The archers relax their postures and the door on the ground floor opens. An older gentleman bustling out towards the team.
"Good morning. Sorry about that, but plenty of folks lately are trying to pick up anything not nailed down." He smiles towards Anevia, "You I recognize, but who are your friends?"
"CUPRADAHL, BUT JUST ABOUT EVERYBODY CALLS ME COOP! WE'RE LOOKING FOR IRABETH, BUT WE'D ALSO LIKE TO SPEAK TO WHATEVER IS LEFT OF THE CITIES GOVERNMENT, IF YOU CAN DIRECT US THAT WAY."
The man nods at Coop and waves for everyone to come on inside. As the group starts forward, he notices Anevia and her limp. "Oh dear, we'll have one of the priests take a look at you." He then aids her as they head towards the inn.
Once inside, there is quite the bustling atmosphere indoors. Almost everywhere you look there are people. Everything from knights to merchants and everyday citizens of the fair Kenabres are scattered throughout the main floor of Defender's Heart. Anevia and the man head off down a hallway nearby, while another man, with only one arm approaches. "Well met travelers. I see you came in with Anevia, Irabeth will be pleased to hear she has survived. My name is Kimroth Otai, and this my inn. As long as you are willing to keep the peace here, all are welcome to stay." He spots the pile of goods Coop is carrying, "Spoils of war, eh? If you're looking to sell, we have some merchants that may be able to get you all squared away. Otherwise, make yourselves comfortable for the time being if you don't mind."
"PLEASE TO MET YOU, KIMROTH. WE HAVEN'T SEEN TO MANY FRIENDLY FOLK SINCE THE MONGRELMEN IN NEATHOLM."
While the others are working on selling the gear, Coop wanders around Defender's Heart, getting to know people and helping them out however he can—advice, performing religious rituals, lifting heavy items, performing simple repairs, and getting things off of high shelves.
Later, he'll hit up the merchants, looking for a few small odds and ends.
|
|
After making his purchases Clancy will take his few remaining coins to the inn looking for a whisky and Kimroth.
Assuming Kimroth is there Clancy will walk in, throw his meager few silvers and coppers on the bar and say:
"Would you kindly serve a thirsy man something strong and cheap? The things I seen could use a little forgetting." He will mutter a quick prayer to Erastil over the drink before slamming it back. "Some say that ain't holy water, but in moderation it can sure make a fella feel divine. I thank ye, Kimroth, both for the drink and the welcome. It's good to see a community come together, and Ol' Deadeye's blessing upon ye for having yer inn as a refuge. My new companions and I only saw a wee bit of Kenabres as we emerged from the the dank holes beneath after the catastrophe. Seems to me you are in a right fine position to know what's happened. Can ye tell a fella what you know about it?"
The innkeep slides the coins off the counter, with his one arm, skillfully dropping them into a pouch at his hip, then turning to the glasses and filling one for Clancy.
"Wasn't so much my choice to hand over control here, but, that lass is about as solid as we can ask for in these times. The Heart was built to last, and last it has, so it made sense to try and bring survivors together here. A lot has been going on, what with the full out assault a few days ago. Them bastards hit us harder than we had anticipated, and wiped out more than a few of our best, for now, we just gotta hold tight til the Mendevian army arrives. What about you and yours?"
Coop will offer what religious services he can, to any who might want to speak to a priest, before settling down at the bar and eating a hearty meal of whatever is available. While doing so, he'll keep an eye out for anyone who looks like an important official, as well as any knights or refugees that might be secret Baphomet worshippers.
|
|
"Wish I had more to tell. Woke up in a hole, met a fella named Horgus, then the lads I'm with today. The lads had two folk with them, Anevia and Avanash or some such. Took them to their homes, brought Anevia here looking for her Irabeth. Did find this little beauty." Clancy will pull out the silver scale. "Can't say I've seen it's like before, but it's enchanted."
George would have spent the day listening to rumors of what has happened since the failure of the barrier. How much territory has fallen, is there any organized resistance still active, how the neighbors are mobilizing?
A few of the city survivors will come and talk with Coop to vent some of their frustrations and heartaches. Looking at those assembled, it seems as if many of the previous factions have been rolled up into one unit here, and at the head of it all, is Irabeth.
Kimroth will motion to Clancy to allow him to inspect the scale. "Can't say I've seen anything like it before. Looks a bit like a dragon scale, but you say it's enchanted?"
As George is taking everything in, picking up on rumors that the demons have engaged in battles all along the border. He does also spot a cousin of his off to one side working with one of the merchants. When he spots you, he smiles and waves, then gives a hearty handshake once close enough. "Hey there George. Glad you made it. Lots to do here, gotta get this old armor back into fighting shape so we can get everyone geared up. Whatcha been up to?"
At some point later, you all spot Anevia, moving around quite easily, and without the pained expression you had grown too accustomed to. She is walking side by side with a talk half-orc woman.
"My dear heart here tells me that she is alive today thanks to you, and a few others. You have my deepest gratitude for this. We could use more like you out there. Those demons hit us hard, but we plan to hit back harder. With the initial blows dealt here, much of the leadership was killed or scattered, I've been able to bring some of them together here, and have taken command of the Eagle's Watch in Kenabres." She blushes slightly as she speaks. "Would that things were different, but someone needed to get things back in line."
"AH, A PLEASURE. I CAN'T SPEAK FOR THE OTHERS, BUT I'D BE HAPPY TO HELP OUT HOWEVER I CAN."
Grimacing with an effort that looks painful, Coop lowers his voice to a murmer.
"Then I guess we need to have a private conversation. Anevia may have told you some of this already, but we've got some unsettling news from our time in the dark, as well as some potential allies."
Smiling, again, he continues in his normal register.
"LOVELY PLACE FOR A HOLDFAST."
George breaks into a large grin as he greets his cousin. "Glad you made it! Yours are the first eyes of the tribe I have seen. We may not be high and mighty, but we breed everywhere. I expect lots of people are bringing things down from attics, and trying to remember old training.
I would not be surprised if Dad closed down the inn. The rest of the brood would not want to be left behind. Bet his plate functions more like a corset after all these years." Another grin breaks out.
"But seriously, this looks bad. I guess the stories of the cultist had the ring of truth. We, my new acquaintances and me, ran into a bunch under the city. Looks like this was not a spur of the moment thing. It has been worked toward for awhile now. But mostly we have be trying to get back from the fissures.
If you don't have a proper billet or order, you might want to head down to the estate of Horgus Gwern. He needs a few people. Might be good to get some of the caregivers and children in more than one place. Even a few older warriors that need a place of purpose, that may be a little past fighting demons."