Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
Kramac will cast Shield of Faith on Beak, activate Planar Focus: Fire, and then peer out and try to gauge the crowd's reaction to Fendel.
Sense Motive:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34 +2 more if heroism is still active (cast when we entered Maze of Open Road, extended for a 200 minute duration).
I'm going to say that the lie is far-fetched, giving it a -10 penalty. But the Red Raven's outfit also gives Fendel a +10 bonus to Bluff and Disguise checks to act as the Raven, so it evens out.
Mob Perception vs DC 24:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 Mob Sense Motive vs DC 31:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11 Grey Gardeners Perception vs DC 24:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 Grey Gardeners Sense Motive vs DC 31:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15 Judge Perception vs DC 24:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7 Judge Sense Motive vs DC 31:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40
The crowd murmurs, though none begin to chant as they look to the soldiers and the judge for guidance. The Gardeners look at their feet, at each other, at the man on his knees beneath the guillotine's blade, at the judge - anywhere except at the man in the red cloak on the wall.
"Lies!" The word burns in the air like acid on an open wound. The judge pushes his overly-festooned hat out of his face and glares at Fendel. "You lie! This man is no hero - he is the very symbol of the tyrannical nobility we have sworn to overthrow! How else would you explain why this outsider has taken possession of this keep and its belongings rather than distributing them to the good citizens of Edme as is their rightful due!?" Spittle flies from the large man's lips as he works himself into a frenzy. "Gardeners!" he shrieks, pointing a shaking finger at the guillotine. "Do your duty!!"
The crowd murmurs uncertainly, giving the Pathfinders a chance to act!
@Everyone has a surprise round of actions they can take.
Flyn swears loudly, ”Erastil’s Antlers!” as he quickly lets loose a flaming burst arrow at the Grey Gardener executioner next to the guillotine (purple)...
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
Kramac directs the newly speedy Beak to take wing and swoop over the crowd. Kramac then slides out of the saddle, and strikes at the Gardener near the Guillotine.
Attack, outflank, power attack:1d20 + 19 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 19 + 4 - 3 = 33 +2 if heroism is still up - I'm not sure.
The detective silently curses to himself...and at the judge. He taps in to a reservoir of spiritual energy. It infuses his bow, strengthening it against those with human ancestry in their blood.
@Flyn - the flaming burst arrow also does its regular 1d6 fire damage in addition to the extra 2d10 from the crit.
Fire damage:1d6 ⇒ 4
The crowd gasps as an arrow flies overhead and lights one of the Gardeners up in flames. They gasp again as the missile is followed by a giant heron and his rider, who slips to the ground and cuts the burning Gardener with superhuman speed. They scream as the pair of hippos emerge from the chapel, and the courtyard erupts into chaos!
Before the Final Blade
Round 1! Bold may act!
Fendel
Zaarah
Kiboko
Mvumbu Yellow
Flyndyngylyn
Kramac
Beak (5 ft above ground)
Red
Blue
Green
Purple (-91)
Crowd
Area Effects:
- Haste
Environmental Effects:
- Walls are 10 ft above ground
- Aric's hands are bound by sturdy hemp rope (AC 5, 2 hp)
- Aric can be removed from the guillotine as a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity
- The guillotine itself can be broken, either by dealing enough damage or with a Strength check as a standard action
| Hippo (humanoid; human, orc) Kiboko|Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 8 | AC25 T 13 FF 22 | HP 97/97 [97/97] | F +22 R +18 W +12 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 37 | CMB +18| Init +3 | Perc +18 dv 60' | Rage (19/19) | Animal focus (7/8) | Spells (-, 4/5, 3/5, 2/3)
Kiboko scales the inner wall of the courtyard, his magic serving to hold him in position. He reaches into a secret magic known only to the elite agents of Liberty's Edge, and breaks Aric's bonds!
Shatter SLA, a boon from the Liberty's Edge faction card journal: Bond Breaker - I'll have to check the save DC, but an unattended object doesn't get a save; Kiboko is targeting Aric's rope bonds.
Kiboko also changes Mvumbu's animal focus from Bear to Bull, keeping Tiger.
"Aric! Free yourself! In the name of the Red Raven!"
F Hippopotamus 11HD, animal companion (lvl 13)| current AC 38 T 16 FF 34 | HP [115/115] 93/93 |CMD 30| F +15 R +14 W +7; +2 vs nonmagical disease; +1 vs fear; +2 vs haunts; devotion; evasion | Init +2(+4) | Perc +7 lowlight vision, scent| Tricks 6/6
Mvumbu advances on the nearest hostile - a grey gardener.
The magical hippo's cry rings in the air like a chime, and the rope binding Aric's hands frays and crumbles at the sound. The noble starts to move, but then freezes as he spots the Gardener next to him.
Aric delays.
As Mvumbu thunders across the courtyard, the Gardener lashes back with his polearm as if by instinct...
Red AoO Trip vs Mvumbu CMD 33:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27
...but can't get the long weapon in position before the hippo is upon him! Mvumbu's jaws crunch down, but the Gardener's sturdy armor doesn't yield. (Attack misses.) Overhead, Fendel's arrow flies from the battlement and sinks deep into the wounded Gardener's side. As he collapses, Aric wriggles into action! Careful to not disturb the blade hovering above his neck, the noble pulls his head free and flops on the ground to the side.
@Fendel - the second arrow wouldn't hit anyone's FFAC, so I'm not worrying about who you aimed at after Purple fell. Also, all enemies here are Human (Yes Bane), but not evil (No Holy). Feel free to include that bonus in your rolls as default.
As Zaarah zips overhead, several of the Gardeners instinctively raise their halbreds - but the canny magus flies out of their reach before descending to land next to Kramac.
@Zaarah - given your 90 ft fly speed from haste, it would be easy enough to gain some altitude and get out of reach of the Gardeners with your double move - especially since you saw that they appear to have Combat Reflexes when the one tried to trip Mvumbu.
On the wall, the judge stamps his foot. "You are interfering with the People's Business of Revolution!" he shrieks, his face darkening like a rapidly-ripening tomato. "Savored Sting, give me my vengeance now!" The last word hangs in the air, twisting and writhing like some primordial entropic cloud that burns the less-chaotic minds of the Pathfinders!
Zaarah and Kramac have endured worse and steel their minds against the chaotic force that assaults it, but Beak is not so fortunate. Aric and the Mob don't seem to be affected by the mental assault.
Before the Final Blade
Round 1! Bold may act!
Fendel
Zaarah
Kiboko
Mvumbu
Yellow Flyndyngylyn
Kramac
Beak (Stunned 1/1, Deaf 1/3, 5 ft above ground)
Red
Blue
Green
Purple (-119)
Crowd
Area Effects:
- Haste
Environmental Effects:
- Walls are 10 ft above ground
- The guillotine itself can be broken, either by dealing enough damage or with a Strength check as a standard action
Flyndyngylyn's missiles light up the judge, the outraged shrieks of his target growing louder and more strident with each arrow. Perhaps out of sheer spite, the judge refuses to lose consciousness. Kramac moves to protect Aric while Beak hovers in the air with unfocused eyes.
Finally gathering their wits enough to respond, the Gardeners spring into action! The one closest to the gate steps back into a hole in the crowd and tries again to knock Mvumbu to the ground before attacking her with the pointed blade of his halberd...
Red Trip vs Mvumbu CMD 33:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31
Red Halberd vs Mvumbu AC 34:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 Piercing damage:1d10 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
...but the mighty hippo refuses to play along, dodging both jabs. Near the guillotine, the other Gardeners approach Kramac and Zaarah. One tries to sweep Kramac's legs out from under him...
Blue Trip vs Kramac CMD 27:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31
...then takes the opportunity to swing the blade of his polearm at the falling half-orc before he can touch the ground...
Blue AoO vs Kramac AC 32:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21 Slashing damage:1d10 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
...and then once more as he hits the ground.
Blue Halberd vs Kramac Prone AC 28:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 Slashing damage:1d10 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Kramac is too fast for the warrior to land a blow on. The last Gardener tries to knock the real Mesh out of the real Zaarah's hand...
Green Disarm vs Zaarah CMD 25:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42 Mirror Image, 1 = Hit:1d7 ⇒ 1 Random Direction:1d16 ⇒ 5
...and the blade skitters along the ground, stopping behind the other Gardener. The warrior's face is hidden behind his mask, but from the way the corners of his eyes crinkle Zaarah is pretty sure he is grinning wickedly. The man pokes at the multitude of flying women...
The Mob also springs into action, screaming in fear and nearly crushing each other in a desperate scramble to get out of the courtyard. Heedless of the danger, they push past Mvumbu and through the open gate.
This will provoke many many AoO's from Mvumbu.
Before the Final Blade
Round 2! Bold may act!
Fendel
Zaarah (5 images)
Kiboko
Mvumbu Yellow (-101)
Flyndyngylyn
Kramac
Beak (Stunned 1/1, Deaf 1/3, 5 ft above ground)
Red
Blue
Green
Purple (-119)
Crowd
Area Effects:
- Haste
Environmental Effects:
- Walls are 10 ft above ground
- The guillotine itself can be broken, either by dealing enough damage or with a Strength check as a standard action
- Mesh's current location is marked with a Black rectangle
F Hippopotamus 11HD, animal companion (lvl 13)| current AC 38 T 16 FF 34 | HP [115/115] 93/93 |CMD 30| F +15 R +14 W +7; +2 vs nonmagical disease; +1 vs fear; +2 vs haunts; devotion; evasion | Init +2(+4) | Perc +7 lowlight vision, scent| Tricks 6/6
"MOOOAAAARRGGHHHHHH!!!!" Mvumbu honks in approval.
The Gardener explodes in a burst of blood as the hippos tear him limb from limb. Fendel launches another salvo of arrows at the judge, but the missiles only clatter against the battlements or continue through the air into the surrounding grounds.
@Zaarah - for each enemy you wish to avoid an AoO from, it's another Acrobatics check with a cumulative -5 penalty.
Green Halberd vs Zaarah AC 24:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38 Miss Chance, 1 = Hit:1d6 ⇒ 5 Slashing damage:1d10 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Zaarah cautiously takes to the air, but one of the Gardeners still lashes out and cuts straight through the heart of one of her images. Reaching the battlements, she pulls out another blade from her pack. The man below her stomps his feet again and screams. "That is the second enforcer of the People's Will you have unlawfully butchered! The Unquenchable Fire will flay the flesh from your bones in retribution!" The pendant of three daggers around his neck flashes brightly before being swallowed in a thin cloud of dark vapor.
Zaarah is caught by surprise, but Kramac and Beak power through the pain.
@Kramac - remember that Beak is still deafened. I'm not certain how that interacts with Handle Animal and Riding, so I'll trust your judgement.
Before the Final Blade
Round 2! Bold may act!
Fendel
Zaarah (-24, 4 images, 15 ft above wall)
Kiboko
Mvumbu
Yellow (-101) Flyndyngylyn
Kramac (-12, Prone)
Beak (-12, Deaf 2/3, 5 ft above ground)
Red (-116)
Blue
Green
Purple (-119)
Crowd
Area Effects:
- Haste
Environmental Effects:
- Walls are 10 ft above ground
- The guillotine itself can be broken, either by dealing enough damage or with a Strength check as a standard action
- Mesh's current location is marked with a Black rectangle
Kramac stabs several times from the ground, trying to defeat his foe!
Use another round of Bane, 2 left
Handle Animal to get Beak to attack:1d20 + 5 + 4 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 4 + 2 - 4 = 16 Not sure what penalty to apply - a -4 or so seems reasonable to me? Lots of training is done using hand signals, but I have not put that much thought into the commands used with beak.
Flyn's pair of arrows thuds into the judge's chest, but he stays upright out of sheer spite. "Your meddling will not be tolerated!" he shrieks, blocking the next arrow with his shield. "Calistria will grant me m-" His word is cut off by another twang of the elf's bowstring, and he stares up at the shaft protruding from his forehead for a second. "...vengeance..." The word slips from his lips as he falls backwards, his face still twisted in a snarl of hatred.
On the ground, Kramac swings a few times from his back before Beak bites the Gardener's head off. The remaining guard grimly steps forward and strikes at the vulnerable half-orc!
Green Halberd vs Kramac Prone AC 28:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 Slashing damage:1d10 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
The first chop cuts deep into Kramac's chest, but his armor stops the second from drawing blood.
Before the Final Blade
Round 3! Bold may act!
Fendel
Zaarah (-24, 4 images, 15 ft above wall)
Kiboko
Mvumbu Yellow (-150) Flyndyngylyn
Kramac (-54, Prone)
Beak (-12, Deaf 2/3, 5 ft above ground)
Red (-116)
Blue (-123)
Green
Purple (-119)
Crowd
Area Effects:
- Haste
Environmental Effects:
- Walls are 10 ft above ground
- The guillotine itself can be broken, either by dealing enough damage or with a Strength check as a standard action
- Mesh's current location is marked with a Black rectangle
switch Bear Focus to Bull. Maintain rage - this will use 2 of the 6 rounds granted by the Mwangi Idol, but I believe that furious finish MUST end Kiboko's rage when used, obviating the need for the Will save from the idol.
Fendel shouts to the lone guard. "Stand down. Your friends are bleeding out, but may yet be spared The Boneyard. Fighting with us condems them to unnecessary deaths. Would you rather end this and help them, or console their families knowing all the while you could have saved them? Assuming you are not buried right next to them."
Readied Action (Guard does anything other than surrender):1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 Damage:1d8 + 11 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 11 + (6, 2) = 22
EDIT: Damn. It takes too long to post from my phone. I started typing before Flynn and Kib posted. Oh well. Chaos in battle I guess.
F Hippopotamus 11HD, animal companion (lvl 13)| current AC 38 T 16 FF 34 | HP [115/115] 93/93 |CMD 30| F +15 R +14 W +7; +2 vs nonmagical disease; +1 vs fear; +2 vs haunts; devotion; evasion | Init +2(+4) | Perc +7 lowlight vision, scent| Tricks 6/6
If that confirmed, Outflank triggers AoOs from Kiboko and Kramac (who're both in flanking positions even sans Pack Flanking). I don't think they are needed though.
If there was more than one opponent remaining and everyone else didn't have their turns still, I might have suggested a Will save from Kiboko to be able to use Furious Finish due to using the amulet's extra rounds of Rage. Thankfully that's neither here nor there.
Flyndygylyn peppers the last Gardener with arrows before Mvumbu crushes him in her massive jaws, leaving nothing for her slower companions to attack besides the mangled corpse of a man in grey armor.
Okay, so technically Kiboko would have to make the save since Mvumbu killed Green before Kiboko attacked (or her own Vital Strike even). But we don't need to worry about that - feel free to roll it if you want @Kiboko, but it's only for narrative purposes at this time.
Aric carefully gets to his feet as well, nodding gratefully to Kramac before saluting Fendel on the wall with a wide grin. "I must say, that was truly an inspired speech. Brought a tear to my eye - and certainly threw off any suspicions anyone might have had about my... work." He looks up at the guillotine blade, shudders, then turns to face the Seekers. "But I'm sure you didn't come here just on the off-chance the villagers were a bit more rambunctious than usual. And it seems I have misjudged your characters. What might I help a team of such capable Pathfinders with?" He bows with a flourished hand, seemingly unbothered by all the blood around him and the lack of any sort of weapon on his person. "Perhaps you wish to know why the Red Raven killed Adril Hestram?"
Ascertaining there are no more hostiles, Flyn puts his bow in his quiver and approaches Aric, bowing.
"Aye, that would be a good start, m'Lord...as it would appear we may have been duped concerning Adril Hestram's character...we've discovered a little but we do not have a complete picture...
"Could you also tell us why your cohorts stole the Pale Maiden? Unless there was good reason, we must ask you to give it to us so we may return it to Eliza Petulengro..."
| Hippo (humanoid; human, orc) Kiboko|Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 8 | AC25 T 13 FF 22 | HP 97/97 [97/97] | F +22 R +18 W +12 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 37 | CMB +18| Init +3 | Perc +18 dv 60' | Rage (19/19) | Animal focus (7/8) | Spells (-, 4/5, 3/5, 2/3)
Will, rage:1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 = 26
"Mooooaaarrggggghhhh!!!" bellows Kiboko in triumph, even as he resists the power of the Mwangi idol.
He breathes deep as he recovers from his rage. "Why did you care about Montrose?" he asks the Raven. "What was he to you? The man imprisoned a phoenix, hardly a noble act. And you twisted Zaliex to your own ends rather than free her."
Kiboko manages to keep his feelings in check, knowing that the Raven is both indebted to the Pathfinders and unarmed.
Fendel nods at that true Raven. Not wishing to stay exposed, "Perhaps we can continue this conversation back in the Maze? Someone will be relieved to see Aric in one piece."
"Could you also tell us why your cohorts stole the Pale Maiden? Unless there was good reason, we must ask you to give it to us so we may return it to Eliza Petulengro..."
ARic rubs the back of his neck with a rueful expression on his face. "Ah... yes, of course that can be returned. Though I would also ask for the return of something else as well." He pauses to wink at Fendel, still cloaked in the red-feathered fabric. "Unless you're thinking of a career change? I can't really say that I would recommend it - the benefits package is... rather lacking."
"As for why I care about Montrose and Hestram..." Aric strolls to the huge double doors and leans in close to whisper something.
Perception DC 36:
"Sweet Geppa"
A wash of light dances over the doors like sunlight on the surface of a lake. Aric pushes them open and gestures for the Pathfinders to follow him. An ornate purple carpet bisects the huge audience chamber on the other side, running from the double doors up a short flight of steps to a beautifully-carved wooden throne that looks out over the chamber. To the left is an enormous dining table with two long benches. Unfinished meals and drinks rest upon the table, as if more than a dozen people abandoned a meal in progress not long ago. A smaller table on the other side of the carpet is piled high with stacks of paper, maps, and envelopes - all arranged in a pattern that suggests a formal investigation.
"Here we are." Aric spreads his hands wide. "Welcome to the Montrose estate, gifted to one Aric of Halvon for services to the Revolutionary Council." He pulls out an official-looking writ for inspection, then rests his hand on a pair of rolled scrolls. "Speaking of returning things..." The noble pushes them forward as well before leaning on the table.
"The 'service' in this case was investigating and resolving the mysterious death of Lord Teppin Montrose, who had been left in quite a mess. It took me almost a week to get the stains out of the carpet - and to find all his limbs." Aric smiles thinly. "But once I had all of them, I could cremate them and hire a soothsayer to perform a seance. We called the spirit of the late Lord Montrose back to this realm for a quick chat about his death and who killed him. The shade said in no uncertain terms that he knew it was Adril Hestram behind his death, even if the man did not personally strike the killing blow. Here are the notes from the, hmm, let's call it an interview."
Unfortunately, I don't have a handout for this - nor do I actually have this "unquestionable evidence" written out anywhere for ease of relaying to players - just that "the Raven found out". So I have to ask that you trust me (and by extension Aric) here.
"As for why Hestram killed Lord Montrose?" The noble pulls out a hand-drawn map of a maze-like structure and pushes it towards the Pathfinders. "My mapping of that Maze showed heavy traffic to these points, as well as names associated with each location. I suspect that these might be members of... What was the word you call them again?" He taps his lip and frowns in thought, then looks back up at his guests. "Ah, yes. The Decemvirate."
Aric pauses for a moment, as if judging his audience's reaction. "I'll leave you to read those while I collect the Maiden for you." He walks to a door to the east, leaving the Pathfinders with the evidence.
After a few minutes, the noble returns with a familiar sword in his hands and a blond-haired man wearing the masked outfit of Eliza Petulengro's servants. "Found this fellow lost in the maze and brought him back here for safety," Aric explains, laying the sword on the table. "Well, either lost or snooping. Can't say that I blame him for either really. But since we're all about returning things now, I thought you might be able to accompany him back as well."
With the Pale Maiden returned, Fendel folds the cloak and absently hands it over to Aric. He is far more interested in the evidence presented. Off-handedly, "Kiboko, is that your missing friend? It would be nice to know he is out of danger." More in his element, he begins to catalog the notes in earnest.
Flyn hides a grin as he hears the pass-phrase...and breathes a sigh of relief that they were able to subdue Geppa and not kill her...
Flyn’s face grows stern as he reads the evidence and then passes it around. ”This is damning evidence against Hestram...’twould appear my high regard for my former Venture-Captain and lodge master was misplaced...we’ll need to show this to Eliza and that bastard Osprey...”
He bows to the Red Raven. ”Thank you, m’Lord, this information will prove useful...it appears we misread things, indeed. Forgive my arrow from earlier; I was only trying to protect my Captain...but I know now he was not worth the effort...
“On another note, about your compatriots...the lady Geppa, or should I say, your lady Geppa, is quite safe...but we had to lightly bind her back in the cavern and the Phoenix Zaliex is watching over her. There is also a bugbear loyal to you bound there as well...however, the others are dead...the Elf, the guard at the bridge and the other bugbear. They fought well and damn near killed us; after the fight, they were already dead when I tried to tend them. We also gave the Phoenix its freedom, but it remains very respectful of you...”
Looking to Kiboko, Flyn says, ”If this be your friend, perhaps he might have some insight into this as well...”
| Hippo (humanoid; human, orc) Kiboko|Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 8 | AC25 T 13 FF 22 | HP 97/97 [97/97] | F +22 R +18 W +12 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 37 | CMB +18| Init +3 | Perc +18 dv 60' | Rage (19/19) | Animal focus (7/8) | Spells (-, 4/5, 3/5, 2/3)
Friend? The blond servant! Alondais!
Kiboko, still in hippo form, ignores the papers for the while and addresses the servant.
"Alondais! It is good to see you. No doubt you do not recognise your friend Kiboko, so presented. It would seem we have prevailed: even the most powerful of rats must fear the talons from above."
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
To Aric,
Kramac is of two minds on you. Your killing of Hestram seems justified. However, many innocent servants were killed in your attack. Not by you, but by the elf. But you were the leader of the attack and bear some responsibility. What do you have to say for yourself about the innocents killed?
To Kiboko,
While he may not recognize your face, your smell is still quite distinctive, and even more potent in that form.
”Thank you, m’Lord, this information will prove useful...it appears we misread things, indeed. Forgive my arrow from earlier; I was only trying to protect my Captain...but I know now he was not worth the effort...
“On another note, about your compatriots...the lady Geppa, or should I say, your lady Geppa, is quite safe...but we had to lightly bind her back in the cavern and the Phoenix Zaliex is watching over her. There is also a bugbear loyal to you bound there as well...however, the others are dead...the Elf, the guard at the bridge and the other bugbear. They fought well and damn near killed us; after the fight, they were already dead when I tried to tend them. We also gave the Phoenix its freedom, but it remains very respectful of you...”
Aric waves off Flyn's apology. "There's no need for all that. I admit I got caught up in the theatrics of the moment - there was a need to send a message to the Society to stop murdering Galtan citizens, yes, but I fear I only made things more explosive than if I'd simply surrounded Hestram on the road and brought the Revolution to him there." He waits in silence as the elf continues, fingers clenching the chair tightly. When Flyn finishes, the room is quiet for a moment.
Aric breaks the silence as he exhales deeply and pats the back of the chair with perhaps a bit more force than necessary. "A mess indeed. I am... glad to hear that Geppa is unharmed, and I will mourn the passing of Teko, Vernarr, Jeth, and Bertol. And yes, even Cale." The noble's mouth twists into something between a smile and a grimace, and his eyes grow bright with unshed tears. "He was a right bastard of a man who never listened to orders, but he saved my life more times than I can count and he refused to abandon me even during my worst moments. As for the Raven Spirit..." He shakes his head. "Nothing to be done now."
Kiboko wrote:
"Alondais! It is good to see you. No doubt you do not recognise your friend Kiboko, so presented. It would seem we have prevailed: even the most powerful of rats must fear the talons from above."
"Talons!? Where!?" The servant flinches and ducks before looking up at the room's tall rafters. "Please sirs don't hurt me - I'm just a servant at the manor, good sirs, I'm sure I taste something awful, please don't eat me with those big teeth of yours!"
Kiboko or Sense Motive DC 20:
Alondais is trying to tell Kiboko to not say anything more at this time.
Kramac wrote:
"Kramac is of two minds on you. Your killing of Hestram seems justified. However, many innocent servants were killed in your attack. Not by you, but by the elf. But you were the leader of the attack and bear some responsibility. What do you have to say for yourself about the innocents killed?"
Aric looks down at his hands for a minute before meeting Kramac's gaze. "You are right," he answers simply. "What would you have done with me? Though it'll be a bit awkward to turn me over to the local authorities since most of them are dead in my courtyard." The noble forces a grin in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Cannot fail the Sense Motive or the Perception from earlier
"Whatever we do, we should get back to the lodge house first. The Venture Captains need to be informed. We can escort both of you back. Aric, you need to join us if for no other reason than to put Geppa at ease. She will doubt our words of your safety if you are not accompanying us. I do not wish to give her any reason to lash out. In any case, we should depart. That crowd will return before long, bringing more friends with them. Our day has been long enough."
Flyn shrugs. ”I see no reason to take you back to the lodge, unless of course, you wish to go and speak with the Venture-Captain...your killing of Hestram was justified. As for Eliza’s servants, the Elf, the one you called Cale, was responsible for that as he ordered their deaths...and you’ve returned the Pale Maiden to us. In addition, I think the Red Raven will be a good influence in moderating the actions of the mob and the Gray Gardeners...
“However,” he says looking to his friends, ”that’s not totally up to me as my friends here will have their say as well. In either case though, you should accompany us to the cavern so Geppa can see that you’re safe and you can be assured of her safety as well...
“And, as for me, you can be assured of my silence as to your secret identity...”
He bows to Aric and awaits for his friends to either speak or till they’re ready to head back to Woodsedge Lodge...
