Krek and Ezren find that the damage is superficial, and they're able to set things right in short order.
Meanwhile, Brulivex continues to stare at the stuffed rabbit--and Scourtail grows antsy. "BOOOO-ring!" she says, "Come on, Bruli!"
"Oh!" says Brulivex, startled. She tears her gaze away from the bunny. "Coming!"
The merchant shrugs apologetically at Ur-Mandr. "I don't really need her to do anything, although not eat my stock is nice... one gold for the bunny?"
As the linnorms and Pathfinders make their way towards King Estrid's castle, they pass by a group of proud Ulfen warriors led by a human in leather armor who carries a battleaxe and wooden shield but also has a flute stowed at her belt.
They glower at your approach. They looked tired and grumpy, and glower at the Pathfinders as though their presence is unwanted.
The leader looks like she intends to say something.
Manglefang speaks first. "Oh, is your hair supposed to look like that or did you let it get wet and then freeze?" he laughs.
"I am Revna the Brave! I serve Skarde Nineblades, a well-respected Ulfen commander from Halgrim who is currently engaged in negotiations with King Estrid to have my warriors and our compatriots explore the Island of Ancestors. I know that makes us direct competitors with the Pathfinder Society. We’ve been waiting for days to hear the king’s verdict, but I suppose she has to hear from you fir-"
"Look at her pouty widdle face!"
"Be still," she growls.
"Uh oh, I think she's mad. I should watch out, she's got a pokey stick. She thinks she's so fierce. It's adorable! Are you going to poke me with your pokey stick?" Manglefang laughs so hard he falls over.
Revna the brave glares at him, then whirls on the Pathfinders.
"I hear your team has taken responsibility for the linnorm whelps. They may be off-limits, but you're not. Take responsibility! I challenge you! Face us, or admit your cowardice and give up your claim to the Island of the Ancestors."
"That's--uh... Your concern is noted! Then you may prove your boast."
Caught off-guard by Krek upstaging her, Revna steps back to her warriors. "Clear this area!" The warriors move to follow that command. The villagers seem perfectly willing to stand back out of the way--but not to leave. The five linnorms do similarly, moving to the sideline and curling up to watch.
"This is a contest and not a battle, so we would avoid killing. But we are warriors all, and so our fight shall be with our true weapons and spells. We fight to the blooded! If you are defeated, surrender and move to the side. No one may harm a surrendered foe."
Everyone understands exactly what she means.
Krek's turn.
Initiative:
Krek
Ulfen Warrior (Purple)
Ur-Mandr
Ulfen Warrior (Red)
Kyra
Revna
Ezren
Ulfen Warrior (Green)
The warrior with the purple scarf is the quickest to react to Krek's approach. He steps forward and bellows wordlessly as he swings his sword a little too wildly.
Ur-Mandr's turn.
Initiative:
Krek
Ulfen Warrior (Purple)
Ur-Mandr
Ulfen Warrior (Red)
Kyra
Revna the Brave (Frightened 1)
Ezren
Ulfen Warrior (Green)
Krek's scourge hits Revna, and catches on her coat.
The warrior keeps his shield up.
Ur-Mandr's turn.
Initiative:
Krek
Ulfen Warrior (Purple, Shield Raised)
Ur-Mandr
Ulfen Warrior (Red)
Kyra
Revna the Brave (-9, 1d6 persistent bleed, Frightened 1, flat-footed utnil the start of Krek's next turn, cannot reduce her frightened value below 1, 2d4 mental damage at the start of her turns as long as she's frightened)
Ezren
Ulfen Warrior (Green)
Struck by Ur-Mandr's sword, the warrior immediately drops his own sword and shield. "Surrender," he says, wincing. He then makes his way away from the fight, per the instructions of his leader.
Kyra's turn.
Initiative:
Krek
Ulfen Warrior (Purple, Shield Raised)
Ur-Mandr
Kyra
Revna the Brave (-9, 1d6 persistent bleed, Frightened 1, flat-footed utnil the start of Krek's next turn, cannot reduce her frightened value below 1, 2d4 mental damage at the start of her turns as long as she's frightened)
Ezren
Ulfen Warrior (Green)
Seeing the warrior back out brings Kyra some hope and relief. Rather than one of her more damaging prayers, she instead uses Daze against the leader. Then she moves into the fray.
◆◆ Cast Daze
DC 21 basic Will v
* Critical Success The creature takes no damage.
* Success The creature takes half damage.
* Failure The creature takes full damage.
* Critical Failure The creature takes double damage.
◆ Stride
Revna winces as she fails to resist Kyra's spell, but starts working some magic of her own.
She begins to stomp out a kind of rhythmic beat, and then there is a chorus of them as several images of Revna move and shift past and through each other within the same general space. "Take heart, warriors! Do not falter!"
--though casting spells while standing right next to Krek may be a mistake.
Ezren's turn.
Initiative:
Krek
Ulfen Warrior (Purple, Shield Raised)
Ur-Mandr
Kyra
Revna the Brave (-25, Frightened 1, flat-footed until the start of Krek's next turn, cannot reduce her frightened value below 1, 2d4 mental damage at the start of her turns as long as she's frightened, inspiring courage, mirror image)
Ezren
Ulfen Warrior (Green)
Ezren attempts to dispel Revna's mirror images while also protecting himself magically.
Revna resolves back to a single woman.
The other warrior steps up to Krek and bellows. "Surrounded now, little guy!" he shouts... though he isn't actually any taller than Krek.
And then brings his longsword down. Directly to the ground. Not even close.
Krek's turn.
Initiative:
Krek
Ulfen Warrior (Purple, Shield Raised)
Ur-Mandr
Kyra
Revna the Brave (-25, Frightened 1, flat-footed until the start of Krek's next turn, cannot reduce her frightened value below 1, 2d4 mental damage at the start of her turns as long as she's frightened, inspiring courage)
Ezren (shield)
Ulfen Warrior (Green)
|
+ 1d6 Persistent Bleed
Giving a teaching moment to Revna Krek shares the sting of his scourge with her two guards as well.
Damage (Nonlethal Slashing): 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 = 9 + 1d6 Persistent Bleed
Damage (Nonlethal Slashing): 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 = 9 + 1d6 Persistent Bleed
Damage (Nonlethal Slashing): 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 = 9 + 1d6 Persistent Bleed
AC 26 (27 w/ shield)
HP 113/113
Buckler (Hardness 3) 6/6 HP
Hero Points 2/3
Campaign Coin 1/1
Demon Mask: 1/1
Giant Centipede Venom: 6/6
Sloughing Toxin: 2/2
Injury Poison: 5/7
Krek's scourge snaps directly into her face, disrupting her spell and nearly toppling her.
"Ugh," she says bitterly, "s-surrender."
She lets her weapon and shield drop to the ground and meanders towards the
He follows it up with a series of vicious attacks--although they don't seem as devastating as they could have been--that knocks both warriors to the ground.
It does put a sizable crack in one of their shields, which is an impressive feat for a scourge.
The warriors seem a little less prepared to overwhelm their foes now there are only two of them, but they do still have Krek pinched between them. The one with the purple scarf scrambles to his feat and throws his broken shield aside, using the momentum to sweep his sword with a bellowing howl--and scores a touch!
He's bleeding pretty badly, though.
Ur-Mandr, Kyra, and Ezren's turns.
Initiative:
Krek (99/113)
Ulfen Warrior (Purple, -21, Shield Broken, flat-footed until the start of Krek's next turn, 1d6 persistent bleed)
Ur-Mandr
Kyra
Ezren (shield)
Ulfen Warrior (Green, -18, flat-footed until the start of Krek's next turn, 1d6 persistent bleed, prone)
and
With Revna's images dispatched effectively, Ezren instead directs electricity to the remaining warriors.
The electricity lashes both men, who cry out. The one who was on his feet looks about ready to fall over again, and the other isn't quick to stand.
"Surrender..." both croak.
They're still bleeding badly, but with the terms of the contest over Revna steps back in with some healing magic.
"Well, that was... embarrassing." She sighs. "We will try to keep our 'pokey sticks' to ourselves."
Two more warriors come forward to present a beautifully decorated shield and a small chunk of amber with a single tuft of grey feathers contained inside.
"Take these, as payment for our insult. I can't say I wish you well in your audience with King Estrid, since I hope you fail, but... I do hope it goes well for you."
Manglefang bounds up, giggling. "Aw, lookit 'em! So fierce and they can barely fight at all."
Revna makes no objection this time, but she still seems upset. And twitchy.
Perhaps someone could take the opportunity to help Manglefang the difference between laughing at someone and laughing with someone.
"No, Manglefang. They are proud people who felt slighted and who took action to correct that slight. But they are also honorable folk, who have accepted their defeat with stoicism and good hearts."
Ezren leans heavily on his staff catching his breath. "Laughing at folks is rude Manglefang. Laughing with them is fine though. Try and tell the difference."
Manglefang looks abashed. "It is more fun when everybody is together," he admits.
As the sun sinks low in the sky and the day nears its end, the linnorms and the Pathfinders arrive at the castle. While the linnorms aim to visit their father, this is the Pathfinders’ opportunity to report to Gorm Greathammer and impress both Estrid and Boiltongue—or not.
The linnorms tear through the castle, flying pell-mell through the halls and terrifying the castle staff. The guards stay out of the way, recognizing the little linnorms from their numerous antics throughout the castle over the past week.
When the group reaches the meeting hall, the Pathfinders might try to convince the linnorms to behave more gracefully...
"He's right!" says Scourtail, "We gotta impress Daddy." She, her brothers, and Oridius fall back, entering the meeting hall on their best behavior, floating gracefully and quietly with an eager grin and waiting until their presence is acknowledged before talking.
Brulivex busts into the meeting hall and loudly interrupts. "Daddy! Daddy!"
"Brulivex," answers an enormous dragon curled behind the throne, who can only be Boiltongue. His tone is warm, but has a disapproving edge. "But where--oh my. Scourtail, Oridius, Crookscale, Manglefang. You look... dignified. That's a change." He looks over the Pathfinders with interest, as does the woman in the throne.
"Greetings! I am Estrid, Linnorm King. This is my companion Boiltongue, as I am sure you have surmised. Gorn Greathammer is known to you of course, even if you do not know him personally, as he represents your organization. And this here is Skarde Nineblades, who is attempting to convince us to send his soldiers to the Island of Ancestors, rather than the Pathfinder Society’s agents.
"And you are, I have no doubt, the field agents of the Pathfinder Society who were coming to see us to make your case. But that's all we know about you, so why don't you introduce yourselves?"
All seem impressed by Ur-Mandr's eloquent introduction--and Krek's firm stance.
After introductions, Skarde Nineblades grouchily asks, "Can I proceed, now that they're finally here?" then goes on a rant, expounding the recklessness of the Pathfinder Society, the combat prowess of his soldiers, and the importance of keeping the Island of Ancestors off-limits to foreigners who don’t understand Ulfen ways.
King Estrid nods, though she and Boiltongue look impassive.
"Pathfinders, you may present counter-arguments against these claims."
"What do you say to Nineblades's claim that your Society is reckless?"
Crookscale pipes up. "The Pathfinders saved me from the river! Krek taught me how to swim." Boiltongue sits up for that.
"And what of his assertion regarding your comparative combat prowess?"
Scourtail interjects. "We saw the Pathfinders fight, though! They beat up a couple of ugly monsters and a bunch of Ulfen soldiers who started a fight!"
"And how about your knowledge of our culture?"
"Actually," says Oridius (their father rolls his eyes), "the Pathfinders are very knowledgeable. They taught me a lot of things that I... had wrong" (their father straightens up again). "For example..." Oridius's list is exacting, precise, and goes on a little too long--but, unlike every other time they've spoken up today, 100% correct.
"And, less boring," says Manglefang, "they taught me some things about respecting people--and about comedy!"
Swathed in layer after layer of fur, Kyra looks the most out of place in this meeting. She steps forward. "Reckless. Look at me. I come from the desert, a land as hot as this is cold. I have noted the odd looks and the quiet chuckles as I pass. Yet even in this I was prepared. My many furs show that I came ready for this land most inhospitable to me."
|
"We are not reckless. Bold and daring for sure. But we are also well trained, skilled in the martial and esoteric, and have experiences that none can match."
"Our combat prowess is proven time and again. On land, under the water, or in the sky. We have fought and prevailed"
"You are right that we are not from here. However, our vast travels have shown that respect, honorable character, and wisdom are universal."
Krek and Ezren sit back allowing Ur-Mandr to take the lead on this. Ezren smiles. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
Boiltongue whispers to King Estrid, who claps her hands.
"I have made my decision. We are thoroughly impressed with the Pathfinder Society, and I grant them permission to explore the Island of Ancestors on my behalf."
With King Estrid's verdict, the time has come for the Pathfinders to bid the linnorms goodbye.
Crookscale wants the Pathfinders to promise to come visit him again some time. Scourtail, meanwhile, hopes to visit Pathfinder lodges in other places and seems thrilled at the prospect of more exploration. Oridius shows off their new maps, and asks if they know anything about the places depicted on them. Manglefang thanks the Pathfinders for everything they taught him.
Brulivex stays with her father, giving a disinterested wave.
Within days, the party returns to Iceferry Lodge and meets with Bjersig, Mahki, and Lirall. Svala and Ingpi are also there, and while there's no formal meeting scheduled the Pathfinders can meet with them if they choose to. Form Greathammer isn't there, though, having remained behind in Halgrim for the time. Bjersig thanks the party for all of their hard work and says he hopes to see them again soon. He and Lirall are excited at the prospect of what the Island of Ancestors has in store for them.
Before they leave the Iceferry Lodge, a package arrives for the team. The messenger states that they carry a gift from Boiltongue, on behalf of his children, a shield that the great linnorm selected from his personal horde.
The letter says: "I know that my children can be a handful, even to adults of our own kind. Take this with my thanks, or by way of apology, or perhaps just because I find you impressive. -Boiltongue"
It still comes as a bit of a surprise later, when the shield asks who they are.
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The shield is, she explains, a martyr’s shield imbued with the spirit and compassion of Myrsa Evershield, an Ulfen shieldmaiden and cleric of Tanagaar who died alongside her beloved on their quest to slay a linnorm (Boiltongue’s father).
Tanagaar is a lawful good empyreal lord who is the patron of those who watch over and protect the innocent, especially from evil and nocturnal dangers. Myrsa has hidden her sapience for many years, hoping to reveal herself to whoever eventually slew Boiltongue and took his horde. Ever since White Estrid chose to spare Boiltongue’s life and let the linnorm keep his hoard, she has been lying in wait for the perfect opportunity. She is brave, selfless, stubborn, and thrilled to be around living, breathing people again, but she is also patient enough to wait for a wielder who shares her ideals. She might agree to have one of the Pathfinders carry her into battle in the future, should they prove their dedication to righteous causes. Even if she doesn’t want any of them to carry her into battle, she is interested in traveling with them back to the Pathfinder Society’s Grand Lodge to meet other warriors and seek a suitable candidate.