Age of Ashes (Team Alseta)

Game Master Delta Arena

"Ah," Netkin says, sounding rather disappointed.

He can't help but ask more questions as the group trots on. "So was your mother one of the Hellknights who trained here?"

After the group completes their search of the already explored rooms for Alak's family heirloom, Cerrus speaks the rather large group before they proceed into unexplored territory.

"Shall we decide on our marching order? I have usually been the first to enter rooms, with Ellaeaanda opening the doors. Alak, are you willing to enter first? Given your armor and all. If not, I am happy to continue with the status quo."

"Ah, so you wanted a meatshield. Yes, I can go in first."

You make your way through the rooms and halls of the citadel until you reach a wrecked room that holds toppled shelves and filing cabinets. The southwestern wall of the room has collapsed entirely, revealing the verdant weeds and undergrowth outside. Owing to the exposure, most of the surfaces in the room are covered in moss and vines, and snarls of wild blackberries. Close to collapsed section of the wall, there is a mound of meat, or dirt. Amidst the mound there are three giant rats nibbing at it.

Ellaeaanda wanders through the nondescript halls in a seemingly dreamy daze. Upon reaching the door to a crumbling room that holds more interest, she peers inside. “Rats,” she pronounces calmly, then steps back to let the others enter first. She gazes tranquilly towards the ceiling, as if in some sort of elven trance.

She will share whatever she knows about the rats with the others.

Ardoinel frowns a bit at Alak's comment and raises his buckler and sword, ready for the signal to move in. He was fairly sure these rats weren't the Bumblebrashers' pets.

Cerrus follow Alak into the room. "You said it. Not I!"

Seeing the rats, Cerrus quietly pages through his tome seeking a bit of information on the rats.

Ellaeaanda and Cerrus
Giant rats are know to bite more than anything else. However, they are plague carriers, and they might infect someone with a disease that might take a few hours to display any symptoms. They are fast, but weak minded, and they can climb without difficulty. They can follow their prey even at night, and locate food through their keen sense of smell.

Cerrus looks up from his tome and shakes his head. "These rats are nasty things and carry disease. We should rid the citadel of these vermins. Any objections to dealing with them now?"

"I mean, I'd rather pick them up and simply move them outside... But I guess that's not really an option, isn't it?" Netkin reaches for his sling with a sigh.

"I have no issue with the creatures, but to help our new friends, we shall remove these plague rats."

Resa would try to sneak up on a rat to stab it in the back, stealthing.

Stealth check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

As Resa tries to sneak into the room, the rats stir.

Ardoinel’s initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Cerrus’ initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Ellaeaanda’s initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Netkin’s initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Resa’s Initiative = 12 stealth check

Ardoinel and Ellaeaanda, you can take your turns before the rats.

Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 10

With the rats alert to their presence, Ellaeaanda quickly fires a couple arrows at the rodents.

1st attack = 10 + 7 – 2 (volley) = 15
Damage (longbow + strategic strike): 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (6) = 9

2nd attack: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Devise a Stratagem*, Strike*x2

Ardoinel mutters and coughs a prayer, then bangs the pommel of his sword on his buckler and points it at the closest red rat.

"LLOSGI!" (Elven: "BURN!")

Ignition: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 252d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Sparks begin to fly from the rat's fur that quickly rise into a flame!

Ellaeaanda
True to your visions, the first arrow goes straight through the rat’s throat, while the second arrow cuts the hide of a second rat.

Ardoinel
Taking advantage of Ellaeaanda’s opening, you sear the injured rat. It recoils in pain and stays still.

Blue Rat
Angered, the rat rushes towards the source of the shiny fire and tries to bite at Ardoinel.

The rat manages to bite Ardoinel once before he shakes it off and defends himself against a second attempt.

AB: Stride*, Strike*x2

With only one rat remaining, you can take your turns.

"There's just one left - maybe we could throw it some cheese, and let it go away?... No?..." Since everyone is crowding around the rodent, the small alchemist prefers to stay well out of it.

5 foot step; Interact: Draw Sling; Delay: Attack until all allies have made an attempt at striking

Cerrus manages to move around to the other side of the bench to get within reach of the remaining. "Don't spread your filth to my friend!" Cerrus quickly inspects his bag of trinkets for rat deterrent before swings with his sword.

Stride, Exploit Vulnerability, Strike

Exploit Vulnerability: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Likely a success; activates Mortal Weakness if one exists, Personal Antithesis if not

Strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Damage w/ Implement's Empowerment: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6

Resa will stab at the rat if it is still among the living when she gets a chance, hoping to not harm any of her companions in the mean time

to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Ardoinel barks out a pained grunt as he's bitten and tries to stab at the rodent multiple times, holding his shield up to ward off another bite!

Strike, Strike, Raise a Shield.

Strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 121d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Strike: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 5 = 211d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Cerrus, Resa and Ardoinel gang up on the remaining rat, stabbing it and slicing it. It is an overwhelming assault on the creature.

You all get 60xp.

Once the threat has subsided, Cerrus takes a closer look around the room.

Netkin can't help but wince as the dying squeaks of the poor creature fill the room. While he does not speak rat, based on the tone, it could only translate as "Spare me! I have children - GYAAAAH!"

"What a shame," he says in a trembling voice, and quickly looks away. He follows Cerrus' example, and looks around the room to clear his mind.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Ardoinel relaxes, before taking a rag from his pack and cleaning the befouled blood from his sword.

"It's alright, I don't think it drew blood. I...most likely won't get sick."

He then joins the rest of the group searching the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

The three of you begin searching the room, which looks like an old archive based on the cabinets in the room. Unfortunately, no records remain. Then, approaching the mound of meat, you discover what is, in reality, a corpse. The body is badly decomposed, but it is wearing a belt. On said belt, there are two minor healing potions left.

"Netkin, mind opening those potions, take a whiff? This person can't have died too long ago if the carrion-eaters were only getting to them now, but we don't know if what rot that's set in already has befouled the potions..." Ardoinel asks.

He knew a bit of herbalism, but he suspected Netkin's insights would be more valuable. And frankly he felt the young alchemist could use the confidence boost of being the expert to consult.

Resa will spend her time checking the surrounding areas to ensure everything is save, given the point about carrion eaters just now going for the body is a bit concerning. Something before now should have eaten the body.

"These were probably not made by an alchemist, but uh, sure?"

Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"I wonder how that poor person died..."

Crafting: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Instead of Medicine to determine the cause of death

Resa
The room you are in is quiet right now. The rats were the only danger in it.

Netkin
The potions are uncontaminated, the victim must have not have time to consume them before perishing from their wounds. Their wounds, at least what is visible after the gnawing from the rats, appear consistent with canine bites and scratch marks, although they were made by something stronger and larger than a dog.

Resa would go check the door to the bottom, checking for any traps or other issues with it before going in.

"Who wants to carry the healing potions? I still have one so I don't necessarily require a second."

Cerrus follows Resa to the next door and listens at the door. And then, he waits for a nod from Alak before opening the door.

"I'll take one," Ardoinel offers.

Resa carefully opens to door to the next room. Inside, there are rows of desks bolted to the floor, with most of the cramped work spaces being smashed or otherwise defaced. The wooden chairs have been thrown aside, discarded without care.

”This place really went to hell after we abandoned it. I hardly doubt this is how my order left things.”

Cerrus
You hear no sounds coming from the room.

"Erm, I think he was mauled by something... Not sure exactly what though, but it was quite... big." Netkin appears really uncomfortable with the thought.

"I can make my own healing potions, thank you - but I can keep it if anyone needs it!" Will take the remaining potion if no one wants it.

He explores the new room, taking care not to touch anything. He wouldn't risk a splinter.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Ellaeaanda glides into the next room. Her violet eyes scan the area, searching for the hellknight’s ring, or anything else of interest, though without much hope of finding anything amongst the ruin. “Bigger than the grauladon?” she asks Netkin, then gestures for him to keep the healing potion.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
That's Odd also in effect

Resa having nothing better to add, and trying to trust everyone in the group, will move forward to the lower door unless something happens, or someone points out something to make her stop. She is trying to find anything in the room she can, but not everything is clearly able to be found.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Cerrus speaks to Alak, in a matter of fact tone. "At least, certainly not how I assume the Order would have taken care of the place." As he talks, Cerrus scans the room for clues about the room's purpose and signs of Alak's family heirloom.

When he is satisfied with his search of the room, he waits near Resa and the next door. "I know you expressed ... doubt about including Alak in our group for the time being. I hope that decision hasn't soured your desire to continue as a part of our party."

While making sure nothing of note was missed, she would pause for a moment, her hand hovering on the door in clear hesitation. She finally answers, "I do not trust him. Sure he could have gotten in another way, but for none to have seen him? I know, I know, you all say his order is not like what I know. But when all others have tried to drag me back in chains for simply existing... It makes it hard. But you all have trusted me, even knowing I am not a full elf."

Netkin
You are too hesitant to let your eyes see what is there.

Ellaeaanda
You don’t find anything of interest, but something about the rafters is off, as if there was some weight on them.

Resa
You notice that there is something, a claw it looks like, stuck under one of the desk’s drawers.
You find an predator’s claw.

Cerrus
As your eyes wander, you see that, in the rafters, there is a giant bat sleeping by a nest.

”When we take care of things, they are pristine. This place is no longer under our care.

Cerrus nods as Alak speaks. "Yes, the Order no longer residing here must make it easier to remove yourself from its current state."

Cerrus finishes his conversation with Resa. "If he or anyone attempts to put you in chains, they'll have to answer to me. And, I imagine, the rest of our fledgling group."

Cerrus' head jerks to the rafters as he hears the soft breathing of the sleeping bat. He silently waves his hand to get the attention of the group and then points at the ceiling. Speaking quietly, he asks the group a question. "Let live or remove?"

Cerrus stares at the bat while waiting for opinions on the matter.

Ellaeaanda gazes upwards at the giant bat, then responds to Cerrus with a wordless gesture, pointing at the door by Resa to indicate that they should continue on and let the creature be. She walks with light steps to avoid disturbing the beast.

Netkin looks up at the bat. "Why would we attack it?" he whispers to Cerrus. "[smaller]It's sleeping![smaller]"

Clearly, he finds his friends' bloodlust a little disturbing.

While making sure nothing of note was missed, she would pause for a moment, her hand hovering on the door in clear hesitation. She finally answers, "I do not trust him. Sure he could have gotten in another way, but for none to have seen him? I know, I know, you all say his order is not like what I know. But when all others have tried to drag me back in chains for simply existing... It makes it hard. But you all have trusted me, even knowing I am not a full elf."

"I understand," Ardoinel replies quietly, stepping up to join the conversation. "At the very least, once he's found his heirloom he may leave of his own accord. And for what it's worth, he seems to have taken your distrust in stride rather than as an offense. Trust has to be earned, on both sides. You've proven yourself to us, and we've proven ourselves to you, so maybe Alak and you will surprise each other."

"Besides," he adds with a chuckle, "I'm not a full elf either."

When they discover the bat, Ardoinel lowers his voice futher.

"I agree with Netkin; while Yuelral is more a goddess of plant and stone, stopping to battle every wild animal we come across would be just as defiling to the beauty of nature as cutting a gem. We could try to sneak by it or scare it off..."

Cerrus
It seems like your esoteric knowledge doesn’t cover normal animals.

Ellaeaanda
The name of the bats does not lie. They weigh well over 100 pounds and have a wingspan of nearly 15ft. They are Large Their primary diet consists of fruits and bugs, but they can be incited to violence through fear or hunger.

They don’t have note worthy attacks, using their fangs and their wings to defend themselves. However, they are quick to react when they are attacked, quickly unleashing two strikes with their wings when they are damaged.

Alak
”Well, I rather have bats than imps living here.” Then, he pushes Calmont towards the next door.

To Netkin and Ardoinel, Cerrus responds in a quiet voice. "I'm also in favor of sneaking past this bat. I asked the question to let the group decide."

Cerrus will attempt to move quietly into the next room without rousing the bat.

Delta Arena: I'm not quite sure which room the bat is in. Is it the long rectanglar room?

Netkin follows Cerrus' lead, and tiptoes past the sleeping bat.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Well. Until the bat stirs in its sleep, and he lets out a "oh!" of surprise.

“Giants can be peaceful,” Ellaeaanda remarks in an off-handed manner to no one in particular. “Fruits and insects these bats eat; unless fearful or starving, no threat do they pose.” The elf continues on into the next room.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Ardoinel follows the group, and winces when Netkin yelps. Of course, the jingling of his own byrnie doesn't help. He hopes the bat was in the mood for mere threat displays to get them to back off, rather than attack in territorial anger.

Resa tries her best to help guide the larger, or rather louder members through without disturbing the bat. This however does not work because she didn't think Netkin would need help, he was tiny!

I have added the bat token to the map for clarity.

At Netkin’s noise, the bat spreads its wings and screeches, bearing its teeth out. But it remains in the rafters.

The long hallway is filled with rows of mostly empty bookshelves, remarkably still untouched, though a thick layer of dust and the smell of mildew permeates the air. The room has been relatively untouched compared to the rest of the citadel, but the door to the east hangs ajar.

As the group enters the room filled with bookshelves, Cerrus releases a held breath. "That was close. I'm glad that bat didn't attack when it woke."

Cerrus gave this next room a quick look around before he turns his attention to any remaining. "I'm always looking to add more books to my collection!"

Resa looks interested in the books as well, but when finding another door she will check it for any traps or something else to be found on the door, if not she will look into the text left behind, trying to figure out any truth to this order not being slavers.