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Wincing at the claw attack, Baraesh shrugged it off and continued following whatever the hell was happening.
Still completely clueless as to what was happening, Baradesh attempted to plow through the monsters.
Baradesh kept running.
Clueless as to what was going on, Baradesh followed. He wasn't going to catch anyone without a delay, but if someone else did so perhaps he could delay the Maidens while people hunted for...whatever this was about.
Here, but possibly slow.
With Kurgan's strike looking to be on point, Baradesh followed with a hammer strike of his own.
Attack of Opportunity:
OK, Automatic Bonus Progression works like this (to my knowledge). At the levels mentioned you gain an attunement bonus. This makes whichever weapon you attune function as though it was a +1, +2, etc weapon - but the weapon itself is not magical. You are. Go, you! Items can still have abilities, such as Keen. To use them costs whatever the weapon's attunement would cost. So if a character at 4th level got a Keen weapon, they could use it, but would loose the +1. If a person at level 9, with a +2 Attunement, wielded the same weapon they'd keep +1 and use the other +1 to activate the Keen. Paying to have such abilities put on your weapon also costs a lot less.
Taking a neat step back to bring the vampire spawn into range once more, Baradesh swings again, hoping to knock them back.
Attack of Opportunity:
Muttering about the undead beneath his breath, and wondering if there was a way to silver plate a hammer, Baradesh stepped in closer to swing the weapon again.
Attack of Opportunity:
That could make this fight with the Spawn exciting.
Confused as to what the hell was going on, the arrow was certainly enough to clarify. With a grunt Baradesh started running, his huge hammer held over his head, as he charged the lead vampire before it had time to reload its crossbow.
Frowning at the dip, and hoping that didn't mean a significant rise, Baradesh kept running. Hopefully it meant it was getting close. At this point wearing full plate and carrying a hammer bigger than some humans was getting to be a less than exciting experience.
Baradesh continued to run flat out towards the disturbance, muttering about heavy armour being slow.
Full speed wasn't as fast as one might hope, but Baradesh stuck to the main roads to keep things as simple as possible, just so long as they remained the most direct route. He wasn't above trespass and leaping a fence to help, although frankly he was more liable to plow through a fence than to hop it.
Listening for a moment, Baradesh lifted his helmet and pulled it down before heading towards the sound, moving with a typical Dwarf gait that ignored minor issues like armour or the massive hammer he carried slung over one shoulder. As he clanked away the Paladin tried to focus on the noise, heading for it as quickly as he was able to manage. Of course, it might be a trap or a lure, but he'd deal with that as it came to it.
Horrible self-reanimating undead giants?
But the terrible food stories are half the fun! Well, you're highly resilient to such bugs anyway. Oh how you laugh and laugh at the suffering of others.
I'm reading a lot of Dresden Files, so I'll go for some kinda Fey.
Baradesh's head swivels towards the sound with a faint grinding noise. He frowns for a moment. It might be that someone had just dropped a weight on there foot. In which case running off to investigate might make him look like a paranoid fool. Or it might be something more. In which case no running off to investigate might cost lives. There was really only one choice. Nodding to the ladies, he murmured, "Excuse me a second, I just wish to see what that was," before moving towards the sound.
It was not hard to overhear the conversation at the bar. Sometimes it was more difficult to not. But Baradesh heard enough to sigh slightly and pick up his helmet, moving to the bar the Miner's Lantern. "Apologies for listening in, but did you wished to arrange a rescue?" The bulky Paladin considered such missions important, needed work.
Baradesh opened his eyes, focusing them on the strange confrontation at the bar. It seemed odd that the owner didn't simply hire the man if he could create drinks that the bar could not replicate, and would give the man a job, which he seemed to not have. Still, you couldn't sell something in someone else's place of business.
It's true. But alcohol and two hours sleep will make you super creative.
I'm only moderately weird...
Baradesh is in the Miner's Lantern, as it's less likely he'll have to ask people to behave via hammer.
Sitting at a table in the corner with low, flickering lights Baradesh placed his helm on the table and closed his eyes for a moment. It hadn't been a long day, but he still felt a certain level of exhaustion from simply existing. Of course his armour didn't really weigh a huge amount, or rather it didn't feel like much as he'd grown used to the suit after some time, but his body was a little stiff today. He couldn't help but notice a few odd looks at his darkened skin and hair like thin strands of copper, but he was used to that. He looked odd, and people stared. It was how things worked. Still, it did stop him from enjoying the taverns pleasures - and the ones he was looking foward to were the meal and drink he had ordered before sitting.
Thank you for waiting - this is Jon, by the way. Sorry, it's not perfect - I guess I'm not feeling quite as creative as usual, so the Personality section especially is lacking. I'll wrinkle out the flaws at some point, hopefully - if it's good enough to get in, of course. Basically, Baradesh here uses the Dwarf Longhammer to unpleasant effect, as he uses Pushing Attack to force enemies back and get Attacks of Opportunity. His basic story is that as he becomes more powerful his body is turning to stone - which is not the most comfortable thing ever. As he grows more powerful the more pain he is as his very flesh turns to cold, dead rock. Eventually, he'll have to make a decision...but so far strength of will, faith and a desire to help is winning.
I'm on GMT, but work nights (with both access to and encouragement to search the web - I'm at work right now!) so my time varies somewhat. "Why? Dinnae take much to see the wee beasties are in sore need of killing. 'Tis something of a calling for me at any rate, ye ken? Daemons orphaned me as a bairn, and Iomadae took me in. Her Servants saved the skin on my back too. So I suppose you could say I kill the wee nasties for three fold reasons - to honour my fallen kin, to serve She who saved me, and because it needs doing. Answer enough, aye? As to skills, I'm a Paladin, a Stonelord. I bring a skill with an axe, the toughness to nae stop hitting beasties with said axe, and the divine wrath of the Inheritor...with an axe."
If possible, I'd like to play as this character - Baradesh Ironheart, Stonelord Paladin of Iomadae. He's been through the first part of the first book twice now, but both games fizzled and died. He should be built to standard already, so all I'll need to add is my answer to Why? If it's not possible to use a previously created character, I have a couple of other Lawful Good ideas I'd like to give a spin to.
I'd go with it.
GM motivational tool #18 - the Catnip Coat and Bag of Cats.
Chuckling, Baradesh nodded. "Aye, well, in that case I am am nae Knight. So I am nae Sir. If you will be Just Verene, then I shall be Just Baradesh, ye ken?"
Baradesh considered. "Alas, I dinnae think my training is sufficient to keep up with yon mind, Lady Verene. I cannae truly argue this with ye. Personally, I dinnae like churches to charge for healing. Wealth is not the only thing that should keep a person alive and healthy, ken? But the churches dinnae always have much else but that magic to sell so they can function." The bulky Dwarf shrugged. "Cold Iron dinnae grow on trees - the wee folk wouldnae like it if it did - and someone must part with the gold to make the weapons. People like good master Horgus are one, and the Crusader Queen another, but the churches of Iomadae, Sarenrae, Abadar...especially Abadar, they have also opened there coffers to the fight, and without it the Worldwound would have overrun us." The Paladin shrugged. "Nae easy answers. Why not grant us all the powers? Nae problem fighting demon beasties then. But mayhap even the Gods cannae afford to dish out that much divine power. Same with simply getting rid of them themselves, I suppose. But why give it someone like Lady Anarya, who dinnae ask for it nor the price it demands? All I can hope is that there is a reason beyond my ken, some task in hand for her that requires that power. That's the price I must pay - I must have faith my Lady knows what is right for me, and trust Her to guide me, knowing that at the same time it's my own strength that lets me walk the path she lays at my feet. And I know it's my strength - not everything I am is owed to those above." Pausing in his work, Baradesh added, "I can see how people dinnae trust much in the Gods. There's a lot of dark ones out there, and the good ones dinnae seem that intent to help us wee mortal kinds. But I believe that serving Iomadae is right. The Wardstones are charged by the rituals of priests, given form by Hand of the Inheritor himself. I must believe." The Paladin returned to his work. "Mayhap I am fool for doing so. But if the Paladin that rescued me from demon claws had decided she were a fool, then I'd be dead. She wouldnae had the power to kill the thing. So I understand your choice, Lady Verene, and dinnae wish to change it - but for myself, I'll play the fool and hope what I get in return can save another's life." Baradesh smiled. "Still, dinnae expect a thunderbot to roast the next beastie we fight. Unless someone is a wee bit more powerful than I think..."
...why does Knowledge Religion hate me so? Again, sorry I've not been on much. Tired as all hell right now, but I've got a break coming up in a couple of days, and should get some rest then.
Having buried the former priest under a large pile of buried rocks, Baradesh racked his mind for the prayers of his childhood. He could remember them - the grand chapels beneath the earth, lit in equal parts magic and hard work, where the priest bellowed out the rights of Torag and the oaths to protect the people. But it had been a long time ago. Instead, Baradesh murmured the general prayer of the dead, hoping Magrim and Pharasma didn't look too harshly on the man. But to abandon one's people like this was...pretty much the worst thing a follower of Torag could manage. Baradesh held little hope for his soul. Returning inside, Baradesh helped with cleaning and the reconsecration of the Temple. Listening to the conversation, Baradesh added, "Iomadae dinna care much if people belief in her, or in anything else from what I know, so long as they live right by others and fight what is evil." The bulky Dwarf shrugged. He'd never really understood why some people didn't accept the Gods - the power of the Divine he'd seen wielded proved it to him, and there were enough recordings with agents of the divine, let alone the Gods themselves to make him certain - but he didn't have much issue with it. The way he saw it, it was simply another faith. "My faith in Iomadae is strong," he added, "But faith in those I trust is important, too. I dinnae think She will save my neck if some giant woolouse beastie is trying to gnaw my leg off - a friend will. Dinnae trust many people, mind, but haven't met many worth trusting." Kneeling, he began the prayers of sanctity and dedication.
"Ah dinnae think one such as this would welcome the last rights of our people," Baradesh said, looking down sadly at the pitiful remains. "Still, I am nae one to deny him what peace he can find now he's gone. Inter the body in the stone or burn him to ash is the usual way, but the details vary from Clan to Clan." The bulky Dwarf glanced around the shrine. "I would like to dedicate it once more to a God, but I dinnae know if it's worth the time. If it were certain we'd need this place, then it would be wise - I dinnae fancy returning to find this wee beastie was pally with a pack of zombies and a ghoul, ye ken? But I dinnae know if it's worth the work now if we dinnae return." The Paladin considered, and added, "And to who do we dedicate it? Xantrius has his master, Anarya and I both follow the Inheritor, and I'm sure each of ye have a faith or beliefs. To who or what do we dedicate?" Baradesh shrugged. "On the opposite side of the coin, we could do with a wee rest, and it'll take time to gather the stones to cove yon Iconoclast's corpse. Speaking of which..." Baradesh knelt by the felled priest, looking for anything useful.
Sorry, I thought, "The dazed creature can do little but sputter in pain as it's doused with holy water" meant it had lost it's attack to Daze and it was our round again. If not, my mistake, and I'll just (not) hit it with an axe when it is my go.
"Ah dinnae much care for the dead getting upitty, creature!" The hefty Dwarf was not especially pleased at missing. He swung again, aiming to split the undead abomination's skull in twain.
That Dazing effect is most useful. And yeah, apparently not gonna be hitting much with an axe...so the dagger as a backup would be nice. Also, sorry about the short and sweet posts. Work's been a little on the vicious side and I haven't slept too much since my usual sleepy time was spent taking my daughter to an emergency dental appointment.
"We are the servants of the Gods," Baradesh growled as he moved up to fight the undead Dwarf, "They are nae servants to use. I shall fight ye, Apostate!" Angered both by the undead and the fact he was a former Dwarf, Baradesh took a swing at the creature with his axe.
Baradesh moved up. "Ack, ye dinnae know the proper way to enter the Temple of Torag, do ye? Let me show. 'Tis an ancient ritual, passed from father to son, mother to daughter and occasionally stupid cousin to dimmer cousin." Standing before the doors, the Dwarf squared his shoulders, and announced, "First, ye must say the proper phrase. 'Nae bloody stuck doors are stopping me.' Then push. The phrase is important. Lets the door know ye mean buisness." Despite his joking, Baradesh listened at the door first, trying to hear any sign of life from the rooms beyond, before trying to force the door. He wanted in to get in - he didn't want to force his way into a delightful combat, especially with his axe and shield away so he could get the best grip.
I wonder how many adventurer's have tried to kill a giant fly, only to end up with there own weapon buried in there forehead...
Baradesh glanced over at the twitching insect. "Aye, well, a mouse steak is one thing. I dinna think I'd like to eat yonder beastie, though." The Paladin shrugged, and glanced at the building ahead. ""Time to enter yonder temple?"
Baradesh nodded to Xantrius. "I did wonder a wee bit, aye. Pharasma is a fine goddess, worthy of all respects and honour," Although perhaps a bit slow with warnings about the Master of the Inheritor, the Paladin added to himself, remember his Lady's rage at Pharasma, "But she is nae famed for her Paladins. They'll be nae ridicule from me, I assure ye. Had enough of that. A Paladin with nae Smite? Ridiculous. Well, I - oop!" The huge insect buzzed angrily, interrupting the Paladin's words. [b]"What in the nine hells are so many oversized beasties doing living below the city?" Baradesh wondered out loud. It was certainly more than he'd expected from the crusader cities underground. "I dinnae much care for flying insect beasties either." However, he couldn't see a easy way to move for a bllow with his axe. Nor could he see a good place to throw the Chakram on his belt. The words of his trainer came through to him. The best way to defend the innocent is to remove the thread. Several of the Acts of Iomadae show us this. But when such is impossible, blocking the threat is the next best thing. Baradesh moved towards the non-combatants, readying his weapon should the monstrous insect fly around or over the Temple to search or easier prey.
The Paladin nodded to both. Looking to Horgus, he added "I dinnae fancy ending us a beastie's snack either. But if it comes to it, I can and shall run from this place with ye both on my back, and friend Xantrius under me arm to make sure all keep up. My oath as a Paladin - I dinnae leave any ally behind. So Iomadae has heard me speak, and so shall I do." Glancing over at Anevia, he nodded. "Aye, tempers get a wee bit frayed at the edges in situations like this. I cannae lie and say for certain your wife lives, but I can remind ye she is trained in the arts of demon extermination. She is a Paladin, fighting with other Paladins, nae some grocer who prays a horseshoe can keep him safe. If ye care to place a wager, I'd wager she lives, and waits to dine with ye in finery." The Dwarf grinned. "If ye count clothes made of steel and rivets as finery, as all wise Dwarfs do." "Now," the Paladin added as he headed towards the temple, "Let us see what bounty my people have left for us."
Shhh. Don't tell my wife. She'll give me funny looks again.
The bulky Paladin moves between the two fighting humans. True, they could simply argue over the Dwarves head, but that would be awfully rude. "Ah dinnae know what this is about," Baradesh said as he stood between the two, "And I care not. This is nae place to be fighting with each other! And before the sight of the Father of Creation! Ah may be a servant of Iomadae, but respect for Torag is always wise. We are deep beneath the earth, and He has not time for squabbling by my memory." The Paladin turned to Horgus. "The Lady has walked with us on a broken leg with nae complaint, worried sick about her wife above in a demon infested city. Do you have kin? Do you nae worry? A moment of weakness is mortal, sir, nae slowing us down." Then Baradesh turned to Anevia. "I have nae idea as to why someone would choose to hide there worship. I am a Paladin - I proudly and humbly wear my Goddess' mark above my own. But if he is not a devotee of something such as the Rough Beast or the Lord of the Pit, or one of the beasts assaulting above right now, then he has a right to worship as he chooses, in private or public, and ye and I have no place in mocking how he does it. Not everyone is comfortable in sharing there faith as I do." Looking around at both, he added, "I know this is not good. Our city is under attack, everyone and everything we care of above while we are trapped here, beneath it all. But now is no time to fight each other. You two seem to know each other somehow, and like each not much. No one asks you like each other. But we need your help and, as you've seen, there is foulness here as above. Together we are stronger than apart, and our chance of surviving best if we work as a group."
Moss. Baradesh smiled and shook his head. It was nice to have pessimism turning out to be nothing much of anything for once. "'Tis a shame me mama never showed me which of those mosses were tasties and which were not. Woulda made a tasty wee addition to the supplies." The bulky Dwarf turned his attention to the building. From what he could see of it the place would be easy to defend. A good place to rest, assuming it was safe. They'd have to check it out, and maybe work out how to secure the entrance while they continued to explore to make sure nothing moved in while they were gone, but it could serve as a reasonable fallback position. He looked at the hammer symbol and considered it a moment.
Ambling along at the back in his usual rearguard position, Baradesh called out, "I dinnae suppose there be a chance that it's just a wee touch of cave mold, is there? There's some kinds that glow in the dark places. 'Tis usually harmless enough. Some of it makes a fine wee salad, my mama used to make that." The Paladin sighed slightly. Corpse eating somethings on landing, demons above, snakes and roaches below. What were the chances it was something as simple as cave moss? He hefted his recently cleaned axe and shield and shook his head, expecting to have to get them messy again soon.
"I dinnae know," Baradesh replied facing Anarya, "And I dinnaee think we ought to hang aboot and find out. Let's skedaddle." It was probably buried deep in the soul of every Dwarf since time began and Torag had placed them underground that it was a bad idea to hang around in a unstable cave, and Baradesh trusted his innate Dwarfness enough to head for the over side, past the still twitching snake. Still, he couldn't help but scan the room anything of interest.
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