Callen moves up closer to the conflict with the evil woman. Drawing another arrow, he comes around the outside of Nicolette and Kevin's flanking of her and snaps off another shot.
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Callen draws another arrow and knocks it. He had intended to shoot at the warrior again, but after the woman's demonic cry and the insuing flames engulfing his friends, he turns toward the outer room and hustles forward, snapping off a shot after he crosses in.
Callen hurries forward into the room, putting himself between the two foes. Figuring it best to help Joska and Missy to take down the warrior before them, Callen draws an arrow and snaps off a shot.
Callen curses silently under his breath as he realizes he let his guard down and allowed them to be flanked. Turning, he runs back through the hallway, stopping to pick up his bow where he discarded it before the assault on the door to the kitchen.
Callen stands up, the key in his hand. He steps forward to the pair, reaching out for the shackles. "I am Callen Shieldborn, I am glad to meet you both Gram and Burn, though wish it were a better occasion. You are safe now, we will see no more harm comes to you."
Joska, glad to hear you are safe! I totaled a car a couple years ago, it definitely shakes you up, nevermind everything you have to deal with after. Hope December starts off better for you!
Callen takes a heavy, deep breath after the quick combat. Stowing his sword, he reaches up and pulls back his hood, checking his neck and rotating his shoulder where the traitor's flail hit him. His eyes find the two chained youths as he tries to shake off the wound. 'Damn it all, they hold even their own kin as chattel. How far have they fallen...' He shakes his head at the poor state of the slaves, then looks down at the third fallen Mongrel, the one who had previously been leading them. Kneeling down, he checks his belt, pouches and pockets for some manner of key.
Callen had discarded his bow before his attempt to open the door. Now set upon by the foe in hand to hand combat, Callen draws his sword and, clasping it in two hands, delivers an overhand strike at the wounded mongrel.
Callen furrows his brow as the mongrels slam the door shut. 'Damn, if they can barricade themselves in there, that could be trouble." he watches as Joska and Kevin slam against the door, but to no avail. ,,'Those bastards are strong... But likely blocking it up high.' Hustling past Nicolette, he places his bow against the wall before lining up the gap between the two warriors against the door. "Kevin, Joska, I'm coming in low!" Callen hustles forward and slams himself in the bottom corner of the door, away from the hinges, hoping the leverage will knock them off kilter.
Watch out, incoming!!!!!!
Callen was ready, just behind Nicolette, when the door opened in front of Kevin. He quickly draws the arrow back and snaps off a shot at the for carrying the side of meat.
Callen is busy considering how to deal with the tainted heart on the table before him when he hears Nicolette speak up about the next room. Leaving the heart where it rests, he moves over toward Nicolette and Kevin, knocking an arrow once more. Going to the hallway's mouth, he calls out: "Betrayed by knights we were. Dead now are they."
Callen stares at the shriveled heart upon the table, a mix of emotions coursing through his brain. He looks up as Joska and Missy each share their theories on the heart's nature. Gesturing down at it, he speaks with a tinge of anger, "Could this be the reason these people fell a darkness? And if it is such a dangerous implement of corruption, What do we do with it? We can't just leave it..." Callen wracks his brain, searching for some obscure fact of how to destroy an unholy relic.
A touch of fear shadows his heart at the discovery within the statue's hidden pocket. "There is something inside this. Some kind of organ, or it was anyway. A heart, I think?" tucking away his knife, Callen will use two arrows as a makeshift pair of tongs to remove the dried heart. As be does, he will try to determine it's origin.
Once removed, he will carefully carry it over to the nearest table so others can inspect it.
Callen turns toward Nicolette as she offers the compliment, to which he nods in response, "I was trained to fight as a skirmisher, to aid the core of a force, whether a small group such as us, or a larger army. We will find most success when we can concentrate our might on the biggest threats. If we can keep this up, we just may reach the surface in one piece."
Callen takes a deep breath and looks about the battlefield, glancing at his allies, "everyone alright?" He glances at the several doors around the chamber, trying to make sense of their purpose. He moves towards the south end of the room, also looking over the two weapon racks , then up to the giant bullheaded statue. He also looks over its base, to determine whether it is attached to the floor or freestanding.
Stepping back, he turns to Joska. Pointing up at the statue with a condemning gaze, "That bastard is why. Back in the other village, the chief said some members of their tribe had fallen from their old faith, had turned to darkness. Given the similar amulet we found on those dead false knights back in the tunnels, this would seem to be the answer. Faith can touch the unlikely, and bring together those from very different backgrounds. Not many would expect one of my kind to be found on the front lines, bearing the banner of the Inheritor... Yet here I am. Is this so different?"
I am sure I am not just speaking for myself when I say 'no worries', and thanks for running this game! I am having a lot of fun, can't wait to emerge into the ruined city above!!!
With fortune, and Iomedae's Will on their side, a brief feeling of elation comes over Callen as they close on the last few foes. Drawing another arrow, he fires at the mongrel at Kevin's back.
Callen considers the options before him: 'Kevin and Missy are facing a larger contingent, but his bow would not lend much support by iteself; Joska has fewer foes, with my and Nicolette's ranged aid, we could down these two quickly, then flank the northern force. Done.' He draws another arrow and aims at the lone twisted mutant to his south.
Callen sees the robed mongrel toward the back and hurries forward, knocking an arrow as he does. He is about to draw down on his target when he realizes the trio of foes surrounding Joska. He quickly pivots and looses his arrow at the nearest mongrel (that Joska just wounded).
Callen will move up behind Meraati, taking aim through his allies at the cultist who is bearing down on Joska. 'Wearing the tabards of my fallen brethren... these heretics will pay.' He utters the oath so silently, it is little more than a thought.
Callen waits with anticipation for the door to swing wide. He raises his bow and draws the string as Missy puts her hands on the door, predicting where a target might be. It is clear any within this place are in league with the dark powers of the Worldwound, an diy is his solemn duty to end their fight against the good people of the world. As soon as his eyes find a target, he let's fly his arrow.
Callen comes out of the workshop and sees the emotional state that Amelia is still in. He sighs softly, slowly shaking his head. "War is horror, too many suffer wounds that cannot be seen. Poor girl," he whispers up to Nicolette. Walking towards Joska and Kevin as they prepare to move down, he continues to speak quieter than normal. "The lass will need to be watched and protected, I doubt she will recover before today's conflict is over." Callen looks to Missy as they gather outside the door in the lower chamber. "Missy, you seem to be able to handle yourself in harm's way. Think you could get the door, so Joska and Kevin can rush in, then we can follow with ranged attacks?"
Callen wretches violently as Nicolette opens the door to the waste chamber. "By all that is holy, that is disgusting! Close it, damn!" The contents of his stomach splatter across the stone. The Halfling steps back into the larger chamber to catch some air and wipe his face. Turning back, he sees Joska shoulder the quiver and bow. "Your likely more capable than you think, but I would be happy to share a few pointers when we have just a little bit more time. Just like with everything else, the pointy end goes towards your target." When Nicolette discusses destroying the forge, Callen grimaces slightly. "Perhaps we should talk with the Chief first. Perhaps his people can occupy this as well, give them a further guard post seeing as how their tower collapsed?"
Callen looks around the party and notices the shock setting in on young Amelia. 'She has likely never seen battle before - not this close up, this violent, at least. And after yesterday's events, no less. Poor child. I hope she can pull it together.' He walks over slowly to Amelia and Meraati, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. He offers his unstoppered waterskin, hoping the cool, crisp water from the underground lake will help bring even a small measure of calm. Turning toward the others, he nods in agreement, "Aye, figure that workshop likely leads nowhere, so let's give it a look then take the stairs down. Those two doors have not opened, so perhaps nothing lies beyond them - but still, keep a wary eye toward our backs. And Kevin, I agree, the bow could be useful to have in your hands. Check the fletchings on those arrows, she fell hard when i put her down." Callen will slide over to Nicolette and follow her into the workshop as she begins her inspection.
His bow at the ready, Callen snaps off a shot at the traitor as it rounds the corner.
Callen looks at Nicolette doubtfully. In his typically hollow, raspy voice, "I heard him say a few words, from a distance. But I am no actor, nor can my voice get loud. Sadly, that option is beyond me. Meraati, you seem to have a skilled tongue, is that something you could accomplish?"
Callen turns and quietly moves back up to his allies. At a low whisper, "there is only one down there, guarding a door. But he is at least 50 feet back, and there is both a small stream and a wooden fence at least partially in the way. I can likely hit him with an arrow, but I doubt I can take him down with one shot. They are tough bastards. Anyone got any ideas? Maybe some way to stun him?"
Hearing the traitor below call out, Callen steps past the body and quietly makes his way down the stairs, trying to determine what awaits them.
Callen notices Amelia move up, and nods for her to get low. At a low whisper, "Have a spell ready, one is near." Callen draws his knocked arrow and aims it toward the edge of the wall where someone would turn up toward the flight of steps he is on.
Sorry to see you go but totally understand. You have to take care of yourself! I definitely recommend talking with someone about your situation, that sounds a lot like anhedonia, it is a frequent symptom of chronic depression. If you need any resources, please do not hesitate to PM me. Take care of yourself!
Callen looks over at the others engaged in the scuffle at the door, 'they will make short work of them...' then looks to Nicolette toward the back. He raises his left arm up high, holding up two fingers. I then blows a shrill whistle, and waves his hand forward, emphasizing his upturned fingers. Hopefully, she looks over toward him at the door. After, he cracks it back open, and begins to stalk down the stairs, his bow at the ready, anticipating the arrival of the scout.
Congrats to all! Let's keep this game moving!
From across the room at the southern doorway Callen draws his bow and prepares his son. The range back to the stone double doors was but a trifle to an archer. Still, he had many allies in front of him, causing Callen to consider his target carefully. He recalled the monstrous brute they had seen outside, and plans to aim for his large figure as soon as the doors opened. Assuming he is within sight, Cal will snap off a shot at him.
Callen's concern for his allies causes his shot to fly high, skipping off the stone ceiling.
Haha, no worries, I have certainly done that! Just curious, did I hear anything with my amazing perception check?
As Nicolette comes to heal him, he points to their partially mended state after Missy's efforts. "Thank you Nicolette, but Missy already lended her skills. I think Joska can use your talents more at this point."
He goes back over near the door and recovers his discarded gear, tucking his sword in his scabbard and securing his shield at his back. "I can cover the interior door, while also assisting... if necessary... as you deal with the three behind us." He goes back to the southern door, cracking it open and listening to hear any activity beyond it.
"Damnit!" he quietly blurts out, even as his target falls. 'Someone down those stairs had to have heard that...' he thinks even as he steps back into the chamber and closes the door. Turning around, he sees the lone fighter swinging wildly at Nicolette. He considers his own wounded condition before raising his bow and snapping off a shot.
Callen ducks away from his pursuer to charge after the archer, knocking an arrow as he runs and letting loose as soon as he can see his target.
Seeing the female mongrel fleeing toward the door, he realizes the danger of one escaping, "Don't let her escape!" He is concerned leaving Amelia back with the traitor, but tactics are key. He dodges out of the melee, dropping his sword and shield, before snatching out his bow. As he gets in the clear, he snaps off a shot at the fleeing traitor.
Callen ducks the blow of the charging traitor, with his shield raised up to help deflect the oncoming weapon. From his strange, low angle, he can't help but chuckle as he sees Kevin spit the mouthful of mongrel flesh out and expels his curses. He drives forward, trying to thrust up with his longsword into his foe. He is admittedly more skilled with his fighting mace, but the long sword is more capable of a deadly wound, and that is what is needed right now.
Seeing none of the traitors close by accept the one beyond the door, Callen turns quickly and shoves the door closed, shouting, "Now!" before jumping up and pulling the lever down, hoping he has enough strength and weight to move it into place.
Callen enters into the outpost with the prisoners, drifting to the back of the chain as they do. Once through the door, he will casually look up and see if he can identify the means to close and secure it.
He calmly awaits to for Meraati, Joska, or one of the others to make a move, while thinking to himself. 'damn, we never discussed our plan once we were inside...'
Callen tries his best to cruelly laugh at Meraati's words. He jerks the rope bindings, and gestures back at his comrades meliciously In Abyssal: "Look at these fools, ripe for the picking. We even captured a paladin of Sarenrae - oh, the fun we can have with him..."
After distributing the tabards, Callen produces a length of rope. "I am going to tie each of you together by the wrists. The knots will appear tight, but apply pressure from where your wrists meet and the knot will come free. As for weapons, I can help hide a dagger on each of you, to give you something immediate. Nicolette, your throwing needles seem to be out of sight. Perhaps Joska can carry a bundle with everyone's larger confiscated arms, that she can drop when trouble starts." After securing their wrists, he will set about stashing a dagger on each of them out of sight.
Callen listens to Nicolette's recommendation and thinks for a minute. Looking to the party he smirks slightly. "If there is only one way in, this might be the best course of action. Given yesterday's events and their allegiance, they likely are not expecting any attack. I have the two tabards we recovered from the bodies, and a third, my own. The blood stains were from the conflict and taking down these crusaders. Meraati, you seem to be skilled with words, perhaps you take the lead, and Joska you don one of the tabards as well. That would have three of us as cultists, able to enter armed, with the four of you as our prisoners. If nothing else, it may get us through the door at least. Meraati, you up for the challenge?" Even as he looks to her for an answer, Callen kneels down and pulls the three tabards needed from his pack, offering one each to Joska and Meraati.
Guess I am a little late to the conversation. Any time we camp, if I have one 1st level spell left, I can cast Keep Watch, which allows me to count as sleeping for rest purposes while awake. I can also engage in light activity, which includes Providing Long Term Care. So, I can Provide Long Term Care to everyone, which doubles resting HP gain. Which should help with our long-term healing, though with the host of healing capable PCs, we may not need it!
Gone Swimming:
Callen suddenly realizes it is he and three ladies on the swimming trip, and as they start to disrobe, he turns to avert his eyes until he hears the splashes of three entering the water. He will turn back and follow them in, finding a bit of relaxation in the moment. He smiles as Nicolette and Giri play, and nods to Joska as she calmly swims out a little deeper. 'We each need a release in this moment, I hope the others back at the hall are finding it by the hearth.' His thought is interrupted as Nicolette splashes him, and he can't help but laugh at her playful nature amidst the day's darkness. He also blushes, or would if his pallid flesh allowed it, as the he can't help but notice the physique of the playful half-elf. As they eventually gather their things and head back to the hall, he smiles at the three of others, "After today's events, I needed that. May it be a cleansing touch for a fresh start tomorrow." Callen bites his tongue as Horgus grabs the cheese from his hand and hustles away. When Nicolette replaces it moments later, he smiles and nods to her. Keeping his voice low, "Despite his blustering, I think he may be a decent man. Though certainly not a man of war, and so his reactions can be expected. And thank you, for the cheese. I will take a spot of honey, of you'd spare it." he will smear some honey on the bread, then crumble the cheese atop it. Eating it, he listens to Nicolette raise her concerns. "Aye, let's hope they have followed their demonic masters topside. We will have to move fast once we reach the outpost. We will be coming back to get our charges, we should leave anything not necessary for battle."
Going for a swim:
Callen cannot help but smile and Nicolette's request to the chief. 'Then again, a cool dip might just be enough to cleanse the mind of today's horrors.' With a smirk, he wanders over to Nicolette and Giri, "I'll come for a quick jump in. It will help to start tomorrow anew." When they get to the water, he is slow to undress, but eventually strips down to a brief loincloth. To any that take notice, lesion scars are scattered across his body, and the black, necrotic lacing of dead nerves covers the left side of his body from a mid thigh up to his neck. He seems to show little notice of the cold as he enters the water, first walking to his waist, then diving under.
Callen rises quickly with the others in the morning. He quickly collects what few belongings he had unpacked and prepares to move. Taking Lann's offer of food, he rips a piece off one of the loaves and cuts a chunk of cheese, then pockets a few dried mushrooms. Turning to Lann he inquires, "How far off is this outpost? Does it still lay under the city above?" Turning toward Horgus at his clear concern, Callen walks over to the noble. "Lord Gwerm, yes, I gave you my word, and my word is my bond. I will see you delivered safely to your home, but in order to gain a route, we must deal with these traitors to Neathholm. Likely the fighting will be fierce, so staying here will be safer for you. Besides, perhaps you an negotiate a deal or two. Business is business, is it not?"
Callen listens carefully as Nicolette and Joska ask their questions. He takes in the Chief's responses, considering the fact that though these are traitors to their people, they are still their kindred in some way. It may be difficult for him to come to terms with such an act. When the issues of tactics and and dangers are put to rest, he asks a single question. "Chief Sull, thank you for all you have already done for us. Your hospitality in these times is most welcome, and I hope we can form a friendship here that lasts beyond today. This day has seen long hours, and before we take on the challenge of these traitors to your people, would you offer us one other boon - sanctuary within your town for this night?"
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