Search Posts
Henrika nods. "Sir Trevor, if you can magically convince the seneschal to heed your suggestion that he tell us what he knows, that may be sufficient for our purposes. I can make him more susceptible to your spell. If no one objects, I would like to keep the soldier prisoner at our estate until his lord is dealt with. Perhaps he may still demonstrate his worth once he sees that his loyalty to the Lotheeds is fruitless."
Trevor, I think you can respond to the message spell. Technically only Henrika hears the answer, but I've always described her as relaying what everyone else says to the whole group. Unless there's someone else who Henrika can't cover with her spell, I don't think Trevor has to roll Bluff to communicate a secret. Though I guess there's also a chance that Gul will overhear if he has a good Perception and he rolls well...
Henrika frowns again, puts out a hand to gently stop Ichabod, and speaks through her message spell. "Before we execute him for his crimes, I would like to see if we can learn any intelligence about what we will face at the Palace of Birdsong. The seneschal has been intimately involved in the Count's plans and preparations, and could give us a good idea of what we will face when we ultimately arrive to undo him." She looks at the bloodied, beaten, and briefly burned inquisitor. "I agree that he is unlikely to tell us anything of his own will, but we might perhaps be able to purchase the means to interrogate him magically. Sir Xallis, do you know of any spells that would allow us to pluck what we wish to know from the depths of his mind?"
Well, that's nice. :)
Henrika makes a soft tsk-ing sound. "It seems unlikely to me that we will have much time to prepare for battle against the Lotheeds. Surely their lord is waiting for a report, having sent his seneschal and soldiers to arrest us? How long can we keep quiet what has happened here, do you think? I do not imagine it will be more than a few hours before word spreads. Possibly sooner, with the magic that he seemed to have at his disposal."
Henrika retrieves the wand of color spray and collects two pairs of manacles to restrain Gul and the remaining soldier. She also ensures that Gul is blindfolded, since she knows he is a spellcaster, and stays on guard beside them while Xallis decides what he wants to do with them.
Round 4 Henrika steps toward the furthest soldier and fixes him with her hypnotic stare. "I have advised you to yield. Upon your own skin be this!" she says coldly. She swings her sword twice at his head.
Henrika frowns, but in the spirit of camaraderie swings at Gul with the flat of her blade rather than the edge. She steps forward and tries to force him down with a series of attacks that he cannot see coming.
Henrika mentally twists the knife when Tychus strikes Gul with a crossbow bolt. She moves forward past her flaming enemies and positions herself next to the half-elf inquisitor, leaving a clear shot for Tychus. She swings her magical longsword at the man's neck, pronouncing her own sort of judgment.
Henrika sizes up the opposition with a narrow glance, and then draws the wand of color spray from her belt pouch. She steps forward and activates it, hoping that the wave of colorful lights will make the enemy's counterattack more difficult. Then she drops the wand to grasp her magical longsword with both hands.
Henrika confidently strides forward, drawing her longsword as she goes. "Plainly you have not come here to talk. Very well: I say you serve a foul and venal lord, and it stains your honor to do so. Therefore, you are empty shells for so long as you follow this course, and your blackened hearts will roast in the fires of your shame. Feel it burn, and flee if you would have us spare your withered little lives!" She fixes Sir Gul with her hypnotic stare and casts a spell .
I think Henrika is holding out hope that we won't have to murder the Night Swan, but that's likely impractical. If we don't track her down and face her on our terms, she will ambush us again in much more unfavorable circumstances. But the lake is an easy thing to do in the meantime, and she already drafted a letter to send to Baron Okerra asking for his permission to investigate his lands. It might be good to re-open communication with him anyway, since it seemed kind of ominous to me that he didn't attend the last festival we hosted.
I imagine that once we remove the Lotheeds from the Palace of Birdsong for Eutropia, we will begin to focus less on Stachys, so Trevor's religious influence at that point will start to wane there anyway.
Henrika transfers her hypnotic stare to the wolf that is flanking her with the leader , and stamps her foot distractingly before swinging her sword at it with both hands.
I'm going out of town for a long weekend, and my internet access will be spotty on just my phone. I should be back to full posting strength on Sunday evening.
As soon as the previous combat is over, Henrika implants her Mesmeric Mirror trick into her subconscious again. When they face the large black wolf, this time she decides to let it come to them. Instead she steps forward, casts false life on herself, and activates her hypnotic stare on their quarry.
Henrika quietly exults as the wolves fall around her. She feints toward one of them with her magic sword, then quickly swings it toward the other in a violent arc. She instructs her sword to defend Trevor as well as herself.
As the wolf attempts to bite her, two mirror images of Henrika appear to potentially distract the creature.
Henrika activates her magic sword (directing it to protect Navia as well as herself), and fixes her painful stare on her enemy. Then she rushes forward, Koriana's Blade in hand, and swings at the vanguard wolf.
Henrika nods and whispers through her message spell. "I agree with Trevor, for though I do not suspect the people of this thorpe of colluding with our enemies, I would fain strike into unknown territory than wait six days among such close-knit, quiet people. Perhaps we may offset the disadvantage of facing them in their own terrain with the element of surprise?"
Henrika pretends to be surprised. "Us? Are you sure? You do not worry how that would look to your vassals, bringing in outsiders to protect such a small part of your demesne?" She looks around at the others, gauging their interest with a raised eyebrow. "Of course we would help you, assuming you are willing to accept the risks. Then again, as savvy as you are, you might be able to explain our assistance in such a way as to make it sound like you give us commands." She smiles, as if that notion pleases her. "That would certainly bolster your formidable reputation-- though it might harm ours, especially with the Lotheeds. But in any case, the plight of your people is a compelling reason for us to get involved, and we are fortunate to have you bring this to our attention. We cannot leave them to starve or to be ripped apart by wild beasts, no matter how lowly or remote they might be."
Henrika grimaces to the others when the Night Swan leaves. "Something tells me we have only delayed the inevitable-- I do not think there is any way we can convince her to fight on our side without giving up everything we ourselves believe in. Perhaps we can find a way to ensure that we have the advantage next time we meet?" "What a lovely sitting room you have," Henrika comments on the baroness's manor. "And this wine is exquisite! How fortunate we are to sample the Stachys-grown grapes in such a refined form. We have been so very busy since we saw you last at the Jubilee, to our detriment. As you are so very well informed, you have probably heard of our many adventures after our glorious success against the manticore?" Henrika holds off on bragging about their exploits until the baroness expresses interest.
Henrika watches the Night Swan carefully through slitted eyes. "Ambitious," she says in response to her demands. "Is there a middle-ground upon which we can meet? There is much nobility here in Meratt, but there is also an abundance of corruption, specifically in its ruling family. Can you work with us to bring down the greater evil?"
I plan for Henrika to take the Coalition Leader feat at level 7, at which point Jack could accompany us on some of our adventures. I did a profile for him here: https://paizo.com/people/FalchionJack and we could use the same image I chose for the avatar. He is probably rounder than the half-orc Paizo illustrated, but it should work fine. :) Of course, I also trust your judgment if you have something better!
Henrika devotes her time after returning to Meratt to helping Jack acclimate to his new surroundings. She hosts an impromptu gathering in Stachys that is partly a celebration for Trevor's engagement and partly a welcome for her old friend.
John Falchion seems old and tired during the journey and in the days leading up to the event, and at first he prefers to sit in a corner and drink quietly, conferring with some of his friends who followed Henrika when she left Oppara. But Henrika begins to tell stories about Jack, many with some truth to them and others obvious fables, and it begins to draw him out of his shell. Soon he is contributing to the tales, adding details even more outrageous and encouraging others to participate as well. Eventually the celebration becomes a rousing toast to their hosts' charm and grace, and a hearty congratulations to Trevor and Malphene.
Maybe Advanced Farms so that we can bring Lady Voinum some even better grapes as a sort of apology gift?
Henrika frowns when the note from Baroness Voinum is read. "Mollifying our distinguished neighbor will take some doing, I imagine. It is a shame she feels the need to threaten us into visiting her, and I wonder to which of our various secrets she refers? Perhaps she knows nothing at all, of course. We should plan a trip to her estate as soon as we can. I suggest we politely explain that we have been out of town for some time, and include the news of Sir Trevor's engagement to bolster our credibility."
Henrika makes a point of attending the dinner, dressed in her fine attire and suspecting that something important would happen. She congratulates the happy couple. "My very best wishes to you both," she says. Afterward, she excuses herself and returns to her rooms to keep Jack company. The less time he has alone, the fewer opportunities he has to get into trouble before we leave the city, she thinks wryly.
I've never seen that cassock before. Cool! Pity the competence bonus doesn't stack with the circlet of persuasion.
Fine with me. Liraela also had a cloak of resistance +1 and a +1 crossbow if anyone wants them. Otherwise I think we should sell them. Henrika should probably buy a belt of giant strength +2.
I went through the treasure list and marked a few things to sell. What do we want to do about Liraela's stuff? I'm not sure if we should treat that as having left with her or not. Trevor and Ichabod, I believe you both use a rapier. There's a nice magic rapier (+1 holy rapier named "Godspike") that I assume one of you might want to use. Also, I imagine that whoever doesn't use it will use Trevor's +1 rapier, so we can also sell a masterwork rapier at least. I didn't post it before, but Henrika wanted to buy a masterwork spidersilk sling at half price. I'm not sure yet what she's getting in Oppara, but I'll also mark off 1,000 gp for freeing Jack. Also I claimed the suit of +1 plate mail for him to eventually wear.
"Judge Stone," Henrika repeats, to commit the name to memory. "I will remember you." Henrika takes Jack to the inn where she and her friends are staying. "It must be noted that you are only out of prison because of the coordinated efforts of my friends, to whom I would be pleased to introduce you." She goes around the table. "We are only in town for a short while, to purchase some supplies and to deal with some family matters, before we return to Sir Xallis's estate. You will come with us, of course. I wish to hire you as my man-at-arms, and when we get there I want you to resume my training. It has been a long time since we sparred and I believe I am getting rusty." She smiles. "Until then, I think it would be best for you to remain in my rooms. You are a free man, but I think it is better if you were to act as if you are on parole while in the city, and avoid our old haunts for now. I am in touch with several of our old friends, and if you need anything I would be happy to fetch or purchase it for you. I imagine you would like to celebrate your release, and please allow me to buy your first drink." With deep feelings of guilt, Henrika decides to put off visiting her mother for the day, since she needs to help Jack get settled. Tomorrow she will see to the purchases she came to Oppara to make, and she will return to the Karthis estate then.
Henrika will take her turn to speak to the judge, explaining that she is a knight and would formally take John ("Jack") Falchion as her squire/man-at-arms to ensure that he is less tempted to break the law in the future. She explains the long history the two of them have, with Jack having been hired by her father to teach her swordfighting when she was young. She depicts her uncle as the reason for his downfall, as he sent Jack away when he took control of her father's estates. "What I want to emphasize, your Honor," she summarizes, "is that I have met with and talked to John, and his imprisonment has dramatically changed him. He is no longer the man he once was, and he is anxious to be useful. His great strength and martial skills are wasted in a cell. The system works: he has done his time; let me now give him something worthwhile to do with the rest of his life."
Henrika calls another meeting of the group once they have collected all of their information. "I am touched; thank you my friends. This is very helpful. It seems to me we have two viable paths: one, convincing a judge to hear Jack's case; and two, freeing him more directly. I understand that the latter option is distasteful-- I too would prefer not to break the law to achieve our aims. Thus, I suggest we pursue the first course, with the second course held in reserve if we should fail. Are we agreed? Very well. I see no reason for me to hide my involvement in arranging for his release, even though it will make finding him easier should he escape, and my family name might lend weight to the proceedings if I vouch for him before the court. I will pay whatever administrative costs are necessary."
Henrika purses her lips. "He knowingly committed his crimes of thievery, though I have reason to believe he repents of his actions. His sentence has been extended significantly because he twice tried to escape, causing damage to the building and injuries to several of the guards-- though thankfully he did not kill anyone. I do not feel his punishment is just, but I cannot deny that he is a criminal or argue that the law has been wrongly applied." She sighs. "It is plain that the conditions of his imprisonment are killing him. If I do nothing, he will surely die before he serves even the tenth part of his sentence."
Do you want to try to free Jack legally or illegally? Are we petitioning the courts or staging a prison break? I’ll work with either direction. I hoped to convey that Henrika wants to free him by any means necessary, and was sounding out the rest of the party to see what they would go along with. If anyone is completely opposed to a prison break, she will work with them to come up with an acceptable solution.
As soon as Henrika arrives in Oppara, she excuses herself from her friends and makes her way to the building where Jack Falchion is being held. After some polite questioning and a few pieces of silver when questions aren't enough, she convinces them to let her see him. Jack is chained in manacles on both legs, looking very bad indeed. "Oh Ren," he mumbles, most of the life seemingly gone from him, "Is it you? Have you come back to see me?" It takes some time and a lot of her focused energy to raise his spirits somewhat. She pays to have a good meal brought to her, and she shares it with Jack. He eats somberly, timidly, like his teeth are sore and he doesn't dare swallow too much in one gulp for fear of being unable to keep it down. "I am here," she comforts him, concealing how much it hurts her to see him brought so low. When she asks about the details of his imprisonment, he tries to downplay it out of what she suspects is embarrassment, but she eventually learns that his sentence is nineteen years. "Nineteen years?" she exclaims in shock. He nods. "Five years for the theft. Seven more because I tried to escape. Twice." He shakes his head. "I will never leave this place. This will be where old Jack breathes his last." He sighs, and to Henrika's dismay he begins to cry, quiet sobs with his head buried in the folds of his neck. Henrika remains with him for several hours, reminiscing and commiserating and just keeping him company. She pays for another meal when the sun sets, and gently steers the conversation toward his regrets, if he has any, as he begins to look drowsy. "Aye, I should have listened to you," he whispers, as if the admission causes him pain. "If only I could go back to th' crossroads, take me a different path, so's I could see that another story must begin." When he falls asleep she leaves, and returns to the inn where she and her friends are staying. She asks them to gather and buys everyone drinks. "My dears: Xallis and Navia, Malphene and Trevor, Ichabod and Tychus. I must ask you for a great favor. My longest and truest friend is being held by the local magistrate, imprisoned in a gaol. I have decided that I must see him freed. Will you help me?"
Glad you had a good time on your trip, GM! I had been vaguely thinking Henrika would try to engage the animate painting in conversation, but I couldn't settle on a good opening. I'm fine with moving on. I need to post what she is doing once they get back to Oppara, and I'll update her character sheet for level 6. BAB: +1
I hope the Bahamas live up to their reputation!
Henrika scrutinizes this newly-emerged image of the duchess, suspecting it is an illusion of some sort. Is she still barefoot? she wonders. Could the source of the phantasm, if indeed that is what we are seeing, have something to do with her lack of shoes? Her expression is more puzzled than frustrated.
Henrika raises an eyebrow at the farcical scene, watching the two women and her friend Trevor attempt to deal with the situation. Curious about the outcome, she follows the duchess and the cleric into the parlor and does her best to help determine which way their new guest went.
Does anyone have a preference for what we should build next? I guess I'll suggest improving the pump house.
Henrika launches another sling bullet at the jelly.
Henrika pulls another bullet out of her pouch and reloads her sling, then flings it again at the jelly.
Henrika ties her heavy mace to her belt for quick access and places her newly-purchased alchemical supplies in her pouch. She asks Trevor to kindly cast the scroll of resist energy that she purchased. She also casts heightened awareness and message on herself before she creeps closer.
Once she is about 30 feet away from the monster, in coordination with the others, she loads a bullet into her sling and flings it at the creature.
A potion of resistance wouldn't be the worst option either. We might be able to buy scrolls of energy resistance that Xallis or Trevor can cast for 25 gp each, since they're only level 1 on the ranger spell list. But even as a level 2 spell, they're still half as expensive as potions.
That sounds really amusing, though it would leave Xallis without Navia for the fight. It still might end the fight without us needing to get close, though.
Alkali flasks are 15 gp each and deal 2d6 damage to oozes, probably our best choice for ranged attacks. A dose of acid neutralizer is 15 gp and will prevent an adjacent ooze from dealing acid damage for 1 round if it is hit with a ranged touch attack. This is a great defensive action that would protect everyone else for a round if someone is willing to get close enough (and is good enough at ranged touch attacks). Bloating solution costs 25 gp a dose and reduces its reach by 5 feet on a successful ranged hit, also might reduce the DC of any constrict abilities it has. I'm not sure how effective this would be against an ochre jelly. Congealer spray is 15 gp a pop and sprays a cone that prevents an ooze from splitting and also removes its immunities to electricity, piercing, and slashing damage for 1d4 rounds. Also has a chance (Fort DC 15) to stagger it. This sounds excellent to me, especially because those of us with magical piercing or slashing weapons can use them while it is under the effects. Alchemist's fire deals fire damage on a successful hit and might cause it to catch fire-- but since we're fighting it near a lake I think we're unlikely to make it burn for very long. It sounds like there isn't a risk of our weapons getting melted by the ooze, so I'm thinking congealer spray is our best bet for those who want to fight with piercing or slashing weapons, and alkali flasks otherwise. Henrika's buying a heavy mace, so she should be able to fight pretty well in melee without any alchemical debuffs. Also, fighting at range is smart for as long as we can, so she'll get a sling and a few alkali flasks. I'm thinking I'll also get her a dose of congealer spray to use if she finds an opening. So Henrika's list is: heavy mace (12 gp), sling and 20 bullets (2 sp), alkali flask x3 (45 gp), and congealer spray (15 gp). That's 72.2 gp total.
Henrika considers. "Let us see if any of those items are for sale in Lotheedar," she suggests.
Henrika indicates these conditions are agreeable to them with a nod. When they depart to travel to Lotheedar, Henrika questions Ichabod. "You are familiar with the principles of alchemy, are you not? I did think I remembered you saying something to that effect while we were exploring Martella's secret chambers. Do you know if there are any chemical tinctures or concoctions we could purchase that would help us neutralize an ooze such as this jelly you described?"
Henrika bows to the swan maiden in polite deference. "We did not come prepared to fight an ooze, but Lotheedar is not far. If we went to purchase some items that will make our battle to cleanse your lake weighted more in our favor, would you still direct us to the place where the gelatinous interloper may be found?" |
