Hi, everyone.
Unfortunately, due to my life circumstances, I have to drop this game. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but it has to be done. Things are changing, and my commitments need to scale back. It's been fun while it lasted.
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Shaking his head like a disapproving father at the sight of Allen and Iolana, Jens approaches the front door, keeping his sword-arm free and his shield high. Making no attempt to move silently in his mail, he looks through the half-open door cautiously.
"Fair travels, friend," Jens murmurs, placing a heavy hand on Tatyana's shoulder. "May the road under your feet be safe, and the gods smile on you." He doesn't hug her, but he offers a firm handshake and a genuine smile. Eyeing the newcomer with suspicion, he looks him over, taking in the holy symbols and visibly easing some of the tension in his massive shoulders. "Jens Varmodsson," he nods, extending a gauntleted hand. "This is Alfsigr. We should get moving right away - I'd suggest closing on Topaz Solutions first."
I'm here, just busy. And mourning the loss of Tats. :P
"Aye, we found evidence of Templar activity beneath the city," Jens agrees, frowning. "I can join the next patrol personally, but cannot speak for my companions."
"I don't think she's tame at all," Jens chuckles. "I think she's just allowed me to get close to her. Eh, old girl?" The enormous beast gives a small snort, butting her head against his shoulder. "What is it you would ask of us, Captain? I find myself in your debt for the reunion."
"Plenty of time to learn, Iolana. For now, just get used to her company. Try leading her a ways." Turning from Alfsígr's flank, Jens frowns at the sight of Tats unsuccessfully approaching one horse after another. "Something has them spooked, lass," he sighs, not wanting to point out the obvious. "Keep your palms to them, and don't approach too fast. They're a mite skittish." Beckoning the tiefling to his side, he shields his eyes from the sun and looks out over the small herd.
While the skittish creatures allow him to approach, each one shies away from Tats, as if unnerved. Finally, after several minutes, he finds a gangly grey colt, a white stocking on his front right leg, and on the thin side. While he looks the horse over appraisingly, it approaches Tats, gently nudging at her outstretched hand before sneezing on it. "Well, he seems to like you," the Ulfen man shrugs, checking the colt's eyes and teeth. "He'll never be a charger, but he'll bear your weight surely enough."
"Ha! Sorry she gave you so much trouble," Jens laughs, continuing to brush out Alfsígr's coat. The shaggy bay mare snorts, bumping her head against his shoulder. "Always did have a fire in her belly, this one. Comes from some of the finest stock my family ever had." Gripping the remnants of bridle in one hand, he locks eyes with the horse again. "Haven't had a mount like her since her sire," he says with a deep sigh. After a moment, he shakes his head, and resumes brushing, pulling off his gauntlets to work out a knot in Alfsígr's mane. "Take your time choosing, lasses," he grins to Iolana and Tats. "Relax, and keep your eyes soft. Don't want to spook them."
"Alfsígr!" Jens roars in delight as the mare barrels towards him, swinging an arm around the back of her neck and resting his forehead against hers. "It's good to see you again, girl!" Turning back to Irabeth and her knights, he lets out a hearty guffaW. "Aye, this be her alright, lass. She's survived two attacks on the city now, if you'd believe it!" He draws a well-worn brush from his pack, starting to work the knots out of the horse's mane as he continues. "Where did you find her? If only she could tell us her story, eh?"
Jens' face splits into a broad grin, a genuine laugh bubbling up from the depths of his chest. "Aye, that sounds like her!" he chuckles, shaking his head. "Always had a fire in her belly, that one. Let's see her then, Captain - if it is her, she'll be wanting to see me soon!"
Hearing only silence from his new companions, Jens heaves a deep sigh, the air rushing from his lungs with a heavy whoosh. ”Our trials have been long, and many,” he begins, intoning the words as though an old prayer. ”We woke beneath Kenabres, amongst the dead – and with some survivors. Your wife, the nobleman Horgus Gwerm, and the scholar Aravasnial. With the injured in tow, we made our way through the tunnels beneath the ruins, beset by monstrous vermin of grotesque size. We found a temple of Torag built in a vast underground cavern, long abandoned and occupied only by an undead creature we failed to identify. After laying it to rest, our companion – who followed us no further – reconsecrated the temple, dedicating it to Desna. “Travelling onward, we found a series of statues depicting warriors of the First Mendevian Crusade, which we believe were built by their descendants. We also found a crazed dwarf who called himself Milorn – unfortunately, he wasn’t interested in allowing us peaceful passage. “Shortly afterwards, we found Lamm and a companion, working to free another, which we assisted with, securing safe passage to Neathholm and an audience with their leader. On the way to the settlement, we found the bodies of two individuals who we believe were Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth posing as crusaders of the Inheritor. Heinrick carries their unholy symbols and tabards, I believe. “From there, we travelled to Neathholm, and were granted a meeting with Chief Sull, leader of the Children of the First Crusade. He told us where we might find passage to the surface, provided we bring a message with us – that his people wish to fight alongside Kenabres as their forefathers did, to drive back the demon invasion. “Upon reaching the surface, we met with further struggle. We have freed survivors from the ruins of their home, fought a traitor in the Librarium of the Broken Black Wing who was going to sacrifice the librarians in an attempt to show chaos and win the favour of the demonic intruders, and saved a young woman from crusaders driven mad and clinging to an old folktale for hope. We destroyed a pair of imps that were making survivors of the carnage fight for their own amusement, and at your residence, we fought an old acquaintance of yours by the name of Vargog. The letter you left for Anevia led us here.” Allowing silence to fall after his recounting, Jens takes a deep breath through his nose, savouring the relatively fresh air of the city, clearing the memory of the caverns. "We left Gwerm and Aravashnial at his manor and the Librarium, respectively. There are further survivors and refugees there as well." Doubt flickering across his mind, he asks, his voice softer, "Captain... I do not wish to impose, but have you by chance seen a horse? A shaggy bay mare, about this high?" He motions in the general height of his upper arm. "Now that we've found safety, I can't but wonder if she survived the disaster herself."
I think I owe everyone an explanation, and an apology. In my circle of gamer friends, I'm known as the one with terrible luck. When I play at a PFS table, my dice conspire against me, seldom rolling above a 9. When someone gets sick, I always pick it up. If technological eff-ups happen, they're always to me. I'm the bad luck magnet that soaks the bad stuff so everyone else can be awesome and have a good time. So it dismayed, but didn't surprise me when, shortly after getting my replacement tablet, my charger stopped working, and I had to wait for a replacement to arrive (and it was only through goodwill that I was able to get one). Then I came down with sinusitis. Then I had to start involuntary volunteer work to keep my welfare payments (remember, I'm unemployed [not for lack of trying], and the Australian job market is tanking). Then I developed laryngitis. It sounds ridiculous, but it's all true - and my friends would back me up and say it wouldn't happen to anyone but me! The sinusitis has passed, and the laryngitis is on its way out (finally!). I'm hoping to return to my (ir)regularly-scheduled posting soon. I'm sorry for my radio silence, and I wish I could promise more regular posts, but... the simple fact is, I don't know *how* life's going to kick me next.
My replacement device has arrived, and I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully I can start posting in my games tonight or tomorrow!
So here's the situation. I haven't been in a good place lately (again). My desktop computer has died due to a hard drive issue, and my one-year-old tablet has decided to stop working as well. This restricts me to posting on my phone, which is amazingly difficult due to a cracked screen and prohibitively slow loading times. I'm up against a deadline for job searching, I can barely afford to pay my bills, and the constant stress is leaving me pretty drained. Right now, I'm at a friend's house posting this. I'll be around, and trying to post occasionally from my phone, but until Microsoft get me my replacement device, I'll be spotty at best.
"You must be Irabeth." Jens takes off his helmet, offering the half-orc a thin smile. "It's good to see families reunited. "As for the attack..." He takes a deep breath through his nose, letting it out through tired lips. "Khorramzdeh himself attacked the city, opening a rift in the earth and slaying Terendelev before the eyes of the helpless. It was as horrifying as the last time he attacked." His eyes cloud at the memory, now duplicated in his mind. "The dragon's last act - her final gift - was to spare us." He reaches into his gambeson, withdrawing the scale, small in his gauntleted hand. "Our guest is one of the Children of the First Crusade," he says, raising his voice slightly, not realizing it had trailed off. "Lamm, this is Guard-Captain Irabeth Tirablade. Mrs. Tirablade, this is Lamm, and it's thanks to his hospitality, and that of Neathholm, that we were able to return."
Yikes, that must have been a scare! Sorry to hear about the car, but glad you're in good health!
In response, Jens raises his shield, angling the symbol of the dragon carved into the boss toward the barricade. "Survivors from the attack," he calls back, his booming voice carrying in the cool air. "We bring refugees and wounded, and seek shelter and safety within your walls."
"Your wife lives, then?" Jens smiles, the edges of his eyes crinkling. "This is good news, indeed. However, the young ones are right - we have others to find first." His tone gentler, he adds, "Can you wait that long, Anevia?"
Jens looks approvingly at Tats, nodding. "Fine form, lass," he grins, shouldering his shield and checking Anevia's leg. As he sets a hand on her shoulder to try calming her, he asks, "Who was he, and why did he speak of vengeance?"
Happy Monday indeed! Sorry to be a pain, but can we grab a map for this? I'm having trouble visualizing it >.>
I'm back, folks! Vacation was pretty great, and it's time for me to kick jetlag in the butt and start posting again. Bear with me!
Jens' eyes flick to the door. "Then we go in," he shrugs, pausing to hear any objections before trying the doorknob.
"We move on," Jens says firmly, his gaze falling on Anevia. "We made promises that we must keep. We will send for everyone willing once we have secured Defender's Heart." He extends an armoured hand to Horgus, adding, "Stay safe in the meantime."
"Any way is better than none," Jens grunts in annoyance. "Let us keep moving." He starts towards the broken wall.
Jens kicks a loose stone into the chasm, leaning over to watch it as it falls. He squints into the darkness, listening for the impact and hearing none. "Far too deep to go down," he sighs, glancing at Heinrick. "Iolana has a good idea. We go west, and look from there."
Enjoy your break, and get those batteries recharged!
Jens sighs, pushing a few sweat-slicked strands of greying hair away from his eyes with a scale-clad thumb. "Alright," he mutters, before raising his voice. "I'll take vanguard. Tats, Iolana, to the sides, keep the civilians in the middle. Henrick." He fixes his eyes on the young cleric, before pulling his helm over his head again. "Think you can handle the rear-guard?"
Hey guys, I just got the internet connected. Might take me a while to get into the swing of things again, but I'm back!
"You don't live to fifty in this career path without facing your share of horrors," Jens grunts, taking off his helm and gauntlet to rub at his cheek, attempting to get the circulation flowing in his face again. "Can't say I've faced this 'Deskari' before, but it would be a worthy adversary indeed." He fixes the woman with a hard look, blue eyes cold as chips of ice, the lines in his craggy face deepened with sweat and grime. "If you wish to take your chances alone, that's your choice. If you come with us, we will keep you safe as long as their is breath in our bodies."
Jens grunts as he feels the numbing chill spread from his face to his limbs, deciding to resolve the issue later. For now, he focuses his attention on the demon before him.
Man, Heinrick. I thought my paladin in Kingmaker had bad luck. Yours is something else entirely!
First up, I'd like to apologize for my sporadic silences. I've been working up to moving house, and the big day was today. We don't have an internet connection yet, and probably won't for several days (though we're working on it). I have a smartphone with a data plan, but 500MB doesn't go far when I'm using it for job-searching as well. However, my mother lives 5 minutes away and I'm welcome there any time, and there's a library within walking distance, so I'll be around. Please don't write me out of the campaign, as this is temporary. I'll be here, but sporadic. If I'm holding things up, bot me. If there's something Jens would reasonably do that would help the party out of combat, have him do it if I don't get to it first - remember, he's a gruff old bastard with little patience for fools and a soft spot for young folk. His combat MO is to charge the biggest, baddest thing, commanding its attention and using his attacks of opportunity to block attacks on adjacent allies (using his AoO to add +4 to their AC, which he can do three times per round).
"It's never that easy," Jens mutters,mostly to himself, as he looks around for he creatures. "Gotta be here somewhere."
"Good. Now if you could all just stay like that..." Jens growls, moving past the uncertain civilians and towards the closest demon. Hefting the hammer, he takes a swing at the tiny creature, landing a solid blow in its chest.
AoO's / keeping folks safe:
Deselde had always said he sounded heavier when he was angry. Not that he'd been a particularly angry man, but there were times, such as when some upstart tried to make off with a horse, or when he'd made a mistake and couldn't cope with his own failure. You hold more weight, she'd said, as if your anger drags you down. Perhaps there'd been some truth to that, he thinks, striding boldly to the phalanx of terrified humans, shield held out to his side, sword-hand empty. He certainly seems larger, and his footsteps heavier, slamming into the cobblestones as he strides forward with fury burning in eyes barely visible behind his helm. "People of Kenabres!" he calls, eyes sweeping across the group. "Our quarrel is not with you. We survived the devastation of this great city! We were spared by Terendelev herself!" He bashes his gauntleted fist against his shield for emphasis, drawing attention to the silver dragon engraved on the boss. "And we have used our strength to fight our way here. These demons will trouble you no more, if you will only stand aside for us!"
"Defender's Heart it is, then." Leading the way, Jens keeps his eyes peeled for any signs of movement or trouble as the group goes.
Jens is silent as he helps Heinrick with the clasps and buckles of his armour. As the young man finishes adjusting the breastplate, he claps him on the shoulder. "You wear it well. May it keep you safe from our enemies." Replacing his helmet and rolling his shield-arm, he squints into the distance. "We have two other homes to visit still," he reminds the others. "I doubt Horgus and Anevia will want to remain at Defender's Heart while we seek their loved ones and belongings." He glances at the two for confirmation or denial. "We can leave Klarah there, though. With any luck, she'll be there as well..." he adds, his voice little more than a mutter as he takes the lead.
We understand. Thanks for the heads-up! :) -Posted with Wayfinder
"We should each take one of the daggers. You never know when you'll need one." Following his own advice, Jens tucks one of the daggers into his belt. "Four of us and four potions, which works. Heinrick, see how many of the healing aids you can fit in one case. Take as much of the holy water as you like; you're probably best-equipped to use it. Someone with a good aim, take the fire." He takes a whetstone from the small pile of gear gathered, and holds up the largest breastplate with a scowl. "Damned tiny things," he mutters, dropping it again. "What's a man got to do to find a good, heavy bit of chain?" Glancing at Heinrick, he adds, "Good idea, taking the symbols. Give them to someone who'll uphold the Inheritor's teachings."
With a sigh, Jens stows his weapon and removes his helmet, kneeling to check the fallen knight for signs of life. "Shame it had to end like this," he mutters, shaking his head. "Iolana, Heinrick, see to the lass. Tats, help me search the fallen." That spoken, he begins going over the bodies, looking for anything of use.
"I've learned to judge by actions, not looks," Jens growls, swinging again. "I would have hoped someone of honour would do the same. If this is what you resort to, I feel less guilty for doing this!"
Jens is torn between continuing to attack the mad woman, so that she won't harm his allies, and allowing her to live, as Iolana seems insistent on. With a heavy sigh, he strikes out with the haft of his hammer, trying to subdue her.
Understood. Things get chaotic.
"Iolana, lass, move back!" Jens growls, stepping around and trying to draw the scarred knight's attention. "These people are mad with desperation!"
The clang of his shield boss on the woman's armour sends a shockwave up Jens' arm, but he keeps his grip on the old wooden shield and swings with his warhammer instead. It's a clumsy blow, he realizes too late; best correct that, and fast.
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