Karina aka DM AK's page

"Well that you didn't wait, dear girl," she reassures Karina, "better that you have told us what you know, than had you attempted to learn more, only to be cut-off or captured by whatever enemy assails Swordhaven."

I must find Jhod... Oleg said Akiros had been badly hurt just as I was leaving. His magic will be sorely needed... Karina says, rushing into the Cathedral, muttering the last few words as she realises the time lost spent jusifying the action could mean death for citizens of Swordhaven.

About half a days ride at a normal pace. You left Swordhaven this morning and its now late evening.

Forgive me, I am not sure. There was a mass panic, and Kesten had men evacuating certain parts of the city. Oleg told me to fetch you as soon as possible, I didn't hang around to ask questions...

Varn and his entourage are paying their respects to Gorum when Karina arrives at Vierkirche, riding a horse so hard that it looks set to drop. Dismounting at almost full gallop, Karina runs towards Malthir and the Guardians desperately, arms waving in the air.

Malthir! Everybody! Swordhaven is under attack!

Seeing Karina, a wide smile comes across his face, Of course Karina!

He grabs the young women and proceed to spin them around for a moment, forgetting about their recent troubles. Malthir laughs with joy, as they dance more slowly, Karina, it warms my heart that you escaped that horrible plot of Grigori's. Without you, much of what you see around us would not be possible. You supported us, you helped us build what Kardas has become. He looks into her eyes and becomes serious for a moment, I don't think I ever just said thank you for what you have done. Never underestimate your worth Karina. Never think that your role in this wasn't a crucial part of our success.

He pauses for a moment to let her speak.

Oh Malthir... Thank you for the kind words. I'll not soon forget them.

** spoiler omitted **

Mivon? That is quite the trek indeed. I have been to Mivon. What is the name of the tavern Grigori took you to. As you know, I am quite acquainted with many of the taverns in the places I visit. We might do well to send Mikmek to pick up his trail there. If not Grigori himself, perhaps the men he was meeting, or the man whose nose you broke. I'm sure that should be something that people would be likely to remember. Much like your daring ride! A hundred or more miles across the wild an untamed lands between here and Mivon. It must have been quite the ride!

I'm... I'm sorry... Who are you again? Karina replies, still confused. It wasn't in Mivon, as I said it was towards Mivon, only off the edges of the Stolen Lands. The inn was called The Knight's Mare... It wasn't a hundred miles, but aye, it was a long journey. Follow my trail into the city and you'll find my dead horse near Candlemere Lake...

What was Grigori's plan for you if you had not made your escape?

I... I am not sure. He was angry that Sootscales had discovered my identity. He talked about 'gifting' me to the Angry Hag... I think he meant for them to sacrifice me. His anger was terrifying... Karina begins to sob softly into Malthir's shoulder.

Karina is not a divine caster, as far as you know her work has been as a clerk. She does not detect as evil.

Karina seems unable to meet Malthir's eyes as he approaches, answering his questions while staring at his feet.

I... I think so. I'm not sure.. But they looked like they were from Mivon. Mal... Malthir the agent was me... Grigori had me under his control for weeks... As for the plot against Vaysh, Malgorzata told me they planned to switch your firstborn child and replace it with a monster... She was the woman killed by the giant hand...

Kip doesn't detect any magical auras.

I... I don't know where he is now. We flew south towards Mivon, and stopped at a roadside tavern. Grigori was meeting with some important looking men, I remember they wore ostentatious clothing and had swords like the one Casimir wields strapped to their hips.I think they were exchanging money, i'm not sure... Grigori left me with a rough man, and he tried to do things to me... It was then that I broke the enchantment. I broke the man's nose and ran... I stole a horse and rode it into the ground to get back to the Stolen Lands...

Kalev crouches down and offers her a waterskin, keeping an alert eye out for any signs of trouble or danger.

Here, take this.

Th... Thankyou... Kalev... I have... she takes a long gulp from the waterskin, sighing in satisfaction and greedily finishing the rest off in a matter of moments. I have information about Grigori and his employers... I managed to shake off the enchantment and barely got away...

I was waiting for any reaction for the note in Karina's room, but this is what happens next on that front...

The next day, Kressle and Casimir are making enquiries about Grigori's background, when Karina returns to the castle. Her clothes are ragged and somewhat torn, she has a black eye and she looks exhausted. A crowd of citizens of Kardas have escorted her to the castle, where she almost collapses.

Please... Water... she whispered.

Karina the Blessed-

Karina has secured herself a comfortable position as Jhod's personal assistant- and there are rumours that perhaps she is more than merely his assistant... She maintains good relations with the Guardians although she rarely speaks to Malthir...

Anyone wanting to assist in Casimir's tale, whether as a prop or anything else you can think of, give me a DC10 charisma check. You can't take 10 on this check.

Malthir- The guard nods gratefully as you briefly take over his shift. It seems Karina has followed you to check on her sister...

I am confident people will see the good in my sister, so I do not worry... she says cheerfully, beaming at you.

Picking her moment carefully once the Paladin has had a few drinks already, Karina innocently sits beside the celebrating Malthir, smiling at him. Holding her own drink up in a toast, her smouldering eyes twinkle in the moonlight as she holds up her glass expectantly-

To your mighty deeds today, in the name of the Herald! she proclaims.

Malthir... Are you ok?! Karina exclaims as she races over to the warrior, pulling him into a tight embrace.I...I thought the beast had killed you for sure! she says, with a tear running down her face, burying her head into Malthir's neck.

She looks up at the Knight with her head resting on Malthir's shoulder, and exclaims in the same relieved tone-And Sir Edric, I thought the same of you! But you struck the beast such a mighty blow after it wounded you I knew you would be ok... she says with a shy smile, still holding a wounded and somewhat uncomfortable looking Malthir in a tight embrace.

Karina takes careful aim and makes another shot at the Boar, but her aim is off and the bolt flies overhead.

1d20 ⇒ 10

Back over to the group- Bear in mind Tusky has an AOO he's itching to use ;).

Karina takes a shot at Ol' Tusky with her crossbow, aiming carefully to avoid her allies, but the shot glancing off the boar's hide.

1d20 ⇒ 12

Edric's rolls are already up so I will use them. Talia ca't make any attacks unless Edric maneuvers the horse, so I'll assume he does that and takes the AOO. Also Malthir won't benefit from shield wall unless he does it so...

Edric maneuvers himself into position next to Malthir, and Tuskgutter responds by goring at the somewhat nervous Talia. Just as the gore is about to strike, Edric barely manages to maneuer the horse out of the way in a display of incredible horsemanship.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 3) + 9 = 16

Edric has his pre-rolled ride check that just happened to meet the DC using Mounted Combat, so i'll make a second one on his behalf for Talia attacking- 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17, alright but as she had to move, first attack roll only.

With Edric in position, he rams his lance through Tuskgutter's tough hide, dealing 10 points of damage with a well placed lunge. Talia atempts a bite but completely misses.

Moving up behind Malthir, Karina attempts to distract the Boar's attention for when he makes his move.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 VS 10

Malthir your AC will be treated as 2 higher for the AOO.

Edric, Vaysh and Fenna are up.

Doesn't look like we're going to find many open spaces to fight in... Karina mutters, struggling to see through the dense treeline.

Karina's assist roll-1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Doh. Not much luck on the dice rolls, let's hope Edric rolls well or maybe the horses will stampede ;)

Vaysh moves her horse over towards Karina, Do you mind if I ride next to you this day?

Vaysh takes note of the priest saddling his horse and asks Karina, Do you know where he is going?

I do not mind. I have no idea; we have not spoken, he and I...

Karina aka DM AK wrote:

She was much like Vaysh in many ways, she was strong and capable- but she always had so much confidence... She was cheerful and good-hearted, and kind to everyone. People always said she was the sweetest young woman... I cannot believe that this part of her is truly gone forever. She's merely had to bury it to survive...

"I do not believe that anything can be so lost that it cannot be recovered," the gnome says with conviction, "but sometimes it can be difficult to bring that recovery about. Have you given any thought to what you will say to Kressle when you eventually meet again?"

I want to tell her I have guaranteed her safety if she surrenders and that I am still alive and have been searching for her... Beyond that I don't know... Do you have any suggestions? she asks hopefully.

On one of the nights that Fenna shares her stargazing with the girl, the gnome breaks their now customary silence, What was your sister like? she asks gently, back when you where together?

She was much like Vaysh in many ways, she was strong and capable- but she always had so much confidence... She was cheerful and good-hearted, and kind to everyone. People always said she was the sweetest young woman... I cannot believe that this part of her is truly gone forever. She's merely had to bury it to survive...

Stuff

Please... At least stay and talk to me? I'm so scared in the nights... Karina whispers as Malthir begins to walk away, tears flowing down her face.

Karina aka DM AK wrote:

Malthir wrote:

Karina, what it is that bothers you so? I understand that you wonder of your sister, but the gods will as they may. If you are meant to see your sister again, it will happen. If she is meant to be redeemed, this will also happen. If not, then you must continue your life without her. I think you are a good person, but you must ask yourself, what do you want out of life Karina? Spending your days grieving when there is so much ahead of you. Adventure, love, family, these are the things that await you should you embrace them! Malthir will share the story of his brother and family and of his loss so that she knows that she is not the only one who has lost.

Karina listens eagerly to your story, and remains silent for some time. Sat out by the fire in the evening at Oleg's, she rests her head on Malthir's shoulder and sighs heavily.

I have never had the pillar of strength your deity is for you Malthir... You are so sure of yourself, and you make everything look so easy... Kressle was always the strong one, and I always relied on her... This is why I want to know more about the Inheritor... I wish to understand what it is that makes your faith strong, and the teachings that guide your life. What do I want out of life? I am not sure... But I don't want to be alone tonight... she finishes, and rests her hand on Malthir's...

** spoiler omitted **...

Is anyone going to speak for the Guardians in response to Jhod?

Karina, what it is that bothers you so? I understand that you wonder of your sister, but the gods will as they may. If you are meant to see your sister again, it will happen. If she is meant to be redeemed, this will also happen. If not, then you must continue your life without her. I think you are a good person, but you must ask yourself, what do you want out of life Karina? Spending your days grieving when there is so much ahead of you. Adventure, love, family, these are the things that await you should you embrace them! Malthir will share the story of his brother and family and of his loss so that she knows that she is not the only one who has lost.

Karina listens eagerly to your story, and remains silent for some time. Sat out by the fire in the evening at Oleg's, she rests her head on Malthir's shoulder and sighs heavily.

I have never had the pillar of strength your deity is for you Malthir... You are so sure of yourself, and you make everything look so easy... Kressle was always the strong one, and I always relied on her... This is why I want to know more about the Inheritor... I wish to understand what it is that makes your faith strong, and the teachings that guide your life. What do I want out of life? I am not sure... But I don't want to be alone tonight... she finishes, and rests her hand on Malthir's...

Karina is very quiet over the week, but is noticeably staying very close to Malthir much of the time- she tentatively asks him to teach her the ways of Iomadae. She avoids crowds and mingling in the evenings, often choosing to stand on the battlements with Fenna or Kesten, looking up at the stars and wondering if she will ever see her sister again. She seems very sad much of the time, cheering up only when Malthir offers her any comfort...

Karina aka DM AK wrote:

You would risk your very lives by tackling this... huge boar? The damage has already been done to the child, and the reward doesn't seem to motivate you... I don't understand why you seem so driven to risk your lives against a local legend like Tuskgutter...

We hunt the beast for the same reason you hunt for you sister, to protect those who are in need of aid. For as long as any can remeber this land has been ruled by those who care nothing for the good of other just what they can take for themselves. It is time this reign of selfishness comes to an end and we are here to facilitate the trasition.

Yup caught that.

My sister is my kin. This boy is nothing to you... Karina muses...

The group settle in for the evening- the campfire is made up, and Vaysh makes everyone a meal- it seems her culinary skills have improved a little under Svetlana's guidance. As the group sit and chat, Karina speaks up-

You would risk your very lives by tackling this... huge boar? The damage has already been done to the child, and the reward doesn't seem to motivate you... I don't understand why you seem so driven to risk your lives against a local legend like Tuskgutter...

Look. I found this scrap of paper tucked into the bandits boot. It bears a simple drawing of a claw-shaped dead tree atop a small hill, with an X scrawled in blood by the tree's roots. Do anyone recall having seen such a tree during our explorations?

I'll go where Fenna leads us.

The tree is pretty distinctive. Your sure none of you have seen it before, but a local might recognise it. Karina thinks she might have spotted such a tree to the South.

Good idea, Malthir. Whatever lives here must be dangerous. Better to be careful. Karina, can you stay here and watch the horses again?

Karina nods.

Be careful... she whispers...

They have been HORRIFIC for me of late... I've been struggling just to submit short posts...

I am sure ma'am- I know enough to keep out of trouble... And if I am not with you, the next battle you have with Kressle could lead to a death...

Edit: As for the radishes, nothing you've heard of with that check.

You come with us only to find your sister?

Karina nods.

Yes. I can't risk that you will find her before I do, and this way I may be able to avert disaster one way or another.

Please continue to RP and Retcon anything you wish to, and I will respond to it in kind. But for the sake of keeping things moving...

After a evening of socialising, excellent food and fine company, the group all go to sleep. In the morning as you prepare to go to Bokken's, you are met by a determined Karina, who insists she will not hinder you but wants to travel with you. She would like her crossbow and dagger back, but even if she can't have them back she shrugs and insists on accompanying you anyway.

I can see the look of horror starting to appear in your eyes group- It's ok, she's a plot character, not a DMPC, I promise; I hate DMPC's...

Need to know if you allow Karina to accompany you before I advance things once more.

Karina clears her throat politely as she approaches Fenna.

I found this sheet of parchment within my belongings as we broke up camp at lunchtime... I... I believe it belongs to you?

Karina hands Fenna one of her old prophecies.

Kressle does her best to kill us, and not four hours later, her long lost sister just happens to wander into camp on some fools mission trying to turn her from a life of crime. Either the gods truly have a strange sense of humor, or someone are trying to play a trick on us. We will soon find out which, though.

Edric, take her weapons and make sure she is alone. I'm comming down.

Once on the ground, Casimir joins the others as they secure their prisoner and lead her to sit next to the fire.

We are not bandits. The Sworldords of Restov have charged us with a mission to explore these lands and end the bandit menace. We took this camp from the bandits this very nigth, killing many of them and routing the rest. Kressle was their leader, and she had her axe at my throat before she fled.

And here we have you, dressed and armed like a bandit, and claiming to be Kressle's sister. You entered this camp like you have been here before, and tried to flee when you saw us.

You may be telling the truth, but we have ways of finding that out for sure. In the mean time, you are our prisoner. If you behave yourself, you will not be harmed in any way, and you will have the warmth of the fire and food if you want it. But the last stranger we met in these lands repayed us for saving his life by stabbing one of us in the back. So you will excuse us if you find our hospitality a bit harsh.

The woman looks truly miserable at this turn of events, and protests that the weapons and armour she wears were lent to her by the owner of the establishment she works at, an ex-adventurer named Tyranthul. Edric finds nothing while searching her or the undergrowth nearby.

Despite the cold reception she has received the woman seems happy enough once she has snuggled close to the fire, pulling out her bedroll under the watchful eyes of Edric. Warming herself, she sighs heavily and begins to speak to the group, her voice somewhat muffled by the heavy black scarf she wears for warmth.

I... My name is Karina. You seem to have already condemned Kressle as a monster, but I can only imagine the things she would have had to and the horrors she must have gone through do to survive, nay, end up leading these bandits. I am truly sorry she threatened your lives, but I beg you... She is a good person, underneath whatever she had to do to herself to survive. If... Perhaps if I can come with you I will be able to convince her to surrender... I work in a tavern, I can cook and clean for you...

Kressle gave her word to leave the Greenbelt and never return when Malthir insisted on it, but she may have simply told you whatyou wanted to hear...

In response to Casimir, Karina replies I tried to flee once I saw that Kressle was not among the sleeping bandits; I have little skill with this dagger, and I did not want to have to defend my honour from a brute...

In response to Edric, Karina replies Well met good Sir Edric... But from what you have told me you met Kressle in battle, attacking her camp and livelihood! Her banditry may seem evil, but shes just doing what she has to to survive- if I convinced her to surrender to you, would you guarantee her safety? I will not believe my sister has no Good left in her heart...

She... She is my sister Sir... We were seperated many moons ago after we were ambushed by bandits as we were heading into Brevoy from the west. Our father was slain... and I assumed Kressle was dead too. After many months, I finally received word that not only had she survived, but she had fallen in with a group of bandits.

The pretty maiden bites her lip anxiously.

I was hoping to convince her to come live with me in Brevoy. I have a good life there, I have honest employment as a serving girl at a fine establishment... So your a rival gang of bandits? You crossed swords with her? I am so relieved my sister is alive and well...

Now that you've had a chance to see her face for a little while, the family resemblance to Kressle is obvious. But while Kressle seems to have hardened herself and shows little emotion, this woman is completely different, seemingly wearing every emotion she feels openly on her face.

May... May I enjoy the warmth of the fire for the evening... Please?... she says nervously.

Panicking as the rest of the party awaken, the pretty woman staggers back.

No, please I did mean to disturb your rest; i'll just leave my necklace here and take my leave, alright? Theres no need to rob me, just take it and i'll be on my way... Just tell me, I beg of you... I heard there was a woman named Kressle who frequents this camp from time to time; is she here?

As she speaks, she throws a pretty golden necklace down onto the ground in front of her.

The woman jumps at the sound of Casimir's voice, and slowly turns around to face him. Tears are running down her eyes as she speaks-

Do not shoot me, please! I merely sought the warmth of a fire on this cold evening my Lord, and to seek out my sister. I mean you and your companions no harm...

She begins to sob gently into a black scarf she wears around her neck.