Karthan Sternmason's page

Karthan spends the next day working out details with the barrister and then pushing those numbers, penalties and restrictions a bit higher. Negotiations were an endurance trial that the guild was no doubt versed in. But it would be a stain upon the Sternmason name of he could not give as good as he received and he doubted they were accustomed to dealing with a man who dealt in coin as easily as he dealt in blood. The most important part, the part all the rest qas meant to help cover and fatigue, was the point where the guild was as subject to the laws as any under their protection. That meant it would be one law for all and not two laws for two groups. Their might be room for flexibility here and there particularly where it concerned interguild affairs. But that was not something to mention out loud.

From there it was working out the actual logistics of a law enforcement group. This was done over supper between karthan and his second and wliana and a few of her men. This yoo was inflated a bit in order to make ground for the merchants to fight over. A starting point that sat ill with the order, but to the hardened men of Havengul was merely pragmatism laid bare.

The castle would need to be ignored for now. When man and firepower became available that would be a top priority. But, for the moment the ghouls would have to wait to meet the pyre. As to the invitation, Karthan pointedly ignored it. Such an outrageous meeting would be a prank in poor taste at best and a suicidal endeavour at worst. Karthan was not above marching into danger, but it was always with the confidence that such traps could be turned upon the trapper. And in this case with so few skilled men to rely upon he would be deeply remiss to ignore his first instincts.

Kind of at a loss as to what to do atm. I'll post this weekend if our erstwhile gryfknight remains consumed by the christmas snork.

Think we lost eliana tonthe holidays.

I dont think liomrut and isabela want to be found by karthan at this particular point as hes fresh off a somewhat shocking exposure that led to his current drive to bring about law and order.

Isabella could just come at him in disguise again though itd require greater care of exposure. Liomrut would be a harder sell as hes a literal demon. So itd require some very special circumstances to make that work.

Tiame might be the easiest simply because Karthan doesnt know her as anything but a strange woman. Her magic's not particularly flashy nor did she wholeheartedly jump into a brawl.

"Hmmm the challenge is forcing the Guild to see beyond it's own coinpurse. They rarely gave a damn beyond their own doorstep hence the need for lynch mobs now. There's a foundation in place between the Guild, the citizenry, and the old church. I think we should sit down and refine it into something consistent to start. Speaking of the church I'm free until this afternoon. We'll have to see about hiring a barrister or secretary to draft an initial contract for us to go over. I would do it myself, but I'm a soldier by trade and well," Karthan held out his wrist which trembled very slightly when he curled his fingers as if to hold a pen, "I'm beyond the point of delicate handwriting." Replacing his hand back on his belt he continued, "I don't have any in the family's employ anymore unless we wish to go seek out his grave. Also we need to visit the Avacynian fortress before the evening comes. I proposed it as a potential base of operations but I don't wish to accidentally put us in a looted wreck or some damned vampires den."

So I am to understand that Havengul has no official governing body nor codified set of laws. So what about unofficial ones? Territorial understandings, accepted penalties for common crime like theft, rape and murder, or honor systems like both parties settling things in a duel with appropriate penalties to the losing family? Did Havengul used to have a set of laws that eventually deteriorated over time? What qbout the church of Avacyns involvement in the city? How much of karthans military experince trying to organize a mon of armed men and keeping them from killing what theyre not ordered to will help? Essentiall im looking for a foundation for Karthan and Eliana to work from so theyre not trying to build an entire legal system from scratch.

Know nobility roll if needed 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Know history rill if needed 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Profession sokdier roll if neededd 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

They preen and groom themselves at the thought of having their very own town guard, and having to do none of the actual organizational work to do it. Julius nods at Karthan's proposal. "I agree to an initial meeting," he says. "We should be able to get the full council together in, hmm, three days' time. I will deliver a formal invitation by messenger-boy to the Order and your tavern, if that suits."

He reaches forward to shake hands. His handshake is dainty, delicate, and soft. He smiles. His smile seems a bit slimy. "I look forward to doing business with you."

Karthan takes the hand and returns the smile, "with arrangements made I have plenty of work to do until we see your messenger arrives. Good day gentleman I look forward to a spirited negotiation!"

As they move down the street out of earshot of the merchants Karthan sighs deeply and deflates, "there's the easy part done. Now we need to put together a proper proposal. War has officially been declared Lady Carlova. We'll need to be vigilant and steadfast on the laws we choose to enforce and ensure that is all in the contract lest we become nothing more than a crowd of paid thugs."

had a big post that got ate. Ill try to recreate.

"Well put m'lady. Gentlemen with Thrabens fall we stand at the gates of opportunity. We are now the largest standing freeport in the world. However, it should be clear from the events of last night that we can no longer rely on inquisitors and the light of angels to protect us from the horros that prey upon us at night."

Karthan adjusts his hat and looks around a little self consciously clearly not comfortable with the idea of such major business done streetside.

"A formal townguard along with a clear judicial structure will bring in those who wish to do business and encourage labor from other parts to come here for work. We have long since had a reputation that only those clever, strong or cunning can survive, it's time we put those strengths to use in the name of benefit to all decent peoples in the city. These are the foundations upon which our merchant fleets are built, and the stuff of which my Company was grown from. However, this process will not be fast, easy, nor cheap. But, at the end of it such events as last night will become the stuff of historians. You will be poised to expand our city's influence and your own in ways before unheard of in our history. Of course these are all rough draft, barroom napkin type ideas. But it is one I wished to bring up to you as a potential solution to our problems. I would like to have a more formal meeting with appropriate arrangements regarding pay structure, organization, and exactly what laws we are looking to enforce. That is with all relevant leadership and officers present. I would not dare to presume any sort of bargaining over such complicated matters until we have a full scope of what both parties desire. I have some ideas for a ten rank structure from lance constable to commander with pay to match with 2 man patrols during day and 4 at night. But, hm, we'll discuss that further."

Karthan returns the smile with a small bow, "I find your choice of words curious, as I do not recall being under contract with the guild. Nevertheless, I do what all good men of Havengul must in these chaotic days when confronted by true evil, Master Lambourghini. But we can ramble on about the charity in all goodly men until the angels sing our ends. I am here with Lady Carlova," Karthan says gesuting towards Eliana respectfully, "Master Gryff-Knight and Commander of the armed forces for the Order of Saint Traft here in the city. After the events of last night we came to an agreement for a proposal your guild may find amenable regarding the future of this city's peace, prosperity, and our continued support in the defense of your interests here. I do understand, however, that such weighty proposals are Ill suited to being discussed with naught but a portion of your council nor on the open street. May we schedule an appropriate hour upon which to return and present our full proposal?"

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 know nobility and royalty what do i know of these three and their role in the guild?

Karthan slowed his pace as he approached the guild hall noting the goodwill donations, the show of force and the members themselves. He wondered how many of those guards were fresh hires after last nights incident. The cleanliness of the streets were unsurprising given that all the towns collective scum ended up here sooner or later. He decided on a soft approach before he started his pitch.

"Good morning gentlemen! I trust all of you slept well after last nights demonstrations about the dangers even illustrious men such as yourselves might face in these perilous times? Courageous indeed that you deem it fit to generously represent and provide despite the forces that seem arrayed upon you," Karthan smiled brightly though the effect on his weathered and scarred face was only a little more benevolent than a sharks.

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 Diplomacy

Who looks to be giving out the rice? Secretaries, guards, full members doing a public show of generosoty or something else?

Karthan listens but it is clear that the idea is more than a little hard to sell, "yes, instead of being afraid of a demon collecting money they can be afraid of a demon knocking on their door and dragging their son away for stabbing the wrong man the night before. Delightful imagery. I've met a few mages before, none who summoned demons would be considered sane. Also, we're assuming this demon and his summoner survived the mob. Let's try to secure funding for human guardsmen before we try to enploy ancient evils and their crazed masters yes?"

Motioning for her to follow him Karthan starts making his way towards the merchanta guild, "oh, did you want to hang the demons summoner or burn them at the stake? Hanging's cleaner but requires your executioner to actually know what theyre doing. Burnings a greater spectacle for the public but cruel."

Karthan was somewhat relieved by the mixed feelings and uncertainty that was fogging the opinions of the folk on the streets. Certainty was far more frightful in a mob when one wanted to effect change. This way at least, the idea of bringing order in the form of people you can talk to, recognize, and reason with was quite palatable compared to the alternatives.

He was still deep in thought trying to organize and strqtegize dozens of different questions and issues when he turned the corner and nearly walked straight into the compound without thinking. It's only as he looks up that hw notices Eliana at the front.

"Pardon me, lost in the moment. I take it you're ready to confront the most vile elements in the city?

For once in a very longtime Karthan had a dreamless restful night. No recruits witha deathwish and a bucket of water, no nightmares, no sudden flashes of paranoia. Maybe it was the exertion of yesterdays efforts, maybe it was that his mind was busy trying to work out logistics, administration, and the hard work of utilizing civil enforcement rather than martial law. The pain in his chrs and shoulder from the angels blow reminded him that particular event was real.

Peeling off bis bloodied tunic he wrinkled his nose at it. Despite the looks she gave him and his discomfort in participating in the sort of inbreeding common among the noble classes he would have to visit his cousin. She was a fair hand at cleaning clothes as long as he could put up with her advances. In the meantime he took the time to wash the mostly closed wound and taking sword in hand he steadied his breathing and worked his way through several drills, repeating them ten to twenty times each cycle correcting the tiny errors that creep in and turn into deadly flaws. As he fell into his martial trance he considered the irony of using such techniques against a daughter of the very angel that instructed his ancestors in ages past. It wasn't the first time he had put down angels, but that was through command and troop movement, it was a far cry to go from taking down angel in a storm of crossbows and mage fire, than it was to attempt to do so by your own hand.

Forma done he tried to select his best dress and uniform from amongst the pile discarded at the foot of the bed. Nothing too wrinkled or smelling too much of moth repelling urine and made his way into the common area. Taking a charcoal pencils and some paper with him he worked out some notes to focus his proposal and hammer in the problems with the city, and importantly, how they stood in the way of profit. Breakfast was heavy, as was tradition for laborers and dock workers, but not unwelcome. He'd need all the energy he could get to accomplish what needed to be done today.

While doing so he keot his ears and his table open. He wanted to hear what effect, if any, last nights mob had on folk.

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18 diplomavy to gether info.

With Karthan's business done he turns to the recruits with him as he makes his way back to the tavern, "Find Deckard and tell him that he and the rest of the company are to repot to the tavern by tomorrow afternoon. We need to have a discussion regarding the company's future. I'll be in a meeting throughout most of the morning. Off with you then."

Im torn between Karthan sounding like The Ancestor from darkest dungeon and Sam Vimes.

"I've permission to recruit new members to the Order. That will not be an issue. Drawing jurisdictions along property lines is fine, but the Order's not gonna stop its patrols through the poorer neighborhoods. The old fort... It would be useful. It'd be worth checking out at the bare minimum... Remember though Sternmason, we're all godless now. Tomorrow I'll be available. Meet here, or meet outside the guild-hall?" Rather than waste time, she got right to the point.

Karthan chuckles darkly looking out the window at the moon just rising over the rooftops, "no, no there is a god. And plenty of bastards mad enough to pay it homage."

He pauses for a moment to contemplate the words before getting up from the pew, very well, let's meet here so we can confer and decide on an approach before we speak with them. They may just want to make an appointment so all the relevant members are present but if we can toss the initial idea in the door perhaps they'll be more willing to honor that date than not. I will see you in the morning."

Getting up with a grunt from his still aching wounds Karthan begibs to make his way towards the exit.

"We remain separate." She stated that much firmly. "I can't make a decision like that. I've got got to answer to Thalia, and I doubt she'd like to hear that I tied any of the people in the Order to a command structure under someone else. No offense to you, but I doubt she'd want someone in charge of a significant number of the Order without meeting them. I think splitting everything, cutting the city into jurisdictions, and agreeing on a common law would be reasonable. Honestly, if things go well, I could even see if extra recruits would be willing to head to other towns the Order's trying to protect."

Karthan shrugs, "understandable, though it does make logistics and financing a little trickier. More of a problem would be your own recruitment efforts. Though that problem might be sidestepped through making it an organization associated with the Order but not necessarily a part. That's for your order to decide."

Jurisdictions will likely be drawn along property lines, though with some arm twisting I'm sure we can expand it into the poorer neighborhoods. The merchants guild will be first, followed by the noble families, the ship captains, and whoever else requires security. Perhaps we can repurpose the old fort? I dont know if any of the church is left uo there but if so they might be willing to sign on just for the comfort of belonging to a cause. "The idea, ultimately, is to gain some semblance of order back in this city without the interference of mad angels, godless monsters, and bloody madmen. We will need to make an appointment in any case. Tell me will you be available in the morning to walk down to the guild and make that appointment and pitch?"

"I can see the benefit of training the common folk. Instilling some discipline so we don't get angry mobs rampaging around. Ensuring they're able to stand for themselves, and not get themselves killed doing something potentially stupid. How exactly would you see this handled? We go get the funds from the merchants and then start recruiting campaigns?"

Karthan grunts as he sits at a nearby pew and removes his tricorn, "and thats where it begins to get complicated. Between both of us putting pressure on them getting the merchant and shipping guilds to pledge funds would be easy. What comes next determines how much and how long that support remains. They'll want to know how this will be organized. Do we split everything, reorganize, cut the city into jurisdictions, agree on a common law with consistent penalties and otherwise remain separate? Do we combine our forces into a common town guard and reorganize into a single command structure? Either way I have to completely dismantle and rebuild my rank and pay lists. A lot to at least outline before drawing up any contracts and charters. What would your order even want?"

Karthan Sternmason wrote:

Karthan pauses to lend weight to his words as a wicked grin slowly creeps across his face, "or as an opportunity to leverage what we need from some real bastards."

"... So you want to basically force the merchants into giving us support? Is that what you're getting at?" It hadn't been what she expected, and frankly she could see Isabela becoming an issue in the future. Even still... "... We could use more funding for supplies. The Order of Saint Traft is stretched thin enough that there's little to send this way."

"I wouldn't use the word forced in front of them. Consider it proper recompense for our continued service. The way I see it they would benefit more from paying us to bolster and train our forces than deal with an unchecked rise in monstrous forces and angry mobs. Havengul is the largest freeport in Innistrad. We have more sailors here willing to spit in the eye of a kraken than Avacyn had angelic hosts. It is my opinion that enough of such brave men properly equipped, trained, and supported is a match to any mage or monster. Several such men were present on that very street. What they lacked, madame, was incentive. Many of these men are without ships or work. Do you see where I'm taking this?"

"Government? God no. Mention the word taxes anywhere between here and Kessig and you'll collect a wide variety of hurled stones, broken beer bottles, and the feeling of having your back turned into a novelty kitchen knife block. If Havengul had a real government itd be fully corrupt by the end of the week and most of the participants hung by an enraged mob by the end of the month."

Karthan crossed his arms. "However, that doesn't mean this state of affairs is tenable forever. Especially if some fool mage is calling demons into the city. It used to be the things in the shadows would content themselves in the sewers and ark alleys. The vampires outside the city, and the lich a mere rumor. There are no inquisitors in a fortress for the merchants to cry to and most of the mercenary companies who specialized in such work were annihilated by Emrakul and mad angels. As it stands me and my six men and the few members of your order represent the largest concentration of armed force, and the only source of civil order and justice in the city. If one were to be purely cynical, and they would be right to, you could view this with a sense of dread."

Karthan pauses to lend weight to his words as a wicked grin slowly creeps across his face, "or as an opportunity to leverage what we need from some real bastards."

Karthan frowned at the mention of the vampire, "yes I'm sure after extensive interviews with their dried up corpses every one turned out to be some horrible monster with a tragic story. I bet if we ask the demon he's secretly trying to redeem his wicked nature through acts of kindness and the love of an innocent girl." Karthan sighed clearly not comforted by the news.

"Look, I'm not here to pry into the private affairs of your order. Such information would only be as valuable to me as to allow her destruction and I have neither the manpower nor hard coin to make it happen, and in this city I would need significant amounts of both to burn out all the day lairs. What this does tell me is that things are dire indeed if you have to rely on monsters to hunt their own kind. Did you know Havengul has no formal town guard? Even its government is fairly minimal. Little more than a few offices for idiot relatives of powerful merchants to inhabit to give the semblance of order and tell the priests off when they, heh, bring the word of the angel to the city. Last time they had the power to levy taxes the fort had just laid it's foundation. Rulw of law here is rule of the coin pouch, or the mob if a large enough pouch is unavailable."

"Well yes and no," said Karthan putting on his negotiator voice, "that second part comes later though. First, I suppose I shall get directly to the point and ask what in all the horrible hells we can think up that was all about and how are you involved in it? I thought I was dealing with some overzealous angel in a town that could frankly use a proper crusade or three and the next thing I know I'm in a brawl with a vampire and demon thrown in the damned mix. Last time that happened I had at least a score of equally angry men next to me on an open field. I didn't quite expect to be doing the same in my street wear before I've had my lunch!"

Karthan wasn't entirely pleased when he found whom the leader of this branch of the order was. But, given recent events and revelations it could be worse.

Gesturing the two cadets to stand back Karthan stepped forward and cleared his throat, "good evening madame might I be speaking to the leader of this martial order?"

Is Eliana said leader of this order or is it clear it's some other woman?

"Hello, hello," Karthan said wincing only slightly as he straightened himself out at thw ache of his wounds, "I've come to discuss the recent street brawl with myself, one of your order's knights, a vampiress of unknown origin, a demon summoned by fools in the city, and a Goldnight Angel who believed the solution to this problem was to burn everything to the ground. If this all sounds un believable to you, then you understand my concern when upon reflection my group and this one is the closest thing this cursed city has to civil enforcement. Which is what I've come to discuss with your superiors. Further details I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to speak of out here on the street."

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 go go gadget diplomacy

Not starting a war.

Im filling a very important very profitable economic niche.

Karthan didn't answer at first still deep in thoight as to what to do next. As righteous fury and fear borne rage gave in to reflection the soldier and officer disappeared for the merchant and mercenary to come to the fore.

As he made his way down the street he seemed a bit more ulbeat, "First my lad, we're going to check in on the status of our gryphon mounted lady's order."

Then still not turning toward them he continued more quietly a wicked smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "then we'll see about gainful employment."

Every boy who grew up playing soldiers always thought about melees, volleys, the march of men across fields. Every soldier thought about getting the next meal, the next paycheck, and concerned themselves with being a bigger bastard in a fight than the man across from them. Every officer, at least those who concerned thenselves with more than shiny medals, knew that none of that mattered. What mattered is that you had more healthy, armed, and trained men on your side than the other. Organization was the difference between men and beasts and logistics was the difference between a mob and an army.

There were plenty of men willing to put a club to a drunk and a stake to a vampire in havengul. They just needed direction and incentive. Karthan and Deckard could do direction he needed the incentive, the coin.

He first made his way to the Order of Saint Traft where he hoped to pass on the news of the monsters to interested parties and let them k ow of the guilds involvement. Next it would be off to the guild itself for an appropriate donation towards a future where they continued to exist and the Silverfang Company could refoem into something a little more like a policing force.

Hoo boy.

In a city like this i have to imagine order is maintained by groups of locals and very wealth scumb-i mean concerned citizens who hore thugs to keep an eye on their affairs.

And now im left wondering who maintains the roads, the docks, the basic logistics of the city and now my head hurts.

I have to inagine havengul operates like ankh-morpork pre-Guards!Guards! Days.

Does the order have a local hq like a shrine or barracks I can go to?

Karthan adjuated his tricorn and looked back down the alleyway from which he came. "Angel fled when she realized burning the city to the ground would be harder than she thought, demon fled back to its masters with a mob at its back good riddance, and the vampire fled which to me is the biggest problem."

Karthan shrugged. "All in all a pretty terrible day."

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 know local
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 know nobility

Who would Karthan want to get into contact with to organize some slayers or inquisitors to hunt down the vampire bring the demons summoners to justice and put down the angel?

Karthan weighed his options. Striking down the demon now would save future problems, but its existence is what proves the crime. Moreover even with the gryfknight's white magic he wasn't certain he could take it on and even if the mob stepped in to help the demon would probably just flee and leave karthan bleeding out on the street. He could stay here and menace the demon and explain things to the mob, but that was higher risk.

Either way that still left the mad angel and the vampire. Of the two the vampore was by far more dangerous. The angel seemed to have dofficulty striking her down in sharp contrast to him, and despite not wielding any weapon or doing much harm she certainly found time to toy with the angels mind. That was it then, the vampire qas a greater cause for concern. The one outside the city was menace enough, but one simply walking about openly revealing herself in front of an angel? That suggested boldness or irrationality that would be far worse. Besides, it was clear to whom the demon owed fealty to and its fear suggested the prospect of an angry mob didnt sit well.

Lowering his blade Karthan tipped his hat to the two women."Madame, Lady, a shame I could not meet you under more sane circumstance but I must take my leave now and organize some slayers seeing as the city seems infested to the point where the monsters boldly show themselves on the street. Good evening."

With that Karthan wrapped his scarf back around himself and ducked into an alley away from the noise. He needed time to tend to his wounds and consider who to get into contact with about the vanpires, demons, and angels all threatening to rip the city apart.

Karthannignores the gryfknight for a moment. The fury far from gone. The vampire made her cowardly escape but the source for all this grief remained.

He leveled his sword at the demon and said, "She came for you and she will be back. And she's likely not the only. Why should we not take your head now and suffer not your existence?"

Seeing the angel back herself into a wall Karthan moved to cut her off and set up for a devastating blow of his own. Seeing the flow of the battle from here he had a moment of reflection. Am I truly doing this? Strikeing down an angel with a vampire and a demon? We must all be truly damned if this is what it has come to.

Outwardly he roared."If you value your wretched hides move in and put her down together! Put an end to this madness before it turns the city to ash!"

Previous buffs still apply (i.e. isabella, and moonwing and co. are still flanking.. Encouraging roar and kill the wounded have ended.

Move, activate warleader to give everyone in a 30ft. Radius outflank for 6 rounds

Too bad Li'omrut gave up his FRA on the same round you went for Kill the Wounded.

Tell me about it! Prime opportunity to just put her in the dirt gone. Those maneuvers dont come back automatically.

Have any of our attacks actually hit and did anything?

Its really difficult for me to move on the phone. Im 1 square south of where im at now after my actions.

Edit: Finally made the site comply to my demands.

Karthans ribs hurt to the point where it was hard to catch his breath. He kept his guard up but only barely. And felt the bitter sting of irony at being attacked by the angel whilst surrounded by a city of monsters and evil men. To hell with it. To hell with them all.

Karthan spit the coppery blood from his mouth and snarled. "Corrupted or not I refuse to cow to senseless madness and let another drop of innocent blood be spilled in its name! EVEN IF I HAVE TO PUT DOWN EVERY MONSTER BY MY OWN HAND!"

Swift: Encouraging Roar +2 morale bonus to all attack and damage rolls till my next turn for me and allies, including isabella and liom'rut for now.

Free: Tactical Flanker applies to the square im in now.

Previous buffs still apply, including the demon and vampire now.

Standard: Kill the Wounded: If this attack hits all subsequent attacks from my allies against her deal an additional 2d6 damage.

1d20 + 13 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 28

1d6 + 8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 4 + 2 = 15

5ft shift back one square.

The pain of combat having solved the crisis of faith for him Karthan elected for survival. There was no point in clashing blades with her massive man chopper. Instead he thrust his buckler forward to cut off the line of attack and onscure her vision next his sword arm moved like a snake thrusting forward and arkund her guard to target her eyes. Blinding her was unlikely, but the distraction was enough to throw her off in a move that saw countless werewolves die ignobly on a wall of pikes. As he made his cut moving his wrist to let the razor sharp blade do most of the work he finished his strike and simultaneously slipped back out of measure to stifle a counter response. All that was left was to see if they could capitalize.

Previous buffs still apply, including the demon and vampire now. Everyone also has +2 to attack and 2d6+2 to damage for the round and everyone is flanking her.

Extremely high risk given present company.

Correction, im threatening all the non-humans in the brawl and im small and weak and confused.

He is absolutely armed. Eve if he couldnt do it during the 5ft shift like i thought from earlier readying an attack is just a standard anyway so hes had plenty of actions since initiative started to pull it on the vampire. I wouldnt be even readying an attack if he didnt have his weapon out. Even in the case of flanking it only applies to eliana, her gryphon and the other humans around, not the demon nor the vampire.

If she wants to target the man whose only crime is protecting the people around him and save me the mental and emotional turmoil that would be a relief.

Its kind of fun seeing all Karthan is doing while doing almost nothing at all. I flank from two different places, give some decent bonuses to a bunch of things and give the ability to flank through adjacency instead of being across like the kingmaker crpg.

Wonderful, now I'm in her sight for some godawful reason. Well, better to beg for forgiveness from her than a mourning widow.

With demon, undead and now gryfknight all tearing into the angel Karthan simply stood his ground. At the very least her wrath, and those of the monsters, was directed away from the innocents. That was enough.

Previous buffs from above still apply. Readied action to attack ANYONE in reach who takes an aggressive action towards any of the atill remaining townsfolk. Tactical fla ker applies to thw square that Isabela is in so I'm effextively flanking from both mine and that square.

Wow, this is such a cool stand-off, I really had to think hard about her going to Vampire mode. My hope was the locals would run off and the angle would focus on her, not the locals. But seeing teamwork feats WORKING for the 1st time, so cool. Well done Karthan.

No, no teamwork feats are involved yet. Warlord is just packed full of support options.

No on the AoO.

Nah. I tried to be as defensive as reasonably possible and get control of the angry mob so they dont all immeditely start trying to excise the corruption personally. I seriously doubt isabelas gonna do anything to actually trigger that readied action.

The whole thing will make the whole rest of everything incredibly awkward.

This fight right now.

All done. Just trying to avoid confusion.

The knot in Karthans stomach worsens at the gryfknights reminder and tightens even further as the woman next to him turned out to be a vampire ready to pounce. Worse was she was in measure and his sword was still in its scabbard to keep from provoking anyone.

The first step was instinctual, backup, get your sword out and in front of you. Second step was assessment. The angel might have been crazed or simply intense, either way Karthan couldn't fly and had no crossbow at hand for it to matter. The demon was probably exactly who she was looking for. So whoever summoned the monster would have a lot to answer for, but not now. The white haired woman at least seemed sensible for what that was worth. The vampire presented an altogether different problem. Not the least of which was her being very near the crowd he was trying to get out of the area.

He wasn't terribly surprised to see the men reaching for arms. You couldn't run from most monsters in Havengul and a load of armed men can be far more safe than a fleeing crowd. He couldn't have the undisciplined mob throw themselves into fangs and blades.

So he did what he knew best. He interposed himself between the nearest person and the monster before him and he rallied.

"If you're taking arms form up behind me and stand your ground! If not, get the hell out of here and don't look back!" All at once the haggard tired veteran lit up with a fury and fire not seen in the city since the end of the last war.

"Take one step closer towards me or these folk and the only thing you'll eat is steel and my boot beast!" Karthan snarled at the vampire with all the venom and hate a man can muster.

5ft. Shift ready action to attack vampire if she takes an aggressive action towards me or the crowd.

Active Buff Stuff:(Currently affects the crowd, recruit, Eliana and Taime)

Golden Commander Stance:

Presences give a +3 bonus to the relevant rolls.

Indomitable Presence: At 2nd level, the warlord shines as a beacon to his allies on the field of battle, inspiring them to fight with him to their last breath. All allies within 30-ft. of his position gain the benefits of the Die Hard feat, and may add his warlord initiation modifier to Fortitude saves versus death effects, fatigue or exhaustion effects, or poison effects as a morale bonus.

Rallying Presence: The sight of a warlord on the battlefield is enough to strengthen the hearts and wills of those who fight beside him in battle. At 5th level, the warlord may add his warlord initiation modifier as a morale bonus to Will saves versus fear, death effect, or compulsion effects to all allies within 30-ft. of his position. If the warlord maintaining this presence becomes cowed, frightened, panicked or falls prey to a hostile mind-affecting ability (such as one that would stun or daze him), compulsion or death effect, this presence immediately ends.

Eliana will really want to read golden commander stance.