Ruan Mirukova

Kelian Falchen's page

48 posts. Alias of caster4life.


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In the morning, Kelian greets you quietly and seems reserved. After a few moments silence, he speaks up. "I'm going to stay here in Revan for a while. I don't think I'm ready for the danger and responsibility of what you have been doing. Not to mention, I'm not particularly subtle so I doubt I'll be much help in Bannerhold..." He smiles and nods, as if reassuring himself of his decision. Then confidently, he states "It has been wonderful working with all of you and I wish you the best. It's too bad Brolin stayed behind in Helm to stay with the Sonder. I would have liked to say goodbye to all of you at once."


Kelian sighs in relief. "Hirda and Noln, probably."


At Turion's prompting, Kelian speaks up "Can you tell me if Brookside is ok? How is my father? That will be enough for me."


Yes you were distinguishing them based on the shapes they were wearing, not the colors. I just adopted your red/blue language. :)

Kelian speaks up slowly "The other orcs called them human-lovers, right? What if this other faction would be friendly to us? We could turn the tide of this battle, couldn't we?"

DC 10 untyped int for Mel:

The "red" faction seemed to have the upper hand and was about to be reinforced.


Yeah I'll chime in for the non-mechanical conversation but you've been exactly right so far.

Kelian smiles somewhat "That's not new, is it Mel? You just have a better way of doing it." He nods to her merciful bow.


Kelian looks at Mel with a small smile. ”Yeah… I think something’s happening with me… Something good, I hope. When I get wounded, I can put my hand on the wound really quick and it gets much, much better. It’s quicker than a heartbeat.” He shrugs. ”I don’t really know what’s going on but it seems good to me!”

The group heads out from the watchtower to begin their descent into Kazad Gravr. Kazador leads them along a rock face until they come to an opening that would be almost impossible to spot without knowing it was there. The opening widens out inside to form a tunnel twenty feet across and twenty feet high with smooth worked stone forming the walls and floor. It is completely dark inside.

Kazador:

You know there were traps in Kazad Gravr as part of the defenses. But they weren’t expected to defend the city by themselves. They either served as alarms at certain points or additional defenses at key defensive locations.

Darkvision or 40 feet of light for anyone:

A partially decomposed dwarven corpse lies about 40 feet down the passage.

DC 22 survival for anyone:

Orcish footprints lead in and out of this opening.

Kazador, give me a K engineering check with a +4 circumstance bonus. In this case, it doesn’t matter that you are untrained. This will govern how much of the exact layout you can recall.


GM screen:

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Kelian grimaces in pain, significantly wounded himself. But thankfully, he dodged the worst of the centipede's rush. He helps Mel administer healing to Algric and gives him the anti-toxin. His wounds seem to get better quite quickly, however, and nobody seemed to notice exactly when that happened. When the rest of the group seems ready to keep moving, he groans in some pain "Well I hope that wherever we choose to sleep is nice and quiet..."

There will be a chance of an encounter while you sleep. 10% for a very secluded, secure location. 30% for an open but not especially visible location. 60% for an open and especially visible location.


Kelian grunts to Mel. "Mel, if that thing eats me because you wouldn't put the ring on to do nonlethal damage to a giant vermin, I'll never speak to you again." He chuckles grimly to himself while preparing to fire at it.

GM screen:

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Image: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Attacks: 2d20 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

The centipede rushes forward in huner but strikes an image of the wolf, missing the wolf herself. Kelian fires twice but his shots bounce off the thick shell.

Party, GO! No AoO or readied attack because it's still 30 ft away. Turion, Nel can act on your init for simplicity.


Kelian looks to the others "Well we could leave the ship." then he gestures to the vast quantities of supplies and tools "But it would make it pretty hard to move all this." He shrugs "But maybe we don't need it all."


A new plan in place, thanks to Fyrtor, the Sonder sails to the mouth of the river and Fyrtor casts his spell.

Decide how many rafts you'd like to cast.

Common sense indicates these rafts will be hard to take upstream but they seem magically capable of propelling themselves against the current, which is extremely convenient!

Time to pick who's coming and say goodbye to the Sonder.

Kelian asks tentatively as you get ready to head out "Mel, Kazador, I want to come. I want to help."


Kelian nods at Mel's words and lifts himself up off the beach. "Yes I think I'll turn in too."

To Kazad Gravr now? Is someone going to invite Fyrtor along or tell him what all is happening? We can assume he is findable in the Druid Grove or might come back to the Sonder to talk a little more.


Kelian sits up much straighter as Mel's encouragement continues. He nods thoughtfully for a moment. He smiles wryly at her last comment. "I don't want to go yet, Mel. I think that I need to help. Somehow. I haven't really figured out how to yet but there must be something for me to do. I think I can live with this. I'll try." He looks at her earnestly. "Can you live with this?"


Kelian dobs a little longer then begins speaking in a slow, trembling, unstable voice ounctuated by deep inhalations. "Allen taught me how to carve a handle... He was so patient with me even though I was a clumsy kid... And Cyrus showed me how to lay a trap." A wry smile crosses Kelian's face. "Before he gave up trapping." He looks across the cove for a minute then lets his head hang down. "What am I supposed to do, Mel? The world's too big and mean."


Kazador:

It's safe to assume Fyrtor comes up to you now with his thanks.

Kelian nods. "Yeah... I know, Mel. Me either. I've been rushing along on this crazy ride so I don't stop and think too much about what is happening." The young man shakes his head and presses the heels of his palms hard into his eyes. He inhales sharply but his breath catches and he starts sobbing. "I can't believe Allen and Cyrus are dead... They were good friends..."


Mel finds many potion bottles scorched and torn with their contents spilled out, belts burnt, wands crumbling into dust, and a headband scorched. Even some of the coins are melted but they look to have retained most of their value. She also notes three rings and two longswords that survived and seem magical. The total value of the coins she's able to find on the pirates (not including Van Beem) and the ship amounts to 5000 gp.

I'll give Kazador and Brolin time to respond to Fyrtor.

Kelian walks over to help Mel with her grim work in silence. After they've finished, he finally speaks up "Mel. Are you ok?"


Having heard the explosion while waiting below decks, Kelian rushes up to see if he can help. The damage to the Sonder is... extensive...

If the Sonder has these stats I'd say it's at 600/900 hp.


Kelian nods. "Yeah that sounds good. Who should go?" He looks at everyone on deck then at Brolin in particular "Could we use that rowboat, captain?"

Thoughts, team? We'll move forward with a 2 player consensus.


Kelian probably doesn't know your orders timeline.

Kelian nods firmly. "Alright. That sounds like a plan. I'll go ask the bishop what forces he can spare and trust to be discreet." If no one has further comment, he heads out to try to get a meeting with the Bishop.


Kelian nods "Ok it sounds like we're developing a plan here. Should I go ask the Bishop if he'll send a handful of able fighters with us? Maybe a few crossbowmen? Or do we want to keep this as small and secret as possible?" He looks to everyone. "It sounds like we all have things to do to get ready. Should we meet at the wharf tomorrow?"


Kelian listens grimly while Mel speaks then nods. "It's true, Captain. Every word of it. My father was one of the first witnesses to most of it. And I've seen the rest."


Kelian nods and swears to secrecy. Having heard Kazador's information, he smiles "Sure Kazador. We'll all do it together. After we help with these pirates."

Perrin, however, remains silent, his eyes far off and dark circles under his eyes.


No Mel doesn't know where Kazad Gravr is but it might come up. Bummer about the autocorrect. Wanted to hurry to keep you guys moving forward last night...

Kelian nods. "I can understand that, Kazador. This is all big, heavy stuff. But how are you going to get to Kazad Gravr or exact vengeance alone? We need to think about these parts of the plan, right?" When Mel mentions the last lead, he agrees "Yes we should probably talk to Francis Stone. "


Once your conversation is over, you return to the foyer and wait. A guard working the desk at the entrance informs you that Smythe has ordered for you to have the use of your room for the rest of the day. Soon a dwarf with a heavy scar across his forehead wearing the Watch's uniform enters. The man working the desk waves him down. "Albert! These folks wanted to talk to you!"

Kazador:

You recognize "Albert Norwich" as a dwarf from your clan. You didn't know him well so you barely recognized him due to the scar, which he did not have previously.


The colonel having left, Kelian turns back to Brolin. "Well? Are you satisfied? The bishop thinks you have information we need to hear." He nods to Perrin and Kazador as well. "I don't really know what's going on but I think they're starting to form a theory. Isn't that right?"


Kelian looks at Perrin with a small smile. He's been concerned about the doctor's unusually quiet manner over the past day. I hope he's not too worried about what happened with Ev. He places a gentle hand on Perrin's shoulder. "It's ok doc. I'm sure everything will be ok. You're a good man and you're better with magic than anyone I've ever met. You'll figure something out."

In the room with Brolin, he pours himself a cup of ale and takes occasional small drinks. He nods when Mel queries Brolin. "Yes, I think we need to find out something you know. Otherwise the Bishop wouldn't have told us to meet."


Kelian nods in agreement and, despite his excitement, manages to keep a low tone. "Yes, sir! It's very useful that we've run into you. Would you care to join us for a drink?" He turns to Alice. "Hi Alice, um..., do you have a private room or something for parties or the like?" Alice blushes slightly when addressed by Kelian and nods. She leads you to a small side room with a table and 6 chairs and closes the door behind her, giving you relative privacy. A minute later, she returns with two pitchers, one of fine, non-alcoholic cider, and the other of ale. She sets them on the table and leaves you alone again.


Kelian nods to Mel. "That sounds like a good plan. Didn't the Bishop ask us to investigate the break-ins to the merchant offices? So the leads are probably about that, right?"


Unfortunately, Perrin is busy right now during some critical scenes that are focused on him. I'm going to socially bot us a little so we can continue. I realize it's a bit odd for Mel to content herself with the following but I think it's required to maintain momentum. Perhaps the conversation can continue tomorrow evening.

Perrin sighs and asks if the conversation can be continued tomorrow. He is very tired from a difficult and confusing day. Perrin carries the pot containing Ev back to his room and you all head to bed after a confusing day. You wake in the morning to receive another hearty Badger breakfast. Kelian looks to the three of you "Well what now? What lead should we follow? Seems like the Bishop had some ideas. Or maybe we should try something else?"

Kazador:

Meant to mention it earlier but I love the spin you put on the tale.


Perrin is able to create water without a problem and ends up wetting everyone's shoes when it splashes to the ground. Kelian leaps back in alarm, his nerves already on edge in the confusing situation. "Gah! Oh... ok..." but he looks to the three of you nervous and uncertain what to do here. "So is that it? He tried to trick us but everything's ok now? Should we just eat and go to bed?" He looks to Kazador in concern "Do your Dwarven tales tell of something like this?"

DC 12 K rel:

Ev's form is that of a quasit.

Speak with master:

In her strange new form, Ev replies "I remember everything... but when that man in the guardhouse mentioned the imp... Something took control of me..." she shivers in extreme fear. "What was that?"

Kazador:

Your clan did tell a deal of a clansman who made a deal with a devil to gain a maiden's heart. The condition of the deal was that, if the man was ever unfaithful to the maiden, he'd lose his soul to the devil. The dwarf was loyal and faithful to his wife, rejecting all the attempts at seduction the devil sent his way. But one day he went home to his wife and made love to her only to find it was the devil himself taking on her form. The devil laughed as he dragged the dwarf away in infernal chains.

Perhaps there's another old dwarf story about dealing with the lower planes! Feel free to supply one instead or modify this one.


Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Ev squeaks and falls asleep in Kelian's grasp. Kelian looks at her a little surprised and holds her out to Perrin carefully. "Um... what now?"


Kelian wis: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Grab!: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Kelian seems to pick up on what's going on and grabs a hold of Ev. She begins trying to bite his hand while squeaking in panic. "Perrin! What's he doing!? Help me!!"


Kelian looks around a little confused. "Um... should I come too?"

I think it's safe to say Kazador is willing to come downstairs with you guys. That's not contradictory to his character at all.


Kelian puts a hand on Mel's shoulder trying to comfort her but the youth really doesn't know what to say. "Mel, you worked as hard as anybody to get Brookside ready. And you fought as hard as anyone could. You didn't know what it meant that the orcs were here..."


Alice looks at Mel with great interest, soaking this up. It's clear she hasn't had a lot of access to books and fascinating information provided so freely appeals to her greatly.

Kelian walks over as Mel and Alice are talking. He whistles slightly when he sees Mel's new bow. "Nice work! Of course I'm not surprised. Mel was the best bowyer back home by far. She taught a bunch of the kids how to make bows and arrows and stuff themselves."


Mel and Perrin:

In the rest of the mirrors, you find more rooms like the ones Mel just discovered. One of them contains an old table and chairs with some broken plates, cups, and pitchers. In the second mirror on the left, you spy a small foot poking out from behind a crate.

Kazador:

Kelian looks at you nervously. "Do you think there's anything else we can do to help them?"

Up to you how much more involved you get in the mirror escapade.


Kazador:

Kelian eyes the mirror and shrugs. "Nothing out here that looks much like a core." Brother Thomas nods, pondering. "That may be the case. But I, for one, will stay out here and contact my superiors should the situation worsen."


Kazador:

Kelian nods sharply to Kazador. "Ok. Let's do it!" He follows Kazador up the stairs and, as they rush out, mutters to Alice in a low tone. "It's tough but we're ok. We're just getting some people to help." The young woman nods gratefully and keeps working to get things served. The two rush out and towards the Cathedral.

They arrive there huffing and panting. Oddly enough, their request to see the bishop immediately is denied by a middle-aged, pudgy cleric.

"No no no, sirs. No one sees his Holiness so immediately as that." You see a brown-haired man listening curiously to your conversation.

Brolin:

You see a dwarf and a young human rush into the foyer of the administrative section of the Cathedral of Helm. They look exceptionally concerned. The dwarf is quite nicely equipped. They seem to expect a personal meeting with the Bishop. You are also hoping to speak to the Bishop or one of his senior aides.

Mel:

You can't see back through. You don't know if they can see you at all.

Perrin:

Map for you in the current map.


Yes Mel, "&" in a spoiler requires simultaneous completion of both conditions. But Mel's conclusion is fair and has been hearing that way already.

Mel:

You are immediately disoriented as you enter a hall where floor, walls, and ceilings are all mirrors. To make matters worse, the angle of gravity in this place is about 30 degrees different than the orientation with which you entered and you immediately slump to the floor. Certain rectangular portions of the walls of the hall 3 by 8 feet are outlined in a less reflective silver that matches the mirror's frame. There are 8 such mirrors. At the end of a hall is a larger mirror. An erratic line of scone crumbs lead from where you entered to the large mirror. You immediately try to leave back through the mirror you entered but your hand is repelled from the surface with a tingling sensation.

Perrin:

As you step through the big mirror, you hear a gasp and a thump that sounds like Mel. You step through the big mirror with no problem. On the other side, you find yourself standing on a ledge over a silvery chasm that goes down as far as you can see. Jagged platforms that look like shards of broken glass the size of barn doors hang at various heights and distances from you. About 100 ft away, you see a large, reflective icosahedron flickering erratically with light on a bigger platform.

Basement:

Kelian waits a minute then abruptly announces "She hasn't come back! What should we do?" He looks to Kazador, hoping the dwarf has some wisdom here.


Perrin!:

As Perrin steps near each of the others mirrors he sees his own reflection ripple in their surface as he disturbs the nearby air. This didn't happen when he tried to go back through his original mirror. There are no signs of footprints on the silvery "floor" but he looking very, very closely he sees a few small traces of dust here and there, tiny smudges of dirt, and a few small threads of fabric. People have been here before. There are eight mirrors lining the hall and one larger one at the end of the hall.

Basement:

Sense motive with ? modifier: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Kelian stares at Kazador for a second, wondering what secrets the dwarf contains, then glances back toward the mirror, shifting his weight uncomfortably from foot to foot.


Perrin!:

You can see through to the other side but, when you attempt to pass back out, there's a buzzing sound and your hand is repelled from the surface. Ev was emoting concern to you but the connection dropped when you passed through the mirror.

Basement:

Kelian looks curiously at Kazador, his curiosity piqued by Kazador's vagueness. "Really!? What did you hear?"

Ev flutters around awkwardly. You're not entirely sure what she's doing. Eventually, she settles down on a step.

DC 13 k Nat in the basement:

She's trying not to send a misleading signal but flying around in this tight basement is a little tiring and she can't roost as that is a signal too since bats usually roost upside down.

DC 18 k Nat & DC 15 k arcana in the basement:

She's also distressed because she is trying to emote to Perrin and getting nothing back. Normally, she would be able to sense his emotional state, even if it were perfectly calm.


The surface of the mirror ripples as Perrin passes through. Looking nervous, Kelian turns to Kazador for reassurance. "So um... you ever dealt with something like this?"

Mel:

Mel knows that the empathic link between a master and a familiar functions at a range of up to 1 mile. She also knows that the mirror hideaway spell creates an extradimensional space. It's up to her to draw her own conclusions there.

Perrin!:

You are immediately disoriented as you enter a hall where floor, walls, and ceilings are all mirrors. To make matters worse, the angle of gravity in this place is about 30 degrees different than the orientation with which you entered and you immediately slump to the floor. Certain rectangular portions of the walls of the hall 3 by 8 feet are outlined in a less reflective silver that matches the mirror's frame.


Kelian shrugs. "I'm not sure what the plan is but we have to help the kid, wherever he is."

What do you guys want to do? Perrin's finger is still stuck.


Basement:

Kelian shrugs. "It doesn't make sense to me either. But if that's what you want to do, then I'll get these out of the way." He starts moving plates, bowls, pots, pans, and other items out of the wardrobe onto the nearby boxes.

I guess that'd be a DC 15 strength check once you have it unloaded.


Kelian comes inside, playing a small wooden flute he picked up from the market. He stops at the sight of Alice crying and rushes over. Hearing the story, he nods vigorously. "Let's take a look around! Is there a back door he might of slipped out of?"


Kelian joins Mel, Perrin, and Kazador at the table. "So what happened yesterday? And what's the plan for today?" He takes a big bite of hot bread and cheese after asking his question and looks around exoentantly while chewing.


Kelian, who had been waiting in the guardhouse on a bench, comes up to you with a nervous half-smile. "It looks like you all made it back. I'm glad. Should we head to the Badger? The guards told me they have an incredible lamb coddle there and I'm starving!"


Unsure of his place in this situation, the untested villager hangs back quietly, watching the situation develop.


"I'm Kelian. Thanks for the help!" He offers his calloused hands to you in a sincere handshake.