The Signifer nodded politely at Kip's praise and listened quietly until a consensus appeared to have been made.
Best of luck. We'll set up messenger networks and our mounts will allow us to mobilise to the capital swiftly, should it prove necessary. We'll fortify this position and await word from your party, as Field Maralicter Vorsk ordered.
It will take approximately a day's ride to get directly to Varnhold, thanks to the road leading directly to it through Varnhold Pass.
Casimir:
The presence of cyclops, even undead ones, make you think of the wild land of Iobaria; to the east of Brevoy with the Hills of Nomen only a few days east of Restov. The land was reputedly home to many empires over the past several thousand years, including a Cyclops empire, so the stories said. There are still scattered tribes of Cyclops roaming the dangerous lands of that place, whose borders perhaps once extended as far as Varn's lands.
Hold the Line tactic gained (+4 DV, -4 OM for entire battle).
Malthir's address goes across well and the army begins to busy itself with the various logistics after a hard battle. Signifer Grachius approached the Duke of Kardas and with a polite bow to the assembled group, weighed in-
I would firmly suggest we position our forces here- if there are further forces arrayed against us from the east, this is still their easiest point of entry to the heartlands of Kardas. I am sure the militia and town guards can handle any minor matters in our absence, would you not say? he suggested. The Signifer's armour was scratched and torn and somewhere in the fray he had lost his helmet, revealing once more his brutally scarred, grim visage.
As the Guardians finished their skirmish with the most potent of the Undead, the battle at the bridge raged on. If the skeletons were affected by the felling of their strongest, the undead mass of bones did not show it. Seeing the four shapes in the distance having all fallen, Signifer Grachius nodded grimly and gave the order to shift to a more classical formation that favoured tactical flexibility, hoping to have gained some tactical advantage through the loss of the four giants. The change in formation was smooth and the tide began to turn in the favour of the Kardassian force.
Hellknight Offence Check VS DV 16 (1 damage):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Skeleton Army- 24/33 HP. Strategy- Normal (cannot change).
Mass Combat, Round 5-
With the Guardians en route and soaring over the skeletons to join the front lines, the Kardas force let out hoarse cheers and redoubled their efforts; the Signifer urging his forces on and into an aggressive assault formation. Skeletons fell in their hundreds before the renewed onslaught.
Hellknight Offence Check VS DV 16 (7 damage):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Skeleton Army- 17/33 HP. Strategy- Normal (cannot change).
Mass Combat, Round 6-
Signifer Grachius finished pulling his forces into a full-on wedge and the heavily armoured band of less than a hundred smashed into the skeletal mob head-on in a reckless charge; many skeletons were simply trampled beneath mailed boot in the onslaught but hundreds more fell to sword, shield, flail, chain and mace. A human army would surely have broken at this point, but the remaining, mindless host simply pressed tightly around the wedge...
Hellknight Offence Check VS DV 16 (12 damage!):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Skeleton Army- 12/33 HP. Strategy- Normal (cannot change).
Mass Combat, Round 7-
As individuals you can't actually damage an army itself RAW but as this is an low CR army your fighting, i'm giving the Kardassian force +2 OM and +2 DV to represent your individual contributions.
With the Guardians finally joining the fray, the Kardassian army was bolstered by their battlefield presence, paragon-like skill, magical equipment and their own formidable powers. Nevertheless, the skeletons completely surrounded the still far smaller force on the bridge and the charge had slowed considerably...
Hellknight Offence Check VS DV 16 (0 damage):1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 2 = 14
Skeleton Army- 12/33 HP. Strategy- Normal (cannot change).
Mass Combat, Round 8-
The charge had slowed but the Kardassian force fought with the fury of men defending their homeland, their ideals and worthy leaders who fought in the ranks with them. Each of the martially inclined Guardians fought in a sea of skeletons, slaying dozens upon dozens while Fenna supported with magic and Kip kept the skeletons from bringing their bulk to bear in any one place upon the battle wedge. Within only a few minutes of the heroic Kardassian charge, the Guardians were smashing apart the few skeletons that remained twitching upon the field.
Hellknight Offence Check VS DV 16 (14 damage!):1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30
The butcher's bill was heroically light; one might even say miraculous. Although almost all of the Armigers and many of the Hellknights bore wounds, only three men had fallen to Pharasma's judgement upon the field; and the undead force had been utterly decimated.
Please make a loyalty check against command DC+10 (1d20+68 VS DC79)- if successful, the army will permanently gain a new tactic and +1 morale...
The battle at the bridge continued its furious battle; an seemingly endless surge of skeletons throwing themselves at the four rank deep, small army of Hellknight steel. A steady sea of shattered bone now lay at the feet of the front line, with more being added to it every second that passed; like a stream of sawdust at a lumber mill. The Hellknight army buckled but refused to break before the press of skeletons. Although many skeletons had been destroyed, the sword arms of the line were beginning to tire. The battle raged on with no clear signs as to its conclusion.
Hellknight Offence Check VS DV 16 (0 damage):1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 2 = 12
The bottleneck at the bridge continued its furious battle. Perhaps unlike a conventional battle between two sentient forces, the press of enemies was constant; there was no heroic surges or crushing despair affecting the ebb and flow of the skeletal advance; there was simply a constant press of the horde of dangerous, animated skeletons, hacking with bony claws. Skeletons continued to be crushed by the dozens, but more and more of the less experienced armigers continued to be wounded in the process. Signifer Grachius was at the very thickest of the fighting, and had not yet changed his tactics. He continued to urge his men to be the stalwart anvil the tide of undead would be ground into dust upon.
Hellknight Offence Check VS DV 16 (3 damage):1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 2 = 19
As the Guardians prepared their spells and began to descend to the fight, the front rank of the skeletal army shattered against the shield wall of the Hellknights and Armigers, heavy maces and flails smashing bone with ease. Sheer weight of numbers however, soon had the army hard pressed against a force at least twenty times their own number; although this advantage was somewhat mitigated by the advantageous bottleneck created by the bridge. The skeletons that fell were easily replaced, but every wound on the side of the living was keenly felt and several of the less heavily armoured armigers took minor wounds in the initial clash. While no man had yet fallen, the battle was currently in the favour of the Undead.
Hellknight Offence Check VS DV 16 (0 damage):1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 2 = 16
Signifer Grachius stared at the oncoming horde of skeletons with contempt in his eyes, his finger curled eagerly around the hilt of his mace. He turned to Hellknight Pellius and relayed his orders.
A full volley; give them everything we've got. I want to see every man we've got firing...
Signifer Grachius attempts to switch strategy to reckless track; -4 Defence Valus, +4 Offence Modifier, +6 Damage.
DC20 Morale Check to change strategy more than one step (Fail):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
The first few volleys were a little lacklustre and there was some delay in the ranks getting the Hellknights firing, but the result of the volley was undeniably effective despite the skeletal nature of the foes before the army. Bones were shattered or cracked by hundreds of projectiles and the front two ranks of skeletons were utterly decimated by the volley, the necromantic energies holding the bones of the dead together collapsing under the force.
25 minus skeleton's modified DV of 21 VS this type of attack= 5 points of damage to the army.
Signifer Grachius grunted in appreciation at the effective volley and his grim visage cracked a smile on his scarred face as Kip's magic slowed the approaching army enough to get several more volleys in. In the distance on the other side of the bridge, he saw the Guardians descending for their own part in the fight. He relayed his next orders- A few more volleys but then have the men form ranks with plenty of time to spare; remind each man to look after his brothers-in-arms. Remind them there is no shame in falling back and letting a fresh man take their place at the front- there's plenty of bones to smash to go around...
The last few volleys lacked the sheer force of weight the initial burst had as the Hellknights formed ranks and few skeletons fell. The horde of the dead crashed against a formidable wall of steel; the shield wall of the Order of the Chain. Raised maces swung with conviction and disciplined strength shattered the front rank of skeletons but the Hellknight line seemed to be forced back several steps by the sheer weight of hundreds of fleshless bodies hurling themselves against the wall of men. Claws raked upon armour and flesh alike as the emotionless, ruthless undead launched their offensive...
With their spells cast and prepared for the battle-axe wielding giants below them, the Guardian's last preparation was to quicken the party with the powerful Haste spell. The four giants below them seemed to have some understanding that they were the intended targets of the attack and their attention was skywards at the descending flyers...
Between rounds Malthir spends some time with the Hellknights, getting to know more about them with his easy manner.
He then speaks with Grachius, Not exactly the kind of fight you were expecting eh Grachius?
Casimir is more cunning than he is given credit for. Even without his magic he is a potent warrior. Of course without our divine protection from Iomedae, fights such as this are not what we are trained for but you have done what was asked of you, for that you have my gratitude. he recites a common proverb from Iomedae's teachings, Justice and honor are a heavy burden for the righteous. We carry this
weight so that the weak may grow strong and the meek grow brave.
The people profit from our valor, whether in victory or defeat...
Grachius nodded gravely to Malthir's words.
He was quick and fluid First Sword Brother; though the fight may have been very different on an open battlefield. My sword found his armour too many times. Still, I am not displeased.
Malthir wrote:
He then goes to Kressle and Akiros and chats with them about their wins and then the upcoming matches.
Just before the next match started he made sure his armor was cleaned and shining for the next match with Ricter.
Kressle smirked and seemed a little smug about her victory- Malthir got the distinct impression that she was enjoying being the only woman in the tournament. Akiros, he found praying between bouts, solemnly.
Grachius took the offered hand and the pair walked off to have their bruises seen to. As Jhod's healing magic flowed through the pair, Grachius removed his helm and commented-
I could not match your swordplay, Lord Casimir. I confess I thought the bout was mine when you were in my grasp. Shall we watch the remaining bouts together?
The Signifer paused after Casimir's blow and staggered a little. He managed, with an incredible display of both the Hellknight full plate's armour flexibility and his own brute strength, to bow to Casimir despite the armour, before dropping to one knee.
I yield, Lord Casimir. It was an honour to trade blows with you he said, projecting his voice for the crowds to hear.
The crowds, who had truly favoured the popular Casimir throughout the bout, could not help but be impressed with the Hellknight's humility and honour. Nevertheless, the cheering for "Lord Casimir" was almost deafening as they celebrated his victory.
High above on a raised stage, Fenna mused on the implications of the duel- perhaps the people of Kardas would have a higher opinion of the Hellknights after such a display.
Grachius didn't respond to the taunt, but made another swing with his mace; as Casimir evaded the mace's path he tried to catch the Statkari with the backswing, but he had overextended on the first swing.
Casimir managed to break the Signifer's grip with a powerful elbow smash upon the Hellknight's arm. The Signifer, wounded and without his shield, chose to unsheathe his mace rather than go for his blade. He raised it up to his shoulder and brought it down- the arc of the blunt weapon passed through where Casimir was stood but a moment ago.
The crowds of Swordhaven winced as Lord Casimir was pummelled again and again by the Hellknight's mailed fist.
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Do you yield, Lord Casimir? the Signifer asked the man he held. His gravelly voice was firm but betrayed signs of fatigue from the punishment Casimir had dealt him.
Casimir tried to break Grachius' grip, but it was like a vice. The Hellknight hoisted the Statkari a few inches off the ground, held him there with one hand and slammed his gauntlet into his hip.
Casimir tried to trip Grachius up with his sword but before he could complete the maneuver, the Hellknight's gauntlets had him- both mailed fists clutched the Statkari close to the menacing full plate, holding onto him by the breastplate he wore and positioned too close for Casimir to bring Brightclaw to bear with both hands.
His breathing heavy and his arm badly bruised, Grachius tossed aside his sword and lunged for Casimir with both mailed fists. It was a calculated, if risky, maneuver...
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 Grapple, will succeed unless Casimir makes his AOO.
The blow did little to stop the Hellknight's advance AC21 without the shield and he continued to attack. The sword swings were regimented, becoming almost a little predictable- Casimir had little trouble ducking underneath those he was too slow to parry.
Casimir's pommel smash lacked enough force to really affect the Signifer in any tangible way. Grachius continued to bring the flat of his blade to bear but didn't find an opening to do any more than simply slam it into Casimir's breastplate.
Clearly rattled by Ricter's imposing forward march, Armiger Rutilus nevertheless attacked the high ranked Hellknight before him. His spiked chain whirled out behind him as he trailed it, sending it lunging for Ricter with a powerful flick of his wrists. Ricter took the lunge on his shield without any particular effort on his part.
1d20 + 11 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 4 - 2 = 12
Casimir VS Signifer Grachius-
Casimir's Aldori blade once more clanged from the plate mail armour as he leapt away before Grachius could attack. Grachius followed him with slow, inevitable steps and prompted a gasp from the crowd as he finally struck first blood in the duel with a controlled and swift horizontal slash- the flat of his blade slammed into Casimir's shoulder and numbed the arm.
Grachius was ready for Casimir's approach and brought his blade down with terrible force. Surprised by the speed of the two handed blow, Casimir was unable to fully escape its path. Fortunately, between a desperate dodge and a partial parry with Brightclaw, his potent mithril breastplate took most of the powerful blow's momentum and although the flat of the blade made an impact even on his armour, the magical amulet Casimir wore prevented his skin and flesh from being injured. Casimir's own assault was defensive and cautious in nature, only occasionally getting past the Hellknight's sword to scratch his armour.
1d20 + 11 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 - 4 = 24
Readied action shifts his init above yours, you made your attack and finished your turn so back to him again.
Grachius relentlessly continued his assault, scoring several more hits on Casimir's breastplate with skilful sword-work- as he attacked with the flat of his blade it was clear the non-lethal ruling conspired to rob him of what would otherwise be wounding cuts. Casimir sensed the warrior would likely change his tactics again soon.
1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 4 = 21
1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 4 = 21
The duel had gone on for over half a minute and showed no sign of reaching any conclusion. The spectacle had drawn an ever growing crowd as the two worthy opponents continued to battle to a stalemate.
The crowd reacted to the taunt, jeering at the Hellknight and repeating Casimir's taunts as well as adding their own, but any reaction the Signifer himself had was not perceived, his helm completely masking his emotions. He unbuckled his tower shield and tossed it aside, sword still held at the ready.
Grachius's longsword found no hole to exploit in Casimir's bladework as the duellist got to his feet, parrying Grachius' lunge as he rose. The crowd were already murmuring in excitement at the tense fight, with neither combatant apparently able to hold an advantage.
The Hellknight attacked relentlessly even after Casimir got to his feet but he seemed to be testing the Statkari's swordwork rather than risking his defence to make a vital lunge or slash. Casimir had little difficulty warding off the longsword.
Although Casimir's blade did indeed ring the Signifer's helm like a bell, the mighty Hellknight plate armour seemed to absorb the punishment without complaint.
Just about a miss i'm afraid, AC25 doesn't cut it.
The Hellknight said nothing in response to Casimir's word- his only response was to finish picking up his blade as though he had not even heard the man. As he rose from the stooped position he was in as a result of fetching his blade, he trapped Casimir's leg in the crook of his arm, heaving upward as he rose. For all his strength, the Signifer only just barely managed to keep the agile duellist's limb trapped for long enough to pull off his move- and Casimir was sent tumbling to the dirt, tripped.
Now we actually have more than one combat on the go, i'll be using bold to separate them.
Casimir VS Grachius-
Signifer Grachius did not react swiftly enough to prevent Casimir's aldori blade being positioned to disarm him, but the strength of his arm was powerful and his grip sure. It took quite some doing on Casimir's part but after a momentary struggle, the Hellknight's blade clattered to the ground with another swift change in direction. Although the Hellknight had a backup weapon sheathed in a shoulder sheath (a mace of some kind) he stooped to pick up his fallen longsword.
Grachius nods and he and Ricter begin to have a quiet conversation.
I am in full agreement Field Maralictor. Is Baron Malthir aware of how a Hellknight comes to maturity? None of the armigers are yet ready to take their tests- in fact, most of them are far from it. I believe this was intentional on the Lictor's part, to avoid alarming the Statkari and jeopardizing our alliance at such an early stage. How are we to proceed?
In case you didn't look at those articles I mentioned, the "Reckoning" the Signifer refers to is essentially the Hellknight's version of 'confession' for not adhering to the principles of the Hellknights and in particular, your order. In downtime, i've really just assumed that Ricter is having quite a lot of Reckonings, as will many Hellknights under his command; for not purging chaotic elements such as the Fey (and perhaps Kip himself!) living in Kardas. You all know that its for the greater purpose of the alliance with Kardas and adhering to the legitimate authority of Baron Malthir and the Statkari, but these ritualised punishments are sacred nonetheless.
The Order of the Chain's particular reckoning is a fairly gruesome one that is said to harden the body and spirit. Chains are placed around your limbs and tightened to extremely painful levels- and this punishment is not permitted to be healed naturally.
I'm also assuming you'll go find the Signifer sometime soon to have a chat, if not he'll come find you. More than happy to add more depth to the Hellknights including additional NPC's if it would make the game more immersive for you- I have a few in my mind already.
Kip hooks up with Sootscales and Mikmek inside the castle. Lord Sirian's body has been quietly moved into one of the empty chambers on the castle's uppermost floor, and laid upon a simple stone table. Jhod makes himself available at your earliest convenience and performs a ritual of Gentle Repose to prevent the body decomposing any further and sanctifying it.
Kip:
Sootscales is especially pleased to see you safely return. Since your combined efforts in destroying the Gyronna Cult you have seen very little of the agile, resourceful Kobold; but you get the impression you are held in high regard by both him, Mikmek and his kobold underlings; and perhaps by extension, Kardas' kobolds.
The fifty warriors silently rise, the Hellknights themselves once more donning their helmets. They raise their arms in a grim, silent salute to Baron Malthir after his speech. Signifer Grachius shakes Malthir's hand with his plate gauntlets, replying in his grim tone of voice-
We have, my Lord Baron. Baroness Vaysh is a virtuous and wise ruler and a most worthy lady. A few of the men were teleported off-target, but every man is now accounted for. Forgive my frankness, but the sooner we have a permanent base of operations a little detached from Swordhaven itself the smoother our alliance will go in the eyes of your people. Kardasholme is a fine castle, but we need a dedicated haven of our own, especially to test our armigers for suitably among our ranks. Field Maralictor Vorsk would be better placed than I to explain our needs, but some of our necessary rituals will merely frighten the common people.
Grachius shakes Kalev's hand perhaps even more firmly than Malthirs. The man's grip is strong and firm and he seems to be openly testing Kalev's strength; he grunts in satisfaction as the Half-Orc easily matches his own.
You honour us with your words, Marshall Kalev. It is indeed sad that force of arms must be used to guarantee peace, but the hearts of men are weak. Perhaps all men's hearts. A man is nothing but a creature that has learned how to be dishonest, even to himself. If only every man could master dominion over himself, there would be no need for Hellknights at all and the burden we bear. You have taken many lives- I have little doubt you know of what I speak he replies sombrely.
We have heard many stories of the prowess and abilities of each of the Guardians of the Greenbelt in our short time here.
The Iomedean slowly salutes each of you in turn, his voice almost sounding ritualised as he says a sentence for each of you, except for Ricter himself.
The piety and unwavering courage of Baron Malthir. The potent magic and calm grace of Councillor Fenna. The quick wit and swifter blade of Lord Casimir. The arcane might of Magister Kip. And the mighty strength and endurance of Marshall Kalev. Field Maralictor Vorsk's deeds have also reached our ears, but we expect no less from him.
Reaching forward to give Kalev a warrior's handshake once more, Grachius smiles. Its a cold smile with his ruined face, almost a little challenging in nature, but his words hint of camaraderie.
Our Order has been hoping to fight alongside you in particular, Marshall Kalev. The tales say you have been dealt blows that should have killed you many times over and that you have brought Kardas' laws to the Greenbelt on the edge of your blade dozens of times when hope seemed lost.
Grachius looks up at Casimir with another toothy smile.
Of course, these stories were all originally told by your friend Lord Casimir and have likely been exaggerated as they spread. My Lord Casimir, would you honour my men with a tale from your most recent exploits?
In response to Fenna, Grachius nods eagerly.
I have men ready to serve as scribes to commit your new laws to magically preserved parchment, if you will forgive my presumptuousness Lady Thistleswade.
Even with the harsh visage his armour gives him and his grim smiles, Grachius does seem very likeable, almost despite himself. His mannerisms reek of dependability and fierce loyalty and despite his scars his force of will and charisma is evident in a similar manner to Ricters own. Just before Ricter gives his speech, he presents the newly promoted Field Maralictor with a set of manacles and an amulet. The amulet is a length of dense and heavy chain, leading to a small metal gauntlet. The gauntlet is designed so that it is firmly wrapped in the dense chain and is clearly recognisable as the symbol of the Order of the Chain; a symbol of Ricter's new responsibilities.
Shatter your old chains, Field Maralictor, and embrace willingly your new Grachius intones solemnly. The eyes of every Hellknight and Armiger in the courtyard fall upon the newest member of the Guardians.
The Hellknight who stands before you is not familiar to Ricter, but despite being a several years older than the newly initiated Guardian he gives him a deep nod of respect. A holy symbol you all easily recognise has been engraved into his very armour- the bright, long blade of Iomedae herself. Ricter recognises the subtle signs that mark the Hellknight as a Signifer- an Arcane or Divine spellcaster that has sworn fealty to the order. Wizards and their ilk rarely have the mettle or desire to become a Hellknight, but the relatively martially skilled Clergy often overcome the test to become one. The Chelish man is in his mid thirties and looks fit and strong; but his face is brutally scarred by a pair of vicious claw wounds that seem to have ruined his left eye.
Baron Malthir, First Sword of Kardas, Sword-Brother. I am Signifer Grachius and I stand here today in formal acceptance of the alliance between the Barony of Kardas and the Order of the Chain. We swear ourselves in service to your Law- but know that the Chain Binds Both Ways.
Faramain was my teacher as well as yours, many years ago Baron. He sends his well wishes as well as a formal acceptance of your request to be named First Sword of Kardas; he shall travel here himself when his schedule permits to bless and congratulate you.
Hellknight Ricter Vorsk- we shall speak further in time I am sure, but for now know two things. Firstly, you will henceforth be known as Field Maralictor. Secondly, although that makes you the ranking Hellknight in this Barony, I am still willing and able to deliver your reckoning. If you so wish, the chains wait to be tightened.
Signifer Grachius bows deeply to all of the Guardians, falling down on one knee once more, his piece said.
