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Sotha saw the spiked ball just in time to dive out of the way, narrowly avoiding a flattened fate. As he picked himself up, he nodded in answer to Tragen's comment. "So it would seem." with his pride somewhat hurt, Sotha took to looking around the room.
I'm still here.
Sotha nodded, "Indeed, that does seem to be the message conveyed." Sotha said. He didn't bother to check for clues, instead proceeding to the staircase. He'd concluded based on the clues he'd seen so far that this was a religion of blind idiots, and that the priest had assumed that nothing hidden would be found, and so, made all the clues as painfully obvious as possible. He waited for the others to realize the same before he went up the stairs though. No sense in dying alone in case the next room emphasized teamwork.
Sotha scoffed, the boy was curious if he was safe? He hadn't been safe since he'd crossed their path, though perhaps that wasn't that wouldn't be prudent to admit just yet. He decided to try something a little different, the stick had almost resulted in the culling of one of their number, perhaps the carrot would inspire better results. "Nay, priest, we have more than two. Though perhaps only two yet know their strength," He said, unable to resist the dig at Malak's previous reluctance to fight. Sotha looked around the room, wondering if there was to be any further hazards or puzzles to be found. "Was that it? A simple trial by combat? Prove yourself mighty by besting the snakes, or weak by being beaten?"
Sotha managed to break free of the paralysis that had suddenly infected him. Snarling at the snake, he swung his sword with all his might.
Sotha recoiled at the snake's attack before realizing that the damage was minimal. He surged forward and struck at the snake a second time in response.
"These are the snakes, I suppose?" Sotha announced to the group behind him. He approached the nearest snake, on guard against its attack, before striking at it with his scimitar.
Sotha all but scoffed at the inscription. Up until now they had been disturbiingly straightforward, what would this room ask of them? That they pick up a large rock? Regardless, he suspected that the cleric would not appreciate whatever lay ahead, and so, if for no other reason, Sotha was looking forward to it. "We mustn't dally, let us see what this room has in store." He said, almost appearing mirthful. Once he was through the door, he paused a moment to survey the room.
"Giant metal snakes?" Sotha said, wondering if he had expended his best attack too soon. He quickly realized that was not the case, as he likely would have died without using it. He shrugged, "No matter, we have made it through worse already. It won't be armored reptiles that do us in." As the others headed out, Sotha cast one last glance about the room. The clue above the door had suggested that mercy would be the better way to deal with this whelp, perhaps the way forward remained in this room, or on the boy.
As the boy spoke, the words inscribed on the door came rushing back 'reward those who serve thee well'. It was good that he was among this group, the hedonist would likely torture the boy for fun, and Tragen would likely kill him through the overflow of his wrath. Of the other three, only Malak would likely offer the same mercy as Sotha, though likely out of sloth rather than pragmatism. He looked the boy in the eyes and told him matter of factly. "We have encountered no one else, it is likely that your master is dead. If you serve us well, not only will you leave here alive, you will be rewarded." The boy was likely full of foolish youthful virtue, but he likely wouldn't be much more difficult to break than a horse, especially in his current state.
Sotha sighed, a child? How crass. Better to make a pawn of him than a sacrifice. Sotha had a decent feeling how the others would react to the presence of this figure, and so he moved first. Sotha calmly approached the boy and knelt in front of him, taking stock first before he spoke. The badge on the boy's coat looked like a coat of arms, he wondered if the boy was a noble. Sotha consulted his memory, to determine if his studies of history had taught him anything of the family this badge belonged to.
"What is your name, boy? How old are you? And how did you come to be here?" It was clear that the questions were intended to sound compassionate, but they came off more as commands than anything else. He put his hands on the boy's shoulders to help him to his feet.
Hmm, a front line fighter with a military background and a sin of pride? It sunds like Sotha has found his NCO, and, depending on how muh of a leadership role Avingen expects to take, the perfect foil for Sotha's own sin. Glad to have you aboard, Avingen!
Sotha read the plaque carefully, wondering how the message would factor into what awaited them. He considered drawing a parallel between the message an Malak's previous behaviour, but that would be petty. The cleric would learn the lesson sooner or later, and there was no need to point it out until that moment. "Hmm, shall we find ourselves a servant?" He said, as he headed nto the room. He watched carefully, as he had in the previous rooms. Sotha didn't feel good about missing important details.
Sotha sighed, apparently relieved of something, pain perhaps. "Thank you," He said, a good deal of anger drained from his voice. He took this new opportunity to look around the room. When he'd located a way forward, he announced, "Shall we move on?"
You know, in the right circumstances, I can see Sotha and Malak developing into something like this. You know, aside from the fact that they will likely always hate each other.
Sotha stood tall to face the man, refusing to acknowledge his pain while being confronted in this manner. When he spoke, it was through gritted teeth, it was clear that he was trying to control his anger, and was only succeeding in the barest of meanings. "If you don't wish to face accusations of not pulling your weight, then comport yourself in such a way that the accusation never reaches our lips. I give orders because someone must, and the other worthy is not." Sotha's eyes flashed to Tragen for an instant at that, "I will grant that you are correct, this is an important endeavor, one that would be best served being conducted in a military manner, as I have been conducting myself, as the rest of you would do well to." The rest of what Sotha had to say was not spoken so much as spit, as though the words were poison, and he was attempting to rid himself of it. "Now, if you would heal me, I would appreciate it greatly. You will not get better than that, so I suggest you take it."
I'm kinda waiting for some sort of resolution. Short of being able to metagame that I asked for a bunch of healing potions during that three days, Sotha's logical next move is very unconducive to the group dynamic.
"Indeed, it accomplishes nothing. So, heal me so that we can continue, unless you would prefer to lead the way? Since you were so keen to point out the oath, I would note that you have progressed from doing nothing, to actually with holding needed support. Shall we continue down this road?" Sotha glanced meaningfully at his sword, and seemed to whisper something to it, before returning his gaze to his obstinate companion.
Sotha's eyes flashed with rage at the cleric's response. "The oath we took?!" He roared in disbelief. "You wish to cite for me the oath we took? The one that says we are to treat each other fairly and honorably? Perhaps you might explain your definition of fair and honorable that includes standing aside and watching as we fight for our lives?" Sotha was very clearly minding the oath. It was all he could do to not raise his sword at the corpulent priest. If he hadn't sworn an oath of brotherhood with this fool, Sotha would have cut him down at the first sound of disobedience.
Sotha's eyes shot to Malak, disgust clear in his expression. He'd done nothing?! At least the brute had flailed fruitlessly! "Heal me priest, if you are not too busy!" He announced loudly, just short of a shout.
The suddenness, as well as pain, from the attack caused Sotha to drop to his knees, clutching his chest. He could not die like this, not after going through so much. With gritted teeth, he rose from his knees, chanting a spell as he did so. His hand erupted into electrical discharges, and when he touched his hand to the back of his blade, the effect transferred to his sword. With the spell discharged, he swung a second time.
Sotha, not willing to rely on the interpretations of another, used detect magic himself to determine the same. "I cannot believe that I am saying this, but it seems that Shalastar is right, destroying this orb should dissipate the darkness." With that, he swung his glowing blade at the orb.
Sotha inspected the room, wary of any number of tricks or traps that might be close at hand. "Shatter all that blinds you?" He mumbled to himself, wondering what it might mean. "I suspect their might be a fight beyond that door, but first we must puzzle out the first clue. . ." He paused long enough to cast light on his sword, and then began holding it in front of him like a torch, in hopes that it might do something.
Hmm, sudden case eh? That sounds quite distressing.
If you think I'm playing my character well now, just wait until I threaten to run someone through!
"Let us continue." Sotha said. "Let the cold of this room propel you further." He opened the door and proceeded through, keeping an eye out for traps, clues, gaping pits and the like.
Huh, I never noticed the post with the room clue until now. I had no idea what Shalastar's comment about icy derision was going on about.
Sotha staggered back, grunting in either pain or surprise. "It feeds on warmth, that's why this room is cold." He looked at Malak, and then Shalastar, "Ice will kill it, if you have that capability." He added.
After giving the room a good look, Sotha headed toward the western door. Fancying himself as one who walked a less traveled road, both as a magus and a would be king slayer, it seemed right. He carefully examined the strange moldy substance, so far as retrieving a dagger he'd taken from the guards and Branderscar and prodding the door with it. If it reacted, he would back away, brandishing his scimitar. Otherwise he would continue to examine it.
Sotha approached one of the doors and inspected it. "Hmm, indeed." He said, as though replying to something that had not been said. He looked at the others and added, "Clearly self deception refers to wandering into the pit. I suspect that the next part of the riddle is that we should establish ourselves as allies by choosing the correct door."
Sotha looked back at the others and wondered what was keeping them. He said, "It is as likely as not that the solution will become clear within the chamber, come on." He looked at the crudely concealed trap in front of him, and pointed at it with his sword before adding "Watch for traps, like this one." If it was possible to avoid it without any acrobatics, he would do so, even if it meant finding a handhold on the wall and climbing around it. If not, he would wait for the others.
Merry Christmas all.
With little warning, Sotha drew his sword and looked at it for several moments, nodding along as if receiving instruction. He looked up at the the others and spoke. "In my time in the army, I was known, or would have been, if I hadn't tried to kill the king, for bringing about the surrender of a large group of goblins. The reality was that I was trading with several tribes, weapons from the quartermaster's stores, in exchange for the most worthless among them, to be executed as bandits. They might be an asset later, if we cross paths again. Anyway, I suspect this is a riddle. We will likely be expected to find a way to put these words into action in the chamber beyond. It would do us well to keep an eye out." With that, Sotha marched ahead, into the next room. He kept watch, as he'd instructed, for anything of interest. As he walked, he could be heard whispering, to nothing apparent. He mumbled "You've shown great insight since we met, I hope you will not go silent now." He scowled at what was apparently a reply heard only by him.
I'm still around, just haven't come up with a good way to interject yet.
Sotha spent much of the three days in solitude, studying the spellbook he'd taken from the warden's chamber. It was satisfying work, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The first night he went to sleep, hearing his own whispered name from outside his door as he slipped into slumber. The next night the voice came earlier, and he was able to pursue it. The voice taunted him, always just behind the next corner, or beyond the closed door as he pursued the knave. His sword was drawn, ready to strike down the fool that could be so impertinent as to call to him and run away. Finally, the voice led him outside, in front of the manor, where he found a sword, but not just any sword. It stood up, as if on display, the blade's tip was buried in the dirt, and it was like no weapon Sotha had ever seen. The blade of the scimitar was black, and seemed to have the consistency of sandpaper along its side. The hilt of the sword was more elegant, though no less menacing. The guard was spiked, mostly toward the blade, with a bit that curled back toward the wielder, offering some protection for the sword hand. The grip of the blade was formed in the shape of a winding serpent; it created a grip that seemed designed to fit Sotha's hand alone. The pommel of the sword was in the form of a crimson jewel that was about the size and shape of an eye. Sotha reached tentatively for the blade, uncertain of what was happening. When he touched it, the whisper he'd heard on the edge of perception flooded his mind. It told him that it had been seeking him, that he was to be its instrument, as it would be his weapon. Sotha cast aside the scimitar he'd taken from the prison in favor of this weapon, and returned to his room. He told no one what had happened, though he made no attempt to hide the obviously new sword at his side, or the fact that it was with him always.
+6hp (half hd= 4 + 1 con + 1level up bonus) +1 bab +1 reflex save +2 spells (Obscuring Mist, Hydraulic Push)
Feat: Improved Initiative 7 skill points: intimidate, knowledge (arcana), knowledge (dungeoneering), knowledge (local), knowledge (planes), perception, spellcraft Blackblade
Sotha nodded as Tragen spoke, before stepping forward to offer his signature. "Indeed, I will sign this as a contract to keep and be kept. I have little interest in religious matters, and see little in the offering that will change my mind on that. Still, I pledge to abide by the terms of this agreement." Following the lead of the others, Sotha pricked his finder and signed the contract in blood.
So long as I'm not expected to be the caster of the group, I'm aok with taking you back.
Sotha glanced at Malak and stifled a scoff, of course he would buckle immediately, he was a lackey to anyone who said the name Asmodeus. "Hmm, perhaps an arrangement could be reached. You don't seem overly concerned with rulership, and I am not overly concerned with religious matters. Grant my family the direct line of succession for rulership of your new nation, and I will agree to your plan. I would also prefer to be the one to end the king, but that is not required."
Sotha couldn't help but chuckle, and then laugh, at what the man was suggesting, "You've included a would be kingslayer in your plan to usurp and replace the king? And you would grant me nobility for this? Why should I do for you what I would do for myself, when you offer nothing more than what I already possess as a reward?"
Sotha smirked. "Apologies for any delay, but we could not simply make our escape like cowards. We had to slay the warden and sergeant at arms, along with every guard we crossed paths with." Sotha said nothing, but seemed to balk at the prospect of being attended to by slaves. It wasn't a moral issue, of course, he just found the notion that he could not take care of himself rather insulting. "I need nothing, I can attend to myself," He said when he was asked if he was injured.
"Hardly!" Sotha scoffed. "This is a brisk walk compared to what my soldiers went through! If I have been too silent for you, then perhaps it is my desire to arrive that stays my tongue."
Sotha did not think much of the beast, until he saw what it had done to Tragen. In fact, his stomach turned at the sight of the toad's attack . He considered casting a spell, but found himself unable to concentrate. Instead, he charged, hoping to end the creature as soon as possible.
"I haven't had time to look at it yet, though I suppose this is as fine a time as any. " Sotha said, fishing the map out of the pockets of his stolen uniform. "We should stay off the roads, of course. There is no telling when reinforcements might arrive." With that additional comment, he unrolled the map and held it out for all to see. "Now, where was this benefactor to meet us?"
"I assure you it is not." Sotha said, drawing his blade and slashing at the mans neck.
Sotha moved with the others, more toward the front of the group, despite his misgivings about being the closest to the ogre. When the tower collapsed, he looked back in surprise, not expecting a stone tower to fall so quickly. Looking to the bright side, he announced, "Perhaps it is best that we abandoned the plan. Convincing the gate guards that nothing more unusual than an impromptu execution is at hand just became more difficult, what with the tower's collapse. Be ready for anything, we must move swiftly, as Malak has implied, anyone nearby will likely come to investigate, and the fewer witnesses we have to silence, the better off we will be."
Sotha followed the ogre, maintaining the distance between them. He desperately hoped that Grumblejack would find something to smash up ahead, he didn't think much of what might happen if the ogre decided that he'd been held out on. It was a marvelous feeling, inching so close to freedom after being locked in that cell. "Remain on guard, friends! We are not out of this place yet."
"Not yet, my friend." Sotha said, wondering if it was wise to follow through with this plan after all. If they made it through all of this without the grand battle that the ogre seemed to desire, he may hold it against them and decide that his compatriots would be his first victims. "Unless by smash you mean quietly block the door with something heavy."
Sotha started to head toward the gatehouse, but stopped short. He wondered if he should be the first one the guards saw. "I suppose that either Gordie or 'Sergeant Blackerly' should lead the way. Set their minds at ease with a familiar face and make it easier to accept that the strangers following are who we claim." When they were moving, Sotha slipped into the middle of the group, near Grumblejack, despite his misgivings about fighting close to the ogre.
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