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At Anwel's response to his observation, Stellan can only nod ruefully, "Too true." After he assists the others with the burial duties, he is beckoned by Anwel. He listens to his concerns, "I've not prepared for the Sight but I'll check him over for anything else I can tell." Stellan checks the dead leader for anything he might note about him. Anything of note.
Stellan's partially updated to 3rd level. Most is done - Hit points, combat stats, skills. etc. Tentative spell selection all second level.
Tentative Feat: Improved familiar. Vinur is still unchanged. Added spells will not be used until Stellan has some time to himself to do the right rituals. DM- Tareth: The time has come to work out the details of Vinur's progression since it won't be normal. I'll post sometime soon, (not today) of my thoughts on the matter. I'm still organizing them.
Stellan is perturbed at his deductions. He starts a bit at Anwell's admonishment, then wryly nods a bit. He careful and quietly cast message in response. Andrei,Anwell,Warren: "Understood Anwel, we'll need to take them back, hopefully that will work out in spite of the obvious difficulties. I'm not sure what happen with that leader, it wasn't a spell, at least that I could tell, but it seemed ritualistic and ... it seemed like I sensed some sort of response. I just don't know."
Stellan concentrates and replies to Andrei, "I think he said, 'Goddess, I gift my soul and body to you to strike down those who would seek to keep your glorious being from reclaiming your rightful place', or something very close to that." Stellan frowns, "It doesn't sound good, he may have just killed himself but I suspect he had worse in mind."
Stellan is surprised by the sudden collapse of the enemies defense. Are we really that good or did we just get lucky? He muses to himself. The bandit leaders quick move draws Stellan's attention.
Stellan says to the others, "From what that bandit just said I think he sacrificed himself to his dark goddess to do ... something, something really bad." Stellan tries to figure it out.
If an ongoing spell or spell-like effect appears.
Stellan moves forward enough to get in range of the Lissalan priest, trying to stay behind the warriors if he can do so. He hexes him with the chilling doubts of deepest winter, weakening him to any further magics. -2 to all saving throws, for one round or if target fails a will check of DC 14, lasts six rounds. Stellan says, "Your winter comes now, novice." He hopes to divide the priest attention, hoping the causes him to make mistakes.
Wow, that's awful Gorax, keep holding up there. I'm sure Tareth will be happy to have you back when your life returns to normal. Makes the weather here seem just dandy by comparison. Hope things get better soonest for you and your family.
Snowing right now, after weeks of record snow and well below freezing temps. Only 43 days till spring, though at this rate it'll snow that day. :)
Stellan notes the healing power of the robed man, but suspects he will stay out of easy range. He'll wait for a good target, with the demon as his most important target. If it comes within range he'll hex it to reduce it ability to defend. If it holds back he do the same to a bandit of opportunity.
Stellan looks about too see what is in range of his abilities. If he can target the man trying to control the creature he will use his evil eye to interfere with him. Evil eye- Will save to make it one rd otherwise lasts six rounds. -2 to skill checks. If that is not available, he target nearest bandit and reduce his armor with the evil eye (-2) instead. If no target, he holds to heal people on counterattack.
Stellan is looking intently at the large creature when a fortunate wind adds to Vinur's and Stellan's senses. Thinking over some of his lessons he recalls facts that fill him with horror. The fight begins on the lead bandits and goes swiftly to the party's favor. After that Stellan snaps out of it and cast a quick message spell to Warren and Andrei. "Warren, Andrei, I think, from the smell and the tentacles I see beneath it, that the creature is a Lissalan Whip Demon, Human torso, body of squid, slow, stupid, powerful, the tentacles allow it to grab, making it a nightmare in close combat. It grabs, holds its helpless victim, then feeds. If possible stay away, and use ranged attacks. Stellan doubts he can much effect the demon and looks for a more mundane target if any are, or will be in range.
It is indeed a very nice map. I'm not sure. The square I'm in is white. It is within the dotted red lines, is that the illusion area? If so put me one up next to Anwel and Stellan will crouch down. Thanks.
Stellan nods then worries about the number of foes faced. Noting the poor quality and repair of the equipment he tries to determine the weaponry they are carrying. Of particular note, he is looking for ranged vs. melee type weapons. Also he is looking for those that are leaders or veterans and lesser men that may fall to his enchantment. As they draw near but before they arrive at the barrier, Stellan casts his frosty armor. He then parallels Anwel toward the rear. In this broken place he keeps Vinur near him, when he starts growling, Stellan hushes him and bids him to keep low to the ground. The enemy, and any others that may be about, what is that thing?, etc. Can I tell anything about that large creature? Ditto.
Stellan picks a careful way down the trail, often glimpsing the approaching force. After coming on the broken terrain stops and studies it, noting the large creature in the approaching force. Broken out of his revery by Andrei, he says, "I've seen nothing better than this here too, but the ground is treacherous, be careful to use it against enemies not have it turned against us. And yes, one, - I think just one, is much larger than human, a troll or giant, something big, walking, armored. I couldn't get a full count, 'bout a dozen, but just a guess, could be nine or fifteen." Stellan preps for the challenge ahead.
Stellan smiles at the girl's fondness for Gorax, "Great that you have a friend and family there, Gorax. It's a strength, needed in these lands." Stellan shakes his head, "I don't know what she said, if it's thanks, she's welcome, if something else, it'd be nice to know."
Stellan will keep a watch on the trail. Note and avoid hazards along the way.
Stellan nods, "Yes we need to at least see who they are, and what they are about, dealing with them as needed. If Kobolds, well, they are a tribe here as well, maybe a meeting of minds can be reached. If not, this place must be as protected as it can be. I'm sure there is much defence here but soon enough forces could arrive to challenge even this holy site. Best to have as little trouble as possible. If Akiros is behind them though, I doubt there is anything is possible but conflict with him given his methods. Perhaps I shouldn't make assumptions but ..." Stellan trails off.
Stellan brightens at Anwel's reply, "Oh right, just some hours ago, seems like a lifetime." "Bandits coming, Akiros's forces? Seems likely. "That sounds good Warren, I'll finish the campwork and get some rest then." Stellan keeps busy. Fix camp go to sleep, be ready for the late night watch. Late watch:
Setting up camp, keeping fire light and concealed.
Stellan smiles as Vinur runs off with his new friend. He continues his camp routine while following the conversation. "That was up to him as I recall, a place with us or free to leave." Stellan chew over the thoughts about Tartuk and the tribes. "I guess our biggest problem is that we have little to offer Tartuk, he controls this land, not us. We lack forces to do more than annoy him. If we could start a religious movement among his people, maybe but I'm not sure how to start that. Otherwise, what could we give him that he doesn't already have?"
Stellan, not sure how the girl would react to him and his friend, holds back as she seems to bond with the others. Satisfied that she is in good hands, he returns to his duties. Vinur, sniffs around the area, while Stellan keeps him from bothering the girl. Soon Stellan goes off, and he is free to close in on the new, forest fresh scent that also smelled like a person. Flanking as a wolf puppy would, he closes in as the girl strokes the feathers of Warren's Eagles. He stops, the still form of the the birds triggering his instincts, but knowing they are friends, he starts again slower fighting the urge to charge and grab them. Soon he is besides the girl, and nudges her arm, sniffing it closely.
Stellan heads toward his new patient, but holds back just behind Thad letting Erastil's Chosen to take the lead. He gives Imon's cloak to Thad, "Maybe you should take this for her, Thad." He'll observe and be ready to render aid at the first sign of distress.
Stellan takes the cloak, "Thanks, Imon, I think that Erastil's daughter and the Seed are the same. It's not unknown for children to be referred to as the seed of their parents. Now is it a daughter by adoption or in truth? Are we seeing a birth of a spirit, sprite, or a true demigod? Also this raises the stakes even further. It appears this land is so troubled that a god sees the need to blatantly intervene. Something that happens in myth and legend, not in normal mortal lives, even very important ones. I fear that even worse things than we know is going on. Still we have help, and we need to do what's in front of us. Save anything else for later." Stellan starts looking around at Andrei request. "There should be a firepit around here, Erastil has nothing against cooking." Search for firepits and other more ordinary living areas. Likely overgrown or partially buried by time. Locate stuff. If he finds a firepit Stellan will prepare it, and set a relatively smokeless fire. Set up camp at temple, if possible, or nearby if not there.
Assuming the old man has passed, Stellan will close his eyes, and arrange the body in repose. Then he follows Thad, and when the Seed is revealed, he follows Thad in kneeling in reverent awe. Anwel breaks Stellan's reverie, and Stellan says, "Seems to be melting on its own, I'll observe for a bit to see if any aid is needed, I suspect not. The natural order is restored and the course of events is now proceeding. Does anyone have any spare clothing? I think she manifests as a dryad or nymph but will need something for her and others protection." Stellan tries to understand her place in the natural order of the world.
Stellan looks on compassionately but with the firm knowledge that what is transpiring is the rightful course of events. To Imon he says, "Thad is the Guardian, I'll help, but clearly my task will be more of a warden, around the lands." Stellan nods at the old man's statements that the tribes were not the problem. As a general comment Stellan says, "We do need to break the evil hold on this land, but the tribes - their means, are a symptom, not the disease."
"We will see, Gorax." Stellan says softly. To the old man, "In the name of the Great Father of the Forests, I'll do all I can to see to the proper protection and use of the Seed." Stellan looks a bit burdened after his statement but squares his shoulders looking determined. Stellan watches as Anwel fastens the amulet around the old man's neck, looking to see what it does for him.
Stellan looks at Warren quizzically. "Um, Warren did you hear me? I'll try to be clearer. This man is dying of extreme old age. The curse must have sustained him somehow, but with its breaking, events are taking the natural course which is death from aging. That's why I was asking for Thad's and your help; I don't know what to do to wake him for what is likely the last time in his life. At least he could maybe tell us what we can do, if he has any family that cares about him, or what last rites to perform. Also to find out what is really going on, would be good. Don't think about moving him far, he'll never make it. He may not make sunset." Stellan stands there looking at Warren with a puzzled frown.
Stellan completes his examination. "Hmm, I'm not sure what to do here. This man is not in danger from his wounds anymore but he's very old. He appears human but I think he is over 150 years old. I'm not sure what treatment I can give him, I doubt he will awaken again without something. Could he have powers similar to yours Warren? I understand that some people close to nature can hold off the effects of aging for a long time. Would you take a look and see if you can provide some guidance here? Also Thad, I suspect he is or was a druid of the ForestFather. Perhaps you have some insight?" Stellan looks a bit vexed. Under his breath he mutters, "Wish I had some supplies,I have nothing to work with." Stellan looks expectantly at Warren and Thad.
Stellan feels both relief and a bit of fear finding the man alive. "He's weak but alive, I think he was cursed and now it's broken, but I'm not skilled enough in the mystic arts to be sure. Not with magic this powerful. Wonder what happened to him?" Stellan tries to estimate when or even if the man will regain consciousness. Heal
Stellan is as shocked as anyone at the bear changing to a man. However he swiftly takes the chance to heal Andrei. Heal Andrei He then turns his attention to the ailing man, but Warren is ahead of him. Saying, "Let's see if he is alive, first." Stellan checks out the health and condition of the man, and tries to determine what is going on. Condition. Is there a spell, geas, or curse on him? If he isn't dead and if Warren's efforts are not enough to revive him, and if Stellan doesn't think healing him would bring about another Bear moment, then he'll use his healing hex on the naked man. Stellan will not touch the item around the man's neck but he will be praying to Erastil while doing these various things. He will treat this reverently, something holy if odd is going on. If healing hex is used on the strange man. Heal Bear man if the above conditions are met.
Stellan seeing Andrei take a horrific blow and bleeding, he starts to move to get behind him. "Coming Andrei, be there soon." Stellan attempts to move behind Andrei without drawing an attack of opportunity from the bear from his movement. His intent is to heal Andrei with the healing hex that does not provoke and AOO. If he can do it this round, let me know and I'll roll it, if it takes to next turn, I'll do it then. Same if Andrei falls before I can finish.
Stellan also behind the warriors looks for the opening to use his ray again saving his more powerful spell for the right moment. He tries targeting the head and shoulders of the bear towering over the party.
Stellan uses his trusty frost ray to attack the bear. "Great Gorax, keep it - uhm distracted." Wonder if it's smart enough to understand human speech? Plus any bonus that may apply from Andrei's Bardic Performance.
Stellan says to Vinur, "Hide" Vinur vanishing to the brush. Vinur hides. Stellan stays out in the open, trying not to appear threatening. Noting the Great Bear's condition he tries to see if it's hurt beyond reason. Is the beast normal, diseased, controlled, etc? Is it's injuries likely to weaken or just madden it? Stellan keeps quiet as to not provoke the bear.
"I think it's a bear, but bigger than any I've heard of." Stellan looks over to the branches. "Yes, Udo, those branches were broken by a large creature. Seems likely it's nearby." Stellan looks around but putting his attention in the wrong place he fails to hear anything useful.
Stellan is sure after he checks the bones that something powerful is about. "The bones are crushed by something with powerful jaws. Could be a griffon or bear, dire animals as well."At Andrei's desire for a midday meal, Stellan agrees, "Sure we can, but be wary, something dangerous is here, and that musky smell is a marking of some beast, likely this valley's top predator. Wonder what it is?" Stellan muses but keeps an eye out for trouble. Does Stellan recognize the smell? What's about? Any tracks that catch Stellan's eye.
"I'd like to do nothing better Gorax, but time is not our friend, others are after what we are, and some may be ahead of us. If we can press on we should." Stellan checks the sun's position, what time of day is it. Can we make the center of the trees well before sunset? Stellan checks some of the bones, trying to see what kind of creatures died here and how long ago. What died here?
"Like me check to see what's going on with this, might get a clue." As the party approaches the center, Stellan keeps a watch out.
Stellan looks over everyone to see if anyone else needs help. As his eyes adjust to the brightness of this verdant scene, he starts out on the trail and heads where it leads, keeping a wary eye out.
Stellan heal Warren with his hex. Healing Hex: "I think that will do it, Warren." Stellan trails most of the group through the oppressive tunnels. This is not an environment he is familiar with and doesn't like the feeling of being out of place. He breaths a sigh of relief as the group breaks free of the tunnels and into the blinding sunlight. Stellan hears Andrei's request, though not aimed at him he tries to scout the area moving to the front of the group. What's here. What tracks are present, numbers, and where to? Between the blinding light and his disorientation from the long underground trip, Stellan is much less aware of his surroundings than usual.
Stellan runs with the rest of the group, when it pauses, he is about to inquires as to the injured when Andrei speaks up. "Of course Andrei, just getting to it. [b]"Who is hurt, speak up things will get worse." Stellan is willing to use his once a day per person Healing Hex on any who ask for it. He checks over Vinur and bandages him a bit but doesn't see a need to magic him well.
Stellan gratefully gives Vinur to Gorax, "Thanks, Gorax that will help. Better see if anyone needs my help- wait it's opening." Stellan will wait a bit for the others to get through except for giant Udo, "Think I best go ahead of you, Udo, I'll never squeeze past you. When we get to a bit better position I'll tend to anyone injured."
Vinur yipes as he takes damage from the falling rocks. 2 pts damage to Vinur. "Mobats, they're Mobats. They- what your hurt Vinur." Stellan checks Vinur over quickly. He then picks Vinur up and gives him to the nearest person that is sheltered. "Please hold Vinur, he should be small enough to fit." Stellan steadies himself, calmly now he says, "Mobats are large beasts of mettlesome magic. Usually in groups of six or so, not known to be smart, these are oddly intelligent."
"One of the Mobats appears to be an elder. He has many battle scars. That one is unhurt, if he is taken out their morale might break."
dice=Reflex Save]1d20+4[/dice] Stellan Vinur Seeing his failure to have any meaningful results with Warren, Stellan considers Imon's question, "Well, that a good question. Wonder what it could be ..."Stellan's voice trails off as he looks and listens trying to figure out what is happening. What's there, what clues do I have? Based on what clues he has, what's stalking us?
Stellan Vinur Stellan and Vinur easily dodge the falling rocks. Stellan gets close to Warren to aid him in bleeding faster safely. Stellan is grim as he approaches Warren but quietly says, "Let me help you bleed faster, safer." Make Warren bled faster then stop it when the cup is full.
Stellan briefly consider whether he can assist Warren, then figures that it could be as likely to hurt than harm. As the current battle appears to be swinging in their favor, he continues his weak but infinite attack. Actions Rd 3: Ray of Frost. Any big bat that he sees.
Stellan nods at he words of encouragement and tries to keep track of events. Track bats and be wary for the possibility of more avenging forces arriving. Actions RD 2: Ray of Frost.
The bats's screams seems to go through Stellan but leaves no lasting affect. Actions:
Tries to keep it simple this round. Attack closest bat. Ray of Frost. Add one more, should have been plus three.
Edit error in roll had to reroll.
Vinur wimpers as the scream tears through him...
... leaving him unaffected.
Stellan is startled at the actions of Warren. "That's not- Okay then that was impulsive." While Stellan considers what to say, others comment. "Yes, that was a possibility but Erastil is rather restrictive in his ways, at least we could have waited for Thad's ideas. Now we see just how upset the master of this temple is." See what's coming.
Stellan looks over the writing, "Yep, now what is meant by water of life, in most rituals I know of that is a euphemism for blood. However that is not a usual practice of the Erastilian faith. Could mean holy water is suppose, I fear my knowledge of religious rituals is lacking. Also, why in Varisian? Not a common language around here, they are renowned travellers but never in numbers this far east. They mostly worship the Wandering Goddess as far as I know. Wouldn't an worshipper of Erastil use Kellish or maybe the secret writings of the Druids instead? Puzzling, there is a mystery here. Any insights Thad? You are far closer to the Forest Father than I." Stellan seems very uncertain and wary. |