Almah Rovshki

Yvonne d'Calla's page

73 posts. Alias of Laithoron.


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With a nod of approval, the master chef handed his blade to a lithe dancing girl who Lureene might have recognized were she able to see past Lucio's bulk. Clad in gold and red silk, a belt of chiming coins girding her hips, the dusky-skinned woman lilted around the boar in time to the music, hips and breasts swaying to the beat of the drums. With each rising course of the instrumentation, she whipped her hair about, black curls cascading like surf upon the glistening curves of her arms and back.

Lord Gallo and Master Corvinus were not the only one enraptured by the dance of the sultry, green-eyed beauty. Melianna's grip upon her husband's sleeve grew tighter, and Sindariel nodded subtly in appreciation of the woman's skill. For his part, Arion's eyes never strayed from the flashing blade in Yvonne's hand.

As the song reached its crescendo, the gypsy princess whipped her hair back and forth, kneeling beside the great boar until finally, on the last strain of the horns, the blade slashed open the belly of the great boar. Like so many intestines, the sausages and fruit with which it had been stuffed spilled forth, covering the vast silver platter in its bounty!

Yet instead of becoming covered in the stewed 'gore', the dancer had lept clear with her follow-thru, and knelt, legs beneath her, in a reclined position, back arched parallel to the floor, breathing heavily.


A bit uncertain as to whether or not the princess is still joking, or not, Yvonne gives her a mildly nervous glance. "Not certain the car operator would be appreciative. Also, perhaps it would not be so dignified a way to make an entrance..."


In spite of the heavy snowfall, the Golden Drakes proceed with preparations to head out following breakfast. When you head outside, Roshen and two of his subordinates are waiting, with immense packs on their backs for the long march to the capital. When she sees all of you emerge, she gives a warm smile, her green eyes ablaze with delight.

"A joy it was for me to see in all of you this morning such mirth and spirit." Gesturing to the giants, she continues, "Ahead of us shall they walk, a path for the caravan shall they smooth."

Without further ado, you pile into the carriage and get underway. Looking back, you can see the members of the Deol family waving to see you off, admiring the collection of snowmen sword fighting in front of their establishment.


"My friend," Yvonne says loudly enough for anyone inside the fortress to hear, "introductions are in order to Knight-Captain Felmor Traker, and the enchanting lady, Lureene Ourson. Riding with us also, Priyya Surya-ka-Vahaak of Alíta, and Corporal Malandraenas Tylalaes. Retainers, friends, and protectors are they of the charge of the Golden Drakes: Alissariel Kirmoon, Princess of Silverwake, gateway to Ilmarond."


When you finally arrive at the castle, it is with several dozen bars of gold, minting plates, a handful of prisoners, and a several people you have rescued. Alex and Yvonne are overjoyed at both the totality of your success as well as having found members of the Golden Drakes and Valehaven guard.

"Indebted to you my family is," Yvonne says, tears of joy swelling in her green eyes, "against all hope have you returned to me those I feared lost. Never shall we forget this!"


"Not so." Yvonne states. "Oil of that kind cannot here be made. The grass from which it is made, in Malatesta grows. To Elsmyr Dale it must be imported."


"Captain!"

shamshir 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Yvonne swings for Chivane with everything she's got but can't connect.


Yvonne's Stealth 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31
Chivane's Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Even as Chivane engages the captain, Yvonne creeps up from the side of the wall and sneaks up behind Chivane, he shamshir charges with eldritch power...

Shamshir 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 2 = 18 flank
dmg 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (2) + (4, 5) + (4, 6, 5, 3, 3) = 35 fire, sneak attack, eldritch

Chivane cries out in agony at the attack, just barely still on her feet.


Priyya Surya-ka-Vahaak wrote:
"Yvonne, Monroe... What are your plans?"

"Up the wall, ahead of you I shall run."

With that, she darts out the door and true to her word hops over the balcony railing and starts running along the inside of the curtain wall until she reaches the battlements.


Round 8
Lureene's hp: 20 + 1d8 + 3 ⇒ 20 + (8) + 3 = 31/26 full
Yvonne's hp: 35 + 3d8 + 9 ⇒ 35 + (7, 4, 5) + 9 = 60/62

With only some minor bruises remaining, Yvonne hands the now smoking wand back to Alis before looking to Mal with concern, "Not coming with us, is she?"


Priyya wrote:
"It's an interesting experience, isn't it?"

"Interesting..." She nods, "A good word for it, yes."

Round 7
Lureene's hp: 9 + 2d8 + 6 ⇒ 9 + (2, 3) + 6 = 20/26
Yvonne's hp: 26 + 2d8 + 6 ⇒ 26 + (2, 1) + 6 = 35/62


Priyya wrote:
"YVONNE! Wake UP!"

Yvonne's eyes flutter open and she looks up at Alis and Priyya leaning over her.

"Healing magic?" She shakes her head, as the women help her back to her feet. "What little healing I can offer, Monroe needed earlier when we fled. My apologies."


Yvonne grits her teeth against the pain and responds by covering her blade with eldritch energy and attacking...

shamshir 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
dmg 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (4) + (5, 4, 1, 2, 1) = 22 fire, blast

...the slashing magical energy catching Chivane across the midriff burning even as it slices thru her catsuit.

Still hovering, Grak reports that the two women are tearing each other apart, although it looks like Yvonne is losing a lot of blood from her injuries...

Next Up: Mal & Tal; Chivane, Yvonne, Grak, Felmor, Lucia, Lureene, Stallings, Alex, Vincent, Monroe, Alis, Priyya, guards


"Ask you to leave, I would, but these attacks directed by you against my charge cannot stand."

Speaking the ignan word for fire, the gypsy princess ignites her blade and attacks...

shamshir 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
dmg 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (3) = 7

She lands a minor blow against Chivane, the flames singing her hair.

Hovering in the distance, Grak reports the progress of the battle to his mistress noting that the gypsy woman has landed the first hit.


Acrobatics
Grak 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Yvonne 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

Yvonne tumbles past Chivane, her movements too swift for the assassin to even react to. Following immediately after her, Grak just barely manages to slip past the two black-haired beauties launching himself over the railing and into the air. As he passes, he can see that both guards posted outside the door are dead, their pooled blood trickling over the edge of the balcony onto the packed earth of the bailey below.

Next Up: Mal & Tal, (Monroe), Alex, guards, Stallings, Vincent, Alis, Priyya; Chivane, Felmor, Lucia, Lureene, Yvonne, Grak
MAP: Dunwaar Chapel, (Round 01d)


Yvonne calls out, "Princess, the assassin I shall handle. If Chivane I can defeat, the devil perhaps might be banished."

As she rushes out the door, drawing her scimitar, she says, "Captain, behind me bar the door!"

Next Up: Mal & Tal, (Monroe, Grak), Alex, guards, Stallings, Vincent, Alis, Priyya; Chivane, Felmor, Lucia, Lureene, Yvonne
MAP: Dunwaar Chapel, (Round 01c)


"Captain," Yvonne interjects, "The meaning of the Princess' words is not to suggest making war should be the result. The towns all in the Dale, all of them a commonwealth form. In Valehaven, a council we have. Without deliberation, no act can be official."

"With no confidence for a unanimous vote," she looks to Alex and Monroe, "Duke Jarmaath even could deposed be..."


Yvonne shrugs her ivory shoulders. "As you are suited. Perhaps our fortune it is that this much we at least have discovered."


"Regarding Alis... I am trying to counsel her on her heart's conflict. Sometimes we must wrestle with our own souls on these matters before we can accept the help of others. I would be happy for any help you can bring, but I really am unsure what we can do to help her. 'Nurturing' is part of Alita's work but is very little of my own. I fear I am inadequate to the task."

Xerakai:
"Blatant? I would not say that their moves have been blatant. It was only due to Lureene and Malandraenas' intervention that apprehended Lorenzo and Lucia. Had they not saved the man they made drink that poison, those two could have fled with the others at the theater. They took many precautions against being detected, but some of their work, like the forgery of Alissariel's seal, appear to have been done in haste. This makes me think that they had to move quickly for some reason. Perhaps they saw an unlooked for opportunity and rushed to enterprise upon it."

"And again with this Chivane, I suspect they had no reason to suspect that she could not handle you. Did Alis not say the woman seemed annoyed that the mob had not lasted as long as she hoped before you? Had that woman succeeded, all that we would have found would be four dead bodies and perhaps a missing princess. We would be very short on clues."

"As for the conflicted heart... I have lived for a long time, Surya-ka-Vahaak. Sometimes people build walls around their heart not to keep others out, but to see if anyone cares enough to set them free. Those with wealth or influence never have a shortage of people seeking to gain their favor, yet what they can lack are honest friends."


Felmor Traker wrote:
”Aye, a fallen angel, that kinda explains a lot. Mebbe this be a personal vendetta against th’ Captain, ‘n not based on any political concerns. Chivane is an elf, ‘n I know some elves not be happy wit’ the growing ties wit’ th’ humans in Estoria.”

"For long have Estoria and Ilmarond been allies. Not in dealing with humans do they have a problem but accepting them as equals in elven society. To have one who may be seen as a lesser so high in rank, possibly could there be animosity."


Yvonne shakes her head. "My accent, I think makes this difficult."

Xerakai:
"No, from what Immerstal says, the Ruby Coil most decidedly is an organization with strong diabolic ties. However, it seems that they keep to the shadows. In over 200 years I have only heard the name mentioned once or twice, yet it is always in hushed whispers. Regretfully, I do not know much about them. Were they a mere cult, then they would seek to grow their numbers, and we might know of them more openly. However, Immerstal described them as a cabal and one serving the most conniving and manipulative child of the gods. I fear that we may be dealing with power players with very sinister goals..."

"As for Alissariel, she has been rather withdrawn since we left Valehaven. Even though they whispered, I could overhear the words between her and Malandraenas. You are right that we do not have time right now, but if she is not at peace with her goddess, I would be eager to help find a balm for her soul. That is a difficult place in which to be."


Lureene Ourson wrote:
"Priyya, this is what she said just before Mal was able to break her summoning: "Mistress Charelle, servant of Homeku, bring forth wrath against those marked by your loyal agent!" I recognized the same devil Lucia was beseeching aid from earlier. Mistress Charelle, i am not familiar with, however. It seems clear to me the Ruby Coil is behind these assassination attempts, however why they are is unclear. Perhaps our guests have further information."
Priyya wrote:
"True enough. But I think we need to know more about Charelle and Homeku. I see two possibilities: One, the Ruby Coil is a Diabolic cult. In that case, we'd do well to learn about the motivations of their 'patron' as a way to figure them out. OR two, the Ruby Coil is a mundane group. In that case, WHY are these Diabolic types teaming up with them? What interest could Alis pose for a Devil? In either case, knowing more about the Devils they revere may be useful information."

Knowledge Checks

P: Religion 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Y: Planes 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 24 AA from Lureene
Y: Religion 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Yvonne has another look at the ring Alis took from Chivane's finger. "This mark is the one Immerstal said marked the Ruby Coil. Not a cult but a cabal he said and secretive... Mephisto they serve. Homeku I know not, but Charelle... an angel of Lyria's court she once. Revenge, not art or love, was her passion. For love of cruelty was she exiled."


After Alis and Lureene have safely followed Malandraenas into the tower, arms full of clothes, Yvonne turns to Priyya. "We will keep their eyes covered so that they do not fear the height. Walk slowly and let them follow your voice, but do not grip Saija's reigns so tightly that she will pull you down if she slips..."

With that Yvonne blindfolds Khaitan and begins to lead him up the narrow stairway...

Priyya 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Yvonne 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

The gypsy leader has little trouble leading Mal's horse up the ramp, but is chagrined when you have to grease the doorjambs with cooking lard from the kitchen in order to squeeze the powerfully-built stallion thru.

Priyya follows shortly thereafter. Saija stumbles once, and it takes about a minute for Priyya to calm her back down. After that, they ascend the rest of the way. It's then just a short walk down a hallway before you exit thru a door into the courtyard emerging near the south side of the gatehouse.


"Good that your highness is safe," Yvonne says quietly. She and Stallings grunt with effort as they set Monroe down on the pavement near Priyya.


Lureene readies an action and Grak rises higher seeking a better vantage point.

Lureene:
In her mind, Lureene hears Grak's voice, "Misssstresss, humanssss on the roofssss!"

Yvonne draws her scimitar and turns to face an alleyway down which she can see a mob charging. "Atish! Before they are trapped, get them clear! Men, hold back the mob!"

Next Up: Enemies, Priyya, Mal & Tal, Monroe, Drakes & Soldiers; Alis, Felmor, Stallings, Lureene & Grak, Yvonne


Yvonne exchanges a glance with Captain Stallings and says to Monroe, "The agenda of our client is her own. However, Count and Captain both have need to know who thru their gate passes. The Princess of Silverwake, Alis Kirmoon, and her retainers are our charges."


Yvonne smiles as much from Priyya's delight as her enjoyment of a song that she's actually not heard before. "A remarkable man do you have, Priyya. Never-ceasing to amaze!"


If you prefer, the 'eyes' can take the form of a mask of some sort rather than goggles.

With your shopping adventures concluded for the time being, you exit Immerstal's tower to find Yvonne waiting for you down below. "It is not so late in the day that we cannot leave. Continue we can at your word, Princess."


Editing prior post to a reply from Alis since I got ninja'd :P

Outside you find Yvonne waiting for you, resting in the shade beneath a tree and strumming a song upon a sitar. Not too far away from her, Mal and Felmor are practicing some weapon plays while a group of young ladies stop to admire them.

Upon seeing you, Yvonne waves and suggests, "By now surely you are hungry. Come, sit." She motions to a wicker basket beside her and says, "The day is beautiful, let us break your fast together here in this place..."

With that, Yvonne opens the basket revealing a picnic brunch she has prepared. Suddenly reminded that the last time they ate was around midnight, Alis and Lureene eagerly dig in while the rest of you enjoy your second meal of the day.

As you are finishing, the gypsy woman says, "The lady friend of the wizard Immerstal, Mon Shea, earlier she came by. Apparently, there is some credit you have to spend in the shop she runs for him..."


While everyone is gazing up the stairs, they hear a familiar voice from behind, "The girl went not alone. Accompanied she was by me."

Turning, you find Yvonne handing a simple grey cloak to a servant in the foyer. "Come, our fast we should break while they ready themselves..."


Yvonne purses her lips at Lureene's gratitude. "Truly, precious little was there that any of us could do. Not by any hand of ours were you saved, of that much I am certain."

"As for dinner," She gives a sigh and looks towards the castle, "I too share that hope, however, a meeting such as this likely will be lengthy. Please, enjoy for me the play. I shall look forward to your retelling of it."

With that, she nods to you and sets off up the street bordering the cathedral.


When you head outside, you find that Yvonne herself is preparing to head out as well. The black-haired woman is dressed more formally than you have previously seen and seems to be in a serious mood.

Upon seeing Lureene, she gives a relieved smile. "Glad I am to see you walking, Miss Lureene. When from Bishop Tredônia word arrived of your state, the worst I feared. Today to a council meeting I must go. This matter with the late Lord Kale must be resolved. Be well. On this day, the lips of all the wealthy speak your names..."

With that, Yvonne swings herself up into her horse's saddle and sets off for the castle atop the city's central hill.


Lureene's eyes finally flutter open and you see that you are indeed in the room you and Alis were sharing back at the Golden Drake's estate. Yvonne stands over Alis' shoulder along with Priyya, and a tall elven woman with long golden-blonde hair spilling out from beneath a tall white miter trimmed in gold.

All of them breath a sigh of relief to see that you are awake and Alis gives you a big hug.

Yvonne turns to Priyya and the other woman and says, "I give thanks to you for keeping watch with us over this one. Your forgiveness I beg for the interruption of your vigil, Bishop Tredônia."


LK Calendar: Kevath 20, 4210 — Alsday

The new week starts with a great deal of yawning and soreness after two days of rather hard riding. It doesn't help that a cool breeze blowing off the river sees everyone inclined to huddle under their blankets rather than rising to face a brisk dawn.

Within a few hours though, all memory of the cool evening is forgotten when a cloudless day raises the temperature nearly 30 degrees by noon. Thankfully, the Drake's marvelous Setenbori steeds (like the gypsies and Priyya) are well accustomed to much warmer weather. Lureene seems to enjoy it as well, even stretching out atop the carriage for a bit, wings spread to soak up the sun.

Meanwhile, Alis waves Mal up alongside the carriage and spends quite some time leaning out talking with him. A great deal of their conversation dwells on noting the differences between the many storks and egrets along the river compared to Yandral-Sharaes' kingfishers and eagles, and the gulls and osprey of Silverwake.

Felmor finds himself content to see his desert rose enjoying the warm weather and encouraged to be near water again — even if only a river.

About 3 hours past noon, the walls of Valehaven finally rise up to the east. Although roughly the same size as Caen Carrinac, the flatness of the surrounding grasslands make it seem more expansive. The city is almost completely surrounded by a 20-ft high stone wall. The only stretch not so protected is the northern length which borders the River Elsmyr. Two bridges connect the city to the river's northern bank. The highest point in the city is a hill rising up in center. A large, well-built stone castle surmounts the hill. The only structure in town higher than its mighty towers is the spire of a grand cathedral slightly downhill and southwest of the great keep.

Sawng's Way enters Valehaven thru its western gate, less than 100 yards from the river. It leaves on the eastern side thru a similar gatehouse. Another road heads south from a gate in the southwestern corner of the city while the bridges provide access to a roadway leading north.

Bajala leads the caravan thru Valehaven's western gates, the guards there snapping to attention to salute the carriage carrying Yvonne and her charges as they pass. You make your way to the fifth major intersection inside the walls before turning right. The street begins to rise up the hill, the great cathedral of Alíta ascending above you towards the azure sky.

Upon reaching a 5-point intersection at the corner of the cathedral's property, you make a sharp left. You stop before a sizable mansion surrounded by a sizable wall field where horses can run. From the mansion, a number of servants emerge to relieve the Golden Drakes, tend to the horses, and see to the comfort of Yvonne's guests.

You note that the Golden Drake's headquarters seems to be located in a rather well-to-do portion of the city. The roads are well-paved, and while their fashion sense is rather provincial compared to the coastal cities you have frequented, the people who note your arrival are never-the-less well-dressed.

Yvonne gives a small sigh and says to Alis, speaking clearly enough for the rest of you to hear as well, "Princess, duties of my own are there here to which I must attend. Of our encounter at Skull's Gap and the upset of the Ghostlord must I apprise the other council members. Please, consider my home your palace while here. I promise to you, only tonight and tomorrow night shall we linger. On Lakusday shall we depart. Leave tomorrow I would, but to this duty only I may attend. Yours is not the only war that hope would avert."

The green-eyed beauty gestures north-east along the street. "At this block's opposite end, a theater you may visit, owned by Valeria, my friend."

Turning around towards the way you came and motioning to the right, she continues, "If head back this way and make the next right also, a tavern will you find. Most clients never would I direct there, however someone of your station they can serve with proper respect. The Craven Raven it is called. Just north of there, the city's market meets where the bridges join the banks. A wizard of repute, one called Immerstal the Red, there makes his home. In a tower on the south-eastern corner he resides, not far past the theater."

"From here, already can you see the Shield-Bearer's grand house. At the keep beyond shall I be. Know that adjacent to the keep the estate of House Kale will you find, so please do not linger there. The new lady of that house is not a woman that I trust."

"If any further help you require, on Bajala can you rely. Please excuse my absence..."

With that, Yvonne instructs the driver of the lead wagon containing the three prisoners to turn around. She then mounts her horse and leads them left and up the hill towards the castle.

MAP: Valehaven


LK Calendar: Kevath 17, 4210 — Rosday
Between the garrison guards posted at Skull's Gap, the Golden Drakes, and even members of your own group, there was no shortage of watchful eyes keeping a lookout over your camp. By the time you break camp in the morning, the most excitement you've seen is the passing of another caravan heading north in the early morning.

Rosday is thankfully much less interesting than yesterday. You depart Skull's Gap with the three mercenaries under watch in the lead wagon. With a few hundred yards of the bridge, the mountains become obscured from view as you enter the western reaches of the largest forest in Elsmyr Dale, The Dimwood.

At various points, the road rises up onto manmade causeways constructed over deep bogs that well up below the forest canopy. It is more than a bit unnerving for passengers in the carriage to look out their windows only to see murky water below them, but the bridgeworks are solid and the only ripples in the water appear to be from water rats and snakes rather than lake monsters (much to Felmor's relief).

It is mid afternoon by the time you reach Drellin's Ferry. A light drizzle falls from the sky, but the sun at your backs as you turn east heightens the intensity of the color of the sleepy riverside town and its outlying fields and buildings. As you approach the river, you note a set of six stone pylons rising above the river just to the north of the guy lines for the ferry. Yvonne explains, "In that place, once an old bridge stood. Maybe 10 years past, after heavy snows, when the river surged with melt waters, it washed away. Slower is the ferry, but safety too it provides."

Upon recognizing Bajala's hails, the ferrymen hitches a pair of draft horses to a huge wooden capstan and sets it turning. This sends the ferry across on the two enormously thick ropes. With the river being roughly 400-ft across here, it takes a good six minutes for the ferry to make it to your side and another six to make it back. While the Golden Drakes give priority to getting the carriage across first, it takes quite some time before the rest of the caravan has made it across.

As everyone gets out to stretch their legs, Yvonne says, "On the sorth of the town green, just east of here and on the right, will you find the inn. 'Old Bridge' it is called. At the livery behind it is where we stable our horses. East of the inn and south will you find the general store."

"On the road north east of the green, the sound of hammer falls will to the smithy lead you. Further out, at easternmost end is the shrine to Alíta by the pond."

"If follow the river north you do, Sertieren who is a mage in a large house lives. On west side of river and south, Avarthel there keeps a stone circle for the spirits of this land." She thinks for a moment and concludes, "No other places can I think of that to you would be of interest. For now, to the home of the town speaker I must go. News of what happened yesterday he will need..."

With that, Yvonne leaves the rest of you to your devices.

If any of you want to buy, sell, trade, etc. There isn't a huge selection to be found here, but there are a few magic items, scrolls, etc. to be found. (See OOC)


FWIW, it is possible to worse the attitude of people already made friendly or (in this case helpful) by comments like Mal's. (This is where making use of various languages comes in handy.) Fortunately, you guys have pretty much already learned all you need from these guys. As such, I'm just mentioning it as something to bear in mind for future encounters where there might be bigger stakes.

Mal wrote:
Ah. I thought the fact that there was back-and-forth between the npc's meant this was something you thought we might enjoy. That's why i entertained it. I have no interest in killing off Mal.

Well, I really hate it in games when everything just happens to be the same level as the party. One of the first mods I installed on Elder Scrolls: Oblivion was a mod that addressed that. Bandits and other common foes got capped, but things like trolls and liches became much more difficult. In otherwords, just because there might be an ancient red dragon sleeping in the next valley over doesn't mean it should get attacked. To me, it's a matter of believability.

"Lady Kale..." Yvonne's voice is filled with contempt. "Only if it was her inheritance that she lost would for she feel sorrow. This man who they took to hunt was head of the merchant guild for Valehaven. Many lives did he risk to have his trophy. It should be him to see punishment for this foolishness, that is why to confidentiality he made these men swear!"

Clearly irate, the green-eyed woman paces back and forth, jade flames trailing from her form and footsteps as she walks.

"You three," she points at the men, "you will not hang. Your guilt is stupidity and following orders without knowing better. However, to Valehaven you will come. There you will help me by telling to the council the same tale that to us you told. When that is done, go free you shall. Your wrong is bad, but of bigger worry is imprudence of House Kale. Your price of freedom will be your words in court. If that is not suiting to you, then off that bridge should you follow your leaders."

"For now," she turns to the rest of you, "we make camp, and dinner we cook. Please forgive for my angry words. Much death could have been avoided, yet much more death could have come from this foolishness. Please, try to be comfortable, and accept from me thanks for your help."


"Inclined I am to loose them in the wilderness to their fate. If talk you wish, then talk. However, I tell you this. The failure to plan and to know of dangers on their part does not excuse the choices of theirs or make for us an emergency."


Mind you, Alis and Yvonne weren't actually in on the interrogation you guys just performed. Alis had the nasty feeling Mal was about to do this that she'd rather not see, so she helped with burying the dead and saying prayers for them instead. Likewise, Yvonne was tending to her people.

When they find out that Lureene is looking for everyone else, Alis, Felmor, Priyya, and Yvonne listen to what she has to say.

K: Local 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

A dark look comes across Yvonne's face when Lureene mentions the Ghostlord. "If in these people's fates that one has had any influence, then distance ourselves from them we should. Since before my grandmother's grandmother was a girl, that one has in the Dæmonshade dwelt in a great lion made carved of stone."

"A druid that one was once. From the steppes he came leading bands of nomads and lions. Legends say he was a kind and noble nomad, but that is not so. Cruel leader of a lion cult was he, cannibals were his men. A domahni called Tarrencia Estoria once held here. It was that one who brought downfall to it when against him the Tarrenth clan warred."

"In death, that one from the grave arose. Blight and ruin he brought to Tarrencia. Only since Gelriss Sawng this road cleared has life to Elsmyr Dale returned. Do not seek out this lord of ghosts or to many more than yourselves do you risk bringing doom. That that one would allow escape to any of these men bodes ill. By their own admission even they tell that cursed this Anna became. Be glad then the river did wash away such evil. Pray that it washed away such evil."

"No interest did these people have in us. Bad opportunity this was and no more. To march too near to that one? Foolishness! A fool will you be if learn from their folly you do not!"

Perception Checks
Alis 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Felmor 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Lureene 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Malandraenas 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Priyya 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Perception DC 15:
It's just barely perceptible, but Yvonne is actually shaking with fear at the very mention of the Ghostlord. You can actually see that she has goosebumps on her arms right now.

Priyya thinks on this news for a while and gives her thoughts: Whatever sort of undead creature the Ghostlord is, he must be powerful indeed to have arisen on his own while retaining free will. The fact that he was able to venture a great distance and destroy a mighty city speaks to his power and that he is not necessarily tied to a particular site. However, the fact that for hundreds of years he has not done so would indicate a preference for being left alone.


Yvonne motions to the north-west tower where the 3 surviving spearmen have been confined within a holding cell. "Please, feel free..."

OK if you guys want to propose any questioning techniques and pose any questions, feel free to narrate your methods and to make the accompanying rolls.


"A gracious man are you, Malandraenas."

Priyya wrote:
"Well, I guess we'll find out if they made a clever escape at a later date. It seems they were expecting us - judging by that one talkative fellow and our speed at getting this far surprised them. Given how they fought, I don't think they were your typical highwaymen."

"Among them was a mage. Injured though he was, a fall is no certainty of death even into the rapids. Their leader, at least, is dealt with, and their men dead, captured, or fled."

"As for these words you say they spoke, and the gold found by us... I think they had no anticipation for the return of our caravan so soon. If not for the request of Corrina, yet longer would it be by a week, maybe two before a return we made with much larger a group. Of the Golden Drakes they could not help but know. Yet recognize us in these small numbers they did not. I think no ruse would they have made if in full number we were. Perhaps to leave before our return was their intention..."

Lureene wrote:
"Have we tried to...interrogate them yet?"

"Not yet, no. Tending to wounds, securing the captured, scouting the area, and calming the horses has busied us."


Mal wrote:
"It appears without your aid again there'd be one more grave dug here - if one a little larger than the rest. Thank you all."

Yvonne gives Mal an apologetic smile. "This," she gestures to the path the road takes, "is our home. Please forgive us that we were unable to provide to you a safe journey. For your continued bravery we are grateful."

Mal wrote:
"So what's the plan? On down the road?"

"Skull's Gap should not remain without guards. Bajala? You, Yakhem, and our friends in the rear guard — would you please look to secure this place? A few days may pass before reinforcements we can send."

The caravan master looks to Yvonne with concern, not for himself but for her. She smiles gently and says, "I will be well, my friend, worry not."

Bajala nods his head in acknowledgement and sets about making preparations. Yvonne continues, "For tonight at least, inside the towers beds, shelter we shall find. Among the council of their peers does Valehaven count me. Your tales I shall tell to them of how on this day you aided the commonwealth. We can in the morning to Drellin's Ferry travel."


At Alis' words, Yvonne runs down the east side of the tower and begins healing Saija as best she can...

CLW×2 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 = 11
Saija's hp: -5 + 11 = 6/15

The brave mare's eyes flutter open and she shakily regains her feet. Walking over to Priyya, she leans her head down and nuzzles the side of her dark-skinned sister's face with her own.

Looking about, Yvonne surveys the scene and gives a weary sigh. Sarge appears to be dead. Talvyra having made certain to avenge her brother's wound. Four of his grunts perished either by her hand or by the arrows of others. The leader's three henchmen also fell to their deaths o the rocks and rapids 100 feet below. Yet she takes no joy in what is essentially a victory.

Walking over to Malandraenas, she expends the last of the healing magic she is able to muster to heal what injuries she can...

CLW×2 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 = 12
Mal's hp: 0 + 12 = 12/35

XP: +600 each (8400 + 600 = 9000/14,000)

Phat lewt shall have to wait until later. I've got zombies to kill!


Yvonne runs further around. Seeing the giant cloud of fog, you watch as she runs clear up the vertical wall of the tower, standing perpendicular to it as she reaches the end of her run!


Yvonne moves forward just far enough to verify the situation with her own eyes.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

She raises her hand as if to strike, but determines that she cannot be certain of a killing blow in one hit on the bandit leader. Stifling a curse, she calls out, "His life we cannot endanger. Make no attack!"

Next Up: Priyya, (Golden Drakes), Bajala, E: Lookouts, E: Gilban, E: Anna, Alis, Lureene & Grak, Felmor, Talvyra, E: Sarge, E: Paze; Yvonne


Acrobatics 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24

With the door of the carriage now cleared, Yvonne leaps out landing near Felmor. Instantly recognizing Talvyra's cries of pain, she makes a sweeping motion with her hand...

Eldritch blast 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
dmg 5d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5, 6, 6) = 27

...and the spearman who twice injured the sleek cat is sliced cleanly in half at the waist. The bandit beside him screams in fear just barely retaining a white-knuckled grip on his spear.

Next Up: Priyya, (E: Anna), Bajala, E: Lookouts, E: Gilban, Alis, Mal & Tal, Lureene & Grak, Felmor, E: Guards, E: Sarge, E: Paze, Golden Drakes; Yvonne
MAP: Round 2


Eldritch blast 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
dmg 5d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 3, 6) = 18

At the caravan leader's shout, Priyya sees that the look-outs are preparing to fire upon Bajala. The man on the south-east tower gives a brief cry and falls backwards from the crenelations. You can just make out the tell-tale signature of Yvonne's arcane attack.

Priyya then responds with her own attacks. Her first arrow catches the archer on the northwest tower in the shoulder and he pulls his shot, firing it harmlessly into the ground. Her next arrow however, transfixes his throat. The man slumps forward into the embrasure, clutching at his throat. A moment later, he falls, landing on the steps some 20-feet below before rolling off and into the branches of a tree below it!


Yvonne mentions that it might be possible to sell the weapons once you reach Malatesta.

Knowledge Geography DC 10:
You recall hearing that many of the citizens of Malatesta are actually giants!


Sense Motive 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25 on Alis

Yvonne nods in appreciation at Priyya's compliment, although it seems to bring her no joy. "Understandable is what your position was. For your friend you feared as I too did fear. For escorting my friend's niece is why we were tasked... not to be pall-bearers."

She thinks for a moment and muses aloud, "Her goal I can see: to bring reinforcements. Perhaps that did help. Perhaps better to regain life at risk of dying in battle. Perhaps better if those two lives had rather been spared."

"She did not look back," she says, "she called for you to take shelter and looked only forward. Why do you think that is? You have together traveled before now, yes?"

Sense Motive DC 15:
You do not sense that Yvonne is placing blame so much as trying to figure the girl out.


Perception 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37 on Priyya

Yvonne approaches Priyya on the beach, making certain to avoid any bloody patches and asks:

Ignan:
"Surya-ka-Vahaak, what speak the sands to you?"


Bluff 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22

Sense Motive DC 22:
Yvonne seems to be agitated at how the battle unfolded. While she is polite, she seems more than a bit at a loss and frustrated where Alis is concerned. Towards the rest of you, you sense a mixture of anxiety and concern.

"Princess, the Golden Drakes will have seen these men safely to the next city even if there was no asking. In your land we are guests, it would be a discourtesy if it was done otherwise..."

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