Also, if that plate armor is at all human sized, I'd like to try it on if no one else wants to put in a claim.
Also, if that plate armor is at all human sized, I'd like to try it on if no one else wants to put in a claim.
Manfred gleefully begins to strip off pieces of armour and replace them with the oddly shaped pieces of platemail. Although the armour was originally made for a dwarf, Manfred is able to squeeze himself into it by loosening straps in some places, and tightening them in others.
While each piece is somewhat odd in appearance, it is not until Manny gets the whole suit on that the reason becomes clear. As he slaps the visor down on the helmet, Orlan, Kamris, Yin, and a bemused but too terrified to laugh Onearm find themselves looking at a metallic version of the giant statue behind them. Little bits of Manfred bulge out from the gaps in an ill-fitting suit of platemail designed to look like Soudutayem.
The half-elf shakes his head at the sight of the tin-pot knight.
"We are wasting time. The creature knows we are here, and any advantage we can gain on the vampire is not to be wasted. We either stay here and await its return or we seek other shelter."
"But what ta do with the likes o' him?" Orlan jabs his thumb in One-Arm's direction, "He's been a party ta these atrocities and a worshipper o' evil if ever I seen one. There be no doubt the blood o' innocents be on his hands. And we can't be lettin' him aid this Azubal again."
"... the blood o' innocents be on his hands. ...
"Hand," corrects One-Arm with what is intended to be a disarming smile but comes across more as a predatory grin.
"Hand," corrects One-Arm with what is intended to be a disarming smile but comes across more as a predatory grin.
"No, I be sure'n yuh had plenty o' blood on t'other 'fore yuh lost it," Orlan growls.
He motions for Manfred to start crawling back through the hole. "And take off that ridiculous armor...yuh're creepin' me out lookin' like that..." he complains, "But keep it in yer pack. Maybe we can hammer it inta something better if'n we find us a forge somewhere's..."
"Elflin'? Yuh follow the lad next," he advises, "Yin and I'll send One-Arm here after yuh. Make sure yuh secure the prisoner again. We may be interrogatin' him later. Once yuh're on the t'other side, I'll send Yin after yuh...and then climb up muhself."
Reluctantly Sir Manfred strips off the new amor; surely there must be a way to modify it so that it fits properly... Hurriedly he redons his old chainmail, packs the plate into his pack and works his way back through the tunnel.
"Hand," corrects One-Arm with what is intended to be a disarming smile but comes across more as a predatory grin."No, I be sure'n yuh had plenty o' blood on t'other 'fore yuh lost it," Orlan growls.
"Plenty of blood. ... Yes. True," One-Arm smiles at the fond recollection. He then snaps out of it and whispers "An exchange. My freedom for my guidance. Not here. We talk in the temple room."
"Plenty of blood. ... Yes. True," One-Arm smiles at the fond recollection. He then snaps out of it and whispers "An exchange. My freedom for my guidance. Not here. We talk in the temple room."
"We'll talk alright," Orlan nods, "But it'll be under me own terms and conditions, hobgoblin. The kind of guidance I'd be expectin' by yer kind don't seem like a fair exchange ta me anyway. So yuh better be thinkin' on how yuh'll make it worth our while. Now get..."
He shoves One-Arm towards the hole after Manfred and Kamris have crawled through. Then he sends Yin after him. And finally hauls himself up and out of Azubal's hiding place.
Once all are successfully through the hole, One-Arm makes his case. He explains that Azubal cannot control the bat swarm for a long period of time and that waiting them out is the safest option. He argues that Azubal will not be quickly returning. Even if he recovers, he lacks confidence and will choose another time to fight you. He tells you in no uncertain terms that two dwarves and their companions have been trapped in the next spire but that Azubal won't attack them because the river between the spires prevents him from travelling over the bridge. For all of this information, he believes you owe him his life.
...One-Arm...tells you in no uncertain terms that two dwarves and their companions have been trapped in the next spire but that Azubal won't attack them because the river between the spires prevents him from travelling over the bridge. For all of this information, he believes you owe him his life.
"The river, eh?" Orlan glances downward as if expecting a chasm to open beneath his feet and drop him into the rushing water again, "Yeah. It can be a powerful foe that river. It's good ta know it keeps the blood-drinker at bay. But what's preventin' 'im from simply turnin' ta smoke and driftin' across?"
He presses One-Arm for those answers then starts with a new line of questioning.
"So tell me more about these other dwarves while we wait out the bats," Orlan suggests, "Describe 'em fer me. How long since they passed through here? What were they doin' or what do yuh know of their activities since comin' here? What condition are they in now?"
Lastly, Orlan turns his questions to the Spires themselves.
"Okay...but what about this place?" he asks, "How'd a creature such as Azubal and yerself come ta haunt the halls of me kin? What else be lurkin' among these Spires? Where be the throne of me ancestors?"
Once satisified with the interrogation, he motions to Yin to keep an eye on the hobgoblin while he confers with Manfred and Kamris.
"A reg'lar font o' information, that one," the dwarf comments, "Fer havin' only one arm, he seems ta be makin' up fer it with his knowledge o' this place and me cousin's expedition. I still don't be trustin' 'im, though. If'n we set 'im free, he's sure ta share all he knows about us and our path with Azubal again. I don't doubt he'll still call that blood-drinker his master and serve 'im ta the bloody end."
"But part o' me don't take ta executin' a helpless prisoner," he mutters, "'Specially one with only one good arm. It don't feel right and I 'spect it'd taint me soul in the eyes o' Torag ta lift a hand against 'im now. Is there some way we can let 'im go and assure ourselves he won't be playin' a part in our demise a short while later? Whaddya two think?"
DM:
...One-Arm...tells you in no uncertain terms that two dwarves and their companions have been trapped in the next spire but that Azubal won't attack them because the river between the spires prevents him from travelling over the bridge. For all of this information, he believes you owe him his life."The river, eh?" Orlan glances downward as if expecting a chasm to open beneath his feet and drop him into the rushing water again, "Yeah. It can be a powerful foe that river. It's good ta know it keeps the blood-drinker at bay. But what's preventin' 'im from simply turnin' ta smoke and driftin' across?"
He presses One-Arm for those answers then starts with a new line of questioning.
"Not that river!" laughs one are congenially. "The river between this spire and the next! Don't dwarves send scouts before a raid? Why the bonebreakers scout a human settlement for days before we destroy it! ... I am not sure why but when Azubal tries to cross the river, he cannot."
"So tell me more about these other dwarves while we wait out the bats," Orlan suggests, "Describe 'em fer me. How long since they passed through here? What were they doin' or what do yuh know of their activities since comin' here? What condition are they in now?"
"Before my time. Azubal has the allegiance now of 7 clans. His own, the Bloodworms, were destroyed by an army of dwarfs. Twenty, he says, with orcs for support and a number of elven archers. The few survivors barely escaped to the next spire where they remain trapped. As for appearance, all dwarves look alike."
Lastly, Orlan turns his questions to the Spires themselves.
"Okay...but what about this place?" he asks, "How'd a creature such as Azubal and yerself come ta haunt the halls of me kin? What else be lurkin' among these Spires? Where be the throne of me ancestors?"
"The spires are well-known but few have managed to hold them for long. Goblin tribes, kobolds, orcs have all resided here. Their history does not concern us."
DM: ** spoiler omitted **
Coup de Grace
As a full-round action, you can use a melee weapon to deliver a coup de grace to a helpless opponent. You can also use a bow or crossbow, provided you are adjacent to the target.You automatically hit and score a critical hit. If the defender survives the damage, he must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + damage dealt) or die. A rogue also gets her extra sneak attack damage against a helpless opponent when delivering a coup de grace.
** spoiler omitted **
Well the 'boys' confer, Yin blasts Onearm with a ray of fire which leaves him rolling on the floor in terrible agony.
Not bothering to check the reactions of the others Yin is making motions to blast him again in the hopes of finishing the pitiful creature off.
While the 'boys' confer, Yin blasts Onearm with a ray of fire which leaves him rolling on the floor in terrible agony.
Initiative check... (1d20+2=16)
Orlan looks up from his whispered conversation, startled by the sound of whooshing flame and yelping hobgoblin.
"What the...?!" he gives a start, drawing back his hand to fling an acid dart into the mix, assuming that One-Arm must have tried to escape the slip of a girl Orlan left behind to guard him.
"Tryin' ta escape, are yuh?" the dwarf growls, "Soon as me back is turned I knew yuh'd be lookin' ta return ta yer skulkin' ways!"
Not knowing any better, Orlan hurls the acid full into the fiery heap on the floor.
Orlan's acid dart attack... (1d20+3 = 23 to hit with natural 20!, 1d6+1 = 4 damage)
Confirm critical threat... (1d20+3=7)
Sir Manfred turns from the torch he is preparing at the noise. "What's going on back there? Is the vampire back?" He drops the torch and draws his sword.
Yin's face pales a little as Orlan calls out about the hobgoblin 'escaping', her eyes widening a bit as it hits her that perhaps she wasn't helping the group by attempting to dispose of the vampire's minion. Her next spellalready started she launches the ray into the hobgoblin, deeming it kinder than leaving it to roll around burning as she tries to explain her actions to the group. Possible lies running through her head from a made up escape attempt, to thinking he was trying to cast a spell, or channel energy she swallows hard as she realises she will need to be truthful with her companions. 'Please don't hate me...'
Kamris turns and looks at Yin with a face like thunder, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" he demands in the manner of an angry parent. "He was not threat!"
Onearm is no more.
Yin makes a small sad and shocked sound at hearing the normally quiet Kamris yell. "I thought..." She starts, looking away from the disapproving halfelf to Orlan with a defeated and upset expression. "...when you...can we get away from here and the threat of Azubal and you can all be upset and hate me later?" She asks hopefully, not wanting to add another vampire attack to all of this.
"A life will not be destroyed so casually, nor tossed aside so easily." Kamris replies slowly.
Wordlessly he makes ready to leave.
Looking utterly heartbroken at Kamris' reaction Yin keeps her eyes downcast and waits for the others to have their say as well before preparing to leave.
"What're yuh talkin' about?!" Orlan sputters, looking at Kamris, "I'm sure'n Yin was only defendin' herself against the traitorous beast. Never trust a goblin-kin. Me grandfather taught me that much. And this one seemed particularly...crafty. Tryin' ta escape, I'm sure...right, lass?"
Yin keeps her focus firmly on the floor, waiting a long moment before speaking again, utterly torn between telling the truth and attempting to make the whole situation easier for herself and the others. "No" She whispers sadly "I misunderstood what you wanted me to do, I'm sorry, but I thought... He would have betrayed us I'm sure, but I know that doesn't excuse my misinterpretation. Kamris knows me, he's right in his accusations. I'm sorry, really, but..." She shakes her head a little "There are no right words right now, we should leave before Azubal comes hunting for us. You all need to get to safety and then you can all hate me as much as you like later, alright?"
Yin keeps her focus firmly on the floor, waiting a long moment before speaking again, utterly torn between telling the truth and attempting to make the whole situation easier for herself and the others. "No" She whispers sadly "I misunderstood what you wanted me to do, I'm sorry, but I thought... He would have betrayed us I'm sure, but I know that doesn't excuse my misinterpretation. Kamris knows me, he's right in his accusations. I'm sorry, really, but..." She shakes her head a little "There are no right words right now, we should leave before Azubal comes hunting for us. You all need to get to safety and then you can all hate me as much as you like later, alright?"
"Hunh?! Misunderstood? Yuh mean yuh burned down a...?" Orlan starts to say, then he stops short. He grows deathly silent for several moments, his mouth set in a grim line and his beard practically aquiver with suppressed emotion as he considers what really happened.
Finally, he points to Manfred. "Retrieve yer torch and put away yer weapon, lad. Elflin'? Check and see if those bats're outta our hair by now. Our path be takin' us ta the next spire so we can be puttin' the safety o' the river 'tween us and this Azubal. Hopefully, Torag'll favor us and we'll find me cousin and be rid o' this expedition 'afore we lose ourselves any further..."
He noticeably excludes giving Yin any directions and secures his axe as he makes ready to lead them out of the throne room and to the bridge...
Kamris goes off to check that the bats are not in the metaphorical hair of the party.
Not lifting her gaze from the floor Yin wraps her arms around herself and keeps herself out of the way of the others, starting to seriously regret choosing to be honest.
"I... Yes, Milord." Sir Manfred replies. Seeming as shocked as you've ever seen him, he sheathes his sword and picks up his torch as he backs up Kamris in checking outside of the outer door.
The thunderous roar of bats can no longer be heard through the door. Opening the door reveals that a number of bats remain but nowhere near the number that darkened the sky and forced you in here. You may safely exit.
The thunderous roar of bats can no longer be heard through the door. Opening the door reveals that a number of bats remain but nowhere near the number that darkened the sky and forced you in here. You may safely exit.
"A'right..." Orlan nods, "Let's be findin' this bridge ta the next Spire."
"Milord Orlan, shall we retract the bridge behind us?"
Keeping quiet and out of the way Yin looks over the edge of the bridge and leaves it to the others to decide what to do about the bridge behind them and the barred door ahead, despite the temptation to batter it down with spells.
"Milord Orlan, shall we retract the bridge behind us?"
"Hold yer horses, lad," Orlan replies, "Wait'll we get the dang door open first..."
The bridge was broken and a log bridge was set up over it. To cross, you guys would have had to extend the bridge.
- Disable device
- Bust it down
- Knock
"Let's use the log bridge as a battering ram! We'll have that door down in no time!"
Kamris holds up his hand, the barest hint of irritation on his face. "I would rather we took a more subtle approach.
Disable Device; Stealth (1d20+6=11, 1d20+8=25)
He tries to use a piece of scrap wood, but it doesn't seem much good. At least he's quiet about it...
"OK, how about now?"
"OK, how about now?"
"Eh...hold up, lad. Give the elflin' another chance..." Orlan answers. "But pull the log over ta our side in case anything tries followin' behind us."
He then looks down at Kamris, still fussing with the door. "Take yer time, elflin'...give 'er another try. I'll hold off on askin' the lad to batter it down until yer satisfied it's just too difficult to finesse our way in..."
"OK, how about now?""Eh...hold up, lad. Give the elflin' another chance..." Orlan answers. "But pull the log over ta our side in case anything tries followin' behind us."
He then looks down at Kamris, still fussing with the door. "Take yer time, elflin'...give 'er another try. I'll hold off on askin' the lad to batter it down until yer satisfied it's just too difficult to finesse our way in..."