Morthos takes the blow stoically, then adjusts his position slightly , before swinging his axe!
On the other side of the wagon, S3 manages to hold on long enough to stick Morthos before Darren finally finishes him off and starts moving toward the downed sergeant on the other side of the wagon ...
Solomon takes a 5' step in order to try to help Petvar flank the leader and takes another swing with his hammer.
Filios 5-foot steps to 05/23, and attacks S1 with Long Sword and Short Sword. Taste my steel scum!
Petvar 5-foots up to flank the merchant leader with his new ally. "This is for the Sergeant!
LS:
Dmg:
SS:
Dmg:
Something like:
. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10...
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
.
.
.
If its too much work, don't bother. I'm not familiar with what your using for making the maps. Just a friendly suggestion.
The remaining smugglers continue to fight on desparately as if somehow killing those in the yard will buy them their lives.
"Why won't you die like a good smuggler?"
Petvar slashes with both weapons.
Seeing the leader fall, Solomon rushes to the Sergeant's side. With a touch and a prayer, the wounded soldier stills and appears as if his condition has stabilized.
The smugglers and PC's trade blows with each other for another round, with the final guard going down in the last seconds of the round, his body now basically broken in pieces and barely unrecognizable. As the fourth round starts, Petvar manages to drop the leader unconsious. Solomon makes his way to the sergeant and stops the bleeding. At this point, the doors on city side of the courtyard have opened up, and a replacement inspection team starts cleaning up the mess and hanging the intact bodies on the wall to serve as a reminder to the rest of the wagons of what not to do. The sergeant and "merchant" are both carried into the guard building to be looked at by a healer. You five are asked to retire to a small conference room to wait for debriefing as soon as they finish with the caravan. As you seat yourself, some servants and an acolyte come in with food and healing. After about 5 minutes with the acolyte, everyone is fully healed, and find themselves alone and waiting for the debriefing to occur.
Filios leans back in his chair, and folds his arms across his chest. He addresses Petvar.
Allow me to introduce myself, I am Filios Philandril. Believe me when I tell you that my two dwarven companions, Solomon and Morthos,... Filios gestures to the dwarves, respectively...had no idea that we traveled in the company of those injuring the Sergeant and starting the fight. In any event, we were glad to be of assistance. Does this kind of thing happen regularly in Kaer Maga?
"I'm wonderin that as well. I guess that explains why they kept to themselves so much on the road like they did."
"It's not a common occurance, but there is always that misguided soul that thinks he can do whatever he wants in the City of Strangers. Thanks for the help. It is always nice to find some travelers that are well equipped for the dangers of the road." Petvar looks over at Darren, then back at Filios. "I'm sorry, where are my manners? I am Petvar Tarmikos and this,...Petvar points to Darren...is Darren. Darren is a new recruit and this is the first battle he has seen since joining the city militia."
Turning to the dwarf named Solomon, "Thank you for stabilizing the Sergeant. Your aid is much appreciated."
"By and by, what brings you fellows here to Kaer Maga?"
I seek adventure, and the benefits that flow from the successful result of such activity, and I was able to persuade Solomon to accompany me. Based on everything that I have heard from across Varisia, this city offers opportunities for those seeking such adventure. The two of us met Morthos in the caravan along the way.
"Aye, it's likely a good thing we did." Turning to Morthos and then Petvar,"You were in fine form with that axe of yours,Morthos. As were you with your swords, Petvar. I don' think I could have handled that one alone, especially in time to help the sergeant."
"Yes, I'm glad you all were here. That was very brazen of them to attack the militia like that. I didn't even get a chance to see what contraband they had brought. Whatever it was, they clearly felt it important enough to die for. I doubt the sergeant feels the same, though. Thanks to you, Mr. Wise-axe."
Morthos gives a short, self-deprecating bow.
"I was just happy to help. My ancestral axe is used to punishing law-breakers, and I think attacking the city guard certainly falls into that category."
He then turns to Petvar.
"My name is Morthos von Janderhoff, and I have come to Kaer Maga to investigate your metal-forging capabilities, and to evaluate the potential for my family to open a profitable line of mercantile communications to this place."
-------
To Solomon, regarding 'Torag' beard-rings:
"It could take a little while, but I am sure that I could whip something up for you eventually."
So, Darren and Petvar, what do you make of them cloistering us together like this? Is it standard protocol?
"I couldn't say, sir. But I did spend a lot of time in rooms like this my first week with the guard, for lectures about local laws and the militia's code of conduct. Maybe they're planning to recruit you three, after that performance?" He smiles broadly at the jest, knowing they probably didn't come to Kaer Maga to join the city militia.
Filios laughs deeply. Good one Darren! That would certainly be one of the last things that I would have expected from my travels to Kaer Maga. However, I must say, that we DID work quite well together today...all of us.
After a good chuckle, Petvar turns to Morthos..."Well master dwarf, there are many locations and groups for you to establish a trade. Your best bet would be to go to Downmarket. Most open trading happens there and you can get an idea of what else may be available in Kaer Maga. There is also the Cavalcade district. That is where most of the mills and smithies are located. If you want, I believe Darren and I get off duty in a short while, perhaps we could be your guides for the day? If Darren doesn't have anything else going on. I don't mean to speak for him though." Petvar leans back as a smile plays across his face. "It may be the City of Strangers, but its my city. I've lived here all my life. I don't know every secret that she hides behind her walls, but I know a few things. She is a marvel to behold and the strangers inside her are many and as varied as the colors of a Storval sunrise."
As Petvar finishes speaking, the door to the room opens, and two officers walk in. One is carrying an overflowing clipboard and is recognized by the militia members as the officer on duty; the visitors could probably guess something similar based on the clipboard and the very frazzled look on the man's face. The second is an elven captain, that Petvar recognizes as the officer in charge of his unit; this gentleman is carrying a handful of envelopes, and, unusual for him, has an odd look on his face as he looks over the people in the room. Petvar is surprised to see him here because, while it is not unusual for the grunts like himself to fill in here when their regular duties were slow, seeing an officer here made it very clear that something strange was going on.
The duty officer begins the debriefing, "Thank you gentleman for your patience. You will be glad to know I am sure that Sergeant Anson will do just fine, and the guy who stabbed him is none to happy to be talking to our chief investigator at this time. Your assistance in both of those things occurring cannot be overstated from what I hear. Now I will need to get statements from each of you as to what happened." With that, he whips out a pen and as each of you take your turn detailing what you saw and did, he writes it down and asks you to sign the written version after looking it over. Once he is done with all of the statements, he advices each of you that a reward was waiting at the supplies office as soon as you got done here, and than politely departs to continue his duties.
Captain Elsbar, a well respected captain in the militia, had been very formal while the duty officer was present, but relaxed visibly as the door closed behind him. "For the benefit of everyone here but Petvar, I am Captain Elsbar, of the Duskwardens; the unit that I head, and that Petvar is part of, is responsible for identifying threats of the Undercity before they reach the Halflight Path. I trust Petvar left enough food for the rest of you, and it is a pleasure to meet you Darren; the reports detailing your efforts have been most glowing. No doubt you are curious as to what business I have for you all, but I am afraid I can only answer that, or at least hopefully can answer that, after you open these messages and we see what is inside." He says as he hands each of you one of the envelopes in his hands. As each of you looks at it when it is handed to you, you see your name in neat and simple handwriting on the front; on the back is the seal bearing the symbol of Pharasma. When you open it up, you see the following message, Congratulations on your defeat of the smugglers; it will greatly aid the efforts of those who seek to keep this city on an even keel. Your presence is requested at the Godsmouth Cathedral at midnight tonight; I will have <your favorite food> and <your favorite drink> waiting so that you can be comfortable while you consider what I have to say. Valanthe Nerissia, humble servant of Pharasma. As you read your messages, the captain helps himself to the last of the lunch sitting on the table.
Morthos gives a short, self-deprecating bow.
"I cannot speak for the others, but I only did what any other right-thinking sentient, with a respect for local laws, would have done."
His face does, however, light-up at the mention of a 'reward' waiting at the supplies office...
...When the letter is handed to him, he read's it carefully, before re-closing it, and cautiously stowing it away in his pack.
My goodness, news certainly does travel fast in this city...
"Well Captain, what light can you shed on the situation?"
"I found these messages on my desk when I arrived at work this morning along with a message of where and when I could deliver them. Given the fact that I do not know what is contained within, I can only surmise that one of the pharamisan clergy received some kind of prophetic vision that concerns the five of you."
"The reward is very appreciated, sir." Darren smiles, proud that he may be able to start repaying his family so early. His mind continues on the same track as the group reads their messages.
"Maybe it's a civilian job?" Darren suggests, looking to Petvar to for his experience. "Sergeant Anson did tell me that guardsmen have chances to work while off-duty for some extra coin."
Filios stands and bows towards the Captain. Indeed, you have my gratitude for the reward. I look forward to seeing what Valanthe has to say this evening.
I knew that coming here would be worth the effort. More gold is certain to flow from the priests of Pharasma! Being the subject of a vision is a little disheartening though...
"Thank you sir. The reward will be put to good use." Petvar relaxes for a moment before reading the letter. As he reads the letter, you over hear him smack his lips and make a whispered comment. "Mmmm, auroch steak and a Storvial Whip."
Then reading the message a second time, Petvar bolts upright. "The Godsmouth Cathedral sir? But Duskwardens have not been allowed there on official business before. What can be so important that they would make an exception to this?"
A myriad of questions run through Petvar's mind as he tries to figure out what could be happening at the Godsmouth that would allow for him to have a chance to step on such holy ground.
I agree. We only did what any honest person of means should have done in our situation.
I, too, look forward to seeing what Valanthe is wantin' with us.
"Given that not all of you are with the duskwardens, I would say it is safe to assume it is not official business, and on top of that, that whatever it is probably best to be discrete about the whole affair, lest you run afoul of the wrong people. For those unfamiliar with the city, we duskwardens are not typically allowed into the Godsmouth Ossuary, so whatever is going on must be serious indeed if Pharasma is telling them to seek the aid of a duskwarden, even an off duty duskwarden." Turning to Petvar and Darren, "You two are of course released from your normal duties to take care of this matter, and once you are done, we shall go about getting Darren transferred to our unit. Do you visitors have any further questions to ask of me regarding the duskwardens or your apparent destination?"
Captain, do you have any further information regarding the vision that the priests say drew us together?
" I do not know for certain that it was in fact a vision, but all evidence suggests that to be the most likely and plausible scenario. If it is indeed a vision, I would suspect it to be that you were selected for some discrete task regarding the ossuary, but that is still just a suspicion, even if it is a highly probable one."
"Thank you sir. I have a feeling that Darren and I have chanced upon three fine companions for any adventure that may lay before us." Turning to Darren..."I guess congratulations are in order." Petvar gives Darren a congratulatory handshake and pat on the shoulder. "Just think, a little adventure like you've been asking for, with possible treasure to boot."
"Sir. If we are not needed here anymore, I would very much like to swing by the supply office and pick up that reward. Is there anything more you can tell us about our possible mission? It would be helpful to know what we are getting into for picking up some supplies before heading over to the Cathedral."
Turning to the rest of the group. "If you would like, I would be willing to guide you through Kaer Maga. We probably have time to make a couple of stops before heading to the Cathedral. Plus it might be a good way to stay inconspicuous, by meandering through the city on our way to the Godsmouth Cathedral."
"Aside from the fact that the one known fact about the ossuary is that it is a crypt, and thus likely to have things like undead, I pretty much know what you know right now. And you have plenty of time to rest and get supplies before reporting to the cathedral. I would suggest finding our visitors a room to crash in for the rest of the afternoon and evening after you make any preparations you feel are required. As for me, I better get back to work; if anyone has any further questions about the city, Petvar will be able to answer them as well as anyone." The captain stands up brushing off a fair number of crumbs from his lap; what had remained from the lunch on the table has been completely finished off. After a final congratulations to Darrren, he disappears into the hallway.
"Undead, you say? This town just seems to have no end to problems."
"Oh, so you think we should go geared up, sir? Have any of you fought undead before? Do we need to bring holy water, or something?"
"Aye, there are all kinds of undead out there, boyo. I try to be well prepared for anything, but undead are a horse of a different color. Depending on what your fightin, you might not do so well with your favorite weapon. Obviously, you could cut a zombie, since its fleshy-n'-all. Skeletons on the other hand, they aint got no meat, so you'd be better off using something like a hammer or a mace. Then there's ghouls, ghasts,..." he rambles on for a few more minutes,"...And those are just the solid one's. Then you got ghosts and...", and on for a few more minutes.
"I think the wise dwarf pretty much has a handle on the undead. We should probably stop by the Supply Office and pick up our reward. After that, anything in particular you guys would like to do? If its rest and relaxation...well, there are plenty of places for that. Some even on the way to the Godsmouth Cathedral." Petvar gets up and grabs his gear. Making sure everything is in place, he turns to the rest of the party, "Well?"
Darren looks at the message. "I need to get a mace, I suppose, just in case." A quizzical look comes over his face. "Wait a second, Officer Tarmikos. You said your letter invited you for steak and Storval Whip? Mine says chicken and dumplings and ale. I just thought it was a coincidence that they were serving my favorite. But does everyone's say something different? Hm. Does Kaer Maga offer the condemned their choice for their last meal?" He stands up with a smirk, not really sure how seriously to take his own observation. He slings his shield on his back, ready to accompany the rest to the office to pick up his reward.