Dantrian raises his hands, patting the air defensively at Janos' umbridge. "I did not say I would not venture to the castle and call upon the Beast, only that I did not feel we are beholden to do so. We are not in as much disagreement over this as you seem to think, Janos." Dantrian's words are calm and patient as he turns his attention from the ranger back to Daramid.
"Aaron, no matter your feelings for him, is a golem. I can't imagine creating a golem I didn't have a means to control. In case you've forgotten, he was used to destroy part of the University and steal from it. He seems to have no memory of that act, and then allowed himself to be caught. Whoever controlled him during that episode might still be out there, and still be dangerous to Lepidstadt. If the method of controlling Aaron can be discovered and trusted to the Order, I will no longer have reason to fear that Aaron will be used for evil."
B'yelka smiles and nods at the compliments, Looks like the gnome was right!
As the judge and Dantrian argue the Diva states simply, "I think what Dantrian is worried about, but too obtuse to state, is that we were rather looking for the group that murdered Professor Lorrimor. Undestand Judge, that we don't think we have the time to dither about chasing would be's and could be's as the trail we are on is already cold enough."
Tibideau sits next to Dantrian and mimics his exact posture, except he places his fist under his chin thoughtfully instead of steepling his fingers. He nods and murmurs in assent to everything the alchemist says.
Forgive me, B'yelka but wasn't this whole episode a distraction in those terms? Now that we have saved Aarons life I for one feel somewhat responsible for it. If that weren't the case then Petros Woukd never have saved me nor paid for my upkeep at the orphanage. It's an example I intend to follow and I will go to the Schloss to ensure our new friend remains safe.
At Dantrian's words, Janos merely grunts and nods. "It may not help find Petros' murderers, but I think the Professor would wants us to fulfill this. Now that the trial is over, maybe we can ask Aaron more about that night at the University. Being home and with his father, might let him remember some other key details. Remember, when we first questioned him, we weren't exactly on friendly terms yet. "
"Or his father might even know why someone would want the Effigy. To make the Beast, he must be a man of considerable skill and power. Who lives at Schloss Caromac, Judge?"
At Dantrian's words, Janos merely grunts and nods. "It may not help find Petros' murderers, but I think the Professor would wants us to fulfill this. Now that the trial is over, maybe we can ask Aaron more about that night at the University. Being home and with his father, might let him remember some other key details. Remember, when we first questioned him, we weren't exactly on friendly terms yet. "
"Or his father might even know why someone would want the Effigy. To make the Beast, he must be a man of considerable skill and power. Who lives at Schloss Caromac, Judge?"
"I don't know, perhaps you should ask around town."
B'yelka sighs, "Looks like Schloss Caromac, then..." She nods to the judge, "Good idea, We can ask around while we do some other needed shopping, too."
I'm going to check if my bow is ready and ask there. B'yelka, if you need to replace your whip, I can't guarantee that shop will have one, but it seemed to have a good selection of items. Thank you again Judge. Good day.
Once their business is concluded Anton heads back to the weaponsmith.
Upon entering, a small bell tinkles above to door to signal his entrance and the shopkeep appears from the rear storeroom.
Hullo. Anton says cheerfully. How's business today? I was wondernig if the bow I brought yesterday were ready yet?
Of course. the shopkeep replies. It was a fine bow but with enchantment you'll never miss.
Haha! Let's hope not. You've tightened the draw as well. Anton replies, testing the feel. Thank you, you've done a great job.
He exchanges pleasantries for a few minutes before turning the conversation toward the Schloss:
Say, we've heard tale of a place nearby here, Schloss Caromarc, can you tell me anything about it?
The shopkeeper doesn't know much, but he directs Anton to someone else, who then does the same. Several people (and hours) later, he has found out some interesting information about Schloss Caromarc.
Schloss Caromarc is the dwelling of Count Alpon Caromarc, the former ruler of Vieland who abdicated his position when the Palatinates threw off the heavy yoke of the aristocracy.
An eccentric recluse, Count Caromarc has built a dwelling that both attracts and deters visitors. Known as the Hanging House, Schloss Caromarc lies to the northeast of Dippelmere Swamp, and is actually several buildings built into the walls of a gorge above a waterfall.
Although the lower parts of the house are as luxurious as one might find in any city, the further up the gorge one goes, the more treacherous and inhospitable the buildings become.
Paranoid about his experiments and discoveries being stolen, the eccentric Count Caromarc has, it is rumored, trapped parts of his castle to prevent theft, and constructed numerous guardian creatures to serve and protect him.
"Oh, the trapped home of an eccentric inventor? What's not to love?" She smiles at Anton, grateful for his company during their outing. "It seems to me that things are moving, and we don't know where to, or even how fast."
I know. And you and Dantrian are right of course, the trail of the Way grows colder every day. But we can't just abandon Aaron to these people or its like we are carrying one of the pitchforks ourselves. But if the Count used to rule these lands and is powerful enough to create someone as unique as Aaron then he must have some means of helping us. Hopefully this shouldn't be a wasted journey.
It's not far at least. the paladin says cheerfully.
Seeing the others - aside from Dantrian, of course - ready to do as the Judge asked, with no questions of their own as to the reasoning or motivation, Drosil contemplates the choices before him. It's true, of course, that I could stop now, but to do what? Sit back and grow old? Where, and with whom? I have no place to call home, and no friends with whom to spend my time..., he sighs quietly and nods to himself, other than these few here. He looks around at the others. As much as I want this to end, to be able to avoid putting myself into harm's way, I would not forgive myself if one of them perished because I was not there to help. I have no interest in this quest of theirs, but I...I do have an interest in keeping them safe.
He smiles, his decision made. "So...when do we leave?"
Dantrian nods at Daramid's words, the gesture confirming he had suspected as much. "And what if the means of control can be destroyed? As your concern is only that such means do not fall into evil hands, this should be a suitable outcome as well, should it not? Regardless, it seems we shall call upon those at the castle. However, I would like to ask for something in return, your honor." Dantrian pauses, his face a stoic mask reflecting little of his intent.
"You spoke of your order. If we ensure the Beast cannot be corrupted or misused, I would like for you to share any information you or your order has gathered on the Whispering Way."
"We aren't hoarding vast knowledge about the Way as far as I know. But, I will share with you what I have access to."
On the morning of the next day, Anton rises early and immediately starts packing his gear. He is anxious to get back on the road again, even if the road doesn't lead directly to the Whispering Way as he might have hoped.
He heads downstairs in the inn and begins readying their horses.
Janos and Kendra make their way to the local Temple of Pharasma as the others go to the weaponsmiths for additional items. They quickly explain the situation to the acolyte who greets them, and he shuffles off to find an appropriate priest. Soon, a man emerges, introducing himself as Brother Titus. "Ah, yes. You are the ones who were involved in the trial. We have heard about the tragedy of what you found in Hergstag. Not just the restless spirits, but ones of children no less. It is an abomination how they were killed and their souls forced to remain in service of the undead."
"While there many opinions in the city, and indeed in this Temple, about the Beast, none of us can deny you performed the Lady's work in helping those children's spirits find rest. And for that, we are grateful. Come, let me inspect the wounds, and I'm sure the Mother will make time for you." Brother Titus ushers them into a private room where he examines the wound on Janos and asks how it was obtained. Kendra stays close by, holding Janos' arm and she hears the story for a second time. The priest shakes his head and gives a mild prayer as he hears how the wraith-spawned child was forced to feed on Janos.
"This is an example of how horrible the undead are. The Wraith transformed these children and then they were compelled to feed on you. Their souls were forced to do a horrible thing. Now, stay here. I will return with the Mother. She will attend to you." He exits, and Janos and Kendra spend several tense minutes in the room alone. Kendra looks at him. "So you all are headed to this Schloss Caromac next? Something tells me it may not be the welcoming experience Aaron promised. Be careful. But it sounds like the Judge might have some insight to the necromancers who killed my father."
The door opens and Titus introduces the High priestess, Mother Dresden, a stern grandmotherly figure. "Come my boy, Titus has told me all about it. I have other matters to attend to today, but healing you will be a good start." She takes hold of his leg, examining the wound and then holding her hand over his heart. "Yes, I see what you mean, Titus. Quite the powerful effect. Now, Janos, is it? Hold steady."
She begins a long incantation and her hand begins to glow with a powerful blue light. She brings out a small diamond and it too begins to glow. Finally, she touches her glowing hand to Janos' heart and he can feel strength being forced back into his body. He groans, but in a few moments it is over. The diamond is gone and Mother Dresden is breathing hard, but she nods as Janos' face fills with more color than he had when he arrived. "There. You should feel better. Titus will handle the rest. I must go. Good work in Hergstag and in Ravengro, I hear."
Titus allows Janos to rest for a few minutes before helping him to his feet. The priest tries to be coy about payment, but Janos shakes his head. "It's nothing. We're happy to make a donation." He hands the priest a small bag of gold, and Titus smiles, bows in thanks, and then takes his leave. Kendra and Janos linger in the Temple for a bit, but they know the others will be waiting. Kendra gives him a kiss as she departs back for the inn.
The Ravengro Six gather their things and depart for the castle. The journey there is uneventful.
The fens give way to a deep, rocky gorge at the northern edge of the Dipplemere swamp, where a peculiar building, or rather group of buildings, clings to steep cliff edges above half a dozen plummeting waterfalls. Beyond a fortified gatehouse, a stone bridge arches gracefully over the raging torrents below.
Perched precariously beyond this is a fine, fortified manse and a ruined building that appears to have partially collapsed into the river below. A slender rope bridge, replacing the fallen remnants of a stone bridge, links to a strange tower pierced with beautiful stained glass windows depicting bizarre beasts.
A further building teeters to the north of this, but how it is reached is impossible to see from here. Far above, a great tower rises from an isle of stone to the sky, ending in a great steeple topped with a huge lightning conductor.
As the horses round the corner of a bluff and the manse comes into view, Anton's breath catches in his throat.
My god. It's incredible. I mean, how....?
The whole collection of buildings clinging precariously to the side of the cliff, hovering over the raging waterfall below is far beyond Anton's simple understanding of engineering.
I suppose we should knock?
Anton pushes his horse on toward the gatehouse.
A two-story stone gatehouse leads into the castle, topped with a crenelated tower at each corner. The main gate is closed. Two large, troll-like canines with oversized jaws, sit before the gates. The trollhounds howl balefully and attack upon sighting Anton.
Anton:
Drosil:
B'Yelka:
Dantrian:
Tibideau:
Janos:
Trollhounds:
Init:
Party 13.8
Trollhounds 13
At the sound of the trollhounds, Janos rushes up beside Anton. He draws his sword as he moves, hoping the hounds are tied up in some way.
"What the devil?"
Anton shouts back to the others;
There are guard dogs of some kind and they don't look happy to see us!
He moves back along the trail, reasoning that they could only come at the party one at a time.
The impression the Chateau *in* the cliff makes on B'yelka is only dampened by the ramshackle appearance of it's entry. "Who would build such a home and then leave the door in such ill repair? Oh, the type of person that does not want geusts. Maybe the Aaron was wrong and his creator has no interest in meeting us."
* * *
"Of some kind? What does that mean? Are they dogs or not?" B'yelka strains to see, but from her position in the rear of the party, that is no easy task.
Dantrian moves up along with Anton and draws a slender glass flask from a padded pocket on the inside of his vest. "Mind your feet and be wary of their bite. Trollhounds are carriers of bloodfire fever; it is not an affliction you wish to experience first hand." His words are mostly directed at Anton and Janos, but the alchemist speaks loudly enough for the others to hear as well.
HP: 52/52
AC: 15 (11 T / 14 FF)
CMD: 19
F/R/W: +6/+6/+4
Spontaneous Healing used: 0/35hp
Hero Points used: 3/7
Prepared Mutagen: Strength (darkvision, scent) [ ]
Prepared 1st Level Extracts (3+1): cure light wounds [ ], shield [ ], open [ ] [ ] [ ]
Prepared 2nd Level Extracts (3+1): ablative barrier [ ], barkskin [ ], false life [ ], open [ ]
Prepared 3rd Level Extracts (1+1): thorn body [ ] [ ]
-Ongoing Effects-
Drosil moves toward the corner of the building, keeping out of sight of the trollhounds, drawing his daggers as he does.
B'yelka nods at Dan's warning. Moving close to Janos she sings a fuzzy tune and casts a protection on the ranger.
Janos pulls back a bit and readies his sword for the trollhounds to leap in. "Fire or acid if you have it!" He feels B'yelka's magic and finds his own hands hard to look at.
Level 0: Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Guidance, Message
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds, Enlarge Person x2, Infernal Healing x2, Mage Armor,
Level 2: Cure Moderate Wounds x3, Glitterdust
Level 3: Dispel Magic, Summon Monster III x2
Level 4: Dimension Door, Summon Monster IV
Tibideau gasps audibly as they approach the cliff face. "Now THAT'S a way to retire! When we're rich and famous in five years, I'm going to commission a compound like that! With enough guest rooms for ALL of you," he exclaims. "Now to scout out a proper set of raging waterfalls..." he pauses, then sighs. "There's never enough time!"
He catches sight of the trollhounds and gasps again. "DISgusting creatures!"
He closes his eyes and starts to hum, then ascends gracefully. He zips over near Janos's position to get in range of the accursed doggies.
HP 44
AC 14
Ongoing Effects:
Flight Hex, 1 minute remaining
At the sound of the trollhounds, Janos rushes up beside Anton. He draws his sword as he moves, hoping the hounds are tied up in some way. "What the devil?"
Anton shouts back to the others, There are guard dogs of some kind and they don't look happy to see us! He moves back along the trail, reasoning that they could only come at the party one at a time.
"Of some kind? What does that mean? Are they dogs or not?" B'yelka strains to see, but from her position in the rear of the party, that is no easy task.
Dantrian moves up along with Anton and draws a slender glass flask from a padded pocket on the inside of his vest. "Mind your feet and be wary of their bite. Trollhounds are carriers of bloodfire fever; it is not an affliction you wish to experience first hand." His words are mostly directed at Anton and Janos, but the alchemist speaks loudly enough for the others to hear as well.
Drosil moves toward the corner of the building, trying to keeping out of sight of the trollhounds, drawing his daggers as he does.
B'yelka nods at Dan's warning. Moving close to Janos.
"Fire or acid if you have it!" Janos instructs.
Tibideau catches sight of the trollhounds and gasps again. "DISgusting creatures!" He closes his eyes and starts to hum, then ascends gracefully. He zips over near Janos's position to get in range of the accursed doggies.
The two hounds rush Janos, howling and baying loudly the whole time. They leap at him with slavering jaws, trying to tear out his throat. One of them grabs ahold hard, knocking the other out of its way. The heavy canine-like creature twists to the side, trying to bring Janos down. The noble ranger can't resist its momentum, and is flung to the dirt.
================================
_____________________________________________________________
Pass
Success
Drosil maneuvers around the two trollhounds, into a flanking position with the prone Janos.
Rather than stand, Janos swings his sword in a fierce arc at the legs of the hounds.
Tibideau stays put and focuses his mind on the hound closest to him. "It's puppy nap time! I hope you're feeling tired!" he says matter-of-factly.
HP 44
AC 14
Ongoing Effects:
Flight Hex, 1 minute minus one round remaining
Level 0: Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Guidance, Message
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds, Enlarge Person x2, Infernal Healing x2, Mage Armor,
Level 2: Cure Moderate Wounds x3, Glitterdust
Level 3: Dispel Magic, Summon Monster III x2
Level 4: Dimension Door, Summon Monster IV
Fail.
Seeing one of the hounds fall, Anton focusses solely on the remaining hound. With hands like quicksilver he fires and reloads and fires and reloads and fires again, all in the space of seconds.
But with his companion down, Anton's aim is wayward for fear of hitting the ranger.
Dantrian steps forward beside Janos and beneath Tibideau and, with a surge of strength, grabs the sleeping hound and tries to heave it over the cliff.
HP: 52/52
AC: 15 (11 T / 14 FF)
CMD: 19
F/R/W: +6/+6/+4
Spontaneous Healing used: 0/35hp
Hero Points used: 3/7
Prepared Mutagen: Strength (darkvision, scent) [ ]
Prepared 1st Level Extracts (3+1): cure light wounds [ ], shield [ ], open [ ] [ ] [ ]
Prepared 2nd Level Extracts (3+1): ablative barrier [ ], barkskin [ ], false life [ ], open [ ]
Prepared 3rd Level Extracts (1+1): thorn body [ ] [ ]
-Ongoing Effects-
B'yelka sees the boys have the fight well in hand so decides against enchanting anyone. Instead she uses her whip to distract the trollhound from Janos.
A massive troll wielding a giant-sized heavy crossbow pops up over the crenelations of the south-west tower of the gatehouse. He takes aim at Tibideau and fires! A bolt the size of a small spear hits the witch in the shoulder, tearing through muscle mere milimeters from important veins and arteries. The troll laughs, licking its tusks and moving to reload.
Drosil maneuvers around the two trollhounds, into a flanking position with the prone Janos.
Rather than stand, Janos swings his sword in a fierce arc at the legs of the hounds. He hits them both, cutting them deeply.
Tibideau stays put and focuses his mind on the hound closest to him. "It's puppy nap time! I hope you're feeling tired!" he says matter-of-factly. One of the trollhounds collapses into slumber.
Seeing one of the hounds fall, Anton focusses solely on the remaining hound. With hands like quicksilver he fires and reloads and fires and reloads and fires again, all in the space of seconds. But with his companion down, Anton's aim is wayward for fear of hitting the ranger. Only one shaft hits the trollhound, burying itself in the animal's skull. The trollhound flops to the ground beside its sleeping companion.
Dantrian steps forward beside Janos and beneath Tibideau and, with a surge of strength, grabs the sleeping hound lifting it over his head and waking it in the process. The large animal growls and struggles, but the alchemist maintains his initial grip.
B'yelka sees the boys have the fight well in hand so decides against enchanting anyone. Instead she uses her whip to distract the trollhound from Dantrian.
Two more trolls appear in the north-east and south-east battlements, these ones slightly smaller than the crossbow wielder. They pick up small boulders and fling them at Tibideau. One of them hits the flying witch, fracturing his leg with a nasty crunch.
The trollhound in Dantrian's grasp stuggles, but the alchemist is too strong for it and it cannot escape.
--------------------------------
The larger troll fits another bolt into his crossbow, and begins cranking the winch to pull back the string. In a few seconds it clicks into place, and the troll raises the weapon, taking aim again.
________________________________
New Initiative:
Grork 23
Party 13.8
Trolls 13
Trollhounds 13
Miss
Drosil, seeing that Dantrian has things in hand (literally) with the remaining trollhound, moves to the doors and checks them.