Emergence Game Thread

whipstache Inactive forever!

As the group looks over toward the captive, I decide to waste no more time. "I will track down our friend; he can't be far." I fill my lungs with air and dive over the edge of the boat, letting myself go deeper than necessary as the change happens. I am still nervous about changing form around others - friend or foe - for fear that I might someone, or myself. This task is necessary but will allow me some solitude should I slip out of balance.

As I change form, the water becomes repellant to me - I feel trapped, slow, heavy, swallowed. My claws extend and slash at the water as the transformation is complete. I frantically arc back up from the depths of the river toward the surface near the shore.

Anyone still watching the half-orc that dove in sees a very wet panther stumble awkwardly out onto the shore, fur shining. I get my feet under me and shake off the water. I look back toward the group on the boat for a second, then bound soundlessly up the ridge and into the forest. My nose is in the air, searching for the scent.

Oct 4, 2017 11:32 am

chrisdaly Inactive forever!

OOC:

To'ot, roll nature or perception, whichever you prefer.

To'ot Singleton

Oct 4, 2017 4:33 pm

joshuaberman Inactive forever!

Perception check

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Harp

Oct 4, 2017 6:22 pm

My senses are foggy, and I can't see or hear for deuces. Maybe it's all this blood I'm still actively loosing.

OOC:

Subtle hint to the healers. I'm at 10 hp.

After ensuring we're not coasting toward anymore logs, I walk back to our adversary and position myself behind him, so as to not immediately scare him with my clearly-bad mood.

Oct 5, 2017 9:40 pm

Looking at Therrien and Harp, I quickly assess their state. Therrien looks a bit worse for wear but still seems fit for combat. Harp, much less so. Covered in dark blood that has not yet coagulated he seems to be moving and reacting slowly as he walks behind the still unconscious gnome. Though neither of our wounds appear immediately life threatening, he and I would be best served by not immediately engaging another crocodile. Again Samantha's anger seems to be getting in the way of her judgement. Though her healing during the most recent combat was absolutely timely, it has consistently been dished out sparingly and often only after my own has been exhausted. Maybe she just waits until the Adonai cuts off his power so that she can 'save the day' or some such nonsense. But maybe I am just being silly, we have all had a rough few days and it would be ridiculous to expect any grace from her. Regardless, something must be done. Turning back to my slightly scorched pack I rummage until I find my only two healing potions. Handing one to Harp, I look at the halfling--doing my best to be as genial as possible despite my frustration, "Samantha, does this incantation have a distinct timeline? Can it wait until we have a moment to get prepared?"

Dec 27, 2017 5:21 pm

"I've already cast it, but it lasts an hour. If one of us harms it or otherwise acts hostile, the spell will end early. Either way, once the spell ends, the gnome here will know it's been charmed. I suggest we part ways while still amicable," Brighthill replies.

Therrien assesses the party. A fuming dragonman. A bloody, sullen, sharp-tongued half-elf itching for a fight. Me. "Ah, Ms. Brighthill - we are not the best at ...diplomacy. Perhaps you should lead conversation once we awaken our new friend." He can't meet her eye. "We...I...have a way of sticking sharp things into anyone we talk to for too long." I'm more chagrined, embarrassed, and emotional now than he ever have been about the King. Perhaps it's my aching leg...

I shoot Therrien an angry glare. I know he got us into all of this but the last thing we need to do now is keep bringing up the King,. Looking back to the halfling, I congratulate her sincerely: "Well done Samantha. Thank you. I guess we shouldn't waste too much time, but we're not exactly in a pinch. Let's make sure we have a good understanding of who this gnome is before we start our conversation." I chug my potion and--as its effects slowly winds through his veins I kneel down to the gnome and investigate him closely. His hands still partially clenched from where he had gripped Dur'gelm before Therrien incapacitated him, he looks closer to a kindly wrinkled grandfather than someone to be feared. As does most evil.... I look carefully for papers, items, or anything else of interest, value or danger but find nothing of value: a small handful of acorns, a used handkerchief, and a large purple leaf. With To'ot not being here to explain the potential value or use of any of the odd collection of items I return the handkerchief but put the leaf and acorns in a small pouch and set it aside on the ground. Who knows if the leaf is some sort of focus for his magic. I stand back up and walk to Harp, who is gazing sternly at the shores, looking for danger. Though not my strong suit I can at least manually bind up some of our major wounds in a small way and let the body help with the rest.

Samantha sees me working on binding wounds and follows my lead, casting Cure Wounds on anyone who needs the healing.
After things are settled a bit she speaks to Rhiv, still with an edge to her voice despite a softened tone. She begins, loudly enough for the rest of the boat to hear... "I do not think that I should be the one to question our captive. There are, apparently, many components of your journey to which I am not privy. It makes more sense to have someone with full knowledge of your experiences to lead the interrogation. Also, I'm better with books than I am with people. I suggest Rhiv do the questioning."

I meet Samantha's gaze and nod deferentially, I want to ensure she knows she has my respect and can trust me. "Understood." It feels good to be acknowledged, even with her obviously still seething somewhat about the entire situation. Though it would be easier with some sort of medical kit and smelling salts, I crouch next to the old gnome and prop his legs above his heart level to restore blood flow to the brain. After waiting a few seconds, I rub my knuckles roughly on his sternum to attempt to jolt him awake. Not seeing a reaction, I stride to the back of the boat. Grabbing our small bucket I fill it and unceremoniously douse the gnome with water. The gnome wakes with a start, sputtering water. He wipes dripping wet hair from his eyes. "What's th' meanin' of all this?" he shouts looking around a bit frantically, clearly trying to locate himself.

Crouching down next to him in a supportive stance, "Woah, woah, be still friend." I steady his shoulder with my hand. "You're safe. We managed to pluck you from the rapids hopefully before you drank too much of it!" "Oh, well, thanks then." He calms a bit. "I have this vague memory of y'all bonkin' me on the noggin'. But, that can't be right. Hope the cobwebs clear out 'fore too long."

Harp stands behind the gnome, making obnoxious, violent or obscene faces, attempting to throw Rhiv off his game.

Ignoring Harp, I turn to Moses and I gesture toward the previously identified area to slow down the boat: "Captain! Take us back to shore!" Looking back to the gnome, and his head with what I hoped to be true concern: "Whoever it was got you pretty solidly. I wish we had some way to heal you up, but we're a bit bloodied ourselves. Who was responsible for this? Are they still close by?" The gnome looks at Rhiv a bit confused, "Well... I'm rememberin' a bit more, now. Y'all are responsible for knockin' me 'round. But, I can see that y'all didn't deserve us ambushin' you like that. So'm sorry 'bout all that. Friends?" He shrugs and looks around the group apologetically.

I guess he remembers more than I'd hoped. Truth--properly packaged--always seems to work better anyway. "We'd love to be." I pull out my pipe box and proffer the contents. "Smoke?" As he deftly begins to pack the pipe I assess him carefully. "So why did you think we deserved ambushing in the first place? Despite your evident talents, it can't be because we looked like an easy target!"

Eventually Harp sees that his distractions aren't working and joins in the smoking while maintaining a look of indifference to the actual conversation and looking at the clifftops and down the river. The gnome puffs on his pipe until the bowl gets a nice ember, then stands, brushes of his pants, and extends his hand. "Name's Wilburton, by the way." After introductions, he returns to his seat and folds his arms, holding his pipe in one hand and occasionally taking big puffs. "'Tweren't so much that you deserved ambushin'. We just heard y'all had some money and possibly some valuable items. Thought we might just relieve you of such a heavy burden. We knew y'all'd be capable defenders. But, usually, those'ns have the best loot."

"Undeniable logic to be sure! Well...we live and learn." I return the wide grin with which he delivered his last comment. "Is this your stretch of the water that your little birds regularly report into, or was this an external information provider? If it's the former then I guess it's a good reminder for us to keep our shinys more underwraps, but if it's the latter then I'd be worried he or she was looking to bring you to harm by giving you a bad mark." I lean over to Harp, and try to bring him into the conversation. Birds of feather as they say..... "Something like that happened to one of your old friends, didn't it?"

Harp is still evaluating the new guest, and remains cooly detached. "Once or twice." He wracks is brain trying to fit the druid and the brigand band into any of the various networks he has worked with in the past. Is he just a general hijacker? There were some legends from the underground about a rogue cell operating within one of the organized crime families in one of the major cities in Arazi that utilized druids, especially gnome druids, as enforcers but which family? Or even which city? Could it have been Noonik?

After taking an extended draw the gnome responds. "Nah, we're a professional crew. Sometimes we're hired to do jobs, but, for the most part Skids, our leader as such, hears 'bout stuff what needs liberatin' and we free it from the bonds of ownership," he says with a slight smile. "S'far as I can see, this job didn't look any differ'nt'n any other. I don' think Skids'd be tryin' to set us up, but I s'pose it's possible whoever fed him the info about y'all mighta been. He's usually quite careful."

Holding back my reactions to his dignified claim to being a 'professional' group of bandits, I hold a look of pondering. "It's good to be able to trust your direct source of info, but why aren't you the boss? I would think someone with your talent would be running his own show. Who is this Skids bloke?"

Last edited December 27, 2017 5:23 pm

Dec 27, 2017 9:16 pm

whipstache Inactive forever!

The crew flails mightily in their efforts to take advantage of having captured the crocodilic druid gnome. Samantha, for all of her divine ability to charm, had little charismatic ability or willingness to follow it up with convincing language. Harp and Rhiv's attempts to 'befriend' the bandit to get more information about who had tagged the group for attack merely led him to reject their offers to join the crew, thank them heartily for letting him live, and then ask to leave. The group decided to let him go, abandon the ship, and have To'ot attempt to track him to his horses, at which point he could be dispatched. They did discover that the bandit leader 'Skids' had been the only escapee during the battle.

Seemingly knowing what the plan was, he gave them the slip by disappearing into the air as a giant eagle. To'ot valiantly tracked him to down, but the speed advantage he had gained as a bird allowed him to reach his horses well in advance and completely escape. He did, however, kindly leave two of the horses of his dead comrades for the group as a fulfillment of the old adage from Rowling's Fables: "When one saves another's life, it creates a certain bond..."

The crew journeyed on with no encounters until they reached a small town at the turn of the river still several days journey by boat from Noonik. To'ot finally remembered to tell the rest of the group about his tracking and loss of Skids and the small dragon he had seen flying above. The group is barely surprised by such an incredible sight after the events of the last few weeks; they just have to hope it doesn't come looking for them. The next day, Harp, Moses, and Sam venture into town to procure (Harp's operating term) a boat. The group manages to fool Rhiv into thinking they had actually managed to complete a simple task without unnecessarily breaking the law but--in the end--their overcomplicated plan ends up collapsing like a flan in a cupboard and they are spotted and likely identified stealing a boat in broad daylight. Therrien and Rhiv, who was bubbling with anger and frustration over the theft of the boat and his inability to even save a woman's coin purse from a young street urchin, manage to avoid association with their friends and rejoin the group by riding several miles downstream at the agreed meeting point. Sending the horses back to the dock as some semblance of payment for the boats, the group sets of again in the conveniently named Ship of Fools.

Dec 28, 2017 8:34 pm

The party journeys for four more days, carefully trying to avoid interaction with any other vessels. After several close calls, including one where they only just hid the Ship of Fools in a small alcove as a boat carrying several royal guards came zipping by, the crew finally entered the river delta the leads to the bustling port city of Noonik.

With the first few buildings of the city still some miles off, the party pulls their skiff onto a sandbank to regroup.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Dec 29, 2017 7:52 pm

whipstache Inactive forever!

As we near the town in the later morning of the fourth day my anticipation rises. After days of sitting and often sleeping on our skiff (which, despite its tolerable overall size, was impossible for a being of my size to truly get comfortable on) I am ready to have my feet back on the ground. Moses is still finishing tying up the boat and Samantha is trying to finish the last pages of a chapter in her one remaining book that she seems to hold as tightly as if it were a relic handed to her from the hands of a god. Using it as a bit of an excuse to chat away from Moses and Samantha, I wave to To'ot, Therrien and Harp as they disembark and we wander a few paces over to the trees to answer the call of nature. We are definitely an odd group but--regardless of race, species, religion or language--there is little that is more quickly equalizing and unifying to a group of males than urinating on some bushes. "What's the plan? We need to make it several miles out to the coast to the spires but as we will be effectively passing through the city one major decision points seems to be what do we do with Moses? Though perfectly terrible at putting out fires he has a been a good man for the journey thus far but I promised to ensure his safety and freedom if he took us this far. I would suggest we hire him on to come with us to help with the boat and keep him from becoming a loose--and potentially dangerous or dead--end. Thoughts?" Though the others likely had fewer qualms about dispensing with a loose end themselves, they nodded in agreement about offering to hire Moses. I personally can't think of a less appetizing adventure than heading out to see with just three landlubbers, Harp and myself. I don't know how I would fare... "Secondly, should we go into town first? I say we head straight to the spires, but we could also try to sneak in to get supplies and maybe information either the ruins or on who set the brigands on us."

Last edited January 2, 2018 9:30 pm

Jan 2, 2018 6:29 pm

The gray sky hangs over the party as they discuss how to proceed.

Brighthill closes her book and places it in her pack. She pulls her cloak tight around her armor and begins heading toward the group as a light snow begins to fall.

Jan 4, 2018 4:19 pm

Hitching up my trousers as the group mulled over various scenarios I see Brighthill heading our way. "I'm fine with either option regarding the town," I throw out, and head back to the boat. Nodding deferentially as I pass Samantha, I smile and say: "Make sure they actually come to some sort of decision before we all freeze out here!" I wonder if she'll have some sort of divine insight about what our next steps are. With no definitive timeline, no description of the artifact, and only a 50/50 chance of actually even being in the right place we need the help. Speaking of which this would actually be a good time to ask for that help...maybe even with this conversation with Moses....

Hesitating briefly on the shoreline as Moses is wrapping his last work on the boat, I send up a silent prayer to the Adonai. Lord, please speak to this man and show him that you have heard how cruelly your people have been treated in this world, and you have seen the darkness that is threatening to engulf even more of us. That you have heard all of the cries of his own heart--a heart that beats for others and was willing to risk his own life for the security of his cousin. Let him know that you have sent us to answer the cry of your people even before it is made. Make him a leader that can carry your message and the story of your glory back to Hanover following this mission. Amen.

Climbing back on board I wait until he looks up and makes eye contact. "Moses, I made you a promise back at the beginning of this voyage and you have held up your end of the bargain. Hopefully it was more exciting than terrifying. I have a second proposition to make. You know about our history, and the heavy weight this group carries. The good and evil in the world is our responsibility and--though it sounds odd to say--we are trying to save the world as we know it. The King called us and charged us to take on this mission and so far it has been an incredible story of the many becoming one, uniting to preserve the light of light, uniting to save the world from unspeakable darkness. Would you be willing to join us that story? As a skilled captain, I understand your services are worth more than a song so we can discuss what makes sense in that regard but I am more directly asking whether your heart is willing to help us on our mission. If so, I echo the promise I made earlier to put my own life on the line for yours, no matter the cost. What say ye?"

Last edited February 26, 2018 8:28 pm

Jan 10, 2018 3:50 pm

Moses looks at Rhiv for a few moments, blinks, and turns his attention back to the knots he's tying. "Which part of the King's charge, and your 'uniting to preserve the light,' involved killing him?" He has a point... "That may or may not have been the only way forward, but he--by his own admission--had earned the punishment meted out. He made an evil choice, and in doing so, made the world we all live in a more evil place. I did not want him to die but I failed to stop it. Moving forward the best that I can do to honor the memory of the good that he had also done is to and bear the same judgement that he will and fulfill the mission he tasked us with: to add more good than evil to our world."

Moses furrows his brow. "You dun' make any sense. 'He's evil; he's good. He earned his sentence; He commissioned us.' I'm not convinced y' really believe what y'r shilling. It's not so tricky, really. Either he atoned f'r his sins and so y'r killing him was unjest murder, or he didn't and he's still rotten and so y'r following his orders is likely collusion in some grand evil. He sets his rope down and after a moment looks back at Rhiv. "Look, it doesn't really matter t' me. I figure, giv'n what I know 'n' what I've seen, th' safest place f'r me's with you lot. I'll work f'r y'. But, giv'n the dangers, 'twon't be cheap. Jest soon as I claim m' ship." He flashes a quick smile, then returns to his somber expression. "I jest don' want y' talking out both sides o' y'r snout. T'ain't good f'r y'r soul, nor mine."

Jan 20, 2018 3:29 am

I am actually quite offended by his words and don't bother to hide the fact. I was hoping for a more trusting and emphatic 'thank you for your honesty, I'd be honored to join' than an accusatory acceptance seemingly based on nothing more than his own self interest. We are surely putting together the most self-conflicted party that ever tried to save the world.... I'm quite tempted to throw Therrien under the horse as the true murderer among us, but would that do any good? Do I really want this man responsible for manning a boat that could be our only hope of making it back from whatever mysteries these spires hold? If he truly thinks we are either lying murderers or something worse then that could be the worst of all options. "Let's just be clear on one thing. I did not kill him, but I wouldn't have hesitated a moment to do so I the Adonai had called me to. And do you honestly think Samantha would still be with us as part of some grand collusion? You are witness to the fact that we were honest with her when it was not required and yet she stayed with us not out of any fondness but to stop a greater evil for the King she served." I pause to emphasize my final offer. "Ask me anything and judge for yourself whether I speak true. I can't rely on a man to my windward who thinks me his greatest enemy and coin his only friend."

Moses shrugs dismissively, "Then don't rely on me. I've no need to ask y' an'thing t' know that following y' and y'r band of crazies t' whatever end y'r t' meet will likely be at th' end of a sword... 'r worse. I've got no sense of obligation t' ye, and no delusions of heroism. We made a deal, an' I'm a man o' my word. So now we're 'ere 'n Noonick, an'... what?" Moses turns and faces Rhiv full on, not backing down from the dragonborn. "What d'ye want from me, eh? Last we talked about th' future, y' said if I didn't come along y'd kill me. So, y'll forgive me if I dun' leap at y'r offer with excitement. Presently, I've no better prospects 'n ye, 'n' I suspect y'd rather sail with someone y' already know, like m'self. Seems like we're a good match. If I'm wrong on that count, fine. I'll be on my way."

"Fair enough." I smile ruefully. This was the only thing I have loved about the man since he refused to be cowed at our first meeting. He was trying to extort us then to save his cousin, but he is merely being honest now. The wisest thing would be to just keep making it worth his while to stay a man of his word. "What is your rate?" Without hesitation he responds: "Let's call it 125 gold per month. Plus, y' pay f'r any upkeep 'r upgrades t' th' ship." I hesitate and consider for a moment. [b]"You drive a hard bargain, but it is understandable for the situation. If it also includes your word to also not speak to anyone about the party, our past, or the mission at hand then it is agreed." I extend my right hand to confirm the deal. Moses reaches out and takes the dragonborn's hand and smiles. "Let's get that ship o' mine, then, aye?" "Aye. What bank--or I guess more importantly--what island will you need to visit to finalize that? We know little about Noonik but we can use the time to resupply." "'M not quite sure, m'self." Moses scratches his head. "I may head t' th' boatyard and see what's available. I could sign o'er the cheque, and it'd save me from having t' move all that coin."

Moses stops and looks around. "'M assuming y' plan to ditch this boat 'fore heading into the city? We've been passed on th' water by law folk... can't imagine staying with this boat'll be any good for too much longer." "And it's not exactly an oceangoing rig to begin with so I think selling out is the best approach. As you, Therrien, and I were not involved in the theft of the boat in the first place I think we should go to the boatyard. You handle what you need and we'll handle the sell off but we won't associate as it were. The others can handle whatever other tasks are needed at the same time, but will keep a lower profile until we ditch the boat."

"Oh..." he wrinkles his nose, "'M afraid taking the boat into the city at all will bring unwanted attention. 'T's y'r call, of course, but I expect th' authorities 'll apprehend anyone using it. Might be better t' head in on foot 'n' hire a boat from th' landed district...?" Honestly puzzled, I bite my lip as I try to think of how best to unload the boat. "I guess you are right that they likely would have sent messenger birds or some other sort of alarm. How efficient is the law enforcement along the river and in the city? I have little to compare against except Redwall where it seems the spies and eyes were everywhere and Port Charlotte where the city guard was far more apt to let the city police itself than loose the hounds for something on the level of a missing river boat."

At this point Harp ambles over while buttoning up. "The man is right - let's leave the boat here and carry our few provisions. Rhiv would appreciate a night in a feather bed, or two." Moses doesn't look like he knows whether Harp is referring to two nights or two beds. "We can hire a boat in the morning - or next week. Let's see what the city has for us." I counter quickly: "won't leaving it here assure it ends up with those authorities? Harp, why don't you manage to have it 'disappear'? Do you know anyone in the city?" "What difference does 't make f'r the guards t' pick 't up. They'd likely return it t' its owners. S'long as we dun' leave anythin' 'at tells 'm who took it, aye?"
"Fair question. Someone knows we were coming down river. They will likely know that our boat was destroyed when the bandits get back...which probably already happened... Putting two and two together the stolen boat will likely be linked to us. If it is found abandoned here then they will know we are here. I may be overestimating our enemy but if we aren't going to try to sell it for some resources to be properly prepared to mount an expedition on the spire then I think we should scuttle it. Harp?"

HARP: It is frustrating when Rhiv has a good point. I was probably underestimated these river folk. My head is not as quick as usual, it still feels like I'm swimming in the bottom of that murk - just dark, with barely a reference point for the surface. But still, he's probably right. If we've underestimated them so far, they might have a messenger into town soon after us. This gives me an idea.
"Moses, there's no quicker way to deliver a message from the small town in which we procured this vessel, to this city, than the river, correct? Is it possible they got a message to the city before us?" Moses rejoins, "Sure there is. Magic. Messenger birds. Hells, y' saw some boats overtake 's. We weren't the fastest boat on the river f'r th' past week, by a long shot. Some'ne 'n Noonik certainly knows about th' stolen boat b' now. The matter of who, whether they care, 'n' if they can do anythin' about it... impossible t' know." Rhiv jumps back in: "I say we leave the boat outside of town, as disguised as possible, and we can potentially use its location as part of an information trade to someone who can make it disappear. Moses, is there a good place to hide it away in the area?" Rhiv and Moses are both speaking sense but I hate to be back afoot any sooner than needed. "If someone has sent a message forward to the city, the city will be looking for the boat to pass on the river. When the boat does not pass, they will come looking for it and find it, even if it's well-hidden, or scuttled. The boat needs to pass the city." I pause for dramatic effect "I'll drop you all off here, and take the boat as fast as I can past the city. I'll scuttle it on the far side, as the They are certain to pursue. I'll lead them away, and leave the boat on the far side, and find you back in the city. Give me a day.

Rhiv: He's right about the boat but, squinting my eyes at Harp, I battle the swell of doubts arising in my stomach. He's always been a man I could trust when it comes to the heat of the moment. When you are back to back, you know he will be there through thick and thin. When out of sight, it's risky to bet on ever seeing him again. "It's a smart move. I'm absolutely in favor and I think Samantha should go with you. We can meet at the Three Bears in Southport tomorrow. We should probably depart here and walk the last stretch into town. I'll tell the others." Grabbing my gear I ease myself down from the shore and trundle over to the others to pass on the plan and see what they had come up with in terms of next steps in town. Walking back to To'ot, Therrien, and Samantha I relay the plan. "What have you three come up with for next steps in the city?"

Last edited January 22, 2018 5:03 pm

Jan 23, 2018 5:53 pm

Making their way into Noonik, Moses, Therrien, To'ot, and Rhiv did their best to remain low-profile. Hoods pulled down and walking seperetely to avoid being identified as a group, they enter the city without any issues. As they do their stomachs remind them of their relatively poor fare over the preceding weeks and To'ot quickly becomes enthralled by the tastes of the city. For the next hour he can barely stop thinking about the vegetarian soup that changed his life. Therrien made the most of his time by practicing being friendly and getting information (at which he did well) and at haggling (at which he did poorly) to buy appropriate 'adventuring gear' without breaking the bank. He did however make the acquaintance of [Bill the Werewolf], a big jolly pawn shop owner in district one who could be useful in the future. While Moses headed to the boatyard, the rest of the party eventually made their way to Southport and their target, the Three Bears Inn. While getting lodging for the night they were offered an unexpected business opportunity to get their room and board comped and 5 gold each for their trouble if they manage to convince Sweet Danny to leave the three bears innkeeper Martin alone. They acquired his flyer and know who to look for; a flamboyant bard half-elf who hangs outside the tavern in the evening scaring away customers.

The group decided to adjust their plans and head to the Gravediggers League (a MeetUp for adventurers) in order to resupply and to try to either recruit someone who had experience with the Spires or--at the worst--get some information about them. Unfortunately, as they were about to enter the gates of the League they hear a woman scream: "He's stealing my baby!" and their justice senses immediately tingle when they see a cloaked man running away with what looked like a baby clutched in his arms. Never the ones to spend too much time planning, all three immediately dash in pursuit. Therrien, with the speed of a hare, quickly takes the lead and slowly cuts the gap despite a series of improbable misfortunes such as collapsing barrels and mobile mirrors. He did his best to replicate the man's seemingly effortless ability to run up walls and spent most of his time on the roofs of Thivlico, jumping building to building effortlessly. Rhiv, on the other hand, failed at almost every challenge as they all seemed to require the lumbering dragonborn to rely entirely on grace rather than brawn. To'ot decided to take matters onto his own back by transforming into a racehorse and giving Rhiv free passage and kept getting within feet of Rhiv being able to command the man to stop before yet another random accident would set them back again or knock Rhiv to the ground. Therrien momentarily sacrifices his own pursuit to enable to most cinematic moment of the chase by dousing a mob of jackals with his newly purchased oil bomb. As To'ot powerfully launches himself over the snapping jaws Rhiv incinerates them with a burst of fire from his draconic lungs. To'ot and Rhiv finally were able to cut off the man's ability to continue running while Therrien cuts of retreat from the rear.

Once the man seems effectively cornered To'ot reverts to his half-orc form and attempts to break down the door to advance up the stairs of the house. Unfortunately he has about as much affect as a light breeze on a mountain. Rhiv, seeing the attempt, decides to take an alternative approach and makes up for all of his previous embarrassments by scaling the side of the building as if he had taken To'ots guidance and turned into a squirrel. Barely out of breath, he launches himself over the western ledge of the roof and draws his hammer and shield as he lands. As he raises his eyes to see his opponent he realizes that it is not the man they had been chasing but a lion-woman surrounded by seven huge Jackmen bristling with intensity. "Welcome." The woman huskily intones.

Rhiv is on western edge of the flat 30 by 30 foot roof. Therrien, is on the neighboring southern roof, 10 foot down but without a separating gap. To'ot is at the foot of the building 30 foot down. The Lion-lady surrounded by 7 huge 'jackmans' in the center of the roof. To'ot, Rhiv, and Therrien had been "blessed" immediately preceding Rhiv's climb and have 7 temp hp from inspiration (minus anything they lost).

Feb 26, 2018 7:56 pm

After seeing Rhiv, the other large lumbering member of the party go up the drainpipe with barely a hint of effort, To'ot sighs petulantly and grabs hold of the creaky structure. It feels pretty wobbly after Rhiv's clambering but he puts his dagger in his mouth and begins to scale his way up the side of the building.

No sooner was Rhiv able to count the figures on the roof and connect the -- "It's a trap!" -- dots in his head than he began to feel woozy and tired... almost losing his balance but managing to steady himself for a moment. Therrien, in a swift and seemingly effortless bound joined the party on the roof. Heart still pounding from the intensity of the chase and enraged by the unnatural presence of the lycanthropic monstrosities he immediately entered an uncontrollable rage. The meteor hammer makes a soft whistle as it spins through the air. The jackalwere tries to dodge Therrien's misdirected attack, but it catches him in the shoulder, knocking him off balance. The weighted end of the weapon comes around and connects solidly with the back of the ribcage of the spun creature with a sickening crunch. He goes limp and falls to the ground, slowly transforming into a simple jackal.
Suddenly, the scene springs into action, enveloping the roof in chaos. The two jackalweres furthest from Therrien were the first to see him scaling the lip and charge towards him, slashing and biting. The first jackalwere attacks Therrien with a vicious bite, just as Therrien finishes off the first casualty of the battle. His attention turns to see a second enemy, and he deftly deflects the wild sword swings with the cord of his meteor hammer. Rhiv's eyes follow the two monsters that dash across the roof in front of him, and as he turns back to the group, his gaze meets that of one of the jackalweres across the roof and he is again hit by the inexplicable feeling of lethargy and crumples loudly to the floor. The large dog-like monster bares his teeth at Rhiv, who is unable to stave off the magical slumber. His terra cotta armor clatters as he collapses to the floor in a deep sleep. The jackalwere licks his chops.

To'ot, still about half-way to the roof, plants his foot on a support bar that gives way when he puts his weight on it. He maintains his grip on the pipe, but his climb stalls for a moment.

The lioness-woman waves her hand and paw simultaneously, and where she was standing there are now four of her. "You will make excellent slaves. This ought to be quite enjoyable." She smiles wryly, one corner of her mouth curling seductively. The four of her then stride towards Therrien. Some of her minions join her in surrounding Therrien, ineffectually attempting to neutralize him in the same manner they had successfully knocked out Rhiv, but with no such effect, while the others surround Rhiv and begin to bind him. Despite the rough wrapping of ropes around his legs and arms Rhiv begins snoring, a little drool begins pooling around the corner of his snout, blissfully unaware of the ongoing combat.

Surrounded by foes and oblivious to his own personal safety, Therrien swings the meteor hammer around his head, doing a tribal ballet, spinning himself through the air. He releases the weighted orb towards the lady lioness, whose image flickers and dissipates as the ball passes through it. Then the second sphere hurtles through the air, sending another duplicate back to the ether.
The two remaining lion-women grin and purr. "Unlucky, I guess." She bares her teeth at the wood elf.

As the Lion-woman and her henchmen continue to strike at Therrien, To'ot finally reaches the roof. Seeing the whirlwind of activity he instinctively transforms into the animal he has connected to most deeply: the giant spider with which he helped defeat the minotaur in the library. The lion-woman's face, which had previously been held constant in a entrancingly beautiful smile, wavered for a moment as she beheld the transformation. To'ot leaps down protectively over Rhiv's unconscious body, scattering the two jackalweres that had been busy tying his limbs and shaking Rhiv roughly awake. Rhiv, unable to untie himself, but finally back in his senses prayed for a blessing: Adonai, make us strong and courageous. Do not let us be afraid or terrified because of them. Let us feel that you are with us and will never forsake us!

Taking advantage of the brief shift in the battle and the distractions of his enemies, Therrien struck again. With the blessing of the Adonai guiding his strike, in a blur that seemed almost supernatural in its speed and accuracy he delivered the closest jackalwere a thundering blows from his meteor flail. The power of the strike was enough to lift the humanoid figure of the ground high enough into the air that the second strike metastisized his body into a bloody mass.

Despite the loss of two of their companions the jackalweres fought doggedly, striking several hits against both Therrien and To'ot. The Lion-woman in particular managed to get under Therrien's defenses and lightly brush his cheek: surprisingly he felt no pain but a wave of doubt and confusion swept him quickly. Two of the jackalweres rushed in to take the still bound Rhiv from under To'ot's fangs, despite taking heavy wounds. Dragging him away despite his struggles, the two jackalweres managed to hustle him off of the roof and partially down a set up stairs into the building.

On the roof the fight had taken a significant turn for the worse. Far from being a failed attack, the lion-woman's brush significantly affected his focus on the fight. A voice, seemingly inside his own head, began to echo: "Defend the pack. This brigand and his monster are trying to kill us all. Defend me!" As he readied his next attack his vision shimmered his mind blurred. The Lion-woman was no longer his enemy but his beautiful pack-leader; To'ot was no longer To'ot, but rather an evil spider trying to kill her. Turning to his former friend, he raises his meteor flail and rushes to the attack. To'ot heart sinks quickly with the turn of events. Seeing Rhiv gone, his friend turning from the fray to attack him instead of the jackalweres, and already feeling the effects of loss of blood; he decides to call upon his connection to the earth. Fight the unnatural with nature itself. Sinking deep within his psyche he calls on his brethren: eight lithe black panthers shimmer into existence surrounding the jackalweres and Therrien, ready to attack.

Unfortunately, almost before they were able to tense their muscles to carry out To'ot's command, the Lion-women charges into combat herself. Killing one of the panthers with an easy swipe of her claws, she threw aside one of her own jackalweres with ease to strike To'ot with an equally light touch on one of his outstretched legs. Just like Therrien, he is surprised by the lack of pain. Expecting a bloody strike he is instead pushed into a dark and warm tunnel; his vision and judgement blurring. The jackalwere's surrounding him focus their gaze on the trembling spider and--before he truly understands what is going on--his legs flex and collapse from a loss of control as he falls unconscious.

Realizing that his efforts to slow down his capture by thrashing were ineffectual, Rhiv decided to take matters in his own hands and focuses all of his power on bursting his bonds. The Spirit of the Adonai came powerfully upon him and the ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands like ash. The jackalweres, stunned by his suddenly freed limbs, dropped him down the stairs and pulled their scimitars to defend themselves. Rhiv, unarmed and slightly surprised by his success, tried to shove the lower of the two jackals off of the stairs but--with incredible dexterity--the small humanoid managed to dodge his attack. Deflecting the attacks from the two jackalweres on the stairs, Rhiv turns to the higher of the two, hoping to regain the roof and his comrades. As he does so, the door at the top of the stairs opens and the newfound silence of the roof and an accompanying flood of jackalweres begin to flood down the stairs.

Feb 26, 2018 8:03 pm

The battle is lost; I must flee to save my companions. Flee. The word felt bitter in my mind. A coward flees...but a fool accomplishes nothing with his death. I am weaponless and surrounded. I know little of the powers of these enemies but I have heard of the jackals that roam the uninhabitated wilds and can put men to sleep with merely their gaze. I have already been made useless once by their eyes and know of no way to avoid it happening again. Looking quickly around the room I see no options, the door is barred, no available weapons lie within reach, and the room below me mills with growling jackals looking up at me as if awaiting a meal. Glancing left I see two large windows, 15 to 20 feet off the ground. The Lord let me walk into this lurch but has already answered me once, maybe he will do so again. I had heard from Rynfir and some of the older priests of what they called the Misty Step, a prayer through which--when answered--the Adonai moved your body and soul in the blink of an eye and a whisk of mist. Though I had never done it before, I know it is our only hope. If this is from wisdom and not fear then the Lord will answer my call. As the jackalwere's scimitar descended toward my skull I stand firm, making the sign of the Resh with my hand and looking longingly out of the window.

The next thing I knew everything went silver. I was pressed very hard from all directions and could not breathe; there were iron bands tightening around his chest; my eyeballs were being forced back into my head; my ear-drums were being pushed deeper into my skull. I am suddenly in free-fall. Landing with a crunch and a snap, I steady myself begin to run. My direction means nothing. The pain is nothing. Adonai knows I am not a coward.

Last edited February 27, 2018 2:29 am

Mar 14, 2018 1:52 pm

I sprint through the alleys and streets, at first trying only to get away from any possible pursuers, then trying to make his way back to the ferry then to the tavern where the party are staying. It starts to rain, lightly at first, then heavier. Without really knowing why, after a half hour of jogging, my feet eventually take him to the docks district.

The downpour eventually makes it too difficult to keep moving, and I ducks under an awning. When it rains it pours, as they say... Pulling back my hood, and shaking out the water, I am surprised when a door nearby opens and a lantern sticks out, attached to the end of an arm, followed by a head. "Oi, don't stand there getting soaked! Come inside!" a man's voice calls out. It's too stormy to see the face, but I can see his outline beckoning me into the shop. He ducks back inside, but leaves the door open.

I am not used to storms of this magnitude when not on the sea itself. I was barely able to find my way around the crowded streets of the island in fair weather and now with the squall I'm effectively useless. I can tell I am near the docks now, but I could just as easily end up back where I started as make it on the right boat... and I doubt there will be any ferries until there's at least a slight break in the weather. I hesitate only a moment and then trundle myself into the open door. Hopefully it's a place with a fire; it is surprisingly cold for an early spring day.

I duck into the small shop and I am indeed greeted by a warm glowing fire. I shivers as my body tries to shake off the cold dampness. "Welcome, traveler. Welcome! Come. Dry your boots and close by the fire. I'll make some tea." The slender old man hobbles towards a doorway leading out of the main room. As he disappears around a corner, he calls out, "nasty storm out there tonight!"

"It is indeed!" I respond. I'm taking a bit off back by the hospitality but it's the first I've received from anyone since leaving Port Charlotte so it's hard to keep my hackles up to long...I move to the fire and begin to warm myself but don't take off more than my outer layer. I can't stay long.... Who does this man remind me of? Something seems indeterminately familiar. The old man returns with a tray, tea cups rattling as he walks. He places the tray on a small table near the fire and pulls over two chairs. As he pours the tea, the aroma of mint and orange peel fills the air, nearly overpowering the scent of the wood burning in the hearth. He offers me a cup, then pours his own, and takes a seat. "So, servant of Adonai, what brings you 'round here in the midst of this torrent?" My eyes go wide and the muscles in my cheeks flex as I clinch my jaw. How could he...?
After the momentary fear I catch a sparkle in his eye and a slight rise at the edge of his mouth. He seems to have gotten the reaction he was hoping for, as he holds up his fist and taps the top of his wrist, mimicking the spot on my arm where the Resh symbol is attached to his cuff.

The old man laughs, his deep red-brown cheeks creasing along lines formed by years of smiles. "Don't worry about me, traveler. You have nothing to fear from me. You are safe here." I instinctively knows that the man is telling the truth. My defenses melt. I have essentially been on high alert since the moment we met that witch in the cave and I had no idea how much the stress of the last three weeks. A paladin of the Adonai has no room for weakness... no margin for error... and no excuse for either. My lot is to lay down my life in defense of others no matter what the personal cost. I must constantly discipline my body, my heart, and my mind to keep them under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. I have been blessed with powers beyond measure and I cannot fail in the task laid before me or else He fails. And yet I failed. Here I am, having failed to defend and then having fled the fate of my companions. Having split the party and blindly rushed into danger; bringing them with me. At the last of my reserves, lost in a rainstorm... And yet He still sends me a light. I don't deserve this help but I can't do this on my own. I begin to weep. Silently and inwardly at first, but then in deep body wracking sobs. The tears mix with the droplets still dripping from my crest.

I feel a hand on my shoulder. "There, there," the old man whispers in an attempt to comfort me. "Let it out. No shame in shedding a few tears." He pauses for some time, letting Rhiv cry. After a few moments he quietly speaks, his voice soft and melodic: "Now, why don't you tell me what's going on?"

This loss of control is a bit of a shock to my system and it takes me a period to regain composure. I don't remember ever having cried and I know that nothing to this extent has ever happened to me. As a dragonborn, crying--even from things such as simple pain--is less of a biological requirement than for some of my fleshier fellow travelers and I was even more of a stoic than even most of my brethren. Feeling shame was one thing but losing control to it is another entirely.

"It's a long story and I am still in a hurry..." I pause, my heart still racing a little and my throat constricted and hot. My instinct is to thank this man for the tea, gather my things and head back into the storm. All I truly need is a weapon and directions and this is likely just going to slow me down in heading back to save my companions and redeem myself. Even though he is a brother of the Adonai and safe, the likelihood is low that I will be able to rely on him for any tangible help. Even if he could, I would probably just be dragging him, and the Church as a whole deeper, into danger. After all, even before the murder of the King I was going to be a banished criminal and the Church was going to suffer from its association with me... Who knows what assassins were now hot on my heels from either the Lion-woman or the Redwall itself? But no. That is my arrogance speaking again. The Adonai has brought me this help for a reason and I must let go of my own bootstraps and take hold of the outstretched arm.

"I ran into them at a cave outside of Port Charlotte..." I proceed to tell the vital parts of our journey. Leaving out only the superfluous, but changing nothing and not skipping over my own failings. It feels like slowly loosening bags of ballast from my half-submerged ship and I gain speed and energy as I go along. Getting to the events of the last hour, I end with a plea: "I'm sorry to drag you into this, but I need a weapon and a way to save my friends. Can you help?"

The old man listens intently as I spin our tale, slowly sipping his tea. When I finishes, the man sets his tea down and clears his throat. "My dear boy, that is quite a story. Thank you for sharing it with me." He stands up, and again puts his hand on my shoulder. I feels an intense comfort from the weight of the hand resting on me.

"I can help you. But I'll ask you to do something for me, something beyond what you've already done for me in baring your soul." He moves again towards the back of the shop, around the corner. He returns bearing a small bag. He sits and opens the bag, pulling out three parcels. The opens the first, revealing a cloth cap of deep purple with intricate stitching designed to be worn under a helmet. The second, a small green velvet pouch, contains a silver ring inset with a sparkling emerald. "While wearing this cap, you will be protected from attacks on your mind, and this ring will help you maintain control of your person."
He also hands you a small coin purse. "It's not a terribly large sum, but it should allow you to purchase a serviceable weapon." Before I can protest, he waves his hand and smiles. "They're certainly not doing me any good here."
He continues, "Now, for my payment. You must promise me that once you have freed your friends, you will bring them here before you attempt the next step of your journey. Have we a deal?"

When it rains it pours. All I thought I needed was directions to the docks and the nearest weapon shop and the Adonai gives armor perfectly designed for the task at hand. I stand from my chair and kneel before him, looking earnestly into his eyes. "I will. That and anything else you ask! M'lord...this is more than I could possibly have hoped for and I don't even know your name. It is a reminder to me that Adonai is not limited to the smallness of my prayers. The Lord's grace and blessing is surely upon you and your house!" I stand quickly, energized by the clearness of my God. He hears me and loves me even in my weakness... Though the cap fits awkwardly on my larger than human sized head and the ring only fits on my pinky, I immediately feel an anchored stillness in my mind. Like when a candle is lit in a dark room and you are able to gain your bearings. Now I am ready. "M'Lord, I have one last, and slightly more embarrassing question to ask. Is there a way to pass messages without them being public knowledge? I must alert my friends who are staying at the XYZ Tavern. I can go to them directly once the storm relents, but I fear that any delay will make the recovery of Therrien and To'ot that much more difficult."

Last edited March 14, 2018 1:54 pm

Apr 21, 2018 3:35 am