Only the Honor of a Paladin [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

AMFV

2014-08-06, 07:17 PM

The dawn breaks cutting somewhat through the bitter chill of the early morning. A general sound of relief is heard from the workmen who are currently busy packing everything up following their early breakfast. The warmer climes to which they are accustomed are certainly different from these forsaken steppes, and they are all for the most part bundled as well as they can be. They are all for the most part swarthy in appearance and unarmed. They might be considered unremarkable if not for the unusual appearance as compared to the few local traders who chose to accompany the caravan. These folk are taller and thinner, families rather than traveling workmen, they appear for the most part to be pale skinned and fair haired, and they do not seem to mind the frigid morning, although a few of the elders among them seem to be looking rather uncomfortably at the horizon.

All counted, there were at least sixty civilians on the trail, but that wasn't the most notable point. The escorts of the civilian population, were of course worthy of notice. There was a small cadre of Paladins. Two of them, Mortagh and Melyria, had traveled down from the spire, they were the most veteran members of the group and at least in a notional sense the instructors of the young Paladins who had been gathered at various points along the route.

However much to the chagrin of their young charges, Mortagh had proven not terribly conversational, his dark weathered face seemed never to stretch with much visible emotion, as if it had leathered, wrinkled and showed signs of sandblasting. His skin was dark, beyond dark for most humans, moving into a deep brownish color. His armor was quite worn and beaten, although not in poor repair, it could be said that it had a certain character to it, there were signs of wear dents had been hammered out, and a few spots that had likely been patched after damage. His symbols marked him for his stern God, Heimdall, the watcher, and it was perhaps in some respect fitting, he certainly did seem to watch the area around him, almost seeming lost in it at times. However he had spoken less than two words to the Paladins under his charge, leaving them almost completely to their own devices.

Melyria for her part, was certainly talkative enough, when she was present. She seemed to always be, behind, ahead, or beside the caravan, never quite with it. She was an elf, and that was for certain, she did not wear thick armor or anything that seemed to shine at all, her garb was green and tightly wrapped around her body, with few bits hanging to catch on leaves or brambles. She had a thin bow strung with what appeared to be a silver cord. This morning however, she was as absent as she had often been, and of course until she rejoined the caravan she would be out of sight, that seemed to be quite in line for her.

Two of the the other notables, Marc Andrani, and Ana, rode at opposite ends of the caravan, which would have been prudent for security reasons, but mostly consisted of the fact that two of them could not stand each other. He was short and dark haired, with a fairly intense moustache, his armor was resplendant, although perhaps that was more a reflection on his family than on any particular care of his own. He was part of the Resplendant Order of The Light, which was a mouthful on the best of days, and was an order dedicated to the service of several knightly and courtly ideals. Ana for her part was pale skinned almost to the point of being ivory, her eyes were slightly slanted and she spoke with a very measured approach. She was a Paladin of Ilmater, which meant that she was garbed in rather plain hand-me down armor. She and Marc, had spent most of the past few days in heated discussion, with statements about privilige and sacrifice seeming to be the order of the day. Now they had settled into a rather sullen truce as they rode forwards.

Howdy, folks I figured that this would be kind of a slow start, since a few people are still working on some character stuff we'd mostly start off with some banter and a chance for people to interact and introduce their characters a little bit before we start really rolling into the main plot. So basically you should probably describe yourselves, and maybe have some conversation. Additionally I've created an OOC Thread and a Dice rolling thread. Which can be found in their respective forums.

Vhaidara

2014-08-06, 07:38 PM

Sale'j'oso, the blind follower of Rao, walks alongside the civilians. Clad in only a loincloth and a simple leather helmet covering his eyes, to a casual observer, he looks like any other civilian. He carries a simple walking stick. A light smile is set on his face as he walks, listen to the conversations and movements around him.

Winds

2014-08-06, 08:44 PM

Varas, follower of Torm, was a tall and stern man clad in simple armor. The symbol of Torm was worked into his breastplate, while a simple cloth band bearing a thorned symbol was wrapped around his right arm. He mostly watched the road, though also looked around to check on the civilians.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-06, 10:31 PM

"Merry," as the second son of the Rosebrew clan had often been called, walked with nothing but a bottle of strong alcohol, a short quarterstaff, some richly purple dyed monk's robes, and a broad, toothy grin. As he walked, keeping himself near the back, he let his eyes wander freely over the backsides of the various and sundry females among them, humming the tune of a rather raunchy bar song that had been sung by another bard that night. The rhythm was good, and the words were masterfully crafted, but supposed many around him would be appalled to hear it sung. Being devout of Chaav, the Smiling God of Pleasure, sometimes it was hard to strike a balance between his paladin duties, and his duties to Chaav. After wall, Chaav was only happy while his worshipers were happy.

Taking another swig of the strange, burning liquor he had won in a singing duel against a rival bard, he pauses his song longer enough, due to the excess in which he drinks, to forget his place in the song. He picks it up again at the chorus, however, taking a swing at the air with his bottle-clasping hand, remembering the words to his favorite part of the song. Ah, a good dwarven ballad. Fighting, drinking and carousing with the womenfolk. His smile was soured for a moment, as he noticed the disapproval in the eyes of one of the men he was follow, he had paused to look back and scowl at him. Possibly because the man didn't appreciate the dwarf staring blatantly at his sister rear, or possibly because he didn't like the dwarf staring at his wife's rear. Either way, he blessed the man with his favor by looking instead at another fine rear as he walked.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-13, 09:58 PM

Dawn. The glorious rays of the sun licking the cold, unyielding ground. And yet I am forced to avert my gaze.

Anarnís takes a look around at her travelling companions. Strong, hardy workmen accompanied by such a motley bunch of recruits. One almost starts wondering who is escorting who.

Still, many of them seem to be strong both in arms and in faith, but what that crude dwarf is doing here, apart from singing obscene songs and ogling the women, and why he styles himself a paladin I may never know. At least he seems mostly preoccupied with our wards.

The white-clad elf shakes her head, then focuses her attention on meticulously controlling every piece of her clothing, making sure it is in place and properly covering her, before mentally preparing herself for yet another day under the sun.

Melyria is a model templar at least, if a bit verbose. I could learn a lot from observing her, if only when she is not teaching.

AMFV

2014-08-17, 12:31 PM

As the band of diverse Paladins and the refugees make their way deeper into the steppes, the wind picks up quite sharply, whippng at the exposed faces of those who have such faces exposed. It is actually less pleasant than the chilled dark was a few seconds ago. And most of the refugees are walking behind carriages or out of sight.

But still, a few of you with sharper eye can almost see something glinting around the bend of the next steppe. Something that seems to be some sort of metal, although it doesn't look large not by any means, but noticeable, barely.

In any case the caravan continues to move forwards, Mortagh seems to be almost asleep in his saddle, at least to everyone watching. However he reacts very quickly to what happens next, much more quickly than a sleeping man likely could have when he pulls his horse up sharply, several of the other horses seem to be reacting rather intensely, and many of them have come to a near stop or a complete stop.

Some of you can tell that the horses are frightened by something, they're definitely much more on edge than most riders would be comfortable with. Eyes wide, none of them have bared teeth or have bucked or reared, but there is certainly some pulling back of ears and increased tension.

About a minute after this, two very shocking things happen in fairly quick succession, the first is that an arrow from somewhere to the North-west suddenly hits one of the wagons, sticking into it, and causing everybody to come to a fairly abrupt stop, and then a rather dirty looking man steps out into the road. He is dark haired with an equally dark beard and a rough weather beaten face.

"Alright, loves, you know the drill, now hand over 'yer valua..." he suddenly trails off as he sees the armed warriors who were mostly to the center of the caravan, he glances around rather nervously and sheepishly seemingly unsure of what to do at this point.

Vhaidara

2014-08-17, 12:50 PM

Sale hears the arrow, and the bandit. So he calls out.
Friend, I fear you have made a mistake. And no, I don't mean firing that arrow. I am referring to your choice of professions. Lay down your arms, and come forward slowly. We shall be merciful.
He speaks then in a lower voice to those near him.
Let me know if he doesn't lower his weapons and come forward slowly, please.

Diplomacy: [roll0]

Winds

2014-08-17, 01:05 PM

Varas nods, and turns to address the area at large.

"That goes for any friends that might be trying to surround us. Come out peacefully, and we can avoid any...ugliness."

darklink_shadow

2014-08-17, 02:41 PM

Merry chuckled a bit at the would-be bandits. Nah tha's juss silly. Wha' you supposed ta be? Some kinna bannit, whose juss gunna rob a bunch o' paladins? Ha! I could write a song abou' yer folly, son.

Merry focuses his vision on the man and Detects Evil, and looks around a bit to see if any other auras of evil might be visible.

I know, he's probably not evil, but maybe he is, or maybe he's got a friend who is.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-17, 07:52 PM

Quite unsure of what to make of the situation, Anarnís says nothing, but readies her shield just in case.

AMFV

2014-08-18, 01:56 PM

Mortagh glances over at the bandits, sighing heavily. He seems to be almost waiting and glancing at him, most of you realize that he's observing you to see how you react to the scenario. He nods rather approvingly at Sale, or as close to approvingly as one could imagine him nodding, the perpetual scowl still wrapped on his face. He glanced around at the other unmoving Paladins, although his expression could have been dismissive, it was equally possible that it was pensive instead. He steadied his horse for a second.

The Bandit seemed to somewhat recover himself, glancing at the armored warriors. His eye's flickered dangerously for a second before he cursed loudly and motioned. He was soon joined by four other figures who all appeared equally scruffy. Possibly dangerously thin as well. "We surrender," he said softly, shrugging as the bandits moved into the open and started to throw down their weapons.

He doesn't detect as Evil, also none of his compatriots do. Anybody that has any ability to sense motive check might want to, and then let me know what the results are.

Mortagh looks down at the Paladins in his charge, "So what now?" he asks, coming the closest to bemused that anybody had seen him to this point.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-18, 02:08 PM

Merry harrumphed, and then chuckled again. Well, looket et this way boys, yar gunno get two square meals a'day, and all ya'll have t'do is hard labor. Now I'm sure most of ye turned to this on accounta ya'll couldn't find a decent job. After ya'll get out, repent and take wha' ya learnt and get some kinna real jobs. Yer lucky ye got stopped by a bunch o'paladins. Them adventurer types woulda kilt ye dead for this sorta funny business.

Vhaidara

2014-08-18, 02:21 PM

Sale nods.
My Chaavian friend speaks the truth. Honest work is much easier than banditry anyways. And safer. And more respectable.
He begins to walk towards the front of the column, his hands spread in an open gesture.
Actually, what is the advantage to banditry? I'm really struggling to think of one.

Sense Motive: [roll0]

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-18, 06:44 PM

What now? What room is there for doubt? The law must be upheld.

Anarnís tries hard not to sound like she agrees with the dwarf as she delivers her answer, more toward the bandits than Mortagh, in the sternest voice she can muster.

"These men are criminals and require punishment. The proper authorities have a responsibility to mete out such punishment, and until we come upon those designated for such a role in this area, the responsibility falls on us."

She then continues, after a brief pause, slightly softer.

"They do seem to require food too, that is true. The requirements are thankfully not mutually exclusive, however."

Since Sense Motive can be used untrained, I will try my luck.

Sense Motive: [roll0]

Vhaidara

2014-08-18, 06:52 PM

Sale turns towards Anarnis' voice.
But friend, the only thing that they are guilty of so far, to our knowledge, is, unless my ears deceived me and given that I have heard no cries for pain, giving us an arrow. His method of conveyance may have been questionable, as might his intent, but I do not believe that violates any laws.
His angelic face bears a small grin.

I'm trying bolded orange to see how much easier it is to read.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-18, 07:28 PM

Merry laughed, and moved forward to pat Sale on the back. Ah, youva wit, my frien'! But quite unforn'ate fer them, tha' one in front did say "Ye knew tha' drill, han ova yer value." Sure as rain, tha's highway slang fer robbin' us. Buh, what courta lahw wouldn' take pity on these scraggly little whelps? And they surrendered awfully quick like. I'm seeing three mon's, six tops, before they're free ta look for more gainful employment. 'side, jail'll be good fer em. Some exercise in the outdoors, and some food free uh charge. Then they kin take their new stronk muscles and go work at some quarry or somfin.

Vhaidara

2014-08-18, 07:33 PM

Sale turns to present the side of his head to Merry.
But my friend, that was clearly just the beginning of bargaining for the arrow. Unless he finishes his statement, we will never know his true intent.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-18, 07:43 PM

Ohhh, I see. Merrry says, exaggerating the words. Bemused, he strokes his beard. And I s'pose them surrenderin is outta fear what'cuz they thought us to be bandits, izzit? Why, s'all juss one big misunnerstandin? Why, how could we be so callous! Merry threw his head back in laughter, and patting the blind man again. Nah, I s'pose we could juss ask them, whaddya think? We have ways uv tellin' iffen they're lying though. And the offer migh' make them think they can kin get away withet.

AMFV

2014-08-18, 07:46 PM

The Bandits seem in a hurry to throw down their weapons, almost too much of a hurry in fact. They quickly walk over to the lot of you, while you're still engaged in your discussion. Arms extended somewhat expectantly. "Well," Mortagh, sighs deeply, "bind them." He seems to be fairly distant at this point, deep in though about something. As the would-be bandits are bound and following. Ana and Marc resume a spirited discussion. Of course most of you have learned to tune the two of them out. But at least this time there is something of interest to be heard.

"Look isn't obvious, Marc?" Ana asks, raising her voice, shrilly, "They wanted to be caught, they're hungry, they don't deserve to be punished." She ran her mailed hand through her dark hair in exasperation.

"Well then they should have worked for the liege lord" Marc answers back curtly, "It is the responsibility of local lords to provide for those under their care, but it is also the responsibility of the peasantry to maintain an obedient position."

This discussion becomes very heated, very quickly. However unlike most of their discussions this one falls silent. As both young faces find themselves face to face with a very disapproving dark skinned, Mortagh. "Alright you two, that is enough." He says, his voice level, but angrier than you've probably ever heard him. "Look you two get to take them down to that village." He points, "Maybe next time you'll work and be attentive instead of arguing."

As the two head down towards the village he stands and watches them, a thin puff of smoke rising in the distance from one of the chimneys. But other than that most of the village is obscured by the hillside which soon obscures Ana and Marc as well.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-18, 08:08 PM

Merry looks up as the two hot headed paladins walk off. Ah. Hmm. Mortagh, m'good man. Mayhaps someone more should go wit' 'em? Ye know, iffen the bandits decide to book it on out, tha's only two of 'em and four of 'em. Ye know? 'sides, they'll prolly start arguin' 'gain soon as they get outta earshot, iffen no one goes wit 'em. Migh' not look tha' best fer 'em. Anyways, besides tha', I'd be much obliged iffen I had tha' chance to give tha' lads a brief prayer. Gods know they runts need it. I kint help but think, ah, tha', ah, ... ah, well, somefin is fishy, ya?

Winds

2014-08-18, 08:24 PM

Varas looks around at the conversation going on, slightly nonplussed.

"Well, it isn't that strange for them to surrender when faced with more opposition than expected. In any case, I will go with those two if you feel it is wise."

With that, he increases his pace to catch up with Ana and Marc.

Vhaidara

2014-08-18, 08:30 PM

Sale turns his ear to Varas
I think that the point Ana was making was that the strangers wanted food, not valuables. Though I suppose to them, food is about the most valuable thing around.
He continues, addressing the group at large.
I would also be willing to go.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-19, 05:03 AM

"I on the other hand will not attempt to find a convoluted reason to go drink in local taverns. I am staying, unless ordered elsewhere."

The elf takes on an overbearing posture to deliver her thinly veiled accusation, then adds, as more of a muttering:

"Besides, it matters little if the bandits wanted to be caught. Threatening innocents with violence is crime enough."

AMFV

2014-08-19, 09:36 AM

Mortagh scoffs for a second, not responding to the requests of his young charges to descend into the village. "Hold on," he motions at Varas, "Those two are the ones assigned to that duty, you've got your own. Staying behind may seem the lesser part, but there is great glory in the little duties." His hand rests on his sword. Pensively, another thin whisp of smoke drifts out of the chimney. Mortagh continues to peer at the village as the caravan seems to come to a complete stop, frozen and still. It is perhaps fitting that the wind suddenly picked up and whistled sharpy through the valley, biting at the faces that were still exposed.

It had been nearly an hour before Mortagh's scowl deepened further, there was even some hint of worry along his creased face. "Alright," he finally breathed, "Go find out what's taking them so long" He murmured, apparently unhappy at the unexpected change in circumstance. And the biting whistling wind continued to scream through the valley.

Vhaidara

2014-08-19, 09:47 AM

Were his comrades not in danger, Salèj'oso would have laughed at the situation. As it was, he turned to his dwarven friend.
Lead the way, my friend. They may need our help.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-19, 12:30 PM

Merry walked a little ways ahead of Sale before humming softly as he set off on a leisurely pace, but yet still a quick one. A little trip into the village, and a little adventure into the constable's office before they headed back. Maybe swing by the tavern for a sip of their finest.

Winds

2014-08-19, 02:14 PM

Varas loosens his greatsword in its sheath before walking after Merry.

"...Something seems odd. Neither going nor staying seem entirely right..."

He glances back toward the caravan for a moment before nodding to himself.

"I will stay here."

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-19, 02:41 PM

Anarnís does not comment on the assignment, nor on Varas' decision to disobey an order, and follows Merry and Sale at as fast a pace as can still be considered walking. When she overtakes the pair, keeping her distance, she attempts to courteously encourage them to hurry a little, in a voice best described as annoyed.

"Move those short legs, time may be of the essence here."

And now I am turning to racism... oh dear.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-19, 02:48 PM

Merry chuckled at the impatient man. Yer welcome ta try'n carry myself an' tha blind man. T'therwise, this is tha' pace I set, my friend. Ye kin go on ahead iffen you muss. We'll be there a few shorr secon's later.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-19, 03:42 PM

The elf pays no further attention to Merry and continues forward at her higher pace.

I just realised selecting prepared spells may be a good idea before we get into any sticky situations beyond what we already have. This would be the loadout Anarnís would make ready for general field duty (and until further notice).

Orisons: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light
Level 1: Bless, Detect Secret Doors (D), Resurgence

Vhaidara

2014-08-19, 04:47 PM

Anarnis, time may be of the essence, but anything that threatened Marc and Ana would surely prove a great challenge for the two of us. Our accented friend here may be the only thing that keeps us alive should we encounter such trouble.
He lets out a small sigh, raising his voice a bit
I would feel much more comfortable if our comrade Varas joined us as well. A mighty warrior like him is a welcome addition to any expedition.

Winds

2014-08-19, 05:49 PM

I am apparently not any good at making decisions.

Varas glances again at the stopped caravan, and the wilderness beyond.

"Let's do it quickly, then. I don't like leaving these people in the wilds without a full complement."

OhMyGodImOnFire

2014-08-20, 02:22 AM

...ALL SYSTEMS GREEN. ARCANE CIRCUITRY FULL FUNCTIONAL. STATUS: GUARD. CONDITION: CLEAR.

As the other paladins begin to move, Tome moves to follow them, his every motion accompanied by the whirring and clicking of gears. Just under his bronze carapace, veins of light blue energy pulse throughout his body, starting from a node in his chest and spidering out all over his body. Throughout their journey, Tome had remained quiet, choosing instead to review the Draconic language he had begun to pick up before leaving the Wardens for this mission. Even as the arrow flew through the air, the warforged had chosen to stay silent and distant, seeing no reason to insert himself into a situation in which clearly neither life nor literature were under threat. Besides, several of the other paladins had already deigned to intervene, and the situation was quickly brought under control.

When the bandits-turned-prisoners submit themselves to the bonds so eagerly, a suspicion flitters across his mind. Spies, perhaps? Makes their way into our defenses, and incapacitate the caravan when all are asleep? He makes his way closer, casting Detect Evil on the captured as he gently pushes his way through the civilians, careful not to step on anything valuable like baskets or feet. Tome relaxes a little when the scan returns negative results, but he makes a mental note to keep watch over them nevertheless. After all, when all breathing slows and the only sounds to accompany him during the night are those of the crackling fires, he could always use a little something to keep his mind occupied.

When he finally clears the crowd, Tome moves faster, covering more distance than a creature of his weight should in his long strides. He catches up to the others with ease, and falls in behind them, studying the party that had assembled. As he looks over each of the Paladins, Tome brings to mind terse observations he had made of them since that morning.. Anarnís, elf, meticulous. Merry, dwarf, alcoholic and lustful. Varas, human, simply dressed, exhibits some indecision. Salèj'oso, human, very little clothing, blind. The warforged takes a moment to contemplate the tactical ramifications of the last blindness, though his concerns are somewhat alleviated as he considers what talents the paladin must possess for him to be trusted with his position, despite his disability.

AMFV

2014-08-20, 04:58 PM

The way down to the village seems almost incredibly mundane. There a few smaller farms out that way, and while it appears that nobody is around, there are horses and cattle grazing. But the town seems far off and it is. The hills slope up towards it, creating a much longer walk than one might suspect if one simply looked at the village. And the wind continues to whip and bite at your backs, more and more aggressively. It perhaps for this reason that nobody notices the rather intense odor until you're almost at the village.

The odor leaps out at you, unfamiliar to most of you. Those of you that can recognize the odor realize fairly quickly that it's death and decay, a lot of it. Not quite so intense as it might be because of the chill but still quite present. You also note that the sound is almost completely gone, there are very few sounds of motion or anything like that.

However abruptly the wind shifts towards you and you can all hear a faint sound. Difficult to make out at best

As you strain against the wind you realize that the sound is almost like humming, disjointed and off-key though, it sounds almost like a child fading in between various songs as they hum, only more shrill and somewhat less focused.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-20, 05:43 PM

Merry continued to hum until the marked quietness made him reconsider his tune. A sharp odor disturbed him, and then the wind carried a strange sound to his ears. Wha's this then? Hol' up. Somfin isn't right... somfin reeks like death. Be on yer guard, friends... Juss don't feel right. Can't place what it is though.

Picking up the pace, he frowns deeply. Now we have good reason to make haste. The two set ahead, and even the prisoners might be in danger... or maybe it's just a recent spot of the plague, but death is in the air, and that worries me.

Going to detect evil this, and every other round. I'll make a run action in between rounds of detecting evil.

Vhaidara

2014-08-20, 06:29 PM

Salè stops, his nose wrinkling
This is concerning. If this is the village, it smells of death.
Then he hears the humming and hears the dwarf begin running, so he moves to keep up.
The sound...it reminds me of a child...Perhaps there is a survivor.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-20, 07:22 PM

As she feels the familiar scent, the elf slows her pace letting the others catch up, but hardly out of concern for their presence. She keeps silent, and a bit remote, seemingly focusing her concentration on something.

Dead bodies. Carcasses. Best case, the two others were caught up in a burial ceremony, or had to treat the people or livestock for an epidemic... but I did not come to this point by assuming the best case. The reek of death is also the reek of undeath.

Anarnís uses Detect Undead, maintaining concentration and sweeping the area ahead of her from side to side in a 180 degree arc, while still moving forward at walking pace.

Winds

2014-08-20, 08:43 PM

Varas notes the odd sound and unpleasant scent, as well as his compatriots disquiet.

"...Hrm. I'm going."

He then quickens to a run, somewhat faster than a man in iron armor usually would...

Going at full speed, rather than keeping pace with Merry. Barbarian Fast Movement cancels out the usual movement penalty of medium armor, leaving 30 feet per movement, therefore 60 per round.

The possibility exists that this isn't going to be a fight, of course, but I'm running in either way.

AMFV

2014-08-20, 11:16 PM

You all continue your cautious movement forward. However the scene as you pass the first house causes even that to come a fairly short stop. There are several bodies strung up to the posts of the fence surrounding the house, on closer inspection you realize that there is straw shoved into their mouths and ears, in what appears to be some of twisted caricature of a scarecrow. The smell appears to be coming from the corpses that you know see littering the streets of the town. Some of them appear to be twisted and posed, often in obscene directions. Most of them have jagged cuts running down their bodies. Glancing around you realize that many of the bodies are defaced, deliberately cut after they were dead from what you can tell. Most of you find yourselves quickly turning away from some of the female corpses after realizing that several them have been desecrated, often horrifically so.

In any case perhaps it's the sudden increase in the wind and the fact that most of you have never seen combat, much less this sort of horror. That you almost fail to notice the figure standing in the middle of the square. He glances up at you and smirks, his hands on a viscous looking farmer's Scythe, worn down and damaged from the slaughter you see. His blond hair falling over his pale face in cacophony of disorder. He stops humming as he notices you, and in that second the Scythe falls. Neatly decapitating Ana. The bodies of the bandits are strewn about him as he smiles at you, and you realize that his teeth are ground almost into points. He's wearing battered and torn leather armor, which looks to be completely bloodstained. His face is also caked with blood, and he appears to be gnawing on

Now is probably a good time for initiative. For the detecting Evil crowd, he is very much Evil you get a Strong Aura.

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Note the Xs are open squares, he is red, buildings are green, you guys are located just north of the map.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-20, 11:27 PM

Oh dear. Ana... Sale, my friend, get ready... something sinister is about to try to kill us. He just killed Ana. Merry licks his lips and prepared for trouble.

[roll0]

Vhaidara

2014-08-21, 05:21 AM

As they come close enough to see the seen, Salèjòso suddenly stops and begins heaving. He recovers after a moment
So...much...evil...

OhMyGodImOnFire

2014-08-21, 01:22 PM

Bringing up the rear of the squad, Tome scans the being before him, and is immediately accosted by flashing red light in his head-up display, a strong aura of evil immediately apparent. Threat level high - exercise extreme caution. Defensive Mode recommended. Pulling the large shield and warhammer strapped to his back, the warforged moves forward warily, stepping in line with his fellow paladins. He holds his shield out before him, dropping into a battle stance.

Initiative: [roll0]

Delaying action until the enemy makes a move first, then react accordingly.

AMFV

2014-08-21, 06:02 PM

He leans on the Scythe, pausing heavily for a second, before taking you all in. Glancing you up and down, he suddenly spits and something red and gnawed falls from his mouth which then twists into a smile that stretches from ear to ear. "Can't you hear it?" He seems to almost giggle as the words fall out of his mouth, in whispers, "Can't you hear the singing voices." He ***** his head to the side, and begins to sing, softly, "Kill, rip, maim, tear..." over and over again his voice rising several pitches as he does.

Please go ahead and place yourselves on the battle area once you've come into field. Initiative order is as follows:
Varas goes on 24.
The Unpleasant Fellow is on 22.
Merry is on 16.
The Elf is on 14
Tome is on 10.

Other than that we can run in standard rounds as far as actions go.

Winds

2014-08-21, 08:40 PM

Varas listens as his allies reel from the man's evil, taking hold of his sword.

"Your voices end here."

With that, he charges, aiming to cut his foe down before he can attack...

Actions:

Non-action: Rage, gaining +4 STR, +4 CON, +2 Will vs morale effects, and -2 AC. Will last 8 rounds.

Charge, using Smite Evil, adding +3 to the attack roll and +1 to the damage.

Using Power Attack as well, losing one BAB and gaining 2 damage.

Total effect:

Attack: [roll0]

On 28 or 29, to confirm critical: [roll1]

Damage: [roll2]

Extra Damage on Crit: [roll3]

Why, yes, it is gong to suck if that misses...

AMFV

2014-08-22, 12:47 PM

He almost sniggers for a second before taking a sudden very forceful swing with his Scythe, as it bites into you, you can feel it burning at your flesh, cold and hot at the same time. Almost as though the blade itself were pulling everything that was good to it and tearing them away. As you feel merciful unconsciousness from the agony of your wounds, you can see him standing over you and laughing.

He hits you for 16 damage, bringing you to -2. As a sidenote for everybody else, he doesn't seem to be looking all that well himself, Varas' hit was very solid (although it did not crit). He sees to be not quite as steady as he was a second ago.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-22, 12:55 PM

Gods, no! Varas! You bastard! Chaav, give me strength! Merry charges beside his fallen comrade, all sense of joy lost at the sight of his ally downed.

Your kind breeds nothing but Misery! By Chaav, I command you to cease to exist!

Unfortunately, Merry isn't actually good at anything yet. But maybe he'll make a solid connection, at least.

[roll0] (MAB = 1, +2 Charge, +3 Smite Evil)
[roll1]

AMFV

2014-08-22, 01:00 PM

He reels back for a second as the blow strikes him. Seemingly stopping his disturbing demeanor if only for a single instant.

Vhaidara

2014-08-22, 01:10 PM

Sale, hearing his comrade's battlecry. likewise charges towards the source of the evil, swinging his staff.
Be vanquished, dark beast!

Charge and Smite the evil that I detect.
Miss chance (over 50 hits): [roll0]
Reroll if needed: [roll1]
Attack: [roll2] (+1 BAB, +1 Str, +3 Wis (Smite), +2 Charge)
Crit: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Crit: [roll5]
This is a magic bludgeoning weapon for DR purposes.

AMFV

2014-08-22, 03:52 PM

You can feel your staff fly through the air as it almost strikes him, narrowly missing him. The aura of evil outside of you seems to recoil in glee. And you can hear him start to whistle sharply falling through various keys as he does so.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-23, 12:00 AM

As Anarnís makes haste to close in on her allies who so bravely charged into the fray, she beseeches Re-Horakhty to aid her fallen companion.

"Great Heru-Ur, breathe new life into Varas, shielding him from the untimely grasp of Anubis."

Anarnís moves such that she is 30 feet away from Varas, then spontaneously converts her prepared Bless spell into Cure Light Wounds, granted Reach through Divine Metamagic (costing all three daily uses of Destroy Undead), healing her compatriot for [roll0] hit points.

OhMyGodImOnFire

2014-08-24, 12:44 PM

Target engaged. Strong combat capabilities. Attempting to subdue.

Setting his shield before him, Tome dashes toward their adversary, warhammer off to his side, ready to be swung at a moments notice in case his attempt to knock the demon over fails. The light in his arm intensifies, and the blue glow from his hand suffuses the hammer as well, filling the air with a thrum. His feet pound the ground as he runs, throwing up clouds of dust with each step.

Attempting to Overrun the opponent:

If he does not avoid and attempts to block, Strength check: [roll0]

If he chooses to avoid, my standard attack: [roll1] (+1 BAB, +3 Strength, +2 Smite, potentially +2 flanking but I'm not sure, so I didn't include it in the roll)
Damage (on-hit): [roll2]

AMFV

2014-08-24, 02:12 PM

He attempts to sidestep your charge. Gasping in shock as your weapon makes contact. He pauses for a second then looks around, almost as if he's listening for something. Then he smirks again, dropping his Scythe and falling to his knees. "I surrender," he seems to be almost laughing at this point. "I leave myself on your mercy kind sirs." He's almost unable to hold his kneeling position to the continuous bouts of laughter but he manages it.

Talking and dropping weapons are free actions. The kneeling thing is mostly poetic license rather than an actual move action, so I hope you'll forgive that. In any case we are out of initiative. If you guys want to know he had not many HP remaining.

4

So it's not like I'm pulling punches in this particular encounter.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-24, 03:02 PM

Merry grit his teeth, and hesitated. You what?! You can't juss Merry looked at the death all around them. You're s'posed ta'... Clenching his jaw, he said nothing else and grabbed the man's scythe. Giving his warforged ally an unsettling look, he relaxed just enough to say, Keep a sharp eye on'em and konk'm on tha 'ead if he does n'thing.

Turning his head again, he looks to see if Varas is alive or not.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-24, 03:28 PM

So the monster turns out to be a coward as well... I prefer an enemy who fights to the death.

A cold, unfeeling tone takes over Anarnís' voice as she instructs those closer to the kneeling murderer.

"Bind him. Bind his hands and feet, we carry him if we must, and gag him, we can interrogate him later. Search his clothing and hair for hidden weapons. Do not waste time being gentle."

She then goes off in search of survivors, particularly survivors in need of healing, shouting and hoping for an answer.

"Can anyone hear me? You are safe now. There is no longer any reason to hide."

Winds

2014-08-24, 03:41 PM

Varas stands, somewhat shaken.

"That hurt. A lot. Thank you for healing me."

He moves over to the Unpleasant Fellow...

"Your surrender is accepted. Go to sleep."

...And attempts to knock him of with the flat of his blade.

I assume it isn't really needed since the guy isn't trying to fight anymore, but an attack roll anyhow:

Attack: [roll0] (Accounts for penalty for dealing nonlethal)
Crit confirm, on result of 21 or 22: [roll1]

Nonlethal Damage: [roll2]
Additional on Crit: [roll3]

Vhaidara

2014-08-24, 04:33 PM

Sale looks at the man. His voice betrays a hint of sorrow.
It is good that you have sanity enough to surrender. There may yet be hope for your soul, lost one.
Then his comrade knocks the creature unconscious.
I suppose it could not be helped.

AMFV

2014-08-24, 06:39 PM

There is only the whistle of the now howling wind through the empty town. As even the madman falls silent unconscious on the ground.

OhMyGodImOnFire

2014-08-24, 07:50 PM

Tome watches as the creature is captured and subdued, his mind putting pieces together that may or may not fit. He approaches the group, kneeling to inspect the body while the others worked with it. For the first time since the start of their adventure, a metallic voice emanates from the warforged. "I believe it would be unwise to leave this individual along with the other prisoners we recently acquired," he states, "the eagerness with which both parties surrendered is suspect, and their proximity does not help the case either. However, it does mean we would require someone else to watch one while I watch the other - built as I am, I would be unable to maintain vigilance on two corners of the camp."

When the others are finished, Tome begins his inspection of the body up close, peeling back clothing and body parts to look for any telltale signs of occult or demonic intervention, all the while digging through the archives of his mind, looking for any matches that could shed some light on this unusual monstrosity.

Not sure if I should be making any rolls to investigate his body - perhaps a Spot check? [roll0]
This would involve peeling back lips and eyelids, looking behind the ears, neck, and any other exposed skin - I won't go digging deeper unless given permission by someone with more authority.

As for the Knowledge (Religion) roll: [roll1]

Also, just as an FYI, I changed my skills around to match the class skills given by Warforged Paladin (far more restrictive). Given that I get 6 skill points a level, with 4x skill points at the beginning, I had no choice but to max out every class skill that I would have at the moment... including a Profession. *shudder*

AMFV

2014-08-24, 11:18 PM

The wind slightly starts to die down as the figure continues into unconsciousness. While none of you have any equipment for restraining the captive, there is enough rope and garments to fashion makeshift bindings, you hope that they're sufficient to hold, and they seem study enough. In any case the prisoner doesn't make a sound as he starts to groggily awaken. But he remains silent as the large and odd robot stands over him, inspecting him.

His wounds don't seem too deep, but you can see that they aren't the only wounds he bears. There are marks that have been cut into his flesh, possibly self-inflicted but you aren't too sure. You can't see that much on a quick observation. However one thing you do note is that the cuts are too precise, they're a deliberate pattern carved into his face.

You don't recognize the symbology itself, they're clearly some kind of religious symbol. But it's not Celestial, or at least you don't think it is. It's almost like a sort of twisting of celestial, with words cut in jagged ways, of course it's hard to tell since it's carved onto the flesh of a face. You don't recongize any of the specific symbols, but they do make you feel, very, very uneasy.

As Anaris enters the building, she almost has to gag, if the scenes of carnage outside the building were terrible, the scenes inside are almost worse. The poor family is bound together, with nicks along their bodies, and clear signs of torture, sadly there are no signs of life present in any of the bodies. From the horrific cuts, and burn marks, this almost seems a mercy. Even the young children seem to have not been spared if anything they've got deeper burns and scars. All of the eyes are what you notice most though in that, they're wide open as if in absolute terror. Also there have been cuts made near the bottom of the eyes, almost as if to represent tears.

The man starts to wake up, at the same instant Anaris leaves. "You needn't look, don't worry your pretty little head, they're all dead." He laughs, again moving into a sing-song tone, mocking at the same times, "All dead, no pretty Paladins to save them, you were too late, too late," he giggles before lurching convulsively, not seeming to test the makeshift bonds, but rather almost jerking spasmodically in them. "Can't you hear the singing, I hear it, so sweet, in my head. It's been trying for so long to be heard again, and now I heard it, and I brought the singing to everybody." He pauses, as if in sudden confusion. Before glancing up at you, "I killed them, like the disgusting little worms they are, wriggling about in the dirt, they didn't grow new worms though, just died," He looks from face to face for a second, "now I'm in the hands of those who can't kill, can't do even a little thing. Such an easy thing to do, just one little press of the hands on a little neck"

Let me know if this gets too creepy, this guy is physically exhausting for me to play, but I figured if you guys wanted to have the real dilemma of a prisoner, I'd have to up the stakes some. Also Anaris, you weren't close enough to shut him up as you were busy leaving the house, you probably could strike him now though.

Vhaidara

2014-08-25, 04:35 AM

Salejoso lays a hand on the man's shoulder.
We can kill. Had you not surrendered we would have killed you. But our power is that we choose not to. We choose to save instead. You can still be saved, if you are willing to try.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-25, 06:46 AM

All-powerful in one moment; the sad, broken husk of a man in the next. Such is often the path of the evildoer.

Not being the one to blindly trust the word of a raving lunatic, the elf continues her search, still mostly to look for unlikely survivors... but also in part for the very reason of exposing herself to the madman's evil, to take it in, to explore the darkness inside him. All the better to prepare herself for what may lay ahead. She turns into herself, ignoring his inane chatter, and proceeds with her grim investigation.

There are places, and hearts, that the light of Ra never reaches.

Anarnís will keep up the desperate search for anyone in need of help, and for that matter her mental categorisation of the gruesome murders that took place, until someone gives her a reason to do otherwise (as I have the feeling she will hardly be done soon). She has faded the world out a little, and is not immediately concerned with getting back to the caravan as fast as possible, but she will probably snap out of it if someone takes a bit of initiative.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-25, 12:38 PM

Someone needs to either drag that man to our higher ups, or bring our higher ups here. I think it'd be easier to hold him here, so I am going to go back and send someone down.

Merry seems to have not yet lost his foul mood. After taking a long drink from the flask at his hip, he starts walking with some haste back to the carava.

Hustling for now, but after I break line of sight, I will sprint.

Winds

2014-08-25, 04:37 PM

Varas stands guard over the prisoner.

"Such an easy thing, indeed. I find it interesting, that you so readily admit how small you are."

Keeping a ready action to smack him down (nonlethal) if he does something untoward.

AMFV

2014-08-25, 08:31 PM

As Anaris goes through the houses, she continues to find that there are no survivors, it appears that in one this one instance the madman has spoken clearly. He's notably quiet as she does this, occasionally humming but not saying anything. His head turned slightly upwards as though he's listening to something, something only he can hear. The rest of the village appears to be fairly quiet, there is evidence that the massacre happened a few days ago. However there is one interesting thing. On one of the houses at the outskirts of the village, there is a scene of absolute carnage, the bodies aren't just cut or tortured they're literally torn apart and shredded and there's blood all over the walls. The smell is pretty intense, but clearly that's a place where he spent more time on this particular "work" than he had on others.

Sadly for Varas' sake, he seems to have relaxed somewhat, almost fallen into a trancelike state. He seems only half-aware of what is going on in front of him, humming off-key and occasionally muttering.

Merry makes it almost halfway down the hill at a hustle before almost colliding with Mellryia who glances him over sharply. "What's taking so long?" she asks more shortly than perhaps she might have. Her eyes are narrowed though and she seems on edge.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-25, 10:47 PM

Merry raises a finger to catch his breath. A madman, a hellishly evil madman has murdered the entire village. The two we sent down with the bandits, and the bandits themselves are among the dead in the village. We captured the madman, but he appears to have some form of magically aided healing. We need a senior paladin on spot at once. Don't bring the caravan down though... the scene is... it's... Merry shakes his head as vivid images still his tongue. The fewer people that see the carnage, the better. It's... Once more his words fail him. The madman is strong though. He felled Varas with one stroke. Varas did recover, however, thanks to healing from the elf.

AMFV

2014-08-26, 05:33 PM

She stops for a second, if only a split second, and the trace of something crosses her face. "Go report to Mortagh." She says, sharply, before starting to move up the hill, running very quickly. Crossing the same distance as Merry in less than half the time.

Run Feat FTW

darklink_shadow

2014-08-26, 06:56 PM

Merry nodded and sighed as he went back to running. Damned short dwarven legs. Merry chuckled for a moment at another thought, but otherwise just ran all the way to the Paladin Captain.

AMFV

2014-08-26, 07:23 PM

Just as Merry started to run down the hill, Melyria rushed into the town. She seemed to take note of things rather quickly. And paused, not having the rush of adrenaline that had helped most of you through the initial few moments of the carnage. She heaved for a second. "R... report..." she managed to stammer, sounding much more terse than she would have otherwise and glancing at the Paladin recruits standing in front of her, and the unpleasant figure in the center of the village.

Vhaidara

2014-08-26, 07:27 PM

Sale sighs.
Sadly, our comrades have fallen. We were able to severely wound the killer, but he surrendered. It is possible that we may be able to redeem his soul, but it shall not be easy. Madness seems to have gripped him. He slaughtered the town like it was a game.

OhMyGodImOnFire

2014-08-26, 11:04 PM

Tome watches as the looks on the other paladins' pallor faces, and the heaving motion of lady Melyria. Disgust, he notes curiously, this is disgust.

"Perhaps to him, it was a game," he says.

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-27, 04:06 AM

Anarnís tries to find if there is anything different about the house of remark, or indeed the victims inside, trying to commit each detail to memory.

This might have been where it all started... his house perhaps, or that of someone important to him, someone he particularly disliked... or liked... or perhaps it ended here, and he was unable to just stop. Either way, this may be significant.

Provided she hears the rather mild commotion outside, she rejoins the others to 'welcome' their superior to the scene.

Emphasis in all-italics text is always an interesting thing to do.

AMFV

2014-08-27, 05:26 PM

Melyria takes for her part a very long second to recover from the carnage. She fixes the prisoner with a beady stare, that takes entirely too long to fade away. "Alright, are there any survivors?" She manages weakly, as if trying to find something to do. Her eyes moving away from the carnage. She seems completely out of her depth. Something that none of you have ever seen from her. As she passes another set of corpses she starts to heave again. Her eyes widening.

The prisoner, doesn't even seem to act as though she exists. His jeering has stopped and he seems to be sitting almost in tranquility, or as close to that as you've seen him. He turns to the three of you and smirks, whispering as though he intends to impart some secret, he sniggers before speaking, "Look at the little elfling, she's never seen anything like this. And she's supposed to be teaching you..." He laughs out loud, which carries a goodly distance before it's drowned out by the wind which moves a great deal further. All the way down to the caravan where Merry has just arrived out of breath.

I figured this would give an opportunity for banter both directions and allow us to have both threads going at the same time. Essentially the things from the bottom and the top of the hill ar going to be treated as happening simultaneously and I'll be responding to both in single posts.

darklink_shadow

2014-08-27, 05:48 PM

Merry pants heavily, and then moves to address Mortagh. Mortagh! A word. Quickly. Merry moved away from the caravan a ways, hoping to get out of earshot of the civilians, not wanting to worry them.

Winds

2014-08-27, 08:34 PM

"Anaris is looking, but does not seem to have found any."

Varas looks back at the town, his expression grim.

"I bear hope, not expectation. As for him...Something's odd about him. When he struck me, it didn't hurt me much in body...it's my spirit that felt it more than anything. But that looks like a farmer's sythe, not a weapon."

TheDragonmaster

2014-08-27, 09:22 PM

Hoping to exclude the prisoner from the exchange, Anarnís addresses Melyria in elven when rejoining the group. She sounds emotionally detached, even for her.

"I fear there are no survivors in town, whoever may have escaped the carnage must have fled town. Which raises the question about how he surprised that many without causing a panic in the first place... more than the physical violence of a deranged man may be behind this massacre. There is a pattern to the murders, but one site in particular stands out... you may want to see it for yourself."

Assuming that would not be against regulations or something, given the international cooperation thing.

OhMyGodImOnFire

2014-08-28, 12:55 AM

A thought occurs to Tome. "Miss Anarnís," he vocalizes, "did you notice any patterns in the way any of the bodies were arranged? Special symbols, perhaps? It would also be telling as to whether the bodies are all within their homes, or out on the street; if they look as though they died calmly, or as a result of a struggle; any blood patterns that may indicate either a victim crawled or was dragged?"

AMFV

2014-08-28, 08:07 PM

Melyria sighs, and moves towards the house, catching herself a few more times as she does this. She walks into the house and doesn't come out, at least not for several minutes as you are all standing around the prisoner. Anarnis did not find any patterns of note, or at least none that she was able to ascertain in her search, although to be fair she wasn't really looking for that so much as searching for survivors.

The prisoner has now fallen totally silent, slumped over, he seems to be almost sleeping surrounded by all the carnage. Which is certainly surreal and unpleasant to behold. That he could seem so quiet after having done... all of this.

If you guys want a more thorough Search, you'll actually have to roll it, although you've probably found almost everything.

Meanwhile...

"What is it, Merry?" Mortagh says, curtly, sounding worried as he steps away from the rest of the caravan, apparently noting the value of discretion as well.