IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

[Felhammer]

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Although the monarchy of Thrane has been superseded by the Church, that does not mean the monarchy is without a position of influence or power. The current Queen, Diani ir’Wynarn, has done what she what was required of her, politically speaking, to become an advisor of the Keeper of the Flame (the secular and religious leader of the Theocracy). The growing crisis in the east has greatly troubled both the Queen and the Keeper. Both fear a regional war could easily explode into a continuation of the Last War, especially now that Karrnath has forcibly involved itself into the conflict. With the Keeper’s permission, the Queen is sending a close personal friend - Ayrhil ir'Athore – to Karrnath on a mission to urge the nations that will soon be embroiled in a war towards peace. Although this is being done without the consent of the Cardinals, the mission nevertheless has the blessing of the Keeper and the Queen.

Ayrhil ir'Athore has gathered around her a dedicated team of experts, mages and warriors – resolute people who possess the skillsets she needs for her true mission – to spy upon the warring nations and nudge events such that Thrane will benefit. Thrane is not ready for another war. The Theocracy is beset by enemies on all sides, Thrane lacks the resources to combat a war on all fronts once more. Although war is regrettable, it would be more regrettable if said war engulfed the homeland. Ir’Athore has many connections spread throughout the Five Kingdoms and beyond. With her connections and her team’s unique skillsets, the true mission of this band of unlikely allies can – and will be – a success!


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You find yourselves aboard the Cloudsong, one of House Lyrander's newest luxury airships, designed specifically for speed and elegance. This new line of airship has been specifically designed to ferry the nobility, the near-do-well, the wealthy and government officials around the continent in style. The ship is captained by Catlina d'Lyrandar. A veteran of the Last War, she captained many House Lyrandar vessels as they ferried dead, dying and injured soldiers away from battlefields along the Breeland-Thrane border, back to command camps and hospitals far from the front lines. Shortly before the end of the war, a goblinoid catapult misfired, sending a massive bolder straight into her airship. The ship crash landed, killing all hands on board, save for Catalia. She did not survive unscathed however, she lost her left leg and right eye.

Rumor has it, Catalina was once a pleasant woman. Now she is more reserved and standoffish, preferring the solace of the wheel or the solitude of her cabin to the oft frivolous and ephemeral whims of the guests she ferries to and fro.

The First Mate, a chipper, outgoing Half-Elf named Nathanar d'Lyrandar, has attended to the guests with the diligence of a veteran captain and stalwart host. Although he is young, perhaps only twenty-five, he has shown a remarkable aptitude in judging situations and responding to questions and inquiries with the acumen of someone twenty years his senior. Nathanar has seen to all of the guests' needs, both small and large.

As you walk about the deck of the Cloudsong, you find that the ship seems to natively have four ballistae turrets installed on the upper deck. Before venturing forth to Karrnath, fully six more ballistae were hastily installed. Clearly someone deemed the defense of the Ambassador warranted such a marked increase the offensive capabilities of the ship.

The crew of the Cloudsong seem on edge. This was a sudden detour from their normal route, heading from Flamekeep to Fairhaven, done in the dead of night with little notice given to the crew. The added defenses have done little to waylay their unease.

Currently, Ambassador Ayrhil ir'Athore is sitting upon a red-velvet sofa in the back room of the second floor of the Lounge. She is sipping a glass of red wine. The mercenaries that she hired are arrayed around the small room with her. She sighs as she rolls up the latest issue of the Fairhaven Evening Post. The back room is circular in shape and surrounded by glass windows. Sadly, it is nighttime, so little can be seen. Thunder can be heard off in the distance, a storm seems to be making its way across northern Thrane and Southern Aundair, set to slam into eastern Karrnath by the morning.

"We will be arriving in Rekkenmark soon," states the Ambassador, "This little Dragonshard dispute could see the whole of eastern Khorivaire embroiled in a bitter war. The Keeper and the Queen have asked that I - and thus you - work to prevent the war. In their own way, both are idealists. I - however - am a realist. The dragonshards in that mine are worth going to war over and any nation with a claim would be foolish not to at least attempt to seize the mine."

"My hope is that we can perhaps localize the war in the south by... Nudging Karrnath away from entangling itself too deeply in the conflict. However, my contacts in Valenar say that the elves are mobilizing for a full scale invasion into the Talenta Plains, so perhaps that is a pipe dream. Without Karrnath to back the halflings, I do not see how they can withstand the full force of a Valenar invasion. The halflings will be forced to cede their claim very quickly... The same could be said of Q'Barra but its dense jungle will prove a great hindrance to the elven cavalry, so at the very least they will be spared the horrors of the elven horde, although the defensive nature of the jungles will do little to protect the mine, which rests in the mountains.

If no other nation were to intervene, then I would place my bet on Valenar. They are militant enough and coordinated enough to pull this ploy off. However, if Karrnath - or any other kingdom - becomes involved then, well, the entire dynamic changes.

"If our gambit for peace (or at the very least a compromise all sides can agree to) fails, then war will come to the east. At that point, Thrane will have to pick a side. Whom do we back? Do we simply give tacit approval and political cover to the nation we side with, or do we intervene monetarily, logistically or even militarily?

Unfortunately, no matter what we do, Thrane is not positioned well, geographically speaking, to help any of the belligerents in a coming war. We are surrounded by potential enemies on all sides. Any aid or soldiers we send must travel over, through or near other realms' territory." She sighs, "Things to think about for the coming days, I suppose."

She stands up and gazes outside, "When we dock in the city, soldiers from the Rekkenmark Academy will escort us to the secret meeting place with a man named Jarack ir'Ruthermont, a man I am told has the complete confidence of King Kaius III. The negotiations will begin post haste."

"My contacts in Audndair, Breland and Karrnath tell me that there are powerful forces moving against our peace effort. We must be wary of any and all plots that may be thrown against us..."

At that point a hulking warforged enters the room. His massive frame is made from adamantine. Blue flames have been engraved across the man's body. Upon his chest is the radiant symbol of the Silver Flame. Upon his back are two well-worn double-headed great axes.

A wide smiles crosses Ayrhil ir'Athore's face. She brushes back her fair and greets the newcomer warmly, "Hello, Slasher."

The warforged nods, "My lady. The Captain asked that I inform you dinner will be served in twenty minutes. I am told dinner will consist of meat, vegetables and various starches."

The ambassador laughs, "Well, that sounds... Delightful."

Ayrhil stands up and asks, "Tell me Slasher, what do you think of the dragonshard dispute?"

The Warforged nonchalantly replies, "We should back whomsoever gives us a cut of the dragonshard pie."

"Interesting... What if that means going to war?"

"Then we fight. We kill. We win. None can stand against the might of the Theocracy." He looks over to the others in the room, "Do you not agree, mercenaries?"

You see a flash of lightning outside. For a second, you could swear you saw the outline of another airship, out in the storm clouds...

You notice that Slasher immediately sizes you up.


Please add your own modifiers for a History Check:

- Gerard Barrimovd'Deneith: [roll0]
- "Lee": [roll1]
- Caimhe d'Tharashk: [roll2]
- Koebu: [roll3]
- Muricia d'Vadalis: [roll4]
- Takashtai: [roll5]


Slasher is a renown warrior, wholly dedicated to Thrane, the Silver Flame and to the Cardinals who oversee the country. He is a mad berserker on the battlefield, known for his ability to shrug off wounds that would kill any other person (warforged or not). He fought ferociously against Cyre, where he is known was Thrane's Headhunter, due to his uncanny knack for severing people's heads from their bodies. It is said there are whole valleys in, what is now the Mournland, filled to the brim with the heads he had severed...

[Merilan]

"I don't suppose you could use a washed-up retainer of House Tharashk? I'm last year's model, but I work very cheap."

Cheap enough, as it turned out, that all that Caimhe really wanted was her own basket to doze off on the ship and a pet on the head or two per day and for some poor squaddie to go play fetch with her. Even now, the ex-retainer of the House of Finding appears to... ...

Well.

She's nestled in her own basket at the foot of the Ambassador's red-velvet sofa, dozing off as a fuzzy ball of fluffy white fur, her tail wagging to and fro in an indelibly lazy manner. By the way one of her fuzzy ears perked up, though, one had to assume she was listening ... ... maybe ... it's hard to tell with Caimhe.

Is she taking this seriously at all?

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Maybe... maybe not...

[Geckus]

Takashtai stood by a port-side window, one hand resting lightly on the cold glass as she stared into the darkness, watching for the flickering of lightning in the distant storm. She had not had many opportunities to fly in an airship before, and certainly not in one so well-appointed as the Cloudsong. In keeping with the setting, she wore a turquoise gown accented with a silver belt and necklace, the latter of which was set with a clear diamond; without the finely crafted blade at her hip, one would be hard pressed to image her a warrior. She turned slightly to face the room as the Ambassador spoke, not wishing to be impolite to her employer – she had learned long ago that those people not of her own blood often felt ignored if they were not faced directly when speaking.

Though she said nothing, Takashtai agreed with much of what Ayrhil said; war seemed likely, but any effort to forestall it or at least minimize its spread was worthwhile. The faction of most concern to the kalashtar paladin, however, escaped the summary of the situation – unsurprising given how little they were known or understood by any but her own people. Riedra, and by extension the Dreaming Dark, had a presence in Q’barra through treaties with New Galifar, and she had little doubt they would seek to influence events to their own benefit. Hence Takashtai accepting a mercenary contract that would put her in a position to oppose their efforts, should any come to light.

“You are refreshingly direct, sir, but if none could stand against the might of the Theocracy, the Last War would have ended quite differently than it did, would it not? Thrane is strong, no doubt, and made more so by their faith in the Flame, but strength is not enough to ensure victory.” Her impassive gaze rested on the warforged a moment longer before she added, “Hopefully this goes well enough that you’ll not need to prove me wrong.”

[Dimers]

Lee


The Warforged nonchalantly replies, "We should back whomsoever gives us a cut of the dragonshard pie."

"Interesting... What if that means going to war?"

"Then we fight. We kill. We win. None can stand against the might of the Theocracy. Do you not agree, mercenaries?"

Lee stops petting the white canine and stands up from her squatting posture, making no response to Slasher's evaluating stare. Her calming, emotionally neutral lilt closely follows Takashtai's words. "Please be advised: 'Slasher' has provided advice optimal only for belligerence. Thrane would realize a better ratio of expenditure to benefit from making separate agreements with all parties not to enter war for a percentage share of mined dragonshards." She holds in place a moment as if waiting for a counterpoint in a debate.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard stands apart from the rest of the delegation, near the side of the cabin where he can gain a vantage on everything going on. He isn't paying much attention to Lady ir'Athore. He knows the stakes. His job is to make sure no harm befalls the Lady and her team. To that end, he continues keeping an eye on things. The crew were notified last minute, and the trip embarked upon hastily. Things may have been missed in the commotion, intentionally or not. He eyes the large white dog near Ayrhil, he doesn't remember reading about the dog on the manifest. It's probably a pet, but best to ask about it.

Without warning, a massive warforged enters the cabin and Ayrhil greets him, Hello Slasher.

Slasher. Gerard knows the name. A Thranish 'forged infamous for his ability to withstand punishment, even above and beyond what the warforged were known for. It's rumored that they lost track of his confirmed kill count because there were too many, and soldiers fell before him too quickly. Gerard's hand instinctively moves to the haft of his spear, held on a quick-release catch mounted on the back of his armor. But he catches himself. Even after several years, it's hard to see a warforged and not think of the countless battlefields he had been on. But the warforged seems more interested in another 'forged in the room, and a discussion about the current political climate.

For his part, Gerard doesn't want to see more war. But partly he feels it is inevitable. Without a united Galifar, how could all the nations believe that they will exist in peace? How, when a single mine threatens to plunge them back into the war? The only way the war can end in lasting peace is in a united kingdom.

The storm turns his attention to the outside, and he walks over to the windows spanning the rear of the cabin. Just then, in a flash of lightning, he sees what appears to be another ship hiding in the storm clouds. Do we have an escort I wasn't told about? he thinks out loud. His instincts tell him no.

Alert the crew and the ship's defenders, there is an airship tailing us, using the storm clouds for cover! Lady ir'Athore, we must get you away from the windows and to a more secure location. He draws his greatspear, Tell the pilot to ready evasive maneuvers, and prepare for a boarding action!

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Muricia stands off to one side, arms crossed and a cross look on her face as she listened to the ambassador. Not even at their destination yet and already there was talk of which sides to exploit in the coming war. So much for peace.

She might have said as much, had they not been interrupted by the hulking engine of destruction that called itself "Slasher." While she respected their abilities she had little love for these Cannith constructs, and hearing one drone on about its own brand of theology (but was its beliefs really its own?) did little to endear it to her. There was something... curious about the other one though, and she couldn't help but smile slightly at the sight of it petting the white wolf that had been lounging all throughout their journey.

Pondering those thoughts Muricia gazed out the window at the storm, and just happened to catch the outline of a ship shadowing them. Instinctively she turned back to the people in the cabin, her cross expression replaced with one of alarm. She gave a brisk nod to Gerard, who'd spotted it as well.

"Right, you do that, I'll head topside with Adisa and get a better look at what we're dealing with."

Not wasting any time, Muricia bolted out of the room and headed to where her steed was stabled.

[Felhammer]

"You dare question the might of the Theocracy, cur?" He stands up straight and tall, looming over Takashtai. "Thrane only lost because it was forced to fight a war on all sides. If fought one on one, none would have been able to repel this great nation."


He looks over to Gerard, a modicum of respect can be seen between the two warriors. Clearly the Warforged respects Gerard, or more likely, the House he represents. "I am not here as an escort or a guard. I am here at the request of the Cardinals of Thrane. A priest of the Silver Flame has been... Abused by worshipers of old, dying religions. I have been sent to ensure the priest is... Shown the respect due a man of his station. The Ambassador and I were headed to the same city. It makes sense to... Utilize the same ship."

If Slasher had eyes, he would have rolled them as he looks down upon Lee, "A weak willed Warforged does not deserve the name WARforged. They should call you PEACEforged"

At the behest of Gerard and Muricia, the party lunges out of the lounge and races out onto the upper deck of the Cloudsong. Muricia runs over to her griffin and mounts up. With every lightning strike, the party can see the ship as it is silhouetted against the gray-black clouds. The Captain orders the crew to battle stations. All ten of the ballistae are manned. The Ambassador is taken below deck.

Slasher begins to follow Ayrhil but then decides to remain on the upper deck. He positions himself next to Gerard, "My ghulra is tingling. Battle is coming." He draws his two over-sized great axes, "It has been two months since I decapitated a man. My axes hunger."

The other airships is smaller than the Cloudsong, perhaps only three quarters the length. It resembles a proper ship of war, rather than the luxury liner, like Cloudsong. Uniquely, it seems to have three fire elemental rings, rather than the usual one... The other ship is heading towards the Cloudsong's aft from the north west.

- Gerard Barrimovd'Deneith: [roll0]
- "Lee": [roll1]
- Caimhe d'Tharashk: [roll2]
- Koebu: [roll3]
- Muricia d'Vadalis: [roll4]
- Takashtai: [roll5]

The Ship is about ten miles away and gaining fast. The ship is moving very, very fast for an Airship. This is probably due to the extra elemental rings. You would guess that its top speed is probably double that of the Cloudsong's. You can barely make out the presence of people on the deck, although from this distance, you cannot tell much more than that.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard gives a curt nod to Muricia, Be careful out there. Mind the storm!

The group rushes to the upper deck, where preparations are made with impressive speed and precision. Gerard stands ready, Slasher coming up beside him, My ghulra is tingling. Battle is coming. It has been two months since I decapitated a man. My axes hunger. Gerard gives the 'forged a sidelong glance, his marshal tendencies showing themselves, Try to keep a head or two intact Slasher. We may be able to get some answers that way.

His gaze returns to the smaller ship, Have any of you seen an airship like this before? Small size, three rings. She's moving fast, I'd say twice as fast as we are. She's about ten miles out, but gaining on us quickly.

[Merilan]

It's so noisy...

Caimhe stretched on her comfortable basket and yawned, before shaking her head and sticking her tongue out. Lee's comfortable petting had stopped, which was a royal disappointment, she'd have everyone know. The warforged knew how to ticke her most comfortable spots! Alas, it was probably time to pay the piper what's due. She ambled on out and padded along on all fours, sniffing a little as she glanced over to the Ambassador. While theirs wasn't the most airtight of operations, she had to wonder how they had someone on their tail so quickly. Could there have been someone tipping them off, perhaps? Ah, the questions...

Up on deck, the wolf let out an unsatisfied purr as she kept low and out of sight, peering towards the other ship. Curious, a relic with three rings. Was there any clue to be had from that, perhaps?

Arcana, perhaps? [roll0] +9 if so, or if it's History (+8) or some other skill...?

[Felhammer]

You have heard of experimental Airship designs from House Cannith that utilizes more elemental rings. These extra rings would give the ship a significantly faster speed. It would also allow the ship to perform vastly more complicated complicated maneuvers because you can compel the bound elementals to do different things at the same time.

Additionally, House Cannith was working on weaponing the elemental rings to perform explosive fiery attacks while maintaining speed and course. Of course the cost for these added features is binding three elementals, which means you are three times as likely to have issues and (unless you have an exceptional individual) you will need three crew members compelling the fire elementals to do what needs to be done, which takes an inordinate amount of coordination, which is why House Cannith largely abandoned the design concept.

[Merilan]

Well, it's time...

The wolf focused for a moment, and there was a seamless shift as the white-furred form transitioned towards a taller, white-haired lady in white and black robes, a blade resting on her sheath. The left side of her face bore old, dried mottled scars that had rather distinctly shaven off a good portion of her skin.

Caimhe grimaced for a moment. About... fifteen minutes' go-time, maybe? Painkillers are starting to wear off... She could already feel her body's acid-like spasms catch up to the movement of her ligaments and joints. Everything hurt.

"It's a Cannith skunkwork model," she spoke lightly, with a nonchallant expression as she turned a smirk. "Three rings, three elementals, three times the speed and firepower... three times the chances of trouble. Hit the elementals or their handlers and you'd do well to bring that ship down, I'd say. Left or right side ought to wreck havoc on that ship's balance something fierce."

[Geckus]

Takashtai


"You dare question the might of the Theocracy, cur?" He stands up straight and tall, looming over Takashtai. "Thrane only lost because it was forced to fight a war on all sides. If fought one on one, none would have been able to repel this great nation."

“Perhaps, but that was not the war they faced, was it? Nor would it likely be what they face should it break out anew.” Responding almost unconsciously to the warforged’s threatening posture, Takashtai shifted her position and stance slightly, ingrained training and instinct ensuring that she had room to draw even while her conscious mind was assured that there was no need. “As I said, strength is not enough.”

With further discussion forestalled by the revelation of a trailing craft, Takashtai willed the transformation of her clothing, the turquoise gown shifting away in the blink of an eye to be replaced by a suit of lightweight silver plate and chain. Rather than rush up to the main deck, she remained near the Ambassador until she was safely ensconced in her cabin, then retrieved her shield before heading to the upper deck, where she positioned herself at the entrance to the most direct route below decks. Knowing that she lacked the tools or expertise to engage the other ship directly, positioning herself to impede any boarders from reaching non-combatants seemed the best use of her talents.

Passive 27 Insight - was Slasher genuinely upset by Taki's comment, or just naturally belligerent?

[Felhammer]

Yes, Slasher took great offense to your insinuation that Thrane is weak. He is clearly an ultra-patriot.

[Dimers]

Lee

The brightly-painted smaller 'forged stays in place for a moment after Slasher addresses her, opalescent eyes opened wide. Then another voice -- male, muffled, and rather nebbish -- issues from her torso. "Lee, I know what you're feeling, and you are instructed to stop. You will count your victories in lives saved rather than lives snuffed." Her expression doesn't change, but she shifts to a more balanced posture.

When Gerard d'Deneith reports the trailing ship and gives general instructions, Lee looks to the Ambassador for confirmation. Seeing no negation, she follows Ayrhil's other escorts to the deck and stands ready to receive directions. She asks d'Deneith, "What tactics are likely to be employed against us if the unidentified craft attacks? Ramming, ballista fire, spellcraft?"

When the white dog transforms into a woman, Lee looks thoroughly surprised. Apparently she hadn't been aware of the true nature of the 'pet'. The warforged listens attentively to Caimhe's explanation.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

The strange delegation is enough to take Gerard's eyes off the storm clouds and enemy ship for a moment. Between the summoned armor, a warforged with two voices, and a transforming dog, Gerard isn't sure what to think. Clearly, not everyone is what they seem to be. Still looking at the others, he asks Slasher, Any surprises you have that I should know about?

The smaller warforged asks, What tactics are likely to be employed against us if the unidentified craft attacks? Ramming, ballista fire, spellcraft?

Lee right? I'm Gerard. Good question. I'm not rightly sure. It's a strange design if you can tell from this distance. My guess is it's built more for speed than mass, so I don't think they'll ram us. Probably not much room for many ballista either. We should probably expect magic. It could be that they're just tailing us, using the storm for cover, but they're moving too fast for that. They'll overtake us for sure if we keep these speeds.

The dog woman interjects, It's a Cannith skunkwork model. Three rings, three elementals, three times the speed and firepower... three times the chances of trouble. Hit the elementals or their handlers and you'd do well to bring that ship down, I'd say. Left or right side ought to wreck havoc on that ship's balance something fierce.

Gerard's gaze turns to her and he holds it for a second too long perhaps, wondering who and what she is, Then they'll come in hard and fast, hoping to take us out quick to avoid trouble with the elementals. I'm not too familiar with airship design. How hard would it be for the ballistamen to damage the rings?

[dariathalon]

Koebu

The halfling Koebu had been sitting on the floor below decks, with his knees drawn up near his chest. The still-young man had dark hair that was cropped into a ragged mop on his brow. He wore chain armor, but he had various furs wrapped around him somewhat disguising it under their bulk. He had sharp features, with deep-set eyes. He sat listening to the discussion in silence as the big people argued around him.

When the ship was spotted, Koebu followed the others above decks. He hurried along side them, over to the edge of the decks to get as close of a look at the ship as he could. "What do you think, Fenti?" he asks. He turns back to look over his shoulder, and where nothing had been standing a moment before there now stood a small raptor-like dinosaur. The creature spirit always took on the appearance of its current surroundings, so standing here on the deck of a wooden airship, Fenti appeared to be a creature of wood and air, a mass of woodchips swirling around within its form. The spirit let out a small snarl in response.

"If only the spirits had shown me this ship's pursuit, I could have slowed its chase. It moves too fast though, it would still would overtake us. Who would have sent this ship? Cannith? Or did they just build the vessel? We should seek to take hostages if we can. Questions will need to be answered."

[Merilan]

Caimhe rubbed at her chin slowly and said, estimating, "In this weather, against a ship that fast, I would not place a bet on it. They'll use both cloud cover and positioning to protect themselves from the bulk of our cannon fire." She glanced over towards where Muricia is. "My best guess would be a fast surgical strike -- get close, drop infiltrators in, get what they came for, get out. Thus, it'd be in our favor to take the initiative..."

She pointed to the griffon-master. "You think you can outspeed that spitfire of a ship? How many of us can you carry?"

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Poised atop her mount, Muricia had been about to launch into the wild blue yonder when she was taken aback by the wolf's sudden transformation into quite a striking woman. For as observant as she likes to consider herself, she did not see that coming. There had to be a story there, she thought.

She listened intently to the back-and-forth about their pursuer, and though not keen on the ins and outs of engineering she at least understood what to keep her eyes out for.

"I don't know, but I'll see if I can make out any weak points," she replied to Gerard's question.

She had no reply for the spirit's, but gave it a respectful nod, glad as she was to have even one of them on their side.

"Outspeed? No, not likely. Best Adisa and I can hope for is to keep a nearer distance from our ship than theirs," she replied to wolf-girl. "As far as a strike team goes, hmm, well Adisa's not built for ferrying passengers, but I figure she could take one more... maybe two if our shaman's one of them."


And then they were off, griffon and rider soaring into the sky. No matter how many times she had taken off, Muricia always found it exhilarating.

"Kyheeeh!" Adisa called out in agreement, though there was certainly some storm-caused anxiety there as well.

"Don't worry girl, we'll be careful. Nothing you and I haven't seen before!" she reassured her.

Once aloft, the two attempted to fly a broad holding pattern, falling behind the Cloudsong a ways before backtracking, then repeating it again and again until the trailing ship was in clear enough view, all while minding the storm.


I don't know if you want me to make active Perception and/or Acrobatics checks to avoid the storm, but if I have to do the former I do get to roll twice and take the higher result.

I certainly will be making active Perception checks against the ship, which I figure once it's about a mile behind me and while I'm about a mile behind our ship is when I'll hurry back to base.

Perception: [roll0]; [roll1]

Edit: let's hold off on this for now.

Edit2: nevermind.

[Felhammer]

Muricia drops back and lets the Cloudsong fly away. The storm envelops the griffin rider. Lightning flashes on all sides, rain pelting her like sling bullets. After a few tense minutes, the enemy ship is almost upon her...

Upon the upper deck of the enemy ship, you see some fifteen knights, all clad in heavy armor, brandishing flails and kite shields. Upon the shields is branded the image of a glowing green claw... http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/eberron/images/7/73/Emerald_claw.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20131025160311

At the aft of the ship stands a monstrously tall Minotaur. His horns are long and look to have been coated in adamantine. His breastplate is completely black, save for the green claw symbol carved and painted into it. He seems to be directing the soldiers on deck to prep for a boarding action.

You do not see anyone on the deck that seem to be directing the fire elementals. Perhaps they are below deck?

Uniquely, there do not seem to be many siege weapons on the enemy ship. In fact, there are only two ballistae ports on each side of the ship. Very strange, given the fact that in all other respects, this seems to be a ship of war.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Once she had gotten an eyeful, Muricia wheeled her griffon around and bid her make haste back to the Cloudsong.

"Fly, my friend, fly! Fly as if our lives depended on it!"

"Kyeeeh!" was Adisa's reply, as if to say "No kidding!"


Adisa will be taking the run action to get back to the ship. If she needs to roll Endurance checks for it, her modifier is +14.

[Felhammer]

The griffin rider zooms across the heavens with great haste. Several times she comes within mere inches of being struck by lighting but, thankfully, she avoid such a disaster.

Not sure if you want to land on the ship or stay aloft but nearby to the Cloudsong. I will leave that up to you.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

"Khreeeh!"

Adisa came in for a screaming landing, the griffin panting between screeches as her claws dug in to the deck. Muricia stroked the creature's feathered cheek, calming her down, then turned her attention to her companions on this mission.

"So here's the deal: there's over a dozen heavily armed knights led by a minotaur getting ready to board us. I didn't see anyone topside minding the elementals, and they only were showing four ballistae, two to a side. Oh, and they're all wearing the same symbol--a green glowing claw. That mean anything to anyone?"

[Felhammer]

- Gerard Barrimovd'Deneith: [roll0]
- "Lee": [roll1]
- Caimhe d'Tharashk: [roll2]
- Koebu: [roll3]
- Muricia d'Vadalis: [roll4]
- Takashtai: [roll5]

Famine and pestilence weakened Karrnath to the point of collapse in the early days of the Last War. Seemingly spontaneously, an order of warriors arose that emphasized flexibility, self-sufficiency, and accomplishment regardless of sacrifice. These Karrnathi fanatics called themselves the Order of the Emerald Claw, and their heroics stabilized previously crumbling battle lines and drew scores of Karrnath's best to their ranks. These flamboyant knights rattled Karrnath's established officers with their nontraditional methods, often acting outside the chain of command, but none could dispute their discipline, training, and readiness to give their lives in defense of the kingdom of Karrnmh.

The emergence of the order was so sudden and its methods so radical that many officers and government officials were suspicious and resentful. Despite the order's successes, Karrns who raised concerns about the group never ran out of rationales or rumors. The whispers hardened into accusations when Regent Moranna staged a coup against the order. She removed Emerald Claw members from positions of power, laying terrible crimes at their feet, dismantling the organization, and forcing those who escaped to go underground. Although the order still has its defenders, both inside and outside Karrnath, most consider it, at best, a group of fanatics that overstepped its bounds.

- Gerard Barrimovd'Deneith: [roll6]
- "Lee": [roll7]
- Caimhe d'Tharashk: [roll8]
- Koebu: [roll9]
- Muricia d'Vadalis: [roll10]
- Takashtai: [roll11]

Religion DC 25: The Order of the Emerald Claw is an extremist militant sect of the Blood of Vol. The order is led by a mysterious figure known as the Queen of Death, one of the mightiest necromancers associated with the Blood of Vol. The Emerald Claw's loyalty to Karrnath was only as strong as the monarch's subservience to the cult's demands, and as long as the two institutions were on the same side, the order served Karrnilth well. When first Regent Moranna and then King Kaius III rejected the Blood of Vol, the crown and the Blood of Vol broke their long alliance, and the Order of the Emerald Claw fell from power. Despite the order's fanatical devotion to the Blood of Vol, moderate members of the faith denounce and oppose the malicious actions of the Emerald Claw.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

The halfling moves over to the griffon rider as she lands. "I have heard a few tales of an Order of the Emerald Claw. When Famine and Pestilence rode through Karrnath at the start of the Last War, this Order rose to fight. They were an unusual fighting force, who would not be held by the structures of command. Yet, they held the strength, training, and willingness to sacrifice themselves that was almost unmatched by other soldiers. They were a flexible force, favoring those who were self-sufficient. They drew many of the best to their ranks, and fought fanatically for the defense of their kingdom. We can expect a difficult engagement, and they will likely be willing to give their own lives for their mission."

[Geckus]

Takashtai

From her nearby post, Takashtai adds to Koebu's response to Mericia’s question.

“The halfling is correct - that is the symbol of the Order of the Emerald Claw; a particularly fanatical and militant part of the Blood of Vol. Though they served Karrnath during the war, that allegiance is no more, at least not since King Kaius broke with their faith rather than give in to their demands.”

[Merilan]

Caimhe whistled softly as Muricia landed and commented, "Fancy flying there," and let out a rueful chuckle as she listened to both Takashtai and Koebu's explanations, and then said, "From a more practical standpoint, however, I am not particularly happy about the odds of us against a dozen knights and a minotaur." She glanced to the broadside to say, "Though we probably cannot directly hit them, I wonder if we can use cannon fire to force them to a disadvantageous boarding position, if none at all."

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee takes Takashtai's addition at face value. Her own knowledge of the Emerald Claw didn't happen to reference their religious bent, but the kalashtar was pretty obviously a holy woman and should know what she's talking about.

If Lee had salivary glands, she'd be gulping. Hearing about the Blood of Vol makes Lee feel nervous. Her own magic power has some obvious similarities to the cult's ideas about how power works. All the more reason to fight back with all vigor if attacked.

Announcing aloud to no one in particular, Lee states, "I will initiate a long-lasting magic to negate any fires spread during combat, should one occur as presumed. Please be advised: the ritual is unable to address active magical flames ... so don't ask me to extinguish the elementals." Her voice hints at humor.

The warforged caster takes a seat on the wind-whipped deck and takes a long moment to invoke her magic.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

"Our best chance is to not let them board at all. We will be the strong gust of wind from the north that drives them back. But first, everyone gather around Fenti. The spirits will protect us."

Koebu nods his head to Fenti, who grows to several times his normal size. The spirit then moves toward the center of the ship, where it is easy to gater around. Once everyone moved up next to the raptor, Koebu waves his arms in a grand gesture and thick woody roots grow from the spirit's feet. They seek out each person surrounding the bestial spirit and crawl up their legs like creeping vines. The hearty roots quickly dissolve into translucence and then disappear entirely. However, their protective strength remains hardening the flesh of Koebu and his allies.


Might as well use Protective Roots shortly before they catch up. It's a lot easier to get everyone together for it before the battle starts, then we can re-scatter. Since Fenti is large, it shouldn't be much trouble to get the whole party adjacent, and whatever NPCs are easily at hand.

Everyone gains resist all 4 until the end of the encounter.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard nods at Muricia's arrival. He listens as the others describe the Emerald Claw. As a Karrn, he knows they are enemies of the state, but little more than that. Why would they be assisting Karrnath now? Are they assisting Karrnath?

I don't know if we can drive them back, he says to Koebu as he moves toward the spirit animal. As a mercenary of the Last War, and a scion of House Deneith, Gerard is used to protective battlefield magic. They are faster and more nimble. We can check them with ballista fire, but if they're maneuvering those storm clouds without damage, they may have a way around the catapults as well. We'll know soon enough, but they didn't come this far to turn back. They know our departure time, and our route. They know our defenses as well.

[Merilan]

Caimhe let out a relieved little sigh as Koebu's magic shielded her, and she gave her thanks with a nod. "I agree," she nodded to Gerard. "By all means we should resist, but we shouldn't expect our cannons to do the job."

[Felhammer]

The storm becomes unnaturally rough, bucking the Cloudsong back and forth with the easy at which a child would play with a toy. Lighting strikes close to the ship, several bolts coming within mere feet of the upper deck. The Captain calls out to her men, telling them to be strong in face of such adversity. The few sailor-soldiers man the ballistae. The First Mate barks orders, telling his men to stand firm and keep their eyes peeled for the enemy ship, which dipped into a black cloud. Down below, the party can hear the servants rushing to and fro, battening down the fine china and glassware. A few of the younger crew can be heard sobbing, clearly not prepared for the rigors - and horrors - that could befall a ship, even during peacetime. Slasher, for his part, readies his two mighty axes. He wipes them against his thighs as he moans, "Waiting is the worst. Always painfully slow. My blades will soon be slick with blood! May the Silver Flame have mercy upon me for the wretched acts I must commit to protect my Kingdom..."

Several tense moments pass.

One of the sailors calls out, "It's here!!!"

Suddenly, the enemy ship bursts its way through a thick stormcloud. A peel of thunder echoes across the heavens as it appears! With a magically-enhanced, booming voice that can heard even over the thunder calls out, "I am Kairon Godsbane of the Emerald Claw! We have come for the woman named Ayrhil ir'Athore! Surrender her now and your lives will be spared! Deny my simple request and... You shall not live to see another sunrise!" The enemy ship is as the griffin rider reported, smaller and more agile than the Cloudsong, complete with three massive rings. The enemy vessel has flown up perpendicular to the Cloudsong. Although it possesses four ballistae, they are all directed towards port and starboard, and thus cannot be brought to bare against the Ambassador's ship. Atop the deck of the enemy ship are a total of fourteen men-at-arms. Seven are standing at the bow of the vessel. They are armed with flails and shields. Four others stationed around the deck wear heavy armor and wield larger flails and more ornate shields. In the middle of the deck stand three men wearing black leather armor. They only wield wands, although small flails are attached to their belts and bucklers on their backs. At the aft of the enemy ship is a hulking minotaur, who wears thick black armor, a gruesome flail and a mighty tower shield. His long horns have been coated with a metal, most likely adamantine. Between his horns is a tricorn hat, with a riotous, multicolored plume. This type of ornate hat that would not be unfit for a captain from the Lhazaar Principalities! "WHAT SAY YOU!?" commands the Minotaur!

[Merilan]

"That's not what I--" Caimhe paused, before her eyes widened, squinted, and she whistled. "... I know this really isn't the time, but I'm pretty impressed by that hat, I must say." There was a bit of silence, then she shook her head and placed her hand to the hilt of her rather thin side-sword. "Tactics, anyone?"

[Dimers]

Lee

Barely audible over the storm, Lee's muffled second voice responds to the minotaur's demand. "By the laws of war, no creature may surrender another not under their command. Your request is meaningless!" Didactic and irritating, but technically correct.

The warforged says nothing in response herself, standing ready with a ritual dagger in one hand and a ashen-colored bone rod in the other.


"Tactics, anyone?"

"My optimal operational range is measured in paces. I can do little until they board. At that point I shall burn their souls with balefire and Dol Arrah's radiance, inhibiting their actions and causing physical harm. Allies will be unaffected." She raises her voice to be heard by the soldiers among the crew, addressing a lieutenant if any is in sight. "Please be advised: peaceful resolution is effectively impossible. Ballistas should fire immediately!"

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard keeps his eyes on the ship, but reminds Lee, We are not at war. Yet. The Deneith heir then points his spear directly at the impressive minotaur and does his best to call out above the storm, Kairon Godsbane, this is an ambassador's ship on a mission of diplomacy! Surrender now, and we will escort you back to Flamekeep to face justice! Attack, and forfeit your life!

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

"Khreeeh!" Adisa screeched, putting an exclamation point on Gerard's threat.

Muricia, however, was silent as she readied her lance and shield. Clearly this Emerald Claw outfit meant business, and no mere words were going to deter them if they had come this far. Nudging her griffon forward into position to prepare for launch, she turned back to the others, a grim smile on her face.

"Tactics? We kill them, starting with that overgrown cow up there. I'll try my best not to ruin his hat."

[Geckus]

Takashtai

Bracing herself against the rough movement of the ship as it is engulfed by the storm, Takashtai joins the others gathered around the halfling’s spirit animal, nodding her thanks to him as she feels the protective magic take hold. Extending her mental senses, she seeks out the individual mind-patterns of those others who had been hired by the Ambassador, and after a moment’s hesitation, Slasher as well. Drawing them into a weave supported by her quori half, she projects her thoughts to them all – her voice carrying a strange echoing quality as it is heard across both mind and ear. “The storm may swallow our voices if it grows worse; I can provide a means for those near me to communicate without reliance on spoken words, should you wish to use it.” She does not add that she expected a worsening before it got better; she did not believe that the smaller ship was using the storm for cover so much as that it was generating the storm – it’s appearance coincided to well, and presented an every greater threat to the smaller vessel if it did not have some means of either protection or control over it.


"Tactics, anyone?"

“As our warforged companion, I am limited to defending against a boarding action. Take cover and be ready is all I can advise.” After a long enough pause that it might seem she had no more to say, Takashtai adds, “I agree. That is a fine hat.”

[Felhammer]

With his booming voice, the Minotaur coos, "You have chosen DEATH!" He looks at his men, "PREPARE FOR BATTLE! FIRE THE FLAMING VORTEX!"

Two of the elemental rings burn more intensely as the elementals are spun around and around and around with great speed! After a few tense heartbeats, the fury of the elementals is released! A flaming whirlwind spins out from the enemy ship, races across the sky, and slams into the Cloudsonng, engulfing the entire middle of the vessel!


Damage: [roll0] Fire and Ongoing 5 Fire (save ends)

Caimhe [roll1] v Ref
Lee [roll2] v Ref
Gerard [roll3] v Ref
Muricia [roll4] v Ref
Takashtai [roll5] v Ref
Koebu [roll6] v Ref
Adisa [roll7] v Ref



The Ship then flies forward at great speed, coming within 10 Feet of the Cloud Song!

We will do group initiative for this fight. Players go first!

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

With his booming voice, the Minotaur coos, "You have chosen DEATH!" He looks at his men, "PREPARE FOR BATTLE! FIRE THE FLAMING VORTEX!"

Two of the elemental rings burn more intensely as the elementals are spun around and around and around with great speed!

Incoming!

After a few tense heartbeats, the fury of the elementals is released! A flaming whirlwind spins out from the enemy ship, races across the sky, and slams into the Cloudsonng, engulfing the entire middle of the vessel!

Gerard's cloak, held together by a dragonshard clasp channeling the power of his dragonmark, gives him some measure of protection against attacks from a distance. He weathers the flames mostly untouched. That must be the firepower the wolf-woman had mentioned. Impressive, but a little slow to fire. Hopefully that may be enough to save them if they have to face it again.

We cannot let them get below deck! Gerard shouts, preparing to engage the first boarders as they land.

Standard Action - Ready an action? I forget how this works in 4th edition now. Can I ready to attack the first boarder that comes within reach? And if so, do I have to specify a power?

[Merilan]

Caimhe let out a soft breath as she paced to her west, nimbly eluding the so-called 'Flaming Vortex', and inspected the ballista. Could this be of any use now...?

She eased the injured sailor and said, "Rest now," as she manned the ballistae herself, grunting as she turned the wheel upon the massive weapon and aimed for the quartet of soldiers at the bow of the enemy ship. "Let's hope my aim's true."

Firing per the OOC!

[Dimers]

Lee

As the firestorm passes, Lee can be seen with remnants of the fire hanging in the air before her as if dripping down an invisible curtain. The head of her bone rod flickers with dim flame for a moment before the curtain of fire disappears. Her bizarre multicolored paint job isn't even scorched.

"Emerald Claw knights are cautioned against boarding! It will be intensely painful," she shouts while pointing the rod at the strange ship. While she speaks, a hatch opens on her abdomen and something flies out in the same direction -- hard to say exactly what in this storm-dimmed light, but it doesn't look organic and it doesn't fall. As the little object wiggles toward the minotaur, her rod glows again. The air above the front half of the enemy deck momentarily throbs with some sort of red-black energy, and the same glow encompasses her chassis.

Oh, LORDY what a set-up! Standard action: blood pulse centered at P44, catching all but the back row. And hell yes I'm going to blood-boost it.
Attacks versus Will:
S1 [roll0]
S2 [roll1]
S3 [roll2]
S4 [roll3]
S5 [roll4]
S6 [roll5]
S7 [roll6]
K1 [roll7]
K2 [roll8]
T1 [roll9]
T2 [roll10]
Base damage is [roll11] untyped, plus [roll12] that I also take. Any creatures hit will take an additional 5 damage for each square they move willingly until the end of my next turn.

Minor action: switch familiar to active mode.

Move action: move familiar its speed (6) toward the back ranks of the ship. (EDIT: It should be two squares above the deck vertically, so that most enemies would have to jump to hit it with a melee attack.)

If any of those hit were minions, I'll take one Helm charge for the death as a free action.

EDIT: Well, I guess I didn't need the bonus damage, but lord was that fun.

As the energies fade, a dark green glow flies from the mouth of one of the leather-clads toward Lee's headband, where it disappears.

[Geckus]

Takashtai

As the blast of fire washes over the center of the Cloudsong, Takashtai drops into a crouch and raises her shield to act as bulwark against the flames – she feels the heat of its passing, but the blast leaves no lasting harm upon her. Laying a hand upon the diamond around her neck, it begins to glow with a bright indigo light. Gathering that light into her hand as if it were physical thing, she casts it across the distance separating the two ships, striking one of the armoured figures. The light clings to enemy knight and continues to grow until the entirety of the enemy ship is illuminated as bright as a clear day.

"Face me knave, or know il'Yannah's displeasure!"

Fixed Damage roll [roll0]

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

"Hyah!"

With a shout--not a pained one from the fire blast, but definitely an angry one--Muricia drove Adisa back up into the sky. The griffon and rider wheeled around a good 10 to 15 feet off the port side of the attacking vessel, before circling back in as they approached the aft where the minotaur stood.

"Your hunt has ended, our hunt begins..." she said before making a quick, lunging swipe at his legs with her lance. "Now!"

"Khyeeh!" Adisa shrieked her reply, bearing down upon their prey with both claws while Muricia took another stab at him.


I'm hoping light green will read better for Adisa's speech text than gold.

On initiative, no action: Battlefront Shift. Adisa shifts to I-J/42-43.

Move action: move to L-M/52-53.

Minor action: designate M1 as her quarry.

Standard action: attack M1 with Marauder's Rush.
Vs. AC: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1] damage and use Flash of Insight as a free action to knock the target prone.

Action Point!

Standard action: attack M1 with Beast Rush.
Before the attack, Adisa shifts to M-N/53-54.
Vs. AC: [roll2] (+2 if prone)
Hit: [roll3] damage.
Secondary attack vs. AC: [roll4] (+2 if prone)
Hit: [roll5] damage.

Per Griffonmaster's action Adisa gets an additional attack.
Vs. AC: [roll6] (+2 if prone)
Hit: [roll7] + [roll8] damage.

If any of these attacks hit, the first one to do so deals and additional [roll9] damage.

Saving throw: [roll10]

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu is blasted by the flames, his skin reddened and his hair singed. His protective magic had helped some, but the flames still burned. Koebu tried to pay them little mind though. He moved away from the side of the ship, pulling back purposefully. Fenti growled, apparently eager to move forward, but Koebu shook his head, silently telling the spirit to maintain his position.

Once Koebu reached a position near the center of the ship, he slowly and carefully began drawing a sigil in the air. It glowed with a dim light as he drew it, and a tension could be felt in the air for several feet around him. Anytime someone approaches him this tension will turn into a violent pulse of energy trying to push him back.


Move: to position shown
Standard: Sign of the Golden Ram. Close burst 2 zone. Enemies who enter the zone are attacked with an OA. +15 vs. Will. If hit, enemies take 5 damage and are pushed 3 squares (preferably overboard, but if not at least try to pile them up on their own ship.)

Fenti will also make world speaker's command attacks on any enemy who tries to board near him. +17 vs will. Movement is stopped and they are slowed and defeaned until the end of their next turn. Any enemy adjacent to Fenti grants CA, so that is included in the +17 above.

[roll0]

[Felhammer]

Ship moves over, bridge formed.

K3 walks over bridge. He is attacked by Fenti. He is stopped. Slowed and deafened ueont.

Koebu's aura kicks in and bounced back.

K2 does the same stuff, hit by Fenti and Koebu. Pushes K3 back 1 more.

K1 moves up to attack the Chaos Shard and attacks with his flail and his shield!
Flail: [roll0] v ac // [roll1]
Shield: [roll2] v ac // [roll3]

K4 moves up to attack Muricia and attacks with his flail and his shield!
Flail: [roll4] v ac // [roll5]
Shield: [roll6] v ac // [roll7]

The Minotaur goes next! He attacks Muricia with his gruesome flail!
[roll8] v AC // [roll9] + [roll10] Necrotic

Torturer 1 drops back and fires off a Necrotic Goop! Area Burst 3. Centering it on G.
Damage: [roll11] Fire, Miss: Half Damage
[roll12] v Ref. for T
[roll13] v Ref. for L
[roll14] v Ref. for G
[roll15] v Ref. for F

Note: K is inside the cabin, so he avoids damage although the window he is looking out is now blown.

Torturer 3 also drops back and fires off a Necrotic Goop! Area Burst 3. Centering it on G.
Damage: [roll16] Fire, Miss: Half Damage
[roll17] v Ref. for T
[roll18] v Ref. for L
[roll19] v Ref. for G
[roll20] v Ref. for F
[roll21] v Ref. for K (who now is in the open).



The battle begins! Slasher recklessly lunges forward, trying to hope onto the enemy ship! His foot catches the edge of Cloudsong, sending the Warforged flying forward! After a few tense heartbeats, the warforged has managed to slam his axe into the hull of the enemy ship. He is barely holding on for dear life! Muricia valiantly rushes forward to attack the Minotaur. The two warriors engage in mortal combat! Muricia lands a solid blow on her foe but he in turn responds with a devastating attack! While sword and flail strike one another, the wheel is hit, nudging the enemy ship around. Off on the main deck, a magical rope bridge automatically folds out, connecting the two ships! Two of the knights rush across but are attacked by the spirit animal and repelled by Koebu's attack! The two Torturers, wary of the oncoming storm of bodyguards, wisely retreat backward, then unleash a hail of necrotic goop, that sprays the heroes on the Cloudsong's deck! Another knight rushes over to aid his minotaur commander, while the other attacks the Chaos Shard!

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee flatly states, "I recommend against moving onto the pirate airship unless you can fly. Its power source may fail in unexpected ways." She glances around for any fires that the initial blast might have lit, and seeing none, returns her full attention to the battle in progress.

She grabs a beige ball from a pouch at her hip and slaps it over the minor burns the necrotic goop caused. The ball puffs out an oily powder with a strong grassy smell -- likely some kind of herbal or alchemical concoction, as it seems to make her faster and more focused. She moves back and closer to Gerard before firing off a rapid pair of arcane attacks. The tiny moving shard seems to echo one of the two, sending out a little wave of gray energy at the armored man who had attacked it. Moreover, another hatch on her abdomen pops open, and out springs a small cylinder which bursts over the heads of two opponents.

Minor action: herbal healing on myself. I spend a surge for 20 hp and have nothing to save against. Second wind activates my runic armor, torc of justice (I choose K2 as the focus of my ire), and alchemical failsafe, so my pacification dust fires out at K2 and K3:
[roll0] against K2's Fortitude, hit precludes standard actions and has an effect next turn
[roll1] against K3's Fortitude, hit precludes standard actions and has an effect next turn

Move action: shift from N16 to O15.

Standard action: beguiling strands from N16 to R55. I get +1 to hit because Gerard's in the area. Activate chaos echo to add K1 as a target. As an arcane power, beguiling strands benefits from runic armor.
K2: [roll2] vs Will. A hit deals 6 psychic and pushes him to N57.
K1: [roll3] vs Will. A hit deals 6 psychic and pushes to M59.

I'm spending an action point, but exactly where I target will depend on whether I push K1, K2, both or neither. So I'll roll that in OOC.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Slasher! Gerard watches as the 'forged bites the side of the enemy airship with his axe, hanging on as the ship turns and engages the Cloudsong with an animated rope bridge. His gaze turns from Slasher to Muricia, who is beset upon by the minotaur and an Emerald Claw knight.

Lee flatly states, "I recommend against moving onto the pirate airship unless you can fly. Its power source may fail in unexpected ways."

Makes sense. But she might have trouble getting free of those two, Gerard says, gesturing at Muricia. And Slasher will need help. Besides, better to fight the minotaur there than risk him muscling his way up to the lounge here. Can you clear a---

Before Gerard can finish, Lee hurls several balls of energy at the enemy ship, striking the knights near the rope bridge, sending one flying back toward the grate and leaving the other one dazed. He nods a thank you at the warforged, now in the cabin, and makes his way across the rope bridge and to the upper deck where the minotaur and knight are fighting with Muricia and her griffon mount.

Move Action - Move to Q-55.
Standard Action - Move to T-56.

Action Point - Footwork Lure vs. Godsbane
Attack - [roll0] Godsbane is Marked by Gerard.
Damage - [roll1]
Hit Effect - Gerard shifts to S-56 and Slides Godsbane 2 squares to T-56/U-57. Godsbane is knocked Prone (Polearm Momentum).

Godsbane! You were warned! Gerard thrusts forward at the minotaur's shoulder. The spear goes high, and Gerard pulls back, hooking Kairon on the edge of his spearhead and dragging him backward with all of his might, forcing the minotaur to stumble backward and fall before him.

[Merilan]

Caimhe let out a haggard breath as Lee explosively bombarded the enemies and let out a shrill low whistle, glancing to where Gerard had begun engaging with the Minotaur. "Back you up there soon, buddy..." She winced as her muscles strained as she turned the ballistae to another Knight. "Right, you're next."

[Geckus]

Seeing that Lee was already moving to assist Mercia against the minotaur captain of the enemy ship, Takashtai shifts her position to just in front of the cabin, extending a glowing hand through the broken glass to brush against Koebu, reinvigorating the halfling as the light of il’Yannah pours through the contact carrying a portion of her own life force with it.

She projects her thoughts to the rest of her allies, “I will try to hold the gangplank; but their ranged support appears to present the greatest threat to ship.”, then charges across at the nearest of the armoured foes, her blade briefly becoming a thing of light as she slashes at the knight, placing herself firmly at their end of the boarding ramp.



Move action to P16; Minor action Lay on Hands (Taki spends a HS, Koebu heals his surge value +5); Standard action charge attack using Blade of Light (move to P55, attack K3)

Attack K3 – [roll0] vs AC, damage on hit [roll1], and Taki gains +2 bonus to all defenses against necrotic or fear effects.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu nods in thanks to the paladin, his burns already beginning to recede. He had been considering healing himself anyway, but now he could conserve that for others who might need it later.

Koebu moves around to the outside of the cabin, taking some cover next to the stairwell. He points across to the other ship. "Fenti, GO!" he gives the dinosaur spirit a command. Fenti looks at Koebu and then at the spot the shaman was pointing to. He sniffed at the air, and crouched down low before making a giant leap across to the deck of the other ship. "Get him!" Fenti immediately reponds by biting at the knight standing next to him, at his leg with fierce teeth, pulling the knight to the ground and giving Takashtai an opening to attack him.


Healed 25 by Takashtai (I'll hardly ever turn down healing especially when it is surgeless for me.) Take 1 ongoing damage (adjusted damage due to resist all). I also removed the ? damage notes from Fenti. He can only be damaged by melee or ranged attacks. Close and area do nothing to him.

Move: Koebu and Fenti to positions shown on map. (Spirit companions can float, so the jump was mostly for flavor.)

Standard: Ironbreaker Claws on K3. [roll0]. If hit, he'll take [roll1] and be knocked prone, also if he is hit, Takashtai can make a MBA against K3 with CA and a +1 attack bonus.

Edit: Save vs. ongoing successful (see OOC thread).

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Muricia gritted through the pain of the minotaur's vicious counter-attack. Had the spirit's magic not shielded her the blow would certainly have been felt even harder.

"You can do this, you can do this, just deal with it," she muttered encouragement to herself under her breath.

Nodding her thanks to Gerard, she then commanded Adisa to pull back before facing down the knight who had stepped forth to challenge her.

"Hah! I have no interest in you, cur. Begone!" she bellowed as she jabbed her lance at him, though she then appeared to take her own advice as she directed her griffon to pull back from the ship.


Minor action to use Inspiring Word targeting me, spending a healing surge to heal my surge value plus [roll0] Hit points.

Standard action to use Circling Strike on K4, with Adisa and I shifting 1 square back before making the attack.
Vs. AC: [roll1]
Hit: [roll2] damage.

Move action to move Adisa and I to AB-AC/56-57.

[Geckus]

Taking advantage of the sudden opening provided by Koebu’s spirit animal, Takashtai drives her blade into the prone knight.


Free MBA using Virtuous Strike – attack roll: [roll0] vs AC (includes CA vs prone target and +1 from Koebu’s power); damage on hit [roll1] radiant and Taki gains +2 to saves unti EoNT.

[Felhammer]

K1 Moves 10 feet and is happy he is not as bad off as K3, lol.

K2 will move up next to Takashtai. Can't do much else.

K3 will try to stand. Really happy that does not cause an OA as in previous editions. :)

K4 charges Gerard.
Flail MBA: [roll0] v ac // [roll1]

The Minotaur will attack Gerard
Flail: [roll2] v AC // [roll3] + [roll4] necrotic

S8, S9, S0 and Sa all rush up the stairs and out onto the deck.

The Fire Elemental appears on the forecastle, moves down and attacks Sa in a fit of rage (poor bloke, he only just showed up!)

On Going Damage Saves:
K1 v untyped 10: [roll5]
K2 v untyped 10: [roll6]
K2 v Acid: [roll7]
K3 v untyped 10: [roll8]



The furious battle continues! The beleaguered knights move up, desperately trying to counter the ferocious attacks the heroes have leveled against them. All but one can do nothing except stand up or move into position! The lone knight who remains largely unscathed, rushes head long into battle to aid his captain, the dreaded Godsbane! With his flail, he whacks the mercenary across the head. For his part, the Minotaur tries to multi-task steering the ship and attacking Gerard! The mighty captain brings his necrotic mace down upon the fighter's shoulder but in doing so, over-compensates his steering, and flies his vessel away from the Cloudsong! Soon after, several more soldiers rush up on deck...

Then, one of the sailors aboard the Cloudsong cheers thundrously! His aim was true, as he drove a large bolt right into the bow of the enemy ship! One of the elemental rings begins to spitter and sputter. In a brilliant flash of light, the elemental is freed from his confinement and appears on deck. He stands some fifteen feet high and glows like a smoke-filled sunset! The elemental swings its shapeless head to and fro, obviously trying to gather its bearings. Its gaze settles upon one of the soldiers who just climbed up on deck. With a single, fluid motion the elemental engulfs the man. The poor soldier's screams ring out across the battlefield, "H-HE-HELP ME!!!!!" You watch as his flesh turns red hot, then ebony black as he is quickly incinerated alive...

[Merilan]

Caimhe winced further as she heard the soldier's scream, and her eyes widen as the ship started to teeter on out. "Alright, down you go..." she steered the Ballista towards Godsbane, and fired.

[roll0] - Attack
[roll1] Damage

[Geckus]

As the second knight moves to engage her, Takashtai smiles beneath her helmet and the song of quori half reaches into the minds of those near her, a wordless joyful melody that grows stronger as the battle grows more chaotic. Her blade flashes out once more at her original opponent; another solid strike that sends flares of divine energy flashing out to constrain the activities of her foes - they could engage her or suffer the wrath of il'Yannah.

Standard Action – Valorous Smite – attack [roll0] vs AC (including CA from Fenti), on hit [roll1] damage and all enemies with 3 are subject to divine sanction.

The appearance of the fire elemental is an unexpected complication; while its first strike had been against the crew of this ship, she doubted it would exclude herself or her allies from it's attacks given the opportunity. For now, she would let it be - there were foes enough to go around.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu trusted Fenti to continue fighting on their behalf, watching as the giant lizard spirit continued to aid Takashtai's battle with the swarming knights. And Fenti did fight, the spirit swung around swinging its huge tail in a broad arc slapping its tail against two of the knights. The tail slap is clumsily though, and one of the knights is easily able to duck out of the way. The other however is knocked right back onto his backside. Fenti then lets out a loud screech that bolster's those close to him, helping them to be at their most alert for incoming attacks.

While Fenti continues his assault, Koebu looks farther across the ship at the fire elemental. "The flames of chaos will be a problem for someone. Great inferno turn your rage on those who imprisoned you," Koebu thinks to himself. With a quiet gesture, Koebu calls on the winds to pick up near the elemental. The flames react instantly to the sudden rush of air and are carried over closer to the enemy, urging it to continue its rage-fired attacks on them.


Standard Action: Great Reaching Spirit against K2 and K3. (separate melee spirit attacks)
[roll0] if hit he takes [roll1] and is knocked prone due to World Serpent's Grasp.
[roll2] if hit he takes [roll3] and is knocked prone due to World Serpent's Grasp.
If either of the attacks hit, myself and all allies gain a +2 to all defenses while adjacent to Fenti. (It won't apply to me, since I'm not close enough, but will help Takashtai and Gerard if they'd don't move away or anyone else who moves in.)

Minor Action: I'll use Primal Wind to slide the Fire Elemental closer to the enemy troops. (New position shown on map.)

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Everyone lurches to one side and reaches out for stability when Kairon jerks the wheel as he falls to the floor. Gerard spares a quick glance to the Cloudsong; they are no longer attached. Then the ambassador is safe, for now. But now they have the problem of getting back to the ship. The knight that had been engaging Muricia charges across the deck, and Gerard parries the oncoming attack. As Kairon gets up, a flash of light and an explosive sound behind Gerard grabs everyone's attention. As Caimhe had predicted, one of the elementals broke loose. The event doesn't seem to have any impact on the ship's flight; with luck the bound elemental is strictly for offensive power. Turning toward the elemental, Gerard sees the bow of the ship and wonders about Slasher, Can anyone see Slasher? he asks through Takashtai's telepathy. The distraction proves nearly fatal as Kairon Godsbane brings his flail to bear against Gerard, clipping the Deneith mercenary on the shoulder. Gerard grunts in pain but stands firm, thrusting forward with his greatspear.

Standard Action - Bedeviling Assault vs Kairon
Attack - [roll0] and Kairon is Marked by Gerard.
Damage - [roll1]
Effect - Until the end of the encounter, once per round when an ally hits Kairon with a melee attack, Gerard can make a melee basic attack with Combat Advantage against Kairon as a free action.

[Dr.Samurai]

Muricia

Muricia spurs her griffon into action, speeding toward Kairon and attempting to impale the minotaur with her lance.

Not sure on the griffon's speed, so if a move action is needed to get within range, spend move action moving there.
Standard Action - Charge Kairon.
Attack w/CA and Charge - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]

[Dr.Samurai]

Lee

Lee summons a puckish sprite to assault the knights attacking Takashtai.

Standard Action - Angelic Presence vs K2
Attack vs Will - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]
Hit - Slide K2 to K-59 and K2 makes a basic attack vs K3
Effect - Conjure Puckish Sprite in K-58, Enemies adjacent to Sprite suffer a -4 to attack until end of next turn.

[Felhammer]

K2 attacks K3. [roll0] // [roll1] per Dr. Samurai

K3 will stand.

K2 attacks T:
[roll2] v AC // [roll3] --- Weakened so half damage

K1 attacks FE:
[roll4] v AC // [roll5] --- Weakened so half damage

K4 attacks G:
[roll6] v AC // [roll7]

M1 attacks G
Flail: [roll8] v AC // [roll9]+ [roll10] necrotic

FE attacks K1
Fire: [roll11] v Ref // Ongoing 10 Fire

On Going Damage Saves:
K1 v untyped 10: [roll12]
K1 v SDW: [roll13]

K2 v untyped 10: [roll14]
K2 v SDW: [roll15]

K3 v untyped 10: (1d20)[7]
K3 v SDW: [roll16]


In the middle of the furious storm, the Minotaur and Gerard battle one another for control over the wheel. Godsbane is able to wrestle control of it for long enough to wheel it further away from the Cloudsong. The Captain of the Cloudsong orders a full barrage of ballistae fire! The enemy ship is brutally pelted with bolts. The second elemental ring is starting to fizzle and weaken. One more solid shot will definitely release the bound elemental. Meanwhile the knights clammer around the paladin but both are still in a slightly concussed state. The elemental roars with fury, screeching in primordial. He envelops another soldier in flame, murdering the poor soul instantly. The knight near him attempts to counter attack as best a man armed with a flail can against a living ball of flame.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Kairon rocks Gerard with another blow from his flail, and commands the ship further from the Cloudsong. The boat trembles under another withering barrage of ballista fire from the Cloudsong. Gerard tries to shout through the storm raging around them, Give up Kairon! The Cloudsong will disable your ship at this pace! The minotaur bellows in response and keeps up the offensive. Gerard defends himself in earnest against Godsbane and the Emerald Claw knight, deflecting what blows he can with his spear until an opening appears and he lashes out.

Standard Action - Rain of Blows vs Kairon Godsbane
Attack 1 w/CA - [roll0] and Kairon is Marked
Damage 1 - [roll1]
Attack 2 w/CA - [roll2]
Damage 2 - [roll3]
Attack 3 w/CA - [roll4]
Damage 3 - [roll5]

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

"Grr. Adisa, get him away from the wheel!"

"Khreeh!" the griffon cried in response, grabbing and pulling at the minotaur captain with her talons.


Standard action to use Griffon's Pull on M1.
Attack vs. Reflex: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1] damage + [roll2] Quarry damage and the target is pulled to Q-R/67-68.

I'll make the secondary attack if it's successful.

[Geckus]

Thrown off balance by the sudden lurching of the ship, Takashtai is unable to parry a lucky blow from one of the knights, though the combination of the magic shielding her and that weakening the man robs it of most of its force. Quickly regaining her balance, she makes a strike against the other knight, seeking to bind him in place with chains of light.


Can anyone see Slasher? he asks through Takashtai's telepathy.

“I believe he had difficulty with his jump across. Last I saw, he was attached to the bow of the ship.”

Sensing an opening against the faltering knight, she launches a lightning quick beat and strike. As her glowing sword flashes out, a mote of light streaks towards Gerard, a tiny shard of il'Yannah's glory that serves to bolster his life force. At the last moment, she lets the blade slip past the knight face, twisting to bring the hilt up to clock him under the chin and send him to the deck, unconscious.


Standard action – Hold Fast on K2 [roll0] vs AC; on hit [roll1] damage and target is immobilized until the end of Taki’s next turn.
Action Point for Standard action – Virtuous Strike on K3 [roll2] vs AC; on hit [roll3] radiant damage
CA from Fenti included on both attacks; Lightwalker action procs on AP use, healing Gerard for 5 HP (added to doc).
Choosing non-lethal for final strike against K3.

K2’s attack vs K3 triggers Divine Sanction (11 radiant damage), K4s attack vs Gerard triggers Divine Sanction.
In the interest of fairness, K2 would still hit me despite the additional -4; he rolled a nat 20. I’ve added the damage back onto Taki (max damage 12, -4 from resistance, then halved from weakness= 4).

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Feeling the tether between himself and Fenti beginning to stretch thin, Koebu steps a little closer to the edge of the ship. Fenti mimics his movement though stepping deeper into the enemy ship, where he could better get to the foes. The dino-spirit lays a taloned foot on one of the knights, again creating an opening for Takashtai to attack.

Koebu shouts over the gusting winds. "The fire elemental burns with desire to release his brothers! I say let him!"


Move: shift as shown on the map (Fenti also shifts with my move action).

Standard: Claws of the Eagle on K2. This will allow Takashtai to make a MBA (with CA and an extra +1) against K2. If the attack hits, then K2 will also grant CA until the end of my next turn (he already will because of Fenti, but hitting with the attack means he'll continue to grant it if he moves away somehow).

My ability to heal from this distance is limited, but I do have a couple of things I could do, so let me know if anybody needs it.

[Merilan]

Caimhe grimaces and says, "Agreed, but make sure you guys hop on the big bird lest you fall into the skies below!" as she aimed for the minotaur again. This was next to useless, with how clumsy the controls were, but perhaps a wider shot would be...?

Ballista AoE attack vs the Minotaur
[roll0] vs Reflex
[roll1] damage

[Felhammer]

Takashtai lays into a knight as a great clap of thunder peels across the heavens! The wheel of the enemy vessel is flung in the opposite direction! The aft end of the ship slams into the Cloudsong with unbelievable force! The crew of both ships are flung away from the point of impact, the lesser amongst them knocked out from the violent crash! The elemental takes a tumble off the side, he grasps onto the ledge of the ship with one anthropomorphic hand. The heat from the creature intensifies! The Emerald Claw's ship suddenly bursts aflame! The Captain of the cloudsong calls out, "WE HAVE TO SEPARATE OR ELSE WE'LL BOTH CRASH!"

Kairon Godsbane howls, "MY SHIP! YOU... MONGRELS! YOU HAVE RUINED MY SHIP! I WILL KILL YOU!" With the furor only a captain of a lost vessel could know, the minotaur launches himself at both Muricia and Gerard with reckless abandon! The knight nearer Gerard stumbles around and tries to whack the fighter.

Minotaur v Muricia:
v AC // [roll0] + [roll1] Necrotic

Minotaur v Gerard:
[roll[1d20+20 v AC // + [roll3] Necrotic

K4 v Gerard:
[roll[1d20+13 v AC // [roll4]

[Merilan]

Caimhe let out a terrified cry and is sent tumbling, the pain aching throughout her entire body as she landed on the deck of the Cloudsong, wincing. "... ugh-- aghh--" she reached to her pocket and inhaled into a filtered little jar of pain-killing powder, for a moment, before grimacing. Good. She could still control the pain. "You're going down," she muttered, springing to her feet as she finally went to engage the Minotaur.

The woman's dash was a blur as she struck, and as she did so, a loud thunderclap accompanied her lightning assault onto the Minotaur's flank.


Due to Darkwalker Kin, Caimhe gets CA against adjacent enemies -- allies also get this if they're adjacent to her.
Move: As shown
Standard: Riposte Strike on Minotaur
[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] lightning damage + [roll2] sneak attack damage
Due to Vigilante Justice Style, Caimhe will also make her immediate action riposte if he attacks an ally.

[Dr.Samurai]

Immediate Interrupt - Melee Basic Attack vs Kairon
Attack vs Ref w/CA - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Pressed in on both sides, Gerard has trouble defending against Kairon and the knight. Both hammer away until suddenly the Cloudsong and the enemy ship collide. Gerard is nearly thrown off his feet. With an angry bellow, Kairon lashes out. Gerard strikes, impaling the minotaur. But Godsbane snorts and grabs the spear by its haft, pulling it out. He is about to say something, but a loud thunderclap sounds and Kairon jerks in motion, his face contorted in pain. His eyes close and the minotaur collapses, revealing Caimhe behind him. He nods at her, Slasher was on the bow of this ship. Did you see him? Before she can answer, the knight grabs him and Gerard knocks him back and brings his spear to bear. He forces the knight back, and trips him up with the spear, knocking the knight down the stairs into the elemental.

Standard Action - Leveraging Strike
Attack - [roll0] Mark K4
Damage - [roll1]
Hit Effect - Slide K4 five squares to T70.

If attack hits:

Move Action - Move to U70.

[Geckus]

Takashtai almost loses her blade as she is tossed stumbling a third of the way across the deck by the sudden, mighty collision of the two airships – even her psychic song cuts out for a moment at the shock of the impact. Shaking her head to clear it, she quickly takes stock of the new situation and then sprints to the bow, hoping that the Thranish warforged had somehow managed to keep his grip.


Move action – run (speed+2) to the bow of the ship and look over the edge.
If Slasher is still there, Standard action will be trying to help him up.

[Felhammer]

The Paladin rushes over to the bow of the airship and peers over the ledge... All he sees are the warforged's two hulking great axes, firmly embedded into the hull of the ship...

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Griffon and rider both narrowly avoided the ships' collision--and the minotaur's deadly flail. Muricia was about to order her mount to pull back so they could make another pass when her quarry suddenly keeled over with a thunderclap, the wolf-girl standing behind him, her sword gleaming like lightning.

"Nice effects there, very fitting for the weather," she said with a smile, but then her expression turned serious as she quickly surveyed the battlefield. "But now we've got a bigger problem than that walking steak ever was. Adisa! Grab that wheel there, that thing! Grab the top of it!"

As she yelled her instructions over the storm, Muricia stowed her shield and her lance suddenly melted away, leaving a single spiked gauntlet in its place. She leaned forward and made a gripping motion with both hands together so Adisa could see it.

"Khyeh? Khyeeh! she replied, grasping the top of the wheel with her claws.

"Yes! Now pull down on it as hard as you can! Pull down!" the rider shouted. "Everyone brace yourselves!"

"Khreeeh!"


As minor actions, I'm stowing my shield away and turning my Dynamic Lance into a spiked gauntlet.

As a standard action, I'm directing Adisa to make an Athletics skill check to grab and pull down on the ship's wheel, in an effort to dislodge it from the Cloudsong. I understand if this seems like a bridge too far for what a beast companion can do, but Adisa does have Athletics trained, is a large creature so she can reach the wheel from where she is, and is capable of grabbing and pulling motions with her claws.

Assuming you'll allow it, here's her check: [roll0]

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee shields herself from the force of the collision with a practiced gesture of rod and blade. As she moves toward the stairs to the upper deck, she shuffles in some sort of odd dance and incants words that are torn away by the wind immediately. The skull topping her rod pulses with a yellow light waiting to be released.

I must have moved myself through that wall on a previous turn. My move action takes the long way around now, anyway -- from AD62 to AD61, then directly left to end on Z61.

Standard action -- ready to attack with glorious presence if at least two enemies get near enough. If an ally is in the spell's AoE, I can also let them shift 6 by invoking word of urgency.

No minor action.

[Felhammer]

Muricia and her griffin are able to put their shoulder into the wheel and pull the Emerald Claw's ship free. The devastation to both ships is fairly obvious once separated. The two ship's hulls have been obliterated at the point of impact, with both vessels now possessing gaping, open wounds. As Muricia tries to steer the ship, she finds it sluggish, especially for a ship of this size and design. A sudden thunderous crack sounds off. At first the party things it is the lightning but then the ship moans and creeks. Those aboard the Cloudsong watch in horror as the bottom half of the enemy ship simply falls off! The airship points downward and begins to crash! Both of the fire rings fail, freeing their captured elementals. Thankfully, they manifest beneath the vessel and fall, fall, fall, presumably to their deaths. The lone elemental manages to clamber up on deck. He looks to his left and to his right. He furiously grabs the last Emerald Claw Knight and incinerates him. The elemental stoops down and thrusts his amorphous head into Gerard's face as he howls and roars in primordial. The fire that was started by the elemental grows and spreads, encompassing more of what little remains of the airship!

The Emerald Claw's ship is sinking. It is currently 10 feet below the Cloudsong.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard and the Emerald Claw knight can hardly pay each other any mind as the ship begins to fall apart and sink with the remaining elementals explosively escaping their bindings. Gerard grabs onto the rails of the stairs as the ship veers downward and tilts side to side. The fire elemental appears to go over the edge, but the driving rain pelting it throws up a cloud of steam and Gerard can't see if it falls or not. Suddenly, the steam cloud brightens and a giant tongue of flame reaches out and grabs the knight. The man reaches for Gerard, desperate to save his own life. Gerard recoils, but instinctively tries to rescue the man from his hellish fate, grabbing his arms. Gerard is no match for the fire elemental, and the knight is incinerated instantly. The elemental roars and thrusts its head forward in rage and defiance. The group needs to be off the sinking ship, and the elemental is a dangerous foe to turn their backs on. Gerard's eyes glance down to the burning planks. He calls on his dragonmark, the Mark of the Sentinel, to compel the elemental to attack him, and when the creature steps forward, he strikes the planks underneath it, causing them to partially collapse and trapping the elemental momentarily in the floor of the deck. Gerard quickly turns and runs past Koebu's spiritual guardian, making for the far stairs. He calls out to Caimhe and Muricia, Tell the Captain to match our descent, otherwise we won't make it on! He stops at the stairs and spurs Takashtai on, Hurry! You'll be cut off by the flames!

Minor Action - Kirre's Roar
Effect - Fire Elemental is Marked by Gerard and Gerard gains Damage Resistance 3.
Action - Melee Basic Attach vs Fire Elemental
Attack w/Reach vs Reflex - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]
Hit Effect - Fire Elemental is Immobilized until the start of Gerard's next turn.
Move Action - Move to R66.

[Dimers]

Lee

Not carrying her utility pouches at the moment, the vividly colored warforged casts about for a rope to throw, while skimming her mind for memories of knot-tying instruction. She shouts to the sailors, "The pilot must maneuver downward!" Then, pointing to one of the stunned gunners, she commands, "You -- prepare a harpoon if one is nearby."

Peering through the rain at the ruined ship, she scans the scene for her flying shard. She sees nothing, but then feels the itch inside that only appears while her familiar has returned to nest in her hatch. She concentrates on her spell a moment to help the rain snuff the spreading fire, then returns her attention to ropework.

Move to wherever rope is available, if any -- I chose W63 at random. Use standard action to start prepping for a throw. Minor action to use Affect Normal Fires to extinguish one square, if indeed this is a Normal Fire.

EDIT: I presume the chaos shard takes fire damage (it was in L69) and thus vanishes, not to return until I've rested.

[Merilan]

Caimhe winces and flails against the railing of the Emerald Claw as it exploded and tore in half, exclaiming, "Gods be damned..." she turned towards where the ship was starting to sink. "Now or never..." She looked to Muricia and said, "Let's hope I still know how to jump--!"

She leapt, grappling onto the side of the airship.

Making a jump to climb aboard the Cloudsong -- I'm activating my Spidersilk Mantle to give myself a climb speed to assist in doing this. [roll0]

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu races to the front of the ship, looking to toss a rope out to whoever could use one. As he prepares to throw a rope a spirit's voice whispers in his ear, make peace with the flames. I will assist your tongue. Koebu does not pause for a moment, but follows the spirit's guidance. "We are not your enemies. We have helped to kill those who imprisoned you, and now we will leave you to release your friends if you'll let my companions off your ship in peace. They seek only a quick return here, and then you may do as you wish."

He then calls out to his companions, so that his message will be understood by both sides. "I've told the elemental we only wish to leave it in peace. Just get back here, don't attack him. Taking the minotaur's body might reveal why they attacked, if you are able."



Move: to a pile of ropes near the front of the ship. Also move Fenti away from the flames.

Minor: Speak with Spirits to give my next diplomacy check a +5 bonus.

Standard: [roll0] on the Fire Elemental.

[Geckus]

Takashtai

Slamming her hand against the rail in a burst of anger when she finds only axes still hanging from the bow of the ship, Takashtai spins back around to see the Cloudsong tear itself free of the Emerald Claw vessel, which was now clearly doomed to a fatal crash landing.


He stops at the stairs and spurs Takashtai on, Hurry! You'll be cut off by the flames!

“It’s not the fire that worries me…”

With a thought, she wills her armour to transform, shining metal fading away between steps to become basic sailor’s garb that won’t impede her movements as she sprints towards the stern and the too far away Cloudsong, sheathing her blade as she goes to leave a hand free.

“Jumping and climbing really aren’t my forte.”


Minor action - transform armour back to clothing, removing speed and check penalty.
Move action - sheathe sword
Standard action - run! 8 spaces to beside Gerard

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

He knows the answer already, but as Takashtai meets him near the stairs, Gerard asks the question anyways, Slasher?

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Muricia's eyes widened as the wolf-girl leapt high over the side.

"Are you crazy!?" she hollered after her, but that yell died in her throat after seeing she not only had made the jump, she had clambered all the way up onto the deck of the Cloudsong. "Huh, I've never seen a wolf do that."

She nodded at Koebu's statement--the one she could understand anyway--and turned her attention to her remaining companions on the faltering Emerald Claw ship.

"I'm sending Adisa over to you! Between her and the ropes you should be able to make it back fine!" she called out to Gerard and Takashtai, then leaned over to speak to her griffon, gesturing at the two warriors and the Cloudsong as she did. "You hear me, girl? Make sure they get back safe to the ship."

"Khweeh?"

"Don't worry about me, if need be we'll do our drill," Muricia replied, making a diving gesture as she hopped off her mount, then gave her an encouraging pat to her hind quarters. "Now get!"

With that, the griffon soared down to the lower deck while her rider bent down to have a look at her fallen prey.


Move action to dismount to V-67.

Standard action to order Adisa to P/Q-65/66.

Minor action to make an active Perception check on Mr. Godsbane's corpse, rolling twice and taking the higher result per Preternatural Senses.

Perception: [roll0]; [roll1]

[Felhammer]

With great haste the party rushes off the deck of the enemy ship. Between Takashtai, Muricia and Gerard, the hulking corpse of the Minotaur is hauled up on to the Cloudsong. Just in time, too, since more of the Emerald Claw's airship sloughs off, sending the upper deck careening down to the land below. The Cloudsong, for its part, is beaten and battered but nothing a few days worth of repairs will not resolve. As the Captain navigates the Cloudsong towards Rekeenmark, the party takes a chance to comb over the corpse of the minotaur. The Ambassador, upon hearing the "all clear signal" rushes up onto deck. "Is... Oh! Good. Everyone made it then. Who attacked us? Why?" She does not seem to have realized Slasher is missing...


1 Set of Bracers of Mighty Striking
a +2 Large-Sized Flail
2 horns that have been coated with Adamantine
1 Fancy hat
a sack of small Red Spinels (worth 4,000 gp)
a envelope with a broken seal
The envelope was sealed with green wax and impressed upon it was the symbol of the Emerald Claw.

Inside the envelop is a simple note, scrawled by a person with precise handwriting.

My good Captain,

I hope this finds you well. You have been ordered to attack an airship that will be leaving from Flamekeep and heading to Rekkenmark in one week's time. On board, you will find Ambassador Ayrhil ir'Athore. She is headed to Rekkenmark for a clandestine meeting with a noble from Karrnath. We cannot allow this meeting to take place. You are to take her alive, if possible. If not, then be sure to claim her head. Our mutual friend would very much like to acquaint himself with her knowledge. The ship will be manned by a smattering of random deck hands and House Lyrandar officers. Their lives our meaningless. Butcher them all, if you so desire. Also aboard the ship will be several bodyguards including a Human girl (who seems to have an affinity for dogs), a female member of House Vadalis, a male member of House Deneith, three Warforged, a Kalashtar and a Halfling. Under no circumstance are you to kill them. Maiming is permissible. If you can, our mutual friend would very much like to acquire one of the warforged's axes. They are potent weapons, practically bathed in blood daily for the better part of two hundred years. Our other friends will find the tasks set before them monumentally easier if they possess those axes.

The messenger has come with a sack of Red Spinels, as usual. This sack is one quarter of the reward. When the mission is complete, head to Fort High to deliver the Ambassador and receive the rest of your compensation.

Regards,

- Mardonius

P.S. Do kill the messenger. He knows too much already.

[Merilan]

Caimhe spent a bit of time catching her breath as she put her lightning blade away to her side, before pulling over to inspect the dead minotaur's body and eventually unearth the sigil, peering and reading it silently for a moment. "... oh, come now," she mumbles, "They can't even catch that I'm still technically part of House Tharashk? Retired, granted..." She glances back to Ayrhil.

"Addressed from someone named... 'Mardonius'? Wanted to send you to Fort High." She tapped her chin, in thought of whether or not it was someone she'd heard of. She also passed the letter around to whoever wanted to read it next.

Streetwise, maybe? [roll0]+16.

[Geckus]

Once everyone is safely back on the Cloudsong, Takashtai offers a short bow to both Muricia and her feathered companion. “My thanks for your assistance, Muricia, and yours noble one. Getting back to the ship without it would have been…challenging.”

“We lost a man with the ship, we should at least make an attempt to retrieve him.” While Takashtai doubted the ability of anyone to survive such a fall unaided, it was possible the warforged had possessed some magic that would allow it. “I will speak to the Captain about making a low pass over the wreckage.”


Just in case the captain needs convincing: Diplomacy [roll0]

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard hurries back to the railing of the Cloudsong, hoping to see any sign of Slasher still on the enemy ship that Takashtai might have missed.

[roll0], [roll1]

Inquisitive feature allows me to roll Perception twice and use the better result.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Muricia tried to wave off the bowing, but Adisa puffed herself up proudly.

"Khyeeh!"

That prompted an eyeroll, though she may have done so at the suggestion that Slasher was a man.

"Right. So, who all knew about our little trip--and who all is on it? Kind of them to not want to kill the hired help, whoever they are."

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu waits his turn to read the letter. He shakes his head as he reads it, his lips pursing into a grimace. "The paper gives more questions than answers." He calls out to Takashtai as she leaves to speak with the captain. "As we search for Slasher, we should also recover his axes. I pray the spirits have kept him safe, but even if not we must keep his axes away from the enemy."

When he is finished reading, he passes the letter off to the ambassador. "I may be able to read the omens to provide some more answers, if you wish. There are a great many questions that need answers, and my ability to read the clues left by the spirits is limited, but I will try when we have time."

[Dimers]

Lee


When Koebu is finished reading, he passes the letter off to the ambassador. "I may be able to read the omens to provide some more answers, if you wish. There are a great many questions that need answers, and my ability to read the clues left by the spirits is limited, but I will try when we have time."

In her serene lilt, Lee chimes in immediately after, "Please be advised: my divinatory function remains at the Ambassador's command. As before, simple ask a question prior to our rest period and I shall feel for omens in the stillness. I realize you found the previous responses imperfectly enlightening, but some clues are easier to interpret than others." She looks at her comrades-in-arms and adds, "Suggestions as to the particular subject of my omen-seeking are welcome from all participants."

More quietly, as if speaking to herself, she adds, "Adjunct note: wording heavily implies the attack was not commissioned by Karrnath affiliates. Query: was this letter intended to fall into our hands? ... Query appears to meet standards for 'paranoia without evidence' and should thus be disregarded."


"Who attacked us? Why?"

Belatedly realizing no one has quite answered ir'Athore's central question yet, Lee adds, "Ambassador, please be advised: The attackers were fanatics of the Emerald Claw, and their stated mission was to capture you."

[Felhammer]

"Me!? Why?" She reads the note, "Interesting. How did they know were we going to go on this mission? The Queen only asked me last night... And why me? It seems the Emerald Claw does not want Thrane meddling in this little war. All the more reason to ensure we make it to Rekkenmark post haste. Captain, full speed ahead!"

Meanwhile, the Captain has been pulled aside by Takashtai, who is beseeching her to dive down to search for survivors. With a hoarse voice the captain says, "With all do respect, Ambassador, we should see if we can find your man, Slasher..."

"No. He is dead. We need to move on. We have more pressing concerns." The absolute callousness in ir'Athore's voice is quite stunning, given the warmth and affection she showed the Warforged earlier. "And Captain, I will see you removed if you question my orders again." With that Ayrhil saunters back into the cabin.

The good Captain appears blown away by the hostility presented to her. She quietly gathers her men and orders them to fly at top speed.

The Cloudsong makes good time, beating the storm that is coming to Rekkenmark by several hours. The airship comes to a halt at the tower-like dock located in the outskirts of town. The Ambassador gathers her bodyguards in the cabin for one last meeting before venturing into the city. The woman's demeanor is chilly and distant, to say the least. "My new friends. We are about to be escorted to the Military Academy. We will be escorted by soldiers. They will most likely wish to take your weapons. I will tell them not to, most aggressively, but there are no guarantees. I highly suggest each of you take a dagger and hide it on your person. They will not search you, they will only take your most obvious of weapons. Given the attack that just happened... I am expecting more like it. Perhaps not as overt. We will need to be constantly vigilant for danger. They will likely send assassins after us."

"Before we set off, are there any questions?"

[Merilan]

"That's pretty cold... ..." Caimhe murmured under her breath, glancing down towards the skies. She didn't particularly like Slasher, but it wasn't like she wished for his death or anything either. That said, what did happen to him? She could barely keep track of everyone in the chaos of the battle between the two airships, and the Ambassador's comment did pique curiousity... "...but, well, if we're safe for the time being, I'm going to turn back. It hurts to stay like this."

And with that, she's 'poofed' back into being an adorable wolf-doggie. :3 Woof woof!

It was in that form that Caimhe spent the rest of the trip, just dozing off in her comfortable little basket-nest. Ever so often, she might bug someone -- Lee or Gerard -- to go play ball with her, or she could be found chewing on a hard wooden chew toy.

And when they were docked in town...

... well, there's no member of House Tharashk here, was there? Just an adorable little doggie with no weapons at all. Woof woof.

[Geckus]

After the Ambassador’s vicious shutting down of any potential search and recovery, Takashatai speaks to the captain one last time. “My apologies, Captain. I had not anticipated such a…firm reaction from my employer.” Though her voice remains soft and calm, on the inside the kalashtar woman is a roiling storm of emotion – anger, disgust, and sorrow warring for dominance – the only outward sign of which is a tightening of her fist around the hilt of her sword. She hadn’t particularly liked the warforged after their brief contact, and could even see several reasons for wanting to leave him behind, but that did not keep it from striking her as simply wrong. “I appreciate your willingness to assist, even if others do not; feel free to call on me should you have need at a later date.”

Later on in the Ambassador’s cabin, she nods at the woman’s explanation of what was to come – if it came to it, not having access to her blade would be unfortunate, but not insurmountable. Good eyes and the ability to read people would be more important to maintaining their charge’s safety than weapons while moving through city streets.

Using the same mental link as during the battle, she projects her thoughts to the rest of the bodyguard detail. “A shame we are so far from Sharn, we could do with a good inquisitive; as it stands we are forced to yield the initiative to an enemy we know next to nothing about.”


Paranoia time: Given her change in demeanor, Taki is keeping a closer eye on the Ambassador, watching for other changes in behavior and habits, her mental ‘feel’ – it may be nothing (she is an ambassador after all, and putting on a show for others is expected), but changelings are a thing, and the battle would have been a great distraction….

Insight:
Perception: [roll[1d20+13

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard


Is Fort High a known place, and if not is there a knowledge check we might roll to know about it? Same for Mardonius. Someone we might have heard of or check to know more?

Also, Insight to puzzle out the ambassador's reaction to Slasher. It may just be the form her grief takes, or maybe she sincerely doesn't care about the warforged (she's Thranish after all), but no harm in checking.

Insight (roll twice, take better) - [roll0], [roll1]

And what's a spinel? :smalltongue:

Oh, and another thing. Could Gerard expect to be able to keep his spear as a Sentinel Marshal? Since he has authority throughout the Five Nations to enforce the laws, could he expect to be allowed his weapon in order to carry out his duties?

Gerard spends much of the trip leaning against the rails, his eyes trained on where they had least seen the enemy ship as it went down. Some of that time is spent marveling at the life Slasher had lived, and the countless times his life must have been in danger on the battlefield, only to be defeated by a mistimed jump. Slasher is a warforged though. As far as Gerard knows, they could be incapacitated by damage to their bodies, but a skilled magewright could make them operational again. He asks the captain for a rough estimate of coordinates of where he thinks the fight took place. Perhaps once Gerard has access to a Sivis station, he could send word to have the area below searched. Slasher was a Thranish hero, and there may be some who would like to see the warforged recovered.

Once docked, the ambassador briefs them on the next step of their mission, Before we set off, are there any questions?

I've been going over the note. Has anyone heard of Fort High or Mardonius? The Emerald Claw is no ally to Karrnath, but if they are involved it can't be good. Finding out where this fort is could allow us to strike this thing at its heart before it goes any further. I also can't figure out why Mardonius would tell Kairon not to kill us. Any ideas on that?

As far as the academy is concerned, I'm an alum of Rekkenmark and a Marshal of Deneith. I'll see if we can be allowed passage with our weapons.

[Dimers]

Lee

The Ambassador's outburst catches Lee's attention, but she reacts little to it. Staying on mission is important ... and Slasher had given the oddly-built wizard no reason to care about him.


Gerard spends much of the trip leaning against the rails, his eyes trained on where they had least seen the enemy ship as it went down. Some of that time is spent marveling at the life Slasher had lived, and the countless times his life must have been in danger on the battlefield, only to be defeated by a mistimed jump.

At one point, Lee joins him for a few quiet minutes. She breaks the silence by saying, "You are considering Slasher. ... An icon, a figure larger than life; how can it be dead? ..." She shrugs, jiggling the small feathery antennae that seem to be growing from her upper arms. "Every lord dies, even a lord of battle. It seems large because we are close to it. From farther away, this would be like some noble passing in a foreign land, grave but inevitable. Regardless, please note: I find his survival several times more likely than the chance that ir'Athore actually knows he died." She touches Gerard's shoulder a moment, then walks away.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Though the Warforged had meant next to nothing to Muricia--and the practicality of even the likes of her and Adisa searching for him was questionable at best--she still lifted an eyebrow at the Ambassador's frank callousness, especially after the direct mention of his axes in the letter. She shook her head and turned away, in time to witness the girl from House Tharashk revert to wolf form, prompting a curious smile. One would think it would be the other way around, but apparently not.

Muricia was lost in thought, turning over in her mind something the Ambassador had said, when Takashtai's disembodied voice echoing in her mind jolted her back to reality.

"Uhn, yes, we're on our back feet for sure on this one, and I don't like it. No not one bit. Gonna need to keep our senses, and our minds, open when we step out there. They'll not want to insult a Vadalis Griffonmaster I shouldn't think, but to be on the safe side," she paused and, grabbing hold of her lance--which had reverted from the spiked gauntlet she'd been using during the evacuation--it shimmered and melted away into a stiletto, which she tied her auburn locks around to disguise it.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu responds to Takashtai's mental message, "Then let us learn something about them. I plan to examine the omens as we proceed to our destination." He taps the large tome he usually carries. "The spirits can send us much information through something as simple as a cloud pattern. My ability to read them isn't perfect, but I can usually find something. Does anyone have any specific questions I should be concentrating on?" Koebu walks purposefully to a position where he has a good view of the sky above and the terrain below, sits down and opens the large book on his lap as he begins to concentrate on the symbols.

As he sits on the deck, staring up into the clouds the question of Slasher's current whereabouts drifts into his mind. "What is Slasher doing now?" he asks the spirits, and his eyes are drawn to a particular cloud formation. He pours through his book looking for what those clouds might portend. Then he considers a question brought up by the note that they'd found. "Where is Mardonius now?" A bird flying parallel to the ship suddenly changes his flight path, catching Koebu's eye. He watches the bird's odd behavior for a few minutes before consulting his book. There was time for one more question, and it should be about more immediate concerns. "Should we expect an ambush or betrayal at the meeting?" He glanced down over the side of the ship, seeing a fire blazing below. A natural fire lit by the storm? A bonfire for some reason, it didn't really matter. What mattered was the interesting shapes formed by the wisps of smoke as they flew upward spreading into the sky. Once more he went to his book looking for answers.

----

Koebu takes one of the daggers and attempts to conceal it under one of the furs he wears. "They can take my javelin if they must. The spirits are my real weapons, and they will not abandon me."

[Felhammer]

Koebu looks to the sky and finds the following answers...

What is Slasher doing now? -> It seems even the spirits themselves do not know, or perhaps do not wish to share, what has happened to the Warforged.

Where is Mardonius now? -> The spirits try to tell you where Mardonius is but every time a cloud-map forms, it immediately dissipates...

Should we expect an ambush or betrayal at the meeting? -> The spirits whisper, "yes" in Koebu's ear.

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee commandeers a closet in the bowels of the luxury ship as it flies on to Rekkenmark. In the small room she sets up candles, gewgaws and some sort of bitter-smelling incense, squats in an awkward-looking pose, and begins an atonal, wandering hum. A few hours later, she reemerges to share the occult insight she has gleaned.

So, let's make that Augury question "What opportunities should the Ambassador's bodyguards look for in Rekkenmark?" Onward! to vague answers! :smallbiggrin:

[Felhammer]

A single image appears the the warforged's mind. The image of a tiny bear cub.

http://img.scout.com/sites/default/files/2016/06/16/Black-bear-cub.jpg

With here bodyguards in tow, the Ambassador strides confidently out of the cabin and out onto the tower-dock. She is greeted by seven soldiers, all clad in shining breastplate. They bare swords and steel shields. The shields have the symbol of the Rekkenmark Academy emblazoned upon them. The office leading the men looks wizened, with several shocks of white hear coursing through his illustrious mane of jet black hair. "Welcome to Karrnath, madam Ambassador. I have been ordered to take possession of your, and your party's, weapons. For the security of both yourselves and the subjects that live here."

ir'Athore draws two daggers from her person and hands them to the Officer. She looks back at the party and nods for them to do the same.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

At one point, Lee joins Gerard for a few quiet minutes, and he slides over to make room at the railing. She breaks the silence by saying, "You are considering Slasher. ... An icon, a figure larger than life; how can it be dead? ..." She shrugs, jiggling the small feathery antennae that seem to be growing from her upper arms. "Every lord dies, even a lord of battle. It seems large because we are close to it. From farther away, this would be like some noble passing in a foreign land, grave but inevitable.

Perhaps, Gerard sighs, I just thought he would be able to climb onto the ship. I thought I had to time to face Kairon and give Muricia a hand.

Please note: I find his survival several times more likely than the chance that ir'Athore actually knows he died.

Surprised at this, Gerard meets Lee's gaze, I was thinking the same thing. Her words give him some hope that Slasher can be rescued.

She touches Gerard's shoulder a moment, then walks away.

Gerard salutes the leading officer and presents his identification papers, Gerard Barrimov d'Deneith on official House business escorting Ambassador ir'Athore. I appreciate the concern for security, but the situation is not as you expect. Despite great care for discretion, agents of the Emerald Claw learned of our whereabouts en route and launched a sophisticated attack against our ship, bringing powerful magic and equipment to bear. I do not know what involvement they have, but we lost one comrade and sustained damages to our ship. It is clear our enemies know of this meeting. I am requesting that you allow us to keep our weapons in light of this, that we can better protect the ambassador and assist Rekkenmark security in the event of an attack.

[Merilan]

Doggy-Caimhe bobbles up to the Ambassador's leg and nuzzles against it lovingly, before looking up to the guards with a happy little bark, tongue sticking out.

Bluff, I suppose? [roll0]

[Felhammer]

The Officer scoffs at Gerard, "Karrns can protect Karrnath just fine. You insult this city, its people and the soldiers who train and live here. If you were anyone else, I would challenge you to a duel and slay you outright. I would kick your headless body off..."

One of the men under the officer's command taps him on the shoulder and whispers something in the man's ear. The junior officer has steely blue eyes and a youthful complexion.

The Officer coughs awkwardly and apologizes, "I am sorry for my outburst. We have been preparing for war and tensions are running high. Of course you and any other member of the Dragonmarked Houses may retain their weapons. I will not let it be known that Karrnath is not a friend to the Houses!"

After the other party members relinquish a weapon or two, the officer escorts the party down the tower-dock and out into the city proper. The town is gloomy and sad, with fierce rainclouds looming on the horizon. Off in the distance, the party can see the White Arch Bridge, or at least what remains of it. The bridge once connected Rekkenmark to Thaliost but the bridge was destroyed twice during the war. You have heard talks between Thrane, Karrnath and House Orien concerning the reconstruction but funds are short and the repairs quite costly.

The Academy of Rekkenmark is a sprawling fortification located near the White Arch Bridge. Lots of soldiers run to and fro, some are exercising while others are on patrol. The mood across the campus would be best described as... Chilled. The soldiers all give at the party inquisitive glances. The officer leads the party to a side building located opposite the central castle. The building is more of a small mansion, most likely used to house the administrator of the Academy. The furnishings inside are pleasant and almost stately. The walls are painted dark green. Wall scrolls and paintings hang on the walls depicting various soldiers performing heroic feats. The party is lead to a pleasant meeting room with a tick marble table.

The Ambassador takes a seat at the head of the table. She looks back at the party with a half-hearted smile, "Please wait outside. No protesting. We are safe here at the Academy."

The group shuffles out to the parlor. Inside they are greeted by three Karnnathi soldiers, one of whom you recognize as the soldier who helped reign in the officer's... Tantrum.

He greets the party with a warm smile, "Greetings, I am Halix and these are my friends," he points to the two half-elven female soldiers he is flanked by, "Wesvara and Shalyn. I must apologize for Mekheid Rashal's outburst... His two younger sons were sent to the front lines last night. Back during the war, his two eldest children were killed in a battle with Valenar Elves. He is desperately worried about losing his two remaining children to elvish scimitars."

Wesvara, who has short blonde hair and green eyes, pipes up, "That's no excuse for what he did, Halix. It was very rude. Mister d'Deneith was only telling it like it is. There was no reason to threaten him with decapitation!"

Shalyn, who has leathery skin and several scars, adds, "And to threaten to kick the corpse off the side of the docks... Messy!"

[Merilan]

Caimhe lets out a little whimper as the Ambassador tells her to stay outside, but pads along obediently to stand by the group, her tail wagging left and right. She paces by one of the half-elven soldiers and lets out a little 'mrr' sound, nuzzling her head gently as she sticks her tongue out.

[Dimers]

Lee

In light of Halix's revelation Lee ponders the vision she received. Is this man a 'mother bear' enraged by danger to his 'cubs'? Perhaps it's an opportunity to gain an ally. After murmuring to her docent not to express its dismay at the horrible manners of the upset man, she speaks aloud. "Halix. Is there nothing Officer Rashal can do to protect his offspring?" She tilts her head and furrows her brow in a clear show of concern.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Muricia bristled at such rude treatment and Adisa puffed up her feathered breast threateningly, but thankfully he was persuaded by his subordinates (strange, that) to see reason and allow she and the other Dragonmarked scions to pass unimpeded.

As they walked through the academy, both griffon and rider kept their senses tuned for any threats, irrespective of how well defended the place was--understandable no matter who they were guarding, as the tension here was palpable. So she wasn't exactly surprised when they found the soldier who had defused the situation waiting for them outside the meeting room.

"If he can't handle distress and loss, perhaps he's working in the wrong field," she remarked callously, the explanation offered having made little impact on her. "But you seem to have a clearer head on your shoulders, Halix. So what's your take on current events?"


Muricia's active Perception check: [roll0] [roll1]
Adisa's active Perception check: [roll2]

[Geckus]

At the nod from ambassador ir’Athore, Takashtai unbuckles her sword belt and wordlessly hands it over to the security detail. Though she would miss the feel of the blade at her side for however long this errand took, the lack of any words from the ambassador to prevent it bothered her more than the actual loss – if their employer could not be relied upon to keep their word for even so small a thing, what good could come of serving her?

During the trip to the Academy, Takashtai focused her attention more on their escort than their surroundings, getting a feel for how they moved and how they interacted – which soldiers moved in unison, which stood apart, who maintained wariness, who had the feel of a soldier far from the lines, etc...

Once they were ushered out of the meeting room and into the parlor, she took up a position beside the door, leaning casually against the wall. Though she returns Halix’ greeting to the group with a curt nod, her thoughts and attention remain focused on the room behind her, feeling for any new presences entering the area.


Perception: [roll0]; using telepathic sensitivity to keep a 'look out' for other people entering the conference room.

[Felhammer]

Halix shoots Wesvara an awkward look. She gives him a gentle nod, "I... Believe events are spiraling to war. I do not wish to see another war erupt. I pray to the gods that your Ambassador can help de-escalate events."

Shalyn laughs, "Leave it to your prissy folk to not like a good war. This isn't going to be like the Last War. This is localized to the east. None of the western kingdoms will get involved. We'll make sure those Halflings get their due. We have to protect them from predators like the Valenar."

"NO!" Wesvara interjects, "We should strive to ensure war is never sparked again. We've seen too much death already."

"Pish posh! We're soldiers. We go where we're told and kill whom we are pointed at!"

Latching onto Lee's question as a way of wading through the discussion that tyhe ladies are having Halix says, "I suppose the easiest way would be to end the war before it begins. Failing that, sabotaging th elightning rail they are on. Stalling it for a few days in the middle of the plains might give his kids the breathing room they need for the politicians to end this war before it begins."

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu felt utterly out of place here. He'd had some experience working for nobles, and that required some dealing with situations like this. But they still made him uncomfortable. He held out his javelin with a hard glare, making sure his dragonmark was seen. He wasn't really a member of any of the houses as far as he was concerned, but he knew that the mark had some significance and power that might help to smooth the way. If they felt they must take his javelin, so be it, but who could understand the wild whims that led these people. His real power was in the book he carried anyway.

Once escorted into the parlor, Koebu stood awkwardly at the rear of the group. He shifted his weight back and forth from one foot to the other, alternating between looking at the floor and the door the ambassador was behind.

[Merilan]

Caimhe paused, and then padded back from where the soldiers are talking and sat up and stared at Koebu. She could sense him feeling awkward, and in a way, she was too. She nuzzled her head by his side, looking for a pet, perhaps?

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

The Officer scoffs at Gerard, "Karrns can protect Karrnath just fine. You insult this city, its people and the soldiers who train and live here. If you were anyone else, I would challenge you to a duel and slay you outright. I would kick your headless body off..."

One of the men under the officer's command taps him on the shoulder and whispers something in the man's ear. The junior officer has steely blue eyes and a youthful complexion.

The Officer coughs awkwardly and apologizes, "I am sorry for my outburst. We have been preparing for war and tensions are running high. Of course you and any other member of the Dragonmarked Houses may retain their weapons. I will not let it be known that Karrnath is not a friend to the Houses!"

Gerard shifts uncomfortably, No apologies needed, these are tense times. He straightens up, As a Karrn myself and an alumnus of Rekkenmark, I meant no disrespect.

The officer leads the party to a side building located opposite the central castle. The building is more of a small mansion, most likely used to house the administrator of the Academy. The furnishings inside are pleasant and almost stately. The walls are painted dark green. Wall scrolls and paintings hang on the walls depicting various soldiers performing heroic feats. The party is lead to a pleasant meeting room with a tick marble table.

The Ambassador takes a seat at the head of the table. She looks back at the party with a half-hearted smile, "Please wait outside. No protesting. We are safe here at the Academy."

Gerard gives the delegation one last look before nodding to the Ambassador and being escorted out. The young soldier that had deescalated the situation earlier arrives and introduces his two comrades. Introducing himself as Halix, Gerard realizes they may be speaking to King Boranel's son. Halix... ir'Wynarn? My apologies Your Highness, I did not realize with whom we were speaking, he says, bowing to the young prince.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu is startled at first by Caimhe's approach. He feels her nuzzle against his hand and almost pulls back in shock. But he quickly realizes what she is looking for and places his hand back on her neck. He strokes the fur on the back of her neck, moving up to scratch behind the ears. He still felt awkward about the situation, especially now that titles like "your highness" were being thrown around. Still, there was comfort to be found in stroking something warm and furry.

[Felhammer]

Halix looks awkwardly down at the ground, while Wesvara pats him on his back. Shalyn chuckles, "Everyone knows who you are Halix. Even complete strangers."

Halix nods at Gerard, "Indeed, I am Halix ir'Wynarn, Prince of Breland. I enrolled in the academy to foster inter-kingdom friendship."

[Merilan]

Caimhe gawked up a little as Halix's identity was revealed, but rather enjoyed Koebu's expert scratching of her ears! There's a comfortable and soft purr from the dog.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard pays close attention to the exchanges between Halix and his "friends", and to how the Prince reacts to what Gerard and the others are saying. The young man seems to want some anonymity, to interact with others and speak on current events not as royalty, but as a common man, or at least, a soldier.

He regards Halix for a moment, You take to your studies well Colonel. He looks to Shalyn before continuing, I am of the Barrimov line in House Deneith. My people helped to forge Karrnath when Karrn began his campaign of conquest. Battle calls to me, as it does to many in my House. But Halix is right. The mine is a resource, but the fragile peace we have fostered can spiral out of control over it. De-escalation is the best course of action at this moment.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu listened with some interest as the soldiers talked. It almost seemed as if the prince didn't want to be recognized. Koebu considered mentioning that he didn't know who this Prince Halix ir'Wynarn was. No, it hadn't gone well the last time he'd told a nobleman he didn't know his name. Some people are apparently VERY touchy about such things. Best to just keep quiet and continue rubbing the dog.

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee raises her eyebrows and silently ponders the ethics of the Prince's second suggestion. Willful destruction, likely with personal risk involved, to allay a man's worry? The mechanics of such a task were well within her mercenary experience, but the Stormcrow Company only had her deal with the how, not the why.

Not for the first time, Lee finds herself envying the simpler mindset that most warforged have as a basic fact of their nature. Thoughts are simply activity, but heavy thoughts are a burden.


Halix nods at Gerard, "Indeed, I am Halix ir'Wynarn, Prince of Breland. I enrolled in the academy to foster inter-kingdom friendship."

"A worthy goal and likely an uncomfortable path to it. May you find personal fulfillment as well, Halix." Lee's neutral lilt sounds strange in close contrast with Gerard's deeper and more heartfelt voice and the two ladies' dance of dialogue.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

After glancing back and forth between Gerard, the two half-elves and the soldier/Brelish prince, Muricia nodded in understanding.

"Now it makes sense. Why else would an officer change his tone so quickly when corrected by a subordinate, unless he wasn't actually a subordinate," she interjected. "Well, you'll have to pardon me for not being the bowing type, your highness, but I salute your wisdom in this matter. Was the Last War even the Last War when it started? I don't know, I wasn't there, but I was there at the end of it, and I don't ever want to go back to those days. May the people in that room see to it that the Last War lives up to its name."

[Felhammer]

Halix blushes slightly, "I am a Colonel now. I am only a Prince when I am in Breland."

He then nods in agreement to Lee and Muricia, "A fragile peace is preferable to a renewed war because, you are right, it could escalate right back into the Last War, with the fragile peace merely being an optimistic if foolish lull in the fighting. Still, I have faith that king Kaius can see reason. Same with the King of Q'Barra and the Halflings of the Plains. Its the elves that worry me most. They are thirsty for another war."

The party stays in the waiting room for nearly an hour. Food is brought in, mostly cheese, crackers and some wine. The cheese is as pungent as it is dense. The crackers are sprinkled with spices, which complement the taste of the cheese. The wine is fairly forgettable.

Halix pulls out some cards and plays a few different games with his two companions and anyone else interested in joining.

Another hour passes.

The Ambassador opens the door and enters the room. She politely asks Halix and his men to leave the room. Once the Karrns are gone, the woman flops onto a sofa seat and sighs audibly. "Peace is going to be difficult. The King's court wants to expand Karrnath influence in Talenta, turning it into a de facto Protectorate. War hawks want to beat down Valenar to ensure they don't become a threat in the future. Then there are some who just want to invade Q'Barra and stamp the "little kingdom" out.

The Karrns want an Alliance with Thrane. They want soldiers and equipment but they do not wish to generously share the bounty from the mine. The Karrns are also courting Aundair, which is a huge problem for Thrane. We definitely do not want an alliance between Karrnath and Aundair. We may as well kiss Thaliost goodbye at that point.

Thrane will need allies if we cannot secure an alliance with Karrnath. Aundair is likely out of the picture. That leaves Breland."

She ponders the idea for a moment then asks, "What did you think of Halix? I assume that was the Brelish Prince. I met him many years ago, when he was younger."

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Now it makes sense. Why else would an officer change his tone so quickly when corrected by a subordinate, unless he wasn't actually a subordinate, Muricia interjected. Well, you'll have to pardon me for not being the bowing type, your highness, but I salute your wisdom in this matter.

Gerard tries to hide his agitation. Telling the Prince that he will have to excuse her for not showing the proper respect? This is one of the consequences of the War that isn't spoken much about. The decline of the nobility. The Kingdom has been shattered, and each nation has lost much. Thrane is now ruled by the Church. King Boranel wants to cede his power to the people. The Prince of Cyre is a refugee. And the Houses have only risen in power. Now we do not bow to princes it seems.

There are whispers throughout House Deneith. Musings of taking Thronehold and creating a new kingdom under Deneith. Gerard can see the appeal. He too believes that Khorvaire requires a central ruler. A united Khorvaire is stronger than its current state; the situation with the mine proves this. But Gerard isn't sure that the Dragonmarked Houses should bear that responsibility. He has gone to several, little-known meetings with other House members debating these ideas. He hasn't been convinced. Gerard places value in tradition, too much according to some, and had others honored the Line of Succession, perhaps the Last War would not have happened. It's why Gerard appreciates Q'barra, and doesn't want to see the "little kingdom" stamped out. He shakes the thoughts away and joins Halix and the others at cards as they wait.

After a couple of hours, the Ambassador meets them and gives a brief rundown of the meeting...

Thrane will need allies if we cannot secure an alliance with Karrnath. Aundair is likely out of the picture. That leaves Breland.

She ponders the idea for a moment then asks, What did you think of Halix? I assume that was the Brelish Prince. I met him many years ago, when he was younger.

He is respectful, Gerard says, He seems to have a good head on his shoulders, also hoping situations do not escalate. Not great at cards. What are you thinking?

[Felhammer]

The Ambassador ponders the issue for a few moments then says, "He could be useful. Befriend him, if you can. We may have need to call upon his father..."

She nibbles on a cracker and then comments, "But that will have to wait. I can manage my duties here. We need to see what the Elves are offering. I want you six to go to Strong Magus' Inn, in Karrlakton and speak with a Jiasheae Yanledel. She is a woman with many connections with the Elves of the South. Ask her what she offers to Thrane in exchange for our help. Be sure to get it in writing."

She hands Koebu three sending stones. "Use these to convey their offer to me. Depending on what happens here (and how good/bad Yanledel's offer is), I may have you go to Newthrone."

The woman stands up and dust some crumbs off her silk dress, "Any questions?"

[Merilan]

Not that Caimhe was ever the type to really bow to royalty, but the Prince did seem pleasant enough. She and Zarra were always far from those who played the game of thrones, their lives sometimes the playthings of... so she didn't really have much in the way of a positive opinion. Still, there are exceptions.

The dog barks once, happily, sniffing at the sending stones.

[Geckus]

Takashtai

The revelation of the young Halix’s status elicits a raised eyebrow from Takashtai, but does not draw her away from her self-appointed post by the door. The arrival of several additional people in the conference room was interesting; did ir’Ruthermont feel the need for guards or advisors? Sensing no undue alarm, she settled for noting their presence and remaining on watch for any new additions. Two hours later, when the ambassador opens the door, she withdraws her mental senses, ‘resting her eyes’ so to speak.

“I have three, if I may. Which warclan is she a part of? Is Jiasheae Yanledel a Keeper of the Past? Do you know who her patron ancestor is?”

[dariathalon]

Koebu

"These stones will carry her offer to you on the winds, but why so many? Shouldn't one stone with us and one with you hold the necessary magics?" Koebu asks as he tucks the stones away.

After his first question is answered, he adds, "Ambassador, guard yourself. I have foreseen betrayal here. If you send us off, you have no one to watch over your shoulder. We act as the vigilant mid-day sun to protect you, but if you send us away you enter a deep night and could be in danger."

[Dimers]

Lee


"These stones will carry her offer to you on the winds, but why so many? Shouldn't one stone with us and one with you hold the necessary magics?"

Absentmindedly petting Caimhe, Lee explains, "Counter-offers or clarifications may be needed. A single communication may not suffice. Additionally, the Ambassador may need to give orders unrelated to the negotiation."


After his first question is answered, he adds, "Ambassador, guard yourself. I have foreseen betrayal here."

Lee nods in agreement with a mild look of concern -- not because her own vision spoke of danger, but because she had been hired primarily as a bodyguard. Before spending her attention on altering her role, she wants to confirm that ir'Athore has thought it through. The warforged is quite used to hearing orders from commanders less intelligent than herself.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

The Ambassador ponders the issue for a few moments then says, He could be useful. Befriend him, if you can. We may have need to call upon his father...

Gerard nods in agreement, glancing at Lee.

The Ambassador nibbles on a cracker and then comments, But that will have to wait. I can manage my duties here. We need to see what the Elves are offering. I want you six to go to Strong Magus' Inn, in Karrlakton and speak with a Jiasheae Yanledel. She is a woman with many connections with the Elves of the South. Ask her what she offers to Thrane in exchange for our help. Be sure to get it in writing.

She hands Koebu three sending stones. Use these to convey their offer to me. Depending on what happens here (and how good/bad Yanledel's offer is), I may have you go to Newthrone.

The woman stands up and dust some crumbs off her silk dress, Any questions?

What can we tell Jiasheae that Thrane is offering? Help, of course. But some specifics, however few, might make their starting offer a little better.

As the group prepares to leave the Ambassador, Gerard turns to Lee, I don't know how your magic works, but it could be the Ambassador's instincts are correct. Halix is the bear cub.

[Felhammer]

The Ambassador smiles, "These sending stones are all connected. Sadly I do not have enough for all of you but three should be enough."

She nods to the warforged, "Excellent deduction, Lee."

Returning her gaze to Koebu she continues, One could not be more safe than when housed in a building inside of a castle, surrounded by hundreds of diligent men-at-arms. If we wish to prevent war, I need to send you away."

Turning to Takashtai she comments, "I do not know from which Warhost Jiasheae Yanledel hails, only that is is a Keepers of the Past, the ancestor cult that dominates the kingdom. I do not know why she chooses to live in Karrlakton, considering how far from Valenar that city is. However, I do know she has been most useful in the past. She has many connections with the powerful movers and shakers in Taer Valaestas. She will serve our purposes."

Tell her..." The Ambassador pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts, "We will support Valenar's claim to the mine. Thrane offers a defensive alliance against Q'barran, Talentan and Karrn aggressions against both the mine and Valenar proper. We have twenty thousand soldiers ready to be sent to Pylas Maradal, via Rheklor. We have an additional thirty thousand soldiers that can be sent into Karrnath. We also offer a bounty of foodstuffs and medical supplies. We will also support the acquisition of the Blade Desert and south-western Q'Barra by Valenar in a peace accords following a war. In return, we ask for 20% the mine's yield, support in claiming Tanar Rath following a war with Karrnath and a twenty year defensive alliance against Aundairian aggression against Thrane.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard shifts uncomfortably, he is not a diplomat. He has to assume someone else among the group was brought on to handle negotiations between Thrane and Valenar. His job will be to keep an eye out for trouble.

[Dimers]

Lee


The Ambassador nods to the warforged, "Excellent deduction, Lee."

Lee appears to be trying to blush, and failing for lack of blood vessels.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Muricia had been quiet up to this point, even when the Ambassador's orders were to send them away. After all, while they were there as bodyguards, she understood her role when not sortied with other cavalry was basically that of a glorified scout, and one can't exactly do that while cooped up in a fortress.

The Ambassador's offer to Valenar was more than enough to get a rise out of her, however Muricia found it within herself to bite back what she had wanted to say. Instead, she settled for a question.

"Is that a legit offer, or are you just testing the waters to see what they're biting on? And either way, how exactly is that going to bring us any closer toward achieving peace?"

All right, so it was two questions.



Lee appears to be trying to blush, and failing for lack of blood vessels.

:biggrin: I am going to have to steal that one.

[Felhammer]

The Ambassador is taken aback by Muricia's forcefulness. "I... We are seeking peace. The best way to achieve peace is through a show of force. Political force. Alliances deter wars, especially if we strike now and cow the other belligerents into peace. As I said when we first met, war may very well be inevitable. If it is, then I am damn well going to make sure Thrane is on the winning side."

She pauses then with a patient smiles she continues, "This is what the world looks like behind the veil of idealism and pretty speeches. It is dirty, messy and disturbingly close to disaster. We all want peace but peace is ever elusive. We spent the last hundred years embroiled in a war because there was no political will to see peace reign supreme. I am afraid that we stand on the precipice of total war once again. We must nip this in the bud as fast and as efficiently as possible. If that means shipping an army across the sea, then so be it. We risk thousands of lives today, for the hope that we save orders of magnitude more in the future."

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard nods in agreement with ir'Athore. It's easy to see why she is an ambassador. We will give it our best efforts, he says, Hopefully it will all be enough in the end. When do we depart?

[Felhammer]

The woman stands up and stretches. "Back to the negotiation table for me. Off to to Karrlakton for you. Please leave immediately. The Cloudsong is still being repaired, so you will either have to travel Lightningrail or walk/ride there." The Ambassador then quietly leaves the room.

[Merilan]

Caimhe seems quite pleased, quietly, at Lee's petting, and her eye glinted a little once the ambassador left. She perked her head up with an expression that seemed to read, 'shall we?'

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard nods at ir'Athore, Good luck Ambassador. He turns to the others, I see little reason to not go by Rail, but however we decide, I have a couple of quick errands to attend to first.

Gerard steps outside and is relieved to see Halix and his guards hanging around. He walks over, Colonel, I'm glad I found you. He smiles at the two women and then looks back at Halix, I wonder if we could have a word alone?

[Felhammer]

Halix seems a bit perplexed but also intrigued. He nods as he leads the Sentinel over to another room. "What can I do for you, Gerard?"

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard walks with Halix into the other room. The Sentinel Marshal hesitates for a moment, grabbing the back of a chair and leaning on it until the words come out, This is a difficult situation for me Halix. Karrnath is my home, and has a long and storied history, even before your ancestor Galifar united the Kingdom. My family has deep ties to the founding of the nation. I love my country, though I do not love all parts of my country. I was... disappointed to hear that Karrnath had entered the dispute over the mines. It is an obvious escalation, as you say. It is refreshing to hear a similar sentiment to my own within my own borders. Not many Karrns would agree with us. They thirst for war. He looks to the Prince, But you and I both know it can't come to that.

We've only just met, but I get the sense that you have a good head on your shoulders Halix, and that we can trust you. I don't know if you've heard, but we were attacked on the way here. Emerald Claw. The Ambassador has more negotiations to attend to, and we have our own mission to take on now as well. We don't have time to look into this, but finding anything we can about who was behind the attack and why can be decisive. I know a man that might be able to help. He bounces at a tavern called the Crossguard. His name is Vedim Balich. Tell him Gerard Barrimov sent you and needs his help. Gerard grabs a pen off a desk and writes down on a piece of paper, Give him this letter. Nothing may come of it, but it doesn't hurt to try. Can you do that for us Halix? If so, we have a spare speaking stone. You can report your findings, if any, to the group as soon as you receive them.


Vedim,

I'm on a sensitive mission at the moment. Diplomatic escort. Attacked by the Emerald Claw. Led by a minotaur calling himself Kairon Godsbane. We killed him. He answered to someone signing the letter as "Mardonius", and was ordered to report to a place called Fort High. No time to look into it right now, and divination failed to get us anywhere. Hoping you might have some insight. It seems the Emerald Claw wants to interfere with current national diplomacy. If you can figure anything out, please give your findings to Halix to give to me. Thank you Vedim.

- Gerard

[Dimers]

Lee


The Ambassador is taken aback by Muricia's forcefulness. "I... We are seeking peace. The best way to achieve peace is through a show of force."

The muffled voice that seems to come from Lee's torso harrumphs, "You see, Lee? Wiser heads know what's necessary." She stiffens slightly but doesn't otherwise respond.


"This is what the world looks like behind the veil of idealism and pretty speeches. It is dirty, messy and disturbingly close to disaster."

Lee nods in a sort of resigned agreement. "Chaotic."

When Gerard leaves the room, she pokes her head out the door. Hearing his request for privacy, she focuses on another task -- writing to her commander in the Storm Crows to suggest investigating the area where Slasher fell. If there's no opportunity for saving an important life, well, recovering the adamantine alone would make a scouting trip well worth the expense. She notes the irony that her own divinatory ability would be handy in that hunt, given how imprecise her coordinates are. The flying terracotta shard that seems to live in her abdomen pops out, dips itself in the inkwell and starts drawing nonsense designs on another sheet of paper. Lee sighs. "Chaos everywhere."

[Merilan]

Caimhe nodded at Lee, watching Gerard leave to speak with the prince. She... remembered when she got so fired up about speaking to nobility, thinking that one day, she and Zarra would be aristocratic women -- how far they'd come, and how far they'd veered from that desire.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

With arms crossed, lips tightened and eyes narrowed, Muricia gave Gerard a curt nod as he left the room. Her ears perked up at the muffled voice coming from Lee, prompting her to look askance at the Warforged.

"In my experience, when so-called 'wise heads' speak about necessity, what they really mean is expediency," Muricia opined, her delivery sounding like she had memorized that line. Then suddenly her tense expression turned considerably more wry as she added, "And chaos, I've found, too often gets a bad rap. From down here, sure, it can look pretty damn messy, but once you get that taste of freedom and you're soaring above the fray, that mess gets a whole lot prettier. But I suppose not everyone can handle that...

"Anyway, the rail's probably the way to go, sadly. They better not make Adisa ride in the baggage car though."

"Kyeeeh!" her griffin made clear her rousing agreement with that sentiment.

[Felhammer]

Gerard

Gerard walks with Halix into the other room. The Sentinel Marshal hesitates for a moment, grabbing the back of a chair and leaning on it until the words come out, This is a difficult situation for me Halix. Karrnath is my home, and has a long and storied history, even before your ancestor Galifar united the Kingdom. My family has deep ties to the founding of the nation. I love my country, though I do not love all parts of my country. I was... disappointed to hear that Karrnath had entered the dispute over the mines. It is an obvious escalation, as you say. It is refreshing to hear a similar sentiment to my own within my own borders. Not many Karrns would agree with us. They thirst for war. He looks to the Prince, But you and I both know it can't come to that.

We've only just met, but I get the sense that you have a good head on your shoulders Halix, and that we can trust you. I don't know if you've heard, but we were attacked on the way here. Emerald Claw. The Ambassador has more negotiations to attend to, and we have our own mission to take on now as well. We don't have time to look into this, but finding anything we can about who was behind the attack and why can be decisive. I know a man that might be able to help. He bounces at a tavern called the Crossguard. His name is Vedim Balich. Tell him Gerard Barrimov sent you and needs his help. Gerard grabs a pen off a desk and writes down on a piece of paper, Give him this letter. Nothing may come of it, but it doesn't hurt to try. Can you do that for us Halix? If so, we have a spare speaking stone. You can report your findings, if any, to the group as soon as you receive them.


Vedim,

I'm on a sensitive mission at the moment. Diplomatic escort. Attacked by the Emerald Claw. Led by a minotaur calling himself Kairon Godsbane. We killed him. He answered to someone signing the letter as "Mardonius", and was ordered to report to a place called Fort High. No time to look into it right now, and divination failed to get us anywhere. Hoping you might have some insight. It seems the Emerald Claw wants to interfere with current national diplomacy. If you can figure anything out, please give your findings to Halix to give to me. Thank you Vedim.

- Gerard

Halix nods in agreement with Gerard. The Prince had long been brought up on the storied history of both his line and the kingdom that spanned a continent. The Prince-turned-Colonel extends his hand, "Although we have known each other for a short period of time, I sense that we are kindred souls. The Emerald Claw is a blight on both the noble banner of Karrnath and of Galifar more generally. One of the reasons I joined this Academy... " He looks around to ensure none are listening in, "I tell you this only because we will one day be battle brothers, and, we share a common foe.

I seek to utterly destroy the Emerald Claw.

I will utilize all of the privilages afforded me as a Prince of Breland, a military officer and hostage-noble so that I may end the Claw's threat, personally. I tell you this in confidence, Gerard, for there are many sympathizers throughout Karrnath. They lurk everywhere. Unseen, unnoticed, unbeknownst. Be ever vigilant, my friend."

The Prince takes the letter and places it in a breast pocket beneath his chest piece. "I will hand deliver this letter for you, Gerard. You have my word."

[Dimers]

Lee

"I have found baggage areas quite acceptable, Muricia, though I have no wings in need of stretching. Loading me as a crated object rather than a passenger has saved my Company a fair coin. -- What accomodations does Adisa need?"

Lee seems unruffled by d'Vadalis's opinion, but glances at Takashtai as if expecting important words from that quarter. The kalashtar has a strong presence.

What can I say, I'm a fan of reacting to characters' Charisma.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Halix nods in agreement with Gerard. The Prince had long been brought up on the storied history of both his line and the kingdom that spanned a continent. The Prince-turned-Colonel extends his hand, Although we have known each other for a short period of time, I sense that we are kindred souls. The Emerald Claw is a blight on both the noble banner of Karrnath and of Galifar more generally. One of the reasons I joined this Academy... He looks around to ensure none are listening in, I tell you this only because we will one day be battle brothers, and, we share a common foe.

I seek to utterly destroy the Emerald Claw.

I will utilize all of the privilages afforded me as a Prince of Breland, a military officer and hostage-noble so that I may end the Claw's threat, personally. I tell you this in confidence, Gerard, for there are many sympathizers throughout Karrnath. They lurk everywhere. Unseen, unnoticed, unbeknownst. Be ever vigilant, my friend.

Gerard takes Halix's hand in a warrior's handshake, Breland and Karrnath were bitter enemies not so many years ago. I am glad to see that the spirit of Galifar still lives on in the Wynarn line. If it comes to battle, I would be honored to fight beside you.

The Prince takes the letter and places it in a breast pocket beneath his chest piece. I will hand deliver this letter for you, Gerard. You have my word.

I knew we were of like mind and heart. One moment Halix. Let me get the sending stone.

Gerard enters the antechamber and asks Koebu for one of the three stones, Halix will help us. He is seeking out information for us. I think we should give him one of the stones. If he does learn of any insights we may need to know immediately. And, though I wouldn't dare besmirch the integrity of House Sivis, I'd feel more comfortable if it didn't have to go through a Speaking Stone.

And, have we decided a travel route? Once we leave here, I'd like to send word to Thrane about Slasher's whereabouts, and then I'll be ready to leave.

[Felhammer]

The party heads out of the castle and into the city. It is early morning now, with the sun only about halfway above the horizon. The streets are chocked full of people... Almost too many people, even for this large city. As you look around, most of the people seem to be carrying all their worldly possessions. Off near an alleyway you can hear two locals bitterly complain about these pre-war refugee flooding into town. Clearly hundreds, if not thousands, are expecting a bitter war in the east and have decided it best to flee west before the Valenar come...

The party heads over to the local House Sivis Sending Office. The message is communicated to Thranish officials, who promise to send a team out as soon as possible to see if they can find the wayward warforged.

The group then heads over to the Lightning Rail Station. Luckily there is a train that is leaving within the hour. House Orien has enough seats available for the party and enough stowage space for the griffin. It seems the train is being loaded for bear, each car positively overstuffed with soldiers and war material.

The train is itself looks to be in good shape. A slightly older model but a work horse that can easily haul more cars for a longer journey than some of the newer, fancier models.

The party was given tickets for the last passenger car before stowage. It is definitely not the fanciest of cars. Some paint is peeling from the walls and there is a layer of grime to the car. It almost looks like the car was decommissioned but brought back into service. Which makes sense, given the sudden spike in demand for House Orien's services.

The group takes their seats in a private cabin. Those who are wearing thick armor find the cabin to be a bit too small. As they look out the small window, they can see more soldiers and crates being loaded on. After about a half hour, the train's whistle blows six or seven times, then the train lurches forward and heads off.

Is there anything you would like to do while en route?

[Dimers]

Lee

Whiling away the time, Lee tidies up the appearance of the car with some sort of minor magic. It has the side effect of removing the peeling paint entirely, but buffs and polishes the surfaces underneath. The filth and paint chips seem to just disappear.

I love being a mage. :smallsmile: No, I don't have anything important I want to do before arrival.

[Geckus]

Takashtai

Despite her own misgivings regarding Ayrhil, or perhaps because of them, Takashtai can’t help but break her typical silence to respond to the flare of emotion the Vadalis scion had restrained – though she does wait until after ir’Athore has left the room.

“The ambassador is as she must be, Muricia, I would not judge her too harshly. Idealism is a…difficult…light to carry into the halls of power; few have the strength to try and fewer still to succeed. If her first duty is to Thrane, then it will fall to others,” she glances at each member of their group in turn, “to find if their conviction is sufficient to the task of making a peace for all.”

Thinking on the ambassador’s answers to her questions, she is disappointed, but not surprised; not many outside of the elven lands understood the complexities of the Valenar faith, or how it informed their reactions and relations with others.

“Lee, Koebu; a question, if I may. Our dealings with Jiasheae Yanledel will go more smoothly if we know more of what patron ancestor holds sway over her; is this within the capability of your divinations? The train trip will hopefully provide the time to make use of them.”

Hopefully using the info from the Campaign Guide is OK? I’ve been using the stuff Taki would get with a take 10 to reflect knowledge gained during a previous adventure in Valenar.

[Merilan]

For once, Caimhe was in human form, though she'd slipped a half mask on in front of polite company to hide the hideous deformity that'd scoured off the side of her face that the Mourning had taken away. It was white and ivory, with a little stylised black wing mark that resembles the Mark of Finding. She's inhaling a white powder from a rolled up piece of parchment, likely her prescribed dose of painkillers.

"I'm fine with hitting the town for info before we speak to her too, if you'd like more intel..." she murmurs, with a sad little smile. "She's a pretty tough lady, though, I agree... kinda like Zarra is. Kind, but with a will tougher than a steel-gloved fist."

[Dimers]

I don't have anything important I want to do before arrival.


“Lee, Koebu; a question, if I may. Our dealings with Jiasheae Yanledel will go more smoothly if we know more of what patron ancestor holds sway over her; is this within the capability of your divinations? The train trip will hopefully provide the time to make use of them.”

Well, okay, maybe that. :smallredface:

Lee

The slight-framed warforged pauses to think. "Please be advised: Ancestral influence may be expressed differently in different people. Your query can be refined along two or more paths. Do you wish to understand more about the relationship itself, about how we can use it, or about our best course of action in general toward our employer's goals?"


"I'm fine with hitting the town for info before we speak to her too, if you'd like more intel..." Caimhe murmurs, with a sad little smile. "She's a pretty tough lady, though, I agree... kinda like Zarra is. Kind, but with a will tougher than a steel-gloved fist."

"Information is preferred over ignorance in approximately 86% of instances at large. I have little capacity to exploit the rumor mill myself and would ... would feel pleased if you could derive benefit for our platoon -- redaction, party." She gazes expressionlessly at Caimhe for a moment before continuing, "The lady Zarra sounds intriguing. Would you like to speak more of her?"

[Merilan]

Caimhe has a little choked noise and a smile, saying, "Lady Zarra... hah, she'd get a laugh out of that. She's a brilliant girl. Works for House Tharashk much like how I did... we've been together since we were little. She's a fine girl, good with words and full of compassion and patience. Don't know why she befriended a runt like me--" She pauses, glancing out the window. "She... was part of the prospecting team that got slaughtered in Whisperwhine Cave..."

Her fingers twitch a little, and she hastily keeps up her next dose. "... they didn't find her body, though. I had a hunch that the ambassador's mission would lead me closer to the truth... so I dusted myself out of the attic, told myself I'd do one more job, if only to pull this girl out of trouble."

She chuckles. "Sorry. I don't mean to bore you with my reasons. Bit selfish, compared to stopping a war from happening, isn't it? Zarra'd want that as much as the Ambassador would..."

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis



"I have found baggage areas quite acceptable, Muricia, though I have no wings in need of stretching. Loading me as a crated object rather than a passenger has saved my Company a fair coin. -- What accomodations does Adisa need?"

Lee seems unruffled by d'Vadalis's opinion, but glances at Takashtai as if expecting important words from that quarter. The kalashtar has a strong presence.

Muricia hadn't been expecting the question, so it took her a moment to respond.

"Hmm? Well, you can see how big her wingspan is, so she needs plenty of space. An open window wouldn't hurt either, she's not used to being cramped up, and neither am I for that matter."

She followed Lee's glance over to Takashtai...



Despite her own misgivings regarding Ayrhil, or perhaps because of them, Takashtai can’t help but break her typical silence to respond to the flare of emotion the Vadalis scion had restrained – though she does wait until after ir’Athore has left the room.

“The ambassador is as she must be, Muricia, I would not judge her too harshly. Idealism is a…difficult…light to carry into the halls of power; few have the strength to try and fewer still to succeed. If her first duty is to Thrane, then it will fall to others,” she glances at each member of their group in turn, “to find if their conviction is sufficient to the task of making a peace for all.”

Muricia frowned at the kalashtar's initial judgment, but she could not disagree with the main thrust of her argument--and she certainly agreed with her final point. She was no less hardened by that, however.

"Yes, that's true, it does fall to others when leadership fails to have the strength to lead, as it all too often does. But that's the system and we wouldn't want to change it, oh no."

That was the last she spoke until it came time to load up onto the train, and then much of her energy went into getting Adisa aboard and situated. Stowage, of course it had to be stowage. They'd only ridden the rail together once before, and it was awful--if it hadn't been for the strength of her Mark of Handling there'd have been no way she'd have gotten her on before. She didn't have to resort to it this time, but it was obvious that her griffin wasn't thrilled with the choice of transportation.

Once she had put Adisa to bed, Muricia flounced into their cabin and crashed onto the nearest available seat and immediately dozed off. Even in that state, though, she was still keenly aware of her surroundings. She couldn't help but smile at Lee's tidying the place up, though the conversation about the Valenar's beliefs sailed right over her head--they're killers, what else was there to say? She did listen intently though to Caimhe's tale.



She chuckles. "Sorry. I don't mean to bore you with my reasons. Bit selfish, compared to stopping a war from happening, isn't it? Zarra'd want that as much as the Ambassador would..."

"From how you've described her, I'm sure your friend would want that even more," Muricia interjected, still dozing. "We all have our own reasons for being here. For what it's worth I hope you'll find her safe and sound."

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu hands off one of the stones to Gerard when asked. "Halix seems like a good man. Let his words travel to our ears on the wind," Koebu says as he digs the stone from his pouch and hands it over.

Koebu for the most part follows along with the group silently. In some ways it seems he is in his own world as he walks toward the Lightning Rails. He watches the clouds as and pauses to count the rats scurrying under a pile of refuse. It was his way to look for omens in everything, it was difficult to determine what might be of use later. He sometimes stops to make small notes in the big volume he carries.

While he doesn't seem to be paying attention to what is going on around him, Koebu is instant drawn back into the conversation when his name is mentioned. "I can try to divine the information you seek. It is difficult to know what the omens will reveal until you search for the information though. I can't channel the spirits to read them often though, so I'll see if I am able to concentrate enough while we ride the rails. In case I am, do you have any other questions that you'd like to know. I am not good at traversing the ever-shifting sands of politics, so I don't even know what to begin asking. But I will ask which ancestor she reveres. The answers often come in threes, so having more to ask could be useful. If you don't have more to ask, I could try to seek out more about the Emerald Claw."

Has it been a day since Koebu used his last divination? I don't think so, but you did state that we were leaving early in the morning, so maybe I lost track of some time in there. It's a daily power so I don't want to try to overuse it.

[Dimers]

Lee


"Don't know why she befriended a runt like me--" She pauses, glancing out the window.

Lee tilts her head and murmurs during the pause, "Suffers from d'Unning-ir'Krueg Effect."


"She... was part of the prospecting team that got slaughtered in Whisperwhine Cave..."

"That's horrible, Caimhe. I can see no meaningful response to your loss, but wish you to know I am not unaffected." The fair lilt is replaced by a lower and more somber tone.


Koebu is instant drawn back into the conversation when his name is mentioned. "I will ask which ancestor she reveres. The answers often come in threes, so having more to ask could be useful. If you don't have more to ask, I could try to seek out more about the Emerald Claw."

"That seems wise; I do not trust the frequency with which their name has appeared in this project. One may claim the small number of available data points are to blame for the seeming trend, but my success as an augurer does not rest on ignoring hunches. --Since you will follow Takashtai's request, I will focus my attention on dangers to watch for." The warforged goes to a corner of the car, squats oddly and braces her position with baggage in case of sudden jolts. She begins a chant barely audible over the sound of movement.

Dunning-Kreuger Effect is a name given to the tendency for excellent people to think they're lacking and bad people to think they're great. Named after two researchers. So, in Eberron, d'Unning-ir'Kreug?

Augury: I'd like to know a sign of danger to my body or my mission in Karrlakton.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

The Sentinel Marshal seems uneasy in the cramped car. His armor snags and bumps people any time he moves, and if combat were to break out there is little room for Gerard to bring his massive spear to bear affectively. Given that their secret midnight mission had been found out and attacked, he keeps his eyes and ears alert for any signs of danger.

Fel, are we porting over 5E's "advantage" bonus to Passive Perception/Insight? In 5E, you get a +5 bonus to your passive checks if you have Advantage on those checks. Since Gerard gets to roll twice for Perception and Insight (and I think Muricia does as well), do we get that sweet +5? :smallconfused:

Also, should I make some active rolls? Gerard is basically on guard duty for the ride.

[Felhammer]

The journey to Korth is uneventful. The view outside is dominated by farmland. Farmland, more farmland, even more farmland. As the train nears Korth, the party can see the massive Cathedral to the Sovereign Host. It is wondrously large. Each of the members of the group have heard tell of its impressively large dome that has been enchanted to look light the night sky. As the train stops at the station a handful of people get off... Then a deluge of people hop on. The train goes from being full to over-stuffed. The aisles are crowded and the cabins filled up. A sad looking man meanders into the cabin. His face looks down, thick bags under his eyes. He looks to have not slept in many days. He carelessly flops down between Koebu and Gerard, the two warriors barley having time to scoot over before he slams his butt down on the bench. The balding, portly human sighs as he looks at the ground. Another person barges into the cabin. She is a half-elf, with long blonde hair and a lithe frame that has an appealing amount of baby fat wrapped around it. In her arms is a baby, swaddled in a thick pink blanket. She curtsies slightly as she looks over at Lee and Muricia, "H-hello... There is not much room in here, is there? If I had known the train was going to be this full, I would have waited for the next..." She laughs awkwardly. Her eyes are locked on the bench, the slight bit of opens space between the two women almost teases her.

Lee sees this image in his vision:

http://art.cafimg.com/images/Category_78028/subcat_141340/OV5umhcV_0911152058331.jpg

It has been about a half-a-day but the trip is long enough to justify another use of your abilities, so you may as well do it now :)

[Merilan]

Caimhe looks between the group, before getting up slowly and gesturing towards her seat. "Please, ma'am. I prefer the floor anyway," she smiles charmingly. She shifts gently, and her form turns into that of the familiar white-furred wolf, and she curls up by Lee's leg and nestles up comfortably.

[Dimers]

Lee

"Thank you for your politeness. Please be advised, Miss: most trains will be full for a while due to preparations for possible war. You were wise to board now." Lee leans over to pet her canine friend but glances up occasionally. "May I ask, what's your destination?"

A stranger treating me like a person instead of a golem is nice, and unusual enough to notice. I'm rolling Perception regarding this woman to look for Emerald Claw insignia and other hints as to what she's about, plus Insight to check for bullpoop. And I'm asking my docent to pay close attention as well. Don't worry, I won't go all Shadowrun paranoid on ya.
Perception [roll0]
Insight [roll1]
Docent's Insight [roll2]

[Geckus]

Takashtai


"I'm fine with hitting the town for info before we speak to her too, if you'd like more intel..." she murmurs, with a sad little smile. "She's a pretty tough lady, though, I agree... kinda like Zarra is. Kind, but with a will tougher than a steel-gloved fist."

The slight-framed warforged pauses to think. "Please be advised: Ancestral influence may be expressed differently in different people. Your query can be refined along two or more paths. Do you wish to understand more about the relationship itself, about how we can use it, or about our best course of action in general toward our employer's goals?"

‘Any of those would be of aid; please ask whichever you feel is best.” Takashtai offers a small bow as she defers to the spellcaster’s judgement, followed closely by the same to Caimhe. “Your efforts once we reach our destination would be greatly appreciated; knowing who her friends and enemies are, as well as how she is perceived by the locals could prove useful.”




She chuckles. "Sorry. I don't mean to bore you with my reasons. Bit selfish, compared to stopping a war from happening, isn't it? Zarra'd want that as much as the Ambassador would..."

"From how you've described her, I'm sure your friend would want that even more," Muricia interjected, still dozing. "We all have our own reasons for being here. For what it's worth I hope you'll find her safe and sound."

Listening in as Caimhe talks with Lee about her missing friend, Taki nods in agreement with Mericia’s assessment. “The needs of one are no less important than the needs of the many; selfishness only comes from placing then ahead of the common good.”


Later….

Though the accommodations are surely far less fine than those from their most recent trip, Takashtai takes to them with the ease of one used to simpler things – she had gained a measure of wealth from her adventures, but her body still remembered earlier days when even riding horseback was a luxury. She spends most of the trip to Korth in a light meditative trance, allowing the miles to pass almost unnoticed as she communes with her inner self, the quori spirit that was the source of her psionic powers. She registers the presence of the new passengers as they arrive, their minds a faint glow at the edge of her perception, though the man who takes a place in the space between Koebu and Gerard in the seat ahead of her draws her attention back out beyond herself as her inner half pulls towards him.


Don’t know how much, if any, presence the Dreaming Dark is going to have in this game, but somebody not sleeping well is always going to draw Taki’s attention! Even if they never come up, I can’t see any person bound to a spirit of dreams not being disturbed by that.
Insight – sense outside influence [roll0]

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu watches the omens as they move toward the lightning rail. As soon as they find their seats, he begins pouring through his book, seeking help from the spirits to make sense of what he has seen.

Just as Koebu finishes his divinations, a man crashes onto the seat between him and Gerard. Koebu slides over a little, making room for the stranger to sit next to him. Politeness would have called for the man to say something before practically sitting on the poor halfling, but Koebu quickly saw that this man was in no shape to worry about politeness. As he watched the man try to rest, Koebu tried to figure out if there was something truly wrong with him, or if perhaps it was just a case of an extremely weary traveller.


Here are the three questions: (Again the bonus to my roll is +15, the DC is set by you.)
1. Which patron ancestor does Jiasheae Yanledel regard most highly?
2. Will the Emerald Claw cause us trouble in our dealings with Jiasheae Yanledel?
3. Who follows us?

Also [roll0] and/or [roll1] to try to figure out what's wrong with the passenger next to Koebu.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard stands to leave more room on the bench for Koebu and the portly man. He can sympathize with the weary man, having had little chance to sleep himself before and after the impromptu mission last night. Where do you come from traveler? he asks the man.

[Felhammer]

The man sighs, "I-I don't know. I'm just very tired. I had a dream last night. A nightmare really. That something bad was going to happen here in Korth. So I decided to sell my house and move. Probably sounds strange... The dream just felt so... Real." The man kind of falls in and out of sleep, he's clearly very tired. Gerard pokes him and the man responds, "I... Am from Korth. Born and raised. Parents died in the war. Raised by my grandfather. Ole' Colonel Iron Gut they used to call him. Lost one of his legs in the war. We're stable hands by trade, at least we were until I became a Magewrite. The Colonel never liked that, always thought the only place a Senglin should be is around horses. Being in a dusky old building writing things... Just isn't my family's way." He sort of half-nods off after that.

The woman is initially gleeful that someone would give up their seat... She is then half-amazing and half frightened Caimhe transforms into a wolf. "I... I... No. I am not going to question it. I am just going to sit down and pretend that did not just happen." She says this more to herself than anyone else. She looks over at Lee, "You know, I know there is a war might break out but I just woke up today and thought, "I don't really have any connections to this town. Let's move to Vedykar. I hear it is nice this time of year. Plus with all the soldiers being stationed in that city, I am sure there will be lots of opportunities for employment." She looks down at her child, then warmly smiles at Lee, "My husband died in his sleep some months ago. Neither of us had any family (everyone died during the war). The Priests said he passed away after suffering a massive heart attack. I was in Aundair, visiting with friends when it happened. Since then... My life has been kind of empty, really. I think a new city will do me good."



1. Which patron ancestor does Jiasheae Yanledel regard most highly? - The spirits do not know.
2. Will the Emerald Claw cause us trouble in our dealings with Jiasheae Yanledel? - Only if you stay in the city
3. Who follows us? - People from a far off land.

Also [roll0] and/or [roll1] to try to figure out what's wrong with the passenger next to Koebu. - He seems super duper tired. Like he has been awake for a few days with little sleep.


Something definitely smells fishy here...

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard gives Koebu a confused look when the tired man says he sold his house and belongings due to a nightmare. Gerard shakes him a bit when he appears to nod off, You're right, it does sound strange. Where did you say you were from?

I... Am from Korth. Born and raised. Parents died in the war. Raised by my grandfather. Ole' Colonel Iron Gut they used to call him. Lost one of his legs in the war. We're stable hands by trade, at least we were until I became a Magewrite. The Colonel never liked that, always thought the only place a Senglin should be is around horses. Being in a dusky old building writing things... Just isn't my family's way.

The man appears to be nodding on and off. Gerard hears the lady speaking with the others about moving on a whim as well. It makes sense that people are frightened and want to avoid being caught in the midst of war. And some people may try to convince themselves they have fled for different reasons. Reasons other than fear. But something seems off.

Scrutinizing both passengers
Perception - [roll0], [roll1] (take higher)
Insight - [roll2], [roll3] (take higher)

[Merilan]

Caimhe lets out a little bit of an upset noise, but doesn't speak on the matter much more. They're clearly rather tense, and it wouldn't do to provoke them any further.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu glances to the man sitting next to him. The man may be too tired to notice, but since Gerard seems to want to keep him awake, he'd have to be careful. Koebu just couldn't shake a bad feeling about this whole mission. Were these two strangers spies from one side or another? It was impossible to be certain.

Koebu pulled his feet up onto the seat in front of him, so his knees were hunched up in front of him. He grabbed a big of paper from his bag and scribbled out a quick note to the others about the results of his divination. He used his knees as a combination writing surface and shield from prying eyes. He then passed it around to the other members of the party.

I'm sorry but the spirits weren't able to answer our questions regarding Jiasheae Yanledel. I must have missed one of the omens that they sent to me.

The good news is we shouldn't have to worry about the Emerald Claw as long as we don't spend too long there. However the spirits have told me that we are being followed by someone else. I was not able to find anything specific, but they are from afar.

[Geckus]

Takashtai stiffens in her seat as the edges of her soul brushes across the strangers and feels the discordance there – the jagged edges of a nightmare touched mind. Her hand instinctively rises to the jewel at her throat, it’s center lit with a pale purple radiance, and softly, almost imperceptibly, she begins to sing, not in voice, but mind to mind, soul to soul; whispers of sunlit fields, the laughter of friends and family, those things which make like worth living. She was no true dreamcrafter, but her quori half had always been strong, and she leaned on that now to try and bring the poor man a respite from his nightmares.

As Koebu’s note reaches her, she smiles in his direction and projects her words to the group. “No need for notes, my friend. So long as I am near, our minds are linked; simply think of yourself speaking and those friends you wish to hear you shall. It is a shame the spirits could not aid us in this, but we shall have more opportunity to discover the answers once we arrive.” Glancing back at the man nodding off beside him, she adds, “I know not whether this man’s nightmares were a sending or simply the result of being too near to something he should not be, but there is something dangerously amiss is Korth.”

[Felhammer]

Scrutinizing both passengers
Perception - [roll0], [roll1] (take higher)
Insight - [roll2], [roll3] (take higher)

You find the man to be unusually drowsy. Like he has been awake for days with barely any sleep. As you watch him he seems to nod off, wince in pain, then wake up... Only to repeat the process anew.

The woman seems above board. More worried about herself, her child and her prospects during another war.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

I know not whether this man’s nightmares were a sending or simply the result of being too near to something he should not be, but there is something dangerously amiss in Korth.

Gerard's eyes narrow at Takashtai's warning, and he scans the city outside, wondering what might be out there, and if it is the same person the spirits told Koebu is following the party. His gaze returns to the sleepless man, Do you think it related to the ambassador? he asks Takashtai through her telepathy, What use do our enemies have of his man?

Look. Each time he nearly falls asleep, some pain keeps him awake.

Gerard does his best to squat down near the man so he isn't looming over him, What's your name magewright? Are you hurt? It seems some injury is giving you difficulty sleeping. Maybe we can help with the pain and you can finally get some rest on this journey.

[Felhammer]

Gerard rouses the man awake once more and asks him his name. The man shakes his head awake then replies, "I am Theoban Thul Master Magewrite of...." The train whistles and begins to chug away down the line. Before Gerard can inquire more, the man returns to his half-sleep state. As time goes on, the vast farm fields give way to the vast Nightwood. The forests' edges, you have heard, are the playground of royals and nobles whom think themselves potent and powerful hunters. The inner reaches of the forest are a tangle of old grown, virtually unmolested by civilization for centuries. Karrn mothers tell their children bedtime stories of the monsters that supposedly dwell within. After several hours of travel, a knightly band of men can be seen hunting in the outskirts of the Nightwood, their brightly colored banners and tabards flutter in the wind. Six large wolf-like dogs have cornered a fox into a thicket of trees. One of the men, presumably a knights, hoists up a crossbow and takes a shot. He misses. Before you can see what happens next, the train rounds a bend, the hunt quickly going out of sight.

As dawn rises on the next day, rumors of a knight - or at least a man dressed in full plate - circulate up and down the train. He is searching for a woman named Muricia. Not one, not two but three men come by mentioning this to people who slept in the hall outside the cabins.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

One of the lessons Muricia learned as a veteran cavalrywoman was to get your sleep in when the opportunity presents itself, since one never knows when the next opportunity will arrive in a war zone. And this was a war zone, or at least soon would be, judging by the number of soldiers and fleeing civilians. In her heart she doubted they would be able to stop what was coming, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to try.

Such thoughts drifted in and out of her mind as she dozed. She paid little heed to either of the passengers who joined them, though she made a mental note of Takashtai's and Koebu's warnings. Of more immediate concern to her was how her griffin was holding up. She missed her chance to check on Adisa at their last stop, so she would make sure to do so at their next one.

Then, as dawn broke and she began hearing her name mentioned outside their cabin Muricia finally arose.

"Ugh, what? Did Adisa break something?" she wondered aloud as she gathered herself together. Her lance was still the size of a stiletto, which she again tied her hair around just in case before opening the door.

"If she did I'll pay for it out of my share of the purse, though next time I'll have to insist on flying. Save my seat, all right?" she said looking back over her shoulder before heading out. "Now what's the problem? I'm Muricia, is someone looking for me?"

[Felhammer]

The commoners out in the hall direct Muricia back two or three cars. After wading through a sea of people, she finds herself before a seven foot tall half-orc clad in golden plate armor. Upon his back is a viscous looking glaive, whose blade is actively dripping acid on the ground. His face is pock marked and riddled with scars. Upon his left eye is a metallic plate that seems to have been grafted into his skin. A faint glow of crimson spills out of a horizontal slit in the plate. The behemoth of a man stares down at Muricia, if she were any other person, she would be thoroughly cowed by the intimidating prowess of the hulking man-beast. His voice is gruff and just shy of a shout, "YOU are Muricia!? I expected someone taller." Two dwarves behind the half-orc, themselves clad in golden armor, chuckle. "You are the She-Devil of the Skies I have heard so much about? Bah. You are not what I was expecting, at all. How... Disappointing. The Half-orc is clearly annoyed as he rubs his forehead in a manner that can only be described as regret mixed with displeasure and frustration.

As Muricia leaves, a thin human man slips into the cabin. He immediately bends over and starts lovingly petting Caimhe. He rubs her ears and tells her she's a good dog. He pulls out a raw liver and sets it beside the canine-in-disguise. "There you go. Enjoy little one. Eat up." The man does not look around at the others in the cabin as he does this.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis


Muricia frowned throughout the half-orc's boorish spiel, but then once he'd finished she flipped it into a sarcastic grin.

"Well I'm happy to disappoint you, whoever you are. But I'm guessing they never taught you in fighter school that looks can be deceiving..." she replied, pulling her weapon out of her hair and returning it to its normal size as she did. She held her lance upright and close to her chest, not intending to threaten with it--not that she could, it was much too unwieldy in this situation--just as a way to accentuate her point.

"Now who are you, and what is it you want? she inquired, sizing up all three of them. "If this is House business, I'm busy right now. Or is this about what all went down on Xen'drik? Seems everyone I meet wants to talk about Xen'drik, but it really wasn't that big of a deal."


I'd like to roll Perception on these guys, particularly for any insignia or other things that might identify them in some way. Taking the better of the two: [roll0] [roll1]

[Merilan]

Caimhe lets out a little unpleased noise, but sniffs at the liver -- and assuming that it doesn't smell off, starts nibbling at it. It's certainly an unexpected treat, but... well, canine instincts do tend to take over her in this form.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard's eyes narrow with suspicion, We shouldn't wander off alone. I'll go with you, he says to Muricia. He tries to make his way to her through the crowded cab.

Ugh, what? Did Adisa break something? If she did I'll pay for it out of my share of the purse, though next time I'll have to insist on flying. Save my seat, all right?

One moment Muricia, just wait for me, Gerard says, pushing his way through, unsnagging his cloak from another passenger, and lifting his spear above everyone for clearance. By the time he makes his way the several steps to where Muricia had been, she is gone. In the space where she had been, a slim man slips in and throws down a raw liver to Caimhe. Gerard, already in a heightened state of paranoia, interjects his boot between Caimhe and the raw meat, pushing the wolf's snout away. What interest have you with Caimhe? he demands, You always carry raw meat wherever you go?

Not sure if I should be spamming Perc/Ins or just going by Passive (never know the difference). So passives are 27 for both, and active are:

Perception - [roll0], [roll1]
Insight - [roll2], [roll3]

[Geckus]

GerardDo you think it related to the ambassador? he asks Takashtai through her telepathy, What use do our enemies have of his man?

Look. Each time he nearly falls asleep, some pain keeps him awake.

“Directly? Unlikely. Indirectly…there are powers beyond the Five Kingdoms and the Houses that would love to see this dispute spark a renewal of the Last War, and signs such as this point to them.” Considering Gerard’s second question, she adds, “There is no guarantee that he, specifically, means anything to them. His pain, on the other hand, means everything.”

Takashtai shifts uneasily, torn between a desire to investigate further and the need to fulfill her duty to her employer, but ultimately indecision settles the matter for her as the train pulls away once more. Returning her attention to the man, she continues to work at easing him into a natural sleep, searching for signs of any lingering magic that might need to be cleared away.

Using the Arcana skill to detect any residual or active magic on the man; take 20 for 27 if able, otherwise - [roll0]

[Felhammer]

You do not detect lingering magic on the man

The man looks up and smiles.
He has sad, droopy eyes. His smile is just a touch off from genuine, as if he is trying to appear happier than he is. "Why I am Professor Wrogarr Wroaan Wrighten IV. I am a Xendrologist from Morgrave University. I am just back from a very successful expedition to the mysterious continent of Xen’drik. In my spare time, I am also a breeder of dogs. I cannot help but be fascinated by the various breeds - magical or otherwise- that inhabit this glorious continent.

Your canine friend here caught my eye. She reminds me of a hound I encountered in Xen'drik some ten years ago. He had a similar facial structure and body shape but he had an ink-black wiry coat. I apologize if I have offended you by giving your pooch some left overs from the kitchen in first class. I assure you, it is not poisoned and is only the highest quality meat!"

The Half-Orc seems to respond well to the show of force. "Ah, there we go. There is the fierce warrior I have heard of. I am Tarn d'Tharashk of House Tharashk ! I have tracked you halfway across the continent to give this to you..." He snaps his finger, one of his cronies pulls a beautiful gold envelope out from his backpack. "His Royal Highness, King Sebastes ir'Kesslan, wishes to extend a cordial invitation to you - Muricia d'Vadalis - to meet him in Newthrone."

Dear Muricia d'Vadalis,

I write to you during one of the most trying time in my young Kingdom's short existence. War will surly loom on the horizon once knowledge of the Whisperlode Mine becomes common to the masses throughout Khorvaire. Through various dealings with the Princes of Lhaazar, I have recently come into possession of three hundred griffins. I would formally request that trainers from House Vadalis come to my realm post haste to help train these beasts and our riders but... I am concerned about their objectivity. I have long been suspicious of your House's neutrality, what with the recent marriage of Her Royal Highness Queen Aurala ir'Wynarn of Aundair to Sasik d'Vadalis.

I have had my eye on your for many years now. I believe you to be an objective member of your House. I would like to formally request that you join me in Newthrone, at your earliest convenience, so that we may discuss a mutually beneficial business opportunity.

Warm regards,

The King of Q'Barra



The half-orc bears the symbol of House Thuranni on his belt.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Thanks for your efforts, but she has a delicate stomach, Gerard says, snatching the liver up from the floor. He can't make heads or tails of the story about Xendrik, but something is off about the man's expression. For someone just returning from a successful expedition, and fascinated by Caimhe, his enjoyment seems forced. You're a far ways from Xendrik, and the University. What brings you to Karrnath Professor Wrighten?

Gerard intended to go with Muricia, but I just assumed she left on her own, so he is still in the cabin with the others and the thin man.

[Felhammer]

The Professor seems a bit perplexed by Gerard snatching the live away. "I... Hmmm..." He stands up and straightens his robes, "I am in Karrnath for a business opportunity. I will be meeting with a Jiasheae Yanledel in Vulyar. She is interested in funding another expedition to Xen'Drik."

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis


Muricia raised an eyebrow at the half-orc's claim of who had sent him.

"Hmm. Well, let me see this royal message then," she said flippantly before taking hold of the envelope, tearing it open and reading the letter.

...

"Huh, a regiment, wonder what that cost him. And I didn't realize I had fans in Q'barra, though it kind of makes sense when you think about it," she mused, then tucked the letter away and returned her attention to this Tarn. "All right, I'll tell you what d'Tharashk, you can let Sebastes know that he's got my attention. If my current course takes me to Newthrone, as I suspect it will soon enough, I will hear what he has to say. And I'll ignore the aspersions on my House--everyone knows I'm a bit of a black sheep anyway, regardless of rank."

Assuming there's nothing else, Muricia gives them a curt farewell nod and begins making her way back to her cabin.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu slides forward off of his seat to join in the conversation with the professor. "It is odd that she would wish such a thing now. One can feel the oncoming storm in the air. One simply has to observe the way people are acting to see how the tempest nears. Usually at such times, people seek to fortify their own positions, pull in the herds from the fields, even board up the windows and doors. Sending out an expedition, no matter how potentially profitable, seems counter to those instincts," Koebu comments.

[Felhammer]

The Professor kneels down to speak with the halfling eye to eye (or as close as a human and a halfling can come). "I agree, it seems to be a... Frivolous expenditure in comparison to a potential war. Still... It is my livelihood, I can hardly say "spend your money on war orphans," especially when my rivals are also gearing up for their own expeditions in the coming months. Why I hear the University of Wynarn is sending THREE expeditions to Xen'Drik by year's end!"

About this time, Muricia saunters back into the room.

The half-orc nods in approval, then wanders off in the direction of the dining car. The griffin rider then returns to her companions in their cabin. Inside she sees a middle-aged human man kneeling down in front of your halfing companion.
As you enter, you catch the tail end of a conversation, "Why I hear the University of Wynarn is sending THREE expeditions to Xen'Drik by year's end!"

[Dimers]

Lee

The warforged caster pays attention to the presence of the very eager professor. In response to Koebu's comment about odd motivation, she mentally murmurs to Takashtai (so as to not interrupt the conversation), < Unless the expedition were a chance to escape the war personally ... or perhaps Xen'drik promises even greater reward than the Whisperlode. A startling idea. >

She searches her memory for any mention of a Wrogarr Wroaan Wrighten. Lee's specialty has little to do with Xendrology, but that name would stand out however she heard it ...

Rolling, what, History? Arcana? Dungeoneering? (Xen'drik is a strange and wild land.) Maybe Religion or Nature, if I heard of him in a different context. Anyway, the base roll is [roll0], then add:

Dungeoneering, 9
History, 18
Nature, 9
Religion, 18
Arcana, 20, and reroll [roll1] if the first roll is 7 or less

[Felhammer]

Lee has heard of Wrogarr Wroaan Wrighten. He remembers seeing him mentioned in a newspaper a few years ago. The Professor has lead a plethora of expeditions to the mysterious continent. He is perhaps most famous for exploring Kapaerian Island, where he discovered a kyber dragonshard the size of a man's leg while spelunking in a half-sunken ancient giant ruin. House Cannith paid nearly a million gold to Morgrave University in order to acquire the dragonshard. He also aided several Thranish expeditions to the isle in order to find the mysterious artifact that was causing Silver Flame faithful to experience visions. Sadly, these expeditions proved fruitless.

On a darker note, Wrighten has a bit of a reputation as a cowboy, who is far more concerned with the joy of exploration and the thrill of discovery than the safety of his expedition comrades. The continent is dangerous but that danger is magnified when exploring with the Professor.

Wrighten is also well known to greatly disliked by Riedra, as he unintentionally ruined a Riedran expedition to the continent. Through a mistranslation, the Professor greatly offended a local Drow Chieftain who, after being offended, banished all foreigners from the giant ruins that were in his tribe's territory. The Riedrans had spent years cultivating a friendship with the tribe. All their careful work was undone after - if the rumors from the Fairhaven Evening Post are to be believed - a single night of passion wit the Chieftain's daughter. The rumor is unconfirmed and, for years now, neither Riedran officials nor the Professor have chosen to comment on the debacle.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Scratching her head in confusion at the newest addition to their cabin, Muricia finally just shrugged and reduced her lance down to size again.

"Three expeditions, huh? Well, if they're very lucky one of them might survive the trip," she interjected, dropping back down onto her seat. "Thanks for saving this. The train's completely packed, so I guess we're lucky we haven't been overrun yet."

Once she had reestablished mental communication with the group through Takashtai, Muricia asked So what's with the guy on the floor?

[Dimers]

Lee

After a brief review, Lee adds, < In fact, I recall hearing this man's name and something about a huge dragonshard worth a fortune. I put no stock in the information when I heard it: the price was so high, I assumed it must be a tall tale or perhaps a matter of bragging rights. I also heard that this man is talented and callous. >

Her mental 'voice' sounds deeper and more clipped than her spoken voice does, and carries more emotion. You can assume that her neutral and pleasant mien is a filter, a mask -- or at least not the whole story.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard replies telepathically, Coincidentally, the professor is traveling to see the same person we are. The look on Gerard's face suggests he is highly skeptical that it is mere coincidence. I'm not convinced.

He nods in the direction Muricia had come from and asks, Everything ok with Adisa?

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Hmm? Oh, no it wasn't Adisa. Some Tharashk tracker had a message for me from the king of Q'barra, she replied to the group. After a lengthly pause she continued, Seems he got his hands on 300 head of griffins and now he wants me to come train them up, along with their riders, for the coming war--assuming we can't stop it first. Told him I'd hear him out next time I'm in the area.

[Felhammer]

The train continues to rush ever eastward. The Professor eventually leaves the cabin, returning to the car from whence he came, thus leaving the party, with their two cabin-mates, all alone. Night eventually comes. Then day, then night. Eventually the party arrives in Vedykar. It is a ndecently sized town, by Karrn standards, that - like the train - is brimming with lots of extra people. Mostly soldiers, knights, retainers and government officials but also lots of civilians. Some fleeing the east for fear of what the war may bring, others heading towards the east, hungry for opportunity.

House Jorasco's offices are flooded with soldiers, loading up carts full of crates marked as, "Healing Potions". The various taverns and inns are likewise chalk full of people. Many less-than-reputable people are wandering the streets selling "antique" jewelry for far less than market value. Many passerby seem lured in by the potential for a good deal.

The party heads over to the House Orien Stables. Unlike elsewhere in town, the stables are relatively devoid of people. Lots of carriages sit in long rows next to the building, with many horses grazing the fields nearby. A very tall, swarthy-skinned man walks up and greets the party. He wears fine red robes with an exquisite golden belt. Half his head is shaved, revealing a bight purple dragonmark. "The name is Tarn, how can I help you?"

[Merilan]

Caimhe had let a disappointed noise to Gerard when he snatched the liver away, her tail wagging back and forth, but... caution was, perhaps, advised, yes. She'd proceeded to stay for most of the journey in canine form, though she was back in human form by the time they'd reached the Stables. "Do you prefer to stay the night and start our journey in the morning, or proceed onward?"

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Hmm? Oh, no it wasn't Adisa. Some Tharashk tracker had a message for me from the king of Q'barra, she replied to the group. After a lengthly pause she continued, Seems he got his hands on 300 head of griffins and now he wants me to come train them up, along with their riders, for the coming war--assuming we can't stop it first. Told him I'd hear him out next time I'm in the area.

Gerard smiles and nods appreciatively, You must be a skilled hand to draw his attention Muricia. You do your house proud.

The rest of the ride, Gerard seems preoccupied with his thoughts. He had grown up hearing stories of King Sebastes, the nobleman that defied the monarchs and founded Q'Barra to keep the Kingdom of Galifar alive despite the warring nations. He wonders how the fledgling kingdom will fare with Valenar on one side, and Karrnath and the halflings on the other. Hopefully, it will not come to that.

----------------------------------------

Do you prefer to stay the night and start our journey in the morning, or proceed onward?

Gerard gives Caimhe's question some thought, I got some sleep on the Rail, but I could do for a full night's rest. How do the rest of you feel?

[Felhammer]

Tarn scratches his head, "Well you aren't going to find any lodging in the city. Way too many people here. I'll let you sleep in the old barn, if you would like. Let's say 10 gold a head?

[dariathalon]

Koebu

The halfling stands near the rear of the group, he seems to like to allow his presence to go unnoticed much of the time. "My vote is for continuing forward. Every moment brings the potential for war a little closer. Looking back on this moment, I'd like to think that I had done everything I could to stop it. A comfortable rest tonight may be somewhat less comfortable to live with in the coming months should we fail. I do not delude myself into thinking this is a mission I could undertake alone, so I will go with the group's wishes though."

[Merilan]

Caimhe chuckles and says, "... to be honest, I was more thinking about our chances of being ambushed on the road at night rather than our comfort. But, we're no ordinary group of adventurers. But, that's spoken as someone who's comfortable sleeping on the floor."

[Dimers]

Lee

The warforged pipes up, "My chassis is designed for long wear. I am comfortable continuing quickly, and can watch over the group's rest at night." After a moment, she adds, "I like your color scheme, Tarn."

[Geckus]

Takashtai

“I have no objection to pressing on quickly;” thinking of the Professor that they had met on the train, she adds, “it may allow us access to our quarry before other parties seek to occupy her time.”

Looking over at the (presumably) scion of House Orien, she asks, “How much for the use of a carriage capable of transporting six, plus a driver, for the trip to Karrlakton?”

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

"Five plus the driver," Muricia interjected. "Adisa and I may not be able to outpace the Lightning Rail, but we certainly can keep up with a carriage."

"Kweeeh!" her griffin cried out in excitement, shuddering and ruffling her feathers. She'd been cooped up for far too long: it was high time for her to soar.

[Felhammer]

"Well you can leave right away, if you would like. It will be twenty gold per day of travel, plus minor expenses for the driver," responds the man.

After the gold has been transferred, the party boards a black carriage. It is not the fanciest model but also not a hunk of junk. There is enough room for the whole party. The seats are comfy but not too comfy. You would likely want to get out and stretch after a few hours of travel. The Driver introduces himself a Rogbert. He is a thickset, balding halfling with a large handlebar mustache.

The road is bumpy and rocky once you the city has passed out of view. The night passes with relative ease. As does the morning. The party has lunch in a field, then continues on their way. Just as the sun falls on the first day of travel, Rogbert screams, "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" He jerks the reins, careening the carriage off the road! The horses wind up running into a thicket of trees and get stuck. The halfing screams, "Man down! On the road!"

The party rushes out of the carriage to investigate. There is indeed a man on the road. He looks beaten and bloody and half-dead. He groans softly, clearly he is still alive. As the party flips him over to his back, they find a deep wound in his chest, probably caused by an axe.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard's nap is abruptly interrupted by the carriage careening off the road into a thicket. Is everyone alright?!

The halfing screams, "Man down! On the road!"

The party rush to investigate, and find a beaten man with a deep slashing wound in his chest. He is alive, but barely. There is little Gerard can do to heal him, so he leaves his care to the others and begins to search for tracks, or any signs of the attacker. It is doubtful the man survived in this condition for too long. Takashtai, if you can reach Muricia, ask her if she can see anyone lurking around or fleeing from up there.

Take higher of the two.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Dimers]

Lee

The warforged strides silently to the victim and begins to treat his wound and murmur comforting words. "Help is here ... you'll be okay, you'll survive this, just keep breathing as steadily as you can." She's clearly practiced in this sort of thing -- a stark contrast with the likes of Slasher, who would be far more likely to cause an axe wound in a stranger than to fix one.

My Heal skill of +16 will auto-succeed at tests to stabilize, grant second wind or grant a save, if any of those is appropriate. But I'd like a roll to see whether Lee judges the wound bad enough that magical aid is needed immediately: [roll0] If second wind doesn't do the job, my herbal healing power won't help either -- it only heals by triggering second wind.

I'll just use passive Insight/Perception to determine if something is 'off', like this man is actually bait for an ambush.

[Merilan]

Caimhe hops off the carriage as well, but as she's not a healer like Lee is, her attention is more around them to sniff out any trails or ambushes. She even transforms into her wolf form to help sniff such a thing out.

Perception, I suppose? [roll0]

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Seeing that Lee was quickly tending to the man's injuries, Koebu called out, "If healing magics are needed, let me know. In the mean time I will watch for trouble. Fenti, defend Lee." At the halfling's summons, a reptile stands up on two legs next to Lee from the road. Fenti's general shape is the same as always, but this time he seems to be made from the dirt and rocks of the road he sprang from, with a few tufts of grass sprouting out at odd angles from his joints.

As Fenti appears, Koebu is busy climbing up on the side of the carriage, like a little monkey. He kneels on the roof, eyes scanning the surrounding terrain.

[roll0]

[Felhammer]

The area around the party lies in a gully, so little of the surrounding terrain can be seen from their vantage point. Caimhe is able to pick up a trail, however. Smells like dinosaurs. Tracks are leading out of the gully. Muricia heads up into the skies. Off in the distance, she spots what looks like seven halflings riding raptors racing away at top speed. They are probably a mile out at this point. Koebu and Gerard look around the gully and fund a dead horse stashed away in a thicket of trees. Its throat has been cut. There are not any drag marks, so those who killed the horse must have lured him into the bramble and then killed him.

Meanwhile, Lee's great knowledge of mundane healing sees the soldier bandaged up. He is still groggy. He keeps mentioning that he has a message over and over and over again. However, he seems quite delirious as he also rants about his wife, his children and the purple sky.

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee responds automatically, "Magical aid does not seem necessary. Please be advised : the victim seems unlikely to return to full sense within minutes, though hours is possible." She searches the man for any identifying paperwork -- or for a written note, since his delirious moaning is so insistent about having a message to deliver. Even if unable to address him by name, she asks softly, "To whom was your message going?"

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Muricia swooped back down and relayed what she saw to the party.

"Looks like seven halflings on raptors making a break for it! They've got about a mile's head start! Shall I pursue?"

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu swings down from the top of the carriage and scampers over toward the horse he'd spotted in the brush. "If you can point them out to me, and give me 10 minutes, I can do a little magic that should slow them down some so it will be easier to catch up to them. You may be able to catch up to them, but I doubt that the rest of us can unless we use some magic or are willing to track them until they rest," Koebu calls as he moves. When he reaches the horse, he begins looking it over to see if the message Lee mentioned might be hidden away in saddle bags or something.

[Merilan]

Caimhe looks up, then towards the rest of the group as she transforms back. "I think it's unwise to pursue at this point while we've got injured. We can't risk our carriage being left undefended either, especially in-between destinations like this. We'd best spirit this man to safety and get his story; we can gather the truth of the raptor-riding halflings then."

She leans down gently and looks to Lee. "Let's get him to our carriage and have him rest on the seat..."

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee nods at Caimhe. "The casualty can be moved without danger of further harm." She skirts around Fenti with a glance up as if confused by his nature. As she helps Caimhe lift, she replies to Muricia and Koebu, "I do not foresee catching the suspects given the resources currently available to us. If Rogbert judges the carriage roadworthy, continuing to Karrlakton is recommended."

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard frowns at Muricia's news of seven Halfling riders, and he nods in agreement with the others, The halflings of the Talenta Plains are not to be taken lightly, he says, looking in the direction Muricia indicated, I wonder what brings them this far into Karrnath. He glances at the injured man, With luck, he may be able to tell us. The closer we get to Vulyar, the closer we get to the Plains. We should be wary. That said, Gerard goes to help get the carriage back on the road.

[Felhammer]

Koebu finds a scroll case in one of the horse's saddle bags. He pops the cork and unfurls the scroll. It is a letter addressed to the King of Karrnath, addressed from the King of Q'Barra. The letter offers an alliance between the two countries against the elves. The Q'barrans are offering a 40% stake in the mine to be split between the Karrns and the halflings of Talenta.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu brings the scroll case and message over to where the others have gathered. "Those riders probably know something useful to our mission. They don't appear to have chosen their target at random, and to target this specific individual shows that they are tied into the web that this potential war lies precariously upon. I understand your reluctance to go after them, but I don't think their attempts to interfere with this message can be ignored." He hands the scroll to Gerard with a gesture indicating it should be passed around.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard reads the scroll and frowns, Always someone a step ahead of us, he mutters, passing the scroll to the others. He clasps his hands behind his back as the others read the letter, pacing back and forth.

King Sebastes is trying to prevent all out war. But the halflings do not want King Kaius to even see his call for an alliance. The terms seem fair to my mind. Houses Jorasco and Ghallanda must either believe very strongly that the mine sits within the borders of the Plains, or that they can force the issue with Karrnath behind them.

We need to send word to the Ambassador as soon as we reach Vulyar.

[Felhammer]

The dwarf driver, with the help of the stronger members oft he party, liberate the carriage and the horses from the thicket. The horses are particularly... Grumpy about the process, as there were prickly roses in the bramble.


http://i.imgur.com/REn4ULA.jpg

The party gingerly loads the injured man into the carriage. The rest of the journey is rather uneventful. The party arrives in Vulyar when the dawn arises on the next day. The party stops at the House Orien Waystation, the good driver accepts his pay and helps offload the injured soldier. Soon after, two female halflings come running out of the city gate. One is older with salt and pepper hair, the other is younger with strawberry blonde hair. The two women immediately assess the man's injuries and begin to heal him. More halflings come rushing out, this time with a cart being pulled by two clawfoot raptors. They load the soldier into the cart and wheel him into town.

The older woman looks up and says, "He had been poisoned. It is good you brought him here as fast as you did. Another half day and he would be dead. My name is Idari, by the way," she extends her hand to shake whomever's hand is closest "Were you attacked? "

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard shakes his head, We were not, but we came across this man on our way here. He flashes his badge, identifying himself as a Sentinel Marshal of House Deneith, Thank you for your help Idari, I am Gerard d' Deneith. I'd like to speak with him as soon as he is able to have company.

[Merilan]

Caimhe pads along with a little nod, rubbing at her forehead and quietly nursing the half-mask she has on. "Indeed... by halfling riders on the plain. It was a rather sordid attack, and it was only fortunate we were there to aid him when we could."

[Dimers]

Lee

The warforged stands quietly, looking around with uncommon curiousity. She keeps only half an ear on the conversation while reviewing what she knows about the town and the people the party needs to see.

History checks? My 'passive History' would be 28 if such a thing existed. When there's a question about how much a PC knows, I prefer to have the DM roll -- I shouldn't know how well my character did, I figure. But I'll roll History, Religion or whatever myself if so directed.

[Felhammer]

Lee knows that the town is quaint and out of the war. If not for the last war and the many battles fought nearby, few would remember such an out of the way town. House Orien passed over to town in its initial construction of the Lightning Rail, in favor of making a more direct connection with Cyre. The importance of Vulyar has increased since the end of the last war and the independence of the Mror Holds. Prior to the war, House Orien had constructed a line connecting the town with the (now) capital of the Holds -Krona Peak. Eventually the House wishes to connect Vulyar to the main line running through Karrnath. Many believed the sensible solution would be to directly connect Vulyar to Vedykar but the King's court has been leveraging much of its political will to see the line connect to Ft. Bones in the south and then west to Ft. Zombie. The thought behind this is that it would shore up the south-eastern border of the Kingdom, allowing for quick and efficient lines of communication and supply across the whole border.

The Mages Guild in Vulyar is probably the largest magical group this close to the barren lands of the Halflings, and thus is often used as a last stop for supplies for adventurers and travelers looking to ride through the Plains.

The halfling woman nods, "I will keep him at the hospital. I will send word to you once he is well enough to wake. I presume you will be staying at The Singing Serpent? It is the largest and most popular inn in town. The rates are fair and the beer dark. I suggest the spicy mutton, if you get a chance. It is quite delicious." Idari then marches into town, breaking off from the party soon after entering the gate. The town is pleasant and nice. Nothing to write home about. Many halflings meander about, which makes sense given Vulyar's proximity to the Plains. Many of the Halflings are wearing armor and walk around town with clawfoot raptors in tow. Karrn soldiers, too, strolling around. The normal denizens of the township seem to be on edge. Every loud sound or clawfoot's screech makes them jump. In the town's square, there is a fountain that has had its statuary debased and broken off. Perhaps it was damaged in the war? Curiously, there is no water in the fountain, it is entirely dry.

You recognize what is left of the statuary as belonging to the Blood of Vol, a dark and mysterious cult that once played a large part in the history of Karrnath. It was officially outlawed by the King, its temples and monuments were destroyed.


The world is your oyster!

You can go straight to your mark, go to the Mages Guild, the Hospital, the Singing Serpent, another tavern, the local marketplace, anywhere!

You do notice the Halflings seem to be congregating around a Halfling-sized tavern in the outskirts of town called the Big Tooth.

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee murmurs to Caimhe as the party enters the heavier traffic, "Your informational scouting could be very valuable now. Do you wish support? -- or would you be safer and/or more effective alone?" She doesn't seem like ideal backup herself. Even setting aside her obvious differences in look, she too is a little unnerved hearing the clawfoot cries.

Near the dry fountain, the warforged pauses to feel out the crowd in her own way, searching for oddities with her mind's eye. While Lee is thus distracted, her terracotta shard pops out and starts zipping around. It has no eyes or ears but seems to be exploring -- checking out the fountain, flying up for a bird's-eye view, approaching a clawfoot and humming to the drake's rider.

Just for curiosity's sake, Imma use the power arcane senses. How many fey, how many shadow creatures and how many elementals are within [roll0] squares?

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Thank you Idari, that should do then. Send word for me at the Singing Serpent when he is better.

Once the halfling is out of earshot, Gerard confers quietly with the group, Let's secure a couple of rooms at the Singing Serpent and use the whisper stones to inform the Ambassador about this messenger and the attack. I wonder what her take will be on it. An alliance with Qbarra puts Karrnath in a stronger position, which works against the Ambassador's efforts. But if Valenar thinks Qbarra has joined forces with the Karrns and the Halflings, they'll see an alliance with Thrane more favorably. At any rate, I think we should wait to hear back from her before we meet with our mark.

I forget who has the whisper stone. If I have it Fel, then assume I send a message out to the Ambassador (I can't remember any of the NPC names :smalleek:. But I don't think I have it. I vote for getting some rooms and waiting to hear back before we meet with the elf lady.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu pats the bag that he carries the stones in. "That sounds like a sound plan. I will accompany you. Unless you'd like my assistance, Caimhe. With the large halfling population here it might help to have someone like me along. Though I warn you that I'm not much for getting along in groups. I tend to stand isolated even amongst my own. You've probably noticed." Koebu looks down at his feet which shuffle awkwardly from side to side.

[Felhammer]

You sense a about a dozen fey and a handful of elementals. Most seem to be congregating at the nearby Lightning Rail Station.

The Ambassador only replies with the word, "Interesting." to the news. Then continues to say that you should continue on your mission and to report backs ASAP.

So... To the Halflings? To the inn? To your mark?

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard hands the whisper stone back to Koebu, Well, that didn't offer too much insight. We'll see how the negotiations play out and go from there.

I'll secure rooms and wait around in case Idari comes looking for me there. Meet me at the Singing Serpent when you're finished out here.

[Merilan]

Caimhe has a quiet smile towards the rest of the group, looking to Koebu and Lee. "If you'd both like to come with me and survey the town, then I'd welcome the company. You do know how I can double up in pain, it might be a good thing to have support..."

She nods at Gerard and says, "Thank you. We'll be back with results, I'm sure." She beckons to the other two and sets off towards the streets, taking a deep, puffed breath. "Right, then... let us inquire about the halflings and our mark, both?"

The white-haired woman works rather deftly, able to weave in and out about crowds, butter people up and inquire about what she wants to, it would seem -- a loose coin here, a purchased drink there, a flattering compliment thereabouts...

Let's do some Streetwise! Sorry for the delay. [roll0]

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu nods at Caimhe's request. With one hand he tucks the stone Gerard had returned to him back into the bag, while the other waves to the party who was not going along. "See you at the Singing Serpent then."

While Caimhe seems to naturally take to the streets almost as soon as they take off in search for information, but Koebu's presence doesn't seem to help much at first. However as she starts questioning some of the local halflings, Koebu notices that a few of them are reluctant to talk to a big person. He whispers a request to the spirits, and listens as they whisper back to him how to handle the situation. He tries to act as a go-between to soothe any racial tensions that may exist.


I'll attempt to aid gaining info about what's going on with the halflings. Since Koebu is not good at this sort of thing, I'll use my encounter power Speak with Spirits if possible to gain a +5. This aid assumes that was used. [roll0]

[Felhammer]

You hear that the Halflings are all from northern Talenta. They are congregating here to more fully co-ordinate with the Karrn military in case of a war. You hear that there are several war bands forming out in the plains, many numbering over a hundred warriors.

As for the inn, you hear that it is quite lonely. Local humans tend to avoid the tavern, as it only serves elven, dwarven and halfling food and drink. Many halflings from the plains go out of their way to come to the tavern to enjoy some well-cooked food. Dwarves from the Holds also visit when traveling through Karrnath. The proprietress often holds parties for elves, who travel all the way from Valenar to come to the tavern. You hear that the Karrn military is often on edge when these meetings take place, always fearful of subterfuge or an outright attack.

The Singing Serpent is built in a dwarven style, with a thick, ornately carved stone facade. Several half-drunken halfling warriors stumble out of the tavern. On the porch, sit three dwarven merchants in rocking chairs. They dip on dark ale while smoking pipes. They speak in their native tongue.

They are discussing how much money they have already made selling goods to the Karrn military. How they will become rich men if the war actually happens.

Inside the Singing Serpent, the party finds three long, 30-foot tables, each designed for a different race. The first is halfling sized, with tiny chairs and a short table. The second is for elves, with delicate chairs. The third is for dwarves, complete with wide bottomed, medium height chairs. The halfling table is almost full, the elven one has but one customer, the dwarven table is about a quarter full. Behind the long table is the bar, where a beautiful, middle-aged elf in a flowing green gown is cleaning some glasses. Off to the right of the long tables and bar are ten circular tables with seats designed for a mix of races. Beyond the circular tables, along the far wall, are several booths with privacy curtains.

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee approaches the apparent tender straightaway. "I would--" She pauses and tilts her head, responding to some internal prompt, then continues with an appreciative tone: "You are especially beautiful! May I purchase two containers of ale, please? In a bowl, if you can spare it." Her emotionally neutral lilt seems to fit the social introduction and the mercantile followup each half-way.

The warforged takes her purchased drink to one of the 'mixed' tables and lets her shard flitter in it. The resemblance to a sparrow in a birdbath is surprisingly strong. Lee repeatedly magicks away the ale splashed on the table until the shard settles down for a soak. She glances over to Gerard and comments with faint guilt, "I stand out like a sore thumb regardless. There's no harm in letting someone enjoy it."

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard shakes his head at Lee, Between you and... that thing flitting around, and Caimhe turning into a wolf in front of people, we attract a lot of unwanted attention. We should be more cautious. What is that thing anyway? he asks, gesturing at the strange shard in the bowl. You know what? You can tell me after we switch tables. Lets grab one of the booths with a curtain. I'll arrange for some rooms and meet you there, he says, pointing at a privacy booth.

Gerard walks over to the elf at the bar, Hello, we're looking to book lodging for the night. Maybe a night or two longer. There's five of us, and a 'forged.

[Dimers]

Lee

The warforged nods and accepts Gerard's direction. "Perhaps there is some way we can make the attention wanted instead. I confess I do not yet see that opportunity." When the arrangements are secured, she explains in brief, "Consider it like a wizard's familiar ... one with little sense of the brouhaha it can cause. A dedicated but self-willed creature, tied to me in spirit. Beyond that, I honestly know little more; the shard is anomalous."

[Felhammer]

The elf woman is taken aback by the warforged's words in comparison to her voice. "I-I suppose..." She pours two containers full of the most expensive ale." Some of the elves take not of Lee and watch the warfordged and his shard with bemused smiles.

The elf at the bar nods to Gerard, finding it hard to pull away from the oddity at the table. "We have five rooms available. They are the most expensive though. Come with three meals and a three drink cover."

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Perhaps there is some way we can make the attention wanted instead. I confess I do not yet see that opportunity. Gerard looks around and over his shoulder, Yeah, that's because we don't want the attention Lee. Our job is rather sensitive. Better that no one comes around asking questions.

The elf at the bar nods to Gerard, finding it hard to pull away from the oddity at the table. "We have five rooms available. They are the most expensive though. Come with three meals and a three drink cover."

No common rooms huh? What will the five rooms cost us?


-------------------------

When the arrangements are secured, Lee explains in brief, "Consider it like a wizard's familiar ... one with little sense of the brouhaha it can cause. A dedicated but self-willed creature, tied to me in spirit. Beyond that, I honestly know little more; the shard is anomalous." Gerard looks at Lee with some confusion on his face. He'd never met a warforged that spoke the way Lee does, or that had a familiar. You're a strange 'forged Lee.

[Dimers]

Lee

Lee nods, and for a moment it seems like she considers that to be enough of a response. But in a quiet tone, she shares a portion of her story. "Only a small number of my type were commissioned, and fewer still survived. Sabotage ruined much of the work. I was spared that destruction, but the sabotage warped me from what the House had intended. NVKE8X-Misinfused-Lee is as anamolous as her shard. ... I worry that my difference from 'the norm' reduces my value; and I recognize that my worrying at all makes the difference larger still." She falls silent as if lost in thought.

[Felhammer]

A delicate looking, middle-aged elven woman wearing an over-sized red robe stumbles into the inn. She surveys the room, spots the party and immediately shuffles over, practically tripping over a few halflings.

She sits down at your table brushes her straw-colored hair behind her pointed ears, pulls out a pair of reading glasses and says, "Hello. My name is Jiasheae Yanledel. I believe you are here to see me." Her voice is confident yet detached, like a lawyer simply stating the facts of a case.

[Merilan]

At about this point, Caimhe has padded back to the inn -- she's looking just a little more haggard than usual, perhaps from the accumulated pain from being in her human form. She persists, though, spotting the group to take a seat. "My! Hello there. Caimhe d'Tharashk, of the eponymous House. It is a pleasure to make her acquaintance."

[Felhammer]

The elven woman nods dispassionately, "Indeed." She repositions her glasses farther up her nose. "Pleasantries aside. I am told you have an offer for me..."

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerrard

Gerrard looks puzzled that Jiasheae Yanledel had known they arrived, where they were, and came to them first. But her curt manner dispels the short-lived bewilderment.

Right... we are discussing matters of the state. I don't think this is an appropriate setting, he says, pointing to the simple curtain dividing their conversation from everyone else in the room. Why don't we reconvene shortly at a secure place of your choosing, where our discussions will be less easily overheard by others? Now that they've met Jiasheae and have an idea of her disposition, the group can come to the negotiations a little better prepared if Gerard can stall the talks until later.

Diplomacy - [roll0]

[Dimers]

Lee

The warforged observes the interaction with detached curiosity. The woman Yanledel seems very well-informed, and at the same time surprisingly incautious for someone helping to adjust the fate of nations.

In a world with changelings, it doesn't hurt to double-check identities ... Insight regarding Yanledel? If you don't roll them yourself, Lee gets [roll0] and her docent provides backup with [roll1].

[Merilan]

"Oh, already?" Caimhe tilts her head with a rather easy-going smile, gesturing towards the nearest waitress. "Here I'd just come back in from the weather outside, and I was hoping we could speak about pleasantries for a moment or two."

If she was put off by Jiasheae's abrupt demeanor, she didn't show it. She was keeping her own disarmingly casual expression up.

"What do you say to a bottle of this inn's finest wine? It's on me."

[roll0] Let's see if we can't break through that icy demeanor a little!

[Felhammer]

Jiasheae shakes her head at Gerard, "I own this Tavern. It is safe. Half the people here are in my employ." Turning to the Caimhe, the woman snaps her fingers. An elven barmaid walks up with a really old bottle of wine. "This is from my personal reserve. Fairhaven Blue Wine, vintage 767. I am told it is very... Potent. The vineyards that used to grow the grapes were burned down and bombed during the war. After rebuilding, the taste was never the same.

The barmaid places a glass next to each party member and pours a bit less than two fingers in each glass.

"Now, your proposal. What is it?" her tone is demanding and authoritiative. She means buisiness.

She seems off. Like she is not comfortable in her own skin.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

With all due respect, I don't think the ambassador has any interest in the tavern knowing our business, even those among us under your employ. Surely you can appreciate the sensitive nature of our affairs? Gerard asks. He scrutinizes the elf. Had she meant to test them, he can understand. But as she insists on beginning the talk, his suspicions rise.

EDIT: I forgot to mention to take the highest of each roll.

Active insight to determine if she is deceiving them.
Insight - [roll0]
Insight - [roll1]

Active perception to notice a disguise, or something about her out of place.
Perception - [roll2]
Perception - [roll3]

[Felhammer]

"You presume we will speak of the deal. I assumed we would have it in writing. We are not savages, after all," she says derisively, obviously displaced with the way the party is conducting themselves.

You definitely get the feeling she might be trying to deceive you.

You notice she is breathing a touch too fast, like she is nervous and is trying to suppress it.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

There is no need to risk having the details stolen en route. My group and I are a formidable team for anyone to try and interfere in the negotiations, he says, a veiled warning to Jiasheae, but these are dangerous times, and precautions should always be taken. For now, we'll discuss details, and if we come to an agreement, it will be formalized in writing.

I'm as eager to get started as you are Jiasheae, but even if I cannot convince you to change venues, I must insist that we wait for the rest of our party. The Ambassador hand-picked each one of us to be here to make this alliance happen. Gerard leans over and whispers to Lee and Caimhe,Something is off about her. I don't trust her. We were supposed to meet her at Strong Magus' Inn. One of you should head there and see if we're being played. Pretend you're going to fetch Muricia and Takashtai, and if you see them on your way, send them over here immediately.

He turns his gaze back on Jiasheae, intent on her reaction to one of them leaving the table, It shouldn't be much longer now.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu had entered the tavern shortly behind Caimhe. He paused just inside the door, taking in the lay of the place instead of following her over to the table immediately. After a few moments, he walked to the bar and ordered a drink, nothing fancy, just something to quench his thirst. After being handed a mug he wandered over past the halfling table, as if he'd looked for a seat there and found none to his liking at the crowded long table. Then he moved past them and on up to the circular tables. He paused at the one closest to the party's booth and tried to observe the proceedings from there, hoping he could see enough of what was going on without necessarily being associated with the others in case there was something funny afoot.


I guess I'll try an insight check too. [roll0]

[Dimers]

Lee

The warforged stands up after listening to Gerard's whisper. "I will go to prompt our colleagues. Perhaps you can hold our host's interest with a tale of martial derring-do."

Approaching and passing Koebu, Lee sees doubt in his face, and she tries to show her agreement subtly with a slow nod.

[Felhammer]

The woman looks viably annoyed. She taps her foot on the floor. "If we must. Please do hurry. Time is of the essence."

You try to evesdrop but you cannot hear... Anything from the table that the party is at. Complete silence. People are obviously talking but you cannot hear any of it.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard narrows his eyes, Jiasheae, let me remind you that I am a Sentinel Marshal of House Deneith, and I don't like being lied to. I understand things are moving quickly, but you seem distressed above and beyond these negotiations. I don't think you're being completely truthful, something appears to have you on edge. I want to reestablish trust here before the rest of the group arrives and we attempt to negotiate an alliance. So, let's start again, with the truth. What has you so nervous? Why did you not wait for us to go meet you?

[Felhammer]

Jiasheae reaches into her pouch and grabs a shimmering black sling bullet. She chucks it at Gerard as she bitterly complains, "It was a boring conversation anyway!" As soon as the bullet smack the Knight, the entire area around him goes pitch black. Blacker than even the darkest night. Darker even then a lonely, hidden cave... The bystanders panic. They scream and shout, completely flummoxed, enraged and frightened by the sudden darkness!

The Doc has been updated with the battle map. Party goes first.

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu calls out to his spirit companion. "Fenti, guard the door! Nobody leaves until we figure out what's going on here." The dinosaur companion grows naturally out of its surroundings. This time it appears as a two-legged reptile made mostly of wood, but with bits of pottery that looks suspiciously like the mugs and plates scattered around the room, parts of Fenti even appear to be made from foaming liquid that sloshes around as it moves. Fenti quickly grows from a small beast to take up the entire doorway.

As the dinosaur grows, Koebu grabs out a sunrod from his pack. He's unsure if its light will pierce the new darkness, but it was at least worth a shot. He struck it on the edge of the table and it's tip began to glow brighter than a torch.


Free: Call spirit companion (Nimble Spirit)
Minor: Elder Presence (Fenti grows to large size)
Minor: Retrieve sunrod.
Minor: Light sunrod.

[Felhammer]

Koebu lights a sunrod but finds the magical darkness to overwhelm all light, even the sunrod's!

The Darkness blocks all line of sight. :smalleek:

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Expecting for Jiasheae to squirm a little, Gerard is taken completely by surprise when the elf throws a sling bullet at him and plunges the tavern into complete darkness. He flinches and lets out a hiss, Sovereigns!

Gerard lunges across the table hoping to grab Jiasheae before she can make her escape.

Move Action - Draw Spear.
Standard Action - Grab for Jiasheae [roll0]

This is to simply grab for her since she was sitting across from him. I doubt she's there, but it seems like the logical thing to do. I subtracted proficiency bonus and enhancement bonus since he's not using the spear itself, and then I don't recall what the penalty for being Blind is so Fel, please subtract. I mean... she's probably not there lol. I'm targeting the square where she was sitting, whichever that is.

[Felhammer]

Gerard lunges over the table and does not find any purchase with his tackle attack.

[Merilan]

Caimhe lets out a groan as she slips out of the area of darkness and glances about. "Everyone calm down! This darkness will subside soon, no one make any sudden moves lest you injure yourselves!"

Caimhe is trying to use Diplomacy to soothe the bystanders -- and perhaps if she can do so, they might see if their quarry is amongst them?

[roll0] Diplomacy

[Felhammer]

Right as Caimhe says this, a man inside the darkness trips, slams into the ground and starts cursing loudly. Everyone else sort of stops and stairs Caimhe, as if waiting for further instruction.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard nearly tumbles over the table as he wrangles nothing but air, She's not here! Don't let her get away!

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu chooses not to act or move, he simply takes a deep breath and holds it. He simply stands there engaging his sense to the fullest he can. Watching for people leaving the darkness by obvious means and listening for signs that someone might be leaving by some secret means (the creaking of a hinge, the sliding of wood, whatever catches his ear). The room's chaos was exactly what the woman wanted to cover her escape. Koebu realized the best way to fight this was to make himself calm.

I guess that's a big ol' [roll0]. Or a full round of 3 minor action perception checks if we're still on combat time. If that's the case, here's a couple more checks to finish out the round. [roll1] [roll2]

[Dimers]

Lee

Having been employed briefly in a police force, Lee has some training in how to respond to criminals mixed in with an innocent populace. And the monomaniacal focus of a warforged can help in this situation. Lee concentrates all her resources on listening to environmental cues, ready to throw a small but powerful mind-draining spell if she can identify where the perpetrator is headed.

[Felhammer]

Lee and Koebu tries to sense his surroundings. Suddenly they hear a man behind him whisper, "Watch it, love!" As the two adventurers turn around, they can see Jiasheae trying to covertly open a nearby window.