(IC) Festival of Heroes - Fenris Howls - Main

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Gorrun looks directly at Maliaka but then makes an open inquiry Is everyone alright?

[Darius Vibrtrar]

Umbear glanced back to Gorrun.

"Im doing great, but I swear I might pay you friend just to talk to people around me because I am loving everything that has come out of her mouth. "

He grins an honest grin, turning to Mal.

"Keep it up, Please."

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor silently nodded to Aurix.

Spoiler: Aurix

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"Very well. We might be able to use more mana crystal weaponry. Also, keep Umbear in line. And be careful in there."

Geiravor sighed. "And I have a court to hold at Helen's city estate. Before everyone splits up, is there anything to report?"

[Wolfykins]

"I'm perfect now," Malaika informed Gorrun cheerfully. She turned her head and stuck her tongue out at Umbear.


"As a matter of fact, yes," Aurora sighed, moving closer to Geiravor.
"There was a fire very early this morning, so Jaylyn and Sharra and I went to check it out, and happened to meet Markas, another tournament contestant, and later Kest, while there. A warehouse in the northern part of town had been set ablaze. The fire brigade was found slaughtered in the streets. A gargoyle, an undead duergar, some drow, and some small, shadowy, gnome-like creatures I'm unfamiliar with, all dressed in robes bearing a symbol Sharra identified as the demon lord Nocticula's, attempted to ambush us. They... also had several demons with them."
"Markas and Jaylyn took them on, with Sharra's help, while I kept the fire from getting any further out of control. Unfortunately, they outnumbered us, and we had concerns with rescuing nearby citizens, so we were unable to capture any. All of the cultists managed to escape. Only some undead minions were destroyed during the fight," the centaur summarized.
"My greatest concern though, is the demons. They all scattered very quickly in more directions than we could feasibly cover on our own. Some began attacking civilians as a distraction, others just scattered into the city. I cannot say with any certainty whether they were summons who disappeared back to the Abyss when their time was up, or whether they were here more permanently, be it via an old or new gate or rift unknown to us. I do know the cultists were casting spells, and I can confirm conjurations were used. But they cast their spells hidden by shadows, illusions, obstacles, and from within the burning building, so we could not identify them. I have grave misgivings about just assuming the demons were summons who pose no further threat to the city. Since we cannot confirm their origin, I feel we must treat them as having either slipped past us from the tower, or have another way here from the Abyss that we don't know about. Because if we do not treat it as that serious of a problem, and it turns out it is, we will be in much deeper **** than if we just wasted some time and energy searching for a breach that isn't there."
Aurora paused for breath and then looked questioningly at Gorrun.
"How would you propose we handle this, General? I am reluctant to suggest we send a company of paladins to investigate, because I would not want to weaken the defenses around the tower, as that could well be what they're trying to get us to do. But what about the squires? The demons we saw were all weaklings. Dretches and babaus and similar. I believe they could feasibly be taken on, and taken out, by greenlings if they worked together. Perhaps Warrick could divide them into search teams and search the North District, under the supervision of ranking clerics from nearby temples? Word could also be put out to local rangers with experience hunting evil outsiders, if you think a quieter, stealthier search would be better?"
"I would suggest we search ourselves," Aurora said with a tense shrug, "but there are several other things that pressingly need our attention?" she said questioningly.

[Darius Vibrtrar]

Umbear nodded.

"Yes.... We have a group going to secure the route to the mines from anarcists, Myself, Jaylyn, Markas, and Aurix I believe are going to handle that. "

Spoiler: Aurix

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"This is our cover to get out of town and in the direction of the mines, unless we can get to the water saturation point and back in less than an hour, I have a few other locations scouted as well."

[Wolfykins]

"I know, Jaylyn and Markas asked me to go along earlier. If you don't think you'll need me though, I can turn my attention elsewhere for the duration," Aurora said simply.


Aistriú flew over to light on Aurora's back. "I'm up for anything anyone wants me to do. I wasn't much help this battle, so I'd like to feel I contributed something today!"

[paladin_artea]

Markas looked around the field and grinned, "We did it," he said softly before wincing slightly at his injuries. He smiled to himself at seeing Aurix and Geirivor's affection towards each other, happy for his friends, but at the same time, missing the presence of his own lover. Shaking the feeling for the moment He focused again on the tasks at hand and nodded towards Umbear, "Thanks for the reminder. The late night fire was a bit distracting. I'm glad we saved so many people, but like Aurora said, the fact that the enemy got away worries me. That gargoyle that seemed to lead the attack was especially troubling. I couldn't get a hit on him. I think Jaylyn, Umbear, and I can handle things at the mines if you want to focus on those demons that got away last night. But two things real quick. One, thank you for all your help Malika. And two, if anyone has any small healing ability left I've got some minor injuries, if not I'm not too worried."

[Wolfykins]

"Easily done," Aurora said promptly, stepping over to Markas and laying a hand on his shoulder.
"Divine Winds restore you!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 18

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Cure Serious Wounds

Markas is healed (3d8+13)[30].

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix raises an eyebrow at Umbear and silently hands him a purple elixir. "We're covered," he says, without context.

Aurix listens mindfully to Aurora's report, growing somber. "This gateway is a unique phenomenon. I'd be skeptical that they managed to create another one, especially since there were casters sighted in the area. My suggestion would be to keep a watcher in that area for activity just in case."

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor looked to Aurora. "I could just perhaps a serious Cure, please."

Then, she looked to the others. "I usually don't like going to war on an empty stomach. Lets get some breakfast!" she exclaimed.

[paladin_artea]

"Well some of us already ate, but I do enjoy our morning chats regardless," Markas replied, "I'm sure Umbear and Jaylyn woudld want to eat before embarking on our mission anyway."

[Wolfykins]

"No problem," Aurora said, moving to place her hand on Geiravor's shoulder.
"Divine Winds restore you!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 18

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Cure Serious Wounds

Geiravor is healed (3d8+13)[32]

"I'm not entirely sure where Jaylyn ran off to. She mentioned needing to research something. I was a little surprised she didn't drop it when the alarm sounded. Must be important," the centaur said.


"Meh, who cares?" Malaika muttered, crossing both sets of arms, expression darkening.


Aistriú chuckled at the shobhad and then glanced around at the others.
"So what exactly is on the agenda today? Miners need an escort and protection from the 'freedom fighters', and then around sunset is Hervir's funeral service? Is there anything else going on today? Are we going to be splitting into two or more groups, or is everyone staying together today?" the danthienne queried.

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Gorrun listens to Aurora's report. Why were no signals sent up? We are quite capable of assessing and handling many situations but we must not fall to hubris. If any of you find yourselves in need of help do not hesitate to send for it. As for these cultists, I agree that the paladins need to stay here and guard the tower. I can dispatch some men to try and track them down but you are correct that some of the young paladins should accompany them in the event that they are engaged. he continues to look around and listen to the chatter. I intend to accompany the miners as well. I've already got pieces in motion on that front. And thank you, Your Majesty, I have already had breakfast, but I will accompany you if naught but for safety sake.

[Wolfykins]

"None of us had the means on-hand to send up the agreed-upon signals," Aurora said dryly. "Neither I nor Sharra are capable of casting 'Dancing Lights' on our own, Markas has no magic, and apparently Jaylyn doesn't know 'Dancing Lights' either. I assumed she did, as it's a common spell for wizards and sorcerers, especially those who are Sylvan-folk, but I was mistaken."

The group made their way to the dining hall to further discuss the plans of the day while those who had not yet broken their fast did so.

[Andrew Markham]

Arriving in the dining hall, Aurix contributes, "Should I make a half dozen wands of Dancing Lights just in case? Though I suppose not everyone can use them easily...hmm." Aurix contemplates the problem as he investigates the presence of food.

[Wolfykins]

"I would hope a group as experienced as we are has learned to use magic items by now," Aurora said dryly, "but you have a point. Better safe than sorry. Perhaps a brooch pin with the spell as a command word? That usually solves the problem for those inexperienced with such items."

[Jgraves]

Bramwell enters from the kitchen, a plate in one hand, a mug in the other, and walks towards a table. his steps are heavy, a slight limb to his right side. He drops onto the bench with a sigh, his plate full of various meats and cheeses. he picks up a piece of cheese and holds it to the Raven on his shoulder. The Tiefling notices Gorrum and waves with one hand and the other he lifts the mug to his lips. Most of the people he noticed he recognized from the tournament, but Gorrum he had fought besides some time ago. as he ate the food he listened into the conversations happening around him with some interest

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor ate on a plate full of food with a look of restraint. "So, with an evil cult running loose in the city, we have an guerrilla attacks on top of an invasion. Then outside of the city, we have bandits outside the city. The Paladins are watching our murder hole and a small team going out of town. How are we going deal with the cult right now?" She asked.

[paladin_artea]

Markas arrived at the dining hall, grabbing only a cup of tea as he had eaten earler, then went to join his friends. His eyes widened at seeing a familiar Tiefling in the room. One he hasn't seen in a while. He snuck behind him and tapped the shoulder that didn't have the raven on it, "BRAMWELL! Haven't seen you in forever! Where have you been?"

[Jgraves]

Bramwell turns as he hears his name bellowed, a strip of bacon in his hand. "well, well, well, if it isn't Markas..." he responds, his voice heavy and thickly accented, "how have ye been ya deadbeat?" the tiefling finishes, then the raven on his shoulder speaks up, "does he still owe you coin cap'n?" Brân asks, getting a small laugh from Bramwell as he sticks his empty hand out to his cousin.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix emerges from the kitchen with a plate of mostly meat and some bread. He nods with silent respect to the tiefling captain as he passes, then sits at Geiravor's right hand. "Aurora said the cultists wore the symbol of the demon lord Nocticula, correct? She tends to be associated with brothels, houses of nobility, or places of academics. Unfortunately that is a broad range of things to cover. However, they also tend to operate mostly at night- shadows, you know. I'd recommend sharpening the watch at night and continuing to enforce the curfew. Beyond that, we could investigate whether there was a reason the cultists targeted that specific location. Were they simply looking to create chaos? Was there a specific target they had in mind? Could that possibly be close to where they are operating from? Things we could look into," Aurix speculated.

[dysmorphia]

Once the battle was through, Kest did not see the opportunity to approach Umbear as the big ogre requested. He did, however, make his way to the dining hall behind the others, though he was confused on whether or not he was actually included in this. When they arrived at the dining hall, Kestejoo picked out vegetarian dishes and water, before picking his way over to the far end of the table. He was careful of his horn, though he was certain if this place could house Umbear, it could deal with him for a few hours.

When a new face showed up, Kestejoo studied the man intently from his spot. Though he tried, he could not keep his focus on the stranger, his eyes wandering instead to Aurora. With the adrenaline from the battle calming down in his veins, all he could think about was her now. So much so, he forgot to breath and nearly choked on a bite of honey cakes. Coughing, the centaur took himself away from the table and turned his eyes away from Aurora, ducking into the hallway.

Once he'd gotten his breath back, he berated himself.

Spoiler: Infernal

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"This is no time to get distracted! You have a job to do... You are the Chosen of the Lord, you cannot be distracted by a pretty face!"

After shaking himself, he caught one of the pages going towards the dining hall and asked them, in his best broken Common, "Please, ask Umbear join me in hall?" He really needed to practice Common more.

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor thought while she chewed on a bit of ham. "I see... Luckily for us, night is so short right now. Nightwatch is going to hate this, but they'll understand."

She looked down the table to see Captain Bramwell. She sighed before putting on a slight smile. "Ah Captain Bramwell, good morning! We've had a busy couple days since the Festival. How have you been?"

[Moose207144]

Out of the kitchen walks a small creature heaving a great wooden mug nearly half his size and filled with some foul smelling liquid. His great pointy ears and oblong head are undeniably goblin, and his countless scars, crude tattoos, mangled features, and leathery sun-bleached skin are indicative of a hard life aboard the high seas. This was the goblin, Gilvur Ghostblade: former pirate and first mate under Captain Bramwell.

Gil hops onto the stool opposite Bram, and turns the rancid beverage up, taking it in gulp after gulp. He slams the empty mug down and lets out a hearty belch. Turning his attention to the adventurers who have taken the good captain's ear, he smiles a long, toothy grin revealing rows of sparse, jagged teeth interspersed with dented pieces of gold and silver. He recognizes their faces as fellow participants in the Festival of Heroes, but whom he has yet to make the acquaintance of.

"Hiya folks!"

[Jgraves]

The Captain hears his name called, "Geiravor, yer right, it has been busy, we made the trek out te see where that barrier goes, its a little over twenty one nauts away, and a few hundred feet high...," he said with a mischievous smile, "I'm currently debating on what te do next about the situation, I have some ideas in mind" he then turns and sees his first mate, "Mister Gilvur" he would say in greeting, "come sit with me so we can plan the next outing fer The Crow"

[Wolfykins]

Before Aurora could chime in about the cultists with Aurix and the princess, Kest's choking and abrupt departure distracted her. Her brow furrowed when he came back in asking to speak with Umbear. She hesitated. She wanted to make sure Kest was alright, but she also didn't want to intrude on a private conversation she wasn't invited to. So, chewing on her lip a bit, she decided to give them a few moments to talk before going over herself.


"Cultists? Demonic cultists?" Malaika asked, her interest piqued. "Too bad Kasidra isn't here. Demonic cults are a specialty of hers! She could probably tell you anything you needed to know about how they operate. We've been hired in the past to flush such cults out of towns. Kasidra always insisted we take those jobs, and often at a discount, or even pro-bono a couple times," the shobhad said, sounding displeased by that last fact. "I confess I never paid much attention to the details of the whos, whats, or whys of those cults, but I've definitely had experience fighting several of them! I wouldn't know any of them by name, but if I saw them in combat, I could probably tell you what to expect."

[paladin_artea]

"Well, I've reinvented myself, so to speak, since our last meeting. As you can see, no more clanging heavy armor for me!" he turns to Brân, "Still keeping track of the important things I see," he smirked at the raven before reaching in his pouch for the small debt he owed his cousin, just enough to cover a few drinks and palmed them into the pirate's hand as he shook it. He then smelt the foul drink and heard the belch before he saw it's owner, the goblin first-officer of Bramwell's crew, "So this must be...Gil...correct?" he said trying to jog his memory, "remind me to introduce you to my ogre friend. I think you'd get along quite well." "What that says about them, who knows?" he smiled at his own internal joke.

[Darius Vibrtrar]

Umbear exits the kitchen, holding 5 plates all stacked along his arm, piled high with various meats, eggs prepared sunny side up, fried, scrabbled, hard boiled, and even poched. Hashbrowns covered with cheese, peppers and black olives. Biscuits drenched with butter and honey. French Toast without a single covering spare the powered sugar and what smelled like a mug of black coffee. He dodged a frying pan tossed from the kitchen and a yell about a maurader raiding the kitchen. He chuckled as he set his plates down set to the princesses other side. He was about to sit down when Kest had his spell. He looked up to notice he was being summoned. He glared at the door before shoving the entire plate of french toast into his mouth and walking out into the hall.

Once outside he sees kest and raises an eyebrow. He swallows the bread in his mouth before speaking

Spoiler: Undercommon

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"Whats up?"

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Gorrun nods to Bram in passing, and returns shortly thereafter with a tankard of mead and a large sausage from the kitchen. When he hears Bram answer the princess so casually he butts in Captain, you would do well to mind your manners when addressing the monarch. Thank you for your contribution however. I hadn't seen you since the tournament, I had wondered if the two of you had left the city before the event. I suppose you probably wish that had been the case, but I'm glad to see you. Your skills will be a valuable asset in the coming days. he nods once to the goblin in recognition but not knowing him by anything other than his service to Bram he wasn't directly spoken to.

When Malaika mentioned Kasidra and her knowledge of demonic cults he replied I was just thinking the same thing. he turns to Geiravor Your majesty, there are those within Juvelnord that could be persuaded to assist us in tracking these cultists. With your approval, I could contract their aid. then he turns halfway to Aurix addressing his concern. In the time being, I will be sending men out to find what they can about this cult.

[dysmorphia]

Once Umbear joined him in the hallway, Kestejoo noticed a bit of french toast evidence around his lips. The centaur couldn't help the little chuckle and rubbed at the back of his head. He moved from the doorway to allow any servants the necessary access to the hall.

Spoiler: Undercommon

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"At the end of the battle, you asked to speak with me, but there wasn't much of a chance - I apologize for that - so I thought now was as good a time as any. What was it you needed? You said you had something for me?"