Runelords 2E IC

[stack]

"Just die already, you evil, flying rat." Jon launches yet more lightning, still hoping to relieve the pressure on Lysander.

Spoiler

Show

wash, rinse, repeat
reach spell electric arc (1d4+3)[7] basic REF 17, hits both enemies

[Bunny Commando]

Lysander - HP: 39\44 (10 THP) - Conditions: Frightened 1 - Active Effects: Juggernaut Mutagen (Moderate), Dueling Parry (+2 AC)

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

Painful memories kept a bay by violence and drinking come back through the demonic power of Erylium, but Lysander doesn't seem to be that bothered by them - might be the mutagen giving him an edge, might be that the sheer hate he feels for the Quasit is way more stronger than any fear the demon could instill in him. He dances around, trying to keep both the Spawn and its hideous "mother" in his field of view, the blade alway kept between him and his enemies; when he sees the Quasit's wound closing, he yells at his companion with voice shaken because of adrenaline and fear "She's healing herself!" so keeps stabbing and slashing to end the demon's threat as soon as possible.

Spoiler: That's why I don't gamble

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AoO (1d20+11)[29] Damage (1d8+4)[11]
Action 1 - Snagging Strike (1d20+10)[16] Damage (1d8+4)[9] (Flat-footed if hit)
Action 2 - Strike (1d20+5)[17] Damage (1d8+4)[7]
Action 3 - Dueling Parry (+2 AC)

[Farmerbink]

Scowling in righteous anger, Jannis calls upon Erastil's aid once more. "Old Deadeye, guide my hand that the people of Sandpoint can rest easy under your watchful eye!" He looses another arrow at the flying fiend, this one almost tangibly pulsing with energy.

Spoiler: Jannis, Round 2

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Jannis Sotheby
M NG Human Cleric, Level 2, HP 12/26, Speed 25
AC 16, Fort 5, Ref 6, Will 10, Perc 10
Composite shortbow +6 (1d6+2 Piercing) deadly d10 (Emblazon Armament)
Spell attacks +8 (damage and type varies)
Sickle +6 (1d4 slashing) trip, agile
Dagger +6 (1d4 piercing) versatile slashing, agile
Abilities Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 14
Conditions
Divine Spells: Cantrips: Divine Lance, Forbidding Ward, Guidance, Read Aura, Shield
Soothing Words (1/1 focus)
Bless 1/2
Magic Weapon 0/1
Heal 1/3 (d10)
Bless: 8 rounds left (10' emanation)
Magic Weapon: 10 rounds left


Cast magic weapon on my own bow:
Attack Quasit with bow:
(1d20+8)[13] attack (includes bless and Magic Weapon)
(2d6+2)[9] damage
(1d10)[9] deadly

[DrK]

The distraction by the spells stuns the demon that steps back and its spell fails to take hold of the angry and rage filled Lysander. Luckily though his follow up strikes swing wide of the mark sparing the demon, and an arrow crackling with power zips by its head to no avail. Lightnnig flashes again thouhg and both sin spawn and demon hiss at the pain. The demon utters a squack of outrage and steps back from Lysander before vanishing from view. The sinspawn just trying to overwhelm with the warrior with a flurry of claw attacks.

Spoiler: OOC

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Imp
1A: Step ft back
2+3A: Cast invisbility

Sin sawpn - claw claw, more claws
(1d20+10)[23] dam (1d6+4)[5]
(1d20+8)[20] dam (1d6+4)[7]
(1d20+2)[9] dam (1d6+4)[8]

[stack]

Losing one target, Jon moves to give Lysander aid, flanking the foul creature.

Spoiler

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not sure on the current positioning, but moving x2 or x3 as needed to flank. If possible, Strike (1d20+9)[24] for (1d8+3)[5]

[Bunny Commando]

Lysander - HP: 35\44 (10 THP) - Conditions: None - Active Effects: Juggernaut Mutagen (Moderate), Dueling Parry (+2 AC)

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

"Where in the Nine Hells is she?" Lysander bellows, full of frustration and anger in seeing his target vanish; he throws a couple of wide slashes, hoping to hit something - enough of a distraction for the Sinspawn to cut through the least protected parts of the sellsword's armour with its claws. Lysander growls in pain and turns to face the most immediate threat, trying to cut it down, screaming urgently to Jannis "Close the doors! CLOSE THE CURSED DOORS! Don't let her escape!"

Spoiler: Here goes nothing

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AoO (in case the Quasit provoked with her Stride) - (1d20+11)[15] Damage (1d8+4)[5]
Action 1 - Snagging Strike (1d20+11)[21] Damage (1d8+4)[11] (Flat-footed if hit)
Action 2 - Strike (1d20+6)[19] Damage (1d8+4)[7]
Action 3 - Dueling Parry (+2 AC)

[Farmerbink]

Jannis grimaces in annoyance when the Quasit disappears. He nods at Lysander's call, slamming the door shut.

Turning back into the room, he looses an arrow at the sinspawn.

Spoiler: Jannis, Round 3

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Jannis Sotheby
M NG Human Cleric, Level 2, HP 12/26, Speed 25
AC 16, Fort 5, Ref 6, Will 10, Perc 10
Composite shortbow +6 (1d6+2 Piercing) deadly d10 (Emblazon Armament)
Spell attacks +8 (damage and type varies)
Sickle +6 (1d4 slashing) trip, agile
Dagger +6 (1d4 piercing) versatile slashing, agile
Abilities Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 14
Conditions
Divine Spells: Cantrips: Divine Lance, Forbidding Ward, Guidance, Read Aura, Shield
Soothing Words (1/1 focus)
Bless 1/2
Magic Weapon 0/1
Heal 1/3 (d10)
Bless: 8 rounds left (10' emanation)
Magic Weapon: 10 rounds left

I assume it will take no more than two actions to close the door.
(1d20+8)[12] shortbow attack
(2d6+2)[10] damage
(1d10)[9] deadly

If it only takes one action to close the door, shoot the sinspawn again.
(1d20+3)[9] shortbow attack
(2d6+2)[10] damage
(1d10)[1] deadly

[DrK]

The sin spawn tumbles in seconds as the combined fury of Jon and Lysander descend upon it even as Jannis kicks the door shut and spins around and fires an arrow that goes wild as the grey skinned monster goes down in a welter of strange ichor. The shout to close the door proves wise as there is a dull thump by the double doors as something small hits them.

Seconds later there is a vile shriek in abysaal and the imp appears from nowehere, stabbing frenziedly at Jannis! Even as it does that Alexej spreads his hands a sheet of flame engulfs the beast!

Spoiler: OOC

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Erlyium - move x2, stab Jannis
(1d20+14)[15] dam (2d4+4)[6] + (1d4)[2] EVIL

(1d20+10)[22] Vs DC16 or (1d6)[6] FIRE

[Farmerbink]

Just as fast as it came, the young cleric's grimace of annoyance turns into a triumphant glare. "Come on, then! Sandpoint will stand long after you're gone!" He steps away and looses a quick pair of arrows at the creature.

Spoiler: Jannis, Round 4

Show

Jannis Sotheby
M NG Human Cleric, Level 2, HP 12/26, Speed 25
AC 16, Fort 5, Ref 6, Will 10, Perc 10
Composite shortbow +6 (1d6+2 Piercing) deadly d10 (Emblazon Armament)
Spell attacks +8 (damage and type varies)
Sickle +6 (1d4 slashing) trip, agile
Dagger +6 (1d4 piercing) versatile slashing, agile
Abilities Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 14
Conditions
Divine Spells: Cantrips: Divine Lance, Forbidding Ward, Guidance, Read Aura, Shield
Soothing Words (1/1 focus)
Bless 1/2
Magic Weapon 0/1
Heal 1/3 (d10)
Bless: 6 rounds left (10' emanation)
Magic Weapon: 8 rounds left

Step away, two attacks:
(1d20+8)[10] shortbow attack
(2d6+2)[10] damage
(1d10)[10] deadly

(1d20+3)[6] shortbow attack
(2d6+2)[11] damage
(1d10)[3] deadly

[Bunny Commando]

Lysander - HP: 35\44 (10 THP) - Conditions: None - Active Effects: Juggernaut Mutagen (Moderate)

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

After having cut down the Sinspawn, Lysander looks around trying to understand where Erylium might be hidden - but then the Quasit decides to reveal herself when she attacks Jannis. "There!" he warns Jon before running back towards the doors with his sword raised, hollering threats fueled by anger and hate "Only way you leave this room is feet first!" then he crashes down the demon, using the momentum of his run to power a downward slash.

Spoiler: Rolls!

Show

Action 1 & 2 - Sudden Charge (1d20+11)[16] Damage (1d8+4)[5]
Action 3 - Demoralize (1d20+5)[19]

[stack]

With one foe down, Jon redirects his attention, launching lightning at the flying fiend. Again.

Spoiler

Show

electric arc, reach spell presumably needed (1d4+3)[7] basic Ref DC 17

[DrK]

The panicked flight had not been obvious but as the demon looks terrified by the onslaught of the mercenary it doges the hard swinging blow and another pair of arrows from Jannis, before then seconds later there is a crash of lightning that leaves smoke pouring from Erylium's burned out skull and the tint demon crashes to the ground!!

Spoiler: LOOT

Show

Returning +1 dagger

LEVEL 3

[Bunny Commando]

Lysander - HP: 48\57 (10 THP) - Conditions: None - Active Effects: Juggernaut Mutagen (Moderate)

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

As it's now customary, Lysander stabs the corpse of the Quasit a couple more times, just to be sure. He sighs in relief, then grins and elbows Jannis "We showed the wretch we're not to be trifled with, heh?!" he seems quite satisfied of himself, victory putting him in a much friendlier and chipper mood. Before proceeding with the (again, quite customary) looting of the enemies, he points to the more learned companions the pool where the Quasit stood "That water, bet there's some magick in it. Did you see what the demon did? The monster she summoned? The water glowed, then dimmed. Can't make head or tail of how she did it, but seems pretty clear to me that pool might be used to summon more of those creatures."

[Farmerbink]

Jannis lets out a heavy breath, relieved (and surprised) to be free of the quasit so quickly. "Heh, right that!" he cheers, amused by Lysander's nudge. "I figure that's about it down here, right? Nowhere we left unchecked except that ruined stairwell?" As his allies confirm, he uses his last healing spell to grant everyone alleviation of their injuries.

"Definitely not normal," he quickly confirms, regarding the pool. Striding over cautiously, Jannis calls upon the blessing of Erastil to perceive (and hopefully identify) the magic involved.

Spoiler: OOC

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3-action heal for: (1d10)[7] to everyone

Jannis will then take the full minute to cast read aura (didn't realize the cast time before, that also effectively nixes it in combat), and try to learn what he can about the pool.

Finally, woo level 3!

Spoiler: Jannis, post combat

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Jannis Sotheby
M NG Human Cleric, Level 2, HP 19/26, Speed 25
AC 16, Fort 5, Ref 6, Will 10, Perc 10
Composite shortbow +6 (1d6+2 Piercing) deadly d10 (Emblazon Armament)
Spell attacks +8 (damage and type varies)
Sickle +6 (1d4 slashing) trip, agile
Dagger +6 (1d4 piercing) versatile slashing, agile
Abilities Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 14
Conditions
Divine Spells: Cantrips: Divine Lance, Forbidding Ward, Guidance, Read Aura, Shield
Soothing Words (1/1 focus)
Bless 1/2
Magic Weapon 0/1
Heal 1/3 (d10)

[stack]

"If it is some magic in the pool itself, it would be good to destroy it somehow, if we can. Can't have others coming down here and stirring things up."

[DrK]

Jannis stares at the pool deeply for a few moments, the magic pulsing from it like a fountain as he realises the magic within is ancient and powerful beyond his comprehension. The runewell he realises is tied to emotions and with the recent goblin attack and the slaughter above in the glassworks you suspect that it may have give the runewell much power. The way to unlock the power to draw out a creature such as the sinspawn may be in the books you recovered from the floating room.

With the catacombs now cleansed the heroes stare at the ruined stairs leading downwards but that would be the job of days with a larger team to clean out that mass of rubble. And with the distant roars from beneath, possibly left unearthed!

Heading back upwards it feels like an age since you were last in the sunlight but you soon stagger back out into the sunlight of Sandpoint, and to a surprising reception as there is a largish crowd waiting for you as you stumble out of the glassworks. A few guards holding back the crowd with their long spears are the first ones to turn and see you before you see mayor Kendra Deverin approaching you. She is an older middle aged woman and with short cropped hair and a high collared neat grey blouse. She nods to you all, "We heard of the slaughter from within, we heard rumours that there were things below. What did you discover?" she points to the nearby bakery "Come inside, please, tell me of what else you have found. The murder of Master Kaijitsu has shaken us all deeply."

[Bunny Commando]

Lysander - HP: 45/47 - Conditions: None - Active Effects: None

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

Relieved to be outside again, Lysander is however taken aback by the crowd waiting for them. He's also bloodied, armour dented and scratched, clothes stained and ripped by claws and certainly not fit to be invited even at the Fatman's Feedbag, let alone at the Savories. Yet the sellsword doesn't seem to care that much, anger has left the place to hunger so when the group moves into the establishment he calls to Aneka (or Arika? Was never able to tell who's who between the twins) "Five waffles, please." before sitting down to talk with the Mayor.

While waiting for the pastries he ordered, he looks awkwardly at Deverin and says with barely more than a whisper "Believe me, the death of the old Kaijitsu is nothing compared to what's about to happen to Sandpoint." Lysander clears his throat, looks around warily and keeps going "That muppet Tsuto, he's part of a plan to attack the town and burn it to the ground, the raid of the other day just an appetizer before the main course. Down there we found monsters that were to attack Sandpoint from below. But I believe it would be better if my mates tell you what was in that cursed dungeon and who's behind this madness."

[stack]

Jon gives a brief recounting of their adventure below, cursing the unnatural creatures they found and bringing the mayor up to speed.

[Farmerbink]

Jannis staggers into the moonlight at the rear of the group, largely in good shape but very fatigued. He immediately notices the crowd gathering and frowns. "No good comes from this many lips," he murmurs, perhaps sadly. He's obviously appreciative of the mayor's discretion, and find himself reminding the guardsmen left at the entrance of the import of privacy somewhat more curtly than he intended. As he takes his seat, he offers one of the men a glance of apology before turning to Deverin.

"It's not all bad," he offers. "We did a lot of damage to them, I think- hopefully enough to prevent the raid entirely. It's certainly true, as Lysander said, that the forces we found intended to raid Sandpoint, but I doubt they will be able with Tsuto imprisoned and this... imp-like thing destroyed. It certainly isn't the pressing threat it was a few days ago..."

"That pool has me worried, though. And whatever we heard from the deeps is not good. Please don't misunderstand Ma'am, that place is foul. There's dangerous stuff down there that I don't rightly understand- old, powerful, strange magicks. Alexej here might be able to explain better, but I don't think the threat is imminent.

All that said, if I understand anything about that pool, it's vital that the concern and fear be kept to a minimum. Don't lie to folks, that'll just spread more suspicion- but we need to make sure everyone knows that it'll be taken care of and they're not in danger." He turns to Alexej. "You've got that book we found in the weird round room, right? I think we need to dig into it and find out whatever we can about... everything down there."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Jannis will try to reassure Deverin, but he's untrained in social skills. Maybe I should have fixed that at level 3, but I didn't XD

(1d20+2)[6] diplomacy?

[DrK]

Mayor Deverin shives and looks worried. "My words, who would have thought such evils lay beneath our town. is this what has plagues all these years? this runewell, is this what caused Skinner and what turned poor Nuala. I cannot beleive she is the one responsible for all this death and destruction. When Hemlock returns he will have much to deal with."

Alexej looks at the woman and leans in whispering, "I'll speak with Master Quint, but this book is a text on the horrors of the Mother of Monsters but contains the instructions for how to control, or possibly switch off the runewell. I am feeling weak and tired, the varghouillle pressed me most severly but would be willing to study this book to try and uncover the secrets."

The mayor nods her thanks and then looks at Lysander. "Your blade is most impressive, I trust Jon and Master Jannis will help the town but I can offer you a sizeable bounty of you help some more. You say these goblins and Nuala have encamped at Thistletop? Then please see them killed. There are another pair in town who may aid you. a Madam Mushka and an elven exile from Kyonin, the lady Pernorin" She nods to a nearby serving girl, "You girl, head to Risa's place and fetch the two women waiting there. Be quick about it." the young bakery scullion, nods, surprised by the snap in the mayor's voice scurries off.

The mayor turns back to the "heroes of Sandpoint", "Come now, if you head back top the Dragon I'll make sure that the girls there know that I'll be covering your bill. I'll send Miss Mushka and Lady Pernorin to meet you and the 5 of you can formulate a plan for THistletop." She taps the table, "It'll be worth your while, all of you, you will know the gratitude of Sandpoint and be paid a considerable coin for your efforts. What say you?"

[Bunny Commando]

Lysander - HP: 45/47 - Conditions: None - Active Effects: None

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

Lysander seems a bit surprised by the ruthlessness the Mayor shows when she asks them to straight-up kill Nualia; he dives into the waffles without answering immediately, most probably taking his time to think it over - one thing is to clean a dungeon, another is to assault a goblin fortress and fight a mad half-demon. When the last waffle has been finally eaten (didn't take much, the sellsword ate all the pastries like he hadn't eaten in a month) he says tentatively "So, you want her dead." then nods and says with quite the grim tone "All right. I'll go murder the green vermins and your wayward lass."

[Farmerbink]

If Lysander is surprised, Jannis is stunned into silence. Only after the sellsword gives his affirmation does the young cleric find his voice. "Ma'am?" He stammers, uneasily. "Surely I misheard. You... don't want us to try to rescue Nualia? Or even bring her in alive to face judgement? I... By the gods, there must be some way she can be saved from this things influence!" He doesn't quite wring his hands, but it's clear Jannis is deeply concerned- and perhaps feels significant responsibility for the young lady he once (sort of) knew.

[farothel]

Shalendra was sitting at a table in Risa's place. It was a quiet inn she had found by roaming around the town. She wasn't staying there, but sometimes she liked to have a bit of quiet and after the festival and the goblin attack during it, she could do with some quiet. Most people in here were locals and she felt that they would prefer she wasn't here, but she ignored them for now. The mead she had was surprisingly good, as was the food. And by keeping her ears (and eyes as she could lip read) open, she could pick up all kinds of rumors here, sometimes even things the locals didn't want outsiders to know. And knowing stuff was always important, especially if you wanted to stay a bit longer, maybe work a bit, and definitely avoid entanglements.

There was one other person she also thought wasn't a local, but she wasn't sure and she wasn't about to intrude on someone's privacy for no good reason. She was still thinking when a young woman stood in front of her.
"The mayor wants to see you, lady Pernorin", she said.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," Shalandra replied. The mayor had been talking to her and asked if she could help with a small issue he was having. She was sure that it was a bit more than that, but she had to talk to some other people before so Shalendra hadn't pushed at that time. She could always push later if needed.
"Lead the way," she said, standing up.
"One moment, please, mylady," the woman said, going to the other person who she thought was not a local and also talking to them.

[stack]

Jon frowns, thinking matter over. "While I share your concern Jannis, in part, but can we say that she is a victim in this and not a perpetrator? Capture may not be an option despite any good intentions."

[Bunny Commando]

Lysander - HP: 45/47 - Conditions: None - Active Effects: None

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

Lysander stands up and chimes in on the topic of killing (or sparing) Nualia "If she drops her sword when we arrive, I'm quite willing to bring her here alive. But I won't risk my life for hers - if she chooses violence, the only mercy I'm willing to show is a quick death." as ruthless as the Mayor, Lysander doesn't seem that concerned by Deverin's request "Believe we should go. The sooner we meet these people that should supposedly help us, the better - I need a bath, urgently."

[Farmerbink]

Jannis doesn't appear to be eased by his companions' words. "I think maybe she's both," he admits. Staring sorrowfully into the tabletop, he mutters, "I just... I want her to get the help she obviously didn't get as a child..."

[DrK]

The mayor looks at the three of you, “This girl killed her father, has sworn to a vile Goddess of monsters and now has orchestrated an attack that killed many in our town abs wants to launch a full scale war. Whether you slay her in her lair or you bring her back for Hemlock to hang there is only one end for her.” The mayor’s voice is sharp and determined despite the tough situation

Leaving you to go back to her duties she nods. “send a note if you have need of me before you head to Thistletop. Shalelu may have more details on the tribes and hopefully the two other woman I have asked to help you will be useful.” with that she takes her leave.

——-

Some time later as you enter the Rusty Dragon the mood is somber. Ameiko is nowhere to be seen, you assume she is either grieving or still recovering and with the mood of the town somewhat bleak from the slaughter in the glassworks not even the musicians are playing. Still Lara points to a table and is quick to fetch ale and some some fried pork trotters for you to snack on, a few minutes later the doors swing open and an eleven woman and Varisian enter

[farothel]

They had been directed to the Rusty Dragon, where Shalendra had a room. During the walk she had talked a bit with Madam Mushka, but not much more than an exchange of names and some small talk.

When she entered the room, she immediately noticed the cleric of Erastil she had been told would be part of the group, so she moved to their table.
"Greetings, gentlemen," she said, sitting down on an empty chair, "I've understood that you are waiting for us. I'm Shalendra, Lady Pernorin and this is Madam Mushka. So, what's going on and what's the idea?"

[stack]

Jon nods to the newcomers. "Monsters, murder and a plot to destroy the town. Glad you came, though you may not be given the circumstances. I am Jon Green, I will let my compatriots introduce themselves. We seem to have stumbled into a bit of a mess in these parts, so any hands willing to help are welcome."

[Bunny Commando]

Lysander - HP: 45/47 - Conditions: None - Active Effects: None

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

The sellsword eats voraciously, even though he had some pastries earlier - doesn't seem to do that out of gluttony, more like he knows all too well what it means to go days without eating and when a free meal presents itself, he certainly doesn't let it go to waste. When the two women approach the table and introduce themselves, he nods and says "Lysander." before moving the plate he's eating from on the side, cleaning his hands with a kerchief and sighing in satisfaction.

The blood-stained (doesn't seem to be his, though) warrior then starts talking to the newcomers, grim and straight to the point "Mayor hired us for a hatchet job. Target is hidden at Thistletop and has struck some deal with the local goblin tribes, so they're going to defend her. The target - name's Nualia - might possess demonic powers and she's behind the recent attack on Sandpoint. They" Lysander indicates Jannis and Jon "know her and might tell you more."