Red Hand of Doom [SPEED RUN] [IC]

[Chambers]

Somewhere in the Elsir Vale

"Best I can do is scratch out a map." Jilxarn said as two of their arms grabbed some paper and inkwell while another arm cleared the table. Two of their remaining arms kept up with their needlework - knit one, purl one - while their last set of arms held an incantation at the ready, should an uninvited guest pass through the closed 'doors' of their 'shop', a storage closet aboard the githzerai spelljammer The Silver Sword. "You've still got your charm, yes?" They ask. In your experience Jilaxrn's questions are rhetorical and asked merely for the benefit of the listener to figure the answer for themselves. "Here, here, and here. I've never been, of course, but somewhere in the Vale is the Vault. Get into the Vault, get the Tooth. Give me the Tooth, and we're much closer to square. Now go." They say and shove the map into your hands.

Ask a hundred planewalkers what they know of Nerath, let alone about Elsir Vale, and you'll get nearly a hundred different answers, probably all of them made up on the spot. Knowledge of the place itself should be worth a few coins to the right Sensate, even if you don't find the Wyrm's Tooth. Your fence's trinket folds the spelljammer up around you and then drops you what feels like a dozen stories through darkness before the world rearranges itself around you. Jilaxrn's planeshopping charm is usually more accurate than any other jaunt but the strange looking brooch has a long recharge time - about a week, give or take the varieties of the local timestream.

You're on a dirt road that's going through some woods. What most folks don't know about planeswalking is that in most places a dirt road feels like any other. Nerath doesn't seem to be any different than any other Prime you've visited so far, but it's only been a minute or so. The sun is still low in the sky, making it mid-morning and if it's already this hot and muggy before noon then you're probably not going to need the cold weather gear for this trip.

Jilaxrn's map shows a wavering line that might be a river, some scribbles that are either mountains or trees, and a few dots that have question marks next to them scattered around the map. The humidity is really starting to become noticeable as you stand in the road looking at the map and wondering if mariliths would take offense to being offered drawing lessons.

Spoiler

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Recruitment Thread.
Out of Character Thread.

[DrK]

Leilani

Leilani pauses and slowly looks about the new material plane. ”strange that so many of these worlds look so similar. This one at least is not raining.” she says as she leans again the furred wall of muscles and claws that was her pet tiger. With her daily enhancements in place she nods down the path, “I guess we can see where we are if we can meet some one.” she adds as she starts walking down he path keeping her eyes open for any locals

Spoiler: Leilani

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Spot (1d20+26)[41]

Leilani Sunstorm
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9, Level 16, Init 8, HP 170/140, DR 5 / magic, Speed 30ft +10ft
AC 28, Touch 20, Flat-footed 25, Fort 17, Ref 14, Will 25, Base Attack Bonus 10
Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1 +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
none to start with Club.... +11 (1d6+1, x2)
Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp, -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
Condition 6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type: Large Animal. Hit Dice: 10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative: +3. Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+18
Full Attack: 2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks: Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats: Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1

[Athaleon]

"The air isn't choking poison, and we're not about to roast without protection. Plus the ground is solid, down is down, and the whole place isn't bathed in Negative Energy or cosmic Evil. I'll take it, humidity and all." Marik's words were abiding, even optimistic, but his tone still betrayed discomfort. "If we're not worried about being discreet, I could go up for a quick look around." The mage was literally glowing with protective magic which he was loath to dismiss, pleasant surroundings or not. And for all his arcane knowledge, personal concealment had never been among his skillset.

Spoiler

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Marik Jurisian
Male NG Human Wizard 6 / Swiftblade 9 / Dragonslayer 1, Level 16, Init 11, HP 152/152, Speed 100' Fly - Perfect
AC 28, Touch 20, Flat-footed 26, Fort 19, Ref 20, Will 20, Base Attack Bonus +13/+8/+3
+4, Sure Striking, Sizing, Spellblade (Greater Dispel) Runestaff of Power (2H Attack) (Greater Magic Weapon, Greater Mighty Wallop) +24/+19/+14 (4d6+11, 20 x2)
Bracers of Armor +1, Death Ward, Lesser Crystal of Arrow Deflection (additional +5 AC vs Ranged) Greater Luminous Armor (enemies take -4 to hit) (+8 Armor, +2 Dex, +8 Misc)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 28, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition Active Effects:
- Heart of Water (Extended), 32 Hours or until discharged
- Heart of Earth, 16 Hours or until discharged
- Greater Luminous Armor, 16 Hours
- Greater Magic Weapon (Extended), 32 Hours (on Main End of Staff)
- Greater Mighty Wallop (Extended), 32 Hours (on Main End of Staff)
- Greater Anticipate Teleport, 24 Hours
- Superior Resistance, 24 Hours
- Elemental Body (Extended), 32 Hours
- Wraithstrike (Persisted), 24 Hours
- Unicorn Heart (Extended), 32 Hours
- Sequester, 16 Days (cast on Secret Chest)
- Secret Chest, 60 Days or until discharged

[Chambers]

Forest Road

The dirt road shows marks of heavy use by carts, horses, and both shod and bare feet. Following the path as Marik takes to the skies, the road slopes upward towards a small rise. Cresting the hill Leilani sees a shallow dell before her and an old farmhouse down and to the right. The road widens as it turns down and before you can see the scuff marks and dark stains in the the dirt Solarii growls, smelling the still wet blood pooling the cart tracks. Through the brush on the east side of the road you spot a glint of steel moving suddenly before a strange bird call sounds. The woods come alive as hobgoblin warriors dressed in mail and armed with spear, sword, and shield burst from the trees all around you.

Above the trees Marik sees that the road travels for a few miles northwest before meeting a river and what looks like a town. His scenic view of the greater Elsir Vale is interrupted by shouts below him as hobgoblins ambush Leilani and Solarii.

Spoiler

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Leilani spotted the Hobgoblins so the PC's are not surprised. Marik has first action, 100ft above the map.

MAP! No account is necessary, you can use the map as a guest.

[Athaleon]

The moment he spotted the hostile creatures, Marik cast a Haste spell in a near instant. Even as he hurtled down toward them, he studied them with an appraising eye. Hobgoblins, clearly hostile and waiting in ambush. That wouldn't do, but still: without knowing the wider situation, Marik wasn't about to kill them outright. They might also be amenable to talking civilly after he'd struck a few dents in their helmets.

Spoiler

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Free Action cast Haste via Swiftblade.

Move Action: Move down between hobgoblins furthest north. With Haste up and movement speed doubled on the descent, he should be able to make it that with distance to spare.

Standard Action: Attack with Spring Attack+Bounding Assault. Hitting for nonlethal damage, for now. If he manages to drop this hob in one hit, he will move on to the nearest one with his second attack. If both drop, he will use his remaining movement to get adjacent with the next hobgoblin down the line.

To Hit: (1d20+25)[31] vs Touch AC
Damage: (5d6+16)[28]

To Hit: (1d20+20)[29] vs Touch AC
Damage: (5d6+16)[36]

Extra Standard Action from Hasted Swiftblade: Spring Attack+Bounding Assault against the next hobgoblin(s) down the line. He will use any remaining movement at the end to fly towards the next enemy.

I figure if he used 50' to descend, he should have just enough movement to melee each of the hobs on the north side of the road, and if he was able to subdue those three in four hits or less, he can just reach the easternmost enemy on the south side.

To Hit: (1d20+25)[31] vs Touch AC
Damage: (5d6+16)[32]

To Hit: (1d20+20)[32] vs Touch AC
Damage: (5d6+16)[36]

[DrK]

Leilani

Leilani sees Marik descend at speed, bouncing between hobgoblins bashing them over. Scowling as she spies their goblinoid features she gestures at the nearest one as she walks forward and just consumes it in fire, vague memories of the Hobgoblin slavers of Dargun going back to her

Spoiler: Leilani

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Fiery burst (6d6)[22] on the nearest standing hobgoblin

Leilani Sunstorm
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9, Level 16, Init 8, HP 170/140, DR 5 / magic, Speed 30ft +10ft
AC 28, Touch 20, Flat-footed 25, Fort 17, Ref 14, Will 25, Base Attack Bonus 10
Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1 +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
none to start with Club.... +11 (1d6+1, x2)
Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp, -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
Condition 6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type: Large Animal. Hit Dice: 10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative: +3. Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+18
Full Attack: 2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks: Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats: Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1

[Athaleon]

Marik flew after the last Hobgoblin as it fled toward a farmhouse. These ambushers turned out not to be very tough at all, but he didn't want one trying to take a hostage.

Spoiler

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With 100' fly speed, perfect maneuverability, and the ability to take a second move Action before attacking, Marik should be able to catch up easily.

To Hit: (1d20+25)[31] vs Touch AC
Damage: (5d6+16)[28]

To Hit: (1d20+20)[32] vs Touch AC
Damage: (5d6+16)[27]

[Chambers]

Forest Road

The shocking speed of unexpected violence vaporizes any fighting spirit the hobgoblins had and the two still standing turn and flee, shouting warnings in their goblin tongue. One makes it only a few feet before being burned down to cinders by Leilani while the other manages to make to the doorway of the farmhouse before Marik descends upon him and renders him unconscious with a single blow.

Inside the entryway is a bugbear just rising from a stool, a large half-skinned potato in one hand and a knife in the other. He shouts in surprise and yells out a word in Infernal. A hellhound pads out from the room behind him and growls at Marik while another hellhound races in from the treeline to snap at him. Sounds of someone casting a spell can be heard in the room beyond while the bugbear steps over the body of his unconscious fighter and lunges at Marik with the knife.

Spoiler

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Round 2

Marik has already acted.
Hobgoblins have acted.
Leilani is up.

Bugbear dagger attack
(1d20+9)[25] to hit
[roll1d4+6[/roll] damage

Hellhound bite attack
(1d20+5)[8]
(1d8+1)[3] damage and (1d6)[5] fire damage.

[DrK]

Leilani

Leilani looks about as the carnage unfolds and then hears the thudding of Marik hitting something and tye bark of hell hounds. Grimacing she hikes her dress up slightly and scurries onwards towards the small farm house drawing her scimitar as she does so.

Spoiler: Leilani

Show

Move 80ft towards the farm house with tiger in tow

Leilani Sunstorm
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9, Level 16, Init 8, HP 170/140, DR 5 / magic, Speed 30ft +10ft
AC 28, Touch 20, Flat-footed 25, Fort 17, Ref 14, Will 25, Base Attack Bonus 10
Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1 +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
none to start with Club.... +11 (1d6+1, x2)
Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp, -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
Condition 6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type: Large Animal. Hit Dice: 10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative: +3. Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+18
Full Attack: 2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks: Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats: Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1

[Athaleon]

Marik was actually forced back a step by the Bugbear's unexpected attack; its knife had come uncomfortably close. It only took him an instant to regain his composure, and his staff whirled about in a blur as he fended off his attackers. Now that they'd actually attacked him, Marik forgot all notions of leniency, and thrust the tapered end toward the Bugbear's throat.

Spoiler

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Spellcraft to identify the spell that was cast: (1d20+30)[43]
(the Ring of Spell-Battle allows him to identify spells cast within 60' without seeing their components or effect)

Full attack action, prioritizing the bugbear and directing any remaining attacks at the West Hellhound, then the North one. Lethal damage this time, and I even remembered the bonus to hit from Haste.

To Hit: (1d20+30)[34]
Damage: (4d6+16)[30]

To Hit: (1d20+25)[32]
Damage: (4d6+16)[34]

To Hit: (1d20+20)[32]
Damage: (4d6+16)[27]

If/when the Bugbear is out of the way, Marik will move into the house, assuming he didn't identify the spell as some sort of trap. If whoever is inside is hostile and doesn't surrender immediately, Marik will take his extra Standard Action to Spring Attack them, backing out afterwards to the square right of the (B) on the map.

To Hit: (1d20+30)[38]
Damage: (5d6+16)[37]

To Hit: (1d20+25)[26]
Damage: (5d6+16)[40]

[Chambers]

Forest Road - Abandoned Farmhouse

By the time Leilani arrived at the farmhouse all she found were Marik and corpses. As it happened, not all of them were hobgoblins, nor all made by him. Inside the ruined farmhouse are five bodies pushed against the west wall, a mix of civilians and guardsmen, all showing signs of violence as the cause of death. Marik recognizes the symbol on the necklace of the hobgoblin spellcaster as a mark of Tiamat, identifying the deceased as one of her priests. Of the two civilians one looks like a farmer while the other is dressed in wealthier attire, though now the sword has made them equal.

[DrK]

Leilani

Leilani stares at the chaos and shrugs. ”too fast again Marik. But this is unseemly here. I’m not happy with the leavings of Tiamat being here. Can we pause but a moment and I’ll bury them?” she asks

Assuming Marik agrees she’ll bury the poor villagers with the Tiger’s help before looking to Marik, “there must be a town local to here. We should ask there what has occurred or if they knew these people.”

Spoiler: Leilani

Show

Leilani Sunstorm
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9, Level 16, Init 8, HP 170/140, DR 5 / magic, Speed 30ft +10ft
AC 28, Touch 20, Flat-footed 25, Fort 17, Ref 14, Will 25, Base Attack Bonus 10
Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1 +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
none to start with Club.... +11 (1d6+1, x2)
Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp, -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
Condition 6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type: Large Animal. Hit Dice: 10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative: +3. Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+18
Full Attack: 2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks: Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats: Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1

[Athaleon]

"Not fast enough, not by a damn sight," Marik cursed. "Didn't think we'd be up against a Chromatic again so soon, and here of all places... Yes, we should lay them to rest in some semblance of proper rites. We should also round up the hobgoblins from the roadside. I'm fairly certain they're still alive."

[Athaleon]

"I don't want to wait around for them to wake up, but whether we heal them just to question them is up to you. Not sure how much we would get out of them, even then; they could be fanatics. And afterwards, I don't want to turn 'em loose, but it may be difficult to bring them to local justice." Marik left the third option unspoken. It was one thing to kill someone while they were trying to kill you, but even now he would not execute a captive in cold blood. Of course, leaving them could very well end up costing someone else their life—the scene in the ruined house was a grim reminder. With a cult of Tiamat involved, even a few hours' delay might cost even more than that.

Spoiler

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If needed:

Knowledge (Religion) for cults of Tiamat: (1d20+28)[34]
Knowledge (Local) for Hobgoblins: (1d20+28)[44]

[Chambers]

Forest Road - Abandoned Farmhouse

The unconscious hobgoblins are heavy and cumbersome to drag into the farmhouse but at least they don't complain about it. Digging through their packs you find enough rope to restrain the four of them. After the brief intensity of combat with screams and sword clashes, the silence afterwards is like a shock, though the natural sounds of the forest slowly return to your ears.

Marik doesn't have any experience with these hobgoblins but from observations of their speech patterns during the fight, their tactics, and their gear, he surmises that they are built along standard lines and can apply other-worlds habits and traits to these hobgoblins with an acceptable margin of error. For Leilani the deduction is even simpler: these are not the Dhakaani of her homeworld. Maybe they have their own empire, but these ambushers look nothing like the regimented and proud Dhakaani.

Spoiler

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For Hobgoblin knowledge, you both know that there's basically two types in the different worlds you've visited. Dhakaani and non-Dhakaani. The thousand-year reign of goblinoid creatures on Eberron is unique to that world and the goblins there are unlike most any other goblin civilization encountered elsewhere. These hobgoblins fall into the non-Dhakaani camp and appear to fall under the traditional military structure that most hobgoblins tribes organize themselves into, the whole group held together by a single warleader. As foot soldiers these likely know little of secret value but would have general knowledge of their operations in the area.

Religious cults are perhaps one of the most varied cultural touchstones that can be found across the planes, though all are influenced in some expected ways by the particulars of their deity (with one major exception for Pelor the Burning Hate on that one world). Cults of Tiamat invariably form around either an actual dragon or someone with significant dragonsblood. They are usually of evil intent and not that rigid in their hierarchy. That is to say, one always knows once their place in the cult but there is significant opportunity for upward (and downward) mobility within it. The regimented culture of the hobgoblins might reduce that chaotic tendency through having ritualized forms of challenge for higher ranking.

Regardless of the form the cult takes, all of their non-dragon members are expendable in the service of the wyrms. Dying for their dragon masters is an honor for the cultists because they know their goddess will reward them in the afterlife.

[DrK]

Leilani

After looking at the hobgoblins after burying the human victims Leilani nods. "We can take the most experienced looking hobgoblin with us. My lovely tiger will take the weight. The rest we can just leave here and let nature take its course. They will either survive or die as they lived." She is happy to press on towards the town leaving the rest of the greenskins bound and restrained.

When away from the others she'll reach out to their prisoner and tap him lightly with the wand of lesser vigour and wait for it to rouse. Making sure that the massive hulking barded tiger is resting its massive clawed paws atop the greenskin.

Spoiler: Leilani

Show

Leilani Sunstorm
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9, Level 16, Init 8, HP 170/140, DR 5 / magic, Speed 30ft +10ft
AC 28, Touch 20, Flat-footed 25, Fort 17, Ref 14, Will 25, Base Attack Bonus 10
Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1 +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
none to start with Club.... +11 (1d6+1, x2)
Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp, -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
Condition 6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type: Large Animal. Hit Dice: 10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative: +3. Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+18
Full Attack: 2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks: Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats: Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1

[Chambers]

Forest Road - West of the Farmhouse

There are no interruptions while Leilani digs the graves and buries the victims of the hobgoblins. The dead goblinoids are left for nature to reclaim while the unconscious and bound warriors are left to their own fates. Solarii handles the weight of the unconscious warrior with ease as the trio continues down the west road. After a few hills put the farmhouse well out of sight and sound the hobgoblin is raised to consciousness by the healing magic from the wand. He is very confused and doesn't seem to understand at first that he's strapped to the back of a dire tiger.

"Who...! Let me....!" He shouts in the common tongue as he tries to wriggle free of the restraints. He suddenly stops when he looks around and sees what he's laying against, becoming very still as his eyes go wide. "What is happening?" he asks.

[DrK]

As they walk down the paths Leilani glances at the creature as it awakens, a hand raised to command the tiger to stop. smiling she nods, "Excellent, you speak a common tongue to us." Stroking the tiger gently she gestures at the massive beast. "Now... tell us what you are doing here and why you are attacking local people, it is not something that we find acceptable."

[Chambers]

Forest Road - West of the Farmhouse

The hobgoblin tries to get a look around him but just struggles against the bindings. "We...we're here 'cus this is our land! The Mighty Azarr Kul has promised...promised us all the lands will be ours." He says. It's hard to boast confidently when one is tied to the back of a dire tiger but the warrior is giving it his best effort. "The town's refused to recognize our right, so we're taking what's ours."

[DrK]

Leilani tsks under her breath ignoring the typical goblin boasting, an off the cuff, "Don't be boastful or I'll feed you to my friend here. But... who is this Azarr Kull you speak of, and where can we find him. I would have some strict words with him." She continues to ask some questions as they walk quickly heading towards the town with some pace.

[Athaleon]

Marik shook his head. He'd seen more than his share of greed and conquest, but he could only marvel at the Hobgoblin's casual contempt for the people they were extirpating—as though they had such little ability to fight back that the Hobgoblins were calling the land theirs from the outset.

"Might makes right, is it? Well, we'll find this Azarr Kull then, and see who comes out on top," he didn't say aloud. Much as he was tempted to ask the Hobgoblin what he would do if someone mightier came along and declared that Goblinkind had no right to exist, moralizing here would do nothing. He left the prisoner to answer Leilani's question, for now.

[Chambers]

Forest Road - West of the Farmhouse

"You want to meet him?! Ha!" He says and musters up the courage to spit at Leilani. "He'll find you when it's your time to taste the blade, witch. Your pet will make a feast for his board! Your magician will conjure tricks for his amusement! The whole of the Vale will burn beneath his banner!" The strength of the fanatic resurges within the hobgoblin as he finds his steel. "Your pet might fed on warrior tonight...but then that's all the sooner I will return with Her glory. Every warrior you kill suffers only the first death. The spirits of the holy will rise to fight beside her chosen when She returns!"

[DrK]

Leilani shakes her head in frustration, ”you are annoying. This Vale you speak of will be fine, we shall see to that and all of your friends will be got rid of. We will not be doing tricks for any of you.”

That said and with the seeming dedication and fanaticism of the hobgoblin she has little interest in questioning it more and instead she’ll hurry down the road looking for the nearest town or village

[Athaleon]

"Same drivel as always." Marik muttered wearily, and turned contemptuously to leave. A moment later he turned back, as though he'd forgotten something, and raised his staff to knock the Hobgoblin cold again.

Spoiler

Show

If Leilani doesn't stop him, Marik will deliver another nonlethal hit to the hobgoblin. I don't think we'd get anything useful without resorting to methods that Marik wouldn't want to use.

[Chambers]

Forest Road - Outside Drellin's Ferry

"Our torches number in the thousands! They burn brighter than the-" His boast is cut short as Marik knocks him on the head and the peace of the morning is restored. The road slowly widens as it walks away from the treeline and the forest gives way to orchards and farmland. The road descends into the small town from Marik's brief voyage, one built mostly on the near side of a broad and slow moving river. Six enormous stone piers rise from the water where they once supported a bridge but no span connects them now. Near the remnants of the bridge are long thick ropes that cross the river that drag a flat-bottom ferry across.

As you approach the outbuildings of the town four armed men take notice of you from their shack. Dressed in hardened leathers and mail, armed with spears and swords, the men are wary and alert and more than a little uneasy by the sight of the dire tiger walking alongside you. "Halt! All travelers must make themselves known before entering the town." The guard in mail says. He manages to keep his eyes on the pair of you while the spearmen stand behind him and whisper to themselves, pointing at the tiger. None of the guardsmen have their weapons pointed at you but they are standing at the ready.

"Is that....is that a 'goblin tied to the back of your tiger?" The mailed guardsman says after a moments consideration.

Spoiler

Show

I goofed when I was reading the map in the beginning. You've been traveling West this whole time.

[DrK]

Leilani advances towards the guards, a hand to keep her lovely tiger still as she makes sure to keep her hands out in the open. With a wide smile she offers a low bow. "Greetings to you all. Please do not worry about Solarii, she is a well trained very little friend. She will not trouble anyone here. I am Leilani, this is Maurik. We are travellers, we were assailed by some trouble on the road that had murdered some travellers less powerful than us. We brought one with us as we thought you could peak with him."

She grins some more. "An ale, some food and a warm bath would be ideal for us and we would very much like come and rest in your find small town. I will stand surety for my tiger, she just needs a nice horse stall, some warm straw and a few hunks of meat, I can pay." She adds the last with jingle of her belt pouch , although the outlandish clothes and thin silks despite the old weather along with a pet tiger surely mark her out as an adventuring type.



Diplomacy (1d20+14)[18]

[Chambers]

Forest Road - Outside Drellin's Ferry

The lead guard listens to Leilani and gives both her and Marik another cursory examination before relaxing his posture the slightest amount. "Fairly spoken. Welcome to Drellin's Ferry, good lady and sir. I am Sergeant Hersk. At ease, men." He says the last over his shoulder and the guardsmen break formation and lay their spears against the shack, though they stand near them and keep an eye on the tiger.

Sergeant Hersk sheathes his longsword at his belt and stares at the hobgoblin on the tiger. "I'm not sure whether Delora has space for your tiger at her livery at the moment, though it wouldn't be the strangest creature she's stabled. As for the passenger we can take him off your hands now if you'd like, or you can deliver him yourself to the Old Toll House. Your preference. Can't miss it, as it's the largest building in town, right next to where the bridge used to be."

"You mentioned some victims of him?" He asks and scowls. "Unfortunately that's not a surprise. We've always had to be wary of the occasional bandit, but there's been an unusual amount of bands of those like him about these days. My Captain would be grateful for any intelligence you could share about your experience with them. Captain Soranna, you can find her at the Old Toll House."

[Athaleon]

"Well met indeed," Marik put in. "I fear there is more than mere banditry afoot, however. We may as well go to the Old Toll House straight away with this prisoner, and speak to the Captain as soon as possible."

[DrK]

Leilani nods, ”we can take him to the toll house. I look forward to an Ale and I’m sure I can work something out with Delors.” She heads into Drellin’s Ferry happily lookimg around for some idea of how prosperous this place is.

She waves to the guards as she walks past and looks to the Toll House

[Chambers]

Drellin's Ferry

"Great. I'll send word ahead, the Captain will be expecting you." Sergeant Hersk says and turns around to point at one of the soldiers. "Jamie. Run down and find the Captain, tell her that two travelers are bringing in a hobgoblin prisoner." The soldier pushes away from the shack and breaks into a trot without a word. "And ask Delora to clear a stable!" Hersk shouts to the man jogging away.

"Well, that's that. Welcome to Drellin's Ferry." Hersk says and offers a slight bow as you pass the shack. The small town expands before you as you walk down the road. Taking in the whole of the town you don't see more than a few dozen buildings. On your right a ways off the road is small lake with woods behind it. The first real building you pass is in front of the lake, built with fieldstone and wood like the other buildings you can see, though this one has the bearings of a temple. Pelor's holy symbol is emblazoned upon the outer wall declaring the temples allegiance for all.

There are some folks tending to small gardens outside the next few houses you pass, most human but more than one house is definitely sized for smaller folk. Some halfling children shout with excitement at seeing the large tiger but an older relative gathers them up and keeps them off the street as you pass. The halfling woman waves a hello with a questioning look at Solarri and shooes the children back inside.

Further up ahead Jamie stops running and hops into what is probably the Old Toll House as you pass by the town smithy. The steady clang of the hammer is paused for a moment when the apprentice finally gets the attention of the smith to look your way. Hammer still in the air, the smith looks over each of you once and resumes his work.

Past the smithy down the road on the right side is a two-story building that has the looks of an inn, with a large sign on the front of an engraved and color green apple. One weathered old dwarf leans on the railing on the porch and stares at you as you passby. If the dwarfs eyes weren't moving to follow you it might be confused with a statue.

The road splits into a wide circle that runs around a large common green that looks to be the center of town. There are some semi-permenant shack in one corner of the circle and small pens for smaller livestock in another corner. On the other side the green are a few buildings and then the river itself. Jamie walks out the door of the large stone building, the only buildling in town five stories tall and competely made of stone. He points to you and behind him more people come from out of the Old Toll House, a woman in shining breastplate and small cape, two more guardsmen and an older man in fine robes.

The older man is startled by the large tiger - you look behind you to see that other townsfolk are peeking out from their homes to watch you as well - but the woman puts a hand on his shoulder. "Be at ease, Speaker. I'm sure Sergeant Hersk wouldn't have let them in if the tiger was a problem. I'm Captain Soranna. Jamie here says you've got a prisoner for us to take off your hands." The Captain has a calm and sure demeanor, one you've come to notice among experienced warriors. Her tone and face are friendly but the smile doesn't extend to her eyes as they meet yours.