Fantasy World Creations

 5:00 pm - Hellkniight Hill

     While Citadel Alatarerein is only about a mile northeast from the town as the crow flies, the road to the old fortress takes a wide berth around the hill it is built upon to eventually turn west and takes almost an hour to arrive.  The fortress isn't built on the absolute top of the hill, a large rocky spire instead occupies this position and peeks out from behind the citadel which stands before you.  The citadel is a single stonemason building some 20 feet tall with battlements ascending an additional 10 feet above the two wings on either side and before you.  Narrow arrow slits line the walls ten feet above ground level and thickly overgrown thorned brambles creep along the base of the building's walls to occupy the ground within 10 feet of the walls except for the packed dirt road that leads up to the front door which sits slightly ajar.

     Your attention is drawn to the red smoke that you have been able to see since you got beyond Breachill's walls and can now tell is coming from a source up on the battlements.  Unfortunately from your current angle, it's hard to see past the merlons to tell what the source of the smoke is.

[info]Everyone gains 1 hero point.[/info]

---

"Smoke?" Melody asked allowed out of curiosity. "Then that means that the Bumblebrashers are in trouble..." Melody repeated what the goblin had said earlier that day. "That also means that maybe mister Calmont is there? We need to find out why he set the hall on fire..." A thought came to her then as she considered her own words. She turned towards everyone.

"Umm... everyone? I have a request... If we find mister Calmont, can we talk to him first? I believe in second chances, and maybe there was a good reason he did it, too." She asked hopefully.

"I am fine talking as long as he is, but if he starts setting fires I'm gonna have to punch his lights out," Riven said as he studied the place.

"Do you think we should announce ourselves or just try to get in? If there is trouble, I don't like the idea of making ourselves known from the start, but I also don't want to be seen as an enemy by any goblins who are trying to defend the place."

[info]Riven is looking around for any obvious entrance or any obvious signs of an attack

Perception
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19[/blockquote] [/info]

[info]Perception: 19

     There are no signs of an attack on the keep.  The building is damaged and the stonemasonry looks a bit unstable but this appears to all be from the wear and tear of the elements and not from arson or attack.  The front doors of the keep are slightly ajar but you will need to get closer to see what's on the other side.[/info]

"Wouldn't they know we're coming? They sent a messenger to come back with help, it would stand to reason they expect us. Let's just go poke our heads in the door."

"let's make sure we keep our wits about us if they do expect you it could be for the better or the worse." vondur heads for the door to take a gander through it

---

Melody stayed close with her group though was lingering more towards the back than the front.

     As you approach the doors you hear a low hissing growl and while the lighting in side the keep is quite dim you are able to clearly see the three creatures inside the entrance hall.  They look like large hairless mastiffs with long whipping tails but their heads better resemble that of a large rat than any dog you've seen before.  They appear to have taken notice of you and are watching you from a low crouch.

[info]Map https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ

The lighting inside the keep is currently Dim. Anyone that lacks low-light vision will suffer appropriate penalties without a light source.[/info]

"well this cant be good. should we announce ourselves they seem to notice me." vondur smiles with a large grin of half fright half fight.

"Hold. Don't provoke them." Spira hissed loud enough for Vondur to hear but not loud enough to startle whatever it was on the other side of the door. Doing her best to move in a nonthreatening manner, she positioned herself to peek over the guard's shoulder and get a look at the creatures.

[info]Nature to identify, don't know what penalty you want to apply for me being human.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 11, total 11[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Nature: 11

     The creatures are goblin dogs, a prolific species of large rodents as common as the goblins they typically accompany and for which they are named. They are known for being easily trained and lousy with parasites.  Commonly,  they are used as mounts and attack animals by goblin tribes.

Goblin Dog
HP 17, AC 17
Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +5
Attacks
Jaws +9 (melee, 1 action) 1d6+3 plus goblin pox
[/info]

"Those are goblin dogs. They probably belong to the Bumblebrashers as pets, and therefore not a threat unless you provoke them. Let's just... let them know we're here."

"Hello? Adventurers here. Looking into the smoke." Spira called out.

"Oh, yes, and don't touch them or you'll get sick." she said much quieter.

Vondur nods "oh okay don't touch them don't provoke them seems easy enough" vondur walks through the door looking around.

     The goblin dogs creep towards Vondur after he enters, hissing up until they get quite close at which point they begin to curiously sniff at him.  Their attention seems to be focused on Vondur's pack and they begin to nuzzle and nip at it.  One of them stops to vigourously scratch itself, sending mange and dander out in a cloud around it before following to join its comrades in inspecting Vondur.

Riven hearing them whisper moves up to provide support to Vondur as he goes to enter but trying to stay out of sight of the problem. Making eye contact with the knight he nods in silent acknowledgment that he would have his back if things went wrong. Not wanting to spook the beasts and alert whatever the larger problem was he motioned for the party to get prepared for when things went south. "We got this, we just need to keep our heads and be steady," he whispered

"What do you have in your pack that they want so badly? Just dig it out and feed them, the eat literally everything."

Vondur carefully reaches in his pack and grabs 4 rations and throws them over to one edge of the room

     The goblin dogs eagerly chase the rations into the corner and begin to tear at the food, hissing and quarreling with each other as they eat.  They seem to no longer be paying any of you any mind.

[info]Everyone gains 120 xp[/info]

"We should keep moving inside before they finish," Riven says motioning to the rest of the group.

---

Melody followed quietly behind. Though, she held her breath and made a face when the goblin dogs created the cloud of dander. The halfling nodded at Riven's suggestion. She was used to a measure of filth, but not this much. The young priestess always tried her best to maintain cleanliness, so she couldn't help but tighten her mouth in slight disgust.

     As the party makes its way into the entrance hall everyone is able to get a better look at the interior. The floors are bare stone tiles that are worn and dusty but otherwise intact. The walls are lined with carved stone statues of full-plate clad hellknights which appear to have gone unmolested through the years.  Directly in front of you, carved in bas relief and encompassing the section of wall flanked on either side by closed doors, is a large sigil of a sunburst where rather than beams of light there are instead nails radiating from the sun.

[info]Society, Lore (nobility), Lore (history), or other similar Lore skill to identify the symbol.

Characters without low-light vision will take a penalty during combat and certain actions without a proper light source.

Roll20 link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)[/info]

Spira rummages through her pack for a moment and withdraws a torch, then lights it. "There. That should clear the gloom somewhat."

[info]Society to identify the symbol:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 15 + 7, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

[info] Society: 22

     The sigil is the emblem of the Hellknight Order of the Nail.  They are known for aiding local law enforcement, whether invited or not, in the area they inhabit.  Their motto is "Savagery must be quelled in the land, home, and mind." They are currently located to the west in Varisia near the city of Korvosa in Citadel Vraid: the only known Hellknight citadel outside of Cheliax or one of it's tributaries.[/info]

[info] lore warfare [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15[/blockquote]

[info] Lore (Warfare): 15

     The sigil is the emblem of the Hellknight Order of the Nail.  They are known for aiding local law enforcement, whether invited or not, in the area they inhabit.  Their motto is "Savagery must be quelled in the land, home, and mind." [/info]

"This keep belonged to the Order of the Nail." Spira began, then mentioned some of the other information she was able to recall. "Not that it matters much to what we're here for."

"oh right the ol order of the nail hmmm they umm they ocassionly help the law around town perhaps they won't kill us on the spot" vondur looks around with a bit of a chill

"I'm going to assume... That since the fort has long been abandoned to monsters and our goblin patrons that we don't need to worry about that."

Vondur shrugs

The question now is do we want to go left or right of the sun with nails in it?" Riven asked dryly as he listened to the two of them talk. The barbarian was on high alert now that they were inside the keep as he watched the shifting shadow from the torch dance against the walls awaiting the hammer to drop a second time.

"My instinct tells me to go left, but I don't have any evidence to back that up."

Vondur looks over after his shrug "uh sure we could go through that way I think that would be fine"

     Taking the left door you find that both doors lead to the same hallway.  The hallway is dark, unadorned, and uninhabited, empty of anything but empty torch sconces.  The hallway runs north and south and bends towards the west on either end.  from your vantage point you can't see where the north segment ends but the southern bend ends in another closed door.

[info]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)[/info]

---

"Goblins like dark places right? Maybe they're around here and we'll just get a warm welcome." Melody said hopefully. She pointed to the door after that.

"Maybe even they're right through that door!" She said again, still trying to cling to her optimism.

[info]Melody will start moving forward, but only if the others move forward. If not, she'll beckon the group to the door for someone to open it.[/info]

Vondur walks towards said door and attempts to open it and says hello is there anyone there.

     You open the door only to find your question asked of an empty circular room, a mere meeting of three hallways.  A rusted and candleless iron chandelier squeaks ever so slightly from the slight draft of you opening the door as the only response. A door sits closed directly west from you while another closed door is on your left heading due south.

[info]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)[/info]

"they sure do make it hard to find anyone around here sheesh" vondur heads for the next door south before knocking and then opening the door

     You open the door to find a large room that appears to have been ransacked thoroughly over the years. Old shelves, fallen into disrepair, either hang crooked from ancient sconces or lie on the floor. Old moldy mattresses lay at random across the floor as well  possibly indicating this was once a barrack of some kind.  This is somewhat reinforced by what looks to be a small makeshift hut in the center of the room made from overturned beds and bunks with a roof of scavenged cloth.  Garbage and detritus rings the hovel, possibly indicating it was inhabited at some point but from your current vantage point at the doorway you can't tell if this was recently or years past.

"oh man a weird blanket fort" vondur chuckles "anyone wanna look around"

---

[info]Perception to spot any dangers
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote][/info]

[info] Perception 25

     You don't see any sources of danger.[/info]

---

"Hello?" Melody called out into the room.

[info]Find a dry object on the ground, like a rock or small debris. If no object is nearby, she'll use one of her bolts in her inventory.
Cast Light cantrip on it.
Throw object down to the center towards the makeshift hut.[/info]

"Light incoming!" She said once she threw the object.

     The nearby piece of debris you lob at the hut lands on the cloth roof and tears through the threadbare cloth. The light inside shines out through the hovel's entrance, casting the gangling shadow of the inhabitant that was now emerging with raised weapons.  It was humanoid, like a goblin but bigger and hairier and armed with a long crude blade and a javelin that was raised and at the ready to throw.

[info]Initiative (Perception)[/info]

[info]Initiative, Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 17 + 3, total 20[/blockquote][/info]

[info] initative [blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]

[info] initiative
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19

oops forgot to add initiative feat so should be 21
[/info]

[info]initiative

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23[/blockquote][/info]

---

[Info]Initiative, Perception
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18[/blockquote][/INFO]

     Your foe seems to have been better prepared than you and hurls the javelin at the nearest member of your party before retreating out of sight by circling around the back side of the hut.  However, their aim appears to have been off and the javelin goes wide into the stonemason wall to the east with a clatter.


[error]Enemy attacks Vondur with javelin and misses.

Enemy moves out of line of sight and becomes Hidden[/error]

[info]Riven to take turn[/info]

Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Enemy, Riven, Belsarus, Spira, Melody, Vondur

Log
Enemy misses Vondur[/spoiler]

As the creature hides from the half or barbarian Riven's eyes almost seem to glow in the dark for a moment, "Once the hunt is on you won't be able to hide from me so easily!" He growled.

Though the others cannot really see it due to the dense shadow and the dancing light of the torch they can feel the behemoth's aura change as he rushed off after the creature who had caught his eye. As he loped off after the thing his form shifted and changed packing with dense muscle as he grew a few inches and broadened considerably. Though it was almost impossible for the others to tell from his knew angel the torchlight did catch on his teeth as they transitioned into razor sharp fangs.

[info]Took two move action and activated rage
Ac drops from 18 to 17[/info]

Belsarus moves closer to his target with a flanking maneuver and draws his sword along the way.

[info] 2 move actions and drawing a weapon.[/info]

With so much clutter in the way, Spira would be forced to use her sword instead of her preferred crossbow. Drawing her rapier with her free hand she rushed into the room while trying to get a better view of whatever had thrown the javelin.

"What is it? A goblin?"

If it was a goblin, she hoped that it wasn't one of the Bumblebrashers. If it WAS a Bumblebrasher, she hoped nobody killed it.

[info]Drawing rapier, moving twice.[/info]

---

Seeing the javelin thrown at them, and the rest of her companions react. Melody, too, withdrew her own weapon.

"If you're bumblebrasher, we're here to help! If you're not, we'll defend ourselves!" Melody called out in both warning and hopes that it was potentially just a scared goblin.

[info]1 Action, Interact: Withdraw scimitar
1 Action, Move: 25 ft. closer
1 Action, Move: 15 ft. closer

(https://i.gyazo.com/1ef8e73234b81a335fa17e319ae1fb0e.png)[/info]

Double move action and draw weapon

     The goblinoid seems to be uninterested in talking at this time and swings their crude sword at Riven, scoring a hit and drawing a line of blood on the half-orc.  They then wheel on Belsarus, grabbing the halfling with their free hand before swinging their sword arm's elbow at his head.  The elbow painfully connects and sends stars flitting across the rogue's vision.


[error]Enemy attacks Riven with sword and deals 10 Slashing damage.

Enemy Grapples Belsarus.  Belsarus is now Grabbed

Enemy attacks Belsarus with fist and deals 11 Bludgeoning damage.[/error]

[info]Riven to take turn.[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Enemy, Riven, Belsarus, Spira, Melody, Vondur

Log
Enemy damages Riven, grabs and damages Belsarus
Vondur moves and equips
Melody moves and equips
Spira moves and equips
Belsarus moves and equips
Riven moves and rages
Enemy misses Vondur[/spoiler]

Riven pushes through the pain with a roar as the strength of his body absorbs some of the blow. Shifting into the space of the cut he moves to flank with, Bel who is now grabbed and goes to take two large bites out of the goblin that is now flat-footed.

[info]Jaw 1
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote]

Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 1d10+5 : 4 + 5, total 9[/blockquote]

Jaw 2
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 17 + 2, total 19[/blockquote]

Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 1d10+5 : 7 + 5, total 12[/blockquote][/info]

[okay]I'm bad at math lol add 2 damage [/okay]

Belsarus screams in pain as he takes a fist in the head. Squirming, trying to make his way out of the grapple and fighting back with some attacks of his own.

[info]Acrobatics for escape action: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17[/blockquote]

Attack 1: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote]
damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5[/blockquote]
precision damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]

attack 2: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 8 + 2, total 10[/blockquote]
damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+4 : 5 + 4, total 9[/blockquote]
precision damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2[/blockquote]
[/info]

     Your attempt at wriggling free only emboldens the enemy and as you struggle and stab at it.  Their only response is a grin to reveal its sharp pointed teeth as they look down at you.


[error]Escape attempt fails.[/error]

[okay]Attack hits and deals damage.[/okay]

[error]Attack misses[/error]

[info]Spira to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Enemy, Riven, Belsarus, Spira, Melody, Vondur

Log
Belsarus fails escape, damages enemy
Riven damages enemy
Enemy damages Riven, grabs and damages Belsarus
Vondur moves and equips
Melody moves and equips
Spira moves and equips
Belsarus moves and equips
Riven moves and rages
Enemy misses Vondur[/spoiler]

Since the little creature clearly had no intention of talking, Spira slid past her halfling comrade to thrust at the angry little thing.

[info]Moving next to the enemy and striking twice.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22[/blockquote]
Damage:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+2 : 2 + 2, total 4[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+2 : 5 + 2, total 7[/blockquote][/info]

     Your thrust into the back of the enemy seems to have been the final blow needed to fell the goblinoid that was raising their sword to finish off the concussed Belsarius.  They slump forward onto Belsarus, their grip on the halfling's armor a last defiance.


[okay]Attack hits and deals damage.[/okay]

[info]Encounter ended.  Everyone gains 60 xp[/info]

"Unsavory. I certainly hope that was just a squatter and not a member of the Bumblebrashers."

"You okay there buddy?" Riven asks Bel, as he seems to become more humanoid as he moves to steady his newly found comrade and rip off the corpse's death grip with the other hand.

"These one didn't feel the need to call out for back up, so if they are more of them they must be further in or looking after something " he said looking down at the corpse. "But seriously," he said turning his attention fully to bel, " you did a fine job taking those hits. That thing was craving blood for sure."

At the mention bumblebrashers Riven frowned, " if it was one of their clan something made them go seriously wrong in the head. I've seen that look in the arena before. Their blood always tastes rotten from frenzy," he said spitting out goblin flesh and blood in disgust.

[info]Society check to identify the enemy[/info]

[info]society
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 7 + 1, total 8[/blockquote][/info]

---

Seeing the javelin thrown at them, and the rest of her companions react. Melody, too, withdrew her own weapon.

"Mister Riven... Mister Fleetfoot. Those wounds don't look so great, I can patch you up if you need it?" Melody asked, hovering around the two of them, looking at the wounds the both of them suffered. "I'd need maybe 20 minutes for you both."

[info] Society: 8

It doesn't look like any goblin you've ever seen before, too big and hairy, but perhaps the Bumblebrashers are simply a rather brawny tribe for their species. [/info]

Spira picked over the corpse while the others were doing whatever it is they were doing. Presumably she should remember at least something about the various goblinoid races.

[info]Society:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21[/blockquote][/info]

"I'm fine, my body is pretty hearty I doubt we can stay still a whole twenty minutes but you should patch up our friend here and then we should keep moving," Riven says to Melody as he picks the last bits of flesh out of his teeth.

[info] Society: 21

     This was no goblin but instead a bugbear: cruel, deeply evil creatures that thrive on tormenting others. Unlikely to be a member of the Bumblebrashers who, from what you've been told in town, are a benign clan at peace with Breachill and its residents.[/info]

"Bugbear. Probably not a Bumblebrasher. Fortunate, since I didn't want to have to explain why we would have killed one of their sentries. It was probably squatting here and hoping to set up ambushes on the roads nearby, or something like that."

Spira stood back up after wiping a bit of blood off her hands. "We should get moving when we're ready."

---

[info]10 minutes to patch up Mister Fleetfoot.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18[/blockquote]
[blockquote]heal if success 2d8 : 7, 6, total 13[/blockquote][/info]

Vondur watches the others heal their wounds, "I'm going to go look through this next door once your all done l, can't believe this place they invite us in and don't greet us" when they are done he goes to the door to the west

     The door opens up on what appears to have been a kitchen.  Cobwebs cover the various cabinets and old brick stove and oven.  It doesn't look like this room has seen any use in a long time.

"Whoa there Vondur," Riven said realizing that the knight was moving on to the next room, "Let me come with you just to have your back just to be safe, best to have a buddy when moving in a dangerous place like this."

Riven stands from his spot with the others and goes to follow behind his companion, "It looks like the goblins don't use this place to store their food, or at least they haven't in a while."

"you know it's either that or they have no sense of cleanliness" vondur jests, "yes definitely good to have a friend close by"  vondur walks to the kitchen "hello anyone there we mean no harm" as vondur continues west to the next door

     The next room appears to have one been a training hall. Old weapon racks line the walls and straw stuffed training dummies lie knocked over in the middle of the room.

[info]Perception check requested[/info]

[info]Perception
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Perception: 6

     You notice nothing out of the ordinary.[/info]

"Aye thanks for patching me up. It wasn't fatal but it sure hurt. Glad to have some good folk around." Belsarus followed along with the party, looking out for any additional dangers. He wondered if they would be able to find any of the Bumblebrashers alive to tell their tales.

[info] Perception check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 3 + 6, total 9[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Perception: 9

     You notice nothing out of the ordinary.[/info]

[perception] [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16[/blockquote]

[info]Perception: 16

     You hear something going on in the room across from you. Some kind of shuffling and the clicking and creaking of metal as well as grunts and chittering.  The door is closed and muffles most of the noise so you're not totally sure of the exact cause.

Door noted on Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)[/info]

---

"Hear anything?" Melody whispered to her companions, as she herself peered ahead.

[info][blockquote]Perception 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote]

Moving into the room with the rest.[/info]

[info]Perception: 16

     You hear something going on in the room across from you. Some kind of shuffling and the clicking and creaking of metal as well as grunts and chittering.  It sounds like someone is engaged in combat inside the room.

"shhhhh wait everyone I can hear something going on in the next room, it's like a creaking clattering metal noise should we go look"

"It would be better to try and get the jump on them before they get the jump on us," Riven said shifting his posture a bit to be as stealthy as possible.

[info]Riven will attempt to begin the approach to the door as quietly as possible.[/info]

"your right we should get them". vondur grabs his halberd tightly. "I hope your friendly" vondur crashes into the door with fire in his eyes

[info]Initiative (stealth) if you want to try and catch the combatants in the next room by surprise. Otherwise, roll Initiative (Perception)[/info]

[info]Initiative Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20[/blockquote][/info]

[info] initiative perception [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8[/blockquote]

---

[info][blockquote]Initiative (Perception) 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Initiative stealth
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16[/blockquote][/info]

[info] Initiative, Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 4 + 8, total 12[/blockquote]
[/info]

     You burst into the room to find a man clad in matte black armor wielding a greatsword as he cuts through some fiendish creature.  It bleeds crimson flames rather than blood as it dies but appears to have been one of several similar creatures.  They chitter and hiss in some fiendish tongue  as they descend from the rafters.  "Great, more of them."  Sighs the fighter as he swings his sword at the nearest of the still living creatures, trying to clip in in the leg, and manages to slice a good wound into the creature's leg and knocking it to the ground.  With a grunt he then sweeps the blade around his side and over his head to bring it down onto the creature, cutting it clean in half.


[info]Human trips Creature 1

Human attacks creature 1 and damages it, killing Creature 1[/info]

[info]Melody to take turn

Targets have the Flat-Footed condition vs anyone that used stealth and was before them in the first round of combat.[/info]

Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Creature 3, Creature 1, Creature 2, Vondur

Log
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

---

"Mister... are you friendly?" Melody called out as she moved into the room behind mister Riven, keeping her eyes on both the black-armored man, and the creatures. She had narrowed eyes though, for even as she asked if the man was friendly, the dark black armor certainly didn't look heroic or friendly at all.

[info]1 Action: Stride, 15 ft.
1 Action: Recall Knowledge, religion, identify creature
[blockquote]Religion 1d20+7 : 13 + 7, total 20[/blockquote]
1 Action: Pending as result of identify.[/info]

[info]Religion: 20

     The creatures are Imps, some of the weaker devils of Hell but deadly in large numbers or against the ill prepared.  They have a myriad number of magical abilities and are more often known to employ subterfuge, cunning, and unwitting mortals in combat rather than brute force.

Imp
HP 15, AC 17, Immune: fire, Resistances: physical(overcome by silver), poison, Weaknesses: good
Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +7
Attacks
Stinger +9 (melee, 1 action) 1d4 plus poison

[/info]

---

[info]1 Action: Cast Guidance on Riven[/info]

"They're evil little imps, don't use fire on them. Mister Riven, Sarenrae will guide your next attack."

[spoiler=Guidance Reference]GUIDANCE
Traditions divine, occult, primal
Cast 1 action verbal
Range 30 feet; Targets 1 creature
Duration until the start of your next turn
You ask for divine guidance, granting the target a +1 status bonus to one attack roll, Perception check, saving throw, or skill check the target attempts before the duration ends. The target chooses which roll to use the bonus on before rolling. If the target uses the bonus, the spell ends. Either way, the target is then temporarily immune for 1 hour.[/spoiler]

"How unpleasant." Spira muttered, striding quickly through the door. Dropping the torch she held in her left hand, she plucked a small purple vial from her bandolier then hurled it at the imp farthest away from the man in black armor.

[info]Move 10 ft., Draw and Strike with Lesser Bottled Lightning (One action), end turn.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote] electric damage, +1 electric splash damage[/info]

[info]Crit damage:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote][/info]

     The imp screeches in pain as the flask explodes in a crackle of electric bolts arcing throughout the splash zone.

[okay] Spira critically hits Imp 3 and deals damage.[/okay]

[info] Riven to take turn[/info]

Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

Seeing these unnatural creatures and feeling a strange warmth against his spine from the guidance Riven moves to block off the second imp with a snarl, "Looks like this place has a serious pest problem!"

[info]Move up to imp two go into a rage and attack once

Jaw attack
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 6 + 8, total 14[/blockquote]

Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 1d10+6 : 10 + 6, total 16[/blockquote]
[/info]

     Despite having the drop on the imp that was focused on the armor clad fighter, they are able to dodge out of your jaws with a flap of their wings.


[error]Riven attacks Imp 2 and misses.[/error]

[info] Belsarus to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

Belsarus moves into the room stepping over the body of one of the fallen creatures. He gets into position and swings in quick succession.

[info] Move 25 feet, attack creature 3 twice.

attack 1: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8[/blockquote]
damage roll:[blockquote]Rolled 2d6+4 : 5, 5 + 4, total 14[/blockquote] (1d6 precision)

attack 2: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11[/blockquote]
damage roll: [blockquote]Rolled 2d6+4 : 6, 6 + 4, total 16[/blockquote]
[/info]

     The imp ducks under Belsarus's blade with a snicker before striking back with its barbed tail. The stinger pierces the rogue's armor and the imp gives Belsarus a fiendish grin before promptly disappearing into a flash of smoke.

[error]Belsarus attacks Imp 3 and misses

Belsarus attacks Imp 3 and misses[/error]

[error]Imp 3 attacks Belsarus and deals 3 Piercing damage and 3 Evil damage.

Belsarus to take Fortitude save

Imp 3 disappears[/error]

     The other imp lashes at Riven with their own stinger, landing a hit as well. Then, the imp beings to change, its arms, legs, and wings elongate and stretch as another set of pointed limbs grows from its torso. It's leathery hide turns to chitin and its eyes split into additional black orbs as the fiend becomes a giant spider.  In its new form, the devil lunges at Riven with its newfound fangs and sinks them into the half-orc's shoulder.

[error]Imp 2 attacks Riven and deals 1 Piercing damage and 2 Evil damage.

Riven to take Fortitude save

Imp 2 transforms into Giant Spider.

Imp 2 attacks Riven and deals 5 Piercing damage and 3 Poison damage[/error]

[info]Vondur to take turn[/info]

Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

[info]fortitude save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 6 + 8, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

Vondur steps forward toward imp 2 "if only you had been nicer"  vondur swings twice at the imp [info] attack [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19[/blockquote] damage [blockquote]Rolled 1d10+4 : 6 + 4, total 10[/blockquote] second attack [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 9 + 7, total 16[/blockquote] damage [blockquote]Rolled 1d10+4 : 1 + 4, total 5[/blockquote]

[info] fortitude save:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 1 + 3, total 4[/blockquote]
[/info]

     The poison courses through the veins of Riven and Belsarus, causing numbness to spread through their bodies and dulling sensations.  Moving your limbs takes greater care as your limbs refuse to work as well as they should.

[error]Riven takes 4 Poison damage and gains Clumsy 1

Belsarus takes 4 Poison damage and gains Clumsy 1 and Slowed 1[/error]

     Vondur's first attack strikes true but the followup fails to connect.  The fighter winds his greatsword up backhanded and strides to a flanking position before swinging at the imp with a yell.  Unfortunately, despite being surrounded on all sides, the imp still manages to dodge this attack as well.

[error]Vondur attacks Imp 2 and misses.

Vondur attacks Imp 2 and misses.[/error]

[info]Human attacks Imp 2 and Misses.[/info]

[info]Melody to take turn[/info]

Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Human misses Imp 2
Vondur damages Imp 2
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

---

"I ask for protection! And smite the evil before us!" Melody began her prayer, meaning to first shield herself, then launch a divine beam of energy towards the imp.

[info]1 Action: Cast Shield on self
2 Actions: Cast Divine Lance on Imp 2
[blockquote]divine spell attack 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27[/blockquote]
[blockquote]good damage 1d4+4 : 4 + 4, total 8[/blockquote][/info]

[spoiler=References]SHIELD - CANTRIP 1
ABJURATION CANTRIP FORCE
Traditions arcane, divine, occult
Cast 1 action verbal
Duration until the start of your next turn
You raise a magical shield of force. This counts as using the Raise a Shield action, giving you a +1 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn, but it doesn't require a hand to use.

While the spell is in effect, you can use the Shield Block reaction with your magic shield (see the sidebar). The shield has Hardness 5. After you use Shield Block, the spell ends and you can't cast it again for 10 minutes. Unlike a normal Shield Block, you can use the spell's reaction against the magic missile spell.

DIVINE LANCE - CANTRIP 1
ATTACK CANTRIP EVOCATION
Traditions divine
Cast 2 actions somatic, verbal
Range 30 feet; Targets 1 creature
You unleash a beam of divine energy. Choose an alignment your deity has (chaotic, evil, good, or lawful). You can't cast this spell if you don't have a deity or if your deity is true neutral. Make a ranged spell attack roll against the target's AC. On a hit, the target takes damage of the chosen alignment type equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier (double damage on a critical hit). The spell gains the trait of the alignment you chose.[/spoiler]

[info][blockquote]if crit, crit damage 1d4+4 : 1 + 4, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

     The ray of divine energy blasts a hole straight through the imp's torso, leaving a smoldering hole in its chest as it flops to the ground and begins to slowly burn away.

[okay]Melody attacks Imp 2 and Critically hits, slaying Imp 2.[/okay]

[info]Spira to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Melody slays Imp 2
Human misses Imp 2
Vondur damages Imp 2
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

With no visible targets, and a sneaking suspicion that the remaining imp was still on the prowl Spira put her back to the wall and fell into a ready stance, poised to stab anything that might look even remotely imp-like.

[info]Ready action, attack any enemy that comes into an adjacent space (provided she can see it)[/info]

Riven gasping for air does his best to wipe the blood from his mouth from the battle before he moves to back up Bel. "I got your back man!"

[info]Riven moves to back up Bel and then hold action to attack[/info]

[info]Fort save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 6 + 8, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

     The poison continues to burn through your veins, further numbing your senses and dulling your muscular control.


[error]Riven takes 3 points of Poison damage and gains Clumsy 1 and Slowed 1[/error]

[info]Belsarus to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Riven readies to attack
Spira readies to attack
Melody slays Imp 2
Human misses Imp 2
Vondur damages Imp 2
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

Losing sight of the creature, Belsarus nods at the half-orc, and then looks around hoping to catch a glimpse, or hear the telltale sounds of movement.

[info] going to ready an attack for if the imp comes in range/ is visible. also a seek action.
fortitude save: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 13 + 3, total 16[/blockquote]
[/info]

     You're not sure if the Imp is anywhere near you.  Any effort you make to try and listen is distracted by trying to stay standing as the poison continues to run its course.


[error]Belsarus Seeks and is unable to locate any enemies

Belsarus takes 4 damage and gains Clumsy 1[/error]

[error]Belsarus is reduced to 0 HP, falls unconscious, and is now Dying 1[/error]

[info]Vondur to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Belsarus Seeks, readies to attack
Riven readies to attack
Spira readies to attack
Melody slays Imp 2
Human misses Imp 2
Vondur damages Imp 2
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

Vondur scans the room for the last imp and ready for an attavk [info] 1action seek [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17[/blockquote] ready to attack

     All you're able to hear at this point is the ragged breathing of Belsarus as he lies collapsed on the floor.


[error]Vondur Seeks and is unable to locate any enemies.[/error]

     The plate clad fighter wheels on his heels and speaks once again.  "Close the door!  It might be trying to escape." he commands as he looks to and fro, greatsword raised and at the ready.


[info]Human Seeks and readies to attack[/info]

[info]Melody to take turn.[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Human seeks, readies to attack
Vondur seeks, readies to attack
Belsarus becomes Dying 1
Belsarus Seeks, readies to attack
Riven readies to attack
Spira readies to attack
Melody slays Imp 2
Human misses Imp 2
Vondur damages Imp 2
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

---

"Mister Bel!" Melody cried out in alarm once she saw the other halfling slump. She kept her eyes peeled for any sign of the imp while she launched into a prayer of healing for the fallen halfling.

[info]1 Action: Seek, look for sign of imp.
[blockquote]Perception 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18[/blockquote]
Free: Call out the grid location of imp if found

2 Actions: Cast a Spell, Heal on mister Bel.
[blockquote]Heal 1d8+8 : 5 + 8, total 13[/blockquote][/info]

     You can't tell if the Imp is nearby as you channel healing energy to the dying halfling, brining him back from the brink.


[error] Melody seeks and is unable to locate any enemies[/error]

[okay]Belsarus is healed for 13, regains consciousness, and gains Wounded 1[/okay]

[info] Spira to take turn.[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Belsarus is healed, gains Wounded 1
Melody seeks, heals Belsarus
Human seeks, readies to attack
Vondur seeks, readies to attack
Belsarus becomes Dying 1
Belsarus Seeks, readies to attack
Riven readies to attack
Spira readies to attack
Melody slays Imp 2
Human misses Imp 2
Vondur damages Imp 2
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

The mysterious armored man was right, the imp, in the face of overwhelming numbers was probably trying to flee. Reaching behind her to close the door, she tried to listen for the sound of something invisible moving around the room, and prepared to point it out if she saw it.

[info]Interact: Shut the door
Seek (Perception: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 9 + 3, total 12[/blockquote]
Ready free action to tell others its location if found.[/info]

     The door shuts, its creak and thud punctuating the near total silence of everyone trying to locate the imp.

[error] Spira Seeks and is unable to locate any enemies.[/error]

[info] Riven to take turn.

Fortitude save at the end of turn for affliction[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Spira closes door, Seeks
Belsarus is healed, gains Wounded 1
Melody seeks, heals Belsarus
Human seeks, readies to attack
Vondur seeks, readies to attack
Belsarus becomes Dying 1
Belsarus Seeks, readies to attack
Riven readies to attack
Spira readies to attack
Melody slays Imp 2
Human misses Imp 2
Vondur damages Imp 2
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

"These things can change form like me so be prepared for an attack from any direction," Riven said from behind bared fangs. His breathing was heavy as he could feel the venom running throw his veins causing his whole body to feel off and shake slightly. He let out a roar to attempt to steady himself and hopefully shake their prey out of hiding

[info]Readying an attack for any enemy in range.[/info]

[roll]Fortitude Save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 2 + 8, total 10[/blockquote][/roll]

     Unfortunately the imp's venom still has a strong hold on you, you feel yourself getting closer to unconsciousness despite your best efforts to stay standing.

[error]Riven takes 3 Poison damage and gains Clumsy 1 and Slowed 1[/error]

[info]Belsarus to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Human, Melody, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Imp 3, Imp 1, Imp 2, Vondur

Log
Riven readies to attack
Spira closes door, Seeks
Belsarus is healed, gains Wounded 1
Melody seeks, heals Belsarus
Human seeks, readies to attack
Vondur seeks, readies to attack
Belsarus becomes Dying 1
Belsarus Seeks, readies to attack
Riven readies to attack
Spira readies to attack
Melody slays Imp 2
Human misses Imp 2
Vondur damages Imp 2
Imp 2 hits Riven, transforms, and hits Riven
Imp 3 hits Belsarus and disappears
Belsarus misses Imp 3
Riven misses Imp 2
Spira crits Imp 3
Melody identifies Imps, uses Guidance on Riven
Human attacks and slays Creature 1[/spoiler]

"Oy, thanks for the help, it isn't my day." Belsarus brushed himself off and continued to take in his surroundings, trying to find the foul creature.

[info] seek action.
does getting up from being ko'd count as an action? if so that's one if not i'll ready an attack.

fortitude save: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11[/blockquote]
[/info]

     The poison continues to burn through your veins, making activity difficult.

[error] Belsarus takes 3 points of Poison damage and gains Clumsy 1 and Slowed 1[/error]

[info] Encounter over.

Everyone gains 80 xp[/info]

     The armor clad fighter lowers his sword.  "Damn...  I think it got out before the door closed.  Looks like it decided to leave your companion to die from its sting rather than try and finish him off.  Do you have any antivenom?"   He said as he pulled a bottle out of his pocket.
     The danger gone, you finally get a better look at the features of the room. Stone shelves carved into the walls line the room and candles burned down to the nub fill them. The center of the room is dominated by a giant circle inscribed with a pentagram, it all drawn with the dull red brown of long since spilled blood and circled with yet more melted candles. It is this profane circle that the fighter approaches to pour out the bottle onto its edge before scuffing the circle with his boot, breaking it.  "Seems the last stewards of this place left some messes behind."

[info] While Encounter mode is over, Riven and Belsarus are still being damaged by poison.  Everyone is free to act to help them but can't expend more than 3 actions before the next round of Fortitude saves. [/info]

---

Moving to her companions, Melody began to take out the healer's tools in her pack. Reaching the two of them, she began to apply a tight bandage around where they were affected, in hopes to reduce the flow of poison.

[info]Action 1: Stride, closer to Mister Riven and Mister Bel.
Action 2: Treat Poison, on Mister Riven.
[blockquote]Medicine 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote]
Action 3: Treat Poison, on Mister Bel.
[blockquote]Medicine 1d20+7 : 8 + 7, total 15[/blockquote][/info]

[okay] Treat Poison (Riven): 23
     Success, Riven gains +2 to their next save.[/okay]

[error] Treat Poison (Belsarus): 15
     Failure[/error]

"Let me see if I can help..." Spira said, moving over to the halflings. She took the medical kit from Melody and set to work attempting to treat Belsarus.

[info]Move>Manipulate(Take an object)>Treat Poison
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 18 + 3, total 21[/blockquote][/info]

[okay] Treat Poison (Belsarus): 21
     Success Belsarus gains +2 to their next save. [/okay]

Riven can barely manage to stay conscious as Melody comes to attempt to help him. The venom coursing through his system forces him to sit right there on the floor before he falls down. "Damn, that bite was really potent. My whole arm is going numb," he said to himself as he eyed the blackening wound.

"I just gotta push through this," he said trying to summon his inner beast to fight off the toxin.

[info]Fort save with melody's help
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+10 : 4 + 10, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

Belsarus grunts, glad that the imp is gone.
[info]fort save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 9 + 5, total 14[/blockquote]
[/info]

[error] Riven takes 3 points of Poison damage and gains Clumsy 1 and Slowed 1.

Riven loses consciousness and becomes Dying 1

Belsarus takes 5 points of Poison damage and gains Clumsy 1 and Slowed 1[/error]

---

"No, no, no, no!" Melody said as she frantically began to cast a healing spell on Mister Riven. With the other halfling beside her still suffering from the poison still even with the bandage attempt to restrict blood flow, she began applying a poultice over Mister Bel's wound.

[info]Action 1-2: Cast a Spell, Heal, on Mister Riven
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+8 : 3 + 8, total 11[/blockquote]
Actrion 3: Treat Poison, on Mister Bel.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

[okay] Riven is healed for 11 HP, regains consciousness, and becomes Wounded 1.[/okay]

[error] Treat Poison (Belsarus): 14
     Failure[/error]

"This is going well." Spira said, watching Riven flatline and then revive with the help of Melody's magic. She pulled an empty vial from a bag at her hip, filled it with water, and emptied the contents of another smaller container into the water. A few vigorous shakes of the vial later, she handed it to Belsarus. "Drink. It will help with the poison, and the pain. Probably."

[info]Quick Alchemy:
Elixir of Life; 1d6 healing and a +1 to fort saves against poison/disease for the next 10 minutes.

Treat Poison on Riven:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 18 + 3, total 21[/blockquote][/info]

[okay] Treat Poison (Riven): 21
     Success, Riven gains +2 on their next Fortitude save to resist the poison.[/okay]

vondur goes to Belsarus and aids him [info] treat poison [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11[/blockquote]

[error] Treat Poison (Belsarus): 11
     Failure[/error]

"I've certainly had better days."

[info] Drink the elixir. heal: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]

treat poison: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 17 + 1, total 18[/blockquote]

Fort save: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20[/blockquote] If treat poison is successful +2 more.
[/info]

Riven gasps back into consciousness as Melody administrators the anti toxins. Shaking like a leaf he manages, "That stuff really packs a punch," with a weak smile. He does his best to lean off to the side before vomiting.

[info]fort save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+10 : 20 + 10, total 30[/blockquote][/info]

[okay] Riven critically succeeds and is cured of the poison.[/okay]

[error] Belsarus takes 1 point of damage and gains Clumsy 1[/error]

---

[info]Action 1, Treat Poison, on Mister Bel.
[blockquote]Medicine 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote][/info]

[info] cure belsaurs of bad essentially snake bite.

Vondur tries to squeeze the posion out [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22[/blockquote]

[okay] Treat Poison: 24
     Success, Belsarus gains +2 to their next Fortitude save.[/okay]

[okay] Treat Poison: 22
     Success, however the +2 bonus does not stack.[/okay]

"Appreciate the help."

[info] fortitude save: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7[/blockquote]
[/info]

[error] Belsarus takes 5 points of Poison damage and gains Clumsy 1 and Slowed 1[/error]

[okay] Belsarus is no longer suffering the effects of the poison[/okay]

[info] Returning to free form exploration. [/info]

     "Nasty things, Imps. Next time I suggest you wear something a little more protective."  Remarked the fighter with a tap of his gauntlet to the plate armor arm guard on his other arm.  He had continued to work on disrupting the circle but appears to have completed the task to his own satisfaction and turned back to you all.  Getting a better look at him, you find him to be tall, dark skinned and clad head to toe in black painted full-plate armor. A jagged red pentagram is molded into one of his pauldrons: the symbol of Asmodeus, the most commonly openly worshiped deity in Cheliax and the more populated regions of its tributary states such as Isger.  "Anyways, I take it from the fact you came to my aid that you're not another band of looters here to pick over these illustrious halls."  He stated with a sweep of his hands to the thick cobwebs, burnt out candles, and chunks of wax kicked over in the fight. "So what brings you here?"

"Working" Spira replied, studying the man and trying to see if she remembered anything about worshipers of Asmodeus. "Goblins hired us to investigate the red smoke above the keep. Yourself?"

[info]Religion to see if Spira recalls anything about followers of Asmodeus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 19, total 19[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Society to do the same, if it can be applied:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Common knowledge about Asmodeus
LE
Also known as the Prince of Darkness
     Asmodeus is an evil god and the most powerful of the archdevils. He is openly worshiped throughout Cheliax and other tributary states such as Isger and more secretively elsewhere in the Inner Sea region. Where openly worshiped, his temples often provide legal services, for the right price of course. While Breechill falls under the laws and customs of Isger, there is no temple to Asmodeus in the town and the vast majority of its inhabitants stick to worshiping the more traditionally good and neutral deities.[/info]

[info] Society: 26
Domains: Evil, Fire, Law, Trickery
Favored weapon: Mace
     Asmodeus is typically portrayed as a red skinned horned devil with cloven hooved feet. In ceremonies, his clerics often don horned helms or headresses to emulate their god's features. His sacred text is called the Asmodean Disciplines. His most closely aligned followers try to emulate the god's penchant for negotiating for fun and find no greater way of honoring their deity than striking a deal which on the surface is equitable but in reality is slanted in their favor. Though, the canny bargainer can use this to their advantage as the followers of Asmodeus belive that a deal once struck is as good as law even if they wound up the ones taken advantage of.[/info]

"I'm guessing... Paladin? Am I close?"

     "I'm here on vacation actually.  You know, seeing the sights, the rustic charm of rural Isger."  Replied the man with a smirk. "You said goblins hired you to look into the smoke? What do they want with the keep? Did you find anything out yet?"

---

Melody eyed the symbol around the knight's neck.

[info]Recall Knowledge, about Asmodeus' symbol
[blockquote]Religion 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote][/info]

[info] Lore (Religion): 24
     Same as previous results for Society check and common knowledge.[/info]

"Yes, such charming dungeons I know." Spira answered the man's sarcasm with her own. "They live here, as I understand it. I suppose they had an simple time negotiating a deal to move in, the previous owners certainly didn't ask for much." She smiled at her own jest, as nonsensical as it was, knowing that followers of Asmodeus loved to wheedle and deal unfairly. She deliberately avoided mentioning that they had just arrived and knew absolutely nothing about the situation.

"How goes your vacation?"

     "Ha! Right, no better place for a holiday. You said the goblins live here? Don't tell me they actually found the deed. I thought it was supposed to have been hard enough to find that a gaggle of goblins wouldn't just stumble across it."  He replied, looking genuinely interested in the topic of the keep's current inhabitants.

"I wouldn't know. Possession is nine-tenths of the law as they say. I doubt they have much competition for the space. Well, besides the monsters. There's a deed you say? Looking to find a souvenir?"

     "Actually, yes. Though not the deed. Can't really bring a whole citadel for a keepsake. Not sure how I'd bring it back. Bit hard to fit in my pack... in case you didn't notice."

"Noted. If I may, what exactly are you looking for? Perhaps we could come to a mutually beneficial deal. A... contract of sorts." Spira hoped the thought of haggling over "legally binding agreements" might entice the man into divulging useful information.

     At this the young man grins. "Sure, how's about this: I'll help you with your job and if we find what I'm looking for in the process it's mine to have.  Sound fair?"

"Nearly. I don't speak for the group, so it depends on them. Being the prudent scholar I am though, before we make an agreement I'd like to know what it is you're looking for. You don't need to tell me what you plan to do with it." Spira had become tired of beating around the bush. In truth she really didn't care what mystical bauble the man was looking for, but you could never be too careful.

     "A simple gold ring, mundane, and worth nothing but it's weight in coin at a pawn shop.  So, do we have a deal?"  At this the fighter stuck out his open hand to shake.

Spira raised an eyebrow. "Like I said, I don't speak for the group. Are the rest of you alright with this?"

Vondur listens to the two talking trying to decipher whether or not the man is being honest at all [info] perception insight [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 3 + 6, total 9[/blockquote]

Belsarus leaned back against the wall, still on his feet. He was listening to the conversation but after that bout with poison he wanted a moment to rest. The man seemed to be friendly enough, which is more than he expected to find in the keep to begin with, but he had been around the slums long enough to know that you can't always take a man's word at face value.

[info] Perception for insight.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 7 + 6, total 13[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Perception: 9
     The armor clad fellow seems to be telling the truth.[/info]

[info]Perception: 13
     While evasive, it seems like the armor clad fellow is telling the truth.[/info]

I'm good with it seems like a decent fellow

---

[info]Sense Motive

[blockquote]Perception 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8[/blockquote][/info]

---

Melody would find it hard to relax with the follower of Asmodeus around. However, growing up in a citywhere almost everyone around her was an unbeliever, she knew enough not to let it show too much. Miss Dawnflower always encouraged redemption in all things evil; that extended from her current group, to the obviously evil man in front of her. In fact, Melody decided that this particular dark-armored follower of Asmodoeus probably took the top of the evil chart.

"I don't mind if he's in the group. We have to help out the Bumblebrashers anyways. There could be more monsters here." Melody replied back to Miss Spira.

And if he gets injured and needs bandages, I can tell him ALL about Miss Dawnflower! Melody smiled, a little too bright, at the armored man with her pure but not-so-pure thoughts.

[info]Sense motive
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9[/blockquote][/info]

"I think given our lack of knowledge in the area we could take all the help we could get especially if we are going to be fighting more monsters like this," Riven said as he did his best to lean against the wall as the last of the poison worked through his system. 

"I would rather not get blindsided a second time if we can avoid it," he wheezed.

"Alright then. I suppose we have a deal." Spira took the man's hand to shake on it.

     The fighter shook Spira's hand with his gauntlet-clad hand.  "Excellent, I guess we should properly introduce ourselves now that we're properly partners.  Alak Stagram: Armiger of the Order of the Nail...  And you all are?"

"vondur bloodrider door opener extrodinar"

"My my... So the keep belongs to you after a fashion... Spira Tellus, alchemist. You'll have to excuse my lack of knowledge regarding your order; are followers of Asmodeus common among your ranks?"

---

"My name is Melody, it's nice to meet you mister Stagram. I'm a priestess from our small Sarenrae church in Elidir." Melody said, not really concerned whether or not she was spouting too much information to a complete stranger. "Did you know Asmodeus is evil? Like really really really evil? There is a reason why the opposite of evil is good, it's because we're good and that's good for everyone, including you! Why do you follow Asmodeus? Is it because everyone else is doing it?" Melody pressed for an answer tactlessly.

     "A pleasure, I'm sure. The followers of the Dark Prince are no more common among the Order than any other god that teaches the value of law  and order.  He has as much to teach us about properly upholding law and standing against the forces of chaos as Erastil or Iomedae. What could be more important in a god?" Replied Alak with a look to Melody before continuing.  "As for the keep belonging to the order, that time has long past. While it would have been nice to hold a second fortress, the logistics of maintaining a garrison and operations here in Isger so far from Citadel Vraid is simply not practical for our order. That is of course why the last Lictor hid the deed away. Apparently he figured he would leave the keep to whoever had the martial skill and cunning to find it."

"How very interesting. Well, shall we press on? I'm sure there is still much to do and see here before our work is complete."

---

[info]I'm good with continuing as well, but want some knowledge checks (if I need them) to see if my char knows about them.

Lore about Erastil (https://pathfinder.fandom.com/wiki/Erastil), knowing he's a lawful god and other basic info as per wiki.
[blockquote]Religion 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21[/blockquote]

Lore about Iomedae (https://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/iomedae), same.
[blockquote]Religion 1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26[/blockquote][/info]

"There are other things more important in a god, mister Stagram! Being compassionate and peaceful for one. Isn't it always better to have a caring god than not? Being honest, kind, patient, foregiveness through redemption, and understanding are all great things that I like seeing in people, and it's those things too that Sarenrae teaches." Melody said as she began to put away her healing tools. Finally when she was done and it was packed up, she looked straight into the eyes of the dark armored warrior.

"I don't know about you mister Stagram, but I would prefer being surrounded by patient and understanding people, rather than people who are bound by their laws too strictly."

[info]Erastil
Common Knowledge
LG, Also known as Old Deadeye
     The god of family, farming, hunting, and trade. Erastil was said to have created the first bow and gifted it to the mortal races so that they could hunt. Commonly worshiped by rural townsfolk and other country dwellers. His priests and clerics are often sought to bless each season's harvests, births, and hunting trips. They are often quite knowledgeable about different crops and hunting quarry or other wild beasts.

Lore (Religion): 21
Domains: Animal, Community, Good, Law, Plant
     Typically appears as either an old man armed with a bow or a tall humanoid with the head of an elk. Their holy text is the Parables of Erastil which focuses on strength of familial bonds and almanac-like sections regarding crops and hunting. It is said that he will show his favor through the appearance or assistance of wild hooved beasts and sends ill omens through broken arrows. His clergy are often pragmatically dressed in leather armor with simple wooden holy symbols.[/info]

[info]Iomedae
Common Knowledge
LG, Also known as the Inheritor
     Iomedae was a mortal knight that succeeded in challenging the Aroden's test to become divine and act as the herald of Aroden. After the death of Aroden she became a separate god in her own right as her cult swelled to prominence with many of the lost followers of the dead god and earning her the title of the Inheritor. Her clerics and priests teach the importance of justice and fairness and her temples are often used as courts and waystations for wandering holy knights.

Lore (Religion) 26
Domains: Glory, Good, Law, Sun, War
Typically appears as a humanoid knight clad in gleaming full-plate armor with a shield and longsword. Their holy text is the Acts of Iomedae and details the miracles she achieved as she roamed the word as a knight errant. Informally, her clergy also often teach the religion of Aroden though typically with emphasis on the parts most aligned with Iomedae's teachings as well. Her clergy formally wears a simple white and gold chausuble or cassock but those seeking to follow in their god's footsteps and take up the sword will dispense with the formal wear to don heavy armor. She shows her favor through the showing of sword-like shapes and images or the appearance of gold or silver lights. Her displeasure is shown through the flickering of lights, the breaking of weapons, or in making precious metals turn dull and heavier than their volume would indicate. [/info]

     "Pretty sure the only real chance a criminal gets for redemption is in a long drop and a short stop and the only patience they deserve is the amount of time it takes to, you know..."  At this he pulls a phantom noose above his head and mimes himself choking for a good thirty seconds or so.  "Anyways, before we move on can we search this room? I'm wondering if the ring might have been here because of its significance. This is where they used to conduct the final test to become a full knight so it might have been left here."  He asked a he began to look around the shelves lining the walls.

---

"That's not redemption! That's passing a sentence that might be too soon." Melody complained as she too began to help the armored knight search the room. "Criminals should be punished, and evil is to be fought when found. But it can't be done with a blind justice, each situation is different. Everyone makes mistakes, you know."

[info]Melody searches the room.

Perception is at a +7.[/info]

     "I would think one would prefer justice to be blind."  Replied Alak as he searched the shelves and tapped on parts of the stonework.  "Better the heavy blade of the law cut clean through everyone than anyone be held above it. One exception breeds another and then before you know it, anarchy reigns.  Besides... what would a headsman do for work without people to execute?"  At this Alak stood straight and looked back around the room.  "Well, I think that's it.  Doesn't look like the ring is here.  Shall we move along?"

[info]Perception
     You do no find anything of value or interest in the room.[/info]

"I think we should definitely move on now which door seems like a good choice" vondur walks to the doors listening for anything else [info] perception (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17

[info] Perception
     You don't hear anything that might be happening on the other side of the doors.[/info]

     "I say we head further into the keep."  Replied Alak.  "There should be an area for trials with a record keeping room somewhere in the same wing.  The ring I'm looking for might be in one of those rooms."

Vondur opens the door

     You open the doors to find what appears to have been a pantry.  Old wooden shelves line the walls with years old preserved goods left dust covered and desiccated from when the keep was last in actual use.  Alak looks around at the old shelving.  "Think any of this is still edible?"

"I don't think I'll chance it being good or bad" vondur walks around the pantry

---

[info]Melody searches the current room.

Perception is at a +7.[/info]

"You can probably eat it mister Stagram!" Melody suggested, smiling brightly, secretly hoping that the armored man would fall ill, so that Melody and her goddess could come to the rescue.

     With your search you find that despite the derelict nature of the pantry it appears that some jarred goods have actually managed to survive the years hidden away on one of the bottom shelves with a silver dagger tucked away behind them. Alak picks up one of the jars of what looks to be stacked biscuits and breaks the wax seal to open it before taking a loud crunchy bite. "Huh, siege bread. Still good too. Guess they forgot to bring some of the emergency rations with them. Try some? It's not too bad."  He says, with no apparent ill effects seizing him from eating the ancient hardtack.

[info] You find 8 trail rations and 1 silver dagger[/info]

"I think we may need to do some backtracking and check some of the doors we have passed seems this place is rather large" vondur will start heading back to the next unopened door

"Hold up, no point in leaving this here..." Spira said, taking the rations off the shelf. "Here, take some. If anyone wants the dagger speak up."

[info]Spira takes one of the rations, and offers the rest to the group. Provided that Alak doesn't take any there are three left over after everyone takes one. Dagger is up for grabs for anyone that wants it/will use it.[/info]

     The next door opens to show what looks like a mess hall.  Several narrow tables with accompanying chairs scattered and knocked over fill most of the room.  The scattered and turned over furniture seeming to indicate that this room has been heavily ransacked in the past.

[info]Alak will carry the unclaimed 7 Trail Rations and 1 Silver Dagger[/info]

---

[info]Melody seeks the current room for anything of interest.

Perception is at a +7.[/info]

     After a good search you're unable to come up with anything. It would appear that anything of real value has long been looted. A cabinet that may have once held valuable silverware sits at the northern end of the room, its lock smashed and its contents cleared out.

[info]Seek
     You are unable to find anything of value.[/info]

"Doesn't seem to be anything here. Let's move on." Spira said, gesturing to the next door. "This place is built like a maze..."

" I mean most keeps are to keep the bad guys out," Riven said with a grunt as he kept his out for attack. Drifting to the back of the group letting some of the others take the lead for a moment he walked back to Alak.

"I think in my stupor I forgot to properly introduce myself, "My name is Riven, I'm glad you agreed to tag along for this."

     "Well met. I'm glad I ran across someone in my search of the citadel as well.  It will make my quest here much easier."  Replied Alak to Riven.  "Any proper keep should confound those unfamiliar with their layout and as you've noted it seems my forebears kept this in mind. I just wish I had enough of a rank that I had the opportunity to search the order's archives back in Varisia for a map of this place before I left but I am only an Armiger and while one of the older knights was able to tell me some things about the keep I've found they could have been... more specific."  He continues as you all make your way into the next room.

     In the next room you find several benches lined up in rows before an overturned lectern. Old bookshelves line the walls but the books that were once there appear to have been haphazardly cast about the place, damaged to the point of unbinding by the looks of it as loose paper is strewn throughout the room. The north end of the room are several doors. Notably, one of the ones leading directly north is slightly ajar and allows a thin beam of the evening sun to peak through. Judging by the light, it looks that you've been exploring the citadel for about a little more than an hour and have a few hours to go still until dusk.

[info]Belsarus is no longer Immune to Treat Wounds[/info]

"Yes, specifics would be useful..." Spira mused, more to herself than anyone else. She took a look around the room before approaching the cracked door to peek through.

[info]Seeking anything of interest:
Perception at +3[/info]

[info]After looking around, Spira will peek through the cracked door.[/info]

     Searching the room, you're able to find an old ornate hardwood case dashed open upon the stone floor under one of the benches. Several cloth insignia of the Order of the Nail scattered next to it.  Approximately half of them are on a red cloth, the others on white. Seeing your discovery, Alak walks over to inspect them. "Training insignia..." He says with a frown. "They're... well not particularly valuable but not something that deserves to have been carelessly discarded like this. We use them during training to denote which side of a conflict you play. They're more ceremoniously important than anything. It's the first chance an aspirant gets to wear the heraldry of the order. If it's alright, I'd like to take these back to citadel Vraid. They might not find a use there but it's better than leaving them here to be eaten by the moths."

[info] You find 7 cloth Insignia of the Order of the Nail.[/info]

---

     As you approach the door you hear shouting in a mix of common and goblin occasionally punctuated by loud reptilian hisses and growls. One voice yells in common: "Speak common you little shits! I have a hostage here!" With replies in common of "We get you small one!" and "You no hurt Helba!" As well as chittering in goblin such as "I'm so hungry, we should eat the small one." and "Meat! Meat!"

     Getting to the cracked door you're able to see a large courtyard hemmed in by the tall battlements. The courtyard is mostly bare earth and the occasional weed except for a dark pool of water to the west. The north wall of the courtyard appears to have had a major collapse and rubble is piled up to the base of a set of stairs, cut off partway down by the collapse and leaving a good ten foot gap between the start of the intact stairs and the ground level. Off to your right is some large reptile, like a crocodile but with a strange draconic head and brightly colored. It appears to not have taken any notice of you peeking through the door, its attention aimed to the battlements above where the yelling is coming from and it tries to occasionally claw at the stonemason walls with a growl.

---

Melody held her breath. They were here to help out the clan of goblins, and possibly get them out of some sort of trouble. It sounded like there was already some sort of trouble brewing.

Her eyes looked towards her other companions.

"Everyone be careful, I can take some hits but a few more and I'm going down to we need to play this carefully," Riven lets out a growl as he hears the yelling.

"If We can ambush them we should, Bel can you draw out threats with something at range? We can use the door as a choke point,"

[info]will rage again gaining 4 temp hp and the other usual stuff.[info]

[info]Everyone roll initiative (Perception).

Those that choose to try and surprise the creature may roll Stealth[/info]

[info]
initiative (stealth) [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 9 + 8, total 17[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Initiative (stealth)
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24[/blockquote][/info]

---

[info]Initiative (perception)
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 9 + 7, total 16[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Initiative, stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25[/blockquote][/info]

     Alak kicks the lefthand door open and bolts through the doorway with surprising speed to circle around the creature, swinging his sword at the beast, landing a blow that only just barely drew blood. In response the creature turns to have him and opens its jaws wide to let loose a roar. Alak staggers in response and pulls an arm up to his face as he turns a sickly green. "Ugh, its breath reeks!" He yells, trying to hold in his bile.

[info] Alak Strides, Strides, and Strikes.

Alak deals 5 points of damage.[/info]

[error] Alak becomes sickened 1[/error]

[info] Spira to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Alak, Spira, Riven, Belsarus, Creature, Melody, Vondur

Log
Alak attacks Creature, deals damage
[/spoiler]

Spira moved through the door, pulling her small crossbow from its holster and loaded a bolt. "How unpleasant" she remarked, surprised by the size of the reptilian creature and unable to fire.

[info]Stride, Interact(Draw weapon), Interact(Load weapon)[/info]

Riven seeing the opening rushes forward while Alak had the thing distracted, he moves to grab the lizard's tail and bite into the side of the beast. "You wanna try eating someone! Let's see how you like it!"

[info]Stride stride flanking attack

Attack raging wolf jaw
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27[/blockquote]

Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 1d10+6 : 6 + 6, total 12[/blockquote]
[/info]

[okay]24 damage total[/okay]

Belsarus rushed into the room following behind his companions. He approached the creature, blade ready and swung with all his might.

[info] attacking; creature is flat footed so rolling sneak attack damage too.
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+7 : 8 + 7, total 15
damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8[/blockquote]
sneak attack damage: (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2
[/info]

     The creature roars as Riven's teeth sink into its hide and it whips around in a circle to face him only for Belsarus's attack to land in its flank. The combined assault proves too much for the creature and with a bellowing death rattle it collapses dead onto the sands of the courtyard.

[okay]Belsaurs deals 10 damage

Creature dies[/okay]

[info]Encounter over everyone gains 60 xp[/info]

     Those in the courtyard are just able to look up the the battlements above, more than a dozen goblins are crowded onto the battlements and are yelling at a halfling who has another goblin held at knifepoint backed up against the door of one of the watchtowers. The two parties appear to be at an impasse yelling at each other, the goblins screaming insults and demanding the release of the hostage, the halfing yelling their own insults and demanding the goblins acquiesce to his demands.  Despite the death roar of the creature, neither party appears to have noticed your presence in the courtyard, so fixated are they on teh situation at hand. Vondur, seeing the halfing, remarks "That halfling's Calmont. We need to arrest him for the fire." Alak, picking his sword up off the ground notes "Looks like he's taken a hostage."

"It would stand to reason that those goblins are probably our clients then. Convenient that everyone is in one place."

---

"We can knock him out if we need to. I have one more healing spell left, so he's not in any danger of dying." Melody said quietly to her companions worried about the fact that the halfling had a hostage. "I'm going to try calming him down, but prepare to attack him if he does anything funny."

[info]Will pause actions below if other PCs have any prep, like stealthing, spells, etc. Otherwise she'll state:[/info]

"Mister Calmont!" Melody called out. "Please don't hurt the goblin! Whatever it is, we can help! Whatever you did, we can talk about it without the need to get violent. Please! You don't want to do this, you really really really don't."

[info]Diplomacy (make an impression):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10[/blockquote][/info]

     Calmont looks down at you in the courtyard and sneers. "Damn it, you're the do-gooders from the town hall. Stay back! I have a hostage!"  He yells as he drags the goblin backwards, and backs into the watchtower behind him. The goblins on the ramparts continue to yell and cry. Some direct a call down to you. "Save Helba!" "Yes Helba!" Alak shields his eyes and looks up at the watchtower. "Well that'll make it just about impossible to snipe him from down here. What's the halfling's crime?"

"Arson. Lesser demon summoning? I'm not actually sure that's a crime here... Either way he burned down the town hall for whatever reason" Spira said with a shrug. "I could shoot him, but I can't promise I'll hit. Or that he won't slit the hostage's throat afterwards."

     "Demon summoning? Not under Chelaxian law. As a tributary, Isger should have a similar legal code. Though I confess, I didn't brush up on my local law before coming out here. As for arson, usually hard labor for a number of years fitting the damage caused is the punishment. So I guess he should be captured alive." Replied Alak as he pulled a set of manacles out of his pack. "If we subdue him I can bind him up for taking back to town."

"I suppose we'll need a distraction. Something to draw his attention and keep him from killing the hostage. Or we could... Talk him down? Unfortunately I do not have in my repertoire a means of simply rendering him unconscious at range. Or up close for that matter, baring a blow to the back of the head."

"I mean I could make a scene but I think it would only push him closer to the edge," Riven grumbles as he wipes the last of the blood from his mouth.

"I could take him to the ground if he hesitates, even for a moment."

Riven looks down at the large corpse of the lizard at his feet.

"Someone better at judging distances how far do you think he is from us?"

---

Melody was dismayed the other halfling didn't heed her words at all. Calmont was doing something obviously evil, and if he wouldn't repent, then it was Melody's duty to do her best to make him. Failing that, fighting evil where it's found is part of her own doctrines.

"Let's go up there and force him to come along with us! I'm sure that will work out for the best for everyone, including him!" Melody said.

"We''ll save Helba, I promise!" Melody called up to the goblins. Turning towards the rest of her companions. "There, I promised, and I do my best not to break my promises! Let's go!" She said, as she started to either look for a passage or move towards where the halfling had disappeared off into.

[info]Perception at +7

Is there a way to get up there where the halfling is?[/info]

     Looking around, you see that the ruined stairs have a knotted rope and grappling hook coiled neatly on the final step before the collapsed section drops down to your level. Someone might be able to retrieve the rope and let it down after them if they were to climb up the shattered portions of the stairs.


[info]Perception
     At the top of the broken stairs there is a knotted rope and grappling hook.

Climbing up the broken portion of stairs is a DC 15 Athletics check
[/info]

[info]Calmont has withdrawn into one of the battlement watchtowers (door noted on roll20 in the upper right corner of the map where the battlement section has been drawn) and is no longer visible to you. The battlements are 25 feet above the level of the courtyard.[/info]

"Any one of you athletically inclined?" Spira asked the group, gesturing to the rope that Melody spotted.

"I can, it should be no problem so long as the rope is secure. I'm not light but I should be able to force my way up there without much problem. The only thing is I doubt I can do it without being noticed. I don't want him pushing his hostage off the edge or worse slitting their throat the moment they see me," Riven says as he judges the rope.

"Melody can you get him to focus on you? Maybe talk those other goblins into making a bit of a racket to act as cover?"[/color]

Riven will begin to walk up the broken stairway to the rope, being careful to maintain his balance.

[info]
Athletics
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24

[/info]

If he can make his way to the top he will lean back over to aid the rest of the party.

     The broken stonemasonry provides a decent enough climbing face for you to make it up to the battlements stairs. From your current vantage point you are unable to see into the watchtower that Calmont has fled into, its door having been closed behind him. The assembled Bumblebrashers continue to yell their pleas and insults at the closed door.

[info]Athletics: 24
You're able to easily scale the shattered section of stonemasonry and make it safely up to the abrupt end to the descending stairs.[/info]

Riven moves up the stairs a few feet further grappling hook inhand to a more stable section of the staircase near the goblins, "Don't worry we're here to help we'll get your friend back."

Once he finds a solid section of stonework he will attach the hook to the edge as best he can and drop it so that the rest of his friends can climb up with less of an issue to get towards the tower in question.

     With the knotted rope secured, and a little help from Riven, soon enough everyone is able to climb up to the battlements. The crowd of goblins swarm around you with more pleas for help, tugging at cloats and sleeves and pointing to the closed watchtower door that Calmont had withdrawn through.

[info] The party ascends to the battlements. Anyone who wishes to stay down in the courtyard may state they are going so.[/info]

[info]Tokens moved to battlements section of roll20 in the upper right of the map[/info]

---

"We'll save her, we'll save her." Melody assured the goblins as she made her way through the crowd, meaning to reach the door.

     The goblins make way for you to approach the door, hanging back to give you all some space. As you approach, you hear Calmont's voice. Unfortunately, he's talking in a low tone and it's too muffled by the closed door to catch what exactly he's saying.

"Anyone with a better ear able to pick out what he's saying?"

---

[info]Melody listens.

Perception at +7[/info]

     As you listen at the door you hear Calmont. "Yes, yes, yes, whatever it takes. I agree to your terms. Now hurry, it sounds like they're already up here." He hisses before you hear a response in an unidentified language.

"It sounds like he's talking to someone in there, but I doubt it's the hostage or there would be more screaming involved. That said I cannot hear what it is."

Scanning the surroundings for any way to enter that did not involve bashing in the front door, just in case this kid did in fact have some kind of help like another one of those imps he clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Short of letting Bel go alone around the outside and maybe squeezing through one of those slots to let us in, I don't see anyway for us to get inside short of kicking down the door. But the moment we do that the poor thing he had his knife too will likely die. Anyone have a better way of getting in there short of me barreling through?" Riven asked feeling the tension rise as he felt time and the situation tick by.

"Can't say that I do. It may be best to send Belsarus through the window to catch him off guard."

"Not exactly my favorite idea there, but it might be the only choice we have if we want to get him now. However, ya guys need to be ready to back me up should the situation turn against me. Can we agree to that?" Belsaurus was not excited about the idea of going in alone, but it might be what they needed to do to get the job done this time.

[info] Atheletics to climb the tower.

(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+2 : 4 + 2, total 6

Acrobatics to squeeze through the slit.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 3 + 6, total 9[/blockquote]
[/info]

Riven nodded to Bel before he did his attempt. "I'm not gonna let you die if I have a say,"

However as he watches his new friend's unstable footing he cannot help but wince in worry.

[info]if possible I would have used some rope as a makeshift harness to make sure he didn't fall and hurt himself [/info]

---

"I'm not sure... He seems to have made some kind of deal with someone in there... I'm a bit worried, just watch your back mister Fleetfoot." Melody said quietly in a low voice.

[info] requested reflex save

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 17 + 9, total 26[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info] Reflex save: 26
     You're able to catch Riven's thrown rope as you begin to fall, getting a good grip. With a little help from those still up on the battlements you're able to make it back up to safety without issue.[/info]

[info] once more into the breach.

Athletics: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 14 + 2, total 16[/blockquote]

Acrobatics: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Athletics: 16
    You're unable to get a good enough grip to hazard venturing out across the wall. No progress is made.[/info]

[info] guess I'm gonna keep trying unless we have a better plan.

athletics [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 9 + 2, total 11[/blockquote]

acrobatics [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7[/blockquote]

[/info]

[info]Athletics: 11
    You're unable to get a good enough grip to hazard venturing out across the wall. No progress is made.[/info]

[info]throwing a grappling hook to try to get a secured line.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Ranged Attack: 8
     The grappling hook pings off of the stonework, failing to hook into anything.[/info]

[info] trying again I guess rip

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Ranged Attack: 11
     The grappling hook once again pings off of the stonework, failing to hook into anything.[/info]

At seeing this last attempt Riven puts a hand on Bel's shoulder. "May I give it a try? If it fails we should probably just beat in the door,"

He hadn't wanted to step in for fear of somehow insulting the other man's pride. But at this point as minutes past riven's own anxiety was getting the best of him

"Aye, go for it. Clearly I'm not having much luck today" He was thankful someone had stepped in to help out, he was running out of patience and was ready to kick in the door himself.

Riven taking the length of the grappling hook from Bel nods, and with a strangely practiced hand, waves it in a circle to build up momentum before flinging it out to attempt to get a good grip.

[info]
Athletics
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8[/blockquote]

[/info]

[info]Athletics: 8
     The grappling hook anchors into the wall with a satisfying clunk but when you test the line it pulls a large chunk of the stonework free. The loosed stone crashes through the roof of the wing of the citadel below, shattering roof tiles and support beams, and leaving a large hole in its wake.[/info]

     In response to the commotion you hear yelled from inside.  "What was- Yeouch!" Followed by the sound of a scuffle and the bang of a door as Calmont's hostage is seen running out the other side of the watchtower.

[info] Initiative (Perception) [/info]

[info]Initiative, Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 1 + 3, total 4[/blockquote][/info]

[info] Initiative, Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15[/blockquote]
[/info]

---

[info]Initiative
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Initiative Perception
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

[info] Riven to take turn[/info]

Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Riven, Alak, Vondur, Belsarus, Calmont, Melody, Spira

[/spoiler]

hearing the scream from inside and taking that as his signal that any attempt to be subtle was out the window Riven Grunted, " Alak, help me bust this door down now before something goes even worse."

[info]Riven moves up to the side of the door and then holds his action to kick down the door with help.[/info]

     Alak nods and hefts his greatsword before charging his shoulder into the door. Together, the two of you are able to break through the door, shattering the latch. Alak continues his charge through the door to swing his sword at the halfling. His blow, turned to try and bludgeon the halfling with the flat of his blade, scores a hit.

[okay] Alak Forces Open the door.

Alak attacks Calmont and deals damage. [/okay]
     Vondur follows the Armiger through the door, circling around to the side of Calmont and tries to bring the haft of his halberd down on him and also scoring a hit.

[info] Vondur Strides[/info]
[Error] Vondur uses Power Attack to deal Nonlethal damage and misses[/error]
[info] Belsarus to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Riven, Alak, Vondur, Belsarus, Calmont, Melody, Spira

Log
Vondur misses Calmont
Alak Forces Open and deals damage to Calmont
Riven readies
[/spoiler]

Following the lead of his allies, Belsarus moves into the room, drawing his sap. They needed to keep this fellow alive. He gives it a nice swing. "Sorry, mate."

[info] moving into the room, and swinging my sap.
attack: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote]
damage (non lethal): [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5[/blockquote]
[/info]

     Belsarus's sap connects solidly.  Calmont, in response to the rush, quickly steps in to stab his dagger at Alak in a flurry of strikes. The dagger manages to find a gap in the Armiger's plate twice and he grunts in pain, holding his side where the dagger struck him.

[okay]Belsarus attacks Calmont and deals damage[/okay]
[error]Calmont attacks Alak and critically hits[/error]
[okay]Calmont attacks Alak and Misses[/okay]
[error]Calmont attacks Alak and hits[/error]
[info]Melody to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Riven, Alak, Vondur, Belsarus, Calmont, Melody, Spira

Log
Calmont deals damage to Alak
Belsarus deals damage to Calmon
Vondur misses Calmont
Alak Forces Open and deals damage to Calmont
Riven readies
[/spoiler]

---

"O miss Dawnflower, grant mister Bel's weapon the power to smack down Calmont!" Melody chanted a prayer as she moved up to touch the other halfling's weapon.

[info]Stride: Closer to Bel
Cast Magic Weapon on Bel's weapon.[/info]

[spoiler=Magic Weapon reference]MAGIC WEAPON
SPELL 1
TRANSMUTATION
Traditions arcane, divine, occult
Cast � somatic, verbal
Range touch; Targets 1 non-magical weapon that is unattended
or wielded by you or a willing ally
Duration 1 minute
The weapon glimmers with magic and energy. The target becomes a +1 striking weapon, gaining a +1 item bonus to attack rolls and increasing the number of weapon damage dice to two.[/spoiler]

Moving to the back of the group now huddled around the door, Spira withdrew a small vial from her belt and dropped a small glowing rock inside. A quick shake of the container set it aglow before she tossed it through the door at Calmont.

[info]Stride>Quick Alchemy (Bottled Lightning)>Throw(Quick Bomber trait, draw/throw as one action)

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 18 + 6, total 24[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote] Lightning Damage, and flat footed until the start of my next turn. 1 splash damage if it misses. Only affects Calmont.[/info]

     The flask explodes on impact, sending arcs of electricity out that channel through Calmont. He yelps as his hair stands on end and his limbs spasm involuntarily from the bomb.

[okay]Spira attacks Calmont and deals damage.

Calmont is Flat Footed[/okay]
     A slight gust of wind is the only warning for the imp that appears out of thin air, flapping its wing and hovering over the inner edge of the battlements. With a wicked grin it whips its stinger at Spira, scoring a hit before withdrawing and whipping it into Riven next.

[error]Imp attacks Spira and deals 3 Piercing damage and 3 Evil damage

Imp attacks Riven and deals 1 Piercing damage and 3 Evil damage[/error]
[info]Spira and Riven to make Fortitude saves[/info]



Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Riven, Alak, Vondur, Belsarus, Calmont, Melody, Spira

Log
Imp 3 deals damage to Spira and Riven
Spira throws bomb and deals damage
Melody casts Magic Weapon on Belsarus
Calmont deals damage to Alak
Belsarus deals damage to Calmon
Vondur misses Calmont
Alak Forces Open and deals damage to Calmont
Riven readies
[/spoiler]

[info]Fort Save:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 10 + 7, total 17[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Fort save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 9 + 8, total 17[/blockquote][/info]

[okay]Spira resists the poison

Riven resists the poison[/okay]

[info]Riven to take turn[/info]

Riven feeling the bite from the sting feels his anger well up inside him again and with a howl strike angrily at the creature.

[info]Riven rages
And bites twice at the imp with his jaw if he is able.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26[/blockquote]

-5 for second attack
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11[/blockquote]
[/info]

      Despite trying to keep its distance, the imp isn't quite fast enough to completely avoid Riven's attacks.

[okay] Riven attacks Imp 3 and deals damage.[/okay]
[error] Riven attacks Imp 3 and misses[/error]

[info] Riven to roll damage[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Riven, Alak, Vondur, Belsarus, Calmont, Melody, Spira, Imp 3

Log
Riven deals damage to Imp 3
Imp 3 deals damage to Spira and Riven
Spira throws bomb and deals damage
Melody casts Magic Weapon on Belsarus
Calmont deals damage to Alak
Belsarus deals damage to Calmon
Vondur misses Calmont
Alak Forces Open and deals damage to Calmont
Riven readies
[/spoiler]

[info]damage
[blockquote]Rolled 1d10+6 : 7 + 6, total 13[/blockquote][/info]

     As Riven and the imp fight, Alak takes advantage of the lingering effects of the bottled lightning on Calmont to try and knock the halfling down.  He succeeds at bowling the halfling over and then tries to bring a hammer blow down with the pommel of his greatsword but misses as the halfling manages to writhe out of the way.

[okay]Alak Trips Calmont[/okay]
[error]Alak uses Power Attack and misses[/error]
     Vondur follows up after Alak to try and bludgeon Calmont while he lies on the ground. He manages to club the halfling in the head, knocking him unconscious with the blow.

[okay]Vondur uses Power Attack and deal damage to Calmont

Calmont becomes Unconcious[/okay]

[info]Belsarus to take turn[/info]


Encounter Info
[spoiler]Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/6640619/O-93KQ)

Initiative Order: Riven, Alak, Vondur, Belsarus, Calmont, Melody, Spira, Imp 3

Log
Vondur deals damage and knocks out Calmont
Alak trips Calmont
Riven deals damage to Imp 3
Imp 3 deals damage to Spira and Riven
Spira throws bomb and deals damage
Melody casts Magic Weapon on Belsarus
Calmont deals damage to Alak
Belsarus deals damage to Calmon
Vondur misses Calmont
Alak Forces Open and deals damage to Calmont
Riven readies
[/spoiler]

Seeing their primary target fall, Belsarus falls back to deal with the trouble in back. He squeezes past his allies right up next to the imp and takes a couple of hefty swings with his enchanted sap.

[info] Attacking twice with the sap that has magic weapon.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 20 + 8, total 28[/blockquote]
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 2d6+4 : 4, 4 + 4, total 12

attack 2
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 2d6+4 : 2, 5 + 4, total 11
[/info]

     The sap strikes true and blindsides the imp with a hefty thud. The fiend falls from the air, plummeting down to the courtyard below with a crunch.

[info]Encounter ended everyone gains 200 xp[/info]

     The threats dispatched, Alak takes the manacles he had hung from his belt and binds the unconscious Calmont. He looks to the rest of the party before checking his wound from the halfling's dagger. The goblins that had been watching the fight let out a cheer at seeing the halfling securely bound. Calmont's hostage approaches you all.  "Many thanks! I'm Helba. You came because of the fires right? We've been stuck up here for days."

"Yes," Riven says as his muzzle slowly returns back to his normal orcish jawline. "The town asked us to look in on you all after they saw all the smoke. It seems like we made it just in time to find this little firebug causing issues." he says with a pained smirk.

"Are you alright Helba? Sorry that we could not get to you sooner," Stepping out and crouching down to try and be at eye level with the goblin he looked her over before looking over to Calmout.

"We should bind his hands and mouth to stop him from causing more trouble. We have no clue how many unseen friends he has around."

     "Don't worry, Helba is alright!" Replied the goblin with a cheerful smile. "Before you got here he didn't do anything except keep asking about the elves! What elves? There are no elves here! Only Bumblebrashers! Oh and the cultists! Mean cultists! They have mean pets! Big pets! Bigger than big bumble almost! But you killed one! It looks tasty! Ooooooh so hungry! Can we eat it? Can we eat him too?" Continued the goblin, starting to pick up speed with every syllable before looking hungrily at the unconscious halfling.

     "Good idea. We should make sure he doesn't have any other weapons either." Agreed Alak as he set about gagging the bound halfling. He then pulled off Calmont's pack and the bow and quiver of arrows that had gone unused in the fight. Picking up the dagger that had fallen from Calmont's grasp, he turned the blade, looking at it. "Pretty good make. There's even a rune etched on the blade."

[info] Items seized from Calmont

16 sp
1x Unidentified Dagger
1x Shortbow
20x Arrows
2x Lesser healing potions
1x Thieves tools
[/info]

---

"No no no miss Helba!" Melody said as she looked in shock at the goblin. "You shouldn't eat him. If you eat him, he won't be able to make reparations, you see? Right now Calmont is a bad halfling, but in the future, he might even be a really good helper to the rest of the Bumblebrashers, or serve the good of the community in some other way."

     "Buuuut we're huuuuuuuungry!" Moaned the goblin. "We've already eaten all the food we had on us when the cultists came from below and the only fresh meat we've had was that one eagle that tried to carry off Skeeb."

"Hold on. Did you just say cultists?" Spira hadn't been paying much attention to the goblin's jabbering about eating Calmont, but cultists sounded like important information.

"Anyone mind if me giving that dagger a try?" He heard the conversation with the goblin as well, and found it curious. "When did the cultists show up?"

     "Yeah cultists! They came from downdownstairs with the big lizards!  Wouldn't shut up about how they were the Cinderclaws and how they were going to roast and eat us! They chased us out of our home and all the way up the stairs to here! It sucks up here! So cold and windy! And we don't have any of our dogs or slicers! We lost those all in the cave in when we ran up here." Rambled Helba in reply.

Riven sighed, while he wasn't overly familiar with the religious type of zealot he was familiar with the zeal of slavers. He had heard them be compared to cultists in the past and understood the meaning from the goblin's tone alone.

"Do they want something specific from you, Helba? And do you think they'll find it if we take some time to recover?" He asked as he spit the last bits of imp gristle from his throat.

     "I don't know what they want! They came from downdownstairs, there's nothing down there so maybe they wanted the dragon treasures? Or the fancy statues and stuff? Maybe they just were tired of the downdownstairs and wanted to see the sunlight? Too bad the stairs caved in behind us, now they're stuck! Now there's no way out except the secret door. They didn't seem too smart, not like us Bumblebrashers! So it could take them days to find it!"  Replied the goblin. At mention of the statues Alak turned from keeping a keen eye on the bound and unconscious Calmont. "I don't know what you mean by the downdownstairs but... statues... maybe you mean the Vaults? There should be some place for our most honored dead to have been interred... I would like to see it. I don't know if there is anything any cultists would want left there after all these years but if the ring I'm looking for isn't up here it might be down there, not to mention I'd rather not have a bunch of cultists ransack the graves of my forebears. Fortunately, it sounds like we have some time before this cultist problem becomes more serious. Plenty of time to bring this guy back to to town to face justice and come back to finish searching the upper floor I would think."

"That might be a good idea" Spira commented. "My supplies are exhausted and I am certainly less useful in combat without them."

     "Seems like a sound plan. I could use some more supplies myself. I didn't anticipate the citadel to be so overrun and if we are going to be in a prolonged engagement with a cult I would like to be a little better supplied." Replied Alak. "So if we're heading back to town... maybe we could wake the halfling? I'm not too keen on carrying them all the way back to town."

"Fair." Spira replied, then kicked Calmont's leg. "Hey. Wake up."

     With a grunt the halfling is roused. Calmont opens a bleary eye and starts only to find his movement hampered by Alak's manacles. He makes some attempt at speaking but only a muffled whine can be heard through the cloth gag in his mouth.

---

"We're taking you back to town to face redemption!" Melody interjected the moment she realized Calmont was conscious again. Her voice had a tone of both pride and determination in them as she smiled widely at the bound halfling.

     Calmont's response is an irritated glare paired with something that might have been intelligible but once again comes out as little more than a string of muffled sounds through the gag.  "Sounds like enthusiastic agreement to me." Says Alak with a grin, clearly amused.

---

"I agree!" Melody echoed, grinning just as much as Alak.

     With a jerk up from the floor, Calmont was brought back on his feet and the party was on its way back to the town. The halfling put up little resistance, only giving an angry glare and unable to voice any complaints. The goblins, excited to finally be able to get down from the battlements, quickly swarmed the corpse of the giant lizard, setting upon it with their teeth alone and slurping up the muddy water that had pooled in the corner of the courtyard.

[info] Unidentified Dagger will go to Belsarus as the only claimant

SP will be split among active players (4 sp each)

Remaining items will go to Alak's inventory (Alak's party inventory (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PrrYCdSqQnq69Rui0Uy5jtPezDzYu-oIZSkFrpzXngc/edit?usp=drivesdk))[/info]
     After an hour of travel back, you have arrived back at the guard house and Greta's makeshift office, now moved inside after clearing out one of the rooms for her use.

     "Ah, you've returned! And with Calmont no less. Calmont... what do you have to say for yourself? People died because of that fire." Calmont makes some angry muffled sounds before Greta motioned to Vondur to ungag the halfling. "As I was saying, I'd do it again if I had the chance! I was this close to getting the secret of the elf gates out of those stupid goblins and if I'd only got you meddling heroes in the fire too, I could be swimming in gold by now." Greta seems confused by this and looks to you all. "I'm sorry, what is he talking about?"

---

"Calmont!" Melody began as she moved to face the halfling. "This is your chance to take the first step towards redemption! Please, please, please take it." She cupped her hands in a begging gesture. "Showing everyone goodwill, and making strides to fix your mistakes would be seen kindly by the Dawnflower, and might even help make your transition back to society easier. If you're helpful to miss Greta and everyone else here, I'm sure they would be more willing to give you chances of redemption such as I. Even if they don't, I know there's some kindness in you, you never wanted to be evil and mean, right? Things just happened and all of a sudden this is in the situation you're in."

Melody gently tugged on Calmont's shirt as she looked at him, then towards mister Fleetfoot.

"You know as well as I do how mean and evil the majority of people are... I want to believe in my people: Halflings such as you, mister Fleetfot, and I. Are you willing to do that? For me?"

[info]Make an Impression
[blockquote]Diplomacy 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

With that preamble done, Melody looked straight into Calmont's eye.

"So... can you tell us... What are these elf gates? And why did you need the goblins?" The halfling girl pleaded, her eyes searching for any shred of warmth in Calmont's own.

[info]Request
[blockquote]Diplomacy 1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20[/blockquote][/info]

     Calmont's spiteful attitude appears to have been swayed by Melody's persuasions and his mood turns remorseful. "You don't know how it is! Voz has me like a slave practically! That old bitch has me in debt to her and I just need the money to get out from under her. You'd do the same! I may not be chained to a Chelaxian galleon like some of us but I'm not free like you."  He sniffs at this a little bit. "That's why I went to the old citadel. I found a book that talked about Alseta's Ring. It's a bunch of elf gates that supposedly can take you just about anywhere around the Inner Sea you want. They could be worth a mountain of gold if I found it. The gates are supposed to be in the citadel but none of the other adventurers that had gone there before had found it. The goblins live there so I figured they knew where the elf gates were but were too dumb to know what they were or what they were worth."

"A 'ring' huh." Spira said, then turned to Alak. "I suppose I should have asked if you were being figurative or literal. Though I could be reading into it too much..."

     Alak chuckles a little before responding. "Oh, no nothing like that. I'm looking for my family signet ring. Unless my grandfather had a very strange idea about what constitutes a family sigil, these elf gates are not what I'm looking for... That said, I feel like there would have been some mention of a powerful magical artifact being stored in the citadel. I may not have had access to my order's archives but I think that would be quite the secret to have kept." He put a hand on his chin. "This Alseta's Ring... I would think that it would be stored in the citadel's vaults if anywhere. Maybe the halfling was on to something. The goblins lived down where the vaults should be right? And the cultists they mentioned... you don't think these could be related do you?"

"Without question. It would be worth investigating, plus I believe our work for the goblin's is unfinished. I would hardly believe the our diminutive friend here is the source of their distress."

     "Cultists? Is that the cause of the Bumblebrashers distress signal?" Inquired Greta. "This is quite the distressing development... Well I assume that the goblins are at least out of immediate peril for you to have returned. For that I can pay you for answering the Call's request and apprehending Calmont. If you're heading back to Hellknight Hill you will probably need additional supplies so I'm sure you'll put it to good use." Says Greta as she pushes a small pouch of coins across the small desk.

[info]The party gains 20 gp.

Everyone gains 120 xp[/info]
     "Calmont, you seem to have had your reasons but you've still crossed a line with your actions. The council will deliberate and decide upon your punishment at the next town meeting. Guard, take him to a cell."  At this, Vondur takes Calmont and escorts him from the cramped office.  "With that business concluded, I would like to ask if you could investigate this cult. With the town hall ruined we unfortunately don't have much money money to spare right now but I could probably convince the local merchants to give you a discount on any purchases you make now and for the future. So what do you say heroes? Can you continue to help us?"

---

"I will!" Melody declared before anyone else spoke up. Her inner excitement was beginning to grow. With the mention of these magical elf gates, and her success at bringing Calmont on his first steps to redemption (or so she hoped), she felt that this could perhaps be the start of her own story written in her copy of The Birth of Light and Truth.

"But I hope the council will let Calmont continue his path for redemption." Melody said looking towards Greta and making sure she had her attention. "And if the council instead chooses to take his life, that is okay too! That's redemption too in its own way. Just make sure to use a really really really sharp blade, since I don't want him to suffer!" Melody stated, her voice still sounding happy-go-lucky.

With that, she turned towards her newly found party mates. Despite it all, she couldn't help but smile at the fact this would be her first time in a group such as this off on what could definitely be called an adventure.

"Let's offer redemption to a bunch of cultists!"

Spira cocked and eyebrow at the very chipper way in which Melody expressed approval of Calmont's potential beheading.


"Yes... Redemption" Spira replied, "But first some sleep, and a bath."

     "Thank you. I'll let the town know to give you the discount. Good luck, I'm sure you're going to need it." Replied Greta. "Is there anything else you need from me right now?"

"I don't believe I need anything further. Though I can't speak for the others." Spira replied.

---

"Yes miss Greta!" Melody responded. "I've been thinking about the townsfolk that died in the fire... I'm wondering if you can tell me who they were or if they had family here? Since we'll be staying here this night, I'd like to check up on them, and offer my services as a priestess of Sarenrae! My goddess isn't a very big thing in this country, but I want to show them that there's at least a benevolent, pretty, and wonderful goddess out there looking out for them."

[info]Don't need to RP out everything, but since we seem to be chilling for the night, would like Melody to spend some time that evening visiting the families of those townsfolk who died earlier, and do a simple prayer/ritual for the departed. I can do some rolls to expedite this if you wish.[/info]

     "Of course, I can provide for you a list. The town has begun to put together a collection for the families of the victims but I'm sure any solace you can provide will also be welcomed. The dead are being prepared at the mortuary but the families are gathered at The Great Dreamhouse, our temple to Desna."  Replied Greta as she began to write down a list of names. "I think the Thivins might be the most welcome to your presence. They are followers of Sarenrae but there is no town priest to your deity. Perhaps you could help them with their death rites?"

[info]Continued on in The Dawn Unseen (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2167.0)[/info]

---

[info]Everyone in the party gains the Heroes Discount of 5% on all goods and services purchased in the town of Breechill.[/info]

[info]Continuing on in Ch 2.1 A Request for Aid (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2168.0)[/info]