Turning north and leaving the road, you ride for a few hours over the open plain. Eventually, in the distance you spot the copse of trees the old man mentioned. Its a stand of evergreens, surprisingly thick given how rare trees are on the steppe. Above them you can see a fair number of black birds circling in the sky, either crows or ravens. When you are still about a hundred meters out, Scathach pulls her horse to a stop.
"I don't think we'll be able to go in on horseback, the branches look too thick. We going quiet, or just walking in?"
"What are we? Thieves? The old man said nothing of beasts that needed slaying by the shrine. We should just go forth and figure out what this coin is for." Replied Thedrin.
Scathach shrugged in response to Thedrin's comment and followed after him as he waded through the dense foliage, though not before drawing her bow and knocking an arrow.
After a not insignificant amount of audible rustling, your group pushed through to the other side into a small clearing. At the center, was the shrine you were seeking. More importantly however, were four other figures standing nearby. Two of them, humans as best you could tell below their hooded robes, were near the shrine. The other two were a pair of animate skeletons, though they looked less imposing than the skeletal knight you encountered in the barrow several months ago. Scattered about the area are several crates, each one containing lumps of Dark Essence that glow softly with anti-light.
The humans do not seem at all surprised by your arrival, easily heralded by your trek through the brush. The nearest one to your group unsheathes a large sword that was strapped to his back and falls into a ready stance as the skeletons clack and rattle into position.
"Oi, who the fuck are you!?" the sword wielding man shouts as he takes a step closer...
[info]Roll for initiative.
Roll20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)[/info]
[info] Initiative [blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 1, total 1[/blockquote][/info]
(https://i.gyazo.com/f9ca028e25c6d6385e51939f666a7a20.png)
(https://i.gyazo.com/1230a0168f887da3c85427b69d13f438.png) (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2119.0)
[Info][blockquote]Initiative 1d20+5 : 6 + 5, total 11[/blockquote][/info]
[info]Initiative: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 7 + 6, total 13[/blockquote]
[/info]
"You picked a bad spot to stumble into friend..." the cultist wielding the greatsword threatens as he moves in on Thedrin. The cultist brings his sword down at Thedrin's shoulder with a furious swing, but the paladin's shield is there to meet it as it falls. The blow lands much heavier than one would think, but is turned aside safely.
Scathach sidles sideways and fires off an arrow at the skeleton nearest her, but the projectile bounces harmlessly off its skull. "I knew we should have gone in quiet!"
The second cultist, skulking along the edges of the clearing, moves in closer, drawing a dagger from his belt.
[okay]Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss[/okay]
[error]Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss[/error]
[info]Cultist 1 moves.[/info]
[info]Cecilia to go.[/info]
[spoiler]Initiative Order: Cultist 2, Scathach, Cultist 1, Cecilia, Rhenri, Skeleton 2, Skeleton 1, Thedrin
Roll 20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Round 1:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 moves[/spoiler]
Cecilia drew her staff towards her, concentrating as she cast mage armor on herself. The battle might not seem as dangerous as some of the others that she had been a part of recently, but it was better safe than sorry.
[info]Casting Mage Armor on myself.
Prepared spells: Mage Armor, Color Spray, Sleep
[/info]
(https://i.gyazo.com/f9ca028e25c6d6385e51939f666a7a20.png)
(https://i.gyazo.com/1230a0168f887da3c85427b69d13f438.png) (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2119.0)
The moment the group stepped into the clearing, they were immediately attacked.
"When ya'll are hurtin', just be sure you did it to yowahself! Ain't proper manners ta come out sword swingin'!" Rhenri called out, getting her stance readied, and focusing her abilities to fire an arrow at the same time.
[info]Swift: Stance of the Piercing Rays
Standard: Dimensional strike, point-blank shot, at Cultist 1.
[blockquote]attack 1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12[/blockquote]
[blockquote]piercing 1d8+1 : 5 + 1, total 6[/blockquote]
[blockquote]fire 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
Move: Get behind a tree for some cover.
(https://i.gyazo.com/8851fd82a5a6d32f03560bcbecbfa2e4.png)[/info]
[spoiler=Dimensional Strike Reference]DIMENSIONAL STRIKE
Discipline: Veiled Moon (Strike)
Level: 1
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee or ranged attack
Target: One creature
Duration: Instant
By shifting slightly between two worlds, the disciple confuses the senses of his foe so he may land his attack more easily. The initiator initiating this strike causes his foe to be flat-footed to this attack.[/spoiler]
The arrow whipped dangerously close to the cultist's head, but passed him by without harm. "Tch. You bastards." he growled in response.
The skeletons clacked and clattered as they approached Thedrin and Scathach respectively, raking at them with their clawed hands. Neither attack found purchase though.
[error]Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss[/error]
[okay]Skeletons 1 and 2 attack Thedrin and Scathach, miss[/okay]
[info]Thedrin to go[/info]
[spoiler]Initiative Order: Cultist 2, Scathach, Cultist 1, Cecilia, Rhenri, Skeleton 2, Skeleton 1, Thedrin
Roll 20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Round 1:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 moves
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss[/spoiler]
"Use magic on the Skeletons. I'll handle this lout." Said Thedrin as he swung his blade at the Cultist before him.
[info] Standard Action: attack Cultist 2 with longsword[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17[/blockquote] Damage (Slashing)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 6 + 3, total 9[/blockquote]
Move action: Combat Advice to grant Cecelia +2 to hit Skeleton 2[/info]
After an exchange of blows, Thedrin's sword finds an opening and cuts a line across the cultists leg. Blood begins to soak his pants. With a grunt, the cultist shuffles to his left and attempts to catch Thedrin on a backswing but fails to connect.
Nearby, Scathach puts some distance between herself and the skeleton and fires another shot. In her haste though, the arrow flies wide.
The cultist with the dagger steps closer to the fray and pulls a handful of colored powder from a pouch at his waist. Tossing it into the air near Cecilia and Thedrin he shouts an arcane verse which is followed by a burst of blinding color and light that envelops them both.
[okay]Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, hit, 9 damage[/okay]
[okay]Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss[/okay]
[error]Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss[/error]
[warning]Cultist 1 casts a spell. Thedrin and Cecilia to make will saves.[/warning]
[spoiler]Initiative Order: Cultist 2, Scathach, Cultist 1, Cecilia, Rhenri, Skeleton 2, Skeleton 1, Thedrin
Roll 20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 moves
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 9 damage[/spoiler]
Round 2:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 casts a spell[/spoiler]
[info] will save [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 7 + 3, total 10[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Will Save[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 5 + 8, total 13[/blockquote][/info]
When the flash of dazzling light subsides a moment later, Thedrin remains unaffected having shielded his eyes from the burst. Cecilia however, was caught unaware. Her senses having left her, she collapses to the ground in a crumpled unconscious heap.
[okay]Thedrin resists.[/okay]
[error]Cecilia is Unconscious, Blind, and Stunned for 5 rounds. Now 4 rounds after her turn passes.[/error]
[info]Rhenri to go.[/info]
[spoiler]Initiative Order: Cultist 2, Scathach, Cultist 1, Cecilia, Rhenri, Skeleton 2, Skeleton 1, Thedrin
Roll 20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 moves
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 9 damage[/spoiler]
Round 2:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 casts a spell
Cecilia Unconscious, Blind, Stunned 4
[/spoiler]
(https://i.gyazo.com/f9ca028e25c6d6385e51939f666a7a20.png)
(https://i.gyazo.com/1230a0168f887da3c85427b69d13f438.png) (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2119.0)
Rhenri took a deep breath remaining calm even after Cecilia crumpled into a heap. Her earlier target was some kind of magic caster, Rhenri immediately decided the dagger-wielding person would have to be her first victim.
[info]Active Stance: Stance of the Piercing Rays
Used Maneuvers: Dimensional Strike
Ki: 3/3
Swift: Active Murderous Insight (-1 Ki, 4 rounds remaining)
Standard: Attack Cultist 1 (point-blank shot, murderous insight)
[blockquote]attack 1d20+8 : 6 + 8, total 14[/blockquote]
[blockquote]attack 1d20+8 : 3 + 8, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]piercing 1d8+1 : 7 + 1, total 8[/blockquote]
[blockquote]fire 1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
Ki remaining: 2/3
Active buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight[/info]
[spoiler=Murderous Insight Reference]Murderous Insight (Su):
The stalker designates his combat senses towards ending the lives of his opponents and gains momentary flashes of insight in how to best accomplish this. By spending one point of ki as a swift action, the stalker makes an attack and rolls twice for that attack and uses the better of the two results due to the stalker's precognitive abilities. This art has a duration of 1 + the stalker's Wisdom modifier in rounds.[/spoiler]
Again the cultist managed to avoid the sting of Rhenri's arrow. This time the projectile was turned aside by an unseen magical force that seemed to surround the man.
The skeletons continued their assault, raking at Thedrin and Scathach but the assault was to no avail.
[error]Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss[/error]
[okay]Skeleton 1 and 2 attack Scathach and Thedrin, miss[/okay]
[info]Thedrin to go[/info]
[spoiler]Initiative Order: Cultist 2, Scathach, Cultist 1, Cecilia, Rhenri, Skeleton 2, Skeleton 1, Thedrin
Roll 20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 moves
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 9 damage[/spoiler]
Round 2:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 casts a spell
Cecilia Unconscious, Blind, Stunned 4
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
[/spoiler]
"Keep it up, that spellcaster is dangerous!" Advises Thedrin as he continued to engage the cultist in front of him.
[info]Move Action: Combat Advice to give Rhenri +2 to hit Cultist 1
Standard Action: Attack Cultist 2[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26[/blockquote] Damage (Slashing)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 3 + 3, total 6[/blockquote][/info]
[info]Confirm crit[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 15 + 6, total 21[/blockquote] Damage [blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 1 + 3, total 4[/blockquote][/info]
Thedrin's attack found a gap in the cultists armor, sinking deep and leaving the man bleeding like a stuck pig. The gravely wounded man shuffled as best he could into a more advantageous position and lashed back savagely. This time, Thedrin's shield was too late and the desperate attack caught him hard in the ribs, shattering bone and sundering flesh. "Ill take you with me bastard! Nothing can stop the coming storm!"
Seeing the tide turn on her companion, Scathach turned her attention from the skeleton to the greatsword wielding cultist. She quickly knocked and fired two arrows in quick succession but only one found its mark and did not end the man's life.
Assuming the skeleton or his companion would finish Thedrin off, the mage waved a hand in Rhenri's general direction and produced a bolt of magical force that struck her hard in the chest.
Elsewhere... Cecilia still lay in a heap on the ground.
[okay]Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 10 damage[/okay]
[error]Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, a power attack, 16 damage[/error]
[okay]Scathach shoots Cultist 2 twice, hits once, 3 damage[/okay]
[error]Cultist 1 casts a spell at Rhenri, 5 damage[/error]
[warning]Cecilia unconscious, blind, stunned for 3 more rounds[/warning]
[info]Rhenri to go[/info]
[spoiler]Initiative Order: Cultist 2, Scathach, Cultist 1, Cecilia, Rhenri, Skeleton 2, Skeleton 1, Thedrin
Roll 20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 moves
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 9 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 2]Round 2:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 casts a spell
Cecilia Unconscious, Blind, Stunned 4
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 10 damage[/spoiler]
Round 3
Cultists 2 attacks Thedrin, 16 damage
Scathach shoots Cultist 2, 3 damage
Cultist 1 casts a spell at Rhenri, 5 damage
Cecilia unconscious, blind, stunned 3
[/spoiler]
(https://i.gyazo.com/f9ca028e25c6d6385e51939f666a7a20.png)
(https://i.gyazo.com/1230a0168f887da3c85427b69d13f438.png) (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2119.0)
The archer grit her teeth as the magic blasted into her chest. Taking Thedrin's advice, Rhenri fired off another arrow.
[info]Active buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (3 rounds remaining), Combat Advice
Swift: Activate Horizon Wind Lancet
Standard: Attack Cultist 1 with Masterwork Longbow (point-blank shot, murderous insight, combat advice)
[blockquote]attack 1d20+10 : 5 + 10, total 15[/blockquote]
[blockquote]attack 1d20+10 : 19 + 10, total 29[/blockquote]
[blockquote]piercing, point-blank shot 1d8+1 : 6 + 1, total 7[/blockquote]
[blockquote]fire, stance of the piercing rays 1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
[blockquote]piercing, horizon wind lancet 1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
Used Maneuvers: Dimensional Strike, Horizon Wind Lancet
Ki: 2/3[/info]
[spoiler=Horizon Wind Lancet Reference]HORIZON WIND LANCET
Discipline: Solar Wind (Boost)
Level: 1
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instant
The tenets of the Solar Wind have taught the disciple how to place more force behind his attacks. The initiator inflicts an additional 1d6 points of damage on a single ranged attack he makes this round. If the initiator is making multiple attacks in this round, this bonus applies to the first attack the initiator makes.[/spoiler]
[info]If the Cultist goes down, she'll move 30 ft. eastwards.[/info]
Rhenri's fiery arrow struck the cultist hard in the throat, briefly engulfing his head in flames. When they sputtered out a moment later, he had collapsed to the ground and began to bleed out.
The uncaring skeletons continued their assaults on Thedrin and Scathach. Despite the hammering of its claws, Thedrin's armor holds up to the assault. Scathach however is struck, leaving a nasty gash in her shoulder.
[okay]Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, 13 damage[/okay]
[okay]Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss[/okay]
[error]Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, 5 damage[/error]
[info]Thedrin to go[/info]
[spoiler]Initiative Order: Cultist 2, Scathach, Cultist 1, Cecilia, Rhenri, Skeleton 2, Skeleton 1, Thedrin
Roll 20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 moves
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 9 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 2]Round 2:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 casts a spell
Cecilia Unconscious, Blind, Stunned 4
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 10 damage[/spoiler]
Round 3
Cultists 2 attacks Thedrin, 16 damage
Scathach shoots Cultist 2, 3 damage
Cultist 1 casts a spell at Rhenri, 5 damage
Cecilia unconscious, blind, stunned 3
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, 13 damage
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, 5 damage
[/spoiler]
Noting that he was surrounded, Thedrin sidestepped out of reach of the skeleton as he slashed at the cultist's belly. Then, swelling himself with power to heal his wounds called out to Rhenri again. "The tide is turning! Help me finish them off!"
[info] Free Action: 5 ft step
Standard Action: attack Cultist 2[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17[/blockquote] Damage (Slashing) [blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 7 + 3, total 10[/blockquote]
Swift Action: Lay on Hands self [blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
Move Action: Combat Advice to give Rhenri+2 to hit Cultist 2, if already downed then bonus is for Skeleton 2[/info]
Through the cultists damaged mail Thedrin's slash cut the man's stomach open wide, spilling entrails to the ground below. The cultist dropped his blade and gasped, trying vainly to hold his organs inside before life left him. Conversely, with the infusion of holy power Thedrin's own wounds began to knit closed.
Scathach putting a pace between herself and the skeleton, fired off another shot at it. The arrow chipped away at its skull, but seemed mostly ineffective.
Meanwhile, Cecilia continued to lie unconscious.
[okay]Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 10 damage.[/okay]
[okay]Thedrin heals for 6.[/okay]
[okay]Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, 3 damage.[/okay]
[warning]Cecilia unconscious, blind, stunned for 2 more rounds.[/warning]
[info]Rhenri to go[/info]
[spoiler]Initiative Order: Cultist 2, Scathach, Cultist 1, Cecilia, Rhenri, Skeleton 2, Skeleton 1, Thedrin
Roll 20 Link (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 moves
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 9 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 2]Round 2:
Cultist 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, miss
Cultist 1 casts a spell
Cecilia Unconscious, Blind, Stunned 4
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, miss
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss
Thedrin attacks Cultist 2, 10 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 3]Round 3
Cultists 2 attacks Thedrin, 16 damage
Scathach shoots Cultist 2, 3 damage
Cultist 1 casts a spell at Rhenri, 5 damage
Cecilia unconscious, blind, stunned 3
Rhenri shoots Cultist 1, 13 damage
Skeleton 2 attacks Thedrin, miss
Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, 5 damage
Thedrin attacks Cultist 1, 10 damage[/spoiler]
Round 4:
Scathach shoots Skeleton 1, 3 damage
Cecilia unconscious et. all 2 more rounds
[/spoiler]
(https://i.gyazo.com/f9ca028e25c6d6385e51939f666a7a20.png)
(https://i.gyazo.com/1230a0168f887da3c85427b69d13f438.png) (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2119.0)
Seeing the greatsword user go down, Rhenri followed through Thedrin's advice and aimed after the skeleton. From her experience with these before, she switched to bludgeoning arrows.
[info]Active buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (2 rounds remaining), Combat Advice
Free: 5-ft step towards Skeleton 2, to be within point-blank range.
Standard: Attack Cultist 2 with Masterwork Longbow, using bludgeoning arrows (point-blank shot, murderous insight, combat advice)
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif)
This dice roll has been tampered with!attack 1d20+10 : 9 + 10, total 19
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif)
This dice roll has been tampered with!attack 1d20+10 : 15 + 10, total 25
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif)
This dice roll has been tampered with!bludgeoning, point-blank shot 1d8+1 : 5 + 1, total 6
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif)
This dice roll has been tampered with!fire, stance of the piercing rays 1d6 : 6, total 6
Used Maneuvers: Dimensional Strike, Horizon Wind Lancet
Ki: 2/3[/info]
Rhenri's shot shattered the skeleton's skull as it passed through, sending chunks of bone flying outward. For a moment, it took another staggering step toward Thedrin before the enchantment upon it failed and the construct toppled to the ground.
The remaining skeleton continued its mindless assault on Scathach, reaching for her once more with clawed hands. The strike was easily dodged, leaving her unharmed.
[okay]Rhenri shoots Skeleton 2, 12 damage[/okay]
[okay]Skeleton 1 attacks Scathach, miss[/okay]
[info]Thedrin to go[/info]
Thedrin stuck his sword into the corpse of the cultist in front of him and drew his hammer from its loop at his belt as he charged at the remaining skeleton, continuing to feed healing energy into his battered body as he did so.
[info]Free action: Drop Eiltin's Blade
Full-round Action: Draw warhammer and Charge Skeleton 1 (Plus flanking)[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 10 + 9, total 19[/blockquote] Damage (Bludgeoning)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 8 + 3, total 11[/blockquote]
Swift Action: Lay on Hands self[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote][/info]
Thedrin's remaining cuts close with the surge of healing energy as he quickly closed the gap with the remaining skeleton. At the end of his charge, he swung his hammer in a wide arc on the unsuspecting construct smashing through its ribs and spinal column. Like its companion, a moment later the magic animating the bones faded and they lie still.
Soon Cecilia recovered from her magical stupor, sitting up to see the battle finished.
"Nasty work that" Scathach said, commenting on the engagement. "What do you think those two were out here doing? Something with those crates of... what did that old codger call it? Dark Essence?"
[info]Everyone gains 356 exp.[/info]
"Perhaps it would benefit you to learn a more noble fighting style for when menaced in melee than relying solely on your bow." Remarked Thedrin as he used his healing powers on Scathach. He then looked at the crates. "It would seem to be the case. I wonder what these cultists could be doing out here with it." He then shrugged and took out the coin to look at the shrine. "Now, back to the quest... What exactly are we supposed to do with the coin?" He mused as he inspected the shrine.
[info]Expend a use of Lay on Hands to heal Scathach[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
Perception to inspect the shrine[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 17 + 2, total 19[/blockquote][/info]
"I'll draw steel when I need it." Scathach snipped back, rubbing the spot on her shoulder that had been injured.
The shrine was a large circular tiered dais, three steps high and flanked on either side by large columns of marble that had seen the weathering of many seasons. At the top of the dais, carved into the stone was the image of a rook in flight; pinions extended like the coin in Thedrin's hand. A semicircular altar rimmed the outer edge of the highest tier.
"The coin and carving are a matching set it looks. Offer it up on the altar maybe?" suggested Scathach.
"Well... It's no labyrinth of the sages... I guess it could be that simple." Said Thedrin as he set the coin down on the shrine and waited to see what would happen.
For a moment, nothing happened. Seconds passed like hours in anticipation of something, anything to happen; and then it did.
At first it was but one bird that came swooping in from the sky above, sable and harshly rasping as it landed on a nearby tree. Then another, and once more until the bough of every tree ringing the clearing was heavy with their dark wings. The cacophony of their calls was deafening and when it reached its pinnacle and all the world was noise it came to a sudden stop. In that silence, there was a sudden flutter of wings and from the thin air above the altar appeared the old man from the roadside.
Though his face was the same, his bearing was more regal. Now wearing fine leather as black as a moonless night, and a cloak of crow feathers that shined slick like oil. The bandages that covered his eye was now a patch that seemed to be sewn from gold, and his staff replaced by a spear of wicked sharpness. If he were not currently suspended in the air above the altar he would have easily stood at nearly eight feet high.
"Hail mortals," he began and his voice was both strong and clear yet carried the harshness of crow call. "Long has it been since tribute has been paid to Krakefar, Father of Crows. I am pleased to see you did heed my call."
"Yes, we did indeed heed your call and it would seem we've dealt with some cultists infringing on your shrine." Replied Thedrin with a gesture towards the dead cultists. "A rival cult perhaps?"
Krakefar glanced at the dead men with his uncovered eye before shrugging. "My eyes see far on the steppe" he said, gesturing to the gathered crows before continuing; "But the master of these men eludes me."
He ceased his levitating and dropped to the ground next to Thedrin. Running his hand over the stone of the altar almost wistfully he spoke again: "Even in time long past I was not often venerated by your kind, directly that is. No houses of worship or grand statues in city squares. I doubt many even remember the name of the Crowfather. Many of my siblings are the same way, distant memories and shades of former powers. A few still still garner devotion though. You crafted a fair likeness of one in that hill city of yours."
"A likeness in the..." Scathach started to ponder before stopping, wide eyed. "Light preserve me, he's a primal!"
"Aye." Krakefar responded.
[info]You can attempt a Knowledge: Religion or Knowledge: History check to see if you can recall information on Primals or Krakefar specifically.[/info]
[info]Knowledge (Religion)[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15[/blockquote][/info]
Cecilia wasn't sure if she was simply seeing things after being on the receiving of magic for the first time in a long while, or if reality was simply stranger than anything she could think up. She rubbed her temple, it was an exciting time but she was unsure where to start. She was racking her brain, trying to recall if she had read about primals somewhere before.
[info] knowledge history
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 14 + 8, total 22[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Thedrin's Religion:
You are aware of the existence of Primals, at least in the general concept. It is widely known that they exist for a fact, but are elusive and rarely ever seen. Primals are animistic spirits that embody and hold sway over the the elemental processes of Fearann.[/info]
[info]Cecilia's History:
From some dusty tome of your master's you once read, you recall the basic information everyone knows about Primals: They are spirits that embody and hold power over the elements. You know that are rarely seen, and some more than others are venerated by the peoples of the world or at the very least treated with the respect one gives to a powerful extra-natural being.
Some well known Primals include: Tiamat, Leviathan, and Yggdrasil. Embodying Wind, Water, and Plants/Animals respectively.
Krakefar Crowfather is one of the lesser recognized Primals. He is a Doomsman, and as such holds governance over fate and luck.[/info]
Cecilia still wasn't sure if this was a dream or not. "You're the Crowfather..." Her voice trailed off momentarily, words filled with awe. He had said as much himself, but it still took time for reality to sink in. "If we can be of aid to one such as yourself, it would be my honor to do so."
"You already have, though you didn't know it at the time. These men sought to exploit my diminished presence and corrupt me for some nefarious purpose. These fell stones hold power over more than just the minds of men it seems."
Krakefar pointed the tip of his spear to the crates filled with Dark Essence and loosed an invisible, but distinctly felt, pulse of force that shattered the purple crystals into fine powder.
"It is not known to me how they obtain the vile things, but I can tell you these two brought them from the town to the west. Be cautious if you continue that way."
The Crowfather placed a hand on the coin Thedrin had left on the altar and a small flash of light was visible beneath his palm. When he removed his hand, the coin had become a shining silver. "For your assistance I grant you this boon. The coin is infused with a small portion of my power and will aid you in future endeavors. Please take it with my gratitude."
[info]The Crowfather's Boon:
Minor Artifact, Aura: Strong Divination
A silver coin bearing the image of a crow in flight on both sides, it has been infused with the powers of Krakefar Crowfather, a primal of Fearann and Doomsman. Once per week, you may flip the coin to activate its effects for the rest of the day. Regardless of which face comes up, fate will be altered for you and your party that day. The specific effects may not be readily apparent and they may range in potency, but they will always produce a positive influence on your actions that day. After being used, the coin requires a week to recharge its power.[/info]
"I am glad that we could be of use to one such as yourself. We will most gratefully accept this boon" She approached the altar and grabbed the coin, holding it up and examining it with awe. "I feel we will end up in the west before too long, but knowing that something is already amiss is good, this warning is appreciated.
"There is something fell stirring in the shadows these days, on the Steppe and the world over... I must be on my way, as must you. Fortune guide your steps mortals." The Crowfather gave a nod by way of farewell, and vanished into thin air in the span of a blink.
"Was that not the wildest happening you've encountered in your life?" Scathach asked, somewhat rhetorically.
Thedrin, not really understanding the retorical nature of Scatach's statement answered anyways. "Well I was once able to go to a Witching Eve party attended by the arch wizard Bizzlewort and he polymorphed a skunk into a donkey the size of two bulls. That was pretty cool. I hear every year he takes the same beast to the next party and does the same trick but turns it into a different animal. No one knows what it was originally. They like to scare the young children by saying it used to be an unwary rival of his. Anyways, I guess we need to move on to the town to see what's so ominous." He said as he went and picked his sword back up.
"Huh. Yes I do guess that is something." Scathach said, dumbfounded yet also somewhat intrigued.
[info]Soft closing thread continuing in Book 1 - Chapter 5: Have Sword - Will Travel, or How the West was Fun(dead) (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2179.0#lastPost)[/info]