[Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash — Legacy Forums

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#81

(OOC: wish i knew i get another roll, but whats a grit? Hmm, pathfinder is tough if one is not familiar with it. Also, i attacked pig, korchel attacked bubbles, but i guess it doesn't matter, blubber is blubber :))

Helgkhor bellows in pain, his white countenance taking on a shade of bright red from all the blood, his shredded arm spurting...

Ignoring the pain as much as he can, Helgkhor swings his great-blade seeking more flesh and blubber.

Korchel rolls in a bundle, dulling the damage from the savage shove, and lands squarely on his feet. There is little left to say now, and with his spells drying up, the fearless dwarf wages into close range once more against the behemoth Pig, his arcane dragons-claws looking to rend flesh.

(OOC: Korchel attacks with "Claws of the Dragon" (2 claw attacks at +2, with 1d4+2 damage. He can manifest these 5 rounds per day. Helgkhor smash with sword! I'll leave the rolls to you I guess :))

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#82

"Not impressed" Aredhel noted towards the cultist leader calmly, brushing off his shoulder. It certainly hurt like hell. "What else might you do to impress me?"
He rubbed his chin, then waived his hand: "Movimento!"
Invisible force pulled at the strings tying the foeman's pants, to undo them!

Mage Hand, undo pants and have them drop to distract and inconvenience their owner. He should save with Reflex. If he does not have pants, or you disallow this use of Mage Hand, then I will edit this to have Aredhel splash him instead... again.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#83

Atacuso grunted in frustration as his halberd swings wide once again. Taunting the half-elf, Athos grinned infuriatingly, "Perhaps your place is back in the swamp, foraging for grubs, boy!"

Athos then peered over to Aredhel, narrowing his eyes at the fellow wizard. "Impress you? Elf, I do not need to impress -anyone-!" The wizard raised a hand to his mouth, three fingers extended, preparing to cast another spell.
(OOC: Reflex save: Natural 20, automatic success!)
"Bah!" Athos remarked, quickly grasping the knot on his pants as he felt Aredhel's influence attempting to undress him. He needed only one hand for this: "Sonas!"
The spell was directed not at Aredhel, but at the elf closer to the wizard. Though the rest of the companions could hear nothing, Atacuso was barraged with a cacophony of sound, ringing through his entire head
(OOC: Fort save: Success! No Daze effect and damage halved.)
Atacuso shook his head, banishing the spell's effects with barely any more harm than a throbbing head. "Dat's it?" Atacuso shook his head; this Wizard needed more time with his nose in his books!

(rolls)
Though in pain, Helgkhor was unperturbed by the bite taken out of him. He swung his weapon once more and once more Bubbles' flesh was split in twain, this time just below the neck, and bone could be seen. Masses of bright red blood spurted from the creature's wound, and the licking flames which remained on her body seared her further - this time it looked it really effected the Baymare, and Bubbles shuddered weakly. She flopped weakly to the ground, the massive wound hindering her head movements. But she wasn't dead yet! In an act of defiance, she swung her massive tail around in an attempt to strike the barbarian away from her
(rolls)
But she was slowed by how weakened she was, and Helgkhor easily skipped back in time to avoid the attack completely.

(rolls)
Meanwhile, Korchel had recovered and charged at the still-burning Pig valiantly. His hands were now bore vicious claws which he used to strike fiercely at the Baymare with a growl. One claw went wide, missing the creature altogether, but his right hand raked over the skin of Pig's flesh, making bright-red marks.
Pig didn't seem to even notice this attack however, and with an agility which belied his size, he spun on his flippers to sweep his tail at the dwarf.
(rolls)
Korchel was waiting for this, however, and ducked smoothly out of the way of the incoming appendage. Pig barked in frustration.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#84

Though not directly affected by the spell, Atacuso was distracted enough to miss. He brought the halberd in for another slash but it swung wide, the blade making no purchase on the cultist's hide.

An anger began to well up in the half-elf.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#85

Breathing hard now, Helgkhor's rib-cage heaves with effort.

He lifts his great blade once more, evading the beast's lashing tail, and strikes. Helgkor's spirit soars at the brief glimpse of exposed Baymare spinal cord, before the white bone and yellow blubber is awash with bright, hot blood again...

Now to put the thrashing thing out of its misery!

------

Korchel half growls-half shouts something, something no doubt profound, but Helgkhor is deaf with blood-lust. Stoically, his eyes seeming to smolder along with the rest of him, the dwarven sorcerer advances once more on Pig in a low crouch. He waits for the beast to rise up at him, and aims for the Baymare's throat with his dragon-talons.

(OOC: Helgkhor smash! Korchel puncture!

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#86

Falling back from the baymare's lumbering onslaught, the dwarven augur drew back his glittering, draconic claws as he yanked his battleaxe from its ring. Although the aquatic predator posed a formidable threat, he sensed it was just another pawn: To win the game, they must take down the enemy's king... His attention occupied by the pair already battling him, Athos paid no attention to the dwarf. He could barely hear Korchel's brief incantation, the magic that showed him Fate's threads weaving through the air.

The true strike spell gives +20 to a weapon attack. In this case, the +20 will help overcome several penalties: -4 for throwing a non-thrown weapon, -4 for the target being in melee, and (about) -4 for range penalties. I figure that with Korchel's original +3 attack, that gives him about a +11 to next round's attack.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#87

"Better surrender - for I can keep this up all day!" Aredhel reminded the cultist leader with another jet of acid. Athos had no way of verifying the statement, but his body had a way to confirm the reality of the acid!
Certainly, Aredhel hoped that the villain would give before his magical reserve ran dry.
Acid, 1d6, +3 to hit.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#88

According to the SRD, halberds actually don't have reach. I guess they're not quite long enough.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#89

(rolls)
Again Atacuso swung his weapon and again to no effect! If not for the shield over Athos's body, it would have penetrated easily, but no such luck. The cultist didn't even seem to worry about the half-elf anymore; thus far he had proved little more than a nuisance. Instead, his attention was on the Wizard. "Elf! Such potential to squander it by raiding sunken chapels! If we'd only met under different circumstances!" Athos laughed, his acid-scored face seeming somewhat maniacal as he did. The cultist raised a hand to begin casting another spell
(Rolls)
When suddenly a battle-axe flew straight in front of him inbetween Atacuso and Athos, causing both to yelp in surprise and take a jump back. The axe clattered harmlessly against the far wall, but Athos's incantation was forgotten on his lips and he twisted to see where that weapon had come from - A terrible mistake, for just at that moment, Aredhel sprung into action, "You lower your defenses, fool!"
(Rolls)
The elf brought his hands up before him, and once more searing acid streamed from his fingertips, colliding with the side of Athos's head. The stream of liquid sizzled and boiled away at the cultist's face and the man cried in agony, falling to his knees, and then onto his hands-and-knees. Still, Aredhel would not let up. Athos's cheek had burned through and the acid pooled inside of the cavity.

Finally, the evil wizard was downed, felled by a barrage of acid. He lay on the ground, breathing raggedly - The man would be dead in a matter of seconds. His features were a mess of burns and sores.

OOC: Athos will be dead in a few seconds. If Atacuso or Aredhel would like to ask him something, you can do so freely, and then continue on to help out your friends with attacks on the Baymares in the next post.

(rolls)
Helgkhor brought his massive sword up over the writhing Bubble, A sneer on his lips. the Baymare was near death; the barbarian could smell it! But when the barbarian took a step forward, he slipped lightly on the creature's own blood and his sword strike missed the beast, instead clanging loudly onto the stone!
In response, Bubble took another snap at Helgkhor.
(rolls)
And the teeth sunk home! But only with a shallow wound on Helgkhor's thigh - the barbarian was able to twist away before it took any more chunks out of him!

(Rolls)
Pig took advantage of Korchel's distracted throw and sought blood with his own teeth. The Baymare lunged forward with a bark and clamped itself onto the Sorcerer's shoulder, using it's own body weight to rake those sharp teeth deeply inside of his flesh. Korchel gasped in pain as he felt blood pour freely, and his shoulder threaten to dislocate. The dwarf managed to break free, and took a staggered step away from Pig, holding a hand to his injury - Nauseating pain radiated through his body whenever he tried to move his left shoulder.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#90

Glad to finally see the grinning visage of Athos fall, he took a knee and grabbed at the cultist's chest with one hand. "Where are you keeping de Favorite?" he hissed.

Wasting no time after hearing the dying man's response, Atacuso stood and set his sights for the baymare Pig just as Korchel wrenched his bloody limb from its maw. Seeing the dwarf's distressing wound, the ranger leveled his halberd and charged forward with a high-pitched howl of a battle cry.

Charging! +2 bonus to attack roll from charge, making my total bonus +6. Dozus rolls 1d20 and gets 18.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#91

With a quick merciful thrust to end one baymare's agony, Helgkhor half-bolts, half-slides across the blood-slicked floor and attempts to take out a chunk of the other.

(ooc: CLEAVE: first hit on Bubbles, then barbarian pirouette :P, and strike on Pig. (22:11:08) ChatBot: Murometz rolls 1d20 and gets 19.
(22:11:13) ChatBot: Murometz rolls 1d20 and gets 9.) Bubbles dead. Not sure if my 9 + bonus hit Pig.)

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#92

Moving to draw the baymare's attention, the wounded dwarf's attacks grew more tenative and cautious. Instead of seeking the beast's vitals, he lunged back and forth, his claws raking the beast with shallow, distracting wounds. Korchel's claws might not bring the beast down, but if he could keep its attention distracted from the barbarian, it would surely fall as soon as Helgkhor's mighty blade struck it.

Korchel will fight defensively (-4 to his attacks but +2 to his AC) but isn't attacking for damage: He's moving to flank the beast (giving +2 for Helgkhor) and trying to Aid Other for Helgkhor's next attack, hopefully giving another +2. The Aid Other action requires a hit against AC 10, which will require Korchel to roll a 12 or better (since he's fighting defensively).

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#93

"I would say the same, Athos - such talent squandered on such esoteric pursuit!"
The cult leader fell. A pity, this.

"Quick, speak, and I may yet have a way to save you, Mellon! Where have they taken the Favorim? This is the sole grudge between us!"
Spending that last spell. Charm Person, of course. He may very well get that +5 bonus to save for being hostile.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#94

To Atacuso's words the cultist merely sneered, offering nothing to the half-elf. But the Swynnish ranger did not linger to argue. Instead, he turned and charged, leaping from the raised stage to the ground below and swinging his halberd viciously at Pig.
(rolls)
And finally the elf's weapon found flesh. Gliding through the skin, Atacuso's halberd sunk into the back of the baymare, missing its bony coral-like defence and causing it to bellow painfully.
(rolls)
Back on the raised stage, Aredhel moved to Athos and asked the same question of the cultist. His magical incantation weaved through Athos's body, encouraging the cultist to answer. Eager to please this elf, Athos wheezes in a raspy, broken voice, "She is... Sent to Vartanadel four days since! Lord Tarquis wanted her personally; he was going to hold ... Hold her in the... Mines." Athos breathed his last, and with a shudder, he was no more. Aredhel stood, pondering the ominous words. He may not know who Lord Tarquis was, but everyone knew about The mines. The Dragon Mines of Vartanadel. Where the emperor and his loyalists sent people they wanted to disappear. There were three sections of mines each overseen by different Royal members. Perhaps this Tarquis was one of them?
(rolls)
Korchel swiped viciously with his claws but went wide, missing Pig altogether, however it did not matter, as with a roar of fury, Helgkhor's great sword split open the head of Bubbles, causing the great beast to finally succumb to her injuries. Using the momentum of his first attack, the barbarian swung around and brought his sword over to pig. The animal, already wounded and distracted had no time to react to Helgkhor and the barbarian's weapon entered it's chest, piercing the heart. With a final shudder, the last baymare was down, and as quickly as it had begun, the fight was over.
_________combat over_________
Korchel sat heavily against the wall for a second; the dwarf's wounds were deep, but not grave; he would recover.

Atacuso took a moment to peer into the tunnel where the baymares had emerged from. There was a small chamber several feet in, likely where the creatures slept, and the tunnel continued to the previously spotted aqueduct on the exterior of the chapel. There were discarded ropes in the small chamber; likely the ties to a small boat. Lutha was nowhere to be seen. Nothing else of interest could be spotted on the small chamber.
________________

okey doke. Combat is over, and I will move the game on from the chapel tomorrow night, so you all have a day and a half to tie up any loose ends or converse with one another, as well as rifle around for loot or whatever else you wish to do. I'll take the game back to Ollucs next for a rest up, unless you all have another thought in mind.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#95

Wheezing heavily and pressing the blood-soaked cloth of his cloak against his torn shoulder, Korchel staggered toward the doorway. He fumbled for his sling as he moved, hoping against hope that whatever skiff the escaping cultist used would remain within range once he got outside.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#96

To Korchel's dismay, the woman could not be seen nearby and the night, choppy water and ample fog obscured any sight of the direction she went. Trying to track her in these conditions would be folly.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#97

Pulling his weapon free from the baymare's corpse, Atacuso joined the dwarf outside. He spat on seeing the rope. "She's long gone," he said, squinting into the fog hopelessly. "Wouldn' leave a trace in dis night."

He walked back into the broken chapel and looked around, hunting for clues. A thought struck him. "Hey, you said you found a book, yeah?" he asked Helgkhor. "What you suppose is in dere?"

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#98

Aredhel sighed. The cultist was dead, by necessity but still. When someone affected by your Charm spell dies, you feel melancholy. It's the way magic works.
He had read that once, a weaker form of the Charm spell was used amongst elves as a greeting. Those times were long gone, and most applications of the spell were less than benign.
End, means, we all had this dilemma.
If he had the chance, he might have tried to fool Athos earlier, and leave long before he realized.
He did not.

Back to useful thought, then!
He scanned the corpse with his wizardly senses, and sent out Carus: "Survey this place for all that sparkles, friend!"
Then, he headed to the wizard's study to see what secrets could be gleaned therein.

Detect Magic to find magic stuff, and Spellcraft to identify any useful wizardly stuff. Carus will snoop around for coin; Aredhel has actually a decent +4 Perception too, and a very serious Appraise skill (wink wink).

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#99

Helgkhor is sitting against a wall, bandaging his wounds as best he can, still breathing heavily, and watching Aredhel's bird fly about...

"Hrrmm?" Helgkhor looks up at Atacuso and it takes him a few moments to understand. "Yes, the book the one i slew was reading." He withdraws it from his sack and offers it up to the half-elf. "I cannot read."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#100

Aredhel made his way up to the 2nd floor; which must have been Athos's study. A scan of the area revealed that the bookshelves were full of Historical and geographical texts of Decathros - dozens of them! Aredhel perused the titles of the book and found three rare pieces:
"Histories of the Kazan Mountains" - one of only a few remaining books which speak of the life of the Dwarves of the Kazan mountains before Rainshadow the dragon invaded.
"The Long Walk" - a valuable rarity written in fairytale form, which speaks of the protagonist 'Salassa Wren' and her possession by 'The Great Grey'. A story which outlines her possessed journey to a hidden city within the haunted northern forest of Kelevest.
"Mysteries of the waters deep" - A book written by an avid sailor who spent many years as a trader travelling across the seas. He writes of strange caves and in islands through the spiked sea, beasts betentacled and toothed which threatened to drown him and his crew, and of a tribal islander nation which worshipped him as a god, before trying to sacrifice him and his entire crew.

The first and third book were worth maybe thirty gold apiece, but 'The Long Walk' was something which was nearly impossible to find nowdays - worth over 200 gold pieces to collectors, surely.

The books on the desk which Athos was working on were theories on spellcraft, most of which Aredhel had already read.
However, upon leafing through the books, not one but two sleeves of vellum fell out onto the table. Aredhel recognised one almost instantly, seeing the spell in effect just moments ago: Shield. The other one eluded him for a minute or two as he gazed across the mystical scripture. Finally, with an "Aha!" of exclaimation, he saw the other scroll for what it was: Silent Image.

Aredhel moved from the desk to the table on the other side of the room and as he neared the table, one thing stood out to the elf: A faint, yet distinct magical aura was felt emanating from the odd, cylindrical rod which lay on the table. The elf lifted the object and turned it in his hands, peering at it intently. It looked like it would fit in some piece of alien machinery; there were grooves and slots which suggested it was part of a bigger thing. However even in the advanced Val-a-twyr homeland of Twyrlandir such a device would be an oddity; it was no craftsmanship that Aredhel had ever seen before. The wizard slipped it into his pack.

Additionally, Aredhel took at a look at the map on the table. Brushing the shards of glass left by Korchel to one side, he studied it: It was a standard map of Decathros, a common map found in many regions. Scrawled over it with a black ink were four black 'X's. One in The Kazan mountains, one in Skaldevale, one in Zhelezo and one in Kelevest. Although no details were written on the map, he felt that this information may be important somehow, so he rolled it up and kept it with him.

Finally, the elf rifled through the pockets of the unfortunate man that Helgkhor slaughtered. He found eight gold pieces and his handaxe.

Carus fluttered into the room just as Aredhel finished searching the room, and dropped a semi-precious gem of citrine into his hand as he alighted on the Wizard's shoulder - found within the rubble of the first floor.

______________________________________________________________________

Atacuso took the book from Helgkhor's hand and flipped it open, leafing through the pages. "Yah. Dis be a job for Korchel, I tink. Let's you an' me look around here. You git the top floor!" Atacuso handed the book to Korchel, who sat down once more, glad for the opportunity to rest. He began browsing the text while Atacuso and Helgkhor made their way through the building.

The book was a dairy of past events; Athos's, by the looks. The cover held a tribalised inked drawing of a vulture perched on a branch.

What Korchel could glean out of the book was the this Order of the Originators cult was large. Far larger than even he thought. The book alluded to dozens of groups spread throughout Decathros, and Athos had many furious rants in his book about how his small sect was considered the 'runt' of the cult, and this operation with collecting the Favorim was going to be the thing to prove to the rest that they were capable!
The Order of the Originators seemed to be a cult who were attempting to waken or summon something into the world in order to re-shape it. How they meant to do this was not mentioned in the book, but it did mention something about them raiding a sunken temple in Voskinsar and finding an 'important artifact' which would make the rest of the cult give them respect.

One passage in the book caught Korchel's eye:
"We sent the woman to Tarquis this eve, as he demanded that no time be wasted. I do not understand what purpose she has to the Order; I think Tarquis must be using his leverage in the guild to settle his own grudge with Saulkement! The pompous bastard must think that if he can present the Favorim to the Emperor, he will name him as second only to him!
But Tarquis is our superior and I must do as he demands. At least this will show we are capable!
The Favorim will likely rot in the cells of the western mines which he controls. A pity."
The text wasn't dated but by the next couple of entries it looked to be three or four days old.

On the first floor, Atacuso found a a silver chain with a an engraved eagle pendant sitting on the lectern - a holy symbol of the previous owners of the chapel perhaps. Additionally a glass bottle of fine wine used for 'religious' purposes was pilfered from beneath the lectern. The rest of the room held only rubble and soggy mess.

On the third floor, Helgkhor swiped the pieces of gold left on the desk, and though he left it earlier, decided to grab the dagger as well. it was plain, but might fetch a couple gold. There was a small chest at the foot of one of the beds, and after looking it over for traps and locks, he determined it was safe to open. Inside lay a short-sword which he took, some unwashed smallclothes which he left (and turned his nose up at), and a well-made cloak of an unidentified wool, which felt smooth and warm in his hands, dispite the cool temperature. The cloak seemed like it was woven with small flecks of metal in it. Helgkhor took this.

In the dresser, he found Some dress clothing - nothing that Helgkhor would ever wear - or even fit into - but he piled a couple of the garments into his bag.

The barbarian found nothing else of value so he climbed back down the ladder to the second floor. As he did, Aredhel looked over to him and looked him over closely. "Wait, Helgkhor. Let me see what you have there..."

Aredhel has found 260 gold worth of rare books, should he choose to sell them. He has also found a Scroll of Shield and a Scroll of Silent Image. He collected a metallic rod, about 2 feet in length and 2 inches thick. It has a magical aura but the enchantment or purpose of the object eludes him. He took the map with the crosses marked on it, 8 gold pieces and a handaxe worth 10 gold. Carus found a citrine in the rubble worth 30 gold.

Korchel has opted to read up on the book and rest while the others search.

Atacuso found a silver chain with an emblem on it, worth 50 gold and a bottle of wine worth 10.

Helgkhor found 8 pieces of gold, a dagger worth 5 gold, a shortsword worth 10, He found 15 gold worth of dress clothing. He also found a cloak of undetermined worth, but Aredhel seems to find it interesting.

Disclaimer: I know these values aren't typical "pathfinder" values. I'm just unashamedly simplifying my job here :D

Tomorrow I will post the continuation of the game, which will be a quick rest over at The Sodden Sailor, then onwards!

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#101

The journey back to The Sodden Sailor by use of Olluc's Dinghy was just as uneventful and almost as quiet as the journey to the chapel; Soglash seemed to have a way of inflicting melancholy and uneasiness on a person. The group tied the boat back up to the support beam below the tavern - noticing that Balic was no longer hanging from a rope; presumably he was cut free and let go, carrying his shame with him.
Atacuso helped Korchel out of the dinghy, the dwarf still not in great shape from the ordeal in the chapel, and the companions made their way up and into the door of 'Ruses Boozes'.

When entering, Olluc snorted awake; it was now closer to sunrise than sunset and the grizzled sailor had fallen asleep in front of the coals while waiting to see if the group would return. The rest of the patrons had left and it seemed the tavern was empty, but after a few seconds, Cassa's curious face peeked out from the doorway behind the bar.
"Ah! Yeh've made it back, I see!" Olluc got to his feet, rubbing his sore leg before limping over to Helgkhor, "And here be yer coin back. Aye trust the dinghy be back down below, hmn?" The tavern owner passed the coin back which the barbarian earlier gave him for use of the small boat, then eyed all of them up and down, frowning heavily at the sight of the dwarf.
"Yer all beat up, lads. You, especially, dwarf! Rest here a while, No," Olluc shook a hand at Helgkhor as he began to protest; eager to get on the road, "Aye demand it! Aye will not have word going out that some poor sods died on the road after staying at The Sodden Sailor! Besides, yeh'll go faster rested up anyways." He nodded to the group, "There be some stew left in the pot if yeh're hungry still, just warm it up on the coals. The beds are made and warm - just don't use that one room upstairs; window's still broke! CASSA!"
The serving girl yelped and scurried into the room at Olluc's call, "Cassa, find some bandages for these poor souls, would yeh? I'll get yeh to wrap 'em up good!"
Cassa nodded, "Yes Olluc! Aye'll be right back, nkay?" She then disappeared out the back once more. "She's a good girl - lost her parents to this damnable town so I let her stay here in exchange fer helping out with the tavern. Like a daughter, she be."
Cassa returned with her arms full of dressings and linen wraps, "Who's first?" She beamed with wide smile.

Just nudged the game ahead a bit, to a more comfortable setting than the chapel. If there's anything else you gents still wanted to do back there, feel free to post it anyway and i'll adjust my next posts accordingly to address it all.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#102

Aredhel sat down, far less pummeled than the rest, and began to write while Cassa attended to the wounded.
After all, he was abandoning his post, and a spy must report in, yes?
Elven script flowed as decoration over the parchment as he penned down what had to be known back in Twyrlandir.

"Dearest Elensefar,

May you blossom as rime upon a breath-covered pane,
and your wisdom be enriched by what I have learned.

The Favorim of the isles, the bride of the Weeping God, was deprived of her place by force, that force being the Shadow Cultists of the Originators. What their name entails is clear for their first part, for they have mastered shadows, and the shade walks as their thrall. The second part is obscure, but supposed to be a world-ending force still asleep. The truth of this claim I could not ascertain, for cults believe their idols to be universally more powerful than reality reveals.

She was sent to The Dragon Mines of Vartanadel, to be held there for reason unknown, on the 13th of Ifirn, which is four days hence. I shall abandon Soglash as of today, and follow in her wake; this is a matter of greater import than this perpetual kettle of wanton murder and breaking timber.

Mellon min, minithil
Aredhel, a wanderer, formerly of Dol Lothanna"

He proceeded to Olluc, and handed him the sealed writing along with coin: "There shall come Nalthinisse, with the silver tresses, the one you asked whether the proper address would be 'sir' or 'dame'. Please give my friend my writing, so that I am not missed."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#103

Atacuso plopped himself onto one of the bar stools. "Hey Olluc, you wanna buy dis brew off me?" he asked, producing the wine bottle he'd acquired in the chapel and nearly slamming it onto the bar with gusto. "Looks like a fine vintage, she does." He rapped the bar with his knuckle. "How about nine sovereigns and some shots of blackmud?"

While Olluc busied himself, Atacuso sat back and took it all in, his face beaming. The ranger was quite pleased with himself! This was the most excitement he'd had in a while - it certainly beat spearfishing gators and selling the hides to mostly poor Kazan refugees. It occurred to him that he could make a tidy living this way.

The half-elf pulled at the chain of the amulet he'd found. Having little real metalcraft beyond tools and copper in the Moor, he was fond of the silver's shine and had already taken to wearing the trinket. He played the emblem in the light, watching it gleam. "What you tink dat is dere?" he asked aloud, trying to get a better look at the emblem.

Any rolls to see if Atacuso recognizes the silver emblem?

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#104

Helgkhor thanks Cassa as she uses up the last of her bandages to wrap the giant's wounds, and eats his stew in silence. He examines his new-found short-sword and decides it will make a good new dagger, so he sheathes it. The dagger he offers to Atacuso, mentioning "I've never seen its kind" to the half-elf's question regarding his own shiny trinket, then approaches Aredhel.

"This cloak i found in the chapel. Is it magical? It seems--different."

Awaiting the elf's words of wisdom, Helgkhor stretches his massive form, scar tissue and new wounds straining the flesh, and adds to everyone, "Let us set mind to purpose. Every hour that passes counts. Soon, we should continue the hunt. I have heard of these Dragon Mines, but have never set foot in Vartanadel."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#105

"Helgkhor, considering that you are most dedicated and thus most vital to the rescue of the Favorim, I think it's wise for you to wear it!"
The barbarian gave the elf a long look of incredulity as he held up the miniscule (in comparison) cloak, brown embroidered wool and fur collar notwithstanding.
"This?"
"Yes!" he laid it across the northman's shoulders - it barely reached half down his back, and to the biceps on the side... and then began to flow like water, running down, expanding, fitting itself to the giant's frame as if by the hands of invisible seamstresses.
"Good enough?" Carus hopped across the table, eyed Helgkhor with one beady eye, then the other. "Good enough."
"It should protect you from mishaps and spells... somewhat! Please maintain the regular degree of suspicion and care."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#106

Korchel remained quiet as Cassa wrapped his injuries first; the Dwarf had a lot taken out of him, and was in no mood to interact heavily.

Aredhel walked to Olluc after writing his letter out "There shall come Nalthinisse, with the silver tresses, the one you asked whether the proper address would be 'sir' or 'dame'. Please give my friend my writing, so that I am not missed."

Olluc nodded and grinned, "Aye, I remember the er... individual yeh speak of! I'll make sure it gets ta Nalthinisse!" The grizzled man took the coin and letter; they both disappeared within the folds of his clothes. "Now, master Milarien; I insist yeh go and catch a sleep!"
The elf agreed with Olluc, nodding to the man and making his way to the stairs - but not before pausing by Atacuso to take a look at the necklace and emblem he held. "Ah yes, that's the sign of Hecuta. I've heard of it before; They are quite common in the southern parts of Decathros, but haven't really caught a foothold up here. They try to spread their cause around as much as they can. Obviously they underestimated Soglash!" Aredhel took a close look at the necklace, "I believe these are given out to their missionary clerics; they use it as proof of membership to other Hecutans."
Aredhel nodded once, then turned to retire upstairs. There was a long journey ahead of them, and they couldn't oversleep or they would lose valuable time!

Helgkhor ran his hand over his new cloak, which had altered to fit his size. "Sorcery!" he whispered harshly, but this time in a somewhat impressed tone. The cloak was warm and sturdy, and felt like it was tough as sturdy leather. The barbarian made his way to Olluc. "Tell me; what is the fastest way down to Vartanadel?"
The tavern owner's eyes widened, "Vartanadel!? That's quite a distance to travel! Well, there be the main road which is safer; it winds through the hills and mountains towards the south, but it do be taking nearly five full days travel to the border!" Olluc paused and drummed his fingers against his arm in thought, "Well, there do be another way to go. 'ttle take only two, maybe three days to the border. There be a road going along the coast. T'aint used much anymore because there be rumors that it be haunted, y'see. But 'ts def'nitely the fastest!"
"Then that's the way we will go! Time is critical!"
"Alright. Yeh be careful on that road, y'hear! Keep yeh're wits about yeh!"

Cassa had finished patching everyone up and was cleaning the mess made with soapy water in a wooden bucket. Korchel had fallen asleep in front of the fire already, leaning back heavily in the chair he was in. Atacuso had followed Aredhel upstairs to a bed of his own not long after the elf had retired; though he had managed to sell the wine to Olluc for ten gold bits. Even Olluc was settled in back in his own chair in front of the fire, his thoughts his own.
Helgkhor's mind was buzzing; he did not feel tired - only eager to continue the hunt. He sat down on the wooden floor, in front of the fire and got to cleaning his greatsword. But dispite his stubbornness, sleep eventually claimed the warrior.

The group was awake only an hour after dawn. They had breakfasted quickly and left the inn together. Olluc was kind enough to supply them with several days of rations, as well as a small package full of premium dried meats for Carus. On the way out of town, Helgkhor and Aredhel stopped off at a stall on the main pier of Soglash, pawning their unwanted items. Aredhel's smooth words saw him come out with forty pieces of gold for his handaxe and citrine - easily what they were worth. Helgkhor was not so sweet with his sale, but still came out with twenty bits for the dagger, shortsword and dress clothes.

Horses in Soglash were a valuable commodity and were out of the group's price range. As such, they took to the road on foot, gladly leaving the sodden town behind.

The road along the coast lifted the companions' spirits considerably. The mist had disappated for the day, and brilliant sunlight shone colors most spectacular along the writhing waters of the spiked sea. Far away over the sea, a storm roiled, creating dramatic lightning plays and quiet peals of thunder which only just reached them as a bass rumbling. For the entire day the party travelled, Helgkhor moving them at a fast pace. They stopped twice for a rest, once in a small, old campsite where Atacuso cooked a hare which he had slain with an arrow along the road. The second stop was under a shady willow where they engaged in small-talk, wherein Helgkhor regaled stories of hunting along the coasts of Twyrlandir. Atacuso had not yet talked to Aredhel about his elven lineage, and was now unsure as how to approach the subject to the Wizard. As such, the questions went unasked for now.
As they left this willow, Korchel pointed out to the sea once more, "Tha' storm looks like it's changed direction, lads! We may be gettin' wet tonight!"

True enough, within two hours - just as dusk was beginning - the first drops of rain began to fall; the sun was now completely blotted out, and soon the companions moods dampened. Dispite the adverse conditions, none really felt like stopping; they continued on their journey as darkness surrounded. Finally, the four men reached the top of a large rise. They paused at the peak of this rise, looking down at the expanse before them. Olluc had never mentioned THIS!

[img width=368 height=400]http://i45.tinypic.com/2utoqdu.jpg

Ship Graveyard

Before them lay a massive expanse of broken ships and rotting wood - it seemed like it went for several miles in the distance, and the road passed straight through it. There was no way around, and backtracking would take far too long. The only way was through this mess. With a worried glance at one another, they trekked forth once more.

Into the graveyard they went. The road was lined with occasional torches at times; although who or what lit these could not be known. There were large expanses of darkness and twisting, confusing dirt paths however. It would be easy for anyone to get lost in here, and in fact, if not for Atacuso's tracking skills, they may have found themselves wandering off the beaten path and becoming lost.

Only an hour had they been within the maze-like walls of the ship graveyard, when abruptly Atacuso let out a little 'yelp!'; up ahead on the path a lone figure moved, shambling forward through the mist towards the party. As the figure approached the mists parted. And there before them stood an eerie sight;
It was tall and thin, and heavily robed. An intricate mask of wood hid any facial features of this person and the hood of the robe was pulled over the head. All that could be seen were beady eyes from behind the mask and thin, ragged bony arms ending in fragile hands. The figure's skin was almost -too- white, and abruptly a ragged, rasping cough exploded out from behind the mask.

Truly a haunting figure stood before them, in the middle of the night in this ship-graveyard where imaginations and fears run unfettered.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#107

under the shady willow tree
"Baymares? Nay, they were not the worst of it along the icy coasts, friend Korchel. The Snowtusker, now that was an opponent!" Helgkhor rises from his seat excited, "This scar", he pulls back his hood, and traces his finger along the jawline to his chin, and up the cheek, "was from a Snowtusker's long tooth. I mounted the white-devil and was about to bash its skull in, but the treacherous beast bolted toward the open sea! I rode him out for four miles before he finally sank when I ripped the gills from..."

-----

Helgkhor pulls the cowl over his head as the rain hammers down. Silently, he surveys the eerie scene before him. It seems to go on forever in each direction. So much devastation, he thinks to himself. Is this where all the ships end up that get blown off course by Shagaar's black breath? He remembers a tale his father once told him, of a ship's graveyard haunted by the spirits of those who once sailed the broken vessels. Scared of ghosts, the giant albino suddenly shudders involuntarily, but stays silent. No matter what lies before him, he has given his word. He will deliver the Favorim or die in the attempt.

For once, he is unsure of himself, but stumbles forward drawing his new cloak about him, careful not to slip on the rain-slicked, algae-riddled, road.

-----

As the figure nears, Helgkhor stops and immediately withdraws his massive blade from its sheath. "Lo, there do I see a grave-spirit!" he bellows loudly over the sound of hammering rain, remembering his father's words...ghosts and the walking dead fear loud noises.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#108

Metandris was startled by the large one's shout, and Thezwid his raccoon moved quickly between him and the barbarian.

"Hold stranger, i'm no grave spirit!"', followed by a wracking cough. "Not yet at least."

"There is a wreck over here that will keep some of the rain off, if you would like to converse slightly drier.

Short on time tonight. May elaborate tomorrow am...

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#109

"Not a spirit, you say. Aye, perhaps not. No spirit would have a water-logged, ring-eyed rat for a minion!" Sword still drawn, nerves settling, Helgkhor laughs loudly at the raccoon, the sound akin to gargling glass, then turns to his companions, "Shall we speak with...him?"

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#110

"Why not indeed? We might learn what he is and what he knows - and if he turns out to be any combination of grave and/or spirit, we will be on the same footing as now" he smiled. "Hail, sodden wanderer! Let's talk and be sodden together."
Carus was perched atop the elf's backpack, and tilted his head: "Sick he is, soon dead. The raccoon thinks he's his, but then, raccoons are known for folly!"

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#111

Metandris has been roused from a nap by Troon, who had sensed the strangers approach. After expelling a half-lungs worth of guck, he had gotten up and affixed his mask as was proper. Dreams of gold and cures had been dispelled by raccoon chitter, and sniffling nose.

----

Metandris smiled at the elf's words, though none could see it. He even found the crow's presence reassuring to a deg

"This way, friends," gestured the Druid, pointing to a nearby wreck.

Somehow underneath the ribs of what might have been a merchant ship the druid had a small fire sputtering but produced little smoke.

"Unlike others, this one is small, and ... unoccupied. I have heard odd noises in the night that I've left as mysteries. Pull up a seat," Metandris gestured towards a haphazard pile of buckets in the corner.

Metandris seated himself close to the little fire, pulled out what appeared to be a rolled, dried leaf, lit it and brought it up to his mask. Where he put the leaf was not clear, but moments later small curls of smoke came out the mask's vents and eye holes.

"Ah, better. My name is Mitandris of Lasadria, a province in Kelevest. I am a forestwalker, though I currently walk in the bones of many forests here. Who might you be?"

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#112

"I am Helgkhor, called the Shadow of Death. We seek passage to Vartanadel."

Helgkhor's eyes widen as he watches the smoke seep from the mask's vents. He then rises and casts glances all about the rain-drenched graveyard of broken ships. Withdrawing his blade again, the barbarian moves away from the meager fire, toward the edge of the rib-awning, and pulls the cowl over his head to keep the rain at bay.

"Odd noises, you say? I shall guard us from any surprises, while you...talk."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#113

"Well met, Helghkor, Shadow of Death. An auspicious name. As for talking, I'm afraid I must ... pace ... myself," said Metandris, " for speaking overlong is a bit uncomfortable, and noisy. But yes, odd noises. The sound of dry bones clanking, more then once. Hints of laughter another. "

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#114

"So, what is the reason for our little chat? General congeniality, or the need to confer vital knowledge? For example, have you seen a band of dark-clad men passing through, abducting a woman no less?"
He smiled, but before waiting for the man's labored answer, added: "Also, what is your reason for staying in this haunted locale?"

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#115

"For rather banal reasons, I'm afraid. Gold to pay for a cure for my damaged lungs. I had it on good authority that these wrecks were not completely picked over.

During my search, I have found naught but some serviceable bric-brac. Perhaps deeper in the wrecks where the bones rattle might be better pickings, but that's too risky for one such as I.

Regarding dark-clad men, apart from myself , I have only seen one carriage pass through, four days past. They were in a frightful hurry and nearly ran me down. The weather was a little better then, so I expect they made good time - if they did not kill their horses in their mad rush.

And who might you be, Elvenfolk? "

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#116

Helgkhor arches an eyebrow and turns back to the fire, "Surely those be the villains we seek!" then goes back to guarding, allowing Aredhel and the others to do the talking.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#117

"Elvenfolk indeed" Aredhel smiled.
"The ears give it away, not?" Carus noted and pecked Aredhel's pointy ear for emphasis.
"An engineer and scholar, myself, helping these gentle folk pursue the said villains. Also, I heard the architecture is delightful in Vartanadel, if nothing else."

He looked out warily - he had no intent of battling the walking dead, to be honest, and eager to be on his way.
"A matter of sheer curiosity, though - what is there in Kelevest to damage the lungs of a woodsman as you so severely? If you forgive me for intruding, of course."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#118

"Some nameless plague, long since run its course. I was never gifted with heartiness, and three winters past the Spirits nearly took me. Time has not healed this wound, nor the prayers of the strongest of my circle."

Con 6!

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#119

Atacuso nodded. "We get de lungrot in de Bayou now an' again," he sympathized. "Dey say only de most powerful of de blue magics can heal it." He looked around, as though to make sure no one else was listening, then said in a quiter voice, "Some even say only de red magics can fix it." The ranger nodded slowly, as though checking Metandris recognized the reference.

"Oh," he said suddenly, extending a hand, "Atacuso. I hunt. You say you walk de woods? Ever visit Swynmoor?"

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#120

Mitandris takes Atacuso's hand and shakes it. While thin, his grip is strong.

"No, I'm afraid. Until most recently, I had not left Kelevest.

Vartanadel you say?", turning to Ardhel. "I have had enough of picking through this mess and a city that old must have good libraries. With your leave, I would like to accompany you at least that far. While it might seem, ironic",cough,"I have some facility with healing.."