[Asydia] Humble Beginnings

1. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #121

   "That went well. Nice charge Sir Knight." Nim said.
   
   She walked up to the fallen bandit and leveled her crossbow at him.
   
   "Might want to surrender. Quietly."
   

2. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #122

   Intimidation: Success
   
   The guard began to push himself to his feet, but as he turned, he went cross-eyed onto the tip of Nim's crossbow. Sighing, he slumped onto the ground and dropped his shortsword with a clatter to the rocky floor.
   "What did you do to Kir-Tyn, Ruslan and Tema?" He asked, eyeing the group as they walked into the cavern.
   
   
   Combat is over. Post as thou will!

3. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #123

   Zelas swaggered up grinning. "Do not worry yourself man, they are all safely tucked away, sleeping like babes. Less harm came to them than to you, I would say." He said and kicked the sword out of reach from the man.
   
   "Now then..." He started and reached for his flint box, remembering once again that this place probably wasn't the best to be smoking in. He sighed and put it back in his pack.
   
   "What can you tell us about this white orc you are working for? And why you saw fit to kidnap these two." He indicated towards Duxo and Tar-Sul.
   
   "And remember, so far you have all been unharmed, if you wish it to remain that way, please be so kind as to co-operate. I doubt they are paying you enough to be loyal until death anyways." He added empathically.

4. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #124

   "There are things worse then death," she said as sweetly as she could manage.
   
   

5. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #125

   Zelas swaggered up grinning. "Do not worry yourself man, they are all safely tucked away, sleeping like babes. Less harm came to them than to you, I would say." He said and kicked the sword out of reach from the man.
   
   "Now then..." He started and reached for his flint box, remembering once again that this place probably wasn't the best to be smoking in. He sighed and put it back in his pack.
   
   "What can you tell us about this white orc you are working for? And why you saw fit to kidnap these two." He indicated towards Duxo and Tar-Sul.
   
   "And remember, so far you have all been unharmed, if you wish it to remain that way, please be so kind as to co-operate. I doubt they are paying you enough to be loyal until death anyways." He added empathically.
   
   The bandit stared at the party, his eyes flicking back and forth between them, and then he seemed to deflate a little, slumping and peering to the floor, "Look, times is hard, right? Korkarr told me he would make me rich if i joined his band! I got a kid to feed, y'know!"
   He raised his eyes to Zelas, "The white-orc - Korkarr - he's a mean ol' brute! He runs this little operation from these caves; we run out to the roads and hold up travelers and caravans; bring the loot back here." he paused, then looked to Sigurd pleadingly, "Friend knight, please - your kind is just! Let me leave - Korkarr will kill me if he finds out i gave up! I swear i will leave and never do wrong again!"
   
   He turned back to Zelas, Addressing his other question. "These two? Well this one stole a box that Korkarr keeps his most treasured possessions in," the bandit nodded to Tar-Sul, who shoot his head in denial, "I found it in the swamp!"
   
   "Well, you took it and we heard you bragging about finding something at Werstone. We had to bring you in. We would have let you go you know, if you just gave it back."
   "The scarred one? He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was listening into the boss's conversation so we had to whack him. We brought him here to decide what to with him!"
   
   The bandit rubbed his chest painfully where Sigurd had rammed him. "Look, if you're goin' for the boss, he's in his chambers counting his cut of the latest haul. When you get to the corridor take the door to the left side of the hall to his room. The right one is a fake door - it's trapped in case people like you make it in here! Now please, can I go?"
   

6. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #126

   Smiling his ugliest smile Duxo crounched down next to the guard, "Chalib, earlier you were talking of a girl; one that the ish kalzeen Korkarr sent away.  Tell us of her."
   
   It's up to you all what to do with the prisoners; I'm sure you know Duxo's position of the proper disposal of peoples that have wronged him.

7. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #127

   
   "After he answers your question, I think we should let him go, after he opens the Left door for us."

8. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #128

   Zelas scratched his head, why wasn't he surprised. It seemed there was no such thing as an honest sen-rabbi. So Tar-sul was in fact a thief, but he had stolen from another thief, and seemingly without intention to do so, Zelas supposed that put him above the others in some respect. More surprisingly, Duxo had been innocent, he probably owed the man an apology, although he did kill that guard in cold blood, so even if he had started out innocent, it all evened out. Zelas sighed, how did his life become so complicated?
   
   "Hold on. Listen, we may be merciful...some of us anyways, but we aren't fools. If we let you go now, what will stop you from laying in ambush once we exit the cave? We'll release you after we have dealt with this Korkarr, so for your sake that left door better be the right one, lest you wish to rely on Korkarr's mercy instead."
   
   To Nim he explained.
   "If we bring him to the door, there's a chance he'll die even if the door isn't trapped. That's hardly fair. Not to mention he could just as easily be a detriment."
   
   Then he turned back to the guard.
   "Furthermore, after you have answered this one's question, tell us what else, if anything we should expect once in Korkarr's chambers. We know he has one or two panthers. And I noticed you didn't mention them."
   At that he raised an eyebrow.
   
   He joined Duxo in crouching down next to the man and stared into his eyes.
   
   "Those who know anything about the Ouzquin know that one; we always speak the truth. And two; you don't wish to anger us." He looked up at the others.
   
   "That sleep spell doesn't last very long does it? They should be awake by now, someone please go and ask them the same questions we asked this one, some confirmation wouldn't hurt. Especially about the door."

9. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

   #129

   "Well, they can keep sleeping normally after an interval - they should be easily to awaken now."
   
   And a whisper to Zelas
   
   "I know bringing him would be a detriment - I am no fool. I wanted to see his reaction to the consequences of his answer. "

10. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #130

    The bandit looked back and forth at the exchange between the folk - such a disharmonious group - it was a surprise their group hadn't fallen apart through their differences even before they began! At Nim's words he nodded, "The left door, yes; I swear on my the life of my child! Please, do not take me to Korkarr - he will strangle the life out of me! I have no love or loyalty for these people; take our weapons if you worry about an ambush, but let me leave in peace!"
    To Zelas the man nodded, "Yes, panthers. Korkarr has five, but they would all be locked away in their pen - they lie off a passage in the next room also. Well...  Shekhza may be in with Korkarr. She is his favourite, you see; raised her from a cub!"
    
    "Korkarr is usually alone in his chambers - sometimes he keeps a, er, 'guest' chained in there for his amusement. His latest was a Ralkharan girl," The bandit glanced to Sigurd and then to Duxo, answering his question, "Caught her  snooping around the cave some time back, but i don't know what she was looking for - Korkarr claimed her as soon as we captured her, and she never left his room until he sent her away. Two other White-Orcs showed up to escort her! Greedy bastards...!" the guard cleared his throat and looked guiltily to Sigurd. "Is that why you're here? Seeking out the girl? She's at least a week gone by now - gone to the White-Orc Stronghold, Ruk-Ko-La."
    "If you know about white-Orcs, there is nothing more you need to know about Korkarr. He's tough. He's cruel, and he's more than a match for any of us."
    

11. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #131

    Zelas listened to Nim's whispered words.  He nodded and leaned his ouzala on the rock wall, he then turned back to her and gently grasped both her arms while looking into her eyes.
    
    "Nim-ty-Lin. Your speech back in the cells showed you as callous in my eyes. And your people...have not been well represented so far, with liers, cheats, murderers and thieves. So I simply believed you fully capable and willing to do as you said. It was my mistake, and I still pray I am wrong about both you and your people, so I humbly beg understanding."
    
    He then nodded again and released her to turn back to hear the prisoner. He winced at the part about the 5 panthers, that could prove tricky. The guard continued. So, the orc was a rapist as well. Any qualms Zelas may have had evaporated.
    
    When the guard seized his talking, Zelas started gathering up the weapons. Bending down strained his back somewhat, but he didn't complain as much as grunt a bit. He went to check if the other prisoners had awakened.
    
    If they're awake, I want to double check what they have to say about the doors, otherwise I'll wake them up and ask.

12. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #132

    After making sure their bonds were tied securely, Zelas woke the other prisoners and interrogated them as to which direction in the upcoming corridor was supposed to be safe.
    
    There was much uncertainty and squabbling between the bandits as they battled with their loyalties, but in the end, all three insisted that Left was indeed the way to go! Nevertheless, the amount of in-fighting and disagreement between them, as well as their shifty eyes did not leave Zelas one hundred percent safe about following their direction. Nor were they useful on any additional information, except that Korkarr favoured a massive axe to threaten his foes (and he wasn't afraid to use it) And He wore a necklace with a bear's head pendant which - even though the bandits had never gotten a straight answer from the orc - they all assumed had something to do with his control over the animal life he directed.

13. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #133

    While the information gathering went on, Auxzali busied himself with other tasks. He started searching the cave, especially the lake, for useful devices and tools.
    
    Perception roll if you want me to make it: (22:31:50) Minion: caesar193 rolls 1d20 and gets 14. I'll assume you can add my modifier. If the water is too deep for walking/wading, or if there is a pit that I fall into, my swim roll: (22:32:49) Minion: caesar193 rolls 1d20 and gets 5.

14. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #134

    Auxzali scoured the cave. In the far corner he found a small pile of what must have been the bandits' latest unsorted haul!
    
    The water was only waist deep, and after some scrounging, Auxzali found something rather ominous: a corpse! The Quinnix cleric hauled the body to dry land and laid it down to examine it.
    The body was dressed in fineries of red, gold and blue; It was a Sen-Rabbin Royal Guard! The guard must have come to investigate some time back and was slain and his body dumped - Seems this 'Korkarr' was a ruthless foe; the Sen-Rab royal guard are known to be effective fighters, though cruel.
    
    Since the Royal Guardsman wouldn't be needing his belongings anymore, Auxzali meticulously stripped the body of anything he deemed useful.
    
    Loot results incoming in OOC chat.
    

15. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #135

    After searching the cave, Auxzali turned to their prisoner.
    
    "I have two questions for you. The first of these is why this man that I presume you or one of your fellows killed still bears his armor and weapons. I am sure that as bandits you could have found some use for them. And as for the second..." Auxzali paused a moment, and dragged over the crate containing the Dremorix Life Spheres. "Are you aware of what these are?"
    
    I don't think you want me to roll my own sense motive, in case you roll so low that I make a mistake or something, but bear in mind that Auxzali is sensing his motive very carefully on that second question.

16. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #136

    "Keep the garbs and weapon of a Sekh-Tar-Ruhl!? Do you have any idea what the Royal Guard would do to us if we went around showing off gear belonging to one of their own!? Outsider; ask your woman friend here the tortures that the guard would subject us to if they saw any of us wearing that gear without explanation. In the Swamp, even the good folk live their lives trying not to draw the attention of the Sekh-Tar-Ruhl."
    
    The bandit's face drained of colour and his anger faded into fear when Auxzali raised the orbs, though, and he hung his head, "Y...yes. I see you and your friend wear them proudly - Something to do with your religion? Look, they were on the heads of the guards of the last caravan - they hired some glassmen to guard that leaf. Fought like devils too; took three of our men before Korkarr managed to overwhelm 'em. He said to take those as trophies."
    
    Auxzali does not feel that the bandit is being deceitful in this.

17. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #137

    When Zelas came back thoughtful from his interogation, he found Auxzali dripping wet. He frowned with confusion and looked at the nearby pool of water, he was just about to say something when his friend started questioning the guard. When he saw what was in the box, he grew very still. These had been killing Ouzquins and stealing their < hemisas >?! And these were the people he had shown mercy to?! His face flushed red and he raised his trembling hand, beginning to pronounce a spell.
    
    Feel free to stop me anyone who wishes to do so. Acid Dart, 11 +5 Int, 5+1 damage, directed against the lone guard, I would think he'd be flatfooted and most likely helpless as we've probably bound him by now, so if it succedes add any bonuses that adds.

18. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #138

    "Save your anger for their leader, friend. I think Korkarr can take more than a tender shove from my shield" he laid a hand on Zelas' shoulder.
    "Also, I know enough of you wizard-folk to know that you cannot throw around magic forever. Really, save it."
    
    The loot was welcome, and some coin would buy supplies and repairs, roof and a back-rub.
    
    But, at the mention of the Ralkharan girl, he raised one eyebrow. "You did quite a number on them with your magic, Nim. I would be ever so glad if you could use it so that Korkarr lives to speak - I'd love if I could bring the mentioned damsel back to our rolling hills. It's a proud tradition of my people - to wade into danger and return overburdened with grateful lasses."
    He knew Nim well enough to expect the ever-so-thinly-veiled disdainful look, and smiled.
    
    He then addressed the others: "Have the bandits reached consent on which door is a trap, and which the leader's lair? Regardless, I offer to open it and address (he patted his sword) the orc first. I much desire an exchange with him, sooner rather than later."
    

19. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #139

    Zelas seized his casting, but he gave Sigurd a look of hurt and outrage. He spat out.
    "I have plenty to spare for these curs! You cannot possibly comprehend what this means ralkharan! To steal someone's < hemisa > their life orbs, it's...unspeakable! It is a crime worse than murder among the Ouzquin and these vile beasts deserve to pay for it fully! They cannot be allowed to wander free after such a deed! I demand justice be meted for my slain countrymen, if not by my hand then by whatever court or mob this piss-hole of a swamp can muster!"
    
    He shook violently, trying to suppress his rage, when that didn't work he kicked the guard strongly in his stomach before turning away, hands reached up. He took a while to slow down his breathing, before picking up again.
    
    "I mean it. They're not walking out of here free men, or so help me Axtrami."
    
    He looked at them all in turn to emphasize his point, before turning back to Sigurd.
    
    "...The consensus among these dogs is the left door. Which is why I would strongly suggest the right one. But not just because of what they have done, but because there wasn't a single one among them that claimed the right. Which would either mean we're dealing with some very honest scum, or they were prepared for just such an event as this one. Why else would the trapped door be behind them rather than in front of them, if they weren't considered expendable. Those are my thoughts, but it's your shield and your life, so the choice isn't mine to make."
    
    All things be damned, he retrieved his canteen from Duxo and took a deep draft from it. The warmness flowing through his veins was a much needed comfort.

20. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #140

    "The knight is right in that you should save your spells, however we can't just leave them behind us, tied or not.  Either we set them free, and they go unpunished for their crimes against the Ouzquin peoples in general and Tar-Sul and I in particular, or we execute them for their crimes here and now.  Trying to push this problem off onto the local constabulary is both stupid and weak."

21. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #141

    "And be under no illusions that the 'local constabulary' will necessarily deliver justice hereabouts, Knight.  Us scholars are not the only ones here to escape the heavy control in the cities.  There is little separating them from this scum here.  "
    
    She stepped near the bandit.  "So yes, you know your fate if we turn you over. Would you prefer Her caress? It is really not to be feared.  Please, let me know what your preference would be. "
    
    
    

22. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #142

    The bandit peered at Nim, fear turning to hatred as he realized the portent of her words. "You would fit well into the ranks of the Sekh-Tar-Rul yourself, girl! No mercy for the weak! If the only other option is the Royal guard, then you already know my answer. Send me to her Inescapable Embrace, witch!"
    The bandit sat up as proudly as his bonds would allow, staring Nim directly in the eye.

23. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #143

    Nim met the bandits eyes, and said, gently,
    "So you have all the pieces Knight.  These people - my people - are poor and desperate. You here how he welcomes our justice.  I would make the same choice.
    Please rule quickly, it is cruel to allow them to linger."
    
    

24. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #144

    Sigurd did not cherish death - often, a thorough change of heart could be brought about even in an unrepentant scoundrel.
    Alas, with none to watch over the brigands, any further deeds of theirs would be his responsibility.
    
    "By the law of my land, you would hang, for banditry, abduction and murder. But..."
    He swung his blade about in a practiced arc, unexpectedly and swiftly, beheading the scoundrel.
    "... I shall be no worse to you than you were to others."
    
    Then, he turned and headed towards the sleeping brigands.
    "Do not sully yourself" he noted to his allies, and dispensed what justice he could, solemn and expressionless.

25. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #145

    Zelas crossed his arms and forced himself to stand witness to Sigurd's deeds.
    "They brought this on themselves..." He half said, half mumbled. He wasn't sure who he was trying to convince, maybe even himself. He was no stranger to death, but there was no honour in this, only cold, uncaring, justice. He tried to cling to his anger and not think about what was done. But one thing was sure, their transgressions had been great. A damn shame... He took another draft.
    
    He clapped Sigurd's armored shoulder and silently offered him the canteen.

26. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #146

    After gathering up his share of the loot, Duxo made his way down the hallway and began searching the leftward door for traps.
    
    I'm taking 20 on the perception test to find the trap.  If the door appears untrapped I'll wave everyone over and we'll continue.  Otherwise I'll roll to disarm the thing.  Trapfinding: 20+4(Perception)+1(Trapfinding)=25, please don't be a magic trap... :/

27. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #147

    While Justice was being served in the cavern, Duxo took it on himself to scout ahead. He entered through the door on the far end of the cavern and found himself in a short corridor, chiseled out in the same manner as the room he was imprisoned in. Several torches lined the wall, three doors were present. One rested on each end of the room, and a third sat along the wall near the left side of the corridor.
    
    Meticulously, Duxo stepped forth, studying the room. As he made his way to the left door, he suddenly stopped in his tracks! Just one step before him, the floor appeared rougher than normal. Investigating this revealed a touch-plate cleverly disguised. When trod on, the floor would have collapsed! It seemed that Zelas's suspicions were correct! The guards had all attempted to trick the group into triggering this trap! Loyal to the grave, it seemed.
    
    All within the corridor was otherwise quiet and unassuming. There were three doors to choose from, and due to the deception of the bandits, it couldn't be guaranteed that any would lead where they said it would.
    
    Duxo returned to the group to share his information.

28. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #148

    "Thanks for the news - I feel ever so slightly ... validated by serendipity."
    He observed the three doors, the devious plate, then whispered to the others: "I suggest we leave the plate be - you never know when becomes an option to trap an orc or his pet carnivore in a trap of their own making."
    
    Then, he leaned towards the doors - if they could surprise Korkarr instead of stumbling into a panther pit, that would be nice.

29. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #149

    Zelas nodded at Duxo's tale. As suspected. Sooner trust a scorpion's bow than a < voutzia's > words, as the saying goes. As they now didn't know which door was the right one, Zelas positioned himself before the crossways. Three doors considerably worsened the odds. It didn't exactly help that the knight wished a word with the orc, now that Zelas knew the true nature of the beast, he had no qualms about catching it off guard. In fact, given that he had access to as many as five panthers, that would probably be preferential.
    
    "I don'chuppose you... 'ave any more... sleep prepared, Nim?" He whispered slurringly to the sorceress.

30. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #150

    "Yes, but I doubt that panther's would be cowed by it. Their wild natures are not easily tamed.  A slab of fresh meat may serve better."
    
    "You may be able to find the cats, and the orc by their smell. I doubt the orc is an attentive pet-owner."
    
    
    
    

31. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #151

    Zelas swayed in confusion for a second. "I mabbe able to?" He mumbled and sniffed the air. It smelled like any other cave, cold and dank with a hint of vegetation. Was she mocking him? He considered it for a while but settled for sulking silently. Why was he doing this again? There were far more pleasant places to be. Oh, that's right. He thought, as he spied Auxzali, the runaway priest. Why had he even volunteered for the task of retrieving him, he didn't have anyone's confidence, nor was he asked to. In fact, his master would probably have a few choice words for him, leaving without a word. Had he just been bored? Perhaps part of him had been, but there were other reasons. Nothing he wished to dwell too long on however. He shook his head. This isn't gonna end well, he thought.

32. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #152

    "Well, whatever we do let'sdo it quick," Duxo said while eyeing the trap warily, "I'm sure the orc will decide he's out of booze or something, any time now."

33. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #153

    "Wait a moment, Duxo," Auxzali said, and channeled his god's energy. A brief flash of holy light, and healing was bestowed upon all in the room.
    
    (20:54:13) Minion: caesar193 rolls 1d6 and gets 4. You all are healed for 4 (as well as myself).

34. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #154

    Bending down over the trigger mechanism Duxo began his work.  "Ser knight, not to impunge you abilities as a dancer, but either you or our spirited friend back there are likely to set this off, if you'll just give me a second..."
    
    +5 dex bonus, +4 Disable Device, +1 from trapfinding.

35. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #155

    Duxo had dealt with pressure plates before - he knew that the correct application of a wedge would prevent triggering in most places, so he found a suitable, jagged rock and tentatively edged towards the trap.
    With meticulous care, he inserted the wedge as best he could into the near-invisible line that indicated the start of the plate and...
    
    Nothing happened! Duxo exhaled and backed up from the plate. He could not be certain, but he was fairly sure the plate would hold.
    
    Disable device result kept by gm

36. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #156

    "Well, that should take care of that.  After you Ser knight; I've an orc to show the errors of his ways."  Duxo said with something that may have been a smirk, though it might have just been the burns keeping him from making an actual smile. And once we find the thing I'm going to stab it repeatedly in the kidneys. No one puts me in chains, valid business mistake or not.

37. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #157

    "How courteous of you" Sigurd grinned, then rushed into the door on the right, blade unsheathed, just his eyes visible above the shield, scanning the unknown room for anything white and furry that was in dire need of stabbing.

38. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #158

    Deciding not to take Duxo up on his polite offer, Sigurd opted instead for the door on the other side of the small corridor. He charged in through it, shield at the ready. The room beyond was not what he expected, however. Darkness enveloped a natural cave; from what he could gather from the light filtering in from the torches in the previous room, it was not a very large area. The darkness hid the contents of the room, though, and from the lip of his shield, the Ralkharan knight saw nothing. A strange, insectlike buzzing could be heard within the room though, and strangely, Sigurd swore he could hear the droning inside his head as well, clouding his thoughts. As the others neared the room, the same buzzing could be heard and felt within their own minds.
    
    Apart from the ceaseless droning, all was still and otherwise quiet...

39. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #159

    Auxzali entered the room. Curiosity filled his mind on the origins of this droning, and thus cast his 'detect magic' spell. He also examined the walls, and started pacing the circumfrence of the room.
    
    Perception check, please!

40. Re: [Asydia] Humble Beginnings

    #160

    Nim stepped up to the Knight, muttered a phrase of magic  and touched his shield. Light beamed out from it, piercing into the darkness.
    
    "Just ask me and I'll put it out."

Tales of Asydia · All categories · Guildhall