Albert sees that Dana is propperly immobilized and dealth with, so he switches to the raging brute. He moves to Theron and says: "I know this weapon is evil. I know it longer than you do. You must fight it!". After that he will try to hit it out of Therons grasp with quarterstaff. (with disadvantage 1 and 11 to hit. :( )
"What has that scythe done to YOU, I can't believe someone like you joined the golden company! You're a monster!" Ebrius say's with resentment in her eyes, and she enters a rage.
I pull out my crossbow and aim for his head. "Hopefully this gets him..." I say.
Sera cast a quick glance at Dana sprawled on the floor. The woman no longer seemed to pose a threat, her fight drained away. Turning her focus to the real danger, Sera’s eyes locked onto the blinded, raging barbarian wielding the cursed scythe.
With grim determination, she surged forward, her shield raised and her grip tightening on her weapon. Under her breath, she muttered a prayer, “Paladine, guide me.”
Channeling every ounce of her strength, Sera struck with precise, deliberate force, aiming to disarm the barbarian. Her weapon connected with the scythe,
( moving up to flank Theron with guard on oposite side. He hold it two handed but since blinded Sera still get advantage to hit. Putting a +10 to the disarm attack and will kick the schyte away . Best roll will be 19 then)
Sera's longsword clangs against Theron's scythe, and the two weapons ring out angrily. The sound of metal scraping metal echoes off the dungeon walls, but Theron's grip remains strong!
Guard Blue stomps heavily towards the fray, cutting around the partition wall and leaning into his attack and roaring dramatically!
Attack Theron (Adv): 9 (Miss)
Unfortunately, his brash, loud tactics alert Theron in time to deflect the attack!
Guard Pink closes the ranks, slipping in around Ebrius and assaulting Theron with a sweeping downward stroke of her spear! "For SANTEKH!!"
Theron is Blind, Flanked, and Raging (Round 4 of 10), but no longer Stunned Guard Greed is Blessed (Round 1 of 10) Dana is Prone and Stunned (Round 1 of 1) Guard Red is Blessed (Round 1 of 10) Albert is Drunk Ebrius is Blessed (Round 1 of 10)
As Albert attempts to stabilize Theron, the guards continue to hack at Theron until his grip loosens on the scythe and it slips free from his hand.
Once the scythe slips free, the guards stop attacking, blink and shake their heads. Guard Pink, panting heavily from the exertion of her killing stroke is the first to speak. "Good Cowards who murder heroes in the dead of night deserve such a death." She spits on the corpse and kneels down to reach for the scythe. Guard Purple grabs her wrist before she can touch it. "What do you think you're doing?" He asks, accusingly.
"I'm removing a weapon from the hands of a dangerous man. And you should be removing your hand from a dangerous woman." She snarls back.
Hastos continues to put his armor on as the barbarian is finally brought down. He makes regular glances around the room, but remains deliberately quiet. As the guard demands to be unhanded, Hastos grimaces and speaks irritatedly “If you are foolish enough to make the same mistake and meet the same end, by all means continue.”
Without looking up from putting his armor on he continues “Otherwise, kick it free from his reach.”
The two guards turn angry glares toward Hastos. Guard Purple stands back up and grips his spear tightly. "You threatening me?"
Amelista slowly steps around the bend and into the candlelight. She seems perplexed by the tension in the room. "Guards! Stand down!" She points a finger at the guard closest to Dana. "You, arrest Dana and take her to our cells." Then she points to another guard. "You, fetch Kaylan. She's probably still at The Laughing Dwarf." Then to the guard standing closest to her, "And you get me Piruz. I want a council member I trust to see this before dawn."
The guard's face goes pale. "But he'll be asleep!"
Amelista is only barely paying attention. "Wake him then! And bring him here immediately!" She snaps. Her tone is equal parts agitated and excited. She knows that Piruz can be famously irritable, but there's no one on the council more influential than him.
Dana starts to come back to her senses as the guard binds her hands in manacles. "No wait! You don't underst-" He shoves a cloth into her mouth and ties a leather strap around her head to keep the cloth in place. "Forgive me, miss Dana. But we can't have you casting any more spells. The gag and manacles stay on until we can find someone or something that can block your magic."
Guard Pink looks at Hastos, then back to the scythe, clearly locked in some inner turmoil.
"Listen Hastos, we don't more fighting, but if you continue threatening my teammates, I'll be forced to knock you out. That is my warning, besides, leaving this scythe here doesn't do anything. Someone will find it and the cycle will continue. Kicking it around will only bring more attention to it and you know the more people who know about this scythe, the more danger we're in."
I turn towards Amelista.
"I believe I should carry it, I've handled worse, and besides, that barbarian was already a psycho."
I rolled an 17 for charisma towards Amelista to grab the scythe.
Hastos laughs. “It’s called wisdom, not a threat. If you were paying attention, you’d have noticed that thing had turned that man into something his friends had to put down.”
Hastos continues to put the last articles of armor on as he continues. “If you’re fine with possibly having to do the same with your guard, that’s your business. I really couldn’t care. I had a moment of weakness where I thought possibly saving someone’s life might be valued. Thanks for setting me straight.”
Hastos looks over at the guy on the table. “And you really should kill that guy. He’s never going to be fully human again.”
Albert looks at the cut and mangled body of Theron and talks to himself: "Oh my Blue lady, another life wasted. I tried my best, but it was not enough."
Turns to everyone: "That demonic weapon must be contained and not used. Theron now and Bran before that were used by it. Bran was strong with Paladine by his side, but he still couldn't prevail. None of you here are strong enough for this burden. Talk all you want among your superiors, but there are no good solutions."
After that Albert just leaves with his killmoulis to go and pray in his Mishakal shrine.
Sera’s attempt to disarm the possessed barbarian fails, leaving her to helplessly witness the city guards, consumed by unnatural fury, cut him down before she can intervene. The brutal end weighs heavily on her, but there’s no time to dwell—almost immediately, an argument erupts among the onlookers about who should claim the cursed scythe.
Shaking her head in disbelief, Sera stares at the bickering crowd. “How can they be so blind to the danger?” she thinks. Albert, his voice steady despite his earlier tipsiness, warns that no one has been able to control the weapon and that it must be contained. Without waiting for a reply, he turns and leaves. Sera watches him go, wishing he’d stay to lend his wisdom and presence.
Determined to act, she grips her holy symbol and whispers a fervent prayer to Paladine for protection. A surge of divine energy courses through her as her prayer is answered. With renewed strength, Sera steps forward, planting herself firmly over the cursed weapon. Shield raised and sword steady, she commands with authority, “No one touches this evil relic. Fetch the Acolyte of Gilean for guidance!”
Her voice leaves no room for argument. Standing resolute, she silently vows to enforce her words with action, ready to stop anyone foolish enough to approach the scythe.
( casts protection vs evil and good. Move over the scythe and hold action. will hurt anyone attemting to take scythe. Hold action )
Amelista steps aside to let Albert pass, letting his words sink in and provide context. Once Albert is gone, she looks at Ebrius, reaching for the scythe and sighs, overwhelmed by all this.
"Ebruis... protect the scythe and for the gods' sake don't use it in town. I'll alert the council that you're in possession of it and request that Buckeran examine it in the morning. If Albert is correct, and the weapon is more than just a really strong scythe, he'll know the proper way to store or destroy it." She looks to Hastos. "The rest of these people I know. But who are you?"
While she maintains eye contact with Hastos, one of the guards moves in closer to the dying man on the altar and lets out a low whistle. He looks to Amelista, then at Hastos... unsure of what to do next.
Albert walks through the night towards the non-denominational holy grounds, which runs adjacent to the graveyard. As promised after his victorious return with the supplies, he finds a spot set aside to build an altar to Mishakal. The grounds are poorly maintained though, and featuring some deities that are only spoken of in lore. Many of the shrines are rubble, or tangled up in dried up weeds... a testament to the fallen faith of the people who live here. You see a ruined temple to The High God and Chaos, a relic of the original inhabitants of Santekh. Although it can be explored, the roof has caved in some, and it appears to be fairly unstable. You also see a shrine to Paladine, Gilean, and Hiddukel. The rest of the plots are altars, containing weather-worn effigies, tributes, and other trinkets to ancestors of the Hachakee. Near one-such altar you see two elves speaking amongst themselves. You recognize one of them as Harmanutis, the brickmason, and the other as Ororana, a bounty hunter who takes on mostly assassination work for the council. She famously brings back the heads of Green Dragon Army officers for rewards. But despite her grim occupation, she can be very friendly and chatty towards the townspeople. And she seems to think very highly of The Golden Company.
Sera sees her warning fall on deaf ears as they go to grab the evil Relic anyway. Conflicted feelings about obeying authorities like council members and try be a force of good tear inside her. But she take a step back "Fine!...you had your warning.." and she turn to face the stranger from the cage who now struggle to don his armor in a rush "explain please..not fully human?" and she peeks at mess on the altar.
Albert goes to the same place where he previously drew the charcoal infinity symbol and refreshes it. Then he rearranges some rocks and pebbles to form some sort of an altar. "How do you think, Sise? Nothing much, but it is much better than previously. If only I could get some blue color. Maybe you have some?"
Looks around and Alberts eyes catch Harmanutis: "Hey, Harmanutis was it? I know it's a strange request, but do you have anything blue on you right now?"
Arvos is struck by a numbness that another life was taken, and he has only just met the man. He looks tired and older that he seems "Well we got the one we came here for. I need this night to end. I will head back to my bunk for the night." says Arvos. He shakes his head as they take the evil scythe. He sleeps fitfully for the night.
“No one of importance.” Hastos replies to Amelista. Glancing at Sera then back to the man on the table. “The cruelty this man has suffered through will never leave his mind. It will poison him and everyone he interacts with. His mind has been shattered. He will live in a perpetual nightmare until his death - which will likely be at his own hand.”
Looking back at Amelista, Hastos adds “I had gotten caught between a battle of the Dragon army and those Hachakees. I got surprised by… her, I guess and woke up here. Next in line.”
Turning back to Sera, “Thanks again for freeing me. I’m glad you people showed up when you did. I don’t think I could have talked my way out of that.”
Sera senses that Amalista has some political motive at play, one she’s neither ready nor willing to get involved with. The world is already engulfed in chaos—Takhisis’s dragonarmies are sweeping across nations, leaving ruin in their wake. Whatever intrigues are brewing in the local council seem distant and trivial compared to the war raging outside these walls.
As Hastos declares the bleeding man on the altar beyond saving, dismissing him as broken beyond hope, Sera’s eyes narrow. His cold assumption stirs something deep within her, and she gives him a sharp, disapproving look.
“That’s quite an assumption,” she replies, her voice steady yet laced with quiet defiance. “Even a broken mind can heal, just as a body can.” Turning her focus to the sacrificial victim, she places her hands gently on his wounds. “Paladine, please heal this man,” she prays aloud, her voice softer now, carrying the weight of her belief. Divine warmth flows through her hands as she channels her god’s power, mending the man’s battered body.
Without looking back at Hastos, she mutters under her breath, “And if you’re right, then I suppose I should kill myself too...” Her words, though quiet, carry a cutting edge of bitterness born from experience.
As she waits, her hands still resting on the man’s chest, a flicker of a haunting memory crosses her mind. For a brief moment, the present fades, replaced by a ghost from her past. She shakes it off, forcing her focus back on the man before her, hoping her healing touch has been enough to pull him back from the brink.
( Sera use cure light wounds unless it is too late)
With Dana dragged away in disgrace, the room takes on a somehow even-more-sinister vibe. Like everyone left is definitely an unwelcomed intruder. The man on the altar lets out a raspy croak in agony as his open wounds begin to stitch themselves closed. His injuries will leave deep scars, but with continued care to keep the cuts clear of infection, he should survive. The area where his arm and leg have been removed have already been stitched and cauterized though. So there's no way to reattach them even if you knew where they were. After the spell is done being cast, he continues muttering deliriously.
"Good idea," Amelista comments after Sera finishes her spell. "If we're lucky, this man will be able to provide further testimony to what has occurred here." Her tone is grim, but her expression is confusing... the look of someone who got what they wanted without realizing what they were asking for. "What a mess. I knew something was off about Dana... but this..."
There's a moment of silence before Kaylan arrives. Her expression is one of pure horror. "Amelista... what in the Abyss am I looking at?" Her tone is barely above a whisper. Amelista understands Kaylan's shock, but also can't help a bit of righteous indignation. "I tried to tell you. I tried telling the guards, the council... I've been trying ever since the first week I came here! No one listened! You all thought I was crazy. Does this look crazy to you?!"
Kaylan nods. "Yes, Amelista! It looks completely insane! Is this about that death cult or whatever you kept ranting about??"
Amelista's face turns red with frustration, but she controls herself, taking her anger out for weeks of dismissive mockery on her own clenched fists. "Not a death cult," she says with a forced calm providing a thin veil over a seething outrage, "Sargonnas. The god of wrathful vengeance and Takhisis's lover! I'm telling you! He's wreaking havoc in Santekh, scripting the plot for our destruction and opening the gates for the Dark Queen to pass through! I'm telling you, we're all in grave danger if we don't route this evil!"
Kaylan is quiet for several moments. She's heard this doomsday rant before and doesn't care for it. It's a common belief that the gods have abandoned Krynn. Even Takhisis. And people just use the names of gods as excuses or guidelines for their behavior or for circumstances beyond their control. But Amelista clearly doesn't share that sentiment, and rather than engage in another debate-stalemate with Amelista, she turns to Sera, Ebrius, and Hastos. "Ok... this is a crime scene. And you're all witnesses. I'll be honest, my preference is to hold you all until dawn to meet with the council, but we have neither the cell space, nor the manpower to do that. If I have your words that you'll provide your testimonies before the council tomorrow, you're all free to return to your homes here in Santekh. If you don't have a home yet, speak to Glynnis. If she has the space, she can put you up for the night and Santekh will cover the cost."
Amelista pipes in, "Piruz is on his way, you know. They could just give their testimonies to him."
"Patience, Ames. That's not how this is done. The testimonies are brought to the council so they can be heard by all. I understand your urgency to be vindicated. And there definitely does seem to be a pattern here between the assassin that came for the Golden Company when they first arrived, and..." she gestures vaguely at the mangled corpse of Theron, and the muttering victim on the altar, "this. But rushed justice leads to injustice. There's procedure, and we'll follow it as well as we can."
Arvos sees Kaylan and one of the guards rushing past him on his way back to the dance hall. They barely notice him in their rush to get to the crime scene. When you get there, the energy in the hall has diminished some now that Kaylan (a member of the band and night guard for Santekh) has left, but revelers are still enjoying their food and drinks. Tekel has left with one of your former recruits. Glynnis smiles at you, but notices your dour appearance, and waves you over sympathetically, and places a beer on the counter.
"On the house for the hero of the day. What's wrong? Does it have something to do with why Kaylan had to rush off so suddenly?" She asks. She's in full bartender mode now... polishing a mug and waiting to hear your woes.
Meanwhile, at the Shrines/Graveyard... (_Miglasezis_)
The two elves appear quite startled by your presence. Ororana and Harmanutis exchange looks, then turn to you and smile. Harmanutis speaks first. His tone is always so soft, barely above a whisper. "Ah, Albert. Healer of the Golden Company. I would have assumed you'd be one of the guests of honor at tonight's festivities. What brings you to this solemn place?"
OOC: Sorry guys for the delay!
Albert sees that Dana is propperly immobilized and dealth with, so he switches to the raging brute. He moves to Theron and says: "I know this weapon is evil. I know it longer than you do. You must fight it!". After that he will try to hit it out of Therons grasp with quarterstaff. (with disadvantage 1 and 11 to hit. :( )
Albert's quarterstaff clacks against the mighty scythe, and reverberates in his hand, but Theron's vice-like grip remains sturdy.
Moved for Albert: Diagonal up-left x2 into Difficult Terrain. Movement Cost 15'
Albert Attacks Theron with Advantage: Miss
thomasgerardbradsh Ebruis is up, followed by Sera Uth Darnon (Larskolstad)
Conditions Update:
Theron is Blind and Bloodied
Guard Green is Blessed
Dana is Prone and Stunned
Guard Red is Blessed
Albert is Drunk (Poisoned)
Ebrius is Blessed
Map image isn't loading, so...
BATTLE MAP!!
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My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
"What has that scythe done to YOU, I can't believe someone like you joined the golden company! You're a monster!" Ebrius say's with resentment in her eyes, and she enters a rage.
I pull out my crossbow and aim for his head. "Hopefully this gets him..." I say.
Unnatural 20, 10 piercing + 2 Fire rite damage.
"Yes! I got him!"
Sera cast a quick glance at Dana sprawled on the floor. The woman no longer seemed to pose a threat, her fight drained away. Turning her focus to the real danger, Sera’s eyes locked onto the blinded, raging barbarian wielding the cursed scythe.
With grim determination, she surged forward, her shield raised and her grip tightening on her weapon. Under her breath, she muttered a prayer, “Paladine, guide me.”
Channeling every ounce of her strength, Sera struck with precise, deliberate force, aiming to disarm the barbarian. Her weapon connected with the scythe,
( moving up to flank Theron with guard on oposite side. He hold it two handed but since blinded Sera still get advantage to hit. Putting a +10 to the disarm attack and will kick the schyte away . Best roll will be 19 then)
Sera's longsword clangs against Theron's scythe, and the two weapons ring out angrily. The sound of metal scraping metal echoes off the dungeon walls, but Theron's grip remains strong!
Guard Blue stomps heavily towards the fray, cutting around the partition wall and leaning into his attack and roaring dramatically!
Attack Theron (Adv): 9 (Miss)
Unfortunately, his brash, loud tactics alert Theron in time to deflect the attack!
Guard Pink closes the ranks, slipping in around Ebrius and assaulting Theron with a sweeping downward stroke of her spear! "For SANTEKH!!"
Attack Theron (Adv): 16 (Hit)
Damage: 8 (Piercing)
Amelista watches from the safe distance of the entrance to the dungeon and clenches her fists anxiously as the drama unfolds.
Round 4: Cheez_Weezle Theron is up, followed by Hastos (MrUncleTio)
Conditions:
Theron is Blind, Flanked, and Raging (Round 4 of 10), but no longer Stunned
Guard Greed is Blessed (Round 1 of 10)
Dana is Prone and Stunned (Round 1 of 1)
Guard Red is Blessed (Round 1 of 10)
Albert is Drunk
Ebrius is Blessed (Round 1 of 10)
Battle Map:
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Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
With the last spear thrust from Guard Pink, Theron mumbles “kill…me!….”and drops to his knees and falls face down in a pool of his own blood.
Theron is at -1 HP and is unconscious.
As Albert attempts to stabilize Theron, the guards continue to hack at Theron until his grip loosens on the scythe and it slips free from his hand.
Once the scythe slips free, the guards stop attacking, blink and shake their heads. Guard Pink, panting heavily from the exertion of her killing stroke is the first to speak. "Good Cowards who murder heroes in the dead of night deserve such a death." She spits on the corpse and kneels down to reach for the scythe. Guard Purple grabs her wrist before she can touch it. "What do you think you're doing?" He asks, accusingly.
"I'm removing a weapon from the hands of a dangerous man. And you should be removing your hand from a dangerous woman." She snarls back.
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Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Hastos continues to put his armor on as the barbarian is finally brought down. He makes regular glances around the room, but remains deliberately quiet. As the guard demands to be unhanded, Hastos grimaces and speaks irritatedly “If you are foolish enough to make the same mistake and meet the same end, by all means continue.”
Without looking up from putting his armor on he continues “Otherwise, kick it free from his reach.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
The two guards turn angry glares toward Hastos. Guard Purple stands back up and grips his spear tightly. "You threatening me?"
Amelista slowly steps around the bend and into the candlelight. She seems perplexed by the tension in the room. "Guards! Stand down!" She points a finger at the guard closest to Dana. "You, arrest Dana and take her to our cells." Then she points to another guard. "You, fetch Kaylan. She's probably still at The Laughing Dwarf." Then to the guard standing closest to her, "And you get me Piruz. I want a council member I trust to see this before dawn."
The guard's face goes pale. "But he'll be asleep!"
Amelista is only barely paying attention. "Wake him then! And bring him here immediately!" She snaps. Her tone is equal parts agitated and excited. She knows that Piruz can be famously irritable, but there's no one on the council more influential than him.
Dana starts to come back to her senses as the guard binds her hands in manacles. "No wait! You don't underst-" He shoves a cloth into her mouth and ties a leather strap around her head to keep the cloth in place. "Forgive me, miss Dana. But we can't have you casting any more spells. The gag and manacles stay on until we can find someone or something that can block your magic."
Guard Pink looks at Hastos, then back to the scythe, clearly locked in some inner turmoil.
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My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
"Listen Hastos, we don't more fighting, but if you continue threatening my teammates, I'll be forced to knock you out. That is my warning, besides, leaving this scythe here doesn't do anything. Someone will find it and the cycle will continue. Kicking it around will only bring more attention to it and you know the more people who know about this scythe, the more danger we're in."
I turn towards Amelista.
"I believe I should carry it, I've handled worse, and besides, that barbarian was already a psycho."
I rolled an 17 for charisma towards Amelista to grab the scythe.
Hastos laughs. “It’s called wisdom, not a threat. If you were paying attention, you’d have noticed that thing had turned that man into something his friends had to put down.”
Hastos continues to put the last articles of armor on as he continues. “If you’re fine with possibly having to do the same with your guard, that’s your business. I really couldn’t care. I had a moment of weakness where I thought possibly saving someone’s life might be valued. Thanks for setting me straight.”
Hastos looks over at the guy on the table. “And you really should kill that guy. He’s never going to be fully human again.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Albert looks at the cut and mangled body of Theron and talks to himself: "Oh my Blue lady, another life wasted. I tried my best, but it was not enough."
Turns to everyone: "That demonic weapon must be contained and not used. Theron now and Bran before that were used by it. Bran was strong with Paladine by his side, but he still couldn't prevail. None of you here are strong enough for this burden. Talk all you want among your superiors, but there are no good solutions."
After that Albert just leaves with his killmoulis to go and pray in his Mishakal shrine.
Sera’s attempt to disarm the possessed barbarian fails, leaving her to helplessly witness the city guards, consumed by unnatural fury, cut him down before she can intervene. The brutal end weighs heavily on her, but there’s no time to dwell—almost immediately, an argument erupts among the onlookers about who should claim the cursed scythe.
Shaking her head in disbelief, Sera stares at the bickering crowd. “How can they be so blind to the danger?” she thinks. Albert, his voice steady despite his earlier tipsiness, warns that no one has been able to control the weapon and that it must be contained. Without waiting for a reply, he turns and leaves. Sera watches him go, wishing he’d stay to lend his wisdom and presence.
Determined to act, she grips her holy symbol and whispers a fervent prayer to Paladine for protection. A surge of divine energy courses through her as her prayer is answered. With renewed strength, Sera steps forward, planting herself firmly over the cursed weapon. Shield raised and sword steady, she commands with authority, “No one touches this evil relic. Fetch the Acolyte of Gilean for guidance!”
Her voice leaves no room for argument. Standing resolute, she silently vows to enforce her words with action, ready to stop anyone foolish enough to approach the scythe.
( casts protection vs evil and good. Move over the scythe and hold action. will hurt anyone attemting to take scythe. Hold action )
Amelista steps aside to let Albert pass, letting his words sink in and provide context. Once Albert is gone, she looks at Ebrius, reaching for the scythe and sighs, overwhelmed by all this.
"Ebruis... protect the scythe and for the gods' sake don't use it in town. I'll alert the council that you're in possession of it and request that Buckeran examine it in the morning. If Albert is correct, and the weapon is more than just a really strong scythe, he'll know the proper way to store or destroy it." She looks to Hastos. "The rest of these people I know. But who are you?"
While she maintains eye contact with Hastos, one of the guards moves in closer to the dying man on the altar and lets out a low whistle. He looks to Amelista, then at Hastos... unsure of what to do next.
Meanwhile, at the shrines... (_Miglasezis_)
Albert walks through the night towards the non-denominational holy grounds, which runs adjacent to the graveyard. As promised after his victorious return with the supplies, he finds a spot set aside to build an altar to Mishakal. The grounds are poorly maintained though, and featuring some deities that are only spoken of in lore. Many of the shrines are rubble, or tangled up in dried up weeds... a testament to the fallen faith of the people who live here. You see a ruined temple to The High God and Chaos, a relic of the original inhabitants of Santekh. Although it can be explored, the roof has caved in some, and it appears to be fairly unstable. You also see a shrine to Paladine, Gilean, and Hiddukel. The rest of the plots are altars, containing weather-worn effigies, tributes, and other trinkets to ancestors of the Hachakee. Near one-such altar you see two elves speaking amongst themselves. You recognize one of them as Harmanutis, the brickmason, and the other as Ororana, a bounty hunter who takes on mostly assassination work for the council. She famously brings back the heads of Green Dragon Army officers for rewards. But despite her grim occupation, she can be very friendly and chatty towards the townspeople. And she seems to think very highly of The Golden Company.
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My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Sera sees her warning fall on deaf ears as they go to grab the evil Relic anyway. Conflicted feelings about obeying authorities like council members and try be a force of good tear inside her. But she take a step back "Fine!...you had your warning.." and she turn to face the stranger from the cage who now struggle to don his armor in a rush "explain please..not fully human?" and she peeks at mess on the altar.
Albert goes to the same place where he previously drew the charcoal infinity symbol and refreshes it. Then he rearranges some rocks and pebbles to form some sort of an altar. "How do you think, Sise? Nothing much, but it is much better than previously. If only I could get some blue color. Maybe you have some?"
Looks around and Alberts eyes catch Harmanutis: "Hey, Harmanutis was it? I know it's a strange request, but do you have anything blue on you right now?"
Arvos is struck by a numbness that another life was taken, and he has only just met the man. He looks tired and older that he seems "Well we got the one we came here for. I need this night to end. I will head back to my bunk for the night." says Arvos. He shakes his head as they take the evil scythe. He sleeps fitfully for the night.
“No one of importance.” Hastos replies to Amelista. Glancing at Sera then back to the man on the table. “The cruelty this man has suffered through will never leave his mind. It will poison him and everyone he interacts with. His mind has been shattered. He will live in a perpetual nightmare until his death - which will likely be at his own hand.”
Looking back at Amelista, Hastos adds “I had gotten caught between a battle of the Dragon army and those Hachakees. I got surprised by… her, I guess and woke up here. Next in line.”
Turning back to Sera, “Thanks again for freeing me. I’m glad you people showed up when you did. I don’t think I could have talked my way out of that.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sera senses that Amalista has some political motive at play, one she’s neither ready nor willing to get involved with. The world is already engulfed in chaos—Takhisis’s dragonarmies are sweeping across nations, leaving ruin in their wake. Whatever intrigues are brewing in the local council seem distant and trivial compared to the war raging outside these walls.
As Hastos declares the bleeding man on the altar beyond saving, dismissing him as broken beyond hope, Sera’s eyes narrow. His cold assumption stirs something deep within her, and she gives him a sharp, disapproving look.
“That’s quite an assumption,” she replies, her voice steady yet laced with quiet defiance. “Even a broken mind can heal, just as a body can.” Turning her focus to the sacrificial victim, she places her hands gently on his wounds. “Paladine, please heal this man,” she prays aloud, her voice softer now, carrying the weight of her belief. Divine warmth flows through her hands as she channels her god’s power, mending the man’s battered body.
Without looking back at Hastos, she mutters under her breath, “And if you’re right, then I suppose I should kill myself too...” Her words, though quiet, carry a cutting edge of bitterness born from experience.
As she waits, her hands still resting on the man’s chest, a flicker of a haunting memory crosses her mind. For a brief moment, the present fades, replaced by a ghost from her past. She shakes it off, forcing her focus back on the man before her, hoping her healing touch has been enough to pull him back from the brink.
( Sera use cure light wounds unless it is too late)
In Dana's Dungeon...
With Dana dragged away in disgrace, the room takes on a somehow even-more-sinister vibe. Like everyone left is definitely an unwelcomed intruder. The man on the altar lets out a raspy croak in agony as his open wounds begin to stitch themselves closed. His injuries will leave deep scars, but with continued care to keep the cuts clear of infection, he should survive. The area where his arm and leg have been removed have already been stitched and cauterized though. So there's no way to reattach them even if you knew where they were. After the spell is done being cast, he continues muttering deliriously.
"Good idea," Amelista comments after Sera finishes her spell. "If we're lucky, this man will be able to provide further testimony to what has occurred here." Her tone is grim, but her expression is confusing... the look of someone who got what they wanted without realizing what they were asking for. "What a mess. I knew something was off about Dana... but this..."
There's a moment of silence before Kaylan arrives. Her expression is one of pure horror. "Amelista... what in the Abyss am I looking at?" Her tone is barely above a whisper. Amelista understands Kaylan's shock, but also can't help a bit of righteous indignation. "I tried to tell you. I tried telling the guards, the council... I've been trying ever since the first week I came here! No one listened! You all thought I was crazy. Does this look crazy to you?!"
Kaylan nods. "Yes, Amelista! It looks completely insane! Is this about that death cult or whatever you kept ranting about??"
Amelista's face turns red with frustration, but she controls herself, taking her anger out for weeks of dismissive mockery on her own clenched fists. "Not a death cult," she says with a forced calm providing a thin veil over a seething outrage, "Sargonnas. The god of wrathful vengeance and Takhisis's lover! I'm telling you! He's wreaking havoc in Santekh, scripting the plot for our destruction and opening the gates for the Dark Queen to pass through! I'm telling you, we're all in grave danger if we don't route this evil!"
Kaylan is quiet for several moments. She's heard this doomsday rant before and doesn't care for it. It's a common belief that the gods have abandoned Krynn. Even Takhisis. And people just use the names of gods as excuses or guidelines for their behavior or for circumstances beyond their control. But Amelista clearly doesn't share that sentiment, and rather than engage in another debate-stalemate with Amelista, she turns to Sera, Ebrius, and Hastos. "Ok... this is a crime scene. And you're all witnesses. I'll be honest, my preference is to hold you all until dawn to meet with the council, but we have neither the cell space, nor the manpower to do that. If I have your words that you'll provide your testimonies before the council tomorrow, you're all free to return to your homes here in Santekh. If you don't have a home yet, speak to Glynnis. If she has the space, she can put you up for the night and Santekh will cover the cost."
Amelista pipes in, "Piruz is on his way, you know. They could just give their testimonies to him."
"Patience, Ames. That's not how this is done. The testimonies are brought to the council so they can be heard by all. I understand your urgency to be vindicated. And there definitely does seem to be a pattern here between the assassin that came for the Golden Company when they first arrived, and..." she gestures vaguely at the mangled corpse of Theron, and the muttering victim on the altar, "this. But rushed justice leads to injustice. There's procedure, and we'll follow it as well as we can."
Back at the Laughing Dwarf... (Weathervision)
Arvos sees Kaylan and one of the guards rushing past him on his way back to the dance hall. They barely notice him in their rush to get to the crime scene. When you get there, the energy in the hall has diminished some now that Kaylan (a member of the band and night guard for Santekh) has left, but revelers are still enjoying their food and drinks. Tekel has left with one of your former recruits. Glynnis smiles at you, but notices your dour appearance, and waves you over sympathetically, and places a beer on the counter.
"On the house for the hero of the day. What's wrong? Does it have something to do with why Kaylan had to rush off so suddenly?" She asks. She's in full bartender mode now... polishing a mug and waiting to hear your woes.
Meanwhile, at the Shrines/Graveyard... (_Miglasezis_)
The two elves appear quite startled by your presence. Ororana and Harmanutis exchange looks, then turn to you and smile. Harmanutis speaks first. His tone is always so soft, barely above a whisper. "Ah, Albert. Healer of the Golden Company. I would have assumed you'd be one of the guests of honor at tonight's festivities. What brings you to this solemn place?"
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin