"There's some kind of magical trap here. Can we get some left over injured or captured goblins? This is going to be dangerous for whoever walks up these stairs first."
Bründir scrounges around the ruined room, searching for a piece of debris to throw.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Vark steps over to the arcane symbol which Jex points out. "M-maybe I can.. oh uhm... maybe not... well..." Vark can see little sparks of energy subtly overlaid on the mark, and determines it's too complex for his abilities. But not too complex for his friend. Vark hadn't really done much in that last fight, and the idea of Seid coming over and easily doing something he couldn't wasn't fun to think about. He covers his mouth with one hand and mutters as if reciting an incantation, but really he whispers "Psst. Matthew. Help?"
Bründir is easily able to find an old chair, or other pieces of furniture or loose items to throw. However, before he can, Vark steps up to investigate the glyph.
There's a cool tingle in the back of Vark's head as he feels Matthew siphon him power. It flows down his spine, all the way to his fingers. He feels a dispel magic incantation on the tip of his tongue.
Bründir beams an incredulous stare at Vark and looks him up and down, "That right, then? Been a bit...off since ye came back from yer trip down under. Mind checkin' yer work 'fore we go on?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex doesn't find any other traps in the group's path. The stairway leads to a landing on the upper level that runs the breadth of the building. To the left and right hallways lead into each wing, while in the centre are the large double doors to the governor's office.
Bründir motions forward, "Should head forward, see if Quentin's bein' kept 'ere or th' mines."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
With the battle long over and the rage cooling, Valaith takes a few moments to step aside and begins working her hands beneath her armor to feel the wetness around the raw injury to her stomach. She grimaces as she pulls it back, slick with blood and glances around to make sure no one was watching... She spots Seid nearby watching her very carefully as he closes the beautifully gilded tome which was laid out before him. She glares at the Magic Man as he strides toward her and she quickly wipes her hand clean, hefting her hammer over her shoulder, and prepares to storm off when the man holds up his hand in a placating way.
"Lady Rimehand, a moment. I would have a word with you."
She never had much time for magic, nor those that thought themselves clever and this Seid definitely thought he was clever. Neither did she have respect for anyone that thought they were owners of her time or attention. She brushes passed him, nearly knocking him to the ground as her hip checks his shoulder. "I'm no 'Lady', wizard." That last word drips with contempt.
Seid stumbles and sighs. "Valaith, wait... please."
The pleading tone in his voice gave her pause. "What?" She snarls. "What do you have to say to me?"
Seid looks directly at her wounded stomach. "I know you are hurt. I know you were hurt before you and your friends arrived. I overheard the news of the skirmish in the mountain pass and heard about 'the giant woman who was grievously wounded', but that she kept holding her ground and fighting until her friends could come to her aid. When I first saw you all, I knew that had to be you. I have watched you all very carefully and I see how you favor your swing. That," he points to the bloody smear. "Confirmed what I already knew." He pauses for a moment to give Val an opportunity to speak, but when she glares at him and simply folds one arm protectively around her stomach he continues. "You need to rest and heal. I do not know what lies beneath this town within the mines, but from what Vark explained these men are very close to their objective. And I do not believe it is anything good. I believe they intend to release someone or something from beneath Sheercleft. They created this town for the purpose of delving into those mines so they could eventually reach their goal of finding whatever this is. I think there will be more fighting beneath the town and---"
"Good," she interrupts. "I want to hurt these people for what they did to these people. It was wrong. I am not a coward like you. I will not lie in a bed while others fight and die. I won't do it. If my friends go below, then so do I."
Seid rolls his eyes in irritation, he was used to people doing as they were told by him and to have this stubborn warrior blatantly questioning his suggestions was frustrating. "To what avail? You. Are. Still. Bleeding, Valaith!" he gestures angrily towards the thin trickle of crimson visible against the grey flesh of her toned stomach. "You cannot keep this up for much longer. I know not what spirits aid you, but eventually that will not be enough and you will fall. What happens to your friends then? They will have to stop fighting to protect you, because they are honorable people. That much I know about you all; none of you will cut and run to leave the others behind. This fight is far from over. As I was saying a moment ago, these men are patient and have long-reaching goals. I plan to continue my quest to bring about their ruin for what they have done here. It will take a long time and a lot of resources. The people here will need protection while the others are below with me. The town will need to be rebuilt and people will be looking to you to help them do that. You may not understand it yet, Lady Rimehand, but you are now a hero to these people. They will looking to you all to tell them what do, how to rebuild, how to move on. That is the nature of people, they need guidance or they falter. This may not be what you wanted, but this is what you got. I did not want to go against the men and women that tutored and mentored me, who taught me the very skills I use against them. These people were my friends at one time, but that is the path I chose. You chose this path and now you must walk it."
Val's breath became heavy and began to fog in the air as the spirits threatened to run loose and crush this puny man, but something about Seid reminded Valaith of him, her brother, and the spirits who came so rapidly to her beckoning, scattered at the confusion they found within her mind. Val let the heavy head of her hammer fall to the ground with a resounding, dull thud. "You remind me of someone, he was clever like you." What would he have said to her? He had always been the more level-headed of them. Val always knew he would be their Chief one day, she would be his protector and he would have brought greatness to their tribe, because he saw things the others never could... "I will consider your words, Seid, but I make no promises. We are done." She hefts her hammer with a pained wince and strides away quickly before the little man could see the slight downturn of her mouth as the sadness she felt pulled at the corners of her lips.
Seid politely nods and steps aside to let her pass. He watches her carefully as the slightly golden glow behind his eyes picks up on the faint aura of darkness that swirls around her and the hammer she carried. He wondered about this, but spoke not of it. Everyone had their secrets, including himself, and he felt she would not appreciate such a violation. Still... she had used his name, that was a beginning. Perhaps she would listen after all. He loathed the suffering all these people had been subjected to... including this interesting woman from the southern wastes. A thousand questions floated around in his head. Who was she? Where exactly did she come from? What had she left her home? He shakes his head and returns to the group, silently following as they entered the building to seek out his former brethren.
Valaith waited silently, her hammer held at the ready while Brundir, Thurston, and Jex determined which way to go. This was the best way, let the clever ones make the decision and she would see that it was carried out... The wizard's words whirled through her thoughts as she fought to push them aside and focus on the task ahead.
Meanwhile, Seid walks over to Vark and places a hand upon his shoulder. "Well done, Vark, very well done. I am impressed with your arcane skill. Perhaps when we have some time available to us later, you and I could have a discussion on some arcane theories? Also, I would love to know more about what you saw below in the mines. I am concerned about the ritual they were doing. Perhaps together you and I could figure this riddle while the others drink to their victory?"
Vark mumbles an unintelligible response to Brundir, the dwarf’s comment clearly dampening the sorcerer’s pride, but he is reinvigorated by Seid’s words. Vark beams at the wizard “Oh! Uh-uhm yes I’d... I’d like that a lot!” The smile sticks to his face as they continue further into the building.
Seid nods and returns Vark's smile. "Good, I look forward to it. Now, we should be very careful going forward. There are likely to be many more of those arcane traps of which Jex already located one." Using his arcane sight, Seid will examine the doorways and look for any magical auras within the range of his magical vision.
Jex gestures for Seid to make space and searches the door thoroughly himself, happy that it is safe, he takes out his thieves tools and makes short work of the lock, after barely a second he gears the satisfying click and drop of the lock falling open. With a satisfied grin he makes to open the door and gesture his companions through, but his smile turns to surprise and confusion as it fails to move. He pushes the door in various places, listening with his ear pressed against it as he does so.
Frowning he finishes his investigation and turns to the others with a shrug. "It is not being bolted or wedged from the other side, this is most likely some magical trick." He gives Seid a sideways glance before winking at Thurston. "Perhaps a more brutish approach may still overcome it though. Thir was never held back by such puny things as locks. Bring the thunder and enter this room as Thor did the kingdom of the giants my friend."
He steps aside, clearing a path and rubbing his hands in excited anticipation.
Thurston laughs heartily in response to Jex's parable, and backs away from the door. Hefting his hammer, the Norscan charges forwards with a mighty roar, throwing himself at the dark-wood double doors. There's a soft woomf, and the doors part, sending the paladin tumbling into the governor's office. A split second later a high pitched ding fills the air.
Val being so close to Thurston hears the high pitched noise and used to a life in the wastes responds immediately, she dives to the ground just as an explosion fills the area! She avoids much of the flames! Seid, however, was not so accustomed to such a life and his eyes grow wide at the sound as he stumbles backward in an attempt to escape the area of destruction. The burst of flame rips through the hallway and Seid's mouth opens in a scream as his skin singes and blisters from the intense searing heat! He stands there in the aftermath, shrieking in agony as he stares as his burnt hands, trying desperately to keep his arms and legs away from his torso.
The pleasant look that had been on Vark’s face drops as his arcane passenger takes over automatically. One arm shoots up with fingers that trace an arc through the air. The fire spirals towards them like they’re little vacuums, and in the same instant Matthew gracefully directs the sorcerer in a sidestep. Seid provides convenient cover, and by the time Vark regains control he is standing with his back to the seared wizard, only slightly singed himself. A glowing red rune remains on his palm for a moment before fading, just as the ringing in his ears ceases.
Fire plumes out from behind the door in a concentrated explosion as Thurston smashes through the into the office. The large circular window behind the governor's desk immediately shatters outwards from the sudden shockwave and the screams of the villagers can be heard from outside as fire and smoke billow out of the hole in the wall, raining shards of glass from above. Any small objects lying about the room are scattered in all directions as the doors are blown off of their hinges. Smouldering papers fill the air with mote-like embers, falling all around as they crisp and curl from the sudden heat.
Jex immediately throws himself to the side with cat-like reactions, avoiding the worst of the blast, and Thurston dives behind the desk on the far side, his skin welting with burns as he raises his arms to shield himself.
Others are not so lucky. Hurrig takes the full brunt of the blast and is thrown from his feet, colliding with the bannister behind him with a crunch. Meanwhile the flames ravage Bründir's exposed side, as the dwarf frantically tries to protect his beard, leaving skin peeling from flesh.
Seeing Brundir heading towards the building, Jex vaults over the wondow ledge and crosses the ground between the building quickly.
"Taking your time there, let's get this done."
He quietly steps ahead, keeping a careful eye out for traps on the stairs.
Hearing Bründir about their own accents makes him laugh and palm the dwarf in the shoulder.
Later, Thurston follows his friends to the inside of the building.
"It's quiet " he says lowering his own voice " too quiet..."
PbP Character: A few ;)
Jex holds out his arm.
"There's some kind of magical trap here. Can we get some left over injured or captured goblins? This is going to be dangerous for whoever walks up these stairs first."
Bründir scrounges around the ruined room, searching for a piece of debris to throw.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Vark steps over to the arcane symbol which Jex points out. "M-maybe I can.. oh uhm... maybe not... well..." Vark can see little sparks of energy subtly overlaid on the mark, and determines it's too complex for his abilities. But not too complex for his friend. Vark hadn't really done much in that last fight, and the idea of Seid coming over and easily doing something he couldn't wasn't fun to think about. He covers his mouth with one hand and mutters as if reciting an incantation, but really he whispers "Psst. Matthew. Help?"
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Bründir is easily able to find an old chair, or other pieces of furniture or loose items to throw. However, before he can, Vark steps up to investigate the glyph.
There's a cool tingle in the back of Vark's head as he feels Matthew siphon him power. It flows down his spine, all the way to his fingers. He feels a dispel magic incantation on the tip of his tongue.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Vark smiles and releases the borrowed spell, causing the rune to pop and spark with red energy. “Ok! I think it should be gone.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Jex nods his appreciation and steps forwards, searching again for more traps as he goes.
Bründir beams an incredulous stare at Vark and looks him up and down, "That right, then? Been a bit...off since ye came back from yer trip down under. Mind checkin' yer work 'fore we go on?"
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex doesn't find any other traps in the group's path. The stairway leads to a landing on the upper level that runs the breadth of the building. To the left and right hallways lead into each wing, while in the centre are the large double doors to the governor's office.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"Where do you want to go?" Jex whispers to Brundir
Bründir motions forward, "Should head forward, see if Quentin's bein' kept 'ere or th' mines."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
With the battle long over and the rage cooling, Valaith takes a few moments to step aside and begins working her hands beneath her armor to feel the wetness around the raw injury to her stomach. She grimaces as she pulls it back, slick with blood and glances around to make sure no one was watching... She spots Seid nearby watching her very carefully as he closes the beautifully gilded tome which was laid out before him. She glares at the Magic Man as he strides toward her and she quickly wipes her hand clean, hefting her hammer over her shoulder, and prepares to storm off when the man holds up his hand in a placating way.
"Lady Rimehand, a moment. I would have a word with you."
She never had much time for magic, nor those that thought themselves clever and this Seid definitely thought he was clever. Neither did she have respect for anyone that thought they were owners of her time or attention. She brushes passed him, nearly knocking him to the ground as her hip checks his shoulder. "I'm no 'Lady', wizard." That last word drips with contempt.
Seid stumbles and sighs. "Valaith, wait... please."
The pleading tone in his voice gave her pause. "What?" She snarls. "What do you have to say to me?"
Seid looks directly at her wounded stomach. "I know you are hurt. I know you were hurt before you and your friends arrived. I overheard the news of the skirmish in the mountain pass and heard about 'the giant woman who was grievously wounded', but that she kept holding her ground and fighting until her friends could come to her aid. When I first saw you all, I knew that had to be you. I have watched you all very carefully and I see how you favor your swing. That," he points to the bloody smear. "Confirmed what I already knew." He pauses for a moment to give Val an opportunity to speak, but when she glares at him and simply folds one arm protectively around her stomach he continues. "You need to rest and heal. I do not know what lies beneath this town within the mines, but from what Vark explained these men are very close to their objective. And I do not believe it is anything good. I believe they intend to release someone or something from beneath Sheercleft. They created this town for the purpose of delving into those mines so they could eventually reach their goal of finding whatever this is. I think there will be more fighting beneath the town and---"
"Good," she interrupts. "I want to hurt these people for what they did to these people. It was wrong. I am not a coward like you. I will not lie in a bed while others fight and die. I won't do it. If my friends go below, then so do I."
Seid rolls his eyes in irritation, he was used to people doing as they were told by him and to have this stubborn warrior blatantly questioning his suggestions was frustrating. "To what avail? You. Are. Still. Bleeding, Valaith!" he gestures angrily towards the thin trickle of crimson visible against the grey flesh of her toned stomach. "You cannot keep this up for much longer. I know not what spirits aid you, but eventually that will not be enough and you will fall. What happens to your friends then? They will have to stop fighting to protect you, because they are honorable people. That much I know about you all; none of you will cut and run to leave the others behind. This fight is far from over. As I was saying a moment ago, these men are patient and have long-reaching goals. I plan to continue my quest to bring about their ruin for what they have done here. It will take a long time and a lot of resources. The people here will need protection while the others are below with me. The town will need to be rebuilt and people will be looking to you to help them do that. You may not understand it yet, Lady Rimehand, but you are now a hero to these people. They will looking to you all to tell them what do, how to rebuild, how to move on. That is the nature of people, they need guidance or they falter. This may not be what you wanted, but this is what you got. I did not want to go against the men and women that tutored and mentored me, who taught me the very skills I use against them. These people were my friends at one time, but that is the path I chose. You chose this path and now you must walk it."
Val's breath became heavy and began to fog in the air as the spirits threatened to run loose and crush this puny man, but something about Seid reminded Valaith of him, her brother, and the spirits who came so rapidly to her beckoning, scattered at the confusion they found within her mind. Val let the heavy head of her hammer fall to the ground with a resounding, dull thud. "You remind me of someone, he was clever like you." What would he have said to her? He had always been the more level-headed of them. Val always knew he would be their Chief one day, she would be his protector and he would have brought greatness to their tribe, because he saw things the others never could... "I will consider your words, Seid, but I make no promises. We are done." She hefts her hammer with a pained wince and strides away quickly before the little man could see the slight downturn of her mouth as the sadness she felt pulled at the corners of her lips.
Seid politely nods and steps aside to let her pass. He watches her carefully as the slightly golden glow behind his eyes picks up on the faint aura of darkness that swirls around her and the hammer she carried. He wondered about this, but spoke not of it. Everyone had their secrets, including himself, and he felt she would not appreciate such a violation. Still... she had used his name, that was a beginning. Perhaps she would listen after all. He loathed the suffering all these people had been subjected to... including this interesting woman from the southern wastes. A thousand questions floated around in his head. Who was she? Where exactly did she come from? What had she left her home? He shakes his head and returns to the group, silently following as they entered the building to seek out his former brethren.
Valaith waited silently, her hammer held at the ready while Brundir, Thurston, and Jex determined which way to go. This was the best way, let the clever ones make the decision and she would see that it was carried out... The wizard's words whirled through her thoughts as she fought to push them aside and focus on the task ahead.
Meanwhile, Seid walks over to Vark and places a hand upon his shoulder. "Well done, Vark, very well done. I am impressed with your arcane skill. Perhaps when we have some time available to us later, you and I could have a discussion on some arcane theories? Also, I would love to know more about what you saw below in the mines. I am concerned about the ritual they were doing. Perhaps together you and I could figure this riddle while the others drink to their victory?"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Vark mumbles an unintelligible response to Brundir, the dwarf’s comment clearly dampening the sorcerer’s pride, but he is reinvigorated by Seid’s words. Vark beams at the wizard “Oh! Uh-uhm yes I’d... I’d like that a lot!” The smile sticks to his face as they continue further into the building.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Seid nods and returns Vark's smile. "Good, I look forward to it. Now, we should be very careful going forward. There are likely to be many more of those arcane traps of which Jex already located one." Using his arcane sight, Seid will examine the doorways and look for any magical auras within the range of his magical vision.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Jex gestures for Seid to make space and searches the door thoroughly himself, happy that it is safe, he takes out his thieves tools and makes short work of the lock, after barely a second he gears the satisfying click and drop of the lock falling open. With a satisfied grin he makes to open the door and gesture his companions through, but his smile turns to surprise and confusion as it fails to move. He pushes the door in various places, listening with his ear pressed against it as he does so.
Frowning he finishes his investigation and turns to the others with a shrug. "It is not being bolted or wedged from the other side, this is most likely some magical trick." He gives Seid a sideways glance before winking at Thurston. "Perhaps a more brutish approach may still overcome it though. Thir was never held back by such puny things as locks. Bring the thunder and enter this room as Thor did the kingdom of the giants my friend."
He steps aside, clearing a path and rubbing his hands in excited anticipation.
Thurston laughs heartily in response to Jex's parable, and backs away from the door. Hefting his hammer, the Norscan charges forwards with a mighty roar, throwing himself at the dark-wood double doors. There's a soft woomf, and the doors part, sending the paladin tumbling into the governor's office. A split second later a high pitched ding fills the air.
Everybody make a dexterity save.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Val being so close to Thurston hears the high pitched noise and used to a life in the wastes responds immediately, she dives to the ground just as an explosion fills the area! She avoids much of the flames! Seid, however, was not so accustomed to such a life and his eyes grow wide at the sound as he stumbles backward in an attempt to escape the area of destruction. The burst of flame rips through the hallway and Seid's mouth opens in a scream as his skin singes and blisters from the intense searing heat! He stands there in the aftermath, shrieking in agony as he stares as his burnt hands, trying desperately to keep his arms and legs away from his torso.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
The pleasant look that had been on Vark’s face drops as his arcane passenger takes over automatically. One arm shoots up with fingers that trace an arc through the air. The fire spirals towards them like they’re little vacuums, and in the same instant Matthew gracefully directs the sorcerer in a sidestep. Seid provides convenient cover, and by the time Vark regains control he is standing with his back to the seared wizard, only slightly singed himself. A glowing red rune remains on his palm for a moment before fading, just as the ringing in his ears ceases.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Fire plumes out from behind the door in a concentrated explosion as Thurston smashes through the into the office. The large circular window behind the governor's desk immediately shatters outwards from the sudden shockwave and the screams of the villagers can be heard from outside as fire and smoke billow out of the hole in the wall, raining shards of glass from above. Any small objects lying about the room are scattered in all directions as the doors are blown off of their hinges. Smouldering papers fill the air with mote-like embers, falling all around as they crisp and curl from the sudden heat.
Jex immediately throws himself to the side with cat-like reactions, avoiding the worst of the blast, and Thurston dives behind the desk on the far side, his skin welting with burns as he raises his arms to shield himself.
Others are not so lucky. Hurrig takes the full brunt of the blast and is thrown from his feet, colliding with the bannister behind him with a crunch. Meanwhile the flames ravage Bründir's exposed side, as the dwarf frantically tries to protect his beard, leaving skin peeling from flesh.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva