Witnessing the as yet anonymous woman cut down the two remaining kobolds with precise thrusts from each of her blades, Strife began to suspect her rescuer had formed a pact much darker even than her own. Such a shame! Tremendous beauty and talent gone to waste, enslaved to further an agenda that wasn’t her own. If so, it was much too late to save her - some contracts are inviolable. Even so, she had spared Strife from further harm, and that was appreciated. “Thank you very much, um ... Miss? That thing moved more swiftly than I had allowed for. Happily I can fix this sort of mistake,” she announced.
Strife was just about to speak her Healing Word when she overheard the other human woman who had been pursued speaking of her injured husband. Unsure what her companions were capable of, Strife opted to postpone healing herself until she confirmed her last spell of the day wouldn’t be needed to aid the stricken man.
Addressing the entire group, Strife said “I propose we aid her husband quickly, then we can confer as we escort these people to safety. I am able to perform some basic arcane healing as necessary, and thankfully it seems the rest of you were more skilled at not allowing yourselves to be impaled. My name is Strife, by the way - we didn’t really get as far as names when we rushed over here.”
Strife made her way over toward the husband to examine him, though her own limp was pronounced. She gazed up periodically into the dimming sky to stay alert for a possible draconic strafing. With Crow’s assistance, she assesses whether the man can be aided sufficiently with the medical kit, or whether a magical intervention would be called for.
"Cora." she said to Strife, reminding her her name. "Cora Perkins."
Cora then turned to Starling as they crept through the buildings, "Sure, if you think you can keep up--" and then Starling was instantly gone. "What the.." Cora said, impressed.
Wow. She showed your sexy ass. Shut up. Just sayin' it like it is. I get lucky sometimes. If you're talking between the sheets, you're dead right. Not exactly, but I won't argue. Smart girl. By they way, when you have a moment, we want to know more about the Tiefling. Why. What do you mean? Do not question. We want more information. Do as your told, and initiate the link. As you wish.
"Everyone. Let us move quickly. I am positive more trouble is near." She said to everyone.
Starling couldn't help but smirk, having been able to hear that last bit Cora had said. Keep up? Pfft. Her smirk was quickly dropped after a moment of telling herself to get back into her hunters mind set. With her bow drawn and ready to shoot if anyone got caught, she slithered through the back streets, stopping every now and again to see if everyone else was doing okay and keeping up with her.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Strife felt buoyed by the way this peculiar disparate group had coalesced suddenly around a noble task: helping some people less fortunate. She didn't know who she was helping, nor even the motley crew that joined her in offering the help, but it was so obviously the right thing to do. Yes, there was plenty of wickedness, selfishness, and turning away from need throughout the world, but this moment demonstrated that there were still folk who would sacrifice for the sake of others.
Strife was very curious what had caused this conflagration. Addressing herself to the married couple, Strife probed for any insight they might offer. "So clearly, at least one dragon is highly displeased with this settlement, and in my reading, it is well documented that kobolds have a strong affinity for dragons, so I'm not much surprised they would fight for the dragon's cause. But you also mentioned something about cultists. Are they also kobolds, or are they distinct? Do you have any background on what is taking place here?"
As the group travelled into the city, they moved quietly, keeping an eye out for trouble ahead. Through the smoke, Ratha could not make anything out on the rooftops. Cora had trouble making out anything. The street they were heading down seemed safe, but the corners were tight, and the fire smoke from the buildings obscured things from sight. She moved silently, though, her footsteps unheard on the cobblestones. Behind her, Starling moved like a shadow, almost invisible even to those who had seen her moments before as she moved down the street with practiced care. Scouting ahead, Starling could make out several kobolds down the street, talking to each other in their sharp hissing language. It seemed like more could be around the corner, but none had noticed the pair of scouts.
Crow stayed a safe distance back with the husband and the two children, a careful enough distance that stealth seemed to be thankfully not a concern. The man said something that sounded a lot like "thank you," but between the soft grunts of pain, it was difficult to make out. When Strife fell back to check on the man, it seemed he was stable, at least, but any further attacks could drop him quickly.
Zust lead the group quietly, and as asked, the woman fell in step with him to help point the way. At Strife's questioning, she hesitated, shaking her head. "The cultists seem to be all human, at least, as far as I've seen. I don't know what any of them want. The dragon just started circling the town, then all these things started rushing in and attacking everyone." At Shaa's suggestion that they move quickly, she shakily nodded in agreement.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jubilant/Tiefling/Warlock/The Guardians of Kinloran
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Kobolds we might scare off with a sufficient show of strength, but human cultists? I would much prefer to dissuade them with words, as I can be most convincing in conversation, but cultists are apt to be far too fanatical. They know the Great Leader lies, but they don’t care, as the Great Leader’s mythology harmonizes with their own fears, insecurities, and hatred. I have to imagine the driving personality behind this is the reptilian firestorm flying somewhere above. If so, we will likely have to discover some indirect way of pressuring it to depart.
“I know I can’t achieve that by myself, but these new friends seem quite willing to work together for such a purpose. But what I can do is provide aid for your husband’s injuries.”
Strife casts Cure Wounds to restore 5 (1d8+3) hit points to the man.
"Human or otherwise if they are out to cause harm and commit such evil deeds then I would find the most prudent courses of action would be to end them much like we did with those poor excuses for Dragonkin..." Zust says in a quiet voice.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Rekuberk Onc Level 8 | Half Orc | Barbarian (The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks)
As Strife cast her healing spell, Cora saw an opportunity. While they crept along the back row of homes to the tower, she walked up to the Tiefling.
"Hold still a moment. This won't hurt a bit." Cora said, and touched one finger to her temple, and with her other hand, touched the temple of Strife. There was no pain, simply a touch. After a moment, Cora said, "Thank you." with a wry smile.
Ah. Interesting. We were not expecting that. Do what you will with the information. Leave me out of it. You told me to do a job, so let me. Ohhh, fiesty you are. You of all people should know the value of information. Especially from our enemies. She is not my enemy. She is nothing more than a healer. Yes, but her source of power is of interest to US, thus you will do as we say. ..as you wish.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Focused on maintaining the safety of these injured folk, Crow keeps his head on a swivel forward and back up and down for any danger, thankful that he is not the only one looking out for the good of these people. He was glad to seen the man healed next to him as well. Perception: 17
Kaneda followed the group in the middle keeping his calm but itching at the bit to get close to the dragon. But first was to save as many people as they could.
They reached a corner and it seemed that some of the others were picking up some conversation, it seemed to be kobolds and possibly humans.
"How many of them are there?" He whispered to the heads of the group.
Caught in the moment of her concentration upon the healing spell, Strife is distracted when Cora performs her temple touch, and though Strife quickly flinches away, it's too late.
Oh, you dirty, awful, scheming, opportunistic, wretched, execrable, broken, and thoroughly vile *****-tool! You've made a play, so celebrate your win, but you'll rue this day, for Strife's skin is thin, she thinks to herself.
"My oh my, Cora, wouldst thou finger thy consort so brazenly? Such familiarity, such liberties so boldly taken, yet no flowers offered, nor sonnets proffered, nor nuptial ring to commit a date when? Your touch might I welcome, your charm is plain to see, but since you take advantage, virtue doth refuse thee. Though no pain did I feel, my wound you left unhealed, true intent lies concealed, what secrets might you steal?"
Strife smiles flirtatiously at her frenemy, her tail slowly swishing side to side, her vigilance renewed.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Strife was monologuing, Starling looked over the corner of the building they hid behind to see how many enemies there were on the other side to answer Kaneda’s question.
Perception: 8
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
As Zust moves forward, he can make out a few voices in Draconic. "This is not treasure, this is pathetic garbage! The Queen must have the finest things!" "How is this not treasure? It's shiny!" It's difficult to make out any additional voices or information without moving forward or making a perception check.
Shaa readies Prestidigitation. What do they wait for before casting it?
"It's a valiant goal," the woman said gratefully. When Strife cast Cure Wounds, the man's injuries slowly seemed to knit themselves shut, scarring over for a moment before the scars too faded away, leaving not much else but blood stains. The man looked up in surprise, whispering hoarsely, "Thank you."
As conflict began to brew between Strife and Cora, Crow and Starling took the moment to get a better look at the kobolds in the street ahead. With their careful gazes, the two could make out a total of three kobolds. With them, however, there seemed to be another creature, a larger gnarled quadruped that looked somewhat draconic in nature, standing impatiently at the side of the kobolds with a low guttural growl.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jubilant/Tiefling/Warlock/The Guardians of Kinloran
"Human or otherwise if they are out to cause harm and commit such evil deeds then I would find the most prudent courses of action would be to end them much like we did with those poor excuses for Dragonkin..." Zust says in a quiet voice.
Kaneda looked to Zust and nodded in agreement.
"I agree, anyone who worships and follows a creature that can cause such destruction needs to be purged from this earth. Whenever your ready, just say the word." He whispered to Zust, placing his axe on his belt and drawing a javelin.
"Ha! Nicely said. But, your tongue wiggles too much, Strife." Cora snorted in a quick laugh, looking over the situation with everyone else. "You could learn a thing or two from Starling over here." she winked at the elf.
“Betcha would want that tongue wiggling somewhere else.” Starling deadpanned, paying more attention to the kobolds. She raised her hand with four fingers, indicating that there were four creatures. “I think we can sneak past these guys,” She says, putting on a more serious face. “But it’s up to everyone else.”
((Ooc: sneaky snakes anyone? I’m good with murder too!))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
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Witnessing the as yet anonymous woman cut down the two remaining kobolds with precise thrusts from each of her blades, Strife began to suspect her rescuer had formed a pact much darker even than her own. Such a shame! Tremendous beauty and talent gone to waste, enslaved to further an agenda that wasn’t her own. If so, it was much too late to save her - some contracts are inviolable. Even so, she had spared Strife from further harm, and that was appreciated. “Thank you very much, um ... Miss? That thing moved more swiftly than I had allowed for. Happily I can fix this sort of mistake,” she announced.
Strife was just about to speak her Healing Word when she overheard the other human woman who had been pursued speaking of her injured husband. Unsure what her companions were capable of, Strife opted to postpone healing herself until she confirmed her last spell of the day wouldn’t be needed to aid the stricken man.
Addressing the entire group, Strife said “I propose we aid her husband quickly, then we can confer as we escort these people to safety. I am able to perform some basic arcane healing as necessary, and thankfully it seems the rest of you were more skilled at not allowing yourselves to be impaled. My name is Strife, by the way - we didn’t really get as far as names when we rushed over here.”
Strife made her way over toward the husband to examine him, though her own limp was pronounced. She gazed up periodically into the dimming sky to stay alert for a possible draconic strafing. With Crow’s assistance, she assesses whether the man can be aided sufficiently with the medical kit, or whether a magical intervention would be called for.
"Cora." she said to Strife, reminding her her name. "Cora Perkins."
Cora then turned to Starling as they crept through the buildings, "Sure, if you think you can keep up--" and then Starling was instantly gone. "What the.." Cora said, impressed.
Wow. She showed your sexy ass.
Shut up.
Just sayin' it like it is.
I get lucky sometimes.
If you're talking between the sheets, you're dead right.
Not exactly, but I won't argue.
Smart girl. By they way, when you have a moment, we want to know more about the Tiefling.
Why. What do you mean?
Do not question. We want more information. Do as your told, and initiate the link.
As you wish.
"Everyone. Let us move quickly. I am positive more trouble is near." She said to everyone.
Starling couldn't help but smirk, having been able to hear that last bit Cora had said. Keep up? Pfft. Her smirk was quickly dropped after a moment of telling herself to get back into her hunters mind set. With her bow drawn and ready to shoot if anyone got caught, she slithered through the back streets, stopping every now and again to see if everyone else was doing okay and keeping up with her.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Strife felt buoyed by the way this peculiar disparate group had coalesced suddenly around a noble task: helping some people less fortunate. She didn't know who she was helping, nor even the motley crew that joined her in offering the help, but it was so obviously the right thing to do. Yes, there was plenty of wickedness, selfishness, and turning away from need throughout the world, but this moment demonstrated that there were still folk who would sacrifice for the sake of others.
Strife was very curious what had caused this conflagration. Addressing herself to the married couple, Strife probed for any insight they might offer. "So clearly, at least one dragon is highly displeased with this settlement, and in my reading, it is well documented that kobolds have a strong affinity for dragons, so I'm not much surprised they would fight for the dragon's cause. But you also mentioned something about cultists. Are they also kobolds, or are they distinct? Do you have any background on what is taking place here?"
Following along Ratha stows her rapier watching the surrounding rooftops for any trouble.
Perception:5
Shaa moves forward.
"Let's go to the keep. More people may need our help."
He looks at Linan. "We better hurry."
Writing a Story
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/story-lore/27837-magister-reborn-story-thread
As the group travelled into the city, they moved quietly, keeping an eye out for trouble ahead. Through the smoke, Ratha could not make anything out on the rooftops. Cora had trouble making out anything. The street they were heading down seemed safe, but the corners were tight, and the fire smoke from the buildings obscured things from sight. She moved silently, though, her footsteps unheard on the cobblestones. Behind her, Starling moved like a shadow, almost invisible even to those who had seen her moments before as she moved down the street with practiced care. Scouting ahead, Starling could make out several kobolds down the street, talking to each other in their sharp hissing language. It seemed like more could be around the corner, but none had noticed the pair of scouts.
Crow stayed a safe distance back with the husband and the two children, a careful enough distance that stealth seemed to be thankfully not a concern. The man said something that sounded a lot like "thank you," but between the soft grunts of pain, it was difficult to make out. When Strife fell back to check on the man, it seemed he was stable, at least, but any further attacks could drop him quickly.
Zust lead the group quietly, and as asked, the woman fell in step with him to help point the way. At Strife's questioning, she hesitated, shaking her head. "The cultists seem to be all human, at least, as far as I've seen. I don't know what any of them want. The dragon just started circling the town, then all these things started rushing in and attacking everyone." At Shaa's suggestion that they move quickly, she shakily nodded in agreement.
Jubilant/Tiefling/Warlock/The Guardians of Kinloran
Kalahari/Earth Genasi/Cleric/Eternal Warfare
Gin/Goblin/Cleric/Hidden Heroes
Suneni/Dragonborn/Monk/The Burning Dead
Zust will paused when they hear the kobolds speaking, moving ahead to see if he can make out what they are saying if it is draconic.
Rekuberk Onc Level 8 | Half Orc | Barbarian (The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks)
Kayassa Level 3 | Satyr | Warlock (Cleath13's LMoP)
Bertolt Silentlash Level 3 | Variant Human | Bard (Our Little Lives Kept in Equipoise: Death House)
Daerthe Narcion Level 4 | Drow | Rogue (Karmoli's Great Upheaval)
Shaa is ready to cast prestidigitation as a way to attract attention away from them.
Writing a Story
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/story-lore/27837-magister-reborn-story-thread
“Kobolds we might scare off with a sufficient show of strength, but human cultists? I would much prefer to dissuade them with words, as I can be most convincing in conversation, but cultists are apt to be far too fanatical. They know the Great Leader lies, but they don’t care, as the Great Leader’s mythology harmonizes with their own fears, insecurities, and hatred. I have to imagine the driving personality behind this is the reptilian firestorm flying somewhere above. If so, we will likely have to discover some indirect way of pressuring it to depart.
“I know I can’t achieve that by myself, but these new friends seem quite willing to work together for such a purpose. But what I can do is provide aid for your husband’s injuries.”
Strife casts Cure Wounds to restore 5 (1d8+3) hit points to the man.
"Human or otherwise if they are out to cause harm and commit such evil deeds then I would find the most prudent courses of action would be to end them much like we did with those poor excuses for Dragonkin..." Zust says in a quiet voice.
Rekuberk Onc Level 8 | Half Orc | Barbarian (The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks)
Kayassa Level 3 | Satyr | Warlock (Cleath13's LMoP)
Bertolt Silentlash Level 3 | Variant Human | Bard (Our Little Lives Kept in Equipoise: Death House)
Daerthe Narcion Level 4 | Drow | Rogue (Karmoli's Great Upheaval)
As Strife cast her healing spell, Cora saw an opportunity. While they crept along the back row of homes to the tower, she walked up to the Tiefling.
"Hold still a moment. This won't hurt a bit." Cora said, and touched one finger to her temple, and with her other hand, touched the temple of Strife. There was no pain, simply a touch. After a moment, Cora said, "Thank you." with a wry smile.
Ah. Interesting. We were not expecting that.
Do what you will with the information. Leave me out of it. You told me to do a job, so let me.
Ohhh, fiesty you are. You of all people should know the value of information. Especially from our enemies.
She is not my enemy. She is nothing more than a healer.
Yes, but her source of power is of interest to US, thus you will do as we say.
..as you wish.
Focused on maintaining the safety of these injured folk, Crow keeps his head on a swivel forward and back up and down for any danger, thankful that he is not the only one looking out for the good of these people. He was glad to seen the man healed next to him as well. Perception: 17
Dungeon Master - The Chronicle Campaign PbP
Kaneda followed the group in the middle keeping his calm but itching at the bit to get close to the dragon. But first was to save as many people as they could.
They reached a corner and it seemed that some of the others were picking up some conversation, it seemed to be kobolds and possibly humans.
"How many of them are there?" He whispered to the heads of the group.
Caught in the moment of her concentration upon the healing spell, Strife is distracted when Cora performs her temple touch, and though Strife quickly flinches away, it's too late.
Oh, you dirty, awful, scheming, opportunistic, wretched, execrable, broken, and thoroughly vile *****-tool! You've made a play, so celebrate your win, but you'll rue this day, for Strife's skin is thin, she thinks to herself.
"My oh my, Cora, wouldst thou finger thy consort so brazenly? Such familiarity, such liberties so boldly taken, yet no flowers offered, nor sonnets proffered, nor nuptial ring to commit a date when? Your touch might I welcome, your charm is plain to see, but since you take advantage, virtue doth refuse thee. Though no pain did I feel, my wound you left unhealed, true intent lies concealed, what secrets might you steal?"
Strife smiles flirtatiously at her frenemy, her tail slowly swishing side to side, her vigilance renewed.
As Strife was monologuing, Starling looked over the corner of the building they hid behind to see how many enemies there were on the other side to answer Kaneda’s question.
Perception: 8
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
As Zust moves forward, he can make out a few voices in Draconic. "This is not treasure, this is pathetic garbage! The Queen must have the finest things!" "How is this not treasure? It's shiny!" It's difficult to make out any additional voices or information without moving forward or making a perception check.
Shaa readies Prestidigitation. What do they wait for before casting it?
"It's a valiant goal," the woman said gratefully. When Strife cast Cure Wounds, the man's injuries slowly seemed to knit themselves shut, scarring over for a moment before the scars too faded away, leaving not much else but blood stains. The man looked up in surprise, whispering hoarsely, "Thank you."
As conflict began to brew between Strife and Cora, Crow and Starling took the moment to get a better look at the kobolds in the street ahead. With their careful gazes, the two could make out a total of three kobolds. With them, however, there seemed to be another creature, a larger gnarled quadruped that looked somewhat draconic in nature, standing impatiently at the side of the kobolds with a low guttural growl.
Jubilant/Tiefling/Warlock/The Guardians of Kinloran
Kalahari/Earth Genasi/Cleric/Eternal Warfare
Gin/Goblin/Cleric/Hidden Heroes
Suneni/Dragonborn/Monk/The Burning Dead
Kaneda looked to Zust and nodded in agreement.
"I agree, anyone who worships and follows a creature that can cause such destruction needs to be purged from this earth. Whenever your ready, just say the word." He whispered to Zust, placing his axe on his belt and drawing a javelin.
(OOC: I'm ready when you guys are.)
"Ha! Nicely said. But, your tongue wiggles too much, Strife." Cora snorted in a quick laugh, looking over the situation with everyone else. "You could learn a thing or two from Starling over here." she winked at the elf.
“Betcha would want that tongue wiggling somewhere else.” Starling deadpanned, paying more attention to the kobolds. She raised her hand with four fingers, indicating that there were four creatures. “I think we can sneak past these guys,” She says, putting on a more serious face. “But it’s up to everyone else.”
((Ooc: sneaky snakes anyone? I’m good with murder too!))
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\