River looks back at the two unconscious soldiers, then at Ryder. She races her shield and begins to mimic a deep, raspy voice that bleeds with evil.
"You shall not perish yet, Mortal. You're far too weak for my feast."
The red eyes on her shield glow and dark mist flows into the unconscious soldiers, their heart rate steadying and their bleeding coming to a stop. She then darts into the alley with everyone else.
Cast Spare the Dying on both unconscious soldiers. (Circle of Mortality: Can cast Spare the Dying at a range of 30ft)
Vishal rolls his eyes and says, “She just spared them their lives. Now Ryder. It looks like you’re with us though you won’t confirm or deny. And we don’t really have time to argue. But betraying us isn’t the best idea.” He then looks to Tiem and says, “Let’s go. I don’t know how long you can keep up this shadow trick but let’s use all of it.”
"I...am not...with you," Ryder growls out, what might be tears in his eyes. "As far as I'm concerned, we can never see each other again, altavar." He turns away from you all, clearly intending to leave.
Druhdaar turns around and looks at the young soldier briefly, but with intent. His chest heaving, the big druid feels his strength ebbing away but he remains firm on his legs as they prepare to retreat back into their hide-out.
" Suit yourself, kid. You'll be dead or recaptured within a day though, unless you come with us. I think you know that, too. " Then, looking back at the others, he continues: " Let him do what he wants, but we gotta go. Now. "
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
Vishal sighs and says, “Not the most elegant way to put it but you know he’s right. Especially after you attacked your own soldiers. You may not be on our side but it doesn’t look like your on theirs either. I’m not saying you have to help us, even though we would really appreciate it, but I’m saying at least come with us. You don’t deserve to be captured and tortured. And I promise we won’t hurt you. So please don’t throw your life away.”
Ryder turns back, crossing his arms. "I just attacked my friends, because of a feeling. I had to say goodbye to someone I've looked up to and trusted for most of my life through looks and vague words, because of a feeling. I'm really starting to re-understand why we're told to suppress those." He sighs, rubbing his forehead. "Fine, I'll come with you. But I'm leaving as soon as we're clear of the village and the Kintam."
As the five of you start to move out, the door opens and Riikana and the two remaining soldiers come out, followed by a wave of smoke. One of the soldiers quickly checks the pulse of the two soldiers laid out on the ground. "They're alive, praise the il-altas," he says to Riikana, who looks relieved. "Should we organize a pursuit, ma'am? They can't have gotten far."
Riikana shakes her head. "I'll track them alone. They may have other allies at another location, if we can find that it'll be much better, but I'll have a better chance of finding them and staying undetected if I'm on my own. While I'm gone, get the wounded to the Kintam for treatment. The civilians should be able to help."
"Yes, ma'am," The soldiers both bow and each carefully pick up an unconscious soldier and carry them into the hall.
Riikana remains outside, face grim, and turns to scan the area one last time.
Perception: 5
Her eyes move straight over the alley where you are, and she sighs before turning and heading down the street away for you, headed for a building with the symbol of a supply depot above it.
The five of you get away quietly, seeing no signs of heavier pursuit, Tiem's magic keeping you from leaving tracks for the first hour. Ryder is silent the entire time, even if approached. When you get back, you find Liira dozing lying down in a bedroll, while Taran makes a soup and Caelius writes in his book(?). Ryder stiffens. "There are more of you."
Druhdaar makes his way to the far end of the cave and flops down next to his bedroll, his breath coming out in raspy, painfull gasps. He quickly sets to bandaging his wounds the best he can. From what he can gather, there are at least a few broken ribs and a long, deep gash going all the way down from his lower back along the outter part of his left thigh to attend to, as well as an array of other cuts and bruises spread all over both his arms and shoulders. His right ankle is starting to swell as well.
" Must have been when I tried to crush that woman's head in and she slapped my hoof away with the flat of her sword... ", Druhdaar thinks to himself, his face flushed with contained anger. " Damn these Water Bastards ! " the big man's countenance suddenly breaks from a morose frown into a grimace of sheer hatred as he utters the last words aloud, his fists locked tight against his hips in a gesture of impotent rage.
Shaking his head like a wounded, irritated beast of burden, the bearded forester monk curses again profusely between clenched teeth, as he unrolls some strips of cloth from his backpack and starts wrapping them tightly around his torso, his green eyes staring blankly into the rocky cave wall across from him.
** Our friendly neighbourhood druid will heal his wounded pride and battered body parts by going for a short rest right now, if that fits with the narrative... (Discord rolls : regains 17 HP using his 3 Hit Dice) **
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
Caelius rises from his seat, and puts a finger to his lips. He points to Liira sleeping beside him. He looks to Ryder and then to Vishal. He gestures for Ryder to sit down before turning his attention back to Vishal.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Ryder moves silently to the back of the cave, shooting an angry look at Druhdaar upon the druid's words before he sits in a shallow alcove, face to the wall and back to the rest of the cave. He sits cross-legged and begins a series of breathing exercises.
"Perhpas. Let's just say things didn't go as planned. By the way this is Ryder. He isn't exactly with us but he isn't exactly against us. Helped us esacpe and can't really go back now."Vishal replies as he is getting bandaged.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"M-mister C-Caelius is asking how b-badly things went, y-you w-were only scouting, d-did you g-get ambushed by a p-patrol? H-How d-does Mis-Mister Ryder c-come into th-this? W-Was he b-being t-taken to the t-torture ch-chambers?"
“There’s a lot to say. I think it’s important to find a new location to camp for now. And.....well....Mr. Ryder still has a decision to make.” Vishal replies
"M-M-Miss Liira sh-should be okay to tr-travel if w-we d-do it slowly. B-But if they have d-discovered th-this location... wh-what is the pl-plan? Th-They will in-increase security at the K-Kintam, th-they may even m-move them to a t-trap now th-that th-they know there is a r-r-rescue effort."Taran paused, staring at the pot of stew, "C-Can w-we e-even g-get in w-without f-fighting ev-every g-guard in th-there?"
Druhdaar's gruff but also tired voice comes rumbling from his corner of the cave:
" This place is still safe. Seems like they didn't follow us here, otherwise we'd all be dead or in chains right now. "
The big man comes lumbering on unsteady legs towards the rest of the team, leaning on his staff to support his wounded leg and making sure Ryden is out of earshot before he continues, speaking in a low rumble:
" I got a bone to pick with that Riikana woman. I say we lure her and some of her guards out to us and take them out one by one, guerilla style. They picked their side, so let's finish this. We deal with the Kintam situation then. "
His eyes are flashing with hatred, like low burning coals.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
Ryder Perception because you're in an echoing cave: 8
Ryder is too distracted by what he says right now to hear what Druhdaar says about Riikana, but he responds to Taran from where he's doing his breathing exercises. "Riikana won't tell Sulatesh or the Kintam. And she won't be trying to find the cave either, not very hard. If she was serious about hunting you down, she'd have gotten other water soldiers and taken them with her." His voice is tired, but far more level than it was before he started calming down. "You probably owe Riikana your lives right now."
River looks back at the two unconscious soldiers, then at Ryder. She races her shield and begins to mimic a deep, raspy voice that bleeds with evil.
"You shall not perish yet, Mortal. You're far too weak for my feast."
The red eyes on her shield glow and dark mist flows into the unconscious soldiers, their heart rate steadying and their bleeding coming to a stop. She then darts into the alley with everyone else.
Cast Spare the Dying on both unconscious soldiers. (Circle of Mortality: Can cast Spare the Dying at a range of 30ft)
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Vishal rolls his eyes and says, “She just spared them their lives. Now Ryder. It looks like you’re with us though you won’t confirm or deny. And we don’t really have time to argue. But betraying us isn’t the best idea.” He then looks to Tiem and says, “Let’s go. I don’t know how long you can keep up this shadow trick but let’s use all of it.”
"I...am not...with you," Ryder growls out, what might be tears in his eyes. "As far as I'm concerned, we can never see each other again, altavar." He turns away from you all, clearly intending to leave.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"What if crr They were your friends?" River calls after Ryder.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Druhdaar turns around and looks at the young soldier briefly, but with intent. His chest heaving, the big druid feels his strength ebbing away but he remains firm on his legs as they prepare to retreat back into their hide-out.
" Suit yourself, kid. You'll be dead or recaptured within a day though, unless you come with us. I think you know that, too. " Then, looking back at the others, he continues: " Let him do what he wants, but we gotta go. Now. "
Persuasion 11
Insight on Ryder 19
Stealth to vanish into the alleyways 16
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
Vishal sighs and says, “Not the most elegant way to put it but you know he’s right. Especially after you attacked your own soldiers. You may not be on our side but it doesn’t look like your on theirs either. I’m not saying you have to help us, even though we would really appreciate it, but I’m saying at least come with us. You don’t deserve to be captured and tortured. And I promise we won’t hurt you. So please don’t throw your life away.”
Ryder turns back, crossing his arms. "I just attacked my friends, because of a feeling. I had to say goodbye to someone I've looked up to and trusted for most of my life through looks and vague words, because of a feeling. I'm really starting to re-understand why we're told to suppress those." He sighs, rubbing his forehead. "Fine, I'll come with you. But I'm leaving as soon as we're clear of the village and the Kintam."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Tiem: 30
Ryder: 23
As the five of you start to move out, the door opens and Riikana and the two remaining soldiers come out, followed by a wave of smoke. One of the soldiers quickly checks the pulse of the two soldiers laid out on the ground. "They're alive, praise the il-altas," he says to Riikana, who looks relieved. "Should we organize a pursuit, ma'am? They can't have gotten far."
Riikana shakes her head. "I'll track them alone. They may have other allies at another location, if we can find that it'll be much better, but I'll have a better chance of finding them and staying undetected if I'm on my own. While I'm gone, get the wounded to the Kintam for treatment. The civilians should be able to help."
"Yes, ma'am," The soldiers both bow and each carefully pick up an unconscious soldier and carry them into the hall.
Riikana remains outside, face grim, and turns to scan the area one last time.
Perception: 5
Her eyes move straight over the alley where you are, and she sighs before turning and heading down the street away for you, headed for a building with the symbol of a supply depot above it.
The five of you get away quietly, seeing no signs of heavier pursuit, Tiem's magic keeping you from leaving tracks for the first hour. Ryder is silent the entire time, even if approached. When you get back, you find Liira dozing lying down in a bedroll, while Taran makes a soup and Caelius writes in his book(?). Ryder stiffens. "There are more of you."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"crr Allies. crr Friends. crr You are safe here." River responds, strapping her shield to her back.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Druhdaar makes his way to the far end of the cave and flops down next to his bedroll, his breath coming out in raspy, painfull gasps. He quickly sets to bandaging his wounds the best he can. From what he can gather, there are at least a few broken ribs and a long, deep gash going all the way down from his lower back along the outter part of his left thigh to attend to, as well as an array of other cuts and bruises spread all over both his arms and shoulders. His right ankle is starting to swell as well.
" Must have been when I tried to crush that woman's head in and she slapped my hoof away with the flat of her sword... ", Druhdaar thinks to himself, his face flushed with contained anger. " Damn these Water Bastards ! " the big man's countenance suddenly breaks from a morose frown into a grimace of sheer hatred as he utters the last words aloud, his fists locked tight against his hips in a gesture of impotent rage.
Shaking his head like a wounded, irritated beast of burden, the bearded forester monk curses again profusely between clenched teeth, as he unrolls some strips of cloth from his backpack and starts wrapping them tightly around his torso, his green eyes staring blankly into the rocky cave wall across from him.
** Our friendly neighbourhood druid will heal his wounded pride and battered body parts by going for a short rest right now, if that fits with the narrative... (Discord rolls : regains 17 HP using his 3 Hit Dice) **
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
Caelius rises from his seat, and puts a finger to his lips. He points to Liira sleeping beside him. He looks to Ryder and then to Vishal. He gestures for Ryder to sit down before turning his attention back to Vishal.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Ryder moves silently to the back of the cave, shooting an angry look at Druhdaar upon the druid's words before he sits in a shallow alcove, face to the wall and back to the rest of the cave. He sits cross-legged and begins a series of breathing exercises.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Taran moves to check everyone's injuries, bandaging Druhdaar and Vishal (OOC: I don't think River was injured) leaving the half eaten pot of soup.
"Wh-what h-happened? D-Do w-we need t-to ch-change l-locations?" He'd ask as he was providing medical care.
Kit heals
Druhdaar: 13
Vishal: 12
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
"Perhpas. Let's just say things didn't go as planned. By the way this is Ryder. He isn't exactly with us but he isn't exactly against us. Helped us esacpe and can't really go back now." Vishal replies as he is getting bandaged.
Caelius looks at Ryder with a frown and then looks back to Vishal quizzically. He signs,
How badly did things go?
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"M-mister C-Caelius is asking how b-badly things went, y-you w-were only scouting, d-did you g-get ambushed by a p-patrol? H-How d-does Mis-Mister Ryder c-come into th-this? W-Was he b-being t-taken to the t-torture ch-chambers?"
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
“There’s a lot to say. I think it’s important to find a new location to camp for now. And.....well....Mr. Ryder still has a decision to make.” Vishal replies
Taran nods and begins packing up the camp.
"M-M-Miss Liira sh-should be okay to tr-travel if w-we d-do it slowly. B-But if they have d-discovered th-this location... wh-what is the pl-plan? Th-They will in-increase security at the K-Kintam, th-they may even m-move them to a t-trap now th-that th-they know there is a r-r-rescue effort." Taran paused, staring at the pot of stew, "C-Can w-we e-even g-get in w-without f-fighting ev-every g-guard in th-there?"
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Druhdaar's gruff but also tired voice comes rumbling from his corner of the cave:
" This place is still safe. Seems like they didn't follow us here, otherwise we'd all be dead or in chains right now. "
The big man comes lumbering on unsteady legs towards the rest of the team, leaning on his staff to support his wounded leg and making sure Ryden is out of earshot before he continues, speaking in a low rumble:
" I got a bone to pick with that Riikana woman. I say we lure her and some of her guards out to us and take them out one by one, guerilla style. They picked their side, so let's finish this. We deal with the Kintam situation then. "
His eyes are flashing with hatred, like low burning coals.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
Ryder Perception because you're in an echoing cave: 8
Ryder is too distracted by what he says right now to hear what Druhdaar says about Riikana, but he responds to Taran from where he's doing his breathing exercises. "Riikana won't tell Sulatesh or the Kintam. And she won't be trying to find the cave either, not very hard. If she was serious about hunting you down, she'd have gotten other water soldiers and taken them with her." His voice is tired, but far more level than it was before he started calming down. "You probably owe Riikana your lives right now."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!