Snow nods in response to Auger. "It would make sense if the room ahead is the actual master's bed chamber, the other door would likely be the entrance".
"I will move the pillar when you give the nod Varielky, I will keep it active in case we need it", he says and then moves into the doorway of the southern room.
Action: Move Moonbeam to L2, L3, M2, M3 when Varielky indicates she is ready to pass (it is unlikely to cause damage this round so haven't rolled for it). Round 4/10. Movement: 20ft to O7 Reaction:
If anyone attacks him that he can see he will use Cutting Words. Cutting Words: 4+2=6 “Go back to the depths of whatever hell spawned you”
Varielky begins to run but then stops, waiting for Snow to move his magical light. By the time he does, and as she walks on forward to look into the last open door, the adrenalin's effect on her body weakens, for she sees no more enemies around. Suddenly, she can feel her muscles screaming from the sudden effort they were not used to, and the pain from all the fresh wounds she barely even felt just moments ago. She could tell she was able to do what she wanted to, but at the same time, her body was not yet used to this state. At the very least, it didn't feel like any damage was caused by trying, so Varielky reasons she can try it again.
Once the beam is moved, Varielky raises her shield higher and walks into the room. If a shower of arrows is to welcome her, she prefers them to hit the shield instead, at least.
Status: Rage ends, per the ability's description, unless Varielky takes damage during this turn from some readied attack. Action: Dodge. Move: To O-5, and after Snow moves his Moonbeam, to P-4.
Varielky looks out into a circular stairway, which she intuits leads down to the doorway in front of which she stood earlier, blocking goblins and the troll.
The staircase is now empty, save for two crushed goblin bodies.
Auger briefly joins Varielky at the stairs and then looks down them with her. Then he makes eye contact with her and silently head nods towards the double doors. "When you are ready," he whispers at her. Auger then steps back so that he will not be far behind Varielky when she opens the doors.
Noting the lights still dancing above his head, Auger sends them all into the stairwell, so they will not shine in through the double doors.
Snow holds his ground and keeps his concentration firmly on the Pillar of light, ready to move it through the double doors if they find more goblins on the other side. He shifts forward slightly in order to get visibility whilst retaining cover from the doorway he stands in.
"I am ready", he confirms after Auger states he is ready. "You've got this Varielky", he adds, intending to inspire her.
Concentration: Moonbeam, round 5/10 Movement: Shifts forward very slightly to look around the door frame, whilst retaining cover. On the line between O6 and O7. Action: Ready action to move Moonbeam once the double door is opened. Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration for Varielky (1d8 for 10 minutes) Reaction:
If anyone attacks Varielky that he can see he will use Cutting Words. Cutting Words: 7+2=9 “Go back to the depths of whatever hell spawned you”
Varielky takes a deep breath. Yes, her body is temporarily tired, but she can still fight as she always did. It's more the ache after a good exercise than the tiredness after a long day. Varielky flicks her sword to splash any blood that remained on it away. Then, she raises it and touches its broad side with her forehead. Briefly and silently, she prays for divine guidance in the coming fight, and though there is no telling what will happen, the act alone helps her steel her resolve even further.
She walks to the door. Hopefully, honourous if evil Humans, and not dishonest and evil Goblins. Varielky knocks on the door, five quick and short yet strong knocks. Then, she waits for an answer. If one is not given after a few seconds, she'll try opening the door.
(Using a bonus action to heal 10 HP from Dreygaard.)
When Varielky knocks upon the door, the sound reverberates briefly before another distant boom of thunder seems to swallow its echo. The door is unlocked, or rather, its latch seems to be broken. The knocking, by itself, causes one side of the double-door to swing away an inch into the chamber behind it.
Through the crack which now opens into the room, an odor seeps out, one the shield-maiden has smelled before, but not since jogging through the Ishi Ammah docks in the mornings before sparring practice. There, she could smell the opium dens as she passed them, the smoke from the prior night’s excesses fighting the morning chill and clinging to doorways or passed-out ne'er do wells lying bunched up and shivering in the alleys.
Here, that pungent, smoky smell, again. Minus the fresh salt water spraying from the bay.
There seems to be no response to the shield-maiden’s knocking. She pushes the door, and at that exact moment, a voice drifts to her from across whatever chamber the door opens upon.
‘I’m not… hungry now. But um thirst. -y. Get more water… um Goo for.’
Opening the door wider, you see a large parlor, with a pair of comfortable sofa chairs facing the door across a beautiful but deeply stained rug, a large canopy bed upon a dais against the far wall.
In the room, you see a muscular human, bare-chested, chiseled physique, violet complexion, wearing a charcoal turban and holding a large glaive balanced in one palm standing straight up above him as he lounges on one chair. He seems to be asleep, except that the glaive doesn’t fall. He moves his palm forward, left, right, just an inch or two to keep it balanced.
In the other chair lounges a woman, sitting sideways, or lying sideways, slouching profoundly at any rate, her head fully reclined so it hangs off the edge of the chair, her greying, unkempt topknot brushing the rug. One hand with long, ornate fingernails hangs limp on the floor, the other is in her lap. Her eyes are closed. It seems she was the one who spoke a moment ago.
On a small table between the two are the accoutrements which one would surmise led to the smell: a porcelain pipe, a cup of small coals, a gilded container holding ground opium.
As the door opens wider, another odor is apparent: roast pork. Or something like it.
Auger peeks in and steps through the door, stepping forward enough to allow others to follow, but not so much as to appear to be approaching the couple.
"We brought no water for you, Jlasi. Perhaps you can ask one of your servants, if you can find any."
Auger pauses and notes their state. Wondering at the odd circumstance Auger struggles to keep a horrible anger from his voice as he talks, "I am called Auger. I would know who works with Goblins of all things here in the Vale. Perhaps I could know the names of the -- the lord and lady-- of this castle." From the stairway Auger brings his motes of light forward so that they shine in the room near the couple.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky was about to announce their arrival and, of course, immediately challenge the Jlasi to a duel. When Auger steps in front just a moment earlier, though, she allows him to do any talking he wishes to without interfering. Well, at least for now. They were intruding their castle, and had probably killed all - or at least most - of their servants. The Jlasi surely won't just leave the place without a fight. And, if they do... they're not worth fighting anyway, though it would definitely be a disappointment.
Snow waits patiently in his position in the doorway, watching the scene unfold. The scent of opium and roast pork wafts over him and he stifles a cough.
Seeing the glaive wielder holding his weapon so nonchalantly, he concentrates and manifests his invisible hand close to it, ready to perhaps take it away.
Concentration: Moonbeam, round 6/10 Action: Cast Mage Hand - no components, up to 60ft and invisible due to Telekinetic feat. Round 1/10
A long moment passes, and Auger may wonder if the pair before him were endowed with hearing at all, until the woman finally answers. Her head turns slowly to the door, and she says, her words slow but incisive, “We are the Lord and Lady Tazellayt, Seneschal Abziri. But do not stand upon the threshold rudely. Come in. We knew not that guests had called.”
Her eyes do not seem to focus on you, really, at first, but you see they are stunningly multi-colored, as is she stunning in her totality, even with morning hair. Her full lips curve into a soft pout, her eyes — lashes, miles long — shift sensuously to Auger. You now note that she is Jenghen. Her violet skin is patched with attractive and symmetrical pink highlights, and she wears a slinky kimono, loose at the belt, revealing arms, legs, cleavage.
As Snow’s invisible hand moves toward the reclined warrior, he, the bare-chested Shian — bare-chested, that is, except for a leather strap holding a dagger sheathe close to his abdomen — with great strength, firmly grasps the very end of the glaive’s pole and very slowly lowers its tip to point toward the far wall, maintaining a firm hold on the weapon.
The man otherwise remains where he is, but Varielky — only Varielky — senses a change in his breathing, not unlike that which she herself had experienced only a few minutes earlier.
Varielky slowly walked into the room. She is thrilled - more than anything - to get a chance to fight a warrior that should at least be strong on their own. Moreover, the wife being a Jenghen, Varielky is convinced she is more than just someone's wife, too. The fact that she does not openly carry a weapon though, was alarming. Well, it wouldn't be exciting if they weren't powerful. Still, when Varielky moves a bit sideways to let Auger take the stage, she does so in the man's direction.
Beyond the thrill of the coming fight, one more sensation hold on to Varielky. The smell of the opium reminds her - indirectly - of the poison they encountered in Ishi Ammah. Anger swells in her once again, but she keeps it down, as the imminent fight that's about to break takes priority in her mind.
Auger takes in the scene, noting Varielky tense and ready and briefly wonders what if any there is to learn from a discussion. They all knew what was going to happen. But still, this seemed important. No surprise attacks to disrupt or upset Varielky's approach. Perhaps something could be done about the people imprisoned in Kalahata if proof of the goings on here could be acquired, but first these two needed to be... subdued?
"Well Lord and Lady Tazellayt, I am afraid your time reigning here in Abziri lands is at an end. Perhaps your legal maneuvers in the capital might have given you some passing justification to hold this land and this castle. But when you threw in with Goblins and allowed them to breed here you created the need for us to move with a simpler form of justice. Would you speak in some defense of yourselves, or shall we simply kill you?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow finds the tension palpable. The fact that no-one had openly made an aggressive movement fuelling that. Auger's words, whilst threatening seem almost conversational to his ears, and the relaxed demeanour of the Jlasi evidenced a confidence that was disconcerting.
He looks over and makes eye contact with Strewn, shaking his head slightly indicating the old dwarf should not come any closer.
His returns his focus to the bed chamber, ready to move the pillar of light at the first sign of aggression from the Jlasi, feeling very aware of what Varielky had said about his nature as an assassin.
Now that the male Jlasi had a firm grip on the glaive, the idea of taking it was no longer viable, and he leaves the invisible hand hovering close by.
Concentration: Moonbeam round 7/10 Other: Mage Hand Round 2/10 Movement: None, still on the line between O6 and O7, benefitting from cover. Action: Ready Action to move Moonbeam Reaction:
If anyone attacks him that he can see, or if the Jlasi make an ability check to the detriment of the group, he will use Cutting Words. Cutting Words: 3+2=5 “Your drug addled minds are clouded and your senses dull, you have lost before you have begun”
Granophyre holds Snow’s eyes and nods in reply, and, taking his token to Takal Demesh in hand, he whispers a prayer, invoking the god’s blessing (and conferring the benefits of bless upon the party.)
In response to Auger’s words, the woman’s eyes harden, shining brightly, but only for a moment. She then seems to lose focus, rolls her eyes, and in slow motion, as if moving faster would be too much to handle, reclines back on the sofa chair, as before.
“Gooeffor!,” she yells, then more softly, “find our guests a bed for the night. Um sleepy.” After a moment, she tries again. “ GOOEFFOR!” Thunder claps overhead.
The reclining man, abdominal muscles rippling, extends a toe, pokes her gently, and gestures with his glaive, which her eyes follow as lightning flashes outside, lending a strobe effect to the chamber’s illumination.
Against the wall, you now notice the corpses of two Shian men, dressed like the Jlasi Warriors Auger and Varielky fought before, in the Oasis Crypt. They are the source of the roast pork smell, for their bodies have been exposed to high heat, seemingly baked in a moment's time where they stood.
“Oh, I forgot,” the woman pouts. “They brought… bad news.”
In Shian, the man now speaks, his voice low, penetrating and strong. “This castle and grounds are mine. If you don’t like goblins, you’ve come to the wrong place, travelers…,” and now he, too trails off, losing concentration, and Varielky notices his breathing return to normal.
You are now situated like so. The two fire circles next to the north wall of the master bedroom are two baked humans. M is the Lord Seneschal Tazellayt, and F is the Lady Tazellayt.
Noting the strange behavior of this Lord and Lady Auger shakes his head, the disgust obvious to any who would pay attention. Still the sense of danger was palpable. Auger looks at Varielky and nods. As he does so he feels a strange sense of positivity flow into him. Ah yes, Strewn thinks it is time as well.
Reaching into the Sea of Stars Auger attempts what had worked so well on occasions in the past but had failed so strangely with the Naga. Through the Sea of Stars, Auger reaches out to the Lady Tazellayt. In her mind he attempts to craft an illusion, one of the burnt corpses on the wall, the closer one, it animates and approaches her uttering strange stilted words "you did this to me... you will pay..." it seems to say. She is held in place by the thing as it slowly crushes her. Unable to stop it, unable to fight back or cast any spells she can only take the attacks.
As the effect attempts to settle upon her Auger turns to Varielky and says, "Perhaps you should deal with the Lord in your fashion." Auger then steps out of the room and into the top of the stairwell.
Details
Action: Auger casts Phantasmal Force targeting F. Given their state I am curious to know if there is any disadvantage presented on the saving throw. DC 18 INT. If it takes hold then she takes 1 point of psychic damage.
Move: To P4. Hoping to get partial cover from any ranged attacks from the doorway.
Feeling the flow of fortune from Strewn, then noticing Auger cast his spell and suggest Varielky deal with the Lord, Snow snaps out of his indecision and decides now is the time for him to also act.
He wills the pillar of light to move through the corridor, alighting on the place the Lady was lounging. Under his breath as it moves he whispers to Strewn, "These two have kept hundreds of goblins in check, it feels wrong to underestimate them". He was concerned about the duel Varielky was about to have, he was not certain the Lord and Lady would abide by her sense of honour, and yet he was now loathe to interfere. However Varielky wasn't at full strength, and even she couldn't argue against the fairness of her being healed up a bit, and so he sends a wave of healing over her.
Concentration: Moonbeam round8/10, DC18 Con save or take 6+10= 16[radiant] damage, otherwise take 8 damage. Other: Mage Hand round 3/10, Varielky still has Bardic Inspiration (D8) I believe. Action: Move Moonbeam to V6, V7, W6, W7 Movement: None, still on the line between O6 and O7, benefitting from cover but just keeping line of sight on the Lady. Bonus Action: Healing Word, 3+5 = 8 for Varielky. Reaction:
If anyone attacks him that he can see, or if the Jlasi make an ability check to the detriment of the group, he will use Cutting Words. Cutting Words: 7+2=9 “Your drug addled minds are clouded and your senses dull, you have lost before you have begun”
Varielky steps forward, standing in front of the man, yet unable to attack, yet. She points her sword in his direction, but from a distance, it is clear she is not attacking yet. "Stand!" She commands, irritated by how nonchalant the two are. It is disrespectful, to say the least. Are they that sure of their battle prowess? She should be careful, and yet, she cannot bring herself to attack a man lounging on his chair. The fact that he wasn't wearing any armour was also a problem, but given the change she noted in his breathing earlier, it was not out of the question that he'd have undergone intensive body-strengthening training - or something of sorts - as some of the Dreyen barbarians do.
"Whom this castle belongs to matters not. You and I will fight now, and that's all which matters. May we show the gods a fair, glorious duel. Prepare your weapon, and don any armour if you'd like; I'll wait."And yet, even if Varielky hopes he will heed her words, she cannot ignore the fact that many in the past have chosen to simply attack her outright, without even accepting her challenge.
Moreover, though she tries to ignore the sudden assault on the woman next to her - even if the others found it right, she does not - she cannot ignore that the woman might still be dangerous herself. Varielky chooses to hold her shield higher, focusing on protecting herself until she sees the pair's reactions.
Auger Dannel Fetherlac reaches into the Sea of Stars, and I envision him floating on an asteroid shard through the dark light void, pulling energy from a nearby sun and channeling it toward the material plane and then to Lady Izzebudjin to entrap her mind. But here, in the sea of stars, Izzebudgin’s shape comes into focus as an enormous kraken floating in space, and her eye blinks open with the stirring of energies Auger causes, and the edges surrounding the enormous orb of her eye seem to crinkle in an animal smile. At her call, a belt of asteroids pulls together in an instant to form a high sea wall, which encircles and extinguishes Auger’s phantasm before it can take form. (counterspell)
When Snow’s moonbeam hovers over the Lady Izzebudjin, the Jenghen takes ½ damage, Snow intuits, which, although it would disintegrate a goblin, seems to have little effect on her, except that her multi-color eyes drift open and cut directly to the bard in the darkness of the hallway.
The Lord Tazellayt of House Jlasi, Seneschal Abziri seems to regain focus when Varielky Halladdottir advances and utters her challenge. The Shian’s muscles ripple as he slowly rises to his full two meters height and turns to face her, holding his polearm across his shoulders, trapezoids broad and bulging. He cracks his neck back and forth, then in seeming slow motion, brings his glaive forward to ready position. His breathing accelerates once again, and Varielky senses a glow of power emanating from him. Standing now at the ready, there is no doubt: he is the finest warrior the shield-maiden has ever faced. His voice booms, easily, across the room.
“Armor is for the ill-prepared, traveler. But I witness your courage despite your frailty. Tell me your name and I will commend your soul to Ellosh when you fall.”
Ill-prepared. Yes, that could be true regarding Varielky. Starting a rare fight such as this when her body is still a bit tired after that previous fight is not only unfortunate, but foolish and somewhat disgraceful too. Though, regarding the armour, she was not sure what he meant. Prepared in what way?
"Varielky. My name is Varielky Halladdottir!" Here, in front of the man who was so tall she didn't even reach the height of his shoulders, was the first in a very long time that Varielky spoke her full name. This duel, paired with her very recent decision, was a perfect opportunity to finally reveal it. Though, to those present in the room, other than her, it didn't mean much. The name, by itself, held no significance.
Varielky is thrilled, for finally her calling was answered. This time, it takes only a second to accelerate her breathing tempo, and force the adrenalin to spread in her body. Within moments she can feel it's effects. "And you too, Lord Tazellayt, shall be remembered regardless of this duel's victor, for honour and fairness!" Perhaps it was declared too early - she had yet to see him fight - and yet, Varielky can't wait. "Let the fighting commence, here I come!"
Varielky leaps forward, closing the distance to Lord Tazellayt. As she lands in front of him, she slashes her sword down on the lord, landing a powerful strike. However, her second strike was not well made, finding it hard to fight a man this tall after all the short Goblins.
Snow nods in response to Auger. "It would make sense if the room ahead is the actual master's bed chamber, the other door would likely be the entrance".
"I will move the pillar when you give the nod Varielky, I will keep it active in case we need it", he says and then moves into the doorway of the southern room.
Action: Move Moonbeam to L2, L3, M2, M3 when Varielky indicates she is ready to pass (it is unlikely to cause damage this round so haven't rolled for it). Round 4/10.
Movement: 20ft to O7
Reaction:
If anyone attacks him that he can see he will use Cutting Words.
Cutting Words: 4+2=6
“Go back to the depths of whatever hell spawned you”
Varielky begins to run but then stops, waiting for Snow to move his magical light. By the time he does, and as she walks on forward to look into the last open door, the adrenalin's effect on her body weakens, for she sees no more enemies around. Suddenly, she can feel her muscles screaming from the sudden effort they were not used to, and the pain from all the fresh wounds she barely even felt just moments ago. She could tell she was able to do what she wanted to, but at the same time, her body was not yet used to this state. At the very least, it didn't feel like any damage was caused by trying, so Varielky reasons she can try it again.
Once the beam is moved, Varielky raises her shield higher and walks into the room. If a shower of arrows is to welcome her, she prefers them to hit the shield instead, at least.
Status: Rage ends, per the ability's description, unless Varielky takes damage during this turn from some readied attack.
Action: Dodge.
Move: To O-5, and after Snow moves his Moonbeam, to P-4.
Varielky
Varielky looks out into a circular stairway, which she intuits leads down to the doorway in front of which she stood earlier, blocking goblins and the troll.
The staircase is now empty, save for two crushed goblin bodies.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger briefly joins Varielky at the stairs and then looks down them with her. Then he makes eye contact with her and silently head nods towards the double doors. "When you are ready," he whispers at her. Auger then steps back so that he will not be far behind Varielky when she opens the doors.
Noting the lights still dancing above his head, Auger sends them all into the stairwell, so they will not shine in through the double doors.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow holds his ground and keeps his concentration firmly on the Pillar of light, ready to move it through the double doors if they find more goblins on the other side. He shifts forward slightly in order to get visibility whilst retaining cover from the doorway he stands in.
"I am ready", he confirms after Auger states he is ready. "You've got this Varielky", he adds, intending to inspire her.
Concentration: Moonbeam, round 5/10
Movement: Shifts forward very slightly to look around the door frame, whilst retaining cover. On the line between O6 and O7.
Action: Ready action to move Moonbeam once the double door is opened.
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration for Varielky (1d8 for 10 minutes)
Reaction:
If anyone attacks Varielky that he can see he will use Cutting Words.
Cutting Words: 7+2=9
“Go back to the depths of whatever hell spawned you”
Varielky takes a deep breath. Yes, her body is temporarily tired, but she can still fight as she always did. It's more the ache after a good exercise than the tiredness after a long day. Varielky flicks her sword to splash any blood that remained on it away. Then, she raises it and touches its broad side with her forehead. Briefly and silently, she prays for divine guidance in the coming fight, and though there is no telling what will happen, the act alone helps her steel her resolve even further.
She walks to the door. Hopefully, honourous if evil Humans, and not dishonest and evil Goblins. Varielky knocks on the door, five quick and short yet strong knocks. Then, she waits for an answer. If one is not given after a few seconds, she'll try opening the door.
(Using a bonus action to heal 10 HP from Dreygaard.)
Varielky
When Varielky knocks upon the door, the sound reverberates briefly before another distant boom of thunder seems to swallow its echo. The door is unlocked, or rather, its latch seems to be broken. The knocking, by itself, causes one side of the double-door to swing away an inch into the chamber behind it.
Through the crack which now opens into the room, an odor seeps out, one the shield-maiden has smelled before, but not since jogging through the Ishi Ammah docks in the mornings before sparring practice. There, she could smell the opium dens as she passed them, the smoke from the prior night’s excesses fighting the morning chill and clinging to doorways or passed-out ne'er do wells lying bunched up and shivering in the alleys.
Here, that pungent, smoky smell, again. Minus the fresh salt water spraying from the bay.
There seems to be no response to the shield-maiden’s knocking. She pushes the door, and at that exact moment, a voice drifts to her from across whatever chamber the door opens upon.
‘I’m not… hungry now. But um thirst. -y. Get more water… um Goo for.’
Opening the door wider, you see a large parlor, with a pair of comfortable sofa chairs facing the door across a beautiful but deeply stained rug, a large canopy bed upon a dais against the far wall.
In the room, you see a muscular human, bare-chested, chiseled physique, violet complexion, wearing a charcoal turban and holding a large glaive balanced in one palm standing straight up above him as he lounges on one chair. He seems to be asleep, except that the glaive doesn’t fall. He moves his palm forward, left, right, just an inch or two to keep it balanced.
In the other chair lounges a woman, sitting sideways, or lying sideways, slouching profoundly at any rate, her head fully reclined so it hangs off the edge of the chair, her greying, unkempt topknot brushing the rug. One hand with long, ornate fingernails hangs limp on the floor, the other is in her lap. Her eyes are closed. It seems she was the one who spoke a moment ago.
On a small table between the two are the accoutrements which one would surmise led to the smell: a porcelain pipe, a cup of small coals, a gilded container holding ground opium.
As the door opens wider, another odor is apparent: roast pork. Or something like it.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger peeks in and steps through the door, stepping forward enough to allow others to follow, but not so much as to appear to be approaching the couple.
"We brought no water for you, Jlasi. Perhaps you can ask one of your servants, if you can find any."
Auger pauses and notes their state. Wondering at the odd circumstance Auger struggles to keep a horrible anger from his voice as he talks, "I am called Auger. I would know who works with Goblins of all things here in the Vale. Perhaps I could know the names of the -- the lord and lady-- of this castle." From the stairway Auger brings his motes of light forward so that they shine in the room near the couple.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky was about to announce their arrival and, of course, immediately challenge the Jlasi to a duel. When Auger steps in front just a moment earlier, though, she allows him to do any talking he wishes to without interfering. Well, at least for now. They were intruding their castle, and had probably killed all - or at least most - of their servants. The Jlasi surely won't just leave the place without a fight. And, if they do... they're not worth fighting anyway, though it would definitely be a disappointment.
Varielky
Snow waits patiently in his position in the doorway, watching the scene unfold. The scent of opium and roast pork wafts over him and he stifles a cough.
Seeing the glaive wielder holding his weapon so nonchalantly, he concentrates and manifests his invisible hand close to it, ready to perhaps take it away.
Concentration: Moonbeam, round 6/10
Action: Cast Mage Hand - no components, up to 60ft and invisible due to Telekinetic feat. Round 1/10
A long moment passes, and Auger may wonder if the pair before him were endowed with hearing at all, until the woman finally answers. Her head turns slowly to the door, and she says, her words slow but incisive, “We are the Lord and Lady Tazellayt, Seneschal Abziri. But do not stand upon the threshold rudely. Come in. We knew not that guests had called.”
Her eyes do not seem to focus on you, really, at first, but you see they are stunningly multi-colored, as is she stunning in her totality, even with morning hair. Her full lips curve into a soft pout, her eyes — lashes, miles long — shift sensuously to Auger. You now note that she is Jenghen. Her violet skin is patched with attractive and symmetrical pink highlights, and she wears a slinky kimono, loose at the belt, revealing arms, legs, cleavage.
As Snow’s invisible hand moves toward the reclined warrior, he, the bare-chested Shian — bare-chested, that is, except for a leather strap holding a dagger sheathe close to his abdomen — with great strength, firmly grasps the very end of the glaive’s pole and very slowly lowers its tip to point toward the far wall, maintaining a firm hold on the weapon.
The man otherwise remains where he is, but Varielky — only Varielky — senses a change in his breathing, not unlike that which she herself had experienced only a few minutes earlier.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky slowly walked into the room. She is thrilled - more than anything - to get a chance to fight a warrior that should at least be strong on their own. Moreover, the wife being a Jenghen, Varielky is convinced she is more than just someone's wife, too. The fact that she does not openly carry a weapon though, was alarming. Well, it wouldn't be exciting if they weren't powerful. Still, when Varielky moves a bit sideways to let Auger take the stage, she does so in the man's direction.
Beyond the thrill of the coming fight, one more sensation hold on to Varielky. The smell of the opium reminds her - indirectly - of the poison they encountered in Ishi Ammah. Anger swells in her once again, but she keeps it down, as the imminent fight that's about to break takes priority in her mind.
Varielky
Auger takes in the scene, noting Varielky tense and ready and briefly wonders what if any there is to learn from a discussion. They all knew what was going to happen. But still, this seemed important. No surprise attacks to disrupt or upset Varielky's approach. Perhaps something could be done about the people imprisoned in Kalahata if proof of the goings on here could be acquired, but first these two needed to be... subdued?
"Well Lord and Lady Tazellayt, I am afraid your time reigning here in Abziri lands is at an end. Perhaps your legal maneuvers in the capital might have given you some passing justification to hold this land and this castle. But when you threw in with Goblins and allowed them to breed here you created the need for us to move with a simpler form of justice. Would you speak in some defense of yourselves, or shall we simply kill you?"
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow finds the tension palpable. The fact that no-one had openly made an aggressive movement fuelling that. Auger's words, whilst threatening seem almost conversational to his ears, and the relaxed demeanour of the Jlasi evidenced a confidence that was disconcerting.
He looks over and makes eye contact with Strewn, shaking his head slightly indicating the old dwarf should not come any closer.
His returns his focus to the bed chamber, ready to move the pillar of light at the first sign of aggression from the Jlasi, feeling very aware of what Varielky had said about his nature as an assassin.
Now that the male Jlasi had a firm grip on the glaive, the idea of taking it was no longer viable, and he leaves the invisible hand hovering close by.
Concentration: Moonbeam round 7/10
Other: Mage Hand Round 2/10
Movement: None, still on the line between O6 and O7, benefitting from cover.
Action: Ready Action to move Moonbeam
Reaction:
If anyone attacks him that he can see, or if the Jlasi make an ability check to the detriment of the group, he will use Cutting Words.
Cutting Words: 3+2=5
“Your drug addled minds are clouded and your senses dull, you have lost before you have begun”
Granophyre holds Snow’s eyes and nods in reply, and, taking his token to Takal Demesh in hand, he whispers a prayer, invoking the god’s blessing (and conferring the benefits of bless upon the party.)
In response to Auger’s words, the woman’s eyes harden, shining brightly, but only for a moment. She then seems to lose focus, rolls her eyes, and in slow motion, as if moving faster would be too much to handle, reclines back on the sofa chair, as before.
“Gooeffor!,” she yells, then more softly, “find our guests a bed for the night. Um sleepy.” After a moment, she tries again. “ GOOEFFOR!” Thunder claps overhead.
The reclining man, abdominal muscles rippling, extends a toe, pokes her gently, and gestures with his glaive, which her eyes follow as lightning flashes outside, lending a strobe effect to the chamber’s illumination.
Against the wall, you now notice the corpses of two Shian men, dressed like the Jlasi Warriors Auger and Varielky fought before, in the Oasis Crypt. They are the source of the roast pork smell, for their bodies have been exposed to high heat, seemingly baked in a moment's time where they stood.
“Oh, I forgot,” the woman pouts. “They brought… bad news.”
In Shian, the man now speaks, his voice low, penetrating and strong. “This castle and grounds are mine. If you don’t like goblins, you’ve come to the wrong place, travelers…,” and now he, too trails off, losing concentration, and Varielky notices his breathing return to normal.
You are now situated like so. The two fire circles next to the north wall of the master bedroom are two baked humans. M is the Lord Seneschal Tazellayt, and F is the Lady Tazellayt.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Noting the strange behavior of this Lord and Lady Auger shakes his head, the disgust obvious to any who would pay attention. Still the sense of danger was palpable. Auger looks at Varielky and nods. As he does so he feels a strange sense of positivity flow into him. Ah yes, Strewn thinks it is time as well.
Reaching into the Sea of Stars Auger attempts what had worked so well on occasions in the past but had failed so strangely with the Naga. Through the Sea of Stars, Auger reaches out to the Lady Tazellayt. In her mind he attempts to craft an illusion, one of the burnt corpses on the wall, the closer one, it animates and approaches her uttering strange stilted words "you did this to me... you will pay..." it seems to say. She is held in place by the thing as it slowly crushes her. Unable to stop it, unable to fight back or cast any spells she can only take the attacks.
As the effect attempts to settle upon her Auger turns to Varielky and says, "Perhaps you should deal with the Lord in your fashion." Auger then steps out of the room and into the top of the stairwell.
Details
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Feeling the flow of fortune from Strewn, then noticing Auger cast his spell and suggest Varielky deal with the Lord, Snow snaps out of his indecision and decides now is the time for him to also act.
He wills the pillar of light to move through the corridor, alighting on the place the Lady was lounging. Under his breath as it moves he whispers to Strewn, "These two have kept hundreds of goblins in check, it feels wrong to underestimate them". He was concerned about the duel Varielky was about to have, he was not certain the Lord and Lady would abide by her sense of honour, and yet he was now loathe to interfere. However Varielky wasn't at full strength, and even she couldn't argue against the fairness of her being healed up a bit, and so he sends a wave of healing over her.
Concentration: Moonbeam round8/10, DC18 Con save or take 6+10= 16[radiant] damage, otherwise take 8 damage.
Other: Mage Hand round 3/10, Varielky still has Bardic Inspiration (D8) I believe.
Action: Move Moonbeam to V6, V7, W6, W7
Movement: None, still on the line between O6 and O7, benefitting from cover but just keeping line of sight on the Lady.
Bonus Action: Healing Word, 3+5 = 8 for Varielky.
Reaction:
If anyone attacks him that he can see, or if the Jlasi make an ability check to the detriment of the group, he will use Cutting Words.
Cutting Words: 7+2=9
“Your drug addled minds are clouded and your senses dull, you have lost before you have begun”
Varielky steps forward, standing in front of the man, yet unable to attack, yet. She points her sword in his direction, but from a distance, it is clear she is not attacking yet. "Stand!" She commands, irritated by how nonchalant the two are. It is disrespectful, to say the least. Are they that sure of their battle prowess? She should be careful, and yet, she cannot bring herself to attack a man lounging on his chair. The fact that he wasn't wearing any armour was also a problem, but given the change she noted in his breathing earlier, it was not out of the question that he'd have undergone intensive body-strengthening training - or something of sorts - as some of the Dreyen barbarians do.
"Whom this castle belongs to matters not. You and I will fight now, and that's all which matters. May we show the gods a fair, glorious duel. Prepare your weapon, and don any armour if you'd like; I'll wait." And yet, even if Varielky hopes he will heed her words, she cannot ignore the fact that many in the past have chosen to simply attack her outright, without even accepting her challenge.
Moreover, though she tries to ignore the sudden assault on the woman next to her - even if the others found it right, she does not - she cannot ignore that the woman might still be dangerous herself. Varielky chooses to hold her shield higher, focusing on protecting herself until she sees the pair's reactions.
(Moving to U-4 and dodging.)
Varielky
Auger Dannel Fetherlac reaches into the Sea of Stars, and I envision him floating on an asteroid shard through the dark light void, pulling energy from a nearby sun and channeling it toward the material plane and then to Lady Izzebudjin to entrap her mind. But here, in the sea of stars, Izzebudgin’s shape comes into focus as an enormous kraken floating in space, and her eye blinks open with the stirring of energies Auger causes, and the edges surrounding the enormous orb of her eye seem to crinkle in an animal smile. At her call, a belt of asteroids pulls together in an instant to form a high sea wall, which encircles and extinguishes Auger’s phantasm before it can take form. (counterspell)
When Snow’s moonbeam hovers over the Lady Izzebudjin, the Jenghen takes ½ damage, Snow intuits, which, although it would disintegrate a goblin, seems to have little effect on her, except that her multi-color eyes drift open and cut directly to the bard in the darkness of the hallway.
The Lord Tazellayt of House Jlasi, Seneschal Abziri seems to regain focus when Varielky Halladdottir advances and utters her challenge. The Shian’s muscles ripple as he slowly rises to his full two meters height and turns to face her, holding his polearm across his shoulders, trapezoids broad and bulging. He cracks his neck back and forth, then in seeming slow motion, brings his glaive forward to ready position. His breathing accelerates once again, and Varielky senses a glow of power emanating from him. Standing now at the ready, there is no doubt: he is the finest warrior the shield-maiden has ever faced. His voice booms, easily, across the room.
“Armor is for the ill-prepared, traveler. But I witness your courage despite your frailty. Tell me your name and I will commend your soul to Ellosh when you fall.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Ill-prepared. Yes, that could be true regarding Varielky. Starting a rare fight such as this when her body is still a bit tired after that previous fight is not only unfortunate, but foolish and somewhat disgraceful too. Though, regarding the armour, she was not sure what he meant. Prepared in what way?
"Varielky. My name is Varielky Halladdottir!" Here, in front of the man who was so tall she didn't even reach the height of his shoulders, was the first in a very long time that Varielky spoke her full name. This duel, paired with her very recent decision, was a perfect opportunity to finally reveal it. Though, to those present in the room, other than her, it didn't mean much. The name, by itself, held no significance.
Varielky is thrilled, for finally her calling was answered. This time, it takes only a second to accelerate her breathing tempo, and force the adrenalin to spread in her body. Within moments she can feel it's effects. "And you too, Lord Tazellayt, shall be remembered regardless of this duel's victor, for honour and fairness!" Perhaps it was declared too early - she had yet to see him fight - and yet, Varielky can't wait. "Let the fighting commence, here I come!"
Varielky leaps forward, closing the distance to Lord Tazellayt. As she lands in front of him, she slashes her sword down on the lord, landing a powerful strike. However, her second strike was not well made, finding it hard to fight a man this tall after all the short Goblins.
BA: Rage. Round 1/10.
Move: To V-4.
Action: Attack.
Attack #1: 16+10=26. Damage: 4+11=15.
Attack #2: 3+10=13. Damage: 2+11=13.
Varielky