As Sir Valor clashes with the shadowy form, Thatch takes advantage of the distraction to dart forward and attack, thrusting his magical blade into the creature's torso.
Hotspur snaps out of his fear paralysis to offer a cutting (hopefully) remark: "Even in death, Vallandar is your better, specter! Flee now, lest you should awaken him anew!"
(vicious mockery, DC 15 WIS save else 1 psychic damage and DA next attack)
Between Sir Valor, Thatch and Cainneachs attacks and distracted by Hotspur and Tana the shadowy form was rent usunder and vanished with an echoing scream of rage.
The victorious stood upon the stairway.......the chamber silent once more.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(I think it's the case, but just to confirm that we are RP'ing that Dru is gone for good?)
Cainneach barely registered that the party's collective might had overcome the evil that lurked in this hallowed hall. His hands ached from gripping the two magical blades so tightly and he felt a tightness in his chest as he shouldered his way past his comrades and dashed up the stairs. Reaching the balcony once again, his eyes fell upon the pallid body of his only true friend in this world. Tears streamed down his cheeks and started to strike the cold stone of the floor beside the inanimate form of Dru. They scarcely had the mass to create a sound upon impact, but Cainneach, in his numbed state wouldn't have heard it regardless. After what feels like minutes pass, the swords slide from his hands, clattering brashly on the balcony. Cainneach kneels down without thinking and begins to examine Dru to determine the extent of her injuries. It is likely fruitless, given her appearance, but with his consciousness disengaged, Cainneach goes through the motions like an automaton.
Cainneach notes that the spirits blade passed through her heart leaving the flesh blackened and cold, likely killing her instantly.....and if it had not the strange angle her head and neck now sat at would likely have ended her just as well.....it was very likely very quick....
Valor's words and touch manage to pierce the surreal veil of sorrow that had enveloped Cainneach and the young man suddenly perceives the horrific reality of Dru's corpse and realizes the futility of his present actions. He buries his face in his hands for a few moments, roughly brushing away the tears from his cheeks. Cainneach then stands, his breath rasping through the phlegm still caught in his throat, and turns to Valor, regarding him angrily with reddened eyes. He starts to speak, quietly. "She's dead. And for what? A few magical trinkets and the joy of a used up old man? We shouldn't be here. She shouldn't have been in this room."Cainneach's voice starts to rise. "For what, Valor? For what? Tell me what the hell this is all for! Why is my friend dead? Why is my friend dead? Why?!" The final word is cut short, less a full-throated cry than a strangled admission that Cainneach is now alone, without answers, without friends. After a moment's silence, he concludes, "There is no chance in all the kingdoms that this woman be buried anywhere but in her home, the Fenring Forest. If you help me remove her broken body from this cursed place, I'll take care of the rest."
Valor's words and touch manage to pierce the surreal veil of sorrow that had enveloped Cainneach and the young man suddenly perceives the horrific reality of Dru's corpse and realizes the futility of his present actions. He buries his face in his hands for a few moments, roughly brushing away the tears from his cheeks. Cainneach then stands, his breath rasping through the phlegm still caught in his throat, and turns to Valor, regarding him angrily with reddened eyes. He starts to speak, quietly. "She's dead. And for what? A few magical trinkets and the joy of a used up old man? We shouldn't be here. She shouldn't have been in this room."Cainneach's voice starts to rise. "For what, Valor? For what? Tell me what the hell this is all for! Why is my friend dead? Why is my friend dead? Why?!" The final word is cut short, less a full-throated cry than a strangled admission that Cainneach is now alone, without answers, without friends. After a moment's silence, he concludes, "There is no chance in all the kingdoms that this woman be buried anywhere but in her home, the Fenring Forest. If you help me remove her broken body from this cursed place, I'll take care of the rest."
Valor looked away catching Thatch and Tanas eye, he had lost soldiers before but this was different and he wasn't sure how to respond.....his father would have had the lad soundly beaten for speaking to a noble so but Valor did not hold with such things and in truth though he was entranced by the wonder of the place it had already taken too many of his household.
His eyes went to the sword, but suffering forged greatness it was said....he sighed and moved over to stand in vigil before Vallandar.
Thatch walks up and places his hand on Cainneach’s shoulder, looking down in sadness at Dru’s broken body. “I am sorry. I only knew her but a short time, but she will be missed. I will help take her out of here as well.” Thatch leaves him to mourn and turns his attention to the other items in the room, inspecting the ring of swords and the figure of the once and future king. “What now?” he whispers, almost to the room itself.
Thatch walks up and places his hand on Cainneach’s shoulder, looking down in sadness at Dru’s broken body. “I am sorry. I only knew her but a short time, but she will be missed. I will help take her out of here as well.” Thatch leaves him to mourn and turns his attention to the other items in the room, inspecting the ring of swords and the figure of the once and future king. “What now?” he whispers, almost to the room itself.
Cainneach takes the two enchanted blades and stows them as best he can, then takes out his spear, quarterstaff, and a blanket. With these items, he is able to fashion a crude litter with which he and another can convey Dru's shattered body back to the forest. Cainneach lays it down beside her and gently arranges her corpse on the blanket. Scarcely able to look at her, he removes his cloak and drapes it over Dru. After this is done, he casts a look about the room, realizes that at this moment he has no care for its contents, and slumps down to the ground next to his fallen friend. "They can split the spoils. I suppose they've earned it. There's nothing here for me."
The gilded chest draws Thatch’s attention away from the statue. As Sir Valor stands before the circle of swords and Cainneach cradles Dru, Thatch moves to the chest and checks it carefully to see if it is trapped or locked before attempting to open it. “Maybe this is the prize the priest seeks.”
Thatch examines the chest then lifts the heavy lid of the casket, he peers inside— finding a silver crown, a handful of grain, a simple ploughshare, a wooden stylised fish inscribed with a cross and a leatherbound book.
Bretwald, returns stumbling down the stairs and looking aghast at the fallen Dru, he comes up behind Thatch and looks over his shoulder into the chest, when he speaks his voice is cracked and weary, “The treasures of Vallandar’s realm!”
He sighs, “The King, the Land, the People, the Faith and the Law....”
He grows quiet and retreats to sit on the steps and stare quietly into the dark.
After several minutes Sir Valor rises from his vigil, " Thatch and Hotspur, take up one of the Kings swords though my shadow lays there upon the circle I feel at peace with this blade....it is a promise to the Once and Future King but one I think we are all worthy of."
Allowing them to decide for themselves he moved over towards Cainneach, " Let me lend you a hand. I've carried many a bondsman and kinsman on similar before."
Sir Valor looked to the others, " We should withdraw I feel, there are other places within we have not yet seen but we have lost friends both new and old here and I must answer for that to my father."
" I feel to take a sword is to bond oneself to Vallandar and his cause, perhaps become a knight of his table when he wakes again..."
" Father Bretwald? DO you wish to take the Treasures of the Kingdom or leave them here as lesson to those who would follow with greed in their hearts?"
Chastised Father Bretwald shook his head, " They should remain. To you all, I am truly sorry for my part in this....a foolish old man I am indeed."
(Sorry, been away for the long weekend, just returned this evening. Thought there'd be more from other PCs in between!)
Cainneach only dimly understands the lesson left by the mighty king, given his state of mind. His thinking is somewhere between grateful that this grim quest is over and bewildered that even the old man seems cowed by the chastening message that Vallandar concealed at the end of this perilous dungeon. And what of these strange words from Valor? "... bond oneself to Vallandar and his cause ..." More mythological nonsense. He'd be damned if he'd answer any call to defend some long dead king. This sword, a truly fine blade, was now his, compensation for the blood of his friend and mentor. The one he'd have to drag out of here and give a fitting burial to. At least he'd been offered help. Cainneach nods to Valor and Thatch with a grunt and makes to lift the makeshift litter carrying Dru's broken body. Valor will lead the way out.
( Yeah, big drop off, many thanks to those who remain. Luckily the new recruits seem eager to get going...just need to get you lot met up with them...)
The companions bear Drus corpse from the Kings Chamber and back through the Tomb, Sir Valor and Father Bretwald pause to say final words over the bodies of Mizzen and Morseth before wrapping them on their cloaks and leaving them in repose against the wall of the chambers they lie in.
Reaching the entry chamber there is a final pause, " Come, let us find the wind and sun once more.", Sir Valor says.
( Not sure if Thatch, Tana or Hotspur would have taken a sword. Feel free to say that you did so.
I'll leave this for 24 hours for any responses then move us up to meeting with the new folks. )
Tana casts a quick glance over at the swords as their now much smaller group departs the area, opting to leave without one due to her more frequent use of arcane abilities. She offers a druidic whisper of prayer over the bodies of the group's fallen friends, head bowed in a final show of respect before stepping off to one side – eyes still lingering on the mournful scene all the while.
"The natural light will be a welcome sight." She notes quietly as the group steps out into the entry chamber.
Thatch kneels down before the chest, reaching in for the treasures inside, then pulling his hands back in hesitation, unsure if he wants to touch such relics. At the words of Father Bretwald, he gently closes the chest, leaving the contents undisturbed.
He looks at the swords with doubt, but at the urging of his liege lord Thatch moves forward and takes one of the blades for himself. The work done here, he helps Cainneach and the others carry Dru out of the tomb.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
As Sir Valor clashes with the shadowy form, Thatch takes advantage of the distraction to dart forward and attack, thrusting his magical blade into the creature's torso.
Attack: 16 Damage: 7 plus 5 sneak attack damage.
.
Round 4 - Cainneach - the epic conclusion
Cainneach charges up the stairs, a sword in each hand, nimbly sidesteps Valor, and attacks the spirit with reckless abandon.
attack w/enchanted shortsword vs. Morgrin: 21, damage (magical piercing): Unable to parse dice roll.
Bonus Action - attack w/Vallandar longsword vs. Morgrin: 20, damage (magical slashing): 1
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
Hotspur snaps out of his fear paralysis to offer a cutting (hopefully) remark: "Even in death, Vallandar is your better, specter! Flee now, lest you should awaken him anew!"
(vicious mockery, DC 15 WIS save else 1 psychic damage and DA next attack)
Between Sir Valor, Thatch and Cainneachs attacks and distracted by Hotspur and Tana the shadowy form was rent usunder and vanished with an echoing scream of rage.
The victorious stood upon the stairway.......the chamber silent once more.
( Combat is over.)
(I think it's the case, but just to confirm that we are RP'ing that Dru is gone for good?)
Cainneach barely registered that the party's collective might had overcome the evil that lurked in this hallowed hall. His hands ached from gripping the two magical blades so tightly and he felt a tightness in his chest as he shouldered his way past his comrades and dashed up the stairs. Reaching the balcony once again, his eyes fell upon the pallid body of his only true friend in this world. Tears streamed down his cheeks and started to strike the cold stone of the floor beside the inanimate form of Dru. They scarcely had the mass to create a sound upon impact, but Cainneach, in his numbed state wouldn't have heard it regardless. After what feels like minutes pass, the swords slide from his hands, clattering brashly on the balcony. Cainneach kneels down without thinking and begins to examine Dru to determine the extent of her injuries. It is likely fruitless, given her appearance, but with his consciousness disengaged, Cainneach goes through the motions like an automaton.
Medicine 18
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
( She is, yes.)
Cainneach notes that the spirits blade passed through her heart leaving the flesh blackened and cold, likely killing her instantly.....and if it had not the strange angle her head and neck now sat at would likely have ended her just as well.....it was very likely very quick....
Sir Valor descends the stairs and lays a hand lightly on Cainneachs shoulder, " She fought bravely and her sacrifice allowed us to win through."
" It is fitting she lies here in the company of heroes.....though if you think she would rest easier in the green I can carry her clear."
Valor's words and touch manage to pierce the surreal veil of sorrow that had enveloped Cainneach and the young man suddenly perceives the horrific reality of Dru's corpse and realizes the futility of his present actions. He buries his face in his hands for a few moments, roughly brushing away the tears from his cheeks. Cainneach then stands, his breath rasping through the phlegm still caught in his throat, and turns to Valor, regarding him angrily with reddened eyes. He starts to speak, quietly. "She's dead. And for what? A few magical trinkets and the joy of a used up old man? We shouldn't be here. She shouldn't have been in this room." Cainneach's voice starts to rise. "For what, Valor? For what? Tell me what the hell this is all for! Why is my friend dead? Why is my friend dead? Why?!" The final word is cut short, less a full-throated cry than a strangled admission that Cainneach is now alone, without answers, without friends. After a moment's silence, he concludes, "There is no chance in all the kingdoms that this woman be buried anywhere but in her home, the Fenring Forest. If you help me remove her broken body from this cursed place, I'll take care of the rest."
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
Valor looked away catching Thatch and Tanas eye, he had lost soldiers before but this was different and he wasn't sure how to respond.....his father would have had the lad soundly beaten for speaking to a noble so but Valor did not hold with such things and in truth though he was entranced by the wonder of the place it had already taken too many of his household.
His eyes went to the sword, but suffering forged greatness it was said....he sighed and moved over to stand in vigil before Vallandar.
Thatch walks up and places his hand on Cainneach’s shoulder, looking down in sadness at Dru’s broken body. “I am sorry. I only knew her but a short time, but she will be missed. I will help take her out of here as well.” Thatch leaves him to mourn and turns his attention to the other items in the room, inspecting the ring of swords and the figure of the once and future king. “What now?” he whispers, almost to the room itself.
Perception: 23.
.
Thatchs eyes are drawn to the large gilded chest.
Cainneach takes the two enchanted blades and stows them as best he can, then takes out his spear, quarterstaff, and a blanket. With these items, he is able to fashion a crude litter with which he and another can convey Dru's shattered body back to the forest. Cainneach lays it down beside her and gently arranges her corpse on the blanket. Scarcely able to look at her, he removes his cloak and drapes it over Dru. After this is done, he casts a look about the room, realizes that at this moment he has no care for its contents, and slumps down to the ground next to his fallen friend. "They can split the spoils. I suppose they've earned it. There's nothing here for me."
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
The gilded chest draws Thatch’s attention away from the statue. As Sir Valor stands before the circle of swords and Cainneach cradles Dru, Thatch moves to the chest and checks it carefully to see if it is trapped or locked before attempting to open it. “Maybe this is the prize the priest seeks.”
Perception for chest: 16.
Dexterity to disarm or open: 14.
.
Thatch examines the chest then lifts the heavy lid of the casket, he peers inside— finding a silver crown, a handful of grain, a simple ploughshare, a wooden stylised fish inscribed with a cross and a leatherbound book.
Bretwald, returns stumbling down the stairs and looking aghast at the fallen Dru, he comes up behind Thatch and looks over his shoulder into the chest, when he speaks his voice is cracked and weary, “The treasures of Vallandar’s realm!”
He sighs, “The King, the Land, the People, the Faith and the Law....”
He grows quiet and retreats to sit on the steps and stare quietly into the dark.
After several minutes Sir Valor rises from his vigil, " Thatch and Hotspur, take up one of the Kings swords though my shadow lays there upon the circle I feel at peace with this blade....it is a promise to the Once and Future King but one I think we are all worthy of."
Allowing them to decide for themselves he moved over towards Cainneach, " Let me lend you a hand. I've carried many a bondsman and kinsman on similar before."
Sir Valor looked to the others, " We should withdraw I feel, there are other places within we have not yet seen but we have lost friends both new and old here and I must answer for that to my father."
" I feel to take a sword is to bond oneself to Vallandar and his cause, perhaps become a knight of his table when he wakes again..."
" Father Bretwald? DO you wish to take the Treasures of the Kingdom or leave them here as lesson to those who would follow with greed in their hearts?"
Chastised Father Bretwald shook his head, " They should remain. To you all, I am truly sorry for my part in this....a foolish old man I am indeed."
(Sorry, been away for the long weekend, just returned this evening. Thought there'd be more from other PCs in between!)
Cainneach only dimly understands the lesson left by the mighty king, given his state of mind. His thinking is somewhere between grateful that this grim quest is over and bewildered that even the old man seems cowed by the chastening message that Vallandar concealed at the end of this perilous dungeon. And what of these strange words from Valor? "... bond oneself to Vallandar and his cause ..." More mythological nonsense. He'd be damned if he'd answer any call to defend some long dead king. This sword, a truly fine blade, was now his, compensation for the blood of his friend and mentor. The one he'd have to drag out of here and give a fitting burial to. At least he'd been offered help. Cainneach nods to Valor and Thatch with a grunt and makes to lift the makeshift litter carrying Dru's broken body. Valor will lead the way out.
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
( Yeah, big drop off, many thanks to those who remain. Luckily the new recruits seem eager to get going...just need to get you lot met up with them...)
The companions bear Drus corpse from the Kings Chamber and back through the Tomb, Sir Valor and Father Bretwald pause to say final words over the bodies of Mizzen and Morseth before wrapping them on their cloaks and leaving them in repose against the wall of the chambers they lie in.
Reaching the entry chamber there is a final pause, " Come, let us find the wind and sun once more.", Sir Valor says.
( Not sure if Thatch, Tana or Hotspur would have taken a sword. Feel free to say that you did so.
I'll leave this for 24 hours for any responses then move us up to meeting with the new folks. )
Tana casts a quick glance over at the swords as their now much smaller group departs the area, opting to leave without one due to her more frequent use of arcane abilities. She offers a druidic whisper of prayer over the bodies of the group's fallen friends, head bowed in a final show of respect before stepping off to one side – eyes still lingering on the mournful scene all the while.
"The natural light will be a welcome sight." She notes quietly as the group steps out into the entry chamber.
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Thatch kneels down before the chest, reaching in for the treasures inside, then pulling his hands back in hesitation, unsure if he wants to touch such relics. At the words of Father Bretwald, he gently closes the chest, leaving the contents undisturbed.
He looks at the swords with doubt, but at the urging of his liege lord Thatch moves forward and takes one of the blades for himself. The work done here, he helps Cainneach and the others carry Dru out of the tomb.