It takes only about 15 minutes to spot the white tent mentioned, amid the hustle and bustle of soldiers and warriors preparing for battle. When you enter the tent, a stony-faced hobgoblin woman in a sharp-looking uniform looks up from a desk covered in neat stacks of papers and folded envelopes. Her brow furrows.“This isn’t the welcome center, slates. March on.”
"Then we're in the right place" Eithne declares matter-of-factly. "In fact, we did not come here to be welcomed, but to be useful."
"We need to get closer to the Portal," the Savage Wanderer continues, looking the other in the face with her azure eyes, without hostility, but also without fear. "Not to enter it; just to stay nearby for a while. And to gain permission to do so, we might be willing to undertake tasks, even... unusual or dangerous ones, if necessary."
Jesa is left to simply nod in agreement when Eithne offers their services to try to get in next to the portal. She waits, interested to see what the response will be.
The woman stops after a moment and looks up at you all. "I see. I'm afraid the portal is closed right now. We've had a series of devastating attacks recently and are trying to recover. While incursions from Acheron are not uncommon by any means, these attacks have been unusually effective, catching our defenders off guard each time. I have positioned more troops to defend the gate, but it is like they know when our shift changes happen and any possible weakness in our positioning." She studies you again briefly. "I hope I don't need to spell out the implications there." She stood up, her uniform stiff but worn and eyes you all with an appraising look. "Do you have any martial aptitude among you?"
Jesa gives the woman a look for a moment. Given her chain mail, longsword, and shield she feels like it would probably be clear she has some martial aptitude. "I believe there might be some among us with such abilities," she says, placing a hand on the pommel of her sword. "What exactly are you thinking? You need help in fortifying the portal area for a bit? We don't really wish to permanently join any of your wars."
"The implications are that there's a spy, Jesa," Eithne clarifies. "Or at least a security flaw that allows the enemy to spy on the Portal's defenders. And we could be very useful by discovering and neutralizing it."
The Savage Wanderer reports her azure eyes on the stony-faced hobgoblin woman: "We'll probably need a document that gives us authority, though... Otherwise, the culprit, even if discovered by us, would have no problem simply arresting (or executing) us 'slates,' as we've often been called. The culprit will surely be of a higher rank than us—we at least need the authority to appeal to you, without being quickly eliminated by others."
'Don't put yourself in the spotlight, Eithne...' the Voices in the Lone Survivor's head are quick to make themselves heard. 'Otherwise, you'll be the first one any potential spy will want to eliminate!' 'A document, then... but how did you even think of that, Eithne? Do documents weigh more than honor and a handshake?' 'Don't you see the pile of documents this officer has beside her?' the mind's owner sighs inwardly. 'It's clear that here the paper 'weapons' are no less deadly than the steel ones...'
"We have capabilities, each to their own. Rooting out the miscreant amongst the ranks? That's something we should be able to help with." Esta says in agreement with the others, secretly glad we aren't offering ourselves to help in war. That is something she most definitely wants to avoid.
"If we help you find out how these attacks are more co-ordinated, can we count on your support for moving within range of the portal for our mimirs' needs?"
Major Kalar shook her head slightly. "No, not permanent. We do not conscript visitors like that. But yes, a fresh set of eyes could be invaluable in discovering if there is indeed a spy in our ranks, and who that might be." Her eyes shift to Eithne, "You will not need documents or papers, because I will be coming with you. And if there are those among you whose resolve is steeled by gold more than duty, I can offer you each up to 1,000 gold pieces and I'll see what I have left in my personal armory, in addition to allowing you time to deal with...that." She pointed at the floating mimir.
"Hey lady! Haven't heard quit while you're ahead!? I quit! Cause I'm a head! Ha!"
The hardened woman stared for a moment then sighed and got herself together, moving with tactical precision. "Follow me. There is no telling just when the next incursion will begin."Major Kalar will lead you all back out of her tent and back a different way toward the portal. What you saw before was just a glimpse from a certain vantage point, for within a cavernous, steel-lined bunker deep below Rigus stands the gate to Acheron, an archway of iron spikes and bone. With a closer view, you can see that the area around the gate looks like a battlefield and is littered with heaps of broken metal and shattered armaments. A ring of barricades circles the gate, beyond which at least two hundred Rigus soldiers (mostly humans and hobgoblins) maintain a rigid, watchful formation.
There are two other commanders patrolling the area as well that Major Kalar brings over to introduce to the party: a well armored human woman named Seargent Luggik, and cambion named Seargent Gauller. Both are polite and give brief smiles before quickly turning back to their patrols, watching the portal for any sign of activity.
"Acquaint yourself with the area and make any preparations you wish. It is only a matter of time before an incursion begins."Major Kalar gestures to the area and then begins her own patrol of the area.
Eithne whispers to her fellow adventurers: "We could assume that the traitor is one of the two officers. Should we try to keep an eye on them? Even if we don't see either of them going to transmit information to the enemy, we might at least notice some clues during the attack. The traitor might be in a safe position, away from hostilities, for example. Or he might be suspiciously less targeted than the others."
Eithne murmurs to her fellow adventurers: "We could start by assuming the traitor is one of the two officers. Hugher rank means more information... Should we try to keep an eye on them? Even if we don't see either of them transmitting information to the enemy, we might at least notice some clues during the next attack. The traitor might be in a safe position, away from hostilities, for example. Or might get suspiciously less targeted than the others."
'Take care getting yourself too targeted less than the others, Eithne...' the Voices in her head advise one another. 'Remember that there could be 'weapons of interplanar destruction' here...' 'If an attack like the one that killed us all is about to occur, Eithne, perhaps it's not worth staying here!' But the Lone Survivor tries to assert her host status: 'If it was an attack like that that caused the massacre of our tribe, we can't just run away. Or the culprits will go unpunished. We need to know more. We'll stay. Help me, instead, note the details... keep an eye on those two officers...'
And indeed, the Savage Wanderer lets her azure eyes roam, seemingly scanning the area for the most defensible and the most vulnerable points—but at the same time never losing sight of the two she's singled out as initial suspects.
During the walk Rogferr would have ritual cast comprehend languages. At the Mimir's comments Rogferr would have let out a loud laugh.
When Eithne voices her thoughts Rogferr will summon his familiar to his side and in a low voice response.
“Hypnos can watch for any suspicious behavior. He tends not to get involved in fights and during an attack is the best time for a traitor to pass information.”
For her part, Faith looks around at all the people here, looking for anyone doing anything that seems out of place or suspicious. She finds some place out of the way to watch from where she has a good view of as much of the room as possible.
{Just in case their relevant}
Perception 11
Insight 12
Trying to watch everyone at once is a strain, Faith can feel the beginnings of a headache as she vainly tries to keep track of everything at once.
Jesa watches to see which directions the two officers they were introduced go. "Those two are probably out best initial leads," she agrees. "Should we follow them? Well, at a respectable distance." If both go the same way, she moves in that direction. If they choose different directions, she suggests, "We should split, one group after each of them."
Nothing appears to be off at the moment as people take positions although the tension is palpable. Suddenly, the gate to Acheron flares to life, the portal resembling a great, burning feline eye. Gigantic, conical projectiles—each made of rusted iron and over fifteen feet long—blast through the gate in rapid succession, impacting amid Rigus’s defenders. Soldiers scream and barricades shatter. Then a wave of berserk invaders charges through the gate.
(Combat starting!I rolled initiative for you on your character sheets, but if you have any "when you roll initiative" abilities by all means include them in your opening actions, including any ability to modify the initiative order and I'll fix it next post.)
Note: the area around the iron projectiles is difficult terrain (the craters)
Rogferr
Eithne
Faith
Esta
Jessa
Berserker A
Berserker B
Berserker C
Berserker D
Berserker E
(The battlefield will be impacted at the end of each round)
[[ OOC: Eithne's Turn is after Rogferr's, but posting now, because Eithne does this regardless of Rogferr's actions. ]]
Round 1
Eithne is shocked by the sudden outburst of violence, but she was somewhat prepared, so she manages to react quickly and thinks: 'Lift me up! Then I can shoot the enemies freely—and at the same time keep an eye on the two suspects.'
'Of course, Eithne!' the Voices in her head agree. 'This time, it won't end like when we were massacred!' 'We'll fly you... We'll protect you... And one day, you'll avenge us!' And indeed, the Voices' united determination activates the Lone Survivor's magical boots, which rises a good 20 feet above the battlefield, already drawing her bow.
The Savage Wanderer's azure eyes carefully select their targets... but, without making it too obvious, they never lose sight of the two suspected officers!
[[ OOC: Action: Activate the Winged Boots. Movement: 20 feet up. From the next round onwards, Eithne should be able to attack. ]]
Esta crouches on the balls of her feet, caught slightly off-guard by the sudden burst of violence. Seeing enemies at quite a distance, she opts to head towards the closest officer that they are trying to spy on. She uses her action to pull up the hood on her cloak and moves closer to the officer and attempting to hide, keeping within earshot.
The berserkers are out of range of Fath's usual combat spells, thought that isn't likely to be the case for long. So she opens up with a long ranged spell, offering a quick prayer combined with mystic gestures to direct a Guiding Bold at the closest Berserker (A)
Attack: 21 for 8 radiant damage and next attack against Berserker A has advantage.
Jesa tries to take a look around, wondering that none of the usual soldiers seem to still be standing anywhere nearby. She moves to the north and west 30 ft.
Taking position behind what looks to be a barricade, she grabs a javelin as she casts Hunter's Mark on Berserker A. She then throws the javelin at him.
As the battle begins and some of you try to get a look at the other two captains, right now it is hard to see if there is anything off, as both are directing the troops around them to prepare for the incoming assault, as more berserkers run out toward other parts of the battlefield.
NOTE: to go over a barricade, make a DC 14 Acrobatics check. On a failure, your speed is 0 until the start of your next turn
Rogferr gets their familiar in the air and works toward a more defensible position while marking one of the berserkers!
Eithne clicks her heels, wishes for home, but ends up in the air for now instead, ready to rain down pain on the enemy!
Faith zings one berserker with radiant light and keeps her distance!
Esta pulls her hood up and disappears into the dust and noise of battle!
Jessa heads toward a barricade and launches a javelin at the berserker, nailing them squarely!
Berserker A (-27) runs hard for the party!
Berserker B also runs...
Berserker C also runs...
Berserker D also runs...
Berserker E also runs... (but honestly their run was a little lackluster)
Battlefield Event: 4 (4 was rolled): Another berserker breaks off from another group and runs toward Faith and attacks! Attack: 12 Damage: 7
It takes only about 15 minutes to spot the white tent mentioned, amid the hustle and bustle of soldiers and warriors preparing for battle. When you enter the tent, a stony-faced hobgoblin woman in a sharp-looking uniform looks up from a desk covered in neat stacks of papers and folded envelopes. Her brow furrows. “This isn’t the welcome center, slates. March on.”
"Then we're in the right place" Eithne declares matter-of-factly. "In fact, we did not come here to be welcomed, but to be useful."
"We need to get closer to the Portal," the Savage Wanderer continues, looking the other in the face with her azure eyes, without hostility, but also without fear. "Not to enter it; just to stay nearby for a while. And to gain permission to do so, we might be willing to undertake tasks, even... unusual or dangerous ones, if necessary."
Jesa is left to simply nod in agreement when Eithne offers their services to try to get in next to the portal. She waits, interested to see what the response will be.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The woman stops after a moment and looks up at you all. "I see. I'm afraid the portal is closed right now. We've had a series of devastating attacks recently and are trying to recover. While incursions from Acheron are not uncommon by any means, these attacks have been unusually effective, catching our defenders off guard each time. I have positioned more troops to defend the gate, but it is like they know when our shift changes happen and any possible weakness in our positioning." She studies you again briefly. "I hope I don't need to spell out the implications there." She stood up, her uniform stiff but worn and eyes you all with an appraising look. "Do you have any martial aptitude among you?"
Jesa gives the woman a look for a moment. Given her chain mail, longsword, and shield she feels like it would probably be clear she has some martial aptitude. "I believe there might be some among us with such abilities," she says, placing a hand on the pommel of her sword. "What exactly are you thinking? You need help in fortifying the portal area for a bit? We don't really wish to permanently join any of your wars."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"The implications are that there's a spy, Jesa," Eithne clarifies. "Or at least a security flaw that allows the enemy to spy on the Portal's defenders. And we could be very useful by discovering and neutralizing it."
The Savage Wanderer reports her azure eyes on the stony-faced hobgoblin woman: "We'll probably need a document that gives us authority, though... Otherwise, the culprit, even if discovered by us, would have no problem simply arresting (or executing) us 'slates,' as we've often been called. The culprit will surely be of a higher rank than us—we at least need the authority to appeal to you, without being quickly eliminated by others."
'Don't put yourself in the spotlight, Eithne...' the Voices in the Lone Survivor's head are quick to make themselves heard.
'Otherwise, you'll be the first one any potential spy will want to eliminate!'
'A document, then... but how did you even think of that, Eithne? Do documents weigh more than honor and a handshake?'
'Don't you see the pile of documents this officer has beside her?' the mind's owner sighs inwardly. 'It's clear that here the paper 'weapons' are no less deadly than the steel ones...'
"We have capabilities, each to their own. Rooting out the miscreant amongst the ranks? That's something we should be able to help with." Esta says in agreement with the others, secretly glad we aren't offering ourselves to help in war. That is something she most definitely wants to avoid.
"If we help you find out how these attacks are more co-ordinated, can we count on your support for moving within range of the portal for our mimirs' needs?"
Major Kalar shook her head slightly. "No, not permanent. We do not conscript visitors like that. But yes, a fresh set of eyes could be invaluable in discovering if there is indeed a spy in our ranks, and who that might be." Her eyes shift to Eithne, "You will not need documents or papers, because I will be coming with you. And if there are those among you whose resolve is steeled by gold more than duty, I can offer you each up to 1,000 gold pieces and I'll see what I have left in my personal armory, in addition to allowing you time to deal with...that." She pointed at the floating mimir.
"Hey lady! Haven't heard quit while you're ahead!? I quit! Cause I'm a head! Ha!"
The hardened woman stared for a moment then sighed and got herself together, moving with tactical precision. "Follow me. There is no telling just when the next incursion will begin." Major Kalar will lead you all back out of her tent and back a different way toward the portal. What you saw before was just a glimpse from a certain vantage point, for within a cavernous, steel-lined bunker deep below Rigus stands the gate to Acheron, an archway of iron spikes and bone. With a closer view, you can see that the area around the gate looks like a battlefield and is littered with heaps of broken metal and shattered armaments. A ring of barricades circles the gate, beyond which at least two hundred Rigus soldiers (mostly humans and hobgoblins) maintain a rigid, watchful formation.
There are two other commanders patrolling the area as well that Major Kalar brings over to introduce to the party: a well armored human woman named Seargent Luggik, and cambion named Seargent Gauller. Both are polite and give brief smiles before quickly turning back to their patrols, watching the portal for any sign of activity.
"Acquaint yourself with the area and make any preparations you wish. It is only a matter of time before an incursion begins." Major Kalar gestures to the area and then begins her own patrol of the area.
Eithne whispers to her fellow adventurers: "We could assume that the traitor is one of the two officers. Should we try to keep an eye on them? Even if we don't see either of them going to transmit information to the enemy, we might at least notice some clues during the attack. The traitor might be in a safe position, away from hostilities, for example. Or he might be suspiciously less targeted than the others."
Eithne murmurs to her fellow adventurers: "We could start by assuming the traitor is one of the two officers. Hugher rank means more information... Should we try to keep an eye on them? Even if we don't see either of them transmitting information to the enemy, we might at least notice some clues during the next attack. The traitor might be in a safe position, away from hostilities, for example. Or might get suspiciously less targeted than the others."
'Take care getting yourself too targeted less than the others, Eithne...' the Voices in her head advise one another.
'Remember that there could be 'weapons of interplanar destruction' here...'
'If an attack like the one that killed us all is about to occur, Eithne, perhaps it's not worth staying here!'
But the Lone Survivor tries to assert her host status: 'If it was an attack like that that caused the massacre of our tribe, we can't just run away. Or the culprits will go unpunished. We need to know more. We'll stay. Help me, instead, note the details... keep an eye on those two officers...'
And indeed, the Savage Wanderer lets her azure eyes roam, seemingly scanning the area for the most defensible and the most vulnerable points—but at the same time never losing sight of the two she's singled out as initial suspects.
During the walk Rogferr would have ritual cast comprehend languages. At the Mimir's comments Rogferr would have let out a loud laugh.
When Eithne voices her thoughts Rogferr will summon his familiar to his side and in a low voice response.
“Hypnos can watch for any suspicious behavior. He tends not to get involved in fights and during an attack is the best time for a traitor to pass information.”
For her part, Faith looks around at all the people here, looking for anyone doing anything that seems out of place or suspicious. She finds some place out of the way to watch from where she has a good view of as much of the room as possible.
{Just in case their relevant}
Perception 11
Insight 12
Trying to watch everyone at once is a strain, Faith can feel the beginnings of a headache as she vainly tries to keep track of everything at once.
Jesa watches to see which directions the two officers they were introduced go. "Those two are probably out best initial leads," she agrees. "Should we follow them? Well, at a respectable distance." If both go the same way, she moves in that direction. If they choose different directions, she suggests, "We should split, one group after each of them."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Nothing appears to be off at the moment as people take positions although the tension is palpable. Suddenly, the gate to Acheron flares to life, the portal resembling a great, burning feline eye. Gigantic, conical projectiles—each made of rusted iron and over fifteen feet long—blast through the gate in rapid succession, impacting amid Rigus’s defenders. Soldiers scream and barricades shatter. Then a wave of berserk invaders charges through the gate.
(Combat starting! I rolled initiative for you on your character sheets, but if you have any "when you roll initiative" abilities by all means include them in your opening actions, including any ability to modify the initiative order and I'll fix it next post.)
Note: the area around the iron projectiles is difficult terrain (the craters)
Rogferr
Eithne
Faith
Esta
Jessa
Berserker A
Berserker B
Berserker C
Berserker D
Berserker E
(The battlefield will be impacted at the end of each round)
[[ OOC: Eithne's Turn is after Rogferr's, but posting now, because Eithne does this regardless of Rogferr's actions. ]]
Round 1
Eithne is shocked by the sudden outburst of violence, but she was somewhat prepared, so she manages to react quickly and thinks: 'Lift me up! Then I can shoot the enemies freely—and at the same time keep an eye on the two suspects.'
'Of course, Eithne!' the Voices in her head agree.
'This time, it won't end like when we were massacred!'
'We'll fly you... We'll protect you... And one day, you'll avenge us!'
And indeed, the Voices' united determination activates the Lone Survivor's magical boots, which rises a good 20 feet above the battlefield, already drawing her bow.
The Savage Wanderer's azure eyes carefully select their targets... but, without making it too obvious, they never lose sight of the two suspected officers!
[[ OOC: Action: Activate the Winged Boots. Movement: 20 feet up. From the next round onwards, Eithne should be able to attack. ]]
Turn 1:
Action: Dodge
BA: Hunter's Mark Berserker A
Move: Move north 30 Feet avoiding difficult terrain as much as possible.
Rogferr will tell Hypnos to keep an eye on the other Commanders for any suspicious behavior. Hypnos's would fly 100 feet up and circle.
Esta crouches on the balls of her feet, caught slightly off-guard by the sudden burst of violence. Seeing enemies at quite a distance, she opts to head towards the closest officer that they are trying to spy on. She uses her action to pull up the hood on her cloak and moves closer to the officer and attempting to hide, keeping within earshot.
Action: Cloak of Elvenkind
BA: Cunning Action: Hide (Stealth - 29)
She will attempt to see/hear if the officers are doing anything suspicious that may indicate their betrayal.
The berserkers are out of range of Fath's usual combat spells, thought that isn't likely to be the case for long. So she opens up with a long ranged spell, offering a quick prayer combined with mystic gestures to direct a Guiding Bold at the closest Berserker (A)
Attack: 21 for 8 radiant damage and next attack against Berserker A has advantage.
Jesa tries to take a look around, wondering that none of the usual soldiers seem to still be standing anywhere nearby. She moves to the north and west 30 ft.
Taking position behind what looks to be a barricade, she grabs a javelin as she casts Hunter's Mark on Berserker A. She then throws the javelin at him.
(Javelin Attack: 25, Damage: 13 piercing + 6 Hunter's Mark.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
As the battle begins and some of you try to get a look at the other two captains, right now it is hard to see if there is anything off, as both are directing the troops around them to prepare for the incoming assault, as more berserkers run out toward other parts of the battlefield.
NOTE: to go over a barricade, make a DC 14 Acrobatics check. On a failure, your speed is 0 until the start of your next turn
Rogferr gets their familiar in the air and works toward a more defensible position while marking one of the berserkers!
Eithne clicks her heels, wishes for home, but ends up in the air for now instead, ready to rain down pain on the enemy!
Faith zings one berserker with radiant light and keeps her distance!
Esta pulls her hood up and disappears into the dust and noise of battle!
Jessa heads toward a barricade and launches a javelin at the berserker, nailing them squarely!
Berserker A (-27) runs hard for the party!
Berserker B also runs...
Berserker C also runs...
Berserker D also runs...
Berserker E also runs... (but honestly their run was a little lackluster)
Battlefield Event: 4 (4 was rolled): Another berserker breaks off from another group and runs toward Faith and attacks! Attack: 12 Damage: 7
(Berserker F will be added on repost. Next round ready!)
(Also, you can spend your action studying the other captains. Make a perception check if you do.)