Sharn didn't have as exciting an evening as some of his companions, but after the hole on the ground was deep enough and the stars bright enough, he retreated for one of the empty rooms.
He awoke early, though he wasn't sure who amongst them had awoken first. The morning was made to get things done, to be diligent. He left the Dance Hall, breakfast could wait, he had something to focus on.
Sharn began to look around, ask around, walk around. There was a kobold he needed to meet. No, there was a guide that needed to be recruited. He wasn't sure where Kasi was in the settlement, but he had to find her.
Finally stopping to listen to what Buckeran has to say, he closes his mouth, accepting the coffee and konjac root. “A psuedodragon? Wow! It’s nice to meet you Jasper” Sipping at the drink he looks around the room, every time he made a pass he found something new he wanted to ask about, the sheer volume of questions kept his mouth from forming complete sentences. “You have..is that…where’d you…four, no five…huh?” After slowly spinning on the spot a few times he finally stops to look at the archivist“Oh, right, the scythe and ring. I looked over the ring and decided that it would be fine to keep it in exchange for the scythe, as long as the collateral with the scythe is a friendly working relationship.” Setting the pack down as he talks he pulls the wrapped weapon out and sets it across the desk/counter“I don’t think I am at a place to keep something like this under control right now but I will keep your advice in mind.” Opening the clothes wrapped around it and sitting back he continues“We’re heading back towards where the caravan was attacked and the supplies taken, searching for some kobolds, you have a map or info of the area that can help us? Guessing we’re gonna be in some caves so some sort of light will be helpful to. Also anything in that area you may want me to watch for or bring back?”
Buckeran enjoys watching you gag over his extensive collection, and sips his coffee with a perfectly pleased glint in his eyes. "The caravan. Yes, I heard gossip about that this morning. The town will be quite in your debt if Dawnbound can return with a cartful of supplies."
He takes the scythe from you, but as it separates from your grip, you hear a faint cry of outrage in your mind. No promise of power, or glory... just general frustration. It's easily ignored. Buckeran doesn't seem to hear it as he takes it over to a particularly large chest. Setting the weapon down for a moment, he covers the combination with his body, and privately enters a pattern before the chest pops open. He sets the weapon down inside the chest and immediately the voice of the scythe is silenced. He closes the lid and a series of gears turn and crank until you hear the chest lock several times. "That should hold it until I'm properly ready to inspect it. Once I know it's capabilities and liabilities, we can properly determine what to do with it."
He claps his hands and rubs them greedily. "Now... about maps. Piruz the Librarian keeps the majority of those, but I had a feeling you'd be needing such a thing, so I procured one of the trail along the Khalkist Mountains, including the known caves near the region where the raid took place." He pushes a button on his desk and a drawer pops out, revealing a carefully folded map. After flipping it open, he proclaims "I'd start here." He jams a fingertip down on a dot. "The Letni Inhelk tribe. It's draconic for Fire Stone. They're miners and trap makers... and a rather shrewd bunch at that. One of the largest clans in the region. The Hachakee have been known to trade with them for supplies before, but they are an insular bunch who have been known to attack outsiders on site." He folds up the map and hands it to you.
Merkas now possesses a map of the merchant trail along the Khalkist mountains. +10 to Survival when navigating the region. (+20 if you get a compass.)
"It seems unlikely they would rob a caravan. They tend to keep to themselves. They want nothing to do with the outside world, since the world generally only wants them for their hides. But if you can manage to get them to not kill you, perhaps they can point you in the right direction. OH!" Buckeran returns to his desk and pulls out another map. "And here's a rough sketched map of their cave network. It's easy to get lost down there. It's not very detailed. The Hachakee made the maps based on what they've been privileged to see, which isn't much. I'm afraid it's the best I can do. Your mission comes directly from the council, is time sensitive and is of the utmost importance. So I don't dare offer you a bounty that would conflict with it. But I will make one... tiiiiiiny request. A vial of their spring water. Just one vial is all I need for my studies. I believe the Letni Inhelk possess their own subterranean agriculture, which is why they don't typically rely on raiding tactics to survive. They may not part with it willingly, so I'm hoping your hands are nimble enough to acquire such a thing without their notice. Bring it to me unsullied by the desert sand, and I shall pay you far more than a few drops of water are worth."
He leans forward, tapping his finger on his chin. "Now... the real reason I invited you here. As a resident of Santekh, I've built a reputation for being responsible, honest, and generous with my wealth. So long as the council leaves me to my trinkets, I tend to vote with the majority and play it safe. But I crave adventure! I miss the good old days, Merkas. I miss dragons, and bandits, and danger at every corner. And I'm willing to help finance and manage your operations to make it happen. I have three missions I wish to employ Dawnbound for, and I wish to accompany you on these quests." He puts his finger to his mouth as if to shush you. "This is not for the council's ears. I'm under strict orders to remain here in Santekh." He settles back down and waves his hands in the air dismissively. "They mean well... they're just worried I'll get in the way and get killed. Bah! I'm interested in science and magic now... not battle. But, for such reasons, I can't go with you on this bounty. I'm to remain here, in my gilded cage for the time being. But once you've satisfied the conditions of your contract come to me. Look! Look at what I believe I've found!"
He pulls out an old, but well-kept tome from his bookshelf and sets it down reverently in front of you. Then he flips to a page about two-thirds of the way through. "A portal! To another world! Right in the Khalkist Mountains! The land is called Abeir-Toril! A land long forgotten that is said to possess all kinds of magic, fey, and... dragons! Not just the chromatic ones, but metallic dragons too! Can you imagine? A world that Takhisis hasn't conquered. Legend has it they even have their own pantheon! One that actually plays a somewhat active role in the land. It's said they even sometimes come down from the heavens to possess avatars and perform miracles wherever they go!" He giggles almost maniacally at the thought.
"Or this, rather important one." He pulls out another book and turns to a dog-eared page, where you see an image of a stoppered flask labelled Decanter of Endless Water. "This tiny flask is capable of shooting out a geyser of water 30 feet long and a foot wide! Between myself and Duncan, I believe we can modify this device to work as an irrigation system for Santekh... perhaps even duplicate the item so we can station them in key points about town and turn the whole damned town into a thriving oasis!"
He leans back... saving the best for last. "Or... Dawnbound and I could simply put an end to the drought plaguing all of Khur..." He pauses for dramatic effect. "And find a dragon's horde in the process." His whole face wrinkles into a self-satisfied grin. "I happed to know how to do it. But it could be quite dangerous. And I want a cut of that treasure, of course." Buckeran seems pleased with himself, and deeply curious about your answer.
Sharn didn't have as exciting an evening as some of his companions, but after the hole on the ground was deep enough and the stars bright enough, he retreated for one of the empty rooms.
He awoke early, though he wasn't sure who amongst them had awoken first. The morning was made to get things done, to be diligent. He left the Dance Hall, breakfast could wait, he had something to focus on.
Sharn began to look around, ask around, walk around. There was a kobold he needed to meet. No, there was a guide that needed to be recruited. He wasn't sure where Kasi was in the settlement, but he had to find her.
Your inquiries lead you to the rickety shack that Kasi has made as her home and place of business. But she's outside, desperately clinging to her daily rations of food and water, as four thugs are kicking and pushing her around, trying to steal it from her. "Filthy kobolds such as yourself don't get to steal food from honest hard workers! Go die in the desert with the rest of your kin!" She gets knocked to the ground, but clings to her supplies. There's fear and pain in her eyes, but she remains quiet against their taunting. There's a sadness a resignation to her. The kind that comes from getting used to this kind of treatment.
The morning meal was far better than last night’s sorry excuse for stew, thanks to the miracle water from the evening before. Handar had truly outdone himself this time. The rich, hearty broth filled Sera’s belly, and she ate more than she had expected to. It felt good. She felt good.
Smiling, she leaned over and gave Handar a daughterly peck on the chin, her appreciation wordless but clear.
Handar, pleased but ever gruff, chuckled and then narrowed his eyes. “Where's Merkas and that other fella... Shawn, was it? Ya know, the dwarf what talks about stars and dirt.”
Sera merely shrugged, her mouth too full of food to answer immediately. After swallowing, she waved a hand lazily.
“…I believe the dwarf is out trying to secure us a kobold guide,” she said between bites. “And Merkas? Who knows. He’s a kender. He might be pickpocketing Lord Soth right at this moment, for all we know.”
It was a joke—mostly—but even as she said the undead knight’s name, she instinctively made a small warding gesture, a leftover habit from her mother. No need to invite bad luck.
She finished her meal with a satisfied sigh, pushing her bowl away. “Food was delicious.” Then, with a slight smirk, she added, “I believe Hastos may have trouble finding his… ehemm… socks.”
She dared not say “underwear” to Handar. That would be too embarrassing. Though, thinking back, did that piece of clothing go flying out the window at some point? She couldn’t quite recall…
Shaking the thought away, she stretched and stood. “I’m going to visit Duncan, see if he has anything useful before we set out. Then I’ll check on the cart. If you see the others, try to let them know we’re leaving in an hour?”
Handar gave a grunt of acknowledgment, and Sera gave him another quick peck on the chin before slipping out.
There was still a bit of time to gather supplies—and hopefully, Duncan wasn’t on sentry duty, or this would take longer than she wanted.
Sharn pretended to run in while he yelled back "Kaylan, Duncan! They're stealing from this old woman, come quickly!" (Deception check of 4)
But he clearly ran too far forward as the four thugs were already looking at him. Sharn could not make sense of the emotions reflected on their faces, but it was nothing good.
Ultimately, he shrugged quarterstaff firmly in hand. "You know what you're doing is foul, what more would anyone have to say?"
Hastos finally leaves his room and makes his way down to the bar. People may have been looking at him, but he was too absorbed in his own thoughts. “Where the hell were they? I took them off right there by the damned bed… well, *I* didn’t, but still, how far could they have gone???” He gait has an occasional tick in it has things aren’t falling into place, so to speak, “I should have paid more for those nicer leggings. Those were softer.” He grumbles under his breath as reaches the bar. He pulls his cloak forward to cover the insignias as best he can.
He gets the same offer of coffee and breakfast from Handar which he gladly accepts. As the food is being brought he looks around to find noone in his group in the bar. His gaze falls on someone staring back at his with a knowing grin and a wink. Hastos just stares back at him flatly. Staring a hole right through the forehead of the otherwise nice-seeming man.
.Intimidation: 15
The man suddenly realizes that whatever connection he was expecting to have was only being met with slowly growing hostility ands he looks back to his food.
Handar arrives with the food and coffee and with a word of gratitude Hastos begins eating his breakfast, occasionally shifting uncomfortably in his chair.
The thugs square up against the stalwart monk, sizing him up and evaluating the threat of more companions joining him soon. But the bluff crumbles quickly enough.
"What you think the guards are gonna help a kobold-lover like you? Kill 'em on site is the typical command anyway!" the obvious leader says in a low, intimidating growl, before charging in with his mace!
Handar is always grateful for a smooch on the chin, and through the smile tugging at his lips he merely offers a "Bah! Get on lass. Ya got a big day ahead of ye. Do me proud!"
When Hastos arrives, he serves the soup and coffee with a grunt. Then he goes back to making his flatbread. He wants to talk about the chemistry he saw between Sera and Hastos from the evening before, and warn him to be a gentleman, but he doesn't know how to broach the subject, so he just keeps clearing his throat while he works, Finally, after several minutes of awkward silence, he says, "Glynnis should have tha' horses ready fer yer trip any minute now. Not sure what's takin' 'er so long. Sera's off ta see the witchdoctor, an' Merkas went ta' meet Buckeran as agreed... Oh! An' Sera said ye should all meet back 'ere in an hour. So, if ye got any in town business, ye should clear it up by then."
At Witchdoctor Duncan's Apothecary...
Sera walks into what mostly appears to be an alchemical shop. Beakers and vials hang neatly in rows on shelves... a surprising shift from the generally filthy dwarf's usual appearance. Duncan is using doing a bit of gardening, pouring some beer over some mushrooms, and trimming some herbs when you walk in. A little brass bell hanging over the door chimes announcing your presence, and he turns to face you, covered in dirt. He stands up and offers you an ear to ear grin.
"Sera! Good to see you this morning!" he rubs his grimy hands on his apron and presents it to you to shake. "What can Witchdoctor Duncan do for you today?"
In the distance, you hear a tussling sound and Kaylan and Duncan's name being mentioned. Duncan's smile fades into a look of curiosity. "What the hell?" He looks out his window and sees Sharn squaring off against four town thugs. "What kind of trouble did that damned hill dwarf get himself into now?"
He looks at his shop, clearly not wanting to leave it unattended right when he was about to make a sale. "Miss... I'm afraid I have to lock up the shop for a moment. May I escort you outside?"
"Portals, endless water, and dragons, Oh my!" Merkas remarks as he sips at the coffee"I can't speak for the others just yet, but the whole decanter thing seems pretty important right now. Would be really nice for the whole place to have water. But if this place starts looking to good you think we might attract attention from people we don't want around? I will talk with the rest while we collect the crates." Taking another look at the map before folding it up and storing it safely in an inner vest pocket "Thanks so much for the insight into the area, this is going to help so much. I will keep a look out for that water you asked for, you happen to have a vial or bottle I could store it in? Or is that something to purchase from Duncan?"
Quote from Inexorabletruth>>"Glynnis should have tha' horses ready fer yer trip any minute now. Not sure what's takin' 'er so long. Sera's off ta see the witchdoctor, an' Merkas went ta' meet Buckeran as agreed... Oh! An' Sera said ye should all meet back 'ere in an hour. So, if ye got any in town…
As Handars words get processed in Hastos’ mind, he stands up abruptly, nearly knocking the table over, and sending his chair flying backwards towards the man who’s intent on not looking up from his breakfast. “Where’s Glynnis? Point me in the direction immediately, please.”
Sera inhaled the strange mix of fragrances in Duncan’s shop, an odd but pleasant blend of fresh herbs, pungent potions, and something vaguely metallic. Her gaze wandered over the rows of neatly arranged vials and beakers—a stark contrast to the normally grimy dwarf.
She had planned to ask about antidotes. The desert must have its fair share of venomous creatures, and it would be wise to prepare. Perhaps even some restorative herbs… Maybe she could learn more about herbalism from Duncan himself.
And then—distraction.
Duncan peered out the window, his easygoing demeanor shifting to something tense. And then, he was talking about closing the shop? Sera’s brows knit together. What hill dwarf was he talking about? Was Sharn in trouble? Were cultists attacking?
As Duncan moved to shut the shop, she ignored him entirely, stepping around him to look for herself. And what she saw made her blood boil.
Sharn—facing off against a group of thugs.
Her stomach twisted. Street bullies. Cowards who preyed on those they thought weaker.
Duncan barely had time to sputter out another excuse before Sera moved. The moment she stepped forward, the shop door slammed open with such force that the little brass bell was sent flying, clattering to the floor. The hinges groaned, the wood cracking slightly under the impact.
“My door—! Hey, wait for me—!” Duncan whined, but Sera wasn’t listening.
Her hand was already on her sword hilt, her grip firm. A single whispered word—
"Father."
The energy blade ignited to life, its radiant glow a sharp contrast against the dusty streets as she charged forward.
"Portals, endless water, and dragons, Oh my!" Merkas remarks as he sips at the coffee"I can't speak for the others just yet, but the whole decanter thing seems pretty important right now. Would be really nice for the whole place to have water. But if this place starts looking to good you think we might attract attention from people we don't want around? I will talk with the rest while we collect the crates." Taking another look at the map before folding it up and storing it safely in an inner vest pocket "Thanks so much for the insight into the area, this is going to help so much. I will keep a look out for that water you asked for, you happen to have a vial or bottle I could store it in? Or is that something to purchase from Duncan?"
Buckeran looks at his lab... filled with beakers and vials. "I suppose I could spare one," he says with a chuckle. He brings you one with a cork in it and puts it in a hard case with a soft, velvety lining. The case is scrimshawed with elegant designs and bares the monogram for his name in kenderspeak. "Please return it to me in perfect condition. I like my collections."
Quote from Inexorabletruth>>"Glynnis should have tha' horses ready fer yer trip any minute now. Not sure what's takin' 'er so long. Sera's off ta see the witchdoctor, an' Merkas went ta' meet Buckeran as agreed... Oh! An' Sera said ye should all meet back 'ere in an hour. So, if ye got any in town…
As Handars words get processed in Hastos’ mind, he stands up abruptly, nearly knocking the table over, and sending his chair flying backwards towards the man who’s intent on not looking up from his breakfast. “Where’s Glynnis? Point me in the direction immediately, please.”
Handar jumps back. "Easy lad! Yer a high strung one ain'tcha?" he points to the rear entrance.
“My door—! Hey, wait for me—!” Duncan whined, but Sera wasn’t listening.
"And my BELL!" Duncan proclaims, losing his composure and looking quite flustered. No time to worry about it. Unarmed, Duncan spins around, looking for something to use. He grabs a few mushrooms, and a hand full of oil-filled vials, then carefully sets them into a sack, and charges out. He skids to a stop at the door, and tries to lock it, but the door is now jammed. Looking hastily towards the scene unfolding around the thugs and then back to his door, he jostles it a few more times. Torn between protecting the valuables in his shop and his off-duty responsibilities as a guard, he begrudgingly gives the door a firm kick to try to wedge it shut and charges off after Sera. His stubby legs pumping as the vials jostle in his pack as he curses with every step.
Buckeran looks at his lab... filled with beakers and vials. "I suppose I could spare one," he says with a chuckle. He brings you one with a cork in it and puts it in a hard case with a soft, velvety lining. The case is scrimshawed with elegant designs and bares the monogram for his name in kenderspeak. "Please return it to me in perfect condition. I like my collections."
Taking the box gingerly, Merkas runs his fingers along the creat and scrollwork “I will do everything in my power to return this with no more wear than I received it” Pulling a soft shirt from among his clothes he wraps the box carefully and sets in amongst the well protected wears in his pack
”Well, seems you have outfitted me so well Bone Hunter, unless you have any advice for me, I best be going. Gotta keep from changing anymore strange colours. Blue I can handle but if I went bright yellow or glow in the dark I wouldn’t be to happy”
He heads towards the door to head back towards the Dance Hall
Sharn's knuckles cracked as he gripped his staff harder. It had been so long and he was so rattled by the mistreatment of the kobold that he made his swing upwards too predictable, though powerful, as he swung his staff upwards at the thug's chin like one would a hammer. (Rolled a 7 to hit)
The thug gave him a cocky grin, do doubt about to make a rude retort, but Sharn had no patience for idle chatter with an undisciplined coward. He blocked the eyes of the assailant with the tip of his staff and swung a kick at the thug's ankle, right on the joint. The tip of his foot made the man dip, and lose balance, but his boots shielded him just enough to keep him on his feet, graceless as he was. (rolled a 18 to hit for 4 points of damage)
Sharn readied himself to get hit. He wished he had the proficiency he used to have back when he trained daily. Two years it had been since the defeat he regretted the most. Two years without training, letting himself wither like a houseplant under bad care. Sharn smiled as other emotions bubbled in the massive cauldron that was his belly. Only the soil would determine the outcome of the fight, but the excitement he felt was written in stone.
Hastos takes off in a sprint toward the rear entrance, his hand grabbing for the handle of his axe.
When you burst through the rear entrance, axe in hand, Glynnis is visibly surprised and falls on her rear when the horses buck! "Reorx damn it!" Glynnis cries out in shock. She clutches her chest over her heart and breathes heavily. "What in the nine hells are ye on about?!" The back of The Laughing Dwarf seems peaceful enough. There's a grooming brush and bucket on the floor. It appears Glynnis was just fawning over her horses. The cart is properly hitched to the two horses, but they now seem quite nervous about your dramatic entrance into their personal space.
Buckeran looks at his lab... filled with beakers and vials. "I suppose I could spare one," he says with a chuckle. He brings you one with a cork in it and puts it in a hard case with a soft, velvety lining. The case is scrimshawed with elegant designs and bares the monogram for his name in kenderspeak. "Please return it to me in perfect condition. I like my collections."
Taking the box gingerly, Merkas runs his fingers along the creat and scrollwork “I will do everything in my power to return this with no more wear than I received it” Pulling a soft shirt from among his clothes he wraps the box carefully and sets in amongst the well protected wears in his pack
”Well, seems you have outfitted me so well Bone Hunter, unless you have any advice for me, I best be going. Gotta keep from changing anymore strange colours. Blue I can handle but if I went bright yellow or glow in the dark I wouldn’t be to happy”
He heads towards the door to head back towards the Dance Hall
"I think blue suits you fine!" He says with a smile. "Reminds me of a fable about a fey type of creature, a bit smaller than you that were always being hunted by a nasty witch. But they always got the best of her! I believe they were called smurfs. Silly name, but it's a children's story. You'll do fine out there, my friend!"
With that, you make your way towards the Dance Hall. The tent community is active, hustling to rebuild structures now that they have their supplies. A group of workers eye you with keen interest as you pass.
When you make it to The Laughing Dwarf, you arrive just in time to see Hastos charge through the rear exit wielding his axe with deadly intent. Handar just shrugs. "Jumpy fella'" he offers, thoroughly confused.
A moment later, you hear horses whinny and Glynnis cursing at Hastos. Handar looks to the rear entrance with more concern than curiosity at this point. He wipes his hands and picks heads to the back door. "I'm gonna see what tha' fuss is about."
Sharn's knuckles cracked as he gripped his staff harder. It had been so long and he was so rattled by the mistreatment of the kobold that he made his swing upwards too predictable, though powerful, as he swung his staff upwards at the thug's chin like one would a hammer. (Rolled a 7 to hit)
The thug gave him a cocky grin, do doubt about to make a rude retort, but Sharn had no patience for idle chatter with an undisciplined coward. He blocked the eyes of the assailant with the tip of his staff and swung a kick at the thug's ankle, right on the joint. The tip of his foot made the man dip, and lose balance, but his boots shielded him just enough to keep him on his feet, graceless as he was. (rolled a 18 to hit for 4 points of damage)
Sharn readied himself to get hit. He wished he had the proficiency he used to have back when he trained daily. Two years it had been since the defeat he regretted the most. Two years without training, letting himself wither like a houseplant under bad care. Sharn smiled as other emotions bubbled in the massive cauldron that was his belly. Only the soil would determine the outcome of the fight, but the excitement he felt was written in stone.
Thug Red leans back in time to dodge the wicked strike of the staff, just in time to take a boot to the ankle! Thug Red sneers. "You kick like a kobold too!" He swings hard and lumbering with his heavy mace. It makes a whooshing sound as it swings wide when you sidestep the obvious strike, and he's thrown off balance by the weight of the weapon.
Thug Red Critically Misses and is Disadvantaged for one round.
Thug Green rushes in, bellowing madly and hoisting his mace high for a devastating downward strike, which Sharn deflects with his quarterstaff. But, he's not deterred. Rebounding off the strike, he thrusts the mace out to his right and swings it at Sharn's ribs, slamming it home against Sharn's sturdy frame!
Thug Green Attacks with a Mace (22) and deals 5 bludgeoning damage!
Thug Blue loads his crossbow, and moves to a better vantage point, hoping to thread one in on your other side, but the previous assault causes Sharn to double over enough that the bolt flies over your head!
Thug Blue Attacks with a Crossbow (6) and misses!
Thug Pink notices Kasi trying to crawl away and kicks her in the jaw, then stomps on her with her boot. "Stay down you scaly b*tch! We'll get back to you in a minute!" Kasi's head hits the dirt, the beleaguered kobold is now unconscious.
Rushing out with Duncan in tow, Sera took in the scene in an instant. Sharn stood his ground, fighting back bravely. He landed a solid kick on one of the scavengers, but instead of retreating, the thug only laughed, mocking his effort.
Behind them, another figure lingered—slinking in the shadows, their boot snapping out to kick a small, cowering form. A kobold. The poor creature flinched under the abuse.
Sera’s gut twisted. Every instinct screamed at her to rush past the others and drive her blade into the one tormenting the kobold—but she forced herself to assess the fight first. There were too many. And one of them had a crossbow.
She needed to shift the odds.
Sera raised her voice, letting her righteous fury carry through the street.
"May Paladine incinerate your foot if you kick her again!"
(skill check intimidation to frighten purple thug and maybe others. got a 22 )
The words rang out like a battle cry. She surged forward, shield raised, Sunblade igniting in a burst of golden light.
The ragged thugs hesitated for just a moment, eyes widening at the sudden blaze of divine energy—but Sera did not hesitate. She was already upon them, stepping into the fray with no fear, moving like an avenging angel. But making eyecontact with Sharn so they coordinate their positions.
(move 30feet south to stand just east of blue thug so Sharn can flank red thug more easy)
Her blade swung left, then right—each strike laced with righteous fury, each movement made to carve through the filth that dared prey on the weak. Her first swing slashed across a brute’s side, the Sunblade burning through cloth and searing into flesh with a burst of radiant heat. He screamed, stumbling backward, clutching at the sizzling wound.
Sera pivoted, her blade flashing in a clean arc at the thug with the crossbow. It cut across his arm, the golden energy biting deep. He shrieked in agony, the scent of burnt skin filling the air
( strike at Red first and after passing him at blue using war cleric bonus action for extra attack. Crit on red thug for 11 radiant, ac 16 on blue for 8 radiant )
Hastos looks left and right fiercely, but quickly realizes he misjudged the situation. Rapidly stowing his axe, he hustles over to help Glynnis to her feet.
”I’m terribly sorry.” Hastos says apologetically. “Handar mentioned that you were taking longer than he expected. I knew you were likely alone and isolated. We had one failed assassination attempt.” Sheepishly he concludes “I …worried you might be in trouble. Really sorry for the scare.”
”…seconds can count.” Hastos trails off, helping brush some of the straw clinging to Glynnis’ clothing.
"I think blue suits you fine!" He says with a smile. "Reminds me of a fable about a fey type of creature, a bit smaller than you that were always being hunted by a nasty witch. But they always got the best of her! I believe they were called smurfs. Silly name, but it's a children's story. You'll do fine out there, my friend!"
With that, you make your way towards the Dance Hall. The tent community is active, hustling to rebuild structures now that they have their supplies. A group of workers eye you with keen interest as you pass.
When you make it to The Laughing Dwarf, you arrive just in time to see Hastos charge through the rear exit wielding his axe with deadly intent. Handar just shrugs. "Jumpy fella'" he offers, thoroughly confused.
A moment later, you hear horses whinny and Glynnis cursing at Hastos. Handar looks to the rear entrance with more concern than curiosity at this point. He wipes his hands and picks heads to the back door. "I'm gonna see what tha' fuss is about.
Following Handar out the back door, Merkas whistles a happy tune. He starts talking as soon as he sees Hastos ignoring the strange situation he comes upon.
“Great news Haz, I got rid of the scythe, got a map of the area we’re going to check out and a small map of some caves that might be useful. Bucky says that one of the kobold tribes out there isn’t that bad as long as we can convince them we’re not there to hurt em. Oh and he has a neat things he wants us to go find, like a portal in the mountains, an endless bottle of water, and a dragon hoard!” Taking in a breath he stops and glances around “Where’s Sharn and Sera?”
Rushing out with Duncan in tow, Sera took in the scene in an instant. Sharn stood his ground, fighting back bravely. He landed a solid kick on one of the scavengers, but instead of retreating, the thug only laughed, mocking his effort.
Behind them, another figure lingered—slinking in the shadows, their boot snapping out to kick a small, cowering form. A kobold. The poor creature flinched under the abuse.
Sera’s gut twisted. Every instinct screamed at her to rush past the others and drive her blade into the one tormenting the kobold—but she forced herself to assess the fight first. There were too many. And one of them had a crossbow.
She needed to shift the odds.
Sera raised her voice, letting her righteous fury carry through the street.
"May Paladine incinerate your foot if you kick her again!"
(skill check intimidation to frighten purple thug and maybe others. got a 22 )
The words rang out like a battle cry. She surged forward, shield raised, Sunblade igniting in a burst of golden light.
The ragged thugs hesitated for just a moment, eyes widening at the sudden blaze of divine energy—but Sera did not hesitate. She was already upon them, stepping into the fray with no fear, moving like an avenging angel. But making eyecontact with Sharn so they coordinate their positions.
(move 30feet south to stand just east of blue thug so Sharn can flank red thug more easy)
Her blade swung left, then right—each strike laced with righteous fury, each movement made to carve through the filth that dared prey on the weak. Her first swing slashed across a brute’s side, the Sunblade burning through cloth and searing into flesh with a burst of radiant heat. He screamed, stumbling backward, clutching at the sizzling wound.
Sera pivoted, her blade flashing in a clean arc at the thug with the crossbow. It cut across his arm, the golden energy biting deep. He shrieked in agony, the scent of burnt skin filling the air
( strike at Red first and after passing him at blue using war cleric bonus action for extra attack. Crit on red thug for 11 radiant, ac 16 on blue for 8 radiant )
She was here.
And she would not let them win.
Thug Pink looks to the heavens and backs away, clearly worried about the notion of a cleric putting a curse on her. She draws her mace shakily, but not with any obvious attempt to attack. Instead, she backs away several feet. "Uhhh, guys? This is starting to get out of hand..." she says, nervous sweat pouring from her brow.
Thug Pink has the Frightened Condition for one round.
Thug Red, clearly distracted in his fight against Sharn, fails to notice tear a clean line through his leather armor until he could feel (and smell) his flesh sizzle and burn. The wound was deep, but not fatal, and the band leader roars in pain. His belt, cut cleanly in a razor thin slice falls to the ground, along with his supplies and coin purse. Incapable of words from the agony, the thug groans in pain, attempting to clutch his side, but unable to touch the biting burn wound, and accidentally dropping his mace in the act.
Thug Red is Bloodied and Unarmed.
Thug Blue raises his mace to block Sera's rage fueled assault, but the sword tears through his defenses and slices a vicious wound down his face, neck and shoulder. Smoke rises from the cauterized wound and the thug hisses in pain. Anger and fear mix to create something wild and reckless in his eyes.
Thug Blue is Bloodied.
Duncan rushes in, reaching for a vial of sludge in his pack and pulls it out. Not wasting too much time to think, he pops the cork with his yellow teeth and tosses it on the ground between Thug Red and Thug Green. The unguent spreads quickly, covered a 10 foot radius causing the two to become unstable on their feet. The ground becomes unusually slippery, but the two thugs remain standing, though in a wider, uncertain stance.
He shouts in Dwarvish something he hopes at least Sharn will understand...
Both Sera and Sharn know Dwarvish, so I'll post here.
Dwarvish: "Don't touch the substance! Once I throw my mushrooms, things will really start cooking!"
He glares at the thugs. "This is yer last warnin' lads. Back off now." His dwarvish accent slips through a bit in the heat of things.
Hastos looks left and right fiercely, but quickly realizes he misjudged the situation. Rapidly stowing his axe, he hustles over to help Glynnis to her feet.
”I’m terribly sorry.” Hastos says apologetically. “Handar mentioned that you were taking longer than he expected. I knew you were likely alone and isolated. We had one failed assassination attempt.” Sheepishly he concludes “I …worried you might be in trouble. Really sorry for the scare.”
”…seconds can count.” Hastos trails off, helping brush some of the straw clinging to Glynnis’ clothing.
Handar comes out the back door and lets out a hearty belly laugh. "Ye alright thar Glynn? Looks like ye seen the ancestors an' they were all disappointed in ye!" Glynnis takes Hastos's hand and steadies her breath, pointing a scowl at Handar. "Seems Hastos thought I might need protectin' er something. It's alright, boy. But maybe tone it down a bit. Assassin's be comin' in the night, so they're prolly' sleepin' in." She pats Hastos on the shoulders and picks up her brush.
"I was just spendin' a little extra time with 'em. Felt bad that I almost cooked 'em up. Me an' these horses've seen some rough trails gettin' here. Bandits, goblins, kobolds... e'en dragon army soldiers. An' we made it all this way. Ye could say I owe 'em me life." Her lip trembles a bit thinking about it. Even with food as scarce as it is, she always managed to keep these horses well fed, clean and groomed. Even if she had to trade her own rations to do it. The guilt of even considering slaughtering them clearly weighed on her.
She sighs deeply to steady herself. "They're under yer own care now, Hastos. Well... that of Dawnbound anyhow. An' I expect 'em returned in as good a condition as ye got 'em. I packed some rations fer 'em. An' here's their brush. Their names 'er Rocky an' Knuckleface. Watch out fer ol' Knuckleface. She'll punch ye if she ain't be fed in time... with 'er face. It's kinda weird. Anyway, they follow commands pretty good. They've seen enough battle ta' know how to fight, but also maybe too much battle, as ye may have noticed when ye came out swingin' that axe. Not sure if they'll bolt at th' first sign o' trouble, but they're likely ta' buck ya if they get startled."
“If assassins kept regular hours, they wouldn’t be very good assassins .” Hastos replies with a chuckle. Slightly more serious, he continues “You live longer in the wild when you don’t wait for explanations. There’s always going to be someone or something looking to make a meal of you. One way or another. Last night, for example. If it had been left to me, he wouldn’t have woken up. Lucky for him, the others have… more forgiving hearts. For all the good it did him.”
Looking the horses over. “I’ll try to take good care of them and protect them. I’ll leave you to spend more time with them - in peace.”
Hastos turns as he hears Merkas’ footsteps approaching. He was grateful for the lightheartedness he knew was coming.
He wasn’t disappointed. In typical fashion, Merkas drops his entire update in a single breath. Hastos wasn’t sure where to start asking questions, so he went with what seemed to be the most important and work his way back.
“Uh, Sera… came down before I did. I couldn’t find …. my… socks. I haven’t seen anyone this morning.” Turning to Handor, “Do you happen to know where Sera or Sharm headed off to?” After a second, Hastos adds, “Oh, right! The witch doctor!”
”Merkas, would you like to head over to the witch doctors shop? You can tell me all about how you came to accomplish so much in so little time!”
“Oh, sure. Maybe we can get a compass, Bucky has this labelled with north and stuff but if we go underground it’s gonna be tough figuring out which way is which”Merkas turns promptly on his heal and starts heading back to other way“And getting stuff done early, that just means getting up early, not sleeping in and blaming it on missing clothes. But Bucky has the most amazing collection, he has a pauedodragon named Jasper, and all these really neat vials, he let me take one to get some spring water from the sorta friendly kobolds he recommended talking to, and he has five, at first I thought it was only four, but FIVE of these…” He continues chattering as they move through the town.
Sharn didn't have as exciting an evening as some of his companions, but after the hole on the ground was deep enough and the stars bright enough, he retreated for one of the empty rooms.
He awoke early, though he wasn't sure who amongst them had awoken first. The morning was made to get things done, to be diligent. He left the Dance Hall, breakfast could wait, he had something to focus on.
Sharn began to look around, ask around, walk around. There was a kobold he needed to meet. No, there was a guide that needed to be recruited. He wasn't sure where Kasi was in the settlement, but he had to find her.
Buckeran enjoys watching you gag over his extensive collection, and sips his coffee with a perfectly pleased glint in his eyes. "The caravan. Yes, I heard gossip about that this morning. The town will be quite in your debt if Dawnbound can return with a cartful of supplies."
He takes the scythe from you, but as it separates from your grip, you hear a faint cry of outrage in your mind. No promise of power, or glory... just general frustration. It's easily ignored. Buckeran doesn't seem to hear it as he takes it over to a particularly large chest. Setting the weapon down for a moment, he covers the combination with his body, and privately enters a pattern before the chest pops open. He sets the weapon down inside the chest and immediately the voice of the scythe is silenced. He closes the lid and a series of gears turn and crank until you hear the chest lock several times. "That should hold it until I'm properly ready to inspect it. Once I know it's capabilities and liabilities, we can properly determine what to do with it."
He claps his hands and rubs them greedily. "Now... about maps. Piruz the Librarian keeps the majority of those, but I had a feeling you'd be needing such a thing, so I procured one of the trail along the Khalkist Mountains, including the known caves near the region where the raid took place." He pushes a button on his desk and a drawer pops out, revealing a carefully folded map. After flipping it open, he proclaims "I'd start here." He jams a fingertip down on a dot. "The Letni Inhelk tribe. It's draconic for Fire Stone. They're miners and trap makers... and a rather shrewd bunch at that. One of the largest clans in the region. The Hachakee have been known to trade with them for supplies before, but they are an insular bunch who have been known to attack outsiders on site." He folds up the map and hands it to you.
Merkas now possesses a map of the merchant trail along the Khalkist mountains. +10 to Survival when navigating the region. (+20 if you get a compass.)
"It seems unlikely they would rob a caravan. They tend to keep to themselves. They want nothing to do with the outside world, since the world generally only wants them for their hides. But if you can manage to get them to not kill you, perhaps they can point you in the right direction. OH!" Buckeran returns to his desk and pulls out another map. "And here's a rough sketched map of their cave network. It's easy to get lost down there. It's not very detailed. The Hachakee made the maps based on what they've been privileged to see, which isn't much. I'm afraid it's the best I can do. Your mission comes directly from the council, is time sensitive and is of the utmost importance. So I don't dare offer you a bounty that would conflict with it. But I will make one... tiiiiiiny request. A vial of their spring water. Just one vial is all I need for my studies. I believe the Letni Inhelk possess their own subterranean agriculture, which is why they don't typically rely on raiding tactics to survive. They may not part with it willingly, so I'm hoping your hands are nimble enough to acquire such a thing without their notice. Bring it to me unsullied by the desert sand, and I shall pay you far more than a few drops of water are worth."
He leans forward, tapping his finger on his chin. "Now... the real reason I invited you here. As a resident of Santekh, I've built a reputation for being responsible, honest, and generous with my wealth. So long as the council leaves me to my trinkets, I tend to vote with the majority and play it safe. But I crave adventure! I miss the good old days, Merkas. I miss dragons, and bandits, and danger at every corner. And I'm willing to help finance and manage your operations to make it happen. I have three missions I wish to employ Dawnbound for, and I wish to accompany you on these quests." He puts his finger to his mouth as if to shush you. "This is not for the council's ears. I'm under strict orders to remain here in Santekh." He settles back down and waves his hands in the air dismissively. "They mean well... they're just worried I'll get in the way and get killed. Bah! I'm interested in science and magic now... not battle. But, for such reasons, I can't go with you on this bounty. I'm to remain here, in my gilded cage for the time being. But once you've satisfied the conditions of your contract come to me. Look! Look at what I believe I've found!"
He pulls out an old, but well-kept tome from his bookshelf and sets it down reverently in front of you. Then he flips to a page about two-thirds of the way through. "A portal! To another world! Right in the Khalkist Mountains! The land is called Abeir-Toril! A land long forgotten that is said to possess all kinds of magic, fey, and... dragons! Not just the chromatic ones, but metallic dragons too! Can you imagine? A world that Takhisis hasn't conquered. Legend has it they even have their own pantheon! One that actually plays a somewhat active role in the land. It's said they even sometimes come down from the heavens to possess avatars and perform miracles wherever they go!" He giggles almost maniacally at the thought.
"Or this, rather important one." He pulls out another book and turns to a dog-eared page, where you see an image of a stoppered flask labelled Decanter of Endless Water. "This tiny flask is capable of shooting out a geyser of water 30 feet long and a foot wide! Between myself and Duncan, I believe we can modify this device to work as an irrigation system for Santekh... perhaps even duplicate the item so we can station them in key points about town and turn the whole damned town into a thriving oasis!"
He leans back... saving the best for last. "Or... Dawnbound and I could simply put an end to the drought plaguing all of Khur..." He pauses for dramatic effect. "And find a dragon's horde in the process." His whole face wrinkles into a self-satisfied grin. "I happed to know how to do it. But it could be quite dangerous. And I want a cut of that treasure, of course." Buckeran seems pleased with himself, and deeply curious about your answer.
Your inquiries lead you to the rickety shack that Kasi has made as her home and place of business. But she's outside, desperately clinging to her daily rations of food and water, as four thugs are kicking and pushing her around, trying to steal it from her. "Filthy kobolds such as yourself don't get to steal food from honest hard workers! Go die in the desert with the rest of your kin!" She gets knocked to the ground, but clings to her supplies. There's fear and pain in her eyes, but she remains quiet against their taunting. There's a sadness a resignation to her. The kind that comes from getting used to this kind of treatment.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
The morning meal was far better than last night’s sorry excuse for stew, thanks to the miracle water from the evening before. Handar had truly outdone himself this time. The rich, hearty broth filled Sera’s belly, and she ate more than she had expected to. It felt good. She felt good.
Smiling, she leaned over and gave Handar a daughterly peck on the chin, her appreciation wordless but clear.
Handar, pleased but ever gruff, chuckled and then narrowed his eyes. “Where's Merkas and that other fella... Shawn, was it? Ya know, the dwarf what talks about stars and dirt.”
Sera merely shrugged, her mouth too full of food to answer immediately. After swallowing, she waved a hand lazily.
“…I believe the dwarf is out trying to secure us a kobold guide,” she said between bites. “And Merkas? Who knows. He’s a kender. He might be pickpocketing Lord Soth right at this moment, for all we know.”
It was a joke—mostly—but even as she said the undead knight’s name, she instinctively made a small warding gesture, a leftover habit from her mother. No need to invite bad luck.
She finished her meal with a satisfied sigh, pushing her bowl away. “Food was delicious.” Then, with a slight smirk, she added, “I believe Hastos may have trouble finding his… ehemm… socks.”
She dared not say “underwear” to Handar. That would be too embarrassing. Though, thinking back, did that piece of clothing go flying out the window at some point? She couldn’t quite recall…
Shaking the thought away, she stretched and stood. “I’m going to visit Duncan, see if he has anything useful before we set out. Then I’ll check on the cart. If you see the others, try to let them know we’re leaving in an hour?”
Handar gave a grunt of acknowledgment, and Sera gave him another quick peck on the chin before slipping out.
There was still a bit of time to gather supplies—and hopefully, Duncan wasn’t on sentry duty, or this would take longer than she wanted.
Sharn pretended to run in while he yelled back "Kaylan, Duncan! They're stealing from this old woman, come quickly!" (Deception check of 4)
But he clearly ran too far forward as the four thugs were already looking at him. Sharn could not make sense of the emotions reflected on their faces, but it was nothing good.
Ultimately, he shrugged quarterstaff firmly in hand. "You know what you're doing is foul, what more would anyone have to say?"
Hastos finally leaves his room and makes his way down to the bar. People may have been looking at him, but he was too absorbed in his own thoughts. “Where the hell were they? I took them off right there by the damned bed… well, *I* didn’t, but still, how far could they have gone???” He gait has an occasional tick in it has things aren’t falling into place, so to speak, “I should have paid more for those nicer leggings. Those were softer.” He grumbles under his breath as reaches the bar. He pulls his cloak forward to cover the insignias as best he can.
He gets the same offer of coffee and breakfast from Handar which he gladly accepts. As the food is being brought he looks around to find noone in his group in the bar. His gaze falls on someone staring back at his with a knowing grin and a wink. Hastos just stares back at him flatly. Staring a hole right through the forehead of the otherwise nice-seeming man.
.Intimidation: 15
The man suddenly realizes that whatever connection he was expecting to have was only being met with slowly growing hostility ands he looks back to his food.
Handar arrives with the food and coffee and with a word of gratitude Hastos begins eating his breakfast, occasionally shifting uncomfortably in his chair.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Near Kasi's shack...
The thugs square up against the stalwart monk, sizing him up and evaluating the threat of more companions joining him soon. But the bluff crumbles quickly enough.
"What you think the guards are gonna help a kobold-lover like you? Kill 'em on site is the typical command anyway!" the obvious leader says in a low, intimidating growl, before charging in with his mace!
cheapjoke123 please roll for Sharn's initiative!
Inside The Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall...
Handar is always grateful for a smooch on the chin, and through the smile tugging at his lips he merely offers a "Bah! Get on lass. Ya got a big day ahead of ye. Do me proud!"
When Hastos arrives, he serves the soup and coffee with a grunt. Then he goes back to making his flatbread. He wants to talk about the chemistry he saw between Sera and Hastos from the evening before, and warn him to be a gentleman, but he doesn't know how to broach the subject, so he just keeps clearing his throat while he works, Finally, after several minutes of awkward silence, he says, "Glynnis should have tha' horses ready fer yer trip any minute now. Not sure what's takin' 'er so long. Sera's off ta see the witchdoctor, an' Merkas went ta' meet Buckeran as agreed... Oh! An' Sera said ye should all meet back 'ere in an hour. So, if ye got any in town business, ye should clear it up by then."
At Witchdoctor Duncan's Apothecary...
Sera walks into what mostly appears to be an alchemical shop. Beakers and vials hang neatly in rows on shelves... a surprising shift from the generally filthy dwarf's usual appearance. Duncan is using doing a bit of gardening, pouring some beer over some mushrooms, and trimming some herbs when you walk in. A little brass bell hanging over the door chimes announcing your presence, and he turns to face you, covered in dirt. He stands up and offers you an ear to ear grin.
"Sera! Good to see you this morning!" he rubs his grimy hands on his apron and presents it to you to shake. "What can Witchdoctor Duncan do for you today?"
In the distance, you hear a tussling sound and Kaylan and Duncan's name being mentioned. Duncan's smile fades into a look of curiosity. "What the hell?" He looks out his window and sees Sharn squaring off against four town thugs. "What kind of trouble did that damned hill dwarf get himself into now?"
He looks at his shop, clearly not wanting to leave it unattended right when he was about to make a sale. "Miss... I'm afraid I have to lock up the shop for a moment. May I escort you outside?"
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
"Portals, endless water, and dragons, Oh my!" Merkas remarks as he sips at the coffee "I can't speak for the others just yet, but the whole decanter thing seems pretty important right now. Would be really nice for the whole place to have water. But if this place starts looking to good you think we might attract attention from people we don't want around? I will talk with the rest while we collect the crates." Taking another look at the map before folding it up and storing it safely in an inner vest pocket "Thanks so much for the insight into the area, this is going to help so much. I will keep a look out for that water you asked for, you happen to have a vial or bottle I could store it in? Or is that something to purchase from Duncan?"
Loyalty Begets Honour
As Handars words get processed in Hastos’ mind, he stands up abruptly, nearly knocking the table over, and sending his chair flying backwards towards the man who’s intent on not looking up from his breakfast. “Where’s Glynnis? Point me in the direction immediately, please.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Buckeran looks at his lab... filled with beakers and vials. "I suppose I could spare one," he says with a chuckle. He brings you one with a cork in it and puts it in a hard case with a soft, velvety lining. The case is scrimshawed with elegant designs and bares the monogram for his name in kenderspeak. "Please return it to me in perfect condition. I like my collections."
Handar jumps back. "Easy lad! Yer a high strung one ain'tcha?" he points to the rear entrance.
"And my BELL!" Duncan proclaims, losing his composure and looking quite flustered. No time to worry about it. Unarmed, Duncan spins around, looking for something to use. He grabs a few mushrooms, and a hand full of oil-filled vials, then carefully sets them into a sack, and charges out. He skids to a stop at the door, and tries to lock it, but the door is now jammed. Looking hastily towards the scene unfolding around the thugs and then back to his door, he jostles it a few more times. Torn between protecting the valuables in his shop and his off-duty responsibilities as a guard, he begrudgingly gives the door a firm kick to try to wedge it shut and charges off after Sera. His stubby legs pumping as the vials jostle in his pack as he curses with every step.
Initiative Order:
Battle Map:
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Hastos takes off in a sprint toward the rear entrance, his hand grabbing for the handle of his axe.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
”Well, seems you have outfitted me so well Bone Hunter, unless you have any advice for me, I best be going. Gotta keep from changing anymore strange colours. Blue I can handle but if I went bright yellow or glow in the dark I wouldn’t be to happy”
He heads towards the door to head back towards the Dance Hall
Loyalty Begets Honour
Sharn's knuckles cracked as he gripped his staff harder. It had been so long and he was so rattled by the mistreatment of the kobold that he made his swing upwards too predictable, though powerful, as he swung his staff upwards at the thug's chin like one would a hammer. (Rolled a 7 to hit)
The thug gave him a cocky grin, do doubt about to make a rude retort, but Sharn had no patience for idle chatter with an undisciplined coward. He blocked the eyes of the assailant with the tip of his staff and swung a kick at the thug's ankle, right on the joint. The tip of his foot made the man dip, and lose balance, but his boots shielded him just enough to keep him on his feet, graceless as he was. (rolled a 18 to hit for 4 points of damage)
Sharn readied himself to get hit. He wished he had the proficiency he used to have back when he trained daily. Two years it had been since the defeat he regretted the most. Two years without training, letting himself wither like a houseplant under bad care. Sharn smiled as other emotions bubbled in the massive cauldron that was his belly. Only the soil would determine the outcome of the fight, but the excitement he felt was written in stone.
When you burst through the rear entrance, axe in hand, Glynnis is visibly surprised and falls on her rear when the horses buck! "Reorx damn it!" Glynnis cries out in shock. She clutches her chest over her heart and breathes heavily. "What in the nine hells are ye on about?!" The back of The Laughing Dwarf seems peaceful enough. There's a grooming brush and bucket on the floor. It appears Glynnis was just fawning over her horses. The cart is properly hitched to the two horses, but they now seem quite nervous about your dramatic entrance into their personal space.
"I think blue suits you fine!" He says with a smile. "Reminds me of a fable about a fey type of creature, a bit smaller than you that were always being hunted by a nasty witch. But they always got the best of her! I believe they were called smurfs. Silly name, but it's a children's story. You'll do fine out there, my friend!"
With that, you make your way towards the Dance Hall. The tent community is active, hustling to rebuild structures now that they have their supplies. A group of workers eye you with keen interest as you pass.
When you make it to The Laughing Dwarf, you arrive just in time to see Hastos charge through the rear exit wielding his axe with deadly intent. Handar just shrugs. "Jumpy fella'" he offers, thoroughly confused.
A moment later, you hear horses whinny and Glynnis cursing at Hastos. Handar looks to the rear entrance with more concern than curiosity at this point. He wipes his hands and picks heads to the back door. "I'm gonna see what tha' fuss is about."
Thug Red leans back in time to dodge the wicked strike of the staff, just in time to take a boot to the ankle! Thug Red sneers. "You kick like a kobold too!" He swings hard and lumbering with his heavy mace. It makes a whooshing sound as it swings wide when you sidestep the obvious strike, and he's thrown off balance by the weight of the weapon.
Thug Red Critically Misses and is Disadvantaged for one round.
Thug Green rushes in, bellowing madly and hoisting his mace high for a devastating downward strike, which Sharn deflects with his quarterstaff. But, he's not deterred. Rebounding off the strike, he thrusts the mace out to his right and swings it at Sharn's ribs, slamming it home against Sharn's sturdy frame!
Thug Green Attacks with a Mace (22) and deals 5 bludgeoning damage!
Thug Blue loads his crossbow, and moves to a better vantage point, hoping to thread one in on your other side, but the previous assault causes Sharn to double over enough that the bolt flies over your head!
Thug Blue Attacks with a Crossbow (6) and misses!
Thug Pink notices Kasi trying to crawl away and kicks her in the jaw, then stomps on her with her boot. "Stay down you scaly b*tch! We'll get back to you in a minute!" Kasi's head hits the dirt, the beleaguered kobold is now unconscious.
Larskolstad Sera is up. Flame on!
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Rushing out with Duncan in tow, Sera took in the scene in an instant. Sharn stood his ground, fighting back bravely. He landed a solid kick on one of the scavengers, but instead of retreating, the thug only laughed, mocking his effort.
Behind them, another figure lingered—slinking in the shadows, their boot snapping out to kick a small, cowering form. A kobold. The poor creature flinched under the abuse.
Sera’s gut twisted. Every instinct screamed at her to rush past the others and drive her blade into the one tormenting the kobold—but she forced herself to assess the fight first. There were too many. And one of them had a crossbow.
She needed to shift the odds.
Sera raised her voice, letting her righteous fury carry through the street.
"May Paladine incinerate your foot if you kick her again!"
(skill check intimidation to frighten purple thug and maybe others. got a 22 )
The words rang out like a battle cry. She surged forward, shield raised, Sunblade igniting in a burst of golden light.
The ragged thugs hesitated for just a moment, eyes widening at the sudden blaze of divine energy—but Sera did not hesitate. She was already upon them, stepping into the fray with no fear, moving like an avenging angel. But making eyecontact with Sharn so they coordinate their positions.
(move 30feet south to stand just east of blue thug so Sharn can flank red thug more easy)
Her blade swung left, then right—each strike laced with righteous fury, each movement made to carve through the filth that dared prey on the weak. Her first swing slashed across a brute’s side, the Sunblade burning through cloth and searing into flesh with a burst of radiant heat. He screamed, stumbling backward, clutching at the sizzling wound.
Sera pivoted, her blade flashing in a clean arc at the thug with the crossbow. It cut across his arm, the golden energy biting deep. He shrieked in agony, the scent of burnt skin filling the air
( strike at Red first and after passing him at blue using war cleric bonus action for extra attack. Crit on red thug for 11 radiant, ac 16 on blue for 8 radiant )
She was here.
And she would not let them win.
Hastos looks left and right fiercely, but quickly realizes he misjudged the situation. Rapidly stowing his axe, he hustles over to help Glynnis to her feet.
”I’m terribly sorry.” Hastos says apologetically. “Handar mentioned that you were taking longer than he expected. I knew you were likely alone and isolated. We had one failed assassination attempt.” Sheepishly he concludes “I …worried you might be in trouble. Really sorry for the scare.”
”…seconds can count.” Hastos trails off, helping brush some of the straw clinging to Glynnis’ clothing.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Following Handar out the back door, Merkas whistles a happy tune. He starts talking as soon as he sees Hastos ignoring the strange situation he comes upon.
“Great news Haz, I got rid of the scythe, got a map of the area we’re going to check out and a small map of some caves that might be useful. Bucky says that one of the kobold tribes out there isn’t that bad as long as we can convince them we’re not there to hurt em. Oh and he has a neat things he wants us to go find, like a portal in the mountains, an endless bottle of water, and a dragon hoard!”
Taking in a breath he stops and glances around “Where’s Sharn and Sera?”
Loyalty Begets Honour
Thug Pink looks to the heavens and backs away, clearly worried about the notion of a cleric putting a curse on her. She draws her mace shakily, but not with any obvious attempt to attack. Instead, she backs away several feet. "Uhhh, guys? This is starting to get out of hand..." she says, nervous sweat pouring from her brow.
Thug Pink has the Frightened Condition for one round.
Thug Red, clearly distracted in his fight against Sharn, fails to notice tear a clean line through his leather armor until he could feel (and smell) his flesh sizzle and burn. The wound was deep, but not fatal, and the band leader roars in pain. His belt, cut cleanly in a razor thin slice falls to the ground, along with his supplies and coin purse. Incapable of words from the agony, the thug groans in pain, attempting to clutch his side, but unable to touch the biting burn wound, and accidentally dropping his mace in the act.
Thug Red is Bloodied and Unarmed.
Thug Blue raises his mace to block Sera's rage fueled assault, but the sword tears through his defenses and slices a vicious wound down his face, neck and shoulder. Smoke rises from the cauterized wound and the thug hisses in pain. Anger and fear mix to create something wild and reckless in his eyes.
Thug Blue is Bloodied.
Duncan rushes in, reaching for a vial of sludge in his pack and pulls it out. Not wasting too much time to think, he pops the cork with his yellow teeth and tosses it on the ground between Thug Red and Thug Green. The unguent spreads quickly, covered a 10 foot radius causing the two to become unstable on their feet. The ground becomes unusually slippery, but the two thugs remain standing, though in a wider, uncertain stance.
He shouts in Dwarvish something he hopes at least Sharn will understand...
Both Sera and Sharn know Dwarvish, so I'll post here.
Dwarvish: "Don't touch the substance! Once I throw my mushrooms, things will really start cooking!"
He glares at the thugs. "This is yer last warnin' lads. Back off now." His dwarvish accent slips through a bit in the heat of things.
cheapjoke123 Sharn is up.
Handar comes out the back door and lets out a hearty belly laugh. "Ye alright thar Glynn? Looks like ye seen the ancestors an' they were all disappointed in ye!" Glynnis takes Hastos's hand and steadies her breath, pointing a scowl at Handar. "Seems Hastos thought I might need protectin' er something. It's alright, boy. But maybe tone it down a bit. Assassin's be comin' in the night, so they're prolly' sleepin' in." She pats Hastos on the shoulders and picks up her brush.
"I was just spendin' a little extra time with 'em. Felt bad that I almost cooked 'em up. Me an' these horses've seen some rough trails gettin' here. Bandits, goblins, kobolds... e'en dragon army soldiers. An' we made it all this way. Ye could say I owe 'em me life." Her lip trembles a bit thinking about it. Even with food as scarce as it is, she always managed to keep these horses well fed, clean and groomed. Even if she had to trade her own rations to do it. The guilt of even considering slaughtering them clearly weighed on her.
She sighs deeply to steady herself. "They're under yer own care now, Hastos. Well... that of Dawnbound anyhow. An' I expect 'em returned in as good a condition as ye got 'em. I packed some rations fer 'em. An' here's their brush. Their names 'er Rocky an' Knuckleface. Watch out fer ol' Knuckleface. She'll punch ye if she ain't be fed in time... with 'er face. It's kinda weird. Anyway, they follow commands pretty good. They've seen enough battle ta' know how to fight, but also maybe too much battle, as ye may have noticed when ye came out swingin' that axe. Not sure if they'll bolt at th' first sign o' trouble, but they're likely ta' buck ya if they get startled."
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
“If assassins kept regular hours, they wouldn’t be very good assassins .” Hastos replies with a chuckle. Slightly more serious, he continues “You live longer in the wild when you don’t wait for explanations. There’s always going to be someone or something looking to make a meal of you. One way or another. Last night, for example. If it had been left to me, he wouldn’t have woken up. Lucky for him, the others have… more forgiving hearts. For all the good it did him.”
Looking the horses over. “I’ll try to take good care of them and protect them. I’ll leave you to spend more time with them - in peace.”
Hastos turns as he hears Merkas’ footsteps approaching. He was grateful for the lightheartedness he knew was coming.
He wasn’t disappointed. In typical fashion, Merkas drops his entire update in a single breath. Hastos wasn’t sure where to start asking questions, so he went with what seemed to be the most important and work his way back.
“Uh, Sera… came down before I did. I couldn’t find …. my… socks. I haven’t seen anyone this morning.” Turning to Handor, “Do you happen to know where Sera or Sharm headed off to?” After a second, Hastos adds, “Oh, right! The witch doctor!”
”Merkas, would you like to head over to the witch doctors shop? You can tell me all about how you came to accomplish so much in so little time!”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
“Oh, sure. Maybe we can get a compass, Bucky has this labelled with north and stuff but if we go underground it’s gonna be tough figuring out which way is which” Merkas turns promptly on his heal and starts heading back to other way “And getting stuff done early, that just means getting up early, not sleeping in and blaming it on missing clothes. But Bucky has the most amazing collection, he has a pauedodragon named Jasper, and all these really neat vials, he let me take one to get some spring water from the sorta friendly kobolds he recommended talking to, and he has five, at first I thought it was only four, but FIVE of these…” He continues chattering as they move through the town.
Loyalty Begets Honour