PrP: Village of Glenspiel
Log Info
- Title: Village of Glenspiel
- Emitter: Benthus
- Characters: Sigrid Level 2, Kailin Level 2, Haggerty Level 2
- Place: Alexandria
- Time: Jan 11, 2015
- Summary: The group goes about Alexandria searching for the living relatives of the families that died in Glenspiel and informing them what had happened there. The group also offer suggestions of having those they talk to repopulate the fallen village. Their endeavor brings them into contact with people with sinister plans and an interest over the dark wood trade that has stopped. Coming to the aid of a dark wood specialist, the group rescues his niece from the clutches of an evil ex-adventurer. In response to the service rendered, the dark wood specialist promised to get the trade running again, for as long as there are enough workers to help him do it.
- APL: 2
- Encounter 1: 5x Fighter lvl1, CR 3
- Encounter 2: 1x Barbarian lvl5, CR 4
(Start of Story)
Sigrid, Kailin and Haggerty arrived in the city of Alexandria only a few days ago. When they went to the adventurer's guild hall to inform them of the events that have happened in Glenspiel, they were not amused or impressed.
As expected, the guild withheld the pay that was stipulated in the contract as the objectives were not fulfilled. They seem uninterested in pursuing any ventures to help out repopulating the dead village, saying that there are more important stuff to deal with. News about the unknown entities that have brought about destruction to Glenspiel were recorded, but otherwise not actively worked upon. The information will likely be traded off for money or favor to people who are interested with the knowledge.
Still, the guild showed some leniency by not removing the three from the guild's list of prospective employees. They even allowed them a chance to complete the contract. The contract necessitated haste, but it never stipulated a date to which it would expire.
The three left the guild and began making plans on how to achieve the contract's objectives.
Sigrid went back to temple and informed them of the events that have taken place in Glenspiel. Alarm and a promise of action is offered against the forces that destroyed the village. Support and a willingness to help repopulate the village is given for as long as the endeavor is deemed feasible. The temple has a few names of the people that once lived in Glenspiel. They offered Sigrid the names of next of kin that can be found in the city.
Kailin goes about seeking institutions that may be interested in financing people to relocated and repopulate Glenspiel. A lot of merchants and a few nobles have shown interest in doing so, but upon learning on how the village lost it population, they became less inclined to support. Most of them require an assurance that village is safe for the people to live there. If this can be assured, then they will help in getting the money needed to finance people to live there.
Haggerty is interested in getting the village viable for re-population and has been studying the maps of the area surrounding Glenspiel. He has found some assistance in the library staff who became aware of what happened in the fallen village, and his effort to get it up running again. They offered Haggerty permission to read books that the average Alexandrian is not allowed to read, but only those books that concern the village of Glenspiel. It is a wealth of information that will likely help him in the days to come.
The three eventually meet up and shared information with each other. They begin going around the city, seeking the living relatives of those who once lived in Glenspiel. The news comes as a shock and a great sadness for some, but for others it mattered very little to them. Offers of having them repopulate the village is met with deep reluctance if not a down-right refusal. The idea of suffering the same fate as their relatives does not go down well with them.
As the trio continue with the difficult task of finding relatives of the slain villagers who would accept going to Glenspiel, they notice that several figures have been following them. The figures would always be at a distance, and would disperse if any of the trio approach them. But after observing them for a while, a pattern develops.
It would appear that these people are of the same mind as the trio for as soon as the three have concluded their talk with the relatives of the slain villagers, they would come up to the homes these people as well and offer them money to get the village repopulated, specifically to get the dark wood flowing again.
It seems someone wants control of the dark wood business in that village.
As the trio make their way to one of the living relatives within the vicinity, they could hear a raucous nearby. Someone is raising his voice and doesn't seem to like something being said about him. As the three get closer to the commotion, they see five figures standing around one man who looks quite obstinate.
"No! No matter how much you will pay me, I will not cut dark wood for you or for your boss. You might as well give up." Says the bearded man with a heavy set built.
"Well, I guess your young niece of little importance to you then?" Says one of the five figures standing around him.
You say, "Arabella? No! You did not?!" yells the man in disbelief.
The other person merely nods, smiling wickedly.
"Give her back to me or I will kill you all!" Says the bearded man.
"Get the dark wood running again, and you will get her back." Says the other.
The bearded man turns and at that very moment spots Sigrid. Seeing that she is a daesusite, he begins yelling for aid. "Help! Help! These hooligans have kidnapped my niece!"
The first thing Sigrid does is file a complaint about the mission-givers with the guild. It certainly wasn't any failure of theirs that prevented the mission from succeeding, and they gained valuable information and fought and killed some dangerous monsters. There ought to be some compensation for that. She scoffs at the idea that the guild would delete them from the rolls or forbid them from working for the guild because the mission-givers had made false assumptions. On the subject of the families, she assures them that they won't be asked to come back to the village until it's safe. But that there's land and houses and jobs, and that should at least be of interest to some. As they stumble upon the kidnappers, she pauses, taking in the situation for a moment, then steps forward, drawing her blade. "You men," she addresses the fellows threatening the old man. "You say you have kidnapped this man's niece? That is atrocious, and you shall be judged for your crimes. Stand down now, or face me."
Kailin looks towards the the five that the bearded man has labeled as hooligans, moving past Sigrid. "To hell with little girlies. What's this about dark wood? Who's lookin' to get the dark wood runnin' ag'in? I have a mind to see it done and a strong wood choppin' arm." He gives his hammer an outward swing through the air to show the motion and give a show of his muscle. "I'm in fer some work if ye have the coin for it."
The five thugs don't look happy at the appearance of Sigrid, Kailin and Haggerty. "This is not good." says one of the thugs. "We have to get rid of them before they can tell the authorities of our plan." They quickly unsheathe their weapons and move menacingly forward towards the three adventurers, their intentions hostile.
Haggerty composed a writ to file a complaint about the Mercenaries' conduct, especially their task giver, but did not officiate it by sending it in. The still travel-disheveld arcanist did speak up in the temple of Serriel to make road wardens aware of the dangers and ask about new folk traveling into and possibly from the area. There were a number of other activities, but the most sought-after is not one, because the group did not get paid! As such, he squints and eyes the suspicious folk and lawbreakers with his blues while he gauges the distances and purses his lips to say something as well, but will not be between the huge woman and her calling. Then, the northman starts chanting in the strange tongue which shapes astral energies.
GAME: You roll initiative for Thug1: Roll: 3 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 5 GAME: You roll initiative for Thug2: Roll: 3 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 5 GAME: You roll initiative for Thug3: Roll: 3 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 5 GAME: You roll initiative for Thug4: Roll: 5 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 7 GAME: You roll initiative for Thug5: Roll: 6 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 8 GAME: Sigrid rolls initiative: 15 + 1 = 16 GAME: Haggerty rolls initiative: 3 + 6 = 9 GAME: Kailin rolls initiative: 19 + 2 = 21
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 21.
It is now Kailin's turn! Sigrid is next!
<OOC> Kailin says, "Ready my hammer and bard for inspire courage."
Kailin sets his pack as the men continue to move forward and his speech changes back to normal, no longer taking on the language of the barbarians of the north. "Well, I guess this will have to end the bloody way. Tragic." He then starts up a song as he whips his long lucerne hammer around his body, holding it at the ready as he belts out the deep, low notes that rumble from his belly. His long hammer can reach quite a distance around him and he planned to use it to his advantage if at all possible.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 16.
It is now Sigrid's turn! Haggerty is next!
<OOC> Sigrid says, "Let me stay back with the others and form up a sort of line so it's harder to flank us, and ready an action to hit one with PA if he comes in range"
Sigrid is a bit harder to hurt in her new armor, still fresh from the smith, and with her blade out, she stands ready for action. But she's not quite ready to go out among 5 enemies and get surrounded, so she forms up with the other two, her blade out, standing ready to receive their attack.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 9.
It is now Haggerty's turn! Thug5 is next!
<OOC> Haggerty says, "Ready color spray and cast it defensively when they come within range."
Haggerty builds up the the active cone of arcane might he is capable of controlling while the redhead releases the charge through his mind and to his fingertips for the casting which gives the gloves a faint rainbow sheen. A small droplet of sweat builds while the hatted man holds his shiny staff in the crook of his right arm and the little dog watches from between the caster's legs, looking up. He finally gets to wear a new green woolen tunic with a horned whale motif which is something less smelly than the elk sweater became in the days of travel back to the big city. Kuno currently lets his long tongue hang from the side of his mouth. It is more like a frog's, only more drooly and less sticky.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 8.
It is now Thug5's turn! Thug4 is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Thug5 gets to move first and makes a straight charge towards Sigrid. Sigrid, roll your readied attack." GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26 GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26 GAME: Sigrid rolls 4d6+18: (9)+18: 27
GAME: Sigrid's initiative total changed to 8. GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 8.
It is now Sigrid's turn! Thug4 is next!
Sigrid wasn't standing ready just to look cool, either, the giant woman was ready for the enemy to attack. She begins her swing as the first man runs up, and just as he gets within range, her blade is coming across at neck level. His body stumbles forward a couple steps, then crumples as his head goes the other direction with a surprised expression.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 7.
It is now Thug4's turn! Thug3 is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Thug4 charge attack as well, targetting Sigrid. Haggerty, cast your spell." GAME: Haggerty casts Color Spray. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20-1: (6)+-1: 5 <OOC> Benthus says, "Thug4 will be out of commission for the remainder of this plot." <OOC> Benthus says, "It is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for..." GAME: Benthus rolls 2d4: (4): 4 <OOC> Benthus says, "4 rounds. And then blinded for.." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4: (3): 3 <OOC> Benthus says, "3 rounds. And then stunned for 1 round. For a total of 8 rounds." GAME: Haggerty's initiative total changed to 7. GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 7.
It is now Haggerty's turn! Thug3 is next!
The second one makes his attempt and is promptly brought to the ground(!) by the scintillating waves to pulse from the aspiring wizard's hands.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 5.
It is now Thug3's turn! Thug2 is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Thug3 goes straight for Sigrid..." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (5)+7: 12 <OOC> Benthus says, "And misses."
The third member among the thugs charges towards Sigrid but could not break through her defenses.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 5.
It is now Thug2's turn! Thug1 is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Thug2 charges Haggerty." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (11)+7: 18 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d8+3: (6)+3: 9 GAME: You damaged Haggerty for 9 points. 7 remaining.
The second Thug in the group charge-attacks Haggerty and connects. The long swords stabs him through his flanks, narrowly missing vital organs that would have otherwise killed him.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 5.
It is now Thug1's turn! Kailin is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Thug1 charges Kailin." <OOC> Kailin says, "AoO on him." GAME: Kailin rolls melee + 1: (6)+6+1: 13 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (13)+7: 20 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d8+3: (3)+3: 6 GAME: You damaged Kailin for 6 points. 12 remaining.
The first thug goes for Kailin, charging towards him. As he gets near, Kailin uses his long reach to attack his incoming foe. Thug1 sidesteps during the charge and narrowly avoids being brained by the massive metal ball that was aimed for his head. He slashes at the giantborne opening a large wound on his chest.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 21.
It is now Kailin's turn! Thug5 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kailin ended. <OOC> Benthus says, "Kailin, action please." <OOC> Kailin says, "I'll move back out of his range and attack again from 10'" GAME: Kailin rolls melee + 1: (6)+6+1: 13
Kailin takes a swing at the one that comes his way as the first two are dropped low, missing him as he closes. He's cut from a slice from the man, the longsword drawing a gash across his thigh. He swings his hammer again after hoping back, favoring his good leg, but this again misses wide and the bardarian struggles to keep his composure. He stays strong belting his tune, gaining resolve from the familiar melody of heroes.
The three remaining thugs go after each of the adventurers separately. The one on Sigrid misses her, but the other two manage to land their weapons well on their marks on Haggerty and Kailin.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 8.
It is now Thug5's turn! Sigrid is next!
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 8.
It is now Sigrid's turn! Thug4 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Sigrid ended. <OOC> Benthus says, "Sigrid, action please. You have three thugs within reach." <OOC> Sigrid says, "I'd like to hit the one on Haggerty, if I can?" <OOC> Sigrid says, "Oh, I'd like to do it with Power Attack." GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+6: (9)+7: 16 GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+10: (9)+10: 19
Sigrid is in the center of the line and holding all right so far. Seeing Haggerty wounded, and the attackers all about the same distance as they've come at us, she shifts a bit, and suddenly, she thrusts with her blade, which takes the man in front of Haggerty from an angle he wasn't expecting at all. He crumples to the ground, bleeding, as Sigrid brings her heavy blade back to en garde.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 7.
It is now Thug4's turn! Haggerty is next!
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 7.
It is now Haggerty's turn! Thug3 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Haggerty ended. <OOC> Haggerty says, "Using the apprentice ability to smack Kailin's attacker with the quarterstaff which is MW." GAME: Haggerty rolls bab+4+1+1: (12)+1+4+1+1: 19 GAME: Haggerty rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3
Haggerty gets bloodied when struck by a longsword of narrow make which looks more like a long knife, but that hardly makes the blade less effective, because he lacks all of bulk and chain and board to have protection in the way when his parrying move misses. The red soup trickles down and messes up the fine green garment of the worried looking Kuno. The robed man has no more target right next to him so there is space to cast again. Then the guy who stabbed him -which burns like a truly biting winter wind- becomes a faucet. Helped by song and the fact that his mind is stronger than his body, the blue clad man lets his staff dance through the air and knock the guy who fights Kailin in the right shoulder, but the result is not too fancy.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 5.
It is now Thug3's turn! Thug2 is next!
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 5.
It is now Thug2's turn! Thug1 is next!
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 5.
It is now Thug1's turn! Kailin is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Thug1 continues his assault on Kailin." <OOC> Kailin says, "AoO." GAME: Kailin rolls melee + 1: (15)+6+1: 22 GAME: Kailin rolls 1d12 + 8: (1)+8: 9
Kailin sees his attacker move in again and he takes a swing at him before he can get in to strike. He clips the man with his weapon, the top of his lucern hammer scratching a line through his arm by way of the spear tip. The force of the blow does most of the damage, rather than the weapon, but it is enough to keep the man at bay long enough for Sigrid to drop him to the ground. He moves then with a calculated series of hop steps to surround the last of the men. His weapon swings high and dives down with a heavy pull of the haft, but slams into the ground without hitting its target yet again, sliding by as the human ducks out of the way.
<OOC> Benthus says, "Sigrid, roll AoO as it is moving through your squares as well." GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+7: (14)+7: 21 GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+10: (5)+10: 15
The man attacking Kailin is a bit too narrow-sighted, focusing on his opponent and not realizing his movement leaves him open to the giantborn woman. Sigrid does not miss this fact, and drives her blade between his ribs as he goes past. He falls to the ground, bleeding, gasping.
<OOC> Benthus says, "And I forgot Thug3. This is his roll." <OOC> Benthus says, "On Sigrid." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+3: (1)+3: 4 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+2: (4)+2: 6
The thug that charged Sigrid earlier positions himself to initiate a flurry of sword blows on the sunblade. But her skill in combat proved superior than his and all his attacks fail to draw blood.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 21.
It is now Kailin's turn! Thug5 is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Kailin, only Thug3 is left. He is uninjured." <OOC> Kailin says, "Move to flank and attack from reach." GAME: Kailin rolls melee + 1 + 2: (3)+6+1+2: 12
Kailan attacks the last remaining thug but misses.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 8.
It is now Thug5's turn! Sigrid is next!
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 8.
It is now Sigrid's turn! Thug4 is next!
<OOC> Sigrid says, "Attack with PA, pls." GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+9: (10)+9: 19 GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+10: (10)+10: 20
Sigrid faces off against the last of the assailants, who's now caught between her and Kailin. As far as rocks and hard places go, this is pretty much the textbook case. His weak attacks are brushed aside as she steps in and with a sweeping stroke, slices with her greatsword deep into his gut, doubling him over, and leaving him to bleed and wheeze on the ground.
GAME: Benthus removes the timestop. Timestop by Benthus has left. GAME: You remove the timestop.
GAME: Kailin casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 1 DC: 13 <OOC> Kailin says, "Healing myself up." GAME: Kailin rolls 1d8 + 1: (3)+1: 4 <OOC> Kailin says, "Healing Haggerty next" GAME: Kailin casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 1 DC: 13 <OOC> Benthus nods. GAME: Kailin rolls 1d8 + 1: (2)+1: 3 <OOC> Sigrid can heal as well. <OOC> Sigrid says, "Also, I'd like to try and stabilize the surviving bad guys, so we can haul them off to jail." GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d6: (5): 5 <OOC> Sigrid has 4 heals. I will roll them 1 at a time until we're all healed. Bad guys just get first aid, because they're bad. GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d6: (5): 5 GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d6: (6): 6 GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d6: (1): 1
"Thank you for coming to my aid." Says the bearded man. "Those scoundrels have been pestering me since that day when news of Glenspiel's dark wood production collapsed has been made public."
The trio would later learn that the bearded man's name is Barkeley Thingol. He is more popularly known as 'Ruf-Bark' because of his gruff nature as well as his skill and expertise in relation to Dark wood. He had stopped doing his profession as a specialized lumber-jack/tree grower ever since the parents of Arabella died in a freak accident. That was like ten years ago. Arabella is now a teen-ager at this stage and Ruf-Bark would be willing to help in the dark-wood production if they can find her and bring her back to him safely.
"The city boys are a danger to my wee lass. I do not want her to suffer the fate that has befallen to so many young, unwed mothers in this city. Some time in the country-side might help in lessening her interest in the other sex, until the phase has passed." Says Ruf-Bark. "Find her and you will have your dark wood business working again."
After interrogating one of the five thugs, the trio become aware of who hired them and where that person is located. Sardonis Krimshaw. Nothing much can be learned about him other than that he used to be a member of the guild as well before his termination from work. It is not clear what the reason is, but it is likely something not good.
Kailin focuses healing jingles on himself and Haggerty, then goes about finding the next information. "I guess we're heading to the vicinity of Alexandria's ship harbour." He then grabs his back and begins going in that direction, once everyone else is ready to join.
Sigrid is liberal with the laying on of hands. "Be healed. The light if Daeus grant succor," and so on. She'll even bandage up the villains as best she can, so they'll survive on their trip to the magistrate. She's pleased that they're more willing to divilge their boss's whereabouts, that'll make things easy. "So," she says to Kailing and Haggerty. "Do we just storm this villain's lair, or is there some more complicated plan?"
Haggerty says hurridedly, "Please stabilize at least one more!" and breaks into a hustle along with the trundling compatriot to get to the unconscious guy, kick weapons away from him and bind the guy. He nods thanks to the kind healers while busybodying. Next is cart time while rounding the bad guys up in full. Time passes.
With the new information, the narrowly build shortest one of the trio voices his agreement which is kindly underlined by a snort-bark. "Let's go now that we are cleaned up. Thanks for not charging in, by the way. I appreciate it. A lot." He is clean again, too, as is the canine pal. Tapping his chin, the shorter male nods to the Daeusite, "We should scope it out and make others aware of where we are going. If we rush in, masybe somebody can hold the other doors shut?"
GAME: Haggerty rolls +4: (18)++4: 22 (Locating Krimshaw's whereabouts with Knowledge/local)
Sigrid nods about not charging in. "We should of course scout out the situation if we can. If we are fortunate, he will not have heard about ... this." She gestures to the fallen thugs. "But we should expect he has, and that he has taken precautions. Though if we are fortunate, he is a man of not too great means and won't have too many guards." After all, he hired /these/ guys. "You're right, of course. We should alert the guild as to where we are going, in case we fail, or if they need to take some other action."
Kailin gives a shake of his head to Haggerty and says, "I suspect we'll go looking this fellow, fight him and a few lackeys and if we win, save the girl." He looks then towards the fellows on the ground, nudging on e with the end of his polearm. "They don't seem particularly conversational or stealthy."
Haggerty nods in agreement. Several times. "Temples, too. And the druid union." To Kailin, he shrugs, "Really? Letthe innocent girl be in the guy's clutches should we falter? Not good. Us testinjg our mettle for you to recount is marvelous, but not on the back of the girl's fate!"
Sigrid agrees with Haggerty, "We must not fail. And we should make it known what it going on, so that if we fall, someone else can take up the task. But we should not tarry too long, or we'll give news a chance to filter back to this fellow, and that would be bad, too. I think we should just notify the guild, and then go quickly."
Kailin gives Haggerty a nod and a shrug. "I meant after we check in. I'm not that cruel. I doubt it will make a difference if we do notifications. We can split up if you think time is an issue and meet back up elsewhere." He shrugs again. "Whatever."
Haggerty thumbs up and adds, "So if we fail, another epic will be greater, because they shall succeed where we failed and fell." The comparatively puny man gives a big winning smile, "Great. I did not mean to jump to conclusions." He breathes silently and goes on, "Big cities like Alexandria are strange places, but this place should be one of hope and is from what little I have seen. I do agree on going speedily."
Sigrid shakes her head to Haggerty, "We will not fail," she says confidently. "We must not. Our honor, and also a little girl's well-being are on the line. But we should not tarry overlong, either. If we are to regroup, I will notify the guild of what we are about. And raise some issues about the group that has hired us. I am finding myself less and less pleased by their attitudes."
The trio make their way to Krimshaw's safe house, which is located somewhere within Alexandria's harbour district. It took a while to locate the right building, but when the three arrive at the area, they immediately began scoping out the building and looking for ways and means to get into it. It is a small wooden hut that is perched over the waters of the harbour by wooden stitlts. It would appear there are many, many means of getting into the house, from either the main door, to coming from under the building, from swinging from one of the tall buildings on top of the flimsy roof, to downrigth bulldozing straight into the thin wooden walls.
The three continue to observed the building some more, noting any activities inside the building. Apparently, there are no one inside which leaves you to wonder if you got your information right.
It doesn't take long when you hear a roar from behind you and realize that while you and your group have been examining the building, Sardonis has been observing the group from one of the nearby buildings, giving himself time to get ready and attack the group with opportunity.
Sardonis is a brute of a man with long dread-lock hair that is swarming with lice. He has a feral look on his eyes and foaming at the mouth. He is carrying a great-axe of exquisite craftmanship and appears to be gleaming with magical energy. He moves fast and carries himself with skill and expertise that has been acquired from long years in doing hazardous jobs. He appears to be a man with little to no scrupples when it comes to killing people, whether innocent or not.
<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll perception checks please." GAME: Sigrid rolls perception: (6)+3: 9 GAME: Kailin rolls perception: (10)+6: 16 GAME: Haggerty rolls perception+2: (13)+3+2: 18 <OOC> Benthus says, "Sigrid can only hear the roar. Kailin spot Sardonis before he makes his approach, but not enough time to warn the others. Haggerty spots Sardonis and sees that he is focused on attacking the mage first." <OOC> Haggerty says, "Enfeeblement for him." <OOC> Benthus says, "Okay, in the surprise round, only Sigrid is caught unaware. Now lets see who goes first." GAME: Haggerty rolls initiative: 10 + 6 = 16 GAME: Kailin rolls initiative: 4 + 2 = 6 GAME: You roll initiative for Sardonis: Roll: 5 + Bonus: +1 = Total: 6 GAME: Sigrid rolls initiative: 4 + 1 = 5
<OOC> Benthus says, "Haggerty, surprise round. Standard action only. Cast your spell." GAME: Haggerty casts Ray of Enfeeblement. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15 GAME: Haggerty rolls ranged: (2)+3: 5
Haggerty is aware and has a watchful pair of eyes and a very sensitive stubby nose to help. He does not move much from his vantage but one finger to zap the encroaching guy with a spell, that dark streak of sorts again. However, it goes wide, because the blue-eyed mage should have bothered to aim and strike true.
<OOC> Benthus says, "Kailin, surprise round. Standard action only. What do you plan on doing? The behemoth is going straight for Haggerty." <OOC> Kailin says, "I'll attack the behemoth before he gets to Haggerty and stay in place to block the path." <OOC> Benthus says, "Putting yourself in line, I see. Alright. Roll your AoO, Kailin." GAME: Kailin rolls melee + 1: (17)+6+1: 24 GAME: Kailin rolls 1d12 + 7: (4)+7: 11 <OOC> Benthus says, "Get ready for the charge attack that was meant for Haggerty." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+11: (14)+11: 25 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d12+7: (2)+7: 9 GAME: You damaged Kailin for 9 points. 9 remaining.
Kailin hears the roar and is able to react, seeing Sardonis rushing forward. Without hesitation, Kailin whirls around, stepping just off of the man's path and stabbing forward with the tip of his hammer. It strikes home, but he takes a strike in return and he grunts against the pain, doding the next when it comes.
(Surprise Phase completed)
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 16.
It is now Haggerty's turn! Sardonis is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Haggerty, action please." <OOC> Haggerty says, "Ranged clobbering again." GAME: Haggerty rolls bab+4+1: (2)+1+4+1: 8
Haggerty lets the carefully crafted stick dance through the smelly harbor breeze, but there is no hitting the charging SK. He grunts with some startlement when his attempt merely bounces off the armor and the stick flies back into the wizard-in-the-making's hand. Kuno winces with a faint wheeze which is lost due to the mighty swings and meaty impacts of the decently sized weapons in use here. Should Hagg die here, he would be felled by an ax, at least..
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 6.
It is now Sardonis' turn! Kailin is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+9: (2)+9: 11
Sardonis keeps on roaring in berserker manner as he swings his axe at Kailin, and misses. Apparently, he (Kailin) wasn't his real target but Haggerty as he uses the swing to get within striking range of the mage.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 6.
It is now Kailin's turn! Sigrid is next!
<OOC> Kailin says, "Raging and taking another swipe." <OOC> Kailin says, "I guess I'm flanking him now too."
GAME: Kailin RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 2 temporary HP GAME: Kailin rolls melee +2: (9)+7+2: 18 <OOC> Kailin says, "Should be 19" GAME: Kailin rolls 1d12 + 9: (5)+9: 14
Kailin matches the fury of the lice ridden man with a yell, letting out his fury in a yell. He whirls his polearm again and smashes it down recklessly, beatting the end of his hammer against the man with a thump. He was a different person now, one that was without abandon and ready to go down swinging against Sardonis if he had to.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Zero - Init 5.
It is now Sigrid's turn! Haggerty is next!
<OOC> Sigrid says, "OK, whichever is closer, I will charge, flank, and power attack him." <OOC> Sigrid says, "Oh, and smite." <OOC> Benthus says, "Charging would not be possible as your path is presently blocked by Kailin." <OOC> Sigrid says, "OK, all that but the charge." <OOC> Benthus nods. Roll with the smite bonus. And Kailin is not singing, so no bardic morale bonus. GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+11: (11)+11: 22 GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+11: (10)+11: 21
It seems like Sigrid is the last one to find out these things! Even as Sardonis puts in his appearance, she's squinting at the house, trying to work out the best way in. She waves off the others' indications of crisis as she mumbles, "I think it may be best if I go to the front, and the others of you come in the other entrances, that way if he tries to escape, you'll be there." It's only after the shouts and scuffle of fighting grabs her attention that she ohs! and turns to face the enemy. Drawing her sword, she'll rush in to try and flank this maniac. "Stand down!" she orders. "Stand down and surrender! In the name of Daeus the Platinum Dragon and justice!" Not that he's listening, but she can at least say she offered the chance to end this peaceably. When he doesn't stop, she channels holy power into her blade and brings it around in a flat arc that leaves a slash that seems to hurt him before he rolls away from her strike.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Haggerty's turn! Sardonis is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Haggerty ended. <OOC> Haggerty says, "5' back. Third attempt at ranged thumping." GAME: Haggerty rolls bab+4+1: (13)+1+4+1: 19 GAME: Haggerty rolls 1d6: (1): 1
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 6.
It is now Sardonis' turn! Kailin is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Sardonis roars and swings his axe at Haggerty." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+9: (12)+9: 21 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d12+7: (3)+7: 10 GAME: You damaged Haggerty for 10 points. 6 remaining.
Sardonis will not be denied his kill. His focus is on the mage as he perceives him to be the weakest of the three. He swings his axe overhead and brings it down with all the fury and anger that he has inside of him, focused on cutting Haggerty into two pieces. By some stroke of luck, Haggerty manages to dodge a few feet out of the lethal down-ward strike to evade death.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 6.
It is now Kailin's turn! Sigrid is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kailin ended. <OOC> Kailin says, "Attack again." GAME: Kailin rolls melee + 1 + 2: (19)+7+1+2: 29 GAME: Kailin rolls 1d12 + 9: (11)+9: 20
Kailin brings his hammer around again, fully engaged in the warrior spirit within him. He cuts through and sends the weapon around to Sardonis with a masterful blow which catches him square in the midsection.
Haggerty steps back just the same to strike from distance and deceptively outside of harm's way. He does prod the raging guy, but it only a glancing hit the guy likely does not even feel. Then comes the ax. It splits a rib and almost halves the mage's thigh who bites back a groan of pain while blood wells from the massive cut. His vision blurs, adrenaline charges him more actively and he can almost smell himself and the lice ridden charger twice.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 5.
It is now Sigrid's turn! Haggerty is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Sigrid ended. <OOC> Sigrid says, "I will hack. Still with PA and smite." GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+11: (5)+11: 16 GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+11: (8)+11: 19
Sigrid is now in the thick of things, swinging her huge sword with abandon and singing brave fighting songs in a pleasing contralto. A bit low, and no bard by any means, but not bad for an ameteur. She twists the sword behind her back in a huge windup, and unloads on Sardonis with all she's got. And she's got a lot. It hits Sardonis like a ton of bricks, taking the huge man in the side and bowling him over, her blade pinning him to the ground. Though it doesn't matter too much since it looks like he's not going to be getting up.
GAME: Kailin ends his rage. GAME: Benthus removes the timestop. Timestop by Benthus has left. GAME: You remove the timestop.
With Sardonis down for the count, the group has free rein in entering the shanty and search it out for other occupants. Inside the hut, bound up with ropes and gagged with a piece of cloth, is Arabella. The girl is roughly 16 years old and is showing the feminine curves that is typical of her age. She looks very frightened and is screaming through the gag when the trio approach her.
Kailin stays back and calms down, letting all the rage out and recovering from the affects of it. The withdrawls were never a good feeling, cold and nauseating. But the rush was worth it, almost every time. He watches the girl with the gag as he recovers, leaning on his polearm as he allows the others to do the actual rescuing.
Haggerty is a right mess and has a soaked bandage while he carries himself by using his staff as a crutch to hold himself upright. His braids are rife with clotting blood. Not much appeal there. The Stormgardian draws breath noisily because of the split rib and the resulting damage to his chest which entails one of those strange umlaut vowels, "Hello, fair maiden. We're here on behalf of Ruf-Bark. As you can see, we have an ordained sword of Daeus with us to to make things right. Sardonis will not harm you anymore!" The little dog jumps up, lands on the girl and views her with his big cute eyes, then snorts-barks.. Sigrid does some quick first aid on Sardonis, muttering, "Oh, no, you're not getting away from this by dying." She binds the wound as best she can so he won't die. "Is the girl OK?" she calls out.
Arabella looks at the trio and listens to what they are saying. After Haggerty informed her of who they are and that Sardonis is under control, she began screaming again but this time of relief. Tears roll down her face. Thankfully, the gag is still in her mouth or the teen-ager's shriek would have been deafening.
Arabella is still gagged and bound, but she looks relieved rather than distressed now that she knows she is rescued.
Haggerty plainly replies after a drawn-out, wet sigh which comes with a faint trail of lifesauce dribbling down the corner of his mouth, "Yes! She's fine. Very healthy lungs!" He chuckles and groans while the tiny pug jumps to try and lick the girl while the northman gets his dagger out, say with a cough, "Going to cut you free. Nothing else." Then he goes about that part of things with a shaky hand.
Kailin sighs at the girl's reaction but doesn't give much more than that. He simply continues to lean on his polearm and wait patiently.
Sigrid, having taken care of Sardonis's wounds, uses some rope to bind his arms behind his back. Just in case. And it seems like things are OK inside the shanty. "Bring her out, let's take her home!" she calls out.
Ruf-Bark's niece is reunited with her uncle. They were both happy. The uncle began to explain to his niece that life in the city has become dangerous, and the longer they stay, the more life-threatening it will be for the both of them. They have to leave the city behind and go to a place called Glenspiel. There, her uncle will be working once again. Arabella wasn't too pleased at the prospect of leaving the city, but considering the dangers that she went through and the possibility of more of it happening in the coming days, she acquiesced to the departure.
With news that an expert on dark wood is going to Glenspiel to resume the trade there, people who have little to no prospect in the city are taking their chances in going to that fallen village as well. There are not many of them, and most of the people who have agreed are not really fit for working... yet. Too emaciated, or suffering from some sort of illness, those desperate enough to join come with little or nothing with them. Getting them ready for work there may have to wait. Getting them ready for the travel and reach the place without dying on the way would be a primary concern.
(End of Plot)