The Last Paladin IC (Frosty)

[Maquise]

The orc says, "We must remain here until our comrades have healed. Then we will decide a new chief, and he will lead us as he sees fit. You are not an orc and therefore cannot claim the right to rule, but as a proven combatant your advice will be valued."

The orcs are cruel creatures, but do not have the same evil aura that Gorgeroth had.

[Frosty]

Karrin gives a command in a tone that is mean to be followed. "Gather all of your wounded here, NOW. I will accelerate the haling process, then you can select a new chief."

[Maquise]

"Karrin, what are you doing?" Mirabelle clearly disagrees with your idea as the orcs gather their wounded. Lyanna looks pensive as well.

[Frosty]

"I am a Paladin. I do not leave the wounded uncared for if I can help. Also, I would look the new chief in the eye before we go take the kidnapees and go. Are you afraid they would attack us if healed?"

[Maquise]

"You've heard how they think. They aren't likely to look favorably upon us just because we helped them." Mira sheathes her sword. "I hope you know what you are doing."

The orcs are gathered together; in total the war band now numbers just under two dozen. Many are only conscious thanks to their hardy orcish physiology.

[Frosty]

"But, as Lyanna said, they are also not known to be good liars."

Turning to the orc she was speaking with, Karrin says, "I will use my powers of healing to remove some of the wounds of everyone here. Will you and your people swear to not attack us and swear to not hinder the rescue of the slaves?"

[Maquise]

"If you will lend us aid, then yes."

[Frosty]

After Karrin hears the orcs give their oaths, she concentrates and lets that font of bright, holy light emanate from her body. The most serious wounds should be healed now. "Now, who will you pick as your new chief? I would have a few words of advise for him."

Channel Positive on everyone, including herself: (3d6)[4][4][5](13)

[Maquise]

The orcs rise as their wounds are healed. They commune for a while amongst themselves in orcish. Mirabelle says, "I'm not sure what is going on. I can understand their tongue, but they're talking about things I'm not familiar with. Rituals and customs, I think."

One of them at last turns to you. "The rites for choosing a new chieftain will occur this evening. We have agreed that you will not be hindered if you wish to take the slaves and depart. Otherwise, you may remain here."

[Frosty]

"We will remain here, assuming that even after you have chosen your new chief, you will still not hinder us in taking the slaves. Speaking of which, where are the slaves?" Karrin will free the slaves, and explain to them that she will lead them back to their homes after the orc ceremonies, that this may lead to some sort of peace even if there is no friendship. She explains that not all the orcs followed the warlord's beliefs, and that it's important to know the outlook of the new leader. It's either that or try to slaughter all the orcs, and Karrin is not going to do that. If any of the people freed wishes to leave early, Karrin lets them take some food and will let them go.

Assuming the orcs don't object, Karrin will take Gorgeroth's things. Those the party won fair and square. While they ait for night, Karrin will busy herself between listening to the orcs as translated by Mira, examining Gorgeroth's equipment, and finding out where all the slaves are from so as to plan out travel routes.

[Maquise]

Aside his battleaxe and armor, you find three potions, a scroll, and three smooth stones; a cherry-red one, a darker blood-red one, and a black one.

The slaves are eager to leave, but seem willing to wait for you.

[Frosty]

What kind of armor is it?

"Lyanna, you might be able to glean some information about these items. We've got time while we wait for their rites. Give it a shot?"

If there are any spare weaponry around, Karrin makes sure that at least some of the former slaves (the ones that look strong or look trained) have weapons, just in case things goes south. As she waits for the orcs to pick a new chief, Karrin sits down besides Mirabell, a hugging Mirabell's opposite shoulder with one arm. "Mira...are you alright? Do you want to talk about anything?"

[Maquise]

Gorgeroth wears hide armor.

After examining the items, Lyanna reports, "I have no idea what the rocks are. I can't find any magic upon them."

The rest of the items:

Spoiler

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Cleric Scroll:
0th Light CL: 1; cost 0gp
1st Remove Sickness CL: 4; cost 100gp
2nd Protection from Law, Communal CL: 4; cost 200gp
Scroll value: 300gp

*3 potions of Cure Moderate Wounds (CL 3)

Mirabelle exhales slowly. "I don't know. For the last four years of my life, I've been hunting Gorgeroth. Now he's dead. That leaves me with just you. Thank you for everything. About that," she hesitated, blushing. "The tent. I don't know what happened. But let's get back to the present. What is your next plan?"

[Frosty]

"Thank you, Lyanna. Can you ask the orcs about the stones if you speak orc?"

Karrin starts dusting off parts of Mira's armor. It has been at least a few days, and they likely haven't let her bathe or anything. "What happened is fine...good, even. I would've done the same..." she says softly. "Long term? Keep on looking for demons to kill and communities to help. We decided to go tomb-diving for a weapon against orcs, and found the weapon you're holding now. It seems to like you or your bloodline or something. I rescued some goblins from the influence of an incubus, and they helped me in the tomb. The goblins are sorting the treasures we found for us while I came here. My immediate plans are to help these people get back to their lands, then head back to the tomb, since treasure out helping the community is better than treasure in sitting in a tomb collecting dust. After that, I'll see what the goblins decide to do. I see potential in one of the goblins who can use magic. I want to see if I can convince him to come with me on my crusade. If he contributes, it'll go a long way towards helping others accept goblins."

The paladin takes off her gauntlets and holds Mira's hands. "I hope you'll stay as well. Help me fight the good fight. Be my companion and keep me from going crazy seeing all the evil in the world."

[Maquise]

Mira squeezes your hands. "I'll stay. All I want is to see some good come into this world." She thinks about your plans. "Ahh, you seem bent on making friends with creatures common wisdom would say to avoid. It might just be the kind of thinking needed to win. But," she says earnestly, "please be careful. They didn't earn their reputation undeservedly."

Night falls, and the orcs perform their ceremony. The new leader, an orc named Pacrök, informs you of her plan. "We will travel to the south. There is tales there of a great wasteland filled with savage beasts. It is in our blood to seek out such things; we will find others of our kin there as well. The wastes shall test and strengthen us. Perhaps when we are strong, we shall return and fight the dark spirits that walk this land."

You still know nothing of the rocks.

[Frosty]

Karrin hugs Mira, letting Mira know just how happy she is. "I'll be careful, and I'll need you around to help me see through lies and such. *sniff* Well, after we get these people back to their lands the FIRST thing we're gonna do is find a nice hot spring and jump in it and soap each other up, because the orcs have NOT kept you clean..." jokes the paladin.

Later on, after Pacrök has been picked, Karrin says, "Pacrök, you are wise in your decisions. I do not need to advise you much, except for this. When you find your kin in the south, tell them that if they seek friends, they will likely find friends, and if they seek enemies, they will almost certainly find enemies. When you come back, if you first come showing signs of friendship, I think you will be better-received. And remember, friendship and strength are NOT mutually exclusive. My...close friendship with my companions makes me stronger, and helped defeat Gorgeroth. Remember that. May the gods bless your journey."

With that, the party will take the freed slaves, some food, and leave to start escorting the people home.

[Maquise]

It is a long and perilous journey, and you are on edge the entire time. You do your best to avoid trouble along the way.

Survival: (d20-2)[2]

You are moving across the plains, heading northwest according to the instructions of your prisoners. As you crest a hill, you see a small horde of dretches and schirs approaching swiftly. A small horde, but still too big for your group.

[Frosty]

Karrin stops the group. "We must retreat and let this group pass. I won't risk fighting that many demons with all of you here. We might win. We might not, but a lot of you may die. Find a place for us to hide! If we can't find a suitable spot, I'll act as a decoy with Trombe, and lead them away. I bet they can't keep up with my swift steed!"

[Maquise]

KN: (geography) (+2 Aid from Lyanna): (d20+4)[16]

You find a short depression for the rescued to hide in. The demons have spotted you by now; they turn to pursue you.

[Frosty]

"Mira, Lyanna, protect them well. I'll circle back after I've lost them!" With that, she spurs Trombe into action. With a loud neigh to draw attention, Trombe bolts in the direction that'll lead the demons directly away from the group. Trombe's 50ft regular move speed should be able to outpace the enemies, but makes sure they can still see her so they don't give up the chase.

[Maquise]

The schirs double their pace, flying (figuratively) with preternatural speed over the plains and catching up to you. One of them grabs onto you and forcefully dismounts you. You crash to the hard ground.

Take 3 damage.

[Frosty]

Karrin Ye
HP: 60/60  AC: 24  Saves: 11F / 7R / 7W
Conditions:  LoH 6/6

Trombe
HP: 55/55  AC: 17  Saves: 11F / 10R / 6W
Conditions:

Karrin gets up, and attempts a quick mounting of Trombe. Failing that, she still managed to get up, albeit a bit slowly. "Trombe, keep on galloping!"

(is there a map? Do I see about how many are following me?)

Spoiler

Show

Karrin:
Power Attack:
Move Action: Stand up
Quick Mount (DC 20): (1d20+9)[10]
Move Action: Mount Trombe

Trombe:
Full-Round action: Use Run action to move another 200ft.

[Maquise]

The schirs surround you, pummeling you.

Take 12 damage.

[Frosty]

Karrin Ye
HP: 45/60 + 8 healing  AC: 20  Saves: 11F / 7R / 7W
Conditions:  LoH 6/6

Trombe
HP: 55/55  AC: 17  Saves: 11F / 10R / 6W
Conditions:

(so no map?)
Karrin, now angry, starts carving into the schirs. "Trombe, aid me!" Trombe starts nipping and kicking at the enemies with intent to distract. Trombe will spend his AoOs giving Karrin +2 AC. Karrin will use Mounted Combat for Trombe if Trombe gets hit.

Spoiler

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Karrin:
Power Attack: -2/+6
Swift Action: LoH on self
LoH: (2d6)[4][4](8)
Standard Action: Attack a schir
Attack (+1 high ground, possible +2 Aid Another, -2 PA): (1d20+10)[17]
Damage (+6 PA): (2d6+10)[2][4](16)

Trombe:
Standard Action: Aid another to give Karrin +2 attack
Aid Another: (1d20+7)[16]

[Maquise]

You barely miss the blow. The schirs continue the attack, but you defend yourself.

[Frosty]

Karrin Ye
HP: 53/60  AC: 20  Saves: 11F / 7R / 7W
Conditions:  LoH 5/6

Trombe
HP: 55/55  AC: 17  Saves: 11F / 10R / 6W
Conditions:

Their hides tough, Karrin decides to cast a spell to help overcome the fiends' natural resistance to damage. That way, she doesn't need to swing as hard and wildly. She nudges Trombe into trying to moving away from the schirs so she can cast unmolested.

Spoiler

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Karrin:
Power Attack: Off
Standard Action: Cast Bless Weapon

Trombe:
Moves away from fiends.

[Maquise]

You fall back a safe distance and cast your spell. The schirs charge you with their horns.
AoO:
Karrin:(d20+11)[27], (2d6+4)[11]
Trombe:(d20+7)[18], (d4+5)[7]

Take 12 damage.

[Frosty]

Karrin Ye
HP: 41/60 + 11 healing  AC: 20  Saves: 11F / 7R / 7W
Conditions:  LoH 4/6, Bless Weapon

Trombe
HP: 55/55  AC: 17  Saves: 11F / 10R / 6W
Conditions:

Taking yet more damage from their horns, Karrin takes the chance to attack while the schirs are more vulnerable form their charging. Trombe once again helps

Spoiler

Show

Karrin:
Power Attack: off
Swift Action: LoH on self
LoH: (2d6)[5][6](11)
Standard Action: Attack a schir (who charged)
Attack (+1 high ground, possible +2 Aid Another): (1d20+12)[19]
Damage: (2d6+4)[4][6](14)

Trombe:
Standard Action: Aid another to give Karrin +2 attack
Aid Another: (1d20+7)[10]

[Maquise]

Your blow sends the schir reeling. They retaliate, landing a blow on you.

Take 12 damage.

[Frosty]

Karrin Ye
HP: 40/60 + 7 healing  AC: 20  Saves: 11F / 7R / 7W
Conditions:  LoH 4/6, Bless Weapon

Trombe
HP: 55/55  AC: 17  Saves: 11F / 10R / 6W
Conditions:

This is not a winning proposition, yet she can't do anything but this to try to kill the schirs.

Spoiler

Show

Karrin:
Power Attack: off
Swift Action: LoH on self
LoH: (2d6)[1][6](7)
Standard Action: Attack a schir
Attack (+1 high ground, possible +2 Aid Another): (1d20+12)[24]
Damage: (2d6+4)[6][1](11)

Trombe:
Standard Action: Aid another to give Karrin +2 attack
Aid Another: (1d20+7)[13]