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    Default IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1



    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~









    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Although the monarchy of Thrane has been superseded by the Church, that does not mean the monarchy is without a position of influence or power. The current Queen, Diani ir’Wynarn, has done what she what was required of her, politically speaking, to become an advisor of the Keeper of the Flame (the secular and religious leader of the Theocracy). The growing crisis in the east has greatly troubled both the Queen and the Keeper. Both fear a regional war could easily explode into a continuation of the Last War, especially now that Karrnath has forcibly involved itself into the conflict. With the Keeper’s permission, the Queen is sending a close personal friend - Ayrhil ir'Athore – to Karrnath on a mission to urge the nations that will soon be embroiled in a war towards peace. Although this is being done without the consent of the Cardinals, the mission nevertheless has the blessing of the Keeper and the Queen.

    Ayrhil ir'Athore has gathered around her a dedicated team of experts, mages and warriors – resolute people who possess the skillsets she needs for her true mission – to spy upon the warring nations and nudge events such that Thrane will benefit. Thrane is not ready for another war. The Theocracy is beset by enemies on all sides, Thrane lacks the resources to combat a war on all fronts once more. Although war is regrettable, it would be more regrettable if said war engulfed the homeland. Ir’Athore has many connections spread throughout the Five Kingdoms and beyond. With her connections and her team’s unique skillsets, the true mission of this band of unlikely allies can – and will be – a success!

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    You find yourselves aboard the Cloudsong, one of House Lyrander's newest luxury airships, designed specifically for speed and elegance. This new line of airship has been specifically designed to ferry the nobility, the near-do-well, the wealthy and government officials around the continent in style. The ship is captained by Catlina d'Lyrandar. A veteran of the Last War, she captained many House Lyrandar vessels as they ferried dead, dying and injured soldiers away from battlefields along the Breeland-Thrane border, back to command camps and hospitals far from the front lines. Shortly before the end of the war, a goblinoid catapult misfired, sending a massive bolder straight into her airship. The ship crash landed, killing all hands on board, save for Catalia. She did not survive unscathed however, she lost her left leg and right eye.

    Rumor has it, Catalina was once a pleasant woman. Now she is more reserved and standoffish, preferring the solace of the wheel or the solitude of her cabin to the oft frivolous and ephemeral whims of the guests she ferries to and fro.

    The First Mate, a chipper, outgoing Half-Elf named Nathanar d'Lyrandar, has attended to the guests with the diligence of a veteran captain and stalwart host. Although he is young, perhaps only twenty-five, he has shown a remarkable aptitude in judging situations and responding to questions and inquiries with the acumen of someone twenty years his senior. Nathanar has seen to all of the guests' needs, both small and large.

    As you walk about the deck of the Cloudsong, you find that the ship seems to natively have four ballistae turrets installed on the upper deck. Before venturing forth to Karrnath, fully six more ballistae were hastily installed. Clearly someone deemed the defense of the Ambassador warranted such a marked increase the offensive capabilities of the ship.

    The crew of the Cloudsong seem on edge. This was a sudden detour from their normal route, heading from Flamekeep to Fairhaven, done in the dead of night with little notice given to the crew. The added defenses have done little to waylay their unease.

    Currently, Ambassador Ayrhil ir'Athore is sitting upon a red-velvet sofa in the back room of the second floor of the Lounge. She is sipping a glass of red wine. The mercenaries that she hired are arrayed around the small room with her. She sighs as she rolls up the latest issue of the Fairhaven Evening Post. The back room is circular in shape and surrounded by glass windows. Sadly, it is nighttime, so little can be seen. Thunder can be heard off in the distance, a storm seems to be making its way across northern Thrane and Southern Aundair, set to slam into eastern Karrnath by the morning.

    "We will be arriving in Rekkenmark soon," states the Ambassador, "This little Dragonshard dispute could see the whole of eastern Khorivaire embroiled in a bitter war. The Keeper and the Queen have asked that I - and thus you - work to prevent the war. In their own way, both are idealists. I - however - am a realist. The dragonshards in that mine are worth going to war over and any nation with a claim would be foolish not to at least attempt to seize the mine."

    "My hope is that we can perhaps localize the war in the south by... Nudging Karrnath away from entangling itself too deeply in the conflict. However, my contacts in Valenar say that the elves are mobilizing for a full scale invasion into the Talenta Plains, so perhaps that is a pipe dream. Without Karrnath to back the halflings, I do not see how they can withstand the full force of a Valenar invasion. The halflings will be forced to cede their claim very quickly... The same could be said of Q'Barra but its dense jungle will prove a great hindrance to the elven cavalry, so at the very least they will be spared the horrors of the elven horde, although the defensive nature of the jungles will do little to protect the mine, which rests in the mountains.


    If no other nation were to intervene, then I would place my bet on Valenar. They are militant enough and coordinated enough to pull this ploy off. However, if Karrnath - or any other kingdom - becomes involved then, well, the entire dynamic changes.

    "If our gambit for peace (or at the very least a compromise all sides can agree to) fails, then war will come to the east. At that point, Thrane will have to pick a side. Whom do we back? Do we simply give tacit approval and political cover to the nation we side with, or do we intervene monetarily, logistically or even militarily?

    Unfortunately, no matter what we do, Thrane is not positioned well, geographically speaking, to help any of the belligerents in a coming war. We are surrounded by potential enemies on all sides. Any aid or soldiers we send must travel over, through or near other realms' territory." She sighs, "Things to think about for the coming days, I suppose."

    She stands up and gazes outside, "When we dock in the city, soldiers from the Rekkenmark Academy will escort us to the secret meeting place with a man named Jarack ir'Ruthermont, a man I am told has the complete confidence of King Kaius III. The negotiations will begin post haste."

    "My contacts in Audndair, Breland and Karrnath tell me that there are powerful forces moving against our peace effort. We must be wary of any and all plots that may be thrown against us..."

    At that point a hulking warforged enters the room. His massive frame is made from adamantine. Blue flames have been engraved across the man's body. Upon his chest is the radiant symbol of the Silver Flame. Upon his back are two well-worn double-headed great axes.

    A wide smiles crosses Ayrhil ir'Athore's face. She brushes back her fair and greets the newcomer warmly, "Hello, Slasher."

    The warforged nods, "My lady. The Captain asked that I inform you dinner will be served in twenty minutes. I am told dinner will consist of meat, vegetables and various starches."

    The ambassador laughs, "Well, that sounds... Delightful."

    Ayrhil stands up and asks, "Tell me Slasher, what do you think of the dragonshard dispute?"

    The Warforged nonchalantly replies, "We should back whomsoever gives us a cut of the dragonshard pie."

    "Interesting... What if that means going to war?"

    "Then we fight. We kill. We win. None can stand against the might of the Theocracy." He looks over to the others in the room, "Do you not agree, mercenaries?"

    Spoiler: Everyone with a Passive Perception of 24 or higher
    Show
    You see a flash of lightning outside. For a second, you could swear you saw the outline of another airship, out in the storm clouds...


    Spoiler: Lee
    Show
    You notice that Slasher immediately sizes you up.


    Spoiler: History Check
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    Please add your own modifiers for a History Check:

    - Gerard Barrimovd'Deneith: (1d20)[18]
    - "Lee": (1d20)[7]
    - Caimhe d'Tharashk: (1d20)[4]
    - Koebu: (1d20)[12]
    - Muricia d'Vadalis: (1d20)[8]
    - Takashtai: (1d20)[12]


    Spoiler: Anyone who fought for or against Thrane in the Last War, or History DC 20
    Show
    Slasher is a renown warrior, wholly dedicated to Thrane, the Silver Flame and to the Cardinals who oversee the country. He is a mad berserker on the battlefield, known for his ability to shrug off wounds that would kill any other person (warforged or not). He fought ferociously against Cyre, where he is known was Thrane's Headhunter, due to his uncanny knack for severing people's heads from their bodies. It is said there are whole valleys in, what is now the Mournland, filled to the brim with the heads he had severed...
    Last edited by Felhammer; 2017-02-22 at 03:28 PM.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    "I don't suppose you could use a washed-up retainer of House Tharashk? I'm last year's model, but I work very cheap."

    Cheap enough, as it turned out, that all that Caimhe really wanted was her own basket to doze off on the ship and a pet on the head or two per day and for some poor squaddie to go play fetch with her. Even now, the ex-retainer of the House of Finding appears to... ...

    Well.

    She's nestled in her own basket at the foot of the Ambassador's red-velvet sofa, dozing off as a fuzzy ball of fluffy white fur, her tail wagging to and fro in an indelibly lazy manner. By the way one of her fuzzy ears perked up, though, one had to assume she was listening ... ... maybe ... it's hard to tell with Caimhe.

    Is she taking this seriously at all?

    Spoiler: Zzz...?
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    Maybe... maybe not...

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Takashtai stood by a port-side window, one hand resting lightly on the cold glass as she stared into the darkness, watching for the flickering of lightning in the distant storm. She had not had many opportunities to fly in an airship before, and certainly not in one so well-appointed as the Cloudsong. In keeping with the setting, she wore a turquoise gown accented with a silver belt and necklace, the latter of which was set with a clear diamond; without the finely crafted blade at her hip, one would be hard pressed to image her a warrior. She turned slightly to face the room as the Ambassador spoke, not wishing to be impolite to her employer – she had learned long ago that those people not of her own blood often felt ignored if they were not faced directly when speaking.

    Though she said nothing, Takashtai agreed with much of what Ayrhil said; war seemed likely, but any effort to forestall it or at least minimize its spread was worthwhile. The faction of most concern to the kalashtar paladin, however, escaped the summary of the situation – unsurprising given how little they were known or understood by any but her own people. Riedra, and by extension the Dreaming Dark, had a presence in Q’barra through treaties with New Galifar, and she had little doubt they would seek to influence events to their own benefit. Hence Takashtai accepting a mercenary contract that would put her in a position to oppose their efforts, should any come to light.

    “You are refreshingly direct, sir, but if none could stand against the might of the Theocracy, the Last War would have ended quite differently than it did, would it not? Thrane is strong, no doubt, and made more so by their faith in the Flame, but strength is not enough to ensure victory.” Her impassive gaze rested on the warforged a moment longer before she added, “Hopefully this goes well enough that you’ll not need to prove me wrong.”

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Lee

    Quote Originally Posted by Felhammer View Post
    The Warforged nonchalantly replies, "We should back whomsoever gives us a cut of the dragonshard pie."

    "Interesting... What if that means going to war?"

    "Then we fight. We kill. We win. None can stand against the might of the Theocracy. Do you not agree, mercenaries?"
    Lee stops petting the white canine and stands up from her squatting posture, making no response to Slasher's evaluating stare. Her calming, emotionally neutral lilt closely follows Takashtai's words. "Please be advised: 'Slasher' has provided advice optimal only for belligerence. Thrane would realize a better ratio of expenditure to benefit from making separate agreements with all parties not to enter war for a percentage share of mined dragonshards." She holds in place a moment as if waiting for a counterpoint in a debate.
    Last edited by Dimers; 2017-02-22 at 08:40 PM.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Gerard

    Gerard stands apart from the rest of the delegation, near the side of the cabin where he can gain a vantage on everything going on. He isn't paying much attention to Lady ir'Athore. He knows the stakes. His job is to make sure no harm befalls the Lady and her team. To that end, he continues keeping an eye on things. The crew were notified last minute, and the trip embarked upon hastily. Things may have been missed in the commotion, intentionally or not. He eyes the large white dog near Ayrhil, he doesn't remember reading about the dog on the manifest. It's probably a pet, but best to ask about it.

    Without warning, a massive warforged enters the cabin and Ayrhil greets him, Hello Slasher.

    Slasher. Gerard knows the name. A Thranish 'forged infamous for his ability to withstand punishment, even above and beyond what the warforged were known for. It's rumored that they lost track of his confirmed kill count because there were too many, and soldiers fell before him too quickly. Gerard's hand instinctively moves to the haft of his spear, held on a quick-release catch mounted on the back of his armor. But he catches himself. Even after several years, it's hard to see a warforged and not think of the countless battlefields he had been on. But the warforged seems more interested in another 'forged in the room, and a discussion about the current political climate.

    For his part, Gerard doesn't want to see more war. But partly he feels it is inevitable. Without a united Galifar, how could all the nations believe that they will exist in peace? How, when a single mine threatens to plunge them back into the war? The only way the war can end in lasting peace is in a united kingdom.

    The storm turns his attention to the outside, and he walks over to the windows spanning the rear of the cabin. Just then, in a flash of lightning, he sees what appears to be another ship hiding in the storm clouds. Do we have an escort I wasn't told about? he thinks out loud. His instincts tell him no.

    Alert the crew and the ship's defenders, there is an airship tailing us, using the storm clouds for cover! Lady ir'Athore, we must get you away from the windows and to a more secure location. He draws his greatspear, Tell the pilot to ready evasive maneuvers, and prepare for a boarding action!

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Muricia d'Vadalis

    Muricia stands off to one side, arms crossed and a cross look on her face as she listened to the ambassador. Not even at their destination yet and already there was talk of which sides to exploit in the coming war. So much for peace.

    She might have said as much, had they not been interrupted by the hulking engine of destruction that called itself "Slasher." While she respected their abilities she had little love for these Cannith constructs, and hearing one drone on about its own brand of theology (but was its beliefs really its own?) did little to endear it to her. There was something... curious about the other one though, and she couldn't help but smile slightly at the sight of it petting the white wolf that had been lounging all throughout their journey.

    Pondering those thoughts Muricia gazed out the window at the storm, and just happened to catch the outline of a ship shadowing them. Instinctively she turned back to the people in the cabin, her cross expression replaced with one of alarm. She gave a brisk nod to Gerard, who'd spotted it as well.

    "Right, you do that, I'll head topside with Adisa and get a better look at what we're dealing with."

    Not wasting any time, Muricia bolted out of the room and headed to where her steed was stabled.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    "You dare question the might of the Theocracy, cur?" He stands up straight and tall, looming over Takashtai. "Thrane only lost because it was forced to fight a war on all sides. If fought one on one, none would have been able to repel this great nation."


    He looks over to Gerard, a modicum of respect can be seen between the two warriors. Clearly the Warforged respects Gerard, or more likely, the House he represents. "I am not here as an escort or a guard. I am here at the request of the Cardinals of Thrane. A priest of the Silver Flame has been... Abused by worshipers of old, dying religions. I have been sent to ensure the priest is... Shown the respect due a man of his station. The Ambassador and I were headed to the same city. It makes sense to... Utilize the same ship."

    If Slasher had eyes, he would have rolled them as he looks down upon Lee, "A weak willed Warforged does not deserve the name WARforged. They should call you PEACEforged"

    At the behest of Gerard and Muricia, the party lunges out of the lounge and races out onto the upper deck of the Cloudsong. Muricia runs over to her griffin and mounts up. With every lightning strike, the party can see the ship as it is silhouetted against the gray-black clouds. The Captain orders the crew to battle stations. All ten of the ballistae are manned. The Ambassador is taken below deck.

    Slasher begins to follow Ayrhil but then decides to remain on the upper deck. He positions himself next to Gerard, "My ghulra is tingling. Battle is coming." He draws his two over-sized great axes, "It has been two months since I decapitated a man. My axes hunger."

    The other airships is smaller than the Cloudsong, perhaps only three quarters the length. It resembles a proper ship of war, rather than the luxury liner, like Cloudsong. Uniquely, it seems to have three fire elemental rings, rather than the usual one... The other ship is heading towards the Cloudsong's aft from the north west.

    Spoiler: Perception
    Show
    - Gerard Barrimovd'Deneith: (1d20)[15]
    - "Lee": (1d20)[4]
    - Caimhe d'Tharashk: (1d20)[2]
    - Koebu: (1d20)[18]
    - Muricia d'Vadalis: (1d20)[13]
    - Takashtai: (1d20)[15]

    Spoiler: DC 25
    Show
    The Ship is about ten miles away and gaining fast. The ship is moving very, very fast for an Airship. This is probably due to the extra elemental rings. You would guess that its top speed is probably double that of the Cloudsong's. You can barely make out the presence of people on the deck, although from this distance, you cannot tell much more than that.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Gerard

    Gerard gives a curt nod to Muricia, Be careful out there. Mind the storm!

    The group rushes to the upper deck, where preparations are made with impressive speed and precision. Gerard stands ready, Slasher coming up beside him, My ghulra is tingling. Battle is coming. It has been two months since I decapitated a man. My axes hunger. Gerard gives the 'forged a sidelong glance, his marshal tendencies showing themselves, Try to keep a head or two intact Slasher. We may be able to get some answers that way.

    His gaze returns to the smaller ship, Have any of you seen an airship like this before? Small size, three rings. She's moving fast, I'd say twice as fast as we are. She's about ten miles out, but gaining on us quickly.

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    It's so noisy...

    Caimhe stretched on her comfortable basket and yawned, before shaking her head and sticking her tongue out. Lee's comfortable petting had stopped, which was a royal disappointment, she'd have everyone know. The warforged knew how to ticke her most comfortable spots! Alas, it was probably time to pay the piper what's due. She ambled on out and padded along on all fours, sniffing a little as she glanced over to the Ambassador. While theirs wasn't the most airtight of operations, she had to wonder how they had someone on their tail so quickly. Could there have been someone tipping them off, perhaps? Ah, the questions...

    Up on deck, the wolf let out an unsatisfied purr as she kept low and out of sight, peering towards the other ship. Curious, a relic with three rings. Was there any clue to be had from that, perhaps?

    Spoiler: Action
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    Arcana, perhaps? (1d20)[16] +9 if so, or if it's History (+8) or some other skill...?

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Spoiler: Caimhe
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    You have heard of experimental Airship designs from House Cannith that utilizes more elemental rings. These extra rings would give the ship a significantly faster speed. It would also allow the ship to perform vastly more complicated complicated maneuvers because you can compel the bound elementals to do different things at the same time.

    Additionally, House Cannith was working on weaponing the elemental rings to perform explosive fiery attacks while maintaining speed and course. Of course the cost for these added features is binding three elementals, which means you are three times as likely to have issues and (unless you have an exceptional individual) you will need three crew members compelling the fire elementals to do what needs to be done, which takes an inordinate amount of coordination, which is why House Cannith largely abandoned the design concept.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Well, it's time...

    The wolf focused for a moment, and there was a seamless shift as the white-furred form transitioned towards a taller, white-haired lady in white and black robes, a blade resting on her sheath. The left side of her face bore old, dried mottled scars that had rather distinctly shaven off a good portion of her skin.

    Caimhe grimaced for a moment. About... fifteen minutes' go-time, maybe? Painkillers are starting to wear off... She could already feel her body's acid-like spasms catch up to the movement of her ligaments and joints. Everything hurt.

    "It's a Cannith skunkwork model," she spoke lightly, with a nonchallant expression as she turned a smirk. "Three rings, three elementals, three times the speed and firepower... three times the chances of trouble. Hit the elementals or their handlers and you'd do well to bring that ship down, I'd say. Left or right side ought to wreck havoc on that ship's balance something fierce."

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Takashtai

    Quote Originally Posted by Felhammer View Post
    "You dare question the might of the Theocracy, cur?" He stands up straight and tall, looming over Takashtai. "Thrane only lost because it was forced to fight a war on all sides. If fought one on one, none would have been able to repel this great nation."
    “Perhaps, but that was not the war they faced, was it? Nor would it likely be what they face should it break out anew.” Responding almost unconsciously to the warforged’s threatening posture, Takashtai shifted her position and stance slightly, ingrained training and instinct ensuring that she had room to draw even while her conscious mind was assured that there was no need. “As I said, strength is not enough.”

    With further discussion forestalled by the revelation of a trailing craft, Takashtai willed the transformation of her clothing, the turquoise gown shifting away in the blink of an eye to be replaced by a suit of lightweight silver plate and chain. Rather than rush up to the main deck, she remained near the Ambassador until she was safely ensconced in her cabin, then retrieved her shield before heading to the upper deck, where she positioned herself at the entrance to the most direct route below decks. Knowing that she lacked the tools or expertise to engage the other ship directly, positioning herself to impede any boarders from reaching non-combatants seemed the best use of her talents.

    Spoiler: Felhammer
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    Passive 27 Insight - was Slasher genuinely upset by Taki's comment, or just naturally belligerent?
    Last edited by Geckus; 2017-02-23 at 10:39 PM.

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Spoiler: Takashtai
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    Yes, Slasher took great offense to your insinuation that Thrane is weak. He is clearly an ultra-patriot.
    Last edited by Felhammer; 2017-02-23 at 07:49 PM.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Lee

    The brightly-painted smaller 'forged stays in place for a moment after Slasher addresses her, opalescent eyes opened wide. Then another voice -- male, muffled, and rather nebbish -- issues from her torso. "Lee, I know what you're feeling, and you are instructed to stop. You will count your victories in lives saved rather than lives snuffed." Her expression doesn't change, but she shifts to a more balanced posture.

    When Gerard d'Deneith reports the trailing ship and gives general instructions, Lee looks to the Ambassador for confirmation. Seeing no negation, she follows Ayrhil's other escorts to the deck and stands ready to receive directions. She asks d'Deneith, "What tactics are likely to be employed against us if the unidentified craft attacks? Ramming, ballista fire, spellcraft?"

    When the white dog transforms into a woman, Lee looks thoroughly surprised. Apparently she hadn't been aware of the true nature of the 'pet'. The warforged listens attentively to Caimhe's explanation.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Gerard

    The strange delegation is enough to take Gerard's eyes off the storm clouds and enemy ship for a moment. Between the summoned armor, a warforged with two voices, and a transforming dog, Gerard isn't sure what to think. Clearly, not everyone is what they seem to be. Still looking at the others, he asks Slasher, Any surprises you have that I should know about?

    The smaller warforged asks, What tactics are likely to be employed against us if the unidentified craft attacks? Ramming, ballista fire, spellcraft?

    Lee right? I'm Gerard. Good question. I'm not rightly sure. It's a strange design if you can tell from this distance. My guess is it's built more for speed than mass, so I don't think they'll ram us. Probably not much room for many ballista either. We should probably expect magic. It could be that they're just tailing us, using the storm for cover, but they're moving too fast for that. They'll overtake us for sure if we keep these speeds.

    The dog woman interjects, It's a Cannith skunkwork model. Three rings, three elementals, three times the speed and firepower... three times the chances of trouble. Hit the elementals or their handlers and you'd do well to bring that ship down, I'd say. Left or right side ought to wreck havoc on that ship's balance something fierce.

    Gerard's gaze turns to her and he holds it for a second too long perhaps, wondering who and what she is, Then they'll come in hard and fast, hoping to take us out quick to avoid trouble with the elementals. I'm not too familiar with airship design. How hard would it be for the ballistamen to damage the rings?

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Koebu

    The halfling Koebu had been sitting on the floor below decks, with his knees drawn up near his chest. The still-young man had dark hair that was cropped into a ragged mop on his brow. He wore chain armor, but he had various furs wrapped around him somewhat disguising it under their bulk. He had sharp features, with deep-set eyes. He sat listening to the discussion in silence as the big people argued around him.

    When the ship was spotted, Koebu followed the others above decks. He hurried along side them, over to the edge of the decks to get as close of a look at the ship as he could. "What do you think, Fenti?" he asks. He turns back to look over his shoulder, and where nothing had been standing a moment before there now stood a small raptor-like dinosaur. The creature spirit always took on the appearance of its current surroundings, so standing here on the deck of a wooden airship, Fenti appeared to be a creature of wood and air, a mass of woodchips swirling around within its form. The spirit let out a small snarl in response.

    "If only the spirits had shown me this ship's pursuit, I could have slowed its chase. It moves too fast though, it would still would overtake us. Who would have sent this ship? Cannith? Or did they just build the vessel? We should seek to take hostages if we can. Questions will need to be answered."

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Caimhe rubbed at her chin slowly and said, estimating, "In this weather, against a ship that fast, I would not place a bet on it. They'll use both cloud cover and positioning to protect themselves from the bulk of our cannon fire." She glanced over towards where Muricia is. "My best guess would be a fast surgical strike -- get close, drop infiltrators in, get what they came for, get out. Thus, it'd be in our favor to take the initiative..."

    She pointed to the griffon-master. "You think you can outspeed that spitfire of a ship? How many of us can you carry?"

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Muricia d'Vadalis

    Poised atop her mount, Muricia had been about to launch into the wild blue yonder when she was taken aback by the wolf's sudden transformation into quite a striking woman. For as observant as she likes to consider herself, she did not see that coming. There had to be a story there, she thought.

    She listened intently to the back-and-forth about their pursuer, and though not keen on the ins and outs of engineering she at least understood what to keep her eyes out for.

    "I don't know, but I'll see if I can make out any weak points," she replied to Gerard's question.

    She had no reply for the spirit's, but gave it a respectful nod, glad as she was to have even one of them on their side.

    "Outspeed? No, not likely. Best Adisa and I can hope for is to keep a nearer distance from our ship than theirs," she replied to wolf-girl. "As far as a strike team goes, hmm, well Adisa's not built for ferrying passengers, but I figure she could take one more... maybe two if our shaman's one of them."


    And then they were off, griffon and rider soaring into the sky. No matter how many times she had taken off, Muricia always found it exhilarating.

    "Kyheeeh!" Adisa called out in agreement, though there was certainly some storm-caused anxiety there as well.

    "Don't worry girl, we'll be careful. Nothing you and I haven't seen before!" she reassured her.

    Once aloft, the two attempted to fly a broad holding pattern, falling behind the Cloudsong a ways before backtracking, then repeating it again and again until the trailing ship was in clear enough view, all while minding the storm.

    Spoiler: Felhammer
    Show

    I don't know if you want me to make active Perception and/or Acrobatics checks to avoid the storm, but if I have to do the former I do get to roll twice and take the higher result.

    I certainly will be making active Perception checks against the ship, which I figure once it's about a mile behind me and while I'm about a mile behind our ship is when I'll hurry back to base.

    Perception: (1d20+15)[29]; (1d20+15)[24]

    Edit: let's hold off on this for now.

    Edit2: nevermind.
    Last edited by Dacia Brabant; 2017-02-24 at 12:19 PM.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Muricia drops back and lets the Cloudsong fly away. The storm envelops the griffin rider. Lightning flashes on all sides, rain pelting her like sling bullets. After a few tense minutes, the enemy ship is almost upon her...

    Spoiler: Muricia
    Show
    Upon the upper deck of the enemy ship, you see some fifteen knights, all clad in heavy armor, brandishing flails and kite shields. Upon the shields is branded the image of a glowing green claw...
    Spoiler: Green Claw
    Show


    At the aft of the ship stands a monstrously tall Minotaur. His horns are long and look to have been coated in adamantine. His breastplate is completely black, save for the green claw symbol carved and painted into it. He seems to be directing the soldiers on deck to prep for a boarding action.

    You do not see anyone on the deck that seem to be directing the fire elementals. Perhaps they are below deck?

    Uniquely, there do not seem to be many siege weapons on the enemy ship. In fact, there are only two ballistae ports on each side of the ship. Very strange, given the fact that in all other respects, this seems to be a ship of war.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Muricia d'Vadalis

    Once she had gotten an eyeful, Muricia wheeled her griffon around and bid her make haste back to the Cloudsong.

    "Fly, my friend, fly! Fly as if our lives depended on it!"

    "Kyeeeh!" was Adisa's reply, as if to say "No kidding!"

    Spoiler: Felhammer
    Show

    Adisa will be taking the run action to get back to the ship. If she needs to roll Endurance checks for it, her modifier is +14.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    The griffin rider zooms across the heavens with great haste. Several times she comes within mere inches of being struck by lighting but, thankfully, she avoid such a disaster.

    Spoiler: Muricia
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    Not sure if you want to land on the ship or stay aloft but nearby to the Cloudsong. I will leave that up to you.
    Last edited by Felhammer; 2017-02-24 at 02:14 PM.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Muricia d'Vadalis

    "Khreeeh!"

    Adisa came in for a screaming landing, the griffin panting between screeches as her claws dug in to the deck. Muricia stroked the creature's feathered cheek, calming her down, then turned her attention to her companions on this mission.

    "So here's the deal: there's over a dozen heavily armed knights led by a minotaur getting ready to board us. I didn't see anyone topside minding the elementals, and they only were showing four ballistae, two to a side. Oh, and they're all wearing the same symbol--a green glowing claw. That mean anything to anyone?"
    Last edited by Dacia Brabant; 2017-02-24 at 03:01 PM.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Spoiler: History
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    - Gerard Barrimovd'Deneith: (1d20)[7]
    - "Lee": (1d20)[17]
    - Caimhe d'Tharashk: (1d20)[4]
    - Koebu: (1d20)[19]
    - Muricia d'Vadalis: (1d20)[12]
    - Takashtai: (1d20)[2]

    Spoiler: DC 20
    Show
    Famine and pestilence weakened Karrnath to the point of collapse in the early days of the Last War. Seemingly spontaneously, an order of warriors arose that emphasized flexibility, self-sufficiency, and accomplishment regardless of sacrifice. These Karrnathi fanatics called themselves the Order of the Emerald Claw, and their heroics stabilized previously crumbling battle lines and drew scores of Karrnath's best to their ranks. These flamboyant knights rattled Karrnath's established officers with their nontraditional methods, often acting outside the chain of command, but none could dispute their discipline, training, and readiness to give their lives in defense of the kingdom of Karrnmh.


    Spoiler: DC 25
    Show
    The emergence of the order was so sudden and its methods so radical that many officers and government officials were suspicious and resentful. Despite the order's successes, Karrns who raised concerns about the group never ran out of rationales or rumors. The whispers hardened into accusations when Regent Moranna staged a coup against the order. She removed Emerald Claw members from positions of power, laying terrible crimes at their feet, dismantling the organization, and forcing those who escaped to go underground. Although the order still has its defenders, both inside and outside Karrnath, most consider it, at best, a group of fanatics that overstepped its bounds.


    Spoiler: Religion
    Show
    - Gerard Barrimovd'Deneith: (1d20)[2]
    - "Lee": (1d20)[1]
    - Caimhe d'Tharashk: (1d20)[14]
    - Koebu: (1d20)[3]
    - Muricia d'Vadalis: (1d20)[19]
    - Takashtai: (1d20)[20]

    Spoiler: Religion 25
    Show
    Religion DC 25: The Order of the Emerald Claw is an extremist militant sect of the Blood of Vol. The order is led by a mysterious figure known as the Queen of Death, one of the mightiest necromancers associated with the Blood of Vol. The Emerald Claw's loyalty to Karrnath was only as strong as the monarch's subservience to the cult's demands, and as long as the two institutions were on the same side, the order served Karrnilth well. When first Regent Moranna and then King Kaius III rejected the Blood of Vol, the crown and the Blood of Vol broke their long alliance, and the Order of the Emerald Claw fell from power. Despite the order's fanatical devotion to the Blood of Vol, moderate members of the faith denounce and oppose the malicious actions of the Emerald Claw.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Koebu

    The halfling moves over to the griffon rider as she lands. "I have heard a few tales of an Order of the Emerald Claw. When Famine and Pestilence rode through Karrnath at the start of the Last War, this Order rose to fight. They were an unusual fighting force, who would not be held by the structures of command. Yet, they held the strength, training, and willingness to sacrifice themselves that was almost unmatched by other soldiers. They were a flexible force, favoring those who were self-sufficient. They drew many of the best to their ranks, and fought fanatically for the defense of their kingdom. We can expect a difficult engagement, and they will likely be willing to give their own lives for their mission."
    Last edited by dariathalon; 2017-02-24 at 03:54 PM.

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Takashtai

    From her nearby post, Takashtai adds to Koebu's response to Mericia’s question.

    “The halfling is correct - that is the symbol of the Order of the Emerald Claw; a particularly fanatical and militant part of the Blood of Vol. Though they served Karrnath during the war, that allegiance is no more, at least not since King Kaius broke with their faith rather than give in to their demands.”

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Caimhe whistled softly as Muricia landed and commented, "Fancy flying there," and let out a rueful chuckle as she listened to both Takashtai and Koebu's explanations, and then said, "From a more practical standpoint, however, I am not particularly happy about the odds of us against a dozen knights and a minotaur." She glanced to the broadside to say, "Though we probably cannot directly hit them, I wonder if we can use cannon fire to force them to a disadvantageous boarding position, if none at all."

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Lee

    Lee takes Takashtai's addition at face value. Her own knowledge of the Emerald Claw didn't happen to reference their religious bent, but the kalashtar was pretty obviously a holy woman and should know what she's talking about.

    If Lee had salivary glands, she'd be gulping. Hearing about the Blood of Vol makes Lee feel nervous. Her own magic power has some obvious similarities to the cult's ideas about how power works. All the more reason to fight back with all vigor if attacked.

    Announcing aloud to no one in particular, Lee states, "I will initiate a long-lasting magic to negate any fires spread during combat, should one occur as presumed. Please be advised: the ritual is unable to address active magical flames ... so don't ask me to extinguish the elementals." Her voice hints at humor.

    The warforged caster takes a seat on the wind-whipped deck and takes a long moment to invoke her magic.
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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Koebu

    "Our best chance is to not let them board at all. We will be the strong gust of wind from the north that drives them back. But first, everyone gather around Fenti. The spirits will protect us."

    Koebu nods his head to Fenti, who grows to several times his normal size. The spirit then moves toward the center of the ship, where it is easy to gater around. Once everyone moved up next to the raptor, Koebu waves his arms in a grand gesture and thick woody roots grow from the spirit's feet. They seek out each person surrounding the bestial spirit and crawl up their legs like creeping vines. The hearty roots quickly dissolve into translucence and then disappear entirely. However, their protective strength remains hardening the flesh of Koebu and his allies.

    Spoiler
    Show

    Might as well use Protective Roots shortly before they catch up. It's a lot easier to get everyone together for it before the battle starts, then we can re-scatter. Since Fenti is large, it shouldn't be much trouble to get the whole party adjacent, and whatever NPCs are easily at hand.

    Everyone gains resist all 4 until the end of the encounter.

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Gerard

    Gerard nods at Muricia's arrival. He listens as the others describe the Emerald Claw. As a Karrn, he knows they are enemies of the state, but little more than that. Why would they be assisting Karrnath now? Are they assisting Karrnath?

    I don't know if we can drive them back, he says to Koebu as he moves toward the spirit animal. As a mercenary of the Last War, and a scion of House Deneith, Gerard is used to protective battlefield magic. They are faster and more nimble. We can check them with ballista fire, but if they're maneuvering those storm clouds without damage, they may have a way around the catapults as well. We'll know soon enough, but they didn't come this far to turn back. They know our departure time, and our route. They know our defenses as well.

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    Default Re: IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

    Caimhe let out a relieved little sigh as Koebu's magic shielded her, and she gave her thanks with a nod. "I agree," she nodded to Gerard. "By all means we should resist, but we shouldn't expect our cannons to do the job."

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