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  1. - Top - End - #1231
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    For once, Perseus's face shows emotion. It darkens, a thick layer of anger masking the slightest trace of fear. "The rules of our kind would not apply to him, nor to here. He would incite conflict and then use the conflict he manufactured as evidence of your dishonor, as an excuse for war. I trust him less than I would trust a clanless." A deep breath, and his face returns to its usual inscrutable countenance. He takes this opportunity to offer an olive branch, adding, "Sister Rosalind, I thank you for the powers you bestowed on me, on behalf of your gods. I misjudged you, and your practices, when we first met. I see you now as a valuable ally, and I see now the strength of your pacifism. Were it not for you, that demon would surely have slain me. Thank you." He bows deeply, and then returns to his protective duties.
    Last edited by esorscher; 2018-03-17 at 09:31 AM.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  2. - Top - End - #1232
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    dantiesilva's Avatar

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    Sister Rosalind is a bit taken aback by Perseus sudden emotions, she had only seen him show so many once before and a person had almost died for it. To see his emotions not directed at her for once was...reassuring and troubling all at the same time. "Sadly Perseus he is one of the one hundred warriors chosen by the council of clans to come to New Ganther to help stop the ritual. I believe in this case he would be acting as an agent of your kingdom, even if working for his own personal reasons. I am however grateful to know that others feel the way I do about his trustworthiness." she says, taking a moment before continuing. "When I spoke to the council for peace he was the abritor for war and thus my opponent in this trial, and while I won over many that day, he brought up valid points that were hard to counter. It is why the warriors are coming to help as part of the host gift. I have no doubt he orchestrated his clan to send him as well, but I have no say over that, and from what I understand neither did any other." she explains to Perseus, letting him know what had happened while he was away.

    "As for your thanks Persues, we are allies and thus they are not needed. When we first meet you were protecting your clan and kingdom from a foreign invader who had not sent word to your own kingdom that I would be coming. And I had just been awoken after using powerful magic and not at my best. I just hope we can continue to build this trust between us." she says, making a point not to say friendship as she knew dwarves did not make friends so easily. Nor did she extend her hand or try to touch him, instead returning the bow knowing dwarves did not like touching.

  3. - Top - End - #1233
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    Spoiler: Hesa
    Show
    The woman starts to offer her hand, then hesitates and smiles wryly, her expression acknowledging that each of you is in need of a thorough shower before making physical contact with another human being.

    “Lieutenant Ilyen, Knight of the Soaring Eagle,”
    she introduces herself. “The battle plan called for Yara to fight alongside Theo - that's Theodore Roost, the High Priest and Champion of Charis. I'll take you to them.”

    She leads you through the Temple, past bodies and wreckage, halls filled with the odours of blood and brimstone. You arrive just in time to hear Theo eulogising Yara.


    Ilyen brings the stranger to Theo, both of them coated from head to toe in foul substances best left unidentified. Nodding her head to Theo and Lothrain, she says, “This man, Hesa, fought beside us against the demons and the Malturites. He says he came looking for Yara.

    “If you don't mind, I'll leave you to sort this out. I'm powerfully in need of a bath, and I don't think my sword is needed here anymore.”


    So saying, she takes her leave.

    Elsewhere, Ember opens the door to the left of the inner sanctum, and finds two chained men. Each has a mix of draconic and human features: one has the build of an ogre, his expression one of glazed stupor; the other, a human showing extensive bruising and injuries. Lothrain draws his sword at the sight of the former, knuckles white on the grip, staring in silence.

    Thardae looks from the prisoner to her Arbiter, then catches Theo's eye. “Krom,” she mouths silently.

    As for Rosalind's address to the captives, it is largely met with stony silence, particularly from the clerics. They know well what fate awaits those who betray their deity, and the risk is too great to take. But one or two of the warriors, you sense, are more intrigued - though the presence of their brethren keeps them mute.

    As Gunn anticipated, a representative of the state soon arrives: a trio of guards led by a captain. The captain - a human woman in her early forties, greying black hair tied in a bun, her expression serious - greets Gunn with a noncommittal nod.

    “Saw the Writ of Outlawry,”
    she says without preamble. “Damn stupid bit of barbarism, you ask me, but since no one did, I’m here to make sure no one got carried away. You here with the Temples?”

    Her expression shows polite scepticism, her eyes taking in your attire.

  4. - Top - End - #1234
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    "Sure am," Gunn responds, confident that Perseus has already filled his bag of holding with what amounts to the consolidated assets of the Church, and that his security team has already absconded with the rest. "Thomas Gunn, esquire. Might I know your name, Captain?" He introduces himself with a charming smile. (Diplomacy: (1d20+26)[27])
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  5. - Top - End - #1235
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    Sister Rosalind watches the many stony faces, taking note of the two warriors in the crowd who seem to want to say something she remains silent, allowing them to keep up their facade for now until she had the group as a whole at a more secure place where she could speak with the two alone. So saying this sister Rosalind remains with the captaives and those guarding them, using her aura to stop any unnecessary ideas of fighting from breaking out, completly unaware of what is going on elsewhere in the temple, however hoping they as a group would be leaving soon to bring these prisoners to the proper authorities.

  6. - Top - End - #1236
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Spoiler: Gunn and anyone with him
    Show
    The Captain does a double-take, apparently not expecting to be greeted with courtesy and charm.

    "Ella. But Captain will do... while I'm on duty."


    She takes a good, hard look at the building.

    "You didn't do things by halves, did you? What, the ceiling was aiding and abetting the fugitive, is that it?

    "Well, anyway, is it too much to hope that you took prisoners for trial?"


    Spoiler: Yara
    Show
    After what seems like an unnecessarily long pause, Dalvar shakes his head.

    "No. Your powers will not work in this form. They rely on your remarkable brain and on the connection between you and my former power. As a disembodied soul, you left both behind. The latter somewhat messily, I might add.

    "I can assure you of your safety in visiting other planes, as long as we avoid anything more powerful than I now am. Which, I admit, includes most beings of any real power.

    "If the idea of being a powerless pilgrim of the planes does not appeal, there are other options. I could perhaps teach you to transmit an astral projection of yourself to the material plane, enabling you to remain here in safety while still observing and contributing to events in the world of the living. I am fairly sure I remember how that works.

    "You would be little more than a ghost, able to see but not act; I am unsure whether your allies would be able to perceive or communicate with you. It may depend on their own affinity for you and for the supernatural in general."

  7. - Top - End - #1237
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    "Well met, Captain," Gunn says, maintaining the smile. It fades naturally as he speaks further, "We have prisoners inside, I'll send word for them to be brought out." He nods to Kenneth, one of his security officers standing nearby, who heads in and reports to Theo. Then, he laughs. "I guess you could say the ceiling was covering up evidence of their crimes," he jokes, adding, "The troof will always come out." He laughs again, then adopts a somber tone. "But in all seriousness, I'm pretty sure it was one of the Malturites who did that. We lost a lot of good men and women in there."
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  8. - Top - End - #1238
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    gallagher's Avatar

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    With the newfound warrior in front of Theo, he explains the circumstances that led to her annihilation. He is not in the mood to mince words and gives it to him straight.

    Gunn's henchman then notifies Theo of the arrival of the city guard. With Krom found, he directs Lothrain to take that prisoner and the one tied next to him and remove them immediately. The rest of the prisoners would be reasonably held, but this one was powerful. It would not do well for him to escape their clutches for being less than perfectly supervised. The man would still face trial in a lawful manner, but maximum security was needed for such a valuable prisoner.

    He then directs Rosalind to follow with him and a few Templars to march the remaining prisoners outside, to be turned over to proper law enforcement
    Last edited by gallagher; 2018-03-19 at 09:52 PM.
    Spoiler
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

    Avatar by Szilard

  9. - Top - End - #1239
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    As Theo comes to where Rosalind has been standing guard with the other templars and crusaders over the prisoners she pulls him off to the side for a moment, keeping her back to the prisoners as she speaks to him. "Theo as you know my job is to try and save as many lives as I can." Sister Rosalind says, her eyes motioning to look at the prisoners as she speaks softly so none but the high priest of Charis could hear. "It seems a few of the warriors are willing to change if given the chance, after they pay for their crimes of course. Speaking to them with the others around however will not get us anywhere. Should we offer them the same deal we did the bandits? A place among the knights as squires in training once they have repaid their debt to society?" she asks him quietly wondering how he thought they should handle those who wished to have a second chance.

    Once he had given her his answer she helps him lead the prisoners outside to the waiting guard captain. "I hope you and the rest of the guard didn't have to much trouble with demons or cultist outside of the temple. I know they were looking for more innocents to sacrifice and asked around for a few allies to aid you. As always any of your wounded are welcome at my hospice free of charge captain to have their wounds treated for their service in protecting the people. However I am worried, there are a lot more prisoners then you seem to have guards." Sister Rosalind notes looking at the rather small amount of guards compared to the prisoners that seemed to have them beat at least 3 to 1.

  10. - Top - End - #1240
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    He replies with some courtesy and patience - This is different than the bandits; these men have marked themselves as the enemy of Charis and sought to defile an artifact if Relath. Given the make up of the Knights, they may very well be murdered in their sleep, or worse, and they'd call it justice. The knights are not clerics who lose the grace and blessing of their good but for poor behavior. the knights are warriors who merely worship lawful gods. If they wish to make up for their crimes, then they'll have to prove worthy at trial, and even then the Knights may not find it acceptable to work next to them.

    Think of the treatment Yara got from my kind. All in my temple will be glad she is gone, even though she did nothing to harm them except accepting the help of Michel. No, if they really wish to repent, there would be to be another way. And I'm not sure I can be involved.
    Theo concluded before they met with the captain.

    When he sees the number of guards, Theo offers to commit a few Templars to assisting in the transfer of the prisoners, and plans in his head to have Ardaionn follow them to the prison.
    Spoiler
    Show

    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

    Avatar by Szilard

  11. - Top - End - #1241
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    "I have come all this way to help her, only to arrive the day she dies," Hesa sighs, shaking his head. "I do not know what to do now. I suppose it is my duty to bring her back or at least finish her earthly matters. Do you plan to resurrect her?"
    He listens to Theo's answer.
    "I thank you for your honesty. I will talk to you later, as now is a busy time."
    Saying such, Hesa leaves to sit near the prisoners. He cleans the muck from his blade and refocuses his psionic power.
    When the guards arrive to take the prisoners, he calls out from his position.
    "If you would allow it captain, I will help escort the prisoners."
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    Too tired to write for Yara.
    The injured man with Krom should be Jauren. He'll probably recognise Hesa's armour.

  12. - Top - End - #1242
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Spoiler: Gunn et al
    Show
    The Captain winces, shaking her head. "Those were terrible puns. I hope you're a better priest than you are a comedian." She is smiling, however, her expression softening towards you despite her words.


    Spoiler: Theo
    Show
    Lothrain grips your arm tightly, seeming not to realise the ferocity of his grasp. He says nothing, merely looking you in the eye as grief, desperation and fury chase across his features.

    He seems to see something in your expression, however. Shutting his eyes tightly, his mouth moves in a silent prayer for the strength to endure this trial. He turns away, hunched and facing the wall, one hand pushing against it for support.


    The prisoners are led out, surrounded by Templars and Crusaders. The Captain looks surprised to see so many alive, the more so when she catches sight of the giant Krom, carried by three Crusaders, still in the same mindless stupor.

    The other freed captive, however, spots Hesa - and a look of recognition crosses his expression. Dressed in sackcloth and with nothing to indicate his standing or allegiance, he says nothing for the moment.

    The Captain first answers Rosalind. "Thank you, Sister, but we had little trouble this night. The Temples were out in force, as were the Knights of the Soaring Eagle. I hear reports of one or two incidents, but I think by and large the Malturites were deterred from trying anything tonight. They've probably gone to ground."

    Turning to Hesa, she nods her appreciation. "An extra sword would be welcome," she agrees, before turning to Theo, "and perhaps the Temples can spare a few men for the journey to the prison. We'll need to take names and addresses first, so we can collect statements in the morning. In the meantime, I'm asking the Vanguard to join us and make the building safe, find out what that big fiery column is all about, check for traps - that sort of thing.

    "What of Darla Stormsdaughter?"


    As she is speaking, Ardaionn spots Natalia approaching, Rauthus and Asoryala by her side. The Priestess of Valacles stops while still some way off, opting not to join the law enforcement discussion.

  13. - Top - End - #1243
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    Sister Rosalind listens to Theo's words, nodding in understanding. "I trust you would know better then I what the knights would do. However I can not sit by when people wish to change either. If they are allowed to live I shall take them back to the temple of the Lovers where they will repay society by learning the arts of healing as well as protecting the innocent without killing." she says to Theo, making it clear she would not turn her back on someone wishing to change but she would also listen to his council when it was given.

    Later with the guard captain the priestess of the Lovers lets out a breath of relief at hearing that none had been seriously injured in the streets. "I have no doubt they have gone to ground, however if what I have learned today proves true, it is only to wait for the Apostle of Malture to instruct them. I would advise great caution when dealing with these prisoners Captain, and wish you the best of luck." she says before describing the two who seemed to be on the fence about changing their ways. "I suspect if you get them away from the others they may help you, if you wish I can join you and the others escorting them back as I doubt I will be needed here anymore unless they plan on making sure no one fled to the barraks." Sister Rosalind says, looking to Theo to see what he had in mind.

  14. - Top - End - #1244
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    On the matter of Darla Stormsdaughter, Gunn answers. "We believe she died resisting arrest."

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Does his mindsight pick up Natalia?


    Sensing the observer from earlier attempting to flee, Gunn relays his coordinates telepathically to Theo.
    Last edited by esorscher; 2018-03-20 at 08:47 AM.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  15. - Top - End - #1245
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    gallagher's Avatar

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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    To Lothrain, Theo expresses the need to keep Krom as a high valued prisoner, and therefore he would receive some bit of safe treatment and fair conduct. The man is likely to be put to death, but for the time being we do not want to give the crown reason to excuse him or punish us. I have a man who will put him to questioning, but we need to ensure that there is no reason to remove Krom from our custody.

    Theo, through gritted teeth so as to not overshare details that could come back to haunt him, confirmed Gunn's account. Yes, she died, sword in hand. Her body shall be tended to and given a funeral proper for a woman of her stature.

    Given to an unceremonious pyre, the same she gave to Yara.
    Theo thought to himself.

    Darla was also the cause of that beam of energy and light you see now. Maybe that bit of knowledge will help the Vanguard determine the source and how to counter it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I see that there are new arrivals that need my immediate attention, he says, gesturing to Rauthus, Asoryala and Nathalia. Please talk with Ember and have her assign four Templars to the transfer party. Theo then takes his leave to go address the newcomers.
    Spoiler
    Show

    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

    Avatar by Szilard

  16. - Top - End - #1246
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Spoiler: Yara
    Show
    "I do not know what good I could do as a pilgrim or ghost. I would logically be of more use back in the material world as long as I can learn, and even more if I could contact someone."
    She thinks about what she could do.
    " I know somethings about the planes but not much. If I chose to travel the planes, where could I go?"

    Spoiler: Hesa
    Show

    Hesa has kept his large form. It was his way to stay prepared, after all the fight was not truly over. The prisoners weren't yet in jail.
    While waiting for the guards to be ready to move out, he looks over the captives. Two people with dragons blood. The reactions to one suggested he was an enemy. He kept an eye on them both, presumably they were the strongest here.
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    Spot to see if he notices the recognition:
    (1d20+8)[22]

    Last edited by Timble; 2018-03-21 at 02:33 AM.

  17. - Top - End - #1247
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    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    Hesa realises that the dragon-blooded man has recognised, if not him per se, then at least his uniform.

    The prison escort is assembled, and Captain Ella takes down the names and addresses of those present for her follow up investigation. In short order, Lydia arrives with a trio of Vanguard mages, taking in the pillar of energy with a grimace. She orders the Temple vacated, and pointedly suggests everyone goes home.

    Lothrain makes a point of joining the prison escort, eyes never far from Krom, while Thardae takes the rest of the Crusaders back to their Temple. Ember organises her own group’s tasks, similarly releasing the bulk of her force to well-earned rest. It is not long before the prisoners are on their way, the guards, Hesa, and several Templars and Crusaders escorting them.

    With Theo distracted by the arrival of Natalia, it falls to Gunn and Perseus to deal with the fleeing observer whose thoughts implicated the Apostle… or to accept his escape as a fait accompli.

    Spoiler: Yara
    Show
    Dalvar holds out a hand, palm-upwards, and a sphere of pale golden light forms above it.

    “Suppose we use spatial relationships as a metaphor for planar concordance. This, then, represents the world you know - the Material Plane, where all things good and evil can be found.”


    With a chopping motion of his other hand, he cuts away half of the sphere, revealing the inside of the remaining sphere in cross-section. Within are spheres of flame, stone, vapour, water, light and shadow, all cradled within a layer of murky fog.

    “Your ancestors commonly represented the Planes of the Creator Gods as being ‘within’ the Material, accessed through the Realm of Shades where now we stand - or the Shadow Plane, as some of a more arcanist bent have called it. Each Creator has his or her own realm - in some sense, they are their realms, omnipresent and coextensive therein. I could lead you to any of those, but you would be as a blade of grass before the inferno: a stray thought by a Creator could erase you from existence.”

    Restoring the golden sphere, he then sends eight more to orbit around it, each the colour of a precious substance: sapphire, diamond, emerald, topaz, ruby, amethyst, onyx, and marble. A complex network of silver lines spreads between them, interconnecting each of them.

    “Then there are the Outer Planes, where my former brethren make their homes. Three Heavens, where dwell the angels, celestials, and gods of Good. Three Hells, whence come devils, demons, daemons, and the gods of Evil. Two planes that eschew both Good and Evil, the one of pure Law, the other, pure Chaos. And the Ways between them - though not the only paths that lead there.”


    At his words, lines of the shadowed mist you saw earlier - which Dalvar claimed represented the Plane of Shadows - spread out from the Material, leading to each of the Outer Planes. One, leading to the onyx sphere, has a strange allure; you seem to hear a whispering on the edge of hearing as you look at it, too faint to identify the words, but enticing you towards it.

    With a snap of his fingers, Dalvar dismisses the illustration.

    “So what would you hear me describe? A plane of law, or chaos? A heaven, or a hell?”

  18. - Top - End - #1248
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    Finding himself being drawn further into this conspiracy, as reluctant savior of the island Gunn chases after the Apostle's spy, Perseus leading. As they near, Gunn reaches out telepathically, attempting to Dominate the fleeing person.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Let's try this new ability. Will DC 24.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  19. - Top - End - #1249
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    The stranger's desire for stealth and his need to extricate himself from his place of concealment slow him down. Not so Gunn and Perseus, who tear through the streets with little concern who might be watching, until Gunn is close enough to use his potent telepathic gifts.

    Reaching out mentally, Gunn focuses on the slow-witted target's essence - and deftly entraps it, suppressing the man's identity and free will and subordinating both to the lawyer's own intellect. In comparison to the subjugation of Stazia, it is a blunt technique, lacking in subtlety - but it is far more effective.

    The man stops immediately, standing stock still and biddable, awaiting instructions.

  20. - Top - End - #1250
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    Good to see that you have all made it back. Theo says without a hint of disappointment, for he truly was happy that they survived the mission. I will need a report about what occurred above while we were engaged inside the malturite stronghold. Suffice to say, as I think you can tell, we were victorious this evening though not without great cost. He pauses, letting Rauthus, Asoryala, and Natalia to talk in turn.
    Spoiler
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

    Avatar by Szilard

  21. - Top - End - #1251
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    Follow me, Gunn telepathically commands, and leads the spy back to the Temple, where he is made to stand before Theo, Rosalind, and the others. "This is the spy for the Apostle," Gunn explains. He telepathically dictates, Introduce yourself. Be completely honest in all you say and do from this point forward. Leave no detail out of your response to questions, and be forthcoming about your business here.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  22. - Top - End - #1252
    Titan in the Playground
     
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    As Mr. Gunn returns with the spy Sister Rosalind looks at the figure trying to see if anything stood out about him as she began to ask the most important question she could think of. "Is Dargun, the Apostle of Maltur already here in New Ganther? And if so are the other dwarves from his homeland that are meant to be a host gift here with him?" she asks, in one of these situations he would be mostly kept in check by his fellow dwarves, in the other he would have no one knowing what he was doing. And without proof of what damages he had done the very uneasy truce between New Ganther and Kharheim could easily fall apart.

  23. - Top - End - #1253
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Gunn adds onto the questioning, "Who is working with the Apostle, and what have you been ordered to do here in New Ganthar? Whatever knowledge of his plans you have, please, share with us." As he asks, he watches Natalia to see her reaction to the questioning. "Oh, also, what is your name?"

    Sense Motive: (1d20+16)[17] vs. the Spy.
    Last edited by esorscher; 2018-03-21 at 07:55 PM.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  24. - Top - End - #1254
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    PaladinGuy

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    Rauthus salutes Theo.

    "In brief, it is thanks to Natalia that we survived at all. The Malturites responded to our approach with a coordinated assault from two sides. They sacrificed a number of cultists to summon demons, and outnumbered us by a significant margin. Our own summoned devils provided a bulwark, allowing us to hold their attention as long as possible. We suffered some losses, but were holding our own until some arcane explosion killed our devils and several Templars - as well as a large number of the mortal defenders.

    "At that point, we were no longer able to hold, and Natalia extracted us before we were overwhelmed. I only hope our distraction was sufficient, Father."


    Asoryala merely nods, giving support to Rauthus's account.

    Natalia smiles at you sweetly. "All in all, I'd say I more than delivered on our agreement. I distracted a large number of the enemy's most dangerous assets, holding them for a considerable length of time, and saved the lives of a number of your key followers. Not to mention the value of the intelligence I provided.

    "We shall have to discuss how we settle accounts, you and I. After all, I notice you have profited handsomely by this venture. It would seem a proportion of those assets would rightfully belong to the Temple of Valacles. Though I may consider... other forms of consideration."


    When Gunn brings over what he describes as a Malturite spy, Natalia looks vaguely annoyed at the interruption. She listens intently, however, to the man's account.

    "My name is Mulek. As far as I know, the Apostle is not in New Ganthar.

    "The Apostle is the herald of a bright new age, an age of steel and strength, when the worthy will take by force the glory they deserve. He has shown me: the armies of the God of War will come in fire and bloodshed, and all who oppose them will fall before them. But as for me, and all who prove their worth now, we will be spared.

    "The task the Apostle asks of me is easy enough. I am to deliver his messages to the Priestess here, so that she might know his bidding. He gave me a box, when I was in Kharheim. His messages appear in the box, and my job is to deliver them. I am only to hand them only to Mistress Stormsdaughter, only at sunset, and never when Krom Flesheater is there."

  25. - Top - End - #1255
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Spoiler: Hesa
    Show

    Hesa approaches the man.
    "You seemed to recognise my armour. Explain yourself."
    He wondered who could recognise Feronaxian armour this far from his home isle and how they could end up here.


    Spoiler: Yara
    Show

    "I want to know what that strange line was, the one connecting to the onyx sphere. It seemed to... call to me."
    "Also what is the difference between a demon and deamon? And why are there three species along the evil axis but only two along the good despite both having three spheres?
    Whith those answers, she then thinks about possible destinations.
    "Tell me about the planes of law and chaos."

  26. - Top - End - #1256
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    Sister Rosalind listens with interest when the figure before her states that he had been to Kharheim before, and given this box to give messages to Darla. Noting that Krom was not to be a part of the plans. “Are you telling me the Apostle of Malture does not wish for Krom to know his plans? Is he afraid that Krom will try to stop them or work against him?” Sister Rosalind asks with interest. “Also do you know the content of the letters you have already delivered, and where is the box and the letter you are to deliver at this moment?” she asks gently not wanting to strain the man who seemed to be answering all of her questions with ease, almost as if he was being compelled to.

    Spoiler: Sense Motives
    Show
    (1d20+7)[22]

  27. - Top - End - #1257
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    "You will be well rewarded," Gunn says reassuringly to Natalia. "Once the assets have been liquidated, I will deliver you your due share. At that time, or before if you choose, we can discuss alternative forms of payment." He adds, telepathically, You and I can speak later, more privately. He has nothing to add to the questioning of Mulek at this time.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  28. - Top - End - #1258
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    A promise is a promise, Theo states. In return for your help, I will talk with the City Planner and see where I can appropriately lend my support. And I will be by with Gunn as well. Theo states, unwilling at this time to mention how the Chalice went missing.

    He then turns to Rauthus and Asoryala. You did well, I am thankful that you made it out. It was more than a distraction, you and those who perished helped cripple the forces of Maltur, our great enemy. I am proud of you. If it werent for your fight on the outside, we would not have dealt a crippling blow to the agents of chaos. Now, if you will come with me back to the temple, I can debrief you on important internal matters, and we can draft letters to the families of those who died. They deserve to know the nature of the sacrifice their brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. Theo concludes grimly, intent on doing the right thing nomatter how uncomfortable. If you will excuse us, he says to Natalia, Gunn and Rosalind, before turning to leave.

    Back at the temple, Theo waited to debrief Rauthus and Asoryala until Ember had joined them. He then explained the fight with Darla, the demise of Yara, and the disappearance of the Chalice. Natalia had offered to lend us her dogai ally to recover it, the one that betrayed us during the trial for the sword, and the disappearance aligns with what I know it is capable of doing. If this wasn't a trick by Maltur, then I suspect that Natalia played more of a part in recovering the relic than she let on before. Rauthus, Asoryala, was there anything Natalia said, or any odd behavior that might prove or disprove my suspicion?
    Last edited by gallagher; 2018-03-22 at 10:45 PM.
    Spoiler
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

    Avatar by Szilard

  29. - Top - End - #1259
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    PaladinGuy

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    Spoiler: Yara
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    Dalvar looks at you with pity on his youthful features. “The shadowed paths are the Ways of the Dead. Each leads to the proper afterlife of the soul, as befits its actions in life. That path has such appeal to you because it leads to the Maw.”

    As he utters that name, you have a momentary, intense vision: an unfathomably vast pit, innumerable demons flitting around it, world-sized domains floating above it, with an endless cascade of damned souls falling into it… And at the bottom, a vast, sharklike mouth, larger than all the worlds above it, open and waiting as the damned tumble towards it.

    “Officially, it is for Granig to judge the dead and send them on to their rightful destination. But He only recognises the truth, the affinity formed by their lives. And you, child, have led a damming life.”


    He pauses a moment to let that sink in, then resumes his discourse.

    “There are three species of celestial, just as there are three types of fiend,”
    he acknowledges. “The archons, servants of Law and Good; the eladrins, whose love of freedom makes them beings of Good and Chaos; and the guardinals, who serve pure Good without regard to anything else.

    “As for demons and daemons, the former are beings of Evil and Chaos. They exist only to spread destruction and suffering. Daemons - or yugoloths, as they are also called - are creatures of pure Evil, concerned only with themselves. They will involve themselves in the affairs of others only to the extent it profits them - mercenaries, who might seek wealth, power, or souls in recompense. They do not actively delight in destruction, or seek to corrupt or dominate.”


    He then moves on to your question about the Planes of Law and Chaos.

    “The realm of pure Law is called the Nexus. It is within the Nexus that the threads of Fate and Time are formed, tended and protected by the creatures that dwell there. It is within the Nexus that my former Library exists, though I cared little for Law; that Charis has Her Stronghold; that Granig holds His Court. The departed ancestors of the dwarves, too, make their domain here. You might also seek out the Fateweaver, though there is great risk in journeying so deep into the heart of the Nexus.

    “Conversely, the realm of pure Chaos is called the Maelstrom of Anarchy. Within the Maelstrom, all things possible and impossible can be found. It is ever changing, defying description. It is from the Maelstrom that Chance escapes into the multiverse; it is the touch of Chaos that brings change, for good or ill.

    “It takes the will of a god or another being of great power to create a structured, consistent reality within the Maelstrom. The gods of the wild, of chance, and of entropy hold their domains within the Maelstrom, as do certain mortals of great power, and the slaadi.”


    Spoiler: Hesa
    Show
    The man answers quietly, eyes on his captors.

    “My name is Jauren. I am an agent of Feronax, sent here to investigate the conduct of a rogue priestess named Yara.

    “To my shame, the traitor tricked me into taking part in a fictitious raid on the Malturites, to recover a relic she claimed would be immeasurably valuable to our goals.

    “I waited where we agreed. The raid never occurred. Instead, I was captured by the Malturites - doubtless tipped off by Yara - who tortured me for what feels like several days, although in truth I have lost track of time in there. They were convinced I was hiding things from them - or just enjoyed tormenting me.

    “If you can free me, I demand you do so. If you cannot, ensure our Master learns of this treachery. Yara must pay.”


    Spoiler: Gunn, Perseus, Rosalind
    Show
    Mulek shrugs. “All I know is that Krom wasn't to know about the messages. The letters were all in code. The box is back home, but here is the one I was to deliver today.”

    He hands you a sheet of parchment covered in dwarven runes - but even to a speaker of dwarven, they are incomprehensible.

    Spoiler: The letter
    Show
    v dyhmd zlhy xjjlydm bxyx mhssxmmjhu, mdlyimwghtedxy. slyyhcdvkt dex seguvsx vm dex lkuz bgz bx sgk hmx vd vk dex yvdhgu. fhd vj kld, v egqx ldexy uxgwm.

    nyli’m ugsn lj qvmvlk vm fxslivkt g uvgfvuvdz. ex egm fxxk g hmxjhu bxgclk, fhd ex egm lhduvqxw evm hmxjhukxmm. mdyxktde bvdelhd shkkvkt vm kld xklhte.

    v gi slivkt mllk. dex cvxsxm gyx vk cugsx. bx bvuu egqx lhy bgym, xklhte dl guulb igudhy dl gsd vk zlhy ugkw. gkw qugygde sgk egqx evm sgcdgvk.

    fx bgykxw: fegdyxi vm yxdhykvkt mllk. ex uxjd evm gksely mlixbexyx vk kxb tgkdegy. wxmdylz vd, gkw ex bvuu fx ulmd vk dex dvixmdyxgi jlyxqxy.

    lkx ugmd devkt. vd mxxim lhy gwqxymgyvxm egqx gklvkdxw dexvy segicvlkm. bx ihmd wl dex mgix. kgtly sugvim ex egm jlhkw dex deyxx. ex vm dl ixxd zlh dlilyylb gd mhkmxd, lk dygvdly’m uxgc. vj dexz gyx txkhvkx, fyvkt dexi dl ix.

    zlhym vk igudhy

    wgythk

  30. - Top - End - #1260
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Further Adventures in New Ganthar (IC)

    "What is the code?" Gunn asks, hoping it is that easy, but suspecting it will not be. At a cursory glance it looks like a simple substitution cipher, he hopes. The last six letters are likely a signature, Dargun, which could make the rest easier to figure out. He turns to Rosalind, Theo, and Natalia. "If there are no more questions for him, I will go with him to his home and collect this box; it will undoubtedly be useful as long as Dargun continues to send messages through it."

    It doesn't take Gunn long to figure it out, once he sets himself to do it. He shares the information telepathically with Theo and Rosalind, excluding Natalia intentionally, and cautioning them not to speak of it while she is present.

    Spoiler
    Show
    I TRUST YOUR EFFORTS WERE SUCCESSFUL, STORMSDAUGHTER. CORRUPTING THE CHALICE IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN USE IT IN THE RITUAL. BUT IF NOT, I HAVE OTHER LEADS.

    KROM’S LACK OF VISION IS BECOMING A LIABILITY. HE HAS BEEN A USEFUL WEAPON, BUT HE HAS OUTLIVED HIS USEFULNESS. STRENGTH WITHOUT CUNNING IS NOT ENOUGH.

    I AM COMING SOON. THE PIECES ARE IN PLACE. WE WILL HAVE OUR WARS, ENOUGH TO ALLOW MALTUR TO ACT IN YOUR LAND. AND VLARATH CAN HAVE HIS CAPTAIN.

    BE WARNED: BHATREM IS RETURNING SOON. HE LEFT HIS ANCHOR SOMEWHERE IN NEW GANTHAR. DESTROY IT, AND HE WILL BE LOST IN THE TIMESTREAM FOREVER.

    ONE LAST THING. IT SEEMS OUR ADVERSARIES HAVE ANOINTED THEIR CHAMPIONS. WE MUST DO THE SAME. NAGOR CLAIMS HE HAS FOUND THE THREE. HE IS TO MEET YOU TOMORROW AT SUNSET, ON TRAITOR’S LEAP. IF THEY ARE GENUINE, BRING THEM TO ME.

    YOURS IN MALTUR

    DARGUN
    Last edited by esorscher; 2018-03-23 at 09:33 PM.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

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