Cyre Red (IC)

[Bobthewizard]

Svek, Kobold Sorcerer | AC: 16 | HP: 62 +10 /62 | PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 12 Spell Points: 32/32 Sorcery Points: 4/6 Wand: 5/7 Wings 120/120 HD: 5 / 6d6 Draconic Cry: 3/3 Command: 1/1 Misty Step: 1/1 Conditions: Feeling brave at a full 4' of height, Svek moves forward to address the Bone Knight. "A Bone Knight from Karrnath! This is an honor. We wish no more harm to your soldiers, and apologize for this misunderstanding. The war has ended. We are on a mission for Cyre and for Karnnath, on behalf of Haydith ir'Wynarn."

Spoiler: OOC

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Move: 30' towards the Bone Knight.

Reaction: shield or absorb elements if needed

Spoiler: Notes

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Duvi (Duvamil Sparklegem) gnome, Majordomo for Prince Oargev.
Haydith ir'Wynarn, Princess of Karnnath
Kellar d'Kundarak
Mialee, a Valenar elf who is training Oargev's troops
job in Kalazart (have map)
rescue salvage crew
Bring back documents
Kundarak loot can be sold to Kundarak
In New Cyre - Cyran Metalworks for armor and weapons
Dalsin's Wondrous Emporium - some magic items
Finas Tiyas, halfling ghost, now in Honor, needs to return sword to Eston.
Delver, warforged in camp
Stutterer, allowed to live

[purepolarpanzer]

First Sergeant Honor Warforged Paladin of Conquest AC: 19 HP: 60/64 Temp HP 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 6 d10 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 2/2 2nd Lay on Hands- 30/30 When diplomacy becomes the name of the day, Honor stays his hand, planting his maul in the dust and calming it's fires. "If Karnath would have peace, we will have peace for now."

[Amnestic]

When the Bone Knight confirms you're not planning any double cross, the undead soldiers lower their weapons, and move to his side, with a few gathering up the scattered pieces of those that fell by your hand. From the way they carefully do so, it's hard to tell if its with a reverence for their fallen comrade or if they intend to reanimate them once more.

The Knight doesn't dismount from his steed, even as your sizes continue to fluctuate wildly back and forth beneath the rain. Telling emotion from the armour-encased knight is difficult, but there does seem a moment of relief with the mention of Haydith. "The Princess still lives then. If she has sought out Cyran assistance then perhaps events beyond Kalazart are worse than I thought. I am Major Alarich Kessler, of the 201st Shock Troopers, dispatched to weaken and - if possible, capture - Kalazart as part of the war effort for King Kaius, may he reign in the glory of Galifar. My company was swept up in the strange fog some time ago, but without any change in our commands or relief sent to us we could do little beyond follow our orders as best we could."

Spoiler: Int (History) - Karrnath Company Size, DC12. Advantage for any former Cyran soldiers

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Typically a company of Undead soldiers lead by a Major amounts to over 100 troops, usually a combination of infantry, heavy cavalry, and necromancers. What you fought here is only a fraction of what Major Kessler had at his disposal, at one point. Whether he still does is another matter entirely.

He seems to lack any compunction about describing his orders to those who would be, ostensibly, the opposing force to his commanded task. "I presume you are not here for no reason, we have significant local knowledge if what you seek is in the city. Perhaps we could exchange information - how fares the war effort? Has Karrnath struck an alliance with Cyre?"

It is immediately clear that the Major, and indeed his forces, must know nothing of what has happened beyond the city since the Mourning, and have instead been following their orders to take the city for the last four years.

[RandomWombat]

Aanash Tiefling Barbarian/Wizard/Warlock/Fighter AC: 19 HP: 63/63 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Conditions: Blindsense (10), Arcane Ward (5/5), Temp HP (10), Form of Dread (fear immune, DC 13 vs fear on melee attacks), Smalled When the call is made for parlay and the skeleton lowers its weapon, Aanash does the same with no reluctance, stepping back into the street with the others. He doesn't care much for fighting those who say uncle. Just feels cheap. He doesn't know a whole lot about the local politics either, and his care for them is tangential at best. "Peace it is. Do you happen to know anything about the 'flesh' person sending out invitations?" he asks, standing casually even as red lightning continues to course through his limbs and occasionally cause his neck or fingers to twitch.

[Archmage1]

Adam Human Cleric AC: 20(Cloak of Displacement) HP: 45/45 PP: 18 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Adam frowns as the Major introduces himself, and his unit, and considers his options for a few moments, before speaking. His deep voice is heavy with a barely hidden sorrow. "The war's over, Major. Everyone lost. The strange fog you got caught up in? Caught all of Cyre. Most within the fog died, or vanished. A few survived. But it was enough to create a peace. The going assumption has been that everyone who hasn't already left was dead. Now, only the foolish and the desperate brave the Mournlands. Such as ourselves."

[Amnestic]

"Years of fighting against ghosts in a war that had already ended." Alarich mutters. It's hard to tell if he finds the cruel joke funny or upsetting, but a soldier's professionalism demands he continue without letting such thoughts hold him back.

"I know of the flesh-weaver you speak of. They represent one of the factions still active in the city. If you'd accompany us back to our headquarters, we can discuss matters further, and get out of this accursed rain."

[Bobthewizard]

Svek, Kobold Sorcerer | AC: 16 | HP: 62 +10 /62 | PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 12 Spell Points: 32/32 Sorcery Points: 4/6 Wand: 5/7 Wings 120/120 HD: 5 / 6d6 Draconic Cry: 3/3 Command: 1/1 Misty Step: 1/1 Conditions: Svek continues the conversation, his size changing randomly in the rain. "Cyre was destroyed by this fog, as you call it. The rest of Khorvaire calls the day this happened the Mourning, and these lands that were previously Cyre are now called the Mournlands. But Karrnath thrives. It was not caught in this accursed fog. They no longer exclusively follow Blood of Vol, but you and your soldiers could return there. Yes, let's get out of this rain to talk. While we used to be on opposite sides of the war, it is a relief to find an uncorrupted soldier's honor out here."

Spoiler: OOC

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Reaction: shield or absorb elements if needed

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Duvi (Duvamil Sparklegem) gnome, Majordomo for Prince Oargev.
Haydith ir'Wynarn, Princess of Karnnath
Kellar d'Kundarak
Mialee, a Valenar elf who is training Oargev's troops
job in Kalazart (have map)
rescue salvage crew
Bring back documents
Kundarak loot can be sold to Kundarak
In New Cyre - Cyran Metalworks for armor and weapons
Dalsin's Wondrous Emporium - some magic items
Finas Tiyas, halfling ghost, now in Honor, needs to return sword to Eston.
Delver, warforged in camp
Stutterer, allowed to live

[purepolarpanzer]

First Sergeant Honor Warforged Paladin of Conquest AC: 19 HP: 60/64 Temp HP 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 6 d10 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 2/2 2nd Lay on Hands- 30/30 If Honor is put off by the undead soldiers then it does not show on his metallic features. "Out of the rain would be best. The chaos of this rain only makes negotiations more difficult." He watched the soldiers closely, however. Some people took bad news poorly, and he doubted that was a quality that passed with death.

[RandomWombat]

Aanash Tiefling Barbarian/Wizard/Warlock/Fighter AC: 19 HP: 63/63 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Conditions: Blindsense (10), Arcane Ward (5/5), Temp HP (10), Form of Dread (fear immune, DC 13 vs fear on melee attacks), Smalled "Won't complain about being dry!" Aanash chimes in, the other whimsical elements of the rain clearly less bothersome to him.

[Archmage1]

Adam Human Cleric AC: 20(Cloak of Displacement) HP: 45/45 PP: 18 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Before accepting or denying the offer of the Major, Adam carefully considers what he knows of Karnath, the attitudes of the skeletons, and the abrupt change in alignment, trying to assess whether this was an honest offer, or a prelude to ambush. Spoiler: OOC Show (1d20+8)[15] Insight

[Amnestic]

Reading the intentions of one clad entirely in armour, touched by undeath, isn't exactly easy, but at the very least there's no tension or hesitation in the way he sits, no held arm ready to reach for a blade. The Undead soldiers have obeyed entirely, acting in accordance with the Major's command, and though they shuffle around on shaking bones, their emptied eye socket are for the most part turned away from you, towards the other buildings around, watching for additional hostiles. There's no hard feelings held over the two dead undead on display, but perhaps that's because reanimation will fix them right as (non-magical) rain once more.

You're escorted, lead, or simply accompanied through the size-shifting rain eastwards, and it becomes clear quickly that you're heading closer towards the manned gate you spotted from outside of the city. The streets are for the most part empty, at least until you arrive at the named headquarters, which amounts to a small market square whose threaded roads have been blockaded and are manned by yet more undead soldiers. Without question or concern, they open the path for their commander, and you in turn.

Inside the square is the remnants of a war effort driven into the ground by years of waiting. There are no beds or other luxuries that the living require, just tools and equipment for fighting and spells, piled together beneath tarps to keep them from the worst of the weather. It only does so much.

Alarich leads you past them, and leaves his steed alongside some others - all equally skeletal - at a stable, before leading you inside what was probably once a Magistrate's office. Holes in the ceiling and walls have been patched crudely with salvaged wood and metal. It doesn't keep out the wind, but a chill doesn't matter to a corpse.

An old wooden table dominates the room you're lead to, scattered with some maps - old ones, drawn by professional hands and scribbled over, and newer ones drawn by less abled individuals, that are rougher.

"To understand the flesh-weaver you should be appraised of the situation in the city." He gestures to a map, one of the older ones, of Kalazart. "Currently there are four major factions vying for the city, though we're in a somewhat even stalemate right now." He gestures an armoured hand towards the southeast, where you are. "First, my 201st have been here since the beginning, entering the city in secret shortly before this...Mourning you've spoken of."

"Second are the locals. What I assume were once Cyrans. They've been here as long as we have. Mutated and mad, utterly hostile to everyone. The only time they stop fighting each other is when another non-local shows up. I don't know if they're breeding but no matter how many come our way they don't seem to run out. They're all over the city, so nowhere's safe."

"Third is the flesh-weaver you mentioned - Ecsimizt. They're the smallest force, with a small enclave in the western side of the city based in an old Cathedral. I don't know what they are, exactly. Some sort of aberration from another realm who set up here recently. They started capturing locals and doing who-knows what to them. Since we don't have much in the way of skin, they generally leave us alone, so long as we stay out of each other's way."

"Last is the warforged. They came in from the north and wiped out a chunk of the local population, occupying it with military efficiency. I don't know which country they serve, whether they're leftover Cyrans or another nation, but they're hostile, and attempts to send messengers have been met with silence and another three of mine lost." You note that, from the map scribbles, the warforged appear to control the central bazaar, where the bank of Kundarak - the salvage team's destination - is.

"That about summarises the city as it stands. Now you know that, will you tell me why you're here?"

[RandomWombat]

Aanash Tiefling Barbarian/Wizard/Warlock/Fighter AC: 19 HP: 63/63 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Conditions: Blindsense (10), Arcane Ward (5/5), Temp HP (10) Walking through the undead war camp, Aanash looks around with the casual boredom that accompanies gaps between fights. Or interesting things, like the magic rain and the other bizarre Mourning weather, that's always a ton of fun. Walking corpses lose their novelty rather quickly. He gnaws at his chew-wood. In front of the map, Aanash moves to take his block of wood out and comment that maybe they could make peace with the Cyrans now - but the following explanation is faster than him getting his teeth free, and puts a damper on that. "Well, that is a shame they did not keep their minds. I wager they look very interesting," he says, as solemnly as he typically manages. Rolling his shoulders, he offers a basic summation of their goals: "We have been hired to retrieve some boring documents lost to the Mournlands. Just as it happens, they are somewhere in the middle of that Warforged encampment," he leans on the table a little tracing around the region with a metal-tipped finger. "Now the Warforged, that is much more interesting. You see, they are free men now. And as free men do, they started forming groups. It could be one of two groups in the Mournland. There are the Blades, who want to rule this paradise - who would not, when they can live here and be perfectly fine? And there are these other ones, who I think want to build an ultimate Warforged to be their god. Neither of them has been very friendly so far, so it has been a fun and exciting event every time."

[Bobthewizard]

Svek, Kobold Sorcerer | AC: 16 | HP: 62 +10 /62 | PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 12 Spell Points: 32/32 Sorcery Points: 4/6 Wand: 5/7 Wings 120/120 HD: 5 / 6d6 Draconic Cry: 3/3 Command: 1/1 Misty Step: 1/1 Conditions: Svek walks past the myriad undead with some trepidation. He'd hate to accidentally anger this group while we are in the middle of them. He agrees with Anaash's assessment of the situation. "Yes. The warforged groups here fight for no country. They'll kill Cyrans as likely as Karrnathians. They have been most unreasonable so far. Outside of the Mournland, warforged are like any other species. Some are kind, some are selfish. Do you think you could help us get past them to get to our documents?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Reaction: shield or absorb elements if needed

Spoiler: Notes

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Duvi (Duvamil Sparklegem) gnome, Majordomo for Prince Oargev.
Haydith ir'Wynarn, Princess of Karnnath
Kellar d'Kundarak
Mialee, a Valenar elf who is training Oargev's troops
job in Kalazart (have map)
rescue salvage crew
Bring back documents
Kundarak loot can be sold to Kundarak
In New Cyre - Cyran Metalworks for armor and weapons
Dalsin's Wondrous Emporium - some magic items
Finas Tiyas, halfling ghost, now in Honor, needs to return sword to Eston.
Delver, warforged in camp
Stutterer, allowed to live

[Archmage1]

Adam Human Cleric AC: 20(Cloak of Displacement) HP: 45/45 PP: 18 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Adam eyes the various Karnnathi soldiers with wariness, not entirely certain in their commander's ability to disregard their prior orders, even in the face of new information. Still, he does follow along, making sure to leave sufficient space to not jostle people as the rain changes their sizes. I prey Meridith, John, and Serene are amoung those who simply vanished, not one who died, or went mad. That way, there is still hope, however slim. He also listens as Anash and Svek explain, before he speaks up. "We're not just here to find the documents, but also to rescue the previous group her Highness had sent in to retrieve the documents, if possible. From the sounds of it, the warforged control the area we need to access, and they've historically been unwilling to not try and kill us."

[Amnestic]

"If another group entered the city they didn't cross our path. There was some noise around the central area recently but we put it down to a skirmish between the warforged - whatever faction they're part of - and the locals."

Is it possible to 'hear' a frown? It certainly seems like it, since there's no visible way to understand it otherwise. "The Princess sent the team to Kalazart? It's a Cyran city, what documents could she want from here?" Doubt and suspicion seemed to edge his voice. The question of whether he'll offer help seems to be put on hold, pending your answer.

[Archmage1]

Adam Human Cleric AC: 20(Cloak of Displacement) HP: 45/45 PP: 18 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Adam frowns momentarily, mentally going back through the introductory meeting, seemingly occurring ages ago. "I may have mispoken. The first group was primarily sponsored by House Kundarak. The Princess ir'Wynarn was involved in hiring us, but she never mentioned that she was involved with the first group. I'm afraid I made an assumption there that may not have been accurate. She didn't mention how she came to be involved." His tone is thoughtful, as he considers possible reasons why she became involved. "Regardless, the other group left around three weeks ago, and were expected back long before now." Spoiler: OOC Show I think it's been around 2 weeks in game(Between traveling to the town at the edge of the mourning, and then to Kalazart

[Bobthewizard]

Svek, Kobold Sorcerer | AC: 16 | HP: 62 +10 /62 | PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 12 Spell Points: 32/32 Sorcery Points: 4/6 Wand: 5/7 Wings 120/120 HD: 5 / 6d6 Draconic Cry: 3/3 Command: 1/1 Misty Step: 1/1 Conditions: Svek ponders the question. It's something he never thought to ask before. But it wasn't really our place to ask too many questions about their motives. He hopes that just telling the truth will be enough to satisfy their host. "Hmm. The princess is working with Prince Oargev, the leader of the now displaced Cyran refugees. It was not our place to ask why they were interested in helping House Kundarak. We were hired to rescue the original salvage crew, and to bring back documents and any equipment we can salvage from the Kundarak vaults in Kalazart."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Reaction: shield or absorb elements if needed

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Duvi (Duvamil Sparklegem) gnome, Majordomo for Prince Oargev.
Haydith ir'Wynarn, Princess of Karnnath
Kellar d'Kundarak
Mialee, a Valenar elf who is training Oargev's troops
job in Kalazart (have map)
rescue salvage crew
Bring back documents
Kundarak loot can be sold to Kundarak
In New Cyre - Cyran Metalworks for armor and weapons
Dalsin's Wondrous Emporium - some magic items
Finas Tiyas, halfling ghost, now in Honor, needs to return sword to Eston.
Delver, warforged in camp
Stutterer, allowed to live

[purepolarpanzer]

First Sergeant Honor Warforged Paladin of Conquest AC: 19 HP: 60/64 Temp HP 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 6 d10 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 2/2 2nd Lay on Hands- 30/30 Honor looks at the military encampment of the dead, and though he is worried at first about being led into the center of what mere moments ago would be an enemy camp. However, he rapidly felt at ease- though this place was weathered, both by nature's forces and that of the Mourning, this would be approximately the encampment he would make for a unit of his own people given the circumstances. He felt... reassured. In an odd way... at home? When the undead commander begins to question their mission, Honor, standing head and shoulders above most of his companions, speaks up. "First Sergeant Honor, of Cyre. Glorified grunt to an officer, Major Kessler, we're being commanded to do a task just like during the war, though officially I think we've all been discharged. I can vouch for the intent of my people, even if our words slip. We're soldiers, not diplomats or scholars. I'm the highest rank in our unit, not that we follow military decorum, and I was told no more than any of the others. Our objective is the items from the vault in Kalazart, then the rescue of the missing first wave. Ours was not to question, but to do. Like a good First Sergeant does." His voice carried, and with a measure of pride and dedication. Spoiler: OOC Show Persuasion- 14 . If anyone helps and Honor has advantage- (1d20+5)[11].

[Amnestic]

The clarifications seem to assuage the Major's concerns, at least for now. "My forces aren't sufficient to take the warforged in a direct conflict - we're only still here because we're more trouble than is worth to remove us, but...I could stage a feint attack elsewhere to possibly draw some of them away. If you did something for us, in return."

"Given the situation with mist and fog, the orders to take Kalazart are likely voided and no support is coming. If what you've said is true then my forces would better serve our crown by returning home than failing to defeat the alien forces here. Promise to guide us to the Princess, so that she can arrange for our return to a frontline that could better use us, and I will aid you in your endeavour in the city."

Spoiler: Int (History)

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DC13. Honor has Advantage due to the Soldier background.

Spoiler

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The symbolism of perhaps fifty or a hundred Karrnathi undead soldiers marching out of the Mournland onto Brelish soil could cause a diplomatic incident. While it's one that is almost certainly not going to restart the war, if it's done at your behest it might reflect poorly on your patron - Oargev.

[RandomWombat]

Aanash Tiefling Barbarian/Wizard/Warlock/Fighter AC: 19 HP: 63/63 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Conditions: Blindsense (10), Arcane Ward (5/5), Temp HP (10) With a small barking, laugh, Aanash remarks, "A legion of undead soldiers marching out of the fog... that would cause so much stir! Ahaha!" he sounds more amused than worried about the idea. It's completely unrelated to why they were hired, so the political fallout could not matter less to him. Still, Oargev seemed like an alright fellow. It would be rude to screw him over. "I suppose if we want to prevent a headache for Her Majesty and everyone else involved, we could ah... arrange a different meeting place?"

[purepolarpanzer]

First Sergeant Honor Warforged Paladin of Conquest AC: 19 HP: 60/64 Temp HP 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 6 d10 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 2/2 2nd Lay on Hands- 30/30 There was a metallic grinding noise, and anyone who knew Honor through a tough decision knew the sound of him grinding his jaw. It helped him think, but it often had an unsettling effect on flesh beings. "I claim not to be a diplomat, Major, and I don't want to be one. Please don't make me explain to nobles why we are escorting Kalazart troops through lands that know only the most tenuous of peace. I'll certainly try to set up a meeting that would be less likely to have the Brellish up in arms if you'd let me."

[Amnestic]

"Then I suggest you consider the options between yourselves," Alarich says, opening his arms in a wide gesture. "If I am to move east, I will need all my men for the journey, and I can't commit them to any sort of attack on the warforged. If you won't guarantee a safe passage west to the Princess, then I'm afraid I don't see how I can help."

He doesn't seem to hold any particular preference either way, nor any ill-will over whatever decision you choose to make, but perhaps that's just his monotone voice dispelling any emotion.
"If you would like time to discuss it, I can step out of the room? There are other matters that require my attention - preparations to make, regardless of how you want to proceed."

[Bobthewizard]

Svek, Kobold Sorcerer | AC: 16 | HP: 62 +10 /62 | PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 12 Spell Points: 32/32 Sorcery Points: 4/6 Wand: 5/7 Wings 120/120 HD: 5 / 6d6 Draconic Cry: 3/3 Command: 1/1 Misty Step: 1/1 Conditions: Svek speaks before the captain has the chance to leave. He thinks we should help these skeletons. He never fought on the lines against Karrnath, so he has no specific animosity towards them. "We should take them to their princess. Prince Oargev will forgive us once he knows they were integral to our success in the mission. We can talk our way out of any trouble that causes. Plus it's the right thing to do."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Reaction: shield or absorb elements if needed

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Duvi (Duvamil Sparklegem) gnome, Majordomo for Prince Oargev.
Haydith ir'Wynarn, Princess of Karnnath
Kellar d'Kundarak
Mialee, a Valenar elf who is training Oargev's troops
job in Kalazart (have map)
rescue salvage crew
Bring back documents
Kundarak loot can be sold to Kundarak
In New Cyre - Cyran Metalworks for armor and weapons
Dalsin's Wondrous Emporium - some magic items
Finas Tiyas, halfling ghost, now in Honor, needs to return sword to Eston.
Delver, warforged in camp
Stutterer, allowed to live

[RandomWombat]

Aanash Tiefling Barbarian/Wizard/Warlock/Fighter AC: 19 HP: 63/63 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Conditions: Blindsense (10), Arcane Ward (5/5), Temp HP (10) "The right thing to do, you say?" Aanash claps his hands together. "If we can do the right thing and create an incident at the same time, well, you have me convinced," he voices support for Svek's stance. It didn't take much to swing him towards the option that will create the biggest lightning rail wreck to watch.

[Archmage1]

Adam Human Cleric AC: 20(Cloak of Displacement) HP: 45/45 PP: 18 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Adam shakes his head. "This is a decision that should be made by Prince Oargev of Cyre and Princess Haydith ir'Wynarn, not by us. I can contact them tomorrow, which should leave plenty of time for you" He looks at Major Alarich "To plan an attack, and to potentially gather information about enemy positions and their preparations, while we investigate this flesh weaver." Spoiler: OOC Show Why yes, Adam can cast Sending, if he had the spell prepared. I, however, prepared revivify in an overly optimistic hope that it might come in handy instead.

[Amnestic]

Alarich seems to have no issues with waiting a day, even less so when you suggest you're going to deal with the fleshweaver in the meantime. Whether it's preparations for an attack or leaving, they amount to similar.

By the time your discussions conclude, the size-shifting rain has let up and you're able to step back out beneath the ever-present grey sky without falling foul of being grown or shrunk. Alarich's information didn't contain specifis as to where the fleshweaver was, just a general area, but between that and the crude map you were provided, there's every confidence you can make your way towards it without falling foul of getting lost among the clustered city streets.

Once you've exited the border perimeter of the Karrnathi troops and are back out of the 'safezone', a new tension sets in the air as you're now keenly aware of what specific dangers may come to find you as you stride over broken cobblestones and glance up at shattered brickwork. A gap in one of the buildings to your side reveals it to have been a small temple or church, once upon a time, now brought to ruin by the Mourning. The statue of a female figure - a Saint, perhaps - is broken and split, with its head discarded to one side. Pillars that once held the roof high have fallen, and scattered wooden pews are shattered around the dry fountainbed at its centre.

Before the statue, stood almost motionless, is a spectral knight at attention, clearly tranluscent and ghostly. Clad head to toe in armour their appearance is distinctly threatening, with a greatsword held point-down but at the ready. Yet, they do not move, despite you entering into their line of vision. At the foot of the statue is a large wooden and metal chest, its clasp shut, its interior protected from the outside. The spectral knight stands as a guardian to whatever lies within, eternally watchful.

[Archmage1]

Adam Human Cleric AC: 20(Cloak of Displacement) HP: 45/45 PP: 18 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Recognizing the statue, Adam starts to slowly approach the spectre. "Looks like the statue is that of Kaine, a Saint of Olladra. She died saving a gambling hall, and stopping a rebellion. The spirit, however, I do not recognize. Perhaps a protection put on the statue?" Once he gets about twenty feet from the spectral knight(Assuming that the knight doesn't take any actions), Adam calls out to the knight. "Hail, Sir Knight. My name is Adam; Might we know yours?"

[Amnestic]

"Greetings sir or madam, welcome to the shrine to Saint Kainé, the Spectral Knight says in a decidedly inhuman manner, suggesting they are magical in nature, rather than intelligent. "In memory of our honoured Saint, the chapel is happy to provide you the opportunity to engage in a challenge, the reward for victory of which is held in this chest beside me."

"If you wish the challenge to be a matter of intellect, respond with MIND. If you wish for the challenge to be a matter of chance, respond with LUCK. If you wish for the challenge to be a matter of martial strength, respond with BODY. If you wish to hear more information about Saint Kainé, please say INFORMATION. To hear these options again, please say REPEAT."

[Bobthewizard]

Svek, Kobold Sorcerer | AC: 16 | HP: 62 +10 /62 | PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 12 Spell Points: 32/32 Sorcery Points: 4/6 Wand: 5/7 Wings 120/120 HD: 5 / 6d6 Draconic Cry: 3/3 Command: 1/1 Misty Step: 1/1 Conditions: Svek isn't the smartest kobold, and as a kobold, definitely isn't the strongest, but he wants a chance to see what's in the chest. He's not always lucky, but he somehow survived the Mourning, so he'll take it as a sign that he's at least not unlucky. He's also not patient or curious about this Saint Kaine, so he steps forward. "LUCK"

Spoiler: OOC

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Reaction: shield or absorb elements if needed

Spoiler: Notes

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Duvi (Duvamil Sparklegem) gnome, Majordomo for Prince Oargev.
Haydith ir'Wynarn, Princess of Karnnath
Kellar d'Kundarak
Mialee, a Valenar elf who is training Oargev's troops
job in Kalazart (have map)
rescue salvage crew
Bring back documents
Kundarak loot can be sold to Kundarak
In New Cyre - Cyran Metalworks for armor and weapons
Dalsin's Wondrous Emporium - some magic items
Finas Tiyas, halfling ghost, now in Honor, needs to return sword to Eston.
Delver, warforged in camp
Stutterer, allowed to live

[Amnestic]

"You have chosen LUCK." The spectral knight makes a gesture in the air, and with a flash of magic a hovering deck of ornate cared metal cards appears floating before the party. "The one who has chosen LUCK shall draw a card and enjoy its effects. Then I shall draw a card. The higher card shall prove the victor in this game of chance."

Spoiler: Arcana (Int)

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Spoiler: DC1

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Looks like a half deck of cards - weird, but nothing special.

Spoiler: DC8

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You count 22 cards in total, and from their design this may in fact be the fabled Deck of Many Things, an artifact of immense power that can bring nations to ruin with the wrong draw by the wrong person at the wrong time.

Spoiler: DC15

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You know better than that - though the design of the cards is similar, this is a Deck of Minor Things, not a Deck of Many Things. Though it has similarly chaotic magic, its boons and banes are of a lesser nature, and are probably no great threat to you. Just a minor threat.

Spoiler: Svek

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Roll a d22 to determine which card you draw.