Part III: Cellar Doors

The member 'Artimus' has done the following action : Diceroller

#1 'ATTACK' : 5, 5, 1, 3

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#2 'ATTACK' : 5, 5, 4, 2

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#3 'DAMAGE' : 2, 4, 3, 5, 5

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#4 'DAMAGE' : 6, 2, 2, 6, 2

Skyler responded to the helpful tip with a nod and exhaling a bit through his nostrils.
He twirl'ed his daggers a bit, held them again and began to charge at the foe once more.
He realized his knifes couldn't do much to such a trained guard. They wore armor that made it difficult for Skyler to pinpoint their weak spots (as he so loved to do). Skyler swung once at the guard but he guarded against it. Shortly after, Skyler reversed the blade and swung the dagger back into the guard.

Skyler noticed the fresh blood on his dagger... A small drop fell from it to his feet. But he could tell from the amount on the blade that the wound was not very deep. If anything, for any trained soldier it would be nothing more than a little sting. But as he looked to his feet, he noticed all of the coals that had been spread over there. It was not a safe place to be. Slowly, Skyler moved across the coals to where his fellow fighter was (Artimus).

Skyler reassumed his "battle-ready" position. He decided he would hold as a front wall. An intervention. Should they charge at his companions, he would stop them.

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Stealth check for coals: 4GI + 2 Stealth = 3+4+3+1+6+6 = 23
Skyler moves across the coals with easee and taking no damage at all.

And then Skyler won't attack too little damage. Instead, going to prepare to counter any attack. So.... what I wanted was for any attack they attempt to go against me instead

The member 'Skyler Terska' has done the following action : Diceroller

'SKILL CHECK' : 3, 4, 3, 1, 6, 6

Garvan stood back as the battle errupted around him. Burning gems were scattered about the room, threating to burst the furnishing into flames, and amongst them his compatriates fought with zeal. Arrows blurred forward from Midnortons bow as Artimus and their new addition, Skyler, cut down their foes with precision and agility. They had skill far beyond what Garvan could have ever dreamed. Dancing with their blades with speed that the fisherman could only hope to one day acheive.

But Garvan had something the others did not possess. Raw strength and iron skin. He charged one of the guardsmen with his trident in hand. He years hauling fish and surving in Marienburg had shaped him to become a deadly - albeit clumsy - force. The trident, now an extension of his arm, ramed through the guards stomach with such force it picked the man off his feet. Crimson immediatley burst forth from the mans open mouth, as if he was tryign to say somethign but could not find the words. Garvan couldnt help but yell as he tossed the man to the floor and went in to fnish the attack. He landed with a thud. Garvan pulled back his weapon only enough to allow him to thrust it back through the mans throat, pinning the corpse to the floor.



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BOOM 28 DMG (I could have killed both dudes I suppose, but Im not sure if I am allowed to attack two seperate targets in one combat round)


LK: ROLLED AN AGI CHECK FOR GARVY PRIVATELY. PASSED.

Fellowship - The 3rd of Septem, 4:30 AM


The wet crunch of Garvan's trident punctuated the end of the combat, the quiet cooing of the madman perched atop the other guardsman casting an eerie sense over the scene.

Beneath the heaving, insane cultist, the body of the guardsman lay brained upon the floor. With gaunt arms, the beastial man shook his neck.

Valaren looked about, the smell of burned rope announcing the fredom of his hands. It was a strange scene; slow burning embers scattered about the floor, smoking upon the red carpets and burning away at the fabric.

Upon the heaped pyre, Lesale burned and sizzled - a steady, haunting coarse whisper escaping his charred lips. A goner in his last moment of madness - certainly.

The smell of blood hung in the air like a heavy curtain, and as the fellowship collected themselves the sense of something dark and evil had not left them.

Face twisted and screwed into a murderous smile, the madman swiftly ripped the head from the neck of the fallen guardsmen, staring into his eyes with glee. With a chilling cackle, he slowly shifted his gaze away from the cadaver to stare at Midnorton...

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OK guys, the combat is over. Corpses strewn about, the room is severely trashed, and Lesale is burning on the pyre (nearly dead, if not dead already).

Valaren, you have no clue what youve walked into or whats happened - or indeed if these newcomers are friend or foe.

Midnorton, I need another seduce check to keep the madman succumbed to your will...

EXP: Total party post, +50 EXP each
Combat experience: +125 EXP each

-LK

As Midnorton watched the madman rip the guard’s head off, he had to force down the bile rising in his throat just to smile at the madman.

Midnorton purred to the madman, “Good! They wanted to stop you from achieving your pleasure. There is just one more obstacle. Those behind the iron door. They want to keep the pleasure for themselves and not share it with you. That isn’t right. The pleasure should also go to you. Let us go there and rightfully obtain that pleasure…”

He still purred at the madman as he moved to guide him to the iron doors, as he avoided the embers on the ground.

Midnorton still looked at the madman as he spoke to his companions. “We should hurry. I would be really surprise if this battle didn’t alert others, unless they are so wrapped up in their occult ritual they don’t notice anything else.”

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SEDUCTION
Charm [4d6] + Seduction [1d6]
[Roll: 1+6+3+6+1 = 17]

The member 'Midnorton' has done the following action : Diceroller

'SKILL CHECK' : 1, 6, 3, 6, 1

Skyler recollected himself after the fight and stood up straight. Looked at the dead bodies and then at the burning pile that once was Lesale. It was the first time that fresh blood had touched his blade in a while. Fefnir (the blade in his right hand) soaked in the blood with ease, as though the blade longed for it. But again... Harpuia called to him. As he looked to his left, he saw Midnorton again trying to coax the madman into charging to his death. Skyler confronted him, and made another attempt to reason with him.

We can't just send him off to his death! He deserves to live just as much as the rest of us. He has done us no wrong, and we can still make it out of here alive! I implore you, don't take advantage of such a pitiful creature. It's not right to take advantage of such a simple mind.

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Skyler is trying to use reason to convince Mid not to send the man to his death.
Wit check! 4WIT

The member 'Skyler Terska' has done the following action : Diceroller

'SKILL CHECK' : 6, 6, 5, 1

Midnorton looked at Skyler as if he had just noticed him.

“You misunderstand….um…Skyler was it? No matter. I am showing him compassion, living in that state is torture. This way he will achieve the ‘pleasure’ he is seeking in a glorious death and end his suffering.”

With that said, Midnorton went back to purring at the madman.

At this moment in time, Midnorton almost seemed inhuman.

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For reference, I’m using this definition for ‘inhuman.’

Inhuman: not human: not seeming to be human, or not characteristic of human beings

**I took in consideration your Wit check Skyler and adjusted his response accordingly, but Mid thinks differently then most people. What is ‘moral’ to one person is not necessarily ‘moral’ to another person. Shades of Gray, Shades of Gray.

Valaren managed to get back on his feet after finally being able to free his hands. An imprint on his skin was visible from the rope that had been bound tightly around his wrists. He looked at it for a few seconds, as if to see if any real damage had been done. Everything appeared to be fine. He looked up, watching as the group seemed to prepare themselves for more trouble. This was no ordinary group of people.

His eyes switched between the people that were still standing. They stopped and evaluated each of them before moving on to the next one. It appeared they were all working together, but what would that mean for Valaren? At this point they seemed content with ignoring him altogether. Perhaps it would be better that way. Valaren was unarmed and based on his experience from just before it seemed he would be quickly dealt with.

No reason to do anything stupid now.

He decided to stand still and await their next move. He was curious to see whether they would acknowledge his existence, or move on to the next room and leave him there. Either way, they seemed to be a strong group with some serious issues.

Skyler backed off a bit, slightly shocked that any person could think like that. (Skyler's name must have slipped out whilst a unnecessary discussion in the dungeon). Even if it was a mad man, he was a human being! Thankful that he had not been subject to the same doom as this man was now being sent to, Skyler reserved himself knowing it was not his place to speak up against the hand that rescued him from his own cell. Skyler took a few steps back and looked around the room. He noticed the injured man they had just encountered still on the ground. He had somehow managed to get the ropes off his hands by burning of with the coals!
A smart man indeed. He certainly had a will to live, unlike the late Lesale. Skyler tried to observe the man... he seemed to be waiting for the group to say something first. Skyler then looked back to the mad man who was still being whispered to by Midnorton. Something about this man intrigued Skyler. Skyler began to ask questions to himself...

What could have caused this man to be here?

How did he wrong them?

Could he be an asset to the team?

Hopefully he has his mind straight... or else he may become another victim to Midnorton's seductive purring... ew....
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Skyler waits in the back letting the others in the fellowship speak first.

Before he guided the madman to the iron door and after he explained his reasoning to the others for his actions, he turned toward the man they just freed from the vanquished guards.

“Oh matey…” for some reason Midnorton decided to talk like a sailor, even though he actually is a sailor for now.

“We don’t be knowing why you are prisoner to these cult fellows. But ye have two choices, try to make it out yerself or come with us. Well, actually three choices. We could be killing you here.”

He suddenly changes back to his normal speech pattern, “Or you could join us in rescuing the princess from being sacrificed by this cult.” Midnorton gave a charming smile.

“Make a quick choice. We don’t have much time before we are discovered.”

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Intro for our new player, Valaren.

Valaren, if you are confused, that is okay. Midnorton likes it that way.

Valaren looked towards the archer that was speaking to him, albeit in a strange accent. The choices he was given were reasonable in their own right. It would be safest if Valaren chose to follow them. They appeared to be on a quest of some sort. Perhaps Valaren could be an addition to their group.

"I am Valaren." He said, introducing himself with a clear, deep voice. "And I will follow you in an attempt to save the princess."

Valaren did not speak of his powers or abilities. He had no strength to speak of during these fights. He had no weapons at his disposal. His last vials had been broking during the brawl outside. For now, he would only be able to heal a wounded man or woman. Valaren prayed the Gods would protect them on their journey.

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Well, I figured I couldn't just follow you without at least introducing myself, right? No confusion there
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Skyler looked at the two introducing themselves, and after the ice had been broken he stepped forward. Being a former prisoner of these crazy people himself, Skyler felt like this man could make a new pal for him.

So how'd you wind up in this dump? Tick off a shaggy fat man as well? I'm Skyler. I was held up here for a while before these guys got me out. And... that pile of flaming ash over there WAS Lesale. He was always a little out of his mind... Who knows why he wanted your body...

Skyler leaned over and whispered to him:

Perhaps for the same reason as the archer speaks to the madman about...

But... If you want I suppose you can take his staff. Not like he'll be needing it much anymore.

I must commend you though, burning off the ropes using the coals? That's some quick wit you've got there. Have you always been like that?

Valaren looked towards the staff that had fallen on the edge of the firepit. It was far from a rod of Asclepius, but it would definitely be an improvement. He spoke as he slowly walked towards the staff. His eyes still focused on the ground, his movement slow and secure as he attempted to evade the coals.

"I believe my curiosity was not appreciated by the guards. I was looking for medicine, common metals or anything botanical I could use."

Each step was carefully planned, his eyes never losing sight of his objective. As he reached the staff, he turned towards the others once more.

"I am an alchemist and a mage. I have travelled around the world. I wouldn't be here if my wits had failed me in times like these."

Valaren reached for the staff and picked it up.

The member 'Valaren' has done the following action : Diceroller

'SKILL CHECK' : 5, 5, 5

Skyler watched as the man walked slowly past the coals. Surely not as swift as himself, but not everyone was quite as agile. But there was a word that stuck with Skyler.

mage

Could it be? Was this man really skilled in the art of magic? For years Skyler had been a helper boy in the Scholar's keep but the best of magicians there could only preform basic magic. Could this person help Skyler achieve his... no... her dream? To create the perfect dance of water...? Skyler thought back to that night. The night that changed his life...

flashback:
Skyler and Velkia were on the roof of the main building. It was late at night with a clear sky. The two sat together as they normally did since they were young. The two are approximately 10-13 years of age.

Velkia: Hey Sky... have you ever thought about what you want to do with the rest of your life? You know... like... you can't work here in the keep forever.

Skyler looked back at Velkia puzzled... Any other way of life other than that of the keep and on the streets had been foreign to Skyler. He responded:

Skyler: No...

Velkia pouted a bit. Slightly annoyed at Skyler's short responses and avoidance of questions. Regardless she continued on:

Velkia: Well I have. One day... I want to create the greatest, most beautiful dance with water. I've already got a song in mind. And I've imagined it for the longest time...

Skyler saw as she looked off to the lake nearby. It made sense to Skyler that she would want such a thing. But to Skyler... it made him wonder what his goal in life was. For the longest time all that he thought of was to survive. Nothing more. But the thought popped up to his mind. And he abruptly spoke it out.
Skyler: How could one dance with water? Water moves on its own accord. Would you construct some water wheels and water ways?

Velkia: Sky you silly...

She poked his cheek as she normally did when she wanted his attention.

With magic of course! But none of the simple magic they have here with these old people. I mean the really cool ones that you learn by travelling across the land! I heard about this one when I was young. My father's friend from his youth had come to visit. He spoke of his travels and how he met a person that could conjure elements at his will. Someday... I had hoped to learn how to do that. But right now I'm happy here with you Sky.

She smiled at Skyler. His heart pounced. He had seen her smile before, but this was different... He quickly turned but peeked back and began to blush. His mind raced to think of words... something... anything to respond.

Skyler: I-I'm... happy to.. to be here with you too...


But the harsh reality of his situation struck Skyler as a cold draft of stench from the puddle the madman had made in the corner came across his nose. He looked back at the man who was now picking up the staff that Lesale had found earlier back at the prison cells. Skyler's hopes shot up. He knew what he would do. All the other "mages" he encountered on his journey had either been complete beginners trying to impress the girls, or fakes... relying on other tools and tricks. But this man... perhaps he could help Skyler achieve what he had set off in search of...

The member 'Artimus' has done the following action : Diceroller

#1 'ATTACK' : 2, 1, 6, 4

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#2 'DAMAGE' : 5, 4, 6, 3, 3

Fellowship - The 3rd of Septem, 4:35 AM

Amidst the swirling smoke and the smell of death that lingered around that room, a new fellowship was formed. As Lesale smoldered upon the firepit, Valaren stood sidelong watching the mysterious events of the evening unfurl in the unhallowed halls of this fortress.

Artimus pressed forward, Midnorton cracking open the door of the common chamber back out into the hallway, the madman leading the way at the indication of the bowman. Obedient and bloodthirsty, he emerged into the main hallway and gazed at the great iron double doors - almost with familiarity and expectancy.

The fellowship emerged behind him, watching as Midnorton prepared himself next to the door. Whatever was happening beyond stood to be unearthed-

A moment of silence, broken only by the heavy breathing and quiet moans of the madman. And then - Midnorton swung the doors open.

[...]

In a whirlwind of fervor the madman had erupted into the room beyond the hallway like a dervish, a ferocity driving him into a throng of men that loomed beyond.

It was an audience chamber of some sort, with high ceilings and a long profile. Inside, robed men stood before a great platform whereupon a tall, masked individual swirled a fiery axe through the air in the shadow of a giant, golden statue.

The statue was suspended in the air by heavy chains, looming above an altar whereupon a filthy woman cried out in pains of agony, her swollen belly suggesting a nearly complete pregnancy. The statue was golden, carved into the likeness of some unholy daemon with great horns and a tongue that spilled down its fattened stomach.

Chaos had erupted.

The smell of burning incense and sweat was palpable, a thick fog of psychomatic oppression swirling out into the hallway like water through a burst dam. The shouts of the cultists were both exasperated and methodical, almost as if this interruption had been part of the dark ceremony that was taking place.

The screams of the pregnant woman grew, the ceremony leader bringing his axe into the air and screaming violently across the room. His neck strained beneath his heavy mask, threatening to pop his head from his shoulders.

The madman screamed and clawed into a crowd of nearly twenty men, all of whom reacted with intense surprise and purposeful violence. They swung and clawed and the frenzied member of their fold, and he reacted in turn, biting and scratching and swirling in a blood-coloured glory. The fellowship watched as the masked ceremony leader spun round in anguish, screaming something in some unfamiliar tongue that caused even more fervor to erupt amongst the crowd.

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Ok guys, the madman has just charged in to an audience hall that is approximately 50 yards long by 20 yards wide. There are long bench-chairs set up around, with a great altar whereupon the woman lays under the giant statue on the far west side.

I'm not sure what your gameplan is here, but go for it!

Undoubtedly, you have the surprise. Of course, you can make multiple attacks as per the normal rules, but be aware that there are approximately 20 men in between you and the altar.

Please read Zone rules on the combat sidebar on the left side of the page, and PAY ATTENTION TO MOVEMENT RULES.

Cheers,

-LK

EXPERIENCE:

+200 experience to Midnorton, Artimus, Skyler and Valaren for posting in the expressly indicated bonus XP posting weekend. Also, +50 GDP to each of you as well, thanks for making a great introduction!

Skyler's initial reaction was of course... run. In his mind, he was trying to escape, not take down some cult. But he was with this group now... And what they wanted... most likely at least, was to take them down. At a distance he saw the pregnant woman. He thought for a while... and tried to give the group a chance to possibly explain was was going on. But after a moment's pause (that seemed a day's length). He dashed in and started attacking the cultists, assuming that their presence would endanger his escape. He quickly swung at two of the cultists. His movements like a blur, aiming for their throats he slit them both. Spurts of blood spit out as his blade gleaned pas them. Realizing he was now in the fray of battle, he again got ready to fight. As he fought e asked the group, specifically towards Garvan, Midnorton, and Artimus:
That's... not your princess is it? You might have some trouble explaining what happened to her if it is...

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Skyler jumped in and killed two cultists
wait... is that allowed? i think i should have taken one away from my HIT rolls... i would have hit either way

Valaren was positioned in the back of the group. HIs staff firmly gripped in his left hand, he listened closely to see if he could understand anything the cultist leader was screaming. His head was slightly tilted to the left as he held his breath. His years of wandering around the world had brought him to many places and civilizations. His knowledge of foreign languages might help him in this instance.

He knew that running would no longer be an option. It appeared that his group wasn't planning on it either. It would take nothing short of a small army to get to the other side of this room. He had seen this group in action versus the guards that had captured Valaren, but this was definitely something different. He had no weapons, other than his staff, and none of his vials here. It would be lunacy to advance into this fight as one of the first. Valaren listened as the cult leader kept preaching even though Skyler had apparently started the fight on this side of the room.

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Rolling language to see if I can understand what the cult leader is screaming:

5d6+2

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The member 'Valaren' has done the following action : Diceroller

'SKILL CHECK' : 2, 4, 6, 3, 5