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Story Hour
The Romance of Arasil
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<blockquote data-quote="Hjorimir" data-source="post: 6977792" data-attributes="member: 5745"><p><strong><p style="text-align: center">UNDER THE VORINGIAN MOON</p><p></strong></p><p style="text-align: center">Rated R for gross violence.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><p style="text-align: center">An Introduction</p><p></strong></p><p>The <em>Romance of Arasil</em> is my homebrew setting – aptly named Arasil – in which my friends and I roll dice, try to role-play, and generally enjoy ourselves. Thematically, I tend to run campaigns on the darker side of things. I don’t pull punches and generally leave it up to the players to solve their own problems. </p><p></p><p>We’re playing 5e here and I have a fair set of houserules in use. I can get into the rules if anybody cares, just ask.</p><p></p><p>I won’t bore you with reading a treatise about the setting’s gods and history (and there’s quite a bit to be consumed), but instead will introduce you to the details via the narrative. That said, if there is enough interest for questions, please feel free to ask away and I’ll try to elucidate when I can.</p><p></p><p>Lastly, I haven’t really determined how I plan to stylize my writing here. I’m especially concerned about narrating all the combat encounters. I’ll likely gloss over many of these, but slow down to focus on those that I think prove interesting to the ongoing story (or are at least particularly entertaining).</p><p></p><p>When we started the campaign, the characters were 3rd level, which I basically equate to 1st level in older editions of the game as that is when characters (typically) gain access to a class archetype.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><p style="text-align: center">The Companions</p><p></strong></p><p><strong><em>Watcher Charity, Sentinel of the Chantry (Tiefling Paladin – Oath of Devotion)</em></strong>, rescued as a child by Orsik and Ilvander from a life of diabolic servitude in Nam Brakar. Charity become a ward of the Chantry in Akylon as a young girl. In time, her faith proved greater than the skeptics of the faith and she took the Oath of Devotion to the Archons and thus became a paladin.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Dazen Selhariel (High Elf Rogue – Swashbuckler)</em></strong>, one of the Aldurfolk (read: elven peoples) that had somehow found himself eking out a living on the rough streets of Dharaan, a wretched hive of scum and villainy in the Kingdom of Merdia. Lovingly nicknamed ‘the Murder-Elf’ by the rest of the players.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Ilvander, Initiate of Lokela and Disciple of Ashu. (Human Cleric/Monk)</em></strong>, who walks two paths. On one path, he is a devoted member of the Chantry, on the other he follows an ancient tradition of warrior monks. Quick with a small and a heart full of laughter, Ilvander is an embodiment of optimism in a grim world.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Orsik, son of Vondal (Hill Dwarf Druid – Circle of the Moon)</em></strong>, a contrast of wisdom and hedonism rolled up into one ‘big boned’ dwarf. Orsik likes to eat…and eat more. He loves to spend his hours in the form of a giant toad gulping up as much as he can and gained some amount of fame amongst the locals for dealing with a small goblin infestation (“death by digestion”). </p><p></p><p><strong><em>Tenoch of the Nephti, Huntsman of the Arumanji (Human Ranger – Hunter)</em></strong>, escaped from the dark jungles of Arumanji, his tribe all but completely eradicated by another. He prays to the Great Feathered One, which is apparently some kind of powerful spirit-god.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Vech of ?…just Vech. (Human Warlock – Great Old One)</em></strong>, an orphan from the streets of Dharaan. He has two friends; Dazen, whom has helped look out for him more than once, and his imaginary friend he calls Glyph. He talks to Glyph quite a bit, which is a little unsettling but (so far) seems harmless enough.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #A9A9A9"><u>Monday, August 15 – NOW</u></span></p><p></p><p><strong><p style="text-align: center">Ilvander</p><p></strong></p><p>Ilvander sat in the reeve’s hall staring idly into the mug of warm cider. The fragrant, spiced drink seemed almost unrecognizable for some reason. <em>I think I should be enjoying this more than I am.</em> His hands were dirty and blistered, grime and – <em>is that blood?</em> – under his nails. His body was weary, his mind even more so. He wanted nothing more to collapse into unconsciousness and thought he might do so in that moment before being roused with a word.</p><p></p><p>“Ilvander?”</p><p></p><p>He looked up as a well-groomed man, draped in finery of crimson and gold, had entered the room. The man paused to pour himself a goblet of wine before sitting down on the opposite side of the table. Ilvander noted the meticulous attention the man gave to his own appearance, but quickly determined that the man was no fop. Behind the neatly trimmed beard and mustache were calculating eyes with more than a touch of arrogance.</p><p></p><p>“Huh?” the monk replied.</p><p></p><p>“You are Initiate Ilvander,” he was no longer posing a question, but making a statement. “Dispatched by the Chantry on behalf of your King, Erevekk the IV.” The man lingered just a bit on the word ‘your’ to emphasize the nature of the situation. “You – and your companions – were to investigate the so-called hauntings reported here in the Silverglades.”</p><p></p><p>Ilvander nodded slowly. <em>Yes, that sounds familiar. Is that what we’re doing?</em> Then shook his head as he debated to himself.</p><p></p><p>“No?” the man pressed.</p><p></p><p>“Hrm? No? No, yes,” he replied.</p><p></p><p>The man sighed and took a sip from his goblet. “Shall I start again?”</p><p></p><p>Ilvander took a long drought from the mug and righted himself before shaking his head more firmly this time. “No, I’m fine. Yes, we came to investigate the rumors of hauntings in the area. I’m sorry, you are?”</p><p></p><p>The man slipped a brief smile, which Ilvander noted as a sign that he liked to talk about himself, before answering, “I am Master Kaska RaVirr, Factor of the Scarlet Throne and humble servant of His Majesty.” </p><p></p><p>Ilvander’s eyebrows lifted just a twitch at the word ‘humble,’ which brought a quick frown to Kaska’s face. The monk was good at reading others. <em>I should be careful here.</em></p><p></p><p>“Has the situation been resolved?” Kaska pressed.</p><p></p><p>“No. No, I wouldn’t say that at all.”</p><p></p><p>Kaska showed his impatience. “Perhaps it would be better if I spoke with the paladin. The tiefling? What is she calling herself…Charity? Watcher Charity?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, that would be better,” Ilvander agreed. “But not possible.”</p><p></p><p>“Because…?”</p><p></p><p>“Because…it’s not possible,” Ilvander said with an empty heart.</p><p></p><p>“Maybe you should start from the beginning,” Kaska replied as he settled back into the large chair, his hands steepled before him.</p><p></p><p></p><p><u><span style="color: #A9A9A9">Monday, July 4 – THEN</span></u></p><p></p><p><strong><p style="text-align: center">Charity</p><p></strong></p><p>They were ten days out from the city of Akylon; two days by galleon to the city of Delos and eight days on the Ralttway, the road that connected Arendal to the Raltt in the east beyond the Silverglades and Orsik was already snoring.</p><p></p><p>Charity laid down, pulled her blanket up to her chin and stared at the stars, eyes wide unable to sleep. Tomorrow. Tenoch said we’d likely be there tomorrow, she thought with a smile. <em>I’ll finally be able to prove myself in the eyes of the Chantry. Maybe then I’ll be chosen by one of the archons!</em></p><p></p><p>Charity was a paladin. She could sense things unnatural, heal the infirm and the wounded with but a touch, and strike down her foes with the wrath of the archons…but she had no patron amongst the Vernal Gods. None of the Archons, of which there were now fourteen after the death of Naeros, the Archon of Hope, had chosen her. She had the power to call on the archons, but not the blessing of a patron amongst them. Within the Chantry of the Lantern’s sacred halls, it was whispered that the archons took pity upon the tiefling, but that none would chose her as a servant. Such was the curse of her infernal taint.</p><p></p><p></p><p><u><span style="color: #A9A9A9">Tuesday, July 5 – THEN</span></u></p><p>Hushed whispers woke Charity up. The sky was still dark and the campfire now burned low. She could just make out Tenoch whispering quietly with Dazen. She sat up, grabbing her sword by reflex. “What is it?” she said, whispering just loud enough for her voice to interrupt the two.</p><p></p><p>Dazen shook his head as he came over and squatted next to her. “Probably nothing. Maybe something.” He looked back over his shoulder as Tenoch snatched up his macuahuitl before slipping out of the light of the fire and into the woods.</p><p></p><p>Charity looked at Dazen flatly.</p><p></p><p>“He said he could smell smoke. I said smoke, like from our campfire smoke? He said no, it was different smoke. Don’t ask me! He just said that I should take over his watch.” Dazen smiled as an idea hit him. “Hey! You’re up now, do you want to take his watch?”</p><p></p><p>“Don’t you just sit in a trance for like half the time anyway?”</p><p></p><p>“That’s not the point!”</p><p></p><p>~</p><p></p><p>A few hours later, the mystery had been solved. The Companions stood in the village of Roundtree…or at least what remained of it. Most of the humble homes and barns had been reduced to piles of charred wood. Nearby, a patrol of guards out of Traveler’s Rest were speaking with a handful of the survivors while others sat in shock or wailed in agony. A man walked by, carrying a child’s body covered in a blanket. A protruding hand bounced with the rhythm of the man’s steps. He wasn’t going anywhere in particular. He didn’t know where to go or what to do.</p><p></p><p>Charity cried. <em>And I was eager for this!</em></p><p></p><p>Ilvander and Orsik were off talking with the sergeant of the guard. Tenoch and Dazen were scouring the area for clues and Vech was talking to himself.</p><p></p><p>“Disjoin?” Vech asked nobody.</p><p></p><p>Charity turned away from him and wiped the tears from her face.</p><p></p><p>The dwarf and monk rejoined them.</p><p></p><p>“The guards are leaving,” Orsik shared.</p><p></p><p>Charity spun on him. “Leaving?!” she said incredulously. </p><p></p><p>Ilvander put a calming hand on her shoulder. “Charity, there are survivors that need to be considered. The guards are taking them back to Traveler’s Rest.”</p><p></p><p>“Well we’re not going to just turn our back on this!”</p><p></p><p>“Let’s wait and see what Tenoch and Dazen uncover before making any decisions. In the meantime, we can be of assistance to the dead.” Ilvander then went about his clerical duties to the flock with the assistance of Orsik and Charity. Vech, looking skittish, was now arguing with himself and apparently losing.</p><p></p><p>A short while later Tenoch and Dazen reappeared out of the surrounding woods. </p><p></p><p>“Tenoch picked up some tracks. Some of the people were taken.”</p><p></p><p>“Taken? By what?” Charity pressed.</p><p></p><p>Dazen looked at Tenoch with a look that questioned the hunter’s confidence. Tenoch only nodded once in confirmation.</p><p></p><p>“The Dogmen of the Veldt,” the elf replied.</p><p></p><p>Orsik raised an eyebrow. “We’re awfully far from the Veldt!”</p><p></p><p>“The…dog-men?” Charity inquired.</p><p></p><p>Ilvander explained, “Sondiul’s Dogs, the Dogmen of the Veldt. They’re gnolls, Charity.”</p><p></p><p>“They’re actually more like cats,” Tenoch offered.</p><p></p><p>“Huh?” Charity piqued.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t confuse the lass,” Orsik said to which Tenoch only shrugged.</p><p></p><p>Charity shook the last comments out of her head and turned to Ilvander. “Who or what is Sondiul?” she asked.</p><p></p><p>“They called him the Master of the Lurking Tower. A wizard of dark powers, but he died long ago,” the monk replied.</p><p></p><p>Vech shook his head nervously, “Not so sure about that. One hears things.”</p><p></p><p>“The point being,” interrupted the dwarf, “is that the Veldt is like REALLY far away! They would have had to cut across all of the Raltt to be here!”</p><p></p><p>“Maybe they crossed over Skyvault instead,” Ilvander mused.</p><p></p><p>“Nobody crosses over Skyvault.” the druid replied matter-of-factly.</p><p></p><p>“Your people watch it that close?” Vech asked.</p><p></p><p>“Not my people, I’m a hill dwarf. But, yes. Yes, they do,” Orsik answered, using little air-quotes with the word ‘hill,’ as if explaining something to stupid humans.</p><p></p><p>“I thought you preferred cave-dwarf,” said Ilvander, giving his friend a knowing smile.</p><p></p><p>The dwarf shrugged.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t gnolls worship devils?” the Dazen asked.</p><p></p><p>Charity shook her head. “No, demons.”</p><p></p><p>“You sure?”</p><p></p><p>She looked at him flatly before flicking one of her curled horns with a finger. “Pretty sure.” She then turned to Tenoch, “Can you follow them?” She already knew the answer.</p><p></p><p>Tenoch nodded grimly.</p><p></p><p>“Let’s go!” she said before giving him a guiding push to be on with it.</p><p></p><p>The other Companions gave no argument and trailed off in their wake.</p><p></p><p></p><p><u><span style="color: #A9A9A9">Wednesday, July 6 – THEN </span></u></p><p></p><p><strong><p style="text-align: center">Tenoch</p><p></strong></p><p>Tenoch waited while the others caught their breath. Ilvander was fleet of foot and doing well enough and Orsik had the endurance of a bear, but the rest of the Companions were suffering. Charity was steadfast in her desire to rescue the villagers, but it was only her anger that kept her going. She drew heavy, gasping breaths hunched over in her heavy armor. She had dropped her shield where she stood and looked as if she might throw-up into it. Vech and Dazen were not doing much better themselves and were both drinking too much water.</p><p></p><p>“We…(gasp)…need to…(gasp)…keep…mo…(gasp)…moving,” Charity said weakly.</p><p></p><p><em>We can’t afford to be exhausted when we catch the gnolls.</em></p><p></p><p>Tenoch only shook his head and helped her sit down on a nearby fallen tree. “We will rest here tonight. Tomorrow we finish the hunt.”</p><p></p><p>“Are you sure?” Ilvander asked.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, the spirits will show me the way. We will have our prey tomorrow.” Tenoch then set himself to setting up a discreet camp.</p><p></p><p></p><p><u><span style="color: #A9A9A9">Thursday, July 7 – THEN </span></u></p><p>It was early in the morning as Tenoch squatted near the low campfire. Turning over some of the wood with his thick-callused hands, he stoked more light from the fire. A column of cinders drifted up before winking out in the cool morning air. </p><p></p><p>Tenoch flopped a loose satchel on the ground to left and pulled out a small bundle of herbs wrapped in catgut and a small, obsidian blade. He used the blade to cut to his thumb and rubbed some blood into the herbs before setting them into the heart of the fire and starting a low chant.</p><p></p><p>The smoke of the fire turned green. Tenoch closed his eyes and paused his chant long enough to wave the smoke over his face a few times, taking in long, deep breaths. The smoke coalesced in the form of a green serpent that looked down upon him. When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with motes of sunlight. He looked up at the serpent and spoke in the thick tongue of the Arumanji.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #008000"><em>“Ohtli nohuicpa inahuac nacatl!”</em></span></p><p></p><p>Tenoch reached into the fire and calmly pulled out the burning herbs…and swallowed the bundle whole. Green smoke seeped from his nostrils as he tilted his head back and looked into the sky.</p><p></p><p>Nearby, Dazen, wrapped in his blanket, watched intently from the darkness. He made no sound to disturb the hunter’s ritual.</p><p></p><p>~</p><p></p><p>The Companions had caught up to the dogmen in a shallow canyon. The group got to within about a hundred feet of the gnolls before they were spotted. A particularly tall specimen, with glaive in hand, pointed and cackled out orders to the others. A small group of terrified villagers were shoved to the ground in a huddle.</p><p></p><p>The gnolls released arrows at the Companions…and hyenas that bound quickly through the brush as they charged. The Companions largely dove for cover and prepared themselves.</p><p></p><p>Dazen bound forward and to the left, winding his way past the charging hyenas and circling around the gnoll archers to get at the “big one in the back.” (It turns out that rogues can cover a lot of ground when their turn is Move, Dash, Cunning Action: Dash.)</p><p></p><p>Tenoch bound forward and to the right, hurling a well-aimed javelin as he went putting the lead hyena down.</p><p></p><p>Charity slapped down the visor of her helm, drew her longsword and roared a challenge as she sloughed forward through the heavy brush straight up the middle…slowly.</p><p></p><p>Orsik cast <em>jump</em>, transformed into a giant toad, and bellowed a challenging croak.</p><p></p><p>Ilvander moved up to cover behind a tree, whipped out his trusty shortbow and showed the group what he was made of…miss!</p><p></p><p>With one hand, Vech pointed towards one of the archers, “That one!” The air rippled over the gnoll’s head and a large, alien eye looked down upon the hapless dogman which gave a nervous yelp. With his other hand, the warlock pointed and let loose an <em>eldritch blast</em> that struck the gnoll square in the chest, sending it flying back where it wheezed in pain. (That eye is Vech’s description for <em>hex</em>. Spell sniper, plus hex, plus Agonizing Blast, plus Repelling Blast…yep, Vech is going to be annoying me quite a bit in this campaign.)</p><p></p><p>The arrows of the gnolls were doing some decent work here, especially on Tenoch and the Toad. However, Charity was apparently impervious to arrows. (Stupid high AC characters.)</p><p></p><p>The pack lord, also known as “the big one in the back” made its presence known. It met the elf’s charge head on and took a chunk out with its glaive. (The move just barely brought it within 10 feet of Dazen…good thing it has reach on that glaive. Rolled max damage, 13, thank you very much.)</p><p></p><p>Dazen grimaced in pain, slid up the last bit of distance, cast <em>booming blade</em> and stuffed his longblade in the gnoll’s side. (For those not aware, the Swashbuckler archetype has an ability called Rakish Audacity that lets the rogue sneak attack even without advantage or adjacent ally. This was Dazen’s first game of D&D ever. He had help creating his character and didn’t yet understand all the intricacies of the mechanics at play here, which is fine really, but the takeaway is that he didn’t Cunning Action: Disengage to force the gnoll to follow him and activate the magic of the spell. Live and learn.)</p><p></p><p>Tenoch fell upon the hyenas and put his macuahuitls to work. (The hyenas sounded cool in concept when I was putting this encounter together, but I think all they ended up being good for was absorbing attacks. I don’t think I hit once with them and they were falling left and right.)</p><p></p><p>Charity swung her sword in a mighty arc…as she cut at the underbrush, continuing to struggle forward.</p><p></p><p>Orsik landed with a thump and gobbled up a hyena. Nom-nom-nom. (It would be impossible to overstate how gleeful Orsik’s player was about playing his ‘toad-druid.’ We had all seen druids turn into wolves, bears, eagles, and large cats over the years, but a monster-gulping giant toad was new territory and he relished the opportunity to eat some gnolls.)</p><p></p><p>Ilvander cast <em>healing word</em> on Arasil as he dashed between trees and let another arrow fly! Whiff!</p><p></p><p>Vech finished off the gnoll he had staggered earlier – ZOT! – and the eye swung its gaze to a new victim.</p><p></p><p>The bulk of the gnolls continued to move forward, shooting arrows as they went. Many of which found their mark (but not Charity, because she’s arrow-proof…/grumble).</p><p></p><p>The pack lord continued his assault upon Dazen and with another deadly swipe that left the rogue struggling to keep on his feet. (That’s another hit rolling maximum damage, take 13!)</p><p></p><p>“You don’t need to tell me three times!” Dazen cast another <em>booming blade</em> that left the pack lord howling in pain and quickly bound out of combat back towards his companions before the dogman could react. (Cunning Action may be the best ability in the game. Seriously.)</p><p></p><p>Tenoch continued the slaughter. (I realize that rangers have a reputation for being kind of a chump class in some circles, but I just haven’t seen it myself. Tenoch blazed a path of gore all over the battlefield.)</p><p></p><p>Charity surged forward…and now stood amongst the dead hyenas left in Tenoch’s wake.</p><p></p><p>Orsik turned his appetite to the dogmen. With a mighty leap the druid descended upon a gnoll and snatched it up in his mouth. (<em>Jump </em>spell plus the giant toad’s Standing Leap ability equals joyous amounts of mobility. While others struggled through the thick underbrush – especially Charity – Orsik spent the encounter hopping from one tasty snack to the next.)</p><p></p><p>Ilvander pressed forward and cast another <em>healing word</em>, returning Dazen from the brink. (“And I’m done with spells!”) He let another arrow fly before zipping behind another tree for cover. Miss!</p><p></p><p>Vech stepped out from his cover, casually walked forward, and continued to blast with impunity. ZOT! (Warlocks are machines.)</p><p></p><p>The gnoll in Orsik’s mouth, fearing a gruesome death inside the toad’s stomach, struck with all his might and landed a critical blow! (“Yeah, whatever, these aren’t even my real hit points.” …/sigh.)</p><p></p><p>The pack lord surged forward – <em>BOOM!</em> – and suffered for it as the elf’s magic ripped its wound wider and struck the elf again. (No…I didn’t roll a 10 again for damage…a 9 should do!) Dazen crumpled under the assault. (“Welcome to DnD!”)</p><p></p><p>Dazen spend time sucking dust, Tenoch continued to be all he could be, and Charity continued to play in the bushes.</p><p></p><p>It wasn’t easy, but Orsik managed to choke down the gnoll where it flailed around in his stomach helplessly. You could see the gnoll’s feet pushing out against the giant toad’s stomach as it tried to break free, but to no avail.</p><p></p><p>“We need to save Dazen!” Ilvander called to the others as he dashed to another tree and let another arrow rip. Whiff!</p><p></p><p>Vech nodded at Ilvander’s words…and continued to stand there blasting gnolls with gleeful abandonment. ZOT!</p><p></p><p>The gnoll in Orsik’s stomach gave one final push with its feet and died. (“BURP!” says the toad.)</p><p></p><p>The pack lord made its way up to the toad and gave it the business end of its glaive. (Yup, that’d be another roll of 10. “Still not my real hit points.” /grumble) </p><p></p><p>Dazen continued taking in the dust. (Yummy.)</p><p></p><p>Tenoch, though bloodied, continued to show the gnolls what is what.</p><p></p><p>Charity burst out from the heavy brush…and found herself standing over Tenoch’s handiwork.</p><p></p><p>Orsik took a bite at the pack lord, but was held at bay by its glaive.</p><p></p><p>Ilvander bound forward to help the druid. Whipped out his shortsword and thrust. Whiff! (“That’s it. Time to get serious. Flurry of Blows!”) Whiff. Whiff. (“Flurry of Misses!” There’s something quite magical that happens to this player’s d20 from time-to-time and it starts confusing itself with a d6. This was one of those times.)</p><p></p><p>The eye from beyond looked upon the pack lord with disdain and then it fell to Vech’s magical assault. </p><p></p><p>The rest of the gnolls were quickly dispatched.</p><p></p><p>(Charity never got to attack, Ilvander never hit, Orsik had indigestion, and Dazen was introduced to the death saving throw mechanics, in which he was successful.)</p><p></p><p>The Companions rendered aid to the suffering villagers and began to escort them back to the Ralttway where they would then make their way to town of Traveler’s Rest.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Hjorimir, post: 6977792, member: 5745"] [B][CENTER]UNDER THE VORINGIAN MOON[/CENTER][/B] [CENTER]Rated R for gross violence.[/CENTER] [B][CENTER]An Introduction[/CENTER][/B] The [I]Romance of Arasil[/I] is my homebrew setting – aptly named Arasil – in which my friends and I roll dice, try to role-play, and generally enjoy ourselves. Thematically, I tend to run campaigns on the darker side of things. I don’t pull punches and generally leave it up to the players to solve their own problems. We’re playing 5e here and I have a fair set of houserules in use. I can get into the rules if anybody cares, just ask. I won’t bore you with reading a treatise about the setting’s gods and history (and there’s quite a bit to be consumed), but instead will introduce you to the details via the narrative. That said, if there is enough interest for questions, please feel free to ask away and I’ll try to elucidate when I can. Lastly, I haven’t really determined how I plan to stylize my writing here. I’m especially concerned about narrating all the combat encounters. I’ll likely gloss over many of these, but slow down to focus on those that I think prove interesting to the ongoing story (or are at least particularly entertaining). When we started the campaign, the characters were 3rd level, which I basically equate to 1st level in older editions of the game as that is when characters (typically) gain access to a class archetype. [B][CENTER]The Companions[/CENTER][/B] [B][I]Watcher Charity, Sentinel of the Chantry (Tiefling Paladin – Oath of Devotion)[/I][/B], rescued as a child by Orsik and Ilvander from a life of diabolic servitude in Nam Brakar. Charity become a ward of the Chantry in Akylon as a young girl. In time, her faith proved greater than the skeptics of the faith and she took the Oath of Devotion to the Archons and thus became a paladin. [B][I]Dazen Selhariel (High Elf Rogue – Swashbuckler)[/I][/B], one of the Aldurfolk (read: elven peoples) that had somehow found himself eking out a living on the rough streets of Dharaan, a wretched hive of scum and villainy in the Kingdom of Merdia. Lovingly nicknamed ‘the Murder-Elf’ by the rest of the players. [B][I]Ilvander, Initiate of Lokela and Disciple of Ashu. (Human Cleric/Monk)[/I][/B], who walks two paths. On one path, he is a devoted member of the Chantry, on the other he follows an ancient tradition of warrior monks. Quick with a small and a heart full of laughter, Ilvander is an embodiment of optimism in a grim world. [B][I]Orsik, son of Vondal (Hill Dwarf Druid – Circle of the Moon)[/I][/B], a contrast of wisdom and hedonism rolled up into one ‘big boned’ dwarf. Orsik likes to eat…and eat more. He loves to spend his hours in the form of a giant toad gulping up as much as he can and gained some amount of fame amongst the locals for dealing with a small goblin infestation (“death by digestion”). [B][I]Tenoch of the Nephti, Huntsman of the Arumanji (Human Ranger – Hunter)[/I][/B], escaped from the dark jungles of Arumanji, his tribe all but completely eradicated by another. He prays to the Great Feathered One, which is apparently some kind of powerful spirit-god. [B][I]Vech of ?…just Vech. (Human Warlock – Great Old One)[/I][/B], an orphan from the streets of Dharaan. He has two friends; Dazen, whom has helped look out for him more than once, and his imaginary friend he calls Glyph. He talks to Glyph quite a bit, which is a little unsettling but (so far) seems harmless enough. [COLOR="#A9A9A9"][U]Monday, August 15 – NOW[/U][/COLOR] [B][CENTER]Ilvander[/CENTER][/B] Ilvander sat in the reeve’s hall staring idly into the mug of warm cider. The fragrant, spiced drink seemed almost unrecognizable for some reason. [I]I think I should be enjoying this more than I am.[/I] His hands were dirty and blistered, grime and – [I]is that blood?[/I] – under his nails. His body was weary, his mind even more so. He wanted nothing more to collapse into unconsciousness and thought he might do so in that moment before being roused with a word. “Ilvander?” He looked up as a well-groomed man, draped in finery of crimson and gold, had entered the room. The man paused to pour himself a goblet of wine before sitting down on the opposite side of the table. Ilvander noted the meticulous attention the man gave to his own appearance, but quickly determined that the man was no fop. Behind the neatly trimmed beard and mustache were calculating eyes with more than a touch of arrogance. “Huh?” the monk replied. “You are Initiate Ilvander,” he was no longer posing a question, but making a statement. “Dispatched by the Chantry on behalf of your King, Erevekk the IV.” The man lingered just a bit on the word ‘your’ to emphasize the nature of the situation. “You – and your companions – were to investigate the so-called hauntings reported here in the Silverglades.” Ilvander nodded slowly. [I]Yes, that sounds familiar. Is that what we’re doing?[/I] Then shook his head as he debated to himself. “No?” the man pressed. “Hrm? No? No, yes,” he replied. The man sighed and took a sip from his goblet. “Shall I start again?” Ilvander took a long drought from the mug and righted himself before shaking his head more firmly this time. “No, I’m fine. Yes, we came to investigate the rumors of hauntings in the area. I’m sorry, you are?” The man slipped a brief smile, which Ilvander noted as a sign that he liked to talk about himself, before answering, “I am Master Kaska RaVirr, Factor of the Scarlet Throne and humble servant of His Majesty.” Ilvander’s eyebrows lifted just a twitch at the word ‘humble,’ which brought a quick frown to Kaska’s face. The monk was good at reading others. [I]I should be careful here.[/I] “Has the situation been resolved?” Kaska pressed. “No. No, I wouldn’t say that at all.” Kaska showed his impatience. “Perhaps it would be better if I spoke with the paladin. The tiefling? What is she calling herself…Charity? Watcher Charity?” “Yes, that would be better,” Ilvander agreed. “But not possible.” “Because…?” “Because…it’s not possible,” Ilvander said with an empty heart. “Maybe you should start from the beginning,” Kaska replied as he settled back into the large chair, his hands steepled before him. [U][COLOR="#A9A9A9"]Monday, July 4 – THEN[/COLOR][/U] [B][CENTER]Charity[/CENTER][/B] They were ten days out from the city of Akylon; two days by galleon to the city of Delos and eight days on the Ralttway, the road that connected Arendal to the Raltt in the east beyond the Silverglades and Orsik was already snoring. Charity laid down, pulled her blanket up to her chin and stared at the stars, eyes wide unable to sleep. Tomorrow. Tenoch said we’d likely be there tomorrow, she thought with a smile. [I]I’ll finally be able to prove myself in the eyes of the Chantry. Maybe then I’ll be chosen by one of the archons![/I] Charity was a paladin. She could sense things unnatural, heal the infirm and the wounded with but a touch, and strike down her foes with the wrath of the archons…but she had no patron amongst the Vernal Gods. None of the Archons, of which there were now fourteen after the death of Naeros, the Archon of Hope, had chosen her. She had the power to call on the archons, but not the blessing of a patron amongst them. Within the Chantry of the Lantern’s sacred halls, it was whispered that the archons took pity upon the tiefling, but that none would chose her as a servant. Such was the curse of her infernal taint. [U][COLOR="#A9A9A9"]Tuesday, July 5 – THEN[/COLOR][/U] Hushed whispers woke Charity up. The sky was still dark and the campfire now burned low. She could just make out Tenoch whispering quietly with Dazen. She sat up, grabbing her sword by reflex. “What is it?” she said, whispering just loud enough for her voice to interrupt the two. Dazen shook his head as he came over and squatted next to her. “Probably nothing. Maybe something.” He looked back over his shoulder as Tenoch snatched up his macuahuitl before slipping out of the light of the fire and into the woods. Charity looked at Dazen flatly. “He said he could smell smoke. I said smoke, like from our campfire smoke? He said no, it was different smoke. Don’t ask me! He just said that I should take over his watch.” Dazen smiled as an idea hit him. “Hey! You’re up now, do you want to take his watch?” “Don’t you just sit in a trance for like half the time anyway?” “That’s not the point!” ~ A few hours later, the mystery had been solved. The Companions stood in the village of Roundtree…or at least what remained of it. Most of the humble homes and barns had been reduced to piles of charred wood. Nearby, a patrol of guards out of Traveler’s Rest were speaking with a handful of the survivors while others sat in shock or wailed in agony. A man walked by, carrying a child’s body covered in a blanket. A protruding hand bounced with the rhythm of the man’s steps. He wasn’t going anywhere in particular. He didn’t know where to go or what to do. Charity cried. [I]And I was eager for this![/I] Ilvander and Orsik were off talking with the sergeant of the guard. Tenoch and Dazen were scouring the area for clues and Vech was talking to himself. “Disjoin?” Vech asked nobody. Charity turned away from him and wiped the tears from her face. The dwarf and monk rejoined them. “The guards are leaving,” Orsik shared. Charity spun on him. “Leaving?!” she said incredulously. Ilvander put a calming hand on her shoulder. “Charity, there are survivors that need to be considered. The guards are taking them back to Traveler’s Rest.” “Well we’re not going to just turn our back on this!” “Let’s wait and see what Tenoch and Dazen uncover before making any decisions. In the meantime, we can be of assistance to the dead.” Ilvander then went about his clerical duties to the flock with the assistance of Orsik and Charity. Vech, looking skittish, was now arguing with himself and apparently losing. A short while later Tenoch and Dazen reappeared out of the surrounding woods. “Tenoch picked up some tracks. Some of the people were taken.” “Taken? By what?” Charity pressed. Dazen looked at Tenoch with a look that questioned the hunter’s confidence. Tenoch only nodded once in confirmation. “The Dogmen of the Veldt,” the elf replied. Orsik raised an eyebrow. “We’re awfully far from the Veldt!” “The…dog-men?” Charity inquired. Ilvander explained, “Sondiul’s Dogs, the Dogmen of the Veldt. They’re gnolls, Charity.” “They’re actually more like cats,” Tenoch offered. “Huh?” Charity piqued. “Don’t confuse the lass,” Orsik said to which Tenoch only shrugged. Charity shook the last comments out of her head and turned to Ilvander. “Who or what is Sondiul?” she asked. “They called him the Master of the Lurking Tower. A wizard of dark powers, but he died long ago,” the monk replied. Vech shook his head nervously, “Not so sure about that. One hears things.” “The point being,” interrupted the dwarf, “is that the Veldt is like REALLY far away! They would have had to cut across all of the Raltt to be here!” “Maybe they crossed over Skyvault instead,” Ilvander mused. “Nobody crosses over Skyvault.” the druid replied matter-of-factly. “Your people watch it that close?” Vech asked. “Not my people, I’m a hill dwarf. But, yes. Yes, they do,” Orsik answered, using little air-quotes with the word ‘hill,’ as if explaining something to stupid humans. “I thought you preferred cave-dwarf,” said Ilvander, giving his friend a knowing smile. The dwarf shrugged. “Don’t gnolls worship devils?” the Dazen asked. Charity shook her head. “No, demons.” “You sure?” She looked at him flatly before flicking one of her curled horns with a finger. “Pretty sure.” She then turned to Tenoch, “Can you follow them?” She already knew the answer. Tenoch nodded grimly. “Let’s go!” she said before giving him a guiding push to be on with it. The other Companions gave no argument and trailed off in their wake. [U][COLOR="#A9A9A9"]Wednesday, July 6 – THEN [/COLOR][/U] [B][CENTER]Tenoch[/CENTER][/B] Tenoch waited while the others caught their breath. Ilvander was fleet of foot and doing well enough and Orsik had the endurance of a bear, but the rest of the Companions were suffering. Charity was steadfast in her desire to rescue the villagers, but it was only her anger that kept her going. She drew heavy, gasping breaths hunched over in her heavy armor. She had dropped her shield where she stood and looked as if she might throw-up into it. Vech and Dazen were not doing much better themselves and were both drinking too much water. “We…(gasp)…need to…(gasp)…keep…mo…(gasp)…moving,” Charity said weakly. [I]We can’t afford to be exhausted when we catch the gnolls.[/I] Tenoch only shook his head and helped her sit down on a nearby fallen tree. “We will rest here tonight. Tomorrow we finish the hunt.” “Are you sure?” Ilvander asked. “Yes, the spirits will show me the way. We will have our prey tomorrow.” Tenoch then set himself to setting up a discreet camp. [U][COLOR="#A9A9A9"]Thursday, July 7 – THEN [/COLOR][/U] It was early in the morning as Tenoch squatted near the low campfire. Turning over some of the wood with his thick-callused hands, he stoked more light from the fire. A column of cinders drifted up before winking out in the cool morning air. Tenoch flopped a loose satchel on the ground to left and pulled out a small bundle of herbs wrapped in catgut and a small, obsidian blade. He used the blade to cut to his thumb and rubbed some blood into the herbs before setting them into the heart of the fire and starting a low chant. The smoke of the fire turned green. Tenoch closed his eyes and paused his chant long enough to wave the smoke over his face a few times, taking in long, deep breaths. The smoke coalesced in the form of a green serpent that looked down upon him. When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with motes of sunlight. He looked up at the serpent and spoke in the thick tongue of the Arumanji. [CENTER][COLOR="#008000"][I]“Ohtli nohuicpa inahuac nacatl!”[/I][/COLOR][/CENTER] Tenoch reached into the fire and calmly pulled out the burning herbs…and swallowed the bundle whole. Green smoke seeped from his nostrils as he tilted his head back and looked into the sky. Nearby, Dazen, wrapped in his blanket, watched intently from the darkness. He made no sound to disturb the hunter’s ritual. ~ The Companions had caught up to the dogmen in a shallow canyon. The group got to within about a hundred feet of the gnolls before they were spotted. A particularly tall specimen, with glaive in hand, pointed and cackled out orders to the others. A small group of terrified villagers were shoved to the ground in a huddle. The gnolls released arrows at the Companions…and hyenas that bound quickly through the brush as they charged. The Companions largely dove for cover and prepared themselves. Dazen bound forward and to the left, winding his way past the charging hyenas and circling around the gnoll archers to get at the “big one in the back.” (It turns out that rogues can cover a lot of ground when their turn is Move, Dash, Cunning Action: Dash.) Tenoch bound forward and to the right, hurling a well-aimed javelin as he went putting the lead hyena down. Charity slapped down the visor of her helm, drew her longsword and roared a challenge as she sloughed forward through the heavy brush straight up the middle…slowly. Orsik cast [I]jump[/I], transformed into a giant toad, and bellowed a challenging croak. Ilvander moved up to cover behind a tree, whipped out his trusty shortbow and showed the group what he was made of…miss! With one hand, Vech pointed towards one of the archers, “That one!” The air rippled over the gnoll’s head and a large, alien eye looked down upon the hapless dogman which gave a nervous yelp. With his other hand, the warlock pointed and let loose an [I]eldritch blast[/I] that struck the gnoll square in the chest, sending it flying back where it wheezed in pain. (That eye is Vech’s description for [I]hex[/I]. Spell sniper, plus hex, plus Agonizing Blast, plus Repelling Blast…yep, Vech is going to be annoying me quite a bit in this campaign.) The arrows of the gnolls were doing some decent work here, especially on Tenoch and the Toad. However, Charity was apparently impervious to arrows. (Stupid high AC characters.) The pack lord, also known as “the big one in the back” made its presence known. It met the elf’s charge head on and took a chunk out with its glaive. (The move just barely brought it within 10 feet of Dazen…good thing it has reach on that glaive. Rolled max damage, 13, thank you very much.) Dazen grimaced in pain, slid up the last bit of distance, cast [I]booming blade[/I] and stuffed his longblade in the gnoll’s side. (For those not aware, the Swashbuckler archetype has an ability called Rakish Audacity that lets the rogue sneak attack even without advantage or adjacent ally. This was Dazen’s first game of D&D ever. He had help creating his character and didn’t yet understand all the intricacies of the mechanics at play here, which is fine really, but the takeaway is that he didn’t Cunning Action: Disengage to force the gnoll to follow him and activate the magic of the spell. Live and learn.) Tenoch fell upon the hyenas and put his macuahuitls to work. (The hyenas sounded cool in concept when I was putting this encounter together, but I think all they ended up being good for was absorbing attacks. I don’t think I hit once with them and they were falling left and right.) Charity swung her sword in a mighty arc…as she cut at the underbrush, continuing to struggle forward. Orsik landed with a thump and gobbled up a hyena. Nom-nom-nom. (It would be impossible to overstate how gleeful Orsik’s player was about playing his ‘toad-druid.’ We had all seen druids turn into wolves, bears, eagles, and large cats over the years, but a monster-gulping giant toad was new territory and he relished the opportunity to eat some gnolls.) Ilvander cast [I]healing word[/I] on Arasil as he dashed between trees and let another arrow fly! Whiff! Vech finished off the gnoll he had staggered earlier – ZOT! – and the eye swung its gaze to a new victim. The bulk of the gnolls continued to move forward, shooting arrows as they went. Many of which found their mark (but not Charity, because she’s arrow-proof…/grumble). The pack lord continued his assault upon Dazen and with another deadly swipe that left the rogue struggling to keep on his feet. (That’s another hit rolling maximum damage, take 13!) “You don’t need to tell me three times!” Dazen cast another [I]booming blade[/I] that left the pack lord howling in pain and quickly bound out of combat back towards his companions before the dogman could react. (Cunning Action may be the best ability in the game. Seriously.) Tenoch continued the slaughter. (I realize that rangers have a reputation for being kind of a chump class in some circles, but I just haven’t seen it myself. Tenoch blazed a path of gore all over the battlefield.) Charity surged forward…and now stood amongst the dead hyenas left in Tenoch’s wake. Orsik turned his appetite to the dogmen. With a mighty leap the druid descended upon a gnoll and snatched it up in his mouth. ([I]Jump [/I]spell plus the giant toad’s Standing Leap ability equals joyous amounts of mobility. While others struggled through the thick underbrush – especially Charity – Orsik spent the encounter hopping from one tasty snack to the next.) Ilvander pressed forward and cast another [I]healing word[/I], returning Dazen from the brink. (“And I’m done with spells!”) He let another arrow fly before zipping behind another tree for cover. Miss! Vech stepped out from his cover, casually walked forward, and continued to blast with impunity. ZOT! (Warlocks are machines.) The gnoll in Orsik’s mouth, fearing a gruesome death inside the toad’s stomach, struck with all his might and landed a critical blow! (“Yeah, whatever, these aren’t even my real hit points.” …/sigh.) The pack lord surged forward – [I]BOOM![/I] – and suffered for it as the elf’s magic ripped its wound wider and struck the elf again. (No…I didn’t roll a 10 again for damage…a 9 should do!) Dazen crumpled under the assault. (“Welcome to DnD!”) Dazen spend time sucking dust, Tenoch continued to be all he could be, and Charity continued to play in the bushes. It wasn’t easy, but Orsik managed to choke down the gnoll where it flailed around in his stomach helplessly. You could see the gnoll’s feet pushing out against the giant toad’s stomach as it tried to break free, but to no avail. “We need to save Dazen!” Ilvander called to the others as he dashed to another tree and let another arrow rip. Whiff! Vech nodded at Ilvander’s words…and continued to stand there blasting gnolls with gleeful abandonment. ZOT! The gnoll in Orsik’s stomach gave one final push with its feet and died. (“BURP!” says the toad.) The pack lord made its way up to the toad and gave it the business end of its glaive. (Yup, that’d be another roll of 10. “Still not my real hit points.” /grumble) Dazen continued taking in the dust. (Yummy.) Tenoch, though bloodied, continued to show the gnolls what is what. Charity burst out from the heavy brush…and found herself standing over Tenoch’s handiwork. Orsik took a bite at the pack lord, but was held at bay by its glaive. Ilvander bound forward to help the druid. Whipped out his shortsword and thrust. Whiff! (“That’s it. Time to get serious. Flurry of Blows!”) Whiff. Whiff. (“Flurry of Misses!” There’s something quite magical that happens to this player’s d20 from time-to-time and it starts confusing itself with a d6. This was one of those times.) The eye from beyond looked upon the pack lord with disdain and then it fell to Vech’s magical assault. The rest of the gnolls were quickly dispatched. (Charity never got to attack, Ilvander never hit, Orsik had indigestion, and Dazen was introduced to the death saving throw mechanics, in which he was successful.) The Companions rendered aid to the suffering villagers and began to escort them back to the Ralttway where they would then make their way to town of Traveler’s Rest. [/QUOTE]
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