A Merc's Life: Howl of the Carrion King [02]

[Scotley]

Keeland

The Bard takes a step back and eases the pull on his bow. "Alright Tsadok, make your attempt, but if it doesn't go well, we'll be ready." He begins to hum softly as he considers his spells in case one is needed.

 

[Scott DeWar]

with his wand at the ready, Harnrey prepares for what he hope never has to happen.

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

The hideous oversize head bounces and rolls to a stop about 20 feet distant from you; it's still grumbling and muttering under it's breath as it slowly rises, gives a good hard shake that sends dust and grit showering down around it, and assumes an air of injured dignity. After a long appraising look at you, he speaks in a sibilant whisper that nevertheless carries clearly across the distance between you.

"Greetings, noble heroes! I bring word from my master Daigh Chroí, a determined and most able practitioner of the arcane arts. He wishes you to know that all who wish to cross the trade bridge must pay his toll or be refused."

 

[mleibrock]

Tsadok

"Tell us about Daigh Chroí and how he came to "Own" this bridge. What is his toll?"

 

[renau1g]

Aodhán cocks his head sideways. "Well... this is certainly unexpected" he thinks to himself as Tsadok speaks.

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

"As I said, he is a mage of no mean power. It was by force of will and mighty magics that he came to claim this bridge, and since he took up his guardianship none has forborne to pay his toll."

His expression changes as he continues, becoming both glum and somewhat sly.

"Indeed, only a most puissant caster could summon one such as I and bind me, all unwilling, to his service."

 

[renau1g]

"Psst... Keeland, Harnry, is he tellin' the truth about the binding?" the abhac whispers backwards to the arcanists

 

[Scotley]

Keeland

"So, is it your job to collect this toll? And what is the toll?"

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

"Psst... Keeland, Harnry, is he tellin' the truth about the binding?" the abhac whispers backwards to the arcanists

[sblock=Harnry/Keeland]Without actually knowing the approximate power of the creature - which you do not - and the method of 'binding' it is difficult to say. It's likely that the master of such a creature would be significantly higher level than you are.[/sblock]

"So, is it your job to collect this toll? And what is the toll?"

The creature shifts his focus to the bard and answers directly. "Nay, my master will collect the toll himself. I spoke pertly to him. Tossing me across this wretched desert was his way of simultaneously teaching me my place and demonstrating his strength you you lest you doubt my word. It is ever my master's way to use such subtleties.

The toll is 10 pieces of gold for each of you."

 

[Leif]

Houwlou Groulenas

"Ten pieces of gold for each of us??!! We're not asking him to build us a new bridge, just to allow us to walk over the one that's already there. Ten pieces of gold for one crossing is, quite literally, highway robbery, but, then I guess you'd gladly pay 10 pieces of gold if it would mean not losing your head, wouldn't you?"

OOC: Can Houwlou make a spellcraft check to notice anything special about the 'head', other than that it is just a head that is talking to us? Raw d20 for Houwlou's spellcraft check (1d20=13) +8=21 - adjusted score

OOC: Incidentally, has Houwou recovered any of his missing con from the stirge fight?

[sblock=stat block, Houwlou]
Houwlou Groulenas - Male Olcán Ranger 2
Initiative: +1, Perception: +8(+2 more smell/sound,+2 more vs. undead),

   HP: 27/27     AC: 17   AC(T): 11   AC(FF): 16
 Init: +01    ST(F):+05   ST(R):+04    S[T(W):+04

  BAB: 02       CMB: +5     CMD: 16

Weapon                  Attack    Damage      Critical     Special
Longsword (MW)*         +5        1d8+3       19-20/x2     +1 TH Gnolls
  Dagger*               +4        1d4+1       19-20/x2     +2 TH/Damage
Longsword (MW)          +3        1d8+3       19-20/x2        (Undead)
  Longsword             +2        1d8+1       19-20/x2     
Javelin                 +3        1d6+3          20/x2     

                        *+7 & +6 TH if using these alone in primary hand

[/sblock]