(CSRHoD) Creamsteak's Red Hand of Doom II [IC]

[Creamsteak]

Upon hearing Pender's response the guard captain gains a stern look in his eyes. "It's been over a year that you've been reported missing. If you had died out there, it would have been tragic, certainly. However, it was you that left us, not the ther way around. You abandoned your responsibilities, whether for good or ill, and now you've wandered back home into the waiting arms of your commander. I'm afraid that I can't simply let you walk off this one."

Lord Jarmaath then responds, "What exactly are you talking about commander?"

"This man was a member of the guard, signed on for a six year term, and served only three before he vanished into the vale."

"I see. So then what are you planning to do?"

"Nothing, yet. If we were to chain him up, as is usually the case, he would have to spend the next six years in the dungeon to make up for the three years of duty he hasn't served. Given circumstances as they are, however, we already pardoned most men that were of sound mind and body if they would enlist for the time being."

Upon hearing Larian's story and Tyrla's questions the nobles ask to hear more.

"It would do us well to know everything we can about this 'Red Hand Horde' and their efforts. Please... fill us in on everything that you know. We have heard many different stories at this point... about different kinds of attackers. Worg riders, manticores, dragons, ogres, hobgoblins of all kinds, and dragonspawn. What were they keeping in Rhest exactly?"

"That horrible phylactery is a terrible sign. You should see to it's destruction immediately. We can aid you if it's necessary."

"We have the map. One of Jarmaath's Lion's brought it in. She was swiftly promoted and then sent out again. We've already made a few copies, and corrected for some of the goblin... embellishments."

 

[Pinotage]

Avril - Human Druid - AC 18 - hp 49/49 - Spot +13 - Listen +13
Mandla - Riding Dog - AC 25 - hp 45/45 - Spot +5 - Listen +5

Avril had introduced herself as 'Avril of the Forest People', and while she listened to the initial talk and introductions, she had to admit that she was relieved that they had managed to see this 'Council of War' so quickly.

"I do not believe that we can destroy the lich's phylactery, my lords and lady," she started. "As I understand it, the Red Hand Horde was holding this to force the Ghostlord to act on their behalf in some manner or to do them some service. Blackmail, if you will. I think the Ghostlord is beholden too them. In the witchwood the spirits of the Forest spoke to us, and told us that we could strike a mighty blow against this horde in the Thornwaste. It must mean somehow ending the alliance between the Ghostlord and the Horde. And for that we need the phylactery."

She turned to her friends. "I apologise for the hasty answers and questions," she stammered, "but do you have word about how the Horde is progressing? Some knowledge of how much time we have will make this discussion easier and our future plans clearer. After that, we can fill you in on all manner of creatures, razorfiends, undead dragons and other creatures we have seen."

[SBLOCK=OOC]OOC:

Spells and Abilities Active:

Spells Cast and Abilities/Items Used:

Spells Prepared (Normal 6/4/3/2/1, Wis 0/1/1/1/0):

Level 0 (6): Cure Minor Wounds (3), Detect Magic (2), Guidance
Level 1 (5): Cure Light Wounds, Enrage Animal, Faerie Fire, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame
Level 2 (4): Barkskin (2), Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace
Level 3 (3): Call Lightning, Cure Moderate Wounds, Spike Growth
Level 4 (1): Flame Strike

Avril's Character Sheet [/SBLOCK]

 

[Creamsteak]

"Our last report put them at Nimon Gap sometime this evening."

 

[Pinotage]

Avril - Human Druid - AC 18 - hp 49/49 - Spot +13 - Listen +13
Mandla - Riding Dog - AC 25 - hp 45/45 - Spot +5 - Listen +5

"Nimon Gap!" Avril surprise probably sound far louder than she had hoped. Her face paled in conjuction as well. "Then Tellerton is destroyed? And the refugees? What of Talar? Have they evacuated?" She seemed stricked by the horror that had likely unfolded along the Dawn Way. People losing friends, family and homes. And all likely hoping for a miracle here at Brindol, but she didn't believe even Brindol would stand.

"That puts the army..." She paused for some thought, trying to recall their earlier journey and the pace she'd expect the army to move. "... two weeks - maybe less if they push and try to make up for lost time after Skull Gorge. And advance parties will be here sooner. It would take them that amount of time just to reach the Thornwaste, and they'd have to pass through the army to reach it. Going around would take even longer.

"I'm sorry." She finally concluded her words with a mute word of grief. "I think most of what you've heard is likely true. Or worse. The army is vast, vile and filled with creatures unimaginable. Giants, dragons, flying beasts, goblinoids of all kinds, powerful masters, worgs and their riders, dragon spawn... It's all true. Collapsing the bridge as Skull Gorge had not kept them away for long."

She looked at her allies. "I don't think we can help here beyond planning. If we're to try something, then the Thornwaste is where we're needed. To stop whatever help the Ghostlord is giving this army. If that can slow them down, or ally creatures to us, we must try."

[SBLOCK=OOC]OOC:

Spells and Abilities Active:

Spells Cast and Abilities/Items Used:

Spells Prepared (Normal 6/4/3/2/1, Wis 0/1/1/1/0):

Level 0 (6): Cure Minor Wounds (3), Detect Magic (2), Guidance
Level 1 (5): Cure Light Wounds, Enrage Animal, Faerie Fire, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame
Level 2 (4): Barkskin (2), Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace
Level 3 (3): Call Lightning, Cure Moderate Wounds, Spike Growth
Level 4 (1): Flame Strike

Avril's Character Sheet [/SBLOCK]

 

[Herobizkit]

Penders eyes narrowed. After a brief, agonizing moment, he exhaled through his nose and lowered his gaze. The Captain was right; he chose to leave the Guard with typical youthful bravado and his head full of idealism.

His idealism became sullied as he lived the reality of the war and witnessed its effects upon everyone involved - human, humanoid, and monster alike. With cold, objective clarity, he now understood why he had been ordered to guard the foodstores... not because the leaders wished to safeguard their treasures, but to prevent the people from taking more than their fair share. In times of war, the ability to strech the available food supply during a shortage was far more important than feeding the mouths of a few hungry families. Pragmatism had taken root in Pender's heart, and it felt... heartless.

Instead of returning to Brindol a hero, Pender returned as a fugutive and a deserter of the land which he had sworn to protect and defend.

Chastised, Pender remained silent.

 

[Creamsteak]

"Surely you don't need to leave now? The horde is coming here soon. If the goblins are supposed to be holding this phylactery then destroying it is just as good? You should at least try..."

Bump mostly.

 

[Redclaw]

While I agree that the destruction of the phylactery would be a good thing in regards to the long term safety of Brindol, I fear that such an act might provoke the Ghostlord to greater antagonism against your city, rather than convincing him to remain neutral in the coming conflict. For now we should tolerate the less immediate evil in order to vanquish the more. Larian pauses to find a way to make this plan amenable to both sides. Finally, he carefully speaks to the priestess. Lady Goldenbrow, I have known holy servants to seek guidance from their patrons in times of doubt, to ask if a certain path would produce a favorable outcome, or a dark one. Would you be willing to give such an augury about the destruction of the phylactery, so that we could know we take the best path for the good of Brindol?

Trying to get her to cast augury.

 

[pathfinderq1]

Tyrla nodded her head in agreement with Larian's assessment. "Indeed, some manner of divination might be valuable. And if there is some kind of offering involved, we might be able to provide that. We want to help, but so far most of our experience has been in small groups- it seems likely that we would be useful in matters other than large battles between armies. I fear that if we do head out to deal with the Ghostlord, we might not make it back here before the horde arrived- it would be terrible if such a journey were a wasted one..."

 

[Creamsteak]

"An augury? If you wish, I can take that up on the 'morrow. It would take a bit of preparation for the spell. I assure you that all divinations of the events to come are... not very reassuring..."

His lordship looks at his maps, "Good then, you'll be staying the night? I can arrange for you to have beds here in the castle. It might not be comfortable, but I think having a few local heroes around might up the spirits of some of our less excited soldiers. Would that be acceptable? I warn you, the castle gets very cold at night."

 

[Arkhandus]

Warren speaks up with "D'ya really wanna leave a powerful, ghostly undead fighting yer forces or headin' straight for ya to kill the leaders? What's to stop 'im? These Red Hand goons blackmailed 'im by takin' his phylactery, so he'll do anything to get it back, I think. Who knows how many other specters, wraiths, ghosts, an' such this Ghostlord fellow has in his service? Or how many he might make by stealin' the souls of your dead durin' the fighting. Wouldn't destroying the phylactery just tick him off so much worse? If we bring 'im the bargaining chip the gobbos stole, he might turn on them in wrath for being used as a free merc. Or at least he won't likely bother ya durin' this war. I ain't no general, but that's just good strategy. Tickin' off major undead ain't."

Taking a breath, the halfling finishes with "So I say we try to turn this Ghostlord into an ally 'gainst the Red Hand, or at least get 'im off your backs. Then get back to screwin' up the enemy's activities. Maybe seek out their supply lines or base camps."