JollyDoc's Shackled City: FINAL POST [Updated 11/2!!]
- Thread starter gfunk
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JollyDoc
Explorer
Longbow said:I´m very curious what the characters in the SH will do with the pillars. I had a blast in my campaign when my players dealt with them (evil laughter). Oh, what fun.
Very anxious to read the update!
This past Sunday, we completed the Soul Pillars, but as of yet, the group does not know their power. That will be covered in our session this week.
Joachim
First Post
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?
“This town has changed, and Kord knows not for the better.” Grimm tore another chunk out of the massive turkey leg in his hand. Solemly, every other head around the table nodded in agreement.
It had been a few weeks since the Bright Axes had returned from the vault of the Black Egg. Based upon the current state of affairs they had all agreed to meet every few nights at the Tipped Tankard to catch up and share information. If nothing else, it was an opportunity for friends to eat a meal together, except for Caine, who refused to consume a creature’s flesh or drink alcohol.
Tilly choked down a bite of cheese with a long pull from his flagon of ale. “I’m just glad to know that Shensen made it out of the Lucky Monkey alive. Being able to transform oneself into a cheetah to run away is pretty handy.”
“Aye, lad, but remember that she lost one dear to her when Wathros fell,” chimed Rusty. “She’s still sufferin’ from it, I can tell ye.”
Caine pursed his lips. “I am growing very concerned with the new city ‘guard’ that the local mayor has hired. Orcs and half-orcs are one thing, but unleashing true ogres on the city could be catastrophic. Ogres are not known for being very civilized.” Noting Grimm’s sinking posture, Caine added, “Present company excluded, of course, but there are already numerous stories of ‘ogre justice’ being applied to commoners.”
Grimm nodded his agreement, but the look on his face admitted shame for being associated, if only by blood, with the abuse that was being inflicted on the city. “Does anyone else find it unusual that many of the city patrols include at least one of Kelemvor’s clergy? None of the other churches are represented, and you would think that the Tyrites would have some say as to the dealing of local law enforcement.”
Kiko cleared his throat. “What I find to be the most disconcerting is how the local adventuring troupes are taking all of this without any hint of civil disobedience. If any have the inkling or the ability to stand up to the local government, it would be the other adventurers like us.”
Dalthon entered the conversation. “Luckily for my family and my city, the war with Red Gorge appears to have been averted. However, I feel that if the oppressive government here is allowed to reign unchecked, then it will only be a matter of time before it spreads to the surrounding areas.”
Every head around the table nodded. No one else spoke. Nothing else needed to be said. The silence around the table was palpable as each of the Bright Axes finished their meal. At one point Grimm and Tilly looked at each other quizzically as they realized that something was odd about how quiet they were. Everything was quiet. The bar. The clientele. The streets outside.
All sound had been eliminated.
The door to the Tipped Tankard burst open with no sound, and two figures rushed into the room, their intent obviously not to parlay. One was a half-orc, obviously a warrior. The second figure was a lean human female wearing studded leather armor and an amulet around her neck. The symbol on the amulet showed a slender ebon hand wearing several silver rings. Rusty’s eyes grew large when he realized he was looking at a human follower of Kiriansalee, the drow goddess of undeath. A third robed assailant trailed behind the first, but was shrouded in invisibility. The patrons at the inn observed the entry, and most of their jaws dropped with surprise.
The Bright Axes instantly recognized the threat for what it was, and Kiko and Tilly jumped up simultaneously and charged at the half-orc. Kiko kicked the warrior in the sternum, hoping to wind him, but the half-orc shook off the blow. Tilly rushed in and stabbed towards the orc’s midsection, striking only air.
The half-orc looked down at the diminutive rogue, and raised his axe over his head. Tilly tried to dodge the blow, but the orc struck true. The axe connected with Tilly at the base of his neck, and cut through to the halfling’s navel before stopping. With a jerk, the half-orc extruded his axe from the now dead halfling, flinging the corpse eight feet away.
Before the others even cry out in shock and grief, the Kiriansallean began silently gesturing, and a burst of light jumped from the palm of her hand and struck Rusty in the chest. The dwarf gritted his teeth in pain. The invisible wizard likewise began similar wordless gesticulations, and a bolt of electricity arced towards Grimm. At the last moment, the ring on Grimm’s right hand flashed and the half-ogre nimbly ducked out of the way, avoiding harm from the lightning. Grimm smiled when he realized that the Ring of Evasion taken from the half-dragon troll had saved his bacon. The wizard’s invisibility did not end with the offensive action.
Dalthon stood up, realizing that his enemies were covered in many spells increasing their combat effectiveness. He was outside the area of effect of the silencing magick, so he was able to cast effectively. The aasimar sorcerer cast a spell to negate some of the spells already cast. The silencing effect did not go away, but Dalthon knew that he had removed some of the assassins’ magical protections and augmentations.
Kiko sized up the warrior in front of him. He had obliterated Tilly in one swipe, and the monk thought quickly as to how to neutralize the half-orc. Crouching on all fours, Kiko spun on the ground, his legs flailing outwards. The monk caught the half-orc in the ankle with his foot, and the warrior toppled to the ground face-first. Kiko repeatedly struck the now prone half-orc in the face and chest, hoping to hear the satisfying sound of the assassin’s neck snapping. Kiko was not given the satisfaction.
Rusty knew that he had to act quickly, before Tilly’s soul departed for Elysium. The Mystran cast a spell of revivification, and channeled a powerful burst of positive energy into his hand. The dwarf hustled into the area of magical silence and knelt before Tilly’s corpse, touching it. The spell discharged, and Tilly’s mortal wounds closed over. The halfling choked and drew a breath of air, but never regained consciousness. Rusty nodded in approval.
Grimm finally responded to the growing melee. Standing up from his chair, the half-ogre spun his chain low, and caught the Kiriansaleean about the ankle, and then gave a great tug. Amazingly, the human resisted, and with a jerk sent the four-hundred pound-plus half-ogre sprawling. Angered and humiliated, the half-ogre stood once again, a look of hatred in his eyes.
The cleric-assassin watched his warrior comrade being beaten badly by the monk, and decided that he needed to even the score there. Somersaulting away from Grimm’s chain, the human landed solidly next to the prone half-orc and silently channeled positive energy. The half-orcs wounds began closing, and he stood up, striking at the monk. Gobbets of Kiko’s blood splashed on the ground, and the monk staggered back for a moment, clutching his stomach.
Shaking off the pain, the Monk of the Yellow Rose remembered his training. Pain could be controlled by the strong-willed, and Kiko knew that he could fight on despite serious wounds. Again the monk lashed out at the half-orc’s legs. Again, the warrior toppled. Kiko continued his assault on the once-again prone warrior.
Rusty recognized that there was an arcanist somewhere within the silenced area, and that he was using silent spellcasting. The dwarf did not like that, and knew that an area spell was called for. Rusty cast a diamond spray where he knew it would catch all of his enemies. The cleric and half-orc took damage from the shards of crystal, but the dwarf didn’t know about the wizard. Looking at Grimm, Rusty asked, “Is the wizard dead?” Grimm grinned, and replied, “As a doornail. Nice work.”
The half-orc, upon hearing of the fate of the wizard snarled and jumped up. Kiko moved quickly to dodge, but stumbled on a table leg behind him. The monk was not used to maneuvering in such obstructed space, and this proved to be his doom. The half-orc’s axe sliced low, and slit Kiko’s belly from end to end. Clutching his innards and twitching, the monk dropped to the ground and died.
Grimm did not let the half-orc take another of his friends. After four quick strokes, the half-orc fell to the ground, having been separated from his head. As a continuation of his final strike, Grimm snapped one blow at the Kiriansaleean. Seeing the hopelessness of the situation, the cleric bolted out the front door to the tavern and ran down the street.
Caine, inactive in the combat until the end, jumped to Grimm and cast a spell of flight on him. “Bring me that cleric. Alive.” Grimm nodded and quickly floated out of the door.
Rusty, realizing the death of their monk companion, casually strode forward and revivified him as he had done to Tilly. The dwarf shook his head as he looked at the carnage. The barkeep, done hiding behind his bar, slowly stood up and flashed a small smile at the Mystran. “Thanks. I sure am glad you guys were here.” The dwarf pondered this. “I’m thinkin’ that we’re the reason that we got to see these blighters tonight…this was no random robbery attempt.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Grimm chased the cleric around an alleyway and found…nothing. Peering about intently, the half-ogre knew that she had to be hiding somewhere nearby. His keen ears did not detect anything, but that meant little. Grimm waited, and then realized that spellcasting was going on just ahead of him. An inky black cloud descended on him, and Grimm felt pain. No matter, he knew where his quarry waited now. The half-ogre charged and form-tackled the woman. Wrapping his arms around her neck, he slowly began to squeeze the consciousness out of her.
The woman squirmed and tried to escape, but to no avail. She would not escape Grimm’s grasp. Fortune somewhat smiled on her when a pair of ogres and a group of orcs appeared, led by a cleric of Kelemvor. “There, you two!! Stop this instant in the name of the Mayor!!” Grimm, relented for a moment, and then released the woman.
The Kelemvorite spoke in a condescending tone, “We learned of the trouble that you two were causing in the Tipped Tankard. You are both under arrest!”
Grimm shouted, “ARREST! I was simply eating with my comrades, and this bitch and her bastard cohorts blind-sided us. How dare you put us under suspicion. Ask anyone there, and they will tell you what happened.”
Smugly, the woman told the Kelemvorite, “How can you trust him, he’s an ogre. He and his comrades attacked us. Two of my associates are now dead thanks to this murderous bunch.”
At that moment, Dalthan and Caine rounded the corner and witnessed the event. Caine stepped forward, his nimbus of light shining brightly. “Gentlemen, we wish for no further blood to be spilled this night. Grimm, drop your weapons. Justice will prevail, and we will be found to be innocent.”
Grimm spat, “Justice? From these lawless brigands? Caine, you must be joking. I refuse to submit.”
The Kelemvorite interrupted, “If you do not submit, my large friends here will beat you until you lie bloodied and twitching on the ground. Drop your weapons, or we shall assume you to be resisting arrest and will be forced to deal with you as such.” The insinuated threat did not need to be uttered. Grimm knew what would happen if he didn’t comply.
With a clang, Grimm’s spiked chain hit the ground. The questioning began.
“This town has changed, and Kord knows not for the better.” Grimm tore another chunk out of the massive turkey leg in his hand. Solemly, every other head around the table nodded in agreement.
It had been a few weeks since the Bright Axes had returned from the vault of the Black Egg. Based upon the current state of affairs they had all agreed to meet every few nights at the Tipped Tankard to catch up and share information. If nothing else, it was an opportunity for friends to eat a meal together, except for Caine, who refused to consume a creature’s flesh or drink alcohol.
Tilly choked down a bite of cheese with a long pull from his flagon of ale. “I’m just glad to know that Shensen made it out of the Lucky Monkey alive. Being able to transform oneself into a cheetah to run away is pretty handy.”
“Aye, lad, but remember that she lost one dear to her when Wathros fell,” chimed Rusty. “She’s still sufferin’ from it, I can tell ye.”
Caine pursed his lips. “I am growing very concerned with the new city ‘guard’ that the local mayor has hired. Orcs and half-orcs are one thing, but unleashing true ogres on the city could be catastrophic. Ogres are not known for being very civilized.” Noting Grimm’s sinking posture, Caine added, “Present company excluded, of course, but there are already numerous stories of ‘ogre justice’ being applied to commoners.”
Grimm nodded his agreement, but the look on his face admitted shame for being associated, if only by blood, with the abuse that was being inflicted on the city. “Does anyone else find it unusual that many of the city patrols include at least one of Kelemvor’s clergy? None of the other churches are represented, and you would think that the Tyrites would have some say as to the dealing of local law enforcement.”
Kiko cleared his throat. “What I find to be the most disconcerting is how the local adventuring troupes are taking all of this without any hint of civil disobedience. If any have the inkling or the ability to stand up to the local government, it would be the other adventurers like us.”
Dalthon entered the conversation. “Luckily for my family and my city, the war with Red Gorge appears to have been averted. However, I feel that if the oppressive government here is allowed to reign unchecked, then it will only be a matter of time before it spreads to the surrounding areas.”
Every head around the table nodded. No one else spoke. Nothing else needed to be said. The silence around the table was palpable as each of the Bright Axes finished their meal. At one point Grimm and Tilly looked at each other quizzically as they realized that something was odd about how quiet they were. Everything was quiet. The bar. The clientele. The streets outside.
All sound had been eliminated.
The door to the Tipped Tankard burst open with no sound, and two figures rushed into the room, their intent obviously not to parlay. One was a half-orc, obviously a warrior. The second figure was a lean human female wearing studded leather armor and an amulet around her neck. The symbol on the amulet showed a slender ebon hand wearing several silver rings. Rusty’s eyes grew large when he realized he was looking at a human follower of Kiriansalee, the drow goddess of undeath. A third robed assailant trailed behind the first, but was shrouded in invisibility. The patrons at the inn observed the entry, and most of their jaws dropped with surprise.
The Bright Axes instantly recognized the threat for what it was, and Kiko and Tilly jumped up simultaneously and charged at the half-orc. Kiko kicked the warrior in the sternum, hoping to wind him, but the half-orc shook off the blow. Tilly rushed in and stabbed towards the orc’s midsection, striking only air.
The half-orc looked down at the diminutive rogue, and raised his axe over his head. Tilly tried to dodge the blow, but the orc struck true. The axe connected with Tilly at the base of his neck, and cut through to the halfling’s navel before stopping. With a jerk, the half-orc extruded his axe from the now dead halfling, flinging the corpse eight feet away.
Before the others even cry out in shock and grief, the Kiriansallean began silently gesturing, and a burst of light jumped from the palm of her hand and struck Rusty in the chest. The dwarf gritted his teeth in pain. The invisible wizard likewise began similar wordless gesticulations, and a bolt of electricity arced towards Grimm. At the last moment, the ring on Grimm’s right hand flashed and the half-ogre nimbly ducked out of the way, avoiding harm from the lightning. Grimm smiled when he realized that the Ring of Evasion taken from the half-dragon troll had saved his bacon. The wizard’s invisibility did not end with the offensive action.
Dalthon stood up, realizing that his enemies were covered in many spells increasing their combat effectiveness. He was outside the area of effect of the silencing magick, so he was able to cast effectively. The aasimar sorcerer cast a spell to negate some of the spells already cast. The silencing effect did not go away, but Dalthon knew that he had removed some of the assassins’ magical protections and augmentations.
Kiko sized up the warrior in front of him. He had obliterated Tilly in one swipe, and the monk thought quickly as to how to neutralize the half-orc. Crouching on all fours, Kiko spun on the ground, his legs flailing outwards. The monk caught the half-orc in the ankle with his foot, and the warrior toppled to the ground face-first. Kiko repeatedly struck the now prone half-orc in the face and chest, hoping to hear the satisfying sound of the assassin’s neck snapping. Kiko was not given the satisfaction.
Rusty knew that he had to act quickly, before Tilly’s soul departed for Elysium. The Mystran cast a spell of revivification, and channeled a powerful burst of positive energy into his hand. The dwarf hustled into the area of magical silence and knelt before Tilly’s corpse, touching it. The spell discharged, and Tilly’s mortal wounds closed over. The halfling choked and drew a breath of air, but never regained consciousness. Rusty nodded in approval.
Grimm finally responded to the growing melee. Standing up from his chair, the half-ogre spun his chain low, and caught the Kiriansaleean about the ankle, and then gave a great tug. Amazingly, the human resisted, and with a jerk sent the four-hundred pound-plus half-ogre sprawling. Angered and humiliated, the half-ogre stood once again, a look of hatred in his eyes.
The cleric-assassin watched his warrior comrade being beaten badly by the monk, and decided that he needed to even the score there. Somersaulting away from Grimm’s chain, the human landed solidly next to the prone half-orc and silently channeled positive energy. The half-orcs wounds began closing, and he stood up, striking at the monk. Gobbets of Kiko’s blood splashed on the ground, and the monk staggered back for a moment, clutching his stomach.
Shaking off the pain, the Monk of the Yellow Rose remembered his training. Pain could be controlled by the strong-willed, and Kiko knew that he could fight on despite serious wounds. Again the monk lashed out at the half-orc’s legs. Again, the warrior toppled. Kiko continued his assault on the once-again prone warrior.
Rusty recognized that there was an arcanist somewhere within the silenced area, and that he was using silent spellcasting. The dwarf did not like that, and knew that an area spell was called for. Rusty cast a diamond spray where he knew it would catch all of his enemies. The cleric and half-orc took damage from the shards of crystal, but the dwarf didn’t know about the wizard. Looking at Grimm, Rusty asked, “Is the wizard dead?” Grimm grinned, and replied, “As a doornail. Nice work.”
The half-orc, upon hearing of the fate of the wizard snarled and jumped up. Kiko moved quickly to dodge, but stumbled on a table leg behind him. The monk was not used to maneuvering in such obstructed space, and this proved to be his doom. The half-orc’s axe sliced low, and slit Kiko’s belly from end to end. Clutching his innards and twitching, the monk dropped to the ground and died.
Grimm did not let the half-orc take another of his friends. After four quick strokes, the half-orc fell to the ground, having been separated from his head. As a continuation of his final strike, Grimm snapped one blow at the Kiriansaleean. Seeing the hopelessness of the situation, the cleric bolted out the front door to the tavern and ran down the street.
Caine, inactive in the combat until the end, jumped to Grimm and cast a spell of flight on him. “Bring me that cleric. Alive.” Grimm nodded and quickly floated out of the door.
Rusty, realizing the death of their monk companion, casually strode forward and revivified him as he had done to Tilly. The dwarf shook his head as he looked at the carnage. The barkeep, done hiding behind his bar, slowly stood up and flashed a small smile at the Mystran. “Thanks. I sure am glad you guys were here.” The dwarf pondered this. “I’m thinkin’ that we’re the reason that we got to see these blighters tonight…this was no random robbery attempt.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Grimm chased the cleric around an alleyway and found…nothing. Peering about intently, the half-ogre knew that she had to be hiding somewhere nearby. His keen ears did not detect anything, but that meant little. Grimm waited, and then realized that spellcasting was going on just ahead of him. An inky black cloud descended on him, and Grimm felt pain. No matter, he knew where his quarry waited now. The half-ogre charged and form-tackled the woman. Wrapping his arms around her neck, he slowly began to squeeze the consciousness out of her.
The woman squirmed and tried to escape, but to no avail. She would not escape Grimm’s grasp. Fortune somewhat smiled on her when a pair of ogres and a group of orcs appeared, led by a cleric of Kelemvor. “There, you two!! Stop this instant in the name of the Mayor!!” Grimm, relented for a moment, and then released the woman.
The Kelemvorite spoke in a condescending tone, “We learned of the trouble that you two were causing in the Tipped Tankard. You are both under arrest!”
Grimm shouted, “ARREST! I was simply eating with my comrades, and this bitch and her bastard cohorts blind-sided us. How dare you put us under suspicion. Ask anyone there, and they will tell you what happened.”
Smugly, the woman told the Kelemvorite, “How can you trust him, he’s an ogre. He and his comrades attacked us. Two of my associates are now dead thanks to this murderous bunch.”
At that moment, Dalthan and Caine rounded the corner and witnessed the event. Caine stepped forward, his nimbus of light shining brightly. “Gentlemen, we wish for no further blood to be spilled this night. Grimm, drop your weapons. Justice will prevail, and we will be found to be innocent.”
Grimm spat, “Justice? From these lawless brigands? Caine, you must be joking. I refuse to submit.”
The Kelemvorite interrupted, “If you do not submit, my large friends here will beat you until you lie bloodied and twitching on the ground. Drop your weapons, or we shall assume you to be resisting arrest and will be forced to deal with you as such.” The insinuated threat did not need to be uttered. Grimm knew what would happen if he didn’t comply.
With a clang, Grimm’s spiked chain hit the ground. The questioning began.
ltclnlbrain
First Post
Great update, as usual! Those assassins were nasty: luckily Rusty was around to save the day.
Heh, I can't wait to see how that turns out. My players had enough problems with the bone devil, and I can only imagine how hard it was with an ice devil in its stead.
JollyDoc said:
Heh, I can't wait to see how that turns out. My players had enough problems with the bone devil, and I can only imagine how hard it was with an ice devil in its stead.
Neverwinter Knight
First Post
I couldn't agree more !!! Without Rusty they'd be leveling down instead of up...ltclnlbrain said:
But how nasty did JollyDoc play the assassins? What did the half-orc do to Tilly? Critical hit, poison, magic enhancements or all of that? Poor Tilly, to drop dead after just one hit.
Looking forward to the trashing of the bad guys.
NWK
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