Kulan: Knightfall's Heroes of Carnell Game [IC]

[Neurotic]

"Single undead. Chained in a room. Doesn't sound dangerous. And leaving him behind us so you or others can free it behind us? I think we should destroy it. If for no other reason, then because he recommends otherwise. And destroying an evil temple is always a worthy deed."

Paladin knows his business.

 

[JustinCase]

Quinn notes the slight look of disappointment on Caerth's face. "Are you all right, my friend?"

”Fine,” Caerth snaps angrily before regaining his calm.

”Just wondering what to do with him,” he adds more gently, nodding at the captured cultist.

"The name given to me by Tarrak is Vesh Trevil. If I had another name once, I do not remember it."

The half-orc steps forward again and grabs the man roughly.

”No-Name, you are an abomination against nature. You’ll be my shield until you repent.”

He drags the man along, fully intent on using him as a human shield in combat.

”Who’s going to try to bullrush open the door?”

 

[JustinCase]

"Single undead. Chained in a room. Doesn't sound dangerous. And leaving him behind us so you or others can free it behind us? I think we should destroy it. If for no other reason, then because he recommends otherwise. And destroying an evil temple is always a worthy deed."

Paladin knows his business.

Caerth nods.

”Fair point, dwarf.”

 

[Knightfall]

"Single undead. Chained in a room. Doesn't sound dangerous. And leaving him behind us so you or others can free it behind us? I think we should destroy it. If for no other reason, then because he recommends otherwise. And destroying an evil temple is always a worthy deed."

Paladin knows his business.

Caerth nods.

”Fair point, dwarf.”

"I agree," Timmins says. "If there is an undead monster back there, we should put its soul to rest before proceeding to the next floor." The old warrior looks at Vesh. "You've told us about below, but what about here? Is there anything else?"

"Yes, there is a large cavern to the northwest filled with fouled air and water. In it is undead creature, an enormous ghoulish frog. Tarrak has told us to leave the creature be and avoid the cavern. To the south of here is another massive cavern. There is a locked iron door, that is trapped, which leads into the cavern. It is filled with hot tar. There is a primordial elemental creature that lives in that cavern. Only Tarrak has dared go in and not recently. I don't know how large it is."

"We might need to put down that undead frog too," Timmins suggests. "I don't think we need to worry about the elemental, but I leave it to you to decide." He motions to Maur and the others.

"I could try to disarm the trap and open the door," Aureus says, her interest piqued.

"If we go in there, will it attack us?" Quinn asks Vesh.

"It will defend its territory," Vesh replies. "But I don't think it will leave the cavern."

"I say ghast first, then deal with the cultists below," Wieland chines in. "If we don't disturb the other creatures, we can deal with them later."

Brutus comes down the stairs and stands beside the paladin dwarf. "I agree with Maur. All foes must be vanquished. We must not get surrounded."

”Fine,” Caerth snaps angrily before regaining his calm.

”Just wondering what to do with him,” he adds more gently, nodding at the captured cultist.

"I think I should take him back with me to Carnell," Gareth suggests. "You don't need him betraying you at some point or using up your food or healing, if he gets hurt." He sighs. "And I'm just slowing you down. I can take Quinten and Meridith with me. The others can stay and fight with you."

Quinten nods glumly.

"I'm not going anywhere," Meridith says defiantly. "I stay with Wieland."

"I could order him to come with me and leave Quinten behind," Gareth tries to insist.

"I would still stay and fight," she replies with her arms crossed. "They need our help."

"Very well," Gareth says. "Brutus?"

"I stay and fight with the dwarf and Sir Quinn."

"Good lad," Quinn says with a grin. The big man is eager for another fight.

"Gareth, you don't need to do this. I've got your back," Timmins says to his old friend.

"The years have not been kind to me, old friend," Gareth replies, wheezing slightly. "I am not in good enough shape for this sort of thing. Maybe ten years ago, I could have still held my own, but now, now I'm a fat sheriff who might need to retire to my garden."

The half-orc steps forward again and grabs the man roughly.

”No-Name, you are an abomination against nature. You’ll be my shield until you repent.”

He drags the man along, fully intent on using him as a human shield in combat.

”Who’s going to try to bullrush open the door?”

"Wait! Hey, no," Vesh says as Caerth grabs him. "You misunderstand! I was only an infant when I was brought here by slavers who sold me to Tarrak. That's why I don't remember my birth name. By Hades Underrealm, I don't even know if I had a birth name!" He looks into Caerth's eyes. "Yes, I did become an acolyte but what other choice did I have? It was that or be fed to the ghouls!"

"Caerth, stop!" Gareth orders the big druid. "He surrendered in good faith and has told us what we asked him! I must honor the agreement and that doesn't include you using him as a human shield!"

"Gareth, I think you need to lower your voice," Timmins says quietly to his friend.

"My friend," Quinn looks at Caerth as he steps in between the half-orc and the sheriff. "This is not you. I think Kang is affecting you." He looks at the cultist. "While I have no love this man, he did surrender. He is our prisoner and we are honorable men."

"And women," Meridith adds.

"Yes," Quinn nods. "We have a code among friends. Not for this man's sake, but for our sake."

Aureus whispers to Phar. "When did Quinn become a sage?"

It becomes deathly quiet in the stairwell for more than a minute.

"I, I am sorry I raised my voice," Gareth says to the young druid. "But I cannot just let you use him this way. I must obey the law and take him with me back to Carnell. He will be locked up and stand trial."

"Please?" Vesh begs Caerth.

OOC: @JustinCase, make a Will save for Caerth vs. DC 12. If he fails, Kang's influence on him grows. I'll leave it up to you to decide how he reacts.

 

[JustinCase]

Caerth barely suppresses a snarl as his actions and then his mind are questioned, but he takes a few breaths before responding to his companions.

”His actions go against nature,” he insists, ”And predators pray on the weak. He is weak.”

Realizing he’s rationalizing his actions, the half-orc druid again takes a few breaths to examine his own feelings. Yes, there is anger, but it is not merely the justified anger about this one man. His previous disillusions play a big part, too, and — is there something more? A foreign influence perhaps?

”It’s not the dagger,” he utters, unconvinced, but nevertheless tucks the blade back in his belt.

Looking at Quinn again, Caerth suddenly finds a way out.

”What does Cruel Justice say?” he asks, looking around to see where the sentient sword is.

OOC: Will save Caerth: 1D20+9 = [14]+9 = 23 Saved! So Kang’s hold does not increase. But does it decrease?

 

[Knightfall]

Caerth barely suppresses a snarl as his actions and then his mind are questioned, but he takes a few breaths before responding to his companions.

”His actions go against nature,” he insists, ”And predators pray on the weak. He is weak.”

Realizing he’s rationalizing his actions, the half-orc druid again takes a few breaths to examine his own feelings. Yes, there is anger, but it is not merely the justified anger about this one man. His previous disillusions play a big part, too, and — is there something more? A foreign influence perhaps?

”It’s not the dagger,” he utters, unconvinced, but nevertheless tucks the blade back in his belt.

Looking at Quinn again, Caerth suddenly finds a way out.

”What does Cruel Justice say?” he asks, looking around to see where the sentient sword is.

"I almost forgot," Quinn replies. "It's been so quiet lately."

He draws the blade, which glows with a inner white light — not a soft light but stark. "Have you been listening, Cruel Justice?"

"Always." The sword intones deeply in the Common tongue. "While Kang could be influencing Caerth, you must remember that its mental power is mainly empathic. At most it is forcing the druid to deal with unresolved feelings."

"You have the sword," the cultist says in awe. "Tarrak would not let any of us touch it where it fell."

"And what should we do with this man who has let villainy into his heart?"

"Justice must be done. The law of the land should be followed. Morality should not dictate his sentence. Not the good or evil in his heart nor his tragic tale of being sold into servitude. His actions alone will determine his fate. If he wishes mercy, he must take up the sword and fight for the justice he has been denied his who life. If he cannot do that, then it is the gallows for him."

"Are we really going to let a magic sword decide a man's fate?" Wieland protests. "I know the blade once belonged to Lord Pendour, but it isn't the law in this land."

"I was as much the law of Carnell as Peregrine was while while he was alive," the blade intones. "But I cannot be judge, jury, and executioner. Lady Pendour, Elisabeth, will be the judge of this man's fate if he chooses not to fight for justice against his former masters."

Quinn looks at Caerth and then at Vesh. "What do you say, man. Will you fight with us to redeem your place in this world or will you go with Sir Gareth and face justice from the lady of this land?"

"The half-orc is right," Vesh says, ashamed. "I am weak. If I fight with you, I'll die. I choose to go with the sheriff to Carnell and face whatever judgement Lord Pendour's widow decides."

"The man has made his choice," Cruel Justice declares. "Take him to face Elisabeth's wrath."

"I accept the sword's decision," Gareth notes. "Quinten and I will take Vesh to Carnell to face justice." He looks to Caerth. "If I can, I'll get Sir Ghal to send a guard contingent to help you here."

"Caerth, is that acceptable to you?" Quinn asks the burly druid.

OOC: Will save Caerth: 1D20+9 = [14]+9 = 23 Saved! So Kang’s hold does not increase. But does it decrease?

OOC: I would say, yes, it does decrease. So, unless any of your PCs object, Sir Gareth and Quinten will leave the way you all arrived with the cultist acolyte, Vesh, in tow. Any of you could make a Diplomacy check to try to bolster the man's courage and convince him to stay and fight alongside the PCs. If he stays, Sir Gareth and Quinten will leave on their own. When they are out of sight, the group will comprise of Caerth, Maur, Phar, and Quinn with Aureus as the primary supporting NPC and Brutus, Meridith, Timmins, and Wieland as secondary NPCs.

 

[JustinCase]

Caerth growls softly in disappointment when Vesh declines to take up arms against his former fellows, but the half-orc nods acceptingly of the sword's decision.

"It's acceptable," he says gruffly, and Caerth releases his hold on the former cultist in order to let him be escorted back to Lady Pendour and the justice he deserves.

His hand reaches for the dagger Kang once more, but quickly recoils and deliberately reaches for his massive spear instead. Nodding his thanks to Gareth, the druid then turns back to the others.

"Let's kill some undead."

 

[Neurotic]

"I wouldn't trust him even if he declared he will fight with us. It is easy thing to say, difficult to do. Better this way."

Maur eyes intelligent weapons warily.
"Caerth, Quinn, remember always that such weapons have agenda of their own. Now...for the undead. I can fortify us or remove the power of its temple. But if it is bound inside, I don't think we would have too much trouble unless it is regenerating."

OOC: I'm at work, I need some time to review the spells to make some smart suggestion

 

[Neurotic]

"So, here is what I can do..." Maur states and then waits for others suggestions
"I can consecrate the area, the cultist said it is dedicated to some foul deity which would empower the undead. I can cut that connection off. I can burn it in a holy storm...but that will shut down ranged attacks too. I can protect your body from physical or magical attacks, but not both easily. All of those will last less than a minute, so I cannot really do them all. I can of course smite the creature, regardless of any magic I can do.

I would say most pressing thing will be shutting off the empowerment of the shrine. But I have to be in the room for that. The rest I can apply before entering. But we have to be quick."

He things for a moment.
"Of course, there is always the option of just shooting the thing to death from afar if possible."

 

[Knightfall]

Caerth growls softly in disappointment when Vesh declines to take up arms against his former fellows, but the half-orc nods acceptingly of the sword's decision.

"It's acceptable," he says gruffly, and Caerth releases his hold on the former cultist in order to let him be escorted back to Lady Pendour and the justice he deserves.

"I wouldn't trust him even if he declared he will fight with us. It is easy thing to say, difficult to do. Better this way."

"Well, that settles that," Meridith says.

Timmins watches glumly as Gareth and Quinten leave.

His hand reaches for the dagger Kang once more, but quickly recoils and deliberately reaches for his massive spear instead. Nodding his thanks to Gareth, the druid then turns back to the others.

"Let's kill some undead."

"Yes, let's make short work of that thing," Quinn agrees.

Maur eyes intelligent weapons warily.
"Caerth, Quinn, remember always that such weapons have agenda of their own. Now...for the undead. I can fortify us or remove the power of its temple. But if it is bound inside, I don't think we would have too much trouble unless it is regenerating."

OOC: I'm at work, I need some time to review the spells to make some smart suggestion

Quinn looks at Cruel Justice and nods. "We and the blade came to an understanding when when first found it when we came out here the first time. Cruel Justice agreed to help us rid this island of the evil infesting it, and we agreed to find a more suitable wielder for it afterwards. Aureus carried the blade for a while but their personalities clashed."

"That is an understatement," Aureus mocks. "CJ has no sense of humor."

"Yes, I must avenge Lord Pendour's death," the sword intones. "So far, Quinn has been acceptable, although I would like to be used more often. He has a love for his spiked chain, which seems a bit unhealthy to me."

"Let's not get into that again," Quinn says with a sigh. "We can fight together against this ghast. Okay?"

"I relish the opportunity to put down an undead abomination."

"CJ?" Brutus says with a grin.

"I insist you use my full name, young one. I only allow Aureus to call me that, begrudgingly."

"Aw, you know you love me," she teases.

The sword says nothing.

"So, here is what I can do..." Maur states and then waits for others suggestions
"I can consecrate the area, the cultist said it is dedicated to some foul deity which would empower the undead. I can cut that connection off. I can burn it in a holy storm...but that will shut down ranged attacks too. I can protect your body from physical or magical attacks, but not both easily. All of those will last less than a minute, so I cannot really do them all. I can of course smite the creature, regardless of any magic I can do.

I would say most pressing thing will be shutting off the empowerment of the shrine. But I have to be in the room for that. The rest I can apply before entering. But we have to be quick."

The group moves back towards the sealed room while they converse.

"The first time we came here, we noted an altar at the far side of the room," Quinn replies. "The ghast appeared from behind it, although we thought it was a chain devil."

"The door had been stuck then, not locked," Aureus adds. "But I should be able to open it. Afterwards, you and Quinn should probably lead the way inside. Even if I managed to surprise it from the side or behind, I won't be able to damage it more with my blade."

"Will we need magic to damage it?" Meridith asks.

"More than likely," Quinn replies.

"Then I'll either have to stay out of this fight or fight with my longsword," Meridith says as she draws her blade. "My crossbow doesn't have an enchantment."

"Both my bow and sickle are magic heirlooms of our family," Wieland adds. "You can take my bow, and I'll fight with my sickle." He unshoulders his bow and passes it to her along with his arrows.

"Yes, this will work," she agrees. "Can you hang on to my crossbow?"

"Sure."

"My axe will serve me fine," Brutus boasts holding up his greataxe. "It is an heirloom of my bloodline."

Timmins stops short of the doorway leading into the worked cavern that had been the slave quarters. "None of my weapons are magical. I've always trusted my skill to get me through ant fight."

"You can borrow my longsword," Meridith offers. "I'll stay back and fire this bow."

"A fine idea, but with my own blade, I might lose some mobility," the old warrior replies. "So, I'll trade you mine."

Quinn is surprised by all the weapon trading, but he's not surprised. These people are from a close-knit community that relies on each other greatly. Once they are finished, he says, "While magic can help when fighting the undead, do not become overconfident. Yes, it is only one ghast, but it has the advantage on its unhallowed ground until Maur can consecrate the room."

There others nod.

Quinn turns to Maur. "I say cast your consecrate spell. We will try to keep it off you until you can finish."

"Aye, I will stand and fight with you, Quinn," Timmins offers.

"As will I," Brutus says with a grin.

Quinn nods.

He thinks [sic] for a moment.
"Of course, there is always the option of just shooting the thing to death from afar if possible."

"That is my plan," Meridith replies.

"My bow has a powerful enchantment, so once I get this door open, I'll be staying back and firing at the thing," Aureus says as she moves to the large iron door and looks at the lock that have been affixed to it. She quickly discovers that there aren't any traps on the door or lock. She takes out her tools and quickly springs open the locking mechanism. "That was way too easy."

She steps to the side of the door and readies her bow.

Quinn nods to Maur and the others. "Ready?"

OOC: Aureus - Search for traps and Open Lock check: 1D20+10 = [10]+10 = 20 1D20+18 = [19]+18 = 37 (success)