[LPF] Lost Imperium

[Systole]

Mirra pauses, then digs in her satchel for a book. Flipping rapidly though the pages, she begins talking, "L ... L,E ... Lesovik ... Lesovik's challenge. Yes, I remember! Yes ... yes ... " She rapidly scans the pages, then deflates. When she continues, it's hard for her to keep the note of disapproval out of her voice. "Oh. Oh, I see. One of the Old Gods. Red in tooth and claw, and all that. And this man with the axe, he was supposed to be the ritual defender, except the King of Wolves decided to remove the competition beforehand. Clever, I suppose, but I'm not sure that's in keeping with the spirit of the contest."

Mirra pauses, then looks at Matta Sofya and continues. "But there's an innocent involved, isn't there?" Though it's phrased as a question, the tone is that of a statement. "I won't leave an innocent to be slaughtered. I won't. I'll support whoever chooses to bear the axe. Or I'll take it, if no one else does, although an axe isn't really my sort of weapon." She glances at Princess Valeriya, and then shifts her gaze back to the wise woman. "And these tales have a structure, don't they? It's never just any innocent. It's always an innocent with a true connection to the land."

[sblock=OOC]K:Religion (with book) (1d20+11=26)[/sblock][sblock=Mini Stats]Mirra Weathersmith

AC: 18+2 (13+2 flat-footed, 15 touch)
HP: 28/28
CMB: +4 CMD: 17
Fort: +4 Reflex: +7 Will: +2

Perception: +7
Initiative: +3

Bombs: 9/10
Cognatogen Prepared: Intelligence
1st Level: 4/4
2nd Level: 1/2
Extracts Prepared: None

Current Weapon in Hand: Bomb (+6, x2, 2d6+4), Longspear (+4, x2, 1d8+1, Cold Iron/Reach)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

Used Items:
None
[/sblock]

 

[Commander_Fallout]

Samad stroked his chin. He knew it wasn't truly any of his concern, but this plight struck a chord with him. He asked, "Tell me please, what should happen if you fail to find the next hunter, or if your chosen should fail? What does this "king" of the wolves gain if he should win?"

 

[perrinmiller]

Pirvinia von Lichenstein, Human Female

Pirvinia was not overjoyed.

It was not the prospect of the contest itself and the noble desire of her companions to take it on. She would not want to so anyone hurt if they could prevent it. No, she was unhappy because she feared that stupid axe in her saddlebags might have a mind of its own and decide she was supposed to be the next hunter. She did not want to be cursed nor wield the weapon herself standing alone. She was a sorceress, dammit, not a thuggish warrior!

She breathed in heavily to calm herself and answered carefully, “I can agree that we should deal with the King of Wolves now since the temple can wait a few more day. We let it wait for us to bring Garadh back here for healing.”

“However… I too would like to know more about the contest. I happen to have that magical axe amongst my belongings already, but I am no lone hunter…”

“Hmm. Well, actually, I could purchase a potion of flying and then deal with the wolf king myself if he doesn’t believe ranged weapons.” Safe from a wolf’s bite and caws, she was more than capable of blasting any single foe with her magic.

[sblock=Mini-stats]Privinia von Lichenstein
Initiative: +8, Perception: +6 (8 with Mazi)
AC: 13 (17 w/ Mage Armor) (Touch 13, Flat-footed 11)->
HP: 32 Current: 32
CMD: 12, Fort: +3, Ref: +3, Will: +5 (Add +1 to Saves with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Eschew Materials, PBS, Precise Shot, Ring of Sustenance

Weapon in Hand: None
Spells Remaining: 1st Level: 8/8, 2nd Level: 5/5

Mazi
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision; Perception: +13
AC: 19 (Touch 16, flat-footed 17)
HP: 16 Current: 16
Fort: +0, Ref: +4, Will: +6
Conditions in effect: Improved Evasion, Empathic Link
Weapon in Hand: Bite [Att: +8, dmg: 1d2-5(1 non-lethal)]

Combat Trained Light Horse
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision, Scent; Perception: +6
AC: 13 (Touch 9, flat-footed 13)
HP: 15 Current: 15
Fort: +6, Ref: +5, Will: +1
Conditions in effect: War-trained, 50ft movement
Weapon in Hand: 2 Hooves [Att: +3, dmg: 1d4+3][/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

Matta Sofya nods in response to Tsaaruk. ”It would seem the Wolf King is using desperate and unusual tactics. Perhaps Lesovik would not object to our countering his tactics in similar manner. As for the challenge…

Brother Goswald interrupts, ”The temple and its squatters haven’t moved beyond its fallen walls since I left here to acquire your services. What can they do in the few days until we can return? This seems the more pressing and the service we have arranged can wait if that is your decision. You’ll get no condemnation from me.”

”As for the challenge, yes, an innocent is chosen, has been chosen.”

”My sister, Polina,” says Valeriya, ”Will don the crimson cloak. I would take her place but I am too old.” Tears of frustration well up in the young woman’s eyes.

”I wore the crimson cloak myself when I was a girl and still I can tell you little of the challenge; the details are different each time. There is a ritual at dusk, when the girl takes on the cloak and enters sacred ways of the forest. The Hunter sits vigil until dawn. Then he or she can enter the forest after the girl. There are tests and often a confrontation with the Wolf King.”

Matta Sofya looks like she will continue her explanation of the challenge but takes a long indrawn breath. As she does so she seems to subtley grow in stature and exudes an aura of calm and insight. Her eyes roll back in her head and gleam with a golden light. ”Choice, catechism, and consequence lie before you. You shall pass through places that were ancient before the birth of iron, and iron will avail you little there. Knowledge of the old ways is better than sword or shield. Not all that is devoured is dead and gone, and when offered a choice the brave may earn a great reward by boldly saying ‘all’.” After her pronouncement Matta Sofya exhales and the gleam fades and she seems to shrink back into herself.

[sblock=OOC]Not ignoring Samad's question; just didn't want to make this post too long.[/sblock][sblock=Pics]

. . . . Jyman Trout . . . . . . . Brother Goswald . . . . . . . . . . Valeriya . . . . . .

. . . . . King Danyll . . . . . . . . . Queen Raisa . . . . . . . . Matta Sofya . . . . .
[/sblock]

 

[Systole]

Mirra nods grimly. "Ancient before the birth of iron? Fine." She takes a glowing flask from her belt and flicks it with a fingernail. A clear tone rings through the hall, and the alchemist's eyes burn with celestial fury. "But ancient before the birth of fire? Oh, I think not. I think fire was ancient before they were birthed. And I will not see an innocent harmed."

She stands, rigid with righteous anger. "I will trade my iron for silver. And I will bring such knowledge as I have to the challenge." She leans toward Matta Sofya. "Mortals have accepted the choice, the catechism, and the consequence dictated by those for whom you speak. But I wonder ... does that mean they have accepted the choice, the catechism, and the consequence dictated of mortals? After all, even the oldest blades ... those that were chipped from volcanic glass and then wrapped with sinew to make a grip ... even those blades cut both ways."

[sblock=OOC]Mirra with trade out everything she can for alchemical silver.[/sblock][sblock=Mini Stats]Mirra Weathersmith

AC: 18+2 (13+2 flat-footed, 15 touch)
HP: 28/28
CMB: +4 CMD: 17
Fort: +4 Reflex: +7 Will: +2

Perception: +7
Initiative: +3

Bombs: 9/10
Cognatogen Prepared: Intelligence
1st Level: 4/4
2nd Level: 1/2
Extracts Prepared: None

Current Weapon in Hand: Bomb (+6, x2, 2d6+4), Longspear (+4, x2, 1d8+1, Cold Iron/Reach)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

Used Items:
None
[/sblock]

 

[Khisanth the Ancient]

Garadh

"I agree with Tsaaruck, Mirra and Pirvinia. We should make a stand against this evil creature. I will bear the axe and the geas, if it seems best."

Turning to Matta Sofya, "If common iron is of little use, will enchanted steel fare better? Anything more you can tell us about this threat would be a great help."

Mini-stats

[sblock]
HP: 57, currently 57
AC: 21 (touch 13, flat-footed 18)
BAB: +5
CMD +9, CMB 21
Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +0
Speed 30'
Longsword +1 Attack: +12 (1d8+7/19-20)
Longsword +1 Power Attack: +10 (1d8+11/19-20)
Sling Attack: +7 (1d4+4)
[/sblock]

 

[perrinmiller]

Pirvinia von Lichenstein, Human Female

Pirvinia listened to the explanation and gave Brother Goswald a smile as she nodded in understanding of delaying the return to the old temple while they potentially aided the king in his troubles.

She wondered if the alleged innocent could not be substituted and asked, “How important is it that the rules of the challenge be followed. It sounds like the Wolf king can break them if he wants.”

“What if we have a replacement for the female innocent? Mayhap it can be a person not so innocent and possessing some capabilities of her own.”

While Mirra talked about alternatives to iron, Pirvinia remained silent. The warriors would need to take heed, but she was already planning to use her spells to bring fire, acid, and electricity down upon the Wolf King.

[sblock=Mini-stats]Privinia von Lichenstein
Initiative: +8, Perception: +6 (8 with Mazi)
AC: 13 (17 w/ Mage Armor) (Touch 13, Flat-footed 11)->
HP: 32 Current: 32
CMD: 12, Fort: +3, Ref: +3, Will: +5 (Add +1 to Saves with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Eschew Materials, PBS, Precise Shot, Ring of Sustenance

Weapon in Hand: None
Spells Remaining: 1st Level: 8/8, 2nd Level: 5/5

Mazi
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision; Perception: +13
AC: 19 (Touch 16, flat-footed 17)
HP: 16 Current: 16
Fort: +0, Ref: +4, Will: +6
Conditions in effect: Improved Evasion, Empathic Link
Weapon in Hand: Bite [Att: +8, dmg: 1d2-5(1 non-lethal)]

Combat Trained Light Horse
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision, Scent; Perception: +6
AC: 13 (Touch 9, flat-footed 13)
HP: 15 Current: 15
Fort: +6, Ref: +5, Will: +1
Conditions in effect: War-trained, 50ft movement
Weapon in Hand: 2 Hooves [Att: +3, dmg: 1d4+3][/sblock]

 

[BigB]

Tsaaruk listens to the conversation and feels confident in their chances to defeat the wolf king and save the innocent, especially if the innocent is Pirvinia or Mirra. Garadh is a strong steadfast warrior. He has proven himself in every battle they have had on their travels. He only hopes he can find a way to enter battle and help his friends.

[sblock=mini stats]
Tsaaruck
Initiative +1
AC: 20 (with shield/ Flat:19, Touch: 12)
HP: 54 current: 54
CMB: +9 / CMD: 21 Fort: +7 / Ref: +2 / Will: +2
Resistence: 0
Current Weapon in Hand: Shield & Warhammer
Rage: 12/12
Renewed Vigor: 1/1

http://livingpf.wikia.com/wiki/Tsaaruk(BIGB)#Finances
[/sblock]

 

[Commander_Fallout]

"I believe it is simply a choice of figurative words, Garadh. I believe she is of meaning to say that this forest god prefers to see quick wits and cleverness over martial strength. Though, I imagine that that would still be of use if we should meet our actual foe," the elf nodded, "I suppose it would be meaningless to protest against helping if such suited me, but being that I am glad to offer such help, I accept."

 

[GlassEye]

Matta Sofya looks a little confused after serving as medium for whatever spirit spoke through her and the start of dark circles begin to form beneath her eyes. King Danyll looks worried as he carefully watches the older woman and you wonder what the relation might be there. ”Let us continue this discussion inside, preferably with a bit more privacy.” He turns to one of his men. ”See to these bodies.”

When the group reconvenes within the great hall of the castle it is without the king’s warband or guards looking on. Jyman Trout makes his excuses and goes off to peddle trinkets to the castle servants but not before he tells you all that he will be around whenever you should need to trade. Brother Goswald goes off to inform Queen Raisa of developments and Quillian goes with him. This leaves King Danyll, Matta Sofya, and Valeriya to continue the discussion with Mirra, Pirvinia, Samad, Tsaaruk, and Garadh.

”I am touched by your passion and willingness to take the role that powers above have laid at your feet. I will do what is in my power, for my people and for my daughter, to help you succeed in this.”

Matta Sofya peers at Mirra then around the circle at the other faces declaring their willingness to step in. Her composure still seems a bit shaken. ”I do not think Lesovik knows what he has stirred up here. As for enchantments upon your steel, I do not know how effective it will be; I cannot imagine that it would be worthless. And in answer to your question of the rules of the contest, the innocent has been chosen and going against the will of the land and the gods in this…” Matta Sofya shakes her head in the negative. ”We cannot do it. But where the Wolf King has acted, we might be allowed to counter. His pack against our Wolf Hunters.”

King Danyll looks a little disconcerted by Matta Sofya’s willingness to bend the rules of the contest. ”To answer your question of what happens if the Hunter fails in the contest: Lesovik’s favor shifts to the Wild, championed by the Wolf King. Forests encroach on our fields, weeds grow rampant, our plows break on heavy roots, wolves birth large litters of young who grow bold enough and strong enough to harry the settlements of man. The hold of civilization becomes tenuous.”

The discussion can continue but it soon becomes clear that there is little else that they are able to tell you about the contest.

[sblock=Pics]

. . . . Jyman Trout . . . . . . . Brother Goswald . . . . . . . . . . Valeriya . . . . . .

. . . . . King Danyll . . . . . . . . . Queen Raisa . . . . . . . . Matta Sofya . . . . .
[/sblock]