The Goodman Gang in The Mysterious Tower

[Goonalan]

Saga of the Dragon Cult
Interlude 1
Intrigue at the Standing Stones
Scaled for level 3.​

Turn 77: Catch up, again.

Cas has hit 3rd level, see below.

“Jim” Bowen​

Human Male Ranger Level 3
NG HP 35 AC 19 Init +2
Str 14 Dex 15 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 12 Ch 10
Saves Fort +6 Ref +5 Will +3
+1 Battleaxe (family heirloom) +6 d8+3
Longbow (Masterwork Mighty (+2)) +7 d8+2 or Rapid Fire +5/+5
Dagger, Silver +5 or +5 d4+2
Armour: Griffin insignia Masterwork Breastplate and Large Masterwork Wooden Shield.

Feats: Skill Focus (Trapmaking), Point Blank Shot, Track, Favoured Enemy- Dire Animals, Ranger Two-Weapon Fighting & Ambidexterity, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus Longbow.

Skills of note: Animal Empathy +4 Climb +5 Craft (Trapmaking) +6 Handle Animal +4 Hide +7 Jump +6 Knowldege (Nature) +3 Listen +5 Move Silently +6 Search +3 Spot +3 Wilderness Lore +6

Items of note: Potion Cure Lt x4; Potion Darkvision; Cloak of Resistance +1, 20 Silver Arrows, Vial of Antitoxin, Potion Spider Climb, Potion of Love, Potion Cure Moderate, 10 Sunrods.

Light Warhorse “Sarge” & associated kit and caboodle.

Bec​

Human Male Barbarian Level 3
CG HP 46 AC 17 Init +1
Str 18 Dex 12 Con 18 Int 11 Wis 8 Ch 9
Saves Fort +7 Ref +2 Will 0
Mighty (+4) Masterwork Composite Longbow +5 d8+4
+1 Dagger of Wounding +8 or +5 d4+5
Greatclub +7 d10+6
Longsword Masterwork +8 d8+4 (usually with Buckler +1)
Greatsword Masterwork Cold Iron +8 2d6+6
Armour: Studded Leather Masterwork, Buckler +1, Bracers of Armour +1.

Feats: Toughness, Power Attack, Rage, Cleave, Uncanny Dodge & Greater Cleave.

Skills of note: Climb +10 Concentration +4 Jump +9 Listen +3 Ride +3 Spot +3 Swim +9 Use Rope +4 Wilderness Lore +3

Items of note: Climbers Kit, Wax Balls of Cure Lt x3, Potion Blur, Potion of Cure Moderate, Bracers of Armour +1.

Heavy Warhorse “Kaul” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Lord Casimir​

Human Male Paladin of Pelor Level 3
LG HP 33 AC 19 Init +1
Str 15 Dex 13 Con 14 Int 14 Wis 11 Ch 14
Saves Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +5
+1 Longsword Cold Iron +6 d8+3
Longbow +4 d8
Light Mace +5 d6+2
Armour: Shiny Breastplate +1 & Sparkling Large Masterwork Steel Shield

Feats: Negotiator, Dodge, Mobility, Detect Evil, Lay on Hands, Divine Health, Smite Evil, Aura of Courage, Remove Disease, Turn Undead, Spring Attack.

Skills of note: Concentration +4 Diplomacy +11 Handle Animal +6 Heal +3 Knowledge (History) +5 Knowledge (Local) +8 Knowledge (Religion) +6 Ride +5 Sense Motive +6 Spot +4

Items of note: 3 Flasks of Holy Water, 5 Silver Arrows, Horn of Good, Potion of Cure Light Wounds x4, Potion of Vision, Potion of Haste, Healing Kit.

Light Warhorse “Reggie” & associated kit and caboodle.

Anya’Drea​

Human Female Wizard Level 3
CG HP 18 AC 15 Init +5
Str 10 Dex 13 Con 12 Int 16 Wis 11 Ch 17
Saves Fort +2 Ref +2 Will +3
+1 Quarterstaff +2 d6+1
Light Crossbow Masterwork +3 d8
Dagger Coral Masterwork Keen +2 or +3 d4
Armour: Leather Armour, Ring of Protection +1, Bracers of Armour +1

Feats: Skill Focus (Use Magic Device), Armour Proficiency (Light), Improved Initiative, Scribe Scroll, Toughness, Brew Potion.

Skills of note: Alchemy +6 Appraise +3 Bluff +3 Concentrate +7 Craft (Model) +3 Decipher Script +7 Diplomacy +3 Disguise +3 Forgery +3 Gather Info +3 Hide +5 Intimidate +3 Knowledge (Arcane) +9 Knowledge (Architecture & Engineering) +4 Knowledge (Geography) +4 Knowledge (History) +4 Knowledge (Nature) +4 Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) +4 Knowledge (The Planes) +4 Knowledge (Religion) +4 Listen +4 Move Silently +3 Perform (Vogue) +3 Scry +5 Search +3 Spellcraft +9 Use Magic Device +10

Familiar, actually Follower (of sorts) Swish, Animated Broom.

Spells: Lvl 0 (4) All;
Lvl 1 (4) Shield, Mage Armour, Mount, Dummon Monster I, Unseen Servant, Detect Secret Doors, Detect Undead, Identify, Magic Missile, Colour Spray, Cause Fear, Expeditious Retreat, Shocking Grasp, Spider Climb, Charm Person, Sleep.
Lvl 2 (2) Fog Cloud, Scare, Spectral Hand, Darkvision, Endurance, Knock, Rope Trick.

Items of note: Scrolls- not so many of them as before, Wand of Burning Hands (Level 3- 13 Charges); Potion Cure Lt. x4, Potion Cure Moderate, Potion of Intelligence, Pearl of Power (lvl 1), Necklace of Fireballs Type I, 2 Bags of Caltrops; 6 Tindertwigs, 10 Sunrods.

“Swish” Animated Broom companion AC15 Mv30 Init+2 +1 Slam d4 Hardness 5 Fort +0 Ref +2 Will -5

Light Warhorse “Mr. Fizz” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Newt​

Gnome Male Rogue Level 3
NG HP 22 AC 19 Init +3
Str 11 Dex 16 Con 14 Int 16 Wis 11 Ch 10
Saves Fort +3 Ref +6 Will +3
Heavy Mace Masterwork +4 d6
Light Crossbow Masterwork +7 d6
+1 Dagger (wielded as Shortsword) of Spell Storing (Shocking Grasp D8+2) +4 D4+1
Adamantine Ceremonial Dagger (wielded as Shortsword) +3 D4
Dagger Masterwork Silver +4 or +7 d3
Armour: +1 Chain Shirt

Feats: Nimble Fingers, Low Light Vision, +1 To Hit vs. Goblinoids and Kobolds, +4 Dodge vs. Giants, Point Blank Shot, Evasion, Rapid Shot.

Skills of note: Alchemy +10 Appraise +5 Balance +8 Climb +5 Craft (Locksmith) +6 Decipher Script +5 Disable Device +10 Escape Artist +4 Forgery +3 Gather Info +3 Hide +11 Intimidate +3 Jump +5 (+35 with Ring of Jumping) Listen +8 Move Silently +9 Open Lock +11 Pick Pocket +4 Read Lips +5 Ride (Pony) +3 Scry +3 Search +9 Spot +6 Tumble +5 Use Rope +3

Spells: Ghost Sound, Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation & Speak with Burrowing Animals.

Items of note: Silk Climbing Rope, 10 Tindertwigs, 3 Thunderstones, 2 Tanglefoot bags, 10 Sunrods, 2 Smoke Sticks, 5 Alchemist’s Fire, Thieves Tools Masterwork, 10 Silver tipped Bolts, 20 Masterwork Bolts, 3 Flasks of Acid, 4 Shell Shuriken of Crushing, Potion Cure Lt x4, Potion Spider Climb x2, Potion Invisibility, Ring of Jumping, Ring of Minor Sonic Resistance.

War Pony “Dobbin” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Ala​

Elf Female Cleric Level 3
NG HP 26 AC 21 Init +3
Str 14 Dex 17 Con 12 Int 10 Wis 17 Ch 13
Saves Fort +4 Ref +4 Will +6
Longsword Masterwork +6 d8+2
Composite Longbow Masterwork Mighty (+2) +6 d8+2
Dagger Silver +4 or +5 d4+2
+1 Dagger +5 or +6 d4+3
Masterwork Heavy Mace +5 d8+2
Armour: Chain Shirt Masterwork, Large Masterwork Steel Shield & Ring of Protection +2

Feats: Point Blank Shot, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Turn Undead (4/day), Extra Turning.

Skills of note: Balance +3 Concentration +4 Diplomacy +3 Escape Artist +3 Heal +8 Hide +3 Listen +5 Move Silently +3 Ride (Horse) +3 Sense Motive +3 Spot +5 Use Rope +3 Wilderness Lore +3

Spells: Lvl 0 (4) Lvl 1 (5) Lvl 2 (3)
Domains: War & Good.

Items of note: 2 Healer’s Kits, Scroll Protection from Elements, Potion Cure Light Wounds x4, Potion Cure Moderate Wounds, Scroll Hold Person & Deeper Darkness and a few others, Vial of Silversheen, Pearl of Power (lvl 1), Ring of Whispering Wind (10).

Light Riding Horse “Slim” & associated kit and caboodle.

Next Turn: Wood you believe it?

 

[Goonalan]

Saga of the Dragon Cult
Interlude 1
Intrigue at the Standing Stones
Scaled for level 3.​

Turn 78: Wood you believe it?

It’s funny what you can find in the bottom of a bottle.

KNOCK-KNOCK.

“Jim…” It’s Mischa.

Jim opens the door, he’s half-dressed and half-cut, he sways slightly, the bottle, nearly empty, tumbles from his hand.

“Is that you?” Jim staggers forwards arms open.
Mischa melts into his arms.

The Ranger holds her tight to him, whispers, “sorry”, and closes his eyes.

The pair remain locked together for quite some time, eventually Mischa breaks the clinch.

“D’ya wanna come in.” Jim shuffles back out of the doorway, his room’s a mess, it looks like it’s been ransacked.
“Who did… Oh Jim, what’s happened to you?” Mischa steps in and clutches the Ranger to her.
“It’s a mess. I’m a mess… I don’t know what to do.”

Jim clings to her.

Eventually Mischa loosens his grip.

“I need you. I need the Gang, something’s wrong.”
“What is it? Are you alright?”

Mischa nods, smiles.

“Jim, I need you to get the others, there’s something very bad happening near Tetnee, I need… I need you to help me, all of you. Can you find the others?”

Jim nods, and tries a half-smile on for size.

“I’ll get them.” He whispers.

Mischa grasps him to her again, plants a kiss on his cheek, smudges it till their lips are locked, eventually breaks away.

“Downstairs, an hour?”

Jim nods again, sobers up quickly and sets about finding the other members of the Goodman Gang.

An hour later they’re all gathered around a roaring fire in the bar room of the Wheatsheaf Inn, a little away from the dozen or so patrons who quietly sup and eat- it’s a slow day.

They sip their drinks, brought by a comely Elf, obviously a new member of staff, the young Elf maiden catches the eye of a number of the members of the Gang, and yet its on Jim that her gaze lingers, she even manages a smile, and a wink.

That’s all I need- the Ranger thinks but nevertheless winks back, which causes the maidens smile to spread even further.

Mischa follows Jim’s gaze, then drains her glass, Anya doesn’t know where to look.

“How can we help Mischa?” Cas however is all business, he only has eyes for Ala.
“Thistle and I had cause to travel to Tetknee a little while ago, at the invite of the Wise Woman of the village, our relations are cordial. The village has recovered remarkably after the predations of the Ogre, with your help.”

Which causes a number of smiles and nods from the listening crowd.

“However one of the outlaying farms was attacked recently, fortunately no one was hurt, at least no one on the farm- the attackers got away with cattle and fowl- food for a large group perhaps. But that’s not all, one of the attackers- a dishevelled female Barbarian, a northerner perhaps, had the misfortune to get left behind- two of the farmer’s sons, big lads, set about her- they got lucky I think. I’ve seen the body, before it was buried, the Barbarian was clearly an experienced warrior, although she was unarmed- she did manage to cut open the face of one of the lads- he nearly bled to death- her nails were sharpened to points, as were her teeth…”
“Vam…” Newt starts, and is instantly waved into silence.
“No, they were human alright, perhaps crazed or just feral- anyway, that’s not all, she was wearing this.”

Mischa hands over a gold pendant on a leather thong, they’ve seen the thing before- a three fingered hand. Newt had quite a collection of them at one point- back when they were hacking their way through the Kobold Abominations.

“You’ve seen it before?” Mischa asks

The Gang content themselves to stare at the thing, Anya nods.

“Lots of them, isn’t that right Newt. The Kobolds had them down in that hell hole we ripped apart.” Anya smirks.
“So what does it mean?” Cas asks and leans in to pick up the pendant.

Mischa answers.

“That’s what’s so odd, Thistle’s not really sure. We had a snoop around the caves, a few minor skirmishes, a few Stirges and the like- nothing much, the place was empty, except…”
“Except what?” Cas continues to probe.
“Except someone had been there, at least twenty people, with horses- they’d been camped there for a week or so, I think. We found signs that they had ventured deep into the place, further than we dared to go.”

The Inn grows silent.

“We managed to follow the trail out of the caves, for a while, it became obvious where they were heading- there’s an old Druid Circle in the woods near there, atop a small hillock. Thistle decided that it was too much danger for the pair of us, he did however enquire of several of his woodland friends- they see and hear everything. It seems the group are camped at the Druid Circle, although to what ends, the area possess little of its previous power, the Druids, as you know, are spread thinly in these parts…”
“How can we help?” Jim interjects then smiles warmly at Mischa and reaches out to grasp her hand.

Anya scowls and looks away.

Mischa grips tight to Jim’s hand, tighter still, her smile turns into a sudden frown, she thumps forward into the wooden table- hard, spilling her glass which tumbles and falls, shatters on the flagged floor of the Inn.

“Wha?” Jim’s up and rushing around the table. Ala is quick to help. The other members of the Gang rise quickly, a clamour of voices, none of them making sense.

“Who did…”
“Is she…”
“Ala?”
“Mischa?”
“Jim?”

The Ranger suddenly stops in his tracks, at the door to the kitchen the newest member of the Wheatsheaf waiting staff stands, the Elven maiden encountered earlier- she smiles again, this time there’s an edge to it, goes to wave and then changes her mind, she ducks back into the kitchen and out of sight.

“Poison.” Jim states, draws his dagger and leaps towards the kitchen.

Next Turn: Catch me if you can.

 

[Goonalan]

Saga of the Dragon Cult
Interlude 1
Intrigue at the Standing Stones
Scaled for level 3.​

Turn 79: Catch me if you can.

“She’s poisoned.” Ala confirms and sets about trying to find a suitable cure, or at least something to slow the toxin’s attack.

“THIS WAY.” Jim screams.
“ASSASSIN.” Newt follows up having caught a glimpse of the fleeing maiden.

Jim barrels through the swing door and into the kitchen.

THUMP-THUMP

“Arrghhhh.”

And is hit twice in quick succession by a pair of arrows, the first grazes his cheek, the second thumps in and through his right thigh, which drives him back into the wall.

The Elf maiden smiles and waves- there’s even time for her to blow a kiss, then leaps from an open window into the backyard of the Inn.

Jim grits his teeth, snaps off the arrow head, and in one swift more removes the shaft, slings it aside and launches himself at the open window.

“ASSASSIN.” He screams.

Enris, the Elven maiden, lands lightly and is off and running- heading for a dark passage which leads back around to the front of the Inn, which is sure to throw the Goodman Gang.

Jim on the other hand lands awkwardly, hands out, SLAP, onto the cobbled yard- trying to protect his injured leg from the impact; he looks left and right, nothing… oh hang on a flash of clothing, he limp-runs towards the alley.

Back in the bar room of the Wheatsheaf Inn a large portion of chaos is being served. The clientele are ducking and diving for cover, screaming all the while, tables have been overturned, Big Reg behind the bar is waving a metal-headed club around, although there’s nothing untoward in sight.

“CALL THE WATCH.” Someone yells above the din.

Ala is still clutching the unconscious Mischa, peering into her seemingly lifeless eyes.

“We need to get her to Whiskin. Now.” She yells at the backs of the rest of the Gang who are headed for the kitchen.

Except one.

Newt checks his run, looks left, back to the entrance to the Inn- where would he go, he thinks, then makes his decision and heads full speed out of the front door of the Inn and into the street, which has little in the way of passing traffic, it’s almost deserted.

The Gnome looks right- there’s an alley, never noticed that before, he muses, grins and then races off.

Bec smashes into the kitchen; almost knocking the door off its hinges- scans the room, where’d they go? The Barbarian spots the open window- dashes across the room, spilling the huge kitchen table en route.

FWUNG

The Barbarian is stuck in the window’s frame, like a cork in a bottle.

“I can’t… Arrrggghh.”

Bec goes tumbling out as Cas thumps into his wedged backside. Anya follows hard on the Paladin’s heals.

“Go back, get Mischa to the Church, help Ala.” Cas pants and climbs up to the window.
“What woman’s work?” Anya spits back.
Cas looks very angry, very suddenly- “Save her Anya, save her… for Jim.”

And the Paladin’s gone.

Anya thinks about it, although for less than a second, she rushes back into the bar room and to Ala, a couple of the regulars at the Inn have improvised a stretcher from a table top, Anya grabs a corner and helps to supervise the evacuation.

“One of you go ahead, to the Church, get father Whiskin, tell him what’s happened here, we shouldn’t be long.” Anya shouts.
“What about a carriage?” Ala asks.
“Let’s not risk it.” Anya shakes her head.

They head for the door.

Newt skitters around the corner and into the alley and straight into the path of Enris who skids to a halt barely thirty feet away from the Gnome.

“Bastard.” She spits.

Then sprints off back the way she came.

“NEWT.”

The Gnome twitches at the sound of Anya’s voice behind him.

FWUNG

His crossbow bolt misses Enris by inches, almost parting the Elf maiden’s hair.

“Bastard.” Newt spits and turns to look behind him, “what?”
“We’ll be at the Church, tell Jim we’ll save her.” Anya calls and then dashes off down Bargate.

“Where’d they go?” Cas asks as he lands in the backyard of the Inn.
Bec shrugs, looks left then right- nothing.

The pair draw their daggers, that’s all they have in the way of weapons.

Enris meanwhile sprints on, back down the alley, suddenly Jim appears ahead of her, blocking her path, and with dagger in hand. There’s nothing for it.

THUMP.

The Elf maiden hits Jim as hard as she can, sends the Ranger sprawling backwards but not before he’s got the chance to bury his dagger deep in her side, she winces pulls the blade out and runs on.

“HERE- THE ALLEY.”

Jim screams, stumbles and then scrambles to his feet, grabs his blade up and runs after her.

Cas and Bec share a glance then sprint towards Jim’s voice, just in time to see Enris emerge from the alley, take a wide arc and sprint past the pair of them at full pelt.

“Damn.” They skid to a halt, turn tale and head back the way they came, Jim is soon up with them, and then past them.

FWONG

Newt emerges from the alley, drops and fires, well wide, he slings his crossbow over his shoulder, its on a strap, and heads off as fast as his little legs will take him- which as it turns out is not very fast at all.

“She’s heading for the Park.” Jim calls back and sprints on.

The chase continues the two hundred yards down Wellhome Road and to People’s Park, a huge green space in the middle of the City full of duck ponds, manicured lawns, and exotic varieties of trees and shrubs- there’s also a Falconry Centre for the moneyed locals to stable their hawks.

The few visitors, parading in the twilight, mostly well dressed young couples, scatter for cover as Enris and the Gang scream into view.

“DON’T LOSE HER.”

Jim shouts, he’s catching up to Enris, now well ahead of the others, although Bec is managing to find his stride.

Wild birds in their cages squawk and screech, the sound echoes throughout the park, sending more of the locals running for home.

Newt pulls up on the outer edges of the Park, out of breath; instinctively he fumbles with his crossbow, gets it loaded.

“Evening.”

He tips his hat at a fleeing couple who dive for cover.

There she is- if I can just… he thinks.

FWONG

His target turns out not to be the fleeing Enris, who in fact is well ahead, and out of sight of the panting Gnome.

THruuuuuuuum.

Newt’s crossbow bolt vibrates after burying itself in the trunk of a great oak, about ten feet away from a now startled Elven Park Ranger.

“SORRRRREEEEE.”

Newt waves his apology and staggers over to a bench to smoke a cigarette; he’s out of breath again, waits to get arrested, probably.

Bec meanwhile has caught up with Jim, the pair are heading round the outskirts of the largest duck pond in the park, towards a gaily painted wooden band stand, at which is Enris.

“He’s never around when you need him.” Bec croaks at Jim.
“Who?” The Ranger spits back.
“Khan.” Bec grins, it’s infectious, but only for a second, Jim grimaces and sprints harder, manages to turn his dagger in his hand, ready to throw.

A good distance behind the pair Cas comes to a halt, not really sure of where to head next, he’s lost them- they’re hidden behind a stand of trees that circles the pond.

“Blast.” The Paladin exhales and then jogs on, scanning the park now mostly hidden in the twilight.

FWO-FWO-FWO-DUNK

Jim’s aim is true, his dagger slices a bloody line in Enris’ shoulder, the Elf falters, then dodges hard right, a smaller path heading for the screeching Falcons clawing at their cages, trying to get out.

The Elf maiden dives around a corner and disappears from sight.

Jim and Bec share a look and dash on to see.

Enris is waiting for them; she mutters arcane words and two zig-zagging dots of energy lance from her outstretched arm and thump into Jim, knocking the Ranger clean of his feet and hard into the bird cages.

Bec however is unaffected; he doesn’t even break his stride, rushes straight for her.

But she’s lightning fast, in one movement her shortsword is drawn and the Elf is ready, she leaps aside at the last instance dodging the Barbarian’s clumsy blow easily, her sword leaves a bloody trail on Bec’s right arm, its cut almost to the bone, and a scratch on his right shoulder.

The Barbarian skids to a halt; twitches uncontrollably, and rages, turns and stabs down hard, plunging his dagger between the maiden’s shoulder blades, the wound erupts, blood fountains.

The Elf staggers forwards to escape the blade, spins as quickly as she can to bring her shortsword around again, Bec however has other problems, a deep gouge appears over the Barbarian’s eyes, a curtain of blood gushes down filling his eyes and mouth, he’s bleeding profusely, and yet cannot recall sustaining the wound.

Bec fumbles, almost drops his dagger.

The Elf maiden shuffles backwards- watching him, all the time muttering arcane words.

Jim drags himself upright, looks up.

And she’s gone.

“Aaaargh.”

Bec dances forward, swats and swipes at the empty air, a screaming fury- he stabs and lances, cuts and thrusts but connects with nought.

The Ranger is forced to seek cover.

“BEC. BEC. Bec she’s gone, disappeared.”

It has no affect, other than to perhaps give away his position, which is almost enough to draw the Barbarian’s ire.

The swatting and stabbing continues for a little while yet, till Bec’s rage subsides, and Jim is finally able to make himself understood.

“BEC. Move, maybe I can track her.”

“What the hell is going on here?”

Jim looks up- Khan, and standing at his side Cas, flanked by two burly members of the Watch, Newt peeks out from behind one of them, the Gnome holds up his hands, manacled, he grins.

Next Turn: Explain.

 

[Goonalan]

Saga of the Dragon Cult
Interlude 1
Intrigue at the Standing Stones
Scaled for level 3.​

Turn 80: Explain.

“No, I don’t understand- explain?” Khan bangs the table again; he’s back on home turf, the Watch House.
“We’re wasting time.” Jim growls.
“And you’ll waste more of it, now explain.”
“We were attacked, there are witnesses, Mischa was poisoned, in the Wheatsheaf Inn.” Cas begins.
“Big Reg and a number of the locals have confirmed that your Druid friend was taken ill, they did not however see any attack.”
“She was poisoned you idiot, by the waitress.” Jim is prevented from getting up by a pair of Watchmen.
“I’ve had about as much as I’m going to…”

CRUNCH

The door to the interview room is flung open; Anya and Ala appear in the doorway, being manhandled, or more likely, vice-versa, by another pair of Watchmen.

“Mischa’s ok Jim- she’ll live.” Ala calls out, nods.

Jim looks to the floor, his eyes are stinging.

Bec sits silent in the back of the room, next to Newt who spends his time staring out of the window, he’s still in chains.

“You’ve got to let them go.” Anya states.
“Why?” Khan smiles thinly.
“We are called to duty.” Cas barks back.

Which gets a laugh from Khan.

“Called to duty”, he mimics, “that sounds very heroic. Really Cas you’re so melodramatic at times.”

Which is about as much as Jim can handle.

The Ranger leaps from his chair and is on Khan before the Watchmen can do anything to stop him.

THUMP

It’s a good right-hook, certainly enough to flatten Khan.

“JIM.” Anya screams.

“You jumped up little bastard.” Jim spits as he’s wrestled away from a prostrate Khan.

Bec takes note of the incident but remains seated. Newt goes back to starring out the window, humming a happy tune. Ala quickly crosses to Cas, who is trying his best to calm Jim.

“Jim. Jim- leave him, let him be… Calm down Jim, this is getting us nowhere.”

The Ranger continues to wrestle with his captors, spitting curses.

“You’re a sham. A sham, worse than that…”

Khan rises.

“Add ‘striking a member of the Watch’, a senior member of the Watch at that, to the list of charges Sergeant. I think that’s the last we’ll be seeing of you for a while.”

Cas goes to interject, Jim struggles on.

“And as for you…” Khan looks over at Newt, who notices he’s on display at last, and smiles back- winks.

“You’ll be off the streets for at least a few years, the ‘attempted murder’ of an Park Ranger. Tut, tut. Yes, quite some time.”

Newt raises his eyebrows, continues to grin.

Khan turns awat, just as Newt finds his favourite finger, on both hands, and proffers them to Khan’s back.

“One day fecker. One day…” Newt whispers.

“Now come on…” Cas begins.

“And the rest of you, well as soon as we find this poor serving girl you chased off, well… Regardless, there’ll be other charges. It may be time for your happy band to consider a parting of the ways, other career opportunities…”

“You’ve got a short memory Major Khan.” The voice is like treacle; no, that’s not it- honey.

The door to the interview room slowly opens, and framed in the light is Lady Arabella, dressed, disappointingly, somewhat demurely, swathed in a thick black cloak.

“I said you’ve got a short memory Major Khan.”
“Ma’am I…”
“Not so long ago these brave men and women tracked down and killed a savage beast that took his pleasure murdering innocent young women in the City.”
“They were hardly ‘innocent’, m’lady.”
“Nevertheless Major I wonder what the Town Council would make of this- is this how you treat heroes?”
“M’lady I…” Khan starts.
“You what, Major?” Arabella looks quite fearsome.

Cas finds himself smiling, thinking, slowly peeling off her thick cloak.

Newt goes back to looking out of the window.

“Release them major, release them now.”
“These are Watch matters m’lady…”
“Do you defy me?”
“I…”
“I said- do you defy me?”

Ala looks away from the confrontation, notices Cas’ look, she removes her hand from his shoulder, Cas shifts and turns to Ala, she stares through him.

The silence expands.

Finally.

“Release them.” Khan whispers, nothing happens.

“I SAID RELEASE THEM.” He barks and struts out of the room via a second door away from the crowd.

“That was…” Anya begins.
“Thank you.” Jim smiles, “we should be off- Tetknee, the Druid Circle, now.” The last word is sharp, final.

“Whiskin’s waiting for us- I thought you might need a little healing.” Anya adds quietly, still staring at Jim.

The Ranger nods and marches off out of the interview room.

The others follow on; Newt the last to leave after presenting his manacles for removal, the Gnome takes one last look out of the window.

“I think its going to rain.”

He shrugs and heads off.

Next Turn: To the Circle.

 

[Goonalan]

Saga of the Dragon Cult
Interlude 1
Intrigue at the Standing Stones
Scaled for level 3.​

Turn 81: To the Circle.

At break neck speed to Tetnee, five hours or more in the saddle- their mounts spent, ready to collapse, they ride like the wind. The Gang are now armed and armoured, also fully healed, and buoyed by the news that Mischa will indeed survive with no permanent damage, although it was a close thing, the poison’s sting augmented by some foul magic.

Thirty minutes before midnight and the sextet are on fresh mounts, courtesy of Thistle and the Tetknee Wise Woman, and at the expense of several of the local farmers, they plunge on through the sparse woods towards the Druid’s Circle.

Twenty minutes later and they can see the lights; the Standing Stones are on the crest of the approaching hillock through a denser wooded glade, which is however blessed with an overgrown cart path, wide enough for two to ride abreast- Cas and Jim lead the way.

It’s very dark, the moon provides irregular lattices of light, just enough to see by- but not far, unless you’re an Elf, or a Gnome.

“Watch out.” Anya screams but it’s mostly too late.

ZOOM

Wicked looking wooden darts arc out from the foliage either side of the track.

One pierces Jim’s right leg, another thumps into his loaned mount’s side, the horse bucks and goes to race off.

“Ho there.”

The Ranger lays a calming hand on the horse’s neck, and in the same action dismounts, and with a whistle sends the beast cantering off to safety- he hefts his battleaxe and looses his shield in search of something to kill.

Alas the others are not so adept.

Two of the darts slam into the side of Bec’s horse, the beast rears and then charges forward, Bec thumps into a low tree branch, clings on for dear life as his mount races off into the dark and distance.

CRUNCH

The Barbarian plummets, tries to affect a safe landing, but fails, and instead crunches into the hard-packed earth.

BOOOOOOOOOOM

Thunder, followed by, before the echo has fully gone.

CRA-CRA-CRASHHHHHHH

Lightning, which illuminates everything, for just an instant.

Their attackers are half-a-dozen heavily armed and armoured Kobolds.

“AaaaarghhhBlast.”

Cas is hit twice in quick succession by darts, however the Paladin is calm enough to rein in his mount, the horse skitters and dances but the Paladin maintains control.

Behind Ala and Newt struggle to keep their mounts from bolting, they can do nothing but cling on, hoping to calm the nervous beasts.

Anya however, bringing up the rear, has no problems halting her mount, she kicks her heels into the horse’s flanks, clacks her tongue hard into the roof of her mouth, the horse backs away a little, out of the confusion.

Out of the woods come the heavily armoured Kobolds, the remains of rotten black wings, now no more than dying stumps, jut through their armour.

Two of the Kobolds dive towards Jim, who swings hard and thumps his battleaxe into one of the creatures, hard enough- easily, to kill a Kobold. The wounded assailant merely grins and steps in- stabbing madly with its short spear, leaving a gaping wound in the Rangers side- breaking ribs and tearing tendons. Jim almost folds.

The second of the creatures shuffles sideways to find a way past Jim’s shield, not looking where its going it wanders into the path of Newt’s mount- which does the decent thing and kicks the menace in its back.

Bec meanwhile levers himself up, only to realise there are three of them on him, he is, as ever, quick enough, his greatsword arcs out- smashes into the neck of one of the things, sending the Kobold sprawling.

“Come on.” The Barbarian calls and gestures for the other two to try their luck.

Then watches as the injured Kobold on the floor springs back to its feet, the Barbarian has questions.

The other two creatures swing and stab, he’s forced to back away and yet emerges unscathed from the action.

The last of the six Kobolds decides upon easier pray, charges out of the woods head down, attempting to bury his short spear in Cas’ horse.
Cas is too quick, and a better horseman than that, he draws his longsword and spurs his mount- which leaps forward instinctively, although not trained for this kind of work, Cas charges.

“PELOR.” The Paladin screams.

And tramples and cuts the Kobold down, leaving the creature lying on the floor, Cas halts his charge immediately and quick manoeuvres his mount back around, the Kobold’s getting up.

“Pelor?” Cas whispers.

Which, it turns out, has an answer.

“Smidgin.” A pair of Magic Missles arc out and into the fray, the first thumps into the rising Kobold, just picking itself up after Cas’ charge. The creature slumps forward- thumps into the dirt again, but this time doesn’t rise.

The second smashes into the back of the Kobold recently wounded by Bec, the creature sinks to its knees and then falls face first into the dirt, two down.

Bec and Cas glance thank you towards Anya.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the action, Ala and Newt finally get their mounts settled, the pair canter a little away from the melee- Newt leaps down and guides his mount out of the way, fiddling his crossbow out as he heads over to Anya.

Ala scrambles off her horse, which seizes the moment and gallops off to freedom.

CRACKKKKKK-BOOOOM.

Thunder and lightning again, the jagged fork strikes the ground somewhere nearby, once again illuminating the battlefield.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiii.”

A blood curdling scream is caught in the wind, the sound crashes over the fracas, causing some of the Gang to turn momentarily- it came from up the hill.

It begins to rain.

Fat droplets of water that thump into the ground with such force that they bounce up again, in seconds the track is a rivulet, slick and soft mud.

“I said it was going to rain.” Newt winks at Anya, the Gnome abandons his mount and turns to face their attackers, crossbow loaded, looking for a likely target.

At that moment, from out of the dark, two pulses of energy rush, both thump into Jim’s back- someone somewhere doesn’t like him. The Ranger is almost flattened, stumbles forward into his attackers swinging wildly, to no avail, and in the process is slashed horribly by the tip of a spear opening up a six inch gap on his neck and left shoulder.

The second of Jim’s assailants back-peddles, straight into the clutches of Ala, who attempts to wrestle the creature to the ground. It isn’t pretty, the brief confrontation ends with the pair slipping in the mud and squelching into the mire, still locked in their tussle, neither of them, however, injured in any way.

Bec is stalled also by the sudden inclement weather, and the conditions underfoot, a Kobold dashes in under his half-hearted swings and stabs the Barbarian in his right thigh.

Cas quickly appraises the situation, spurs his horse forward, back into the fray, then leaps off in an attempt to help Ala, which only results in him falling on top of the struggling pile, and sending a wave of mud over those close by. Ala and the Kobold are winded by the Paladin’s attack, as is the Paladin- it’s a mess.

Newt creeps closer in, crossbow in hand, settles his sights on one of the Kobolds facing Bec, he’s got a clear shot at the creatures back.

Fwong

Or rather had a clear shot- at the last instant the Kobold dodges sideways, Newt’s crossbow bolt zooms past and slams into Bec’s chest, knocking the Barbarian backwards off-balance, and ruining his attack.

The Barbarian growls, stares hard at the Gnome, who quickly attempts to hide his crossbow.

“Smidgin.”

Another pair of Magic Missiles streak out and thump into the Kobolds attacking Bec, who were following up on the Barbarian’s fumble, foiling both of their attempts to kill the Barbarian.

Anya settles on her horse, pleased with her work, and…

“Aaaaaaarghh”

She’s hit square in the chest by a greenish glowing bolt which whizzes out of the wooded area to her right.

“Aaaaaaarghh”

The Acid arrow burns its way through the Wizard’s robes and clothing, fizzing and burning her skin, which also comes as a surprise to her mount, her horse is splashed by droplets of acid. The beast bolts, instantly shedding its rider.

Anya thumps into the dirt, clutching at her burning clothes and screaming madly.

Jim swings into action, smashes his battleaxe into the lone Kobold he’s facing, cutting the thing almost in two.

Bec likewise finds his stride, lances his greatsword out, stabbing the first of his attackers through its gut, steps into the second, smashes the hilt of his weapon straight down into the fiend, splitting its skull and breaking its neck in the same instance.

Back in the dirt Cas and Ala continue to wrestle the last of the creatures to a stand still, slipping and sliding they manage to pin the Kobold down.

“Ask it what’s going on- what’s up there?”

Cas points at the top of the hill, looking for Anya to do the translating into Draconic.

“Anya. Anya? Where is she?”

Jim steps in and wrenches the Paladin aside then slams his axe into the Kobolds face- killing it instantly.

Which grabs Cas and Ala’s attention, the Holy duo step back, somewhat aghast.

“JIM!” Cas screams at the Ranger.
“Get up Paladin”, Jim spits at Cas, “out of the dirt.”

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii”

Again the scream comes carried on the wind.

CRACKKKKKK-BOOOOM.

Lightning strikes again, this time less than thirty feet away from the Gang, a tree ignites, flames leap into the air, fizzle and crackle soaked by the torrential rain.

“JIM!” Cas screams again, attempts to grasp the Ranger’s legs and misses, Jim stalks off up the hill and into the dark.

“Aaaargghhhh.” Anya screams again, still writhing on the floor, Cas and Ala are quickly over to the Wizard, the acid has burnt itself out, Ala presses her healing touch into service and in seconds Anya’s blistered skin is whole again, and there’s quite a lot of it on display, Cas quickly looks away, then back again, then away, then...

“The Elf. Assassin.” Anya points into the vegetation, the direction from which the Acid Arrow spell came, and shivers.

Cas looks but can see nothing.

“There’s a horse.” Newt shouts and points, and sure enough a figure on a horse is seen, and heard, just over the rolling thunder and plash of the rain, their attacker it seems is leaving, and at speed.

“COME ON.” Jim screams back at the Gang, then trudges off, further up the hill, into the muck, black and rain.

Next Turn: Bring on the Noise.

 

[Goonalan]

Saga of the Dragon Cult
Interlude 1
Intrigue at the Standing Stones
Scaled for level 3​

Turn 82: Bring on the Noise.

At the top of the Hill a flock of ravens circle madly, so dense is the flock that it almost blocks out the moon, the area seems however to preternaturally lit, the circle of Standing Stones glimmer, shimmer, silver in the glorious rain.

Nine stone arches each consisting of two hulking standing stones topped by a lintel circle a central platform complete with stone slab altar.

BOOOOOM

Thunder comes again.

CRAW

The revolving maelstrom of black birds crow, craw and call.

And stood in the midst of it all, atop the altar stone is a hulking Half-Orc wrapped in armour and a swirling cloak, holding a glowing bluish-black heavy mace in hand, as if conducting an orchestra, the creature face up staring at the heavens, which are obscured by the birds, seems to be shouting, nay screaming- his words are lost in the cacophony.

CRA-CRA-CRACKKKKK

Lightning strikes barely twenty feet away from the circle, scorching earth and blackening dead the plants caught in its blast.

Also punching a soon mended hole in the flock of crows above, dead and burnt birds tumble and plummet from the sky.

“What the…” Jim gasps.

Cas catches up at last and lays a hand on the Ranger shoulder.

The Gang perch just at the tree-line barely ten feet outside the circle of standing stones.

“JIM.” Cas shouts.
“WHAT?” The Ranger stares hard at the Paladin.
“ARE YOU OK?” Cas screams back, he actually looks concerned.

Jim takes a breath, then nods.

“He’s summoning something.” Anya states.
“No, it’s not a summoning, it’s something else.” Ala corrects.
“Who is he?” Cas asks to blank stares, turns back and is the first to notice that the Ranger is missing.

“CHARGE” Jim’s up and running into the circle, past the first trilithon.

“THE STUPID…” Cas begins, just in time to see Bec leap to his feet and charge after the Ranger, loyalty for the Barbarian is a given.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.”

And of course the trap is sprung, a cluster of screaming feral women, previously huddled in wait, hidden on the other side of the huge stones, spring to attack from both sides of the soon beleaguered pair.

These foul creatures, just as Mischa described back in the Wheatsheaf Inn, are battle worn and scarred, hairy, toothsome and feral, their hands end in jagged nails sharpened on the rocks of the standing stones, like talons- northern barbarians, just as the Druid stated, crazed and raging already.

Jim is caught by one of the bitches, clawing for the Rangers throat she falls short and rips a hunk of bloody flesh from Jim’s exposed upper right arm. His own attack proves ineffective; there are three of them pressing him back.

Bec fairs less well, caught on both sides he is clawed and scratched, blood pours from his wounds staggering the giant man, almost disabling him in an instant.

The Barbarian digs deep into his reserves of strength, smashes his greatsword forward, like a barrier, forcing all three of his attackers back, swings again and cleanly decapitates the first of the women returning to the fray, and then slices away much of his second attackers lower arm, which only causes the her to scream louder still before rushing to attack with her good arm. Bec knows the signs of Rage, nothing will stop these creatures- except death.

“More of them.” Ala points ahead, past the fracas, where another pair of the crazed women stand ready either side of the screaming gesturing Half-Orc.

Ala chants as she moves forward, her Bless spell encompasses her allies. Cas dodges forward around the fracas, charges up the hill towards the source of the fury, above the crows caw and wheel, like miserable black clouds, ill omens.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

Thunder calls.

The two Barbarian women scream their delight, rage and head forward to cut the approaching Paladin to ribbons.

Anya, who it seems is regretting her choice of spells this day, edges around the fight, trying to touch one of the women, the fingers on her right hand clutch and grab gloved in the electric blue of her Shocking Grasp spell, alas she doesn’t dare, cannot get close enough, or rather fears to, the Wizard backs away.

Newt meanwhile scatters out of harms way, fits a bolt into his crossbow, crouches and fires.

FWONG

The bolt canons into the hip of one of the two Barbarian warrior maidens set to destroy the Paladin.

Atop the hill Torslak, the Half-Orc, continues to chant, at last the wind brings his words to them, dark and profane, a spell it is certain, although what spell is beyond the knowledge of those present.

Jim struggles on and is clawed twice in quick succession, the second blow is enough to rip his shield from his grasp, the Ranger staggers as blood cascades down his face and hands, sullies the earth on which he stands, he’s cut to the quick- out on his feet. His attack is weak and yet scores a hit, more by luck than judgement, it’s a scratch however, his attackers redouble their efforts.

Anya sees her opportunity, or rather is at last stirred into action, she reaches in and grasps one of the women.

FZZZZZT

The crazed Barbarian leaps back but not before lashing out and leaving a red river in her wake, Anya scrambles backwards, clutching at her wound, in the exchange clearly the loser.

Bec too is clawed, this time however only a scratch, he stabs his greatsword clean through his attacker, kicks her dead corpse off his blade, and the slashes wildly at the next, his greatsword bites, digs deep into the woman’s flesh, almost cutting her in two- the second is dead, he’s clear- all of his attackers destroyed.

But that’s not enough for the Barbarian who dodges right and into the screaming fiends attacking Jim, scattering them in an instant, he stabs forward and shoots his blade through the face of the first of them, killing her instantly.

“Help me.” Jim whispers, but Ala is close enough to hear, she steps forward and touches the Ranger, her healing powers fill him full of warmth, his wounds knit together and close over.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

Thunder comes again, but no lightning strike, the pressure builds, the air is charged.

Cas fights on, trying desperately to get past the Barbarians, he’s caught once- scratched across the throat, not deep but enough to give an edge to his voice. He stabs back and catches one of the women in her side, not enough to worry her though.
“Newt- the Half-Orc. Shoot the Half-Orc.” The Paladin growls.

Back down in the shadow of a great standing stone Newt blinks and whispers- “I would do if you’d get your fat head out of the way”, then settles his aim.

FWUNG

And suddenly a crossbow bolt sprouts from the Half-Orc’s chest, just as the creature bites off the last syllable of his spell, which is swiftly followed by an eruption of hot blood which slakes his face and chest.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

CRA-CRA-CRA-CRAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

The lightning comes at last smashing down into a lintel stone, forking further down into each of the supporting standing stones.

CRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRASHHHHHHH.

The entire trilithon is shattered into pieces sending jagged rocks spinning out in all directions.

“I KNOW THE TRUTH. I KNOW THE TRUTH.” The Half-Orc screams as splintered rocks fill the air with death.

Next Turn: And death shall have no dominion.

 

[Goonalan]

Saga of the Dragon Cult
Interlude 1
Intrigue at the Standing Stones
Scaled for level 3​

Turn 83: And death shall have no dominion.

All of the Gang are caught in the blast- Jim, Bec, Cas, and Newt are scratched and cut by the flying debris, as are the two Barbarian’s still attacking Jim and Anya. Ala however is not so lucky, the largest remnant of the stone lintel swings down and slams into her, sending her sprawling onto the floor- either dead or unconscious.

“NOW YOU MUST DIE.” The Half Orc grins, coughs up another slick of blood and marches down the hill towards Cas.

Bec and Jim meanwhile fight on, both are scratched and clawed again by the brutal women with Jim once again covered with blood, alas mostly his own, and almost out on his feet, thank Pelor its Bec with him. The Barbarian bursts between the pair, cuts left and more or less decapitates the woman, then right removing the seconds left arm and hewing deep into her torso- both dead.

“Thanks Bec. Thank you.” Jim grins, then staggers on forward up the hill.

Anya dodges back, sees Ala fallen, grabs the Priestess by her hands and attempts to drag her out from beneath the fallen shattered lintel, Bec sees her struggling, marches back and wrenches the remains of the huge stone free from Ala’s body. Between the two of them they manage to pour a healing draught into the broken Priestess, Ala blinks suddenly awake, opens her eyes fully as the storm continues to rage.

Cas is caught again, a horrible rent that rips through the armour on his chest and leaves a bloody trail down the Paladin. He stumbles backwards, the life draining from him, whispers Holy words and healing energies flow back into him, and the wound is as suddenly gone. Cas swings hard, crunches his longsword into his attacker and fells her where she stands- one left, then the Half-Orc.

The Half-Orc, the Paladin looks up, he’s approaching fast.

FWONG

Newt is right on target again, his bolt slices through the creature’s right calf, which brings the hulking brute to a sudden halt.

The rain washes over the Half-Orc’s face, washing much of the blood away, it shows no pain, he raises his heavy mace to the sky and screams as the crows continue to call and screech and circle.

“TELL THE MASTER. TELL HIM NOW.” He screams, then mutters a single syllable, and points at Cas- a white beam strikes out and bathes the Paladin. Cas fights it, ice in veins, his limbs lead weights, he can feel his whole body shutting down- paralysis grips him.

“PELLLLLLOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRR.”

He screams, and the spell is vanquished.

The crows swirl and flock, dive down to momentarily swathe the Half-Orc, who whispers unheard words to them, and then, as one, take wing again, the black mass heads north, its message to deliver.

Torslak, the Half-Orc, looks through the rain at Cas, nods once and continues down the hill.

The storm takes a breath; the rain slackens, then as suddenly stops.

Jim dodges past Cas, into the last of the Barbarian women, his axe bites deep severing the woman’s left arm completely. Cas nods at the Ranger, but the Barbarian bitch is not done, she fights on slashing again at the Paladin who is forced into an all out defence, but its still not enough- Cas is cut badly, he staggers backwards.

Jim swings again, and this time ends it- another hefty axe blow cutting deep into the woman’s back- she sinks to her knees and then falls face first into the dirt.

“You’re next.” Jim calls and strides forward with Cas to meet Torslak.

THWONG

Newt’s bolt fires wide for once.

“SurrendCRUNCH”

Cas is smashed in the face by the Half-Orc’s heavy mace, its all too much, he tumbles backwards, back down the hill and lies there in a crumpled heap.

DM’s Interlude Cas goes from 5 HP to -7 HP in an instant; here goes- polish the dice.

“Pelor.” Newt whispers, witness to the bloody scene, Jim gulps once, backs away slightly, trying to spot his shield on the filthy ground- it’s nowhere to be seen.

THWAAANG-CRUNCH

Newt’s crossbow explodes in a fury sending the Gnome hurtling backwards out of the circle, splinters of metal and wood embedded in his hands and face.

Jim weighs his axe in his hands, changes stance, looks for an opening. Behind him Bec comes lumbering forward- the Half-Orc blithely strides on closing fast.

Jim swings hard, the Half-Orc is there, blocks the blow easily, it’s all that Jim can do to hold off the warrior for a moment- then Bec arrives.

Jim swings again, buoyed by the Barbarian’s presence; he’s blocked agai…

CRUNCH.

The Ranger sinks to his knees and then falls face forward into the dirt.

DMs Interlude Jim hits -3 HP.

Bec leaps into the fray, his greatsword locks for a moment with Torslak’s oddly coloured shining heavy mace, the Half-Orc grins as the two giants jostle in the clinch.

Newt rights himself, staggers forward, draws his own, somewhat pathetic looking- in comparison, heavy mace and… hovers, not knowing quite what to do.

Anya appears out of the darkness, takes in the situation and mutters arcane words- a cloak of black shimmering material sheathes the Half-Orc, Anya’s Scare spell takes effect, actually no effect, Torslak shrugs off the magic and swipes again at Bec. The Barbarian struggles to block the blow, his hands numb with the force of it- Bec has to give ground. A gold pendent- a three fingered hand, flashes into the light on the Half-Orc’s chest.

“Get me to Cas”, Ala appears limping very badly, attempting to climb the hill, also very badly- Anya is quickly to her side, supporting the Priestess of Correllon, the pair circle the battle being fought ahead.

Bec ducks too late, he’s smashed in the side of the face, teeth and blood shoot out, he slips and slides further down the hill, almost back to the circle of standing stones.

The Half-Orc grins some more, and saunters after him.

“Soon be over.” Torslak states.

DMs Interlude- Bec’s on 4 HP, at last- two of the three warriors are down, the last one standing is almost gone, Anya with only a bunch of crap spells left, Newt… well Newt, and Ala barely conscious and on half-speed. What can go wrong?

…

…

…

Bec’s still slipping, sliding backwards in the mud, the Half-Orc following him down, in no hurry- grinning. Eventually the Barbarian comes to rest against one of the standing stones; he braces himself to prevent further progress down the hill.

“Any last words?”

The Half-Orc draws to a halt and then bites off in broken Common.

“Lots of them, lots of them.”

Bec mumbles. The Half-Orc shrugs and surges towards him.

Bec can’t shift his sword; the guard is caught, wedged between his body and the standing stone.

He wrestles to try and get the thing free- it’s stuck fast.

There’s nothing for it, he closes his eyes…

THUNK-CHHHHHHH

Then opens them again. The Half-Orc’s face is only inches from his, close enough to feel the creature’s breath, his last one. Bec looks down, the thing is impaled on the blade of his sword, which hasn’t moved, still stuck- braced against the standing stone. Behind the huge creature are two huge gouges in the mud, the place where it slipped and slid, at great speed, into the aforementioned blade, impaling itself.

DMs Interlude- a “1” for the Half-Orc, followed by a Natural ‘20’ for Bec. Life sucks.

“Hey Anya.”

The Wizard looks over.

“I like you”, Bec calls back, and then to fill the silence, “a lot”, the Barbarian grins like an eight year old who’s cottoned on to the fact that he’s eight and can therefore, more-or-less, get away with anything. He winks for good measure.

Ala looks over; she’s bent at work on the Paladin.

Newt shuffles over into the circle.

“What happened to the strong silent type?” He stares at Bec.
“Done that. Didn’t work.” Bec replies.
“Are you alright Bec?” Cas sits up as Ala sets to work on Jim.
“Never felt better boss man. Clear as a bell.” Bec taps the side of his head, then folds his arms and stares at the Paladin.
Cas nods.

And right on queue Jim awakes.

Bec is quickly over to him, a hand on his shoulder.

“I love you Jim.” He murmurs, “but not like girls”, the Barbarian adds for clarity.

Next Turn: The story so far.

 

[Goonalan]

Saga of the Dragon Cult
Interlude 1
Intrigue at the Standing Stones
Scaled for level 3​

Turn 84: The story so far.

The Gang are healed up and cleaned up. And back in Tetnee, supping fine ales and wines courtesy of the Wise Woman and Thistle, it seems prohibition is not something the nature worshippers have any truck with.

As to the mystery in the Druid Circle, well the juries out still…

“They were clearly up to no good” Bec offers.
“Hmmm.” Thistle agrees, “and you said that you thought the crows were there to take a message?”
Cas nods, “the Half-Orc said something to them before they left.”
“But what, that’s the mystery. And the three fingered pendants?”

Newt hands the Half-Orc’s pendant over, he only had it for safe keeping you understand.

Thistle examines the thing, “odd, but not unexplainable.”

Silence.

“What are they then?” Anya asks, worried she’s missed something.

“Very primitive, Tsathzar Rho.” Thistle adds.

Silence.

“Tsathzar… Row? What the hell is that?” Anya requires information.
“Tsathzar Rho is a dead cult, or so I thought, he was a Sorcerer or a Wizard, a meddler… anyway, it is said he attempted to call the Outer Gods to do his bidding.”
“Outer Gods.” Newt smirks and plays with the phrase.
“The Gatekeeper ignorant Gnome, the Outer Ones, creatures able to twist and shape the fabric of space itself.” Thistle lurks over to Newt who takes to examining his boots, in detail.

“Well… What happened?” Anya’s back on track.
“Oh. Nothing. Well he disappeared, Tsathzar Rho, vanished… now here’s the thing, I think he got his wish, I think he got to meet the Outer Ones…” Thistle grins.
“They took him didn’t they, the Outer Gods, this Gatekeeper.” Anya states.
Thistle nods, “that’s it, that’s right, good girl.”
Anya sneers and then grins, settling for the complement.

“Now here’s the bonus question- in the process the Outer Gods got more than they bargained for…”

Anya thinks about it- hard. Jim’s a little lost, he thinks about Mischa, and grins. Bec whispers to Newt about the size and contents of the sandwich he’s going to get when this meeting breaks up. Newt nods with relish. Cas and Ala try to keep up, but have no answers.

“I don’t know, damn. Something he took with him?” Anya guesses.
“Yessssss, well sort of, they found the trail he left”, and when that doesn’t work, “You see?”

“No.” Cas tries his luck.
“The trail…” Thistle tries again.
“To here.” Anya states confidently.
Thistle nods.

“Then they’re coming here?” Jim asks, as if in a dream.
Thistle nods again, “and I think some of their friends have caught on, preparing the way so to speak- terrifying isn’t it?” Thistle grins.

“Wh… What are we going to do?” Bec is finally listening, they’re all listening now.

“That’s the question?” Thistle states and folds his tree trunk arms, “What are you going to do?”

The silence stretches for a while.

“What’s this then?” Bec holds up the Half-Orc’s weapon, it feels dirty, greasy in his hands.
“Now that, that I don’t know- never seen one like it before.” Thistle examines the weapon, hesitates to touch it.
“It feels… funny, funny bad, not funny good.” Bec brings clarity.
“Get rid of it.” Cas states, and shivers.
“I suggest you leave that with me.” The Wise Woman breaks her silence, “I’ll see what I can find out, someone must have made it, it’s aura is… confused, certainly malevolent. Put it in the sack.”
Bec does as he’s told.

A little later, after sandwiches, and silence the meeting breaks up.

Three days later the Gang head home to Grimbo, Khan’s not there to greet them, probably hiding under a rock somewhere, life is… life is back to normal.

Cas asks around, at least he and Ala talk to Father Whiskin but the old Priest just shrugs his shoulders, he’s never heard of Tsathzar Rho.

The Gang meet up regularly, there’s talk of consulting a Sage- trying to find out more information, Anya is reluctant, and for the moment holds sway, she doesn’t want the information to get out. The fact that the sky is falling in and they’re the only ones that know about it somehow sounds like a secret worth keeping.

She does a lot of reading, mostly for nothing; references to Tsathzar Rho are few and far between, even her teacher at Grimbo College, Professor Nudge Toomes has only heard of Tsathzar Rho, but in connection with what, he’s unsure; the few enquiries she makes are met with blank stares.

Time passes, fruitlessly.

Next Turn: Catch up, again.

 

[Goonalan]

Dungeon Crawl Classic #3
The Mysterious Tower
Level 3-5​

Turn 85: Catch up, again.

“Jim” Bowen

Human Male Ranger Level 3
NG HP 35 AC 19 Init +2
Str 14 Dex 15 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 12 Ch 10
Saves Fort +6 Ref +5 Will +3
+1 Battleaxe (family heirloom) +6 d8+3
Longbow (Masterwork Mighty (+2)) +7 d8+2 or Rapid Fire +5/+5
Dagger, Silver +5 or +5 d4+2
Armour: Griffin insignia Masterwork Breastplate and Large Masterwork Wooden Shield.

Feats: Skill Focus (Trapmaking), Point Blank Shot, Track, Favoured Enemy- Dire Animals, Ranger Two-Weapon Fighting & Ambidexterity, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus Longbow.

Skills of note: Animal Empathy +4 Climb +5 Craft (Trapmaking) +6 Handle Animal +4 Hide +7 Jump +6 Knowldege (Nature) +3 Listen +5 Move Silently +6 Search +3 Spot +3 Wilderness Lore +6

Items of note: Potion Cure Lt x4; Potion Darkvision; Cloak of Resistance +1, 20 Silver Arrows, Vial of Antitoxin, Potion Spider Climb, Potion of Love, Potion Cure Moderate, 10 Sunrods.

Light Warhorse “Sarge” & associated kit and caboodle.

Bec

Human Male Barbarian Level 3
CG HP 46 AC 17 Init +1
Str 18 Dex 12 Con 18 Int 11 Wis 8 Ch 9
Saves Fort +7 Ref +2 Will 0
Mighty (+4) Masterwork Composite Longbow +5 d8+4
+1 Dagger of Wounding +8 or +5 d4+5
Greatclub +7 d10+6
Longsword Masterwork +8 d8+4 (usually with Buckler +1)
Greatsword Masterwork Cold Iron +8 2d6+6
Armour: Studded Leather Masterwork, Buckler +1, Bracers of Armour +1.

Feats: Toughness, Power Attack, Rage, Cleave, Uncanny Dodge & Greater Cleave.

Skills of note: Climb +10 Concentration +4 Jump +9 Listen +3 Ride +3 Spot +3 Swim +9 Use Rope +4 Wilderness Lore +3

Items of note: Climbers Kit, Wax Balls of Cure Lt x3, Potion Blur, Potion of Cure Moderate, Bracers of Armour +1.

Heavy Warhorse “Kaul” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Lord Casimir

Human Male Paladin of Pelor Level 3
LG HP 33 AC 19 Init +1
Str 15 Dex 13 Con 14 Int 14 Wis 11 Ch 14
Saves Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +5
+1 Longsword Cold Iron +6 d8+3
Longbow +4 d8
Light Mace +5 d6+2
Armour: Shiny Breastplate +1 & Sparkling Large Masterwork Steel Shield

Feats: Negotiator, Dodge, Mobility, Detect Evil, Lay on Hands, Divine Health, Smite Evil, Aura of Courage, Remove Disease, Turn Undead, Spring Attack.

Skills of note: Concentration +4 Diplomacy +11 Handle Animal +6 Heal +3 Knowledge (History) +5 Knowledge (Local) +8 Knowledge (Religion) +6 Ride +5 Sense Motive +6 Spot +4

Items of note: 3 Flasks of Holy Water, 5 Silver Arrows, Horn of Good, Potion of Cure Light Wounds x4, Potion of Vision, Potion of Haste, Healing Kit.

Light Warhorse “Reggie” & associated kit and caboodle.


Anya’Drea

Human Female Wizard Level 3
CG HP 18 AC 15 Init +5
Str 10 Dex 13 Con 12 Int 16 Wis 11 Ch 17
Saves Fort +2 Ref +2 Will +3
+1 Quarterstaff +2 d6+1
Light Crossbow Masterwork +3 d8
Dagger Coral Masterwork Keen +2 or +3 d4
Armour: Leather Armour, Ring of Protection +1, Bracers of Armour +1

Feats: Skill Focus (Use Magic Device), Armour Proficiency (Light), Improved Initiative, Scribe Scroll, Toughness, Brew Potion.

Skills of note: Alchemy +6 Appraise +3 Bluff +3 Concentrate +7 Craft (Model) +3 Decipher Script +7 Diplomacy +3 Disguise +3 Forgery +3 Gather Info +3 Hide +5 Intimidate +3 Knowledge (Arcane) +9 Knowledge (Architecture & Engineering) +4 Knowledge (Geography) +4 Knowledge (History) +4 Knowledge (Nature) +4 Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) +4 Knowledge (The Planes) +4 Knowledge (Religion) +4 Listen +4 Move Silently +3 Perform (Vogue) +3 Scry +5 Search +3 Spellcraft +9 Use Magic Device +10

Familiar, actually Follower (of sorts) Swish, Animated Broom.

Spells: Lvl 0 (4) All;
Lvl 1 (4) Shield, Mage Armour, Mount, Dummon Monster I, Unseen Servant, Detect Secret Doors, Detect Undead, Identify, Magic Missile, Colour Spray, Cause Fear, Expeditious Retreat, Shocking Grasp, Spider Climb, Charm Person, Sleep.
Lvl 2 (2) Fog Cloud, Scare, Spectral Hand, Darkvision, Endurance, Knock, Rope Trick.

Items of note: Scrolls- not so many of them as before, Wand of Burning Hands (Level 3- 13 Charges); Potion Cure Lt. x4, Potion Cure Moderate, Potion of Intelligence, Pearl of Power (lvl 1), Necklace of Fireballs Type I, 2 Bags of Caltrops; 6 Tindertwigs, 10 Sunrods.

“Swish” Animated Broom companion AC15 Mv30 Init+2 +1 Slam d4 Hardness 5 Fort +0 Ref +2 Will -5

Light Warhorse “Mr. Fizz” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Newt

Gnome Male Rogue Level 3
NG HP 22 AC 19 Init +3
Str 11 Dex 16 Con 14 Int 16 Wis 11 Ch 10
Saves Fort +3 Ref +6 Will +3
Heavy Mace Masterwork +4 d6
Light Crossbow Masterwork +7 d6
+1 Dagger (wielded as Shortsword) of Spell Storing (Shocking Grasp D8+2) +4 D4+1
Adamantine Ceremonial Dagger (wielded as Shortsword) +3 D4
Dagger Masterwork Silver +4 or +7 d3
Armour: +1 Chain Shirt

Feats: Nimble Fingers, Low Light Vision, +1 To Hit vs. Goblinoids and Kobolds, +4 Dodge vs. Giants, Point Blank Shot, Evasion, Rapid Shot.

Skills of note: Alchemy +10 Appraise +5 Balance +8 Climb +5 Craft (Locksmith) +6 Decipher Script +5 Disable Device +10 Escape Artist +4 Forgery +3 Gather Info +3 Hide +11 Intimidate +3 Jump +5 (+35 with Ring of Jumping) Listen +8 Move Silently +9 Open Lock +11 Pick Pocket +4 Read Lips +5 Ride (Pony) +3 Scry +3 Search +9 Spot +6 Tumble +5 Use Rope +3

Spells: Ghost Sound, Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation & Speak with Burrowing Animals.

Items of note: Silk Climbing Rope, 10 Tindertwigs, 3 Thunderstones, 2 Tanglefoot bags, 10 Sunrods, 2 Smoke Sticks, 5 Alchemist’s Fire, Thieves Tools Masterwork, 10 Silver tipped Bolts, 20 Masterwork Bolts, 3 Flasks of Acid, 4 Shell Shuriken of Crushing, Potion Cure Lt x4, Potion Spider Climb x2, Potion Invisibility, Ring of Jumping, Ring of Minor Sonic Resistance.

War Pony “Dobbin” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Ala

Elf Female Cleric Level 3
NG HP 26 AC 21 Init +3
Str 14 Dex 17 Con 12 Int 10 Wis 17 Ch 13
Saves Fort +4 Ref +4 Will +6
Longsword Masterwork +6 d8+2
Composite Longbow Masterwork Mighty (+2) +6 d8+2
Dagger Silver +4 or +5 d4+2
+1 Dagger +5 or +6 d4+3
Masterwork Heavy Mace +5 d8+2
Armour: Chain Shirt Masterwork, Large Masterwork Steel Shield & Ring of Protection +2

Feats: Point Blank Shot, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Turn Undead (4/day), Extra Turning.

Skills of note: Balance +3 Concentration +4 Diplomacy +3 Escape Artist +3 Heal +8 Hide +3 Listen +5 Move Silently +3 Ride (Horse) +3 Sense Motive +3 Spot +5 Use Rope +3 Wilderness Lore +3

Spells: Lvl 0 (4) Lvl 1 (5) Lvl 2 (3)
Domains: War & Good.

Items of note: 2 Healer’s Kits, Scroll Protection from Elements, Potion Cure Light Wounds x4, Potion Cure Moderate Wounds, Scroll Hold Person & Deeper Darkness and a few others, Vial of Silversheen, Pearl of Power (lvl 1), Ring of Whispering Wind (10).

Light Riding Horse “Slim” & associated kit and caboodle.

Next Turn: To the Tower.

 

[Goonalan]

Dungeon Crawl Classic #3
The Mysterious Tower
Level 3-5​

Turn 86: To the Tower.

Nudge Toomes, Professor of… well almost everything, leading light in the Department of Magics at Grimbo College, and sometime mentor to Anya, the pair relax in his cosy office.

“Of course there’s still one possibility, but it’s a long shot.”
“Tell me.” Anya leans forward in her comfy chair.
“The Wizard Balthazhar, one of my predecessors, of sorts, he left Grimbo about a century ago, they say he knew about, well… everything. He did a lot of work with the Watch also, which may help you with some of your other problems- I hear you’re all very unpopular.”
“So there’s a history of the Watch getting other people to do their dirty work for them.” Anya frowns.
“I should say so- that’s how they work, shift the blame if need be, grab the glory if there’s any going.” The Professor smiles back at his apt pupil.

Anya thinks about it a while.

“So who’s Balthazhar, where can I find him, 125 years ago- that’s an awful long time, is he even alive?”
“No. No, he’s very dead.”
“Then how can I possibly ask him questions- if he’s dead?”
“That my child is the hard part. Listen.”

Anya leans closer in; the Professor looks left and right, like he’s about to tell Anya some big secret.

“You have of course heard of the Wizard’s Tower?”
Anya nods.
Professor Nudge Toomes smiles and leans back, conspiracy over.
“That’s him.”

Anya suddenly sits up, “the Ghost in the Tower?”
Nudge nods, and grins. “You just have to free him; that might make him grateful.”
“That’s impossible.”
“Nothing’s impossible my girl, haven’t you learnt that yet. Certainly many others have tried, and for less honourable reasons, they say Balthazhar hid a fortune in gold and magic in his Tower, if all you want are some answers to your questions then who’s to say he won’t see fit to share his findings with you.”
“Others have tried- to get the gold.”
“Tried and failed. Have you ever failed?”
“Not yet.” Anya whispers back, “not yet.”
“Do you even want the gold?”
“No, I mean it’d be nice, but I want answers.” Anya grimaces.

Nudge leans back in his sagging old armchair, smiles.
“Then my advice to you is simple, don’t fail- you have questions, Balthazhar may have the answers.”

Time ticks by, Nudge continues to grin at Anya, certain that she has already made her decision.

“The question then is what’s keeping you in Grimbo?”
“Nothing.” Anya mutters and looks away, “nothing, nothing at all.”

“Then have a safe journey.”

The Professor heaves himself out of his chair and heads off to potter about a bit, leaving Anya alone with her thoughts, the fire spits and crackles behind her.

Six days later the Goodman Gang stride over a low hill and down into a rocky valley towards a range of craggy foothills, beyond the foothills nameless black spires pierce the clouds, the village of Ghoul lies hidden within the peaks, the village of the Damned, or so its said.

But the Goodman Gang are not going there, at least not now.

Their target is a little closer, only half a mile or so down the valley, across rugged scrublands not yet tamed by man.

In the last six days the Gang have ridden hard, although each night with the promise of fresh clean beds ahead of them. Tonight they’ll have to make do with a camp fire and the Mysterious Tower, home and prison to the ghost of the Wizard Balthazhar.

The Gang have made there way through Lacey and on to K-Stor, from there on through Bigg and to Skinthorpe, the final leg of their journey taking them to the village of Growl, and the Red Lion Inn, there they left their mounts in Bungo’s Stables.

It’s but a short walk to the fabled tower, or so the lad at the Inn told them, he may have been lying.

“My feet hurt.” Newt states.
“Stop complaining, we’ve all walked the same distance.” Ala chides.
“But I have to walk two steps, at least, to your one- I’ve travelled twice as far.”
“It doesn’t work like that Newt.”
“It feels like it does.” The Gnome sulks away, back to the rear of the Gang.

And so here they come, with only a few hours of daylight left, the trek has taken twice as long as they expected, it’ll be getting dark soon, they need to find some shelter.

They trudge on, the Tower’s close now, they can’t see it yet- but Anya can feel it, the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, there’s a storm brewing.

Finally the Gang crest the last hill and there before them is the Mysterious Tower. Made of gleaming white marble; perfectly preserved amidst the ruins of an ancient keep. A shimmering blue force field surrounds the Tower, encasing it from ground level to its summit; it extends out mere inches from the walls. Newt can see something flitting about between the force field and the tower – it’s the ghost of the Wizard Balthazhar, according to Anya’s story. Newt hawks and spits, a bad taste in his mouth, he trudges on.

The ruins are old stones of granite, pulverized by years of neglect and occupation. Newt can still make out the basic outline of the ruined, four-cornered keep; the perfectly preserved tower is startling by comparison.

What’s that, the Gnome raises a hand, the others quickly stop and crouch ready for action.

“Something’s coming.”
“What?” Cas scans ahead.
“Beetles.” Newt remembers them well from his time in the desert, “big ones, three of them.”
“Heads up, missiles to the fore- time for action.” Cas swings into motion, the others hurry to obey, it’s a well oiled machine at times.

Six feet long with shining black carapaces, that’s them alright, the same as in the desert, Newt’s not going to get caught out twice.

FWUNG

A volley of missiles, but only Anya’s crossbow bolt is true, it gouges a deep gash in the side of one of the creatures causing it to lag dramatically, it struggles to keep up, the lead pair however apply a little more fuel to the fire, they’re closing the gap very quickly.

“MELEE.” Cas orders, the Gang ditch missile weapons and ready the big guns.

The Giant Bombadier Beetles scuttle into the action.

Ala and Jim leap at the first of them, Ala’s flashing longsword is turned aside by the creatures jet black carapace, Jim’s axe however finds a weak spot, a gout of yellow ichor erupts from the rent in the Beetles side.

Bec and Cas lurch towards the second Beetle, before Cas can even aim his blow, Bec leaps in and smashes his greatsword down onto the creature, which is almost split in two, such is the ferocity of the attack.

But Bec’s not done yet, he spins and steps back, dances a half-circle, which leaves him just to the rear of the first Beetle.

SMASH.

It’s dead too.

Which just leaves.

“Pelor…” The squeaky voice is Newt’s, a frontal assault this time, it seems he has a score to settle, the final Beetle wanders into a world of pain, it is however short lived, Newt smashes his mace down into the Beetles brain, the customary yellow ichor erupts, the Beetle twitches a little and then expires.

“Feckers.” Newt spits, and grins.

And is instantly gripped by a smiling, almost laughing Bec, the Barbarian hugs the Gnome to him, lifting Newt clean off the floor.

“That feels better, doesn’t it?” The wordy Barbarian grins, then remembers his place and lets the Gnome down.

“Well that went rather well, here’s hoping the rest of it will be that easy. Come on.” Cas strides on, the others wreathed in smiles, follow after.

And less than a minute later enter the ruins proper.

The Gang stand in the courtyard of what was once a powerful keep, now nothing more than weathered ruins. In the south-western corner of the courtyard, behind them and to their left, is an overgrown apple orchard, tangled by weeds and years of neglect. On the northern half of the west wall, is the still-standing stone foundation of what looks to be ruined stables. Continuing clockwise is the battered remains of a much smaller and better constructed building, obviously the officer’s quarters, in the north-eastern corner. Further round still, along the southern half of the east wall, is a larger, similar looking building, probably once the barracks of the common soldiery, now ruined.

But none of this draws the Gang’s attention so much as the Mysterious Tower in the dead centre of the destroyed keep. Built of the whitest marble and still in pristine condition, it is a mere fifteen feet wide and rises just thirty feet in the air. There are no doors or windows. Completely encasing the tower is a shimmering blue force field roughly six inches from the wall.

Anya’s gaze wanders across the tower; she spots a flicker of movement at its apex. Suddenly a gruesome looking Ghost flits from behind the structure. The Spirit is clearly trapped behind the force field, but that doesn’t stop it from fixing its gaze upon her, the Ghost of Balthazhar the Wizard moans, the sound- like a death knell.

Which causes all of the Goodman Gang to take a step back, except one.

Cas strides closer to the Tower, more or less oblivious to the noise, he stands there, hands on his hips, staring intently at the spirit.

“We come in peace.” Cas waves at the Ghost.

“Oh Pelor, he’s so embarrassing at times.” Ala can’t watch.

“Can you hear me? We mean you no harm.” Cas turns back to grin at his audience, he gives a thumbs up sign to Ala, who smiles back- weakly, then hides her face when the Paladin turns back to the tower.

The Priestess of Correllon shakes her head, muttering, “so embarrassing.”

“We are here to free you.” Cas announces, grins at the Ghost Wizard, and tries a two thumbs up signal for good measure.

The Ghost ceases its flitting, hovers, halfway up, halfway down the Tower.

Slowly.

Ever-so slowly.

It raises both hands.

And for some unknown reason makes a double thumbs up gesture back.

Which makes the Paladin smile, he turns back to share his grin with his compatriots. “I think he understands”, the Paladin nods for emphasis, “this should be a piece of cake”, Cas winks at his compatriots.

Then turns back, and pronounces every word, as if he were talking to a foreigner.

“STAY THERE.”

The Ghost of Balthazhar looks sharp left, then right, he has about six inches of play between the walls of the Tower and the shimmering blue force field, Balthazhar shrugs and looks cross-eyed at the Paladin- bloody adventurers, where else is he going to go?

Next Turn: Scrumping for beginners.