Chapter 4 : The Banewarrens : Part 5

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Deacon Havenhold
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Initiative: Round 8

Deacon 24
Bharash 23
Talin 22
Julie 19
Kal 19
Bugbear 18
Avach 16
Belie 15
Red D. 14
Vogh 12

With all the companions on the ledge now and the dragon only 60ft away, Deacon commands the Archons to move forward 30ft and unleash more of their light rays at the dragon.
17:07, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 503 using 10d100 with rolls of 15,63,58,65,98,61,84,18,38,3.  under 20 misses.
Since mage armor and shield don’t work for touch his AC is 12.
10:08, Sat 07 Dec: Deacon Havenhold rolled 16,6,28,12 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5.  18 damage
10:08, Sat 07 Dec: Deacon Havenhold rolled 26,10,18,11 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5. 10 damage
10:08, Sat 07 Dec: Deacon Havenhold rolled 19,6,24,8 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5.   14 damage
10:08, Sat 07 Dec: Deacon Havenhold rolled 11,13,14,12 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5. 12 damage
10:08, Sat 07 Dec: Deacon Havenhold rolled 19,10,28,8 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5.   8 damage
Total 62 damage

After that Deacon with his extend rod in his hand casts haste on everyone.  Then moves into the room.

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Bharash
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Bharash made the ledge and was about to move higher when VOgh told him to retreat back to the back room and prepare to attack.

Moved him on r20.

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Belie
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Belie mustered his strength, leaning against the wall and pushed himself forward, then loosed two arrows at the bastard bugbear who had injured him so.

To the rogues delight, one arrow found its mark before he stumbled into the room where Julia healed all his hurts. “Thank you Julia. You are a blessing!” He profusely thanked the attractive woman.

Belie rolled 26,13,31,14 using d20+13+5,1d8+4+5,d20+13+5,1d8+4+5

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Narrator
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Between Bharash and Belie’s arrows the Bugbear was forced to stumble back and drink a healing potion before his many injuries overcame him. The group couldn’t see him pulling the shafts from his body before drinking the potion to prevent the wounds healing around the arrow heads.

Enraged by the lantern archons once more attacking him, the red finally let lose an insanely powerful blast of scorching fire from his considerable maw. Even inside the room the group could feel the heat. Sweat instantly beaded on several of their foreheads.

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Talin
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Vogh sees the lanterns poof and tells Deacon to summon more if he can. She then casts Elation for everyone and moves to a better position.

Round 9
Deacon hears the call in his head and once again summons 4 archons.  When they appear they move closer to the red and fire off their light rays.

17:57, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 12,7,36,16,7,40 using d20+10,d8+5,d100,d20+10,d8+5,d100.
17:57, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 19,9,33,12,10,25 using d20+10,d8+5,d100,d20+10,d8+5,d100.
17:57, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 14,8,80,17,11,26 using d20+10,d8+5,d100,d20+10,d8+5,d100.
17:57, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 28,13,19,27,8,72 using d20+10,d8+5,d100,d20+10,d8+5,d100. always under 20 misses. so 19+19+14+8=60

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Narrator
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Everything in the top part of the spire went completely black. Neither Bharash’s nor the Lanterns’ darkvision could penetrate the magical blackness.

Vogh’s telepathy could sense both the dragon and the bugbear moved back from the hole.

[Private to GM: Bugbear drank 1 potion of cure serious, then another one.

The dragon likewise drank a potion of cure serious.

15:18, Today: Secret Roll: Narrator rolled 32 using 3d8+15.
15:18, Today: Secret Roll: Narrator rolled 20 using 3d8+5.
15:18, Today: Secret Roll: Narrator rolled 24 using 3d8+5.]

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Vogh
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Vogh told the others that the dragon and bugbear had moved back away from the hole.  It seemed to her that they were content on having her and the others come to them.  Vogh knew that the dragon needed time to breathe his fire breath at them and that is probably what he is waiting for.

We need to push up into the room up there.  Vogh told the others and then prepared to move herself while also keeping a mental note on where the dragon was.

Everyone will double move which with haste now on them they can move 100ft.
I need to know how far from the hole the dragon is though and where?

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Deacon Havenhold
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Round 10
The lantern archons are going to move to the edge of the hole and fire their light rays.
I know it is a 50% miss chance but the dragon also loses any Dexterity bonus to AC, takes a –2 penalty to AC.

07:44, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 21,10,48,15,6,35 using d20+10,d8+5,d100,d20+10,d8+5,d100. both hit for 16
07:44, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 26,7,65,12,11,2 using d20+10,d8+5,d100,d20+10,d8+5,d100. one hit for 11
07:44, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 13,6,40,12,13,9 using d20+10,d8+5,d100,d20+10,d8+5,d100. both hit for 19
07:44, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 24,10,92,21,11,99 using d20+10,d8+5,d100,d20+10,d8+5,d100. both miss
over 50 misses.  So 46 more damage.

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Narrator
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Deacon 24
Bharash 23
Talin 22
Julie 19
Kal 19
Bugbear 18
Avach 16
Belie 15
Red D. 14
Vogh 12
Sagg 9

The group made the lip of the hole and climbed into the room, all blind except Vogh thanks to her telepathy and Saggarintys’ draconic blindsight ability. Each of them felt a horrible magic wash over them. A devious spell evaporated the moisture from their bodies, causing their flesh to wither and crack!

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Vogh
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The spell hits the companions for 20d6=58 which kills the archons immediately.

Round 11
Bharash being the warrior he is will go in to attack based on what Vogh said.  He approaches blindly and swings his blade at the dragon missing it completely.

The dragon made Bharash pay for his attempt by slashing a claw at him opening up a fresh wound.
1d20+28 claw=37 rolling 2d6+6 claw=14 damage

Kalerescent moves in there and attacks as well.  Swinging his holy blade he connects with an invisible barrier
and calls out to the others where the huge red is.

The bugbear moves closer to the red dragon.

Julia sends out a healing wave of energy and everyone is healed 45 HP.

Avach moves to a better position not knowing where to shoot his bow.

Belie:”Vogh, where the hell are the damnable things?!”  Belie moves over to the wall and while pulling out a wand to heal himself he fails to operate it properly.

Talin moves further into the darkness hoping to bump into an enemy.

The red dragons turn, it decides to attack Bharash and Kal.
bite 23 dam, claw miss, wing 14 dam on kal
claw 12 dam, wing 11 dam, tail 48 dam on bharash

Vogh will cast heartfire to highlight the enemy so the others can attack better.  The bugbear makes his save so only takes 1 dam.

Saggarintys: “Move out of the way men!” The silver dragon folds out of his elven form to grow to the same size as the fearsome red.
Saggarintys the Silver King rolled 46,21,39,11,31,13,48,9,37,8,37,21 using 1d20+28,2d8+8,1d20+23,2d6+4,1d20+23,2d6+4,1d20+23,1d8+4,1d20+23,1d8+4,1d20+23,2d6+12. 59dmg
The great silver roars at the red and lashes out with everything he had. Teeth. Claws, Wings and his mighty tail. Unfortunately, many of the attacks failed to penetrate the red dragon’s defenses. But many made it through as well.

Round 12
Deacon moves and casts scorching ray at the bugbear
rolling 8d6 fire damage =23 no save
Bharash slashes at the now visible dragon hitting it once. rolling d20+14=34 for 19 damage.

Talin steps to the bugbear and attacks rolling d20+19=39 rolling d20+19 crit check =37 for rolling 2d8+28=43
rolling d20+14=26 rolling d8+14=16 rolling d20+19=34 rolling d8+14=22 Total 81 damage to the bugbear

Julia once more lets out a healing wave healing the others for =44 HP

Kal attacks the red as well after suffering quite a bit of damage, his blade ricocheting off of the reds scales.

The bugbear swings at Talin rolling 1d20+16-2=26 rolling 1d20+11-2=21 missing on both attacks.

Avach moves and then fires with his bow at the bugbear.  Hitting the bugbear for 26 more damage and killing it.

Belie takes a chance and shoots at the red hoping to hit it. rolling 1d20+13+7=40 rolling 1d8+4=8+5=13 damage

The red moves back away from the companions opening him up for attacks of opportunities from Kal, and Bharash.  Both Kal and Bharash only hit the invisible shield surrounding the red.

The red then let out his firey breath which encompassed most of the companions for 81 points of fire damage.  The fire breath was too much for Vogh and Bharash as they fall unconscious to the ground.  Talin, Julia, and Kalerescent had only a little bit of health left.

Saggarintys defensively jumps over the top of the lifeless body of Bharash and Kalerescent and blasts the red with the full brunt of his breath weapon hitting the red for 58 damage.  The red failing his save took the full brunt of the ice.

Round 13
Deacon summons lanterns one last time, summoning only 2 lanterns.  They fire off their light rays causing only 14 damage this time to the red dragon.

Julia though feeling quite a bit of pain grits her teeth and releases another wave of healing energy healing her friends for 32 HP.

Kal uses his godly powers of healing and heals himself for 11 more HP and moves out from the security of the silver dragon towards his friends.

With the healing from Julia, Vogh stands and begins her music once more.

Talin moves and uses his healing belt, healing himself for 6 HP.

Round 14
The archons will attack again 35 damage

Bharash moves away from the main bit of the combat to give Sagg room.

Julia will blast a heal again rolling 9d8=32

Kal is going to use his LoH to do a channel energy to heal others for 6HP

Avach is going to double move to shoot next time.

Belie moves in range to feint next time and then does a normal attack this round but misses the red.

The red full attacks Sagg hitting with tooth, claw, wing, and tail for 70 damage.

Round 15
The archons once more fire their light rays at the red dragon hitting for 50 more damage

Bharash pulls out a potion and drinks it. rolling 2d8 cure potion =9

Talin moves to Bharash and uses a wand to heal him for 8 more HP.

Avach shoots his bow but fails to hit the red dragon.

Kal doesn’t do anything right now but defend.

Belie tries to feint on the dragon to fake him out but the dragon easily saw the ruse for what it was.  He shot his bow and missed as his arrow bounced off the reds scales.

Julia is going to cast protection from evil, communal.

The red moves back just a bit and casts Unholy Blight on those close to him.  Everyone needs to make a will save, including the archons
The character takes 21 damage and –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Kal, Talin, and Julia failed.

Vogh casts inspirational boost on herself

Sagg full attacks the red unleashing his fury for 70 damage.

Round 16
Archons once more fire and hit the red for 29 more damage.

Bharash still licking his wounds remains back.

Avach fires his bow and hits the red for 4 damage.

Belie fires his bow and misses completely.

Julia seeing others hurt once more unleashes another healing wave healing everyone for 30 HP

Talin will try and shoot and gets a lucky hit on the dragon for 10 damage.

Kal doesn’t do anything yet.

The red withdraws to get away from the companions as the last barrage of attacks almost killed him.

Vogh tries to shoot her bow at the red but isn’t able to pierce its defenses.

Saggarintys breaths his cold breath at the red: rolling 12d8=65 the red though was able to dodge the main parts of the breath though and only took half damage.

Round 17
The archons still very much active take chase of the red and fire off their rays hitting for 33 more damage.

Belie tries to hit the red and misses as does Avach, Talin, Vogh, and Julia.

Kal and Bharash stay back as they don’t have ranges weapons.

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Narrator
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The dragon turns and takes to flight. As he ascends into the sky a malevolent darkness surrounds him. (unholy aura. +4 deflection bonus = touch ac now 16)

Once the red dragon takes flight and flies off a distance, the Archons take chase via a teleport.  They once more fire off their Light Rays.
14:19, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled 27,12,16,12,18,8,18,12 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5.
Hitting AC’s 27,16,18,18 for a total of 44 damage

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Narrator
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As the light rays hit the red, it falls lifeless from the air falling dead to the ground some 40ft below.

This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 16:32, Tue 14 Jan 2020.

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Vogh
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When the archons kill the red finally, Vogh tells the others that the task has been completed.  We must regroup now.  We have a tough task at hand.  We must gather our resources and ready ourselves to fight Malificite.  Belie, go check the body of the bugbear.  He had a nice bow and perhaps Kal or Bharash could use it since they don’t have a bow.

Vogh gathered everyone near the door to the control room and spoke again, Great Saggarintys, I was thinking we could rest here and while we are resting Bharash or one of the warriors could go into the control center for the doomwalker and use its ability to repair itself.  The time we spend resting should give us enough time to repair quite a bit of damage on the thing.  You said it isn’t safe in the path for us, but if you and the doomwalker were working together it may work to kill the thing finally.  Or we try and lure it here and deal with it altogether.  What do you think?

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Belie
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Belie nodded and moved immediately to check over the bugbear. He was impressed by the heft and thickness of both the bow’s wood and it’s string. It would take a very strong individual to even pull back the heft of the weapon. (+1 Mighty Composite Longbow – up to +5 str)

The rogue recovered 4 magical arrows (+3) and a couple dozen mundane ones.

A (+1) greataxe hung from the dead brute’s belt which Belie retrieved, and was not surprised to find that both the weapon and the armor were magical (+1 Half-plate).

Finally Belie removed a potion (fly) from one of the many vial loops on his belt, all empty now, and cut loose a pouch with over 100 gold pieces in it (102gp), but he left the Quaan ring. If Bharash wanted to chop the dead things finger off, that was up to him.

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Saggarintys the Silver King
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The great silver backed away from the crumbled wall which no longer separated the top of the spire from the Dread One’s Path and it’s myriad of dangers. He could not see the four winged ex-angel, but feared the being would not be far away.

“Let us hope we have any time at all. You said the Malificite was already awakened by the red. More than likely he is nearby, watching… Nevertheless, you have a good plan. Send someone to set the doomwalker to repairing itself. Let us heal our hurts and prepare for the worst.”

Saggarintys positioned himself nearly parallel to the wall of the control room, but with his head still peeking around into the Path, watching…

He casts cure light on himself, Saggarintys the Silver King rolled 8 using 1d8+5

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Bharash
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Bharash had taken out his blades and had begun sharpening them.  He didn’t like the fact that the red was so easily able to block his strikes.  A sharpe blade just might be more effective he thought to himself.

He then noticed Belie walking back from the body of the bugbear and asked, Hey Belie, Did you take his ring too?  Or do you not have the belly to cut it from his dead corpse?

The rogue, in full stride toward the control room smiled and winked at the dragon warrior then tossed back, “I know how you so enjoy removing their evil digits so I left that task to you!” Then Belie disappeared into the control room.

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Julia Graymantle
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Julia made her rounds to make sure that everyone was okay.  She didn’t like the prospect that the black angel could be lurking nearby.  Depending on how bad people were hurt, Julia would decide how best to treat the wounds.

Can you tell me how far down Saggarintys is?

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Vogh
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Vogh too was worried about the black angel Malificite.  If he came now, before they were ready it would be a tough battle indeed.  She remembered how easily it had cut down the vrock.

She looked to Talin and asked him, Can you go in the control center and begin the repair of the doomwalker please?  I am going to stand watch and try to sense when or if Malificite approaches.  That way I can warn everyone. 

Vogh then spoke to Saggarintys, Great Saggarintys.  Thank you for helping us defeat the red and its companion.  We have one more powerful foe left.  Is there anything I or we can do to help make you stronger?

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Deacon Havenhold
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Deacon took the time to sit inside the control room and rest.  He had used up most of his most powerful spells and needed time to rest to recover them.  He sat with his eyes closed and mediated.

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Talin
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Talin nodded to Vogh.  Even though he didn’t say anything to her he had worried about her when he saw her fall in the battle.  He had thought he lost her at that moment.

He went inside the control room and put on a few helms till he found the right one to begin the repair.

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Saggarintys the Silver King
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Saggarintys, the old Silver, opened his eyes at Vogh’s address.

“Little one, I do carry some wounds. I can heal them myself, but it will take me many moments. If your ally could aid in that healing, I would be grateful. Dragons also possess a second sense known as “blindsight” which allows me to sense even the invisible. I’m concentrating out to the end of my ability to monitor for Malificite. I’m able to sense nearly two hundred feet away so I will alert you if he nears.”

Can you not see his HP’s on Roll20? My bad. Thought you could. Sagg has 34 points of damage against him.

Doomwalker: Right Leg : Every other round (every 12 seconds), this controller can repair 2d10 points of damage to the construct. Woah… someone got carried away with rolling! haha

Talin rolled 19,15,15,12,15 using 2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10.  R83-91.
Talin rolled 11,16,9,13,6 using 2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10.  R73-81.
Talin rolled 8,8,5,9,6 using 2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10.  R63-71.
Talin rolled 16,5,14,12,10 using 2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10.  R53-61.
Talin rolled 7,8,8,14,12 using 2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10.  R43-51.
Talin rolled 14,3,12,13,12 using 2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10.  R33-41.
Talin rolled 9,4,6,10,12 using 2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10.  R23-31.
Talin rolled 18,14,6,14,14 using 2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10,2d10.  R13-r21.
Talin rolled 12 using 2d10.  R11.
Talin rolled 15 using 2d10.  R9.
Talin rolled 4 using 2d10.  R7.
Talin rolled 19 using 2d10.  R5 r2 was actually r3.
Talin rolled 10 using 2d10.  R2.
Talin rolled 10 using 2d10.  Repair r1.

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Narrator
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Initiative:
Malificite 27
Deacon 24
Bharash 23
Talin 22
Julie 19
Kal 19
Bugbear 18
Avach 16
Belie 15
Red D. 14
Vogh 12
Sagg 9

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Vogh
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Mal is using his wings to fly about 50 feet off the ground
“Great Saggarintys?! Is that YOU?!” the dark angel hollers out, his voice echoing in the chamber.

Talin calls over Belie to help with the other leg so they can move the doomwalker quicker.

“It is Bastion!”  Saggarintys called back loudly, shaking the very foundation of the chamber.

“NO! Never use that name you old beast!” The dark being shouts back.

Seeing that Saggarintys was still a bit injured, Kal moves over and lays a hand on him, healing Sagg of his wounds.

“I’ve slept long old one, as have you… Let us leave this place and explore the world! Separately of course…” The dark angel called out deceptively.

Saggarintys replied easily, “You cannot leave this place old friend. The evil one’s taint has ruined you.”

Talin and Belie get a running start and leap into the air together to jump the lake.  Once again they barely get to the other side and have to shoot the spears in the legs into the ground so they don’t fall in.  They slowly begin the action of pulling themselves out and upright once more.

“Truly?! You have friends in there operating that blasted machine Saggarintys?! Then they will die as well…” With that Malificite winks out, Invisible.

Round 2
“He has gone invisible! I can still sense him. He is moving closer” Saggarintys told his new friends.

Vogh tells Avach and Deacon to go help Talin and Belie
Vogh will then sing her music in the minds of everyone.
Use wand of shield for all. (4mins left)
Give potion of bull’s str to Sagg and to Bharash (each 4mins left)
Cat’s grace and mage armor for Sagg
Deacon quickly casts extended haste before moving into the room to help.
Bharash full defends not knowing where the black angel is.
Julia casts protection from evil
Saggarintys creates a sandstorm in the entrance of the path.

Round 3
As they wait for Malificite to get close a sudden column of fire appears directly over Saggarintys burning deep into his scales for 51 damage.
A vertical column of flame appears and slams into the top of Sagg. Fortunately, Sagg was able to just barely dodge part of the blast, only taking half the effect.

The companions move the doomwalker up and also repair it again for 11 more HP.
Vogh casts inspiration on herself.

“And what’s that half breed abomination there Sagg? Did your loins sire such a blasphemy?!” Malificite teased as he came closer.

Round 4
Malificite then used another ability to summon a blade barrier which directly hit Vogh, Bharash, and Kal.  Luckily, Vogh and Bharash were able to dodge the worst of the blades, Kal, unfortunately, wasn’t so lucky as the blades tore into his flesh. for 55 HP.

When the doomwalker moves forward Vogh tells them to stop as it is right in front of them
Vogh, Bharash, Kal all move, and Julia lets out a healing wave healing for 42 HP.
Vogh then casts Elation which bolsters everyone with strength and speed.

Round 5
Malificite will fly forward and descend enough to attack Sagg. Both have reach so no AOO.  His attack clanks off the scaled form of the dragon.

Vogh tells the others to charge the opening and attack.
Sagg lets out his gout of cold directly at the angel hitting it for 49 cold damage.
At the same time the doomwalker now just outside the chamber where everyone else is lets out it fire breath hitting the angel directly where Saggarintys breathed for rolling 10d8 fire breath DC18 save for 42 fire damage.do it again in 2 rounds.
Talin comes out of the control room and casts glitterdust on the angel so the others can see his outline at least.
Julia will cast Prayer to aid her friends.
Deacon while in the control room casts a summon monster and summons two archons and sends them to attack the angel staying low so as not to expose themselves.
14:45, Today: Deacon Havenhold rolled AC13,for 13,AC15,for 6,AC27,for 8, AC22,for 8 Total 35 damage.
using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5.  archon attacks.

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Vogh
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Top of round 6

Malificite flies up higher and double moves to get away from the sudden onslaught from the breath weapons of the doomwalker and the dragon. Malificite flew right back out into the path he had just came from.

The withdraw gave the doom walker the chance to take one more swing at the black angel. The reaction attack hit the angel true inflicting quite a bit of pain as the fist hits the hip of the angel for 33 damage.

Doomwalker rolling d20+33(13)+33=46 rolling 2d12+13(9+11)+13=33

The archons teleport to the angel within 30 ft and fire their light rays.

rolled 24,8,24,13,15,7,15,13 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5. Total 21 damage

The doomwalker will advance after Malificite and fire off a spear. orange>rolling d20+31(20)+31=51 rolling d20+31(14)+31=45 for rolling 4d8+26(7+4+5+7)+26=49 and rolling d20+31(3)+31=34 rolling 2d8+13(8+1)+13=22 total 71 damage. </orange>

Loud scream from him as the spears skewers him through the stomach.

Saggarintys will double move and lift off, flying after Malificite. Malificite, you coward! How dare you flee from me. We will free you Bastian!

Top of round 7

Mal will rip the spear out and drop it to the ground with a growl and then he flees with all speed back towards his house at the back of the path.

The Archons teleport again and fire light rays.

rolled 19,8,17,13,30,10,27,6 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5. For 37 more damage

The doomwalker continues to take chase after the black angel. Talin will repair the doomwalker for another 5HP.

Saggarintys double moves and flies over the doom walker’s head towards Malificite.

Top of Round 8

Mal tries to dispel the dust from his flesh so that he could go invisible again, but he fails the dispel check rolling 1d20+16(2)+16=18 he then flies toward the building almost reaching it.

The doomwalker continues running and jumps over the water rolling d20+21(10)+21=31 it manages to barely clear the other side with a earth shaking thud.

Saggarintys moves close to Malificite and breathes his cold breath at Malificite rolling 12d8=51

The archons once more teleport and fire their light rays rolled 21,8,13,7,16,6,20,7 using d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5,d20+10,d8+5.

Top of round 9

Malificite tries to dispel the dust again and this time is successful, and he disappears a moment later. rolling 1d20+16(8)+16=24

Saggarintys roars out loud, He’s fleeing back toward you!!!”

As the black angel disappears and Saggarintys confirms that it is flying back to the control panel the doomwalker moves a bit and then runs and jumps back over the lake.

rolling d20+21(13)+21=34

Malificite keeps moving back towards the control room invisible.

The archons teleport back all the way back to Deacon and Kal goes in to take Talin’s place in the control room.

Saggarintys then charged after Malificite, since he was able to fly farther Saggarintys decided this time to just ram into Malificite and hoped that he could bring him down to the ground for the doomwalker to finish him off. The dragon slams into what looks like nothing to the group, but with claws and teeth both giant creatures crash to the earth shaking the entire structure “Blast him with your breath!”

Top of round 10

Mal, still invisible, struggles against the dragon crushing him into the ground and isn’t able to get out.

Saggarintys roars out, “Blast him! I’ve got him held!” rolling 10d8 fire=50

As the fire washes over Saggarintys and the giant black angelic creature it becomes visible once more.

Smoke rolls over Saggarintys’ s back, as he took the full brunt of the flames. But it was worth the pain to the great Silver dragon.

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Saggarintys the Silver King
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Sagg took to wing once more and flew to the end of the Dread One’s Path. There he transformed into an elf once more and entered the Malificite’s millennia old home. He morphed into a dragon once more and carried a heavy blanket filled with items that twinkled and lit up the eyes of the group.

“I have no need of treasures in here, so take these as a pittance of the reward you deserve for assisting me in securing and protecting this place. Since there is no need for stealth, allow me to fly you all down.”

The great silver floated down the half mile tall spire to land softly on the floor below. He maintained his true form until finally the corridors required him to take a humanoid shape once more.

As they were passing down through the tunnels, for the final time, the Silver King gave them a stern warning.

“My friends. I am certain you will want to tout your exploits to the outside world, but it’s of the utmost importance you tell no one about this place… Myself and Geristranomos will work tirelessly to maintain the generators and keep the Banewarrens forever protected. But nothing is perfect, as you now know, and obscurity can be security… Furthermore, Danar’s hand has not been destroyed yet, so all our efforts would be for naught were you all to lose possession of the key. There remains one piece of the Staff, which is the only way to destroy the hand. Do you all intend to hunt this down and take it from the Paclords as Yaeshla explained, in order to finish the task?”

[Private to GM: Perhaps the Malificite’s “family” or something senses his demise and comes for revenge, or to thank the PCs for “freeing” him.]

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Yaeshla
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Yaeshla could sense the part of her which Saggarintys had retrieved from the Malificite’s stash and was incessant about being rejoined until they finally fitted her together with the second piece.

The group all heard, and felt, “her” sigh of relief upon being joined with the found section. Her sigh was accompanied by a stream of hundreds of large butterflies pouring forth and fluttering around for a minute, then disappearing into thin air.

“Yes… Yes! While I am not yet whole, still I can feel my magics increasing!”

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Vogh
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When Saggarintys returned with the blanket of items and showed to everyone, they all were quite excited to hear Yaeshla say that part of the treasure was indeed part of the staff of shards.  Once they were joined together they all were in awe once more as she conjured up some butterflies.  She was increasing in power and was only one piece away from being whole.

Yaeshla, we promise to make you whole once more.  We will need a bit of rest and then we will discuss the best course of action.  We know how to get to the Quaan, but not back so that will need to be discussed further.

Vogh then turned to Saggarintys, Oh great Silver King, we couldn’t have done this without you.  Are you so certain you want to remain here in the banewarrens?  The world would definitely benefit from having you in it.  Course, Saggarintys had no intention of leaving the banewarrens unguarded and declined gracefully.  Vogh continued then, I think that the best place for you to remain is up here.  Stay within the room next to the control room.  With the Antithesis stone here and the grail only 100ft away would give you the best chance to defeat a foe before it can attain the items.  One thing I would like to do is attain an item that will allow you to bypass the damage reduction of higher armored creatures.  It looked to me that none of the physical attacks hurt Malificite.  I will inquire about it when we return to the surface.  In the meantime, I would like to reseal all the doors while we make our way back.

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Saggarintys the Silver King
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“Indeed, the Malificite was incredibly powerful. I could not have defeated him without your aid. You all have accomplished more than most mortals would ever attempt. I am in your debt. Were you to craft or purchase such an item, you can trust I would put it to good use against any of evil weal who ever dared enter these halls again. If you could procure a scroll which would allow us to repair the wall into the walk, that would be wise. I will work to reconstruct the wall to the best of my ability, but I’m no stone mason. Your plan to exit and seal the doors behind you is the best course until the hand key can be destroyed. Would that I could accompany you, but I could never leave these banes unguarded.”

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Deacon Havenhold
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Deacon had been following along with the conversation and when Saggarintys asked about a scroll to repair the wall Deacon said, With a little more skill I would be able to cast the spell.  I have seen it used many times before and would welcome the chance to build part of the defences of the banewarrens.

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Vogh
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With things laid out on what to do next, Vogh and the others begin their decent. Along the way they begin sealing all the doors that were opened with the sealing rod.

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Narrator
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Saggarintys happily flew the group down to the base of the spire. It was the first time any of them had ridden a dragon, and the experience was nothing short of miraculous. Everyone didn’t fit on the huge dragon’s back, so the beautiful silver grasped Bharash and Kalerecent in his foreclaws. Belie and Deacon opted to use their feather fall ability behind the descending dragon. This way if anything went south, they would simply fall onto the dragon’s back. But there was nothing to worry about. Everyone arrived safely at the bottom of the impossibly tall rock spike which most of them had grown up around their entire lives, but never dreamed to see the interior.

The Silver King floated with his huge wings outspread, allowing the resistance to slow their descent. Finally he alighted on his hind legs, touching down with impossible tenderness which prevented anyone from even jolting. First Saggarintys gingerly set down Bharash and Kal, then he settled all four feet on the ground, bowing to allow Vogh, Julia, Avach, and Talin to slide off his silver scaled shoulder.

Then, the great drake transformed into an elf once more. Julia politely handed him the clothes he had been wearing. Together the group descended for the final time the path they had traversed repeatedly. Few spoke during the time.

Sagg flew everyone over the broken expanse inside the anti-magic area to save time. Together they descended the stair and moved through the secret door beside the dragon’s bubbling, magical fountain, traversed the room which had been his prison for millennia.

Still in elven form, Saggarintys led everyone through the unholy and desecrated altar room and finally to the stairs where they parted ways.

“I will remain vigilant for the undead thing you battled in the Altar room. Pray I’m able to kill it while you’re away. I look forward to your fast return. Geristranomos will be able to summon me via the repaired generator.”

With that, the group left the beautiful elf at the top of the stairs and descended into the lower portions of the Banewarrens. It was here they passed through a Sealed Door, two goblins still lay dead just inside the door, at the place they were felled right before the troupe caught the mind flayer and ended its evil.

Vogh produced the Sealing Rod and Yaeshla showed her how to use it to magically seal the door with Danar’s powerful magic.

No one felt the bite of the protection spell as they passed through it this time. It was as if the Banewarrens knew they were heroes.

Belie closed the secret door which allowed access to this hallway and arranged the broken screen to better conceal the area. He did the same at the next secret door which gave access to the three vaults which also housed the air elemental they were forced to battle twice.

It was after passing through this final door the group once again heard the yelling and raving of the chained specter in the room with the electrified floor.

“DANAR!!! I will leave! Release me to the afterlife! I cannot remain here forever!”

Another dead goblin, charred from the electrical shock of the floor, lay in the room with the false ceiling. So many secrets the group had learned about this marvelous construction.

They could all see the ragged face where the head of a person would be inside the the upper half of a suit of full plate armor — the cuirass vambraces, and gorget — hanging from a black chain over a 20-foot-wide pit in the north section of this chamber. A tattered red surcoat still hung about the armor, as well as various bits of a chainmail hauberk.

“You again?! Where is Danar?! I’ve been here long enough! I will leave willingly to the beyond! Release me! Send me to the beyond and you can have my armor! I cannot hang here any longer. This indefinite imprisonment is cruel!”

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Vogh
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The ride down the spire was nothing short of magnificent.  Riding on a dragon so graceful as Saggarintys was a perfect reward for Vogh and the others.  When they touched down and began their trek back through the banewarrens, they all marveled at what had all transpired in the last few days.  They had seen so much and gone through so much together that they walked in silence and awe of it all.

When they once again heard the groaning of the man they had heard before they made their way to the room. “Yes, it is us.  Danar is no longer the ruler of these warrens.  Saggarintys is now the Guardian of the banewarrens.  If you will allow us, we would like to set you free.  Just give us what is needed to do so.”

When the spector of the long-forgotten man finally told them what they needed to do, Julia pulled out her holy symbol, a vile of holy water and told the others to kneel and chant as they were instructed.  While everyone was chanting, Julia poured the vial of holy water down into the pit as instructed and cast the appropriate spell, in this case, a spell called the blessing of the watch.  When Julia finished the spell she told the others to stop chanting and then said to the spector, You are now free to leave this life finally able to move on.  I pray that your torment isn’t as horrible as it was here.

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Narrator
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The specter sighed contentedly, spoke a simple “Thank You”, then simply disappeared.

Belie worked with Bharash and Deacon to get the magical armor from the chains suspending it and stow it away with all the other gear they had to deal with once they finally had a moment’s respite.

Upon leaving the group shut the door once more and proceeded into the room with the marvelous Pegasus statue, Voastra who was a close companion of Danar before the evil end.

Descending the stair the group passed through the will-o-wisp room, past the 3 vaults and ended at the “dead end” which was the closed Plug.

Vogh reached out with her telepathy and sensed Geristranomos’ strange mind. He felt happy through their connection and moments later the plug ascended into the ceiling once more. Everyone could see the golden construct standing atop the broken floor trap, waving to them through the wall of force.

Once everyone was through, passing via the secret passage into the wet room and closing secret doors behind them, they felt the rumble as the Plug closed once more.

Geristranomos greeted them on the platform with the four stair cases.

“Hello my friends! I trust you are all well? The Great Saggarintys contacted me through the generator and told me to await your arrival. He shared that the Malificite is dead, and you all repelled the monstrous attack of those pactlords? Well done! I’ve been working on the generator near the entrance and should only require a few more days to have it 100 percent functional! At which point, we merely need to seal the broken wall just outside the first Sealed Door, and the generator will forever seal us inside! With any luck, these bane warrens will once again be forgotten to time.”

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Vogh
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Making their way back down through the banewarrens Vogh kept searching with her mind to see if there were intelligent beings out there.  Thankfully nothing popped into her head until she recognized a familiar signature, that of Ger..  Vogh reached out to him telepathically and told him to open the plug once more.  She was certainly happy to see that he was okay and still hard at work.  Vogh gave him a great big hug when she finally got to him.  Have we got some stories for you.  Some are more like nightmares but we made it to the end.  We will ha e to talk about it another time though as we still have many things to accomplish.

Vogh and the others were quite happy to hear that the generator was almost complete as well.  That is just as important as sealing the whole of the place.  We can talk some more later but let’s get out of here for now.

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Narrator
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When Vogh explained their plan to return apropos, even bringing an item to aid Saggarintys, plus spells to perfectly repair both damaged walls, Geristranomos was more than happy to accompany them back topside to the city.

Vogh used the sealing rod to magically secure the outermost Banewarrens Door. The group possessed the only key capable of overcoming the seal, Danar’s own hand. With any luck no Pactlords or other evil beings would appear and attempt to steal the item from them.

At least if a red dragon appeared in the middle of Ptolus the group would have some assistance in defeating it, or places to flee.

Night had settled in full over the city outside the Manor House in Oldtown. They had to walk several blocks to hail one carriage, then a second in order to transport all nine of them. Talin overpaid both drivers and everyone settled into the cushioned seats.

A wash of exhaustion passed over ever member of the group. The adrenaline of the past days wore off and everyone’s bodies let them know just how tired they each were.

Thankfully they made it to the Minstrel, and their beds, without incident at the late hour. Tellith wasn’t even around when the troupe entered the common room. The golden construct, and the rather large group, garnered the attention of nearly everyone sitting around the Inn. However, there were less than a dozen folks present.

Geristranomos stayed in Talin and Vogh’s room to watch over them, and the Banewarrens Key, since he required no rest, with a promise to alert them if anything happened.

Even those with magic rings of sustenance, everyone slept until late in the day. Hunger woke them more than being completely rested, as each felt they could sleep a week without break.

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Narrator
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Avach of the Inverted Pyramid and Kalerecent, Paladin of the Church of Lothian, ate with their friends in the Minstrel’s Common room then bid everyone adieu. Both needed to report the recent happenings to their respective organizations.

Kalerecent had wrapped the magical sword the group had recovered from the room of floating swords. The paladin was certain this was the Sword of Truth his order had sought for so long, but currently tainted by an evil spell. The paladin promised them he would make sure they received the reward promised by the Church. (20,000gp , or double that in spellcasting services, or even divine magic item creation)

The paladin was deeply grateful to the group for gifting him the more powerfully enchanted full plate armor which they retrieved from the dismissed specter. He wanted to have a more powerful member of his order check for any taint of evil, but promised to return his old set to them, or compensate them appropriately. “It’s possible a member of my order would like it. If that is the case, I’ll see you paid in gold.”

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Vogh
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One of the things that Vogh wanted to do before leaving each area of the warrens, was to take every body that was killed by them except the big red and Malificite and put them into a sealed room. She would have done that right as they went along. This was to make it less likely that if anyone came back that they could bring the body back and resurrect it.

It was really nice making it above ground once more and with Geristranomos in tow, Vogh made certain to introduce him properly to the world above his world own. Vogh had no way of knowing if he had ever seen Ptolus before.

When they made it back to the Minstrel Vogh was beat. They had been pushing it the past week and her body had felt many different punishing factors, and even fell unconscious at one point. Back in the room, Vogh and Talin asked if Geristranomos would stand guard to make sure the hand was safe while they rested. Vogh had entrusted the hand to someone already once and that proved disastrous.

Sleeping in late, which was to be expected, Vogh and the others finally rose and went to the taverns main room for lunch. The food was delicious as usual and even more so, since the last week they had been eating rations.

After lunch was done and the goodbyes were given to Kalerecent and Avach. Vogh thanked both and responded to Kal, you are most welcome and have earned it. No need to pay any gold. Give it to someone who can use it. The group had some decisions to make. Vogh asked the others, I know we need rest and more than a little time off but we need to finish what we started. Vogh turned to Julia, Bharash, and Deacon and asked, would you be willing to join us when we head to the Quaan or whatever the name of the plane is? I have grown rather fond of each and every one of you and what you bring to a battle. Julia, without you and your healing many of us would have perished up there in the tower. Deacon, your summoning spells and most directly your spider climb spells were instrumental in making it to the top of the tower. Bharash, your blades and your courage cannot be matched. I think I speak for the three of us in saying that we need you if we are to fully complete this mission. What say you?

Vogh gave them time to respond. When all three responded with a yes Vogh continued on, for now I think we deserve a few days off. There are some things that we need to accomplish before heading back to the Banewarrens and finally sealing it up and then heading to the Quaan. I suggest that we meet back here in a 7 days. If more time is needed please leave word with Tellith and we will plan accordingly.

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Vogh
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Once the trio had left Vogh, Talin, and Belie headed to sell all the stuff they had gotten inside the Warren’s.  It was a haul for sure and to not overload stores they picked a number of different ones so that they could still get the best price for the stuff.

First was over to Rastor’s.

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Rastor
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“Well hello there again. It’s been a spell since I’ve seen you lot. What have you got for me today…?”

The large, lion-man – litorian – nodded as they three removed their magical backpacks and started pulling weapons out. His large mouth fell open as the pile kept increasing…

“What…? How…? Where did all these…? Oh bother. Nevermind. This might be the largest haul anyone has ever brought in.”

Several other patrons began to gather behind the group, watching weapon after weapon appearing from inside their impossibly deep backpacks. Eyebrows really raised when a halberd, guisarm and longspears came out of the packs.

Finally Belie produced the broken hilt they found from atop the spire and unwrapped it from its cloth.

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Belie
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“We know this is very old.” The rogue explained. “Obviously it’s broken, but we still figured it would be worth something.”

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Rastor
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Rastor’s furry brows pinched together as he regarded the broken sword hilt.

“This is… old… ancient even. Would you mind if I held off on this one until I can study it further? I know you stay at the Minstrel and can send word over there after I’ve done a bit of research.”

The litorian mentally calculated the many, many other weapons and wrote down the total for them on a scrap of paper so as not to say it out loud. (2,610 gold pieces) If they were amicable on the amount he offered to pay them in gems, dragons (platinum) or he could do a transfer at Hammersong Vaults if they had one.

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Vogh
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Vogh had warmly greeted Rastor as they entered his place.  There were always a lot of cool things there and Vogh had to remind herself she wasn’t there to buy on a number of occasions as they talked about the items.

When they got to the hilt, Vogh nodded and said, Oh, yes, of course, you are more than welcome to do some research on it.

The piece was found on our latest adventure and though we saw it was broken, one of my companions, a bit of a historian himself, said the item might fetch some good coin.  So, we kept it and I could think of no one else to bring it to besides yourself. As far as payment you can just put it right to our Hammersong account.   That is the safest way.

Next was Bull and Bear Armory to see Iltumar and unload the armor items they had gathered.

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Iltumar Shon
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Iltumar was overjoyed to see Vogh and Talin. The young man jumped off his stool from behind the counter and simply dropped the Ptolus newssheet he was reading.

“Miss Vogh! Master Talin!” He exclaimed. They could tell he was barely resisting the urge to run around the counter and hug Vogh, but he contained himself and veritably bounced where he stood. He looked behind them to the door which closed.

“Is your dragon friend now with you today? Brash was it?” Iltumar listened to what Vogh had to say, and started looking over the armor the group produced.

“By the Spire!” He exclaimed, which was a far more humorous exclamation than the young man would ever know. “How did you come by all of these?! Have you been delving?! Oh Miss Vogh, I’ve been practicing, but no one who I’m sparing with is half as good as you. No one in the brotherhood is as good as you! You must teach me some more! I’ve got some coin in my pockets now. I can pay!”

Despite his excitement, there was still business to be conducted. With a practiced eye, uncommon for such a young man, taught by the two master craftsman dwarves who owned the Bull & Bear – Brothers Hirus and Sholum Feek  – he went over each piece. He expected the damaged areas, punctured sections and paid special attention to the blood in those areas. It was impossible for him to hide his excitement as he inspected each piece. Vogh knew he was trying to piece together the battle which led to the person losing the armor he was viewing.

“You know I always give you the best deal of anyone on what we buy from you. I can give you an even twenty six hundred (2600gp) for all this. I’m very curious where you got such a large chain shirt, and this half-plate was not made for a human…” Iltumar smiled at his own cleverness in discerning some details from the oversize chain and the half-plate which had been worn by the bugbear. He fiddled with a ring on his hand as he grinned and watched their faces for explanations.

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Vogh
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Even as Vogh entered the Bull and Bear, Vogh was getting excited to see Iltumar as well and as soon as she entered, she knew that he too was excited.  When asked about Bharash, Vogh shook her head.  No, no he and his friends are off doing other business.  We will be meeting up again with them in the week though and I will tell him you asked about him maybe he will stop by and say hello.

As Iltumar looked over all the items and finally came out with the offer, Vogh was surprised by the amount.  In her head, she figured a bit less so true to his word it must have been considerably more.  Thank you so much for that.  If you will please transfer it to our account in hammersong vault, please.

Now let’s talk about your training.  I will set aside some time for you each day to do some training and don’t even think about paying.  That is not needed Iltumar.  I need to train as well and Talin and I pretty much know each other’s moves like the back of our hands so it will be good for the both of us.  Vogh, of course, avoided the question about where the items came from though she gave Iltumar a bit, the half-plate there came off of a rather nasty bugbear.

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Narrator
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Their next stop was the Dwarves at Star Jewelers. The dwarves paid top dollar for gems, and they were more generous than most when purchasing jewelry and art pieces. Their crafts-dwarves could modify the pieces, enhance them and sell them at a profit as their cratfs-dwarf-ship was known throughout the empire.

Star Jewelers was a little over halfway between Delver’s Square and their subterranean base. Rather than walk the distance Talin hailed a carriage for the three to ride in comfort. The group was glad for the decision when they sat a well dressed aristocratic elf cleaning splashed mud off his expensive coat. Apparently the Ptolus rains had been considerable while they were beneath the earth and high above in the Spire.

Pulling up in front of the strange round, two-story stone structure which always stood out from the Guildsman District buildings, they three exited and Talin paid the driver once more with a small tip. Inside the shop they saw the usual dwarven guards and a duo of dwarves behind the glass counters. One stood from the stool he was perched upon and moved to meet them across one counter.

Vogh, knowing the dwarves’ preference for gems started out with the more mundane items first, to end on a high note with the necklance, ring and crown. They produced the urn, silver mirror, flute, the two platinum keys from the Baneswarrens, then the medallion, coffer, combs, idol and more.

Indeed the dwarf were impressed, but also a bit skeptical about the haul. His companion stopped studying the piece he previously had his face pressed up against and came over to look at everything laid out on the counter. It was at this point Vogh nodded to her companions and they produced the three expensive items which contained coveted gems. Both dwarves’ faces lit up at seeing these far nicer items, but they quickly steeled their expressions and the first addressed them.

“This is quite a grouping of items… Many of these are of a very old style… Did a noble house pay you in antique jewelry for some task? Items this memorable would indeed be missed if the original owner lost them…” His bushy, but well groomed, brows stayed up through his statements indicating the deeper meaning behind his statements.

Vogh, Talin and Belie swore the items came to them honestly (Please include your own explanation and RP) but the dwarf asked to see their identifications so he could record the sale and note in case anyone came looking for the items. As long as they complied, he offered them a large amount of money for the lot.

“I will offer you twelve thousand gold pieces for everything seen here… We can give you platinum to leave now, or make a transfer with Hammersong Vaults.”

[Private to GM: 2x large platinum keys from banewarrens WON’T melt and are powerfully magic]

[Private to GM: Remember Salsan and Sumar. Maybe they went with Moon to get more magic items.
The brother’s feek will brag a bit that their armor protected the blue gnoll killers.
Iltumar is going to tell the new group he might be hanging out (night of dissolution) with about Vogh and Talin killing the blue gnolls, plus some other people.
Iltumar will be in the minstrel with two people from the ‘cult’.
He’s sitting with Jamill and Anikka.
Jamill has strange tattoos and scars, long black hair and sunken eyes, likely only a little older than Iltumar.
Anikka has long dark hair and a slight build with a youthful beauty. She looked to be about Iltumar’s age, but maybe a little older.
All 3 wear the ‘broken square’ ring.]

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Vogh
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Vogh had done her homework on the items she brought to the dwarves.  She had dealt with them many times over now so knew what they liked and disliked.  We came across the items while adventuring beneath the city.  We will gladly return any monies given if an owner comes a calling but I don’t think that will happen.  As we said we came a cross them honestly.
As for the price, I know you are shrewd dealers.  Heck it is the reason why I come here.  But, I too know that you try to get the best deals possible.   With that Vogh began to haggle with them and finally they decided on a price of 12,269 gold.  Vogh had tried to eck out a bit more but the dwarves were unmovable much like the stones she was selling.  If you can just deposit the monies to our Hammersong account that will suffice.  We thank you for your diligent service.  Have a good afternoon.  Vogh said as they left.  With the day mostly gone they decided to head to the hideout and check on Degar and Theriod to see how things were getting on and to pick up the documents that would be needed to make a claim on the property above.

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Narrator
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Belie took his leave of the couple and headed to the Welcome Inn to check on his friends and planned to stay there that evening unless the bards sent him word of something.

Since they were so near their “hideout” the duo made their way deeper into the Guild district and then sneakily made their way into the little hut that allowed them access to the tunnels and rooms beneath the seemingly empty lot. “We really need to build something here soon, even if it was just a tent. Since Thariad doesn’t have much to do, maybe we could pay him to start cleaning up the lot and preparing it?”

Once down in the depths the couple was impressed to see the duo had not been idle. Degar has continued his work on redeeming the magic items they had taken from the Banewarrens and Thariad had actually been cleaning and doing small repairs around the complex. Both were very happy to see the couple, and were a little sad that they needed to remain underground. They had only left the complex once for a few supplies, and did so under the cover of deep night since neither were particularly sneaky. Not to mention their fears of the Vladaam’s finding either of them.

Vogh and Talin spoke with them for a bit and promised to discuss further very soon. They grabbed the forged papers which would allow them to take formal ownership of the land above their heads and snuck out once more.

[Private to GM: Nicalon Regelis, a Knight of the Chord (actually Navanna in disguise); page 35
Teilbarith Starlook, halfling spy for House Vladaam; page 31]

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Narrator
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With the long trek back to the Minstrel at hand, Talin again hailed a carriage to spirit them along faster. Neither could comprehend all they had been through in just a few short days. The fortune in gold they procured that day alone would allow them to retire in moderate luxury for the rest of their lives. They watched guilds members, craftsmen, laborers and more heading home in the evening streets. Each of those individuals would never see a tiny fraction of the wealth they had gained that day. However, none would likely ever train at the level these friends had, nor would they risk the very real dangers the group had faced. These thoughts swirled in the heads of both bards as they bounced back to Delver’s Square and finally entered the Ghostly Minstrel with the sun nearly slipping below the horizon.

DATE/TIME: End of Day 1 out of the Banewarrens

Magic item for Sagg:
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic…b/amulet-frost-fist/

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Vogh
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Vogh had made a promise to herself to get the two friends out of the hideout soon.   It was good though that they remained there for now so as to keep them out of any real attention.

Back at the Minstrel Vogh and Talin took a seat in the main hall and asked for something delicious from the kitchen while they listened to two halflings playing some instruments and singing.  It was a jolly song about flowers and love.  The two sat for about two hours before deciding to head up stairs and to their room.

Once inside the spoke to Geristermos about their day, making sure to describe it all down to the little noises and all.  After about a half hour of talk Talin who had been laying on the bed called Vogh over patting lightly on the side.  Vogh looked to him and caught something in his eye, something she hadn’t thought of the past week but something she certainly craved… but it would have to wait a moment t for Vogh took out her apothecary coin and made a wish for an item that would allow natural attacks to bypass powerful damage reduction and something that was cold attuned.

The next morning they rose early and washed before heading down to wat and then out to accomplish their tasks for the day.

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Narrator
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Just as Vogh had experienced before, when she drifted off to sleep a being came to her in a dream. Vogh couldn’t identify anything about the shifting vision of a person. The form shifted from male to female, tall to short, merely the shadow of a person spoke to her. Vogh explained the nature of the item she wanted created for Sagg. The specter explained that it understood, that the price was ten thousand gold pieces – half required up front – and it would be ready in 5 days. She and Talin both rose in the morning rested and refreshed.

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Belie
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After catching up with his two friend, Jamir and Anthus, at the Welcome Inn, along with the proprietors, Belie retired to his room. Likewise, despite the magic ring he wore which provided him sustenance, he also slept until midday. Belie had one of the Dreaming tokens as well, and on that first night he made an order of his own.

The rogue liked the belts which both bards possessed which would heal them. He also purchased a wand which would cast the divine spell that shielded the caster, and finally he purchased an ioun torch. The final item was nothing more than a burned out ioun stone with a continual flame spell cast upon it. He had learned about the ioun stones and knew he couldn’t afford one full of magic, but this was a hands free way to grant himself light in the dark rather than having to hold his everburning torches.

Ioun Torch (75gp) https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic…items/h-l/ioun-torch
Healing Belt (750gp)
Wand of Shield of Faith (750gp)

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Vogh
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After breakfast Vigh and Talin made their way over to the Administration Building and went to the appropriate counter to inquire about land.

Stepping up to the person behind the counter Vogh asked, Excuse me I am here to inquire about a piece of land.  I have some documents and I am sorry but I just don’t know where to go.  Vogh tried to play it off that she had no idea what she was doing.

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Narrator
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Vogh wasn’t really used to the bureaucracy of Ptolus. They had been in the Administration Building before to do some small research, but getting these sales papers processed was going to prove far more difficult and time consuming.

She asked around to several individuals and finally had to use a few silvers to get some good information. The lines were incredibly long, even first thing in the morning, to speak with nearly everyone. Finally her coin got her the name of Nalla Bantock who was apparently a very knowledgeable clerk.

Neither of the bards relished the idea of standing in line, and there were already half a dozen people in front of them to speak with this Nalla. Vogh could tell by the looks of every person ahead of them that they were commoners. At the price of just one silver for each person, they made it up to Nalla’s desk and only had to wait for the person currently speaking with her.

Nalla was a tall, thin human woman who had long, straight blond hair and sharp facial features. She wasn’t overly attractive, but far from ugly. Her long hair was pulled back into a tail and tied with a ribbon. Vogh & Talin didn’t eavesdrop on purpose, but standing just behind the person made it impossible for them not to hear bits. Apparently the individual was trying to settle the estate of his deceased brother. Nalla was very knowledgeable and direct about who all the man needed to meet with and the paperwork he needed to file, including instructions on how to get it processed quickly. Seemingly satisfied the balding, older gentlemen stood and smiled at the attractive Vogh, then left.

“Greetings. How may I help you today?” she asked of the bardic duo.

Talin waited for Vogh to take the first seat, then he took the second next to her.

[Private to GM: Nalla Bantock: This tall, thin human woman has long, straight blond hair and pronounced facial features. Nalla talks loudly and at length about anything. She works as a clerk in the Administration Building and considers herself an expert in Imperial law and in cutting through the bureaucracy inherent in the system. Thus, she’s quick with advice for anyone attempting to brave the offices of an Imperial official. Sometimes her advice is actually good, but much of the time it is not. Nalla is likely on her way to or from work, or on a work-related errand, but she’s never in too much of a hurry to talk… and talk.]

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Narrator
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Vogh explained how Talin, using the fake name Shilukar bought the property under – Shaelukar Darkfingers- wanted to sell her the plot of land. She showed Nalla the paperwork for the sale and purchase of the property. The clerk nodded and looked over everything, explaining that processing the paperwork could take up to a month unless they wanted to spend a little bit to help grease the government’s wheels.

“Ya hate that the institution works this way, but it’s the way of the world…” Both knew she was part of those wheels and figured she made a fair bit helping people with these kinds of things.

Vogh took the lead, posing as the buyer and with the most to gain. Nalla has outlined the Permit for building within the city walls was 25 thrones and she figure she could use an additional 5 thrones to get the sale paperwork and the permit processed in a week, instead of a month. Of course that money would go to other members of the government…

[Private to GM: Tashari is on the second level. Lineche is a vampire now. Maybe he’s spied on her a couple times? Jessie is on the first level. Sumar and Salsan have been training and working with Rogue Moon the whole time.

Mention the litorian with a fully armored bear to remind them of the meeting with Avery Armor]

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Vogh
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Vogh knew all too well how the installation worked.  Though she wasn’t royal blood, she was a royal and knew that if you had money things could get done much quicker with a little extra thrown in.  Oh, yes I have certainly heard all about it.  This is why I came prepared to participate.  Vogh handed over 30 thrones to Nalla with a grin.  Vogh wanted the deed and also the permit as quickly as possible in case other things happened in the meantime.

Vogh hated to wait that long before she could do anything but it was part of society.  Might I inquire as to whom I could speak with about the building?  I am assuming there are many organizations here that take care of that type of thing, perhaps you could give me a few that I might inquire about their services.  Vogh slipped another 2 thrones Nalla’s direction after the comment.

Once everything was said and done, Vogh turned to Talin and gave him a bow.  Thank you once again for the sale.  If you have by chance come into any other property in the future please look me up.

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Talin
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After leaving the administration building separately, Talin met up with Vogh a little ways away as designed and then spoke for a moment.  Well done indeed.  I was thinking, remember before we went to the warrens this last time we were given a note from Tellith about helping Lipthsu with another shipment of magic items?  I think we should head to the rogue moon trading company and check if it has happened yet.  While we are there we can check on Salsan and Sumar and a little girl…  Talin remembered the little girl all too well and as he brought her up it brought back some memories of when Vogh and him had first gone on an adventure together in the bay.

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Vogh
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VOgh had been so happy the sale went smoothly.  Course it helped to have the thrones on hand to grease the wheels, as Nalla had said.

When Talin caught up with her a little while later and explained what he wanted to do, Vogh too remembered the little girl, Linele.  She then wondered too how she was getting on with her life.  I think that is a great idea Talin, let’s go now.  We can eat somewhere after that business.

Things to do:
1. see about doing a magic item run with Liptsu
2. train with Iltumar
3. speak with Brother Fabitor
4. check on Phon
5. waiting on a list of rune bearers from Helmut

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Narrator
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Vogh and Talin walked about alone that day for the first time in quite a while. They moved from the Administration Building down into Midtown once more, taking their time, not in a huge rush for a change. On their way they spotted something unusual, even for Ptolus: a litorian wearing beautifully decorated leather armor, accompanied by a huge black bear wearing similar armor! Both sets were studded leather armor. Green embroidery depicted all manner of forest life ran all over the armor. Leaves, vines, trees, even some small animals were rendered in stitching and embossing. The work was magnificent. Everyone on the street gave the pair a wide berth, eyeing the bear.

The bards knew this was no common animal wrapped in finery though. One look at the eyes of the great creature immediately conveyed its intelligence. It regarded the people moving away in fear with what could be a smirk. No chains constrained the animal, who merely walked with his lion-like companion. The duo seemed to be headed toward Oldtown down Emperor’s Road.

Entering the Star Crossing Plaza was always treacherous with the constant bustle of people, animals, and wagons of caravans. Such traffic mostly centered around the duo’s destination: Rogue Moon Trading Company’s headquarters.

Moon’s office was one of the few three story structures in this area of Ptolus. The lower level, where the bards entered, was used almost exclusively as a hiring hall, where the company interviewed and hired merchants, laborers, caravan drivers, and guards. The upper two levels contained offices for the bookkeepers and staff members who managed transaction records and shipment information. Tahsari’s office was one of those on the second level, but Jessie’s was a smaller one on the first floor.

If it was possible, the interior of the building was louder than the city streets. This first level was packed with bodies. People talking loudly to one another, and trying to get hired on with Moon as guards. Humans, Dwarves, Litorians, Half-Orcs, Halflings, even an elf were among the races standing in lines and milling about. One clerk even shouted out across the great-room for quiet as the workers couldn’t even hear themselves think. The din quieted for a moment, but it didn’t take long to crecendo again.

Jessie was working on a pile of paperwork when they approached and knocked on the jamb of her open door.

“Vogh! Talin! Well met! Come in! Come in!” Jessie greeted them politely. She responded to their inquiry about making another run excitedly. “Indeed we have not gone yet. Your friends Salsan and Sumar have been working non-stop as guards for our caravans! I don’t believe they’ve spent a night in the city since you introduced them to us. As soon as a caravan returns, they jump on the next one leaving. I’ve also heard they have been training with anyone and everyone willing. Lipthsu and his friends have been living in luxury since they collected the boon of wealth, but apparently they are ready to head back home and try another run. However, I’m not certain how soon we can go. With you along, we could go much sooner as I won’t need as large a group of guards. There is so much turmoil going on outside the walls, especially to the north, but we’ve had to nearly double our caravan guard numbers the past couple weeks. As you can see, we’re hiring almost anything with a pulse, so I’ve been swamped. Did you all want to go soon?”

They conversed with Jessie and laid out a plan to move forward then headed up the flight of stairs against the far wall to the second level and Tashari’s office. A burly human guard wearing a breastplate emblazoned with Rogue Moon’s logo held up a hand to stop the bards proceeding down the hall.

“Sorry. No hirees up here. Go on back downstairs.”

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Vogh
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When Vogh and Talin saw the litorian wearing beautifully decorated leather armor, accompanied by a huge black bear wearing similar armor! Vogh gravitated towards them to get a better look at the magnificent armor and the bear.  Vogh wasn’t particularly good with animals but she did like them.  When she saw that the armor depicted all manner of forest life she wondered if this were a druid, and if so why was he in the city?  If she saw a chance she approached and introduced herself and Talin.

Greetings, I am Vogh and this is Talin.  Much like the rest of the people around here, I am curious and have a question.  Vogh made sure she didn’t get to close to the bear as of yet until she knew it was okay.  Are you a druid?  I have traveled with a druid before and enjoyed my time with them learning about nature and all it has to offer.

Vogh then turned to look at the bear and asked, is your friend here able to speak?  Or does he only speak with you?

When Vogh finally got to see Jessie, she was happy to see her.  It is good to see you too Jessie.  Seems like business is booming.  The news about Salsan and Sumar was good to hear as well.  Are they around or are they out on a job now?  Vogh asked quickly.

The news that Lipthsu and his friends were ready to head back home and try another run pleased Vogh.  Certainly, the money could help them build the home she had envisioned above the hideout.  That is great news.  Vogh turned to Talin then with a questioning look and when he nodded Vogh continued, yes we could leave tomorrow even.  I can ask our three friends if they would like to join us as well. What is this news about the north?  What have you heard?

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Narrator
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“I don’t care who you think you are, or who you think you’re supposed to see. Hirees don’t come up here.” The self important man berated them.

Unfortunately – for him – the guard had raised his voice a bit too high. One head, then another peeked out of the offices to see what was happening. His misfortune increased as one of those onlookers was Tashari herself.

The big-boned, but attractive, woman stomped out of her office.

“Buartis! Let them pass immediately!” She barked down the hallway, which made the man before them jump in his place. “Do you know whom you’re addressing?!” Tashari continued to stomp down the hallway, and as she neared, Buartis’ eyes widened farther.

“I’m so sorry ma’am! No! No ma’am! I do not know them. Forgive me!” All manner of gruffness had fled from the guard and Talin coughed to cover his grin at the man’s discomfort.

“They saved my daughter’s life! They are never to be blocked!“ She bit back. With several yes ma’am’s the big guy bowed and descended the stairs to escape her glare.

Tashari softened immediately when she turned to the bards. “By the Spire! It’s such a blessing to see you both! Come! Come to my office!”

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Vogh
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Vogh had been trying to tell the guard who they were but he wasn’t listening.  It was quite obvious that they had had problems with new hires heading to the wrong floor and causing problems so Vogh tried to calm the guard.  Course it wasn’t working and as he began to raise his voice Vogh could only shake her head.

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Talin
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Talin wasn’t as patient Vogh when it came to getting someone to understand the brevity of the situation.  He listened to Vogh explain who they were and not just some new hires on the wrong floor.

With his patience waning, Talin was about to put the guard in his place when Tashari came forward and put her guard in his place.  Talin relaxed his sword hand and it had reflexively gone to his hilt.  Staring down the guard as he walked by, Talin said, it certainly is good to see you as well.

Talin didn’t say anything till they were in her office.  Are you having so many problems with people entering your office that you needed a guard? After her answer Talin continued, How is your little girl?  I hope everything is okay.  Any problems with Linech?

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Narrator
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Jessie mentioned that things about the city had just seemed a lot more chaotic of late, and things outside the city even moreso. There had been far more frequent attacks on caravans, thus the need for increased security.

“Have you not heard about the barbarians on the move? Last time they mobilized in force they attacked Tarsis. But many are saying they have passed the capital and are headed this way instead. Many of our wagon masters won’t even take northern routes right now, despite the distance. Plus there has been an influx of people who live to the north coming into the city.”

—

Tashari said her and Linele were doing wonderfully. They had been making up for lost time and loving every moment.

“I’ve not heard rat hide or tail out of Lineche or his people. Did you know his brother was killed too? Maybe they angered the wrong people. I’ve been told his entire cul-de-sac is deserted.”

She shared several exciting moment her and Linele had shared since their reunion and seemed very pleased with her life.

—

The litorian was shocked when Vogh approached him. Both he and his companion were even more surprised she knew of awakened animals who could speak.

“Why. Yes. I am a druid, and I’ll let Hybrarch (high-bRark) answer himself.” The lion man smiled as he looked to the bear.

“Greetings… I don’t often talk with humans. They get scared too easy.” The bear spoke softly and with a deep timber.

“You traveled with another druid? What was their name?” The litorian inquired.

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Vogh
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Vogh shied at the thought that she hadn’t heard anything about the barbarians.  No, I hadn’t heard anything about it.  We have kind of been away for the last week.  If you want to send word to Liptsu we could meet in the morning and make haste before the barbarians get too close.

It was great hearing the stories from Tashari and Linele.  They had made a few differences in people’s lives and that was important to Vogh.  I am so happy that you two are getting on with your life.

When Tashari asked if they had known about Linech’s brother, Vogh said, we were the ones who took care of him actually.  He had hired some pale dogs to kill a pregnant woman we know.  I have a feeling he was hired by someone we have been looking into but have no solid leads as of yet.  It is interesting that Linech’s place is vacant though.  We will have to go check that out.  We just came to check in with you both.  We should let you get back to work.  If you have a need to ever get in contact with us you can leave a message with Tellith at the Ghostly Minstrel.

So excited to have met another druid, Vogh put her attention to the bear who had just softly spoken to her.  Greetings to you too Hybrarch.  Vogh then turned back to the druid who hadn’t given his name quite yet and said, the druid’s name was Birklei Lightfoot. He is a wood elf from Myth Drannor originally.  What brings you to the city?

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Narrator
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Jessie agreed to do exactly that, but wasn’t sure if she herself would be able to be ready by then. She promised to either come meet them at the Minstrel, or send a Messenger at the least.

—

Tashari was overjoyed to see the duo and extended an invitation for them to join her and Linele for dinner at any time. “Here’s my address,” the woman provided Vogh with a written note, “feel free to pop in anytime. Please. You have given me so much. I cannot thank you enough. Let me know a date we might share dinner and I’ll have the very best for you!”

She walked them down the stairs and through the crowd. The same guard shied away, seeing them descending the stairs and immediately found something very serious and pressing to deal with far away from them. Outside the bustle Tashari gave Vogh and Talin both hugs and thanked them again.

—

The litorian nodded his head, but didn’t know the name or even the city. “Wonderful. Nature lovers like me aren’t found around Ptolus much, or any cities really. Right, the reason we came is to do some research in the city library, to visit my brother and pickup Hybrarch’s armor. A local armorer, Avery, made both my suit and he recently finished Hybrarch’s.”

With a satisfied growl, and a smile which made both bards a bit uncomfortable – and clearly made everyone else fearful too – Hybrarch nodded his head. A bear’s smile and snarl were difficult to tell apart.

“My fur is good, and my hide tough, but this cow hide protects me better.” Hybrarch explained simply.

Talin was still a bit shocked he was having a conversation with a bear, but what could really shock them at this point anymore?

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Vogh
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The armor you have is magnificent.  Are you one of those druids that are able to take on the shapes of other animals?  If so does your armor afford you the same protection as when you are in this form?  Vogh was a gatherer of knowledge and had tons of questions but figured some were a bit too personal for someone she didn’t really know.

I will let you be on your way, we have other business as well and should get to it.  Have a wonderful day to you both.  Vogh stated and then her and Talin continued on to the Administration building.

With the business done for the day, Vogh decided that perhaps they could head back to the Minstrel and ask if they might be able to play a set tonight.  It was short notice Vogh knew, but they would only play a few ballads and then retire for the evening.

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Narrator
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The litorian cocked his head sideways, regarding this strange woman in front of him who seemed to know so much. “Um. Yes. I can. And, yes it is… How did you know about that? Did your friend have the same?” He and Hybrarch looked at each other then back at the bards. The four of them chatted, exchanging small pleasantries. The litorian shared his name was Akinonantant (a-keen-oh-nan-tant) and ask their names in kind. Finally, each pair went their separate ways.

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Vogh
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Vogh and Talin chatted kindly to Akinonantant and Hybrarch.  Honestly, it was nice to speak with an animal that wasn’t trying to kill them as has been the norm for the past week. Thankfully, the weather was holding so they could converse a little bit.

After finally ending the conversation and heading their own ways, Vogh and Talin went to Rogue Moon’s Headquarters.

Once speaking with Tashari, Vogh and Talin completed their business for the day. Vogh decided, perhaps they could head back to the Minstrel and ask if they might play a set that night.  It was short notice, Vogh knew, but they would only play a few ballads and then retire for the evening.

Items I want:
Lyre of Building
Builds buildings, tunnels, and ditches at incredible speeds Maximized usage when used by someone with Perform (strings) 13000gp  Request this tonight.

Also the wand ring.

Before heading to bed Talin is going to use his DA coin and think of the wand of shield and the wand key ring.

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Narrator
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The litorian and his awakened bear friend departed after the brief conversation with the bards, after which time Vogh and Talin met with Jessie and Tashari, then they finally headed to their room for the evening.

Tellith was more than happy to have the duo perform for a bit that evening. Seldom did coin change hands for their performances anymore. Typically the red-haired young lady would deduct an amount from their room and board tab. Inside the common room was a large number of people, most of whom looked as though they fit the bill of thrill seekers. Most races were represented, including several of the “monstrous” races which were accepted in Ptolus like they were almost nowhere else.

A lively crowd made their brief performance all the more enjoyable, then the bards retired upstairs for the evening.

In Vogh’s sleep an androgynous shadow figure visited her from the Dreaming Apothecary as had happened previously. This time, the young woman didn’t know exactly what she wanted made, but instead described to the visitor in her dreams what she wanted. With the lot purchase and building permit paperwork all filed, her and Talin were very close to beginning construction on the shop, and residence, they intended to build atop the lot above Shilukar the Dark Elf’s old lair. Additionally, neither of them wanted to bring people into the subterranean area beneath the lot. One tunnel, or room, had not been completed. Plus, if they ever needed to repair anything -or wanted to add on – they didn’t want more people knowing about the space than already did.

Nodding with understanding, the specter gave Vogh a name for an item that would aid her: a Lyre of Building. He, or she, explained the items were actually well known to the Apothecary since there was constant construction and repair in so large as city as Ptolus.

Not only that, but much to Vogh’s delight, they needn’t wait for the item to be created! There was currently one made for another individual who did not accept delivery, which her mind-visitor explained could be delivered upon Vogh waking if she had the coin or gems immediately available.

Inside Hammersong Vaults sat a small fortune, and with that the person disappeared and Vogh resumed her sleep. At morning’s dawn she awoke like a child on the most exciting of days, rushing to open presents. While it was unwrapped and merely present in the room, still Vogh was giddy at seeing her new item.

Don’t forget to mention something about buying a tent, or something of that nature, for the lot or someone is going to notice you all going in and out of the ground. 😀

Also, lot clean up and hauling away the detritus.

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Vogh
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When Vogh had woke she rolled over and kissed Talin gently trying to wake him.  I had a weird dream last night with the Apothecary.  I was thinking about all the stuff we did at the Administration building this morning and then my mind wandered into how we are wanting to build on the lot.  I was told that there is an item that would help us build without the people to do it.
The crazy thing is.   Vogh paused and pulled out the lyre she had found.  It’s an instrument.  One I am quite proficient in as well.  I was told all how to use it.  Now all we need to do is get all the raw materials and I can build it myself.

Vogh was so caught up in it all.  We should head down there and see about the removal of all the garbage.  Maybe we could find some people in need of money and pay them a decent wage to do the work?

Vogh talked about all her ideas and Talin shared his as well.  Some were quite good too matter of fact.

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Narrator
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Not far from the lot they intended to build on one day, the Mason’s Guildhouse stood. The three-story building of dark red brick had sharp corners and a severe appearance. Outside stood two intimidating looking men. The wore leather tunics, but had no sleeves, keeping their muscled and tattoed arms bare. The Guildhouse door looked more like what you would see on a castle than a place for craftsman to meet and do business. The entire guild hall was built like a fortress, with no windows on the street level, and those higher up sported bars.

Upon explanation that the bards wanted to purchase stone, they were admitted through the stronghold door. Inside the door they were standing in a hallway choke point about twenty feet long which opened up into a great room with multiple tables, chairs, benches and more.

The guildmaster, Pared Cobart, was a short, illtempered man with brown hair and a beard. His office was just off the main hall. A few toughs were sitting around the room at tables, drinking, playing cards or fiddling in one capacity or another. No one stood at their entrance.

Pointed to Pared’s office the bards entered. He looked up from the plethora of papers which covered his desk, nodded and gestured for them to take a seat.

“What can the Maston’s do for ya?”

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Vogh
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Vogh and Talin introduced themselves and sat down ready to explain all what they wanted to build.  Course neither had any idea of what all would be needed which is why they came to the professionals.  Once they both were done Vogh listened to what could be done for them.

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Narrator
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Upon their explanation of wanting to purchase cut stone for a building, Pared perked up. He started telling them how the Mason’s guild had the best stone cutters and stone setters in the city.

However, things started to go south when it was said they wouldn’t need laborers to actually build the building. Pared started to get irritated

“What do you mean you won’t need us to build your place? Who is going to build it for you? You going to set those huge stones yourself pretty? It would be a bad idea to bring outsiders in to handle this for you. The guilds of Ptolus are tight folks, ya know. Not to mention, any man not in a guild likely isn’t any good at his craft… You’ll be wanting to hire some of our boys…”

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Vogh
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Vogh could see Pared was getting quite irritated with what he was hearing.  Mr. Cobart, I can fully understand your irritation at what I am requesting.

Vogh pulled her pack around and then pulled out the beautifully crafted lyre.  This magnificent magical instrument is capable of taking raw materials like your cut stone and building a mansion, or wall, or whatever stone object I desire.

Vogh knew that Mr. Cobart had probably heard of such magical items before.  I can assure you kind sir that we will pay top coin for your supplies.  We may even tip well and put in a good word for you and your business.  I can assure to you both Talin and I can be quite persuasive.  Vogh said with a wink.

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Pared Cobart
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“WHAT?!” Cobart shouted as he stood from his chair. A few moments later two men appeared in the door asking, “Everything alright boss?”

The guild master shook his head pointing at Voghs new toy. “No! You see this? Some wizard has conjured up some garbage that BUILDS BUILDINGS for people by making twinkly music. This is busted.”

Neither of the men in the doorway seemed pleased by this prospect either. Clearly they had never heard of these items. Tension was increasing in the office.

“You come in here asking to buy our stone, but you’ve got a trinket there that’s gonna put all my boys out of work?! What in the nine hells is this world coming too. Wizards need to stick to blowing each other up. I’ll make you a deal. We’ll sell you the stone at the price of materials, plus all the labor you would have paid to construct the stone. How’s that sound?!”

[Private to GM: Post about Navanna Vlaadam posing as the male Nicalon Regelis, a Knight of the Dawn waiting for them in the Ghostly Minstrel. He will just fanboy over Vogh and mention he knows she wanted to become a Knight someday.]

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Vogh
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The guild master had definitely been offended by what Vogh was talking about. Vogh had lost the conversation mostly now and needed to regain a little bit of ground. With some quick thinking Vogh countered the demand the guild master made, I can understand your countenance in what I was offering and I understand your demands. While I certainly don’t want to put you out of business, I can assure you that I wouldn’t be using this item to overthrow you hardworking folks. I would like to make a counter offer, I will pay for the stone, delivery, and labor, but I would ask that one of your expert craftsman take a loot at my plans to ensure that what I am trying to do makes sense and will be structurally sound. I will still spread word that your goods and consultation is top notch. Would this suffice?

13:37, Today: Vogh rolled 32 using 1d20+19. Diplomacy

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Pared Cobart
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Pared relaxed a bit and even sat back down in his plush, stuffed leather chair which creaked a bit as he leaned back. The two “toughs” remained in the doorway, arms crossed and watching their guildmaster for ques.

“Our work speaks for itself, but you pose an interesting counteroffer. I think you’ll pay for half the cost of the labor, and we can send someone over to inspect. A young woman here, Nalleth, would be a good one to inspect your plans and consult.”

Did you research how much any of the materials are going to cost?
We could just make up a fraction based on the 5,000gp.
Say something like, the stone is 50% of the total cost or something?

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Vogh
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When Pared physically relaxed and then sat back in his creaky chair, Vogh smiled.  It seemed that she had given the man something to think about that would be worthwhile to both parties.

When he spoke up again and offered what he did Vogh smiled and stuck out her hand to shake his to make the deal complete.  That sounds like a great plan Mr. Cobart.  You are quite the negotiator. It certainly was a pleasure doing business with someone such as yourself.  Do we need to give you the gold straight out or do we make a transfer from Hammersong?  We have an account there and that would be the easiest way, that is if that is how you do it.

Vogh then went on to give the man the directions to the lot where the stone needed to be delivered.  She added in, when could we expect the shipment to arrive?  The sooner the better, for in 5 days we have business out of the city and may be gone for a spell.

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Pared Cobart
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“Platinum is better. You need enough stone to construct a 3 story building and you want it in less than 5 days? Sure. Would you also like those blocks to sing to you all day?”

The man’s facial expression and sarcastic tone let Vogh know the timeline wasn’t going to be possible.

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Vogh
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Vogh had zero concepts on how to build a house and how long it would take to cut the stone and transport it.  She patted the air as Pared got flustered once more.

Right, you are the expert here, this much is obvious.  So, you tell me how long it would take to have the stone delivered.  Anytime after 2 tendays should work for us.

When Pared said platinum would be fine, Vogh nodded and said, do we pay when the job is done? Or half now half when finished?

By now, Talin had a wide smile on his face.  He didn’t outright laugh at Vogh but she had looked at him she would have hit him on the shoulder.

When the business was finished, the pair made their way to Nalaster’s Mill on Weaponsmith Row.  Figuring that besides the stone, wood and glass would be the most supplies needed.  When they entered they looked for the boss and explained what was needed for what they were wanting to do.

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Narrator
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Pared shook his head and explained half up front would work, then the bards left the unlikable man behind in his fortress guildhall.

Nallaster’s Mill was nearly all the way back to midtown so Talin wanted to hail a carriage. Unfortunately none were to be found outside the Mason’s Guildhall, so they were forced to walk. Smoke hung in the air today like a visible pall, held in place by the lack of wind. To make matters worse, the still air kept the invasive smell of the tanneries, smelting ores and cattle yards constant in their nostrils. The disgusting cherry on top was the rotting and rusty smell of the Midden Heaps. Waste that didn’t flow into the King’s River usually went into burn dumps outside the city walls. The Midden Heaps held everything else and then some. Much of the refuse in the Midden Heaps was slag and scoria from the foundries, scrap iron, and other bits of chaff and debris from the manufactories. The Heaps was where the Bards would, unfortunately, need to take the junk from their lot.

As ever present as the manufactories, smithies, and mills, much of the Guildsman District was warehouses, storehouses, granaries, and livestock pens. Despite all the activity, at least one in five buildings was vacant. Though prosperous, the district was even more so at the height of the Empire. The streets were dirty, and many buildings showed signs of neglect. The district was no slum like the Warreens, but squatters still lived in mamy of the abandoned warehouses and mills. Plus muggers often lurked in alleyways to prey upon workers. Were it not for the Warrens, this would be known as the most dangerous and impoverished residential section of the city. Most people who actually lived in the district resided in the eastern portion, along the top of the cliffs overlooking the bay.

Talin finally hailed a carriage and the duo jumped inside. Just another in the list of places responsible for the foul odors of the Guildsman District, the Longdraught Brewery aws the largest and best known brewery in Ptolus. Together they rolled past the Brewery and nearing their destination they hoped for a relief from the smells, only to realize the Mill was just past the stockyards.

Fond relief from the smells was the sweet smell of sawdust and fresh cut wood. Inside Zed’s staff of a half dozen worked constantly sawing, moving and stacking lumber. Nalaster’s Mill, named after who they didn’t know as Zed’s surname was Harrock, abutted the city wall. A huge yard was walled in to protect the precious raw wood, along with the cut and prepared materials.

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Vogh
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Both Vogh and Talin took note of the Midden Heaps, Talin making a comment that they could bring the junk at the lot there.  The smells were overwhelming as they walked through the area and more times than not, Vogh found herself bringing her arm up to her nose and mouth to block the smell.

When Talin was finally able to hail a carriage, Vogh quickly jumped inside and after Talin entered and closed the door, she said, thank goodness you found the carriage Talin.  The smell was really getting to me.  How can people live in these conditions?  Anyways, let’s get to the mill and get what we need.

As they got close to the Mill, Talin said, hey isn’t the Welcome Inn to the west of here?  We should pay Belie a visit and talk to him about what we heard yesterday.

We can stop there after we are finished with the Mill.  We can get a bite to eat as well. Vogh said as she smiled.

When they entered the Mill, Vogh asked who she could talk to about purchasing a bunch of wood.  Vogh was brought to Zed’s office after a few moments and as she sat and explained what she wanted Zed, thought about it some and after jotting down some numbers on a ledger he looked back up and said, Well, Miss Vogh, I am pretty sure we can fill your order easily enough in a few tenday.  Looking at the numbers it should only cost you about 1000 thrones.  We will deliver it all for you when we get the payment.  With an outstretched hand, Zed looked to close the deal.

Vogh took the hand and gave it a firm shake and then she and Talin headed back outside and as talked about, made their way to the Welcome Inn.

Once at the Welcome Inn, Vogh and Talin entered and looked around the main room to see if Belie might be present.  It was lunch time afterall so it was possible.

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Belie
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Atypical for the cautious rogue, Belie was indeed in his true form and sitting at a table with a very large man who lacked hair, and a halfling. When they entered Belie saw them – as he was sitting back against the farthest wall, overlooking the door – and waved them over. He stood and introduced all four parties.

“Vogh, Talin. Welcome to the Welcome Inn. These are two friends of mine, Anthus and Jamir.” Anthus stood and shook their hands, towering over both of them, but said nothing. Jamir remained seated but nodded up at them and said hello politely.

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Jamir
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“Well met. We’ve heard a great deal about you. Thank you for keeping our friend safe when I lacked the courage to accompany him. But, hopefully we will be remedying that soon.” The male halfling would stand proud at just under three feet. He wore the clothes of a traveler, well-made and still in good shape despite having seen heavy use. Jamir also wore a belt, a cloak, bracers, and gloves, all of excellent quality, with a dagger sheathed on his belt.

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Belie
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“Yes. Yes, exactly. I’ve been telling Anthus and Jamir about the folks we helped free from the ‘pretender’ and how I see an opportunity there. I’ve also been telling then how you and Talin intend to build your own shop and sell items there directly to people to make more money. While we complete the ‘business at hand’ they are going to return to our friends and discuss the possibility of working together. They stay safe and hidden, and we move their ‘stuff.’ I’ve also made a few purchases ‘in my sleep’ to help me help you all.”

The roguish young man was clearly excited. Vogh and Talin actually weren’t sure which of the 3 of them was the eldest, not that it really mattered.

“Also… Anthus here was a stone mason until the owner of the company he worked for passed away unexpectedly. So he also might be able to help you all with your project, if you need anything… Anyway, did you come to tell me we need to leave immediately? Oh no, I just rambled on, there’s not an emergency is there?”

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Anthus
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The big man merely nodded at Belie’s statement. Clearly he was not the talkative one. His skin was a smooth grey, resembling a pebble in a babbling brook, worn smooth by the constant rush of water, and yet marbled with lines of striations.

The coloring of his skin wasn’t the only thing the man had in common with a pebble. Even seated, it was clear the figure was large, nearly a giant. As the pair entered, he rose from his seat and stood to shake their hands. It was then the bards noticed the massive hammer. Anthus wore a simple, but large, chain mail shirt and sturdy work pants.

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Vogh
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Vogh was happy that Belie was indeed at the Inn.  When he called her and Talin over they both walked over.  She did notice, for how could she not, the rather big guy that was sitting at the table with Belie.  The man was even bigger than Bharash and that is saying something.  With a smile Vogh and Talin each greeted Belie’s friends.  It is very nice to meet you Anthus and Jamir.  Any friends of his are friends of ours as well.

The conversation went back and forth a little and Vogh commented, I am not so sure that we kept him safe, if not for him and his expert trap finding we may have never come back.

Then Belie went on a ramble not letting anyone get in a word, Vogh wasn’t even sure what he was talking about.  Finally, between breaths, Vogh added, Speaking of our own shop, Talin and I just came from the Mill and Stone Mason’s.  We put in our order for the supplies we will need to build.  Speaking of which, Vogh then pulled out the lyre, this pretty piece here is called a Lyre of Building.  I got it from the Dreaming Apothecary last night.  It will magically build the house in only a fraction of the time.  Oh and let me tell you, Mr. Cobart at the Stone Mason’s guild didn’t like it one bit.  In order to get the stone we needed I had to pay half the labor cost and they aren’t even going to do any work.  Anyways, to get to why we came, Vogh finally said.  We went to check on Linele Cran at Rogue Moon yesterday and Tashari told us that she hasn’t heard anything from Linech and that supposedly his whole area is empty.  I was wondering if you might want to go check it out Belie?  We would do it ourselves but we have a lot going on with the house.

What items did you get for Belie?

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Anthus
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“Hrmph. Cobart and men are crooks.” The big man spoke with a strong accent that omitted extra words and was heavy on his R’s.

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Jamir
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“Indeed, his trap skills are excellent. That item is quite interesting.” The halfling was quite interested in the magic instrument of construction. “You’re saying by playing an instrument, the magic item actually constructs a building? I can see why the head of a laborer’s guild would be threatened.”

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Belie
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The rogue smiled at the compliments and tried to move past it quickly.

“It’s wonderful the girl and her mother are doing well. Indeed, the last time I went to his burrow it was indeed abandoned. But I will certainly go check it out again, after Jamir and Anthus take off.”

He lowered his voice again and leaned near the bards.

“Our plan is to work together to bring up the ore mined by the gnomes to sell. It will allow them to remain in their home, doing what they enjoy, while keeping them safe and earning us a percentage of the wealth.”

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Talin
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There has been so much going on that I had forgotten that Belie.  We need to make sure we close all the loops that we have.  I think I will take the evening and jot down all that we have thought about doing so that we don’t forget something.  Talin said as he began to think about all that there was.  Matter of fact, Vogh I am going to head back to the Minstrel and begin that now.  I am certain you can finish the rest of what we had planned today.

Vogh put on her best pouty face and said, at least have lunch with us first!

Talin laughed and took a seat.  Yes, you are right dear.  Let’s order something delicious.  What do you recommend Belie?  Talin asked.

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Belie
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“Yes, great idea Talin. We’ve been going at such a break-neck pace – sometimes literally – that it’s been impossible to just sit and think.” When Vogh and Talin agreed to stay for lunch Belie sat back down after Vogh took her seat. When asked about a meal he smiled and gave his recommendation.

“Oh my, the Braised Chicken with Nutmeg and Soft Cheese is excellent. It also pairs great with a glass of mead.”

Belie raised his hand and a very attractive young woman came over to their table. “Rona, would you mind putting in five orders of the braised chicken? It’s on me.”

She smiled back at him, with a hint of flirtatiousness, then quickly moved away to get their orders ready.

“Lunch is on me. Jamir and I helped out the Schuk family and since they didn’t have the coin, they are just paying us back in room and delicious food. Jamir more than me so far… You better be careful there my friend, it seems there’s a bit more of you to love…”

The halfling shot him a wounded look, then inspected his own pooched stomach and laughed at himself.

“Speaking of ideas, something else that has been bothering me is leaving G and S down there. Do you all have some magical way of communicating with them after the place is ‘locked up’ for the night? It would be nice to know if either of them had issues, or someone ‘came to visit’ in the future…”

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Vogh
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Vogh liked the sound of braised chicken for lunch.  She was hungry too and when Belie said it was on him, that made it much better too.

Vogh watched the interaction between the cute waitress and Belie.  It seemed to her that something was more than it seemed.  She would ask him about that later so as to possibly not ruin a friendship in case one of his friends had something going on with her as well.

They all chatted and ate the delicious food stuffs and when the subject came up about speaking with S and G Vogh wasnt sure what would help.  I will do some research and find out what would work the best.  Missive stone

Time went by fast and soon they were done and ready to head out again to complete getting the supplies.  Vogh said her goodbyes to everyone, even Talin as well.  Then Vogh headed outside and decided to inquire about glass, it would be the next thing to get.

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Narrator
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Vogh had gotten directions to the Glassblower’s Guildhall, she exited the Welcome Inn heading north and immediately took a right turn onto the wide Iron Street. The streets were very busy that afternoon. Vogh moved through them easily, being by herself and able to dextrously dodge around carts and groups of people. She was a woman on a mission.

One thing did catch her eye though: outside a building about halfway to her destination was a young boy handing out seditionist pamphlets from the Republican movement. Vogh knew the man who headed that up. It seemed this business, Blackstock Printing, did some printing for Helmut because there was a large stack of the sheets and the boy was handing them out to anyone and everyone he could. Looking around, the perceptive young woman noticed two city watchmen paying special attention to the boy and the business. It was obvious to anyone that the Replica movement wasn’t popular with the current people in power…

Narrator, on behalf of Vogh, rolled 32. Perception check

Where Iron Street intersected Carriage Row sat the namesake of the main avenue: the Guildhouse of Iron. The largest building on Iron Street, the Guildhouse might have been one of the largest in the entire city. The Ironworkers’ Guild was a powerful group, effectively controlling all the other metalworking guilds like goldsmiths, silversmiths, tinsmiths; practically anyone who worked with any metallic substance. Similar to the Mason’s Guildhall, there were two guards standing outside the large, steel, double doors that led into the hall. However, the doors were thrown open and Vogh could see inside the wide open chamber filled with tables and chairs. Over a dozen people were sitting inside drinking coffe, tea, ale and beer as she passed. It resembled the common room of an Inn more than a guildhall she thought to herself.

Down Carriage Row to the South Vogh turned, ironically heading directly toward the wood mill again, but the Glassblower’s hall was nestled amidst many other buildings between Carraige Row and Lower Rachen Street on Platinum Street. She turned onto Platinum, which was a much narrower way and had to navigate the busy way. As she was about to turn onto the even smaller Glass Street a man started to pass her then a bag of powder exploded in her face.

Vogh coughed her way through the cloud and felt herself get woozy for a moment, then sensing something amiss her wits snapped to full attention and she shrugged off the effects. The battle trained woman fast stepped out of the cloud, not breathing until she was clear of the bluish smoke which was fast dissipating.

Unfortunately for an unsuspecting gnome, he walked straight into the cloud. The small humanoid only took one more step before he pitched forward and was snoring on the cobblestones.

Seeing this gave the bard woman yet another surprise. She felt a painful stab into her back and again felt poison attempting to invade her body (21 dmg). Vogh flexed every muscle in her body to turn on her attacker, drawing her magical blade in the same movement. Before her stood a very slight man dressed all in black with his head and face covered with a black shawl, who was currently holding a dagger that dripped with her blood.

10:40, Today: Narrator, on behalf of Vogh, rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  Fort DC 14.
10:39, Today: Narrator rolled 7,14 using 1d6+5,3d6.
10:38, Today: Narrator rolled 41 using 1d20+30.  Attack Vogh AC: 24.
10:36, Today: Narrator rolled 4 using 1d100.  Under 30 gets someone else.

[Private to GM: Remember some NPCs for flavor

Zar Ladno with his armored tiger
Anamexi and Gamos
Elofindel
Glaxton with his purple and black horses and carriage
Jade with her Spears
Axle!!!

Post about Navanna Vlaadam posing as the male Nicalon Regelis, a Knight of the Dawn waiting for them in the Ghostly Minstrel. He will just fanboy over Vogh and mention he knows she wanted to become a Knight someday.

Nalleth Falcron from the Mason’s Guild will visit Vogh’s build site.
– She will say that she’s just an orphan given to the guild and they make her do menial work since she showed no aptitude when she was a minor apprentice to the sculptors.
https://ptol.us/npc/nalleth-falcron/

Remember to mention missing people, including some children with strange marks]

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Vogh
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When Vogh turned the corner and got gassed by the powder, Vogh didn’t quite know what was going on.  She quickly moved out of the smoke area but it may have been a ruse for when she looked back to the smoke she saw a gnomish figure pitch forward as it went through.  The gnome was fell on his face looking quite dead.  Vogh didn’t have time to think about what was happening before she felt a sharp penetration between her breastplate and her waste.

Poison began to flow into her bloodstream but Vogh once more fought off the effects.  Vogh quickly turned and saw a man with a blade in his hand with her blood dripping from it.  Vogh hummed her music and struck out at this foe with her magical blade.  As the blade hit the man he too felt a strange feeling come over him.

18:09, Today: Vogh rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Initiative .
19:06, Today: Vogh rolled 33,23 using d20+19,d8+20.
19:07, Today: Vogh rolled 17,24 using d20+14,d8+20.
You need to roll a reflex save DC20
Was the person that did the cloud the same as the person that stabbed me?

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Narrator
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The would be assassin barely avoided the magic of Vogh’s sword which would have stunned him. Unfortunately, he was also gravely wounded. “Get her!” he shouted.

Vogh, alerted by the man’s cry, spun in time to see two hulking, furry, bipedal creatures rushing her from the opposite side of the road. Bodies like men, with hair covered arms that ended in clawed hands still capable of holding short spears, but heads of wolves.

Each of the creatures threw one of their short spears at Vogh as they charged to cover the rest of the distance. Thanks to her attacker’s warning she deftly dodged the first spear, but the second found a crease in her armor and so strong was the throw it managed to even penetrate her magically hardened skin. (10dmg)

They are 20 feet away from Vogh, the rogue is behind her but might be out of the fight due to how bad she hurt him.

Their AC is 18

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Vogh
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Vogh easily heard the call from the man she had just hit with her blade a quick turn of her head and saw the two brutes coming at her. With a quick turn back to the man she wounded badly Vogh decided to finish him off. She didn’t need someone behind her stabbing her again in the back. Fear in his eyes turned to a blank stare as her sword took him across the throat, and he hit the stones. In the same movement she spun back to face the charging humanoids.

13:39, Today: Vogh rolled 23,25,31,25 using D20+18,d8+21,d20+14,d8+21

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Narrator
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The two furry humanoids finished their charge at the woman, who had smartly put her back to the nearest building to avoid getting flanked. Instead of stabbing at her with the short spears they carried, both snapped their canine heads forward. Vogh’s flat of her sword slapped the first one aside, but it cost her, as she felt the sharp teeth sink into her shoulder.

Making matters worse, the wolf-man put all his weight into the bite and pulled her off her feet. She hit the stone street hard, but maintained her wits and a firm grip on her blade.

Narrator rolled 27 for Trip Attempt against Vogh’s CMD of 21.

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Vogh
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Though Vogh was in a decent position to protect her flank, it didn’t matter when the wolfman bit down onto her shoulder and tripped her to the ground.  Not in the best position now, Vogh decided to just stand up and take the consequences for the movement.

Once up she will strike at one of the wolfmen.  As she got up her blade sliced through the midsection of the wolfman almost cleaving the thing in two.

16:32, Today: Vogh rolled 38,27 using D20+18,d8+21.
16:32, Today: Vogh rolled 35,29 using D20+18,d8+21.  crit check.

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Narrator
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Vogh’s furious stance took one hybrid from balls to bone but its companion sunk another bite into her as she was vulnerable in standing up.

Narrator rolled 27,11,12,7

Both of the beasts snapped forward at the now standing woman, preferring their canine teeth to their weapons. Despite its grievous wounds, the injured beast still attacked furiously.

Narrator rolled 29,6,29,10

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Vogh
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Even with one of her most powerful attacks, Vogh didn’t drop the wolfman she hit.  As they both bit into her again she felt something weird inside her.

16:57, Today: Vogh rolled 25,24,18,26 using D20+18,d8+21,d20+14,d8+21.
make a reflex save twice DC20 or be stunned.

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Narrator
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With dragon blood running in her veins, the seemingly slight woman slashed once, then twice, hitting each of the wolfmen and making them feel her fury. The already injured beast was moving to bite her again, but all it bit was the crystal of her echoblade, then the back of its throat exploded in blood. Vogh spun, sliding the dead beast – which was rapidly returning to a human form – off her blade and in the same movement she caught the second wolf-man in an upward chop that pushed it to the tip of its clawed toes as he blade opened its stomach.

With both one of its wolf-companions and the rogue that was supposed to be helping it dead, this creature wanted no more of the dangerous woman. Finishing its defensive movement to lessen the harm done by Vogh’s blade, the wolf-man rolled away and fled on all fours.

Withdraw action, double move is 100ft away. Movement rate of 50.

Vogh had a moment to inspect her handiwork, in the form of two dead bodies in the middle of the road. Her sensibilities hadn’t even heard the people screaming and fleeing. The gnome who had been caught in the poison cloud was still snoring loudly on the cobblestones. She had a moment to look up and saw shocked expressions on almost a dozen people’s faces who had been around the street when the fight broke out. Several individuals asked if she was alright, and a couple people went to check on the gnome. One said someone ran to fetch the Watch.

Looking down at the would-be-assasin, it was obvious this was a Pale Dog. She and Talin had fought two of their group once before. Black fingernails and double rings on one finger were the calling card of the Dogs. Searching him quickly, she didn’t find much on him. Removing the black cowl which had covered his face revealed a young man, likely only in his mid-teens. He wore simple leather armor and had a single masterwork dagger which he died holding. In a pocket he had only 13 silver coins to his name.

The dead werewolf had completed the reversion to his human form and revealed even less than the Pale Dog. He wore no armor and the only weapon he had was the remaining short spear he hadn’t even bothered to use. His clothes were oversized, obviously to accommodate his change in size. The white shirt he wore was now stained with blood and slashed open, while the lose pants were a heavy fabric and flared around his feet which currently had no footwear. A total of 4 short spears had been abandoned by the wolf-men.

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Vogh
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Thankful that the wolfman thing ran away, Vogh sighed.  With adrenaline pumping in her, Vogh hadn’t really felt the pain from the bites, but now with her calming down a bit, she felt it keenly now.  What she also hadn’t noticed was that the small battle had attracted more than a few onlookers.

Paying little attention to the people gathering, Vogh quickly looked over the body of the assassin and found it peculiar that it was a pale dog and not someone of house Vladaam.  Though they could have hired some pale dogs to do the job.  The wolfman now was very much a human but didn’t have much to identify him as which group he belonged.

Vogh quickly cast detect magic on bodies to make sure they weren’t hiding anything special before tucking what she found in her pack.  The spears she left on the ground while she used her healing belt to begin to heal her wounds.  Vogh was going to wait for the watch to arrive so that she could explain what happened.  Before that, she too went to the gnome and tried to wake the little guy up.

When the watch arrived, Vogh told her story about getting hit with the sleep powder and then stabbed in the back.  Reacting to the assassination attempt and killing both men.

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Narrator
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It took several minutes for the Watchmen to finally trot up. Apparently they weren’t in much of a hurry. By the time they arrived the gnome was starting to wake up and was quite disoriented looking around at the people gathered.

Vogh didn’t have much explaining to do considering her attacker was a pale dog. The gang was notorious for muggings, especially in the Guildsman District, which was so near the Warrens.

However, the Constable did have some questions about the werewolves. He hadn’t dealt with the lycanthropes before so was a big sceptical. After all, it would be very easy to lie about killing the human he saw and claim it was some beast. Voghs story was quickly corroborated by multiple onlookers so the Watchman dropped it.

The guards wrapped up the bodies and carried them away, two men to a corpse. Vogh was free to go on to the Glass guild.

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Narrator
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Confusingly, Glass street didn’t take one to the Glassblowing Guild hall. So Vogh had to double back to Platinum street then turned onto Brass street. For some reason the Glass guild was near the end of the metallic named street.

High windows of every color, style and design served as a gallery on the facia of the hall. Inside there were only two individuals in the hall. Both elves were working on small projects and looked up at Voghs entrance. The first, a fair looking male with angular features, opened his eyes wide upon seeing her and stood.

“Miss?! Are you okay?! Should I fetch a cleric?!”

Caebraeth Willowlight male elf guild master

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Vogh
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Vogh was a bit confused that the guild wasn’t on Glass street, Vogh asked around and found it was on Platinum Street.  When she arrived and entered the building the male elf behind the desk rose and asked if she needed help.

Not understanding why, Vogh looked at the bite wound which even though she had used her healing belt to heal all her wounds, was still festering.  With a flustered look and a sigh, Vogh said, Yes, I think I will need one that is capable of removing a curse.  I was bitten by a werewolf a few moments ago while coming here.  While we wait, can I talk to you about a business proposal?

Once the elf had sent a request for a cleric, Vogh continued to explain what she was wanting to do.

Once all the business was complete Vogh waited for the cleric and then requested a carriage to head back to the Ghostly Minstrel.

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Narrator
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“Fenxidor, go and fetch a cleric, or find a runner and send them with all haste. A warewolf did you say ma’am?! In broad daylight? In the middle of the city?” The stately elf shook his head and took in the answers Vogh offered, if any.

“I’m sorry. Where are my manors. My name is Caebraeth Willowlight, guild master.” The male elf introduced himself finally. “Let me fetch you a glass of wine and a bite to eat to help your body recuperate.” Caebraeth took a few minutes in a back room then returned with a very elven platter that sported two glasses of a very light wine, and several cheese and fruit options.

“While we wait, tell me about your project which has brought you in, facing such grave danger today!” The skin around his high and sharp cheek bones rose at his slight jest.

Vogh explained about the building she wanted to erect. Caebraeth was more interested in the magical Lyre than upset about the item stealing business. He asked her a great number of questions about the instrument and its capabilities.

The other male elf, Fenxidor, burst back into the door, slightly out of breath. Behind him was a much more out of breath, male halfling. He wore an obvious holy symbol, but Vogh wasn’t familiar with the god.

“I was told there was someone in grave need of healing?! Where are they?!” When shown the wound the halfling shook his head. “My apologies miss. I’ve not got that spell prepared today. If you would return with me to my church, one of my order likely will be able to aid you. We would only ask for a small donation.”

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Vogh
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Greetings Caebraeth!Vogh had shown Caebraeth the lyre of building and explained how it worked. Having worked out a deal, Vogh had waited for the cleric to arrive. It wasn’t long before a halfling cleric came in huffing and puffing. When he looked over the festering bite and was told by Vogh that it was from a werewolf the halfling only shook his head and explained that he couldn’t and asked if she would follow him. Certainly, I would love to follow you. What is your name? Mine name is Vogh. I am ready to go now if you are?

Looking back to Caebraeth Vogh says, I thank you for your business and as discussed in 1 month we would welcome the supplies at the agreed upon plot.

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Narrator
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Caebraeth was really interested in the Lyre and listened intently to all Vogh shared with him. For some reason the elf didn’t seem threatened for his livelihood by the item. He and Fenxidor were very friendly as she left and both wished her health and healing.

The halfling priest introduced himself as Yengin. “You see unconcerned about your wound or condition lady… I’ve never seen someone finish a business transaction while a wound festered…”

Yengin walked briskly, but his short legs meant Vogh had to walk slower than she was used to in order to avoid leaving him behind. He took a right on Platinum street and led them away from where Vogh had been attacked in the first place. Everything had already gone back to normal. Both bodies were gone, as were the Watchmen. People walked up and down the street, ignorant anything happened less than an hour prior.

Upon reaching Lower Rachen Street, a much wider road, the halfling asked if Vogh wanted to take a carriage, or if she preferred to walk. Opting for a carriage to expedite their travel she hailed one after they walked for only a short time. Yengin told the driver to proceed to the Temple of Engelan [Private to GM: Engelan, god of the present] in the Temple District and off they went.

Once inside the carriage Yengin was a bit chattier. “How did you get this injury? Why on earth were you attacked the middle of the city and in the middle of the day?” He was brimming with tons of questions, living up to the inquisitive stereotype of halflings. “So are you a delver? We see halfling delvers pretty frequently coming for healing and curse removal and more. Have you been down in the labyrinth? Are you a guild member? Have you found anything interesting?”

Crossing the Blessed Bridge was always slow, with its dozens, maybe hundreds, of tiny shrines to lesser gods and patrons. People clogged this main way into the Temple District constantly and weren’t terribly courteous to carriages trying to pass.

Finally they made it across the Kings River and onto the Street of a Million Gods. They didn’t have far to go as the temple of Engelan was a small structure just off the main street. Departing the carriage, Vogh paid, and they entered together. Inside Vogh towered over everyone as apparently this was a god mostly revered by halflings.

Finding another cleric Yengin introduced her and explained she needed a Remove Curse spell cast. The elder halfling, dressed in similar robes as Yengin but with several more gray hairs around his head, and feet hair. The elder explained the cost.

“This will be a hundred and fifty gold, or fifteen platinum, my good woman… Do you have the coin on you?”

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Vogh
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When the little priestly halfling said his name Vogh smiled.  Very nice to meet you Yengin.  Vogh made a shooing motion when Yengin asked why she seemed not to be too worried about the wound.  My dear Yengin, I have seen much in my young life.  A wound that is not fatal and is treated doesn’t worry me.  Sure some are worse than others, like this one, but I will overcome it I am certain.

When they were finally able to hail a carriage, Vogh was happier for it.  She didn’t need another run-in with someone trying to kill her.  The halfling was quite inquisitive as per their race and had Vogh giggling more than once between answers.  I thought I told you I was attacked by a werewolf?  It bit me as I was dodging another one.  As to why in the middle of the day I am not certain.  I guess I was a perfect attack of opportunity.  Pretty lady, walking alone on a back street with fine-looking clothes and items.  No wonder!

When asked questions about her career, Vogh smiled and answered, Oh yes I am a delver member, though this is the first time I have needed a remove curse, even after fighting some rather large rats in the sewers.  I have been in the labyrinth and after a few thoughts Vogh responded with, I think a Rakshasa was probably the strangest thing I have run into down there as of yet.

Having arrived at the chapel finally, Vogh and Yengin exited and entered the chapel.  Vogh felt a little weird being the tallest but she greeted them all with a warm smile and when the elder cleric female came to her and told her the cost, Vogh grabbed her pack and pulled out 16pp.  Yes, and the extra for your church.  Thank you for your assistance.

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Narrator
———————————————————–
Yengin and his elder were both very impressed by her generosity and they thanked her. With the curse removed and Vogh completely healed Yengin accompanied her outside and hailed a carriage for her, even paying the silver piece to the driver. “I hope we meet again Miss Vogh!”

She told the driver to head straightway for the Ghostly Minstrel and with a snap of the rains the single horse began click clacking away. Evening was starting to settle over the busy Ptolus. Vogh noticed the carriage driver took Sunrise Street, a less direct route to Delver’s Square, but likely in an effort to avoid the Blessed Bridge congestion. Outside the carriage’s side opening she saw the Temple of Inurath as they passed. The structure was one of the largest temples in the district as she was one of the most popular deities of war in Ptolus. Her symbol: a two handed sword over a red shield, was sported by many in the Order of Iron Might.

On the other side of the river Emerald Hill loomed high, green and beautiful on one side, and on the other Vogh could see several strange animals in their ‘cages’ at the Exotic Stables she and Talin had walked past recently, although it felt like a lifetime prior.

Down Tavern Row the carriage turned, which passed by the Griffon where the trio had been staying. Finally he made the turn onto Center Street that took them to Delver’s Square. So busy was the square the carriage driver didn’t even attempt to pull into the congested area in order to drop Vogh at the door of the Minstrel.

“Sorry miss. It be too busy. I gotta drop ya here.”

Not minding, Vogh hopped down and waded through the sea of bodies. She was quite surprised to see a coal black Gnoll with a chain about his neck being pulled by one of the feline humanoids called tabaxis. Hopefully the chain and collar had some magic about it, because the canine creature was easy quadruple the sizes and strength of the cat-like human. Then again, likely the tabaxi was quite capable of defending her self. A well crafted rapier hung from a wide belt wrapped around her rather strange armor, strange as it seemed furry itself instead of smooth leather. Then a bandolier of hand crossbow bolts circled her chest that went with the small crossbow swaying at the end of a cord as she walked.

Vogh made her way over to Bull and Bear to see if Iltumar wanted to train, but it seemed she was too late, or they closed early, as she found the door locked.

Inside the Minstrel was no less busy than the Square outside. The roar of conversation and laughing felt palpable. Once the heavy door closed, normally the exterior noise subsided, but Vogh felt it might have actually escalated the noise level by trapping it inside the walls. Shaking her head she began to make her way across the crowded floor toward the stairs. Before she made it far she heard her name above the noise and turned to see young Iltumar standing by a table with two people sitting, a young man and woman who looked about his same age. He waved upon seeing her notice him and gestured for her to come over.

“Miss Vogh! Good to see you! Where are you just coming from? Have you been delving anymore? Oh, where are my manners, let me introduce my friends. This is Jamill, and Anikka.” Iltumar pointed first to the young man who looked a little older than Iltumar. He had several tattoos and scars with long black hair and sunken eyes that made him look less than healthy. Anikka on the other hand was a beauty. She had to have some elven blood in her. Her slight figure and long dark hair made her very attractive and Vogh just knew Iltumar had to like this young thing.

[Private to GM: remember kidnapped sorcerer’s

Someone could hire the PCs to get stuff from the Pythonese house then not pay them]

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Vogh
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Vogh was thankful to be back at the Ghostly Minstrel, her home away from home. Though she hadn’t showed it to Caebraeth or Yengin or even the elder priestess, Vogh was shaken from the experience with the pale dog assassin and the werewolves. She needed some time alone with Talin so that she could talk through the experience. She made her way through the crowd and was about to head upstairs when she heard her name. Stopping and turning she saw Iltumar waving at her to come over.

When he was introduced to the two people sitting at the table, Vogh noticed the pretty girl and for a fleeting moment she wondered if Iltumar and her were together. Vogh greeted Iltumar’s friends warmly and explained, I have just been out making business contacts. Talin and I have come into some land and are wanting to build a house on it. The house will also be a shop so that we can sell a lot of the more expensive items we find. Perhaps, when things get going we can talk about you and your employment. Vogh let that go then to talk about another time.

Anyways, I really had a long day and am in need of some rest. Have you seen Talin by chance? Vogh questioned Iltumar. Whatever the answer Vogh was determined to head upstairs so she said her apologies to Iltumar and his two friends and went upstairs.

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Iltumar Shon
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Iltumar was disappointed that Vogh couldn’t stay longer, but he nodded in understanding. “Wow. Oh. Ok.” Was his only response to Vogh’s comment about employment. His eyes opened wide but he didn’t even have time to process the possibilities before Vogh was gone again in the crowd.

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Narrator
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Vogh didn’t have to go far to find Talin, he was actually just a couple tables over from Iltumar, but so great was the press of people she hadn’t seen him prior. He stood upon seeing her, only to have her grab him by the hand and nearly drag him upstairs.

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Vogh
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After seeing Talin and pulling him upstairs, Vogh immediately began to tell of the rest of her day, after I left the Welcome Inn I traveled over to the Glassblowers Guild. I went down glass Street and unfortunately, that wasn’t the way to get to the guild so I had a backtrack, I then went down Platinum Street and shortly thereafter just before I was going to get to Glassblowers Guild I was attacked by somebody.  First, they threw a bag of sleeping powder at me and then after reacting to that, I was stabbed in the back as I moved away from the powder.  When I turned, I saw a cloaked figure.  I swung my blade and managed to do quite a serious wound on him.  He called out to his two companions to aid him.  With a quick glance over my shoulder, I noticed two Wolfmen heading my way.  Each tossed a spear at me which I nimbly dodged.  Knowing that I could finish off the assassin before the others got me I finished him off with a skillful blow.  I then turn to defend against the oncoming Wolfmen.  I managed to fend off one of the bites from the wolfman but the other managed to catch hold of my shoulder with its teeth and rip me to the ground. Having no other choice but to stand, I stood and as I stood I slashed with my blade against the flesh of the wolfman, cutting him in twain. The other wolfman fled knowing that it was over. The watch then came and I explained to them what had happened, but before they came though I check the bodies and one of the bodies revealed that the assassin was a pale dog and there were no markings on the wolfman.  Anyway, I told the watch what happened and they didn’t quite believe what I was saying until some of the bystanders, who were standing and watching the battle, had thrown in their agreement backing up what I had said.  The Watch took the two men away and left me to my business.
Vogh was frantically recalling all that had happened to her.

I finally made it to the Glassblowers Guild and conducted the business at hand.  The elf that was the guildmaster, I can only assume, was a little worried about the bite that was on my shoulder and had his companion fetch a cleric.  When the cleric came I explained what had happened and he told me that he could not help me with the festering bite.  Having completed the business with the guild I agreed to go with the cleric to his church to get a remove curse, because it was determined that I was bitten by a werewolf and had contracted lycanthropy.  Thankfully, the older priestess was able to remove the curse and then I made haste back to the Ghostly Minstrel looking for you and your warm embrace.

Vogh then fell into Talin’s arms crying, finally feeling safe once more.

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Talin
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Talin listened and comforted Vogh as she told of her experience.  He couldn’t believe he was so stupid and had left her without him.  He signed a visible sigh as she finished and fell into his arms.  Holding her tight, Talin caressed her back and said, I am so sorry Vogh.  If I had known that something was going to happen I wouldn’t have left.

Talin snuggled with Vogh for a while and then…

Fade to black…

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Narrator
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Vogh and Talin had a spirited night which left them both exhausted and sleeping hard. The next morning there was a light knock on their door and someone slipped a message inside their room. The message was from Jessie at the Rogue Moon Trading Company saying both Salsan and Sumar returned last night and she kept them off another run so they could all go together today to visit the goblins home once more.

Jessie’s note said she had the wagon and mounts ready and to meet her in the plaza as soon as they could.

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Talin
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After a good night, Vogh woke when a knock came to their door.  Talin rose and grabbed the note that was slipped under their door and ready it before telling Vogh, Looks like Jessie has a caravan ready for us to go get the weapons for the goblins.  We need to meet her in the plaza.

Vogh sprang out of bed with a new pep in her step.  Her nubile form went over to her clothes and got dressed, grabbing everything needed for the voyage to the goblins camp they had been before.  I am ready if you are, Vogh said a few minutes later.  Shall we grab something quick to eat on the way out?  Oh, is Salsan and Sumar going to be there, Vogh quickly asked before opening the door.

Talin nodded and said, it seems Jessie has held them back so that they could join us.

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Narrator
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Talin told Tellith there were in a bit of a hurry and needed something quick before heading out. She smiled and went to fetch some salted meats, hot bread and a couple sweet cakes. “These should travel well for you.”

While they waited again the duo noted how busy the Minstrel was. They had slept in a bit, but the breakfast crowd was still substantial. Most of the individuals looked to be delver-types, armed and armored even here in the common room.

With their food to-go in hand they hustled out the door and decided to simply walk to Star Crossing Plaza, since it was a straight shot down Center Street. It would likely have taken longer for a carriage to travel through the crowded streets for the short distance.

They were not disappointed upon arriving in the large, open area. Jessie once again sat a horse obviously scanning the crowd looking for them. Wearing her studded leather armor with a lone dagger sheathed on the wide leather belt she looked the part, but they knew better.

Sitting in the drivers seat was the older gentleman, Tosobon, who had made the run with them before, and on the flat-bed of the wagon stood Salsan and Sumar, likewise scanning the crowd. Both the human and lizard-man looked well and healthy. Sumar had lost a little weight around his mid-section, but had clearly gained it in his chest and arms. Salsan was lean before, but his scaled chest and arms likewise swelled to fill his leather armor better than after being rescued.

Salsan spotted the duo first and pointed a clawed finger their way, alerting Sumar and Jessie, who both smiled upon seeing the bards.

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Salsan Sumar
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“Greetingsss and Well Met Misss Vogh and Talin!” The lizard man’s lisp created from his long tongue was pronounced as always.

“Hello!” The big Sumar greeted them and hopped down, making the wagon’s springs creak as his bulk left the bed. He wrapped Talin then Vogh in a big hug. “We cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done for us. I’m so glad we get a chance to make this trip with you once more.”

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Narrator
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Lipthsu popped his head up over the wagon’s side and waved to the two humans with a big smile as Jessie nudged her horse over to them, pulling the reins of two other fine looking mounts with her.

“Well Met indeed you two. It seems you all arose a bit late this morning?” Jessie chuckled at them as she handed the reins to each of the bards and shook their hands from the saddle.

“I’ve been hearing some stories about your exploits you know…” She didn’t offer any more at the moment before winking at them and watching them mount their horses.

“Tosobon is itching to get going. Aren’t you old timer!?” The middle-aged woman laughed as the older man narrowed his eyes and growled in good matured, feigned anger.

“Aye! Daylight’s burning away! Look at that clear Ptolus sky? How often’ya see that? Let’s get a move on!” He shot back their way. “We can’t all be sleeping ’till the sun’s overhead.” Tosobon winked at the bards, letting them know he was only jesting and not truly angry.

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Sumar
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Indeed it was a fine Ptolus day with a clear sky, light breeze, and perfect temperature. They couldn’t have been blessed with a better day to travel. The seven of them set out for the South Gate to exist Ptolus and head to Lipthsu’s home. Both noted how well dressed the goblin was. He had clearly spent some coin on decent clothing. Judging by the swell of his belly, he had also been eating very well since receiving the financial windfall.

After passing through the gate the Bards brought their horses up alongside the wagon to talk to Salsan and Sumar. Both shared that they had started out mostly doing southern runs, but as they had been training constantly in sword, spear and bow Moon had been sending them north more frequently.

The human and lizardman mentioned how much higher tensions were to the north and how they had constantly been passing people coming from that direction into Ptolus for the increased safety of the city walls.

Sumar explained further, “All the old timer wagon masters say people are bein’ paranoid, but there been more bandits along the rooots. The other guards say they weren’t fightin’ on they runs, but every other day we fight something. Orcs ambush us at night, some humans too. There been several traps setup where whatnot blocked the road to ambush us. I’m not for knowin’ what’s going on, but everywhere we go, things are tense. Have you heard them rumors about barbarians?”

“What about you? Have you all had any troublesss in your endeavorsss?” Salsan asked the two.

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Vogh
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Vogh had spotted the big guy Sumar far before Salsan had spotted Vogh and Talin as they came into the plaza.  Vogh had a big smile on her face when she came up to them and was greeted warmly by them all.  It was good to see that both of them had not only survived but had profited greatly from the new freedom they had found thanks to Talin and Vogh.  This pleased Vogh quite a bit.  She then greeted Jessie and lastly Lipthsu.  Yes, a bit late we know.  We came as soon as we could though.  Glad you all hadn’t left yet, though I think we would have chased you down.  Vogh said with a hearty laugh.

When they started Vogh looked to the sky and was quite pleased that it was a clear day.  It certainly would make the trip go faster.  Out of South gate, the duo met up with Salsan and Sumar finally and chatted about what they had been doing.  More talk about the troubles in the north had Vogh wondering if they need to make a trip that way sometime soon.  Vogh and Talin looked to each other as they were asked what they had been up to and if they had any troubles.  Trouble was a soft word for what Vogh and the others had gone through in the week prior.

You might say we had our fair share.  We met up with a trio of new companions and ran a mission for the church.  We all made it out alive though and stronger for it as well.  We will have plenty of time to chat, let’s enjoy the weather!  Vogh finally said at last.

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Narrator
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The fair weather allowed them to make good time. There was traffic near Ptolus, but it slowly dwindled as they moved farther south. One shepherd seemed to be bringing in his flock of sheep. Tosobon got irritated at the man and hollered at him to get the animals to the side and stop taking up the whole road. It was a bit comical to see the flustered rural man trying to shoo his animals away from the wagon. Tosobon muttered, “Local Yokels.” under his breath, but loud enough for the group to hear, and likely the shepherd too.

It was well into evening, with the sun starting to dip below the horizon when Lipthsu stood on the wagon and started scanning the rolling hills for the copse of trees that served as a guide to his well hidden cavern home. All of the sky was burning orange and red in a beautiful tapestry, still providing enough light they could traverse the tall grasses with no issue but in less than an hour they would be facing darkness.

Liptshu whistled as they crested the final rise which overlooked the hillside containing the entrance to the old, mostly natural cavern that his tribe called home. He shouted out a greeting in Goblin but no response came back. The goblin squinted at the wooded and brush covered entrance to his cave and muttered almost to himself, “Dat not dere before…”

Vogh and Talin looked closer and noted a rather large boulder was rolled in front of the entrance. Much of the foliage was smashed around the entrance, but new tree branches had been cut and lain about the stone on either side to help obscure it. Immediately both humans knew this was a bit off because there’s no way a group of goblins would be able to move such a large rock into place.

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Vogh
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The day’s travel was nice, leisurely riding alongside Talin and the caravan.  It was a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.  It also gave time for Vogh to think about what had happened the day prior.  Why had she really been attacked?  She didn’t know, but one thing for certain, Vogh knew she needed to finish this business with banewarrens.  As long as the hand was in her possession she would be a target for anyone wanting to get in there.

When they finally arrived at the area in which she recognized, Vogh like Lipthsu had looked at the cave opening.  She could see something was different than before, not too mention the rather large stone that was in front of the cave.  “No that wasn’t there before”, Vogh said as she pulled out her blade.  The movement of her doing that had the others pull theirs as well.  I hope your people are okay Lipthsu.  Let us investigate shall we?

With the time passed and their experiences, is Salsan and Sumar a higher level now? 

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Talin
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Vogh, Talin, Jessie and Liptshu moved quietly through the tall grass up to the large boulder. The stone stood taller than Talin and nearly as wide. It had to weigh several hundred pounds. Talin looked around the opening and made an observation, “This thing clearly rolls. You can see how the plants and foliage are smashed down to the right side. But it certainly seems to large for your kin to move around Lipthsu. Unless you had some magic item that gave them extreme strength, or giant rock moving abilities.” He said the last with a bit of a smile at the goblin, who wore a very worried expression on his face.

“Do we try to roll it out of the way?”

Salsan/Sumar: Yes, there were both 1st level warrior, so I gave them +1 level in warrior now.

Narrator, on behalf of Talin, rolled 33 using 1d20+19 ((14)). Knowledge (nature)

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Salsan
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Salsan and Sumar come over to the rock and noting the direction that Talin had spoken of they get on the other side and begin to try and roll the rock out of the way of the opening of the cave.  We got this!  They say in unison.  It seemed that the duo had grown real close as the days had passed.  Perhaps it was how they were saved together and given second chances by Vogh and Talin that brought them closer?  Who knows…

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Narrator
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Inside the bards saw the cave they had entered before, but it was even messier than last time, and the smell released by the rock being moved away was almost overpowering. There was no light coming from inside, and the fading sunlight barely illuminated more than a few feet into the zig-zag cavern.

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Talin
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Not being able to see inside the cave very far, Talin used one of his simple spells and cast Dancing lights about 20ft inside the cave hoping it would lighten up what was inside so they could see.

Talin then pulled his blade out and began to move forward into the cave.

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Narrator
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Deeper into the earth the passage moved left and right for 30 or 40 feet then it opened up into the large cavern which Talin remembered had several rooms branching off.

The perceptive man also heard several grunts and rustling in the dark beyond his spell. He was surprised to hear orcish instead of goblin, the deep voice whispering loudly, “Rock moved! Invader!”

All hair on the back of his neck raised up as his warrior instincts told him that he was perfectly silhouetted by the fading sun and thus an easy target for anything inside.

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Talin
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Talin quickly sent the dancing lights deeper into the caverns towards the lights to hopefully light what was there.

He then whispered, orcs, in the back.  They know someone is here.

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Vogh
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At the mention of orcs in the cave, Vogh started her song in everyone’s heads bolstering them to fight.

Vogh stayed next to Talin for support.

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Narrator
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Vogh’s mental senses began fluttering at the edge of several other beings’ consciousness, all orcs. She counted 5 so far.

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Vogh
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There are 5 of them back there.  I can sense them.  Tell them to come out and we won’t kill them.  Vogh said to Talin.

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Talin
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Hearing Vogh’s words, Talin called out to the orcs.  If you come out we won’t kill you.  If we are forced to come to get you, we will kill you dead to the last one.  Talin had a steady demanding voice as he spoke the clear words in orcish.

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Narrator
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Talin immediately got his answer in the form of five thick crossbow bolts that came screaming out the cave at him. Three missed, but two got lucky. The first one just nicked him, but the second stabbed into his arm as he dodged illiciting an angry growl from the man.

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Talin
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Talin didn’t see the bolts coming until it was too late.  He was able to dodge a few but as he dodged he went right in the path of two of the bolts.  With a growl Talin charged.  His dancing lights moving with him to hopefully light where the orcs were.

You will die for that mistake. Talin said and charged any orc he could see and swung his blade at the orc.

https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats…ling-display-combat/
22:29, Today: Talin rolled 20,20,33,25,28 using d20+18,d20+18,d20+18,d20+18,d20+18.

22:36, Today: Talin rolled 34,23 using d20+25,d8+19.

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Vogh
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Vogh watched as Talin sprinted across the cavern floor to the left. Vogh not wanting to leave Talin alone charged after him but made a move to the right.  She saw an orc before her and slashed her blade across its midsection.

22:49, Today: Vogh rolled 36,27 using d20+21,d8+21.

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Salsan
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Salsan and Sumar with their blades drawn will move into the large cavern fighting defensively side by side as they have practiced.

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Narrator
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Both orcs died immediately under the Crystal blades of the bards. Ahead of the humans was a ledge almost 10 feet high with more boulders. Then another ledge raised another 10 feet to what looked like tunnels to either sides.

The three orcs on the ledge held crossbows which had been reloaded and they fired down on the bards below them.

One quarrel skipped around Talin but yet another one found a crease in his armor and sunk into his flesh (4dmg). Vogh had only to dodge one missile. The cavern was coming alive with more noise down the other corridors.

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Talin
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Talin got hit once more and knew he was easy picking out in the open so he sprinted to the ledge so that the orcs couldn’t fire at him.  When he got to the ledge he looked for a ladder or way up.

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Vogh
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Vogh finished the orc off quickly and then a crossbow bolt bounced off her buckler telling her there were more above.  Deciding to stay behind the rocks in the middle for cover, she quickly looked for a ladder or something that would allow her access to the ledge.

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Narrator
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The bards didn’t have long to look for a ladder or any other way to scale the cliff, because a roar echoed down the hallway off to their right. (If their back is to the wall, aka the room below that looks to have no exit)

Two big orc bastards rushed around the corner and spotting them, charged straight at the bards. Both of them were larger than the two they felled so far. One wore cobbled together plate armor which looked to be from a half dozen different sets merely hammered together. The other wore a beautiful set of plate which seemed to fit him perfectly.

The jankily armored orc rushed Vogh, while the other ran at Talin. Each raised greataxes over their heads and chopped down with the force of their charge behind him. Both oversized orcs with their oversized axes hit their mark, heavy steel chopping down into the bards.

Narrator, for the NPC Charging Orc Barbarian’s, rolled
hit,dmg
29, 20
30, 21

Top of Round. Talin then Vogh’s turn.
I’ll post for Salsan and Sumar, then bad guys when you’re done.

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Vogh
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Vogh felt, then heard the orc charging her.  Vogh tried to dodge the axe as it came quicker than expected at her.  It clipped her on the shoulder opening up a rather nasty wound.

Vogh reached back to some of her older training and activated *free action* her snowflake wardance increasing the chance that she hits the enemy not knowing how strong the orc was.

At the same time, she gets side to side with Talin and flashes her blade once which cuts the orc good right across his thigh.  The backhand slash aimed a bit high opens up the brutes stomach as blood begins to flow freely splattering in her face.
Add Cha to attacks for 7 rounds
15:51, Today: Vogh rolled 31,22,38,22 using d20+24,d8+21,d20+19,d8+21.
15:51, Today: Vogh rolled 21,29 using d20+19,d8+21.  crit check.

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Talin
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As the orc came charging in, Talin tried to dodge to the right, but the orc guessed he may do that and as Talin moved the axe came crashing down clipping him, opening a wound on his arm.  Growling in pain, Talin began his song to weaken the attacks of the orcs.  -2 to att and dam.

With Vogh sliding next to him Talin slashed out at the orc that hit Vogh.  Figuring to finish off one so they could concentrate together on the other.  His first slashed across the brutes left arm and as Talin twirled the second strike coming within inches of the jugular.  It still split across its lower throat almost severing the head from its body.

16:01, Today: Talin rolled 38,24 using d20+22,d8+21.
16:02, Today: Talin rolled 30,23 using d20+17,d8+21.

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Narrator
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Impossibly the orc, bleeding to death in front of them, still managed to slash down with its powerful greataxe. Then while Talin was spinning, the second brute took advantage of his exposed side and smashed the heavy axe into his ribs.

Narrator rolled 29,19,29,15

The bards were thankful upon seeing their allies Salsan and Sumar raise bows and fire at the orcs behind the rocks above them. Each saw the arrows streak away from the bows and seemed to be on target for hitting the crossbow wielders over the bards heads. Yet both arrows dove down and stabbed into the heavily armored orc that had just chopped Talin like a tree it was attempting to fell. The raging barbarian howled at the invasion of his green flesh.

Three crossbow quarrels shot out from the ledge but were poorly aimed and neither Salsan nor Sumar even had to dodge.

Talin and Vogh knew they had to finish off these two orcs because another problem shook the ground as it stomped out of the tunnel which had lead to Liptshu’s office.

Resembling a gray-skinned stocky humanoid with coarse dark hair and dark eyes. Upward curving tusks jut from its lower jaw. The beast looked like an orc had mated with an ogre as it ducked out of the tunnel and stood to its full height, easily ten feet, inside the cavern.

The scaping of metal on stone echoed off the walls as the orog drug a piece of serrated steel, longer than Sumar was tall, across the floor and raised it up before the humans. Barely considered a sword, the chunk of metal had a long hilt wrapped in some kind of hide. Talin wasn’t sure, but was pretty certain the almost giant was grinning around its tusks

This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 13:00, Sun 05 Jan 2020.

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Vogh
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Vogh was quite busy with the orc before her but she did feel and heard the approaching enemy from the north.  She knew that they needed to kill these two quick and the one before her was bleeding so bad that she was amazed it was still alive.

Taking her blade she brought it forward and across the belly that was exposed and as the blade sliced through the guts from the orc spilled all over the cave floor.  Killing it quite dead.  She second strike missed as the orc fell backward.

23:11, Today: Vogh rolled 34,29,20,22 using d20+24,d8+21,d20+19,d8+21.

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Talin
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Talin saw the Orog come out of Lipthsu’s office.  The nasty blade it dragged was something Talin had no desire to feel.

Looking back he saw the orc before Vogh had fallen backward dead so Talin sidestepped to put the orc between him and Vogh and noticing two arrows in its flesh he slashed his blade twice hoping to bring down the heavily armored orc quickly.

23:17, Today: Talin rolled 26,26,34,23 using d20+22,d8+21,d20+17,d8+21.

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Narrator
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Both bards working in concert was truly beautiful and devastating to behold. Salsan and Sumar took a step back, seeing the big beasty enter the area. Neither of them wanted that thing turning toward them, so they fired arrows up at the covered orcs shooting back down at them.

With a deep bellow the orog charged Talin, squishing the dead bodies of its den-mates, apparently unconcerned with their deaths. Both of its hands, each larger than Talin’s head, gripped the large blade and it swung with enough force, air whistled over the many knicks and chunks out of the metal.

The big brute swung true and batted Talin like a child’s ball with a cut branch, but the quick warrior twisted and slammed his own sword up, catching the blade, and greatly mitigating the possible damage. His arms nearly went numb from the force of the blow, and he was pretty certain a rib might have cracked, but there was a problem for another moment.

Narrator rolled 33,11 using 1d20+14,3d6+7 ((19,1,2,1)).

Rolled like crap on the damage, so that’s why I wrote it that way. 🙂

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Vogh
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Having finished off the orc before her Vogh saw the orog come rushing in at Talin and hit him with a powerful blow.  She let out a slight sigh of relief as the blade didn’t cleave her Talin in two.  With a shuffle of her feet she moved to flank the big orc and struck with her blade twice.  The first glancing off the think skin and the second backhand doing likewise as the blade drew blood on the large orog.

AC22, damage 26, AC22, damage 25
Will save DC 20 or be stunned

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Talin
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As the orog charged in Talin tried to defend himself with his blade and buckler.  The blow that came at him was a powerful one and thankfully his blade caught part of it.  Talin still felt the sting of the metal as it hit him making his arm go numb for a moment.

Then Vogh hit the thing with two attacks so Talin followed right after.  His two blows though had little power behind them and failed to connect on the large orc.

Wow 2 critical fails… guess it is following the storyline lol

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Narrator
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Talin fought against the impossibly strong brute. The bard caught its huge, serrated blade between his own echoblade and his shield trying to prevent the thing from lashing out again. Vogh saw her opening and slashed once, then twice into the beasts leather thick hide. Her blade thrummed with magic and music and blood spilled forth from the wounds. With incredible strength the brute ripped his blade free of Talin’s trap and again he batted the bard.

He rolled a 19+1! haha. Barely avoided getting stunned! 😀
Orog, rolled 24,13

Salsan and Sumar loosed arrows again at the orcs behind the stones, but the brutes had decent cover behind the rocks and the duo were having issues getting at them. However, one of the crossbow bolts finally found their target and Sumar gave a grunt as the quarrel scraped him. Thankfully it wasn’t a bad wound (1dmg).

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Vogh
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As the orog’s nasty blade cut into Talin once more, Vogh gasped.  It wasn’t a terrible wound Vogh could see, so she continued to slash at the thing with her blade. Her first slice found a tender spot in its thigh opening up a nasty wound that sprayed blood on Vogh.  As she came back she aimed a bit higher, this time another gash opens almost cutting the femoral artery.

16:58, Today: Vogh rolled 23,26,29,20 using D20+21,d8+18,d20+16,d8+18.

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Talin
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Wincing in pain from the blows of the blade, Talin growls again fighting through the pain.  Swinging his blade in at the leg Vogh just hit Talin hopes to take it clean off.  Luck was with him and his blade hit the same spot Vogh’s had and as it sliced through the leg came straight off, blood squirting everywhere and the orog fell over holding the stump in his hands fruitlessly trying to keep the blood from leaving his body.

In a matter of a few moments though, the orog slumped completely to the floor quite dead.

16:58, Today: Talin rolled 25,21,16,20 using D20+19,d8+18,d20+14,d8+18.

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Narrator
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The big brute fell back in the throes of death with its big blade clattering to the floor. Above the bards’ heads the three who had been shooting crossbows wanted nothing more to do with the fight after seeing their biggest beast dropped. They helped once another clamber up the 10 foot rise to the highest point in the cavern, not even taking their weapons with them. Salsan and Sumar let fly two more arrows, but both shot horribly and the arrows didn’t even come close to their targets, instead the wooden missiles shattered against the back wall.

With no more threats at the moment Vogh and Talin fell back to Salsan and Sumar at the cave opening where Jessie was biting her nails just outside in the dark. The sun slipped the rest of the way below the horizon, plunging the group into total darkness except for flittering starlight.

Vogh could sense with her telepathy that no other beings were in her range, but they would need light sources to proceed.

“My eyesss are no good in the dark my friendsss. Master Talin, have you one of the magical torchesss? Or a mundane one?”

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Vogh
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Breathing a sigh of relief that the big orc had fallen Vogh went to Talin.  Let’s regroup at the mouth of the cave.

Together they walked with Salsan and Sumar back to the mouth and explained what had happened.  It seems orcs have taken up residence in your cave Lipthsu.  We killed off a few and three others ran off.  As Vogh and Talin spoke they used their belts to heal their wounds.  Thanks to Talin’s soothing song the wounds closed much more easily. *used 2 charges each*

Vogh pulled out one of the ever-burning torches and handed it to Sumar lighting the place up pretty good.  Now that we are healed up some, shall we go see what happened to your kin Lipthsu?

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Narrator
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Lipthsu looked crestfallen, as he had seen the orcs inside the cave and watched them battle the group of humans with his superior vision. “Yes…” None of the group had much hope, as orcs and goblins generally did not get along, let alone co-habitate. Salsan lay his green scaled hand on the small humanoids shoulder in some manner of comfort.

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Vogh
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Making sure to hand off the torch Vogh led the way.  She first decided to head to Lipthsu’s office to see if any goblins or other orcs were there.  Vogh also cast detect magic to see if she can see anything magical.

Once they were there, they went down to the corridor to the left of the spot where the barbarians came charging from.

I certainly hope the orcs didn’t kill all of them and instead just have them captive.  Vogh said somberly.