01-13-2023, 02:11 AM
Episode 7
Is Kaylana there?
Yes
Is she alone?
(50/50 | 2[d10]) No
Who is there?
Punish / Victory
Hmmm. Makes me wonder if it’s enemy soldiers? It’s by the docks and they have been trying to push into the city, so it’s possible, but
(Somewhat Unlikely | 8[d10]) Yes
Okay... Is she alive?
(50/50 | 7[d10]) Yes
Any dead bodies?
(50/50 | 7[d10]) Yes
Were they friendlies?
(50/50 | 9[d10]) Yes
Sounds like this is the situation...
Collan and Arnstein came to a modest home near the docks. Dead soldiers, defenders of the city, along with fallen attackers, lay on the street. In the distance, a block away, they heard the ringing sound of steel on steel, with shouts and cries.
The door to Kaylana's home was slightly ajar, a bowl of potatoes half skinned, spilled on the ground, along with a paring knife. The two soldiers looked at each other and Collan’s face went white.
"Kaylana," he whispered, worry on his face.
Arnstein drew his one-handed battle axe while Collan pulled out a short sword. Arnstein gripped Collan’s shoulder and put a finger to his lips.
They stepped cautiously into the home, Arnstein first, Collan following behind.
Round 1
Assessment Phase:
Perception vs Stealth
Collan Perception:
41 = 26[d100]+15
Arnstein’s perception:
84 = 54[d100]+30
For enemy soldiers. Are they stronger than a typical Hillman warrior?
(50/50 | 6[d10]) Yes, but...
Not by much. We’ll go with this.
Typical Enemy Warrior
Lvl: 2-ish, MR: 15L, Armor: LA, DEF: 20 TSR: 15 WSR: 15, HP: 55, Attacks: +55 Wpn / +55 Ran, CT: NH, Rog: 15, Adv: 15, Lor: 0
Is there more than one inside?
(Somewhat Likely | 4[d10]) No, but...
There are others fighting just a block away, and who knows how that might influence things.
Vs Stealth of enemy soldier:
25 = 10[d100]+15
What is the soldier doing?
Persecute / Dispute
Arnstein’s stealth:
76 = 51[d100]+30-5
Partial...
Arnstein and Collan moved into the home stealthily. Arntien’s axe scraped against the wall as they enter and they heard a man's guttural voice and a woman’s muffled whimper. A guttural shout and then a slap and a chair fell over into view on its side, bearing a woman, bound to it, with a cloth gag in her mouth.
(The complication was that they didn’t move quickly enough and she took some hurt. Superficial impact:
48 = 48[d100]
36-50 Beat to forearm. Drops weapon or shield. If they aren’t holding one, target Stunned.
Blow is to the head I think instead since she’s tied.)
Her face is bruised. Blood ran from a gash where her head hit the floor.
Dazed, she blinked unsteadily at Arnstein, then her eyes focused and flickered to Collan...Her eyes widened in recognition and hope, and she heaved against her bonds.
Action Declaration
A wicked serrated blade came into view, first its point then the rest of the blade.
Longsword?
(Somewhat Unlikely | 10[d10]) Yes, and...
Is the enemy soldier bloodthirsty?
(50/50 | 1[d10]) No, and...
No, he’s scared, trapped behind enemy lines, and trying to leave.
Arnstein will engage him.
Woman is bound and will struggle.
Collan will rush to aid her.
Move Phase
The enemy soldier, in leather armor and a longsword, shouted again and then turned the corner, jogging toward the exit, his face white. Arnstein raised his axe, intent on braining him as he passed. Since the enemy is surprised, he won’t be able to attack in the first phase.
Arnstein didn’t hold back. Collan rushed to untie and assist his sister-in-law.
Spell Phase A
N/A
Ranged Phase A
N/A
Melee Phrase:
Technically the soldier would go first but he’s not aware is is trying to leave, so he’ll go in other phase.
Arnstein attacks (+20 for surprise, -20 for defense--enemy can’t parry)
199 = 94[d100]+105+20-20
20 hits and a lethal critical
53 = 3[d100]+50
Minor forearm cut. +4 Damage, 1 Bleed, and Stunned.
The man saw the flash of steel and reflexively raised his forearm, and his leather bracer took Arnstein’s heavy blow. The axe’s blade sliced through the hide and crunched into the man’s forearm in a splash of blood. He reeled from the pain and slammed into the wall behind him, sending a shelf of crockery smashing in white powdery shards.
Other phases...
N/A
Enemy Soldier (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 55, Damage 24, 1 Bleed, Stunned
Round 2
Action Declaration
The soldier will defend completely since he can't attack. He's stunned so only gets 1/2 CMB to parry.
Arnstein will attack completely.
Collan has the bonds cut and is pulling his sister-in-law free from the chair
Movement
Everyone is in their same places.
Melee
Arnstein goes first because the other man is stunned.
105-20 def -27 (half parry)
103 = 45[d100]+105-47
10 hits and light critical
He’ll do impact crit.
Enemy Soldier (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 55, Damage 35, 1 bleed
21 = 11[d100]+10
Blow to the upper leg, painful bruise. +5 Damage and -10 activities
Arnstein’s blow was a weak one in the confines of the narrow hallway and the soldier turned away most of it and only the flat of the axe blade slammed into the man’s leg.
All other Phases
N/A
Enemy Soldier (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 55, Damage 40; Bleed: 1, Penalty: -10
Round 3
Action Declaration
Does the soldier give up? Likely given his current state and that he’s scared.
(Likely | 3[d10]) No
Okay. Too scared to think straight. He’s not stunned anymore, so he’ll go for an all out attack on Arnstein.
Arnstein will meet him.
Collan will aid by flanking the attacker on his side.
Melee Phase:
Arnstein will parry with 60 then fight back.
Enemy Soldier goes first
1d100+55-25 def, -60 parry
66 = 96[d100]+55-85
Doh. He got open ended on Arnstein.
Roll low...
19 = 19[d100]
(Yes! Whew!)
66+19 = 85 vs Medium Armor, but -10 to his attack from his injury so 75 on the table.
The man screamed wildly, raised his blade, and hacked with ferocity. Arnstein blocked, turned aside one blow and then another, but part of the blade slammed into his chain mail.
He takes only 4 Hits and no crit. But he’s still injured from before.
Arnstein (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 130, Damage 49, Bleed:
(That leaves Arnstein with +45 CMB to hit him back)
104 = 79[d100]+45-20
10 Hits and Light.
Minor chest wound. +3 Damage, 1 Bleed, -5 to all actions
Arnstein's axe bit into the man’s chest, cutting through his armor, slamming him backwards into a kitchen table, breaking it in two. The man groaned but couldn't turn in time to meet Collan.
Now Collan’s attack:
76 = 46[d100]+50-20
5 HPs
Collan slammed into the soldier with a cry, his short sword piercing the man’s side.
Enemy Soldier (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 55, Damage 59; Bleed: 2, Penalty: -15
End Combat
The soldier gasped, white from fear and blood loss and then he slipped in his own blood and sank to the ground, his eyes flickering up into his head.
“Well done,” Arnstein said, kicking away the longsword from the man and then shoving him over with a boot.
(50/50 | 4[d10]) No
The soldier looked to be in his late twenties.
He was a youngish man with shoulder length hair, a leather cap, leather greaves and bracers. A dagger in his belt.
Anything else on him besides his weapons and armor?
(50/50 | 10[d10]) Yes, and...
Arnstein pulled out a small leather packet. Inside he extracted a folded parchment that appeared to be orders, but they were in no tongue Arnstein knew. Around the man’s neck was an iron band with runes.
Arnstein took both, staunched the man’s wounds. “We can take him to Lord Tozak for questioning.”
“Collan,” Kaylana asked, sitting again in the now-upright chair, a wet cloth to her head. “Thank you for coming. Who is this?”
Arnstein introduced himself, and looked at Collan.
Collan looked away.
"What is it?" Kaylana asked.
“I am Arnstien,” he said. “I met your husband.”
“You did? Is he well?" her bright eagerness, cut through her own pain. It was like a dagger thrust to Arnstein's heart. "I received a letter from him a month ago and--”
“He is dead, milady," he shook his head, heavy with sadness. "I am sorry. His last words were for me to find you and let you know.”
She reeled, clutched at Collan blindly. Collan knelt beside her and took her in his arms as she rocked back and forth.
Her weeping tore at Arnstein’s heart. “He died well, fighting these invaders. His last thoughts were on you,” Arnstein said.
The woman said nothing, her choking sobs cutting the air.
“Collan, I don’t think she should stay here,” Arnstein said quietly to him. He picked up the enemy’s sword, strapping it around his own waist and then easily picked up the wounded soldier. “The fighting is nearby and it could spill over into this street. Come with me to safer streets.”
“You are right,” Collan said and he pulled Kalya to her feet. He whispered to her. “We must leave, Kaylana. There are more enemy soldiers close by. Can you walk?”
She nodded into his chest, still shuddering against him. Together they stumbled after Arnstein to a higher levels.
Squads of soldiers rushed passed them down into the neighborhood where they fought back enemy invaders, slaying those who would not surrender.
---
Arnstein helped Collan take Kaylana home.
“You brought ill news,” Collan said in front of his home. “But you have my thanks. The truth is better than clinging to some false hope.”
“Thank you, kind sir,” Kayla finally said, sniffing, her eyes red. She held Arnstein’s hand for a moment. “You saved my life.”
“Collan did too,” Arnstein said giving his hand to Collan to shake. “You fought well and bravely. Fight for the memory of your brother and for those who cannot defend themselves, and courage will see you through.
“I shall,” Collan vowed.
Arnstein bid them both farewell.
---
Arnstein took the injured soldier to now-captain Idair, who promised to keep him under guard until Arnstein came for him. Arnstein then gathered Parth, Shuaneer, and Loremaster Coamr, at the palace where they looked over the items collected from the fallen soldier.
Inside Coamr's room:
Loremaster Coamr looked over the orders.
139 = 89[d100]+70-20
“It bears resemblance to ancient elvish, but corrupted... by some other human dialect. The glyphs are old...very old,” he traced the orders with a wrinkled finger, and squinted down at the script. “But yes, I can read the script and decipher the code within it,” he smiled. “You’re welcome.”
Ambush / A representative
Was it a kill squad for Tozak?
(Somewhat Unlikely | 10[d10]) Yes, and...
“These are orders for some men to infiltrate the city, using the distraction of a different attack on the docks. Then under the cover of darkness, they were to scale the palace walls and kill Lord Tozak,” his face paled. “There may be others! We must see to his safety!”
“Dark is a ways off still,” Arnstein said with a nod. “There is yet time. What of the amulet he bore?”
“The runes are in a different tongue,” he said and began to puzzle out the markings.
90 = 50[d100]+70-30
Imprison / Love
Finally, he gave a soft chuckle. “Well, given more time I could puzzle out the exact meter and structure of the poetic phrase, but suffice it to say that it appears to be some form of endearment, a bond from his betrothed.”
Arnstein frowned. “Can you speak with him?”
“I believe so,” Comar said.
“Then let’s find out what he knows.”
---
At the barracks, Captain Idair waved them into a locked room where the enemy soldier sat with hands bound with leather cords behind his back. Dark eyes met theirs as they entered.
Is he willing to talk?
(50/50 | 5[d10]) No, but...
The soldier is resistant but he’s scared (already established) and likely wants to be home. It’ll take some convincing, but they’ll get a +10 bonus.
Shuaneer will take the lead with Coamr acting as translator. She’s not trying to deceive him or even intimidate him per se.
Shuaneer looked at the man. He looked back at her, unblinking.
She brought up another chair, flipped it around and straddling it, settled her arms across the chair's back. She watched him calmly. “I tell you truthfully, it will go poorly if you do not cooperate. But if you do cooperate, you will come to no harm.”
Coamr translated and the soldier glared at her.
She sighed, pulled out a slender and ornate dagger. The man jerked his head back reflexively, eyes going wide. She held the dagger out to Arnstein.
“Cut his bonds.”
“What?” Captain Idair and Arnstein asked together.
“Release him. He’s not going anywhere, and we need him to trust us,” she said.
Arnstein shrugged and then did as he was told. When the leather bands were cut, the shock on the man’s face was evident but some suspicion there as well. He slowly massaged his wrists, never taking his eyes off of them.
She poured some wine, drank some from a cup and then passed the cup to him. “Please drink. I can tell you’re thirsty. I told you that it will go well with you if you tell us what you know. You can trust us.”
Coamr translated.
Charisma:
158 = 88[d100]+60+10
The man looked at her and then to the others, then lowered his head, but after a long moment he finally looked into her eyes and nodded.
The questioning didn’t take long. He willingly gave what information he could.
Does he know anything about who’s commanding the invading army?
(50/50 | 8[d10]) Yes
Does Shauneer recognize the enemy commander’s name?
Songs and Tales:
103 = 43[d100]+60
Was he the same captain that was under Ravkeen from centuries before?
(50/50 | 5[d10]) No, but...
“He mentions Ag’thar. That is a name of darkness, of death,” she said with a frown. It means “Blightbringer in the old tongue.”
“Yes,” Coamr also frowned, tapping his cheek in thought. “You are correct. Blightbringer... If I’m not mistaken, the same title was given to a captain of Ravkeen’s forces many years ago, but surely this Ag’thar you faced, Arnstein, cannot be the same person, is he?”
“How could I know that?” Arnstein shrugged. His face darkened at the memory of his encounter with the dark-plated commander. “He was fully covered from head to toe in dark plate armor. I never saw his true face.”
“It may be that this commander is the same and is kept alive by some arcane means, or that he has elf lineage, or most likely, that he’s simply taking on the same title as Ravkeen’s earlier commander.” Shauneer said.
Does he know why they are attacking Silver Bay?
(Somewhat Unlikely | 3[d10]) No
The questioning continued.
They learned that the captive’s name is Grend. That the man’s tribe is from a continent far to the west. All the men were rounded up and forced to fight. He doesn’t know why.
He himself wasn’t part of the kill squad. He wasn’t well trained enough for that, but he was leading a squad of ordinary soldiers as part of the diversionary attack force. The rest of his squad was cut down, and he ended up fleeing into Kaylana’s home.
Does Grend know anything about the events that Michi spoke of on the Skywind in episode 3?
(Somewhat Unlikely | 3[d10]) No
Does Grend know who commands the Dark Knight commander?
(Somewhat Likely | 9[d10]) Yes
Grend nodded and his face took on a somewhat worshipful expression. “Edraithdir,” he said.
“Is that--?” Coamr began.
“Yes, ancient elvish,” she said, her eyes narrowing. “In the common tongue, it means ‘One that Saves’.”
Coamr nodded and an expression of excitement mingled with horror crossed his face. “Ravkeen took on a similar name during his invasion centuries ago. ‘The One Who Brings the Dawn’.”
“Blasphemy, there is only one Dawnlord,” Arnstein said.
“Ravkeen’s actions brought only a new dawn of death and destruction,” Shuaneer stated flatly. “It is a common practice to hide the unsavory behind a more palatable name.”
“Typical politician,” Parth added with a sour expression.
“Well, ancient accounts confirm that many in his force truly believed he really was the Dawnlord of old,” Coamr added. “At least initially.”
“So, what does all this mean?” Captain Idair asked.
Arnstein and Shauneer shared a look and Coamr paled.
“It could mean that Ravkeen walks the earth again,” Shuaneer said. “That he has a new following.”
A long silence hung in the air. Parth's face went white and he grabbed at a nearby table to steady himself, spilling the wine.
“And that his war of conquest has begun anew,” Arnstein added. His statement was punctuated by the sharp crack of a hurled boulder from a ship-borne catapult that slammed into a nearby tower, sending masonry spilling into the street, scattering shouting citizens.
3 XP for facing a Fellbeast and a Dark Knight Combo.
1 XP for surviving the threat
Arnstein (Medium human) – Level 2 XP 25/30, HP 130, Damage 49, Bleed:
Drive Points: 1
Hero Points: 3
Is Kaylana there?
Yes
Is she alone?
(50/50 | 2[d10]) No
Who is there?
Punish / Victory
Hmmm. Makes me wonder if it’s enemy soldiers? It’s by the docks and they have been trying to push into the city, so it’s possible, but
(Somewhat Unlikely | 8[d10]) Yes
Okay... Is she alive?
(50/50 | 7[d10]) Yes
Any dead bodies?
(50/50 | 7[d10]) Yes
Were they friendlies?
(50/50 | 9[d10]) Yes
Sounds like this is the situation...
Collan and Arnstein came to a modest home near the docks. Dead soldiers, defenders of the city, along with fallen attackers, lay on the street. In the distance, a block away, they heard the ringing sound of steel on steel, with shouts and cries.
The door to Kaylana's home was slightly ajar, a bowl of potatoes half skinned, spilled on the ground, along with a paring knife. The two soldiers looked at each other and Collan’s face went white.
"Kaylana," he whispered, worry on his face.
Arnstein drew his one-handed battle axe while Collan pulled out a short sword. Arnstein gripped Collan’s shoulder and put a finger to his lips.
They stepped cautiously into the home, Arnstein first, Collan following behind.
Round 1
Assessment Phase:
Perception vs Stealth
Collan Perception:
41 = 26[d100]+15
Arnstein’s perception:
84 = 54[d100]+30
For enemy soldiers. Are they stronger than a typical Hillman warrior?
(50/50 | 6[d10]) Yes, but...
Not by much. We’ll go with this.
Typical Enemy Warrior
Lvl: 2-ish, MR: 15L, Armor: LA, DEF: 20 TSR: 15 WSR: 15, HP: 55, Attacks: +55 Wpn / +55 Ran, CT: NH, Rog: 15, Adv: 15, Lor: 0
Is there more than one inside?
(Somewhat Likely | 4[d10]) No, but...
There are others fighting just a block away, and who knows how that might influence things.
Vs Stealth of enemy soldier:
25 = 10[d100]+15
What is the soldier doing?
Persecute / Dispute
Arnstein’s stealth:
76 = 51[d100]+30-5
Partial...
Arnstein and Collan moved into the home stealthily. Arntien’s axe scraped against the wall as they enter and they heard a man's guttural voice and a woman’s muffled whimper. A guttural shout and then a slap and a chair fell over into view on its side, bearing a woman, bound to it, with a cloth gag in her mouth.
(The complication was that they didn’t move quickly enough and she took some hurt. Superficial impact:
48 = 48[d100]
36-50 Beat to forearm. Drops weapon or shield. If they aren’t holding one, target Stunned.
Blow is to the head I think instead since she’s tied.)
Her face is bruised. Blood ran from a gash where her head hit the floor.
Dazed, she blinked unsteadily at Arnstein, then her eyes focused and flickered to Collan...Her eyes widened in recognition and hope, and she heaved against her bonds.
Action Declaration
A wicked serrated blade came into view, first its point then the rest of the blade.
Longsword?
(Somewhat Unlikely | 10[d10]) Yes, and...
Is the enemy soldier bloodthirsty?
(50/50 | 1[d10]) No, and...
No, he’s scared, trapped behind enemy lines, and trying to leave.
Arnstein will engage him.
Woman is bound and will struggle.
Collan will rush to aid her.
Move Phase
The enemy soldier, in leather armor and a longsword, shouted again and then turned the corner, jogging toward the exit, his face white. Arnstein raised his axe, intent on braining him as he passed. Since the enemy is surprised, he won’t be able to attack in the first phase.
Arnstein didn’t hold back. Collan rushed to untie and assist his sister-in-law.
Spell Phase A
N/A
Ranged Phase A
N/A
Melee Phrase:
Technically the soldier would go first but he’s not aware is is trying to leave, so he’ll go in other phase.
Arnstein attacks (+20 for surprise, -20 for defense--enemy can’t parry)
199 = 94[d100]+105+20-20
20 hits and a lethal critical
53 = 3[d100]+50
Minor forearm cut. +4 Damage, 1 Bleed, and Stunned.
The man saw the flash of steel and reflexively raised his forearm, and his leather bracer took Arnstein’s heavy blow. The axe’s blade sliced through the hide and crunched into the man’s forearm in a splash of blood. He reeled from the pain and slammed into the wall behind him, sending a shelf of crockery smashing in white powdery shards.
Other phases...
N/A
Enemy Soldier (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 55, Damage 24, 1 Bleed, Stunned
Round 2
Action Declaration
The soldier will defend completely since he can't attack. He's stunned so only gets 1/2 CMB to parry.
Arnstein will attack completely.
Collan has the bonds cut and is pulling his sister-in-law free from the chair
Movement
Everyone is in their same places.
Melee
Arnstein goes first because the other man is stunned.
105-20 def -27 (half parry)
103 = 45[d100]+105-47
10 hits and light critical
He’ll do impact crit.
Enemy Soldier (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 55, Damage 35, 1 bleed
21 = 11[d100]+10
Blow to the upper leg, painful bruise. +5 Damage and -10 activities
Arnstein’s blow was a weak one in the confines of the narrow hallway and the soldier turned away most of it and only the flat of the axe blade slammed into the man’s leg.
All other Phases
N/A
Enemy Soldier (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 55, Damage 40; Bleed: 1, Penalty: -10
Round 3
Action Declaration
Does the soldier give up? Likely given his current state and that he’s scared.
(Likely | 3[d10]) No
Okay. Too scared to think straight. He’s not stunned anymore, so he’ll go for an all out attack on Arnstein.
Arnstein will meet him.
Collan will aid by flanking the attacker on his side.
Melee Phase:
Arnstein will parry with 60 then fight back.
Enemy Soldier goes first
1d100+55-25 def, -60 parry
66 = 96[d100]+55-85
Doh. He got open ended on Arnstein.
Roll low...
19 = 19[d100]
(Yes! Whew!)
66+19 = 85 vs Medium Armor, but -10 to his attack from his injury so 75 on the table.
The man screamed wildly, raised his blade, and hacked with ferocity. Arnstein blocked, turned aside one blow and then another, but part of the blade slammed into his chain mail.
He takes only 4 Hits and no crit. But he’s still injured from before.
Arnstein (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 130, Damage 49, Bleed:
(That leaves Arnstein with +45 CMB to hit him back)
104 = 79[d100]+45-20
10 Hits and Light.
Minor chest wound. +3 Damage, 1 Bleed, -5 to all actions
Arnstein's axe bit into the man’s chest, cutting through his armor, slamming him backwards into a kitchen table, breaking it in two. The man groaned but couldn't turn in time to meet Collan.
Now Collan’s attack:
76 = 46[d100]+50-20
5 HPs
Collan slammed into the soldier with a cry, his short sword piercing the man’s side.
Enemy Soldier (Medium human) – Level 2, HP 55, Damage 59; Bleed: 2, Penalty: -15
End Combat
The soldier gasped, white from fear and blood loss and then he slipped in his own blood and sank to the ground, his eyes flickering up into his head.
“Well done,” Arnstein said, kicking away the longsword from the man and then shoving him over with a boot.
(50/50 | 4[d10]) No
The soldier looked to be in his late twenties.
He was a youngish man with shoulder length hair, a leather cap, leather greaves and bracers. A dagger in his belt.
Anything else on him besides his weapons and armor?
(50/50 | 10[d10]) Yes, and...
Arnstein pulled out a small leather packet. Inside he extracted a folded parchment that appeared to be orders, but they were in no tongue Arnstein knew. Around the man’s neck was an iron band with runes.
Arnstein took both, staunched the man’s wounds. “We can take him to Lord Tozak for questioning.”
“Collan,” Kaylana asked, sitting again in the now-upright chair, a wet cloth to her head. “Thank you for coming. Who is this?”
Arnstein introduced himself, and looked at Collan.
Collan looked away.
"What is it?" Kaylana asked.
“I am Arnstien,” he said. “I met your husband.”
“You did? Is he well?" her bright eagerness, cut through her own pain. It was like a dagger thrust to Arnstein's heart. "I received a letter from him a month ago and--”
“He is dead, milady," he shook his head, heavy with sadness. "I am sorry. His last words were for me to find you and let you know.”
She reeled, clutched at Collan blindly. Collan knelt beside her and took her in his arms as she rocked back and forth.
Her weeping tore at Arnstein’s heart. “He died well, fighting these invaders. His last thoughts were on you,” Arnstein said.
The woman said nothing, her choking sobs cutting the air.
“Collan, I don’t think she should stay here,” Arnstein said quietly to him. He picked up the enemy’s sword, strapping it around his own waist and then easily picked up the wounded soldier. “The fighting is nearby and it could spill over into this street. Come with me to safer streets.”
“You are right,” Collan said and he pulled Kalya to her feet. He whispered to her. “We must leave, Kaylana. There are more enemy soldiers close by. Can you walk?”
She nodded into his chest, still shuddering against him. Together they stumbled after Arnstein to a higher levels.
Squads of soldiers rushed passed them down into the neighborhood where they fought back enemy invaders, slaying those who would not surrender.
---
Arnstein helped Collan take Kaylana home.
“You brought ill news,” Collan said in front of his home. “But you have my thanks. The truth is better than clinging to some false hope.”
“Thank you, kind sir,” Kayla finally said, sniffing, her eyes red. She held Arnstein’s hand for a moment. “You saved my life.”
“Collan did too,” Arnstein said giving his hand to Collan to shake. “You fought well and bravely. Fight for the memory of your brother and for those who cannot defend themselves, and courage will see you through.
“I shall,” Collan vowed.
Arnstein bid them both farewell.
---
Arnstein took the injured soldier to now-captain Idair, who promised to keep him under guard until Arnstein came for him. Arnstein then gathered Parth, Shuaneer, and Loremaster Coamr, at the palace where they looked over the items collected from the fallen soldier.
Inside Coamr's room:
Loremaster Coamr looked over the orders.
139 = 89[d100]+70-20
“It bears resemblance to ancient elvish, but corrupted... by some other human dialect. The glyphs are old...very old,” he traced the orders with a wrinkled finger, and squinted down at the script. “But yes, I can read the script and decipher the code within it,” he smiled. “You’re welcome.”
Ambush / A representative
Was it a kill squad for Tozak?
(Somewhat Unlikely | 10[d10]) Yes, and...
“These are orders for some men to infiltrate the city, using the distraction of a different attack on the docks. Then under the cover of darkness, they were to scale the palace walls and kill Lord Tozak,” his face paled. “There may be others! We must see to his safety!”
“Dark is a ways off still,” Arnstein said with a nod. “There is yet time. What of the amulet he bore?”
“The runes are in a different tongue,” he said and began to puzzle out the markings.
90 = 50[d100]+70-30
Imprison / Love
Finally, he gave a soft chuckle. “Well, given more time I could puzzle out the exact meter and structure of the poetic phrase, but suffice it to say that it appears to be some form of endearment, a bond from his betrothed.”
Arnstein frowned. “Can you speak with him?”
“I believe so,” Comar said.
“Then let’s find out what he knows.”
---
At the barracks, Captain Idair waved them into a locked room where the enemy soldier sat with hands bound with leather cords behind his back. Dark eyes met theirs as they entered.
Is he willing to talk?
(50/50 | 5[d10]) No, but...
The soldier is resistant but he’s scared (already established) and likely wants to be home. It’ll take some convincing, but they’ll get a +10 bonus.
Shuaneer will take the lead with Coamr acting as translator. She’s not trying to deceive him or even intimidate him per se.
Shuaneer looked at the man. He looked back at her, unblinking.
She brought up another chair, flipped it around and straddling it, settled her arms across the chair's back. She watched him calmly. “I tell you truthfully, it will go poorly if you do not cooperate. But if you do cooperate, you will come to no harm.”
Coamr translated and the soldier glared at her.
She sighed, pulled out a slender and ornate dagger. The man jerked his head back reflexively, eyes going wide. She held the dagger out to Arnstein.
“Cut his bonds.”
“What?” Captain Idair and Arnstein asked together.
“Release him. He’s not going anywhere, and we need him to trust us,” she said.
Arnstein shrugged and then did as he was told. When the leather bands were cut, the shock on the man’s face was evident but some suspicion there as well. He slowly massaged his wrists, never taking his eyes off of them.
She poured some wine, drank some from a cup and then passed the cup to him. “Please drink. I can tell you’re thirsty. I told you that it will go well with you if you tell us what you know. You can trust us.”
Coamr translated.
Charisma:
158 = 88[d100]+60+10
The man looked at her and then to the others, then lowered his head, but after a long moment he finally looked into her eyes and nodded.
The questioning didn’t take long. He willingly gave what information he could.
Does he know anything about who’s commanding the invading army?
(50/50 | 8[d10]) Yes
Does Shauneer recognize the enemy commander’s name?
Songs and Tales:
103 = 43[d100]+60
Was he the same captain that was under Ravkeen from centuries before?
(50/50 | 5[d10]) No, but...
“He mentions Ag’thar. That is a name of darkness, of death,” she said with a frown. It means “Blightbringer in the old tongue.”
“Yes,” Coamr also frowned, tapping his cheek in thought. “You are correct. Blightbringer... If I’m not mistaken, the same title was given to a captain of Ravkeen’s forces many years ago, but surely this Ag’thar you faced, Arnstein, cannot be the same person, is he?”
“How could I know that?” Arnstein shrugged. His face darkened at the memory of his encounter with the dark-plated commander. “He was fully covered from head to toe in dark plate armor. I never saw his true face.”
“It may be that this commander is the same and is kept alive by some arcane means, or that he has elf lineage, or most likely, that he’s simply taking on the same title as Ravkeen’s earlier commander.” Shauneer said.
Does he know why they are attacking Silver Bay?
(Somewhat Unlikely | 3[d10]) No
The questioning continued.
They learned that the captive’s name is Grend. That the man’s tribe is from a continent far to the west. All the men were rounded up and forced to fight. He doesn’t know why.
He himself wasn’t part of the kill squad. He wasn’t well trained enough for that, but he was leading a squad of ordinary soldiers as part of the diversionary attack force. The rest of his squad was cut down, and he ended up fleeing into Kaylana’s home.
Does Grend know anything about the events that Michi spoke of on the Skywind in episode 3?
(Somewhat Unlikely | 3[d10]) No
Does Grend know who commands the Dark Knight commander?
(Somewhat Likely | 9[d10]) Yes
Grend nodded and his face took on a somewhat worshipful expression. “Edraithdir,” he said.
“Is that--?” Coamr began.
“Yes, ancient elvish,” she said, her eyes narrowing. “In the common tongue, it means ‘One that Saves’.”
Coamr nodded and an expression of excitement mingled with horror crossed his face. “Ravkeen took on a similar name during his invasion centuries ago. ‘The One Who Brings the Dawn’.”
“Blasphemy, there is only one Dawnlord,” Arnstein said.
“Ravkeen’s actions brought only a new dawn of death and destruction,” Shuaneer stated flatly. “It is a common practice to hide the unsavory behind a more palatable name.”
“Typical politician,” Parth added with a sour expression.
“Well, ancient accounts confirm that many in his force truly believed he really was the Dawnlord of old,” Coamr added. “At least initially.”
“So, what does all this mean?” Captain Idair asked.
Arnstein and Shauneer shared a look and Coamr paled.
“It could mean that Ravkeen walks the earth again,” Shuaneer said. “That he has a new following.”
A long silence hung in the air. Parth's face went white and he grabbed at a nearby table to steady himself, spilling the wine.
“And that his war of conquest has begun anew,” Arnstein added. His statement was punctuated by the sharp crack of a hurled boulder from a ship-borne catapult that slammed into a nearby tower, sending masonry spilling into the street, scattering shouting citizens.
3 XP for facing a Fellbeast and a Dark Knight Combo.
1 XP for surviving the threat
Arnstein (Medium human) – Level 2 XP 25/30, HP 130, Damage 49, Bleed:
Drive Points: 1
Hero Points: 3
I really like the characters and the setting you've created, feels very real with the way you write it.