[IC] Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia chuckled hesitantly at Pylia’s groan and she apologized, “Sorry, Pylia,” She nodded to Dimos in response to his request to tell his mother what was going on, and answered his warning, “Thank you for letting us know,” She watched him walk away and head back to the shop.

She listened to Pylia and Shortfang as they spoke. She answered Shortfang, feeling like she’s explaining this for the third time, “There’s a difference between running away and knowing which battles should be fought. Recklessly going after the noble’s son with weapons out of the blue will only give him the advantage of being a victim to a group of four thugs in the eyes of society,” She reassured Shortfang again, “We will get him. But, as I’ve said before, we need to be smarter than our opponents,”

She looked to Buddy’s note and she nodded in agreement, “Definitely. I was thinking of asking the victims first. They may be more forthcoming,”

After that, she told her friends, “Let’s get back to that shop. We need to keep our eyes on Dimos. After all, we are his bodyguards,” She then led the way out of the alleyway and back to the shop,”

[Lucius Cypher]

Heading back to the store you could see Dimos with a small backpack and a cudgel on his belt. His mother was looking morosely into her hands, her eyes red as if she had just finished crying. He walks up to your group with a solemn nod. “I spoke to mother. She... Well don’t worry. I’m ready to go when you are.” The woman began to close up her shop, closing and locking up the door behind Dimos as you could hear subtle weeping in the background. “We should get moving. My old friends might still be roaming around, and I’d rather not let them see me with you guys or else it might tip them off.”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia took in the sight. Dimos was ready to head off with them, while the mother was crying. She felt her heart break as she witnessed the mother close the shop and continue crying as she did so. Turning her attention back to Dimos as he spoke again, she nodded and told him and her friends, “Alright then. Let’s head straight for the closest entrance to the sewers and make our way through there,” She then lead the way, away from the shop. She silently promised to keep Dimos safe and to take care of this situation as the sound of weeping grew quieter with distance.

[Lucius Cypher]

With nothing else to say the group heads over towards the expedited entrance towards the sewers. But along the way you hear some shouting in the distance followed by a woman's scream and glass breaking. It was hard to hear it over the usual hustle and bustle of the marketplace, and you could only hear it due to being so close. Dimos stops and turns towards the sound. "What what that? They wouldn't be attacking in broad daylight..." Dimos said confusingly. Shortfang already has his crossbow out but Pylia turns towards you. "Considering what we know, should we look into it? Might be nothing... Might be important."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia was conflicted. She wanted to get Dimos to Yorik as quickly as possible and she was worried that the situation would draw unwanted attention. However, she couldn’t really find it in her heart to abandon someone who may be in trouble. She answered Pylia, “It sounds like someone’s in trouble. We should check it out,” She looked to Dimos and she told him, “Dimos, stay close to Buddy. You should be able to hide behind him as well,” She then told Shortfang, “Don’t kill anyone Shortfang,”

After she answered and advised everyone, she led the way towards the commotion.

[Lucius Cypher]

The party took up their position and headed over to where the commotion was at. Soon you'd arrive to a somewhat quiet street, but what was happening was anything but quiet. Surprisingly enough, it was not a gang of thugs menacing the merchants. No, it appeared to be a giant treasure chest with a lanky grotesque body and overly long tongue growing out of it, menacing what some merchants. One of them was already bleeding out on the ground, groaning in pain as two women where cowering by the entrance of a door next to a broken window. Shortfang didn't hesitate to begin unloading his crossbow bolts into it. "Big monster! Kill it!"

Shortfang rapidly fired two bolts into the Mimic's chest, getting it's attention. Terrifyingly for such a huge creature, it crouched down before jumping towards Shortfang with a big spinning kick right at the tiny kobold. Fortunately for Shortfang he was able to dodge out of the way as the creature landed close to the ground, roaring at the party. with it's grotesque mouth. Dimos was wide-eyed at the sight of this thing. "What the hells is that!?" Pylia however steeled herself cooly. "Mimic. I don't know how it got here but we got to get rid of it before it does anymore damage! Sylvia, you and Buddy fight this thing, I'll go help the wounded before it's too late!"

Rolls and Info

Shortfang's (36/36) | Syfr (1/1) = 21
Mimic (56/67) = 10
Sylvia's (27/27) | Dinah (2/2) = 6
Pylia's (31/31) = 6
Buddy's (40/4) = 3

Shortfang's Handcrossbow vs Mimic = 6/21
Crossbow Damage = 4
Shortfang's Handcrossbow vs Mimic = 14/7
Crossbow Damage = 5

Mimic Spin Kick vs Shortfang = 8

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia couldn’t believe what she was seeing. A monster was terrifying and attacking the merchants. She honestly thought that the only danger they’d find in a city like this were gangs and corrupt officials. She answered Pylia after she told her and Buddy to fight while she took care of the wounded, “Okay!” She then told Dimos, “Go with Pylia,” She also had Dinah appear and had her stay close to Dimos. If he was in trouble, Dinah would meow or find some other way to get their attention. After that, she moves forward to hit the mimic with a tonfa and then she’ll attempt to kick its leg.

Sylvia’s turn

Tonfa to hit: 19
Damage: 9

Unarmed Strike: 11
Damage: 5

Dinah will be staying close to Dimos and she’ll meow if he’s in trouble.

[Lucius Cypher]

The monster is so tall you could only bash its kneecap with your tonfa, but that seemed to work as it buckled and turned towards you. When you tried to kick it’s same leg it simply knocked your foot away as he lurched forward to bite you. Just before it could however Buddy ran up beside you and slashed it underneath it’s tongue, causing the monster to rear back as he spun his weapon around to stab it in the gut. Meanwhile Pylia, Dimos, and Dinah went to tend to the wounded.

“Here Shortfang shine!” As the best was distracted Shortfang took out a net and threw it over the mimic’s head, this forced the chest shut around the Mimic’s arm and tongue as Shortfang gripped the net with one hand, and shot into its back with his crossbow using the other. “Pow pow pow! No treasure for monster!” The beast flailed around, trying to attack you. It was able to open up its mouth just wide enough to try and bite you as well as stomp you with its massive foot, though thanks to the net it would have great difficulty.

Rolls and Info

Shortfang's (36/36) | Syfr (1/1) = 21
Mimic (25/67) = 10
Sylvia's (27/27) | Dinah (2/2) = 6
Pylia's (31/31) = 6
Buddy's (40/4) = 3

Buddy’s Urgrosh vs Mimic = 19
Urgrosh Damage = 11
Buddy’s Urgrosh Stab vs Mimic = 14
Stab Damage = 10

Shortfang’s Net vs Mimic = 24/17
Shortfang’s Hand Crossbow vs Mimic = 24/24
Crossbow Damage = 9

The Mimic is restrained!

Mimic Bite vs Sylvia = 13/13
Mimic Slam vs Sylvia = 17/24

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia was glad that Buddy was there to Attack the mimic before it could try and bite her. She called to Shortfang after he managed to tangle the Mimic in the net, “Good job, Shortfang!” before turning her attention to the mimic. It was now or never. They needed to finish off this thing before it escaped from the net. So she hit the weakest looking spot with her tonfa, before directing another kick to it. After delivering her attacks, she called to Buddy, “Now, Buddy!”

Sylvia’s turn

Gonna Attack and bonus action unarmed strike!

Tonfa: Natural 20
Damage: 13

Unarmed Strike: 24
Advantage: 20
Damage: 7

[Lucius Cypher]

After the Mimic failed to crush you underneath its foot, you were able to smash right through his other knee cap, causing the creature to fall onto its arms. As it tried to get back up you give it a swift kick that made its leg twist in an unnatural fashion that seemed to hurt it as well. Thanks to your efforts Buddy was able to charge in as the Mimic struggled to stand, and cleaved its box body off the rest of its torso, bisecting the monster.

Strangely enough as soon as the body hit the ground both ends of the Mimic simply vanished into dust, leaving behind a few small items. A couple of silver rings with gemstones, a pearl necklace, and a thin block of some silvery metal. Pylia and Dimos would meet back up with you having saved the lives of those wounded. Apparently three their men had been attacked by the Mimic as well and were in critical condition, but now they were stabilized.

“That... I don’t think my old gang could’ve arranged anything like that. If anything they’d be the ones fighting that monster...” Pylia shrugged as she wiped her hands clean of the blood. “Mimics can often disguise themselves as mundane containers or other objects. Though they’re monsters they’re cunning too. I bet this one allowed itself to be brought into the city so it can eat the civilians. It was a good thing we got here when we did.” Meanwhile Shortfang collected the loot. “Shiny stuff, and little beads! Also brick.”

The women who were hiding approached. It was two older women, around their late thirties to mid forties. “Oh thank you Heroes! I cannot believe a monster like that was able to get inside of here! I knew I should’ve told my husband to never have joined that expedition. But I’m glad he’s safe. Please allow us to repay your with something, it’s the least we can do.”

Rolls and Info

Shortfang's (36/36) | Syfr (1/1) = 21
Mimic (25/67) = 10
Sylvia's (27/27) | Dinah (2/2) = 6
Pylia's (31/31) = 6
Buddy's (40/4) = 3

Buddy Urgrosh vs Mimic = 22/17
Urgrosh Damage = 11

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia let out a quiet sigh of relief after Buddy finished off the mimic. Huh...She didn’t need ki for this fight, and it left some stuff behind. She looked to Pylia, Dimos, and Dinah as they came back from healing the wounded. She answered Pylia, “The only question is where someone found that mimic...and if it was the only one...” She was worried that there may be more of these mimics lurking about.

Her attention turned to the ladies as they appeared to thank the group. She was curious about the mentioned expedition, however there was something they needed to do first, and she was sure the women and men who were attacked needed time to rest. She answered the women kindly and politely, “Oh, it’s not a problem. We’re happy we were here to help out,” She then pulled out one of Ferric’s business cards and handed it to the women saying, “Ferric sent us to help out around Gransys, so please don’t worry about repaying us,” She then asked the women, “We have to get going, but would it be ok if we came back to ask some questions later?”

[Lucius Cypher]

“Ferric? Oh, he is that new shop that just opened isn’t he? What a good man.” The ladies looked at the card before putting it into their pockets. “Thank you very much. Please do come see us again, I promise we’ll have something to reward you with when you come back.” The menfolk staggered onto their feet, wounded but alive. Thanks to Pylia and Dimos they’d make a full recovery once they rest. Dimos turned towards you and makes a subtle motion with his hand. “We should go quickly, before more people show up to investigate.” Shortfang takes his net back while Buddy cleaned his axe. Pylia stood by your side as Dinah trotted alongside. “Let’s go.”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia nodded, answering yes to the question regarding Ferric. After speaking with the ladies, Sylvia turned her attention back to her friends and to Dimos. She answered Dimos and Pylia, agreeing with their sentiments, “Right. Let’s get going. I don’t think the entrance to the sewers is too far from here,” She then led the way to the sewers, going at a quick and quiet pace, hoping to not attract any more attention to their group.

[Lucius Cypher]

Gathering your wits and gear the group moves onto the sewers. Dimos gagged at the smell, but Pylia gave him a cloth to cover his nose with as the group moved through the secret passage and into Underhaven. They were greeted by a few kobold guards who weren't surprised to see them, but were surprised to see Dimos. They knew to trust you since you were their friend but wasn't too certain about the newcomer. Soon Yorik would arrive, having taken notice of the small commotion. "Oi, wots all dis den? See ya still causin a ruckus eh Sylvie? Barely a day in an yer back already wif a new lad in tow. Seems a rough lout. So, wot brings ya downunder taday?" Yorik says in his traditionally thick and strange way of speaking.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

“You might want to hold your breath for a moment,” Sylvia warned Dimos before entering the sewers. Once they reached the Underhaven, she told him, “Welcome to Underhaven,” When they reached the kobold guards, she attempts to reassure the kobold guards, until Yorik finally arrived. She smiled at Yorik, and she greeted, “Hey, Yorik! Just the man we wanted to see!”

She continued, chuckling a bit, “It’s barely been a day, and we found trouble...again. We need to talk to guards we can trust, and I think Shor and Aisha are still busy at the castle, so here we are,”

She then clasped Dimos’ shoulder gently and she began explaining, “This young man is Dimos. He used to be part of a gang that was paid handsomely by a noble’s son to wreck shops. Their most recent target was his family’s shop. His father already filed a report, but the reason we needed to find guards we trust, is because the same noble’s son is paying the guards to not do anything about the shop wrecking incidents. Dimos is willing to turn himself in to atone and help with the investigation to catch the gang and the noble who has been organizing these crimes,”

She then got to the point, “We can help with the investigations, but we do need help. Could you watch over and protect Dimos while the four of us investigate? His gang and the noble’s son would most likely try and silence him if they knew he was turning himself in,”

[Lucius Cypher]

“Ah, a hatchetman eh? An a squealer too ta boot? Where ya came to da right orc den, I know all about dat mess.” Yorik banged his chest confidently. “Keep em ere, ill make sure he’s square by da time Shor an dem come ya collect his statement. Wishing I could be topside crushing heads with ya, but I got orders. Kor and Cera ought to be on patrol though, see if dey got any hints bout wot ye oughta ya do. If nuthin else, dey ain’t in no one’s pocket or else I’d already be gettin a cut!” The orc have a big laugh as if what he just said was a joke. Dimos nervously laughed along.

Afterwards Yorik took out a small booklet and handed it to you. “Don’t tell da others I gave dis to ya. It’s a book of warrants, got pictures an descriptions of cons an outlaws. It’s how we guardsmen know how ta spot criminal scum on site. Doubtful dat I’ll be seeing anyone while I’m doing guard duty downunder, so hopefully ye get more use fer it den me.” Yorik then motioned for Dimos to head over to the armory tent, which Yorik has converted into a makeshift guard house. The young man walked away as Yorik turned to follow, stopping to look at you.

“Anything else ya need before I put da squeeze in da lad? I ain’t been too busy so I can spare a moment.”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia chuckled and she commented, "Well, no worries. If someone or something does actually come down here to go after Dimos, then you'll get a chance to crush heads," She accepted the small book from Yorik, and she answered, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. Thank you, Yorik. I think this well help us out," She put the book in a sleeve in her fire rat robes. She answered Yorik after he turned to face them again, she thought about it. There wasn't anything they really needed...but there may be some good questions she could ask Yorik now...

She answered, "Actually, there is a question on my mind right now..." She then asked "I don't suppose you've noticed which guards seem to be acting weird lately?"

[Lucius Cypher]

“Heh, lassie underneath da armor an uniform all da guards are a bit crazy. Oh sure, Shor’ll tell ya dat all da guards are hand picked from da best, but even good eggs go rotten. Most of da honest chaps been hired into da dukes army, best of da best an all. Dat means most of da guards who’s ere are... Well let’s just say dey a lot like meself. Rough necks innit fer da chance ya make money via legal thuggery. Only difference is dat I’m paired up wif Shor who’s an honest man. Can’t say da same bout da other ones.” Yorik rubbed his chin before drawing something on his spar notepad. He gave you a sheet of paper with a small emblem on it that looked like a sword with a lightning bolt for a blade.

“Dis is da personal emblem of a squad calling demself Lightning Company. Despite da name dere’s only like, four of em, and dey pretty lazy. But dere Captain is da brother of one of the Duke’s knights, so dey always get dah good shit first. The only thing dem gits are fast at doin is grabbing loot. So you see any guard walking round wif dis emblem, know dey ain’t good fellas. Whether or not dey got anything ya do wif da corruption up top, ain’t too sure, but I would t be surprised if dey lining their pockets with hush money.”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia listened as Yorik answered her question. The fact that the guards were just people who only joined so that they can get paid for being thugs was a bit discouraging, but she didn't let it get to her too much. Thankfully he drew the emblem of the Lightning Company and pointed them out as the people to watch out for. She nodded to Yorik, "Got it. Thank you, again, Yorik," After stowing the note of the emblem, she told Yorik, "Thank you again, Yorik. That's the only question I have for now. We'll be heading back to Gransys itself now,"

After bidding him a goodbye for now, she led her group out of the sewers and back to Gransys, where they can begin investigations.

[Lucius Cypher]

You’d part ways with Yorik and leave Underhaven for now, your party following you up. By the time you reach the surface it was well into the morning and almost noon. Shortfang’s eyes strained in the sun. “Ugh. So bright.” He pulled a hood up that would help cover his eyes but his kobold snout was plain to see. Pylia burned some incense to neutralize their odor as she looked over to you. “Alright, where should we head to first? Want to go visit that family who were attacked by the mimics, or maybe ask around elsewhere?” Pylia put her hand to her chin in contemplation. “In hindsight, we probably should’ve asked Dimos about some of the shops he smashed up. No matter. We’ll find out soon enough.”