Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Yorik slapped your back in a boisterous matter. “No problem lassie! We’re ere ta help!” He laughed out loud while Aisha flicked a piece of wood at his mouth, causing him to gag. Cera just sighed but chuckled. “Anytime Sylvia. Just remember to take care of your team too. I can tell that they trust you a lot, and while being a leader is tough, it’s easier when you have your friends supporting you.” Shortly after Shor himself entered, rather surprised to see you.

“Ah Sylvia! I was just about to ask my lads here to find you. Certainly saves me the trip. I was wondering if you managed to find anything about Elysium involvement at the other tribes. We’ve rotten luck due to one of the cult’s slagging the whole place, best I was able to do was prove to those kobolds that there’s an outside force in play here.” The dwarf put his axe down as he started removing the straps to his armor, which looked burned and damaged. He must have been in the thick of things seeing the damage.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"Pylia, dat the fiery one eh? She seems ta care fer ya a lot, considerin she bout nearly got into a brawl with Kor right in front of us!" Yorik says with a chuckle. He seemed amused at the thought. Aisha and Cera seemed to be taking your words more seriously, Aisha especially. "I actually noticed a certain... Aura around her. She is a divine caster I believe, yes? A cleric perhaps? It would certainly explain her intensity." Aisha tried to give it some thought as she put her flask away. The drink itself was pretty strong, but also rather sweet. It must've been some sort of wine. "If she is a cleric, perhaps she's just been receiving divine visions. Considering the things happening around the kingdom, I would not be surprised if she is seeing glimpses into the future and is trying to figure them out. The gods can only do so much to aid their followers. It's not unusual for them to send images of what may be in order to set their clerics on some quest." Aisha seemed to know a lot about the theological side of cleric magic, however Cera herself shook her head at Aisha. "I don't think Sylvia is worried about Pylia's god, but Pylia herself."

Cera looked over to you with a very sympathetic look. "Kor and Pylia both seem like very similar people, which would explain why they almost got into a fight. I think... If she's anything like my brother, Pylia might've learned about something dangerous and wants to try and handle it herself. Maybe she doesn't want you to get involved because it's dangerous or because Pylia is still trying to figure out what is happening. Still, I think you should be open and honest with her. Tell her that you're worried about her, tell her what you know. If Pylia is anything like Kor I'm sure you've already learned what they're trying to keep a secret. She'll be angry of course because she's going to think you don't trust her, but that's when the truth will hurt the most. Because... Maybe you don't."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Everyone was listening, even Yorik and Aisha who stopped chatting. Cera looked thoughtful and nods. "I can see why that'll bother you. Honestly... I tried my hand at leadership too, and I couldn't handle it. I don't mind making a plan and making sure it works but the responsibility of being a team leader... I understand how you're feeling. It's a lot to burden." Aisha sits closer and also seems sympathetic. "Leadership is a matter of trusts. You have to trust your allies, and your allies have to trust your judgement. Worry about what goes wrong is natural, but all the more reason you need to evaluate your actions. Don't just go making decisions carelessly and hope for the best. That is poor leadership." Yorik huffed and seemed a bit annoyed. "Don't know wot yer worrin bout lassie, so far ain't nuthin gone wrong yet! Oh sure, things can go wrong, but dat's nuthin crazy! No plan works out in action ya know. Da fact dat so far yer ain't screwed up shows yer doin a good job being a leader! If ya keep worrin bout wot can go wrong or wot might've happened, yer just settin yerself up fer a lotta disappointment!"

"A leader listens." Surprising even the others, Kor spoke up too, though he didn't take his eyes off the blade he was sharpening. It seemed to have gained a few scratches from battle. "The worse type of leader is the one who thinks he knows everything. A good one learns everything he can and uses that to his advantage. After that you need to trust in those who you order around." Kor then looked at Sylvia. He seemed annoyed, more so than Yorik. "Did you really think we couldn't handle ourselves against the Blackclaw? If that's what you were worried about, than you should've acted on it. If you can't trust your allies, you shouldn't be leading them. Just as well of course, they also need to be able to trust you." Kor sheathed his blade and stood up, walking towards the armory tent. "And honestly I still don't know why you're here. This is a job for the city guard, not civilians or adventurers. If you're that worried about the danger, you should go somewhere safer. We know exactly what we're getting ourselves into and the risks involved. We're doing this because we want to and it's our jobs. If that bothers you, you should try and find somewhere else for these kobolds to live or something."

This just got a collective sign from the others as Kor entered the tent. "Don't mind him. He's... Cynical, but he means well." Cera tries to say reassuringly. Aisha takes another swig from her flask. "Right or wrong, he certainly needs more tact. He was practically telling Sylvia to leave." Yorik shook his head as he rubbed his wounded knee. He also warmed his hands by the fire, so that the heat could sooth his aches. "I think wot he's tryin ta say is dat ye can always turn back. Wot was dat sayin of yers, wif great power comes responsibility? Naturally, ye could always give dat powa ta someone else. Shor seems like da type of fella who could use ever bit he's got. Dunno bout yer crew, but dat fiery lass, da one who almost picked a fight wif Kor yesterday, she seems ta got gumption too. O'course, da fact dat seems like yer da leader of yer crew tells me dat dey trust ye, more den dey even trust demselves." Yorik took the flask from Aisha, took a large swig before handing it to you. There was still quite a bit left.

"Ya got doubts kid. Spill it. Wot's eatin at ya dat makes ye feel like dere's sumthin wrong?"

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Aisha sighed. "We managed to slay their chieftain, and we spotted a hooded man delivering weapons to the trogs. However before we could reach him or secure the weapons, he used some sort of spell to set everything on fire. We weren't able to catch him or take the weapons while the flames were up, so we had to retreat. In the end all there was left was smoldering ash and destroyed steel. The slag left behind couldn't help us identify who made them or what their designs were." Aisha took out a flask from her hip and drank directly from it. She handed it to you as well if you wanted a sip. It smelled like a very strong booze. "Shor is probably trying to convince the chief of Elysium's involvement with the weapons, but we don't have any evidence beyond our own eyes, and I'm sure the Greyscales think we're simply trying to push our own narrative. If you do have some proof, you should head over to the Greyscales and show them what you've found."

Yorik walked up over to you with a slight limp. You could see that his thigh was bandaged and bleeding, requiring a crutch to walk with. "Aye kid, how are ye feelin? All dis fightin ain't scarin ya is it?" Yorik said with a goofy smile, however Cera approached looking much more concerned. "Yorik, don't joke with her. As capable as she is, she's still a civilian..." Yorik just snorted at this statement. "Civvie? Now yer jokin Cera. A civvie wouldn't take on two trog tribes and make it out wifout a casualty. Dat bein said, I can tell she's not doin so hot in the head."

Yorik looked at your somewhat more seriously. He was still smiling, but it was less goofy and more reassuring. "I'm sure yer wanna head over to dem old gits and tell em wot yer got, but da health of yer heart is as important as da health of yer head. C'mon, sit 'ere wif us and let's chat a lil while."

Aisha just chuckled as she went over to a nearby campfire, pulling out some stools for everyone to sit at. "Since when have you learned how to treat ailments of the heart, Yorik?" The orcish warrior just scoffed. "Ain't nuthin to it. Sometimes ya just gotta gab and ya need someone ta listen. Maybe ye oughta learn how ta chat wif yer mates sometimes! Barely know a thing bout ya Aisha, and yer been in da force fer wot, two years?" The dark elf shook her head as she took another swig from her flask. "I've been working as a guard for twenty years, I've simply be working in this team for two years."

Yorik and Aisha cattily chatted with each other while Cera offers you a seat. Her brother was already sitting nearby sharpening his blades in silent. "If you do want to talk, we're here to listen. What's on your mind Sylvia?"

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Heading over to the weapon’s tent you would actually find Cera wrapping a bandage around Yorik’s head. Everyone from Shor’s team except Shor himself was there, resting and patching up their wounds. Though injured, Yorik sees you and waves you over. “Oh lassie! See dat yet still kickin! Good show eh, how dem Jaberoni gits turn out?” Cera just chuckled as she tighten his bandage, causing him to whince. “Jabrani, Yorik. And stop talking so much, that big mouth of yours is making the bandages lose.” The orc guardsman grumbled an apology as Aisha approaches. “If you’re looking for Shor, he went to the Greyscale house to report our battle with the Blackclaw. How’s your team doing?”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Just to clarify, the "three sewer dragons" refer to the giant crocodiles that the kobolds ride. They're named after them. There are still a considerable amount of kobolds left, for the purpose of the coming raid at least.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Pylia held her side while Buddy seemed to lean against his axe in a tired manner. Strange how he seems more emotive now that he wad been so close to death. "Shortfang fine, but not safe here. We go!" With no disagreements, your party as well as Skinwalker's scouts would return to Underhaven. It was hard to say how long you've been gone except that by the time you showed up, it looked like the frontlines had been under attack. There were a lot of dead troglodytes as well as a few dead kobolds, however the three sewer dragons were still up and able, and it seemed like the kobolds were getting ready to move out. Many of them were armed with spears, short blades, and bows. No sign of Shor and his team however. None of the scouts sent to investigate seemed to have returned yet either.

The air was thick with tension in Underhaven itself. Many of the women and children seemed to have gathered near the square listening to their shaman say some sort of prayer. The men and a few women kobolds were receiving blessings and getting their weapons maintained. Your party went their separate ways for now. Buddy stayed near the entrance, his arms at his side and his axe near his hand as he often is when he is simply standing around. Shortfang went back to his mother's home. Pylia seemed to have gone to assist healing the wounded. None of the kobolds paid you much mind, not even the guards who were trying to get some last minute training in.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Buddy put the sword into your handy havardsack. You couldn't even feel it once he let the weapon go and it just vanished into the bag. Shortfang took his blade out and seemed to extract something from Venomfang's head while Pylia said a silent prayer over the bodies, ensuring they don't later end up undead. Once the party was finished, they moved on, battered and wounded but alive. A few minutes later Skinwalker and her group would arrive. They also seem wounded but alive. Skinwalker sees you and smiles. "Slimes. We okay. You okay?" Shortfang speaks to his mother, showing him the organ he took from Venomfang. She nods and looks over to you. "Go to Underhaven. We rest before battle. You ready? Anything you need?"

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Each flurry from your blows land, breaking through his force field and striking his body. This wasn't a good situation for him due to being alone, surrounded, and knocked to the ground. But before he could expire, his body vanishes. You could hear him stand up but couldn't see where he went, but you could vaguely hear the sounds of footsteps slapping the ground. You felt something brush pass you however so did Buddy and Pylia, making them confused about where Venomfang really went. But then Syfr screeched, flying over an area near the edge of the bridge. This was all Shortfang needed as he shot a crossbow bolt that seemed to hit something midair before vanishing. "He there! Kill em!"

And sure enough Buddy ran over to the spot where Shortfang had shot at, taking a wide wild swing in the hopes of hitting something. And he swung so hard that Venomfang's body came back into view, with half of Buddy's axe embedded into his head. Dragging the body away from the edge, Buddy pulled his axe out and then stabbed Venomfang through the heart, to finish him off. Pylia touched her ribs where the spear had managed to breath through. "Ugh... I need to get some better fitting armor..." Shortfang came over covering his head with a hood due to the bright sunlight. "Venomfang dead? Then we go see mom, figure out what do next!" Buddy picked up Venomfang's sword. Just like the big trog who attacked Green Eyes, this sword looked far too ornate and well made to be of Trog make. More importantly it looked almost exactly like the same sword, but with a bright ruby embedded into the pommel. He was handing it over to you, pointing towards your handy havardsack.

Rolls and Info

Shortfang (28/28) | Syfr (1/1) = 19
Buddy (13/31) = 17
Pylia (11/24) = 12
Sylvia (15/21) = 6
Venomfang (Dead) = 4
Trog 3 (A Dead) (B Dead) (C Dead) (D Dead) = 4

Venomfang cast Invisibility!

Syfr sniffs him out with his Passive Percpetion of 18.
Shortfang's Light Crossbow vs Venomfang = 20
Crossbow Damage = 4

Venomfang Concentration Check = 13

Buddy's Ugrosh vs an Invisible Venomfang = 18/Nat 20
Urgrosh Damage = 7

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

You can use your flurry of blows, though obviously that will be your last Ki Point until you can rest and restore it.