Yappa's Princes of the Apocalypse

[Remnant]

CHAPTER 1 - WELCOME TO THE DESSARIN VALLEY
Theron Helius, Human Champion
Once More Unto the Breach

Theron breathed a great sigh of relief as he latched onto the wagon. Wasting no time, he quickly climbed inside, and raised his sword in a defensive stance. Justran was a mischievous fellow, and Theron would spare no expense. Theron slowly approached the front of the wagon, attempting to anticipate the bandit leader's next move.

"Come out and face us, cowardly boy!" Theron boomed. Once more, he issued a challenge, except this time he happened to have help in the form of a barbaric bugbear. Theron was intent on making sure the coward didn't escape once more. He needed the bandit alive for questioning, but he was proving to be as slippery as an eel. It seemed the duel was in fate's hands once again. Theron welcomed it.

[Seraph]

Chapter 1- Welcome to the Dessarian Valley
Ruutok of the Ogaidu, Half-Orc Druid

With the one great heave of the aged shaman's strength the bandit crashed heavily onto the ground with a sickening thunk as the spear in his back pushed ever deeper into his back on impact. Ruutok did not seem to bat an eye as the human did so. Nor did the half-orc make a sound or motion as he eyed the man's form for a few long moments simply watching. When the bandit's form continued to lay motionless on the hard stone with not so much as a twitch and blood began to soak the stone was when Ruutok dare to release a heavy breath. With a tired huff he loosened the grip upon his staff and letting go of the magic that so channeled through it. The thorny vine thus released the motionless body's arm and shriveled away into dust to be blown away by the breeze that purveyed over the battlefield. The old shaman relaxed of his stance,leaning on heavily on the cedar staff instead in a somewhat tired hunch.

It was over. The violence had come to a close as all other commotion seemed to quiet down around him. For a moment Ruutok's gaze hovered over the spear that embedded itself in the now deceased bandit's back as his body lay on the ground. Looking onward the now distant cart continued on its mad dash into the distance and Ruutok knew two of their number with it, as well as the devious Justram. Spirits, grant them safety in their struggle, the shaman offered a silent prayer for the two warriors. There was little else he or anyone could do for them now. No. There were now other nearer things he would need to assist with. Surely some aid with the wounded that will need tending to.

Ruutok first moved to slowly make his way over to Hawthorne's weapon lay upon the ground where it had fallen after having been thrown during his bout with the cultists' leader. Then the older half orc began making his way over toward Hawthorne himself. He passed the corpse on the ground as he did so. Ruutok regarded the motionless form with some pause, looking down at it with a grim frown before moving on.

"Friend, Hawthorne." Ruutok regarded the Human as he drew close. "How is it you are fairing after all that? You are not to injured I would hope." The shaman's low gravely tone came somewhat winded after the fight, but genuine concern crossed his slightly tired face. "Ah yes, I also believe that this belongs in its proper place at your side." Ruutok offered Hawthorne his sword, hilt first, to give back to its rightful owner.

(Summary: Ruutok collects himself before first addressing his first concern which is making sure Hawthorne is safe. He even retrieves the man's sword to give back to him and asks the rescued hostage if he is injured badly from the ordeal.)

*************************************************************

Chapter 2 - Homeward Bound
Kardesh Saiyavek, Dragonborn Wizard

Absorbed in his attempts to deal with the wounded shoulder and the pain the wizard was at first to preoccupied to regard Meri when she first approached him. Only when she addressed him with her question did Meri have his attention. At hearing her request did the lizard give her a look of incredulity and said not word His lip seemed to twitch, the slight hint of irritation crept over his features before quickly passing. His violet eyes shifted from Meri to Nivara and the kirin beast behind them before the reptile's violet eyes came back to the girl before him. He seemed to be considering something. Finally Kardesh responded to the she-elf with snort followed an aggravated sigh as he went back to removing his overcoat.

"It may not have been an issue had you and your companion not been charging through the woods making so much noise." Kardesh grumbled. The displeasure and annoyance were clear in his tone. "A lone manticore roaming in the area is enough of a trifle. Had there been more..."  The aloof wizard's words trailed off. He paused to better examine the damage the creature had done to his shoulder. Gingerly running over the puncture marks of the cloth. The creature's teeth seemed to have gone straight through the now slick reddened fabric and and scale to puncture the vulnerable flesh beneath. Kardesh hissed when probing one of the many  holes with a clawed finger to gauging their depth. After a few more moments he sighed again. Seemingly finished with his examination Kardesh turned once more to look up to Meri whom stood over him.

"Some gratitude is warranted, I suppose." He spoke more softly, though sounding somewhat strained. "Never have the creatures been so bold before or wandered so close to Red Lark. To many unusual occurrences... " Kardesh grunted while leaning heavily on the wall of the cottage to get to his feet, replacing the faintly glowing gem back into his pocket he held before. "Normally I turn away travelers who lose there way. Perhaps I could make an exception if you explain what precisely you are doing here on my property and perhaps we shall see. And do not lie to me. I will know." he put forth to the companions.

[SuperCommando]

CHAPTER 1 - WELCOME TO THE DESSARIN VALLEY

((Computer issues, doing this on my phone. This'll be short and lack any bells and whistles, but I wanted to get at least something up.))

When he realized Theron and Alder had jumped onto the wagon Justran did a double-take, baffled by their relentlessness. While they took a moment for Alder to throw his javilin out the back, Justran quickly snatched up the crossbow of the dead bandit beside him in the driver's seat and desperately spanned the weapon.

Upon hearing Theron's challenge, the shirtless man rose to a standing position and turned around. Stepping one foot upon the seat, he aimed the weapon back and forth between Theron and Alder.

"I have an better idea," Justran announced. "Jump out the back of this wagon right now and keep your lives. For your own good and the good of your friends back there I shall warn you just this once - let me go and stop getting involved in this!"

[Remnant]

CHAPTER 1 - WELCOME TO THE DESSARIN VALLEY
Theron Helius, Human Champion
One Fell Swoop

Theron listened to Justran's words intently, and gave a hearty laugh. He made it seem as if he was in a position to make demands. His threats meant nothing, and Theron was going to make him realize that. Theron had questions, and this coward had the answers he sought, he was sure of it. This slippery eel wasn't going to get away this time.

"Interesting proposal..." Theron smirked and spoke with hints of sarcasm reminiscent of Justran's own. "Here's my counter-offer." Hefting the greatsword with a roar of defiance, Theron charged quickly, decisively, and without warning. Swinging the blade in a mighty strike, Theron attempted to disarm the man either by severing the crossbow from him, or by actually slicing off his forearm. Either would work just fine.

[SuperCommando]

CHAPTER 1 – WELCOME TO THE DESSARIN VALLEY
PLAYER(S): BetaWülf , Faclan , Seraph , Zenith , Remnant , Huka

Theron Greatsword attack: (1d20+5) (12) [17] – HIT!

Justran gasped as his crossbow was abruptly shattered by Theron’s strike! Unarmed and staring down the blade of the champion’s greatsword with nowhere left to run, the bandit leader’s once-brazen attitude appeared to finally dissolve.

“Wait!” he shouted, lifting his hands in front of him. “I surrender! I know when I’m defeated. It is clear that I cannot win, so please don’t hurt me. If you let me go, I swear I shall cause you no further grief!”

[END BGM]

***

Back with the others, things had quieted down after the departure of Deran’s stolen wagon. Ruutok approached Hawthorne and returned the man’s sword to him, but the agent of Mirabar did not take it back right away. In fact, he did not look all that well.

His face was covered in perspiration and his hair disheveled by the recent struggle. His chest heaved as he breathed laboriously, one hand clutching his sky-blue surcoat over his heart. The man held up one hand at Ruutok before staggering away, huffing and wheezing as he went. He moved over Doran’s wagon where he leaned heavily against its side.

After a few minutes, Hawthorne eventually appeared to recover. Once his breathing returned to normal, he shook his head before looking back to Ruutok.

“I… I am fine now, I think. Thank you friend. Thank you all, for saving me as well as for stopping those deplorable bastards. And I am deeply sorry… I fear they have accosted you because of me. Your injuries and damages are mine to blame. And when that man disarmed me, took me hostage, I was powerless to prevent it, so I apologize for my embarrassing ineptitude.”

He held out his hand to finally receive his sword from the shaman, which he did with a grateful nod. He then looked upon his weapon with a scowl upon his face.

“Alas, it was as I feared. I am simply getting too old for this sort of thing anymore…”

Indeed, upon closer inspection the man’s skin did appear to be weathered with age, and his black hair streaked with grey. No wonder the fight took so much out of him.

In the meantime, Gonff the ever-busy mouse was keeping himself occupied with scavenging the area for loot in the battle’s aftermath.

He would find that in addition to Doran’s wagon, one other wagon still remained – one of the two originally brought by the Crushing Wave bandits. However, any search would reveal it to be empty. Its only purpose had been to serve as a platform for the bandits’ attack. At this point, Doran would speak up, requesting to claim the wagon as compensation for the attack and his own near-death experience.

Aside from the wagon, four of the five slain bandits’ bodies lay about the bridge – one that had been pulverized by Alder, one sliced by the Owlbear’s claw, one shot through the eye by Gonff and fell out the wagon, and finally the one impaled from behind by Alder’s javelin. The fifth bandit, his head decapitated by Morgana, was still slumped in the escaped wagon’s driver seat, although his severed head was still present on the former battlefield. It was from on or around these bodies that Gonff would find the following:

Three crossbows, all like the one Gonff used earlier in the fight (including that very one).
Two longswords with edges lined with shark teeth.
Four simple daggers of various design.
Some pouches of meager half-eaten rations, hardly more than snacks really.
And a few pouches of coins, with a total combined value of 23 gold pieces.

((Details on the crossbows and swords))

SPOILER: Click to show

CRUSHING WAVE HEAVY CROSSBOW:
1d10 Piercing damage
Large cranequin crossbow, smooth dark horn paneling along the sides, black bow. Both sides of the bow part are carved with a blue-painted symbol facing the front.

SIGN OF THE CRUSHING WAVE:


CRUSHING WAVE SHARKTOOTH LONGSWORD:
1d8 Slashing damage
An otherwise normal longsword, but with shark teeth lining the edges.

SUMMARY:
Justran surrenders.
Hawthorne recovers from the fight.
Gonff gathers the loot.

[Faclan]

Chapter 1
Gonff, Mousefolk Bard - on the big ol Stone Bridge
Onward and more wealthy! 12/19 HP

Glancing around as he skittered around the former skirmish grounds Gonff was glad to see that it seemed like everyone was alright or getting to be alright. He did his best to avoid the dead bandits for the most part besides grabbing their obvious coin purses and weapons near them. He didn't want to do anything about the bodies when there was a cleric and a Shaman around here as they probably had their own things to do with them even if they were bandits. No need to get his paws dirty so to speak. Besides someone had to gather the loot and uhh...make sure there was no traps in the wagons!

Looking over after he peaked inside the Wagon Gonff was glad they his arm had stopped being on fire and was just a dull pain now as Doran spoke up. He just nodded. "I have no problem with that Doran, I hope you and your family are all alright. I'll try to help us all relax and recover from this once we start again."

He then looked over at Hawthorn, the one who the bandits were apparently after as he smiled, with one of the big crossbows over his shoulders. Probably a rather funny scene to see the tiny Mousefolk carrying the massive crossbow. "Its ok Sir, we all overcame this together and we survived it. Don't let it get you down...but I hope you don't mine me asking sir what that was all about? They seemed to really want you. Its ok if you don't want to respond."

Giving Hawthorne another smile Gonff finished lifting the last crossbow into the wagon for selling later then the many daggers he slipped into his belt before clambering up himself. Taking out his flute and taking a few breaths before trying to play a relaxing song to help everyone calm down.


Summary: Finished looting and packing up the items of value, left the bodies, now trying to use Song of Rest (extra 1d6 health gained when health is gained from rest) to help people relax and recover from the battle.

[Remnant]

CHAPTER 1 - WELCOME TO THE DESSARIN VALLEY
Theron Helius, Human Champion
Interrogation Time!

Theron chuckled as he heard the coward's words. All of his confidence seemed to have gone down the drain. Sheathing his greatsword, Theron walked and approached the bandit leader. He stared at him for a moment, then attempted to sock him in the jaw. "You're not getting away that easily, boy. I still have questions, and I'm sure the rest of us do too."

Theron gestured Justran out of the wagon, though it wasn't much of a choice. Now that Theron was in control, this bandit would either do as told, or Theron would have to resort to forceful tactics. A smirk creeped across his face, knowing this coward had finally been beaten.


Summary: (OOC: It seems I've been forgetting to do my summary.)
-Theron attempts to punch Justran's face.
-Theron "gestures" Justran out of the wagon so the party can question him.

[BetaWülf]

Chapter One
Alder Spinebreker: Bugbear Barbarian
The Battles' Decline

Alder took a step to the side, allowing Theron to push Justran out of the wagon. The Bugbear's chest heaved still with the heavy ragged breaths of adrenaline, his eyes wide with a feral gleam to them. He was slowly working towards calming himself, gradually his breathing became more regular as he mellowed slightly. He was of course still in the moment however, and would not be so easily returned to a placid state in such a short span of time.

Alder followed after Theron and Justran, slowly hopping off the back of the wagon behind them. He clutched his Morningstar in his right hand, but did little more. The viscera draped tines of the weapon's head dragged the ground behind the Bugbear, leaving small superficial drag marks on the stone which eagerly lapped up the meager amount of slowly trickling blood that covered the spikes.

As Alder stood by himself, he took the time to check the wind by smell and look around with his keen predatory eyes. With the immediate threat dispatched, it was easy to forget that there could be many more dangers lurking around every corner. But at least they were on a long bridge, hard to sneak up on people like that.

Alder kept his distance from the others for a moment, unsure of how he felt. While he certainly had battled alongside these warriors, he was by no means one of them. Whether or not they would accept him or slay him was yet to be seen. While his stance appeared lax, he was truly observing, waiting to see if he should move to fight or flee.


Summary: Alder pretty much does nothing, aside from following Theron out of the Wagon. He does however attempt to see if he can smell or see anything aside from them like other wagons or enemies that could be approaching.

[SuperCommando]

CHAPTER 1 – WELCOME TO THE DESSARIN VALLEY
PLAYER(S): BetaWülf , Faclan , Seraph , Zenith , Remnant , Huka


Hawthrone thought for a moment, as if searching for the right words, before finally answering Gonff’s question with another question.

“Do you recall those bandits demanded to know if any among our number had knowledge of a certain delegation? Well, Mirabar, the Republic I serve, has within the past few weeks dispatched a delegation of ambassadors to the Veilas Empire’s territory of Arkaus with the intent to establish peaceful relations and offer humanitarian aid to the people there still suffering from the Empire’s conquest of their homeland. However, along the way this delegation went missing somewhere in this region, the Dessarin Valley. As a former champion and loyal servant of Mirabar, I have been sent to find the delegation. And now after confronting these “Crushing Wave” hoodlums, it is my understanding that they are either involved with the delegation’s disappearance, or at least have knowledge of it, and for some reason wish to silence anyone with ties to it.”

At this time, Theron and Alder would return, marching the defeated bandit leader in front of them. Justran nursed his aching jaw where Theron had punched him, but otherwise made no move to provoke further fighting.

((Alder detected no signs of trouble, and they were able to catch most of what Hawthorne explained as they approached.))

“Thank the gods you have returned unharmed!” Doran exclaimed upon their arrival. “And with that vile man prisoner no less! But what of my wagon?“

“I can see it in the distance, father,” Deran said to the elder man. “I believe no harm came to it.”

At the same time, Justran scoffed and muttered to himself. “Pfft! Vile? Clearly your decrepit eyes are too far gone to behold the masculine majesty of my seafaring physique!”

He placed his hands upon his hips indignantly and turned his nose up as a noble might when rejecting a meal that isn’t up to standards.


SUMMARY:
Hawthrone replies to Gonff’s query
Theron and Alder return with Justran

[Faclan]

Chapter 1
Gonff, Mousefolk Bard - on the big ol Stone Bridge
Heeey we're all friends here? 12/19 HP

As he was still playing his restful song Gonff couldn't really reply to Hawthorn but it would be clear he was listened carefully as he was looking at the man and his ears were twitching a bit as he thought about this new information. Sending one person to check out a entire missing delegation seemed like a poor decision. Especially if it was something very diplomatically important and not just for like a play. No matter how skilled that searcher was it just didn't sit well with Gonff. Made the Mouse think there was more to this story than was being revealed to them right now.

But he made no outward sign of this distrust as he kept his expression one of 'interest' as he kept playing his song. There would be time for finding out the truth of this later when they were safe in Red Lark. Or just ignoring it and continuing on his way. No real reason for him to stay around really. At least for now, Justran may have something to say that would change that. But he was sure Hawthrone, the Shaman, and the Human who marched the bandit over here would find out that information. Instead Gonff's attention was drawn to the BugBear.

He seemed to be staying far from the group and looked a bit worried about all of them. And despite Gonff's earlier fear about being devoured by the being that just wouldn't do. They had all survived this by working together and so there was no need for worry.

Hopping off the Wagon the music would stop as Gonff slipped his flute into his belt and pattered over to the Huge creature. Doing his best to smile as once within mace range he stopped. His expression faltering a bit at the bloody grooves in the bridge behind the Bugbear but Gonff managed to get a hold of his fear as he tried to hold up a paw to the furry mound of muscle and rage.

"Gonff, thanks for the help with the bandits Friend. Who might you be?" He asked in Common, hoping for the best and not that he was about to be punted off the bridge. Just had to hope he would be able to cast featherfall before he hit the river....

Summary: Gonff distrusts Hawthrones response, thinking there is more to this situation then they are being told. But seeing Alder anxious he goes over to introduce himself, try to make sure everyone is happy. His music has for now stopped.

(Also question SuperCommando , do Bards need to be physically touching their instruments to be able to play them? I remember something about how mid/high level Bards can play them by their bardic magic from a distance as if they were physically doing it (in the case of bonus's and such). And higher levels able to do it freely to get the benefit while doing something else. But that was older DnD, in 5th edition can Bards do that eventually?)

[LaxKnight]

Meri, Wood Elf Rogue
CHAPTER 2 - Homeward Bound


Kardesh’s violet eyes came onto her and Meri felt uneasy under his gaze. He seemed to be irritated, understandable with the wound. He snorted then scolded them for their reckless behavior. She seemed to shrink as her knife like ears flattened against her head and she looked down in shame. It wasn’t her decision, she was literally along for the ride there. When his tone softened she looked back up at him. She nodded in agreement at the strange happenings going around. He then said he would accept their offer if they answered why they were here.

Meri froze as if someone cast a spell. She hated being put on the spot. One of her ears twitched before she realized she had to say something. “Uh…” she tried to think how they exactly got here, “We were on the road going back home to Red Lark so I can find Mr. Squeakums but then things got suddenly really foggy. We came across bandits on the road so... we got scared. I didn’t really know what was going on but Nivara decided to charge the Dragon-horse off the road. We just kept going straight until we came across your house. Kinda hard to see in the fog.”

She paused as she finished her explanation before she continued. “Kardesh sir? I think whatever is causing the fog is still out there. It’s covering a big area, which probably means it’s powerful and something I really don’t want to meet, especially now with Nivara banged up. Please Kardesh sir, let us stay until the fog lifts,” she pleaded sheepishly.

Summary: Offers her plea to the Dragonborn Kardesh to hang until fog is gone.

[Seraph]

Chapter 2 - Homeward Bound
Kardesh Saiyavek, Dragonborn Wizard

"I see..." the hermit breathed simply in response.

As Kardesh considered Miri's hasty explanation of events the skeptical look he had given her had grown less intense. The tension of his posture had also seemed to disappear as he visibly relaxed. The dragonborn gave little other indication that had taken the young elf completely at her word. Though it seemed to do when he then gave a slight nod and shifted his weight a little as he leaned against the cottage. He then cleared his throat.

"Hmph. So be it." Breaking the eye contact Kardesh moved to pass by Miri as he began to make his away around to the front door. While doing so he gave Nivara a passing glance. "Those wounds will need to be properly tended before any infection germinates. There is a spare room you may rest once that is seen to." He bid them to follow his lead as he came to the door and wrapped on the door gently a few times before turning to the two companions again. "Tether your beast anywhere except near the garden. I do not need my herbs trampled after all this fuss."

There came a series of ticks from inside and the door creaked as it slowly began to open. In the crack of the doorway appeared a little blue face. Elloai cautiously looked out from behind the door before daring to let it swing open a little more. Kardesh knelt down to her height crooning to her to asure the child that everything was fine now, the monster was gone. The young dragonborn girl nearly bowled her father over when she threw herself out the door to embrace him tightly. But she finally noticed the damp reddened cloth of robe she gasped, her eyes wide with concern.

"Sssh now. I am alright." Kardesh tried to asure his daughter. "Go put a pot of water on the fire and find some rags to boil. Find some bandages in the other room by the wash basin after that. We have guests to tend to..." The child had hesitated at first to look passed her father and stare at the pair of strangers behind him with curious eyes. With a small nudge from Kardesh he hurried the timid child along and she quickly disapeared inside the house once more.

"One more thing I would ask of the two of you. Touch Nothing without my say. I'd rather not have anything important broken." With all that out of the way when Miri and Nivara were ready Kardesh bayed them both to come inside. He then stepped inside the hovel.

((Kardesh decides to allow Miri and Nivara to take shelter for the time being in his home. He puts for some simple ground rules for them before inviting them inside his home.))