Bogtown: Favours

[Spearmint]

The Silvanus Embassy

Orangery Grove

In a race against time, Dalin fiddles with the cloak room lock, hoping he can open it and recover the stored packs and weapons before the Chamberlain comes back from escorting Froed and Sidkrake to the separate building.

He is also conscious that other elves, tick infested or not, may be wandering the building and he prefers not to be caught in the act. He is watched, but not be elven eyes but those of the pseudo-dragon that snuggles on a bookshelf in the reception room. It looks to take a keen interest in the dwarf as he kneels at the door but does not move from its preferred spot and after a minute curls back up, head under wing to soak in the last warmth of the hearth fire.

Dalin, you can collect what gear you prefer.

In the meanwhile, the other trio try to overcome the summoned priest and acolyte. While Gunterglands a blow, neither of his compatriots do and for a fleeting moment, this encounter looks about to expose them. The acolyte grapples with him, both inflict wounds in each other, Gunter -3hp, Acolyte -5hp.

The priest makes for the door. He points to Johka commanding him with an authoritative utterance but by using Elven to cast Command against the disguised half-orc, it is a language he doesn't understand and thus the words go in one ear out the other. No save vs spell required.

Johka: attack on acolyte [1d20+1]=6+1=7[1d4+1]=1+1=2Acolyte [1d20]=17[1d6]=3Priest Command: Gol, Gun, Johka [1d3]=3

actions again please.

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

I wanted to ask a question. Whether both or just the Acolyte have the cultist ticks? Is it obvious both are afflicted? I just ask for as much as I can I don't want to be a 'murder hobo' but at the same time I want to defeat the Impurax cult.

Striking at the priest, especially if he tries to cast another spell.

Golgarth initiative: [1d6]=1 Warhammer melee [1d20]=19 damage [1d8]=3 stun chance % dam+1 per level [1d100]=96

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin in haste grabs his club and his sword and tries to get back to the others to aid them.

[Spearmint]

good question and one of observation. Certainly the Acolyte reacted to the group with his giant tick causing him to manifest as a cult minion. The elder priest though does not manifest the same symptoms and his actions have been defensive rather than aggressive, if that helps you gain some extra comprehension.

I would be fine with Golgarth having that realisation and switching your attack to cosh the acolyte rather than the priest.

[Joey2k]

As the priest approaches shouting something incomprehensible, Johka draws his dagger and points it menacingly at him. He will attack if the priest comes within striking distance.

[Hvalreki]

The Silvanus Embassy

Orangery Grove

Gunter

The junior priest grunts but does not fall as the blunt end of Gunter's war axe solidly thumps him. "Do us all a favor and drop ya blighter! I'm doin me damdnest not ta kill ya!"

He swings again hoping to end the melee quickly but flails widely thrown off by the awkward stroke of the back end of the axe.

"Bloody hells!"

[Spearmint]

The Silvanus Embassy

Orangery Grove.

The plan for a covert sneak around, spy and raid seems to be going awry. The acolyte stabs at Golgarth, -2hp dodging artfully under the axe blow of Gunter. Perhaps he ought to stick to militia crossbows?

"Blood will flow. Mingled with the earth to succour the ground. It will speak your testimony, a shallow life whose season has come to an end." the acolyte spits out some vain words to taunt the group.

Despite taking a second wound, the cleric lands a coshing blow. It is enough to 'drop the blighter'. A large tick, the size of a rat with several chitinous layers and long super-spring powered legs, crawls from beneath the man's blood soaked collar. It leaps towards the astonished Gunter but suddenly is coshed mid-flight itself, by the priest who whacks it with his staff then crushes the body underfoot.

Ticked off acolyte: vs Gunter or Golgarth. [1d2]=2[1d20]=15[1d4]=2Tick tokked: Priest, Golg, Gun, Johk [1d4]=4 [1d20+2]=17+2=19Priest's intervention vs Tick [1d20]=17

"I have seen these. Nefarious critters, bringing disease and plague." he says, then backs away a step looking at the four disguised elves. "Who are you? Agents of Silvanus come to answer my prayers?"

Dalin knocks upon the door and Johka
opens to let the dwarf in. There are tense moments before the elder concedes and everyone lowers weapons..

In short, the elder shares his testimony. That many months ago the Silvanus Embassy, indeed much of the Elven community, were infiltrated by converts to the cult of decay and rot. Drow, dark skinned elves appeared, not seen before in many generations (a lot of elves even believe their existence just a myth). They brought in new rituals, new theology and radicalism that despoiled the mind and captured the imaginations of the gullible and sadly, the nominally aligned. Slowly even the priesthood here were infiltrated and most bent the knee to worship at the defiled altars. He, (he introduces himself as Strausalias) has been able to convince those who have taken over that he has converted to the cult.

He takes off his wreath, the symbol of his priesthood. Entwined within the evergreen leaves is a thin chain that holds an inset medallion. Checking the Acolytes wreath, a similar piece of jewellery is found. "It allowed me to read telepathic thoughts to the wearer." he shows that on his own nape or spine, no leeching tick is present.

While the coshed acolyte is tended to, I presume from your rolls and comments you wanted to render him unconscious not dead, Strausalias answers some practical questions and awaits your explanation.

He has been kept basically 'under Embassy arrest' by the Impurax priests and guards and brought out from his chambers to conduct Silvanus ceremony when visitors arrive so as to maintain the perception that everything is normal.

Several of the Bogtown senior councillors and merchants are converted to the cult. No one at the tavern that he has heard of. The cult has a larger infiltration in the Citadel.

Some days ago the chapel was attacked by an unknown group who slew a priest, some converts and 'a raised bane', referring to the wight form of Barraclough.

He is willing to help but wants to limit killing off elves.

questions, plans, actions please

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin sighs having missed the action but glad none were slain while he was getting his weapons. The dwarf isn't quite sure what to ask. "Uh well I hate to ask but what is with the ticks? Why leave the thing attached to him?" the dwarf says feeling a bit awkward asking.

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

The giant ticks, (I think there are pics in this forum or our last Expedition thread), are generally about the size of a large grapefruit, each seems to act as a parasitic bug that is attached to the spines or nape of the neck of those converted to the cult or under its control. The Cult is one from Impurax, goddess of pestilence, rot, decay, disease.

The bugs leech blood and fluid from victims but also have some way to control them and they are used as a conduit to manifest various things, like causing victims to be as mindless zombies(?) or minions (?) devoted maniacs of the cult. I also think the bugs have some kind of telepathic link between them so what one guy might see can be communicated to another.

We killed a cleric type who was breeding various bugs to use in such parasitic controlling ways earlier.

I am not sure the Drow priest had a bug? I think it may just be junior minions.

I guess when a host dies or is disabled, the critters are free to go (as happened with those minions we encountered at Toadmothers) or they seek in afflict a new host.

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

I will take my cloak off, revealing myself as a cleric of Cromm Cruach and reassure the elder than even if Silvanus has not directly answered his prayers, Cromm Cruach has heard, he has seen the suffering and He knows the trauma the settlement is going through. Cromm Cruach is also a Good of revenge, justice, overcoming and in His Name we will defeat this cult. Not just gaining atonement for the murder of Barraclough but to rescue the region from the cult of decay.

Inside this Sacred Grove contained within the Orangery, are there any features we can use to bless us, get holy water supplies, any scrolls or holy implements we can avail ourselves of.

I also need a run down on the numbers of elves here and those who may rise up in resistance. Any raid could be bloody, all insurrection comes at a cost of potential martyrdom. Who else could be on our side?

Tie the Acolyte up. If he cannot go through any willing 'conversion therapy' now, we need to make sure he cannot raise any alarm.

Shame our two NPC thieves are absent. Hope they are safe and can delay and investigation into where we are.

I also want to know where the current cult leaders are located, especially if any are drow. I will signal to Johka and Gunter that these are the main targets for them to take out by any means necessary.

anything else?

[Hvalreki]

The Silvanus Embassy

Orangery Grove

Gunter

Gunter drops his cloak briefly and lowers his neck scarf so the Elder Priest can get a good look at the wicked scarring on his throat from the Wight's claws.

"As the Stonefather said we are the ones who slayed the dark elf and the bane, freeing Cromm's priest from his undeath though not without great cost. Cromm don't have Palladeens as such as his sworn men are expected to do what's right regardless of the law. For his own reasons, Cromm's hand has guided us back to this accursed place to free it from it's vile taint and restore it to a holy place.

Are there any among the Elves here like you who is free from the curse and would join our cause? We've no wish to harm the innocent or slay those under the sway of them ticks unless we've no choice.

Will you help us Priest of Silvanus to free this Embassy from the darkness?"

Gunter takes a moment to apply the first aid kit he bought from Toadmother and reaffix his cloak of disguise as he awaits the Elf priest's response.

[Joey2k]

I assume Golgarth has shared what he knows about the ticks wioth Johka

Considering what Golgarth has revealed about the ticks, Johka asks, "It is likely, then, that any others under the sway of these creatures are aware of what has just happened? And are likely on their way here now?

"If so, then time is of the essence."

[Spearmint]

The Silvanus Embassy

Orangery Grove.

Inside this Sacred Grove contained within the Orangery, are there any features we can use to bless us, get holy water supplies, any scrolls or holy implements we can avail ourselves of.

"The Font was defiled and the Scriptures taken. We have prayer books and Psalms, but I may bring an Augery. Perhaps that can help decide your next steps."

there are no magical aids to equip yourself with.

Gunter, Gunter: 1st Aid kit usage vs 10 wisdom [4d6]=13 healing restored per hour [1d4]=3

Bandages his cut and binds the Acolyte. Needing more medical practice, he triages his wounds to keep combat ready. +1hp

Johka, keeps watch, fearing a sudden intrusion by alerted minions. In fact, two guys do appear, sneaking in the main door and through the reception. Sidkrake and Froed. A 'hiss' captures their attention and they come inside the Orangery Grove.

"We dealt with the door-keep. Hid him by a log pile. He'll recover soon though." they shrug, seemingly keener to be inside the manse together than separated and waiting in the mess hall.

Dalin can frisk the Acolyte. He has a ceremonial style curved dagger and bore an oak staff. Both appear as normal weapons. Underneath his garb he wears another holy symbol, one dedicated to Impurax. It is a strange design, a corrupted vulture's head holding an eyeball within its beak. The eyeball is designed with eyelids that can be moved so as to open and close the eye. The dwarf also finds 23gp for his troubles and a Book of Common Prayer suitable for Silvanus rituals. keep or distribute these as you wish.

As the two priests, Golgarth and Strausalias talk, the group are reminded of the testimony from Froed after you rescued him.

Kraig and I, we were caught on a heist. Hijacking a shipment of silver bullion. Taken as tax and destined for the Citadel coffers but in truth, the silver is exchanged by the Silvanus Embassy and wrought into binding chains, enchanted to hold people secure, not just physically but to stop their forms altering. Silver has long been a nemesis over evil creatures and now we are turning the tables. The cache was hoped to be taken by Renate and is forged anew, into redactive torcs that might be worn and bind the minions of this resurgent evil.

But as I said, the rogue Brethren are infiltrated by spies and one, beholden to some parasite betrayed our plans."

He tells you that Renata is camped out in the Moon Peaks, at a dwarven smithy. The silver bullion has been taken by the Silvanus Embassy in Bogtown and is used to create super-tensile chains and shackles which the Inquisition apply upon those suspected of being lycanthropes.

"There is a vault. On the upper floors. The silver and tithes are accounted for inside. The 'High Priest' has his quarters nearby."

Asked about other elves who may help, he states that a lower cellar at the rear of the building, previously used for storing wine barrels and grains is used as a dungeon to keep some of the elves loyal to Silvanus in chains.

what you learn is that the Orangery Grove is used for public Silvanus worship and the chapel room on the lower floor that you raided previously was used as a private chapel for those of the bounty hunting Inquisition.

Strausalias stirs the waters of the pond in the grove, taking a cup full, drinking some and pouring out the rest upon the flagstone floor. He kneels down to read as it were the blot of splashed water, tracing the lines that run freely or those that pool. He steps back as if shaken then gives an expository of the cast Augury.

"Some futures are uncertain, some futures sealed. Our choices and sacrifices are not in vain, even if we perish here. Silvanus blesses us." he says, referencing your immediate future actions and inferring that perhaps he is one whose future looks shorter than most. for the next three turns, each character receives a +1 bonus to any saving throw they need to make.


Then he warns, "They are awakening to your presence." You note the coshed acolyte stirring from his bindings. While tied and unconscious he has undergone a physical metamorphosis and his skin is visibly darkening, changing from the pale skinned elven features to a blacker ebony; a visage of an underworld fey. The Acolyte is either showing his true nature or morphing into a Drow elf.

He hisses at you all in feral tongues and calling down curses upon you.

"Whoever he may be, he is not of our nature." the priest utters a recital of verses from a requiem, normally reserved for those going through Last Rites. If no one else does, he will summarily execute the Drow.

the reference to 'awakening' would also include the coshed Chamberlain who may now be raising some alarm among the guard outside.

actions please. folk can choose how to proceed. You can seek out the High Priest in his quarters, barricade the main entrance and fight off the guards, try to just raid the Vault and escape, try to reinforce the group by rescuing some chained elves, etc.

actions and questions.

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

my thoughts

Well I feel we are getting somewhere and things hotting up. Obviously there is going to be some confrontation and we are disadvantaged with numbers and probably an actual plan. A good reminder that our focus in coming was to steal back these silver ingots so Renata can use them to combat the cult infiltrating the Citadel.

Where do they store the binding chains that have already been made? In the upper floor vault? In the Stables and Mess Hall/barracks building? Dungeon cellar?

So I wonder, long shot thinking, but we locate the chains, rescue the prisoner 'good guy' elves, tie everyone up in the binding chains (so only kill actual Drow cultists) then deal with any High Priest.

my actions

Golgarth,

I will turn a blind eye to Strausalias killing the Drow, it is his revenge and upon his conscience. I have no qualms regarding it, one less cultist afflicting humanity.

"Two groups. One to hold the fort, the other to rescue those in need."

How about Sid and Froed with me, we will barricade the main door, fight off any intruders and others sneaking about inside. You others follow Strausalias to the old wine cellar. Break in there, break out any elves to reinforce us?

If that is as a good a suggestion as any he will, in the guise of Cromm Cruach not as an elf, rush to the main door and secure that place.

Golgarth initiative: [1d6]=6 Warhammer melee [1d20]=13 damage [1d8]=1 stun chance % dam+1 per level [1d100]=11

Whacking anyone, even the pet pseudo-dragon that lurks about the reception, that might get in the way.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin before things get crazy, just after he searches the acolyte he shows everything he has found to his companions. "Some of this is a bit strange to me but some would be perfect as cover in being an acolyte here."

[Bluetongue]

"Some of this is a bit strange to me but some would be perfect as cover in being an acolyte here."

good idea. Take the role, go with Strausalias, say that you are taking the prisoners somewhere or need to question them. Some creative use.

[GreyWolfVT]

"Some of this is a bit strange to me but some would be perfect as cover in being an acolyte here."

good idea. Take the role, go with Strausalias, say that you are taking the prisoners somewhere or need to question them. Some creative use.

ooc: yes however Dalin doesn't speak elven.

[Hvalreki]

Gunter

“Priest, how many servants of the enemy do you suppose are about?
If we can fee the prisoners are we enough to retake the temple?

If not I vote we raid the vault, then try and free the prisoners and burn this profaned temple to ashes during our escape. No disrespect to your god intended. Rebuild on the ruins if you wish but raze all the enemy has befouled rather than leave it in their hands.”

[Joey2k]

"We should at least try to rescue those held prisoner," Johka reasons. "Even if, with them, we are not strong enough to retake the embassy, it would be good and right to help them escape.

"Besides, they may bear witness to others regarding what has happened here.

"I will go for them if no one else will, should the priest be willing to take me to them."

[Hvalreki]

Gunter

“What if we do this, raid the vault for the silver and the silver chains and bring Sid and Froed to the donjon as our “prisoners”. We ambush the guards then spring an escape. If we’re enough to retake the embassy we do, and if not we set the place alight on the way out?”