Dalin Silverhand: Rotten to the core.

[Spearmint]

Blackened Forest: Lepers Cave.

May 26th 1066.

"You are from Glaz'rada? What happened to you?" Hunnicot asks the bugbear who rasps in broken common.

a reminder of previous mentions of the lepers.

The village of Bhaz'rad Dur, is closest over the pine forest then you have Glaz'rada, 'the village of lepers' and after the nomadic steppes tribes

Hunnicot, "the Bugbears 'village of lepers' is a place the tribes exile those afflicted. They eek out an existence in some old caves, subsisting on charity and what they can grow themselves. The leprosy has been congenital among the tribes as long as living memory. The recent virus afflicting the hives is just from this last season though it may have been a year hibernating or before symptoms were visible in the bees."

"The village is no more. The Red Fangs came and destroyed the place, pillaged what we had and lynched those who would not bow to their new gods. We ran away fleeing into the forest and finding this cave. Now we survive here, abandoned by gods old and new."

There is a little discussion as you make comfortable a small ledge to sleep on. A leper comes to tend your wounds, cleansing it with water and taking the bloody garb aside to be laundered. Another leper brings bracken and ferns to cover as a mattress. You can be a little dubious of the lepers, not just from the disease they carry but none make any violence towards either of you.

Meanwhile Clive leaves the cave with a plan in mind. Risky but it may succeed. He hopes to mark your trail further downstream so the chasing Bugbears follow then use his class 'pass without trace' to double back. Hopefully the distraction works and leads Katka and the Red Fang warriors away.

cue random roll ...

A couple hours later, Clive, stumbles into the cave convinced the Bugbears are not following. Finally the trio sleep. Trying to keep one on guard or one eye open does not work. You all sleep well into the afternoon and awake covered in blankets that the lepers unknowingly covered you with.

While Clive takes time to meditate, you can engage the lepers and find that the cave houses more than two dozen lepers, mostly adults. They subsist on scavenging from the forest and nearby streams.

talk with the lepers, ask any questions, share any experiences, suggest any solutions to their problems.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin converses with any of the adult bugbears that are willing to. "I'm curious as to how you all contracted your disease, I got mine digging around in places that should have been left alone. I know that now." the dwarf admits the folly in going to the mound and muddling around where they aught not. "Do you think if there was a way that Clive could remove your disease that you would perhaps live with the druid and help protect him and his people?" the dwarf asks out of curiosity more than anything being entirely unsure of how long it would even take Clive to do so or even if it is something that can be removed. "Tell me more about your uh clan? Tribe? Sorry I wasn't sure how you classify your group. Though I think the ranger described it as a tribe. Were you area peaceful tribe if I recall and did not needlessly attack like these other bugbear that hunt us." sorry trying to think of other things to talk about with them.

[Spearmint]

Blackened Forest: Lepers Cave.

May 26th 1066.

"Do you think if there was a way that Clive could remove your disease that you would perhaps live with the druid and help protect him and his people?"

And here, during the fellowship of the mutually afflicted, while Hunnicot goes off to hunt some venison for the starving group, that Dalin touches the crux of the matter and perhaps offers a ray of salvation to both of their predicaments.

As promised, during the day sheltering in the caves, Druid Clive is able to build a small shrine to focus his prayers and meditations. He performs a small service, purifying some water in the cave to be cleaner and fresher and ministers some healing to one of the most injured leper Bugbears. After a time of devotion he calls the dwarf and strips him of the linens which cover his mottled skin. He lays hands in his head as the dwarf kneels and over a few rounds implores the bounty of nature's blessing to come and work a holy restoration in the dwarf's body.

cue dice rolls ....

Dalin starts to cough, hoarse and choking but the druid ignores the distraction to continue his almost exorcism administration of the Mummy Rot disease from out of his body. Straining, Dalin groans, a thick cloud if dust and spores erupt from his mouth which buzz around like a swarm of gnats. The black cloud of rot and decay swirls above his head before dissipating into the air. think John Coffey coughing up the bugs in Green Mile.

His mind clears as does his face. A beard, red, burnished as a wholesome forge fire frames his face. His pores clotted with excess grime, and not least the disease leaving him via every orifice.

The Bugbear lepers marvel at the change and take the dwarf to bathe in a pool.

Dalin, your Mummy Rot evaporates and the condition lifted.

The lepers reach a community conclusion. They are rejected and hunted by the Red Fangs, driven from their previous abode. Not counted worthy of inclusion to the new Set faith. Here they see a demonstration of healing that is life changing. They question, can the druid do for them what he did for the dwarf? And what can they offer in return?

"We have nothing to offer but our lives. We can hide and die here or help you defeat the Red Fangs in Bhaz'rad Dur and see you safely home. "

The community find a renewed courage and from under mattresses and ledges take their pruning hooks, scythes and spears, rattling them with bravado.

Dalin, actions and comments please.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin feeling like himself wholey after having felt the pangs of the disease thanks Clive "I owe you much Brother Clive. Now that healing salve might actually work to heal my injuries. Anything you need I am at your service, regardless of why you did this for me." to the bugbears he says "Oh know you can offer plenty, we can either defeat the Red Fangs, or we can return to Brother Clive's grove/home and you can act as a guard for those who dwell there. Though I imagine the Red Fangs will attack there soon either way." he looks to the druid once more knowing full well that the Red Fangs and what they worship needs to be stopped. "Brother Clive which do you think is the best course? I beleive I know but I am unsure if iti s wise to take on the Red Fangs now or build our strength and then attack them."

[Spearmint]

Blackened Forest: Lepers Cave.

May 26th 1066.

"Katka and his converts will not rest I am sure. Angry at their offering being despoiled. It will cause them to lose face. If we strike him now it may halt their ascendency and deal a heavy blow to the Set cult. Plus we are stronger together. The citizens of Crooked Yew hold no animosity towards the forest tribes. If we can draft these lepers into the community before Lord Krothos sends his militia to reinforce the settlement that will mean easier integration and I can assist with curing their leprous state."

Clive makes his assessment which translated to the lepers finds an agreement. They have been killed and exiled by the cult for not converting to follow the death cult. Surviving in caves, shorn of support, subsisting on meagre rations and staying hidden is no life,even to these afflicted ones. They take up arms to combat a common enemy and seize a glimmer of hope.

"Right, we travel fast and light." Hunnicot repeats his earlier mantra and offers to lead the way back through the forest to Bhaz'rad Dur.

actions Dalin then I will randomise the trek back through the forest.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin smiles happily that for once something he thought of was actually a good idea. "I'm glad my thinking was accurate this time. Yes lets travel fast and light. Leave none from this tribe behind." he thinks out loud "Hmm what should we call this new tribe of allies?" he asks Clive and Hunnicot. Then readies for the trek.

[Spearmint]

Bhaz'rad Dur.

May 26th 1066.

Dalin drinks healing potion [2d4+2]=4+2=6

After being healed of his dread disease, it means that Dalin can receive extra ministrations and is encouraged to down the healing potion that he carried for the druid's usage.

Dalin +6hp.

Trekking in file behind the ranger come druid, dwarf and a remnant tribe of Bugbear lepers. You cross back the flowing stream where you encountered the bats. All is quite in the evening gloom, slowly sneaking through the Blackened Forest. You get nearer to Bhaz'rad Dur and once more find outlying guards making a perimeter patrol of the clearing outside the village. The guard is swiftly dealt with as a volley of arrows and spears take the cultist down before he can raise any warning cry. Looking across the clearing you can see the ashes of the Wicker Jackal and bonfire. The construction burned to the ground and just a heap of blackened stakes remain, a large patch of sooty ground that should also have been stained with the cremated ashes of the sacrificial duo.

The layout of the village is fairly simple. The huts are generally built either side of the trail leading up to the ridge. The village centre has larger huts, one being the former gaol that you were restrained in. Katka the chief and priest residing in the largest abode.

On the edge of the village you get to plan a basic strategy. Dalin, suggestions for the raid please. (Do you want some Lepers to make distractions, everyone do a frontal assault, or sneak in and try and assassinate the chief?)

Hunnicot longbow [1d20]=5 [1d6]=5 [1d20]=16[1d6]=5Bugbear lepers throw spears [1d20+1]=10+1=11 [1d6+1]=2+1=3[1d20+1]=6+1=7[1d6+1]=1+1=2[1d20+1]=17+1=18[1d6+1]=4+1=5

this was a brief of the village:

He accompanies you down a small track which leads to a village of round huts built of timber slats and thatched with reed or coarse grass. His mood though is one of tolerance rather than friendly and walking towards the village you might suspect all is not well as smaller Bugbears, pre-adolescent come to herd behind you. The face pulling, clods of earth and occasional prods with long sticks give a wholly unwelcoming aspect. The tall guard shoo's them away but they follow behind, catcalling at a distance.

Brought to the village square, the guard halts, received by another Bugbear who by his bearing and attire must be some kind of chief. Hunnicot is about to greet him and talk in regard to the treaty, trade and ransom of Clive, opening up the saddle bag of honey based lotions from the hive when above the bugbear chattering, you hear a common voice shout out.

You can rightly presume this is Clive. At least he is alive which is one positive, though for how long? Turning you see him stumble out of a grass hut whereupon he is immediately knocked to the ground. "You should not have come my friends. These have betrayed us and even their own kin." he says before getting a silencing whack across his back from a guard.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin decides a two prong plan might be of use here "Alright so those of us that can sneak I say we sneak in and go for their chief. But to ensure eyes are not on us can the rest of you make some distractions at a few different outside points to draw the guards attention away?"

[Spearmint]

Attack on Bhaz'rad Dur.

May 26th 1066.

The bugbear lepers agree to the action plan and begin to pair off to assault the village from the other side and cause some distracting mayhem. This allows Dalin, Clive, Hunnicot and three others to try and sneak into the central parts of the compound and 'take the head of the snake', in the hope that the body dies or slithers off as a result.

The group are outnumbered, easily two to one but the element of surprise is in your favour. The rogue and ranger sneak ahead, passing a pigpen of squealing hogs and cutting through a reed fence. Before you can reach the larger hut of Katka, you have to deal with a few Red Fang warrior minions. In one hut, two drink some bitter hooch, toasting each other's blagged story and passing their evening. Hunnicot draws his blade and signals to Dalin that he can exercise his backstabbing surprise on the one while he tackles the other.

actions Dalin. Provide a Move Silently and an attack roll or other action please.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin nods his head and draws his sword. it appears I only have a broadsword no daggers or anything to backstab with.

Move Silently (26%) [1d100]=3
Broad Sword [1d20]=5 to hit [2d4]=8 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=4+1=5 lrg dmg

[Spearmint]

Attack on Bhaz'rad Dur.

May 26th 1066.

Dalin creeps up behind one of the Bugbears, close enough to see the humanoid's jugular throbbing with each heartbeat of blood. But despite managing a great advantage, inexplicably the rogue somehow missed the vital organs, indeed his stabbing thrust misses all, as he tries to assassinate the Red Fang.

He is not the only one who fumbles as a volley of arrows at the unsuspecting bugbear duo also miss their mark.

At least the leprous warriors shadowing the scouts are more successful. One thrown javelin strikes a bugbear and in pain he cries out, impaled by the shaft. The surprise over, hooch drinking Red Fangs leap to their feet and reach for weapons to fend off the assault.

next actions Dalin please.

Clive plus leper bodyguard creep up to a neighbouring shack. You can hear a mooted scuffle from that direction.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin will attack which even foe is nearest with his sword.

Broad Sword [1d20]=1 to hit [2d4]=5 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=1+1=2 lrg dmg

[Spearmint]

Attack on Bhaz'rad Dur.

May 26th 1066.

Dalin attacks, Hunnicot attacks, their bugbear leper comrades attack, the two Red Fangs attack ...

Everyone misses.

next please

Hunnicot longbow [1d20]=6 [1d6]=2 [1d20]=8[1d6]=4Bugbear lepers melee spears [1d20+1]=2+1=3 [1d6+1]=3+1=4[1d20+1]=1+1=2[1d6+1]=3+1=4Bugbear vs Dalin or Hun [1d2]=1[1d20+1]=8+1=9[1d6+1]=4+1=5
vs leper [1d20+1]=2+1=3[1d6+1]=6+1=7

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin does the same as before.

here are a few more attack rolls to speed the process up. I'm only doing this as I hope it helps you more.
Broad Sword [1d20]=15 to hit [2d4]=8 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=3+1=4 lrg dmg
Broad Sword [1d20]=9 to hit [2d4]=5 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=5+1=6 lrg dmg
Broad Sword [1d20]=9 to hit [2d4]=4 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=2+1=3 lrg dmg
Broad Sword [1d20]=5 to hit [2d4]=8 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=3+1=4 lrg dmg

[Spearmint]

yes, thank you. That is actually quite helpful

Attack on Bhaz'rad Dur.

May 26th 1066.

Dalin presses his attack, stabbing the Red Fang injured by the spear. It slays the opponent leaving one to call an alarm and fend off a trio of attacks. His resistance lasts a couple of rounds before he too is slain before he can impale the ranger.

Hunnicot longbow [1d20]=7 [1d6]=1 [1d20]=14[1d6]=3Bugbear lepers melee spears [1d20+1]=9+1=10 [1d6+1]=6+1=7[1d20+1]=5+1=6[1d6+1]=2+1=3Bugbear vs Dalin or Hun [1d2]=1 [1d20+1]=9+1=10[1d6+1]=4+1=5 vs leper [1d20+1]=6+1=7[1d6+1]=6+1=7Hunnicot broadsword melee [1d20]=8 [2d4]=5Bugbear lepers melee spears [1d20+1]=3+1=4 [1d6+1]=2+1=3[1d20+1]=17+1=18[1d6+1]=5+1=6Bugbear vs Dalin or Hun [1d2]=2 [1d20+1]=17+1=18[1d6+1]=4+1=5 vs leper [1d20+1]=13+1=14[1d6+1]=4+1=5

The surprise attack upon the Red Fang cultists is in full swing. You smell the burning of a few huts as oil flasks and firebrands ignite the thatched huts. A number of warriors are slain in the initial surprise segments but they begin to form up a phalanx of spearmen to face the challenge from the lepers.

In the village centre, a growl goes up. A large panther type creature with numerous legs and long clubbing, grasping tentacles pounces upon one bugbear leper. It tears the man apart with savage violence, shimmering in the moonlight as it displaces vision as though looking at a mirage.

Behind it a tall bugbear, dressed in regal cloak and clutching a long decorated spear exits a hut. He orders a pair of bodyguards about then studies the scene to bulwark the breach in to the camp.

The odds stacked against you, not an unusual situation, when have they been in the group's favour. Clive and his leper aide exit an adjacent hut, leaving it burning behind.

Dalin you get to choose which opponent to attack. Aided by Hunnicot and two lepers. You can face off vs Katka, priest of Set or choose to deal with the displacer beast.

actions please.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin unsure of how exactly to deal with a displacer beast goes to aid against the priest of Set for the time being. Depending on how close or far the priest is Dalin will attack with his crossbow if he is far enough away otherwise he will close in and use his sword.

Init [1d6]=5
Light Crossbow [1d20+2]=6+2=8 to hit [2d4]=6 dmg
Broad Sword [1d20]=2 to hit [2d4]=5 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=3+1=4 lrg dmg

[Spearmint]

Attack on Bhaz'rad Dur.

Dalin faces off against Katka. He initially triggers a loaded crossbow. His leper aides and Hunnicot follow suit.

Hunnicot longbow [1d20]=13 [1d6]=2 [1d20]=13[1d6]=4
Bugbear lepers throw spears [1d20+1]=13+1=14 [1d6+1]=4+1=5[1d20+1]=12+1=13[1d6+1]=5+1=6Katka, chief priest. [1d20+2]=16+2=18 [1d6+2]=1+2=3

The Red Fang chief smiles as the volley of shafts come his way though each is dodged in athletic 'Matrix' fashion. "Let me and the glory's of Set show you how it is done." he taunts then impales the ranger, -3hp in the shoulder. While he attends to his predicament, Dalin closes to melee flanked by the lepers.

I will use your posted macro, a miss. The lepers each though stab home, piercing the renegade priest as he intones a spell, ruining his invocation. -5hp.

Bugbear lepers melee spears [1d20+1]=19+1=20 [1d6+1]=2+1=3[1d20+1]=18+1=19[1d6+1]=1+1=2Displacer beast: save 10+ vs Entangle [1d20+2]=17+2=19Bugbear leper vs Displacer beast [1d20-1]=6-1=5 [1d6+1]=6+1=7Displacer beast: tentacle attacks [1d20]=14 [2d4]=5[1d20]=18[2d4]=8

Dalin give me three rounds of melee action please.

Nearby druid and displacer beast circle each other then both spring into action. Clive invokes the call of nature, grasping, wrestling roots to erupt from the earth to restrain the beast. The creature however is very difficult to pin down, focusing the spell on its location when it naturally changes the molecular structure of the surrounding air to phase it with obsfucation. It easily sidesteps the majority of summoned roots. Those that succeed in grabbing its limbs are swiftly thrashed by the creature's horny tentacles.

The leper throws a spear at the beast but it goes harmlessly wide.

I am going to adjudicate the roots, which cause the beast to move at half speed while entangled for the spell duration of five rounds, may be cut through with successful attacks lowering the entanglement by one round per hit.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin slashes and stabs at the priest of Set with his sword some more while trying to not hit the lepers helping him.
Broad Sword [1d20]=3 to hit [2d4]=3 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=6+1=7 lrg dmg
Broad Sword [1d20]=15 to hit [2d4]=3 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=6+1=7 lrg dmg
Broad Sword [1d20]=15 to hit [2d4]=5 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=4+1=5 lrg dmg

[Spearmint]

Attack on Bhaz'rad Dur.

Dalin melees, swishing his blade. With Bugbears being described as 'tall hobgoblins', I modify your attack by +1 due to a racial antipathy vs such creatures. Even so, the dextrous and armoured Bugbear priest narrowly dodges each of your lunges.

Katka has an almost as bad martial episode, randomly targeting first the dwarf (misses), a leper (-4hp) then failing to hit the dwarf again. In return the flanking spearmen stab out and injure him further, -9hp.

Blood is flowing but thankfully not of it belongs to Dalin. three more attacks please.

Katka, chief priest. [1d20+2]=4+2=6 [1d6+2]=4+2=6Bugbear lepers melee spears [1d20+1]=3+1=4 [1d6+1]=3+1=4[1d20+1]=20+1=21[1d6+1]=1+1=2Katka, chief priest. [1d20+2]=13+2=15 [1d6+2]=2+2=4Bugbear lepers melee spears [1d20+1]=7+1=8 [1d6+1]=4+1=5[1d20+1]=10+1=11[1d6+1]=4+1=5Katka, chief priest. [1d20+2]=5+2=7 [1d6+2]=3+2=5
Bugbear lepers melee spears [1d20+1]=5+1=6 [1d6+1]=2+1=3[1d20+1]=13+1=14[1d6+1]=1+1=2

Elsewhere there is pandemonium in the village, out of the corner of your eye you catch the sight of blazing huts, young bugbear children and females running into the forest. Cries of pain, death throes, even a panther like growl.

The displacer beast fights against the grasping roots that restrain it. Over the three rounds it manages to savage the tendrils and free itself. Clive outlines it with a Faerie Fire. Despite the advantage the spell gives in highlighting the creature, the beast is still able to negate the bonus by vibrating the atmosphere to give the impression its location is a yard nearer or further than it actually is. The leper trying to stab it with a spear can make no impression upon it. The druid summons more divine blessing, imbuing his cudgel with divine might. He is able to strike the creature. -7hp.

After pulling a spear from his shoulder, Hunnicot arrives on the scene and begins to target the trapped creature before it can pounce once free. He looses a volley of arrows. -5hp

Displacer beast: tentacle attacks [1d20]=5 [2d4]=5[1d20]=8[2d4]=8Bugbear leper vs Displacer beast [1d20-1]=5-1=4 [1d6+1]=5+1=6Displacer beast: tentacle attacks [1d20]=20 [2d4]=6[1d20]=6[2d4]=6Bugbear leper vs Displacer beast [1d20-1]=4-1=3 [1d6+1]=1+1=2Displacer beast: tentacle attacks [1d20]=2 [2d4]=5[1d20]=11[2d4]=5Bugbear leper vs Displacer beast [1d20-1]=2-1=1 [1d6+1]=6+1=7Druid Clive invokes Shillelagh. [1d20+2]=4+2=6[1d4+1]=4+1=5[1d20+2]=13+2=15[1d4+1]=2+1=3[1d20+2]=19+2=21[1d4+1]=3+1=4Hunnicot longbow [1d20]=9 [1d6]=3 [1d20]=16[1d6]=2Hunnicot longbow [1d20]=10 [1d6]=2 [1d20]=14[1d6]=3

next actions please

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin slashes and stabs at the priest of Set with his sword some more while trying to not hit the lepers helping him.
Broad Sword [1d20]=13 to hit [2d4]=5 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=1+1=2 lrg dmg
Broad Sword [1d20]=14 to hit [2d4]=6 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=3+1=4 lrg dmg
Broad Sword [1d20]=11 to hit [2d4]=5 s/m dmg [1d6+1]=1+1=2 lrg dmg