Dramatis personae
Poklov, Town Watchdwarf
Felcanis, cleric
Honsou, bowman watched by the Town Watchdwarf
Quid occurrit
Angelista sets up camp. Felcanis casts Watchdog, and it works better than she hoped. Angelista is on watch as day breaks, and hears some rustling to the north. Something roars, and pushes away some trees. Angelista gets everyone out of bed faster.
A bear pushes down plants and leaves and moves towards the heroes. Angelista sees that the bear's eyes are glowing red and the plants near it are withering away slowly.
Poklov aims his throwing axe. Angelista launches her javelin but the bear dodges. Felcanis holds out her mace to parry. Šanzbašar lets out a muffle.
Poklov swings for the bear's leg but the bear dodges. "Try to get behind it, Lass!" Angelista readies her spear. She has her eyes are locked on her target, as if she knows exactly how to handle such a creature. The hunter watches and analyzes her target as if she were in a Zen-like state. Felcanis casts Armor 2 on Angelista.
The bear reaches out to claw Poklov, but not only does Poklov parry, but his axe keeps going downward and hits the bear in the leg. Angelista has a stone-like gaze. In a blur of movement she is on the beast's flank, thrusting her spear hard, and hits it in the side. Felcanis again holds out her mace warily to catch any blow from the bear.
The bear swats twice at Poklov, hitting both times and knocking him down. Angelista whips the spear at her target and it sticks in his side. Her sword comes out right after she throws. Felcanis tries to cast Major Healing on Poklov, but fails.
The bear again swats twice at Poklov, again hitting him both times. Angelista calls out, "Cleric, get the fighter away from the bear! Heal him!" She steps and leans in hard with the blade. She stabs the bear, wounding it. Poklov gets his wits back. Felcanis casts Minor Healing on Poklov.
The bear turns towards Angelista and swats at her twice, but Angelista gets out of the way. Poklov pulls out one of his axes but fumbles the other, and misses hitting the leg. Angelista steps and stabs the bear again. Felcanis, realizing that the bear might fear holy things, drops her mace and pulls out her holy symbol.
The bear backs away from Felcanis. Poklov steps and kneels. Angelista looks at it and screams. She then tries to stab it, but the bear swats away her blow. Felcanis steps forward.
Yogi steps back and takes a swipe at Angelista, and hits her chest. She yells for Felcanis to get Poklov back into the fight. Poklov steps up and chucks his axe into the bear's chest, then pulls out another. Angelista swings, but loses her grip on her sword and drops it. Felcanis holds out her holy symbol and steps forward.
The bear stumbles back. Poklov swings an axe into the bear. Angelista grabs her sword. Felcanis moves towards the bear, holy symbol out.
The bear keeps moving back. Poklov swings at the bear again, but it gets out of the way. Angelista steps and pulls out a javelin. Felcanis steps towards the bear again.
Again the bear moves back. Poklov pulls out his crossbow. Angelista steps and throws her javelin, but misses. Felcanis keeps moving towards the bear.
The bear turns and starts to move as fast as its wounded body lets it. Poklov steps and aims. Angelista steps and pulls out another javelin. Felcanis moves behind the bear.
The bear moves away as fast as it can. Poklov shoots the bear in the chest. Angelista steps and whips her third javelin. Felcanis follows the bear.
The bear keeps running. Angelista runs after it, throwing javelins in its back until it falls. Poklov calls the scared mule towards him. Angelista smiles wide as she begins to clean the hide. "This was a good day, my friends," she says.
Afterwards, they move through the thick woods near the logging camp. "It's been awhile since I have seen the spires of home," says Angelista. And after three days and a forded river, they make it back to town. As they first pass through the village of Drênos Hollow and into Mīštássun, they see folks sniffling and coughing.
Angelista sells her furs. Felcanis, also sniffling and coughing, goes to the temple, where she the high priest puts her to work casting Cure Disease, something she also casts on herself.
Poklov brings Šanzbašar, coughing and sniffling, to the Vulgar Lizard. There, puffing on her pipe, Town Watch Captain Klóppē tells him that she'll give him 20 gold for his work. Poklov says, "You got to be kidding me! Why half? That's way lower than what was promised."
"Money is short right now, Poklov." She shrugs, puffs on her pipe, and yawns. "Pokey, do you want to be charged with harboring a known fugitive?"
"Lass, you haven't said anything about my new helmet adornment." He points to the crest of the hippogriff.
She doesn't say anything about it. "Bring him here." Poklov brings Šanzbašar towards Klóppē. "Good, you didn't free him. Tell me, Šanzbašar, how was your trip here?"
Poklov barks, "Tell the lady!"
Šanzbašar growls, "Fucking bastard beat the shit out of me and killed my hippogriff!"
Poklov grins. "I sure did! What ye get for running. You could have just come in quietly to answer for your crimes." He points to his new helmet crest. "What do you think?" Šanzbašar eyes him angrily.
Klóppē spits on the floor and snickers, then pushes over a bulging pouch. "Well, it comes from the count's coffers. I suppose there are ways of making up the difference. Count it, stunty. Hopefully he's convicted." Poklov takes the pouch without counting. Klóppē spits on her fingers and she rubs them on Šanzbašar's face. "Now, they'll have fun with you. Take him to the stocks. I'll be here tonight, as always."
Poklov pours some grog down Šanzbašar's throat, then brings him to the Town Watch building. Užôros, the woman on watch there, shakes her head. "Dunno who wants him. I bet he's out in a week."
Angelista is keen on learning how to fight demons, and Poklov recalls that Dīžáttōr, the owner of the Caravan Outfitters shop, has something to do with that stuff. He's had a few warnings. Angelista goes to his shop, and sees a weak man with tight clothes and shaggy red hair sigh as she comes inside. "You wanna buy something?"
Angelista goes up to him. "I understand you can teach me demon lore."
Dīžáttōr looks both ways, and has Angelista hush. "Shhh!" Angelista gets quiet. "What makes you think you can come here and talk about this stuff?" The shop is filled with the smell of incense, and he lights another.
Angelista Morgan says. "I wish to learn. If you do not wish to teach me I can go my way and keep this 400 copper."
Dīžáttōr scowls. "Why shouldn't I tell you to get out? That stuff will get everyone in trouble. Are you with the Watch?" He looks at her quizzically, like there's something odd about her.
Angelista says, "I am from far south, I hunt the monsters that plague people. I wish to learn about demons. It is the charge of my order to hunt down such monsters I have the desire to learn if you have the desire to teach."
He points to the door. "We don't deal with such … aficionados of Eeevil."
Angelista nods. "As you wish. I will return again tomorrow to ask again." She turns to leave.
Dīžáttōr calls after her. "Better bring something worthwhile."
She stops. "I do not know what you consider worthwhile. How will I know what to bring?"
He sighs. "Why do you want to go meddling with such powers?"
Angelista says, "As I said, My order has charged me as a slayer of monsters. I have finally become proficient at killing undead. I must seek to learn more."
He scowls. "Such talk of killing."
Angelista says, "It is the duty of all slayers to never stop learning."
He points towards her waist. "Maybe you should put away your sword sometime."
She says, "Actually I prefer the spear but I understand."
He smiles slightly and nods. "Sometimes talking can bring great bounty."
Angelista nods. "That is true but bounties are not what I seek."
Dīžáttōr shrugs. "But we should not ever destroy bounties."
Angelista asks, "Why not? Do they not plague the good races like you and I?"
He says, "Perhaps you can learn of some. Good? Bad? That's all relative. So many we call 'good' aren't so good."
Angelista nods. "Yes, this I have seen."
He says, "Likewise with 'bad.' It's all how you use it."
Angelista says, "Intent is everything."
Dīžáttōr nods. "Exactly. Now, bounties, contacts … those would be wonderful. My cousin will never understand."
Angelista says, "I have never met him, so I wouldn't know. But if you wish to teach me you will find I am a diligent student."
He pushes back his hair. "He's often in here. We run the shop together. Scrumptious little sap." He looks at Angelista again. "Now, let me ask you again: what is your interest in the lore of the other realms?"
Angelista says, "Well, obviously the termination of such beings is not the entire goal. In fact, only the inherently vile ones should deserve the tip of my spear. But I have never seen a monster with good intent."
He smiles. "Good is relative."
She asks, "It is the same as evil?"
Dīžáttōr says, "The two are linked. Keeping both at bay and controlling them is a sound idea."
Angelista nods. "This is wise. I wish to learn this way"
He smiles and nods. "Now, I can let you look at my books for the next few days, but I want to ask you for something far more valuable than those copper farthings you clutch."
She says, "Of course you may ask, but I do not make promises I cannot keep. What is it you wish of me?"
He smiles at her. "What you learn about the nether realms in your travels, I want to know as well. I want to know the names of the entities to whom you speak. I sense they may seek you out."
Angelista says, "I can try but surely you must know that entities that I encounter will be far from willing to give me their true name."
Dīžáttōr keeps talking, barely listening to Angelista. "Of course, those who are causing havoc, please rid the world of them. Even the assumed names they have are knowledge. And knowledge is power."
Angelista says, "Then the true name is not as important as the name that the being itself goes by."
He shakes his head. "It is more important in the end, but sometimes lesser pieces of knowledge lead to greater ones."
She says, "For example, vampire will suffice if he refuses to tell me his name is Dracula."
Dīžáttōr rolls his eyes. "Oh, please, put a stake into his heart."
Angelista says, "We have an agreement. I will learn from you and I will attempt to bring you the names of the types of creatures I encounter."
He nods, grinning like a Cheshire Cat. "Good, and for that, you may look at my books. Please, keep your copper, though keep your mouth shut as well."
Angelista nods. "As you wish."
Dīžáttōr leads Angelista to his books in the back. He has a bunch of occult paraphernalia, most of it fairly new.
New in town, Honsou, a shady lad, picks pockets but only gets 5 copper. He hears from a frantic wayfarer that the woods near the keep Dībités Rock are warped, and there are tales of weird and dark forces at work.
Poklov hears that a wandering artist Kukendîvos has gone into the swamp with his 8-year-old ward, Žulétos, and nobody has seen them for a bit.
Poklov carries a tankard of ale out to Angelista's camp and offers it. He talks to her about the man and the boy going into the swamp, and both agree don't think it's all that interesting.
Honsou runs into Poklov, Angelista, and Felcanis at the Scarlet Harlot. Honsou says that he's looking for money in no lawful way, and Poklov says, "We've got a few reports of folks missing a few copper here and there. You wouldn't know anything bout that, lad?" Honsou says no, but Poklov says, "I find it odd that the reports come in about the time you arrived." Poklov points to the Town Watch brooch on cloak, and Angelista raises her eyebrow. Poklov turns to her and says, "Did he just confess to crime in my town?"
Felcanis lies back and relaxes from a long day of casting Cure Disease on half the town. "Sweetie, are you pulling our leg?"
Angelista says, "If you're a thief your not a very good one. Most thieves don't advertise their trade."
Honsou says, "I'm trying a new trade."
Angelista says, "And what would that be?"
Honsou says, "The advertisement trade."
Poklov says, "I'll give you a chance to come clean. Donate your earnings today to this young lady, Felcanis. She's been work all day helping the sick at the temple."
Honsou asks, "So you want five copper?" Poklov asks if that was his take. Honsou says it was, so Poklov tells him to give it to Felcanis, which he does.
Felcanis thanks him. "The Church of Saundīvós thanks you for your donation to the lord of light." Then she asks, "Have you heard of any adventure? We just got back from one a fourth of a moon cycle ago."
Honsou says, "I did hear a rumor that dark forces are at work in the woods near the Dībités Rock."
Angelista stops in her tracks. "Dark forces?"
Poklov chuckles. "Lass, that's your thing, eh?
Felcanis perks up. "Oh? In the woods?"
Honsou lets them know that's what he heard, "Though the man who told me seemed a little off in the head."
Angelista asks where is Dībités Rock, and Felcanis says it's somewhere in the Eldalîvā Woods, nearer to the lands of men than of elves. They all choose to go there, and bring along Honsou.
The day is cold. Along the road, Honsou sees two guys watching them from behind a tree. He draws his bow and calls for them to show themselves. They pull out their bows, but Honsou is faster and pulls out his bow and shoots, nicking one with an arrow. Angelista aims, Poklov moves towards them, and Felcanis moves towards Angelista. The first bandit steps and shoots Poklov, but he blocks the arrow with his shield. The other bandit moves behind the tree.
Honsou gets off another shot at the bandit he can see, hitting him. That doesn't take him down, but he drops to the ground as he tries to get out of the way of Angelista's javelin, which hits him anyways. Poklov runs into him with his shield, and Felcanis casts Sunbolt. He looks up and groans. "Please, I surrender!"
Honsou rushes up to him to rob him, Angelista readies another javelin, and Poklov pins the bandit with his knee on his neck. "It's not your surrender I want. It's your friend's."
The bandit whimpers. "Please, just take my stuff and leave." The bandit reaches in his vest and hands a pouch to Honsou, which he finds holds 110 copper.
Poklov snarls. "Where's your friend?"
The bandit yells, "Like I can see where he went!
They strip the bandit of his gear, after which Poklov ties him up and Felcanis patches him up. Then, they go looking for the other bandit, whom they find in the tree. "Hey, little buddy," says Poklov. "You want to come down here, or do we need to get you down?" The bandit climbs down, and they take his gear. They bring both of them along after Honsou wipes off some plant goo that got on him.
Later that day, they reach Lúrās, which is well-lit. It's a small village with about ten houses and no wall, and all the buildings face a ziggurat in the middle of town. A couple of sinkholes break up the village.
They come up to a well-dressed elf with his blue hair in an up-do, looks up. "Eh, whatcha want?"
Poklov says, "I came across two bandits outside of town a few miles. I brought them for you to administer justice as you see fit."
The elf leans over and looks at the bandits. "Eh, I guess they're from Ōndrûnks or that, and I don't wanna mess with those guys."
Poklov asks, "Are you bestowing justice to me?"
The elf lord says nothing, and instead looks at Angelista and Felcanis and grins. "These two bandits, too?"
Poklov shakes his head. "Nah. One's a priestess of Saundīvós. The other helps me with crimes against humanity."
The elf grins wider. "Welcome to Lúrās, ladies! I am Lord Eleménton. Would you be staying at my house tonight? We can all enjoy ourselves. I guess your friends, too."
Angelista looks bothered. "Poklov? I will be doing my business and staying at the edge of town."
Lord Eleménton laughs. "Oh, posh. Come on, I'll call over my friend Lūtāsîn and we'll have a grand old party."
Poklov beckons to Angelista as she turns to go. "Before you go I need your help with these bandits."
Angelista grins. "That I can do, but I will not be going into anyone's home."
Poklov whispers to Angelista, "Lop a hand off or a few lashings?"
Lord Eleménton overhears. "Oh, yeah, them. We'll throw them in a shed and lock it for tonight. That one isn't going anywhere from the looks of his wounds. Maybe the priestess will help his pain."
Felcanis goes to see the priestess, who is of Rōripermónē, the farming goddess, at the temple that is the ziggurat at the middle of town. The priestess rubs off some of the dirt on her. "Well, I'm doing alright, I think. Do cure this fellow, just in case." Felcanis does that, and she says, "Thank you kindly, hun. Always can use more like you, though you all need to work in the fields."
Honsou starts looking for loot, but finds nothing.
Lord Eleménton asks, "So, those two lovely ladies going to spend the night in my home?" He grins and his eyebrows go up.
Angelista says nothing, and she and Poklov sell off the gear before she camps for the night. The others stay in Eleménton's home, where he and his dwarf friend listen to their tales of the swamp.
Angelista looks to buy potions in Lúrās the next morning, but finds none for sale. They then set forth into the woods, moving eastwards. About midday, Honsou sees something in the trees and to the northwest. Poklov looks, and thinks he can see eyeballs, and tells everyone to fan out.
Out from behind a tree rush three men, clutching broadswords. The first has tattooed forearms, another has a big mole on his face, and the last is wiry. Poklov and Angelista go to meet them, and Honsou ducks behind a tree. Felcanis grabs the mule, and pulls out her mace.
Honsou keeps going north, and the men rush towards Poklov. Poklov slams into the one with the tattooed forearms with his shield, knocking him down and making him drop his sword. Angelista snarls as she steps, then launches her javelin through the air, hitting the man with the mole. He falls but is still awake, leading Angelista to say, "They must be barbarians! My javelin didn't kill him even without armor!" Felcanis points at Poklov and casts Shield on him, but the godly might so much that she falls down and passes out.
Honsou ducks around the tree. The two wounded barbarians look up the heroes, with anger in their eyes. The one with the mole kneels, while the one with the tattooed forearms tries to grab Poklov's legs with his tattooed forearms, but misses. The wiry one runs towards Poklov but misses with his sword, while Poklov puts his axe into his leg, dropping him and making him mad as well. Angelista pulls out her spear and steps.
Honsou rushes around, trying to get behind the barbarians. The barbarian with the mole stands, while the one with the tattoos kneels. The wiry one swings for Poklov's leg, but Poklov parries with his axe, making the barbarian's sword turn in his hand. Poklov's axe goes down and hits the barbarian in his chest, and Angelista sticks her spear in a barbarian's side.
At last, Honsou gets his shot, and shoots a barbarian in the kidneys, but he stays up. The barbarian with the tattooed forearms steps up and lunges for Poklov but misses. The one with the mole on his face swings twice for Poklov, but Poklov parries and blocks his blows. The wiry barbarian swings twice for Poklov's foot, but Poklov steps out of the way in time. Poklov whacks him back with his axe, bloodying him but not killing him. Angelista misses with her spear, and Honsou gets another shot into a barbarian's body, still not killing him.
The tattooed barbarian grabs Angelista. The one with the mole swings hard at Poklov, but he parries. Likewise, the wiry barbarian tries hard to hit Poklov, but Poklov, almost unhittable from the Shield spell, knocks him aside with his shield before putting his axe back into him. Angelista swings wide with her shield to bash him, but he stays up. Honsou loads his bow, but his fingers still smart from the last shot so he can't get off another.
The barbarian with the tattooed forearms crushes Angelista's body with his forearms. The barbarian with the mole tries to punch Poklov, but cannot get through his armor. The wiry one tries to hit Poklov, but Poklov blocks him, then hits him in the leg. Angelista sticks one with her spear, but somehow, in his rage, he keeps going. Honsou shoots one in the skull with a bodkin arrow, but again, the barbarian keeps going.
The tattooed barbarian again grabs Angelista. Another does a one-armed grapple on Poklov but he puts his arm into Poklov's axe blade, and the last one tries to grab Poklov with his sword but Poklov swats away his sword with his shield. This last try makes the barbarian pass out. Poklov swings at the other barbarian on him and this time, his hit kills the barbarian. Angelista breaks free of the paws of the barbarian holding her, and Honsou shoots him, though he's still standing.
Loverboy again wants tries to grab Angelista, who gets out of the way. Poklov shoves his shield into the tattooed barbarian and knocks him down. Angelista drops her spear, pulls out her sword, and swings it at him. Honsou's fingers again sting as he loads another arrow.
The tattooed barbarian tries to grab Angelista's leg, but misses. Poklov and Angelista both hack at him, while Poklov gets off a shot. However, it flies past the barbarian and hits Angelista. Poklov gets off one more swing, putting the barbarian out of his misery.
Res aliae
I swear, I rolled up the killer flu back in 2019. Since Felcanis knows Cure Disease, this is going to be a background event, mostly lowering how much they can sell the stuff they find.
Honsou is the son of a guy with whom Roman (Angelista) and I sometimes play Rifts, Roman more than I.
I ended the third session early since it was 60°. We hadn't seen that in months in Minnesota.
