Complete 18+ Private Providence Midnight Haunting of Hill Manor

Kamala Graham · Dec 10, 2022

It wasn't a bad plan. Kamala could in fact just wait at this place for @Chrys to finish snooping at the manor. Afterward, he can just share his findings with her and they'd finish the job. But what if something else happens to him while she was in here hiding? As invulnerable as Chrys makes himself appear, ghosts were a whole other ball game, and Kamala wasn't entirely sure he could take them on his own.

"It is fine. I'm fine. Don't you worry about me, Chrys. I'll be fine. I'm not going to abandon you. I won't let you do this alone."

Not this time. Not again. Kamala was still guilt-ridden at running for the hills and leaving her friends during that magia giant mech invasion not too long ago. She was supposed to be their designated healer. She was supposed to make sure no one would die on her watch. And yet at that moment, she fell prey to her panic and paranoia, saving herself instead of others like a selfish brat. Never again.

All those dark thoughts were soon replaced with glee and excitement when the proprietor returned with their food. Kamala loved her salads, and she wasted no time in trying to take a taste, a bite, of all that freshness. Delicious! Before she could take another, though, she noticed something brewing between the old man and her companion, so without any hesitation, she jumped in, interrupting their conversation by inserting herself to make sure nothing else grows out of it. It was a great tavern, so she didn't want to get blacklisted from it.

"Apologies for my...father's lack of decorum, Mr. Fargo. Your words will be greatly appreciated. We are not close friends with the Lord Varus."

Technically, it was all true. Well, except for Chrys being her father. The rest was mostly true. They would appreciate the old man's words, especially if they end up helping them in their investigation. They were also not close friends with the man but only employers hired by the couple, mostly his wife.

Old Fargo raised an eyebrow as he stared deeply into the elf's eyes and all over her form. He heaved a sigh, grabbing a seat at their table, the loud squeaking ignored by the raucous crowd around them. "Listen, the man is a bad sort and I've never trusted him. He may look harmless but I know for a fact that he collects sycophants who use wealth to impress people. I also know that he's building...something an hour or so from Hill Manor. I can give you directions to his creepy tower if you both want to see it all for yourself."

Kamala immediately shared a look with Chrys. Now, this was the development they needed. Maybe they can even catch the supposedly bad lord in the act. His wife probably doesn't even know about his illicit activities. Maybe they should check this lead out first.

Kamala nodded at Old Fargo, a gesture of appreciation for what he had shared with them.

"Thank you for your information, Mr. Fargo. We'll investigate the tower once we're done with our food."

The old man gave them both a serious nod, "All right. I'll get you the directions in a bit." He then got up and out of his seat, walked back to the counter, and began to write on a piece of paper. When he returned to their table, he waved the paper in the air, and made his ulterior motive known. "Just promise me one thing: You see my son, you bring him back to me, safe and sound. Fair enough?" Once they agreed with that last bit, he gave them the paper with the directions, no further strings attached.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (99) + 10 = 109 (Great)
Presence | Kamala Graham | 1356

Chrys · Dec 12, 2022

Throughout the conversation, Chrys kept quiet. He feared anything that might come out of his mouth would only serve to irritate the old man again. @Kamala Graham was doing so good, too, conversing with Old Fargo to gain some much-needed information from him. She was always good with that, gaining people's trust and faith. It was as if she was born to become a public relations specialist.

One thing that Chrys did, though, was listen to everything the man shared with them. When Old Fargo asked them to promise him his son's safety, Chrys closed his eyes but nodded as a gesture of affirmation, though he did not check whether the old man noticed it or not. The only important thing left was to gain those directions, and Kamala received them from the man with little to no effort. Discreetly heaving a sigh of relief, Chrys suddenly feared the worst if it had been him and Ayna here. Or him and Samantha. Or him and Elias. Him and Leyna would have been promising, too. Maybe it's an elf thing?

"Looks like we've found our next destination."

He quietly whispered to his companion as he started to finish his meal.

Kamala Graham · Dec 12, 2022

Amidst a grove of gnarled scrubs and trees stood a half-fallen stone tower. Shoddy workers' tents, piles of timbers, and tools scattered about showed that the site appears to be under reconstruction, though little headway seems to have been made in restoring the tower to its former glory. Or any glory for that matter. Kamala and @Chrys had spent an hour getting there from the tavern, following the directions given to them by Old Fargo. Once they had finished their meal, they bid their farewells and immediately set out for this place.

As they drew closer, however, it became clear to her that the signs of construction were largely spurious. The timbers that were most likely used to shore up and help rebuild the tower walls were years old and beginning to rot. She didn't even need to use her Nature Magic to figure that out. The tools were also rusted, and the tents showed signs of recent occupation but contain no personal effects. Meant for temporary use only?

"Careful, Chrys... I sense something strange about this place... Better have your wits... Wait, I see something!"

Kamala started by whispering rational warnings to her friend, but by the end of her spiel, she was shouting at him in surprise. She had been searching the site as much as she could, using both her elven awareness and her magic. Inside the tower, she caught a glimpse of something she believed to be interesting, and when she rushed to check it, she was right. A staircase made of stone that leads straight down into darkness... But no guards? Huh.

"So, uhh... Invulnerable warriors first?"

She put a hand on her head as she chuckled to herself. Wouldn't that be the best course of action to take? To have Chrys, the warrior between their pair, go down the stairs and take on as many possible traps as he could? Behind him, Kamala would heal the man, of course, as she always does. Seemed to her like the classic positioning in these games.

Chrys · Dec 15, 2022

Chrys gave @Kamala Graham a sly smile before shrugging. It was the better plan. Him having to go first was ideal, as he was the one who could withstand ambushes while Kamala could continually heal him from behind. A perfect healer-tank synergy, if he does say so himself. Besides, I'm the point man, after all.

He descended the stairs thirty feet before finally arriving at a chamber of worked stone. Two braziers flanked the entrance, burning with an unnatural aquamarine light. Pillars stood in two rows, each carved with images of otherworldly creatures. At the far end of the room, Chrys caught sight of a fountain flowing quietly in front of a double door. Another door stood along the west wall, and the wall opposite that appeared to have collapsed, revealing a rough passageway beyond.

Everything would have been so cool, if not for the six hired goons standing guard in the same chamber. Ah, fuck. Chrys raised his hands as the men took out their weapons. He offered them a warm smile, even though he knew deep down that it wouldn't change anything. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a familiar face, one of the men resembling the same guy that managed to flee from earlier.

"Ah, that makes sense! You all work for Lord Faerl, don't you?"

When none of them responded, Chrys bent his neck to the left and then to the right before manifesting his Claymore of the First Loyalist (Greatsword). He stood right in front of Kamala, defending her with his own body. With a playful smirk, he nodded at the men, impressed with their loyalty to gold. They were the same. Except he was better than all of them combined.

"All right. No last words then."

Just as one of the thugs bravely rushed at the armored adventurer with a knife, Chrys raised his greatsword and smashed the ground before him, manifesting his Thousand Sparkling Gold through his Auric Geomancy by willing jagged shards of the earth to rise in the air, floating in front of him, before hurling them at his attacker. After the impact, the shards, now grains of sand, floated around Kamala, boosting her defense.

❰ Thousand Sparkling Gold: Armillary Sphere Screen ❱

As the thug went down, he threw a knife straight at Chrys' head, giving the armored adventurer a cut on his cheek as a souvenir. Chrys watched as the man put a final smile on his face before passing out. He also smiled at the commitment but easily wiped the blood off of his face. That was a terrible attack from me. Hopefully, this fight doesn't take long.

Rolls

Protect @Kamala Graham
1d100 (3) + 25 + 20 = 48
48 damage
Give 1 ally in your zone the Protected State
Aura | Chrys | 1356C3

Play Sheet Link

OOC/Combat Guidelines

There are four Bandit Scouts and two Bandit Arbalists.
All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.
Taking out a Bandit Scout requires 1 successful attack against DC 30. You must lose -10 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you can take out a second Scout.
Taking out a Bandit Arbalist requires 2 successful attacks against DC 20. You must lose -15 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you take out one Arbalist with one attack.
Current Cycle: 1356C3

Mercs

Thugs

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 1 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 1 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 1 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

Archers

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Kamala Graham · Dec 17, 2022

Kamala was a full support character, a healer that prioritizes the safety of her allies over her own violent ego, basically a medic or a doctor with the Hippocratic Oath. She believed that as a good person, she had a responsibility to support her friends and make sure they were in the best shape of their lives as they fight others to protect her and their friends. Others fought for her while she stood in the backline, keeping them alive to keep on fighting. But sometimes, for the greater good, one has to be more active. When she spotted another guard throwing a knife at @Chrys, she instinctively defended him...with her own body.

"Goodness! Watch out! Ack!"

Reacting quickly, Kamala fired back a bolt of concentrated magic at the guy that threw the knife, magic bolstered by nature's spirit that manifested illusory flora throughout. Graceful swirls of green and white light emanated from her Yladian's Hopeful Lamp (Focus) before combining into an arcane blast that zipped through the air and straight into her target, all while phantasmal green leaves wafted in the air with it, a whimsical and playful tune played in everyone's heads, and the smell of spring flowers accompanied the blast.

❰ Reflection in Mind ❱

What Kamala had not expected was for another guard to get caught by her attack. Her main target was blasted with so much force, he flew straight into another guy, and while both of them flung more knives at her in defiance, they still both ended up knocked out by Kamala's magic. She looked at the aftermath with eyes wide in horror and then at her weapon. She had never been that powerful. Was it because she was in pain and so afraid?

Speaking of afraid, Kamala then activated her passive healing to also heal @Chrys. The mending spirit of nature did its thing, materializing a mushroom spirit over her head before it disappeared in a puff of mending spores that showered her body for some quick healing. The same of course happened with Chrys.

❰ Present Manifested ❱

The remaining guards looked at each other, realizing they were down to half their original number, losing the advantage rather quickly. They readied their weapons with vengeful ferocity, looking to avenge their brethren. That or they just didn't want to be the next victims. I'm so sorry, but you're in our way! For the greater good, I can't let you stand in our way!

Rolls

Play Sheet Link

Mercs

Thugs

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 1 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

Archers

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Chrys · Dec 21, 2022

Huh, no heals? To say that Chrys was surprised by @Kamala Graham's choice of tactics would be an understatement. Perhaps he was just getting used to her simply standing back and healing him or Ayna or whoever else was around, having always preferred to be more diplomatic and supportive than violent and murder hobo-y. That last part's not a word, but he wasn't getting paid to stick to actual words. I like this Kamala, too.

While the archers were either too slow loading their stupid ass weapons or too Stormtroopers-esque to hit them with their fired arrows, the last remaining knife guy rushed toward Chrys, who simply grinned and swung his greatsword at him, intending to use the blunt whole of it to turn the attack into a baseball for a quick homerun. Alas, the man was faster than he anticipated, and he managed to do an actual flip over the surprised armor adventurer before landing behind him and stabbing him in his leg. Fuck!

"You're too slow, you stupid fuck," the asshole taunted Chrys as he pulled his knife from the adventurer's flesh and jumped backward to give them both some distance from each other. Chrys quickly stowed his unnecessarily massive claymore, which appeared to everyone else as if the weapon dissolved into dust and sand. A faster opponent meant his weapon of choice was a little too unwieldy, so Chrys went back to basics: his fucking fists. "Ohoho! Lord Knight thinks he can take me on without any weapon? That's fucking arrogant! Do you know who I am?! DO. YOU. KNOW. WHO THE FUCK. I AM. YOU FUCKING-"

Before he could finish his villain monologue, Chrys hit him square in his nuts. Dude was approaching him closer and closer as he talked trash, and Chrys simply and quietly just put his hands up and did the same until the idiot was right in nuts-punching range. In retrospect, Chrys wanted to knock him out with a single punch to the face, but he realized the guy was fast and could just dodge his slower attack. What can't any man dodge? That's right, a good old-fashioned punch to the nuts.

"You're the guy I punched in the nuts. FATALITY!"

The idiot clutched his nuts with one hand and still tried to stab at Chrys, managing to slash his face, though only barely. Gods damn it, I shouldn't have let my guard down. Ugh. Before he could do anything else, though, the man finally passed out, unable to take the pain and embarrassment of getting punched in the nuts. Chrys just stared at the unconscious idiot, heaving a sigh of disappointment.

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (98) + 25 + 20 = 143
143 damage
Martial Arts | Chrys | 1356C4

Play Sheet Link

OOC/Combat Guidelines

There are four Bandit Scouts and two Bandit Arbalists.
All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.
Taking out a Bandit Scout requires 1 successful attack against DC 30. You must lose -10 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you can take out a second Scout.
Taking out a Bandit Arbalist requires 2 successful attacks against DC 20. You must lose -15 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you take out one Arbalist with one attack.
Current Cycle: 1356C4

Mercs

Thugs

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

Archers

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Kamala Graham · Dec 22, 2022

Kamala was too busy getting shot by one of the archers to notice what @Chrys was doing with the remaining guard. If she wasn't, she would've frowned at how unnecessary his violent impulses was. He should've just knocked the guy unconscious with one punch, not risk his future children. Fortunately for her, she managed to dodge an arrow that was headed straight for her head. Unfortunately for her, she got caught by another in the leg.

"Gah! That's rude!"

Without even thinking about it, Kamala pointed the Yladian's Hopeful Lamp (Focus) at the archer that hit her and nature's magical energy blasted forth from its tip, hitting the archer square in their shoulders and knocking them out with one shot. The blast manifested first as graceful swirls of green and white light dancing in the air around the lamp's tip before phantasmal green leaves wafted through the air with the concentrated magical blast, all while a whimsical and playful tune was heard throughout. Devoid of a sensation of gentle warmth, the archer who was hit was still able to smell spring flowers during and after the impact. Not a bad fragrance to sniff before passing out. Certainly better than his remaining ally's dookie.

❰ Reflection in Mind ❱

"If you're done playing with that guy, Chrys, I'd appreciate some help with these archers..."

Even at her hour of immense need, Kamala tried her best not to raise her voice. She knew deep down that no one needed more pressure than they were already in. Deserved, even. Everyone was going through stuff, stuff that she might not even privy to. It was in her best interest to calmly ask for help without adding more spice to the pot.

Rolls

Play Sheet Link

Mercs

Archers

❰ 0 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Chrys · Dec 24, 2022

Chrys immediately turned to where @Kamala Graham was, only to realize she had already taken one out of the two archers with a single blast. Damn, she's packing. It was a little surprising for him to see Kamala blast someone into unconsciousness. For one, she almost always chooses to stay on the backline, just healing everyone else, not one to relish and savor the violence in an active battlefield. But he guessed, with the amount of hired goons they were fighting and the archers even zeroing in on her, a cute cat needed to bare her fangs.

"On it!"

Chrys gave her a nod and punched the palm of his hand in front of his chest, gesturing for another weaponless attack. With a grin on his face, he nonchalantly walked toward the remaining archer, whose eyes were wide in horror. They stumbled to reload their weapon, shaking at the realization that they also might get their nuts punched. "S-stay away from me, you freak! Stay away!" They screamed before letting loose an arrow that accidentally pierced Chrys' right ear.

Hmm. Chrys heaved an annoyed sigh. He did wince at the pain, though it was brief. Clenching his jaw, he closed the gap between himself and the archer, who stumbled back on their ass when his massive frame came too close for comfort. With relative ease, Chrys grabbed the man's crossbow...and immediately punched him in the face, knocking them out with a single blow.

"That's the last of them. What's in the fountain and the doors?"

Chrys raised an eyebrow as his attention was drawn by the weapon in his hands. In another life, he would've chosen the Range mastery to snipe his targets from afar. In this life, however, he smiled as he relished taking out assholes up close and personal. Two different ball games, for sure, but he was very satisfied where he was at right now. In terms of skills, anyway.

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (58) + 25 + 20 = 103
103 damage
Martial Arts | Chrys | 1356C5 | Tryna destroy someone's fam jewels

Play Sheet Link

OOC/Combat Guidelines

There are four Bandit Scouts and two Bandit Arbalists.
All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.
Taking out a Bandit Scout requires 1 successful attack against DC 30. You must lose -10 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you can take out a second Scout.
Taking out a Bandit Arbalist requires 2 successful attacks against DC 20. You must lose -15 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you take out one Arbalist with one attack.
Current Cycle: 1356C5

Mercs

Archers

❰ 0 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Kamala Graham · Dec 27, 2022

Kamala heaved a sigh of relief when she noticed that @Chrys had finally taken down the last of their enemies. She immediately went to him to do a quick check on his wounds and bruises, but when the armored adventurer asked about the fountain and the doors, her curiosity was inevitably piqued. Kamala fluttered toward the fountain, finding awe in its crystal-clear water. When she spotted the silver cup sitting on its edge, she closed her eyes and channeled her Spirit Magic to sense and discern spirits and souls, hoping to communicate with them and ask questions about the strange cup. Unfortunately, there was nothing useful she gathered from the murmurs of the ghosts.

"Nothing useful with the fountain... Let me check the doors."

Kamala checked the double door south of the room but found it locked. She turned to Chrys with an apologetic look, shaking her head. She then proceeded to the door west of the room but also found it locked. The difference, however, as Kamala managed to notice due to her Great Awareness, was that the lock of the door west of the room seemed like it could easily be picked, or forced open by someone with enough strength. With a playful smirk, she held the lock and turned to Chrys, a plan already in her head.

"Doors are locked, my friend, but goodness! I think this lock could be picked or, well, you could just kick this door open?"

Chrys loved to throw his massive weight around, didn't he? He'd love to just smash his way into things. What hope could this door have against the might of the armored adventurer. Surely, Chrys and strong thighs would find no difficulty in forcing the door open. It was a sure bet.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (86) + 20 = 106 (Great)
Awareness | Kamala Graham | 1356

Chrys · Dec 31, 2022

Breaking the crossbow in his hands with ease, Chrys simply turned to where @Kamala Graham was, and nodded at her, before moving past the elven druid to kick the specified door wide open. It only took him one kick, and the door swung open. He readied himself for another fight but was mildly surprised when there was nothing there, not even a single hired gun. Huh. Guess they must've thought the lock would hold.

As Chrys scoured the room with his eyes, he found bundles of papers, scrolls, and books lying scattered on a desk and across the floor. The only source of light seemed to be the two glowing crystal spheres on a shelf along the north wall. Would those be useful? Nah, Kamala has magic. Should be something like a light spell on her. Otherwise, two rocks make fire.

"Well, isn't this a nice room? Must be that man's office..."

Chrys proceeded to walk toward the desk, a smile on his face. He'd check that shelf later, but for now, everyone knows if there were treasure in someone's office, it would almost always be kept in that someone's desk. It didn't have to be a lot of treasure. A few gold pieces here and there should be fine. It's not like it would be a bad thing, too, considering the man may have played a part in his own daughter's death.

"...you think he had a hand in his daughter's death?"

Chrys wouldn't be surprised. In all his career, he's met a few greedy fathers who would sacrifice their children to maintain their hoards. In fact, he'd be surprised if the father didn't have a hand in his daughter's death. Might be a gruesome reason, too, and not just greed. Chrys shuddered at the thought, extremely disgusted.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (11) + 100 = 111 (Great)
Fitness | Chrys | 1356

Kamala Graham · Jan 1, 2023

Kamala followed right behind @Chrys as he entered the room. Some might think she was using him as a meat shield of sorts, and they may be right, but Kamala's intentions were pure. Between the two of them, Chrys would survive more hits while she would easily go down at a triggered trap. He was also the tank and she was the healer. It was much smarter and more practical to have the man go first.

She was instantly drawn to the source of light, the glowing spheres on the north wall shelf, but when she remembered the tale of the moth and the flame, she shook her head and went the opposite way. For one reason or another, perhaps to distract herself from Chrys' line of questioning, hide her sorrow and despair at the possibility that a father had caused his own daughter's death, she took to the southern walls, feeling the cold stone and running her hands over them. Anything to cool her rising temper, the buzzing underneath her skin. What use would her rage be in a moment like this? When they were at peace, a respite from all the fighting?

"Goodness, I don't know... A part of me doesn't even want to know... I'd like to think not but that might just be wishful thinking on my part..."

Kamala's fingers stopped right before they could touch, and she could gain awareness, of a secret door that could lead them elsewhere. Sliding it sideways would have revealed a short passage with an identical door at the far end. Unfortunately for the pair, she was distracted, her thoughts muddled, and so, the opportunity was lost. She turned back toward Chrys and instead retrieved her hand from the south wall. Some secrets are safe in the end.

"Did you find anything?"

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (39) + 20 = 59 (Average)
Awareness | Kamala Graham | 1356

Chrys · Jan 6, 2023

Aha! Chrys smiled when he found what he was looking for hidden in the desk's drawer: Two medallions made of gold that was obviously very expensive and could therefore sell for more than a few pretty pennies. Pocketing both of them, and now satisfied with his personal treasure hunt, he then focused more clearly on the table itself and found a wooden box that contained some useless chimes as well as a thick book that had been sitting upon it. Chrys browsed the contents of the mysterious tome and chanced upon descriptions of various dark rituals, stuff that he didn't really care about. Bet some arcanist would pay a handsome amount for this garbage, though.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing important, just some chimes. What about you?"

Chrys didn't have to be the smartest man, or woman, in this world to realize that @Kamala Graham had found nothing...as well. With a warm smile, he offered her a nod and gestured back to the room they had come from. He also offered his arm for her to take just in case she wasn't feeling too...excited at the prospect of further investigation into this obvious hellhole, a structure made to worship the darkness of man. Or some shit like that.

"I think I saw another passage back there. Let's see where it leads."

Once Kamala agreed, he'd lead her back to the earlier room. He could be wary about any and all signs of danger, but truth be told, Chrys would just soak up all that damage and still knock someone out. Ignoring the aftermath of their earlier battle, the unconscious bodies all over the floor, he made his way toward the crumbling wall of the antechamber, upon which he found a tunnel, thanks to the illumination of a single brazier. He led her further into the passage, and at the end, descended down a set of curving stone stairs farther down into darkness.

Kamala Graham · Jan 8, 2023

Kamala chose to not press further when @Chrys gave her his answer. She caught sight of him pocketing something he had found on the desk due to her better sense of Awareness, and to be fair, Chrys wasn't the fastest fingers she had seen in this game. Whatever he had found, whatever he wanted to do with it, that was his business. Maybe he believed it wasn't worth her time. Maybe he was sparing her the less important details of his rummaging.

"Nothing as well... Lead the way then, my friend."

Kamala followed Chrys' lead like a loyal little puppy, though the sight of the unconscious bodies made her wince a bit. It also slowed her down, falling behind Chrys by a few steps, but managed to do a little run to catch up to him down the curving stone stairs and deep into the darkness. When they reached the bottom, Kamala took the lead and suggested they investigate the closest pathway quietly, which led to their right. She regretted it immediately when they ended up in a dark, dead-end chamber holding a mound of charred bones, desiccated body parts, and skulls scattered across a linen sheet.

"Goodness, what is that?!"

The question was rhetorical, an exclamation of protest, and disbelief, rather than an actual query. She put a hand on her face, covering her nose and mouth, when her eyes wandered over to the strange red-black runes that marked the linen sheet's edges, seemingly scribed in blood. This was not what she wanted to find down there, though to be fair, it was what she should have expected. There was definitely something dark and disgusting involved in their investigation. Yet Kamala needed some time, just a few seconds, to compose herself and keep the vomit from escaping her belly.

Chrys · Jan 14, 2023

Chrys quietly squinted at the dark things that were laid before them, his hands clenched into fists just in case something sprung up from out of them. A part of him wanted to get the hell out of there, go back up those stairs with @Kamala Graham, and bring her to the surface, where it would less grim. Down here, everything suddenly felt dreary and gloomy, as if a dark force was lingering in these halls. The bones and skulls were enough clues. This place is cursed.

"These are not things that we should see, that anyone should see. Whatever this place is, it needs to be buried deep."

Chrys was on the mind to just collapse the earth beneath this cursed tower, bury all of it, stones and bones, underneath the rubble and the ground he could bring forth and down over everything they had just seen. This was no tomb, but he could make it one with just a snap of his fingers. But then his eyes caught sight of the strange runes on the linen's edges. Chrys was no runic scholar. He could barely read the non-normal scripts of this game world. Even though he didn't wish the burden on the elf girl, they seemed to be out of other options.

"The runes... Can you read them? If not, we can just proceed."

If Kamala didn't want to read the aforementioned runes, Chrys wouldn't force her. They would find other clues, no doubt. Between the two of them, they had already reached this far. He could feel it in his bones, the end goal. Just a little longer now, farther, and they'd be set on their investigation. Neither of them didn't need to force themselves to do what they don't want to do. It's just a game. We don't have to be try-hards like the other kids.

Kamala Graham · Jan 17, 2023

Although Kamala didn't really want to, she still tried her best at the request of @Chrys. Warily, she approached the gross red-black runes of blood that soaked the edges of the linen sheet. She was careful not to actually touch anything just in case they were cursed or poisoned or obviously unsanitary. Unfortunately, as she struggled with her paranoid internal panicking, she was unable to interpret the runes. It was as if her brain had been frozen on the spot.

"I-I don't think I can... I don't...know what they mean..."

Surrendering to her inadequacy, Kamala stepped back from the gruesome scene. She was still panting and almost sweating at the sight before them. Whoever's blood it was that was used to scribe the runes, Kamala could only imagine the terrifying suffering they must have endured, even if they willingly did it to themselves. Turning to Chrys, she pleaded to him for them to move elsewhere, unable to tolerate any longer the horrific scene amidst their presence.

"We should...move on."

Moving south, they came across a fork in their road: A path leading northwest and a path leading further south. With quiet determination, Kamala gestured to Chrys that they should check the first path first, as they seemed fated to move south anyway. That or they could always come back once they were done investigating the closer path. As she failed to be of use to him with the runes, she decided to let him choose which path to take in the end. He was the one who'd get beaten up more, if surprises were truly in store for them again, anyway.

"Where would you like to go next?"

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (46) + 0 = 46 (Poor)
Knowledge | Kamala Graham | 1356

Chrys · Jan 20, 2023

Chrys was a bit disappointed that @Kamala Graham couldn't read the runes, but then again, he couldn't either. They weren't technically the smartest pair from their group. At least, not in this game. Simply nodding at her request, he proceeded to take some time to look over both paths before heaving a sigh. In the end, he chose the path leading northwest, pointing toward it.

"We'll return for the other path later then. Keep your wits about you, Kamala."

He reminded her, walking ahead to keep her squishy elven friend safe. The path was longer than he'd expected, but once they reached the end, he squinted at the cell that greeted them. Chrys heaved another sigh, turning behind him to face the elf.

"...it's fucking empty."

Shaking his head, Chrys proceeded ahead of Kamala, going back the way they came. Taking the second path that was leading further south, he was caught surprised, and mildly excited, when four people greeted them with glares.

"This...isn't fucking empty."

Although Chrys' full attention was on the four, who were clearly cultists based on their weird-ass robes, he also caught sight of the scrolls and notes that were spread across the floor of the worked stone alcove. Were they...practicing something occult? Learning, perhaps? One of them caught his attention. Chrys pointed at the boy, an eyebrow raised.

"You. You look familiar. Have I beaten you up before?"

"KILL THE HEATHENS! DESTROY THE NON-BELIEVERS!" Angry at being ignored, the three other cultists that didn't look familiar to Chrys tried to rush him, only for the armored adventurer to punch the ground in front of him with his full strength, sending shards of the earth at his would-be attackers and taking them all out in one fell swoop. The sound of the rocks and stones impacting their flesh and bones was way uglier than the sound of their scimitar clanging against Chrys' armor.

❰ Brawl-Around Defense: Infamous Blast ❱

"So...what were you guys doing here?"

Once the dust settled, Chrys grinned at the remaining cultist, noting how different he seemed compared to the others. Where have I seen this guy before? Has he actually? He couldn't remember, though the feeling nagged at him worse than an ignored ex-wife.

Rolls

Stable Attack
6d20 EX (10 + 2 + 5 + 14 + 18 + 5) + 25 + 20 = 99
99 damage (Explosions: 0)
Martial Arts | Chrys | 1356

(F) Area Effect
Divide your damage between the target and all enemies adjacent to them. Take retaliation damage (if any) from each enemy you damage. (Divided 99 damage to 33 damage for all three Cultists and taking all the retal)
Chrys

(BA) Area Effect
3d20 (1 + 9 + 8) = 18 splash damage (Crap)
Chrys

Play Sheet Link

OOC/Combat Guidelines

There are three Cultists (Bandit Scouts) and one Cult Fanatic (Bandit Arbalist).
All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.
Taking out a Cultist (Bandit Scout) requires 1 successful attack against DC 30. You must lose -10 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you can take out a second Cultist.
Taking out a Cult Fanatic (Bandit Arbalist) requires 2 successful attacks against DC 20. You must lose -15 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you take out one Fanatic with one attack.

Cultists

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

CULTIST
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Cultist tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Cultist.

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

CULTIST
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Cultist tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Cultist.

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

CULTIST
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Cultist tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Cultist.

Cult Fanatic

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

CULT FANATIC
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Kamala Graham · Jan 23, 2023

While @Chrys couldn't quite remember who the fourth man was, Kamala's far superior perceptive abilities made her realize where she had seen him before. He looks like that tavernkeeper we just met... Young Fargo?! Eyes widened in surprise, she found her hands already before her open mouth, protecting her dropped jaw.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, OUTLANDERS?! YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!" Young Fargo screamed, enraged that Chrys had easily taken out his brothers. With nothing left to lose, he aimed the ornate dagger in his hand straight into the confident geomancer's neck. Or at least he tried to. Kamala, however, had something else in mind: She placed her body between the two of them at the last second, forcing the boy to plunge the blade into her shoulder.

The elf winced in pain as she felt the cold sharpness of the steel pierce her flesh. It was the boy's turn to be surprised. He let the blade go, the damned thing clanging against the floor, and took a few steps back. It seemed he was less prepared to stab an innocent elven woman, and he struggled to make sense of his own actions. "Wha-what have I done? I've harmed the innocent... I've failed the traditional steps to becoming a man of this town. I can't go back to father... He would never understand the truth of our traditions."

"Just because something's traditional or a tradition doesn't mean it's good. All it means is that things were done a certain way for a long time."

Kamala ignored the pain, which her regenerative abilities slowly dealt with. Instead, she focused all her effort into approaching the boy and holding his trembling hands in her own. She gave her the warmest smile she could, having already forgiven him. Not everything must be solved with violence. Sometimes, all it takes is a kind heart, an open mind, and maybe the mending spirits of harmonious nature watching over you.

"But times change, and so do we."

The elf gently pulled the boy in for a tight hug, allowing him to sob his mistakes and regrets away. Her wound had already closed by this point, the same healing green light gracing @Chrys who would regenerate the same amount, thanks to the same nature spirits. Kamala lamented the pressures of small towns on young boys, on growing children really. While the other three were clearly much older than Young Fargo, it was not late for the tavernkeeper's son. He could still change his path. He could still be better.

"Lord Theo Varus tricked you, Young Fargo, corrupted and used you."

"It's not Lord Theo. It's..." The boy slowly pulled away from Kamala, his eyes soaked in salt and water. Staring the elf in her eyes, he looked away, wiping his tears and the rest of his face with his robes. "...Lord Faerl. He took over this tower after the tragedy, though Lord Theo still technically owns it. I doubt the mourning father knew what was going on around these parts. They never do."

Kamala shook her head. It was a tragic fate, the wastage of youth, all because those before them neglect to see the truth of it all, the truth of their suffering, their misery, their confusion. She turned to Chrys with a forlorn face. If he had any more questions, this was the time to ask. Otherwise, they should send the boy back to his father. What comes next, he would not need to see, would not deserve to witness.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (94) + 20 = 114 (Great)
Presence | Kamala Graham | 1356

(F) Regeneration
(1 + 6 + 5) = 12
Regenerate 12 HP.
Mend | Kamala Graham

(BA) Regeneration
Regain the rolled HP and grant an ally ( @Chrys ) the same amount, ~~or forgo your own regeneration and grant an ally double the rolled HP~~.
Kamala Graham

Play Sheet Link

Chrys · Jan 23, 2023

Chrys was more than ready to take on the familiar-looking boy's attack but was more than surprised when @Kamala Graham protected him with her own body. That was completely unnecessary, especially since he was wearing one of the best armor in the game. But then it soon made sense to him: Kamala's act was to soften the misguided boy, who crumbled as soon as he realized he had harmed the innocent-looking elf. Well done, Kamala. Well freaking done. Wait, Young Fargo?! This guy's Young Fargo? Huh. I guess there is some resemblance...

"So it was truly Lord Faerl who was behind the tragedy then? Poor Lord Theo Varus... He never knew a snake in his garden had bitten his daughter."

Chrys relaxed himself, heaving a sigh. Although he didn't have a daughter per se, at least none that he knew of, he could imagine the pain of that truth once it seeps out, and it will. All truths eventually come to light no matter how hard one tries to hide them. He's seen it countless of times in the courtroom, more times outside of it. Exchanging glances with Kamala, he simply nodded at her.

"Kid, your father's been looking for you. Best return to him now. You don't want to be here when shit goes down."

Young Fargo just stared at the armored adventurer who immediately looked away. Chrys' clenched his jaw, balling his fists into knuckles. The boy would know no more than Lord Faerl is, and judging by the presence of those guards and these kids, Chrys simply assumed he was in here...wherever he holed himself up. "He's in his dark chapel. There's stairs in the south that should take you to him. I... Help me free some prisoners before I leave."

Chrys exchanged another look with Kamala before following the boy to the southeast of the room, just noticing a cell hidden in the dark. Squinting further in, he noticed a family face with other unfamiliar ones.

"No freaking way... The Broken Horn?"

Mr. Hugh returned Chrys' bewildered gaze with an awkward, extremely humiliated smile. "H-hello, you two... I can explain." Chrys just continued to stare at him in confusion, ignoring the five other prisoners. Gulping, the former adventurer continued. "When I heard about what you two were up to, I went ahead of you. You both inspired me to seek my own vengeance for Olivia! ...but I was capture when I took on a squad of these <dolphin honks> along the trade way. Pretty sure they were looking for victims..." Before the man could continue his rambling, Young Fargo pointed out a tragic truth about the locked iron-bar door. "Lord Faerl has the keys unfortunately. Does any one of you know how to pick a lock?"

"That's...disappointing. But keys are not needed when I, Chrystopheles Stonecastle, am around. Now, move back please. All of you. I'll break you out."

With a huff and a puff, Chrys proceeded to kick the godsdamned door open with a single but powerful effort, shocking everyone, except maybe Kamala, in that room. The iron-bar door crumbled at his strength, as if it was only made of wood, though it didn't break that much, only bent. Standing triumphant, he beckoned the prisoners to join them in the light, knowing Kamala would immediately take to them to provide medical attention.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (28) + 100 = 128 (Spectacular)
Fitness | Chrys | 1356

Play Sheet Link

Kamala Graham · Jan 25, 2023

Chrystopheles Wha- Kamala found herself staring at @Chrys for a few seconds of confusion. Was that...his full in-game name? But she's never heard or seen it before, not even on her UI. She didn't get much to ponder on that strange revelation, however, as the prisoners started pouring out of the cell, most of them wounded and in bad shape. First things first then.

"Come here. I'll heal you."

There were six prisoners in total including The Broken Horn. Kamala started with him first, as he was the one most confident enough to approach without any hesitation. He seemed healthy enough albeit a bit injured, but Kamala had plenty of heals to spare. Once he was feeling much better, thanks to the mending spirits of harmonious nature that heeded the elf's pleas, he started introducing everyone else, guiding them toward Kamala's rejuvenating presence.

"This is Kara Fieri, Lord Faerl's cousin. She joined him willingly until she realized what he was actually doing, so she tried to escape but got caught." The woman was in terrible shape, in obviously poor health, exhausted, and coughing, but once Kamala got her hands over her, she was back to her full potential. Kara and Mr. Hugh exchanged smiles, the woman thanking the elf for her miraculous assistance before the latter continued. "These are Jaxlar, Dors, Saffre, and Alshan. They were part of the caravan I...failed to save. Two of their companions were taken from here a few hours earlier..."

"Do you think they're...still...okay?"

Kamala asked as she tended to the innocent civilians, though she hesitated with the last part when she noticed the child with them listening intently. Must be family with those two... The elf tried to assuage the tiny human's fears, which worked, and slowly, when it was the child's turn to be healed, they smiled at Kamala warmly. Mr. Hugh also waited for the others, who were already healed, to take the child away, so he can answer Kamala's curiosity. "I doubt it. My fingers are crossed, but these cultists are sadists... No offense, kid." He turned to Young Fargo who immediately shook his head. "None taken, but we need to get these people out of here now." The two civilians exchanged nods and the younger man started to usher the prisoners quietly. "What about the two of you?"

"We'll be fine, Mr. Hugh. There's a tavern close by, the Swelling Pot. The owner is father to that boy. He will keep you safe. Now go. Keep everyone safe, sir knight."

Kamala and the retired knight exchanged glances. The elf held the man's hand firmly and let go once he was ready to leave with the others. With that promise, that vow, she hoped he would stay with the prisoners, far from this cursed tower. The elf and her armored companion still had work to get done. Kamala was not vengeful, but these people deserved justice. Olivia deserves hers as well.

Rolls

(F) Regeneration
(3 + 6 + 6) = 15
Regenerate 15 HP.
Mend | Kamala Graham

(BA) Regeneration
Regain the rolled HP and grant an ally (@Chrys) the same amount~~, or forgo your own regeneration and grant an ally double the rolled HP~~.
Kamala Graham

Play Sheet Link

Chrys · Jan 28, 2023

Chrys didn't have much to say during the Broken Horn's entire spiel, instead standing guard with Young Fargo as the other prisoners were introduced and immediately healed by @Kamala Graham. It was her field of expertise, and there was no way in hell Chrys would steal that spotlight from her. He could never. So he just waited until they were done and ready to leave, giving those who turned his way a quiet nod and Mr. Hugh a serious farewell.

"Stay safe."

Once the civilians were gone, Chrys nodded at Kamala as well. They quietly made their way further to the south, passing by two separate rooms filled with mounds of ash and bone. Whatever they were, they didn't give Chrys a good feeling. The rest of their way was uninterrupted, and soon, they found the staircase leading up that Young Fargo had been talking about. As always, Chrys led the way, protecting his friend from any sort of trap and ambush that may come their way.

Yet, only two wooden chests greeted them in the dark room they ended up in, where the staircase lead the pair of adventurers. Warily, Chrys check one of them, and to his surprise, found both of them unlocked. Damn, am I dreaming? Before Kamala could talk him out of it, he started taking the valuables inside the chests, discarding the longsword and two daggers but stowing the pair of expensive-looking jeweled earrings. Daddy likes!

Rolls

Daddy loots!

Play Sheet Link

Complete 18+ Private Providence Midnight Haunting of Hill Manor

❮ Pathfinder ❯

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

❮ Pathfinder ❯

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

OOC/Combat Guidelines

Mercs

❮ Pathfinder ❯

Mercs

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

OOC/Combat Guidelines

Mercs

❮ Pathfinder ❯

Mercs

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

OOC/Combat Guidelines

Mercs

❮ Pathfinder ❯

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

❮ Pathfinder ❯

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

❮ Pathfinder ❯

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

❮ Pathfinder ❯

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

OOC/Combat Guidelines

Cultists

❮ Pathfinder ❯

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯

❮ Pathfinder ❯

❮ Stalwart Defender ❯