Chapter 16: Against the Chaos

[Dave W.]

Aug 19, 2018 13:03:05 GMT -4 Brian said:

"Do you want to tell me what is bothering you?" he asks. "I must have missed something important back there."

"Melethos," Adamant is very still; his reply comes in fragments, thoughts cut up by uncertainty. "I am your friend… that is one of the most remarkably valuable things I have… you are carrying burdens… I would not be any more of an irritant than I am forced to be… Dolurrh was not kind to me… it was a second forgining… in some ways."

Kal steps up and Adamant loses purchase on the splintered thread of thought. "Kal", the warforged replies softly as the human begins his statement.

As Kal closes, Adamant picks up, “Yes, Kal, trust… that is a better thing to discuss just now.” There’s more focus, and relief. “I know neither of you trusted me at the start and I’m glad you do now. I wanted your trust; worked to gain it. If there is anything Thul respects he hasn’t shown me. If he’s interested in our trust I’m not seeing his effort to get there.”

“My vision of success has all of us surviving. I sense that is not a priority for him. We are in opposition that way.”

“There is a thing I should share,” Adamant touches the hammer Syndra, “there is an Efreet bound to the weapon. That is what causes it to burn when I call it. It speaks to me… it is always hungry to burn something… well, someone really. It talks to me, always demanding more… victims.” Adamant waves his hand, “That is one of my burdens.”

“The point is this is a powerful weapon, I use it but I never trust it; I never let it have control.”

---

piecing the two posts together actually helped… I wasn’t sure how to get where I wanted to go… sorry it took so long to post

[Brian]

Melethos's eyes widen at the mention of the Efreet, but for the moment, he lets that information pass. His first concern is about Adamant and his dilemma.

"I understand your feelings about Thul," he tells the warforged, the sea spray dappling his red skin with water. He wipes his face with his cloak and continues. "I picked him as my second for two reasons. He is first and foremost a skilled warrior. Put simply, he can do the job. But my second reason is the more important one--while I am not impervious to harm, I do not go down easily. It is my..." Melethos pauses. "It is my hope that Thul will not assume command any time soon. By placing him second-in-command, he now has an opportunity to prove himself, to gain that trust you cherish so much. And any desire he may possess to gain our cooperation, if not our friendship, is not totally selfless. He has a personal mission, one that conveniently matches ours: to keep the Emerald Claw from obtaining the Eye. To that end, we are a valuable asset to him and he knows this. For now, I ask that you trust my judgement. While I do this for us, I think I may be doing this more for Thul. He is a complicated man, but perhaps not a bad man. Only the passage of time will tell." He shrugs. "And if I am wrong, I can always replace him."

Now the tiefling's gold eyes grow hard. "The Efreet bothers me greatly. It is an evil creature, and will oppose your good nature. While Syndra is a powerful weapon, the price you may have to pay for wielding it would likely be equally powerful. You have a hard decision, Adamant. I encourage you to abandon the hammer. I would not have your nature tainted by the djinn."

Finally out of words, Melethos glances at Kal, waiting for the sorcerer's input.

________________________________________________

Melethos:1D20+6 → 20(14 + 6)#Arcana Check on knowledge about the efreet.

[Darren]

Kal actually grins when Adamant describes the efreet bound within his weapon. "Perhaps this is an easier decision, then," Kal says. He stands up straight, then holds out the large bladed halfling war-scythe he carries. "Adamant, I want you to use this. It takes a bit of getting used to, but I can show you. It is a powerful weapon, but more importantly, it is a long weapon." Kal takes a step back, and with a slash that cuts the wind in front of Adamant's metal plating, he demonstrates. "See? You can work within our formations, work by my side, and still fight the enemy." Kal looks lovingly at the weapon he has carried for so long. "Perhaps, some day, we will find you a replacement and you can return it to me, but for now, I want you to have it. What say you?"

___________________________
To be fair, I thought this was a great idea, and then I started reading about Adamant's protection styles and how it requires a shield, so this might not be ideal, but I was thinking that a weapon with reach would be good for Adamant so that he can work better within the formations. He can always switch between that and another weapon, too.

[Jeff]

As Thul and Belarin discuss illusions, Sem points at Streko. "While I'm no master illusionist, I think d'Jorasco here has a few Olladran tricks up his sleeve."

---

Dave W: See private thread.

[Elvis]

Thul stops at the gnomes interruption and looks at him. Then at Jorasco.

Sigh...

"Well, Jorasco?" Thul says, "Aside from baking pies and healing, what can value can you add to combat?"

Thul watches him with clear skepticism on his face.

Thul nods to the sketches, "Show me where you can make this even better."

[Jeff]

Did Thul hear Streko's earlier speech of righteous indignation?

Aug 17, 2018 21:01:04 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko clears his throat. "Did you forget about me, Redman? Or do you think I am only a healer. I, too, am capable of causing havoc in large areas. I am blessed by Olladra with spells not just of trickery and destroying undead, but banishing demons, if I happen to be lucky that day. I can also change shape, my own and others, as well as dominate the minds of others and control their actions. I can know the truth of things, if given the time to prepare. Finally, I can ward others from death, or bring them back from the brink, should I get to them quickly enough. I can also raise the dead and speak to them, as others in this group can do." He gives Histra and Belarin and mutual nod.

"I spend most of my time in defensive mode, protecting, healing and attacking as best I can. Truth is, I am not a good fighter, with little confidence in my abilities. However, with Olladra's wisdom and her encouragement, I am able to overcome these deficiencies and, on occasion, I have even been known to make a small difference."

He turns and looks at Melethos, quietly daring him to ignore him now that he has spoken aloud.

"I also have a handy haversack," he says.

Sem seems to be referring to what Streko had said, but also what he himself may have observed.

Melethos knows of genies, though he's certainly never encountered any. Lorjad told him that some were believed to be bound in captivity in the Labyrinth, and that the old orc himself once faced a vengeful dao, a genie of the earth, that had been imprisoned in an ancient masonry jar beneath a cataract of boiling water. This was when the orc was young, and the dao had been placed there by a night hag, who loosed it upon intruders of her domain. Lorjad and two of his companions had entered her territory within the Labyrinth, intent on merely seeking an arrangement, but the hag had other plans for them. Lorjad and one of his comrades escaped with their lives, but the third was walled alive within a column of stone conjured by the genie. They watched his protruding arms flail as he suffocated and was crushed by its weight.

The last thing Lorjad saw was the night hag closing the jar—which sucked the dao back inside quite against its will. It left an impression on the orc, and he never was quite sure whether the genie or the hag was the greater evil. Nevertheless, Lorjad told Melethos that genies existed of air, water, and fire as well; only the djinn, he believed, possessed a sense of honor, but even they could be perilous. He also said it was unlikely Melethos would ever face such a creature, for they were creatures not of Eberron but of other planes. Efreeti, for example, would be native to the plane of Fernia, the Sea of Fire. They are mighty beings and masters of flame, not to be trifled with.

Melethos has a hard time imagining such a creature bound in a static weapon. But then again, artifice has many surprises. Much depends on the weapon's origin.

[Dave W.]

When Kal offers his weapon to Adamant, the warforged refuses, "Oh, Kal, that is very kind of you. As I said earlier to Melethos, your friendship is among the greatest possessions I own. But I'm sorry...I must refuse, partly because it belongs to you… I can't imagine you without it. And in the same way my shield is part of me… I am can use polearms of course, but my first training, still warm from the forge was how to use a shield. But thank you."

He tries to look reassuring to his friends but an immobile faceplate is always a hinderance. "I know I will have to deal with the weapon at some point." Melethos and Kal might notice Adamant avoids using it's name, "At the time there was no other real choice. I gave Dire's Folly to Aven, who needed a weapon, instead of giving him this. If the hammer mastered him then I would be responsible for his falling and whatever evil it made him do. I couldn't have that. In a similar way I can not just leave it somewhere for some unsuspecting person to pick up… again I would be responsible."

"So it remains my burden... for now."

"As for Thul, he is certainly a fine warrior, creative even. But he risks his life too freely. I can not swear to obey him. I have an oath already. If he orders me to sacrifice one of you that would conflict with my existing oath. I will not put myself in that position; my oath is too much a part of my core."

"I do not wish to be an irritant, but I can only do so much as I can do."

---

I love that Kal offers the scythe, but Adamant really does need the shield for his protection style.

[Darren]

Kal frowns, but it fades quickly. "Adamant, you give so much of yourself that I fear one day you may just fade away," he says with a smile. "Okay, keep your weapon, but if you feel its burden becomes too great, you will tell us right away." Kal looks serious. "That is an order you will follow."

Kal sighs and leans his sharrash against the deck railing so he can fold his hands behind his back. "As for Thul, you don't need to obey him. This is my expedition, remember? You will listen to me. I have put Melethos in charge in combat. That's all there is to it. If Thul becomes a liability, I will remove him. Are we clear?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak continues to obseve and listen in on the conversations. He looks over at Kal, Melethos and Adamant, straining to hear them as well. Having nothing more to offer in terms of combat, he remains silent.

[Joe]

Streko grins and winks at the gnome. "I do. I always do, and that is why I am a servant of Olladra. I would never tell anyone all my secrets and those who do know of them, earned my trust." He turns back to Thul and silently glares. "Regarding combat, I've told you everything I am able to accomplish at this time. Depending on he day, I can chose any number of Olladra's gifts, some offensive, some defensive, and some purely of the healing or curse-related variety. If you'd like a swarm of locusts to invade your every orifice, for example, you need but ask and I'd be happy to provide. But, only because I so chose that particular spell this day. Tomorrow, who can say?"

Streko then disengages from Sem and Thul and moves over to Belarin and Histra. He looks up at Histra and bows slightly. "I wanted to thank you for your efforts earlier tonight. I can sometimes be, mistrusting of strangers. However, I wish to always keep an open mind on that which I do not understand or, yes, fear. You are a fearsome foe, Lady Histra, and I am both happy and honored that you parley with us. I just wanted you to know I am grateful and I apologize for any previous slights you may have endured due to my words or actions."

Finally, after a short wait for any response from Histra and/or Belarin, he returns to Sem's side. "I'm curious as to what you meant?" The Halfling's voice is friendly and unconcerned.

[Elvis]

"You haven't said a damn thing, Jorasco. Just alot of words with no value." Thul shakes his head. "You hide behind the others, and let them do all the work."

"But that's not even the worst of it. You avoid responsibility. You avoid stepping up. You avoid getting bloody. You avoid it all and let everyone else do the work for you."

"Personally, I don't give a fek."

"You feel left out? No one asks for your input? Boo hoo. Maybe The Captain should make a safe space for you to sulk in down below."

"Here's your chance to contribute. And the first thing you do is get offended. Then you offer up some vague 'stuff' you can do without actually telling me anything specific."

"You don't commit to a damn thing. If you have something worth adding to the group, then say it. But don't whine about being ignored and then give us nothing of worth!"

Thul looks around the deck at the others.

"You all need to get your heads together. When you do, you let me know."

Thul heads below to his hammock.

[Jeff]

Aug 21, 2018 23:02:03 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko then disengages from Sem and Thul and moves over to Belarin and Histra. He looks up at Histra and bows slightly. "I wanted to thank you for your efforts earlier tonight. I can sometimes be, mistrusting of strangers. However, I wish to always keep an open mind on that which I do not understand or, yes, fear. You are a fearsome foe, Lady Histra, and I am both happy and honored that you parley with us. I just wanted you to know I am grateful and I apologize for any previous slights you may have endured due to my words or actions."

Histra only says, "It was you who banished the nycaloth, not I." It sounds like as heartfelt a sentiment as she can muster.

After Thul speaks after Streko, the necromancer walks up and listens in silence. Even as Thul is walking toward the hatch down, she asks him rhetorically, "Can you cast a demon back to the outer planes, Captain?" As he descends, he hears her add: "If you cannot, accept your limitations. Do not sulk."

In the wake of this, Sem doesn't answer Streko. Nor does he seem to know what he's talking about.

[Jeff]

Histra turns to face Streko again. "When I failed to banish the fiend, you did so, saving us from at least the hammer stroke he intended for us." Seeing puzzled expressions, she says, "The dragon turtle was the anvil." She rolls her eyes, itself an uncharacteristic for her.

"Streko d'Jorasco," Histra goes on. "I mean what I say. More would have fallen if you had not given us the time we needed to prepare for the nycaloth. As you did. But the Karrn is not entirely mistaken. Too often you squander your potential. When foes are upon us, you should be using what weapons your beliefs have given you to strike, or else to heal. Do not waste time giving stealth to a popinjay." Here she gestures vaguely in Kal's direction. "Or worse, watching or waiting. If you can conjure a plague of locusts upon our enemy, halfling, then do so. I..."

She pauses for a long moment and fingers the wand that has been lent to her, more to avoid eye contact than anything else. "I think there may be ways your magic and mine can act in concert." She doesn't sound like she actually likes this idea, but seems to be standing by it.

Sem, at this point, is grinning. "Hey, I'm just glad we're all talking, strategizing." He points to where Thul has gone. "I actually think Captain Cranky is coming around on you all."

[Brian]

While Melethos waits for Adamant's answer to Kal's question, he overhears Histra speaking to Streko. The tone of her words grabs his attention, and he wanders back to join them.

"The lady Histra has a point," he says softly to the halfling. "As does Captain Thul, though his manner tends to mask the message. You can do much, and perhaps much more, than you do. Your work on the nycaloth was nothing short of amazing; you did what none of us could accomplish. You saved our lives, Streko. Glib and homey have their places, but in the midst of battle, we need a focused, powerful Streko. For the sake of the party, I ask you put aside your distaste for the captain.' The tiefling quickly raises a hand. "And we shall talk to Captain Thul about the same. While his points have kernels of truth, his crass shell makes them hard to swallow. Think about not only what you can do, but how your skills can enhance the skills of others. Take the lady Histra up on her offer. Learn from her, and let her learn from you. Then tell us what you have discovered, how it can be applied in battle. It would be a great boon to us all. Can you do this, for the sake of your friends?"

[Dave W.]

Aug 21, 2018 12:07:27 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal frowns, but it fades quickly. "Adamant, you give so much of yourself that I fear one day you may just fade away," he says with a smile. "Okay, keep your weapon, but if you feel its burden becomes too great, you will tell us right away." Kal looks serious. "That is an order you will follow."

Kal sighs and leans his sharrash against the deck railing so he can fold his hands behind his back. "As for Thul, you don't need to obey him. This is my expedition, remember? You will listen to me. I have put Melethos in charge in combat. That's all there is to it. If Thul becomes a liability, I will remove him. Are we clear?"

“I would not willingly put you in danger. If I sense I the hammer’s burden threatens to be beyond me I will say so and find a safe way to put it aside.”

“I promise to value our friendship and will remain loyal to that. I will defend you and the rest despite the cost to me as I have sworn to Orval and Esthryn. Whatever Thul or Melethos, or you order me to do that does not conflict with those previous two, I will attempt. But if there is a way for all of us to survive this, that is my priority.”

“That really will have to be enough Kal, I can not break my vow and you can not release me from it.”

[Jeff]

The solution is simple, warrior, Syndra says in Adamant's mind. Ease your conflict. Give me to the one you call Thul. No harm shall come to your allies then, for he will give me enemies to burn.

Usually Syndra speaks to Adamant only when he is wielding the hammer, but as he is bonded with it, she seems able to communicate even without direct contact. He's fairly sure if he places the hammer off his person, he will not hear her.

[Dave W.]

Aug 22, 2018 10:48:12 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The solution is simple, warrior, Syndra says in Adamant's mind. Ease your conflict. Give me to the one you call Thul. No harm shall come to your allies then, for he will give me enemies to burn.

Usually Syndra speaks to Adamant only when he is wielding the hammer, but as he is bonded with it, she seems able to communicate even without direct contact. He's fairly sure if he places the hammer off his person, he will not hear her.

Adamant’s eye-gems glow brightly for a second, a simpler solution, be content to burn what needs to be burned... put the needs of others above your hungers. Adamant thinks in reply, hush now, we will undoubtedly talk of this later.

[Jeff]

Syndra does not seem placated. Were you caged and not permitted to speak to others or speak of your god's light, to do that which your nature demands, how restless would you become?

[Joe]

Streko smolders at Thul's words. He turns to Melethos. "ALL I have done is for the sake of my friends, Tiefling. Thul, that pompous upstart, thinks to know me and shame me. I'll show him what Olladra is capable of. I will not listen to him, Melethos. I will say this to you and to Kalarian and all of you now. If any of you should fall and he should be take leadership in any capacity, I will actively and with great purpose, show him what happens when the Goddess of Good Fortune, and her servant in this domain, are so brazenly attacked. I know his strengths and weaknesses now, as does everyone here. You wish to be a leader in this "family" Melethos? Teach Thul the meaning of respect and do it quickly, before his words become nothing more than whispers in the wind. Remind him that many heads are better than one, which is easy to lose in dire circumstances. Now, as my motives have been brutalized and my mood soured, I no longer wish to be around any of you. Family. Bah! My true family is back in Sharn, apparently." He turns to Histra. "Your wisdom is obvious and I would be honored to work with you in whatever capacity you feel will help our cause. Thank you."

He moves toward the ship's rigging and begins to climb it, heading toward the crows nest.

[Brian]

Melethos marches after Streko, his hands clenched into fists. "Now who is acting the pompous ass?" he shouts. "Someone says something you do not like and suddenly we are not your family anymore? We are not suddenly worthy? Is that the way of Olladra?" He stops at the main mast and watches as Streko climbs the rigging. May the gods damn stubborn halflings! When will he know that without him, we will all die?

Then an idea comes to Melethos. He hesitates for a moment, unsure if what he is thinking is wise. But then he shrugs and begins to remove his armor. As he loosens the buckles and straps, he calls up to Streko. "You do not care about us anymore? We matter so little because we asked you to search yourself?" Off comes his sword and belt, his splint armor. His shield lies on the decking. "How selfish can one man get? An insult is not an insult unless the person believes it to be true. Perhaps you have forgotten yourself." He removes his boots and, finally, his gauntlets of ogre strength. He winces at the sudden feeling of weakness. "You are important, for too many reasons to list. But for now, you need to remember who you are--a part of this family. And family does not let family die." Melethos spreads his arms out wide. "I want you to remember one thing, Streko Tavven--I cannot swim."

Before anyone can react, Melethos leaps over the side of the ship and plunges into the water.

[Elvis]

The commotion topside is getting... weird.

Something big was just tossed overboard.

Sigh.

Thul climbs back up to watch the dysfunction.

[Jeff]

While Melethos strips away his armor, Kurra, who was meddling with some rigging, pauses. By the time the last of his armor is gone, she has sat herself down to watch him. When the tiefling heaves himself over the edge of the ship, she raises an eyebrow, gets up, and walks towards Brack.

"You owe me five galifars, shifter," she calls out to him.

Quietly, Shorak wonders if the fintail he saw a little while earlier has relatives in these waters.

Thul sees Melethos's discarded armor lying on the deck.

Sem, seeing Thul, shakes his head and points at the empty armor. "Did anyone know tieflings can become incorporeal like that?"

Quieter, to Starg, he says, "Seriously, though....can he swim?"

[Elvis]

"Constant supervision." Thul grumbles.

He makes his way to the side and looks down into the water.

[Ken]

"Bonescrape's bloody jest!" exclaims Belarin in frustration. He rushes to the railing to look down at Melethos. "All this over another Streko tantrum?!" he yells. "What's the point? Why didn't you jump off naked while you were at it? Someone throw him a line!"

[Darren]

Kal rolls his eyes. "Dammit, Melethos," he growls. He throws his sharrash to the deck with a hard thump and draws a wand from the straps at his leg. He closes his eyes in concentration and sweat beads out on his forehead despite the cool sea wind that ruffles his hair. His eyes glow faintly as he opens them and fixes a glare on the sinking tiefling who begins to slowly rise out of the water, rivulets streaming down his red skin. "Streko!" Kal yells, "Get your obstinate ass down here and make sure he's alive!"

_________________________
Such drama!

Kal will use his 7 remaining sorcery points to create a 5th level slot so that he can cast Telekinesis and lift Melethos out of the water.

If Melethos chooses to fight against it, he has to make a Strength check to oppose Kal's (lousy) ability roll of 12.

[Joe]

Aug 22, 2018 14:34:33 GMT -4 Brian said:

Melethos marches after Streko, his hands clenched into fists. "Now who is acting the pompous ass?" he shouts. "Someone says something you do not like and suddenly we are not your family anymore? We are not suddenly worthy? Is that the way of Olladra?" He stops at the main mast and watches as Streko climbs the rigging. May the gods damn stubborn halflings! When will he know that without him, we will all die?

Then an idea comes to Melethos. He hesitates for a moment, unsure if what he is thinking is wise. But then he shrugs and begins to remove his armor. As he loosens the buckles and straps, he calls up to Streko. "You do not care about us anymore? We matter so little because we asked you to search yourself?" Off comes his sword and belt, his splint armor. His shield lies on the decking. "How selfish can one man get? An insult is not an insult unless the person believes it to be true. Perhaps you have forgotten yourself." He removes his boots and, finally, his gauntlets of ogre strength. He winces at the sudden feeling of weakness. "You are important, for too many reasons to list. But for now, you need to remember who you are--a part of this family. And family does not let family die." Melethos spreads his arms out wide. "I want you to remember one thing, Streko Tavven--I cannot swim."

Before anyone can react, Melethos leaps over the side of the ship and plunges into the water.

Streko shakes his head. "If you cannot swim, you shouldn't willingly jump into a sea. Olladra is the Goddess of Fortune. Seems yours has run out, Tiefling. That is the action of a leader? How does this help anyone? Call someone names. hurl insults, and then attempt suicide. Brilliant tactical maneuver." He continues to climb the rigging, stops momentarily, then reaches into his haversack and pulls out a potion of healing. "This is not about what I can or can't do. Nor about how important or unimportant I may be. It is about how people treat one another, you magnificent oaf. And a brother would not test my love for him by trying to kill himself, especially after said brother has been healed multiple times in the past. Ugh! Even I am tired of talking. If Melethos needs healing, I'll toss down a potion or perhaps Adamant can assist. If he needs to be consoled, have him listen to Thul's words of wisdom. I'm sure they'll help."

He continues to climb and begins mutter out loud. "I never said you weren't family, you dumb oaf. I never said you weren't worthy. Gods above and below, why does everyone misinterpret what I say? Why...?"

Streko looks down to the sea..the receding ripples where Melethos fell in.

"FEK!!!!"

Streko places the potion back into his haversack and begins climbing down the rigging.

"DAMNED INSUFFERABLE TIEFLINGS!! Just because you have horns, you think you can intimidate smaller folk! By the Eternal Host if you die, I'll resurrect you so I can kill you again!"

There is a bit of panic in his voice and he practically slides down the rigging toward the deck. His last words, meant in jest, begin to haunt him.

[Dave B.]

Shorak rushes over to the rail where Melethos leapt into the water. He kicks off his boots and tears off his shirt. Grabbing the rail, he readies himself to jump in to assist Melethos if Kal's spell doesn't work for some reason.

If Melethos does fight Kal's spell, Shorak will jump into the water to try to help him.

[Dave W.]

Adamant is about to reply to his hammer when yelling starts and then Melethos jumps overboard. “MAN OVERBOARD!” He runs to the nearest coil of rope but by then Kal has addressed the situation.

[Brian]

The world goes silent as Melethos plunges into the sea. Water rushes to fill his nose, his ears. He forces open his eyes. There, a lighter patch in the dark water. Righting himself, he kicks with his legs and pulls with his arms. At first, he panics. The surface is too far away; he has sank further than expected. Soon, though, he breaks the surface.

He shakes water from his eyes. The ship is pulling away.

Okay, maybe he didn't think of everything before he jumped.

Within moments, he feels a pulling, like a hand around his spine, and he slowly lifts out of the water.

It must be Kal.

Very well. Streko would have been better, but, with the ship quickly sailing out of reach, he has hopefully done enough to make his point.

Closing his eyes, he relaxes his muscles and allows Kal to bring him back to the ship.

[Darren]

With Melethos safely back on the deck, Kal whirls on Thul. His eyes flare and fire smolders across his pupils. Electricity dances across his left hand, outstretched towards Thul. "As for you, Captain," he growls and Thul feels an invisible force grab him about the waist and shoulders....

______________________
Here I will pause because I assume that Thul will oppose this check. Kal will attempt to grab Thul with Telekinesis....

Kal's ability check roll is a 23. Thul must make an opposing Strength check to avoid being grabbed.