Hunters of Vengeance

[DM Spartacus]

Hunters of Hoar, home of witty banter, and fine crime scene sketches of distinction.

Nice one. A great advert for Hunters of Vengeance, and the wider game.

[Calodan]

A leaf dances in circles up the dusty road climbing higher into the air with every turn. Kory stands with Gunthar on the side of the road speaking to a elf woman known only to them as Esme a fellow in faith to Hoar. A human female stands nearby keeping watch as the men attempt to enlist the aid of the elven woman. As they speak outside the known establishment of the Friendly Arms Inn a small boy in tattered rags comes racing by.......

Kory Sentinel: Wait Boy!

Mary Myers: A small sniff can be heard, while she stands quietly waiting for Kory to give an order

Kory Sentinel: You look quite poor. What are you doing on this road?

Human Boy Beggar: Very but I have a job today!

Kory Sentinel: Oh?

Human Boy Beggar: I am looking for Mr. Sonny Tell

Kory Sentinel: Sonny Tell?

Human Boy Beggar: Tilts his head Senny Tell?

Essaerae Moonshade: Sonny-tell? She frowned

Gunthar: Looks puzzled

Essaerae Moonshade: Then looked to Kory Aren't you called Sentinel?

Kory Sentinel: Senny Tell?

Human Boy Beggar: Yes that's it! Sentinel.

Kory Sentinel: Oh! Well then boy you have found your charge.

Gunthar: Looks at the boy, suspicious What for?

Mary Myers: Shifts her eyes and stares down at the small boy

Kory Sentinel: What can I do for you?

Human Boy Beggar: Ah ha! I have a message for you delivered to the Inn, said you were outside and now I am rich. There you go mail fresh from the sky they said. See ya!

Kory Sentinel: Thank you boy.

Essaerae Moonshade: What does it say?

Gunthar: Looks at Kory in anticipation HMM?


Kory Sentinel: Hands the letter around It says that the Golden wolf collected a rare bush which means you were spot on Esme.

Gunthar: sighs

Kory Sentinel: It says his next destination is Greenest

Essaerae Moonshade: I know where it grows, I have a satchel of it myself.

The group gathers as they are about to leave the bard known as Faelyn arrives just in time he touches one of the group in the circle as a bright flash then only a leaf again dancing down the road in the wind.......



A bush briefly wavers as a sudden change in pressure in the area accompanied by a flash of light and the adventuring troupe appears out of the circle of light. Quickly they gather themselves and head North towards the Uldoon Trail and Greenest. The road proved none the more dangerous than usual and they dispatched a few gnoll along the way but that is not our story. The troupe gathers after the journey at the gates of Greenest finally heading into the town they seek the information they need to apprehend their target.

Essaerae Moonshade: Sheathe your weapons.

Kory Sentinel: Okay well. Two places we can try and search. Tavern or the watch.

Gunthar: So, now that we're here, what do we look for?

Kory Sentinel: Someone may know something. Well so far the first ingredient was a bush.

Greenest Citizen: Fresh fruit, fresh fruit!

Kory Sentinel: So what rare alchemical ingredients might be here? Something unique to this area maybe?

Gunthar: Ponders

Essaerae Moonshade: Someone who sells an unspecified ingredient used for a trap. Mhmm...

Kory Sentinel: Are there new people here not of the area. That kind of thing.

Gunthar: Rare ingredients eh?

Kory Sentinel: Fan out see what you can find. We can do more by asking things separately.

Gunthar: Thinks

Faelyn Naedithas: What are we looking now?

Essaerae Moonshade: Take a double look on the masked. She started to gaze the citizens

Kory Sentinel: Keep your eyes peeled. Try to stay within ear shot at least.

Faelyn Naedithas: Nods

Kory watches as the group fans out and begins questioning citizens around. He himself takes a moment to get a apple and eat it while walking around listening to the conversations the group is having. Some bits of information gathered were that the merchant was from Amn and headed to Triel to get something to the Hellriders. The merchant made a deal near the well wall with a unknown man that was tall for an elf but small for a man dressed in blacks and greens. A small boy was able to point the group to a oily bush which proves to be the ingredient sought to complete the assassin's deadly concoction. The boy also mentions that the man was for sure an elven male who carried twin blades. As the sun continues to blaze across the sky the group begins to feel the pressure of time upon them as they realize that they are a step behind their prey. The scent is in the air but the prey stays downwind for them. In an effort to head off at least one lead they make haste for Triel and the encampment of Hellriders.......



Essaerae Moonshade: The caravan is still here... Good.

Amn Trader: Looks suspiciously at outfit decides not to talk to them and goes and hides among Hellriders

Essaerae Moonshade: Hey! Pfff! This coward knows something.

Faelyn Naedithas: He went inside the wagon?

Essaerae Moonshade: No, he hid among the Hellriders. She inspects his wagon

Faelyn Naedithas: Hrmm....

Kory Sentinel: What is it?

Essaerae Moonshade: She hands something she found to Kory

Kory Sentinel: This is not good. Reads the note, shows it to the others

Faelyn Naedithas: Looks at the note briefly

Kory Sentinel: Well then. Now what?

Essaerae Moonshade: She frowned Pay the merchant to untie his tongue maybe.

Faelyn Naedithas: Mmmhm

Kory Sentinel: We have this. Perhaps the merchant knows who can help us further or tell us what mercenaries?

Hellrider Scout: SAY WHO OWNS THAT TRAIL BLOCKING WAGON?

The group explains that the wagon belongs to a merchant who ran off. The camp erupts as they attempt to find the man but nothing is turned up from there. The groups mood begins to dampen knowing now that the trail will begin to grow cold without the apprehension of the merchant to garner further evidence needed. One of the group strikes up conversation with a guard who happens to have a message from Big John from the group. It seems the Golden Wolf is running out of coin to fund the operation and needs to seek out bounties in the land to make coin and fulfill the assassination to come. The group looks to find some help in a tracker or two and seeking someone who can tell them the use of the two ingredients the Golden Wolf has obtained.

[Calodan]

A bright flash as dust, twig and leaf scatter up and away from the center of the light ball. Two women followed by a man in gray and black priest robes make their way towards Beregost.
They enter the tavern some look but most others are too busy in conversation, food or drink to see the three walk through going to the stairs up without talking to anyone. Kory whispers to Elyssa if he should cast a ward to lock down any teleporting to and from their location at that point. Only a slight look of concern on his face. The message from Bentley still on his mind. It clearly stated to come to Beregost Inn room 21 the occupant had information on the Golden Wolf. It could be a trap. It might be the wolf himself. So many demons whispered doubts into his very soul as he whispered the prayer and the air took on a much denser feel to it. Then he steps up to the door and knocks firmly. As his fist hits the door it pops and creaks open ever so slightly. No sound. No hushed greeting from a figure yet to be seen. Nothing. You could almost hear his breathing stop as he takes pensive look through the slight crack now opening more as his hand brushes into the door pressing against the warm wood. He lets his eyes scan the room slowly starting from his feet to the back wall. There it was the familiar crimson pool he was now accustomed to seeing whenever he showed up somewhere to get information on his quarry. The blood was pooled about the body of man middle aged? Just under? Not sure he tries to inspect the area around it at first finding only a bit of yellow cloth and some chain links like that used to make chainmail.
Damn. One step behind every time! Or so the Wolf thought he would smile a bit and ask the two ladies to please back out of the room as they inspected the scene with him. He had brought some help this time. As they step out Kory looks at Michael with his dog Rain. With a solemn nod he asks the man if they can get anything of a scent in the grisly scene and track the suspect. Without too much of a word Michael pets his dog whispering a few things to her and they enter the room.
The dog and her handler exit the room as she sniffs out something with aggressive intent. Kory quickly follows a slight feeling of exuberance as he thinks they may yet get the Golden Wolf before he could accomplish his task and more lives were lost. The six were too many already. Not to mention how long the Wolf was said to be in operation. Elves. They lived so long he thought as he followed behind the tracker and his companion.
The dog stops. Michael too. As he comes up Kory's hope is suddenly ripped away. The trail had gone cold. It only led North. The Wolf had managed to hide his scent at some point. Agreeing that the tracker could do better by moving on his own Kory agrees to meet up at the Farmlands in East Baldur's Gate. Kory had one last ditch effort he was going to try.



Stepping out of the suddenly disturbed area near the Farmlands merchants and fire area Kory wastes no time. He, Faelyn and Nixidea fan out talking to other people nearby to see if they had seen their suspect. They described known clothing and possible new clothing to many on nearby but no one seemed to know of the suspect so far. Though it seemed there was some scuttlebutt about a certain Black Jack the Pirate just escaped from BG with some treasure or something. A bounty had been put on his head for capture.
Perfect Kory thought. Just what he was looking for. A bounty nearby in the direction the suspect was headed. Last intelligence he had gotten said the suspect was looking to make some gold by filling bounties. Leaving the presence of Elyssa, Faelyn and Nixidea Kory starts North towards a cave nearby he thought the pirate might try to hole up in.
Michael stops him not too far from the destination to explain he found the pirate already and he had died of wounds sustained in the escape. He had a treasure with him and Michael thought he might stay hidden and see if the Wolf would pop up as per what he and Kory discussed before parting. Though they would not have Tymora's favor that day it would seem.
After some discussion Michael and his companion are given their pay and promise of further work is given. Standing there visible frustration on his face as a group of people with Elyssa and Nixidea comes up. Most notably in it is a Halfling merchant who says he had come across a person who fit the description of the suspect. The Hin explains he sold the person of interest some healing kits and though he could not be certain some invisibility potions as well.
Kory shakes his head. Things just got complicated. Now his target was getting things to disguise himself. The wolf knew they were on to him. Time was slow for the wolf. He was patient. He could afford to be. Hundreds of years lived to master his craft. Kory was just now turning 22. So much had happened to him for his age yes that was true. This wolf though. He had been here before when there were other wars happening. He had lived through things ten times that of which Kory had. Everything Kory had done in his meager 4 years on the Coast this one had done most likely to the point of boredom. This was going to be a hard one to solve. He knew it.
A sullen look to his shoulders Kory pays out the days wages to each of those who had answered the call to help that time. He gets contacts from them and promises to deliver case notes and other facts to those who were determined to catch the suspect as well. After finishing he bids them all a good journey and takes his leave. In his mind he puts another mark in the score column for his suspect. Still no wins for him in his mind. One more life was taken this day. One more chain on the link of judgment for the Wolf too. Something else disturbed him too as he walked on towards the only place he called home. Something Nixidea wanted him to consider. The Wolf may be a Hoarite too. He may be following faith just as Kory was. If that were the case, then what? Who was right? Kory is the favored was he not? Hoar would never mislead him. Yet he never asked Hoar about it. He simply followed the facts from day 1. 3 priests of his faith were dead. 3 innocent lives as well. Would it matter now what was thought before that? No. He thought. The law was clear. Life for life. Those 6 lives demanded a blood penance. This the Wolf would pay for, as only he could. He nods silently to himself as one last thought crosses his mind. There was one less pirate on the coast at least and the search for the wolf had at least uncovered that. Kory enters the Hunters lair and the door closes behind him.

[HamsterHyde]

*A letter well writen with an elegant and florished writing. A red wax seal with a plain stamp is keeping the content unread.*

Dear Koryeneer of House Sentinel,

I may have important information about the suspect and a few ideas on how to apprehend him. Therefore I suggest to meet as soon as possible in the Beregorst Inn.

Sincerely yours, Nixidea.

[TarnishedSoul]

A sealed missive addressed to "Koryeneer of House Sentinel" arrives at the Hunters of Vengeance Compound.
The point of origin shows as "Office of the Guide, Candlekeep."

[Calodan]

A flash of steel from the corner of his eye quickly parried away with one swipe of his spear and a lightning thrust puts the would be attacker down. Barking out commands to search the body and set up a watch of the area Kory hurries into cave near the Ruins of Ulcaster. As if the wyverns in the area were not problem enough he thinks. He enters and immediately Nixidea warns of being attacked. Saying only a single black gloved hand came from shadow to snuff her soul from existence. Finding no time to believe they had gotten their mark Kory quickly orders Gunthar to have the group move North by way of Gullykin as he worked to Nashkel to see if the Wolf headed South this time. A quick chant of prayer and he moves off with magical speed towards Nashkel only to find a wild eyed orc and nothing much more before teleporting North to Soubar and working his way South towards his hired company of search hounds.




The days light begins to fade as he makes his way towards the Phoenix company lodge having looked and asked around for the day from Soubar to the Wyrm's crossing. His cloak dusty from the road and his face looking tired, weary from the days hard travel looking for his quarry. He had stopped and talked to many elves along the way. Yet he could not be sure the Wolf would even look like an elf. After getting disguises at one point for all Kory knew he was a bit of a master of sorts at hiding his persona. Good assassins usually were. A weary sigh as he approaches the lodge its new wood and insignia brightly colored the residing light. He stops for a moment to query the guards of the lodge on if they had seen his prey. The two elven lasses explain that a gentleman did indeed enter the lodge who fit the description at one point but had just recently left. Kory mutters a few curses on his luck. As the group reaches lodge as well Kory asks that they report their findings. As it would turn out a certain Countess Collette Montpellier apparently felt it was a good time to boast of how she knew the target of the Wolf was to be some wandering priest from Waterdeep. A high ranking one of some import and that the cult that wished this priest dead had hired the Wolf to dispatch this new threat to their ways. As the group explains this if full detail Kory begins to realize why the hunt has gone awry to this point. It seems a certain Molli Montpellier had been hired to work within the lair as a cleaner to start getting it up to shape. More curses follow about his luck and he quickly speeds off with Nixidea and Gunthar in tow





The three enter the lair of Hunters and Kory moves quickly to find the traitor among them in the lair. When he is found Kory's rage boils over and he takes full visage of his deity as he chastises the traitor before locking him up. After some time Kory goes to the cell and begins the interrogation of Molli. After some time and speaking with him Kory eventually resigns to letting Nixidea find out what she can from him.

[Sputnik]

A rider clad in loose black garb delivers a sealed letter to the Hunter's Lair among the hills of Thundar's Ride. It bears the seal of the Ebon Blade Mercenaries.

[burbles]

A beshaban priestess in eastern farmlands of BG had come across a tent with some potent magical items and a two adventurers besides the trader. Overhearing talk the two had, and catching a ponderous glance from one named Talas - a new, if not very young paladin of Hoar, she'd made a few comments on generaly friendly attitude of Hoar worshipers to her in the past and on difficulties of paladin with such a patron.
After a little talk, the paladin had made up his mind (or mustered the courage) to ask the priestess for a talk in private. She aggreed. Though a little wary, she learned soon why the man had looked uncertain or uneasy, and likely was able to answer his question, though funny enough the both had discovered similar lacking on their different ends.
After learning a bit more about Hunters and feeling welcome, the priestess, Babura, had offered her services to the group to their mutual gain and ruin to their enemies. Perhaps they will meet again, though there is some concern if all could stomach dark magic of Beshaba's specialised curser.

((Babura Saursun had made her first acquintance with Hunters, open to further RP and\or joining forces))

[Calodan]

The cool night air licks at the fur of his cloak, small tufts waiving as he makes his way up the old cobble path just past Boreskyr bridge a small light can be seen up the hill just inside an old wall below a crumbling tower overlooking the river. The walk seems to take hours as his heart races and his brain goes over what may be happening. He had heard that the Wolf did finally get captured even after his tantrum leaving the city when the wolf had succeeded then evaded capture. He stepped through the gate area to be greeted by a man in fine clothing accompanied by a small contingent of Fist guards. The two men converse briefly over a man they have in their custody currently. As Kory look at the man he sees the same sharp features and eyes of a man he passed in the street on his way to his post that fateful day of the death of Fredrich Sythe. The two men shake hands after they converse at the end of it Kory walks over the Sun Elf known as the Golden Wolf and without a word he pulls out his spear driving it through the mans black assassin heart with not a word. As the envoy that had him in tow departs Kory turns over the earth where the elf bled so only soil showed and quickly teleports to just outside the lair of the Hunters where he drops the body of the Elf down a deep chasm nearby. Kory's eyes narrow as he grumbles about not being able to execute the man with his own swords. Though he would find them and look to bring them to the Hunters. He wished to put them on the altar of Hoar for his god. They would be Hoar's gift from the Hunters.



After dropping the once dangerous Golden wolf's body down the chasm Kory makes his way into the lair walking back towards the prisoner's area. He grabs a freshly sharpened dagger on his way. A look of anger has overtaken his countenance as he unlocks the gate to the prisoner's cell stepping into it he reaches up and slits Molli's throat and watches as the traitor bleeds out. When it is all done he takes the body out to the chasm and drops it down as well. He spends the rest of his evening cleaning the blood off the floor and his spear whatever time before dawn comes he spends in prayer to Hoar.

[Calodan]

The weight of the captive on his shoulder seems nothing compared to the weight of the murdered on his conscious. As he steps closer to the lair of Hunters the burden of each soul is released from him. The 3 priests of Hoar, the poor bar maid, the tailor and the priest of Waterdeep. They were all avenged now. Justice had been served. Hoar's will would be done soon no longer a need for the time to seek out his will. Kory would breath a sigh of relief. Perhaps he could take some time for a dinner with a lady...No telling if she would accept. He had found himself quite smitten as of late....the door of the lair presents itself before him and his thoughts come back to the captive on his shoulder. He opens the gate with one arm holding the captive over his shoulder with the other. Stepping through threshold he takes her to the cell the last time she would be seen alive entering anywhere. Her body would later turn up hanging from a tree with a message. Some might say they heard three loud claps of thunder not long before the body appeared in the tree.......

[Calodan]

Sun pours down on the adventurers as they make their way North from the confines of the Friendly arm inn. Stirred to movement by rumors of Polvich they patrol up to the Coast to the farmlands. Staying vigilant and frosty as they near there journey's end it pays off. Men clad in garbs of yellow are seen skulking about. Sounding the alarm the men are scattered and pursuit into the grave yards soon persists. Fighting their way through skeleton's and ghouls they find themselves beneath the gate deep in the well outside the farmlands searching for clues and signs of the rumor of Polvich. All the time in the shadows another follows..........



Wading through the water more ghouls present themselves and as each is dispatched it leads further into the cavernous area beneath the land. With each ghoul dispatched the group hopes to find the men they pursue. Eventually the trail goes cold. No ghouls. No men in yellow robes. Just a singular sundial.



Ideas are exchanged and items arranged. 3 items light up yet more do not. The air crackles and a rift erupts in the room undead pouring forth from it battle ensuing until nothing remains not even the rift. After some discussion it is decided to try again with a new arrangement of items. This time the portal opens and they step through venturing forth into unknown abyss.



Stepping through the portal reveals endless dark caverns and a strange feeling for those tuned to magic differences. The journey seems straight forward as they walk from cavern to cavern in the dark looking for that which they seek. To put to rest rumors of Polvich.



Diving into the plane of existence proves treacherous as undead hordes attempt to consume the adventurers. Fighting on with but one goal in mind they leave all to the gods and steel themselves for victory. The hordes fall and the caverns yield to them.



From chamber to anti-chamber they travel finding a room with 3 tombs. Upon further inspection it is soon revealed a forth was missing. Seeking to find the 4th they come to a find that many have been seeking. Iron pot of four acorns adorned upon it. Without hesitation they seize the item up and head back to whence they came. Where the cauldron now resides is a mystery to anyone but a few now but one thing is for certain. The lich Polvich has returned and about. Evil is afoot. The game has been set and time has now begun to move in it.

[Calodan]

A steady hand lights each candle upon the altar. One by one he lights them the ritual long since burned into his actions so long ago by Pharaxxes who taught him the way when the others left. The cold stone walls take on a warmth as the light spreads itself. Flickers of red and gold paint their way across the banners of gods within. He looks upon them all. Tyr, Helm, Sheverash and Beshaba. His heart skips not a beat. Even those that say they despise Beshaba rely on her. Even the noble Paladin needs evil's luck to run out and Beshaba to do it. He lets out a long breath and lights the herbs to cleanse himself before his lord. He breathes in the smoke and aromas using his hands to pull the smoke over him. Finishing his cleansing the next thing grabbed is a small clay container from which he pours oil over his brow anointing himself the sweet aroma filling the room. Then the chants and prayers begin. He calls upon the forces of his lord to come to him and hear his call for justice. Alexander and Alethea attacked multiple times. The one who had done it was free to roam. Not under Hoar's watch though. The spirit of his lord comes to him hearing the name as he whispers it on the prayers.....Tasha.....Tiefling.....The thunder would toll. Through the night he continues his prayers until morning finally collapsing with exhaustion as the sun rises. He is taken up by strong hands and brought to his room where he can rest. It would be days before he came out again. A determined look upon his brow. Suffer no wrongs......

[Calodan]

The items to be offered are all placed into the circle. As the midnight hour approaches the incense is lit its aroma filling the area around. A knotted string carefully placed by steady hand. Brimstone of golden yellow hues and a small measure of oil. Blood is dripped over it all. The incantations are then spoken. The air about him begins to shape and take form. Power can be felt all around as the air charges with energy. He continues the words. Part prayer and part ancient ritual. The items offered then burst into flame a cold blue color as they become nothing the spells thirst for sacrifice satiated. No magic is born without giving something in turn. Magic is not free so they say. It comes with a price. He continues weaving his prayer around the area. The bindings and guards begin to take shape all around. As he completes his ritual the exhaustion of weaving such power about the entire Hunters compound leaves him unconscious in the casting circle. In his dream he is floating towards somewhere. He does not know as he can barely see it. Then nothing. Rest. That is what he needed, the compound was safe the guards and wards were up.....

Hidden: show

////For information on what wards have been put in place on the HOV guild hall see thread.
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=44531&p=771257#p771257

[Calodan]

The click clack clatter of bones as Kory yells to some adventurers. UNDEAD! The 3 of them dispatch the undead with little remorse or effort. A wagon sits nearby with dead knights all about it. The carnage is clear to them all as they look on. Something about it seems eerily familiar to Kory but with no time to waste he asks the others what they have seen. The answer is of course A LICH! Kory grumbles a bit but quickly informs them all that they have stumbled on to a ongoing prophecy that may well be the end of the world. They proceed with caution to a nearby crypt that Kory has cleared out many times before only this time the one who is there is far more ancient than even the mummies therein. With each passing corridor brings more undead. Ghouls, zombies, mummies and cultists all throw themselves upon the adventurers with a ferocity as if possessed. Despite wound, stress, fear and strife they press on cutting a swath through the endless horde. Reaching the back of crypt they prepare to enter the room as Kory tries to set off acid traps he is caught by one. A deep burning sensation takes hold of Kory on all places not covered by armor or cloth begin sizzle as they are eaten away. Opening the door reveals a army of revenants and ghouls. They burst forth forcing the adventurers to fall back and create a shield wall. As they absorb the charge of the army upon their shields they push back and start the kill line. Bashing and stabbing, slicing they start pushing back into the room leaving piles of undead in their wake. They enter and standing before them is the lich Polvich. Trying to proceed with caution Kory takes his time. One intrepid and perhaps foolhardy adventurer simply runs up and knocks the old lich nearly unconscious in a single blow felling it to the floor and promptly ends its existence on this plane with a quick strike of the flail....nothing. Just like that. Kory raises a brow. Too easy he thinks. Of course it was. The lich just went back to his home plane where the phylactery was or is. They investigate the room and pick up whatever treasure they can find. Then there. In the corner. A single sundial. Kory smiles and tries to lift it up this time. Intending to take it with him but as he pulls with all his strength the thing vanishes with no trace.....



As they make their way back out to the carnage of the caravan Kory inspects a chest on the ground. There is a symbol on it identifying the caravan as Knights of the White Order. A few of the bodies though...they were odd looking. Not quite like a bladeling but maybe similar. Wanting to know what they are Kory picks up one and takes it back to the Hunters lair and puts it in the jail cell on the rack. He takes the time to secure it. Just in case.....Then he goes looking for Nixidea. Her smarts were going to be needed on this one.

[Pommel]

Paladins of Hoar speak prayers to the Doombringer. They call upon the Thunder of their God, so they can avenge the horrors that stir the unquiet dead from rest.

They patrol the cursed landscape, checking the seals on places of evil.

And where there is no seal, their vengeance frees trapped souls.