The night opened up with an important question: kill or question Avvakris? Avvakris was beat up, down to fraction of his hit points. But more importantly he was in a deep magical sleep and could only be awakened by a kiss on the lips by Nicklaus, aka Prince Charming. This gave the party the chance to murder him however they saw fit. I also teased Rolland for playing his lawful locksmith like his previous, bloodthirsty thief. But no one seemed more determined to kill Avakkris than Ishpemo, for reasons he didn’t really get into. Calvert who never met a longshanks he didn’t think probably needed murdering also felt strongly about killing him. And Stacia, being the defender of Mitra she is didn’t see any reason not to kill him. Nick was the only one who seemed interested in asking questions. But Avakkris was to get no mercy. After a failed attempt to stab him, Ishpemo stabbed Avakkris twice and ended the fiend’s life.
Skrilvashara, the peasant lady who was used to lure the party into the room at the beginning of this encounter, lay asleep as the a result of Nicklaus’ throwing Sleep bombs the previous session. It appeared she had a vial of poison and a dagger intended for Avakkris. The party soon left the manor and headed towards the constabulary.
Time became a factor when party noticed another group of manor guards approaching the manor. And this time they had dogs with them. It was only a matter of time before they discovered the massacre at the manor. Poundfoolish led the way, scampering to the constabulary gates while the party waited for the guards to pass the manor’s courtyard walls.
When shouts rose from the courtyard, the rest of the party dashed to the constabulary. The outer gates were open, but the entrance to the stone, windowless building was locked. And the lock proved too much for thordis, which created a bit of a pickle for the party. Reminded me of a recent Nerd Poker episode where it was suggested that the game should be called Dungeons & Doors.
But after waylaying a guard and getting keys to the front door, the party entered the constabulary. They were greeted by an empty court room. However, beyond the door to the supplies room they found Merth in and his henchmen: Cannon Hellraiser, Gerstead the Grim, Bolt of the North Marches, Scarvonii the Dark. Battle ensued.
Merth and Ishpemo attacked each other first. Merth scored a crit that causing a bloody head wound that blinded Ishpemo. This is after Ish fumbled and fell flat on his back. Nicklaus, having lost a spell or two in a return to familiar form this session, did put Bolt to sleep. More unnerving was the fact that Merth had a magical mirror hanging around his neck that absorbed the spell! By the time 11pm came around, we were still in the middle of combat. Only Hanon and Merth had taken damage thus far, and Ishpemo looks like he’s in dire shape. We’ll see if the party is reunited with their magic weapons, or if Merth will reign supreme in Mitra’s Fist.
