Lord Jarritos Spots a Problem: House of the Beast 1

LORD JARRITOS edges his way down the narrow grass alley and inches around the back of the RUINS to get a better look at who the STYLITE is yelling at. His trusty DAPPER SWORDSMAN and FRIENDLY SKELETON follow closely behind, pulling the war band's newly acquired CANNON).



With perfect stealth, LORD JARRITOS peers around the corner of the ancient structure and spots…



CRUSADERS!



It's a formidable RAIDING PARTY. LORD JARRITOS counts 3 fully armored MOUNTED KNIGHTS armed with lances, supported by a retinue of 3 helmeted CROSSBOWMEN and 3 unarmored PAGES carrying spare lances.



With a stockpile of spare lances like this, the CRUSADER KNIGHTS could make numerous cavalry charges – shattering their lances for devastating attack bonuses (Melee Threat Level 7) and then returning to their PAGES to resupply and do it again. Their warhorses and heavy armor allow them to survive numerous would-be killing blows.



The CROSSBOWMEN are similarly deadly. Their cross bows (Ranged Threat Level 6) may be inaccurate at long distances, but they PIERCE ARMOR. Plus, the crossbowmen's helmets allow them to survive a blow that would kill an unarmored man.

The PAGES are by far the least threatening (Melee Threat Level 3). The lances they carry are clearly intended for their masters' use rather than their own, and their complete lack of armor leaves them particularly vulnerable.

But wait – the CRUSADER RAIDING PARTY isn't the only new development!

LORD JARRITOS can also see down the opposite direction of the grassy alley…



Just past the PYRAMID stands the massive golden GATES of the KEEP. A strange scene is playing out at the foot of the steps…



Is that the BLUE BASHERS?!

Several Pantaloonian soldiers dressed in blue stand around a horse-drawn cart. In the back of the cart…



An enormous block of ice with a human body trapped inside?…Is that the ANCIENT FROZEN SOLDIER that sat at the river's edge during the BATTLE OF FNARP BRIDGE?! What could the BLUE BASHERS possibly want with it?

At the top of the steps stands LORD STEPHANUS STEPHANOV, with his BUTLER at his side. A heated argument appears to be taking place. 

LORD JARRITOS can only make out snippets:

"…what could I possibly want…"

"…as you ordered…"

"…forgotten?"

"…what heathenry…"

What will LORD JARRITOS do?



1. Sneak up the PYRAMID and get a better look at what's going on with LORD STEPHANUS, THE BLUE BASHERS, and THE FROZEN ANCIENT SOLDIER.

2. Run to LORD STEPHANUS and WARN him of the approaching CRUSADERS.

3. Wheel your CANNON around the corner and demand the CRUSADERS' SURRENDER.

4. Wheel your CANNON around the corner and DIPLOMATICALLY INQUIRE what the CRUSADERS are doing here.

5. Use your CANNON (Ranged Threat Level 10) to fire GRAPESHOT into the Crusader CROSSBOWMEN and PAGES, hopefully obliterating all of them with a single blast.

6. Fire your PISTOL at the nearest CRUSADER KNIGHT and then disappear back around the corner (guerrilla tactics, baby!), hopefully sowing confusion and/or drawing the CRUSADERS down the narrow grassy alley and into your waiting CANNON.

7. Silently creep after the CRUSADERS, CANNON at the ready.

8. Light one of your GUNPOWDER BARRELS on fire and roll it around the corner into the CRUSADERS.

9. Sneak back and blow up the LABYRINTH EXIT to make sure nothing can follow you out of the mysterious LABYRINTH below the Castle.

10. Sneak back and investigate the OBELISK.

NOTE: any explosions will be heard all across the battlefield.










 

Comments

Post a Comment

Most popular

Lord Citrus Seltzer Gets All Sneaky-Devious: House of the Beast 4

Image
Seeing that KLEOPANTSRA's war band is thrown into chaos, LORD CITRUS SELTZER turns his attentions to the PAGAN SHRINE. At his order, his troops quickly remove the SARCOPHAGUS… And stash it in the FARMHOUSE. Meanwhile, his trusty Squire, THE VILLAGE POOPSMITH, gallops to the WELL and tosses in a shovelful of the… fruits of his trade. (Like any self-respecting poopsmith, his saddle bags are always well-stocked in case of emergencies.) KLEOPANTSRA's war party stumbles out of the jungle in chaos and confusion – the SEVERED TENTACLE and PARASOL MAIDEN still battling atop the PALANQUIN with no clear victor… THE CANNIBAL WHO FELL FROM THE SKY staggers to his feet, groggily attempting to ascertain his location… From the North, cries and cannon fire echo across the towers and parapets of THE HOUSE OF THE BEAST. The wind howls across the BURIAL MOUND louder than ever. …And the well begins to shake. LORD CITRUS SELTZER takes stock of the situation about to unfold and plans his nex...
Read more

Lord Jarritos makes a series of startling discoveries

Image
LORD JARRITOS DE TAMARINDO cautiously opens the BLUE DOOR and peers inside to see who is whispering the AKATHIST... A narrow tunnel leads deeper into darkness. In the center of the tunnel stands a SKELETON. As the door creaks open, the SKELETON turns and gasps. "A Pantaloonian? My prayers have been answered!" Before LORD JARRITOS can react to this strange discovery, he is interrupted by the sound of the castle gates grinding open. A cavalcade of footsteps ring out from up the stairs – it would seem a large number of people have entered the castle. After a moment's pause, the voice of the castle servant rings out: "Welcome, welcome! The Blue Bashers, you said? Any soldier of Pantaloonia is welcome at the master's table! Unfortunately, Lord Stephanus is out hunting at the moment, but he should be returning shortly. In the meantime, let me bring you drinks to wash the dust of the road from your throats." A bell rings. Somewhere in the darkness, the BROWN DOOR s...
Read more

Lord Citrus Seltzer Sees Daylight: House of the Beast 10

Image
His qualms quelled, LORD CITRUS SELTZER abandons his shield, takes up a HAUNTABLE HUNK OF ANCIENT STONE, and sets off down the cramped and twisting tunnel the GHOST showed him. After many arduous scrapings and squeezings, LORD SELTZER sees sunlight! With one final effort, he bursts out of the dark and dismal underworld and back onto good, Pantaloonian soil. A strange sight meets his eyes. He stands in the center of a series of connected ruined towers, each taller than the last. At the top of the highest tower, stuck to a black spiderweb, hangs THE GOLDEN BANJO. A stone STAIRCASE to LORD SELTZER'S right marks the only way up. On the second tower, a STYLITE stands muttering prayers atop a PILLAR.     To his left, LORD SELTZER sees a disorganized knot of CRUSADER FOOTMEN rushing in his direction – they appear to be in a state of panic. LORD SELTZER can make out the occasional cry of "SASHIMI!" and "NINJIRATE SAVAGES!" Ahead – is that FATHER BEARDODOULOS? Some ti...
Read more

Lord Jarritos Lets Fly: House of the Beast 9

Image
LORD JARRITOS sets his sights on the GRAND MAN-EATER and lets fly! THE GRAND MAN EATER (with a very lucky roll) manages to dodge the deadly projectile! SHEIKAH KNIGHT, standing behind him, is not so fortunate… And so ends the villainous life of the lead MONKEY KILLER. He survived a heavy cavalry charge on MONASTERY ISLAND, but he could not survive the… CANNON CHARIOT.    The sound of applause rings out from the nearby RUINED TOWER. LORD JARRITOS takes stock of his surroundings… Terrible clanking and grinding noises from behind tell him that that the BUTLER and his SKELETONS cannot be far off. Just outside of the JUNGLE, the GRAND MAN-EATER, having cheated cannon-flavored death, is trying to regroup with the remaining CANNIBALS in the FIELD (and taking the enviable HELM OF ULTIMATE OVERCOMPENSATION with him). Ahead, at the South end of the JUNGLE, the MONSTROUS SERPENT WOMAN is regrouping her strangely dressed forces. Just around the corner, THE STEVE is beset by the main b...
Read more

Lord Jarritos Gets a Monkey: House of the Beast 10

Image
LORD JARRITOS calls for the distant SWORD MONKEY! Hearing that it's murderous services are required, the SWORD MONKEY nimbly dashes across the ruins and leaps onto LORD JARRITOS supersweet CANNON CHARIOT.   With its new simian crew member, the CANNON CHARIOT is more deadly than ever (+ 2 dice). However, LORD JARRITOS'S enemies have had time to regroup – in the field in front of him, he sees the strange SNAKE WOMAN march her troops out of the JUNGLE and into the FIELD, where they come face-to-face with the CANNIBALS. Just as it looks like the two groups will come to blows, the SNAKE WOMAN raises a HEART-SHAPED SCEPTER. There is a flash, and suddenly the GRAND MAN-EATER lowers his axes… and orders his men to join the SNAKE WOMAN. Suddenly, there is a thunderous roar to the right. THE STEVE – missing an arm and two legs – staggers around the corner. He is grievously wounded and beset on all sides by PANTALOONIANS… But the newly formed SERPENT-CANNIBAL COALITION is positioned a...
Read more

The Black Russian Crosses Blades with a Traitor: House of the Beast 9

Image
THE BLACK RUSSIAN orders his crew to climb the CLIFF and save the PRISONER… Then turns and charges the traitorous MERCENARY CAVALRYMAN before the turncoat can slay the unsuspecting MASTER MENDICANT, leader of the BEGGARS' GUILD! At the last moment, the traitorous MERCENARY sees THE BLACK RUSSIAN and parries the blow – the two are locked in combat, neither one able to gain the advantage. MASTER MENDICANT turns and gasps. The newly knighted SIR POOPSMITH STANK-SHOVEL, erstwhile leader of the PANTALOONIAN CHARGE, looks back in confusion. The TRAITOROUS MERCENARY realizes he has drawn too much attention – "I, er, um... THIS DIRTY NINJIRATE BETRAYED US! HE WAS TRYING TO KILL MASTER MENDICANT!" Before THE BLACK RUSSIAN can speak, a cry rings out from the CLIFF. His CREW have run into trouble! Is that – the PRISONER is trying to climb the TOWER and… MISTER BRICKMAN IS DOWN! Suddenly, a terrible explosion rings out – SHEIKAH KNIGHT, leader of the villainous MONKEY KILLERS, ...
Read more

Lord Citrus Seltzer Tests a Spirit: House of the Beast 9

Image
LORD CITRUS SELTZER stops the ghost with a raised cross and a quick prayer to Saint Romanos the melodist. "Your story sounds a lot like one I've heard at the feet of Lord Margarita Shooter -- may he return victorious from his quest -- of a fey banjo master that has come to Pantaloonia's aid many a time. But I've also heard tell of this foe you speak of -- one who deeply resented his master, and coveted both his arts and his instrument. How do I know you're the one and not the other? You've set me up with a fine quick quest, just in my moment of highest need, playing straight to my pride as the victorious Lord of my people, swooping in to rescue this fiddlestick of yours and call in supernatural aid to my everlasting glory. But the Abbas of the holy mountain say that the demons work their deceit not by obvious lies but by cleverly concealing things. So if you want help from me you'll quit with the riddles and speak plainly. Better to be pressed for time and...
Read more

The Black Russian Shakes Things Up: House of the Beast 10

Image
THE BLACK RUSSIAN doesn't have time to mince words. He shouts his warning to MASTER MENDICANT, and then wheels around and charges the CRUSADERS, waving for the KING OF STINGING LOBSTERS to flank them! His valiant steed leaps over the surprised heads of the ensorcled BLUE BASHERS and smashes into the unsuspecting CRUSADER CAVALRY! The crash of the impact rings across the battlefield! THE BLACK RUSSIAN is thrown from his horse! The CRUSADER KNIGHT flies backwards, armor shattering to pieces! The BLUE BASHERS finish him off before he can get to his feet… THE BLACK RUSSIAN leaps back onto his noble steed and takes stock of the situation. Behind him, the remaining CRUSADER KNIGHTS face off against – a SKELETON HORDE and some kind of MONSTROUS BUTLER? A cry rings out from the cliff above – SAMURAI SAM just made some CRUSADER SASHIMI with UTMOST PREJUDICE. The death of their comrade is so shockingly gruesome, the rest of the CRUSADER FOOTMEN… [*Cue morale rolls*] RUN AWAY SCREAMING....
Read more

Lord Seltzer's Calamari Beatdown: House of the Beast 6

Image
All shall know the might of Lord Citrus Seltzer and know he is a fearsome foe to his enemies and a mighty friend to his allies! LORD CITRUS SELTZER charges the entangled TENTACLES! Distracted by their would-be prey, the TENTACLES are completely unprepared for the swarm of Pantaloonians!     At full gallop, LORD JARRITOS slashes into the regenerating RED TENTACLE –   IT IS INSTANTLY SEVERED. KLEOPANTSRA'S palanquin crashes to the ground, pantsless harem boys flying in all directions. The PARASOL MAIDEN is instantly crushed. The Pantaloonian infantry falls upon the GRAY TENTACLE with equal ferocity, LUMBERJACKS and BEGGARS swarming from all sides!     SEVERED BY A BACK-SCRATCHER. The TENTACLE-STUMPS are quickly hacked to pieces. The charging Pantaloonians turn their attentions to the SEVERED TENTACLE ends – and the HEATHENS trapped therein. The melee is an absolute chaos. LORD SELTZER sees the Merchant-Guild sponsored CAVALRYMAN next to him unhorsed, but the ch...
Read more

Lord Citrus Seltzer Goes Spelunking: House of the Beast 8

Image
LORD CITRUS SELTZER gives his trusty Squire, the VILLAGE POOPSMITH, a battlefield promotion and sets him in charge of the PANTALOONIAN forces that stand atop the ANCIENT BURIAL MOUND. Sending the newly knighted SIR POOPSMITH off with the troops to aid THE BLACK RUSSIAN and attack THE STEVE, LORD SELTZER enters the MOANING CAVERN alone and on foot. The cries of battle overhead grow fainter and then disappear as LORD SELTZER journeys down, down, down into the deep and crushing black.   When he can no longer walk, he crawls, and when he can no longer crawl… "I smell Christian blood." The phantasm glows with an unearthly light.   "You have found me, Pantaloonian." "Now, I must beg a boon of you." "Oh, many times have I fought and many times fallen for the sake of your people." "By burning, by the sword, by arrows and stones, by the self-consuming use of my own powers… all manner of death died I" "Soft my soul would fly, back t...
Read more