[3.5] Destroy Lorywn! (IC Thread)

[Dralnu]

The dawn's first thin rays of light begin to peek into your carriage's window as you approach your destination. A bleak snow-capped landscape begins to be illuminated around you. What little vegetation this region used to hold has been snuffed out during the Glorious War. The only blemishes to the otherwise endless sea of bone-white snow are the charred remains of wrecked siege weapons and blackened craters that the fighting had left behind.

Overall, the journey had been a swift one -- such are the perks of tireless undead mounts moving the five carriages forward. Undead soldiers ride silently alongside you, some carrying banners proudly displaying Chosen's emblem. The escort is purely a ceremonial show of power and authority as there have been no whispers of the Resistance movement for over a year now; whatever remnants of it has probably died of starvation in a dark hole.

Your carriage slows down. You, along with the others that Chandra has personally summoned, have arrived. The only structures in this small encampment are three large tents made of cured hide, with the relic, The Gate, squarely in the middle of them.

The encampment is currently bustling with activity. Specialized necromancers, "corpse fetchers" as they're called, move with an entourage of skeletons carrying frozen corpses from the nearby region, tossing them into piles outside the encampment's walls for more experienced necromancers to animate later. Undead move to and from wagons that have recently arrived, moving vast supplies of mundane weaponry and armor into designated stockpiles inside one of the tents, while others carry open barrels of black crystals to a second tent for storage. Four robed figures stand grimly on the pedestal holding The Gate, silently observing the activities happening around them.

As you exit your personal carriage and stretch your legs, a tall, skeletal humanoid with a scorpion tail exits one of the tents and approaches. It motions to you and the others whom have exited their carriages. When you approach, it lowers its fearsome skull-like head down to your level and hisses in common, "Chandra welcomes you to The Gate. She awaits you inside for your debriefing," the devil says, pointing to the tent that it came from.

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

Being cooped up in the carriage was very disagreeable to the high-energy cat warrior, Ransharr nods to the demon, then bounds toward the indicated tent at high speed. He steps inside and (salutes?/bows? whichever is more appropriate). "What's the new mission, my lady (again replace if needed with more appropriate term)" Rensharr asks in a curious tone.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

"Hells weep, I dare not sleep, for demons conquered all the sheep." If there's ever a poetry market again, that might be worth remembering. Stroland stuffs his scribbles and notes into his pack, exiting the carriage. "Well then, I'll be right up to see her, then. Highest compliments to the transportation and courtesy that came with it. Be prosperous." Stroland gave a half-salute to the scorpion-beast, walking by it towards the Gate. Truly is a different day, now... Used to be "Live Well, stay joyous" was the blessing of society, a mark of politeness. Not much of a place for Joy, or really even living for most places of the world" Stroland calmly walks on, taking in the bleak, broken landscape, tent covers barely moving in the faint breeze. It's like the Old Man said, "The reminiscent man dies with his past, the adaptive man changes to his future." No point in bemoaning the world, just gotta make the most of what lies ahead. ...And right now, that's Chandra. So show no fear, and maintain character. Morality may have shifted, but respect is still universal. Know that, and you'll be alright, Stroland.

Stroland walks in towards the middle of the camp, standing beside the cat-like creature. "Thank you for the wonderful travel accomodations, ma'am. Like my friend here, I'm eager to learn how we might be of help to your present endeavors."

OOC:
Bardic Knowledge for appropriate greetings or protocols in dealing with Chandra: [roll0]

Also, do we all know each other already?

[Rikandur Azebol]

A certain look of satisfaction appeared on the child's face when powerful devil bowed to him, and a small boy winked at other folks gathering on Chandra's orders. He patiently waited until everybody his contacts claimed to be summoned went inside and made kingly entrance as the last person. Making show of how he greeted Chandra, complimenting her ... with what comes as respect in Abyssal. And a cautious bow, not ever for a moment letting his eyes leave the assembled. And he smiled pleasantly to everybody, imagining their tormented screams, and with his vivid imagination his innocent childlike face was momentarily full of contment and all pleased.

OOC:
Acting all diplomatic, and quite nice towards Chandra. Bluff (Nice):1d20+7=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2721482/)

[Rainmar]

A skeletal hand has opened the carriage's door. As the doors swung open, skeleton came out and hold carriage's door and unfolded small steps. And curious skeleton it was, having a beard like noone other and a high helmet of some distant culture. From a carriage came a shifting mass of fur...but after few steps you could say that someone was really cold. From under the ton of furs a small girl, about 12 year old, has been casting her gaze on the camp. She took off small portion of her furs and you could now see a dark olive skin, black Cleopatra like haircut and sleevless robes like noother...no wonder she's cold.
With her very first step the ground when she laid her feet darkened even more and after few seconds turned into some gray dust, completly lifeless in ultimate form.
She halted as Bone Devil greeted her. She gazed him for some time, the black circle of death enlarging around her and then made her way to Chandra's tent.

There, skeleton again unfolded enrance before her and she entered the tent. With a loud thump the furs, she casted down revealing her figure. She gazed people inside and made no mistske to not pay homage to Commander.

"Dark light illuminates our meeting here, Queen, for I am ready.

I think that if Esme is able to use charnel touch at will I think she can use it with every part of her body ;, so she strikes the ground with negative energy as she walks on it. Also, if anyone comes closer or she approaches anyone there is a 5' radius of fear aura, DC16, but I suppose we are going to rp it without rolls yeh?)

[Dralnu]

OOC:
None of you have ever formally met each other, though you may be somewhat familiar with their names. Of course, with Bardic Knowledge, you can be quite knowledgable about everyone's backgrounds.

You've all met Chandra before and know the proper mannerisms. She's a skilled diplomat and although she's able to be deceived, if she uncovers any deception she will strike the person down without any remorse. She has zero tolerance for failure either. She needs these kinds of skills to be a commander in a ruthless evil fiendish nation, after all.

Oh, if anyone has a reason to feel suspicious of the Quasit, you can do an Sense Motive check in the OOC thread.

@Esme:
That sounds good. Are you able to suppress the fear aura? It might cause odd situations when you're beside allies, but it's your call. I'll try and remember to roll for NPCs in the future.

The tent inside is lightly furnished but spacious. Iron holsters on the wooden pillars holding up the tent carry a torch with a blue flame, but at closer inspection the torches show no signs of burning. Squarely in the middle of the tent is a large circular stone slab about 10ft. in diameter, its smooth surface entirely covered by a professionally drawn map of a continent and various landmarks, each labeled in Common. Looming over this map on the far end of the tent is an elevated throne made of a black crystalline material, with a figure sitting authoritatively -- a woman with a statuesque figure, flawless alabaster skin, and large fiery wings whose color matches her hair and entrancing eyes. The erinyes named Chandra.

Chandra's throne is flanked on either sides by hooded figures that silently stand at attention. One prominently garbed, unusually tall hooded figure speaks to her. As everyone enters, she raises her hand in silence to the figure, and it complies, turning its shadowed face towards the newcomers. She nods politely to each one who enters; first to Rensharr, then Stroland, Esme, Azakar, and finally Skoll.

"I'm glad that you have all arrived without incident. The Chosen have a strict schedule for this invasion and I plan to adhere to it," she says, giving a slight glance to the tall hooded figure before turning back to you.

"We are tasked with carrying out the first phase of a full planetary invasion. We must secure the continent that their Gate is situated in, the one named Azhara," she points towards the map in front of her and then rises from her seat, moving beside the map. "Our spies have spent a year covertly scouting the lands before handing us this map. Their Gate is located in this swamp," she points to a swamp labelled 'Wyrmwood Swamp' in the south, "There we will secure the surrounding area and begin mobilizing our troops. Our main target is in the north, the elven kingdom of Lorwyn," she says, pointing to a large part of the northern continent.

"Our intelligence reports that Lorwyn's troops number in the thousands. Unfortunately, The Chosen's forces are.. Lacking in numbers from the Glorious War still. They will need time to properly mobilize a significant army from across the globe. However, The Chosen have been gracious enough to give us three hundred troops for our mission. It will not be enough for a head-on assault, so we must use other tactics. Alliances must fall. Civil war must run rampant. Tribes must be conquered and assimilated into our forces. We will not fail." Her piercing eyes lock with yours for just a moment as she utters the last sentence.

"Our mages require a few hours to properly prepare The Gate for our journey. They have no yet found a way to charge the relic to its full power, so only about a dozen individuals may travel through it per day. This is another issue that we will overcome.

When they are ready, I shall call upon you. Until then, you may do whatever you need to prepare here in the encampment. Any questions?"

[Rainmar]

Esmeralda has walked closer to the map but stopped suddenly as she saw circle of destruction closing to precious map. She stopped and inhaled deep. For a second all in front of her could see whites of her eyes, body trembling. When she opened her eyes again they were sky blue...with strange red lights somewhere deep inside them. She walked closer, circle of death didnt fallow her thou, and laid her hand on the map, at the epicentrum of the swamp.

"My Queen, as I understand the limits imposing by gate are relevant to living entities? Have spellcasters been able to distinguish how much non-living matter can be transported daily? Such information would be a great help and could aid to speed up our assalut."

With saying that she, brought up her staff with ankh turned upside down and circled with it over the area of the swamp.

"As you said schedule is chasing us like desert storm and I understand when the Gate is ready we are in for our first assigment...however I believe fortifying this location would be vital to securing our foothold there. I already have few ideas...if you want to hear them out that is, Queen."

Her gaze still fixated on the swamp.

"This can be such a beautifull deathtrap...by Setep...

OOC
Well, if normal Lich can supress his fear aura then she can too I think...but I dont think we need any rolls between PC's(allies are another thing) we will just Rp it if the need arise.

DEAR DM!!! is there a map of Lorwyn?...

[Dralnu]

"Yes, the limit is imposed on animated entities, both by positive and negative energies. There doesn't appear to be a limit to inanimate objects, however. Most of our discoveries about The Gate were headed by your 'father,' Amuth-Ra... That is, of course, until he was tasked with leading a scouting party to Azhara."

Chandra grins at Esme's proposal, revealing her neat row of feral teeth. "Such good initiative and insight from someone so young. Amuth-Ra's praise has merit. I'm all ears, child."

OOC:
I'll put up a map in the OOC thread soon. Warning, it won't be pretty. :smallamused:

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr fidgets, stares at the map, and then asks, "We will have access to the intelligence reports that have been made so far, and what resources are already in place?? "




Assuming we're all the same rank, are we in charge of different things? is one person in overall command, and/or is Chandra coming with us?

Rensharr is assuming he's going to be scouting, etc, buiding fortifications is not his forte.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland takes a knee by the map, running a hand over the stubble on his face, freshly grown from several days without seeing a razor. "Assuming we can keep a discrete presence as much as possible, our own survival and progress should be fairly trivial. What's critical is going to be communication, particularly from us to you, alerting you to changes in the situation, both complications, and opportunities. Since we may have to depart from the proximity of their gate for lengths of time, is there any means of such communication available here?"

"Also, Your Highness, is it known what awaits us immediately on the other side of the gate? Surely their forces know of its existence, and must keep some sort of surveillance on it." Stroland looks up from his kneeling position toward Chandra, doing his best to silence his nerves, and don a neutral expression. But the camp, and the newly arrived company make it a challenge. There was a lot to watch for from his new allies, and clearly more than was immediately obvious. Amuth-Ra... why does that name sound familiar?, Stroland thinks.

OOC:
Bardic Knowledge on Esme's father: [roll0]

[Rikandur Azebol]

<Abyssal: Lady Chandra, as always, I ask for extact precision in our agreement. Want to know time given and what extacly to do with prey. How much independence I am given in pursuing this goal, too ?>

Words of the foulest fiendish language left the child's lips as if the boy was born to speak it. Then he turned towards his compatriots and eyed them as if taxing their worth.

"And speaking of supply requests ... I would like to ask for Festering Anger disease samples, rage poisons and several imps ... as well as means of instant communication with our base there. I admit that seeing all this forest makes one think that one or two fire elementals would be good, too. Unless Your plans involve conquest in a ... civil manner."

His voice trembled with fearful respect when adressing Chandra, as his eyes were humbly lowered ... without robbing him of ability to see movements of the assembled. His attitiude changed completely when he turned to other Generals.

"Hello, I'm Skoll from Loose Legion. It's pleasure to work with You."

He beamed in a friendly looking manner, with only a slightest hint of dishonesty in his demeanor.

OOC:Loose Legion ... these guys are basically the sink for unreformable troops that are too valuable to discard. Commanding it is a traditional death penatly among officers, since accidents happen ... merry band of cut-throats, thieves and psychopaths. Specialising in asymetric warfare and working behind enemy lines. Nobody from other Legions wants to work with them, even zombies moan more than usual when used by them. Catastrophic high casaulty rate, but Chosen are pleased with results. Preferred tactic is Scroched Earth. Infamous for lack of manners. Skoll is famous for being "raised" among them, only "kid" among them ... rumored to be demon behind his back.(This isn't a big secret, but Skoll isn't flashing everybody with signs "I'm a demon, woo !")

Also, Skoll activates Detect Magic and discreetly observes everybody ... including the hood guys, for signs of valuables he might one day ... inherit.:smallwink:
Perception:1d20+8 with regard of watching the hood guys.
Bluff:1d20+7 to pretend to just look around cautiously.

[Rainmar]

Before speaking again she has waited to hear everyone else's opinions and questions.
She did not comment after hearing that her Father is involved in Lorwyn's conquest.
Hearing their concerns fr sommunications she noded, this will be crucial but she believes Chandra might have already something prepared, commander she is would not leave such important subject unattended. However hearing Skoll she smiled in some unsettling intoxicating manner.

"General Skoll, it's a pleasure to see someone with so...open mind."

Then she turned to the rest of commanders and said,

"I have not introduced myself before, even few days in ice wastes can turn you into some barbarian...I am Esmeralda, the Nefrekhara of the Desert Kingdom, it will be a pleasure to claim Lorwyn's lives with you."

Then she turned towards Chandra again,

"I have a readied solution for our transport of supplies there, and I'm ready to start it immediately as I saw we have all supplies we need here. As of my other plans...I will give you a detailed report and map of bastions, traps and fortifications I will create on the other side. However for that I will need as accurate map of swamp and nearest vicinity of Gate on other side as possible. Swamp is a perfect place for us to make our main base of operations, armies cannot move easily thru it and it will provide us with discresion we need for start. And if they are to meet us already on the other side of the gate...let it be, I would be thrilled to see them come so eagerly to serve you, my Queen."

"For what I need to make Gate more usefull I will need some recruits and resources, bodies and wood will do. Are there any other practicioners of the Art here? And could we be briefed on Lorwyn itself, I would like to know my enemy better."

OOC
By art she means Necromancy. She intends to make a movable ramp made from wood, brass, tendoms and muscles. It will allow movememnt of unliving matter and supplies without using energy of the gate. It will operate by sytem of leverages and ropes. I intend to build it using Craft(Necrotech) and use statistics as for Siege Tower...I understand that Gate is big...gargantuan size? And about Lorwyn breifing, I have read some articles about Lorwyn and I would like to use that knowledge, so If someone can inform Esme on it I will feel okay with using player knowledge I have. Also DM, I have sent you a interesting link which I found on net, it says its Lorwyn's map but I would like to hear your opinion.

[Dralnu]

The erinyes nods to Rensharr. "Of course." Chandra gives a brief glance at one of the silent robed figures beside her and it immediately leaves the tent. "I'll bring the spy's full report here for you all. You can start reading on it now or when we establish a base in the swamp." About a minute later, the same robed figure returns to the tent carrying an armful of scrolls, laying it neatly down beside the map before returning to his post.

Turning to Stroland, "You're right, communication will be key. I intend for you all to carry out missions that an army simply isn't suited for. I expect that you'll be gone for weeks at a time. Unfortunately, The Chosen, praise their wisdom, are tied up with more important matters and have not yet sent us a budget to purchase all the items that I have ordered." She gives an emotionless glance at the tall robed figure, who says nothing but reaches into his cloak for a small notepad and writing utensil and begins scribbling something down.

She looks back at you and continues, "My telepathy range has its limits, but I have two solutions for now. Your abilities make you the best candidate to bear the responsibility of using them." She reaches a hand inside a deep pocket of her regal robes, pulling out a miniature silver figurine in the form of a raven. "This will carry messages to me." Chandra reaches into the same pocket again and pulls out a handful of small black crystals in the shape of pebbles, handing the pebbles and the figurine to Stroland. "Those are a means to teleport back to base. Simply create a perimeter with the stones, chant the command verse that I will teach you, and everyone inside the perimeter will be transported to the runes that I shall draw at our base. These are my personal items. Do not lose them."

OOC:
Silver Raven Figurine (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Figurine_of_Wondrous_Power) and the other item is custom called "Teleport Stones." Move action to make a perimeter with them, Full Round Action (provokes AoO) to perform the ritual to use them.

Chandra nods in agreement with the boy. She responds in the same language with a perfect accent, "<Abyssal: Your only limitations are that your own pursuits do not interfere with mine. If you carry out my will, you may do anything else if time permits. Oh, and don't kill any co-workers.>" She says with a smirk.

"Communication will be handled. Any equipment requests will be taken now but won't be carried out until we're given a budget. Fazeer, since you already have pen and parchment, could you write down the request?" She turns her head to the tall hooded figure once more.

"Oh, most certainly, Commander," says the figure. There's an odd metallic rattle to his masculine voice. He turns to a new page and scribbles something down.

@Skoll:
All the robed figures, save for the tall one, don't emit any magical auras. You take a look at their shadowed faces and notice that they look like normal humans. Chandra emits powerful necromancy, divination, abjuration, and transmutation. Fazeer emits powerful universal, enchantment, and transmutation.

OOC:
What exactly is this agreement again? Could you PM me it?

Finally she turns to Esme, "There are plenty that are trained in The Art to assist you in due time. Your plans will be all covered by our budget (when we have one) and I will gladly look through them.

Our spies report that Azhara's Gate has not been identified as a source of power in their world. The clearing that it's located in is barren and we shouldn't expect immediate resistance. They did note that there are native humanoids in the swamp, however. I see it less of a problem and more as a boon -- you'll have a fine selection of servants, child.

All information we have about the continent and its inhabitants is there for you to read." Chandra points to the large pile of scrolls resting beside the map.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll

"<Abyssal: I exist to amuse thee.>"

Chandra's accent, as alvays, leaves painful throb in Skoll's ears ... devils will never understand what asymetric language is, even those as fluent in it as she. But on the other hand, it may be exploitable that Chandra isn't acting on a pure whim ... it decreases amount of groveling on the Skoll's part, and he knows extacly how far he can push before she will act to discipline him. Skoll bowed deeply to Chandra they said goodbyes to the gathered people saing that he have to go on urgent orders and will soon be back. Then he closes his eyes and concentrates deeply, making arcane gestures with his hands and murmuring something undescribable under his nose before simply vanishing from sight.

@DM
Skoll tries to spy on the handwriting of the Fazeer, observing the guy's actions and quietly reading what is visible from his writing then with the image still fresh in his mind returns to Chandra, touches her wingtip to allow quasit feeble telepathy to work.
<Telepathy:My Lady, here is what I gleaned from this traitorous dog's scribblings. And You know how to be cruel ... now I'll have to spare useless among my team-mates ... and how we will decide who rules without a proper intimidiation and little bloodshed ? May I prank this Fazeer worm with some ... suprise ? My lady, could You order our team to assemble quickly under the gate ? I'll wait there for them if You permit. I must check the scout's revelations anyway ... we don't know yet how much of these reports are lies imagined over the bonfire ... or purpouseful misdirections from the Council. By the way, I have several ideas how we could afford ... separate war funds, if You want to participate. On the other side of the gate, and beyond the eyes of the Council. Why worry them with pocket change ?>
And before leaving, Skoll discreetly read trough the scrolls littering the table, reading what was possible without touching it at all.


OOC:
Everybody wanting to check Skoll's "spellcasting" must make Sense Motives check vs his Bluff: [roll0]+ circumstances bonus if the lie is believeable in DM's opinion.

@Those who have better Sense Motives and DM
Skoll is totally faking it, gestures are similiar but all attentive wizards will easily find hundreds of errors in Silent (transportation) Spell that should prevent it from working.

@DM and those of us who have Detect Invisibility active
Skoll becames invisible, holds his breath and transforms into Quasit form before quietly flying up and hovering over the Fazeer's shoulder reading from his tablet, then flying back to Chandra and touching briefly her wingtip before flying up to the tent's entrance and patiently waiting in some shadows until everybody departs before darting off somewhere. Active Detect Magic.
Skoll Stealthy: [roll1]
Skoll Perceptive: [roll2]
Skoll Concentrated on the clear image:[roll3]

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

Moves to the pile of scrolls and picks a likely one to start looking through.

He ignores Skoll for now, the jumped up devil child, or whatever he is, does not interest him at this point.

[Rainmar]

Esmeralda

Esme, hears out Chandra and nods.

"Very well then, when the time is right I will show you the plans I made, my Queen. I hope, aside from being helpfull to Your conquest, they will be to your likening. I will retire for now and await your further orders."

OOC
Esme attempts to clarify what spell Skoll have cast...or what he actually did. Spellcraft[roll0],Know(Arcane)[roll1] and tries to sense his motives [roll2]

Then she collects some scrolls about Lorwyn and sets out. As she crosses the entrance, everyone can hear a loud sigh just as a ton of burden have been removed from her heart. The ground around her again started to wither and die as she pass. Even the cloth from tent's entrance seems old and tattered.

OOC
Charnel touch and fear aura active.

Then she makes her way to Gate and studies it, she tries her best to concentrate on its architecture and magical sygils.

Spellcraft[roll3] and Know(Arcane)[roll4]

Later she orders her minion skeleton to move twenty bodies to a cart near the Gate. As skeleton labour, she closes to the supply tent to collect black onyxes she saw when she entered camp. She intends to collect 500 gp worth of them. After she has them and skeleton is done, she retires to her tent where she starts to study scrolls taken from Chandra.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

"I'll guard and treasure them, your Highness." Stroland wraps the Silver Raven and collection of stones in a small cloth, carefully placing them in his pack, right beside his Everlasting Rations. Guess it's a good thing I packed a couple hundred lunches for this trip... 10 gold says the food won't be appetizing where we're going. Stroland took the opportunity to gaze over the map, but felt little need for extended planning at this stage. His colleagues clearly had their strengths, and a lot of excitement for their ideas and plans. And experience had taught him that if someone was excited about something, to stay out their way. If halfway competent, they'll make the plan succeed.

No, the real work would come on the other side. Adaptability was the key to jobs like this one. No intelligence is good enough to cover everything. So a fresh mind was the way to go, and Stroland was going to cultivate just that.
Strolling around the camp, he made casual conversation with those milling about, largely unsuccessfully. "You know, we've got a big problem, here," Stroland mentions. "We're going to conquer this swamp land so rapidly, we're going to have a dire shortage of flags and monuments for our cause. Maybe we should sandbag a bit!" Stroland chuckles to himself, biding and waiting for developments. He was already armed with the tools he needed... the blades across his back, the tongue in his mouth, and the mind in his head.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

After making his rounds, Stroland takes a seat towards the edge of the encampment, and scratches out some lines on a scrap of parchment.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a mighty Queen.
Had firey wings and Generals
Whose Likes had ne'er been seen.

The Voice was a small but cheerful man
With swords crossed o'er his back.
The Soul was frightening and could
Get the dead to attack.
...Got the dead to attack.

The skies and clouds were blackening
Invasion soon would loom
The Stealth of the team, a Quasit would
Ensure all their foes' doom.
Ensure all their foes' doom.

An army, grand, they would soon lead
To lands both far and wide
With Catapults...
...And Ballistas.
Old fashioned swords,
And some clubs.
Some magic spells,
Both the profane, and arcane,
To destroy Lorwyn!

But watchful still stood the Eyes
A catfolk so precise
Whose arrows shot so straight and true
He never fired twice.

And finally a warrior
Whose scales would bear the brunt
The Dragonborn known as the Might
Would proudly take the front.

"No Hope!"
"No Chance!"
No prisoners, just a land of victory!
They'll smash their culture until it
Is primitive as can be.

So listen well all those around,
Everyone move farther in,
And listen how the Five went on
To destroy Lorwyn!

Stroland crosses the final set of "t"'s, and examines his work. Content, he observes his colleagues, while softly humming a tune in his head.

[Dralnu]

@Skoll
Looking over Fazeer's shoulder, you notice that his scribbles are completely indecipherable to you. The characters look completely foreign.

Chandra responds in telepathy. <"You're lucky that he didn't prepare a true seeing spell today. Try your best to be civil for a little longer. No harming Fazeer -- at least, not yet. I'm interested in your alternative funding. We will discuss it at a later time.">

@Esme:
The Gate is a relic that serves as a two-way portal to a similar relic on a different planet. The arcane runes inscribed along its edge glow while the relic is active. The percentage of runes that glow correlates to the Gate's current power threshold.

You order a skeletal servant to retrive 500gp worth of black onyx, showing en emblem indicating your military rank. It quickly returns with a small sack of exactly that amount and hands it to you.

@Stroland:
As you finish your poem, you notice a a shadow looming over you. An undead humanoid looks over your shoulder, intently reading what you have written while absently picking at an exposed part of its brain. It gives you a rotting smile. "Oh my, that's a real brain scratcher for sure! You've got talent kid! You can make it big one day!"

Before it can say anything more, a robed figure passing by stops beside the creature and mutters something vile at it, thrusting a wooden holy symbol in the undead's face. The zombie shrinks away and quickly disappears inside a tent.

@people studying the maps and information:
You all get a rough idea of how the continent's landscapes and its inhabitants.

After studying for an hour, you gain 2 ranks in Knowledge Local and Geography.

After two hours pass, Chandra exits her tent and has fiendish minions call you over to the elevated platform holding The Gate. The relic resembles an upright ring made of a black stone-like material. Closer inspection reveals that it is in fact two rings: one inner, and a larger outer ring, both covered by arcane runes.

Chandra gives a small nod to the robed figures beside the Gate and they raise their hands in a chant. About a third of the runes begin to glow green as the structure stirs to life. The inner ring begins rotating, slowly at first but gradually picking speed and the structure begins to hum. The humming grows louder as the inner ring reaches its maximum speed and suddenly burst of magical energy explodes outward from the center. This energy shoots out only a couple feet before some unknown force pulls it back to its source, crashing into itself. The result is a shimmering screen of magic covering the inside of the ring, rippling like a see of unpredictable energy.

"It's ready. See you on the other side." The erinyes steps into the ring and you see her form slip through the magical veil and disappear on the other side. You all follow. The portal trip is rather anti-climactic; stepping through to the other side is instantaneous and causes no discomfort.

Looking around, you find yourselves in a swamp. The Gate lies on one end of a dry-land platform. Unlike the Gate you entered from, this one shows signs of neglect. Vines and mosses obscure some of its frame. Surrounding the clearing is a seemingly endless array of cypress tress, half rooted on dry land while the rest sinks under water of unknown depth. The yellowish-orange rays of a setting sun can be seen reflecting off the tree's canvas-white barks in the west.

All of you have arrived unharmed, along with Chandra, and the tall hooded figure known as Fazeer (and anything else you brought along). The devil calls you over. "Here is where we'll set up our initial base of operations, at least for today. I will summon up some temporary fortifications. The incantation to do this requires six hours and I cannot be interrupted during that time.

Keep watch until my spell is complete and deal with any trespassers. The element of surprise is our greatest advantage and I cannot tolerate losing it."

With that, Chandra pulls out a longsword from inside her robes and begins carving runes into the muddy ground with the tip of her blade as Fazeer watches silently. The erinyes draws a 5ft. perimeter of these runes and then sits down at its center, closes her eyes, and begins to chant.

A couple minutes after, Fazeer pipes up in his gentlemanly metallic voice. "Ahem. It appears that in all this rush, Chandra has forgotten to introduce me. My name is Fazeer, chief advisor to The Ghost Council. I'll be overseeing this invasion and reporting directly to the council. As such, I'll be requiring some information on you all. Chandra neglects to keep proper documents on her underlings.. What are your names and why did she seek you out?" A parchment and pen are in his hands, waiting.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

Stroland unlatches the clasps locking his swords in place with a flick of his thumb, taking in the surroundings as the blades jiggle a bit in their sheathes. Stepping forward, he addresses Fazeer.

"Name's Stroland Deeppitch, sir. Talented swordarm, gifted storyteller. Nabbed the job for two reasons, the first of which is that I'm dependable. Plans go awry, situations change, you need a creative mind, a sharp wit, and a silver tongue. Those, I have. The second, sir. Well... The only thing better than founding an empire is to be known for millennia as the founder of an empire. I'll make certain the story is remembered like none other. Stroland takes a step backwards, towards the others, looking around the group for the next to speak.

[Rainmar]

Esmeralda

Esme looks at the Fazeer. After few seconds she gives orders to skeleton to move bodies from the cart and put them on ground, but no farther away then 30' from each other. She also handles him a pouch of black onyxes and orders him to put a onyx into every corpse mouth.

She listens as Stroland speaks...and she now remembers a melody she heard coming from Chandra's tent. She examines him, but turns her head away everytime Stroland might turn and look at her.

She again turns her attention to Farzzer and speaks.

"To Council I am known as Nefrekhara, choosen daughter of Amuth-Ra, the Eternal Guardian of Desert. I'm here to serve Queen Chandra as her Hierophant and ensure that all who fall in her service are given another chance to serve the Queen."

With that she steped between the bodies laying on the ground and took out her staff ended with a upside down Ankh. With it she started to carve symbols in the dirt, singing in some alien disturbing language. After few minutes she reaches with her staff to heaven and it starts to hum and blaze with red energy.

Esme uses Desecrate power of the Ankh, casted on staff. Four hours of effect.

Then she intones next song but with recognizable words.

"You who have sown seeds of death in everybeing, Setep, Father of Underworld. May the rise again in your glory briniging your blessings to everyone."

With that she trikes ground with her staff and red cracks fill the ground around her. Nothing happens. After a moment a hand rises to the darkened sky, flesh quickly decomposing, showing the yellow of the bone. Like in a horror movie, twent bodies rise, casting aside their fleshy remains. Now they await for orders with a fire burning in their eyes.

Esme orders them to pick up weapons and dive into the murky water around Gate. They are to wait there till she orders.

"A small countermeasure if someone really will try to attack us here.

After that she bows to Fazzer in some foreign manner and stays beside Stroland, but not too close for her aura to reach him. She goes back stare/look away play.

Skeletons are much taughter then normal as they got +4 STR, at the top of that they also got a bonus +3 to HP from Corpsecrafter Feat and Desecrate area they were created upon.

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

Rensharr stops his cursory look-around the area and answers, " Rensharr, Scout division, I'll get started on scouting the immediate area if there's no objection."

Rensharr waits impatiently, double-checking his equipment, while waiting for anyone to object.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll

"Skoll from Loose Legion's Scout Division, I worked under lady Chandra's orders during battle of the Cloud City, milord. Today's assigment were orders, as usual. M'lord, if I may ask ... what supplies should be ordered to accomodate Your necessities ? I'm literate so often worked as quatermaster's helper in Legion."

The child soldier emerged from the shadow of the gate, even as You don't remember him entering trough the gate with You. He nodded to Rensharr, reckognising fellow scout. Now he looks entirely different than before, his clothes an colorless cheap of dirty rags with traces of green making weird mosaic all over it. Also his face is painted with mud, a tiny crossbow at his hip. Branches of some weeds and bare, mud covered, feet complement his camouflage. Attentive people could notice that despite his rugged and unkept look, his weapon is in pristine condition and doesn't glow because it was made to reflect as little light as possible.

He spotted necro-girl's glance play with the bard and grinned to them. Then he turned towards Fazeer.

"M'lord, if You don't mind ... I would like to start scouting with my colleague."

He walked towards Rensharr and extended his hand in honest welcome. And if Rensharr shaked his hand ...

@Rensharr & DM
<Telepathy: Hi. Do You mind a little challenge ? How much would You want for capturing living prey ?>

OOC:
If allowed, Skoll will wentrue into the swamp and go find somebody able to talk. Use his poison bolts to capture prey alive and ... torture it a bit so it thinks. :belkar:

Preferably drag the tongue back with Rensharr's help. My pest isn't musclebound like somebodies.

[Dralnu]

"Mmmhmm, yes, very good... I see.." Fazeer continues to scribble things down as each person talks in turn, nodding every so often. He chuckles at the quasit's question. "Necessities? Thankfully I require very little, but thanks," he says, lowering his hood to reveal a faceless head made of a silvery metal. "That'll be all for now. Go ahead and scout."

@Skoll / Azadar:
As people finish with their introductions, you hear the slightest movement of ungrowth at the edge of the clearing. Inspecting the spot of the noise, however, reveals that whatever was the source of the sound is no longer there.

The impoverished looking child and the imposing feline leave the clearing and begin scouting. Rensharr leads the way, using his outdoor expertise to navigate without losing his bearings.

@Rensharr and Skoll:
As you scout around the immediate area surrounding the clearing, you spot humanoid footprints in the muddy floor half-covered by undergrowth very close to the clearing. Later on you spot more footprints, older ones.

@Rensharr:
They're lizardfolk footprints. You're very familiar with the race and know much of their biology and habits. They likely live here in the swamp. From the looks of it, the fresh footprints was a scout that was peering into the clearing and then took off. You can follow these tracks if you want to.

@Rensharr and Skoll:
An hour into your patrols, you spot movement in the distance. About twenty 7ft. tall muscular humanoids with lizard-like qualities are sneaking forward in the direction of the encampment. They're about 30ft. away from the clearing's edge, moving in cautiously. Most carry crude clubs and tattered shields, while three more prominent looking individuals carry polished wooden staffs. They have not spotted you yet.

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

As, Skoll approaches and introduces himself, Rensharr, looks at him with a flat stare, but makes a gesture of recognition, not shaking his hand (he's in the Loose Legion, who knows where's he's been? :) )

He then turns and stalks into the swamp, quickly becoming all but invisible. As he stops the tracks he informs Skoll, assuming he would ask something when Rensharr pauses and examines the ground.

As he spies the lizardfolk, Rensharr utilizes his stealth to position himself 100 feet away closer to the encampment if possible, and lets fly with 4 arrows once he's set, all 4 at one with a staff, if first two drop one, move to another with a staff.

Rolls for attack, initiative, and hopefully tons of damage :)

Attack Rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Damage
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]



Initiative
[roll8]



@DM

Assuming they're real near the camp anyway, firing will more everyone just as quickly as going back.


@Skoll, and DM

Assuming skoll is invisible, Rensharr has no idea where he is, and figures he'll do something useful at this time. And Rensharr, thinks it's kinda cheating :)

[Rikandur Azebol]

Dangers of the Swamp !

Skoll, after turning invisible touches Rensharr's paw and ...

@Rensharr & DM ... am I doing it right ?
<Telepathy:I believe we are lucky ... fresh meat is crawling towards us. I will create distraction, feel free to choose prey as You like. But please, spare those who will survive and collapse. I'll need them alive later.>
... and catfolk scout only heard vicious chuckle before something small flied away. Suddenly noise arose among the lizardfolk when somebody attacked from the opposite direction !


Stats:

HP: 16/16; AC: 20, 17 Touch, 15 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +4
Active Effects: Invisibility, Detect Magic
Bolts: 10 made from frozen Quasit poison;

[Rainmar]

Esme walks from Gate to Chandra and back. She cant hide her nervousness, they are way too open and hopes that Chandra will end her ritual fast...or at least her magic will bring some formidable defenses.

She thought for a second and turned to see the Gate, hoping there is some power left to enable at least two times for one creature to cross it.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch
"Dear, you're simply going to have to relax." Stroland walks up, hands clasped behind his back, looking up at the Gate. The swords rattle around in his sheathes as he stops beside Esme. "I agree this is a serious situation, but look at all we have, We have fantastic power just in this very camp, and we have an assortment of very talented colleagues. To be honest, I've felt more endangered in some barroom brawls in my day. At least here, you know you're getting into troublesome work."

He chuckles, grinning, and turns to face the girl eye-to-eye. "You don't need to worry so much. This is just like any other work. Things will go right, and things will go wrong. You can't fray your mind over everything. Because it doesn't just hurt you." Stroland turns his head down a bit, and while not a whisper, continues in a hushed tone. "Fact of the matter is, you're the foundation for the rest of us out here. Once we're out on our own, we're depending on you more than anyone else, Esme. Your talents, and your powers are crucial for our survival. The Dragon has a mighty hand, yes, and the others surely have little match in combat, but you are going to be so crucial, dear. You are the Soul of this team. Your talents will be what helps conquer this land, not ours. And so you need to relax. Let us help you, tell us what you need. You've gotta keep your mind well. ...Otherwise you're getting every one of us killed." Stroland nods, placing his hands behind his back, and walks away from the Gate.

[Dralnu]

@Skoll, Rensharr:
There's a moment of confusion amongst the lizardfolk as two arrows from Rensharr's bow fly at them from behind, the first one striking a staff-wielding lizardfolk in the side. Skoll fades into visibility as a bolt fly towards another staff-wielder but bounces harmlessly off an exposed cypress root.

There's a commotion and momentary disorder amongst the creatures as some snarl hisses at Rensharr and slowly advance while others begin barking harsh words. Only the staff-wielders have any semblance of calmness.

As Skoll goes invisible, Rensharr fires another two arrows in quick succession at the same wounded target. The first would've struck it square in the neck had it not ducked behind a tree at the last moment, but peeking its face out earns the lizardman an arrow lodged deep inside its cheek. It howls in pain.

One of the staff-wielders looks out toward the clearing then back at the third (unhurt) staff wielder, who nods and shouts something himself. All three begin to cast spells. The injured ones' wounds begin to close, but not entirely.

One of the staff wielders yells something and the rest of the lizardfolk answer with a roar. Four lizardfolk, including one (uninjured) staff-wielder begins approaching Rensharr. Three of them advance as quickly as possible in the difficult terrain and move 30ft. forward, while the staff-wielder moves 15ft.

The rest push on forward to the clearing. Fourteen lizardfolk with clubs and shields reach the clearing's edge, while the remaining two staff-wielders hurry behind 15ft. away from the clearing.

Stroland and Esme's conversation is abrutly cut off by a commotion just outside the clearing's edge. It's unsure what is going on, but the abrupt roar of many humanoids is somewhat unnerving. Moments later, over a dozen powerfully built lizard-like humanoids appear just outside of the clearing, staring at you with bloodthirsty snarls.

There's another hissing shout from inside the swamp and suddenly there's movement right behind the two at the Gate. Stroland instinctively dodges as an alligator lunges at his legs, its powerful jaws snapping at air.

The battle begins!

OOC:
Surprise round happened, then round 1. Poor perception rolls mean that Stroland and Esme really weren't sure about the initial noises they heard (until the roar, o' course). Also, the alligator got sneaky on 'em. It's now round 2. You guys go, then I go.

I'll get a map up.. Figuring that one out... :smallconfused:

[Rainmar]

Esmeralda

Esme jumped back as the great scaly shadow has made it's jump on Stroland. Partially gratefull she was, for ending his strange ranting. Huh, why are her cheeks hot?

She finally saw lizardmen advancing from the clearing and turned to face them. She stepped up in front of Chandra and orders her one servant skeleton to protect her. With that she begins to cast a spell.

OOC
Move action to Chandra, standard action casting spell.

Stats

Stats: Esme
HP: 15/15; AC: 12, 12 Touch, 10 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +4
Active Effects:

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr notes the speed and fires two arrows at the staff wielding lizardman, hopefully interrupting the spell and moves what distance he can manage in the swamp away.



Acrobatics check if that helps.
[roll0]

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch
"Everyone keep your heads! This is why we're here, this is what we prepared ourselves for! Stay calm, act professional, and most of all, rip these things apart into as many pieces as you can!!!" Stroland yells out, drawing his longsword glowing with a faint blue light, and holding it high in the air. Stroland glares fiercely at the lizard folk whizzing by. "Hold your ground! GIVE 'EM HELL!!"

OOC:
Move Action: Draw Longsword.
Standard Action: Inspire Courage (+1)
[+1 Attack and Damage to all allies within earshot]

Stats
Stats: Stroland
HP: 36/36; AC: 19, 14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +4
Bard Songs Remaining: 4
Spells Remaining:
3 - Zeroes
4 - Ones
2- Twos
Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1 Atk&Dmg for Self and Allies) <Expires Round 7>

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll

Tiny quasit cursed loudly when enemies divided their forces instead of grouping together as he hoped. He quickly fled over the closest pool of stillwater and started some serious shooting at the two remaining leaders.
Then he thought about taunting them a little ... and perhaps they talk only lizard language he knows ...

"<Draconic: Hey You tiny worms ! Do You belive that attacking us will go unpunished ? We'll eat Your young for that insult !>"

Stats:
HP:16/16(DR:5/good or cold iron, Fast Healing 2)
AC 20, Touch 17, Flat Footed 15
Active Effects:Detect Magic (3 rounds)
Crossbow Attack +10, 1d4 piercing(poison DC 15, 1d4/2d4 dex dmg), range 160', ammo 19 icy bolts;

[Dralnu]

Round 2:

Rensharr readies two more arrows against the approaching staff-wielder, intent on disrupting its next spellcasting.

A missed bolt from Skoll alerts the lizardfolk of another danger. The quasit's target turns around, it's face contorted with visible rage. It spits out in a hissing tongue, "<Draconic: No, little demon, we will skewer YOU and roast you for a good meal!"> The lizardfolk breaks rank from the others and begins to advance towards Skoll.

Esmerelda commands a skeleton to rise from the waters and protect Chandra, then begins chanting a spell.

Fazeer stands beside the guarding skeleton as well, apparently deciding to observe rather than participate in the upcoming battle.

Stroland's inspiring speech pierces the air, bringing confidence to his allies. One of the lizardfolk loudly hisses a response, "<Draconic: That one must be their leader! Kill him first!>"

Map:
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7448/swamp2.png
Orange = Gate
Darkred = Chandra
Purple = Fazeer
Light Grey = Undead
Dark Grey = Esme
Red = Stroland
Green = Lizardfolk
Dark Green = Alligator

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll

"<Draconic: Little ?! I'll give You no little of pain weaklings ! Try and get me slugs !>"

Sneered in a taunting voice tiny demon flying behind largest concentration of lizardfolk and lowering his position to 15' to lure them into false belief they can reach him. And while reloading crossbow, he waited ... dreadful magic ready to be unleashed.

OOC:
Move action, descend 5' flying to the position where is largest concentration of lizardfolk normals ( can descend 100' so it shouldn't be a problem). Bluffing to goad them into attacking him [roll0] and next use Cause Fear SLA(30' burst centered on quasit, DC 13 to overcome) when largest possible number of them is in range. I can spit it 1/day so better to make it count. Skoll lands on the head of one if necessary to increase taunt.

Stats:
HP:16/16(DR:5/good or cold iron, Fast Healing 2)
AC 20, Touch 17, Flat Footed 15
Active Effects:Detect Magic (3 rounds)
Crossbow Attack +10, 1d4 piercing(poison DC 15, 1d4/2d4 dex dmg), range 160', ammo 19 icy bolts;

[Rainmar]

Esmeralda

This was not looking good. Ranks of scaly lizardmen have came out of the clearing and started to advance. She heard their snarls and pointg weapons at Stroland. No one touches my...my...my Minion!

Stroland can her Esme speking a deep voice which seems to linger in the air for some time, glancing like echo from all living things in this clearing.

"Rise"

With that from murky water rise skeletal army and obediently move before them, forming a protective wall.

With that Esme have completed her spell and a half-matterial silver hand has started to hover beside her.

Esme gasps as some of her life force is being taken from her body to fuel spell. [roll0]

OOC

2nd round: Move action to order skeletons and move behind em. Standard to cast spell.
3rd round: Move action to get spell component from handy sack and standard to cast next spell.


Stats

Stats: Esme
HP: 11/15; AC: 12, 12 Touch, 10 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +4
Active Effects: Bard song (+1 attack and dmg) [ends on 7th round]

[Dralnu]

Round 2 Cont'd

One lizardfolk, goaded by Skoll's taunts, breaks rank and moves as quickly as he can to the quasit's position but doesn't reach him. (20ft. away)

The lizardfolk watch in horror as skeletons rise from the bog and take defensive positions around the clearing. One of the staff-wielding lizardfolk rallies his bretheren with a shrill yell, "<Draconic: Destroy them all! ATTACK!" The lizardfolk emit a collective roar as they charge forward and attack, hacking angrily at the skeletons in their way. Three skeletons fall to the onslaught while one is heavily damaged.

The alligator lashes out at Stroland once more with its powerful jaws, but the bard nimbly dodges out of its path.

One of the staff-wielding lizardfolk (#9) advances with the pack and begins chanting a spell.

Meanwhile outside of the clearing, the four lizardfolk attacking Rensharr press onwards as quickly as they can, moving 30ft. forward, now only 40ft. away. Rensharr holds his ground and lets loose two more arrows at the staff-wielder, the first one being blocked by a tree but the second striking true, leaving a deep gash inside the creature's side as it hisses in pain.

OOC:
Rapid Shot is a full round action, so two arrows = no movement.

Round 3

Skoll flies over to the densest pack of lizardfolk and unleashes his dreadful demonic magic upon them, stirring fear within his opponent's hearts. Eight lizardfolk appear visibly shaken by the magics but all continue to fight as best they can.

OOC:
Skoll is now hovering in... G5, I believe? Where would be most optimal?

Esme's spell finishes and a ghostly spectral hand hovers beside her.

Map:
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/5633/swampround2.png

Actions Required:
Skoll, Rensharr, Esme, Stroland

[Rainmar]

Esmeralda

Round 3

Esme looks at her army. Her skeltons are being destroyed...yes, she liked very much when she saw as explosions of red lightenings have erupted between her ranks. Those around will be stronger and lizards...tough for them.

With that she shouted commands to Skeltons on left flank to circle and attack enemy from behind. Some of them she send to reinforce a right flank. Thru the front ranks could be heard her voice.

"Slay them"

After that she bend and touched earth with her hand, whispering some arcane mutterings.

"Come Keeper. Sacrilegous beasts are upon us! Show them might of Desert Kingdom's Guardian."

OOC

Move action to shout commands. Standard action to cast Summon Undead III, Troll Skeleton.


Stats

Stats: Esme
HP: 11/15; AC: 12, 12 Touch, 10 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +4
Active Effects: Bard song (+1 attack and dmg) [ends on 7th round]
Spells remaining: 7/4

Human Warrior Skeleton
Size/Type: Medium Undead
Hit Dice: 1d12+2 (8 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 15 (+1 Dex, +2 natural, +2 heavy steel shield), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/+1
Attack: Khopesh +3 melee (1d8+3/19-20) or claw +3 melee (1d4+3)
Full Attack: Khopesh +3 melee (1d6+3/19-20) or 2 claws +3 melee (1d4+3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 5/bludgeoning, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to cold, undead traits
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +1, Will +2
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 13, Con Ø, Int Ø, Wis 10, Cha 1
Feats: Improved Initiative

Troll Skeleton
Size/Type: Large Undead
Hit Dice: 6d12+12 (51 hp)
Initiative: +7
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (+3 Dex, -1 size, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 11
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+13
Attack: Claw +10 melee (1d6+8) and Fullblade Khopesh +10 melee (2d8+8)
Full Attack: 2 claws +10 melee (1d6+8) and bite +5 melee (1d6+5) and Fullblade Khopseh + 10 melee(2d8+8)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 5/bludgeoning, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to cold, undead traits
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +5
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 16, Con Ø, Int Ø, Wis 10, Cha 1
Feats: Improved Initiative

Destruction retribution feat, upon fdestrucion undead bursts and releases a 10' spread of negative energy, hurts living heals undead. 1D6 damage for 2HD, 10' spread, Reflex DC15 for half.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch (Round 3)
"Get your scaly, ugly self back into the swamp you waste of skin!!!" Stroland crashes his longsword down upon the creature, creating a wave of sky blue through the air as the glowing blade pierces the damp air.

He then draws his second sword, ready for the certain counterattack.

"We doin' alright out there?!" Stroland shouts

OOC
Move Action: Draw Shortsword
5'Step between Alligator and Esme, if possible.
Standard action: Longsword attack against Alligator

Note: Using 2 weapons removes my buckler from AC
Takes it down to 18

Stats
Stats: Stroland
HP: 36/36; AC: 18, 14 Touch, 15 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +4
Bard Songs Remaining: 4
Spells Remaining:
3 - Zeroes
5 - Ones
3- Twos
Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1 Atk&Dmg for Self and Allies) <Expires Round 7>

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr growls in frusteration, and skillfully navigates the swampy land moving 40 feet away if possible, before turning and firing 1 arrow back at the staff wielder.



OOC: let me know if you need acrobatics re-roll of anything.

[Dralnu]

Round 3 Cont'd:

Rensharr fires a lone arrow at the approaching staff-wielder and sprints away with feline speed. The lizardman begins gurgling blood when the arrow lands in its throat and soon it crumples to the floor.

OOC:
No need for acrobatics, they still haven't gotten close to you.

Stroland skillfully slashes at the attacking alligator, leaving a large gash across its back.

Esme commands her undead minions to attack and they silently comply, approaching their nearest enemies and hacking away with claws. Three lizardfolk go down to the assault while many more are now bloodied. A large skeletal troll appears in a cloud of smoke during the chaos behind another staff-wielding lizardman (#9) and connects a savage blow with one of its large claws, but the lizardman manages to continue his chant.

Skoll continues to throw out vile curses in his opponent's tongue and fires another bolt at the nearby staff-wielder (#9), but the bolt misses and bounces harmlessly off the troll skeleton's frame.

The staff-wielder in the clearing finishes his chant. A small dark cloud appears over the clearing, crackling with barely held electricity. He turns around to the large skeleton behind him and swings his staff with unnatural force, breaking into its ribcage and shouts encouragement to his comrades.

OOC:
Troll Skeleton takes 11 damage.

The bulk of the lizardfolk continue attacking as best they can but their initial ferocity is quickly losing steam. Two more skeletons are destroyed and release an explosion of negative energy, further damaging their opponents. Skoll's goading seems to be unheard or ignored in the heat of battle.

OOC:
Skeleton #4 and #12 die, #11 takes 7 damage but is then healed 3hp.

The alligator attempts to bite Stroland once more, but the bard reads its actions and easily sidesteps the feeble attempt.

Back in the forest, the three remaining lizardfolk finally realize the foolishness of trying to catch an archer and attempt to flee, heading northward. They move 30ft (80ft. away)

Round 4:

Map:
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4016/swampround3.png

Actions Required:
Esme, Stroland, Skoll, Rensharr

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch - Round 4
"Hey Guys! I think I just found a new species of blind alligator! It's pretty interesting!" Stroland slides to the left, and brings the longsword crashing down onto the alligator, quickly followed by the shortsword.

"We holding together over there, Esme? How's the army holdin?"

OOC:
Full Round Action: Full Attack on Alligator
Longsword Attack - 19
Longsword Damage - 10
Shortsword Attack - 15
Shortsword Damage - 8
5' Step between Esme and Alligator (H10)

Stats:
Stats: Stroland
HP: 36/36; AC: 18, 14 Touch, 15 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +4
Bard Songs Remaining: 4
Spells Remaining:
3 - Zeroes
5 - Ones
3- Twos
Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1 Atk&Dmg for Self and Allies) <Expires Round 7>

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

Rensharr looks around, the situation seems to be stabilizing in the groups favor.

He calls out, "Everyone enjoying the welcome party?"


OOC: if a staff wielder is within 100 feet, rapid shot from where I am, or if I can move within a 100 feet and fire at a staff wielder, I will do that, remember I do have precise shot, so firing into melee not a problem.

If no staff wielder is is within those parameters, crocodile gets priority then regular lizardmen.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll

"Bleed !"

Growled quietly quasit, this time taking his time to aim properly at the lizardman leader and shooting him in the back. Ice-made bolt sank nicely in the tough hide, drawing blood and pumping it's poison in.

Stats
HP:16/16 (DR:5/good or cold iron, Fast Healing 2)
AC 20, Touch 17, Flat Footed 15
Active Effects:Detect Magic (1 rounds)
Crossbow Attack +11, 1d4 piercing(poison DC 15, 1d4/2d4 dex dmg), range 160', ammo 17 icy bolts;

[Rainmar]

Esmeralda - Round 4

Esme intoxicated by amount of death around her, turned to Stroland.

"Victory and defeat does not matter, for both of them fuel my ranks...but yes, this is the end of scaly barbarians."

Then she faces frontline again and shouts out orders in tomblanguage. For a moment she looks at the staff-wielding lizard and shouts something to big skeleton just behind him. And snaps her fingers.

Seeing as giant bony hands lung forward to grab lizardman she intones a foul arcane song, her eyes glowing with negative energy.

"Be honoured scaly creature and receive blessings of Setep."

OOC

Move action to talk. Standard to deliver Charnel Touch on #9 and touch attack him. Touch attack(BAB +2, spectral hand +2, song +1)[roll0], damage [roll1]


STATS


Stats: Esme
HP: 11/15; AC: 12, 12 Touch, 10 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +4
Active Effects: Bard song (+1 attack and dmg) [ends on 7th round]

Human Warrior Skeleton
Size/Type: Medium Undead
Hit Dice: 1d12+2 (8 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 15 (+1 Dex, +2 natural, +2 heavy steel shield), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/+1
Attack: Khopesh +3 melee (1d8+3/19-20) or claw +3 melee (1d4+3)
Full Attack: Khopesh +3 melee (1d6+3/19-20) or 2 claws +3 melee (1d4+3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 5/bludgeoning, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to cold, undead traits
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +1, Will +2
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 13, Con Ø, Int Ø, Wis 10, Cha 1
Feats: Improved Initiative

Troll Skeleton
Size/Type: Large Undead
Hit Dice: 6d12+12 (51 hp) Currently: 40hp
Initiative: +7
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (+3 Dex, -1 size, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 11
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+13
Attack: Claw +10 melee (1d6+8) and Fullblade Khopesh +10 melee (2d8+8)
Full Attack: 2 claws +10 melee (1d6+8) and bite +5 melee (1d6+5) and Fullblade Khopseh + 10 melee(2d8+8)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 5/bludgeoning, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to cold, undead traits
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +5
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 16, Con Ø, Int Ø, Wis 10, Cha 1
Feats: Improved Initiative

Destruction retribution feat, upon fdestrucion undead bursts and releases a 10' spread of negative energy, hurts living heals undead. 1D6 damage for 2HD, 10' spread, Reflex DC15 for half

[Dralnu]

Round 4 Cont'd:

Stroland's quick blade strikes both slash deep into the lizard's neck, hacking through the bone. The alligator lies motionless in a pool of blood.

Two arrows whistle through the trees into the clearing at the staff-wielding lizardman, but the skeletal troll obscuring the way deflects them harmlessly.

Skoll fires another bolt at the staff-wielding lizardman. This bolt's aim is true and it leaves a nasty gash in the creature's side as it hisses in pain.

Esme's skeletal army continue their assault against the battered lizardfolk. Already bloodied and tired, the lizardfolk are unable to properly defend themselves against the untiring undead, and all but the staff-wielder are hacked down until they lie motionless, staining the entire clearing with dark purplish blood. The large troll skeleton reaches out to grab the lone survivor but is quickly denied with a fierce swing of its staff, crushing one of its clawed hands.

OOC:
Grapple fails, 10damage.

The remaining lizardman takes a quick glance around the battlefield and its mouth and eyes visibly widen in horror as it sees all of its kin dead at the feet of a skeletal army. Panicking, it drops its staff and raises its hands into the air, yelling in a shrill voice, "<Draconic: I surrender! I surrender!>"

Combat End!

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

Stroland covers his mouth with his hand, muttering some words while closing his eyes. His hand stifles a soft flash of light, and he stretches his jaw out very wide, almost in a yawn.

Casting "Tongues"

"Watch this one, make sure he doesn't bolt on us." Stroland leans in close to the creature, setting his blades on the ground as he approaches.

Hissing and spatting, Stroland speaks calmly and plainly.<Draconic: Look, whoever you are. I'm a very busy man, just arriving in a new country, and I don't want to waste time. Why did you attack us, and how did you know we were here? Don't dawdle, or I'm going to have to delegate your interegation to my more creative associates. It will be considerably less pleasant that way.>

Stats
Stats: Stroland
HP: 36/36; AC: 19, 14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +4
Bard Songs Remaining: 4
Spells Remaining:
3 - Zeroes
5 - Ones
2 - Twos
Active Effects: Tongues (50 minutes)

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll

Skoll shouted quickly to Esmeralde and Stroland, his small body darting towards one of the bloody bodies of the lizardmen, while shouting towards his partymates.

"Slasher Boss, Chill Mistress ! We need to keep as many alive as possible for interrogation and cross-questioning ! What to do ... one of the staff wielders probably fled."

Little demon cursed under his nose seeing all these peacefully dead or dying bodies, come one ! No suffering ? It pains him, a lot, to see these lizards get so lucky. Doing this against his better judgment he landed on one of the still twitching corpses and digged his claws into the body, knowing well that small doses of his acidic saliva should be able to seal any blood-loss from the lizardman.

OOC Heal checks to stabilise dying lizardman [roll0]

[Dralnu]

The lone lizardman listens intently to Stroland. He shudders at the mention of the bard's associates. Trying hard to keep his voice from trembling, he replies, "<Draconic: This is our swamp... We've seen outsiders visit this strange structure sometimes and since then we post a scout. We wanted to.. to capture you.>" He gulps after his last sentence, his eyes darting between the people in front of him.

Skoll lands on top of one of the dying lizardfolk. Hmmm, now what did he remember of these creature's odd anatomies? Oh, that organ appears to be punctured! A little dab of acidic saliva, shove that organ back into that gap over there.. Voila! The lizardfolk should be good.

Seconds later, the lizardfolk begins convulsing. A few seconds after that, it lies motionless and stops breathing. Darn.

OOC:
He's dead, Jim.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

If they were capturing us, that means they were taking us somewhere... that means a civilization. ...Which means resources.

Stroland eases down to a squat, arms crossed over his chest, and mumbles another series of words into his palm, flashing again in a soft green glow.

Casting "Message"

From under his armpit, Stroland extends a finger back towards Esme, behind him. "Esme, seems like these guys have some sort of civilization around here. Is there anything there we can use with this, or should we just move on?"

Stroland turns back to the Lizardman. <Draconic: Guess things didn't go as planned for you, then. Fortunately, you have a way out. See, we didn't come here to war with lizardfolks. We're trying to make a home, find a land for ourselves. We have more important things to do than fight you.

...But I know that if we start exploring, and run across your camp, this whole debacle will start again. So for both our sakes, could you let us know where your encampment is, so we don't find ourselves at war again?"> Stroland pauses for a moment, in realization.
<Draconic: ...And what other outsiders?>


Stats
Stats: Stroland
HP: 36/36; AC: 19, 14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +4
Bard Songs Remaining: 4
Spells Remaining:
2 - Zeroes
5 - Ones
2 - Twos
Active Effects:
Tongues (Draconic) (49.9 minutes)
Message (50 minutes)

[Dralnu]

The lizardman takes another glance at the army of undead, then back at Stroland. "<Draconic: You won't.. You won't kill us if I tell you? My people at the camp, they're mostly women and children. Our strongest go out on the raids. We can pose no threat and no doubt willingly serve you if you spare us,>" he hisses in a meek voice. The small nimbus of crackling electricity dissipates from overhead.

"<Draconic: Yes, others. A man garbed in strange clothing, his body tightly in cloth. He came with hooded men and ordered them to cast magics. They reeked of death. It happened about a year ago. Until then, few had taken interest in that structure,>" he says, pointing to the Gate.

[Rainmar]

Esme looked at scaly creature crawling at Bard's feet. Disgusting. Then she hear Bard's voice in her head. After a breif moment she came up to him and with smile she started to talk to him in such way like someone would talk about groceries.

Bluff check [roll0] [facepalm] so Lizardman will think that hes not the subject of what Esme is speaking to Bard. Esme is talking in common language used from where they came.

<Kill him. There are no services which he might have better fulfill while alive then dead. I will extract all information about this civilization. And then he will be ready to serve Queen.>

Then she orders some of her skeletons to start lining up the bodies of lizardmen...while others are to guard perimeter.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll

"I'll scout the perimeter !"

Lied Skoll before poofing invisible and straining his little ears towards the lizardman.

@DM & those who see invisible
Women and children, he said. Dark fires glinted briefly in his clever eyes before he grinned ear-to-ear. Unfotrtunately, nobody saw it as he hurried away with the Lizardman's staff. Little fiend smiled vickedly to himself when he hurried away, trailing the tracks left by large group of lizardmen ... should be easy enough for him.

@OOC
Survival check [roll0] if the total DC is less than 16 Skoll should be able to track it. Plan is to find the Lizardman camp while invisible, and count the spoils to pillage. :belkar:

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

Don't see why it's necessary to kill the creature. Worst thing he'd do is run back to tell the others how supremely we trounced them... might even work to our advantage that way.

...No, that's just an excuse. You just don't want to kill this thing. But you knew there'd be compromises to be made when you signed up for this. Best to do it quick, then... for everyone's sake.

Stroland retreives his swords from the ground, and works on sheathing the longsword. <Draconic: That's very helpful, stranger. We'll do our best to keep a watch out for this hooded figure, and make sure we keep ourselves protected. As I'm sure you're aware, there's dangerous folks around. Here, let me help you up.> Stroland extends a hand toward the lizardman, then thrusts his shortsword into the creature's throat.

Gonna be a long couple of months, Stroland ol' buddy. Better get used to this.

Wiping off his blade, Stroland replaces it into its sheath. "Good thinking about the perimeter, Skoll... we don't want any more distractions for Lady Chandra." Stroland speaks to open air. "He's all yours, Esme."

Stroland walks towards Fazeer and Chandra, to make sure everything is going well over there.

[Dralnu]

The skeletal undead begin arranging the lizardfolk corpses in neat piles and complete their task within a few minutes. Esme approaches Stroland and mentions something about the weather while the lizardman observes nervously. Skoll vanishes from view, "scouting."

@Skoll:
You easily find the raiding group's fresh footprints in the mud just north of the clearing. Following it back isn't difficult. You've been tracking for ten minutes now and haven't come across the camp yet.

The lizardman seems relieved at Stroland's hospitality. "<Draconic: I didn't expect such honorable manners from a pink-fleshed one. You are truly an oddity amongst these beats and abominations,>" he says, taking Stroland's hand, "<Surely my people will be happier serving you than our previous mast--GRKLRRHEL!!>" His sentence is cut off as Stroland plunges the shortsword into the creature's throat, spewing dark blood everywhere. The lizardman clutches his wound with both hands uselessly, giving the bard a surprised and frightened look as he finally dies.

Fazeer claps with his silvery hands as Stroland approaches. "Well done, sir Stroland! Your group managed to fend off those savages without dirtying my cloak! Probably would've been better to keep someone alive for interrogation, but we can't all be perfect. Now if Chandra could hurry up and finish her spell perhaps we could actually get something do--" he stops himself short as the ground begins to tremble. Chandra opens her eyes, which are now aglow with green light, as are the runes that are inscribed around her. Her normally smooth alabaster body oddly now has the appearance of cracked stone.

The trembling ground quickly escalates into violent shaking, forcing everyone in the area to make an effort to stay on their feet. Erupting from the ground around the clearing's perimeter are flat vertical walls of a black crystalline material. These walls shoot out of the ground individually, but together form a sealed perimeter around the clearing, save for a 20ft. wide gap at the northern side of the clearing. The shaking ceases.

Chandra stands up, the glowing now gone and her skin returning to normal. "It is done." She takes a moment to survey the scene around her. "It seems there was some excitement while I was busy," the erinyes says with a smirk, Status report? Where's Skoll?"

OOC:
By the way, I won't be rolling knowledge checks (lazy factor) so feel free to whenever you want.

[Rainmar]

"My Queen, locals have visited us...and brought gifts."
She pointed at neatly made lines of bloddied lizardmen bodies with hands crossed on their chests in pharaoh-like manner. After her skeletons were done she ordered them to bring two leaders to near Gate and ready them for embalming. The rest was dispatched to work on drying inside of new fortress.

"Thirteen new soldiers await enlisting into your army. We have also accepted their gifts made of their two leaders...and blind alligator. Tommorow at dawn I plan on starting questioning them. Would you have any special questions for them, aside from ripping every usefull information from their souls, my Queen?"

Esme looked at towering walls, trying her best to discern any signs that might have give her clue on nature of this magically created fortification.


Know(Arcane)[roll0] and Spellcraft[roll1]


"Outstanding, my Queen, how deep those walls reach? If sufficiently deep we could think on making some more alterations to our soon be fortress."


By embalming I think of ceremonial casting of Gentle Repose for now. DM, how much would cost creating by Craft(Alchemy) a gentle repose effect in shape of bandages, natron and embalming stuff?

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll

From far away, Skoll noticed how Stroland resolved the leadership problem with the lizardmen. It made him wonder ... when waked from their kindness induced indolence elves fought viciously and ruthlessly, almost as cruelly as Chosen's drow allies. Pity they wake up so late, isn't it ? Humans and dwarwes were dealt with at that time ... but still, siege of the Cloud Citadel brings shrudder of fear down demon's spine whenever he remembers what kind of massacre last organized bastion of so called Alliance of Light caused to the besieging forces. Well, it was until the Alliance soldiers lost spirit and became as ruthless as the Legions of the Chosen. On unlucky day, when Skoll's scouting unit was sent on suicide mission to disturb griffon aerie during general attack, they found out that there were no defenders left. Their cooling corpses were strewn left and right, as if they died the same moment. Skoll caressed his favorite ring made of truesilver, covered in delicate pattern of elven text. Unfortunately, the ring was all of the plunder he was left with.
Demonling sighed invisibly and returned to his task ...

@DM Skoll decided to continue his tracking, for khe knew that on the swamp tracks can disappear quickly. And he had a plan involving lizardmen, for their females and children will need help, and soon. Just to survive.

@OOCFollowing the tracks while flying 10' above ground, with Detect Magic and Invisibility active. Half max speed give 25' fly speed. I believe Skoll have still ~5 hours before Chandra finishes her casting. And he wants to find Lizardman Village/Camp and observe them for a while gleaning as much info as possible. Why such hurry ? I don't know how fast tracks dissapear in the swamp.

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

Bounding gracefully through the swamp, Rensharr searches especially for arrows, either intact or with reusable parts (ie good arrow heads, fletching).

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

Stroland finishes cleaning off his swords, and secures them back in place across his back. He strains his neck looking up at the formidable wall newly erupted from the earth.

Oh yeah, that's just like other battles you've been in before. You've totally got this under control. Good decision coming out here, Stroland. Real brain of a move.

Stroland brushes off the scales and blood from his attire, and walks up towards Chandra. Shoulders back, standing at near attention, Stroland makes his report.

"Skoll and Renshar are examining the perimeter, making sure there are no lingering threats. For the moment, things seem to be quiet, and under control." Stroland looks at the newly lined up corpses. "Even seem to have a bolstered army, thanks to Esme, here."

"But in short, our defenses seem to be up, the location is secure, and things seem to be well in order for us. What would you have us attend to, Your Highness?"

[Dralnu]

@Esme:
You know that the runes are neither arcane or divine, but are connected to a strange type of spellcasting called pact magic, which is practiced by binders. The wall is likely the result of this type of magic.

"Good work," Chandra says, nodding to Stroland and Esme, "You handled the situation well." She looks at the fresh corpses and grins, "Recruits are always good, alive or dead. Esme, get any information that you can about the lay of the land and its inhabitants. I don't want to move around blind on this continent. Any other useful questions are entirely up to you. I know you will ask the right ones."

Turning to Stroland, she continues, "This was a raiding party, which means that their people were informed of our whereabouts. They'll also be concerned when their soldiers don't return. I don't want them sending messengers for help. The element of surprise is one of our precious few advantages at the moment.

I'd like you to lead the group to their camp. It's probably in the same swamp. Make sure they aren't leaking our presence to anyone else and win them over to our cause. Alive is preferred, but I'm sure Esme will be able to persuade them if they give you trouble."

@Rensharr:
After searching the perimeter find [roll0] intact arrows.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

"Yes, Your Highness. We'll make preparations and leave shortly." Stroland walked back towards the now-quiet battlefield, mulling over the next stages of the plan. Dealing with the Lizard-Tribe, Placating (or deceiving) the survivors into benefiting their side, they certainly had their work cut out for them. However, none of it mattered if they couldn't find the tribe, and continued to suffer attacks from unknown sources. They needed to locate the civilization, and quickly, before word spread, and things got out of hand. ...Hopefully Skoll found something.

"Esme, Rensharr, we're going to be leaving within the hour. We're going to track down the Lizardfolks' camp. Skoll went to go find any sort of trace... we'll need to ask what he found the moment he gets back.

Prepare for travel, prepare for swamp. We'll need to travel light, which probably means we can't go charging in with the whole complement," says Stroland, nodding to the horde of Undead. "There's really no telling how this will go... we may just need smiles, or we may need force. I've never dealt with these folks other than junior over there, so any suggestions would be welcome and heard."

[Rainmar]

Esme

Esme have started to give out orders to her Skeletal Horde, but she stopped as she heard Stroland saying.
She looked up at him and pointed at her skeletons who were preping her palanquin.

"They are not going with us?" she said with hint of uneasyness in her voice. Then she looked at wet, murky and probably very very digusting swamp opening behind the clearing. Now she looked more like a child she is, not like a necromancer who leads a horde of undead. She stayed with her gaze fixated at the swamp, just like she would be trying to scare it off and make it go away.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch
"Not all the way, no. You have to realize that if we go in with full force, someone will survive. Someone there will get away, and be very much our enemy. That cannot happen. We either need to convince the residents that it's in their best interests to stay away from our target (if not join in combat,) or a complete elimination of them. ...And your entourage, while formidable, is neither a fast, nor stealthy force."

"I'm not saying that they shouldn't come. I'm saying that they don't need to be leading the way on this, until we know exactly what we're up against. Our main goal is not to terrify them into panic. Fear is a useful tool, but a frenzy is chaos incarnate, and helps no one." Stroland takes a seat nearby, stretching his legs out. "I realize this isn't exactly your element Esme... It's a lot like me marching through a battlefield without my swords. Life throws you uncomfortable things sometimes, but you can't let them grab a hold over you. Gotta adapt. Who knows, you may find a new talent you didn't know you had!" Stroland digs into his pocket, and withdraws a small scrap of parchment, handing it to Esme.

Scribbles of Stroland 2

"Haven't always been a swordsman, you know." Stroland offers a smile after a moment, then rises to his feet, stretching his arms. "I'm going to see if Rensharr's seen Skoll, and if either of them have some counsel on getting to this village. Take some time and relax. We won't be leaving for a while, take advantage of the time.

...Also, nice work in the battle earlier. Told ya you were our Soul." Stroland grins, turning off towards Rensharr and the Swamp

[Dralnu]

The sun's journey has now reached the edge of the horizon, its dying rays peaking through the cypress trees covering the swamp. Night should fall within an hour.

@Skoll:
You continue following the lizardfolk's footprints for another twenty minutes. The footprints eventually lead to a dirt path and follows it unerringly. The well-worn path widens as it finally reaches your destination. An encampment lies ahead, surrounded by a decaying wooden wall comprised of logs bound vertically together about 20ft. high and 10ft. thick. The top of each log is carved into a spike, some adorned with humanoid skulls. Four lizardfolk stand at the entrance, each firmly holding a javelin in their hands.

(You are now caught up with the rest of the party in respect to time.)

Chandra nods in agreement to Stroland. "The undead should stay here. Walking around in such great numbers may arouse too much suspicion if people spotted you.

I'll start securing the immediate area against divination spells. I should be done by the time you have completed your mission. Fazeer, will you be accompanying them?" she says, turning to the construct beside her. "And leave your side, m'lady? I wouldn't think of it! Who would be your stalwart protector? Some mindless piles of bones? You can't get rid of me that easily," he says with a chuckle.

With the smallest roll of her eyes, she turns back to Stroland. "Alright. Leave when ready."

[Rikandur Azebol]

@DM
Skoll quickly starts earching the entire place, tying to fingure out as much as he could about it in as little time as possible. His mind was afloat with half formed ideas and he was considering many options at once, waiting for his intuition to pop up and show him the way to start ...

Stats
Active Effects:Invisibility, Detect Magic

[Rainmar]

Esme

After a lecture Stroland gave Esme, she was left with a skeletal question marks floating above her head. She looked at the parchment he gave her...she flipped it upside down...back to normal...she got a feeling she needs some crayons...huh? what are crayons?

She hid the parchemnt for later examination and make her way to Stroland. She bite her lip and called back her power. With that she pulled his sleeve to bring his attention and said: "But we ain't done yet. As you are the leader of our party, under ruleship of Her Highness, you are responisble for us. And because I can't take my servants with me...could you squat?" she asked, pointing her finger at the ground.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

... ...What?

Stroland examines Esme for a moment, an eyebrow raised in confusion. He then quietly nods, placing his right palm on the damp earth, lowering himself until his knees are completely bent. He looks at Esme.

"What's on your mind?"

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

I will see what the spirits of my people can tell me


OOC: Commune with Nature, 10 min cast, 1 per day due to spiritual guide class feature

Most interested in people, presence of powerful unnatual creatures (besides our camp), and minerals.

You become one with nature, attaining knowledge of the surrounding territory. You instantly gain knowledge of as many as three facts from among the following subjects: the ground or terrain, plants, minerals, bodies of water, people, general animal population, presence of woodland creatures, presence of powerful unnatural creatures, or even the general state of the natural setting.

[Rainmar]

Esme circled around Stroland and eventually made her way behind his back. With that she climbed on his back and sit down on his shoulders.
"You know, I just really hate swamps, they are humid, smelly and there might be something under shallow water..."

[Dralnu]

@Skoll:
Zooming about and taking in as much of the area as possible, you notice a few things. The camp holds about fifty lizardfolk which live in a mud huts with thatched straw roofs. Small firepits litter the area, some in active use, roasting skewered fish. Beside the far end wall is a wooden cage 10ft. in diameter. Inside is a dirtied and docile elf sitting on the floor staring at nothing in particular.

The most prominent structure in the camp is a large tent in the back made of animal hide. Peeking inside you notice it's guarded by two lizardfolk. Two large wooden benches take up most of the space inside, the surface littered with the remains of a large feast. At the far end is a slightly elevated throne with a lizardfolk garbed in a robe sitting, speaking in draconic with another lizardman beside him.

@Rensharr:
Tapping into nature's knowledge, you find out the location of a lizardfolk encampment a little over 2 miles north of you. It's a walled camp with about fourty lizardfolk and one elf.

There doesn't seem to be any unnatural creatures within a 4 mile radius outside of your company.

There's a rich concentration of precious metals to the west about 3 miles away, located at the base of a hill. The most dominant mineral veins are gold. As you concentrate on the area, you can feel these minerals are being actively harvested at this very moment. You feel the presence of kobolds here. At least a hundred of them.

[Rikandur Azebol]

@DM
Skoll decided to spy on the conversing lizards first, then see what is this elf second. Activating all his magical senses he quietly sneaked under the wall of the tent. And with most slight movements he approached the talking robed lizardman and his companion. All the time wary to stay in shadows.

After listening what they were conversing about he quietly left and moved towards the cage with the elf. And gave the fey creature trough visual examination. His clothes, appearance and shape of face ... every tiny detail that might help.

Stats
Active effects: Detect Good, Detect Magic, Invisibility;

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

Stroland grinned, wrapping his arms around the back of the small figure's ankles, securing her tightly to his back. "Make sure you hold on good and well, now. Gonna be a bumpy ride""

Stroland walked out to find Rensharr, to depart the camp. They were as prepared as they were going to be, and time was wasting. They needed to find Skoll, and the Lizardcamp.

...I hope he hasn't gotten himself killed out there.

[Rikandur Azebol]

While being busy with his task Skoll started to wonder about the newest team he was assigned to. First he analyzed hat he knew about Stroland the half-elf.
It is weird that elfblood is alive and such huge position ... and he seems softer of heart than any of the rest. Doubly suprising he rose so high. Perhaps I'll goad him subtly to the leader position, so he won't be able to scheme against me too easily ... being all busy. Ke, ke, ke.
Then he shruddered a bit when thinking about the second scout, catfolk Rensharr.
This one is dangerous, but seems to be happy with simple pleasures ... need to distract him with some other foe. And learn more.
And lastly his cunning mind turned to the lich's protege, Esme.
And this one, presents a danger and opportunity to acquire powerful tool. Tch, accursed lich ... must find his phylactery, then we'll talk.

OOCJust some boredom.:smalltongue:

[Dralnu]

@Skoll:
You float near the throne where the two lizardfolk converse. The chief emanates some small transmutation. The one standing beside the throne looks dirty and exhausted. He's telling the chief of the failed raid against the "outsiders," of the squadron of undead, and how they came from the stone structure in the clearing. The chief is clearly concerned and wonders who they can approach for aid against such evils. The other lizardfolk suggests the "master's Daggers," but the chief dismisses that idea, saying that "those demented creatures would be happy to hear of our mistfortune." The chief wonders if anyone outside the swamp would be able to help them, and if such help would even arrive in time...

You silently float out of the tent to the large wooden cage. Inside sits a male blonde elf who stares off at nothing in particular. His entire appearance is dirty and ill-kept. He wears robes that are tattered on the edges with a pin located near his breast, a metal symbol that looks like a tree aflame but not consumed by the fire. Around his neck is a fine silvery chain that holds a symbol of a half-crescent moon. He detects as Good.

Rensharr snaps out of his trance and moves back to the clearing. He approaches Esme and Stroland. "The lizardfolk's encampment is to the north. About fourty of them, along with an elf. I felt Skoll there too, so I guess he used the term 'scouting the perimeter' very loosely.

And one more thing: not too far from here to the west is a large mineral deposit with many precious minerals, mostly gold. Many kobolds are there. At least a hundred.

If we are ready, I can lead the way to the lizardfolk." When ready, you all head north, following the catfolk's lead.

After thirty minutes of easy tracking at a fast pace, Rensharr points forward. "There." An encampment lies ahead, surrounded by a decaying wooden wall comprised of logs bound vertically together about 20ft. high and 10ft. thick. The top of each log is carved into a spike, some adorned with humanoid skulls. Four lizardfolk stand at the entrance, each firmly holding a javelin in their hands.

@Skoll:
You got 30minutes of alone time. Please summarize what you aimed to have done in that half hour in your next post so we can get everyone in the same moment of time.

[Rikandur Azebol]

@DM (OOC)
During this time Skoll was spying, as I had written earlier. Everything about the camp he could see, hear or steal. Can he fit into the Elf's cage ? Suddenly my demon feels "compassionate". :smallwink:

[Dralnu]

@Skoll:
There isn't much that really stands out to you in the camp. It's mostly a mundane looking lizardfolk settlement. There's a wooden rack holding fishing poles, the many small fire pits are either extinguished or roasting fish, and the dozens of mud huts have the barest essentials inside. Most of the adult lizardfolk moving about do not look as large or threatening as the ones that you previously encountered and there are many children. There appear to be six guards in total -- 4 at the entrance of the camp, 2 at the entrance of the chieftan's tent.

The chief's tent is the only prominent structure around. Judging by the two large wooden benches littered with the remains of a meal, it looks like it's a primary gathering place and mess hall. An elevated throne sits at the far end of the benches. The interior tent walls are covered in drawings of menacing black dragons.

It's a bit of a squeeze through the cage's bars, but you can pull it off no problem.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch
So much for the poorly defended temporary village... Stroland pauses at a distance, sizing up the situation. "Well, it's not completely bad. We know a few things.

For starters, Skoll has to be in the area, and he's probably unharmed. If he had gone back, he would've surely spotted us. My money says that he's either in the compound, or very close. Which means we have a choice. We can wait for him to come back with some useful information about this place, we can try to sneak in ourselves, to try to glean that information ourselves...

...Or we can start a tremendous ruckus at the gates. That oughtta give Skoll some more mobility inside to either inflitrate, or escape.

The creature we interrogated mentioned that it was mostly women and children here, so we stand a fair chance in a straight up brawl... and unless they have a back entrance, holding the gate will ensure that no one leaves.

...I'm of the opinion that opening up a can on the gates is our best course. Any other thoughts? Esme? Rensharr?" Stroland turns his head, looking behind with the corner of his eye at the rider on his back.

[SolosAddie]

i can scout around and look for exits, just to be sure., says Rensharr, he continues,
or we can go with attack the guards.


Rensharr mutters and gestures quietly for a moment, while waiting for a response.

@dm/everyone that can see/hear me

cast longstrider on self

[Rikandur Azebol]

@DM
Skoll landed graciously on the cage, looked around it for the biggest gap between bars and did tried to squeeze between them quietly ... after that he transformed himself into rabbit form, still invisible but with big moon shaped eyes the color of a fresh golden treesap, soft fur as white as the clouds in the sunny morning and as fluffy. Skoll twitched his pinkish nose, crawled up to the elf and touched his knee with a soft paw. Still invisible. Demonlings telepathic voice chittered rabbit-like into the elf's mind.
<Telepathy: Yo there stranger, why do You bear the symbol of Dark Moon ?>



@OOC (all):
Thanks for the faith in a veteran scout. :smallamused:
I'm preparing something of a long term distraction for the time begin ... I think we are in a place that's dangerously overpopulated. Good thinking about blocking the entrance and slaughter of the guards. :belkar:

DM
Bluff [roll0] (to sound like rabbit)
Semse Motives [roll1]

[Dralnu]

The encampment lies 100ft. away. The guards seem oblivious to your presence, which is neatly obscured by undergrowth due to Rensharr's positioning.

@Skoll:
The elf feels a paw on his knee and instinctively raises his hand to swat whatever vermin is bothering him, but stops short when he hears the voice in his head. His eyes widen and he yanks his knee away. "Who are you?"

[Rikandur Azebol]

@DM
Skoll rolled his eyes, his pink rabbit nose twitching nervously.What a moron ... elves.
Crossed demonling's mind before he moved himself into elf's shadow and raised harmlessly paw towards him, again. Hiding from anyone but the elf ... and becaming visible. If thee elf touched the rabbit, he again speaks telepathically.
"<Telepathy:You are trying my patience, mortal. Again, why do You bear the mark of the Dark Moon ?>"
OOC
Stealth [roll0] (to remain hidden from guards)
And if the elf remains dense, Rabbit gives him dissapointed grandma's look and dissapears invisible again. Returns to the quasit form, squeezes trough bars and flies towards the entrance gate. Time for some murder.

[Dralnu]

Esme hops off Stroland's back and adjusts her clothes. "I agree, let's take out these guards and show the people inside that we mean business," she says, staring at the entrance. "After Rensharr scouts the perimeter, of course," she says, nodding to Rensharr.

The catfolk carefully moves through the undergrowth, keeping himself out of visibility of the camp as he scouts through the perimeter.

@Rensharr:
No other break in the wall other than the entrance. No signs of lizardfolk or anything unusual.

A few minutes later, Rensharr returns, "The coast is clear."

@Skoll:
The elf mouths a silent gasp as the telepathic bunny appears in front of him. He rubs his eyes, then looks at the creature again. "<Telepathically: I'm a servant of Corellon Latherian. Are you here to rescue me?>" He nervously takes a glance behind him before looking back at the disguised quasit.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

"Not for long! Draw blades and draw blood, it's time for Glory!"

Inspire Courage, then charge the gates.

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

I will move some distance away before I fire, when you see the first arrows, do what you will. Rensharr says before moving quietly to another position.

Stealth:
[roll0]

OOC: moves 25 feet away, 100 feet from the guards, pulls an arrow and carefully sights in. Both at same guard

Rapidshot attack

[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage
[roll3]
[roll4]

HP: 26
Movement 50
Attack +11, 1d8+2
relevant feats: rapid shot, precise shot

[Rikandur Azebol]

@DM
<Telepathy:"So ... You don't bear the sigil of the Dark Moon ? Why have I alvays anserv my own questions, *sigh* I know about what You talk. I personally dislike hypocrites like one whose puppet You are. Look where it placed You ... and goodbye, since You aren't sign of Dark Moon ... remove the crest before other faithful slaughter You for blasphemy. Yust advice, since some of them are frevent coverts." Bunny stopped for moment before sighing again and patting elf's knee. <Telepathy:" Anyway, Dark Moon might gave it as a sign of favor ... so keep Your mind open. And decide for Yourself if You want to follow one who isn't adhering to his own dogma. Cya, mortal."> Bunny winked at the elf and dissapeared again, before squeezing trough bars and flying up to the entrance. It wa time for blood and glory !
And I must report to Chandra how we could conceal our conquest here. Dark Moon ... must create some sensible dogma that I'll agree with to be good messiah. Thought quasit to himself before chuckling viciously. He rose high and charged full-tilt at the back of one of the guards at the entrance, ready to grapple him !

Suddenly ! Out of nowhere ! Tiny demon jumped up at one of the guards at the entrance gates !!!

OOC
Skoll charges at one of the lizards, intending to grab him from behind and threaten others with his life. He is in quasit form. Initiative [roll0]
Charge[roll1] ,Grapple[roll2] and after the grapple Intimidiate them [roll3] into obedience !
Stats

AC 20, touch 17, flat-footed 15
hp 16/16; Fast Healing 2; DR 5/Cold Iron or Good
Immune poison; Resist Fire 10;
Effects: Detect Magic, Detect Good, Invisibility(drops this round);
Equipment: 17 ice bolts, crossbow(unloaded), ring, quiver;

[Rainmar]

Esmeralde

"Tch!" thought Esme. Now her undeads would be usefull to surround this village, but no, we had to be stealthy. She looked at shouting Stroland, sooo stealthy. She stays close to Stroland and intones words of power.

OOC

Esme casts Spectral hand. Roll for damage [roll0].


Stats


Stats: Esme
HP: 13/15; AC: 12, 12 Touch, 10 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +4
Active Effects: Bard song (+1 attack and dmg) [ends on 7th round]

[Dralnu]

Two arrows fly through the air at one of the guards, the first bouncing harmlessly off his shield while the second lands deep inside his scaley neck. It gurgles in pain as the other three lizardfolk look at him in shock, but are further distracted as a quasit appears out of nowhere behind another guard and tugs at his head while yelling strange demands. The assaulted lizardman eventually knocks the quasit off him.

Round 1:

Map:
In progress. Esme / Stroland / Rensharr are approximately 100ft away from the guards. Skoll is now beside them.

Initiative:
Esme / Stroland / Rensharr / Skoll, Me.

[Rainmar]

Esmeralde - Round 1

Esme seeing as lizardman has shaken off quasit from his back, she directs silvery glowing hand at him.

Roll to hit (touch AC):[roll0]
Damage(Charnel Touch):[roll1]

Stats

Stats: Esme
HP: 13/15; AC: 12, 12 Touch, 10 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +4
Active Effects: Bard song (+1 attack and dmg) [ends on 7th round], Spectral Hand
Spells: 7 I's and 3 II's left

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

Wondering if he could get away with hitting Skoll, Rensharr shrugs and fires 2 more arrows at the lizzies.

attack
1d20+9
1d20+9

damage
[roll0]
[roll1]

it was three and 9 for damage if i messed up the attack roll.
HP: 26
Movement 50
Attack +11, 1d8+2

[SolosAddie]

attack roll

[roll0]

[roll1]

[Rikandur Azebol]

"Submit Mortals !"

Screamed quasit at the top of his tiny lungs while flying up from the dirt and lunging at the lizardman with his claws. You can see that he waved them viciously, but aiming to graze not to rip flesh ...

OOC

Actions:
(full-round) Claw 1 1d20+5 dmg 1d4-1 subdual plus poison;
Claw 2 1d20+5 dmg 1d4-1 subdual plus poison;

Quasit is pulling blows to cause subdual damage (-4 penatly to hit);


Stats

AC 20, touch 17, flat-footed 15
hp 16/16; Fast Healing 2; DR 5/Cold Iron or Good
Immune poison; Resist Fire 10;
Claws +9, d4-1 slashing, poison;
Effects: Detect Magic, Detect Good, Poison(injury, DC 15, d4/2d4 Dex dmg);
Equipment: 17 ice bolts, crossbow(unloaded), ring, quiver;

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch (Round 1)

Pretty gutsy call, Stroland. Sticking your neck way out there for a guy you just met, who may or may not even be in the village. But I'm *sure* this choice won't come back to bite you... especially if one of your associates gets hurt in this endeavor. There's no chance they'll hold this against you. ...Heh hehahahaha

Stroland sets his jaw as he hustles forward, charging forward through the swamp ahead of Rensharr and Esme. "Shut up," he grumbles, as he draws his longsword, allowing the soft blue light to blur through the night air, soon to be sheathed in a hopefully small number of lizardfolk. As he races forward, he sees Skoll's figure get tossed aside by the lizardfolk. "Hold tight, the cavalry has arrived!"

OOC
Double move forward for a total of 60', while drawing Longsword
Inspire Courage Expires Round 4 on Stroland, Rensharr, and Esme
(+1 Atk/Dmg, and saves against Fear)

Stats
Stats: Stroland
HP: 36/36; AC: 19, 14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +4
Bard Songs Remaining: 3
Spells Remaining:
3 - Zeroes
4 - Ones
2- Twos
Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1 Atk&Dmg for Self and Allies) <Expires Round 4>

[Dralnu]

Two more arrows are fired in rapid succession, the first downing the injured guard and the second digging deep into another guard's ribs (#1). A ghostly hand floats over to a bewildered guard (#2) and grips his shoulder, causing him to howl in pain as red electricity courses through his body. Sensing an opprotunity, Skoll digs a claw into the guard's (#2) back, the graze just deep enough to inject his poison.

Hissing with pain, the arrow'd lizardfolk (#1) rushes forward to confront Stroland, swinging his club at the bard's head, but Stroland nimbly ducks. The two other lizardfolk move to attack Skoll, but neither of them can land a blow on the agile and loud quasit.

Round 2:

Map:
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3902/encampment1.jpg

Initiatives:
You, Me

[Rikandur Azebol]

Grinning from ear to ear, Skoll continues his assault !

OOC

Actions:
(full-round) Claw 1 [roll0] dmg [roll1] subdual plus poison;
Claw 2 [roll2] dmg [roll3] subdual plus poison;

Quasit is pulling blows to cause subdual damage (-4 penatly to hit);


Stats

AC 20, touch 17, flat-footed 15
hp 16/16; Fast Healing 2; DR 5/Cold Iron or Good
Immune poison; Resist Fire 10;
Claws +9, d4-1 slashing, poison;
Effects: Detect Magic, Detect Good, Poison(injury, DC 15, d4/2d4 Dex dmg);
Equipment: 17 ice bolts, crossbow(unloaded), ring, quiver;

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr


Fires both arrows, 1 at lizardfolk 1 and 2.

Attacks (+1 attack and damage from bard)
[roll0]
[roll1]

Damage
[roll2]
[roll3]

OOC

have less reliable internet through next weekend due to travel/thanksgiving
so posts may fall off a little.

[Dralnu]

Skoll continues to casually swipe at the two guards but his claws are deflected off a shield. The guard (#2) lifts his club to swing at the quasit again but stops short, crumpling to the ground with an arrow sticking out of his back.

Map:
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/340/encampment2.jpg

Initiative:
Skoll, Rensharr, Stroland / Esme, Me

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch (Round 2)

Excellent.. things seem to be going our way this time! Let's press this advantage as hard as we can!

"Excellent work, everyone, keep it up! Speed's still key, so let's cut through these no-ones as fast as we can!" Stroland swings his sword in a high arc, bringing it crashing down towards the lizardman's head, drawing his shortsword as he does so.

OOC
Standard Action: Attack with Longsword on Creature 1
Move Action: Draw Short Sword

Stats
Stats: Stroland
HP: 36/36; AC: 19, 14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +4
Bard Songs Remaining: 3
Spells Remaining:
3 - Zeroes
4 - Ones
2- Twos
Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1 Atk&Dmg for Self and Allies) <Expires Round 4>

[Rainmar]

Esmeralde - Round 2

Esme closes her distance to Stroland and sends the hand flaying towards the lizardman.

OOC

Esme direct her Charnel Touch against Lizardman 1.
Roll to hit(touch AC): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]


Stats

Stats: Esme
HP: 13/15; AC: 12, 12 Touch, 10 Flat-Footed
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +4
Active Effects: Bard song (+1 attack and dmg) [ends on 4th round], Spectral Hand
Spells: 7 I's and 3 II's left

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch
"Freeze, fools! Writhing and panic will only expedite your demise. Lay down your arms, or we'll remove them ourselves!!!"

[Dralnu]

Stroland's sword slices cleanly into the lizardfolk's skull and into the brain, instantly killing the creature as it crumples into a bloody mess. The disembodied hand floats over to the remaining guard and flays him with red electricity, causing him to shriek in pain and swat uselessly at the air with his club.

The remaining guard looks around in terror and, with Skoll blocking his path, decides to drop his club and wooden shield and raise his clawed hands into the air in defeat.

Combat End!

You all hear a commotion stirring from inside the encampment.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll momentarily forgets about the guard and goes toward Stroland and rest of party, changing his appearance to that they knew him for, of a innocent little boy. He took a loincloth from his, not a bit small, backpack and donned it.

"Boss, I think I have an idea how we could conceal ourselves ... without getting rid of all who see us."

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Lowpitch

"Skoll, as of right now, you know this village better than any of us... resources and weaknesses. Guide and direct us... but I hope this plan is quick... surely others heard the sounds of what happened here." Stroland resheathed his swords, taking several deep breaths to calm down his racing heartbeat. He looks around, examining his colleagues.

"Excellent work, everyone. Fast and efficient... that's how we'll take this land."

[Rainmar]

With phantom hand still hovering beside her, Esme closes to Stroland.
"Pff, I thought that we are to take this den of monsters by making them join our cause...if we would have taken my skeletons we could do better at securing this...village, sigh"

[Rikandur Azebol]

"I saw a captured elven cleric inside, of Father of Elves. Played with his mind a bit as magic rabbit and warned him about religious cult of Dark Moon. We could be Dark Moon zealots, wanting to conquer the land ... and it's people. This way our only enemies, at first, will be other religions. We play nice with nobles and commoners ... we gain time. What do You think ?"

And later Skoll tells Stroland all stuff about the interior of the village. 2 guards extra, no extra exits ... boss have some magic and overall 30 to 40 women and children. More useful when overtaken, than when transformed into meat for Esmeralda's warmachine.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch
Magic rabbit... guess there's no shortage of creativity for the team. That's good.

"Esme, I'm sorry, but I didn't expect we'd have to blast our way in. It's hard to make a plan for a place you've never been. ...And it's probably still for the best... they're still fortifying back at the gate. They're going to need all the help and protection they can get.

Let's not bemoan the past. We have a job to do."

Stroland quickly turns to Skoll. "Time's critical... they'll be sending someone to ask about those noises. I doubt we can disguise us all, so we'll have to go in as is. Esme, if we're going to pass for zealots, it goes without saying we're going to be serving you in this charade. Skoll, you've got the most initial knowledge about this place. I feel the two of you should lead us in, and handle it with diplomacy, or with force. Either way, Rensharr and I will follow your lead."

"What say you... Dark Mistress?"

[Dralnu]

As you discuss your strategies, you hear some movement just north of you. The remaining guard is rushing into the encampment and just slips out of view before you realize what's going on. Some voices yell loudly in the draconic tongue from inside.

@Skoll and Rensharr:
The guard is yelling out an alert. Some other voices are asking what's happening, others are just fearful.

[Rikandur Azebol]

"Let's block the gate first, Blessed Ones. Dark Mistress, will You bless us with a sermon ?"

[Rainmar]

Esme looked at both Stroland and Skoll, and sighed. "Do not try to get my gratitude for this false tutelage, ye of little faith. Esme shouted, pointing her finger at Skoll.

For I'am not a Dark Mistress but Her Voice and it is me who passes on masses her holy Word. Glory be to the Dark Moon and the Dark Mistress who leads us on this holy crusade.

Now, we must brace ourselfes once again against the barbarity that befall upon us in this forsaken world. Yet, we will not falter and the light of faith will brought to everyone here. They will have their chance to open their eyes...and by the Dark Moon I hope they will find wisdom to do so for sin of rejecting faith in Dark Moon is ultiamte. Now, bare the gates so no one will leave without hearing words of Dark Misterss.

Then Esme get closer to Stroland and Skoll and silently asked, wide smile on her face, so only they could hear her, So...any idea for the Dark Commandments?

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

"Thou shalt not flee." Stroland turns back to the gate, closes his eyes, and begins humming. The air between the gate begins to shake, and suddenly, an image of crackling fire manifests, with smoke erupting into the night sky.

"Rensharr, you watch my back, and I'll keep this up as long as I can.

Minor Image (DC 15)

[Dralnu]

As the the entrance is blocked off with an illusory wall of flame, you all hear shrieks coming from inside the camp. Sounds of movement and talking come from inside, along with the clanging of metal.

Rensharr nods to Stroland and begins intently surveying the immdeiate area. "Are Stroland and I accompanying you two inside, or do you want us to stay here? Either way I think you guys should get in there soon. Less time for them to think means less of a chance that they'll be getting away."

[Rikandur Azebol]

"<Draconic: Here I go, Faith Sustains Us !>"

Saying so, Skoll made fanatical expression and walked straigh trough roaring flames.

OOC Bluff [roll0] to communicate about being harmless unless roused to anger trough body launguage.

[Dralnu]

Passing through the wall of fire, you see a few dozen mud huts with straw thatched rooftops of various sizes, some with a little window. Small firepits are scattered between these huts, skewers and pots hanging over dying embers. Some of these pits have been kicked over, perhaps in the commotion you heard earlier. The one building that stands out of ranks of huts is a large tent made out of animal hides, which rests at the far end of the walled camp. A large wooden cage is situated beside the tent.

From a quick glance, the majority of the camp appears abandoned. A few lizardfolk of various sizes are seen fleeing towards the tent from their huts. The tent entrance is guarded by two of their kin wielding spears, who keenly observe you and tighten their grip on their weapons.

@Skoll:
You can spot many lizardfolk pushing themselves deeper into the tent in a panic. You also notice that a three lizardfolk have begun scaling the back wall. One has already reached the top and is now carefully positioning himself so he is not impaled by the spikes at the top of the wall.

[Rainmar]

Following Skoll , Esme entered the wall of flame.

<Draconic: "As have been told, the worth of one's faith is judged by stepping into the jaws of lion.">

OOC

Esme tries to appear as being in religious trance, you know, flowing hair, scarce body gestrues and shining eyes. Bluff [roll0]

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

Looks plainly unhappy at his movement options being restricted by going inside the walls, but strides in, arrow ready.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Raising his arm and pointing at the escaping lizardman, Skoll shouts:

"There is no escape for unfaithful !!! Those who submit to the Glory of Dark Moon shall be blessed !"

And, as if to reinforce his words tiny icycles stared to fall off his outstretched hand ... freezing pools of water whenever small child goes. He strides towards the waiting lizardmen in relaxed manner, as if he was immortal and invurnerable.

OOC
using ring of Frost shots for FX. :smalltongue:

[Dralnu]

@Rensharr:
You can spot many lizardfolk pushing themselves deeper into the tent in a panic. You also notice that a three lizardfolk have begun scaling the back wall. One has already reached the top and is now carefully positioning himself so he is not impaled by the spikes at the top of the wall.

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr

Moving to get the best view of the climbing lizardman, Rensharr fires an arrow at the one nearest the top.

"Do they understand common, do you know," Rensharr asks the nearby Esme.

Move then 1 attack
[roll0]

Damage
[roll1]

[Dralnu]

The lizardfolk at the top of the wall shrieks in pain as an arrow stabs deep into its side. In a panic, it flings itself off towards the outer side of the wall, narrowly avoiding its spiked tips before slipping out of view.

The attack causes an uproar amongst the lizardfolk. The others climbing the wall promptly abandon their attempt, dropping back down to the ground before running towards the back of the tent and getting out of view. Multiple voices shout out inside the tent.

Suddenly, a voice booms over the anxious chatter in Common, "Enough!" The voices immediately cease. A few moments later, a grizzled lizardfolk emerges from the entrance with two guards armed with spears at his flank. The lizardman carries a gnarled wooden staff adorned with as many scrapes as the creature has scars and wears ceremonial robes that jingle with countless trinkets, most made of bones and small jewels. He approaches you all cautiously but purposefully. The lizardman stops ten feet away from you, looking squarely into your eyes. "You clearly have my people outmatched. What is it that you want from us?"

[Rikandur Azebol]

In reply to the lizardman's challenge rises Skoll always up for the staredown game. He walks forward and spoke with a grave finality in his tone while pointing accusing finger at the lizardman.

"You dared to attack Faithful ! Why shouldn't we enect Divine Retribution on You unbeliever lot ? Dark Moon's teachings say clearly, care and preserve the Faithful in this chaotic world. Spread the gift of faith. Why shouldn't we make You replacements for the Unholy Guardians, for they had paid for their crimes against Faith by defending the Faithful."

OOC(Esme, DM, All who Hear):Bluff [roll0] to suggest the lizard between the lines that they speak differently to those willing to covert to Dark Moon. :smallwink:

[Dralnu]

"I apologize for the attack. The swamp is a hostile place and we only intended to defend our homes. I have not heard of this 'Dark Moon' that you speak of.

These people are my responsibility. Please do not enact divine retribution against us. We have been... ignorant," the lizardman hisses in Common, clearly attempting to appeal to your reasoning, "We have a proud history of serving with unwavering loyalty to those worthy of ruling. If you spare us, we will pledge allegiance to your cause." The two guards accompanying him shoot uneasy glances at each other before observing the conversation once more.

[Rikandur Azebol]

"Mistress of the Dark Side ?"

Skoll couldn't resist urge to drop responsibility on the shoulders of the necromanceress. All in all, he don't wants to be in the spotlight, not too soon.

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

---Wall of fire, billowing flames, choking torches of smoke... Wall of fire, billowing flames, choking torches of smoke---

Stroland walks along at the rear of the team, mind focused on the maintenance of the illusion. A cold sweat began to run across his forehead, as the stresses of the moment began to mount. His mind, pulled in several different directions, began to stretch thin. The illusory wall, the charade of religious zeal, keeping an eye for any dangerous lizardfolk that wanted to be valiant heroes, worrying about the ramifications of the creature the fell over the wall... all these demanded his full attention with flawless accuracy. ...All this, just hours after a large battle in the first moments upon arriving into this depressing land.

"Aye Mistress... what say the Will of the Moon? We eagerly await its wisdom and guidance." Stroland speaks with his head bowed forward, in feigned reverence.. though admittedly, it did help focus his mind away from distractions, and remain on the critical elements.

Bluff: 31!

---Wall of fire, billowing flames, choking torches of smoke... Wall of fire, billowing flames, choking torches of smoke---

[Rainmar]

Esmeralde

Esme have not responded to both Skoll and Stroland as she focused all her attention on Lizardman boss. Long minutes passed, and only thing that remainded others of passing time was furious cracking of fiery inferno. Esme have looked deeply into Lizard's eyes, her eyes big with red ligting lingering inside of them, as she was looking for something. Then suddenly her face darkened just as she found what she was looking for...and did not like what she found.

Still looking deep into Lizardman's eyes she spoke:<Your actions will be testimony of your faith.>.

Then she turned her gaze to the other lizardman, Skoll, Stroland and Rensharr. She did not focus on single person and appeared to be looking somewhere far away and like in trance.

Today children of the Dark Moon have been assaluted but their faith have aided them to overcome the threat. The lost herd of sheeps have been found and if it's in Dark Moon's will and hearts of you.
Esme casted her now mor focused look over the Lizardmen.You will find wisdom and enter the path of Darm Moon. There might be others who might perceive our apperance a threat. As Dark Moon loves those who defend faith, the constant menace will not help the faithfull. We must work together with our new brothers and sisters to assure our safety in this new and chaotic world. The Beloved Child of Dark Moon shall guide his new brothers and sisters in faith.Esme looked at Skoll and then at Stroland. The Librarian of Faith will guide you in matters ouf your faith, do not hesitate to ask him for written words od wisdom he carries scripted in his mind.

Esme have stepped closer to raging wall of fire. We must rest for now, today was full of perils and tommorow will bring Children of Dark Moon new perils to overcome. Such are the word of Dark Mistress.

Esme appears drained on both mind and soul as she snaps from trance.

OOC

Bluff check: [roll0] for this comedy ^_^

[Dralnu]

The chieftan flinches ever so slightly as his eyes are locked with Esme's and he is the first to break eye contact. He maintains his composure well, but at such a close proximity you can see small signs that he is visibly disturbed. The wall of fire was enough to spook most the lizardfolk, but coupled with the child's intimidating face and her equally ominous message, even the experienced leader appears to stand in awe. After a pause, he addresses her in a slow and reverent tone. "Yes, I see. I shall spread the word to my peoples. On behalf of my tribe, we pledge allegiance to the Dark Moon and its emissaries. Give us but a command and we shall carry it out." The chieftan kneels, offering up his gnarled walking staff to Esme with his head bowed while astonished lizardfolk observe from a distance.

[Rainmar]

Esmeralde

Esme slowly closed to Chieftain and delicatly took offered her staff from his scaly hands. She watched id for a moment, surveying it from different angles. Then she suddenly lifted it to her lips and kissed it. A smal red lightening have arced on the staff then vanished as suddenly as it appeared. She presented the staff to Cheiftain, now bearing a sign of the Dark Moon.

May this be the remainder of the first step you have made on Path of Dark Moon...and the burden you have bear as a Chieftain of your Tribe.

Then she returned the staff to Lizardman.

OOC

Ok, lets say I will try to do that this way. She touches the staff with her uppre lip and uses the minimum amount of charnet touch as she can to just visibly brand the top of the staff with cresent of her lip. Can she use previous bluff result or she needs to roll again for next comedy? ^_^

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

"By your leave, Mistress, let's retire to camp. It has been a long day for us all." Stroland speaks in a quiet tone, as his mind relaxes from the image of burning flame, allowing the illusion to melt away into nothingness. "I'll make sure the camp is prepared for your arrival, Mistress. But a moment." Stroland withdraws a pen, and scribbles a brief account of what happened over the past couple hours, concluding with the apparent conversion of the Lizardfolk to the Dark Moon. He then withdraws Chandra's small silver statuette of a Raven, and speaks gently into its ear. As the Raven stretches its wings, awaking from its stone-like state, Stroland secures the message to the bird, and bids it to return to Chandra.

...It's amazing... a plan actually worked out towards the best case scenario! As Stroland walked back from the village with the others, a smile of satisfaction illuminated his face.
These folks are capable of great things. With a little bit of luck, we could actually change the course of history... we could alter the very direction of the world.

...And what a story that will be!

Stroland walked on, beaming with joy, and quiet excitement.

[Rikandur Azebol]

The child looks at the cage and bows slightly to the Chief Lizardman before speaking.

"Since we are brothers in faith now, would You like to learn it's tenets ? And what's in the cage ?"

[Dralnu]

OOC:
No need for new bluff rolls. He still totally believes you.

The chieftan accepts the staff before rising to his feet. "Thank you, Mistress. I shall be a symbol of my people's service to the Dark Moon."

The animated raven sqauwks before taking to the air, flying southward with the message attached to one of its legs.

The elder lizardfolk nods to Skoll. "Yes, I am ready to receive the teachings so I may relay it to the others." He takes a quick glance at the cage. "Oh, him? It's an elf who calls himself 'Gabson.' We found him skulking about our territory a couple months ago. We tried to ransom him back to his people but they didn't want him. A good thing too, for he is gifted in the divine ways and has been a boon to our community."

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll smiled with gratiude and quickly explained what he knew about the tenents of the Dark Moon faith. Then said his goodbyes and returned to the base camp, hoping that Chandra won't blame him once he explains the stuff.

[SolosAddie]

Rensharr says "I will patrol around the area, to make sure no one harms these new followers of the faith if the mistress agrees."

It should be fairly obvious to most that Rensharr is of the shoot first, get the cleric to speak with dead later, and that anyone attempting to sneak off for help might just run into some arrows.

[Dralnu]

OOC:
Due to no rush, Rensharr takes 20 on his search.

As Skoll explains the fundamentals of his religion to the chieftan, Rensharr excuses himself and begins patrolling the perimeter.

Renshar:
You spot footprints of a lizardfolk by the northern wall. By the bloodied trail, you can assume that it's the person you shot who scaled the wall. The lizardfolk's tracks lead westward, in the same direction as the kobolds that you sensed in your trance previously.

Fourty minutes pass before Rensharr returns and Skoll finishes describing the faith to the chieftan, who seems to have grasped everything said to him. When you are all ready, you head back towards Chandra's camp. Rensharr leads in the front as before.

The journey back to base is uneventful. Upon entering the clearing, however, you all feel a tangible yet invisible presence all around you. Chandra ceases speaking with Fazeer as you all enter and smirks as you approach. "Our temporary base is now immune to most divinations. We're still not close to as defended as I'd like, but it's a start.

So, what news do you bring of the lizardfolk? Since there's no army of scaley undead with you, I presume they're all still alive?"

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch
"Indeed, Milady... through keen observations, and perhaps some good fortune, we were able to align the lizardfolk with our cause... or at least what they believe to be our cause." Stroland breaks eye contact from Chandra, to glance at Esme, beaming a soft smile. "Largely thanks to Esme. With a magnificent performance, she posed as a Priestess of the Dark Moon, and calmed down the anxious tribe." Stroland chuckled, glancing back. "Actually, I'd say that we all did an excellent job in deception this evening. They bought the tale hook, line, and sucker."

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll just stands there, looking bored.

[Dralnu]

The erinyes looks unimpressed as Stroland explains what happened. When he finishes, she speaks, "While that's a good start, Stroland, I need more than the lizardfolk's word that they are loyal to our cause.

The lizardfolk are useless to us unless they're actively pushing forward our agenda in some way. We can use them for whatever knowledge they have in their pea-sized brains, as a cover-up for our operations here in the swamp, or at the very least for manual labor and meat shields in our army. And if they prove unworthy of anything useful, we can always just slaughter them all and turn them into zombies. You can never have enough zombies." Fazeer lets out a chuckle, but Chandra completely ignores him and continues, "I didn't choose you four for your combat prowess. I chose you all because you know how to think, an attribute that's sorely lacking in most of my associates. You have my full confidence in taking initiative to further The Chosen's cause. I have an entire military campaign to manage; I don't want to be bothered with the minor details."

The demon slips an alabaster hand into one of her robe's pockets and retrieves a small silver statue, handing it to Stroland before continuing, "You four are my Hands and I know your decisions will be correct. After all, you know better than to be wrong." Chandra parts her perfect lips with a smile, revealing her feral teeth. "As I'm sure, for example, that you have a good reason why you left the cowardly tribe with the opportunity to flee and tell others of our presence, knowing full well that such an act could sabotage the entire invasion?" The demon stares at all of you as she poses the question.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll stares, for a moment, into Eirynes's eyes before staring back at his feet. Taking care to do it when Fazeer is busy chuckling.

[Dralnu]

Breaking an uncomfortable pause, the usually silent Rensharr pipes up, "Mistress, I do have some good news. The spirits of my people tell me that a large group of kobolds are mining precious minerals about 3 miles west of this location. I suggest we secure those resources for The Chosen."

Chandra smirks at the scout. "Reserving the good news for when I get angry? Smart tactic," she says, as Fazeer begins writing down more notes in his book, "We're in dire need of more funding for this campaign. Acquiring the kobolds and their mining operation may be the exact thing we need to really push the invasion forward."

"M'lady, but what about the issue with the elven encampment in the north?" Fazeer interjects, unfolding a small map of the continent and pointing to the area labeled "Cinderbark Forest." "In due time, advisor. Chronicler Anul'Rak will be arriving through the Gate with the next wave in the coming dawn. He's the most knowledgeable source we currently have about the surrounding area and may offer useful information about our neighbors." "Very good, m'lady."

OOC:
I refer to this (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9706793&postcount=70) information. I thought you'd have mentioned this yourself! :smalltongue:

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll inmediately drops to his knees, ready to take punishment ... and says.

"It was planned to cover our existence here as agressive cult. Lizards know it's tenents and that we are sorta of ... agressive in getting the new faithful. This way we could delay slaughter under the pretense of fighting for faith. Lizards have also elven priest as prisoner, using him as medic. If You let me repay for past mistakes I would wolontueer to scout the kobold mine."

OOC: Skoll is worried by Chandra's neglicence of his magnificent person. :smalltongue:

She could contact him telepathically after all, and he would tell her something nice. Eww.

[Dralnu]

Chandra nods to the kneeling demon. "Rise, Skoll. I want you all to deal with our new neighbors. New arrivals will be arriving through the gate at dawn, approximately eleven hours from now on this planet, to give us more information of the area surrounding this swamp." Chandra addresses all of you as she continues, "Move out when ready."

OOC:
Chandra isn't currently happy with you magnificent folk. Primarily because you left a cowardly village of lizardfolk alone to their own devices (aka chance to flee and tell people). She might be more receptive after another successful mission.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll was "crushed" and crawled up to Chadra's feet and started waving full bows like some spineless imp, and while tip of his small head touched devilless's foot, by ... accident, he tried to contact her telepathically.

"I beg, don't curse me ! I thought it was clever to mislead instead of slaughtering them ! Don't kill me with the others, please !"

@Telepathy:
My lady, I believe this move to be better cover of our tracks than simple slaughter. Lizards were fed lies that are conveninent for us. And ... I heard that faith of mortals have beneficial effects on spiritual beings like You, or me.

And little quasit repeated everything that happened in the lizardman camp, including full report on the elven cleric.

OOC:Comedy of being submissive slave-imp Bluff 1d20+7

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

Hells. How could you have been that moronic. They aren't here to establish alliances, or cultivate friendly relationships... the goal is a body count, pure and simple. Idiot.

Stroland skulks off with his comrades, staring intently toward the wet, marshy ground. "...The good thing about a mistake is that it offers the chance for redemption. This is not a mistake that must be left uncorrected. We're going back to the village, folks... and this time, we're bringing everybody." Stroland casts a knowing look at Esme.

"Everybody."

[Dralnu]

@Skoll:
Chandra responds via telepathy, "You continue to prove why you rose from the Loose Legion to my side, Skoll. Carry out your plans with my blessings. I am.. most interested with what the results shall be.

We shall also need to speak in the near future about a mechanical pesk that needs to be silenced. In due time, however."

The pale moon is high in the night sky when you leave the swamp clearing behind, following Renshar's lead back to the lizardfolk encampment. Your pace is quicker during this journey, perhaps due to your new familiarity with the path or Chandra's annoyance and thinly veiled threats. Two lizardfolk guards carrying spears stand vigilantly at the entrance and shout an alert to the inhabitants when they spot you approaching. The physically imposing humanoids bow their heads respectfully as you pass by into the encampment. The place seems very similar to how you left it, though it seems that the inhabitants have returned to a "normal" routine. The huts now are occupied by families, with smaller and less muscled lizardfolk adults going about their business while keeping an eye on their children -- or at least they were, until you all arrive. Everyone's attention diverts to you as soon as your presence is known. Most watch in silent wonder, while others speak in hushed whispers.

Moments later, the chieftan arrives from the large hide tent and walks over to you. "Hail, prophets of the Dark Moon. What can my people do for you?"

[Terraspaz]

Stroland Deeppitch

Swords clasped across his back, Stroland steps forward, addressing the chief.

"We come with tidings of pleasant news, Chief. The High Council has deemed that this village bears the Geographic location to be of great convenience for the Word of the Moon. There is a lack of prominence in the region, a fault that we aim to repair on our journey here. We wish to more closely examine the village, to gain a better understanding of the needs and limits of erecting a Cathedral here. Also, we wish to address your People, en masse, all at once. A gathering, in one hour, so that we may spread this great news, and explain all the blessings that this village shall receive with both a permanent cleric residing in the area, as well as the training of your own clergyfolk for the betterment of your tribe." Stroland allows a soft smile, looking warmly into the eyes of the Chief.

And then we end you.

[Rikandur Azebol]

Skoll walked by the side of Stroland, as if to create imagery of trust and took his hand. His child form had nice face, and he did his best to smile warmly towards the Chief Lizard.

"Hello again, Chief."

@Telepathy(Stroland and GM):
What is the plan ? Had Mistress Chandra spoken with You ? I believe we also need to plan a strategy against the kobold mine. Just think Your anserv loudly, directing the thoughts at me. When we touch I can discreetly communicate like this.

[Dralnu]

The chieftan gives a courteous bow to Stroland. "So it shall be done. I will gather my people within the dining hall over there," he says, pointing a scaley finger to the large hide tent at the back of the encampment. "We will await you there in one hour." The wizened lizardfolk smiles and nods to Skoll before bowing once more and turning around, calling out to his guards and spreading the word of the gathering. Within minutes the entire camp is abuzz with movement and whispers. Over the course of the next hour, all the lizardfolk have trickled into the dining hall.

Inside the large tent you see two huge wooden tables reaching from the entrance to the elevated throne at the back of the tent, each lined with rows of benches on both sides. Wooden columns hold the tent ceiling up and carry metal holsters with unlit torches. The cured hide walls of the tent are decorated with the image of a serpentine dragon painted in black ink, whose great length ends with a menacing face frozen in an open-mouthed glare that stares outward just above the throne. When you enter the large tent you see that the two enormous rows of wooden tables and benches have been filled with lizardfolk. Their loud chatter quiets down immediately as you enter.

The chieftan waits for you beside the throne, offering whomever wishes to speak his seat. He calls out to his people in a booming, authoritative voice, "Attention, my kinsmen! The Prophets have returned bearing good news. Listen carefully, for we shall gain more enlightenment from the Words of the Moon!" With that, he bows again to you all and steps down from the elevated platform.