Bob&jim&coco

[drack]

Two foreigners emerge from the woods bordering your fine nation, one a young lass with brown hair and eyes positively glowing with joy, and the other a tall man of broad build and of both gaunt and pale composure frowning to himself.

[Gaiyamato]

posting just to tag the thread.

[drack]

slipping in a roll
[roll0]
1: life
2: death

Edit: oh boy... this'll be interesting. :smallbiggrin:

[BelGareth]

Which hex is this taking place? It matters as to who will be accepting this envoy

[drack]

Map's a bit funky. :smallconfused: pretty sure I cane from a hex with access to both so lets go with the southern one. :smallbiggrin:

[BelGareth]

As the strangers moved out of the woodline to reveal themselves, several cries of alert came throughout the camp, the posted sentinels had seen them, and as per their commander they weren't about to let two strangers walk up to their camp without letting someone know.

The sergeant of the guard dispatched a runner to Commander Shaerin's tent, and a moment later, she stood with the sergeant looking at the two as they walked towards the encampment.

"Two people ma'am, came out of the southern treeline, don't look like ours, and we have no one expected for another few days, Jorge says it aint one of ours either." he says to her, trying his best to remember everything that was pertinent.

She nodded, accepting the information, "I will go meet them, arrange a squad to accompany me" she said, and a moment later the Sergeant was hollering orders and a squad of 9 men and their sergeant were standing behind her at the position of attention. She knew the sergeant, he was a good man, Herald, liked his drink, but that shouldn't be a problem here, or so she hoped. She mounted her destrier and moved out, the men moving with her in a U shape around her, the opening towards the strangers.

They moved out at a trot, the men's shields clanged against their armor until they were almost 100 yards from the strangers, where Commander Shaerin ordered her men to slow, where they walked the rest of the distance.

Still upon her destrier she looks down upon the newcomers
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Beltran! I am commander Shaerin of the Beltran 1st Century, where do you hail from?"


Shaerin looks like this
http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203446-d96e0816.jpg

[drack]

The young woman smiles quite charmingly while the strange man of abnormal size speaks in a deep voice that causes his whole form to shift, and could easily be heard hundreds of feet away. "Be warned my neighbors! On my travels I have seen mummies of a dark god that savagely attack travelers without thought for peace! I see you bring guards, and no wonder the spirits of the dead are so restless as this. I ask your sense of compassion to consider. Would it not be better to make peace with life and death? This is what we offer you, will you accept this peace into your hearts?"


He casts comprehend languages first if that wasn't in either common or unercommon.

Interesting ay? :smalltongue:

[BelGareth]

Shaerins brow furrows as the man speaks,

"Mummies, dark gods, life and death? You speak in riddles good ser, you wish to negotiate a treaty with us? I am authorized to accord a peace treaty and bring that to my King, anything else would require a face to face with King Gaheris, Paladin of Sophia."

She says looking at the young girl curiously.

[drack]

As the man continues speaking his voice gains both a power of authority and a touch of fervor. "Riddles? Treaties? I offer that you might embrace the peace between life and death. That you might coexist with the dead, and that the dead might coexist with you." The man hardly seems to breath, continuing on he comments. "I have traveled far and seen much, I have found that if nothing else, there will always be foes that wish to expunge both the living and the dead from the world. I have seen the majestic Roc flying in the sky, and a loving family living alone in the woods thinking to protect themselves. Still I must insist that you cease these meaningless hostilities. Would not the dead that lurk these woods be more restive were you not bearing these arms and escorts? Would not the world be more at peace if you, as we do, traveled without these armaments with only the cloths on your backs? Somehow he manages to completely forget the +3 blade at his side, lifting a cold lifeless hand towards your mounts. "To further these crimes against death and life itself, you enslave animals to do your bidding. Have you never conceived a better way? Have you never thought to make peace with the animal and take only those that wish to bear you, those that grew up with you, and care for you as their own foal. Why do you persist in the savage customs of violence as your escort suggests rather then embrace the true respite of the world. Find peace both within yourself and with others before you all kill yourselves."

Meanwhile the woman's grin continues to sit naturally on her face, her eyes sparkling with mirth and joy.

[BelGareth]

Shaerins brow continues to furrow as the man speaks again,

She looks down to the mount she is on and then to the squad that accompanied her.

And she frowns some more.

"I was going to acquiesce your wishes, but then you got a little rude good ser. I have not come to your land and demanded things, this is the way we have worked for generations, it is the way of things here, I am no diplomat, but when my King Gaheris united the tribes that make up our kingdoms history, he did so with sound diplomacy, by not demanding things, or being rude."

She wheels her mount, keeping her eyes on the man this time, obviously annoyed at his rudeness.

"Why do you not use animals, or come under a guard? It is not your place to judge others, unless you be some malevolent deity in disguise, instilling chaos and confusion." her eyes narrow as if she was trying to pierce his disguise "What do you want ser, speak plainly, I am not want to wage war with you, and I do not have the right, but you have raised my ire Ser."


Uf, this would have gone differently if my ruler had been here, she is a commander, not a diplomat.

[drack]

Would probably have gone differently had I rolled a 1 too. :smalltongue:

"Demand?" The man retorts astonishes and disgusted at how quickly such accusations fly in these foreign lands. "I speak only of truths, are your people so rash as to take every statement as criticism? Can you not stand for peace, demanding instead the tradition in war, that tradition of bloodshed and mutual exclusion? You say your people have lived like this for a time, and criticize us for not enslaving others to our whims or coming with blades drawn rather then in peace as we do. I come here to show you another way, to show you that such cruel traditions are not the only way to live, why do you caw at such an offer barring your teeth and tightening your fist about this senseless violence?"

At this point the woman chirps in, her voice flowing sunshine beside the jagged baritonal tremor of the other's. "I apologize if any offense was taken, could you perhaps tell us of your own customs and why you take such insult from the words of the hand of death?"

[BelGareth]

Shaerins scowl does little to enhance the situation, she was angry, this man...this thing came to her and insults her, her people and and....ooh she could just....no, she couldn't....Oh Gaheris is going to hear about this, yes he is.

Sighing and controlling herself, she calms the horse down and dismounts landing heavily onto the sod beneath her.

"I mean no insult, your....methods are foreign to us." you can tell she is trying her best to be civil, almost through clenched teeth "My men are not bearing their weapons, only carrying them at their hips, in my country such a greeting is standard, for my protection as well as yours, it is....respect, we show respect through martial display." she pauses and looks at them, most of the men were confused, not sure as what to do, rightly so, their stern Commander was confused also.

"It was also out of caution, strange things haunt these lands, we must but protect ourselves, we did not know your intentions, you could have been a demon in disguise. I assure you, we mean no insult, I will send them away."

She nods to the men, who hesitate at first until she shoots the sergeant a glare, after which they marched back to the camp with haste.

Shaerin turns to the two, "You speak of peace? We are surely interested, what are your terms?"

[drack]

Shrugging as if it were nothing she replies. "Yes, well, you seem busy with your..." Her sparkling eyes drift over to the weapons as she speaks "... work, perhaps it would be better if we spoke with your leader?"

"Or perhaps you believe as I do that we were truly getting somewhere near the heart of the issue, and think this foolishness is just detracting from our clenching of the air." Somehow it doesn't seem a question, though he seems content to wait for a reply and let you get a word in edgewise all the same.

[BelGareth]

She looks back and forth between you, still annoyed and now a little disturbed by the mans suggestions.

She shrugs "We are not distracted, we carry these with us everywhere. If you wish to talk to my King I will have to send for him, but I am sure he would come, you are the first foreigners we have encountered. Would you care to wait?"

[drack]

"We can wait, or go to him. We have walked a great many miles, and a few more won't kill us."

Though we respect the kindness of your offer.

[BelGareth]

How do you want to handle this?
Gaheris is a whole hex away, it would take a turn for him to get there

[drack]

Spoiler says DM, I probably shouldn't look. (Though I confess I almost missed it since I'm used to the titles overhead.) Anywho question of some sort I take it?

[BelGareth]

Lol, Guess im used to everyone reading them (or maybe i read them and don't react :smallcool:), just a question about how to move on, but since Gai is sick maybe we can figure it out with chillings?

[drack]

*checks it out* Nah, it'd take a few hours for my guys. Druids do well in forests. :smallwink:

[BelGareth]

Ah but Shaerin isn't just going to let you wander off in her domain, even if push came to shove you would steamroll her...

However, a message by bird wouldn't take long and neither would Gaheris on the way back...



"Shaerin nods, very well then, I shall send a message" she stopped herself from saying bird, knowing, or fearing perhaps, that the strange man would disapprove.


I'll post the message in my IC thread with chillings (My deity), shouldn't be too long.

[drack]

"Vary well." The man replies somewhat disappointed that the woman didn't enjoy a good debate.
Sure. :smalltongue:

[Chilingsworth]

We're definitively en route, so I'll just post this now.

approximately fifteen minutes before Gaheris arrives, your remote viewing ability shuts off. (Unless you're rank 2 or higher.)

No, Sophia isn't personally visiting. But she did lend Gaheris an ally who he's elected to have accompany him here. Also, she's shielding this ally from other deities' remote sensing abilities for reasons unrelated to this conference.

[BelGareth]

Shaerin offers to bring them into the camp while they wait, offering them food, drink, wine, and even a tent to relax in.

Regardless of how they accept, she retires to her own tent.

3 hours later

Gaheris rides up on his famous mount Galydriel as Shaerin is moving out to greet him, having been alerted earlier of his impeding arrival.

"Greetings my King, you make short work of the distance" she says looking to Galydriel and patting the magnificent horse, she always had fond memories of the horse and enjoyed being around her.

Gaheris nods "Aye, she rides well as ever, this one will outlive me I'm sure!" he looks around "Where are the delegates?"

[drack]

While they wait the hand of death makes a show of consuming some of the offered food and drink, while the brown haired woman looks eagerly around the room admiring the view and architecture.

As the king asks where they are the lass eagerly saves her hand. "Heeerre we are."

[Chilingsworth]

A petite, winged elven woman steps from behind Galydriel.

She bows politely.

Greetings, Shaerin.

Ah, and here are the other emissaries. In the name of the White Lady and Lord Gaheris, I greet you.

*She bows, folding her wings in front of her.*

[drack]

The two of them bow formally.
"May the joys of life and death overcome you."
"May the joys of life and death overcome you."

[BelGareth]

Shaerin is about to reply when the girl replies for her...

she looks disheartened and annoyed at the same time.

Only looking to Gaheris and taking the reigns of Galydriel she whispers to him:
"I'm so glad you are here."

And then Nahautl landed and spoke to Shaerin, "This is Nahautl, Shaerin, she is the White Ladies Herald."

Gaheris nods and smiles, stepping down from the horse as a master cavalier, he walks to the delegates, helm removed and looking resplendent as ever.

"Greetings to our lands, I am glad to have met you! I am Gaheris of Beltran, might I take a seat with you?"

[drack]

"I sure hope so" The woman jests cheerily.

[Chilingsworth]

Nahautl raises an eyebrow.

I'm sure you didn't expect a second visitor. So, I'd understand if you don't have a chair to spare.

[BelGareth]

Gaheris nods, taking a seat he sits opposite them at the same level, taking his sword off his hip and placing it on the weapon rack.

"Well I am pleased to have finally met you, as my Commander has probably told you, we have not had the privilege to speak with any outsiders so far, our little kingdom has barely peaked its head out into the world, and from what I am seeing today, it seems to be a vast and wonderful place."

He takes a sip of wine.

"Tell me of your country, your people, your way of life, I would gladly learn from you, so that we may know each other better, perhaps a friendship could be formed?"

It it is hard to ignore just how pretty he is, not pretty like a maiden fair, but beautiful, handsome and wonderful.

Shaerin who is nearby standing hears the comment and makes a silent gesture, a moment later, a chair is pushed next to Gaheris.

[drack]

"It's wonderful. There's trees as green and dark as can be helping to keep the sun at a faint tickle of it's normal heat, and every morning we can awake to the chorus of a thousand frogs. When you walk, the sleek bristles of dross-moss tickles your feet, and the trees bear fruit so abundant that even a hundred thousand maggots couldn't eat it all. And when the moon sits just right over the caves you can sit on a tree, and admire the graceful silhouettes of the bats flying free through the night as you let your feet dangle into the fresh evening breeze. In the mornings one can wake and see the animals stirring underfoot the zombies coming in from the nighttime shift to lounge about for the day as the living rise to the merriment of a new day, and what fresh challenges it may bring. Then there's Marley with his fluffy hide and loosely attached jaw, pawing about with all the other wolves for morning scraps beneath the..."
Cutting in the hand of death explains. "In the history of The Darkened Grove, we once faced a great crises where those who are dead, and those who are alive met on the battlefield. A crucial time for our people, though a dreadful fate we averted. From then unto now we have lived in peace with one another sharing out lands, and living with the guidance of one who lives between death and life. Our titles even, mine as the hand of death, and hers as the hand of life, signify the sacred nature of both life and death in our culture. Tell us however of your culture. Thus far all we've heard is that your people have a long standing tradition of greeting peaceful travelers with groups of armed guards, actually crafting and wielding arms, and enslaving animals to work for you without regard for their own intentions. I hope that there is more to your legal foundations then that..."

[Chilingsworth]

Nahuatl nods politely.

Thank you.

Then, her wings disappear as she takes a seat. She looks at the emissaries with interest.

Nahuatl is using detect chaos, evil, good, and law SLA's. (So unless you have detect magic or something up, not noticeable.) I believe everyone present falls under their range.

[drack]

LN&LN :smallwink:

[Chilingsworth]

Telepathic communication:
<<I sense nothing like the foul one's taint upon them. I sensed Order in them, nothing else of note.>>

I take it you refer to the undead? To let you know, the White Lady does not hold blanket ill will towards such beings. After all, it is a being's deeds, and not their species that determines his, her, or its quality. But... under what circumstances do you... induct... new members of that part of your society. And, what sorts do you have represented?

[BelGareth]

Gaheris smiles as the young woman explains their domain, the frogs the trees, bats and fruit, he was genuinely yearning to go visit, it must be wonderful he thought.

Zombies?

He had to control himself, he almost dropped his mouth in astonishment, almost stood up siting underneath the table.

But the ruler in him, the experienced diplomat that had formed the now consolidated scattered tribes, the man who had forged the Pact Dominus, that man controlled himself and forced a smile.

Gaheris listens for a moment and the forced smile becomes more genuine.

"But of course.".

"Our kingdom is one of tribal heritage, we were once several powerful tribes that roamed these plains, this was but a few years ago, these tribes traditionally used animals for labor and meat, we hunted atop of horses, ate the flesh of animals we killed and we prospered. Except with each other, we fought, we killed and murdered, raped and pillaged, for no reason other than to settle a blood feud that had lost meaning from the beginning of time. Man killed man. Until I stepped in..."

Shaerin stepped forward and interrupted "Until he stepped in and unified our lands, our people, he talked to each tribal leader and merged us into one, some would not accept words, and fought, and some of them died. But in the end, our King, our unifier, took us out of the fields, took us out of barbarism and into the golden age now, he built the walls of our houses, bought food to our children. He saved us from killing one another to be forgotten with the changing of the season."

She says it with conviction, as if Gaheris had actually saved her life, and that she believed that he had saved everyone's life, that he was a true and honest savior. She looked like she believed it. Blushing slightly at the outburst, she back off a step or two into the shadow of the tent.

Gaheris only smiled at her interruption, "Indeed, while I might have put it a little more humbly, she says the truth." he looks back and gives her a meaningful smile, "Shaerin is devout about her feelings."

Turning back to the delegates, "I must confess, utilizing...undead in this manner if strange to me, and...perhaps a little disturbing, but what new thing is always comfortable? We learn and we live, I can foresee a union between our nations, perhaps we can start with a trade route, that would open our borders and ease the tension between us, allow us to get to know each other better?"

[drack]

Telepathic communication:
<<I sense nothing like the foul one's taint upon them. I sensed Order in them, nothing else of note.>>

I take it you refer to the undead? To let you know, the White Lady does not hold blanket ill will towards such beings. After all, it is a being's deeds, and not their species that determines his, her, or its quality. But... under what circumstances do you... induct... new members of that part of your society. And, what sorts do you have represented?

"Well." The hand of life begins. "When a dross moss comes across that certain time of year, a cluster of spores are released seeding new dross mosses about the city, and when an apple tree bears fruits, and I eat it then poop several leagues away, a new apple tree may form, or were you talking about how a queen ant continuously births new young and..." Slowly her voice fades away as she notices nobody is listening, and that instead the king is speaking.

As the king explains his people's customs, and how he himself partook in these savage rights, the hand of death masterfully conceals his revolsion, only once muttering in a half whisper "How truly barbaric."

When the king finishes the hand of life quickly asserts "Utilized? We do not partake in the cruel abuse of the dead as you seem to the living, they are as much one people with us as we are with them."

Sidestepping the clearly controversial issue the hand of death just as quickly seizes on the topic of trade. "Yes, some trade routs may be in order, though our great nation will lack sufficient resources to establish it at the present, our nation intends to extend towards the deeper forests, in the mean times I would suggest your people avoid the frostfalls between our nations. While I faced no harm, the hand of life was nearly quenched from existence in those passages. I fear your people with their enslaved animal companions may not fear so well." (read as survival check or DC 40-60 saves against eventually fatal effects) Still our people are not accustomed to the barren hills and prairieland about the mountain, so I fear it may be best to postpone trade until these routs can go out and around through the great woods. "Or did you intend this negotiation to encompass your neighboring nation of darkness?"

[Chilingsworth]

Nation of darkness? Do you mean the foul one's followers?

They are detestable. I don't know the details of his followers, but I have seen their deity with my own eyes. He keeps a forcibly animated angel as a bodyguard, and is proud of the disgust this causes.

[BelGareth]

Gaheris nods as he listens, trying his best not to be affronted by the obvious insulting way the 'hand of life' talked to them, they seemed to take offense at the slightest thing, yet had no room for understanding their in indignation to their own culture.

This was one of the hardest diplomatic sittings he had faced, by far.

"Ah I see, that truly saddens me, perhaps we can offer to pay the cost as a measure of goodwill? I do believe we have the funds for a certain amount, depending on the size of your nation."


If you have one hex then the cost is 300 RP's total for both of us, which I can cover, if it's two+ then nope.

[drack]

"Perhaps we should wait then, but If by chance the road across which this trade will occur takes the quicker rout through the frostfells, I'd suggest the dead be the ones to carry out the trade itself. This'll shorten the path, though it would mean that your people would need to accept the dead among them. There is however no rush. Trade can be established in a season, or even a year. We are far more concerned with peace."
My nation is the other green south and east of your own, just across the frostfells. A path of 4 hexes that we each make half could work, but we'd need a road before we could trade anyways. That and to be honest, while trade gives RP, my government is more focused on expansion, and I'm fresh out of regent actions this time around. :smallsigh: I'll probably be using them to annex for a time too. :smallsigh: Not enough actions to go around for the most part on my side.

And yes I can easily see how your character would think that of the hands. Truth is they're just of a more open society where differences are shared, and less take offense then are revolted by the practices of your people, and are as open with that as everything else. Out of curiosity what government type are you again?



Nation of darkness? Do you mean the foul one's followers?

They are detestable. I don't know the details of his followers, but I have seen their deity with my own eyes. He keeps a forcibly animated angel as a bodyguard, and is proud of the disgust this causes.
"What's so detestable in that? Does the dead not wish to serve him?"

[BelGareth]

Gaheris nods of understanding and relief, at last, a reasonable offer that will close this meeting.

"While it is a shame we cannot trade, you are right, patience is a virtue and one that I am willing to entertain for the good of all"

He nods at the offer for peace "I agree, we will most certainly agree to a peace accord, are there any other issues that need to be settled? I would assume a closed border agreement for the mean time? We don't want any miscommunications between the people, how would we contact you if the need would arise?"


Cultured

[Chilingsworth]

"What's so detestable in that? Does the dead not wish to serve him?"


What's so detestable? He drags around a fallen, then reanimated archon as a bodyguard. I cannot believe that archon willingly submitted to being turned into a mindless wisp. Also, his hygiene is so poor that he nauseates anyone in a room with him, even other deities.

More to the point, he is a power of pain and madness. He exalts in being such. I cannot believe he sees his dead servants as anything more than tools or weapons. Nor that he cares about the willingness of the people from which they are created.

*She calms*

I'm... sorry. It's just that my encounter with the foul one was so.. terrifying. I am not as strong as my mistress.

[drack]

"I Unless you intend to populate the frostfells I doubt we'll have much difficulty there. Your neighbor worries me more in that regard. However I would, as an offer of good faith, allow you to fund some of our people's more radical developments. They're so hard working, and I'd hate to see them so neglected. From the welfare these create our government would be more then happy to reimburse you at any time the amount you've invested and an additional five percent interest per season."

Civilized, so I get the 10% interest on banking instead of the non interest paying banking you get. May as well offer to split the interest your money could make as a psudo-trade agreement.

"Come, come, is that all you can talk about? Numbers, figures, and policies? I'm sure they'd be much more interested in something more like this." Producing a book from her cloak who's cover reads ""Poetry and Hymes From Beyond the Veil By Harber Tod", offering it to the king. A cheep volume all things coincided, probably worth a single gold, but a classic.

Edit: "Well if you only just met him, you can hardly claim to know his mind. Perhaps you should sit down and talk to him, share philosophies of death as it is."

[Chilingsworth]

*Noticing the book*

Oh, a book of poetry? I think I'd like a look at that, when I have time. Maybe even make a copy or two of it, if that's alright?

Yes, this does mean I want to see some poems from you. :smallwink:

[drack]

"Well you'd have to talk to the author about that. I wouldn't really know."

Oh good gods... It's been... I'm very rusty. :smalltongue:

[Chilingsworth]

Hmm, if I like his work, I'll definitely do that. Would you be able to arrange a meeting?

:smalltongue: Then, might offering a book of poetry have been unwise? :smalltongue:

[BelGareth]

"I appreciate the offer, but I am would have to confer with my Master of coin, he is back at the capital, if it appears we are able, I may take you up on your gracious offer." he looks back and forth between everyone "How would you close such a deal in your society?"

[drack]

"Personally I don't know. I haven't met him, though it's said his words traverse a gap from life to after life."

Depends on how we define wisdom. The hand of life has the wisdom of a child, some say children are wiser then all others, some say children are rash and unwise in many things. Still perhaps I should have done one of philosophies. I'll give it a whirl if you want, but you've been warned. Any particular type?

Edit: We would simply part ways and meet again another time. We are not much one for documentation. Ritual yes, but that is to the individual, not the governance.

[Chilingsworth]

It's been enlightening to meet you both. I hope I get to do so again.

*She bows*

Whatever you think would fit. Basically, use it as a way to expand on your nation's culture. :smallbiggrin: I don't mean to put pressure on you or anything.

[BelGareth]

Gaheris stands and bows likewise, "Indeed, I hope to meet you again sometime soon, perhaps as friends." he says with a genuine smile.

[drack]

I hope not too soon, in general our people dislike the meddling of deities. It detracts from the peace of life how they struggle so against each other.


May as well give one a shot now and do another later.

Upon the ashes lie the spark
ever darker in the snow.
Within that spark persists a life
ever brighter in it's glow.

An aged man asked the glow of life
"Why do you so fear death?"
And in that glow the answer formed
"Then never again have I breath."

The aged man pondered this all weary from the rain
Whatever could the small spark want with its vibrant heat?
And then to him through the mist an answer that it came.
The spark never once at all tasted death's heartbeat.

So into the darkness he watched as the spark die low
watching the ember fade.
Soon he saw some char did rise
now freed from the flame.

So greedily had it taken, and how hungrily it had lived.
Yet all in bitter time do tell a char came from the flame.


The hand of life grinning in turn, and the hand of death giving a polite nod of acknowledgement the two leave, heading now for the Dark Kingdom.

[Chilingsworth]

He has a point...

*she sighs*

Shall we head back, or is there business that needs doing in the settlement?


Very good, drack! :smallbiggrin:

[drack]

Eh, my strength for these things lies more in tying together abstractions and the subtitles of implication. Still I was editing it a bit after I posted it, so you may have caught it halfway.

[BelGareth]

Gaheris watches them leave and then turns to Shaerin and Nahuatl, "Well that was interesting, some how I feel like it was only the tip of the spear, more will come, and they may not be as friendly." this makes him smile "Or perhaps friendlier, we will need to keep our guard up"

Turning to Nahuatl "There is nothing here that Shaerin cannot handle, we will need to keep her unit mobile and on standby, we must remain flexible."

He looks to Shaerin "Well done Commander, I am proud of you, continue as normal, I shall return to the capital, some of our recruits are almost done and it would do well for me to be there."

He goes to his mount and saddles up, looks to Nahuatl "are you ready Lady Herald?"

[drack]

Yay, more bad poetry!

Leaves unfurling
over sprouting seeds
death sprouting for
bright noons to wake

Can't really do much more without direction, so guess I'll leave it at that.

[Chilingsworth]

I'm ready.

*she returns to her winged elf form*

Hey, those weren't bad. I didn't mean to come off as a jerk or anything. I just thought you gave the book to give our characters a better sense of your culture, and wanted to see that happen.

[drack]

Nah, I don't hold anything against you, it's a fun idea. I say they're bad because I'm butchering the classic forms of poems, not because the poems themselves are horribly mutated. :smalltongue: I recall several years ago I even would occasionally use poems as part of character fluff. Anywho no worries mate. :smallbiggrin:

[Gaiyamato]

A large figure flies from the clouds and begins to descend in the encampment, Nahuatl instantly recognises the figure of the fallen angel. Though something else is different about her. She has grown in size to Gargantuan and a dark aura surrounded her form.
The lands, her huge decaying form blocking out the sunlight and casting a massive shadow.

Then it speaks. A hollow and raspy voice, but one that Nahuatl recognises.
Hear me!! For I am R'ta'nakk'k the Ancient One!! the voice shakes the land.
The lands to the south of here are claimed by the Dark Empire! If you or your people cross south of this point it will mean war!
The Dark Empire demands tribute. If your tribute is worthy there shall not be war!
Your people shall make a sacrifice to me or face my immediate wrath! I demand souls to be offered or my Avatar here shall take some by force!

At that the titanic zombified angelic being seems to almost.. smile...

[drack]

This is, by any chance... now that I have left unmolested? :smalltongue:

[Gaiyamato]

Nope, just as you were about to depart.
You can chose to just flee though. lol.

[drack]

OOC: If only it were my style :smalltongue:

Equaling the deity in self expression and the ability to pronounce words with a certain fire&brimstone power to them the Hand of Death replies to the God's challenge.
"And you hear me unknown deity who's name even after such powerful proclamation still fades from my memory as water upon a rock. This is the land of the living and the dead, not the immortals who prance about the heavens above. You come here demanding sacrifice and fealty. I tell you now that if you do so of me again I will storm across the heavens and demand the same of you. If think to claim our realm, perhaps we then should claim the heavens? I tell you now once and once only. You will leave the Darkened Grove to it's own bushes, or may you loose your precarious immortality as countless before you have. I speak as the Hand of Death, and to that hand shall death yield."

Somehow the Hand of life finds herself stunned at how similar the two are, in both approach and voice, one could nearly say identical voices but that the Hand of Death's jaw sounded less decayed... one noticed these things after living among the undead for years on end.

OOC: Definatly called this color first. :smalltongue:

[Gaiyamato]

OOC: Using Impact font for me though... Because I am much much cooler than you. :smallcool:
Also we are in the settlement south of BelGareth's capital. So your Kingdom has nothing to do with anything.

"Who are you? Ant. Pathetic worm. I care not for your Kingdom. Feel free to begone from here. Or storm the gates of the divine realms, see if I care.
Maybe I shall visit your home next and make an example of your people perhaps?"

[drack]

OOC: You have, yet I see not what it changes. :smalltongue:

"I am the Hand of Death, and warn you now for you now play to lay claim to mine own nation, and to that I object. Unless an exception is made I fear our lands must slay a god, not a matter we consider lightly, but one that may be done. You have been warned ancient god, and given time to think with the cold logic of death rather then the rash fury reserved for infantile titans and deities alike."

The Hand of Life, seeing this as a fine time to leave begins leading the Hand of Death from the land where he freely turns his back on the god in dismissal.

[Gaiyamato]

The Avatar makes a gesture with her hand and just in front of the rapidly retreating Hands a Huge-sized Midnight Construct appears barring their way.

"I will spare the living of you two, but the insolent one is now mine."

[drack]

Quiet as a mouse the hand of light asserts "I'd be careful you're... god... liness?" She seems to struggle for a time before deeming it insignificant. "He means it." She confesses at last. "Perhaps not personally, but he means it, and I'd warn against it your..." tossing her hands in the air she gives up on proper titles, giving the golem a breath in her exit.

The Hand of Death stands for a minuet ready to react to the golem, yet giving it's god a final chance to resend it.

[Gaiyamato]

For now the Golem does nothing, it continues to block your path however if you attempt to move around it.

However a force seems to clamp down on the area around the two Hands.

OOC: Neither of them can cast spells now.

[drack]

The Hand of Death mutters something about how infidels persist and the juvenile of deities before attempting to walk/climb over the golem.

[Chilingsworth]

Nauhatl takes her true form and proclaims:

Leave this place, R'ta'nakk'k! This land and its people are under the protection of Sophia, the White Lady! Return to your followers! I, the Lady's Herald, tell you this in Her name!

She moves to place herself between the foul one and the mortals.

[Gaiyamato]

"Oh Really? Is that So? Make me."

[BelGareth]

Gaheris listens and watches as the demon-angel lands and demands a tribute of souls.

Yeah, that wasn't going to happen, not today.

Sliding his visor he nodded to the undead abomination, "You shall have no tribute from us, from this land or from me, now heed the Ladies Herald or pay the cost, by my name I shall banish you to back to wence you came!"

He readies a charge.


Swift: activate Law devotion
Free: Smite
Full round: Charge on back of mount with lance
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Gaiyamato]

OOC: Gaheris misses... massively.
I'll wait for the response from Chilingsworth before going further.

[drack]

OOC: Was the target specified? I figure the god being in the air, and the mount a horse it might be the angel or golem. :smalltongue:

[Gaiyamato]

OOC: Good point. The Herald of the Vile one (this is not the actual God himself just one of his minions.. ) is on the ground now, she landed before.

This is an Necrocarnate "Zombie"(Heavily modified) Fallen Corrupted Incarnum Judgement Archon beefed up with a bajillion spells. Still far far weaker than the God himself. If he was here no one would be able to even stand as it was.

[Chilingsworth]

Gaheris, avoid it, don't fight it!

[Gaiyamato]

He passes right through harmlessly anyway. You could just leave him be. Otherwise you would need to attempt a grapple check on him.

[Chilingsworth]

Edited post to account for new information.

[BelGareth]

Gaheris does not charge.

he turns to the Herald

"Then what am I supposed to do?" you can tell he is honestly at the end of his options, unsure of what to do

[Chilingsworth]

Pray. Have faith in our Lady.

[Gaiyamato]

A deep rumble of laughter rolls from the Herald of R'ta'nakk'k, but it says nothing at all.
The sky begins to darken, the air begins to warm and the first few drops of a strange purple liquid start to fall from the sky.

In the distance to the south you hear the thud of booted feet. Two full Legions of undead troops appear on the horizon heading this direction.

EDIT: Gaheris has time to bring all of his troops here and muster them also if you wish.

[BelGareth]

legions as in single units of 100 or legions as a crap ton of units?

[drack]

The Hand of Death grins bitterly. Just what he needed. A couple of gods getting in a pissing contest. Fortunately at least now some proper dignitaries were arriving, perhaps they would see logic.

Meanwhile, thinking along the same lines, the Hand of Life calls out to the nearer unit, having gone a fair distance towards their nation already. "Hello my friends, neighbors and compatriots of celebrating life and death, how do you do this fine evening?"

[Gaiyamato]

As in the formation of 16 Units in a 4x4 square. 1600 Zombies in each of the two legions. Each unit is lead by a commander. One Legion has a captain the other has the Ruler of the Dark Empire leading it.

[Chilingsworth]

Has Sophia's minute of buffing passed yet?

[Gaiyamato]

Yes Sophia can arrive now.

[Chilingsworth]

With a flash of light, an angry angel appears. She is twice the height of a man, and wields a greatsword to match. She is the Goddess, Sophia.

Who attacks my herald and my people?!

[BelGareth]

Gaheris wheels his horse, and bites his tongue, what could possibly happen if not fighting this...thing? How could he possibly lead a country if he was going to be challenged by demon-angels and beings of supreme power, and he was too weak to fight them?

He knew he should pray to Sophia, but if she couldn't guide his arm, fill him with strength, then what, what was going to happen here?

His mouth dropped as Sophia appeared herself, he admonished himself immediately, he should have known, he should have kept the faith, she was his protector and his goddess, she deserved his unwavering faith.

He heard the Beltran 1st marching up behind him, Shaerin had mustered them, even though it was no use, but he appreciated the response, it was expected, and he was glad for it.

[Gaiyamato]

The Dark Rain starts to pour down with a crack of thunder. the temperature in the air suddenly rises to make everything uncomfortable and sticky.

The ground in one patch starts to bulges and a sickly Green ooze bubbles out from the soil. The grass withers and dies, the dirt turns to a dark coloured sand. for a long time the ooze keeps coming, slowly piling up.

The ooze forms itself into the shape of a Huge sized shape of a V'K'kraan'ck. The massive bird-like creature holding a huge Nik'tch Courtblade, the ornate weapon the same style as the one the hands recovered from the zombie. Puss-filled dirty silken swathes wrap themselves around the decaying roiling form, hiding some of it, but somehow making it seem even worse. A stench rolls across the battlefield causing everyone to vomit on the spot, some of the weaker civilians pass out entirely - except Sophia, she blanches but she is starting to become accustomed to the smell.

The Zombified Archon shrinks down to size Large.

Sophia. I was wondering how long you would take to get here. It speaks. No one has attacked your people.. yet. However it seems we have reached an impasse.

OOC:
Effects in place:
No one - not even R'ta'nakk'k may now cast spells of any sort.
All Divine magic fails, all prayers, all divine Su abilities cease to function, Any divine spells already cast are dispelled - even those on Sophia. Magic items are unaffected. Permanent divine spells are suppressed.

Weather is now Warm - almost at Hot. (See Sandstorm book).

All Mortals make a will save DC 22 or be confused for 1 round.
Anyone with less than 18 HD must make a Will DC 26 save or be frightened.

All military units make a morale Check or retreat back to the Capital. (Gaheris may use his Will save bonus to help rally them if need be)

[Chilingsworth]

Sophia... shrinks.

[Chilingsworth]

Oh, and Nauhatl's will save:
[roll0]

Would an Xp spent miracle work?

[Gaiyamato]

HAHAHAHAHA

[Chilingsworth]

Since I added it in an edit, I'll ask again:


Would a miracle that cost Xp work?

[Gaiyamato]

No. No magic of any sort works now. Only Spellfire, Psionics, Incarnum and Maneuvers.

[BelGareth]

is the frightening affect a fear affect? (paladiny immunity)

Roll 1st save: [roll0]
Roll 2nd save: [roll1]
Roll for morale: [roll2] vs DC 10 Unit maintains morale
Roll rally unit [roll3]

[Gaiyamato]

Paladin immunity applies.

[Chilingsworth]

Psionics, you say? :smallamused:

Nauhatl gets in contact with as many of her allies as she can, and attempts to use her Etheral Jaunt ability. Which, in her monster entry, is listed as psionics.

[Gaiyamato]

I tell you what Sophia I will offer you a deal and you and I, and our Heralds can leave this place be. Kneel before me and swear fealty to me as the Ruler of all Gods, become my Queen, and I shall spare those who follow you. They may not advance further south as that land is the land of the Dark Empire, however I shall require nothing further of them, and in fact shall extend them my protection so long as they obey. As he says that his form shifts to that of a handsome looking human (still huge sized), and the stench vanishes. I can be reasonable and merciful. You know I will keep my word.

[Gaiyamato]

Nauhatl's jaunt attempt fizzles for reasons not to do with this current issues. Even R'ta'nakk'k seems slightly puzzled by it.

Psionic invisibility could get annoying...

[BelGareth]

Gaheris grits his teeth and is unmoved by the stench or even the implacable aura of this dark god, with his deity in the living presence before him, nothing would deter him from his duties.

He noticed the 1st behind him stood their ground, after recovering from the initial affects of the evil god, they mustered behind Shaerin and marched behind him, ever defiant in the face of 10 to 1 odds.

He smiled, they have acted well this day.

[Gaiyamato]

Technically it is 32 to 1 odds...


As Gaheris's unit musters another figure on a horse appears on a hilltop far to the east. He is distance and the details are hard to make out. For a short while he looks out below and then vanishes again, turning his horse eastward again.

[Chilingsworth]

I figured. Had to try anyway.

Nauhatl looks dismayed.

Sophia looks disgusted... more disgusted than when she was trapped in a closed space with the fiend.

[Chilingsworth]

Nauhatl disappears.

(Psionic invisibility)

She then starts making as many of her allies as possible disappear.

(Telepathic transmission)

RUN!

[Gaiyamato]

The tread of booted zombie feet gets closers, the tattered banners can now be made out in the distance, as can the large heavily armored form of the Dark Emperor and his massive spear Thanifex.

What do you say to my offer? Accept or we shall do... he gestures with a sweep of his hand at the pitifully outmatched armies.. this thing.

[Gaiyamato]

OOC: The invisibility is touch or personal only.

[Chilingsworth]

Nauhatl makes Sophia invisible.

I'll will not swear fealty to you!

OOC: So, Nauhatl will get herself in contact with everyone she can, making them invisible at the rate of 1 person/round. She has a fly speed of 60 (perfect.)

[Gaiyamato]

OOC: You will only have time to get the principle characters, the troops would take 100 rounds.

IC:
The Dark Empire army arrives. The V'K'kraan'ck commanders raise their Nik'tch Courtblade's in the air and screech a primal bird-like sound.

FINE! Kill them all, erase this civilisation from the face of the world!

The Dark Emperor nods to his God in his heavy Battle Armor and lowers his spear, ordering the advance.

------

On the hill the figure appears again. For a moment he pauses surveying the scene before him. He seems to raise a large bow in the air and drops it. Two hundred humans on horseback come pouring over the hill, their battlecry echoing off the hills and into the plains below. The leader takes aim with his bow, the arrow zings through the air, aiming at one of the zombie captains.
[roll0] to hit [roll1] damage.

Behind his cavalry 4 units of Dwarf infantry come marching in formation.

OCC: They are 9 combat rounds away.
The Hands now recognise Warlord Tetsin of the Nomadic people.

Pause here because a few of the other Gods are on their way as well.

[Gaiyamato]

Being able to see invisible targets Kailialle - The Insane Judge launches an assault on Nahuatl. With blinding speed she leaps into combat with the coatl, bringing her sword down so fast it is a blur even to the Gods.

OOC: Full Move (up to 270 feet)+full attack action.

To hit 1 [roll1] damage + [roll3D6 [VILE] damage + CON drain if hit. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll3] [VILE] damage on hit. Crit confirm [roll4]
[roll5] To hit 1 [roll6] damage + [roll3D6 [VILE] damage + CON drain if hit. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll8] [VILE] damage on hit. Crit confirm [roll9]
[roll10] To hit 1 [roll11] damage + [roll3D6 [VILE] damage + [roll12] CON drain if hit. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll13] [VILE] damage on hit. Crit confirm [roll14]

EDIT: No crits. She only loses 3HD at most.

All damage is [EVIL][LAWFUL][EPIC].
If Nahuatl dies her soul is sucked into the sword (but is otherwise safe).

[Gaiyamato]

Redoing the vile damage rolls.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Chilingsworth]

She's incorporeal, isn't she? Is her weapon ghost touch?

[Gaiyamato]

Yes. It is Ghost touch.

[Chilingsworth]

Crap. Umm, could you give me a total on the damage?

[Gaiyamato]

68 Regular, 37 Vile for a total of 115hp.

She also suffered 6 CON drain costing her 3HP per HD.

She also lost 3HD.

[Chilingsworth]

She's dead.

[Gaiyamato]

Her soul is stuck inside the weapon for now.
All invisibility effects vanish.

We should really wait here for the other Gods. Two are organising themselves via PM right now.
The situation will change with that.

[Chilingsworth]

Also, what happened to pausing? :smallconfused:

[Gaiyamato]

That was the last round action for the pause. Waiting now.

[BelGareth]

Just gotta say....WOW
And perhaps we should rename the thread?

[Chilingsworth]

Damn. Well, I'm guessing this hex is going to have some kind of permanent effect on it after this. It definitely should.

[Gaiyamato]

It will depend on the outcome.
Some sort of stupidly powerful evil or good effect depending on which way this goes.

[drack]

The Hand of Death grins bitterly. Just what he needed. A couple of gods getting in a pissing contest. Fortunately at least now some proper dignitaries were arriving, perhaps they would see logic.

Meanwhile, thinking along the same lines, the Hand of Life calls out to the nearer unit, having gone a fair distance towards their nation already. "Hello my friends, neighbors and compatriots of celebrating life and death, how do you do this fine evening?"

*cough cough* now that there are less divine sparks...

Just gotta say....WOW
And perhaps we should rename the thread?

why? :smalltongue:

[Erik Vale]

Suddenly a Mantis-like humanoid appears midair some distance up, it's two heads scan the area as it slowly turns mid-air, suddenly the air ripples around him in a continuing ball, and you notice the rain stops.


And Sid'Jax has arrived, and on the turn of his arrival he uses Mordenkainen's Disjunction, ending the rain, reenabiling divine spells.

Edit: I am exactly 220ft above where the two gods are.

[Pesimismrocks]

A grey fleshed rotting king appears near to Sophia's Heralds place of death. He chuckles grimly. Do you truly wish to do this?

[Chilingsworth]

Umm... Sophia's still very much alive. It's Nauhatl, her herald, that died.

[Pesimismrocks]

:smallredface: Ah, I had misread the text.

[Chilingsworth]

Apparently, he does. As for myself, I don't see as I have any acceptable alternative. Good to see you again, Inautia.

So, I can cast spells again?

[Erik Vale]

Yes, you can all use Divine casting again unless the rain is re-established.

[Chilingsworth]

I was under the impression that the loss of spellcasting was from something other than the rain. Waiting for clarification before posting actions.

[Erik Vale]

I was under the impression that the loss of spellcasting was from something other than the rain. Waiting for clarification before posting actions.


I was under the impression from Gaiyamato that said rain was the source of the disturbance and was preventing all divine magic, and checked with him should my SLA's be usable specifically to remove it. I'll go thread diving to take a closer look at the disturbence.

Edit: Checked, it's either the rain or V'K'kraan'ck causing the disturbence... However I'm not sure I should have been allowed to use disjunction. But given I was told I was allowed, the rain is gone. However should next round dissolve into combat and my SLA's be usable, V'K'kraan'ck is going to start running around slightly naked.

[Gaiyamato]

Your disjunction spell fails due to the magical suppression effect on this hex.
You should have cancelled it from the God's hall.

No Casting Still for anyone.

HAHA R'ta'nakk'k laughs. Like Rats into a trap!

This is simple. We stop here, no one dies if you ALL kneel before me and swear me to be the King of the Gods. Those who offer their service and loyalty to me willingly shall be rewarded.

Note: you cannot teleport out anymore as it involves casting the spell teleport. If you have flight you can fly out however.

[Chilingsworth]

You said we had all our divine abilities still. Both our teleport ability and Sid's disjunction (an SLA granted to him because he has the Magic Domain) are divine abilities. You said we had such abilities specifically when I asked. :smallannoyed:

Also, while I'm at it, how does the gate spell work here? fizzle, or traps the creature?

[Erik Vale]

I could Disjunction it from the map? What sort of casting can I do through the map.

And yes, like rats, you mislead me. However as SLA's defualt to Arcane first if their on the spell list I believe I keep all my non-divine buffs [otherwise I'm plumiting]?

Does no spellcasting extend to Invoking that doesn't mimic spells [I.E. Eldritch Blast]

[Gaiyamato]

Active Domain powers are suppressed from the Purple Rain.
If you read the Divine(God) teleport ability it casts Greater Teleport, so the anti-spellcasting effect still applies.

The problem is DnD's confusing use of Divine for multiple things. lol.

It depends on the ability on if it works or not for the most part.

You are ALL trapped here now.

[Gaiyamato]

I could Disjunction it from the map? What sort of casting can I do through the map.
No. I would be giving away to much if I just gave you the answer. you were sooooo close. :smalltongue:



And yes, like rats, you mislead me. However as SLA's defualt to Arcane first if their on the spell list I believe I keep all my non-divine buffs [otherwise I'm plumiting]? you get to keep all your Arcane buffs. The purple rain only affects Divine stuff and the magical suppression only stops new spells from being cast.



Does no spellcasting extend to Invoking that doesn't mimic spells [I.E. Eldritch Blast] Yep, they work just fine! :smallbiggrin:
You can blast away!

[Chilingsworth]

Sophia attempts to flee by flying away.
(Fly speed 60, good maneuverability, so a run speed of 240.)

[Gaiyamato]

The fallen angel zooms into the sky (Base Fly Speed 270' (Perfect)) intercepting the fleeing Goddess and blocking her path, threatening her with the evil sword, still covered in the blood of the Coatl.
With a signal from the R'ta'nakk'k she holds back attacking for now however.

SEE MORTALS! YOUR GODDESS ABANDONS YOU! KNEEL TO ME AND BE SPARED!

I make my offer and plea to you one final time Sophia. If you refuse you must die.

[drack]

The Hand of Death grins bitterly. Just what he needed. A couple of gods getting in a pissing contest. Fortunately at least now some proper dignitaries were arriving, perhaps they would see logic.

Meanwhile, thinking along the same lines, the Hand of Life calls out to the nearer unit, having gone a fair distance towards their nation already. "Hello my friends, neighbors and compatriots of celebrating life and death, how do you do this fine evening?"

*cough cough* now that there are less divine sparks...[/SPOILER]

Bumpidy bump bump.

[Gaiyamato]

What is going on with your post there Drack? The Hands are still standing nearby with the Construct.

[Erik Vale]

Sid'Jax glares at the god, running through his options. He was a divine, none of his weapons would cause harm, his divine talents were gone but... What of that true to his essence.
Suddenly, one of his claws is bathed in eldritch energy, and he smiles. Whilst should the divine be able to fly he might be in trouble, but he had no fear as he went through his abilities. At worse, he believed the event would become one of endurance, one he was well able to compete in.

His voice is quiet, but it carries well, reaching all.
"A oath sworn by force is no oath. Be glad I have just awoken and that my might is still waking... It shall give you time to flee."
His left head turns to the living god.
"I suggest that you take your leave fair one, or test your might against the lesser dead, I sense you may be weak against him."
Sid'Jax slowly begins rising as his arms are wreathed in eldritch energy.
"Now then, steel yourself Divine Corpse, for you are unwelcome and unwanted."


Free actions to talk.
Divine Free Action 1: Utterdark Virtrolic Spear Chain. He will probably be immune [I'm guessing he has Undead Traits divine salient ability].
Does 7d6 Damage, 1/2 Negative and Half Acid, persisting for 3 rounds as 2d6 Acid [or Acid/Negative, Two essences half damage alteration, but the acid is a ongoing effect of Virtrolic].
Divine Free Action 2: If the above did damage, I will repeat it, if not, I will use a Eldritch Spear Chain.
Standard Action: As Above.
Swift Action: A quickened version of Above.
Move Action: Move to a hieght of 250ft directly above the undead god.


Blast 1:
To Hit: [roll0] [Touch AC Affecting], Crit Confirm [roll1] [If Applicable, Roll of 19 or 20 [Result 40-41]] Damage:, *2 for Crit, Ignore Spell Resistance. Deities immune to negative levels.
Blast 2:
To Hit: [roll2] [Touch AC Affecting], Crit Confirm [roll3] [If Applicable, Roll of 19 or 20] Damage: [roll4], *2 for Crit, If Spell Resistance [roll5]. Deities immune to negative levels.
Blast 3:
To Hit: [roll6] [Touch AC Affecting], Crit Confirm [roll7] [If Applicable, Roll of 19 or 20] Damage: [roll8], *2 for Crit, If Spell Resistance [roll9]. Deities immune to negative levels.
Blast 4:
To Hit: [roll10] [Touch AC Affecting], Crit Confirm [roll11] [If Applicable, Roll of 19 or 20] Damage: [roll12], *2 for Crit, If Spell Resistance [roll13]. Deities immune to negative levels.

The Latter blasts will do nothing with the additional strikes from Eldritch Chain unless he is damaged by the Virtorlic Utterdark Spear Chain. The VUSC's will use the chain to strike the ground around him, trying to make a pool of acid around and under him [not that it would do much].



Edit: That was suppose to come earlier in the timeline, subsequent posts are pretty unimportant time wise.
Also of note, Divine fly speed is set to 200 unless it's granted a bonus... If I need to [for time reasons] I will change my Move/Standard action to a Run to keep up to remain in blasting range, giving me one less blast.

Extra Eddit: No, the other angel is intercepting the god, my mistake. I think... That means the original actions go off, should it not be to much trouble [I don't think this'll do anything] I'd like my actions to go off just before the fleeing and chasing.

[Gaiyamato]

OOC:
Guess we all roll initiative now then.

Kailialle - The Insane Judge [roll0]
R'ta'nakk'k the Vile - [roll1]

[Erik Vale]

Si'Jax: [roll0]

Well, I go just before the chaser, but it looks like we all go well after the vile god... Reminds me to equip and gather cohorts sooner rather than later.

Would it be possible to fly above the rain and dispel it?

[Gaiyamato]

I'll wait for Sophia and Inautia to roll. But the fallen angel will probably be going first.

It is possible for you to fly out of the hex.. how far away can you cast the disjunction?

Hexes are assumed to be of infinite height.

[Erik Vale]

I'll wait for Sophia and Inautia to roll. But the fallen angel will probably be going first.

It is possible for you to fly out of the hex.. how far away can you cast the disjunction?

Hexes are assumed to be of infinite height.

19/2*5=ans+25=72.5ft, or 112.5 if I use the border of my splash range with it [40 ft]. Assuming the effect reaches a infinite height it will be easier to fly out of the hex's side but I doubt it'll be exactly time efficient, It'll probably be easier to blast until I overcome his spell resistance [needing rolls of 15 or greater to beat 33 unless he is Divine rank 2 or higher, then adjust as necessary] and hope he didn't pick up fast healing... The problem is that other angel that flies at 270ft per round, and his larger size meaning should he be able to fly he will fly faster.

To save checking it myself, Vile Damage bypasses DR and requires spells to heal doesn't it? Are there any other features I should know?

[drack]

What is going on with your post there Drack? The Hands are still standing nearby with the Construct.

No, it allowed the hand of life to pass, recall?

Edit: vile must be healed in sanctified zone.

[Chilingsworth]

Initiative:

[roll0]

[Erik Vale]

Initiative:

[roll0]

*winces*
And your the cleric/healer as well, which means he just get's to repetitively charge you as you try to reach teleportation range. Bummer.

[Gaiyamato]

No, it allowed the hand of life to pass, recall?

Edit: vile must be healed in sanctified zone.

Correct twice. With it now.

[Deadline]

Victor Carth rode at the head of his force. It had been two days since he and his men had sworn to find King Gaheris and pledge their fealty to him. They had heard rumors that the King's forces could be found nearby, and he had sent scouts out earlier to survey the land. Anton had returned with glad tidings - there was a nearby military encampment to the southwest that was flying the colors of BelTran! Victor had sent him off immediately with a message for the commander of the BelTran forces.

Greetings and glad tidings!

I bring you a message of peace, and a desire to serve. My men and I are known as Carth's Company. We have made our living selling our swords, but word has reached me of the good king Gaheris, and his noble spirit, even handed reputation, and dedication to Sophia has stirred my heart.

I request an audience, so that I may swear fealty to him, and the great Kingdom of BelTran.

~Victor Carth

Not long after he dispatched Anton, Del returned with troubling news. There was a large military force just east and south of his current position that was moving towards them, mostly infantry, and some of them dwarven.

He turned to his men and shouted out his orders, "It would seem that we may be able to offer our future king more than words this day! Let us make haste, and show BelTran our mettle!" Amidst cheers of agreement, the column of cavalry headed southwest towards the BelTran forces, double-time.

Everyone was in good spirits until the purple rain begins to fall. And the sight that greeted them when they crested the hill was grim indeed ...

[drack]

Correct twice. With it now.

I make a point of being correct. :smallbiggrin: Well, OOC that is. :smalltongue:
&nifty

[Pesimismrocks]

Iniative [roll0]

[Gaiyamato]

Initiative order is:

Kailialle 1
Inautia 0
R'ta'nakk'k 0
Si'Jax 0
Sophia 0

[Gaiyamato]

Forget Sophia, she is of little concern to us for now. R'ta'nakk'k instructs Kailialle. Flying at incredible speed she slams into Si'Jax. Her sword coming down in a flaming blue arc.

[roll0] to hit 1 [roll1] + [roll2] [VILE] damage + [roll3] CON Drain. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll4] [VILE] damage on crit hit (and x2 base damage). Crit confirm [roll5]
[roll6] to hit 2 [roll7] + [roll8] [VILE] damage + [roll9] CON Drain. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll10] [VILE] damage on crit hit (and x2 base damage). Crit confirm [roll11]
[roll12] to hit 3 [roll13] + [roll14] [VILE] damage + [roll15] CON Drain. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll16] [VILE] damage on crit hit (and x2 base damage). Crit confirm [roll17]

Burning one use magic item for additional full attack action (Free action):

[roll18] to hit 1 [roll19] + [roll20] [VILE] damage + [roll21] CON Drain. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll22] [VILE] damage on crit hit (and x2 base damage). Crit confirm [roll23]
[roll24] to hit 2 [roll25] + [roll26] [VILE] damage + [roll27] CON Drain. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll28] [VILE] damage on crit hit (and x2 base damage). Crit confirm [roll29]
[roll30] to hit 3 [roll31] + [roll32] [VILE] damage + [roll33] CON Drain. Suffer -1 Level drain if hit. -2 if Critical hit. +[roll34] [VILE] damage on crit hit (and x2 base damage). Crit confirm [roll35]

[EVIL][LAWFUL][EPIC] aligned.

No Crits. 3 Hits.
Normal damage: 66 , Your DR for Cold Iron applies reducing it by 9 damage in total: 57
[VILE] Damage: 35
CON Drain: 8
Level loss: 3 HD No effect due to DvR 0+

[Pesimismrocks]

Inautia rushes at the Insane judge striking him and sending him flying

Touch attack
[roll1] Trip
[roll2] Trip
[roll3] Trip
[roll4] Trip
[roll5] Trip
[roll6] Trip
[roll7] Trip
[roll8] Trip
[roll9] Trip
[roll10] Trip

[roll11]
[roll12]
[roll13]
[roll14]
[roll15]
[roll16]
[roll17]
[roll18]
[roll19]
[roll20]

For every 5 points I won by on any of those trip attempts I do another d6.

Edit: DC24 will save or shaken
DC15 fort or nauseated
[roll]d2 Con damage
d4+d3 damage

[Pesimismrocks]

Edit: DC24 will save or shaken
DC15 fort or nauseated
[roll0] Con damage
[roll1]+[roll2] damage

[Gaiyamato]

None of your attacks have any affect at all.

The Judge is flying high above everyone attacking Si'Jax anyway.

Even if you directed those attacks against R'ta'nakk'k you still missed completely.

[Pesimismrocks]

I can fly too.

[Gaiyamato]

No worries. You miss against the Judge then. :smallsmile:

Vile God's Turn now.

[Erik Vale]

OOC: Missed a D, Sid'Jax. I take it that I was wrong and vile damage ignores my DR? Also, caught a error on my part I had forgotten to include foresights insight bonus to AC, so that means the 3 'hit' was a miss, Think I've correctly calculated damage and I've updated my sheet accordingly.

IC [Feel Free to put this in order, Thought I was next, I'll retroactively edit the fluff/actions if I need to]:
Sid'Jax grunts as the sword slices accross his body and through his comparitively flimsy chain leaving him with deep gashes that heal even as they are caused, though the nature of the blows lends them a constant sting that would have him wince were he human.

Like any warrior that knows they are out maneuvered he doesn't attempt to flee, only floating back slightly to get out of reach of the undead angels blade. Deciding the blade is his greatest worry not the angel, he launches a volley of eldritch energy to the blade, the acid bathing it in a solid colem for a time and splattering against the angels armor and body.

"So you can't fly, and need your false champion for your work, it must pain you to see his blade rot."


Move action to get out of the angel's reach, Tumble to avoid AOO: [roll0] DC 15. Will move straight up.

Swift and 2 Free's to launch Vitrolic Chain Spears. Each will have the angels weapon as the primary target, then the angels armor, the angel, and one other item of the angels equipment chosen by you.
Each chain ends immidiately should it miss one target, Secondary damage is halved and it's halved again against objects [which Is why I usually get hammer blast instead of baleful utterence]. Every succusful hit will cause 2d6 acid damage for 3 rounds, not halved against objects.
Standard action is readying to cast Retributive Invisibility when the angel charges at me [but before he arrives].

So, Chains
Chain 1
Hit Sword [roll1]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll2]
Damage Sword [roll3]/2
Hit Armor [roll4] [Critical, Damage double if confirmed... Well, Halved instead of quartered]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll5]
Damage Armor [roll6]/4
Hit Angel [roll7]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll8]
Damage Angel [roll9]/2
Hit Other Item [roll10]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll11]
Damage Other Item [roll12]/4
Chain 2
Hit Sword [roll13]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll14]
Damage Sword [roll15]/2
Hit Armor [roll16]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll17]
Damage Armor [roll18]/4
Hit Angel [roll19]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll20]
Damage Angel [roll21]/2
Hit Other Item [roll22]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll23]
Damage Other Item [roll24]/4
Chain 2
Hit Sword [roll25]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll26]
Damage Sword [roll27]/2
Hit Armor [roll28]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll29]
Damage Armor [roll30]/4
Hit Angel [roll31]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll32]
Damage Angel [roll33]/2
Hit Other Item [roll34]
Confirm Roll if Crit [roll35]
Damage Other Item [roll36]/4

[Pesimismrocks]

Ate the soldiers just watching as the gods fight, or are they fighting?

[Erik Vale]

Ate the soldiers

Why did you do that? :smallsmile:

[Gaiyamato]

R'ta'nakk'k drops his alternate form and returns to his vile decaying corpse form once more, his size staying at Huge for the time being. Great decaying green wings sprout from his back and he takes flight, flying up to the battle in the sky between the Gods. All five Gods are now aloft in the skies. The storm of the hex darkens and cracks of thunder and lightning sound within the dark angry clouds. The Temperature within the Hex now reaches HOT. Dealing damage to those with the [COLD] subtype each turn and causing fatigue in the mortals below (after 1 hour of exertion).

R'ta'nakk'k charges Si'Jax also. Though not as fast as the Fallen Archon his courtblade sings through the air with a purpose, glowing an angry purple with green slime ooozing from the steel itself.

[roll0] To hit. [roll1] Damage + [roll2] [VILE] Damage + [roll3] INT Drain (Bypassing immunity)
Level loss and the rest is useless.
[roll4] Critical confirmation

You also are poisoned - bypassing poison immunity of all types. Fort save DC 28 or suffer:
[roll5] INT
[roll6] WIS
[roll7] CHA

If the attack hits he has a free additional attack:
[roll8] To hit. [roll9] Damage + [roll10] [VILE] Damage + [roll11] INT Drain (Bypassing immunity)
Level loss and the rest is useless.
[roll12] Critical confirmation

If your INT is reduced to 0 you will become a spawn.

[Gaiyamato]

Dude. You rolled a 13. I got 14.
Sorry wrong way around.

Also Your AC was correct based on the spells you listed having in effect.

[Erik Vale]

Is his damage epic.

And I'll be changing my post to a full blown retreat and reposting it, that much int drain he's almost catatonic, assuming he succeeds his fort save [if he fails, he hits int 0 from the poison, but not the blade if it helps]

[roll0]

And he stays aloft, rewriting + resubmitting post.

Edit: AC yes, yes it was, noted I also forgot to remove the magic vestment AC bonus.
Extra Edit: Nope, go back and check initiative rolls on page 5, I got the 14, you got the 13, turn order remains the same, so my turn stands.

[Gaiyamato]

You were correct on the initiative however. grr.. lol.


Ate the soldiers just watching as the gods fight, or are they fighting?

They are about to fight also.

[Erik Vale]

Why are you grring, it just means I don't get to run away until your angel's had another charge.

Also, again, is the damage from the god epic? I'm assuming so for now.

Edit: Scrap that, my int is in the negative from the blade, Sid'Jax is now a Spawn, whatever that means [Hopefully that means temporary domination, not "Your character is dead"]

[Gaiyamato]

Yes the damage is Epic. It is also Lawful and Evil not that that makes much difference.

[Erik Vale]

Post to make note, Int is in the negatives from the drain, I am spawn. And I hope that is not on a permanent basis.

Edit: Character sheet is fully up to date.

[Gaiyamato]

Well you still get an action before you become spawn. Also if Sophia can survive she can return you back from spawn no worries.

[Erik Vale]

Truly? I doubt I'll be able to get far enough away to greater teleport but I might be able to lay down some more pain on those two before I'm taken over then.

Unless you mean I get the actions from initiative order before him, in which case I already did that.

[Gaiyamato]

No with it all now.. both of us have been editing posts. lol.
Sophia's turn now.

Your attacks with the chains were sunder attempts?
[roll0] 1
[roll1] 2
[roll2] 3

She fails any of them her sword is utterly destroyed with the amount of damage you were doing.

Edit: All miss.

[Erik Vale]

Hmm, haven't used sunder in a while... Rechecking rules it can't work as a Sunder because I'm making ranged touch attacks not melee attacks, however if you would resolve it as a normal sunder instead of me just attacking the objects then a Sunder it is, and it looks like I failed all attempts as I went after the blade first, and due to such I believe it counts as a miss preventing the chain from continuing onto the angel and the other items.

However, if it doesn't count as a sunder attempt, it sounds like I just vaporized her weapon due to lack of opposed rolls and me just targeting the items ac, so you know which I'd prefer.

From you post I take it that the angel doesn't have any armor or other equipment?

Edit: Seeing your edit, should you decide it counts as a sunder then nothing happens, but if it doesn't [which it looks like it shouldn't] I might be damaging her pretty equipment.

[drack]

The Hand of Death grins bitterly. Just what he needed. A couple of gods getting in a pissing contest. Fortunately at least now some proper dignitaries were arriving, perhaps they would see logic.

Meanwhile, thinking along the same lines, the Hand of Life calls out to the nearer unit, having gone a fair distance towards their nation already. "Hello my friends, neighbors and compatriots of celebrating life and death, how do you do this fine evening?"

*cough cough* now that there are less divine sparks...

Bumpidy bump bump.


Correct twice. With it now.

with it now means I should expect a post right? :smalltongue:

[Chilingsworth]

Sophia flees at top speed, until she reaches the edge of the hex at which point she attempts to teleport away.

holy mountain.

[Gaiyamato]

Who are you addressing..? Not really clear who Life is talking to.

Also everyone is kind of busy.. being in battle and all that.

[drack]

A deep rumble of laughter rolls from the Herald of R'ta'nakk'k, but it says nothing at all.
The sky begins to darken, the air begins to warm and the first few drops of a strange purple liquid start to fall from the sky.

In the distance to the south you hear the thud of booted feet. Two full Legions of undead troops appear on the horizon heading this direction.

EDIT: Gaheris has time to bring all of his troops here and muster them also if you wish.
These guys. :smallbiggrin:

[Gaiyamato]

You are about 6 miles to the nearest hex edge, or 31680 feet.
you fly at 10 feet per second so 3168 seconds to exit the hex, or around 52 Minutes or 528 combat rounds.

*ding ding ding*
Round 2!!
How long can the God of death survive on his own?

[Chilingsworth]

Actually, I fly at 10ft/s if I only single move. But I can run, thus flying a 40ft/s Granted, eventually I'll have to stop running, but even then I'll fly at 20ft/s by double moving. But still... yeah.

[Deadline]

A trail worn cavalryman rides up to Shaerin's camp bearing the message in my post above, requesting to speak to the commander in charge.

OOC: i.e. The messenger provides you the knowledge that you now have a cavalry unit on the field, and can issue directions to it if you wish. I can have Victor's unit charge into the fray, or die to a man covering your retreat. Just let me know what you want. :smallbiggrin:

[BelGareth]

I'm honestly not sure what is happening to the 'mortals' below, and given our patron deity just fled, her herald is dead and the god of war is a spawn....I don't think it matters what we do right now....

All that aside, it would be suicide to charge 1600 skeletons...I'm not sure what they are doing, I think this is just a dance of the Gods so to speak...

[Chilingsworth]

Try to survive. If you lose any men, try to remember their names and detailed descriptions of them. I can bring back anyone that dies with that much info. :smallwink:

[BelGareth]

Mouth agape and in shock at the other apparent deities, who seem to be chatting like it was just another day, Gaheris wheeled his horse and suddenly recalled the advancing Legions of undead.

This wasn't going to end well.

He saw in the corner of his eyes Shaerin waving to him, she had a letter in her hand and pointed, looking he saw a column of cavalry heading towards the line, the colors he recognized as Victors,

Ah, yes. They were just in time.

Hoping that the unidentified cavalry units and the dwarves were allied, he could hope that much, he ran back to his unit, pulling up next to Shaerin, who had a 'what-the-hell-do-we-do' look he grimaced as he turned, seeing the Lady Herald slain in an instant, the next few moments were a shock after another shock, deities slaying each other, and Gaheris at a loss for words as to the next action he should take.

He decided to stay, her Lady Sophia might have decided to flee, but perhaps she was gathering might, gaining power? casting a spell? or something else, he must believe, he must keep the hope.

He sent a runner to Victors unit, accepting his pledge and asking his presence at the front.

This was the Nation of Beltran, and no person, no thing, no corpse and no god would intimidate them otherwise.


Not really sure if the new units are friendly or not, but I'm hoping they are.
This is a new settlement, the Paladin is NOT going to just give it up.

[Chilingsworth]

He decided to stay, her Lady Sophia might have decided to flee, but perhaps she was gathering might, gaining power? casting a spell? or something else, he must believe, he must keep the hope.It's a definite possibility. :smallamused:

[drack]

In reply to bel
Leave the gods to their business. The 2*4*4*100=3200 skeletons are either talking to my guy, or fighting for their lives against your massive mortal onslaught! No, but really, you could probably deal some real damage to them. Still, the hands are attempting to give peace a chance, even now.

[Deadline]

In reply to bel
Leave the gods to their business. The 2*4*4*100=3200 skeletons are either talking to my guy, or fighting for their lives against your massive mortal onslaught! No, but really, you could probably deal some real damage to them. Still, the hands are attempting to give peace a chance, even now.


Call me crazy, but I sincerely doubt the undead legions of the Dark God are chatting up the crazy Hand. :smallbiggrin:

I'm thinking the Dark God's herald just had its sword destroyed, as Eldritch Blasts aren't resolved as Sunder attacks (unless I'm missing something). Which means the super-zombie is ... maybe less troubling to the deities?

Also, if we are just talking 1600 regular zombies, and the mystery units to the east are friendly, we've got a fighting chance against them. And if someone can get magic turned back on in the local area, Victor can incinerate at least two units of zombies (maybe more if I get good rolls) on top of that.

If the mystery units from the east are not friendly, well, the bards will write songs of our bravery! Never have so few stood against so many, for so much!

[drack]

You are crazed indeed then. :smalltongue:

I believe you also just quoted my math and returned to say 1600 in the end. 1600/legion*2legions=3200+2 commanders. :smallwink:

In any case the hands are responsable for establishing diplomatic relations with all neighboring nations, so it's not all that improbable. :smalltongue:

[Pesimismrocks]

*Looks to Left* Healing ally fled
*Looks to right* War ally turned to spawn
****

[Deadline]

*Looks to Left* Healing ally fled
*Looks to right* War ally turned to spawn
****

"They are in front of us, behind us, and we are flanked on both sides by an enemy that outnumbers us 29:1. They can't get away from us now!" - Chesty Puller, USMC

Bring it. :smallcool:

[Gaiyamato]

Summary

General:
Purple rain hammers the hex and a magical suppression prevents arcane spellcasting. A rising force of evil can now be sensed building in the hex and the temperature is so hot that all mortals are now sweating freely.

On the Ground:
The first legion of plague zombies led by the Dark Emperor in his heavy battle armor march against the two units led by Gaheris, mere seconds of joining battle against the defenders. 1600 Zombies in all plus 16 Unit commanders.
The second legion of the Dark Empire has wheeled east-ward and has set itself against a charge by two units of medium cavalry men wielding axes, shields and medium armor. Slowly coming up behind them are four units of Dwarf medium infantry in scale armor, shield and medium weapons. Though it will be some time before the Dwarves can join the fray. A large man on a horse with a massive bow seems to be leading these forces in support of BelTran.

The corpse of the Coatl Nahuatl lies dead in the middle of the field, a deep angry black and green wound in her side.

The Skies above:
The God's battle each other. The great Thri-Keen God of knowledge has been slain and is now falling to earth (lacking any ability to fly anymore) as a twisted and foul spawn of the Vile God. The Fallen Angel is still lamenting over her completely destroyed weapon, left with nothing other than the tears of the dead and her claws.
The Vile God now faces off against the only one remaining before him and his plans, the God of death himself, who has proven himself completely unable to affect the Vile God. However the Vile God seems to pause, reluctant to slay the God of Death.
In the distance the west the fleeing form of the Goddess of Healing and Life, Sophia can be seen.

Then...
The Purple rain stops and the magical suppression ends suddenly.

The Vile God's eyes suddenly widen in not just fear, but absolute terror...

[Chilingsworth]

Feeling the end of the effects impeding her, Sophia ceases her flight.

First, she returns the Knowledge God to full life in an instant. His resurrected form appears next to her

Return to us, valiant warrior!

Then, expending some of her stored positive energy, she attempts to bring a great champion to this newborn world: a solar.

Standard: Grant Life SDA
Swift: Gate (quickened via divine metamagic)
Move: none

[drack]

Meanwhile hand of life continues to see if the commanders wish to speak.

[Gaiyamato]

Meanwhile hand of life continues to see if the commanders wish to speak.

Dude they are leading their units of undead into battle... The closest thing to a response you might get is an attempt to kill you...

[Gaiyamato]

A Solar steps through a portal made by Sophia. "What can I do for you then? Why have I been summoned?"

NOTE: Inautia has to have his turn then it is the Fallen Angel next.

[Chilingsworth]

Sophia bows slightly in greeting -indicating an appreciation of this being's virtue and power, but not claiming authority over her, nor the reverse.

This world is in peril. A vile deity of pain and madness threatens to slay all his peers. I ask your aid in defeating him. If you're amenable, I can help you find a place here as a champion of goodness as well.

[Gaiyamato]

The Solar Nods and starts flying to attack the Vile God.

OOC: You can direct it's actions from here.

[Gaiyamato]

Solar init:
[roll0]

[Gaiyamato]

Bel roll Command check for battle initiative:

Dark Emperor: [roll0]
Warlord Tetsin: [roll1]

[BelGareth]

Holy crap, I had NO IDEA that command was a skill!

poop
[roll0]

[Chilingsworth]

Upon seeing the current situation, the Solar will use her prepared miracle to sever (or at the minimum, suppress) the vile god's control over his herald.

She'll also draw her longbow on the move.

Also, I'll name this solar Solana.

Also, I'm declaring her Domain spells to be from the Good and Healing Domains.

[Gaiyamato]

OOC: Testsin rolled a natural 20.. :smallbiggrin:

Dark Empire commands:
Legion #1: Charges Belgarath's unit.
DC 0 Charge Attack +2MAB, -2 AC (Reduces it to 10).
[roll0] To hit AC [roll1] to wound DC=Toughness
[roll2] To hit AC [roll3] to wound DC=Toughness
[roll4] To hit AC [roll5] to wound DC=Toughness

If you suffer 1 wound but less than 2 you must make a Morale Check with a -2 penalty (shock) or break. If you suffer 2 wounds your unit is wiped out and Gareth with it.

[BelGareth]

AC: 16
Toughness: 16

Attack 1: hit, but failed to wound
Attack 2: hit, but failed to wound
Attack 3: Miss

[Gaiyamato]

Dark Empire Legion #2:
Ready Counter-charge DC 15. +18 bonus - auto succeed.

Horsemen Action 1:
Cavalry Cohort:
CHARGE!!!
[roll0] Morale Check against counter charge.

Both sides slam into one another:
Cavalry:
[roll1] to hit AC 10 [roll2] To wound DC 22
[roll3] to hit AC 10 [roll4] To wound DC 22

Zombies:
[roll5] to hit AC 16 [roll6] To wound DC 21
[roll7] to hit AC 16 [roll8] To wound DC 21
[roll9] to hit AC 16 [roll10] To wound DC 21

EDIT: No effect on either side.

Gareth may now issue one single action

[Gaiyamato]

Note: How is your toughness so low? 10+HD size + Con bonus. For a Warrior unit (D10) should be at least 21. +1 from the infantry template = minimum 22 toughness for most units.

[BelGareth]

I took the basic stats from the book on page 61, their base is commoner (so D4) no con bonus.

*shrugs*

Guess I'll know how important a d10 base is after this. (that and a command skill)

Action: Attack DC 0
[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] vs Toughness DC

[Gaiyamato]

Horse Nomad still have a unit left to command. The Dwarf unit moves forward.

You may now command your cavalry unit into battle Bel.

[BelGareth]

I'll leave that to Deadline, thinks its obvious what should happen.

[Gaiyamato]

Well the most that can happen is he inflicts 1 wound, so we can do another turn.

The Dark Emperor is calling you out for a duel. Do you accept?
this means his legion makes no attack rolls this turn.

To the east however.
Zombies:
[roll0] to hit AC 16 [roll1] To wound DC 21
[roll2] to hit AC 16 [roll3] To wound DC 21
[roll4] to hit AC 16 [roll5] To wound DC 21
1 Wound on 1 of the Cav units

Tetsin:
Cavalry attempt to Withdraw
[roll6] DC 10

Cav successfully withdraws.

[Gaiyamato]

Wounded Cavalry Morale Check:
[roll0] DC 10

[Deadline]

Well the most that can happen is he inflicts 1 wound, so we can do another turn.

Well, Victor can do more than that. :smallbiggrin:

Laughing at the sudden change of events, Victor calls out to his men, "Now men, let's show these foul undead why they should stay in their graves! CHARGE!"

Victor's Action - Cast a Spell

Casting Fireball (requires DC 13 concentration check to cast, auto succeeds).

Targeting the unit his men are about to charge. Unit takes a Power 12 hit (Power 6 with a successful reflex save, DC 18. Power roll: [roll0] + Power rating (6 or 12, depending on save).

Carth's Company Action - Charge!

+2 MAB, -2 AC (bringing it to 12)
Attack Roll: [roll1]
Damage Roll: [roll2]

Edit - So that's a Damage 26 hit from the fireball, or Damage 20 if the enemy unit makes it's save.

[drack]

Dude they are leading their units of undead into battle... The closest thing to a response you might get is an attempt to kill you...

Eh, was still worth a try. A reply as such mighta been nice.
In any case in your summery you replied all casting is back, I assume that means the hands too?

[Gaiyamato]

[roll0] Reflex Save. DC 18 - auto fail unless they get a 20. (-5! :smalleek:)

If fail, 1 entire unit of zombies is slain entirely by the Cavalry charge.

It is now up to Bel if he accepts the challenge or refuses and orders his unit to fight. If you refuse there is still the roll to force you to fight to resolve however.

@Drack yes you have spellcasting again.

[drack]

The Hand of Death casts sculpt stone on the ground to make a thin wall obscuring vision to the right, a second much larger one behind him blocking out vision of the gods, and a final one between himself and the golem encircling it, displacing several small stones along the path to the right to fall in imitation of footsteps, he'll go left. [roll0] to move silently, if not sounds like footsteps both ways, if successful sounds silent to right like footsteps to the left. sculpt stone being of such small volume, all these walls are paper thin and don't really warrant rolling attacks at all. Still meant to buy a head start :smalltongue:
Edit: whoops, stone shape, the 3.0 name just happens to be that catchy. :smallwink:

[BelGareth]

Gaheris nods and trots forward on his horse "I accept your challenge" he says coolly and calm.

[roll0]

[Gaiyamato]

[roll0] Dark Emperor Initiative.

EDIT: Last.. YEAH 4 (Gods, 2 FoB battlefields, and now the duel) Separate battles in the one place now!!!

[BelGareth]

Gaheris charges the dark Emperor

Swift: activates Law Devotion
Free: smite
Full: charge with lance (so reach of 10 ft)

[roll0]
[roll1] (with +1 lance)

[Erik Vale]

Maybe we should split the threads a little, and just use this thread as a overview thread for when various groups want to know the gist of what's going on, and as a OOC for the various splinters, since this is being used as a OOC.

[Gaiyamato]

The smite has no effect. But you deal 23 Damage with the lance successfully.

[BelGareth]

The smite has no effect. But you deal 23 Damage with the lance successfully.

23 is damage is with a +9 bonus from smite :smallfrown:

[Gaiyamato]

Dark Emperor's turn:

Fast healing +10HP

Stance of Clarity: +2AC vs Gaheris. -2 vs all others.

Full attack with Thanifex against Gaheris AC 24:
to hit [roll]2D8+1D6+6 damage crit confirm (x3) +1 [VILE]
[roll2] to hit [roll]2D8+1D6+6 damage crit confirm (x3) +1 [VILE]

+ Bonus attack

[roll4] to hit [roll]2D8+1D6+6 damage [roll5] crit confirm (x3) +1 [VILE]

If hit at all (even if not damaged) make Save Fort save DC 19 or suffer [roll6] CON damage from poison (per round until saved against). Ignores immunity.

[Gaiyamato]

[roll0]
[roll1]
+6

Because it does not like multiple different dice in the roller it seems.

EDIT: Gaheris takes 25 Normal damage, 1 Vile damage and must make a fort save (which he pretty much passes unless you are unlucky).

Crystal of life-drinking gives the Emperor +5 HP back.

[BelGareth]

[roll0] vs DC 19

Swift action: activate Divine Might (cha to damage)
Full attack

[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]

Mount full attacks

2 hooves and a bite
[roll5]
[roll6]

[roll7]
[roll8]

[roll9]
[roll10]


With his Fast healing and items, it's obvious i can't keep up with damage :smallsigh:

[Pesimismrocks]

This is a battle I cannot win. What objective do you hope to achieve by killing us? By becoming king?

Readying an action to cast Ennervate on the Ancient God, should he or his friend attack me.

How is his AC that high?

[Gaiyamato]

@BelGareth

The Dark Emperor takes 29 damage.

Fast Healing +10HP

[roll0] to hit AC 24 [roll1] damage + 1 VILE damage.
[roll2] to hit AC 24 [roll3] damage + 1 VILE damage.
No other effects from now on (Except Crystal of Life-drinking).

Only 1 hit: 12 normal damage and 1 vile damage.
Regains 5HP.

"Surrender to me and I will spare your life and those of your men Paladin." he hisses as the long dark spear lunges for you again.

[roll4] of your men from your unit enter the fray this turn.
[roll5] Zombies from the Dark emperor's unit enter the fray this turn.

[Gaiyamato]

AAARGHHARARGH!
Screams the Vile God in frustration.
Fine. Combat is pointless as none of us can kill the other anymore, and even if we did it serves no purpose any longer. We should retreat to the mountain and discuss terms then, just one condition. No one interferes with the mortal battle here directly anymore, not even myself.

OOC: Vile God returns to 1 DvR.

Also the Wish spell from the Solar failed. No effect.
The Fallen Archon grins evily at Sophia.

[Erik Vale]

Had Sid'Jax an eyebrow he would raise it.
"I can end your attempts to escape with thought and you cann't end ours. I know I hurt you, and I can be restored by she who heals with a moment of her thoughts, and you insist we allow your zombie horde fight a small number of humans without interference?"

[Sid'Jax spends a standard action to ready a Mordenkainen's Disjunction targeting the vile god should he attempt to teleport].

"Order your forces to stand down, and we will ensure the humans cease combat. Then perhaps we can parlay truthfully, but we shall not return to the mountain, there is to much chance you could use the opportunity to arrive elsewhere."

[Sid'Jax will spend his free actions casting Foresight and Fell Flight, and then fly to approach the Vile God and his Undead Angel]

[Gaiyamato]

OOC: Actually none of you have managed to scratch him or his angel so far (They have over 900HP between them and fast healing/True Regeneration, so good luck...) and he could just use the divine powers to vanish from here right now and block detection....

[Erik Vale]

OOC: Actually none of you have managed to scratch him or his angel so far and he could just use the divine powers to vanish from here right now and block detection....

OOC: I thought you said I harmed him with the Virtrolic Utteredark Spear Chain? It doesn't particularly matter but still.
As for vanishing, he can only do so with Greater Teleport or forms of invisibility, which I can see through and dispel. And for blocking detection, unless he targets it upon a church to him/similar circumstance, the detection block would be centered on him, so at worst I go in blind with Sophia attempting to rez me every now and again for when/if I inevitably die.

And then there is learning how to use the table against him should we fail. The only reason I don't say the mortal battle is against him is because I don't know his SLA's, which means he could beat me on the protecting own forces/attacking other forces front with the exception of action economy, as my domains apply to grant me free actions, his don't... I think, I'll have to double check his domains.

Edit: And even if I haven't hurt him, Sid'Jax thinks he has, so his words remain true. As to his High HP + Fast Healing, I have a means [maybe] of harming them and we have a goddess of true resurrection that can teleport away without being traced.

[Gaiyamato]

OOC: I thought you said I harmed him with the Virtrolic Utteredark Spear Chain?
You only destroyed the weapon of the Fallen Archon. That has been your only action so far.



It doesn't particularly matter but still.
As for vanishing, he can only do so with Greater Teleport or forms of invisibility, which I can see through and dispel. And for blocking detection, unless he targets it upon a church to him/similar circumstance, the detection block would be centered on him, so at worst I go in blind with Sophia attempting to rez me every now and again for when/if I inevitably die.
It stops you finding him entirely. The only reason Sophia knew something was up in the first place was because both Gods were attempting multiple blocks in the same hex, so I ruled that they clashed. If he uses his divine powers right now you wont find him until he wants to be found. You all know this. This would be bad.



And then there is learning how to use the table against him should we fail. The only reason I don't say the mortal battle is against him is because I don't know his SLA's, which means he could beat me on the protecting own forces/attacking other forces front with the exception of action economy, as my domains apply to grant me free actions, his don't... I think, I'll have to double check his domains.
The table would help yeah.
Yes you have a lot more actions. But if they would even do anything to him or not is another matter.



Edit: And even if I haven't hurt him, Sid'Jax thinks he has, so his words remain true.
lol No worries.

[Gaiyamato]

You assume too much... he growls at you. These forces are not mine. They are the doing of the mortals. I was merely here to ensure that the humans surrendered without having to be wiped out, and to stop the Gods from interfering. It is Sophia who got in the way and started this fight. I gave her a chance to surrender and save this bloodshed. Now I give you another. Take it or face the consequences.
To Emphasise the point he sheathes his sword.

[Erik Vale]

Sid'Jax turns one of his heads towards the combat unfolding in thought. Slowly his claws drop to his side as he leaves his fighting stance.

"...Call it niavity of the young. However even as a tool of terror you overstepped, I have been in existence mere moments and yet I still know this... However I have no interest in the conflict. I am willing to parlay at the mountain though I would prefer to hold audience here... The place has a weight about it now..."

Sid'Jax folds his arms. The head that had turned to the battle now turns to where Sophia remains.
"Since you can restore me I have no doubt that you cannot restore your followers. What says you?"

[Gaiyamato]

No interference. Else I will bring my own followers back from the dead also, and our mortals can replicate our endless pointless battle for all eternity. Unceasing and unending, until the world ends and we are all wiped from existence.
Perhaps, if we are to have peace, this should be our first agreement for all confrontation from now on.

[Erik Vale]

"Rules are paramount, they are also amoungst the first casualties, so there must be punishment, or clause of equality, and enforcement. I see no means of enforcement, but until we can forge a law divine, I believe agreeing to non-interference on the field of battle here and now would be wise, and in any case I do. As I have said, I lack true interest in this battles outcome."

[Chilingsworth]

Right... Vile One, now that your suppression has been eliminated, I can call more allies into this fight. At the least, they would eventually be able to dispose of your herald with their arrows. Between us, we can also prevent your escape. I will not leave my followers to die here.

If you want to parlay, these are my terms to even make it a possibility:

First, you shall allow me to return my Herald to life.
Second, you will convince your followers and their minions to disengage and leave the sovereign territory of BelTarn.
In exchange, I will not eliminate them at this time and will convince my followers to let them leave in peace.

:smallsigh: And here I was hoping to gate in a second solar, so they and I could form a triumvirate of good powers in this world.
(One LG, one NG, one CG.) I've only called the CG one.

[drack]

As a side note, the god of the dead for the world can prevent any resurrection in the same way the soul's patron deity could. Who is that at present?

[Chilingsworth]

As a side note, the god of the dead for the world can prevent any resurrection in the same way the soul's patron deity could. Who is that at present?

I believe that's only true if said god outranks me. Which, now that the Vile One has been depowered, no god does.

[Gaiyamato]

The Vile One suppresses a laugh.

Kailialle is more than capable of helping herself. She could destroy a dozen of your summoned puppets before they even managed to lay a hand on her. As if on queue Kailialle summons a new sword into her hands that looks suspiciously like the one she just lost. She grins at Sid'Jax.

I agree to the first request as I could not prevent such even if it were of interest to me. Your Herald was slain to teach you both humility. You are vastly outmatched. As to your second request, I shall do no such a thing. I shall leave it for them to decide what they wish to do. In exchange I won't erase your precious paladin from all existence right now. We can threaten each other all day after all.
As if to emphasize the point a Greater Soulspark Familiar appears over the Vile One's shoulder and a shadowy shape forms on the ground not far from where Gaheris is fighting.
My terms are this. We all go now to the hall and leave the issue here to resolve itself however it can or will, be that against my people or for them I will leave it alone. Or I kill you all, starting with Sophia, then Sid'Jax can become a spawn of mine again. Probably dying myself by the end of it however. His vile mouth splits into a grin once more. I am being quite reasonable here. Your situation is barely improved. Mine has simply become harder is all.

[Chilingsworth]

Sophia looks to the other gods.

[Deadline]

As his men trampled the enemy underfoot, Victor took a moment to survey the battle as the enemy legion closes in. One legion of the Dark Emperor's troops were engaged with the strangers from the east, but it was still too early to determine whether they could hold. The BelTran 1st had managed to inflict casualties in the Dark Emperor's unit, but had suffered losses of their own. And the King was locked in single combat with the Dark Emperor himself.

The odds were heavily stacked against the Kingdom of BelTran in this fight, and it seemed to be only a matter of time before they were all overwhelmed. They were fighting a losing battle. His men could see it too, and his grizzled second in command, Oskar, pulled up alongside him. "It doesn't look good.", the old veteran stated unnecessarily. Still looking ahead at the coming horde, Oskar spoke in a softened tone, "The men are waiting on your orders, lad."

As the very gods themselves held conference in the sky, Victor shook his head and muttered quietly, "How can we prevail against so many?" At that, Oskar turned to Victor with a sour expression. He opened his mouth to speak, then thought better of it and closed it. Instead, he smacked his hand across the back of Victor's head. Wincing, Victor turned to Oskar with a frown as the old man growled at him, "By Sophia's ample backside! Talk like that will get us all killed. You're better than that, lad, I know you are. Now, what are your orders."

Victor smirked and nodded once. He looked back to the duel between King Gaheris and the Dark Emperor. "We fight our way to the King." With a fierce smile, Oskar wheeled his horse and began shouting orders to the men. With conviction in his heart, Victor prayed to the Lady Sophia, Lady of Healing, grant me the strength and courage to bring victory to BelTran this day.

I believe that the single duel between the King and the Dark Emperor effectively takes place in its entirety before the next round of Battle at the army level, right? So there is pretty much nothing Victor can do to help King Gaheris? If there is a chance to help, Victor will hurl a Fireball at the Dark Emperor's unit (which should be the one the BelTran 1st wounded) in an effort to finish it off and leave the Dark Emperor alone to face Gaheris and the BelTran 1st.

If not, well, Victor's unit will still fight their way to the King (or his body) to make their final stand.

[BelGareth]

Swift action: activate Divine Might (cha to damage)
Full attack

[roll0] +1 attack for being mounted
[roll1]

[roll2] +1 attack for being mounted
[roll3]

Mount full attacks

2 hooves and a bite
[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]

[roll8]
[roll9]

AC is 25 (had an error on sheet)

[Pesimismrocks]

I would argue that threating to kill someone and only giving one option would not be considered "reasonable". Be that as it may, I have no wish for combat against other deities, be they weaker or more powerful then I. I also have no interest in this conflict. I am perfectly happy to accept your terms.

[Chilingsworth]

At Inautia's words, Sophia sighs.

It seems you may be the most reasonable among us, Inautia. However, I will have my herald returned to me... now.

She waves a hand.
Dear Nauhatl, come back to us!

Nauhatl's resurrected form appears next to her goddess.

Also... Solana. You have done well. But as I asked you for your aid in battle, and my part in this battle is at an end... You are therefore free to do as you please. Please when our negotiations are concluded, let us discuss matters.

She bows in gratitude to the solar.

She turns to her fellow divines:

Right, so if we are to parlay, shall we retire to the mount and get on with it?

[Erik Vale]

Sid'Jax shakes his heads.
"Your ploy is obvious even to me, might I suggest we also keep Herald's and such beings from participating, at least in this battle, given that one has already proved itself better than the other?"
With that Sid'Jax leaves, returning to the mountain. Being the first to arrive, he decides to risk sitting on the largest throne immidiately, bringing up one last defense.


Free: Greater Teleport.
Free: Magic vestment on chainmail.
Swift: Spell Turning. [roll0] spell levels.
Other: Sit on Chair.

[Pesimismrocks]

He nods to Sophia before disappearing in a swarm of flies

Teleporting to the throne room before sitting on solid air

[Gaiyamato]

@BelGareth
The Emperor takes 23 damage.
Fast Heal +10

[roll0] to hit AC 25 [roll1] damage [roll2] Crit confirmation, x3
[roll3] to hit AC 25 [roll4] damage [roll5] Crit confirmation, x3

BOTH MISS!

[Gaiyamato]

R'ta'nakk'k nods as the others leave and vanishes himself, teleporting to the God's hall. The Fallen angel flies away to the south. The shadowy stain on the ground remains however, but takes no action.

The Solar remains hesitant about if it is allowed to join in the battle below, but desperately wanting to.

[Chilingsworth]

Solana, what you do is up to you. I don't have power to compel your decisions, and no one demanded any particular action from you.

Do what you think best. I'll be doing my best with diplomacy. I hope we meet again soon.

Fight well, my friends!

Sophia then teleports to the god room to join the negotiations.

[Deadline]

Gaiyamato, when you have a moment could you respond to my spoiler in post #234? It wasn't clear, but those questions were for you. Thanks.

[BelGareth]

Gaheris grimaces as he lunges and tears at the Dark Emporer with his lance, he was doing damage, but he could tell the infernal thing was healing at a rapid rate, he was losing blood himself, and he could feel it underneath his tunic, welling up and dripping off the saddle.

He was sore, ached, and tired, but he kept going, with the hope, the prayer that he could defeat this thing...

With Her ladies help! He thought to himself.

And then she left.

He couldn't believe it, his patron, his God, the power that he had dedicated his life to.....just left.

Left him there alone, to fight these insurmountable odds, to fight this....Dark Emperor, she left him...

He slouched off his horse and tried to rise, the weight of his armor and fatigue holding him back but he managed to stumble to his knees, almost knocked back by the proverbial blow to his faith,

"What? How....could she? How could she leave us here? Why?...." he mumbled through his visor, holding a hand up slowly to his opponent.

He shook his head, no longer armed, he took his helm off and threw it aside.

"Why?" he asked himself again, why would you leave!

He raised onto one knee, leaning on it for support, looked at his opponent and then back to his men.

Dried tears show rivers of clean skin on his dirty sweat stained cheeks, no longer is weeping, no longer regret shows in his eyes, determination, determination and a hatred that is fueled by anger.

His mount, the Celestial charger Galydriel whinnies and backs up a step, sensing something strange, some...disconnect.

The troops all around seem to pause for a second, realizing something is about to happen, some with fearful faces for what is to come, some to naive to realize, others shaking heads at the loss, while others merely stare in mute silence.



Shaerin clad in her battle mail and her half helm looks onwards curious as to what is happening, in all her life, she had never seen Gaheris unhorsed, this Dark Emperor must be a mighty combatant indeed, and then she saw it, the faint pulse, the strange reaction of Galydriel....She began to scream but it was too late.



Gaheris looked to the Dark emperor and said "I forfeit my life, as I my god has forfeited me, take me and I will lead your armies for you, my kingdom will be yours!"

He drops his head and reveals his neck for the killing blow.

[Gaiyamato]

The great dark spear Thanifex rose high into the air and fell down with a loud crunch and a sickening squelch, piercing the heart of Gaheris. For a moment there was nothing, then a wall of force shock-waved from Gaheris' body. Even the Dark emperor took a step backward in shock.

Thanifex writhed free of Gaheris, a black ooze that was once the heart of Gaheris coming with it, pooling onto the ground with a sickening stench. An evil green light welled up from the ground about Gaheris, filling his corpse with energy.

"Rise Gaheris, destroyer of the Gods, despoiler of the realms." came from seemingly out of nowhere - or maybe it was Thanifex itself?

Gaheris' eyes snapped open, now empty sockets burning with green ectoplasmic fire.


You gain the death knight template.
All levels of Paladin can be switched with anti-Paladin. Any Paladin prestige class may be swapped with Blackguard. You gain Tormented Knight (http://www.realmshelps.net/cgi-bin/featbox.pl?feat=Tormented_Knight) for free.

You may also swap all spellcasting for the non-spellcasting Paladin (Complete Warrior) instead. If you do so you gain the feat Apostate (Elder Evils) for free.

If you keep your spellcasting and swear yourself to another God/cause then you gain Mad Faith (http://www.realmshelps.net/cgi-bin/featbox.pl?feat=Mad_Faith) (Heroes of Horror) instead (who you swear to will determine the level of 'depravity'.

[BelGareth]

Gaheris slowly rises, to the shock and astonishment of his men, Shaerin and others.

He looks up to the sky and raises his head bellowing out loud:

"Ta'nakk'k the Ancient One! I pledge my service to you, may you guide my arm to sever the worshipers of all that is good!"

He slowly turns around, his green fiery eyes waving and spitting fire as he looks at his troops, now almost at the point of breaking.

"KNEEL!"

He simply says, commanding his men.


Not sure how you want to handle his Cohort.

[Gaiyamato]

The laughter of R'ta'nakk'k fills the battlefield and the skies darken once more.

I ACCEPT MY NEW CHAMPION! LET ALL KNEEL BEFORE YOU - EVEN THE EMPEROR!!!

EDIT:
The Emperor kneels down before Gaheris.

[Gaiyamato]

This hex now permanently suffers the effects of lingering evil(BoVD):

Permanent Purple rain - that does not affect evil spellcasters.
Permanent Unhallow spell.
all of the plant life in the area withers and dies. This hex is now a desert hex.
All of the civilians gain the "Desert" type (See SRD).

All NPCs in the region gain the Evil Brand feat for free and gain the Corrupted Template (BoVD). All of the dead rise as plague zombies.
PCs may now chose to change their alignments to whatever Evil they wish and can serve Gaheris still if a champion. I wont force it on you though.
If you do you gain the Evil Brand feat for free.

A unit of Lemures (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/devil.htm#lemure) rises from the ground.
Lead by a Madness Devil (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Madness_Devil_%283.5e_Creature%29) that also rises from the ground beside the unit.

These two units serve only Gaheris.

[Deadline]

Victor stares in shock as Gaheris discards his ideals as if they were an apple gone rotten. His mind reeled as he tried to comprehend why the man he believed in could be such a ... a ... a coward.

Then, in an instant, he knew. It was not the man he believed in, it was the ideal he upheld. He looked to the frightened faces of his men, and then to Oskar. "Old friend, this changes little for me. I still ride in defense of the good people of this world. Now, more than ever do I understand what the Lady Sophia stands for. If you wish to flee, now is the time, for I make my stand here today."

The old veteran squints up at Victor, then slowly shakes his head. "Nay lad, I swore to follow you till the end of my days. I didn't expect them to end so soon, but I'm good to my word, as are the men. We're with you."

Victor nods and turns to his men, "Men of Carth's Company, hear me! We were deceived! We believed Gaheris to be a brave and virtuous man, who upheld the ideals of the Lady Sophia! See now how the coward shows his true colors! I say that someone should show him the error of his ways! I say that the world must see that there are still people in this world who uphold the ideals that Lady Sophia stands for! I say we ride forth, AND WE SHOW THIS WORLD WHAT TRUE HEROES LOOK LIKE!"

He wheels his men to prepare for the coming onslaught, and says a quick prayer to the Lady Sophia before ordering the charge.

I do not know if you can hear me, my goddess, but protect my men in this, their darkest hour. Give them the strength to face the coming doom. And watch over them when they cross over into your divine realm.

[Chilingsworth]

Do I hear that prayer? Also, do I feel Ghaeris' loss?

If I have any idea what's happening, I'll try to use a miracle to at minimum preserve their souls and prevent their conversion into undead. I don't think I dare to do any more than that right now. Also, what's Solana up to?

Oh, and nice last stand Victor.