The Forbidden Land of Sundara: Insurgency IC III [Archive]

Plushie Arz

2015-04-08, 05:39 AM

THE PARTY
Preparations were made as the hour of the attack drew near. The midnight skies to the east gave way to the first licks of purple, and then cerise, as the sun peeked over the horizon in a red dawn.

The draconic hissing of prayers and hymns filled the temple grounds as the lizardfolk witch-priests cast their blessings on the young warriors who stood to defend their people from the human invaders. The party and the avatar stood atop Caan Yupat, waiting for the advance of the Order army from the west. The storm atop Gorgon's Pate showed no signs of abating and lightning flashed every couple of seconds, revealing the ruined forest that preceded the army's advance.

"Sophiea and Ruslam have distributed the antidote to the lizardfolk warriors." Reported Calthera, brushing a loose strand of mahogany hair from her face. Feeona, Aurix, Katria and El'gor'an saw the moment of uncertainty that flickered across her face, to be replaced by a shy grin. "The Blood Hunters wait in the shadows and branches of the banyans. Sophiea and her soldiers are in the vanguard, ready to attack at our signal. Luthais and his archers support the lizardfolk in the pyramids."

"We thank you again for your help with the antidote, Lady Calthera." Bowed Krastix. "The young and infirm have all taken refuge beneath us and our warriors will defend them to the last. The Temple has defences of its own. The Goddess will provide."

"I hope our spells can contain them." Whispered the high elf apprehensively, biting her lips. Over the past hour, she had cast walls of stone around the western parameters of the temple with Macrae and Lerethi, forming choking points for any infantry foolish enough to enter the temple by foot. Feeona was reminded of the same tactics deployed by the Sisters of Dawn as they faced the gibbering hordes of Midnight Syndicate in the lower reaches. The walls held the cultists at bay - until they started scaling the fortifications with stolen spears, rusted knives and bloodied clubs. It was a different enemy they now faced, one tempered with experience and hard discipline.

"Hundreds will die today if we fail..."

Lerethi's gaze was stony and she exhaled deeply, practising the meditation techniques she taught Shenra when preparing for the incantatrix rituals. "No. Thousands." Macrae and Calthera followed in the example of the leader of the Serpent's Fang and breathed.

Vertharrad

2015-04-08, 06:19 AM

Katria

Looking at the approaching army Katrias face is even more grim and grave than it was at the unveiling of the Amnesty Agreement. "Look upon this day with hope, may your heart not break and your resolve not crumble. Remember those who have come before and those that will come after. Once more into the fray my comrades and friends, into a nightmare of blood and death...one more nightmare to add among the many before it." She shakes herself out of the emotional lethargy.

Taking time to observe and put the many pieces of her mind together for a singly important purpose Katria listens to the exchange and can't refrain from commenting. "I agree, thousands will die...and even more if what the avatar says is true." Looking at the group. "So I guess even if we stick to the plan it'll have to be changed somewhat. What are we changing and how?"

If you guys want to continue this skull session in OOC I'm game...

Alias_Trench

2015-04-09, 03:32 AM

Back on top of Caan Yaput, before the presence of the Spirit of the Temple:
Aurix watches as Feeona disarms and listens as she speaks.

“A parley implies us enemies, sir.”

"Only by which your intent that was hostile and that you wear the colours of the invading force. Hence this opportunity to prove otherwise"

“Let us call this an opportunity to understand.”

Aurix nods, hands still raised above the level of his ribs, and takes everything in with all of his senses.
Sense Motive: [roll0]

After Feeona finishes speaking Aurix responds carefully measuring his words, so that he not inflame the situation needlessly.

"Mercy in itself is a wonderful thing, but it is a gift that must often be earned. In the case of the invading force, they seek to destroy us at the point of a sword, and we will not roll over and let them. Mercy will be offered to those who lay down arms, those are the terms on offer, as the have been in the past and will be again."

"If your words could still the greed that drives them then I would more than willing to engage in negotiation and discourse of peace. But as long as they seek the Goddess' Eye and do so unerringly then we find ourselves at an impasse with them and often where words fail, action is the force that settles disagreement. "

"The Lunar Orb is not the Eye of the Goddess, it is not a weapon but it's significance and worth are no less. I understand your thoughts on this matter, to remove the desired object is to end the reason for the Order to be here. But there are flaws in that plan as well... the glaringly obvious one to me being that how would you notify the invaders that the Eye had been destroyed? Would they believe you and would they still continue on their path seeking the rest of our cultural history in the search of power or knick knacks to display back home" Aurix scowled. He'd heard the talk amongst soldiers returned from the front line of treasures they had "found" and surely the men who were here would "find" other treasures, "spoils of war" they would call them... ignoring the importance and significance and history that was beholden to each item."

"My mention of Kae'ris was a miss step on my part, that I admit. But the Order lead by Sol Jonas Bradford was very different to that lead by his father.
I do not stand in the way of peace, I wish to foster it too but my objection was your method, which you have as much apologized for your intent, but I have been to your cities and I have seen the way non-humans have been treated.
While it is true that no other race has been generous to others that they share this land with, you cannot deny that the aggression that the Order of the Morning Sun currently lead by Sol Jeremiah Bradford is beyond reproach. It is the Sol's forces that march against us, and it is the Sol's forces who have taken Kiiska from our elven friends present. Recall I said that an eye for an eye makes the world blind and I speak not of repaying cruelty with cruelty. Again I reiterate that mercy will be given to those shown deserving of it, and those who are deserving would willingly lay down arms and acknowledge their wrong in this matter."

After his reply he stays silent and differs to the words of his Elders and the Spirit.
It's reaffirmation of his statement to show mercy to those who surrendered heartened him. The statement regarding the Lunar Orb not being the Eye was also expected but what shook Aurix was the fact that the Eye of the Goddess was beneath the vaults of Ular'bundur itself... this was not expected and Aurix's jaw made its best effort at hitting the floor.

Dumbstruck the Spirit's mote of healing energy barely registered as he processed the thoughts in his head...

The Eye is real... not a myth, it is real. It is under Ular'bundur. Why has it remained here this entire time? Why has it not been returned to Maizoluta so that she may be whole again?

The Spirit:
"I called you here to receive my blessings and to hear my warnings."
Aurix was snapped out of his reverie by this and his attention focused back in on the polyvocal voice of Vyer.

"Trying to avert a prophecy can bring about its eventual fulfillment." Warned Krastix. "Do not think there is only one meaning behind the divine sight. A vision from the Goddess can come to fruition in many ways."

Aurix is stunned into silence and the world passes by as he ponders the bombshells that were just dropped on him

*****
During the time leading up to Dawn

A golden sun sundered in three, dancing above a burnt forest and a shroud of smoke. One false, one white, one black on a white sky. A titan rises a desert of bone and sand. Cruel stare and judgmental of all below it as it's golden hand's reach for the heavens. A field of dead leaves choked with red lotus and a black bird feasting on the flesh of the dead. Fire and grief, tragedy to befall a many-coiled serpent skinned being, hacked into pieces by a shadowed knife. An angel rising from the ashes who's eyes stream with tears... These portents are ominous and require much consideration... then there is the fact that the Eye ACTUALLY exists... It's not a myth... I need to know more! There is too much that I do not know...

Aurix spends much of his time thinking on the meaning of the prophecy given by the spirit.

History: [roll1] Titan in a Desert, Shadowed Knife, Many-coiled serpent.
Local: [roll2] Titan in a Desert, Desert of bones and sand, Shadowed Knife, Many-coiled Serpent.
Nature: [roll3] Fields of dead leaves choked with red lotus and a single black bird that feasts on the dead. Desert of Bones and Sand
Religion: [roll4] A Golden Sun sundering in three. A titan with golden hands. An angel with tear stained cheeks. The Shadowed Knife. The Many-coiled serpent.

General Knowledge (attempting 10 on untrained knowledges): [roll5]

As his mind wanders, so does he, completely unaware of his surroundings.

Concentration: [roll6]

Some time later Aurix is torn from his ruminations when he stubs his toe on a rock. He notices that he is underground in a part of the temple that he'd had never been before. He knew that there were tunnels underneath the temples that connected each of the structures but had never actually been in and searched for them... it would seem now that he had found them by accident... which was all well and good but it also meant that he was lost.

Survival in underground areas [roll7] to see if he can find his way out.

Plushie Arz

2015-04-09, 05:55 AM

roses

2015-04-09, 09:34 AM

Feeona

Feeona had gone very silent when asked if she would fight alongside them. She all but avoided anyone's gaze then, but as preparations were made, she thought of how history was as a doddering grandfather. It tended to repeat itself. So while elves spoke of antidotes and ambushes, she pushed away thoughts of Field Marshal Uhars and how his march forced this on them, and discovered concern for another of his rank. Field Marshal Ross. His sappers had won wars. She didn't know where he was, but she knew enough about history and the Order to say his plans would be beneath the high-minded consideration of noble ladies, let alone sorceresses at that.

Feeona opened her mouth, only for the words to die in her throat. They won't listen. Aurix saw her feelings as a luxury, Katria had hatefully accused her of being a spy, and Lerethi had said all of nothing in defence of peace. Asking them to devote more troops to their subterranean levels, away from front lines, to their absolute last line of defence, all because some worrisome girl felt uneasy, was never to work. They were looking away from the sun, towards the west, at an army of invaders that needed to be bludgeoned, bloodied and burned.

But Uhars himself said they march only for the Goddess Eye. That if they had it, their march would halt. But the Resistance hadn't listened when Feeona had thrown every once of confidence, knowledge and hope she could find inside, and inspiration without, on how mercy could serve them all. They would never listen now.

But Field Marshal Ross might.

The crusader steeled herself to speak. “I don't feel right. It's not okay that either side has to do this. My conviction tells me I should be among the defenders of the refugees.” The most secure section in the entire complex, surrounded by elemental moats with enough lizardfolk warriors that she could never prove a threat regardless. A place that might become their most vulnerable. “May I be assigned there?”

Plushie Arz

2015-04-09, 09:50 AM

THE PARTY
"If you so choose." Said Lerethi airily. Feeona could tell from the tone of her voice that she didn't particularly care. Her attention was focused with the casters.

"Actually," Voiced Khallis, "The heaviest Order fighting will be with Uhars and the officers. I know you won't like it but hear me out. If you're there, you can save lives. If the Order sees the Defender of Faith raising arms against their own officers, they'll be hesitant to strike. Defeat their officers and show them the true way of Mornay, the way of mercy and peace. Extend peace on your terms-"

"And have your arm chopped off." Sniped Macrae.

Alias_Trench

2015-04-09, 10:23 AM

DM: +600XP to all.

AURIX
The Gekkota had once told stories of giants in the wastes, creatures who guarded hidden troves of treasure and charged heavy tolls from travellers for the use of their oases. The humans had driven many of them deeper into the acrid wastes, where few ventured but Aurix did not doubt that they still existed in small communities. The titans of old however, were a different story. Feared by the gods who quailed upon their creation, they were forever blighted and struck off the face of the plane. Every few centuries, explorers would discover fossilised skulls or ribcages that marred the landscape, uncovered by the swirling sands of time.

The closest desert was the Gorani, a vast wasteland of rocks and dirt that transitioned into a field of dunes and blistering sand. Only a few have succeeded in crossing its distance and those who don't have their bones swallowed by the sinking sands, forever consigned to history.

When Aurix turned his thoughts to religion, he knew that angels were the creations of Mornay and served as her immortal messengers and agents. The Divine Light, the principle holy text of the Order of the Morning Sun, said that angels departed Sundara after sealing away the demons to allow mankind to choose their own destiny. Whether or not it was true, he knew that angels no longer acted directly in the affairs of mortals. The Order of the Morning Sun presents itself as the one infallible church of Mornay and its symbol is the eight pointed golden sun.

One of Mornay's first followers was a titan and when they rebelled against the gods, she cursed him with hands that turned all he touched into gold.

Many stories featured the death of heroes and villains at the end of a shadowed dagger but the weapon was favoured by Ni'Kote, the god of darkness, trickery and death. In some sects, it was believed that Ni'Kote was Mornay's twin brother but such whisperings are quickly condemned as heresy by the Order of the Morning Sun.

The symbol of the many-coiled serpent appears in many religions, not the least that of Maizoluta who appears as a giant emerald snake herself whose infinite length coil the stars and heavens. The winding coils of Tecouxatil the Dark Fanged, still seeping blood from his last confrontation with the Emerald Goddess, is said to span the cavernous depths of the underworld, consuming those who devote themselves to treachery and evil. The Sargaens believe a great sea serpent sleeps at the bottom of the ocean and its awakening will herald the end of the world.

The serpent has different meanings in other scriptures. Mornay taught that it was a serpent who brought blackness into the heart of man, while the worshippers of Nai'Tuhra saw the snake as symbol of wisdom and virility. The worshippers of Jagon and the Dragon Triarchs however, view snakes as a descendant of wurms and dragons, one of the few living testaments to the incredible powers displayed by their ancestors.

In any instance, Aurix knew better than to pin hopes on prophecies, even if they were visions granted by Maizoluta. Many a would-be hero tossed aside their lives in pursuit of omens, only to discover they were intended for others. He had also heard stories of wizened men who neglected their own lives and linage to pore over lost mutterings from ancient scrolls that promised prosperity and youth.

As he wandered the forgotten tunnels under the temple, he heard steps and saw shadows of an approaching figure ambling from the other side of the corridor. He paused and relaxed when the bent form of Elder Krastix appeared, the shaman's beaded robes rattling as he leaned on his staff. "The words of the Spirit seems to have left you speechless, young warrior." He said quietly. "The truth of the Goddess' Eye unsettles you."

"Tilabil! I am sorry, I know not how I got to this place. My feet took me of their own accord."
After recovering from his surprise and hearing Elder Krastix speak of the Spirit, Aurix sits cross legged on the floor. It was a habit from times past where he was in lessons with Elder Akana or his mother.
"Her words trouble me... the prophecies she gives in this dire time are not promising. I know better than to trust in prophecy alone. While Maizoluta guides us with her wisdom, we are the agents of her will in this land... But I cannot help feeling like there is gravitas to her words... That there may be more at work than we may be able to understand and that maybe with this warning we might be able to change the course of events to follow. As for the Goddess' Eye... how could it not be unsettling? Our people are taught that the Eye fell into the Jungles after Maizoluta defeated the Tecouxatil, lost to the ages. That it was her sacrifice that drew the blood letting of our people to a close but also weakened her to the point where the children of Nai'thura overcame the children of the Scale. That it is but a myth, a story that we learn lessons from... To learn that it is real and present somewhere under the very stones that I stand on... it is more than overwhelming but then I have questions in my mind regarding the Eye. If it has been under Ular'bundur this entire time, why have we not returned it to Maizoluta. If there is any grain of truth to the myth of how it came to be in this position, surely returning it to Maizoluta would give her back strength and the power to limit the effect of Tecouxatil on our people... AND if it has been a secret of our people... nay even to our own people, shrouded in lore and myth... then how is it that the humans know of it? It all just boggles my mind..."

Vertharrad

2015-04-09, 11:22 AM

Katria

The preparations and planning for the defense of Ular'bundur took the attention of her mind so much that Katria forgot Feeona hadn't really answered. Hearing her ask to stay in the back sounded wrong to her, come to think of it Feeona had always been somewhere near the front when she was with the party. Her gaze narrows as she looks at Feeona. She also remembers that Feeona had a more prominent voice and advice when coming up with the plans before. She smirks at Macraes snide remark.

"Accusing you of being a spy and you actually being one are two different things. If your wanting others to trust you words alone accomplish very little, you have to back those words up with actions. Although I find your assertion of defending the innocents heartening, I don't want you in the position to give them up should we fail."

"You had a stronger voice and stance when making plans earlier...wheres that same self assuredness now? Your insight and sword arm could defend those innocents better from the front." She makes a motion to encourage her to speak. "What do you know of this army and how they fight? What can we do better to crush them? To stop them from doing to these lizardfolk what they did to us?"

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-04-09, 04:31 PM

THE PARTY
..."Extend peace on your terms-"

"And have your arm chopped off." Sniped Macrae.
Aw freaking snap. I like you as Macrae.

Shenra steps forward. "I'm inclined to agree. As far as trickery and confusion goes, seeing a Sister of the Dawn, the Defender of Faith standing her ground against the orders of the Order..." she smiles a bit at her hilarious pun. "Then maybe the distraction will be enough. And when we strike down the officers, because we will strike down the officers, all the better that you are there. If you truly claim to want peace, and you do not wish to see the soldiers slain, then you will step forth and offer that peace before they dare raise a weapon to me." She sighs and lowers her head. "I'm not looking for senseless murder. I do want to see the Order punished. And many, if not all, of these soldiers are here of their own volition, I'm sure. I doubt they are coerced into these orders, though I am sure that some of them may disagree in the deepest recesses of their hearts and minds. You are the only one standing between them and their obliteration." She makes eye contact with Katria, but says nothing more.

Turning to Lerethi, she addresses her master. "Master, you know that Magnus poses a terrible threat and that we are hard pressed to face him without powerful protections. You have taught me much, and you have been more than a mentor to me. I would be honored to stand beside you in battle, if you think it wise. Perhaps, with your help we can defeat another of his Simulacrum, and claim a victory here through morale alone. Uhars and Magnus will not be far apart... perhaps the opportunity to raze the Field Marshall will arise, as well." She takes a small step back from Lerethi, and follows suit in the meditative breathing, leaning against her quarterstaff.

Plushie Arz

2015-04-09, 09:44 PM

THE PARTY
"I'm aware of Magnus' powers. He murdered many of my peers and colleagues in the Battle for Kiiska and he gorged himself on the fruits of their research. He would not be sending his simulacrum into battle alone and I intend for you, all three of you, to assist me in dealing with them and the mage himself" Said Lerethi.

Calthera and Macrae nodded.

AURIX
Elder Krastix listened to Aurix's confusion. "I often had those thoughts when I was first exposed to the truth by my predecessor." He admitted. "I had wondered why the Goddess did not reclaim her eye, even as she blessed us with a fraction of her powers. Surely she would be restored and have the power to destroy Tecouxatil for eternity."

"But then the Goddess saw fit to answer my questions. The Eye protects the land around it and provides her children a sanctuary. It fills the land with warmth and vitality and so long as the Eye remains under Ular'bundur, the forests around will never truly be destroyed, by wildfire, poison or machines. Our people will recover under her protection. Coronal Ienar saw that truth when he made peace with the Speaker of the Emerald Scale all those centuries ago and he honoured that. It is a gift of the goddess, borne of love and self sacrifice."

"Each Emerald Speaker before me knew that such a gift must remain a secret, for the influence of the Dark Fanged still remains strong among our tribes. We committed it to secrecy, known only to the Witch-Priests and Elders of each tribe." His raspy voice grew grave.

"As for the defiler's knowledge of this gift, I must confess. A century ago, an elven scholar by the name of Macalen befriended one of the Witch Priests. He convinced the Elder to allow him to study our ways. Perhaps it was a moment of weakness by one of my predecessors but we allowed him to copy the carvings in the vaults of Caan Yupat, so he may transcribe a faithful history of our people for future generations. I fear some of the carvings may have hinted at the power of the Goddess' Eye and Macalen deduced its nature. If defilers had taken Macalen's research when they sacked Kiiska, they may have also learned of the Goddess' Eye."

Alias_Trench

2015-04-10, 08:43 AM

Where Aurix waxes philosophical
Sitting on the cool stone of the tunnels of Caan Yaput, Aurix feels like a child again but his mind has aged with the passage of time and it holds him in the now. Krastix speaks openly with Aurix and he listens raptly, feeling nostalgia for his former lessons.

"Each Emerald Speaker before me knew that such a gift must remain a secret, for the influence of the Dark Fanged still remains strong among our tribes. We committed it to secrecy, known only to the Witch-Priests and Elders of each tribe."

"Holding onto a secret is like holding a dandelion... one must be careful how they handle it, for if they are not careful the seeds will spread beyond the ken of one's control"
Aurix looked down, his dark eyes showed that he was unmistakably hurt and betrayed in a sense. That the representatives of his own faith would engage in such acts of deception saddened him somewhat... It was the domain of Tecouxatil himself.
Having to beat an enemy at his own game?
Aurix felt that deception and trickery had led to doubt and it had sown the seeds of dissent amongst his people... If the Elders and Witch-priests knew of the Eye's existence, why else would inter-tribal conflict still exist? Why else would the children of the scale, claw at one another...? Why indeed...

Aurix still felt lost and his face now reflected the turmoil inside him.

"Elder, there is still much I do not understand... I have been away from home a long time and while I learnt many things about our neighbours and those we share this land with, it was at the cost of my closeness to Maizoluta. Now I am sent to the heat of war, forged from imperfect ore and fashioned into a flawed weapon... I feel I do not know enough and cannot do enough. I cannot deny that the words of the prophecy worry me... what will become of our people, the Eye, my mother... what will become of me..."

roses

2015-04-10, 09:48 AM

Feeona

Feeona's eyes brightened while Khallis spoke, Khallis who had listened to her every word, only to look annoyed at the scarred elf's interruption. “It would force them to realize how serious it all is. And Uhars' honour guard were open to what I said to him earlier.” She conceded, warming to the plan. “My weapon is blessed with a merciful edge, so worse for worse, I can save lives that way. It can definitely work. But where will you be?”

Her enthusiasm dimmed when Katria continued, and her head was down at the moment Shenra was finished. It took a calming breathe before she gently raised her gaze and voice to one of her earliest war companions. “You outright say I'm to distract, only to ensure more are injured. Trickery and confusion serve neither Ona nor Mornay. You're so much greater than this, Shenra. Please stop.”

Feeona's gaze floated over to Katria, and replied with a smile all vinegar. Only for a glance at Khallis did it fade. “There's two Field Marshals,” she reminded, grudgingly. “We know where Uhars is. We don't about Ross. The Order is here for the Eye. So they have a massive army starring us down, and we have to stop it. But it's like Ross to just dig under our feet, straight to the goal, and take it while we're distracted. That's why I wanted to be down there. If I'm wrong, no crisis caused. If I'm right, we can talk. I know he's a good man, not just because of how he's treated me, but by the private company he keeps. He can be reached.”

Plushie Arz

2015-04-10, 09:52 AM

AURIX
"No weapon is ever truly perfect, young warrior. The Goddess gifts us with imperfections. Without them, we are no longer our own." Said Krastix, placing a clawed on Aurix's dropped shoulders. "Doubt has plagued the mightiest of witch-priests and warriors. Veenesh the Slayer was once a slave. Yet he slew the giants and freed his tribe."

Aurix remembered the tales his adoptive mother had told by the campfires of the lizardfolk heroes and how they conquered adversity through bravery and cunning. The tale of Veenesh the maimed, in particular was one of his childhood favourites. Crippled as a hatchling, Veenesh was seen as little more than a slave by his tribe and was spared when a band of forest giants slew the champion. The giants captured the rest of the tribe to do their bidding, until one evening when they had taken too much wine after a feast. Unbeknownst to them, Veenesh had laced the wine with a powerful sedative extracted from the spores of the Blue Whinnis and using their own knives, he slit the giants' throats in their sleep.

"There is no room for doubt and worry. The Goddess' visions mean naught if the defilers succeed. Today, you fight against the defilers who will take all that away from you."

* * *

THE PARTY
"Ha! You mean they're going to try and dig under us?" Exclaimed Branna happily, "Not if my elementals have something to say about it! Give me a few hours to rest up all good and proper. I can summon the earth and collapse whatever tunnels they're trying to dig! It'll show them to mess with nature!"

"Khallis, I want you to stay with the Spirit atop the temple and spot for us. Signal us if you see Magnus or the other general."

The redhead looked crestfallen at Lerethi's command and she looked to Feeona longingly and then back at the Kiiskan archmage. "But I can fight! I'm handy with the sword! Even Lord Fharel gave me command at the Steel Pits..." She protested.

"And Fharel is dead. This is going to be many times worse than the Steel Pits. There's no slums to find refuge and none of us know the way any better than our scaled allies. Your talents are better served here. Macrae, I want you and Shenra to support Katria's strike team. Have Katria inform Calthera if there's any signs of Magnus but do not engage him in a spell duel under any circumstances."

Vertharrad

2015-04-10, 11:28 AM

Katria

Catching Shenras look after she's done Katria smiles knowingly. She looks at Feeona with all her attention as the crusader informs the group of what might happen. Smiling again at Brannas enthusiasm. "You think it possible to have one of those elementals grab the Hound so that we can pay some of the price for that cease-fire we negotiated? Is it possible to be that specific?"

Katria nods affirmatively at Madam Magdellar "Understood. Are we to stay clear of Magnus altogether? And what about Field Marshal Uhars?"

Plushie Arz

2015-04-10, 08:55 PM

THE PARTY
"I guess I could tell them to grab this Hound..." Trailed Branna, scratching her head. "But earth elementals are kinda dull. They don't always listen or do things exactly the way you want them to. Anyway, if you guys haven't got anymore to add, I think I'm gonna get some rest and get my spells back. Come on Mabh!" She picked up her bedroll under her arms and hopped onto the panther. The two of them descended the stairs at the side of the temple.

Lerethi turned to Katria. "Don't pick battles that you can't win. Uhars will be well protected but if you see an opportunity, don't hesitate to take it. He's a fierce warrior and won't be easy to defeat."

A few moments later, Elder Krastix ascended the pyramid steps with Aurix. "We are ready. Aurix will accompany you. His talents will serve in the front lines."

The mages started casting the first wards that would grant the group the powers of flight. Lerethi's castings on El'gor'an and Shenra were effortless and both of them soon took to the air with new founded manoeuvrability. The archmage looked to her apprentice. "Your turn, Calthera. Remember the lessons. Let the spell take its flow and then impose your will on it while it's still malleable. Manipulate the existing energy and shape it."

The High Elf took a deep breath and laid her hand on Katria. The dancer found her body defying gravity but instinctively sensed the transformation would only be temporary. She also felt Calthera's hands quivering slightly as she tried to manipulate the spell after casting. "I haven't done this before..." She muttered, looking to her mentor doubtfully.

"Clear your mind. Effect the metamagic. Impose your will on the spell." Instructed Lerethi, looking at the casting intently. "You're doing well."

The encouragement seemed to brighten Calthera's spirits and with a final push, Katria could sense the change affecting the newly cast spell. For some reason, it seemed to be stronger and more persistent. Katria's feet left the ground.

"I did it!" She exclaimed happily, with a sigh of relief. "Haha! Yes!"

"Excellent. Now do it again on Feeona and Aurix."

DM: Persisted fly on the party.

Vertharrad

2015-04-10, 10:41 PM

Katria

Nodding her head at Branna. "That's fine, right now stopping him is more important than capturing him, I just don't want to let this opportunity to pass us up. Go get some rest my friend, we have a massive battle to fight soon."

She contemplates what Madam Magdellar says. "Makes sense...from what I've seen of this Uhars he'll probably be surrounded by his men back from the fighting. We won't take the risk if it's too perilous. Taking him down too soon might just make the others stop too soon." A predatory smile appears on her face. "If we soak the jungle in their blood they might reconsider their own arrogance and vanity, abandoning their conquest to save their own from dying needlessly. Or rush into die that much sooner."

Turning to the lizardfolk elder. "I was hoping he would be there. His talents have already been most insightful." Regarding Aurix. "Ready for this?"

Katria has a inquisitive look come over her as her own body leaves the floor and floats in mid-air. She smiles with mirth at Lady Caltheras exuberance. Her face practically glows with anticipation as she whispers under her breath. "A small taste before the real thing..." *Elven

Plushie Arz

2015-04-11, 12:54 AM

THE PARTY
Calthera finished casting the persisted flight spells on the rest of the party and Krastix supplemented the protections with his own prayers. A pale white light first surrounded him but at Lerethi's signal, Shenra and Calthera linked hands and the three incantatrixes invoked the cooperative rituals that were painstakingly rehearsed over weeks of practise over books and candlelight. The archmage reached out and drew a sliver of the light around the Emerald Speaker around her own fingers, the tiny mote of magic wobbling as arcane and mysterious forces contained it. As she spun the globe of magic around the air in a circle, the mass increased until it bathed the assembled party.

Their limbs felt slippery and flexible. As if nothing could hinder their movement of stop them, even if they were traversing through the thickest bogs or the most turbid waters. Macrae reached for his rod and renewed the spell of haste that washed over the party.

DM: Each member of the party is under the effects of the following spells;
Persistent Freedom of Movement;
Persistent Haste;
Persistent Fly;
Extended Protection from Energy (Fire) (4 hours)

* * *

The break of dawn came quicker than the party would have liked and Field Marshal Uhars was true to his word. With a crashing sound, large boulders rained from the sky to impact on the temple. The lizardfolk and resistance warriors scurried for cover as the first volley of man-sized rocks shattered on the hard stone ground of the temple, peppering those in the area with shards of rubble and a cloud of dust. The balls of stone did not come alone and sure enough, the balls of fire, ice and acid followed. The siege of Ular'bundur had begun.

Alias_Trench

2015-04-11, 12:59 AM

The tale of Veenesh the maimed had always held a special place in his heart after his own maiming. The moral of the story that Aurix had taken away from it was that everyone had worth but it also told him that people should not be underestimated. A double edged sword of a moral that both bolstered his own sense of self worth but was part of the reason he was so suspicious of others...

Aurix raised his right hand to cover Elder Krastix's clawed one resting on his shoulder. As he spoke he tapped his forehead over his left eye with the other hand, pointing at the tattoo above it.
https://40.media.tumblr.com/9a7d4b249707850de3752e1292f42fe9/tumblr_nmmmulwljE1ql0wt6o1_250.png
*Translation: Wise*

"Vinxa Tilabil, ihk dout regipreir ve mrith dout naam. Si jalla tir algbo ekess jinthil coi"

"Thank you elder, for your gifting me with your wisdom. I should do well to remember it"

Aurix stands from his position on the ground. Looking around he realised he was still lost.

"Now, how do we get out of here?"

Elder Krastix laughs. Inspite of the time Aurix has been a way he is still very much a child in some ways. He motions with his staff down the hall and beckons Aurix to take step with him.

******

Aurix swore that the twists and turns they took were surely leading him in a circle but after some time Elder Krastix led him out into open air. Aurix breathed deeply, taking in the scents of the world around him and realising he had never stopped tasting the air and noticing the stark difference between the world above stone and the world below it.

The air was still his beloved rainforest but on the air was the sickly bitterness of the scent of poison mixed with the scent of smoke. Aurix adopted a grim expression.

KRASTIX: "We are ready. Aurix will accompany you. His talents will serve in the front lines."
"My apologies for my absence, I needed some time to think."

KATRIA: "I was hoping he would be there. His talents have already been most insightful." Regarding Aurix. "Ready for this?"

"Well considering time constraints, yes. How about you?

As Calthera works her magic over him:

"Umm Lady Letheri, not to sound ungrateful but some of my tactics actually require being able to fall... Will this flight spell compromise my ability to do so?"

Aurix decides to ask about the deployment of the defending forces.

"To where do we meet the invading force... to my understanding there are 2 fronts. The men I captured with the Ophidians have given us information regarding the deployments the bring against us to the west. Branna has told us that there were fire elementals to the East but the remaining forces there are still unknown. Also how will we manage communication between separate platoons? The Order is well organised, we must be able to communicate information quickly if they suddenly change tactics. I would propose using simple magic. The Dancing Lights cantrip can be used for long range communication, what with it's versatility of hues and patterns the lights can be arranged in. The Message cantrip should be used for short range communication of information. Madam Magdellar, Elder Krastix, how many personnel do we have capable of using these two methods?"

As they sortie, Aurix sidles up next to Feeona, "I know you think I mean to spill the blood of the men who lay siege to this temple but I do not. I wish to repel them and their greed and protect the people who have been my family and friends when my own kind would not." Aurix's black and gold eyes bore into Feeona's as he see's the similarities between them in spite of the differences. "Know this, I will offer them mercy and the blows from my fists, while powerful, will aim to do subdual damage to them, should they rebuff my offer of mercy, they engage in combat with me fully responsible for their own actions."

Aurix will be doing Non-lethal damage by default unless facing something that is immune to NLD, such as the automatons, or where it would make no sense to use NLD, for instance against elementals or it becomes apparent that NLD is not enough.
Also, we actually can sortie because we can all fly now!
Aurix (really I because this is OOC) hums a song that he learnt from the Dwarves. An old folk song about warrior maidens flying into battle. 'Dum duh duh da da dum duh duh da da dum du du da da dum duh duh DAAAAA' - Flight of the Valkyries

Alias_Trench

2015-04-11, 01:48 AM

* * *

The break of dawn came quicker than the party would have liked and Field Marshal Uhars was true to his word. With a crashing sound, large boulders rained from the sky to impact on the temple. The lizardfolk and resistance warriors scurried for cover as the first volley of man-sized rocks shattered on the hard stone ground of the temple, peppering those in the area with shards of rubble and a cloud of dust. The balls of stone did not come alone and sure enough, the balls of fire, ice and acid followed. The siege of Ular'bundur had begun.

Aurix, knowing the enemy forces were bringing catapults, was listening out for them...
Listen: [roll0]
Aurix heard the tell-tale noise of the catapults being loaded and fired and quickly scanned the skyline for the flying stones. Seeing one within the reach of his shadow step he instantly wills himself just to the side of it's path and charges up a punch, hoping to crack the stone so that it would either break, fly off course or have sustained enough damage so that the temple's basalt walls could withstand it's attack.

readied action to teleport into the path of the nearest stone being thrown at the temple and break it or apply enough force to divert it's flight path
Single Attack roll:[roll1] for [roll2] Damage (I have a greater demolition crystal on my gauntlets so am I ignoring hardness? or does it simply increase the hardness of my weapon by a certain number?]

Plushie Arz

2015-04-11, 04:16 AM

THE PARTY
"The flight charm prevents you from falling. You will glide for a distance like a feather if the spell fails midair."

"The Order will be using Dancing Lights too." Said Calthera. "I've got a telepathic connection to Katria, as well as a temporary one with Sophiea, Ruslam and Luthais."

"We relay message with the other elders through a chain of eyes. The Emerald Goddess blesses us with such gifts of sight. The wind around Ular'bundur also serves to pass our messages."

The first volley of boulders crashed into the temple before Aurix could properly count the number of projectiles but he paid more attention to the second round that came a few minutes later. Nine masses of hewn stone hurtled through the air from the west, targetting groups of lizardfolk warriors and the stone walls that the elves had conjured mere hours earlier with uncanny accuracy. The nearest stone was falling towards Caan Yupat and in a blink of an eye, the warrior was before the projectile's path, his fist readied to meet the impact of one hundred pounds of solid rock.

Break DC (30): [roll0] (using break DC for stone door)
If stone breaks, Aurix takes no damage. If not, he is struck and takes 7d6 damage. Stone will be deflected from its trajectory.
Damage: [roll1]

While Aurix was unable to break the stone midair, he blunted the trajectory with his very body and the rock crashed to the ground below. He could hear the Avatar's command from the peak of Caan Yupat that seemed to echo throughout the temple complex. "Waph!"*

"Live."

The ground rumbled and the scores of serpentine statutes that decorated the sides of the eleven pyramids took on a life of their own. The animated statutes ranged from the size of a grown lizardfolk warrior to massive fluted serpentine idols that stood over fifteen feet tall and inlaid with bronze and ruby details. They slithered down the stairs and sloped ramps to defend the complex from the approaching disciples of Mornay.

Vertharrad

2015-04-11, 08:35 AM

Katria

The waiting around was getting to Katria, her nerves already stretched to the limit. The sound of crashing stone was both a relief and a concern. Before she could even react Aurix disappears. Making just a little effort of mind Katria floats off the ground, she signals the rest of the party to get ready. "When we get a chance lets make our way to those machines and destroy their crews...no more flying stones for them. Be careful everyone."

Timing the exchange between barrages she makes a lets go hand gesture and darts off through the air when the time is right, taking just enough time to make sure the rest of the strike team follows. She tries to get Aurixs attention so he knows they're departing. She makes sure that they're not flying straight there but coming in from the side. As stealthily as possible using the trees for cover. Seeing the statues depart had emboldened her heart that they wouldn't be alone out there. "Your time of reckoning has come...Uhars, Ross, Magnus."

Alias_Trench

2015-04-11, 11:34 AM

Aurix grunts as the excess force of the boulder smashes against his fist. The enchantment of his gauntlets softened the blow and the fact the boulder hit something, hard, in it's path sent it tumbling to the ground.

They're simply going to try destroy us from range...

He see's Katria's signal but he is torn... to attack the source that damages his home, or to defend his home from it, hoping the others can get the job done without him...

Seeing the beads of red green and blue explode into balls of fire, frost and vitriol, Aurix decides that their defenses are pretty solid but the damage the constant barrage is doing to the assembled members of the Lizardfolk tribes and the Kiiskan Resistance is too great.

Aurix channels the darkness against his chain shirt and then the light as he flies towards the direction the group is moving. As he flies he keeps an eye out for the points where the beads of destructive magic and pieces of hewn stone are originating from, triangulating on any that he spots.

Aurix heals 24 points of damage to himself in the second round. If he manages to fly near one of the trajectories of catapult shot he will intercept it in a similar manner as before, even though it's futile for him to attempt to break the shots, he will deflect them if he can. Spot check for origins of projectiles and magic: [roll0] [roll]1d20+13[roll]

AURIX VUTHAUSSIR
AC 25 Touch 19 Flatfooted 25 Immobile 16 DR 5/Magic
Max HP 106
STR 17 DEX 10 CON 16 INT12 WIS18 CHA 16
Initiative
Attacks: Unarmed Strike/Bullybasher's Gauntlets +13 for 3d6+4, Spiked Chain +12 for 2d6+4

roses

2015-04-11, 11:45 PM

Feeona

Feeona met Khallis' eyes the instant their assignments were declared. Far from uncertainty, she nodded her acceptance. “Lady Lerethi is wise,” she declared before she came closer to Khallis, spoke quietly. “You proved you could lead when I followed all the way from Oldentown, and your bravery was unquestionable when you defended me against your friends. But this is best for us. If you get badly hurt, I may not be brave enough to remain calm. And if it's even worse, I can't know I'll be kind enough to forgive. But with you watching over us, I'll do my best to be calm and kind for two.” She took the elf's hands in her own.

“Watch over me, and even if we're apart, we'll never be closer.”

Feeona gloried in the gaze of her only love for a while, but fought against her want to do much else. She eventually glanced at their newly declared Captain Katria. Despite all the ranting done at the follower of Mornay, a smile amused instead of annoyed emerged, with a look pleased instead of appalled. For all she accused me of just following orders, would she prefer if I instead argued hers? She shook her head at the whimsy. Too many demanding matters would be decided to be anything short of earnest. She grimaced when Katria mentioned capturing one of the Order's few worthy leaders, but nodded her approval regardless when the same elf asked intelligent questions. Lerethi chose well.

The elves set to compelling their sorcery into the world. As much as Feeona couldn't help considering that Calthera could open a master class on ethical thinking that Lerethi would struggle to qualify for, she kept quiet, inwardly cheering on the brunette sorceress when she doubted herself. Brown eyes watched intently. Before them, she saw how a little encouragement changed all. Katria rose from the floor without effort. Feeona sounded impressed at the feat, and thought back to first seeing the sorceresses together, hands held. About how, for nearly two decades, she had assumed the accusations against Calthera in Farlaen were fathomed up, at least about who she cared to love. It was then Feeona wasn't sure who that made worse. The Order for deeming affection a crime, or herself for doubting someone she approved so highly of could have that in common with her.

I have a long path to ply.

Letting Khallis' hands free, it was a short time before Feeona listened half-heartedly to more talk of war efforts. She was even less enthused about strategy and logistics than she was with offering her concerns about Ross. Her eyes nearly glazed over from inattention when the topic turned to talk of rainbows. Focus returned when she was addressed suddenly by the man with heterochromia. As he began to say his was an intention all of self-defence, she looked at Aurix as she might a man caught trying to burn an entire town to ashes, only to proclaim after he had cared solely to make a camp fire. But slowly she shifted to simple uncertianty when he spoke on of striking to subdue, and she shrugged.

“Whatever else is true, mercy is never without merit, and we're a team for what's to come. The Order isn't meant to be here. Let's ensure your loved ones are safe.”

***

It rained boulders of ice and acid, fire and rock. Feeona rose with the rest of them, airborne. The thunder came after, when massive stone slabs smashed into the strangely shaped temples. She watched awed as in the width of one blink, the tribe Defender appeared before one projectile of stone, and smashed his fist against it. Katria gestured that they go after. Feeona followed, but with the inspiration of a good example in her mind. Shield in hand, she kept an eye open for nudging the boulders from their tragedy, keen to spare the people that deemed her warm-blooded from fire masses especially. But without a way to heal wounds outside of combat, she found herself hesitant to the rest.

Follow Katria. But if there's a fire projectile on the way that I can, I'll attempt to nudge it out of the way with the shield. I'm guessing those are the worst for the lizard folk and we do have fire protection going.

Otherwise I'm OOC and IC comfortable with trying to stop one other type, but not much else. No way to heal outside of combat and all makes it an iffy choice.

Plushie Arz

2015-04-12, 06:57 AM

DM: Can't intercept the fire, ice and acid balls. They function like the third level spell, Fireball. However, one might be able to intercept the flying 150lb blocks of unworked stone hurtling through the Temple.

THE PARTY
A second catapult stone was speeding towards a group of lizardfolk warriors and Feeona interposed herself between the target, using her newly granted speed to try and deflect the trajectory. She braced herself midair and felt the impact of the stone on her body, pushing her back several feet but blocking the missile's path of destruction. 30 damage (Apply DR) The exploding balls of elemental energy however, were causing a great deal of havoc below and the party saw more than a few bodies laying in the aftermath of the barrage.

Veering to the south, Katria and Aurix saw the elementals and automatons had largely cleared a path to the Temple in the past hours but a line of trees and denser vegetation, starting at 10 feet and then growing to 20 and 30 at its apex, was to the south of the army. A buffer of at least a hundred feet was between the outermost units and the vegetation and units of Order foot soldiers awaited for the order to attack the temple. The nine siege engines however, were some three hundred feet behind the front lines and were positioned atop a lightly fortified slope. Sharpened stakes were rammed into the ground, protecting the machines and their crew from any direct charge from the front or the flanks and Katria could see two units of thirty archers each protecting the machines and six arcanists of the Arcane Corp preparing for the next round of magical barrages.

EL'GOR'AN, AURIX
El'gor'an and Aurix recognised six light trebuchets and three heavy manogels, each manned by eight crewmen each. A pile of strangely consistent stone, each cut into a shot-sized piece was at the centre and the crew worked to roll the shots to the slings of each siege engine.

SHENRA
The stone had the consistency and smoothed shape of that conjured by a Wall of Stone spell and the Order were in no danger of running out. It looked like if the machines weren't stopped, they would continue to wreck havoc on the temple. She also sensed a powerful abjurative effect surrounding the immediate area of the catapults. It seemed the Order may have cast protections against enemy long ranged spells.

FEEONA
A young woman commanded the archers. She seemed oddly familiar despite her padded armour, sergeant's insignia and a composite longbow that seemed curiously elven crafted. The officer turned her head to issue orders to the men and recognition dawned on the crusader.

* * *
The hull shook and Private Feeona Danel fought back the urge to lose her lunch. It was the thirty-second day aboard the carrier, the Inevitable, and the smell of unwashed bodies as well as the heckles had tested her endurance far more than any sparring session with her mother. At least there was a separate privy for the women aboard the vessel. She had wondered why the arcanists were able to fill the sails with a continuous gust of wind but were unable to stop the rocking whenever the hull hit a swell.

Adams, a pimply former farmboy from Greenvale was not so lucky and a chunky grey mass of half-digested anchovies and egg wrap splattered across the moist teak decks, filling the already cramped and stinking room with a sour odour. Men groaned and Feeona knew Adams would be roughed up this evening by Yellow Perkins and the lads.

Anchors were dropped and Feeona heard the footsteps of the crew above as they prepared the planks for landing.

Sergeant Perrins' loud bark sounded across the ship and Feeona heard the collective groans of the new recruits. "All right, you're here poozers and you'd better get off this coffin before I push you off myself! Farlaen's a long way away and we ain't got any bodybags!" The deck heaved with two hundred and forty canvas rucksacks, filled with a basic shortsword, a standard issue chain shirt, five healing potions and a week's worth of trail rations, being lifted simultaneously and the raw recruits shuffled their feet to the march ashore.

The mutant tropical sun beating on her brow, and the briny scent of sea salt, assailed Feeona's senses and a sudden dizziness gripped her. She stubbed her toe on a raised piece of timber and fell five feet off the side until she felt wet sand caressing her cheeks and the waves lapping at her sodden footwraps. "Hey Danel, you might want a bed! You can share mine tonight! We'll 'know' each other better eh?" Jeered Tymon. He was one of Perkins' lads and a large boy of sixteen who had boasted for the entire journey about the girls whose virtues he had taken in his village.

She heard laughter from the boys and men around and she closed her eyes. For a few moments, all she wanted was to lay there on the beach and forget about the purpose of this crusade. A shadow fell across her face and she quickly looked up, half expecting the leering face of Lieutenant Nimoy, who was rumoured to proposition every young female recruit.

Instead, it was a different sight. A tall, curvy girl with short mud-coloured hair and a trail of freckles across her face was offering her a hand. Feeona noticed a longbow and a quiver of arrows strapped across her back. "Ignore those guys. They're idiots. Looks like you need a hand. Private Bowen from Greycliff. But you can call me Serena."

* * *

roses

2015-04-12, 06:15 PM

Feeona

Feeona exclaimed her shock when the boulder rammed her with the force of a charging warhorse, and she tumbled end over end like a leaf in a whirlwind, heart beating loud in her ears. Tensing every muscle in her body, her tumbling slowed, steadied, stopped. She groaned, and half her body felt like an anvil during the war season, but she glanced down groggily to see the shattered remains of the boulder she had pushed off course. She beamed triumphantly, before looking up to see another multicoloured volley of artillery growing larger towards them. We need another way. The sense of freedom that flying gave and the chill of the wind whisking by dulled the pain when she again followed Katria. In kinder circumstance, she suspected how much more she would exalt in flying over even riding itself. But that was not now.

A halt was finally called. Feeona squinted at the distant siege engines, fortifications, and archery groups. She blinked in disbelieve at the archers, and squinted longer still. It was a moment before she realized she saw true.

“Katria, I know her. By the archers.” Feeona said, excited. “Sergeant Bowen. She was great. With her in control, we don't have to retreat from there numbers, or attack into all of that. If we move slowly enough, I know I can bring at least one of us down there to talk. Interested, Captain?”

Alias_Trench

2015-04-13, 03:18 AM

Aurix sees Feeona emulate his tactic and winced because he knows how much taking a hit from one of those boulders is. He flies up beside her to help steady her flight.

"You didn't have to do that Feeona, but thank you. Those things hurt... Are you injured? Let me tend to your wounds."

Aurix waits for permission as he flies besides Feeona.

If she consents, Aurix channels negative energy into his hand which is placed over his solar plexus with his dwarven chain interposed between it. His pupils dilate and the world seems to blur as excess light hits his retina. His other hand reaches out to Feeona as the positive energy starts forming at his finger tips. Pupils down to the size of pinpricks Aurix's golden irises incredibly evident on the inky blackness of his eye.

Feeona is healed (3d8 maximized)24 hp as a swift action

"Better? Or do you need some more?"

"Those things are too big for one of us to break on our own. If we were to attempt that again we'd need a number of us to simply break it."

As they near, the trees Aurix begins to think tactically. Feeona's mention of knowing one of the commanding officers there gives him pause. Feeona wished to parley with that woman. It wasn't an entirely unreasonable request but it was fraught with dangers and points where her plan could fall down. Still, words and consideration before action was what he valued... He would plan for either eventuality.

"Feeona, I think I know what you're thinking but do you really believe you could sway her? To convince her and her men to surrender or perhaps turn arms against their kin? I'm sure she has her orders, and we do not know who she answers to. On that note I am fairly sure the arcanists there answer to this Magnus person... You may not be able to do what you intend for all of them... I for one am willing to try it but it definitely gives away our tactical surprise. If we give you this opportunity what assistance would you need? Also, we must plan in case your words fail and we must fight."

Aurix looks for an area where the party will not be seen by the Order troops so they are not sitting ducks while they strategise. Spot [roll0]
Aurix motions his head over to wherever he spots,
"let's go where we cannot be seen by the Order for the moment... I would rather not be shot out of the sky"

"Ok first things first... Macrae, do you have message prepared? I believe it may be important for us to stay in contact with one another if it comes to bear that we must split up to combat the enemy. Shenra, I recall that you are able to do reconnaissance through your owl familiar, is this correct? Could you see if there are any Order units behind these siege weapons and their defenders... Are you also able to divine what magical protections they have running?"

Plushie Arz

2015-04-13, 07:12 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Maps.jpg

THE PARTY
"A simple spell." Nodded Macrae. "Even a child can cast it with ease." He picked up a copper wire from his components pouch and uttered a single word of power with his index and small fingers outstretched. Aurix and the others heard a whisper in their ears and knew the spell had worked.

Aurix located a small path of grass over one hundred and seventy feet away from the fortified hillock. The surrounded trees obscured the view of the clearing.

Vertharrad

2015-04-13, 08:38 AM

Katria

Seeing the site and considering their options Katria listens to and lets Aurix guide them to a covered position. Thinking of the fighting ahead she wants to see if talking would help here, conserving resources for the real fight taking precedence. "Feeona you'll get your chance, who do you want going with you? I was thinking of going myself and the more destructive of us staying back incase it all went wrong." Looking at Aurix. "There's so few I don't think loosing surprise would be much of a detriment...however I could be wrong."

-Warrior leans down to take a look at the board with the terrain and figurines representing their objective- Do you think this wise? It will alert them to our presence. -Dancer also contemplating the situation on the map board- It doesn't matter. -she points to the main force- They're already poised to strike. And with none of the leaders here taking it without using resources could benefit us later. -Warror points to the fortified slope- If they do decide to fight we might end up using even more resources because they were aware of you. -Dancer looks to Warrior with a resolved look- It doesn't matter we take the risk anyways. Do you trust Feeona Katria? -Dancer looks at Warrior with a surprised look- You've never called me that before. And I don't know. If what the avatar said is right we have been living our lives for the same reason. We've danced around the issue but it must be broached, your the real us, I'm just a "flicker" that had to step in. We're not yet strong enough for the merger, but hopefully soon. -the two go back to staring at the map-

"If things go wrong I'm going for the archers, Macrae and/or Shenra should take out the casters. Feeona I'm gonna need help with them archers...theres just too many. The rest do your best to stop those seige weapons from firing."

"If anyone has a better plan I'm all ears." She wiggles her ears to make a point while smiling to lighten the mood.

roses

2015-04-13, 08:34 PM

Feeona

The only response Feeona offered about the boulder was that more needed to be done, lest both sides lose something sacred. She gave permission for the healing only to find the pain in her left side, the side that had held the shield and took much of the force, fall into retreat. “Better,” she answered, surprised. She stretched her left arm high to low, all with ease. Despite her deep doubts since his urging the serpent goddess to wrath, the tribesman had at least been kindly since. “Thank you.”

Feeona listened as Aurix asked his questions, shaking her head at the first half, shrugging at the second. “I believe choice is a gift. My intent is to use it well.” She looked to Katria. “Diplomacy is worth the risk. We can only introduce ourselves at the gates, hope to be granted an audience, and gauge the leaders met from there. See if the Sergeant is the same person I trust. With her in charge of the archers, and approached properly, it's possible no one will need to be hurt. I'd like us to try.”

Feeona beamed after when not only did diplomacy become confirmed their first choice, but she was outright asked her preference for company. Her eyes touched on the odd assortment of people. From a man doubted if kind that had apparently been rejected by the kind of people they hoped to reason with, to a wizard that chided the method of mercy and outright glowered at her on first sight. There was the brave elf warrior that she was mostly unacquainted with, and a talented woman that hoped to bring balance to the world, but with strife for strife. Finally there was the dancer that had often been angry with her, but was still the leader that Lady Lerethi had trusted above all of them to behalf responsibly.

“It's gone on long enough that the Order has acknowledged only the half-elves properly in all this. We can build on that. It might not be the warmest welcome, but this war won't outlast the realization that on all sides are just people. Come with me, Katria. If they find us reasonable, they might second-guess this entire siege. The dignity of the elves could be exactly what we need here.” She turned to the fortified hillock. “Now, would you rather make our first impression, or should I?”

If you want to make the actual approach and introduction, go for it.
If you're not interested, I'll try my luck.
Either way should be possible given a sister of dawn is comfortable enough beside you.
Either way, we can only try.

Vertharrad

2015-04-14, 05:47 AM

Katria

Taking a few seconds to make sure none of the others had any observations she turns to the group. "Aurix, El you two have a talent for planning; I leave you two to keep your group prepared. I have two hand signals to use; if I put my left fist in the air it means attack, if I put my right hand in the air and turn twice it means regroup." She demonstrates to make sure they know what to look for. "Should an attack be needed pay attention to me and Feeona, in case some of them sided with us and some of the others didn't."

"Feeona I think you should introduce us. I'll adjust according to your 'moves'. You know these people better than me."

"If there is nothing else we'll be off." After a few seconds of silence she turns to Feeona and motions her to the side away from the camp. "Proceed out in that direction and then slowly circle back so it doesn't look like we came from here. I'll be right behind you." Katria starts floating in readiness.

roses

2015-04-14, 06:05 AM

Feeona

Feeona followed the directions and floated away from the treeline and only after up and backwards towards the camp. Shield strapped to her back and sword tucked aside, the closer they approached the entryway, the more she lowered. She touched earth several feet from the camp entrance itself. In the gloomy dawn, wrapped in the faint white light of the protection spell, she hoped their halo might make them look like angels. But given they had flown somewhere up and out of the gloomy treeline a distance from the hillock, it was more likely they appeared as two fireflies rousing from a bush. She suppressed a smile.

“Good dawn to you,” the first firefly hailed. “My name is Sister Feeona Danel, and my acquaintance here is Katria of Kiiska. We would like to speak with Sergeant Bowen. We have information worthy of her time.”

Plushie Arz

2015-04-14, 08:26 AM

FEEONA, KATRIA
About sixty feet away, the soldiers called out to the two women. "Come no further Sister! There's a forbiddance in effect!" The archers closest to the two women raised their bows and notched their arrows. A catapults groaned as another volley was fired into the distance and its crew walked to the pile of stone to retrieve another shot. "Mam, a friendly!"

The crusader was familiar with the spell, a powerful prayer that punished all who were not of the caster's alignment and prevented them from entry. The Mother Superior used its impressive area to fortify the position against the Midnight Syndicate and she remembered the corpses of the cultists piling up around the spell parameters as they charged at them recklessly, like ants to a slaughter.

"I'll decide that, Corporal." Sergeant Bowen strode over, holding the elven crafted longbow in her right hand while her left casually reached for the full quiver at her waist. Even though her stance was relaxed, Katria could sense her reflexes that could fire at a second's notice. She was leaner and fitter than Feeona remembered and a small scar ran across her chin and down her neck. Her lips parted incredulously and the left side of her face twitched. "Feeona?"

As fast as a thought however, she assumed a cautious tone and she shielded her eyes with her hands and she looked up at the two flying women, lit by the dawning sunlight. "Descend where we can all see you and put your hands up in the air. One of you arrived on a vessel ten months ago. What was the name of the vessel?"

KATRIA
"Oh, his body was just like Tana said. Strong too and had the stamina of a beast. I didn't realise they could do the things..." Cortinea's golden eyes twinkled and mirthful laugher left her lips. Katria smiled as she looked down the railings of the elevated walkway, into the Undercity. While the birthday party was more extravagant than what the dancer was used to, she was happy to see her best friend again after Cortinea disappeared with the group of revellers that included Lord Fharel Grim'tamar.

The excesses and decadence of the upper Kiiska parties left the dancer ill at ease but it was only at Cortinea's insistence that she attended, wearing a modest dress while her friend cajoled her merchant father into purchasing a scandalously short black skirt with webbed leggings. The revellers at the party only gave Katria polite acknowledgement but admirers soon surrounded Cortinea, sweeping her away into the festivities.

"Did he hurt you, Corti?" A brief moment of naive concern flashed across her face but it was soon dispelled by familiar laughter.

"Kat darling, I had so much fun that I didn't get any reverie last night, just saying." Her painted purple lips curled in a smile. "It was great. Thank you so much for coming with me. It means alot."

Katria warmed at her friend's gratitude but she couldn't give up just yet... "You know, Jarren could be just as sweet as Lord Fharel if you gave him the chance."

"Oh Kat, he's like a lost puppy at times. I want a man of value, not some silly Undercity painter that fawns over me. Besides, he's a half-elf. You know I'll never end up with one of them." Cortinea's grin widened. "Anyhow, have you seen Josidah Quickdraw?"

The dancer pursed her lips. "You mean that warrior who serves Lord Tessaron? No. Why?"

"He's the best archer in Kiiska and he's executing some hobgoblins they caught at the Lower Reach Markets today. We should totally see."

* * *

It was plain why Cortinea had dragged Katria to see Josidah Quickdraw. A powerfully built elf with a chiselled face and a streak of white that ran through his dark green hair, he was certainly a pretty sight. The crowd of elves in Upper Kiiskan fashion gathered around a cleared square to watch as Josidah was blindfolded and given two arrows. He bore only his darkwood bow, an item of rare beauty with carvings of swallows and Nai'Tuhra engraved into the waxed bowstaff, and a short hunting knife. Four hobgoblins, stripped of all arms save blunted swordswords had their hood released by Blood Hunters into the square and the crowd gave a nervous chatter. Kat saw enough Blood Hunters and archers patrolling around the branches and platforms in case things got out of hand. The show was purely for Josidah.

A single arrow left Josidah's fingers but as soon as it passed the bow, it split into two and quickly pierced the skulls of two charging hobgoblins. Roaring in a guttural tongue and spewing foreign curses, the two other monster broke and moved in at the archer's flanks. The audience gasped in anticipation but the seasoned elven warrior was too fast. He leapt into the air and released one of his splitting arrows. One struck a hobgoblin dead in the heart while the other caught the creature in the foot, pinning him to the ground. Without taking off his blindfold, Josidah marched up to his pinned opponent and slashed the creature's throat.

With the blood show over and the audience dispersing, Josidah removed his blindfold and gave Cortinea a suggestive wink...

* * *

The bow that the Order Sergeant was holding was the same bow formerly wielded by Josidah Quickdraw. He died in the fourth month of fighting when the Kiiskans finally started sending small bands of warriors and mages to aid the beleaguered lizardfolk after realising the Order army was a far greater threat than originally anticipated. The skirmishes and sorties failed to turn the tide and after destroying the lizardfolk resistance, the Order turned their attentions to Kiiska.

Vertharrad

2015-04-14, 11:35 AM

Katria

"Come no further Sister! There's a forbiddance in effect!"

Hearing the warning Katria stops immediately in mid-air, being warned of the warding at Mornan's Landing she takes no chances.

Katria descends beside Feeona slowly and carefully making no sudden movements. She puts her hands into the air in a show of surrender. Seeing the famous bow of Josidah gives her a twinge of sorrow. Wiping away the emotion for now she empties her face of any emotion and waits for Feeonas to start the proceedings.

roses

2015-04-14, 01:47 PM

Feeona

Feeona blinked her surprise at the sheer sudden suspicion of Serena. Hands were raised plainly when it was demanded and she landed without complaint. But thought of the vessel forced a groan that couldn't be more genuine had she been put through fitness training again for the first time, and her formality all but failed her then.

“Could you not remind me of the Inevitable? Perkin and Nimoy are the last people I want to think about.” She glanced over at the notched archers and swallowed uncertainly before looking back at her friend. “Serena it's me. I've been in the Albinus Chapel for a few months. Katria and I are here to talk. Please, it's important.”

Plushie Arz

2015-04-14, 06:14 PM

FEEONA, KATRIA
Serena's expression registered a surprised recognition and she hung her bow on her right shoulder. Striding to the edge of the forbiddance spell, she wrapped Feeona in a fond hug.

"Can't be too careful around here. They were loathsome men but the enemy knew their weaknesses. Yellow Perkins was slung by arrows after being lured to a glade by an illusion. Nimoy was killed when a prisoner he was 'entertaining' blew up his tent. We thought you were dead too, or worse." She looked up and down incredulously at Feeona's new raiment and then at uneasily at Katria's scaly and clawed appearance.

"I've got the lives of those soldiers on my hands. We were almost caught in that infernal storm but I barely managed to get them out." She admitted, looking to her archers and the siege crew. "Are you here to help us? They will die if we're defeated today."

Vertharrad

2015-04-14, 06:29 PM

Katria

Not trusting herslef to say much Katria keeps it short and to the point. "May I lower my hands now Sergeant since it's evident I'm not armed and we can talk like reasonable, repsonsible adults? I too wish to save lives. And we're short of time." Her voice showing very little emotion.

Plushie Arz

2015-04-14, 06:44 PM

FEEONA, KATRIA
"You may." Said the Sergeant cautiously, releasing Feeona. She glanced Katria one more time to be sure of any concealed weapons and her gaze lingered on the sharp claws that protruded from the dancer's fingers. "Keep your distance with those claws. My archers could pin you the moment you attack us."

Vertharrad

2015-04-14, 07:31 PM

Katria

"Thank you." Waiting for Feeona to start and announce their intent from a friendly source Katria decides to take a few seconds to impart some info to the command structure. Without toning out whats going on she activates the contact between her and Lady Calthera.

-Warrior is still looking at the board as Dancer calls out- Lady Calthera you might want to take a look at what we've discovered. -she faces the board and points as information pours forth- This is the temple complex. This here is where the jungle has been cleared. A clearing, foot soldiers there...and they look anxious to attack.

Back here -pointing to the slope- is about 9 seige engines, 6 mages, 60 archers, crews to go with the weapons, light fortifications...and a Forbiddance. -She points to the parties location- El, Aurix, Macrae, and Shenra are waiting here as me and Feeona try to talk down the leader, Feeona says she knows her. A Sergeant Bowen.

Any instructions?

roses

2015-04-14, 09:02 PM

Feeona

Feeona embraced Serena warmly. One more crush in a long list of veiled hopes, the archer had often turned out to be charmingly down-to-earth, and pretty besides. A curious glance was offered the elven bow on the sergeant's shoulder, and the Sister wondered when there had been time to win an archery contest. But she listened otherwise. Far from feeling exalted to hear the two lechers were undone by their own vices, it was a failing that neither had been taught better before passing. She nodded solemnly.

“It's dangerous,” Feeona agreed. “By the grace of Mornay, I'm hale and happy. A Defender of the Faith actually. Though, as far as war wounds go, yours only help you look more commanding. ”

The crusader glanced down at the line of archers tucked behind their stockades that Serena had an allegiance to. It was difficult not to smile. Now that they weren't pointing the business end of a bow at them, it gladdened her to see that rank hadn't pushed perspective from her friend, but honed it. Lives were the most important thing in the war.

“We are here to help, but not exactly as you'd think. Another sword and shield, a new pair of hands; those won't safe the lives under that storm. But the two of you can.” Feeona stepped sidelong to both of them. It was then she regretted she hadn't the thinnest hint what the elf's surname might be, but there were larger concerns.

Hope you're ready, Kat.

The crusader gestured to the elf. “Sergeant Bowen, this is Captain Katria. She has an affiliation with people that can dissipate that storm.” An easy gesture was made to Serena. “Captain Katria, of course this is Sergeant Bowen, whom oversees the archery division here, if not the artillery itself. Both of you have a vested interest in seeing a siege undone. Both of you have the means to safe lives.”

Plushie Arz

2015-04-14, 09:42 PM

KATRIA
"I don't know who she is. You can't teleport into a forbidden area and anyone that tries to get in will be harmed." Thought Calthera, "But disabling the artillery will force the ground troops under Uhars to attack the Temple, where Ruslam and Sophiea can do their work. It would force Magnus to expend more resources if they want to attack the Temple."

FEEONA, KATRIA
The siege crew were preparing for another volley, cranking up the gears and pulleys on their wooden engines. A cascade of elemental orbs flew from the centre of the circle that the Arcane Corps formed and fizzled towards the Temple.

"Mornay's grace indeed. I barely escaped with my life in that ambush. My opponent wasn't so lucky. So what do I call you now? Feeona? Sister?"

"The chaplains tried to dispel that storm, to no avail. We prayed to Mornay for its fury to subside and it only grew stronger. My orders are maintain the barrage on that Temple. We get what the Field Marshal wants, and we're free to go back home. I could well be arrested and executed for insubordination if I disobey."

She turned to Katria and gave the elf an uneasy look before a hesitant salute. Feeona noticed she did not offer her hand.

"Well met Captain." She said crisply. "What do you propose to save the lives of my soldiers and yours?"

Vertharrad

2015-04-14, 10:45 PM

Katria

Listening to the exchange Katria wasn't immediately caught by surprise. The only seeming indication she heard is when her head turns to fully take this Sergeants measure. Her gaze rakes Sergeant Bowen up and down before finally settling on her eyes, the very door to the soul of a person. Not seeing anything that would lead her to believe this soldier any different then others she still must try.

"Sergeant Bowen your army is unlawfully and unrighteously marching on a populace of innocent lizardfolk just trying to survive. You attack because your leadership wants to take the very relic given to them by their deity, this relic is whats keeping the land healthy and also the lizardfolk. Your worried about your comrades...I'm worried about the innocent men, women, and children just trying to defend their home from a invading force of thieves. Do you want to kill innocent people Sergeant? Do I need to tell you of the innocents you helped to kill already?"

"Surrender your position here and at the other location, I will personally guarantee none of your comrades there or here will be mistreated. The storm will be lifted only when we're promised you won't reinitiate hostilities...on the name of your goddess. Maizoluta herself has called the storm to help her people against your hatred and villainy, her avatar right now keeps it there so you can't kill anymore in Mornays name. You know what your doing is wrong, help us make it right. Stop your weapons of war, put down your personal weapons, stop casting your spells, and come out from your hiding place then we can talk about what can be done to make amends."

"No more blood needs to be spilt in this nefarious campaign of death, destruction, fear, and oppression. Ours...or your own comrades." During her speech Katria doesn't move, she can feel the tension rise and knew it would. She doesn't want a overzealous soldier to fire on her or Feeona because her movements made them nervous.

roses

2015-04-14, 11:09 PM

Feeona

“Oh, Feeona, always. Titles are nice, but they aren't important when they don't serve the many.” She paused. “Is it okay if I still call you Serena? I mean, a Sergeant is more important than a Sister. But I had no idea where you where in the ambush. Everywhere I looked was bad. How did you get out?”

Feeona's eyes widened when Katria went much for the jugular, as a soldier would, and suddenly the title of captain seemed more appropriate than it did even before. The elf stood as immoveable as the white monarch itself. Well, maybe Serena prefers a straight-forward discussion, the Farlaen woman hoped. She second-guessed interjecting yet, and instead glanced back to the sergeant. An honest exchange of ideas could work.

Plushie Arz

2015-04-14, 11:27 PM

FEEONA, KATRIA
"Ha, you can always call me Serena. A rank doesn't change that one bit. A bunch of us hid under a wagon while the lizards attacked. We covered ourselves in nightsoil and mud so the lizards couldn't catch our scent and made it back to camp."

She listened when Katria delivered her terms, and shook her head when the elf finished.

"You seem to have mistaken me for the Field Marshal and may as well ask for my head on a plate." Replied the Sergeant curtly. The eyes of the archers turned to the exchange. "Those orders are not mine to give and are tantamount to insubordination. I will not endanger the lives of my troops by giving such a command." She turned to Feeona and lowered her voice.

"It seems nothing more than our total surrender to those coldblooded things will placate the Captain. You are the Defender of the Faith. Mornay gives you a voice. What do you say to this Feeona?"

roses

2015-04-15, 01:04 AM

Only the last two paragraphs are fully about the idea I'd quickly suggest. I have vague tweaks in mind, but that's about it.

Feeona

Feeona pursed her lips when Serena called the elves cold-blooded monsters. It only took another glance at Katria to confirm she was still steadfast. Between their mutual misunderstandings and the crusader only just then realizing that talk of the ambush might encourage considering the elves enemies, it was not the smoothest start on anyone's end. She winched when another volley snapped off into the air.

Mornay have mercy.

Cautious about how it might inflame Katria by being seen to whisper back to Serena, and uncomfortable with the idea of agreeing with such an absolute stance, Feeona stepped back, equal distance from both. Her voice came as gently as a summer breeze.

“We all agree lives are important, although there's fair concerns. Captain, Field Marshal Uhars is steadfast, and the Sergeant considering the lives of her troops is no doubt something you understand. Sergeant, the Captain is clearly worried about the well-being of her home, and that's an unease we can perhaps appreciate since the Dawnseeker. But both of you have the means to save hundreds right now.”

Feeona glanced between the two military women hopefully.

“I'm suggesting a trade. Between the storm and the catapults, both sides are laying siege to one another.” She gestured and gazed to the elf. “Captain, you and I both know there's more than one Temple, and you can easily send word onward. To sidestep the Sergeant's complications with the Field Marshal, I ask you offer her a target that is both a temple, but one your allies stand clear of. Doing this would save hundreds and do no more than damage stone that can be rebuilt.”

Her head and hand inclined to Serena. “Sergeant, in exchange for making these small alterations to your targeted temple, perhaps the Captain would be open to speaking with her associates. They have ways of reducing that storm, if not stopping it entirely. It's near completely magical from the little I've heard. So if your siege were to lessen, surely theirs would as well. It's a simple trade that can save hundreds of lives on both sides. Would that work for either of you?”

Vertharrad

2015-04-15, 02:23 AM

Katria

Listening to the two Katria is once again galled by the very audacity of the humans to only consider their pride and not their wrong doing. Her gaze narrows slightly and her blood boils in her veins. None of this rises to her face by sheer willpower alone.

"All I ask for is understanding, realization, and reasonableness. If Mornay was okay with this endeavor why did she desert you when you needed her most? Maybe you need to answer that before you dismiss my generous offer. Mornay being a deity must surely know something you don't? You want me to consider the bloodthirsty Field Marshal that threatens the very lives of his own troops...what of the innocents he threatens with your complicency? We will be able to defeat him if you stop this foolishness and he won't be able to hurt any of your people. I only ask that you do the right thing. Take responsibility for your own actions. Surrender before you commit an action you can't take back like Captain Atoloch Nar. Doing what's right doesn't take rank it takes courage and steadfastness of heart. Let's see some of that now."

Turning to Feeona and keeping her calm even through the insult of these talks Katria is no less resolved. "I intend to save thousands more than just my own people, while your friend only considers the plight of her humans. Would Mornay find this acceptable Defender? They want me to speak for them she has my terms. I could've demanded her and her comrades attack the Field Marshals villainous army...but that would be going too far. If I can be reasonable so can the Sergeant. She would demand no less if it was her in my place." Katria is looking straight at Sergeant Bowen as she says the last sentence. "Certainly you can convince them to stop if even just for a few hours, we have units poised to attack and I can send word to have them set upon Uhars and Magnus. Troops will die, but not all of them, just those that don't have the courage to stop themselves. You we're once the elves friend, certainly you can be again."

Plushie Arz

2015-04-15, 06:51 AM

DM: +1800XP to Feeona, +1200XP to Katria. +600XP to the rest of the party.

FEEONA, KATRIA
"Don't ever compare me to Captain Nar and the Sin Eaters. I don't agree with everything the Field Marshal commands but he is my commanding officer. I do this out of our friendship, Feeona, and my duty to Mornay. I trust your judgment." Grumbled Serena. Her voice was like steel as she spoke to Katria.

"I cannot surrender this fortification but I can command the artillery so it does not destroy the Temple or harm innocents. I can also time the attacks so you may afford to deal with whatever you may deal with. If you so agree, Captain, swear to it by your gods. Any of my soldiers under your protection come to harm, you will have me to answer to."

Vertharrad

2015-04-15, 08:36 AM

Katria

With a shocked look Katria nods her head affirmatively, she lets out a breath she was totally unaware that she had been holding. Bowing respectfully she speaks. "I'm sorry if it seemed I was comparing you to that...monster, I just needed a suitable example to make my point clear. By Nai'Tuhras natural touch I swear that no harm will come to you and your comrades under my protection. If it does you may deal with me as you please. In return you agree to alter the artillery barrage so it won't harm innocents and we can act."

-Warrior staggers back away from the board a relieved smile on her face- I will never doubt you again Katria...masterful performance. -Dancer is suddenly jolted out of her shock to suddenly exclame- Yes! Lady Calthera we haven't got them to stop the barrage but instead to alter it so destruction will not come to the temple and no harm to innocents. You have your chance, now take it. Although no surrender was enacted the order soldiers and persons here and at the storm are under my protection and will not come to harm. What do you wish us to do?

Facing Sergeant bowen her body more at ease and a smile on her lips Katria asks. "You want the storm gone or lessened where we can go collect your soldiers still there? I would just leave them till later but seige weapons were observed at the location and they haven't promised to the same things yet. As we speak word is being sent to my leaders about this. I am about to signal my people to approach so that should we need to move it can be done quickly, please don't shoot me." She waits for the Sergeant to make sure the archers won't fire, then after making sure to be in a spot that can be seen from the groups perch she puts her right hand in the air and turns it twice to signal the party to regroup.

Plushie Arz

2015-04-15, 09:27 AM

KATRIA
There was relief in Calthera's thoughts but also concern. "It'll take Magnus time to realise the barrage isn't hitting anything but the agreement is a start. Gods, I don't know how you just did that. We've got another problem though. The lizardfolk scouts report movement in the jungles to the North. The Order aren't meant to be there and we've accounted for the automatons! Krastix says there's only loose bands of Ettins, trolls and giants and the valley is blocking my scrying. No way they would be helping the Order. You also need to take out the Captain of the division if you want any chance of your Sergeant's orders to stand for more than a few hours."

FEEONA, KATRIA
The Sergeant nodded at Katria's agreement. "Many at Gorgon's Pate were sutlers and canteen keepers. They would've had nothing to do with the fighting. I can accept your concerns about the fighting forces but be merciful. They've been battered for hours and those left are in no condition to fight. Let the storm dissipate and I swear by Mornay to avoid harming your people."

She turned to Feena. "You need to deal with Murdoch. Yes, Ronnel Murdoch. The bastard got awarded with a Captainship by Wessing and he oversees this division. He's almost as bad as Franklyn Calley."

Lieutenant Murdoch was yet another one Perkin's lads who bullied Feeona during training. She remembered his rakish face, the mopful of stringy hair and the yellowed toothy grin that presented itself whenever he terrorised the recruits with his switchblade. The higher officers had little time to investigate his antics, his rank and fear of his nightly visits protected him from the complaints of his juniors. His conduct earned him comparisons with the late Captain Franklyn Calley of the Hollow Men, an illiterate, backwater thug who raped, murdered and stole under the Order banner and was reportedly killed by the Resistance after claiming the Steel Pits.

Vertharrad

2015-04-15, 10:07 AM

Katria

-Warrior goes to keep an eye on whats going on "outside" while Dancer converses with Lady Calthera, Dancer beams a winning smile and bows dramatically- I'm a performer Lady Calthera...and beseeching her good side while nearly comparing her to Nar did the rest, most of it was Feeona I think. -frowning at the development Dancer approaches the board and points to a spot in a Northerly direction- So around here? Can any of our forces in the path move to give them a unimpeded route to where the Order is? Maybe keep the scouts watching them so unit movements can be made? If we can use their strength against the Order the fighting will be less of a hassle on our part. We used the same tactic in the fight with the Slaughter King, however he was already moving towards a fight with them.

"No harm will come to those soldiers. We'll get rid of the storm and help the survivors to a holding area."

-Dancer looks over to Warrior who looks quite focused- What's going on over there Warrior? -Looking back toward Dancer- The troops at Gorgons Pate are no more than errand boys/girls, Sergeant Bowen want's the storm dissipated and the troops rounded up. She said they're in no condition to fight, to be merciful to them. Also We need to deal with a Captain Ronnel Murdoch, promoted by Wessing and almost as bad as Franklyn Calley.

-getting a exasperated look Dancer sighs- Groups of monsters, troublesome Captains...does it ever get easier Lady Calthera? Keep those scouts on the Northern group while we deal with Murdoch. If you can't get us there in time I'd suggest some masterful field manipulation and redirection for our monster problem. Don't just outright destroy them before trying to use them first. Also see about dissipating the storm and sending someone to round up those poor soldiers at Gorgon's Pate.

Listening but not interfering Katria starts smiling knowingly a mischievous glint in her eyes.

roses

2015-04-15, 11:16 AM

Feeona

Feeona hesitated when her captaining elf repeated the demand for surrender, and started chewing her lip when the sergeant became adamant that she would only alter the artillery accuracy. The Defender braced herself for an argument or impasse. So wonderment shone in her eyes when Katria after chose to save hundreds of people, and take a baby step towards reconciliation. “Yes!” went the triumphant whisper. The crusader's hands immediately clasped together and eyes shut in a sudden thankful prayer.

Thus done, Feeoned beamed happily between the two, but stayed otherwise silent as the two women hewed out terms and intricacies. Her mood darkened when Serena not just mentioned Murdoch, but told of his promotion. How many of the false are there? As gently as the gloves under her demi-gauntlet allowed, she rubbed her eyes in tired disbelief.

“Do you know where he is?” Feeona asked quietly after. “Or even when he might travel without too much company? The more we know of him, the better.”

Plushie Arz

2015-04-15, 07:19 PM

KATRIA
"Good men die and monsters replace them. I'll get Krastix to see if he could clear the scouts from the Northernmost forces and try direct them towards the Order. By the sound of it, they're closing in on the Temple..."

FEEONA, KATRIA
"I'd wager he's out in the rearguard away from the fighting. The chaplains didn't cast their forbiddance there, probably because he couldn't get through without being hit. He'll have his guards around him. Watch out for his girlfriend, the Frost Queen."

Unsavory as he was, Feeona had heard that Murdoch somehow caught the attention of a Squad Mage of the Arcane Corps, a woman by the name of Grace Lincoln, who styled herself the Frost Queen. While she didn't know the woman personally, she had heard enough about certain members of the Arcane Corps from the Mother Superior and the other Sisters who frowned on their lack of piety. They were said to care more about their arcane prowess than any true devotion to the Goddess and it was only at Magnus' command that they worked with the Order army.

roses

2015-04-15, 09:56 PM

Feeona

“Serena, if there's a more mysterious force in this world than love, I've never heard of it. Any questions, Captain? We should speak with the others if not.”

Normally I dislike short dialogue posts, but this is one of those times when it's all that seems to 'fit'.... :smallannoyed:

I think Vert said he was tired in the OOC and that he'll move things along after he sleeps.

When we do, I'll likely throw in a small mention to Serena to say hi if she's ever in the chapel area.

Vertharrad

2015-04-16, 06:35 AM

Katria

-Dancer turns to Warrior with haste- We have to move now! -Warrior nods her head- The Captain first right? Yes, where is he? From what Sergeant Bowen said he's in the rearguard. Great closer to the Order troops main force.

Feeona turns to Katria and notices the alert severe look on her face even before speaking. Katria lets her finish before replying. "Uhars troops have made it to the temple, we deal with the Captain now." Turning to Sergeant Bowen. "What does Captain Murdoch look like?" When she gets the description Katria says. "It was a pleasure to meet you Sergeant Bowen, hope next time isn't so tense, take care of yourself and your troops." Turning to Feeona. "Let's go."

Katria starts floating off the ground, she gets herself and Feeona moving to regroup with the rest of the party. "We have to go 'convince' a Captain that he wants to let that Sergeant's orders stand. Uhars has made it to the temple, we're running out of time. We need to get moving towards the Orders rearguard. The Captain will have his guards and his girlfriend, the Frost Queen, around him."

Katria gets them moving toward the rearguard as expediently as possible but still under some cover.

Plushie Arz

2015-04-16, 08:17 AM

FEEONA, KATRIA
Serena stuck out her tongue. "Urgh, anything between Murdoch and the Frost Queen has to qualify as that mysterious force." The Sergeant walked back into the Forbidden area and barked to her soldiers. "Alright Corporal, change the siege engines coordinates by three seventeen. We've got new information about enemy targets! Spell Commander Pythos, delay your blasts by ten minutes and fire at co-ordinates twenty five, four."

"But Mam," Protested one of the men, "Our information was provided by the Archmagus' scrying..."

"And you think the rebels wouldn't have thought of illusions, private? Have you forgotten the storm that's raging on the horizon? Our sources are friends of Mornay."

The siege crew turned stopped their shots adjusted the wooden war engines to the new co-ordinates. The Sergeant turned to Feeona and Katria. "Don't forget our agreement, Captain. Good luck, Feeona."

roses

2015-04-16, 09:05 AM

Feeona

Feeona frowned when told about the attack, but was surprised when they intended to continue regardless. Shouldn't we go back? Calthera, Khallis and the civilians would need them. But as the sergeant ordered alternative coordinates and a slower barrage, Feeona felt the objections that came might degenerate into soldiers seeking clarification. The catapults could only be ordered back to punishment. Ronnel can't be left in peace.

“If you ever find yourself near the Chapel, feel free to to say hi. It'd be nice to catch up properly.” She hugged the sergeant again. “Take care, Serena.”

Feeona flew upwards and followed, not more than twelve heartbeats behind Katria. She offered a rough description of the man that needed to be stopped when they regrouped. “I can't think of a single kind act he's ever done, but to end him now would only deliver his soul to the Black Night. I'll try to pacify him and his gently.” Her hand rested on the pommel tellingly. The crusader knew few shared her spiritual concerns.

Vertharrad

2015-04-16, 10:03 AM

Katria

Giving the Sergeant a serious look, but with a sincere smile Katria replies. "I won't forget Sergeant Bowen. My leaders have been notified of our agreement, if you have any problems later find me and I will personally deal with it. I don't give my word lightly."

**********

A doubting look enters Katrias eyes. "Not that I doubt your abilities, however Lady Calthera said we have to take out Captain Murdoch...I'm assuming she means to kill. We already have little time. I didn't want to alarm the Sergeant but movement has been spotted by the lizard scouts coming from the North. It's not the Order or automatons...Krastix said it's ettins, trolls, and other giants. I have advised they be redirected to clash with the Order and relieve some pressure off our own troops. Take as much time as you think with Murdoch, but keep all this in mind. We can't be everywhere, and splitting the party cuts our impact on any one situation. Now let's get going."

roses

2015-04-16, 10:53 AM

I know dialogue is very unlikely to ever work here, so I wasn't trying to suggest it. We have no time, we're all geared more towards combat, and I doubt it's all that fun to Shenra, Macrae, etc. By all means, go with the more hands on way. I wasn't suggesting diplomacy, just saying 'I'll try to spare who I can'.

Fully expect me to help out with maneuvers if/when it does turn into a fight.

Feeona

“Calthera said that?” Feeona asked, her face twisting into a look of utter confusion before she settled into a calm disquiet. She gripped her pommel firmly, nodded tersely.

“Alright. Let's have this done.”

Plushie Arz

2015-04-17, 10:14 AM

THE PARTY
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch00.png

The group followed the Sergeant's directions to the rearguard, staying in the bushes to remain under cover. The rearguard was lightly defended and far from the fighting. It seemed that Uhars had committed most of his forces to the vanguard for the assault on the temple. Despite this, the party saw a line of stakes forming a loose fortification from any direct charge from the uncleared forest and several soldiers keeping guard from any surprise attackers.

Sure enough, the Captain Murdoch and his guard soon rode by on horseback.

Vertharrad

2015-04-17, 12:26 PM

Katria

Seeing the camp Katria shakes her head at their laxness in making it secure when she remembers the seige weapon camp. Turning to the party. "Macrae you and Shenra cast some area spells to catch as many as you can. The rest of us will rush in to engage them in melee and finish off this Captain Murdoch." Looking at the party. "Understand?" When she gets a nod or other signal of acknowledgment she says. "Let's do this then."

roses

2015-04-17, 12:45 PM

Feeona

Feeona went the way instructed. The wind whipping past her in flight didn't blow away her troubles, and she landed with the rest among the bushes and shrubs. They made their intent along the darker path, and the forest shrubs tugged pleadingly at her armour, asking she go no further. She gently undid their grasp and followed the elf-lead group ahead of her. Months before, the crusader had spared a man so allured by his own hate he sought to murder the youngest among the Sisterhood. Murdoch was not as cruel. While he had terrorised her and so many others, he could be imprisoned and reformed. She shook her head in disdain for what had to be done. They paused when the camp was clear.

“Those spikes leave us with a narrow entry point, his guards shield him, and I can't see the Frost Queen anywhere.” Feeona frowned. She looked at Katria after she gave the plan. “Would it work better if I move further along the bushes? I can reveal myself on this side of the spikes, and request to speak with Captain Murdoch. A distraction. We aren’t detected yet, but it would draw their attention away from where you all assault from. From there, use the sorcery you want, and charge as you must.” She shrugged. “Any worth, or is there a better way?”

Feeona's mouth twisted a little before anyone answered, as though a very bitter berry had hopped into her mouth the instant she asked of a better way. Still, her hand again was placed on the hilt, readying herself for a straight-forward charge.

Change stance to Leading the Charge. Everyone in 60 feet gets +11 damage for charging.

Vertharrad

2015-04-18, 09:06 PM

Katria

Giving Feeona a appraising look for a few seconds Katria finally replies. "If you think you can accomplish this without raising any suspicions in him sure. However don't forget as you've noted this Frost Queen isn't seemingly around. And the problem officers have an accute paranoia that makes them especially problematic to deal with."

Plushie Arz

2015-04-19, 07:37 AM

THE PARTY
Macrae peered over the edges of the bushes to the group of horsemen riding at the fringes of the rearguard encampment. A brief sparkle lit up his eyes and he quickly pulled back. The group heard his whisper in their ears as the wizard bent a length of copper wire between his fingers. "I sense transmutation and abjuration. They seem stronger, tougher and faster than usual. No doubt magical protections cast by their wizards."

roses

2015-04-19, 07:58 AM

Feeona

Feeona scanned the distant camp between the bramble, eyes flickering from mounted knights, to Arcane troops, and ended at an obscured Captain. “The defences look lapse for paranoia. Still, you're right. It can't be done without suspicion. Even the Sergeant didn't trust us.” She sighed. Macrae gave his insight before she spoke again.

“What about working around his guards? We move further up, and all hit their flank. Force the guards not undone by spells into an uneasy position. We might even have a temporary window at Murdoch himself. End it before the Queen appears. The stakes could act as a barrier between our arcane support and their swords, and give a better view of the Order troops than our current angle. Better?”

Plushie Arz

2015-04-19, 08:05 AM

THE PARTY
"A worthwhile plan. If the witch is out there, she's out of range of my detect invisibility spells." Whispered Macrae uncertainly. "Still, two can play at that game. I can turn invisible myself and locate her before she causes any problems."

Vertharrad

2015-04-19, 08:43 AM

Katria

"The camp we just came from also looked lax on their defenses. But we know they had enchantments to make up for that. Let's not forget they have a massive amount of casters to call upon for spells. Whatever we do, it's going to have to be soon. I get the feeling we're going to be needed back at the temple soon."

Alias_Trench

2015-04-19, 11:38 PM

Aurix waited and watched in silence. The silence if anything was because Aurix had some time to reflect upon himself. He knew that there was more that he could be doing, he had learnt more about Maizoluta and other faiths today and he had resolved to be better, the question was how... Katria leaving he and El'goran essentially in charge was strange to him. He didn't feel up to the task. Macrae made more sense as he would receive messages from Feeona and Katria directly and was frightfully intelligent, if not sharp tongued. El'goran was a more consistent fighter with a wealth more experience than he and Shenra answered directly to Madam Letheri who was, to his understanding, immensely powerful. Aurix was just a warrior from but one lizard folk tribe.
Through his introspection Aurix still watched. There was no more hostility, in fact while they were still firing he saw the catapults change their trajectory away from Caan Yaput.
They did it!
The signal was raised.
"regroup... Where does Katria want us?"
Macrae whispered through his copper wire
"It seems we're after a Captain Rommel Murdoch and an Arcanist self styled as the Frost Queen"

*****

As the advanced northward Aurix could see the area was lightly defended. Clearly they did not expect their opponents to be able to advance this far, but had prepared against it in any sense... Several units of foot soldiers were within range to assist if there was trouble... Aurix did not like the idea of fighting that many troops. The missing "Frost Queen" was disturbing the others. Aurix tried to look harder and see what else he might have missed and what he might be able to use push things in their favour. Those white tents were taller than he and he could hide behind one of necessary, and the Arcanist could have been in there. He checked the breeze to see if it had changed from the north westerly that was blowing before and then tasted the air.

I'm still struggling to full my 12th level feat so thus my RP of Aurix being lost. Aurix looking: spot [roll0]
Aurix Listening: listen [roll1]
Aurix switches to hunter's sense stance. survival of required: [roll2]

Plushie Arz

2015-04-20, 08:14 AM

AURIC
The north-westerly breeze was still blowing and Aurix couldn't smell anything other than the sweat and waste wafting from the latrines. He looked around and saw about fifty men in the area who would be able to come to the Captain's assistance should they attack.

"So what now, fearless leader?" Asked Macrae.

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-04-20, 09:12 AM

Shenra did her best to shuffle quietly along with the rest of the group as they approached the rearguard. "I do have my enchanted fireballs, and they too produce tendrils that would grip the enemies in place if caught off guard. Then I have several area spells that could bring hell crashing down on them." She closes her eyes as Macrae's words fill her mind. "It's true, I don't see or feel the Frost Queen around. I'll cast invisibility as well, and we'll see how long she can stave off the heat before she melts." She smiles softly. She feels calm, relaxed. At peace with herself and with Ona. For whatever reason, the bloodlust that had filled her before had been somewhat sated by the success of Katria and Feeona's work with the Sergeant. At least, for the time being.
She looks out over the numbers. "I'm happy to pursue the Frost Queen, but I'm also willing to let Macrae pursue her and focus instead on the army ahead of us. I may also be able to lock down Murdoch with a spell after my initial area spells, if you'd like. Just let me know what you want, Captain." She winks at Katria.
Ona, grant me your flame for this. As your hands, I will purge this curse. Her eyes roll back into her head for a moment before fire erupts in her veins.Cast Heart of Fire.

Vertharrad

2015-04-20, 01:24 PM

Katria

Nodding at Macrae Katria comes to a decision. "Feeona, me, you, El, and Aurix move up just enough to attack from their flank. We'll have to fly over those spikes but should still have enough surprise to make it work. Macrae and Shenra when we're in position fire a AoE spell each to cover the group making him the convergence point" pointing to the one in the middle "then go invisible. The rest of us will attack them from the flank while" looking at the casters "you two keep your senses alert for the Frost Queen. Don't cast anymore spells unless you've spotted her or we need the help. When the Captain has fallen dead we get out of here quickly. Any questions?"

When it's clear that everyone understands Katria gets the four of them flying further ahead to where they are positioned on the Captain's flank(somewhere around A6-A9 for instance) and a few feat off the ground to clear the stakes if they have to charge. When they're ready she gives the two arcanists the signal to start casting.

Init [roll0](for after the surprise round)
AC 33, touch 23, flat-footed 28 (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, +1 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +7 exalted, +3 natural) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 75/75
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +12 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120 points of fire

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(7/7)

Plushie Arz

2015-04-21, 05:38 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch01.png

Initiative
El'gor'an:[roll2]
Macrae: [roll3]
Order Archer: [roll7]
Captain Murdoch: [roll5]
Shenra: [roll4]
Katria: 16
Aurix:[roll1]
Order Warrior: [roll6]
Feeona: [roll0]

The soldiers didn't see Katria but they certainly noticed when a glob of black tentacles erupted from the ground to grapple at whatever was in range. The horses seemed to sense the magic and they quickly neighted and dashed to avoid the grappling mass. Murdoch however, was caught deep within it. "What tha'?!" He demanded in confusion as the tentacles swallowed him up. The soldiers pointed to Katria, soaring in the air.

"A lizard witch!" They cursed.

DM: Surprise round. Macrae and Katria have already acted for their surprise rounds.

roses

2015-04-21, 10:03 AM

1 Douse the Flames (enemy hit can't make AoO)
2 White Raven Tactics (ally in 10 feet gains another turn, but moves below my initiative)
3 Flanking Maneuver (hit flanked foe, ally gains extra attack)
4 Divine Surge (+8d8 damage)
5 Vanguard Strike (+4 Allies attack)
6 Rallying Strike (hit foe, burst heal me + allies in 30 feet 3d6+11)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Feeona, surprise round

Feeona gave one last glance through the bushes at the sorcerers that reputedly discarded divinity, the knights that took vows of chivalry in Mornay's name, and their Captain that had acted so much as a creature of the fearful night. The faithless. The misled. The false. The camp suddenly looked like a stage play of Farlaen itself. So it was with horror she watched when black tentacles erupted out of the nether, right under the spot Murdoch had ridden, as though the god of greed would claim his prize even before death. By then the others were acting. She floated fast after the female elf, and went a little further ahead than even Katria had stopped, but echoed their leader by floating above the level of bushes and stakes after. Her sword and shield had been drawn mid-flight.

Surprise round, move please to 4 B. Pop above bushes/stake level like Katria.

Leading the Charge still working. Everyone in 60 feet gets +11 damage for charging.

[roll4]

miinstrel

2015-04-21, 10:53 AM

El'gor'an felt a swell of pride as Katria (and Feeona) successfully talked down the Sergeant. It was good to see some of these short-sighted, short-lived creatures could still reason. He cherished the mini celebration, there may not be another one this day.

***

El listened and agreed as they squatted in the brush. He enjoyed seeing Kat in a powerful position; she seemed to enjoy it. He'd never achieved a rank, even one as unofficial as her "Captain," but he would follow her into any battle. Respect and admiration won wars, not just brutality and cunning. That was one edge they had over the enormous army before them. The Order feared Uhars and Magnus. Remove them and the pyramid would crumble. Were Lerethi to fall it would only reinvigorate the Fang, new heads sprouting throughout the city like a hydra.

As Macrae flung his spell and Katria rose from the undergrowth, El drew his sai, pressing the cold steel firmly against his arms. The cool metal was refreshing in the stifling jungle air. He reached into his bag and withdrew another fluff ball that quickly grew into a wolf that padded and bristled next to El. He lay a hand on its flank, petting the coarse fur as he whispered in its raised ear, "Dengina." (Elvish: Kill).

Bag of Tricks

The wolf will act in Round 1, not surprise round.

AC: 29, Touch: 25, FF: 21 (+1 with Dodge feat)
HP: 88 / 88
Speed: 75
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +21, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)

Debuffs

Alias_Trench

2015-04-22, 12:32 AM

AURIX (Surprise Round)

As Katria moves off Aurix turns to Shenra and whispers,

"will you be alright here by yourself?"

Aurix waits for a response but not too long. Before he leaves he says to the two spellcasters,

"It goes without saying but stay safe and keep on the move if you can. If they can't pinpoint you then you're safe. I'll be near by"

Aurix had been enjoying his time flying. Normally he would hobble his way around but the freedom of flying through the air at speed... it was wonderful. Aurix flew out towards the white tents intent on investigating further. He was sure they were latrines, but he'd rather not have the Frost Queen surprising the group.

Free Action: Talk and maintain Hunter's Sense stance (Scent special ability)
Move Action: Move to R22 and then hide? [roll0]

Plushie Arz

2015-04-22, 12:50 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch003.png

Surprise Round
Katria (acted)
Feeona (acted)
Macrae (acted)
El'gor'an (acted)
Aurix (acted)
Shenra

Initiative
El'gor'an:[roll2]
Macrae: [roll3]
Order Archer: [roll7]
Captain Murdoch: [roll5]
Shenra: [roll4]
Katria: 16
Aurix:[roll1]
Order Warrior: [roll6]
Feeona: [roll0]

Aurix hid behind the latrine tents. He heard squirting and splattering noises from occupant of the tent to his right and a throaty man's voice called out. "Oi! Who's there?!"

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-04-22, 08:47 AM

When Katria whispers to Shenra, she only smiles. "I'll be alright. I won't reveal myself until it's time. Stay safe." she whispers back. As Macrae summons the enormous black tentacles in the area, Shenra points her finger towards the center of the tentacles and a tiny bead of orange light silently flies from her fingertips before erupting in the midst of it all. Flames engulfed the area, and a sort of magma effect took hold of the men caught in the flames, slowing them and aiding the tentacles in their grasps. She smiles and inhales softly. This is it.
Widened Silent Blistering Entangling Fireball for [roll0] (+6 Blistering, +2 Evocation focus) centered on Murdoch for 40 ft radius. DC19 Ref for half damage, DC19 Fort or -2 to attack rolls and checks. Anyone taking damage is entangled until my next turn DC19 Str to move unhindered (if I'm understanding Entangle correctly). AC: 22, Touch: 17, FF: 18
HP: 46/46
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10
SQ:

Buffs
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
11 Hours - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Plushie Arz

2015-04-22, 08:57 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch02.png

Order Warrior 1: [roll0] | Horse: [roll1]
Order Warrior 2: [roll2] | Horse: [roll3]
Order Warrior 3: [roll4] | Horse: [roll5]
Order Warrior 4: [roll6] | Horse: [roll7]
Order Warrior 5: [roll8] | Horse: [roll9]
Archers 1: [roll10] if saved, no damage | Horse: [roll11]
Archers 2: [roll12] if saved, no damage | Horse: [roll13]
Archers 3: [roll14] if saved, no damage | Horse: [roll15]
Captain Murdoch: [roll16] if saved, no damage | Horse: [roll17]

A massive ball of fire exploded around Murdoch and the tongues of fire seemed to persist around the swallowed soldiers, trying to hold them onto the ground much like the tentacles that were swarming around Murdoch and the archer. To Shenra's chagrin, most of the Order soldiers seemed to be protected to some extent from the blast and Murdoch himself emerged from the firestorm unscathed. His horse, and that of the archer trapped within the black tentacles however, were not so lucky and the bodies of the dead beasts lay on the ground where they fell.

DM: El'gor'an (and wolf)'s turn proper.

miinstrel

2015-04-22, 10:36 AM

That was the signal! He wanted to scream a horrifying battle cry, but while a dangerous swordsman, he was not the most intimidating figure to behold. Swift and silent had always served him better in the past, but his telltale smirk showed for any that caught a glimpse of him as he sprinted into the fray, the wolf close at his heels.

With the guards spread out and Macrae's spell protecting him he should have plenty of time to help Katria take out the captain. As he stepped into the thick field of tentacles they reached for him to no avail, the witch priests' protective spells allowing him to slither free of their grasp.

"It was a mistake coming here, Captain. Uhars' blindness will lead you to your deaths," he says as he brings his sai swiftly across Murdoch's plated torso.

Charge the soldier with no horse, end movement in P14.
Attack: [roll0], Damage [roll1]
If hit, free trip attempt: [roll2]
FRA: Battle Leader's Charge maneuver on Murdoch, end movement in R9. No AoO's provoked.
Attack: [roll3], damage [roll4] (adam, magic, bludg)

Free: Set dodge on Murdoch.

Immune to black tentacles thanks to Freedom of Movement.

AC: 29, Touch: 25, FF: 21 (+1 with Dodge feat)
HP: 88 / 88
Speed: 75
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +21, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)
10 minutes - Wolf (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Wolf)

Debuffs

Plushie Arz

2015-04-23, 12:22 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch03.png

Opposed Grapple: [roll0]

(At El'gor'an)
Attack 1: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Attack 2: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

With a snarl, the wolf tripped the dismounted warrior, throwing him on his armoured backsides.

El'gor'an dived into the thrashing black mass but his movements were completely unimpeded by the tentacles that swirled around him. A sai flashed and drove into Murdoch's shoulder and the Captain grimaced. "Yer bastard." He cursed, disappearing in a puff of shadows and reappearing some fifty feet away by the latrine tents. He pulled a length of spiked chain from his thick belt and twirled around. His wounds started to stitch together and the flow of blood stopped. "Yer gonna pay fer this!"

Two arrows flew for the warrior from the two mounted archers.

DM: Shenra, Katria, Aurix, Feeona.

Alias_Trench

2015-04-23, 08:53 AM

"Yer bastard." He cursed, disappearing in a puff of shadows and reappearing some fifty feet away by the latrine tents. He pulled a length of spiked chain from his thick belt and twirled around. His wounds started to stitch together and the flow of blood stopped. "Yer gonna pay fer this!"

Aurix's listen check = 25
Aurix hears El'goran strike at Murdoch and Murdoch curse. Suddenly Murdoch sounded like he was on the other side of the tent to Aurix's left.

Free Action to Talk

Aurix whispered to Macrae, who was the only person he could talk to, and who Aurix knew had his eyes on his position and probably on the other side of the tent.

"Macrae... What just happened? Murdoch sounds like he just appeared next to this tent."

Hide/Move Silently because same modifier [roll0]

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-04-23, 10:21 AM

Shenra cursed under her breath as the majority of her opponents shrugged off the flames. With a soft word and prayer to Ona, she shimmered out of view and lifted off into the sky, searching the grounds for the Frost Queen. She blinks as Murdoch bursts into shadow and reappears next to his tent, screaming at El. She tries to think back to her studies with Lerethi to see if she can remember a spell that could do that.
Cast Greater Invisibility on herself. Move to N21, approximately 20' up. Spellcraft to identify spell/SLA by Murdoch: [roll0]. Spot to see his wounds healing: [roll1].
AC: 22, Touch: 17, FF: 18
HP: 46/46
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10
SQ:

Buffs
11 rounds - Greater Invisibility
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
11 Hours - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/6 2/5 3/5 4/3 5/3 6/1

Vertharrad

2015-04-23, 05:36 PM

Katria

The action unfolding before her putting her on edge Katria keeps her senses sharp. The spells going off, comrades rushing in; her own body begins to react as a springing panther, she rushes through the air at Captain Murdoch wanting this done and over with. His disappearing to show up elsewhere kind of worries her. Her mind is so set on her target she barely notices passing over the spikes. Whenever she stops at Captain Murdoch her right fist strikes with all of her fury behind it.

full round action - charge to Q18(I figure with 180ft of movement should be enough to get there)
unarmed strike att[roll0] dmg[roll1], crit conf[roll2] crit dmg[roll3] fble confirm[roll4] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll5]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll6]+enemies cha} dex

AC 31, touch 21, flat-footed 26 (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, -2 charge, +1 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +7 exalted, +3 natural) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 75/75
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +12 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120? points of fire

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(7/7)

roses

2015-04-23, 06:21 PM

Feeona, round 1

Feeona hesitated, unsure whether to charge the captain at the heart of the twisting tendrils, or if her hostility here wouldn't cause the Order to sunder into three. So she watched. As flames churned throughout the black spell, and all that died was the unfortunate horse. As the grey elf glided into the black abyss and the captain manifested out. The others closed around the cruel captain like a noose after. It was when the Order warriors advanced that she finally flew over the stakes and into the camp like a dove. Stopping directly before an archer – not an arcanist, as she thought from afar – her shield was raised. She hoped he might take target practice with the one directly before him, rather than ride down the narrow alleyway that was between the tendrils and her sword.

Everyone seems to have Murdoch surrounded. So I'll just draw fire from the archers.

Move action to L9.
Standard action is total defense for +4 AC. AC 28 now.

[roll0]

Plushie Arz

2015-04-24, 07:16 AM

Alias_Trench

2015-04-24, 10:17 AM

THE PARTY
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch04.png

"The bastard's teleported in a cloud of shadows." Muttered Macrae. "A cheap trick for one of such low breeding..."

Shenra and Aurix recognised the effect as a shadow jaunt, a manoeuvre used by those learned in the Shadow Hand fighting style. It allowed its user to teleport short distances in preparation for combat.

As Katria rushed at Murdoch with her fist geared for a punch, an invisible force seemed to form around his body and negated the blow. Murdoch sneered at the scaled elf, exposing his yellowed teeth and pale gums. "Yer bloody lizard tricks ain't gonna help, wench."

DM: Aurix's turn. Followed by round 2.

"A cheap trick... like this?"

Aurix could see Katria charging towards his position and figured he was on the other side of the tent. Watching her facing and the fact that she tried to take a swipe at someone Aurix conjured his own cloud of shadows, an identical one appearing to the right of Katria.
Stepping out he did so silently and as swiftly as he could reached out to touch Murdoch, a black energy forming around his hand.

Free Action Talk and set Murdoch as Dodge target
Swift action: change stance to Pearl of Black Doubt. Bonus +2 to AC each time I am missed in combat.
Move action: Shadow Stride to Q19 (I've just realised that I need line of sight and effect to use the shadow jaunt chain of manoeuvres. Was originally going to go to S18 for the flank. Oh well) Move silently [roll0] to remain undetected until it's too late.
Standard action: initiate Hand of Death strike - melee touch attack against a flat footed opponent. If I hit they are paralysed for 1d3 rounds. (Fort save 18 to negate)
Bonus if applicable... activate Light within Darkness ability.

If I make a melee attack (need clarification if melee touch attacks count, also doesn't stipulate if I need to hit or not, just says if I make an attack) on the turn after I make a hide check (31 from surprise round) I burst into a searing corona of light. All opponents within 60 ft of me that failed to detect me are blinded for 1 round (Fort save 20 to negate) - keeping in mind I had total cover from the tent relative to most of the enemies on the map. Creatures who are aware of me are unaffected.
Also, not sure if I can stack Darkness within Light in the same turn as these dont stipulate actions but if I can I would like to. Also use Darkness within Light

close your eyes willfully and ignore other senses that cover the ability to pin point the location of a creature (I.e blind sight, blind sense and scent). You are effectively blinded but you gain a special benefit against targets that are also blinded or effectively blinded. Against such a foe you gain a +4 on melee attack rolls and+4 on melee damage rolls against such enemies. If you have stunning first feat, blinded opponents take a -2 on saves against your winning attacks. You suffer the penalties for being blinded and deafened until the next turn. Blindness and deafness cannot be negated through any means magical or mundane until that time. You gain benefit of this ability if you willingly turn off your absence of sight or some effect like the blindness spell robs you of your sight.
Melee Touch Attack [roll1] +4 if Murdoch is blind and i get to use Darkness within Light
Paralysis if I hit [roll2] rounds

Aurix Vuthaussir (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=76283)
Male NG Human Sword Sage 3, Warblade 2, Shadow Sun Ninja 5 (6), Legacy Champion 2, Level 12, Init 8, HP 115/115, DR DR 5/Magic, Speed 15 ft/ 30 ft hasted, 90 ft Fly (Good)
AC 10 +5 ARMOUR +3 DEX +4 WIS +2 Monk Bonus +1 DEFLECTION +1 DODGE = 26 +1 vs Murdoch, Touch 21, Flat-footed 26 (uncanny dodge), Immobile 16 Immobile touch 11.
Fort 12, Ref 14, Will 15, Base Attack Bonus 9.25/4.25
+2 Bullybasher's Gauntlet/Unarmed Strike (Discipline Weapon Focus) (Stunning Fist 7+1+1/day DC 19) +15/+8 (3d8+4+2, x2)
Mwk Spiked Chain (Discipline Weapon Focus) +14/+9 (2d6+6, x2)
Alchemical Silver Dagger (Discipline Weapon Focus) +14/+9 (1d6+4-1, 19-20 x2)
+1 Soulfire Mithral Chain Shirt (+5 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Deflect, +6 Wis and monk bonus)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 18, Cha 10
Condition
Blind/blind-fightBlind with Blind-fight -2 AC, lose dex bonus to AC, move at half speed, -4 penalty on Search checks and on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks. All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Spot checks) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) to the blinded character.
Blind-Fight - negates/minimizes penalties for being blind in melee.

In melee, every time you miss because of concealment, you can reroll your miss chance percentile roll one time to see if you actually hit.
An invisible attacker gets no advantages related to hitting you in melee. That is, you don’t lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class, and the attacker doesn’t get the usual +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker’s bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however.
You take only half the usual penalty to speed for being unable to see. Darkness and poor visibility in general reduces your speed to three-quarters normal, instead of one-half.
Persistent Haste
24 hours. +1 to attack, + 1 to AC, +1 to reflex saves. double base speed up to max enhancement of 30ft.
Persistent Freedom of Movement
Persistent Fly
Extended Protection from Fire
Additional Information
Soulfire - Immune to all death spells, magical death effects, and energy drain, and any negative energy effects (such as from chill touch or inflict spells).
Uncanny Dodge - retain Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, still lose Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
Dodge - can elect to gain +1 dodge bonus against one target
Lesser Legacy Weapon: Bullybasher's Gauntlets
+2 weapon enhancement
Sturdy Grip: +4 on opposed grapple checks to establish hold but no others
Knock Silly: when dealing damage to an opponent - target can be affected by touch of idiocy spell 2/day (use before attack, if miss - use wasted)
Solitary Warrior: when adjacent at least 2 foes and no ally within 30 ft effective enhancement bonus of Bullybashers increases by 1 and you deal an extra 1d6 damage with each successful attack made with the gauntlets.
Cheat Death: 1/day, automatically heal 1 hp when brought to between -1 and -9 HP.
Power of one: +2 enhancement bonus to Constitution
Rough and Tumble DR 5/magic

Sword Sage = 10.5 = 10
Warblade = 10 (9 if disallowing fractal)

Highest manoeuvre level 5th

Level Progression:
1-Swordsage
2-Warblade
3-Warblade
4-Swordsage
5-Swordsage
6-Shadowsun Ninja
7-Shadowsun Ninja
8-Shadowsun Ninja
9-Shadowsun Ninja
10-Shadowsun Ninja
11- Champion of Legacy
12- Champion of Legacy

Skill Points:
Sword Sage 46+7+7;
Warblade 5+5;
Shadow Sun Ninja 5+5+5+5+5;
Human 14 ;
Legacy Champion 5+5
Total=120 - 8 for Legacy Weapon - Total 112

Skill Synergies/bonus
+2 to K. History Regarding Legacy Weapon
Sense Motive -> +2 Diplomacy
Tumble -> +2 Jump and Balance
Knowledge Nature -> +2 Survival in above ground natural settings
Jump -> +2 Tumble
Knowledge History -> +2 to Bardic Knowledge Checks
Hide +5 (Cloak of Elven Kind)
Move silently +5 (boots of elven kind)
Jump +5 (ring of jumping)

Plushie Arz

2015-04-24, 11:34 AM

THE PARTY
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch05.png

Aurix teleported to the space beside Katria but his touch was again deflected by the magic energy that surrounded the Captain. The energy dissipated harmlessly from his hands but a second flash of light momentarily blinded the Captain and the two mounted knights. Murdoch staggered on his feet and cursed.

"He's a slippery little thing." Muttered Macrae to Katria and Aurix through the spell. "Shall I expend more of my spells?"

DM: Round 2.

Initiative
El'gor'an:[roll2]
Macrae: [roll3]
Order Archer: [roll7]
Captain Murdoch: [roll5]
Shenra: [roll4]
Katria: 16
Aurix:[roll1]
Order Warrior: [roll6]
Feeona: [roll0]

Alias_Trench

2015-04-25, 02:31 AM

Everything was dark. Aurix had shut off most of his senses to try and hit Murdoch but evidently he had failed as the man cursed and he wouldn't have been able to speak if he had succeeded. Through the magic conduit of sound that connected everyone to Macrae, Aurix heard "he's a slippery one, want me to expend more of my spells?" *draconic* "No Macrae, focus on shutting down the frost queen where ever she is... Also Murdoch appears to be a student of the nine swords, Katria and I should be able to take him down if i could just lay my hands on him... regardless I believe I have temporarily robbed him of his sight. I also can't see but I did that voluntarily. What you could do if you're not casting spells Is spot for me for a bit. Also we have more information now, relay it to the others and see if they have anything to report."

Plushie Arz

2015-04-26, 07:57 AM

THE PARTY
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch06.png

The archer below Feeona gazed upon her in wonder and fear. "Sweet Mornay..." He gasped, lowering his bow.

"I see her." Whispered Macrae to the rest of the party. "Let's see if we can make the witch a little less invisible." The form of the Frost Queen, floating twenty feet above the ground, was outlined in a handful of glittering hues.

Blinded, Murdoch felt around his surroundings but he was unable to pinpoint Katria's location and taking a five foot step back, he flung a spiked chain at Katria, which missed her by a head. She felt the wooshing of air as a second swing follow but she anticipated the move and quickly sidestepped it.

DM: Everyone else's turn. El'gor'an goes after Murdoch.

Vertharrad

2015-04-26, 09:36 AM

Katria

Aurix flies up to Murdoch reaching to touch him, then bursts into a blinding force of light. Even with the sounds of combat all around her Katrias senses are alert to immediate danger as two knights rush up on horse back to strike at her with long metal weapons. She feels the metal tips pierce her skin, but they don't go as deep as she would think. Then she remembers the ancestors whispering about non-magical weapons being unable to affect her as much. A carniverous smile wreaths her face as Murdoch backs off and flounders around wildly with his spiked link of chain. She flies around the tent to help Aurix flank Murdoch giving them a chance to hit her as Katrias recklessness opens her up to retaliation. Then she starts chanting eldritch words and weaving patterns with her hands and arms.

move action - move 65ft P19-S22-V19-U18-T17
standard action - shield; +4 shield bonus to AC

AC 33{37}, touch 23, flat-footed 28{32} (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, +1 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +7 exalted, +3 natural{, +4 shield}) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 67/75
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +12 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120 points of fire

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(6/7)

{}= if shield gets cast without interruption

miinstrel

2015-04-26, 12:33 PM

Not particularly adept in the ways of magic, El didn't know quite what to make of the strange tingling feeling, but as the Frost Queen's sparkling visage came into view, her eyes boring icy holes into him, he surmised she was the source. Ahh, there you are.... he thought to himself, focusing in on the priority target. Whatever she'd done to him was done though he felt no worse for wear at the moment. Best to keep her from doing anything further though.

Giving a quick glance south, El noticed Murdoch stumbling around; Kat and Aurix appeared to have that situation under control. As quickly as he'd entered the tangling black mass, El'gor'an leapt forward, the magic carrying him into the air and directly into the face of the witch.

Free: Set dodge on Frost Queen
FRA: Charge the Frost Queen, end movement in H12.
Attack: [roll0], Damage: [roll1]

Crit/Fumble confirm: [roll2]

AC: 29, Touch: 25, FF: 21 (+1 with Dodge feat)
HP: 88 / 88
Speed: 75
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +21, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)

Debuffs

roses

2015-04-26, 04:11 PM

Feeona, round 2

Feeona frowned for the fear she saw in his eyes, the archer not expecting a threat to come swooping down beside him, let alone a Sister of Dawn. They were ultimately allies. Her shield lowered, while her mind raced for how not to leave him unoccupied and dangerous.

“Two are trapped; one maybe suffocating.” Her face became resolute. The tip of her sword was stabbed at the far side of the writhing black tentacles.

“Over there. Help him!”

Full Round Action, so -10 for rushed diplomacy. Leaning on that he seems pretty neutral, if afraid...

Diplomacy: 20+13

1 Douse the Flames (enemy hit can't make AoO)
2 White Raven Tactics (ally in 10 feet gains another turn, but moves below my initiative)
3 Flanking Maneuver (hit flanked foe, ally gains extra attack)
4 Divine Surge (+8d8 damage)
5 Vanguard Strike (+4 Allies attack)
6 Rallying Strike (hit foe, burst heal me + allies in 30 feet 3d6+11)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

roses

2015-04-26, 04:13 PM

Full Round Action, so -10 for rushed diplomacy. Leaning on that he seems pretty neutral, if afraid...

Diplomacy: [roll0]

Plushie Arz

2015-04-27, 05:12 AM

THE PARTY
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch07.png

The archer below Feeona nodded, a mixture of fear, reverence and reluctance evident on his youthful face. "...Y-yes 'Mam. M'lady."

El'gor'an flew for the Frost Queen and lunged with his sai. He felt the magic blade piercing through an arcane barrier, and then a thick layer of rock-hard ice, and kept pushing until it scored soft flesh. A surprised yelp of pain left the arcanist but at the same time, a pall of blue fire rose around her, scorching the elven warrior with a wave of bitter cold. ([roll0] Cold Damage). The cold seemed to cling onto El'gor'an, sapping his strength and dulling his senses despite the warming morning air and the rising sun. Taking a step back from the warrior's furious slashes, the mage uttered a word of power and then blinked from existence. "Nine hells, a dimension door!" Grumbled Macrae. "She's ported out! She could be anywhere within half a mile."

The Order soldiers rode up to Katria and Aurix, jabbing at them with the tips of their lances while the dismounted commander swung at the dancer wildly with his sword. One of the mounted soldiers overreached while jabbing at Aurix and the weight of his plated armor threatened to drag him from horseback, leaving him with no option but to release his weapon to maintain balance. (O19 is disarmed)

Attack (Katria): [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] (Adjusted for DR)

Attack (Katria): [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] (Adjusted for DR)

Attack (Aurix): [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]

Attack (Aurix): [roll7]
Damage: [roll8] (double lance damage)

DM: El'gor'an suffers a -4 penalty to strength for 1 minute, or 10 rounds. Aurix and Shenra post round 2 actions. Rest can post round 3 actions.

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-04-27, 09:51 AM

Round 2
Shenra looks around wildly as the Frost Queen vanishes once El strikes her. Hoping to spot her but failing, she redirects her attention to Murdoch. "Arcaniss jaseve jacion," she whispers as she points her quarterstaff at the soldier.
Dispel Magic targeted: [roll0]
AC: 22, Touch: 17, FF: 18
HP: 46/46
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10
SQ:

Buffs
10 rounds - Greater Invisibility
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
11 Hours - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/6 2/5 3/5 4/4 5/3 6/1

Alias_Trench

2015-04-27, 10:28 AM

ROUND 2- Aurix
Aurix, eyes closed dodged past the lances that came spearing towards him. His doubt from before had resolved itself and Aurix gave the mounted soldiers no heed as he moved closer to Captain Murdoch. The soldiers however felt a seed of doubt with regards to their own personal prowess and capabilities as he harmlessly dodged past their attacks, blindly. Aurix's vision came back to him as he looked at the opposing Captain, who would also be regaining his vision. He drew on his purpose and spoke so that all around could hear him. While he did so, he drew himself into a neutral combat stance to recover the pacifying energy he just used ineffectually against Murdoch.

"Captain Murdoch! Hear me, I am Aurix Vuthaussir, Defender of the Mot'ia Tribe here in these jungles. The Order of the Morning Sun has initiated aggressions against the Lizardfolk wrongfully and are presently attacking my people under false edicts and pretences. This siege that you bring to us places many lives in jeopardy, the lives your own and those of my people. As a Defender of the Tribe, I am here to give you one chance to surrender and save lives. I will accept nothing but the unconditional surrender of you and your men. If you lay down arms here and now, you and your troops will be guaranteed your safety and survival and an opportunity to return to your homes and families at the conclusion of this campaign, so long as you do not raise arms against the Lizard folk or our allies. Should you refuse, you and your men will be making your final resting place in these jungles."

Free Action: Speak
Free Action: Maintain Pearl of Black Doubt Stance (+2 Dodge AC (stacking) everytime someone misses me until the start of my next turn)
Full Round Action: Manoeuvre Recovery - Hand of Death
Diplomacy Check I'm guessing? [roll0] - not expecting this to be great, but Aurix said he'd offer mercy.
EDIT: Ok so I've just reread the diplomacy rules. I wouldn't be able to do this diplomacy check, nor can I reach the DC to change from hostile to unfriendly what with the -10 for a rushed check... so I can only get a max 15 which is no where near enough to do anything with hostiles... so yeah I'm just talking.

roses

2015-04-27, 03:08 PM

Feeona, round 3

Feeona's mouth slowly rounded into an silent oh. Well, he definitely doesn't think I'm a firefly. Turning from the reverent archer with a sense of mission, she saw that many that could have died, lived. She smiled at the other's mercy. Only Murdoch need be undone. She zigged over the tentacles, never trusting their twitching mass to touch her, and zagged to the gathering of Order warriors. No attempt was made to mumble at Murdoch, as it would waste Aurix's effort. So she raised her shield again, and floated to a stop between rider and dismounted commander. She hadn't the lungs to convince immediately after flight, so she tried to draw them from attacking Katria, towards herself.

“Jasmine two-two,” she reminded from above.

I feel like everyone just wants to stop Murdoch and get back to the temple. No one really seems angry with the Order troops (for now). I'll try speaking to them after?

I'll edit it back in if nothing else works, but I'll let Plushie decide what fits for a good holy quote otherwise.

Standard action is total defense for +4 AC. AC 28 now.

Move action to 15 S. Provoke an AoO from Order warrior at 15T.

Diplomacy checks need a full round. With the Frost Queen gone, it's likely Shenra, El and Katria could stop Murdoch this round. I'll likely (?) try another diplomacy check if we don't successfully stop Murdoch and just retreat after.

[roll0]

roses

2015-04-27, 05:57 PM

so I may have posted twice when I was trying to edit.
[roll0]

Plushie Arz

2015-04-27, 07:16 PM

THE PARTY
A wave of abjurative magic washed over Captain but none of his defensive wards were dispelled. Murdoch spat at Aurix's overtures and tensed the chain in his hands. His gruff voice dripped with spite. "I don't listen to yer freaks an' bastards. Yer don't know us. We 'ave it good 'ere. Yer know what they used ter call me back in Farlaen? Ronnel fookin' Murdoch, the fookin' legend of Fox Alley."

He lashed out at Aurix with his chain without warning, the vicious weapon hurtling for the warrior's head.

Roll: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]+[roll2] (2d6 unholy, 2d6 vicious)
Concealment (?): [roll3]

Roll: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]+[roll6] (2d6 unholy, 2d6 vicious)
Concealment (?): [roll7]

Alias_Trench

2015-04-27, 07:29 PM

initiate Baffling Defence as an immediate action. Also I'm not in the child of shadow stance so no concealment.
Sense motive vs attack roll [roll0]
Baffling Defence fails, Aurix takes damage from the first attack.

Aurix saw the chain lashing out at him and tried to counter it, trusting in his ability to read people but the spiked chain came straight at his head and lashed around his neck and back. Searing pain flooded through his body as the chain bit at Aurix.

The chain swung back but as Murdoch readied to swing again Aurix dodged it by a simple step to the side outside the chains natural motion and trajectory. He moved with confidence and poise, playing upon the insecurity of all those who would seek to harm him that saw him move.
AC 28 touch 22 vs Murdoch; 27 touch 21 everyone else; Immobile 16 Immobile Flat footed 11

Alias_Trench

2015-04-27, 08:49 PM

THE PARTY
"I don't listen to yer freaks an' bastards. Yer don't know us. We 'ave it good 'ere. Yer know what they used ter call me back in Farlaen? Ronnel fookin' Murdoch, the fookin' legend of Fox Alley."

"I don't know what that is and to be honest I don't 'fookin' care. I've offered you mercy and you reject it." Feeona had come by and made reference to 'Jasmine 2:2', Aurix glanced at her as he spoke,
I tried... but some people just want to see the world burn

"So you have it good here huh? Well I'm sorry mate but the free ride is over. You're going to have to pay for how good you have it because my people aren't fronting your costs any more. Your selfishness and hubris will be your undoing. I hope your relationship with your Goddess is as good as you think it is, I might be sending you to her soon"

Aurix swiftly looked at the what the 4 knights and Murdoch were equipped with, being wary of any further nasty surprises like Murdoch's chain.

take 10 = 23

Plushie Arz

2015-04-27, 11:17 PM

Alias_Trench

2015-04-28, 12:08 AM

AURIX
All the mounted men, save the one who just dropped his weapon, were armed with steel tipped lances. He also noticed broadswords strapped to their belts and a smaller dagger for hand to hand fighting. As for Murdoch, he noticed the Captain had two shortswords at each hip and a fat snakeskin belt with pouches that rattled with each step.

Aurix started speaking under his breath in his native tongue to Macrae.

*Draconic* "She can't be THAT far away right? Even half a mile is a range at which someone can be spotted right? When I use my "cheap tricks" I need to be able to see where I'm going and have a direct line. Don't want to end up either part way through or inside something solid. Doesn't she have to do the same? If so then the safest place for her to port to is above the canopy. See if you can spot her. Also Murdoch is wielding some kind of magical spiked chain, it hurts way more than a spiked chain should. If you can send Shenra looking for the Frost Queen and check these guys for magic weapons and armour that would be good. I don't care to be taken on with any more nasty surprises."

DC 15 to hear the whispering, 20 if they're distracted by say... A sister of the Dawn appearing and referencing Jasmine 2:2? :smalltongue:

miinstrel

2015-04-28, 10:18 AM

The penetrating cold left his arms numb, and as he drew back for a second strike, she vanished from sight. If she was this frustrating how bad would Magnus be? A problem for another moment. The situation on the ground had turned somewhat, and there were far too many soldiers surrounding his beloved and the lizard boy. It seems the shouted offer of peace had failed. It was all the same to him... If Murdoch chose death over surrender he was free to do so.

Dashing back down to the ground, El positioned himself behind the grounded knight, winking at Katria as he touched down. He felt weak and worried he might not punch through their heavy armor, but precision was more valuable than strength if you knew where to apply pressure. Having fought against plenty of armored opponents he setup his strike, not certain his arm would respond, and thrust his sai under the knight's arm into the soft, padded area drawing a thin stream of red as it came out.

Free: Set dodge on grounded knight.
FRA: Charge the grounded knight, end movement in R15.
Attack: [roll0], damage [roll1]
crit/fumble: [roll2]

AC: 29, Touch: 25, FF: 21 (+1 with Dodge feat)
HP: 88 / 88
Speed: 75
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +21, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)

Debuffs

Vertharrad

2015-04-28, 05:59 PM

Katria

Round 3
The action getting heated Katrias attention is firmly rooted on Murdoch, she figures the others can hold their own...because if they can't the party is really in trouble. She still hears and sees whats going on in her line of sight and periphereal vision. The warriors attempts to skewer her come close but she still gets off her spell and smiles a bloodthirsty grin when Aurixs plea for reason makes her frown. The tension can be cut with a blade as she waits for the heated boasting that proves credible as Murdoch swings and connects with Aurixs head. She suddenly realizes that Macrae had been trying to communicate with her earlier and sheepishly replies whispering. "I'm sorry Macrae I was so focused on combat I almost missed what you we're saying. If she's departed just keep alert should she come back and aid us in finishing this." *Elven Her body humming for some action she springs forward like a feral jungle cat and intitiates a brutal unarmed and natural attack barrage on Captain Murdoch letting her body and it's graceful flow dictate the moves, a deadly dance meant to destroy her enemy.

free action - speak
full round action -
1st unarmed strike att[roll0] dmg[roll1], crit conf/fumble[roll2] crit dmg[roll3] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll4]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll5]+enemies cha} dex
2nd unarmed strike att[roll6] dmg[roll7], crit conf/fumble[roll8] crit dmg[roll9] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll10]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll11]+enemies cha} dex
3rd unarmed strike att[roll12] dmg[roll13], crit conf/fumble[roll14] crit dmg[roll15] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll16]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll17]+enemies cha} dex
4th claw att[roll18] dmg[roll19], crit conf/fumble[roll20] crit dmg[roll21] (slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll22]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll23]+enemies cha} dex
5th claw att[roll24] dmg[roll25], crit conf/fumble[roll26] crit dmg[roll27] (slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll28]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll29]+enemies cha} dex
6th bite att[roll30] dmg[roll31], crit conf/fumble[roll32] crit dmg[roll33] (piercing, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll34]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll35]+enemies cha} dex

AC 37, touch 23, flat-footed 32 (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, +1 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +7 exalted, +3 natural, +4 shield) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 67/75
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +12 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120 points of fire
Shield(9/10): +4 shield bonus to AC

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(6/7)

Plushie Arz

2015-04-29, 09:37 AM

THE PARTY

[roll0]

The soldier's steel armour protected his flesh but El'gor'an noticed a weak buckle under the arm's sword arm that did not fit his burly biceps and he took the opening when the man raised his sword to plunge his sai. For a moment, the man didn't register the laceration but gave pause when a constant stream of blood from an artery poured over his armour. His grip on his sword suddenly weakened and he dropped to the floor from the loss of blood.

Katria punched and tore at Murdoch but only two claws pierced the man's defences and Murdoch barely flinched. The golden ice congealed around the wounds, seeking to slow the Captain's movements but failed to set.

The Order soldiers did not strike at Feeona as she passed.

DM: Aurix. Shenra, round 3. Round 4 everyone else.

Alias_Trench

2015-04-29, 10:41 AM

Aurix Round 3
Katria's bloodthirsty grin and frown confuses Aurix but her positioning does help. He decides to attempt to pacify Murdoch, simply because the other soldiers may stand down without his orders driving them.

Swift - 5 ft step into R19
Full Attack

BAB 16 - Stunning Fist on a non lethal attack - To hit: [roll0] (inc. flank bonus) (crit/fumble conf [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Non Lethal Magical Bludgeoning - Fort Save DC 20 or be stunned for 1 round.
BAB 11 - If first attack stun's>initiate grapple, if not Stunning Fist again. Stunning attempt 2 (if first fails) To hit: [roll3] (crit/fumble conf [roll4] Damage: [roll5] Non Lethal Magical Bludgeoning - Fort Save DC 20 or be stunned for 1 round.

Grapple attempt if first attack stuns:
Step 1: Grapple initiate - [roll6]
Step 2: Grab Opponent - [roll7] Touch attack
Step 3: Hold Opponent - Opposed Grapple roll [roll8] (Sturdy Grip +4 to establish a hold)
Step 4: Maintain Grapple - Free movement into S18 (attracts AoO from anyone who threatens except for Murdoch)
Haste - +16 If first attack stun's>second attack grapples>third attack - pin opponent (uses up one attack), if not Stunning Fist again or attempt to grapple again.
Stunning attempt 3 (if first two fail) To hit: [roll9] (crit/fumble conf [roll10] Damage: [roll11] Non Lethal Magical Bludgeoning - Fort Save DC 20 or be stunned for 1 round.

Grapple attempt if not already grappled but stunned:
Step 1: Grapple initiate - [roll12]
Step 2: Grab Opponent - [roll13] Touch attack
Step 3: Hold Opponent - Opposed Grapple roll [roll14]
Step 4: Maintain Grapple - Free movement into S18 (attracts AoO from anyone who threatens except for Murdoch)

Vertharrad

2015-04-29, 06:55 PM

Katria

Round 4
Between Murdochs reply to Aurix's offer and Aurix advancing up to finish this Katria feels enboldened to bring it to a close as soon as possible before reinforcements show up. She continues her dance of death and renews the onslaught of unarmed strikes and natural attacks against Captain Murdoch.

full round action -
1st unarmed strike att[roll0] dmg[roll1], crit conf/fumble[roll2] crit dmg[roll3] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll4]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll5]+enemies cha} dex
2nd unarmed strike att[roll6] dmg[roll7], crit conf/fumble[roll8] crit dmg[roll9] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll10]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll11]+enemies cha} dex
3rd unarmed strike att[roll12] dmg[roll13], crit conf/fumble[roll14] crit dmg[roll15] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll16]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll17]+enemies cha} dex
4th claw att[roll18] dmg[roll19], crit conf/fumble[roll20] crit dmg[roll21] (piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll22]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll23]+enemies cha} dex
5th claw att[roll24] dmg[roll25], crit conf/fumble[roll26] crit dmg[roll27] (piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll28]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll29]+enemies cha} dex
6th bite att[roll30] dmg[roll31], crit conf/fumble[roll32] crit dmg[roll33] (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll34]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll35]+enemies cha} dex

AC 37, touch 23, flat-footed 32 (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, +1 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +7 exalted, +3 natural, +4 shield) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 67/75
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +12 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120 points of fire
Shield(8/10): +4 shield bonus to AC

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(6/7)

Plushie Arz

2015-04-30, 07:35 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Murdoch08.png

ROUND 3
Fort Saves: [roll0]
DM: Shenra needs to take her action for Round 3.

Two of Aurix's punches connected with the Captain but they failed to stun the man.

Plushie Arz

2015-04-30, 07:51 AM

ROUND 4
DM: El'gor'an is delayed after Murdoch and the Archers.

The archers heeded Feeona's last order and rushed to the aid of their comrades still trapped in Macrae's conjured tentacles. Still grinning, Murdoch spun around and lashed his chain again at Aurix, this time aiming for his chest.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]+[roll2]

Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]+[roll5]

roses

2015-04-30, 09:13 AM

Feeona, round 4

Feeona approached the commander and his comrade peacefully, and felt elated. With the holy word, she could save them. Her mouth opened – and there was a whoosh of air, a hint of motion, a glint of steel. Blood. Her mouth remained opened, speechless. The grey elf was beside her and the commander was on the floor, collapsed. To convince him would have ended the Order warriors' defence of the unworthy Captain. But were it Khallis in danger, would I act any different? As she looked at the bleeding pile of armour, the crusader couldn't divine if he was barely alive, or if he soared higher than she ever could. She floated protectively over the spot the commander had fallen, and projected her voice to the Order warriors.

“Murdoch is a shadowy thug. Stalking nightly, protected by betters, torturing recruits. Please don't defend this cruel soul!” She turned an inflamed gaze to the Murdoch after.

Full Round Action, so -10 for rushed diplomacy. If it can target only one person, then just speaking to the horse rider at 15T. Hopefully it's a good roll either way....

Diplomacy: [roll0]

5-foot-step to 16S.

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-04-30, 10:19 AM

Round 3
Cursing under her breath as her spell failed to disenchant the captain, she decides to try a different approach. Focusing on the knights surrounding the party, she flies around to the side of them and takes careful aim at two of them. She pulls two small rods from the reagent pouch on her quarterstaff and mutters "Shochraos valignat asta yobolat," as an enormous bolt of electricity erupts between the two knights.
Move to M19. Energy Sub [Fire] Blistering Arc of Lightning, preferably on the knight in N19 and T15. I think Feeona and El should be out of the straight line formed between them, but it would hit the other knight in the middle. Damage is [roll0], DC25 Reflex for half. If Reflex fails, the soldiers also take -2 to attacks and checks until next turn.
AC: 22, Touch: 17, FF: 18
HP: 46/46
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10
SQ:

Buffs
9 Rounds - Greater Invsibility
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
11 Hours - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/6 2/4 3/4 4/4 5/3 6/0

Round 4
As the lightning conducted between the knights, she smiled. Looking down towards Murdoch, she chooses another spell to attempt to disarm the man. Repositioning herself and reveling in the misery and anguish caused by this man, she funnels it in a cone towards him. "Vucot apato," and an invisible force washes over the knights and Murdoch, and she prays to Ona that it worked.
Move to T18 and cast Crushing Despair to hit at least Murdoch and one of the knights if not both that are left of El and Feeona. DC20 Will or -2 to everything. Skills, saves, checks, attacks and damage.
AC: 22, Touch: 17, FF: 18
HP: 46/46
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10
SQ:

Buffs
9 Rounds - Greater Invsibility
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
11 Hours - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/6 2/4 3/4 4/3 5/3 6/0

miinstrel

2015-04-30, 10:22 AM

After ending the knight, El was about to move on to the two mounted men when Feeona spoke, and it gave him pause. He took a moment and looked hard at the human woman trying to save lives. In the end wasn't that all he wanted as well? His eyes narrowed for a moment in thought before giving her an agreeable nod, "We spare as many as we can."

He turned his attention to Murdoch and dove in as the Captain was distracted striking at Aurix, reaching past the whirling chain to deliver a blow from the swirling shadows enveloping El's body.

Free: Set dodge on Murdoch.
Move: Tumble to Q17 (can't fail the check)
Standard: Attack Murdoch [roll0], damage [roll1]

crit/fumble: [roll2]

AC: 29, Touch: 25, FF: 21 (+1 with Dodge feat)
HP: 75 / 88
Speed: 75
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +21, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)

Debuffs

Alias_Trench

2015-05-01, 09:39 PM

Free Action: Talk

Aurix saw the chain lash out towards him but Murdoch's swings went wide.

"So you're the so called 'Legend of Fox Alley'. Surely a legend could hit someone right in front of them with that nasty chain. So go ahead. Try and hit me again."

Addressing the other knights there, he issued the same challenge
"You can all try and hit me if you like... if you're game."

Turning to look, Aurix saw one of the soldiers fall to El'goran's sai. The look on Feeona's face was so obvious that it was painful to look at.

Murdoch is the target, these men, if they continue to take arms against us do so willingly after that.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-01, 10:56 PM

ROUND 4
"Yer'on bastard."

Murdoch was fixated on killing Aurix and was no longer paying close heed to the enemies slowly surrounding him in combat. El'gor'an took advantage of an opening in the Captain's defences and slipped a sai through the chain shirt and into the man's ribs.

Reflex Saves (men): [roll0]
Reflex Saves (horses): [roll1]

As Feeona pled for their surrender, lightning coursed through the three mounted soldiers and their horses. Two of the horses dropped dead, throwing their riders from their saddles. The heavy steel plates of the mounted knights conducted the electricity and shocked the three men into unconsciousness. The smell of ozone filled the air and the crusader turned to see Shenra, her two fingers still crackling with sparks.

Katria's flurry of claws, punches and kicks finally toppled Murdoch and she seized the struggling man in a choke hold. She bit down on his exposed neck and Murdoch's screams turned into wet gasps as the dancer tore out his larynx and spat the mass of flesh onto the ground. The Captain's blood soaked into the front of her clothes, leaving a dark red stain on the dirtied fabric and the group heard Macrae's whispers. "Better get out, we've got reinforcements coming in."

The men around Murdoch were barely breathing but Aurix saw slight movement and with proper attention, they should stablise. However, the party saw reinforcements coming in from the remainder of the rearguard and their instincts warned them they shouldn't press their luck.

DM: +1200XP to the party. +500XP to Shenra for felling the three men on horseback. +500 to Feeona for negating the archers. On Murdoch's body, the group found;

-+2 Unholy, Vicious Spiked Chain
-+1 Mithril Chain Shirt
-+1 Bloodfeeding Shortsword
-Masterwork Shortsword
-Ring of Natural Armour +2
-Ring of Avoidance (MIC page 122)
-Leather Cap of Battle (MIC page 111)
-Belt of Hidden Pouches (RotW p173)

Alias_Trench

2015-05-02, 05:06 AM

Round 4:
The sound of lightning pealed through the air cutting Feeona's words short. The strangled screams of Murdoch adding an awful tenor to the bass and then wet percussive gasps. Aurix looked to see Katria with a bloody voicebox holding part of that man's last breath. Around him he could hear the laboured breathing of the soldiers near by and smelt cooked horse meat. In the distance the rallied shouts of men called into action sounded across the cut in the forest.

"Katria... Hand him over, we need to go."

Aurix took hold of Murdoch's body and grabbed the chain hanging limply in his hands. The chain was cold and a sickly feeling shot up his arms from holding it. Grimacing Aurix let a cloud of shadows engulf him,

"let's go"

Aurix reappeared 50 ft to the west and ...

Round 5
began moving into the tree line under the power of the flight spell.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-02, 07:35 AM

THE PARTY
The sun was rising over the valley and the shouting of the soldiers back in the rearguard grew fainter as the party retreated into the bushes...

KATRIA
Calthera's voice was raised in alarm. "Kat, the storm's ending at Gorgon's Pate but I've got bad news. Fire elementals have breached the Temple from the south and they're engaging the stone defenders. The giants and ettins from the north haven't taken the bait and they're moving towards us rather than the Order. Krastix has sent some of the warriors to deal with them but each attack is depleting our numbers against Uhars. We still haven't seen Ross or Magnu-oh..."

Vertharrad

2015-05-02, 11:53 AM

Katria

Spitting out Murdochs throat she hands the body over to Aurix. Hearing Macraes warning and the sound of approaching soldiers she barks before fleeing towards where Aurix appears. "Have to go! The reception will not be nice." When Lady Caltheras message comes in she stops the group and concentrates.

-Dancer and Warrior exclaim at the same time- Just great! -barely a few seconds in between Dancer responds- I'll send Aurix and Feeona to deal with the elementals, they hesitate too much around the order. Macrae and Shenra will be sent to aid you with Magnus and Uhars. Me and El will go contend with the giants. Hold them off as long as you can. We'll reprioritize to the two problem children when our tasks are done.

Facing the party with a grave expression on her face Katria rattles off commands without much pause in between. "Aurix and Feeona, the fire elementals have breeched the southside of the temple and are fighting the stone guardians go stop them. Macrae and Shenra Magnus and Uhars has made their appearance help Madam Magdellar and Lady Calthera stall them or kill them. El me and you are going to fight giants and ettins coming from the north. When we're done we turn to fight the Order, or whats left. No time to waste go go go!"

when done she gets the party moving towards the temple area post haste.

Alias_Trench

2015-05-04, 12:06 AM

Aurix unceremoniously dumped Murdoch's body on the ground, found anything looking remotely useful and stripped it off him, if anything it was just more weight to carry. El'goran relieved him of the foul spiked chain and he instantly started feeling better.

"That chain is not pleasant. I advise not using it in battle El'goran. Lest you like having your strength sapped from you."

Katria, who had direct link to Calthera and was subsequently in charge of their little skirmishing party, gave her orders to split up and engage each of the three threats. Aurix wanted to be there to defend the temple itself but understood that there were threats coming from all sides. He looked at Katria. It felt like she was holding something back but decided to ignore it for now.

EDIT: "Right so elementals. You brought them up before with those altered ones... I haven't fought one before, is there anything Feeona and I should know about them before we go? Also let me heal you guys before you go."

Elementals are Knowledge Planes, which is a skill Aurix does not have ranks in. Could I have a check from one of you guys? Healing out of Combat - Maximised - receive 24 HP every 2 rounds while information is relayed

EDIT: After healing everyone up, Aurix picked up Murdoch's corpse in a fireman's hold and moved with the rest of the party towards the temple. /EDIT

**** On the way to the temples****

As the party was flying to the temple Aurix sidled up by Shenra. there was something that she did in that battle that he disagreed with vehemently and could not keep silent about. Aurix had lived his entire life in these jungles and the creatures that inhabited the area were just as much his friends as the people who he grew up with. Nature was his second home outside the temples. He loved it here. The news about the invasion of the jungles of drove him home. Seeing the destruction incensed him but fighting the Order soldiers, he understood they were following orders to destroy the jungles. Aurix did not seek to take their live's because he knew that doing so was a waste and that being dead, they could not make repatriations for what they had done. His thoughts were drawn to the horses that carried the Order into battle. They were most likely raised by them and were loyal, but intelligent as they may be, they could not be expected to understand the morality of this situation. They were not here destroying his home, or even present here in these jungles of their own accord so he could not lay blame on them for their presence. He also did not wish them the fate at which they had suffered by Shenra's hands.

"Shenra if I might talk to you privately for a moment..."

EDIT: Aurix motioned for the two to move to a position out of earshot of the rest of the party.
As they moved Aurix thought over what he wanted to say. /EDIT
Aurix had lived his entire life in these jungles and the creatures that inhabited the area were just as much his friends as the people who he grew up with. Nature was his second home outside the temples. He loved it here. The news about the invasion of the jungles of drove him home. Seeing the destruction incensed him but fighting the Order soldiers, he understood they were following orders to destroy the jungles. Aurix did not seek to take their live's because he knew that doing so was a waste and that being dead, they could not make repatriations for what they had done. His thoughts were drawn to the horses that carried the Order into battle. They were most likely raised by them and were loyal, but intelligent as they may be, they could not be expected to understand the morality of this situation. They were not here destroying his home, or even present here in these jungles of their own accord so he could not lay blame on them for their presence. He also did not wish them the fate at which they had suffered by Shenra's hands.

"Shenra, about that last battle. I know you were doing what you thought was right, and you definitely did a number on the soldiers there but those horses did not deserve what you did to them. They aren't here of their own accord and they are I don't think killing horses helps 'restore the balance' that you are oft fond of preaching in Ona's name. They are being used by the Order and that this place is probably the last place in Sundara they would want to be. I'm sure Branna would tell you just as much. Could you next time, try to consider if anyone in the line of your arcane power may actually be innocent or undeserving of such wrath before unleashing it. I would appreciate it if you did."

EDIT: Having said his piece, he waited to see if Shenra had a response before returning to the rest of the party. /EDIT

"Well Miss Danel, Defender of the Faith, we should make haste."

EDIT: Aurix still holding the body of Murdoch flew off with Feeona. He held onto it so that he could place it at the temple, both to ensure he did not get raised any time soon by the Order, and respect the human burial tradition. He knew that the Order would pay his people no such similar courtesy but it was a showing in itself that he, and his people were better than they thought they were and that they would not stoop to their level. He imagined that once this was all over Murdoch's body would be released to his people so that his family could grieve. He would drop it off as near the temples as he could whilst on the way to fight the Fire elementals on the southern front. /EDIT

Plushie Arz

2015-05-04, 10:05 AM

THE PARTY
The sun rose and as the group flew over the vanguard, they saw that the battle raged below. The humans had formed small but heavily defended squads and assaulted the lizardfolk positions with hails of crossbow fire and spellcraft. While the lizardfolk tribes sought the protection of the Temple and harassed the Order in an effort to lure them into the magically trapped grounds, the worshippers of Mornay did not take the bait. Instead, they attacked the retreating lizardfolk at range while meeting the charging scaled warriors with prayers, spears and steel.

Spells were flung from both sides and stone serpents were smashed to rubble by the claws of the automatons. Elementals indiscriminately choked the lives from warriors be they human, elves or lizardfolk and fireballs were met with walls of abjuration. The rising sun showed the pools of red that gathered at the bottom of the valley and Feeona and Aurix both knew that neither Mornay nor Maizoluta would rejoice this day. The only god that would reap the harvests of battle was the god of death.

A spell battle was raging in the skies above the Temple. The party could not see the individual combatants due to the distance but the great gouts of hellfire, the hundreds of magic missiles that streaked through the air like meteors and a translucent silvery shield that floated in the air only hinted at the awesome arcane energy being unleashed.

KATRIA, EL'GOR'AN
Katria and El'gor'an flew to the north. The area was more heavily wooded than the slopes where they did battle against the automatons but they could hear the sounds of crashing branches nearby. As they descended to the forest floor, dozens of green scaled lizardfolk warriors fled from the undergrowth, towards the temple. Many were wounded and their leader, a robed witch-priest, clutched his wounded sides. "Retreat! Retreat so we may fight for the Emerald Goddess!" He called, to his limping companions. "There's too many of them to fight alone!"

SHENRA, MACRAE
"By the nine hells! The power..." Exclaimed Macrae as he saw the spell battle that raged. He turned to Shenra, his expression grim. "It is a battle I have awaited for many months. A chance to avenge my father, Alis, Sopha, Sylva, Macrus, Macrean... For all those who passed long ago... What say you Shenra? Will you show me what you learned in your apprenticeship?"

FEEONA, AURIX
"They are the elements given form." Warned Macrae, when Aurix enquired of the elementals. "Immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning. They cannot be flanked and cannot be hurt like normal people. Best strike them with whatever weapons you have and hope the damage forces them to return from whence they came."

Aurix flew reluctantly with Feeona, still in disagreement with Katria's orders. He could see the battles of attrition below between the Order soldiers and his people and despite Sergeant Bowen's redirection of the missiles to a more isolated area of the temple, his people were paying an all too heavy a price for repelling the invaders. The first squads of the Order soldiers had breached the temple grounds and although many were struck down by the curses that emanated from the Black Monolith, they persisted, trying to reach one of the less defended pyramids.

The storm was gradually easing above Gorgon's Pate and the temperature was climbing. Aurix and Feeona both beheld a glowing group of fire elementals burning down the shrubs and trees in the southwest two hundred feet away. It was hard to tell how many there were but they were constantly growing and merging with each other. The combined mass of elementals was the size of a small chapel now and it consumed the air around it, spilling spouts of fire into the sky. If not stopped, it could grow even larger.

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-04, 10:35 AM

Shenra smiles as the forces crumble beneath her, but her eyes widen as Katria rips out Murdoch's throat with grace she could not have imagined would accompany such an act. She flies down to the body and examines it. "If I may, I would very much like that belt... keeping my reagents on my staff can be cumbersome. Anything else that I can carry, I gladly will." She picks up the belt and whatever else the party asks her to. As Katria's eyes show her grimace, Shenra assumes that the news from Calthera was not good. As Katira relays the message, her fears are confirmed. She turns to Macrae. "We should make haste."

As Aurix, Shenra, Macrae, and Feeona fly back towards the temple, Aurix approaches her.
"Shenra, about that last battle. I know you were doing what you thought was right, and you definitely did a number on the soldiers there but those horses did not deserve what you did to them. They aren't here of their own accord and they are I don't think killing horses helps 'restore the balance' that you are oft fond of preaching in Ona's name. They are being used by the Order and that this place is probably the last place in Sundara they would want to be. I'm sure Branna would tell you just as much. Could you next time, try to consider if anyone in the line of your arcane power may actually be innocent or undeserving of such wrath before unleashing it. I would appreciate it if you did." Shenra listened solemnly. "It is true that the horses did not deserve to die," she says. "However, in the act of restoration the ends often justify the means. I will admit I hold no soft spot in my heart for horses, or for other tools in use by evil hands. I am glad you are on our team, but you do not seem to truly understand the grave actions the Order has taken against me, my home, my family..." her voice trails off. She struggles more than she would ever admit, being a human raised among the elves in these times. Especially with the annihilation of the grey elves, not many elves would ever claim one such as her. Yet, they were.... are, her family. "I will not in any way intentionally harm the animals. I have no disdain for them, but as tools they still affect the scales. Should it come to watching the Order on horseback harm and potentially kill my friends or family, or striking first at the risk of collateral damage, I will strike. Life is life, though I will admit different lives have different weights on the scales. Ona has tasked me with reversing the tip the Order has placed on them, and restoring balance as best that I can. I do vow to you that without need, I will not take any lives of any who are not the Order. I cannot, however, promise that it will never happen again." Shenra sighs. She is glad that she had the opportunity to protect her friends, though now she feels conflicted. She likes Aurix, and is glad that he has taken up arms beside her. But her purpose seems to conflict with his, and she is anxious of the rift it may cause in the future, similar to the wedge she feels between herself and Feeona.

Edit:
As Shenra and Macrae approach the magic warfare, Macrae's question brings another vicious grin to her lips, followed by a single word: "Absolutely."

miinstrel

2015-05-04, 11:37 AM

"That chain is not pleasant. I advise not using it in battle El'goran. Lest you like having your strength sapped from you."

El felt the same damning weight of the chain links as Aurix handed it to him. Extracting a cloak from his bag, he carefully wrapped the weapon in it, fastened it tight so it wouldn't slip out, and stuffed it deep into his bag. "Best we keep this out of the way for now. We can figure out what to do with it later."

KATRIA, EL'GOR'AN
Katria and El'gor'an flew to the north. The area was more heavily wooded than the slopes where they did battle against the automatons but they could hear the sounds of crashing branches nearby. As they descended to the forest floor, dozens of green scaled lizardfolk warriors fled from the undergrowth, towards the temple. Many were wounded and their leader, a robed witch-priest, clutched his wounded sides. "Retreat! Retreat so we may fight for the Emerald Goddess!" He called, to his limping companions. "There's too many of them to fight alone!"

El quickly approached the priest, noting the severity of his wounds. He wasn't a healer, but he might at least stop a bit of bleeding. He laid his hand over one of the wounds, a tiny mote of healing energy ushering forth. It wouldn't do much, but it was all he could do to help at this point. As he did this he asked,
"Elder, how many giants come?
Are they aided by any magi or priests? Or other beasts?
Were you able to speak to them about attacking the Order or did they refuse to negotiate?"

The situation sounded dire on the northern front... any information would be useful.

Use my lay on hands to cure a whopping 1 point of damage on the witch priest. Compared to Aurix's 24 per round, haha.

Vertharrad

2015-05-04, 12:20 PM

Katria

Katria gives Aurix a gracious look. "Thank you for the healing."

A grim look infuses Katrias face as they fly over the battlefield watching Order goons kill someone elses protectors and watching their minions destroy without conscience. Turning her head lsightly in El's direction while keeping her vision slightly forward to not impede her progress. "Are you ready for this? I haven't fought giants personally yet..."

Her heart heavy with whats going on Katria descends near the witch-priest. El's words remind her that not all solutions come about by violent action. She regards him with a empathic look. "You are not alone, but flee if you must your temple and people need you more. As my companion has asked what can you tell us of the giants approaching? And do they have a leader we can speak with?"

miinstrel

2015-05-04, 02:00 PM

El could sense the trepidation in her voice and responded cheerily to lighten the macabre mood that had settled upon this once serene temple. "Giants? No. Though I've faced ogres. And what are giants but large ogres? They are slow and stupid, yes? We are fleet of foot and mind. I think we have an easy job compared to the others."
As they sail northward he rolls onto his side and observes the flashing lights in the sky as whom he presumes are Lerethi and Magnus unleash their terrifying might.

Vertharrad

2015-05-04, 02:09 PM

Katria

Turning to look at El'gor'an Katria smiles, reassured by his words. "Don't underestimate them Mister Doranu, they have resisted the efforts to redirect them and if theres something I've learned from this war it's that people can be more crafty and resourceful than you can predict." El can hear the respect in her words as she uses his honorific title.

miinstrel

2015-05-04, 04:48 PM

"This is true, Miss Katria," he replies, mirroring the respectful tone with a hint of playfulness. "But the giants and the lizards, they already do not like each other, yes? That plea is likely to fail from the beginning. We are separate. Though the elves and giants both live in the forest it is far apart. Perhaps with us they will consider using ears first instead of fists."

Vertharrad

2015-05-04, 06:07 PM

Katria

Turning back around with a mischievous grin on her face she replies. "I sure hope so El, if not be prepared for violent action...I don't know what to expect. It's very coincidental they show up when the Order has us at their mercy..."

Plushie Arz

2015-05-04, 06:56 PM

EL'GOR'AN, KATRIA
Although El'gor'an's healing was minor, the witch-priest nodded in appreciation.

"We thought it was a small band and treated them so. They struck quickly and killed many of our warriors. At least five giants and three trolls. Many more ogres and one that had the gift of flight. Balunghus the Two Faced leads them. A vicious savage. Enemy of our people"

Vertharrad

2015-05-04, 07:11 PM

Katria

"Could you describe this Balunghus for us so that we can deal with him and his companions?"

Whether or not the witch-priest gives a description once they have fled Katria makes haste to meet up with this Balunghus and his "tribe" of giants. Flying in slow when they have been spotted so as not to startle them in their angered state.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-04, 07:25 PM

KATRIA, EL'GOR'AN
DM: +2 Circumstance Bonus to Hide and Move Silently Checks
(Katria)
Hide: [roll0]
Move silently: [roll1]
Spot: [roll2]

(El)
Hide: [roll3]
Move silently: [roll4]
Spot: [roll5]

The elves settled in the branches of a teak tree thirty feet above the ground and waited. In the dense growth about a hundred feet away, Katria spotted the outlines of a huge two-headed giant clad head to toe in a mix of boiled leather chestpiece, dented steel greaves pitted with iron and what looked like a single spiked adamantine gauntlet. One of the creature's two heads was covered by a boar tusk helm while the other had a blood-soaked beard and a scar that ran down one of its eyes. Three ettins, two trolls and five giants followed the figure and Katria saw at least a dozen ogres in the warband.

For a moment, she locked eyes with one of Balungus's heads.

Vertharrad

2015-05-04, 08:00 PM

Katria

Katria thinks the spectacle of Balunghus quite dramatic...and brutish. She wasn't surprised when one of the heads looks right at her. She slowly and carefully alights from the tree putting her hands up to show she has no weapons. Not knowing what to expect she spreads her hands questioningly. Raising her voice to communicate. "Well met Balunghus, I'm Katria. May I approach?"

Alias_Trench

2015-05-05, 12:27 AM

THE PARTY
The sun rose and as the group flew over the vanguard, they saw that the battle raged below. The humans had formed small but heavily defended squads and assaulted the lizardfolk positions with hails of crossbow fire and spellcraft. While the lizardfolk tribes sought the protection of the Temple and harassed the Order in an effort to lure them into the magically trapped grounds, the worshippers of Mornay did not take the bait. Instead, they attacked the retreating lizardfolk at range while meeting the charging scaled warriors with prayers, spears and steel.

Spells were flung from both sides and stone serpents were smashed to rubble by the claws of the automatons. Elementals indiscriminately choked the lives from warriors be they human, elves or lizardfolk and fireballs were met with walls of abjuration. The rising sun showed the pools of red that gathered at the bottom of the valley and Feeona and Aurix both knew that neither Mornay nor Maizoluta would rejoice this day. The only god that would reap the harvests of battle was the god of death.

A spell battle was raging in the skies above the Temple. The party could not see the individual combatants due to the distance but the great gouts of hellfire, the hundreds of magic missiles that streaked through the air like meteors and a translucent silvery shield that floated in the air only hinted at the awesome arcane energy being unleashed.

FEEONA, AURIX
"They are the elements given form." Warned Macrae, when Aurix enquired of the elementals. "Immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning. They cannot be flanked and cannot be hurt like normal people. Best strike them with whatever weapons you have and hope the damage forces them to return from whence they came."

Aurix flew reluctantly with Feeona, still in disagreement with Katria's orders. He could see the battles of attrition below between the Order soldiers and his people and despite Sergeant Bowen's redirection of the missiles to a more isolated area of the temple, his people were paying an all too heavy a price for repelling the invaders. The first squads of the Order soldiers had breached the temple grounds and although many were struck down by the curses that emanated from the Black Monolith, they persisted, trying to reach one of the less defended pyramids.

The storm was gradually easing above Gorgon's Pate and the temperature was climbing. Aurix and Feeona both beheld a glowing group of fire elementals burning down the shrubs and trees in the southwest two hundred feet away. It was hard to tell how many there were but they were constantly growing and merging with each other. The combined mass of elementals was the size of a small chapel now and it consumed the air around it, spilling spouts of fire into the sky. If not stopped, it could grow even larger.

After Macrae informed Aurix of the resistances of the Elementals, Aurix mentally went through all the manoeuvres he had mastered. Paralysis was not an option, so no Hand of Death. Flanking didn't work and Fire elementals so most of his Desert Wind Manoeuvres were out.
All we can do is just hit them
Aurix mentally prepared himself as they approached the temple.

****

Seeing the combined mass of the elementals Aurix paled a little,
"I think we might be in over our heads..."

Aurix knew that fire would rob the air of what made it breathable and that heat was oft to rise.

"We'd best get low to the ground, the air will be more breathable and it will be less hot"

As they descended to ground level he looked around to see if there were any allies near by and to assess the situation from the ground a little better.

Spot: [roll0]

roses

2015-05-05, 02:11 PM

Feeona, at the skirmish

Feeona didn't have time to thank the grey elf. Lightning struck thrice, and silence thundered. The rumble of fists breaking bones came after. She glanced back to Katria and Murdoch, and her eyes widened in horror as the elf seized him in a hold and tore his throat out with her teeth. Feeona's gauntleted hand clamped on her mouth after. It flew off a moment later. She barely turned away from anyone before she coughed, gagged, retched. It burned her throat on the way out, the evening pottage served at the Chapel splattering at the commander's feet. She gasped and spat, let the others gather the body, and simply followed them back to the bushes. The darkness closed in again, and the woman that bathed in blood barked out orders that they would be hacked into three. No one dared question her.

Feeona whipped her mouth on a leaf, and glanced back at the dead and defeated. The earth sipped blood as a noble did wine, while one of the most strong willed women she had ever met was losing her grasp of sanity, and the few people capable of completely halting the bloodshed died before it could become. For all of it, she didn't know what would spare all that suffering. Some angel, she thought in sorrow. The others started to fly towards the temple. As she flew after them, she looked at her armoured arms as much as she did in front of her, at the halo around them the archer had taken so well to. A simple protective spell woven by allies. But elves and lizard folk didn't make angels, Mornay did. Feeona didn't know what to do because she wasn't meant to.

It was all a trick of the light.

***

The storm weakened above the mountain, and the sun rose with the temperature. Feeona grew suspicious at the warmth, for it wasn't the gentle caress of sunlight back home, of so far away, but the muggy oppression of a forest burning. In the distance were the endlessly splitting, forming, reforging forces of living flame and their columns of churning black that marred the sky. She bristled. The god of chaos felt so confident in turning good people against themselves that he outright raised an army before them.

You defy the sunlight goddess by day, and burn the serpent goddess's forests before her avatar. Feeona's face became as certain as providence. This hate will be answered. Aurix spoke of breathable air and heat and descended. From the sky, she gave an eager glance around, gauging the distance to the nearest temple. It was clear two people couldn't undo an entire army of living flame alone. They would have a chance should Aurix convince the lizard statues and herself an Order platoon, but the sword was only one path. Temples alone often answered hatred the most kindly. She descended after with an idea sparking inside.

“We might need to take after the lizard folk, ” she trailed off, trying to recall religious lore regarding the strange temples' interactions with the elements; to know if they might ever absorb flame, rather than feed it.

Spot, Take 10. Result 10.
Knowledge: Religion, Take 10. Result 24.

Spot, how far away is the nearest temple (roughly)? Too far to go to? Or nearish? Katria mentioned they were close by the temples, but I feel like things changed.

Religion, I guess I'm hoping if there's any mythic history/ecclesiastic tradition of the temples ever absorbing flames? They have moats for lightning and flame, so that made me curious if it's possible.

Really I'm not thinking what's obvious (?), but trying to put together what's happened in a wider context, and use that to stop the fire elements. The idea is to lure the flames (like the lizard folk would lure the order) to the temple and absorb them in the conduits and the avatar purifies them. It all comes down to asking the lizard folk if the idea's possible/for permission to do it at all.

If no good (too much/not possible), just have to adapt.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-05, 07:11 PM

EL'GOR'AN, KATRIA
Katria shouted out her greeting but it appeared that Balunghus and the ettins did not comprehend her words. She tried again in draconic, elven and whatever other tongues that she knew but each attempt ended in confusion. With her clothing caked in Murdoch's drying blood, the warband interpreted the gestures as those of hostility and a thrown boulder crashed into the branches where the elves waited, barely missing them.

DM: Will prepare map and initiative tonight.

SHENRA, MACRAE
The magi flew to the scene of the spell battle and saw the arcane conflagration that raged in the skies. Two hundred feet away, Lerethi and Calthera were back to back midair as multiple red and black streaks hurtled around them with frightening speed, throwing bolts of red lightning that broke against a silvery bubble with sprays of sparks.

Shenra's eyes were barely able to keep up with the blur that was presumably Magnus but saw her mentor's practised casting complementing Calthera's own frantic abjurations. A bolt of red lightning ruptured the bubble around Calthera but Lerethi spun around to meet it. It was absorbed into the older mage's spell mantle and she converted the energy to repair another patch of the damaged sphere.

"Youuuuur appprentices caaaaan'tsaaaave youuuuu buuuuutthey'll killlll you!" Magnus was moving so fast that his taunts were distorted and Shenra only heard the vowels being drawn out and each syllable smashing into another. For a split second, he slowed enough for the magii to catch a glimpse of his form and Shenra was almost sure that she saw two extra sets of arms extending from his body to supplement his spellcasting. There were eight copies of him blinking in and out of existence, an effect Shenra recognised as a greater mirror image. "I'll killll youuuu like the oooothers and aaaadddd your knowledge to miiiiine."

"The damn girl's a liability." Grumbled Macrae. "So long as Lerethi defends her, she can't risk attacking Magnus. He's too well protected. I see stormrage, a greater globe of invulnerability, fire shield, stoneskin, haste and that's only the start of it...."

Shenra recognised the spell that Magnus was using with such devastating efficiency as an Arcane Stormrage. Normally a spell granted by the gods and reserved for clerics and druids, it seemed that someone had managed to replicate its effects with transmutation and for arcane use. Magnus had further corrupted its powers for his own ends, creating bolts of red lightning that are more damaging than what may otherwise be possible.

miinstrel

2015-05-05, 07:41 PM

As the boulder hurtled toward the tree, El grabbed Katria's arm and drug her up into the air, the branches and leaves cascading to the ground beneath them. Not a good start... The languages she'd used didn't quite fit the oafish war chief before them. Something baser seemed more appropriate. More harsh. He'd picked up a smattering of a garish tongue on the road... perhaps that would do the trick.

Brutish creatures respect strength and brevity. Flying forward a few feet El puffed up as much as his lithe frame would allow and postured in a broken Orcish, shouting across the dense forest. "BALUNGHUS! Me talk you now. Why you fight snake man? Bigger danger human. MANY human. They kill all not humans! They think all not... umm... love? they god, Mornay, need die. When end death of snake man, they death you! All you heads be death!" He gestured with a menacing finger at the assembly of massive creatures before him. El glanced at Katria with a look of confusion and desperate hope.

He calmed his tone, explaining and eventually pleading with them. "We fight human in big elf city," he pointed to the southeast in the general direction of Kiiska. "Many moon. They no stop. They death us. Many moon. They no should be in forest!! Belong north in human caves by water!"

"You no love snake man. Me know this. But you not help snake man from human all you die. Fight snake man other time. We share human shiny with you. You eat human meat when fight done. All celebrate no more human! What you talk?"

Diplomacy check? [roll0]

Plushie Arz

2015-05-05, 07:54 PM

Plushie Arz

2015-05-05, 08:03 PM

EL'GOR'AN, KATRIA
One of Balunghus' heads, the bearded one, swatted at El'gor'an but the armoured head chuckled and pointed in the direction of the Temple. "The Magnus give Balunghus many gifts. He give Balunghus steel. He give Balunghus magic. He prom-us Balunghus shiney. Prom-us plunder. Ogres happy for plunder. Balhungus hate the snake man and the Magnus prom-us Temple. We kill all snake man and then we kill all humans."

The Trolls and Ettins behind Balunghus roared in approval.

Vertharrad

2015-05-05, 08:18 PM

Katria

Barely flinching when a boulder flies in to close for comfort Katria lets El pull her up and out of danger. She lets him try and communicate with the brutish creatures, maybe getting a better response. Whispering to El she tries to guide him. "Promise them the glory of single-handedly defeating the Order. If that doesn't work insult them and incense them...then fly with them chasing us to the human ranks staying as far away from our own." *Elven

miinstrel

2015-05-05, 08:52 PM

Of course Magnus had gotten to them first... yet again two steps behind. He surely couldn't out bid Magnus so he'd have to switch tactics. "You live in forest. God of temple is what keep forest alive. No snake man, no forest. Snake man god is AT temple, whole body, right now fighting humans. Magnus is strong man, but man can die. You think you can kill a god?" he challenged, looking at the others behind Balunghus.

"You say you kill humans after snakes? Twelve times ten humans for each you. You big, you very strong. But you no can kill that many all at same time." (If Balunghus looks confused about the number, he'll count out 120 coins from his bag and drop them to the ground to show how many humans they would each have to kill).

"Snake mans not a challenge for big giants. Not good trophy. Man who lead human army called Oo-hars. Big human war hero. Lots of trophies. You take his head and can say you beat biggest human army since Darkstar War! No giant clan dare challenge you again!"

"Me been in temple. Not much plunder. Not much shineys. Snake mans simple. Magnus come to take biggest shiney from temple and leave you with stones! Stones you not even live in because you too big and strong! Magnus lie. He trick. Last people they promise things to in elf city they kill after. You too smart to be trick like that, right?"

An idea struck him... "Magnus promise many things, but he not give them. We do. Have big, scary helmet. Magic in helmet make you even more scary, help you keep control of clan, show you are strongest. We give you before you fight, not make fake promise to give you after. What you talk?"

If needed, another diplomacy roll. [roll0]

Plushie Arz

2015-05-05, 09:16 PM

EL'GOR'AN, KATRIA
Balunghus' four eyes lit up in greed when El'gor'an dropped the coins to the ground and his interest peaked when the elf mentioned the Slaughter King's helmet. "So elf make prom-us to Balunghus?" He asked, baring his yellowed tusks with bits of green scales and red paste caught between each tooth. "Elf bring Balunghus helmet and Balunghus listens."

DM: +900XP to El'gor'an and Katria.

miinstrel

2015-05-05, 09:20 PM

"Katria, I need you to go find Branna and bring back the slaughter king's helmet. If we give it to him he'll help us. Go quickly. I'll remain here to make sure they don't advance or think we've lied to them." He squeezes her hand and turns back to Balunghus as she departs.

"He go to get helmet. I stay here until he get back. You see, we tell truth."

Vertharrad

2015-05-05, 09:33 PM

Katria

Katrias heart races as El tries to secure the giants fealty, she can hear it beating as she holds her breath from the shear pressure of the situation. She exhales then nods her head in acknowledgment turning around to speed off into the air and go find Branna to get the helmet.

-Dancer leaps up and screams, a carnivorous smile etches itself across Warriors face- Yes! -calming down Dancer looks up and speaks- Lady Calthera, do you know where Branna is? We might be able to turn the giants against the Order and need the helmet she's wearing to do it.

Alias_Trench

2015-05-05, 09:50 PM

FEEONA, AURIX
The nearest stone pyramid was a hundred and fifty feet away and she was unfamiliar with the specific magic that protected the Temples. However, the holy texts of Mornay had spoken of the Goddess' powers to dispel and banish summoned creatures and it was known that she gifted the Sol with holy powers that defied the realms of imagination. Perhaps Maizoluta also possessed such abilities and bestowed them on the Avatar...

The massive elemental was two hundred feet away but as Aurix approached on ground, he could see a humanoid figure deep within the flames, stoking and harnessing the collective elementals to a single cohesive mass. How the figure was able to withstand the inferno, Aurix did not know but he suspected if he were able to stop the conductor, the elementals may disperse and be able to be dealt with individually.

Aurix peered through the haze and heat, seeing the figure standing there channelling those beings of pure fire into one form... How that person could manage such a feat was currently beyond him. His own blessing of the flame only protected him so much. The fire and heat distorting what he saw to some degree he was reminded of the mirages that shimmered on the sands of the Ghorani Desert. Still he was fairly certain that the figure was real and it needed to be stopped. He tried to see exactly how far that person was from his position.
While he was peering through the heat he heard Feeona's words and thought about what she meant...
[roll0]
but he had no clue what she meant.

"Feeona, I'm not sure what you're talking about but I can see a figure inside those flames channelling the fire elementals into this conflagration. I'm not sure how they're doing it, but I think if we can somehow stop that person we'll be able to break up the fire elementals into something... a little more manageable. I can protect myself from fire to a certain degree and with the spell that protects us from fire active we might be able to do it. That said, this is no easy task and I know that this is not the time for foolhardiness. I am prepared to go in there because I am here to defend my home, to my last breath if necessary, but I cannot hold you to the same conviction. I am going to go in there and neutralise the figure within. What will you do?"

Plushie Arz

2015-05-05, 09:52 PM

KATRIA
"Not now! Let's see, fourth abjurative principle, small silvered mirror-"

Katria saw a spell battle was raging in the skies above the Temple. Nine copies of Magnus, all spinning and moving with supernatural speed circled around and shot bolts of red lightning at Calthera and Lerethi. Macrae and Shenra were approaching the spell battle fresh from the fields of war.

She found Branna and Mahb in one of the top levels of Caan Yupat and the panther snapped to attention as if prepped for battle. "Oh hey!" Greeted Branna cheerfully, rolling up her bedroll and stuffing it down her haversack. "Guess what? I just rested up and I now know a bunch of new spells! It'll be great testing them out soon! Did you stop the rocks?"

roses

2015-05-05, 09:54 PM

Vertharrad

2015-05-05, 10:10 PM

Katria

-cringing Dancer replies quickly- Sorry. We'll be back soon with help.

The spell battle although bright was a sight to behold and it was hard to pry her eyes away from it to find Branna. At least Macrae and Shenra was there to help against Magnus.

Katria hesitates when Mahb springs up, however getting over it quickly she chuckles at Brannas entusiasm before launching into her answer.

"No, but they were redirected away from vital targets to land ineffectively. I hope you'r ready to stop the Hound." Drawing in a breath to steady herself she keeps going. "Branna we need the Slaughter Kings helmet. Do you have it? We can use it to turn some giants against the order. I will promise you anything you want after this fight to get it." She reemphasises. "Anything..."

roses

2015-05-05, 10:32 PM

Just a quick hi to say I edited the last message and added in an answer to your question.

Alias_Trench

2015-05-05, 10:48 PM

Feeona

Feeona groaned as the holy texts she had grown on as a child, for once, didn't contain the answer. She was in a foreign land that she only had a vague tickling about, and was trying to save it beside a man she didn't trust. It slowly crept into her being that he hadn't been turned away from Farlaen lightly. Between raising word for discussion only to debate for the destruction of the Order forces, to healing gently while freely putting forward lies that Mornay was a twin. She glanced over at the man with mismatched eyes black and gold, the shock of white hair, and wondered if she weren't looking at the lost son of the Black Sol. As though to make the thought tip out of her ears, she shook her head. Someone nowhere near inside the Order structure couldn't make it to splinter. The black sun must have represented something else.

Feeona took in a deliberate breathe through the nose, observed the muggy heat of it, and released it coolly, and repeated, and smiled. The months at the Chapel of introspection had worked well for her. Refocused, she considered how to stop the destructive force before anyone else was harmed.

“If we can bait the living flame to your temples, we could find help there. The avatar isn't busy with the storm any more. Can she send the flame back home?”

Aurix had heard the groan and Feeona's body language which caused Aurix to inwardly sigh. He wasn't sure what she was thinking but the expression on her face as he caught her eye and then the slow breaths and that smile. Their parley had brought Aurix to understand Feeona somewhat and behind all of the religion and rhetoric, Feeona was a kind person and that at the least was something he trusted in. Unfortunately though, as with most of his interactions with people, trust was not a vine that swung back.

Same old same old

"Don't get me wrong, I don't -plan- on dying here or sacrificing myself to the flames. I have learnt to protect myself from fire and one day I will be invulnerable to it's effect through my study of the Desert Wind. I do not know if the Spirit of the Temple can help, it's powers are something beyond the grasp of my understanding. My concern is protecting my home and my people. Heat like that can still destroy stone simply by virtue of its temperature so I don't like the idea of it getting too close"
Aurix gestured to the broken stone guardians that lay in ruins on the ground closer to the inferno for emphasis. Aurix also looked back when referencing the Avatar and could see the arcane power crashing around the air above Caan Yaput.
"There is also the spell battle happening above the temple as we speak. While this is dangerous, that Magnus character is more dangerous and I believe the Avatar's attention should be there, as he poses the largest threat to the temple and my people."

Aurix looked back down and fixed his eyes on the inferno in front, the fire flickering in his eyes and took a deep breath as well, weighing up the situation.

I don't know if this is permissible but I want to do a wisdom check on if Aurix believes the best option is to take on the figure in the fire or to seek reinforcements/support from the temple itself. The post was a bit light on detail and I guess I need more information to make up my mind. For instance, the original notice that the Fire elementals had breached the southern part of the temple came with notice that stone guardians were facing off against them. The posts thus far has not made any mention of them but I assume some are broken and such. The distance into the temple district that the flames have advanced is also something I would like to know (aka how is the fire and the figure from the temple itself and how quickly is it advancing)
anyway without further ado
Wisdom: [roll0]

Plushie Arz

2015-05-05, 11:17 PM

AURIX
At twenty foot high and half as wide, the fused fire elemental was growing stronger and bigger with each swing of the conductor's arms. Six seconds after seeing it, it had already grown another foot and within a minute, it would double in size.

The size of the elemental was also proportional to the heat emanating from it and if unchecked, it could well grow out of control and burn down half the forest. Aurix also knew the lizardfolk physiology made them adverse to extreme heat or cold and while the closest pyramid was unoccupied, other pyramids contained reserve forces and he wasn't sure if the Avatar was able to directly intervene. A sensible course of action was to disable the conductor while the elemental was still growing.

KATRIA
"Oh, sure." Branna fished around her haversack's extradimensional carrying space and produced the pitted and horned pothelm that was retrieved from the Slaughter King's corpse at the Lower Reaches. The bony extrusions had a sinister appearance and parts of the metal were streaked with oil stains. She handed it to Katria. "Haven't cleaned it or anything. Thought it might make a nice flower pot or something but ah well. You can have it."

roses

2015-05-05, 11:40 PM

Feeona

“This isn't my home or my culture, but protecting others is my concern. You mean more than stone; even those steeped in history. And while I can't say much about that cruel wizard, I would ask you put faith in your goddess. Ask what she wills. You are her servant. You have that connection. Her Avatar is near. Pray. Perhaps the answer will be swift.” Feeona shrugged, and looked with concern towards the angry churning mass of flames in the distance before glancing back at Aurix.

“If not, my only protection to the flames is sorcery. Attacking seems more dangerous, especially if we fall short. It feels safest to lure it to the temple. But I'll help if you charge. This fight is ours.”

Vertharrad

2015-05-05, 11:47 PM

Katria

Overwhelmed by her joy Katria squees shooting forward to encase Branna in a bear hug. She plants a kiss on Brannas cheek. Suddenly going serious Katria lets her go and looks Branna in the eyes. "As I said when this fight is done you may ask me for anything in return...and I will move mountains to make it happen. Thank you so much." Katria takes it and brushes it off somewhat. "Oh thats fine the...gentleman it's going to looks like he needs a flower pot on his head." Katria finds herself giggling girlishly. "I have to go now Branna, be careful out there too many powerful and dangerous enemies to count." She leans down and pets Mahb affectionately for a few seconds before getting up and racing off back to El'gor'an with the helmet, the spell battle getting an errant look as she speeds past. Being in such a hurry the trees rustle with her passing as she flies close to them trying to save time.

When Katria gets close to where El is waiting she slows down and cautiously floats down to where he is. Handing over the helm with a mischievous grin and a suggestive wink. "Your crown my king." *Elven

Alias_Trench

2015-05-06, 12:02 AM

AURIX
At twenty foot high and half as wide, the fused fire elemental was growing stronger and bigger with each swing of the conductor's arms. The size of the elemental was also proportional to the heat emanating from it and if unchecked, it could well grow out of control and burn down half the forest. Aurix also knew the lizardfolk physiology made them adverse to extreme heat or cold and while the closest pyramid was unoccupied, other pyramids contained reserve forces and he wasn't sure if the Avatar was able to directly intervene. A sensible course of action was to disable the conductor while the elemental was still growing.

Aurix relaid his thoughts (as above) to Feeona,

"We have to do something about it now, before this gets any more out of hand"

Surprise round:

Seeing that the conductor had not noticed them, Aurix went about gathering shadows around him, keeping himself hidden from the conductor and in the process incensing his inner light. As he did so Aurix also weaved the hand signs he had learned to protect him from the flames.

Move Action - Hide: [roll0] - if the conductor has line of sight of me despite the concealment please make a spot roll vs my hide.
Swift Action - Enter Flame's Blessing Stance - Fire Resist 20
Initiative Roll - [roll1]

Round 1

As Aurix finished weaving his signs, he dug his feet into the ground to launch himself off.

"I'm going in"

Aurix launched himself and flew as close to the ground as he could manage without marring his flight path, straight at the conductor.

As he closed in he braced himself for the sensation of heat and made to strike with a single fist at the conductor, blistering light beginning to tear from free from Aurix's form.

full round action: Charge conductor.
as part of the attack: Light within Darkness - 60 ft burst of blinding light - Fort save 20 to negate, anyone who's spotted me prior to the attack is unaffected
To hit: [roll2] (including +2 from charge) EDIT: Unaccounted for +1 from Solitary warrior and +1 from weapon focus -22. Considering that the Conductor was blinded by me, I believe this is a hit.
Damage: [roll3] EDIT: + 11 from Leading the Charge Stance (via Feeona) and +1 from Solitary warrior total = 26
If I manage to catch the Conductor in the eyes I use my Omen.
Omen: Once per day, while wearing the gauntlets, you can learn the most commonly used name of any one creature by looking that creature in the eyes. The target gets a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 your HD + your Wisdom bonus) to negate the effect. This is a divination effect (caster level 3rd).
Please make a Will Save DC 20.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-06, 12:52 AM

EL'GOR'AN, KATRIA
Balungha seized the helmet by its horns and quickly placed it on his bearded head. Katria was reminded of the helm's former owner and the terror he inspired as the leader of the Midnight Syndicate. It was as if the Slaughter King lived again. Balungha pointed at the two elves and roared in giant. Neither El'gor'an nor Katria understood what he was saying but the giants, ogres and trolls of the warband lurched forward with their weapons raised...

miinstrel

2015-05-06, 01:02 AM

"My lady," he replies, continuing the light tone in spite of the tense situation. Taking the helmet he shows it to Balunghus. "here is helmet. See how scary? We give you and share shineys on dead humans, you agree to fight humans and not snake mans. You agree?"

If El gets confirmation and he seems sincere, he'll bring the heavy helm in reach of the reasonable arm, he doesn't trust the bearded half! El will instruct them to travel around the temple and attack the main Order forces from the side while the lizards attack from the front. Throw boulders, spears, magic, whatever they want to do to attack. He also asks them to Break any rock throwing machines they find.

As the giant army marches, he returns to Katria, a victorious grin spreading across his lips. "Now then! What's next?"

sense motive: [roll0]

Vertharrad

2015-05-06, 01:18 AM

Katria

Seeing the helm on Balunghus' head makes Katria nervous as she remembers the battle with the Slaughter King in the undercity. Her instincts taking hold as the giants take what look like hostile actions Katria begins to incant in draconic and weave eldritch patterns gathering the arcane energies to be collected in a shield around her. "Fethos ve de sini irlymi." Shield me from mine enemies. Looking at El she says in a serious voice. "Get ready, we fight."

standard action - cast shield
free action - speak

Init +9
AC 40, touch 24, flat-footed 35 (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, +2 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +8 exalted, +4 natural, +4 shield) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 98/98
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +13 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Greater Sustenance[ex] - doesn't need to breathe, Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120 points of fire
Shield(10/10): +4 shield bonus to AC

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(6/8)

roses

2015-05-06, 09:18 AM

I never turned off the Leading the Charge stance so it should still be active. That charge should have done +11 more damage if you hit.

1 Douse the Flames (enemy hit can't make AoO)
2 White Raven Tactics (ally in 10 feet gains another turn, but moves below my initiative)
3 Flanking Maneuver (hit flanked foe, ally gains extra attack)
4 Divine Surge (+8d8 damage)
5 Vanguard Strike (+4 Allies attack)
6 Rallying Strike (hit foe, burst heal me + allies in 30 feet 3d6+11)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Feeona, surprise round

Feeona drew her sword and placed the hilt to her heart. She ignored the shadows that scurried around Aurix like rats to a broken home. Despite herself, her eyes stayed open throughout, chained to the living flame that he mentioned grew swiftly. He was right that it needed to be stopped quickly.

Dear Mornay,
Though we witness destruction, please help us stay whole.
Though we enter these flames, please keep us from damnation.
Though we face cruelty, please guide us to the greatest kindness.
Amen.

Free action to pray.
Move action to draw weapon.
Initiative: [roll4]

[roll5]

Feeona, first round

Closer now, Feeona saw the figure swaying its arms inside the mass, the shadow somehow casting the flame. She couldn't know if it was coercion or cooperation, but an end would be put to it. Aurix charged at the figure in a flash. That left the beast of chaos and fire towering over both. Shield first, she flew towards the monstrous inferno. The churning crimson aura around the monster resisted her shield and spell, but she grunted and pushed and surged forward through an ocean of smokeless flame towards the body of the elemental. The crusader was upon the abomination when she remembered Macrae saying it couldn't be ended bloodlessly. She swung her sword forcefully at what might have been a leg of the living inferno.

Leading the Charge stance still in effect since last time. +11 damage to charging.
Full round action to charge to N18. +2 to hit.
Normal damage to Fire Elemental.

Hit, [roll6]
Damage, [roll7]

[roll8]

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-06, 09:46 AM

Shenra winced as the lightning bolts hummed and the voice of Magnus droned out over the air. The sound of whipping winds lashed at her ears, and there was a palpable energy surrounding them all. Watching Lerethi struggle was hard for her. She quickly mutters a pair of incantations, summoning a soft glowing disc to hover around her, and the other bringing new life into her limbs and loosening her muscles as she flexed and moved. To Macrae, "There is a terrible level of magic here. We know his abjurations are strong. And you're right, Calthera lacks the confidence to be commanding with her magic. We have two options, the way I see it. We move in to aid Lerethi and Calthera defensively, or we launch our own onslaught at Magnus and see if we can draw fire enough to give Lerethi room to breathe. Personally..." she smiles, turning more to face Magnus. "I'm a fan of the latter."She hovered, waiting for his reply, and looked over to see Calthera and Lerethi struggling even more against Magnus' barrage.Quickened Shield, Cat's Grace.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-07, 08:12 AM

EL'GOR'AN, KATRIA

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/ettins00.png
Initiative
Katria: [roll0]
El'gor'an: [roll1]
Balunghus: [roll2]
Ettin: [roll3]
Ogre Warrior: [roll4]
Troll: [roll5]

Balunghus was hostile and his co-operation was a mere ploy! No sooner had the ettin donned the Slaughter King's helmet did the band of trolls, ogres and giants rush towards the elves. Although El'gor'an couldn't understand giant, the tone and reactions told him enough. Nothing short of his and Katria's deaths could satisfy the treacherous ettin!

FEEONA, AURIX
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Conductor00.png
Initiative
Aurix: [roll6]
Elemental: [roll7]
Feeona: [roll8]
Conductor: [roll9]

The cinders burned white hot around Aurix and he knew if not for the spell of protection that Krastix and Lerethi wove around him a few hours ago, he would've been reduced to a crisp in the inferno. The heat shimmered and closer up, he caught better sight of the Conductor. A massive suit of ceramic plates was built around what Aurix assumed was a man and small vents allowed the Conductor to breathe. He punched the suit but his fist barely scratched the kiln-treated plates.

SHENRA, MACRAE
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Mage00.png
Lerethi was as collected as ice as she deflected three scorching rays that poured from Magnus' hands, and then the gout of flames that poured out of the human's open maw. However, there was only one of her and her ironclad defence of her student prevented her from risking an offensive spell, for fear of creating an opening. "Whyyyysaaaaaavethiiisooooone wheeeen yousaaaaacrifiiiiiced sooooomaaaaany paaaawnnnns at the battle of Kiiiiiiska?" Mocked Magnus.

A shield surrounded Shenra and Macrae cast his own spell that blurred his outlines. "Ladies first." He said, with a toothless smile.

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-07, 09:11 AM

Shenra grins wickedly back at Macrae. "First thing's first," she mutters. "Ocuir tlues." Looking through the illusions before her, she spots the real Magnus. "Ignore the illusions, the real Magnus is....!" She points to the real Magnus for Macrae. "I'm going to try to dispel his abjurations, and see if we can distract him!"
Cast True Seeing.
AC: 27, Touch: 22, FF: 20
HP: 46/46
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +11
SQ:

Buffs
Shield - +4 to AC
12 Minutes - Cat's Grace - +4 to Dex
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
10 Hours - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/5 2/5 3/5 4/4 5/4 6/1

Plushie Arz

2015-05-07, 09:43 AM

SHENRA
Shenra saw the Magnus at Q7 was flesh and blood, unlike the eight transparent illusions projected by his spell.

Vertharrad

2015-05-07, 09:54 AM

Katria

Not liking the odds before them Katria steps forward to try and even them out. Her grace and poise deceptive as she launches into a lethal set of what appear to be dance moves prove to be more as her body blurs into a violent display of deadly skill. She streaks toward Balunghus.

free action - 5 ft step to L14
full round action -
1st unarmed strike att[roll0] dmg[roll1], crit conf/fumble[roll2] crit dmg[roll3] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll4]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll5]+enemies cha} dex, evil clerics of evil deities take +2 damage; +1 wpn dmg
2nd unarmed strike att[roll6] dmg[roll7], crit conf/fumble[roll8] crit dmg[roll9] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll10]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll11]+enemies cha} dex, evil clerics of evil deities take +2 damage; +1 wpn dmg
3rd unarmed strike att[roll12] dmg[roll13], crit conf/fumble[roll14] crit dmg[roll15] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll16]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll17]+enemies cha} dex, evil clerics of evil deities take +2 damage; +1 wpn dmg
4th claw att[roll18] dmg[roll19], crit conf/fumble[roll20] crit dmg[roll21] (piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll22]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll23]+enemies cha} dex, evil clerics of evil deities take +2 damage; +1 wpn dmg
5th claw att[roll24] dmg[roll25], crit conf/fumble[roll26] crit dmg[roll27] (piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll28]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll29]+enemies cha} dex, evil clerics of evil deities take +2 damage; +1 wpn dmg
6th bite att[roll30] dmg[roll31], crit conf/fumble[roll32] crit dmg[roll33] (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll34]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll35]+enemies cha} dex, evil clerics of evil deities take +2 damage; +1 wpn dmg

AC 40, touch 24, flat-footed 35 (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, +2 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +8 exalted, +4 natural, +4 shield) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 98/98
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +13 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Greater Sustenance[ex] - doesn't need to breathe, Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120 points of fire
Shield(9/10): +4 shield bonus to AC

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(6/8)

miinstrel

2015-05-07, 11:15 AM

El nodded at Kat's comment as he drew his sai. "It seems the time for fleet feet has come."

Thundering at Balunghus, he pointed his weapons and repeated a portion of his last plea though this time as a battle cry. "You lied, Balunghus. ALL YOU HEADS BE DEATH!"

Bag of Tricks: [roll0] (Wolverine) (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/wolverine.htm)

Summoning it in J17 to watch Katria's back in case any of them come up behind (not that it will do much).

As Katria tore into the behemoth's flesh, El'gor'an circled around him, tumbling, spinning, and slashing from the shadows in a blur of movement. As he came around the far side he twisted and struck the nearby ogre as well, attempting to draw its ire.

Free: Set dodge on Balunghus.
Free: Activate Dervish Dance.

FULL ATTACK
Tumbling 5 feet between attacks starting at K14, going up and around Balunghus, and ending at N13 (Tumble check take 10, 35).

Main 1 (Balunghus): [roll1], damage [roll2] (adam/bludg/magic)
Main 2 (Balunghus): [roll3], damage [roll4] (adam/bludg/magic)
Main Flurry (Balunghus): [roll5], damage [roll6] (adam/bludg/magic)
Snap Kick (Balunghus): [roll7] (flanking), damage [roll8] (bludg)
Main Haste (Balunghus): [roll9] (flanking), damage [roll10] (adam/bludg/magic)
Offhand 1 (Ogre): [roll11], damage [roll12] (cold iron/bludg/magic)
Offhand 2 (Ogre): [roll13], damage [roll14] (cold iron/bludg/magic)

Crit/Fumble conf: [roll15], [roll16], [roll17]

Since I moved more than 10 feet I have 20% concealment until my next turn (Child of Shadow stance).
Also of note, Elusive Target (http://www.realmshelps.net/cgi-bin/featbox.pl?feat=Elusive_Target) feat is in effect against Balunghus if he attacks me.
AC: 31, Touch: 25, FF: 23 (+1 with Dodge feat)
HP: 99 / 99
Speed: 75
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +21, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)
7/7 - Dervish Dance (+2 AB/dmg, full attack and move 5 feet between attacks)
600/600 - Summoned Wolverine (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/wolverine.htm)

Debuffs

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-07, 02:24 PM

Shenra points to the living Magnus, shouting to Macrae. Reaching within her for the magic she needed, she mutters a quick prayer to Ona. "Ona, grant me strength against this foe. Here we aim to balance the scales against the weights of this man's atrocities. Bless me here, as my actions work towards your righteous ends." With that, she forces the magic through her as she attempts to forcibly remove the protective magic surrounding the real Magnus. She also watches Magnus as closely as she can from the distance, attempting to identify the spells he casts as he casts them.
Cast Greater Dispel Magic. If I'm understanding the spell correctly, as El pointed out, I get a separate Dispel check against easch buff he has, correct? I'm not certain which buffs he has, so here are 8 rolls for you. Really hope he doesn't have more than 8 spells active. Hopefully at least one or two of those are successful. Also, can you tell me how high into the sky we are?
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
Spellcraft check to identify the spells cast: [roll8]
AC: 27, Touch: 21, FF: 22
HP: 46/46
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10
SQ:

Buffs
Shield - +4 AC
Cat's Grace +4 Dex
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
11 Hours - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/5 2/5 3/5 4/4 5/3 6/2

Plushie Arz

2015-05-08, 02:29 AM

FEEONA, AURIX
DM: The red circle has the effects of an incendiary cloud, dealing 4d6 damage per round. Feeona and Aurix are also under the effects of a Extended Protection from Energy (Fire) effect, preventing 120 points of fire damage until discharged. [roll0] Fire Damage Prevented. Current Resist Energy Pool: 120-[roll0]

Feeona felt the blade of her sword cutting into the thick column of flames, somehow disrupting the massive number of elemental that comprised the single burning giant. The monster retaliated by reforming itself to better adapt to the Crusader's position and slamming its body into Feeona.

Attack 1: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] Bludgeoning + [roll3] Fire Damage subtracted from Feeona's pool.
Attack 2: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5] Bludgeoning + [roll6] Fire Damage subtracted from Feeona's pool.

The Conductor's ceramic heat suit only had a small glass steel panel to look through but it also had the unexpected benefit of shielding his vision against Aurix's omen. However, the warrior's unexpected charge caught both the elemental and the Conductor offguard and a plume of blackness clouded the panel, momentarily blinding the armoured man controlling the elemental. Aurix saw the Conductor had two electrically charged gauntlets, plated with rows of spikes and barbs.

Conductor Fort Save: [roll7]
Elemental Will Save: [roll8]
Elemental Will Save: [roll9]

Alias_Trench

2015-05-08, 05:29 AM

Aurix Round 2
As the white light faded from his body it was soon replaced with the intense orange glow of the fire elemental beside him.
The figure before him, what he assumed was a human, wore something that looked like a diving bell but made of ceramics. Hard ceramics. He was also aware of the heat wearing away at the protections that Elder Krastix and Lady Letheri had bestowed upon him. What with the battle having reached the temple and the protection, though he was sure his training would help him resist it, was wearing thin. Time was of the essence. Aurix stood his ground and started pummelling at the figure. The conductor had to be stopped.

"You there, in the diving bell! As a defender of this temple, I need you to cease and desist. SMACK! Your presence here is only motivated by greed and I will not allow you to thud go any further. Either you lay down your arms and send these elementals away or I will BOFF! make you"

Free Action: Set dodge to the Elemental : AC vs Elemental 26
Swift Action: Change stances to Pearl of Black Doubt, AC increases by +2 (Dodge) for each hit that misses Aurix's AC.
Full Round Attack targeting the Conductor. EDIT adding +1 to all rolls I forgot to take into account weapon focus

BAB
To Hit
Damage
Type
Special

BAB 9
[roll0] = 37
[roll1]
Magical Bludgeoning
crit unconfirmed

BAB 4
[roll2] = 21
[roll3]
Magical Bludgeoning

Haste
[roll4] = 28
[roll5]
Magical Bludgeoning

oh a critical threat:
rolling to confirm: (1d20+16)[19] = 20
critical damage: (3d8+6)[20]
since 20 didn't hit last time, while he was flat footed... this won't cut the mustard me thinks...

Plushie Arz

2015-05-08, 11:26 AM

EL'GOR'AN, KATRIA
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/ettins02.png

Fort Saves: [roll0], [roll1], [roll2]

Katria leapt into the air and struck furiously at Balunghus, cracking ribs and pounding his hardened flesh with her fists and feet. The ettin swatted at her but none of his swipes managed to contact with the nimble dancer.

With his speed, El'gor'an joined his lover in combat, slashing at the ettin and then plunging his sai into the brains of a roaring ogre. The ogre dropped dead from the wound.

Ogres, trolls and ettins surged forward towards the elves. Balunghus flew into a violent rage, pounding at the two elves with two spiked maces while the various monstrous giants surrounded El'gor'an and attacked.

Attack (Kat): [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Attack (Kat): [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Attack (Kat): [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]
Attack (Kat): [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]

Attack (El): [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]
Attack (El): [roll13]
Damage: [roll14]
Attack (El): [roll15]
Damage: [roll16]

SHENRA, MACRAE
DM: Shenra and Macrae are 150ft above ground. Calthera and Lerethi are 230ft, Magnus is 250ft.

Shenra's dispel shattered the sphere of invulnerability that surrounded Magnus but many of his more powerful abjurations and transmutations remained intact. Macrae took the opening and unleashed a streamer of manyjaws at the human but with a blink, Magnus avoided the attack before it could drain his vitality. The mage turned his head to Shenra, an expression of sadistic rage etched on his visage. "Moooore aaaaappprentices won't saaaaave you!" He exclaimed. Nine rays of scorching energy flew from his six hands, three each at Macrae, Lerethi and Shenra.

Shenra
Ranged Touch [roll17]
Damage: [roll18]
Ranged Touch [roll19]
Damage: [roll20], deducted from pool of 120
Ranged Touch [roll21]
Damage: [roll22] deducted from pool of 109
Final pool: 100

Macrae
Ranged Touch [roll23]
Damage: [roll24] deducted from pool of 120
Ranged Touch [roll25]
Damage: [roll26] deducted from pool of 100
Ranged Touch [roll27]
Damage: [roll28] deducted from pool of 79
Final pool: 65

Vertharrad

2015-05-08, 11:52 AM

Katria

The sounds of combat and approaching enemies fill Katria with some concern, however her attention is still on Blunghus as El'gor'an pokes at him with his weapons. Taking stock of the tactical situation she moves into flanking position with El and continues her nimble assault on Balunghus.

free action - 5 ft step to K13
full round action -
1st unarmed strike att[roll0] dmg[roll1], crit conf/fumble[roll2] crit dmg[roll3] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll4]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll5]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
2nd unarmed strike att[roll6] dmg[roll7], crit conf/fumble[roll8] crit dmg[roll9] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll10]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll11]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
3rd unarmed strike att[roll12] dmg[roll13], crit conf/fumble[roll14] crit dmg[roll15] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll16]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll17]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
4th claw att[roll18] dmg[roll19], crit conf/fumble[roll20] crit dmg[roll21] (piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll22]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll23]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
5th claw att[roll24] dmg[roll25], crit conf/fumble[roll26] crit dmg[roll27] (piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll28]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll29]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
6th bite att[roll30] dmg[roll31], crit conf/fumble[roll32] crit dmg[roll33] (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll34]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll35]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg

AC 40, touch 24, flat-footed 35 (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, +2 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +8 exalted, +4 natural, +4 shield) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 98/98
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +13 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Greater Sustenance[ex] - doesn't need to breathe, Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120 points of fire
Shield(8/10): +4 shield bonus to AC

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(6/8)

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-08, 12:05 PM

Shenra winced as the ray burned her skin, and immediately flushed the blood in her veins with a chill. A wreath of blue flames softly glows around her as she immolates. Flying closer to Magnus and his clones, her fury intensifies. "You know not the power of Ona!" She screeched at him, anger boiling up inside her with every word. "You're a monster! A murderer! You have tipped the scales and brought chaos where chaos did not belong! And now, you will SUFFER as they have suffered!" Glaring at Magnus, she retaliates with a spell of her own, and the same crackling electricity that had wiped out the soldiers a mere hour before erupted between two of the visages, catching Magnus in the middle of it. Shenra grinds her teeth, hoping that some of that energy was able to break through the protection surrounding the man.
Move to H12.
Swift action Heart of Fire - Chilling Shield. Half damage from fire based damage for 12 rounds.
Cast Arc Lightning for [roll0] between S3 and O9, which should affect the real Magnus. If it doesn't, I'll change the targets so that it hits him. The goal is to destroy some of the illusions while also dealing damage to him, so I'll adjust the endpoint targets as I need to.
AC: 27, Touch: 21, FF: 22
HP: 46/46
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +11
SQ:

Buffs
12 rounds - Chilling Shield - Half damage from fire attacks.
Shield - +4 AC
Cat's Grace +4 Dex
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
12 rounds - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/5 2/5 3/5 4/4 5/2 6/2

miinstrel

2015-05-08, 02:01 PM

El'gor'an dodged and redirected the blows from his assailants, countering with his own deft strikes as he danced across the battlefield. Katria could take care of herself, but he still felt a responsibility to protect her and leapt forward to deal with the two ogres approaching her from behind before returning to the other side of Balunghus and continuing the onslaught. As he twirled he bounded in and out of reach of the monsters, tempting them to expose themselves so he could take advantage of their lumbering weight.

Free: Set dodge on the giant to my right.

Will be moving my full speed, and thus provoking attacks of opportunity from all the guys in our immediate vicinity. Bouncing down and around to hit both ogres before ending movement in N12.

Main 1 (Balunghus): [roll0] (flanking), damage [roll1] (adam/bludg/magic)
Main 2 (Ogre 1): [roll2], damage [roll3] (adam/bludg/magic)
Main Flurry (Ogre 1): [roll4], damage [roll5] (adam/bludg/magic)
Unarmed Snap Kick (Ogre 2): [roll6], damage [roll7] (bludg)
Main Haste (Ogre 2): [roll8], damage [roll9] (adam/bludg/magic)
Offhand 1 (Giant): [roll10], damage [roll11] (cold iron/bludg/magic)
Offhand 2 (Giant): [roll12], damage [roll13] (cold iron/bludg/magic)

Crit/Fumble conf: [roll14], [roll15], [roll16]

WOLVERINE
Assuming both ogres die, it will charge Balunghus at K14. If not, it will instead charge the nearest living ogre.
Charge: [roll17], damage [roll18]

+4 to my AC from mobility feat.
Elusive Target - If any of the AoOs miss me I get a free trip attempt against them. They do not get one on me if I fail. Remember they get +4 on the strength check for being larger than me.
Giant: [roll19]
Troll: [roll20]
Balunghus: [roll21]
Ogre 1: [roll22]
Ogre 2: [roll23]

Since I moved more than 10 feet I have 20% concealment until my next turn (Child of Shadow stance).
Also of note, Elusive Target (http://www.realmshelps.net/cgi-bin/featbox.pl?feat=Elusive_Target) feat is in effect against the giant to my right if he attacks me.
AC: 31, Touch: 25, FF: 23 (+1 with Dodge feat) (+4 vs AoO)
HP: 99 / 99
Speed: 75
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +21, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)
6/7 - Dervish Dance (+2 AB/dmg, full attack and move 5 feet between attacks)
599/600 - Summoned Wolverine (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/wolverine.htm)

Debuffs

roses

2015-05-08, 07:55 PM

Feeona, second round

It slammed its body into Feeona - and her armour shot light back like glistening feathers. They didn't so much as annoy the beast. Even with the scorched black earth below, an angry red haze for a sky above, and the twisting throng of one before her, she peered up at the monster, fearless. It had no ears to hear the fear of victims, no eyes to shed tears for the pain caused. With skin like boiling soup being stirred and a body that contorted from a humanoid blob to a creature near four legged to neither, it seemed to have no set form. All it knows is to burn and hate. She vowed to teach this creature empathy the only way it would learn – experience. Her sword took on the harsh glower of the desert sun, as it had when facing the soulless automatons.

“For the forests!” she called before striking.

Retribution Armour Damage: [roll0] (this hits the elemental right after he hit)

Full Steely Pool means +3 attack and damage.
Standard action to attack. Use Divine Strike.
Swift action to use white raven tactics on Aurix.

Hit, [roll1]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll2]
Divine Strike Damage, [roll3]

You have another turn if you want it. If you prefer to have a high initiative I'll scrap it.

HP: 105/108
Steely Pool: 15/15
Resist Energy Pool: 100/120
Hit: (starts at +15, +3 from Steely Pool 15/15, +1 Haste = +19)

1 Douse the Flames (enemy hit can't make AoO)
2 White Raven Tactics (ally in 10 feet gains another turn, but moves below my initiative)
3 Flanking Maneuver (hit flanked foe, ally gains extra attack)
4 Divine Surge (+8d8 damage)
5 Vanguard Strike (+4 Allies attack)
6 Rallying Strike (hit foe, burst heal me + allies in 30 feet 3d6+11)

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

Alias_Trench

2015-05-08, 11:44 PM

Aurix Round 2 - White Raven Tactics
Aurix hears Feeona's call,

“For the forests!”
he thinks of his beautiful home... all the destruction that they had laid upon this land... and for some unknown reason was spurred to continue his onslaught.

Free Action: maintain Pearl of Doubt Stance
Swift action: 5 ft step to N21
Standard action: Comet Throw EDIT: ok should not use Rollv function again...

Name
Attack
Damage
Special
For DM

Comet Throw
[roll0] melee touch
= 25

After hitting with melee touch attack, I get a free trip attempt (with +4 Bonus) with no AoO, if target is tripped can be thrown up to 10 ft +5 ft for every 5 points the trip attempt exceeds the opposed trip.
Target falls prone (no save) in square and takes 4d6 damage. If square is occupied, creature occupying square also takes 4d6 damage and falls prone (Reflex 14+Str Mod = 18 to halve damage and negate prone). Original target lands prone in a clear space of my choice adjacent creature it landed on (or in this case in)
Opposed Trip please
Would there be any ill effects for being thrown into an elemental?

>Trip Check
[roll1] = 20 Strength Check vs Str or Dex whichever is higher.
[roll2]
no AoO provoked. Aiming for K20 or L20 or K19 if I beat the Opposed roll by >5

>damage against elemental
-
[roll3]

Reflex Save DC 18 for Elemental

Move Action: Hide from Conductor using the Elemental as concealment
[roll4] = 19

Plushie Arz

2015-05-09, 10:03 AM

EL'GOR'AN, KATRIA
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/ettins03.png
Katria continued her attack on Balunghus, the golden ice congealing where her blows landed on the large ettin's belly and chest.

Fort Saves: [roll0]

El'gor'an dashed around the battlefield, using his momentum to carve a swathe of death and destruction all around him. His precise knifework left the giants, trolls and ogres around him a bloody mess despite their best efforts to hit him with their powerful blows.

AoO
Attack (El): [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Attack (El): [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Attack (El): [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Attack (El): [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]

El'gor'an felled another troll and an ettin stepped forward to take its place. Perhaps for the first time, Balunghus recognised the threat posed by the two elves and both heads lashed out at El and Katria with two blows each. The giant to El'gor'an's right swung his heavy club at the warrior but the elf's nimble defence allowed him to duck far before the weapon came within reach and all it met was the empty air.

Attack (El): [roll9]
Concealment: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]
Attack (El): [roll12]
[roll13]
Damage: [roll14]
Attack (Kat): [roll15]
Damage: [roll16]
Attack (Kat): [roll17]
Damage: [roll18]

SHENRA
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Mage01.png
Lightning surged from Shenra, arcing through two illusionary copies of the archmage and bathing the real Magnus with arcane energy. However, his magical protections spared him the worst of the spell and he retreated a short distance, his robes smoking and his eyes afire with the power of the stormrage. "You want lightning? Try this!" A red bolt of electricity flowed from his eyes, directly for Shenra.

Attack: [roll19]
Damage: [roll20] half electricity, half divine. No saves if hit.

Macrae aimed a second casting of greater dispel magic, further stripping away layers of Magnus' arcane defences but Magnus countered with a thin ray of crackling black energy that ate away at Macrae's vitality. The elven wizard cried in pain as he lost the focus to cast some of his most powerful spells but Shenra noticed his spell had taken effect and Magnus' speed slowing and his four additional arms had fused back into his original body. A brief scan with detect magic however, still showed that he was awash with abjurations and transmutations. He was far from defenceless.

Shenra and Macrae's ploy gave Lerethi a moment to finish the syllables of her spell and a massive translucent green hand that Shenra recognised as a grasping hand, reached out to seize the archmage. The spell triggered a contingency and Magnus and his copies suddenly disappeared from view.

"Watch out! He's still around" Warned Calthera, frantically scanning the battlefield with her own spells. "He's not the type to retreat from battle this easily."

"Shenra, Macrae. Stay close." Said Lerethi, dispassionately reconfiguring her own spells with barely a flick of a wrist and a shimmering green symbol drawn into the air. "Keep an eye out for long ranged and area of effect spells. I can draw a prismatic sphere to counter any such strategies."

AURIX, FEEONA
DM: Incendiary Cloud Damage: [roll21]. Aurix started the turn with 109 in his pool, Feeona had 100.

He grabbed the scalding ceramic plates of the Conductor and tried to hurl him into the elemental. The size and weight of the suit made the task difficult and he strained to lift his opponent. Nonetheless, he managed to unbalance his opponent and hurl him to the scalding hot flagstones on the ground below.

(Opposed Strength: [roll22])

The voice that came from the pressure suit, distorted by the cavernous space within and the small vents that allowed nary a sound to travel through.

"..Follow orders... not yours....". Aurix felt a powerful and unwelcome mental intrusion from the Conductor trying to exert influence over him. {Will Save: [roll23] DC 22 or be dominated}.

Feeona's strike impacted the elemental she raised her shield to protect her face from the spray of cinders that poured from the swordstroke. The summoned creature surrounded her with its mass and tried to slam her with its burning body.

Attack 1: [roll24]
Damage: [roll25] + [roll26] fire subtracted from pool
Retribution: [roll27]
Attack 1: [roll28]
Damage: [roll29] + [roll30] fire subtracted from pool
Retribution: [roll31]

Alias_Trench

2015-05-09, 10:46 AM

AURIX, FEEONA
DM: Incendiary Cloud Damage: [roll21]. Aurix started the turn with 109 in his pool, Feeona had 100.

He grabbed the scalding ceramic plates of the Conductor and tried to hurl him into the elemental. The size and weight of the suit made the task difficult and he strained to lift his opponent. Nonetheless, he managed to unbalance his opponent and hurl him to the scalding hot flagstones on the ground below.

(Opposed Strength: [roll22])

The voice that came from the pressure suit, distorted by the cavernous space within and the small vents that allowed nary a sound to travel through.

"..Follow orders... not yours....". Aurix felt a powerful and unwelcome mental intrusion from the Conductor trying to exert influence over him. {Will Save: [roll23] DC 22 or be dominated}.

Feeona's strike impacted the elemental she raised her shield to protect her face from the spray of cinders that poured from the swordstroke. The summoned creature surrounded her with its mass and tried to slam her with its burning body.

Attack 1: [roll24]
Damage: [roll25] + [roll26] fire subtracted from pool
Retribution: [roll27]
Attack 1: [roll28]
Damage: [roll29] + [roll30] fire subtracted from pool
Retribution: [roll31]

Combat Update:

Initiative
Name
Position

18+
Feeona
N18

18-
Aurix
N21

17
Elemental
K19:M21

2
Conductor
J20 after landing in K20

15 ft radius Incendiary Cloud Effect Centred on L20

!!! Hold off posting just yet Roses, there's an unresolved effect from the last round that may mean you don't get full attacked. See OOC
EDIT: It made it's save so the attack happened as written. Onwaaards.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Conductor00.png

Vertharrad

2015-05-09, 03:24 PM

Katria

The thrill of combat infusing her Katria smiles a carnivorous smile and dances about the two headed oaf striking with her blinding speed, the remembrance of what was left of the Slaughter King dancing in her head.

full round action - full attack on Balunghus
1st unarmed strike att[roll0] dmg[roll1], crit conf/fumble[roll2] crit dmg[roll3] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll4]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll5]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
2nd unarmed strike att[roll6] dmg[roll7], crit conf/fumble[roll8] crit dmg[roll9] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll10]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll11]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
3rd unarmed strike att[roll12] dmg[roll13], crit conf/fumble[roll14] crit dmg[roll15] (bludgeoning, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll16]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll17]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
4th claw att[roll18] dmg[roll19], crit conf/fumble[roll20] crit dmg[roll21] (piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll22]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll23]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
5th claw att[roll24] dmg[roll25], crit conf/fumble[roll26] crit dmg[roll27] (piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll28]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll29]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg
6th bite att[roll30] dmg[roll31], crit conf/fumble[roll32] crit dmg[roll33] (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, magic, good)
If hit and evil: touch of golden ice (DC 14) {[roll34]+enemies cha} dex/{[roll35]+enemies cha} dex; +1 wpn dmg

AC 40, touch 24, flat-footed 35 (+1 battledancer, +5 Cha, +2 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge, +8 exalted, +4 natural, +4 shield) brilliant energy does not ignore exalted bonus to AC
HP 98/98
Speed 80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
DR 5/magic
Saves Fort +13 Ref +13 Will +8, +2 to will saves of enchantments other than sleep related +1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities +4 to saves against paralysis +4 perfection to fort saves against poisons and drugs
SQ Greater Sustenance[ex] - doesn't need to breathe, Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
Immune to sleep spells and related effects.
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good

Buffs
Fly(persisted): fly 60 ft.(good) ascend at half descend at double
Freedom of movement(persisted): move and act normally; make any grapple check to resist a graaple attempt, as well as on grapple or escape artists checks to escape grapple or pin
Haste(persisted): +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 feet to movement, one extra attack on a full attack
Protection from Energy fire(extended, 4 hours): 120 points of fire
Shield(7/10): +4 shield bonus to AC

Debuffs

Spell Slots: 1(6/8)

Alias_Trench

2015-05-10, 05:16 AM

Aurix Round 3
After the Conductor tried to assault Aurix's mind somehow he calls out to Feeona,
"You may have already guessed this but be careful, the man's a caster"

Keeping his eye on the giant being of flames Aurix flew slowly around it's base. As he did so Aurix spoke in reply to his notion of orders. It didn't matter that he could hear him, so long as he couldn't see him.

"Orders? No I have not made an order, I have made a request of you, thus I put it on you to decide what is right. Your orders are simply a shield you hide behind to justify your heinous and craven deeds. Do you not see the wrongs you have committed? I have offered you a chance to make right what you've done wrong but I will not stand by and let you conjure this monstrosity. Stand down caster, you will only get so many chances."

As he was concluding his small speech Aurix came upon the Conductor still lying on the ground. Aurix drew his lips into a thin line as prepared to execute one of his less used manoeuvres. Aurix closed his eyes and shut off all of his senses but his hearing. The absolute darkness would normally be a detriment to most but for him it is no different and Aurix often fought with his eyes closed at the Shadowspeaker's dojo. As he lashed out with his limbs targeting the man prone on the ground before him, light ripped from his body as it did before, blinding those who had not seen him before. The light within darkness. As he struck in an instant he spun in the air and swung at the giant pyre beside him.

Move Action: Fly half speed (45 ft) around Fire Elemental Tumbling to avoid attacks of Opportunity
Tumble vs DC 15: M22 [roll0]
Tumble vs DC 17: L22 [roll1]
Tumble vs DC 19: K22 [roll2]
Tumble vs DC 21: J21 [roll3]
Standard Action: Initiate Steel Wind - Light within Darkness & Darkness within Light

Name
Attack
Damage
Type
Special
DM

Light within Darkness
-
-
-
Fort save or be blinded if characters failed to see Aurix last turn when he hid
Fort Save 20 for all enemy creatures who failed to detect Aurix

Steel Wind vs Prone Conductor
Melee: [roll4]
Crit: [roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
Bludgeoning
Magical
subtract 4 from attack and damage if not blind/effectively blind
Blind fight (if not blind):
[roll8]
Conductor is Prone. -4 from AC. If blind -2 AC and no dex bonus.

Steel Wind vs Elemental
Melee: [roll9]
Crit: [roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]
Bludgeoning
Magical
subtract 4 from attack and damage if not blind/effectively blind
Blind fight (if not blind):
[roll13]
If blind -2 AC and no dex bonus.
EDIT: as per OOC, High required to beat concealment. This attack is a miss.

AC
FF
Touch

25
22
20

Reflex
Fort
Will

12
14
15

Wounds
Non Lethal Damage
MAX HP

-
-
115

DR
SR
Energy Resist/Immunity

5/Magic
-
Cold 10 (immediate Action)

Buffs/Conditions
Details
Duration

Protection from Fire
91/120 remaining
4/12 hours

Persistent Fly
60 ft Fly (Good)
?/24 hours

Persistent Freedom of Movement
Auto succeed on resist grapple and escape artist checks
?/24 hours

Persistent Haste
+1 dodge AC, +1 Reflex, +30ft (up to base speed) on all speeds, 1 extra attack/full round attack
?/24 hours

Pearl of Black Doubt Stance
+2 dodge AC each time an enemy misses

Darkness within Light
Effectively Blinded but ignore penalties of blinding against blinded targets. +4 to hit and damage against blinded targets.
1 round

Blind Fight
Roll twice on concealment and take the better result. No penalty on AC and no benefits to anyone who attacks me in melee.

Conditional Modifiers: +1 Dodge vs Elemental = AC 26
Uncanny Dodge - AC when Immobie 17
Special:

Combat Update:

Initiative
Name
Position

18+
Feeona
N18

18-
Aurix
N21>J21

17
Elemental
K19:M21

2
Conductor
J20 after landing in K20

15 ft radius Incendiary Cloud Effect Centred on L20

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Conductor00.png

roses

2015-05-10, 06:54 AM

Feeona, third round

The body of flame wrapped itself around Feeona as a snake would a mouse, yet it still dared not crush her. Her right hand tightened around the only tool that kept the abomination pleasant. But before she could strike, it buffeted her between its flaming mass, steel and spell protecting her. She steadied herself upright, a bubble of calm in the swirling inferno. Sweat beaded down her head and the heat was a heavier oppression than before. The fire protection was weakening, she realized. But she wouldn't fade from this world and leave this monster to maim and murder. Just as the harsh glower from her sword left, it was renewed, but brighter still; gold defiant against the crimson haze. The creature would not kill again.

“Back!” she snapped. Her sword rose and fell.

Full Steely Pool again means +3 attack and damage.
Standard action to attack. Use Divine Strike again. Use Smite, 1/day.
Swift action to change stances to Martial Spirit (any person I hit heals an ally in 30 feet +2 HP).

Hit, [roll0]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll1]
Divine Strike Damage, [roll2]

If I hit, I heal myself by +2 HP.

HP: 89/108
Steely Pool: 15/15
Resist Energy Pool: 66/120
Hit: (starts at +15, +3 from Steely Pool 15/15, +1 Haste, +4 Cha Smite = +23)
Damage adds +11 Smite for 11 crusader levels. +3 steely pool. +4 normally.

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-11, 09:04 AM

Shenra moans and grits her teeth to keep from screaming as the lightning courses through her. She grips her quarterstaff so hard that her knuckles turn white, but she flies over to Lerethi and Calthera with Macrae. Pulling a small potion from one of the pouches on her belt, she downs it as quickly as she can and replaces the vial. She winces as she heals some of the wound, but not all of it. Turning to Lerethi, "We cannot sit around waiting on him to come to us." She looks around wildly, hoping her True Seeing would pick something up. In her mind, she was especially perceptive for the beads of light consistent with fireball spells.
Potion of Cure Light Wounds for [roll0]. Fly to next to Lerethi. Prepare an action to counterspell fireball if she is aware of it being cast.
If she is aware: Spellcraft to identify: [roll1].
AC: 27, Touch: 21, FF: 22
HP: 33/51
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +11
SQ:

Buffs
11 rounds - Chilling Shield - Half damage from fire attacks.
Shield - +4 AC
Cat's Grace +4 Dex
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
11 rounds - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/5 2/5 3/5 4/4 5/2 6/2

Plushie Arz

2015-05-11, 09:20 AM

AURIX, FEEONA
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Conductor01.png
A bright light, more radiant than the sun erupted from the end of Feeona's blade as she struck the elemental and sent it reeling from the blow. The fires around the crusader shrieked and rose higher in the air but it was plain to see that she had wounded the great burning beast.

Incendiary Cloud Damage: [roll0] subtracted from pool
Elemental Fort Save: [roll1] (Elemental is blinded)
Conductor Fort Save: [roll2]

Elemental Attacks Feeona
Attack 1: [roll3]
Concealment (if blinded, <50 hits): [roll4]
Damage: [roll5] + [roll6] subtracted from pool

Attack 2: [roll7]
Concealment (if blinded, <50 hits): [roll8]
Damage: [roll9] + [roll10] subtracted from pool

The towering elemental was engaged in battle with Feeona and did not see the flash that emanated from Aurix. The ceramic pressure suit withstood the first of Aurix's blows but the man inside was being battered by the force of the warrior's empowered fists. "You... will... submit..." Heaved the Conductor, forcing another mental blast at Aurix. This time, the warrior felt the waves of mental control scrambling his thoughts...momentarily stun and disorientate him...

Will Save: [roll11] (DC 25)

Although the Conductor was prone on the ground, one of his mighty plated arms reached out to try and seize Aurix...

Aurix gets AoO
Attack Roll: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]

if damaged, it fails. If not, melee touch

[roll14]

If succeeds, opposed hold;

Conductor [roll15]
Aurix [roll16]

If all of the above is successful
Damage: [roll17] bludgeoning + [roll18] electricity[/SPOILER]

... But Aurix shrugged off the mental attack and quickly stepped out of the Conductor's flailing arms that was cracking with electricity from the gauntlets.

KATRIA, EL'GOR'AN
Katria continued to maim Balunghus, gouging an eye from the ettin's bearded head and digging her claws into the creature's flesh. Five of her attacks hit their mark, leaving the ettin in a sorry state and Balunghus threw up hand, sans two fingers in surrender. "BALUNGHUS GIVE UP..." He stammered in a crude orcish that only El'gor'an understood. "WE STOP FIGHTING... ELVES TOO STRONG..."

Plushie Arz

2015-05-11, 09:43 AM

SHENRA, MACRAE
DM: +700XP to Shenra.
Lerethi joined Shenra in scanning the battlefield. Outwardly, her countenance was like ice but Shenra could sense her mentor's unease. Magnus and his mirror images were nowhere within sight by Shenra knew her true seeing only had a limited ange. "Shenra, I need you to take Calthera down to the Temple." She said. "The magic there will protect you from Magnus' necromancy."

"No, but I can help you!" Insisted the high elf. "Please! You did it to Khallis but please don't do it to me!"

"We don't have time to argue, girl." Snapped Macrae. "He's already taken my best spells. We need a cleric or healer to restore ourselv-aaaargh!"

Macrae could not finish his sentence for his body was suddenly wracked by painful contortions and he grasped at his throat, trying to breathe. Calthera cried out in pain and Shenra felt it too, a magical force that was seizing up and burning the very blood vessels in her body, turning her own senses against her. The taste of copper filled her mouth and she tried to spit it out but it disappeared before she could even open her lips. She recognised the fell effect as the Burning Blood spell, a moderately powerful necromancy that would normally affect a single target but it seemed that Magnus had found a way to turn it against masses of opponents.

Through the haze of pain that clouded her senses, she saw Lerethi gritting her teeth and barely focusing past the agonising sensations that flooded her body. Magnus' taunting voice filled her ears and Shenra saw the invisibility spell drop, revealing the red and black robes circling the skies a hundred and eighty feet of her.

"One of your own Serpent's Fang spells. Fine research if I say so myself. I will watch your apprentices be snuffed one by one, Archmage, and I'll save you for last..."

DM: Shenra's fort save: ) (DC 25 to save). If Shenra does not save, she takes [roll1d8 fire damage subtracted from pool and [roll1] acid damage and can only take move actions until she makes a fort save each round.

roses

2015-05-11, 11:11 AM

[roll0]
This should have been in my round 3 post, but I forgot. So just putting it here.

Feeona, fourth round

The flame tornado shrieked its outrage and anger all around Feeona, as though filled with a hundred tormented souls, while a moment before it had no tongue. Still the living damnation didn't depart the plane. A torrent of fire crashed into her shield just as she raised it, and she held her herself aloft and stubborn until it trickled away. She gasped her surprise as a second slammed into her back. Just before it would have smashed her into the waiting wall of flame, she twisted aside and avoided being ground between the two. The air was thinner, sweat stun her eyes, and her body ached. But an aura of gold coated her weapon. She dimly recognized the same shining light that had unveiled itself when she had sworn not to bare weapons against the Order. It had returned to see her sword mark this monstrosity down to its very soul, and she raised her chin, emboldened. “Back to the abyss with you!” the crusader demanded.

Her sword immediately flashed into a riot against the beast of chaotic flame.

Swift action use Sun Devotion, 1/day. It won't help for the fight but I really keep forgetting about these little things. Keeping the holy theme going and I doubt there's undead nearby.

Full round attack with an extra attack from haste spell.

Retribution Armour Damage: (1d6)[4] (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19238182&postcount=298)

First hit, [roll1]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll2]

Haste hit, [roll3]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll4]

Second hit, [roll5]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll6]

Third hit, [roll7]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll8]

+2 HP heal myself for each hit thanks to martial spirit stance.

HP: 61/108
Steely Pool: 14/15. Only a full Steely Pool means +3 attack and damage. +2 for 10-14/15.
Resist Energy Pool: 37/120
Hit: (starts at +15, +2 from Steely Pool 14/15, +1 Haste, = +18)
Damage +4 to start, +2 Steel Pool, = +6

Only 1 remains.

Alias_Trench

2015-05-11, 11:25 AM

Aurix, Round 4
The Conductor attempted to grab Aurix this time but his reflexes knocked the man's feeble attempt to grab him from his prone position on the ground, out of the way before making a brief reply to him.
"Clearly I won't! I've faced people like you before. I know your type. Lackey with no will of their own, who thinks their important and powerful just because of a few magic items. That's why I'm not going to submit to you magic or no. You don't deserve it"
Aurix took a moment to check on his party member, changing his bearing in relation to the conductor so that he was floating with the bulk of his body away from him and no limbs easily accessible. Aurix shouted to his left as he began taking his strikes, aiming at the conductor's head.
BAM WHOMP thud "Feeona! You ok over there?"

Free action: Talk
Swift Action: 5 ft step to square above (we're going 3D baby... now how to represent this... small case letters for Z-axis? or ^X (where X is a number)...) K20b (a being the first 1-5 ft and b being 5-10ft)
Full round: Attack

Name
Attack
Damage
Type
Special
DM

Bullybasher's Gauntlet
Melee:[roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
Bludgeoning
Magical

Conductor is Prone -4 AC against melee attacks

Bullybasher's Gauntlet (Haste)
Melee:[roll4]
Crit: [roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
Bludgeoning
Magical

Conductor is Prone -4 AC against melee attacks

Bullybasher's Gauntlet
Melee:[roll8]
Crit: [roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]
Bludgeoning
Magical

Conductor is Prone -4 AC against melee attacks

AC
FF
Touch

25
22
20

Reflex
Fort
Will

12
14
15

Wounds
Non Lethal Damage
MAX HP

-
-
115

DR
SR
Energy Resist/Immunity

5/Magic
-
Cold 10 (immediate Action)

Buffs/Conditions
Details
Duration

Protection from Fire
77/120 remaining
4/12 hours

Persistent Fly
60 ft Fly (Good)
?/24 hours

Persistent Freedom of Movement
Auto succeed on resist grapple and escape artist checks
?/24 hours

Persistent Haste
+1 dodge AC, +1 Reflex, +30ft (up to base speed) on all speeds, 1 extra attack/full round attack
?/24 hours

Pearl of Black Doubt Stance
+2 dodge AC each time an enemy misses

Blind Fight
Roll twice on concealment and take the better result. No penalty on AC and no benefits to anyone who attacks me in melee.

Conditional Modifiers: +1 Dodge vs Elemental = AC 26
Uncanny Dodge - AC when Immobie 17
Special:

Combat Update:

Initiative
Name
Position

18+
Feeona
N18

18-
Aurix
K21a>K20b

17
Elemental
K19:M21

2
Conductor
J20

15 ft radius Incendiary Cloud Effect Centred on L20

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Conductor01.png

Vertharrad

2015-05-11, 01:37 PM

Balunghus' actions confused Katria as her body settled back into a defensive stance. The giants attack contrasts with this giants seeming apologetic stance. Not knowing what's being said Katria looks and listens as she waits for El'gor'an to reply. Not wanting to give them a advantage she tries to discern if this "surrender" is real or not.

[roll0]

AC
Touch
FF

40
24
35

Fort
Reflex
Will

13
13
8

Wounds
Non Lethal Damage
MAX HP

-
-
98

DR
SR
Energy Resist/Immunity

5/magic
-
/sleep spells and related effects

Speed
Spell Slots

80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
1st - 6/8

Buffs/Conditions
Details
Duration

Persistent Fly

Persitent Freedom of Movement

Persistent Haste

Protection from Fire

Shield
60 ft Fly (Good)

Auto succeed on resist grapple and escape artist checks

+1 dodge AC, +1 dodge Reflex, +30ft(up to base speed) on all speeds, 1 extra attack/full round attack

120/120 remaining

+4 shield AC
?/24 hours

?/24 hours

?/24 hours

?/4 hours

7/10 rounds

Conditional Modifiers:
+2 to will saves of other enchantments
+1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities
+4 to saves against paralysis
+4 to fort saves against poisons and drugs
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good
Special:
Greater Sustenance[ex] - doesn't need to breathe
Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
brilliant energy weapons do not ignore the exalted bonus to AC(+8)

miinstrel

2015-05-11, 03:01 PM

El was mid leap heading to finish off the creatures around Katria when Balunghus issued his surrender. As he landed, his arm drawn back and poised to strike, he instead twirled around bringing the sai against his inner arm as he turned to face Balunghus. He looked briefly at Katria, noting her uncertainty. Indicating she should pause, El floats into the air so he is face to face with the bloody leader and addresses him in an even, judgement-filled tone.

"You lie, Balunghus. But we not kill you since you put arms up. We give you choice. You give us helmet and magics Magnus give you and you go home. You and all you people. OR you help us and keep helmet and magics."

The drum beat of the battle dance still heavy in his ear, he pauses a moment before continuing with a foreshadowing narrative. "Snake mans come to talk and you attacked them. You hurt now. When we beat human army, snake mans come for you. For revenge. They know you weak now. You help us I make them not fight you. Me promise. Me keep what me talk."

"You no need fight up close. Ogres, trolls.. they fight. You and giants throw rocks at army from far away so you no die." El rises into the air so Balunghus just barely has to raise his head to look at him, an obvious gesture of superiority. Menacing shadows swirl around his body as he speaks down his pointed nose to issue the question one final time. "What you talk?"

Definitely a sense motive to judge his sincerity after that last betrayal. [roll0]

Plushie Arz

2015-05-11, 06:27 PM

KATRIA, EL'GOR'AN
Balunghus was a brute, fickle and possessed of a low cunning but both Katria and El'gor'an saw he valued his own self preservation at the very moment above all else. His trolls and ettins however, had spotted his weakness and grumbled in dissatisfaction.

"Balunghus fight humans for elves." He said, nodding profusely. A trickle of blood dripped from his torn ears and shattered left nose. "Balunghus tell trolls and ettin to throw rock at nasty humans. Elves go. Leave Balunghus alone? Yes?"

DM: +800 XP to Katria and El'gor'an.

AURIX, FEEONA
Incendiary Cloud: [roll0]
Two blows battered the man inside the ceramic suit and Aurix saw cracks appearing in the glass steel panel that allowed the Conductor to see through. The suit offered unsurpassed protection from the heat and the force of Aurix's blows but the Conductor was still a creature of flesh and blood and the impact was still enough to disorientate his senses.

Feeona struck true but the elemental seemed to have gauged her mettle and parted its body to avoid the three slashes that followed. It retaliated with two more slams.

Attack [roll1]
Damage: [roll]2d8+4[roll]+[roll2]
Attack [roll3]
Damage: [roll]2d8+4[roll]+[roll4]

"Not magic..." Gasped the Conductor painfully. "Psionics..." He swung his plated fists out to seize Aurix and a crack of electricity and psychic energy followed as he sought to transfer his wounds to the warrior...

Hostile Empathic Transfer!
Touch [roll5]
Aurix's Will Save: [roll6] DC 21
If hit, Aurix takes 50 untyped damage. Bypasses Soulfire Armour. 25 damage if save successful.

Vertharrad

2015-05-11, 08:09 PM

Katria

Seeing that Balunghus was sincere in his apologetic state Katria slowly drops her guard and looks around wondering what El and Balunghus are saying. Seeing the other giants grumbling she smiles wickedly at them and indicates the dead bosies of their comrades. Turning to El the smile dropping from her like a false facade she speaks. "I think we need Balunghus leading from the front" she gestures to his sorry state "and he can't like this. Do you think he'd allow me to heal him so he can properly fight?" *Elven

roses

2015-05-11, 09:07 PM

Feeona, fifth round

Beyond the void of shrieking flame, Feeona heard a concerned voice ask for her, a world away from the crimson haze of pain and flames and torment. She grimaced in uncertainty that the heavens hadn't finally come to call. Not yet, she thought through laboured breathes. The caster demanded the full attention of Aurix. The monstrosity couldn't be left to rampage unchecked. She couldn't allow them to claim her yet. “Just peachy,” she shouted back through the void. A fist of flame slammed into her face like a brick, and her vision blurred and swam as she staggered back. She swallowed down blood. Another blow raged at her, but years of training held, and her arm jolted as her shield rose to grant sanctuary. The taste of copper filled her mouth again.

Arms trembling from the burden, somehow the golden sword was still lifted, brilliant in its defiance. Feeona's body held a weight and pain that she thought only those with a lifetime of sin and regret might know, but still she smiled. Even surrounded by the flames, she didn't tremble in the face of her destruction, and knew then that Sundara would never be lost to the darkness and deception, the chaos and flames. There will always be a new dawn. Horizontal slanting cut to vertical and reverse slice, the sword flashed out again, and again, and again.

Go AWAY mister elemental. You're not FUN any more. :smallfrown:

Retribution Armour Damage: [roll0] (for the attack it did last round)

Full round attack with an extra attack from haste spell.

First hit, [roll1]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll2]

Haste hit, [roll3]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll4]

Second hit, [roll5]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll6]

Third hit, [roll7]
Bastard Sword Damage, [roll8]

+2 HP heal myself for each hit thanks to martial spirit stance.
Note: I'll likely put on my immediate action damage reduction next round. I didn't this round to see if the steely pool helped me at all.

HP: 39/108
Steely Pool: 10/15. Only a full Steely Pool means +3 attack and damage. +2 for 10-14/15.
Resist Energy Pool: 20/120
Hit: (starts at +15, +2 from Steely Pool 14/15, +1 Haste, = +18)
Damage +4 to start, +2 Steel Pool, = +6

1 Douse the Flames (enemy hit can't make AoO)
2 White Raven Tactics (ally in 10 feet gains another turn, but moves below my initiative)
3 Flanking Maneuver (hit flanked foe, ally gains extra attack)
4 Divine Surge (+8d8 damage)
5 Vanguard Strike (+4 Allies attack)
6 Rallying Strike (hit foe, burst heal me + allies in 30 feet 3d6+11)

[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]

Plushie Arz

2015-05-11, 09:23 PM

FEEONA, AURIX
The elemental shrieked as Feeona struck again and again and for a moment, the column of flames jumped higher into the air before subsiding. The heavy, smoked filled air suddenly cooled and the huge elemental split, firstly into two, then four, then sixteen and then into hundreds of smaller motes of fire that lost cohesion and ran into the temple, only to be extinguished by a gust of breeze. The fresh air cooled Feeona's blistered skin and sweat-soaked tabard and she saw Aurix beating down on the heavily armoured Conductor.

DM: +600XP to Aurix, 1200XP to Feeona.

Alias_Trench

2015-05-11, 11:10 PM

Aurix Before Round 5
Ok so I have as an immediate action the ability to use baffling defence but the way we run combat makes it impossible for me to use it. So I'm going to roll a percentile and let that determine if I get to use it or not
>50 success
<50 fail

[roll0]

EDIT: ...
Ok yeah that's a fail...
Also because of how I positioned myself last round, he's probably grabbing my face.

The gauntlet sparking with electricity was gripped around Aurix's face and intense pain flooded through his entire body, starting from his mind and burning its way down his nerves. Causing bruises and welts to appear. Aurix screamed in agony at first but he could feel almost feel something else in his mind. Aurix screamed louder, but not due to pain. He was using it as a focus, it had turned into more of a defiant roar as he mentally pushed back against the incursion of pain, and it's apparent source, the presence he felt.

Alias_Trench

2015-05-11, 11:38 PM

Aurix Round 5
As Aurix's screaming continued he broke his head free of the sparking hand and swung around to beat the living tar out of the man on the ground. The pain was still echoing through his body but the rage that was inside Aurix had been roused from it's sleep. Aurix grappled with his own mind to stay in control. The heat he had felt before had gone and it barely registered that Feeona had disposed of the Fire Elemental. His focus was all on the man before him.

"SURRENDER!"

His fist drawn back he waited for the man's response.

Swift Action: 5ft to standing over his head, whichever side that is.
Free Action: Yell
If he doesn't surrender I begin a full round attack, If he does surrender I sense motive [roll0].

Full round attack - I stop when I don't detect that he's conscious anymore somehow - you tell me how you want me to treat that Plushie

Name
Attack
Damage
Type
Special
DM

Bullybasher's Gauntlet
Melee:[roll1]
Crit:[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
Bludgeoning
Magical

Conductor is Prone -4 AC against melee attacks - will stop attacking if Aurix detects the conductor is no longer conscious

Bullybasher's Gauntlet
Melee:[roll5]
Crit:[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
"

"

Bullybasher's Gauntlet
Melee:[roll9]
Crit:[roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]
"

"

AC
FF
Touch

25
22
20

Reflex
Fort
Will

12
14
15

Wounds
Non Lethal Damage
MAX HP

25
-
115

DR
SR
Energy Resist/Immunity

5/Magic
-
Cold 10 (immediate Action)

Buffs/Conditions
Details
Duration

Protection from Fire
69/120 remaining
4/12 hours

Persistent Fly
60 ft Fly (Good)
?/24 hours

Persistent Freedom of Movement
Auto succeed on resist grapple and escape artist checks
?/24 hours

Persistent Haste
+1 dodge AC, +1 Reflex, +30ft (up to base speed) on all speeds, 1 extra attack/full round attack
?/24 hours

Pearl of Black Doubt Stance
+2 dodge AC each time an enemy misses

Blind Fight
Roll twice on concealment and take the better result. No penalty on AC and no benefits to anyone who attacks me in melee.

Conditional Modifiers: +1 Dodge vs Elemental = AC 26
Uncanny Dodge - AC when Immobie 17
Special:

Combat Update:

Initiative
Name
Position

18+
Feeona
N18

18-
Aurix
K20b

17
Elemental
Deceased

2
Conductor
J20

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Conductor01.png

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-12, 08:05 AM

Shenra chokes and tries to swallow down the intangible fluid she can feel flooding her throat. In her mind she knows it's not real, that it's a side effect of the spell cranking her blood to a new temperature. She blinks rapidly trying to clear her head, and grabs Calthera's arm. "NOW!" is all she can cough out before her head swoons again. Taking Cal by the arm, she drops as quickly as she can, descending rapidly back towards the temple. After they've made it to the temple floor, she looks back up, her vision foggy and preventing her from seeing Lerethi and Macrae. "Do you still have your link with Katria and Lerethi? In that open area, they're in for a world of hurt... the only way we've defeated him before is by drawing him into closed areas or using physical force against him!" she coughs again, feeling as though she should be coughing up bile or blood. She drops to one knee to gain her composure and tries to focus on stopping the burning sensation within her veins.
Fort save: [roll0]
AC: 27, Touch: 21, FF: 22
HP: 33/51
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +11
SQ:

Buffs
11 rounds - Chilling Shield - Half damage from fire attacks.
Shield - +4 AC
Cat's Grace +4 Dex
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
11 rounds - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/5 2/5 3/5 4/4 5/2 6/2

miinstrel

2015-05-12, 10:09 AM

Balunghus was indeed weak as Katria said. Like a pack of wolves, the many scowling faces circled and eyed one another, wondering who would make the move to finish the job and claim his place as the alpha. While he had little love for the creature, that couldn't be allowed to happen right now. "You're right. After this defeat he needs to prove himself to his people." *Elven

El'gor'an moved close to Balunghus' large ears and spoke softly so only he could hear. "You hurt now. Other giants want to be chief, might kill you. You let us heal you so you strong? Lead from front. Show them why you chief."

Plushie Arz

2015-05-12, 10:17 PM

AURIX, FEEONA
DM: +800 XP to Aurix, +1200XP to Feeona.
The Conductor turned his head in his damaged suit when the fires subsided and he assessed his situation. "Elementals gone. Yes... yield." He intoned, waiting for Aurix and Feeona's reaction.

KATRIA, EL'GOR'AN
"Yes, Balunghus smash challenger." He grumbled unhappily, his thick fingers closing around the handles of his spiked maces. He reached around his belt and produced a brown leather wineskin which he took a heavy swig from with his helmed head. Some of his more recent wounds stitched up, leaving behind ugly scars but his missing fingers and eye did not heal. "You heal more? Share elf trick?"

SHENRA
Fort Saves: [roll0]
Fort Saves: [roll1]
Fort Saves: [roll2]
Coughing and hacking, Shenra forced Calthera to descend to the Temple. She fought her own body and the high elf every second of the way and the burning sensations in her limbs hampered her spellcasting. After what seemed like an eternity, her feet made contact with the top of a stone pyramid and the temple's magic infused her with its regenerative abilities, momentarily suppressing the fell effect. She looked to Calthera, the high elf on all fours and her blue eyes wet with tears. "You should've left me up there. I could've helped..." She whimpered, her voice close to breaking but she struggled to remain brave for her friend. She looked up, where the spell battle was still in effect. Macrae and Lerethi had shrugged off the burning blood and were darting around in the skies as globes of magically conjured darkness appeared to consume them.

"I... I've still got my telepathic links. What do I tell Kat?"

Vertharrad

2015-05-13, 12:00 AM

Katria

Katria looks to El'gor'an looking to confirm what's being said before she acts. When he does Katria steps forward a soft but resolute expression on her face. She raises her arms palm inward and makes fists. -Warrior makes a impatient gesture- You can do this. -Dancer looks at her with a unsure look- It'll be the first time. At least if you can do it without the chant that's less time spent. -Dancer puts her hand upto her face in a concentrating manner- Katria makes a low whimper as her body is hit by the sacrifice as her pallor worsens, a soft glow wreathes her hands. All the gentle emotions she used to use more increase in her and coalesce into a hot center. She puts her hands down and reaches out with her lift index finger to touch Balunghus pouring a portion of her vitality and all those emotions into her target to heal what physical wounds she can. After a few minutes blood begins to show itself on multiple parts of her body and her breathing becomes somewhat labored.

Name
Effect
Casting Time
Range
Target
Duration

Stigmata
Sacrifice 10 con(bleeds for 1 hour) to heal 5*lvl(hd) of those touched, anyone touched can immediately make save against disease with +10 sacred bonus upon use, can touch six as a full-round action
free action
touch
1 creature/point of con damage
Upto 1 hour

AC
Touch
FF

40
24
35

Fort
Reflex
Will

8
13
8

Wounds
Non Lethal Damage
MAX HP

-
-
98(38)

DR
SR
Energy Resist/Immunity

5/magic
-
/sleep spells and related effects

Speed
Spell Slots

80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
1st - 6/8

Buffs/Conditions
Details
Duration

Persistent Fly

Persitent Freedom of Movement

Persistent Haste

Protection from Fire

Shield
60 ft Fly (Good)

Auto succeed on resist grapple and escape artist checks

+1 dodge AC, +1 dodge Reflex, +30ft(up to base speed) on all speeds, 1 extra attack/full round attack

120/120 remaining

+4 shield AC
?/24 hours

?/24 hours

?/24 hours

?/4 hours

7/10 rounds

Conditional Modifiers:
+2 to will saves of other enchantments
+1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities
+4 to saves against paralysis
+4 to fort saves against poisons and drugs
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good
Special:
Greater Sustenance[ex] - doesn't need to breathe
Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
brilliant energy weapons do not ignore the exalted bonus to AC(+8)

Alias_Trench

2015-05-13, 07:30 AM

Aurix heard the man offer his surrender and relaxed his muscles. He looked at what he could see of his eyes and he thought he was genuine.

"Very well... I, Aurix Vuthaussir, will accept your surrender on conditions. These are the terms. You are now prisoner of the Mot'ia tribe and you are subject to our laws and customs. You are to disarm completely and hereafter not raise arms against myself, my allies or my people. I understand that you have powers of which I am not familiar but I have experienced enough and I hereby state that any hostile actions, including the use of your powers, that you take against myself, my allies, my people or our home will void this agreement and your safety will no longer be guaranteed. You will be held by my people until the end of this military engagement and will only be released once the Order of the Morning Sun withdraws from their position and ceases all hostilities against my people, the Lizardfolk of these jungles, and our allies. You will surrender to us any information you have regarding the Order of the Morning Sun's military campaign here and you may be subject to interrogation by our allies on matters that are of interest to them. These conditions may be revisited in the future but as my prisoner you are under my protection as a member of the Mot'ia tribe and should you see fit to abide by the conditions I present to you, you may very well be able to go see your loved ones when the conditions regarding your release are met. These conditions will come into effect once you agree. Now speak... what is your name?"

Aurix waits for the man to give his name before turning to Feeona

"As a representative of the Allies, do you have anything to add at this point in time?"

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-13, 07:55 AM

Shenra pulls herself to standing with her quarterstaff. Turning to face Calthera, her heart goes out to her. "No, Magnus is beyond us. Until we've recuperated, we will only be targets for Magnus." Shenra takes a deep breath, still trying to recover from the ache that wracked her body only moments before. She pulls a wand out of her belt and gently probes her chest above her heart. Relief washes over her, but it is far from enough to restore the damage done. She closes her eyes to think for a minute. "Just ask them how things are with the giants. I'm not sure where to go from there, as I can't justify bringing them to fight him." As Shenra looks up, the magical fight seemed surreal. Calthera was right, they need to help... but how? Magnus' necromancy had reduced them to children, unable to control their bodies as they couldn't stop it. "Can you heal us at all? Possibly give us some additional abjurations before we go back up? I have some spells that will help against him, but in the state we're in, we won't be able to do much."
Use Eternal Wand of Cure Light Wounds: [roll0]
AC: 27, Touch: 21, FF: 22
HP: 41/51
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +11
SQ:

Buffs
7 rounds - Chilling Shield - Half damage from fire attacks.
Shield - +4 AC
Cat's Grace +4 Dex
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
7 rounds - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/5 2/5 3/5 4/4 5/2 6/2

Plushie Arz

2015-05-13, 10:11 AM

SHENRA
"I'm not a healer."

Calthera nodded and closed her eyes in concentration. Shenra looked down from the pyramid to the west of the temple where the major skirmishes were taking place. The Order army had breached the temple with the remnants of the automatons and although a good portion of the soldiers seemed to be afflicted by the curses that beset them, their cohesion and discipline worked in their favour against the frenzied rushes of the lizardfolk warriors and their witch-priests. Above Caan Yupat, the avatar glowed like a second sun that lit up the pyramid and she also saw a small bird flapping around, dropping an avalanche on the front lines of the approaching army.

AURIX, FEEONA
The Conductor nodded reluctantly under his armor. Closer up, Aurix saw a bald man with strong features and glowing runed tattoos that covered the left side of his face. Glowing tubes ran through his neck and behind his ears, connected to the internal schematics of the ceramic plated armor. He spoke simply. "Logar."

KATRIA, EL'GOR'AN
Calthera's voice was brief but Katria sensed the urgency and panic in her tone. "Kat, we need you. Lerethi and Macrae are holding up but Magnus is too powerful."

miinstrel

2015-05-13, 10:28 AM

El moved to Kat, placing a supportive arm around her back and under her shoulder to catch part of her weight should she falter. He kept a wary eye on Balunghus. It was a risk to put her in such a weakened state and leave the giant ready to fight, but they had little choice. "Ok Balunghus. You fight humans now. Show you people why you leader!" El draws him a quick map in the dirt to indicate where the Order's main army is in relation to them and the temple and gets them moving. He tells them he will catch up as soon as he can but to not wait for him.

After they begin their march, El turns to Katria and kisses her gently on the cheek, looking sadly at the many wounds etched across her body, her beautiful robes now a grim canvas of dark splotches. "You've never looked better," he blatantly lied with a smile. "How are the others?"

Vertharrad

2015-05-13, 01:51 PM

Katria

Nodding appreciatively to El and putting her left arm across his back for more support Katria rests her body in his strong grasp. Gritting her teeth against the pain she still gives as much a strong facade as possible.

-Dancer looks up and frowns- The giants are on the way, don't attack them. The Order army is in for a giant surprise. -a comical smile appears momentarily- Me and El will be there shortly.

A feeling of accomplishment overcomes her as the giants head out to clash with the Order army. Giving El a weak smile. "You need to work better on your deception skills. Magnus is too much for the others they need our help. Let's get going." *Elven She dientangles herself and floats into the air. She takes a few seconds of flying around to be sure of her ability to control the flight before taking off to make it to Lady Calthera and the others beside El'gor'an.

roses

2015-05-13, 10:39 PM

Feeona

Feeona breathed deep the sweet air through her nose, breathed out through her mouth, felt reborn. The sword that shone of sunshine was tucked away into its starry bed with a painstaking slowness that a girl did a dolly. She groaned for the movement. There were secret parts of her only one other soul knew about that hurt. Aurix rattled off talk of terms, but her bleeding lips split into an amused smile, never so happy to be alive. She listened intently. It was all important nonsense, and vital she not contradict any of it. Ending the war peacefully meant respecting the sovereignty and happiness of others, among much penance. The woozy steps of a newborn earned her passage to the pair.

Brown eyes burned with curiosity when Feeona stopped before them. The world around her was no longer held captive by flame, no longer strained through crimson stained glass. It brimmed with black and brown branches, grey armour gently clinking from the inside, and a blue sky as vast as man's potential. She cocked her head at Logar. It was odd that this particular man was still on his back, defeated. We should be helping him rise. She nodded stiffly when asked if she wanted to add anything. But for a second, two, she said nothing. For however brief the battle was, it had felt like an eternity, and the seconds themselves now felt a godsend.

“Logar, can you walk?”

Plushie Arz

2015-05-13, 11:50 PM

KATRIA, EL'GOR'AN, SHENRA
Katria and El'gor'an raced back to the Temple to find Shenra and Calthera atop one of the eleven lesser pyramids in the shadow of the Caan Yupat. From the height, they saw Feeona and Aurix had disabled the elementals but the other fronts of the siege had flared up. Macrae and Lerethi exchanged arcane volleys with Magnus three hundred feet above in the skies and the body of the Order army had moved into the temple complex, battling the lizardfolk and raising their banners over two of the unoccupied pyramids to the south.

FEEONA, AURIX
The armoured man wordlessly rose from his back when Aurix stood off his chest and the only clicking was from the cracked plates of thick ceramic armor brushing against each other. At his full height, the Conductor was seven foot tall but both Aurix and Feeona knew much of it was the armored frame. "I surrender on your terms." He said simply.

THE PARTY
A blue glow, like a second sunrise, was emanating from Caan Yupat and Aurix remembered Krastix's warnings of Ular'bundur's own defences, a wall of fire and lightning that would spiral from the gems embedded in blackstone obelisk. The Order vanguard had breached the temple and destroyed the guardians. Soon, the Avatar would have to act.

Vertharrad

2015-05-14, 12:29 AM

Katria

Upon sight of the battle for Ular'bundur Katrias spirits were almost doused like a fledgling flame, she notes the different conflicts and the Orders arrogance to mark anothers land as their own. As she descends to Lady Calthera and Shenra the light in her eyes light up and intensify as the remebrance of what the Order has done with her people rekindles her passion to stop them. The flowing blood glistens as it coats the previously dried blood. Looking nearly dead herself the unhealthy pallor, labored slow walking and shortness of breath is a stark contrast to the steel in her gaze and the resolute movements. "Lady Calthera what can we do to help? I will warn you my physical capabilities are diminished right now" turning to El "but El'gor'ans are not, it also looks like Feeona and Aurix may be showing up soon. Also the giants are on the move to engage the Order. I hope you have a plan. Or an idea what we can do to bring Magnus down."

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-14, 08:33 AM

Upon seeing Katria clearly struggling, she rushes to her side. "What the hell happened to you?" She offers both her quarterstaff for support and pulls the same wand out from her belt. Magnus is proving difficult, even for Lerethi and the three of us," she explains. "Unless we have a way to draw him down into the woods, or out of the open, we don't really stand much of a chance. Unless you have some way to taunt him, since his temper has gotten the better of him before. My spells have some effect on him, but I only had the chance to use two before he reduced me to shambles." She looks up and notices the new florescent light cresting the temple. She moves her eyes back to the fight happening above her between Lerethi, Macrae and Magnus. She needs to be up there, helping her mentor and putting an end to the bastard Magnus. Her anger flares. "The giants are moving to attack the Order? Did the Order not send them to attack the temple in the first place?"

Alias_Trench

2015-05-14, 09:02 AM

Feeona
She nodded stiffly when asked if she wanted to add anything. But for a second, two, she said nothing. For however brief the battle was, it had felt like an eternity, and the seconds themselves now felt a godsend.

“Logar, can you walk?”

*Blink*

Aurix looked at Feeona with surprise

"Ok... Logar, you are now my prisoner. You need to come with us... quickly. Feeona we're finished here it seems so we need to head back"

Aurix picked up Logar and began flying to the temple. The extra weight slowed him down but there was nothing he could do about that. As he flew he kept an eye out for Elder Krastix, as he needed to report to him and notify him that he had captured a prisoner. On the way Aurix began plumbing the psion with questions.
Aurix would obviously be pausing between questions. I also feel that this number of questions will be as much as I can ask on the way to finding Krastix esp since Logar is very economical with his words. Rolling Sense Motives all the way through with a +19

"As per my terms I need you to disarm, can you detach from that suit?"
"What are you?"
"What is that suit of armor?"
"Are you Arcane Corps?"
"Who is your superior?"

Plushie Arz

2015-05-14, 09:44 AM

AURIX, FEEONA
Logar seemed devoid of emotions and he answered the questions put to him mechanically and without pause. His demeanour reminded Aurix and Feeona more like an automaton rather than a living, feeling human although his heavy breathing inside his suit put a pause to any notions of his sentience.

"As per my terms I need you to disarm, can you detach from that suit?"

"No"

"What are you?"

"Project Psion, subject epsilon. Alchemically augmented psionic warrior."

"What is that suit of armor?"

"Mechanical psionic containment suit."

"
"Are you Arcane Corps?"

"No"

"
"Who is your superior?"

"Field Marshal Arwell Wessing."

KATRIA, SHENRA, EL'GOR'AN
"Then we need to get everyone and find Elder Krastix torestore your health." Said Calthera, her voice rising with urgency. "The Avatar is going to conjure the firewall soon but Lerethi and Macrae can't hold against Magnus forever. It... It's all my fault. I completely underestimated him and thought he could be dispelled. Whatever spells we throw at him, he just counters or turns against us. We need to hurry before he gets the upper hand!"

miinstrel

2015-05-14, 10:41 AM

"They did... Our claws and weapons were very diplomatic!" he said gleefully to Shenra. "Long story short, we convinced them Magnus lied and there was more glory to be had fighting on our side. But more details on that over a glass of wine this evening, yes?"

El nods in agreement when Calthera suggests finding Krastix for Katria's wounds. In addition to bringing her back to full fighting strength, he just didn't like seeing her in pain. As the question turns toward the spell battle, El looks skyward toward the deadly, flashing spectacle. "Magnus is one of the most powerful mages in the realm, yes? He is sure to have many tricks we have not heard of up his unnecessarily long sleeves. Do not fault yourself." He swallowed before continuing hesitantly, "Have you tried... steel?" He draws one of the sai slowly from his belt and dangles it in the air on one finger. "He expects a spell battle, yes? Would he be ready for a more physical confrontation?" His heart sped up slightly at the suggestion. This was not his forte; he much preferred facing giants. They were predictable. When they moved, he countered. When they struck, he blocked. How does one parry magic?

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-14, 12:11 PM

Shenra grins at El's disposition. Clearly he had much better luck with his foe than she had. She turns to Calthera, "It's not your fault. We thought ourselves prepared. We know now that we are unable to compete with him offensively." El's flippant conversation keeps a smile, if not a weary one, on Shenra's face. "We know that weapons, namely bows, have brought Magnus' simulacrum down before, the first time we encountered him. The question would be getting you to him." Her eyes move from the battlefield, to the battle in the sky, and back to El. "If the giants think Magnus lied to them... and Magnus thinks the giants betrayed him... We may be able to turn this war civil. What if we had Lerethi bring Magnus to the forefront, where the storm is the worst and show him the giants now breaking down his army? We can head that way first and prepare a potential ambush for him, as well as aiding our allies." And hopefully kill two birds with one stone, she doesn't say aloud. She's still fairly broken about her performance with Magnus. While she had dispelled some of his buffs and managed to deal some damage, it seemed insignificant to her. Her rage had carried her there, and had fueled her magic as she wrought it against him. But it hadn't been enough. El and Katria had conquered the giants, alone. Yet even with Macrae, Lerethi, and Calthera, all she had done was get herself hexed and electrocuted. Her smile fades slowly.

Vertharrad

2015-05-14, 01:02 PM

Katria

Smiling wanly at Lady Caltheras and Shenras concern Katria accepts the staff and leans on it. "Simple healing won't work and by the time these wounds can be healed the battle will have been long over. Most of this blood is still Captain Murdochs...but by the time it stops that will not be true anymore. If you can cast some spell to shore up my vitality I will enter battle with Magnus."

Turning to Shenra. "No, we just got the giants to attack the Order, if we let Magnus get to them they won't last long enough to be useful. Get El up there and have him taunt Magnus, if you can add some vitality to me I'll go with him. If we can get his attention on just us two it might give Madam Magdellar and Macrae enough time to counter him." Turning to El. "Go help those two...be careful I want you back alive, I'll be there shortly." Turning to Lady Calthera she nods. "Let's go see Elder Krastix. Be warned you won't be able to stop the bleeding for about an hour. Infusing more vitality into me would be effective though. While there I can heal any wounded we have." Seeing Shenras smile fade Katria draws herself up to her full height with effort, the fire in her eyes no less bright. "Do not give up hope yet, it isn't over and we're not done. You knew it wouldn't be easy fighting the Order and so did I. Do not falter my friend." She puts her hand on Shenras shoulder reassuringly. Turning to Lady Calthera. "We cannot fight and win every battle my Lady...I only wish it so, but what we can do is adapt ourselves for the struggles ahead. Do not blame yourself for not having the power to stop Magnus it took the whole group last time to end one of his copies, this time will take more. Smile you two, be of good cheer and get ready to repel the enemy."

miinstrel

2015-05-14, 01:03 PM

El shook his head warily, "The giant chieftain only agreed to help after we beat him nearly to death. He tried to betray us at first. Their loyalty is bought with promises of riches, magic, and displays of strength. I don't want to risk Magnus regaining their aid now. Hopefully they've forgotten him and will continue with their current orders to attack the humans. Oh! On that note seeing as you are yourself human... you may want to steer clear of them. We told them to attack "the humans" which may very well include you and Aurix. They're simple creatures; I didn't want to make their target too complicated."

"Unless you think we can catch Magnus in the wall of electric flame as it erupts around the temple, I think the farther we can keep him from the main battle the better. His power may prove inspirational to their troops particularly if it's taking three or four of our best to combat him, yes?"

roses

2015-05-14, 07:43 PM

Feeona

Pleased no harm had been done to his spine, the man stood taller than most orcs. Aurix hitched his hands under the arm pits and simply flew the armoured warrior slowly. Feeona kept pace, content that they wouldn't fly fast enough to jar wounds. The terrain shifted from cobble stone to trees as they floated towards the temples. Logar's answers were blunt. He was a soul that would never experience physical intimacy, commanded sorcery without belonging to the Arcane Corps, and yet still answered to the Order. She sobered with each increasingly incredible answer.

“Were you happy to become like this? Do you know any others like you? Or where you were changed?” She swallowed blood as it filled her mouth again. “Those creatures of flame have no love for life. What were you trying to do back there?”

Plushie Arz

2015-05-15, 01:16 AM

AURIX, FEEONA
"I don't remember." Said Lorgar in response to Feeona's questions about his thoughts on his transformation. "The fires of many burn stronger than the fires of one. Elementals can be controlled just like any other."

Aurix saw Krastix standing with the Avatar and Khallis atop Caan Yupat, surveying the bloodbath below.

THE PARTY
The group reconvened atop Caan Yupat. Khallis paced the square peak of the pyramid restlessly while the Avatar had conjured a magical shield that protected the area from the fireballs, arcane rays and missiles that were flung from below. Elder Krastix stood, leaning on his staff, intoning ancient draconic prayers of strength and wisdom. Aurix and Feeona joined them a few minutes later, carrying what looked like a bulky suit of blackened ceramic armour and set him down on the flat basalt blocks.

The suit was unlike anything they had seen before, with a cracked glassteel face screen and the joints looking as if they had been bolted shut. Small vents allowed the occupant, a bald man with face tattoos and pipes running through his neck, to breath. He looked worn out and his actions were sluggish. It seemed he had succumbed to the curse placed on Ular'bundur's invaders.

"What in the nine hells is that?" Asked Khallis, pointing at the suit.

Alias_Trench

2015-05-15, 11:53 AM

Aurix ignored the exclamation of the cinnamon scented woman, instead depositing Logar on the ground in front of the Avatar and Elder Krastix. Seeing Elder Krastix in prayer, Aurix acknowledged both and gave his report to both, allowing Elder Krastix to decide if he wished to divert his attention from his prayer.

"Elder, Great spirit, Sister Danel and I have captured a prisoner. He has identified himself as Logar, an alchemically augmented psionic warrior under the command of Field Marshal Wessing. He was controlling the fire elementals that were threatening the south of the temple complex. We have subdued him and he has yielded to us. I have offered him terms of surrender and I believe he may have information that could be valuable to us. How would you have us proceed?"

miinstrel

2015-05-15, 01:40 PM

Alchemically augmented?? That sounded... well, horrible. Might as well have the cloudkill poison pumping through your veins. El was a bit reviled by the poor creature, more so for the unwieldy contraption it occupied in than anything else. To be so restricted, so... trapped. He quite felt like prying the suit off the man out of pity.

He was equally uncomfortable having a prisoner so near the Avatar and elders, particularly one who could control the elements, but he held his tongue. Aurix had shown remarkable resolve and skill the last few days for a manling, and El had to trust he knew what he was doing. There were other matters to attend to.

Turning his gaze skyward to the fiery flashes as spell clashed with spell, he spoke to Katria. "I've never felt more alive in all my years than on these sacred grounds. Wouldn't dream of leaving this world without spending another peaceful day here with you." He winked at her before bending his knees and launching into the sky. As he sailed through the static-charged air he looked to the trees on the north-northwest side of the temple for signs that the giants were in fact making their way toward the Order encampment.

Spot check for giants: [roll0]

1st round: FRA Run action to rise 180 feet.
2nd round: move to spot giants and move to rise 45 feet.
3rd round: double move to rise 90 feet (should be in the spell battle map here?)

Free: Set dodge on Magnus

AC: 31, Touch: 25, FF: 23 (+1 with Dodge feat) (+4 vs AoO)
HP: 111 / 111
Speed: 75, Fly 90
Saves: Fort +17, Ref +22, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)
12 minutes - Bear's Endurance (+4 CON)

Debuffs

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-15, 02:17 PM

Shenra grins as El lifts off the ground towards the spell battle. "We'll hopefully be back. After you have dealt with this... thing, feel free to rise and join us as we confront Magnus." Shenra then follows El up towards Magnus, Lerethi, and Macrae.

Vertharrad

2015-05-15, 03:58 PM

Katria

Having taken themselves to Caan Yupat where the Avatar and Elder Krastix are with a magical shield surrounding the site Katria feels self conscious about the blood making it's way down her body and steadily sripping on to the Temple floor. With an abashed look she speaks. "Might I get some bandages to staunch this flow of blood so I'm not making a mess of your sacred Temple?"

When Aurix and Feeona show up with a human in a suit that for some reason reminds her of the automatons Katria can't help but stare with apprehension. Khallis' exclamation gets her attention enough to make a reply softly. "I thought I've seen everything until now. I shouldn't be surprised that the Order has no respect for the natural order of things and makes abominations like their automatons and this...thing." The disdain is very evident in her tone when she says thing.

A scowl infuses her visage when Aurix says alchemically augmented.

-Dancer growls in a low tone- do they have no shame? Does Wessing know no reasonable limits? -Warrior shakes her head in pity for the thing- The Order must be destroyed if we are to fix this problem. -Dancer turns to her- Certainly there are some of them that are redeemable. Maybe Katria...maybe.

Katria smiles at El'gor'an after he speaks. "And I with you El. The majestic beauty and atmosphere of this sacred place is geat. I could see living in such a place with you after this is all done." She touches his arm affectionately. "Be safe my love." She watches El and Shenra leave waiting patiently to speak to Elder Krastix after Aurix is done.

roses

2015-05-15, 08:22 PM

Feeona

Feeona landed beside the prisoner. Her hair was matted with sweat, a split lip only accented the heat welt on her cheek, and she stood with an uneasy waver. The protection spell about her had the timid orange glow of a candle near snuffed out. Still, she brightened on seeing Khallis. Instead of moving to her, the crusader seemed to steady when the prisoner was deemed a thing twice, an object derided. While Logar appeared more metal than man, and had yet to show emotion, he was still human. There was a soul within. She pursed her lips when despite Katria being shrewd enough to command, and Shenra smart enough to learn spell-craft, the blessed truth had been lost on them. It was only the loving exchange between the elf's that kept her quiet. The blonde glanced uncomfortably to a distant temple to mask her guilt that she couldn't speak so freely, but felt as deeply.

“Avatar, Elders, your defender has spoken truly.” Feeona peered back to them respectfully. “But I ask you consider small additions. Logar doesn't recall whether he wanted to undergo this change, or even where the process occurred. Nor could he mention whether he's the only soul that did. He may very well be alone in his circumstance.”

Feeona went quiet, let the urging hang that Logar deserved their sympathy, rather than scorn. There had been twisted men like Murdoch and Calley that committed cruelties, and had violence visited on them in the end. But Logar struck her as a soul that needed to be rehabilitated. She struggled to imagine anyone would trade their emotions and intimacy for cold steel and isolation. The steel in his neck and runes carved on his face only confirmed to her they were witnessing the aftermath of abuse. She looked between Katria and the Avatar then, but deferred more to the Spirit-Goddess. These were her temples and children under attack.

“So said, how are we doing on the war front? I saw the Order breached some of the temples, and the Archmage clearly still has her hands full. There's a lot that needs answering. Is there anywhere in particular we're needed?”

I'm sitting on 35 HP (after adding the little bits of healing from martial spirit) so I'm in no position to fight atm. So just talking instead of really going to help fight anyone.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-16, 08:32 AM

THE PARTY
Krastix opened his eyes from his prayers. "We show mercy to those who surrender. We will have him taken to the Null Vault. The dead magic would cancel out the psionics." The Null Vault was a stone chamber on the third floor down and a curious property of the room was that no magical items or abilities would function in its confines. It would make the perfect prison for a caster. Logar was quickly transferred to custody of the temple guards.

Khallis touched Feeona while singing a quiet melody of healing. The crusader felt a gentle warmth spreading through her limbs and her blisters hardening before falling off, making way for the soft tender skin underneath. The elf flashed a reassuring smile. The sun was approaching midday and the temperature was rising. Krastix uttered a few more prayers that stemmed Katria and Shenra's wounds, although the battledancer's stigmata still left her light-headed and dizzy.

"I have issued the retreat. They have exacted a heavy toll. Elder Akana counts two hundred of our dead and nearly three hundred of theirs. They have destroyed our stone guardians but it will take several hours before the Temple regenerates the next wave of defenders. The druidess has performed a great service to our people in holding back the defilers."

Indeed, those on the pyramid saw Branna flying around entangling clusters of advancing Order infantry with her druidic magic. Elsewhere, they saw logs and stones being hurled from the valley slopes at the main body of the vanguard, scattering the formations. However, once in melee, the Order's superior equipment and training allowed them to have the upper hand against the lizardfolk tribal warriors. With the lizardfolk retreating into the pyramids and the army marching into the temple proper, the Avatar rose ten feet into the air and intoned a draconic word that was all too familiar to Shenra.

"Valignat."
Burn

The parameters around each pyramid was suddenly surrounded by a ring of fire that shot fifty feet into the air and a blazing line erupted from the black obelisk, connecting each of the burning rings like a ravenous serpent that burned and coiled around the entire Temple complex. The Order units broke in the wake of the raging walls of flame, those close enough seeking sanctuary in the two captured pyramids while those closer to the fringes of the Temple fled the flames. Only a few unfortunates were roasted alive by the conflagration.

The Avatar descended, a trickle of blood running down Vyer's nose.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-16, 08:58 AM

EL'GOR'AN
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Mage03.png
El'gor'an saw the warband approaching the Order ranks and the sight of a tree trunk being hurtled from their position was all the confirmation he needed that Balunghus was however grudgingly fulfilling his side of the bargain this time. As he ascended further, towards the spell battle between the three mages, he saw Magnus was more than capable of holding his own against both Lerethi and Macrae. Macrae had an ashen look about him and he moved slower as though his lifeforce was sapped by the battle. Lerethi fired a sickly green ray at the human arcanist but it was deflected by the man's magical defences.

"You do not protect this one like with the high elf, archmage." He taunted, his voice magically projected. El'gor'an saw Macrae bristle. "Another pawn or perhaps there's no attachment? We'll find out won't we?" He waved his arms and a ray of black energy struck Macrae, wrapping him in black flames that consumed heat rather than emanating it. El saw his comrade suddenly losing control of his flight spell and plunge a hundred and twenty feet down towards the Temple...

miinstrel

2015-05-16, 12:33 PM

Satisfied the giants were doing their part, El turned and focused his attention on the archmage. As he continued his ascension he closed his eyes and took two deep, centering breaths, calming his mind and feeling his sai as extensions of his arm. The leather wrapping on the handle was his skin, the imperfections in the metal a scar on his hand. When he opened his eyes again Macrae was tumbling through the air.

He dashed forward with all his might. Could he even get there in time? Sheathing his sai once again he shouted at Lerethi as he passed. "STAY ON THE ARCHMAGE!"

As the scarred wizard fell, El lunged and grasped at his body hoping to spare him the gruesome death that waited several hundred feet below.

Move: Enter Macrae's square (EXACTLY 90 feet away... not sure if you intended that or not but good job!)
Standard: Catch Macrae. Presuming a melee touch attack as though initiating a grapple? [roll0]

If I'm able to catch him I will either hold him until he can make himself fly again or descend back to Caan Yupaat (at double speed as per flight rules) and then climb back up to Lerethi and Magnus.

EDIT: Best I can do is maybe slow his descent. I can only carry an additional 80 pounds after my equipment and still be able to fly. He weighs ~165 with gear.

AC: 31, Touch: 25, FF: 23 (+1 with Dodge feat) (+4 vs AoO)
HP: 111 / 111
Speed: 75, Fly 90
Saves: Fort +17, Ref +22, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)
12 minutes - Bear's Endurance (+4 CON)
Dodge set on Magnus

Debuffs

Vertharrad

2015-05-16, 02:48 PM

Katria

Katria nods her head in acceptance of what Elder Krastix says knowing that such shows of mercy are needed. Even light-headed and dizzy she gives Elder Krastix a gracious smile at his aiding her with the predicament she put herself in. "Thank you Elder, I'm not feeling too well I'll take some time to collect myself before entering the battle again."

Leaning on Shenras staff she's able to witness the Avatar activate one of the defenses as a ring of fire erupts around the Temple. Katria tries to collect whats left of her senses and equilibrium as the battle rages on and she notices the blood come from Vyers nose. She feels a twinge of concern for this human she's only just recently met in Mornan's Landing. Imploring the Avatar. "Please be careful about that we're not done and I'd like to see Vyer looking better than I do right now."

Alias_Trench

2015-05-16, 10:30 PM

Shenra
"We'll hopefully be back. After you have dealt with this... thing, feel free to rise and join us as we confront Magnus."

Katria
When Aurix and Feeona show up with a human in a suit that for some reason reminds her of the automatons Katria can't help but stare with apprehension. Khallis' exclamation gets her attention enough to make a reply softly. "I thought I've seen everything until now. I shouldn't be surprised that the Order has no respect for the natural order of things and makes abominations like their automatons and this...thing." The disdain is very evident in her tone when she says thing.

A scowl infuses her visage when Aurix says alchemically augmented.

Aurix bristled internally at Shenra's open remarks depersonifying Logar, and while Katria said it softly it was still audible to most, in particular the one that they were referring to.Aurix wasn't sure why he was bothered by this small turn of events. He knew part was to do with their flippant remarks whilst in the presence of the preeminent member of his people and a divine spirit of his people's goddess. Their loose lips were a sign of no respect. Surely they did not behave this way around important members of their society.

That... thing...

In Aurix's life many people also thought of Aurix as a thing, and said so to his face, completely ignoring the fact that he was a living, breathing, walking, talking person who did not deserve any of the scorn that people were so generously giving away.

Feeona
“Avatar, Elders, your defender has spoken truly.” Feeona peered back to them respectfully. “But I ask you consider small additions. Logar doesn't recall whether he wanted to undergo this change, or even where the process occurred. Nor could he mention whether he's the only soul that did. He may very well be alone in his circumstance.”

As Feeona spoke Aurix wondered,
Did Logar have a choice in all of this?
Aurix had never heard of psionics before but he was very sure it was a rare talent that could not be learned or induced. But the Order was a nation at war and in war there were times when the wants and needs of individuals were subsumed by the "greater good". He couldn't imagine anyone wanting to go through this process voluntarily if they knew what the outcome was... to have many of the things that make a person a person stripped away leaving only the bits that were useful... to become a tool or implement. Aurix thought back to his own history... what he knew of it anyway. He was born with what was also a rare affliction and he assumed that he was abandoned by his people. He spent days drifting down the river into the southern jungles and his fate would have been dire had it not been for Ixatl. He had no choice being born the way he was but the actions of others had made such a huge impact on his life. In a way, he and Logar were similar but if not for the events that found him in the Jungles he would have been either dead or worse simply a tool of war.

THE PARTY
Krastix opened his eyes from his prayers. "We show mercy to those who surrender. We will have him taken to the Null Vault. The dead magic would cancel out the psionics."

"Thank you Elder"

Aurix turned to Logar and bade him to stand.

*Common*"Mark me Logar, you have my word that in return for your promise to not take up arms against my people, you shall remain safe. Should you wish to offer information or assistance in our efforts against the Order of the Morning Sun and their invasion we can revisit the terms of your incarceration."

Aurix also spoke to the temple guards in their common tongue

*Draconic* "This man is to be held prisoner and no harm shall come to him if he makes no hostile or treacherous actions. Be careful however, he is a skilled warrior and commands a force beyond our knowledge. He has the power to addle the mind and give wounds from himself to his enemies. His armor is also a part of him just as you with your scales. It defends him from most attacks and fire at the least. He is our enemy but he is also our prisoner. By Maizoluta's kindness we shall treat him with mercy and by Maizoluta's wisdom we shall see him for what he is. May the Goddess be with you."

Khallis touched Feeona while singing a quiet melody of healing. The crusader felt a gentle warmth spreading through her limbs and her blisters hardening before falling off, making way for the soft tender skin underneath. The elf flashed a reassuring smile. The sun was approaching midday and the temperature was rising. Krastix uttered a few more prayers that stemmed Katria and Shenra's wounds, although the battledancer's stigmata still left her light-headed and dizzy.

As the temple guards took Logar away Aurix returned and saw the healing that was taking place.
"Elder, save your spells for the enemy. I will attend to their healing."
Aurix assessed the situation and went to heal katria first as she appeared to be the most injured.
Aurix could see that after the first touch the bleeding would not stop.
"What have you done to yourself?" Aurix enquired as he channelled more negative energy into his chain shirt. The enchantment on the armor was getting an extreme workout today and where he had touched twice now on the chain was glowing red hot.
With the second touch doing nothing to ease the bleeding, Aurix took some of his sashes off and tore them into bandages to stem the bleeding.
"You do not look well Katria, you should not be fighting until you have recovered"

For Shenra, Aurix gave her some healing as well, before she ran off to join the spell battle happening in the sky above them.

Finally he turned to Feeona - the cinnamon scented woman had healed her to some degree so he decided to ask if she needed anymore healing,
"You did very well in that last battle Feeona, you are a strong warrior, Khalis..."
Aurix paused, in the case he'd gotten her name wrong, so that the cinnamon scented woman could correct him if necessary before continuing,
"tended to your wounds but do you require any more healing?"

When he had finished with everyone else he tended to himself. The red glowing handprints on his chain burning against his now bare skin but without pain, just heat.

Everyone should be fully healed! Except Katria's con damage.

Feeona
“So said, how are we doing on the war front? I saw the Order breached some of the temples, and the Archmage clearly still has her hands full. There's a lot that needs answering. Is there anywhere in particular we're needed?”

"I have issued the retreat. They have exacted a heavy toll. Elder Akana counts two hundred of our dead and nearly three hundred of theirs. They have destroyed our stone guardians but it will take several hours before the Temple regenerates the next wave of defenders. The druidess has performed a great service to our people in holding back the defilers."

Indeed, those on the pyramid saw Branna flying around entangling clusters of advancing Order infantry with her druidic magic. Elsewhere, they saw logs and stones being hurled from the valley slopes at the main body of the vanguard, scattering the formations. However, once in melee, the Order's superior equipment and training allowed them to have the upper hand against the lizardfolk tribal warriors.

With the lizardfolk retreating into the pyramids and the army marching into the temple proper, the Avatar rose ten feet into the air and intoned a draconic word that was all too familiar to Shenra.

"Valignat."
Burn

The parameters around each pyramid was suddenly surrounded by a ring of fire that shot fifty feet into the air and a blazing line erupted from the black obelisk, connecting each of the burning rings like a ravenous serpent that burned and coiled around the entire Temple complex. The Order units broke in the wake of the raging walls of flame, those close enough seeking sanctuary in the two captured pyramids while those closer to the fringes of the Temple fled the flames. Only a few unfortunates were roasted alive by the conflagration.

Aurix was dismayed to hear the news of exactly what had transpired on the other fronts.
200... That's far too many. That's almost an entire generation of men. The spell battle needs our attention. The loss of their most powerful spellcaster should weaken their side considerably, but at the same time... the captured temples are now a risk to the security of the other temples... They too must be dealt with.

Putting aside the grief for now Aurix focused on the present and trying to prevent more loss.

"Elder, the captured temples... Their underground tunnels give the Order direct access to all of the other temples and to the underground passages that lead to Caan Yaput and the Eye. Attacking and dispatching this Magnus who is in the skies above us would damage the enemy's morale and give us a significant advantage later but we cannot let the underground temples to be unguarded... With the temples now ringed by walls of fire the order can no longer access the temples they have captured for supplies or reinforcements but that also forces the forces inside the temple to travel inward... the underground passages may be uncovered soon and that puts our elderly, women and children at risk. We have already lost almost a generation of men. We cannot put the non-combatants at risk."

The Avatar descended, a trickle of blood running down Vyer's nose.

Katria

Katria nods her head in acceptance of what Elder Krastix says knowing that such shows of mercy are needed. Even light-headed and dizzy she gives Elder Krastix a gracious smile at his aidng her with the predisament she put herself in. "Thank you Elder, I'm not feeling too well I'll take some time to collect myself before entering the battle again."

Leaning on Shenras staff she's able to witness the Avatar activate one of the defenses as a ring of fire erupts around the Temple. Katria tries to collect what's left of her senses and equilibrium as the battle rages on and she notices the blood come from Vyers nose. She feels a twinge of concern for this human she's only just recently met in Mornan's Landing. Imploring the Avatar. "Please be careful about that we're not done and I'd like to see Vyer lokking better than I do right now."

Aurix noted the blood trickling down Vyer's nose and was concerned. He recalled Elder Krastix telling him that it was a heavy burden to bear, one that would eventually burn up the host as mortal bodies were not made to house the spirits of the divine. Aurix looked closely at Vyer and channeled some negative energy into his armour.

"Spirit, your vessel, Vyer, is bleeding. Do you require healing?"

As Aurix got closer with the a hand holding positive energy, he looked to see how her condition was. He could heal but he was no healer and what little he knew was from personal experience. None the less he tried to see how much longer Vyer's body could house the temple's spirit.

"heal check re: Vyer and the bleeding nose, what is her prognosis? - (1d20+3)[15]"
or I guess a K Nature or K Local... Nature since biological stuff or Local since that's the check that pertains to humanoids.
K Nature - [roll0]
K Local - [roll1]

Vertharrad

2015-05-17, 12:01 AM

Katria

Katria smiles self consciously at Aurix' honest question. "I have transferred a portion of my life force to another healing their ailments...it does tend to strain the body though. I know, I'll be a burden in this state rather than a boon."

After Aurix is finished talking Katria looks up with a grim look. "You mean they didn't need Ross to get in?" She shakes her head. "No rest for the weary, I can't sit down resting when innocents are at risk. I'm not going to let it happen again." Looking at Elder Krastix she describes which temples have been captured. "Is it okay to send someone with me so I can go stop these forces from advancing much further?"

Plushie Arz

2015-05-17, 03:42 AM

EL'GOR'AN
El'gor'an grabbed Macrae in his erratic descent and he felt the black fires enveloping the wizard's body starting to spread to his own. The fires were not hot but rather consumed the heat in his limbs. [roll0] (DC 25) El'gor'an felt the black fires licking away at his own health, leaving a chill in his limbs and sickening his body. (2 Constitution Damage (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19265591&postcount=984), Sickened)

"It's blackfire! Powerful necromancy..." Utterly the scarred elf painfully, his descent slowed by El'gor'an's upward momentum. El'gor'an still felt the wizard's downward push as he lost altitude. "It'll spread and consume all it touches! Urgh... needs to be dispelled or disenchanted!"

AURIX
Aurix was reminded of Elder Krastix's warnings about the dangers of the Avatar state. "A mortal vessel is not made to hold the powers of the Spirit." He recalled. "Whether it be hours, days or weeks, the host will eventually be consumed by the raw power of the Spirit."

"The vessel holds. The Temple regenerates her body of flesh and blood." Declared the Spirit. "She sees the mindless slaughter, desecration of the Goddess' holy shrine. The vessel agrees the Order must pay."

THE PARTY
"I will send for the remaining warriors to regather at Caan Yupat through the tunnels. You can meet Lahars and help defend the tunnels." Said Krastix. "The fire wall will remain indefinitely and hold the defilers at bay."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Evercursed/Sundara%20Giantitp/Spell%20Battle.png

The party saw Magnus nearly three hundred feet above them striking Macrae with a ray of black energy. A black fire consumed the elven wizard and he started plunging towards the temple, his descent only slowed by El'gor'an's timely intervention. Although the spell battle had raged for the better part of the past hour, and most mages would have exhausted their daily reserve of spellpower, the battle above showed no signs of abating. Both Lerethi and Magnus did not seem short of spells and their fiery exchange was at a completely different level to the battle below.

Vertharrad

2015-05-17, 04:05 AM

Katria

"It would be my honor Elder." Turning to Aurix and Feeona. "I conjecture you two want to help? I don't know what to expect. We might just meet Field Marshal Uhars the way things have been going."

Once they make their choice known Katria prepares to meet Lahars and go repel the enemy.

roses

2015-05-17, 11:14 PM

Feeona

Khallis came to her, singing a song quietly her own, and Feeona's joy spread across her face until she all but glowed at the serenade. All the pain inside faded. She listened rapt, saw the reassuring smile, and was never more sure she had been forgiven for the hurt she had caused Khallis before they had reached the temples. A tear fell, and another. She whipped her eyes before they worsened and she felt even more stupid and grateful than she already did, and could only smile her gratitude. Aurix approached after. Complimented her for being capable in a dangerous situation, as were all trained by the Order. Her smile faded. The dawn come that I help end this war peacefully. That's when my part in all this is praiseworthy. But she cared to find common ground so that day would arrive, and it wasn't lost on her that to be lauded a strong warrior perhaps meant more in a tribal culture than she appreciated. She adopted a look patient.

“Mornay offers me epiphanies for self-defence, and that I might champion causes kindly. They're gifts granted in good faith. Your praise truly belongs to Her, sir. Even then, it should be shared: Your bravery was clear in contending with Logan alone. But please, save your talent.” She gave the short elf a dauntless little kiss on the cheek after.

“Khallis has given me all the healing I need. We're fine. Thank you.”

Feeona's arms wrapped around the red head after, even as she heard the report of five hundred lives lost. She breathed deep and sighed her sorrow, but appeared nothing close to surprised. She hadn't been far from joining their ranks against the fire elemental. The Avatar ascended into the air, and at a command, walls of flame shot up around each temple. Distant formations of Order troops broke, and those unlucky enough to be closer to their objective were forced into the lizard temples. The unknowing Blacklight boy spoke of the innocent beneath them that needed saving, yet never acknowledged the Order troops were more in need of rescue than any of them. Katria spoke of protecting the civilians despite her weakness.

“Elders permitting, it would be a kindness to help defend their people. But I might do better at it with words than weapons. The Order troops excel in close quarters, your temples can supply just that, and their objective is far more attainable than retreat. Add in their misconceptions about your people and they might not know surrender is an option. I might be able to sway some of them away from those notions, if I'm allowed to help. It would spare lives on both sides.”

Worse case scenario, I get told they don't want another Order troop running around. I'll likely go help miinstrel then?

Plushie Arz

2015-05-17, 11:51 PM

Vertharrad

2015-05-18, 01:23 AM

Katria

Katria notices the small signs that Lady Calthera exhibits and wonders if maybe the rumors are true. Maybe her and Madam Magdellar? Shakes her head because right now it doesn't matter. Turning to Feeona. "Try to talk them down if you wish, just don't let them get near the innocent people or the artifact they came to steal."

When Lady Calthera asks about Madam Magdellar Katria looks at the spell battle. She frowns slightly when Macrae is sent plummeting and El has to catch him. Then she smiles as Her commander strips Magnus of his own spells. The smile fades and a growl escapes her mouth as he turns into the very birthright that flows through her veins.

Katria walks over to Lady Calthera and puts her hands on her shoulders, looking her in the eyes. "Madam Magdellar will be okay; she has Shenra, Macrae, and El with her." Katria twitches slightly at the thought that Magnus is making light of her heritage by turning into a dragon. "It's evident you care about her, so help us do what we all came here to do and remember that the spell battle isn't the only fight around here. Have faith that she will prevail."

"When Lahars gets here we three" she motions to Aurix and Feeona "will go halt the advance of any troops that get near. They may think themselves better inclose, however should they decline Feeonas mercy, I'll teach them otherwise until their bodies cover the floor or they ask for quarter."

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-18, 09:01 AM

Shenra ascended behind El, but he was faster and reached the others first. Suddenly, a black bolt of energy struck Macrae, engulfing him in flames.
Spellcraft to identify the spell: [roll0], Knowledge Arcana to know what it does: [roll1].

Plushie Arz

2015-05-18, 09:09 AM

SHENRA
The black crackling ray and sapping fires marked the spell as a powerful necromancy and Shenra identified the spell as Blackfire, a unique sorcery researched by Master Harpalus of the Serpent's Fang. Harpalus developed the spell to deal with the warbands of orcs and hobgoblins that occasionally made their way into the jungles and the spell ate away at its target's lifeforce until they were reduced to a pile of ash and had the capacity to spread to others within its vicinity. It could only be stopped by a successful dispel, remove curse or death ward. The Ruling Council had deemed the spell too dangerous and the complicated components made it difficult to master, save for the most skilled of arcanists. It seemed that Magnus had claimed the spell for his own after the Order victory in the Battle of Kiiska.

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-18, 09:14 AM

When she sees El catch Macrae and slow the descent, she targets a dispel at them, aimed at stopping the dastardly effects. Channeling restorative magic through her blood, she whispers "Ssifisv," and sends the magic towards them. Hoping that her spell was effective, she continues her ascent towards Lerethi. Upon reaching her, she reaches out to her mentor. "Mistress, Lady Calthera is safe at the temple, and our allies have returned to Krasitx and the Avatar. While the Order is pushing in and gaining ground, we managed to turn the giants against them. We can focus on Ma-" Her voice is caught in her throat as a twisted cackle crackles through the air around them. Dry, hearty, and malicious, it chills Shenra's bones to her core. As she turns to where Magnus had just been, she watches his form transfigure, growing and distorting as magic coursed through and around him. It feels as though it takes an eternity for the transformation to complete, but in reality it only took a minute for the mage to assume the form of a terrifying visage, something Shenra did not think could still exist: a dragon.

Panicked, she turns to Lerethi as the screaming roar erupts. "Mistress, what do we do? We cannot compete against... Darastrix," she chokes out the final word. She had heard of dragons. She spoke their tongue. But she would never have guessed that Magnus could become one. This was rapidly getting out of control, and for the first time in a long time, she legitimately feels fear.
Greater Dispel Magic: [roll0] Move to next to Lerethi.
AC: 27, Touch: 21, FF: 22
HP: 58/58
Speed: 70
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +11
SQ:

Buffs
7 rounds - Chilling Shield - Half damage from fire attacks.
Shield - +4 AC
Cat's Grace +4 Dex
Bear's Endurance +4 Con
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
7 rounds - Heart of Fire - Resist Fire (20 points), +10' move speed

Debuffs

Spells Remaining: 0/4 1/5 2/5 3/5 4/4 5/2 6/1

Plushie Arz

2015-05-18, 09:24 AM

SHENRA, EL'GOR'AN
The wave of dispelling magic failed to remove the flames that was eating away at both Macrae and El'gor'an's health. Lerethi cast a shimmering barrier of force between herself and the red beast now circling. "No, we cannot." Nodded the archmage, her expression measured but a slight quaver entering her voice. Her glowing eyes flickered and a few seconds later, the wind surrounding her was gone as the duration of Stormrage spell expired. "We must seek shelter in the Temple. The Death Ward effect will protect Macrae and Master Doranu from the Blackfire. See them to safety. I will afford whatever time you need to retreat."

She traced a precise pattern into the air and split into four mirror images and then, doubled again. Nine copies glided in the breeze, facing the red beast.

The dragon that was Magnus was drawing closer, buffeting the air with his massive wings and flames licking from his nostrils. An unnatural heat emananted from his body like a furnace and Shenra could see the orange veins of magma between the dragon's scarlet scales. "You like my form Archmage? I left a gift for you from your reaving dispel. Perhaps you'll enjoy it. Or not."

miinstrel

2015-05-18, 10:39 AM

As he reached for Macrae the black flames leapt to his arm like a serpent, twining up is limbs and send a chill through his body. His stomach became a gargantuan monkey fist as it knotted and left him wanting to vomit, but he held tightly to Macrae. "Ugh... well it's already touched me, so no use letting you fall now!" He could see Shen'ra cast a spell in their direction, but with the flames unabated he presumed it was ineffective. "The elders will be able to help. Can you move on your own?" As the fell, El pulled him to the west, aiming for the peak of Caan Yupaat and hoping they could make it that far before they perished.

Double move sideways as we fall to try and reach Caan Yupaat. Will be repeating this action as many times as necessary to get there.

When he arrives, El shouts for everyone to stand back lest they also be consumed.

AC: 31, Touch: 25, FF: 23 (+1 with Dodge feat) (+4 vs AoO)
HP: 99 / 99
Speed: 75, Fly 90
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +22, Will +16 (+2 vs Enchantment, +2 vs Fear)
SQ: Immune to Sleep, Evasion, LL Vision, Elf Secret Door Sense (+7 search)

Buffs
Stance - Child of Shadow (20% concealment if move 10 feet or more)
Persist Haste - +1 AB/reflex/AC, +30' move, 1 extra attack
Persist Fly - Fly speed 60, good maneuverability
Persist Freedom of Movement
4 hours - Protection from Fire (120 points)
12 minutes - Bear's Endurance (+4 CON)

Debuffs
?/? Blackfire - CON damage/round, sickened

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-18, 12:56 PM

Shenra's conflict rises into her chest. "This is the second time I've come to your aid, Mistress, only to be told to leave you. It was hard enough to take Calthera, but we were afflicted. Now I am healthy, and though I can't face a Darastrix, I can't leave you alone to face him. Please, don't make me leave you here." She searches Lerethi's eyes, hoping to see something to indicate she wasn't advocating this suicide. She looks back down to the temple, to the advancing Order soldiers, to El and Macrae struggling down towards the others. Yet every time she finds her eyes on Magnus, in his monstrous new form, her courage threatens to leave her.

"If you stay to fight, you will delay him, but you will die..." She says under her breath, quielty. "And it may be enough, but it may not... Please, come with us to the temple wards. We cannot lose you now. I need you."

Plushie Arz

2015-05-18, 07:37 PM

DM: +800XP to the party.

EL'GOR'AN, SHENRA
Fort Saves: [roll0]
Fort Saves: [roll1]
Fort Saves: [roll2]

With Macrae's weight on him and his chilled limbs growing numb, El'gor'an descended to Caan Yupat. The others cleared room for him and as soon as he touched the ground, he felt the Temple's restorative magic coursing through him, quelling the spread of the black flames across his and Macrae's bodies. He looked to the wizard and saw Macrae's laboured breaths, barely clinging onto life. Although the black flames generated no heat, the skin around the wizard's lower face and neck was blackened and necrotic. Krastix and the Avatar stepped forward.

"The wizard's magic attacks life itself." Hissed the elder priest, shaking his staff and placing his clawed hand over the wizard. "Emerald Goddess, lend me the strength to restore this stolen vitality."

The Avatar likewise placed her borrowed hands over El'gor'an and a bright wisp passed through him, draining the blackness that tainted his body. El'gor'an felt whole again but he could not forget the clenching in his stomach as the blackfire consumed his lifeforce like a leech.

DM: El'gor'an and Macrae have been restored, as per greater restoration. The Death Ward effect of being in the Temple negated the spread of Magnus' Blackfire.

The greying wisp passed and coursed through Macrae, drawing out the necromantic energy before dissipating in the air. Macrae struggled to rise but his feet gave out and with a grunt, he fell back to his knees.

"Your body is whole but your spirit is still wounded." Said Krastrix sagely to the wizard. "You need rest."

* * *

Lerethi and her eight copies were inscrutable. Shenra wondered about her mentor's temperament and how she could remain so steely in the face of such terror. She remembered Lerethi's casual dismissal of her and Calthera's aid in the heat of battle and her lack of grief when Fharel was killed after the Steel Pits. Magnus' taunts about the archmage's willingness to sacrifice pawns disturbed her and she wondered whether Lerethi truly felt any connection to any of them. Were they just pieces in the archmage's plans?

"You will be astounded by a dragon's sense of smell! They are truly like the gods!" Gloated Magnus, circling the air around Lerethi's force barrier. "I smell the burned flesh and the cinders from below. I can smell molten steel and scorched cloth. Most of all, I can detect your fear in your sweat, Archmage. You anticipate death. And my is that the high elf's scent on your lips? You've been teaching her more than just magic."

The dragon's purple tongue flicked from his maw and he roared in maddened laughter.

"How ironic, the last of an exhausted race and an abomination. You elves are truly a decadent race. Well, you know what they say of birds of a feather. Or snakes of a scale. I will take my joys after I defeat you. A fitting end to a most unworthy foe."

Shenra suddenly saw Lerethi clutching her temples and the nine copies doing likewise. She was losing altitude and her spell barriers were shimmering as they followed her descent to the Temple.

"You will enjoy my gift, yes? I've been watching you, Archmage. I read your colleague's scrolls and know your tactics. Your reaving dispel was certainly effective and I left a little surprise of my own when you stole my defences. An elfbane curse. Doesn't affect me but against elves? Why, who'd ever want to assume such a frail form with so few benefits?"

Shenra was somewhat familiar with arcane curses. They weakened the target in various ways and some could be tailored to activate upon a specific condition. It seemed that Magnus had inflicted himself with such a spell and when Lerethi reaved his wards, the curse took effect.

Lerethi had steadied her descent and discarded her nine copies who remained airborne. Shenra's true sight saw her activating a spell of greater invisibility while an illusion remained. Magnus circled the air above, but did not give pursuit. He seemed to be enjoying the spectacle and the humiliation of his nemesis.

Shenra heard Lerethi's telepathy in her mind. "I'll join you at the Temple. Now go."

Plushie Arz

2015-05-18, 08:00 PM

THE PARTY
The red dragon circled overhead and nine copies of the Kiiskan archmage appeared in the skies. It seemed Magnus was toying with the casters and soon, one of Lerethi's copies vanished from sight.

Lerethi and Shenra soon joined El'gor'an, Macrae and the others at the peak of Caan Yupat. The archmage of the Serpent's Fang wasted no time in re-establishing the defences and with a wave of her hand, a prismatic barrier thirty feet in radius enveloped the peak of the pyramid.

Calthera ran past the others and wrapped Lerethi in a tight hug, burying her face in the older woman's neck. "Please don't do it again." She sobbed, "Don't make me leave you." Calthera was like a child again and both El'gor'an and Katria were reminded of how young she really was.

Awkwardly raising an arm to pat her apprentice's heaving back, Lerethi looked to the rest of the assembled group. Khallis held Feeona tightly and Macrae struggled to rise from ground. Krastix ambled forward, leaning on his staff and the Avatar looked to the skies with a song forming on her lips. Dark clouds started to shift from Gorgon's Pate to the centre of Caan Yupat and the party could hear the discontented rumbling of thunder from afar.

"He knows my tactics and he's too powerful." Said Lerethi, wearily. "I have expended the majority of his spells and it will take eight hours before he is ready to cast again."

"As long as the Temple's defences hold, he cannot set foot on the grounds. The Emerald Goddess will not permit such desecration. We must stop the defilers before he can replenish his casting."

"I will call forth the elements to drive him from our skies." Declared the Avatar. "His stolen form is an affront to the Emerald Goddess."

"You are hurt and his magic lingers." Said Krastix, matter of fact. Lerethi winced. "Allow me to restore you."

Alias_Trench

2015-05-19, 03:25 AM

THE PARTY
Khallis beamed at the kiss and the edges of Calthera's pale lips twitched.

"Sophiea, Luthais and Ruslam are also with their troops in the pyramids." Reported the high elf, in a composed tone. Aurix, Katria and Feeona noticed her face looked paler than before they left to deal with the catapults, giants and elementals. "They'll defend their positions and Ruslam will scout the underground passages with his Blood Hunters for any intrusion by the Order forces."

"Then you best join them, Defender." Said Krastix, nodding at Feeona in acceptance at her title."The Goddess takes no joy in blood spilled on her sacred Temple, be it her children or otherwise."

"But what about Lerethi?" Calthera desperately cast her gaze up at the spell duel between the two archmages. Shenra was already a red dot in the blue skies but both Macrae and El'gor'an were descending, engulfed in black fire. Magus aimed another crackling bolt of red lightning at Lerethi.

Aurix was looking at Calthea. He'd noticed the twitch when Feeona kissed Khalis, and her pallor. He sensed her behaviour was not her normal composed self but what the matter was he couldn't be sure.
He was torn as well. Between two different decisions which would have large ramifications either which way. He was bound by duty to defend his people and his heart told him that was where he was needed however his mind was telling him that the tactical strength of taking out the head of the Arcane Corp was not one to be glossed over. Aurix recognised that Elder Krastix was sending members of the party underground to deal with the invasions of their temples and was about to ask for permission to speak when the thunderous sound of Letheri's spell caught his attention.

Her spell mantle absorbed the eldritch energy and she responded with clear ray that finally shattered the arcane wards surrounding the arcanist with a loud thunderclap.

It was Lerethi now who wielded the power of the stormrage and a white glow radiated from her eyes. Rings of fire and ice spun around her in perfect symmetry. She had stripped each and every ward from the human and added to her own defences!
Magnus started falling slowly as his spell ended but a single word halted his descent.

He looked up and saw Magnus falling, and with it the scales upon which he was balancing decisions began shifting with his descent... as if his fall added weight to the idea of taking care of magnus. If they could some how trap magnus in the Null Vault he would essentially be powerless.

As he was mentally heaving a small sigh of relief Aurix spotted the anomaly...

His form started rippling and he cackled. His face lengthened into a sharp-toothed jaw and his arms and feet grew thicker, transformed into powerful clawed limbs. Two yellowed orbs like glowing suns stared from his scaled visage and blackened horns grew from his elongated neck. A pair of leathery wings, twenty feet in span, sprouted from his cloak and his newly bloated body was covered with glossy crimson scales the colour of freshly mined rubies.

A bestial roar escaped his maw and an eerie silence followed in its wake. For the first time in three millenia, the form of a dragon graced the skies above Sundara with its terrifying presence.
Magnus' shape was not keeping to the standard shape of a human. It rippled and pulsed and grew and grew... from where a man was there was now a creature Aurix had only heard about in legends. Aurix's jaw involuntarily unclenched from its involuntary clenching and a small whisper escaped his now parted lips.

"Charir Darastrix..."

All at once the scale in Aurix's mind was obliterated. where there once was hope that they could take on the master spellcaster there now lay open and unadulterated awe and fear. In such a state Aurix reverted to his default settings: speaking the tongue of the dragons and following orders from his Elders.

"Tilabil... jaci, jaci tepohaic thirkua adon sari vi darastrix... vi charir darastrix... Svanoa shilta coi qe? Ekess nomeno kear asta iejir persists shar wer rekisixi astaha re triassar!

Elder... he, he has changed form into a dragon... a red dragon... how can that be? To this day their blood persists but the creatures themselves are extinct!

THE PARTY
The red dragon circled overhead and nine copies of the Kiiskan archmage appeared in the skies. It seemed Magnus was toying with the casters and soon, one of Lerethi's copies vanished from sight.

Lerethi and Shenra soon joined El'gor'an, Macrae and the others at the peak of Caan Yupat. The archmage of the Serpent's Fang wasted no time in re-establishing the defences and with a wave of her hand, a prismatic barrier thirty feet in radius enveloped the peak of the pyramid.

Calthera ran past the others and wrapped Lerethi in a tight hug, burying her face in the older woman's neck. "Please don't do it again." She sobbed, "Don't make me leave you." Calthera was like a child again and both El'gor'an and Katria were reminded of how young she really was.

As the other members of the party arrive Aurix still has his eyes on the sky. He tries to keep his cool but this is altogether too much... His baser instincts are also on edge and his mind frantically searches for everything it knows about Dragons. Aurix waits first for Elder Krastix and the Avatar to finish the healing that he cannot do before applying the healing he can to El'goran and Macrae. As he was healing the two grey elves Aurix could not help seeing and overhearing the exchange Calthera had with the Archmage. That was where it finally clicked for Aurix. Calthera's pallor, her change in behaviour.
It was worry
Looking between Letheri and Calthera and Feeona and Khalis he understood.
Worry for a loved one

Awkwardly raising an arm to pat her apprentice's heaving back, Lerethi looked to the rest of the assembled group. Khallis held Feeona tightly and Macrae struggled to rise from ground. Krastix ambled forward, leaning on his staff and the Avatar looked to the skies with a song forming on her lips. Dark clouds started to shift from Gorgon's Pate to the centre of Caan Yupat and the party could hear the discontented rumbling of thunder from afar.

With the humidity rising, the pressure dropping and the rumble of thunder approaching. Aurix continued to watch the sky, to watch the dragon that was magnus all while healing in silence.

"He knows my tactics and he's too powerful." Said Lerethi, wearily. "I have expended the majority of his spells and it will take eight hours before he is ready to cast again."

"As long as the Temple's defences hold, he cannot set foot on the grounds. The Emerald Goddess will not permit such desecration. We must stop the defilers before he can replenish his casting."

"I will call forth the elements to drive him from our skies." Declared the Avatar. "His stolen form is an affront to the Emerald Goddess."

"You are hurt and his magic lingers." Said Krastix, matter of fact. Lerethi winced. "Allow me to restore you."

As Elder Krastix approached Letheri Aurix also approached.

"and I can heal your wounds"

When Aurix is done, he turns to Elder Krastix.

"It goes without saying Elder, but I do as you request. Where would you have me go and what would you have me do?"

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-19, 08:01 AM

Shenra's feet brush the temple grounds and her adrenaline near immediately dies down. She feels sane, but as she looks around the group, her fears of her mistress' intents return. Ashy faces and weary expressions litter the group. She leans against her quarterstaff. "Just... Just tell me what you need me to do."

Plushie Arz

2015-05-19, 08:38 AM

roses

2015-05-19, 04:21 PM

Feeona

Feeona blinked in surprise when Calthera spoke, having somehow never noticed the high elf over the avatar or Khallis. She mentioned the skilled people already deployed in the temple. The crusader looked touched when the Elders gave her permission to defend their civilians, but said nothing of it when Lady Calthera asked of the Archmage. Calthera's gaze was followed up to the spell exchange between human and elf. The crusader couldn't discern what occurred other than the ice and fire twirled around Lerethi protectively, and it seemed for the betterment of their cause.

Then he changed.

Feeona watched in disbelief as the man that had spewed venom and sorcery expanded and morphed into a scaled, aerial reptile. Trusted by the Sisters of Dawn, young minds had been offered facts and theories of what had been, for it was easy for her to date the ascension and fall of every noteworthy Sol. She could speak with confidence about most major conflicts and treaties that had occurred by the Order's Reckoning. History was not new to her. Yet the creature that dared to challenge all above was nothing she had ever read or heard of in any living memory. When it reached what might have been over the length of three of the largest alters in all Farlaen, it screeched a challenge into the skies. She held Khallis tighter.

What in the name of the gods? The pious woman watched until her alarm overcame her confusion, unsure the titan hadn't somehow found a way to form itself in the skies instead of the sands. Her hand slipped gently from Khallis' shoulder to the sword hilt. Katria comforted Calthera, and sounded certain a pair of humans and elves were match enough for the ancient above. The captain was adamant they should focus on the Order. If we fail to stop them, it could ruin Kiiska, and damn an entire nation. Whatever the creature above was, it was truly secondary to the threat below. Their would-be captain gave orders after, and Feeona blinked her surprise on only just noticing scales growing on the elf as easily as rust to an untended sword. She wondered how something so obvious could slip by her. Much else came after, for all returned safely, dark clouds growled above, and the creature claimed a dragon. No time was given to question it.

Lahar the Mighty returned, and Feeona eyed his bloody necklace with growing distaste, but it slowly dissolved into concern. The divine light taught forbearance, not acceptance of malice. She loosened her grip of Khallis and slowly stepped away, to regard the brown lizardman plainly.

“Who did you lose?” Feeona asked, as gently as ever she could. “Your teachings are as spiritual cousins to my own. Knowing of strength, but tempered more by kindness. Now war forces murder on people so kind, but then, you don't stop after defending those you love. You carry on. You carve the body as a butcher, string it around your neck while it bleeds, and bear it openly before your own merciful goddess. Who did you lose, sir, that this is how you lessen your pain?”

miinstrel

2015-05-19, 05:55 PM

Darastrix? El gave a puzzled look to Aurix and then to Elder Krastix. The winged death? His eyes followed theirs to the sky in time to see the jet of flame rocket down toward them. He cringed and terror threatened to stop his heart. He had been afraid to face Magnus before, but now he was almost thankful for Macrae's fall as he thought of his fate in the creature's talons.

Looking at his companions he saw despair, and yet the elders, including Lerethi, maintained their composure. Fear was a folly of the young. El had nearly a century on many of the others present. He was still a young elf, but what good is youth without wisdom? Aurix's speech faltered. Shenra begged for guidance. Katria boiled with rage. For all their talent, only Feeona remained poised. The stoic guardian of life and mercy. She was a strong leader, but kindness had no place here. Her lecture on Lahar's behavior was poorly timed. They needed his bloodthirsty confidence right now. El was willing to abide by her desire for peace earlier, but the tides had shifted too much already. What they needed was a standard bearer, someone to lead the charge. He took a centering breath before continuing with enthusiasm. "If the skies are lost to us then let us take to the tunnels with haste! The dragon's breath cannot burn us below, but the Order will die by the fires of our conviction!"

While Lahar surely would not strike her in the presence of his elders and the Avatar, the in-fighting only damages their cause. El steps between the two of them pressing a hand against Lahar's muscled chest, viscera from one of the ears wrapping around his finger. "Channel your anger at those who deserve death this day. Defend your honor tomorrow," he says sternly, challenging Lahar to see the more important battle before them.

Before heading below, El surveys the surroundings from atop the temple. Turning the giants and halting the elemental inferno were small victories, but not significant enough to change a future haunted by a second genocide of the lizard people. The Order still outnumbered them terribly and were pressing ever inward toward the sacred relic they fought so desperately to protect.
I'd like to take a moment to get a sense of the overall pitch of the battle. When it began there were apx. 3,000 Order troops and 1,000 lizards + our reinforcements.
How are we looking overall right now?
Did the wall of fire successfully split the Order army into a more manageable chunk inside and most of the forces outside like we planned?
Have Branna's spells been impactful on enemy troop numbers or merely slowing their assault and providing time for other activities?

Not sure if you want a check for this or not... some possibilities:
Knowledge Nobility (warfare might be included here?): [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]
Intelligence: [roll2]
Wisdom: [roll3]

Plushie Arz

2015-05-19, 06:17 PM

THE PARTY
Lahars stepped forward and laughed openly at the face of Feeona's challenge. "Loss warmblood? It is your tribe who have lost. We slaughtered them when they trespassed our Temple."

Aurix hadn't heard Lahars use the word 'trespass' before. It was new.

El'gor'an stepped to prevent the confrontation between the crusader and the boastful but not too bright lizardfolk warrior from coming to blows. Lahars reluctantly backed down and spat on the ground.

From his assessment of the battle and casualties, El could see that their earlier tactics had indeed divided the main Order army. With a thousand or so trapped at Gorgon's Pate and two thousand in Uhars' vanguard, the invasion force had already been split before the Field Marshal launched the attack.

He estimated perhaps a fifth, or quarter at most had reached the pyramids before the walls of fire had cut them off from the rest of the army and Branna's use of the avalanche and entangling spells had inflicted casualties and cast further disarray on the assembled soldiers. By his estimates, a thousand soldiers were outside the temple and no more than five hundred were in the pyramids, making their way through the tunnels of Ular'bundur.

With two hundred of the lizardfolk reported dead and no comment as to casualties, he was certain the lizards were in a no better situation than the Order. Calthera was silent as to the losses suffered by the Kiiskan Resistance but seeing the bloodshed that occurred in just a few hours of melee, he was certain that the Resistance did not escape without losses. However, the knowledge that the other commanders were alive gave him hope that they still had strength to lend to the defence of the temple.

roses

2015-05-19, 07:16 PM

Feeona

The lizardman misunderstood concern for challenge, or else Feeona struck a delicate point. Brown eyes looked at him searchingly to discern which. The grey elf wisely rallied them from the topic. She breathed deep the muggy air, and released. Noting all the eyes around her again, she realized her mistake, to ask anything so private in a place so public. She considered Lahar again.

“I'm sorry for your lose,” she said sincerely.

Turning away, the blonde drew that much closer to Khallis, and told her they wouldn't be long apart. That she would miss her for even that time. With that and a smile, she descended into the temple.

Sense Motive? I'm not even sure it works this way. But Take 10 to see if it hit a cord.

Result of, ta da, 10.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-19, 07:26 PM

FEEONA
Feeona was unable to discern the root of Lahars' bravado. As far as she was able to see, the lizardman exhibited much of the same swaggering confidence that her fellow recruits shared on the Inevitable before the holy crusade for justice, liberty and truth went to hell. Unlike her fellow recruits however, it was obvious that Lahars had experienced some battle and was a warrior of some skill.

Khallis held Feeona close for a final embrace before the descent. Her fingers brushed loose strands of hair from the crusader's brow and tucked them behind the mithril circlet. "Ai Armiel Telere Maenen Hir. I love you. You know that right? Take care."

CryWolfCorrupt

2015-05-20, 10:04 AM

Shenra nods solemnly at Lerethi's command to aid the forces. She is one of the first to descend the temple steps as Lahars and Feeona stand off. El steps in between them, and the tension is palpable. Shenra swallows hard and decides to stay out of it, shuffling past them and beginning the trip into the temple quietly.

Plushie Arz

2015-05-20, 07:04 PM

THE PARTY
They left Lerethi, Calthera, Macrae, Krastix and Khallis behind with the Avatar at the peak of Caan Yupat.

The group descended the stone steps of the pyramid with Lahar in the lead, trying to prevent the Order's progress towards the Goddess' Eye and the civilians beneath. Krastix's warnings were still fresh in their minds. "Each Temple is connected from below, the tunnels run through the complex. The defilers will try and find their way like rats."

The tunnels were not especially narrow but neither were they particularly cavernous, around ten feet wide and ten feet in height. Katria and El'gor'an were reminded of the small cave where they had encountered the corrupted dryad and were grateful that they could not see or hear any centipedes in the dark corners.

The basalt walls lining the sides of the tunnel were filled with relief carvings of blocky snakelike creatures. Aurix knew the carvings told the history of his adoptive people and were a celebration of the oral traditions that were passed down from one generation to another, from the first lizardfolk that migrated to the jungles in an exodus from the Gorani, to the builders of Ular'bundur itself.

In some of the carved figures, Shenra and Feeona recognised the forms of three ruby dragons that were revered by the Ul'Dranim tribes that inhabited the volcanic wastelands in the north of Sundara; Ryben, Treos and Vir'resh. Feeona was taught by the Order that the worship of the long-extinct creatures was an act of blasphemy, and the dragonslayers of old had hunted the creatures to extinction long before the scourge of the first Darkstar War caused the continent to tremble.

Shenra remembered the legends of the Dragon Triarchy and of the three dragons being brothers hatched from a single egg laid by the mysterious Sargaea, the goddess of the sea. They were rumored to be far greater than others of their kind and that Ona herself blessed their ascension to divinity. However, their depiction in a temple of Maizoluta, an alien god separate to the Unified Panthenon and almost unknown outside the Southern Jungles puzzled her.

The air grew cooler and more humid and their feet grew sore from the uneven steps and across sharp corners that turned mazelike through the basalt structures. Small patches of luminous lichen and dancing lights cast a pallid grey glow over the stone but the dim illumination was a far cry from the bask of sunlight above. Feeona instinctively sensed that Mornay's powers would be diminished in this foreign shrine.

They heard the rush of water in the distance, the dripping sounds amplified by the stone walls of the long tunnels. Aurix had never descended this far and although he somehow knew they were still at the base of Caan Yupat, none of the Elders had told him about what was ahead.

Alias_Trench

2015-05-21, 02:26 AM

THE PARTY
Lerethi smiled wanly at Aurix' offer of help but he noticed the warmth never quite reached the elf's grey eyes. "I'm fine. All I need are Elder Krastix and Lady Calthera. Thank you..." He noticed the high elf passing a mental cue to her mistress with a raised eyebrow. "...Master Aurix."
Aurix notes the warmth that failed to reach Madam Magdellar's eyes. He peered into them and read her body language[roll0]

"Ixen majaktor adon." Whispered Krastix at Magnus' transformation, his yellowed eyes glancing at the red beast that soared in the skies above the temple. Three times, Magnus swooped towards the pyramids and three times, he was repulsed by some mysterious force before he could reach striking range. A cone of fire a hundred foot in length escaped his toothed maw but it could not burn through the barriers of flame and lightning that already surrounded the pyramids and the transformed arcanist circled the skies in a violent rage. "Austratir marfedelom..." *

Fire given form, the winged death

The Emerald Speaker shook his head and muttered disdainfully in common. "Unnatural sorcery, an affront to true dragonkind and an insult to the Goddess. To steal the form of one so majestic for a purpose so vile and aberrant."

"The spell's Shapechange, a powerful transmutation that transforms the caster's body to a form they are familiar with." Said Lerethi, with her left arm over Calthera's shoulder to stand. "But the dragons are extinct. None have existed for well over three millenia. All that remains are their bloodlines, preserved scales and bits of claws..."

"I've heard the Order maintains caches of forbidden lore about dragons and other things in their archives. Jonas mentioned the dragonslaying weapons they keep in the catacombs beneath the Morning Cathedral."

"Then we must work quickly to stop the defilers already in the pyramids from looting the Goddess' relics. Aurix, you are to join Lahar and the others in defending the Temple."

Aurix frowned involuntarily.
Lahar... great
Aurix had met others of the Barkesh tribe and while their tribal focus on strength was evident in their personalities it had not made any of them nearly as unpleasant as Lahar. Lahar was, to be frank, a jerk. He was both self absorbed and self obsessed and had more in common with the Giants to the north in personality than any of the other lizardfolk. Ever since Aurix had arrived at Ular'bundur, the man had been a troll sized pain in Aurix's present existence.
"Hey what's an ape doing here?"
Aurix heard the booming voice in jocular tone and he immediately sensed that this would not be fun. Aurix had just gotten into Ular'bundur, following the tell tale tracks of his tribe's evacuation. As he had limped into the temple grounds itself he stumbled upon a large lizardman chatting up a few females. To say the lizardman was huge was an understatement. Aurix's 5'4" frame was completely dwarfed by his 7' or so. Large muscles larger than some of Aurix's limbs lightly flexed under brown scales, to be intimidating of course. Aurix did not recognise who this man was so he started with the proper introduction.
"Goddess' blessing, I am Aurix Vuthaussir of the Mot'ia tribe. I have recently returned from my journey around the continent. I am looking for Elder Akana could you please point me in their direction?"
"So the ape speaks the goddess' tongue and claims to be of the Mot'ia tribe! RsRsRsRsRs that's rich! Look ape, why don't you run along back to where ever it is you came from, you're not welcome here."
Aurix narrowed his eyes, the man seemed to be nothing more than a muscle bound sexed up oaf
"and who might you be? On what authority do you have to turn a member of a tribe away from Ular'bundur?"
The brown lizardman swelled up to make himself even more imposing and boomed "I am Lahar the Mighty of the Barkesh tribe! I am the next Sacred Claw!"
A few of the females around Lahar, giggled.
"the -next- Sacred Claw... meaning you are not the Sacred Claw"
at that Lahar's attention snapped onto Aurix. He peered down at Aurix condescendingly and spoke in a threatening whisper, so that the females he was with could not hear him
"but I will be you dirty ape and you will respect me as I am the most powerful of all the lizardfolk"
Aurix cocked his head... Sib'raz'ian was a huge man but he was known to be wise as well as strong. This Lahar character seemed a little dull in the wits. Aurix didn't want to anger his kinsman unnecessarily, but his bravado was getting on Aurix's nerves so he kept -most- of what he thought to himself.
"You look strong enough, but I doubt you could ever live up to being a great man like Sib'raz'ian of the Apul'chlan tribe."
"DON'T YOU DARE SPEAK HIS NAME APE, YOU AREN'T WORTHY" Lahar screeched, he took a swipe at Aurix but Aurix deflected his attack and he shifted into a defensive stance. While this was happening one of the women slunk off unbeknownst to either male.
"I don't like your tone Lahar, and to attack a member of a fellow tribe in a time like this is bad manners"
"The hell you are a member of the Mot'ia, I will make you pay for your insolence"
and with that Lahar and Aurix began exchanging blows. While Lahar certainly was larger and stronger, Aurix was well trained and they matched each others blows equally. It was nearly 2 minutes later when Elder Akana appeared.
"STOP!"
Aurix recognising the voice instantly held his punch but Lahar's punch continued towards Aurix's head. Seeing this Aurix was forced to use one of his martial manoeuvres to stop the attack. Aurix lithely dodged out of the way but Lahar with his size and the momentum behind his attack ended up sprawling on the ground
"Aurix, you have returned! But what is the meaning of this?!" Elder Akana asked
Aurix immediately took a knee and reported.
"Elder, I came back to find the tribe had evacuated from the village so I tracked you to Ular'bundur. Upon arriving I asked Lahar here for directions to Elder Krastix or yourself so I could reunite with the tribe but he did nothing but disrespect me. He claimed to be the next Sacred Claw and I stated that he was not up to Sib'raz'ian's standard. Lahar attacked me and I defended myself"
Akana was angry to begin with but then looked sad at the mention of Sib'raz'ian. Aurix could sense that there was something left unsaid. A pregnant pause sat heavily in the air as Akana seemed to be in a daze, eyes unfocused.
"Elder?" Aurix inquired. Akana's eyes snapped to Aurix and came back into focus. He sighed and then bade Aurix to stand.
"Aurix, there are many events you have missed out on in your time away from the tribe. You should come with me, there is much to discuss and I believe Ixalt will be elated to see you again."
Akana then turned to Lahar who had pushed himself up off the ground and also taken a knee.
"As for you Lahar, -you- are supposed to be with your tribe on patrol, not fraternising with females who should be -inside- the temple. I will be speaking to Gortax about this. Now go."
Since that first meeting, Akana did indeed speak with Gortax and Lahar was disciplined for his actions, which meant that Lahar continued to be antagonistic towards Aurix, constantly trying to one up him. Aurix in turn continued to try ignoring Lahar's attempts but often found himself arguing with the man. This situation however he decided to put his differences with Lahar aside and focus on the larger issue. Aurix responded to Krastix with an "As you command, Elder"

It was not long before Lahar ascended the steps to the peak. He was a large lizardfolk, muscular and covered in glossy brown scales. Aurix and Feeona noticed several new ears, still dripping with blood, threaded on his macabre necklace and a golden ring was on the middle finger of his right hand. He gripped the ironwood shaft of a new adamantine tipped spear proudly. "The enemy will fall before the next Sacred Claw." He exclaimed boastfully. "What have you won Aurix?"

Aurix rolled his eyes at Lahar but before he could reply Feeona had begun talking and Lahar had taken the challenge.

THE PARTY
Lahar stepped forward and laughed openly at the face of Feeona's challenge. "Loss warmblood? It is your tribe who have lost. We slaughtered them when they trespassed our Temple."

Aurix hadn't heard Lahar use the word 'trespass' before. It was new.

El'gor'an stepped to prevent the confrontation between the crusader and the boastful but not too bright lizardfolk warrior from coming to blows. Lahar reluctantly backed down and spat on the ground.

Aurix was mildly impressed that Lahar had picked up the word trespass and it's past tense conjugation but he was still his usual self... Aurix shot El'goran a thankful look for stopping him from doing something stupid and went about addressing Lahar himself. While he had internally agreed to put his differences with the man aside, he hadn't resolved to point out Lahar's failings if they surfaced. It was for his own good, surmised Aurix.

"You have a long way to go before you become the Sacred Claw, Lahar. While you are strong you are lacking in sense of judgement. For starters, Sister Danel is here to assist us in repelling the invasion of the Order of the Morning Sun, and as such is an ally. Antagonising our allies is foolishness and shows disrespect to Elder Krastix whose insistence brought them to aid us. Secondly if you believe we have not suffered losses at the hands of the Order then you are more self absorbed than I thought. Elder Akana reports we have lost near 200 of our young men and women in the battle. That is a fifth of our young men and women, which is almost an entire generation. Our losses would undoubtedly have been greater if our allies were not here helping us. We may have lost Elders and witch priests if not for the assistance of Madam Magdellar and her apprentices, who took on their prime arcane caster who is now in a stolen form of the charir darastrix."

Aurix gestured up to the drake whirling its way through the darkening skies, in case it had missed Lahar's notice. When Lahar's gaze returns to him Aurix holds his stare and levels with him.

"I recognise your potential Lahar but your failings undo you. You make petty competitions with me and lose focus on the bigger picture. We are here to defend our home, our culture and our people, not to advance our standing. I have won nothing, but our allies and I have negotiated with an order officer to re-aim the deluge of stones they hurled at Caan'yaput to another area of the temple, protecting our innocents who are sheltering within it, we have dispatched one of their commanding officers, turned the giants against the Order, and stopped the fire elementals that threatened to burn down the entire rainforest, our homes and the temple. I see that you have survived and have taken trophies to mark your achievement, but 200 of our brothers and sisters perished. If you have the time for taking trophies in the future you should instead think about helping our brethren survive. If you do that and think about others, you might actually make a half decent Sacred Claw."

Aurix turned to address the rest of the assembled party that would venture into tunnels underground and rebuff the advance of the Order.

"The Order thinks my people are savages. They do not respect us nor our culture. They attack us without provocation and slaughter us like animals. We are not animals and we will demonstrate to them that they have trespassed upon us and that their wrongdoings require their unconditional surrender to us. We now go into the tunnels to stop the Order from advancing any further. We will act in accordance with the will of Maizoluta. To speak and seek peace, in the hope we can avoid bloodshed that feeds Tecouxatil. If words fail..." Aurix glanced at Feeona "then we will have no choice but to use force but any that surrender shall be taken prisoner. Any objections?"

Alias_Trench

2015-05-21, 02:43 AM

Deep underground Aurix was vigilant, he was not certain how far the Order could have infiltrated the temples by now. He had shifted his stances and molded his energy to heighten his sense of smell as well as swiftly going over a number of his manoeuvres in his mind just in case.

As he heard the sound of rushing water in the distance Aurix turned to Lahar,

"Lahar have the Elders' informed you of what lays ahead? I did not think there would be a body of moving water down here..."

What is the level of light down here?
Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]
Survival: [roll2]
Knowledge Dungeoneering (Untrained) [roll3]
Knowledge Engineering/Architecture (Untrained) [roll4]
Knowledge Religion [roll5]
Knowledge History [roll6]

Vertharrad

2015-05-21, 02:57 AM

Katria

Seeing El'gor'an and Macrae descend with flames licking across their bodies made her heart almost stop. She rushes over to both of them while the elder heals them with the help of the Avatar. She gingerly wraps El's torso in her arms when he's free. "I'm glad you two are alive. How is it going out there?"

Madam Magdellar and Shenra descend shortly after. She looks on as Lady Calthera runs across to embrace the archmage in a hug and plead not to be sent away again. The display almost floors her, she had thought Lady Calthera the strong one. Her age had never really entered her mind when thinking of the one who has been their link to Madam Magdellar. Katria mulls over her earlier conjecture still not sure. Now she also considers Khallis and wonders if ones this young can get up and fight why didn't she when the Order first came to their shores?

The Avatar summons a storm, then the archmage soon confirms that Magnus is too much for the group. Katria looks around seeing the battle weary faces and almost looses hope, except her rage from Magnus transformation would not go away. Such a weak greedy little man doesn't have the right to take the form of a powerful and majestic creature.

Madam Magdellar waves off Elder Krastix' concern and Magnus rages ineffectively against some unseen force in his draconic guise. when Madam Magdellar mentions the bloodline of the dragons Katria goes still and wonders why she was the one chosen to bear such a power. the mention of dragonslaying weapons quickly gains her attention as she raises her head to regard Lady Caltheras words.

Elder Krastix directed Aurix to help with the defense of the Temple, Madam Magdellar also directed Shenra and El'gor'an to aid if their wounds were healed. As the temperature and pressure changed lightning reached out to strike at Magnus. Not long after Lahars ascended the steps and challanged Aurix while postering.

Katria was relieved when El disentangled himself and stepped between Lahars and Feeona. The Defender of the Faith had been brazzen in questioning the warrior in his methods to protect his own people. She smiles as he breaks through her own inner rage with his empassioned words.

Feeona seemed sincerely concerned about Lahars, but the lizardfolk warrior brushed it aside. To tell the truth Katria was a little worried herself, although battling a bloodthirsty darkside herself she deamed such displays of butchery unnecessary. As Shenra descends the steps to go defend the Temple and it's inhabitants Katria turns to El and the rest of the party. "We best be going. Feeona if you want less bloodshed you might want to make it there ahead of Shenra." When Feeona looks her way she can see a amiable smile on the "Captains" lips.

Aurix' wise and insightful words makes Katria nod her head in respect to the erstwhile defender/competent warrior. She steps forward to answer him. "Your people are not savages anymore than my people. And I wish to keep what happened to them from happening to you and your people. I am not prepared to offer surrender to the Order, however my morales wouldn't let me refuse it to them either. No objections, this is your home and we are here to aid you in it's defense."

Lahar leads them down the steps into the inner workings of the Temple and the cramped confines reminds her of the unfortunate Dryad that had been taking Elven children. Her small cave with he centipedes, a shiver runs down her back as she looks around for any sign of the vermin. The size though means they can restrict how many soldiers come at them. She thinks she herself could block such a passage without much help. The sound of rushing water, the darker environ, everything seemed to help the feel that they were somewhere else other than where they knew themselves to be. She looks down at the bloody bandages on her covering the blood of her enemies enemies which is also underneath her claws and knew with a certainty more would be spilled. She looks up and sharpens her senses to see or hear the enemy before they approach.

AC
Touch
FF

36
24
31

Fort
Reflex
Will

8
13
8

Wounds
Non Lethal Damage
MAX HP

-
-
98(38)

DR
SR
Energy Resist/Immunity

5/magic
-
/sleep spells and related effects, mind-affecting, negative energy and death effects

Speed
Spell Slots

80 feet (16 squares) / fly 90 feet (18 squares)
1st - 7/8

Buffs/Conditions
Details
Duration

Persistent Fly

Persitent Freedom of Movement

Persistent Haste

Protection from Fire

Protection From Evil

Heroism

Death Ward
60 ft Fly (Good)

Auto succeed on resist grapple and escape artist checks

+1 dodge AC, +1 dodge Reflex, +30ft(up to base speed) on all speeds, 1 extra attack/full round attack

120/120 remaining

+2 deflection AC, +2 resistance to saves, immune to mind-affecting, evil summoned creatures can't touch attack

+2 morale bonus to AB, saves, skills

immune to negative energy/death effects
?/24 hours

?/24 hours

?/24 hours

?/4 hours

Conditional Modifiers:
+2 to will saves of other enchantments
+1 to saves against spells or spell-like abilities
+4 to saves against paralysis
+4 to fort saves against poisons and drugs
+1 luck bonus on any one roll or check Once per day while performing an act of good
Special:
Endure Elements[ex]
Greater Sustenance[ex] - doesn't need to breathe
Mind Shielding[ex] - immune to det thoughts, discern lies, and any attempt to discern her alignment
brilliant energy weapons do not ignore the exalted bonus to AC(+8)