Celestial Winter

[Kaihaku]

The days are short and the nights are long. There shining in the infinite darkness are countless specks of brilliant light. The sages say that those stars are relics of an ancient battle fought between the essence of creation and the void. Those Lights are forges of creation. That old tale reminds the simple people of the valley of a grim truth that they wished to forget. Winter has come. Harvest had hardly begun before a fearsome blizzard descended upon the valley. The crops salvaged year were small indeed, far too little for the season of cold.

~ Celestial Winter ~

The harvest season has ended only a few short weeks after it begun, a deadly shroud of pure white has descended upon the fields of the valley. Many of the able bodied folk in the valley have struggled to salvage what can be saved of the now frozen crops and gather fuel to ward off the relentless cold. Others have begun to stock their larders with game. In Harvest, the people have amassed what wealth they have and sent two expeditions to the lands of the south to purchase sustenance to tide them over the long winter.

The first expedition was lead by Eibon Albarn and sent towards the great kingdoms of the south. The second expedition lead by Sir Aengus and Chase, better armed than the first expedition it was sent towards the hostile tribelands. In this time of need, the people of Harvest mourned anew that the merchant Roe Hawthorn had departed this earthly coil four years ago. In the end, they considered sending Adele, the most outgoing of the remaining Hawthron family, with the first expedition but decided that she lacked the necessary experience.

A fortnight has passed since the expeditions departed and as yet there has been no word of them. Then, in the frigid afternoon, the horn of Lonepine sounded followed soon after by the bells of Harvest. Each was a summons, calling the people of the valley from their rural farms to the settlements. Such summons were rarely received, only in times of disaster or at the annual sacrifice to Ernhardur. Some ignored the summons but most braced themselves for the long walk over snow covered paths to the settlements.

Springfed
Yesterday at dusk, Springfed was assaulted by a phantom host of shadow creatures. Black as obsidian, strange dust erupted from them at each blow harming those nearby and they seemed barely wounded by the blows of even the strongest hunters and warriors of the village. It was discovered eventually that they were vulnerable to flame and even more so to magical flame but this knowledge came too late to prevent a great slaughter from taking place. Villagers and farmers caught by these creatures had the life essence, for lack of a better word, drained from them until they were left withered lifeless husks. The survivors of the attack and the people of the surrounding region fled through the snow covered paths to Lonepine.

Fortunately, the families and friends of the "player characters" were among the lucky souls able to make their escape.

Lonepine
In the early dawn, the people of Lonepine were awoken by the arrival of the survivors of Springfed who told of being viciously attacked by a host of unnatural beings. Panic threatened but the Village Elders calmed the people and send several hardy folk to investigate Lonepine and others to ask aid of the Sages of Harvest. Rumors of the nature of the attack abound but they are mostly in error.

Around noon, several of the scouts returned from Lonepine to report that they had found the corpses of the fallen but no sign of the foes which had assaulted the town. They also told that all living creatures from humans to livestock that they came across in the countryside had also been slain. The Elders of Lonepine magically spoke with the Sages of Harvest then sounded the great horn to call the entire populace into the village.

Harvest
Each day, the people of Harvest had eagerly awaited word of the expeditions to the south and each day they were disappointed as none came. The threat of famine and starvation threatened the people of the valley and hope began to give way to panic.

Then, suddenly, the Sages sounded the Bells of Harvest and gathered all the people together to tell of a new danger. Springfed had been attacked in the night and many of its people slaughtered. The Sages had scryed on the valley, seeking knowledge of this unforeseen foe and while they could not locate the army they did find that several farms even some near Harvest and Lonepine had also been attacked. It was decided to fortify the town.

The Party from Harvest: Mallaidh, Adele, Marcus, Exsido, Kai, Baeln, Fialle, Steven, Keel
Following the meeting, the Sages gathered a smaller group of individuals and revealed to them more of the current crisis. They have been unable to communicate with Erhardur through magical means. This worries them near as much as the attacks and they would travel to the Sanctum at the far end of the valley themselves if not for the winter, their age, and the fact that their magic is the best defense the people have. Instead, they selected a few individuals and then asked for volunteers to accompany them to travel to the Sanctum to beseech Erhardur for aid in this time of trouble.

o Mallaidh was asked to travel to the Sanctum of Erhardur as she has knowledge of such matters surpassed only by the Sages themselves. She is given a golden key to unlock the first great door to the Sanctum and a magical orb which will ward off the snow.
o Adele was asked to help Mallaidh in beseeching Erhardur on the merit of her compelling personality.
o Marcus Runethane was asked to accompany the group on the merit of his martial skill.
o With his father leading an expedition to the south, Exsido was urged by his mother to take part in this expedition to the Sanctum of Erhardur. His sister remained in the town after hearing of the attacker's vulnerability to magical fire.
o Kai Neren was asked to accompany the group by the Sages though other Village Leaders view the choice skeptically.
o Viewed as something of a strongman, Baeln Athos was asked to accompany the group.
o Tesha volunteered her daughter, Fialle, for the mission which surprised nearly everyone. Tesha's confidence caught even the Sages off guard but in the end they agreed that Fialle would accompany the group.
o Steven Wallace considered a reliable and good hearted though simple fellow was asked to escort Mallaidh.
o Keel was asked as to accompany the group.

The Sages blessed with the group with a spell allowing them to walk on top of the snow (Water Walk, Duration 100 Minutes) thus negating that hindrance.

They also gave to Mallaidh the Orb of Rainward which repels light precipitation (rain and snow but not hale) in a 30 ft radius field when active. The repelled precipitation swirls around the generated field granting anything within partial cover against anything outside the field.

The Party from Lonepine: Heath, Dack, Aldr, Elledan
The Elders of Lonepine called for two groups of volunteers, one was to set out for Harvest to ask the Sages there for magical assistance while the other was to head for the Sanctum of Erhardur to beseech the great Dragon God for aid.

o Having lived with one of the Sages and thus being more knowledgeable of such areas than anyone else in the village, Heath was asked to travel to the Sanctum of Erhardur and plead for aid on behalf of the people of the valley.
o Lester, eager to return to his family in Harvest, volunteered his nephew Dack to travel to the Sanctum of Erhardur (thus ridding himself of that responsibility) while he traveled back to Harvest.
o Brought in from the countryside with his family, the quiet Aldr volunteered to join the group being sent to the Sanctum of Erhardur. It is a rare opportunity to see the source of many of the tomes and volumes that Aldr has read.
o When it was mentioned that a group was being sent to the Sanctum of Erhardur, Balah whispered a long unspoken name beneath her breath then looked to her son Elledan with a silent request shining in her eyes and nodded quietly. That brief interaction went unnoticed by Samuel but when Balah a moment later volunteered Elledan to journey to the Sanctum, he agreed that it was the duty of his son to the people of the valley.

Each of the group was given a magical scarf to help them fight off the cold.
o Scarf of Warmth (CAdv 135) +4 on Fort saves to resist the effects of Cold Weather (Change: The scarf does not take up a magical item slot
They were also given a worn staff of hickory wood and told that it contained magic that could restore their health.
o Staff of Healing (DMG 224) 30 Charges

The Party from Harvest: Mallaidh, Adele, Marcus, Exsido, Kai, Baeln, Fialle, Steven, Keel
Wearing thick winter clothing, Mallaidh stands just outside of the Town of Harvest staring down the snow covered path leading towards Lonepine and from there to the distant Sanctum of Erhardur. The afternoon sky is overcast and thick snow is falling all around. Near Mallaidh stand Adele, Marcus, Exsido, Kai, Baeln, Fialle, and Steven.

The Party from Lonepine: Heath, Dack, Aldr, Elledan
Wearing the scarfs given them by the elders of Lonepine; Heath, Dack, Aldr, and Elledan stand on the northern edge of the village looking towards the mountain which contains the Sanctum of Erhardur. Snow is falling and the snow covered path before them is barely distinguishable from the fields around it, just a slight depression in the snow.

[AmberVael]

Adele

Adele has her arms wrapped around herself, shivering in the cold and dancing in place, too energetic to stand still, and also trying to get some blood flowing to warm herself up a little. She seems rather impatient, as well as anxious, wanting to get going while also half wanting to stay home where it was safe. All in all, the fun loving, attention seeking young woman was a little more grating to be around than normal.
"Well? Are we going to get going? We're all here, right?"
She peers over everyone, leaning back and forth so she can see them all without stepping from her place. It's an amusing little movement, only adding to the impression she gives of energetic impatience.

[Dublock]

Aldr

Aldr glazes out to the north wondering what is out there that attacked. Was it a creature that he read about, or was it one that he didn't know about. He must find out. He holds his eyes level of where he believes the Sanctum of Erhardur. is located and bowed his head slightly at the mere fact that there is countless of important tomes and scrolls that lay in there. The tomes and scrolls must be protected from the attackers.

Aldr's glaze slowly fell on himself, letting his mind take in what is happening and looking over his, his gear. Aldr tightens the scarf around him and is thankful that the elder has given him the scarf, and thankful that his father gave him perhaps the most useful gift, the boots on his feet.

Speaking to no one partially, "We need to get going." He takes a deep breath and takes a few steps.

[ZaneLaCoix]

[Exsido]

Just off to the bouncy woman's right, a rather bored, yet strangely attentive Exsido stood. Bored as he was, he kept himself occupied by physically filing down his already short nails, but ears open for anything of interest--such as progressing forward. "Me thinks we be waitin' on the rest to become alert as to where we are."

[Tacitus]

Marcus

The monolith of steel stands silent aside from the almost continuous clang of his blackened shield against his many steel plates that wrap his body in a tomb. His blade is currently sheathed at his side, heat radiating from it through the leather. When he finally speaks his voice rumbled out from his proverbial mobile grave, "Calm yourself. We will leave when we leave. Patience is a virtue, my dear."

[Ridai]

Kai

The young, tall man with a questionable reputation around Harvest, keeps a bit of distance between himself and the rest of the group, seemingly unaffected by the cold weather despite his dark, worn clothing more suited for the past season and him being visibly (and somewhat worryingly) thin for his slender yet muscular build. He stares into the distance, searching for nothing in particular. Wonder why they chose me for this. Guess the others don't want me here any more than the rest of Harvest. Tightening his heavy, robust boots and the straps of his fingerless leather gloves, Kai waits for the journey to start.

[Cespenar]

Baeln

Another "loose cannon" from Harvest, Baeln grins against the snowing sky as if he's completely oblivious of the cold. A sheathless rapier hangs from his belt, moving about with the wind and occasionally touching his leg. From his shoulders flows a thin red cloak, which serves no point other than meaninglessly whip around and distract other people.

"Isn't weather great?" he declares, turning to the group. There's no sarcasm in his voice.

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace

There was concern on the young man's face. Not for the weather or his asigned task to protect Mallaidh and not even for the poor souls that had been killed in Springfed. He was worried for his mother. With a small harvest, both would be more dependant on Steven's game hunting.

His attention turned back to the present as he looked forward. He didn't completely comprehend the situation at hand. But if the elders felt like this was an important task that good save and protect the town, Steven had no choice but to accept.

Steve turned to look at Mallaidh and smiled. Ready when you are. His backpack full of supplies, a giant axe, and shortbow in tow; Steven truly was prepared.

[Ridai]

Kai

Having seen his behaviour and general appearance beforehand, Kai ignores the man who acts like a flamboyant adventurer, just to avoid accidental arguing or having him talk Kai's ear off.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath walked forward in comparatively light clothes; the cold held no dangers for him. He wore a simple, loose, affair, with a heavy belt and a dark half cape, its hood rumpled at his neck. He wore a roguish grin, deigning not to say anything and maintain a level of cool detatchment, masking his inner thoughts and fears at the confrontation to come.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan accepts his charge willingly. He understands the dangers that he and his companions are likely to face, and he knows that he is better prepared than many other people. He sets his sights on the horizon and stares out at their destination.

I know so little of these other men, yet we are now embarking on a dangerous mission together. I cannot let them down.

As he stares at the horizon he adjusts the straps on his pack and then makes a loud whistle. Then he turns to the others and says, "I guess we should be off then."

[Dublock]

Aldr looks at his group "yea, lets go." He is curious although he believed they wouldn't know "Do you guys know anything about the creatures?"

He slowly walks along, with his eyes in the distance, slightly past the others, his mind wondering about the new attackers

[three08]

Dack

I know about deer, Dack said, a little nervously. I know about bandits, and elk, and cougars. Doesn't sound much like cougars. Might be bandits... maybe they went looking for meat, and fur, for winter supplies... and then just left it all there once they'd killed it...

He shakes his head. Whatever it is, I'll kill it. He then takes point and trudges up the path. He keeps his bow and an arrow in hand, just in case.

[nhbdy]

Keel

Keel starts walking slightly to the side of the group, keeping a watchful eye out for any trouble, as he tightens his black cloak to keep out the cold. "I wonder, what could have caused such carnage to call for a summons" at this point keel decides to make sure his blades aren't sticking in their scabbards by pulling them free, wiping them on his cloak, and resheathing them.

(for those that don't know, if a blade is wet, and it is cold ,the liquid will freeze, making the blade stick to the inside of the scabbard, not for game reasons, just flavor)

[Dublock]

Aldr

Aldr looks around and sees weapons drawn and pulls out his own crossbow and loaded it. He would rather not kill things, but...it sounds like they are preparing for the worse.

"I hope we don't run into them....I guess it would be better us then others though"

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Thinking for a minute about what these creatures could be, Elledan stops walking and turns back towards the town. A large horse is heading towards him and he gestures to it and it's gait slows. "Whoa there Thunder." He swings up into the saddle easily and gently nudges the horse with his heels and the horse heads out again at a walk. Seeing Aldr ready his crossbow, Elledan slips his bow out of the container on his back. He doesn't ready an arrow, but instead hold the grip of his bow in his left hand while keeping his eyes on the horizon. He then addresses the others, "These creatures don't sound easy to defeat, can any of you conjure magical fire?"

[Gorgondantess]

As he sees all the seriousness, Heath shows a fleeting discomfort, dissipating within seconds. He draws his dagger and walks up to pace with the others, flipping it into the air and catching it. He looks up to the man on the horse. "Easily enough."

[The_Snark]

Fialle

The young changeling is bundled up in some of her warmest clothing, layers of thick wool under a heavy cloak, which she's wrapped about herself while they wait. Shivering a little, she glances at the elderly librarian they have all been asked—or told, in Fialle's case—to escort, waiting on her. She didn't particularly want to rush the old woman, who had a sharp tongue on her when someone—such as, say, a child who'd been running in the library—annoyed her. I wish she'd hurry up! Isn't she cold too?

[three08]

Well that makes one of us, Dack replies. I can maybe track 'em, but if steel won't hurt 'em... He trails off, then mutters disconsolately, Though all this snow is gonna make it all but impossible to find 'em, even...

[Dublock]

"We don't have to find them.." His voice trailed off again. He realized there was a question that wasn't answered. "No..I can't do fire, my magic abilities is rather useless in combat. If steel won't do it, does anyone have any silver or any other special metal?"

[three08]

Well, there's magic in my steel - not a lot it won't bite into. Dack takes a deep breath, lets it out in a sigh, continues in a more hopeful tone, You're right, though. We should be avoiding fights, not seeking them out.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

"Aldr is right, we don't need to find them, and if steel won't harm them, then I am afraid I will be of little use against them myself."

[Kaihaku]

Weather Notes
All characters need to roll fortitude saves every hour to resist taking nonlethal damage from the cold. The DC is 15 and increases by +1 for every additional hour. If the check is failed, take 1d6 nonlethal cold damage. Cold Resistance applies to the non-lethal damage but does not negate the need to roll if less than 6.

Snow reduces visibility ranges by half, resulting in a –4 penalty on Spot and Search checks. It costs 2 squares of movement to enter a snow-covered square. It costs 4 squares of movement to enter a square covered with heavy snow.

Lonepine Group

The four shoulder their gear and press on along the path through the ankle deep snow. With each step they must force the snow aside forging their way forward. They can feel the toll of the exertion but fortunately they are at least spared the worst of the biting cold by the scarves they wear.

After an hour of toil they come into a patch of orchards where the going is easier and they are able to pick up their pace. The orchards end as they near the highlands and through the falling snow in the fading light they can see the great mountain at the foot of the valley that is known as Erhardur's Sanctum. It is dusk now and they take a break to catch their breath before continuing. The snow in the highlands is piled in great drifts making for difficult travel.

There is something sinister in the air as group continues on and despite the numbing cold they can feel a chill run down their spines. After pushing on their the snow for another half an hour, the sharp eyed among them catch a glimpse of a great hulking figure in the distant. It resembles a great giant wearing evil-looking full plate. As they watch it vanishes, fading away before their eyes. Then, a moment later it fades back into view hovering above the snowcovered path some twenty feet from them. The body of the phantom is a dark blue which is nearly black and it's eyes are burning orbs of blue flame. It carries no visible weapon and does not seem to have noticed the group though it does hover directly in their path to the sanctum.

Harvest Group

Assembled, the large group starts down the path to Lonepine making swift progress as their boots hover over the thick snow. They pass by fields of unharvested grain and by the scattered farms laying between Harvest and Lonepine. Following the path along the river they are making good time when about an hour into their journey they come across a body half-covered in snow alongside the path.

Base Search
Scarf of Warmth (CAdv 135) +4 on Fort saves to resist the effects of Cold Weather
[Change: The scarf does not take up a magical item slot]
Winter Clothing
Mithral Chain Shirt
Masterwork Shortsword
[roll0] Copper Pieces
[roll1] Silver Pieces
[roll2] Gold Pieces
Sealed Letter to Sages of Harvest
Flint and Steel
1 Pint of Oil
2 Potions of Cure Light Wounds
1 Potion of Endure Elements
Search DC 14+
There is a Masterwork Spear laying buried in the snow nearby.
Search DC 29+
Though it is swiftly becoming covered, there is a disturbance in the snow leading away from the path into the fields.
Survival DC 14+
There was a larger group coming from the direction of Lonepine which fled into the fields. You are about an hour's unhindered walk from Lonepine.
Survival DC 17+
There are no signs of an enemy but the group was clearly attacked by something.
Survival DC 21+
Judging from the snow cover, the attack occurred about thirty minutes ago.

The body belongs to a man named Amin who some of you recognize as a farmer of Lonepine. His body is beginning to freeze and is strangely withered.

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest group

"I'll be in the front.", Kai says, with a quite deep voice for his age, when it looks like Mallaidh decides it's time to go. Better be where they can see me and I can do what I have been asked to do. He goes a few meters in front of the presumable core of the group, still unaffected by the cold, a bow on his back being the only visible weapon on his person.

When they find the freezing body on their way, Kai quickly looks around to maybe see what did this. Wonder if this is connected to what happened in Springfed, he asks himself, considering the unnatural state of the body. Keeping a bit of distance to the corpse, not because of horror but to not disturb the snow around it, he helps those more apt at recognizing what happened here, following their instructions.

I guess Kai doesn't need to make a Fortitude check because of the continuous endure elements from his armor crystal, but just in case:
Fortitude check: [roll0]

Spot check to look around: [roll1]
Aid Another check - Search: [roll2]
Aid Another check - Survival: [roll3]

(I assume that because of Mallaidh's Orb of Rainward the Aid Another checks aren't subject to the -4 penalty because of searching around the corpse. If they are, just subtract 4.)

[Tacitus]

Marcus-Harvest

Marcus takes up the rear so that he can not only drag his body through snow already trampled by the others but if anything attacks from the rear it would most likely bounce off his armored frame. As yet the cold does not seem to be affecting him, certainly not so much as the body they find. He trudges up alongside it and glances down and as he has no skills in locating or noticing objects he does nothing to help. He merely stands in the midst of all, waiting for the others to move on or something more interesting to occur.

Fortitude vs environment: [roll0]
This includes the bonus from Endurance.

[Dublock]

Aldr-Lonepine

Aldr stops and takes a few steps back. The cold of fear from the monster digs into his skin as he looks at the monster, but with great interest, wanting to figure out what it is.

His crossbow is lifted up, just in case.

I have boots that gives me the ability to walk on snow with no penalty as well as endure elements.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath looks at the thing, smiling wickedly. "Finally, something interesting." Though I'm not so sure that's a good thing... He casts mage armor on himself in preperation, then searches in his goldmine of knowledge, learned from brutally intensive studying, of what this thing might be, or anything else about it.
Knowledge: Arcane [roll0]
Spellcraft: [roll1]
All other knowledge rolls: [roll2]
fort save:[roll3] really, for me the fort saves are nigh bunk: I have about a 1/3 chance in taking damage, and then a one in 6 chance of that damage not just being completely negated.

[Cespenar]

Baeln - Harvest

Taking the point at the side of Kai, Baeln was trudging forward in the thick snow. His usual cockiness was somewhat diminished along with his morale, but as they found the body in the snow, Baeln was back in his old self.

"Considering the amount of snow on the guy, I'd say it was about an hour when he died. It was one of those creatures that assaulted him. Look at the withering parts."

Baeln points at various locations of the body with his rapier, with the expression that he had seen lots of things like this. But he makes no move as to search the body or its surroundings.

[AmberVael]

Adele - Harvest

The girl puts her hands over her mouth as she sees the body, moving forwards cautiously.
"Oh no... it's Amin."
She could tell he was dead though, and didn't really check his body, instead just glancing over the area as she thought about things.
"He... can't have been here that long. There's not enough snow- if only we'd been here a little faster..."
She bites her lip, holding back tears.


Knowledge Local Roll- I'm pretty sure Adele, being the sort she is, would know this guy.
[roll0]

Survival Roll- [roll1]

Fort save...
[roll2]

[nhbdy]

"does anyone have a shovel or anything we can use to give him a proper burial?" Keel asks looking sad at the death of the person "or if anyone has anything to make a fire, we can cremate him" What a waste of life, i wonder what he was doing out here alone

survival [roll0] i can't access my stats right now (not at home), so i can't add bonuses
fort save [roll1]
search [roll2]

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

He hasn't been here for long? The question crosses his mind as he hears Adele. "Hey.", he says to the girl in a soft but firm tone and tries to make eye contact. "We could not know he was here, there was nothing we could have done." Kai knows that his scarred face as well as his reputation don't make him any more sympathetic, but it's better to reassure her than let her brood over the issue.

He walks to the corpse and carefully searches it for what may have led him here so soon after the summons (and trying to disturb the snow around him as little as possible), soon finding the letter to the sages of Harvest. "A letter to the sages of Harvest.", Kai tells the others. "Should we bring it back and the body to Lonepine?"

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Dack finds a handy obstruction - a snow-covered tree, a snow-covered boulder, a snow-covered mound of snow - to hide behind, and makes ready to attack, in case the creature should teleport or appear behind or beside the party. Should I announce myself first, or just attack? If it hasn't done anything hostile yet, I can't just try and kill it, right? he wonders silently. He looks to the rest of the group, hoping for directions.

Hide roll (minus bonuses - sorry, I'll have a copy of the character sheet on hand tomorrow): [roll0]
Ready action to fire on the creature if it enters line of sight, assuming that Dack now has his back to a solid obstruction placed directly between himself and the creature (so it would currently be out of line of sight).
If anyone else in the party attacks, Dack will follow suit.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Heading out towards the sanctum of Erhardur, Elledan moves towards the front of the group. He rides a bit out front and keeps an eye on the horizon. Occasionally the call of his Eagle, Kanthar, could be heard on the wind, and Elledan could see that he was following along hundreds of feet in the air.

Before entering the orchard Elledan raises his left arm in the air and makes a whistling noise. A few moments later Kanthar lands on his arm and perches himself on his master's shoulder.

As they near their destination Elledan can feel the nervousness of both his mount and of Kanthar. Elledan sends Kanthar to perch in the branches of a nearby tree and commands him to wait there. He leans over in the saddle to rub Thunder on the muzzle comfortingly. The next few minutes seemed to drag eerily and when Elledan first saw the giant in their path he froze, stopping his horse and holding his breath. He moved into the trees as best as he could while mounted and then saw the apparition disappear. He barely had time to breath a sigh of relief before it reappeared even closer to them. He drew a breath sharply, but held his position hoping that he and his friends would not be seen. But he does reach into his quiver and pull out an arrow, just in case.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Kaihaku]

[ Thanks to whoever suggested putting the group labels in each post and for everyone who has done so, it does much for clarity and keeps me from having to consult my list as frequently. ]

Lonepine
The orderly trees of the orchards ended as the group entered the hills of the highlands but Elledan has little trouble finding cover among a few fir. Dack slips behind a boulder with a large shrub to his back, limiting exposure. Aldr hesitates and backs up a few steps, his boots allowing him an ease of movement that his companions currently lack. Heath braces himself, studying the phantom with what might seem to some to be uncalled for glee.

Heath
Knowledge(Arcana): The creature before you at first strikes you as a construct but a moment later you doubt that assumption. Whatever it is, some magical power influenced it...the questions remain of how and what was the base.
Spellcraft: You don't recognize any spells in place on the creature. It's levitation strikes you more as something innate. It's teleportation puzzles you a bit, the effect reminds you of something along the lines of a dimensional doorway spell but there was no recovery or noticeable concentration in its manifestation.
Lore Check: Never in tome nor tale have you heard of like unto such a creature. It resembles a giant in form but not in substance and treads existence like a ghost but it is clearly not. Even its armor is unlike anything you have learned of, perhaps it is something of the distant realms beyond the southern kings or perhaps something yet more ancient. There is something that registers as reassuringly familiar in all of this unknown, the way the creature faded in the darkness reminds you of legends of a dark realm, the plane of shadows.

The phantom creature hangs there eerily in the air, staring out at the nearby hills with its smoldering blue eyes but shows no sign of having noted the still figures of the group through the falling snow.

Harvest

The group mulls over the gruesome discovery, uncertain on how to proceed in light of it.

Search Checks and the Orb
The penalty is no longer applied.

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

Kai looks at the group, frowns, and puts the letter in his backpack.
"If you can't decide what to do, then please search here for clues and take the corpse back to Lonepine when you're finished. I'll bring the letter to the sages and catch up with you within the hour.", he says to the others.

Looks like they neither want to hear what I have to say nor know what to do. Hope the snow walking spell lasts long enough. He starts to jog down the road back to Harvest at a speed that approaches the running speed of a normal human being, shielding his eyes with his hand from the snowflakes. To the sages, tell them of the messenger and back to the group as quickly as possible. The thought that the being which killed the man could attack him on the way forms in Kai's mind, but he thinks it's worth the risk. It might be important.

Kai hustles the whole way, so he would manage 10 miles in 1 hour.

[Dublock]

Aldr-Lonepine

Aldr, after a moment's hesitation from the shock of seeing such a creature his lust for knowledge came to mind. He begins to examine the creature. The more he looks at it, the more he begins to wonder if he has read anything.

Sorry, should have thought that Aldr would examine it :p I feel bad I forgot that he would lol. Definitely since thats his role it seems :p

Knowledge: Arcana [roll0]
Knowledge: History [roll] 1d20+6]


Aldr looks to his groupmates, his new found friends and seeing Heath closest, he whispers silently as he could "We should kill it, if we think we can to figure out more about it. This can provide priceless information. What do you think?"

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan waits from his hidden position and hopes that the creature doesn't notice him or his companions. He keeps his bow ready, though he doubts very much that it'll be able to harm such a creature. Best if it doesn't see us at all. Maybe we'll need to find another path...

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Damn it... the Elders are counting on us to get to the Sanctum, Dack thinks. Indecision briefly runs back and forth on his face as a silent internal war rages between his reluctance to act without instructions and his pressing need to obey the Elders. At last, however, his demeanor smooths out, stills. A sort of zen tranquility comes over him. He takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly and steadily.

Pending any shocking revelations from Aldr's knowledge checks, Dack will step around his obstacle and open fire on the apparition. He will continue attacking with his bow until or unless it becomes apparent that the creature has a much stronger ranged attack than he, at which point he will take cover, put away his bow, draw his longswords, and wait for the thing to approach - unless it can hit him through the cover somehow, in which case he will advance his 30ft, modified by the terrain, and fire, until he comes into charge range, when he will take out his swords and charge. He won't drop his bow unless he can put it somewhere he knows he'll be able to find it again after the fight.

If he receives instructions from any other member of the party, delay any action from Dack until I can determine if he will respond to them.

(I'm assuming breaking cover is a 5-foot step, so I can make a full-round attack, right?)
[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]

[AmberVael]

Adele - Harvest

"W-wait..."
Says Adele as Kai begins moving away.
"We have our own duty to attend to, and splitting up is probably a bad idea, what with..."
She glances down at Amin's corpse.
"It might be best to press on and return with news of what happened to him later..."

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

Kai stops shortly.
"I would rather risk my life than that of another messenger or the family of this man trying to get his frozen remains. But I'm pretty much bound to the decisions of the group. So what is it? Your call." There is a somewhat bleak tone to what he says.

There is something wrong with both choices, but less so with me doing quick deliveries.

[Cespenar]

Baeln - Harvest

"Just open it and let's act on whether it is a critical matter or not."

Though Baeln's voice sounds confident, there's a hint of restlessness in it.

[Gorgondantess]

"Whoever said it was a threat? It seems you are being rather rash. I'd like to avoid a scuffle if possible. Besides, do you really think Erhardur would allow such a threat so close to his sanctum? In all probability, it's as likely he put it here as it is a threat. Whatever it is, though, I haven't the least idea. Defies everything I've ever learned." He sighs, and sits down. "I don't want to endanger us by just walking up to say hello, considering there is the possibility of it being a threat; however, attacking it outright would be folly. I say we send a couple of us up there to speak to it, and if it is a foe the others can join to fight. Wish I had some spells towards the matter..."

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Heath interrupts just in time to stop Dack releasing his arrow. He holds it nocked for a moment, glances over at Heath, then back to the creature, and relaxes his bowstring. The bitter cold of the wind reminds him of the snow caking his boots, legs, and cloak, and for a moment the whiteness of his surroundings seems almost overwhelming, claustrophobic. We can't stay out here forever, he thinks. It's freezing.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Dack hears Heath's suggestion of talking, then sees him sit down. With a short nod, he puts his bow away, then turns and trudges out of the orchard toward the creature. When in range, he shouts, Hail! Who goes there? Friend or foe?

[The_Snark]

Fialle

"No tracks," Fialle mutters, looking at the tracks. "Whatever killed him didn't leave tracks." She shivers, although the cold has a hand in that. It shouldn't really matter—nobody was planning on going out to hunt these things down—but it made her feel like they could go anywhere without being seen.

She tries to ignore the letter: of all the people here, she could get it back to the village and return fastest, but that would mean both revealing the full extent of her talents and going out alone, into the biting cold where strange creatures stalked travelers. She nods a little at Baeln's suggestion. "Yes—it could be something we know about already, after all..."

Forgot Fortitude save: [roll0]

[Dublock]

Aldr-Lonepine

Aldr is petrified that anyone would go and talk to it. His fear of getting hurt and being endanger takes over and runs over where Dack was, taking the other side, as silently and quickly he can, as not to draw attention. But he stays where he can keep looking at the exchange, and with that his crossbow hidden behind.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath sighs exasperatedly, a look of dull annoyance on his face. He drops his head into his hands, and sits down dejectedly.

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

Kai shrugs, opens the letter and reads it.

[nhbdy]

Keel, Harvest
"the snow will bury this guy, and i agree we should move on with our mission, what if the people of lonepine are under attack right now?" or what if whatever does this comes back?

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace - Harvest

Steven knelt down next to Amin. He then looks into the direction of the fields. He turns to look in the opposite direction. Noticing a lack of tracks approaching Amin, Steven gets a very confused look on his face.

What leaves no tracks in snow?

Birds!

Steven then begins scanning the sky looking for a bird through the snowfall.


I will roll my fort saves when I get home, don't have access to my sheet at work.

Also, sorry for not posting these past couple of days, but was at a wedding, a really awesome wedding!

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace - Harvest


Sorry for the double post, but needed to add my rolls.

Spot: [roll0]
Survival/Track: [roll1]
1st Fortitude Save: [roll2] (Damage: [roll3])

Have we needed to roll a second time yet? In any case...
2nd Fortitude Save: [roll4] (Damage: [roll5])

[Kaihaku]

Harvest

Kai feels a strange tingle run through him as he breaks the wax seal... Then it is gone. He opens the letter and reads it's contents.

Esteemed Sages of Harvest,
To our alarm, we have found that the mystical relics which have for ages allowed us to speak with you at will have become impotent. Fear grips our hearts and in this time of darkness we are in great need of your wisdom and guidance.

The survivors of Springfed and our people of Lonepine cower here bearing what arms we can muster. But what will spears and bows avail us that they did not the hunters of Springfed? We beg you to dispatch personages of strength and skill to our defense.

Our terror weighs heavily upon us and we have sinned. We have sent brave souls to beseech Erhardur for his protection and aid in this time. We have broken sacred oaths in this and what punishment the divine dragon deems appropriate we shall accept. We beg your forgiveness and ask that you accept our weakness as weakness not disrespect nor defiance.

Accept the party bearing this message as speaking for all of Lonepine.

Humbly,
The Elders of Lonepine

As he shuffles around in the snow, Steven Wallace notices a trail leading off the path beyond but he loses it almost at once in the deeper banks covering the field. He surmises that the tracks where created by running men but nothing beyond that. Through the snow he sees nothing living.

Lonepine
Through the call is muffled by the snow the creature turns to face Dack before his words have completely left his lips. The smoldering blue flames of its eyes flare brightly and it responds with a call of its own, a sound somewhere between the shriek of a ghoul and the grinding of shards of glass. It then swiftly begins to close the distance between it and the group, bearing clawed hands as it does so.

[Technically it should reach you with one round of actions but I'm ruling that you were expecting something out of sorts and thus get a turn to act. I'm also considering Heath prone as he sits on the ground.]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

From his position in the trees, Elledan doesn't hesitate a moment before firing two arrows at the monstrous creature.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

Edit: Bad dice! :smallfurious:

I also used the wrong modifier for my second attack so the total should be 5 less...

[AmberVael]

Adele- Harvest

"What does it say?"
The girl moves over to Kai, trying to read it over his shoulder. It's clear she is worried- and impatient.

[Gorgondantess]

"Well, friend," Heath says, looking at Dack, "That was just brilliant. Lovely! He's definitely friendly! I think he's coming over here to give us a hug!" He gets up and takes a step back, sending the most powerful magic he can muster at the thing.
Gets up, 5 foot step backwards, then casts lightning bolt DC 19. [roll0]. I've cast mage armor already.

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

As he feels the tingle, Kai looks visibly alarmed for a short moment.
"The elders of Lonepine write that their relics to communicate with the sages of Harvest don't work anymore. They request them to send reinforcements to defend Lonepine and also they have sent a group to beseech Erhardur. There was a strange sensation when I broke the wax which is probably not a good thing. We only travel through Lonepine. So, should I go?", concludes Kai. It seems important after all.

[nhbdy]

Keel, Harvest


"they wanted reinforcements, so what are we then? i say we go on to lonepine as directed, maybe one or two of us could deliver the letter"

[Dublock]

Aldr-Lonepine

Aldr, alarmed stood up and fired his crossbow, hoping that they can kill it before anyone gets injured.

attack roll [roll0]
damage [roll1]

I'm going to be optimistic
Crit confirm [roll2]
extra damage [roll3]

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

Tired of the back and forth, Kai just makes his way back to Harvest. We only pass through Lonepine, we aren't the reinforcements they could need while we are away.

Hustle at 100 ft. per round etc.

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Great. First he tells me not to attack, then he complains when I try diplomacy. Dack whips out his swords and charges the beast, shouting, Well thank you for your many helpful suggestions then, friend!

I'll roll for crit confirmation and such in the OOC thread if I threaten.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace - Harvest

Steven watched worriedly as Kai hurried back toward Harvest.

I hope he stays safe, but I think we need to continue forward. The elders are depending on us to reach the sanctum.

Worry could be heard in the young man's voice. Steven looked down at the body.

I don't like the idea of using his stuff, but we may need to use some of his belongings for our own survival.

Removing the scarf, he hands it to Adele. You seem to be the coldest among us. I think you should use this.

Steven looks quizically over the three potions. These may also be useful, but I have no idea what they are for.

[AmberVael]

Adele - Harvest

Adele looks horrified as Steven hands her the scarf, her mouth hanging open in a mixture of disgust and disbelief. Clearly wearing a scarf just taken off a dead man is something she's not quite used to.
"I-I'll manage."
She says weakly, her unresponsive fingers letting the scarf drop to the ground if he refuses to hold it.

[Cespenar]

Baeln - Harvest

Watching Kai drift off with the scroll in his hand, Baeln turns to Adele and the others and flashes a grin.

"Let's continue then. Marching is the best remedy against the cold."

[The_Snark]

Fialle

Fialle watches Kai sprint off with a mixture of apprehension and relief that it wasn't her doing that. Then again, it would be her heading further away from the villages... "He can catch up to us, right?" she asks, speaking to no-one in particular. "It isn't hard to follow us through the snow..."

[Kaihaku]

Harvest
As Kai sprints off in the direction they came, the group turns and continues on walking lightly over the snow. Nearly half an hour passes before through the falling snow they spot a few dim lighting lights that must mark Lonepine. The comfort provided by this sight swiftly fades as a series of unnatural howls sound across the valley. The cries sound something between the wail of a ghost and the grinding of shards of broken glass. The winter suddenly seems colder.

Kai
Kai runs swiftly over the snow, almost seeming to glide until he reaches the town. Two fearful city guards armed with spears watch him advance nervously but it is not until he reaches the gate that he notices a third figure waiting in the shadows behind them. It is Beck, a large muscled man who serves as one of the leaders of the town guard. Wearing a rare suit of full plate and bearing a masterful halberd, he glares at the messenger with untainted disgusted, spitting lowly, "Filthy coward."

One of the guards glances back at Beck, catching his comment before glancing back at the messenger. Kai recognizes her as the daughter of one of the cobblers but he can't remember her name. She swallows uneasily, "Is...is it true?"

Beck steps into the torchlight, pointing his weapon in the young man's direction, "Did you even face the beasts before running like the worthless piece of trash who fathered you?" His face darkens as he shouts, "Answer me!"

The other guard is a short young man named Alvin who a few years ago was part of a gang following a thug named Bruce. A regular pastime of Bruce was to get his gang together to try and beat the crap out of Kai. Alvin looks at Kai levelly, muttering in quiet reply, "No way... Kai's crazy, the bastard ain't scared of nothin'."

Lonepine
Elledan's first arrow flies far off into the snowy night, missing its target while his second flies true and strikes dead on. Heath's piercing bolt of lightning sears into the oncoming creature, striking it across the side and lashing on into the snowy night. His crossbow slick from the falling snow, Aldr's first bolt goes wide and misses the creature. The piercing bolt of lightning sears into the oncoming creature, striking it a across the side and lashing on into the snowy night. Dack, a noble companion, rushes forward to prevent the enemy from reaching the others. He strikes a mighty blow across the torso of the advancing figure but he is then in turn buffeted by an eruption of particles as the damaged matter where the creature was struck erupts away in all direction.

Eruption?
Dack takes 1/4 of the damage he dealt. Reflex DC 15 for half. Evasion applies.

Dack knows the following automatically, the others have to roll.
Spot DC 10: To note what happened to Dack.
Spot DC 16: To note that the eruption of particles of flesh, well it doesn't seem to be flesh, has occurred with each wound.

Its advance cut off, the great figure clumsy slams at Dack with a great fist which he manages to nimbly evade.

[roll0] [roll1] [roll]1d20+9[roll] [roll2]

[Dublock]

Aldr-Lonepine

(I rolled a 17 on my spot check in OCC) Aldr looks at the monster whom his attack missed. As Dack charged at the monster and the eruption of particles covered Dack. Aldr shouted out We must have hurt it!

Aldr took a breath and shot his crossbow hoping to land a hit.

[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace - Harvest

Hearing the odd sounds, Steven quickly drew his bow and dropped to one knee. He then scanned the area for the source through the blizzard.


Listen: [roll0] (um, I don't have access to my char sheet at work. Just apply my bonus as normal)
Spot: [roll1]

I'm not sure if Tracking can be used with sounds, but if it can here is my roll.
Survival (Tracking): [roll2]

[AmberVael]

Adele- Harvest

The girl shivers at the sounds and the cold, looking back behind them fearfully.
"Come on... lets go a little faster."
She starts speeding up, heading towards the lights.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Hearing the cheer from Aldr, Elledan quickly fires 3 more arrows at the monster.


Rapid Shot
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

These rolls assume that the creature is within 30ft (which I think he is) if not they will all be at 1 less to hit...

[Ridai]

Kai

Having accelerated to running speed when he got closer to Harvest and he stops right before the guards, so that his neck is close to the point of Beck's blade.

"Found a messenger from Lonepine on the way, withered like the victims in Springfed, lied there for less than an hour when we reached him. He had an urgent letter to the sages with him." Kai holds up the letter. "Either you let me through or you'll explain to the sages and the people of Lonepine why they get no help.", he ends his statement, with a dead serious, no nonsense tone in his deep voice.

Kai stares defiantly at Beck, right into his eyes, to force an answer out of him or make him avert his eyes if he has no answer. If he lets Kai through, he will hurry to the sages, otherwise the young man tries to get past the guard forcefully.

[Cespenar]

Baeln - Harvest

"Hah. Only a truly pathetic creature would make that sound. I wonder if they have the guts to face us?"

He catches on to Adele's speed regardless, keeping a hopeful eye on the lights that should be Lonepine.

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Dack barely flings himself out of the way of the bulk of the stinging particles he tore off the creature. A few bloody scratches begin to slowly ooze down his cheek. Wish I had put some arrows in it from a safe distance, is what flashes through his mind before he launches himself back at the thing, hacking and slicing.

Dack proceeds to make a full round attack against the creature:

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

[roll3] [roll4] [roll5]

[roll6] [roll7] [roll8]

[Gorgondantess]

Heath stops, watching the being attack the man he misled, hoping this will be a chance to prove his mettle... yet knowing he will fail yet again. Fool, fool, fool, why did you have to push diplomacy... He prepares another bolt, launching at the creature.
[roll0]

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine
[roll0] [roll1] [roll2] [roll3] [roll4]

Aldr snaps off a bolt which strikes the creature sharply in the forehead, then Elledan lets three shafts fly that each strike it unerringly. Heath unleashes another blast of lightning at the monster, striking it across the side. Dack continues his brave assault, holding the creature where it is and lashing at it with all of his might. He is buffeted by the eruptions of the creature's substance at each wound.

Dack will need to roll to evade Aldr, Elledan, and Heath's attacks...as will anyone who closes to within 1 square (5 ft). Last round I thought it timed so he entered melee after the other attacks.

Dack takes 1/4 of the damage dealt. Reflex DC 15 for half. Evasion applies.
Rounded up that's...
14 / 4 = 4
8 / 4 = 2
9 / 4 = 3
6 / 4 = 2
(18/2) = 9 / 4 = 3

The creature lets out another twisted cry, then bashes Dack with first one fist and then another. The second blow strikes the bold warrior gravely and he feels himself weakening at the touch.

Dack can feel some unnatural force affecting him at the touch of the creature...but in the heat of the moment he can't spare the attention to identify it.

Harvest

[roll5] [roll6] [roll7] [roll8] [roll9] [roll10] [roll11] [roll12]

Steven Wallace trains his keen sense on his surroundings and listens to the fading of the echoing cries.

The cries are like nothing Wallace has heard before. They come from across the valley but he thinks there are a few closer. He guesses six or seven to the south near the path they came down and four or five near Lonepine.

Adele continues on at a swifter pace towards the lights, the others speeding up to match her pace. As the groups rounds an old stone wall overgrown with shrubbery the great tree which grants the village its name comes into full view. A few hastily armed farmhands stand by a large bonfire near the entrance of the village, starting nervously at the sight of the group.

Kai

Beck lets out a snort and steps to the side, turning his attention back to staring out into the falling snow. Bruce eyes Kai oddly, then knocks three times on the town gate and it is opened from within. Passing through the armed militia, Kai makes his way to where he knows the elders will be. Stepping into the warmth of the hall, he finds the assembled elders quietly discussing something amongst themselves. They look up as the young man enters and one of them, an older woman named Kuhn arches an eyebrow, "For what purpose have you come here?"

[Ridai]

Kai

"Found a dead messenger from Lonepine in the snow about an hour on foot from here, withered like the victims of the attack on Springfed. Had a letter with him adressed to you." Kai gives Kuhn the letter. If he is asked about the broken seal, he answers "Had to gauge if the content was important."

Kai doesn't know how they will react (he half expects them to berate him for his decision) and if they don't say anything after reading the letter, the young man will leave immediately and make his way to Lonepine.

Moves back as fast as possible.

[AmberVael]

Adele - Harvest?

Adele raises her hands in a non threatening manner, moving forwards to show who she is, even as she worries about why the group of farmers is out there. This can't be good- can't be good at all.
"We're friends! Adele Hawthorn, and a few others from Harvest."
Considering her extremely social nature, she's hoping they'll recognize her name instantly. She is well known, after all.

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace - Harvest

Steve aims his bow toward the direction they had come. Rising to his feet he begins to move toward Lonepine. As quickly and carefully as he can backwards through the snow with a notched arrow in his shortbow.

I don't like this, I've never heard such noises. And I have hunted these lands all my life.

He says to himself, just audible enough so those who have not gone too far ahead might hear him.

[Cespenar]

Baeln - Harvest

"Calm down, now." Baeln pats on Steven's shoulder firmly.

"Whatever they are, they try and get on your nerves. And you're letting them. Come on." Other than the annoying fact that he blatantly excludes himself from the situation, he sounds partly sincere.

[nhbdy]

Keel, Harvest

"the howling isn't stopping, and we can't stop right now, so there is no point in worrying about it"

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Dack twists and ducks frantically, managing to avoid many of the stinging particles, and continues pummelling the creature.

Full Round Attack

To Hit: [roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

Damage: [roll3] [roll4] [roll5]

Reflex: [roll6] [roll7] [roll8]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Seeing his arrows find their mark, and the spells and bolts of others, Elledan is hopeful that their enemy will be defeated. He sees the pounding that Dack is taking, and shouts, "Get away from it, you can't stand toe to toe with it for long." Elledan again fires three arrows at the creature, hoping that one will strike it deeply enough in a soft spot to put it down for good.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[Kaihaku]

Kai
Kuhn takes the letter and her eyes swiftly take in its contents, then she passes it to the other elders and looks at Kai appraisingly, "You broke the seal?

"Had to gauge if the content was important."

Kuhn stares at him for a moment longer, no emotion registering on her face, then she turns away and turns back to the other elders, "Wait here."

Another a lengthy discussion in a language Kai doesn't know, the elders turn back to him.

Kuhn speaks first, "You did well to bring this to us..."

Then the ancient Ithzak interjects in a worn wavering voice, "By breaking the seal you have been cursed. This is powerful magic, we have not the time to counter it now." He tilts his head back a bit, "Come to us when your task is complete, we will prepare to aid you in the meanwhile. Until then do not eat the flesh of warm blooded creatures and do not allow yourself to be touched by healing magic."

Kuhn speaks words in a mystical tongue then lays a hand on Kai, "The spell upon your feet has been renewed." She then pulls a small vial from a pouch at her side and hands it to him, "This potion will bolster your fortitude when you are in need of it. Best of luck to you."

Kai acquires a potion of Bear's Endurance (CL 10).

Ithzak nods wearily, "Now go, the hour is late and dark forces are at work."

Harvest
"Thank the Dragon." One of the farmhands breaths as Adele identifies herself, "You've come and sooner than I'd have thought."

The others relax their guard, lowering their weapons and one even sets his spear aside. Immense relief shows on their faces.

"You'll be wanting to see our defenses."

"I'll get the others!" Volunteers the guard who set his spear aside before running back into the village.

Then another chorus of cries erupts from the surrounding countryside. Steven Wallace notes that a number of them are closer than before.

Lonepine

Aldr snaps off another bolt at the creature, striking it in one broad shoulder. Dack nimbly follows up avoiding another lumbering blow from the creature and hacking at the growing wounds of the strange being. Elledan lets fly a volley of arrows which unerringly strike the creature. Heath, his lightning exhausted, instead unleashes twin rays of flame instead. One goes wide, soaring out into the snowy night. The other just barely strikes the creature, an evil hiss sounding as the flame strikes its form and melts it away. Dack immediately notes that the flame not only direly wounded the creature but consumed its flesh preventing an eruption of biting dust.

Creature is weak against flame and flame-modified attacks negate the particle eruption.

The creature turns its burning eyes in the direction of Heath then strikes at the sole obstacle blocking it's advance. Dack, however, manages to avoid each blow. The creature is bespectacled with injuries now, some small and some large.

[roll0] [roll1] [roll]1d8+5[/roll [roll2]

[Ridai]

Inner conflict briefly erupts inside Kai, as he curses himself for not being decisive enough to take action without breaking the seal. But I can't just ignore the others, they couldn't know and neither could I. The latter doesn't really put his mind at rest, but Kai pushes the thoughts aside for now. With a grim face he listens to the Elders, puts the vial in a safe place inside his backpack and thanks them by bowing silently.

Kai starts to run back to Lonepine at the highest speed possible, saying "Be safe." to the three guards at the gate as he passes them.

[Kaihaku]

Kai
Kai makes swift progress gliding over the snow and soon reaches the freezing corpse where he last saw the others in his group. There is no sign of them and the body is once again nearly covered in snow. Without the protection of the orb he finds it difficult to see any great distance.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath grins at his luck; the change in attacks worked out well. He readies another blast of heat, stepping back so that he is as far away as possible.
Lesse, so ranged touch attack:[roll0] and damage: [roll1]... and I just realized I didn't post last time. Coulda sworn I did, and lucky that Kaihaku thought I had used up all my lightning bolts (I actually have 1 left), as I was going to try scorching ray anyways. Oh, and I can only fire 1 ray at a time; "twin rays" come at lvl 7.

[Ridai]

Damn it, Kai thinks when he sees the corpse still in the snow. Even in its withered state, it's probably too heavy for Kai to maintain his speed, so he memorizes its position and hurries past it towards Lonepine. Hope nothing happened to the others.

[AmberVael]

Adele

Adele bites her lip, looking around worriedly, shivering as she hears the cries.
"What exactly is going on here?"

[Cespenar]

Baeln

"They fear that those 'howlers' or whatever are going to assault the town, obviously."

Baeln meets the farmhand in the eyes and nods.

"Isn't it? ... anyway, show us to your defenses."

[The_Snark]

Fialle

"Are they?" Fialle asks anxiously, drifting a little forwards from the rear of the group and clutching her bow a little more tightly. "Going to attack? Do you have fire?"

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Crisscrossed with thin, oozing red stripes, Dack at last falls back, retreating from the creature at a right angle to its path to the others. He sheaths his blades, draws his bow, and takes aim.

Full retreat, and if it doesn't pursue, sheathe his weapons (which if I recall can be done as part of a move action), draw his bow. That should be one round. Round after that, full round attack, bearing in mind that if it's within 30ft of me with its back to me I may be getting sneak attack damage.

If it does pursue, I'll have to come up with something else, so I'll wait to make attack rolls until Kaihaku posts.

[Thymin]

Elledan

Elledan sees the creature's reaction to Heath's flame attack and he hurries himself into action. He swiftly sheathes his bow and swings out of his saddle, giving Thunder the command to stay out of the combat, he moves towards Dack, putting himself between the creature and Heath, and he draws his Scimitar and attempts to close the distance to the creature.
"Hit him with the flame again if you can! He's almost had it now, he can't take too much more, so let's end this now!"


Assuming the creature is close enough to get to and attack...
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
Otherwise this will be my action in the next round...

[Dublock]

Aldr-Lonepine

*Aldr looks around, worried that his attacks could be hurting. He glances down at his staff of healing..wondering if he can get into position to heal his new found friend..*

Hearing the cries of the monster, he takes a 5' step closer to Dack, wanting to use his staff, although he fires off another attack.

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1]

[Cespenar]

Baeln - Harvest

"Quite possible." He throws a brief glance at Fialle, and turns to the farmhand again, echoing her words.

"Do you have any fire at your disposal? Because supposedly those creatures can only be hurt by fire."

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace

Steven keeps his bow ready as he keeps an eye in the direction of the odd sounds.

They seem to be approaching...

[Belobog]

[I am so late I am so late I am so very late]

Mallaidh - Harvest

Mallaidh had, for all that had occurred on the trip up to now, categorized the trip as 'pleasant'. Despite the dead man and his life-saving message, Mallaidh had maintained a general calm about her, from the completeness of the simple pleasure she was enjoying: having not to speak. The group, unable to wait on her orders, and Mallaidh unwilling to give any, simply decided to start walking, and Mallaidh glided behind, keeping to her own thoughts as the group made their decisions. The senior assistant librarian had been flabbergasted, annoyed, and frightened by the elders' choice of her leading this motley crew, and not the obvious choice for such a position; a person who was not dreading the thought of living long enough to see 55. She had promised herself she would do this, only this, and then go back to rotting in the library, like she had for all her life, and letting the more panicked heads figure something out. Regardless, here she was, 'leading', and now was about time for some reactive, preferably vocal, leadership.

The crone turns to the bonfire blazing in the center, shaking her head at the simplicity of the symbol. "I pray, for all our sakes, you've thought up something more clever than bonfires." She turns her eyes to the farmhand who has done the most talking, the crone's voice cracking in the dry winter air. "And if you look to us as your saving grace, then we will only serve to dash your hopes. We are even less prepared for this than yourselves...that is, if I might hold to some shred of hope as to your 'defenses'."

The librarian's head whirls toward Wallace at his proclamation, her cold stare only hardening with the quickening of her heart. "How long?"

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine
The creature lets out a terrible cry as flames lick against it once more, boiling away its form, even as arrows and bolts pierce it. Then it folds inward, it's frame collapsing even breaking apart into a layer of thick black dust that dirties the white snow. Two shining sparks of blue fall to the snow, the sapphires that had been the eyes of the creature, but then the light slowly fades.

The group finds that the path is quiet once more save for the sound of their own heavy breathing and soft breeze muffled by snow.

Harvest
The assembled guardians of Lonepine, scared farmhands with makeshift spears, listen to the exchange between Adele and Baeln uneasily.

"After what happened at Springfed..." One of the farmhands, a taller lad with red hair, shivers, "...and with nothing comin' from looking, what else would you have us do?"

The farmhand glances at the nearby bonfire, then look back to Baeln and Fialle, "Aye..."

Steven's sharp ears lead him to believe that several of the creatures have drawn even closer, without a mile of the group. Though, between the snow, old stone walls, and shrubbery nothing can be seen. He also notes that others set of calls, about two dozen, are closing on Lonepine from the North and West. The rest of the calls are too distant for him to get much valuable information from.

The farmhands glance at each other as Mallaidh speaks up, their eyes lighting up as they whisper in awe, "An Elder..." In unison, they drop to their knees, prostrating themselves before the old woman.

However, at her next words, one of them peeks up nervously, "Elder, we tend to the land...we know nothing of war and magic. Please save us from the darkness with your sacred fires! You learned by the Great Dragon himself!"

Kai
The messenger continues on his way, making quick time over the snow.

[AmberVael]

Adele

The young girl gives a small pout as Mallaidh speaks up. Stupid old witch. Why had she decided to come along, anyways? Crossing her arms, Adele sulks a little as all the attention focuses on the elder, wondering if she could get the attention back to herself.

[Cespenar]

Baeln - Harvest

Baeln grimaces in disgust as the ignorant peasants drop to their knees against Mallaidh. He steps forward.

Useless scum. "Get up! There may be danger afoot and you people are wasting valuable time."

He points angrily at the red haired lad. "You. Do you have alcohol? Prepare some that you may douse your arrows (you have bows, right?) and actually use that fire there."

Clapping his hands together, his voice increases in volume. "Move, people!"

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace

Steven continues to look to the south (we came from the south...right?) as he answers Mallaidh.

Half an hour at most...for the first wave.

It seems the sounds are converging here.

Worry could be heard in his voice. Though, his body showed none as he kept his bow trained on the incoming sounds.

[Dublock]

Aldr-Lonepine

*Aldr moves to the gems, and the other remains of the creature and looks around for anything strange anything to explain anything*

spot check, why not :p [roll0]

*When Aldr looks up, he realizes that Dack is injured, and feels bad he didn't remember it* "Do you want me to use a staff of healing on you?"

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

The thing goes down. Dack stands, bow drawn, arrow pointing rock-steady at the spot where it collapsed in on itself. Slowly, he lets the string go slack. He pants heavily, gasps for breath. He bleeds. He searches the horizon, listens attentively, on guard against any further sign of hostility. He checks the snow to see if the monster left a trail, and if so, where to. Then he puts away his weapon, trudges over to where the thing died and begins an exhaustively thorough search. His only response to Aldr is to pause from his search briefly and then nod and continue looking.

Take 20 on Search. Spot, Listen and Survival checks, as well as the bonus on Search, will be posted in the OOC thread once I get home, but that won't be till late in the evening. Kaihaku, you have my permission to make those rolls for me if you want to update before then.

[Belobog]

Mallaidh - Harvest

A bitter chuckle rises in Mallaidh's throat at the word 'elder'. "So it's true...I do look older than I feel."

The crone's green eyes land on the young farmhand so brave to speak his mind. "And I know nothing of the first, little of the second, and I do not doubt that you know as much as I do of the third. Now listen to this man," she demands, pointing a thin finger at Baeln. "He may very well lead you to save yourselves."

Mallaidh faces Steven, her eyes narrowing in response...but she simply stares, and her heads falls to the side in thought. "Good. Good. I must ask you to keep watch, Mr. Wallace, on the road as well as the threat at hand. We must know when Kai will return to us...and though it is too much to hope, if their defenders should arrive when they are needed most."

"Further, as for each of you," the librarian says to her retinue, "Perhaps you could inform each other of what you might be able to do, should this come to blows? It appears that we may well face this - enemy - head on."

[Gorgondantess]

Heath sighs after the battle. Whatever the hell that was... He walks over to the creature's remains, slowly, almost sadly, and pockets the gems un-surreptitiously.

[nhbdy]

Keel-Harvest

"I for one have no way of producing fire, unless we doused my blades in alchol or oil and lit them with a torch"

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace

Steven nods at Mallaidh.

He then looks around at the others assembled in the area.
Does anyone have any oil?

[Kaihaku]

Harvest
A few of the defenders of Lonepine get to their feet as Baeln issues his orders, while the others look around uncertainly. Then, as Mallaidh confirms his authority, the others get to their feet as well. Some quicker than others, the peasants rush off to accomplish the tasks set.

No sooner had the group of peasants abandoned their post, most of them remembering to take their weapons with them, then do three figures approach the group from the village.

One is the young guard who had run off initially, an eager expression on his face, leaving his weapon cast aside in the snow.

The second is a stern looking man with a blond beard and piercing green eyes. At his side he carries a longbow easily and a quiver of arrows is hung over his back. He walks with a limb, a splint around his left leg.

Natives of Springfed immediately recognize him as Evan, a hunter of the forest whose leg was broken chasing down a wild boar.

Others must roll...

Knowledge(Local)/Lore
DC 10: To recognize him as Evan, the hunter.
DC 15: To know that he broke his leg a few weeks ago.
DC 20: To know that he broke his leg chasing a wild boar.

The third is a lanky old man, his face weathered and covered with red hair fading to gray. He carries a scythe at his side easily and it is apparent that he is accustom to its use...but wielding such as a tool in the field is far removed from wielding such as a weapon.

WIS DC 5: This old farmer is one of the leaders of Lonepine.

Knowledge(Local)/Lore
DC 5: This is Amon, an old farmer and one of the most respected figures in Lonepine.
DC 10: Amon is known for his level-headedness and wise perspective but he is also known to take far longer than seems necessary to mull over decisions.
DC 20: Amon had lost a granddaughter to the famine and it is rumored that his own health, both mentally and physically, has been in decline during the recent months.

"There they are!" The excited young guard exclaims, gesturing unnecessarily at the group, "Our saviors!"

The hunter looks relieved though he attempts to hide it in a scowl, "Wonderful..."

The old man looks at the group carefully for a long moment, then in a slow draw speaks, "It gladdens me to see you, warriors of harvest..."

The hunter cuts him off, "These farmers know nothing of this sort of thing and...well, I know only how to kill a man, not know to defend a village... There are men armed with what bows this village has on the walls and a bonfire at each of the three entrance armed with whatever they weapons we could grab. The defense is in your hands, what now?"

The old man frowns, speaking in his slow draw, "Evan, I am not sure that you should give your part in this to these warriors... You prepared our defenses, I think that maybe you should remain in charge of them. Why do you think your part should be passed onto others?"

Lonepine
Aldr glances around the deceptively peaceful scene, the few signs of battle beginning to vanish silently beneath a white blanket of snow. There seems to be nothing else out of sorts in the area.

Dack begins to carefully comb the snow for anything of interest while Heath, cutting him of, steps directly through the snow to the remains of the creature and snatches up the two gems. He can hear his companions' muffled movements and an occasional soft "whomp" as snow grows too heavy for a thin branch but otherwise no signs of anything unusual. Even his keen eyes have difficulty piercing the combination of the darkness and falling snow. He turns over the problem in his mind, trying to see the situation from another angle and a few things strike him...

Dack - Survival
The group has come into the northern highlands and soon will come to the sacrificial circle which lies close to the great door. The phantom creature had clearly had no need for the path which the group follows but neither did it attempt an ambush or give sign of guarding the path until the group called attention upon itself. So, it would seem to have been neither a sentry, wandering beast, or hunter (at least not of you) but it must have had some reason, however, for holding to the path. There is no hope of tracking it, even in the best of conditions following the trail of a flying beast is the realm of gods. It is safe to assume that there may be further creatures on the trail but, thinking back to the annual ceremony held here, Dack has a flash of insight and remembers a thin gully cutting through the foothills. In the summer a cold stream cuts through the stone but now in the winter the stream should be frozen allowing a quick and sheltered route to approach the circle.

[Dublock]

Aldr Lonepine

He looks around nervously and he says "Perhaps we should get going, although...I don't want to face another one of those beats."

Aldr looks around at his companions, to see if they are ready to go.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Watching the creature die with a certain emotional distance, Elledan remains silent for a short while. The silence that comes after a battle gives him the setting to give thanks to Erhardur for his blessing in this battle. As the sound slowly returns to his ears, Elledan hears Aldr offer to use a staff of healing on Dack. "Here. Use mine. It's of little use to me without someone who knows how to use it." He says to Aldr as he walks over to Dack.

"You are a mighty and skilled warrior. I am glad to fight alongside you, though perhaps next time we should have a better battle plan in place."

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Dack wipes a bit of blood off his brow with the back of his hand and shrugs. Far as I could tell, it was that or try and go around, and with that horse, I don't reckon we could sneak.... He trails off, looking around for the best way up. Got to get there soon, not least because of this cold.... Dack's eyes continue scanning the visible horizon for a route that didn't involve shoving through waist-deep snow. Wish I knew what that thing was doing here, though. I don't reckon it had any honest... any honest business... any.... He trails off, eyes fixed on a slight, almost invisible dip in the glistening white carpet of snow. I do reckon the stream'd be froze through by now, though. Alright. He hitches up his pack, sheathes his blades, once again takes out his bow and nocks an arrow, and sets out toward the streambed. Thisaway, folks, he calls to the group as he leads on toward the path up the mountain.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath follows, trying to remain nonchalant. "The sooner we get out of here the better... we'll probably be just as likely to encounter another one of those standing around as when on the move. Come."

[Dublock]

Aldr

Aldr looks at Elledan when he offers his staff of healing to use instead. "Thank you Elledan." He looks over at Dack, and runs up to his side, Dack, please let me heal you.

Aldr uses Elledan's staff of healing as cure serious wounds

Aldr hands Elledan his staff back saying [COLOR="Sienna"]"Still hold on to this, might prove useful."[/COLOR

[Thymin]

Elledan:


OOC: I'm not sure how well this would work, but if I go through the snow first on horseback, would it make any difference to the ease with which the others walk through the snow if they follow in the path? In any case, I'll suggest it IC, and you can rule as to how well it works. :smallbiggrin:

To Dack: "I'll go first, on horseback, then it might be easier for the rest of you to trudge through the snow."

To Aldr: "I will keep it, but it is nothing more than a club in my untrained hands." He takes back his staff and slides it into his efficient quiver.

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

Well there should be a frozen riverbed just up here.... Aha, Dack says with satisfaction. I bet it'll be a clear path almost to the sacrificial circle. Been a real bitter winter, so it *should* be froze solid enough to carry your horse.... Even as he says this, his tone betrays a degree of uncertainty.

[Kaihaku]

My ruling would be that the horse would speed up the journey marginally but the primary benefit would be that those following it wouldn't be fatigued by pushing through snow themselves.

Lonepine
Recovering from the battle, the group takes a moment to sift around the battlefield before Dack points them off the path into the rolling hills. The snow comes deeper at first but then they come to a deep and narrow gully. The frozen stream is sheltered by the walls of the trench it dug while flowing and there is little snow to impede the group's way. Elledan is forced to dismount upon entered the gully but the ice proves strong enough to hold his horse which is easily lead after him.

[Kaihaku]

Harvest

The hunter and the old farmer begin to bicker together while the group does what they will. In a short time, a few of the original guards reappear carrying bottles of a clear liquid. Some time afterwards more reappear pushing large barrels through the snow. A final young farmer appears shortly after this carting a small barrel of tar over a shoulder and a bag containing flasks of oil.

Kai

As he sprints over the snow covered vale, Kai suddenly comes across a group of phantom creatures advancing towards Lonepine. They resemble great wolves in shape but in substance they are formed of what looks like dark rock. He is only another five minutes run from Lonepine and as he dashes forward he only has a second to decide whether to fight or attempt to outrun them.

Lonepine

The group creeps along the gully and then makes the climb up the rough slippery slope of one side. Before them is a small valley in which they see the great boulders of the sacrificial circle. A great stone pathway, clear of snow even in the harshest of blizzards, leads from here to the great sanctum. The towering mountain cannot be seen through the darkness and snow but somehow the group can be feel its presence. Straining their eyes they spot, seeming to flicker in the distance, a soft orange flame.

[Ridai]

Kai has taken on a whole pack in the past, but this is different, in addition to him not being able to receive healing magic. He knows how dangerous a wolf pack can be, so he sprints full speed past them towards the town, stopping a few yards before the gate to confront them there, close enough for him to hope for support.

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine

On spotting the flame in the distance, with the stinging wounds from his previous encounter still fresh in memory, Dack waves at the others to stop, holds his finger to his lips for silence, and then creeps toward the light, trying to keep out of it directly, until he can make out what surrounds it.

[roll0] - - [roll1] - - [roll2]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Bringing up the rear with his horse following Elledan tries to keep a few feet behind the group. He spots the flames in the distance and sees Dack signal for silence. Elledan gives Thunder the command to stay and creeps towards the fiery lights wanting to give Dack some back-up in case he needs it. As he makes his way he keeps his eyes peeled and his ears open, straining to notice anything that might be important.


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

[Dublock]

Aldr-Lonepine

Aldr, stops and stays by the horse, scared of who it could be. Knowing he isn't the best scout, he stays by the house and lowered himself down to the ground as he does not want to be seen.

But he looks over there, trying to see who they are

[roll0] for Hide then [roll1] for spot

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace - Harvest

Steven had made himself as ready as possible, coating his arrows in flamable material: cloth soaked in oil. He wasn't sure what to make of the past few hours, but his survival instinct was kicking in. To survive being hunted, he knew that the prey had to be either faster or more powerful. With the option of running not available, he hoped that the town's defences would hold.

As he surveyed the area he noticed a familiar figure apporaching the town. And it surprised him to see him stop just outside the town.
Kai! Get behind the gate!

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine
Dack and Elledan creep forward through the snow-covered landscape, passing the great sacrificial circle and using the stones around it to aid them in remaining hidden. Before them stretches the great stone pathway leading to the holy sanctum, clear of snow it presents them a further challenge.

From the foot of the path, without the obscuring snow, the two are able to catch a clear view of the flame. Towering at the top of the ascend before the great doorway into the holy sanctum is a formidable figure. In shape it resembles a great beast but it is formed of living flame.

Aldr strains his eyes peering through the falling snow but soon soon loses sight of Dack and Elledan as they stealthily advance.

Harvest ~and~ Kai

The sharp crack of teeth snapping at air sounds as Kai darts pass the first of the phantom wolves, his speed serving him well as the pack breaks into full sprint. Coming to Lonepine, Kai whirls around and strikes a defensive pose.

Two of the phantom wolves are caught off guard by Kai's sudden maneuver and lunge past him, opening their sides to quick strikes in the process. A third wolf careens towards him, black fangs in full snarl.

Kai may take up to one attack of opportunity per wolf against the three wolves that had been tailing him (assuming he can take more than one AoO a turn). For the third wolf, Kai has the option of combing the attack with a tumble check in order to roll backwards with the charging wolf and send it flying overhead with a kick. The added risk there is that if the tumble fails he won't regain his feet and that if the attack fails he might end up pinned by the wolf. Not quite the way the movement/attack rules work but more in line with how they should given momentum.

((I will hold the actions of the villagers for one turn giving players a chance to retroactively issue orders on tactics.))

The pack of bluish black phantom wolves diverges around Kai, six surging around him towards the defenders and the bonfire by the gate. Four others keep their distance, pacing in the snow while snarling. The largest of the wolves stands among this group, watching the assault with eyes of burning blue flame.

[Tacitus]

Marcus, Harvest Group
HP: 96/96 DDP: 0/10 AC: 25: T: 9 FF: 25 DR 3/- (0/30) or 1/-

The behemoth of steel plating extends his blade around his massive shield, "My brethren! Focus them to me! Take up positions of height and behind obstacles. Assail them from afar while they crash against my armor!" In a storm of steel on steel and his massive weight surging forward Marcus forces himself forward so as to be the center of attention.

Readies Shield (should already be done)
Swaps Restful Crystal with Lesser Ironward Diamond (should already be done)
Unsheathes Sword (and locks it into his gauntlet if he has time)
Ensures Least Fire Assault Crystal is in place (should already be done)

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

Kai lets the first two wolves pass and lets himself fall backwards in a flowing movement before the third wolf jumps towards him. Kai delivers a crushing kick with his by human standards enormous strength by suddenly thrusting most of his body straight upwards feet first, sending the wolf flying, hopefully into the bonfire. Standing up by following the motion through, he immediately unleashes a storm of punches and kicks on the wolves around him, aiming for weak points and using as many dirty tricks as are practical in the current situation.

Tumble [roll0] (improved with an action point, see OOC)
AoO on the third wolf - Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

Full attack with Flurry of Blows and Two-Weapon Fighting, concentrating on one wolf (the third wolf if he is still in range, if not then another wolf in range) until he goes down and then switching to the next wolf until it goes down etc.

Attack 1 [roll3]
Damage 1 [roll4]

Attack 2 [roll5]
Damage 2 [roll6]

Attack 3 [roll7]
Damage 3 [roll8]

Attack 4 [roll9]
Damage 4 [roll10]

Attack 5 [roll11]
Damage 5 [roll12]

Attack 6 [roll13]
Damage 6 [roll14]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan takes a long while to observe the scene and to take in all of the details, then he signals to Dack to retreat a bit from the foot of the pathway.
"Do you have any idea what manner of beast that is? Perhaps it is a sentry of Erhardur that will grant us passage in his name?" Elledan whispers hopefully.

"Surely, there could not be such an evil creature as the one we just faced, lurking so near to the lair of the mighty Erhardur."

Unless Dack has an explanation for what they've seen, Elledan will suggest that they sneak back to the rest of the group to tell them.

[Belobog]

Mallaidh blanches when the snapping of teeth cuts the air, and when the monsters begin to rush the village, she almost freezes. The inevitability of what would come next seemed certain: they had prepared, but they were not ready, there was no time to defend from this. Soon, they would be here, and that would be the end.

The crone drew a small panel of glass, no longer than her thumb, from a pouch at her side and held it high above her head. With little more than an idea and a vestige of hope, she prayed in silence, before muttering to herself in the language of magic. The panel caught the light of the weak sun and glowed, and the old woman stared down the horde with a shout. "May the fires of hell deign to consume you." The glass is throw out, shattering on the ground underneath the snow...before a wall of flame leaps up from the ground, howling over the chaos around them, and blocking the wolves' advance.

Mallaidh gives a hurried glance back to the villagers, her voice cracking in the winter air. "Shoot them while they're disoriented. This will not last for long."

Major Image - Screaming Wall Of Fire. It takes up 9 10 by 10 foot cubes in front of the wolves heading for the village. DC 18 Will save to disbelieve, if they come near enough to touch it.

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace
{table]HP: 90/90|AC: 17|DR: 1/-[/table]

In one swift action, he touched the arrowhead in flame and brought it up to his bow.

Steven stared down the beasts as they charged. Everything about the situation was telling him to be afraid. But he had managed to turn off that portion of his mind.

Loose your arrows!

Instead, he let his emotions take over.


Steven will be attacking the closest first. For however many rounds they are not in melee range, Steven will be launchin arrows. For now I am going to assume that it be two rounds.

Also I am unsure what the modifier for lit arrows is, so I will be leaving it out for now.

Round 1 -
[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
Round 2 -
[roll4] [roll5]
[roll6] [roll7]

[Kaihaku]

[I was holding hoping more posts would come but alas it seems that it was not to be. So, movement.]

Lonepine

Elledan waits for a long moment in the snow, looking towards his companion, then as only silence ensues he and Dack return to the others.

As they slip carefully back through the shadows, Elledan notes that the flame remains unmoving either unaware or indifferent to their existence.

Harvest

Marcus stands at the forefront of the group, braced for the horde of oncoming enemy.

Pulling off an amazing feat of strength and coordination, Kai sends his lupine attacker soaring through the air and tumbling into the blazing bonfire. The phantom wolf shrieks as it lands in the flames, sending ash and embers flying off to sizzle in the snow. Nothing further emerges from the fire.

Nice occasion to roll a 20.

Kai doesn't spare a glance back at his attacker, his attention is immediately and quite properly diverted to the two phantoms wolves with reach of his fists. He finds his enemies easy targets, only one of his blows is evaded. The hard 'flesh' of the wolves crushes at each blow before erupting in a biting spray.

Kai
Kai takes 1/4 of the damage he dealt. Reflex DC 15 for half. Evasion applies. For reference, only attack 2 missed.

One wolf dissolves completely under the belting, collapsing into a dark patch of snow and two gem stones.

Mallaidh throws her orb sending a wall of brilliant flame springing into existence and cutting off the approach of the oncoming wolves.

Steven Wallace's first volley strikes one of the wolves in the sky, it's 'flesh' melting away at contact with flame. His second volley is throw off by the sudden appearance of the wall of flame and strikes only snow.

Their approach cut off by flame, four of advancing wolves circle back and converge on Kai.

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]
[roll3] [roll4] [roll5]

[roll6] [roll7] [roll8] [roll9] [roll10] [roll11]

[roll12] [roll13] [roll14]

Rolling in forum is such a pain. :P

Kai manages to somehow evade the brunt of the assault, suffering only one injury as a set of vicious black fangs finds purchase on the calf of his leg.

Kai
Kai takes 12 damage.

The two remaining wolves hesitate for a moment, then press on and leap through the wall of flames to converge on Marcus. Fortunately his armor serves him well and their teeth find no hold.

The four larger wolves continue to watch the unfolding battle with cold interest.

[Tacitus]

Marcus, Harvest Group
HP: 96/96 +10 Temp HP, +12 normal HP DDP: 0/10 AC: 25: T: 9 FF: 25 +4 Dodge AC DR 3/- (0/30) or 1/-
Defensive Stance Activated. 1/3 per day. Round 1 of 9

His powerful build seems almost to swell as he stiffens his muscles and shifts ever so slightly to take on the ultimate defensive posture. With practiced ease Marcus's blade sings as it dances through the air before he brings it down with the power of an avalanche.

Free Action: Activate Defensive Stance
Full Attack Action, activating Stone Power. Reducing attack bonus by 5 for 10 temp HP.
Attack Rolls.
[roll0] If needed for crit: [roll1]
[roll2] If needed for crit: [roll3]
Damage rolls:
[roll4]+4 Strength+1 Enhancement+1 Fire. Adamantine.
[roll5]+4 Strength+1 Enhancement+1 Fire. Adamantine.

Extra damage if needed: [roll6]

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest
79/93 HP, AC 21

Kai, improvising by default, would be further reminded of his battle against the wolf pack if he wouldn't be completely guided by his intuition now. Quickly reacting to the sprays shooting out the the wounds he caused, the young man twists, dashes, jumps, rolls and ducks out of the way as fast as possible. Feeling the stinging pain of the wolf bite, Kai kicks the monster away and continues to pummel the wolves, his punches, kicks and stomps growing more and more savage.

Reflex saves: [roll0] [roll1] [roll2] [roll3] [roll4]

Attacks like last round, beginning with the wolf Kai already injured.
Attack 1 [roll5]
Damage 1 [roll6]

Attack 2 [roll7]
Damage 2 [roll8]

Attack 3 [roll9]
Damage 3 [roll10]

Attack 4 [roll11]
Damage 4 [roll12]

Attack 5 [roll13]
Damage 5 [roll14]

Attack 6 [roll15]
Damage 6 [roll16]

Pulverize Foe dice (just throwing them out there for your convenience, even though I doubt all 5 will be used) [roll17] [roll18] [roll19] [roll20] [roll21]

edit: See OOC for attack rolls that actually use the right kind of dice. :smallannoyed:

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace
{table]HP: 90/90|AC: 17|DR: 1/-[/table]

Steven replaces his short bow with his great axe as he approaches the nearest "wolf".

Lifting the weapon above his shoulder, he lets out a cry as he takes his first swing.

Eeyah!


Round 3 - [roll0] ([roll1])

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Painstakingly sneaking back to the rest of the group so as not to alert the flaming creature of their position, Elledan's mind is racing about what to do next. If this thing does not answer to Erhardur, then what has happened to him? If it is, will it allow us by without a fight, or will we have to fight it to show that we are worthy of Erhardur's presence? He stopped himself before that line of thinking took him too far, but not before an chill that made the coldness of even this bitter winter seem less vicious ran down his spine.

When he gets back to the group he tells them what he saw, hoping that someone might know better what they should do.

"The flaming beast is huge. And he's standing at the entrance to the sanctum. It must belong to Erhardur, so close to his lair, right?" He prompts hopefully of his comrades. "But it might not be inclined to let us by. Do any of you know anything about such a creature?"

[Gorgondantess]

Ugh... just worte a nice post with lovely Rp fluffy bits, and the forum ate it. Due to being pressed for time, and focusing on my own campaign... roll for knowledge: arcane for fiery thing: [roll0]
knowledge for anything else:[roll1]
If I can't get anything, I'll go and see it for myself.

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine
60 HP - 21 AC

Dack follows silently behind Elledan, racking his brains for any route around the beast.

[roll0]

Ain't ever seen the like of that before, Dack said, scratching the back of his head. Ain't think it's got any more to do with Erhardur than the last horrible thing, either. Dack looks increasingly grim as he thinks about the situation.

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine

The snow continues to fall silently at the epicenter of the stone circle where the others waited for the scouts return.

Elledan describes the situation and the flame beast atop the stairs, hoping for a reassuring answer that does not come. Heath silently racks his brain for a moment then without attempt at subtlety he starts for the stairs himself. Dack also ponders what manner of creature blocks their way but can think of nothing and uneasily follows the others as they return to the foot of the stairs.

The snow parts over the stairs, falling to the side neatly and allowing clear vision up to the great doors. The group takes advantage of this to peer in the direction of the flaming creature. If it notes their presence, it gives no sign of it.

Perception
I am assuming a passive take-ten here, any of you may choose additionally, at your option, to roll Spot and Listen checks again.

Elledan
Peering at the light from the darkness, Elledan has a harder time than a moment ago in making out the creature. It seems to blur in the distance, an unsteady form of fire. It is still clear that it towers over him.

Heath
Heath notes the wavering flame form of the creature and immediately deduces that it is a creature of the elements. He has difficulty gauging it's relative power from this distance but judging from its size it must be significantly more powerful than the creature they just faced.

Dack
Dack notes, perhaps with some surprise, that the fiery beast does not stand alone before the great gates. The second figure is small and easily overshadowed by the greater creature, about the size of a human. It wears a hooded cloak and is bearing a staff, but from this distance it's difficult to make out more details than that.

Harvest

Marcus unleashes a powerful but guarded blow against one his attackers, his flame wreathed blade slicing through his attacker easily. The phantom wolf lets out the equivalent of a pained whelp, its form bubbling away at the heat but does not fall. The mighty warrior's second blow just misses the foul creature.

Kai swings around, unleashing yet another powerful barrage of blows and sending brackish dust erupting in all directions. The center of this maelstrom of destruction, he crushes down three of his opponents.

Kai takes 1/4 of the damage he dealt. Reflex DC 15 for half. Evasion applies. For reference, only attack 6 missed.

Steven rushes to the aid of Marcus, raising his great axe and cleaving the phantom creature in twain with a mighty blow. What remains of the creature erupts in a spray of stinging particles.

Steven and Marcus
Steven and Marcus take 4 damage. Reflex DC 15 for half. Evasion applies.

The lone wolf remaining before Marcus snaps at the armored behemoth but fails to find any purchase.

The lone wolf remaining before Kai lunges at his neck but misses his mark.

One of the four larger wolves yawns, while the others continue to watch almost eagerly.

Having overcome their initial shock at the sight of such creatures, those villagers armed with bows unleash a barrage of fiery arrows at the remaining wolves. Their shots sizzle as they strike snow but fail to hit even a single wolf. One particularly inept villager manages to fire a shot that soars over the battlefield and into the thick branches of a large conifer tree...a thin tendril of smoke appears a moment later.

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine
60 HP - 21 AC

There's someone over there! Dack hisses in alarm. He doesn't know much about wizards, but he does know that bizarre unnatural monstrosities like that which they'd previously faced are as often summoned by wizards as not.

This time, he leaves the business of interacting with the situation up to someone more qualified. Instead, he draws his bow, nocks an arrow, and melts off into the shadows in an attempt to circle around and get within striking distance unobserved.

[roll0]
[roll1]
Striking distance is, in this case, 100ft, or 1 range increment on his longbow.)

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan peers through the snow trying to get a clearer look at the monster when he hears Dack exclaim that there is also someone else there.


[roll0]


Then seeing Dack head off for another route, he follows also looking for another way into Erhardur's sanctum while hoping that he could remember any kind of story about a flaming guardian belonging to Erhardur.


[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine

Dack glances around for another path to advance on but finds his options limited. The stairs leading up the mountain to the great gates are cleared of snow but huge drifts line each side of the stairs. Along the side it does appear that a trudge through the snow would get him to a cliff face where he would then face a difficult climb up icy rock. Regardless, unless he circles up the mountain and then descends it will be impossible to flank the fiery beast and other figure.

Elledan looks to the side of the great beast and, just barely, notes the other figure so overshadowed by the hulking flame beside it. However his vision remains blurred and he can't get a clear look at it.

[Tacitus]

Marcus, Harvest Group
HP: 96/96 +10 Temp HP, +12 normal HP DDP: 4/10 AC: 25: T: 9 FF: 25 +4 Dodge AC DR 3/- (0/30) or 1/-
Defensive Stance Activated. 1/3 per day. Round 2 of 9

The ash and wisps of flame wash over the steadfast warrior but he does not even so much as flinch. His blade leaps out to continue the assault.

4 damage goes into DDP, activating Furious Counterstrike
Temporary HP disappears at beginning of turn.

Full Attack Action, activating Stone Power. Reducing attack bonus by 5 for 10 temp HP.
Attack Rolls.
[roll0] If needed for crit: [roll1]
[roll2] If needed for crit: [roll3]
Includes +1 from Furious Counterstrike
Damage rolls:
[roll4]+4 Strength+1 Enhancement+1 Fire. Adamantine +1 Furious Counterstrike (+7 total)
[roll5]+4 Strength+1 Enhancement+1 Fire. Adamantine +1 Furious Counterstrike (+7 total)

Extra damage if needed: [roll6]End of turn his DDP empties, reducing his temporary HP to 6

Hah, suck rolls. XD

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest
79/93 HP, AC 21

Seeking to spread more black dust onto the snow, Kai kicks the wolf out of the air and punches the beast until it dissolves. When he manages to do so, he shouts "Immediate surroundings clear, four wolves at a distance!" behind him.

Reflex saves (Evasion) [roll0] [roll1] [roll2] [roll3] [roll4]

Same procedure
Attack 1 [roll5]
Confirmation 1 [roll6]
Damage 1 [roll7]

Attack 2 [roll8]
Confirmation 2 [roll9]
Damage 2 [roll10]

Attack 3 [roll11]
Confirmation 3 [roll12]
Damage 3 [roll13]

Attack 4 [roll14]
Confirmation 4 [roll15]
Damage 4 [roll16]

Attack 5 [roll17]
Confirmation 5 [roll18]
Damage 5 [roll19]

Attack 6 [roll20]
Confirmation 6 [roll21]
Damage 6 [roll22]

Pulverize Foe [roll23] [roll24] [roll25] [roll26] [roll27]

[Kaihaku]

Harvest

Marcus swings mightily at the lone remaining phantom wolf but his blows are off. In turn, the wolf bites at him but once again fails to penetrate his firm defenses.

Several of the villagers rally as their foes are crushed, rushing to aid the great knight in felling the last nearby foe. Unfortunately, only one of their strikes even manages to graze the wolf, upon whom fortune appears to smile.

Easily defeating his final foe, Kai notes the four remaining wolves and keeps a wary eye on them. In response to his call, the archers of the village send forth a barrage of lit arrows but not one of the remaining phantoms is struck.

Their sapphire eyes sparking spitefully, the four remaining great wolves sulk back from the resistance, vanishing into the nearby underbrush surrounding the field's stone wall.

Perception

Spot DC 14
You notice faint movement in the underbrush, a branch trembling here, a bit of snow falling there.
Spot DC 23
You notice faint movement in two locations of the underbrush, a branch trembling here, a bit of snow falling there.
Spot DC 26
You notice faint movement in two locations of the underbrush, a branch trembling here, a bit of snow falling there.
Listen DC 20
You hear faint rustling beneath the underbrush, the sounds of movement.
Listen DC 26
You manage to pinpoint the location of one source of the sounds.
Spot DC 35
Your ears are keen enough to pinpoint the location of two sources of the sounds

With only one foe remaining in sight, the villagers are visibly heartened. The great conifer tree struck earlier continues to smoke, a clop of snow dropping heavily from a branch.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Not finding many options available to him Elledan decides to present the only two he can think of to the others. "We've either got to face this beast, or return to Lonepine without completing our mission. My thought is that we must gain an audience with Erhardur, or our efforts will be naught. I can ride up to the creature and it's master seeking passage, and if I must, I will fight them. But it is up to each of the rest of you what you choose." He finishes speaking and walks back to his mount. He begins to go over his gear both on his person and on his mount, tightening straps and securing buckles. After he finishes, he places the palm of his right hand on Thunder's muzzle and seems to be whispering quietly to the horse.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath breaks out in a cold sweat, trembling slightly. Well, this is it. As the old master used to say, I'll never make anything of myself. Just a corpse rotting in the snow... In an instant the show of weakness is gone, replaced by a heartening smile. He puts a hand on Elledan's shoulder, grinning confidently. "Let's do this."

[Feirgon]

Steven Wallace - Harvest
{table]HP: 89/90|AC: 17|DR: 1/-[/table]

Steven moves, attempting to dodge the corrosive material of the dying beasts. It touches him barely; the sting is hardly noticable in his heightened state.

Spinning on one heel, he swings the axe up against the beast. And as he finishes, he swings hard down against the back of the beast as if he hoped to strike the earth beneath the snow.

Steven looked around for more. A small bustle in the treeline catches his eye. But he lacks focus and can distiungish little in the falling snow.


[roll0]

Round 4 5 Attacks (sorry about missing that last round):
[roll1] [roll2]
[roll3] [roll4]

[roll5]

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine
60 HP - AC 21

Dack reappears out of the blowing snow. There's a man - well, a person, anyway - near that thing's feet. If it goes hostile, aim for him. Probably some sort of evil wizard or something. I'll cover you with my bow. He pauses for a moment, looks as if he's trying to think of some encouraging words, and then abruptly turns and melts into the whiteness of the background.

I can't help wondering, he thinks to himself, how such a great and mighty... creature? person? thing? as Erhardur could allow so many evil-intentioned folks around here.... His doubts plague him as he takes up a hiding position about 90' away from the figure and examines the scene a little more carefully.

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

Kai quickly investigates the two locations in the underbrush he noticed, expecting to be attacked and ready to dodge oncoming attacks.

Saves [roll0] [roll1] [roll2] [roll3] [roll4]

Spot check [roll5]
Listen check [roll6]

edit: Was there supposed to be a difference between Spot 23 and Spot 26? Anyway, total defense while approaching the underbrush (AC 27).

[Thymin]

Elledan:

"Thank you both. May Erhardur bless us today." After Dack slips off into the snow, Elledan says to Heath, "You should stay behind me. I will do whatever I can to protect you from the creature if it attacks us. You have a much better chance of hurting it than I do. But we should not go there with hostility in our hearts and minds, only readiness." As he finishes talking he looks exhausted as if he hadn't said so much in a single stretch in a long time. He gives Heath a smile and swings himself into the saddle. He waits a few minutes to see what path Aldr will take and when the group is ready he cups his hands together and brings them to his mouth, with his head tilted towards the heavens he blows into them producing the high-pitched sound of an eagle's call.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath sighs, and looks to the ground... then back up at Elledan. "I agree- there's a good chance that any on this mountain are here with Erhardur's blessing. And, don't worry, friend; I have my own defenses." With that, he cloaks himself in illusion, then heads off in front.

[Kaihaku]

Harvest

Steven sunders the final wolf in twain, then looks in the direction of the four which fled...just in time to see Kai attacked as he investigates the bush.

Kai's caution serves him well for as he approaches the bush a great figure bursts forth and slashes at him with mighty claws. He easily evades the attack but finds himself faced with a fearsome creature. Though it's make is still of the same dark blue, it has now taken on the shape of a Lycanthrope, a werewolf.

Several of the villagers gasp at the sight of the beast, even more do so a moment later when another phantom werewolf emerges from the bush.

Lonepine

Slipping along the snow as stealthily as a man his size can, Dack notches his bow and looks up the ancient stairs intently. His eyes widen as if focusing on the distant figures.

Elledan readies himself to ascend the stairs then pauses to sound his whistle. The figures atop the stairs make no response to the shrill sound though somewhere in the far distance he can hear something shriek in response, hopefully just an owl.

Heath shields himself with illusion and starts up the stairs before Elledan.

[Ridai]

Rolling backwards, sending snow flying through the air, Kai dodges the claw and takes in the current situation in a moment afterwards. This will be much more difficult than the wolf pack but he can't risk to fall back, causing Kai to visibly grit his teeth. Without wasting another moment, Kai launches himself at the cobalt werewolf, concentration and concern about his safety thrown to the wind as he lets loose another barrage of punches and kicks.

As usual.

Attack 1 [roll0]
Confirm 1 [roll1]
Damage 1 [roll2]
Reflex 1 [roll3]

Attack 2 [roll4]
Confirm 2 [roll5]
Damage 2 [roll6]
Reflex 2 [roll7]

Attack 3 [roll8]
Confirm 3 [roll9]
Damage 3 [roll10]
Reflex 3 [roll11]

Attack 4 [roll12]
Confirm 4 [roll13]
Damage 4 [roll14]
Reflex 4 [roll15]

Attack 5 [roll16]
Confirm 5 [roll17]
Damage 5 [roll18]
Reflex 5 [roll19]

Attack 6 [roll20]
Confirm 6 [roll21]
Damage 6 [roll22]
Reflex 6 [roll23]

Pulverize Foe [roll24] [roll25] [roll26] [roll27] [roll28]

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine
60 HP - 21 AC

Those dead eyes... she's not there at all.... Dack gulps nervously. And those huge dents in the gates to Erhardur's sanctum must have been caused by something large, and enormously strong.... His eyes fix on the flaming beast, then back to the figure, where he tries to make out the staff the berobed woman clutched. He couldn't make out the flickering flame at its tip anymore. He could only hope the others would notice it.

Quietly, he nocks an arrow, and takes aim at the woman. His hands are cold and clammy. He has never set out to shoot and kill another human before. An icy fist unrelated to the weather grips the pit of his stomach. Still, the head of his arrow doesn't waver even slightly.

Readied action to shoot the smaller figure when the elemental attacks or moves toward his companions:

[roll0]
[roll1]

Also, Knowledge (Local) to see if he knows who this woman is.

(ETA that I made the roll code angry somehow so I'm going to roll it in the ooc.)

[Gorgondantess]

Heath walks forward, up the steps towards the person and the fire thing, slwoly and carefully, watching, and examining. Does anything present itself now that I'm closer?
Move silently[roll0]
sense motive- have they heard me, seen me?[roll1]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

As Heath vanishes into the background, Elledan straightens himself in the saddle and sits proudly atop his faithful mount. He nudges his horse forward toward the stairs at a walk. I hope that Kanthar was able to hear my call, his maneuverability would be a handy asset if this comes to a battle. He rides towards the gates of Erhardur's sanctum as a man who has every right to be there. He keeps himself ready to react to whatever the creature, or it's master might do, but steels himself in his resolve not to act first. As he makes his slow ascent, he keeps his eyes on his surroundings for anything out of place.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Kaihaku]

Harvest
Against Kai's whirlwind of strikes even this foe can manage only to block away the last two. This opponent holds firmer than the others but the impact of Kai's blows still sends bits of 'flesh' disintegrating away.

The werewolf lets out a pained howl then slashes at Kai once before snapping at him with its teeth. Kai manages to evade both.

Lonepine
Heath continues to stealthily advance, his sense locked keenly on the two figures.

Sense Motive: They don't appear to notice him.

Note: From your sheet I'm assuming that 'shields himself with illusion' means Invisibility.

Dack notches an arrow and prepares to fire in his ally's defense.

Dack does not recognize the woman at this range, but he realizes that the distance and robes hinder such efforts.

Taking the lead, Elledan rides his steed up the vaunted stairs to the great sanctum of his valley's god. His vision is blurred for some reason, perhaps due to the cold, and he has trouble making out the figures before him, though he can tell easily enough that they are making no move to attack him as he approaches them.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Heath finds that the flame beast towers over him indifferently, either unaware of his approach or not deigning the invisible man worthy of a glance. He suspects the later.

The robed figure stands in an apparent stupor - completely unaware of his arrival. The figure leans heavily on an ornate staff tipped with a crystal in which dances a flame. Heath notes that the staff rests in an circular arcane symbol of some kind which is engraved into the very stone. One of the figure's arms hangs limply, droplets of blood falling from it to a small pool of freezing blood around the figure.

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest
76/93 HP - AC 21

There is not even a small moment of respite for the beast as the hail of blows continues. If he had time to think about it, he would recognize that scenes like these probably explain why people think that Kai is crazy, fighting a particularly dangerous brand of lycanthropes barehanded, but not now, as there is only time to react.

As usual.

Attack 1 [roll0]
Confirm 1 [roll1]
Damage 1 [roll2]
Reflex 1 [roll3]

Attack 2 [roll4]
Confirm 2 [roll5]
Damage 2 [roll6]
Reflex 2 [roll7]

Attack 3 [roll8]
Confirm 3 [roll9]
Damage 3 [roll10]
Reflex 3 [roll11]

Attack 4 [roll12]
Confirm 4 [roll13]
Damage 4 [roll14]
Reflex 4 [roll15]

Attack 5 [roll16]
Confirm 5 [roll17]
Damage 5 [roll18]
Reflex 5 [roll19]

Attack 6 [roll20]
Confirm 6 [roll21]
Damage 6 [roll22]
Reflex 6 [roll23]

Pulverize Foe [roll24] [roll25] [roll26] [roll27] [roll28]

[Gorgondantess]

A lone drop of sweat breaking out and rolling down his face, Heath approaches the duo, and examines first the magic circle and then the bleeding person, looking at her face, her eyes, to try to determine why she is here, etc.
Yes, invisibility.
know arcane:[roll0]
spellcraft:[roll1]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

As he reaches the top of the stairs, Elledan becomes more assured in his assumption that this beast was conjured to protect the sanctum of Erhardur. His mind races, This person is bleeding to death, yet they remain here, a vigilant guardian. I wish I knew how to use the staff... After a few short moments Elledan decides on his course of action. "Praise be to Erhardur, Guardian and Lord of this valley." he announces in a loud and clear voice. "Would you be of need of any assistance?"

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - AC 21

If she's not hostile - maybe that floating giant was at the doors - an arcanist might've known it was weak to fire, Dack thought to himself as he moved double-time toward the figure Elledan had just addressed, putting away his bow but keeping his hand near his blades.

As he comes up next to Elledan and observes the blood, he tries to assess the extent of the damage ([roll0] to determine her approximate HP) and, from the blood pooled on the ground, how long ago the injury was inflicted ([roll1] or [roll2], whichever you think most appropriate). He finds himself wishing he knew more about medicine.

Finally close enough, he gets a good look at her face ([roll3]) to see if he knew her from Lonepine or Harvest.

[Kaihaku]

Harvest
For all of its feral ferocity, the snarling beast is all but helpless before the onslaught of blows unleashed by Kai. It is reduced blow by blow until what remains of it finally erupts in a spray of stinging particles.

Several of the armed villagers trudge through the snow to the unarmed man's side, thrusting their spears at the thick foliage nervously. They spare Kai glances of admiration mingled with fear as they search for the remaining phantom.

A thorough search by all present reveals that the phantom has made its escape. The common villagers soon break into reverie but their leaders remain grim. Without the timely aid of the group from Harvest the entire town would have been lost.

Lonepine

The smaller figure starts at the sudden pronouncement as if awakened from a stupor and looks around bewilderedly. It takes a moment for the figure's eyes to find Elledan and another for them to focus on him. The figure stares at him, trying to speak but managing only silence.

The fiery beast shifts slightly in response to the greeting, raising its head to glare off into the darkness as if to demonstrate its indifference to the beings below.

"...you...you are valley folk..." The figure finally manages hoarsely, the voice barely more than a whisper, "...but...why have...you come..." The figure hunches over the staff, resting more weight upon it, "...how...could you know...." The voice is thick with weariness but just beneath it lurks a feverish tinge.

Heath peers at the magical circle intently and attempts to divine its purpose.

Heath surmises that that the staff and circle are part of a reusable summoning ritual. The magic involved in its creation is beyond him, presently, but he gathers that once the proper incantations were conducted that the individual who activated the ritual would be required to hold the staff in place for as long as the summoned creature was in service. This would act as a focus for the magic involved and as a sign of endurance to honor the summoned creature's services. If the staff were to be dislodged from the magical circle or another being to take the place of the one who activated the ritual no doubt the summoned creature would be freed from service and the ritual, which might be quite costly and time consuming, would need to be conducted again. It's apparent to Heath that while a mage of moderate skill could activate this ritual, it was created by a master and given its position it's fair to assume that it might be the work of the dragon himself.

Dack studies the figure and the area around her intently.

Dack finds himself completely at a loss to estimate the extent of her injuries. He does gather from a quick glance around that there were a series of struggles here over the last day, there are faint signs of battle. He surmises from faint patches of blood and other signs that more than just these two figures fought here. From the pool of blood he gathers that the figure has been standing wounded in this position for at least three hours.

While Dack doesn't recognize the woman personally, he does reach the conclusion that she bears a striking resemblance to the Urhman family of Harvest. Racking his brain, he dimly recalls that a Urhman child was sacrificed to the service of the Dragon when he was barely a toddler, but he can't recall if it was a male or female child.

[Ridai]

Kai - Harvest

Kai wastes no time and begins to carry any wounded to where they can be treated. The young man meets the others afterwards. "Some of us should stay here, there could be another attack." After things are decided, Kai heads on towards their destination.

[Kaihaku]

Harvest

Disagreement brews as the group and the leaders of Lonepine discuss what to do next. Rightly concerned with their people, the village leaders beseech the group to remain at Lonepine and aid, nay lead it's defense. They argue, fairly, that their farmlads cannot hope to hold against another attack. The group is torn by their duty to reach the Dragon and their desire to protect the lives of the villagers. The point is raised that the group sent by Lonepine to the Sanctum was most likely attacked by phantoms as was the group sent from Lonepine to Harvest. It is essential that someone reaches the Dragon and therefore someone from Harvest must continue on the quest. After long bickering it is decided that Kai Neren, whose swift feet managed to carry him safely from Harvest to Lonepine alone, would continue the mission to reach Erhardur. It's the best compromise the various members of the group can agree on. Already taxed to her limits by the journey to this point, Mallaidh passes the magical orb and golden key to Kai, wishing him luck and giving him quick council on how to address the Erhardur once he arrives.

The magical orb wards against precipitation, generating a circular field (I'll need to check my records for the exact range of the field, I'm not at home at the moment) which repels falling rain, snow, or sleet. Anything inside the field during precipitation is granted partial concealment from anything outside.

Mallaidh's advice will take the form of a +5 circumstance bonus to initial Diplomacy and Knowledge(Religion) checks to interact with Erhardur and his sanctum.

With everything said that is to be said, Kai is swiftly sent on his way while the others set about strengthening the defenses of Lonepine. The night is pierced by unnatural howls and shrieks as Kai presses on alone through the cold. While some of the howls sound almost lupine, the others are far less familiar and far more unnerving.

Kai finds that the deep snow covering the path to Erhardur's Sanctum has been broken by other travelers, no doubt the group from Lonepine. While it still takes some effort to clear away the snow that has fallen in the hours since the path was forged the effort is much less than what it would be if he had had to cut the path himself. It takes him only half an hour to come into a patch of orchards where the going is easier and then after another half an hour he comes to the highlights. He knows that the great mountain of Erhardur's Sanctum rises into the heavens over him though all he can make out of it is an inker shadow in the darkness. The snow in the highlands is piled in great drifts, making for more difficult travel, but the snow covering the path is still broken making for easier traveling.

There is something sinister in the air as Kai continues on and beyond the numbing cold he can feel a chill run down his spine. Another fifteen minutes pass before he comes to sudden scattered break in the snow.


If Kai choose not to follow the path forged by the group from Lonepine which was following the most direct route to the Sanctum , let me know and I'll edit. To save time I assumed he would but if not it's not a big deal to change this post accordingly.

Survival 12
The group who traveled this path before him dispersed here. It's hard to be certain but a fight would be a rational conclusion.
Survival 16
There was definitely a fight here. It's not clear which side was victorious. There are no signs of bodies lurking hidden beneath the snow. But the snow covering the path leading the Sanctum is unbroken from this point on and someone, perhaps something, pressed through the snow in a different direction.
Survival 22
There were four humanoids and a horse in the group whose path he's been following. Whatever they were fighting left no tracks. They were also the ones to leave the path and head off in another direction.

[Ridai]

Kai just nods before he leaves Lonepine. Though he still feels the coldness around him, his armor keeps the worst away. He is constantly on guard and scans his surroundings continuously while he tries to catch up to the group from Lonepine. He doesn't like the atmosphere and that the group (or someone else?) apparently made a detour. Hoping to catch up, though alerted, Kai keeps following the path of those who were here before him.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan swings out of the saddle, and approaches the woman with the staff. "You're badly hurt. Let us help you." He turns to the others and offers his staff to heal the woman. "Help her, she defends our god's sanctum." he pleads.

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine

The woman offers no resistance to Elledan's approach, her response is speak more rapidly in low feverish whispers, "There...there has been so much bloodshed...such great loss...since the treacherous gift was given... We did what we could...a select number...sent through the gate...to seek aid from Marabous..." She hesitates, "...the east...fell into darkness...the west buried in boiling...writhing...writhing..." She cringes, her eyes glazing a bit more, "...then the grand...they...they... We faced them...and...only through..." Her voice fades to silence, her eyes staring at Elledan dully.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

"But where is Erhardur? Surely these creatures are no match for his power." He continued to hold out his staff to the others to use on the woman.

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine
"Erhardur..." The woman stares at him dully for a long moment, "Erhardur...was...he received a gift...in tribute...but it was false...and bound him...cursed him... That is why we sought Marabous...beyond the gate...what can we do against a curse such as this?"

[Gorgondantess]

Heath remains in his invisible state, watching and waiting for an opportune moment.
Sorry fo taking so long, didn't really know what to do and then I recently went on a backpacking trip. Do I know what Marabous is? Would a knowledge check sweeten the deal?

[three08]

Dack - Lonepine
HP 60 AC 20

So, Erhardur has been blighted by some sort of magic, and cannot help us, Dack says slowly, almost reluctantly. He has no trouble believing that something that exists in the world, like Erhardur, could be affected by a spell, but he has been smacked about enough for similar heresies to have learned caution when questioning the all-powerful nature of their lord and master.

Dack passes the woman, with a careful eye to the flaming beast's reaction, and also to avoiding stepping on or crossing the inscription on the ground, to get a better look at the mangled doors to the Sanctum. Is the Sanctum secure? he asks carefully. Or is there some assistance we can render...?

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine

The woman is silent for a long moment, gathering her thoughts and trying to focus on the query, "Jurosic...took command after Erla fell... You should...enter...and speak with him... He...will direct you..." She grows silent, then after a moment starts and asks, "You...you do have a key...to the sanctum? ...we could not risk a key...falling to them...so I have no...way of opening the gate..." She glances back at the gate, speaking uneasily, "...I... I should have been...relieved by now... Why...have they not come?"

Harvest

Kai follows the broken snow through the rolling hills. The snow at each side becomes deeper but then he suddenly comes upon a deep and narrow gully. The trail disappears as it reaches a frozen stream sheltered by the miniature canyon it dug during warmer times. There is little snow to mark a trail or impede movement on the ice.

Kai creeps along the gully, taking care not to slip and fall on the uneven ice. The heavy darkness makes this task more difficult. Finally, he comes to a rough slippery slope where there are signs that the others climbed. Reaching the top he finds himself peering through falling snow into the small valley which holds the great boulders of the sacrificial circle. A great stone pathway, clear of snow even in the harshest of blizzards, leads from the circle to the great sanctum. The towering mountain cannot be seen through the darkness and snow but somehow the Kai can be feel its presence. Straining his eyes he spots, seeming to flicker in the distance, a soft orange flame.

[Ridai]

Kai mainly looks for signs of the other group's passage and moves closer to the entrance. If he can destroy a few phantom wolves on his own, a whole group won't have that hard a time and if they did get killed, Kai doubts he'll make it past whatever might be there. Or they might just be waiting before the entrance if they don't have a key. He deactivates the orb and moves closer carefully, using cover where it's possible.

Move Silently [roll0]

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - AC 21

Well, crap on a stick, Dack mutters to himself. He draws his blades and silently approaches the door. Once close enough to have a clear view of it, he examines it carefully, looking particularly for any sign of an invader gaining entry, or even just a route by which they might've.

rolls in ooc because the roll code here is annoying and failed.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath braces himself for a moment, then fades back into reality. He has something to do. Taking the staff in hand, he invokes its power on the woman. "Now... what is the key?"

[Kaihaku]

Lonepine
The application of restorative energy has immediate results. The woman stands straighter and a new alertness comes into her eyes. She raises her right hand, flexing it cautiously, before taking hold of the staff and giving her left arm a moment to rest. She tilts her head at Heath, looking at him with an appraising eye, "In form, the keys are simply that, keys. There are many for we come and go at the bidding of our Master. However, they are not trivial things, potent magic is forged into them and into the lock." She turns her head to look at the great sealed door, "No mortal hand has ever forced it open, even our far from mortal foes had trouble with it..."

Though the great door now has massive dents in it, Dack finds that it still holds strong. Up close to it, the damage done seems minor in the face of it's immensity. There, in the center at eye level, he sees the intricately carved keyhole. It captures his attention, distracting him from his surroundings. It was this small keyhole which held the great door locked.

The woman frowns as Dack pauses before the keyhole, "Through the strength of flame the enemy was overcome again and again, but then they ceased their assaults... Surely it was not for lack of numbers?"

Harvest
Kai slips through the snow-covered landscape, hiding in the shadows of the stones of the sacrificial circle. Before him stretches the ancient stone pathway leading to the holy sanctum, warded free of snow by a mystical barrier akin to the orb he carries. The flame he saw from the distant is clearly near the entrance to the sanctum.

[Ridai]

Now that hiding won't work anymore, Kai decides to just face whatever is there head on. He quickly moves towards the entrance, ready for anything.

[Kaihaku]

Stepping onto the first of the stairs, Kai easily catches sight of a great beast formed of flames towering over the pathway and four smaller figures standing near it. The great doors leading to the holy sanctum loom behind them.

His Passive Spot is enough to pick up everyone save for Dack. That's Heath, Elledan, Aldr, and the woman.

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - AC 20

Satisfied that the door is intact, Dack relaxes out of stealth, turns around, and sees a stranger coming up behind the party. Immediately he drops his sword, unslings his bow, nocks an arrow, all in one fluid motion. Nothing about the figure suggests hostility, but one never knows with sorcerers and their ilk. Nerves strung tight as a piano wire, he moves toward the figure, calling out, Ho! Who goes there? Friend or foe?

[Ridai]

Having abandoned stealth anyway, Kai just keeps walking, unphazed. "You tell me. Harvest's elders sent me.", he answers.

[Kaihaku]

The woman turns to look down at the figure approaching up the stairs, "You come from Harvest?"

The great fiery beast towering over the group shows no apparent reaction to the introduction of yet another humanoid.

[Ridai]

"People panicked, so a group was sent to get in there and see what the hell Erhardur is doing. All except me are stuck defending Lonepine from phantom wolves. So speak up, what're you doing here?" While there is the possibility that they are a group from Lonepine, Kai doesn't trust them until he has a very good reason to do so. At least they haven't attacked immediately, maybe because his composite bow is still tied to his backpack and he carries no other weapons whatsoever.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan watched the unknown man approach and was quick to answer when he asked what they were doing here. "We were sent from Lonepine for the same reason." He thought about his town under attack by phantoms, and hoped that the reinforcements from Harvest would be sufficient to manage. We need to get into the sanctum. "Did the elders at Harvest give you a key?"

[Ridai]

Kai reaches into his backpack and pulls out the golden key. "Come on.", he says, heading to the entrance with quick steps and opens it.

[Kaihaku]

The lock begins to glow as the golden key slides easily into place. As Kai turns the key one by one the runes surrounding the great door flare to light, burning with magical energy. Then the door slowly creeks open of its own power, light pouring out from within.

A vast chamber stretches before them, lined with great columns which looked as if they were poured from the ceiling high above. A thick regal carpet leads into the chamber, up to a great pedestal upon which sits a great golden statue of Erhardur. Brilliant light radiates from it, illuminating the chamber.

The woman nods, "Either passage will lead you to great hall if you continue on it. There should be an attendant there... May light be upon you."

Kai notes that the golden key has vanished from the lock though he did not withdraw it.

Kai
Search DC 10: He finds it back in his backpack where he had stored it previously.

Dimensions
The chamber is approximately 125ft by 40ft. Each column has a 5ft radius. The ceiling of the chamber is curved, approximately 25ft at its lowest and 30ft at its highest central point.

Map
Entry Room, Turn 1 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=t1p0uzeZelnRzXMb7AQuhJQ&hl=en#)

Notes
I placed the four active characters one step inside the doorway for convenience.
At this point, we're switching to turn by turn.
There are visible passageways at A6-7 and H6-7.

[Ridai]

Surprised by the vanished key, Kai looks searches immediate surroundings and goes through his pockets and backpack, eventually finding it where he had put it before. He looks over his shoulder and just nods to the woman before entering the sanctum. The young man routinely scans the hall and fastens his gloves. "Too many ambush positions. I don't like this."

Assuming a defensive posture, Kai advances into the hall, alert and slightly ahead of the others. Being bunched together doesn't strike him as a good idea and at least two of the others seem to prefer ranged combat. They are people from Lonepine, he at least couldn't see attempts to lie, so turning his back towards them is more acceptable in this situation.

Combat hasn't started, but something might happen, so Initiative. [roll0]

Full defense (AC 27) and move to E16.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Before entering the sanctum Elledan whistled for Kanthar, and when his Eagle arrived he gave both it and his horse the command to defend the woman outside. Seeing the newcomer take the lead into the chamber, Elledan followed a few steps behind. His bow is in hand with an arrow nocked.


[roll0]
[roll1]
Move to D19

[Kaihaku]

The two well-trained animals obey their master's command, taking up positions beside the woman standing guard outside.

Overwhelmed by being granted access to the sanctum, Aldr stands in awe for a moment before following the others inside.

Aldr moves to D25.

As they move forward Elledan and Kai each get the uncomfortable feeling that they are being watched.

Roll Spot and Listen.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath steps in warily. He swallows his fears, and standing tall, strides purposefully to the center of the room.
Em, I couldn't help but notice a spellcraft check mentioned on the map... it said DC 16, which I auto-succeed (Barely) but just in case I can roll... 1d20+15
:annoyed:

[Kaihaku]

Heath
The DC is for minimum tier of information you could learn, the higher your result the more I tell you. The dice roller messed with you but you passed the lowest DC regardless so let's start with...

Heath deduces that a Evocation(Light) effect has been placed on the statue, probably of a permanent duration. It illuminates the entire chamber, casting shadows behind the columns, with bright light easily the strength of daylight.

Heath has 40 ft (8 spaces) movement so I'll place him at E17 unless I hear otherwise.

Roll Spot and Listen.

[Gorgondantess]

Okiedokie then, that works for me.
Spot:[roll0]
Listen:[roll1]
And a further spellcraft:[roll2]
Em.... not much to roleplay right now... so I'll just leave that out.:smallredface:

[Ridai]

Spot check [roll0]
Listen check [roll1]

[Thymin]

Not really Elledan's strong suits...
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Kaihaku]

Heath
Heath thinks he hears a soft scrape high up among the columns but when he looks he sees nothing but shadows.

He gathers that the evocation on the statue is strong enough to repel creatures sensitive to sunlight and suspects that there may be additional effects tied to it.

Kai and Elledan keep a sharp eye out for hidden dangers but see nothing hostile. Kai notes that there is an inscription engraved on the pedestal the statue rests upon but can't make it out at this distance.

[Gorgondantess]

Wary, Heath fades back into invisibility, and goes over to inspect the statue more carefully.

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - AC 20

Dack is nothing but relieved to have more backup, and his relief is compounded when Kai immediately assumes a more assertive position within the group. On entering the Sanctum, he feels some awe, but can't shake the incongruous thought of how much bread and what fantastic trade goods could have been bought with all the gold that went into the statue.

Carefully, Dack advances into the chamber with the others, bow at the ready, listening carefully for any sign of hostile presence.

Move in 30' and make an active Listen check:
[roll0]

[Kaihaku]

Turn 2
Aldr follows after the others, his face showing a combination of anxiety and excitement.

There is a loud grinding sound from behind the group and turning they see the great door closing itself behind them. They have a final glimpse of the sentries guarding the entrance to the sanctum before the door booms shut, the lock clicking back in place a second later. The observant note that there is a second keyhole on this side of the door.

Dack
For a moment Dack thinks he hears a sound high above where the columns meet the ceiling but taking a look he sees nothing more threatening than shadows.

Map
Entry Room, Turn 2 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=tyavgFJ4vDD9CNgjk-p7h7Q)

The chill fades from the chamber now that the great door is sealed, as they move closer before them seems to radiate warmth as well as light.

[Ridai]

"Can't see or hear anything." Kai moves closer to the statue, shields his eyes from its radiance and looks into the passageways on either side and takes a quick look at the ceiling. After that, he takes a closer look at the inscription, still ready.

Move to E9, total defense (AC 27).

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - AC 20

Careful, Dack whispers, think I heard something above.

Where before he had been holding his bow with an arrow, some subtle shift in stance or grip now shows him to be preparing to fire. Neck craned upward, Dack peers intently up toward the shadowy ceiling.

Having noted the closing of the door, and its apparent locking behind itself, he cannot help but think, This is a trap.

Ready action to fire if a clearly hostile target presents itself (clearly hostile in this case including any unknown entity that attempts to cast a spell without first announcing itself) and an active spot check:
[roll0]

[Kaihaku]

The passage to the left leads to a corridor which continues on for another sixty feet before turning to the north. There are torches placed periodically along the corridor and Kai spots what he believes may be doors along the outer walls.

The passage to the right leads to a dark corridor. There are no additional light sources and the light from the statue begins to fade at around thirty feet in.

The inscription on the base of the pedestal is in a language Kai fails to recognize.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan continues into the room, following the newcomer. He finds that he cannot easily keep pace with him, but allows the distance between them, should he need to fire at an assailant. He hears Dack's comment and scans the ceiling, looking for any threats that may arise there.


Move to D-13

[Kaihaku]

Turn 3
Aldr moves closer to Dack, looking more anxious than excited after hearing the word 'trap'.

Kai and Heath move up to the pedestal on which the statue rests, taking a closer look around the area.

Heath
I moved Heath forward to examine the statue more closely since you didn't specify an action last round.

Heath's sheet only has him knowing Common. I need to know what other languages he knows before providing more information.

Elledan falls a short distance behind his more nimble companions, keeping a wary eye on the shadows above.

Map
Entry Room, Turn 3 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Al9Wr-UFaWwGdERnWjViRzkyZkNoYmJqNVZ0RVp2a0E&hl=en)

Everyone should make Spot and Listen checks.

[Ridai]

Kai stands still and examines his surroundings closely while the other examines the statue.

Full defense

Listen [roll0]
Spot [roll1]

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - AC 20 (16 flat-footed)

Carefully, Dack advances toward his companions where they've stopped to examine something. He can't tell what - he's still staring alertly upward.

Same as last time - move action forward and ready action to fire on hostiles.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan catches up with the others when they stop to look at the statue, and he turns to cover the approach of Dack and Aldr peering into the darkness to see if he can make anything out.


Move to D9
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Kaihaku]

The forerunners cautiously pause beneath the statue of their valley's deity, giving the rest of the group a moment to catch up and keeping their senses alert for anything out of the ordinary.

Kai
Kai keeps a cautious eye on his surroundings and gets a better glimpse down the lit passageway to the west. He can see four thick stone doors lining the passage, two on each side. They do not appear to be locked by any convenient means.

He also notes a darker patch in the shadows of the darkened eastern passage. It seems to on the floor but he can't quite make out what it is.

Dack
As Dack advances, he notices a darker shape up where the columns meet the ceiling shift to follow him. For an instant he thinks it might just be his mind playing tricks on him, but then he notices a second shape moving along as well. He can't make out any specific features of the shapes but he can distinguish them well enough to point them out or send an arrow their way.

Readied Action: No hostile action has been taken yet so the readied attack doesn't trigger, however it will remain up until you take your next action.

Reaching the others, Dack glances at them to see if they are aware of the shadowy threat, then pauses as he hears an unpleasant sound coming from the darkened passageway to the east. The sound reminds him of dog sloppily gnawing on a bone. How the others can ignore the sound is beyond him.

Elledan
Elledan moves closer to the statue, keeping an eye on the shadows above but seeing nothing of note. Reaching the others, he becomes aware of a rather gruesome sound coming from the darkened passageway to the east. The sound reminds him of a dog sloppily gnawing on a bone. How the others could ignore the sound is beyond him.

He also notes a darker patch in the shadows of the darkened eastern passage. It seems to be on the floor but he can't quite make out what it is.

Heath
Heath continues his examination of the statue, noting that there is an inscription on the base in draconic.

The light that shadow hides away,
The fire that came before the smoke,
The stars that never were born.

Turn 4

Aldr hurries after Dack, looking more and more anxious with each passing moment.

Map
Entry Room, Turn 4 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Al9Wr-UFaWwGdHd6ZDdvWWt0aDRPWklrcHVrLWVyWWc&hl=en)

Everyone should make Spot and Listen checks.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan continues peering down the hall, trying to make out the source of the sound and the darkness on the floor. "Do you all hear that? What do you think it is?" In a flash, his bow is in his hand, with an arrow nocked and drawn, pointed at the amorphous blackness on the floor of the hall, ready to be released.

[Ridai]

Kai approaches the eastern passage. If something hostile is in there, better handle it now instead of taking the risk of it attacking the group in a more disadvantageous situation.

Move to G6, full defense

Spot [roll0]
Listen [roll1]

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - 21 AC

Dack confirms that he, too, has heard the sound. Not wanting to be ambushed, he disappears into the shadows between two pillars, still trying to make out the things following them. Briefly, he wonders if the sound is some sort of illusion meant to distract the party from whatever is trailing behind them, but he decides against revealing himself by making the suggestion.

Move to B12 and [roll0], then try again to [roll1] the creature at G14.

[Kaihaku]

Elledan braces himself for whatever might came, holding his bow at the ready.

Elledan
Unfortunately, his efforts to prepare himself distract him from his watch over his surroundings. He still hears the sound in the passageway but it's fainter than before and he loses sight of anything not in plain view.

Kai strides closer to the entrance to the passageway, prepared to confront whatever danger it might hold.

Kai
Kai peers into the shadowy darkness of the passageway, still unable to hear the sounds his companions had mentioned. His eyes swiftly adjust however and he observes what some would consider a horrific sight.

The darker shadows he noted earlier separate into two figures on closer examination. One is the corpse of a robed human laying in what must be a pool of blood, a bag of some sort and a staff are discarded near its side. Hunched over this corpse, gnawing at it, is a hideous beast. It resembles a great hairless hound, with thick calloused skin.

Kai has never seen anything quite like it.

Kai also notes that doors and unlit torches line this passageway as well. The two doors closest to him are open, though he cannot see what they hold through the murky darkness.

Dack slips stealthily into the shadows of the great columns, keeping his guard up and a watchful eye on the figure he'd noticed earlier.

Dack
From his new vantage point Dack is able to make out the figure hiding in the shadows above. It has a strong muscular frame, much like that of a large man, but it's skin is dark and rough. It clings to the shadowy side of the column, great claws jutted from its hands and feet digging into the stone. It's face is twisted and unnatural, two great tusks jut from its mouth. It's eyes are like smoldering coals, peering down at the group below from its hidden perch above. Two wings are folded back across its broad shoulders.

Dack has never seen anything quite like it.

As Dack observes, the creature swiftly and quietly claws its way around the shadowy side of the column, advancing closer to the group.

Heath continues to stare at the statue.

Turn 5

Aldr hesitates as Dack slips off into the shadows, but then instead of following him he hurries over to Elledan and Heath.

Map
Entry Room, Turn 5 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Al9Wr-UFaWwGdDBHOUJNT3pwUHU1akpVbnJGRlNNZGc&hl=en)

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan moves closer to the entryway to the hall, keeping his arrow pointed toward the spot where he had previously seen the darkness on the floor. When he draws near the newcomer he asks, "Do you see anything?" Elledan strains to see anything himself.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Ridai]

"Big dog thing, eating a corpse. Better take the other way. If we're done here, we should get in there." Kai points in the direction of the opposite hallway. "Whatever creeps on the ceiling, we shouldn't give it more attack angles than we need to." Kai takes position in front of the statue again, waiting for the one reading the inscription to finish, and scans the ceiling for trouble.

Spot [roll0] I know natural 20's and 1's have no significance for skill rolls (only attacks and saves and stuff), but still, natural 20, woohoo!
Listen [roll1]

Full def, move to E10

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan listens as the newcomer speaks, but is not prepared to hear what he suggests. "You think we should turn our backs on this creature? What happens when he finishes with the corpse and decides to find himself a dessert?" Elledan asks in hushed tones, his disbelief seeping through more with each syllable.

[Ridai]

"And we should still get into the other hallway. I'm not fighting that beast in a poorly lit corridor or in a wide open space where it can just outmaneuver us with whatever else is here. That, and at least I can't fight everything I come across without favorable circumstances, healing magic harms me and I don't have unlimited stamina." Kai can't help anyone when he is dying and they don't have weeks to wait for him to recover. The stranger's comment makes it obvious to him that they rely on healing, otherwise they wouldn't want to engage every enemy they come across immediately. What gets to him though is that the other implies Kai doesn't expect the beast to follow them. The stranger probably suspects cowardice, too, but Kai has no problems with that. He can't do more than he can do.

[Kaihaku]

Kai
Turning away from the passageway with the beast, Kai notices the second stranger (Dack) crouched in the shadows of the columns, staring up at something near the ceiling at the far side of the chamber.

So easily does Kai catch sight of what has the stranger's interest that he has to wonder for a moment why he didn't notice it before.

It is a creature with a strong muscular frame, much like that of a large man, but with skin that is dark and rough. It clings to the shadowy side of the column, great claws jutted from its hands and feet digging into the stone. It's face is twisted and unnatural, two great tusks jut from its mouth. It's eyes are like smoldering coals, peering down at the group below from its hidden perch above. Two wings are folded back across its broad shoulders.

Kai then notes what the others appear not to have. There is a second creature perched over the stranger crouched in the shadows (Dack) and stealthily making its way down towards him.

Finally, though it might seem a bit trivial compared to the creatures, he notes a detail that escaped his eye previously. Perched over the great doorway is a second statue of the Dragon (35 ft up), this one made of simple stone but with two rubies for eyes which shimmer with the light from the golden statue below.

[Ridai]

Kai reacts quickly, his voice low. "One beast up between the two nearest columns on either side. Get over here and don't look up." he says, the last bit directed at the stranger between the columns with a very serious, urgent tone.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath stares at it for a moment. This is his chance to shine... he repeats the words in his head, and does two things:
1st, he casts a cantrip to create a flame in his hands- just the size of a candle.
2nd, he casts detect magic on the statue.

He ignores the others all the while.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Elledan thought over the stranger's words and realized that there was a good deal of wisdom to them. Then he heard him speak again and realized that they might be in the midst of a battle, right here in the open, very soon. He prepared himself mentally, and looked for the beast that the newcomer warned about.


[roll0]

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - AC 19

Dack glances upward to try and spot the creature. He is loath to give up his stealth advantage, if in fact he has one.

If the creature appears to be watching him, then
Dack will do as Kai has instructed (except, I suppose, for the not looking up part) and ready an action to fire on either of the creatures from the ceiling or the other beast Kai had mentioned, if they should appear.

If it doesn't, then
Dack will attempt to get sneak attacks on the beast directly above him, using Rapid Shot:
[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]
[roll3] [roll4] [roll5]
[roll6] [roll7] [roll8]

[Kaihaku]

Heath
The small flame burns brightly, it is significantly more potent than usual. Heath gathers that flame is being bolstered by some means in this area.

1st Round: Presence or absence of magical auras.
Heath detects magical auras.

2nd Round: Number of different magical auras and the power of the most potent aura.
Heath detects dozens of magical auras in the vicinity. The most powerful is easily one of the strongest spells he's ever encountered -- level 8 or higher.

Elledan
Elledan strains his eyes but sees nothing out of sorts...until the two creatures suddenly make their entrance.

Dack glances up to catch sight of the second creature stalking him, eerily aware of his location despite his stealth. He swiftly darts over to the others, bow at the ready.

Two figures creep from the shadows above. They are creatures with strong muscular frames, much like those of a large ape, but with skin that is dark and rough. They clings to the stone column by great claws which jut from their hands and feet. Their face is twisted and unnatural, two great tusks leering from their mouths. Their eyes are like smoldering coals, peering down at the group below. Two wings are folded back across their broad shoulders.

The nearest creature hangs low on the column, grumbling strange menacing words in an unfamiliar language. Dack lets an arrow fly at the creature but it misses by an arm's length. A moment later the creature finishes its grumbling and with a flourish sends a sparkling ray of dark energy at Dack -- a ray that he manages to narrowly avoid.

The second creature keeps high on the far side of the column to which it clings, peering at the group from the cover of its perch. It also grumbles out menacing words but with no visible result.

Turn 6

Aldr hustles further into the room, looking back at the creatures while drawing his heavy crowbow and fumbling to load it.

Map
Entry Room, Turn 6 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Al9Wr-UFaWwGdFNZVU5VSldzSmFSWGlOM0NiUWxjSEE&hl=en)

[Thymin]

Elledan:

At first Elledan does not see the creature, then they come out into the open. And they look aggressive. Elledan take aim at the one that is closest to him and prepares to fire. Steady now, make these shafts count he thought to himself split seconds before firing two quick arrows into the monster.


I posted this in the wrong thread, see ooc for rolls...:smallredface:

[Ridai]

Kai's thick composite bow is in the young man's hands in the blink of an eye and shortly after two arrows streak towards the beast nearer to the ceiling.

Full attack against the daemon in H11.
Attack 1 [roll0]
Damage 1 [roll1]

Attack 2 [roll2]
Damage 2 [roll3]

[three08]

Dack
60 HP - AC 19

Dack backs up against the statue and looses a volley of arrows at the creature that had attacked him.

Five foot step to E8 and rapid shot against Daemon 1:
[roll0][roll1]
[roll2][roll3]
[roll4][roll5]

[Kaihaku]

Elledan lets a flight of arrows soar at the daemon but while all three strike it only one pierces its thick hide and draws purple blood.

The daemon shrieks out vile words in its strange language after being hit.

Kai's first arrow flies straight and true, driving its point deep into the daemon's chest and drawing thick purple blood. His second arrow comes close to mark but is deflected off by the creature's thick hide.

The daemon cowers a bit as it is hit by a second arrow, glaring spitefully at both of its opponents.

Dack slips back a step and sends a volley of arrows at the daemon on the other side of the chamber but unfortunately he misses his aim, distracted for a moment by Heath's magical experimentation.

Heath
3rd Round
Spellcraft DC: 25
Spellcraft DC: 23
Spellcraft DC: 22
Spellcraft DC: 20
1/2 Caster Level Check DC: 22
Spellcraft DC: 18
Spellcraft DC: 17
Spellcraft DC: 17
1/2 Caster Level Check DC: 16
Spellcraft DC: 16
Spellcraft DC: 16
Spellcraft DC: 16

The lower of the two daemon stares at Dack and Heath with cold hatred. Then, it tosses itself into the air and glides from its hold on the column to land near the two. Heath's musings are interrupted as the creature slashes at him with its vicious claws.

Attack: 27
Damage: 5, Slashing

Pain is nothing new to Heath, the sensation of the blow drawing blood a familiar if unpleasant one.

The other daemon continues to cling to its perch, a bit less brazen with two shafts sticking out of it. It grumbles out the menacing words of a spell. A moment later it sends a green glob at Kai with a flick of a claw.

Kai manages, almost miraculously, to evade the glob by the narrowest of margins. It strikes the floor with a hiss and begins searing away at it.

The gruesome sounds coming from the right passage grow silent as the sounds of battle are heard.

Turn 7

Aldr shuffles back a few steps and raises his heavy crossbow, letting a bolt fly at the daemon attacking heath. The bolt strikes the creature in the side, earning a spiteful hiss in his direction.

Map
Entry Room, Turn 7 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Al9Wr-UFaWwGdEtWMVhjSENvbDRvUkdGcnB0Z3N4a1E&hl=en)

[Ridai]

Dodging around the glob by a hair's width, Kai drops his bow, uses his momentum to launch himself at the daemon on the ground and employs a tactic to make himself it's primary target he usually uses against beasts: by letting out a sudden, guttural scream and making them bleed. Kai attacks fast and without pause, punishing the daemon's mistake of choosing to fight on the ground with numerous crushing punches and kicks.

Free action to drop the bow, five-foot-step towards the daemon next to Heath and full attack with TWF and Flurry of Blows.

Attack 1 [roll0]
Confirm 1 [roll1]
Damage 1 [roll2]

Attack 2 [roll3]
Confirm 2 [roll4]
Damage 2 [roll5]

Attack 3 [roll6]
Confirm 3 [roll7]
Damage 3 [roll8]

Attack 4 [roll9]
Confirm 4 [roll10]
Damage 4 [roll11]

Attack 5 [roll12]
Confirm 5 [roll13]
Damage 5 [roll14]

Attack 6 [roll15]
Confirm 6 [roll16]
Damage 6 [roll17]

Pulverize Foe [roll18] [roll19] [roll20] [roll21] [roll22]

[Kaihaku]

Not wasting a moment, Kai leaps into the fray and lashes out at the Daemon. His first two strikes miss, cutting through only air. Then he finds his footing and continues on with a barrage of swift blows that strike true. The Daemon is clearly worse for the thrashing, though it's still on its feet and looks spitting mad.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Seeing the newcomer take on the other creature Elledan focused on the one he'd been shooting at already and fired another two arrows at him after saying a short prayer aloud to Erhardur. "By the grace of Erhardur, I shall bring you down."


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

[Kaihaku]

Elledan's first arrow flies true, sinking deep into the sulking creature's chest. His second arrow misses, clattering against the stone wall of the chamber.

[Kaihaku]

Heath slips back a step, putting the human whirlwind between him and his attacker. Considering the matter he decides that more distance wouldn't hurt in this situation and scurries away from the statue a short distance before turning and using one a minor spell that wouldn't drain his energy to flick acid at his attacker.

RTA: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Dack can't help but note that the stranger has leapt into the fray and takes careful aim so as not to peg him in the back.

Attack1 – [roll2] Damage1 – [roll3]
Attack2 – [roll4] Damage1 – [roll5]
Attack3 – [roll6] Damage1 – [roll7]

Aldr scrambles to reload his crossbow.

Turn 8

The easy prey having slipped away, the grounded daemon turns its fury against its new assaulter. It lashes out with fearsome claws but the human nimbly evades all but one swipe. Letting out a guttural growl of frustration it lunges forward and snaps its jaws at the deceptively strong human – but catches only air in them.

Four claw attacks, one bite attempt. Kai evades all but one claw attack, 7 Slashing damage.

The perched daemon snarls at its victim turned tormentor below, snapping off the feathers of the shafts sunk into it with a claw. Then it grumbles menacing words once more in its unfamiliar language before sending a green glob at Elledan with a flick of a claw. He attempts to avoid the attack but fails, sizzling acid striking his torso.

The spell hits. Deals 4 Acid Damage

Another figure lumbers from the shadows of the darken passage, staring dumbly at the conflict with eyeless sockets. In form it resembles a great bloated hound with rolls of thick hairless skin but it has neither eyes nor teeth that can be seen. Patches of its skin are discolored, marred as if by mould.

Map
Entry Room, Turn 8 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Al9Wr-UFaWwGdHFrMTVMSXhLbi02d25FYlVZQzZJWUE&hl=en)

[Ridai]

The daemon's misses are like invitations for Kai, the one blood-drawing swipe gives him an idea about the thing's relative strength. Exploiting the openings, the young man keeps on pummeling his enemy. He catches a glimpse of the hound and his first association is whatever is build like that and has no fangs or claws probably just crushes outright. Unable to do anything until the daemon before him drops dead, Kai hopes that his newly found companions don't trigger it's instinct to fight, preferring the unnaturally scented beings doing that.

Full attack as usual.

Attack 1 [roll0]
Confirm 1 [roll1]
Damage 1 [roll2]

Attack 2 [roll3]
Confirm 2 [roll4]
Damage 2 [roll5]

Attack 3 [roll6]
Confirm 3 [roll7]
Damage 3 [roll8]

Attack 4 [roll9]
Confirm 4 [roll10]
Damage 4 [roll11]

Attack 5 [roll12]
Confirm 5 [roll13]
Damage 5 [roll14]

Attack 6 [roll15]
Confirm 6 [roll16]
Damage 6 [roll17]

Pulverize Foe [roll18] [roll19] [roll20] [roll21] [roll22]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Failing to dodge the acid only brought a sadistic smile to Elledan's face. Is that all you've got? I know my arrows hurt you more! He thought to himself as he drew and fired two more arrows at his assailant, ignoring the potential threat of the blind and shambling hound. Finish this one first! Then I can worry about the next. He told himself calmly.


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


(possible crit - will roll to confirm in OOC)

[Kaihaku]

The Daemon manages to evade several of Kai's strikes, getting a feel for the timing of his unusual style of fighting, but in the end it is doomed. A glancing blow knocks it off balance and the Kai delivers a powerful clout that caves in the beast's chest. It stumbles back gurgling up bile then collapses into a twitching heap.

Elledan fits an arrow to his bow and lets it fly! The arrow strikes true splitting one of the shafts already in the creature and sinking deeply into its chest. The Daemon lets out a cry of pain and fury, its eyes snapping with equal parts desperation and hatred at its attacker. The second arrow misses by a small margin, striking against the cavern wall.

Heath stands where he is.

Dack gives the fallen Daemon a cautious final look before turning to face the other creatures. He swiftly fits arrows to his bow and lets them fly at the remaining Daemon– one, two, three.

Rapid shot against Daemon 2:
Attack1 – [roll0] Damage1 – [roll1]
Attack2 – [roll2] Damage1 – [roll3]
Attack3 – [roll4] Damage1 – [roll5]

Turn 9

Aldr holds his crossbow at the ready but hesitates, watching the newly appeared Hound uneasily. He shuffles to the back of the chamber where he has a clear shot at the beast.

Readied action to shoot at the Hound if it takes a hostile action.

The Hound sniffs the air then takes a lumbering bite with its toothless maw at Elledan. Though the beast is sluggish it snaps its jaws onto the nimble bowman with surprising quickness.

To Hit: 32
Damage: 15 Bludgeoning* damage.

This initiates an automatic grapple attempt for the Hound which does not provoke AoOs.

Grapple Check: 17
Opposed by Elledan's Grapple or Escape Artist.

If Elledan succeeds the Hound crunches on his leg but fails to latch on.

*Closest thing to crushing I suppose.

Aldr lets a bolt fly at the Hound as it attacks Elledan but it strikes the thick hide without dealing much obvious harm.

The perched Daemon glowers at its prey turned tormentors and grumbles out another series of sinister words before sending a ray of sparkling energy at Elledan.

If he successfully evaded the grapple this ray just misses. If he is grappled it strikes him and he takes a -4 penalty to strength for 40 rounds.


Map
Entry Room, Turn 9 ( http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Al9Wr-UFaWwGdFJtTzVvdi1NLVRKcEdJY04yUy0yMXc&hl=en)

[Ridai]

His fist now covered in the daemon's blood, Kai immediately snaps around and dashes in front of the hound. Following his intuition, he strikes the beast's nose with his bloodied fist, making sure to smear as much of the foul substance on his target as he can.

Move to G6, regular attack
Attack [roll0] (penalty for aimed attack?)
Confirm [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Gasping in pain as the toothless jaw clamped down on his leg, Elledan pulled it free of the beasts mouth and moved quickly away from both hostile creatures. He gets some distance between himself and the hound before nocking another arrow and firing at the hanging daemon. "It is high time for you to die." he said as he released the arrow.


Move action to D10. Single attack due to movement.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Kaihaku]

Rushing to the aid of his friend stranger, Kai manages to smear blood over the snout of the Hound as he lashes out with a palm. He doesn't feel a satisfyingly crunch at his blow and gets the impression that this beast is a tougher one than the Daemon he just vanquished - but he succeeded in his unusual method of attack.

Dack sends another volley of arrows at the remaining Daemon, two of them lodging in its chest now cluttered with shafts.

Elledan jogs back from the fearsome Hound before letting releasing another arrow at the final Daemon. His aim is true and he sends yet another shaft deep into the flesh of the creature. This final injury is too much for the one who struck from shadow and it topples down from its lofty perch to the hard stone below.

Heath remains where he is.

Turn 10

Aldr reloads his crossbow with visible relief as the Daemon falls, though he keeps a wary eye on the Hound.

The Hound huffs angrily at it is cuffed across the nose and takes a great lumbering bite at Kai - one that the nimble warrior just manages to dodge. He can't quite tell if he evaded harm because his ploy worked or if it was due to his hard learned skills of evasion.

((With one enemy left I'm going to forgo map updates. Also, as a head's up, you level after this battle. Here's the link (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86469) to TeeEl's variant if you want to refresh your memory.))

[Ridai]

As the hound barely misses, Kai tries to crush it's muzzle between his knee and elbow. Hoping that the foul blood at least confuses the beast a bit, he attacks it's snout and sides to further disorient it.

The usual full attack routine (TWF + Flurry of Blows)

Attack 1 [roll0]
Confirm 1 [roll1]
Damage 1 [roll2]

Attack 2 [roll3]
Confirm 2 [roll4]
Damage 2 [roll5]

Attack 3 [roll6]
Confirm 3 [roll7]
Damage 3 [roll8]

Attack 4 [roll9]
Confirm 4 [roll10]
Damage 4 [roll11]

Attack 5 [roll12]
Confirm 5 [roll13]
Damage 5 [roll14]

Attack 6 [roll15]
Confirm 6 [roll16]
Damage 6 [roll17]

Pulverize Foe [roll18] [roll19] [roll20] [roll21] [roll22]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Watching his arrow drop his adversary brought a wry smile to Elledan's face momentarily. It immediately hardened into an expression of resolve as he turned his attention back to the beast that had bit him. This one is more dangerous he thought to himself as his slid his bow into his efficient quiver, and began to close the distance between himself and it as he drew his scimitar. Flanking the beast, Elledan [roll0] at it with his blade, hoping to cause severe[roll1]. I just hope this regular steel will do the job.

[Kaihaku]

Each of the barrage of blows lancing from Kai strike the lumbering beast but there is surprisingly little sign of harm. It is evident however that the creature is aware of the blows pounding it and is far from pleased with them.

Elledan stows his bow, unsheathes his blade, and moves to rejoin the fight. He strikes with a slash that cuts through the thick skin of the creature leaving a broad but shallow wound that oozes a thick slime.

Dack moves closer hesitantly, not waiting to send arrows flying with the others locked in melee.

Heath remains where he is.

Turn 11

Aldr holds his crossbow at the ready but doesn't move closer to the fight. Instead he waits for an opening to fire.

Readied Action: Fire bolt if Hound is no longer in melee range.

The Hound lashes out in the direction of Kai, its great maw snapping together with enough force to break bones, but it catches only air. Kai suspects that his ploy had at least some success as, a second later, the Hound bites at air in another direction. Finally, it lumbers around and chomps mightily at Elledan - the bite barely misses catching him.

[Thymin]

Elledan:


I don't expect a retcon on this, because I didn't notice it sooner, but a 15 or better with the scimitar is a crit threat, so if I roll another 15 I'll be rolling to confirm as well :smallbiggrin:


Elledan watched his blade penetrate the beast's hide and smiled as his fears were proved unfounded. He dodged the creature's next attack, barely and swung at it again with his blade twice.


Full attack:
Attack 1:[roll0]
Damage 1:[roll1]

Attack 2:[roll2]
Damage 2:[roll3]
Edit: Wow. So I put in the second damage roll incorrectly, not that it matters. (a 3, a 6, and an 8 out of three twenties?!? ouch)

[Ridai]

Fighting this beast feels so different compared to anything he fought before. It doesn't react... "right". The way it moves, the way it flinches (or should flinch), the way it attacks. It is as if Kai was punching and kicking a decaying hunk of meat. He snuffed living, and very recently magical, beings out before, but this is so strange and unnatural to him. Nevertheless, this is about survival and those who can't adapt are left dead by the wayside. The young man keeps on raining blows down onto this abomination, intent on crushing it's bones. If that doesn't "kill" it, it should at least keep it from moving.

The usual FA. Let's hope the dice roller doesn't hate as much as last round.

Attack 1 [roll0]
Confirm 1 [roll1]
Damage 1 [roll2]

Attack 2 [roll3]
Confirm 2 [roll4]
Damage 2 [roll5]

Attack 3 [roll6] <- Yay!
Confirm 3 [roll7] <- Yay!
Damage 3 [roll8]

Attack 4 [roll9]
Confirm 4 [roll10]
Damage 4 [roll11]

Attack 5 [roll12]
Confirm 5 [roll13]
Damage 5 [roll14]

Attack 6 [roll15]
Confirm 6 [roll16]
Damage 6 [roll17]

Pulverize Foe [roll18] [roll19] [roll20] [roll21] [roll22]

[Kaihaku]

Elledan barely lands his first slash against the Hound but his blade does strike and leaves a second long wound in the creature's thick hide. His second blow is thrown off as he shifts position and steps on a small pebble, it catches only air.

Kai continues his brutal assault against the creature, his blows still showing little result for all the force behind them, until finally he manages to land a powerful strike that is rewarded by the familiar sound of breaking bone. The Hound breaths out a twisted gasp at the fearsome blow, more a physical response than an emotional one, but is granted no reprieve as twice more it is pounded.

Dack continues to watch, bow held at the ready.

Heath continues to stare at the statue.

Turn 12

Aldr stands holding his crossbow warily.

The Hound shuffles around to faces its persistent attacker and lashes out once more - but it's jaws close on only air. Drool drips from it's great toothless maw as it hesitates before snapping out again and this time it gain purchase on Kai's leg. The hardened fighter feels pain as his leg is crunched upon by the thing.

To hit: 29
Damage: 21 Bludgeoning damage

This initiates an automatic grapple attempt for the Hound which does not provoke AoOs.

Grapple Check: 22
Opposed by Kai's Grapple or Escape Artist.

If Kai succeeds the Hound crunches on his leg but fails to latch on.

[Ridai]

Kai cringes because of the powerful bite. A bit more force and the beast could have broken his leg. He punches the hound's head and tries to force it's muzzle open long enough to escape it's grasp.

Both attacks used to escape the grapple, goes into the square right of the beast if he has to occupy a different square once he succeeds in escaping.

Grapple checks [roll0] [roll1]

[Thymin]

Elledan:

With each successful blow drawing blood, Elledan is renewed in his vigor and determined to bring the beast down. As the beast bit at his companion, Elledan again brings his scimitar to bear on the creature, putting as much power as he can behind the sword in an effort to bring the creature down more quickly.


Power Attack -6atk/+6dmg
Attack 1:
[roll0]
[roll1]
Attack 2:
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Kaihaku]

For all of his strength and experience, Kai finds that he cannot break free from the vise-like grip of the beast's maw. As he struggles the jaws bite down harder on him, sending shots of searing pain through him.

Kai takes a total of 11 damage.

Twice Elledan raises his blade and brings it down with all of his might - the heavy awkward blows surprisingly land on the Hound, slicing deep wounds into its neck. The second slash nearly cleaves the beast's head from its shoulders and it collapses in a heap, defeated...a puddle of thick slime oozing out from it.

Though even in death its jaws remained clamped on Kai's leg and it takes a bit of effort to pry them loose.

Battle Over!
Everyone gains one level!
Kai and Elledan each gain two action points!

The battle ended, Heath walks over to the statue and examines it more closely.

Dack hurries over to help Kai pry off the Hound's head.

Aldr continues to hold his crossbow at the ready, looking around anxiously.

[Ridai]

After he pulled his leg out of the dead beast's jaws with the stranger's help, Kai's first steps with his injured leg are accompanied by strong throbbing pain. He clenches his teeth and makes sure nothing hostile is around before he checks his leg. Luckily, there don't seem to be any fractures, but almost the whole lower leg is now covered with bruises. The swelling and pain will be distracting, but it is nothing he can't handle (or hasn't handled in the past already).

Strangely enough, everything seems sharper and he feels a lot calmer and concentrated than he would have moments ago, despite being wounded while under the curse and that one guy just gawking at the statue the whole time. Some of it must be the pain and shock, but whatever part within him suddenly fell into place, he welcomes the change.

"Tell your friend that if staring at walls is all he wants to do in a fight, he should at least do it from cover." he says to the stranger that helped him pull his leg free. Favoring his healthy leg now that they aren't in immediate danger anymore, Kai walks over to the eastern hallway and lights one of the torches. Remembering the ruby-eyed statue, he turns to the others. "Anyone think the statue over the entrance is of any importance?"

And with that, he carefully approaches the corpse with the torch, checking what the two open doors and the rooms beyond as well. After that, he drags the corpse and it's possessions into the statue's light and checks them if there is something useful in the pockets or the bag (and if the staff seems to be more than just wood).

[Thymin]

Elledan:

The feel of the blade as it severs the soft tissue of the demon dog brings a wry smile to Elledan's face, and with it's collapse, a wild chuckle escapes from his mouth. He pulls the flat of the blade across the beast's hide to remove most of the blood, then retrieves a small cloth from his pack to wipe off the rest. He watches the newcomer in silence, to make sure that he was still able to walk. Elledan sheathed his weapon and approached Heath and whispered, "So. What is the statue's secret?"

[Kaihaku]

The corpse is that of a slightly chubby man with graying black hair. He wears the torn and blood spattered robes of a follower of the dragon. The staff resembles the one seen outside, tipped with a crystal in which a flame dances only this flame is white. There are several pouches on the man; one holds spell components, one holds two hundred and seventy six silver pieces, and one holds four potions. There is also a ring of keys on the belt. The bag holds an elegantly crafted light silver shield that bears the image of a griffin, five scrolls in an unknown language, a heavy wax candle, two bottles of wine, and a small marble statue of a beetle. Interesting the bag is clearly magical, holding items in the typical strange otherworldly manner. The man also wears a emerald amulet, a copper circlet, fine leather boots, and two rings.

[Ridai]

Kai puts the potions into the bag and takes the ring of keys. He picks up the pouch filled with silver coins, looks inside and takes out a coin. The young man looks lost in thought while he considers taking the money and valuables with him. The total worth would make life much easier for his mother Dera. But she would ask where they came from. Dera always knew when Kai was lying or hiding something and trying to give her a dead man's belongings would surely anger her. He might cause even more gossiping about his mother and himself, and Dera deserves better than that. Feeling a faint sting of frustration, Kai drops the coin back into the pouch and just lets it fall to the ground.

The young man drops the staff and bag near the statue where the others are and pours some of the wine over the mark left by the daemon's claw. "Might wanna check this stuff and the corpse for anything magical. Could be useful. I'll go check the two open rooms." Kai soon mostly stops favoring his wounded leg and searches the rooms behind the open doors in the unlit corridor, burning torch in hand.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

When Heath didn't immediately respond, Elledan assumed that he was deep in thought about the mystical nature of the statue, or something. He left Heath to his thoughts, and followed after the newcomer. When he catches up to him, Elledan only says a few short sentences. "Well done back there. I am Elledan of Lonepine, what can I can you?" He offers his hand in the traditional manner of greeting.

[Ridai]

Kai turns his side towards the stranger and shakes his hand. Even though he tries to carefully dose how much strength he puts into the handshake (he actually broke someone's hand that way in anger), he doubts that it will be that much less uncomfortable for the other. "Kai."

As the young man lets the torch's light fall through the open doors, considering which room he should investigate first, he comments on what is normally just a set phrase to him. "Compared to the pack of phantom wolves I fought, this fight was pretty tame, especially with other people going toe-to-toe this time around, which means I was too reckless, even more so with that no-healing-curse on me." Kai decides to go into the right-hand room first and then the opposite.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

Returning the handshake with his not inconsiderable strength, Elledan replies, "Well met, Kai. Do you know how long will this no-healing curse will last?" He then follows Kai to ensure that there is no more danger in the side rooms.

[Ridai]

"Until Harvest's elders remove it after we're done here." Kai remembers to get his bow while searching the room and gets it before continuing.

[Thymin]

Elledan:

"Well then, that gives us yet another reason to be done here as quickly as possible, though I know not our next move." Elledan tried to remember anything that might be a clue about the temple of his god, but held out more hope that one of the others would have a better idea.

[roll0]
Not the right character for this job... :smallwink:

[Ridai]

"I'd say we grab everything helpful out of these rooms we can find with a once-over and go deeper into the Sanctum." Suffice to say, Kai has never been very religious. "Doubt a god cares about borrowing a couple of worldly things to avoid dying prematurely."

[Kaihaku]

The southern room appears to be a study of some sort. The walls are lined with shelves holding various tomes, scrolls, and arcane oddities. There are signs of struggle here, overturned chairs and singed carpet but the only corpse in the room is that of a strange twisted creature, a hideous goblin of a humanoid.

Search


DC 12 (2 Synergy Bonus with Knowledge(Arcana) and Spellcraft)
You deduce that several of the scrolls contain spells. You collect twelve scrolls that will need identification or to be cast blindly.

DC 15
You discover a strange charm around the neck of the slain creature. It is forged of coarse iron in the shape of a starburst.

DC 17 (2 Synergy Bonus with Knowledge(Arcana) and Spellcraft)
You discover a marble chess set inlaid with gold and engraved with silver runes. You suspect that it has magical properties of some sort.

DC 17
You discover several potions and elixirs scattered throughout the room. You collect six potions that will need identification or to be consumed blindly.

DC 32 + Knows Draconic
Amongst the hundreds of ancient tomes one in particular catches your eye. It is a treatise on health and contains mystical advisement on the topic.

The northern room appears to be a small armory of an unusual nature. There are few conventional weapons to be found here but there are dozens of rods, wands, and staves. It appears that someone knocked over a rack of staves at some point but there are no further signs of disturbance here.

Search


DC 11 (2 Synergy Bonus with Knowledge(Arcana) and Spellcraft)
There is a row of five staves that are identical to the one wielded by the gatekeeper.

DC 13
There is a row of six metal staves with tips that glow with power.

DC 13 (2 Synergy Bonus with Knowledge(Arcana) and Spellcraft)
There is a rack holding thirty rods of various natures. They can be used as weapons but if they possess magical properties they will either need identification or to be triggered blindly.

DC 14 (2 Synergy Bonus with Knowledge(Arcana) and Spellcraft)
There is a great rack of magical wands. There are almost fifty of them in total but they will either need identification or to be cast blindly.

DC 16
There is a quiver of arrows hanging in the shadows beside the rack of wands. Closer examination reveals that the arrows are of the highest quality and come in red, blue, green, and blacks; perhaps hinting at some magical properties.

DC 22
There is a halberd resting neglected in one corner of the room. A thin layer of dust covers it but it only takes a single inspection to note that it is a weapon of high quality.

DC 25 + STR DC 35 or Open Lock DC 25
There is a locked chest under the rack of rods. Opening it you discover three glowing silver daggers that are clearly magical in nature.

DC 41
There is a golden ring lost on the floor beneath the rack of wands. It mimics a ring of dragonscales.

Aldr watches the other explore the rooms with a worried expression on his face but he stays near Heath. Dack follows the Kai and Elledan, introducing himself at the proper time but keeping alert for further dangers.