The End of an Era Part 1

[Metastachydium]

They are not of their own minds. Leylek growls with disdain. A quick look of furious contempt is flashed at the faceless samurai, of an intent hidden behind the steel of the mask; but the bird is still counting. And he sees two distractions, in danger. In need of being removed, quickly, but with little pain. Kicking himself into the air, he bursts forward to try and collide hard with the chest of the closer one.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Tumbling charge with Flying Kick, against Human foe: (1d20+11)[24] for (1d8+6)[13] and (1d12)[8] nonlethal (Monk; no penalty).

Tumble: (1d20+14)[31]

Leylek's AC is 15 for the round.

[Cygnia]

No magic?! Why is there no magic?! It was obvious something unnatural was influencing the nobles' movements.

Yet Ahalyā could See nothing. No aura to tell her what school or how strong the sorcery in effect was. And a feeling of dread took hold in her guts. Is this the power of the stolen scrolls then? Some sort of artifact or relic?

"Raksha, defend for now!" Whatever it was, Ahalyā knew that she needed to break the hold of such witchery! But first, she needed fortification on herself...

Spoiler: OOC

Show

(1d20+2)[9] Initiative
Casting Shield of Faith on herself (Share Spell affects Raksha)

Ahalyā
F CG Vanara Shaman, Level 6, Init 2, HP 41/41, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 14, Flat-footed 15, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, Base Attack Bonus 4
Unarmed Strike +6 (1d6-1, x2)
MW Sickle +7 (1d6-1, x2)
Least Crystal of Adaptation Leather Armor +1 (+3 Armor, +2 Dex, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 16
Condition Endure Elements (from Least Crystal of Adaptation)
Low-Light Vision
Shield of Faith (6 minutes, +2 defection bonus to AC)

[BelGareth]

Shimura see's the Samurai in the house as the true foe, and reacting just slightly faster than the...blank faced nobles before him, he moved as close as possible, avoiding any slashes from the Naginata's as he closed the distance with what he thought was his true enemy.

With a quick burst of speed, and then his boots to close the space, he is standing next to the puppet master, and while it looked like a Samurai, their actions were obviously anything but.

"You are not honorable Crab Samurai, that is plain in your actions, lay down your weapons and we will be merciful." he simply states, but doesn't really wait for an answer.

Spoiler

Show

Initiative [11] (rolled in discord)
Move to I9
Swift action Anklets of Translocation to L7
Attack!
Attack 1 - (1d20+15)[25]
Damage - (1d10+7)[14]

Attack 2 - (1d20+10)[21]
Damage - (1d10+7)[16]

If hit by a non-reach weapon:
Mantle of Flame - (2d6)[7]
Mantle of Flame - (2d6)[8]
Mantle of Flame - (2d6)[7]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai\ Mirumoto Niten Master 1Level 5, Init 3, HP 68/61, Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 14 Flat-footed 18
Fort +8 Ref +5 Will +5
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's DR 1/-, Mantle of flame 2d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [3/3], Anklets of Translocation [2/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	1/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	1/2	-

Map

[Auranghzeb]

Onka flies through the two noble puppets, dodging their naginatas expertly and reaching the threshold of the house where he finds himself face to face with a fully armored samurai, his face hidden by a demonic bronze mask, but as Onka comes into the space adjacent to the samurai, the opponent lashes a spiked chain out of seemingly nowhere and slashes the dancer.
The strike carries something else than pure pain, a dark fear grows inside the dancer alongside the wound.

Spoiler: Effect

Show

AoO with spiked chain 15 damage and Onka is demoralized -2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws against this enemy.

Leylek takes off and lands two solid kicks on the nearest noble, the second one snaps the knockout mechanism and the noble falls flat on the ground.

Shimura lunges and then teleports suddenly in front of the samurai at the door but as he is about to land his first powerful slash the intimidating figure of the enemy creates a phantom of doubt in the dragon samurai, making his first strike miss. The second one lands true as the Shimura expertly twists the blade upwards recovering from the miss.

Ahalya calls on a prayer of protection.

The remaining noble man lunges towards Leylek and due to the wild crane's own charge, strikes a lucky hit.

Spoiler: Damage

Show

7

Then, the masked horror whom Shimura has called dishonorable utters a muffled response and his chain sparkles with unholy energy that strikes the dragon samurai back with mighty deadly force and takes him off balance.

Spoiler: Damage and effects

Show

26 damage, 3d6 of which are profane. Shimura passes the demoralizing check, but still needs a Reflex DC15 or fall prone.

Then he steps inside the house with a quick two step movement that does not leave any openings.


The other samurai watches the scene, impassible, from the threshold of the other house as dusk starts to settle over the cherry trees.


The young man jumps to aid Leylek! and lands a bloody strike with his pitchfork on the noble's leg.


Round two:

[Metastachydium]

A good man indeed! Leylek nods at the peasant's sudden act of valour. Hold your ground! he adds, his scowl deepening as he slides closer to the noble to skirt around him and secure the right flank of his allies, before unleashing another quick flurry with talon and beak, expertly twisting each to muffle the deadly force of the blows.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Tumble: (1d20+14)[32] to move onto M8, then
flurry, flanking with Commoner Guy, against Human opponent: (1d20+9)[11] for (1d8+6)[13] nonlethal and
(1d20+9)[15] for (1d8+6)[9] nonlethal (still Monk!)

[BelGareth]

As his opponent striked him and then withdrew, he was puzzled on how he managed, the form of this warrior was something he had not seen before, knowing the trouble that chain will cause, he used his boots once again to close the distance.

"Your dishonor will be your undoing" he said simply as he appeared next to his target and lashed out with his blade, the wakizashi intertwining with the katana in his main hand to form a beautiful tapestry of death.

Spoiler

Show

Swift action Anklets of Translocation to M4
Attack!
Attack 1 - (1d20+15)[30]
Damage - (1d10+7)[17]

Attack 2 - (1d20+10)[14]
Damage - (1d10+7)[8]

If hit by a non-reach weapon:
Mantle of Flame - (2d6)[5]
Mantle of Flame - (2d6)[7]
Mantle of Flame - (2d6)[3]

Assess Opponent [17]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai\ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 43/61, Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 14 Flat-footed 18
Fort +8 Ref +5 Will +5
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's DR 1/-, Mantle of flame 2d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [3/3], Anklets of Translocation [1/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	1/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	1/2	-

Map

[Alhallor]

The suddenly appearing chain slashed Onka heavily, feeling him with the well-known feeling of dread and despair that seem to take hold in him. It would probably be tactically more sound to make a short retreat and pepper the heavily armored samurai with darts to give Shimura a better opening, he could also help the crane, he did fought more like him after...

Onka took a deep breath, not pushing aside the fear but keeping it at bay, hopefully long enough. A quick sprint and an evasive jump later to evade the suddenly appearing heavy chain Onka landed on the wall above the samurai. For the blink of an eye it seemed that the dancer would just stand on the wall but instead he let himself fall ellbow first to crack the headgear of the crab open. After he landed a quick kick to the knee's and a short jab at the ellbow of his enemy followed.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Tumble: (1d20+11)[19] against 15 to avoid an AoO of the chain.
Initiating Full Attack Sequence.
Attack 1: (1d20+8)[19]
Damage 1: (1d8+5)[10]
Attack 1: (1d20+8)[27]
Damage 1: (1d8+5)[12]
Attack 1: (1d20+3)[11]
Damage 1: (1d8+5)[8]
Fear should be included in all rolls.

[Cygnia]

"EEP!" The vicious strikes from that unholy chain caused Ahalyā to flinch (even though she wasn't the one who was hurt). Both Onka and Shimura had been struck, though it looked like the samurai got the worst of it.

And the enemy stepped into the house with the two warriors following in pursuit. Meanwhile, Leylek and the elder's grandson appeared to have knocked out the two dominated nobles thankfully.

Ahalyā shot a wary eye towards the other demon-masked samurai who had not yet moved into action. If she moved to tend to the others, this enemy could easily entrap all of them in the house! But she could not let Shimura fall if she could help it!

"Ho, Raksha!" Murmuring the prayer softly under her breath, Ahalyā stroked the wolf's ear to pass on the divine energy to her. She nodded towards the house. "To Master Shimura, now go! But be careful..."

With a faint growl, Raksha immediately sprinted into the house, knowing what her mistress was asking her to do. The vanara followed, a few steps behind, but paused near the entrance, making sure she could still keep watch as best as she could with both Leylek and the other enemy outside as well as what was going on in the house!

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Ahalyā to K11
Raksha to boop Shimura with the COLD WET NOSE OF CURE MODERATE WOUNDS! (converting her prepped Commune With Lesser Spirits to CMW)
(2d8+6)[11] HP healed...

[Auranghzeb]

The Crane knocks down the other noble with a spinning wing and congratulates the commoner for his bravery. The man barely has time for anything else as the old woman falls to her knees a distance away and he rushes to help her out. She is panicked and beyond herself.


The Samurai at the threshold cackles with a low deep voice and falls back into the shadows of the house, but the threshold is an open mouth that now vomits three more men, two of them rather old, dressed in the clothes of the lower nobility, they move like puppets and draw katanas.


Inside the house, Rakhsha heals Shimura as the dragon samurai and Onka combine efforts to beatdown the armored enemy, Onka spins around acrobatically to land two solid hits, his elbow cracks the helmet and mask of the samurai to reveal an emaciated face, that stares back at you with the thirst of demons and starts to cackle maniacally.

Shimura's first strike lands on the samurai shoulder, breaking part of the armor and severing several muscles. But the follow up hit misses wide as the samurai spins and lashes his chain at Onka with devilish quickness. The chain hits the dancer in his lower left leg, slashing a tendon and part of his calf.

Spoiler: OoC

Show

21 damage and your speed is halved for 5 rounds.

Then the armored creature starts to tumble back into the room, as if falling with the impact, still cackling it spins around an lands at the threshold of the garden's door. There are two men inside the room, staring blankly at each other, kneeling, each with a wakizashi on his lap. There are also inert bodies leaning against the southern wall of the room.

Round Three

[Metastachydium]

Didain morphs into disgust on Leylek's face. How many more were made to serve the shadows, robbed of thought and will? And yet, he does not move, nor does he speak. The true enemy is near, waiting. He must not be careless. His hand slips into a pouch on his belt, scaled fingers wrapping around a small tile. He removes it, to inspect the marking on its surface, another eye, pulsing with anger fixed on the approaching nobles. And then he snaps the tile in half.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Leylek uses a potion tile of Mage Armour. His AC is 20 for the next hour or so.

[Alhallor]

Onka is heavily wounded and cracking open the face-plate of the samurai doesn't do much to ease his worries. Quite the contrary the revealed enemy looks and sounds even worse than before.

Bleeding heavily and not really able to use all his limbs like he normally does, the scared dancer gathers all his courage and strides towards the samurai, jumping up in the right moment and when landing intentionally putting pressure on his slashed leg, he falters down only to transform his momentum into a roll. Half-standing up Onka delivers three quick jabs with his ellbow at the stomach of the mad samurai to take him down.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Thankfully the reduced movement is enough to still reach the enemy. Thank you full-move Tumble!
Tumble: (1d20+11)[14] against 15
Attack 1: (1d20+8)[26]
Damage 1: (1d8+5)[13]
Attack 2: (1d20+8)[11]
Damage 2: (1d8+5)[13]
Attack 3: (1d20+3)[20]
Damage 3: (1d8+5)[9]

[Auranghzeb]

Onka limps through the room, the knelt men do not move a muscle. He reaches the tumbling enemy as it falls and hits it three times, the samurai does not even try to parry the strikes, it is like hitting a dummy. That’s when Onka notices the body no longer has a head, it spins and falls, headless into the open door of the garden. A trail of blood streams from the empty armor.

[Cygnia]

Raksha had done what was asked of her. Shimura had been healed. The other hoomin, however, looked to be in a bad way. Not as bad as the enemy now without a head, but still pretty bad.

Raksha hoped Ahalyā would approve if she stayed to protect the more squishy hoomin until Told Otherwise.

Outside, the shaman bit back a curse as the other samurai withdrew into the darkness, sending out more puppets! Ahalyā shot a glance towards Leylek, then back towards the old woman and her grandson. She grimly readied to defend herself as her thoughts whirled.

Spoiler: Actions

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Raksha will attempt to Aid Another to add +2 for Onka's AC (DC10)
(1d20+3)[19]
Ahalyā will default to Total Defense this round, adding +4 to her AC for a total of 22
(1d20+9)[12] Knowledge Devotion (local)

[BelGareth]

Seeing what he thought of the Samurai falling apart, his face blanched "What manner of evil is this?" he asked out loud, figuring it was some Oni magick he knew nothing about, he recited a small prayer of protection:

"Amidst the cherry blossoms and the sacred shrine's glow,
I call upon the kami, their protection to bestow.
Evil oni, with reverence, I bid thee retreat,
By the wisdom of ancestors, and our code so discreet."

With a curt nod, he moved Onka's side and placed a healing hand on her shoulder, activating his belt.

Spoiler

Show

Swift: move 1 essentia into Mirumoto Niten dragonmark
Move to P4
Standard: belt of healing 1 charge on Onka Heal - (2d8)[12]

If hit by a non-reach weapon:
Fire - (1d6)[5]
Fire - (1d6)[2]
Fire - (1d6)[4]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai\ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 43/61, Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 14 Flat-footed 18
Fort +8 Ref +5 Will +5
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [1/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

Map

[Auranghzeb]

The puppets move towards Leylek and Ahayla oblivious to the growing darkness. One of them moves past Leylek without even trying to avoid any attack of opportunity, and swings his katana wildly against the Vanara who only avoids a terrible wound thanks to her defensive posture.
The other two attack the crane, one misses as the bird steps aside artfully, but the coordinated attack yields results and the second attacker hits the steppe warrior with the blunt side of his katana in an awkward fashion, but still damaging.

Inside the house, Raksha's senses are overwhelmed by the stench of evil, though the wolf-familiar cannot identify the creature, it knows its something unnatural. There's no trace of the head, an empty cracked helmet lies next to the beheaded armor.

The puppets inside do not move, it is as if they hadn't received their last order.

Across the garden, under the shade of the large cherry tree, the other Samurai looks towards the garden door and cackles viciously. The crashing waves are the only other sound

[Metastachydium]

Surrounded by blades, Leylek finds himself torn between urges, grasping at his wits with claws sharper than the clumsy blades the puppets wield. His quick jab at the one slipping past has too little of his heart and too little of his strength behind it; a shame. And the sword of another nicks him through the gloom; an offense, screaming for retaliation. A kind of wrath, strange even to him is seeping into his limbs from somewhere within; but he knows it's not yet the time for it. Ahalyā needs his fist.

His beak lashes out, a warning to the offending swordsman, but he's already whirling about, slipping away from him and the other noble, towards the shaman. His wing extends. A balled up fist of anger flies towards the old man's neck.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Angry Crane Two Fists Five Feet Divided Flurry Attack: (1d20+7)[17] for (1d8+6)[9] nonlethal against whichever guy dared hit him,
5' step to K10,
(1d20+9)[28] (flanking with A.) for (1d8+6)[7] nonlethal against the one on J10

[Cygnia]

The wolf suddenly growls, trying to alert the two in the house of the danger. She still stands protectively by the wounded Onka, sniffing the air as she tries to pinpoint where the threat could still be...

Outside...

"SKREECH! You are not in your right mind, elder -- fight it! Fight it!" Ahalyā gasped, trying to dodge out of the way. Oh, ancestors forgive me! The shaman lashed out with a jab, trying to either thwap some sense into the puppet or knock him out.

Spoiler

Show

Raksha will attempt to Aid Another to add +2 for Onka's AC (DC10)
(1d20+3)[10]
And Track via Scent where the EVIL~! is
(1d20+4)[11]

Ahalya with the Improved Unarmed Strike attempt
(1d20+7)[11] (add +2 if flanking from Leylek is in play)
Dmg (non-lethal if hit)
(1d6)[5]
5ft step to J8

[Alhallor]

Onka is confused.

Yes he hit the enemy in the head before but definitely not enough to behead him. Generally beheading someone with his barehands was something that maybe one of his ancestors was cabable of... IF HE ACTUALLY AIMED FOR THE THROAT.

Shimura's healing get's an appreciative nod out of Onka. He refuses to look at the other bodies too closely, there was still a battle going on.

Without really knowing what else to do Onka limps towards the two sitting puppets and takes they're weapons.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Picking up an item takes a move action.
If I'm right I can "disarm" both guys, when I take a 5-foot-step after picking up the first weapon.

[BelGareth]

Miromoto looks around and sees another samurai-Oni, frowning at the sheer audacity that these spirits displayed, he leaped over the body at his feet and sprinted towards him, both blades held to his sides ready to meet his steel.

Spoiler

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Move to Y5 as a charge
Attack 1 - (1d20+17)[27]
Damage - (1d10+7)[14]

Attack 2 - (1d20+12)[17]
Damage - (1d10+7)[17]

If hit by a non-reach weapon:
fire - (1d6)[3]
fire - (1d6)[2]
fire - (1d6)[4]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai\ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 54/61, Speed 30
AC 19 Touch 12 Flat-footed 16
Fort +8 Ref +5 Will +5
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [1/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

Map

[Auranghzeb]

Outside the house Leylek and Ahalya fend off the attacks from the dominated noble men, Ahalya reluctantly smashing an elder man and hearing the crushing noise of her well trained and seldom used fist. Two of them fall back knocked down. The the third one barely misses a second swing against Leylek.

The Old woman seems to get back on her feet and yells at her grandson

Get help! Get those cowards over here to help!

The man hesitates for a second before sprinting back to the farms.



Onka disarms the kneeling men without them reacting as Miromoto leaps over the armor and into the garden with righteous fury tries to slice down the dishonorable foe! He lands a resounding blow against the samurai!


Onka holds the two Wakizashi as a he hears a mocking voice:

Too bad... now I can't have them kill themselves. you are no FUUUUUUN

Rakhsa starts growling as a terror descends from over the threshold, a buoyant head with the entrails hanging from it and a nightmarish expression.

HERE DOGGIE!



It extends its intestines snaking towards Raksha and lunges with it's bite! But as the entrails hit the wolf, they fail to entangle Raksha and the Horror cannot bite the wolf.

Spoiler: Damage

Show

8 damage

Under the cherry tree something worse takes place. Shimura's enemy does not seem too bothered by the resounding hit, it simply looks at the Dragon samurai from behind his mask and that is enough...

Miromoto Shimura falls into a void of the mind and the consciousness, his limbs are not his own anymore, and the world around him blurs, he hears an order clear and strong and feels his body compelled to obey.

Kill the Crane and bring me the Vanara as a snack

[Metastachydium]

Leylek pivots around, moving against the path of the blade swinged at him, feeling the cold wind it stirs harmlessly travel through his feathers. His beak then juts forward twice, two quick pecks looking for purchase on the noble's forehead. It will likely hurt the man, but it will not break the bone. That is the most he can offer. Will there be more? he throws a curt question in the old woman's direction, pulling his head back, honing his earholes as much for the answer as the sounds of battle from the inside. He does not expect their companions have a time no harder than himself; but Fate willing, they are to prevail.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Beak and Beak Whirling Flurry Crane Attack against the last noble standing: (1d20+7)[20] for (1d8+6)[12] nonlethal and
(1d20+7)[18] for (1d8+6)[7] nonlethal,
with a Perception to maybe-maybe get an idea of what's going on with the others now that Team Funny Talking Animals is about to run short of nobles: (1d20+9)[20]

[Alhallor]

As Shimura rushes against another enemy, another horror descends from the ceiling and attacks Raksha.

Onka feels overwhelmed. It wasn't the wounds, he was hurt worse before, but the sheer scale of the enemy's they are facing makes him give up his will to fight. He could probably still get away, die in a month and leave all the horrors he saw today behind.

Get help! Get those cowards over here to help!

The terror that sept into the dancers heart and soul still has firmly taken root but if he would fall today at least he would do it at the side of some newfound companions.

Get off Raksha, you creep!

The stolen weapon in hand, Onka uses them to slice and pierce the floating abomination and stomps at one of the dangling intestines for good measure.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack against the floating head. I assume that the fear effect is still ongoing and that the Wakizashi are masterwork shortswords. If Onka's not feared add +2 if the weapons are not masterwork subtract -1.
Attack 1: (1d20+8)[17]
Damage 1: (1d6+5)[8] Slashing
Attack 1: (1d20+8)[23]
Damage 1: (1d6+5)[7] Piercing
Attack 1: (1d20+3)[23]
Damage 1: (1d8+5)[8] Magic bludgeoning.

[Cygnia]

The noise Raksha gave off was part whine, part growl. The worst thing from this creature wasn't the pain; it was the smell. Sickly-sweet. Vinegar and rot -- and a rot that was eager to spread and corrupt everything it enveloped in a never-ending decay.

Outside the house, Ahalyā was about to ask Leylek how were his injuries when she was struck by a wave of terror.

The bond she shared with Raksha was not telepathic by any means. But both wolf and vanara could sense each others' emotions and moods. And right now what the wolf was experiencing was a fear Ahalyā had never felt before from her loyal companion.

"...Raksha..." Ahalyā breathed, eyes now wide with concern. "Master Leylek, our allies are in danger in that house -- we need to help them!" Without checking to see if the crane warrior was following, Ahalyā ran for the house's entrance.

****

Even while wounded, the hoomin called Onka struck a valiant blow towards the monstrosity in defense of her. Raksha growled again, more anger than fear this time. She could smell the rotting flesh knitting back together slowly in a mockery of healing. If she could strike the creature herself, maybe she could finish it off for good before it had a chance...

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Ahalyā's easy. She's running for the house.

Raksha will attempt to bite the gut vampire. And if it hits, try to trip it (whether it'll work or be needed is another question entirely...

(1d20+6)[16] Bite attempt (buff from Aid already added, add +2 for flanking from Onka if that counts)
(1d6+3)[5] Dmg (if hit)
(1d20+3)[21] Trip attempt (if Bite hits, buff from Aid already added, add +2 for flanking from Onka if that counts)

[BelGareth]

Shimura frowns, his limbs were not his, his mind and will were strong, but....he had no power...no control...panic began to rise up like bile in the back of this throat, it threatened to take over and turn his mind into a tumultuous maelstrom of whirling thoughts and emotions that would drown him....but he recalled his training, it just kicked in, like an instinct, the constant training, constant drilling, the focusing, and repetition, it all came to him as if he were running, it took effort, but he was able to quell the storm within his mind, and just as he did he saw where he was heading, his limbs moving as if on their own accord, he seemed to be....no....no, no, no......he saw his good friend Master Leylek.....no....no...he recalled the last words in his mind and he screamed at his friend "NOOOooooooooo!!!"

Spoiler

Show

Double move to Q9 from Y5

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 54/61, Speed 30
AC 19 Touch 12 Flat-footed 16
Fort +8 Ref +5 Will +5
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [1/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

Map

[Auranghzeb]

Onka pushes against the fear and slashes wildly with the weapons he took from the dominated humans. He hits with both blades, but the wounds are not significant, the mundane steel, regardless of the masterful craftmanship, proves rather dull against this abomination. However, the dancer's legs are a different matter: he front-kicks the creature right in the buoyant heart, a strike that would have stopped the life of a living creature and dinks the vampire's organ with real force.

Raksha takes advantage of the hit to slither under the creature and bite at it's floating liver, the teeth barely sink in the creature but it is enough to pull it down and trash it around like a ragdoll.

The pennangolan screams in anger and pain!

Attack them! Kill them!

It tries to raise and tangle Onka with it's entrails!
But as it does, Onka stomps it like a critter, crushing the windpipe and pinning it down as it sputters black blood from a wicked mouth.

Outside, under the cherry tree, the other Samurai cackles darkly

"That's what you get for playing with your food. The night is falling, soon the shadows will come to take them."

Ahalya gets to the room in time to see Onka pinning down the creature, you know it is not destroyed, and immediately understand the abomination you are facing, you need to burn it!

Outside, in front of the houses, the Crane dispatches the dominated old men, but a more dangerous foe moves swiftly towards him. It is Miromoto Shimura, from the Dragon Clan, descendant of Miromoto Niten, who, with a transfixed face faces the crane and raises his katana menacingly! In only a few days, Leylek knows that a clean chop of that blade can separate him from his body!

[Metastachydium]

The bodies fall; and the shrieking, inside, seems to die down. Leylek waits, for a moment: maybe the old woman will speak, after all; maybe there are others, held in thrall. It seems otherwise, nevertheless. He can see Shimura-sama rounding the corner, with resolute steps. That should mean it is over. The Crabs fell, and it is over.

But it isn't. From behind the monstrous veil on his mind, Shimura can see the bird's countenance changing. The anger recedes. What takes its place is doubt, at first. Leylek is not blind, despite the gloom. That is not the face of his noble companion, of the man that led them into this battle clad in light, but a frozen mask, horribly still, horribly stiff. And then, moving closer yet, someone cries out from within, a desperate wail. A warning. And Leylek understands. Shimura-sama. his throat is a bird's throat, a strange instrument: precise and clear. His voice shouldn't rasp so. But it does. The man, trapped behind the spasm of madness, can see the doubt fade. All that remains on the crane's own face is sorrow. Where do we stand? And indeed, who does and who will, when the strongest fall? The feathers rise all about Leylek's form. The air feels cold, colder than back in the hills when they stood and fought together.

Miromoto Shimura is his better. In wisdom, strength and standing. Leylek knows this. But that comes with a duty. This cannot be. So this must be undone. And he'll undo it, or fall forever trying. It is for Fate to tell. His taloned fists ball up. A stone rolls off a well, yet untapped. And forward he shoots.

Spoiler: OOC

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Charge (for AC 18, but with Aid): (1d20+12)[17] for (1d8+6)[12] and (1d12)[11] magical bludgeoning
Soulwarp Strike is being attempted: if the attack hits, Shimura must attempt a DC 16 Fort save or be nauseated(/sickened if succesful) for 1 round

[BelGareth]

Shimura stood frozen, his katana poised to strike down his dear friend, Master Leylek. The enchantment had commandeered his very soul, forcing him into this unthinkable betrayal. Within the churning abyss of his mind, a tormenting battle raged, and the darkness of despair loomed.

I cannot bear this. My soul is torn asunder. I swore an oath to protect, to serve, and now... I am poised to break that sacred vow. How did it come to this?

His vision blurred as he stared at the person he'd once sworn to protect with his life. Leylek, a trusted companion, now looked upon him with a mixture of shock and betrayal.

Leylek, my friend, my brother in arms... The blade that I wield against you is forged from our shared history. Each swing is a blow to my very soul.

The evil magic controlling him pushed his body relentlessly forward, making it clear that Shimura was merely a puppet in this cruel performance. He watched, his consciousness trapped behind a gossamer veil, as the blade descended.

The agony is unbearable. The oath I took, the loyalty I held dear, shattered in an instant. Can there be redemption for a fallen samurai who strikes down his own friend?

His voiceless cries of despair echoed within the confines of his mind as the blade drew closer to Leylek. He saw the fear and sadness in his friend's eyes, a reflection of his own torment.

Forgive me, Leylek, for the monstrous act I am about to commit. My heart is heavy with sorrow, and my soul is lost in this abyss.

The tears flowed freely now, blurring his vision of the impending tragedy. Shimura's trembling hand clutched the katana with a mixture of desperation and resignation.

Once, we vowed to stand together, to protect and defend. Now, I am the instrument of your suffering, and our friendship crumbles beneath the weight of my treachery.

As the blade struck, a profound sense of despair enveloped Shimura's shattered spirit. The repercussions of his actions, the pain he inflicted upon his friend, and the betrayal of his solemn oath all converged into an abyss of darkness that threatened to consume him entirely.

Spoiler

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Attack 1 - (1d20+15)[17]
Damage - (1d10+7)[10]

Attack 2 - (1d20+12)[16]
Damage - (1d10+7)[10]

If hit by a non-reach weapon:
fire - (1d6)[3]
fire - (1d6)[2]
fire - (1d6)[4]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 54/61, Speed 30
AC 19 Touch 12 Flat-footed 16
Fort +8 Ref +5 Will +5
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [1/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

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[Cygnia]

The relief on Ahalyā's face to see Raksha (and Onka) alive was almost immediately pushed aside when she caught sight of what sort of evil they had been fighting...

"Pennanggolan..." The shaman spat out the word. "O spirits, protect us!" Louder, she called out for Leylek (and she presumed Shimura as well) to hear (not to mention the old woman and her grandson). "Eater of souls, corruptor of wills -- I know your evil! Steel your hearts and minds, o mighty warriors and valiant men! Onka, take the living out of this house...this must become a pyre for the fallen unclean!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Move equivalent: Activating Dark Knowledge: Religion (Puissance) + Collector of Stories (DC15 at least for +1 to allies' saves against pennanggolan abilities for 1 minute. If it exceeds by 10, raise to +2, by 20, +3)
(1d20+12)[22]
Then Ahalyā will take Onka's brazier to start torching the pennaggolan's body.

[Alhallor]

The fine steel in Onka's hand is ineffective but his kick seems to wound the creature. Thanks to Raksha dragging it down and the dancer being able to use the moment to his advantage (crushing the horrible things breathing organ), it seems to make sense that, thanks to the power of a dragon imbeded in his body, because of the amulet he stole of the despicable noble he killed, his body is more effective against these unspeakable horrors.

Onka is relieved to see Ahalyá's face and drags out the nobles who seem to regain they're composure as soon as the shaman sets fire to the disfigured organ-head.

What he sees outside however let him freeze.

Noble Shimura and his brother in arms Leylek seem to fight in the middle of the battle against other forces.

And by both they're expressions it seems clear that they are not simply sparring, the dancers confusion falls of him like the leaves of the cherry tree when he hears the other samurai cackle, like the head did before. It seems clear who was pinning two companions against one another.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I'm guessing that Onka can limb roughly to P9 while dragging the nobles with him. He dropped they're swords when helping them out and let the light with Ahalya to burn the house down.

[Auranghzeb]

The oil in the brazier lits the pennangolan up as Onka drags the two dominated noblemen outside the building almost flinging them in front of him. But instead of forming a pyre, the vampire becomes a screaming blaze! Shrieking as the fire envelops it, the pennangolan flies desperately flinging its entrails as a horrible stench of burned hair and flesh fills the air. Its eyes look at Ahalya with horror and the blazing figure thrashes around the room igniting the wood frame!

I damn your soul, Vanara!!

Outside, Onka and the confused noblemen are faced by the remaining penangolan who steps towards them and brings down his heavy mace, striking one of the nobles dead in an instant and cleaving through him into the dancer with a follow up rising strike that knocks the dancer back 10 feet.

Leylek reads in the eyes of Miromoto and senses the pain and struggle, but his incapacitating attempt misses as the Evil triumphs over Shimura! The samurai slashes with all his strength, unable to stop his own body, but the crane dodges both strikes!