Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Euan

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34 Will Save = 4 damage
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25 Will Save = 5 damage
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 Will Save = 7 damage

Briar gumbles and takes 16 damage.

Round 1, Init 15 {M18} BoF +2 att, ac, reflex

Spellcraft DC 19: 1d20 + 1 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 14 = 25

will 19, luck, cloak1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 22
will 19, luck, cloak2: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 14
will 19, luck, cloak3: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 15

Charlie casts Blessings of Fervor from the wand.

He tries to take a drink to calm his guts. He looks up in horror and then rage as these creatures have forced him to spit out the booze before it had a chance.

Round 1, Init 15- {>J20}

WIll save 1: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30
WIll save 2: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 2 = 24
WIll save 3: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 = 31

Fondo begins to orate.

"Let not their sideways smile deceive you, friends.
Our steel shall carve a fleshy frown upon
Their bellies ere this battle finds its end."

Sound the Charge: +3 competence to hit & carnage; +15' to charge speed

Activating his boots, he steps up to engage the closest brute, seeing if he can coax it toward his friends. If they don't work, I'll make an Acrobatics check in a second post, and just do the first attack. And I'm going to take them off and throw them at the DM.

Reposition; -4 v. cover: 1d20 + 21 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 21 + 3 + 2 - 4 = 31
Will cast Timely Inspiration for +1 if not successful.. To I18:J19, or J18:K19 if he exceeds CMD by 5.

Rapier iterative #1: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 3 + 2 = 24 -4 if reposition not successful
1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 3 = 8

Rapier iterative #2: 1d20 + 8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 3 + 2 = 32 -4 if reposition not successful
1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12

Confirm Rapier iterative #2: 1d20 + 8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 3 + 2 = 30 -4 if reposition not successful
1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12

Due to the post-editing ninja monster, changing Fondo's target to G3 and his move to J17, with DM's permission.

For clarity, and it matters to those who come after later in the round...
- Fondo's boots worked.
- Fondo moved the 1 ton creature around like a butterfly into position.
- Fondo is providing a +3 competence bonus to attacks and damage.
- Charlie is providing the blessings of fervor for all.

When making your will saves, don't forget the +1 Will (morale I think) from breakfast with Charlie.

Here is an Updated Map so you can follow along and plan your next actions (Looking at you Barael and Nikolay. You can 5' step now and swing!).

Round 1, Init 8

dungeoneering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Will Save 1: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 = 23 (+1 from heroe's feast)
Will Save 2: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 = 21
Will Save 3: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30

Nikolay channels some energy into his sword and chooses flaming along with the other bonuses.

They're coming out of the water. It seems like they should hate the fire.

He takes a 5' to K-17, and swings at G3 (or lunges at G2 if Barael kills him first).

The +4 sword is now +5, keen, & flaming. Also, +3 from Fondo.
Longsword Power Attack 2-handed: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 4 = 32
(BAB +9, STR +4, Black blade +4, Weapon Focus +1, -3 Power Attack)
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 21 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 21 + 4 = 26
(+6 STR, +4 Black blade, +9 Power Attack, +2 Weapon specialization)
fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
-
iterative
Longsword Power Attack 2-handed: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 4 = 18
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 21 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 21 + 4 = 32
fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
-
BoF
Longsword Power Attack 2-handed: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 4 = 34
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 21 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 21 + 4 = 28
fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Round 1, Init 14

Will Save 1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 = 23
Will Save 2: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 = 26
Will Save 3: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 = 29

Barael moves up next to Fondo K-16, and tries to injure the monstrosity more.

Black Tooth: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 3 = 37 for 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 = 9 damage

Iterative: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 3 = 17 for 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 3 = 8 damage

BoF: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 3 = 29 for 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 = 10 damage

edit:

Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 3 = 20 for 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12 damage

For the record, G3 is up but shaky after that onslaught of damage.

Briar and Dandilion still to go. Dandilion goes just before Barael, so her action may change that.

Round 2, Init 21

Time to get elfy.

Briar shoots at G3, then G2.

Manyshot:
1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28 to hit;
1d8 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24 damage;
1d8 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18 damage;

Rapid:
1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31 to hit;
1d8 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25 damage;

DivPoer:
1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37 to hit;
1d8 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20 damage;

Iterative:
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34 to hit;
1d8 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21 damage;

Round 1, Init 7

Dandy Lyin' looks at her foes, her hair longing for release...but her elven side rises up and alerts her to more potent possibilities.

If only I was more elven!

Dandy shakes off her dreams and fondest wishes and again concentrates on the fight at hand...

...but it's hard to stay focused!
You must stay focused! Be more elven!
Okay...I will. I promise!

...

Ooh! Look at Barael's behind!

Dandy!

Dandy jumps upright as she realizes she must act.

She draws her wand of magic missiles because she knows the power therein. Then she casts her gaze at G1, focusing her will into the Gug's mind...weakening it, distracting it...making it more...Dandy.

Evil Eye (DC22, 10 rounds or 1 round) -4 to attacks.

1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18 Will save
1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 = 30 Will save
1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 2 = 25 Will save

HP -43 damage.

Gug Will save: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

(Hey, at least it's not an attack roll)

Fondo teleports around the battlefield, shoves a creature that weighs in at 2,000lbs, prepares the party for the fight, AND manages a critical hit! Charlie blesses the party with greater fervor. Nikolay learns nothing about these creatures beyond their name - ‘Gugs’. He goes on to hit it mightily twice. Dandilion prepares herself and weakens G1’s fighting abilities. Barael swings and hits twice further harming G3. Briar comes out shooting and hits three times, dropping G3 and injuring G2.

The Gugs pounce with glee on the rich array of targets arrayed before them.
G1 reaches out and attacks Barael.
G1 Bite: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 14 - 4 = 12 damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
G1 Claw1: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 14 - 4 = 24 damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
G1 Claw2: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 14 - 4 = 14 damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
G1 Claw3: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 14 - 4 = 23 damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
G1 Claw4: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 14 - 4 = 18 damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

G2 attacks Fondo.
G1 Bite: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18 damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
G1 Claw1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
G1 Claw2: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19 damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
G1 Claw3: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
G1 Claw4: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

”Kleestad!” the remaining Gugs scream shrilly and in unison as a giant worm-like creature swims up out of the water. Kleestad is a disgusting creature that is part immense worm and part humanoid. He is just over 80 feet in length though most of that is underwater at present, with sickly pale flesh infested with rot and pustules. Dozens of spiky legs twitch along the length of his body, while his upper torso, bloated and pallid, is still vaguely human (pic). His arms end in clubs of flexible, muscled spikes which look designed to tear flesh.

Kleestad rises up out of the water and roars - filling the chamber with his moist, phlegm-filled call. Then it breathes! It catches G2 in it’s breath as well as the party. G2 writhes in blissful agony as the acidic spray filed with bile and black stomach acid sprays him fully across his entire back and head.
G2 reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Everyone please make a DC 30 reflex save to avoid the acidic bile. Failure means 12d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 5, 6, 2, 4, 2, 2, 5, 5, 2, 1) = 40 and the nauseated condition for 1 round. Save for half and no nausea (less if you have evasion).

-Round 2-
G1 - 20
G2 - 20 (-106hp)(nauseated in round 3)
Kleestad - 20
Fondo - 19 (-68hp)
Charlie - 15 (-59hp)(sickened until round 5)
Barael - 14 (-68hp)
Nikolay - 8 (-49hp)
Dandilion - 7 (-43hp)(sickened until round 4)
-Round 3-
Briar - 21 (10’ up)(-16hp)

Map Round 1-2
The dock runs H16 to I16 to J16 and is the full width of the squares.
G1 and G2 are partly in the water (-4 cover).

Round 1 - Charlie casts Blessings of Fervor on the group.
Round 1 - Fondo Sounds the Charge: +3 competence to hit & carnage; +15' to charge speed

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 2 = 33

Need to see how others fare before I decide what Fondo does...

reflex: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 = 20 Dandi dodges to the side, but to no avail; the bile pours over her skin and clothing, making her retch in agony. The voices of the Shoanti spirits call to her, and she is herself again, as if the bile passed through and left her as she always was. at least, if I understood the OOC comment correctly.

DC 30 in the plate mail, even mithral plate mail of speed. Ha. Ha.

REF save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Nikolay vomits as he retreats back 5' to L-18.

This...isn't...that...bad.

Round 2, Init 15 {M18} BoF +2 att, ac, reflex

Spellcraft DC 19: 1d20 + 1 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 14 = 22

ref 30, luck, cloak, BoF, sick: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 + 2 - 2 = 16

There is also a +4 if it's a spell, spell-like ability or supernatural ability, although it looks like I have to roll a 20. If I don't Charlie goes down.

The feast imparts 11 temporary hit points and the following: The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Dandilion - you are totally unaffected, that includes the nausea, so you still have your round to act. :)

Charlie is down and bleeding out but not dead, not yet.

Reflex Save v DC 30: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

HP -1/107

Stabilize: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Seeing friends dropping like flies, Fondo yells, "I need cover down here. We must retreat!"

"Brave Kako and beloved Brov: wake up!
Tis time to sound retreat. Away! Away!
But first, brave Dandi, give us cover. Yes?"

None Shall Fall on Charlie and Barael. Heal: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Fondo steps next to Nikolay, takes out a scroll, and readies to use it once he has some semblance of cover.

Use scroll of dimension door v. CL7+1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Dandilion (per OOC instructions) uses her wand of magic missiles to try and neutralize G2 for dearest Fondo.

5d4 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 3, 2) + 5 = 14

...and she succeeds in dropping it where it stands. Only G1 and KL remain.

Fondo, are you going to K17 or K18? I don't want to assume anything...

Charlie and Barael - please note that as you are nauseated, all you get is a move action. So while the Blessings of Fervor allow you to stand as a swift without provoking, you don't get a swift. I will allow you to stand without provoking using Blessings of Fervor (swapping the swift action for a move action) - but you're unable to get further away than that. Standing is your whole action.

Fondo - is None Shall Fall a swift or immediate action? Or free? Or move? Or what? :D

Round 2, Init 14

Barael's nose awakens to the persistent burn of reflux that is not his own. He barely has time to understand his position, and stands, unable to do anything further, his gut still retching. Black Tooth is left unattended.

"NO!! This is not good, we shouldn't remain here!! Take what we know so we can return in strength..."

None Shall Fall is a swift action. Fondo actually really needs Dandi's help this turn, and not with magic missiles. Would she really use her wand?

Fondo - it's what Dandilion chose. I'm not sure what else you'd have her do, but it certainly seems reasonable to me as well. She eliminated G2 as a threat - seems like a good move to me.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, after she uses the wand, she moves back into the tunnel - retreating as far as she can...

Did she know that there was an ask on the table for cover? I'm sorry if I seem demanding -- it's just that the situation is critical and I want to make sure she has all the information.

What would you have her do to provide that cover? She does not have an available web spell.

I don't know what spells she has. So if she can't I guess she can't. But I predict three deaths this next round if Fondo isn't able to dimension door... :-p

I have seen her list, as has she. Her action stands.

And if it's all or none, then yes, you're hurtin'. However, I can see a way for you to get Nikolay out safely (K18). Barael would then be alone, and likely dead - but he's sacrificed himself for the team before...

Round 3, Init 21

1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26 Reflex save (BoF)

Briar retches, covering his mouth from vomiting all over Dandi. -43 hp.

"Retreat!? I *hack* our moment of *barf* victory!?"

Briar retreats to P17.

So, I thought it was not possible to cast defensively with a scroll. But I think you can, based on this discussion. So if that's true, Fondo will try to cast defensively.

If it's his caster level: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Or +3 more if it's the scroll's caster level and stat.

Nice Crit!

So who do you take with you and who must remain behind as chum?

Fondo can only reach Nikolay and Barael. He brings them back to just outside the door that was barred.

Charlie falters under the barrage of damage and falls… only to rise again with Fondo’s aid! Nikolay is nauseous and steps back to recover. Dandilion magic missiles G2 - dropping him - and begins to flee the chamber. Barael also falls under the heavy damage dealt so far in this combat, but he too rises again thanks to Fondo. Briar loses his lunch and falls back into the cave. Fondo delays hoping for a miracle, but none is forthcoming - so he makes his own and defensively casts dimension door saving Barael and Nikolay.

The last remaining Gug moves in on Charlie and attacks. As he does so, Kleestad reflexively reaches out and attacks him!
KL Claw: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30 damage: 3d6 + 24 ⇒ (6, 6, 3) + 24 = 39 and strength damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Gug Fort save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Writhing in the terrible agony of the blow, the Gug strikes out at Charlie none the less!
G1 Claw1: 1d20 + 14 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 14 - 4 - 1 = 12 damage: 1d6 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 13 - 1 = 13

AND HE MISSES... amazing. I can't even kill the drunken holy man...

Kleestad then continues his attacks on the Gug. Apparently he doesn’t care where his next meal comes from… Hahaha! Bet you didn't see that coming!
KL Claw: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36 damage: 3d6 + 24 ⇒ (2, 5, 6) + 24 = 37
KL Claw: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24 damage: 3d6 + 24 ⇒ (4, 6, 2) + 24 = 36
KL Bite: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38 damage: 2d6 + 16 ⇒ (1, 1) + 16 = 18
KL Bite crit: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31 damage: 2d6 + 16 ⇒ (2, 3) + 16 = 21

-Round 3-
G1 - 20
G2 - 20 (-106hp)(nauseated in round 3)
Kleestad - 20
Charlie - 15 (-95hp)(sickened until round 5)
Barael - 14 (-105hp)
Nikolay - 8 (-89hp)
Dandilion - 7 (-43hp)(sickened until round 4)
-Round 4-
Briar - 21 (10’ up)(-16hp)
Fondo - 20 (-88hp)

Map Round 2-3
The dock runs H16 to I16 to J16 and is the full width of the squares.

Round 1 - Charlie casts Blessings of Fervor on the group.
Round 1 - Fondo Sounds the Charge: +3 competence to hit & carnage; +15' to charge speed

...and we're out of combat I think. Charlie will flee the room and the Gug (writhing in pleasure) will get squashed by Kleestad who cannot fit through the tunnel.

The party is outside the door of the Tower, panting heavily, but all technically alive.

Love it!

Nikolay resists the urge to head back to the room and kill the kleestad.

"Well, I think we've explored that way far enough for now."

He looks around the group of bruised and bloodied companions. "How are we doing on healing?"

Nikolay prepares to cast greater infernal healing on himself unless there's some group healing. At fast healing 4, that's 40 HP in a minute. Depending on what occurs, he might recall the spell and cast again.

"Nay, not far enough. But far enough for today. We must rest. Well fought, friends. The spirits were with us this day. Hrm. Well shall we rest? Charlie..." He puts hands on both of the older man's shoulders. "I thought you lost. Will you be okay?"

Thanks for everyone's patience as I had my freak out. :-p

Briar gives Nikolay a mirroring look, his elven blood pumping and thumping, buoyed by divine magicks.

Let's heal up and get back out there.

Taking a few breaths, he looks around the room to see what others might be able to do.

"My sword is back there." Barael wavers a bit on his feet, and starts walking back, before stopping, and sulking a bit.

He moves through the doorway, and sits himself down, while the others consider the next steps.

When debating how long to rest remember the forbiddance effect could trap you down here deep within the earth if you wait too long. It is early to mid afternoon. Does the forbiddance reset at dusk or dawn? Is it a few hours only? Did the DM roll a d4 at some point and not tell anyone?

Anyway, just wanted that to be in the discussion, as it would certainly be on your minds.

"My sword is back there."

Aye. So is mine.

"What healing have we yet in store? What magics can we conjure up, to aid us in the fight within?"

After Charlie is done dry heaving in the corner her exclaims, "Holy bucket of blood! That was awful!"

Leading to another bout. "Thank you again, my son. Well saved. Everybody gather 'round."

mass CLW: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
mass CLW: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
mass CLW: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
mass CLW: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
mass CLW: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Let's see where that gets us.

Fondo hugs Dandi and Charlie tight and gives Briar a genuine smile. "I thought for sure you were lost. Let's prepare ourselves again." He offers Dandi a scroll of dimension door. "Can you use this, flutterfly? Mayhap you can with lengthy locks our friends the better rescue."

He hands Barael the holy longsword in its magic sheath. "Draw this and call for might. I feel certain its holy charms will hurt this creature something fierce."

Barael takes the sword begrudgingly. "Thanks, Brov." He partially draws it from the sheath, appraising its ability.

"I have no energy. We should rest. I feel like I'll be more effective if it can't stave off my Ache. I see no way of effectively flanking that rotting bloat of a belch. It has the ability to return to its depths as it pleases. If we can retreat to this safety, it must have its." Barael wags a finger.

"And that hole. More gugs. We can't have more of those interrupting our attack. We got lucky that gug got guzzled instead of Charlie."

Barael takes to his feet. "If we needs must return to strike the creature down, I would know more of our strategy. Can it simply keep to the water and spray us down, over and over again?" Barael shudders.

"What's it to be? Rest, or return?"

"I hate to say it, but we should retreat for now. However, we should retrieve our missing swords first. I can race in there invisibly and dimension door out. Or someone a bit stealthier can do the same."

Nikolay has his sword, but it sounds as if Fondo and Barael do not.

"rest." Dandi answers. A fine tremor shakes her shoulders. "Tomorrow is soon enough for dying."

She eyes the scroll from Fondo, her fingers still shaking as she unrolls it. "Aye, I can use it. Tomorrow."

"I hate to say it, but we should retreat for now. However, we should retrieve our missing swords first. I can race in there invisibly and dimension door out. Or someone a bit stealthier can do the same."

Briar looks at Nikolay with dismay, sure that the warrior had more strength.

Briar musters his thoughts and speaks.

"I had thought more of us. Where was this desire to rest when I suggested it above *before* we got ourselves into trouble?" Briar's eyes flicker to Fondo.

"I'll handle the acid...I can protect us all against it. Nethys has granted me the wisdom to overcome such minor obstacles. In addition, I'll generate a 'mass' of elementals to herald our approach. Can we not summon the strength to finish this?"

Briar looks around.

"That thing is standing between me and my sword."

Barael approaches Dandi, and rests a furry paw on her back, trying to steady the shakes. He turns to Briar.

"Did you remember anything said by Zellara to watch out for a gods-be-damned giant worm-man?! I don't remember anything said about it, not even a hint of it. We were proper tired, sure, but my mind was ready only for retrieving a weapon insulated from the world. Not another fight. Scarwall apparently seeks to keep what it has, to the last."

"And I don't remember seeing any sword, did you? Are you thinking the blade likes floating in the bile of that beast?"

Fondo rolls his eyes at the archer turned wannabe swordsman, but does not dwell on it. "Tis a quandary. Laori's faith did gain us entry unto the temple above. With her now gone, can we gain entry once again? That scroll'd get three of us out from underground to Belksen's sun, and mayhap Deyanira's eyes could spy us here. But this door here may soon be closed to those of us still possessed of souls." And even the elf.

"I favor Brother Rose's plan. Now we know what lies within. We've means to prepare, and flex our might. Serethiel beckons now. I need not eyes to see that's true."

He turns to Nikolay and Dandi in turn. "Have you means to hide our rat?"

Fondo has his rapier—he never went down. And now he's given the holy longsword to Barael. So we're fairly well armed...

"If the sword is calling out to you, why didn't it tell you about the danger, eh? You haven't even laid eyes on it, that's true enough." Barael leans back on his tail.

"The last time Nik and I jumped into the water against a reefclaw, we were almost done in. That thing out there... how do you propose to fight it? I can attack it from a distance just as much as from up on the waters, where I'm likely to get drug in. If I were rested, I could reclaim my Vanish, and hold it for a volley of arrows."

Barael belts on the holy weapon, but produces his shortbow, and counts his arrows briefly.

"I'll gladly rest if you can solve the riddle of that damnable forbiddance. Meanwhile, let's see what we've got to guide each other to glory, eh?"