Aritedes and Elrisiel maintain their readiness while the professor responds to Rakara's query.
Kheled tries to negotiate with Idorii...
... and from around the corner comes her response. What have you done to the rest of the Scorched Hands? How can I be sure of your word?
In the secret chamber, Myron lets out a gasp as he regains consciousness.
Ahh?! What's happening? Where am I? I can't see...or move
They are stuck behind this door. Come out and join us and you will not be harmed. Under Pharasma's gaze I so do swear.
Velriana is the only one we really want, she started this.
Dumah, get a potion of healing from Myron
Move action to speak again. Standard to draw out my Scroll of Cure Moderate Wounds.
Rakara continues to attempt to hold the door until she is given leave to stop.
Blinded and stunned, Myron just moans incoherently in response to Dumah's call.
Rakara and Dumah continue to bar the door as the others try to convince Idorii to switch allegiances.
Once again the door thumps as Khelru attempts to push it open...
...and once again it is held fast.
From behind the doors, the muffled conversation continues.
I cannot overpower them. Perhaps we should rethink our strategy?
Perhaps we can seal them in.
What about Idorii?
Her usefulness has run its course. She should have taken them more seriously.
From down the hallway Idorii remarks, It seems my services may be up for the bidding. What can you offer?
Ahkenaten maintains his readiness while negotiating with Idorii on the groups behalf.
Sensible decision, Idorii. Especially considering you are outnumbered six to one in here, and your former allies are contemplating sealing you inside a crypt infested by undead and traps. My opening offer is that you get to keep your life and freedom. If you cease your hostile actions against us, you can accompany us back to the city and we will let you go free instead of handing you over to the pharasmins. I'm sure you know the penalty for unlicensed tomb robbery. If you actively help us subdue the other members of the Scorched Hand, I'll throw in a cash bonus.
The professor pauses to let Idorii consider his offer, then adds:
Khelru, the same offer applies to you - and Azaz.
Idorii's response is quick, I assure you I do not know the penalty for tomb robbery, and I am keen to keep it that way.
What kind of coin are we talking about?
From the other side of the door you hear Velriana scream, You double crossing b&#~!! I will see the flesh burned from your bones for this! You fulfill your obligations, as paid, or suffer along with the Professor and his toadies!
Khelru does not respond, and Azaz cannot.
Professor Aristedes archs an eyebrow at Velrianas outburst, as if it was nothing more than one of his spoiled former students throwing a tantrum at a poor grade.
Since your bonus depends on defeating Velriana, I'm fine with letting her supply it. First choice of whatever valuables and items she is carrying. Given her expensive tastes, that should be more than adequate, I believe. he responds wryly.
Rakara looks on impatiently as the Professor and Idorii make a deal, her shoulders pressed firmly against the door. Well? Are we ready?
Kheled gets busy removing Myron's sash. He then pulls a potion free and presents it to El.
can you get this down dumah's throat?
Idori. The deal is struck. Get down here.
Elrisiel takes one of the potions she has on hand and moves to administer it to Myron.
Dumah will drink the potion this round.
Healing potions administered, Rakara continues to hold the door as the group awaits Idorii's decision.
Khelru gives the door another try...
...and Rakara's foot slips allowing the priest to finally shove the door open with a mighty push.
The door finally opened, Velriana levels her wand at Dumah...
...but the paladin sidesteps the jet of flames, causing the leader of the Scorched Hands to scream in rage.
Idorii moves up the corridor confidently, I'm going to have to go with the numbers at this point. I like seven against three better than four versus six. Where would you like me?
Idorii, try to move around them and into a flanking position.
Healing potions administered, Rakara continues to hold the door as the group awaits Idorii's decision.
Khelru gives the door another try...
...and Rakara's foot slips allowing the priest to finally shove the door open with a mighty push.
As the door opens, Ahkenaten spies Velriana and attempts to daze her...
...rendering her momentarily stupified.
The door finally opened, Velriana levels her wand at Dumah...
...but the paladin sidesteps the jet of flames, causing the leader of the Scorched Hands to scream in rage.
Idorii moves up the corridor confidently, I'm going to have to go with the numbers at this point. I like seven against three better than four versus six. Where would you like me?
Hearing the Professor's reply she picks her way through the throng of bodies...
...gracefully, and into the midst of her former employers. Miss me?
Kheled decides on tactics vs. brute force speaking before some of the group can act, Dumah, wait for Rakara to attack then step in yourself after she steps out. I will further bolster you.
Ahkenaten adds his own tactical advice to Kheled's
Surround Velriana. Do not give her room to step back and cast her spells or use her wand unpunished.
As the door gives way behind her Rakara heeds the words of her comrades and moves to attack the spell caster.
Elrisiel waits to see how things unfold while Kheled heals Dumah further from his scroll and then draws another.
Rakara steps up and takes a swing at Velriana but only succeeds in destroying one of her illusory duplicates.
The muse-touched elf incants a word of power and flicks a glob of acid at the opposing spellcaster.
If that succeeds and drops the cleric then he moves in. Otherwise he stays put.
Elrisiel's acid removes Velriana's last mirror image as Dumah jabs Khelru with Senenmerek's ancient spear knocking the wind out of the cleric.
Khelru retaliates desperately against Dumah...
...striking him in the temple. With the large half-orc remaining standing, the room quickly filling with his enemies, including his former teammate, the priest steals a glance at the fallen Azaz and then the dazed Velriana. We are lost.
Not able to contribute much in the crowded melee, Ahkenaten simply levelled his crossbow and watched for an opportunity to help.
Velriana comes to her senses and quickly steps back towards the gate while unleashing her wand's fire upon the traitorous Idorii while screaming, Burn you b!@%@!...
...but misses badly in her haste to seek revenge.
Idorii laughs at Velriana's frustration while she dances around her former employer, khopesh in hand, ready to strike...
Rakara steps forward, finally sure of her target she swings at Velriana.
Shaking off the blow from the cleric, Dumah again stabs at Khelru with the spear, hoping to continue turning the tide in the heroes' favor.
To hit with power attack
Damage
Velriana comes to her senses and quickly steps back towards the gate while unleashing her wand's fire upon the traitorous Idorii while screaming, Burn you b+!++!...
...but is surprised by a quick opportunistic strike by the rogue, knocking her off balance, her flames missing badly in her haste to seek revenge.
Rakara follows Velriana and lashes out at her but fails to land the blow.
Idorii laughs at Velriana's frustration while she dances around her former employer, khopesh in hand, ready to strike...
...when Rakara takes up a position on the other side of the leader of the Scorched Hand, which she does...
...but the wizard is able to avoid Idorii's blade this time.
Dumah's jab pierces Khelru's pectoral muscle and send the cleric pitching face down, a rapidly expanding pool of blood soaking the sand upon the floor.
Kheled uses the scroll of doom on kelru.
Kheled uses the scroll of doom on kelru.
Then Kheled draws out an alchemists fire.
Khelru resists Kheled's spell before Dumah strikes him down.