Ederin, having been both electrocuted and slightly dissolved today, relishes the idea of sleep and after a brief stop to sell what few items the party has gathered, he heads straight toward the coziest spot he can find and falls fast asleep.
"Blood Moon of course...... Each moon cycle you do bleed do you not?"
Kaylayne tilts her head, taking in a deep breath, trying to process the question. She looks at Allarnon, then around to see if anyone else heard the remark. She looks away from Allarnon, then down to his feet, then back to her own, trying to find the chain of thought that was just driven from her head.
She opens her mouth to speak, her ire rising, but then holds back words.
"My 'Blood Moon'? You mean my period?! YOU MEAN MY WOMANHOOD?!" Kaylayne says in a voice she wishes she could take back. She walks away from Allarnon, trying to recollect herself.
Does he ask Lief if his undergrowth has come in? Does he ask Dimi if his sack has dropped? Does he ask if Ederin fills his socks with milk?!
Kaylayne takes a deep breath, trying to gain some perspective. She tries. She really tries.
"Allarnon, in our world, you don't ask those kind of questions. Nor do you mention them. Next time you inquire about my 'Blood Moon', I'll paint a reminder of this lesson in etiquette someplace you won't forget," Kaylayne hisses. She storms off to seethe and forgive.
The forgiveness comes slowly.
The party does indeed have an active night. You go to sleep, watches in place, and are rousted by the general alarm a brief hour and a half later. You rush to the wounded tent and take up positions there. However the fighting never reaches you. All the battles occur on the periphery, and aside from a thrust toward Eviana’s tent, nothing pierced that periphery.
About five hours later, the drow attack the camp again, this time in greater numbers. They do reach the wounded tent, but the forces that manage it are no match for the party, the other healthy guards, and the many wounded - most of whom draw bows and engage the enemy in any way they can. More than a few pass out from the effort and a channel must be used to save them all.
The battles are short and brutish. The ferocity of the elves is… unexpected. Their hatred for these creatures is clear, they show no quarter, and they ensure the death of any who fall. It is almost like they descend into barbarism when facing this ancient foe. You can’t help but be stirred up a little yourselves, so extreme is their reaction.
When the sun rises a short while later, you’re exhausted. An early runner is summoning you to Eviana, and you have to scramble to finish your prayers and other obligations for spells and powers.
Fort
Kaylayne stifles a yawn, succeeding in pushing back the waves of weariness that threatened her night. That she had survived was good, but that she had helped others survive was better. She looks again into the tent with the wounded before shuffling off to spend an hour alone in quiet contemplation.
When that is done, she breaks her fast and is ready to check in with Eviana.
Dimitrio's story-telling was interrupted with some actual chances to use his blade. He welcomed the opportunity to accentuate his tall tales with some actual footwork.
Come morning, he was tired but happy to have survived another night. Seeing the elven ferocity with which they faced their ancient enemies erased any previous doubts that he was doing the right thing.
He's ready to go see Eviana and see how to help next.
_________
Ederin snaps awake, slapping his face to try and get more alert. Today's meditation was spent mostly fighting off dreams, and those dreams were mostly of fighting off drow. Groaning as he stands Ederin moves to answer the summons.
Been worse off than this, ain't gonna let some fatigue stop me.
On the way over Ederin borrows Al's cure wand and hits himself a couple times then does the same with Kay's restoration wand. "Alright, I'm good to go!"
Lief keeps track of his crew, as they rise from their stunted sleep. He twists his ring, appreciatively. When called, he's quick to follow the runner back to Eviana.
"What news?"
|
He shrugs as Kaylayne storms off.
Seems the moon has risen full this evening. He chortles to himself.
**********************************************************
Back at the camp.
Allarnon takes a moment to awaken. "How many times was the camp attacked last night. I lost count. He says with a yawn.
He begins to slog his way to Eviana's tent. As he passes Tarkir he gives the bear a playful shove to wake him up.
Eviana is busy when you arrive, giving orders to another group, lead by Kaerishiel - the elf you first met at the edge of the woods. Dimitrio passes Silvana waiting outside and she smiles at the group. Kaerishiel nods in respect as he walks out and you walk in to the tight circle around Eviana - the clear head of this multi-bodied war machine.
”Good Morning.” she smiles surprisingly brightly at the party. ”We did well last night and held everywhere but here.” she gestures to the SE corner of the city on the map. ”We should have it taken back within the hour however.” she nods at Kaerishiel’s retreating form as he assembles his team, including Silvana.
”For now, I want to keep you here, in reserve. We’re in an excellent position for today’s offensive, and I think we’ll make our goals handily. I’ll need to reinforce where they bring their leveled opponents and that’s you today - if you’re able.” she looks up at you. ”My other strike teams are all occupied, here, and here, and there.” she points to a few areas on the map where clusters of black flags abound.
”So rest a little while, but be ready. If we need you, we’ll need you quickly.”
It occurs to you as you leave the tent that, back home, Bartlebe is re-opening the Gold Goblin today to much fanfare and, hopefully, crowds. You wonder, idly, if there will be an attack as there was some time ago when Saul did the same on that fateful night.
It’s 1 Rova, 4709.
Kaylayne nods, ready to go when called upon. After breakfast, that is.
"Won't mind restin' a bit but call us when you need us, we'll be ready."
Ederin knows his exhaustion has been taken care of magically but some part of him still calls put for sleep, the prospect of laying low for a little while is appealing.
Rest. Yeah, he could use some of that.
Dimitrio stifled a yawn and nodded, "Yeah, what he said. Call us when something comes up."
With that Dimitrio's mind turns to more mundane things like food and rest.
This day is much like the last, only easier though fatigue does dog at you. You are kept largely in reserve and used only for a few hot spots around midday when the elves needed an extra punch to wear down the drow lines near the western edge of the city. The battles are as they were yesterday, short and violent. Neither side is giving quarter, though some prisoners are taken for questioning, it’s pretty clear the outcome once questions are answered. The only question is how you will die.
It is on your way back from such a trip, that you encounter Razorhorn (link)! Green scales cover his powerful limbs and wings, and an oversized horn sits at the end of his snout. The dragon looks down at you, a vapor of sickly green wafting from its flaring nostrils. You’ve never seen anything so powerful and majestic.
You don’t even hear him coming as he glides in nearly silently across the tree tops. He sees your little band, and breathes, not even stopping to say hello.
Reflex DC 20 for half
He’s mid flight at the point of initiative, about 30’ overhead, and the party gets an action (full round, no surprise round per se - he was just flying by and saw a likely target for his acid).
Allarnon
Dimitrio
Ederin (+2 in urban terrain)
Kaylayne (acts in surprise round)
Lief
Razorhorn
Round 1, Init 25
Reflex
Kaylayne skitters away, trying to find cover.
Kaylayne casts Produce Flame, hoping to be able to attack from afar.
[ dice]1d20+10-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+5 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 4/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 1/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 17 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Spells:
Resist Electricity 20
Heroism (70 minutes)
Barksking (70 minutes)
Antitoxin (60 minutes)
Kaylayne prepares herself for battle with flame and finds some useful cover for future breaths.
Razorhorn keeps on flying, paying you no further attention at all. He quickly becomes lost to the trees as he flies off. Apparently, he has something more important to do.
We are, I think, out of initiative. Razorhorn is a few hundred feet away flying low over the trees headed to another part of the city and I don’t think you can keep up. I’m frequently surprised by my players though so let me know if that’s not the case. :)
Surprised, Dimitrio could only hold his breath when the dragon swooped by. But it was not enough for the acid to stop from penetrating his skin. With watery eyes and coughing, he raised his hand trying to get his bearings to get off a shot of his ray.
"Too far away."
With blistering skin, the bard looks around to see how the others fared.
"Whos' got the curing stick?"
Kaylayne grumbles as the monster flees, hitting and running like the big green coward it is.
Still hissing, Kaylayne recovers her Produce Flame and is ready to move on after healing.
CLW
CLW
"Let's go. Keep an eye out for that lest it come again."
Ederin manages to shield himself from some of the acid, but it costs him too much time to fire at the dragon. Not that he's sure he would have actually done any damage to a dragon.
"Yeah, let's not stay here for round two." Ederin begins to move forward, keeping his bow ready and his eyes to the sky.
Lief stands almost as a deer, unmoving, as the dragon roars overhead. He gladdens when the others remain where they are, and avoid provoking the creature's return flight.
"Wow. That is a serious creature."
For his desire to run, Lief stands and watches the creature for the remaining time, before it's lost to sight.
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Allarnon attempts to catch his breath. he looks to Kaylayne, his eyes are wild with fear. He stands unmoving, his entire body shaking.
"That is the first Dragon I have ever seen..... they are far larger than the books said. How can we ever stand against that thing....."
He nods at Kaylayne. "Let's get out of here."
You return to camp and spend a little time in the healing tent if you like to ease pressure on the wands - you might need those charges later… Luckily there are no further demands on your time until evening when you are again summoned to Eviana’s tent.
When you return, the green flags vastly outnumber the black on Eviana’s map and it’s clear the drow are beginning to fall back - or rather they’re being pushed back.
You can see the elven forces are focusing in on one building in particular, one which to drow seem loathe to let go. The Academy of Arts near the center of town. Eviana notices your gaze and nods, ”We’ll send our best teams against it tomorrow morning. You can see here, and here,” she draws lines in the air along two columns of green flags, ”We’re keeping the path open for the teams to get there unmolested. That’s our target.”
She looks levelly at the group, ”Are you up for it?”
Kaylayne looks at the map, then at Eviana.
"What's there and why is it important? Do you have any idea what the defenses might be like?"
For their return trip, Lief muscles through with his acid burns, hitting camp with an air about him. He wills folks to inquire about his injuries, if only to story tell about surviving the dragon's pass-over. A small amount of misplaced pride.
After the communal healing, he takes another couple of pulls from the wand to heal further. It's just enough to mend his war wounds.
"We’ll send our best teams against it tomorrow morning. You can see here, and here. We’re keeping the path open for the teams to get there unmolested. That’s our target. Are you up for it?”
"I'm confused. Are we supporting your best teams, making a path for them to get through, or are we one of your best teams, and others are making a path for us?" He inquires honestly, unsure.
Now fully healed, Dimitrio didn't care if he was considered the best or not; he's had enough time in the spotlight to take it all in stride.
"So what do we do? What's 'our target' mean? Do we drive them out? Blow up the building? Is there someone that need rescuing?"
”Ahhh, I see I must be clearer. Lessor restoration may cure fatigue, but the mind still wanders.” she smiles and tries to be more thorough.
”You are one of my best teams Lief. We’ve lots of low level warriors here, but very few with your capacities. Those that we have will support the other two teams, with a few others scattered in key places throughout the city of course.”
”This building houses, we think, the Armageddon Echo - their demi-plane of retreat. It is in this building that we hope to find, and slay, Nolveniss Azrinae, their counterpart to me and a mighty general and scholar. It is here that we think the drow make their last substantive stand on Golarion.”
”I hope to send three teams against the building, yours, Kaerishiel’s, and Shalelu’s. It is my hope that we can capture or kill the drow leadership, secure access to the Armageddon Echo portal which we believe to be there, and, perhaps, bring this battle to a close - a few stragglers aside.”
”There are three entrances into the building - the main doors in the front and two other holes in the exterior, one to the west and one to the north. Both of the holes are the result of ancient wear on the structure, so we don’t expect them to be plugged. We know that each of the three entrances will be fiercely guarded however.”
”The front door is watched over by a host of drow and is by far the most secure. The hole to the west is also well guarded by a few drow and a number of dretches. The hole to the north looks the easiest to breech, since it is close to the trees and guarded over by a few drow and a number of troglodyte slaves. I do not know what is inside the building.”
Dimitrio is not the tactician but he takes a shot at making plans. "How about you have the two other teams keep pressure on the front door and the west entrance? We can then try to penetrate through the north opening. Once inside, it should be easier for the other two teams to get inside as well. Either we need some sort of signal or they may be able to know based on the movements of the people guarding the gates. What do you think?"
He continues, "So the plan is to capture, if possible, the drow leader and secure this entrance to this demi-plane. And I take it that if the drow leader is killed, then that would also count as a significant gain in your war?"
He waited for the answer and mused, I said it again. Your war. What is it going to take to make this my war? Perhaps Lief is right and I should stay behind and entertain Silvana.
Kaylayne shakes her head.
"If we're the best, we should take out the main entrance, the toughest one. I don't want to mess around if we can be of more help," Kaylayne offers.
Kaylayne looks at Eviana.
"Would you prefer their general to be killed or captured? I'm not sure we can do either, but I'd like to know."
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The best!? Really. If this world truly has been at war with each other all these years then how are they not stronger? Something to think about later.
Allarnon's head shifts to the left and right. "Shouldn't be a problem as long as that Dragon doesn't show up in the middle of the assault." He shudders at the thought of being sprayed with more acid.
He listens intently for the answer on a more non-lethal approach.
"I disagree Kay. If we're the best, let the rest take the heavy forces, play distraction, yeah? Bein' the best shouldn't mean we fight worse odds, it means we should be given the best shot at the objective. That means takin' the easiest path to it, an' that looks like the north." Ederin says, nodding at Dimitrio to show he agrees with his plan.
"Either way it ain't gonna be easy, better make sure we got the best spells and keep sharplike. Gonna get me a spare set o' boots too."
”Well I can’t say if you’re the strongest team, but you are in the top three.” she smiles.
”Nolveniss should be killed. If you decide to bring him to us alive, that’s fine, but we’ll simply kill him so no need for that particular delay.”
”I’ll plan then for you to take the easiest path then? It’s really up to you.” She reaches for the green flag that represents the party.
Ederin puffs his chest out a bit and crosses his scarred arms, a frown on his face. "Maybe you can't say we're the best, but we can. We'll show you fancy lads how to kill an enemy general one way or the other."
Despite his bravado Ederin waits for Leif to weigh in before fully committing to one path or another.
”Well I can’t say if you’re the strongest team, but you are in the top three.” she smiles.
”Nolveniss should be killed. If you decide to bring him to us alive, that’s fine, but we’ll simply kill him so no need for that particular delay.”
”I’ll plan then for you to take the easiest path then? It’s really up to you.” She reaches for the green flag that represents the party.
Dimitrio nods, "Good killing it is. That will potentially save our ass in case we had to make a difficult choice. And yes, arrange it so that we can infiltrate from the easiest spot and we'll then pave the way for the other two teams."
He looked about, "Is there a way that we can signal the other teams once we are inside?"
Kaylayne stands firm, wanting to honor the deal as it was presented.
"I still want to go in the front," Kaylyane says, looking strangely at Dimitrio. "If we can delay the outside to let your other teams in to handle the inside, that works fine for me."
Kaylayne pauses to reconsider.
"Eviana, which would you *prefer* we do?" Kaylayne looks for a straight answer out of the woman she-elf.
* * *
"Ederin, Lief, Dimitrio?" Kaylayne holds up her slippers...the slippers of wall climbing. "I've decided that I no longer need these. Would any of you like them? I've decided that I no longer need them. I really don't."
Kaylayne seems more buoyant an usual this morning...and serious about giving up the slippers.
"Ederin, Lief, Dimitrio?" Kaylayne holds up her slippers...the slippers of wall climbing. "I've decided that I no longer need these. Would any of you like them? I've decided that I no longer need them. I really don't."
Kaylayne seems more buoyant an usual this morning...and serious about giving up the slippers.
Dimitrio looked at the ugly slippers and shook his head. "Sorry Layne, no offense but those are not right for portraying the masculinity of the dancer. I don't see myself ever wearing those things."
He quips with Lief and Ederin, "But hey, I din't mean to offend you guys. If you think they would look good on you then, by all means, take them."
Lief considers the building in question. Front doors, two breaches. Fortified front doors, west hole dogged by dretch, north hole somehow less attended, over a structure that may hold their best chance of survival during these onslaughts...
"We've got a bear. We've got a big bear. We should take on the front doors, straight on. The drow have had little interaction with us, as a strike team, so let's throw them off-guard a little. The other two strike teams should have no trouble dealing with the dretches, from a distance. The troglodytes, the same. We have quick ways of bolstering ourselves against energy attacks, and we can sustain more damage and recover from it, thanks to our healing wand."
Lief looks to the others, hoping for consensus. "We'll also exert equal pressure on all three entrances, attacking at the same time, correct?" The young man adjusts his belt, and readies to depart.
"...masculinity of the dancer..."
Lief snorts. "The slippers are utilitarian in nature, Dimitrio. We need all the maneuverability we can get. One of us should wear it. Ederin?"
Ederin frowns when Lief suggests hitting the front doors, but seeing that he and Dimitrio are outvoted, he shrugs. "Front door it is then. Just have to make quick work of 'em all I guess."
The next morning when Kaylayne lifts up the black boots that she insists on calling slippers, Ederin's eyes light up. "Yeah, I'll take 'em Kay. I've got a good eye, but a little leverage and height advantage can't hurt."
He happily kicks off the boots the elves provided and slips on the magical ones. "Alright, we got a front door to kick in, eh? Better not leave them waitin' too long."
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Allarnon agrees as he watches Ederin put the boots on.
"Those are nice slippers. Well crafted. Someone really took a lot of time and energy into them."
Lief looks to the others, hoping for consensus. "We'll also exert equal pressure on all three entrances, attacking at the same time, correct?" The young man adjusts his belt, and readies to depart.
"Sounds good to me, though now it seems less like defending ourselves and more like assassination. " He sifts his weight sitting down on the ground. His large ass covers a wide berth to include now sitting directly on Ederin's new slippers. "We should have no problem covering the front door."
The next morning when Kaylayne lifts up the black boots that she insists on calling slippers, Ederin's eyes light up. "Yeah, I'll take 'em Kay. I've got a good eye, but a little leverage and height advantage can't hurt."
Dimitrio tries to hide his smile, "They're girl boots, Shorty. They were being worn by the drow chic. Look at the heels on them; see.."
He scoffs, "On second thought, never mind. I think they will add those few inches you seem to be lacking."
He whistles softly, "Looking good, Shorty."
We got a bear? No. That's wrong.
We have *two* bears.
Kaylayne nods, agreeing with everyone that agrees with her.
"Oh yeah, we should," Kaylayne says, looking down at her no-longer slippered feet. "We could also get Ederin and I to the roof, allowing the Bears to draw them out of cover. From there, it will be could be quick work."
* * *
Eviana smiles, "I'm glad your taking the front. I pray you'll do well."
You have the night to prepare, and leave early, pre dawn, the next day to your objective. The plan is for each team to strike when the sun just touches the top of the doomed domed building.
Though you're closer on the map, you're actually going to be 100' away when you start with a surprise round. Just post your pre-prep now as Kaylayne has, please don't start on rounds yet.
- - -
The journey to the academy is a quiet one. There seem to be very few drow on the streets and they are easily avoided. As the large building draws in sight, both Shalelu and Kaerishiel exchange well wishes with the party and each other before taking their small teams off to prepare for the assault. As they disappear into the brush, the first rays of light illuminate the trees above the ancient structure. The time for the strike is close at hand.
The Academy itself is one of the more well-preserved structures in Celwynvian, but still the passage of time has left its mark in places. The building itself is made of stone and consists of three domed structures surrounding a low, one-story stone bunker. The domes are of white marble and thick with ivy and other creeping vines. All doors are made of stone. There is no illumination - exterior is dim light due to the canopy and pre-dawn, and interiors will be dark or darker. :)
"I could go explore the roof. Make sure there are no surprises there," Kaylayne offers before they are seen by any occupants. "They will not see me coming."
Kaylayne waits to hear what others wish to do.
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On the way Allarnon once again shifts into the form of a massive bear. Drawing closer he has Ederin assist him with his armor as he prepares longer term spells on both himself and Tarkir.
Eyeing the building Allarnon sees that it is darker than his human eyes are used to as he casts light on his bear sack wrapped around his waist.
"I could go explore the roof. Make sure there are no surprises there," Kaylayne offers before they are seen by any occupants. "They will not see me coming."
"Can you see anything from here? I will wait to charge the front door when we are ready." He growls pawing at the soft underbrush, trying to prepare himself for the oncoming fight.
Ederin meditates quietly, the morning before the attack, focusing his energy on all of the magical knowledge he'd been gifted with, doing his best to prepare for the battle ahead as best he can.
As the party nears the location he too casts Barkskin on himself, smiling in amusement as he feels his skin harden under his own magical influence.
He fingers the string on his bow to make sure it's taut then grips an arrow in his other hand.
"I'll keep my eyes open Al, but I'm sure you'll see arrows flying as soon as anything moves."
Kaylayne smiles at Ederin, confirming the plan.
"Ederin and I will check out the roof and secure it before letting one of you know we're ready, right? You guys get in position and we'll try to strike together. Watch for the arrow or listen for something from me," Kaylayne says looking at the rest of the bear brigade party.
As the bear team is getting situated, Kaylayne takes the A Team to the right side of the map (between A & C).
"I think we should approach this way, Ederin," Kaylayne says as they circle to approach carefully. "Why don't you let me go up first and call signal to you if it's clear?"
Kaylayne asks this as she sees the Other Kaylayne wisping high in the trees, no longer bound by gravity. The Other Kaylayne calls and beckons her to come up as well. Kaylayne tries to focus on her surroundings, but her eyes dart to the other Kaylayne, the one that only she can see.
When they get 100' out, her feet begin to leave the ground. She is not exactly flying, but flying. Buoyant and untethered, she floats into the foliage, moving slowly and trying to remain hidden.
Stealth -
She will move to 5' above the height of the roof to look around before sneaking over to the roof.
Perception
She will indicate Ederin to follow up the side if there isn't danger on top.
"You might have that fancy new vest love, but I ain't planning to give up scoutin' anytime soon."
Ederin shakes his head and follows behind the bartender, begrudginly admitting that, at least for now, her magical vestment does seem to give her an edge.
Kaylayne flies ahead of the others and tries coming in from the east. She reaches the edge of the substantive building. Nothing seems to move in the immediate area.
Ederin closes in as well (I've placed you on the map on the eastern side of the building).
How early (rounds/minutes and how many) are you going before the strike is to occur?
Holding tight until the signal is given, Dimitrio stays out of sight and downs his anti-toxin.
He whispers a prayer to Desna and waits. Impatiently.
Kaylayne flies ahead of the others and tries coming in from the east. She reaches the edge of the substantive building. Nothing seems to move in the immediate area.
How early (rounds/minutes and how many) are you going before the strike is to occur?
Kaylayne does not touch the roof itself (not to alert others that foes might be atop), but quickly goes to the top of the bottom dome to confirm nothing is a threat from atop.
She will float to above the A entrance and await Ederin.
Hopefully Kaylayne and Ederin will be in place for when the dawn light hits the top of the highest dome, at which the assault will begin.
Lief tries to strategize briefly before everyone moves ahead. He sorts through all manner of vial, producing several, and consuming them in short order, shortly before the beginning of the coordinated strike at all three entries.
Lief remains with Dimitrio, Allarnon, and Tarkir. When first light hits, he immediately flicks back another vial, bringing all four of them the speed necessary for closing distance to the structure as quickly as possible, over the 100' distance.