Ashe pauses momentarily... considering the undead on display... then dismisses them as a mad fancy of perverse minds. Ashe follows Graxer... sword ready shield held high to face any threats through the southern door to the west.
He briefly comments, "...no one touch the double doors to the west or east. We should clear these chambers first. We also know the double doors to the west are trapped..."
"Lead on, Lieutenant."
Ashe does not hesitate as he takes in the room...
Ashe charges the slimy-looking unpleasant fellow, thinking, {Maybe he's a direct lieutenant of Davaulus? He's not dressed like the rest. If I want any answers here... I must take him alive! No one else will even try their blood lust is up... and is unreasonable! We need evidence and testimony to make this stick legally.. and to see who else in involved!'} striking with Dauntless Heart ~ Power Attack stab to the guts!
His only words, "Take them down! Let NONE Escape!!"
Mentally,
Majenko darts toward the target Ashe indicated swooping down out of the rafters shadows to flank the same slimy looking man his tail stinger lashing out to try to sting him on the back of his neck... even as Ashe charges in to strike with his glowing Dauntless Heart..!
"Well now what do we have here! Bad day to play doctor.."
Varrel uses SLUMBER DC17 on whatever target is within 30 ft. He uses a move action to close with a foe.
Init:
Reasoning that his invisibility is likely to end soon, Damoc decides to attack. The patients make using an area spell unpalatable. Magic missile is not strong enough. They might harm a patient. He rushes in with his rapier.
Rapier .... damage
Bane: A bane weapon excels against certain foes. Against a designated foe, the weapon's enhancement bonus is +2 better than its actual bonus. It also deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against the foe. To randomly determine a weapon's designated foe, roll on the following table.
Invisible: Invisible creatures are visually undetectable. An invisible creature gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls against sighted opponents, and ignores its opponents' Dexterity bonuses to AC (if any). See Invisibility, under Special Abilities.
Deriven moves into the room remaining near the door in a defensive position.
Init:
Graxer will charge the slimy guy..
Ashe is undaunted as he swings again at the agile man in robes but this time with more precision than power.
At the same time Majenko lashes at the robed man with a darting tail stinger!
Graxer will activate his bane ability and swing away..
Seeing Graxer anxious to shift.. into a flank, Majenko will strike with his stinger then 5'ft step back to allow the furious dwarf to take up that position flanking with Asherick.
Deriven maintains a defensive stance, seeing little need to engage.
Seeing his first target satisfyingly slump to the floor, Varrel switches targets. He calls upon the inner power and directs his slumber at the last man whom has not been engaged by anyone (priest 2?), as he spits the incantation he moves to close with the first physician he dropped, drawing his Heavy Pick again as he moves. His motive was clear: Vengeance!
He calls out a strange chiirup ☆Help Graxer, Silf!☆
The little dinosaur charges through the air into the face of Graber ' opponent
Seeing the Slimy man go down Graxer turns his attention to one of the priest..
Confirm
Ashe pauses, knelling down to take the severed arm stump in hand and bind it thoroughly. Then applies his sacred touch ...a silverly light suffuses his Inheritor's Gauntleted hand briefly passing over the man's form... and the bleeding stops; his wounds stabilized.
The injured man dealt with Ashe moves ignoring the other opponents to block Physician #2 from escaping through the double doors to the south!
"Where do you think you are going? Murderer, Hell awaits!"
Majenko on a mental command for caution from Ashe flies up into the shadows of the ceiling to conceal himself.
Deriven moves to block the path of anyone trying to flee.
Varrel barks a command at the familiar as the Physician attacks him. An empathic order to aid his master
The little dinosaur obeys, charging away from Graxer's hapless victim, flapping and screeching to harm the physician#2.
Varrel turns aside from the glancing blow from his attacker who made the grave mistake of closing with the Magus. Varrel DELAYS to wait for the charging Dinosaur, then launches into action. He casts SHOCKING GRASP.
He uses his Arcane pool to empower his scimitar in his right hand.
Varrel launches into a spinning whirl of blades and spell. He drops the Heavy Pick in his left hand to free it for casting. He finishes the spell and 2 handed grips the scimitar, striking at Priest#2
His first strike a critical hit, the power shocking him to death.
His foe (hopefully) dead. He spins away and uses his 30 feet of movement to close with the fleeing Physician#2 (Flanking with As he if possible)
Ashe will club the 'physician' with the flat of Dauntless Heart until he falls... he intends to take as many back to face lawfully legally administered justice - as is "reasonably" possible.
Graxer catches his breath and starts looking around..
Ashe will club the 'physician' with the flat of Dauntless Heart until he falls... he intends to take as many back to face lawfully legally administered justice - as is "reasonably" possible.
The fight over, the Magus walks away while Ashe frets over another downed foe. And calmly retrieves his dropped Heavy Pick and mulls over whether to end the other downed man permanently.
This many prisoners is going to prove a problem Ashe. The more you take the greater risk to us and anyone you deem to take control of them. How are your stores of rope going? I hope you include knots in your Sailing skills, yes?
Ashe is silent for long moments as he does pull a shortening length of rope from his pack to cut suitably long enough lengths to bind the unconscious foes, refusing to be angered or reply uncivilly to the constant criticism and verbal barbs.
It seems as if he may not reply at all, but he responds simply, "...part of serving the common good is building hope. When the citizens can see these criminals punished they can see the justice of the system working in their behalf. It builds their confidence and trust in the rule of law FOR the cause of justice. It is just as important to build that belief in lawfully administered justice as it is to tear down the machinations of evil and chaos. It is civilized and it strengthens itself the more it is applied by example and practice. The alternative of mob 'justice' is neither just nor orderly - it is invariably uncivilized. The Inheritor, IOMEDAE is the Lady of Chivalry. For chivalry to be - there must be order and civilization."
"Only those enemies already wounded enough to be rendered unconscious remain here at all. They will not wake for hours... and I am binding them so even if they should wake they are helpless. They are no threat... and yes, knots are a skill I've learned some proficiency with in my sailing travels."
Varrel smiles, actually glad for Ashe's strength of his convictions. As always, he was a light for hope. The elf hoped Ashe realised, though Varrel himself would never speak the words, he was not angry with his young friend, just afraid of the repercussions of mercy betrayed. Varrel had been mentally destroyed too many times and had given up on mercy long ago.
He says nothing but claps the young man on the back as he rises. Then nods towards the next set of doors. Their work was not done today.
Deriven looks over the prisoners, ensures they are soundly unconcious and disarmed, then follows the others to the next area.
After gathering all the usable gear Graxer will go take a listen at the double doors to the south..
Damoc's face colors red as cleans his sword quickly. It was his man who fled. Lucky that Ashe and Varrel stopped him before he could warn the other Urgathoans.
A quick glance at the patients in the cots sends the mage retreating toward the center of the room. Poor wretches, but there is nothing I can do for them. And I do not want to catch their illness. A last glance at the blood-stained walls and Damoc quickens his pace as images of exploding bodies cloud his mind. He is not much comforted by the Physician's Mask he wears. Upon reaching the center, the little Cheliaxian turns in place and, like Graxer, examines the room for traces of magic.
..
Ashe stands after securing the prisoners that are still alive. Ashe moves to the man he first attacked the one whose arm was severed by Graxer.
"Varrel, Deriven, Graxer, Damoc please detect magic upon these foes... and let us remove any magic they had on their person. I'll see to the prisoners on the cots... releasing them from their bindings and ending any ongoing tortures being inflicted upon them. I just want to make them comfortable and end any suffering they are undergoing immediately."
"After we are done with that... we go through the double-doors at the south of this room. Make sure you scan those doors for magic as well... incase their is another magical trap."
Ashe begins moving from cot to cot cutting bonds and treating injuries speaking softly and reassuringly in Varisian intentionally showing hints of his cultural tatoos to add weight to his calming and resassuring words,
Varrel does as asked, scanning for magic and allowing the paladin his moment. Between dressing the great number of wounds and his kind assurances to the victims, it takes at least a full two minutes. When he has a moment he gathers Graxer close.
Deriven will first assist the people in the iron beds ensuring they are stabilized. Once that task is complete, he will say to Ashe,"I think these beds will make good restraints for the scum." Deriven will assist putting the fallen Urgathoans in the empty beds chaining them up as they did to the patients. He shows little regard for their health or well-being. "That will ensure they do not escape.
Once that is complete, he will ready his shield and prepare to move through the other doors. "Take the strongest magic items. The rest we can take later for payment for this crusade. Once everyone within is subdued."
"On a personal level I find paladins to be dull.. They are streamlined weapons of their god, but often lack in common sense thats needed to handle some situations.. Ashe is no different and while I see the merits of openess of ones title I don't think it should be used always.. That said I agree that he is a fine soilder and will do what needs to be done.. As long as he stays out of my way than we shall have no issues.. As far as removing that stick I dunno if it's possible.."
He laughs midly at the end of his reply..
When Graxer laughs, Damoc looks over at the dwarf and elf comfortably jesting in dwarven. So relaxed. So at ease. Not a trace of fear. These are true heroes. I, meanwhile, can barely stand in this room surrounded by Bloodveil. I want to run screaming back to the elevator. No wonder I just don't fit with them. Nethys and Cayden see me through this please. I won't leave the safety of my home and Famio's forge again.
As Ashe moves around the room giving assitance where he can he notices Damoc's flustered confidences and makes his way over to his side a gentle smile of reassurance upon his face.
He places a guantelted hand upon his shoulder to boulster his confidence, speaking softly but with firm conviction, "... let no horror cast shadow over thy heart brave Cousin! These victims do not suffer from Blood Veil... see they are all good Common folk likely Varisians?"
Patting his belt pouch at his hip in gesture, "I collected notes and paperwork upstairs in Davaulus' office & lab that may allow me to concoct a serum with more assistance and time..."
"These criminals were trying to find out why these people are resistant to the disease. I'll bet these victims here show a special resistance also hence why they are being tormented so dastardly! I'm hoping to calm them by revealing my cultural Varisian family name... and not my noble or official status. I don't know if they have seen Grey Maidens helping these 'physicians' and may suspect ANY official of the city of collusion - this place is not safe and still the high priestess of Urgathoa, , needs be dealt with. We can't take the time to escort them all out so I need them to trust me to stay here out of harms way until all is dealt with. They are very weak I do not want to traumatize them... perhaps jeopardize their lives further."
"Stand firm cousin.. your courage has not failed you, horror such as this is horrific! But know you do not stand alone! Justice is on our side... We WILL Prevail!"
His frosty blue eyes, framed by strands of shock-white hair peeking from under his helm, burn with a firm belief and a no small amount of pride in Damoc's solid courage and support of the party's efforts! There is not the slightest hint of uncertainty in his trust in the Acadeame wizard that shares his blood.
Ashe returns to his tasks making sure all the patients are comfortable and understand they need to stay here until the party returns as there are still more threats to deal with in the complex.
Deriven will look the patients over. Do they have blood veil or are they like the patients upstairs seeming to have immunity? He beleives some patients are being used to test immunity and some might be used to create more blood veil. Since we're in the heart of it, he'll check them for symptoms of blood veil.
Discomfited by inadvertently revealing his trepidation, Damoc briefly considers hotly denying it, but Ashe's sincerity and good intention are so clear that such a response would be churlish indeed.
"I thank you for your words, cousin. I will confess that I am -- uncomfortable in the presence of this scourge. The brave example of all our party are a revelation and inspiration to me."
Logic, revelation and inspiration aside, Damoc still can not bring himself to approach the beds and his eyes are drawn back again and again to the bloodstain on the wall. He tries to force his face into the unflappable demeanor expected of the CHeliaxian gentleman.
Ashe smiles at Damoc and replies, "Truly I tell you this... it takes little 'courage' to stand in the face of horror when one has divine gifts that protect one. It is not a sin or failing of character to feel fear my cousin... for only a fool fears no threat that wisdom would counsel caution against! YOU, show REAL courage when you stand with us.. with no such protection and yet - you do not falter!
I.. am nothing, compared to that strength of character! You do our family the REAL honor with thy Bravery!"
"But worry not - even if these poor victims might be infected.. my goddess IOMEDAE can cure the 'Blood Veil' with but a touch of my hand employing her freely given divine gift in your behalf. I will let none of our party fall victim to the disease before we vanquish this evil... so be at ease, dear cousin."
I'm hoping to calm them by revealing my cultural Varisian family name... and not my noble or official status. I don't know if they have seen Grey Maidens helping these 'physicians' and may suspect ANY official of the city of collusion - this place is not safe and still the high priestess of Urgathoa."
.
The elf glances at Derived and Graxer and motions that they move onto the next room.
They were done here.
Ashe's heart quails at his error..
"Forgive my over-optimism my cousin... please stand back! I'll dispatch these Zombies now and will cure , and young ."
Ashe will lower his visor to hide his grief but with a soft prayer of divine mercy he will behead the three zombies with each zombie getting one decisive, ringing, death blow!
Ashe will comment, to Deriven, "..do not expend your magics on this.. greater foes still await circle brother.. I'll cure these patients with my wand..."
Ashe will draw his and expend two charges one on each to cure the 'blood Veil' infecting them.
He will speak reassuringly to the two, but privately his conscience is pricked at his silly caution when only two of the victims were even alive... and one 'Young' Dalvun would know him regardless of any name he gave.
Chiding himself in his own thoughts,
Turing to Varrel and Graxer, "..I'll drag the contagious bodies over to the blood stained wall of you will please build a makes-shift travois there out of the unused beds... so they may be removed latter and are out of the ways for now."
Listening to the boy.. "Well it seems we have our destination picked out after we finish destroying this vile sanctum.. Damoc this gear looks mostly for you.. Well besides that ring and cloak.. Ashe i believe it is your turn to upgrade defenses.. Varrel, Deriven, Either of you have need for this cloak? Ill take the potions.." He picks up the headband, wand, and spellbook and hands them to Damoc.. He pockets the 2 potions before moving over and helping pile up the beds.
Afterwards, when everyone is ready he'll move over to the Iron door and try one of the keys they just found..
Ashe smiles at Graxer's consideration, "... I'm honored and thankful.. scion of 'The Lord in Iron'. I will take the the magical ring."
Once all preparations are done, Ashe will take up position supporting Graxer to enter the Iron door following Graxer when her enters.
Deriven looks the zombie bodies over. He says, "I will push for Urgathoa's worship to be outlawed in the city and expelled from the temple. If the Queen and nobles do not comply, we will seek to end their rule of this city. If they do not cast out The Pallid Princess after this genocide, they do not deserve to rule."
"Let us move on and finish this."
Ashe nods grimly in agreement with his circle-brother, "Indeed, I believe there will be sufficient political and public decry that the nobles and the Crown least they not wish to be ex-rulers and ex-nobles will have no choice but to outlaw such 'worship' in face of citizenry wrath! It will be nice to group Urgathoa with the outlawed religions here in Korvosa...like Lamashtu and Rovagug!"
Then casting a glance Graxer's way, "...And perhaps it is time the soon-to-be vacant Pallid Princess place in the Temple Complex of the 'Pantheon of Many' be replaced by a deity that has no representation - considering the considerable aid in rooting out this evil that GORUM'S Clergy has granted the city in this time of crisis?"
Damoc takes the items and ponders the spellbook. It could be trapped. My own is warded. An evil man could place a very nasty surprise indeed for anyone who pried into his secrets. But examining it might provide intelligence of any magical traps he has placed here.
He reaches to stroke his beard, but is foiled by the Physician's mask.
This is not his place. The priests hold sway. I think it unlikely they would want him to place traps, at least in areas they inhabit or use.