Eli glares at the half-orc, "Then today will be the day!" Suspecting that the dark priest is baiting him, Eli advances with a defensive stance attacking with some caution while ducking and weaving to throw Lynxian off.
Round 13.
Regaining his footing after being staggered by the burst of negative energy, Dumah pulls himself upright.
So, it has come down to stubborn determination, has it? We will not be felled so easily. You have gone to extremes to protect yourself from the greatest of my magics... perhaps I can fell you with the least of them! With that, Dumah again calls on the arcane forces and musters a single dart of emerald force, which he sends lancing past Eli and our faithful animals, slamming into this most worthy foe.
Damage
The missile slams into Lynxian, scorching his skin, but he still stands! "You speak the truth, wizard. I protected myself from your fire and your electricity, but not the simplest of your spells. How ironic! I will not make the same mistake on my next mission to kill a wizard!"
He steps back 5' and casts divine magic and you see some of his open wounds close, but he still looks very badly hurt. "I can now take a few more of your missiles, wizard. Can you take more of my unholy energy?"
Spellcraft to ID the healing spell. Please let it Cure Light!
Spellcraft
"You run from me? You're a pathetic excuse for a creature, you are not even worthy to be a champion of slugs much less the Mother of Monsters!" Eli strikes with as much finesse as his weak body can muster, swinging Tempest and trying to lay the priest into the dust of the desert once and for all.
Lynxian does not fall for Eli's Feint and protects his kidney from the attack, but he is cut, although his armor and Eli's weak Strength lessen the deadliness of the blow.
The ferocious boar bounds after Lynxian as he retreats for his spell, determined to gore him on its still pearly clean tusks.
To hit
Damage
Aaaand the boar's streak continues. Hopefully it is at least annoying Lynxian with its awful breath.
Round 14. Force Missile!
"You run from me? You're a pathetic excuse for a creature, you are not even worthy to be a champion of slugs much less the Mother of Monsters!" Eli strikes with as much finesse as his weak body can muster, swinging Tempest and trying to lay the priest into the dust of the desert once and for all.
"You run from me? You're a pathetic excuse for a creature, you are not even worthy to be a champion of slugs much less the Mother of Monsters!" Eli strikes with as much finesse as his weak body can muster, swinging Tempest and trying to lay the priest into the dust of the desert once and for all.
Good point, Am I right in thinking that if a weapon does damage it has to do at least one point even if Modifiers reduce it to less than that? Wouldn't that make the damage 1(-4)+5+7-4=11
Good point, Am I right in thinking that if a weapon does damage it has to do at least one point even if Modifiers reduce it to less than that? Wouldn't that make the damage 1(-4)+5+7-4=11
After Dumah hits him with that force missile at the top of round 14, Dumah will taunt him. Your negative energy powers aren't enough, you arrogant fool! I will defeat you with my petty magic missiles, unless you have something better to offer from your dark god! My magics have been the cause of most of your wounds, and the reason you are without your blade! Come on!
Dumah's Energy Missile strikes Lynxian again. He grunts his pain, as he is severely hurt.
Both images of Lynxian look at Eli and Dumah, almost incredulously. "Champion of slugs? Really? You have the nerve of not even giving me my proper respect! After I have waylaid your famous Sand Stalkers and you are hanging on by a thread and your strongest warrior is down, the other one is blind, your priest is dead, and yet you talk with such bravado?! Oh, Eli, you will regret your words, for I will make sure you remember me...forever...Lynxian, Champion of Lamashtu! You will remember me in your nightmares, that I swear to you, even if this battle causes me my death!"
He looks to the heavens, grips his holy symbol, and more unholy energy explodes from him, hitting all of you and the animals and ripping the flesh off Quzman's corpse!
So, first hit, 1 pt non-lethal, 1pt from the +1 and 5 cold, critical confirmed 2pts and another +1 from the magic weapon?
Boar's to hit
Damage
Eli chokes as Quzman breathes his last and screams as he strikes at his foe again.
Bluff to feint
Attack
damage
cold
SA
Current AC:16 blur effect
Once more, Dumah summons what will he can and unleashes another bolt of mystical power at Lynxian. It is accompanied by a silent prayer to Sarenrae and Abadar, and any other kind god that may be listening...
Damage
Lynxian stands incredulously, that his last blast of negative energy did not take out Dumah. As the inevitable occurs, he looks to the sands and says, "I served you in the best manner I could, Mother!" The energy missile flies unerringly and slams into him, where he lets out a grunt of pain and collapses to the floor, his holy symbol falling from his hands. When it lands on the sands, you see it converts to a swarm of maggots that begins feasting on the cleric. Soon after, Lynxian is no more!
At a glance, Dumah notes that Quzman is beyond saving. Choking down the emotions at the sight, Dumah sprints over to Bahiyy and checks his condition. He digs in Bahiyy's pouches, looking for a potion of cure moderate wounds, which he will carefully force him to swallow.
Potion
It's over, Ty. That monstrosity is gone.
"Hey guys, is everyone okay? Is it over? What's going on?" Ty continues to call out as he moves closer to the area of noises.
Slowly Bahiyy regains consciousness again, opening his eyes he asks: "It is over, or? You managed to bring him down?" He states, more to assure himself than a question. He lays still, as life comes back into him, "all was light, everywhere, but just for a moment, and then, it was, as if I was send back again," he whispers.
Looking up to Dumah, "thank you, it feels good to be back among the living."
"Thanks Abadar," he says, and then, holding on to his holy symbol, he let's the power of Abadar flowing through his body, as if to wash away all the darkness with which they had wressled. .
Standing up he sees the blind Ty, and he feels sorry for him, sorry, that he remembered so late. Slowly he walks up to him, slightly touches his eyes with his finger tips, "in the name of Abadar, you may see again."
Noticing the 3 with Quzman missing he looks around, "no, he, he did not make it?", walking to him, checking his condition, realizing, that he is really dead, over and over again, as if not believing the reality.
Sand Stalkers, we must move quickly. There is still time to bring Quzman back to us, before his soul becomes too adjusted to its new existence. We can start with the clergy in town to see if they have the power. If not, we may have to travel to someone capable. At this point, Dumah seems to be talking more to himself than the rest of the group. Perhaps a druid, that could reincarnate him... If we have to go to a major city, there are those who would undoubtably sell the act, but could we make it in time? Perhaps a Sending spell could arrange to meet them half way...
Dumah is clearly in denial about Quzman's death.
Patting of the sand and dust from his clothes Bahiyy looks at Dumah, "sure enough, but we might end up making him nito a fish, you never know with druids." You can easily recognize that he is not fond of the idea with the druid, "but if we can get him to Katapesh, I hope to be able to get him raised in a temple for Abadar. Especially, if Princess Almah would write a letter of recommendation. Might take a few days to get there, but I am more then willing to make the journey." Seeing the doubt and concern in dumah's eyes he adds, "don't worry, I can preserve his body, so decay doesn't set in , and we should have more then enough funds to raise him. Besides, I am willing to sacrifice my possessions for his life."
Ah, Gentle Repose. I'd forgotten priests could do that. And perhaps we shouldn't be too presumptuous. Bahiyy, can you speak with Quzman's soul to ensure that he desires a return to this hard existance? Who are we to deny him his eternal reward if he is indeed ready to embrace it?
Also, I don't think financing it would be too difficult, with the treasure we confiscated from the assassin.
Eli, this contract that Lynxian bore, it is signed by Gashnul and refers to the Gnoll King. What do you know about either? Do you want to make a Knowledge (Local) roll?
What does Dumah know of them?
Knowledge History
Knowledge Nobilitiy
Knowledge Religion
"Sure enough, but, I'd need a nights rest before I will be able to talk to him." He looks at his injured companions, at his blood stained clothes, makes sure, all are close enough, and again, gives a prayer of thanksgiving to Abadar and the holy light of Abadar washes over them again and again.
As Bahiyy's power washes over everyone, Dumah follows with his own minor power. He uses presdigitation on everyone, including Quzman and Ky, to clean the blood and sand from their clothing, fur and bodies.
Eli spits on the last of the maggots. "Good riddance!" Adrenaline courses through his body as he turns and faces the mountain home of the gnolls and shouts, Tears pour from his eyes as he collapses over his fallen companions life less form. "NOOOOOOO!"
Hearing Dumah mention the clergy in town Eli staggers to his feet. "I am too weak to carry him, Ty...Bahiyy, please help me bring him to Abdallah at the temple." Eli will drag himself back to the village and despite the late hour will bang upon the door until the priest comes to admit them. When the priest arrives Eli falls to his knees, "We need your healing art good priest, Quzman has fallen. You must help him....bring him back to us and I will swear my life and my blade to the service of Sarenrae. I will ferret out and eliminate evil where ever the Dawnflower finds it, this I will pledge upon the name of my birth...Altoriss van Zandt.
The pale of blackness suddenly lifts from Ty's eyes, as Bahiyy miraculously cures the blindness curse from the evil priest. "Many thanks, friend. I am sorry I wasn't strong enough to resist the magicks of the foul trickster. I might have been able to make a difference for Quzman."
Ty helps the group move the corpse back to the town. He was silent, listening to Eli's demonstrations. It's better for him to get this out, he thought, hearing his friend's rages.
Hearing Dumah mention the clergy in town Eli staggers to his feet. "I am too weak to carry him, Ty...Bahiyy, please help me bring him to Abdallah at the temple." Eli will drag himself back to the village and despite the late hour will bang upon the door until the priest comes to admit them. When the priest arrives Eli falls to his knees, "We need your healing art good priest, Quzman has fallen. You must help him....bring him back to us and I will swear my life and my blade to the service of Sarenrae. I will ferret out and eliminate evil where ever the Dawnflower finds it, this I will pledge upon the name of my birth...Altoriss van Zandt.
As the party walks into town carrying Quzman’s body, audible gasps and prayers to Sarenrae are heard from the guardsmen, as they rush to assist the party and alert Princess Almah and Garavel. At the Church of Sarenrae, Abdallah Chiq’ri listened to Eli’s impassioned pleas. ”I was alerted combat was imminent and my skills would be needed. Let me see the body.” The party moves the body to a nearby table already set up to receive wounded soldiers. He investigates the body. ”This was a strong, noble man. We must first discover if this warrior’s soul wishes to return to the land of the living or live in harmony with his god. This will take a few minutes." He draws an outline of the body and covers Quzman’s body in ointments and markings, all while intoning divine magic. After 10 minutes of doing so, the spell culminates and the sight of Quzman’s corpse screaming greets the party. The abbot calms Quzman’s soul, explains to him that combat was over, that his friends survived and that the evildoer was killed, but that he fell in battle. When he calms down, the abbot in a soft gentle tone asks Quzman’s soul if he wishes to return to the living.
After the spirit departs, Abdallah Chiq’ri tells the party: ”Unfortunately, the power to restore life to those who have passed on is beyond my capabilities. You would have to contact my clergy in Katapesh, they may have a renowned cleric of such power. I can prepare a letter of introduction; you have all done so much for our faith here in Kelmarane. I am sure the Princess can also help with her contacts in Katapesh.”
Dumah moves close to Eli and says quietly to him My friend, it is time for words to calm the folk of this town. We need to let them know that the immediate threat is over. Once we have Quzman at our side again, we can track down the one who hired Lynxian and crush the gnolls power in this area for once and for all.
Eli, this contract that Lynxian bore, it is signed by Gashnul and refers to the Gnoll King. What do you know about either? Do you want to make a Knowledge (Local) roll?
What does Dumah know of them?
Eli's roll:
Eli has never heard of the name.
The strain of the battle, and the loss weighs heavy on the bard and he withdraws into a quite corner of the Church to think and pray. "Oh, that you were here to guide me Brebork." As dawn approaches he rejoins the others. "I will take Quzman to Katapesh, I would not be alive if it were not for the valor of our friend. Any who wish to join me may, but I hesitate to take all of the Sand Stalkers away from Kelmarane. I know not who this Gashnul is, but mark my words he will pay for what has happened here tonight. Let us report to Garavel that we have eliminated the assassin, but the threat is not past us. He can tell the people for I am tired and must rest a bit. I will leave for Katapesh this afternoon."
I will most certainly go with you. Perhaps while we are there I can do a little more research on this "Gashnul" that we are now obligated to slay.
"Perhaps all of us should go. We seem to have reached a level of infamy that is causing people to actively come looking for us. If we leave the village until we root out the cause, it might be safer for everyone. The harpy can protect the town against true emergencies."
"I don't know about that Ty, they hurt the people of the village to draw us out in hopes to eliminate us. If we are gone, what will keep the gnoll tribes from swarming over Kelmarane and wiping the place out? Our enemy fears us, at least enough not to raid while we are here, other wise they would not have gone to the trouble to eliminate us with an assassin. I fear that this...Gashnul....knows that as long as we are here the people of Kelmarane can not be defeated, but if he could get us out of the vicinity then he hopes the villagers spirit might be broken."
The assassin had a contract out on us specifically. If any more come after us that are as formidable as the last, I don't think we should be separated, and we must run this errand for Quzman. Besides, we will have to leave the town when we go after the monster that prompted this.
"You speak true Dumah, but when we go after that monster we are taking the fight to them. If we are not here bringing that fight, then nothing intercedes them bringing doom to Kelmarane. We need Quzman to bring that fight, and if Abdallah thinks his order in Katapesh can return our friend to us then we must make the effort to see it done. I am torn, we once left the monastery to take the fight to our enemy at the cost of Brebork's life. I count too many souls against my ledger with the gods, I could not bare it if harm should come to any of the people here." The bard rubs his heavy eyes and an idea occurs to him, "Perhaps we can bluff. If we get some of the villagers to dress as us and be seen moving about the village then maybe the agents of this...Gashnul...will believe we remain and they will be less likely to lead an assault in our absence. Ah, what am I thinking. I am tired and that is a stupid idea."
If we act quickly, we may be able to return at full strength before they can carry out another retaliation.
Garavel hears the party’s report. ”I am glad you stopped the assassin. It seems you are making your enemies nervous. I am sorry for Quzman’s death. The Princess has proposed that she can call in a few favors from her powerful merchant friends and request that a high priest of Sarenrae be escorted here to Kelmarane. You have done so much for her and the village. That way, you do not worry about our safety. Or you can travel to Katapesh and I will make sure the Princess writes you a letter of high recommendation to present in Katapesh. The village can survive a few weeks without your presence, if you decide that is your choice."
Getting the go-ahead from Garavel made Ty's concerns much less so. "Let's prepare ourselves to head out as soon as possible. The sooner we get on the trip, the sooner we can get back here."
I am still of the opinion that we should go, and get Quzman restored quickly. No doubt his actions in life have earned him a magnificent reward in the afterlife, and we don't want contentment to set in when there is still much good he can do here.