Minor - draw sword. Minor - curse. Free - activate ruby scabbard power. Standard Melee attack - 1d20+8 = 10 vs AC. Action point - standard melee again - 21 vs AC. Damage 1d8+3 + 1d6 = 9 damage

Drawing his sword and wielding it with both hands, Arianwyn stabs at the creature!

For Rev

Don't forget you all have two APs.

Arianwyn grits his teeth and stabs hard into the grotesque parody of Narissa.

The creature's arms uncoil slowly, stretching, stretching out to surround the nearest figures. Your eyes are unable to break away from the horror of the enveloping arms. With a little smile, the hands meet and the Muse smiles as you succomb to her charms. Kia alone shrugs and glowers at the abominable thing. She is not impressed.

Sweetly scented mist rises from the Muse's feet, and climbs sluggishly up Arianwyn and Whiteclaw's legs. The first impact is not unpleasant, but it takes only half a breath to realise this is a demonic trick as it lowers their defenses and brings memories they would rather leave behind to the forefront of their minds.

A single bolt of power skews towards Kia, but the eladrin's reflexes are too good and she ducks contemptuously aside. A repetition of the attack meets the same fate and the Muse curls its lip.

Vel's flame flickers and dies. Save v ongoing fire (1d20=15)

Fragrant doom: aura 1. Creatures starting their turns adjacent to the Muse take 2 psychic damage and a -2 to defenses. IMPORTANT EDIT - Note that the damage increases with each turn you remain within the aura.

Hypnotic Embrace. Close burst 3 v Will. On hit target is dazed to end next turn.

Hypnotic embrace (Will) v
Kia, at -5
Vel
Seraphiel
Whiteclaw
Arianwyn, at -5
G10
G6
Roswitha
close burst 3. On hit target is dazed to end next turn
(1d20 10=17, 1d20 10=21, 1d20 10=18, 1d20 10=22, 1d20 10=30, 1d20 10=29, 1d20 10=24, 1d20 10=21)

Hits everyone but Kia.

Fatal attraction v Kia (Ref) On hit makes secondary attack at 6 v Will
If secondary attack hits, make tertiary attack 4 v Fort and target is dazed.
Second and third attacks must be same target as primary. (1d20 8=13, 1d8 3=8). Misses.

Fatal attraction v Kia (Ref)
On hit makes secondary attack at 6 v Will
If secondary attack hits, make tertiary attack 4 v Fort and target is dazed.
Second and third attacks must be same target as primary. (1d20 8=13, 1d8 3=8). Misses again! Kia is made of granite.

MAP

Reason is up - welcome back Scribbling Rambler!
Gobi
Vel - dazed to end Muse's next turn
Kia
Whiteclaw - +3 AC, -2 F/R/W and takes 2 damage from aura, dazed
Seraphiel - dazed
Arianwyn - -2 F/R/W and takes 2 damage from aura, dazed
Muse

Would the seperate seeming attack on Kia count as an attack not made on Whiteclaw while the Muse is marked? If so, Whiteclaw pops her with Warden's Fury: 1d20+10 vs Fort=26, 1d8+3/2=2. And she'd grant us CA until the end of my next turn.

Would the seperate seeming attack on Kia count as an attack not made on Whiteclaw while the Muse is marked? If so, Whiteclaw pops her with Warden's Fury: 1d20+10 vs Fort=26, 1d8+3/2=2. And she'd grant us CA until the end of my next turn.

The misty fists clench as Whiteclaw's battleaxe crashes instinctively into it, defying the creature to attack anyone but her.

Reason is up, CA v Muse
Gobi, CA v Muse
Vel - dazed to end Muse's next turn, CA v Muse
Kia, CA v Muse
Whiteclaw - dazed, +3 AC to end Seraphiel's next turn, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W
Seraphiel - dazed
Arianwyn - dazed, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W
Muse - marked by Whiteclaw

Rolling for Reason

Reason strides closer to the Muse, his face a mingled mask of curiosity and revulsion. Raising his symbol, he fires Ioun's light at the monstrosity, inmbuing Gobi with fresh vigour.

Lance of Faith (Ref) v Muse (1d20 9=26, 1d8 5=6)

MAP

Gobi is up, CA v Muse and +2 to attack roll courtesy of Reason
Vel - dazed to end Muse's next turn, CA v Muse
Kia, CA v Muse
Whiteclaw - dazed, +3 AC to end Seraphiel's next turn, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W
Seraphiel - dazed
Arianwyn - dazed, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W
Muse - marked by Whiteclaw
Reason

Gobi looks around for anything he can use as he is slightly defenseless at the moment, he sees a potted plant and tries to get a grip on it.

Strength (No Armor Penalty) (1d20+6=10)

Once he has the plant he moves forward to hurl it.

Move: To M4
Minor/Standard(?):Pick up plant
If its a minor and he still has a move, gobi heads to J7

Vel shudders at the chill embrace, and it throws off her aim as a red mote flies from her orb through the insubstantial muse, igniting some curtains on the far side of the room. Vel concentrates further, and matches the insubstantial creation with a nonexistent attack, hampering the muse.

Ambush (1d20+8=23, 1d6+6=11) 23 vs Will, 11 (5) psychic, -2 to attacks. After missing completely with incendiary detonation and spending an action point.

Missed the +2 for CA, so 25 vs Will. First attack still missed, I'm quite sure.

Gobi - picking up a potted plant is a minor action for a hero. Don't forget your lovely two APs. Only one per encounter, but they're yours to use.

Gobi is a picture of incongruous menace as he edges his way between the chairs, wielding a potted plant. Dazed as she is, Roswitha watches him hopefully, before letting out an involuntary gasp as Vel sets fire to the curtains.

The mage's aim is better with her second attempt and the misty fists clench in obvious pain as the attack hits home. Muse is bloodied.

Exerting all her force of personality, Narissa maintains her social poise and continues to usher the guests out.

"Yes, an evening of wonders indeed. It may be that I can prevail upon our friends for an encore, but as you see, not all is working as it should."

Somehow she manages to keep order and the guests leave, rapidly, but in an orderly enough manner. As the last one goes through the doors, she spins towards the battle, calling in a quite different tone to Roswitha, "Get back here, quickly." The dazed dwarf takes the advice and takes refuge behind her desk.

MAP

Kia, CA v Muse
Whiteclaw - dazed, +3 AC to end Seraphiel's next turn, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W
Seraphiel - dazed
Arianwyn - dazed, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W
Muse - marked by Whiteclaw, -2 attack TE Vel's next turn
Reason
Gobi
Vel

"We can't fight in a hotel atrium! It's most indecorous. Let's finish this off now, if we can. We can do it! I have every faith in both of you, Arianwyn and Whiteclaw!"

Scent of victory - all allies within 5 squares can make a basic melee attack against a bloodied enemy.

Arianwyn Attacking the muse. (1d20+10=12, 1d8+3+1d6=13)

Whiteclaw vs the muse (1d20+10=16, 1d10+4=13)

"Well, maybe my faith was a bit misplaced. No, no... it's alright, heat of battle. Sorry for that outbreak. Just do what you can."

Minor action to draw sword, move to J12. Action point and her other daily - Lead the attack

Lead the attack. (1d20+10=22, 3d8+3=13)

Until the end of the battle, everyone within 5 squares has a +4 bonus to attack rolls. That would be everybody.

In a flurry of barked commands, and clearly not in her element in such elegant surroundings, Kia finally gets her act together. The Muse is starting to fade visibly now and Narissa seems stronger.

MAP

And the conditions list grows apace. Please check folks, and make sure I'm not missing anything. I think it's all there.

Whiteclaw - dazed, +3 AC to end Seraphiel's next turn, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W, attacking at +4
Seraphiel - dazed, attacking at +4
Arianwyn - dazed, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W, attacking at +4
Muse - marked by Whiteclaw, -2 attack TE Vel's next turn
Reason, attacking at +4
Gobi, attacking at +4
Vel, attacking at +4
Kia, 4hp damage from aura, attacking at +4

Whiteclaw growls, as she tends to do in battle. Her axe spins around, trailing sparkles of frost in it's wake, as it slams towards the Muse.

Strength of Stone, 1d20+14 between flanking and Kia. 26. 1d8+6, thanks to pack attack=14. 7 actually in, and I gain 4 temp hp.

Frost from the gnoll's weapon adds a searing chill to the Muse's aura and the mist bites into Whiteclaw's fur. The creature is writhing in good earnest now, struggling to maintain form. In its guise as Narissa, the face melts horrifically away and reforms before your eyes.

Don't forget the 2hp psychic from the aura.

MAP

Seraphiel - dazed, attacking at +4
Arianwyn - dazed, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W, attacking at +4
Muse - marked by Whiteclaw, -2 attack TE Vel's next turn
Reason, attacking at +4
Gobi, attacking at +4
Vel, attacking at +4
Kia, 4hp damage from aura, attacking at +4
Whiteclaw - damage from aura, -2F/R/W, attacking at +4

I didn't, my profile is updated to show that damage :)

Sun Strike attack vs. Ref 1d20+8=26, Damage (Radiant) 1d8+6=11

"The cleansing light of the righteous burn away your taint!"

Still dazed 1d20=1

Still dazed 1d20=1

The efficient demolition of the Muse continues as Kia's leadership inspires the group to new heights.

Riordan recovers from his wounds enough to register what is going on and and looks from Narissa to her parody with undisguised horror. Narissa herself stays calm, keeping a watchful eye on the monster, her breathing slightly quickened as the facsimile of her face and body shrinks away from the blows.

MAP

Arianwyn - dazed, 2hp damage, -2 F/R/W, attacking at +4
Muse - marked by Whiteclaw, -2 attack TE Vel's next turn
Reason, attacking at +4
Gobi, attacking at +4
Vel, attacking at +4
Kia, 4hp damage from aura, attacking at +4
Whiteclaw - damage from aura, -2F/R/W, attacking at +4
Seraphiel - attacking at +4

Melee basic +12 (!) vs AC = 28! Damage = 1d8+2 + 1d6 curse = 11 damage total.

Arianwyn doggedly performs one of the classic eladrin sword dance moves, if with a little less grace than he might like, it is at least horribly effective.

Arianwyn, is that total before or after it's been halved?

Arianwyn, is that total before or after it's been halved?

Halved? Why? I didn't think I was weakened.

Beset on all sides, the Muse flickers and vanishes only to reappear a short distance from Whiteclaw. Seemingly aware that the gnoll has marked it, all the attacks are aimed at the warden. With dizzying speed, burst of psychic power blast from the Muse, battering at Whiteclaw's defenses.

Fatal attraction v Whiteclaw (Ref) - primary attack (1d20 6=25, 1d8 3=9). Hits. Permits secondary attack v Will. 9hp damage to Whiteclaw
Fatal attraction v Whiteclaw (Will) - Secondary attack (1d20 6=23, 1d6 2=5). Hits. Permits tertiary attack v Fort. 5hp damage to Whiteclaw
Fatal attraction v Whiteclaw (Fort) - Tertiary attack (1d20 6=19, 1d4 2=5). Hits. 5hp damage to Whiteclaw.

Faint triumph crosses the thing's face as it reaches out again towards the gnoll. This time, it cannot do enough.

Fatal attraction v Whiteclaw (Ref) - primary attack (1d20 6=21, 1d8 3=4). Hits. Permits secondary attack. 4hp damage to Whiteclaw
Fatal attraction v Whiteclaw (Will) - secondary attack (1d20 6=11, 1d2 2=4). Miss. Total 23hp damage to Whiteclaw.

Reason strides purposefully onwards, intrigued by the Muse, yet determined to end its earthly term. Even aided by Kia, his shot goes wide and Roswitha visibly winces as yet more soft furnishings start to smoulder. Reason smiles apologetically.
LoF v Muse (1d20 11=15, 1d8 5/2=7)

MAP

Gobi, attacking at +4
Vel, attacking at +4
Kia, attacking at +4
Whiteclaw - attacking at +4
Seraphiel - attacking at +4
Arianwyn, attacking at +4
Muse - marked by Whiteclaw
Reason, attacking at +4

Halved? Why? I didn't think I was weakened.

Arianwyn wrote:

Halved? Why? I didn't think I was weakened.

You're not weakened. The Muse is insubstantial and takes half damage.

Why are there two of me?

I did say when the first damage hit, but it was very likely buried. The doubling of Fabes's DM avatar with Seraphiel's is confusing me greatly. I see angels everywhere.

The alternative could be worse.

Vel attempts to renew her antagonizing illusions, but the muse seems undistracted.

Rolled a 3

Whiteclaw weathers the assault of the muse just fine. "Is that the best you can do?" she mocks the creature.

Gobi grunts as he carries the potted plant under his arm, he moves back towards his target of his botanical wrath.
Move to M9

Gobi hurls the plant as hard as he can

Potted Plant Throw (1d20+10=20)

Damage (1d12+5=8)

"You two, get away from that thing!" Kia shouts at Narissa and Roswitha. Then, "Keep it up Whiteclaw, you're doing a fine job!"

Minor action Inspiring Word Whiteclaw can spend a healing surge and gain an extra 1d6+3=8HP

Wary of possible area attacks, Kia moves to P7, motioning for Narissa and Roswitha to move behind her.

"Why didn't I think to bring my crossbow down too?"

Gobi's improvised weapon crashes into the Muse and with an anguished writhe the arms uncoil from their loathsome embrace and the thing simply dissiaptes. The smell of earth and gardenia replaces the sultry musk of the Muse and bits of pot crack on the ground sounding extremely loud in the silence that follows.

Narissa, Roswitha and Riordan realise they've all been holding their breath and exhale. Emerging from behind her desk, Roswitha rushes over to Gobi and hugs him, before pulling away blushing furiously. In contrast, Narissa goes completely white as for the first time her composure fails her. Riordan looks from the companions, to the book and to the potted plant that caused the monster's downfall and laughs uncontrollably. Between bursts of near hysteria he calls to Arianwyn,

"Help our lady," before sitting down and laughing again.

Out of combat. Please take 158XP each, bringing you to 6398.

Arianwyn approaches Narissa and asks, "How do you fare? Sit down and rest."

Gobi smiles and blushes at Roswitha back after she hugs him.
"I Uh, I'll buy you a new plant."
He laughs with those around him.
"My father will never believe this story."
It is very clear that the dwarf is filled with pride at this moment.

Whiteclaw is renewed by Kia's exhortations and then laughs so hard she falls onto her butt when a plant kills the ghostly monster. She rises after a few moment, still laughing softly. "That thing was a nice, relaxing workout." she says, then shuts the cold aura of her axe off and returns it to her belt.

Roswitha smiles at Gobi and shakes her head. "No - don't worry. I'm sure there's another one somewhere. You're amazing. You all are."

She looks around her, eyes like stars and clearly ecstatic. Quite suddenly she hugs Gobi again. "I'm so glad you came here. In spite of the curtains and the carpet and the plant ..."

Narissa allows herself to be guided to a chair and sits gratefully. Keeping hold of Arianwyn's hand, she invites him to sit beside her and lowers her voice under the sound of the cathartic laughter filling the room.

Arianwyn

Narissa

Arianwyn

Restored, she releases Arianwyn's hand and joins the group.

Bowing gracefully to Vel and Reason, who are as yet strangers to her, Narissa encompasses the whole group with unmistakable gratitude in her voice.

"I owe you my life and maybe more. I was going to say I wish we had met under less trying circumstances, but I realise that these circumstances are as familiar to you as they are alien to me. However, I too have my areas of expertise. Know that I am Narissa Sul-Malla and if it lies within my power to aid you in Namarth, I will most surely do so."

Less formally, she adds, turning to Roswitha, "Let me help you with the cleaning, but first, do you have any brandy? I think we all need a drink. Riordan - when will you learn not to be so impulsive? We walk with heroes."

She casts a loving glance at the poet as he sits, laughing on the floor.

Holding her robe closed, Vel returns Narissa's greeting stiffly. "Please excuse me a moment; I shall return for that brandy."

Vel heads for the stairs, then pauses and looks back. "Well done, Gobi." Then she continues.

Nodding in agreement, Roswitha busies herself find glasses and an interestingly crusty looking bottle.

"Dad won't mind if we drink this. He says it's very special and brings good dreams."

Riordan picks himself up and wraps his arms around Narissa. "Where your safety is concerned, I will always be impulsive. You know that." Very tenderly he strokes her face before turning to the others.

"Why is something attacking our lady? More to the point, what is attacking her and how can it be stopped?"

I'd urge a swift re-read of some of the information you've picked up. There's quite a bit of exposition buried in the chat. Seraphiel and Arianwyn are particularly good sources. I also remind you of your original purpose in coming here.

"Why is something attacking our lady? More to the point, what is attacking her and how can it be stopped?"

Leaving the office.

Arianwyn speaks up, "This is another of Kyleth's schemes. I heard that witch's laugh as I wrestled with the creature in the arcane space between our world and the book. Whether this is a prior scheme or one that has come into play upon her demise is unknown to me."

"The witch required or requires someone with great force of personality. For what fell purpose remains to be seen."

Whiteclaw had found a nice place to sit and stretch her legs out while the others talking, letting those versed in the arcane speak as she listened. Kyleth's name, though, brings her head up.

"Kyleth was behind that? I find that hard to believe, for all of her evil she was competent, and her minions were as well. That muse was well below the standards of her forces. Are you sure it was her you heard, and even if so, are you sure it wasn't just the hope that the foe would be challenging?"

While Whiteclaw seems skeptical the Muse was Kyleth's doing, it's clear she'd not be suprised at all if Kyleth were still alive.

"Evil again rears it ugly face."

Arianwyn pinches the bridge of his nose and calmly explains to Whiteclaw, "I... received a vision of Kyleth when we were undertook the spirit challenges. I have what you might call a 'connection' to her in some way now. I am certain it was her. The creature was not that powerful, you are correct, but this is only because Seraphiel, Vel and I were able to contain the majority of its power in the book and prevent its full manifestation. Had we not done so, it would have been a truly deadly foe, on the level of a dragon for its power."

"So, in conclusion, yes, this is Kyleth's work."

"First, Kyleth sought to corrupt the land then this. What could she be planning?"

"You're not seriously telling me that that tiresome woman is still somehow alive. Well really. I need to think."

Kia turns as if to leave for her room and then reconsiders.

"But I'll have that brandy first, my thanks Roswitha."

Kia takes a couple of appreciative sips at the brandy

"Actually, I think I always knew that this business with the blight and all wasn't over. I just didn't want to think that Kyleth had somehow survived in some form or other. Still there is lots to ponder. We were sent here to see someone about the shards who was worrying Hroaldr weren't we? Pierette or something? Perhaps we should start by trying to find him."

Arianwyn holds up his hands, "Kia... I at no point said that Kyleth is still alive. It may well be a plan that we have, by coincidence (if such a thing exists), intercepted that was concurrent with her scheme with the Blight, and it is still being played out after her death. It may well also be that she has returned in some form of undeath, and this is part of her revenge. Or, she may indeed, be alive. There is no way to tell at this point." he says to head off any more speculation.

"Let us continue our discussion in more private surroundings. Any further revelations here will only scare the people who might overhear us."

Arianwyn nods assent, "Ah yes, the 'punters'."

"Punters?..."

"Oh, them!"

"Roswitha, is there a private dining room or something that we can use to discuss our... business in? And, do you serve food in your private dining rooms?"