Blayde MacRonan's page

Nyym slowly cracks the door to peak in. Carefully not to move the door to fast or to wide. Not knowing what was on the other side. Nyym had to be real careful..

I don't hear anything, but that does not mean they are there. As Meir is not here, I just have to check as careful as possible.

Not realizing it at the moment, Nyym was holding his breath..

Nyym can make out rows of decrepit, mildew-covered wooden shelves lining this storeroom. Ancient bloodstains soil the floor beneath piles of filthy bedding. A large cast-iron cauldron lies on its side in the northwest corner of the room under a thick layer of dust, undisturbed except for a single large handprint in the grime. A pungent, sour stench fills the air, along with the scent that led him there, creating an almost nauseating odor.

Standing next to the cauldron is Groveck, who is staring at the cooking implement with childlike curiosity. The phantom reaches out and places a hand where the large print is on the pot's surface.

In response, the cauldron stands itself upright and begins to fill with a thick, steaming stew containing recognizable chunks of human flesh (ears, fingers, feet, hands, etc.).

Groveck, Nyym (and, due to his connection to the phantom) Meir, see themselves gorging themselves on the horrific meal and are immediately filled with a profound remorse at the cannibalistic act.

Groveck Will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11; DC 20 or better to succeed

The phantom looks towards Nyym, face stricken with anguish, as he reaches within himself and attempts to rip out his ectoplasmic heart.

Groveck unarmed damage to self: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Groveck sustains 9 points of damage. He is Healthy with 54 hit points remaining.

Back upstairs...

Meir Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12; DC 20 or better to succeed

With tears streaming down his face, the wild-maned Ustalav reaches up and places his hands underneath his chin and to the back of his head. I'm so sorry is all he says before attempting to wrench his head off his shoulders.

Meir unarmed damage to self: 1d8 ⇒ 1; as his Strength is 10, he has no modifier to add

Meir sustains 1 points of damage. He is Healthy with 88 hit points remaining.

I need a DC 20 Will save from Nyym. If he fails, then he must deal 1d8 points of damage + Strength modifier to himself using an item held in his hand or with unarmed attacks. This lasts for seven rounds, during which Nyym can attempt to the save again. If he saves, he is staggered for 1 round and takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class, after which the spell ends.

Just purchased your pdf, but I'm having issues downloading. It lists as being damaged or incomplete. As this has never been an issue before, I was curious as to what can be done.

Tatsuya Kitani - I Don't Want Eternity Eternally (The Blood Warfare Animation MV)

I'm very much looking forward to Ancient Magus' Bride season 2 myself. Definitely can't wait for that to start.

Think I finally figured out what the deal is with Trigun: Stampede. Can't believe that I missed it, but after re-watching episode 6, I think I know where this season is headed.

In episode 6 (and continuing into episode 7), Vash and Wolfwood take a ride on a sand-steamer, but are attacked by Livio the Double-Fang, along with Legato Bluesummers, Zazie the Beast, and the Bad Lads Gang (no Brilliant Dynamites Neon, however). I had never seen Livio before, so I was too focused on him to be paying attention to the sand-steamer's destination: the city of July.

If I'm correct, then everything in this series is taking place before the July City Incident. If true, then this means we may actually get to see it animated for the first time. In fact, I think that the season will end after that happens, and will probably launch into a timeskip that could take place in a season two very similar to the one that happens in the manga, Trigun Maximum (I only know this because I have a friend who has read the manga, and who also informed me of Livio's identity as well).

This is merely speculation, and considering that this season is only going to be 12 episodes long, this means that they're two-thirds of the way through, with episode 9 continuing the backstory started in 8. That only leaves 3 more episodes to find out whether my theory is on point or not.

I had all of this buzzing in my head, so I needed to get it out.

Top 10 Most Anticipated Anime of Spring 2023

Sweating Bullets - Maboroshi Studio AX 2000 Best Action (Visions of Escaflowne/Megadeth)

Spidah! - Fly By Night Design (They Might Be Giants)

『CHAINSAW MAN』Opening Ending

Technically not an AMV or MAD. Just a collection of the opening and all of the endings for Chainsaw Man gathered into one place. Enjoy!

In order:

"KICK BACK" - Opening Theme
Vocals: Kenshi Yonezu

"CHAINSAW BLOOD" - Episode 1 Ending Theme
Vocals: Vaundy

"Zanki" - Episode 2 Ending Theme
Vocals: ZUTOMAYO

"Hawatari 2-oku Centi" - Episode 3 Ending Theme, Episode 7, 9 Insert Song
Performer: Maximum the Hormone

"Jouzai" - Episode 4 Ending Theme
Vocals: TOOBOE

"In The Back Room" - Episode 5 Ending Theme
Vocals: syudou

"Dainouteki na Rendezvous" - Episode 6 Ending Theme
Vocals: Kanaria

"Chu, Tayousei." - Episode 7 Ending Theme
Vocals: ano

"first death" - Episode 8 Ending Theme
Vocals: TK from Ling tosite sigure

"Deep down" - Episode 9 Ending Theme
Vocals: Aimer

"DOGLAND" - Episode 10 Ending Theme
Performer: PEOPLE 1

"Violence" - Episode 11 Ending Theme
Performer: Ziyoou-vachi

"Fight Song" - Episode 12 Ending Theme
Vocals: Eve

Special ENDING SONG Movie | BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War (Episode 1) | REWIND (Tatsuya Kitani - Rapport)

【MAD/AMV】Tatsuya Kitani ー SCAR【BLEACH: THE THOUSAND YEAR BLOOD WAR】

Kvi Baba -TOMBI (TRIGUN Stampede OP)

Managed to catch up to the current season of Boku no Hero Academia.

Also started watching Trigun Stampede. This is the show that I wanted the original series to be like. More serious and darker in tone, especially where the character of Millions Knives is concerned (because he is legitimately scary in this new version). My problem with the original series is that they made Vash seem way more heroic than he actually was, and I didn't like that at all.

Vash is still no one to model their behavior on in this new one, but by the end of the third episode of Stampede, he embarks on the journey to become something more than he is currently. At least that's my hope.

Oh... and that opening is a thing of beauty.

11 more episodes of Bastard have dropped on Netflix.

Also, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has dropped as well. Studio Trigger has gone above and beyond with this one.

Hey.

Let's not insult Ranma here.

No insult. Just saying that the live action Ranma 1/2 movie is better than the Sailor Moon pilot.

But I suppose we can take this up a notch.

The live action Dragon Ball movie (it doesn't matter which one at this point, because both were pretty awful) is better than that Sailor Moon pilot.

So, roll for some possible SAN loss? ;)

Some madlad madlass went and did it- the Saban Moon pilot has now resurfaced for all to see...

Saban Moon the Pilot Version

PS. Who found Saban Moon and How it was discovered...

My eyes! Oh, dear gods.... my eyes! And I thought TMNT: The Next Mutation was bad.... It's freaking Shakespeare compared to that visual and auditory hellscape I bore witness to.

I'm willing to bet that even the live-action Ranma 1/2 movie is better than that drek.

Freehold DM wrote:

Absolutely loving nu BASTARD!!! Right up there with Emo Guyver, a worthy successor.

oh god it is pure fantasy schlock, it's almost painful, yet I can't stop watching it.

He's a nice sweet 14 year old boy who always dose what he's told, but REALLY he's an unstoppable bad ass evil wizard with 8-pack abs, Pecs for days and all the ladies love him cause he's such a bad boy. Every spell seems to be named after a Heavy Metal band and there is a Vampire who looks like a member of KISS, with an army of Fist of the North Star henchmen

I can't stop laughing and I can't stop watching this.

Not a member of KISS... Di-Amon is actually a reference to King Diamond, the musician. I mean, the manga's author, Kazushi Hagiwara, is both a heavy metal and Dungeons and Dragons fan after all.

I love how characters keeps reminding both the viewer and those around that it's a shonen manga when things start to get a bit... raunchy at times. I'm loving how fun this series is and I'm hoping that the next 11 episodes that are coming later this year are just as fun.

Watched Spriggan on Netflix. 6 episodes, with the second one being what the 1998 OVA was based on.

Thoroughly enjoyed what I saw, especially the animation quality. Not surprised though, considering that David Production, the folks behind Cells at Work, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, and Fire Force, worked on this.

Now I'm just waiting for Bastard! to drop...

Blayde MacRonan wrote:

Well... this was an unexpected reveal.

The return of Ikki Tousen.

But when will we be getting more Tenjo Tenge?

That series truly ate Ikki Tousen's lunch.

Ahh... Tenjho Tenge. Had one banger of an opening.

I'd love to see them pick up where that series left off at. That tournament arc was shaping up to be epic.

Well... this was an unexpected reveal.

The return of Ikki Tousen.

Watched Shaman King and Eden's Zero on Netflix. Looking forward to more episodes to drop for those (especially Shaman King).

Also watched Way of the Househusband (Gokushufudō) on Netflix. And while I'm not really into slice of life anime, I've got to say... that series is hilarious!

Got to see the movie edition of Macross Plus in theaters last year with my son. Didn't know if he would enjoy an old school classic like that, but he loved it. Gives me hope for the future (sniff, sniff).

Need to catch up on Demon Slayer season 2 (having watched the movie in theaters, I took a pass on episodes 2-7).

Need to finish watching Cells at Work!! and and Cells at Work: Code Black.

Watched Rebuild of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time after doing a rewatch of the previous three movies on Amazon Prime. I enjoyed it very much and loved the ending.

Need to watch JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean.

At Rocnork's declaration, Aiko turns just in time to see Nyym disappear after reaching out to touch the center stone.

She chuckles to herself, a little surprised but not really. They are drawn to danger like moths to a flame.

The Minkan regards both the dhampir and the wyvaran with a rare smile as her scarlet eyes flash. Come now. Can't let them have all the fun. After all, I can't imagine that either of you wants to live forever.

Having spoken, Aiko strides over to the stone and without the slightest hesitation touches it.

DM Blayde MacRonan wrote:

I have had significant time to ponder the issue, however, and I've decided to actually waive the Exotic Weapon provision for Liesel-Marie (and only Liesel-Marie... anyone else who attempts to make use of the greataxe will suffer the usually incurred penalties). Feats are a precious commodity, especially for those who are not fighters.

How about it being something you get when you are attuned to the weapon or spend a feat? Seems unfair to block it from all but one character and you have a limited number of attunements...

I've thought about going those routes... but in the end, I have other options that can possibly be implemented instead. All will be revealed in time... in the meantime, don't worry about the greataxe just yet. I wasn't fully set on the legacy abilities it granted, but I think that I can improve on that.

Nadia 「 AMV 」 Darkest Hour

Nyym opens his eyes and raises his head to lock eyes with hers so that she can see in his eyes that his words ring true. To him she had more then earned her place with Team Ruby. He did however suddenly have a mental image that made him internally chuckle. If the others were here. He could see Aodhàn and Kyt going with her. A chill ran up his spine at the thought. But he would not dare offer up anyone to accompany her. It will be their choice as to who goes where. He missed his missing friends. Even the cynical bard Mesa and her chicken Boo.

Somewhere east of Trunau, Mesa sneezes, drawing an annoyed look from the golden-headed cockerel that is walking by her side. The sternutation had interrupted her shamisen playing, which Boo had been enjoying. And she is not the only one to do so. Just before her outburst, Aodhàn had done the same.

The Chelish bouncer looks over to the Minkan performer. Somebody must be talking about us.

That's a common superstition where I'm from, says the tiny minstrel, even as she wonders how she knows that.

It is the same where I'm from, pipes up Nogusta.

Aodhàn nods. It is so in Trunau as well. He pauses, then asks, You think they're alright, wherever they are?

Mesa shrugs, then responds. It's Team Ruby. When have we ever not been alright? She then is quick to add after receiving harsh glares from both Boo and Nogusta, But whatever they're up to, you can best believe that they can deal with it just fine. Especially since Rocky isn't there to muck things up.

You really don't like Rohan very much, do you? asks the bouncer, trying to suppress a smirk.

He set me on fire, she reminds him.

I'm sure it was an accident.

He didn't apologize, came Mesa's ready and surly response.

Boo stares back and forth between the two as they continue their friendly banter even as Nogusta sighs.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Mindspin Mountains...

Kyt listens to Aiko's words. A part of her understands what the samurai is wanting to do. And she would love nothing more than to assist her.

But as a defender of Trunau, her place is with the rest of Team Ruby. And while they can definitely use the samurai's skills to aid them in destroying this machine, she also knows that Trelgath needs to be dealt with as well.

I can't stop you if that is your wish says the elf reluctantly. But I do have one request. A small one, really: make him pay dearly for betraying me and my family. That includes you as well, Aiko.

Kyt's large unblinking aqua-hued orbs twinkle merrily, her expression one of mischief as she smiles at Aiko.

For Mesa... notes on two of her items.

Jusoken (Flute-Short Sword Instrument Weapon)
Price 2,800 gp
Weight 2 lbs.
Hardness 10, Hit Points 15

Though often called a dagger, this item is actually a shortsword that includes elements of a flute (the embouchure hole is set in the crossguard, with piston valves along the grip and a series of tone holes in the blade’s midrib). It doubles as both a musical instrument and a weapon and the wielder can switch between functions as a free action. Made from a metal that naturally harmonizes with sound, the instrument weapon produces a strange alien tone when played. As a result, both the weapon and musical instrument portions of Jusoken are considered masterwork and confers a +2 circumstance bonus to any Performance checks the character using it makes. If the performance is a component of a spell or another level-dependent supernatural effect, such as bardic performance, treat the performing character as 1 level higher when determining any effect. The instrument weapon is treated as a separate musical instrument and a weapon for purposes of being turned into a magic item. The musical instrument and weapon portions are enhanced separately.

Poet’s Cloak
Price 9,750 gp; Slot shoulders; CL 7th; Weight 1 lb.; Aura moderate enchantment
Even after cleaning and mending, this green and gold traveler’s cloak appears worn and weathered. For wearers with the bardic performance class feature, it grants the use of raging song as a 4th-level skald by spending rounds of bardic performance. For wearers with the raging song class feature, it grants the use of inspire courage and inspire competence as a 4th-level bard by spending rounds of raging song.
In addition, the poet’s cloak allows its wearer to grant the lesser spirit totem rage power when using raging song in place of his own rage powers (if any).

Lesser Spirit Totem (Su) While using raging song, the poet cloak’s wearer is surrounded by spirit wisps that harass her foes. These spirits make one slam attack each round against a living foe that is adjacent to the cloak’s wearer. This slam attack is made using the wearer’s full base attack bonus, plus the wearer’s Charisma modifier. The slam deals 1d4 points of negative energy damage, plus the wearer’s Charisma modifier.

Aodhán, no! The Erutaki's mind raced. Fire doesn't help, surely mere strength is not sufficient. What else do we have? Acid?

She continued to hack at the fleshy mass. Think, my friends! What do we have to drive this monster away, to release Aodhán!?

As the elf came to, she could only remember the look on the Chelaxian’s face as he glanced back at her while he walked away. As her mind fully cleared and she heard the cries from her family, she turned to see the fleshy goo enveloping Aodhán.

You can’t have him! She shouted as she ran over to him, hoping that there was time to save him. Hope, by any other word means everything. One word speaks volumes. Right now, it brought one other to mind.

Faith.

Faith that his mind would hold out. Faith that he could be saved. She took his face into her hands and looked at him in his struggle.

I have faith in you... like you have faith in us. All I can do is hope you come back to me.

Her faith wished to call out to his mind. To buy his will some time. Kytynna leaned in and kissed the bouncer. Not caring if this thing tried taking her too. Seeing him like this was like taking a knife straight to her heart.

Then it hit her...

Releasing her hold on his face, she pulled out her hopeknife and positioned herself to stab the flesh that was trying to take hold of him.

You have no power here! Not against something you don’t have, you vile, evil, putrid, filth of a creature! Hope!

She then stabbed it with everything that she had in her. She shouted to the rest of the group.

PIN IT DOWN! TAKE IT OUT WITH ALL THE HOPE IN YOUR HEARTS! KILL IT WITH OUR FAITH IN EACH OTHER!

With both of her hands holding the hopeknife, she dug it as deep as possible into the creature, with all the faith she had in her...

Nyym breathed a breath of relief as the Raggedy Man fell to him and Liesel-Marie. Nyym had turned to check on his other companions before keeping good on his promise. Then all hell broke loose. Turning back in time to see Liesel-Marie ignite her flame blade, yelling at the flesh that grabbed her axe. More yelling. This time Rohan, then Aodhen ran in to gab the heft of the axe. Kyt followed close behind as both her and Liesel-Marie screamed for Aodhán to not do it. The flesh grabbed hold of him. Nyym's mind raced... this was not supposed to happen. It was supposed to be over.

Then it hit him.

Gorewillow was not the original Raggedy Man. What's happening to Aodhán is how Gorewillow became the Raggedy Man.

Nyym completely ignored the fact that Kyt just kissed Aodhán. Now was not the time for such issues of the mind and heart. Then a voice sounded in Nyym's head. Not his own or his companions, but familiar all the same.

Rodrick?

Nyym had his hopeknife as he did the Goddesses Sword.

For the only hope we know in this life,
Is one that gleams at the end of a knife.

Had the something happened to the hopeknife? He heard it again, this time Rodrick's voice was joined by a female one that he could not identify. At least, not at first.

By the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family - even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty. Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?

The voice belonged to Halgra of the Blackened Blades.

If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut — here, here, and here.

Halgra demonstrated which arteries to sever. When she was finished, the haggard dusky-skinned woman sheathed the hopeknife and placed the necklace around Nyym’s neck before turning back to address the crowd.

Nyym somehow knew what he had to do. Even if it killed him. Pulling Rodrick's hopeknife from its sheath, the half-drow moved in.

NO!! Not today, Not ever again. You will terrorize us and enslave no one ever again. This ends NOW!!!

Nyym drew back with both hands above his head.

And Gorewillow, Rodrick sends a message. He says to enjoy burning in Hell.

With that, Nyym dropped to his knees driving the now glowing fire-blackened hopeknife through the head of the Gorewillow/Raggedy Man.

As both Kytynna and Liesel-Marie hacked and slashed at the tendrils of flesh clinging to Aodhán, they witnessed the gelatinous coating shudder and quake. Then one by one the growths relaxed before releasing their individual grips on the Chelaxian bouncer, fading away to nothing before hitting the ground.

Next to Nyym, the body of Gorewillow was desiccated, drained of all its vitality. He stared absently at the slender dagger that bore the stark silver inscription "My love" on the still-glowing blade.

The following items can be found on Gorewillow's corpse: potion of cure moderate wounds, acid (2), alchemist’s fire (2), black adder venom (2 doses), bloodroot (2 doses) blue whinnis, liquid ice (2), oil of taggit, tanglefoot bag, thunderstones (2), unholy water, mwk studded leather, mwk cold iron falchion, light crossbow with 10 bolts, formula alembic, a gold heart-shaped locket containing a lock of hair, silver unholy symbol, alchemy crafting kit, antitoxin (2), formula book, mwk thieves’ tools, portable alchemist's lab, a letter, 47 gp

For those that can speak Giant, the letter reads as follows:
Get me Uskroth's hammer and rock. I want everything else in the barrow too, but I have to have the hammer and rock. I think it looks like the rock I already have and showed you. I need both rocks to know the way to the Giantkiller's Tomb, so make sure you get the right one. Then bring the hammer and rock back to the fort.
Signed,
Grenseldek,
Glorious Chieftain of the Twisted Hearts

Good role-playing, everyone! Everyone gets 800 XP (for awesome roleplay). This brings your current totals to 17,655 (LM, Mesa, Nyym, Kyt, and Rohan) and 24,790 (Nogusta). The cleric is 1,210 XP from tier 1 of 6th level while the rest of Team Ruby is 1,345 XP away from tier 1 of 5th level.

Byoot: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
The Raggedy Man: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17; glittered
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 17; deafened
Kytynna: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16; paralyzed
Nightmare Kyt: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Bardic Transition: Metallica - King Nothing (Instrumental)
For the duration of this scene, everyone affiliated with Team Ruby gains a +1 bonus on all d20 rolls.

Liesel-Marie
Liesel-Marie glared at the elevated foe. As Nyym positioned himself, she whispered, or more to the point, growled in a low tone, Can you hit him from here?

Nyym whispered back, What do you have in mind? However you decide, I'm with you.

The half-drow gave her a reassuring nod to let her know that he will support her however she needs. Nyym's facial expression also conveyed a look of trust and respect for Liesel-Marie. The same that he held for all the members of Team Ruby.

It's time we end this evil, he whispered to her.

The Erutaki then searched her mind about what she knows of her friends’ capabilities for ranged combat. Growling to Nyym, Can you throw your blades or must you hold them to attack?

I can only throw one, but it does not do enough damage unfortunately.

She growled once again, Then we must see if we can bring him down to the ground.

Nyym whispered back, You got a plan?

He was all set to assist.

Yeah, fly.

Her mind made up, Liesel-Marie nodded firmly, then leaned in to growl to the half-drow, We have allies that can hurt him with their attacks. Let us hurt him when he tries to attack. Ready yourself. If he tries to cast a spell, throw your blade.

Nyym nodded his agreement with Liesel-Marie. As per her plan, as soon as the Raggedy man went to cast, they would act. When Liesel-Marie made her move, so too will Nyym.

The Raggedy Man
The Gorewillow/Raggedy Man amalgam was finding it difficult to remain above the others gathered beneath him, due to the pain of his injuries. He had to end this quickly, and moved to do just that.

The Raggedy Man began to cast another spell.

Now!

The word came out as a roar a moment before Liesel-Marie disappeared from where she had been standing, only to appear in the air beside the now flabbergasted Raggedy Man. Taking advantage of his surprise, the Erutaki struck savagely with a spear of blue flame even as Nyym did the same with a lightning kunai.

The two distinct forms of energy intermingled with one another, coming together briefly in a milky green explosion of color and sound that lit up the cavern.

The Raggedy Man needs to make 3 different rolls: one to finish his spellcasting (DC 40), another to remain in the air (DC 15), and a third to resist Nyym's thundering infusion (DC 15). So lets get this party started...

concentration check for spell: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32; -3 due to Critical threshold
Acrobatics check to maintain hovering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7; -3 due to Critical threshold
thundering infusion Fortitude save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26; -3 due to Critical threshold

Since he failed the Acrobatics check, the Raggedy Man will also take 1d6 falling damage.

Falling Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

As the Erutaki reappeared on the ground, she looked up to see their hated foe drop like a flaming stone to the cavern floor beside her.

The Raggedy Man has sustained 29 total damage this round and is down on the ground. The map has been updated to take into account what has transpired. After over 10 full rounds of combat, this encounter has officially come to a close. Good role-playing, everyone! Everyone gets 2,800 XP (2,300 for the challenge with another 500 for awesome roleplay). This brings your current totals to 16,855 (LM, Mesa, Nyym, Kyt, and Rohan) and 23,990 (Nogusta). The cleric is 2,010 XP from tier 1 of 6th level while the rest of Team Ruby is 2,145 XP away from tier 1 of 5th level. Break out the fanfare, because its time for that well-earned Final Fantasy victory dance! Get your characters properly updated and we'll take care of the remaining business of finishing up this chapter.

Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Byoot: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
The Raggedy Man: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17; glittered
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 17; deafened
Kytynna: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16; paralyzed
Nightmare Kyt: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Bardic Transition: Metallica - King Nothing (Instrumental)
For the duration of this scene, everyone affiliated with Team Ruby gains a +1 bonus on all d20 rolls.

Nyym
Nyym's dissatisfaction showed on his face clearly as the badly wounded doppelganger dove/fell through the portal. He knew he had critically injured her with that parting swing, but it had, unfortunately, not been enough to drop her, let alone keep from escaping. Without a body to verify her death, he knew somehow that Team Ruby would surely be seeing her again.

He turned his attention back to the situation at hand in time to see the twin magic steaks slam into the Raggedy Man.

She may have escaped. But you wont. Of that, I swear.

Finally taking a good look at their floating opponent, Nyym, for the first time, noted the features that very much looked that the one he had sworn vengeance on.

No way, it couldn't be....

The belt with the different flasks. The explosives used against Liesel-Marie. It all suddenly made sense. But how? Nyym knew this was not the same as the Raggedy Man from the dreams.

No matter. Your death this night will sever you from our dreams and Rodrick will be avenged.

Nyym was almost overcome with a searing rage as he eyed the Raggedy Man Gorewillow. But he bit it back. He could easily strike out. But if he missed or didn't do enough to bring him down... No, Nyym shook off the rage. He would not strike alone. Turning toward Liesel-Marie, he suddenly knew what he needed to do. Nyym gave her a knowing look and set himself up to assist her. The Raggedy Man was about to learn how big a mistake it was to toy with Team Ruby. Now Team Ruby would become the Raggedy Man's Nightmare.

Aodhán
She buggered off?

The words came out of the incredulous Chelaxian bouncer's mouth. He was not pleased in the slightest.

She bloody scampered!

Disgusted, he turned his attention toward the Raggedy Man.

There he was. The source of so many problems that had come to Team Ruby. There he was. And Aodhán had no reliable way of getting to him. Free Action: Aodhán maintains his inspired performance.

And that brings Aodhán's turn to a close, and ends Round 10. Round 11 begins now. Next up is...

Byoot
The three-eyed creature in the yellow longcoat approached the prostrated form of the false elf still playing his violin, the tune changing as he neared.

♪♫ The sky is turning red. Return to power draws near. Fall into me, the sky's crimson tears. Abolish the rules made of stone. Pierced from below, souls of my treacherous past. Betrayed by many, now ornaments dripping above. Awaiting the hour of reprisal. Your time slips away. ♫♪

He paused his performance to kneel down before stretching forth the bow of his instrument to solemnly touch the barely conscious doppelganger on the shoulders, almost as though he were granting the fake Kyt a knighthood.

♫♪ Raining blood. From a lacerated sky. Bleeding its horror. Creating my structure. Now you shall reign in blood! ♪♫

The tensioned stick pulsed with a sickly yellow light on the final contact, a glow that shot through the false elf, causing her to convulse even as the blood that had been pooling beneath her body began to rise and swirl around her before vanishing from view.

A long tense moment later, the fake Kyt stood to her feet, her now scarlet eyes reflecting a somewhat confused state.

Byoot quickly put a clawed index finger to his smiling lips.

* Special thanks to Jeff Hanneman, a founding member of the thrash metal band Slayer, for writing the lyrics to the song used in this post, Raining Blood. May he rest in peace.

That brings Byoot's turn to an end. The violin playing can no longer be heard. Next up is Liesel-Marie...

Aodhán unleashed a string of curses at the mention of the Raggedy Man, then sighed heavily. When both Nyym and Kyt were done speaking, the Chelaxian bouncer took his turn, I've been dreading this since waking up from that dream. I don't think I've ever felt more helpless at any time in my life than I did then. I guess it was only a matter of time before we all had to deal with this. He looked to each member of Team Ruby that had previous dealings with nightmarish creature, then brought his caestūs-covered hands up in front of him and cracked his knuckles before clenching them into fists. But I don't intend to let that bloke skate out on his bill. I aim to collect what's due.

Aodhán then threw a series of quick punches before looking at Kyt. Where you lead, knife-ears, I follow. He smiled a grim smile before settling into a crouched stance.

When I'm sure everyone is ready to enter Uskroth's Tomb, I will post the link to the map.

The time you have is highly appreciated. Our question is... Please tell us Everything you know about Uskroth's Tomb, the things you know to be fact and know to be rumored distinguishing between the two; and considering the request for everything is being made, that also refers to the inclusion of the reason as to its importance and their desire to obtain what is inside or outside no matter if its tactile, mental, magical, or other should you have that knowledge, also distinguishing whether you know if that is fact or rumored? Then awaited with baited breath at his answer. If this worked it would be fantastic. If not, well that was why she chose to stand between him and them. Her question. Her responsibility should it not work.

The burly man listened intently to the elf's query.

For what seemed an eternity, he gave no indication as to how he would respond, or if he would. He just stood there, looming over the smaller Kyt, his eyes focused on her, until finally he spoke.

To tell you about Uskroth's Tomb requires a lesson in the history of this region, one that I am more than capable of giving if you have the patience to hear it.

Know then that the border separating the orc hordes of Belkzen and the human crusaders of Lastwall has ever been a contentious one for as long as the two nations have existed. Even after the defeat of Tar-Baphon, the so-called Whispering Tyrant, in 3827 AR, the orcs of Belkzen have continued to grow stronger and more ambitious, repeatedly overrunning the defensive lines Lastwall erected along its borders. The Hold of Belkzen gradually expanded southward — first to the Sunwall, then to Harchist’s Blockade, and finally to the Hordeline.

During Belkzen’s campaign to breach the Sunwall in the forty-third century AR, the Twisted Nail orc tribe counted the hill giants of the Heart Eater tribe among its strongest allies. The alliance was an unusual one in that the hill giants’ self-styled Hero Chieftain Uskroth commanded the obedience of both orcs and giants. The Twisted Hearts, as the combined tribes came to be known, were a force to be reckoned with, and Uskroth led the army to victory after victory against Lastwall, even claiming territory south of the Kestrel River while other Belkzen orcs were halted at the River Esk. Uskroth’s ambitions proved too great, however; without the backing of other orc tribes or giant reinforcements from the north, the Twisted Hearts were unable to hold the territory they had conquered, and they were eventually overwhelmed by Lastwall’s crusaders.

The final battle between the Twisted Hearts and the humans took place on Bloodmarch Hill, saw Hero Chieftain Uskroth finally fall with 23 spears and swords planted firmly in his flesh. The few surviving Twisted Hearts managed to temporarily drive the humans back south, but both the orcs and hill giants knew their campaign was over without their mighty leader. Before the Twisted Hearts retreated north, they laid Uskroth to rest in a tomb beneath Bloodmarch Hill, burying the giant hero with his favorite weapon, a stone warhammer named Agrimmosh, which Uskroth had claimed was the hammer of Minderhal, the smith god of the giants, himself. The subterranean crypt was carefully hidden so that in the future, when Belkzen pushed Lastwall back again, the orcs and giants could reclaim the treasures within and the glory of Hero Chieftain Uskroth.

In the centuries since the Twisted Hearts fell to Lastwall and the Knights of Ozem, the armies of Belkzen have continued to strain against the human territories on all sides. Orc memories are short, and few among the Twisted Nail tribe remembered their ancestors’ alliance with the Heart Eater hill giants or the existence of the tomb of Hero Chieftain Uskroth. And now, the town of Trunau rests atop Bloodmarch Hill, inhabited by the descendants of those who refused to flee when the orcs overwhelmed the Hordeline in 4517 AR. The hardy folk of Trunau have stubbornly resisted the orcs for centuries, unaware that Uskroth’s tomb lay beneath their feet.

Hill giant memories were even shorter than those of orcs, but a recent discovery by a Heart Eater hill giant chieftain named Grenseldek drove her to once again ally her tribe with the orcs of the Twisted Nail. Herself a distant descendant of Uskroth, Grenseldek ostensibly sought to destroy Trunau and reestablish the glory of the legendary Twisted Hearts. But in truth, Grenseldek had little interest in the humans or reuniting the orcs and the hill giants. Her true objective was to find Uskroth’s tomb and obtain the great treasures she believes are hidden there — including Uskroth’s fabled hammer, Agrimmosh, and a family heirloom.

For word had reached Grenseldek that far to the south in the Mindspin Mountains, a storm giant calling himself Volstus the Storm Tyrant had begun gathering an army of giants under his banner. Like Tar-Baphon before him, Volstus planned to dominate the orc hordes of Belkzen, then lead a combined army of giants and orcs against the nations of western Avistan. Grenseldek’s cunning plan was to offer her hand in marriage to the Storm Tyrant, presenting the treasures recovered from the tomb of Uskroth as her dowry. In Grenseldek’s mind, the treasure should be more than sufficient to secure Volstus’s affections. He would make Grenseldek his queen, and she would, in turn, surpass even the legendary deeds of her ancestor Uskroth.

At the mention of the storm giant, the words of the sickly half-orc Katreza came back to the minds of Liesel-Marie, Nyym, and Rohan...

He regarded the Erutaki for a long moment, concern etched across his features, then nodded his head. In my vision, I saw a bearded man, with eyes and skin the color of amethysts. In his right hand was a broad-bladed and slightly curved sword, while his left bore a shimmering orb of crimson.

As the seer spoke, the sky overhead rumbled and a chill could be felt in the air. Unwilling, or unable, to stop talking, the half-orc continued. Authority was given unto him, and with it, power and glory. The orb burned with an inner fire and at its center sat an unblinking eye, one that seemed to stare at me, its lidless gaze piercing my very soul.... Katrezra gripped the top of his cane tightly, his knuckles turning white. Even in the telling, I tremble as a child would. The eye saw me, as surely as I saw it, and the thought fills me with a fear I have never known. How could I explain to him what it was that I saw when I myself did not know?

The burly man continued. Grenseldek constructed her scheme carefully, knowing that she would likely have only one chance to plunder Uskroth’s tomb beneath the noses of the humans of Trunau. Unwilling to risk the giants of her tribe, Grenseldek sent a team of half-orcs led by the canny and ruthless orc shaman Gorewillow to infiltrate the town and find Uskroth’s tomb, as well as weaken Trunau’s defenses. When these agents located the entrance to the tomb, Grenseldek would then have a band of orcs led by General Kelseph attack Trunau and plunder the crypt. As long as Grenseldek gets the contents of Uskroth’s tomb, the orcs could keep whatever else they pillaged.

Rohan turns away from the big groot and walks away from the rest of the party to let them do the talking. As his back was turned to the group and the groot who grew beyond Rohan size, he scoffs at them merely dealing with such a person was rather annoying in the first place. Thinking to himself..

"Yeah, I put my life on the line for them and they have no show of gratitude, mere words offends the big guy, jeeze grows some and stop letting little things offend thee. Suppose to be some type of hero, well that feels like it not worth it."

Rohan kicks a rock as far out into the water that he could, the frustration showing on his face if anyone cared to even look in his direction.

"Never said I had the brains of this group, and so much for trying to be a leader. Should I just let them fend for themselves???"

Rohan getting more frustrated just talking to himself in his own head. He pulls his hair back and what looks like a very poorly made bun, and drew back his coat and sat on a nearby rock starring off into the distance as if wanted to forget about all the crap that been going on.

Aodhán watched as Rohan moved away from the other members of Team Ruby, examining him with a critical eye as the tall man first kick a rock, redid his hair, then plopped down somewhat dejectedly on a rock and stared off with a look mixed with anger and bitterness. The Chelaxian cast his eyes downward with a sigh. As a bouncer at the Killin' Ground, he had developed a knack for seeing when situations where on the verge of becoming volatile, be it through the words or actions of the bar's clientele. And it was becoming all too clear to him that such was the case with Rohan.

Not wishing to disturb the others while they were trying to figure out what sort of query to put to the burly man, he made his way over to where Rohan sat.

May I sit with you? Aodhán didn't wait for a response, but rather took a seat next to Rohan. I'm not going to pretend that I know what's going with you. Quite frankly, I don't really know you well enough to do that. But I do know that you're a valued member of the team. Because if you weren't, Kyt wouldn't have let you take the challenge with ol' Liesel-Marie. But, if it's thanks you're looking for, then let me be the first to offer them to you.

But you've got to understand that that blighter over there... He gestured over toward the burly man before continuing ... was put here by someone to keep us from going in there. Aodhán then pointed over at the opening in the side of the hill. Just from the formal introduction he gave us, I think it's safe to say that he could put a serious hurt on us if he wanted. He did take down a giant all by himself, after all. But with your help, we've managed to avoid that. Now we've got an opportunity to gain some information from the bloke, albeit with conditions, before going on our way. Again, that was thanks to you, though if I'm being honest, you could have gone about it in a way less hazardous to our overall health. None of us are ungrateful, mind you. We just want you to weigh your actions a little more. You're a member of Team Ruby, after all. Emphasis on Team. We stand or fall based on that distinction.

While I would rather have James Cameron actually directing the movie, I'll trust him with allowing Robert Rodriguez to take the chair for Alita: Battle Angel.

Especially since the reason why he can't do it himself is due to the success of the Avatar film, which was actually done to show that Alita could be made in the first place.

I think a lot of people forget about The Warchowskis' Speed Racer film when it comes to Hollywood live-action adaptations of an anime, which is a shame. My friends and I saw that in theaters opening weekend and loved it. We're hoping to do the same with Alita, but we'll just have to see how that pans out.

As for the live action Bebop, well... if they can't get Yoko Kanno to do the soundtrack, Netflix might as well forget about it doing well in any capacity.

I am glad that Evangelion will be streaming on the platform though (re-mastered, apparently), even if Funimation is pitching quite the hissy fit over losing out on that particular acquisition.

So... I don't know if anyone has asked about this or not, but the stats for the Core Iconics are no longer a part of this PRD. Is this intentional or will they be added at some point in the near future? Yes, I know I can use the simplified Iconics over at the d20PFSRD, but I liked that they were available on the Paizo PRD and used that more often than not.

As the Erutaki and half-drow sought to find something to hide the hemisected corpse of the half-orc, the remnants of Bax's mask, split roughly in two, fell from each half of her face to reveal the visage concealed beneath.

To call the sight "hideous" would have been a disservice to the word. It was asymmetrical, with a mouth filled with fangs of different lengths. Even in the stillness of death, the muscles of her face seemed to twitch and spasm rather than flow properly beneath mauve skin that was both rugose and squamous.

And as Kyt, Liesel-Marie, and Nyym took in the view of the dead woman's face, a thin mist leeched from Bax's head, containing within it blurred images. The vapor coiled over the body, swirling widdershins vigorously even as it slowly rose in the air. When it became level with Nyym's waist, each member of Team Ruby found themselves mentally overwhelmed in a dizzying flash.

Music Transition: What Do I Have To Do? (Remix Instrumental) - Stabbing Westward

When it was over, the entirety of Team Ruby found themselves no longer at the Longhouse, but rather beside a glistening pool that lay in a valley between three dunes. A small wooden hut stood near the water, and an immense tree provided shade to both the pool and the hut, with large, lumpy fruit hanging near the ground. A hum reverberated around the oasis.

The King of Khyledonia would have words with you.

The proclamation came from a bearded man of middle-aged years. He had the look of a Keleshite and yet not at the same time as he gestured grandly over the clear waters of the pool with his free hand, the other holding close to his person an ominous leather-covered book.

Step in. Don't be afraid. The King only wishes to impart unto you a glimpse of things to come. Or perhaps, things that once were.

What does the group do? Yes, this includes the cleric as well.

Alright... looks like Kyt made her Fortitude check. Since she's running at top speed, I'm choosing to believe that Kyt is going 4 times her speed. That is a total of 18 squares or 180 feet (her speed is 45). As with Liesel-Marie, that will put her on the other side of the smoke corridor, making it 2 players to have successfully done so.

This brings the round to a close. Both Aodhán and Rohan will appear in the this area on their respective turns next round. Boo will catch up to Mesa on his turn next round as well. Nyym has yet to attempt going through the smoke, and Nogusta is still stuck in the corridor.

Time to get the new round started.

Bax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Gorewillow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Vegazi: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Silvermane: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Ogash: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Boo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ooruk: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Bax - Hollywood Undead - Undead (Instrumental)

And who are you that stands so bravely before me?

Brinya Kelver, mother-to-be and widow to the fallen Rodrick Grath.

That gave the masked half-orc pause, the only sign of hesitancy she had displayed. Seeing this, the weaver continued. If it’s the little one you’re after, then you’ll have to go through me to get her. At this, the black-haired girl behind her, clung desperately to the back of Brinya’s skirt.

Bax stood still, her hands opening and closing by her sides. As both a woman and a fellow orc, I have no wish to bring harm to you. But I will have that child. Even if it means I must go through you to do so.

Brinya blinked, and in that moment, her foe had crossed the distance between them. The thought of anyone moving that quickly startled Brinya, but she shook off that feeling and went to stab the masked woman with the hopeknife.

With exaggerated and contemptuous ease, Bax caught the weaver's weapon hand and attempted to pry the hopeknife from it.

Brinya slapped Bax with her free hand, but the mask deflected the brunt of the of the hit. Undaunted, Bax continued her task of attempting to relieve the weaver of her weapon.

Despite Brinya's effort in resisting, Bax managed to get the hopeknife out of her hand.

As the weapon hit the floor with a with a loud thunk, the weaver felt her chance of making out of this situation alive fall away as well.

Then she felt something cold and metallic being pressed into free hand by Ruby and, in that moment, Brinya acted, taking what she had been given by the young woman and lashing out with it.

Brinya's attack with Ruby's hopeknife: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10; due to the size difference between their respective hopeknives and the fact that she has the grappled condition, Brinya takes a -4 penalty on her attack roll.
Small hopeknife damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Bax, noting the sudden tension in the weaver's body, reacted by leaning away from the attack, an act that caused her to loose her grip on Brinya's arm. Though what Bax attempted last round was a disarm, the narrative was that she grabbed Brinya's weapon hand. So in this instance, I'm treating this as though she and her opponent are both grappled. As the initiating grappler, Bax chose to forgo her attempt to maintain the grapple and used a free action to release the half-orc weaver from her grip.

Clever girl, hissed Bax, though her tone was not complimentary, but rather one of annoyance.

Yep, came a voice from behind Ruby, followed by a loud click.

Brinya sighed in relief as she recognized the new speaker.

Cammy! Ruby called out happily.

Cham Larringfass, the halfling owner of Ramblehouse, popped off a quick nod, but kept her weapon, a crossbow with a darkwood stock, leveled on Bax. Reach for the ceiling!

Not wishing to test her luck against that of the halfling's, Bax complied and raised her arms.

Gorewillow - Girei - Pain's Theme (Axhel Remix)

A yelp behind him from within the improvised cave caught Gorewillow's attention. The half-orc turned away and began to make his way deeper inside the hill. Gossamer cobwebs hung from the ceiling of the rough tunnel, and the misty spray from the Hopespring’s waterfall outside glimmered faintly on strands of spider silk. Chunks of rubble lay scattered on the floor amid piles of dirt.

After sixty feet, the tunnel opened into a cavern. The air here was humid but cool, and a thin sheen of condensation coated its rocky walls. A narrow passage exited the cavern to the west. To the south, the floor dropped away into darkness, while a bridge of stone led to another cavern to the east. The sound of trickling water echoed all throughout the complex.

Gorewillow took in the sight before him with a look of amazement. That, however, changed as a wall of citrine mist rose up around him, tumbling through cavern complex like some jaundiced flash flood. From the silent swell of fog, emanated the soft murmur of indistinct voices and the sound of footsteps – slow, yet somehow keeping pace with the careening, hungry wave.

Gorewillow's Perception check: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1

The half-orc had a hard time making out what was being said. Indeed, he was utterly convinced that the noise was nothing more than an incoherent babble.

He put it out of his mind and began looking for his pets. Something had happened to them in this place, so that meant he had to move cautiously to find what he was looking for.

And all around him, the voices continued to sing their song:

And then – if we all won't cry, fer shore –
The Raggedy Man he'll come and "splore
The Castle-halls," and steal the "gold"—
And steal us, too, and grab and hold
And pack us off to his old "Cave"!—And
Haymow's the "cave" of The Raggedy Man!—
Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

Vegazi - Eluveitie - D'vêritû Agâge D'bitu (Re-recorded)

Rohan decided to make a few quick attacks to aid Vegazi, hopefully to throw her opponents off their course and get ahead of the swarming orcs. There was nothing special about the way Rohan threw 3 pebbles at Vegazi's attackers, trying to weaken them down. And while it seemed such a small attack, the impact from each would be as if they were fired from an Alkenstar rifle.

The first of the pebbles ricocheted off of The Steel Maiden's helmet, the second doing likewise against the armor of her wolf Ravage. But the third stone blasted through the lizard, causing it to screech angrily and in obvious pain as it staggered from the attack.

The Devil Sword seized upon that moment and launched an attack on the lizard, slipping in to stab both of her swords into both sides of its neck.

short sword strike 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
short sword damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
short sword strike 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
short sword critical confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14; successful due to the lizard's Wounded wound threshold
short sword damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7; +3 due to crit

Vegazi slid the blades in, then around toward her, an act that nearly decapitated the reptile, before pulling them out again. The lizard crashed to ground at her feet, the light of life gone from its eyes.

The Devil Sword spoke not a word as she turned her narrowed gaze upon Ogash, her normally jovial demeanor replaced with fierceness that sent a shiver down the Steel Maiden's spine.

Next up is Mesa, followed by Nogusta and Liesel-Marie.

Bax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Gorewillow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Vegazi: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Silvermane: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Ogash: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Boo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ooruk: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Gorewillow: Girei - Pain's Theme (Axhel Remix)

Gorewillow
The half-orc breathed in the heady stench of blood and smoke that hung thick in the air. In the darkness before him, the crackling of fires mingled with the war cries of orc raiders and the screams of townsfolk. The remains of the Hopespring beacon burned brightly, illuminating the pool at the bottom of the Hopespring’s waterfall, as well as a rough hole gouged into the side of Bloodmarch Hill.

The hole, which was now where he stood, had been the work of Ooruk, the giant that Gorewillow had requisitioned from General Kelseph.

His mother.

He sighed at the thought, then stared down at the surface of the Hope Pond, the shallow pool the Hopespring emptied into and served as the town reservoir. She had abandoned him, a male, and a frail one at that, to the human drudge pens of the Twisted Nail tribe where, through his own cunning, he had escaped the blades that had felled many other half-orcs to serve as a future shaman or battle priest for the tribe. That "honor" did little to keep Gorewillow from being abused or bullied by the orc children, but he endured it with calculated stoicism.

Gorewillow had figured out during his time in the drudge pens that he could never become the person he needed to be by playing at being an orc. He had to adapt, which meant shedding the aspects of his nature that were most like his full-blooded kin. Where orcs were impulsive and impatient, he would be deliberate, in both thought and deed. This, in turn, led him to discover his gift.

Even as a child, he was able to discreetly create dozens of toxic slurries, flesh-burning unguents, and paralytic tinctures out of only crushed bugs and scavenged flora, more than made up for any perceived lack of emotion that Gorewillow may have had, for he would eventually combine this improvised alchemy with the tribe's shamanistic rituals. A fact his tormenters would learn to their dismay, as poison became his favorite method of dealing with them.

His skills would eventually bring him to the attention of the Twisted Nail's hill giant chieftain Grenseldek, who appointed him as the tribe's witch doctor when Gorewillow was only 16 years of age.

His lips twisted into a sneer before turning his gaze to the southern side of the pond where Ooruk, the Crusher, stood with those that had been tasked with handling him. Or rather, what was left of them, as the none too bright giant had violently smashed two of his "little green play-things" in a fit of rage after the excavation process. Only the orcs controlling the chains on Ooruk's arms remained to keep him somewhat calm, but it would only be a matter of time before they too were broken by the giant, leaving all alone to stew in his anger.

Which was exactly what Gorewillow desired. The half-orc knew that eventually the ones that had been dogging his efforts would make it to where he was. Let Ooruk take his frustrations out on them. While they were dealing with him, Gorewillow would be free to secure that which Grenseldek desired from within the hill. And should they prove to victorious in defeating the giant, the group would be softened up enough for him to deal with.

A yelp behind him from within the improvised cave caught Gorewillow's attention. The half-orc turned away and began to make his way deeper inside.

My next post will be for Vegazi, after which Mesa will be the next one up. And yes, I am aware that I haven't updated the map for the Quartet. I'm having updating issues with my laptop, which serves as my interface for roll20 (my desktop being too ancient for the purpose) and as soon as those are dealt with, I will get to updating it.

Bax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Gorewillow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Vegazi: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Silvermane: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Ogash: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Boo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ooruk: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Bax's Theme: Hollywood Undead - Undead (Instrumental)

Bax
Surveying the area around her, Bax was proud of her handiwork. Quite a few within the Longhouse had stepped up to the masked half-orc after she had violently gained entry to the place and despite their best efforts, all of them lay writhing in agony on the floor.

It didn't have to be this way, she called out in Taldane to no one in particular. I only came for the little one. All you had to do was just hand her over and we could have gone on our merry little way.

An auburn-haired half-orc woman stood across the expanse of the structure from Bax. In one hand she held a hopeknife attached to a heavy silver chain. Behind her hid Ruby.

And who are you that stands so bravely before me?

Brinya Kelver, mother-to-be and widow to the fallen Rodrick Grath.

That gave the masked half-orc pause, the only sign of hesitancy she had displayed. Seeing this, the weaver continued. If it’s the little one you’re after, then you’ll have to go through me to get her. At this, the black-haired girl behind her, clung desperately to the back of Brinya’s skirt.

Bax stood still, her hands opening and closing by her sides. As both a woman and a fellow orc, I have no wish to bring harm to you. But I will have that child. Even if it means I must go through you to do so.

Brinya blinked, and in that moment, her foe had crossed the distance between them. The thought of anyone moving that quickly startled Brinya, but she shook off that feeling and went to stab the masked woman with the hopeknife.

Brinya’s hopeknife attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
hopeknife damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

With exaggerated and contemptuous ease, Bax caught the weaver's weapon hand and attempted to pry the hopeknife from it.

Brinya's attack of opportunity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
unarmed damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Brinya slapped Bax with her free hand, but the mask deflected the brunt of the of the hit. Undaunted, Bax continued her task of attempting to relieve the weaver of her weapon.

Bax's disarm attempt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16; -4 due to being unarmed

Despite Brinya's effort in resisting, Bax managed to get the hopeknife out of her hand.

Next post I make will be Gorewillow's.

My apologies for being late with my post. I took a nap before getting back on here, and that ended up lasting far longer than I would have liked. Apparently, I needed way more sleep than I originally thought. But, enough about that. Lets get this game back underway...

Bax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Gorewillow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Vegazi: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Silvermane: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Ogash: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Boo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ooruk: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Taiko Set - Powerful Shaolin Kung Fu Music (mixed by He Tian Heng)

Kyt
No! Why? I know I’m using something I haven’t before tried, am I not skilled enough?

She thought as she struggled with her task. I know that this is no ordinary flame, but something about it seems down right evil! She called out to any that could hear her. I’m getting a really bad feeling from this flame!

Though the half-drow was focused on his task, he could clearly hear Kyt's words. He could tell from the sound of her statement that she was focusing to much on the source of the fire and not allowing her abilities to flow.

Focus on what your trying to do and not what your end result should be. Let it flow, don't FORCE it. You can do this. I believe in you. You need to believe in yourself. Take a deep breath, calm yourself and try again. Let it flow like the waves of the water that you can control.

Nyym remained focused on trying to help Nogusta. He hoped that his words were of some help to put Kyt at ease as she worked to broaden her abilities. He knew she was trying something new and hoped he could push her to continue to push her abilities to their limits and excel at all she did. The unspoken part of the statement passed as a thought..

Lives depend on us making it and being ready and able to fight once we arrive.

Nyym intentionally left that thought unspoken as Kyt already enough on her mind and did not wish to pressure her. He had no illusions about what happens when someone tries a new ability under pressure.

Yet even with the half-drow shouting his encouragement, despite Kyt's effort to produce a different result, the tree continued to burn.

And though the elf was somewhat at a loss to explain to fully explain it, in the moment that her Kyūzō ken, her Surging Fist, made contact with the fire, she could feel a malevolence within resisting her attempted quench. In her mind, Kyt could see the image of a tall man wearing a loose-fitting two-toned grey and black kimono-style shirt with billowing, overlong sleeves, tied by a thick purple belt, and a pair of black pants. His otherwise plain-looking face, framed by long blond locks, was covered in thousands of fine lines of ink and carefully incised scars on verdigris-hued skin.

But of this being's appearance, it was his eyes that gave her the most pause. For in them, Kyt could see a clarity of mad purpose that reminded her, in that moment, of the orc general Kelseph.

Meanwhile, back at the barricades Rohan was beginning to have doubts. He called out to the Minkai minstrel, his voice just loud enough to be heard over boyh the din of battle and the pounding drums.

Mesa, I don't know if we can hold this line! We might have to go and help the others. Though I am not sure its a good idea to leave these men without a leader of some sort. What do you think we should do?

After taking note of the big man’s yelling, the tiny woman snapped a response. Rocky, they have a Guard Sergeant, a Captain, and the militia head here. Plus a couple members of the council. They are not leaderless. Mesa then sighed. As for the others, well, I've got no fox in that hunt, but I figure you do.

This brings an end to the round. Rather than put up a giant wall of text, I decided to hold off on posting something larger than this, to give me the opportunity to better manage the incoming flow of information. With my next post, which should be inbound before 10 PM EST tonight, I will also be finally updating the map for The Quartet. In the meantime, continue with the role-play that's been developing with these last few posts.

Aodhán
Earlier in the night...

Battle Music Transition: Whatever - Our Lady Peace

The orc's straight-forward slice was narrowly avoided by Rohan. As he recovered from the attack, the human caught sight of a woman wearing a black mourning dress standing where the orc had been moments before. She seemed to shudder as a pale blue fire limned her form. Moments later, the space she had occupied erupted with a pale aetheric energy that rushed rapidly across the square.

Even as their bodies were suffused with the fiery blue energy that had erupted from the possessed orc, the minds of the members of Team Ruby became inundated with images. The unceasing stream of information pouring into them proved to be more they could handle as one by one each person's mind began to break down, seeing themselves seemingly immersed in an unending sea of shadowy faces and umbral limbs like drowning people momentarily attempting to surface before being pulled down by others. As the prehensile extremities began to latch on to each member of Team Ruby, darkness began to seep within, tainting them as it began to envelop them individually, snuffing out whatever light they each possessed.

Electricity began to arc out from all around Nyym, the blue-white discharges of energy both repelling and disintegrating the appendages that sought to consume him.

A dome of white flame moved sluggishly away from the Erutaki Warrior Princess (tm). But though the fire itself seemed to creep along, its effects were no less devastating than those produced by her half-drow companion.

Shards of earth and stone radiated away from Rohan in an outburst of power, with the larger pieces of elemental matter leveling and flattening any limbs they came into contact with while the smaller ones ripped through them like bullets.

A layer of indigo, wispy energy in the form of a lean vulpine-like creature with nine long sweeping tails that lashed out in an unruly and vicious manner from Mesa, attacking anything within reach that moved indiscriminately.

Kyt stood in meditative repose as an enormous cloud of water vapor seeped from her body, freezing any limbs that grasped at her.

But though the aetheric energy sought to destroy their psyches, it also seemed to have a rejuvenating effect on their physical selves...

The youthful high priestess of Sanctuary Tyari felt the prickling of her skin moments before the blue crystal pendant that she had been entrusted with by Kyt popped into a glittering powdery cloud.

As she stared at Brantos in confusion, in the temple's basement, Aodhán's eyes snapped open. He sat up from where he had been lying mere moments before and stared about in confusion. This was not his room at Ramblehouse.

Sweet Barleybrew, the Chelish bouncer exclaimed. Where am I? And where are the others? That thing... did it kill them?

He made it to his feet and stumbled toward the door, which he opened, and began the ascent up the stairs to the nave of the temple. I'm in Sanctuary? Then I did die...

So lost was Aodhán in his thoughts that he did not notice the presence of Brantos and Tyari, who had begun to approach him. But before they could reach the young man, Aodhán ran for the double doors (all three sets), and down the stairs outside. He did not stop until he had crossed the street and made it back to the boarding house, which he entered and discovered was empty. Nonplussed by this, the Chelish man climbed the stairs to the upper floor and made his way back to his room. As he reached for the handle, the door swung open.

Some time later, Aodhán had left Ramblehouse and was standing outside, only really at that moment taking in what was going on around him. Buildings were burning, dead bodies lay in the streets, and, to his horror, he saw orcs running around killing and looting indiscriminately.

The sight of it filled the bouncer with a deeply-seeded anger. He strapped on his caestūs and, after taking a few test swings to reacquaint himself with their weight, began to creep around back of the building.

Aodhán's Stealth check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Once behind the boarding house, Aodhán began to think on Trunau's protocol for orc attacks. He remembered that most of the civilians would make their way to the Longhouse, which was in the Upper Quarter. It was also a rallying point for the town militia, of which he was a member of.

So I guess that means it's off to the Longhouse for me then.

Aodhán looked around furtively, then made his way to the base of the tower near the Ramblehouse and followed the length of the wall until he came upon a much bigger problem.

Once he reached the gate that separated the upper and lower portions of Trunau, the source of the constant banging that the bouncer was hearing, which had been getting louder, was made obvious to him. Aodhán swore quietly under his breath upon seeing not only the gathering of orcs but the cave giant trying to break down the portcullis.

But of course it couldn't be easy for me to get in. What was I thinking, thinking I could just stroll right on in...

Discouraged, but undaunted, Aodhán backtracked along the wall to the north tower and began the process of climbing.

Aodhán takes 10, giving himself a 12. The DC he needs to beat is 15, however he is using the corner provided by the tower and the wall to make his climb somewhat easier. This reduces the DC by 5 to 10, allowing him to slowly but surely make his way up.

Upon making it to the top, Aodhán sought out the door and made his way down the stairs to the inner quarter just in time to note a momentary brilliant flash as a shaft of light broke through the dark clouds overhead, illuminating the area south of his location. Curiosity overriding his caution, the bouncer crept forward...

...and found his friends engaged in a life or death struggle against the orcs trying to to gain entry to the inner quarter.

Now....

A chaotic mix of emotions surged through Aodhán's being, ranging from relief to happiness to anger. Seeing that he was needed here, the bouncer ran forward to help, passing Liesel-Marie (and stepping over the prone form of the troll in the process) to engage one of the shieldbreaker orcs.

Aodhán attempts an Acrobatics check to tumble in to avoid an attack of opportunity from one of the other shieldbreaker orcs nearby.

Character Theme: Highly Suspect - My Name Is Human

Aodhán's Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

The DC to match or beat was 17, which he failed to do. Aodhán, therefore, provokes an attack of opportunity from the orc next to his target.

Shieldbreaker Orc 4 Attack of Opportunity w/shotel: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
shotel damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

As the Chelish bouncer came running up, one of the shieldbreaker orcs took note and sought to bring him down with its weapon. But Aodhán had taken this possibility into account as he threw himself forward into a diving roll that brought him under the seemingly slow-moving orc's cross-swing. Without pausing, the bouncer sprang to his feet and, in the same motion, launched an uppercut at his intended target.

Aodhán's caestūs attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13; +1 due to theme song
caestūs damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The orc backed up a step from where it had been standing as it was rocked by the punch delivered by a newly arrived human that now stood before it, hands up in an unusual fighting stance.

Omast Frum
The patrol sergeant, seeing the ring of orcs that had him surrounded were under attack, focused everything he had in his next swing, intent on bringing down the shieldbreaker captain.

Omast Frum's greatsword attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28; -2 due to Power Attack
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
greatsword damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8; +6 due to Power Attack, plus an additional +6 due to confirming the critical

Frum shifted his grip on the handle of his sword as he brought the weapon up from the mid-guard to perform a full powered overhead swing that ended in the low guard position, blade pointing down in line with his lead foot.

The shieldbreaker captain stared at the patrol sergeant, a flicker of uncertainty crossing its face before realization dawned. And in that moment, the upper portion of its body shifted, then slid along the diagonal path made by Omast Frum's blade to the ground.

With Aodhán's arrival onto the field of battle and the playing of his theme song, all PCs gain a +1 bonus to any d20 roll made before the beginning of his turn next round. Next up is Rohan....

Why hasn't anyone done an AMV centering on Rabbit from Zodiac War using SoaD's Psycho?

3 more episodes til the end of Dragon Ball Super. Wondering how Frieza is going to fit into the battle between Goku and Jiren....

So Netflix got back all of Brotherhood so they could show the live-action FMA movie... Gotta say, it wasn't bad, but it was disappointing to me. This was mainly due to some of the changes that were made because they really skewed my enjoyment of the movie. Like...

Still, I took comfort in the fact that the actor for Maes Hughes did a good job. If they had messed that up, I'd have been really pi$$ed.

Finally watched C:Control all the way through and learned a lot about economics that I didn't have a clue about before.

Re-watching both Psycho-Pass and Thunderbolt Fantasy so I can watch their respective second seasons.

I've enjoyed the second season of Overlord so far, the second episode wasn't quite what I expected.

Discovered that there was a sequel to Basilisk that picks up 10 years after the original. That's been... somewhat interesting, to say the least.

I've been enjoying the shine that Vegeta's been getting on Dragon Ball Super. I just hope Gohan isn't the next to drop out....

Just finished rewatching all of Yu Yu Hakusho on VRV, to prepare myself for the special coming in October.

Boy, I tell you... the things that I expected to happen in RWBY, these last couple of episodes threw all of it out the window. Not sure that I approve of all of it, but I can't wait for episode 14, the season finale.

I'm going to start watching Juni Taisen: Zodiac War because it only has 12 episodes and the titles for each are awesome.

And FMA: Brotherhood has returned to Netflix... with all the episodes available for viewing.

I adjusted that last line for you, Mesa... You're welcome! ;)

In the distance there was suddenly a scream that sounded like 'YEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA' which was largely ignored.

Rohan lifted three rocks from the ground and sent them flying toward the gate, through the smoke, toward the orcs outlined with violet flame. The fourth orc heard the meaty impacts as each of them were struck by the tall man's assault. And yet despite their injuries, none of them went down, so eager were they to fight for the greater glory of the Twisted Heart aliiance and General Kelseph.

Looks like they're back, Kyt said with a sigh.

Well, ya know what they say 'bout looks, offered the patrol sergeant as he hefted his sword before him.

The elf gave the human a quizzical look. That they deceive?

Without missing a beat, Frum responded. That they kill.

Kyt shook her head even as a smile touched her lips.

If Nyym hadn't turned his attention back to the squad on the tower across from him, he would've seen the reaction to his gift to the orcs below. Not that he really needed to, as he was pretty sure that these creatures, being primarily from the surface world, were woefully unprepared for a decidedly drow tactic.

And he was right.

The three that were to serve as fodder for the members of Team Ruby began to howl as flames of a vivid violet hue limned not only the group, but also seemed to spring up all around them. Even the lintel and seal of the gate's entryway had erupted with the eerie fire.

The fourth orc, though initially as alarmed as his companions, seemed to regain his composure once he realized that the fire didn't actually burn his flesh or that of the other orcs.

Yet he kept that information from the others. Let them charge forth recklessly. After all, he had been given orders from General Kelseph to let them do exactly that. Their deaths would pave the way to the greater glory of conquering this human town.

Due to positioning, both Mesa and Rohan can make a DC 9 Perception check to notice the flickering violet flames that have suddenly appeared in (and on) the gate. I figured the DC would have been higher, but as the orcs are "visible" due to the use of Nyym's spell-like ability, that set the DC at 0, with the added 9 coming mainly due to distance (+7) and unfavorable conditions due to being on an active battlefield (+2).

Meanwhile, Nyym's observation of the squad across from him turned up little as their leader, the one he believed to be Kagak, was in the midst of setting up his war drums while the others acted as guards. All of them seemed totally oblivious to plight of their fellow orcs below, however, as their main focus seemed to be on the defenders in the square.

The half-drow began to look for an alternative route to reach this group, and he quickly came up with one, though there would definitely be some risk involved.

He could lower himself onto the top of the gate and make his way to them from there. However, there were three orcs situated near where he would have to climb up to get to them.

Risky indeed, but it was also the fastest and most direct route to the squad. The only question Nyym had to answer was whether or not it was a worthy risk.

This looks horrible but I am not surprised.

As a fan of the OVA and manga, I disagree that it looks horrible. Alita/Gally was designed to look like a doll, easy enough because the only organics she had was her brain. In fact, she gets picked on constantly because of the way she looks by other cyborgs that she encounters in the manga, not so much in the OVA. Cameron, being a fan, took this into account with her design.

There are instances where the bad guys win. In the Infinity Gauntlet mini-series, Thanos became Eternity after defeating him... which set up Nebula to steal the artifact from him and allowed Adam Warlock to eventually claim the gauntlet for himself. Doctor Doom in the Emperor Doom graphic novel conquered the world using the Purple Man, but became bored after solving the world's problems. I'm sure there are others, but that's just off the top of my head and I haven't read comics in over a decade.

The half-drow worked both lightning blades with a level of skill and coordination that left his foes in utter confusion, unable to follow his movements due to the continuous strobing trails of the weapons until he planted a blade in each of their midsections. Laughing with a murderous sneer, Nyym released the twin weapons, causing them to wink out of existence.

But the damage had been done, and both orcs had fallen to his deadly technique.

The sole remaining javelin thrower drew his falchion and moved in to attack the Erutaki warrior, thinking her an easy kill due to her being loaded down with loot. 5-foot diagonal step, drawing falchion as he moves, to attack Liesel-Marie

falchion swing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
falchion damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 = 8

Liesel-Marie twisted, with the falchion catching the bundle that she was carrying. But the power of the orc's blow sent waves of pain throughout her body as wounds recently mended began to ache and bruise.

Liesel-Marie has 10 hit points remaining and is at the Wounded wound threshold. She takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, nor to AC and caster level.

I know we're now reaching your turn, but I need to whether Liesel-Marie is accepting the rage from Mesa's raging song. If so, then she's only taking 4 points (due to the loss of the added temporary hit points), putting her at 14 hit points. She'd still be in the Wounded threshold, but Liesel-Marie wouldn't be as close to the Critical threshold.

I was affected by the loss of Dimebag Darrel from Pantera, by the loss of David Bowie, and Prince as well. But the back to back loss of Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington has done more to damage my psyche and soul than any other celebrity death that has occurred this decade, maybe even my whole life.

One Step Closer off of Hybrid Theory got me listening to Linkin Park. But it was Crawling on that same album that made me a fan. It spoke to me in a way that few songs do these days, mainly because I'd been in that position more than once. So when the Reanimation LP dropped, it was no surprise to me that the remix of Crawling (Krwlng with Aaron Lewis of Stain'd) was the best song on it.

Meteora and Minutes to Midnight helped me get through the difficulty of separation from my wife. We ended up getting back together, but without those albums, I'd have never found the strength and resolve to carry on.

Yo, guys... Stain is a beast.

Upcoming Summer Anime 2017

Here's hoping the Saiyuki series is as good as the previous one.

I'll admit that this isn't your typical AMV, but I'll post it here and see what you think.

Father Son Kamehameha - Crayzx and D-Rage (Hero's Awakening [Dubstep Remix])