Hezar tries to get a good look at the new villain at O 21 approaching, perhaps it is the source?
Then not being sure he launches an arrow at it anyhow
Tranche #3's actions:
Janiries sees a possible vulnerability in the icy undead and seeks to exploit it!
Attack Roll with Composite Longbow on Icy Undead #1: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11
Damage Roll: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
Her arrow misses, however!
Hezar, uncharacteristically, shows poor aim when targeting the new, unidentified undead!
1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7
Duvall uses his last channel of the day! Targeting the undead, and hoping to relieve the pressure on Tol by at least taking down the one skeleton....
channel positive energy:
Skeleton J dissolves into ash!
Zombie L takes 1 point of damage;
Zombie M takes 2 points of damage;
Zombie J takes 2 points of damage;
Zombie K takes 2 points of damage;
Icy Undead takes 1 point of damage;
New Undead #1 takes 1 point of damage.
Tranche #4 - Ariael, Marius and Tethys - are up next!
"We need to fall back and regroup!" Ari yells, and fires a bolt of force at the new undead
Tranche #4:
Ariael's magic missile streaks toward the unidentified undead and strikes it in the chest. The undead monstrosity doesn't otherwise react, however, and appears unhurt.
Marius takes a move action up to M29. He then attempts to stabilize Tor. This provokes an attack of opportunity from Zombie L:
attack:
damage:
The Zombie hits Marius hard. He struggles forward, however, and tries to help Tor:
skill check - heal DC 15:
Tor is stabilized, but still out cold. Marius is going to attempt to extract him next round!
Tethys moves up to N30 to support his friend.
Tranche #5 - the Zombies, Icy Undead and Unidentified Undead - are up next.
Tranche #5:
Zombie L attacks Landon:
attack:
damage:
It's heavy, club like blow misses!
Zombie M attacks Duvall:
attack:
damage:
Duvall bats aside its clumsy blow with his shield.
Zombie J attacks Duvall:
attack:
damage:
The clumsy brute misses altogether!
Zombie K moves up to M27. This draws an attack of opportunity from Duvall:
attack:
damage: -5 due to DR
Duvall hits the Zombie hard!
Belgrin also gets an attack of opportunity:
attack:
damage:
Belgrin's vicious blow fells the tactically unsound Zombie!
The Icy Undead lifts it's bone white hand and fires an icy beam at Duvall!
touch attack:
damage:
The difficulty of firing into a melee causes the beam to just miss!
The unidentified undead lets loose a gutteral cry - and from the cold earth arise two new zombies to do it's bidding!
New Zombies A and B are flat-footed until next round.
Tranche #6 - Beldas, Belina and Pontus - are up next.
"Belgrin! Pull them back to the church!"
Shouting out to the group across the moat, Janiries would then turn to Pontus.
"Pontus, cover them as they retreat."
Duvall begins a fighting retreat.
Aye! shoulder ta shoulder! back towards the chapel! Stay grouped or it's yer head they'll chew!"
Landon will move with the others while trying to guard Tol, taking a swing at the zombie that attacked him first though.
Aye, lass! Archers, cover that line of Zombies with your fire! yells out Pontus, taking aim at Zombie J:
attack: crit confirmed!
damage: plus shock damage.
The Zombie convulses for a few moments before dropping, unmoving, to the ground.
Beldas takes aim at Zombie M:
attack:
damage:
A solid shot, the bolt pierces the Zombies' gut!
Belina also takes aim at Zombie M:
attack:
damage:
Her aim is off, however, and the arrow flies harmlessly through the air.
Tranche #7 - Tanner and Arthar - are up next!
Arthar takes a 5 foot step up to L29 and attacks Zombie L with his longspear:
attack:
damage:
His spear strikes true, eviscerating the monster and dropping it to the ground!
Tanner takes a shot at Zombie M:
attack:
damage:
But his shot is wide!
Round four is over! Round five is up next!
Round Five - Belina's bardic performance has run out, so no more +1 to hit and damage.
Tranche #1 - the skeletons - are up next:
The skeleton warriors stay put, readying against possible attack.
Skeletal archer #1 takes aim at Beldas:
attack:
damage:
Beldas grunts as the arrow catches him in the side.
Skeletal archer #2 takes aim at Belina:
attack:
damage:
The arrow strikes her heavily in the shoulder, causing her to gasp.
Skeletal archer #3 senses a kill, and also targets the bard:
attack:
damage:
The arrow catches her in the stomach! She slowly sinks to the ground, clutching the arrow. She is down to -5 and is dying.
The unknown undead laughs. It then speaks, it's voice raspy and filled with inhuman rage. Flee to your little chapel, fools! We will come for you when the time is right! Then all may serve the ascendant king, the lord of rot, the binder of souls! It laughs again, then points to the chapel. Go to your tomb, fools!
Marius takes Tol under the arms and begins dragging him back towards the chapel. Tethys snarls and drops into a position to pounce, but the closeby zombie makes no attempt to stop Marius. The other dead seem to be waiting, as well.
SM to see if they are going to let us retreat
Belina! Stay with us!
If out of initiative Hezar will drop down off the roof to her and feed her his potion of CLW (Assuming a healer did not get her before that)
Hezar falls with all the grace of an elephant on ice.
He pours his potion down her throat, cradling her head
Just to be sure, Janiries would nock an arrow and aim at the speaking undead, ready to let loose incase the horde starts attacking once again.
"Everyone get back inside now!"
@ Hezar: Your roll is enough to drop unharmed from a height of about 15' or so (I'm assuming you went to the lowest point of the roof before making your drop. Your potion stabilizes the bard, but there's an unnatural colour around her lips and eyes... as you pick her up to bring her within the chapel you are taken aback by just how small she is, how light she is in your arms.
Everyone may withdraw within the chapel if they desire, the undead appear content to stay put, for the moment at least.
Beldas comes down from the roof, sweating profusely. He has plucked the arrow from his side. There was something on that arrowhead - a poison. I can resist it, I think - but Gods help that poor girl.
Waiting for the melee types to retreat back into the church, Janiries would keep her arrow trained on the undead before joining the group inside.
"That was less than pleasant."
Once back inside Hezar returns to the roof to retrieve his bow and arrows. He immediately moves to Belina's side and attempts to help her resist the poison
He then gathers as many arrows as he can and begins to convert some to Blunt arrows. All the while staying at her side.
"Regroup for now, all. If they want to give us the benefit of a breather, they'll regret it all the more." Belgrin sheathes his weapons and move to assist Marius by lifting Tol's arm over his shoulder, muttering as they go. "damn fool cousin. Still haven't learned that runnin' off from yer kin's a bad idea. Best have some o' that Dwarven backbone left. Ain't about to go tell the elders you died within me eyeshot."
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@ Hezar: Belina's breathing becomes more regular, and the strange colouration seems to recede from her delicate features. She remains unconscious, at -2 HP, but appears stable. Marius comes to double check on her and also concludes that she is out of danger. Insofar as any of us are, at least... he adds.
Tol is also unconscious, but stable at 0 HP.
Beldas appears fine - his strong dwarvish constitution helped him stave off any ill effects from the poison. He says little, and returns to the roof after checking on Tol's condition, seeking to resume his silent watch.
@ Ariael: A young peasant girl offers you a cup of water upon your return inside. Hannah, you think you remember her name as being. You fought with such bravery and skill, my lord. And with magic! Truly you are a hero, come to rescue us from these fiends. I've heard tales of elvish prowess, but had never seen it for myself, until now... She smiles, with soft, unblemished features that humans would no doubt find attractive. You notice her gaze upon you often.
Thank you Marius. You fought well today.
Hezar offers to share his trail rations with Marius and Tethys.
How did you come to meet Tethys? I have often tried to befriend the animals of the forest, but so far have had no luck.
Marius smiles. And you as well, brother! Your arrows strike hard and fast, even against the dead that rose against us. You sit down to eat at Belina's bedside. Marius has supplemented his rations with some berries and roots which he is eager to share. Tethys comes and sits at Marius' feet, content to play with a hunk of jerked beef.
I met this crazed beast during my training - I saw him in a dream, on the night of my entrance into the greenleaf priesthood. About a week later, during my wanderings, I found this little black ball of fur, hunched over a squirrel he had slain. A fierce hunter, even as a kitten! We've been inseparable ever since. I've heard that rangers still have a foot in the cities of men, at least early in their careers. As time goes by, and the aura of brick and stone wears away, your God will bring to you a friend and companion of your own.
Belina moans a little in her sleep. Her disquiet is settled, and a peaceful look returns to her, when you gently stroke her face.
Hezar reaches down and scruffs Tethys behind the ears. Then there is hope for me after all! He tries to smile.
Hezar waves over one of the younger folk. He hands them 5 Blunt arrows and instructs them to deliver them to Ariael to be used against skeletons. I will make some for the crossbows tomorrow...if there is a tomorrow
That at least gives Lafali and Janires a few shots against the boney ones.
Hezar sighs And to think I signed on for this because I was bored. I wanted adventure. It is exciting and exhilerating up until people start to get hurt. He looks around the infirmary and sighs again.
Next time I will shoot faster and truer. I feel more prepared this time. How about you Marius?
I do as well - having seen them in combat, I feel like I've a better chance to strike telling blows on our enemies. Tonight, I will try and pray for an extra spell - I feel like I can handle more energy than I could before.
Marius stands and stretches. Before walking away to do his rounds with the wounded, he stops and says:We are all of us tested, my friend. And we will continue to be. Life continues for those strong enough, he hesitates for a moment, looking at Belina, then you. and for those who have something to live for. I believe you have both.
@ Belgrin: Pontus comes up and slaps you on the shoulder. Aye, lad, you gave a good accountin' of the Stoneshield clan today. You were the very image of yer father, divin' into battle to save a downed ally. I'm hopin' that your sense will rub off on Tol. He's a good lad, brave as ye saw, but too headstrong, too set on rejectin' the old ways of our people.
Hezar will try to rest.
"So, now that we're safe from distractions.. this is what I found on my scouting mission."
Janiries would head over to the bag she took with her on her trip, opening it up and pulling out a piece of paper.
"This is the interesting part."
You have more than enough manpower to work the mines every hour, day and night. I care not a whit for your delicate sensibilities - let all, from the youngest children to the expectant mothers - be sent to the mines for work shifts. Our work here is too important - the secrets within Lassathor's vault are worth the lives of every pissant villager, and yours as well. Our lord's assent to Godhood will be quickened by our success here!
Jessilyn shall be down shortly to assist you in motivating the villagers. Remember that you are being paid well, and remember that your families' well being resides with your compliance to our contract!
Profidius'
122 gold coins, a small pouch with three small gemstones in it, and a most interesting dagger. It has a blade that has a green tint along the edges, and a handle like two intertwined serpents.
A small pouch containing several gemstones, 44 gold coins, a small music box (covered in red velvet), and a large iron key.
Foreman's Ledger and handful of documents.
Hezar starts awake.
Any one heard of this Profidius? How about Lassathor? Jessilyn? Perhaps a magical blade?
Hezar will ask that of his companions and the survivors as well.
Pontus nods his head. Aye, we've heard those accursed names - Jessilyn, to start with. A priestess of Loviatar, she was, and a more evil snake I've never met. Took glee in whipping folk for just about any offense, real or imagined. Even the mercs seemed to fear her, and they weren't immune to her beatings either.
She scourged me near to death for spilling her water one night, pipes up Hannah, one of the commoners. Used a whip just like the one Lady Janiries has on her belt. I'm sure I'd be dead now, save for Miss Belina, who had a spell that healed me.
Pontus takes a pull from his pipe before continuing. Profidius was the lisping, scrawny mage who was supposed to be in charge. Between him an' Jessilyn, however, I couldn't see her takin' orders from such a man. There must have been someone else pullin' their strings. Ain't never heard the name Lassathor before.
Ariael nods his head at Hannah's words "Tis true, we elves are mighty in bow, blade and spell. You are a winsome lass, and your thanks gladen my heart" He says with a smile.
After adding the blunt arrows to his quiver, Ari walks over to his elven companion "May I see that dagger?"
Once Pontus is finished with his explanations he says "I believe that whip the Lady Janiries carries is in fact Jessilyn's. Twould make much sense, considering."
"Go right ahead Ariael."
Thinking back to who she obtained the whip from, Janiries would describe the female fake bounty hunter, to see if Pontus recognises her as Jessilyn. (The ones they killed to rescue Marius)
Nay, lass, that doesn't sound like her ta me. Pontus shakes his head. And forgive me for sayin' so, but I think she would have been a bit of a tough kill for anyone in this room.
@ Ariael - the dagger does radiate magic - after several rounds of concentrating, it reveals itself to be a +1 serpentine dagger. It possesses the following powers, in addition to a +1 enhancement bonus to hit and damage:
- once per day, when the control word is spoken, the blade transforms into a venomous serpent, under the control of the blade's wielder. This transformation lasts for one minute;
- three times per day, upon speaking a command word, the dagger coats itself with a venom that deals an additional 1d6 acid damage plus 2 points of strength damage. After it's third use the serpent's eyes close and it acts as a regular dagger for the remainder of the day.
"That would have been terribly convenient, but alas."
As Ariael finishes his look over the dagger, Janiries would turn back to him before speaking to the other elf.
"Anything useful in that? I do rather like knives.."
Ariael smiles again, his purples eyes twinkling "I've noticed you are found of them. I think you must have been blessed by the Father of Elves himself, as this is a very potent weapon" He then explains what it does.
"Quite correct Ariael. One has to be ever so close to another to do anything with them, which is always interesting. And it turns into a snake? Wonderful!"
Hezar begins work on a new bow.
Belgrin takes a good bite of rations and a gulp from his waterskin. "S'not so much that he rejects the old ways, cousin, but that he doesn't yet have a good way himself. Had he had a real plan, a real path, he wouldn't be so much of a worry. but now he'll be hard to keep alive long enough to find it. leapin' right inna the enemy like that's only brave when ye know ye can cleave em in one go. Otherwise it's just stupid. Stoneshield's sposed to have rocks fer heads, not brains like em."
The stalwart fighter sits down next to his unconscious clansman and shakes his head, thinking out loud to his snoozing form. "All ye had to do was wait till ye were ready, lad. A dwarf with no patience is like an ale without hops. Empty, lifeless, and askin' to get thrown out. Best ye wake up with a little more sense, lest ah have to knock ye out again to keep ye alive."
Duvall converts any remaining spells (I think he may have one) to healing and uses it to the best good. Then he visits those wounded and uses his healing skill on them. He will then get what rest he can and wait for either the next foray or next attack.
As night falls, the number of undead outside appears to increase dramatically. Faster forms dart about, yellow eyes glowing for just a moment before disappearing into the darkness. More shuffling shapes have appeared from up the road, and from the other side of the village.
Around midnight, a procession of skeletal undead appears. Holding torches that flicker a sickly yellow, they carry a long wooden post amongst their number. Stopping about 100 feet from the chapel, the skeletal group then sets to work. Nailed to the post is the body of a man; the skeletons work to dig a hole for the post, then elevate it so it stands vertically.
After several moments, one of the skeletons presses something into the head of the crucified body. Instantly, the head pops up, the eyes burning with yellow fire, and you know you are being watched by a dark power. From time to time, the crucified form will shriek in the night; when it does so, the undead rearrange themselves, move, or otherwise seem to react, as if commands are being given.
One thing is certain - you are truly surrounded, now. And watched.
Looking to Duvall then to everyone else, "Get up. Something is happening."
Where is the altar? Duvall says, jerking awake. He pushes himself to his feet and goes looking for the altar, grabbing his weapon and forgetting his armor for now.
"Eh, what? Ye mean besides the new legion they just dropped at our door?" Belgrin stands at the ready, eyes and weapons fully focused on the movements of the new corpses outside.
The undead seem content, at least for now, to wait and watch. Through the night, you did hear many strange sounds: what sounded like claws scraping against the stone just outside the broken windows.... moans of torment in the dark corners, which were always revealed to be empty when a light was brought to bear; and the shrieking, and screaming, emanating from the profane, desecrated horror just a hundred feet away.
Duvall and Landon snap awake just before dawn. Duvall's question draws everyone's attention to the stone altar. Standing atop a short pedestal, the altar is an unadorned slab of stone, level and well cut. It used to be covered in purple and gold fabric, but that has long since been torn away by the desperate survivors.