Cai'nan's blade nearly decapitates the still-unprepared guard, a spurt of blood marring the polished stone floor of the chapel. The man silently hits the ground.
Two more Silent Shroud officers leave the gas cloud behind, one of them emerging near the front, doing a quick flip in order to try and get around Ciervo.. But he is not quick enough, and even though he makes some distance between himself and the dhampir assassin, Ciervo manages to score a brutal blow into the man's shoulder blade as he backs away.
Freezing Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Damage (Cold 1d6, Sneak Attack 3d8): 1d4 + 6 + 1d6 + 3d8 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (2) + (5, 4, 3) = 23
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Critical Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Salla moves into the room and shoots at number 2 this round.
Nicholas steps down in to the room. He raises a hand and fires off another trio of greyish glowing missiles, hammering the injured Shroud guard.
Nicholas and Salla fire off ranged volleys of missiles at the already-injured guard. Salla's aim is off, her estimation of where the man might dodge having gone the wrong direction - the monk spins out of the way of the attack. Nicholas' attack, however, cannot miss, and slams into the guard, who staggers back from the force of the blow.
Ciervo decides to leave the guard he wounded for the others to finish off. Eyeing another Silent Shroud across the room, he strides past Cai'nan and closes in with a jab of his rime-covered dagger.
Ciervo flows across the room and stabs his dagger at one of the Silent Shroud. The man, though he is in the midst of a particularly violent choking fit, tries his best to twist agile-ly out of the way, though Ciervo manages to get him in the bicep.
Unafe scowls in frustration as the alchemist disappears into the noxious green mist. She considers pressing closer to continue draining his good fortune, but decides instead to try to aid the broken priest.
She walks forward, takes a deep breath, and concentrates on binding his and her soul together.
_________________
Additionally, if she takes any damage, half will go to Tuturutanga due to Protector's Shield Other ability.
AC 18 (+2 vs any attack where bodyguard succeeds)
HP 62/62
Channel 2/4
Wandering spirit Lore
Tuturutanga’s HP 31/31
Shaman Spells Remaining
. . 3rd—haste, stinking cloud (DC 18), stone shape; locate object[ S ] or neutralize poison[ S ]
. . 2nd—barkskin, mirror image, shield other, stone call; lesser restoration[ S ] or tongues[ S ]
. . 1st—ant haul, entangle (DC 16), liberating command[UC], obscuring mist, protection from evil; detect undead[ S ] or identify[ S ]
Active effects
Ant haul (6 hours)
Mirror image (6 minutes)
Shield other: tuturutanga will take ½ of all damage dealt to Unafe
Unafe crosses the room, linking her soul to that of the disabled and tortured cleric. She feels a pang of pain in her arm as his wounds begin to transfer over to her.
Meanwhile, the monk in combat with Ciervo takes a step away from him, cautiously, while one of the monks near The Procurer retreats more, passing around the edge of the stinking cloud. There, with a few deep breaths, he regains his composure.
The alchemist bursts from the lower edge of the smoke cloud, maneuvering around nearby one of the monks and the inquisitor. He pulls a small vial from his belt pouch and hurls it at Unafe, grinning.
The bomb bursts, sending corrosive mist and liquid all over the aasimar, as well as Cai'nan and Simon. The already-barely-conscious cleric collapses backwards from the force of the alchemist's bomb, totally still.
"Hey now! Bad form! This shirt was expensive!" Cai'nan calls out as he moves to take a stance between the priest, Unafe, and their foes. He slashes out at the nearest one, but fails to connect.
__________
Cai'nan's attack is easily dodged by even the sick Silent Shroud. It is said that they possess a limited precognition that being mute their entire lives somehow grants them with, and even bent over and choking on his own coughs the man steps to the side in time to dodge the glaive-blow.
One of the monks and the inquisitor fall back from their foes, trying to create some distance to just get over this fit of nausea so that they can fight. The Procurer chases after the two monks that had escaped around the corner of the smoke, shield and sword at the ready, while his companion Aurus sinks into the stone floor, emerging on the other side of the monk that Ciervo is fighting, providing a bit of distraction for the former assassin to strike more vitally. One of the monks, however, just getting over his coughing fit, steps towards Cai'nan and assumes a combat stance, ready to fight.
Salla will take aim at the Alchemist.
Nicholas flinches as the acid cloud eats at Simon's already tortured body. "You'll pay for that," he growls. He rushes forward, dark clouds of shadow matter swirling around his hands. "Ysmihw yb emocrevo eb!" He points at the alchemist, sending the shadow magic straight for his head.
The alchemist doesn't even know that Nicholas' spell isn't real, and falls prey to the illusory enchantment. Something terribly funny is going on in his head, and the man clutches his belly, shrieking terrifyingly as he doubles over and hits the ground.
Salla is forced to aim lower, firing off two crossbow bolts with lightning speed. The first penetrates the man's shoulder, but the second skips off of the stone ground in front of him, sailing over his body.
Unafe gasps as the acid burns her skin. Something in her wants to shield herself from more pain, but her training takes hold.
”Simon-friend-of-Nicholas, your pain is my own.” As she speaks, the wounds in his back fade slightly...and Unafe feels the sting of wounds opening on her own back. She strokes Tuturutanga’s neck, as he shares the burden with her.
As she speaks, she draws a wand from her belt and taps the injured priest with it. ”Take care, you’re still weak, but you will not meet your ancestors today.”
_________________
Additionally, if she takes any damage, half will go to Tuturutanga due to Protector's Shield Other ability.
AC 18 (+2 vs any attack where bodyguard succeeds)
HP 50/62 (-9 bomb, -3 life link)
Channel 2/4
Wandering spirit Lore
Tuturutanga’s HP 21/31 (-9 bomb, -2 life link, +1 fast heal)
Shaman Spells Remaining
. . 3rd—haste, stinking cloud (DC 18), stone shape; locate object[ S ] or neutralize poison[ S ]
. . 2nd—barkskin, mirror image, shield other, stone call; lesser restoration[ S ] or tongues[ S ]
. . 1st—ant haul, entangle (DC 16), liberating command[UC], obscuring mist, protection from evil; detect undead[ S ] or identify[ S ]
Active effects
Ant haul (6 hours)
Mirror image (6 minutes)
Shield other: tuturutanga will take ½ of all damage dealt to Unafe
Realizing that the earth elemental is preparing a flank for him, a faint grin spreads across Ciervo's face. A grin that just as quickly melts back to passive resolve as he steps forward to reengage the monk. Taking advantage of Aurus's positioning, the dhampir targets his opponent's vitals and thrusts his daggers into them deeply.
"Sleep, silent one."
Ciervo is a moving onslaught, brutally taking the Silent Shroud guard right as he recovers from his coughing fit with a flurry of daggers. The mute monk's blood flies in an arc as the man hits the ground.
In the enter of the room, Unafe gives a portion of her life over to both Simon and to Cai'nan. New burn marks open up on her and her familiar's skin, but she holds steadfast, even healing Simon of some of his wounds. With the dual healing, the man's eyes flutter awake. He takes in a sharp, hissing breath, his hand nearly going to clutch his skinless arm.
Meanwhile, the gasping and laughing alchemist on the floor attempts to get over the spell affecting him, summoning a burst of willpower...
But he is immediately overpowered by the strength of Nicholas' spellcraft, helpless but to continue laughing while the spell persists.
The first of the monks to recover from Unafe's stinking spell comes to, striking out at The Procurer with a flurry of kicks and punches, leaping up into the air to deliver a powerful spin kick.
Although the monk is still a little bit off balance by his late entrance to the fight, he manages to land his agile spin kick in a vulnerable pressure point. The Procurer drops his short sword and stands stock-still, unable even to raise his shield to defend himself.
Cai'nan glances over his shoulder, and seeing the wounded state Unafe is in, clenches his teeth and says, "I dunno what sorcery you lot are working on her, but you best be stopping it, NOW."
He then flips off the central alter to the side of the monk nearest him and slashes out at him with his weapon.
__________
Cai'nan isn't quite fast enough to avoid the reaction of the silent monks, which give no reply to his threat and demand.
The monk, however, isn't quite fast enough to avoid Cai'nan's counterattack, which cuts through the monk's black robe easily, spilling blood. The monk grits his teeth and steps backward, punching at the air. His fist heats up as it passes through the air, and with a loud clap a ray of searing heat shoots out from the man's fist towards Cai'nan at the end of the punch.
The Procurer is still stunned from the onslaught of the monk that faces him, but Aurus pads over towards the nauseated inquisitor, lashing out with a claw at the man. However, the quick and heavily-armored inquisitor manages to dodge the attack of The Procurer's earth elemental companion.
Simon sits up, shaking from the pain he's in. He croaks, "Dou-Bral's symbol..."
Unafe breaths in sharply, her brow furrowed, as she concentrates to handle the pain.
To Cai'nan, "Thank you but it's OK, this is my burden. See how your wounds abate somewhat as well. I am Two Hearted. It is my path to share the pain of others."
To Simon, "Dou-Bral's symbol...what? Don't do anything to attract attention to yourself--you're still too close to the Boneyard. I can lend you my wand of healing though, if your own magic is depleted."
She also looks about, trying to differentiate foes that are merely down from those who're truly dead.
Simon coughs out some blood. "The symbol of our lord... I need it..." he groans.
Without missing a beat, Ciervo ignores his felled foe and searches for his next prospect. He spits the Kuthite inquisitor and sneers, all too familiar with their handiwork. To say he did not approve of it would be an understatement. The rogue bounds across the room, prepared to express said disapproval with a thrust of his dagger.
Ciervo leaps towards the opposing inquisitor, stabbing at the man with his dagger. It clangs off of the inquisitor's breastplate without harming him, however.
Nicholas hurries over to Simon's side. "Simon, it's me." He digs in to his pocket and draws out a small silver holy symbol. "Here brother. Be at ease, you're still very injured."
Simon takes the holy symbol with a small smile, though he still shudders with pain. "Hmm." he says, quietly. "Does not seem like a time for ease."
Sorry. Salla is shooting at Ciervo's opponent.
More cuts and burns bloom on Unafe’s arms, back, and face. She moves back a bit from her foes and then sings out ”Wairua o to tatou matua, te whakaora i to tatou mamae.”
As she does, a chorus of rumbling voices seem to join her--together with a refreshing breeze--and as the breeze dies down the wounds of her allies fade more.
_________________
Additionally, if she takes any damage, half will go to Tuturutanga due to Protector's Shield Other ability.
AC 18 (+2 vs any attack where bodyguard succeeds)
HP 58/62 (-5 life link, +15 channel)
Channel 1/4
Wandering spirit Lore
Tuturutanga’s HP 23/31 (-5 life link, +9 channel, +1 fast heal)
Shaman Spells Remaining
. . 3rd—haste, stinking cloud (DC 18), stone shape; locate object[ S ] or neutralize poison[ S ]
. . 2nd—barkskin, mirror image, shield other, stone call; lesser restoration[ S ] or tongues[ S ]
. . 1st—ant haul, entangle (DC 16), liberating command[UC], obscuring mist, protection from evil; detect undead[ S ] or identify[ S ]
Active effects
Ant haul (6 hours)
Mirror image (6 minutes)
Shield other: tuturutanga will take ½ of all damage dealt to Unafe
Cai'nan keeps up the attack, spinning his Glaive around him as he steps forward and swings it twice at the monk.
__________
Salla fires a pair of bolts at the inquisitor facing off against Ciervo. One manages to penetrate his armor, but the inquisitor smoothly steps to the side and dodges the second.
Unafe steps to the side, calling forth a chorus and a wave of positive energy, soothing the wounds that are springing up on herself even now, as the injuries from Cai'nan and from Simon transfer themselves over to her.
The alchemist continues to laugh madly on the floor, grasping at his belly and gasping for breath, while the monk fighting the Procurer, still stunned, unleashes another series of attacks on him.
He lands a series of blows on the still-out-of-it vigilante, striking another pressure point and a few vital points. Bones crack, and The Procurer still remains stunned.
Aurus, sensing its master's plight, takes off across the battlefield, plunging straight into the cloud of smoke in pursuit of the monk savaging The Procurer.
Simon, now having healed some of his wounds, takes hold of Nicholas' shoulder for support. "Thank you..." he gasps, clutching the silver symbol of his lord. He points at the inquisitor, and a pure-white ray shoots out of his finger at the inquisitor, followed by a second one. Both rays impact on the inquisitor, who grunts and takes a step back as if punched. Simon coughs, but he looks pleased.
Cai'nan takes a step down and slashes at the monk that had hit him with fire twice. He strikes once, and the monk grunts a tiny little grunt of pain before stepping back and firing a ray of fire at Ciervo, the one attacking his superior. The ray flies past Ciervo, not even close to striking him, and sears the wall.
"Any time," Nicholas says, letting Simon brace himself against his shoulder so he can stand. With his other hand, he points at the nearest Shroud monk and his ring flares with light again as three greyish force missiles bombard the man.
Ciervo does not allow his failed attack to discourage him. Rather, he brushes away his disdain for the man and focuses entirely on ending him. With some light footwork he closes the gap between them yet again, this time closing in with another two dagger attacks.
Seeing the stone "cat" run off through the noxious mist reminds Unafe that there are others unaccounted for (on both sides of the battle).
She starts to call out for the gnome, and realizes she doesn't yet know his name. Frowning, she wonders, How well do we know this odd gnome? Either he is overwhelmed and needs our help...or he's not on our side at all, and has made alliance with these silent killers. Either way, I'd better see what's up over there.
"Salla the Fletcher, note the stone cat's curious behavior. I'm going to go check on the gnome, and the last missing killers. Will you join me?"
Additionally, if she takes any damage, half will go to Tuturutanga due to Protector's Shield Other ability.
AC 18 (+2 vs any attack where bodyguard succeeds)
HP 53/62 (-5 life link)
Channel 1/4
Wandering spirit Lore
Tuturutanga’s HP 19/31 (-5 life link, +1 fast heal)
Shaman Spells Remaining
. . 3rd—haste, stinking cloud (DC 18), stone shape; locate object[ S ] or neutralize poison[ S ]
. . 2nd—barkskin, mirror image, shield other, stone call; lesser restoration[ S ] or tongues[ S ]
. . 1st—ant haul, entangle (DC 16), liberating command[UC], obscuring mist, protection from evil; detect undead[ S ] or identify[ S ]
Active effects
Ant haul (6 hours)
Mirror image (6 minutes)
Shield other: tuturutanga will take ½ of all damage dealt to Unafe
Salla joins Unafe in going to aid the Procurer.
Ciervo manages to land two slashes on the still-nauseated Kuthite inquisitor. The man hyperventilates for a few moments before he passes out, totally unconscious and exhausted from Simon's spell.
While Unafe and Salla circle around the smoke cloud to ensure the safety of their newest gnome friend and the death of the last Silent Shroud, Nicholas fells the monk who had put up the most fight with another trio of dull magic missiles. Salla and Unafe come upon the sight of a pair of monks, one critically wounded and just getting over his nausea, and the other uninjured, ganging up on The Procurer, who seems bruised and stunned.
Seeing the newest assailants, and knowing that the unarmed Procurer might be small-fry for his compatriot, a Silent Shroud monk steps towards Unafe and lets fly with a pair of fisticuffs and feet. The punch and the leaping spin-kick he performs both pass harmlessly through one of Unafe's mirror images, and she remains unharmed.
Cursing under his breath as Unafe runs off around the mist, Cai'nan decides it is likely best to finish this foe before chasing after her. He lets out a flourish of swings at the remaining threat as he advances.
__________
Cai'nan chops downward twice, carving great slices out of the prone alchemist. He still lives, but the injuries are great and he is disabled... it is not likely that he will live much longer.
Unafe and Salla witness the remaining monk that faces off against The Procurer heal his wounds. He takes a deep breath, and suddenly he shakes less with pain. Afterward, he steps around the Procurer, going back-to-back with the other monk.
Aurus continues to plunge through the cloud of stinking smoke, coming out on the other side of it adjacent to The Procurer and the monk that threatens him.
The Procurer lunges at the monk with his spiked shield, gritting his teeth with pain. Unfortunately, his reach just isn't long enough to get close enough to his opponent, due to his little short arms.
Simon takes a step down the stairs, still using Nicholas for support. He takes a deep breath in through his teeth, holding his stripped arm with a hand cloaked in positive energy. The skin doesn't heal over, but a cracked and gross-looking scab begins to spread over the arm.
Unafe is relieved that her spirit doubles are confusing her foe. She raises her knife toward him, focuses her vision onto the unseen world, and begins to cut away at the unseen threads of fortune.
As she does, she chants out, "Wairua o nga saurians, wairua o te whenua, te arata'i ahau, homai ki ahau te kaha, homai ki ahau tino."
__________
Additionally, if she takes any damage, half will go to Tuturutanga due to Protector's Shield Other ability.
AC 18 (+2 vs any attack where bodyguard succeeds)
HP 53/62
Channel 1/4
Wandering spirit Lore
Tuturutanga’s HP 20/31 (+1 fast heal)
Shaman Spells Remaining
. . 3rd—haste, stinking cloud (DC 18), stone shape; locate object[ S ] or neutralize poison[ S ]
. . 2nd—barkskin, mirror image, shield other, stone call; lesser restoration[ S ] or tongues[ S ]
. . 1st—ant haul, entangle (DC 16), liberating command[UC], obscuring mist, protection from evil; detect undead[ S ] or identify[ S ]
Active effects
Ant haul (6 hours)
Mirror image (6 minutes)
Shield other: tuturutanga will take ½ of all damage dealt to Unafe
Nicholas continues to support Simon. "I would suggest finishing the jester off," he says. "He's only going to be like that for a few more seconds and he's probably going to be mad when he gets up." He points at the laughing fool and fires off a small burst of cold blue light.
Salla shoots at the Monk attacking Unafe.
Salla fires a pair of crossbow bolts over Unafe's shoulder.. however the fact that she has eight shoulders makes it difficult to see her enemy, and she misses both attacks.
Nicholas shoots a bolt of frost at the laughing alchemist on the ground, but it strikes the ground as the alchemist rolls away coincidentally.
Ciervo gives Nicholas a quick nod before stepping over the unconscious inquisitor and hurrying to the laughing alchemist's side. He gives his dagger a quick twirl before plunging it downward.
Ciervo rushes forward and attacks with his freezing dagger. The alchemist would have been well-defended enough, but his vulnerable place on the ground and the distraction from his existing wounds serves as his death knell. Ciervo plunges the dagger into the flesh of the man's heart.
Unafe uses her hex on the monk in front of her, and he tries to resist...
... and he fails.
The monk steps to the side, and attempts to attack Unafe despite his sudden bout of misfortune.
His fists are accurate and powerful, and they strike harmlessly into another two of Unafe's mirror images, leaving only two of the kaleidoscopic Unafes remaining, with one being the real Unafe.
The final two Silent Shroud realize their predicament, that they are surrounded by hostiles and that both of their commanders have died, as one they both bite down hard. Their mouths begin to foam, and after just a few moments they both fall down to the ground, dead.
Simon Ocur shakes with the pain he is in, and sits down heavily on the stair as the threat ends. He takes a deep, shuddering breath, and looks at Nicholas. "Who are your friends, Nicholas?" he asks, softly.
Nicholas slowly lowers his friend to the ground so he can rest. "Well, the young woman with the dinosaur under her dress is Unafe, a visitor from Garund who's here looking for a relic stolen from her people. I think that we might be able to help with that. The rest were spying on the Shroud when I came to try to rescue you and agreed to help. You'll have to ask them exactly why."