Smiles and lightly places a hand on Orsin's gaunt cheek, unafraid of what happened last time. After all, she bore her own scars with patchwork hair and burned hands.
I'm becoming a hag before my time. Andrea mused to herself.
Let's toast him together.
Daniel finishes his prayers and once again, stands renewed. His handsome half-orc face was looking rugged rather than gaunt, to the point where he caught Andrea's lustful gaze AGAIN.
We have another weapon. One that will prove decisive in our battle against the vampire. Holy Imoedae has granted me the ability to share my smite with my allies. When the time comes, and I announce Heaven's iimplacable judgement upon him you will find your strikes empowered. It is a rare honor. Bless her name. Also, know that I have prayed for a Paladins sacrifice. If any of you should fall in the coming battle, I will be able to temporarily spare you my magically taking the attack myself. I can do this only once. Do not be careless.
Orsin produces the scroll of scrying. "If I may have the honor...?"
Please do
Orsin pulls out the scroll of scrying and looks over the formula that made up the spell. Smoothing it onto the floor, Orsin began to chant and moves his hands, using his deep bardic knowledge to imitate the components of the spell.
A smile of pride plays over the bard's lips as he expertly weaves both voice and gesture together. Soon the silvery writing on the scroll glows and smokes, vanishing as it rises and forms a silvery cloud that has shadowy shapes inside that attempt to form into images...
The magic scroll brings forth an image of the doorway leading to the dark cellar and an old wooden dock, there is boat and large underground lake. You see many doors lining.
As Orsin focuses his vision and thoughts he makes out a dank chamber that has a twenty-foot-high ceiling of stone blocks. Raised alcoves on either side of the chamber each hold an open stone sarcophagus covered by a heavy grillwork of iron bars. There is more to the room, shadows of at least four spawn fawning over two other beings within the room. Then the image winks out.
Add +1 Will save for lack of direct knowledge of Ilnerik.
Euphemia pulls some strange powder out of her spell component pouch and blows it in Orsin's direction before moving over to Gerard. Orsin and Daniel seemed well in hand with the rapidly-deteriorating Andrea that Euphemia is at a loss to treat without comfort food, but Gerard she had license to touch. She gives him a brief backrub and nuzzles with Frank at the same time.
Multitasking has its place.
Andrea listens to Orsin's report. So it seems we have a potential boat ride to Ilnerik plus six in his chambers. Somehow I think we will be easy targets in the boat. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Andrea rummages around the various Haversacks and Bags of Holding sets out some of the things they have found.
Once we get near Ilnerik, we must not withhold any item we have been saving 'for a special day'. Every single little something we have bought or found must be pulled out and used or we may never have another chance.
Andrea offers the following items.
4 Oils of Keen Edge
Vial of Silversheen
2 Oils Bless Weapon (Auto confirm crits on evil critters)
Remember, vampires need to be struck by magic weapons that are either mithril or silver or of sufficient enchantment to break through their undead defense. Gerard, a vial of silversheen on one of your magic blades can help. Also, these oils of keen edge will make blades cut deeper and Orsin's and Daniel's blades can be improved with them. There is also an old magical silver dagger that we have that I can give you Gerard.
Daniel, you lost your longbow to the ooze, there is one we got from the roof guards and plenty of arrows
Thank you Andrea. My smite will overcome Illnerik's defenses. I will take the bow should he try to fly away from me. If any one can prepare a fly spell that would be useful. If it comes to water combat my ring means I won't drown. The oils are brilliant
My focus on Calistria's domains has changed. I can bless someone with luck so a blow that might miss will now succeed.
I also prayed for a spell that can grant any of us one use of one of my miracles. I have decided that a blessing that makes a single blow strike true would be the best choice. This will only work once though so the moment must be chosen carefully . Perhaps one of us wielding the Morrowfall can use it to strike against Ilnerik.
The group studies, prays and gathers gear for the upcoming battle. There is an underlying tension within the room, which Andrea does her best to break with her well thought out tactics, but the undeniable reality is death awaits. Eyes shift as each wonders if he, or she, will make it through the day as previous day's horrors are recalled.
Suddenly the baying begins...
Daniel stands his sword in hand and looks at the door.
It is time my friends. Hold to your faith and your wits. No matter what happens I will abandon no one and will take the hit should you fall. Illnerik dies today.
Andrea draws her sword and nods.
DMPC Will Saves:
Gerard
Phem
Frank
orsin
The second baying sound sends a shiver down Gerard's spine. Sheer terror strikes the rogue, as his pupils widen in panic.
Since we locked the doors magically, shall we just let Gerard calm down until we are ready to go out?
They're here... They tracked us down. They're coming for us.. Gerard runs his fingers through his hair, worrying his lip.
We have to get out of here, now!
Just sit tight, we used the Treasurer's Seal to seal the doors to this area, shadow mastiffs won't be able to get through
Stay close to me friend I'll not let you fall. We have already faced worse than this.
Having forgotten to cast it earlier, Orsin casts heroism on himself as he feels the terror try to take hold of him.
Gregorio's still counting on you, Bessatte. Don't give up.
The bard holds his blade at the ready, hoping he won't have to use it.
Gerard finally gets a grip on his emotions, and self doubt, finding comfort in the paladin's confidence and cleric's assurances. The baying stops for the time being.
As the party cautiously approaches the room, there are three shadow mastiff's either in the room or entering from a side room. the room smells of tallow and there are several lit candles arranged on various tables and wall sconces.
Everyone startles each other, so there is no surprise round.
RD1, the shadow mastiffs are haloed in red
Initiative:
Andrea
Mastiffs
Plem
Orsin
Gerard
Daniel
I changed it on the template setup that i use.
Andrea is up first....
HP 81/81
Current Saves: F12R5W115
AC: 24/T12/FF24
In hands: Wooden shield+2,Long sword +2
Current BaB: +9/+4
Spells in Effect:
Channels 6/6
Andrea squeezes past Gerard to O-5 a and stabs at the mastiff at P-4 as soon as it shows it's snout. Focus attacks on each one! Each dead mastiff means less attacks.
RD 1: Andrea steps up and double attacks the mastiff in the doorway, and perhaps she strikes true with firsts blade.
RD 1: Mastiff on Andrea
The beast snaps its jaws at Andrea,
;
;
It looks like the bite misses, there was no trip attempt and the tail slap went wide.
Andrea manages to scratch the Mastiff. I remember these things from Delvehaven! We need very bright light!
These creatures seems to flicker and blend even with continual flame on the weapons.
In any condition of illumination other than full daylight, a shadow mastiff disappears into the shadows, giving it concealment (50% miss chance). Artificial illumination, even a light or continual flame spell, does not negate this ability; a daylight spell, however, does.. A shadow mastiff can suspend or resume this ability as a free action.
The remaining two shadow mastiff's take 5 ft steps forward and one attacks Gerard and the other tries to attack Daniel.
The vicious attack and tail slap on the deft rogue,
;
;
The flat footed paladin has to defend against the aggressive hound,
;
;
If you are without your shield the tails bashes you.
* Daniel, If your AC is 27, the bite connects and the trip attempt occurs,
*Gerard if the the 28 hits, then the bite connects and the trip attempt occurs,
RD 1: Update
Initiative:
Andrea- nicks the hound.
Mastiffs - M1 misses Andrea, M2 hits Gerard for 7HP, M3 hits Daniel with bite and tail for 16HP
Plem
Orsin
Gerard
Daniel
Remember to roll a d100 as there is a 50% concealment miss chance
Andrea just isn't able to focus her thoughts enough with the snarling beasts snapping at them.
Okaydokee! I feel all better after getting all bit up by those dolls so now I can get back to my quest! I heard that after the mayor's house blew up, that my darlin was seen going into the big hole with those big fires in it so that is where I will check next.
I'm no dummy though! Nosiree! Now I got some guys to help. There is Herbert the goblin sneaker, Willie the Ogre priest of whatever they call their gawd and Furyhand the goatman who was brother to Madjaw. He knows all sorts of magic and can burn things good, haw! Haw! With these guys going along with me, we'll beat up everythin that comes after us!
Orsin moves to M,6 and strikes at the shadow mastiff.
...His blade striking only shadow stuff.
Euphemia and Frank squint at the creatures.
She then corrects Andrea. We need brighter light, much like that of a Daylight spell
Euphemia draws a scroll of Daylight(move) and casts it into the room(standard)
Phem casts daylight form a scroll and the room shines in brightens.
Orsin moves closer setting up a potential flanking position for Gerard.
RD 1: Update
Initiative:
Andrea- nicks the hound.
Mastiffs - M1 misses Andrea, M2 hits Gerard for 7HP, M3 hits Daniel with bite and tail for 16HP
Plem - daylight
Orsin -moved
Gerard
Daniel
Gerard steps through the gap between the massive shadow canines. Nice puppy... Remember to shift people, set'em up!
Gerard hits the creature that Andrea nicked.
The mastiff that Gerard flanked slumps down to the ground.
Daniel move down and through Andrea's square to O,4 Setting up Gerard for a flank next round and drawing his enchanted Quickdraw Shield as he moves (AC27) , then tries to smash the Hound in N4.
Daniel hits the mastiff after he steps up but the beast is still up.