"Cal?!"
Yaziyah's head whips around to the entrance as the music precedes their bohemian friend. She opens her mouth to ask all the burning questions she has, but then shakes her head and loads another silver bolt. No time for chatter now, this creature needs to be put down quickly.
As the glass column collapses Talfryn lurches back in horror, thinking that he's unleashed another daemon upon them, but when the monstrosity sprawls bonelessly across the floor, he wipes a hand across his sweat beaded brow and pulls forth a pearl from a pouch at his belt.
"This seems to have more effect than anything else I've done..." he mutters, and once again casts Glitterdust against their foe.
Li's heart soars with joy as Cal's music fills the room. She didn't spare a look at Cal but she'd know his music anywhere. She flashes a brief smile before a look of determination settles over her features. If she had looked in his direction rather than focusing on the daemon, she would have been surprised by his altered appearance but she only had eyes for her target.
Again her fingers blur as she releases bolt after bolt at the noxious, unnatural creature.
Kynes, Investigative Legate of the Korsovan Order of Lamplighters, lifts his head from the blood soaked cobble. He'd not seen his assailant, and felt for his purse. Gone.
A damnable den of thievery and vice this alley. He lifts himself to a sitting position, letting the nausea roll over him. At last he stands, and producing a small mallet, Kynes nails a hook into a tall post, upon which he hung an iron lantern. Feeling the back of his head, he grimaces, but calls forth the oaths of his order, lighting the lantern with a bright arcane light. The alley was laid bare. Nodding in satisfaction Kynes turns to leave.
He stops short. The revealing light uncovered three pale bodies, now mauled by rats. Upon closer inspection, Kynes takes a quick step back, bringing his scarf up to cover his nose. Large pox-like blisters and black pustules covered their faces and arms. Coagulated blood and vomit stained their shirts. Plague. These will not be the only ones. The inference was obvious, and quick inspection of nearby alleys confirmed this. In each of the alleys he lit a lantern, but quickly departed. I must warn the guard, if they did not yet know, else we may all perish.
Yaziyah's head whips around to the entrance as the music precedes their bohemian friend. She opens her mouth to ask all the burning questions she has, but then shakes her head and loads another silver bolt. No time for chatter now, this creature needs to be put down quickly. Her bolt spears the daemon. As its head explodes out the other side of its shoulder, black blood showers the floor and walls. .
As the glass column collapses Talfryn lurches back in horror, thinking that he's unleashed another daemon upon them, but when the monstrosity sprawls bonelessly across the floor, he wipes a hand across his sweat beaded brow and pulls forth a pearl from a pouch at his belt.
"This seems to have more effect than anything else I've done..." he mutters, and once again casts Glitterdust against their foe.
Garvid stabs again with his halberd, delivering two solid strikes. The daemon’s incredibly tough hide hinders the blade, and the attacks do almost no damage.
hit, subject to DR
hit, subject to DR
Li's heart soars with joy as Cal's music fills the room. She didn't spare a look at Cal but she'd know his music anywhere. She flashes a brief smile before a look of determination settles over her features. If she had looked in his direction rather than focusing on the daemon, she would have been surprised by his altered appearance but she only had eyes for her target.
Again her fingers blur as she releases bolt after bolt at the noxious, unnatural creature. Both of her shots miss, however, as the demon thrashes about blindly.
Calcedon, unrecognizable to all but his closest friends, continues his performance, though whips out with his bow to tap Li on the noggin, granting her improved aim.
Still unable to see, the creature lashes out randomly at those near it
Garvid, Li, Garvid
miss
miss
hit
success
The daemon, staggering and dripping blood, soon succumbs to the concerted powers against it. The unholy energy animating its corporeal body fades, and the empty shall collapses. The horse skull cracks and lies motionless.
The battering on the western doors has ceased, replaced now by a disconcerting silence… To the east, closed double doors lead to the unknown.
___________________________
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 38/63, sickened
Li: 53/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
She thought she had recognized his playing, and there certainly was something familiar about how the figure moved, but the features... Yaziyah gives the newcomer a scrutinizing look as she tends to Garvid's wounds.
"Are you here to help?" Ultimately, the person's identity was less important than their allegiance, and the second part of the question - "or to hinder" - remains unasked, although a pointed glare is directed at the familiar cape.
”I should hope so, Yazi.” The figure delivers a quick cadence on the strings. ”Or else I’ve made a terrible mistake leaving Lannah in charge of the kitchen.” Calcedon smiles, revealing his characteristic warmth. ”Best to take precautions. Given House Fordyce’s recent reclamation of prestige, it would be a shame to have the courts seize it in the name of the peace. Come then, what’s afoot? This is clearly more than a hospice.”
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 53/63
Li: 53/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
Li sighs in relief when the daemon crumples to the ground. She takes a step backwards, away from the creature. Disbelief in her voice she says, "They be plannin' ta release that on Korvosa? How c'n they be hatin' people so?" She shakes her head sadly but then it quickly snaps up as she remembers who had arrived.
She whirls around and grins, "Cal!". Her grin fades a bit and a frown wrinkles her forehead, "Cal?" But his mention of Lannah convinces her that it's him under his disguise. "We ain't be knowin' exactly what be goin' on but some cult be tryin' ta create these daemons ta spread disease. We should probably be lookin' around 'fore tha others break in."
Li cocks her head to the side and realizes that it is eerily quiet. "What be happenin' ta tha others who be bangin' on tha door? Did they be goin' ta get more bad guys?"
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Lord Talfryn wilts with relief as the daemon collapses to the ground, sagging against the doorframe as he passes a shaking hand over his brow.
"By Rovagug's tits that was a close one," he says, a tremble discernible in his voice. "I've not unleashed such a barrage of magic in all my life. I feel as weak as a lamb."
Still, he rallies himself enough to sketch a courtly bow to the newly arrived Cal, recalling him from Talfryn's sole visit to his manor, and then points at the closed doors.
"Greetings and so forth, elaborate gestures of welcome, etcetera. However, our answers lie beyond those double doors. When we arrived we heard the guards crying out warning to Andaisin herself, whom I believe is secreted within. We must - we must force entry, and bring her to some form of rough justice!"
Despite his bold words, sweat drips from the lord's craggy brow, and he hobbles forward stiffly toward the eastern doors, his wand shaking in his outstretched hand.
This former Arkona Imports warehouse in West Dock has been restored into a place of hope and respite for those in advanced stages of suffering from blood veil, where sick folk from any walk of Korvosan life might come to find salvation under the care of the Queen's Physicians.
You, however, have come to know it better as a research facility to which several disappeared Varisians have been traced. Your mission to trace their whereabouts and learn the truth of their mysterious disappearance, has led you here. Ever a prudent man, your first step was to solicit aid from the Korvosan Guard. Unfortunately, the plague has almost completely tapped the city's resources. When you appeared at the hospice alone, you were apprehended and taken into custody as a test subject. Events have propitiously led the party to you, although you were unforunately temporarily coated in glitterdust.
"What be happenin' ta tha others who be bangin' on tha door? Did they be goin' ta get more bad guys?"
Cal glances back toward the doors with a strange smirk. "A magician can't give away all their secrets, Li! But let's say that a little magic coupled with a course of extremely good luck let me pass by unnoticed while the physicians and maidens, plotting to break down the door, altered course and moved back. Something about death unleashed. They might have been referring to those fellows there." Cal points to the lifeless leukodaemons.
A coughing and sneezing is heard against the southern wall, where a humanoid figure, coated in the shimmering, magical dust of Talfryn's spells, struggles to its feet. It lurches forward recklessly.
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 53/63
Li: 53/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
He thought he'd done his civic duty by coming to the hospice, and was quite surprised to have been promptly struck in the back of the head. Another moth for... He made out the words through a haze of pain and consuming blackness. Well, halfblooded Varisian, but I suppose they saw my tattoo. --his last thought before he passed into darkness.
Coming to he felt wetness at the back of his skull. Reaching back he found his hands bound by thick rope. Feet too. His armor had been removed..He glanced over and found his things in a bundle to his right. A figure moved in front of him, pacing excitedly, or with worry? He looked about. He was in an odd room and an acrid odor was in the air that assailed his nostrils. His shirt was torn down exposing his chest, the intricate tattoos marking his nomadic heritage in the low light. He tested his bonds and found them to give a little. They were clearly not professionals. Not associated with the thieves guild then. He worked his bonds slowly, as silently as he may. The pacing figure barely paid notice to Kynes, clearly agitated now. There were yells and sounds of commotion coming from behind the door. Then strangely...a violin. He heard a far door burst open but a large container obstructed his view. Just then he managed to loosen the bonds enough to reach into his secreted pocket to pull an extract he'd prepared this morning. invisibility. This is my chance to escape.
Swallowing the extract he disappeared from view. He quickly struggled over to his pile of gear. There. His small pocket knife. Clutching the knife awkwardly, Kynes began sawing through his bonds. A strange horrific sound filled the room. He rolled, still clutching his knife. He was shocked to find a dameon, just in front of him engaged in battle with several figures. He struggled to stand in order to move away. Just then a hunched spectacled man slung out his hand and blinding white glitter (stars?) filled the room. As he attempted to shield his face from the searing light, the knife slipped from his hand, skipping on the ground several yards away. He saw his outline glitter brightly, before the world faded into blindness.
Kynes heard a death cry from the daemon and triumph from others speaking in common. The violin rested. Perhaps these could be allies.
Hands and feet still bound, he attempts to stand. His torn shirt flapped about him. Please, help me.
Losing balance he falls. Raising his head, he speaks earnestly My name is Kynes, Leah Kynes. Investigative Legate of the Korsovan Order of Lamplighters. We hang lanterns. Kynes attempts a smile and draws himself into a sitting position, bound hands before him. I am bound by rope. I was assailed by the caretakers of this hospice. I do not know why, or why there was a daemon here... Noting a large man with Varisian features, a memory came to him..Something about Varisians and the plague. It is hard to make out. But please help.
Managed to loosen ropes sufficient to consume invisibility extract
Gosh darn. Blinded and Visible by Glitter Dust
Seeing someone shambling towards them out of the corner of her eye, Li loads another bolt and aims it at the man. Realizing he isn't dressed like one of the cultists, she doesn't shoot but she remains watchful.
"What ya be doin' here? An' how long ya be bein' here?"
Kynes vision was beginning to return. He gave each a closer look in turn. Rough. Cautious. Refined. Honest seeming faces, they seemed.
I do not rightly know. It was evening. I had just finished my rounds with the lanterns of the warren. I came to the hospice to.. Kynes stops abruptly realizing then a choice needed to be made Should I confide in these strangers, or keep my purposes to myself?
More loud banging at the door opposite of these strangers interrupted the conversation. Kynes nods at the door Friends of yours? If you do not mind, I will finish my escape from these ropes. He held out, indicating his bound hands. He cast his eyes about before spotting the pocket knife several yards away. Hopping over, he carefully lowered himself, and scooped up the blade, letting it twist backwards in his palms, and begins sawing. Twould be easier if you lent a blade.
Strand by strand gave way, as Kynes kept up a running conversation.
You will doubtless note my tattoos. Gained these on the road during my vagabond youth. Mark me as pure Varisian. A moth. Kynes watches them careful for a reaction. Kynes continues. Though in truth I am but half blooded. Father was a Korsovan alchemist and amateur naturalist. It was on one of his trips into the wild lands that he met my Varisian mother.[b] Kynes pauses, and decides he has baited them sufficiently to judge their character.
[b]You ask me why I am here. I came to investigate the disappearances of a number of Varisian citizens on behalf of my order. While I might also be wondering who you are and why you are here. You do not appear to hospice physicians, Hardly carry the look of a religious fanatic...and you certainly are not one of those devils that knocked me in the head.
Kynes takes a long breath. I came to investigate the disappearances of a number of Varisian citizens on behalf of the Korvosan order of Lamplighters. I was waiting for an audience when I was assaulted by surprise and incapacitated. They ripped open my shirt, and declared they had themselves another moth for their collection.
More commotions comes from behind the door interrupting him.
Your big man there, Garvid I heard one of you name him. He carries Varisian blood...hardly an accomplice to these cultist, I would think.
"That be interestin'. They be wantin' Varisians. But why?"
Time is ticking and Li figures they can't take more time to discuss this new person. "Ya ain't be seemin' ta be against us at tha moment so if'n ya ain't against us, ya might as well be comin' with us. I be thinkin' there be some people wantin' ta be hearin' yer tale."
Li moves towards the door they haven't looked at yet and makes sure it's safe to open.
"The Korvosan order of Lamplighters?" Lord Talfryn glances back at the stranger with a confused expression on his face. "What reason would the lamplighters have to investigate such disappearances?"
Still, he tugs on his bristling mustache and gives the man a nod. "We are not accomplices, but rather envoys of true law and order! A beastly woman stands on the other side of this door. If you've a mind, lend a hand. She will be hard to overcome. Otherwise, you had best return to the street."
That said, the lord turns back to the door to listen intently at its wooden panels.
We are tasked with lighting that dark streets of our city, but we also investigate those who'd seek to hide their crimes. Varisians have been vanishing, and our efforts to understand why have been been met with resistance.
He is used to people wondering about the Lamplighters. Many rumorse are told about the Lamplighters, and most of them are exaggerated, or flatly untrue...
Beastly woman, eh? Maybe it was she who knocked me aside my head.
Kynes looks over at the other door. What is that way?
As the others attend to the stranger, Yazyiah speaks quietly with Cal, asking about updates from upstairs. Had her little messengers been successful? Had the Guard arrived? Somewhat disappointed in the news, but also glad for their friend's unexpected help, she turns to the other conversation.
An appraising look over the stranger's body takes in the tattoos and their craftsmanship. Th Varisians gave them different meanings than the Shoanti, but the two people had this in common - the marking of their bodies with designs of significance. Her own tattoos ripple as she smiles rather coldly at the man.
"We don't need your life history. It is enough to know that you have no love for those we fight. If you are able and willing to help us, all the better, if not... our friend here with the violin says the way to escape is clear. But if you go, best send the guards, because these people are guilty of great crimes against the city."
The tall Shoanti woman flicks her long braid over her shoulder and scoops up a brown weasel that is currently hissing and spitting at the collapsed form of the leukodaemon. "Come on, Your Holiness, we have some trash to deal with."
Erm. I'm not sure where we are exactly. I will follow you.
After brief introductions with the unlikely accomplice, Li makes a quick assessment of the eastern doors. Noticing no traps, she tests them gingerly. Beyond, the passageway extends into a long hallway that slopes downward at a noticeable angle, slowly widening.
Following this path for over one hundred feet, the hall widens to a width of fifteen feet before emerging into a circular chamber rising into a high dome. Seven basins jut from the walls, ensconced within evenly spaced alcoves that circle the room. Each is filled to the brim with a unique liquid--blood, bile, milk, or other unidentifiable fluid. Each fills the air with its own distinct reek, creating a noxious, eye-watering bouquet. These revolting fluids spontaneously generate within their basins. On the floor around each basin lie several small, empty metal boxes carved with images of skulls.
At the room’s center, rising from a wide pool of crystalline water, is a golden statue that is both erotic and horrifying. The statue depicts a beautiful, nude woman who is human above the waist, but below this, the figure is nothing more than a skeleton.
Kneeling before the fountain is a female of undeniable, fearful allure.
Dressed in a flowing, crimson gown, with raven hair and milk-white skin, an enormous scythe rests upon the ground beside her. Four undead creatures shuffle nearby, leering at your intrusion with empty eye sockets.
The woman smiles seductively, claiming her scythe and drawing herself to her feet.
”And so you’ve found your way to me, hopeful heroes. Know that you stand before the architect of your city’s death. You call this sending blood veil, yet I know it as the gentle kiss of the Pallid Princess. Your reward shall be great. Choose of the seven scourges to become one with the goddess. Those who drink I shall only cripple, leaving you alive to enjoy her as she quickens inside your flesh. Those who abstain are fools, not fit to house the divine gift. You may prostrate yourselves at my feet, and I shall make your end all the more swift for it.”
She runs her hand down the length of her weapon, biting her lip.
”Swifter, in any event, than this delightful end your lovely queen has enjoined me to create.”
___________________________
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 53/63
Leah: 45/45 (7 NL)
Li: 53/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
Kynes knew people. He had a knack at finding common ground and leveraging it to change minds, and a penchant for striking fear into a scoundrel's heart, if necessary. With such as these though, there would be no traction. Only death.
Kynes lets his bladed scarves hang loose from his gloved hands. The light of the lantern cleanses even the the vilest of shadows. As he says this, he pulls a prepared extract.
Yaziyah makes an obscene gesture with her left hand. "Kiss this, princess." To the others, she tells in an aside. "I shouldn't need to spell this out, but do not drink out of those vats. Do not even touch them."
She glares at the woman, attempting to divine her secret weaknesses.
Enough words. Submit to judgement.
Kynes studies the woman with a piercing glare and brings an extract of enlarge person to his lips.
There is nothing about this room that is remotely pleasing to Li. Her nose wrinkles in disgust at what she sees and smells. "I ain't be drinkin' anythin' in here an' I ain't ever be servin' no one ag'n who be wantin' ta hurt others." Thanks but no thanks."
Li wonders if there is any truth to the woman's words implicating the queen in all this. However, the rogue doesn't have the time to ponder such thoughts as violence seems imminent.
Lady Andaisin is a high ranking, human cleric of Urgathoa, with the potent magical abilities expected of one in such a station. Her domains are death and war.
These are human juju zombies, known for their unusual dexterity. They have DR 5/magic and slashing, are immune to cold, electricity, and magic missile, and are resistant to fire. They also have sneak attack.
Andaisin’s lip curls in disgust. ”As you wish. You will make fine offerings to my Lady. Your suffering will be great and, despite your reluctance, know that you will soon be begging for death’s embrace.”
The zombies, wretched human figures with tight leathery skin, sunken eyes, and emaciated frames, advance with an eerie alacrity.
___________________________
Initiative (bold may act):
Leah
Li
Garvid
Zombies
Andaisin
Talfryn
Calcedon
Yaziyah
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 53/63
Leah: 45/45 (7 NL)
Li: 53/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
Garvid surges forward, side-stepping to create an opening for Li's shot. As he moves he swings his heavy halberd, the blade flying counter-clockwise over his head. As he approaches the nearest zombie he shifts his weight forward on one foot and puts his strength behind the blow, decapitating the creature with one sure swing. It collapses onto the stone.
Long have you cast shadows in Korvosa, high cleric of Urgathoa. Now the light of the Lantern will cleanse this Korvosa of your stain.
With those words, Leah Kynes' arms, quite literally, drop to the tiled floor. He spits out the remnants of the hard exterior of the long arm extract. Raising them and the long bladed scarves he held, his reach was now terrifying. Instead of moving towards Andaisin, Kynes studies her intently, analyzing her every motion, noting the turn of her hips, how her heel rested on the tile. Go you.
Li finally recognizes the woman they are up against and knows that they have quite the challenge considering Andaisin focuses on death and war. The rogue can't understand what widespread death is supposed to accomplish.
Having a clear shot at one of the undead , Li quickly shoots a couple bolts its way.
Leah bolsters his reach with an alchemical potion while Li sends two bolts flying, one of which strikes the zombie before her .
Orange lurches at Li , raking at her eyes with bony fingers, while Red and Blue swing their fists down over Garvid’s head.
Andaisin chuckles musically, like church bells at a funeral, and floats ten feet into the air, over the water in the fountain. Her laughter crescendos into raucous laughter. ”Oh yes, struggle! I’ll enjoy playing with you...until the end. Now, kneel.” She gestures, and you feel a sudden impulse to fall.
___________________________
Initiative (bold may act):
Talfryn
Calcedon
Yaziyah
Leah
Li
Garvid
Zombies
Andaisin
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 53/63
Leah: 45/45 (7 NL)
Li: 53/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
Kynes falls to his knees in dark mimicry of sincere worship.
The woman was clearly dangerous, but her pats were not to be ignored, either.
"Don't waste your bolts against these, Li. Their magicked hide is strengthened against all but magic and sharp edges, and will turn aside cold spells and lightning. And don't let them flank you!"
As the command rings out in the chamber, Yaziyah feels the force of it, almost physically pressing down on her, but grits her teeth and pushes against it, her back straight and eyes narrowed in defiance. She glances at Leah, grovelling on the floor.
"Are you so weak, then? Get up!"
As the zombie shambles forward, Kynes turns his head sharply. Briefly, the world was reduced to abstraction of forces and motion. The future probabilities unraveled before Kynes piercing intellect, and he snaps his bladed scarves with deadly wrath to intercept..
From his knees, Kynes straightens his back and stares back with utter defiance. Whipping his bladed scarves he again attacks the approaching zombie. From his pocket Kynes retrieves a stained iron vial containing a virulent mutagen.
Despite himself, bellowing in protest all the while, Talfryn drops to his knees and then onto his stomach, cursing and going red in the face from the sheer indignity of it all.
Completely depleted, he can do little more than extend his wand and intone the sole magic word that causes beams of colored light to flash out and impact with the priestess.
Li is so focused on not having her eyes gauged out that Andaisin's words barely register. Before she can react, her body is involuntarily slumping to the ground. Rolling over on to her back, she fires up at the zombie looming above her.
fail
pass
fail
Calcedon, still ensconced within the glamour of his disguise, inspires with a masterful interlude suitable for the occasion, then grips his bow between his teeth and moves forward, longsword drawn, to stand near Garvid.
Garvid falls prone before the two zombies surrounding him. He grinds his teeth, that quiet anger beginning to bubble over within him . He strikes out with his halberd, landing one good blow on the zombie looming over him.
miss
hit, possible crit
no
As the zombie shambles forward, Kynes turns his head sharply. Briefly, the world is reduced to abstraction of forces and motion. The future probabilities unravel before his piercing intellect, and he snaps his bladed scarves with deadly wrath to intercept. The zombie is also left headless as its bones clatter to the ground .
Yazi grants her...unique brand of wisdom to Leah in hopes of bolstering his resolve against Andaisin’s profane magic .
From his knees, Kynes straightens his back and stares back with utter defiance. Whipping his bladed scarves he attacks another zombie. His blade strikes the zombie, severing one of its arms at the elbow . From his pocket Kynes retrieves a stained iron vial containing a virulent mutagen.
Despite himself, bellowing in protest all the while, Talfryn drops to his knees and then onto his stomach, cursing and going red in the face from the sheer indignity of it all. Completely depleted, he can do little more than extend his wand and intone the sole magic word that causes beams of colored light to flash out and impact with the priestess . Andaisin’s eyes narrow as she searches for the source of the attack.
Li is so focused on not having her eyes gauged out that Andaisin's words barely register. Before she can react, her body is involuntarily slumping to the ground. Rolling over on to her back, she fires up at another zombie. The angle is all wrong, however, and her projectile slams into the wall and breaks in two .
Calcedon, still ensconced within the glamour of his disguise, inspires with a masterful interlude suitable for the occasion, then grips his bow between his teeth and moves forward, longsword drawn, to stand near Garvid.
Garvid falls prone before the two zombies surrounding him. He grinds his teeth, that quiet anger beginning to bubble over within him He strikes out with his halberd, landing one good blow on the zombie looming over him. The zombie crumbles, destroyed.
The final zombie slams its rotted fist down upon Garvid, who’s able to easily deflect the blow with his weapon.
miss
Lady Andaisin glares at Talfryn from her aerial perch. ”Your Mistress did not grant you permission to talk back, little man. That was ill done, wasn’t it? You’ll take your punishment, won’t you?” Although phrased as a question, there is a dreadful certainty in her tone.
Another gesture, this one revealing the glinting onyx unholy symbol in her pale hand. A translucent scythe, identical to the one she wields, materializes in the air before Talfryn, striking down upon him with an unnerving fury.
possible hit
As magic strikes magic, one of Talfryn’s mirror images is shattered, sending a thousand shards of ethereal force raining down upon him as the tip of the scythe leaves a very real chip in the stone.
Andaisin spins in the air, clearly vexed. ”Your little spells won’t protect you much longer,” she vows. ”You are old, and frail, and spent. But I, I am beautiful, and vital, and I have all the power of Urgathoa!”
___________________________
Initiative (bold may act):
Talfryn
Calcedon
Yaziyah
Leah
Li
Garvid
Zombies
Andaisin
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 41/63
Leah: 45/45 (7 NL)
Li: 53/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
Sometimes knowledge is not sufficient to achieve dominion, Kynes reflects darkly. His back is again forced to the tiled floor.
Kynes drags himself towards Andaisin then pulls from his vest an extract of enlarge person. I'll reach you one way or another, b#+*%.. He sucks the thick sludge from the extract stick, and his body begins to grow..
Cal's music fills Li with courage but she still can't seem to make her body get off the floor. Since she is no longer harried by any of the zombies, she turns her focus to the human. Loading her crossbow as she lies on the floor, she shoots at Andaisin.
Yaziyah tsks and shakes her head at Leah, then, removing a wand from her belt she taps her chest with it as she takes several steps forward. She doesn't think much of her chances of affecting the death priestess with her magic, so she focuses on bolstering her companions instead.
Under her breath, she mutters. "Beautiful you are, aye, but beauty is transient, my dear."
success
Still beet-red with fury, Talfryn manages to overcome the compulsion and crawl to his feet before firing another missile at Andaisin. The scythe still looms beside him.
Calcedon continues to hum the coda of his arrangement, , while slashing at the final zombie. It’s speed is unexpected, and he merely chips a piece of bone from its skull.
miss
fail
Still overpowered by the strength of Andaisin’s power, Garvid roars in rage and stabs viciously. His strike is so strong that it punches through the back of the zombie, leaving its torso in two pieces. He, too, manages to crawl forward, muttering.
hit
Sometimes knowledge is not sufficient to achieve dominion, Kynes reflects darkly. His back is again forced to the tiled floor. He drags himself towards Andaisin then pulls from his vest an extract of enlarge person. I'll reach you one way or another, b#@$!.. He sucks the thick sludge from the extract stick, and his body begins to grow..
Cal's music fills Li with courage but she still can't seem to make her body get off the floor. Since she is no longer harried by any of the zombies, she turns her focus to the human. Loading her crossbow as she lies on the floor, she shoots at Andaisin. Lying on the ground doesn’t hinder her aim at all, and the bolt impales Andaisin in the stomach. She gasps in pain as her blood begins to drip into the pool beneath her.
Yaziyah tsks and shakes her head at Leah, then, removing a wand from her belt she taps her chest with it as she takes several steps forward. She doesn't think much of her chances of affecting the death priestess with her magic, so she focuses on bolstering her companions instead. Under her breath, she mutters. "Beautiful you are, aye, but beauty is transient, my dear."
Still beet-red with fury, Talfryn manages to overcome the compulsion and crawl to his feet before firing another missile at Andaisin. The scythe still looms beside him.
Calcedon continues to hum the coda of his arrangement, , while slashing at the final zombie. It’s speed is unexpected, and he merely chips a piece of bone from its skull.
Still overpowered by the strength of Andaisin’s power, Garvid roars in rage and stabs viciously. His strike is so strong that it punches through the back of the zombie, leaving its torso in two pieces. He, too, manages to crawl forward, muttering.
Andaisin clutches at the crossbow bolt, then lifts her hand, her unholy symbol now smeared with her own blood, to her lips. She moans, in pain or pleasure? ”You are spirited. How long until that spirit breaks?”
The spiritual weapon spins around, away from Talfryn, and cuts down upon Li. The girl is too quick, however, and manages to jerk away in time before it strikes the stone where her leg would have been.
miss
”You!” she points her holy symbol at Yazi. ”You are not worthy to witness the transformation to come.” She laughs, and Yazi's vision begins to dim...
___________________________
Initiative (bold may act):
Talfryn
Calcedon
Yaziyah
Leah
Li
Garvid
Zombies
Andaisin
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 41/63
Leah: 45/45 (7 NL)
Li: 53/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
Giving up logic, a fierce sense of self-determination bred by life on the long road of his youth welled up and with utter contempt Kynes rejects the compulsion.
Kynes stands tall, now a noble form of monstrous proportions. An extract reaches his lips, and searing words begins to blast forth. Your beauty is nothing. You are nothing. A small thing that will pass into time and be forgotten. Forgotten by Korvosa. Forgotten by the Gods, even those you now serve.. The only profound characteristic I note is your utter insignificance, less than dust, less than mud sullying the hem of those greater than you could hope to become!
The rogue's body still feels weighed down and she knows it is pointless to try and get to her feet.
As Li rolls to the side to avoid the translucent but deadly weapon, she quickly loads another bolt into her weapon. She then fires it again at Andaisin hoping to keep her hurt, angry, and a little unfocused.
With a wrenching roar, Talfryn rises to his feet, breaking free of the enchantment with supreme effort. Rearing up, swaying on his feet, he extends his hand toward Andaisin.
"Foul wretch! Harlot of death! Let fire cleanse your soul!"
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Yaziyah laughs, the sound harsh and hollow.
"Do you think that I fear the darkness? I, who was born in the clan of the skull? I, servant of Pharasma, who abhors your goddess and your kind?"
She snorts, piercing Andaisin with a withering glare, willing her to falter and doubt.
Cal tucks his blade beneath his arm, reclaims his bow from his teeth, and issues a few staccato notes as he hops over Garvid to position himself closer to Andaisin.
fail
Garvid, still compelled to lay on the stones, crawls forward behind the musician, swearing the darkest threats of his life...
Giving up logic, a fierce sense of self-determination bred by life on the long road of his youth welled up and with utter contempt Kynes rejects the compulsion. He stands tall, now a noble form of monstrous proportions. An extract reaches his lips, and searing words begins to blast forth. ”Your beauty is nothing. You are nothing. A small thing that will pass into time and be forgotten. Forgotten by Korvosa. Forgotten by the Gods, even those you now serve.. The only profound characteristic I note is your utter insignificance, less than dust, less than mud sullying the hem of those greater than you could hope to become!”
success
Leah’s voice reverberates through the room as a wave of intense heat crashes into Andaisin, causing her to thrash and falter.
Li's body still feels weighed down and she knows it is pointless to try and get to her feet. As she rolls to the side to avoid the translucent but deadly weapon, she quickly loads another bolt into her weapon. She then fires it again at Andaisin hoping to keep her hurt, angry, and a little unfocused. She succeeds, planting another bolt in Andaisin’s shoulder.
With a wrenching roar, Talfryn rises to his feet, breaking free of the enchantment with supreme effort. Rearing up, swaying on his feet, he extends his hand toward Andaisin. "Foul wretch! Harlot of death! Let fire cleanse your soul!" A pillar of fire streaks across the chamber, illuminating the effigy of Urgathoa in grim relief. Andaisin’s laughter has turned into screams of pain.
Yaziyah laughs, the sound harsh and hollow. "Do you think that I fear the darkness? I, who was born in the clan of the skull? I, servant of Pharasma, who abhors your goddess and your kind?" She snorts, piercing Andaisin with a withering glare, willing her to falter and doubt. The priestess, however, is too distracted by Leah’s and Talfryn’s fires to be caught within it.
success
Cal tucks his blade beneath his arm, reclaims his bow from his teeth, and issues a few staccato notes as he hops over Garvid to position himself closer to Andaisin.
Garvid, still compelled to lay on the stones, crawls forward behind the musician, swearing the darkest threats of his life...
The force scythe relentlessly pursues Li, still prone on the floor. It strikes twice in quick succession and cuts deeply into the back of her thigh.
Managing to put out the flames to her person. Andaisin’s mood grows dark. ”Curse you! I will not be so easily overtaken!” A wave of her hand, and a thick bank of fog swirls around her, consuming nigh the entire chamber and shrouding her completely from your sight.
___________________________
Initiative (bold may act):
Talfryn
Calcedon
Yaziyah
Leah
Li
Garvid
Zombies
Andaisin
Calcedon: 46/46
Garvid: 41/63
Leah: 45/45 (7 NL)
Li: 44/53
Talfryn: 46/50
Yazi: 37/43
Andaisin: ???
Kynes wades into the thick mist with relentless determination. From his pocket he pulls another extract. No allies? Where is your god now? Abandoned in a misty grave of your own making, do you yet feel your helplessness before our judgement?