Durin's first hammer blow crashed into the Mohrg, adding to its significant wounds. The second barely made it through the large amount of mud in its swing, failing to damage the creature further.
With an ally distracting the undead creature, Zanzu tries to accurately rake his claws and bite deep into the undead's life.
As the Mohrg reeled from the blows Arachiel and Durin struck upon it, Zanzu savagely bit into the Undead with his cruel beak, managing to finally sever what was left of the upper spinal cord of the Mohrg. With a CAWWWWW! of victory, Zanzu followed through with the motion to knock the skeletal head from the body. The Mohrg sank into the mud, entrails and all.
After the stinking cloud, there is nothing left in Marcus' stomach to retch out but the wizard gives it a good try as he clears his mouth of the fetid mud.
I am reminded again how fortunate I am to be surrounded by so many fine warriors. That could have gone much worse.
Sloshing through the thick mud he moves over to inspect the undead creature.
First we have the mudmen co-operating with the mephits and now this thing. Odd. It could have been created spontaneously or created as well.
A mohrg can create zombies from humanoids it slays. So the good news seems to be that there are none around or we'd have faced them as well.
Unless theres more than one! the lyrakien adds cheerfully as she delivers some healing to Zanzu.
Lets move on and try and get out of this mud before we run into any reinforcements. That mephit could certainly have made the tower by now.
Zanzu nods and clucks in appreciation from the power of Kirilarien to heal his wounds, "My thanks, feeling much better now."
He looks for anything interesting on the undead, despite its slimy and revolting state.
Full HP again.
Durin shakes the mud and gore from his hammer and continues his march towards the tower...
A hasty search through the thick mud revealed no treasure or keepsakes in the Mohrg's home. Marcus found himself wondering if perhaps the Mohrg was as old as the Army of Light itself; certainly the ranks of the forces of Orcus included mass murderers and other hedonistic serial killer types.
The group passed underneath part of the structure as they waded through the deepest part of the mud. Thankfully, the mud became less think as they cleared through to the other side. To the north, a shattered palisade wall stood- once blocking off another section of the trenches but shattered in an attack long ago; only the broken stubs of the logs that were once barricades now remained.
The trench widened to the right just after the tunnel, to encompass part of the tower's base. Rounding the corner, the group found the door that led into this fallen bastion of the Army of Light.
This corner of the tower is undercut to form a covered patio before the tower’s entrance. A heavy wooden column seems to strain and bow slightly as it continues to support the tower’s weight after all these years. The doorway leading into the tower’s darkened interior is only partially obscured by the shattered remains of a heavy ironbound door hanging on twisted hinges.
Despite the rather grim appearance, the majority of the door is actually fairly functional, the hinges salvageable. With the proper tools and a couple of hours work, the door could be fixed to its former strong condition.
Marcus shares his thoughts as the group clumps toward the tower entrance, Kiri flying up momentarily to check nothing lurks above the patio or existing structure.
The door looks salvageable even assuming we can clear the tower. Zanzu would you mind taking a quick look before we risk triggerering some long forgotten trap?
Realising the enchantment on Durin is about to expire the wizard renews it, before starting a summoning.
Three globes of light answer the wizards call, the celestial outsiders spinning around the conjurer as he instructs them in celestial.
The three spin off to briefly bathe Durin, Arachiel and Zanzu in their light before flying ahead of the dwarf into the tower interior.
Traps, hmmm....now let me see clucks the tengu. "I mean I can have a look, but I'm probably better at trapped pockets.." his voice trails off in thought as he studies the door.
The celestial archons moved into the room ahead, providing light via their Continual Flame spell-like ability. From just outside, Zanzu poked his head around the corner-
This cavernous, large rectangular room carries the smell of death and the silence of the tomb. Heavy squared columns support the ceiling in the darkness overhead. Not even the squeak of a rat disturbs the stillness. On the east wall about halfway down, a sturdy wooden door seemed to be the most obvious exit.
Durin has to duck to peer into the room, but waits for Zanzu and K to do their thing before he squeezes through the doorway...
With a cluck and a wave of his arm, Zanzu beckons you to follow, into the room.
Only moments after Zanzu beckoned the others into the room and they began to enter, the humanoids lurking upon the columns of the room lost their patience. Licking their lips with rotting tongues, they leapt from the heavy wooden columns they had clung to and surged to the attack with their long teeth and claws. Not truly recognising the balls of light but realising they had little meat on them, the attacking Ghouls rushed Zanzu, Arachiel and Durin, just as Khun-Duhn began to react with lightning fast reflexes born of divination.
The group had been adventuring long enough to recognise the dangerous Undead, but these Ghouls seemed different somehow. It was almost as if the foul vapours and noxious fumes in the Boiling Lands had left their mark upon them; toxic-looking pustules on their skin seemed to fester aggressively and each of the five Undead had a sickly green tint to their foul flesh...
Round 0 (Surprise Round)-
Ordered Initiative-
(Favoured Terrain Desert +2)
Marcus + Lanterns- 26
Lord Vincent- 22
Ghouls- 20a
Khun-Duhn- 20b
Zanzu- 18
Kirilarien- 17a
Arachiel- 17b
Barak- 14
Durin- 3
Active Effects-
Enlarge Person on Durin (3 Rounds remaining)
Durin, Arachiel and Zanzu Temporary HP
Three Summoned Archons
Map-
Notes-
Action-
Between the armour of Durin and Arachiel and the swift last-moment duck and weave executed by Zanzu, only a single set of the Ghoul's deadly teeth were brought to bear as Durin's attacker bit into the exposed fles of his enlarged hand. The stout Dwarf fought off both venom and a risk of paralysis as he resisted the sudden urge of his body to go slack from the toxins now coursing through his arm.
Round 1
Unable to see most of the creatures and with the visible ones so close to Durin, Marcus has few good options and opts for a quick cantrip while he studies the ghouls and commands the archons to concentrate their fire on anything attacking Zanzu.
(ranged touch, in-combat, cover)
The celestial creatures respond with a blazing show of light which unfortunately does little more.
(ranged touch, in-combat)
Surprise Round:
Warned of the impending ambush by his preternatural senses, Khun-duhn brings his horsechopper to bear against one of the attacking ghouls.
The difficulty of striking with his reach weapon both through the doorway and with his three allies in the way gave the ghoul time to prepare itself for the strike and it blocked the haft of the polearm with its strong arm.
Round 1-
Ordered Initiative-
Marcus + Lanterns- 26
Lord Vincent- 22
Ghouls- 20a
Khun-Duhn- 20b
Zanzu- 18
Kirilarien- 17a
Arachiel (action declared)- 17b
Barak- 14
Durin- 3
Active Effects-
Enlarge Person on Durin (67 Rounds remaining)
Durin, Arachiel and Zanzu Temporary HP
Three Summoned Archons
Map-
Notes-
Action-
You are aware of all traits of the Undead type and additionally, you recall that Ghouls have keen senses including Darkvision.
As the lantern archons realised battle was upon them, their golden-white light began to shift into a righteous fiery-white as their menacing aura spread over the room, their divine presence unsettling three of the attacking Ghouls.
The archons forms seemed to glow even brighter as they released rays of light at the ghouls before them, although only a single ray stuck its intended target. Marcus himself fired off a ray of positive energy which also went wide.
Behind the group with limited scope to reach the front line, Lord Vincent urged his comrades on, bolstering them with both his potent Haste spell and his inspiring oratory.
Lord Vincent's efforts rang out alongside the snarls and bestial, hungry moans of the attacking Ghouls as they brought their claws to bear alongside their teeth with zeal, seeking to slay and eat the intruders. Durin was bitten once again but managed to weather several incoming blows. Arachiel was struck twice by his attackers but stubbornly refused to be paralysed. Zanzu was a blur of motion, managing to agilely escape attacks from two separate Ghouls while deflecting others with his raised claws.
While the five Ghouls attacked the adventurers, the side door burst open as three more Ghouls entered the fray; two of them swiftly taking in the situation and flanking one of the archons, seeking to bite the floating menace. While one of the pair struck true, the powerful defences of the floating ball of celestial light rendered the attack completely ineffective.
Feeling surrounded Zanzu flaps his arms, and attempts to use his undoubted skills and flexibility to try and get past the two ghouls ain front and get to a more advantageous position. There he can turn and let all his pent up aggression out on these dead things.
Spotting an opening, Zanzu darted underneath a swiping claw and swiftly launched himself into a forward roll. Spinning on his heel, he stabbed the Ghoul assaulting Arachiel with his sharp claw, tearing the flesh at the Ghoul's back.
Round One:
Boosted by Vincent's inspiring oratory but unable to move past his companions, Khun-duhn stabs at one of the ghouls again with his horsechopper.
Barak attempts to read the flow of battle looking for shots. He takes care with his shots attempting to make them all count. The haste allowing Barak to squeeze an extra shot into the swirling melee.
Durin rages in response to the ghouls clawing and biting him. As the ghouls press the party into the corner, Durin follows Zanzu's lead and moves to spread things out at bit... albeit in his own manner. Lowering his shoulder he steps into one of the ghouls adjacent to him and attempts to bull rush it...
...pushing the thing backwards with incredible force. Both the ghoul he shoves, and the one beside, it lash out as Durin begins his reckless maneuver...
Striking around his allies proved difficult but Khun-Duhn slashed one of the Ghouls across its pustular flesh as it was fighting the nimble Zanzu.
Arachiel raised his sword high to smite one of the Ghouls, but the blade caught on the ceiling and he wasted precious seconds extricating it while claws raked off his armour.
Just as Durin lowered his shoulder and began to bodily rush into one of the Ghouls, four crossbow bolts were fired in rapid succession into the room, limited to those Ghouls that Barak could see. The Ghouls to the south with Arachiel and Zanzu took a bolt to the chest each but the negative energy animating them was not yet spent.
Even though both Ghouls beside him managed to bite him for his efforts, neither their paralysing attack or the venom they subjected him to stopped him from forcing his way further into the room and clearing space for the others.
Round 2-
Ordered Initiative-
Marcus + Lanterns- 26
Lord Vincent- 22
Ghouls- 20a
Khun-Duhn- 20b
Zanzu- 18
Kirilarien- 17a
Arachiel- 17b
Barak- 14
Durin- 3
Active Effects-
Enlarge Person on Durin (66 Rounds remaining)
Durin, Arachiel and Zanzu Temporary HP
Three Summoned Archons
Map-
Notes-
The columns provide cover relative to opponents on the other side of them and block line of sight. Durin also gives cover when shooting through him.
In addition to squeezing penalties, Durin is at an additional -2 to attack due to the difficulty of bringing his large weapon to bear in the low ceiling room.
Action-
Realizing that the fortress is much more cramped than it appears from the outside, Durin calls for Marcus to dismiss the enlarging spell upon him. It is doing more harm than help in here!
Round 2
Still unable to see much but gathering from the noise that the ghouls are far more than normal undead, Marcus responds quickly to Durin's call, rushing through a sequence of dispelling.
Realising the intelligent archons are better off acting independantly in the confused melee, the wizard switches their orders, commanding them to focus fire on open targets, shifting up if needed.
(ranged touch, ic)
Round 2 (init 17a)
With more room to play with, Kirilarien flies to the top of the room above Barak, firing down with her tiny crossbow at a free target.
The lantern archons continued to fire, Marcus barking commands in Celestial to focus fire on those not in melee with the adventuring party. Seeking to allow the group passage, the archons focused their light rays upon the Ghoul opposite the doorway itself, a couple of them striking their target and causing the Undead menace to hiss in fury as his flesh boiled under the sun-like rays. The Ghouls themselves lashed out at the Archons as they let their guard down to attack but their attacks were entirely impotent against the angelic foes.
Lord Vincent reached out and placed a powerful spell of emotion and inspiration upon Barak, having noted the impressive amount of bolts Barak was firing from his heavily modified repeating crossbow. Barak felt his resolve strengthen and his courage, resiliency and will bolster from the magic; along with a level of focus that further added accuracy to his aim. Lord Vincent continued his oratory, inspiring the group on to further deeds; but he did not seem inclined to enter the fray himself. The group recalled a rather nasty incident with Ghouls had once almost led to Lord Vincent's demise...
The melee continued, and the suddenly much smaller Durin found himself flanked by two Ghouls. He was bit and clawed brutally by one just as the other struck him simultaneously, also inflicting two fresh wounds on him. Slowly weakened by the many wounds he was taking, the Dwarf's indomitable body refused to give to either poison or paralysis. His long weapon seemed to worry the Undead, who took careful steps to avoid lowering their guard to it.
Arachiel found himself similarly flanked by two of the Ghouls, but his heavy armour coped better with the assault than Durin's. He was struck by one claw and would have been struck by another were it not for the divine grace of Muir flowing through him. His single wound did not induce paralysis, much to the disappointment of the Ghoul before him.
Duelling with a single Ghoul, Zanzu's confident defence prevented the Ghoul from ever striking him in an unarmoured location and his claws matched the Ghoul's own for sharpness.
VS Durin-
VS Durin-
VS Arachiel-
VS Zanzu-
Apparently realising the futility of continuing to strike the lantern archons, the three Ghouls still facing them opted for a different tactic; ignoring them and seeking to swarm the isolated Durin, who seemed to be the easiest to strike. He fended off the new attackers as best he could with the haft of his hammer, but only after brutally slamming it into the Ghoul that had moved around him initially. He was bitten once more, this time on the ankle as he forced a Ghoul down momentarily.
Feh! the lyrakien exclaims indecorously as the bolt does not even inconvenience the undead creature.
Assuming we live you are finally reaching into your pouch to enchant this useless thing.
Zanzu makes a lunge at the flanked ghoul hoping to finish it off. "Undead, no good to man nor beast, never anything good on these rotten smelly lumps of rotting flesh." He sends his claws in a fast flurry of attacks followed by his beak, then takes the opportunity to to dive and roll away from the current threats and make his way to help the surrounded Durin. The dwarf could probably do with some help the tengu reasons, as the various claws slash at him.
Kirilarien sniffed disdainfully at her wooden bolts as a thought crossed her mind, continuing her incredulous muttering.
Or at least, you'll provide me with some silver ammunition, i'm a fully competent member of this adventuring party, you don't know where you'd be without me you know, Marcus...
Zanzu's onslaught was too much for the ghoul's back as he tore into it. Even in its second death, however, the poisonbearer Ghoul had a final surprise for Zanzu and Arachiel. All of the swollen pustules upon its skin exploded as the monster collapsed in a pile of gore, spraying both Zanzu and Arachiel with pus.
"Durin! Brother are you still Breathing? let me see if I cant thin the hoard around you."
Barak fires wildly at the swiftly moving targets however beads of sweat from the intensity of the fight runs down his hair into his face and eyes taking a level of the precision away from his volley.
Round Two:
Unable to bring his horsechopper to bear against the ghoul next to him, Khun-duhn drops the weapon and draws his heavy flail. The battle oracle sets the weapon's metal ball spinning as he sidesteps to flank the ghoul with Arachiel. With a wolfish grin, the half-orc lashes out to wrap the weapon's chain around the undead abomination's legs, then gives a sharp tug to trip the creature.
Durin emerges from the swarm of ghouls while responding to Barak's inquiry, Aye, still breathing... and I am going to show these things why it isn't wise to lick and scratch an angry red-headed dwarf with a big hammer! He then swings his hammer in rapid succession at two of the ghouls...
|
The target of his divine wrath having been dispatched by Zanzu, Arachiel steps over to his right to target another of the foul, undead creatures.
(power attack, haste, inspire courage)
(fire, power attack, inspire courage)
(power attack, haste, inspire courage)
(fire, power attack, inspire courage)
(power attack, haste, inspire courage)
(fire, power attack, inspire courage)
A moment before Zanzu skewered his foe, Khun-Duhn's two-handed flail caught on another of the Ghoul's legs, bringing the undead heavily to the ground.
Arachiel took advantage of the situation, moving swiftly to finish the Ghoul with his sword. He hacked into the Ghoul twice, his sword cutting and singing flesh before fumbling with his third blow.
Stepping to get a clearer shot through the doorway, Barak let loose bolt after boltinto the fray, seeking to aid Durin. Unfortunately, only a single one of his bolts struck any of the Ghouls, the difficulty of firing into a sprawling melee as well as the cover provided by the columns in the room making his angles difficult.
Durin took a step away in the limited space he had available, and went to work with his mighty hammer. Two of the Ghouls were destroyed by his furious blows, the pustules on their bodies exploding but not quite showering him with pus; although his weapon was now filthy.
Round 3-
Ordered Initiative-
Marcus + Lanterns- 26
Lord Vincent- 22
Ghouls- 20a
Khun-Duhn- 20b
Zanzu- 18
Kirilarien- 17a
Arachiel- 17b
Barak- 14
Durin- 3
Active Effects-
Durin, Arachiel and Zanzu Temporary HP
Three Summoned Archons
Map-
Notes-
The columns provide cover relative to opponents on the other side of them and block line of sight.
Menaced Ghouls denoted in yellow. Prone Ghouls denoted in blue.
Action-
Round 3
Marcus contemplates throwing another spell but the furious melee seems to be swinging the group's way and he holds off for now.
Pulsating with simple righteous anger at the abominations before them, the archons continue their fire, several of the beams carving deeply into the flesh of their target.
(ranged touch, ic)
The three lantern archons focused their fire on the exposed Ghoul in the centre of the room; several of the rays connecting and badly burning the Ghoul.
Outside the outpost, Lord Vincent placed another Heroism spell, this time on Marcus; knowing that the enchantment would last for over an hour.
The downed Ghoul opted to try to attack Khun-Duhn from the ground rather than stand up, close to being destroyed as it was. Its efforts proved to be somewhat feeble as it's teeth raked across the wolf-man's armoured foot. Nearby, Zanzu's foe continued to struggle to land a blow on the elusive Tengu.
The other three Ghouls continued to close in on Durin, trying to focus their attacks in an effort to bring the Dwarf down. Between the three attackers they landed several blows, but came as close as the undead monstrosities could come to despair as their paralysis continued to be resisted by the stout warrior.
Round Three:
Khun-duhn brings his heavy flail to bear against the prone ghoul before him.
Durin maneuvers once again to give him the space he needs to use his long hammer. Alternating his strikes, he once again punishes two ghouls with the devastating weapon...
...connecting solidly with each swing.
Khun-Duhn's flail splattered against the prone Ghoul, shattering its body. Barak, Khun-Duhn and Arachiel were all splattered with the pus and gore of the flail's heads shattering the festering pustules, coating them in the thing's death spray.
|
|
Arachiel steps up beside Durin, striking at the one remaining ghoul that the dwarf can not harm with his current weapon.
(power attack, haste, inspire courage)
(fire, power attack, inspire courage)
(power attack, haste, inspire courage)
(fire, power attack, inspire courage)
(power attack, haste, inspire courage)
(fire, power attack, inspire courage)
Zanzu went on the offensive against the weakened Ghoul he faced; with a lightning quick swing, his first claw struck the Ghoul's shoulder, the non-magical savage weapon barely scratching the Undead. It did, however, serve to hold the wriggling undead in place long enough, with a steely grip, for him to ram his second claw through the offensive monster's jugular, leaving a messy, gory corpse in his wake. Zanzu seemed quite riled in this skirmish, seeming to take his anger on the lack of Ghoul's hoarding habits out on them. As his foe fell, the death spray of the Ghoul added to the impressive coating of gore now covering the fluid-drenched Tengu!
The skirmish seemed to be drawing to a swift, if violent, end. Arachiel slaughtered the Ghoul between him and Durin and a flurry of crossbow bolts from Barak's crossbow, in conjunction with Durin's hammer, slew the final two. The gory room fell silent, but the battle had been loud. Other denizens in the tower, if there were any, were surely preparing for combat...
"Who is wounded?" Khun-duhn growls as he retrieves his horsechopper.