Still on alert Barak Patrols the edge of the camp whist the others regroup.
Lara parallels Barak's movements on the opposite side of the camp, assuming that Arachiel does indeed recall a wand of cure light wounds.
Marcus relays his findings somewhat absent mindedly, the wizard clearly highly focused on the empathic bond with his absent familar.
Undead hiding in the bone pile. Skeletons marching more or less in neat ranks. A vampire, even a lesser one. The zombies ..
I thought it might be some evil artifact to blame but its absolutely clear now the excavation is being actively opposed by a malignant intelligence.
I'm hoping our enemy is out of ready resources to throw at us but we need a back-up plan if not. With luck Kiri will be able to track the vampire back to its lair. Perhaps its master's as well.
Barak, Lara, perhaps you should see what missiles you can salvage? We may still need them.
Moving through the group of wounded Dwarves, Arachiel healed some of the wounds from each of them. The tough warriors' collective life force was strong, however, and not one of them was fully healed by the wand's bright burst of positive energy; although each was grateful for the healing nevertheless.
Mere moments after the healing was performed, an unnatural pre-dawn mist began to rise- and Kirilarien had not yet returned from her reckless exploit.
It seemed that the night would never end. Mists rose from the ground in the predawn darkness cloaking the Desolation in an ethereal blanket. You nervously watch the mists for any disturbances that would indicate something creeping along beneath its cover...
+2 in Desert (Favoured Terrain)
Your keen eyes note something easily missed in the vapors of the rising mist- several small clumps of the mist breaking from and rising up over the north slope of the mound and into the camp itself...
"ALARM! Something approaches" Barak runs to the northern barricade.
Durin jumps up and follows Barak...
Telurion does not even hesitate - "I guess it would be too much to ask for a few moments' respite" - he adds, concurring with the paladin.
Reaching for his waist while he moves after the others, he retrieves the enchanted wand, willing to bless himself and his companions.
Marcus retrieves a scroll tube and moves up behind Durin.
Even with Barak's warning which prevented the enemy getting the drop on the group, time did not permit anything more than for the group to steel themselves and react in time as the clouds of mist swiftly descended upon the camp, breezing over those gathering on the northern edge of the barricade in a mystical blur and shifting once more into corporeal forms; tall, gaunt, silver-haired humanoids far too pale for the dawn soon to come- more vampire spawn had descended on the camp, claws pulsing with negative energy and a sinister domineering quality to their eyes... The Dwarves cried out in shock and alarm as the enemy appeared among them with such disquieting alacrity.
_
Round 1-
(Favoured Terrain Desert +2)
Ordered Initiative-
Marcus- 23
Barak- 17
Arachiel- 16
Vampire Spawn- 12
Telurion- 9
Lara- 4
Durin- 3
Fenris' Party- 2
Active Effects-
Map-
Map Link (I23)
Notes-
Narrative-
So swift was the assault that only Barak, Arachiel and Marcus were able to start their attacks before the enemy did, despite their weariness in yet another fight in this hellish night. Marcus noted with discomfort that three of the vampires had clearly sought to quickly cut him off...
Round 1
Muir, bless your eyes, Barak!
Forewarned, Marcus is already moving as the vampires assume physical form around him, the wizard scuttling back between Durin and Arachiel.
His heart thumping in his chest, the wizard incants the spell he's been patiently holding back all night, chains of purest white fire wrapping around the three creatures on the left.
Focus attacks on those unaffected, the hold will fail if they are injured.
Steps out of the reach of the freshly formed creatures and unloads bolts into a spawn with his signature deadly speed.
Swiftly disengaging as the vampires took a moment to regain their senses after becoming incorporeal, Marcus was already muttering the words to a spell and reaching for a component as he moved to a position of safety. With a pinch of sulfur produced from a small compartment and a small clove of garlic to follow it (the irony was not lost on the Wizard) he channeled positive energy into powerful chains that sought to keep three of the spawn immobile...
Marcus' spell was a powerful one, and fueled by his intellect the chains instinctively followed the spawn's unnatural movements, holding three of them firmly in place. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he saw to it that the Necromantic spell had bound all three of his targets.
Barak wasted little time in unloading three bolts into the closest non-held spawn. Two bolts pierced the vampire's tough skin and tore through undead flesh, but the creature did not fall.
At least, not until Arachiel stepped in and severed the spawn's arm with a hefty slash with his heavy blade. Having barely materialized, the spawn evaporated into mist once more in a puff of ashen smoke, which began to flee towards the east.
Showing not the slightest bit of fear; for even the group's weapons could slay the spawn without giving chase to their gaseous forms, the vampire spawn's ears pricked up for a brief moment before its gaze settled upon Thane Fenris.
The spawn seemed to be receiving unspoken orders from another- perhaps through telepathic means or some kind of foul bond.
The seasoned adventuring group recognized what had transpired even if their Dwarven allies had not- Thane Fenris's will had been dominated by the spawn and it was now following its telepathic commands...
Its domination magic now in effect, the spawn retreated to the edge of the camp, away from the dangerous adventurers and their focused efforts.
"There's another one giving these spawn directions!" Lara calls, firing off two rapid shots at the spawn as it retreated.
"Please our dwarven allies - heed our words! The Thane's mind has been assaulted by some unseen force! Restrain him now!" - Telurion shouts.
Telurion then charges across the camp , launching his silver mace at the monstrosity - "AVAST!"
The sudden arrival of the undead sparks Durin's anger . Leaving the fleeing one to the ranged experts in the party, and blinded by rage, he disregards Marcus' instruction and immediately brings the hammer down on the nearest undead...
The sudden arrival of the undead sparks Durin's anger . He immediately sets out in pursuit of the fleeing figure...
Lara's arrows both struck the vampire, the projectiles doing little to the potent Undead but the magical flame they carried searing flesh and cloth certainly gave pause to the spawn as it hissed in anger that matched the sounds of its burning form.
Held by the chains of white-light, the vampire spawn had no chance against two of Durin's massive blows. The first hammer blow shattered the spawn's back and the second instantly reduced it into its gaseous form as the corporeal body brought into being by the Undead spirit shattered under the force of the blow.
Thane Fenris moved quicker than those under his command, their confusion apparent although they clearly understood what had happened as their leader stepped closer to Gorrak, Romni and Thulbine- his twin weapon flashing with swift cuts through the pre-dawn light as he combined an assault on two of his warriors with a quick slash directed at the held vampire behind him- releasing it suddenly from its bonds. Fenris planted his feet and assumed an intense stance as he summoned all his strength and formidable toughness to fight as directed by the vampire controlling him. Romni fell instantly, Fenris' axe slashing him across the shoulder as he began to try and restrain him and Thulbine nearby suffering a nasty gut wound as Fenris swung the weapon and plunged the spear-end through his chainmail, withdrawing it savagely as blood streamed from the wound. Showing great loyalty, Thulbine tried to leap upon the Thane to restrain him but a second savage swing of the Thane's axe cut him open in mid air and sent him tumbling to the ground with a second, more severe abdominal wound. The Dwarf hit the ground hard and did not get back up.
The more learned Gorrak understood that if he was to destroy the spawn controlling him, Fenris would be immediately released. The old warrior-priest joined Telurion and began to press the spawn into the corner of the hilltop with steady axe swings, one connecting and leaving a deep gash on the spawn's arm as it leapt back a little too slowly. He was joined by Kargesh, whose own axe-blow lacked the strength to do the Undead any real harm.
The other three Dwarves bore down on Fenris even as he brought low two more of their brothers. Knowing full well his great strength, prowess and respectable agility, Glomi and Ragnar tried to grab his weapon arms while Bruitt attempted to get a solid hold on the warrior. Unfortunately, the three Dwarves were completely out of their league. The ruddy-cheeked, immovable warrior shook their efforts off with ease, freeing up his arms to strike down more of the enemy for his master. His eyes were glazed over; by all appearances he was likely hallucinating.
Even as the ambush began, gasps of shock and awe came from the gathered Dwarves (with the exception of Thane Fenris) as three more figures walked into range of the magical lights scattered around the hilltop. The figure was obviously Dwarven in physique; this much was obvious as it strode into view. It bore an ebony black-handled heavy flail- and it was obviously Undead- a short, stocky specimen for Dwarven kind with a full, gray beard descending from its skull-like head. One of its eyes was a burning point of light that took in the scene before it, and the other was a dull iron orb inset in the eye socket. It was garbed in ancient armor; a breastplate of midnight black, with bones adorning it as tokens, and tattered finery. Atop its brow was a distinctive golden battlecrown.
King... Kroma... H... How? Gorrak whispered, immediately recognizing the crown; and the beard of the creature that wore it. The source of the relentless assaults on the hilltop had finally revealed itself; and two Wights flanked the figure as bodyguards as the ancient Dwarf rasped the words to a spell, a shimmering sense of power briefly filling the air around the spellcaster the only visible effect as to its nature.
King Kroma (no flail in this pic)
The ancient king cast Divine Power.
King Kroma is obviously a lich. You know a little of the lore of these ancient Undead creatures, but they are invariably, unspeakably evil and they were always powerful spell-casters in life.
The process involves the extraction of the spellcaster's life-force and its imprisonment in a specially prepared phylactery—the spellcaster gives up life, but in trapping life he also traps his death, and as long as his phylactery remains intact he can continue on in his research and work without fear of the passage of time.
The quest to become a lich is a lengthy one. While construction of the magical phylactery to contain the spellcaster's soul is a critical component, a prospective lich must also learn the secrets of transferring his soul into the receptacle and of preparing his body for the transformation into undeath, neither of which are simple tasks. Further complicating the ritual is the fact that no two bodies or souls are exactly alike—a ritual that works for one spellcaster might simply kill another or drive him insane.
Desperate for lore you have read that indicates weaknesses of these creatures, you recall that magical, bludgeoning weapons such as clubs and maces are known to pierce the potent, both physical and magical defences that being a creature made of death and bones provided. Liches are also utterly immune to cold and electricity.
An innate talent all Liches have is to paralyze even the strongest of men with a simple touch. While it is possible to resist this paralysis, only the toughest of men can shrug it off. The very aura of these unspeakably evil and powerful entities also causes most men to simply flee its very presence; even great heroes and mighty creatures can still be shaken by its presence.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/templates/lich
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Round 2-
Ordered Initiative-
Marcus- 23
Barak- 17
Arachiel- 16
Vampire Spawn- 12
Telurion- 9
Lara- 4
Durin- 3
Fenris' Party- 2
King Kroma & Wights- 1
Active Effects-
Thane Fenris is Dominated
Held spawn is denoted in yellow.
Map-
Map Link (I23)
Notes-
Narrative-
A sense of shock and anguish filled the air as the Dwarves saw what had become of their long-lost King, but with their still living Lord cutting down his own men, they focused on the task at hand- releasing Fenris from the spawn's control, one way or another.
Round 2
Blessed Muir..
It's a lich! And a divine spellcaster. It greatly bolstered its melee capability but the spell is short.
The wizard rakes his eyes across the fight, looking for the best option and seems to conclude it is finishing the fleeing vampire and freeing the Thane.
A quick chant and glowing darts of force pepper the creature.
Marcus then retrieves a scroll case from his belt.
Barak dashes across the compound to the side wall facing the lich once there he pauses for the briefest of moments before unloading a shot directly at the Dwarven abomination.
a perfectly aimed shot smashes through the Kroma's knee and locks the joint in place.
"Clean up here, I'll buy us some time!"
Marcus' magical missiles shattered the vampire's form, weakened as it was by Lara's arrows- it's hold on the Thane broke in mere moments as it faded away into a gaseous mist; also fleeing east.
Barak fired an incredibly accurate bolt at the Lich, catching him just where his breastplate ended, exposing his bones and utter lack of flesh. Barak's bolt seemed entirely superficial; except for the fact that it had been perfectly placed to lock the joint.
Stepping up to assault the vampire the Thane had released, Arachiel's heavy blade arced high then descended on the spawn in an overhand chop that nearly severed the spawn's left arm at the shoulder. It hung on by a scrap of flesh, utterly useless- but the spawn lashed out at its comrade, clearly obeying instructions from the now revealed force watching the battle unfold- King Kroma himself.
The released spawn immediately caught Lara's gaze and attempted to impose its will upon her. Weary and shocked by the presence of the near-legendary dwarf King Kroma, her guard was not up and her eyes glazed over as she received instructions, the vampire holding her gaze as if focusing on a message to her alone.
The intensity with which the monstrosity locks Lara in its gaze is not lost on Telurion, even though he had focused his whole attention on the truly terrifying creature that revealed itself - "A Lich..." - the oracle whispers, his mind racing.
Whirling around he focuses on the immediate threat, knowing they will need all their strength to fight the likes of a Lich, his silvered mace lashing against the spawn threatening Lara - "Stand DOWN monster - you have no place here!"
"The Lich will soon be upon us" - he adds to his companions - "Magical, bludgeoning weapons are our best option against its bone-like body. No point in using cold or electrical magic, it is of no avail. That is all I know my friends"
Marcus swears under his breath as one of the vampires he enspelled spreads even more havok amongst the defender's ranks.
Telurion's silver mace hit the vampire spawn with a potent strike that broke its gaze to Lara; but not its sway over her. The archer turned and fired her bow straight at Durin after taking careful aim, the Dwarf hesitating but not striking her despite the threat of injury to himself. The arrow failed to singe the seasoned Dwarf with its magical flame but the arrow certainly hurt; piercing his breastplate and magical defences to strike him in the gut.
With a sharp intake of breath, Lara's own force of personality that had been shoved aside for the vampire's purposes fought its way back into her own mind, as though waking up from a hallucination.
Durin grits his teeth and stays his hand against the dominated Lara as she swings her aim at him. She does not control her actions... He grunts as the arrow takes him in the stomach. He turns his anger upon the last remaining vampire spawn...
...his titanic blows rain down upon the vampire spawn, pulping its corporeal form.
The fact that his hammer was not silver meant little to Durin as he finished off the foe Telurion had wounded. Another vampire was pounded into dust by his hammer before the Dwarf bounded stubbornly towards the Lich.
His mind his own again, the Thane seemed a little too stunned by finally finding King Kroma's remains; undead and trying to slay his own people. It was Old Gorrak's words that rang out as the seasoned cleric of Dwerfater gave out orders, assessing the situation and taking a few moments to relay his orders.
Romni is stable. Kinsmen... this mockery of life that was once King Kroma is beyond any of you, with your wounds. See to Thulbine and provide crossbow support upon the wights. If we fall fighting- just make for home. Don't look back... and tell our people not to send any more searching for King Kroma.
The old Dwarf marched towards the undead trio, twirling his waraxe menacingly as he advanced. Fenris followed, a little dazed and clearly fatigured from his intense efforts to slay his kin. Ignoring the remaining vampire spawn, the Dwarves began to tend the fallen Thulbine- with the exception of Glomi who stood over Romni and assaulted the spawn, obviously fearful that in its immortality it would choose to finish off one of the living. The spawn was almost disdainful of the warrior's efforts, contemptuously blocking his arm with one of its own and sending the weary warrior spinning.
Ragnar, Bruitt and Kargesh however, were a credit to their leaders. Each expertly loosed a heavy crossbow bolt, the three shots all hitting the same wight in the chest, shoulder and head; the final shot from Kargesh slaying it.
If the menacing figure of King Kroma was concerned at all by one of his minions falling, the Lich showed no sign of it. The ancient, fleshless, grey-bearded Dwarf began to cast a spell despite the arrow temporarily pinning him in place. He maintained his concentration upon it even as the attackers began to approach him and his remaining Wight went out to meet them.
I will PM you the spell upon passing.
Round 3
Marcus shifts forward (-B,2) as he unwinds a scroll from his held tube and incants a minor spell of protection upon Arachiel.
Round 3-
Ordered Initiative-
Marcus- 23
Barak- 17
Arachiel- 16
Vampire Spawn- 12
Telurion- 9
Lara- 4
Durin- 3
Fenris' Party- 2
King Kroma & Wights- 1
Active Effects-
King Kroma no longer Entangled at the beginning of Barak's action.
Protection from Evil on Arachiel
Map-
Notes-
Narrative-
Marcus stepped forward and placed a ward of positive energy on Arachiel with the use of a scroll, his own magic mostly spent in the long, arduous day.
It's casting a summoning spell!
Barak flicks a switch and his bows arms expand releasing the extra tension in the cord. Taking an extra breath Barak fires a single bolt smashing into the litch's skull.
Seeing the fear in his fellow Dwarves eyes Barak says "5 Bottles of Auroch’s Breath to the man who can match or better that shot!" flashing the soldiers a grin.
Possible crit
With a truly spectacular shot, Barak's crossbow bolt cracked against King Kroma's bearded skull, snapping the head back from the sheer force of the shot. Liches were renowned for their resistance to all but bludgeoning weaponry; and King Kroma obviously did not expect the immense force levelled behind the expertly placed head-shot. For a moment, the bolt appeared as though it might get pulled away by the shimmering aura of magic surrounding it, but it flew straight through- and even for a creature of the Lich's power, the shot was disruptive to the summoning spell he had been casting...
The Lich's frustration was utterly silent and with little emotion; but he had obviously lost the spell he was casting. Meanwhile, Arachiel strode fearlessly towards the foe, the Wight lashing out at him upon approach. His eyes, armour and blade all blazing with Muir's righteous fury, Arachiel severed the arm seeking to strike him with negative energy and ran the wight as it tried to leap back in agony, his stride never slowing.
Still following orders from its undead master, the remaining, wounded Vampire spawn took advantage of Marcus' approach to quickly shift position and strike him. The blow itself was superficial, but Marcus felt the deadly rush of negative energy suddenly tugging at his very life force.
Gain one negative level.
Fully in her own mind again, Lara narrows her eyes at the last remaining vampire spawn. Nocking an arrow to her bow, she lets fly.
Not sure where to apply his efforts, Telurion's decision was made for him when a powerful shot from Lara's bow shattered the spawn's form into dust. Suddenly, King Kroma became the only enemy left on the battlefield, the forces he had thrown against the encampment the whole night perhaps, finally, spent; other than his own might and magic.