Vladimir attempts to steady himself; although he is upright, the world is still spinning on. He steadies his gaze and stares into the tree line towards the direction of the low hissing growl.
Although Vladimir is unfamiliar with this specific creature, he has dealt with enough large cats to make some quick deductions.
He does his best to steady himself and puff out his chest, slowly but confidently stepping backwards towards the cart.
As Vladimir walks back, he begins to speak in a calm but audible voice towards the cat creature that growled at him, in an attempt to calm it and win its favor.
Irravin steadies himself and looks up to assess the scene. He sees Gvene bleeding on the floor of the cage, and Vladimir slowly backing away from the treeline. Looking closer, Irravin sees the two giant cats at the edge of the forest.
Though academically speaking, Irravin had never been the best student--as his early years were spent mostly as an outcast and rarely in the schoolhouse--during his training, he did spend a month under the tutelage of an eccentric member of the Seraphic Eye who had an obsession with cats. The older man did nothing but drill Irravin with facts and knowledge regarding every type of cat in the wild, and at the time, Irravin thought it was some sort of test of patience as to whether or not he could withstand such hopelessly boring teaching in his quest to become part of the Divine Visage. Now, he wished he had a chance to thank the cranky old monk for being so relentless in imparting his knowledge.
"Brother!" Irravin stage-whispers to Vladimir."Those are extremely dangerous! Do not attack them! And get back to the cage!"
He quickly heals himself as a swift action.
Irravin's normally iron resolve is still somewhat shaken from the crash, and he notices that his hands feel numb and clumsy. The healing spell is hardly effective.
He moves over to Gvene in a slow crouch, one eye on the cats, to check on her as he crouches next to her.
"Are you all right?"
Vladimir slowly backs away from the hissing magical beasts. They remain tense and coiled but do not pursue.
Gvene grimaces in pain.
"I've had worse. Iomedae shall see me through this as she has all other injuries"
Gvene keeps her eyes on the treeline as she intones a healing spell.
The deep wound on her leg is eclipsed by shimmering light, which leaves the leg whole with merely a bruise. She stands and with practiced motions her hands are filled with a steel shield and longsword. Both are resplendent, but now isn't the time for scrutiny.
Vladimir rejoins as Gvene finishes readying herself. Elion circles overhead and descends to land. The strong erratic winds make his landing less graceful, but manageable without the heavy cage. Just before his talons reach the ground they become feet, and his humanoid body returns.
He quickly looks over the members of the Divine Visage and breathes a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad that the damage wasn't too severe. I'm... Sorry. The wind was intense..."
For a moment he seem unsure of what to say, then continues firmly.
"We should leave the cabin here, it can be restored tomorrow. There is a cave not half a mile east. I recommend we shelter the storm there"
As he speaks Irravin and Vladimir can feel the beginnings of rain alight on their shoulders.
HP:46 AC:20, T:18, FF;14 Saves:8,5,11 DR:0
Perception:12, SM:9 Initiative:+2
Irravin looks satisfied as the party seems shaken, but whole. He nods to Elion understandingly.
"Mortals must often be reminded of the power of the infinite. That was no fault of yours. We are safe and ready to move. There are things worse than the storm out here-- I agree that we should move to the cave and regroup." He looks to Vladimir and Gvene. "Is that agreeable?"
As Vladimir backs away, his gaze never leaves the tree line and the two tense cat-creatures.
Over the distant thunder and sounds of the Faedark, Vladimir's trained ears manage to pick out...conversation?
Vladimir whispers to the group. "The creatures at the edge of the trees...they're conversing! I do not recognize the language, but it is certainly not bestial in nature."
Vladimir continues whispering to the group.
"If we are going to take shelter we must do it now. I have extensive experience navigating forests, and even in the deeper Faedark I can help guide the way."
"Because of that, Elion and I should take the lead towards the cave; Gvene, Irravin: you two watch our backs. Let's move out. "
HP:49/59 Saves:6,11,4
Perception:11, SM:11
Vladimir calls on knowledge of his previous lives to comprehend languages, in the hopes of overhearing the feline creatures.
Although he can hear murmurs of continued conversation, he cannot make any of the words or details.
The party beings making their way eastward, following behind Vladimir as he traces the line between the Faedark and craggy hillsides. The rain comes heavier, and soon becomes a downpour. Eventually they find the cave Elion spoke of, a sunken recession in the stony hill, roofed by a massive stone firmly overgrown and rooted in the landscape.
The cave is dark, and cannot be pierced by lowlight vision.
Gvene steps forth. She brings her longsword to her face in a salute. There is a brief shine of light, and as she pulls her hand away her, she reveals her face has become masked. It is a small mask, that leaves her forehead and mouth bare. The mask surrounds her eyes and from each drops sharply to meet at her chin in points. The mask is a gentle gold.
"I can lead. However, whether I lead or follow my skills are suited for combat with a partner."
She looks to Irravin.
Before anyone can respond to Gvene, Vladimir pipes up. He speaks calmly and with little tone, as if he is discussing what to eat for dinner. At the same time, he speaks quickly, without pause or hesitation, as if delivering the world’s dullest orders.
”Everyone. You are going to listen to what I say and treat it like normal conversation. Under no circumstances can you react to my words. Do not shift your gaze. Do not spring into action. Simply listen. And prepare.”
He continues, pulling out his bow after Gvene draws her long sword. His hands feel steadier now. The dizziness from their tumble into the Faedark appears to have worn off.
”We are being stalked by two magical beasts that witnessed our crash landing. I only saw one, and do not know where the other is. It must be nearby. As we enter the cave, I’m going to take the rear of our group and face myself sideways, as if watching our sides for flanking when we enter the cave. In reality, I will be stealing glances behind us. I do not think it wise to wait for the cats to pounce. If I can spot one of them, I will shout and I will begin firing. If I cannot, then we will continue onward without indicating our knowledge of their presence.”
He innocuously nocks two arrows as he finishes.
”Irravin, as we march into the cave, tell us everything you know of these creatures.”
Irravin picks up on the fact that while Elion is a worthy druid, he has likely not seen the same level of trial and hardship as the other three Divine Visage members present, and may thus be somewhat weaker in combat.
He listens to Vladimir calmly, taking in the scent of the wet landscape and the droning sound of the pouring rain. Straining his eyes, he can't make out anything in the cave. He takes one deep breath, closing his eyes and bringing his folded hands in front of his face, sweeping them slowly to either side and revealing his elegantly simple white mask of the Divine Visage, containing one night-black pearl above the left eye. He nods to Gvene.
"I would prefer to lead. My eyes see better in the dark and I could not live with myself if we were to be taken by surprise and you were to fall here. Rest assured I will fight alongside you until I breathe my last." he intones calmly.
He turns his head to Vladimir, keeping his voice even and low.
"Those are Kamadan. First, they'll try to breathe a noxious gas that causes sleep. It will reach farther than you think. Then, they'll pounce...and then, the poisonous snakes that comprise their mane will strike. I cannot fall victim to their gas, so I will act as a target while the rest of you try to stay out of their range. We will need all of our strength and wits for this battle, to be sure."
Irravin casts Dancing Lights and sends the orbs slowly down into the cave, hopefully illuminating the way in front of the party.
Irravin leads the way forward into the cave, with Gvene close behind. The entrance to the cave is small, with a 7 foot ceiling opening 10 feet wide. However, after sending the dancing lights in, it is clear the cave opens to a fairly large cavern, the ceiling quickly rises to 20 feet high and might even grow higher farther in. There is an abundance of tracks and clearly beastial beddings, marking it some animal's nest. It appears empty. More may be revealed with a more thorough
"I shall enshroud you in the armor of force as soon as it is needed. I wait to not reveal our advantage to our foes. Your clear memory of these enemies will let me guide your actions with that insight"
Because you successfully identified the creatures, you gain Vernar's benefit of +2 to attack, damage, and skills checks against the creatures consistent with a ranger's favored enemy.
Vladimir gives up the lead of the party, allowing the other three to pass him to investigate the cave. As he does so he eyes surreptitiously study and track the surroundings for the Kamadan stalking the group. He has kept track of the single one he spotted, and it creeps forward to pursue. As soon as it is clear of cover, Vladimir lets his arrows fly.
The wind snatches the arrows, and brushes them just enough to miss the creature and scatter on the stones. The Kamadan howls in anger, and turns to disappear into the wind and rain. No enemies make themselves apparent.
Damn! Vladimir thinks to himself. I have removed the cowl of surprise, and given the Kamadan a chance to don it again.
He catches up with the group and turns towards the tracks, kneeling down for a moment to investigate.
Initially, Vladimir doesn't know what to make of the tracks. However, his experience as a ranger gives him the insight he needs:
"These tracks appear to belong to large cat creatures" he whispers to the group. "I don't like the look of this. Not one bit."
He looks to Irravin. "What next?"
Vladimir keeps his bow out. If Irravin wants to take a round to attempt to better investigate the tracks/bedding, Vladimir will face his back towards the side of the cave so he can look side to side towards the mouth of the cave as well as deeper ahead of them. If anything other than their party members moves, he will fire an arrow at it.
If Irravin chooses not to search/fails to find anything, he will follow Irravin if he goes deeper into the cave, taking the rear and walking backwards with an arrow pointed at the mouth of the cave.
You have my thanks, as always, Verndar.
Irravin sees the tracks but can't make any more sense of them, being somewhat untrained in the ways of the outdoorsman. A sense of foreboding fills the cave and prickles the back of Irravin's neck as the wind and rain howl outside.
"No matter what happens, let's stick together. This cave is deeper than I had hoped. We should quickly search this immediate area, but venture no further. I fear there are more of those beasts, and they are adapted to prey in the dark. We can wait out the storm at the mouth of the cave."
Irravin's lights spread out in front of the party, creating a brief field of light while they look around.
Vladimir helps Irravin search the beginning of the cave, periodically checking the mouth of the cave for the stalking Kamadan.
"Your logic is sound my friend. However, I want to quickly make two suggestions:" Vladimir speaks quickly and with purpose, no longer hiding the urgency in his voice.
"First, if these Kamadans exhale a noxious sleeping gas, we must stay separate. Our group must stay together and within easy eyesight, but we can pair off: Gvene and I can stay several yards away from you and Elion, to minimize our group's exposure to a cloud of gas fired in our direction."
Vladimir pauses, if only to quickly look to his side and re-check the mouth of the cave for unwanted visitors. He continues.
"We know we have enemies outside the cave. I scared the stalker off but it will likely return, and there's a fair chance there are some inside as well; it would be unwise to rest here with enemies flanking us. However, I agree about your concerns that they are adapted to the dark. We shouldn't charge into the cave. But in that case, once we assume a battle-ready position..."
Vladimir pulls out some dry bedding from his pocket and holds it up with a small but unmistakable grin:
"...there's more than one way to skin a cat."
Vladimir is silent and waits to see if anyone agrees and volunteers further ideas.
The slope of the cave stops the water from flowing in. It is relatively dry inside, and the wind doesn't find much purchase, howling a few feet away outside. It is a suitable shelter.
Irravin, Gvene, and Elion take a moment to search the cave entrance before proceeding further. Vladimir joins them, but does his best to keep his eyes trained on the entrance.
Under the folds of some torn cloth amidst the bestial lair, Irravin finds trinkets and gold pieces gathered together in a small pile. There are a number of flawed gems and filthy coins of different values, but together add up to considerable amount. There is also a ring that is made of twisted chain.
Gvene listens to Vladimir's plan and nods assent.
"I would only add that I am most effective in combat if I have someone to flank with. In addition I can provide protections for allies in my immediate vicinity.
As the party continues to consider their actions, all of them hear a shuffling coming from deeper within the cavern. Something is approaching. The sounds stop, and are replaced by a few whispered words in an unfamiliar language. Unfamiliar to all but Vladimir, who still has the magic of his ancestry upon him. After a few whispers in this other language one of them calls out.
Voice 1, excitedly: "Look! Look! The lights are dancing! It must be a master. It is not the cats.
Voice 2: "You no know for sure. Be quiet."
Voice 1: "We are sworn to serve, you wouldn't know.
Voice 1 then proceeds to call out loudly: Is that a Master Drow? Are you there? We are servile humble servants, ready to serve Master!
Vladimir's mind kicks into gear as he makes split-second deductions:
These creatures think Irravin is a drow master. They are eager to serve, and speak primitively. That can only mean one thing...
Vladimir leans towards Irravin and whispers to him and the group, speaking quickly knowing that time is limited:
"Irravin, there are goblinoid creatures here that believe you to be a drow master. Step forward with cruel confidence and draw them in. If you speak the Drow tongue, use it; there is a high chance they will recognize it. Gvene, Elion, kneel behind him and pretend you are his slaves: be ready to spring into action!"
The moment he finishes saying this Vladimir sneaks to the side of the cavern, just outside of Irravin's ring of light. He nocks an arrow and prepares to fire.
If the creatures get within melee range of Irravin and the others, Vladimir will sneak attack and fire an arrow at the throat of whichever one is farther away from the group to prevent it from screaming/shouting.
Vladimir holds his breath and steadies his aim for the next few seconds. Partially in preparation to fire, and partially as a precaution against a Kamadan sleep cloud.
Irravin pockets the ring and leaves the rest for now. As the voices call out in the darkness and Vladimir makes his hurried suggestion, clarity enters Irravin's mind.
Irravin steps forward imperiously, leaving his mask on so his half-breed nature will not be easily revealed. He casts Detect Magic outwards, facing the voices.
He casts back into his childhood, probing at memories of his callous and cruel father. The anguish of rejection and abandonment still has deep scars that hurt to examine too closely.
So Irravin becomes a lens, focusing the dark parts of himself and channeling the worst things he fears about his drow heritage outwards. He speaks harshly and haughtily into the darkness, switching to Undercommon as he becomes the father he's worked so hard to dissociate himself from.
"Who comes to me? Show yourselves or die."
Gvene reacts immediately to Vladimir's whispered command. She falls to her knees with her sword on her shield in a submissive pose. A moment later she grabs Elion and pulls him down to do the same.
Vladimir darts to the side of the cavern and nocks his bow, staying out of sight as best he can. The cavern wall is barren however, and he doesn't have much to work with.
The creatures step forth from the darkness as bidden. They are both hideous, twisted conglomerations of flesh, chitin, and fur. They are the result if you grabbed appendages and body parts from random creatures and stapled them together. More than that, these seems to be in ill-health, as they limp as they walk and have pox upon their bodies.
As they emerge one speaks, differentiated from the other by his faceted eyes. They speak in Undercommon.
"Humble servants come before you, Master. You are far from the city, can we assist in anyway?"
He see Vladimir with an arrow pointing to his throat. He turns back to Irravin, wringing his hands in fear.
"Please, Master, do not worry! Yes, we are outcasts for our sickness but we are still loyal servants to the Master Drow! Do not hurt us!
His voice is a mixture of eagerness to please and shameful fear for his life. The second one follows the first. In his hands he has cooked meat that seems to be of poor quality, as well as small trinkets of coins and gems.
Vladimir is able to recognize these creatures as docile Mongrelmen. Upon hearing their begging and seeing their docile & sickly behavior, he steps forward into the light towards Irravin and lowers his arrow. Slightly. Although he is no longer pointing at the Mongrelman's throat, he is ready to fire at any movements to attack Irravin.
Vladimir speaks reverently in Common:"Master, do not let them too close! They appear sick."
Irravin is unsure what to make of them at this point. He knows that the filthy, unscrupulous creatures will loyally serve him, as they believe him to be like his murderous drow kin. The thought disquiets him in no small way.
Luckily, he is wearing his mask, because he is not much of an actor. Still, he feels his face project a cold sneer behind the mask, staying in character as his father.
"Stay there. You will tell me of the cave and tunnels. And the snake cat creatures that hunt here. Speak in Common that my servants may understand you. Do this and you may please me."
The same Mongrelman with the eyes of a fly eagerly answers in common, standing two body lengths away from Irravin. If he has any suspicion of Irravin, it is not apparent.
"This is an entrance and exit to the Underdark, more than 5 miles from Uran Thurdak. Any tunnels leading south are very dangerous! Like the Forest above.
The cat creatures stay just at the mouth of the cave. They seek shelter and being hidden, not passage to the Underdark itself. We give them food and wealth to let us pass and not hunt us in the cave."
He gestures to the goods his companion bears.
"But they are yours, Master, if you have need.
There is a camp on Mongrelmen a few minutes from here. It is a camp of elderly and the sick, those who cannot serve and await to die."
He says this without remorse.
Gvene speaks, her voice starts gently, as if asking permission to continue. Without being told to be silent she continues with more confidence.
"Master... It seems this is a safe place to pass the night and the storm. We may resume your journey in the morning. I apologize for the delay."
Irravin listens and continues confidently in Common. He looks down at Gvene.
"Do not presume to make any decisions here. I say whether or not we stay!"
He looks over to the Mongrelmen.
"You two! Keep your scraps and get out of my sight. But stay close... alert me if anyone or anything approaches from the tunnels."
He turns back to his companions.
"Set up camp here! We stay for the night."
Vladimir lowers his bow as the exchange progresses.
Damn. This is really going to eat him up later. But he’s doing a damn good job, and it’s giving us some much needed shelter for the night.
Vladimir walks up to Irravin and whispers to him, staying in character in case the Mongelmen hear him.
”Master; I do not trust these Mongrelmen to detect the Kamadans and guard your life. Are you planning to keep watch for the night? Considering that you are immune to their sleep clouds, it seems the most appropriate solution.”
If Irravin agrees, Vladimir will go to sleep sitting against the side of the cave with his armor on and bow in hand.
"Silence!" Irravin hisses through his mask. "Do not forget that I see all things. These two will get out of my sight, and you three will make camp here!"
Irravin apologizes softly to Gvene and Elion as well. He will help set up, and assume a position overlooking the others and cast Keep Watch for the night.
It takes a few minutes of silence for his heartbeat to decrease, his hands slowly unclenching as the temperature of his blood seems to cool and the storm in his head fades away. He squeezes his eyes closed to let visions of drow treachery pass from his mind's eye, and the shrouded underground rock seems to exhale with him.
I am a champion of the light.
The Mongrelman obey Irravin with alacrity. They move to the entrance of the cave and to leave their offerings to the Kamadan. Then they quickly retreat down into the depths of the Underdark.
Before they leave, the talkative, faceted Mongrelman speaks to Irravin once more:
"I will sleep at the first fork in the tunnels ahead, a few minutes walk. I shall tell you if anything comes, as you command, Master!
He bows and leaves.
Elion and Gvene accept Irravin's apology with smiles.
Gvene responds, "I'm just glad all is well, and we may rest in safety for the evening. I shall keep watch with Irravin."
She blesses herself with the magic of the Divine Visage, and takes her vigil facing deeper into the caverns.
Hours pass. Irravin and Gvene enter into the magical trance of Keeping Watch. They remain awake, perfectly alert. Yet their motions are lethargic and measured, as too much action breaks the trance, and true sleep is needed.
Gvene seeks out eye contact with Irravin. She approaches to speak, but her senses are deep, and if Irravin wishes to be alone she shall not approach.
Only continue if Irravin wishes to be approached.
She inhales to speak, but no words come. Thoughts twist and change in her mind and she measures what she wants to say. Finally she speaks, but her eyes remain tied to the walls and floor of the cavern.
"Zadan asked me to come with him... when he was ex-communicated. He reasoned. When I said no, he commanded. When I said no, he came to me as a friend... almost pleading. When I said no, he came to me as... well, I always said no."
She looks into Irravin's eyes. Timidity forgotten.
"After he was banished many had to come before the Countenance, to see if their will and intentions remained pure. I was questioned for days. It was difficult. But when they deemed my intentions righteous... their trust was absolute. Now I am sent to seek you out, knowing that Zadan is near, but there is no question of my loyalty. If you stand before the Countenance, and show them what you've shown me, it will be the same. Their trust will be restored in you and it will be complete."
Once the Mongrelmen leave, Vladimir pats Irravin on the shoulder.
"Good work my friend. I was unsure if you could stand it to don your past like a mask so we may be safe. I shouldn't have doubted you for a second. You performed brilliantly Irravin."
Vladimir walks away and goes to sleep.
Not only does Vladimir sleep soundly, but he begins to snore loudly. He goes into a coughing fit as he unconsciously chokes on his own saliva. The fit subsides and he goes back to peaceful slumber, but not before he lets out an embarrassingly large burst of flatulence.
He is still asleep.
"I remain faithful to the cause. You honor me with your words and they deepen my commitment to the righteous path."
He exhales before continuing confidently.
"I will speak only truths and reside in faith. I am grateful for your counsel."
The night passes without event.
In the morning Gvene and Elion break their camp quickly. No Mongrelman make their way from the deeper caverns, respecting their Master's wishes. Eventually, the party comes together to decide their course.
Elion speaks to the group, "I have prepared magics that can repair the cabin to working order. The storm may have knocked us adrift, but I promise you that in the absence of such extreme weather I will fly us safely there. Let us return to our landing and taste the weather to plan our journey.
Gvene adds, "Will there be Kamadan lurking for us? How should we proceed?"
She looks to Vladimir.
Vladimir appears pensive, carefully considering Gvene's question.
After a few moments, he responds.
"I too am preparing magics to continue our journey today. In addition to my "Speak with Animals" spell, I can prepare other ranger magics that may aid us in our trek to the cabin."
Vladimir continues.
"As for approach, unless we encounter difficult terrain that requires my expertise as a ranger to take the lead, I think we should pair up. Irravin and Gvene can take the lead and hopefully flank any enemies, while Elion and I follow within close eyesight, but far enough to avoid the whole party being exposed to the same gas attack."
If the party agrees to the plan and Vladimir prepares Detect Animals, he will begin casting it at the mouth of the cave to ensure there is no immediate ambush.
Irravin nods his agreement. "Unless there's anything else, we should make haste."
He has already taken care of his morning ritual, and feels refreshed even after keeping watch. Irravin places his palms together over Verndar, saying a silent prayer before the party departs.
The party exits the cave, eyes and ears trained on the forest in front of them.
The storm has broken, and though the earth around them is sodden, no more rain nor lightning finds its way to the ground. They make their way back west toward the crash landing.
Finally the twisted cage now comes into sight, even more battered and muddy from tumbling around in the wind.
No creatures, Kamadan or otherwise are present.
There most certainly are Kamadan. Two of them watch from the same trees as when you landed. You meet eyes with Gvene. She sees them too.
Irravin meets Gvene's eye and speaks under his breath to the others, carefully keeping his gaze casual as he talks.
"Don't look, but the two Kamadan are watching from the trees. Don't attack them unless they come for us and don't look at them. Let's get to the cage slowly but steadily."
Perception:12, SM:9 Initiative:+2
Vladimir keeps his gaze on Irravin. As inconspicuously and casually as possible, he draws from his Samsaran heritage and casts "Comprehend Languages", following Irravin with his bow in hand.
Irravin whispers a warning to his allies, and then moves in closer to the cage, hoping to avoid a confrontation with the creatures. Vladimir ensures that if he hears the creatures speak he will understand their alien tongue.
The party approaches, and Irravin reaches the cage with Gvene just behind him. He turns to speak to his comrades as a hidden shadow within the cage uncoils and leaps atop the cage. The Kamadan exhales a dark cone of gas. The black cloud envelopes the entire party.
Everyone, except those immune to magical sleep, please roll DC 17 Fortitude save or sleep for 5 minutes.
Vladimir falls to his knees and shakes his head furiously, attempting to dispel the slumber enveloping him.
He fails, and darkness surrounds him.
I rolled the saves in a way that reset the dice rolls. The displayed dice do not match my initiative result because of that.
Link: Battle Map
Order:
Gvene
Irravin
Kama 2
Kama 3
Kama 1
Elion
Vladimir
Irravin sees two of his comrades, Vladimir and Elion, crumple as an magical sleep overtakes them. The Kamadan on the cage growls at him and approaches menacingly. The other Kamadans have leapt from the tree and will be on the party in moments.
Round 1 Gvene:
Gvene leaps into action. She charges the short distance to her slumbering allies and forcefully shakes them, waking them up.
Vladimir's mind is hauled back to reality just after it was forced out.
Next: Irravin, then the creatures.
Round 1 Irravin:
Perception:12, SM:9 Initiative:+2
Irravin casts Shield of Faith as a swift action, adding 2 AC. He flurries and attacks Kamadan 2 next to him.
Irravin levels a spinning kick and two fists successively at the Kamadan's face, but the big cat quickly recoils out of his way and he only contacts air.
Irravin levels a spinning kick and two fists successively at the Kamadan's face. His foot connects with the big cat's jaw, his fists both narrowly missing the follow-up.
Irravin levels a spinning kick and two fists at the Kamadan's face. His heel connects squarely under the big cat's eye socket, followed shortly by the side of his fist slamming into the beast's jaw, his other hand missing the target by inches.
Irravin levels a spinning kick and two fists at the Kamadan's face. His heel connects squarely under the big cat's eye socket, followed shortly by the side of his fist slamming into the beast's jaw, his other hand chopping solidly into its neck.
TLDR
Irravin swift casts Shield of Faith, adding 2 AC, and flurries against Kamadan 2.
Irravin strikes and struggles with the first Kamadan who unleashed the breath weapon, but is unable to deal much damage.
Round 1:
As a pair, the two Kamadan from the tree charge Gvene. She stands back up, having just roused her companions, as they fall upon her. Her shield never left her hands.
Their claws tear into her as she brings her shield up to block their gnashing teeth. One Kamadan smashes itself against her shield, its mane of snakes slipping past and biting her arms as she holds the shield. She heaves it off, standing bloodied but ready.
Elion finds his feet as he awakens from magical slumber. He stumbles back for a heartbeat as he sees the terrible wounds Gvene bears. He shakes his head and moves forward. He calls green tendrils of magical energy to his fingertips as he lays his hands on Gvene.
Many of the her wounds heal, but many still remain.
Movement Action to stand, Standard Acion to heal.
Targeting Irravin
Round 1 Vladimir
HP:59 Saves:6,11,4
Perception:11, SM:11
Vladimir staggers to his feet and quickly knocks a magical beast bane arrow at point blank range. His aim is deadly; he plans to show no mercy. He fires at Kamadan 2.
Vladimir's arrow flies true and strikes a deep wound in the Kamadan's neck.
Round 2 Gvene:
Beset by both Kamadan, Gvene fights entirely defensively.
Full round action Total Defense.
Round 2 Irravin
Perception:12, SM:9 Initiative:+2
The Kamadan's claws lash out at Irravin, and he dodges one set even as the other slashes across his shoulder. He throws himself out of the way of the snakes that lunge and hiss in his ear, missing his face. He grits his teeth, drawing energy from the Handwraps of Vigor and prepares to flurry again.
He lashes out viciously at the Kamadan, unsure if his hands and feet will find much purchase on the sturdy, nimble beast.
Round 2, the Kamadan
Irravin exchanges blows with the ferocious night black Kamadan in front of him. Claw and fist meet as the two struggle. An arrow flies over his shoulder, shot by Vladimir, diving into the beast's neck. Irravin uses the opportunity to land a solid blow, stunning the creature.
The Kamadan retreats, running westward then curving back south toward the forest.
Kama2: Full Round Action withdrawal.
The two Kamadan attacking Gvene see that she is struggling to defend herself, and redouble their efforts to take her down. They try to move and flank her, but Vladimir and Elion stand protectively around Gvene and prevent them from taking additional advanage.
Gvene's defense stands unbroken as the two creatures hurl themselves against her. Still, she is wounded and these two creatures are unharmed.
kama1 and 3 both full attack targeting Gvene.
Round 2, Elion
Elion cheers as he sees Gvene maneuvering with her shield blocking every claw and bite from the two Kamadan.
"How about for some offense, Gvene?"
He weaves tendrils of green energy in his palms, whispering to the spell as it takes shape. He moves the woven energy into Gvene, and her strength is bolstered.
Standard action to cast Bull Strength.
Vladimir is next to finish off round 2.
Vladimir Round 2
HP:59 Saves:6,11,4
Perception:11, SM:11
Empowered by the retreat of the second Kamadan, Vladimir leaves his remaining bane arrows in their compartment of his quiver, and dips into his stock of regular arrows. He grabs several.
"Irravin! Flank with Gvene!" he shouts as he pulls out three arrows.
He uses a full round action and taps into his many shot and rapid shot skills. He begins his assault by knocking two arrows and firing them point black at Kamadan 3. Without a single second of hesitation, he fires the 3rd, also at Kamadan 3.
In the heat of the moment, Vladimir's reflexes kick in and he fires one more arrow at kamadan 3.
Vladimir's mind is sharp but his body is stubborn after being thrown in and out of unconsciousness. His fingers and hands fail to coordinate the fine motor movements he has spent so many hours mastering. In total, 3 arrows fly wide and far from Kamadan 3. One manages to make its target.
Damn. Erastil, guide my hand!
Vladimir shakes his head furiously to try and dispel his sluggishness.
Round 2 Summary
Gvene fends off two circling Kamadan, fighting completely defensively. Irravin lands a serious blow on the Kamadan by the cage. Combined with the arrow deep in its shoulder, this is enough to cause the Kamadan to retreat, and circle at the forest's edge looking for a better fight. Elion weaves magic of strength into Gvene, while Vladimir lets loose with arrows at the remaining Kamadan, one finding a home in its flank.
Round 3
Gvene sees the first Kamadan flee, and one beside her receive an arrow, and she launches into her attack. She calls upon her magic to strengthen her attacks, and focuses her efforts on the weakened Kamadan. She calls out a warcry, as her shield and longsword burst into flames.
Free action - ignite weapons, Swift action - Bane on Magical Beasts, Full round action - Full attack on Kama3
Gvene isn't able to find purchase with her longsword as the Kamadan nimbly dodges her blade, however her shield slams into the Kamadan, and Gvene pulls it away in a slicing motion, leaving a deep, charred gash in the Kamadan from her bladed shield.
Irravin is next, then the Kamadan
Gvene Round 3
Waves of fatigue roll through Gvene as the poison continues to do its work.