Kiyomi continues her song of inspiration and fires three more times at the nearest foe!
for damage!
for damage!
for damage!
Parity will continuento pursue and attack. No spells thisnround.
HP = 96/101
AC/T/FF = 24/16/21 (25% ignore sneak/critical)
Weapon Equipped = +1 Holy Light Crossbow
Bolts = 60/60
Speed = 15'
Channel = 6/6 (7d6)
Energy Body = 13/13
Oracle Spells Known (CL 14th; concentration +19)
7th 3/3-mass cure serious wounds, greater restoration, celestial fanfare
6th 5/5—mass cure moderate wounds, greater dispel magic, heal, wind walk
5th 7/7—break enchantment, breath of life*, mass cure light wounds, wall of stone, wall of time
4th 6/7—air walk, blessing of fervor*, cure critical wounds, holy smite*, restoration, tongues
3rd 6/7—cure serious wounds, dispel magic, invisibility purge, magic circle against evil, neutralize poison, stone shape
2nd 6/7—aid, cure moderate wounds, ghostbane dirge*, resist energy, lesser restoration, shield other, spiritual weapon
1st 8/8—bless, burning disarm*, command*, cure light wounds, detect evil, detect undead, sun metal*
0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, detect poison, guidance, light, mending, purify food and drink*, spark*, stabilize
* Save DC = 15 + Level
Status Effects = Blessing of Fervor
Harlan dodges most of the blast then boops himself for healing magic, allowing it to spread to the others as well.
Heng drops the next guard with a single punch, then moves to flank opposite from Parity.
Kiyomi returns fire at the archer guard, hitting him once and missing wide with the other two arrows. Malnival makes a flying charge to slash at the archer.
; plus
;
Harlan casts a mass heal, affecting himself, Kiyomi and Ameiko. Ameiko continues her performance against the remaining oni.
Parity moves in and presses the ogre mage, driving Suishen deep into its immense gut and slicing across, disemboweling the oni. The fat oni commander collapses forward with a groan.
;
;
;
The last guard holds his ground, flying a few feet back to shoot at Malnival point-blank. He nimbly ducks and dives, avoiding the arrows.
;
;
;
Parity looks down to make sure the ogre mage isn't regenerating before he moves in to aid Heng, curling around to strike the Typhoon Guard with a flanking vital strike.
Heng, Parity and then Malnival close in on the archer and rapidly take him down.
; plus
As the last Typhoon Guard falls, the servants and cooks emerge from cover, cautious and nervous.
"Mmmm ... hope that works, Heng," Parity watches the assembled servants closely, Suishen still in his hand.
HP = 101/101
AC/T/FF = 24/16/21 (25% ignore sneak/critical)
Weapon Equipped = +1 Holy Light Crossbow
Bolts = 60/60
Speed = 15'
Channel = 5/6 (7d6)
Energy Body = 13/13
Oracle Spells Known (CL 14th; concentration +19)
7th 3/3-mass cure serious wounds, greater restoration, celestial fanfare
6th 5/5—mass cure moderate wounds, greater dispel magic, heal, wind walk
5th 6/7—break enchantment, breath of life*, mass cure light wounds, wall of stone, wall of time
4th 6/7—air walk, blessing of fervor*, cure critical wounds, holy smite*, restoration, tongues
3rd 6/7—cure serious wounds, dispel magic, invisibility purge, magic circle against evil, neutralize poison, stone shape
2nd 6/7—aid, cure moderate wounds, ghostbane dirge*, resist energy, lesser restoration, shield other, spiritual weapon
1st 8/8—bless, burning disarm*, command*, cure light wounds, detect evil, detect undead, sun metal*
0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, detect poison, guidance, light, mending, purify food and drink*, spark*, stabilize
* Save DC = 15 + Level
Status Effects = Blessing of Fervor
Harlan gathers the survivors for some healing love.
"Believe my large bald friend, we are here to help! Also if any of you could tell us where the rest of the bad guys are we would really appreciate it."
Kiyomi smiles as well and bows to the servants. "Please do not fear! The rightful Empress approaches! All will be made right by the divine right of her Majesty."
The cooks and servants talk between themselves in nervous whispers. Some notice Ameiko as she comes forward -- eyes widen and the whispers climb into excited chatter. They approach slowly, some dropping into submissive bows while others are more constrained, wary of a trick. Although they are dressed in fine clothes for servants of the palace, the stains, wounds and bruises of brutal captors are clear.
An elder chef steps forward, bowing respectfully but keeping her face stern. "This one is Suzaka, first assistant to the royal chef. If you are truly here to clear the palace of these fiends, it is our duty to assist. How can we humble servants help?" She is clearly distrustful and carefully gauging your response.
Harlan smiles.
"We don't want you to get in trouble. Are there any places you can hide and get the other servants to safety without warning our targets? Are there any traps or guards we need to know about, and is there a secret way through the palace that would let us avoid the main halls?"
"Don't suppose the Royal Chef is about to serve a meal?", Parity says with a sly smile.
Suzaka shakes her head. "A sketch map would be confusing. Let me explain..." She begins detailing each of the rooms nearby.
"The way up to the palace level is through the kabuki theater, north of here. The commander, an ice yai oni named Roka Kozu stays there with four ogre magi sentinels. They have pressed three young geisha into performing to keep them entertained."
"Also, several daughters of wealthy merchants and nobles are held captive in the Hall of Meditation, on the east side of the floor. If you can free them, I will see them safely hidden in the servants' quarters. But... there are things among them, wolves in sheep's clothing. They look human, but they are not... like the Typhoon Guards."
"Most of the Typhoon Guard are now kuwa oni," she adds, nudging one of the guard corpses with her foot. You now notice that, after the Typhoon Guards were killed, they reverted to their true form -- that of hideous golden-skinned fiends, with horns, fangs and red eyes bulging from their sockets. "Certainly all the ones stationed in the palace. They will be sleeping in the barracks, or on duty in the guard towers." She frowns, thinking for a moment, then looks at you directly. "We can do our small part. Servants can move around without being noticed. If you wish it, we can go and bar the doors to the towers and barracks, trapping the guards within. That will leave you free to deal with the greater threats."
|
Heng smiles and bows. "Your description is crystal clear and your brave offer of help much appreciated. Thank you. Do you think the wolves among the nobles will try and harm them or stay hidden and hope to take us by surprise?" He turns to his companions, "Do we have a way to detect these wolves in the fold? I think that it might be best to deal quickly with Roka Kozu and then try to separate out the hidden ones."
"I agree. Shall we cut through the bathhouse to get straight to the kabuki theater? Prepare some spells for the assault, maybe a fireball to soften them up, Mal?"
"Absolutely bar the doors to the tower and barracks. We don't need extra spectators or participants for the fight."
"Do you think the wolves among the nobles will try and harm them or stay hidden and hope to take us by surprise?"
Suzaka shakes her head, "I do not know. I have not seen them myself, and only know of them through whispers from the captive women. They know which of them are the impostors. One of the woman called them 'jorogumo', but it means nothing to me."
The elder chef talks to a handful of men and women, and they quickly disperse into the palace. She gives orders to those remaining, who start to move up the stairs to the west. "Give us five minutes to secure the doors, then hit them. We will stay up in the servants' quarters to avoid the fireworks. Do what you can to rescue the geisha and the prisoners. Send them up this way and we will keep them safe."
"Can you give me a pass phrase, so that I know whoever comes is not a wolf?"
Kiyomi vaguely recalls tales of a spidery creature by that name, said to live in isolated mountain valleys and notorious for implanting eggs into their 'mates'.
"This creature, it is a spidery thing. They implant eggs into their 'mates'. We should be careful. I have no wish to hatch such a creature."
|
|
Heng looks troubled at Kiyomi's news. "That is horrible. Perhaps I can detect the evil of these implanted eggs within their victims and we can find a way to purge them without killing the host. Perhaps we should just use the words, "No Wolf" in Taldane. That is how we would say "No wolf" in the language of our homeland."
Suzaka nods, flashing a grim smile, "'No wolfo'." She gives you a curt bow, with another lower one to Ameiko, and then moves to follow her people up the stairs.
Harlan is disturbed by the implanted hosts.
"I have a prayer that prevents possession but it doesn't sound like that would help here. Maybe a curative magic would release them? We may have to ignore them for now and take out the leaders."
After the servants have barred the towers and barracks doors and sequestered into the upstairs quarters, you move quietly up through the bathhouses. As you get close, you hear the notes of samisen twangs and strained singing. A rough voice barks sharply and the melody wavers.
With silent nods to the ready, Malnival turns invisible and moves into the kabuki theater. All hell breaks loose as he casts his scroll and a ball of fire explodes around the three western oni!
The fireball leaves the floor panels scorched and smoldering. The geisha scream and jump to the floor for cover. The oni roar with suprise and are caught completely flat-footed.
Kiyomi begins to sing!
She casts HASTE on the party, while unslinging the Daiku.
Round 1 Init 19
AC/T/FF = 24/16/21 (25% ignore sneak/critical)
Weapon Equipped = +1 Holy Light Crossbow
Bolts = 60/60
Speed = 15'
Channel = 5/6 (7d6)
Energy Body = 13/13
Oracle Spells Known (CL 14th; concentration +19)
7th 3/3-mass cure serious wounds, greater restoration, celestial fanfare
6th 5/5—mass cure moderate wounds, greater dispel magic, heal, wind walk
5th 6/7—break enchantment, breath of life*, mass cure light wounds, wall of stone, wall of time
4th 6/7—air walk, blessing of fervor*, cure critical wounds, holy smite*, restoration, tongues
3rd 6/7—cure serious wounds, dispel magic, invisibility purge, magic circle against evil, neutralize poison, stone shape
2nd 1/7—aid, cure moderate wounds, ghostbane dirge*, resist energy, lesser restoration, shield other, spiritual weapon
1st 8/8—bless, burning disarm*, command*, cure light wounds, detect evil, detect undead, sun metal*
0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, detect poison, guidance, light, mending, purify food and drink*, spark*, stabilize
* Save DC = 15 + Level
Status Effects = Haste, Resist Cold/30
Harlan moves to where he can see the enemy and prepares to counter any spell Roka casts.
Parity steps into the doorway and with lunge is able to get his entire round of attacks, channeling a corrosive touch.
; miss
; maybe?
(slashing, fire, acid for the dice)
Kiyomi takes up her battle song, magically hastens the party and readies her bow. Heng leads the charge, flying into the theater and smashing the nearest ogre mage in the kidney.
Harlan moves into the room, sliding behind Malnival and preparing a counterspell.
Parity steps in and lunge attacks, hastily and off-balance, and misses twice.
Malnival rushes forward and makes a twirling turn around the column, coming around the side to attack the ogre mage. His scimitar blazes with fire.
; plus
Ameiko moves beside Harlan, casting a sound burst at the ice yai leader. The spell cuts through her resistance, but she shrugs off the stun.
The nearest ogre mage whips around, slashing at Heng with a massive greatsword. The other ogre mage to the north moves down and slashes hard at Malnival through the gap.
;
;
;
;
;
The other two ogre magi fly in to engage. One flies directly over the stage, bowling over the geisha as it circles the room, squeezes through the narrow gap and comes around the west side.
The last one moves up and casts an enchantment at Heng. "You don't need to fight us, friend. End this needless attack and surrender."
Roka Kozu points at Malnival and casts a blue-white ray... but the ray fizzles out a few inches from his finger as Harlan counters it.
*
Kiyomi continues to sing, INSPIRE COURAGE +3, and steps 5' north to stand behind Parity, firing his bow at the northern giant creature!
for plus sonic damage!
for plus sonic damage!
for plus sonic damage!
I keep forgetting this feat, but when Kiyomi sings, EVERYONE adds +1d6 sonic damage to their weapon damage!
Kiyomi sings while firing her bow, pinning the north ogre mage with three arrows.
Heng assails the ogre mage with a rapid succession of hits, ending with a powerful uppercut that sends the oni flying back. It crashes to the floor, unmoving.
Parity moves out from the doorway, running up to team up with Malnival against the north-east ogre mage. His lunging slash is clumsy and clanks off the oni's armor.
Malnival steps up and lays in with his flaming scimitar. He cleaves through the oni's armor easily, his blade bursting with fire as it strikes. Screaming, the second ogre mage falls.
; plus plus
; plus plus
; plus plus
; plus
; plus
The geisha on the stage, emboldened by your success, start to take up music in concert with Kiyomi, encouraging your victory.
The remaining ogre magi stand their ground. One attacks Heng savagely, but Heng avoids the strikes with nimble monk moves.
;
;
The other ogre mage casts a spell, blasting the area around you with shards of ice.
Ameiko gets caught flat-footed by the spell, but the magic ward takes most of the edge off.
"Ahhh! Bad memories of polar crossings..." Ameiko cries out, gritting her teeth and shivering from the cold. She runs back behind cover with Kiyomi.
HP = 97/101
AC/T/FF = 24/16/21 (25% ignore sneak/critical)
Weapon Equipped = +1 Holy Light Crossbow
Bolts = 60/60
Speed = 15'
Channel = 5/6 (7d6)
Energy Body = 13/13
Oracle Spells Known (CL 14th; concentration +19)
7th 3/3-mass cure serious wounds, greater restoration, celestial fanfare
6th 5/5—mass cure moderate wounds, greater dispel magic, heal, wind walk
5th 6/7—break enchantment, breath of life*, mass cure light wounds, wall of stone, wall of time
4th 6/7—air walk, blessing of fervor*, cure critical wounds, holy smite*, restoration, tongues
3rd 5/7—cure serious wounds, dispel magic, invisibility purge, magic circle against evil, neutralize poison, stone shape
2nd 1/7—aid, cure moderate wounds, ghostbane dirge*, resist energy, lesser restoration, shield other, spiritual weapon
1st 8/8—bless, burning disarm*, command*, cure light wounds, detect evil, detect undead, sun metal*
0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, detect poison, guidance, light, mending, purify food and drink*, spark*, stabilize
* Save DC = 15 + Level
Status Effects = Haste, Resist Cold/30
Harlan grits his teeth as the cold blast hits him full on, thankful for the magical resistance Heng encouraged him to provide.
Seeing most of the group uninjured, the slightly chilled halfling continues to counter the magic of the main event.
Harlan stands ready with another counterspell. The 'main event' roars and enters the fray, swinging a huge fist at Parity.
;
As it attacks, a dagger of ice fires from its third eye, hitting Harlan but ineffective against his resistance. The oni snarls in frustration.
;
Parity dodges aside of most of the cold and lets the magic eat the rest.
"Time to die, demon."
;
; + cast bestow curse as an immediate action using the 50% do nothing
;
; miss?