Seeing the large creature emerge to take hold of one of his companions with it's tail, Crys redirects his attention to it once more.
Feeling confident in his aim, he shouts out, "Let her go monster!"
The warpriest pulled his flail's head through the air with deadly force. It crashed into the chest of one flaming azer, caving in its finely crafted armor plates, then reversed back in an overhead chop that obliterated the face of the final wretched foe. Mjolvandr glowed with its inner bloodlust, its gilded gaudy plating and gemstones drawing the eye of those nearby. It cried out for all to hear,
"Yyyyyyyesss!! Precious are these moments of pure carnage! Now, onto the big one!"
Staying well away from the fray, the flame-shaman issued forth a string of heinous words, utterances that threatened madness and doom to any who heard them. Their magicks were focused on the flaming salamander however, and they had a most ironic and destructive effect --
"Syeee!"
The flaming salamander cried out in bitter pain and confusion, its eyes flying wide open as it realized the danger it was in, swimming in a pool of liquid ash and slag when suddenly becoming vulnerable to flame! It snaked its way out of the pit onto the cave floor, still sputtering with audible hisses from the searing fluid -- and emerged right into the roiling cloud of putrid fumes, though its formidable fortitude staved off any negative effect.
Opposite the warpriest is the barbarian, charging to and fro like the crazed warrior he is, downing foes and leaping over scalding-hot pits. With fresh blood still dripping from his earthbreaker, he fells another azer on his way back toward his friends.
As Roland sailed through the air over the pit, the burnt salamander thrust its spear upward to catch the barbarian in a less-armored area of exposed flesh.
The spellsword struggled mightily against the weight and muscular salamander tail but its grip was steadfast and nigh unbreakable.
Standing near the floating shaman was the bard far ranger of Crystallius, peppering the salamander with arrows, another of which sinks deep into enemy flesh.
Damage taken:
-Salamander - 53
-Azer 1 - dead
-Azer 2 - dead
-Azer 3 - dead
-Azer 4 - dead
-Azer 5 - dead
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Not giving an inch in spite of its new vulnerability, it squeezed the pinched spellsword it its tail's embrace while thrusting its fine spear into the barbarian's flesh.
Speaking in the common tongue it issued a warning -
"Surrender now and none shall die!"
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Chiro's smile as his curse took hold was quickly erased by salamander that was still fighting. And hurting his new friends.
The shaman literally flew over to the beast, gulped, and gushed forth a cone of flame.
The beast's newly sensitive skin crackled and burned. Chiro smiled.
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HP 117/117
Conditions: flying
Spells used: fireball, stinking cloud, major curse
Flight: 8/9 min
Shapeshift: 9/9 min
Flame touch: 5/5
Channel energy: 3/3
Fire breath: 2/3
Elemental rod: 2/3
Empower rod: 3/3
Ring (swift for move action): 1/1
Noticing the salamander's sudden aversion to fire, Crys changes tactics and lashes out with two fiery rays that he summons in by using his magic.
Crys responds in turn, "It would be fortuitous for you to take your own advice and surrender!"
Round 3
Gromff Takes a deep breath and trundles into the fog again to attack the Salamander from behind.
Talking about surrender was so stupid Roland got even more enraged. "Surrender in hell!" The barbarian was not replying to the creature, but actually Crys when he mentioned the monster should surrender! After all, D.P. was coming and going, pancaking the enemy as it has always done before, and a storm of attacks was coming from the others, so how in hell would anyone give the poor creature time to surrender? It was kill or be killed, and this combat had caused the large man quite a few bruises already. Time to finish it off.
A battery of assault rained down upon the unfortunate salamander smith, seemingly from all angles of attack. As the warpriest and barbarian pounded mercilessly with their bludgeons, the bard's rays of scorching flame burned holes in the snake's flesh, while the flying shaman's fiery breath enveloped the creature in a sheet of flame - a flame that it was once right at home in but now was a curse to its existence.
In spite of its strength and tenacity, the sheer destruction unleashed upon it was too much to bear, and it withered beneath the assault. It sank to the floor like the pathetic worm it was, dripping blood from open wounds and broken skin.
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After taking stock of the area it appeared to be a smithy of sorts, though with limited tools in the vicinity. A large anvil the size of a man was perched near a scalding hot pool of lava, as was a work table covered in metal ingots and weapons in need of repair. Other than those objects and unusual pools of liquid ash, the chamber was fairly unremarkable.
Roland is clearly not in his best shape but he seems happy that everyone is still standing. Were some time ago he would have probably lost conscious due to his wounds, but today he's not the beginner they once were. He sits down for a bit to catch his breath and remember what just happened.
[b]"Did I really see a ray of fire burning the lizard?"[/i]
Chiro's 'flame' finally left his body or was hidden by his other spirit, the caring one, the one that abhorred destruction and killing.
The shaman gathered his companions around and let that spirit gush forth from his body to heal some of their wounds.
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Loot:
After taking time to remove any valuables from the dead the party pressed on a bit more to gauge their surroundings and to ensure they remained on the correct path. Even with Gromff's guidance it seemed that there were so many tunnels that it was possible this particular route wasn't the exact same as the one previously traveled.
They soon trekked in the direction the fleeing azer had run to before falling to Roland's hammer. The cave spilled out onto a high ledge overlooking a familiar cavern, one that stretched for hundreds of feet in many directions and that was well lit due to the pools and rivers of red magma. This was certainly the same cavern where the Prince had emerged from the river of liquid rock and failed to enlist the party to his scheme. An intense sulfurous odor made it difficult to breathe.
Distance vision was obscured by steams and gasses, though it was not sufficient cover to hide the large number of troops - Azer troops - that milled about far below. Staying low and out of sight, the party saw what looked like at least a couple hundred azer soldiers, most busy in one task or another - all preparing for battle.
The sounds of hammers pounding on anvils rang out in a percussive symphony. Bundles of weapons were hauled to and fro. Large unidentifiable animals were roasted on spits while strips of hearty meat were doled out. Battle lines and formations were practiced, led by an azer in full plate with flames escaping from its helmet's eye and ear holes. A dozen or so magma mephits flew over the congregated warriors, trying to stay engaged and part of the action.
Through the obscuring gasses at the far end of the azer battle camp was a large totem shaped into an archway. The skull and bones of a large serpentine dragon formed the majority of the sculpture, surrounding a phasing energy portal within the arch. You observe a pair of azer soldiers entering the archway and portal which then pulsed with energy as the pair disappeared from sight.
"Thanks." Roland appreciates the healing, but it's far from enough to bring him to full health. "I could take some more energy, if you had it."
He just overlooks the new items, since they were not actually meant to be used by them, but the hammer draws his attention for a second. He grabbed it, but it was not meant to be used as a weapon, which then lit the danger light inside his head. If they had magical stuff to create weapons, something bad was about to happen.
Of course, the bad presented itself when they turned a corner and came up on a familiar cave, filled with god knew how many oversized matches. His face became a little pale in surprise of what was about to happen. "Gods, how could they have been so stupid?"
"Thanks." Roland appreciates the healing, but it's far from enough to bring him to full health. "I could take some more energy, if you had it."
Chiro dug deeper and channeled additional energy, "It makes a lot more sense for you be fully healed before taking more damage. we'll deal with additional healing as necessary. I would like to save one of the healing outbursts in case more than one person is injured."
With that, the dwarf touched the barbarian and then asked, "Do any of you posses a healing wand that can be used?"
The dwarf pointed out the 'gate' at the far end, "So what exactly do we want to accomplish here? We're not taking on a whole army, are we?"
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"Thanks." Roland appreciates the healing, but it's far from enough to bring him to full health. "I could take some more energy, if you had it."
"Yeah. Hold still."
Afterwards he loads up all the valuables into the head of his Flail and trundles on. They his memory was usually pretty good, they did arrive at the lava pool, just not in the same place as last time. Which was a good thing in this case. "I hate ta jump ta conclusions but this does not look good fer anyone nearby," he says, looking down at the army. It was a damn good thing Roland stopped that runner.
"Also, I think the hunt is over." He looks up at Crys for confirmation. This was likely very bad news for his home.
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She drifts around the place, while burst of healing and some barbarian spelt down nonsense as always; so far, so good, things finally looking like normal.
She dispels the magic effect used to escape the oversized lizard. ”Well, glad I had a few tricks up my sleeve,” she says walking closer to the barbarian ”because if I were to depend on you, I’d be dead.” she points out and then rub some more salt ”and you did get a beating. What happened? Couldn’t you take then out before they take you?”
Then she ignores the barbeacon of light, but not before taking the magic hammer from him. ”I’ll keep this.” she says with no other explanation.
To the others, she is somewhat nicer. ”Thanks for the help Chiro. You saved me out there. And thanks for the healing.”
They move forwards, and didn’t she just think about things being normal again? And normal as always, another army on their path.
The gods must have a strange sense of humor, since they kept employing armies to stop their advance. Maybe this merry band is capable of putting fear into gods! How cool would that be!
Get out of hiding you puny god! I’m here to relieve you of your unnecessary duties! she smiles at the thought and then comments looking at the Azer army ”They look nice, should we greet them?”
A short span of time goes by. The group stays low and out of sight of the legion of azer below, talking in whispers about the next step of their journey.
"Gods, how could they have been so stupid?"
The dwarf pointed out the 'gate' at the far end, "So what exactly do we want to accomplish here? We're not taking on a whole army, are we?"
"Also, I think the hunt is over." He looks up at Crys for confirmation. This was likely very bad news for his home.
... comments looking at the Azer army ”They look nice, should we greet them?”
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Crys would take a moment to finish healing the last of the friendly barbarian's wounds, glad that he was on their side as opposed to the opposite.
Taking a moment to glance at the hammer, he tries to identify it.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon reaching the cavern, he takes his time to assess the situation.
"Depending on where they are heading, this does pose a large threat to my home. I am curious as to where that portal leads and whether the bones that it is constructed from are those of he prince you spoke of."
Crys takes the time to look for a path to the portal without being noticed by the large congregation of enemies that sprawled out before them.
"Actually. Me bets on them bones being his mother the Queen." Gromff grows quiet for a few moments as a likely scenario runs through is head. The fire dwarves weren't here last time so that meant someone made that portal and was summoning them. Prince said he wanted to take over. Maybe he actually killed the Queen and used her to make the portal. Ultruu's involvement was a moot point. This was not a good sign. "Lad. You and Chiro stay here and watch. The rest o us are goin ta head back ta his city," he says pointing at Crys. "We need ya ta convince them ta stop this hunt and get all yer warriors back ta the city. You two," he now points at Roland and Chiro. "You see anythin that makes it look like their goin ta attack the city, haul ass after us."
While carefully considering their options, the group of surface dwellers all seemed to have different ideas on how to proceed. Some suggested turning back while others were steadfast, albeit playfully, about continuing with the plan despite the new obstacles before them. For now they had the fortune of a vantage point from which to observe the goings on below with little chance of being detected -- that is, as long as no one came looking for the recently slain salamander and azer soldiers.
A clear strong note split the air suddenly - a horn blast by the sound of it. Once again looking over the ledge to see what caused the commotion, it suddenly became clear why the azer blew his horn to draw the assembly's attention; their Queen had arrived.
The regal, visceral beauty was evident even from this distance, even as only her head became visible as it lifted from the large magma pool. Perfection of form she had; coolly deadly battle she threatened; fiery in nature she was. The muscular neck carried her visage aloft as the liquid rock rolled off of her, sizzling as it plopped back into the pool. A searing claw lifted out upon the shore, lifting its huge serpentine form out of the magma with such grace and poise that one could hardly believe possible for a creature of such malevolence and strength.
The azer forces stood at attention in their hastily assembled ranks, waiting for their Queen to address them. In contrast to their order were the mischievous lava mephits flitting about overhead, some diving in and out of the magma in pure delight, others flying in lazy circles that covered the camp and pools.
Fully out of the magma, the Queen sat comfortably with her body set in coils, all thirty feet of her nestled into a pile from which she gazed silently over her army with shrewd judgmental eyes. After a full agonizing minute of silence, she spoke to the group assembled before her in a tongue unknown to the heroes listening above...
"Ye tried two days ago. Things change," he says avoiding fault. "But ye have a point. Unlikely. Then if that's the Prince, she got her revenge, or the shiny one down there is a new opponent we know nothing about," he says pointing at the Azer in golden armor. "Still, this can'no be good news fer Crystallus."
Apprehensive to say the least, Chiro waited for the development of this meeting/visit. If this was their intended target, then surely people would die taking her down. The dwarf gulped, hoping it wasn't him that gave his life.
He commented in a whisper, "Er... guys, is that our prey? She looks very much like a predator..."
Brushing away the dust from her oldest scroll case, the spellsword pulled forth the means to comprehend the words of the dragon. Quieting her friends, she wasted no time in unfurling the paper and finishing the magic stored therein. The scroll was consumed in a flash of arcane energy, leaving her hands empty but her mind with fresh enchantment.
She put a hand to her ear to catch the dragon's words, though luckily they carried across the cavern with relative ease due to the wyrm's powerful vocal capacity.
"...at that moment - and not until that moment you shall storm the streets from where you lay in wait. Kill any soldiers you see and kill anyone who gets in your way. Refrain from senseless murder however... dead citizens pay no tributes."
"Higginbork -- have your men break camp and depart at once! I will join you above in due time."
This order was followed by the Queen stretching her massive wings to their fullest span while her body shook and rattled in a intimidating display. She then roared -- oh, how she roared, filling the air with an ear-splitting head-pounding assault. After her boastful display the Queen watched her little minions for half a moment before turning back toward her orange pool and entering it; her entire length was swallowed up in seconds.
The heavily armored and helmeted azer apparently known as Higginbork turned to his soldiers, calling them to his attention. They cried out in unison - , then broke formation toward their camp. A flurry of movement and activity prevailed over the site as every azer did his part to clear the area and ready themselves for departure.
Several azer entered and exited the dragonbone arch at the far end of the cave, going about their duties to the unknown beyond the wavering magical portal.
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"Well, If they aren't preparing to attack the city, I'll be dammed. Hum, no wait. I'll be dammed anyway, but they are preparing to attack the city." the mage says conveying the queen's words to the others "...hide and lay low, don't kill anyone that doesn't need killing. Dead peasants pay no tribute."
"Higginbork -- prepare to march immediately. I'll join you later at more appropriate time." she looks about and then says again "Well, that's what she said."
"Oh and yes, the last bit of cheering was something like long live the queen."
"Figured as much," Gromff says after watching the Queen intently. "Well, we got an army ta beat back ta the city. Anyone got anything to get them a message? Probably gonna have ta run all night."
It took the soldiers less than twenty minutes to break their camp. They were soon grouped into lines that snaked off into different caverns, pouring out of the magma-pool cave in a number of directions. The Queen reemerged after their departure, seemingly alone in her steamy sulfurous domain. Turning to the dragonbone archway, she poked her head directly under the arch and slithered through the portal, gone from sight just as when she went into the magma a short spell ago.
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"I don't think we'll ever get a better shot at the Queen than now." Catcher says preparing her weapons and equipment, making sure it's in ready for the trouble ahead then she looks at the others "What are you waiting for? Move!"
The fact that others might prioritize saving the city and the lives of innocent citizens doesn’t register for the mage. They wanted to kill the dragon to get the spear. Whatever consequence Crystallus suffered, well, that didn’t matter for the wizard.
"What?" Gromff turns around at Catchers shout. He was already packing up to leave as well. But down below the cave was empty except for the Queen's tall disappearing into the portal. Was she alone in there? Was it worth the shot?
"Ye heard her. Move." Gromff takes some rope and ties it off on an outcropping so they could descend into the cave and casts a spell to protect them all from the heat. He looks up at their lone Golem and then at Aersensi and Walker. "Protect them," he says, looking at the golem and pointing at the pair.
"What?" Gromff turns around at Catchers shout. He was already packing up to leave as well. But down below the cave was empty except for the Queen's tall disappearing into the portal. Was she alone in there? Was it worth the shot?
"Ye heard her. Move." Gromff takes some rope and ties it off on an outcropping so they could descend into the cave and casts a spell to protect them all from the heat. He looks up at their lone Golem and then at Aersensi and Walker. "Protect them," he says, looking at the golem and pointing at the pair.
Chiro looked surprised, "So we're going after her now?"
He had already thrown in his lot with the group so he would make sure to pull his weight.
He sighed, "OK, but this won't be pretty and we not all come back to tell this tale..."
With that, the dwarf used his innate flying to lower himself to the cavern floor and help the others as required.
Crys was unsure of what to say, his home was in danger. However he thought that killing the queen might give his home a better chance of survival. It might be enough to disorganize the army or at least take a powerful foe out of the mix.
Quietly he would follow the others, keeping an eye out for anything of use or that might give him an idea of where the enemy was heading to lay low.
Leaving Aersensi and the Walker in the capable "hands" of the golem, the group rappelled (and floated) down the cliff face overlooking the magma cavern, all reaching the floor in short order.
Random gushes of super-heated water and sulfurous gas burst from the porous floor and walls, making for a treacherous and smelly hike toward the center of the cavern. Keeping close and watching for the larger holes that could house the next eruptions, the companions traipsed across safely and found themselves very near to the land bridge that had delivered them across the magma river some weeks ago. Deep-gouged claw marks all over the ground evidenced the regular presence of the Prince and/or the Queen, though neither were present at this moment, nor were any of their denizens.
The only sounds were sporadic hisses as water spouted and the flopping and plopping of the multiple lava flows pouring from the walls into the slow-moving pool of orange fiery death. The dragonbone archway stood ominously with its wavering energy portal enclosed within.
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As gung-ho as Gromff was at taking down the Queen while there was not an army between them, he stops short of the portal. It could be trapped or might not let them in at all. "Safe to go lass?" He asks Catcher. She'd be the only one to know if they could even get through and not be torn to pieces in the process.
Still incredulous as to what he was about to do, the dwarf dogged on.
"Do any of you require or want fire protection?"
tag?
He then asked, "Do we have a plan of attack or are we just going to gang up on her and hope for the best?"
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As they descend, she cast a spell to protect from the heat , before rapidly studying the portal before them.
To Chiro she answer with her best smile "Of course there's a plan of attack." she says and then yells raising her sword "Attack!" but she didn't go thru the portal, because she doesn't want to die, alone against the dragon, instead she turns to the other dwarf, Gromff, and says "Should be safe enough."
No good at all. We can't go there, at least not yet. I'll see if there's something I can do, but maybe we'll have to wait until she comes out. the she fiddle around, trying to bypass any magical protection it might have.