Apollo simply nods at Brek.
Yea and I invite them to! laughs the man, before properly responding to Brek.
I'm familiarising myself with Sonja here, but we're hardly far from the cave entrance. Go on ahead. We won't be far behind.
With that, Apollo continues to slowly walk back towards the cave mouth, still conversing with Sonja along the way.
Leaning against the wall, Dmitri continues to clean his armor off, but seems okay with allowing the stains to set deeply within his cloak. He just shakes his head when Apollo responds, however, and with a slight chuckle. "He might realize his stupidity when he's being digested, and if that happens, it'll be too soon." he claims with a sigh.
Finally he sits, cross-legged on the floor of the cave entrance but out of sight, for the most part. Placing the scythe down on his knees, he trails his metal gauntleted fingers across the tip of his scythe, half-sharpening it. "And now, we're met with our current situation. I'm bound by faith to do what I've said, and I refuse to look for another way into the gnoll dwelling besides the hidden entrance that the Salamander has offered." he points out. "It is our only cold, straightforward method at the moment, and I believe there are more benefits than we immediately see... That snake is good for his word." he claims with a smile.
"What do the rest of you think? Does the idea of meddling in lizard politics bother anyone? If so, that's an absolute shame, and of ill-consequence. How is it the flighty blonde good-spirited folk put it? A greater good? Killing a Red Herring to slay a dragon is fine in my book..." he says, affirming his opinion of the matters.
"You cut a deal with it and it offers a safer way in. Rather than killing the gnolls by cutting our way through, the back entrance suits me just fine. Cutting down the gnoll King is the goal isn't it? Apollo can search the other entrance which is fine with me but if he takes too long and we find this Gnoll King first....." Making sure to pitch his voice over to ensure Apollo at least hears the las part regarding the gnoll king....
Looking at Je'drik, Brek examines his many wounds.
"Hmmm Where to start....Where to start?"
Kori just scoffs, "If the fire-snake-men show us a way to sneak in, then I have no issue killing however many that need to, so we can. I didn't see them being all concerned about attacking us when Dmitri was being all friendly about asking if they would show us the way."
Confused as to why Fire-top was talking so weird at this last part, she did the same, thinking maybe he was having trouble hearing. People always talk too loud when they can't hear well, "Well, it's not like I'm going to wait to kill the bastard. I told Apollo a long time ago that I won't stop killing my enemy just because someone else wants to be the one to do it. Who cares who the last person to hit him is, as long as he's dead? The faster you can make him more dead the better I say, as long as they know you are the reason they died, that's all that matters. Whether you hit first or last, your hit still was one of the ones that did the job."
Awaiting an answer from the Aasimar, Apollo gives a concerned glare at the mention of the Gnoll King.
I wish the way were more simple than this. If anyone gets in my way, I dunno what I'll do, but what I do know is, it won't end well.
Did you catch a glimpse of any other openings into the House of the Beast around here? We've already tried going through the front gates and that was.....risky.
Sonja follows with Apollo, still wary of the scythe-wielding man who spoke in riddles of weapons' wills and intents, but glad to have him in a more amiable mood.
"Alas, no. The main fortifications were the primary reason I sought another entry into their stronghold. Even with more support in an assault, one still has a high probability of heavy losses. As every life is sacred to the Dawflower, it behooves me to seek more practical approaches for my compatriots."
Upon hearing the talk of dealing with Salamanders, Sonja tilts her head, as if trying to put together a puzzle that has been presented for the first time.
"Pardon my interruption, but do I have it right that you have achieved a diplomatic solution? With Salamanders?! And they will allow you a passage into the Gnoll-lord's lair? I am indeed impressed! But what is this talk of killing, er... I apologize, but I do not yet know your names madam Drow, nor you, sir, with the wand."
Kori, as always sees no point in deception, and as thus speaks plainly. "Diplomatic, maybe. We are to kill the current chief, so his rival can take over. Then the rival will show us the way. That's not until morning, though. As for my name, I will answer to Kori."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Kori. I assume that the current chief is a bit of a tyrant, then? But if so, do we know if his successor will be any better? Salamanders are hardly hospitable creatures, and while I'd love to give an alliance a chance, I'd hate to perpetuate the power of creatures as foul as the gnolls we fight."
"But I forget myself. Do not mistake me: I do not mean to criticize the plan. It is a sound one, and one that can most likely be achieved, given our numbers and, from what I can tell," she gives an indicative glance towards Apollo and his saurian companion,"diverse skill sets. I am simply stating that we should perhaps be ready for a double-cross should the creatures not be as worthy of our alliance as we'd hope."
Dmitri laughs aloud for a moment at the woman's suspicion of a double-cross. "Haha! Yes, well, that's been factored in already, Velfieren Sonja." he says with a slight chuckle. "The entire reason I convinced him to do it tomorrow was so we could be at full strength..." he says as he grips his fist. "Where are my manners? My name is Dmitri Mavis. I pray to the God of Hedonism and succulent pain, Lilith."
Smiling at that statement and proclaiming it proudly he walks directly up to her and crosses his arms. "You can feel free to dislike that. Everyone else does." he says with a chuckle. Throwing his hand up and turning, he continues. "That aside, no one here completely believes we'll get through the salamanders unscathed or unbetrayed, but at the least we've got them fighting amongst theirselves before we kill them all, right? Besides... I am actually quite expecting to get through without betrayel. That power hungry iguana earlier practically lusted for that sort of seat of power. I could almost taste it." he explains.
"All we do now is lick our wounds, pray to our gods for the power to kill that of fire and fur, and awake tomorrow with a thirst for blood and politics, as well as a good time."
"They're weak to chilling damage, and grapple almost as good as Kori. One of those I am significantly more concerned about. I've always wanted to die with something wrapped around me, but a lizard? I'll pass. They're searing to the touch, as well. Merely being able to stave off fire would help us..." he says as he looks towards the suddenly large number of divine casters in the room. "Wink Wink." he says with a smile.
Sighing, he continues. "And then, there's the matter of Ghartok. Probably the physically golden example of a monstrous gnoll. He's probably capable of shrugging off hits like myself... that should worry the rest of you." he points out, drawing a circle around a poorly drawn stick-gnoll on the ground before X-ing it out.
"Oh and Apollo is going to die tomorrow. That might also be a problem." he points out in all seriousness.
Sonja grimaces in all the appropriate places during Dmitri's speech. He was dangerous. While he worshipped one of the notably... darker gods, Sarenrae had come together even with The Prince of Darkness himself to vanquish the evil Rovagug. She is about to reply in an even-keeled manner when-
"Oh and Apollo is going to die tomorrow. That might also be a problem." he points out in all seriousness.
"I'm sorry, he's going to what?!" is her worried gasp of a reply. Whirling towards the ranger, she exclaims, "Have I missed something? Is he joking? Are you ill?"
She really does not want to lose the one member of this party that she seems to get along with. The rest seem to carry rather... murderous personalities.
Kori watches the exchange with minor interest, and decides to interject when Woman starts to question, "Look Woman. I don't think it was a threat, Dmitri is pretty clear with those. And there ain't nothing wrong with Apollo's health. It's like this. He's got some big thing about being the one to kill this Carrion King. So much that he thinks he needs to do it by himself, or at least expect us to stand around picking our noses just so he can get the last hit. Now, I've told him before that I don't give a damn who kills the thing as long as it's dead, but when it comes to these dog-men, he's got no sense and runs right at them and then sometimes gets beat down quick like. Pretty sure I heard him threaten to hurt any of us that doesn't stand around like worthless lumps just so he can get the last hit in." With as much forethought as Kori is likely to use, she summarizes, "I think Dmitri means that the lunkhead is gonna try to take on the big mutt without thinking and get himself killed, or try to lash out at whichever of us killed it... and get himself killed." She says this last while looking directly at Apollo, as if daring him to try and come after her if she's the one that kills the Carrion King.
Dmitri shrugs as Kori finishes. "She pretty much hit the nail on the head." he says as he leans forward. "Fact of the matter is we need to just think how we're going to get through tomorrow with as little damage as possible. Je'grik's in no condition to fight, and the person with the air elemental is on his death throes due to gnoll poison." he explains. "So it's just us, now. Apollo, Me, Koritylija and you." he says with a bit of a chuckle.
"Je'grik could heal us a little during the opening of tomorrow, but beyond that, we're gonna be hard pressed to stay alive." he says with a half-smile. "Frankly, tomorrow's gonna be pretty painful." he claims.
"Everything mostly true. My fellow companions there are mostly interested in fire and death of gnolls even if one of them might just die trying literally." Brek interjects shrugging as he stretches out.
"As you can see, we're not in the best of conditions....."
"As you can see, we're not in the best of conditions....."
That's an understatement if I've ever heard one. This group seems to be ripping apart at the seams. Those who seem good in character are reckless, and those who are composed seem either evil or complacent! Well, I must make the best of the situation...
"Very well, then. I will do my best to ensure that you will not die. As we will be resting soon, I will use whatever remaining magic I have to heal us to our full capacity, including Je'grik, just before I go to sleep. That will ensure that everyone is in good health for the arduous tasks ahead."
Brek grins, the flames in his eyes flicker as he looks over Sonja.
"Your aid is most welcome in these troubled times and of course having another source of caution would be most helpful. If we haven't being introduced, I am Brek. No last name. Just Brek. Well met."
The newcomer is a sight for sore eyes as the sun falls below the horizon, using her potent healing magicks to close all of the wounds of those present, soothing golden light washing over Je'Grik, Dmitri, and Kori's wounds.
Together, everyone resolves to descend into the caves once again to end the life of the salamander nobility and gain access to the House of the Beast through a new alliance. Aeris provides another rope trick spell for them to sleep in comfortably, and then declares that the following morning, he's going to leave and head to...safer areas to study. Je'Grik declares his intent to follow, saying that surely Sarenrae has a plan for him other than death, and that he wishes to find his fortunes elsewhere.
The following morning is one of goodbyes, then, as Aeris and Je'Grik intend to head back to Kelmerane together to deliver news and because it's the closest human residential area. Who knows where they'll go from there.
And below, the lava tunnels backon...
Brek was never one for long goodbyes especially since Haleen. Brisk goodbyes and general well wishes exchanged, He looks to their current makeup now.
There's still Dmtri, Apollo and Kori, their powerhouse.
The tag along, himself and of course their newest member, another cleric of Sarenae.
He chuckes.
How soon until Dmtri and her clash? is his slightly amused thoughts.
With the following morning Dmitri stands, fully bedecked and ready at the opening of the tunnels, awaiting the groups awakening. "I trust everyone's prepared for heat and pain? Goodness knows I am." he says as he walks up to the newcomer.
"Sonja. I trust you know enough about Lilith's clergy? Regardless of what you might believe to be my inhibitions, I will be your protector today." he says with a courteous bow. [b]"I have every intention of this going as smoothly as possible.
Kori begins with her stretches and limbers up, going through a couple practice swings of various types. "Yes, let's get this done. I'm prepared to get hurt, but do not think that means I welcome the pain. It is just a fact of life." To Sonja she adds, "He will try to protect you Woman, to the point he is annoying about it. Trust me."
Dmitri checks the sharpness of his blade by nicking the tip of his finger with it through the gauntlet. Satisfied, he smiles at Kori's warning to the Sonja. "It won't be so annoying, mind you. A little frustration is acceptable, and it most certainly beats being impaled... At least for the two of you, anyway." he says with a laugh. "Today's going to be an interesting day. I advise we all conserve our strengths, yes?" he points out, placing the weapon his back.
"The Salamanders aren't accurate, but they can grapple with ease. I'll do what I can to be more careful today." he says as he adjusts the shield at the base of his back. "Apollo, if you expect to make it to Ghartok, I advise you hang in the back for the moment... and that reminds me." With a swift turn, Dmitri walks over to Apollo and reveals the eye on the side of his face.
"You will not run today." he says with a well-kept fury in the back of his voice. Abyssal tongue swirls in the back of his throat as he says it.
After shifting enough lengthy glares at Apollo, Dmitri smiles, knowing it sank in for just a moment. The mere thought that he was capable of instilling that sense of worry into him made a smile cross his lips. Turning on his heel, he pointed towards the cave for just a moment. Right then. Are we prepared?" he asks.
Playing with a conjured ball of fire, the resident flame head nods.
"As Ready as I can be though it'll be nice if both you and Apollo tone it down slightly. Don't want the enemies to hear us you know?" Brek smirks as he says this knowing full well, his words would be ignored afterall, why would they listen? They're being a it even before Brek met them while on his own search.
Checking his own equipment, the lithe Ifrit stretches and yawns slighty, chuckling as he tests his own dagger's edge having not used it for a long time since he got it.
The party descends into the depths of the hot cave, passing through the results of their previous doings as they go, and meeting up with Lesaar in what appears to be a lounge, a half-dozen other salamanders (besides Lesaar) sitting in scattered pools of lava, relaxing, while Lesaar himself examines his steel staff and greets the party as they enter.
He smiles fiendishly, leaning down to get close, and says, "Who is ready for some regicide?"
As Dmitri descends at the forefront, he looks about noticing the sheer number of creatures present. "Oh good, it seems you brought your like-minded friends. Fantastic." he says, looking back to the rest of them. "I hope everyone has steeled their faith. Today's going to be a long day..." he points out as he cracks the knuckles beneath his gauntlets somewhat harshly.
"If any of you are fond of each other, get a good hard look at the fellows in this room. Chances are you won't see their faces all smiles and full of life when this is over." he points out somewhat grimly. "Your call, Lesaar."
Kori lifts an eyebrow at the question of regicide, not knowing what it is, she doesn't know if she's ready. She does know she's ready for a fight though, and is certain that's what's coming. She just rolls her shoulders, and flexes her muscles to keep them all loose. "Ready when you are. Let's get this going."
Brek stretches though he stays silent and studies each of the occupants in this room. Committing to his memory, their equipment........a guy can only hope can't he?
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't giddy for today. Lot's of things are going to happen and I'm sure I can't even begin to imagine what kind of fighters the salamanders hold amongst themselves." he points out with a grin as he walks up to Lesaar.
"I've no doubt you're the strongest in the current group of lizards among us, but, Lesaar, I didn't live with my sadomasochistic habits by being a headless fool. Tell us of your abilities, and what you find yourself best at. You have a staff, yes? A caster, perhaps? Too hot for books here. A sorcerer, then?" he asks simply.
Lesaar smiles. "Your logic is sound - inborn in the line of my family has always been sorcerous strength. Many of my powers, of course, a fire-aligned, and as such will be of little use in the battle against Thratnias and his followers. I am capable of providing support, however, in a few other ways - and I can easily overpower some of the lesser salamanders by myself with merely my staff." While he speaks, he begins to slither down a cave hallway, towards their ultimate destination - ahead of them, the cavern is lit with an eerie, flickering red light.
Dmitri places his hand to his face as he walks with him. "What of numbers, then? How many are we looking at here? I imagine this will be no small skirmish." he points out.
Brek observes the staff...quietly.
Lesaar slithers the lead into a large molten cavern, two of his allies in two as well as the PCs. "It's not likely that any but Thratkinas' most faithful will want to do battle with us - an immortal life is not worth risking for most." He sets his snaky jaw, and a palpable hot aura begins to manifest around him.
Brek, his staff is actually not even magical - it's just an exceptionally well-crafted iron quarterstaff.
The cavern is at least a hundred feet to a side, and filled in the center (most of it, actually) with a large pool of bubbling lava. Several small islands of rock breach the surface of the lava, upon which lie a few lesser salamanders.
Sitting in a frankly ridiculous brass throne near the back of the room is an uncommonly large salamander - at least fifteen feet long tail-tip to head, with a brass crown, ruby inset in its center, atop its head. It holds a spear, decoratively carved and gleaming in brass, upright. A crackle of electricity occasionally arcs off of the tip of the spear.
Sitting at the foot of his throne are a pair of azer - basically elemental-plane-of-fire-dwarves. They attend the large salamander, who must be Thratkinas. Thratkinas snorts as Lesaar, and the pair have a seconds-long conversation in a language that crackles with emotion.
Just like that, hostilities have started, with Thratkinas diving head-first into the lava pool and his azer slaves picking up small maces while both Lesaar's and Thratkinas' allies placidly watch from out-of-the-way locations.
Initiative:
Brek - 24
Apollo - 13
Thratkinas - 13
Kori - 11
Lesaar - 8
Dmitri - 6
Azers - 5
- 76/76
- 134/134
- 15/15
- 15/15
"Typical." Brek remarks
"They seek to insult each other first before attacking." Drawing a wand and taping Dmtri with it.
"By the way Dmtri here's a boost to aid you. Do tear them apart as they want to eat us. I prefer that not to happen actually." Saying that, the Gaudy clad Ifrit steps to the back to allow his companions to better get their targets.
Brek's strengthening spell on Dmitri will likely be very useful, as the larger salamander is swimming towards them right now, through the lava. Apollo draws his bow and nocks an arrow, aiming at the azers across the lake of lava.
He easily strikes the azer, and the arrow penetrates right through the fiery creature's flesh. Right after impact, the wooden shaft of the arrow catches fire, and the arrow quickly crumbles.
Just after Apollo's shot, Thratkinas rears from the lava lake at the closer edge of the lake, lava pouring off of his body as he emerges, his spear thrust forward. He roars.
Initiative:
Brek - 24
Apollo - 13
Thratkinas - 13
Kori - 11
Lesaar - 8
Dmitri - 6
Azers - 5
-----
Unlike most of the battles they have gotten themselves into, Kori takes an oddly different tact. She backs away a few steps and actually speaks to the god that gave her power. "God being. You gave me this power, now make so that I am of a size equal to this big fire-snake-man. That way you will see how I use this power to pummel my enemies senseless."
Lesaar rears up on his own tail and begins to intone arcane phrases in Ignan, casting a hand forward. With the hand springs a tendril of shadow that flies forward to strike Thratkinas.
The tendril of shadow wraps around Thratkinas and settles at his feet, where his own shadow is. The tendril wraps securely around Thratkinas' tail and pulls slightly.
Initiative:
Brek - 24
Apollo - 13
Thratkinas - 13
Kori - 11
Lesaar - 8
Dmitri - 6
Azers - 5
-----
Seeing the situation unfold Dmitri realizes that he's all the more likely to get grappled in this situation and has since had his scythe at the ready for the oncoming fight with Thratkinas. Turning for a moment, he looks to the rest of them. "I'm not mighty enough on my own to defeat such a fool blessed by his birth right. I'll keep him as occupied as I can." he says as he silently prays under his breath.
With a surge at his hand, he points at the man and with his eye vibrant and for all to see, he sinks a dark energy into the lizard as he gets within the beast's reach.
19 Will Save due to Fear Aura
With the following morning Dmitri stands, fully bedecked and ready at the opening of the tunnels, awaiting the groups awakening. "I trust everyone's prepared for heat and pain? Goodness knows I am." he says as he walks up to the newcomer.
"Sonja. I trust you know enough about Lilith's clergy? Regardless of what you might believe to be my inhibitions, I will be your protector today." he says with a courteous bow. [b]"I have every intention of this going as smoothly as possible.
After casting his Litany, Dmitri breathes for a moment before moving up to slash as hard as he possibly could into Thratkinas's flesh.
Dmitri mouths a single word, charged with magical power, and then charges Thratkinas with his frosty scythe. Thratkinas sighs in exhaustion for just a moment, leaving him open to assault by Dmitri, who carves deeply into him, leaving an icy wound. The salamander cries out in cold agony.
At the same time, his azer allies charge forward, attempting to reach the party in time to help out.
Initiative:
Brek - 24
Apollo - 13
Thratkinas - 13
Kori - 11
Lesaar - 8
Dmitri - 6
Azers - 5
-----
Seeing the Azers charging towards the fray, Brek does the same his swift fingers moving in an intricate pattern unconsiously and summons forth a patch of slippery ground infront of them just behind the Salamander.
Making sure that only his own allies could lay every single blow they had on the one foe that could give them all problems.
When Brek casts the grease spell underneath the azers, both of them fall on the slippery ground as lard and grease spread underneath them.
Apollo fires off another shot at the now-prone azers...
...but they're too low for him to aim accurately at, and the arrow flies off into the pool of lava far away. At the same time, Apollo's dinosaur charges Thratkinas.
Unfortunately, Nom's teeth slide off of Thratkinas' rugged flesh.
Thratnias then raises his electrified spear and grins madly before lunging in to spear Dmitri.
Thratnias uses the bladed edge of his spear to slash through Dmitri, leaving a seared, but not bleeding wound, in the tall silver-haired human before using it to slash a deep wound into Nom the dinosaur.
Initiative:
Brek - 24
Apollo - 13
Thratkinas - 13
Kori - 11
Lesaar - 8
Dmitri - 6
Azers - 5
-----
With her spell finally completed, Kori tries to use it to her distinct advantage. She issues a violent war cry, before charging at the salamander king with both hands gripped tightly around her weapon.
Koritylija, now sufficiently huge, charges the long salamander-man with a longsword in hand, swinging it with wild abandon and cleaving a long wound into the fire-creature's chest.
Lesaar points a finger at his salamander rival and fires off a droplet of acid, which streaks quickly towards Thratkinas. It successfully strikes its target and is quickly absorbed into Thratkinas' skin, sizzling a little bit as it seeps in.
Initiative:
Brek - 24
Apollo - 13
Thratkinas - 13
Kori - 11
Lesaar - 8
Dmitri - 6
Azers - 5
-----
Dmitri looks at the present situation, and realizes he might have better chances attacking with the rest of the group, but he isn't about to let the lot of them have all of their fun. The fact that Lesaar was being so... restricted, with his decision concerned him, however.
"Lesaar when you fed us this idea, I was under the impression you'd have some more firepower!" he shouts, turning for just a moment to look in his general direction before shurking off a blow from the salamander and returning with a staggered fashion.