Round 3
Zhalet moves over to one of the many gnolls threatening Rukn, and though she does not score a hit on it, she does force it to react to two foes.
Deciding that there are too many targets, Solomon shifts his aim to the white-furred gnolls. The first dart hits the closest gnoll (EG1), inflicting a serious wound. Seeing that it is still in the way of the further one (EG4), Solomon throws another dart at it. His third dart he re-directs to the gnoll between Zhalet and Rukn (EG2). All three darts find their marks, and both gnolls crumple to the ground.
Startled, Rukn shouts at the gnoll, "Hey! That's a priceless bow!" After taking a moment to center himself, he steps smoothly over to his bow and bends to retrieve it. Though he leaves an opening for the enemy to attack, he seems to flow out of the way of Black-Fur's swing. As he straightens, he already has an arrow on the string and releases the missile with the effortless rightness of a perfect shot. With less than a second of flight time, the arrow is not even a flicker and the fletching seems to simply appear in the center of the gnoll's chest. Its eyes go wide and it falls to the floor without a sound.
Erizi quickly moves forward, cutting off the last albino gnoll's retreat. His maul whistles as it streaks through the air the end in a sickening crunching sound as it breaks ribs in its target.
Cornered and alone, the gnoll bares its teeth in a snarl and thrusts its javelin into Erizi's shoulder.
Initiative:
Kilarra: 27
Zhalet: 23
Solomon: 18
Erizi: 28
Rukn: 15
Albino Gnolls: 13
Black-Furred Gnoll: 11
Haleen: 10
Alexander: 7
Zhalet: unhurt
Solomon: 12 damage
Erizi: 18 damage
Rukn: 19 damage
Alexander: unhurt
Haleen: 17 damage
EG4: 16 damage
Haleen: unhurt
Alexander: unhurt
E
G
Zhalet has barely arrived before the situation has changed completely. Most of the gnolls suddenly drop under a hail of darts and arrows. So, she just continues on her way, around Rukn and up to the remaining gnoll. She goes directly at him scimitar flashing.
Alexander directs his flying, flame-wreathed sword cane at the black-furred Gnoll once again.
Solomon was almost out of darts, so he stepped up behind Erizi and thrust with his spear.
After the gnoll falls to the ground with an arrow buried in his chest, Rukn knocks another and is about to deliver in a fit of fury.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Bishma's voice catches him by surprise. "What? Bishma? He..." Rukn hesitates. All the rest can see how he suddenly drops his combat stance, arms down. "I didn't..."
The voice in his head sounds again, severe. "Yes you did, my dear. The fact that I'm talking inside your head should be proof enough. Stay strong and don't give up. After all, a bow is only an item, no matter how much emotions you've channeled through it."
"Bishma..." He turns his head and sees Haleen. Turns it again and see Solomon, and Zhalet. Alexander, Erizi, Kilarra... He understands. These are the things that matter, these people are truly irreplaceable. Bishma knows it because he is, too. A bow is not Bishma. [i]"You are right again, Master. I have left myself be driven by anger, and for no purpose. I still have a lot to learn."
Rukn speaks to no one in particular. "Are you all okay, guys?"
Round 3 - Final:
Alexander's flying sword flies toward the last albino gnoll. IF not for their heavier armor, it would have skewered the beast, but it glances off and returns to his hand.
Initiative:
Kilarra: 27
Zhalet: 23
Solomon: 18
Erizi: 17
Rukn: 15
Albino Gnolls: 13
Black-Furred Gnoll: 11
Haleen: 10
Alexander: 7
Zhalet: unhurt
Solomon: 12 damage
Erizi: 18 damage
Rukn: 19 damage
Alexander: unhurt
Haleen: 17 damage
EG4: 16 damage
Round 4:
Zhalet's flashing scimitar, as she closes on the gnoll, finds only a scraping, ringing sound as it is deflected by the gnoll's armor.
Solomon stabs past Erizi with his spear and the point finds the tender flesh of the overwhelmed gnoll, stabbing into its shoulder.
With a movement as inevitable as a falling avalanche, Erizi's earthbreaker descends on the gnoll's weakened defenses. Seeming to move through molasses, the gnoll is blotted out of this existence by the falling hammer.
Combat is over!
Initiative:
Kilarra: 27
Zhalet: 23
Solomon: 18
Erizi: 17
Rukn: 15
Albino Gnolls: 13
Black-Furred Gnoll: 11
Haleen: 10
Alexander: 7
Zhalet: unhurt
Solomon: 12 damage
Erizi: 18 damage
Rukn: 19 damage
Alexander: unhurt
Haleen: 17 damage
Alexander moves towards the black-furred Gnoll and looks at its ... neck?
It seems that there must be more than one black-furred gnoll, for this one has nothing worn as a necklace. Closer inspection, however, reveals that this gnoll has a finely crafted belt pouch lined with silk.
Flinds are a race closely related to gnolls. The two races share some strong similarities, and at first sight inexperienced adventurers could easily confuse the two. Flinds are much stockier than their lanky kin, much stronger and hardier, and are certainly more dangerous.
It is unknown if flinds are a subspecies of the gnoll or a genetic anomaly produced among large gnoll packs. Flinds are often found among gnoll bands acting as leaders, as their strength and relatively superior intelligence puts them above their lesser brethren.
Flind combat tactics are similar to those of gnolls. They prefer to strike from ambush, using terrain and concealment to their best advantage. They are most often seen acting in the role of leaders to gnoll bands, keeping discipline with a ruthless hand and little mercy.
"Flind," Alexander identifies the black-furred Gnoll. "Super-gnolls, belike."
The old man cuts loose the creature's belt pouch - and kicks it in the head. "Trash," he says, his face and voice emotionless.
Rukn speaks to no one in particular. "Are you all okay, guys?"
"Feeling a bit useless," Alexander replies, "but other than my pride, I am unhurt."
"I'm fine. I was mostly just along for the ride this time" Zhalet replies with some consternation.
Zhalet checks among the others and brings anyone with injuries together in a group before summoning and releasing a wave of healing energy in a bright flash.
"Super gnolls. Just what the world needs." Solomon deadpanned as his wounds knitted shut from Zhalet's burst of divine power. He drank a potion to finish the job and looked around to see who was still hurt.
Speaking to no one in particular but expecting an answer from Haleen, Rukn asks: "Well, what do we have to expect now? Are there more enemies, or is this black gnoll the one behind the veil?"
Haleen does, indeed, speak up, "This is not the chieftan. Kardswann is not a gnoll, he is a Jann and he is a very dangerous being in a physical sense."
"Let's go kill him. I have a message to deliver," Alexander says. "Loot the corpses of anything useful and let's go."
"I agree. We should finish this now." He gives a quick look to Haleen. "I bet we shouldn't expect him to be alone." While Haleen answers, he quickly gathers whatever can be used from the dead gnolls and follows whoever is going to go first.
Solomon counted his remaining darts and scowled. His tactics weren't sustainable. He needed to adapt. He glanced at Rukn and his bow, then down at his own spear, considering.
He shook his head to clear it, and started moving. The others could catch up when they were done looting.
He joined up with Kilarra and started scouting forward. There was only one way to go, and he expected some sort of trap.
Zhalet goes along with Solomon to catch up with Kilarra.
Black-Furred Gnoll:
Kilarra is still unseen, but a whispered voice reports that there is really one one place he could be: through the ornate door at the end of the curving hallway.
Haleen is of little help with the layout of this top floor, as she has never been allowed up here.
Erizi turns to Solomon, "Before we continue, I could use a bit more healing if you have it to spare." Haleen nods and adds, "Particularly if Kardswann might be swinging his axe at you. For that matter I could use a bit more as well. I would prefer to be in top form before Kardswann starts waving Cyclone around."
"All I have left are potions." Solomon said, handing over four small vials.
Rukn offers his potion as well to whoever needs it. "It's one of the lot we bought some days ago."
Erizi and Haleen both accept the potions. After the first, Haleen hands back the others, "That will do for me. Thank you, Solomon."
Erizi drinks two of them, and nods in thanks.
Erizi then advances to where he can see the carved door at the end of the hallway, and glances back as if to say, What now?
Alexander casts a quick cantrip and scans the door for the telltale aura of a magical trap.
The door shows no hint of magic.
Solomon took position on one side of the door with Erizi on the other. he made sure that none of his allies were in potential bow-shot when the door opened. Then he counted down a short three-count and yanked the door open.
When Solomon starts his thing, Rukn takes an arrow and stands in position, ready to shoot.
While the door is taken care of Zhalet quietly chants prayers. She touches those who will be closest to danger soon, imparting them with the Dawnflower's Guidance.
Solomon gestures for people to get into position as Zhalet brings a bit of the guidance of the Dawnflower to the members of the group. Once all is ready, he yanks the door open .. and is caught a little off guard when it swings open far more easily and swiftly than he was prepared for. A small child could open this heavy wooden door with no difficulty.
Though he is ready to send an arrow through, Rukn sees no enemies beyond. All can see a decadently decorated chamber beyond. Three chairs sit before a fireplace, a cheery, welcoming fire blazing on the hearth. To the right is a large table of rich, dark wood with six matching chairs. A richly detailed tapestry, hunting scenes and victorious battle scenes depicted upon it, stretches the entire width of the room and conceals the far wall from view.
Round 1:
Initiative:
Zhalet: 24
Rukn: 19
Kilarra: 17+
Erizi: 17-
Solomon: 14+
Alexander: 14-
Haleen: 10
Alexander
Erizi
Kilarra
Rukn
Zhalet
Solomon
Haleen
Rukn:
Solomon:
Kilarra:
Erizi:
Zhalet:
Alexander:
Haleen
Alexander continues to scan for magical auras.
"The swine may have turned itself invisible," he warns. "Glitterdust!"
No one inside. Alexander warns about invisibility at the same time Rukn realises. He focuses his sight to search for special things...
Zhalet readies herself to follow Alexander's instructions, but waits for the moment. She will only be able to produce the glittering cloud once today, and the disturbing tapestry could hide one or more doors. This could be an empty room.
Solomon's orcish blood thundered in his ears as he looked at the tapestry. He'd spent years learning how to maintain his composure and his focus, but this filth threatened to undo that. Only the gentle reassurance of the Dawnflower's small blessing kept his anger in check.
He drew a dart and waited.
Round 1:
The party waits for a moment, readying themselves for action, and no foes present themselves for summary execution.
Rukn knows that his ability is working properly, as he sees Kilarra ghost into the room and peel aside to the right, getting ready to flank as planned.
Erizi nods to the others, "I will try to bait," and steps into the room a couple of steps with his earthbreaker held at the ready.
Haleen follows him in, standing a little behind him.
Round 2: Go!
Initiative:
Zhalet: 24
Rukn: 19
Kilarra: 17+
Erizi: 17-
Solomon: 14+
Alexander: 14-
Haleen: 10
Rukn enters the room, trying to reach a corner from where to have angle for shooting the whole place.
Solomon stood still, motionless and taut, scanning with every sense.
Zhalet follows Erizi, Solomon, and Rukn into the room. It seems to be empty, but there is the tapestry. She edges her way toward it and finds a corner. Using her blade, she pushes it aside to peek behind.
Alexander focuses on his sword cane, drawing in a spell expended...
Round 2:
Erizi trails close behind Zhalet as she crosses to the tapestry, and Haleen steps forward between the table and the chairs by the fireplace.
Solomon's senses strain to detect an invisible creature, but he senses nothing.
Rukn's well-trained vision still sees nothing.
Alexander waits with the words of a spell ready to spill forth and alter the fabric of reality.
As Zhalet peers behind the curtain, shifting it aside with her blade, she reveals an opulently decorated bedchamber. Rich woods, well-made furniture, and finely woven tapestries and bed linens can be seen everywhere. But no creatures.
There is the briefest flicker of motion at the other end of the curtain at the same time that Zhalet pulls back her edge, as if the edge of the tapestry were pulled back just enough for a slight figure to slip through.
Just as Zhalet is about to withdraw, an extremely deep voice speaks quietly, "Ahh, the dawn's fresh, little flower. Come then girl, and let me help you meet your goddess." There is no one to be seen...but Zhalet hears a sudden rush of footsteps coming toward her!
Those on the other side of the curtain hear only a deep bass rumble of speech, but are unable to make out any words.
As soon as the deep voice stops speaking, Kilarra's voice suddenly sounds clear and loud from the other side of the curtain, though her speech patterns and enunciation are not those of your ally. Instead they sound overly formal, as if from a long ago era, Kardswann! Show yourself! What mean you by this?! Dare you still to style yourself Templar of the Five Winds? How far fallen are you that you willingly lead a pack of scavenging carrion-eaters? I, Vardishal, remember as though t'were merely a year gone, the proud stand made by Kardswann, Templar of the South Wind, to defend seven pilgrims from a horde of Jhavhul's minions! And now these curs are those for whom you stand champion. The very soul of Vardishal weeps to see the mighty brought so low."
The rushing footsteps come to an abrupt halt, and though she can see no one, Zhalet is certain that something is standing in easy reach.
Initiative:
Zhalet: 24
Kardswann: 23
Rukn: 19
Kilarra: 17+
Erizi: 17-
Solomon: 14+
Alexander: 14-
Haleen: 10
Rukn is petrified at the sound of the words. "Uh... was that...?"
"Kardswann, fallen man, come face me," Alexander growls. "I have a message for you from a lady you have been bothering."
With Kilarra's words, there is a moment of utter stillness. Alexander's words fall into this silence like boulders into a still pond. There is a gasping sound, the heavy panting of a huge chest heaving, and something man-shaped and very large staggers into the curtain.
Zhalet ducks back out of the way of the creature she cannot see, and a very large near-human man with a massive axe held in one huge hand flickers into visibility as he stumbles past the curtain. Lightning plays across the head of the obviously magical axe.
His eyes, tight with strain and a little wild flicker around at you all, and he pants words out with his gasping breath, "Vardishal .. where are you?" A frantic, confused look passes over his face, "Vardishal .. you must .. destroy Xulthos! Below .." His face twists in rage and he raises the axe to a powerful two handed grip before he is able to gain some mastery over himself once more, "Below .. church of .. Sarenrae! I cannot .. hold him .. out .. too strong!""
The mask of cruelly gleeful rage twists his features once more before the determined and panicked look comes back, "Vardishal! .. You .. all of you .. must .. bind me .. cut me .. within inches .. of .. death! Xulthos .. so much stronger .. than I! .. DO IT! .. DO IT NOOOOOOW!" His last word draws out into a howl of rage. The great axe comes up into an overhead grasp before jerking back to his side, "Hurry! .. I will hold .. as long .. as I can!"
It is strong .. or it was .. or it will be .. or it is not complete.
But something about the aura hints at a level of magical power you have only heard of in the tales of the bards.
Round 3 - Go!
Solomon didn't need to be told twice. His hand blurred, flinging flaming darts charged with Sarenrae's might one after another.
Zhalet is too startled by the man's appearance practically on top of her to make much of what he says for sure. It seems to her he might be suffering from some kind of possession.
She decides she must trust his struggle is genuine and not some ruse. Walking back out of his immediate reach, just in case he can't control what he does, she says to the man "I will hold you in place without harm to you, don't fight against the magic if you want help."
She casts Shadow Trap and hopes it is strong enough to contain him.
Zhalet then calls back to Erizi, "We need him pinned so he can be bound! Some evil has taken his body, and we must free him of it!"