Aeryn tucks the Chime of Opening, potion, and holy water away, then readies himself again, decending behind the rest of the party, keeping an eye open for trouble ahead.
As the group files down the shaft after about 30 feet down the passage becomes unusually dark as light from the Ioun torches dims. Those with darkvision suffer little but the others find there vision less reliable.
As a black tentacled form slams into Aeryn. and feebly attempts to entrap him.
Soru having no need of light targets the creature.
"Yet another coward. Die."
His massive sword disappears from it's sheath as his arms blur for less then the blink of an eye. His sword is free and bare in stance that shows a completed attack.
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Krixus moves to the beast to finish it off
Confused by the sudden darkness, Roman readies to attack any enemies coming for him.
Quick as a flash Shathash backs away, chants and waves at the creature. A sprinkling of acid droplets hover in his hand before he realises his allies stand between him and the creatures and lets the spell dissolve.
Aeryn narrowly avoids the grasping tentacle and though he feels the force of its slam, he deftly rolls with the blow to avoid injury. He fires his readied arrow in the direction of the beast, then backs off by five feet.
The arrow fired from Aeryn misses narrowly as the Darkmantle swoops to slam him again.
As the Darkmantle finds purchase and wraps himself around Aeryn Soru Shisen Strikes, which clearly injures the Darkmantle but makes Aeryn's attempts to escape the tentacles unsuccesful. Krixus attempts to strike at the beast but the angles of the stairway and his companions position make a hit nearly impossible. Shatash is unfortunately unable to cast around the sharp curves of the stairwell without damaging his companions.
Krixus regains his footting and takes another mighty swing at the beast.
Will step to flank with Soru for another +2 since it has Aeryn grappled
Shathash wades in with his quarterstaff, trying to avoid the limbs and weapons of his allies
Seeing that the creature was still alive he brings down his blade again. Nothing like his first strike but far from an unskilled attack.
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"Bloody hells!" Aeryn spits, "Let go of me you stupid beast!"
Aeryn squirms within the tentacle's grasp, then begins to mutter a spell.
Unable to make it to the fight, Roman continues to protect the front of the group.
As Aeryn scrambles out from the grasp of the Darkmantle Soru Shisen and Krixus strike in rapid succession. Shatash is unable to land a hit, however the Darkmantle flails wildly once more before collapsing in a wheezing heap. The lighting immediately improves.
Dark beast hide well, Krixus didn't see. You ok little human? Maybe you shouls stand in middle so we can protect.
"Hrmph. Let's hurry and get out of this cramped staircase. Be on the lookout for more of.. those."
Roman continues to make his way down the stairs as quickly as possible.
Shathash thinks for a second, then hits the beast a few more times.
"Yeah, let's keep going. Whoever is in the middle, watch the ceiling."
did the knowledge roll earlier explain anything interesting or harvest-able about these things?
"The middle might be best, indeed," Aeryn concurs. With a few mumbled words, the slick grease disappears from his garments. He sheathes his rapier and again readies his bow.
"We could cure the hide for some good leather, if we want to take the time, but I suspect we might prefer to get off this damned staircase instead."