Mak's strike against his devil foe is accurate, though the creature seems like it's able to resist at least part of the damage. Hadran's blow, meanwhile, struck for full damage - and it would take a lot more than that to bring these creatures down.
The third devil vanished from where it was standing, reappearing next to Beseth and slashing out at her with its glaive.
Melee (Beseth):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
She may have been caught flat-footed, but she was in no serous danger. Meanwhile, the two facing Hadran and Mak wasted no time at all in lashing out with their own weapons, taking full advantage of the fact that they were already embroiled in close conflict.
I know Beseth still needs to go just posting to speed things along.
Hadran takes the blow in stride and smiles at the devil.
In Infernal"I have bested your kind many of time. I have slain hundresds of you. I will send you back to the hells where you will answer for your failures."
The god of valor begins his battle dance and summons up his bloodrage to finish the beast as quickly as he can to aid his new friends. His sword strikes true again this time in a rising cut the opens a deep wound accross the belly of the devil.
Makallun'abad's armor takes the brunt of the blow, and he stands off against the devils with determination in his eyes. He centers himself, preparing for the devils to attack once more.
Remember what I've said about post order! ^^ Don't worry about Initiative for that - when the party's up, you can post in any order. It is always better to post than not post - unless you're specifically waiting on someone else as part of a specific strategy involving teamwork.
Hadran's attack narrowly managed to strike his foe, but a hit was a hit, and cut deeply into the infernal creature. Beseth's casting was no particular trouble, and Mak focused instead of lashing out. The devils laughed at this, seeming entirely entertained, and continued their assault with the accursed glaives.
Most interesting, perhaps, was the way the devils didn't seem to be cooperating at all. Each had chosen an opponent to fight, but there was no effort to help each other even when they clearly had an opportunity to do so.
Makallun'abad lets out the breath he'd been holding and retaliates against the devil's blow, his stone-plated hands darting out with a pair of mighty blows, before stepping back and readying himself for a further assault.
Makallun'abad uses Flick of the Wrist on the devil (full-round action) and attempts to Push them 5ft. back on each hit (free action). If both hit, the enemy is disarmed. He then takes a 5ft. step back.
I have been foolish, I know not what these two are capable of. I hope they can hold their own here. I have let my valor cloud my vision. We should be working together to bring a foe down. I feel mine is weakening. A little more then I can aid one of the others.
Hadran isn't pleased at their laughing and murderous intentions. His assault continues on the fiends as he spins and lashes out with his blade again.
A glaive clattered to the floor as Mak successfully knocked the devil's weapon out of its hands, though the creature was still tough enough to avoid a good portion of the mountainlord's power. It did not, however, get pushed backwards by the blows, though Mak was able to step back and create a little more room. Hadran's attack was somewhat more successful, plunging deeply into his foe and proving enough to banish its life from this plane.
The other two let out howls - of laughter, not anger - as they continued their assault, and the one Beseth was fighting completely dodged the blow.
The one fighting Mak stepped in and swung out with its claws, while Beseth's foe continued to assault her with its glaive.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
Dropping her quickdraw shield, Beseth takes a step back, away from the creature, and holds up her empty hand. "Burn, or drop your weapon, I care not which!" She cries as she focuses her mythic powers on the devil's glaive.
Burning Disarm DC 14 Reflex:5d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 1, 1) = 10 Burning Disarm Using Inspire spell to cast, spending mythic power. AC is 24
"Thane lets finish this one so that we can aid Beseth."
Hadran takes advantage of the beast being disarmed as he moves around behind it to flank with Thane. Still in his battle dance his sword twirls and cuts through the air with an almost melodic sound as it slams into the devil beast.
Makallun'abad continues his assault on the devil, much more confident in his ability to withstand its wicked-looking claws than the well-crafted glaive it had been brandishing. With primal force he strikes out with a pair of powerful blows, not worried about the fact that the fiend seemed resistant to his attacks. He then moves back again, hoping to gain further ground on his foe. At Hadran's suggestion, he grunts affirmatively.
Makallun'abad uses Flurry Strike on the devil (standard action) and attempts to Push them 5ft. back on each hit (free action). He then takes another 5ft. step back.
So I forgot to include the bonus to damage from using discipline weapons with Broken Blade maneuvers (a +2) but I'll remember in the future. I'm also assuming that since the exact reading for that seperates discipline weapons and unarmed strikes it means actual weapons in the monk and close weapon groups (quarterstaves, cestii, spiked gauntlets, etc.) only.
Broken Blade wrote:
Maneuvers from this discipline require the initiator to be using discipline weapons or be unarmed. Use of discipline-specific weapons with Broken Blade inflict an additional 2 points of damage.
Beseth's foe shrugged, seeming entirely unfazed by the heat. There were a few spells which could convert energy into divine damage, which devils were always subjected to, but this wasn't one of them. (There is an accepted Metamagic feat for that, if anyone's interested.) Perhaps more importantly, she was still within the reach of her glaive when she cast, and the weapon flicked out for a quick attack of opportunity.
AoO (Beseth):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Meanwhile, Hadran and Mak were able to rip apart the essence of the second devil, leaving the one facing Beseth within the chamber... and it didn't seem at all interested in running away.
The Earthen Defender nods as the devil falls to their combined blows, before taking a deep breath and centering himself once more, before rushing to flank his companion's opponent.
Makallun'abad uses Recovery and moves up behind the last devil (full-round action).
Joined now by her allies, Beseth approaches the creature and attacks it again. However, she still cannot manage to connect her weapon with the creature.
If one technique isn't working, try another! ^^ ...Seriously, you're a three class gestalt who should be able to change party roles as-needed. XD Don't hesitate to do so if it seems like a good idea based on the situation.
Hadran and Mak both darted down the hall, and the Lord of Valor cut out at the creature, who let out a howl of rage and turned away from Beseth to face him. Her shields hadn't proved to be much of a danger anyway, and the creature's weapon spun twice through the air as it cut out at him.
Intent on defeating the devil before it can cause any further damage, the Stalwart Peak's hands once again become a blur of power and motion, hammering away at the fiend and attempting to wrench its weapon away.
Makallun'abad uses Flick of the Wrist on the remaining devil (full-round action). If both attacks hit, the enemy is disarmed.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
My flexibility is limited by the Oracle spell list and bad rolls :(
Concentration Defensive spellcast:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13Failure
Attempting to cast a cure spell on herself without leaving an opening for the creature to attack her, Beseth only manages to lose her spell, and quickly elects to place a hand upon herself for a bit of healing from another source instead.
Working together, Mak and Hadran are able to execute the last of the devils and clear the chamber of troubles. You still need to get the closed portcullis open, of course - and from your place in the middle, you can see levers in the northeast, southeast, and southwest part of the room.
Makallun'abad relaxes as the final devil collapses in a heap. Prodding it with a stone-booted foot, he nods when he's sure it's dead. "That was not what I expected down here," he says, looking around. When he notices the levers, he moves to go inspect the northeast one.
Upon reaching the device, he begins to carefully look around, trying to find something regarding it on the floor, walls and ceiling nearby. "These are likely trapped, just as the mosaic was!" he calls to his companions. "Observe them carefully!"
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"We should certainly be careful of further traps, however there are three levers and three of us, perhaps we should attempt pulling them all at the same time?" Beseth suggests, obvious that the fight had taken significantly more out of her then her compatriots.
Cure Light Wounds 2x:2d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 3 + 2 = 12
There don't seem to be any traps within the room, and this is clearly where things were actually stored - placing traps here would be impractical at best.
The Stalwart Peak nods, before moving to a position where he can pull the lever. "In that case, we will pull on the count of three," he calls out, waiting for Beseth and Hadran to get into position.
"I was going to sugges the same thing Beseth. Though it could also be an elaborate trap to split up whom ever pulls them, but I see nothing else to try at the moment. This is why we need rope. If we had enough we could throw the levers and all remain in the intersection. None the less let us press on in this devil tainted place."
Hadran moves to his lever and it ready to pull as they count off.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
Moving to the third lever, Beseth nods to the others and begins counting, "One, Two, THREE!." And as she reaches three, she pulls her lever as the others do the same.
Makallun'abad looks around, eyebrow raised. "...Well, this is strange," he says with a confused look on his face. "Shall we inspect the room some more?" he asks the others.
Searching the chamber doesn't take too long, and a fourth lever is soon uncovered, hidden under a pile of furs in the northwestern part of the room. One quick tug later, the portcullis opens.
Makallun'abad sighs as he realizes they were thwarted by a simple pile of furs. "We need to be more thorough, it seems," he says, seeming to berate himself, rather than the others. "No matter. Let us move forward, shall we?"
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"I agree, first we miss a trap, and now a lever, it's a good thing these levers were not trapped as well." Aer'Besethir nods, as the last lever fixes the problem. "We should certainly see what is so important to hide behind all of this."
Going forward is easy, and leads you down another spiral staircase.
The long hallway at the bottom stretches sixty feet east (where you enter) to west between the spiral staircase behind you and the one going forward. The walls of this hall contain deep notches and cuts at five-foot intervals, and a lever lies in the down position beside the western staircase. Skeletal remains litter the floor, and among them rests the recently slain corpse of an elf, his arms torn off and several feet from the body. The hall is only five feet wide, so you'll have to advance in single file.
Standing by the far end is an angry-looking man holding a heavy crossbow, and he raises his weapon as you approach.
I need you three to decide what order you're moving in. XD
"You there sir. What happened to this man. Was he your companion? You may keep your weapon on me if it makes you feel safe. I am Hadran. What has happened here?"
He approaches the man cautiously with his hands raised. Slowly taking a step, then another. Hoping the man will talk.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
A dead elf, and not just dead, dismembered, whoever did this is simply sick, this was no accident, that is for certain. Aer'Besethir cannot help but shake her head in disapproval at the fresh elf carcass, but still she follows behind Hadran.
Makallun'abad reluctantly takes up the rear, uncomfortable with others putting themselves in danger. "Keep an eye on him, Hadran. We know not if the elf's fate is his doing," the Earthen Defender whispers just loud enough so that only his companions can hear.
The response from the man was a single bolt from his crossbow that shot down the hallway and straight towards Hadran's chest. The arrow gave off just a bit of magical light as it moved - it may not have been too powerful on its own, but the crossbow it had been fired from was clearly more than mundane.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
Waving her hand across the empty air, Aer'Besethir speaks, "You don't want to shoot us, you're going to drop your weapon." Her words sound confident, commanding, and even magical. Beseth will also move at her full speed 40ft (or less) to get as close to the man as possible (or leave a spot in front of her), after Hadran gets a chance to charge.
Spending mythic power to use Inspired Spell to cast Command, DC 14 Will or as Beseth said, she drops her weapon, repeating back the command is not necessary.
Makallun'abad moves up behind Beseth and Hadran, then stomps down on the floor of the hallway with a stone-plated boot. A powerful shockwave travels towards the crossbow-wielding man, aimed to knock him off his feet.
Makallun'abad moves up (move action) and casts Thunderstomp (standard action).
Hadran takes the bolt right in the shoulder at the moment he charges forward and with a upward punch puts his cestus between the bow string and the prod and pulls the crossbow from the mans hands to the floor.
Charging Disarm:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
But then again even the god of Valor has off days and stands there looking like a fool as the man pulls his bow away at the last moment.
"Stop this foolish behavior. My alies are not as understanding as I am. I know you are scared. Tell us what happend we can help here."
Halfway across the floor, there was a loud click as Hadran and Beseth rushed forward, and an axe came swinging straight down the center of the hallway.
It didn't manage to strike either of you - or come close, which was fairly impressive in its own way - but the effort needed to avoid it did interrupt the charge and leave you fifteen feet away from the man, even as Beseth's spell moved through the air...
Will:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
...and the man kept a grip on his weapon. He did not, however, manage to stay on his feet as Mak's spell rumbled through the ground and shook the walls of the narrow cavern, but he scrambled back up as quickly as he could. "You have no idea what they do to mercenaries who just abandon jobs. If you want to help, then leave!" He stepped five feet back, and was now just ten feet from the stairs going down, even as he reloaded his weapon.
"What who do? The Hellknights? The Chelaxians? Tell us. It is one thing to take money for a job, but a job against your moral beliefs will haunt you. You can still do the right thing here friend. Who are you protecting down there? What are they here for. I don't wish you any harm, but I do have magic to charm you. I use these tricks for those not willing to help themselves. We are not the law so help us to help you here."
Hadran stops where he is again holding up his hands and motioning for the others to hold.
"If you fire at me again I will have to act. Don't worry I won't kill you but I will subdue you. Don't make me do that."
Makallun'abad moves to follow after Hadran, frustrated that the mercenary had managed to regain his footing so quickly. "Watch out for more traps. I can't imagine that was all that remains in this hallway," the dwarf warns.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"You see, this is why I hate Mercenaries, they are never willing to talk, always focused so narrowly on what they were paid to do." Beseth remarks before adding. "You've been given an option, you can make this easy, or you can make this hard, the outcomes will be the same I assure you."
"There's nothing wrong with bodyguarding... just failure!" the man snapped. "You're the ones who barged into this place with no right to be here - at least we got permission!" His words were interrupted by a faint sound from high above - a scream of pure terror, and his eyes widened even further as his finger twitched towards the trigger of his crossbow. "What- what was that!?"
"I'm not sure, but based on how you are acting you are scared to be here. Perhaps it's another guardian. How did you get pass the three devils above? Who or whats going on bellow?"
Hadran looks above to see if he can see what made the shriek.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"Bodyguarding? And who exactly are you guarding." Beseth had heard nothing about the mercenaries being hired as bodyguards, and indeed she had no interest in fighting anyone who needed a bodyguard, unless she had a reason to do so.
"Well, we should probably check what that sound was, we left your buddies upstairs tied up, they might be in trouble."
