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Rin's face falls from a curious gaze to a twisted look of horror the longer she holds the skull. The visions it shared with her were unpleasant and grotesque. But maybe it narrowed down the beasts responsible for this pile of bones.
"A lion and a dragon. Black dragon if that matters at all. Ripping the flesh off the skull. Of course it could be metaphorical. Hardly an exact science."
Rin set the skull back on the pile and touched no other bones. She had a hunch similar images would swim through her mind and she had no desire to see any such thing again.
"There are magical beasts with the heads of dragons, lions, and goats, upon the same body, that would seem as likely a possibility as such an unusual alliance. I believe Black Dragons use acid if anyone has the means to protect themselves against such? Though as the Lady says it may be more metaphor than fact, despite the claw and tooth marks."
Looking to the rest of the group for objections he makes to open the ironbound Keep door.
The door swings open to reveal a large stone entry room. The twenty foot square room has one door leading left to one wing, another leading right into the other wing, and one more that leads straight ahead towards a large central area...
Igmutanka sharpens his senses as much as he can, trying to find anything that sets a difference between the three paths ahead, from a small change in light to a certain blowing of the wind.
White Knight, with Pawn at his heels, scimitar in hand moves in making for the large area ahead. Pawn begins to sing as they go,
"I don't know what I've been told, Pawns they only work for gold!
I don't know what you just said, but you have a stupid head!
I don't want any trouble, or I'll 'it you with my folding shovel!
I'm great one two, your not screw you!"
Until White Knight turns and glares at him.
Jacomo follows the group into the castle, being sure to keep behind White Knight II and Pawn XVIII - an easy task, as they seemed comfortable taking the lead. Eager even. Where are you leading us, sir Knight? And why is your companion so determined to distract us? He looks around the room while keeping on eye on the pair, following a short distance behind them unless reason for an alternate course is presented.
"If your wish is to announce our arrival, Pawn, perhaps you could do so more formally. A man in my profession lives or dies by his reputation, after all."
"Oh right because nobody noticed us opening a honking great iron bound door, I'm an artist, and you are both trying to oppress my creative genies! Poor old Pawn everyone is against me because I am so great and they suck so much in comparison..."
-Well, if we manage to remain a bit quiet for some moments, we might be able to hear if someone's approaching or laying an ambush on us. Call me paranoic.
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"Oooh my names Paranoic, I'm all stealthy and what not, blahblahblah," Pawn mutters mutinously.
Ari chuckles at the exchange a little before remembering that he is trying to keep a low profile.
If the android has been traveling with that imp for long, he surly posesses a patience I could only dream of.
"I regret that I can offer no special protections against the elements."
Keeping up with the others, he adds "I am however, prepared for the quick remedy of harm, should it befall any of us."
White Knight swings open the large door that presumably leads into the big central room. Out of the darkness booms a strangely growly voice, "Greetings, interlopers, what tribute have you brought for the lord of the castle?"
If stealth was a concern than the soft click of Rin's high heels was not helping the matter. She glanced about the foyer and took a quick look at the three doors before she realized White Knight was already swinging the doors to the larger chamber open. The harsh beastial tone had her snapping her head towards the voice. The chamber is dark but through the shadows she can make out the fantastical creature inside.
"Well I'll be damned. It was literal."
Rin was far more curious than frightened though the humanoid head did stir up some revulsion. It just wasn't right.
"Are you the master of this keep?"
Rin searches her pockets and pouches.
"I've got some spare pocket lint, a hair pin, and a bit of string. May not sound like much but all three can be useful in the right situation."
(Whispering) -Pssst, guys... I think I know where everybody went...- and signals the keep with his finger.
"We are in ignorance, but would ask your name and titles, as well as what manner of gift might be appropriate?" White Knight says eyeing the beast wearily.
Unaware of his companions feelings about lack of light, Ariok attempts to illuminate the room.
standard-cast daylight
move-stay behind, but close to, whomever is in front
Then tries to remain calm as he wonders if he has ever dealt with a creature such as this before.
"I am however, prepared for the quick remedy of harm, should it befall any of us."
Ah, not just a Priest, but a Doctor as well! And so now all the roles for the players in our troupe seem apparent, but are by no means proven - the brave Knight, the meddlesome Squire, the noble Hunter, the Lady ingenue, the helpful Priest, and the tragic Fool. But will there prove to be a Charlatan among us?
At sound of the booming voice, Jacomo leans out from behind White Knight II and squints into the darkness to no avail as his companions address whatever lays inside. That certainly sounds as the voice of some strange beast! The drama commences - let it not be a tragedy, lest my heart be strained to breaking.
Ariok steps beside him and calls forth a bright light, and at it's edge Jacomo sees the creature in the throne room beyond.
How did such a thing come to be? Frightening and pathetic, ridiculous and lethal, all combined in the coarsest possible way; equal parts comedy and tragedy. In the face of such cruelty, should I scream? Laugh? Weep?
As light floods the chamber, the creature rises to stand erect on all four leonine legs and fans out its black-scaled wings slightly. Standing over eight feet tall at the shoulder, the beast's dragon and lion heads snarl while the humanoid head sizes up it's guests and answers, "I am the master of this keep. Now, tell me what tribute you bring or I will choose a sacrifice from among your number as your offering."
"So no pocket lint then? A shame. But your loss. Tell me is this just your way of getting a free meal or is there something else you get from these tributes? We can hardly pick a tribute if we don't know what you want tributed."
-We have to pay to be in your lands? I have some things for trading...
Igmutanka shows him a handful of jewels and shells.
"I could shove this cold iron ranseur right up you arse if you like, you three headed bum drizzle," Pawn offers, with an instructive accompanying motion.
"" the creature roars.
"You may keep your gems, half-orc," it announces launching itself into the air, "I will kill the small creature for its insult and take the irreverent girl as tribute."
As it makes its intentions clear and takes off, the heroes have time to ready themselves... well, most of them do...
Jacomo somersaults across the floor to stand between Rin and the master of the keep, his polearm and one of his daggers somehow flying up into the air in the process. Both items come back down where he now stands; he alternates between bumping the shaft of lucerne hammer to keep it spinning in midair in front of him and catching and tossing the dagger back up into the air in a deceptively smooth one-handed juggling act.
"My apologies at our intrusion, but I cannot allow you to harm the Lady. As for the mephit..." Jacomo trails off and gives a shrug.
Jacomo will ready an attack action to throw his dagger +1 at the Chimera if it appears it's going to attack himself or Rin from within 30', preferably from a distance of 15' if possible (in the case of it closing for melee). He will make use of Deadly Aim.
(Includes +1 hit/dam for Point Blank Shot and -2 hit from target being in the second range increment; both assume 15' range. )
ROUND 1- initiative 24
Ariok can't remember if he's ever even been in a fight, but instincts seem to take over as he moves up next to Rin. Reaching out to touch Jacomo, he calls on power granted by Desna to shield the juggling man.
move action-move to Jacomo
standard action- cast shield other on Jacomo
"Stay within a stones throw, my good man, or I shall lose my protective enchantment"
"While I agree I'm an excellent choice I think I'll pass up the offer!"
Run allows Jacobo to take his position in front of her. Meanwhile she fidgets around with the goggles sitting askew on her head. Once she adjusts them in place she seems little distorted if you stare too long. She takes a few paces backwards just to add some extra distance.
"I think we should probably keep the small funny one intact as well."
The last comment was said in a low tone to the brave Jacomo who was currently being her wall. It would be good to keep the little one safe. She rather liked the cut of his jib!
"Ware its breath weapon, standing in a clump is not advisable," White Knight says, chanting a spell fingers weaving for a moment before he vanishes.
Pawn flies into the room darting off to the side as he draws a wand, winking cockily at Rin as he passes trying to work out what his jib is.
The chimera's draconic head follows Pawn's movement intently. Flying forward ten feet, it breathes a line of acid at the insulting familiar...
...but the small menace proves difficult to strike and the blast has little effect.
"Fry baby fry!"
Rin stepped forward and put out one hand as if gesturing the creature to stop. From it burst forward a blast of electric energy that flew right for the creature.
Igmutanka moves forward to get some angle and, producing a javelin, tries a shot at the beast with the aid of his killer instinct.
Pawn effortlessly avoids the acid laughing uproariously, "Ahahahaha, what are you even supposed to be? What was that! Ahahahaha, looooooser! You are so ugly I can't even think of a joke about how ugly your Mother is!"
Still invisible White Knight enhances his blade, any who can pierce the veil of his invisibility see frost play across the blade with while it appears to grow sharper still.
Charging forward he hurls himself into the air clearing the ground by a full five feet and slashing out at the strange chimera! Tumbling as he falls back to earth to avoid leaving the beast an opening.
Pawn flies over to a spot besides Igmutank, still laughing, opens his mouth wide and sprays forth a torrent of rubble before flying back away from the chimera,
"Hahahaha, even my feeble breath weapon is better than yours you taxidermist's midlife crisis!"
ROUND 2 Initiative 24
Ariok boldly moves into the room and casts Bless.
"Be careful, Knight! I'm not sure what that monstrosities' bites will do."
Ari moves to 10' from Igmutanka and 15' from the beast.
Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.
Igmutanka feels a warm sensation of confidence coming from Ariok. He knows he can severely hurt the beast, though he only needs one thing...
-Can anyone put this 'thing' to ground so I can slice it, please?
As his scimitar strikes White Knight's the chessman Knight upon White Knight's tabard rears and grants its wearer an extra burst of swiftness! Flipping through the air he lands in a roll avoiding leaving his foe any openings and races away to, relative, safety.
ROUND 2 / Initiative Block 1 (24)
Jacomo moves to continue to protect Rin but, heeding White Knight II's warning and seeing the effects of the dragon's head for himself, he stands ahead and to her side, both to present a less appealing target for the dragon's acid and so as not to block the lightning-tossing woman's line of fire. He continues to juggle his polearm and dagger, ready to strike at the creature if need be.
Readied Action: will again ready an action to attack the Chimera if it attacks him/Rin or seems like it's going to; effectively he'll attack if it advances towards them at all.
for
,
While most of the strangers organize and situate themselves, Rin blasts the chimera with a jolt of electricity that seems to do much less damage than she was hoping. White Knight, meanwhile, demonstrates his valor by charging the creature with a leaping attack. Neither his sword nor his magic has as much effect as he expected, but the strike still opens a considerable wound behind its front right leg. As he falls, the flying beast's draconic head swings around and bites him. Then, finding caution the better part of valor, he retreats away from the creature.
"You dare defend that insolent whelp?!?" the creatures bellows, "then you shall all die!" It flaps its mighty wings a few times and rises higher in the air where it begins muttering arcane phrases and syllables.
Igmutanka can't find a way to make the monster go down...
-If he doesn't want to come down, I'll come up!
Running at full speed, Igmutanka steps on one of the chairs to get some impulse and jumps right on to the beasts back, trying to get a hold on it and stay there, while producing one of his tomahawks.
Brow furrowing as the dragon fangs bite into his side White Knight calls, "It is trying to summon, we need to distract it least we wish more hostile company!"
Swiftly he enchants his blade, frost crackling across its surface as its edge sharpens, before moving forward onto the dais and calling, "Pawn!"
Pawn flies over to the Knight drops his wand and expands growing to human size as White Knight places a hand upon his foot and chants a spell.
Rin gulps down her nervousness and in a blink of an eye has once again become rather distorted.
ROUND 3 / Initiative Block 1 (24)
"You dare defend that insolent whelp?!?" the creatures bellows, "then you shall all die!"
So be it, monster.
Jacomo moves under the flying creature, keeping his two weapons airborn in the process, then throws his dagger up at it's belly.
for
Applying Point Blank Shot, Deadly Aim, 2nd range increment penalty.
Most of the strangers back up to regroup while the unusual chimera begins weaving together some spell. Igmutanka, on the other hand, charges in. The half-orc runs hard, plants one foot on the throne, and leaps with such impressive power that the bottoms of his feet rise above the heads of the onlookers. Unfortunately, even clearing nearly ten full feet of vertical jump he can't quite reach the creature's legs or tail and he falls back to the throne room floor.
The chimera finishes its chanting and in a swirl of acrid mist a boar the size of a horse with glowing red eyes manifests beneath him. Its first action is to step forward and attack the White Knight with it's tusks.
,
Noticing how close the tribal warrior had gotten to it, the creature flies ten feet further from the dias (towards the door you entered through).
