"I know that voice... the fellow who sold his goblin friend to the Ogre and those orcs..."
"Most interesting, Bydar. Arma, do you know if your--if Sir Doritian has any siblings? A previously-unknown twin brother would be trite, but would certainly explain the situation to your satisfaction." The Chelaxian is still obviously trying to keep from antagonizing anyone else on the verge of what will likely be a very large and important fight, but she can't keep herself from stressing the last phrase perhaps more than is polite. Then she returns her attention to preparing for combat. "I will summon an elemental to fight for us, and perhaps another creature...depending on what we face, of course. If there are airborne foes, I can call up something that flies."
Mirandix returns Arma's look with an expressionless look of his own. He squares his shoulders with the air of a person bracing for an unpleasant task and turns back to the door.
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Flinching slightly at Bydar's words Arma closes her visor and turns toward the door only after Mirandix looks away.
Answering Pontia while still looking at the door. "I don't know of any... But there has to be a reason..."
She shakes her head as if to clear it, and prepares to open the door, standing ready to enter first. Her voice takes on a nearly flat, emotionless tone. "I will find out..."
Just before the door opens Kyrax begins to tap his foot rhythmically and holds up his battle standard. I am with you Arma. He says encouragingly.
"I agree with Zhu. Doritian or not, let's leave that matter to the end. Our target is Xorshak... and probably Bangu Bangu. And to protect Lady Valeria, of course!"
He is ready to go in, twirling chakrams at the ready, and rapier within easy reach.
"Yes... Thank you... Personal reasons, and Politics come second... We save Lady Valeria... As we promised..."
Her words are still emotionless as they come through the visor, except for a grim determination that enters them.
Max HP: 37/37
AC TOTAL 22
FLAT FOOTED AC 21
TOUCH AC 12 +1 Per 4lvls past 2nd.
Fort +7
Ref +2
Will +0
Kezzat glances around warily at her new companions. She mutters to herself in the rhythms of a one-sided conversation, as she apparently does so often.
A moment's pause, and that otherworldly, deeper voice echoes from her: BENEDICTIO!and her eyes flash white. A wave of holy energy washes over the group.
Pontia looks a bit uncomfortable at the bless, but does not say anything.
Your preparations completed - you hope - you surge forward and throw wide the door to the next room!
There is no question whatsoever that this is a throne room. A vaulted, marble ceiling is painted with detailed images of Asuras doing... various horrible things to all kinds of Outsiders and mortal beings. The eye shies away from the imagery.
A floor of black marble lies underfoot, smooth as glass and polished to such a high lustre that you can see yourselves reflexted in it. Unfortunately, you can also see a dishonour guard reflected in it. Five skeletons, armed and armoured as guards, turn around when you enter and look at you, their hollow eyesockets tracking your living bodies as fleshless hands grasp longspears.
"Ah," a cheerless voice rustles from the far end of the palatial hall. "The comic relief has arrived."
Xorshak sits on a throne of gold, shaped like a pair of fiendish claws and a fiendish maw. It looks as though the Keleshite could be torn asunder and devoured any moment, but he seems fearless -- or perhaps he is simply numb. Certainly his face is impassive, and although his appearance and garments are impeccable, he radiates dissolution even at this distance.
"Please, do come in," the Wizard says, and he makes a languid gesture. "I am sure you recall my other guests?"
Between the Wizard and the skeletons stand two intimately familiar figures, indeed...
Bangu-Bangu is hopping up and down with rage. The Goblin chieftain looks even more deranged now than the last time you saw him. He waves his dogslicer at you all and utters foul curses in his native language - curses which only Blikbek, Kezzat and Mirandix vaguely understand and soon wish they did not.
"You will die! You will die!!" Bangu-Bangu finally proclaims, a bare instant before his screaming could send him into apoplexy. "All of you! And you two traitors first!"
This last proclamation is aimed at Blikbek and Kezzat; even separated by distance and skeletons, you can feel the hatred of Bangu-Bangu like the heat off a fire.
"I sentenced you to death!" Bangu-Bangu hisses at Kezzat. "You should have been honoured to die for me! When I lay hands on you, you will beg for death!"
Doritian is trembling like an aspen. His eyes wide and round like a feverish horse, his skin pale as new cheese, it is clear that he is in emotional turmoil. But in spite of it all, his hand is steady enough when he draws his sword. His family crest shined from the crossguard's as the young Andorman points the blade at you.
You recognize that sword from when you were young together. It is the sword of Doritian's father; he was so proud when it was handed down to him!
"I am sorry," Doritian says, a nervous tic under one eye. "So sorry! I did something that made perfect sense -- just one thing -- and... and it all ended like this! I am so sorry... but I cannot go back. You all... must... die here..."
"What a splendid idea," Xorshak murmurs.
The Wizard steeples his fingers and gives you all a dull-eyed stare and a mirthless smile.
"Perhaps you may divert me a little before the inevitable end. Skeleton warriors... ."
Kyrax's banner waves in the still air as if in a light breeze inspiring the group and lending it courage.
Status - 21/21 hit points AC currently 18.
Dancing with Lingering Performance 3 rounds +2 to attacks and damage rolls[/ooc]
Flagbearer: +1 Morale bonus on attacks, weapon damage, and saves against fear and charm.
DM Q, I have HP and saves in the header--is that good enough?[/ooc]
How far away are we from Bangu-Bangu and the wizard?
Robert thinks quickly. The chakrams are not a bad choice for skeletons, their twirling movement can slice through bone better than the point of an arrow.
This all is subject to change depending on the skeletons actions. Robert will try to flank some skeleton already engaged. If he has to delay his initiative to find a suitable target he will.
DM, have you rolled for initiative with everyone's different Dex modifiers?
HP 20 (19)
AC: (normal / flat-footed / touch): 16 / 12 / 14
BAB / Melee / Light and Ranged weapons 2 / 2 / 6
Fort / Ref / Will / Init 1 / 3 / 1 / 4
Attack: 1d20+6+1+1 (bless) (point-blank shot) (precise shot to avoid penalty)
Damage: 1d8+1+1 (point-blank shot, dirty fighting) + 2d6 (sneak attack due to flanking)
Arma stares at the strangely pale and disturbed face of Doritian from across the room through her visor until everything suddenly turns to combat. The familial sword pointed their way makes her mind reel while her heart feels like it should stop at his strange almost insane words. She rushes forward with her Scimitar and Shield at the ready, toward the nearest Skeleton Guard in her path to Doritian.
This is wrong... Why are you here Doritian? WHY?
Her voice though raised in the moment is clear and direct as it roars across the room... Anger and Concern tinge the words ever so apparently as she rushes across the floor.
Max HP: 37/37
AC TOTAL 22
FLAT FOOTED AC 21
TOUCH AC 12 +1 Per 4lvls past 2nd.
Fort +7
Ref +2
Will +0
Melee: +5
CMB: +5
Ranged: +4
Note: +1 to attack and saves due to Kezzats Bless
TACTICS: Arma will charge to the nearest enemy in her path to Doritian and attack, but barring that possibility she will still use her move action to move as close to adjacent to an enemy as is possible. This enemy should still be the one most barring her path to Doritian. She will save her immediate action to provide the first adjacent ally near her that is attacked that round a +2 to their AC using her saving shield feat.
Note that due to Charging, if such is possible a further +2 should be added to Arma's attack roll and a -2 to her AC until the start of next turn.
Mirandix simply raises his curved blade advances to the second skeleton from the left.
AC: 16 (12 Touch, 14 FF)
Saves: +4 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will
Buffs:
Battle Dance (+2 Attack, +2 Damage)
Bless (+1 Attack, +1 vs. Fear)
Kezzat stares daggers at Bangu Bangu from across the room, her sharp teeth gnashing. She draws her dagger out and points at the other goblin: but then she notices the skeletons, and a focused serenity seems to wash over her.
Strange words spill from her mouth, wisps of holy energy flowing from her. as she strides toward the skeletons. The chanting crescendos as she reaches the skeletons PURGAREM MORTIS! and holy fire bursts forth from the little goblin.
Bydar follows the same plan as Kezzat "Pharasma smite these abominations!" He says hoping to break the skeltons
DM, have you rolled for initiative with everyone's different Dex modifiers?
Mirandix' blow pulverizes the skeleton he attacked! Even as its empty skull bounces to the ground amid its shattered rib-bones, however, its neighbour clatters forward and jabs its spear at the heroic Elf. Fleshless jaw clattering as though it were trying to laugh, the undead seems ready and eager for combat -- and its first attack bites deeply into his flesh!
The skeleton in Arma's way stands steady, lunging at her with its spear. In contrast to its companion fighting Mirandix, it radiates steady purpose. Fortunately for the armoured woman, however, its attack glances off her armour.
The third skeleton steps over, attacking the first living thing that approaches - and unfortunately, that is Arma! Luckily for her, however, the third undead's attack is as ineffective as the two that have gone before.
The last skeleton, lacking an opponent that comes to it... goes looking for one. Jaw chattering, it runs at the group and jabs its spear at Bydar. Perhaps it senses the aura of Pharasma about him? Whatever its motivation, its attack is brutally effective!
Bleeding and staggering, Bydar still manages to call upon the favour of his grim goddess. Positive energy blasts forward from his body, catching two of the skeletons. One of them puffs into dust and bone shards right there and then! The other seems damaged, but stays standing.
It is probably the sudden blast of energy that throws off Robert's aim, for his attack skitters off of bone and leather armour, and the skeleton fighting Mirandix just seems to shrug him off.
Arma's crying out to Doritian regrettable throws off her aim, and the skeleton deftly fends off her blow. It continues to radiate steady confidence in the face of the distraught young woman's distress...
... and then Kezzat's nimbus of positive energy fills the area around her. The skeleton in front of Arma immediately disintegrates, its armour and spear clattering against the floor. The one facing off against Mirandix opens its jaw wide as though in agony, but it remains standing -- for now.
"" Doritian screams in reply to Arma's question. The handsome young man strides forward, longsword held at the ready, tears streaming down his face. "Do you have any idea...? I always worked so hard... so hard to make Father proud! And then this! To be ordered to pollute my bloodline with Chelish filth! How could I endure it? She had to go! The little Chelish whore had to DIE before I could be put in a position where I had to disobey Father! It was all planned, all agreed -- It's all the Goblin's fault, has to be - I thought I would redeem him, but he corrupted me, whispered this idea in my head, he must have done - I shouldn't have used him as barter, I should have killed him myself!"
The Andoran knight does not come closer to meet you, he stands waiting to receive when you attack.
Bangu-Bangu charges forward, screeching his rage at the scene of carnage inflicted upon the undead even as he comes to a halt next to Doritian.
"Vile, disloyal haglet!" he wails at Kezzat. "Know the wrath of Bangu-Bangu and know !"
The diseased-looking chieftain jabs his index finger forward, and a ray of sizzling heat flies at Kezzat! At the last moment, though, Kezzat manages to duck the fiery ray, which scorches the stonework behind her instead of burning its way through her flesh!
Kyrax shakes his head, obviously disappointed in his old fried. You were corrupted when you chose to kill that innocent girl to save yourself perceived embarrassment. I am ashamed of you Doritian. But there is still time to become a hero. Repent and turn your sword to fight with your friends! Oh the song I will sing of this day if you will only heed my words.
As he speaks he closes on the remaining skeletal threat to flank it and slashes at it with his black blade.
Seated on his throne, Xorshak views the battle with sardonic and detached amusement. The Wizard calmly steeples his fingers and starts to chant under his breath, his voice unheard through the din of battle, but the movement of his lips possibly giving something away...
The last of the skeletons falls to dust and bone shards under Kyrax' attack!
The wizard summons! Stop him!
"Innocent?!" Doritian howls, his eyes wide, round and insane. "She's Chelish! Those freaks worship devils, Kyrax, DEVILS! You would have done the same! Any sane man would have done the same..."
The madness transmutes into an actual light; a soulless glow that hurts to look at and makes Doritian's face look waxen and slack, like a badly crafted puppet. When he speaks again, his voice is an odd, slurring gurgle.
"She must die. They must all die. All must die. Die... She asked 'Will you kill everything for your goal' and I agreed. So all must die. Die. "
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+5
** spoiler omitted **
In addition to calling for the group to disrupt the wizards summoning spell, Kyrax also postulates loudly The prince! He is charmed or controlled! He is not acting of his own free will. You can hear hope in this conviction but not surety as Kyrax tries to state it as fact.
"If the prince is controlled, then we kill the controller."
Noya uses her bow to get a shot at the Wizard.
As fine a shot as Noya fires, she finds that a shortbow's ultimate range is 60 ft. ... and Xorshak is well beyond that.
Range: Any attack at more than this distance is penalized for range. Beyond this range, the attack takes a cumulative –2 penalty for each full range increment (or fraction thereof) of distance to the target. For example, a dagger (with a range of 10 feet) thrown at a target that is 25 feet away would incur a –4 penalty. A thrown weapon has a maximum range of five range increments. A projectile weapon can shoot to 10 range increments.
"Beware, he is calling up something beyond my capability." Pontia does not start a spell, but strides forward, an expression of withering contempt on her face and acid in her tone. "Doritian, you pathetic fool. We don't worship devils. We use them. And to avoid that you turned to asuras? You are too stupid to live."
Grunting a little in pain, Mirandix stalks over in front of BanguBangu, carefully staying out of Doritian's reach. As he reaches the raving goblin, he slashes powerfully at BanguBangu.
AC: 16 (12 Touch, 14 FF)
Saves: +4 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will
Buffs:
Battle Dance (+2 Attack, +2 Damage)
Bless (+1 Attack, +1 vs. Fear)
Flagbearer (+1 Attacks +1 Damage +1 vs. fear and charm)
Ah, then please add +1 to Robert's rolls.
Robert tries to manoeuver in a way to flank Bangu-Bangu and fires another chakram at him this time.
AC: (normal / flat-footed / touch): 16 / 12 / 14
BAB / Melee / Light and Ranged weapons 2 / 2 / 6
Fort / Ref / Will / Init 1 / 3 / 1 / 4
Attack: 1d20+6+1+1+1 (bless) (flagbearer) (point-blank shot) (precise shot to avoid penalty)
Damage: 1d8+1+1+1 (point-blank shot, flagbearer, dirty fighting) + 2d6 (sneak attack due to flanking)
If flanking:
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"If the prince is controlled, then we kill the controller."
Noya uses her bow to get a shot at the Wizard.
[dice=attack]1d20+5
[dice=damage]1d6