"Hold up, ironbreeches, let's get some of Uncle Xamarath's special love in your veins before you keel over from envy." The Thayvian sprints to the immobile dwarf and allows a fragment of his wand's vile energies to seep into Baern's form.
"Aaah ye soddin' son'o'a -" he exclaims as he feels the magic hit him and begin affecting him. He feels his massive musculature weaken, and suddenly the two-hundred-and-fifty pounds of gear he's carrying seems to weigh down on him far more than it ever had before. "Aah well, guess tha' means I ain' movin' from this spo' any time soon." Relatively unphased by his new anchored position, Baern accepts his face. "Guess I'm destin'd ta be a wall, eh? Well then, le's jus' make me grandpappy proud an' be tha' bes' soddin' wall thar is!" With that, Baern raises his tower shield and completely blocks the corridor.
Seeing Baern's predicament, Morythine realizes there is little he can do to help at this time and dashes on towards the next chamber with the others.
Eugeni runs down the corridor, and tries to leap the pit. He falls right into it. After smashing his face and arm, he curses loudly and crawls out the opposite side of the pit. "I'm okay," he says to no one in particular, rubbing his arm. How embarrassing. You leap like a platypus, Eugeni.
"Hold up, ironbreeches, let's get some of Uncle Xamarath's special love in your veins before you keel over from envy." The Thayvian sprints to the immobile dwarf and allows a fragment of his wand's vile energies to seep into Baern's form.
Zoli pops over a few yards to get a better look around the remainder of the room. She utters a few words and one of her sling bullets flares to light. The southern wing of this L-shaped hallway ends at a pair of stone doors carved with the depictions of two skeletons reaching out to clutch a skull between them, while to the east the hallway narrows down to frame a circular carving of what seems to be an immense stack of tens of thousands of gold coins that rises from floor to ceiling. The edges of those coins are carved with tiny, spiky runes.
"She won't give up. I'm sorry I even asked you all for the favor," Orik says, his heart clearly heavy. He hangs his head and says, "Show her no quarter."
"Yeah, thanks for the permission, hoss. Already planned on that!" Shalelu replies.
"Lamashtu, grant me your blessing in preparing these mortals for sacrifice! Lyrie, clear our path!" Baern can hear her say on the other side of his shield.
The weaving of muffled arcane magics can be heard through the iron shield wall that Baern has erected. Then, a high pitched ringing noise chimes out, and Baern's huge shield starts vibrating with the pitch. He grits his teeth and holds on for all he is worth, and the shield eventually stops it's violent reverberations.
"Damnit, it didn't break! Sorry ma'am!" Lyrie replies.
"Shut up! Bruthazmus, remove that thing!"
"With pleasure," some heavy footsteps precede a violent clanging of metal on steel from the other side, and Baern visibly rocks against the force of the blow.
__________
Eugeni continues moving into the room, going to stand with Shalelu. "Hey guys," he says to the others in the room. "Long time no see." The warpriest readies an arrow for any of the enemies who break through mighty Baern's shield wall. Brave dwarf, that one.
Xamarath hustles into the room and continues to the western wall, seconding Eugeni's greeting to everyone present.
"You think I'm Lualia's type, Orik? All this talk about Vanguards and sacrifice. . . you know love is predicated on sacrifice, right?" the Red Wizard jokes behind the newest addition to their little dungeon delving expedition.
Morythine moves to stand beside Kala, ready to attack the first foe to enter the room.
[ooc]Readied action: touch of darkness
Zoli turns to her comrades in arms and says, "I don't know how much longer Baern can stay like that. Let's get ourselves ready to fight them when he pulls back. There's an ancient Jistka paean where the heroes ambushed the villains in a 'U' formation, just like this." She starts to motion folks into place. "Let's save that spot there for Baern."
"Xam, can you hit me and Kala with another hit of that wand? I have a feeling we'll be needing it soon."
Eugeni continues moving into the room, going to stand with Shalelu. "Hey guys," he says to the others in the room. "Long time no see." The warpriest readies an arrow for any of the enemies who break through mighty Baern's shield wall.
Brave dwarf, that one.
Xamarath hustles into the room and continues to the western wall, seconding Eugeni's greeting to everyone present.
"You think I'm Lualia's type, Orik? All this talk about Vanguards and sacrifice. . . you know love is predicated on sacrifice, right?" the Red Wizard jokes behind the newest addition to their little dungeon delving expedition.
Orik casts an uncomfortable glare Xamarath's way at his joking about love.
Kala maintains her position. One watchful eye on Orik, ready to strike him with her Greatsword if he turns traitor.
Morythine moves to stand beside Kala, ready to attack the first foe to enter the room.
Zoli turns to her comrades in arms and says, "I don't know how much longer Baern can stay like that. Let's get ourselves ready to fight them when he pulls back. There's an ancient Jistka paean where the heroes ambushed the villains in a 'U' formation, just like this." She starts to motion folks into place. "Let's save that spot there for Baern."
"Xam, can you hit me and Kala with another hit of that wand? I have a feeling we'll be needing it soon."
Baern, concerned that these villains will destroy the shield he lovingly crafted with his own hands if he doesn't do something, decides to try another tactic. He drops the shield from it's wall like position and attempts to wield it in a more traditional fashion.
Orik takes his position as Zoli commands.
Bruthazmus, seeing the dwarf drop his shield, smiles sadistically as Shalelu comes into view. He takes a step away, dropping his flail to his side and drawing his bow and an arrow, and lets it fly over the dwarfs head. The arrow flies true, plunging deep into Shalelu's shoulder.
"Aaaaggghh!!!" she cries out before retaliating with a prepared volley of her own. All three of her arrows strike true as well, causing Bruthazmus to roar in pain. Eugeni's own arrow flies just past the bugbear as he recoils from Shalelu's assault.
Nualia looks at her hound, and nods her head towards Baern. The hound throws it's head back and lets out a dreadful howl, like the ones upstairs. The horrifying sounds reverberate through the halls, striking terror into the hearts of all who hear it. For Eugeni, Kala, and Baern, the stress of the situation combined with the terrible noise is too much, and they drop their weapons as they cover their ears and look for an avenue to escape.
Bruthazmus also appears to be overcome with terror at the sound, as he drops his heavy bow and covers his own ears as well.
Lyrie laughs at the sight of the terrified bugbear. "Looks like your bodyguard is nothing more than a big ol' coward, boss."
She then points her wand at Baern, and a violet ball of arcane energy surges forth from it, striking him unerringly.
Nualia, meanwhile, her face still an impassive mask save for her rage filled eyes, steps forward to eliminate this dwarf that stands between her and her sacrifices. Baern throws his hands up to try to protect himself, but his immobilized and panicked state does little to thwart her attack, nor does she appear in a merciful mood. Her blade drives down straight into his chest, grinding it's way through dwarven steel, causing sparks to fly intermingled with Baern's blood.
She slowly lifts her head and looks forward into the chamber beyond, Baern's blood spattered across her emotionless face as she plants a foot on his shoulder pushes his body off of her blade.
__________
Morythine winces as Baern goes down. Oh well, surprised the noble stinking fool lasted as long as he did.
He tries to remain calm as panic affects his companions, readied for the advance of their foes.
.
8 rounds remaining.
Zoli cries out, memories of her father's murder flashing unbidden before her eyes.
She steps into the spot she's previously designated for Baern and prays, "Chaldira Zuzaristan, If there's ever been a time for your luck to rain down, I'd take it now!" Her hand glances over her lucky Thassilonian button and then she readies herself to swing at the first foe to step through the door.
Swallowing her fear she hollers, "Hey Nualia, you ready to meet the sword that cut down Tsuto?"
____________
HP 25/25
Luck 3/8
Panache 1/4
Charmed Life 2/3
Buffs Luck (round 1/3) +2 to hit, dam, saves, & all skill rolls
Xamarath gives Zoli a zap from the oft used wand.
"BAERN!!" Zoli cries out, memories of her father's murder flashing unbidden before her eyes.
She steps into the spot she's previously designated for Baern and prays, "Chaldira Zuzaristan, If there's ever been a time for your luck to rain down, I'd take it now!" Her hand glances over her lucky Thassilonian button and then she readies herself to swing at the first foe to step through the door.
Swallowing her fear she hollers, "Hey Nualia, you ready to meet the sword that cut down Tsuto?"
Nualia appears unphased by Zoli's taunt, but from behind her, you hear Lyrie say, "What? Tsuto's dead? You KILLED HIM!?!? I'LL KILL YOU YOU WORTHLESS RUNT!"
Morythine winces as Baern goes down. Oh well, surprised the noble stinking fool lasted as long as he did.
He tries to remain calm as panic affects his companions, readied for the advance of their foes.
Xamarath steps over and gives Zoli a zap from the oft used wand.
Before yielding ground to Zoli, Shalelu launches another volley of arrows. The arrows whiz past Nualia and sink into Bruthazmus, and the bugbear is clearly in pain with six arrow shafts sticking out of his body.
Orik turns to Zoli and says, "You saw what she did to the dwarf! You haven't a chance standing against her!"
Fleeing from the otherworldly hound, Bruthazmus bolts past Nualia and for the stairs.
Lyrie levels her wand at Zoli, and another blast of purple energy surges forth and hits her square in the chest.
Nualia raises her clawed hand as she stands, and with a snap of her fingers, a loud ringing can be heard as before. Shalelu's bow then splinters as the ringing sound coalesces in it's woodwork.
The hound charges past it's master as well, though instead of in fear, it comes snarling forth directly towards Zoli. Morythine and Zoli both deliver blows to the creature, but as before, it's hide prevents most of the damage. However, it seems to have been just enough to prevent it from sinking it's fangs into her.
Orik joins in on the action as well. He plunges his bastard sword deep into the things body, the end of the blade punching all the way through and is clearly visible on the other side before he yanks it free.
__________
Xamarath frowns when Baern continues to remain motionless beyond. The lecherous Red Wizard is forced to confront the fact that the object of his current and rapidly shifting affection is some sort of demonic harlot with designs on murdering his friends, starting with Shalelu's bow. Maybe there's a silver lining here, Xamarath ponders to himself, sparing an appreciative glance Shalelu's way. He usually didn't go for the elven ladies, as they were too patient for his appetite, but he is willing to make an exception for this elf in particular. "Whoah-hoah-ho there, pretty lady. There's no need to go breaking other people's things. The manners on this broad!"
Through a grin, Xamarath continues, "If only there was some way to make her as hot in her loins for me. . ." He punctuates the remark by unleashing an arc of fire directly into the loins in question. Following the burst, the conflagration arcs into the yeth hound and the annoying wizardess behind, with poor results. Satisfied with his handiwork, Xamarath steps away from the dog, lest he face its gnashing retort.
_____________________________
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Zoli reels back with an "Ooof! when the arcane forceblasts hit her in the chest.
(Remembering that Ripnugget's magic sword doesn't seem to be any more effective against the hound than the scimitar Baern had made her) Zoli drops the sword, pulls out her scimitar, and -- after Orik takes one more swing -- slices deep into the hound's side. "This is for Baern! And for scaring my friends!"
___________________
HP 21/25
Luck 3/8
Panache 1/4
Charmed Life 2/3
Buffs Luck (round 2/3) +2 to hit, dam, saves, & all skill rolls
IH (round 1/10)
As the yeth hound bounds into the room Morythine's boot smashes into the side of its face.
Xamarath frowns when Baern continues to remain motionless beyond. The lecherous Red Wizard is forced to confront the fact that the object of his current and rapidly shifting affection is some sort of demonic harlot with designs on murdering his friends, starting with Shalelu's bow. Maybe there's a silver lining here, Xamarath ponders to himself, sparing an appreciative glance Shalelu's way. He usually didn't go for the elven ladies, as they were too patient for his appetite, but he is willing to make an exception for this elf in particular. "Whoah-hoah-ho there, pretty lady. There's no need to go breaking other people's things. The manners on this broad!"
Through a grin, Xamarath continues, "If only there was some way to make her as hot in her loins for me. . ." He punctuates the remark by unleashing an arc of fire directly into the loins in question. Following the burst, the conflagration arcs into the yeth hound and the annoying wizardess behind, with poor results. Satisfied with his handiwork, Xamarath steps away from the dog, lest he face its gnashing retort.
Zoli reels back with an "Ooof!" when the arcane forceblasts hit her in the chest.
(Remembering that Ripnugget's magic sword doesn't seem to be any more effective against the hound than the scimitar Baern had made her) Zoli drops the sword, pulls out her scimitar, and -- after Orik takes one more swing -- slices deep into the hound's side. "This is for Baern! And for scaring my friends!"
As the yeth hound bounds into the room Morythine's boot smashes into the side of its face, it's skull caves in as it flies over Orik's head into the far wall.
As the source of their fear falls to the ground, a lifeless hunk of outsider flesh, Eugeni and Kala regain their composure!
Orik readies himself to strike the next enemy to enter, as Shalelu curses her luck and draws a shortsword hanging at her side, expecting Nualia to charge their position.
Lyrie lets out a snarl and lets another orb of energy fly from the wand, hitting Zoli once again with a grazing blow to the knee.
Nualia says, "Mother! Blind them so that they last thing they see is their doom!" as she touches a medallion around her neck. She then readies her blade as a thick, oily black fog roils out all around her and seeps into the room!
___________
Zoli winces slightly as another blast hits her, and she feels the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as the oily blackness rolls out, hiding Nualia & Lyrie's position.
"Steady," she says (as much to herself as to the others), "If she swings we'll know where she is and can swing right back."
With that she holds still, listening, ready to swing the moment Nualia (or another foe) appears.
__________________
HP 20/25
Luck 3/8
Panache 1/4
Charmed Life 2/3
Buffs Luck (round 3/3) +2 to hit, dam, saves, & all skill rolls
IH (round 2/10)
Eugeni is unsure what to do, he can't see anything now that the spell is in place, and there's nothing evil to shoot. He maintains combat readiness just in case, but hesitantly asks the others, "What now?"
Xamarath shrugs in reply to Eugeni, then has an idea. "Cover me!" he says, with a wink to his fellows. Then, with the same trick he used several times during the Swallowtail Festival, he cups his hand and whispers an illusion into being. Ahead in the billowing mass, the sound of heavy footsteps thump their way down the corridor.
|
As the yeth hound dies, the unnatural panic it inspired recedes, and Kala is left embarassed. Assessing the situation, Kala notes that the place where she dropped her greatsword is within some foul darkness, as is Eugeni's bow. She decides rearming both her and the priest of Erastil is her best course of action, and quickly sets about to doing so. First she pulls a pair of javelins from her shoulder harness, dropping them to the ground next to Eugeni, then she yanks free the last javelin and her longsword, holding the former out to the furred man to take, saying, "Use these til we get your bow back, Eugeni."
______________________________________________________________________
As the smog billows into the room, Morythine grabs his quarterstaff and holds at across the entrance to the chamber at a height he figures would be just below Nualia's knees.
Zoli winces slightly as another blast hits her, and she feels the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as the oily blackness rolls out, hiding Nualia & Lyrie's position.
"Steady," she says (as much to herself as to the others), "If she swings we'll know where she is and can swing right back."
With that she holds still, listening, ready to swing the moment Nualia (or another foe) appears.
As the yeth hound dies, the unnatural panic it inspired recedes, and Kala is left embarassed. Assessing the situation, Kala notes that the place where she dropped her greatsword is within some foul darkness, as is Eugeni's bow. She decides rearming both her and the priest of Erastil is her best course of action, and quickly sets about to doing so. First she pulls a pair of javelins from her shoulder harness, dropping them to the ground next to Eugeni, then she yanks free the last javelin and her longsword, holding the former out to the furred man to take, saying, "Use these til we get your bow back, Eugeni."
Eugeni is unsure what to do, he can't see anything now that the spell is in place, and there's nothing evil to shoot. He maintains combat readiness with the offered javelin just in case, but hesitantly asks the others, "What now?"
Xamarath shrugs in reply to Eugeni, then has an idea. "Cover me!" he says, with a wink to his fellows. Then, with the same trick he used several times during the Swallowtail Festival, he cups his hand and whispers an illusion into being. Ahead in the billowing mass, the sound of heavy footsteps thump their way down the corridor.
As the smog billows into the room, Morythine grabs his quarterstaff and holds at across the entrance to the chamber at a height he figures would be just below Nualia's knees.
Morythine and Shalelu both hear the sound of heavy footsteps suddenly in front of them, and both furiously stab into the smoke, but make contact with nothing. Morythine suddenly realizes what is going on, but Shalelu appears ready to strike out again.
Down the corridor, you can all hear a brief pause as the sound continues down the hall, then the sound of wind slashing through the air. "Humph," can be heard from within the billowing cloud.
"Damnit boss! Now I can't see her to kill her!" Lyrie shouts from beyond.
__________
"It's an illusion Shalelu," warns Morythine.
HP 22/25
Luck 2/8
Panache 1/4
Charmed Life 2/3
Buffs Luck (round 1/3) +2 to hit, dam, saves, & all skill rolls
IH (round 3/10)
5 rounds remaining.
The heroes of Sandpoint, plus Orik, brace themselves for whatever may emerge from the black cloud that now lingers among them. From the hallway, they can hear Nualia mumble something under her breath.
From beyond, the sound of Baern groaning back to consciousness gives them a brief glimmer of hope, but then, the cloud begins to shift.
The heroes all take their shots at her, but Nualia is able to dodge, parry, or deflect all of their attacks, save Morythine who's touch causes her to blink her eyes uncomfortably for a moment.
She then raises her clinched, clawed hand up in front of her face, and with a sudden, violent motion, opens her fist. A pulse of dark energy waves out from her, enveloping all of those around her in pain, save for Morythine who seems unaffected.
__________