Maelchar grimaces as he watches the demon fall. "But not without some serious damages... Morgrym, what is your status? can you go on or do you require rest?"
"More than rest, I suspect he requires restoration," Pakak says worriedly.
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If we are able, if say we can move to the entrance, defeat the Vrock, archers, and gargoyles, then the path will be open for more of our forces. We can clear more areas of the castle so the enemy is able to further entrench themselves
I too am in need of restoration, but being trapped here with no means of retreat is not a place I want to be. We've faced Vrock before, we can deal with them and their spores, and shreaks.
As the demon falls, Morgrym's fury subsides as he takes a deep breath and collects himself, resting upon the shaft of his hammer. "Thank Torag."
Looking up at Maelchar, "I've feel like I'm dancin' on the edge of a cliff, lad, where one wrong step would be me ending. Pakak's right, I'm not so sure rest will rid me of this feelin'."
Listening to the paladin, Morgrym finds it hard to disagree. "I've no desire to rest within this place either. I'll go as far as I can then. But I'll be honest, I'm havin' a harder time hittin' things and while I seemed to be able to resist the demon's magic early, later on I found myself unable to resist anythin'. Not sure how much use I'll really be to ya, but if nothin' else, I'll at least keep whatever distracted while the lot of you finish it off," he says, grinning wryly.
Nasira considers letting the spell continue, but sees her friends prevail, so she returns to her focus.
When the spell finally looses its grip on her, the Osirioni almost falls as her muscles relax.
Quickly regaining her balance, she moves to the stricken dwarf and utters a prayer to Sarenrae to restore his vitality.
Maelchar reaches out a steadying arm and catches Nasira as she stumbles and almost falls... "Steady there, hon, no falling down on my watch." Once she has fully regained her equilibrium, he lets her go gently, and watches as she restores Morgrym.
"I've gotta learn that spell... it's just too handy with what we're facing."
Zeriax moves close to his companions - when Nasira works her miraculous magic, he smiles in confidence - "The day shall be ours friends - I have never met ones with such valor or strength. I bow to you all" - he offers with a deep bow, then moves off to explore the chamber they find themselves in.
With a short invocation, his eyes gleam, attuned to magical auras.
Pakak scribbles some notes in a book before putting it away.
If you want to take 20 you can Zeriax, but that just makes the time longer and your spell durations end sooner.
Feeling what feels life his life force returning, the dwarf appears far more at ease. "Alright! Thanks, lass! I'm feeling far better. Might wanna check on Garith. He's not looking to good himself." After popping his neck and working out the kinks in his arms, he rests his hammer upon his shoulder and aids the monk in searching the place. "I'll help you look around the place, Zeriax, so as to help speed things up."
Nasira calls on the goddess' power to recall the spell and use it again on her other affected allies.
Nasira casts her spell on Morgrym to remove all of the negative levels he accumulated and then use her mythic awesomeness to remove those on Garith and Maranse as well. Once all have been returned to their full vitality then the discussion turns to whether to continue or reach the front entrance. While the quick discussion is going on Zeriax scans the room for any magical auras while doing his best to find anything hidden the mundane way. Morgrym is a great help as his dwarven heritage and the worked stone allow him to search for subtle cracks that might be there. Alas there is nothing to be found other than the previous occupants weapons and armor before the nabasu arrived. There are 8 sets of heavy shields, heavy maces, lt crossbows, daggers and chain shirts.
While Nasira is still finishing her casting on Maranse you even step outside on the ramparts to take a look. From this vantage point you see Anevia and Aron on the outer courtyard walls waving to you as they keep an eye on the citadel from afar.
Wow, thank you kindly Madam. Maranse replies after being restored. I have never felt so alive after feeling so drained. The gods must shine upon you greatly to give you such wonderful abilities.
"You flatter me, Sir Maranse. Surely one with your knowledge of the world has experienced such attacks before. Besides, it is nothing more or less than the goddess taking an interest in our success and the defeat of those that would oppose us in our noble cause."
"This time we need to proceed more carefully, and scout the enemies ahead of us before attacking - I will take point" - Zeriax comments.
"I guess we don't have to tell you to be careful, but gods of good watch after you, Zeriax." Pakak says, only to raise eyebrows as the man practically vanishes before him.
"Amazing how easily he can do that."
Zeriax which way are you going? The Vrocks are in F4 so your either have to pass through F10 or F12 to get there.
Magic arrows are expended when fire so none of them are recoverable for magic use. However 6 of them can be used as normal arrows still.
Maranse looks are you Nasira and stumbles a bit but responds positively. abe that as it may the demons that I have encountered were more straight forward and sought to rend the flesh not suck your soul from your still living body. I would rather face 10 of those flesh renders then 1 of those things again.
Morgrym nods, "I'm with him. Give me the flesh renders over the soul suckers. The soul suckers are the worst. Hate 'em. Just hate 'em."
Magic arrows are expended when fire so none of them are recoverable for magic use. However 6 of them can be used as normal arrows still.
distance modifier
Zeriax moves like a ghost through the differing chambers of the Citadel. A few times he had to stop to see to a lock on a door or to double check that he was not being followed but overall he makes good progress. The larger room that he enters first contains long tables and benches: obviously a dining hall but severely underused. Filing the information away Zeriax continues onion his quest to make it to the main way. It was good that he was alerted tot he presence of the vrocks as he took care approaching the last turn. It was well that he did so as poking just an eye around the corner he is able to see 1 of the creatures resting being a pillar gnawing on a femur. As you watch it it suddenly turns its head in your direction as you duck back. You can almost feel the gaze of the demon upon your location. Breathing shallowly and slowing your heartbeat the next 30 seconds is unbearable. Finally not having the vrock come around the corner you peak again. The rock is still there finishing his bone. You realize with their shape perception skills that it would be impossible for Garith, Maelchar or in fact any of them besides you and maybe Maranse to sneak up on the vrocks. Any talking, planning, or spell casting must be done at the closest in the dining area with a set of doors, a wall, a corner, and the distance separating you.
Zeriax returns to his companions with the information, finishing with two points - "I only saw one of the Vrocks, having honestly no idea where the other may be, and in all honesty friends, we do not stand much chance of simply sneaking up on them - we need an alternative"
"Perhaps it would be better to draw them into an ambush."
"That might be our best option, becoming the hunters for once" - Zeriax nods - "I can try to draw them, if they decide to follow"
"What if we were to prepare for combat out of their range, then approach under the effects of a silence spell?"
"Double edged that, getting caught by a vrock unable to cast spells would kill me I fear."
"Silence can be put on an object that can be thrown away once we have surprised the vrocks."
"How 'bout I just walk in and threaten to bash in their skulls. Once they're done laughin' 'cause they think I'm jokin', they'll move in to rip me to shreds. They'll be so focused on me, they'll leave themselves open for you lot. My only question is: are they soul suckers? I can't remember. The information on all these demons start to run together on me after a while." He shrugs.
"Silence can be put on an object that can be thrown away once we have surprised the vrocks."
"You're right, of course," Pakak admits feeling embarrassed, "I suppose I let fear of helplessness grip me. Apologies."
"How 'bout I just walk in and threaten to bash in their skulls. Once they're done laughin' 'cause they think I'm jokin', they'll move in to rip me to shreds. They'll be so focused on me, they'll leave themselves open for you lot. My only question is: are they soul suckers? I can't remember. The information on all these demons start to run together on me after a while." He shrugs.
The smaller dwarf actually smiles a bit at that, "Not sure about tactics, but I can help you with the lore... as we have faced them before."
"Vrocks are resistant to many forms of energy. They are the embodiment of rage, and that grants them many horrid powers..." Pakak says, recalling his earlier study of the beasts "They can generate spores that cause great pain and harm, and burst into vines eventually, but a simple bless spell or even holy water can help against the latter. If you see it starting to dance, of all things, stop it. A dance of ruin, once completed, can lead to a burst of lightning to all around it. And it is worse if more than one joins in. Their screech can stun foes who hear it, albeit it briefly, and they cannot muster such a dark gift more than once an hour."
"I'll admit if anyone can withstand the attention of two Vrocks for long, that would be you Morgrym - it is still a risky plan, but perhaps worth it"
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I can also hamper their teleportation. F only one reaches Morgrym by teleporting, but the other fails, it would be to our great advantage, but they could certainly overcome my warding.
When we approach, I can stick close to Morgrym, and approach rapidly to strike. Now if we can focus on ending one, while I have the other challenged.
Nasira just listens to the planning, not having much to contribute.
"Alright then, let's go bash us some demon brains. At least, what little they have," he says with a slight grin.
Using the silence as cover provided by Maelchar for their approach the group inches forward slowly until they are at the corner ready to surprise the vrocks. Setting hand signals the group is able to spring around the corner starting the combat with a flurry.
Zeriax casts a single arcane spell, grabbing the surprise opportunity.
Now that the party has snuck up as close as they can get without being heard, Maelchar takes the opportunity to gently roll the pebble he cast the silence on to a space 20' just past the last member of the party, freeing the casters to begin their work as those who wish to charge in ready to do so.
For himself, he creates a lucerne hammer and casts Crusader's edge on it.
Pakak casts protection from Chaos 10 foot radius when the silence is no longer engulfing them
When the casting begins, Nasira joins in, casting Blessing of Fervor on her friends.
Once the casting has ended, Morgrym moves in and stops, staring directly at the enemy and grinning maniacally. He pops his neck to one side and then the other as he readies to bring his hammer down upon some Vrock skulls.
Nasira
Maelchar
Pakak
Zeriax
Morgrym
Sir Garith
Maranse moves up to stand next to Morgrym waiting for the onslaught from the demons.
Although getting the jump help to cast spells the group was not quick enough to maintain the advantage.
Top of Round 1 0820
The closest vrock moves up next to Morgrym and Maranse as it releases a cloud of spores from its body hitting both of them. The spores dig into the them dealing damage as they take root and begin to quickly grow. Once the spores are released the vrock emits an ear-piercing shriek affecting all within 30ft.
Those that hear it and within range need to make a DC 21 fort save or be stunned for 1 round.
The vrock in the back moves up and castas a spell producing 8 replicas of himself to aid in his defenses.
Good guys up round 1 and need fort saves from everyone but Zeriax and Pakak