Wardove's Rumble in the Jungle

Game Master Laithoron

"Why Sash', I'm hurt!" Lucia steps forward. With a single, effortless swing, she strikes both Sasha and Lureene. The redhead is knocked to the ground by the sheer power of the attack, a scorch mark on her sword arm from where she tried to parry the attack. While the fire itself fails to harm Lureene, the erinyes' blade slices into her flesh as easily as Sasha's unimpeded by her otherworldly composition.

As Sasha hits the floor, Lucia croons, "Am I boring you to death?"

Next Up: Priyya, Lureene, Alis, Talvyra, Aerys, Darvesch, Spawn
MAP: Z-Temple of Charelle, (Round 344)

Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. R412

A hp: 10 = 10/30
Comprehend Languages R1056, Mage Armor R3603
     k: 15 = 15/15
D hp: 51 = 51/63(68)
1 negative level DC 17
L hp: 48 - 12 = 36/48 ghoul fever 1/2 saves DC 16
Mage Armor R3601
M hp: 31 = 31/48(66) diseased, unconscious
non-L 77 = 77/66
Con 16 - 4 = 12/16
Int 10 = 10/12
Barkskin R602
     t: 42 = 42/42
P hp: 34 = 34/36(41)
1 negative level DC 17
Mage Armor R3602

Sasha hp: 10 - 13 = -3/54

From the western hallway, you hear Priyya's voice ring out, "It sounds like we have a case of the harpies in here. Don't worry, Sister Sarah has you covered."

Walking up behind Lureene, her scimitar aglow with holy power, the Surya-ka-Vahaak says evenly, an eager look in her eyes, "One side or the other, Lureene..."

Lureene gasps in pain as the cruel blade slices into her flesh. This is NOT going particularly well…I probably should have stayed in bed. Knowing her blade had little chance of hurting the fiend, she opts to switch to a more defensive style trying to buy some time here…

As she hears Priyya behind her, she smoothly steps aside, and murmers, ”After you…”

Standard action, Fight defensively -4 to hit, +2 AC, currently AC 20
5’Step to BE10
Ready attack for when Lucia is flanked…
Attack rapier 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 + 2 - 4 = 15 flank, good hope, fight def
Damage 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (4) + (2) + 2 = 11 sneak attack, crystal, good hope

"Too kind, too kind!"

With a rather blithe smile, Priyya steps forward and delivers a slash that erupts with holy power to Lucia's ribs.

At once Lucia's form shifts. No longer does a powerful erinyes stand before you. Instead it is a beautiful young woman in a diaphanous white gown now stained with blood. Catlike eyes glare at Priyya, luscious lips curled back in a sneer that reveals sharp fangs.

In a sultry voice, the tall, dark-haired beauty says, "So what you lack in charm you make up in passion. That is... admirable."

"And you?" Alis challenges, eyes burning with indignation. The Vampiress turns to look at the shorter woman dispassionately just as the agile elf feints with a false weapon draw. "You're about to lack for a head!"

Even as the vampiress attempts to react, Alis dodges to the side catching Lureene's eye. The succubus seizes the opportunity and thrusts just narrowly missing her target. Alis however doesn't miss. Instead her rapier tears a deep gash in the side of the brunette's throat, causing her to choke on blood momentarily.

Desperate to free her Big Brother from this wrong-smelling woman intent upon draining his life away, Talvyra pounces upon her trying pull the false Aerys off.

Although it is a monumental struggle, the great can is just barely able to break the tenacious vampiress' hold on Mal.

Irritated by the interruption, 'Aerys' resumes her natural form, a lithe young woman in a white dress with wavy black tresses and haunting blue eyes. Surprised by the panther's unexpectedly aggressive loyalty, she is unable to break free, fangs showing as she exerts herself.

While Darvesch cannot yet see the pale-skinned beauty, he can certainly see Mal's poor condition and Talvyra's furious defense of him.

Next Up: Darvesch, Spawn; 'Lucia', Priyya, Lureene, Alis, Talvyra, 'Aerys'
MAP: Z-Temple of Charelle, (Round 344b)

Darvesh spins around and let's the spawn behind him have a taste of his axe, before trying to move quickly to help his allies. BD.13 is his goal "You know me too well," he responds to her question.

Darvesch's axe strikes hard, but even as he spins, he notes the vampiress' wounds still heal at a remarkable rate. Still, his attack hits hard enough that it throws the lightweight woman off balance long enough for him to begin moving south.

The dwarf has to step carefully to avoid tripping over Mal or Talvyra, yet as he tries to move past the furious hunting cat, he find that she is attempting to restrain yet another white-robed vampiress with questionable success. Judging by the blood pooled around Mal's neck and on her face, it's clear that she's been gorging herself on his blood while the dwarf was occupied elsewhere.

"Leaving so soon?" With preternatural speed, her tiny hand lashes out striking his leg and he feels a growing chill spread throughout his form as yet more of his life force is drained away. Not a moment later, he feels the other vampire's rapier sink into his shoulder. She coos at him, "Yes, join your taaall friend at our feast!"

Next Up: 'Lucia', Priyya, Lureene, Alis, Talvyra, 'Aerys', Darvesch, Spawn
MAP: Z-Temple of Charelle, (Round 345)

• Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. R412
  
• A hp: 10 = 10/30
  Comprehend Languages R1056, Mage Armor R3603
  
•      k: 15 = 15/15
  
• D hp: 47 - 5 - 5 - 18 = 19/58(68) slam, neg level, rapier
  2 negative levels DC 17 each
  
• L hp: 36 = 36/48 ghoul fever 1/2 saves DC 16
  Mage Armor R3601
  
• M hp: 31 = 31/48(66) diseased, unconscious
  non-L 77 = 77/66
  Con 16 - 4 = 12/16
  Int 10 = 10/12
  Barkskin R602
  
•      t: 42 = 42/42
  
• P hp: 34 = 34/36(41)
  1 negative level DC 17
  Mage Armor R3602

• Sasha hp: -3 = -3/54 unconscious
  non-L 57 = 57/54

"Alis! Lureene! Priyya! Even you, Talvyra.. Retreat, NOW! We can't survive this! Go! NOW! I'll stay with Mal.. now GO!! Darvesch yells at the top of his lungs. "Kahn, protect them." He prays as he finds his resolve to face this enemy, praying they can get out safely.

'Lucia' clenches her teeth at the bite of the elven rapier. "Silver-steel?" The word practically sound like a curse upon her ruby lips.

Her eyes narrow as she glances between the three shorter women, particularly the sun priestess and the roguish beauty with the accursed blade.

When Darvesch's words ring out, she lunges, hoping to take advantage of the distraction to fake-out Alis. However the sacred consort of Súmalya isn't fooled. When she parries what the vampiress could reasonably have expected to be a killing blow, the dark-haired beauty attempts to flee, employing the same agile footwork that Alis has.

"Oh no you–"

The vampiress' dance-like maneuvers carry her beyond the reach of Alis' blade which slices thru the air without harm. Alis is about to pursue when she hears the words, 'I'll stay with Mal... now GO!!'

Damn, is Mal down?

"Well if they don't like Mithril..."

With a quick move, Alis ducks back into the hallway behind her tossing her mithril dagger on the ground behind her for whomever might need. it.

Seeing the squirming woman on the ground, she wastes no time in putting her rapier to good use. "Keep holding her Tal! Priyya, a bit of light?"

With a squeak, King Tut picks up Alis' dagger and hops up onto Lureene's shoulder. He then points frantically at Priyya and motions towards the door, shrieking, "AAAH AAAH!"

Theme: Turn the Tables

Priyya mutters hustling towards the doorway Alis just entered.

Don't have to ask twice.

She can hear Talvyra and Darvesch struggling, sees the vampire on the ground, yet notes a distinct lack of outbursts from her tall lover.

"Servants of Alíta and Súmalya retreat from the likes of Charelle's lackeys? MY ASS!"

Holding her left hand aloft, a golden burst of positive energy fills the room behind her and sweeps down the fog-clouded hallway.

Next Up: Lureene, Talvyra, 'Aerys', Darvesch, 'Spawn'; Alis, Priyya
MAP: Z-Temple of Charelle, (Round 345b)

• Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. R412

• A hp: 10 + 14 = 24/30
  Comprehend Languages R1056, Mage Armor R3603
  
•      k: 15 = 15/15
  
• D hp: 19 + 14 = 33/58(68)
  2 negative levels DC 17 each
  
• L hp: 36 + 14 = 50/48 ghoul fever 1/2 saves DC 16
  Mage Armor R3601
  
• M hp: 31 + 14 = 45/48(66) diseased, unconscious
  non-L 77 - 14 = 63/66
  Con 16 - 4 = 12/16
  Int 10 = 10/12
  Barkskin R602
  
•      t: 42 = 42/42
  
• P hp: 34 + 14 = 48/36(41)
  1 negative level DC 17
  Mage Armor R3602

• Sasha hp: -3 + 14 = 11/54 unconscious
  non-L 57 - 14 = 43/54
  

Lureene glances at King Tut gratefully and slips the proffered dagger into her hand. She glances down at her friend Sasha, and realizes she needs to be awakened from her wounds. This is NOT a good time for a nap! She reaches down and gently shakes her awake, while keeping an eye open at the doorway, wary of eithe Ieana or another spawn trying to get the drop on them.

Move action, Rouse Sasha awake.
Standard Action, Ready attack against enemy who enters threatened area.
Dagger Mithril 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20 good hope
Damage 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7 good hope

"Uugh..."

Sasha's eyes flutter open and she sees Lureene standing over her with a dagger in hand. "NoI'mnotdeaddon'tkillme!"

Lureene keeps her attention focused on the doorway, but when Sasha mutters her nearly incomprehensible response she tries to decipher the meaning of her words. After a few seconds, recognition dawns on her.

"No, Sash, I just think this is not a good time for a nap. Lots of vampires are around here. Get your weapons, we are still in danger."

With a groan, Sasha collects her bow and rapier and rolls back to her feet next to her friend. "I feel like I got in a bar fight with a demon,"she grumbles.

Lureene quips, "You did."

In front of Alis, Talvyra attempts to pin the vampiress, but is unable to do so.

Knowing a losing scenario when she sees one, the vampiress with the wavy, black hair attempts to grab onto Alis instead. Yet fortune is unkind to the blue-eyed beauty. Her dress catches on the floor stopping her short and leaving her open to reciprocity.

The princess gladly takes advantage of the opportunity, sinking her blade into the vampiress' chest. With an angry hiss, the undead creature disperses into the mist, vanishing from sight.

Next Up: Darvesch, Spawn; Alis, Priyya, Lureene, Sasha, Talvyra
MAP: Z-Temple of Charelle, (Round 345c)

"It's nice to know who the real protector is." Darvesch seeths at Alis, just before he takes another swipe at the spawn in front of him, deciding to pour the last of his concentration at destroying this undead filth. Activate last round of Bane (Undead)

If his foe falls, he'll move to AW.16

Darvesch seethes inwardly and tries to direct his anger at the remaining vampire, but she ducks the massive blade. In one last attempt to vex him, she stabs with her thin blade, but it skitters harmlessly off his superior armor.

"Do wait for me, my warrior," she says alluringly before attempting to retreat into the fog.

Yet the fuming dwarf has none of it. He steps up behind her as she retreat and lands a powerful blow on her with his axe. With a cry, she falls, dissolving into mist even as he strikes the floor.

Am I dead?

Mal opens his eyes to find himself in a dark, cold fog, the shadowy shapes of Darvesch and Little Sister vaguely visible, the voices of others faint.

The room seems to swim about him and he puts a hand to his neck feeling the warm, wet sensation of fresh blood.

"Alton," he sighs, "wish that it was that simple. Wish anything was simple. I'm sorry, my friend — truly."

With a groan, the big man pushes himself back to his feet.

"So this is the fugue, is it?"

MAP: Z-Temple of Charelle, (Round 346)
Note: Combat has ended... for now!

"What the blazes are you men going on about back there?" Priyya's tone is imperative, but it's not hard to tell that she's amused. "Out of the fog now, chop chop!"

Lureene hears the sounds of combat fade away to nothingness, the only sounds she hears are those of her friends. She glances back at Sasha, ”What just happened here? Where is Ieana…was she even here?

Sasha shrugs, matching Lureene's whisper.

Alis slides past Priyya who continues to tap her foot while waiting on the men-folk to file back into the light.

"It wasn't Lucia, it was a vampire." Alis shakes her head, frustrated as much with the ambush as with herself. "We're in a temple dedicated to Charelle, one of the high lillends who used to serve Súmalya. I never suspected that in this ancient place she would have any sort of presence. We should have taken longer to think thru things, when I saw Alexis I..."

"That's OK 'Lis, we were ALL fooled by her." Lureene glances uneasily around her and repeats her question from earlier, "Where is Ieana?"

"Then let's get out of this forsaken mist already. Let's close the doors too. I don't want any surprises. How much more is there left of this damned temple is there, anyway?" Darvesch says, as he pushes everyone in front of him out of the hallway, and closes the door behind him. "Priyya, would you mind closing that other door for us?" He stops to think a moment, "And does anyone have a couple candles? We should seal off these doors. I don't want that mist creeping through."

"Hold that thought for a moment, El, there's somethi–"

"Darkmane?" Mal staggers out of the hallway as much thanks to Darvesch's insistence as anything. "What the hell happened? After– uh, what Ieana did, I ran into the hall and came up against Alton weeping over Aerys' body. Looked like she commited suicide while we were gone. He must have dug himself up and come here to exact revenge."

He hangs his head, unable to meet Alis' gaze before getting down on one knee. "Alis, highness, I– don't know what to say about Alexis. I should have been fast enough to do something. I'm prepared to accept whatever punishment you see fit, but I would urge to at least let me live long enough to kill Ieana."

"Mal. It was all a ruse. It's this temple. It's got bad mojo. Don't beat yourself up. I can do that for you later, if you wish." He laughs, and pats Mal on the back. "Now. Let's get on with it."

Priyya closes the other door and replies with more than a hint of pluck in her voice. "Well the Ieana that popped out of the hallway has already been dealt with. You're too late, Mal, time to die."

"Ruse? What are–" He looks up at Alis, confusion plain as day on his face. "What's going on here?"

"Yeah, what's make-up have to do with anything?" Sasha chimes in, equally befuddled.

Darvesch places himself between Mal and the group. Paranoia high, and suspicious of everyone now, "The immediate threat has been eliminated. Those of us that saw our loved ones, were, in fact, dealing with nothing more than vampire spawn." He points to the hall to the south, "We have yet to explore that way. I'll stay here with Mal, while we close up the doors, and you all go ahead. If someone has a couple candles. Please give them to me now, and I'll be with you shortly."

Lureen holds up a hand and nods at Darvesch, "Yes, apparently this temple somehow gathered our dreams and used them against us. Mal, Alexis was never even here, let alone disintegrated." She turns to face Alis, "I detected a strange aura coning from 'Alexis' before she was...well I don't know what happened to her. It is similar to the aura that surrounds you, 'Lis."

OK, now that I'm finally off the f%*+ing clock may I can actually make a post without getting interrupted 10×. ROUGH day. @_@

"We should have taken longer to think thru things, when I saw Alexis I–"

"That's OK 'Lis, we were ALL fooled by her. Where is Ieana?"[/b]

"Hold that thought for a moment, El, there's somethi–"

"And does anyone have a couple candles? We should seal off these doors. I don't want that mist creeping through."

"Darv I–"

"...I'm prepared to accept whatever punishment you see fit, but I would urge to at least let me live long enough to kill Ieana."

"Mal, that's actually what–"

"Mal. It was all a ruse..."

"Exactly, let me expl–"

"You're too late, Mal, time to die."

"Ha. Ha. Now as I was–"

"Ruse? What are– ... What's going on here?"

"If you would let me fini–"

"Yeah, what's make-up have to do with anything?"

"No Sash, that's rouge, a ruse is a decept–"

"We have yet to explore that way. I'll stay here with Mal, while we close up the doors, and you all go ahead. If someone has a couple candles. Please give them to me now, and I'll be with you shortly."

"NO splitting up! This place was designed for vampires and I really don't think–"

"Yes, apparently this temple somehow gathered our dreams and used them against us. Mal, Alexis was never even here, let alone disintegrated."

"That's exactly what I was–"

"I detected a strange aura coning from 'Alexis' before she was...well I don't know what happened to her. It is similar to the aura that surrounds you, 'Lis."

"... a fiendish anthill, with DIRE ants. Several quarts of honey and a long-handled brush."

Realizing that everyone has finally stopped talking over her, Alis frowns deeply, indigo eyes ablaze. "Finished? Good."

Turning to look at Mal, she shakes her head. "Would you get to your feet? Gods, you look like a tiger ready to pounce when you do that."

"Tut?" She looks at the monkey on Lureene's shoulder, "Give Lureene a kiss if she interrupts me again."

"OK then. Darv? Please stop whatever it is that you're doing with those candles, it won't help. It was a fog cloud spell. The vampires cast it so they could move around and ambush us back there. It's not going anywhere."

"Now then, as Lureene so aptly pointed out, something or someone has been reading our thoughts. It wasn't just surface thoughts like I can do either, it was memories. As I was trying to say earlier before I was interrupted," Alis takes a deep breath trying to regain her composure. "We are in a temple dedicated to Charelle. She was once counted among the high lillends, the greatest angels serving Súmalya, one of the muses. She is the same being that the Chivane and Lucia called upon in the heat of battle — a degenerate angel fallen from a once lofty estate."

Priyya nods. "We already knew that coming in though, right?"

"Yes, but what we didn't know is that this temple was not merely a quietly sleeping tomb. What I didn't realize is that Charelle was that ancient or that she had increased in power after being cast out of paradise. Tell me, do any of you know how or why it is that the goddess of inspiration, the supreme muse is associated with prophecy?"

"Uhm... sheee... sees the future?"

"No, not exactly. Sash? Priyya?"

Priyya furrows her brow, thinking back on the visions that she herself had received. "Didn't you mention before that it has something to do with dreams?"

"In a sense, but not in the way you are thinking. Sleeping dreams are a method many spirits use to talk to mortals. However, Súmalya's power of prophecy is born of the ability to look into the hearts and dreams of the living, to see their desires and what they dream of. That is how she inspires men to greatness and guides their paths."

"I always knew that Charelle preferred to sew misery and to corrupt rather than to inspire, but I never realized that–"

"But, 'Lis I don't see how Ie--"

"*ahem* Tut?"

"Oooh oooh AAAH!"

Without a moment's hesitation, King Tut, jumps down from Lureene's shoulders, catching himself on the front of her blouse. Grabbing a fistful of golden-brown curls in each hand, he hoists himself up, standing atop her bosom, and plants a big monkey-kiss on the succubus' lips.

"Oh gaw–" Sasha turns pale, but a glare from the princess silences the ditzy redhead and she covers her mouth with both hands.