Wardove's Rumble in the Jungle

Game Master Laithoron

"Excuse my lack of magical know how," Malinda interjected, shifting uncomfortably at Darvesch's query, "but shouldn't that be the Princess? Or is talking part of what a charm is?"

Lureene shakes her head at Malinda's question. "Not necessarily, Malinda." She then looks at Alis, thinking carefully. "Perhaps you should do the negotiating, 'Lis. I mean you are the new governor of Dafar. I find it hard to imagine he would not want to listen to you, at least initially. I am curious to know if he was indeed aware of Lucretia's true nature."

Lureene would cast Invisibility instead of Blur in that case.

Theme: Big O

As the last echoes of the 3 o'clock bell faded away, a new sound, harsh and bellicose rang out from the tower as O'beilumanji renewed his threats and gloating, some manner of magic increasing the volume of his voice, projecting it across Port Eldarion.

"Well den, dat dere was da terd bell, no? An whadaya know, dem long-ears up in dere palace ain't nowhere. Mebbe dey no care. Jour momma no care bout jou boy? Jour pappa no care neider? Mebbe O'beilumanji da only one knows elves ain't got no care for nobody..."

As ire rose within the heroes at the piteous wails for help the boy, a silent nod from Amhranai informed the others that she too was at the ready. Quickly and quietly, Lureene and Ieana turned themselves invisible and ducked out through the doorway. Alis was only a moment behind them as she too cast a spell of her own before taking flight while the rest of you made your way up the stairs, pausing near the top as the towering, lance-bearing golem came into view.

Not far away, Alis saw Ieana alight near the top of the trebuchet while Lureene was making her way towards O'beilumanji as quickly as possible. Clearing her throat, to attract the attention of the enemy and his stolen golems, the Princess stood atop the crenellations on the south side of the parapets, the sun illuminating her wind-blown hair like a cascade of gold, rapier and jewels glistening like the rings in the night sky.

"O'beilumanji of the Obanohi!" her own voice was now amplified by her spell, reverberating off the stones as if she spoke with the voice of an angry goddess.

Man or monster, O'beilumanji stood upright from where he crouched by his captive and turned to face the speaker. The man stood just over six feet tall, strongly built yet lightly armored so as to be quick on his feet. Around his shoulders he wore a dark green, nearly black cloak clasped at the throat with a bronze medallion. Black war-paint was smeared across his eyes, and a nose-ring was evident as his nostrils flair in a sneer.

"Aah... so da elves dey send tree liddle women? Hmm..." He looked up towards the top of the trebuchet, Well mebbe two o' jous anyway. Ain't none of jous bad-lookin' for whiteys, but O'beilumanji already gots hisself a woman. Mebbe da two heavy-chested ones make O'beilumanji good concubines..."

As he flung his arms wide in throaty laughter, a pair of shortswords could be seen on his hips. In spite of his crude demeanor, the terrorist's gear appeared to be of exceptional quality. It was certainly apparent that he had no problem seeing invisible foes.

Alis' gaze narrowed only slightly, well-aware that the man was attempting to goad her. "Know, O'beilumanji, that you address the new Governor of Dafar. Know that We have witnessed the massacre perpetrated by the fallen angel you mistook to be a witch, and know that We have defeated her in battle. She is bound in chains and banished back to Hell. Her spell over this fortress has been broken and even now its defenders awaken."

With blade pointed down at him she continued. "O'beilumanji, We share your outrage over accusations of slavery and ill-treatment of your people. We shall take action to amend these wrongs. By the Sacred Muse and by Justice and the Light of Truth, We will fight to ensure the safety and liberty of all Dafar's peoples be they Zuck, elf, or otherwise."

"Yet that does not excuse your actions here today. These acts have accomplished nothing that pleas to your new Governor would not have accomplished. Indeed, it was another native of your land who first informed us of this injustice even as We hastened here to right these crime. Murder and mayhem only deepen the divide between our people. Injustice heaped upon injustice solves nothing. Surrender now for the good of your people. Surrender and let this madness come to an end!"

"Talk," O'beilumanji scoffed, "jou long ears reeeaaal good at da talk. But O'beilumanji tink dis: O'beilumanji tink, da best way ta kill a beast is jou cut it off at da head! Sounds like O'beilumanji gots dat head right here naw..."

"You dere, stone man," he pointed to the golem by the stairs, "crush dis so-called gov'nuh."

So much for diplomacy and self-sacrifice.

As the nearest golem began to tread ponderously towards her, Alis looked up at Lureene. Perhaps magic will prevail...

Next Up: Lureene, (Sasha), Enemy, Everyone Else
MAP: Arrowhead Citadel, (Round 476 / 2:58db)

As Lureene flies closer to O'beilumanji, she is mildly surprised to see him able to see her in return. Well, he is obviously well-equipped...

Once Alis has issued her impassioned plea for him to surrender, she is amazed...not by his refusal to fight on, but his complete lack of surprise about the revelation of his Witch.

He must have been aware of her true nature, no other explanation makes sense. Still, any man who willing trafficks in the affairs of devil's deserves no mercy...AND I am no concubine!

As the golem moves to carry out O'beilumanji's command, she grits her teeth in determination. If I cannot charm this son-of-a-she goat then I must counter his control of the golems. Now he must be carrying those items Malinda mentioned but I don't see them...

Lureene does not bother with a verbal retort, instead concentrating on her spellcasting...as she finishes her voice rings out, "O'beilumanji, I ask you to instruct your golems to stand...still! There is no need for further bloodshed!"

Cast Charm Monster on O'beilumanji. Will save DC 18.

As Lureene's invisibility spell fades, the powerfully built Obanohi warrior stands still for a moment, stroking his neatly cropped beard for a moment before holding up a hand. "Stay dere, stone man..."

A red head poked up above the low wall to take in the scene before her. Turning to the others, she whispered, "Um... sooo is that it?"

Next Up: Lureene, Enemy, Everyone Else

"Really? That's it? There's got to be more to it than that. Can't say I trust it." Darvesch prepares to cast divine favour in the event things get serious, and holds his position, wary that any movement will break Lureene's spell. "Let's see how this plays out."

Malinda frowned and whispered to the dwarf in reply, "She's no elven archmage. Will Lady Ourson's spell hold?"

Isaac watched the scene warily. O'beilumanji was a madman and a murderer and he was loathe to learn the identity of the school girl who was crushed to death against the keep earlier. Had she been one of Lily's classmates at the academy?

Eyes never leaving the man, he thought back to the battle with Ozyrankhus and commented quietly, "Lureene can charm a monster from its master. It's more a matter of us not spooking the monster..."

Alis permitted herself a faint smile as she gazed up at her loyal retainer. Well done, El! Now let's see what's on your new friend's mind...

Sheathing her blade lest her poise betray her guarded apprehension, Alis softened her tone and said with a flourish, "It is a fine thing when cooler heads prevail."

Lureene remembers a time several weeks before where she was nearly killed by a giant who had thrown off the charm spell prior and wisely stays hovering above her charmed foe. She watches the others react to the cessation of hostilities silently, realizing they were waiting for her to give assurances O'beilumanji was neutralized. When Alis responds with a note of vexation, she realizes the golems were still under O'beilumanji's control.

Time to relieve him of those items...

She smiles winsomely down at the hulking brute beneath her and asks him "OK, O'beilumanji, if you would kindly turn over those items which you liberated from Commander Gaeros and return them to the rightful Governor of Dafar, please?"

While her tone is light, there is no mistaking the undercurrent of command in her voice.

O'beilumanji hesitated for a moment, looking first at Lureene and then to Alis. In a contemplative tone he mused, "Da rightful Guv'nah..."

Finally nodding, he walked toward her, the proper end of the trebuchet's control rod extended to the Princess. Yet even as Alis hopped down from her perch, to meet him in the middle and accept it, Darvesch and Isaac caught a gleam in the man's eyes that the slipped past the women.

It was the resolve to kill!

Theme: Killing Field

Even as Darvesch and Isaac shouted a warning, O'beilumanji spun about, a blade flying into his hand with preternatural speed. Before Alis could even react, the murderous rebel plunged one of his shortswords into her side, driving it toward her heart in an effort to kill her!

As O'beilumanji's blade slid free and royal blood spilled upon the stone floor, you rightly expected to see Alis collapse from the surely mortal blow. Yet instead, grimacing thru the pain, she windmilled her arms. Surprised, the dark-skinned warrior tried to strike at her again, but she ducked the attack, grasped onto the trebuchet's control rod and twisting it back against his wrist with such speed that the larger man was unable to retain his grip and the Princess came away with it!

Coughing thru the pain, her voice resounded from atop Arrowhead Citadel in a tongue that few in Port Eldarion understood. Yet there was one word that none of you could mistake...

"Tyralor!".

Next Up: Enemy, Alis, Everyone Else
MAP: Arrowhead Citadel, (Round 477)

Party Buffs:

• +2: Attacks & Damage (2 morale)
  
• +2: Saves & Other Checks (2 morale)

• A hp: 41 - 21 = 20/41
     (mage armor 0et, shield other 3md, resist fire 20 4db, see invisibility 4db, good hope r390, fly r371)
  
• M hp: 62 = 62/62
  
• D hp: 95 = 95/85
     (resist fire 20 4db, divine favor r483)
  
• I hp: 66 = 66/66
     (resist fire 20 4:45db)
  
• L hp: 55 = 55/55
     (mage armor 4md, shield r533)
  
• g: 41 = 41/41
     (invisibility r534)

• I hp: 60 = 60/60
  
• M hp: 90 = 90/90
     Str 13 + 3 = 16/ 18 -1 penalty
  
• S hp: 62 = 62/62
     (resist fire 20 4:45db)
  
• T hp: 65 - 21 = 44/65
     (resist shock 20 3md, shield other: Alis 3md, 1 negative level 3md)
  

Darvesch jumps into action. "Guys! Distract the golems and get the hostages free! I'll help Alis! When they're free, come help Alis!" He runs as close to big O as he can. When he get's to Alis, he looks up to Lureene. He pauses for a brief moment, looking to her from below, "Um.. El.. Looking good, but could you help with the hostages please?" He has a slight grin as he faces big O, "I'm feeling pretty good, big O. It's a good day to die.. Why don't you try that blade on me?" Ideally, he'll run to CV.72 if he can.

Isaac was only a few feet behind Darvesch as he rushed forward. Any other princess would have had the good sense to pass out or run away, but this one had to stand her ground and fight! Well, at least he now had the opportunity to rescue her.

Although he couldn't get quite into position opposite Darvesch, the Marshal of Port Eldarion was in striking distance, sabre in hand. "So you're the one who helped that devil to kidnap my sister and I? Guess that didn't work out too well."

He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Darvesch seemed distracted... by an enviable view of Lady Ourson's tight-fitting leather pants.

Good reason not to die!

Next Up: Enemy, Alis, Darvesch, Isaac, Everyone Else
MAP: Arrowhead Citadel, (Round 477b)

Dwarf's got the wrong idea here...the faster we take out O'beilumanji, the safer those hostages will be. Distract the golems! Is he crazy?!

Amhranai exchanged a knowing nod with Malinda, a grim smile on her face. "Dwarf's all heart, isn't he? You and I know what needs to happen, let's go do it." A heavy-bladed knife appeared in the elf's hand as she rose from where she crouched against a wall. Silent footfalls to the end of the wall, crouching once more. A quick glance around the corner, eyes searching for the golems and noting their position.

"Feel free to distract the golems, Sasha. Or free the hostages. Iscandu and I have a few words to exchange with O'beilumanji over there..." Free hand on her medallion, Amhranai's lips moved silently, then stopped. An instant later, an identical version of the elven woman appeared, clothes torn in the same places, heavy-bladed knife and medallion held in the same hands, greasy hair plastered against grey skin in the same way. Same sigh shaking each body.

Cast Copycat

As Grak watches the blade strike Alis down, his empathic link between himself and his mistress is momentarily overwhelmed with feelings of shock, dismay, and horror. As the other members of the party rush O'beilumanji trying to surround him, one thought enters Grak's conscious being via his link between Lureene and himself.

"Grak, Swoop and Strike!"

As the ancient ritual takes hold of the serpent's body, it elongates and grows thicker, electrical arcs traveling along its golden scales. He eyes O'beilumanji coldly then he swoops down on the dark skinned monster, teeth glistening in the sunlight!

Lureene Free action: Lightning Struck Tower Ritual. Grak size Medium, hp 47 total.
Grak:move Fly to CX74 (15' high)
Flyby attack on O'bi 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 17 flank, GH
Damage 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 + (5) = 10 GH, electrical

Malinda nodded to the two black-haired elves. "Best way to take care of the golems? Take that amulet off the bloody stump of his neck!"

With that, she ran full-tilt to the Princess' aid.

From the clear, blue sky, a jagged bolt of lightning arced down to a point just above the tower, shaking the very stones with its reverberation! From within the inky cloud of smoke, an unseen shape coiled and slithered before the cloud was parted by a rush of air from leathery wings!

Determined to carry out his mistress' orders, Grak swooped down on the enemy, seeking to shock him yet he misjudged his attack, very nearly taking himself within reach of O'beilumanji's bloody sword. Wings straining with the effort, he just barely pulled up enough to carry himself safely beyond striking distance, beating wings casting a long shadow on the ground below.

Lureene glares at the Zuck warrior with a mix of fury and vexation on her beauteous face. By the gods, how did he manage to shake my charm so easily? No matter, let's see if he can shake THIS off as easily. She utters a magical spell and several bolts of light arc from her fingertips to strike the offending Zuck combatant.

Stand: Cast Magic Missile at O'beilumanji.
Damage 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 4) + 4 = 15

Lureene's missile struck the villain without fail, leaving white scorch marks on his dark skin. Yet what she did not notice were the matching impacts on the two golems nearby.

Not too far behind and above her, she heard Ieana begin casting a spell followed, by a seemingly weary groan from the golem closest to the stairs.

When Alis got stabbed, Sasha cringed, gritting her teeth. When the Princess failed to keel over, but instead wrested the rod from O'beilumanji's grasp, her head jutted forward even as her jaw dropped.

"YOU GO LISSI!"

Suddenly, feeling Amhranai's eyes burning a hole in her the ranger covered her mouth and pointed towards the trebuchet.

"I'll juuust... gocutthoseguyslose!""

With that, she rolled out from behind the wall and rushed over to the prisoner furthest from O'beilumanji, not nearly as quietly as she might have liked.

The Princess' impassioned plea, and the agony of the wound they had both just endured, stirred in the Prince's heart a righteous fire unlike any he had known before. Like some meteor shot towards the firmament, Tyralor soared into the air, his very aura scorching the stones around him as molten wings carried him aloft.

Despair not, brave Alissariel. Not even death itself should dissuade the righteous!

Theme: THE BEAST

"Clevah womun," O'beilumanji sneered, eyes taking on a feral gleam, "but don' jou know, jou nevah cornuh DA BEAST!"

As the man verily shouted the word 'beast', he gave a terrific roar of pain and rage, punctuated by the sound of his blade striking the stone floor. Before your very eyes, his jaw extended and his face grew broad with a pronounced, feline snout even as thick black hair covered his body.

With a savage grin full of hate and malice, there were-man bellowed, "STONE MEN, PROTECT ME!" before lunging at Alis. Thankfully, quick reactions saved her and she knocked aside what would surely have been a life-threatening blow with her empty hand.

In response to their 'master's' command, the roof of the tower shook as the two golems began to make their way towards those surrounding O'beilumanji, the one nearest the stairs at a veritable snail's crawl.

Next Up: Enemy, Everyone Else
MAP: Arrowhead Citadel, (Round 478)

Rob: Since you forgot to take a move action last round, Amhranai may take a single move action without risking an AoO from the golems before she takes this round's actions.

"You're still just another misguided fool! Justice will be served!" Darvesch tells big O, as he swings around to flank him. "Alis! Withdraw! We'll handle this!" He tells her as his axe swings hard at O'beilumanji, hoping to strike true.

Amhranai smiled as the half elf darted past her and nearly laughed as Sasha blurted out a jumbled mess of words and scrambled to a hostage. With a shake of her head, the elf rounded the corner and ran towards the others, watching as Alis fell before O'beilumanji's assault. She broke into a run, knife held in a reverse grip, legs pumping furiously.

Attention fixed on the stricken half elf, Amhranai nearly missed O'beilumanji's form shift until he roared. A werewolf then, not a shapeshifter. Another nightmare from the past. As Alis evaded a flurry of attacks, Amhranai stretched out a hand to grasp the half elf's shoulder, light enveloping that hand before spreading into the wounded woman's body. In a harsh, breathless rasp, she urged, "Pass me the rod!"

Previous round: move to CW70
Move to CW71, cast Cure Light Wounds on Alis

Grak on the unspoken command from his mistress flies down and presses the attack against the beast man...

As Darvesch spun around behind his Frænka, he knew that the move would cost him. Yet if it meant sparing his cousin or someone else from having their face ripped off then so be it.

Yet just as he expected the impact, O'beilumanji instead hit the floor, legs swept out as Alis sought to protect her Frændi. Yet even at such a disadvantage, the bastard still managed to rake the back of his leg before the dwarf could bring his axe crashing down upon him.

Although it was a powerful blow, instead of disjointing an arm, or cracking a limb, the attack seemed to have been ablated in a fashion similar to the injury Alis has received only moments earlier.

"Zhusteece?" O'beilumanji's laugh was a tiger's growl, "Dere's nooo such ting!"

Amhranai was only a few steps behind Master Chief Ardagnir's charge when Alis swept O'beilumanji's legs. She could just make out the grunt of satisfaction from Malinda.

"A MAD BEAST DOESN'T GET A TRIAL," she aimed a blow to his neck, "IT GETS PUT DOWN!"

While the furious woman's blow might have shorn the head from a lesser man, the huge man-beast instead weathered the attack, a small trickle of blood matting his dark fur.

"What the hell are you, monster?"

Lureene watches the chaos unfold beneath her and is struck by a moment of indecision. How can I best help 'Lis and the others here? I know...if I can supress the effects of the controlling amulet for a few seconds, it MIGHTgive us an edge here.

Once again she utters a spell, pointing at the beast man below her. Hope this works...

While Lureene attempted her spell in vain and Grak harried O'beilumanji, biting and stinging him, Amhranai slipped up behind Alis to lay a healing hand upon the Princess.

"Aaaa!"

The sudden sensation made Alis shiver, a gasp parting her lips. So intent was the Princess upon O'beilumanji's however, that the priestess of Iscandü was not entirely certain her plea for the rod had been heard when Alis thrust it into her waiting hands.

We have him hemmed in. If I fly I can retreat to a safe distance, but... do we have time to dart about while those golems are still his?

Recollecting the talking to she received on a blood-stained beach a few short months ago, she exhales, "fall back, Amh," thru her teeth before retreating to a safe distance overhead. Yet in spite of the furious snarl that O'beilumanji gives as his quarry retreats, his claws unable to catch at her, Alis' expression remained stoic and calm.

As she raised her eyes to the heavens, the powerful and ancient hymn to Ilúvatar that Prince Tyralor had sung to her last night came to mind. And in that moment, her angelic voice turned into a choir thru the magic of her spellcraft, the Princess of Silverwake began to sing in the tongue Celestial!

"Hosana meus. Fortuna deus. Aeterna teus. Mystre, morte, sancte pior!"
Alis begins performing Inspire Courage!

Theme: Champion

"Fooor-tuuu-naaa. Hooosa-na dee-ee-us. Leeegiiiooonus ab cooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-maaa-aaeee...."

The Major had no idea what the words to Alis' song meant, but the power in them sent the thrill of adrenaline coursing thru the entirety of Isaac's being. While he was impressed that the others had mustered so quickly and that the Princess was able to take their foe off his feet, he was glad she had withdrawn to a safe distance. He had heard stories from soldiers of Obanohi warriors who were more beast than man, but he never imaged they were speaking literally and not figuratively!

And I thought he was ugly before!

Although the tall warrior's shout was drowned out was overshadowed by the celestial chorus overhead and Obeilumanji's cry of agony, shout the Marshal did as he delivered a deep wound to the criminal. Sparks showered from both golems' backs even as blood poured from the same spot on the downed man.

"Fooor-tuuunee-eee. Fooor-tu-na ee-eequis. Aaad pugnatoo-ooris ii-iin veritaaa-aaee-e-eee..."

While Ieana had read many a text written in ancient tongues, she could not say that she had ever heard such a piece performed. Of course, such scholarly field work as hers seldom afforded one the opportunity to engage in the same recreations as her more cosmopolitan colleagues, but then again encountering living hazards was also a rather new experience for her as well.

This certainly is exciting, I dare wonder what the good folk in the city deem of our spectacle...

Turning to regard the other golem that had just stepped over the firing arm of he trebuchet, the Malatestan wizardess pointed a finger and repeated her last spell. At least I am well acquainted with how to handle problems of this sort...

As the second golem also slowed to a crawl, she took a deep breath, smiling in satisfaction at her contrribution. And my over-sized countrymen deign that they perfected constructs before all other civilizations — the arrogance!

Sasha hummed along contentedly as she sliced thru the ropes binding the wrist and ankles of a dark-haired elvish woman. "So I told those guys he was an animal but would they listen? Nooo!"

As the woman frantically struggled to her feet, her look pleading, Sasha simply shook her head and pointed to the stairs. "Go on and run, I've got this!"

Looking up towards Alis she sighed and smiled dreamily. I wonder if Lissi could teach me to sing like that...

With a sigh, the carefree huntress set her eyes on the cute elf boy bound to one of the siege weapon's support braces. "Well hello!"

"Ho-sa-na meee-uuus. For-tu-na deee-uuus. Pro-te-go caauu-sa iiin saaanc-tuuus..."

From the western side of the citadel, a familiar hymn, still fresh in the Prince's memory quickened his pulse. When he had been lanced with pain, Alissariel's pain just moments before, he had rightly feared the worst.

"A-ter-nus praaaeee-tor. Firm-i-tas seeem-per, cooor-y-phaaa-ee-ee-us rex reg-is u-ni-veeerse..."

Yet hearing that holy hymn, recited for the Princess only once yet now sung with such majesty... Well, that wound that now bloodied his side troubled him little more than a prick of his finger. The woman whom he knew in his heart of hearts would change his destiny yet lived!

With one final surge of his mighty wings, the Prince of Del Synar shot high into the air, he himself appear unto others as if a member of the angelic host of which Alis now sang. Below, he beheld The Beast, yet there was another disturbance he sensed, as if Fate itself was drawing nigh. Again it was that tightening in his chest.

Yet again?! Does what transpires play some part in their greater schemes? NO! I shall defy you unto the end itself no matter how bitter!

Touching his side, the Prince closed his wound in preparation for what he knew must come next and looked to the sky above, his blade, Atharos, at the ready...

Tyralor casts CMW.

Next Up: Enemy, Everyone Else
MAP: Arrowhead Citadel, (Round 479)

Party Buffs:

• +4: Attacks & Damage (2 morale, 2 competence)
  
• +2: Saves & Other Checks (2 morale)

• A hp: 20 + 12 = 32/41
     (mage armor 0et, shield other 3md, resist fire 20 4db, see invisibility 4db, good hope r390, fly r550)
  
• M hp: 62 = 62/62
  
• D hp: 95 - 21 = 74/85
     (resist fire 20 4db, divine favor r483)
  
• I hp: 66 = 66/66
     (resist fire 20 4:45db)
  
• L hp: 55 = 55/55
     (mage armor 4md, shield r533)
  
• g: 47 = 47/47
     (invisibility r534)

• I hp: 60 = 60/60
  
• M hp: 90 = 90/90
     Str 13 + 3 = 16/ 18 -1 penalty
  
• S hp: 62 = 62/62
     (resist fire 20 4:45db)
  
• T hp: 44 + 2d8 + 7 ⇒ 44 + (6, 6) + 7 = 63/65
     (resist shock 20 3md, shield other: Alis 3md, 1 negative level 3md)
  

O'beilumanji growled in anger. Not only had his quarry humiliated twice over, but now she floated above, mocking his prowess. Meanwhile the stone men had become sluggish and his witch was nowhere to be seen.

Quickly he assessed his targets. The dwarf's axe was powerful, but it didn't make his flesh recoil the way the long-ears' accursed elven steel did. The tall one might have killed him if not for the protection that Lucretia informed him the stone men conferred. It was that simple, the tall man needed to die.

With extraordinary swiftness, O'beilumanji rolled backwards, flipping himself back to his feet in a single move. A searing blow from the blonde warrior caught him across the chest, but that was nothing compared to what he was about to do. "Jou gots nooo idea wat O'beilumanji's gunna do ta dat fiiine seestah o' jours!"

Even as a curse formed on Isaac's lips, a flurry of teeth and claws were upon him. Narrowly the major blocked one claw, then another, yet only too late did he realize O'beilumanji's true aim. With a savage roar, the man-beast clamped down on his throat with filthy, yellow fangs, tearing and rending at his neck in the hopes of opening his jugular!

Next Up: Enemy, Everyone Else
MAP: Arrowhead Citadel, (Round 479b)

Party Buffs:

• +4: Attacks & Damage (2 morale, 2 competence)
  
• +2: Saves & Other Checks (2 morale)

• A hp: 32 = 32/41
     (mage armor 0et, shield other 3md, resist fire 20 4db, see invisibility 4db, good hope r390, fly r550)
  
• M hp: 62 = 62/62
  
• D hp: 74 = 74/85
     (resist fire 20 4db, divine favor r483)
  
• I hp: 66 - 46 = 20/66
     (resist fire 20 4:45db)
  
• L hp: 55 = 55/55
     (mage armor 4md, shield r533)
  
• g: 47 = 47/47
     (invisibility r534)

• I hp: 60 = 60/60
  
• M hp: 90 = 90/90
     Str 13 + 3 = 16/ 18 -1 penalty
  
• S hp: 62 = 62/62
     (resist fire 20 4:45db)
  
• T hp: 63 = 63/65
     (resist shock 20 3md, shield other: Alis 3md, 1 negative level 3md)
  

"Pro-say Sol-is Hos-sa-na"

For a moment the Major thought he was done for. Surely the sound of an angelic choir meant he was going to see his mother again soon, right?

"Pro-te-go Sanc-tus Cau-sa"

When the Major finally managed to tear himself free, his vision was hazy, but he could see strips of flesh and bloody drool dripping from O'beilumanji's snarling maw.

"Pa-dre Il-lum-in-a-ta"

Yet in those burning, animalistic eyes, he also saw rage and frustration — he, the Marshal of Port Eldarion, was still standing, and that wasn't something the bastard had bargained for!

"Glo-ri-a in re-sur-rec-tem!"

"My sister?!" With blood in his eyes, Isaac ripped upward with his sabre, sheering thru O'beilumanji's armor and cloak to slice one of his ears clear off. Nearly unbalanced by the force of his own attack, he relented only slightly following up with a gash to the monster's face.

"There," he gasped, "now my men can recognize you!"

Shakily, and oblivious to the golem now looming behind him, Isaac waved Darvesch forward. "Close up the net, guys!"

Next Up: Enemy, Isaac, Everyone Else
MAP: Arrowhead Citadel, (Round 479c)

Jason: Please make an AoO as a follow-up to Isaac's crit from last round. I forgot about that benefit from Outflank. Also, if you wish to use Step Up and Strike, you may make a second AoO for that prior to this round's actions.

Darvesch slashes and swings his axe at every opportunity afforded to him. Even as the enemy tried to get away, his axe was able to find its way to its intended target. As he hacks and slashes, Darvesch lets his fury get the better of him, "RRRHHHAAAAAAHHH!!!"

"Pro-say Sol-is Hos-sa-na"

Even if the dwarf hadn't swept forward...

"Pro-te-go Sanc-tus Cau-sa"

Even if the Marshal, hadn't given the order...

"Pad-re Il-lum-in-a-ta"

There was no way anything other than elvish steel was going to put down the bastard who had murdered her commanding officer...

"Glo-ri-a In Un-um Di-em!"

...her lover.

Blade and axe, the powerful blows of elven and dwarven steel sent a network of deepening fractures through the golems, chunks of stone falling like rain with each attack. With a scream of pure hatred, the golems practically teetering overhead, she put everything she had into a single swing and struck!

Grak continues his assault, trying to keep the feelings of anguish emanating from his mistress from distracting him.

The sound of the Master Chief's blow striking home the tumult of the great stone golems breaking apart! Huge boulders crashed to the ground pelting Isaac with debris. Yet over it all could be heard O'beilumanji's wrathful screams as Grak repeatedly struck and shocked him from beyond reach. "Damn jou... Weetch! Lucretia, where jou at?!"

The man-beast's black fur now smoked and was matted to his dripping flesh with the blood that poured from myriad wounds. It looked as though with the slightest blow he would succumb to his wounds.

Next Up: Enemy, Isaac, Darvesch, Malinda, Grak, Everyone Else
MAP: Arrowhead Citadel, (Round 479d)

Lureene feels every telling blow Grak delivers to the murderous bastard who very nearly killed Isaac, with every blow her exultation grew deeper and deeper. As his golden wings tore into the beast-mans flesh, she knew the end for him drew nigh.

Hurt MY Marshal, will you...you BASTARD! Now you die!

Her voice rings out in response to his plea for help, a voice filled with righteous judgement. "She resides in HELL now, you murderous bastard! Now, you will join her."

She points a finger at him and pours extra magical energy into her spell. Five glowing darts of light streak to impact him!

Cast Magic Missile (Heightened); 3rd level spell slot used.

There is an audible *CRACK* as Lureene's missiles strike home and O'beilumanji teeters for a moment, clots of thick, black hair shedding from his face and limbs as he reverted to his human form. With his last bit of strength before his malicious heart beat no more, he pointed to the sky above, and thru teeth stained with blood, murmured, "Dat's right womun, jou come when O'beilumanji say..."

It was then, looking up that you saw IT.

There, high above Arrowhead Citadel, a dense rift of black lightning was tearing the sky apart. The sound like creation itself being torn asunder.

"Ter-ra Ten-ee-braaee."

Yet before it gleamed a tiny flame of hope...

"Tel-luu-ris Maaa-luuus."

Prince Tyralor and his burning sword, Atharos!

"Qui-se-re Peee-reee Cuuu-ri-aa-tuuus."

There like a firefly before the darkness,

"Gen-i-tor Eee-do. In Ex Doo-miii-no."

His voice now joined Alis' in holy praise...

Paaa-tris Il-lu-min-a-ta Ree-eex, Re-gis Uuu-nii-ii-VERS!"

...in defiance of Hell itself.

Knowing that they perhaps had only moments to prepare for whatever what about to appear, Alis gestured emphatically to Isaac and clapped her hand against her neck to indicate his injuries.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaaa!"

Even as the sky itself shattered and chunks of burning brimstone rained down, revealing a mass of black feathers, tattered robes, and a giant sythe, Alis' voice rang out against the din, her tiny form streaking upwards to the Prince's side. With a delicate touch, she imparted upon the Prince the only blessing she could hope to bestow — a measure of Súmalya's sacred sight.

NOTE: You each may take 1 round's worth of actions to prepare yourselves.