Wardove's Rumble in the Jungle

Game Master Laithoron

Even as Lureene slinks over to the giant-sized, dark-haired, and tanned Alis and kneels by her head, Darvesch lays a healing hand upon Sasha's forehead and calls out to her.

Instantly, her eyes flash open and she kicks herself back to her feet in a single motion, blades clenched in each hand and eyes darting about for a fight. Instantly spotting the two halves of the dead monkey and the headless giant, her eyes go wide and she gives Darvesch and his burning, bloody axe and nods her head, lower lip sticking out. "I'd have liked to see that, but niiice!"

With that she runs out the door and quickly discerns where Vechus is by his grunting. Looking behind her at the dwarf for a moment, she gives him a wolfish grin before quietly slipping into the fog bank.

A hp: 11 = 11/26
Non-L 13 = 13/26
D hp: 20 = 20/58
L hp: 7 = 7/41
P hp: 30 = 30/36

Aerys hp: 24 = 24/28
Gelik hp: 26 = 26/26
Jask hp: 12 = 12/12
Sasha hp: 8 + 17 = 25/46

Next Up: Priyya, Malikadna, Cullos, Giant Lizard, Swimmers, Vechus, Lureene, Darvesch, Sasha
MAP: V - Giant Cannibal Village, (Round 15b)

Can Priyya wield the sword without penalty for her AoO?

She can use it as a greatsword at a -2 penalty. Mind you, she has no idea what (if any) magical properties it might have.

Inappropriately Sized Weapons: A creature can't make optimum use of a weapon that isn't properly sized for it. A cumulative –2 penalty applies on attack rolls for each size category of difference between the size of its intended wielder and the size of its actual wielder.

Priyya lofts the massive sword and attempts to take off one of Vechus' grasping hands. She hopes the scorching blade has some other magical properties.

AoO - Single Hit (Greatsword):

MISS 01-20: 1d100 ⇒ 66
HIT: 1d20 + 8 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 1 - 2 = 22 power attack, oversize penalty
DAM: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 4) + 7 = 17

Waiting to see if I still have the sword before I post Priyya's actions.

Priyya swings and lands a solid blow against the giant who recoils in as much surprise as pain from the attack. As he clutches at the injury, a series of previously invisible runes along the weapon's fuller begin to glow with a whispy red glow.

F - R - G - R - CH

Seeing the glowing rune's all pretenses of cockiness vanish from Vechus' face, replaced instead with a look of urgency!

Justin: Priyya still has the sword.

Priyya sees the runes... Oh, this may have been a BAD idea. This could be the sacrificial blade. Maybe it calls that Devil? Maybe it feeds that Devil? On the other hand... what would be more appropriate than feeding one of these bastards to their own 'God'?

Priyya enjoys the poetic justice in using their own foul blade against these vile creatures. She swings the massive sword with all her might, screaming Alita's name, trying to cleave Vechus...

Fatigued after her exertion, Priyya lays a healing hand upon herself.

Standard Action - Single Hit (Greatsword):

MISS 01-20: 1d100 ⇒ 21 CLOSE!
HIT: 1d20 + 8 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 1 - 2 = 21 power attack, oversize penalty
DAM: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 5) + 7 = 17

Swift Action - Lay on Hands (self): 1d6 ⇒ 1

Holy Storm DAM for this round: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4
RND: 2 of 5

Priyya lands another might blow against Vechus even as the holy storm she conjured continues to boil away at his flesh. In desperation, he swings at her seemingly trying to end her in a single blow but he is unable to connect. Gritting his teeth so hard Priyya would swear she could hear them cracking, he turns tail and attempts to run!

Before her eyes, the runes reform themselves and begin glowing with a pale silvery-gold light...

S - K - TH - R

Mysteriously, Priyya suddenly senses an unforeseen opening in his defenses!

Justin: Make an attack of opportunity. Yes... another one.

Priyya is even MORE discomfited by the sword. What IS this thing?! Still, it is a chance to finish this battle and she takes it.

AoO (Greatsword):
HIT: 1d20 + 8 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 1 - 2 = 23 power attack, oversize penalty
DAM: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4) + 7 = 13

Priyya lands another hit on Vechus and he reels from the blow nearly dropping to the ground and he dashes out of the fog, his breathing ragged and his eyes frantic.

From a bit further away, she can hear Sasha say, "Oh hell no," followed by the sound of her running.

"Get back here, you bastard, your balls are about to drop... permanently!"

Turning his head aside, Vechus sees the fiery ranger close in on him. At the last second, he swings, attempting to knock her aside, but it serves only to worsen his wounds and he staggers.

"GOTCHA!"

The word sounds like a snarl as she thrusts her blade transfixing the giant's nethers with her thin blade. With a bloodcurdling cry, Vechus falls to the ground, spasming momentarily before he finally moves no more.

While Priyya cannot see her opponent's end, no sooner does the giant succumb to his wounds then she feels a shock of pain throughout her form as if she had just been flogged! The huge sword falls from Priyya's hands suddenly cold, and dark, a soft sizzling escaping as the flaming runes fade away.

With that, an eerie calm falls over the massacred village, only the sound of the high winds and thunder in the stormy sky breaking the silence.

A hp: 11 = 11/26
Non-L 13 = 13/26
D hp: 20 = 20/58
L hp: 7 = 7/41
P hp: 30 = 30/36
Non-L 1d6 ⇒ 3/36

Aerys hp: 24 = 24/28
Gelik hp: 26 = 26/26
Jask hp: 12 = 12/12
Sasha hp: 25 = 25/46

Next Up: Lureene, Darvesch; Priyya, Sasha, Malikadna, Swimmers
MAP: V - Giant Cannibal Village, (Round 15c)

Lureene notes the eerie quiet that has befallen the village. Even the witches' screams have fallen silent. She hopes everyone else has survived while she gently forces the healing Draught down Alis' throat...

Full round action: Administer Giant CLW potion to Alis.
Since there are 5 doses in the jug, Lureene will keep pouring them down her throat until Alis regains consciousness.
Dose 1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Dose 2: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Dose 3: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Dose 4: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Dose 5: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
EDIT: So it looks like it will take 3 doses. Not sure how long that will take.

Lureene tips Alis' head up and begins administering the healing draught. It doesn't take long before, the over-sized princess' face contorts in a grimace and she pushes Lureene's hand away.

"Uugh, eeuuk!"

She sits up sticking her tongue out as if trying to distance herself from it and rambles off a litany in what Lureene can only guess is her native elvish. After a moment, Alis looks down at her still-dark skin, simulated tattoos, and nigh nakedness and puts he heel of her palm to her forehead, eyes squinted shut.

Upon seeing El still kneeling on the ground, looking like a child's doll that had been run-over by a carriage, her blue-violet eyes go wide. "By the gods, El, thank you for waking me but are you alright?"

A hp: 11 + 4 + 5 = 20/26
Non-L 13 - 4 - 5 = 4/26
D hp: 20 = 20/58
L hp: 7 = 7/41
P hp: 30 = 30/36

Aerys hp: 24 = 24/28
Gelik hp: 26 = 26/26
Jask hp: 12 = 12/12
Sasha hp: 25 = 25/46

Lureene sighs in relief and hugs the oversized Princess, and also gives Alis a weak smile, ”Sorry, I think I got in the way of a BIG lizard and her offspring.” She glances around her, ”We should find the others, I know that giantess witch is still out there somewhere…”

Alis flinches at the mention of being trampled by the watch beast. "By the gods, you survived that? How are you even moving?"

She reaches up to her hair and pulls free a hairstick letting down the rest of her presently black tresses. It takes a moment, but when Alis taps her with it, she recognizes it for a healing wand.

"As for the wtich, I guess that would explain the unnatural storm that's still brewing. There, hopefully that will help a bit."

Next Up: Darvesch; Priyya, Sasha, Malikadna, Swimmers, Lureene, Alis
MAP: V - Giant Cannibal Village, (Round 15d)

A hp: 20 = 20/26
Non-L 4 = 4/26
D hp: 20 = 20/58
L hp: 7 + 1d8 + 3 ⇒ 7 + (7) + 3 = 17/41
P hp: 30 = 30/36

Aerys hp: 24 = 24/28
Gelik hp: 26 = 26/26
Jask hp: 12 = 12/12
Sasha hp: 25 = 25/46

Since my actions aren't likely to change... ;)

From the screams, Priyya can tell Vechus didn't get very far. She turns her face to the sky and enjoys the feel of the holy rain streaming down her face for a moment before work intrudes. She lugs the massive blade onto her shoulder, grateful for the belt granting her the strength required to lift it. She takes a moment heal some of her wounds before tromping resolutely out of the rain cloud.

The bedraggled, robed, woman surrounded by an Aasimar halo of witchfire emerges from the deluge. On her shoulder is an immense, steaming sword that is cooking the skin of her shoulder. She pays it no mind. Priyya gives Sasha a polite nod and surveys the scene with a look of veiled hostility. She growls like a drill instructor. "ALRIGHT... who is still alive?! Who needs healing?! SOUND OFF! We've got a lighthouse to raid, a WITCH to kill, and I'm running out of patience! Who's seen that flying b!tch?! This job isn't done until I'm putting a boot on her lifeless skull."

Swift Action - Lay on Hands (self): 1d6 ⇒ 2
Move Action - Pick up sword or bow or whatever
Move Action - Diagonal move to AB31.

Perception 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Darvesch runs outside, hoping to cleave another giant in twain. As he gets out the door, and looks around, he sighs with a bit of relief and speaks with heavy breath, "Is that it? I thought they'd put up more of a fight than that."

He pauses, lowers his axe, and looks at the wounded, "Everyone okay?"

AC25

With a "Hrmph!" Sasha idly pokes additional holes in Vechus' unmoving form.

"I'm banged-up, but I'll live. Tch– Did I really only get three of them? HEY TI– er... YOUR ROYAL A-NESS, NICE JOB WITH THE LEADER THERE, HE STOLE ALL MY KILLS!"

Turning around she looks at Priyya and the huge sword she is carrying and a single word escapes her: "Whoa!"

Lureene nearly sobs in relief when she hears Sasha’s voice, as she had not heard from her for a while and was worried sick about her. She helps Alis to her feet, a difficult task considering Alis’ larger frame. She grips her wand, ready in case the witch appears. ”We are coming…”

Double move to AB38.
She will delay for Alis to move first.

Alis' lip curls and she raises and eyebrow at Sasha's salutation. To Lureene she asks, "Did she just call me 'your royal anus'? Honestly, that woman..."

She smirks at Lureene's offer to help her to her feet and instead picks up. "You're so tiny, I could put you in my pocket! Well, provided I had any at this point."

With that, she jogs back around the corner. When Priyya and Sasha see her, they find that what little she was wearing is now reduced to shreds by flames and battle. Her hair looks like hell, she's covered in sweat, grime, and simulated tattoos, and her now black hair looks like harpies have been nesting in it. Were it not for the fact that her teeth are not chiseled to points, and her underlying beauty was not still apparent, you could easily mistake her for a savage.

"El got trampled by that lizard. I think she has a few crushed ribs, but we're not dead ye–EEE!!"

Upon seeing the near-naked dwarf, Alis' eyes go wide and she stands Lureene in front of herself, the winged blonde's head obscuring her womanhood before hopping behind the curtained entrance of the building where her retainer was so recently sheltering. Poking her head back out while clutching her hands to her bosom in embarrassment, she averts her gaze and says, "Ah... pleasure to meet you, Sir Dwarf, please forgive our shabby appearance, we were– DARVESCH HELLHAMMER?"

Standing in front of Princess Alis, Darvesch sees a lovely human woman barely out of her teens, or she would be human if not for the golden leathery wings attached to her back. Long blonde hair with streaks of brown and grey in it hangs down her shoulders. Pale creamy skin, dark blue-black eyes with long sooty black eyelashes, full, pouty lips, finely honed cheekbones and facial features complete the ensemble.

He also sees like Alis, she wears the scars of battle on her as she has blood splattered on her clothing, not to mention the bruises resulting from a recent trampling.

Lureene remembers her manners, and curtsies to the dwarf, "Pleased to meet you. I am Lureene Ourson, but you can call me El." she pauses and adds, "Are you related to Morgaard Hellhammer?"

"Alis? Are you okay!? I've been trying to find you! When I heard of the trouble in Dafar, I thought I'd come to see if you were alright.."

He clears his throat and gets his bearings, "My apologies everyone, I'm Darvesch, son of Morgaard, of the Hellhammer clan. If you don't mind, we have a witch to kill," looking down at his axe, then over in the direction of the pile of gear wishing for his armour, he asks, "Where is the hag?"

He'll move as close to Alis as possible.

Alis bites her lip and blushes not certain whether to be happy to see her 'cousin' or embarrassed that he actually recognizes her in such is disheveled and wanton-looking state. Seeing him walk over, she has a moment of panic then reaches up and yanks down the ratty curtain she's standing behind opting to wrap it around herself like an impromptu toga.

Better than giving him an eyeful at least...

She then points at herself and says, "Shazam!"

Instantly, there is a puff of lavender smoke and her complexion and hair color revert to normal, looking once more nice and tidy save for the dirty curtain enrobing her and a number of bruises that haven't healed yet. Normal that is save for the fact that she is still 10 feet tall.

Well damn, I was hoping I'd turn me-sized again.

"So, still saving princesses in your spare time, hmm?" she teases, "What has it been, 10 years, 15? Your beard has grown long since then!"

She kneels down and goes to give him a hug before hesitating and paffing him with another spell, this one to clean him up. Then with a big smile she gives her 'cousin' a giant-sized hug.

Upon seeing her bosom-buddy, Sasha runs up to Lureene and gives a hug that lifts her off her feet. "By the gods El, you look like hell! Anyway, short-stuff is right, we should do a bit more killing, but don't you dwarves always wear armor or something? It looked like there was a big pile of stuff inside. Pretty sure I got an eyeful of your Alis-us-ess' chest too."

Alis' eyes roll back into her head a bit at the sound of Sasha's voice.

"Really Sasha, just call me Alis, everyone else does. It's like A-list without the 't', it's not that hard. Anyway you're correct, we need equip and find that witch before anything else can happen."

As she gets up to head back inside with the others, Alis notices Priyya and the enormous sword she is carrying. Arching one golden eyebrow, she points at it daintily and asks, "Please tell me you aren't compensating for something, Priyya. Didn't I give you and Mal the other two charms from Aycenia? Oh, that's right, I gave one to Lureene and Mal had the other one. Speaking of which, where is Mal? I heard some screaming about him while I was dancing, but..."

Lureene throat catches as she recalls what happened to Mal. 'Lis, Mal was turned into an eel by that foul witch! I had to fly him over to the ocean or he otherwise would have drowned. He said he would guide the others back to Aycenia's tree...although I don't see how he can leave the ocean..."

She gives Alis a chance to digest that unpleasant news before continuing, "I know that witch needs to be killed but we should capture her first. She may have some information about why Ieana came to their camp."

Upon seeing her bosom-buddy, Sasha runs up to Lureene and gives a hug that lifts her off her feet. "By the gods El, you look like hell! Anyway, short-stuff is right, we should do a bit more killing, but don't you dwarves always wear armor or something? It looked like there was a big pile of stuff inside. Pretty sure I got an eyeful of your Alis-us-ess' chest too."

Lureene returns the hug fervently from Sasha, wincing only slightly at the jarring her bruised ribs are taking. She responds, "I am glad you found all of our equipment. The last I saw of them Aerys was guiding all of them down the cliff, so they should be well on their way by now."

"Really Sasha, just call me Alis, everyone else does. It's like A-list without the 't', it's not that hard. Anyway you're correct, we need equip and find that witch before anything else can happen."

Lureene glances southwards where she had heard the agonizing scream of Malikadna just a moment before. "I know she was in bad shape before, but I really don't like the idea of her running loose. what if she is telling Ieana about us right now?"

After glancing at the nearly naked dwarf, she averts her eyes and adds, "Maybe you're right 'Lis. Master Darvesch should be equipped right now."

"An eel?!" She looks around at the bodies everywhere and the battered condition everyone was in. "I'm glad the others escaped, but we were lucky to have survived without his help."

Looking at Darvesch's axe, she comments, "Lady Luck certainly is crafty. If you had not been here... Well, at any rate I'll break the enchantment on Mal later, but yes, let's get Darvesch suited-up. I–" she holds up her still normal-sized rapier, "well, I'm just going to have to put up with wearing this until Aycenia's magic wears off."

Suddenly Alis remembers herself and says, "Oh where are my manners! Everyone, Darvesch is the eldest son of my Uncle Morgaard. He 'saved' me when I 'slipped' off a balcony at Sis' at the reception following Sis' and my coronation ceremony. Darv', you've already met Lady Ourson, my retainer. The tall lady is Ms. Sasha Nevah, a hunter of no small skill."

Sasha grins and says, "We've seen each other at work!"

"And this rather dangerous looking woman with the surprisingly large sword is my friend Priyya. She is Surya-ka-Vahaak, a warrior priestess, a Lightbringer. It seems that Alcarienne and Súmalya have set us walking down the same road at the same time." She smiles and extends a hand toward her dwarven cousin, the other holding up her 'toga', "Not unlike your present situation. Quite the recurring theme, hmm?"

EVERYONE: Alright, Darvesch obviously needs to get into his armor, but he could use at least one person to help him so that it doesn't take forever. I'd like to hear from each of you on where you are and what you are doing. We don't need to take combat turns, but I will be tracking how much time is elapsing myself. Right now we're at the equivalent of Round 20.

Note: Priyya might be the best to help Darv' suit up since she actually has proficiency in Medium armor.

"I forgot how much importance you put into appearances." He chuckles, "You know this," pointing to Alis's makeshift tunic, "doesn't bother me." He pauses to catch his breath a moment, "You look stunning, by the way."

"In any case, I'm getting my armour. If someone could help, I'd appreciate it. It'd certainly speed up the process of killing this witch. Does anyone know where she went, by chance?"

He'll quickly get his armour and shield, carrying it out to the group, and suit up.

A look of bemusement crosses Alis' features. "If more people at court were so adept at seeing thru one's 'armor', I suspect my dear Lord Aernelóth would be a very bored tailor indeed! And thank you, Darvesch, that's very sweet."

Looking up at the still-churning clouds, she comments, "Is it just me or is the witch still controlling the weather over this site?"

Looking out past the peninsula, you can see that the clouds elsewhere remain unchanged.

"She must still be close, otherwise the spell would end and this thunderstorm would end... right El?"

All of you spend a moment scanning the nearby area to see if you can discern where Malikadna might be but you come up empty-handed.

Frowning, Alis says, "Well, I'm heading indoors for now. She nearly hit me with one lightning bolt already, I don't want to give her a free shot. Priyya, could you please help Darvesch with his armor and perhaps beseech Alcarienne to mend our injuries?"

With that, Alis heads inside and begins looking thru her trunk for anything she can wear that's more suitable than the filthy curtain she has on. Ultimately, she ends up cutting a slit in a long banner bearing her heraldry, slipping it over her head and tying a rope around her waist to form a makeshift tunic.

"'Lis you are right, Malikadna is still nearby."

Lureene sends a mental command to Grak to rejoin the rest of the party, and motions for Priyya to hold off on her healing until he can also benefit from it. On seeing the dwarf head to the tower, she adds ”Maybe we should all stay in the tower to equip yourself Master Darvesch. Also, Priyya, If I may…” as she reaches for the sword, she chants a magical spell.

Lureene will cast Detect Magic and examine the sword.
Spellcraft 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Priyya nods to acknowledge Darvesch and immediately sets about getting him suited up for combat. When not doing that, she heals the group en-masse.

Priyya turns over the sword without complaint and describes what happened after each time she hit Vachus with the blade.

Standard Action - 30' rad burst; Will Save DC:16 for 1/2 DAM
Channel Positive Energy: 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6) + (5, 1) = 14 Phylactery

Standard Action - 30' rad burst; Will Save DC:16 for 1/2 DAM
Channel Positive Energy: 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 6) + (2, 1) = 13 Phylactery

Let me know if more healing is needed on an individual or group basis.

Sorry, work continues to be really busy here. Crazy week.

It doesn't take long for Grak to fly back carrying Alis' small pack with him. He nervously reports about the giant leading the huge lizard down the path and how about a minute or two later Talvyra swam past carrying the old man while the dark-haired elf and the gnome followed.

He also mentions seeing eerie green shapes floating in the water and that the gnome was afraid of them. During the minute or so it takes the flying serpent to give his lisping report, Priyya heals most everyone's wounds. Yet as she helps Darvesch gird himself in his surprisingly lightweight armor, she finds that Morgaard's sturdy son is still not in peak condition having suffered quite a beating during his liberation.

After following Alis' lead and making an impromptu tunic for Darvesch, it takes the pair about two minutes to finish equipping his armor while Sasha quietly keeps watch in the doorway, bow at the ready.

S 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19 giant
S 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

A hp: 20 + 14 + 13 = 47/26
D hp: 20 + 14 + 13 = 47/58
L hp: 17 + 14 + 13 = 44/41
     g: 5 + 14 + 13 = 32/20
P hp: 30 + 14 + 13 = 57/36

Sasha hp: 25 + 14 + 13 = 52/46

Never one to skimp on healing, Priyya casts a small spell and lays a hand on the dwarf. "Good as new, Master Darvesch. Try to stay that way."

Cure Light Wounds
RANGE: Touch
HEAL: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Although Alis doesn't actually need any help getting dressed, Lureene stays with her by the broken door to ensure her privacy whilst examining the giant 20-pound blade.

Her attempts to discern its properties meet with frustration, but she announces that it has a very strong aura surpassing anything currently in the party's possession. Realizing that she'll have to wait until she or Alis can cast an identify spell.

Along the fuller, she sees the runes and ponders them for a moment:
F - R - G - R - CH

When Lureene mentions it to Alis, she says, "It sounds like all of the vowels have been left out. I don't recognize the language off-hand, but the styling of the runes looks similar to the magical texts that I remember 'Sis studying..."

A hp: 26 = 26/26
D hp: 47 + 11 = 58/58
L hp: 41 = 41/41
     g: 20 = 20/20
P hp: 36 = 36/36

Sasha hp: 46 = 46/46

Lureene sighs in frustration, ”’Lis, I cannot make sense of these runes, as I did not prepare that cantrip for the day. I do have a scroll of identifying, but perhaps we should wait until we have dealt with the witch permanently.”

She glances to where Sasha is standing guard, ”Do you think she fled the village?”

"..."

"Oh ok, just a moment, I have a prism in my pack here..."

Not standing next to the broken door like Lureene, as she begins fishing around for it she asks, "What did Sasha say?"

Lureene stares confused as she is sure she saw Sasha move her body, but she could not hear her response. She grips the hilt of her rapier and waves a negative response to Alis.

Has the area gone silent?

Either Sasha didn't hear Lureene, or she's ignoring her. She remains unmoving and silent, back to the guard room as she maintains her watch from the doorway.

Inside the walkway, Alis raises an eyebrow at Lureene's gesture as she pulls out the prism and casts read magic. After a moment, she looks up again. "It says 'Fragarach'."

Upon calling out the word, the runes begin to glow once more, fading out a few moments later as Alis quickly lops back from it. "Well... that was creepy! HEY PRIYYA, THE RUNES ON YOUR SWORD LIT UP WHEN I PRONOUNCED THEM..."

MAP: V - Giant Cannibal Village, (Round 80ish)

After putting on his armour, and picking up his shield, he walks to the doorway to talk to the group AF18, "So, should we check the buildings manually? Or, if you'd like, I can use a trick I know to check inside the buildings.. It takes a minute to get working, so the decision is mostly about how much time you want to save."

"I can go with you..."

Alis looks up from the gigantic sword and says, "Somehow I think if we stay outside the witch might come find us first but..." She gets up and moves over to the doorway so she can see Priyya, "What do you think, send Darvesch and Sasha out? Don't forget there are still the two in the lighthouse. From where you found that sword, I'd guess one of them dropped it outside for their leader to use."

"What should we do about the ones hiding in the tower?"

He turns to Sasha, "I'd appreciate that, thank you. It seems brawn wins out this time. Let's go find that witch. Want to check the buildings widdershins?"

In case anyone doesn't know, widdershins is counter-clockwise.

Inside the walkway, Alis raises an eyebrow at Lureene's gesture as she pulls out the prism and casts read magic. After a moment, she looks up again. "It says 'Fragarach'."

Lureene stares at the blade with a newfound sense of respect for it, tinged with a bit of fear. "'Lis, from what Priyya has told me of the effects she felt when she weilded it, this blade is extremely powerful. I wonder if perhaps this blade is what Ieana was seeking here."

"What should we do about the ones hiding in the tower?"

"Let's try talking with them first. I know that brute Cullen is still out there, so maybe we allow them to leave so they can rejoin him and his pet, in exchange for some information." She laughs softly, "It would be a dream come true for him, to have two giantesses for his new harem!"

"That'll do just fine. I'm sure Cullen would love that," he chuckles.
His face becomes serious, as he remembers the horrible sounds of the "feast", "Let's hold off on that till after we're done with the witch, I think. My axe is thirsty, so long as she lives, she's a threat. Justice must be served for what she's done."

To Alis, Priyya says, Don't forget that on the second blow another set of runes appeared and glowed in a different color altogether. They were S - K - TH - R."

"It would be a dream come true for him, to have two giantesses for his new harem!"

Priyya's expression sours. "None shall be left alive to breed another foul generation." Her tone lightens, "If this sword is what Ieana desired, she would have it already.... so I think she is after something else."

Alis looks up from the gigantic sword and says, "Somehow I think if we stay outside the witch might come find us first but..." She gets up and moves over to the doorway so she can see Priyya, "What do you think, send Darvesch and Sasha out? Don't forget there are still the two in the lighthouse. From where you found that sword, I'd guess one of them dropped it outside for their leader to use."

Priyya shrugs, "The two in the tower aren't warriors, I think. The witch is the threat. Let's get her first and then deal with the tower. As for who should go... If Darvesch can find the witch, so much the better. Sasha or myself or both of us should go with him. The hag is still under my Smite and I have yet to satisfactorily put arrow or blade to her."

Lureene chimes in, "Grak should go with you. He informs me he can scent the witches' foul odor with his tongue. That should prove useful in case she uses magic to hide herself from your sight. Plus we are bonded and he can warn you if 'Lis and I get into trouble."

She looks at the blade 'Fragarach', and adds "Would the blade be safe in your chest, 'Lis?"

Don't forget that on the second blow another set of runes appeared and glowed in a different color altogether. They were S - K - TH - R."

"Hmm, so it sounds like its power must be tied to actually being used... Well, if someone wanted to try using it, I could try reading any new runes that appear. Not that the middle of a battle is an ideal time to get scholarly mind you..."

"Would the blade be safe in your chest, 'Lis?"

The princess pouts a bit at Lureene's suggestion. "Just because I have such a big chest doesn't mean I want to go sticking strange things in there. We still don't know what it does yet, El."