Guruthos nimbly tucks his bow against his body and performs something akin to a judo roll over some fallen debris, using his momentum to shove off the ground and land on the nearby bed, facing Hanzo and his foe. His shin slams kinda hard onto the frame's broadside edge. In moments though, he nocks his next arrow aims and lets it fly. Unforturnately, the mattress isn't very steady and the arrow shoots higher than it should. It doesn't hit Hanzo, nowhere close. But it doesn't hit the Centipede either. it clacks against the wall and falls to the ground.
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: Poisoned; 1pt Dex dmg
Joriannika HP: 9/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17/13/14 Status: Poisoned; 1pt NL dmg, 1pt Dex dmgNPCS:
Giant Centipede (red) HP: ? AC: ?
Giant Centipede (green) HP: -5 AC: ?
The sound of that horrible tongue... the poison coursing through his veins... the site of Hanzo (the closest he has to what he might consider a "friend") fighting, cornered and alone... Guruthos fights to clear his head, and decides to put his own safety aside and take action. I can't concern myself with Thomas now. I must focus.
If he can make it to the bed on opposite side of the green monstrosity attacking him, he might be able to take aim at the other beast, and give Hanzo a chance. Let the others deal with the closer threat.
[dice=acrobatics]1d20+7 ((tumbling/parkour to the first bed on the far side of the green thing))
[dice=longbow]1d20-1 ((attack +3, -4 firing into melee))
[dice=damage(if hit)]1d8((edit: an attempt was made. Just let me know where I end up.))
With Thomas yelling, Joriannika talking, and Guruthos bouncing off the walls and furniture (and his arrows too), Hanzo gave up his hope of staying quiet. He had gotten turned around somehow, and had advanced into the bug room instead of pulling back to where the others were. That left him alone with the red-armored centipede.
He drew his second knife, then slashed at the bug with the first one, hoping to carve off its antennae at least, and give it second thoughts about attacking. "Leave me or lose it, you disgusting bug!"
Too wary of those stinging mandibles, he wasn't able to rip loose anything important.
Joriannika whipped her rapier about to dissuade the centipede from getting any closer. "Guruthos! Don't worry, we'll kill this thing before it bites you again!" Astounded by his agility, she didn't let it let her guard down.
The poison coursing through Guruthos' veins must not have been a very large dose from the Centipede, as the worst seemed to be over. The elf no longer felt that tingly burn traveling up his leg. He still felt a little drained, though.
Hanzo, Fort save please!
----
About to leave work, the centipedes will attack shortly after I'm home.
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: Poisoned; 1pt Dex dmg
Joriannika HP: 9/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17/13/14 Status: Poisoned; 1pt NL dmg, 1pt Dex dmgNPCS:
Giant Centipede (red) HP: ? AC: ?
Giant Centipede (green) HP: -5 AC: ?
Gah, the dicebot strikes again! D:
[dice=Fort save]1d20 Gah, the dicebot strikes again! D:
Check the discussion feed
While the elf's blood and body was able to withstand the venom of the giant insect's bite, Hanzo was less lucky. The poison was beginning to affect him.
**
Centipede (Red): Rather than attacking the rogue again, the creature seems to lose interest and instead begins to climb the wall.
Hanzo, while hurting, isn't down yet. He thinks he has an opening to strike.
If nothing happens, the Red Centipede will crawl up the wall and across the ceiling.
**
Centipede (Green): Painfully, the insect whips around at the sound of Joriannika's voice. Perhaps it thinks her easy prey. Perhaps, in it' current condition, it seeks easy prey. Whatever the reason, it attaks!
pts Dex damage
But the damage it's received has definitely taken a toll. It falls short of its target and immediately assumes a defensive position, dozens of feet and rows upon rows of razor like teeth behind the chomping mandibles.
Bold may act: Thomas, Joriannika, Guruthos, Hanzo, Creatures.
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: Poisoned; 1pt Dex dmg
Joriannika HP: 9/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17/13/14 Status: Poisoned; 1pt NL dmg, 2pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Giant Centipede (red) HP: ? AC: ?
Giant Centipede (green) HP: -5 AC: 21
Leaving the green monster to Thomas and Joriannika, the masked elf, bounds westward through the room to stand on the opposite side of the red bug from Hanzo, dropping his bow and drawing a wicked punching dagger as he moves.
Only after his first shout he noticed that he was speaking his language again. He was in control again. Thomas felt like he was only riding along, having to share his body and mind. It was a feeling he hadn't had in a long time now. But the stress of his friend and allies in danger made him vulnerable apparently.
Now, that creatured attacked poor Joriannka, who was doing her best at defending herself with a rapier, however without success.
Thomas stayed quiet this time and took a small step backwards to account for his long spear.
With a hefty blow between the centipede's armor shells he thought: That should be enough for the beast.
With remarkable agility and strength, everyone's favorite silent elf came up behind the vermin about to clamber up the wall and struck. The punching dagger found a nice niche between armor plates and sunk in. The creature screeched, if you can call it that, and released the wall, falling on its back.
Guruthos dodges the body effortlessly.
Over the next few seconds, the centipede writhes on the floor on its back, helpless. Its squishy underbelly now exposed.
Thomas thrust his spear at his foe and plunged it between two of its armor shells. The creature writhed in pain, making an awful noise. Then it fell to the floor. Its antennae still moved, and many legs were furiously moving. A noticeable twitch occurred every few seconds or so. Was it dead? Or just unconscious? Either way, it currently was a threat.
Bold may act: Joriannika, Hanzo,Guruthos, Thomas, Centipede
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: Poisoned; 1pt Dex dmg
Joriannika HP: 9/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17/13/14 Status: Poisoned; 1pt NL dmg, 2pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Giant Centipede (red) Damage: -4 (1/5) AC: 22 Status: Helpless
Giant Centipede (green)Damage: -15 (-10/5) AC: 21 Status: Dead? Helpless
Guruthos had risked himself to save Hanzo! Surprised by this turn of events, Hanzo nevertheless took the chance that Guruthos had provided without hesitation. He moved to flank the hideous insect and slashed with both knives at its belly.
"Eugh," he grimaced as he dodged back from the creature's stingers.
Joriannika utilized similar tactics against the green beast. "Why, that's the most god-awful thing I've seen all week, pardon my saying so," she said, never taking her eyes off the centipede despite the truly crushing blow Thomas had dealt it.
Just to be certain, she stabbed it a few times in the head.
Hanzo stabbed down with both his daggers into the belly of the beast...however the venom in his veins seemed to be getting stronger, making him unsteady, and one dagger missed entirely, stabbing the ground. The dagger that pierced the unarmored gray flesh went in deep, creating satisfying, if sickening, squishy squeegee sounds. This was also, apparently, enough motivation for the centipede to writhe so much it had enough momentum to flip back over. It immediately attempted to get away.
The green centipede is now dead as Joriannika delivers a stylishly deadly coup de grace.
Hanzo and Guruthos may each make an Attack of Opportunity if they wish.
If the creature isn't slain by those attacks, if they take them, the centipede is running E/NE. Thomas, Joriannika may act as well.
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Joriannika HP: 9/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17/13/14 Status: Poisoned; 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Giant Centipede (red) Damage: -7 (-2/5) AC: 22 Status:
Giant Centipede (green)Damage: -15 (-10/5) AC: 21 Status: Dead!
Guruthos sees the massive bug attempting to wriggle away and takes a shot.
Still enraged Thomas moves upwards to look around the corner. While passing the dead vermin he stomps his boot strongly on the thing's face. When reaching the corner and seeing the other vermin still alive he moves towards it.
Quick to press the advantage, Hanzo whicked out his knife at the fleeing vermin's legs.
+2 if flanking
"Is it... is it hot in here?" he asked Guruthos, beginning to sweat and weave a little.
Joriannika was just about done poking holes in the writhing green centipede's head when Thomas rushed past, stomping it hard on the way. A gout of goo flew everywhere, and Joriannika yelped and hopped out of the way.
Looking a little sheepish at her outburst, she shook her head and followed Thomas. "I'm not having lunch, I can tell you that much! Did you see that glop spray... *hurp* *urgh*" She held the back of her wrist to her mouth, eyes narrowed at the very memory.
As Thomas rounded the corner, Hanzo, seeking to repay the vermin for the inconveniences caused, struck out, slicing the insect at various places. Blood and innards began to poor out as the creature hissed and shrieked before collapsing. Unlike the other, this one only twitched for a few seconds before everything went completely still.
And, as if the poison in the venom were tied to the life of the creature, Hanzo felt a slight shift in his veins. The toxin seemed to have run its course, but it had taken a penalty.
COMBAT OVER!
I believe the only light now is coming from Thomas' spear. There might be a flickering torch on the ground somewhere that can be full re-lit.
What do you do?
Global Condition: None |Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 10/10 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 5/8 AC: 15/13/12 Status: 1pt DEX dmg (no penalty)
Joriannika HP: 9/9 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 6/10 AC: 17/13/14 Status: 1pt NL dmg, 3pt Dex dmg (-1 Penalty)NPCS:
Giant Centipede (red) Damage: -15 (-10/5) AC: 13 Status: Dead!
Giant Centipede (green)Damage: -15 (-10/5) AC: 21 Status: Dead!
Thomas felt relieved when the situation calmed down and everybody was fine. A deep relief, that [i]he[(i] was gone, too.
"Is everybody fine? Hanzo, you look you've been bitten?"
His adrenaline still surging, Guruthos squares his body towards Thomas, punching dagger clenched at the read at his side. His eyes narrow, he takes a step back, points at Thomas and, in a voice which seems to emanate from the very Boneyard itself, he demands, "Explain yourself! Why do you speak with a wicked tongue?!"
Surprised by the stiff tone Thomas holds up his hands with the inner side showing towards Guruthos as if he wants calm him. "Chill, buddy. everything's fine." Thomas took a deep breath. Calmly he went on: "You're right, I should explain. I would have told you sooner, but honestly we never had the chance. Well, It's actually simple to explain. In the past, at home, I had a very personal and horrifying accident. This left marks that never completely went away. Now, whenever I get agitated my mind switches to this horrible -or wicked, as you said so nicely- language. I can't explain why. Maybe it's a defense mechanism, maybe a warning. But look at me, I'm fine." He points his fingers inward to himself.
Hanzo nodded and was about to answer Thomas when Guruthos made his demand. "Whoa there, pal," he said, putting his hands up like Thomas momentarily, before remembering that there were knives in them and that that probably wasn't helping a peaceful atmosphere.
Sagging against the wall to help his still-spinning head, he made his knives disappear back into his sleeves, and squinted at Thomas. "Wicked language? That's weird. Why is it wicked? Is it Chelish?" he joked with a weak grin.
Joriannika had been startled into silence by Guruthos, but now she exclaimed, "Strange language issues or not, you've both been hurt! I kind of expect that those things aren't the most dangerous thing we'll find down here, so maybe Thomas should save his healing? I'm willing to try my hand at patching you up, but you should know that the most I can do is put some bandages on there."
She glanced at Thomas. "I'm sorry you had a bad accident," she said gently. "But you still became who you are today! The best possible outcome," she added with a smile.
Rolling up her sleeves, she pointed at Guruthos and Hanzo. "So, who wants to rip up their clothes for clean bandages first?"
Hanzo, who had no intention of ripping up his clothes, pointed at Guruthos.
The masked elf stares at the oracle, assessing his words. He makes no attempt to hide his lack of trust. He waves the concerned lady and the other rogue away, then walks away from the group, keeping them in the corner of his eye.
Why do they believe his story? Are they so sheltered that they do recognize a language of pure evil when they hear it? I should depart from these fools before his true nature shows itself!
He recovers his dropped torch, takes a moment to relight it. As he turns, he sees them tending to Hanzo's wounds.
And what if I'm the fool?
The masked elf stopsm staring at them under the flicker of his torch.
His voice is repulsive; but no more so than my own. He bears the marks of darkness, but so do I. Maybe he is lying, but maybe he is not.
He looks from the group, then to the ladder, then back towards the group.
If I do leave now, where will I go; what will I do? Return to a life of running, hiding, and scavenging? Where will that path take me?"
His eyes come to rest on the iron maiden a few feet away, and a shudder ripples through him.
Very well, I will stay for now.
He turns his attention towards the torture device, looking for any hidden traps, and if none are found, to find a way to open it and examine the remains of the poor bastard inside.
Guruthos feels for and finds the latch on the side that keeps the iron maiden shut. It takes quite a bit of effort to flip the latch because, as the elf noticed earlier, this Iron Maiden looks ancient. You'd wager it's been at least several hundred years since this was opened. He is able to get it though. The door itself is on a weighted hinge that assists him, causing the door to open easier than he would have expected. Immediately, the skeletal remains come crashing out of the torture device.
Luckily, Guruthos was expecting it, and dodges out of the way.
Thomas remembers seeing an old iron door to the south. After checking if it was open, he asked "Can someone open this?" He pointed his spear to the door.
The elf watches the corpse crash to the floor, then holds a hand to his chest and makes a spiraling motion. He gathers what he can of them and places them on a nearby bed, then inspects the inside of the iron maiden.
"I can," both Hanzo and Joriannika said at the same time. They stared at each other for a moment, perhaps wondering just where the other learned such things, and why.
Then Guruthos released the corpse, and Joriannika was distracted by it.
With a shrug, Hanzo went to see if the door could be opened. He didn't want to contract any ancient diseases from mummified corpses.
EDIT: Whoops, that was a Dex skill. Fixed!
Joriannika exclaimed when the body hit the floor, and went to help Guruthos carry it to the bed (tsking at his refusal of bandages). She hesitated when he went back to the iron maiden, studiously not looking at the "statue."
"Maybe we should say a few words over this poor soul," she said, gazing at the remains.
As Guruthos picks up bones to carry to one of the cots, he spots a rusty metal key on a rusty metal key ring. Perhaps this unfortunate fella was the warden or jailer? Maybe this key will go to the door?
Guruthos hands it to the lady and heads over to inspect the torture device. Something catches his eye. The fire light reflecting off something to the west of iron maiden. In a pile of rubble that looks like it could have been the centipede's den, you spot an iron case, tightly latched, but no lock.
Before you can do anything else though, everyone is startled by the sudden and very loud creaking of old rusty metal as the door swings open very slowly. Hanzo is still kneeling on the ground after unlocking this door. The corridor beyond is pitch black. The air becomes much more dank and musky as it enters the room.
"Good job." Thomas was standing in the middle of the room such that Hanzo had some light for the lock but also that Jori could at least roughly see what she was doing. But he was mostly observing the lockpicker.
A low growl emanates from Guruthes, irritated by his companions' lack of subtlety. He peers down the corridor to make sure no more creatures are coming forth to attack.
He then turns back to the iron case, and inspects it well for danger before investigating its contents.
You hear nothing coming from beyond the chamber. The case looks like a simple, though quality, storage case. It has a few dents and non-deliberate looking scratches on it, probably from the insects crawling over it and what not. You open the case and find a pair of mithral daggers with a strange series of notches carved into the flat of each blade.
Guruthos hesitates, then turns to show the daggers (still in the case) to the others.
"We should go on. Guruthos, If you're still with us, would like to take the lead again? You seem to have a knack for scouting. I myself am much to clumsy for that. Jori, have you finished your prayers?"
Hanzo stood from where he had been kneeling by the door, letting out a long, low whistle at the sight of the daggers. "Nice find!" He sidled over to get a closer look at them. "What are those notches for?"
Joriannika finished her silent prayer to Shelyn, made a quick gesture over the body, and turned to see what the others had found. "I'm glad you're still here, Guruthos. Thomas can't help what happened to him as a child. Does that language mean anything special to you? If you don't want to be the vanguard, I don't mind doing it, though I can't see as well as an elf in the dark."
She continued to chatter nervously as she peered into the dark corridor.
Guruthos looks at the find, takes one of the daggers and slides it under his belt, then hands the other to Hanzo.
Hanzo gaped as Guruthos handed him one of the fancy-looking daggers. It looked like it had to be worth at least a hundred gold! "Th-thank you," he managed to stammer as the elf turned away. Stunned by both Guruthos' generosity and his own good fortune, he quickly dropped one of his regular knives out of his sleeve, sticking it in his boot, and replaced it with the new, shiny blade.
Then he nodded to Guruthos. "Don't worry. I'll go in with you. I've got your back." He refrained from clapping Guruthos on the shoulder, since the elf seemed a bit prickly, but his grin was engaging as he nodded to the others.
Joriannika beamed at the two. "Sharing is the first sign of a great friendship," she opined optimistically. She smiled and nudged Thomas with her elbow. "Well, that and saving people from bandits and drowning!"
She poked her head into the dark passage. "Surely the kobolds didn't come from here? How would they get through the locked door?" She wrinkled her nose. "Smells old."
Doing his best to ignore Joriannika's chipper musings, Guruthos steps past the others and holds his torch at the entrance of the corridor, then waits to see if the others will follow.
Numerous jail cells line these long-abandoned corridors. Each of their solid iron doors hangs ajar, and includes both a peephole at eye level, covered with a piece of sliding metal, and a smaller slot for food and water at floor level.
"I will stay in the back, that way we have the most optimal lighting. And we can't get back-stabbed...Guru, you just go ahead and choose the path. We'll follow."
Guruthos considers whether he can trust these people behind him, then dismisses the thought as his own paranoia. They've fought by your side. Even the wicked-tongued man has made no acts of aggression towards you. Be alert, but move on.
He moves to his left and peers around the corner. If everything looks clear, he will inspect both cells on the East wall, then turn down the first corridor. Before opening any doors, he will inspect for traps.
Guruthos silently begins inspecting the firsts of what looks like jail or dungeon cells, starting in the eastern corridor. He methodically checks the area around each door, high and low, before creeping around it, peering inside and immediately back out, in case something shoots at him or something. But nothing happens. Each cell is empty, containing maybe a small pallet meant to be a bed, perhaps a basin bodily wastes and fluids. None of the cells Guruthos checks have remains or creatures of any kind in them.
After checking the first two cells, you turn east to check that corridor and notice something off about the wall. Perhaps it was better hidden back in the day, but an obvious secret door is set in the southern wall.
Thomas was neither the stealthy nor the patient type. But he did his best to follow Guru's example.
