"Quicklings are very nimble and fast," Annalla shouts out even though the question wasn't asked of her. "Does anyone have any magic that can slow them down? They really don't like that."
She turns and looks at the others.
"Someone open that damned gate!" she yells.
A spell follows and her form shimmers with a blue aura for a moment before it fades.
Sophie is taken aback when she hears the screams, ”Satyr’s b@#&*~&s,” she mutters, ”we’re coming, it turns invisible and moves fast. But you probably know that. Use your powder if you have it.” A pause ”why isn’t Bella talking?”, and she quickly climbs up the rope, gesturing for Bjorn to offer to carry Annalla.
Sophie adroitly gets to the top of the wall, and looks down.
Bjorn waits a very short time for Annalla to decide, looking like he’s about to get mad at the rope. He gestures at his back for her to get on piggyback style.
"Uh, what are you ...?" the sorceress questions before realizing what he's offering. "Uh, ok?"
Quite nervous about the situation, she wraps her arms around the man's neck and holds on as tight as she can without choking him.
When everyone wakes in the morning Orri isn't in the camp. Eventually though he comes sauntering in to join the others a big smile on his face. He looks refreshed and in a better place than he has been for awhile now. He looks around to the others some happy, but most seemingly in a bad mood as he notes with a grin "Quite the hospitable hosts we had..."
He promptly packs up his stuff as he hums an upbeat tune and readies to depart with everyone else.
Orri is surprised as things quickly start to go to hell and rushes toward the rope to begin climbing as well as quickly as possible.
The quickling rushes forward like a silver streak, and just as he gets close Chrysa tries to throw the readied powder in his face! He easily dodges it, but fails to connect with his blade as well. He springs away easily, and calls out ”Ha!Thatthebestyougot?Thisisgonnabesoeasy!”
Spotting the blurry form of the quickling, Sophie conjures purple fire from the around the creature. Heatless, it nonetheless rimes the creature with an outline of light, bringing into definition some of the being’s innate blurriness.
Sophie nods at Bjorn, who attempts to climb down the inner side, to get to Bella, whether Annalla continues her ride or otherwise.
He gets to the bottom with aplomb.
Negative Effects: None
Positive Effects: None
HP: 34/34
AC: 21 (Base 21)
Touch AC: 11 (Base 11)
Spells Memorized
. . 2nd—
. . 1st— ant haul[APG] (DC 15), produce flame, cure light wounds
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, grasp, guidance, light
2/5 rounds of controlled inspired rage used.
0/7 rounds of primal nature’s bond
Bjorn
Negative Effects: None
Positive Effects: Rage (+4 str/con, -2 ac, +2 will)
HP: 34/34
AC: 22 (Base 24, -2 rage)
2/6 rounds of regular rage used
As soon as she hits the ground, Annalla races over to where Isabella rests, prone.
"Fàg sinn nar n-aonar, a bhiast fiadhaich!" the android spits out at the blurry figure.
She gestures with her hand and a swath of swirling colors spreads out from her towards the creature.
Orri pulls out some of his own rope and finds a place to tie it off and drop it down so everyone can get down a little bit easier.
"A stupid little fey creature needing stealth to confront anyone... two can play that game" Chrysa sneers and then disappears.
Seeing his ability to hide and obscure himself thwarted for the moment, the quickling sneers and says ”Fine!I’llseeyashortly!” before running off to the south and through what seems to be a breech in the wall.
"shit" a voice says from nowhere. The Chrysa is suddenly kneeling next to the fallen warrior woman "Anna, hold her head." unstoppering her smelling salts she waves it under Bella's nose.
Annalla keeps watch for the malevolent fey, but lifts Isabella's head gently, brushing hair back from her face.
Isabella continues to remain motionless.
Like sleeping beauty.
"Shit" another curse from the young woman when her friend stays in slumber land. Looking up at the concerned lady of blue, "If you watch her, I'll see what to do about the door."
"One moment... I think I have it..." she repeats over and over every minute or so until CLICK.
Chrysa spends a couple minutes studying the trap. She sees that it can be reset manually through some cleverly hidden cords and pulleys, then properly disengaged once the portcullis is raised. The whole process takes about ten minutes.
"There!" she waves at her disbelieving companions. "Just took a while... a long while... i need more practice."
”Hehehehehehe,” the quickling’s laughter comes from the tower door north of the gate!
"Oh leave off." Chrysa yells at the laughter as the big one of Sophie's helps carry their sleeper. "What do you actually want anyway? Just to attack trespassers in a dreary old castle. Or do you have actual depth of desires? Something we can help you with instead of just returning to hack you apart?"
The silver blue returns through the gate! It slashes Annalla across the stomach as it says excitedly ”Hackmeapart?Ha!Lookslikeonedownfourtogotome!”
He then rushes back in and leaps up and drives his blade into her chest again! The second blow brings her down to the ground! ”Oopsie!LookslikeIshouldhavesaidthree!Hahahaha!”
Swearing, even more, the horned fey cursed woman shoots as quick as she can over broken rocks and then through a tear in the world to be right next to it.
Annalla clutches at the gaping slash in her abdomen and then falls to her knees.
There's a blue glow that escapes between her fingers.
She looks up with a glare at the blurry figure and words of magic flow from her mouth and a faint blue glow shows from her gemstone.
"Pew, Pew," she gasps out.
As three blue orbs smash into the thing, Chrysa smiles "Guess you can't count, Dumb Little Nothing."
Orri pulls out his whip as he moves a bit closer to the thing and then calls out arcane words as he casts a spell at the annoying creature.
Sophie starts her not-especially inspiring oration, as she says “Wehavenr lost yet. But we should keep ourselves safe - retreat is always allowed!” She moves to guard Annalla, seemingly making everyone angry at the thing.
Bjorn moves up after dropping Bella unceremoniously, drawing his bow and taking whatever shot he can at the quickling.
He sticks his tongue out at Chrysa before darting past her, running past the group before hopping in to slice unsuccessfully at Sophiel, then bouncing out and continuing on to the far side of the central spire.
The little thing is quick, but Chrysa manages to swing as it runs away.
Sophie summons a puff of flame and throws it at the quickling, continuing her residual rage inspiration.
Sophie gets a solid burn onto the fey.
Bjorn takes another shot with his bow after moving a bit.
But Bjorn misses, the blurry form keeping him from doing much.
Sophie glances at Annalla, ”more magic missiles, love, be a dear would you?”
Negative Effects: None
Positive Effects: Controlled Inspired Rage (+2 Dexterity)
HP: 34/34
AC: 22 (Base 21+1)
Touch AC: 12 (Base 11+1)
Spells Memorized
. . 2nd—
. . 1st— ant haul[APG] (DC 15), cure light wounds
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, grasp, guidance, light
Skald Spells Used 1st - 1/2
2/5 rounds of controlled inspired rage used.
0/7 rounds of primal nature’s bond
Bjorn
Negative Effects: None
Positive Effects: Controlled Inspired Rage (+2 dexterity)
HP: 34/34
AC: 21 (Base 20, +1 controlled inspired rage)
0/6 rounds of regular rage used
Annalla continues to hold her belly as critical fluids run out between her fingers. With the other hand she repeats the gestures from before and three more bolts of energy rush towards the vile fey.
"Pew, Pew."
Orri tries to cheer the group on so they can deal with this quick little bugger. He moves closer to his target putting himself between the thing and Annalla.
"He may be fast, but there are more of us, just do your best and we can deal with this. Work together like we always do and this won't be a problem. We've got this!"
"Moreofyou?Iwouldn'tbesosureaboutthat!" he says as he throws open the door he is beside! He then gives you a wave and says "Seeyaaround!" before rushing off through the underbrush around the central spire again!
Suddenly, a roiling mass of rats pours out from the now open door, all of them rushing your way with teeth flashing!
Sophie moves up a bit, and seeing the quickling still around, throws her flame at it, continuing her residual rage inspiration.
”I have no area spells.... Be prepared for the quickling to come back!”
Bjorn drops his bow and draws his warhammer as he moves up, eying the rats warily. He looks like he’s ready to do something should the rats approach.
Negative Effects: None
Positive Effects: Inspire Courage, Controlled Inspired Rage (+2 Dexterity)
HP: 34/34
AC: 22 (Base 21+1)
Touch AC: 12 (Base 11+1)
Spells Memorized
. . 2nd—
. . 1st— cure light wounds
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, grasp, guidance, light
Skald Spells Used 1st - 1/2
3/5 rounds of controlled inspired rage used.
0/7 rounds of primal nature’s bond
Bjorn
Negative Effects: None
Positive Effects: Inspire courage, Controlled Inspired Rage (+2 dexterity)
HP: 34/34
AC: 21 (Base 20, +1 controlled inspired rage)
0/6 rounds of regular rage used
Chrysa snarls in frustration, and thenin disgust at the rats. "Someone, grab Bella so she doesn't get eaten! And Let's get out of here!" Chrysa fishes around for a flask of fire in her pack then yells at the swarm to get its attention.
Annalla shoots daggers at the fleeing quickling with her eyes. But with the rat swarm boiling out of the tower, there are more pressing things.
She steps up next to Bjorn. "You," she commands, "Pick up Isabella and carry her out of here."
Turning back to the swarm of rats, she speaks sing-song words of a spell and then screams at the swarm attempting to catch as many rats as possible in the cone of effect.
Orri moves to where he can see the fleeing fey, but looks at the rats cautiously. "I don't think I have anything to deal with that mess..."
The quickling continues on around the spire as the rats begin to wash over the group. They open some small bites on those they surround!
Annalla takes a step back and screams at the swarms again, hoping to catch both in her spells effect.
Bjorn swings are the rat swarm entering his space.
Sophie retches with all the rats on her, but seemingly heals all of the damage she takes.
Bjorn stares blankly at Annalla, then frowns at her grimly and angrily He stands near Sophie until she retreats as well, nodding and pointing at Bella’s prone form. He reaches down and picks her up with one arm, angrily and roughly.
In between belching breaths, Sophie manages to get out, ”I would avoid ordering him around...” and smiles, almost apologetically.
Sophie
Negative Effects: None
Positive Effects: Inspire Courage
HP: 34/34
AC: 22 (Base 21+1)
Touch AC: 12 (Base 11+1)
Spells Memorized
. . 2nd—
. . 1st— cure light wounds
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, grasp, guidance, light
Skald Spells Used 1st - 1/2
3/5 rounds of controlled inspired rage used.
0/7 rounds of primal nature’s bond
Bjorn
Negative Effects: Filth Fever
Positive Effects: Inspire courage, rage
HP: 33/34
AC: 18 (Base 20-2 rage)
3/6 rounds of regular rage used
"He's almost as delightful as Elloth was." Chyrsa comments "Fewer insults about pink monkeys though" she tosses the fire, badly and then retreats a bit.
In short work, the swarms of rats are thoroughly dealt with. After a few tense moments of concern about continued attack from the quickling, you all are able to breath a bit easier as it seems he, for now, is no longer assailing you...
Chrysa kicks one of the last rats that eagerly attempts to get on her boot and up her leg.
"Okay, second attempt at retreating. Until we can wake up our princess. Orri, did our 'employer' mention anything about evil fey and hordes of rats at all when she was Asking you for help?" she asks as they hopefully start walking out of this place.
Annalla glares at the less-than-friendly bodyguard. "Don't even think about dropping her," she says in a hoarse voice that's been pushed to the extreme. She stands next to him and follows at a close distance while he carries Isabella.
Bjorn glares back and hikes Isabella’s relatively slight form under his arm, furiously, stomping out of the castle, and still holding his hammer. Sophie follows, and says, ”When we’re out, you can carry gently, if you’d like.” Bjorn nods, and glares at Annalla, putting his hammer away and scooping her up in two arms.
Sophie says to Annalla, ”listen, I’m serious. I don’t know where he came from. Please don’t order him around. He won’t listen to you, and if you threaten me at all, he could hurt you. He’s very strong.” She gestures to Bella. ”This is a dangerous business, we wouldn’t put her in any permanent danger, but sometimes the situation requires an expedited response. Isabella knows the risks. Bruises are the least dangerous thing we’ve faced, even since we met you, right?” She heaves once more, wiping her mouth, then continues.
”Bjorn is the only reason we got into the castle to save Isabella, he’s the main reason we killed the rats, and he’s the only reason we aren’t leaving Isabella behind: don’t forget that, and don’t take him for granted.” She pauses, ”please.” She pats Bjorn on the shoulder as he grunts, turning his nose up at Annalla, and keeps walking forward, away from the castle.
"I don't take anyone for granted," Annalla says, the scratchiness in her voice slowly fading. "But I will not stand by and watch her be treated no better than a sack of potatoes." She sniffs and rubs at her face. "If he's not going to handle her with respect that have him put her down. I'll carry her myself."
Orri shakes his head as he starts to follow the others out "She didn't mention the place specifically. She mentioned she had heard of elven ruins in the forest. I had told her about the gnomes mentioning this place to us. Either way, we need to regroup and dispatch that thing before someone less capable comes along and can't defend themselves."
Chrysa nods as she talks to Orri, "I agree, fey in general (well mostly) are a bother at best. That thing though... it needs to die."
Looking at the arguing others she'll snap her own snapping irritation "Goodness, we are a team or are supposed to be. There is no 'This person did everything, don't get snippy with him' and No one is dropping or leaving Bella anywhere."
Not sure if she's being supported or castigated, Annalla simply nods.
Sophie boggles at Annalla’s stubbornness, taken aback.
She opens her mouth to respond, and looks at Chrysa during her rejoinder.
She says nothing during their walk from the old castle. When they are sufficiently far away from the castle, Bjorn sets down Isabella with care, no longer seemingly angry. He glares at Annalla and then whispers something to Sophie. She nods at him, and she says to the assembled, ”We are going to stay away from the camp this evening. Bjorn is very upset. I can’t say I feel much better. I’m sure it’ll pass, but for now, perhaps it’d be best if we split up for a bit.” She sighs, ”Isabella is fine - as you can see. We can try the ruins again tomorrow. Please let me know when she wakes up. I expect whatever this is will pass soon.”
She nods and wanders off about fifty feet from the others, where she and Bjorn sit on the ground, each with their eyes closed facing the woods calmly.
Sophie was furious with Annalla. She is good at concealing her emotions, but people who have seen her mad can recognize it.
As a person who has been the focus of Sophie's irritation before, Chrysa recognizes it. She will go check on her once the quick camp has been set up. Handing the bottle of smelling salts to the blue lady first.
To Sophie, "Are you okay?" the horned woman sits next to her, on the other side of the big guy, not to get between them.