DM Blayde MacRonan's Of Aeons and Giants: The Continuing Adventures of Team Ruby (Private Campaign, Closed Recruitment)

Game Master Blayde MacRonan

Liesel-Marie is tense, keyed up for a threat she expects but does not see. Yet.

Nyym watches as the phantom drifts through each door and listens to the descriptions of each.

As he ays this, Nyym starts checking for traps around each set of doors and listening for any sounds that may be carrying though the extra sets of doors.

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 door 1

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 treasure door

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29 door 3

Nyym finds no traps. He also hears nothing behind the first and third doors. However, the half-drow is able to discern noises coming from the other side of the second door. And if he didn't know any better, it sounds an awful lot like a pair of large cats at play with one another.

Now that's an interesting way to scout ahead. Definitely better then me in that area. Is there any way for him to move past the second set of doors?

While Groveck does have his uses, he can be quite the handful. Given his penchant for playing pranks. Meir sighs before continuing. So while I could send him out further, his information could very well become... unreliable.

Nyym stands just away from the treasure door..

It would seam that this room has occupants. Ground the sounds. Could be to large felines at play. But the other 2 I have nothing. No traps on any of the doors here either.

He looks to the rest to see what the verdict is as to which door to take. While he would love to see if there was anything in the treasure room that could aid them in their fight. He did not wish to raise any alarms while fighting 2 large roudy and unruly cats. Best save this door for after the fighting.

"Did your ghost tell you what he saw? Or did you actually see it through his eyes? I am curious if you know if there is any value to enter a room that might merely be the playroom of two large pets."

She considers, "Perhaps it would be better to lock the door in some fashion and save it for later. I would hate to have two tigers come down the hallway behind us."

"Did your ghost tell you what he saw? Or did you actually see it through his eyes? I am curious if you know if there is any value to enter a room that might merely be the playroom of two large pets."

She considers, "Perhaps it would be better to lock the door in some fashion and save it for later. I would hate to have two tigers come down the hallway behind us."

I do not see what he sees, replies Meir. Groveck communicates to me what he witnesses.

Nyym stands just away from the treasure door..

It would seem that this room has occupants. Given the sounds. Could be two large felines at play. But the other 2 I have nothing. No traps on any of the doors here either.

He looks to the rest to see what the verdict is as to which door to take. While he would love to see if there was anything in the treasure room that could aid them in their fight. He did not wish to raise any alarms while fighting 2 large roudy and unruly cats. Best save this door for after the fighting.

Meir continues, I don't think that room is a playroom like you think it is. Cats of any sort typically have more of a free-range of any place that they occupy. That they're confined to a single room leads me to believe they're here for a purpose.

No, not cats, Oloch speaks up. Chimera and manticore. Mated pair, in fact. From what I was told by Kelseph, they were intended to be the crowning piece to Grenseldek's dowry to the Storm Tyrant. More than a few orcs lost their lives in their capture. She had their wings clipped, so the beasts are unable to fly.

So they're essentially guarding the chieftain's dowry, reasons Rocnork. As long as we watch out for their shenanigans, dealing with them shouldn't be a problem. Especially if they're in the cage that was mentioned.

That may be so, says Kyt, but I think Liesel-Marie may have the right idea in leaving them alone for now. No sense announcing that we're here before we need to.

Agreed, Aiko replies with a nod. The longer we can maintain the surprise advantage, the better all of our chances are.

So that just leaves us with only two sets of doors to choose from. I'm concerened about the one with the second set of doors behind them. I think we should investigate that first. The elf warrior-monk turns to Nyym. Alright, let's see what you can find out for us.

Colt wakes up from his rest, feeling refreshed. He steps outside of the chapel and has a smoke while he cleans and oils his weapons, methodically checking each moving part. He stamps out the cigarette and gives his badge a good sleeve/polish before rejoining the group.

all this sounds good. I got no leads on my outlaw, and I got a promise to be keepin’. I’m more than willing to come along and help out with all this other ruckus. Can’t have all these desperados at our backs.

He watches the group with the keen eye for detail that he has developed as an Alkenstar Gunmarshal. The thing you don’t notice when chasing some bandit across the Mana Wastes is the thing that kills you. Or worse.

As the they travel along, Colt stays mostly quiet, observing and learning, letting the others take the lead. After Nyym relays what he hears, he ponders for a moment and then speaks in a low whisper.

Cats? here? Gotta be either attack pets or tonight’s chili. I like the lady’s thought. If you ain’t noticed, there ain’t much subtlety once I have to cut loose the smokewagons.”

Cats? here? Gotta be either attack pets or tonight’s chili. I like the lady’s thought. If you ain’t noticed, there ain’t much subtlety once I have to cut loose the smokewagons.”

The samurai nods at the gunmarshall's statement, then says, Your words have the ring of truth to them. Your weapons, strange as they are, are not subtle. Therefore, we'll have to make the most of the time we have before our enemies realize that we're here in their midst. Therefore, I propose two teams. Charlotte, Kyt, the marshall, Meir, and myself comprising one team to search out the remains for the chaplain, while the rest of you will make up the other to find the hill giant chieftain. This way, we can move about and cover more ground.

That could work, replies the warrior-monk, her expression a thoughtful one. I usually don't like the idea of splitting up, but we do have more than one objective to accomplish while we're here. And there are two levels to this keep that we'll have to explore: up and down. Kyt points in both directions for emphasis. I'm guessing the hill giant chieftain will be on the upper level. So sending the heavy hitters that way makes sense to me. The rest of us can check out the lower level to see if we can find what need for the chaplain. And if we can't, then we'll head up to back you up.

Rocnork chimes in at this point, gruffly saying, You do realize that we're going to have to find the way to each of these areas... right?

Charlotte steps away from her brother. There's a faint scent coming from over there. She points towards the southeastern set of double doors. It smells like rancid meat.

Both Aiko and Kyt look first to the little girl, then to each other. But before either of them can say anything, Oloch speaks up once again:

Probably Gutterunch Gorb and his brood. If I was the chieftain and I had to deal with that crew, I'd want to keep them both as close and as far away as possible. So them being on the lower floor makes sense to me. If we can take out that bunch, we'll be depriving Grenseldek of a powerful set of reinfocements. And while Pappy Gorb fancies himself to be a spellcaster of sorts, we're still talking about ogres and the strength that they bear.

Didn't one of his children say something about a ritual being performed by their pappy? Kyt looks over at both Aiko and Rocnork as she asks the question.

Aikos thinks back to the interrogation of Turgle, and says, To talk with Tamand Varias... a headless Tamand Varias.

So we have a chance of recovering most of the remains if we go this way. Rocnork indicates the direction that Charlotte pointed to before.

Then that should be where we go next, says Kyt before turning to regard Liesel-Marie, Nyym, and Tsadok. What say you?

The Erutaki frowns. "Are you sure dividing our forces is wise? I trust your judgement, I'm not a tactician, but I don't want us to lose anyone because we tried to be clever."

Nyym remembers something else.

If I recall. One of the reasons this Pappy is preforming said ritual is to discover a way to kill the Hill Giant as he wishes to eat said Hill Giant.

Nyym shivers at the disgusting thought..

As for splitting up. We'll also be cutting our strength. If the fight with that damnable Vampire was any indication of what lies ahead. It's going to be even harder going forward. But whatever y'all decide is what we will do.

Will that. Nyym moves to the doors opposite of the ones pointed out by Charlotte and slips through to the next set to check them for traps as well as use his other senses to see what may lay in wait beyond those doors.

stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

The Erutaki frowns. "Are you sure dividing our forces is wise? I trust your judgement, I'm not a tactician, but I don't want us to lose anyone because we tried to be clever."

I don't know if you've noticed or not, begins Kyt, but there's a lot of us gathered here. Aside from all of us who started out together (which consists of you, myself, Aiko, Nyym, Rocnork and Tsadok for a total of six people), there's Charlotte, Meir, Oloch, and Colt the shieldmarshall. That brings the number to ten people. Eleven if you count Meir's phantom. And while I get that there's strength in numbers, that strength is only effective if we're not getting in each other's way.

Dividing ourselves into two smaller strike groups would've been the wiser thing to do, as it would allow us to cover more ground and still be able to deal with any threats encountered efficiently. However, we don't have to worry about that right now, since we have a lead on where Pappy Gorb might be. Marshalling all of our might against this particular threat is the right call to make. The elf warrior-monk pauses as she realizes the inadvertent wordplay she just did before continuing with a slight smile. We have to be able to adapt to situations. Adjust when needed. For in doing so, we will find our way around or through whatever is put before us. This is the essence of being in the moment.

And as Kyt speaks with Liesel-Marie...

Nyym remembers something else.

If I recall. One of the reasons this Pappy is preforming said ritual is to discover a way to kill the Hill Giant as he wishes to eat said Hill Giant.

Nyym shivers at the disgusting thought..

As for splitting up. We'll also be cutting our strength. If the fight with that damnable Vampire was any indication of what lies ahead. It's going to be even harder going forward. But whatever y'all decide is what we will do.

Will that. Nyym moves to the doors opposite of the ones pointed out by Charlotte and slips through to the next set to check them for traps as well as use his other senses to see what may lay in wait beyond those doors.

stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Upon passing through the southeastern set of double doors, Nyym sees to his left the other pair of double doors mentioned by Meir, while ahead and to his right is a spiral staircase leading down. The smell of rancid meat that Charlotte picked up on earlier, though faint, is now noticeable to him and coming from the direction of the stairs.

Making his way over to the newest set of doors, the half-drow checks them to see if they're trapped. His effort is rewarded, as there is nothing to hinder the group's egress beyond.

Should he decide to take a peek to see what's on the other side...

Nyym quietly eases up to the railing. Careful to stay out of anything that would cause a shadow. Nyym peaks over the railing..

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Liesel-Marie waves off the lecture. "As you wish. I am always in the moment. It is the only way I know to be. I'll stop trying to plan, it's not my strong suit - just point me in the direction I need to go."

As a player, I had completely lost track of the fact that we numbered nearly a dozen people now. I thought we were splitting up much less evenly.

Liesel-Marie waves off the lecture. "As you wish. I am always in the moment. It is the only way I know to be. I'll stop trying to plan, it's not my strong suit - just point me in the direction I need to go."

As a player, I had completely lost track of the fact that we numbered nearly a dozen people now. I thought we were splitting up much less evenly.

I nearly forgot also... until I started working on the map for the upper level of Redlake Fort. Lol! But that's totally on me for allowing the number of NPCs to get that large.

Liesel-Marie waves off the lecture. "As you wish. I am always in the moment. It is the only way I know to be. I'll stop trying to plan, it's not my strong suit - just point me in the direction I need to go."

For me to do that, begins Kyt, would require I see you as something that you're not. Expendable. Your strength and resolve have value, as does your fiery heart and keen instincts. Not just to me, but to all of us. Never forget that. Trust in them as we do.

The elf warrior-monk ends her statement with a warm smile.

Now comes the hard part. Waiting to see if Nyym has gotten himself into trouble.

Nyym quietly eases up to the railing. Careful to stay out of anything that would cause a shadow. Nyym peaks over the railing..

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

It is obvious to the half-drow that the keep’s residents used this chamber to haul up water from the fort’s well without having to go downstairs and outside. However, after many years of disuse, however, the fence is now rotted and the floor tiles surrounding the opening are cracked and waterlogged.

The floor surrounding the opening is in danger of collapse. Nyym is able to determine that anyone weighing more than 200 pounds in total who approaches within 5 feet of the opening could cause the waterlogged floor tiles to crumble, dumping them down below.

What would not be so obvious to eyes less keen than Nyym's is the small alcove behind the door in the room's southeastern corner, with iron rungs set in the wall of a narrow shaft that allow descent to a familiar tunnel in the fort’s outer wall. The alcove also contains the bypass locks for the traps in that very corridor.

The Erutaki frowns, "It is as though you say what I say with better words." She turns toward where the impetuous one disappeared, drawing forth IcingFlame.

Nyym moves back to the stairs and slowly and carefully moves within the shadows checking for traps as he goes stopping short of the bottom to listin and get his bearings..

perception for traps: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

perception to listen and determine threats: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

The Erutaki frowns, "It is as though you say what I say with better words." She turns toward where the impetuous one disappeared, drawing forth IcingFlame.

Meir speaks up. I sent Groveck to keep an eye on your friend. I only hope that he doesn't try to have a bit of fun at his expense.

Nyym moves back to the stairs and slowly and carefully moves within the shadows checking for traps as he goes stopping short of the bottom to listin and get his bearings..

perception for traps: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

perception to listen and determine threats: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Cautiously making his way down, Nyym finds no traps on any part of the stairs. But as he gets closer to the bottom, the scent becomes stronger, and now it reminds him of a simmering meat stew. Once he reaches the final step, the half-drow sees yet another set of iron-banded wooden doors.

At the exact moment Nyym notices them, he hears the all-too familiar sound of laughing children that heralds the presence of Groveck, Meir's phantom. The half-drow watches as the eerie being materializes before him, standing at the doors.

That laughter soon goes silent as Groveck passes through the unopened entryway, leaving a silvery film on its surface in his wake....

Back upstairs...
Meir looks back at Kyt and Liesel-Marie. Your companion is safe. Groveck has gone ahead and is about to tell me what he sees.

The dark haired Ustalav then closes his eyes, and moments later, paints the following picture with what he is told:

Rows of decrepit, mildew-covered wooden shelves line this storeroom. Ancient bloodstains soil the floor beneath piles of filthy bedding. A large cast-iron cauldron lies on its side in the northwest corner of the room under a thick layer of dust, undisturbed except for a single large handprint in the grime. A pungent, sour stench fills the air.

When he is done, Meir is quick to add, Groveck sees no sign of anyone else in the room, but there is a pair of doors leading into another chamber. If you want, I can have him scout that out for you.

Nyym slowly cracks the door to peak in. Carefully not to move the door to fast or to wide. Not knowing what was on the other side. Nyym had to be real careful..

I don't hear anything, but that does not mean they are there. As Mier is not here, I just have to check as careful as possible.

Not realizing it at the moment, Nyym was holding his breath..

Nyym slowly cracks the door to peak in. Carefully not to move the door to fast or to wide. Not knowing what was on the other side. Nyym had to be real careful..

I don't hear anything, but that does not mean they are there. As Meir is not here, I just have to check as careful as possible.

Not realizing it at the moment, Nyym was holding his breath..

Nyym can make out rows of decrepit, mildew-covered wooden shelves lining this storeroom. Ancient bloodstains soil the floor beneath piles of filthy bedding. A large cast-iron cauldron lies on its side in the northwest corner of the room under a thick layer of dust, undisturbed except for a single large handprint in the grime. A pungent, sour stench fills the air, along with the scent that led him there, creating an almost nauseating odor.

Standing next to the cauldron is Groveck, who is staring at the cooking implement with childlike curiosity. The phantom reaches out and places a hand where the large print is on the pot's surface.

In response, the cauldron stands itself upright and begins to fill with a thick, steaming stew containing recognizable chunks of human flesh (ears, fingers, feet, hands, etc.).

Groveck, Nyym (and, due to his connection to the phantom) Meir, see themselves gorging themselves on the horrific meal and are immediately filled with a profound remorse at the cannibalistic act.

Groveck Will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11; DC 20 or better to succeed

The phantom looks towards Nyym, face stricken with anguish, as he reaches within himself and attempts to rip out his ectoplasmic heart.

Groveck unarmed damage to self: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Groveck sustains 9 points of damage. He is Healthy with 54 hit points remaining.

Back upstairs...

Meir Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12; DC 20 or better to succeed

With tears streaming down his face, the wild-maned Ustalav reaches up and places his hands underneath his chin and to the back of his head. I'm so sorry is all he says before attempting to wrench his head off his shoulders.

Meir unarmed damage to self: 1d8 ⇒ 1; as his Strength is 10, he has no modifier to add

Meir sustains 1 points of damage. He is Healthy with 88 hit points remaining.

I need a DC 20 Will save from Nyym. If he fails, then he must deal 1d8 points of damage + Strength modifier to himself using an item held in his hand or with unarmed attacks. This lasts for seven rounds, during which Nyym can attempt to the save again. If he saves, he is staggered for 1 round and takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class, after which the spell ends.

Nyyms eyes go wide..

What in tha....

will save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Nyym suddenly realized that his own fist was aimed at his head..

self damage: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Liesel-Marie moves toward Meir, sheathing her sword. ”Meir! What did you see?”

Given time, she will attempt to grapple him to protect him from himself.

Liesel-Marie moves toward Meir, sheathing her sword. ”Meir! What did you see?”

Given time, she will attempt to grapple him to protect him from himself.

Revulsion, shame, and guilt all flash across Meir's face as he struggles to answer the Erutaki, but before he can do so...

Aiko raises a hand, upon which can be seen a simple sliver band with three large cabochon-cut carnelian gemstones. Senshi o suberu subete no mono ga watashi no zen'ei to narimasu yō ni! Translation: May all those who preside over warriors be my vanguard!

As she utters this chant, the samurai places the hand atop Meir's head.

Meir Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27; +2 morale bonus due to protection from evil spell, DC 20 or better to succeed

At first, the young man seems a bit overwhelmed. After a moment spent regaining some measure of his composure, the young man says:

Groveck and Nyym have encountered a hazardous region created by unquiet spirits that is reacting violently to their presence. Due to my bond with Groveck, the effect of what he saw was shunted into my consciousness.

Can something... anything... be done for them? Kyt's question more than highlights the concern that she feels.

I can do something so that Groveck can stop trying to hurt himself. Hang on a tick.

Meir closes his eyes once more.

Down in the storage cellar...

While in the midst of trying to tear out his "heart", Groveck fades away.

At this point, Nyym needs to attempt another DC 20 Will save. Failure means he must deal 1d8 points of damage + Strength modifier to himself using an item held in his hand or with unarmed attacks. If he saves, he is staggered for 1 round and takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class, after which the effect ends. A staggered creature may take a single move action or standard action each round (but not both, nor can he take full-round actions). A staggered creature can still take free, swift, and immediate actions. A creature with nonlethal damage exactly equal to its current hit points gains the staggered condition.

Back upstairs...

Meir winces as he opens his eyes. I've confined him within a portion of my being.

What about Nyym? Can anything be done for him?

Meir thinks for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to answer Kyt's questions. Finally he responds: The problem isn't so much helping Nyym as it is dealing with the the area in question. Yes, something can be done for him, but if we can't deal with the cause of the problem, then we run the risk of it happening all over again.

Oloch raises an eyebrow at this, silently complementing the young human on his tactical understanding of the situation.

Kyt glances over at Aiko, who nods her head in agreement with Meir, before asking, What must be done?

I will have to go and perform a cleansing of the area. Thanks to whatever it was that Aiko did to me, I'm the only one here who can approach without being affected.

Which leaves the rest of us to handle Nyym, says Rocnork.

I can do for Nyym what I did for Meir, says Aiko reassuringly to the elf warrior-monk. However, she is quick to caution, But if something else like this should happen again, I won't be able to do anything about it until the next day. So doing as the young man prescribes would be the wisest course of action.

Understand, adds Meir, anything that I do down there will be, at best, temporary. The only way to end the danger permanently is to fulfill Chaplain Blix's request, as I'm certain that his state of unrest is tied to this.

And to that end, we can't take the chance that we don't need to go that way to reach Pappy Gorb, says Kyt with a small sigh. Finding her resolve, the elf glances over at Liesel-Marie. I guess there's nothing to it but to do it.

If Nyym did not succeed on his second Will save, then he can attempt the third at this point. If he was successful, then the period of time for being staggered comes to an end, and he is free to take his full actions.

will save 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

will save 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Nyyms mind was filled with the images of death and guilt. The urges to harm himself so great that he had punched himself 2 times more.. The wish to end himself very strong in his mind. A mind that no longer felt his own..

punch: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

punch: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Nyym suddenly came to his senses and realized he was exposed as the door had drifted farther open. Finding himself against the wall and resting on the steps he had just descended.. he stopped and listed. But did not dare look back into the room fearing a repeat of whatever the blasted phantom had caused..

stealth with vanish trick: 1d20 + 17 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 17 + 20 = 42

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Nyym vanishes from sight not willing to risk being spotted. I was only now that he realized his face was wet... Wet with his tears..

I REALLY don't like that phantom..

Nyym thought as he used his invisiblilty to wipe away the tears and clear his vision as well as calming his breathing.

After speaking with Nyym's player concerning the previous post, this is what we came up with...

will save 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

punch: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

will save 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

punch: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Nyyms mind was filled with the images of death and guilt. The urges to harm himself so great that he had punched himself 2 times more.. The wish to end himself very strong in his mind. A mind that no longer felt his own...

So far, Nyym has sustained 13 points of nonlethal damage in total from the unarmed strikes he's dealt to himself. At this point, Nyym's narrative is about to change.

Meir and the others, guided by Charlotte, make their way through the double door to the staircase and start filing down.

When they reach the bottom of the stairs, they catch sight of Nyym as he's trying to fight through the terrible remorse that he's experiencing.

I'm going in, declares Meir before dashing towards the doors that Nyym is standing near.

Snap out of it, Nyym, calls out Kyt. Don't you make me come over there!

will save 4: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Apparently, the thought of being on the receiving end of another Kyt head slap is more than enough incentive for the half-drow to work through his mental and emotional duress. Nyym lowers his hand, a look of bewilderment etched on his bruised face.

Aiko and Kyt make their way over to Nyym, but before they can reach him...

stealth with vanish trick: 1d20 + 17 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 17 + 20 = 42

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Nyym vanishes from sight not wishing to deal with anyone else just yet. It was only now that he realized his face was wet... Wet with his tears..

I REALLY don't like that phantom..

Nyym thought as he used his invisiblilty to wipe away the tears and clear his vision as well as calming his breathing.

Inside the storage cellar, Meir makes his way towards the cauldron. When he is about fifteen feet from the haunted object, Meir calls out in a clear voice: All who live must face Her Judgment! An ethereal woman with sharp cheekbones, broad shoulders, and flowing white hair dressed in an elegant dress with a dark hood manifests, towering over and behind him. Her pearl white eyes flash as Meir stretches a hand toward the cauldron. The ghostly image mimics his action, only she is holding an hourglass, the sand within slowly draining to the bottom.

Moments later, the woman fades away as a burst of etheric energy ripples from Meir and washes over the unearthly pot.

Standard Action: etheric channel; covers a 30-foot radius centered on Meir

Etheric Channel Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 1, 3) = 19

Using etheric channel, Meir inflicts 19 points of damage upon the haunt, which is enough for it to go quiet.

The etheric pulse is swallowed up by the cauldron, only to be expelled violently upward a moment later. Meir can see what appears to be different body parts falling only to disappear moments before hitting the floor while whatever occult forces that sustained the cauldron release its hold as the the large cooking implement falls back over once more with a loud clang.

It's safe to come in now, yells Meir for the others to hear.

Nyym fell back against the wall and slid down to the steps. The images finally releaseing the grip they had on his mind his head pounding from the self inflicted bruising a tears streaked his face. This was an embarrassing moment for him..

w w wa.. what was that?... The visions, images.. a a a great evil happened in that ra room.. I d d didn't, I n n never even g g got int t to the room... The f f phantom..

Nyym was trying hard to calm his breathing as he spoke.. he was rattled.. hard. Wiping the tears from his eyes and face after some deep breaths..

I REALLY don't like that damn Phantom..

It's actions and carelessness left him exposed and vulnerable.. Looking to his companions. He realized in more ways then one and that made Nyym even MORE uncomfortable.. To say Nyym was now pissed was an understatement as a darkness briefly filled his eyes before he pushed it away. He was very glad they could not visibly see him. Hearing him that way was already bad. Seeing him like that was a shame Nyym did not wish to experience.

Colt nods at the plan to split. It only made sense, and the Marshal was used to working alone or with one partner, anyway.

works for me.

Seeing the supernatural forces taking over his new companions, he steps out of the way. If there was something to hunt, something to investigate, something to kill…but this was different, and out of his experience.

the sad fate of our dear Padre, I’m afraid, and the reason he ain’t gave up the ghost yet, so to speak. He tried to do right by this place, but his reward was being tossed in a cookpot. Maybe if this is where they did the deed, the remains won’t be too far.

Nyym fell back against the wall and slid down to the steps. The images finally releaseing the grip they had on his mind his head pounding from the self inflicted bruising a tears streaked his face. This was an embarrassing moment for him..

w w wa.. what was that?... The visions, images.. a a a great evil happened in that ra room.. I d d didn't, I n n never even g g got int t to the room... The f f phantom..

Nyym was trying hard to calm his breathing as he spoke.. he was rattled.. hard. Wiping the tears from his eyes and face after some deep breaths..

I REALLY don't like that damn Phantom..

It's actions and carelessness left him exposed and vulnerable.. Looking to his companions. He realized in more ways then one and that made Nyym even MORE uncomfortable.. To say Nyym was now pissed was an understatement as a darkness briefly filled his eyes before he pushed it away. He was very glad they could not visibly see him. Hearing him that way was already bad. Seeing him like that was a shame Nyym did not wish to experience.

Unable to see Nyym, Kyt glances over at Liesel-Marie with more than a little concern on her face.

He's going to be alright, says Aiko, her voice low. When Nyym is ready, he'll be open to being consoled. Until then, this is something that he needs to properly process on his own. Anything you do now will likely push him away.

The elf warrior-monk understands the wisdom of the samurai's words, but she finds it hard to fight against her caring nature. Kyt lingers for a moment, then turns to head in to the storeroom.

Inside, after walking fifteen feet, she finds herself in the chamber proper where Charlotte is talking with her brother as Oloch and Rocnork stand watch over them.

There's only way to go other than the way we came in, says the wyvaran as he indicates another pair of doors to the southwest. How do you want to approach this?

We need to know what's beyond those doors, states Kyt matter-of-factly. But our scouts are not exactly of the proper state of mind to be able to find out for us.

At this, Meir turns to the elf. I can have Groveck go and see. It's the least he can do after visiting such trauma on your companion.

Although Kyt isn't too sure about this, she understands that Meir is seeking to atone for the harm done to Nyym. If you think he is able...

I do, quickly responds the young man.

...then do what you must.

Meir smiles grimly as he turns toward doors pointed out by Rocnork. As he does so, Charlotte gives an appreciative nod to Kyt.

I see rows of barren shelves, empty weapon racks, and vacant armor stands around the perimeter of the room, begins Meir. It is lit by numerous candles.

An armory, says Rocnork.

I'm inclined to agree, Kyt says with a nod. What else can you see?

Meir continues, In the center of the room, a headless skeleton lies in the middle of a large oval sand pit, surrounded by several arcane symbols and strange, jagged runes etched into the sand. A large, life-sized painting of an obese man hangs on the wall at the far end of the room, its eerily realistic glare boring into the chamber.

Sand pit? This detail confuses the wyvaran. Why is something like that in there?

The sand pit was intended to provide the soldiers stationed here a place to spar and train, comments Aiko, who had just set foot into the chamber.

That makes sense I guess, says Rocnork after a moment of thought.

But it looks like that's not what it's being used for now, responds Oloch with a hint of disgust in his voice.

Kyt looks a bit uneasy as she asks Meir her next question, What details can you provide about the remains?

It is dressed in the same clothes depicted on the man in the portrait. Some kind of uniform.

That has to be the remains of Tamand Varias, says Aiko.

Oloch puts forth the next query. Are there others present in the chamber?

Meir nods in response. Three ogres. Two female, one male. And there appears to be two others as well. One is a man, a human, wearing some sort of skull mask over his head. The other is a tall muscular woman, an elf. They seem to be watching the ogres. And lying in the pit next to the skeleton is a really long person, a man, with grayish colored skin. He's missing an arm and unconscious.

Kyt's face goes pale. That sounds like Rohan.

He's another companion of Kyt and the others from Trunau, says Aiko when both Oloch and Rocnork give questioning looks. But what is he doing here? He left before they went on this mission.

I guess we'll find that out once we get him out of there, says Kyt, her voice tinged with anger and determination.

I think that's enough dealing with the "NPCs..." Time to let the "PCs" catch up.

At the mention of the skull-masked human, Colt’s eyes grow cold.

That sounds like Rau. I’ve been chasing that varmint half across Avistan. If you folks want to get ready, we can give it a tick, I reckon. Then I’m fixing to bring the Hells down on those pond scum. We can help the Padre, save your friend from whatever they got goin on, and I can make a canoe out of that slimy murdered’s head.

"It appears we have an abundance of targets. What do we need to know about your skull-faced foe? For that matter, what do we know about any of these? Ogres are dangerous just because of their size, but didn't someone say the one called Pappy is a spellcaster?"

She glances at Kyt with a half-smile, "At risk of sounding like I'm making a plan, we could focus our attention on one or two targets. I guess I'm asking where you feel my skills would best be applied first."

Colt touches the tip of his hat with a finger before pulling out his pistols.

Well, ma’am, Rau has killed a gaggle. In different ways. Likes to mix it up. There’s folks that kill ‘cuz they need ta, folks that love the action, and folks that really get their shine on off it. Me, I ain’t too proud to admit to the second. The thrill of living like a candle on Death’s birthday cake. But Rau, he’s one that gets a sick pleasure out of taking life, innocent or otherwise.

What makes him mighty dangerous is these.

The Marshal waves one of his guns in the air.

he’s good with ‘em. He’s got some as shouldn’t, and plans to sell to the wrong sort.

The Alkenstaran sighs.

much it pains me, but if we want ta concentrate on Pappy first, I’ll oblige ya. But don’t sleep on the Mwangi. An unskilled shooter can do heaps of hurt with a gun, and Rau ain’t unskilled.

Far as a plan, I was thinking to swing open the doors and fill the room up with lead. I like ta keep it simple.

Colt grins mischievously.

"As was pointed out so recently, there are a lot of us. Perhaps you should lead a strike team against your adversary - you know him best - while another team focuses on the spellcaster." She looks at the others, "I'm inclined to take the fight to the giant-kin, personally. Pick a team, my friends. Let's bring some justice to this lot. For those that could not fight and for those that can no longer fight."

What do you folks think? Two pitched battles in the same small room?

Nyym was starting to get himself calmed down when he heard what was in the room.. he was about to make himself known again till he heard mention of Rohan being in there..

Rohan? Here? What the blazes is he doing here?

While Rohan had for the most part annoyed Nyym. He was still team Ruby and their friend. Unbeknownst to the others.. Nyyms eyes narrowed as an idea formed in his head.. he was about to push his limits again. For now he was hidden. No since wasting the ki spent. With that he moved quietly towards the doors ready to act as soon as they opened..

That room is about to become a target rich environment and he was going to take full advantage of his abilities and test some new ones.

Nyym pushed the images out of his head. No time for that distraction. Resting his focus with steadying quiet breaths. Nyym waited..

As the adventurers attempt to figure out amongst themselves how to approach the impending assault, on the other side of the double doors, "Pappy" Gutterunch Gorb, an obese ogre with an immense, overhanging belly inscribed with Abyssal runes—leads the ritual with a guttural chant

His sister-wives, Lurp and Sister Slobber, pregnant females clad in soiled rags far too small for their immense girths, trace symbols in the sand pit, assisting Pappy Gorb to the best of their ability.

Watching with keen interest, the elven female stands with her muscular arms folded. Next to her, Rau's attention is mostly on his paramour.

Mostly.

For in spite of the lust swelling inside of him at that moment, the Mwangi's guard is far from down.

Groveck Stealth check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18; +7 due to unfavorable conditions and Rau being distracted
Rau Perception check: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28; DC 25 or better to succeed in noticing Groveck

So tell me again how this here ritual's supposed to work, Varmy?

The imposing elf casts an annoyed sidelong glare toward the masked Mwangi. She had explained this to him before, and at the time, Rau seemed to understand. Now apparently he was confused once more. Still, Varmy appreciates the effort that he is making to grasp what is occuring before him, and so takes the time to educate him once again.

As the primary caster, she begins, he is attempting to compel the human's spirit to manifest from its final rest. Should he succeed, the spirit will take possession of his form and be able to speak through him. The role of the secondary casters, the females, is to ask the spirit questions on behalf of the primary caster. The spirit is not beholden to those performing the ritual, and can thus refuse to answer questions or even attempt to deceive its questioners if it so wishes.

So the spirit is supposed to possess the gump?

Rau Influence check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Yes, replies Varmy, her annoyance fast approaching anger. It's supposed to use the 'gump,' as you call him, as its vessel.

I see, says Rau, making a show of scratching his head. Thought I might've misunderstood things then. Never mind.

Varmy Perception check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30; DC 17 or better to succeed

Varmy goes back over in her mind what Rau had said. Replaying his words, she notes the emphasis placed on his use of the word possess. Then she recalls the act of scratching his head.

A head fully covered with a mask.

It occurs to Varmy that Rau's question had, in fact, been a pretext to him passing a hidden message to her. With his 'scratching' being an important part of it. Perhaps an indication of direction?

She tries looking around (without being obvious in the attempt) to see what is that caught her clever lover's attention.

With her periphreal vision, Varmy notices the spectral being wearing a longcoat and wide-brimmed hat lurking close-by, moving from a weapon rack to an armor stand. The spirit looks nothing like the image in the portrait, so what was it doing here? Based solely on its furtive movements, she guesses that its surveilling the chamber in an attempt to gather information. But for who?

A vicious grin forms across her lips, one that didn't go unnoticed by Rau. There was about to be a hellabaloo, one he aimed to be in the middle of it, raising cain with his spark. And if that gun hung shieldmarshall what's been pursuing him is somehow behind this, well he just might find himself being the proverbial hair in the butter.

And that thought causes a sinister twinkle to appear in Rau's eye.

"As was pointed out so recently, there are a lot of us. Perhaps you should lead a strike team against your adversary - you know him best - while another team focuses on the spellcaster." She looks at the others, "I'm inclined to take the fight to the giant-kin, personally. Pick a team, my friends. Let's bring some justice to this lot. For those that could not fight and for those that can no longer fight."

What do you folks think? Two pitched battles in the same small room?

Five foes, begins the samurai. Ten of us. Three of the enemy are ogres, one that we know to be a caster of some kind. Which leaves the human and the elf as mostly unknowns.

However, we have an added wrinkle in the form of Rohan. He will need to be secured, so as not to become collateral damage in the fighting that will take place. Therefore, I suggest that we set up a two-person third team to remove him, along with the corpse, from the site of our battle. Once that is accomplished, then they can provide support to any of the other two teams that needs it.

”Wherever Nyym has gotten himself to, we want those blades of his in the fight. I suggest he aid the Marshall. Maybe Oloch and I could form the core against the ogres. A healer should deal with Rohan…” She looks to see if that partial plan meets with approval…

Nyym speaks from his invisible location..

I think I can distract the Ogres. But as they are so large. I can only target one. The distraction may only last a couple moments. After that I will join whichever group you wish me to.

As Nyym spoke. He was already preparing one of he spell like abilities. He had great success with causing confusion with it. For this one though he would target Pappy as Aiko and Kyt would never forgive him for causing harm to unborn. Even if they were Ogres and given how mad they could get and what he knew they could do. He would much rather take on the Hill Giant alone then suffer the wrath of those to Women..

”I will distract the spellcaster. The Marshal’s foe thinks like you do, you should use your tricks on him. Aiko, can you and Meir deal with Rohan and the corpse? That way you can heal Rohan if necessary. Rocnork, what can you do with a roomful of sand? Possibly tie up two pregnant ogres?”

Not being argumentative, do what you want, Nyym. Just wanting to make sure we don’t sit waiting to make a plan until December.

If that's where ya want me that's where ya got me..

Nyym had calmed his breathing now and was focused on the task at hand.

The Alkenstaran Marshal nods as the plans are in place, but the anticipation of action was overwhelming him. Yes, the long search for Rau might be at an end, but by now, Colt realized that there were much bigger forces at play than just the Mwangi bandit. Colt would take down Rau, but the Captain would have to wait a bit longer before he booked ship back to Martel.

If we wag gums much longer, we lose our shot to bushwhack these hombres, and increase the chances of them doing some nasty business to your friend. I’m goin in.

Knowing it was probably foolish, the Marshal found himself unwilling to let these villains have any more time to do whatever they were planning with the bones in the room and the large man. The description was too close to tales he had heard about unholy rituals performed by the necromancers of Geb. He figured a loud and unruly entrance might distract enough to give the sneakier members a chance to move in to flank.

The Marshal swung open the door, leveled his guns, looked for Rau and opened fire.

Yeeeeehaaaaaw! Who ordered the whoopass fajitias?

out of character I know at least a couple know we are there, so I didn’t know how you wanted to handle surprise, so I did not roll to hit, waiting on the ruling.

As you can plainly see, my internet is back up and running, so without further delay...

Varmy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Lurp and Sister Slobber: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Charlotte: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Colt: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14; +2 due to urban terrain
Meir: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Rau: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Oloch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Pappy Gorb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Redlake Fort - Ground Battlemap
Battle Theme: REDWEST - FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE (Metal Cover)

”Wherever Nyym has gotten himself to, we want those blades of his in the fight. I suggest he aid the Marshall. Maybe Oloch and I could form the core against the ogres. A healer should deal with Rohan…” She looks to see if that partial plan meets with approval…

Aiko nods in agreement, as does Kyt, with the Erutaki's decision.

It was Pappy Gorb who talked the chieftain into allying with Mardut, replies Oloch with a feral grin. And as a result, a good many orcs were turned into thralls in service to that mal karash, that oathbreaker. I mean to get payback for them, so I would've gone after him regardless.

"I will distract the spellcaster. The Marshal’s foe thinks like you do, Nyym, so you should use your tricks on him. Aiko, can you and Meir deal with Rohan and the corpse? That way you can heal Rohan if necessary. Rocnork, what can you do with a roomful of sand? Possibly tie up two pregnant ogres?”

Nyym had calmed his breathing now and was focused on the task at hand. If that's where ya want me that's where ya got me..

Aiko gives an affirmative grunt, while Meir gives a hesitant nod. Rocnork raises a draconic eyebrow at Liesel-Marie's suggestion. He looks about to speak, but instead decides not to.

The Alkenstaran Marshal nods as the plans are in place, but the anticipation of action was overwhelming him. Yes, the long search for Rau might be at an end, but by now, Colt realized that there were much bigger forces at play than just the Mwangi bandit. Colt would take down Rau, but the Captain would have to wait a bit longer before he booked ship back to Martel.

If we wag gums much longer, we lose our shot to bushwhack these hombres, and increase the chances of them doing some nasty business to your friend. I’m goin in.

Knowing it was probably foolish, the Marshal found himself unwilling to let these villains have any more time to do whatever they were planning with the bones in the room and the large man. The description was too close to tales he had heard about unholy rituals performed by the necromancers of Geb. He figured a loud and unruly entrance might distract enough to give the sneakier members a chance to move in to flank.

The Marshal swung open the door, leveled his guns, looked for Rau and opened fire.

Swift Action: open doors (due to labyrinthine cunning ability)

Yeeeeehaaaaaw! Who ordered the whoopass fajitias?

As the double doors swing open, Colt is graced with a presence he did not expect to find: Varmy, the well-muscled elf.

Undaunted, Colt unleashes a fusillade of pistol fire upon her.

Judge primary: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Jury off-hand: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Judge rapid shot: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Judge iterative attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Two-Weapon Fighting, and Destruction Legal Judgment

When the smoke clears from the gunfire, Colt finds the elf still standing before him, with all four of her arms brought up defensively in front of the elf.

Uk zhah natha onhasta uss! Translation from Undercommon: He is a dedicated one!

As she speaks, Gunmarshall Winchester (along with everyone else) becomes all too aware that the elf's body has undergone a change, with her legs having merged together to form a long silvery-gray snake tail even as her skin has taken on the dusky purple hue all too common to drow.

Her attention focused on Colt, she continues, Usstan Varmirheil, d'lil Sil'in Qu'ellar d'Rasivrein. Lu'dos ph'bauth ulu el. Translation from Undercommon: I am Varmirheil, of the Noble House of Rasivrein. And you are about to die.

Using Judge and Jury, Colt inflicts 35 points of damage on Varmirheil. However, due to her dmage reduction, she only sustains 21 damage.

Next up is Tsadok...

Tsadok has just been walking beside Rocnork and listening to the other of what has been seen and what actions needs to be taken. With the absence of seeing Nyym, one can only presume he is invisible. Hearing him speak those couple of times Tsadok tries to locate his position to know how to move through the area.

Perception to locate Nyym: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Nice roll, maybe good enough

He begins his move through the group making his way toward the door. He believes Nyym to be crouched near the right side of the door, which could allow him to slip right between Nyym and the Marshall. But it will need to be done without Sable Moon, for the time being.

As he moves into the room next to the snake creature, he delivers upper cut punch to the body of the beast.

With him moving more than 10' that allows him Skirmisher and Style strike abilities.

Shattering Upper Cut Punch: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
Punch/Skirmisher Dmg: 1d10 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (2, 2) = 9
Shattering punch bypasses DR

His second strike come from a straight jab from his left hand to deliver a stunning fist to it.

Stunning Fist Punch: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Punch/Skirmisher Dmg: 1d10 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (5, 1) = 13
Stunning Fist, normal dmg, Fort save vs DC 16 or be stunned for 1rd. Drops what it's holding, can't take actions, Loses Dex to AC, & -2 to AC

Varmirheil: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Lurp and Sister Slobber: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Charlotte: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Colt: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14; +2 due to urban terrain
Meir: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Rau: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Oloch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Pappy Gorb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Redlake Fort - Ground Battlemap
Battle Theme: REDWEST - FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE (Metal Cover)

Tsadok has just been walking beside Rocnork and listening to the other of what has been seen and what actions needs to be taken. With the absence of seeing Nyym, one can only presume he is invisible. Hearing him speak those couple of times Tsadok tries to locate his position to know how to move through the area.

Perception to locate Nyym: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32; needs to succeed on a DC 42 or better

He begins his move through the group making his way toward the door. He believes Nyym to be crouched near the right side of the door, which could allow him to slip right between Nyym and the Marshall. But it will need to be done without Sable Moon, for the time being.

With him moving more than 10' that allows him Skirmisher and Style strike abilities.

Because Tsadok didn't make an Acrobatics check to avoid provoking an attack of opportunity from Varmirheil, she gets to make one on him...

Varmirheil tail slap of Opportunity: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
tail grab: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30; must equal or surpass CMD 30 to succeed
infused tail slap damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18; +4 damage due to crit
kinetic fist damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
constrict damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

As he moves into the room next to the snake creature, Tsadok intends to deliver an upper cut punch to the body of the beast.

However, much to the dhampir's dismay, Varmirheil shifts her body just enough to not only lash out with her tail, but catch and hold Tsadok in place. With a sadistic smile, she gives the dhampir a "gentle" squeeze before using the powerful muscles of her lower body to release him so that he is behind her.

Move Action: despite not moving from her spot, she moves Tsadok to the square behind her as part of her grapple
Free Action: release grapple

Using her tail slap, Varmirheil inflicts 47 points of damage on Tsadok. He is Wounded with 24 hit points remaining, and suffers a -2 penalty on his attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, AC and caster level.

Despite the immense pain he feels from her attack, Tsadok continues to press with one of his own against the serpentine drow.

Shattering Punch: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33; -2 due to Wounded threshold

Punch/Skirmisher Dmg: 1d10 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (2, 2) = 9
Shattering punch bypasses DR

His second strike come from a straight jab from his left hand to deliver a stunning fist to it.

Stunning Fist Punch: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18; -2 due to Wounded threshold
Punch/Skirmisher Dmg: 1d10 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (5, 1) = 13
Stunning Fist, normal dmg, Fort save vs DC 16 or be stunned for 1rd. Drops what it's holding, can't take actions, Loses Dex to AC, & -2 to AC

The swaying movements of Varmirheil's body, combined with the immense pain he is feeling, causes his strikes to be off. In the end, Tsadok only manages to deliver a glancing blow to the strange drow.

Using his unarmed strike, Tsadok inflicts 9 points of damage on Varmirheil, for a total of 30. She is Healthy, and suffers no penalty on her attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, AC and caster level.

Next up is...

Lurp and Sister Slobber
Seeing the fighting taking place before them, the two sister-wives quickly move closer to deal with the one intruding on their brother-husband's ritual.

Lurp greatclub attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32; +2 due to flank
greatclub damage: 2d8 + 17 ⇒ (3, 2) + 17 = 22

Sister Slobber greatclub attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25; +2 due to flank
greatclub damage: 2d8 + 17 ⇒ (3, 8) + 17 = 28

The sister-wives nearly catch Tsadok unawares, as despite their ponderous bulk, each moves swiftly and silently. As the first ogress swings a massive club at him, the dhampir instictively relaxes his body, and in doing so, manages to avoid the full brunt of her attack as it solidly connects. Even so, he still has to keep himself from nearly passing out from the powerful blow.

The second ogress attempts to follow-up on her sister's attack, but this time Tsadok is ready. Despite the excruciating pain he feels, the dhampir leaps away in time to avoid being hit. But though he lands gracefully back on the floor, Tsadok is uncertain if even he can keep pace with all three of these opponents for much longer.

Using her greatclub, Lurp inflicts 22 points of damage on Tsadok, for a total of 65. He is Critical with 6 hit points remaining, and suffers a -3 penalty on his attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, AC and caster level.

Next up is...

Charlotte
The young human girl watches in abject horror as Tsadok gets caught by Varmirheil before being passed into the room beyond her sight. Charlotte looks pleadingly to her brother, only to have him shake his head and mouth silently, Not yet.

A feeling of impotence fills her, but she does not disobey him.

For now, at least...

Charlotte delays her turn.

Next up is Liesel-Marie...

Liesel-Marie is caught off-guard by the impetuous move by the marshall and again by the appearance of the snake-woman. She mutters, "I thought I was the reckless one. I'm afraid you may have just killed us all." She starts toward the very crowded doorway, growling, "Someone start hurting that spellcaster, don't let him start casting spells "

With that thought, she calls on her fiery blood and disappears in a rush of flame, reappearing adjacent to Tsadok and between the ogress mothers-to-be. The bearded axe IcingFlame slices through the air and she says, "Always running off to have all the fun, my friend.".

Move action to square above Nyym.
Free action to bloodrage.
Standard action to blade rush 30' and attack. If an ogress has been attacked, Liesel-Marie will attack her. If neither has been attacked, she will attack the one on the left.

Using her Gloves of Arcane Striking, enemies adjacent to her target take 2 points of the same damage type as the attack (magic, slashing). I presume that would not apply to my fire damage.

Bringing the flaming kitchen sink: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 2 = 20

Slashing damage, magical: 1d12 + 35 ⇒ (4) + 35 = 39 and Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 6) = 10

(enraged, searing flesh, power attack, vital strike, blade rush)
AC 23 - 2 - 2 due to bloodrage + blade rush

Wyrmsbreath Shield gains a charge.

I have apparently offended the dice gods. I will be off sacrificing a d20 to the dark powers if you need me.

Varmirheil: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Lurp and Sister Slobber: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Charlotte: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Colt: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14; +2 due to urban terrain
Meir: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Rau: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Oloch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Pappy Gorb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Redlake Fort - Ground Battlemap
Battle Theme: REDWEST - FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE (Metal Cover)

Liesel-Marie is caught off-guard by the impetuous move by the marshall and again by the appearance of the snake-woman. She mutters, "I thought I was the reckless one. I'm afraid you may have just killed us all." She starts toward the very crowded doorway, growling, "Someone start hurting that spellcaster, don't let him start casting spells "

With that thought, she calls on her fiery blood and disappears in a rush of flame, reappearing adjacent to Tsadok and between the ogress mothers-to-be. The bearded axe IcingFlame slices through the air and she says, "Always running off to have all the fun, my friend.".

Move action to square above Nyym.
Free action to bloodrage.
Standard action to blade rush 30' and attack. If an ogress has been attacked, Liesel-Marie will attack her. If neither has been attacked, she will attack the one on the left.

Using her Gloves of Arcane Striking, enemies adjacent to her target take 2 points of the same damage type as the attack (magic, slashing). I presume that would not apply to my fire damage.

Bringing the flaming kitchen sink: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 2 = 20

Slashing damage, magical: 1d12 + 35 ⇒ (4) + 35 = 39 and Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 6) = 10

(enraged, searing flesh, power attack, vital strike, blade rush)
AC 23 - 2 - 2 due to bloodrage + blade rush

Wyrmsbreath Shield gains a charge.

Amidst the sudden burst of fire that appears behind Tsadok is Liesel-Marie, who lashes out with Icing Flame with all of her considerable might. Her target, the sister-wife Lurp, screeches loudly in agony as she is struck by the fiery greataxe, the weapon near instantly cauterizing her wounded flesh.

Using her fiery greataxe, Liesel-Marie inflicts 39 slashing damage and 10 fire damage for a total of 49. Lurp is Wounded, and suffers a -2 penalty on her attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, AC and caster level.

I have apparently offended the dice gods. I will be off sacrificing a d20 to the dark powers if you need me.

The dark powers accept the sacrifice of your d20 and look forward to many more in the future. ;)

Next up is Colt...

Varmirheil: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Lurp and Sister Slobber: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Charlotte: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Colt: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14; +2 due to urban terrain
Meir: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Rau: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Oloch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Pappy Gorb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Redlake Fort - Ground Battlemap
Battle Theme: REDWEST - FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE (Metal Cover)

To keep things moving, I've talked with Colt's player and received permission to bot their character. This will also be the first of two posts.

Colt
When he decided to kick the doors open and go in guns blazing, Colt was not expecting this kind of response. And he certainly wasn't expecting to be face-to-face with some strange snake woman. Being from Alkenstar, the shieldmarshal has seen his fair share of skookum out and about in the wastes, so he wasn't spooked too much by the sight of her.

But the creature had really put his fat in the fire. Colt couldn't tell if his pistols had any real effect on it at all, and that he found to be a bit troubling.

Alright, he thinks to himself. Looks like we're the hair in the butter. And if I'm gonna settle hash with Rau, I got's to get by this strapper.

Shieldmarshal Colt backs away from Varmirheil, stowing both Judge and Jury in their holsters in the process, only to whip aside his duster and pull out the Highwall rifle, Executioner, before dropping to a kneeling postion.

No Action: 5-foot step backwards
Move Action: holstering pistols
Free Action (due to Quick-Draw): unsheathing rifle

After flipping up the sights on his Highwall, Colt takes aim at the snake woman and squeezes off a shot.

Standard Action: rifle shot with Deadly Aim and Destruction Legal Judgment

Colt rifle shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
rifle damage: 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

The shieldmarshal can barely contain his satisfaction as he watches her head snap back from the impact of the round. But the good feeling turns to ash as Varmirheil brings her head back down to reveal that the bullet hadn't penetrated her skull at all. It rested for a brief moment between her finely shaped brows before falling away to the floor.

Using Executioner, Colt inflicts 18 points of damage on Varmirheil. However, due to her damage reduction, she only sustains 11 damage for a total of 32.

Next up is...

Meir
Watching the fighting taking place in front of him, Meir is waiting for more than just the proper moment to make his manifestation of Groveck count. No, he was working out the proper form for the phantom to take that would best aid his allies.

Groveck wasn't some deceased spirit, but rather an extension of his own inner thoughts and emotions able to manifest in different configurations with different abilties. The current appearance of Groveck represented his more whimsical and childlike nature, as opposed to the one that it appeared in when Meir first met Tsadok and the others that represented the sense of love that he has for his sister Charlotte.

The phantom had already done great emotional harm to Nyym through its antics. Meir isn't about to let that happen again.

It is time, says the wild-maned Ustalav, his words seemingly a chant. Rise up like the storm and appear before me.

The longcoat wearing version of Groveck disappeared from the room it had been in only to manifest before Meir in a different form. From neck to wrist, a protector of thin metal on leather covers its body, but the mountain of muscles beneath is still sharply defined. Groveck's face now resembles a chunk of granite that sprouted whiskers, and the phantom brims with an intensity that would most likely make a bear backpedal if the animal ran across it in the dark.

Bring down that abomination, says Meir as he points toward Varmirheil.

Its hands clenched tightly into massive fists, Groveck unleashes a loud gutteral roar as it dashes toward the drow snake-woman.

Standard Action: phantom call, with Groveck manifesting in its anger Champion form

Groveck Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11; DC 29 or better to succeed

While has Groveck failed its Acrobatics check, because Varmirheil has already used her one AoO, it will not receive one from the charge.

Groveck slam attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
slam damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 5) + 4 = 13

Though caught unaware by the sudden appearance of this newest combatant, Varmirheil's inhuman reflexes prevent her from being hit as she uses her lower right arm to knock aside the hulking brute's strike.

The two lock gazes with one another in preparation of the battle to come between them.

Next up is...

Rau

Back in the armory, Rau surveys the room from his current position, with his attention specifically focused on the young woman that suddenly appeared in a burst of flame and immediately attacked one of the ogresses.

Don't know if I'm wantin' that gal-boy to be an addle-pot for my Varmy's fun.

The skull-masked Mwangi continues to scrutinize Liesel-Marie, hoping to find a chink in the fiery Erutaki's defenses that he can exploit.

No Action: maintaining Stealth
Standard Action: observing his opponent

This the end of the first post. Next up in the second post is Rocnork...

Second Post

Rocnork
The wyvaran gestures dramatically toward Varmirheil with an open hand, and from beneath the drow snake-woman, a mass of sand rises, attempting to attach themselves to her.

Standard Action: sand kinetic blast with entangling and snake infusions
Swift Action: spends 1 point of ki to boost attack roll by 3

Rocnork sand blast attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14; +3 boost included
sand blast damage: 5d6 + 12 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 4, 4) + 12 = 31

Despite the devious manner of delivering his attack by spreading it across the floor to avoid hitting Groveck, somehow Varmirheil manages to avoid being ensnared by the sand by quickly dipping backward using the muscular action of her tail. The act causes the sand to flow upwards in front of her where it hangs suspended momentarily in the air before collapsing back to the floor.

Rocnork accepts 4 points of burn, two of which are mitigated by infusion specialization. The wyvaran receives 18 points of nonlethal damage.

Next up is...

Aiko
With the doorway being used as a bottleneck, Aiko sees that it will be very hard for Oloch and herself to get into the armory and retrieve Rohan.

She glances back at the orc battle-priest and notes that he has a devious grin on his face. Not sure what to make of this, Aiko decides to hold off on her plans to wait and see what he has in mind.

Aiko delays her action to see what Oloch is planning to do.

Next up is Nyym...

Nyym watches as everyone makes their move and waits for his opening. As soon as he sees it he goes for the door with the intention of getting to Pappy..

1 point of ki activates acceleration of form. Grants 4 rounds of haste and displacement and grants an added attack for those rounds.

With a burst of acceleration. Nyym flips through the door in an effort to avoid Varmes tail.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28

Continueing on to Pappy, Nyym launches his attacks apon Pappy in a flurry of fast attacks with his lightning blades..

acrobatics: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 34

acrobatics: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

twin blade fury, dual jutsu, thunder infusion, titan grip, kinetic katana.. AC currently 28

kinetic katana 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

damage: 3d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6) + (4, 6) = 26

kinetic katana 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

damage: 3d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6) + (4, 4) = 20

kinetic katana 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

damage: 3d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (8, 8, 8) + (3, 3) = 30

Varmirheil: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Lurp and Sister Slobber: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Charlotte: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Colt: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14; +2 due to urban terrain
Meir: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Rau: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Oloch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Pappy Gorb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Redlake Fort - Ground Battlemap
Battle Theme: REDWEST - FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE (Metal Cover)

Nyym

Nyym watches as everyone makes their move and waits for his opening. As soon as he sees it he goes for the door with the intention of getting to Pappy..

1 point of ki activates acceleration of form. Grants 4 rounds of haste and displacement and grants an added attack for those rounds.

With a burst of acceleration. Nyym flips through the door in an effort to avoid Varmes tail.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28; DC 34 or better to successfully avoid provoking AoO from Sister Slobber

Despite failing his Acrobatics check, as with Groveck, because Varmirheil has already used her attack of opportunity for the round, Nyym avoids the consequences of his lack of success... this time. ;)

Despite her senses picking up the smell of ozone and the energetic crackle of his movement, both his speed and invisibility allow Nyym to slip past Varmirheil, only to discover that his path to Pappy was far from being clear. One more obstacle separates the half-drow from his goal...

acrobatics: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 34; DC 31 or better to successfully avoid provoking AoO from Sister Slobber

Muscles energized by his overabundent innate electricity, Nyym is able to dash past the angry ogress preparing to face off against Liesel-Marie.

Continuing on to Pappy, Nyym launches his attacks on the unsuspecting ogre ritualist in a flurry of fast attacks with his twin lightning blades.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35; DC 31 or better to successfully avoid provoking AoO from Pappy Gorb

twin blade fury, dual jutsu, thunder infusion, titan grip, kinetic katana; AC currently 28

kinetic katana 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

damage: 3d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6) + (4, 6) = 26

kinetic katana 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

damage: 3d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6) + (4, 4) = 20

kinetic katana 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

damage: 3d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (8, 8, 8) + (3, 3) = 30

With this being the first time the half-drow has tried internalizing his electrokinetic gift, Nyym's body proves to be unaccustomed to the speed bestowed upon it. And yet despite that, such is his skill that when he does become visible once again, Nyym had managed to land two out of the three strikes he launched with his lightning blades, causing Pappy Gorb to howl in pain.

Pappy Gorb Fortitude check: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20; DC 15 or better to resist thunder infusion

Using his electrokinetic blades, Nyym inflicts 56 points of electrical damage on Pappy Gorb.

Because it got to be pretty late while I worked on this response post to Nyym, I'm going to do up a second post to finish out the round later on today. Next up will be Kyt.

Second Post...

Redlake Fort - Ground Battlemap
Battle Theme: REDWEST - FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE (Metal Cover)

Kyt
The elf warrior-monk is more than a little put off by the appearance of the snake-woman Varmirheil.

When the members of Team Ruby had heard that drow had come up from the depths beneath Redlake Fort, this was not what any of them had imagined running into.

Kyt's first thought is that the woman was the result of siltrin jaddenin, or flesh warping, a practice used by the drow to alter a creature’s physical form and mental state by way of a grisly mystical and alchemical process. Those who fail their house or are born with physical or mental defects amongst the drow typically undergo the grisly transformation, though they are by no means the only ones this process is used on. The elf recalls hearing tales of elves like herself, gnomes, halflings, humans, and even orcs, having their forms violently twisted by the drow into hideous fleshwarps.

However, drow that survive siltrin jaddenin become dothka, creatures with the upper bodies of drow and the lower bodies of giant spiders referred to as driders by those unfortunate enough see them. The procedure also causes them to lose much of their drow memory, making them almost into new creatures entirely.

No, whatever she may be, this one is something else other than a fleshwarp.

Kyt observes Varmirheil again, taking note of her multiple arms. This causes her to once again be reminded of Clan Nukumu and Nizana's words to Team Ruby:

We have seen our le'i, our kin, in these lands. We went to them, thinking they could be of assistance. Only to discover that our brethren had become bitter and twisted, warped reflections of what they once were. They have forgotten what it means to be ilythiiri, so debased has their blood become. They have cast aside their honor to serve malign and destructive entities not native to this world, all for the sake of power.

Malign and destructive entities not native to this world... After some more thought, the answer soon becomes all too obvious to Kyt.

Demons. She says aloud. The drow serve demons to gain power. And this creature is proof. She has characteristics in common with a pride demon - the lower body of a snake, the upper body of a humanoid woman, and multiple arms. Most serve the greater demon powers as generals and advisors.

The elf glances over at Aiko. We need to grab Rohan and get him, along with the rest of us, out of here.

Typically, recalling knowledge and monster identification take no time to perform. However, I'm going have that be all Kyt does this round, so that her comrades can be armed with what she has deduced.

Next up is...

Oloch
The grinning battle-priest motions for Aiko to move aside before doing so himself, lining himself up with the snake-woman. With tha done, he begins a chant, and immediately, those closest to him catch an earthy scent reminescent of rain filling the air. When his words come to an end, Oloch transforms into a towering wave of water that nearly reaches the room's ceiling.

He quickly surges forward, bearing down on and washing over both Groveck and Varmirheil to enter the armory.

No Action: 5-foot step to his left
Standard Action: casts the spell wave form

Wave Form damage: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4, 6) = 21

Groveck Reflex check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15; DC 17 or better to avoid being knocked prone
Varmirheil Reflex check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27; DC 17 or better to avoid being knocked prone

Hit from behind by the transformed battle-priest, Groveck is battered down to the ground.

Varmirheil, who is able to see the rushing water heading her way, braces herself to withstand the torrent as it rushes over her.

Once beyond both the double doors and Varmirheil, Oloch resumes his normal form.

Using wave form, Oloch inflicts 21 points of bludgeoning damage on both Groveck and Varmirheil. However, due to her damage reduction, she only sustains 14 damage for a total of 46. In addition, Groveck has been knocked prone (–4 penalty on melee attack rolls and cannot use a ranged weapon [except for a crossbow]; a prone defender gains a +4 bonus to Armor Class against ranged attacks, but takes a –4 penalty to AC against melee attacks; standing up is a move-equivalent action that provokes an attack of opportunity.)

...and...

Aiko
The samurai does as the battle-priest instructs and moves to the side. After watching Oloch cast his spell, she comes to understand why.

Cunning.

Not wasting any time, Aiko dashes in the wake of the moving column of water. Her goal is the same as her comrade: to get past the doors and to the armory.

Aiko Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26; DC 34 or better to successfully avoid provoking AoO from Varmirheil

The nimble Minkan leaps over the fallen Groveck then dives into the room past the angry, battered, and sputtering drow snake-woman.

... and...

Charlotte
The young human girl senses the opportunity taking shape before her and lopes after both Oloch and Aiko, changing to that of her hybrid form of human and wolf as she moves.

Standard Action: Lycanthropic wild shape (hybrid form)
Move Action: run to enter the armory

Charlotte Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23; DC 34 or better to successfully avoid provoking AoO from Varmirheil

And this is why Combat Reflexes is such a useful feat... As with Groveck and Nyym, Aiko and Charlotte would've provoked an attack of opportunity from Varmirheil if she had one available to use.

Due to the delaying of their actions, both Aiko and Charlotte's places in the initiative order have changed to go after Oloch. This, along with changes to the map, will be reflected in my next post.

Next up is...

Pappy Gorb
Glaring angrily at the half-drow who dared to injure him, Pappy Gorb ceases his chanting and draws a sword with a slender and sharply pointed two-edged blade whose elegant appearance is in sharp contrast to that of its gauche wielder.

Thanks to the nature of the ritual he was attempting, the corpulent ogre is not worried about being interrupted by Nyym. And though this meant that he can engage the interloper in combat, the longer Gutterunch takes to defeat this foe, the more difficult it would be to finish what he had started.

Wheezing mightily, the elder Gorb lunges to attack the half-drow.

Move Action: draw rapier
Full-Round Action: attack Nyym with rapier

Pappy Gorb rapier attack 1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
rapier damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Pappy Gorb rapier attack 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
rapier damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

It takes little effort from Nyym to evade the ogre's clumsy attempts to run him through.

Which serves only to further fuel Gutterunch's anger.

And, at long last, this brings an end to Round 1. Round 2 begins now...

Varmirheil
Seething with rage over her treatment by the lesser foes arrayed against her, Varmirheil takes her frustration out by using her innate demonic ability to call forth a cold, cloying miasma of greasy darkness that rolls away from her body.

From outside of the affected area, Meir, Nyym, and Rocnork can hear their allies coughing within the roiling mist.

Standard Action: cast unholy blight defensively to avoid AoO (DC 23 or better concentration check to succeed)

Varmirheil's concentration check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Unholy Blight damage: 4d8 ⇒ (7, 5, 8, 5) = 25
Unholy Blight damage: 8d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 5, 1, 2, 4, 2) = 20; Groveck only
rounds sickened: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Due to the 20-foot radius spread of the spell-like ability, I will need DC 15 Will saves from Colt, Tsadok, and Liesel-Marie. Failure for Colt and Liesel-Marie results in sustaining 25 damage and being sickened (–2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for 1 round, while success results in sustaining 12 points of damage and and negating the sickened effect. Due to not being good aligned, failure for Tsadok results in 12 damage while success results in 6 damage, with no sickened effect in either case.

As Groveck is a good outsider, the spell inflicts more damage on the phantom than it would anyone else.

And of course, evil creatures suffer no effects from it all.

Aiko Will save: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35; 12 damage, not sickened
Charlotte Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26; 12 damage, not sickened
Groveck Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17; 10 damage, not sickened
Kyt Will save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19; 12 damage, not sickened
Oloch Will save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11; 12 damage, not sickened

Next up is Tsadok...

Bloodrage Will save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 I am finding conflicting information regarding my bonus while in a bloodrage. It might be +11, but I don't think so. That said, let's see how I roll...