When the party entered the dark fortress, unobserved from everybody, Chao draws a small wooden stick, most likely a magic wand from under his robes. everyone noticing will wonder what the monk would need this for, but it becomes clear very quickly. Presenting the wand like a gift, he walks towards Valeska and nows deeply. Then he makes some simple hand gestures and she quickly realizes what he wants. By touching the wand she recoginzes its magic and uses one charge on Chao before returning the wand.
Chao recongnizes the luring threat, too, apparently. Everyone in the back row can suddenly see his skin transform. A wood shell grows rapidly where his hairless skin used to be giving him a very natural outlook, almost like one of these tree person from the stories.
"What the..." Shontar was about to shout oud loud, when he saw his friend transform for the first time. But he kept his composure.
'they know were here?...can smell them?' Looking from the half orc to the elf, Valda redoubles her efforts to identify the location of the enemy. First using her eyes and ears, then searching for anything evil.
'The quiet one is wise.' Smiling to herself as Chao's skin seems to transform, Valda continues following closely behind the general, her great sword gripped in both hands, resting on her shoulder.
Kain raises his shield, taking a defensive posture as he looks around.
Nikolai walked alongside the imposing figures of both Kain and Chao. He nervously studied the dark corners of the room, keen eyes looking for variations in the patterns that could allude to a danger that only his practiced eyes could see. His nerves were taut and ready and he was glad the others were so focused on dangers to not see the way the rapier shook in his hand.
A faint smell was noticed as they breached the basilica, a pungent odor that made his stomach turn as he shook his head softly. The motion drew his attention to something unknown waiting for them in the darkness.
"Watch above you friends, there are dangers that could be lurking there." Such high and vaulted ceilings like this were natural territory for such creatures. He was about to step in when Chao suddenly sprouted bark and changed in front of him. Wide-eyed, Nikolai would grin as he studied the monk. "How fascinating." The investigator murmured before slowly walking into the opened room. The only way to defeat the unknown was to confront it. Despite his nerves, he was unafraid.
= Half damage
You are almost forced to your knees, but you push yourself back up and continue to fight.
The quiet stillness within the faded solarium is broken as Kain raises his shield and sword and utters a short war cry. You all feel a cold wind rush past you, bearing down upon the general.
Kain thrashes and lashes out as though waging a fierce battle with unseen adversaries. He feeds his full strength into his shield, jerking about as though weathering a flurry of blows upon his steel. Bloody wounds begin to appear in the gaps of his armor and upon his cheeks.
Kain, what's wrong? Horrified, Valeska swivels her head looking everywhere.
Do you see those... wounds from nowhere. Valda, would you mind helping him?
What manner of mischief is this?
Looking from the strangely bleeding Cavalier to their leader, Valda pauses. "The general is the strongest of us all, It is unwise dear to lay aside arms in the middle of a conflict to deal with a scratch or two." She nods towards towards the Countess, "I am here to protect your life, I'm willing to use the life link I mentioned on you as well as two other people. You may decide who those two people will be." Looking around the room, seeing no threats, she continues "Using that link I can heal without taking myself from the fight. Slight wounds should be dealt with after the battle.", Valda releases the greatsword handle with her right hand, reaching into her pouch, she draws a wand and taps Arden with it. "There you are dear boy." Turning back to Valeska, she asks, "Now before we go any further may I use the life link on you?"
Valda, I will allow it this time... But, I would prefer you help out Orcish friend there and Shontar.
Valeska continues, I apologize if I seem ungrateful. I simply worry about myself last. Sasha and I will be alright.
Nikolai, any idea what's going on here?
Nikolai watched in both horror and fascination as the wind suddenly swept to life, carrying with it the chill of the grave as it passed through them all. It seemed to take hold with the general though as he shouted out a war cry and fought against an unseen foe and an unseen force. The scholar's eyes widened as he watched cuts form from nothing upon his face. Quickly, his mind began to run through the possibilities of what he was seeing.
Kain swings his blade in several fluid strikes, his blows landing firmly on the air. His face seems one of anger.
Orcs! They have betrayed us! Its an ambush! I knew we were far too trusting! Silverwing, strike!
He blocks another shadow's blow, he jerks slightly at Valda's touch before giving a nod and continuing to show that space of air who the real boss is.
He doesn't seem to notice most of the others are, more or less, standing and staring just yet.
Silverwing cocks its head in confusion. He glances around, not understanding what is going on. He hears the word orc, but seems mildly hesitant as the others of the group stand there in confusion. Eventually, he turns his head to regard Bashuk and stares for an uncomfortable amount of time.
"What? You think I'm doing this?!" Bashuk demands indignantly of the griffon. "Warrior--Kain! It's in your head, snap out of it!" The half-orc keeps scanning their surroundings, concerned that the noise would attract the caligni.
Silverwing makes a motion with its wings that you think may be a shrug before looking around the room.
At least she smells better than most of them.
Nikolai is familiar with the phenomenon at work here. After all, regardless of their discipline, any scholar attached to the University of Lepidstadt almost invariably comes across records or accounts related to a haunting.
If General Kain is seeing phantom orcs assaulting him, he might be caught in an "echo" of the final siege that befell this stronghold so long ago.
The application of positive energy is the most common solution for a haunt. It can "damage" the haunt and render it dormant for a time. Permanently eliminating a haunt is a complicated matter, and it can vary depending upon the nature of the haunt. For instance, it might involve providing a proper burial for the deceased whose death or suffering served as the genesis for the haunt.
There is a brief but tense pause. In that moment, Kain no longer dedicates himself to defending against the phantom foes. However, the air remains icy cold, and you can all feel it growing heavier and more stifling with each breath you take.
The heaviness in the air, like being trapped by a swarm of bodies, clung to them all as they stood there waiting for a moment. The icy cold air remained as well, clutching them tightly in its grip. None of them were safe, they had stumbled right into the clutches of a supernatural danger.
"Sister Valda! If you can channel positive energy, you must do it now. We're caught in a haunt, an echo of the final siege. Positive energy can render it dormant for a time. We need that time to investigate what is causing the haunt." Time was of the essence and they needed to act quickly.
'A haunt? how curious.' Turning towards Nikolai, Valda responds, "Certainly dear." Drawing her willow walking stick, She taps it on the ground, closing her eyes, breathing a prayer, channeling positive energy.
As she places the walking stick back in it's scabbard, she reaches over to the countess, resting her hand on her shoulder. Releasing a sudden warmth running from Valda's hand and through the countesses whole form. Nodding to Valeska "The link is complete.
=> Half damage
The cold air avoids Valeska and Valda like water flowing around a stone. The rage and pain that created this haunt avoid the flow of positive energy between the two, especially as its pulse burns at the haunt like fire.
Kain tightens his grip upon his sword, but the hint of a sigh pushes past his ragged breath as no new phantoms assault him.
As they tense up and begin to react, it seems that Nikolai and Shontar were not so lucky...
Nikolai turns his head towards the sound and tries to prepare his mind for it. The sound grows louder, the roaring sounds of battle erupting from a hundred orcs approaching. He steels himself, trying to take in what is real even as the haunt descends itself again.
"It is not real. It is not real. It is-" The scholar's eyes glaze over though as his the swarm of orcs erupt from the dark. With ruined and rusty weapons, they descend upon the hapless man. Nikolai lifts his weapon in an attempt to protect himself but it is useless, there are just too many of them. There are too many to stop. The battle is useless. Those damn cowards in Lastwall, how dare they just abandon us! How dare they leave us to die!
To those watching, dozens of nasty cuts would rip along the young man, blood hitting the ground as he is knocked down to his knees. Valda would feel the sting of his pain as her gift came into effect, sparing Nikolai from bearing the brunt of the haunt's anger.
"I-it still isn't subdued. We have to strike it again. More channeled energy or holy water! Quickly!" Nikolai shouts to his comrades, fresh blood dripping from what wounds remained onto the ground below.
Taking in a quick breath caused by the wounds from her life link with Nikolai, Valda nods in agreement with him. "Your right dear, I will channel again. Saying a quick prayer, she releases positive energy again, looking around to see who is still wounded.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Shontar screams while running away around the corner in panic.
"Kain was right! The orcs have betrayed us. They're invisible and swarming us! Everyone get cover!"
Once out of the door, Shontar crouches against the wall and presses his crossbow against his chest.
Kain shakes his head as the vision fades, he looks around before grabbing Nikolai and rushing out the door. Assuming he does not resist.
Move away from the area, it may only be able to effect a small area, if we cannot fight it, we should not sit still and let it curse us.
"You are all alive, which is proof enough that we have not betrayed you!" Bashuk sounds affronted and slightly bewildered at these strangers flailing and wailing as they battle invisible ghosts.
"I-it is not the orcs, not these orcs. It is the remnant minds and souls of the defenders manifesting as a haunt." Nikola's wounds slowly begin to close, patching themselves as he siphons life away from Valda. He is pulled back by Kain away from the area but he does his best to try an analyze the breadth and control that the haunt has. Another pulse of positive energy rushes from Valda, washing over them all as well as the haunt itself.
"If we weaken it enough, it will be docile for a time. Rarely do spirits want to exist in this form, they yearn to be free. We simply need to learn what they want and we can exorcise the haunt." Nikolai says to Kain but loud enough for all of them to hear. "If we wish to secure Valorforge, we must cleanse it. If only I had a spirit board, curse my tunnel vision." Nikolai murmurs at the end, shaking his head. He would wait for a moment, see if the haunt strikes again, before stepping out and trying to understand what it wanted.
Valda releases another pulse of positive energy. The solarium grows still and...the quiet endures. The chill in the room remains, although it is not nearly as biting. The shadows no longer sway menacingly, and there is no half-imagined whispers from the curves and corners of the cavernous chamber.
With the haunting neutralized, at least for now, you have earned your grim foothold in the basilica.
Nodding her head in agreement with Nikolai, "I believe the good Doctor is right, the spirits seem to be stilled for a time." She walks over to the Elf, "Shontar dear, I believe we are safe, May I use the life link on you as well?"
Once the link is established she draws out her wand and heals the damage she took from Nikolai's wounds.
Bashuk bows her head in acknowlegement of the orc spirits' suffering. "You said you are a servant of Grandmother Crow? the half-orc asks of Valda. "Even here in Belkzen her name is spoken--a spirit of merciful strength, present even when uncalled, willing to give succor to the wounded and needful. I bow to those whom She has empowered. The half-orc suits deed to word and bows deeply.
"But Valorfoe will be the domain of the Burning Sun tribe once claimed--and we are your allies, not your vassals, remember this." Bashuk straightens, her eyes still burning with golden light. "When you are ready, let us continue."
"Puh. Thanks. Aeh, yes, you may"
A startled and ashamed Shontar recovers from his wounds and his lost pride.
"Sorry guys, you know I don't really startle that easy. Chao tell them."
He's obviously very ashamed of being feared by this type of illusion not really understanding the concept of a haunt.
Chao comes over to his friend and reaches out with his hand to pull him up.
On Shontar's request he nods fast several times as if he would totally agree with Shontar's claims. And someone who can read people, would think Chao truely believes that.
Having moved through the doorway to gift Shontar with the link, Valda puts the wand away, nodding graciously to Bashuk. "You are too kind dear, we all do what we can do correct?" Looking from the half orc towards Chao, Valda studies his hand signals, nodding approvingly.
Then turning to the general; "Kain dear, the 'haunt' has been removed for the time being. Do you wish to continue our assault in the solarium or are we continuing here through the doorway?"
The chill in the air weakens for the time being, the shadows becoming still and a sense of calm enveloping them all. The wounds up Nikolai continue to heal more and more and after a few moments, it seems that the haunt had been pacified for now. The scholar lets out a sigh of relief, glad to see no one else harmed for the moment. His eyes lock with Bashuk as she postures again about the circumstances of their alliance. With a small scoff, he waves off the details as he approaches.
"Yes, yes, I understand and know. Countess Valeska has made it clear that your tribe is to secure this place. I would imagine clearing the spirits of the dead would still be in your interest, yes?" Readjusting his traveling robes slightly, he gives a smile to the embarassed elf and gives him a nod. "It is perfectly alright. Haunts, especially one of such violence like this, can be especially harrowing. It will recover its strength in time but how long that may be, I do not know."
"I personally believe we should continue securing the ground floor here, the Solarium will give us a strong strategic position and may illuminate what is causing the haunt itself."
Thank you, Nikolai, Valda... all of you. Now, if everyone's alright, let's move. Valeska's eyes surveil her group and the immediate surroundings.
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Let's not tarry or we might lose whatever element of surprise we may have. I'm guessing they weren't ready for an assault and not by such a force as ours combined.
There will be time for a thorough examination once we've cleared the structure.
Nodding in agreement with the Countess, Valdo tighten her grip on her greatsword, ready to follow the General.
Kain lets out a sigh.
Good, at least that is one problem dealt with for now. Bashuk, where is the entrance to the caverns? That should be our primary concern. The fortress itself can wait until the dark ones are dealt with.
There is almost a sensory overload for the ably astute Nikolai as he quickly scans the solarium and adjoining rooms.
Looking up and behind the party, he observes the stained glass window above the doors you entered to gain access to the basilica. A wide golden ring or circlet appears to have been incorporated into the metallic molding that holds the colorful panes in place. It would require an interesting climb or shimmying along the ledges to retrieve, but it could be quite valuable.
Peering into the wide hall that dominates the eastern half of the basilica's ground floor, he finds faded and tattered pennants hanging from the stone supports. A faint breeze draws his attention to a section of wall along the northern side. A curious gap along the foot of the wall leads him to believe there is some manner of hidden door.
Perhaps more importantly, though, he notices some manner of trap waiting just beyond the door to the south. There is a wire connected to the doorjamb. Taking the time to examine the frame, Nikolai concludes that it is rigged to release some manner of dust, fog, or poison when triggered.
Furthermore, there are figures moving upstairs. They attempt to blend in among the shadows, but you can pick out the outline of ragged clothes distinguishing them from the stones and old furnishings above.
You estimate that five dark folk sentries lurk above, watching you from the balcony looking down upon the solarium.
When Nikolai points at the wide golden ring or circlet incorporated into the metallic molding, Shontar's eyes gleam. "That would be a nice treasure to display in the town hall. Chao, go get it.", he told his friends with a grin, making clear that this is neither a request nor a sincere suggestion. He does however believe that Chao might actually be skilled enough to do so.
While Nikolai is carefully checking the room, Valda, looks around attempting to determine if there is anything within view that is magical.
When the elf sends the monk on his task, she moves near and whispers, "Shontar dear, we promised the fortress to the Burning Sun Orcs." She nods towards Bashuk, "Is it wise to vandalize what we promised them?"
Nikolai looks over the room with a gaze, the sudden rush of information being parsed through his mind carefully. The crown up above them was beautifully made and could be quite valuable if he had the chance to look it over up close. It held the panes together though, shielding the inside from the brilliant light shining outside. Wind swept beside him and the pennants swayed softly at the influx of air. Yet one moved just a bit different, an unknown draft strong enough to disturb it. Perhaps a secret door? As he took a step, the glint of dim light that invaded the Solarium caught upon a shimmering line dead ahead to the south. Moving along it quietly, he would examine the trap therein.
"Very clever but not clever enough." Nikolai says with a faint smirk, seeing the little box hidden to the side with sealed holes. It was a gas or a dust of some sort, likely something from underground that the enemy would be fond of using. As he went to warn his companions, his ears twitched at the sound of movement that was not them. Someone moved away from the door, fleeing further south towards sights unseen. There was also sounds up above, the faint scuffling of movement.
"One...no...two. Four. Five." They are quite quiet, dangerously so, but the bits of dust that fall down from up above from no breeze betrays them. He turns and approaches the group once more, walking quickly but not fast enough to alert the enemy up above that they were caught.
"We have company, I believe. Five sentries on the balcony overlooking the floor. They have eyes on us right now. I heard someone or someones retreat further south, beyond the trapped door to the south. There seems to be a hidden door over there though, perhaps a way around the trapped door." Nikolai ponders over the best move. To take the secret door before eliminating the sentries would mean that the enemy would know their movements. Engaging them now would be difficult thanks to their height advantage, poisonous weapons, and being concealed in darkness. Going through the door could just lead them into an ambush and he could fail to disable the trap in time as well. An idea struck him though.
"Any of you see any sealed or dirty windows near the top? If we could catch them in the light, they would likely fall back after their confusion." It was an idea. Otherwise, the fight down here could be particularly bad.
"We have company, I believe. Five sentries on the balcony overlooking the floor. They have eyes on us right now. I heard someone or someones retreat further south, beyond the trapped door to the south. There seems to be a hidden door over there though, perhaps a way around the trapped door."
Bashuk carefully doesn't look up or indicate she's aware of the dark folk presence. "Can you point them out to me? I can burn them from here if we want to hit them first."
before nikolai's post-
We promised them the fortress would be theirs. We never agreed to give them everything it held. So, by all means, chao, if you can reach it. If not, I might could get silverwing to grab it.
he says matter of factly to Valda. After working as a mercenary, he'd learned long ago that one does need to sweat the details.
after post-
you said they dislike bright light? If we can draw them out, then have someone cast a spell of light, it may give us enough of an advantage. Can any of those here magically gifted conjure such a light?
"No, no, it has to be the equivalence of daylight. Other lights will cause irritation but no true harm to them. If such powerful light can be made though." Nikolai conspired for the moment, his attention then moving towards the half-orc woman that could conjure fire.
"Up upon the balcony behind me and to the right. I'd point but...I don't want to reveal that we know they're there until we decide to strike." He says, risking just a glance back towards that dangerous overlook.
Raising an eyebrow at the General, Valda tsks, like she is talking to a younger sibling taking gum from a candy story. "Are we such poor allies that we steal from those we desire as friends?"
She shrugs and turns to listen to Nikolai's description. Trying not to stare at the above floor. Smiling slightly at Bashuk's planned response, She turns back to the General; "I do not have a spell that would do that. Would Bashuk's fire provide that form of diversion?"
"Not even my fires are as bright as the sun. Their effect is a little more direct, though." Bashuk grins fiercely at the paladin. "Countess, I will defer to you. Do we strike them now?"
Valda's attuned eyes pick out a blue-hued aura of transmutation magic upon the circlet suspended above.
Chao raises his hand, a common signal for a party to stop. Without making any noise, he sprints up the stairs towards the balcony. After a few meters he stops and looks around ( ).
When he doesn't notice anything unsual, he continues and his running increases to an unnatural speed. .
Up on the balcony he artistically ( ) dances towards the ring-circlet thing, pulls it from the wall and runs back down again.
Back at the group who has been watching his careless solo and acrobatics with a mixtrue of awe and anger, he stops in front of Bashuk. With a deep bow he hands her the treasure.
First, we must reach them... artillery stays here, close quarters... up to the balcony.
Sasha... Go! Kain, I'm behind you.