rounds
Nadiya's flask explodes at the ghouls' wizened feet, splashing them with burning oil.
As Kain and the elemental square up against the ghouls guarding the end of the bridge, they find the opposition suddenly destroyed right in front of them. Miruna invokes a burst of radiance that explodes behind the ghouls and in front of their unholy cleric ally. The divine power burns away the ordinary ghouls and leaves the cleric burned and blinded.
Meanwhile, she wills her spiritual weapon to glide over to the other remaining archer. With a fortuitous strike, it beheads the ghoul.
The undead cleric, blinded by Miruna's magic, stumbles forward and narrowly avoids blundering into one of the weakened portions of the floor. He stands in front of Kain and the elemental and raises a holy symbol of bone and blackened iron. A cold wave of negative energy pulses forward, mending his own injuries while seizing at your own muscle and bone.
Baron Ludwig himself, hasted by his own magic, darts forward into view. Seeing his coterie cut down, he decides to unleash his strongest magic upon the party. He summons a raging ball of fire and hurls it into your midst.
Nadiya somehow manages to lean into an updraft caused by the fireball and temporarily floats upward, leaving her singed and the fringes of her skirt seared off, and settles back into the position she was flying before.
While Mishka yowls at the sudden movement, she latches onto her basket with claws, dipping low and completely avoiding the flames. Immediately afterward she sits upright in her basket, pointedly does not look at the Baron, and licks her paw as though to say, "Is that all you've got?"
Once she recovers, Nadiya flies forward, hovering over the chasm, so she can see the Baron properly (. Seriously annoyed, she responds in kind with her own, best combat spell. Pulling a nail from her spell component pouch, she hurls it at the baron where it becomes a cold iron stake flying toward his chest.
-29
Kain shrugs off the wave of negative energy, but is caught full blast in the fireball, his armor growing hot from the sudden burst of heat.
Grunting and pushing through the pain, Kain steps up to retaliate against the hooded figure, lashing out twice.
Leta basks in the dark energy as it washes over her, the blackest pit of her soul reveling in delight.
AND THEN the fireball hits. Though she does her best to get out of its way, she is caught in a portion of the flame, and cannot escape unscathed.
"Fire is a fickle ally," Bashuk growls as she rises from her crouch, clothing and armor singed and smoking. "I learned that lesson long ago, corpse. Now I teach it to you."
Valeska is caught by surprise by the radiating flames as she crouches, raising her arms to protect herself. To her credit she rises to stand tall in the aftermath.
You will have to do better than that, Baron. Or must we inform your masters of this insipid advance?
Come to me Baron, let's parley... perhaps that is where you excel.
Even as she speaks, she backs up away from her comrades but still within his line of sight, trying to draw his ire away from them and goad him to her.
Boulder Fist, the earth elemental lumbers forward, a diminutive juggernaut until he reaches the Baron and attempts to slam him with a stone slap.
The party's onslaught leaves both ghoul leaders badly wounded.
Leta moves to the side and takes a pot shot at the leader and continues her song (got 5 more rounds of that today).
Miruna slips along the bridge and squeezes between Kain and the catacomb walls. Despite the tight confines, she delivers a disemboweling swing with her scimitar that fells the undead cleric.
Baron Ludwig retreats from the elemental and the party as a whole, evading an opportunistic swing of the elemental's rocky fists. Once he is down the hall, he pats out the flames that play across his moldering finery.
The sounds of scratching echo up from the chasm as more ghouls climb up to attack. You can hear the Baron's voice reverberate down the halls as he calls to yet more of his minions to protect him.
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Nadiya flies closer to the ceiling and over the party's head into the corridor, following the sound of the Baron's voice until he is in her line of sight. While flying she also pulls her crossbow around from the strap it's on so and holds it in one hand. Then, gesturing with her other hand, she whispers a spell that grows and reverberates as it travels toward the ghoul until it is a deafening roar in the Baron's ear.
"Baroness! It's time to go!" Bashuk calls even as she flings a hurried bolt of fire at the nearest ghoul, then crosses the rickety bridge into the main hall.
"The Baron, did we get him?"
We're not leaving until, he's resting in pieces...
Leta joins the others on the other side of the bridge, trusting that the Countess will leave when the time is right.
She's continuing her Inspire, but holding off other action right now, planning to help defend their rear with her bow and spells.
Left burned and drained by the rapid onslaught of magical energies, Miruna takes a vial from her belt and quickly downs it. Within seconds, she seems to stand straighter, as if the pain had eased already.
Baron Ludwig manages to resist the worst of Nadiya's sonic magic, although it still rattles his undead bones.
Miruna and Leta join the exodus from the central tomb, crossing the bridge whilst the former tends to her injuries.
Still standing upon the tomb platform, Countess Valeska sees the claws of the next wave of ghouls rise up from above. The first one that crests over the edge, however, is summarily obliterated by Bashuk's blast.
Valeska hears the approaching undead and bolts to rejoin her friends.
Kain curses, knowing he would never catch up to the Baron.
Go, I'll cover our rear from the incoming ghouls. He shouted to the others, moving up a bit towards another choke point. Dropping his shield and Drawing his bow as he did. After managing to get a clear view of the Baron, he drops the Raven's head at his feet and looses an arrow towards the fleeing Baron.
Kain's arrow strike the baron and leaves him staggering. The magic that the baron has used to bolster himself can only go so far, and it is reaching its limits.
He raises his hands and fires a pair of fiery beams - one aimed at Kain, the other at Nadiya - before turning to continue his retreat.
Nadiya crouches down, and the beam of fire aimed at her merely strikes the stone wall behind her.
Kain is not so fortunate, and he suffers the burn of the scorching ray.
Baron Ludwig turns and flees, his steps hastened by magic. The next wave of his undead followers emerge from their crevices and hurry forth, slavering with claws at the ready.
While looking back with concern toward where the other ray flew, she can assess reasonably the party is still standing. Knowing she has the benefit of mobility at least, Nadiya loads her crossbow and flies, well over the heads and reach of the oncoming ghouls, 60 feet in the direction the Baron ran and spots him ahead. He's this way!" she shouts to the party behind her.
She yells after the Baron. "You would have done well to take the Baroness's offer of parley. Now you've tried to burn my cat twice, so I and my endless reserves of positive energy shall not be so amenable."
-50
Kain grimaces as the magic sears the side of his face, and seeing the oncoming ghouls, drops his bow before picking up his mace and shield and stepping back and readying himself for the assault.
Its up to you Nadiya! he shouts
As the ghouls come swarming in Bashuk curses and turns to guard their rear--the first of the lanky monsters gets sheared through the torso by a blade of fire that erupts from Baskuk's knife-hand.
"Keep moving!" she yells as it falls, suiting her own advice and moving to join Kain on the other flank. "They just keep coming..." she laments softly as another trio of undead come slavering down the hall.
Leta will move 30' (risking AOO from 1 ghoul?)
Saves if needed:
vs disease
vs paralysis
Assuming she's not paralyzed, she'll move up so her allies are clear and then cast ear piercing scream for
Miruna slashes at the ghoul foolish enough to present its back to her, then steps forward to block the way of its comrades trying to rush the Countess.
Bashuk's fiery blade clears the way for Leta, who then advances and batters the ghoul ahead of her with a powerful, magical scream. The undead creature manages to endure the worst of the spell, but its lanky limbs are rattled nonetheless.
Miruna's scimitar flashes in the dark catacombs, and she cuts down two ghouls in quick succession, with her spiritual weapon bringing down a third. Thanks to her efforts, the party's rear is clear.
Valeska and the Elemental advance attacking the first ghoul they encounter, trying to reach the fleeing Baron.
Valeska drawing her mundane starknife as she moves.
Move, MOVE, MOVE!
The elemental brings its fists down upon the head of the wounded ghoul standing along the narrow canal. The powerful slam pulverizes the ghoul and creates an opening for the countess.
Countess Valeska flings her starknife with unerring precision. It whistles through the stale air as it spins before burying itself in the target ghoul's forehead.
Baron Ludwig's confidence renews, finding only a single adversary in sight. He raises his palms and fires another pair of scorching rays at Nadiya, with one of them hitting their mark. He then draws a potion of foul, thick liquid from his robes.
The last ordinary ghoul in sight charges forward, leaping over the blessed tiles in its path, and lunges for Valeska. However, it seems to lose momentum as it dodges the dangerous tiles, for it cannot land a bite upon the countess.
Leta will skirt around the ghoul and head off toward Nadiya, continuing Inspire +2. She realizes she's not much of a reinforcement, but at least she can maybe give the Baron another target and give Nadiya a better chance.
Kain, can you deal with this guy and free me up?
The earth elemental steps forward, striking at the remaining ghoul. A gravelly bellow accentuates its intent. GRAUHHVLLL!!
Nadiya can often be measured, cautious. Usually she stays back and heals and supports.
But her patience has limits. And an evil undead chucking fire at her not once but three times has exceeded her limits (regardless of her involvement of provocation). Even the most rational side of her also recognizes the Baron must not be given time to leave. She sees Leta coming close by and hopes she and the others can hem him in or drive him toward making a foolish step.
"So be it."
She incants what normally would be a healing spell, her fingers glowing with green positive energy.
And then she flies over the Baron's head before coming down so that she is still about three feet above the ground, but raking his dessicated pate with outstretched, glowing hand.
Their rear flank safe, for the moment, Miruna pivots and sprints after Leta, heedless of the danger from the ghoul in her path. She silently curses herself for leaving Nadiya so exposed, and only hopes she can get to her friend in time.
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Baron Ludwig's scream echoes through the catacombs, reaching the rest of the party as they rush to Nadiya's aid.
The positive energy sent coursing through his body by Nadiya's touch finally overwhelms his magical protections and undead state. His body begins to disintegrate, starting from his arms, and his anguished cries seem to continue a few moments even after his head has become but dust.
His robes fall upon the pile of dust, acting like a cushion to cradle his necklace, ring, and other possessions as they fall.
Potion of Cause Moderate Wounds
Scroll of Fly
+1 dagger
Amulet of Natural Armor +1
Ring of Protection +1
Pouch with 225gp collected from graves
The howling of the other ghouls within the fissures and crevices around the catacombs begins to wane. They seem to sense the destruction of their lord and master, and the loss of his leadership causes their mad courage, even in the face of their undying hunger, to falter.
"That sounded promising," Bashuk observes approvingly as the the Baron's dying shriek echoes down the cavern. "No more behind us for now, let's get out of here before they find their spines again." Striding up to rejoin the others, the half-orc blasts the remaining ghoul with an offhand bolt of fire.
We could go back and obtain the suit of plate armor as well. I feel less bad about disturbing him, now that we've cleansed his resting place of a great evil. That aside, I personally would prefer my arms be put to good use after my passing. Kain says, after helping to finish off the remaining ghoul.
The knight stands resolutely, though its clear to see the battle has left him wounded.
And well done everyone.
Almost startled by the result she hadn't dared hoped for, Nadiya steps back, and then watches the Baron crumble to pieces. She claps her hands together to knock off the dust of dessicated flesh.
"Well. That is either the stupidest or the most brilliant thing I've done."
A judgemental meow comes from the cat still crouching low inside her basket.
"Well," replies Nadiya, "I knew what you'd think."
She slowly lowers to the ground and begins to shake. Releasing her crossbow, she looks up to Leta standing in the corridor. She speaks in that dazed-yet-composed way many people used to acting in crisis speak. "Leta, be a dear, and let the others know the Baron is no more. I think I might be badly burned and need to treat myself for shock."
Leaning against the wall where she then slowly slides to a sitting position on the ground, she pulls a large leather bag incongruously out of one of the smaller compartments of her magical haversack, and then out of it, pulls out two vials. The first is brandy, and she takes a good swig. The second is a potion of cure light wounds which she quaffs.
Once she recovers a bit she rejoins the party and will use her healing hex on anyone who is injured (except Leta) who she has not yet used it on today.
She will also ask Leta if she needs healing.
Kain quickly cuts down the last ghoul standing in the catacomb hallways, leaving the way entirely clear.
We have overcome, this time.
Let's collect what we need and go.
I fear this is a foretelling of the days ahead. She moves to collect her thrown starknife.
"Leta, be a dear, and let the others know the Baron is no more. I think I might be badly burned and need to treat myself for shock."
Leta looks at her companion in awe.
"What an amazing feat!" Then, noting Nadiya's request, she heads back to let everyone know.
She will also ask Leta if she needs healing.
"Please and thankyou!"
The Pragmatic knight quickly packs up the armor quickly, giving one last nod to the remains.
As he does so, he responds to Valeska.
I hope so, if it is a foretelling, then like today, we shall continue to overcome. He says with a nod as he finishes his task.
Lets be on our way then, if we are seeking to leave these tunnels.
The sounds of howling and scratching behind you dies away as you leave behind the oldest level of the catacombs and make your ascent back towards the surface. Whether they merely slink back into their holes or fall prey to the grave guardian, no more ghouls pursue you any further.
Back on the surface, panting for breath, you reunite with your allies. Valda, Nikolai, Valere, and Silverwing stand guard over your other steeds and vehicles, as well as Doctor Evets. They have slain a number of ghouls while awaiting your return, and they have heaped them together in preparation for a pyre.
No longer finding undead teeth and claws at your heels, you have a moment to examine the relics and other treasures recovered from below.
Miruna arrives too late to join Nadiya against the Baron, but is still relieved to see her friend survived the encounter.
"Nobody can doubt your bravery after a stunt like that," she says with a laugh, though a note of concern is present in her tone. "Here, let me check you over before we get moving again. We have a few seconds."
The sky is a deep yet weakening violet, heralding the arrival of dawn in less than two hours. However, the sky is becoming harder to discern as the tapestry of stars begins to blur as the first wisps of morning fog roll in off the nearby river. The weather is currently clear, but the air remains chilly.
"Thank you, Miruna. If I become too terribly brave too often, please assess me for sanity. Still,I am glad this sorcerous undead is no more. The number of them gathering under his leadership was...upsetting."
Mishka leaps to the ground and goes to rub against Miruna's legs in thanks for healing her mistress.
"I'm a Sarenite, optimism comes naturally to us--but I think it'd be fooling ourselves to think we destroyed all the ghouls down there. This used to be a village, and now it's a hole in the ground over ghoul hive...if we don't root them out fully they'll keep spreading." Bashuk glances back over her shoulder towards the sinkhole they all just climbed out of, expression grim.
"Killing the Baron has bought us time, but I don't think this is over by a long shot."
"Do not mistake me, Bashuk, I am not suggesting the threat is over. But I count the Baron's loss as a victory, especially as his particular ambitions have been foiled. One can appreciate one's successes while still accepting there is work yet to be done.
She turns to Valeska. "And I have every intention to continue that work. I came here seeking to aid the women and children of this region, but obviously darker powers threaten the existence of all. I can't speak for Miruna and Leta, though their value as traveling companions has been unmatched... but if your newfound barony needs my help, however humble it may be, I offer it now. Would there be room for me?"
"I also offer to stay and assist in what capacity I can, assuming there's a nice grove of trees somewhere I can visit to rejuvenate from time to time."
Canterwall... and I welcome all who would protect and represent the county with strength and integrity. Valeska bows.
Miruna kneels down to scratch Mishka behind the ears, as a reward for being such a good kitty. She looks back up at the others, a lopsided grin on her face.
"It's not every day you fall into a sinkhole and come out with a job, is it? I'd be a fool to ignore a sign like that."