Volcano's Land - Unknown Depths (Inactive)

Game Master Miner Cotren

It is eleventh candle.

As the tension mounts and you feel the disagreements will soon turn to arguments-

"Burne, oh Burne!" You hear a high, enthusiastic voice from the edge of the clearing. An undine ele, perhaps of an age with Nempura or a bit older, strides across the grass carelessly, ignoring everyone but Burne. Her robes are finely made, but all made of dull browns and bronze colors, giving her the appearance of a river trout. Her hair is like a mop of unkempt seaweed.

Putting a familiar hand upon Burne's chest, this new ele says in a singsong voice, "Burney, you know papa expects us for lunch and-" She stops, now feigning to see all of you for the first time. Her sea-green eyes take you all in, with an air of polite interest. "Who are your friends?"

Nempura, you recognize her as a daughter of one of the Trader families, but beyond that you are unsure - you have run in different social circles.

Before the Ele Arrives

Nempura feels the pain and the words coming out of Freya's lips. She has had that connection to Yorse more than any of them. Her words are true, but on the other hand, she sees the pain and reasoning behind Burne. Perhaps, after all, she can be the diplomat?

"I don't believe Burne's intentions are nefarious. I'm sure he speaks of Yorse's power without reference to his limitations. Yorse is still in his infancy, Burne. We do not know what powers he has or what he can give, let alone what he could be used for. That is not the right path, even if it is painful to hear. So great is the effect that assaults this city that I know your father, the Chord is being harmed by it. We would see him live. That is why we press North. That is why we must convince all peoples to stand against this threat. I came here for help in this manner. We want your help in our path, not to have you change it, but to be an ally in it."

She looks to Freya now:

"If Yorse indeed is a godling in rising to return to aid the gods in their fight, perhaps this is his purpose and will? We know that he speaks to you and shows some form of intelligence already. If you believe him capable, perhaps ask him and see what he wills to do before completely rejecting Burne's mentality...in general..."

Her speech is cut short by the calling of someone shouting out Burne's name. As she strides in among them, Nempura steps off to the side in silence to give the woman the gracious attentions of Burne. Strangely, she doesn't seem as depressed as many there she has seen. Her eyes flash to Freya in hopes that she is already scanning this girl for evil; particularly as she places a familiar hand on Burne's chest. She will wait for Burne to introduce them.

"So much for a quiet secluded place to discuss this..."

I will update tomorrow, but for now suffice to say that Freya would detect no evil

Burne looks annoyed at the intrusion, but immediately hides it. In Common, he says, "Nempura Babblebrook, this is Thuy Chucklestone. Thuy, this is Nempura."

She bows to Nempura and follows the appropriate forms, though something about her form is subtly crooked, or lopsided. "Sure, I know you, who doesn't love a good tragic story?" She giggles, perhaps not realizing the cruelty of her words, "We could have been sisters-in-law! How strange!" She pouts a little in commiseration, then looks back to Burne. "Now I told you, it's time to get going." She pulls on his arm, an impatient gesture like an owner to a pet.

I'll give anyone a chance to interrupt or react before Burne answers - he's flustered and upset right now

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Chucklestone," Nempura will offer with grace as she bows slightly. Between the two, it is clear that Nempura is far more refined here.

Burne's mother was asleep, perhaps going to die as a result of all of this, Burne's father is killing himself, and Nempura honorably fights for their lives, and yet he is torn away by this one? There is shock at first at the audacity of Thuy's cavalier attitude. Then, slowly, rage builds within Nempura's eyes at the giggles and tuggings on Burne. A sharp intake of breath seems to calm Nempura, but subconsciously, she has clenched her weapon hand into a fist to hide her discomfort. The hand tucks slightly behind her, hidden from view as is her habit.

"If you have a serious, previous arrangement Burne, we will not keep you. You decide."

Despite her gracious nature and sound, there is a hint of devilry behind her words. If he reads her eyes right, what is on the line is an ultimatum between choosing to help them in this very moment or not. She is prepared to leave Rushing Falls, Burne and all of them to head north now.

Kapelo bows slight at the newcomer, the idea of extending our stay here is. . .risky.

He waits, looking to Freya and Nempura to see who would say anything first, but not wanting to talk while strangers were present anymore than he had.

A moment passes. Burne has a faraway look, somber. He sighs, then looks at Thuy. Gently but firmly, he extricates himself from her grasp. "I have duties to attend. I will pay my respects when I can."

And he leaves her there, outrage writ large on her features, escorting Nempura and urging her companions to follow.

Once away from Thuy, Burne will interrupt any hint of thanks from anyone and say, "And now what, Nempura? Are you leaving? Did I just ruin my engagement so you can leave your hometown defenseless and go running toward the heart of the enemy?" In his anger, he forgets there are two ifrit present as he insults their capital city.

"I'm not that petty." she answers with a quiet but stern voice. "If I were to leave, it is because this problem is against us all, and we all need to work to solve this, not lean on old enmity. That is why we are here. The Dark is our enemy, not Ifrits, not Freya. Yorse is within Freya's possession, and she could have taken another road you know? She listened to my voice to come here against her will. I still think of it with laughter, me? getting her on a watersinger's boat? Yet she came, and so far, the trip has been a disappointment."

This fact seems to hurt in Nempura's words. It speaks to how much she wanted to find help here that her steady voice waivers for a moment before returning. "I want so hard to hear from you that you can help us, to give us some kind advice on our road ahead, but all I've heard so far is a desire to use Yorse as a weapon without reference to what and who he is."

A dark coloring, like a purple bruise, blotches across Burne's blue features- shame. His words cut suddenly into the momentary silence. "Of course I will help you, chi." Sighing, as if realizing there is no turning back, he turns to include Freya, Kapelo, and Oak. "I will help all of you."

"Now, if this inquisitor you told me of is cursing people to sleep from a great distance and somehow sending messages even after you have killed him, you will certainly need more powerful magic of your own before you go to his lair. Come, I will keep my promise and help you."

And with that, the youngest living Swiftstream son bids you to follow.

As you follow Burne, Oak says, "Lady Nempura, was that strange-mannered ele upset by our leaving? I wouldn't want to upset anyone, especially if she is promised to your watersinger friend."

"That does you credit, Ohkwariko, as neither do I wish to disturb his plans, but time is of the essence and we cannot wait much longer here. And...I have never met Miss Chucklestone." She will look to Burne as they walk from time to time. It had only been a few weeks since she had set off. In her eyes, she looks to him now as if asking why he never told Nempura about Thuy? Nempura, however, will not say anything because it is not her place to know. She will look back to see if Thuy is following them.

Nempura, you see an odd flit of movement out of the corner of your eye. But when you turn to look down the street, no one is there. Or...?

Now the flash of a short blade-

Everyone: roll perception DC 15 to avoid being surprised

Everyone: roll init

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 great lol
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

I think you need a haircut Freya lol

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Kapelo init: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

enemy init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

ok! Kapelo, it looks like your nearly supernatural ifrit quickness has you moving before most are even aware of a threat. You see an elen figure wrapped in a limp, clinging substance, like wet silk. They are twenty feet away from you, so you could move and attack if you wished

Kapelo charges the figure, his family blade springing to hand and a thrust slicing out, reacting to the threat on instinct alone.

+1 Flaming Rapier: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Magic Piercing Damage, Fire Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + (6) = 14

Kapelo, you stab towards a drably clad figure. You feel the blow strike flesh, but the assailant makes no sound. You can tell, however, from their altered stance that you have inflicted considerable damage to their left side.

Nempura, you clearly see the figure that Kapelo just injured - they are wearing a strange brownish material, seaweed perhaps, that covers almost all of their features, but they are certainly move with the fluid grace of an undine. There may have been other shadowy figures that flitted around into the nearby alley, but you are not sure.

your turn to act, there is one assailant about 15 feet in front of you

As is her duty, she protects her allies, but not only them, but Burne especially. She draws her weapon and prepares to throw it if needed.

"Assassins? Now?" she asks, curious if she was on the mark. Freya could tell them if they had dark intent. She begins a song. It had been many years since Burne had heard her sing, and she has gotten far better in recent months. Instilled within her tune is power that lifts the soul and imbues might.

Standard Action: Inspire Courage +1 to attack/damage, saves vs fear effects.
Move Action: Pull weapon

Even in the face of overwhelming odds, the lone figure pursues its quarry. Charging past both Kapelo and Nempura, seemingly headed toward Burne, the assassin leaves an unprotected flank--

attacks of opportunity, I think the rolls are correctly copied from your sheets

Kapelo
+1 Flaming Rapier: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Magic Piercing Damage, Fire Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + (3) = 14

Nempura
starknife: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

and after a burning stab in the shoulder and a cold gash along the back, the blood loss becomes too much. The figure falls to the ground, barely conscious. The seaweed clothing is ripped now, showing the dark blue tones of undine skin.

combat is still technically on - the one assassin is still conscious, and a few of you are fairly sure you saw other figures dart down the nearby alley.

Map coming soon.

Freya, you may act to finish the round, then it's back to Kapelo and Nempura for Round 2 (and the assassins will act after that, where applicable)

Freya watches the alley the assassins came from, but motions to the targeted undine. "Looks like they're intent on your life, Burne! We better move!"

Unable to tell where the enemies are, Freya steps between the alley and Burne then prepares to strike incoming threats.

Readied Action: Attack Approaching Enemies.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

It is clear to her now that this is the work of potentially Ky La, and potentially even Miss Chucklestone. Nempura lays out a severe cut into the el rushing Burne and before he knows it, he is laid out as the subtle slice becomes far more debilitating. Her voice echoes off the distance, possibly gaining attention, and hopefully from guards.

Don't forget the +1 bonus to attack/damage to all our hits.

She likewise will strike anyone who would dare come between her and Burne, even Chuy. She stands in front of him as if a bodyguard now, even though she is certain he needs no help.

As the remaining el is not fully unconscious, however, she will slash downward to render him unconscious for interrogation later before he can potentially kill himself. His wounds should sufficiently make them think he is truly dead.

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 - 4 + 4 = 27 -4 for subdual,+4 prone
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 - 4 + 4 = 15
Damage: 2d4 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 8 + 2 = 12 x3 weapon

"I'll pursue these others!"

Kapelo dashes down the alleyway. . .

Round 2 Begins

Nempura slashes with subtle and devastating results, leaving the first assassin unconscious but alive.

Kapelo, your turn - if you decide to go into the alley, please roll a perception check.

Freya will go AFTER the assassins

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Kapelo dashes down the alleyway.

Kapelo:

Unbeknownst to you, two nebulous forms, like moving water, glide toward you. Breaking their concealment, they strike, curved blades in each hand slashing,

Kapelo's fritan quickness serves him well again, dodging two of the blades. The other two attacks hit flesh, leaving gashes to either side.

12 damage Kapelo!

Apologies about no map, but honestly I just want to keep the combat running, and basically anyone can get to the alley in one move action, and Kapelo is currently being flanked. The assassins are completely visible now.

Kapelo, it's fair to say you readied an action to reply to those who might attack you, so roll your attack

Freya, you may act as well, and that will be the end of round 3

"En garde foul assassin! What sort of way is that to conduct yourself!"

+1 Flaming Rapier: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Magic Piercing Damage, Fire Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + (3) = 12

Kapelo lashes out against one, stepping closer to the wall after doing so.

Intent to to 5 ft step adjacent to one of them so that the other one cannot flank me

Then he waits, prepared to turn aside the first blade stroke sent his way.

Make sure to add your +1 to attack and damage on all of those rolls

Nempura's voice almost falters when the assassins appear out of nowhere. While he does get hit, Kapelo's ability with the blade far out-does hers. She is unsure what to do. She wants to help, but instead stays right pressed up next to Burne with a Starknife in her hand.

Readying attack if needed should anyone rush him.

Seeing the nasty injury Kapelo sustains, Freya moves to heal him. "Keep your eyes ahead, I'm going to try to heal your injuries!"

Lay on Hands: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4) + 3 = 10

Moving to make flanking Kapelo difficult

So Kapelo, if I'm reading your actions right, you prevented the first attack from damaging you AND hit the assassin in return, and that attack was a critical. Then you got to do your readied action, which also hit!

between one attack being prevented and Freya's healing, Kapelo is now undamaged!

Kapelo strikes with fritan quickness once, twice, slaying one of the assassins outright before they even have a chance to get past his defenses.

Round 3 Begins!

Nempura, your vigilance pays off - two more assassins slither from camouflage, running silently toward you.

roll your readied attack

I will be acting for the assassins later today, then Kapelo (who delayed his action last round) and Freya will go to finish Round 3.

With the assassins rushing Burne, she comments, "How did you piss off our own people so badly they want to kill you? Why aren't you fighting. Move! Where is the Warrior of the Waves?"

Hopefully, her words instill within him to unleash the ferocity she knew he had within instead of standing there. To think that she'd be the one to fight and him to not is a role reversal for certain.

Melee Attack (Readied): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

I'm not sure if that readied attack was for last round or this round. If for this round, ignore the attack below.

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Nempura, you look back and there is a look of panic on Burne's face. He is clutching his throat, only making faint choking sounds.

Your first attack misses. I'll let you decide if you want to press you second attack (which will hit) or tend to Burne

Nempura, the assassins make their own attacks now,

two hits for 13 damage total Nempura

With a frown of displeasure on his face, Oak steps behind the assassin that sliced Nempura,

Earthbreaker PA: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 4 + 1 - 1 = 26

PA damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 + 3 = 17

Earthbreaker PA confirm: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 4 + 1 - 1 = 13

PA crit damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 6 + 3 = 16

and spills his brains upon the streets. "Are you alright, Lady Nempura?"

Summary So Far

Nempura and Oak are adjacent ; only one assassin remains near them ; Burne is choking from an unseen attack of some kind

Nempura can decide to attack the remaining assassin near her, or tend to Burne
---

Kapelo and Freya are adjacent in the alleyway ; Kapelo has slain one of the assassins ; one remains

Kapelo and Freya can act now, and that will be the end of round 3

Nempura will glance behind her as Burne doesn't answer her, and to her horror, he is choking.

"What in the world?"

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

She tries to understand what power or effect is affecting him and where it would even be coming from. As she gets distracted, one of the assassins slices her arm open and a yelp comes from her as her song wavers.

Fortunately, Oak comes in and saves the day, crashing down upon one of them. Only one remains and she doesn't hesitate to end his life, not knowing if he is the source of Burne's affliction or not. Perhaps even his presence nearby is killing Burne?

She'll attack the second one, but will try to see what the magical cause is afflicting him so she can better help him next round. Also, if Burne had failed a saving throw, she could have used Saving Finale to stop him from being affected. I would have preferred to use that rather than have him choking.

Kapelo flourishes his blade and stabs at the remaining assassin again.

+1 Flaming Rapier: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Magic Piercing Damage, Fire Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + (3) = 13

helping things along

Nempura and Oak quickly dispatch the last nearby assassin, brute strength and subtle knifework cutting him down where he stands.

Kapelo lands a deep wound to the final assassin in the alleyway.

Freya, your Sight picks up the searing purplish signature of evil magic being worked back down the alley, close to Nempura, Oak, and the undine noble.

Freya, I'll give you the choice to either attack the wounded assassin adjacent to you, or you can get a charge attack against whatever caster has just revealed themselves to you

Nempura, you can choose to use your immediate action on Burne now, before the round ends. Let me know if Burne should get any bonuses to his Will save he is about to re-roll.

In regards to the spell, is it language-based? Something that could be countered by Countersong?

Nempura, seeing that Burne is having trouble resisting the pull against his neck, abruptly ends her song on a high note, giving his spirit an extra bit of power to it to refocus and resist. Such an audible travesty should awaken his spirit and give him strength

"There is still something affecting him!" she calls out with her freed voice from the song.

She gives just the reroll vs the save. No additional bonuses unless the benefit vs fear from Inspire Courage still is affecting him as the effect ends with Saving Finale. In which case, he'd get a +1 vs fear/charm effects.

Freya struck out at the injured assassin, looking to put the undine down for the count.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

She hear's Nempura's outburst and yells, "Are you alright over there Nempura?"

"No! He's being choked by magic from somewhere!" she calls back.

I was referring more to the fact Nempura's been stabbed for over half her hp lol

Shows where her mind is. But she is clearly bleeding profusely.

The last undine assassin falls to Freya's blade.

Nempura's song becomes a personal melody, for Burne alone, a moment of intimacy that brings the male watersinger's voice out as well, weak at first but suddenly strong, shattering whatever curse or spell lay upon him.

There is the sense of a fleeing presence, subtle. You all feel as though you are alone now.

Combat Over