Daehalya gives a small, but warm, smile toward the gnome they've rescued. "We will do our best to help you if we can. Findeladlara commands us to succor the stranger from the cold, and perhaps she can show you the way to what you seek. Do you have a name we can call you?"
Daehalya spots movement. Specifically, a pair of hands that move in subtle gestures. She hears words of arcane power, coming out in a whisper, from the pile of bones. "Animeiddio Marw..."
The skeletal hands in the pile stop moving, and beside the skeleton who spoke appears yet another. One of loved ones, now long dead stands and picks up a rusty scimitar. It turns its attention, silent yet disapproving, and swings the weapon with ruthless precision.
It swings its blade a second time, looking to cleave through bones.
|
Alvarius conjures some of the inanimate bones to freely move on their own as another form rises from the rubble to attack the undead. It slashes a scimitar against the undeads leg. "Lucille, how could you?!" The undead cries out as its loved one strikes out at it. We were simply going to sacrifice you, now you will suffer."[/b] The undead hisses at you.
It then draws a longsword ready to cut down its loved one. The second undead draws a similar blade and circles around.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Alvarius
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
➤ Daehalya
➤ Ezgara
➤ Grundle
➤ Nicholo
Rushing Wind
Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
Divine fire flickers under the wooden mask's eyes as he fights back against the encroaching fear.
"Your timely ministrations are most appreciated me, your humble servant, Grundle Trolleyproblem. I stood at the precipice, nearly joining the lifeless relics that now besiege us, a silent testament to the fragility of existence. But unlike them, devoid of motion or purpose, I would have lain dormant, forever swallowed by the shadows."
The pile of bones lying on the ground begin rattling in... could that be abject fear?
+1 circ. vs Emotion
+1 circ. vs Emotion
Ezgara flings wind and electricity at Blue before backpeddling.
HP 46/46
AC 21 (+1 vs. traps), deny advantage
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +8 (+1 vs. traps)
Hero Points: 1
Deviant backlash DC: 5
Effects: frightened 2
A tremor of fear runs through Daehalya as the undead seem to surround them, making it almost impossible to tell friend from foe. "I think some of the bones may be on our side!" she tells her companions as she closes in on the clumsier of the two.
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DC 21 vs. Funeral Dirge.
Holy Circus Tent! This place is NOT for a happy-go-lucky dude like myself. There ain't no way the circus has pulled up to this Palace. Talk about a hostile crowd! I did faux slight of hand stuff in Razmiran and I'd take that crowd of skeptics over this one (red skeleton) who obviously kisses the bony armpits of his grandma!
feeling the warm halo of good energy emitting from Onye.
Oh, Onye - you are making me feel all warm and fuzzy. You keep
Nicky insults Red skeleton - Bon Mot
Nicky devises a strategy to blast the skeleton in blue.
Blast of fire beams from his palm.
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Daehalya balances on the altar as she trips the undead, but unable to break through its other defenses.
Nicholo's insults do little to the skeletons. Devising a bit of a strategy he fires eye beams at the undead below and misses.
Nicholo scoures the palm of his hand, burning it.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Alvarius
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
Daehalya
Ezgara
➤ Grundle
Nicholo
Rushing Wind
Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
Grundle, still reeling from the after-effects of his emotional outburst in addition to the sad song now wailing around him, compounded by his player's headache, remains silent as he whips a bone at the skeleton nearest to him (blue).
With his remaining action, he will stride closer to the the rest of the party.
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Grundle's stone misses the undead. You notice a sudden change in pressure between the two environments. Eox for several millenia has not had any sort of atmosphere and the gate is open to one creating a vortex that pulls you closer to it.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
➤ Alvarius
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
Daehalya
Ezgara
Grundle
Nicholo
Rushing Wind
➤ Onye
⠀⠀➤ Uhu
The catfolk stumbles as the vortex draws him closer to the aiudara. His growl is drowned out by the whistling wind, but he eventually steadies himself enough to concentrate on bringing lightning to the dead world.
Alvarius is surprisingly resilient, despite his fear.
The others see a skeleton, unclothed but with a backpack across its back, stand up. It puts its hands in the air. "Mortals! Don't attack! I'm friendly! I can try and sort out the portal even! Just give me a chance!"
To prove his point, the skeleton moves cautiously toward the aiudara gate.
Meanwhile, 'Lucille' continues to attack her husband.
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Onye calls out a desperate prayer as he and Nicholo get stunned. He sends out a rapid shock from static buildup between the two clashing atmospheres.
Several of you are pulled towards the gateway as Alvarius sits firm in the pile of bones. He tries to plead his case and innocence.
One of the undead stabs out at its risen loved one as the other closes in on Nicholo and Ezgara.
The blade sweeps through the skeleton shattering the bones into splinters before turning to Daehalya.
Daehalya dodges as the undead cuts Ezgara slightly draining his life through the blade into its own body.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Alvarius
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
➤ Daehalya
➤ Ezgara
➤ Grundle
➤ Nicholo
Rushing Wind
Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
[ spoiler=Quick Stats]
HP 46/46
AC 21 (+1 vs. traps), deny advantage, cold resistance 2
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +8 (+1 vs. traps)
Hero Points: 1
Deviant backlash DC: 5
Effects: frightened 1
[/spoiler]
Daehalaya ignores the rushing wind, continuing to focus on the foe in front of her. She again knocks it to the ground, trying to keep it off balance.
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"In the shadowy theatre of the undead, the bones reveal their tales, each with its own enigmatic narrative. Amidst the rattling dance of these bony figures, one stands out, shedding its attire and embracing raw existence – the naked skeleton. Perhaps its rebellion against its clothed counterparts is not merely a display of defiance but a deep philosophical statement.
In the world of the living, garments symbolize status, identity, modesty. But in the skeletal afterlife, what meaning do they hold? What purpose does a shroud or a tunic serve when the flesh and the passions it once contained are long gone? The naked skeleton's revolt seems to pose a profound question about the trappings of societal norms and the essence of existence itself.
Is this a profound existential crisis, a protest against the conventions of the undead, or perhaps a bold statement about embracing one's true nature? Whatever the cause, it's evident that even in death, or perhaps especially in death, the quest for identity, for understanding one's place in the grand tapestry, continues. The skeletal skirmish is a silent symphony of ideologies, a ballet of beliefs clashing in the moonlight, with the naked skeleton at its epicenter, challenging the very foundation of undead decorum.
I for one, once remained naked for a full year, although in my case I simply could not find my pants. Naked skeleton, I stand with you."
Grundle whips another rock at the blue skellington.
He then casts Shield for a +1 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of his next turn.
Ezgara is excited to see the undead rush in, falling into his clever trap where he can channel piositive energe!
HEHEheeehee ooof He claws at the air like an upturned beetle as he's pulled toward the gate, before scuttling back.
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"Mortals! Don't attack! I'm friendly! I can try and sort out the portal even! Just give me a chance!"
Nicky listens to the skeleton, skeptical at first, but he rewinds the words and the tone and the meaning. Plus he hears Grundle's talk of philosophy.
Nicky's more a gut reaction guy.◆ Stunned.
◆ ◆ Sense Motive on Alvarius.
with the wind howling right near him as he's right in front of the vortex, he screams to be heard.
Alright! I won't attack and I tell all my friends to give you a chance! If you want to help AND to get this contraption working- you have me convinced.
◆ ◆ ◆ With his final action, he lifts his hand and tries to blast off another fire beam.
attack Blue backlash now at DC 10? ouch?
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Daehalya again knocks the undead to the ground, though it continues to throw her actual attack off balance. Ezgara gets sucks towards the gate which makes his head feel dizzy as he stumbles away from it.
Grundle stands resolute in his stance as he tosses a piece of rubble into the undead's head.
Nicholo feels that Alvarius motive is clear as mud. The broken undead seems intent on fighting against its own kind but also seems keen on getting off of this dead rock for whatever reason. His eye beams burn through the undeads arm as it hisses from the burn. A long tongue reaching down as it licks the tender area. Wet sticky, melted skin laps onto the tongue as it spreads across teh area.
Nicholo's eyes burn as the beams continue to offer pain of their own.
The portal continues to suck each of you closer and closer to it.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
➤ Alvarius
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
Daehalya
Ezgara
Grundle
Nicholo
Rushing Wind
➤ Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
The wind brushes through Alvarius, the tug of the gust not really bothering him.
The skeletal wizard, for he is a wizard, moves his hands through a series of grand gestures as he says the words to a spell. "Sgri Gwasgariad!"
plus area marked is difficult terrain
"Look, I'm helping!" Alvarius says moving closer to the gate so he can try and help.
The amurrun warrior is dragged closer to the aiudara as the wind whirls. He calls upon the spirits of creation as the wind draws him nearer to the undead aberrations, and he transforms into a tiger.
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Onye shifts into his tiger form once more to get a little better control of the situation. Alvarius tries to help the situation as he sends loose bone and rocks into the undead.
The undead rises to it's feet as it stabs at Daehalya, trying to drain her life.
+ Drain Life (DC 18 Fort vs Drained 1).
+ Drain Life (DC 18 Fort vs Drained 1).
+ Drain Life (DC 18 Fort vs Drained 1).
+ Drain Life (DC 18 Fort vs Drained 1).
The undead get back on the offensive as they deliver some of the deadliest wounds to the team yet. They blades begin draining the lifeforce from over half of the group.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Alvarius
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
➤ Daehalya
➤ Ezgara
➤ Grundle
➤ Nicholo
Rushing Wind
Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
Alvarius' form flickers, the skeleton disappearing momentarily into... some other plane of existence.
"Ow! Is this really necessary? You're obviously outnumbered."
Some of the bolstering magic around Alvarius absorbs the blow, but not enough. The blade connects, breaking off a rib. "I just replaced that bone!"
HP 0/46
AC 21 (+1 vs. traps), deny advantage, cold resistance 2
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +8 (+1 vs. traps)
Hero Points: 1
Deviant backlash DC: 5
Effects: drained 1, unconscious, dying 1
Daehalya collapses as the sword's toll proves too great for her. Her limp body is drawn toward the rift.
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DC18 again drain. I am not drained.
DC 18 Wind.
Nicky, other than getting a viscious wound, is holding up fairly well. It could be worse, he could have had the terrible trifecta of being in a multiple states of: moderate backlash, drained, and stunned.
You know, I feel better than I thought I would. Time to end this creature that's a step away from being in bone broth!
He gives the blue skeleton a juke, to see if it flinches.
◆ DaS -
it doesn't flinch. So, he moves to help Daelhaya, which is the better move. See if he can get Red flat footed.
◆◆ Stride
As he moves to help Daelhaya, she starts to slump to the ground.
Medical help over here! I'll try to keep it busy!
◆◆◆ Go Defensive. He raises his buckler and looks to dodge the quick strikes from the skeleton.
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Alvarius' form flickers but it doesn't seem to help much. Daehalya collapses as the sword just drains too much of her life. Nicholo tries to help as he watches all of this unfold and goes full defense.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Alvarius
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
Daehalya
➤ Ezgara
➤ Grundle
Nicholo
Rushing Wind
Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
As is foretold! Ezgara lets himself be pulled toward the gate before flinging plasma at the undead:
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ETA:
Grundle sees Daehalya fall. A single tear rolls down his cheek.
He unleashes his Psyche*...
"In this realm of ethereal unrest, amidst the bone and sinew of past lives, we find ourselves forging connections in the most unlikely of circumstances. The naked skeleton, our newfound ally, stands as a testament to the unpredictable alliances the universe can offer.
One such companion in our ranks is indeed a statement in itself, a beacon of raw authenticity. Two might only dilute the message. Allow me then to tend to your wounds, so that we not only heal the scars of battle but also fortify the bonds that will guide us through the darkness ahead."
He casts Soothe the Mind (◆), restoring 10hp to Daehalya.
He then whippeths another rock at the blue skeleton ◆◆). But, like, a bigger rock. Because his mind is unleashed.
ETA: Last action to stand up.
• When you cast a damaging spell, you gain a status bonus to its damage equal to double the spell’s level. This applies only to spells that don’t have a duration and that you cast using psychic spellcasting.
• You can use actions that have the psyche trait.
After your unleashed psyche subsides, your mind must recover from the strain of channeling its full power. You can’t use Unleash Psyche again for 2 rounds, and you’re stupefied 1 for 2 rounds.
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Ezgara gets yanked back towards the portal as he sends an arc of electricity at the pair before it is too late.
Grundle soothes Daehalya's wounds before he too gets knocked from his feet.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
➤ Alvarius
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
Ezgara
Grundle
Nicholo
Rushing Wind
➤ Onye
⠀⠀➤ Uhu
➤ Daehalya
HP 10/46 (currently 42)
AC 21 (+1 vs. traps), deny advantage, cold resistance 2
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +8 (+1 vs. traps)
Hero Points: 1
Deviant backlash DC: 5
Effects: drained 1, wounded 1
Daehalya's eyes flutter open as she's again pulled backward, the chill of Eox numbing her flesh. Yet, at the same time, it's almost like home, where she knows she must be vigilant against the Crown of the World's dangers.
Reaching out, she finds her staff and uses it to lever herself back to her feet, before collecting it again in a fighting stance. She thanks Findeladlara for pulling her to a safe distance from the skeletons, giving her the chance to collect herself. Cling to the hand when the blizzard blinds, indeed, my lady.
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We are in a tight spot boys and bones!
and as he sees Daehalya start to rouse, he belated adds.
and ladies!
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Alvarius, close as he is to the aiudara, can't help but be pulled closer.
He shakes his head, bone grinding on bone, and recovers his senses long enough to act. "I've studied these things. I can do something, but it'll be temporary!"
The skeleton makes several sweeping gestures as he speaks words of arcane power. "Rwy'n crefftio clwt i rwystro aer rhag dianc trwy'r porth!"
"Aha!"
Four legs proves better than two as the tiger stands his ground against the vortex. The predator courses around the platform while the two undead distract one another. He then attempts to maul the one not claiming to be an ally.
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Onye protects Alvarius as only a minor portion of the damage goes through, his spell to bolster life protecting him from actual harm. Onye stands firm as he mauls the undead overlord.
Daehalya rises to her feet gathering her staff back up. Pulled closer and closer ALvarius manages to disable the small rift of gushing wind so you are no longer pulled into it.
+ Drain Life (DC 18 Fort vs Drained 1).
+ Drain Life (DC 18 Fort vs Drained 1).
+ Drain Life (DC 18 Fort vs Drained 1).
"Perhaps all of you are not needed alive." One of the undead stabs Nicholo through the chest, dropping the Tiefling elf as another Cracks one of Alvarius' bones, draining both of their lives into their own.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Alvarius
Nicholo
Undead (Red)
Undead (Blue)
➤ Ezgara
➤ Grundle
➤ Onye
⠀⠀➤ Uhu
➤ Daehalya
As the enemy skeleton strikes at Alvarius, a momentary panic fills him and he flickers into another plane.
The longsword connects, breaking rib bones on the skeletal wizard. "Hey, I need those! Not to hold organs, but... still!"
Alvarius' shoulders sag as the necromantic energy binding him is drained from him.
HP 10/46 (currently 42)
AC 21 (+1 vs. traps), deny advantage, cold resistance 2
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +8 (+1 vs. traps)
Hero Points: 1
Deviant backlash DC: 5
Effects: drained 1, wounded 1
"Nicholo!" Daehalya cries as she sees her companion fall. She closes back in on the murderous skeleton and again tries to knock it off its feet before shattering its bones.
Finally Ezgara resists the buffeting winds. He grumbles, raising his shield and healin Nicholo.
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Ezgara heals Nicholo as Daehalya shakily strikes back at the undead. The gate finally seems to stabalize as Alleli calls out. "Got it!" With a lurch, the landscape blinks back into the original jungle clearing, everything as before except the archway— the gate’s interior is now filled with a veil of white mist, through which a simple stone chamber is faintly visible. Above the arch, the gate key sputters and sparks, rusting into dust before your very eyes.
Alleli, sweaty from effort, clings to the telescope with both arms, its beam of light pointing steadily back in its original direction. “Hurry!” she says, gesturing to the rapidly deteriorating key. “I don’t know how long it’ll stay open!” She gives you a weary smile. “And thank you—for everything. We will tell this story for generations...” She looks warily at teh pair of newcomers, but shakes her head. "Hurry..Hurry!"
The booming sounds of the rushing portal drown out Alleli’s final words.
Once through the portal and away from the deadly revenants and finding the skeleton to have followed them, the tiger pads around the bone corpse, sniffing. His form shimmers and shifts back to his amurrun form. He continues to sniff from behind his wooden tiger mask and then growls.
"Onye Dinta is unclear what to do with the talking bones," the amurrun says. "And there are many things the tribe needs to process. Like where we are."
Grundle paces behind the amurran, nodding.
"True, true. Adversity, with its merciless touch, has forged us into an alliance stronger than the mightiest of metals. Every scrape, every wound, and every shared whisper of hope have been threads weaving an intricate tapestry of trust and mutual respect.
But, as with any fortress, the strength of our union also demands vigilance. The world we navigate is treacherous, and its inhabitants often wear masks of deceit. To introduce another into our fold without caution is to risk the very foundation of the sanctuary we've built together.
As the old adage goes, 'Not every hand extended in help holds good intentions.' We must ensure that the shadow of our shared trials does not blind us to the intentions of those outside our circle. For in this world, trust, once broken, is a chalice difficult to mend."
He looks at Alvarius warily.
He Soothes Nicholo
...then looks at Alvarius warily again.
He then Soothes Daehalya
...and looks at Alvarius warily once more.
"How did the Child of the First Weave come to be trapped in the worlds between the doors?" he asks. "Is the Child of the First Weave part if the tribe of Epopts?"
Alvarius holds up his hands, the universal sign for surrender. "Peace, I beg you! I'm just an unlucky traveller, like you I suspect. If anything, I owe you my thanks. I needed to get off Eox. The Bone Sages are real jerks and... is this Golarion? Please tell me it's Golarion."
"Look, I'm happy to tell you my life story if you want. Please just don't break my bones. It's a lot work to find and integrate replacements."
The amurrun breaks away from his interrogation and leaps through the portal.
Alvarius collects a handful of loose bones from the fallen and sprints for the portal. "I'm going home!"
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Daehalya barely has time to catch her breath, though the worst of her wounds heal. The stoic elf, as usual allowing others -- typically Ezgara but now apparently Grundle -- to dominate the conversation, makes her way through the portal. She's unsure what to think herself of their bony companion, but there are more immediate concerns.