The elves of Kyonin have not truly known peace since returning to Golarion over 2,000 years ago, for this return was bathed in blood. Immediately upon arrival, they faced the demonic forces of Treerazer, a mighty demon lord who had taken control of their ancestral homeland. The elves spent centuries purging their land of his corruption and driving him back into the twisted swamps of Tanglebriar. Yet despite years of struggle and numerous resources deployed against the demon, they’ve only managed to contain him in his rancid realm beyond Kyonin’s southern border. Defeating Treerazer for good has proven elusive, and with the nascent demon lord seemingly uninterested in launching a second attack against Kyonin, the elves—and indeed all the Inner Sea region—have grown complacent.
Never more so than today, as more pressing and burgeoning problems draw the attention of Queen Telandia and her court. The return of Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, has every nation that borders Lake Encarthan casting a wary eye toward the Isle of Terror at the lake’s heart. Over the last several years, the waters around the Isle have become dangerous to navigate, and growing reports suggest that the Whispering Tyrant is building a fleet of ships crewed entirely by the dead. Stories have spread of haunted ships raiding smaller communities along the shores, leaving only ghost towns in their wake. Some believe that both the living and the dead are being shipped to the Isle of Terror, as the Tyrant has uses for both.
With this threat looming in everyone’s mind, Kyonin is more content than ever to let Treerazer brood in his swamp. Unfortunately for the elves, he has been far from idle and has been carefully and quietly putting a devious plan into motion. Treerazer is almost ready to fire the first salvos of what will soon come to be known as the....
Part 1: Whispers in the Dirt
Prologue: The Battle of Lantana Beach
You have arrived at Lantana Beach, some five miles west of the port city of Greengold. It's just after sunset, and an unsettling fog bank races eastward over Lake Encarthan’s waters ahead of roiling dark storm clouds. The fog thins enough for those on shore to glimpse several dark shapes gliding across the storm-tossed lake—plague barges! It was not a false alarm, then.
Lantana Beach is a flurry of activity. Teams of elves led by stoic Commander Nuandiall Ciranviash frantically work to push a bank of catapults into position, having deployed them from an old bunker nearby. The hope is to get the catapults deployed in time to sink the barges before they pass over a deep underwater cliff; if the plague barges are sunk in shallow waters, after all, the diseased undead aboard would simply walk underwater and into town. Sinking them over the deeps would instead send the shambling, diseased cargo deep into the waters below, where they would be unable to reach shore.
Your job is to keep the elves and the siege weapons safe long enough to accomplish this task...
Rani scoops a piece of driftwood form the beach and runs her finger along it, swirling seawater into a familiar shape: Atryl, the rune of fire.
The branch blazes into a torch, despite its soggy state, as he stands next to a catapult and addresses the squad gathered there for defense.
"Wretched plague bearers. We'll pollute the lake with their foul remains."
The tall Kallijae elf is plainly clothed, her utilitarian armor only decorated with runes of power. In the torchlight, more glyphs flash on her sword and buckler.
"Look at that!" Takarias says, lifting his eyes above the oncoming threat to the final glimmers of light from the still setting sun. "Isn't it beautiful! Every day here in Kyonin is a gift!"
With a beatific smile on his face, he seems almost oblivious to the oncoming threat.
"Oh," he startles as Rani's driftwood becomes a torch. "shouldn't we try to keep them from polluting the lake?"
Blooms in Darkness waits, eyes fixed on the plague ships as they drift nearer, robes draped in petals and foliage preserved just before they tip over into rot.
"To sink them will not be enough. To clean the waters of their passage will not be enough. Taint must be cleansed by blade and fire." The voice is sonorous and deep, especially for the leshy's small stature, the words well practiced. "It must be cleansed at its source. Fight as you will today, but Treerazer must burn."
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"Blooms in Darkness, that's the best attitude I've heard all day! I love your enthusiasm!" Takarias says as he starts unfurling a banner with a howling dog emblazoned on it.
Standing stoically still, his icy blue eyes following the path of the plague barges with contemptuous Repulsion, the Ilverani Elf, Idari Lucien , emits a forceful demeanor. Clad in blue/silver full plate, matching heavy shield strapped to his arm, free hand resting on his Cold-iron curve blade, the Twight light Speaker presents that of a warrior more than diplomat. His companions know that both hold true for the Snowcaster.
Perhaps, we could hurry the seasons and allow winter to freeze their progress. Would allow for a more preferred direct solution to allowance.
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Focus: Soothing word
Cantrip: Light, Message, Divine Lance, Rousing splash, Stabilize
1st rank: Bane, Bless, Command
2nd rank: Dispel Magic, Gentle Breeze, Peaceful Rest
3rd rank: Water Breathing(H+1) Annoonted ground, Holy light
4th rank: Cloak of Light, Fly, Soothing Spring
5th rank: Blessing of Defiance, Rip the Spirit, Divine Immolation
6th rank: Cleanse Air(H+4), Blessed Boundary
Arcane Sense: Detect magic(6th rank)
Ancestry: Augury, Calm
Font: Heal(6th rank) x5
Daily prep:
Leftovers(preserved food unused from the day before):1 Preserved Moonflower, 1 Phantom roll, 1 Rainbow Vinegar
The not so subtle shuffling of supple wood, wrapped chimes, and various trinkets woven into the many interlocking branches that make up it's hull herald the arrival of Alkabah. The strangely grown Conrasu approaching the group, unfolding three of the many vaguely hand shaped appendages, many solidified into various symbols of prayer, from it's core. Pinched by the tendrily fingers are delicately wrapped meals.
"This one has brought you all the promised sustenance that shall promote your success in the upcoming engagement. Though this one recognizes that this food is more suited to a different time of day."
Unwrapping the parcels reveals large stacks of waffles prepared in the elven style, infused with nuts, berries, and seeds of various plants, and topped with a light paste-like syrup made from mixing honey and powdered sugar cane.
Once the meals are deposited to the group, Alkabah folds it's good hands into several varying signs of prayer and offers thanks to Findeladlara.
"True Faith and Starlight,
Light the path to Victory,
Begone servants foul."
The void dark orb that makes up Alkabah's core twinkles with faint pinpricks of light, as the hands at it's current 'top' orientation clap together softly. Those same lights vaguely share the patterning of a draconic constellation.
"This one finds joy that Speaker Idari has allowed us to serve, may the goddesses blessings preserve us and our wonderous work. For I am but a locus of her splendiferous will."
Clasping pulling a staff from a pouch, embedded in it's twisted frame, too small to fit such a thing. Alkabah dedicates two of it's limbs to holding the scepter, which seems to be all it can manage without losing it's stability while in motion. By which it waddles around using the arms located at the base of it's current orientation as a tangle of legs. Though you have seen the conrasu choose to roll, as a wheel does on a wagon, in times of desperation.
Though lacking clothes, the conrasu sports many adornments twisted and tucked into it's frame giving it some mockery of decency including a bundle of robes that when examined closely have the iconagraphy of Findeladlara.
"Where might this one be needed most companions of most faithful?"
Takarias' eyes grow wide as he bites into one of the waffles. "Alkabah! This is amazing! I don't think I have ever tasted anything so good! Does anyone else want to share one with me?"
"Share a waffle with me, tree-soul," Raneshi offers half the confection to Alkabah.
Idari Lucien's blue eyes seem to thaw a bit at the approach of Alkabah. The Chef's enthusiasm contagious. The Ilverani turns to meet the Conrasu warmly.
Certainly a welcomed respite prior to our demise. Findeladlara be wise in her choice of servants.
The Twight light Speaker does partake of the expected (but definitely desired) meal from his friend. The two share more than Waffles in Findeladlara's service.
Turning his posture back to reviewing their options in the coming conflict, the Dandy chuckles.
Takarias and Raneshi any ideas about how we help here?
The tall elf looks helplessly at his curve blade.
He munches...
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"Thank you for your praise. I shall continue to make improvements where necessary. I am unsure how it may be improved with local ingredients. As you know this one lacks the ability to taste, and that seems to be a great portion of the appeal for many like yourself."
Alkabah shuffles back over to Raneshi and gentle places the staff on the ground before taking the offered half of the morsel. "Delighted to share with you Raneshi." Lifting the half of waffles to it's core the dish quickly disappears into the void-like sphere that makes up it's true self. "May we succeed in aiding our fellows in the defense of these sacred lands."
Looking around the Conrasu surveys the area.
As the elves work to ready their siege engines, twisting coils of darkness reach out from the dark fog that accompanies the plague barges. These wisps break free and fly toward the shore, and as they get closer, you can see they are undead shadows!
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Alkabah gazes deep over the waters and begins folding it's many hands ceremoniously, while three hands pull out various oils. Sprinkling them with quick flicks that leave sweat smelling droplets on the faces of many nearby.
"We cleanse the foul,
Undeath shall not touch us here,
Fear not the dread shade."
A large burst emanates from the ground as starry patterns of protection begin to dot the ground surrounding the crews and any allies within 30 feet of the Cleric.
"Take care these shades shall sap your strength and leave you wanting, but upon holy ground you tread and they shall face hardship to harm you."
Standing still awaiting the eminent arrival of the macabre boats, the Ilveranii silently mouths a prayer to Findeladlara. His ice blue eyes do crinkle in a bit of eagerness as he sights the manifestation of dark shadows blowing across the deep waters directly at their position.
Seems that the Darkness decides to disillusion himself no longer! Prepare for defending the catapults!
The Barbarian draws his Cold-iron curve blade, as he steps to the extreme edge of the shore. The dark waters reaching greedily for his soft boots.
World wide Vigilance
Blooms in Darkness steps forward, vestments smoking with an unseen heat. "Darkness cannot withstand the light!"
Blooms in Darkness spell wreaks havoc on the oncoming shadows. Two of them are slowed as the holy energy disrupts their corrupt form, while the other four are damaged and sickened. The shadows streak towards you as fast as they can, closing the distance...
Raneshi holds her buckler hand high, and a bright light flows from her fingers. She traces runes on Alkabah and Takarius, then reaches out to trace a rune of returning on Blooms in Darkness' vestments.
Alkabah: Tolistri
Blooms: Zohk
Idari: Esvadir
Raneshi: holtrik, esvadir, kojastri (electricity),
ESVADIR: On a successful Strike, the weapon deals an additional 2 persistent bleed damage per weapon damage die. Invocation The essence of sharpness is released outwards from the rune, dealing 2d6 slashing damage to a creature adjacent to the rune-bearer, with a basic Fortitude save.
Level (+2) The damage of the invocation increases by 2d6. (4 bleed, 12d6)
HOLTRIK: A shield bearing this rune increases its circumstance bonus
to AC by 1. Invocation You call the shield to its rightful place. You Raise the Shield bearing the rune, as if the rune-bearer had used Raise a Shield, and the shield retains the increased bonus to AC until the beginning of the creature’s next turn.
ZOHK: The target gains a +15-foot status bonus to their Speeds, but only when their movement would end closer to you than they started their turn. Invocation (teleportation) You call the rune-bearer to your side. You teleport the target to any unoccupied square.
JURROZ Whenever a creature Strikes the rune-bearer or Steals from them, draconic sanction fully focuses on them, causing them to become off- guard for 1 round. Invocation As a free action, the rune-bearer can Fly up to 60 feet toward a creature that has damaged them in the last minute. If they end this movement adjacent to the creature, the creature becomes off-guard until the end of the runebearer’s next turn. If the rune-bearer doesn’t have a fly Speed and ends its movement in the
air, they safely float back to the ground at the end of their next turn.
TROLISTRI Enemies within 20 feet of the rune-bearer treat all squares between them and the rune-bearer as difficult terrain. Invocation Sorrow blots out the capacity for any other action. Each enemy within 20 feet of the rune-bearer must succeed at a Will saving throw or be slowed 1 as it spends the first action of its next turn sobbing (or slowed 2 on a critical failure). Regardless of the outcome, the creature is then temporarily immune to this invocation for 1 hour
Notable Effects for GM: -Enemies treat squares within 20 ft. of Alkabah as difficult terrain when they move toward Alkabah.
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"That's a great point, Blooms in Darkness! Thank you for reminding us!" Takarias says. "Everyone, Shields Up! Let's show them what we elves are made of!"
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"Beneficent starlight guide these shades to their resting place, peaceful and bright."
The conrasu's hands fold and weave into more complex shapes while the main pair form a sort of triangle causing a beam of divine concentrated starlight to arc forth towards one of the closer shades.
Alkabah then shuffles forward on walking arms to be as close as possible to his companions.
The Quick Tempered Barbarian begins to tremble in Rage, as his icy blue eyes survey the approach of the Undead Spirits.
Idari begins to communicate with his Ancestors, beseeching them to interfere with any range assault.
Spirit's Interference
Standing on the extreme edge of land meets water, the elf holds Ready his curve blade to Strike an advancing Shadow!
Blooms in Darkness gestures, and the Light answers once more with terrible radiance. Then the Leshy stumps back behind the warriors with deceptive speed.
Takarias scores two hits on the lead shadow. As Idari holds his blade at the ready, Alkabah unleashes a beam of divine power that scores a critical hit. Blooms in Darkness fills the air above the water with more divine power. All but one of the shadows is annihilated by the burst of radiance. The final foe struggles through the runic interference field around Raneshi to get to you, only to be bet by the sharp edge of Idari's blade. The barbarian slices the shade in two, destroying it!
The fight is over almost before it has begun. The other elves hasten to finish setting up their siege engines before the enemy ships get too close to shore. Just as it seems that the elves are going to be able to deploy their catapults with plenty of time, the storm clouds part and a heart-shaking roar echoes out over the waters. Hurtling out of the clouds toward Lantana Beach is a nightmare. Although quite withered and tattered, the wings of this terrifying dragon manage to keep him aloft as he soars over the beach. Much of the flesh on his face is pulled taught and torn in places, but his distinctive horn remains, looking deadly sharp. The undead monster lets loose another grumbling roar as he approaches. On his back, a rider clad in rusting armor points the way, bearing a long black-iron blade wrapped in flickering blue flame.
Before you can react, the dragon swoops towards you, remaining aloft as he breathes forth a cloud of toxic gas! The graveknight points his sword towards you and blasts you with devastating cold!
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Just before the Dragon and unholy rider swoop in and prepare to unleash their foul judgement against the party Alkabah's shell seems to resonate ominously. It takes the Conrasu a few more moments to react and call for everyone to brace themselves. "Beware the fridged cold my companions!"
After weathering the blow Alkabah lifts one of it's limbs holding aloft the the divine symbol of Findeladlara, preaching rather pointedly at the knight atop the dragon.
"She gazed down to see the blasphemous trespassers and spoke thus. "Seek not the destruction of ancient ways and tradition. Atone for that which you have brought to an end, cease your destruction, rekindle the hearth flames that once burned, the pristine arches that once lead to places grand. Leave never to return else suffer the wrath of my children."
Attempt a Religion check against the Will DC of a foe within 30 feet. The foe is then temporarily immune to Battle Prayers from your deity for 1 day.
Critical Success You deal 2d6 damage of the chosen alignment type, or 6d6 damage if you have legendary proficiency in Religion.
Success You deal 1d6 damage of the chosen alignment type, or 3d6 damage if you have legendary proficiency in Religion.
Failure There is no effect.
Critical Failure The backlash of your foe’s will against your prayer prevents you from using Battle Prayer again for 10 minutes.
Issuing forth from the divine implement is a wave of holy energy against the knight. And then Alkabah's form ripples with brilliant divine energy building in the central orb that makes up it's true self. That energy passes up it's limbs and to the holy symbol causing a beam of starlight to erupt towards the dragon and rider stopping just short coalescing into a small luminous sphere for mere seconds before exploding in a flash of divine fire.
Divine Immolation
3/3 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/3 3rd, 3/3 4th, 2/3 5th, 2/2 6th, 5/5 Font
HP 80/116, 2 piercing resistance
AC 31 (32 with buckler raised)
Fort +17, Ref +19, Will +18; +2 vs. disease and poisons; +1 vs. inhaled threats
Hero points: 1
Prepared tactics: Strike Hard!, Pincer Attack, End It!
Effects:
"Oh look, it's a dragon. And it's still flying after it died! That's amazing!" Takarias says, as the cloud of poison and then cold suddenly envelop him to little effect. "Oh but it's attacking us! That's not good!" He launches an arrow into the dragon, and then follows a split-second later, the second arrow following the first's path.
"Come face us, monsters!" Raneshi shouts to the dragon and it's rider. She points her sword at the flying beast and lightning jumps from it's tip, before raising her shield again.
for and 6 persistent electricity.
As long as the target is taking persistent damage from this spell, creatures gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls with metal weapons or electricity effects against the target, and the target takes a –1 status penalty to saves against electricity effects.
ESVADIR: On a successful Strike, the weapon deals an additional 2 persistent bleed damage per weapon damage die. Invocation The essence of sharpness is released outwards from the rune, dealing 2d6 slashing damage to a creature adjacent to the rune-bearer, with a basic Fortitude save.
Level (+2) The damage of the invocation increases by 2d6. (4 bleed, 12d6)
HOLTRIK: A shield bearing this rune increases its circumstance bonus
to AC by 1. Invocation You call the shield to its rightful place. You Raise the Shield bearing the rune, as if the rune-bearer had used Raise a Shield, and the shield retains the increased bonus to AC until the beginning of the creature’s next turn.
KOJASTRI,: The creature wearing the armor gains resistance 5 to your choice of cold, electricity, or fire, and any creature that touches them or damages them with an unarmed attack or non-reach melee weapon takes 2d6 damage. The rune has the trait of the energy type chosen and deals damage of that type.
Invocation Any creature that has the armor’s wearer engulfed, grabbed, restrained, or swallowed whole takes 4d6 damage with a basic Reflex save against your class DC. On a failure, it also releases the armor’s wearer.
Level (+4) The resistance increases by 5, and the damage increases by 1d6, or 2d6 for the invocation
ATRYL: The bearer’s fire resistance, if any, is reduced
by 6. Its immunities are unaffected.
Invocation The bearer takes 2d6 fire damage, with a basic
Fortitude save; on a critical failure, they are dazzled for
1 round.
Level (+2) The reduction in fire resistance increases by 1, and the damage of the invocation increases by 2d6. (11, 12d6)
The Ilveranii elf braces for impact!
Not even disturbed by the poison gas, the Snowcaster elf does seem totally frigid, frosty, ice ice baby....weird.
Also, a bit unfortunate but he seems Frightened of the situation (but still considering a very bad plan...)
Blooms in Darkness is utterly unafraid of the dragon's approach, for it is no more than a test to the righteous. It is a test not entirely passed however, as faith alone is not proof against venom or the cold.
But there are other answers to the chill.
Fire erupts in the sky, exploding outwards with an infrasonic pulse that sends a pleasing shiver to Blooms in Darkness's core.
"This pawn of our Enemy must not be permitted to stain our skies for another breath!"
Standing on the extreme edge of land meets water, the elf holds Ready his curve blade to Strike an (hopefully) advancing dragon!
He offers a challenge!
Warfare Lore Success: Takarias recognizes the graveknight's armor as belonging to a knight of Lastwall named Captain Talymir. He died during the destruction of the city of Vigil. Now, it seems the corrupted knight is the vanguard of these plague barges!
***
As Idari readies his blade, Raneshi zaps the undead dragon with an electric javelin. Alkabah invokes a battle prayer against the graveknight and lightly scorches the knight and dragon with divine flames as the dragon banks to avoid the blast. The graveknight takes the full blast of Blooms in Darkness' fireball while the dragon dodges some of it. Takarias shoots the dragon with an arrow, then fires a second arrow in the same spot, exacerbating its injury!
Captain Talymir levels his sword at Blooms in Darkness, and the dragon swoops down to charge at Blooms in Darkness! With it superior reach, it remains far enough above Ildari that the barbarian can't reach it. The dragon attempts to impale Blooms on its horn, but the leshy avoids the attack! Talymir does better, the graveknight critically slashing the leshy with his icy blade! The dragon then ascends away from you, whirling around to prepare for another pass.
Raneshi points at the dragon and a glyph of flame crawls across the dragon, searing its undead flesh.
She balls her fist and the rune explodes, wreathing the dragon in fire.
Idari Lucien seems woefully unprepared for this type of encounter. The Barbarian fills with Rage at the sweeping attacks raining down on Blooms in Darkness.
Placing his curve blade away, the Elf attempts to time his Olympic try out....
Idari waits for the most opportune moment to Stride and Jump onto the passing dragon taxi!
Unfortunately, he forgets to actually lift off the ground...
HP 88/116, 2 piercing resistance
AC 31 (32 with buckler raised)
Fort +17, Ref +19, Will +18; +2 vs. disease and poisons; +1 vs. inhaled threats
Hero points: 1
Prepared tactics: Strike Hard!, Pincer Attack, End It!
Effects:
"Blooms in Darkness! Be careful, my friend! You don't want to die here on these shores!" Takarias calls as he quickly patches his own wounds and then fires a pair of arrows toward the dragon. If they can get the graveknight back onto the ground, then his friends can quickly dispatch it.
[ ooc]Battle Medicine, Guiding shot vs. dragon, Strike[/ooc]
"There is no darkness so deep that it extinguishes the Light!"
Blooms in Darkness withdraws from the fray a moment and channels vitality into the wounds covering the leshy's frame.
The dragon resists the effects of Raneshi's rune, while Takarias manages to score two hits. Alkabah's healing spell is disrupted by the graveknight's sacrilegious aura. Blooms in Darkness moves to tend to their own wounds, and not a moment too soon! The dragon hovers in place and unleashes its poisonous breath weapon again. Captain Talymir sheathes his sword, draws his bow, and fires an icy arrow into Raneshi's chest!
Raneshi shivers as the arrow hits her shoulder. She raises he shield and traces a rune on Idari, in case of emergencies.
ESVADIR: On a successful Strike, the weapon deals an additional 2 persistent bleed damage per weapon damage die. Invocation The essence of sharpness is released outwards from the rune, dealing 2d6 slashing damage to a creature adjacent to the rune-bearer, with a basic Fortitude save.
Level (+2) The damage of the invocation increases by 2d6. (4 bleed, 12d6)
HOLTRIK: A shield bearing this rune increases its circumstance bonus
to AC by 1. Invocation You call the shield to its rightful place. You Raise the Shield bearing the rune, as if the rune-bearer had used Raise a Shield, and the shield retains the increased bonus to AC until the beginning of the creature’s next turn.
KOJASTRI,: The creature wearing the armor gains resistance 5 to your choice of cold, electricity, or fire, and any creature that touches them or damages them with an unarmed attack or non-reach melee weapon takes 2d6 damage. The rune has the trait of the energy type chosen and deals damage of that type.
Invocation Any creature that has the armor’s wearer engulfed, grabbed, restrained, or swallowed whole takes 4d6 damage with a basic Reflex save against your class DC. On a failure, it also releases the armor’s wearer.
Level (+4) The resistance increases by 5, and the damage increases by 1d6, or 2d6 for the invocation
ATRYL: The bearer’s fire resistance, if any, is reduced
by 6. Its immunities are unaffected.
Invocation The bearer takes 2d6 fire damage, with a basic
Fortitude save; on a critical failure, they are dazzled for
1 round.
Level (+2) The reduction in fire resistance increases by 1, and the damage of the invocation increases by 2d6. (11, 12d6)
ZOHK, RUNE OF HOMECOMING RUNE 1 ARCANE RUNE RUNESMITH Usage drawn on a creature This circular mark is meant to allow travelers to always find their way home. The target gains a +15-foot status bonus to their Speeds, but only when their movement would end closer to you than they started their turn. Invocation (teleportation) You call the rune-bearer to your side. You teleport the target to any unoccupied square
"It is not rhymes and frivolity that will end this foe," Blooms in Darkness intones.
The leshy beckons, and fire blooms once more, slamming with concussive force into the graveknight and its mount from above. .
The sheer backwash of the fiery magic sets Blooms in Darkness ablaze as Blooms in Darkness reaches through time to set them alight with that echoed flame once more.
Idari smiles down fondly at his fellow Findeladlaran.
Usually my boots are made for walking...
The Barbarian Flies high up into the air to meet the dragon in the air!
Idari waves, smiles and attempts to Grapple it!
HP 39/116, 2 piercing resistance
AC 31 (32 with buckler raised)
Fort +17, Ref +19, Will +18; +2 vs. disease and poisons; +1 vs. inhaled threats
Hero points: 1
Prepared tactics: Strike Hard!, Pincer Attack, End It!
Effects:
Takarias reels as the breath hits him. "Your breath ... cough cough ... is really strong," he gasps.
Firing an arrow toward the dragon as he tries to put some distance between himself and his companion, he waves his banner defiantly. "Take another shot at me! I dare you!" he taunts.
Blooms in Darkness's fireball proves extraordinarily effective! Captain Talymir's skeletal form is terribly scorched, while the ghoulish dragon is nearly incinerated. Takarias lodges an arrow in the dragon’s rotting flank, then Idari flies up and grabs the dragon around the neck.
A few moments later, an echo of Blooms’ fire magic scorches knight and dragon again. Already critically wounded, the dragon lets out a rattling hiss before plummeting out of the sky, dragging both Idari and Talymir down to the ground! It impacts with a bone crushing thud.
”No!” Talymir shrieks, dislodging himself from his saddle. He drops his bow and draws his sword again as he attempts to take vengeance on Idari! Idari dodges the icy blade!
Idari Lucien smiles as his arms wrapped around the undead dragon's decaying throat. Then just as surprising, the sky burns! The undead dragon screams. His essence being encouraged to depart this world. Idari holds on as the trio plummet down to the ground.
Free ride!
As the destroyed carcass of the dragon makes contact, the Ilverani releases his hold to float nonchalantly (but gratefully) down to the ground. His icy blue eyes shine at the desperate deployment of Melee by the Death knight.
About time!
The Raging barbarian retrieves his elven curve blade, Strides (Steps) to confront the undead knight and Strikes!
HP 39/116, 2 piercing resistance
AC 31 (32 with buckler raised)
Fort +17, Ref +19, Will +18; +2 vs. disease and poisons; +1 vs. inhaled threats
Hero points: 1
Prepared tactics: Strike Hard!, Pincer Attack, End It!
Effects:
"Oh, well done, Blooms in Darkness!" Takarias praises before turning his attention to the graveknight. "Now your turn, Idari."
"Ah, that's more like it." Raneshi sprints to the undead knight and slices at him, then raises her shield.
for and 4 bleed.
ESVADIR: On a successful Strike, the weapon deals an additional 2 persistent bleed damage per weapon damage die. Invocation The essence of sharpness is released outwards from the rune, dealing 2d6 slashing damage to a creature adjacent to the rune-bearer, with a basic Fortitude save.
Level (+2) The damage of the invocation increases by 2d6. (4 bleed, 12d6)
HOLTRIK: A shield bearing this rune increases its circumstance bonus
to AC by 1. Invocation You call the shield to its rightful place. You Raise the Shield bearing the rune, as if the rune-bearer had used Raise a Shield, and the shield retains the increased bonus to AC until the beginning of the creature’s next turn.
KOJASTRI,: The creature wearing the armor gains resistance 5 to your choice of cold, electricity, or fire, and any creature that touches them or damages them with an unarmed attack or non-reach melee weapon takes 2d6 damage. The rune has the trait of the energy type chosen and deals damage of that type.
Invocation Any creature that has the armor’s wearer engulfed, grabbed, restrained, or swallowed whole takes 4d6 damage with a basic Reflex save against your class DC. On a failure, it also releases the armor’s wearer.
Level (+4) The resistance increases by 5, and the damage increases by 1d6, or 2d6 for the invocation
ATRYL: The bearer’s fire resistance, if any, is reduced
by 6. Its immunities are unaffected.
Invocation The bearer takes 2d6 fire damage, with a basic
Fortitude save; on a critical failure, they are dazzled for
1 round.
Level (+2) The reduction in fire resistance increases by 1, and the damage of the invocation increases by 2d6. (11, 12d6)
Idari feels quite a bit Guided by Takarias!
Raneshi and Takarias both strike the graveknight, then Idari delivers the finishing blow! The undead knight’s skeletal body crumbles to dust, leaving only his weapons and armor behind. With his destruction, the magic that is propelling the enemy barges falters and fades.
The other elves cheer as they finish setting up their siege engines. After only a few moments, the first hit is scored, followed soon after by heavier stones and barrels of flaming pitch. Another cheer goes up as the first of the plague barges sinks beneath the waves, taking its entire accursed crew down to the depths of Lake Encarthan. Not even ten minutes later, the battle is over. All of the barges are destroyed!
Raneshi spits on the graveknight's cursed armor, "Pharasma take you, and plunge you into an eternity of torment."
She doesn't have much patience for intelligent undead.
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"May all those who fell find peace in the embrace of the sea of souls."
Wasting no time after the dragon and rider are dealt with Alkabah begins knitting and soothing the group by various means of magic. A gentle breeze begins blowing across the area carrying the fallen knights ashes into the wind, the water, and lands far beyond to nourish the world he briefly ravaged. As the day or rather night seems won, the conrasu begins emitting a faint but pleasant light wherein wisps seem to gather and dance causing pain to ebb away from the living
The elves thank you for coming to their aid, especially Commander Nuandiall. "The nation of Kyonin and the people of Greengold are in your debt for what you have done this day," he says. "My soldiers and I could not have completed our mission without your bravery. Be assured, Queen Telandia herself shall hear tell of your deeds."
***
Indeed, in the days that follow the Battle of Lantana Beach, word of your bravery spreads. Before long, you are treated like celebrities in Greengold, earning them the trust and admiration of many of the inhabitants of the port city. However, the true magnitude of your accomplishment becomes apparent only when word spreads that a herald of Queen Telandia’s has arrived in town. The herald, Dalamian, requests that you meet with her at Greengold’s Temple of Calistria.
Upon arriving, the doors to the temple open and Dalamian walks out to the top of the steps, dressed in a shining, gold-trimmed green doublet with cloak of emerald brocade. Standing at attention, she produces a small scroll, holding it open for all to see before she reads the following aloud. “On behalf of the people of Kyonin, Queen Telandia Edasseril, Bearer of the Viridian Crown, does offer her heartfelt thanks to the heroes of Lantana Beach. As a show of gratitude for your heroism, our queen extends an invitation to you all to attend a feast in your honor at the Silver Lantern Garden on the banks of the Endowhar River in Iadara in one week’s time.”
As Dalamian rolls up the scroll, the assembled crowd erupts into a cheer. During the proclamation, you can hear your names echoing through the plaza. Dalamian breaks character to give you an admiring grin and steps forward to give each of you who wants one a fierce hug.
Raneshi, isn't much of a hugger, but her face falls into a rare expression of shock, "Goodness, what an honor! I didn't expect this."