DM Blayde MacRonan's page

Insert Song: Hiroyuki SAWANO feat. Benjamin & mpi - SHADOWBORN

Back in the chapel...

Nyym takes a moment and looks around and see the locations of all the echos..

Why can the certain ones not move?

While Nyym was hope to learn to see without sight. He wasn't sure if this was him or a gift offered to except that which had already been offer. That which would cost him that which he was desperate to hold onto. His self. It was a line that Nyym knew if he crossed. It could cause irreparable damage to the bond he worked so hard to form.

The Eyes of the King are affixed upon you. His blessing remains yours to claim.

Nyym..?

The half-drow hears the voice of a very confused Rohan calling out to him.

The scion of giants continues to speak, saying: We need to leave this place. She's coming for me again. This is how it starts.

Rocnork shakes his head then responds, No. This is something else... something that I've experienced before.

Before elaborating further, the wyvaran quickly made for the doors of the chapel, leaving Nyym and Rohan behind.

Back in the former chamber of Grenseldek...

There is a moment when the hairs on the back of Liesel-Marie's rise, a sensation preceding her to see the others in a way that she hadn't before.

Each person present seemed to shimmer with an aura of energy, but more importantly, those present seemed to be unmoving, as though frozen in place.

Hey, boss... is it just me or is there something going on right now?

Venn, the Erutaki's newly acquired tia'dethesk, or magic carry bag, spoke to her with a bit of concern in its voice.

We need to link back up with the others, see how many can move like us.

Tsadok's tone is matter of fact as he makes his suggestion.

Once again, Liesel-Marie gets the sense that this phenomena that they were currently experiencing is something the dhampir has dealt with before.

It would appear that I've lost my phone at work last night (hopefully I'll get that back when I go in on Tuesday)... and on top of that, one of my former online players is dealing with the loss of a family member. Which means that I'm dealing with that loss as well.

Don't worry, I'll have a post up in the gameplay thread on the 7th. Just means I'm going to be harder to get in touch with for those that don't have my personal cell number.

It's nearly April and I wanted to give an update...

My taxes finally got finished and sent off. But instead using the refund to get a new tower setup for my computer like I intended to, I ended up having to pay off debts I accumulated.

I've been trying to bring back some of my missing players, but life keeps interfering (marriage, divorce, work, etc.) with their respective returns. So it looks like I'm going to have to continue on without them... at least for now.

As far as my next gameplay post is concerned, I expect to put one up no later than April 6th. Work takes its toll, leaving me mentally and physically exhausted most nights, but at least my health isn't failing me... so there's that at least.

Again, I want to thank you for your continued patience. We will get this chapter over the finish line.

"Aye, my voluminous friend, something is going on. What do you suppose it is?" Fearing that her movement or touching a friend will have a negative impact, the fiery bloodrager studies the room and the frozen individuals within.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

She's not a particularly knowledgeable character. She's more into hitting things than knowing things.

From her waist, Liesel-Marie can feel Venn move, and, for whatever reason, it gave her the impression of a person shrugging.

I think I would need more context before I could speculate, Boss.

Taking the time to look around and assess the room, the Erutaki notes that aside from herself, Kyt and Tsadok are still able to move. The elf went immediately downstairs to check up on Charlotte.

Which left Liesel-Marie alone with the dhampir.

His response to what was happening spoke volumes: recognition.

As though he's seen something like this happen before.

My apologies to you all for the hit or miss posts on my end. Between dealing once again with internet connection issues, acknowledging that I need a more modern computer rig than what I currently have (thanks to losing a post I spent a bit of time working on), as well as the frustrations of trying to do my income tax online, pretty much has me limiting my time at the computer these days. In the meantime, until I can figure something out, please bear with me.

Nyym takes a moment and looks around and see the locations of all the echos..

Why can the certain ones not move?

While Nyym was hope to learn to see without sight. He wasn't sure if this was him or a gift offered to except that which had already been offer. That which would cost him that which he was desperate to hold onto. His self. It was a line that Nyym knew if he crossed. It could cause irreparable damage to the bond he worked so hard to form.

The Eyes of the King are affixed upon you. His blessing remains yours to claim.

Nyym..?

The half-drow hears the voice of a very confused Rohan calling out to him.

Back in the former chamber of Grenseldek...

There is a moment when the hairs on the back of Liesel-Marie's rise, a sensation preceding her to see the others in a way that she hadn't before.

Each person present seemed to shimmer with an aura of energy, but more importantly, those present seemed to be unmoving, as though frozen in place.

Hey, boss... is it just me or is there something going on right now?

Venn, the Erutaki's newly acquired tia'dethesk, or magic carry bag, spoke to her with a bit of concern in its voice.

Nyym wrote:

Nyym felt a relief as Aiko took the skull from him and returned it to the rest of the remains. The images and the voices he kept seeing and hearing of his promise subsided abit. But he knew that they will always be with him till he excepts it and excepts the consequences.

As Nyym spoke, he collapsed into a nearby seat from the mental exhaustion of carrying the skull. He only carried it a short time. But it felt like hours.

The Eyes of the King are affixed upon you. His blessing remains yours to claim.

Once again, it was as though the words were spoken by someone close enough to Nyym that he can feel their breath upon the back of his neck. And along with raising his hackles, Nyym notices the all too familiar tinge of gold in the air around him.

Amidst the voices he was hearing, the half-drow heard the conversation concerning his becoming a sailor.

No, no, no... that won't do. You need to learn why that is the case, blessed one.

It's done.

Aiko's voice broke through the cacophony in Nyym's head. He found the samurai bent at the waist in a bow that is deep and respectful.

The chaplain has been laid to rest and, with Team Ruby's assistance, I have kept my oath to Calrianne. You and the others have my thanks.

The Minkan rises, her left arm resting atop the handles of her swords.

I will take the gaze of Clan Nikumu away from your group. The safety of Trunau is of greater importance. I shudder to think about what would've happened had your Team Ruby not been around to protect the town from Kelseph's invasion.

Yes... that will do quite nicely.

Even within the relative safety of the Iomedaean chapel Nyym notices the all too familiar tinge of gold in the air around him... and then another aetheric surge occurred.

Once things calmed down, the half-drow scout cast his gaze about the interior of the building. Overflowing as he was with energy, Nyym could see the others not with his physical eyes, but rather through a sense more akin to what he learned from his training with Dare.

Each person present seemed to shimmer with an aura of energy, but more importantly, those present seemed to be unmoving, as though frozen in place.

The Blessed One's ability to channel their bio-energy field to mold/knead the aspects of electricity, used instinctively to sense the bioelectrical presence of others. A sublime gift. You should know then that what you're currently seeing are nothing more than a tableau of echoes, a representation of the present as they know it. But necessarily the one for you.

It is as the voice says. All of those not Rocnork, Tsadok, or a member of Team Ruby find themselves in this state of motionless. And not just within the chapel, but elsewhere within the fort.

OK, I feel like I have finally gotten the Erutaki Princess updated to tenth level and two tiers. I noticed that I apparently missed a talent at an earlier level. I picked up detonation but I can remove it if you feel it's not warranted.

Keep it... and, I must say, it totally suits her. ;)

OK, I'm admittedly very tired, but I have time to respond to this now.

Are we at 9th level plus two tiers, almost to 10th? Or are we 10th level plus two tiers, almost to 11th?

10th level plus two tiers, as stated by Nyym.

Running two different sets of experience points totals came back and bit me in the rear, it seems. But I'm going to let the overall experience point total stand at 120,712. Call it another bonus for dealing with this for more than three years. That's a long time to be subjected to my DMing style. ;)

Nyym felt a relief as Aiko took the skull from him and returned it to the rest of the remains. The images and the voices he kept seeing and hearing of his promise subsided abit. But he knew that they will always be with him till he excepts it and excepts the consequences.

Kelseph and the giantess are both dead. The rest had to take a different route to get back to the chapel and should be here shortly. I believe Charlotte is also bringing a pair of new friends. Dire Wolves that use to belong to Kelseph.

He refused to call her a General or acknowledged her as such.

As Nyym spoke, he collapsed into a nearby seat from the mental exhaustion of carrying the skull. He only carried it a short time. But it felt like hours.

The Eyes of the King are affixed upon you. His blessing remains yours to claim.

Once again, it was as though the words were spoken by someone close enough to Nyym that he can feel their breath upon the back of his neck. And along with raising his hackles, Nyym notices the all too familiar tinge of gold in the air around him.

Amidst the voices he was hearing, the half-drow heard the conversation concerning his becoming a sailor.

No, no, no... that won't do. You need to learn why that is the case, blessed one.

It's done.

Aiko's voice broke through the cacophony in Nyym's head. He found the samurai bent at the waist in a bow that is deep and respectful.

The chaplain has been laid to rest and, with Team Ruby's assistance, I have kept my oath to Calrianne. You and the others have my thanks.

The Minkan rises, her left arm resting atop the handles of her swords.

I will take the gaze of Clan Nikumu away from your group. The safety of Trunau is of greater importance. I shudder to think about what would've happened had your Team Ruby not been around to protect the town from Kelseph's invasion.

Yes... that will do quite nicely.

Liesel-Marie experiences an all too familiar sensation at the center of the palm of her dominant hand as once again a heavy ball of raging black flame manifests. As before, the fire travels down her arm and envelopes the Erutaki, inflicting no pain, just the prickling sensation on her skin.

A sensation that is shared by Kyt and Nyym as well.

Even as their bodies are suffused with the fiery energy that had, the minds of the members of Team Ruby become inundated with images. The unceasing stream of information pouring into them proves to be more they could handle as one by one each person's mind began to break down, seeing themselves seemingly immersed in an unending sea of shadowy faces and umbral limbs like drowning people momentarily attempting to surface before being pulled down by others. As the prehensile extremities attempt to latch on to each member of Team Ruby, darkness begins to seep within, tainting them as it envelops them individually, snuffing out whatever light they each possess.

A dome of yellow-white flame moves sluggishly away from the Erutaki Warrior Princess (tm). But though the fire itself seems to creep along, its effects both repelling and disintegrating the appendages that seek to consume her...

Electricity arcs out from the half-drow all around, the blue-white discharges of energy are no less devastating than those produced by his companion Liesel-Marie...

Earth and stone radiates away from Rohan in an outburst of power, with the larger pieces of elemental matter leveling and flattening any limbs they came into contact with while the smaller ones rip through them like bullets...

Somewhere in Ustalav as Mesa and the others are facing off against the strange constructs that ambushed them from nowhere, all fashioned from wood and plates of stone inscribed with glowing yellow runes. They numbered six in total, of which two of the three resembling floating green glowing eyes lay in ruin upon the ground. The rest of the unit were humanoid in shape. And of those three, two of them stood taller than Liesel-Marie. The third of those stood taller than the other two and had yet to enter the fray.

Kuso! Not again! yelled the tiny Minkai woman Mesa as she is surrounded by a layer of indigo, wispy energy in the form of a lean vulpine-like creature with nine long sweeping tails that lashes out in an unruly and vicious manner, attacking any threat within its reach that moves indiscriminately. Aodhán can only stare at her in shock as he whispers to himself, What is going on with you guys? For he too can feel the strange tingling on his skin as well...

Kyt stands in meditative repose as an enormous cloud of water vapor seeps from her body, freezing any limbs that grasp at her...

Then, as the discharge subsides, once more a glowing sliver, their individual obols, can be seen briefly within each member of Team Ruby before fading from view.

Alright... time to dole out some long awaited and greatly earned experience points. Last time I handed out XP was after defeating Mardut, which put your overall experience at 75,902 and put Team Ruby 902 XP over the amount needed for Tier 4 (9th level). This also means that as things currently stand, y'all are 6,598 XP away from Tier 1 on your journey to 10th level.

Now typically, I would just give out the total have you apply it. However, I want y'all to see just how much is coming your way over this extended period, so there will be more transparency with this than usual.

Remember, each listing is per character and will include story awards. So with that out of the way, working our way backwards from the hill giantess chieftain and the chaplain...

Defeating Grenseldek nets 4,200 XP.
Defeating the giant-blooded orc bodyguards awards 2,140 XP.
Defeating Kelseph bags yet another 3,200 XP.
Freeing the Dire Wolves and Manticores from Grenseldek's control gets the group 2,140 XP.
Destroying Tamand Varias' bones to lay Chaplain Blix to rest is worth 535 XP and helping Aiko accomplish her task is worth 265 XP as well.
Overcoming the haunts gives you 265 and 535 XP respectively.
Rescuing Rohan from the Gorbs is worth 2,670 XP while surviving Rau and Varmirheil also gets you 4,230 XP.
And finally, the DM is awarding you 2,130 XP for dealing with what's been going on for the last few months.

<Breaks out once again the kaiju-sized typeset calculating device and takes a seat wearing a bookie's visor while chomping on a cigar>

The final XP total is 22,310. This puts your overall experience at 120,712 and puts you 9,288 XP away from Tier 3 of 10th level. In addition, all hidden properties of any legacy weapons and armor being carried by the members of Team Ruby are hereby unlocked, provided that it's not tied to the overarching plot (the example in this instance being Liesel-Marie's axe).

Y'all truly deserve to strike your Final Fantasy victory poses. Oh, and adjust your characters accordingly.

We both were dealing with issues... his were a bit more serious than mine. But I did manage to lose quite a bit weight and quit smoking as a result, so it wasn't all bad.

Upon landing. Nyym makes haste to the chaple. Upon his arrival, he calls out for Aiko as he did not with to burst into the chaple with a cursed skull. Also he wasn't sure if Rohan would be able to be near it in his current condition...

Aiko, we found the skull and I have it here with me.

He waits for a response from her. Looking about for any threats. But it was almost positive that the skulls curse was still trying yo test his will. Handling it was mentally challenging and he was ready to be rid of it..

Empress be praised! Aiko's face shows genuine relief. Quickly, place the skull with the rest of the remains.

The warrior from Minkai gestures toward the altar of Iomedae.

Meir chimes in. The chaplain has told us that in order to lay him to rest, all of his corpse must be destroyed on the altar.

Oloch is silent, his attention focused on taking care of Rohan. Rocnork stands vigil close by.

Liesel-Marie Frostvale wrote:

Liesel-Marie replies, ”Well, I only want it as evidence that we defeated her and we may need to produce that evidence quickly. Keep her on the tip of your tongue if you know what I mean.”

No worries there, boss. When you need, it'll be ready.

And with that said, Venn's opening expanded in readiness to receive the chieftain's head.

Eyebrow raised, amazed that she's talking to a bag, Liesel-Marie lowers the head of the giantess into the bag. She hefts their new companion and looks at her more traditional allies.

"Very good. Which way?"

Colt, Kyt and Tsadok, having put away their weapons, look back at Liesel-Marie.

We should probably take the stairs, says the human Shieldmarshal. Pretty sure ol' Nyym there has a way to mitigate any possible damage from dropping down to the ground like that from this high up that the rest of us don't. Plus, it lets him have the time he needs to get that cursed skull to the chapel.

I'm inclined to agree, chimes in Kyt. Besides, Charlotte is still downstairs and we can't leave without her.

After bailing off the balcony and entering his feather fall ability. Nyym scans the area as he descends looking for 2 things. The fastest way to Aiko and company and any obstacles or opposition he may encounter.

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

No trouble spotted. The fastest route once he hits the ground would be to go straight north to the chapel.

Alright... my work schedule has calmed down for now, and I'm officially off on Sundays and Mondays until something changes... my first post in the gameplay thread will go up on Monday. If you wish to post something before then, by all means... feel free to do so. Otherwise, we'll get started on Monday.

Work has been taking a serious toll leading up to the holidays, but hopefully after next week we get back to the game. Looking forward to wrapping thins up.

Wishing everyone a Merry Thanksgiving day today!

I haven't been ignoring things here on the forums... I've been waiting for Nyym's player to post. However, he's been undergoing health issues that have been preventing him from doing so.

So, until the player is able to post, I'm effectively putting a lid on things until after the new year begins. So everyone take the time and enjoy the coming holidays.

I want to thank everyone that has participating so far in this chapter. And I look forward to picking things back up in January 2025.

Liesel-Marie replies, ”Well, I only want it as evidence that we defeated her and we may need to produce that evidence quickly. Keep her on the tip of your tongue if you know what I mean.”

No worries there, boss. When you need, it'll be ready.

And with that said, Venn's opening expanded in readiness to receive the chieftain's head.

I assume the difference in asking for an item vs. reaching for an item is only the method. The time will still be a full round. If I need to be silent, it would be one thing, if I need to keep my hands free, it would be the other. True?

For a typical, non giant-sized bag of holding, retrieving a specific item from a bag of holding is a move action, unless the bag contains more than an ordinary backpack would hold, in which case retrieving a specific item is a full-round action. However, because Venn can hold more than the typical bag, it takes longer to retrieve a specific item. Asking Venn for a specific item doesn't change the amount of time needed for it to retrieve said item (though it is capable of limited manipulation of itself to produce that item and drop it to the floor/ground if needed).

Venn is silent for a moment, and it's obvious as to why. This is the first time that anyone has shown any genuine interest in what it is and (more importantly) how it feels. Bearing that in mind, when the bag does respond, it attempts to answer the Erutaki's questions to the best of its ability...

At the designation of ‘new boss,’ Liesel-Marie’s eyebrows raise, but she doesn’t say anything, watching and listening to the mildly gross display of its contents.

”Thank you, Venn. How aware are you of what happens near you? You can obviously hear and I suspect feel. Can you see, as well? I was looking for a container and I don’t think it would be respectful to ask you to carry my burden. Perhaps you have seen a lesser means of transport in your time here?”

I can both see and hear what transpires around me to about a range of 30 feet. As far as containers go, I will carry whatever burden you choose to give me. Just know that depending on the nature of said burden, you and I might be in for a discussion to see whether or not it happens.

”I have so many questions for you. I have never met one such as yourself. Just how much can you carry, my new friend? If I ask you to carry something, do I need to reach into you to retrieve it later or can you return that item on request? Or do you need to return all of it at once, as you did here? Do you have a means of moving yourself?”

So… sentient giant-sized bag of holding. That’s new and fun.

I'm not quite so unique as you think, boss. As to how much I can carry, if we're talking overall weight, then the amount is roughly 287 stone*. And if we're talking volume, then that is the equivalent of 400 beer kegs**. As far as retrieving contents go, you may either request an item or reach within as you wish. However, given the sheer volume I possess, it will take approximately 6 seconds for you to receive said item***. I typically don't put on such vulgar displays as the emptying of my contents, but I was presented with the opportunity to be rid of the hill giant's items and I took it. And while I will not apologize for the act itself, I will endeavor to limit such displays going forward. finally, as to my ability to move, sadly I do not possess any method of locomotion beyond being carried by you, boss.

* To put it a different way, we're talking upwards to 4,000 pounds.
** Translation = 800 cubic feet.
*** Because of the larger volume of a giant-sized bag of holding, retrieving a specific item from it is always a full-round action.

Liesel-Marie looks up from her conversation. ”I won’t put this,” she gestures at Grenseldek’s head, ”in our new friend’s maw. Do we have anything else we wish to ask Venn to carry for us?”

Venn gives forth a hearty rumble of a laugh. I will gladly carry the head of that hill giant jarl within me. I see it as recompense for her forcing all of that rotted meat inside of me.

Liesel-Marie starts, but stands with the bag, looking bemused. "Well, then. Forgive me if that was inappropriate. How should we address you? Referring to you as a bag - now that you have announced yourself - seems rude indeed."

"And... what does a giant put into a 'size-appropriate' tia'dethesk?"

The bag makes a sound similar to that of someone clearing their throat. You may address me as 'Venn.' And you are forgiven. Especially since you didn't reveal my inner self to these perverted ruffians. Turn me inside out, indeed!

Kyt is at a loss, not sure what to make of this absurd situation. She puts her temple sword away, with both Colt and Tsadok following her example. Sorry about that. But to be fair, it's not like we knew you were sapient.

Something akin to a face forms on the bag for Liesel-Marie to see, though it more resembles the image of a mountain and crescent moon.

I will forgive you this one time, because of the respect shown me by my new boss. Venn then continues, saying: As to what a Jotun puts into a size-appropriate... whatever that word is... well, I'll show you.

The bag begins to make a series of noises not unlike that of someone gagging on something caught in their throat. Making the experience even more weird, Liesel-Marie can feel Venn's exterior move with each sound being made, as though it was putting in the effort to bring up its contents.

Several moments later, a series of items exited the opening and fell to the floor at the Erutaki's feet. There you go. Not much to look at, is it?

The following items exited Venn's orifice:
* 5 over-sized torches,
* 6 lbs. of leather strips,
* an ornate 10 lb. painting of an elven maiden (worth 250 gp),
* cloth bag of 8 golden pearls (each worth 100 gp), and
* 30 lbs. of spoiled horse meat

Sorry you had to deal with that, but sounds like it is a good thing you got it checked out. I know an acquaintance that got a bite that wasn't going to get it checked out, but her co-workers forced her to do so. Turned out to be a brown recluse bite and she was very fortunate to have gone in when she did.

Liesel-Marie is only half-listening, still staring at the torch that disappeared into darkness. She exhales, pulling it back out slowly, and grinning when the light becomes apparent once more, nodding.

"Yes, yes..." She looks up, her expression similar to theirs. Handing the torch to Kyt, she lowers the sack to the floor, grabs the bottom, and slowly raises it so its contents spill out on the floor.

Like that?

Kyt watches Liesel-Marie from beneath a furrowed brow. That's just turning it upside down.

The elf begins gesturing, not wanting to actually take the leather bag from her friend.

You're going to have to make it so that the outside of the tia'dethesk is on the inside.

Tsadok glances over at Kyt. Tia'dethesk...* Wait, magical carry bag? I can't believe that I never realized until now the Elven word for bag of holding literally translates into 'magical carry bag.'

Kyt whistles innocently as she looks away from the dhampir and back to Liesel-Marie.

If we were using Golarion Elven rather than classic version from the Forgotten Realms, the word would actually be lythiara, or "load bearer." But we're not, due to the DM's preference for good old Espruar. And besides... 'load bearer' isn't nearly as fun as 'magical carry bag.' ;)

Makes you wonder what giants put in bags like this, huh? Especially since it appears they have size appropriate tia'dethesk?

You could just ask.

The newest speaking voice, whose tone is reminiscent of the sound of falling boulders, seems to be coming from the leathery bag itself.

Colt, Kyt, and Tsadok all react in the same fashion as in a matter of moments, all three of them have weapons drawn and aimed at the item, whose indignant response is:

I say... how rude!

My apologies for being absent. Didn't think my checking on a spider bite that wasn't healing properly would result in spending time in the hospital and some minor surgery. Still dealing with the wound itself, but as of now, things seem to be okay. Enough that I can get back to posting...

She sticks the temporarily-enchanted torch into the sack.

Both Kyt and Liesel-Marie watch as the darkness of the bag is lit up briefly by the torch... only to disappear two seconds later.

The elf stares at the bag for a moment before looking at her Erutaki companion. That's definitely an extradimensional space. Or, to put it a different way, try thinking of this as having a bigger bag inside of a much smaller bag.

Colt, who'd been listening to the conversation, chimes in. So essentially, what you're sayin' is that this bag is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.

Kyt places the index finger of her right hand on the tip of her nose, then responds by saying, Exactly.

Sounds like what you've got is a bag of holding, says Tsadok as he makes his way over. Though that's a bit bigger than any I've ever heard of. By almost double the size.

Kyt looks back at the bag at Liesel-Marie's feet. So... a giant-sized bag of holding?

The dhampir shrugs. So it would seem. The best way to find out would be to turn it inside out. Whatever contents it contains should spill out unharmed.

Everyone then turns to regard Liesel-Marie, each of their expressions displaying child-like curiosity.

Liesel-Marie's eyebrows raise as she watches the monk's struggle. Grabbing either side of the bag to open it wide, she stands to judge its weight, expecting it to be more than it appears, but curious how much more.

She will attempt to maneuver it so a flame of some sort is casting light directly into the bag.

Opening up the bag, Liesel-Marie sees that her companion had not been exaggerating when she said that it was dark on the inside, even with the use of an ordinary torch enchanted with a light spell that she produced from her pack.

Closing it back up, the Erutaki attempts to lift up the bag.

Liesel-Marie Strength Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18; DC 15 or better to succeed

Though she manages the attempt better than Kyt had done, Liesel-Marie understands that if she were to walk with the bag, she would also struggle with the load.

Kyt has a Strength of 17, to Liesel-Marie's 18. Despite that, the bag's weight would send them both into the heavier end of a medium load (Liesel-Marie is able to ascertain that it weighs around 150 pounds).

”Here, it’s probably shadow, bring it here to the light.”

Sure. Give me a moment. Kyt closes the bag and attempts to do as Liesel-Marie requested.

Kyt Strength check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15; DC 15 or better to succeed

With a grunt, the elf warrior-monk lifts the bag off the floor and slowly makes her way over to the Erutaki.

This is a bit heavier than I expected it to be.

When she is standing before Liesel-Marie, Kyt lets the bag slip back to the floor. Look inside and tell me if I'm going crazy or not.

Liesel-Marie is less about the knowing of things than the doing of things.

I get that... but sometimes, in order to do a thing, you have to know something about that thing.

”Odd. I feel like I have seen this person, this giant, but I can’t imagine where. Unless he was at the siege of Trunau.” She unconsciously rests her hand on the hammer hanging at her belt.

Upon feeling the cool stone of the hammer as she places her hand upon it, Liesel-Marie can hear a distant sound, as though of metal being forged in a smithy.

Kyt Intelligence check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15; DC 22 or better to succeed

I feel as though I should know who this is, but I currently can't recall. The elf shrugs, the thoughtful expression she wore now replaced with a closed eye smile. But I'm sure if it's important, we'll figure it out along the way.

What I want to know is... Kyt turns her attention to the table in the alcove. ...what's in the bag?

The warrior-monk makes her way over to the object of her curiosity. She whistles while visually taking in the bag's size. That's pretty big. Now I've got to know what's in it.

Her mind set, Kyt gets to work opening up the sack. When she is done, the elf gazes within. But her excited expression becomes one of confusion.

I don't think it's supposed to be dark as pitch on the inside. But I could be wrong.

a marble bust of a stone giant (actually the giant god Minderhal, recognizable with a successful DC 20 Religion check) worth 100 gp

The Religion check DC is 20 for anyone other than Liesel-Marie; for her, the DC is 10 (due to having seen Minderhal previously in a vision when she first put her hands on Agrimmosh, the Hammer of Unmaking). And if she doesn't have any ranks in Religion, then an Intelligence check will suffice (normally, I would raise the DC by 2, but I will forgo the increase this time).

Liesel-Marie relaxes and calls out, ”You know, I am carrying a hammer. And you could give a girl some warning. Either would have been great.”

Nyym looked to Liesel-Marie..

I did give a warning.

Nyym chuckled before taking a deep breath and moving on the skull. Reaching it Nyym reached out and plucked the skull from the floor. Looking back towards the door at the girls and then towards a nearby balcony..

Yall finish up here. I will see yall at the church.

Without giving anyone time for protest. Nyym moved to the Balcony and heated himself over. As he cleared the balcony, Nyym cast feather fall on himself for the landing and was off to the church without a second thought.

After passing through the pair of double doors on the north-side of the chamber, Nyym finds himself on a balcony skirted with stone crenellations offering a commanding view of the fort’s inner yards and buildings. Besides the two ornate doors that the half-drow exited from, he is able to see another pair set in the east wall.

Scrambling onto the rampart, he then casually steps off while bringing to bear another gift of his latent heritage, causing Nyym to slowly fall to the ground. So much so, that he suffers none of the trauma normally associated with a more rapid descent.

The Eyes of the King are affixed upon you. His blessing remains yours to claim.

It is as though the words are spoken by someone close enough behind him that he can feel their breath upon the back of his neck. And along with raising his hackles, Nyym notices the all too familiar tinge of gold in the air around him...

Liesel-Marie rolls her eyes. "Did you? Sorry, I was a little busy," she holds up the giantess' head, "but OK, you just startled us. I thought you'd awakened a dragon or something. Wait..."

Staring at the balcony, she adds, "You know, I love him like a brother, but some days..."

Turning to the room at hand, she says, "Well, we have achieved a goal here. What trinkets can we take back to our friends in Trunau to pay for building new walls?"

She will stow her axe, check to make sure the hammer is secure, and start searching the room with the others.

Is there a bag sufficient to carry Grenseldek's head? Is there anything other than the head in the wall?

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Though there is nothing else in the broken wall to the northeast, it isn't long before Liesel-Marie spies a rugged leather sack about 4 feet by 6 feet in size near the table in the southeast alcove. Sitting atop said table is a geode, much like the one recovered by Team Ruby from Uskroth's Tomb back in Trunau.

This is in addition to the two potions, masterwork battleaxe and black dragon breastplate worn by Grenseldek, as well as the six potions, four handaxes, and two thunderstones on the bodies of the orc bodyguards. And the loot downstairs...

So lets compile ourselves a list...

* Grenseldek's potions - Cure Serious Wounds (2)
* Bodyguard potions - Cure Moderate Wounds (4)

Treasury (downstairs)
* A discarded giant-sized, gem-encrusted silk gown, is draped like a tablecloth over a large oaken desk inside the cage. The gown is worth
500 gp in materials alone.
* Under the gown are a number of important documents. Several of the papers appear to be drafts of a formal letter addressed to “the Storm Tyrant Volstus”—this is Grenseldek’s marriage proposal to the Storm Tyrant.

Though each letter is written in Jotun (Giantspeech), they are being read aloud by Kyt, who is able to decipher the Thassilonian elements in the language.

* Crumpled into a ball next to Grenseldek’s final draft is the Storm Tyrant’s response to her letter.

Liesel-Marie listens to Kyt, holding the chieftain's head by the hair, when a roar comes from within the room. She whirls, the freshly-removed head flinging blood in an arc and Icingflame held by the haft. She's crouched, eyes wide, ready to respond to whatever creature it might be.

And slightly fatigued after the execution.

No need to worry about being fatigued. Liesel-Marie will recover fairly quick since she's out of combat. ;)

What in the name of the Master of Masters was that?

Kyt, like her companion, is crouched and ready for another battle. Usually not one given to epithets, the sudden noise caught her by surprise, as did the sight of the tiny balls ricocheting around the chamber.

She gives Liesel-Marie an incredulous look. Somehow the elf knows that whatever this is, the boys were somehow involved with it.

After things have settled down, Colt, Nyym, and Tsadok each stare at the section of wall that bore some of the blast. Where the grenade had been affixed was blackened, but all around it were cracks where the hardened resin spheres had collided. Both from the initial blast and the resulting ricochets.

The Alkenstarian approaches, slipping out Executioner as he did. The powerful emotion that had been felt earlier was stronger now. But thanks to having steeled his mind earlier, the curse held no danger for him. With the butt of the Highwall rifle, Colt goes to work smashing the damaged areas until he reveals the human skull.

There you go. One dirty old skull ready fer delivery.

Liesel-Marie nods solemnly. She draws back the bearded axe and calls forth her bloodrage. With a shout of rage, she sends the great blade whistling at and through the giant's offered neck.

Kyt watches as the Erutaki performs the grisly deed, a hint of sadness in her eyes. The hill giant chieftain seemed so sure that Team Ruby will have to deal with the imminent threat that was the Storm Tyrant. After all, given that she and her companions had come out all this way to deal with Grenseldek, how could they not do the same for Volstus and his giant armies?

The elf had hoped that by doing as the Chief Defender asked, that all of this bloodshed would be ended for at least a little while. But given what they now know, it seemed as if the fighting would continue. Especially since they had no idea when the threat will arrive.

The thought of what's to come made Kyt feel tired.

She gazes at Liesel-Marie. Collect her head, and anything else that may be of use. We need to get back to the chapel.

Kyt's expression became one of realization, as though something forgotten had just come to mind.

We need to find the rest of the chaplain's corpse. I hope the boys have been focusing on tha...

She doesn't get to finish her thought as Colt's grenade detonated.

The missing skull.

Nyym whispered aloud. Possibly load enough for those linear enough to hear.

Tsadok buddy.. you found the missing skull. The bad news. The skulls curse is why ur feeling what ur feeling. But I got a plan. Colt my friend. I think ur about to earn the title of demolition man. I need u to remove this here wall in front of Tsadok.

Nyym points to the area he wants destroyed.

Once the wall is down. I'm going need everyone to clear the room and clear a path all the way back to the chapel.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Nyym could almost picture Colt's excitement at the prospect of blowing something up. He strikes Nyym as such a human.

Colt's interest was indeed piqued. Demolition man, huh? I've been called worse, that's fer damn sure. Alright! I'm in. I'll be on it in two shakes of a mare's tail.

The shieldmarshall uncorked the used wick from the sphere he still held and replaced it with a fresh one. He walked over to the section of wall indicated by the half-drow.

Colt Will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21; DC 16 or better to succeed

Pausing for a moment as a wave of melancholy washed over him, the Alkenstarian summoned up his conviction to press on. After reaching the area in question, he knelt down and rummaged through his possessions, eventually producing a canteen and a packet of fine grey powder which Colt began mixing together until it had the consistency of thick mud. As he started applying the substance to the wall, the marshall explained what was going on:

This here is see-ment, which I'm going to use to stick the stinger to the wall. I'll have to hold it in place until the see-ment starts to partially cure, but that shouldn't take longer than maybe fifteen to twenty minutes.

Fortunately for him, it did so in about twelve.

He continued speaking. Now, normally I'd need a few hours fer it to fully cure and be as hard as stone. But fer what you want, we don't need to wait that long. Then using his lit quirley, Colt set the new fuse to burning. Looks like its gonna git plenty noisy in here after all.

The last was said with a wicked smile as the Alkenstarian hightailed it away from the wall.

Twelve seconds later, the ten-foot radius around the wall was filled hardened beads of resin as the spherical grenade exploded.

Grenseldek wrote:

Grenseldek locks eyes with the Erutaki, her gaze unwavering. "Well, ildvan..? Are you willing to hear me out? Or shall we keep on with the stupidity of this fracas?"

Liesel-Marie gives the giantess a withering look. "As I just said, tell me your price."

The alv... the elf... spoke of the hidden cathedral of Utgorheim, which is believed to be built around the Maker's Forge. You carry the Hammer of Unmaking. I suspect you cannot make use of the full power that sleeps within it. To do that, you will need to journey to Utgorheim and perform a ritual to awaken it. And before you ask, I do not know what you will need to do. But I'm sure the steinjotun stormazin, that is the stone giant high priest, will be able to enlighten you. Assuming you prove yourself worthy.

Kyt turns to regard Grenseldek. What do you want in return?

That when you defeat the Storm Tyrant, tell him Grenseldek is the one responsible for bringing him low. Do that, and I can die with honor.

The elf looks thoughtful for a moment. Agreed.

The giantess smiles as she offers up her neck. I await your blade, ildvan. End it.

Nyym desides it best to do some self healing before tackling this new problem.

cmw: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

cmw: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 = 13

Healed a total of 20 points.

With that out the way. Nyym focuses on the wall. Examining it for anything that would help in handling it.

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

engineering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Nyym not really knowing g what exactly he is looking for also decides to cast detect magic.

Really wish Nogusta was here right now. I get the feeling a Cleric would be better suited for what we are dealing with.

Examining the wall leads Nyym to understand that its thickness wouldn't hinder him when it came to perceiving magical energies. Because his first thought is that some kind of spell is at work to produce the effect he and Tsadok were experiencing.

The half-drow dips into one of the many gifts possessed by one of his lineage. And lets out a whistle when he does.

Set within the wall, Nyym can make out something pearly purple in hue that vaguely resembled a human skull.

Grenseldek wrote:

Liesel-Marie Frostvale wrote:

Turning to face to giantess, the bloodrager says, ”What do you know of your ancestor’s hammer? What is special about it?”

"I shouldn't be surprised that you know nothing about what you hold, ildvan, fire human. I will answer your question, but in return I want something from you and your huslyd, your family."

"You assume my curiosity is powerful enough that you can barter with its answer for a favor? I saw many traders come through my village when I was a child, I did not expect anything for free. Tell me, what is your price and I will tell you with my axe if you presume too much."

Perception check to sense motive as Liesel-Marie studies the giantess for signs of deceit in her response: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

The Erutaki senses no deception from Grenseldek, but rather resignation. The giantess understands that her fate is sealed no matter what she does or says. She isn't attempting to bargain for her life. And while Liesel-Marie isn't sure what the hill giant chieftain is after, the sensation was more akin to someone making a final request.

Grenseldek locks eyes with the Erutaki, her gaze unwavering. Well, ildvan..? Are you willing to hear me out? Or shall we keep on with the stupidity of this fracas?

will: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 3 = 27

The half-drow's mind is under assault from an overwhelming sadness that threatened to sap what little vitality he had left flowing within him, and in the process, leaving him adverse to doing anything. The feeling causes him to back up a step, which allows him to stop experiencing the sensation.

Upon seeing Nyym pause his approach, Tsadok continued speaking. You can sense it too. Whatever the cause, it comes from the wall. We need to figure out a way to deal with this and quickly. Otherwise, we'll be eventually overwhelmed.

No one can get within 50 feet of the wall without having to make a DC 16 Will save. Failure to do so will have its consequences revealed at that time.

Nodding, the bloodrager says, ”I can make it quick or not. You choose.”

If the giantess makes it easy, Liesel-Marie will go for a single clean cut through the spine. If she resists, she will make it messy.

Though bitter about her current predicament, Grenseldek is resigned to the realization that her cause is a lost one. For were she even able to defeat the ones before her now, it would do little to advance her ambition to be the wife of Volstus, the Storm Tyrant. As far as he is concerned, a marriage to the hill giant chieftain is beneath his standing. Something he made all too clear to Grenseldek with his last communique.

She didn't respond to Liesel-Marie right away, opting instead to listen to the conversation currently taking place.

I have an even better suggestion.. She wanted the hammer. I say give it to her. After all, it was never specified how she wanted to receive it.

For some odd reason. The screams of the wounded and dieing echo in Nyyms ears as he spoke. Remembering those they were able to save. But even more so those they were not. His voice suddenly cold..

She deserves to see her end come by the very item she so coveted.

”We are not here for cruelty or meanness, my friend. Justice.”

It would be justice. The object she had the town torn apart for becoming the instrument of Trunaus justice. I find it rather poetic. Not cruel since she still gets what she wanted. Just not how she wanted.. Cruel would be letting her live in her failier and let word spread back to the one she wished to wed of said failier.. I'm sure he has way more imaginative ways of repaying her failier. But you already know I will back whatever you deside.

[b"You heard Kyt. It wasn’t the hammer she wanted, it was the sparkling rock. But you have reminded me of something.”[/b]

The elf warrior-monk shakes her head. What you're advocating for isn't justice. It's not even punishment. No, what you want is vengeance. And I get it. Were it not for her and her ambition...

Kyt pauses, her right hand clenched tightly in a fist as tears begin to roll down her face. Aodhàn and the others would be with us. Our lives in Trunau would not have changed significantly. But all of that came to an end the moment she decided to launch her attack upon our home. And while I want nothing more than to rip out her heart with my own hands the way she has done with mine, that would serve only to selfishly satisfy my needs. And even then, there's no guarantee that doing so would even accomplish that.

So instead of trying to appease the anger I feel... that we all feel, we will do what we were asked to do by the Chief Defender: to end this for the sake of Trunau. As for everything else, we'll deal with it after we return home.

Turning to face to giantess, the bloodrager says, ”What do you know of your ancestor’s hammer? What is special about it?”

Not that we know nothing about it, but Liesel-Marie wants to know if there’s more the giant will share.

I shouldn't be surprised that you know nothing about what you hold, ildvan, fire human. I will answer your question, but in return I want something from you and your huslyd, your family.

Nyym turned away noticing that Tsadok was very Interested in something else.

What has drawn ur attention so my friend?

Nyym was cautious in his approach as Something in their companion seamed a bit off.

Tsadok Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24; DC 16 or better to succeed, -2 due to Wounded threshold

A powerful emotion is emanating from this wall. The dhampir regards Nyym as he continues. I'm resisting for now, but it threatens to overwhelm my will.

I need a DC 16 Will save from Nyym as he approaches Tsadok.

Liesel-Marie looks among her companions, unsure what to make of this. We came to avenge Trunau. Does this knowledge change that?

Colt speaks up. I don't rightly know what's going on here. But sounds to me like she wouldn't have attacked your home were it not for this Storm Tyrant. Not saying that absolves her for what she's done, but it seems to me that even if she hadn't attacked, you'd be dealing with something much worse. I mean, an army of giants?

Kyt looks to everyone. We were sent to both deal with the orcs and the chieftain. Now we're learning that the attack on our home was set into motion because she wanted to improve her standing with this Storm Tyrant, who's putting together an army to conquer the continent. Trunau is not prepared to deal with something of that magnitude and this is definitely above our paygrades. Halgra will need to know what is going on, that's for certain.

She then turns her attention back to Grenseldek. As for you, lives were lost and destruction was brought to our home. Therefore, with the authority given us by Halgra of the Blackened Blades, Chief Defender of Trunau, you are to die for your crimes.

Finish her quickly, Liesel-Marie. We've a long trek back to Trunau.

Still catching her breath, Liesel-Marie nods at Kyt. "Ask, then. I'm fine speaking to her with my axe, but I can wait."

Thank you for this, the elf warrior-monk says, appreciative of her companion's trust, before turning her attention to the defeated and still unconscious hill giant chieftain.

Elsewhere, in the demiplane that is The Vault of Thorns, a meeting centuries in the making is taking place...

Silvermane and the will-o’-wisp guardian Mossmoon stand face-to-face on the wooden bridge above the massive greenhouse that connects the Petal Gate to the chamber where the druids of the Council of Thorns held their conclaves. Flanking the incorporeal on either side stood a tiny, vaguely humanoid creature that seemed to be made completely of bundles of gnarled sticks wound with thorny vines.

For the venerable elf, being within this place stirred memories within him that threatened to overwhelm his emotions. In contrast, the faintly glowing ball of light that is Mossmoon bobbed gently in the air, the nebulous image of a skull within betraying nothing of what it may be feeling.

*The meeting has taken place. I now speak to you on behalf of the Guardians. Only one of them believes as you do, which means the others need to be convinced regarding the string you've sent to stand as their Champions.*

Silvermane's hands move with a rapidness that only hinted at his anger. In response, the light of Mossmoon's body went from blue to yellow before speaking once again.

*A single unit of wolds have already been dispatched. There is nothing that can be done to stop this from happening. And it should be noted that I agree with the course of action taking place.*

Silvermane stares at the will-o’-wisp, his expression revealing his shock.

*If the string is what you claim, then they will pass this test. If they fail, then others will have to be found that are more capable.*

The tiny stickmen watch the exchange taking place. Having briefly traveled alongside Team Ruby when they came through, the two knew of the 'string' the glowing ball of light spoke of. They also knew that the old elf would not be able to warn them of what was coming. After all, that was the true purpose of this meeting.

But where the wrinkled one could not, they could. And so, after exchanging knowing glances with each other, the two step back and away from the conversation.

Silvermane sees this but gives no indication of what is happening. Especially when each of the tiny beings step off the side of the bridge and disappear in flashes of emerald light.

The stickmen make use of their gift of spontaneous movement through briars and thickets to navigate the border of the demiplane they are in to emerge from a bramble into a realm under which a sky of whirling stars and moons that change shape and texture as they track their way through the vibrant heavens. They ran, desperate to avoid attracting the notice of creatures more vivacious, more energetic, and more fecund than themselves.

The two continue on, eventually hearing a distinctive sound ahead of them.

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

Like themselves, the wolds were traveling through the Feylands to reach their target, taking advantage of the erratic way time flowed in this place.

They needed to find a bloom, a breach connecting this realm to the one the twigmen wished to travel to before the wolds.

Both of them finally catch a glimpse of the advancing unit. There were six in total, all fashioned from wood and plates of stone inscribed with glowing yellow runes. Three of them resembled floating green glowing eyes that darted back and forth. The stickmen recognized the trio as wyrd, swift airborne hunter-killers the size of humans that were particularly adept at dealing with arcanists and the like. The rest of the unit (and the source of the booming footfalls) are humanoid in shape, and stood taller than the tallest of the group they were trying to reach. Of those three, two of them were watchers and they typically served in the capacity of guardian to the megalithic stone circles employed by the Council of Thorns. The third, which stood taller than the other two, was a warden. And while it served a function comparable to the guardians, the warden possessed more discretion in its duty as it was capable of undertaking patrols of the area it was designated to protect.

This unit represented the steps the Council had been willing to undertake to drive out the orc hordes before inevitably sacrificing themselves. And this was the last remnant of that war, stored here in the Feylands, called upon to act once more.

The stickmen were glad that the unit didn't contain a wrath, the pinnacle of wold construction. Only one had ever been created by the Council and its loss in the war against the orcs had deprived the druids of a powerful resource.

The march of the wolds had come to a stop as one of the wyrds darted ahead. It quickly returned, the runes adorning stone plates that framed its crystalline orb flashed rhythmically. Deciphering the pattern, the stickmen understood it had located a bloom that would take the unit where it needed to go.

The decision came quickly and the two acted upon it. One would serve to distract and delay while the other would run on to warn of what was coming. It wasn't long before the runner knew its companion had made contact with the unit when it heard the discharge of powerful energies, but it continued on, knowing that in all likelihood it will never see its companion again.

Back at Redlake Fort...
Kyt, her face twisted with concern, glances back briefly at Grenseldek. Once stirred from her unconscious state, the bitter hill giant proved surprisingly eager to converse with the elf warrior-monk.

Alright... here's what we now know. A mysterious storm giant warlord calling himself Volstus the Storm Tyrant has issued a call to the giants of western Avistan to gather at a secluded valley in the Mindspin Mountains and form an army to subjugate the smaller and weaker races of the continent. Here in Belkzen, Grenseldek, former chieftain of the combined tribe of giants, ogres, and orcs called the Twisted Hearts, heard the summons. However, she believed her place was not under the Storm Tyrant’s banner, but rather at his side as queen. Rather than rush to answer the Storm Tyrant’s call to war, Grenseldek instead attacked our home with the plan to amass a dowry from the wealth looted from her ancestor Uskroth’s tomb—long forgotten in the hill under Trunau—to win Volstus’s affections. Specifically, she sought half of a unique and spectacular geode that when combined with its other half (already in Grenseldek’s possession) would form a map that she believed pointed to a far greater trove: the hidden stone giant cathedral of Utgorheim, which is believed to be built around an artifact called the Maker's Forge. With the riches claimed from beneath Trunau and the promise of more to come, our naive Grenseldek believed the Storm Tyrant could not refuse her. Unfortunately for Grenseldek, her lofty aspirations came to nothing when her infiltration and subsequent assault on Trunau failed, thanks in no small part to us.

Kyt waits to see what the others have to say.

Liesel-Marie puts Kyt down on the ground, makes hand motions as if smoothing imagined wrinkles in the woman's robes, and offers a muttered, "Sorry..." as the fatigue of her spent bloodrage washes over her. She turns to re-enter the room.

Suppressing the urge she had to laugh, Kyt allows Liesel-Marie to finish pressing the material of her clothes.

No need to apologize. I had no idea as to what was happening, so for all I know you were saving me from further injury.

She follows the Erutaki back into the chamber, continuing the conversation:

And to answer your question from before, while none of my strikes possessed killing intent, I was hardly playing with her. I just figured that we might try to get some information from her before you take her head. The elf shrugged helplessly. There is so little that we know and I have no wish to remain ignorant.

Nyym comes to an abrupt halt at the words of all clear. A confused look on his face. His mind registered an explosive device. But he did not hear an explosion. He cautiously followed Liesel-Marie back in the room. Seeing Colt holding said device makes Nyym even more confused. But he doesn't speak at this time as he is wondering if he had misread the situation or the Marshall has a twisted sense of humor.

Seeing the look on the half-drow's face, Colt can't help but smile.

You had the right idea on gettin' everyone to vamoose. Especially if I couldn't stop this here stinger from going 'boom.' The giant would've taken the brunt of the explosion had it still stayed upright, but I didn't count on it fallin' so soon. Looked to me like it still had plenty of fight left in it just before it went down.

Tsadok, in the meantime, had started conducting a search of the room. Something in here was actively trying to overwhelm his emotional center with crippling sadness and he wished to learn what it was. Casting his gaze about, the dhampir notes the geode on the table in the southeast alcove before his eyes eventually settle on the northwestern portion of the chamber. Though he couldn't see anything other than wall, Tsadok knows without question that the source of this feeling he was experiencing was there.

Doin' his best impersonation of The Rock... Finally! The Blayde has come back to the forums! I'm more settled in now, so lets get back to it! If you can smell what The Blayde is cookin'!

Nyym sees the small device roll to a stop at the Giants feet as she falls. Tilting his head almost as if a curious cat for the briefed of moments till his eyes land on the the sparking cord.

A fuse?

The thought was followed by realization..

MOVE!!

Nyym gave a quick kick to propel the device father between the giants legs to wedge it where her legs come together..

kick: 1d20 + 6 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 3 = 12

Following his move, Nyym used his acceleration of form to quickly move to away and out past Colt. Not knowing the blast radius. Nyym has decided the best course or action is to exit stage left with the quickness.

Liesel-Marie charges forward, sweeping up the warrior monk as she runs, trying to get both of them away from whatever alarmed Nyym so much.

Kyt doesn't have time to voice her protests as she gets carried out of the room by Liesel-Marie, who's following in the wake of Nyym's footsteps.

With a shrug, Colt saunters over to the device, a sting grenade, where he stoops down and (after wetting the tips of his index finger and thumb), puts out the slow-burning wick. When he's done, the shieldmarshall calls out, All clear. You can come back in now.

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Nyym

2 points of ki, acceleration of form, vanish trick.

stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 17 + 20 = 47

acrobatics: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23

Nyym does an accelerated dive and roll. Coming up opposite of Tsadok, reversing with a double handed back swing following up with a slice from top to bottom as if trying to split the giant into 2 halves.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17; DC 17 to notice Nyym (includes Wounded threshold, movement and combat penalties)

Grenseldek's eyes narrow momentarily. The hair on her arms were standing on end. Thanks to Kelseph, she knew that the one called Nyym liked to strike under the mantle of invisibility with a weapon made of lightning. And that he does so typically from the rear.

Remembering that the half-drow had been fighting with one of her bodyguards, she tried to time the swing of her battleaxe to where she thought he would be while moving into position. With nostrils flaring from the stench of ozone, Grenseldek unleashes her attack.

Due to her scent ability, once Nyym came within 5' of Grenseldek, she became able to pinpoint his location. His archetype does grant Nyym negate aroma as a permanent special ability. Under normal circumstances, I would say this would be enough to prevent him from being detected by Grenseldek's scent ability... were it not for the following provision in the spell description:

Negate aroma does not prevent the target from acquiring outside smells or odors. Dowsing the creature with a pungent substance effectively negates the benefits of the spell until the substance is neutralized or washed away.

As DM, I have established that Nyym's acceleration of form talent stems from using the energy of his bio-electric field to stimulate his nerves which, in turn, increases his reaction and movement speed to the point of being able to create afterimages used to dodge an incoming attack and confuse enemies. Ozone is produced from any electrical discharge, and is therefore an outside smell. As such, negate aroma does not prevent Nyym from being detected by scent when he is actively using his elemental abilities.

Grenseldek AoO: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44; -2 due to Wounded threshold
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37
battleaxe damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21; +10 due to crit
corrosive damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
corrosive burst: 2d10 ⇒ (8, 9) = 17

The giantess smiles as her slash connects with the half-drow, her blow actually speeding him along to where he was going.

Nyym sustains 31 points of physical damage and 21 points of acid damage, for a total of 60 damage. This puts Nyym at the Critical threshold. He takes a –3 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.

focused justu, thunder infusion, kinetic katana

kinetic katana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29; -3 due to Critical threshold

damage: 3d8 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 4) + 3 + (1, 5) = 22

kinetic katana aof: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21; -3 due to Critical threshold

damage: 3d8 + 3 + 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 6) + 3 + (3, 2) = 19

Nyym finishes his move with a low guard set. A sinister smile upon his face as he enters the fight as if having teleported from one spot to another. His head still throbbed from the vicious hit earlier, and his vision was blurry from the shot he just took from Grenseldek. But he would not be denied his pound of giant flesh, despite the world of hurt he was in.

Fortitude check: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39; DC 15 or better to resist thunder infusion, -2 due to Wounded threshold

The giantess flashes a grin of her own as the spell that she had cast upon herself earlier takes the brunt of the damage doled out by Nyym's lightning blade.

Nyym inflicts 30 points of electricity damage on the giantess and 6 points of sneak attack damage. However, due to her protection from electricity spell, Grenseldek sustains only 11 points of sneak attack damage for a total of 163. This puts Grenseldek at 120 physical, 18 cold, 14 fire damage, 11 sneak attack damage, and 33 nonlethal damage. As a result, she takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level due to her Wounded threshold being reached.

Colt
The Alkenstaran lifts the ceramic sphere toward his face, placing the end of the wick in contact with his still lit quirley. He grins as it catches fire. Despite knowing that the string was slow-burning, he had no wish to be caught holding the explosive when the fire reaches the inside of the sphere.

With a whoop and a holler, Colt crosses the threshold and enters the chamber.

He waits until a clear line of sight was had with the giantess before throwing the device so that it lands at her feet.

He calls out: Y'all might want to clear out before it gets plenty noisy over there.

Kyt

Spurred on by Grenseldek's words from before, the elven warrior-monk performs a flourish with the crystalline weapon that precedes a rapid torrent of slashes.

Full-Round Action: flurry of blows with temple sword
Swift Action: spend 1 ki to gain extra attack with flurry and 2 ki to maintain ki surge

temple sword flurry attack 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
temple sword damage (nonlethal): 1d10 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + (1) = 10
temple sword flurry attack 2: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
temple sword damage (nonlethal): 1d10 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (5) = 11
temple sword flurry attack 3: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
temple sword damage (nonlethal): 1d10 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 4 + (1) = 15
temple sword flurry attack 4: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
temple sword damage (nonlethal): 1d10 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + (5) = 16

The giantess finds it difficult to keep pace with Kyt's skill with the sword, receiving a pair of shallow cuts on the forearms for her effort.

The elf takes satisfaction in seeing the look of confusion cross the hill giant's face. And it grows when the chieftain eventually collapses to the floor with a loud crash.

Grenseldek has sustained 26 nonlethal damage. This puts her at 120 physical, 18 cold, 14 fire damage, 11 sneak attack damage, and 59 nonlethal damage. She is unconscious (and thus, helpless) due to her nonlethal damage exceeding her current hit points. Grenseldek is treated as having a Dexterity of 0 (–5 modifier). Melee attacks against a helpless target get a +4 bonus (equivalent to attacking a prone target). Ranged attacks get no special bonus against helpless targets. Rogues can sneak attack helpless targets. In addition, she takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level due to her Wounded threshold being reached.

Next up is Liesel-Marie...

I caught it after my post, but I forgot to account for Tsadok's Wounded threshold being reached in his full-attack action. Thankfully, even with -2 penalty, he still manages to land both attacks (due mainly to Gresnseldek's own Wounded threshold being reached). However, I also forgot to subtract the temporary hit points from the damage he took from the giantess in the previous round. This shall be resolved as follows:

Tsadok sustained 14 damage and 1 acid damage, for a total of 38 damage and 3 acid damage. This still puts him at the Wounded threshold, and he still takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.

With those issues cleared up, we will now continue with Round 5.

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Liesel-Marie

Liesel-Marie, even enraged, sees the advantage of numbers, and focuses on a single devastating strike.

Vital Strike: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

Slashing Damage: 1d12 + 26 ⇒ (6) + 26 = 32 and Fire Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 1) = 6

Though the Erutaki has increased the length of her reach through the use of magic, it is something that she isn't fully acclimated to yet. So when Liesel-Marie swings IcingFlame with all of her might, Gresnseldek is able to instinctively recognize this and moves to take advantage of this perceived misstep by reaching out with one gauntleted hand to intercept the strike.

However, what the hill giant fails to fully appreciate is the power behind the blow. After all, this opponent is merely a human. And humans are small and delicate creatures when compared to someone of the giantess's size and stature.

So when her gauntleted wraps around the bladed head of IcingFlame, the chieftain experiences for herself the strength of Liesel-Marie for herself. Both the physical and the elemental.

Grenseldek hisses as she releases her hold on the weapon, eyeing her opponent with newfound respect, and perhaps a little bit of fear.

Grenseldek has sustained 101 physical, 18 cold, 14 fire damage and 33 nonlethal damage for a total of 135 (the nonlethal damage is and should be separate, not added to the damage taken). As a result, she takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level due to her Wounded threshold being reached.

Tsadok
Amidst the wreckage of the shattered bed he once stood upon, Tsadok grasps Sable Moon with both hands and continues his attack on the hill giant chieftain by unleashing another slash on to the left side of her body.

Sable Moon: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37
Sable Moon damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

As he watches his first strike connect, he allows himself to reverse the blade's motion, continuing around to where his next strike is a swift diagonal overhead strike.

Sable Moon Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29
Sable Moon Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

The second attack leaves another slash upon Grenseldek's abdomen. Tsadok withdraws Sable Moon back to the ready position, admiring the X he left there.

Grenseldek has sustained 120 physical, 18 cold, 14 fire damage and 33 nonlethal damage for a total of 154. As a result, she takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level due to her Wounded threshold being reached.

Next up is Nyym...

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Nyym's eyes snap open at the sound of weapons clashing as he bolts upright. The loud clang of the weapons combined with his sudden movement serves to remind him that he was no longer dreaming and the loud sounds sounded as if someone was using his head for a war drum. It was then that he remembered the hit that put him out in the first place.

What the.... ouwwww. My head..

Liesel-Marie grunts with exertion, "Welcome back, little shadow, feeling rested?"

Tsadok

Tsadok grasps Sable Moon with both hands and draws the blade up close to his mouth. It looks as if he is blowing on the blade and the blade responds in turn. Sable Moon's obsidian blade darkens.

Thirsting Axe Strike: Dmg caused is Temp Hit points to Tsadok

Tsadok's eyes looks up to rest on the hill giant chieftain and unleashes a lighting fast slash on to the left side of her body.

Sable Moon: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 29
Sable Moon damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

As he watches his first strike connect, he allows himself to reverse the blade's motion, continuing around to where his next strike is a downward over head strike.

Sable Moon Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27
Sable Moon Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

The second attack strike true and swift down Grenseldek's abdomen. Tsadok withdraws Sable Moon back to the ready position.

Grenseldek has sustained 70 physical, 18 cold, 8 fire damage, and 16 nonlethal damage for a total of 112. As a result, she takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level due to her Wounded threshold being reached.

Colt

Once Shieldmarshall Winchester sees that Kyt has safely crossed the threshold into the room, he begins the task of reloading his weapons so that he too can make a spectacular entrance of his own.

The Alkenstar native holsters one of his revolvers as he moves to stand within the doorway leading into the hill giant's chamber. But before his hand comes away from that sheath, he remembers a device that he keeps upon his person.

Colt slips that hand inside of his duster, retrieving a large clay sphere that has a wick like a candle.

This'll make fer a nice party favor. Just have to let them know that they're gone be in for one heck of show.

Grenseldek

Snarling once again, Grenseldek swings her axe at Tsadok.

Grenseldek battleaxe: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (11) + 24 = 35; -2 due to Wounded threshold
battleaxe damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
corrosive damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Grenseldek battleaxe: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33; -2 due to Wounded threshold
battleaxe damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
corrosive damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Her attacks are downward slices that the dhampir narrowly avoids, but in the process of doing so allows the bed that he is on to take the brunt of the damage. It groans loudly before collapsing into heap. And while Tsadok manages to retain his footing, the effort takes its toll upon him, aggravating injuries he's already sustained in the course of the fight.

Tsadok sustains 22 damage and 1 acid damage, for a total of 46 damage and 3 acid damage. This puts him at the Wounded threshold, and he takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.

Kyt

The elf ignores what happened to Tsadok and continues her assault upon Grenseldek.

Full-Round Action: flurry of blows with unarmed strike
Swift Action: spend 1 ki to gain extra attack with flurry and 2 ki to maintain ki surge

unarmed strike flurry attack 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
unarmed strike damage (nonlethal): 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6) + 5 = 16
unarmed strike flurry attack 2: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
unarmed strike damage (nonlethal): 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 4) + 5 = 10
unarmed strike flurry attack 3: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
unarmed strike damage (nonlethal): 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 6) + 5 = 13
unarmed strike flurry attack 4: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
unarmed strike damage (nonlethal): 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1) + 5 = 8

Once again, Grenseldek is able to match Kyt's hand speed enough to block most of the torrent of strikes.

That can't be all that you have, knife-ears. The giantess grunts between exchanges.

Hearing the slur once used by her beloved causes Kyt's eyes to narrow into slits. She spins about and, upon facing forward once again, is armed with her crystalline blade.

Oh, you're about to see what I have, Grindle-duck. And you'll wish that you hadn't.

Grenseldek has sustained 70 physical, 18 cold, 8 fire damage and 33 nonlethal damage for a total of 129. As a result, she takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level due to her Wounded threshold being reached.

Next up is Liesel-Marie...

I'm in the middle of switching jobs at the moment, so I'm going to be a bit busy for the next couple of weeks. Again, I apologize for the delay, but as the saying goes... ain't no rest for the wicked.

Two things... 1) I forgot to add the 18 points of cold damage done by Kyt to the giantess, bringing the total to 63 damage sustained, and 2) I'm going to be attending my final court case for the divorce I've been dealing with. So after this post, I won't be back on again until Sunday at the latest (mainly due to long travel time).

Now, on with the game...

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Liesel-Marie

Liesel-Marie steps closer (5’ step) and swings twice at the giantess.

No vital strike this time, clearly.

Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 (Enraged, Searing Flesh, Power Attack)

Slashing Damage: 1d12 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23 and Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 1) = 8

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 (Enraged, Searing Flesh, Power Attack, Iterative)

Slashing Damage: 1d12 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30 and Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) = 9

AC 25 with rage and shield

The giantess puts her battleaxe in line with the Erutaki's first swing, the impact causing even her massive frame to tremble. She knocks IcingFlame aside in an attempt to disengage from her opponent, only to have Liesel-Marie to spin with the motion and bring the greataxe around for another attack, one that Grenseldek manages to sidestep.

The collision of their weapons and the intense heat emanating from her opponent's axe is of little concern to the giantess. She intends to make this one suffer dearly for the dishonor heaped upon her by this wretched band.

Grenseldek has sustained 67 physical, 18 cold, and 8 fire damage, for a total of 93.

This brings an end to Round 3. Round 4 starts now, with Nyym taking a full-round action to make another DC 17 Fortitude save, or remain unconscious for another round (this will be Round 3 of 3 if he fails).

Is there a map update available?

The map in the latest post should show both Tsadok and Kyt in their newest positions near Grenseldek.

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23; Riven Hourglass: +4 dodge and Init
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Nyym

fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Yeah nope, Nyym is still nitey night...

The half-drow stirs a bit on the floor of the chamber, but is unable to gather enough of his wits about him to rouse himself from his current state of mind. The action taking place around Nyym sounds incredibly distant, despite being right there in the midst of it all.

The air seems to possess a golden tinge that had not been present before.

All at once, a tall slender man dressed in a voluminous saffron robe stands over the half-drow, staring at him with confidence and contempt, no small task for someone concealing his face. Cold blue eyes peer out from behind the slits of an expressionless mask of white.

And so you've come to me yet again. The Eyes of the King remain affixed upon you. His blessing remains yours to claim.

As the golden robed being spoke, the tinge in the air begins to swirl, constantly changing, shifting through random array of multicolored hues.

Tsadok

The dhampir glances toward Liesel-Marie and nods, an action meant to convey his gratitude for her assistance. He then turns his attention to the sole remaining threat within the room...

...Grenseldek herself.

He begins his advance, moving with a graceful display of athleticism and coordination that is the hallmark of warrior-monks like himself he brings his feet up quickly to bring them in the direction of going up and over the bed nearest to the giantess.

Acrobatics(roll): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Not knowing what to expect, Tsadok keeps Sable Moon clutched in his right hand across his body. And it was good that he did, for the hill giant chieftain meets his approach with a swing of battleaxe.

Grenseldek AoO: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (1) + 24 = 25
battleaxe damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
corrosive damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

As the dhampir hangs upside down in the air, he counts himself fortunate that the arc of his leap places him scantly above Grenseldek's attack. Once the warrior-monk begins his descent, he lashes out at her with his ringed obsidian blade.

Sable Moon: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 41
Sable Moon damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Skirmisher damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Sable Moon, using the added momentum from Tsadok's movement and in combination with it's sharpened edge, leaves a gash on the forearm of the hill giant, who quickly retracts both it and her weapon.

This allows Tsadok to land near Grenseldek in the Riven Stance.

Colt

Once Shieldmarshall Winchester sees that Kyt has safely crossed the threshold into the room, he begins the task of reloading his weapons so that he too can make a spectacular entrance of his own.

Grenseldek

Liesel-Marie’s follow-through brings her around to face the giantess once more. ”There. Now we won’t be interrupted.”

Snarling with rage, the giantess once again swings at Tsadok.

Grenseldek battleaxe: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (6) + 24 = 30
battleaxe damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
corrosive damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Grenseldek battleaxe: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
battleaxe damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
corrosive damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Sable Moon intercepts the powerful blow of Grenseldek even as its wielder braces himself for the impact. A part of him wishes he hadn't as the shock of the impact reverberates throughout the entirety of his body. In addition, a drop of the strange acrid fluid lands on Tsadok's shoulder, burning into his flesh.

The dhampir backs up a step and leans back to avoid the giantess' follow-up swing.

Kyt

Seeing her ally in jeopardy, the elf warrior-monk hops nimbly from one bed to another and unleashes a flurry of blows at Grenseldek.

No Action: 5-foot step towards Grenseldek
Full-Round Action: flurry of blows with unarmed strike
Swift Action: spend 1 ki to gain extra attack with flurry and 2 ki to maintain kisurge

unarmed strike flurry attack 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
unarmed strike damage (nonlethal): 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 6) + 5 = 17
unarmed strike flurry attack 2: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
unarmed strike damage (nonlethal): 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 4) + 5 = 14
unarmed strike flurry attack 3: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
unarmed strike damage (nonlethal): 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 5 = 11
unarmed strike flurry attack 4: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
unarmed strike damage (nonlethal): 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 6) + 5 = 12

To her credit, Grenseldek is able to match Kyt's hand speed enough to block most of the torrent of strikes.

Most, not all. For Kyt demonstrates her flexibility by catching the giantess off her guard by leaning forward just enough to bring a leg up enough to strike Grenseldek over her shoulder with her foot. Before her enemy can recover, she follows up by using the same leg to deliver a thrust kick to create separation between herself and the giantess.

When the exchange is done, the elf stands on the bed, ready to deliver another assault.

Grenseldek has sustained a total of 45 points of damage thus far.

Next up is Liesel-Marie...

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Orc Bodyguards: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Liesel-Marie

Liesel-Marie, still on the defensive, smirks at the giantess and steps back 5'. She casts another spell, one that causes her arms to temporarily grow in length, increasing her reach with those limbs by 5 feet. "We're all too aware of your work. You have not paid your full measure and we are here to collect."

The hill giantess raises an eyebrow, her features showing amusement at the Erutaki's words. We shall see. We shall see.

Grenseldek takes a hand off the handle of her axe, and as she does, it begins to glow with a pale shimmering flamelike radiance reminiscent of moonlight. The giantess stares briefly at the manifestation with a maniacal grin before turning her gaze toward Liesel-Marie and gesturing at the Erutaki.

Grenseldek Moonfire Blast attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25; ranged touch attack
Moonfire Blast damage: 8d8 ⇒ (1, 7, 7, 4, 7, 7, 5, 7) = 45

Liesel-Marie needs to make a DC 14 Reflex save; if successful, she takes half damage and negates being dazzled (–1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks) for 4 rounds.

Need to know the outcome of this save. But, even if she fails and takes the -1 penalty, it won't be impactful enough to avoid the following result of her attack...

Liesel-Marie has kept her cool until now, but seeing the sneaky one fall brings to mind many other fallen. And standing before her is the cause. As is often the case, she resolves to bring a solution to bear. That solution is IcingFlame. She rages and she swings.

Swinging for the fences to start the party off right.

Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 (Enraged, Searing Flesh, Power Attack, Vital Strike)

Slashing Damage: 1d12 + 35 ⇒ (3) + 35 = 38 and Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 5) = 12

AC 25 with rage and shield

The remaining orc bodyguard, whose focus had been on Tsadok, failed to notice the presence of the Erutaki until she entered bloodrage and he could feel the intense heat radiating from her body. He does a half-turn towards her, and is immediately confused by two things: that he can see the lower portion of his body, and that he was somehow moving past the strange pale orc. As the upper half of him slammed into wall behind Tsadok, it slowly dawned on the bodyguard that he had been struck with such force as to have been bisected at the waist by her superheated weapon.

This brings an end to Round 2. Round 3 starts now... with Nyym taking a full-round action to make another DC 17 Fortitude save, or remain unconscious for another round (this will be Round 2 of 3 if he fails).

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Orc Bodyguards: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Grenseldek

"We're all too aware of your work. You have not paid your full measure and we are here to collect."

Grenseldek takes a hand off the handle of her axe, and as she does, it begins to glow with a pale shimmering flamelike radiance reminiscent of moonlight. The giantess stares briefly at the manifestation with a maniacal grin before turning her gaze toward Liesel-Marie and gesturing at the Erutaki.

Grenseldek Moonfire Blast attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25; ranged touch attack
Moonfire Blast damage: 8d8 ⇒ (1, 7, 7, 4, 7, 7, 5, 7) = 45

Liesel-Marie needs to make a DC 14 Reflex save; if successful, she takes half damage and negates being dazzled (–1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks) for 4 rounds.

Kyt

Taken by surprise by the beam of energy that crosses in front of her, the elf warrior-monk shakes her head and says aloud to herself before entering the room, Never occurred to me that I'd be fighting evil by moonlight. Good thing I don't run from a real fight.

Kyt's Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35; DC 25 to avoid AoO from Grenseldek and the orc bodyguard

Kyt, wrapped in a rippling ice blue aura, dashes across the threshold and leaps up onto one of the beds. She then turns, curling her fingers and placing both hands together at chest level so that they're facing the same direction (with the palm of one hand on the back of the other) as the warrior-monk begins gathering ki in a display of energy that emits sporadic bolts which arc out like electricity in every direction. She then thrusts both hands forward to unleash a blue wave of frightfully cold energy with swirls of white ki streaming around it.

Kyt's Great Surge Fist attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Great Surge Fist damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 8) + 4 = 18

The giantess' eyes widen in shock, first at the sight the nimble elf and then at the blast of wintry energy that envelops her.

Grenseldek sustains 18 points of cold damage from Kyt's great surge fist

Next up is Liesel-Marie...

And no... I wasn't about to pass up the Sailor Moon reference... ;) Sorry, not sorry!

End of 2nd post...

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Orc Bodyguards: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Nyym

fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Nyym's head snapped around from the hit. He was about to complement his opponent on being able to find him so easy when all thought left with his eyes rolling back into his head. Nyym then continued his turn, crumpling in a heap to the floor as he spun. In layman's terms. He got knocked the @&#$ out.

well seems the dice gods thought I was having too good a run. Lol

Tsadok

The dhampir winces as he watches the now visible half-drow get spun around, then drop to the floor in an unconscious heap.

The blow was delivered with a skill that belies the overt brutish nature of the bodyguard. Though not monastically trained like the elf and himself, this orc and (more than likely) the other one are just as capable in their own way.

Sable Moon Attack: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37
Sable Moon Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Sable Moon Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26
Sable Moon Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Tsadok raises Sable Moon, wielding his blade horizontally behind the back with one hand while the other is held forwards but bent at the elbow so that it was held out before his opponent, the dhampir spins, timing his swing so that it was tighter like the single edge of a screw, which allows Tsadok to slice the larger orc on his forearm.

Colt

After witnessing the sneaky one get dropped like a sack of taters, Colt continues to focus his attention on the other bodyguard.

point blank adds +1 to hit and damage, Legal Judgement: Judgement will add +1 damage, deadly aim will be -3 hit, +6 damage. attack resolved against touch AC

Judge: 1d20 + 14 - 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 14 - 3 - 2 + 1 = 11
Judge damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 15

rapid shot Judge: 1d20 + 14 - 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 14 - 3 - 2 + 1 = 15
judge damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 17

Jury: 1d20 + 14 - 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 14 - 3 - 2 + 1 = 24
jury damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 20

secondary shot: 1d20 + 9 - 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 3 - 2 + 1 = 18
Judge damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 16

The bodyguard does his best to withstand the hail of bullets put forth by the human, but in the end is unable to. The orc collapses to the floor, its life's blood leaking out from a rapidly cooling body.

The shieldmarshal takes inventory of the number of shots fired and realizes that one of his revolvers is empty while the other still has four rounds left.

End of 1st post...

Not quite settled in yet, but I put up a post to keep things moving. Also, I will update the map after Nyym's saving throw is rolled.

I want to thank everyone for their patience in dealing with all of this. It means the world to me that you've stuck with me throughout all of the nonsense that I've been dealing with.

Nyym: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Colt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Grenseldek: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Orc Bodyguards: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Map: Grenseldek's Chamber
Battle Theme: Tipsy FF7 Battle Theme (Fergie Intro)

Liesel-Marie

Liesel-Marie, still on the defensive, smirks at the giantess and steps back 5'. She casts another spell. Longarm

"We're all too aware of your work. You have not paid your full measure and we are here to collect."

The hill giantess raises an eyebrow, her features showing amusement at the Erutaki's words. We shall see. We shall see.

Orc Bodyguards

Having recovered from the attacks dealt to them, the pair of large orcs prepare themselves for battle.

The first, the one shot by Shieldmarshal Colt, reaches into a pouch on its belt and pulls out a glass vial containing a viscous red fluid. Using a thumb, the orc opens the container and downs the contents. A moment later, the orc shudders uncontrollably as the potion kicks in.

The other orc, the one that had been smiling as Nyym vanished from view, wastes no time in lashing out with a steel-covered fist where the half-drow was last seen as it says in Taldan: Nighty-night, dark one.

Orc Bodyguard #2 Knockout Blow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31; -2 due to Wounded threshold
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Time Unconscious: 1d6 ⇒ 3

The orc bodyguard's soul seer ability (which it had active before the fight started) allows it to detect Nyym despite being both invisible and displaced.

Nyym sustains 8 points of damage and must make a DC 17 Fortitude save, or be knocked unconscious for 3 rounds.