Yillim Dross's page

Ser Rowan, you seem to know these lands well, so I do value your advice on these things. However, I have been given a most generous offer by lady Ariarh, and could not, in good conscience, refuse. I would be willing to travel out to the general's lands and work with his men, but when night falls, I think my bed shall be in Vandora.

He glances over at the rest of the people in attendance, noticing that many have begun to retire to either their homes, or to attend the raising. He still seems uneasy, but concedes to the wisdom of the council's decision, knowing that at the very least, the families of the fallen men will be extatic to have their loved ones back.

He looks to his new friend, Corlia, friend of wolves, and speaks directly.

It seems that the decision has been made. The two fallen men are to be brought back, for good or ill. Hopefully for good.

Then with a bit of a smile,

Your Lady Kane has invited me to her lands to dwell. It seems that perhaps we may see more of each other. I have also been suggested by Ser Rowan to seek your general, Kae. Scout a bit with his men. I know we have only been back to town for a short while, but would you be interested in joining me? I would welcome your company, and that of your brother wolf.

With that (and hopefully with company) he leaves the council chambers, and shuffles outside. He finds Blackfang and greets him warmly, wrapping his arms around the great beast's head, and giving him a vigorous scratch on the nose. He will then follow the group that is gathering to perform the raising and watch silently.

Yillim will gladly accept the invitation to live in Vandora, at least in the short term. Question though, is he granted a house or a room at one of the inns? Also, I would expect some kind of rent would be appropriate, but not sure how that is worked. If that is not discussed, Yillim would just discretely leave money with whoever the tax collector is for the province, after he found out who that is.

At the return meeting, Yillim stands in the back and listens to all speak about the two men they returned with. He ponders silently for a while, and hears each person's point about the use of magic to return the lives of the two fallen men.

Then, pensively he clears his throat.

I know little of how this magic works. I know even less of these men, although I'm sure they were good men. Should we no consider their spirits, though? Are they now in a better place, free from the ills and hardships that plague every living thing? Speaking for myself, I enjoy breathing, and standing here now, if I were to be asked if I would like to be brought back, and given another chance at life, I would say yes...

He pauses then, his expression becoming more serious and hardened

But should we not consider the possibility that they are at peace?

Yillim then steps back, and lets the others consider what he has said.
He glances over to Lia with a blank expression, his eyes, normally quite red, have gone pale. In a quieter tone, only to her;

What do you think, Lia? I know little of magic or spirits, perhaps you have an opinion?

Yillim will stay with the party, and switch to melee weapon as they move.
Tensing, and ready for a fight, but also concerned about the sheer number of the enemy.

i like the idea of us moving as a 2/3 block, so that we have all our sides covered from flanking, and Yillim will attempt to get into a position to do just that

Yillim will move closer to the group, so he can get back to back with someone, and ready his bow.

Seeing the group surrounded, Yillim steels himself. He tenses, ready for battle and at the same time, shakes a bit with excitement. Again, he would have a chance to prove himself valuable.

Stand ready comrades! We may be outnumbered, but if we stand together we will prevail! Let us think of the others that came before. We must return their bodies to a place of peace, so that the may find their solace in the hereafter!

....and light! We need more light!

Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Yillim frowns deeply, and there is clearly anger in his eyes. He did not know these men, but was sure that they were a valuable part of the community, and would be missed. He dipped his head low for a moment, making an informal prayer to Pharasma that they find their peace.
Seeing the strange symbols on their foreheads, he is reminded of the suffering that he went through. Although the rituals were probably different, he was no stranger to torture. His hand began to reach out, to close the mens' eyes, so that their bodies could know better the final sleep, but he hesitates. Then, turning to the others, he steels himself, and speaks;
We have found the lost men. What marks are these? Could they have been cursed? If you have wards or prayers or the like, please make them. We should get these men back to their families as soon as we can.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
and Survival 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 for any tracks or clues of who else may have been here

clearly he's a bit unfocused by frustration at the moment...

Yillim will follow closely to Arasmes and Caliphana as they aproach whatever is on the slab. Weapon drawn and signalling the others to ready their weapons as well, should there be any danger.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Yillim pauses for a moment as the group edges slowly down the hallway, examine the walls and floors, looking for details of the passing of the missing men.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

He turns back to the group, and stifles a brief smile. He knew that this group was tense, but there was something in them he trusted. He didn't feel as though he constantly needed to watch is back, and the sensation was new to him. So much of his life had been spent roaming about, a vagabond. He called to no friends, only temporary allies as he wandered the sands of his youth. Taking on jobs for coin, regardless of the consequences, and always watchful that one of those that he worked with would cut him to take his share. And It happened more than once, and he had done the same. But this new life seemed to offer some hope. A new way of living was opening before him. Although the quarters were cramped, and their journey was taxing, and they had met defeat against the spider above, there was hope.

He turns back to his new companions, speaking up in hopes of refocusing on the task and easing the growing tension among the intrepid explorers;
One of you mentioned...dark elves, I believe. Do any of you know more about them? Or the others that it could be? I would like to know what to expect, should we encounter them.

Actually i just looked back, and somehow i missed the question about how Euwag was going to interrogate...gah. my brain isn't working right. I'll try to catch up and get back into things. sorry all.

Yillim is indeed following close behind the outsider Caliphana, and listens closely to the exchange regarding elves and dwarves and such. He grunts a bit, clearly acknowledging the wisdom of the others, but also knowing that this is all above his comparatively narrow breadth of knowledge.
If it is indeed some group or other, they seem hostile to outsiders, as indicated by the graffiti you translated. We should be on our guard, and try to get off this staircase quickly, as it would be a poor place for combat.

Yillim frowns at the revelation, but his mood picks up slightly as he turns to the party, and looks at Corlia directly as he speaks

Lia, I believe we've had our first bit of luck in this dismal place. he points at the tracks in the sludge.
It seems two have come this way, there are many tracks that seem to lead to the stairs ahead, although I cannot say how long ago. It is at least, some indication that the ones we search for have come this way.

Then, turning to Arasmes,

Sir, you have been in these lands for some time, no? These statues bother me. Their faces have been scratched, it seems with some purpose. This one here, apears to be an elf...it is odd. Are these likenesses of any you know? Or could there be some other force at work here? Some kind of foul magic?

Yillim cautiously follows, guarding the party from the rear.

Be on your guard, fellows...I have a bad feeling about these statues...their workmanship is eerie.

He shifts his blade in his hand, anticipating more trouble.

With that, Yillim takes a bit of time to examine the room and the statues in a bit more detail, while the others are deciding if and when to descend down the staircase.

can i take 20 on looking around? if not...

Perception if can't take 20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

As Arasmes and Caliphana have already made their way, there are four left.

We still have these lances, we should explore the ground as we did before, to see if we can find a walkable path. Only swim if you must.

Yillim begins tapping at the ground ahead of him and working his way back to the room with the pyramid, following a path (hopefully) that keeps him from needing to swim.

Knowledge nature to come to similar conclusions
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Yillim looks to the party and nods at Clari's suggestion.
I do believe that is the best course of action. We should proceed back towards the other passage. This creature, although quite large and beastly, may have only been defending its home. We should hope that the others that came before did not meet their fate at its hands, but I feel we are ill equipped to deal with it should it attack again. Let us use this time to make our way back, but with caution. It may attack again, but it may not.
Then, a curious look crosses the already curious face of Yillim, and he turns to face Lia.
I know you have the ability to speak with your brother, Revion, and indeed with other wolves. Does that ability extend to other creatures of nature? If so, perhaps we could reason with the creature? Even offer up some kind of restitution with it...questioning the creature could lead us to further clues about the whereabouts of the men that came here before.

To all:

Excellent! Cali has indeed retrieved the lances of the men - you have for of them now. However - in the time it took to ferry you all over here one at a time - then go all the way back to the entrance and ask the guys for the lances - then carry them all back - the spell is now finished. After all - it only lasted 7 minutes.

So - now what?

So, we do have four, but you are right, they aren't brace weapons. bummer. Well, we may be able to at least take advantage of their reach?Also, yes, Yillim is now without a shield. That thing had such a high to hit bonus though, not like it mattered :P If anyone has a spell to change the terrain at all, that would probably be a big help

Yillim frowns as the party makes a hasty "strategic retreat", and speaks to the group as he moves.

We have 3 lances left from the warriors above, I say we move back for a bit and then brace for the creature. It is too far to get to the most defensible position in this damned place!

i say we get as much ground as we can from the thing. 5 rounds, and then we can have 2 to buff or whatever before it charges us. Clari, Lia, and Yillim can brace with the lances for when it charges, and then we're into regular melee.

how far back is it to the 5 foot opening?

also, just out of curiosity, is it possible for someone to make a heal check or the like to see how badly the creature is wounded? If they can't do it as a free action, I guess it doesn't matter...

Seeing the opportunity, Yillim begins to back away, but will pause until all of his comrades have had a chance to move, as he will cover their backs in case (for whatever reason) the strange charm stops.

to confirm crit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

just realized the shield bash was a nat 1, so here's the roll to not fumble...

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

i probably wont be able to post tomorrow guys, so here's my attack when my turn comes around...

Current HP: 48 - 14 physical -2 acid = 32

rage begins

Full attack: khopesh: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
shield bash: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 khopesh iterative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

IF it hits
Khopesh: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Shield Bash: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Bite: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Yillim will continue to rage and attack as long as he can, or a least to defend the retreat of everyone else.

Yillim reels with the force of the blow at his back staggering a few steps. Greenish blood oozes from the wound and he nearly drops to his knees, but quickly regains himself. Turning, a great ferocity comes over him and his eyes seem almost to light with a red fire, as he steps forward towards the beast, he yells back It is too fast fellows, we must turn and FIGHT!!! With that, his mouth distends somewhat and gnarly fangs quickly grow from his mouth, and soon he is a whirling mass of limbs, blade and shield and teeth lashing out at the creature with great ferocity.

Yillim seems somewhat confused, but taking heed from those who may know better, begins a tactical retreat, carefully moving away from the threat and back the way the group came, but staying close to the group to cover their backs.

initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Looking to all in the party Yillim points at the glow, knowing that it's not likely that anyone missed it, but calling attention anyway.

That there may be a clue, if perhaps those others that were here had come this way. Or as I said before, it could be a trap. I don't think I could reach it with this lance, but perhaps, Arasmes, one of your other creatures could see what it is. It may be nothing. But after all, it may be some kind of clue. If it is indeed nothing, I think perhaps we've come to the end of this part of the search anyway, and need to check the passage on the other side of that dark pyramid.

Looking back to Lia, Yillim nods. The half elf woman brought up a good point. This did seem to be a created structure, not a natural occurring cavern. If that was so, he wondered, what was the purpose of this place? He had to assume there was either magical or religious significance. Who else but a practicioner of those strange arts would create that strange pyramid they had passed? Still, they were here for a purpose, not to wonder, but to find missing persons. He refocused on the task at hand.

Indeed, Lia friend of wolves. It would explain much. If this place is made, we must be on the lookout for other things that have been created. Namely, traps.

As soon as the planar creature called Caliphana flew back with the lance from the waiting soldiers above, Yillim carefull and slowly advanced towards the north, tapping the ground ahead of him, making sure the water ahead is not too deep to walk upon.

Nodding to Clari, Yillim looks to Arasmes and Caliphana;
If you would, could you fly back to the entrance and tell the armsmen above to throw down a few lances, or even anything sturdy with a good amount of reach. We can use them to probe the ground ahead of us, and make our trek through this murky water a bit less uncertain.

Yillim looks at the members of the party with a frown.
As lothe as I am to say it, I think we need a better way to test the ground beneath us, so as to not fall victim to the horror of going under this filth as I have. Since we have no poles, I think the only thing that will do is my lance. Sadly, though, I left it back with Blackfang. If I was taken back to solid ground by Caliphana, I think that I could call up for someone to throw it to me. Then, on my return, I could use my lance as a prodding tool to test the ground in front of us. I will take several minutues to retrieve, true, but I think it a valuable tool at this point.

Then, shrugging and looking about;
Unless someone has a raft or something else we could use to stay out of the filth

yeah! no kidding, save some of those 20s for us! hehe.

Calling back to Isani mid-air, as he chafes below the grip of the otherworldly Caliphana, Yillim responds...
You are, correct, we should stay together. Clari, Lia, if you would join us in the filth as well? obviously with feigned excitement.

Blast, the perfect time for a ten foot pole! says Yillim as he stands in the muck. Looking back at the others with a look of frustration, he wipes some of the dirty water from his face.
I will go next Arasmes, I would hate for you and Caliphana to be the only ones over there, should you be attacked.
He then retrieves his everburning torch from Isania with a sigh and a "thank you" and waits for his own chance to be awkwardly ferried over to the new section of the cave.

From the SRD:
Everburning Torch:
This otherwise normal torch has a continual flame spell cast on it. This causes it to shed light like an ordinary torch, but it does not emit heat or deal fire damage if used as a weapon.
Continual Flame:
A flame, equivalent in brightness to a torch, springs forth from an object that you touch. The effect looks like a regular flame, but it creates no heat and doesn't use oxygen. A continual flame can be covered and hidden but not smothered or quenched.

To Isani,
As much as I think you will loathe this, Isani, I think we need to know the safest path across. If you are indeed the best swimmer, perhaps you can go under and find the best way across?

Swim 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

For a moment, Yillim vanishes under the dark murky water, but he quickly re-surfaces and makes his way back to the last stable place he had footing, gasping for breath and coughing out the foul liquid.
*Cough cough*...Bah! Have a care, the footing is bad there...and I suspect the water is much deeper. If we are to make it to that other passage, I think we must swim.

[ooc]if i can, I'd like to try to grab the torch as well, but If that's not possible, so be it. Reflex 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Your words are wise ones, Isani, I think it is best if we heed them. I propose we check this tunnel here, he says pointing to the left But we should stay close together, I suggest no less than 10 or 15 feet apart.

Yillim, accompanied (hopefully) by no fewer than two others from the party, will begin to wade towards the opening on the left, moving slowly and carefully, moving at a slight angle so as to still have a bit of sight on the pyramid. He first moves directly to the left wall, and then follow it along till he gets to the opening.

Yillim waits a bit for at least one other member of the party to accompany him.
You say this pyramid structure is ensorcelled somehow, so we know that much. We have options, fellows. Shall we check one of these side tunnels, or pit our will against the magic of this structure that saps the will? I would like to get out of this muck, but also, I would not like to begin climbing those black stairs and then fall unconcious into this filth. What say you all?

ominous!!! sorry i didn't post sooner, my nap laster longer than i thought because my alarm didn't go off!

Yillim carefully wades towards the pyramid, holding up his light, careful of his footing. Slow movements, so as not to go under the foul water. To when it appears that there are no other creatures in the room, and hearing Isani and Arasmes, he motions with his free hand for them to approach as well.

I think I can see where the water is coming in, fellows, but what else may be here, I'm unsure...my hope is that no serpent still exists here, as it could easily swim under this muck and most likely would not be seen. Does anyone have the ability to detect its presence with magicks?

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Yillim seems momentarily distracted from his search by the smell of the water...

Yillim looks over his shoulder to Clari, and nods
Yes, I believe that would be a good idea, we need to know better what is down there, and that seems as good an idea as any.
and to the rest,
I think that the ledge just past the doorway would be quite a good place to have archers. I will go down the stairs a bit more, so have those lights and arrows ready, if you will.

With that, Yillim carefully continues to go further down the stairs, about 15 feet more.

Yillim looks carefully at the stairs, testing if first with one foot, to make sure it is stable, and that it wont crumble under any significant weight. Then, when he is reasonably sure that it is safe, he proceeds down the stairs slowly, till he is about 10-15 inside the cave, and looks around some more to see if and what he can see at the bottom.
Then, to Corlia;
Lia, if you would, ready your bow and cover me from the doorway...this place is eerily still, and the air does not quite feel right.

instead of just rolling percep, can I take 20 to get a good layout? If he can't see the bottom, I'll wait, but I think he'd take time to get a full view

Yillim nods as he sees the last of the party join the group. Carefully, he advances towards the dank and ominous doorway, holding his weapon at the ready and peering in under the light of the everburning torch.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Yillim is at most 30 feet from the rest of the group, waiting on the others to see if they want to proceed. He is taking careful note of the surroundings, and watching the doorway ahead of him, in case there is something beyond.

working on the 4th!? ridiculous! well, get some rest. the tension is high! we shall continue later.

Taking note of the thickening of the slime and mold about his feet, Yillim stops for a moment.
There is something odd here, companions, hold a moment.
crouching a bit, he holds the torch closer to the slime and tries to get a better look, moving the light so that he can get multiple angles of view.

Survival 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Yillim gags a bit as a bit of the dank air enters his nostrils, but quickly composes himself. Looking back at his companions, he speaks quietly to the half elf
Has your spell told you anything, Lia? I hope the smell does not get much worse.
Then shrugging and glancing at the walls he wonders about the mold, but having no reference for such things, continues on, careful not to be too far from the rest of the party.

Once Yillim hits the bottom, he draws his khopesh from its place at his hip and readies his sheild.

With everburning torch held high, he advances slowly and cautiously down the tunnel attempting to be as quiet as possible, motioning with his free hand for the others to follow, and keeping an eye out for any surprises.

Stealth 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

sorry, still getting hang of pacing i guess...

I think it will be too difficult for Blackfang to go down, so he can stay and watch the horses. I think with a little encouragement, they should stay.

Then, finding a nearby tree, be begins fastening his rope about it, testing it several times against his strength to make sure it is secure.
He then reaches into his pack and uncovers a bound everburning torch.

I will go Lia, friend of wolves. But don't be too far behind, or you may miss out on the excitement. he says somewhat jovially, apparently trying to ease the tension in this eerie place.

To Blackfang,
Stay here and watch over these horses, friend. There will other times we can hunt together. For now, keep your nose clean and I'll be back soon.

Then, again making sure the rope is secure, he begins to rappel down the entrance, one hand holding the torch and the other three aiding his climb.

Climb 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

crud. that's probably a wasted 19

Yillim dismounts and looks around with a slight shiver.
This place. It is unnatural...i feel. I'll at ease here. We should proceed with caution. Whatever evils where here before may be here yet.

Approaching the opening cautiously, he stands next to Lia and Revion, also looking in, and simultaniously pulling a rope from his pack, and nodding to Blackfang to have a look as well.

What was said before about Blackfang not fitting may be moot. I'm not sure that he would like to be lowered down by rope...unless the decline is not as steep as it looks.

Yillim uses a hand to sheild his eyes as he stands too close to the light spell and is unable to see much.

As for the large wolf...

Yillim's Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Blackfang's Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Whatever Blackfang sees he will relate to Lia or Revion, as they are the only ones who can understand him

Yillim nods to the others, and gives Blackfang a pat on the head as he hefts himself onto the beast, then glancing about at the mix of folk before him, he grasps his lance firmly and speaks
I am ready when you are.