Mal charges forward beside him, silently praying to Desna that they have the element of surprise, and that will be the luck they need.
Addy:
You close your eyes for a moment, and manage to refocus your thoughts on the matter at hand. The shrug off the chill and the sounds of waves disappears from your ears.
As the others get ready to charge down the corridor, Addy and Gorzal manage to sneak up to the edge of the room - where the shadows give away to the greater light of the room.
The room is about 75' in length and width, barring the the changes in walls that shape the room. The ceiling rises to 30' in tapering form that matches the pyramid's cap. You can surmise that this is the central chamber of the pyramid. Several doors are visible, most immediately noticable is that there is one just to the right and left of the entrance.
Dominating the room's structure is a terrace - 5' deep and octagonal that matches the room that you left one floor down. In the center is a circular pool 10' wide - the top of the cylindrical pillar you saw below. Some of the light comes from the pool.
The room looks like it is undergoing more drastic renovations than those you have seen below. Murals like the ones you saw below have been completely obliterated - a few scraps of it still remain along the walls at the edge of the room. It has been replaced by arcane imagery of strange fish, glyphs, and the everwinding tail of a large sea-creature. Inside the terrace, a carving of a giant maw surrounds the pool.
The smell of dead fish, salt water, and rot is stronger here.
Will gives a brief 'Eep!' at Simon;s sudden kick, But manages to pick up the edge of his cloak, and his courage, and follows closely on Mal's bootheels,...
Along the perimeter of the lower terrace are six, small pillars - seated and chained at the base of five of them are the nobles that were brought in earlier. The lady Vestang sits alone at a pillar next to the sole empty pillar on the southern side. Each of them bears a fearful look - they remain in a haze with their fevered dreams. Atop each pillar sits a statue similar to the one Addy carries, but these emanate a weird light - like unearthly fireflies trapped in a jar. They also exude a cold, drifting steam that settles on the ground like a fog. Finally, each pillar's base extends a carved groove along the floor that extends to the pool's edge.
Several familar (if unfriendly) faces are present at this gathering. To the north of the pool stand three of the Azlantis from the party, including the one mentioned as Policrates - the ringleader of the exodus. Each of them wear simple clothes and the green cloaks similar to the ones you found earlier - their gills flexing in the humid air of the area.
Although you can't see their mishapen faces, you recognize two of the strange fishmen facing away and standing on the southwest side of the pool. Their strange fin-ridges and foul scent mark them as being like the ones you encountered on the manor's patio earlier.
On each side of the pool stand two men (Azlanti you'd guess) in golden breastplates, helms, and bearing weapons. They move slowly back and forth near the pool, listening to the conversation.
The particpants of the main conversation are also visible. The whispering voice (Lire) comes from a man in robes, veiled, and turbaned - you could mistaken him for a Qadirian if not for the unsettling voice and the way his image seems to waver. He floats slightly above ground just west of the pool.
The woman's voice comes from the figure standing directly atop the pool of water - as if it were ground. She looks at ease despite her harsh statements. She wears a golden breastplate and robes, topped by a strange helm. She bears two items in her hands - one looks like a scepter; the other a fluted mace.
Neheshru
Gorzal - Slips further into the shadows to the right and disappears from sight.
Couple of questions, how long is the corridor? Ie, what distance between ‘x’ (rest of the party) and the edge of the terrace? The recessed section of floor is 5 feet down from our level, correct? How (if at all) do the gillmen and fish dudes seem to be armed and armoured? Fair enough if we can’t easily take in this last bit of info whilst running down the corridor.[/ooc]
Herral waits for the 10 call then charges holy symbol and shield at the ready.
"For the freedom of all!" sounded like a squeaky paladin full of courage.
"Well, here we go," Addy says quietly. She'll move forward enough until she can get within 30' of Neheshru, then fire a shot from her shortbow.
Initiative
attack
damage sneak attack
Initiative:
Simon will hustle into the ritual chamber as quickly as possible, trying to keep his shield locked in formation with Mal's.
OK - so quick recap. Good rolls on them initiatives!
Addy - 20. She acts first while the party charges in this round; then she'll take her initiative order in the next round. She has to step out of the shadows and to the edge of terrace to fire at Neheshru. The shot will miss.
Gorzal - . You don't see where the halfling has gone as he sticks to the shadows south of the terrace. No attack comes from him yet. He also has Herral's luck blessing.
Simon - 22
Mal - 19
Both of you charge forward with weapons and shields sync'd to make a run into the room. You'll charge 30' feet or so before hitting the terrace's edge. It would be another 10' before you run into the fishman blocking you path to woman. If continue charging into the next round and straight down onto the lower terrace. So:
1) I'll need a reflex check (DC 5) to make sure you don't trip as you jump down.
2) Need to know what your plan is for the fishman in your way. Attack him; try to rush over him towards the pool; try to go around him?
Herral - 21
The halfling trails close behind the front, stopping shorter than the two humans at the edge of the room.
Will - Initiative?
With a slight delay, Will takes off as well following the lead two. You can either stop at the room's edge or make your way to the terrace's edge along with Mal and Simon.
Zareby - Initiative?
Before chasing the others, Zareby casts shield - giving himself a +4 to AC. Herral has also cast prot. from evil on him - adding a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves.
So his AC is 15 standard and AC 17 against evil foes. I assume he also pauses at the room's edge with Will and Herral.
None of your foes can react as you burst into the room. Once I have some rolls from Zareby and Will, I'll layout the full order in the next round.
Reflex save:
Will follows Mal closely, using the two warriors for cover. His crossbow is held ready, but in one hand is the material he will need to cast Enlarge on Mal.
Neheshru starts to add,"To finish them, we must await...,"
Her conversation is interrupted, and the rest of those in attendance turn in surprise as the clanging of steel and Herrals' declaration annouce the party's presence. Addy manages to get a shot off - aiming at the helmed woman - but the shot sails wide of her.
Neheshru -
Armored Men -
Fishmen -
Azlanti Gill-men -
Lire -
Initiative for new round (looks like you guys have the drop on them):
Gorzal: 24
Simon: 22
Herral: 21
Addy: 20
Azlanti Gill-men: 20
Mal: 19
Will: 18
Lire: 13
Zareby: 12
Armored Men: 11
Neheshru: 10
Fishmen: 5
"Dammit!" curses Addy, as her arrow flies wide. She immediately knocks another, and keeps it leveled at the masked lady.
attack
damage
sneak attack (still apply?)
EDIT: are you kidding me??!!
“I’ll take the fish,” pants Mal as he sprints ... he sounds confident ... but he does recall that all of them were unable to finish off one of these fishmen back at the beach ... he can do the numbers ...
EDIT: Ah well, at least I managed to jump down safely ...
Longsword attack:
Given the large discrepancy, I would allow Mal to pause a moment to get the spell - assuming Will casts it on his turn. The only problem is that unless Simon also pauses (and thereby lowers his initiative to 18 as well) he'll be charging ahead to attack without Mal at his side. So...a couple of decisions to be made.
With their initiatives, the fishmen wouldn't have time to brace tridents for the charge. Just a standard attack at best.
Simon - Not to splash water on the plan, but...there's no way to get to her directly without crossing the fishman's path at this point in the current round. You best bet would be to overrun, which means I'll need a CMB first.
To avoid him instead, you'll need to move around and spend the round moving to the pool. Also, keep in mind - she standing at the center of a 5' radius pool - which means you'll have to enter the water to get to her - assuming she doesn't move.
Addy - Your intiative moves to 10 then for your attack.
Edited.
Will gulps upon seeing the forces laid out against them.
Then his lips form a firm line. He swiftly casts his spell, and slaps Mal on the back. The warrior promptly grows to almost twice his original size.
At the sight of Mal's transformation, the three Gill-men north of the pool run up the stairs and flee northeast towards the open arch in the corner. "M-my mistress, I shall gather more allies," Policrates announces weakly as he follows the other two men.
The tone of the man's voice is one of a coward and liar - he's not going for reinforcements.
"You're luck's run out, miss! You're not going to get out of this!", he says as he launches a bolt of force at the woman.
As Mal passes Herral, the priest offers him up to Desna and the Lady of Fortune smiles.
Sense motive:
Armored Warrior #1- crossbow:
Armored Warrior #2- crossbow:
Confirm Crit:
Damage:
Fishman #1 - trident:
Fishman #2 moves
Neheshru - casts spell
The group's charge takes the gathering of cultists by surprise, creating confusion and panic.
As Malatar and Simon prepare their charge, Herral and Will enchant Mal - increasing his luck and enlarging him for the attack. Frightened by Mal's transformation, the three Azlanti men flee in the opposite direction from the party's entrance.
With that, the two armored men charge down into the terrace making for Neheshru - clearly the leader of the gathering - but find their way blocked by the strange fishman. Instead they turn their charge on the creature. Mal's attack misses, probably as he adjusts to the change in size and movement. Simon's attack strikes true - plunging deep into the creature's scaly folds below it's head. It croaks in agony, but still stands despite the oozing black blood everywhere.
The turbaned, floating man looks upon the scene and says,"It appears, Mistress, that our transaction is at an end...I'll await Zarga's summons" This last part sounds mocking in tone. With that he raises a hand; his body seems to fold on itself; and he disappears with a whistling sound.
"You're luck's run out, miss! You're not going to get out of this!", utters Zareby as his magical missile flies out and strikes the armored woman. She seems to flinch at the blow, but remains focused.
As if rallied by the woman's presence, the two men in bronze armor also retain their calm. The each grab a crossbow they carry and let loose with shots - releasing a bladed disc that whizzes through the air straight and true. One fires at Addy, missing her - but the shot disrupts her aim enough to cause her own bowshot to sail past the priestess again. The second one goes for the biggest target in the room - Mal! The disc sinks deep into his leg - if not for his increased muscle size it might have cut straight through to bone!
The ugly fishmen try to rally as well. The one that Simon struck tries to do so in kind, but his trident glances off the paladin's shield. The second fishman moves to join his comrade to bolster the defense.
Finally, Neheshru looks at the group and a wicked smile comes to her lips. "It seems Serenrae's fool and my statue have finally arrived to complete the circle."
She ignores all the outside distractions thrown at her and raises her arms. This action causes a cold mist to rise from pool similar to the one that covers the floor. She disappears from sight as a wall of mist 20' high surrounds just the pool.
Mal hisses through clenched teeth as the flying razor strikes him, stumbles slightly, his blow misses. Fortunately Simon is more competent (or luckier) than he, and strikes the fishman deeply.
Mal bellows a wordless war-cry, a cry that echoes out from his oversized body, and hacks again at the fishman.
Will blinks owlishly at the flurry of activity, and gulps nervously (But with great interest) at the fishmen's spinning-blade Crossbows. He searches for the best target for his crossbow. (Meaning the one he's most likely NOT to miss!)
Initiative order:
Gorzal: 24
Simon: 22
Herral: 21
Addy: 20
Azlanti Gill-men: 20
Mal: 19
Will: 18
Lire: 13
Zareby: 12
Armored Men: 11
Neheshru: 10
Fishmen: 5
To the west of you, near the southern hallway, you hear the clashing of swords and shields. Gorzal yell and the roaring of a bugbear are heard, but not yet seen from your location.
"They are going to target Mal! I got to get closer."
With that the halfling priest jumps down.
"Don't worry I'm here now!" pipes up Herral with a grin. "This is fun."
Simon attacks the already wounded fishman (since he acts before Mal's would kill him).
Longsword:
Critical fumble check:
It would count as difficult terrain, but you made the save easily so it wouldn't have impacted your movement.
Simon attacks the already wounded fishman (since he acts before Mal's would kill him).
I jumped the gun on that declaration. However, since your attack won't impact the tartget, Mal's blow is still the telling one. As a result of the critical, you drop your sword.
If you just move to flank the second fishman, it won't incur an AOO in this case but you won't have the sword. However, if choose instead to pick up your sword, you are subject to an AOO from it.
"Dammit again! It'd be nice if I hit something once in a while."
Addy targets the crossbowman who fired at her last time, ruining her previous shot, then looks around for some cover.
attack
damage
edit: you know, if I don't roll low for an attack, I roll low for damage. This just ain't my fight ...
"Herral! be care,...! Nevermind." Will says as the energetic halfling jumps from the balcony to aid the others. He sights around the room, looking for a target that doesn't put one of his companions in the line of fire.
"Allright. You'll do." Will mutters as he sights down his cross bow at his selected target. The gangly wizard lets his eyes loose focus for a moment, and tries to see where his target will be in the next few moments,...
Will grumbles as he watches his shot sail.
"I'm with you Addy. But whatt'ya want? I'm a mage, not a sharpshooter!"
Your attack will hit. As far as cover, aside from opening the doors behind you, the closest cover is the low pillar the captive is chained to just north of your current position. The pillar doesn't rise up much above the terrace, so it would require a full move action to get there and jump down to the lower terrace for cover usage.
It would count as difficult terrain, but you made the save easily so it wouldn't have impacted your movement.
Simon attacks the already wounded fishman (since he acts before Mal's would kill him).I jumped the gun on that declaration. However, since your attack won't impact the tartget, Mal's blow is still the telling one. As a result of the critical, you drop your sword.
If you just move to flank the second fishman, it won't incur an AOO in this case but you won't have the sword. However, if choose instead to pick up your sword, you are subject to an AOO from it.
** spoiler omitted **
Will grumbles as he watches his shot sail.
The only non-melee, non-cover target at the moment is the bronze armored guy who shot at Addy. Your shot will miss.
As for cover, there's not any on this terrace unless you lay flat. ;-)
Zareby hears Gorzal's fight(?) with a bugbear and moves to help him.
Armored Warrior #1- crossbow:
Armored Warrior #2- move
Fishman #1 - dead
Fishman #2 - trident:
trident(AOO):
Neheshru - ?
Simon presses his attack on the fishman, but his strike unexpectedly slides off the monster's slicked scales and his sword slips from his grip. As the creature prepares to retaliate, Malatar's sword comes from above and splits its skull like a ripe melon. It collapses in a heap atop Simon's blade. The paladin drops briefly to retrieve his weapon, and his shield clanks from the second fishman's opportune attacks but he remains unscathed. As the fishman passes by Mal, he tries to hit it but fails.
"They are going to target Mal! I got to get closer," squeaks an enthusiatic Herral. He makes a deft leap down to the lower floor and never slows as he places himself behind Mal to help. The halfling looks doll-like compared to the giantic Mal.
"It'd be nice if I hit something once in a while," utters Adelaine through gritted teeth. As if channeling her frustrations, the bow shot manages to hit the armored man in the hip, just beneath the breast plate. As a result, his own shot pulls from the sudden pain - sending a bladed disc flying wide of her.
Will's supporting shot proves less successful at the man, eliciting a frustrated, "I'm a mage, not a sharpshooter" remark. Meanwhile, the other bronze-armored guard makes his way around the misty column and joins his cohort.
The three, robed Gill-men continue their flight towards another exit, and they disappear behind the misty column.
Zareby arrives at Gorzal's location to find the halfling battling a huge bugbear in the dim half-light of the hallway. The halfling has bloodied the creature, but it has the upper hand now. As it raises its morningstar to strike, the Zareby unleashes his spell - blasting a hole in it that drops it to the ground with a gurgling growl.
Unfortunately, a second one is making its way up the hallway towards the two of them.
Finally, a woman's deep voice is heard echoing off the walls of the chamber. She intones dark words none of you understand, and suddenly smoke tendrils extend out from the column. Like wispy serpents they slither through the air and envelop Mal, Simon, and Herral before dissipating.
A dark presence suddenly grips your heart, filling you with fear and doubt. You have a -1 penalty on attack rolls and a -1 penalty on saving throws against fear effects for 10 rounds.
Addy decides to make a fighting move towards cover. She fires another arrow at the crossbowman, then takes a single move action towards the pillar to the north.
attack
damage
"An excellent blow, Mr. Kane! Now if only my blade could stay in my hand..."
Simon waits for Mal to take a position on the opposite side of the fishman and attacks.
Longsword (with flanking bonus):
"We got bugbears heading our way! Come on Gorzal!", says Zareby as he runs back towards the others.
Initiative order:
Gorzal: 24
Simon: 22
Herral: 21
Addy: 20
Azlanti Gill-men: 20
Mal: 19
Will: 18
Lire: 13
Zareby: 12
Armored Men: 11
Neheshru: 10
Bugbear: 10
Fishman: 5
Seeing a big, slavering creature charging, Gorzal doesn't need much motivation to retreat back to where Will and Addy are.
Addy's shot will hit.
Zareby - Apologies for lack clarification on bugbear's position. You can either wait and cast the Ray of Frost when he rounds the corner and then move back 5'. If you choose to move first, the you'll be just out of range as he comes around the corner. I'll assume you are doing the spell first unless you tell me otherwise. The spell's range is much shorter than magic missle.