Subject: The hole; Undercurrents 3

[Initiative garyth, zombie5, sa'id, rennik, mission, zombie2, Farron, Cadfael, zombie6]

Garyth begins fighting his way through the deep water, trying to get to Sa'id's remaining zombie before it can strike again. Unfortunately, he is much less cautious in his haste, and halfway to his target his feet slip out from under him and he falls below the surface for a few seconds before regaining his balance [Balance check 4 vs DC 15].

The two halted zombies continue to stand rigidly.

(Raja didn't send me an action for Sa'id, so I am taking this liberty)

Sa'id pops back up above the surface, spluttering and spitting swamp water out of his mouth. He knows that every time he tries to cast a spell, the zombie will just hit him again, and the pain in his back is terrible, so he just begins backing up, hoping to draw the creature closer to the fighters.

Rennik keeps up his ferocious doggy paddle, trying to get to the zombie. Unfortunately, the weight of his chain shirt is becoming a real problem [swim check 3 versus DC 10], and the small barbarian disappears beneath the water.

Mission sees Sa'id backing toward him, and begins hop swimming for the zombie that follows the mage. His balance is excellent, and he has no trouble reaching the zombie before it can attack the hapless mage yet again [Balance check 22 vs DC15]. Mission strikes out at it twice, his tattoos glowing, and hits it both times [Flurry of blows attacks 27, 18; Damage 7, 10]. Unfortunately, this appears to be a particularly durable zombie, and though the blows fling large chunks of its back away, it continues moving in its mindless drive toward Sa'id.

Farron moves away from the rope, and moves into position to magic missile the one still moving zombie. This being his first couple of steps in the tunnel, he is not prepared for how slick the floor is, and it takes him by surprise [balance check 2 vs DC 15]. His feet shoot out from under him, and he is instantly submerged.

Cadfael remains above, keeping a sharp eye out on the jungle around the clearing. He sees nothing, but does hear some fairly alarming grunting noises coming from the jungle to the north. It's far enough away that he doesn't think it's an immediate threat, but if the noises get louder, he may decide to get nervous.

The last remaining mobile zombie continues its rough lurch towards Sa'id [Balance check 17 vs DC15]. Even though its movements look awkward in the extreme, some ill fate keeps the creature on its feet, and it slams it into Sa'id yet again [zombie 6 slam 15, hit; Damage 5]. This blow is not as painful as the last one, but it is enough to send Sa'id reeling and off balance again [5 hp remaining]. Mission can hear the wizard choking on swamp water and breathlessly saying "help me" as he resurfaces. It must be like a nightmare, with the water keeping him from moving to escape, all his actions happening in a seeming slow motion, and the implacable advance of the undead thing as it strikes him again and again. Even with his distrust of magery, Mission can't help but feel a little horror at what Sa'id must be going through.

Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3

Garyth pops back above the water, spitting the foul water from his mouth. As soon as he gets his bearings he continues toward the remaining zombie.

Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3

Farron prepares to cast Magic Missile on the zombie attacking his friend, but he knows Cadfael needs him out of the way of the rope, so he moves to get into better positions. This move proves unwise as the slipperiness of the rock bottom of the pool sends him plunging under water. Just before he disappears into the murk, he sees Mission attack the zombie, chunks flying.

He struggles to regain footing and get his head above the water again. He will try to maintain firm footing, wherever he resurfaces, and will try again to cast magic missile, dividing the missiles among the remaining zombie targets.

Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3

The strange grunting draws Cadfael's attention northward. It doesn't sound humanoid, but it's too far away to be sure. It takes him a few moments before he realizes he's heading toward it and he returns to the opening of the well.

The cries of pain and anger float up from beneath the earth, sounding strangely distant to his ears. He gives the rope another long look and wonders again whether or not he should be climbing down to help his comrades and yet, he still feels strangely reluctant to do so. No matter, the grunting sounds are enough for him to convince himself that he ought to stay above.

Still wary he stays as still as he can, beads of sweat dripping into his eyes. Most of his attention is now Northward but he keeps an ear open for any sound from below that would indicate that his presence is needed immediately.