Round 5
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 4
OK, then from within the safety of Cadfael's protected circle, Farron will cast "Magic Monster III (Dire Badger) and direct it to attack Horan, attacking its way through any skeletons it can't ignore without provoking attacks of opportunity. (In case I'm out of the office when play resumes later today, Farron intends to cast Magic Missile on Horan next. After that, Raja can play Farron if there is any decision on Farron's actions needed that would otherwise hold up the game.)
From: Ty
Subject: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
Mission blocks the last of the attacks from the two skeletons facing him. Even as he prepares to finish them off, he sees the magic flail strike Sa'id. Damn. Even now, after Anileth has fled with his child, he can do nothing about it other than shepherd hapless mages. Gritting his teeth, he cartwheels away from the two skeletons facing him [Tumble rolls 29 and 14 vs DC 15 and 17]. One of the two takes a swing at him [Attack 15] but misses. After performing a single flip to get away from them, he runs the rest of the way to Sa'id's side. The flail still hovers, preparing another attack, but there are no enemies to be seen [Spot roll 19].
Rennik struggles with his rage, internalizing it, keeping it from throwing off his aim as it did last time. Sensing Rennik's struggle to regain balance, and tasting blood after his last vicious attack, Horan moves forward at a low crouch, claws splayed wide, jaws gaping and bloody. Rennik, seeing his opportunity in his opponent's over confidence, slumps. He lets his body droop as if the wounds were overcoming him, and his axe head drops to the ground. As he expected, Horan leaps. While Horan is leaving the ground, the axe head is already coming up in a silvered blur. The blow meets the lower edge of the wereboar's ribcage in a crushing blow [Attack 32]. Rennik has put all his strength into the swing, and the blow is extremely accurate as well. The effect is devastating [Damage 20]. The axe cuts completely through the front of the torso, nearly cutting Horan in half. A spray of blood and viscera cover Rennik from head to foot, and the carcass of his friend is hurled across the room to collapse with a final thump. Rennik stands for a moment, panting with exertion, but must quickly return to the defensive when skeletons begin climbing in the window to his room and coming in through the doorway behind him.
As Farron backs toward the circle of light surrounding Cadfael, skeletons continue to pour into the hallway from Gully's rooms. The first one through attacks him again, [Attacks 20 and 16] and this time both claws hit, leaving two painful wounds on his forearms [Damage 2 and 3, defensive wounds]. One of the skeletons farther back in the line, goes into Rennik's room. Finding the halfling panting after his ferocious fight with Horan, the skeleton immediately attacks [Attacks 6 and 14], landing one minor blow [Damage 2]. However, in his weekend condition, the extra scratch from the skeleton feels like adding insult to injury.
Farron, for his part, just wants to not get hit any more. He is wizard accustomed to the gentle life of a merchant. He casts language comprehension spells to interpret for overseas trading negotiation. He reads contracts! He never imagined being beset by skeletons. Pirates maybe, but surely not skeletons. The two new wounds on his forearms are a stinging reminder of the dangerous reality he finds himself in. Fortunately, once he moves into the circle of light, the skeleton stops following him. Though, he remembers reading that a direct attack on someone outside the circle will negate some of the protection, and allow the attacked parties to enter. An indirect attack, then. Still gripping his candle, Farron begins casting a summoning spell. It is difficult to concentrate with his stinging wounds [Concentration roll 24 vs DC 15], but fortunately several years of casting spells from the decks of rocking ships has made him resistant to distraction. The spell is successful, and there is a shimmering in the air between himself and his skeleton opponent, then the space is suddenly filled by a snorting and foul tempered looking dire badger.
(Augmented Dire Badger
3d8+12 (34 hp)
+3 initiative (dex)
30ft speed
AC 16 (+3 dex, +3 natural)
2 claws +6 melee, bite +1 melee
claw 1d4+4, bite 1d6+2
special attacks: rage
fort +7, ref +6, will +4
str 18, dex 17, con 23, int 2, wis 12, cha 10
listen +6, spot +6
the rage is automatic on the turn following the badger taking damage
it claws and bites madly until either it or its opponent is dead.
+4 str, +4 const, -2 AC. it cannot end the rage voluntarily)
Cadfael kneels in the center of his circle of protection, continuing to pray loudly to Pelor. There is a sudden flash of light, centered on Cadfael, then rapidly expanding in a ring that goes out forty feet in every direction. Those who stand close enough to him (Farron, Gully, Cutter, Garyth, Rennik) will now enjoy the protection and aid of Pelor in their fight, while the nearby skeletons appear damaged and weakened by it.
Outside, Sa'id begins casting a dispel magic charm. Mission sees him moving his hand in an odd gesture, while clearly enunciating words in an odd tongue. When he finishes, there is a flash of light, and the flail, which was just winding up for another swing, disappears. Sa'id turns and grins at Mission, and notices that his skeleton has shambled its way over and is standing nearby, looking for something to attack.
The sound of more skeletons approaching from the south causes all three to turn their attention that direction. Four more skeletons move up from the south edge of the lodge clearing, and Sa'id's skeleton moves forward to confront them. Sa'id notices that there is a small, darkly robed figure behind the approaching skeletons, and has just opened his mouth to mention this to Mission, when an eardrum shattering cacophony of sound erupts around them. Mission [damage 6] and Sa'id [Damage 4] clutch their heads until it ends, a few seconds later. The robed figure is far to short to be Anileth, and is in fact Halfling sized.
The two skeletons in the great room with Garyth attack again. Garyth notices that they are both moving more slowly, and appear weaker than before. They must be damaged by that ring of light that just flashed through the room. Garyth himself feels stronger and quicker than ever, so the ring apparently didn't do him any harm. The four attacks [Attacks 6, 7, 14, 11] all miss, though one comes close enough to claw his loose shirt.
Garyth dodges through the attack, and sticks one toe under the staff lying by his feet. He flips it up into his hands, and swings a powerful blow at the head of the skeleton closest to him [Attack 23]. The blow shatters the undead thing into dozens of pieces [Damage 6]. Now there is just one in the room, though in a few moments the door to the kitchen will be open again, and who knows how many skeletons wait on the other side.
Skeletons are piling into Gully's room, and Farron can see that the group in there is growing by the minute. Some of the skeletons from the back of the lodge must be coming around the sides now, looking for better entrances. Gully and Cadfael are looking at the three skeletons that have clustered in the room to the north of them. They mill around, but seem unwilling to cross into the lighted area around Cadfael.
Sa'id and Mission are forced to turn and defend themselves when the two skeletons that Mission had tumbled away from run up from behind and attack. The skeleton attacking Sa'id hits him once [Attacks 2, 19; damage 3] and the skeleton attacking Mission delivers one powerful blow to him [Attacks 10, natural 20, possible critical, threat roll 7, critical failed; damage 5], that could have been much worse than it was.
(The inn is now filled with skeletons, and more are moving around the outside *see map*. Mission and Sa'id have two skeletons to the north of them, and four more to the south, along with the mysterious small figure in black. Garyth faces only one more in his room, though in a round or two the door to the kitchen will open, and there are many skeletons there. Farron is now protected inside the ring, and has his dire badger outside it to attack with. Horan is dead, but Rennik's room now has skeletons entering it from both the door and the window. Keep in mind, if anyone attacks from inside the ring, skeletons will then be able to enter it and attack back, though they will still be at a penalty on their actions while inside the ring.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
More skeletons! Sa'id thinks. But Anileth has gone... As he sees the robed figure approach with its entourage of skeletons, Sa'id settles on the halfling as the new focus of his ire. "If you can hold off the skeletons," he says quickly to Mission, "I'll try to deal with the wizard." He begins casting Scorching Ray, targeting the robed halfling.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
Garyth feels new vigor course through him as he turns to attack the remaining skeleton. If he can only finish this one off before those in the kitchen break down the door, he might have time to block off the broken window. He says a silent prayer as he attacks.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
The surge of power Rennik feels as Horan's body sails across the room is bolstered as the surge of light flows through him, but there is no time to dwell on his victory. Turning his rage toward the skeletons now entering his room, he lets out a burst of dark laughter.
Sensing attacks coming from two sides, he swings his axe through the skeleton who had just clawed at him and runs toward the side of the window. Keeping his eyes on the skeletons coming through the door, he will concentrate his next attack on any that cross the room towards him. Meanwhile, he will secure the window, destroying skeletons as they let their defensive guard down clamboring through the window.
(OOC: In game terms, he'll use his standard attacks to kill the skeleton coming through the door, then move to the side of the window. As the skeleton climbing through the window has his guard down, he'll use an Attack of Opportunity to cut it to pieces.... the following turn, he'll use the AoO on the skeleton through the window and his standard attack on the door skeleton... lather, rinse, repeat.)
(More OOC: I'll be gone for the rest of the night, and much of the day Monday for a department meeting after school. This should cover two turns, should the need arise. If the situation significantly changes, though, Rennik will have to readjust)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
"Get your bloody undead thing to help us then," Mission spits at Sa'id. His head aches from frustration and the halfling mages' attack, and he is in no mood for cheeriness right now. Promise! he wants to scream. Anileth!
Mission will finish off the two skeletons nearest him and Sa'id.
(OOC: Ty, Mission stands at 11 hp, correct? If he gets hit next round, Sa'id's going to have to do some protecting. . .)
Round 5: Farron and Cadfael
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
Farron will direct the badger to attack the skeletons in the hallway up to Gully's bedroom, attacking any that try to slip past first. This done, he notices that the bedroom to the south, the one where all this started, is empty and no skeletons seem to be coming in from there. He will then yell to the group, "The demon woman's room is clear, and the doorway is protected, for now. We should go through there to get out of the lodge before we're trapped."
"Rennik! To US!", he adds, hoping that the halfling will come if he perceives it as a call for aid rather than a call to retreat.
(OOC- can Farron direct the badger to attack and then just leave him to it? or does he have to maintain some kind of proximity or visual contact?)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
Cadfael grinds his teeth as neither Rennik nor Garyth make any move toward him. Once again he calls out, "Brothers! You risk being surrounded if you stay where you are! Fall back to the circle!"
He then sits back on his laurels for one turn, waiting to see what happens. However, should the skeletons in the kitchen break free and a sizeable number push into the common room he will step forward and use another turn undead.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
Yes. The badger can be left fighting in one position while the party leaves.
Chicken Soup For The Berzerker
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
OOC: Did everyone get this? Who are we waiting on?
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
We're waiting on Ty. He's apparently very sick.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
Ah. . .
Well, here's a bowl of virtual chicken soup, Slash. I even left in most of the chicken JUST for you.
Ty Returns
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
My web access this week's going to be sketchy-- I think I should be able to get on once a day, but don't expect immediate responses to anything set out.
Scott
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 5
I'm here, but can only play during the workday. I have no internet access at home until further notice.
Karl
From: Ty
Subject: i am sort of back
I will get out the next game round tomorrow, I promise.
Thanks for being so patient through my convalescence.
Round 6
Subject: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Two fights in two days. Some members of the group have never been in a life threatening fight before in their lives. Three days ago, they were sleeping in soft beds and making decisions about which inn had the best pork pie. Then came a spur of the moment decision to help a village under attack. Perhaps, under the actual desire to help good people not be kidnapped or murdered, there was also a bit of romance. Taking to the road to fight evil. Who wouldn't feel the draw?
The romance is gone.
Mission faces the two skeletons that charged up from behind. He knows that four more of the things stand at his back, and beyond the two he faces, he can see possibly a dozen more trying to get into the lodge. Is there no end to them, he wonders? He strikes the two within his reach [Attacks 20, 19] crushing them both [Damage 11, 8]. He then turns to face those behind him, and the robed halfling who leads them.
Rennik attacks the skeleton who entered his room after his fight with Horan. He easily destroys it [Attack 31, Damage 18] with a backhand swing, then moves a couple steps back to get within weapons range of the window. There is a skeleton half in and half out of the window, and almost as an afterthought, Rennik knocks it's head off with a casual swing [AOO: Attack 20, Damage 18]. He surveys his position, and sees that it is good. He can control the window easily, and face anything coming in through the door one at a time. He hears Farron's call to fall back to him, but decides not to give up the excellent tactical position he has gained.
The skeletons in Gully's room continue to try and press into the hall. The skeleton that had attacked Farron, now attacks the dire badger that blocks the hallway. Both his clumsy attacks miss [Attacks 4,12]. Behind him, another skeleton moves into Rennik's room, with several more bunched up behind, trying to get into the room or into the hallway.
Farron directs his Badger to destroy the skeletons in the hallway. The badger leaps at the skeleton that attacked it, and destroys it with a swipe of its massive paw [Attack 23, Damage 7]. It then moves on and attacks the one behind, crushing one side of the skeletons rib cage with another powerful blow [Attack 26, Damage 5]. The skeleton staggers back, but remains on its feet long enough for the badger to leap on it and grip it with his powerful jaws. He lifts the skeleton off the ground in his teeth, and literally shakes it apart [Attack 13, Damage 5].
Cadfael takes a moment to catch his breath, sitting as he is in the eye of the storm. To his right, he can see Garyth still battling the remaining skeleton in the dining hall. To his left, Farron directs an enormous and ferocious badger as it crashes into and destroys two skeletons. Thankfully, the room behind him is still empty of threats, though the room to the north of him now contains four skeletons that mill about and periodically test the edge of his protective circle. Gully stands protectively behind him, still gripping his bedwarmer. Cutter stands growling by Cadfael's side.
Sa'id hears the sounds of Mission destroying two skeletons behind him, but keeps his eyes on the robed halfling. A quick word sends his skeleton in to face the four skeletons the robed figure travels with. Sa'id's already damaged skeleton stands no chance against four more, but at least it will slow them down while he casts a spell. He points his finger at the robed figure, and speaks the words of the Scorching Ray spell. A lance of fire erupts from his fingertip [Touch attack 15], and lights the robed figure on fire [Damage 3, 6, 5, 6 = 20]. The halfling screams, though it is difficult to say whether it is a scream of pain or of frustration as he slaps his robes with his hands, trying to put himself out.
Sa'id's skeleton attacks one of the four he faces, [Attacks 4, 20, Damage 3], damaging it slightly. All four attack him, [Attacks 2, 11, 7, 14, 6, 4, 14, 2], and two of the blows tear the already damaged skeleton apart [Damage 2, 3].
Meanwhile, the robed figure drops to the ground and rolls to put out his burning robes.
The single remaining skeleton in the great room attacks Garyth again, keeping him busy while its companions slam into the kitchen door to drive it open. He claws twice [Attacks 1, 5], though both miss by a wide margin.
Behind him, Garyth can hear the door being pushed open. He risks one quick look behind, and sees that the skeletons have almost gotten into the room. In a few more seconds, they will be able to get through the door. He turns back to his one remaining opponent, and delivers it a quick blow [Attack 24, Damage 8], that smashes it to pieces. Behind him, the door pushes open, and the first skeleton moves into the room.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Sa'id frowns at Mission's harsh words, but makes no other comment. Belatedly realizing that he is essentially defenceless, he decides that now would be a prudent time to cast a Mirror Image spell.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Farron orders the dire badger to continue attacking any skeletons it can get to and turns his attention to the commotion coming from the common room. Moving to that side of the circle, he sees that the door from the kitchen has been breached and that Garyth will be overrun in seconds if nothing is done. He runs through his remaining spells in his mind, but nothing seems to be just right. Never having dealt with skeletons before, he wonders if Hypnotism or Hypnotic Pattern will affect them. Well, he thinks, either way he's about to find out. He moves as close to the east edge of the circle as possible, trying to get a good look at what is going on in the common room. He intends to wait until there is a clear shot to get the Hypnotic Pattern to cover as many skeletons as possible, then he will cast it, taking care to avoid casting it on Garyth.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Rennik ignores Farron's call. The party is safe in the hallway, protected by the cleric and defended by a massive badger. There's not much more he could offer, and he'd only clutter the already crowded hallway. Standing close to the window, but within a few steps of the door to the room, Rennik sees that the skeletons can only come at him two at a time, and he can easily hold the room.
He hopes that he will continue to draw the skeletons' attention and that he can eliminate as many as possible while holding this favorable position. Relaxing somewhat (but maintaining his rage), he begins to feel his wounds, and his eye catches the blood dripping down his front. He thanks the gods he is not in open ground where the skeletons could come from all sides at once, unsure whether he could meet the challenge in his present state.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Blast! Garyth curses silently; the skeletons are coming too fast. Blocking the window is no longer an option; even if the kitchen door were still barred, there are already two skeletons climbing through the window.
Garyth doesn't waste any time; he attacks the two skeletons climbing through the window while their defenses are down (2 AOOs w/ Combat Reflexes) and waits for the skeletons in the kitchen to come to him (regular attack).
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
The immediate threat to Sa'id dealt with, Mission turns his attentions to the halfling mage.
At least one mage will get a richly deserved thwacking this evening, he vows.
Mission will tumble past the skeletons and use stunning blow on the halfling mage.
Itchy Underwear, Mission the Commando, Round 7
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Can I change my mind?
Mission will attack the skeletons around Sa'id, starting with the skeleton closest to the mage.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
(OOC -- using my other address for the moment. Yahoo mail seemed to crash the moment I tried to send this and now refuses to load. Sorry if it actually managed to get through the first time)
Seeing the situation worsen in the common room, Cadfael will lightly touch Gully on the shoulder. "Walk forward with me, brother. I must aid my companion, should the skeletons manage to enter the common room. Hold your weapon at the ready, I fear that my actions may dispel the circle's magic. Stay to my side and use my body as your shield."
He then moves up to stand next to Farron in the mouth of the hallway. If there is not enough room he will slip past him either before or after he casts his spell (depending on when initiatives lie) and wait for the skeletons to start spilling in the room. Once he is confident that he can get them all in the radius of a turn undead he will let one fly.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Farron surreptitiously casts Itchy-Underwear-that-Chafes on the mage-hating monk.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Mission attempts a saving throw [Save 11 vs Itchy DC 15] and fails. He develops a nasty rash.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Hate to tell you, Karl: this spell would have aboslutely NO affect on Mission.
You figure it out.
:)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 6
Well My Stars!!
<---fans himself
From: Ty
Subject: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
Mission turns from destroying the two skeletons to see the flaming halfling rolling on the ground. He has seen the halfling cast two spells now, so he assumes it is a mage of some sort, and gritting his teeth, he moves forward to pound the stuffing out of it. Even as he does so, the four skeletons that protect the halfling begin moving toward Sa'id. Mission has a brief internal struggle as his hatred of magic, and his duty to help his companions, wage war. In the end, Mission's sense of duty is stronger than any hatred, and he moves to intercept the skeletons. At first, these creatures were actually frightening, but now that he has destroyed so many of them, he has lost most of his fear of them. He spins in front of Sa'id, and continuing to whirl, he launches to quick kicks [Attacks 16, 13] smashing two more of the undead monsters [Damage 7, 7].
Rennik is feeling quite comfortable now in his little haven from the storm. He has sufficient reach with his axe, that only a few steps in either direction put him in striking range of the window and the door. No skeleton will enter this room, he mutters under his breath. A skeleton is just beginning to climb through the window, when he thumps it with the flat of his axe [AOO Attack 22, Damage 13] exploding it into bony chunks. He then takes a step forward, bringing himself into range with a skeleton who looks like he was pushed into the room by the skeletons pouring out of Gully's quarters. He whacks it across the pelvis [Attack 29, Damage 13] and it goes down in a pile. Rennik smirks at the skeletons still in the hall, but steps back to stay in range of the broken window. He can still see one more skeleton fumbling around out there.
In the hallway, Farron's dire badger protects him as he moves to the other side of the protective circle to get a better look at the dining room. While the badger protects his retreat, two skeletons attack it, attempting to fight their way past. The first skeleton misses, but the second lands one solid blow on the badgers head [Attacks 6, 13, 8, natural 20 possible critical, threat roll 12, critical failed; Damage 3]. It is a solid sounding blow, but appears to do little real damage. The reaction, however, is astonishing. The badger seems to swell to half again his already impressive size, and launches itself at the skeletons with rabid fury [Badger enraged]. It attacks the two skeletons [Attacks 24, 19, 3] landing a powerful blow of its paws on each of them [Damage 6, 7] and instantly destroying them.
Farron hears the raging badger smashing skeletons behind him, but keeps his concentration focused on the skeletons pouring into the dining room. He mentally flips through his remaining spells, and with a shrug of his shoulders casts Hypnotic Pattern. After a few quick words, a gesture of his finger sends a small globe of light streaking toward the kitchen doorway. It explodes into a 20 foot ball of twisting and dancing lights that draw the eye with fascination. Though it is too far away from Cadfael or Garyth to affect them, they still find their eyes drawn to it. The skeletons, however, seem utterly unaffected. [undead immune to fascination affects]
Cadfael pulls his eyes away from the hypnotic pattern, and gripping his shield, loudly prays to Pelor for His light. His shield once again glows like the sun, and all around, wherever skeletons are in line of sight with Cadfael, they burn with holy flame then collapse into dust [5 skeletons in dining room, 1 in room south of Cadfael, 1 in room north of Cadfael, 2 in gully's room]. However, Farron and Cadfael's actions seem to have broken some of the protective value of the ring, and skeletons from the rooms north and south of the hallway begin moving into the circle.
Outside, Sa'id is hastily casting a mirror image incantation while a skeleton threatens him. In spite of the skeleton's approach, he is able to stay focused [Concentration 16] and finish the spell. Perhaps it is the approach of the skeleton throwing off his concentration, but this mirror image spell is not the most successful he has ever cast, and only two images appear.
The formerly flaming halfling leaps to his feet, and with a harsh sound utters a spell and points at Mission. Mission feels his muscles begin to bind up and attempts to shake off the affect [Will Save 10], but to no avail. Within the space of a second, he is held absolutely motionless. The halflings hood fell down while he rolled around putting out the fire, and as he moves out of Mission's vision, the monk can see a smirk on his face. [Mission is being held. He may attempt a will save each round to break the hold.]
The remaining skeleton facing Mission attacks him while he is defenseless. The blow is painful, though even a grimace or cry of pain is denied his frozen muscles [Coup de Grace blow, automatic critical, 10 points of damage; fort save versus DC 20 roll 21, doesn't instantly die].
The other skeleton attacks Sa'id, though now the wizard has at least the protection of the two mirrored images. [Attacks 10, 17] One of the two blows lands on an image, and the image disappears.
Garyth was surrounded by skeletons in the dining room. He had moved over to the window, to protect it as skeletons attempt to crawl through. Gritting his teeth and gripping his staff, he prepared to fight to the end defending this room, when suddenly there was a flash of light, and all of the skeletons in the dining room, including those coming in the window, were turned to ash. Hmmm, that was helpful, he thinks to himself. There is still a skeleton outside, and it is heading toward the window to climb in. Also, three skeletons from the kitchen are coming into the dining room, but none are in range of his attacks yet. He continues to grip the staff, and prepares to attack those four when they get just a little closer.
[The remaining skeletons are shown on the map. The skeletons to the north and south of cadfael's position will now be able to enter his protective circle. Mission has 1 hit point left, and the skeleton will be able to kill him next round if he fails to escape the hold spell and no one helps him.]
Cadfael can turn 11
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
Farron curses as his spell fails to affect the skeletons. Well, live and learn. He won't make that mistake again. He looks back into the crowded hallway and decides to move into the common room toward the front door of the lodge. He realizes that Sa'id and Mission are outside the lodge, facing who knows what, and maybe they need his help more that the group inside. Leaving his badger to continue fighting any skeletons it can reach, he heads for the door to the lodge. If he passes within striking distance of any skeletons in the common room, he will hit them with his staff.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
By the way, my cryptic "Cadfael can turn 11" at the end of this email doesn't mean that Cadfael is currently 10, and awaiting DM approval to age another year. It was actually a note to myself as I was writing up this turn, concerning how many HD of undead Cadfael could have turned that round. I failed to delete it.
Sorry :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
(OOC: Shoulda stuck with taking out the mage. This will remind me to obey my instincts.)
Sand take all mages.
No. His last moments would not be spent in bitter thoughts. Mission listens to his heartbeat, feels the pulse of his blood through his veins. This is the secret-- the secret of the Path of Blood and Stone. His veins and arteries are the path. And his flesh is the stone.
Mission struggles to free himself from the grip of chaos and magery. If he can, he'll drink his potion of healing as soon as he gets free.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
Sa'id curses under his breath as he sees the Hold spell seize Mission. His sole memorized Dispel Magic incantation is already gone, and he is quickly running out of effective combat spells. He needs to protect Mission, but realizes that he can't get over to the monk without being attacked. Concluding that the only way to end the spell is to kill the halfling wizard, he moves closer to his adversary and spits out the words to Burning Hands as quickly as possible. (OOC: Sa'id will attempt to hit as many targets as possible with the spell while avoiding Mission, but the halfling wizard has priority, so if he can only strike one target it will be that one.)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
Ignorant of the battle raging with the halfling wizard, and confident that the situation inside the inn is under control, Rennik stands calmly at the window, readying to destroy the last skeleton attempting to enter. He will then move toward the door, destroying any skeleton trying to enter.
At that point (OOC: I imagine the badger will take care of the other skelteton in the hall) he will return to the group in the hallway, seeing no further threat in the room.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
The bright flash makes Garyth squint for a moment, but at the light fades he notes with relief the number of undead destroyed. But his relief is short-lived; three of the remaining skeletons in the room are closer to Cadfael and Gully than they are to him, yet the one in the window demands his attention. He has little choice.
As he swings at the skeleton climbing through the window, Garyth shouts back to the group in the hallway, "Get behind me!" He says a silent prayer that the skeletons entering from the kitchen will come after him, rather than his unarmed companions.
(OOC: In game terms, AOO on the one in the window, then a five foot step toward the hallway folks, and a regular attack on the first skeleton to come in range.)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
Cadfael will take a moment to try and get as many skeletons as possible in his sight and will then use another turn undead. Hopefully this takes care of most of the remaining undead in the lodge.
Scott Changes Plan, Slash MIA
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 7
Slight change in plans:
Mission will use a fate point to make the next save; and then he will tumble away from the attacking skeleton to drink his healing potion.
From: Mike
Subject: Hey Slash
You OK, man?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Hey Slash
Poor lizard.
Anileth scared him away.
:)
Round 8
Subject: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
Mission listens to his heartbeat, feels the pulse of his blood through his veins. This is the secret-- the secret of the Path of Blood and Stone. His veins and arteries are the path. And his flesh is the stone. In his mind, Mission envisions a calming blue. The blue passes through him, through his veins, and everywhere it touches it releases the paralyzing hold. It eases muscles, and opens locked joints. [Fate point used, Will save versus hold 27, success] In the real world, this takes less than a second, and long before the skeleton in front of him can gather itself for another swing, he is already in motion. He handsprings backward [Tumble roll 8], but the skeleton gets one swing at him before he gets away [Skeleton AOO, Attack 9] but manages only to briefly grab a bit of his clothes. By the time Mission is executing his second handspring, he is using only one hand to tumble, and the other is grabbing the heal potion out of his belt pouch. After a third flip to put some distance between himself and the pursuing skeleton, he stops and quickly drinks the potion in his hand. [Heal 17]
Inside, Rennik is having a far easier time of it. As the single remaining skeleton tries to climb in from outside, he jabs it in the face with the head of his axe [AOO Attack 15]. The blow is as awkward and off balance as it can be, but his opponent isn't dodging, so it lands squarely on the skeletons shoulder [Damage 6]. It is just hard enough to knock the skeleton off the window edge and break it to pieces. Rennik takes a couple steps toward the door, but no more skeletons are trying to come in through that direction. In the doorway, he can see the badgers large flank, so he assumes the badger has driven the remaining skeletons back into Gully's room.
The three skeletons in the room north of Cadfael's position move through the doorway into the clerics now breached circle of protection. One of the attacks the priest [Attacks 11, 10], but is unable to penetrate his heavy armor. The other two attack Gully, who stands guard over the kneeling cleric [Attacks 2, 12, 6, 17]. One of the blows lands home [Damage 4], raking the innkeeper across the face.
Meanwhile, Farron has already begun moving into the lodge's dining hall. Garyth is looking out the front window, preparing to bash a skeleton that is trying to climb in. There are three more skeletons coming in through the kitchen door, but Farron says to himself, "Cadfael will take care of those." He moves to the front door, and removes the bar. Off in the distance, he can see the monk doing a dizzying series of backflips, while Sa'id confronts two skeletons and a small robed figure.
The badger launches itself like a furry cannonball into the two remaining skeletons in Gully's room [Attacks 11, 19, 13]. Only one of the blows hits home, but the skeleton that is struck [Damage 7] explodes on impact, leaving only one skeleton in Gully's room.
Cadfael feels the impact of the skeletons blow on his armor even before he realizes the skeleton is there. He looks up to see the undead thing preparing to hit him again. He sees Gully beset by two more, and bleeding profusely from a wound to his face. Behind him, he can hear yet another of the creatures moving out of the doorway to the south. Cadfael's face twists with fury. Standing up, he thrusts his shield at the skeleton attacking him and yells, "Enough!" There is a split second of silence, and then a shockwave of force blasts through the room. It is nothing like the pure glow of his previous turnings. This is a dark thing, filled with rage and power. The skeletons do not burn with holy fire and then collapse into dust; they are picked up and hurled through the air to smash against walls. Even the party members feel the shockwave go through them, and it leaves a ringing headache and an ill taste in the mouth when it passes. All of the skeletons attacking the lodge, except for the single skeleton coming in the front window, are instantly destroyed.
Outside, Sa'id gives one relieved gasp when he sees Mission shake off the effects of the hold spell, then cartwheel away. Turning toward the halfling with grim purpose on his face, he speaks the burning hands charm, and holds his fingers outstretched. A flat sheet of intense flame arcs out, striking both the halfling and one of his skeleton servants [Saves 15, 18]. The halfling takes the full brunt of the blast [Damage 4, 3, 2, 1, 4 = 14] and collapses with a single shriek. He then lies on the ground smoldering. The skeleton moves surprisingly quickly to avoid the main spray, but even just the fringes of the flame are enough to destroy him [Damage 7].
The single remaining skeleton outside chases the tumbling Monk as he escapes and drinks his potion. Mission has just tossed the empty flask to one side, when the skeleton attempts to collide with him at a full run. [Attacks 9, 9] Mission dodges to one side, and both outstretched arms miss him.
Inside, Garyth shakes his head to clear the effects of that last turning spell, then swings his staff at the skeleton still trying to climb in the window. [Attack 21; Damage 8] He crushes it and knocks it back outside in pieces.
[There is only one skeleton left, and it is outside fighting with Mission. The halfling is down. Gully is injured, but Mission is back up to 18hp. The badger will disappear at the end of next round, and it has no opponents left to fight, so it is no longer raging.]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
Farron prepares to cast Magic Missile at the robed figure just as he sees the bolt of fire from Sa'id's fingers strike the figure and send him sprawling. He decides to send his missiles toward the only remaining target that he can see. He will move so that he is within range and will cast Magic Missile, if the skeleton has not already been destroyed. If it has, he will save the spell and move toward Sa'id. If the robed figure so much as stirs, Farron will send the missiles to put him back down.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
Rennik calms down, ending his rage, and takes a head count in the lodge. When he notices that Sa'id and Mission are missing, he looks out through the broken window in the room across the hall. Seeing Mission on top of the situation, he staggers down the hall to where Gully, Cadfael and Farron are standing, and slumps against the wall.
His breathing shallow, he looks up from his torn, bloody chest at Cadfael with grim determination in his eyes.
"Brother, I was bitten. I must eat the belladonna, but the poison may kill me in my condition. Can you help me?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
He has never been so close to the end of the Path.
It is good to know that now, after betraying the Path, finding mercy on the Mossground, and seeking his Redemption that even death cannot force his feet off the Path.
As the Path's blessing fades from his limbs, and the sting of Cadfael's potion seeps through his chest, Mission is suprised to see the skelton still attacking him. Bits of bone and anger-- Mission evades the creature easily.
He will counter attack.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Saving Throw
Actually, Matt, the result of that saving throw will make itself manifest (or not) as time progresses.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
For a moment, Garyth's eyes dart around, looking for more enemies. But as he realizes that there are none within reach, the adrenaline fades and the realities of pain and exhaustion set in; he leans on the staff for a moment as he catches his breath. At Farron's motion, he glances out the window, and sees the last skeleton about to be destroyed by Mission's fists. He breathes a sigh of relief.
Looking behind him, Garyth notices Gully's face. He rushes over to the man and assesses his wound. "We need to stop the bleeding." He glances around, looking for something to use as a bandage.
(OOC: 1 rank in Healing, and I figure Cadfael's a bit busy just for a second. Gully took 4 points of damage, but out of how many? How's he looking?)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
Gully is a first level ranger (thankfully not a no level regular guy), so that hit took about half his hit points. He looks like he is in a lot of pain, though the bleeding is slowing.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
As he realizes that Mission will destroy the skeleton before he can, Sa'id's focus slips and pain enters his awareness. He gasps and leans heavily on his staff, clutching his collarbone with his free hand. His other thoughts are still ordered, and puzzle pieces are being mentally assembled, but the process is nearly at the subconscious level now as the throbbing pain washes over him. Only one more question remains to be answered, and though Sa'id is concentrating mostly on his collarbone his innate curiosity still spurs him to shuffle toward the fallen halfling wizard. He must know if the other mage is undead, and if not, if he is carrying a scroll similar to the ones carried by the other band of halflings. Trusting his remaining mirror image to keep him safe from any further harm, he moves to stand over the wizard's body.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
Cadfael stands stock still, left hand clasped in right and the point of his shield resting on the floor of the lodge. The rage around him is still palpable and he seems to be trying to control himself. Rennik's words, however, shatter this composure.
"The werecreatures were here? Curse you for a fool, small one, why did you not call for aid? Why did you not fall back to the protection of the circle? You have preached long and hard about the folly of single combat and yet you were content to let revenge guide you to this course when it suited you. I hope you savored it, you may have damned yourself. You may yet damn us all. What did killing him gain us? We have traded one good man we knew was cursed for another man whose taint may be hidden until it is too late. You leave me no choice but to pray to Pelor for a pound of cure, as an ounce of His prevention did not suit you."
He then kneels down and presses his gloved hand against Rennik's chest with all his strength, effectively pinning him to the wall. An incredible heat seeps into Rennik's wound, so strong that the air shimmers with it. All the while Cadfael stares into Rennik's eyes. Daring him to scream in pain. Daring him to blink (cure serious wounds).
"Leave me now. In my room is a pouch with a sprig of belladonna wrapped in gauze. Chew it thoroughly and pray to your Halfling God that we are spared your selfish vengeance. Pray you do not become that which killed your love. Pray you do not become less than Horan. He suffered his fate out of ignorance and the desire to save his village. You knew better, Rennik. You knew better and yet the safety of your companions was the *last* thing on your mind."
Cadfael then stands and turns away in disgust. Seeing Garyth tending to Gully's wounds he makes his way to them.
Aftermath: Some In-Party Bickering, Halfling Priest, Boarding Up The Lodge
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
nicely said, Cadfael.
nicely played, as well
:)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; Dead men siege 8
Hey, I never got Dan's reply. But I agree with Scott. It was *very* well-written/played.
From: Ty
Subject: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Mission watches the remaining skeleton attack him with a vague detachment. With only one remaining, it is quite simple to avoid its clumsy, though surprisingly fast, swipes. They move quickly, but they are nothing but dry, brittle bone. He wonders what sort of dark energy animates these mindless things. He wonders if that same dark energy surrounds his unborn child. Seeing Sa'id bend down to search the fallen halfling breaks the monk's reverie, and he kicks the bony thing once in the chest [Attack 16, Damage 9] shattering it.
Inside, Cadfael heals Rennik for 15 points of damage.
Garyth ties a strip of cloth around Gully's head, and stops most of the bleeding, though it is a tense moment while Gully talks the panicked Cutter from ripping Garyth in half first.
Gully looks about with a stunned expression. "My lodge?" is all he says while he surveys the damage. Nearly every window is broken, and you know that he must have had that glass brought out all the way from Nesalin or Overlook. An expensive proposition, but a good trade off for the comfort real glass windows provide. The dining area has been wrecked by Garyth's battle with the skeletons. The front of the lodge and the front window still smolder from the fireball's blast. Two doors are wrecked. And everywhere you look there are the broken pieces of skeletons.
It is quite a mess.
[Ok, the fight is over. From here on out, we don't need to follow strict round by round type stuff, so feel free to send out RP posts as much as you wish. I imagine that there is a lot of questioning and conversation to be done. This is a great opportunity for some really interesting RP, and I am giving XP out for good RP sessions, so make the most of it. After that fight, you guys are on the quivering edge of level 6, and some good RP could push you over. :)]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Farron runs up beside Sa'id, as he is examining the fallen mage. "What have you found?" he asks, curious also to know if this halfling was under an infernal contract like the previous ones were. "Perhaps this mage is the very same that escaped them during the last battle", he adds.
As Sa'id continues his investigation, Farron whispers, "Not so 'useless' in this fight, were we now. But hell will probably freeze over before this lot admits it. I notice 'tumble boy' over there found a use for his healing potion." he adds, noting the empty vial on the ground. "For all his dislike of magic and its users, I wonder what strange tree he thinks that grew on."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Ty, what are the odds that Mission heard that comment?
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Something clicks into place in the back of Sa'id's mind when he sees that the fallen halfling is wearing chainmail, and he collects the halfling's pendant and rings, as well as his purse, before addressing Farron's whispered comment. "He's a priest," Sa'id says to his colleague. "One of these trinkets might be a holy symbol, so I'll speak to Brother Cadfael about them. The purse I'll give to Gully, though it's not much." He pauses, and smiles wryly. "I suspect that despite our effectiveness today, we -- or at least I -- may wind up the target of at least one tongue-lashing," Sa'id continues softly, steadying his whisper against the dull pain in his collarbone. "The more we fight, though, the less I trust the judgment of warriors and priests. We'll see what they have to say for themselves."
Sa'id hauls himself painfully up to a standing position, and begins speaking at normal volume again. There is a slight waver in his voice, though; it's clear that he is unaccustomed to major injuries like those he has sustained today. "Do you have a spell to put out what's left of my fire magic?" he asks Farron. He'll wait for a reply before moving back toward the lodge.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Note that Farron was trying *not* to be overheard.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
"Not really", Farron replies. "But I could cast a language spell and give the flames a good tongue lashing. What do you supposed they speak, Infernal??" He says this last with a meager grin, and turns back to the lodge to see what assistance he might give there.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Promise.
He had been so close.
Is the ache in his chest from Anileth's attack? Or from his failure to save his son?
The Path lays before him. Eastward. Blood and stone speed my feet!
Mission takes a step, and is reminded that his life was too, too close to being lost this night. Twice. His breath is ragged and pained in his lungs, and his body aches from the attack of the skeleton.
And the halfling mage's touch lingers in his limbs, despite the Path's blessing. Magery. Chaos. Tendrils seeking to bind his limbs, drive his soul into sand.
Anathema.
Farron's voice carries perhaps a bit farther than what the mage may have wished. Mission can hear the mocking tone, sees the wizard shift slightly in his direction. Something about 'tumble' and 'trees.' Mission feels a hotness rise in his face.
And yet. . .
Promise!
Haranguing either of the mages would do nothing to get him his son back. And his Redemption does not hang on the words of some conjurer, but on his own devotion to the Path of Blood and Stone.
Which is where the true source of his anger lies. Not in Sa'id's idiocy, not in Farron's mocking tone. . . but in himself. Seeing Anileth brings back his own shame. Having it thrown out to the eyes of his companions, so everyone knew his betrayal, his despair, his utter lack of devotion and self-control. That was his anger.
Mission shakes himself, stretches his arms above his head, and sucks in a loud breath at the pain in his chest. Neither would these thoughts bring him closer to Promise.
He steps softly toward the mages, gritting his teeth. In discomfort, he tells himself. The foolishness of mages is nothing to me. The foolish, selfish, utterly idiotic, inane, INSANE, mages who run off into the night after who knows what. . .
Blood and stone, protect me from anger and magery.
He says quietly to Sa'id, "Next time, we should try to stay with the others in battle. I gave my word to protect you-- all of you-- please, don't make it so difficult next time."
He nods to Farron. "Is this creature," he jabs a toe at the halfling mage. "still living?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Mission is aware that Cadfael created the potions. Sometime, he and Farron should get together and discuss the philosophical differences between obtaining the favor of a god, and muttering incessantly over dead materials. . .
:)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
(OOC: Rennik would say a big amen to that)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Garyth follows Gully's gaze around the room, taking in the damage. A look of chagrin comes over his face as he speaks to Gully.
"Master Patter, your lodge... I..."
Garyth falters for a moment, and sighs. "I am sorry for the damage to your lodge, goodman, but we had no choice but to defend ourselves." He shakes his head ruefully. "I had no wish to bring evil to your house, but these are dark times. The land is not safe for honest people; I urge you to seek safety in Overlook, or at least somewhere closer to a Guard station. Perhaps you should return to check in with your sister."
He glances around, trying to estimate the extent of the damage. "If you can get safely to Overlook, you may ask the council there, or perhaps the garrison captain, for aid. I cannot promise you that they will help, but I promise you that if they do not, I will return when our mission is complete and help you myself, even if it takes a year to raise the money."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Rennik is weary, though he stares unflinchingly at Cadfael through the burning healing process.
"Next time I'll ask my enemy to eat tea and cake while I send for your aid."
He shakes his head and laughs.
"You are quick to spit venom, yet you worship no snake god. Had I called for aid, and had you come to my defense, this hall would have gone undefended, and others may have died. My battle was an ambush, and lasted half a minute. Could you have fought your way to me? Possibly, but not before I sustained my wound. And not without leaving others to die."
Rennik glances at Garyth and Gully before looking back to Cadfael. He then stands, steadying himself against the wall. He hadn't thought about the others, but he does now. He had not called for aid, but such a call would have been pointless. He had been bitten within fifteen seconds of seeing Horan, and had killed his foe before another fifteen had passed. What help could they have provided? And what fate would have befallen Garyth had Cadfael and Farron turned their attention to Horan?
Rennik does not understand Cadfael's malice, but he has no energy to think on it.
"I thank you for the gift of your god, but now I must pray for Mielikki to grant me strength as her poisonous cure fights the taint in my blood."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Gully grips Garyth's arm in a comradely fashion. "Do not apologize for the wicked deeds of others, young soldier. I know that you did not bring evil to my house. By gods, I was sheltering her here all the time! I am glad that when those dead ones came, you lot were here to stand by me." He touches his face, and pulls his hand away to look at the fresh blood. "I've never seen such things. These must indeed be black times."
At his feet, Cutter is whining and trying to lick him. On his wolfen face is a look of worry that is almost human. Gully rubs him once and says, "Go find your brothers boy. Go see if they've run all the way back to Kessel with their tails between their legs." He swats the big wolf on the rump, and it runs out of the lodge through the open front door.
Gully turns back to Garyth. "I could use your help, tonight, if you're willing. It's late, and the wounded will need rest. Perhaps you could help me board up the front window and the back door, and we can make a safe place to sleep here in the front room. It has the big fireplace, and I think I'll need to drive some chills off this night."
He moves over to one wall and picks of a large hammer and a box of pegs. "There are boards we can use in the barn."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Garyth nods to Gully, relief apparent on his face. He will help Gully collect boards and seal the windows, but not before belting on his sword (just in case).
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Gully takes Garyth to the barn, where they collect enough boards to close off the front window, and the broken down kitchen back door. When they are finished, there are only two ways into the dining room; the front door, and the hallway. Gully pushes one of the big tables over to the hallway, and flips it up on its side. Now you can see down the hall, but anyone trying to get in will have to push the table away or jump over it. The front door and its bar are still strong, so the dining hall becomes a bit of a fortress against further assaults.
Once they are done, Gully will break open a new flagon of wine and pass the cups around to anyone who wants to partake. It looks like the big trader plans to get roaring drunk this night.
Sometime during the construction, the wolf pack came back looking very ashamed. Each one comes up and gives an apologetic looking lick to Gully's hand. He just laughs and says, "It coulda been all the orcish hordes of Kelkor, and they would have fought to the death to protect me. A few shambling bags o' bones, and they make for the hills like pups. I guess you can never tell what you'll be afraid of, eh?"
[Ok. I am leaving it at that. Feel free to continue with any conversation or actions that you wish to take this night. I am not going to move forward with the game until everyone checks in with a 'I have nothing more to say' type post. I imagine that once everyone is sitting in the lodge, there will be a lot to say, and I want to leave plenty of time for you guys to hash that out.]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
If Sa'id has nothing to say, Mission will collect the body of the dead halfling, and the bones of the skeletons around the lodge.
He will pile them all up, downwind from the lodge, and if no one has any objections, set fire to the lot.
After that, he will rejoin everyone else within.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Sa'id nods absently at Farron and continues his slow trek toward the lodge. He is facing away from Mission when the monk speaks to him, which is likely for the best as a blistering glower disfigures his face for a moment. Blinking it away, he nods -- curtly this time -- at Mission, then carries on. There are several different logical threads being processed in the back of Sa'id's mind, but the pain is still preventing him from easily knotting them together. He goes in through what's left of the door, careful not to brush his robes against the smoldering logs. In the dark, he allows himself a brief, self-satisfied smile.
Sa'id leaves the halfling's purse for Gully in a corner of the lounge. Then he moves over to the fire and lowers himself painfully down beside Cadfael, and turns to speak to the priest.
"Brother Cadfael, there was a halfling priest outside who was protected by a group of skeletons. I found some trinkets on him; can you tell me if any of these means anything to you?" Sa'id holds out the items he found on the halfling's corpse. They are: a plain silver ring, a hammered copper ring set with a green gemstone cut to resemble an eye, and a crude iron pendant in the form of a heiroglyph.
"I do not recognize the iron symbol, but hoped that since he was a priest, you might."
Mages Grumble, Cadfael Explodes, Remorseful Garyth, Mission Explains
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
****He nods to Farron. "Is this creature," he jabs a toe at the halfling mage. "still living?"******
"Apparently not," Farron replies, "But Sa'id here is the expert on the dead and un-dead." As he returns to the lodge, he calls over his shoulder to Sa'id, "Let me know what you find out. I'm going to check with the others."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
He had expected more than a nod.
Mission watches with narrowed eyes as the mage makes his way back to the lodge. Mission is silent however-- and watches as Sa'id holds his arm still.
Watches the way the shift of his body tenders that shoulder.
The halfling mage's attack with the hammer. Well, perhaps the pain would teach Sa'id not to run out in the darkness. Better a ghostly hammer than Anileth, who could have been in the darkness just as easily as hordes of skeletons.
Mission kicks a pile of bones, sends them scattering out into the darkness. Work. He had to do something. Despite his wounds and aches, Mission scours the grounds for the skeleton's remains. He piles them up downwind from the lodge.
Now the mage. Mission sets his teeth as he touches the dead, cold body. Halfling-- one of the wild ones? Perhaps Rennick would want to perform last rites for it.
It is then that he sees the armor. This was a cleric, not a mage. Perhaps. Worshiper of Anileth's god? Or some other god, sand taken, pathless?
Mission sticks his head in the door of the lodge. "Rennick, do you have any love for a dead, evil halfling cleric? If not, I'm going to burn his body along with the bones of the skeletons."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Farron has no doubt that Mission knows the source of the potion. To Farron, however, Cadfael's power is just another school of the same power he and Sa'id use. Albeit, it is often more theatrical and--in this specific case--*much* more condescending than Divination.
(OOC - and for the record, Karl is pretty impressed with the way Scott is playing Mission. You're making me pin down Farron's feelings better, too.)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Agreed. :)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Farron steps into the lodge to see Cadfael and Rennik in some heated discussion, and Garyth and Gully ruefully surveying the damage to the once cozy and comfortable inn. As Gully starts talking about securing the dining room for the evening, Farron goes to his room and gathers his and Sa'id's things and brings them out to the common area. Walking back to the room he can't help but notice all the bones and debris laying about inside the inn. He picks up the bones and larger pieces of debris and carries them outside. Once there he notices Mission's clean-up efforts outside, but not really wanting to get in a discussion with him, carries his loads to Mission's growing pile and dumps them there without a glance.
Later, when Gully pours the wine, Farron drifts to a corner of the lodge where he pulls out his spellbook and tries to select tomorrow's spells. Thumbing through his spellbook, he is surprised how many of the spells in his repertoire seem too tailored to his merchant career. He chafes at the realization that from the point of view of the group, he really hasn't been the most impressive of mages thus far and wishes they could see him on a merchant voyage. The guys he's traveled with in the past sure appreciated his skills. More than once, his linguistic skills saved the party unnecessary confrontation. And he never heard curses on all mages when he was able to make a nice warm and dry shelter for the bridge crew when the weather got stormy at sea. And even during times of combat (mostly against would-be pirates), he was able to prove handy. But pirates aren't undead, brain-dead for the most part, maybe, but not undead. And he's never met a pirate that didn't turn and run at the first sign of defeat. But now he's seen a frenzied halfling suicide squad, an undead demon incubator, and a hoard of walking bones. He makes a silent vow to add some more versatile and combat oriented spells to his book at the first opportunity.
He leans back against the wall and closes his eyes in thought while Jack scurries out of his pocket and up onto his shoulder. Farron strokes his back absently, eyes still closed, as he ponders the best way to prepare for events that are sure to be stranger than he can imagine.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
After nailing the last board in place and checking the security of the barricaded windows, Garyth steps into his room and collects his gear, bringing it to the common room before Gully blocks off the hallway.
Sitting before the fire, he checks over his weapons and armor, touching up the edge on his blade, polishing the studs on his armor. His motions are precise, but his eyes are distant, meditative. When finished, he buckles on his armor and stares into the fire, idly fingering the hilt of his sword.
Finally he breaks the silence, asking the question he knows is on everyone's mind.
"Mission, who was that woman?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
At that, Farron opens his eyes and glances toward Mission before turning his gaze back to his spellbook, but otherwise gives no obvious sign that he has heard the question.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Cadfael does not break stride and Rennik finds himself addressing his back. However, rather than stopping to speak with Gully and Garyth he storms past them into the common room. There he begins to gather up wood and throw it into the fireplace, tripping over his shield all the while. Finally he yanks it off his arm and hurls it to the floor with a loud crash. Ignoring the startled looks of his companions he continues gathering wood and piling it into the fireplace. The flames climb higher and higher and still he feeds it. It's as if each log were a trouble to be consumed, as if he wants to burn away his anger. Finally, the fire reaches the point where adding any more wood would cause it to spill onto the floor. And still, the tension has not left his shoulders.
The cleanup begins around him and he does not move to help but stays standing before the blaze, face aglow with the heat and sheen of sweat. After a time he retrieves his discarded shield and finds a chair that survived the battle. He sets it side on to the hearth and rests there, leaning forward with his shield in his hands, watching the play of flames over Pelor's emblem. He has not been there long before Sa'id enters. Glancing up briefly he notes the grimace on Sa'id's face before losing himself in the reflection of the fire's dance once again. However, the tightening of his grip on his shield betrays that he does not approve of what he sees.
"I'll not heal you, Sa'id." He says in soft response, making no move to take the jewelry nor meet his eyes. "Sleep on your pain, study through it. There will be more pain to come and perhaps this will make you think twice before charging into battle." Slowly, Cadfael's voice begins to rise. "What possessed you to leave the walls of the lodge? At least they offered some sort of protection from the undead. Could you not get a close enough look at them here? It is hard enough to keep track of people without having them strike out alone. If you had been seriously injured I would not have known. I could not have helped you," by this point he his standing and his voice carries clearly through the common room, "I *can* help you. I can protect you, I can heal you, I can lend you strength. But I CANNOT do this when you run from me into the claws of our enemies."
After this brief tirade he manages some level of control and his voice returns to its normal level, although the acid remains in his tone. "Now, let me see these trinkets. I cannot say that I will know them, Pelor does not create undead and I do not make a habit of studying the rites and rituals of other Gods." He takes them one at a time and turns each over in his hands for a few minutes. "No. No I have not seen any of these before. It is clear that the hieroglyph is a religious symbol of some kind, but you probably could have told me that yourself."
(OOC -- Another battle over and I still have yet to take damage. I feel that this is largely because by the time I reach the fighting everyone already has their dance partners sorted out. But hey, I ain't complaining :)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
Sa'id is completely unsurprised at Cadfael's criticism, but does not bother responding to it. He is simply too tired and sore to deal with these people right now. That does not, however, stop his thoughts. They chose to stay in the lodge when it could easily have become a deathtrap, he thinks. They are the fools here. My offensive magics would have been utterly useless indoors, and if that priest had instead been a mage, they could all have died in a single casting of a Fireball spell. If Cadfael had brains in that skull of his, he and his protection circle would have come outside.
Of course, it's not as though anyone but Farron understands or respects wizardry, yet they all have respect for Cadfael and his precious Pelor. The priest has but to ask his god for favours, and they are bestowed, while I bend the universe to my will. And where were the fickle gods when... His hand twitches involuntarily, and he mentally retracts his slight against the gods.
Sa'id's thoughts trail off as he realizes that Cadfael has finished speaking. He shrugs at the priest. "All the same, shuk'ran. Salaam." Turning, he moves to the corner Farron has settled in. He's gradually getting used to the pain in his collarbone, and so his thoughts become more coherent and focused as he makes his way toward the other wizard. The strange sense of satisfaction fades from his psyche as logic regains its preeminent position. Setting aside his frustration with Cadfael and the warriors, as well as his musings about Anileth's nature and her relation to both Horan and Mission, he sits down gingerly near Farron. Speaking quietly, he says "We should choose spells together. I'm sure we'll see battle again very soon."
At Garyth's words to Mission, Sa'id pauses. Anileth, her unborn child, and the mysterious black pillar leap anew to the forefront of his thoughts.
(OOC: Karl, I'll send you a tentative spell list for Sa'id. Let me know what you think.)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
(OOC: Ty, Mission would have stripped the halfling of armor before throwing him into the fire. What did he note from the halfling's body? Dead/undead? Anything in its pocketses? )
Mission smells of woodsmoke and something altogether. . .unpleasant. The halfling did not burn as easily as the bones of the skeletons. In the clean air of the lodge, he smells himself-- the stink of the dead and burning.
He cannot help but think of the resemblance between the burning halfling's eyes and Anileth's. Lifeless. And still they burn.
He should have prepared himself for their questions. Of course they'd want to know about Anileth. . . Penance. . . his betrayal, her deception.
There is a long silence. Finally, Mission answers Garyth. "An old lover. You know how it is with women: one moment they're all daises and wine and kisses, the next, it's her fist in your chest, and hordes of her undead minions scrambling for your life-blood."
He laughs uneasily, but his laugh is the only one in the whole lodge. So he clears his throat. "Anileth was my. . . lover. I believed. Obviously, things did not work out."
He wipes his hands on his trousers and falls silent.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Something Wicked; The aftermath
(OOC: Crap. I just realized that Garyth ran away screaming like a little girl well before Mission and Anileth started talking to each other. Crap crap crap. Can we just assume that Garyth was able to pick something up from body language or something and not that I'm a bad bad RPer? This turn based on that assumption.)
Garyth looks over at Mission, sees the pain and uncomfortableness in his eyes. He realizes that he has been fidgeting, sheathing and unsheathing his dagger, and forces himself to steady his hands. He looks away, back to the fire.
A moment passes, but Garyth finally continues. "I know this is difficult for you, and you do not wish to speak on this, but our safety may depend on knowing what we face." He draws a heavy breath, holding his right hand in his left to keep from fidgeting nervously. "I... I like to think of myself as brave, and before today I would never have doubted my courage. Now..." He shakes his head, ashamed. "I have never known fear such as I felt when I beheld that woman. I have shamed myself before you all as a coward, and if it remained an option, I would leave this expedition; I am too grave a risk and I would not jeopardize our success." His jaw tightens. "To leave now, though, would help little and I would not leave you short a sword. But if I am to have any hope of redeeming myself, I must know what I am up against." He looks back to Mission, his expression set in grim resolve.