Re: Chapter Four And A Half

DiceMaster Fri Feb 12, 2016 10:03 pm

The member 'Valeria Thaemor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 16

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#2 'D8' : 4

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#3 'D20' : 12

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#4 'D8' : 8

Artimus DeLonde Sat Feb 13, 2016 3:06 pm

Righteous anger rose in the mariner- stoked from smouldering ember to roaring flame. Another vision, more potent this time- flowing through his mind's eye. a deluge of vivid images and piercing sensations-

The Cormyrian's mind had never been tempered to receive divine missives.

He could hear the fallen priestess' heart beating-like her bosom was nestled next to his cheek. The steady, rhythmic beat punctuated the long calm portions of air she drew into her lungs

She was praying- communing with the Goddess of the moon- Seeking her guidance. Lisetta- Daste's sister, had been staunchly opposed to a growing slave trade that had gained a footing, using the eastern inlet to the sea of the fallen stars as a muster point.

Knowing she could not oppose the power of the slavers and their deep pockets alone Lisetta had penned a letter to the Swords of the Lady, a fanatical and league of warrior paladins, sworn to the protection of Selune, Holders of the mysterious moonblades. With her knowledge and their help she would have a chance to stop the kidnappings that had become a rash across the coast.

Daste too had noticed the growing influence of he slavers, and where his sister had found revulsion and discust- He saw, opportunity, weath. Power.

He joined them, making himself known as a dependable mercenary. when the letter arrived from Lisetta warning him of this threat- begging his help he decided all too quickly what he was to do to further prove his worth.

Lub-dub

Lub-dub

Lub-dub

Again he could hear the sound of Lisette's heart.
Lub-dub

Lub-dub

Lub-dub

And the sound of the heavy church door opening- and the expected foot steps of her brother drawing nearer.

Lub-dub

Lub-dub

Lub-dub

Lisetta could feel her brother drawing near- still knelt in prayer with the silver lady.

Lub-dub

Lub-dub

Lub-**Glurnk**

The heart stuttered- a beat half sounded- as a traitorous blade slipped between her ribs into the ventricles of her organ.

**Glish** the knife retreated, pulling with it a torrent of blood.

Lisetta fell to floor- wide eyed.

She died trusting her brother.

Pain rushing throuigh his body forced Artimus senses returning to the material realm as Dastes blades sliced his sternum. The unflinching visage of the purple leathered fiend taunted him undaunted by Artimus accusations.

"Zhere is a zpecial place in the nine hellz rezerved for thoze that zlay prieztezz while they pray"

The mariner levied the charges again, this time with steel, guiding the aged blade through the air slashing down into the sinew of Daste's shoulder cutting down through the clavicle release a steam of blood that trickled down the sword that rolled along the edge till it met the hilt. (36 Damage!)
Attack HIT
Attack HIT

"Zurrrender now and I will finizh you quickly traitor."

The words of intimidation were for not as they fell on death ears.

Kellar wrote:"Don't let him escape! Target the beast!"

Kellars words echoed in his mind, reminding him of the larger situation at hand, Artimus turned from the slumping body of Daste and moved scampered toward, Kellar and the broken window.
=====================================

DiceMaster Sat Feb 13, 2016 3:06 pm

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 17, 16, 1

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:46 pm

Gimble looks a bit annoyed at his last casting, and sticks out his tongue as he hears the sizzle of blood on the steel blade. He quickly darts his eyes over to the orc that he has tamed. He makes sure that the brute continues his rampage against his own allies before turning back to the whirlwind of blades before him. The mage takes a deep breath and readies another casting. In his outstretched hand, a small orange ball forms, almost in the shape of a stout egg. He flicks his wrist and sends in through the air once more, where it violently hatches and launches a phoenix forward. It glides, leaving a trail of embers and ash particles, and closes the distance between it and the half djinn. The bird dives through the sword barrier and meets its mark, splashing against the flesh of the warrior and leaving a scorched crater.

1d20+7 = 17
1d10 = 4

DiceMaster Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:46 pm

The member 'Gimble Nabisco Raulnor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 10

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#2 'D10' : 4

Dwan Bolduum Mon Feb 15, 2016 12:39 pm

As the ringing in Dwan's ears die down from Emelious's blast he looks around to see who needs the most help.

Suddenly he feels a wave of sorrow and anger across his back. He turns to see the remaining dark priest directing his channeled magic towards Val.

Hoping to catch the priest off guard, Dwan moves closer while muttering a druidic chant. Once in range Dwan extends his arm towards the priest and shoots a sickly purple liquid shoots at the creature.

His aim was too low and the spray covers the outfit of the priest but none of it touches it's skin.

-----------------------
Dwan casts poison spray and the acolyte succeeds on the DC14 save.

DiceMaster Mon Feb 15, 2016 12:39 pm

The member 'Dwan Bolduum' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 17

Ao Mon Feb 15, 2016 3:40 pm

The manticore flexes, the horrific beast spreading its wings in dominance as its’ muscled form ripples. That scorpion tail whips back and forth, threatening Custer with a venomous strike as Keisan stares into his eyes from atop.

“You’ve come a long way, little man. But not far enough.”

“Stop!…” screams Emelious, the manticore looking back at Emelious for a split second, before ignoring him stretching those wings…

[Emelious, deception failed]

With a kick, the cleric pushes away from the halfling and erupts in flight, the manticore soaring off the tower balcony as Custer rushes to its edge.

Staring out over the railing, Emelious can see Keisan rapidly disappearing into the night sky…

Looking down the tower, he can see a half dozen other manticores roosting and flapping about…

[…]

The acolyte falls in front of Valyria, blood pooling beneath him as the clang of Kellar and Alshaquiz’s vicious combat echoes nearby. Across the room, two orcs chase after Emelious, striking at the cleric with their axes held high…

[X3 and X4, 4x attacks vs. Emelious]
[All miss!]

The attacks whiff harmlessly behind Emelious as he pushes through the heavy set of oaken doors, out into the cold night air of the balcony. Ahead of him, he can see Custer staring off after Keisan aloft his manticore.

A fire pit burns brightly near the chosen of Valkur, where an elegant sitting area of stone benches and heavy leather furs is perched cozily amongst tall, manicured vine plants.

Emelious spins round, deflecting another blow with his shield as the orcs are upon him…

[…]

Valyria watches as the wayward orc straightens itself, pulling the axe from its brother that lies dead behind it.

It turns to look at her, eyes still glossy and glazed.

[X1 is STILL freaking enchanted by Gimble. Bad, bad rolls.]

The beast grabs its axe righteously, turning toward where its brethren have pursued Emelious out the door.

“Cowards!!!” it screams in contemptuously, stepping over the beheaded corpse of Grol and tearing across the room, jumping upon the table and charging after them!

[X1 double moves to attack X3 and X4]

To the north, the last Acolyte stands himself, his body wracked with pain from the druid’s thunder wave, and his robes in a tatter. With a glare, he turns and pushes open the wooden doors, disappearing out onto the balcony.

[Y1 moves out onto the balcony, out of sight]

[…]

Daste’s eyes look up at Artimus, the mariner withdrawing his sword from the ruined assassin’s body. He drops to his knees, his trained look of unassuming disguise melting away as pain and death grip his brain foggily.

Avarice runs from Daste’s veins in a geyser of blood, his opportunistic life finally paid for in retribution.

“Ffff-fu-ck.” he whispers inelegantly, falling to the ground gripping his face.

[…]

Alshaquiz looks around between sword strikes, a dark look cresting his brow.

He watches as the orcs charge after Emelious onto the balcony. And he can see the rest of his fighting companions lie dead.

Stepping backward and parrying another blow, he nearly trips over Grol’s corpse.

“Bastard.” he mutters under his breath, spinning round and driving aside Kellar’s pressed attack.

“You know the difference between a good swordsman, and a great one?” he asks, pushing the dragoon backward with another blow.

“The great ones know when the fight is over, before they lie dead.”

With one last thrust, he sidesteps around Kellar and flourishes his sword, parrying another attack effortlessly.

[Alshaquiz uses Djinn’s Flight - Disengaging for free]
[Alshaquiz double moves out of the room]

As Kellar spins round, he watches the Djinn flee out the main doorway with nearly blinding haste.

[...]

Keisan scowls at Custer, the Cleric spinning through the night sky with a tight hand on the reins. Custer is holding on to Keisans robes, his only viable purchase.

"You're a stubborn one." Keisan intones in that high pitched voice.

In one fell swoop, he pulls on the reins, banking the manticore hard to the left and nosediving, as he releases the clasp of his cloak! It billows up, cast off and caught in the wind.

[Cuss, I need a Wis check DC 12 to not be utterly baffled by the cloak as it blows in your face and releases you. If you fail, you'll be thrown from the beast. Should you succeed, I'll need an appropriate check to grab something else, which you'll need to describe and will need to be reasonable]

=================================

Ok guys, X3 and X4 are on the eastern side of the balcony near Emelious. They’re near the fire pit. Em - not a bad roll for deception, but not enough to fool the manticore sadly.

X1 is charging after X3 and X4.

Alshaquiz has disengaged and double moved out the room to the south. Gimble, you may be able to cast a spell on him before he disappears out of sight, if you desire.

You can pursue, if you’d like.

Y1 is out on the western side of the balcony, though not in LOS of anyone.

Artimus, Daste has died, and you can move wherever you’d like.

Keisan has flown the coop…

MVP: Has to be Artimus. Really fantastic work on the backstory for Daste man, appreciate the extra RP in the midst of this combat.

Custer Thickett Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:08 pm

Cuss smiles and says, "Thickett's are known for it, no?" He recoils his right hand to stow the bent shiv while his off hand reaches around Cyric's high cleric. His fingers brush the cold brass of the compass...

[Sleight of Hand +6, advantage for Emelious's deception distraction?]
18 or 21

and he closes them around the artifact. Agata squeels in his mind, "You got it, Cuss! You got it!"

His elation has no time to brew, however, as Kesian unclasps his cloak. The large cloth envelops Custer's body as it flaps in the wind...

[Wisdom save +1]
4

[Provisional Dex save +6]
8

then pulls the Halfling free of the Manticore's saddle. Tangled and blind, Cuss knows he is falling from the familiar feeling of weightlessness. He also knows he has the compass in his left hand. Fumbling in the black cloth, Cuss's right hand finds his necklace of charms and cradles his Fist and holy symbol of Waukeen.

His mind screams out to all who are listening. 'I got the compass! Iffen I doan make it, promise me yull find me sist...'

DiceMaster Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:08 pm

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 12, 15

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#2 'D20' : 3

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#3 'D20' : 2

Emelious Storm Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:23 pm

Emelious turns to block an incoming blow as he see Keisan set to the skies, Custer gripping the cleric’s cloak.

He’s in trouble.

The Half-Elf presses off his attacker with his shield and then bolts for the edge of the balcony.

He’s still in range I can- I can-

Emelious eyes are drawn downward. A roost of manticores.

Cuss’s best chance.

“We are the new masters of this keep. Keisan flees. Prepare to pursue. If you do well, I promise you all the orcs you can stomach.”

[Persuasion 16 + 6 = 22]

In the distance Emelious can see Custer’s silhouette slip from the departing beast.

No. Not today.

The sailor's grapple is in his hands and hooked to the railing in a beat of his heart, and by another beat he has spiraled down the silk rope and onto the back of an awaiting manticore.

[Acrobatics 10 + 7 = 17]

“Save the Halfling!”

---

Emelious uses the dash action.

Emelious attempts to persuade the Manticore’s to join them.

Emelious mounts a Manticore.

DiceMaster Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:23 pm

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 16, 12

Dwan Bolduum Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:45 pm

With the acolyte disappearing back on to the ledge Dwan tries to locate it to strike it another time. As he glances about he can see the site of a manticore with two figures on it flying away from the tower, the smaller figure undoubtedly Custer.

Oh no.. he thinks as he sees the halfling lose his footing.

Dwan quickly forgets about the acolyte and makes his way to the edge of the ledge with Emelious. Looking down he can see manticores flying about.

Dwan brings his fingers to his lips and lets out a loud shrill whistle. (Animal Handling 14+ 5 = 19 ) Several of the manticores below look towards the druid, one of them making its way up towards their level. Dwan stows his staff on his belt and judges the distance to the Manticore. Once it approaches Dwan looks back to his allies, Secure the ledge and with that he leaps off of the ledge and lands on the back just behind the wings.

He looks up and finds that there is only one rider on the manticore, a small shape is falling in the sky.

Dwan lets out another shrill whistle and points to the falling halfling Custer!!! he cries out as the manticore swoops through the air, diving downwards in an attempt to get underneath Custer to catch him. (animal handling to see if he can successfully pull off the maneuver)

1+5 =6 Sad

As the manticore cuts across the sky Dwan struggles to hold tight, and pulls the creature out of the dive. He urges it to move forward and loop around to make an attempt at a lesser angle.

------------------------------------
Dwan calls a manticore and tries to catch Custer with it.

DiceMaster Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:45 pm

The member 'Dwan Bolduum' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 14

Artimus DeLonde Tue Feb 16, 2016 1:53 pm

Artimus seeing scamped onto the balcony in a panic trying to get a gauge of the situation that was unfolding.

He spied what looked like Kesian atop a manticore and a small form slipping off his back.... couldf it be

No, Custer

The Mariner stood in frozen fear-looking on helplessly -

he retrieved and deployed his bolo, steppnig back and cocking back his arm as far as it would go.

***Whip-whip-whip-whip-whip** it went sailing after the manticore. 1d13 +6 (hit!)

The twined steel wrapped up Kesian and the beast, pinning one of it wings to the worshiper of Cyric

At least Kesian wouldn't escape

======================================

DiceMaster Tue Feb 16, 2016 1:53 pm

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 13, 7

Valeria Thaemor Tue Feb 16, 2016 2:23 pm

"Ugh," Valeria comments at the dead acolyte before her, the blood beginning to press outwards towards her. She easily sidesteps the mess and gauges the situation: Quite a few bodies are scattered on the floor, none of which belong to the good guys. That's a relief. Her body is wracked with pain thanks to the acolyte's last attack, but hey at least she's alive.

Yelling about Custer and Kesian draws her attention to where everyone is either out on the balcony or heading in that general direction. "Hey! What's going on out there??" Cursing quietly to herself, she hurriedly calls on a large well of Sune's power to heal her wounds (regain 12 hitpoints) I am the most needy paladin today She thinks guiltily to herself. I'll make sure to do some extra praying tonight

Now not on the verge of unconsciousness, she quickly runs over towards the balcony to figure out what in the hell is going on.

DiceMaster Tue Feb 16, 2016 2:23 pm

The member 'Valeria Thaemor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D8' : 5

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#2 'D8' : 3

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Tue Feb 16, 2016 2:38 pm

Gimble watches with intense interest as the battle moves over to the balcony. The room, now beaten, charred, and broken, holds few remaining foes. His eyes dart over to the half-djinn as he flies out the door. "Hey! You get back here, young man!" Gimble throws another phoenix at the hulking warrior in a last attempt to slow him down, as he is still using his energy to keep a hold on the orc guard. The bird just misses his shoulder and slams into the wall behind, leaving an ashen impression of wings and feathers. Gimble grumbles and shakes his head. "Well I certainly can't chase after him." He turns and runs towards the balcony to see what all the fuss is about.

DiceMaster Tue Feb 16, 2016 2:38 pm

The member 'Gimble Nabisco Raulnor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 9

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#2 'D10' : 4

Kellar Tue Feb 16, 2016 2:49 pm

Kellar watched the half-djinn sprint past him and head down the hall. "Good ones flee, great ones die in combat," he hollered after him. Gimble had produced a bird of flame to send after him. "Leave him. Another day," he said to the gnome. "That thing going to be a problem? Need to toss it over the side," he asked as he nodded to the mind controlled orc. Kellar heard the commotion about Custer. I can't move fast enough, feel like I am carrying a boat anchor.

Kellar rubbed the wound on his chest. The shimmering golden scales returned and he moved to the doors. "Need to secure the room. Gimble can you handle that?" (Kellar used Blade Ward)

"You bastards, leave the dancing cleric alone, come and get yours," Kellar taunted. Kellar spun the axe in his hands and waited for them. Intimidate (see Lair for Roll). (18+4= 22; Success!)

Actions:
Blade Ward up.
NEW: Beckoning the two orcs to come fight.
Gimble may be Securing the Doors?
Wis Roll to drop the weighted feeling. (WIS roll= 7+1= 8; Failure. Wears off after next round.)

DiceMaster Tue Feb 16, 2016 2:49 pm

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 7

Ao Tue Feb 16, 2016 10:55 pm

The third orcen elite guard slumps to the floor, his armour clanging off the ground as Kellar buries the axe in his back. Nearby Artimus looms over them, the rapier in his hand dripping blood from the fresh, vicious killing blow he had inflicted on his prey.

*SCHHHINK*!

The sound startles the two warriors, who flinch and look over to the western side of the balcony.

Valyria emerges, sheathing her longsword. The last acolyte lays at her feet, the chain shirt beneath his robes clinking upon the stone floor in death’s embrace.

For a moment, it is quiet. The firepit flames flicker gently across the elaborate walkway, stars twinkling through the night sky. It is a beautiful canopy hung high above the peaks of the Small Teeth.

Somewhere back in the room, Gimble is muttering one of his spells.

The adrenaline starts to wear off from the intense combat, your bones aching. But out there - the fight is not over…

[…]

Custer’s stomach turns over six times, his body in a freefall. Wind whips through his hair, the dizzying descent causing his throat to fill with vomit as the disorientation begins to cloud his mind.

His hands are gripped, deathlike, upon the brass compass that he lifted from Keisan’s robes. And despite his almost certainly damning move, it was hard to feel as if he weren’t the victor.

Falling again? came a far off thought in his mind. A girl’s voice. His girl…his…

[…]

Dwan and Emelious swoop at a breathtaking pace through the air, their manticores expressing their wings in full glory. Wind whips through your hair, your eyes watering and the air sucked from your lungs!

Far below you, the renegade camp stretch out for miles. From this height, you can scarcely see the vague outline of tents, and the flickering of late-night torches. The moon glistens across the lionine faces of your mounts, their manes bristling as the bastardized animals flap madly through the night-

You can see Custer.

He is falling so quickly, his cloak billowing up behind him. The wind catches his diminutive frame, tumbling him through the air at a break-neck speed. If his heart hadn’t quit yet, it soon would.

The druid grips tightly to the reins of his animal, feeling the presence of the beast beneath him respond to his earthen sensibilities.

Emelious, bold and brash as ever, guides the animal with stoned determination and a graceful expression of experimentation and manipulation. His exhaltations echo out into the night…

“Save the halfling!”

===========================

Ok guys, here’s the story.

Emelious, I’ll require either a straight Dex check (at disadvantage, flying an animal while lassoing a halfling is a challenging thing to do untrained), or supported by a roll of some charisma-related check (DC 18) to negate the disadvantage. I mean no disrespect. You’re an epic and brave motherfucker.

Dwan, because you’re a druid and this is your jam, I’m giving you advantage on your handle animal check to try and catch Custer. I’m ruling that your superior ability to communicate with this animal means you can swoop beneath the halfling to catch him. If you miss your rolls though, you’ll have to circle back around and by then…it’s proooobably too late.

I like this Custer guy, friends. Let’s try and preserve him?

All’s fair in dice and D&D, sadly.

The rest of you in the tower, enemies are dispatched!

MVP: Emelious. Again…brave and epic motherfucker.

Kellar Wed Feb 17, 2016 12:21 am

Kellar finished off the last orc with one swing. He lowered his shoulders, he was exhausted. The shouts for Custer were beyond him, the echoes of screams and the weight on his shoulders was just now wearing off. He looked at the floor. So much blood, so many dead, and we all made it. Kellar saw Anna's axe laying near where he and the half-djinn fought. He picked it up and checked the haft and looked at the edge. It was somewhat maintained. He looked at Grol's headless corpse. "I wanted to ask you as I killed you, what happened to her. I guess I will never know," he muttered.

He recalled when they were escaping from Grol and the others. Anna appeared at the top of the mountainside they had descended and then she was gone. If he had her weapon, she must be dead. (Stats on her weapon? Can I now lead a clan of Orcs?!?) Kellar sighed with resignation. He held the axe in one hand and continued to check over the other bodies. "Orbaugh, look for shiny things, let me know what you find, okay?" The pseudodragon crawled out from under Kellar's shield and dropped to the floor and stretched out. He looked around anxiously at all the mayhem that had ensued. Perception Roll= 14+4= 18

Actions:
Kellar picked up Anna's Axe.
Exhausted.
Looking for out of the ordinary weapons.
Looking for gold.
Assisting others if needed.
Ready for the next rotation.

DiceMaster Wed Feb 17, 2016 12:21 am

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 1, 14

Custer Thickett Wed Feb 17, 2016 12:27 am

The compass in one hand, the Kraken's Fist and Agata's holy symbol of Waukeen in the other, Cuss thinks back to her, 'I've been falling ever since I met you, Love.'

Kesian's cloak unfurls from around his body, spinning his decent. Cuss knew that he needed to extend his arms to steady his fall before he blacked out. Before releasing the Fist and holy symbol, he whispers another thought to his love and anyone else listening, 'Mayhaps I'll hold ya again soon, yeah?'

Still tightly holding the compass with white knuckled fingers, Cuss spreads himself as wide as he can, trying to catch the air with his little body. The wind roars past his face, ripping tears away from his open eyes.

[Dex save to slow fall in spread eagle +6]
20

Cuss smiles, entertaining himself with the thought that somebody below is looking up to wonder if Grol threw Kesian's chamber boy Bhram off the balcony for serving cold soup.

When he considers it might be Tandy the Butcher, his thoughts again turn to his sister, and his broken promise to protect her. 'I couldn't save ya, Roz. Just like I couldn't save Agata. Might be I saved the world just to beg ya both for forgiveness, no?'

Then he closed his eyes, and accepted whatever fate was to bring next.

DiceMaster Wed Feb 17, 2016 12:27 am

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 14

Ao Wed Feb 17, 2016 1:30 am

[emelious: disregard disadvantage in your post. Misunderstood that manticores spoke common. You're perfectly able to communicate.]

Emelious Storm Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:57 am

The manticore extends its sinewy wings and takes off into the night. The wind whips across Emelious’ form; forcing the cleric to lower his torso against his mount.

The Half-Elf gasps as he catches a glimpse of the distant ground. He had only been this high up one other time, and it didn’t end well.

The sailor shakes his head, and refocuses on the task at hand.

Custer.

The manticore enters a dive, picking up speed and closing in on the plummeting rogue.

Movement to the right.

Emelious turns to see Dwan astride a manticore of his own; the beast and the druid working as one.

“I’ve got him. Go after Keisan.”

The Dwarf mounted manticore streaks past him and towards its quarry.

“You heard him."

The Half-Elf’s manticore pulls out of its dive and sets a new course for Cyric’s priest.

Divine energy dances between the fingers of Valkur’s cleric, as he readies a bolt of radiant light, “Just a little closer… we’ve got him… we’ve got…”

Fssssssssh-CRACK!

The bolt snaps through the air and slams into Keisan’s back, bathing him in a divine glow. The Mad God’s cleric shining like a star against the night sky.

----

[Emelious pursues Keisan.]

[Emelious casts Guiding Bolt vs AC 17]
[19 + 6 = Success]
[Radiant Damage: 2 + 2 + 6 + 4 = 14]

[The next attack against Keisan has advantage, lasts until the end of next turn.]

Dwan Bolduum Wed Feb 17, 2016 1:18 pm

Grasping tightly to the mane Dwan steadies himself and the manticore back in the air laughing nervously. It's a little bit different than riding a horse.

As Dwan swoops the manticore around he aligns himself aside Emelious as he scans for the halfling. Beside a dark cloud of smoke Dwan sees Custer spreading his arms and legs to try to slow the fall. He points and shouts to Emelious I’ve got him. Go after Keisan

With that Dwan digs his heels into the side of the manticore.

As the creature dives through the air, Dwan notes how each pull of the mane adjusts the direction of the dive. I think I've got this now he says to himself and he leans forward to reduce the drag in the air. By the time Dwan passes Custer in the air he can make out the camp followers running through the camp in a panic, the blaze that the Hale's started has grown considerably. The heat and smoke fill Dwan's eyes and tears stream from the side as he squints to keep some semblance of vision.

I'm out of time... Hopefully this is enough. with a quick jerk the manticore levels out and hovers about 50 feet over the camp.

The next moments feel like an eternity as Dwan tries to find Custer in the smoke. (Animal Handling 17 +5 23)

The manticore jolts and lets out a loud roar, Dwan quickly brings it back under control and looks at the source of the jolt.

Behind him, eyes shut and hand holding tight on to his symbol to Waukeen lay a shaken, but very much alive Custer Thickett.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Dwan helps his friend get situated. Hold on tight Cuss, hopefully Emelious caught that son of a bitch. Squeezing his legs once more he urges the manticore to ascend to the battle above.

DiceMaster Wed Feb 17, 2016 1:18 pm

The member 'Dwan Bolduum' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 17, 8

Ao Wed Feb 17, 2016 10:56 pm

Kellar holds Anna’s axe in his hands, looking at the orcen craftsmanship. It was not a beautiful weapon, but it had slain many enemies. It reverberated with the death of hundreds.

The balcony is quiet, though Alshaquiz had fled many minutes ago, and would likely be mounting another offensive. Fire flickers in the pits, casting a dim glow up into the starry night sky.

The dragoon and his companions begin their search of the area, searching corpses and the scattered furniture for clues or valuable items….

[Loot is up in The Warchest]

Gimble strolls round the western fire pit, when his eye is suddenly drawn to a shining object glimmering in a small grove of the exotic plants. Approaching it, the tiny wizard can see that the light is being thrown from a crystal ball, no more than half a foot in diameter, and mounted on an ornate iron pole about his height.

It swirls with an effervescent green and purple light.

[…]

Dwan feels the impact of the halfling landing upon the back of the manticore. The beast roars loudly, his guttural speech scathing as wings begin to flap and the scorpion-tail swoops back and forth.

The druid can see Custer, clearly winded, has the brass compass secured in his hand.

Success.

They take off.

[…]

The manticore gnashes beneath Emelious, the half-elf swooping through the night sky. Like a shooting star, his spell concusses Keisan’s back, the cleric of Cyric spiralling upward as his robes illuminate with the burning spark of magical fire.

Emelious follows him into the clouds, the stars bright above him. The moon streams around his target, a silvery lining around the evil worshipper’s figure.

Keisan’s mount stops, freefalling backward and changing direction towards him.

As the air catches its wings and the manticore barrels directly towards him, he catches sight of the laughing mask. Already, eldritch fire burns upon his hands, a foreboding glow emanating from his eyes as if to say - you’ve lost.

There is a moment of silence, as the inevitable clash impends…

*CRRRRRRRRRAAACK*

Violet lightning streaks across the sky, channeling voraciously through the cleric’s outstretched hand and snapping through the air at Valkur’s chosen.

All at once, the concussive blast hits Emelious’ mount in the muzzle, a shattering crack of bone, blood, and fire wracking through him.

The divine light of Valkur fills his body with warmth…

[…]

From afar, the shockwave of a blast ripples the air around Dwan and Custer. Instinctively, they shield their eyes as a violet sunburst appears in the distance.

The concussion is followed by silence, like the calm after a rolling thunder. Custer’s keen eyes can scarcely see the faint outline of a beast and rider, spiralling down through the clouds into the mountains below…

===========================|

[Keisan casts Hateful Strike against Emelious’ mount & Emelious]
[Emelious’ mount fails its’ Dex save]
[I’ve ruled no Dex save for the cleric, as he is mounted]
[36 damage to Emelious, and the same to his mount]
[Emelious dies.]

===========================|

Ok lads.

This post rotation, I’d like to thank Emelious for being a part of our group for these past months. Emelious, you’ve been a wonderful friend and poster, and your contribution to our game won’t be forgotten.

As a player, Em withdrew from the game earlier today. I’m sorry to see him go.

Dwan and Custer, if you’re interested in pursuing Keisan I’m happy to explore that path, though he is quite far away at this point, and your prospects are likely slim. He’s injured, certainly - but so are you.

Custer, I’ll ask you to narratively assign falling damage to yourself, based on what you deem to be reasonable in this situation. It’s your narrative about falling, so go ahead.

That all said…

Keisan is fleeing on the notion that he still has the compass safely tucked away in his robes. He failed his perception check to notice otherwise, and Custer has it safely secured in his hands.

A victory, despite the loss of a great ally.

This rotation, unless you plan on pursuing Keisan into the clouds, I suggest we take a breather to regroup at the tower and consider next steps. For this rotation, please indicate to me where you guys plan on being in the tower chamber, (balcony, inside, whereabouts, generally).

There’s also the matter of Gimble and this crystal ball… Let me know what you’re doing Gimble.

Loot will be up in the warchest, likely tomorrow.

We’re nearing the end of this chapter, friends. This is really just the beginning of a narrative that began 18 months ago, and I’m excited to be at this point! There’s a lot more story to tell.

MILESTONE: Welcome to 6th level, everyone Smile

Feel free to level yourselves right away.

MVP: Dwan. My man. HEROIC.

Emelious Storm Thu Feb 18, 2016 8:49 am

Bathed in the light of Valkur, Keisan flees into the clouds for cover. Emelious follows, the cold moisture misting across his face.

The Half-Elf breaks the surface, but even after wiping the condensation from his eyes there is no sign of the priest.

“You can raze entire cities, yet you flee from the seven of us? From just me? Coward!” Emelious voice rings off the jagged mountains below.

“Better a coward, than a fool.”

The sing-song voice is everywhere, but nowhere.

Emelious’ manticore dances in circles over the clouds, its head on a swivel trying to locate the sound.

And then the Cleric sees it, a light obscured by the mist… getting brighter.

Keisan erupts from the clouds. Dark, corrupted energy, anything but divine, crackled about his fist.

The Half-Elf alerted by Valkur’s light reacts quickly and attempts to pull up and out of the way.

CRAAAAACCCCKKKKKKKKK.

A shockwave blasts into and through Emelious’ mount. The beast, dazed, pitches to the side and tumbles through the air as the Half-Elf screams in agony.

No. No.

Emelious, badly burned, and fighting for consciousness pulls hard on the reins, “No!”

The manticore shakes its mane as it too fights against the damaging blow.

“Snap out of it!”

Fwooom.

The beast re-extends its leathery wings and catches the air. It rights itself and lets out a roar.

“Still alive?” Keisan asks, amusement lacing his voice, “I admire your tenacity Half-Elf. But we all have our parts to play. And yours is to die.”

The Laughing Mask descends, hurtling towards Emelious for a finishing blow. But the Half-Elf was ready this time.

Wait for it. Wait for it... Now.

The sailor leaps off of his mount and bowls into Cyric’s priest just as the attack strikes. The resultant shockwave burns into Emelious’ back, propelling him further than intended.

The two clerics tumble off the Manticore, Valkur’s chosen gripping tightly to Cyric’s. The latter laughing the entire way.

“This ends here,” Emelious cries, “You die too.”

The Mad God’s disciple, still laughing, shakes his head, “No.”

And with that, Keisan vanishes from the Half-Elf’s grip; only to reappear thirty feet above and caught by his mount.

Keisan’s form grows distant as Valkur’s glow finally fades from him.

And then a familiar feeling takes over, a feeling the Half-Elf relived over and over again in his nightmares.

Emelious Storm was falling.

I’ve failed. He has the compass. I’ve-

A million thoughts pour through the young Waterdhavian’s mind.

Thoughts of his comrades.

Artimus...
“Brozher Emelious, we have not met, and thiz iz ztrange circumztance. How do you find yourzelf in the zmall teeth?”

Custer…
“S-s-so, I-I never p-properly i-introduced my-myself. The name's C-Custer of house T-Thickett, merchant house of Esmeltaran. The half that didn't b-b-burn.”

Olufson…
“It would appear the way forward is most hazardous. A fall would be grievous indeed. But I am uneasy about turning back. I feel that we’ve been followed. And it could be unwise to backtrack.”

Dwan...
“So much for saving the "prisoners" Emelious. They must have really appreciated you blowing them up like that… Now. On to phase two.”

Osvald…
“...Luck be with you, fellows.”

Kellar...
“Emelious. Some thunder is in order, on my mark. Wait there, when you see the first boots, send them flying back down the hallway. Someone with fire, engulf the hallway after Emelious deafens and sends them afar. Any other plan to hold them off, I'm all ears.”

Pimli…
"If this army is allowed to keep growing it could grow to be unstoppable, that is something that can't be allowed. Cyric’s minions can't be allowed to have this kind of power. Besides it'll be fun to see an Arcane portal implode.”

Valeria…
"Gimble, please tell me you have a spell to clean me up because I am NOT walking around like this."

Gimble…
"This old wizard has a trick or two up his sleeves. I hope you're not afraid of fireworks. I think you'd like to see my entire collection, but I couldn't bring such a tome with me on my travels. Who knows what these barbarians would have done if they had gotten their hands on it... Now, let me remember the ritual here..."

Thoughts of his family.

His mother, Silvora…
“So, Emmy, when are you and Tee getting married? Yes, I do know that you are only eleven years old. I was there for every wonderful day.”

His father, Eadred…
“Son, I know you wanna go play sailor, but I need you here. Now that your brother has left the house, I need you to step up. Just give it a few more years, you’ll see. I’m counting on you...”

His sister, Ellana…
“Em, you really need to learn how to be more quiet. Mother knows every time you sneak out. It’s embarrassing.”

His brother, Eldric.
“If you tell father about this I’ll kill you. And then he’ll kill me for both this and killing you. And then we’ll both be dead. And once we’re both dead, who will take Elly to the markets?”

His sister-in-law, Viola.
“Well, now that Eldric and I are married, I guess you and Teela are next. Hahaha. Sorry. Sorry! Your mother told me to.”

His niece, Liffya.
“What’s that ship called? The Promise? That’s a dumb name. Why not something cool like, “WAVE SMASHER!” Smasher-of-the-waves. Don’t look at me like that. I’m five.”

Thoughts of his friends abroad.

Bale…
“Emelious, you already have all my money, what do you want next? My shirt? I am not betting my shirt!”

Drund...
“So… in a one on one fight to the death between me and Isskal… who do you think would win? Yes, I know we’re on the same side. This is purely hypo- hypo… damned Common. That’s it I’m teaching you Dwarf.”

Isskal…
“Totally me, right?”

Loech...
“You know, I thought this job would be a lot more glory, and a lot less pukey, stabby, splashy.”

Captain Umec...
“So, when are you and Thornettle, you know, setting anchor? What? No, I haven’t been speakin’ wit yer mum. Why? Is she single?”

Master Thurmas…
“Emelious Storm. I welcome you fully into Valkur’s order. Yes, I’m just as surprised as you.”

...

And lastly his thoughts turned to a woman. A raven haired woman with green eyes and a mischievous smile.

“Someday, Em. Someday that will be us. We’ll sail the Sword Coast and beyond. We’ll go on adventures. Right wrongs. Discover foreign lands. We’ll make our own destiny. We’ll be free; with no master but the waves. You and me. Thornette and Storm. Always.”

“Teela,” The broken cleric manages, “I’m sorry.”

And as the cleric drifted into unconsciousness he calls out his savior’s name, “Valkur… Valkur…,” but he knew there would be no rescue this time; the manticore above was no ship, and the ground below was no sea.

----

Thanks for reading all. As I said I'll still be around to spectate. No way I'm missing what you guys do next.

Save the world for me.
-Em

https://play.spotify.com/user/emeliousstorm/playlist/5Ye2TbliGxkJtAWRBfdjcD

Dwan Bolduum Thu Feb 18, 2016 6:06 pm

The wind whips through Dwan's hair and beard as he breaks the cloud line. In the distance he can see the shape of two manticores in a chase.

Hold on Emelious. he says under his breath as he guides his manticore toward the battle. The speed of the beast has significantly been reduced since catching Custer, one of it's hind legs hangs down limply A dislocation maybe?

As the thought passes through his mind a blinding flash causes him to cover his eyes, he uses his knees to urge the manticore to hold still until the violet spots leave his eyes. Dwan rubs his eyes and looks out to try to find the source of the lighting.

Once his vision clears Dwan can see one manticore flying swiftly away from the tower and the fight. Emelious? he asks aloud.

Custer shakes his head and tells Dwan that he saw both Emelious and the manticore drop below the ridge line. As he points to the approximate location of Emelious's fall Custer winces in pain and grabs his ribs.

His breathing isn't so good either. he thinks as he hears the sharp inhales from the halfling.

Dwan places one of his hands over Custer's ribs and casts healing word.

Come on, we are going back to get you some more help.

-----------------------------------------------------

Dwan holds the manticore still as Custer steps onto the ledge of the tower. Once he is secure, Dwan rubs the side of the manticore and casts another healing word on it's hind legs. Thank you, friend, for lending us your services. Dwan dismounts the beast and leaves it sitting on the ledge outside.

Dwan looks to his allies, most of them excited to see Custer safe again. He sees a few glances towards the horizon, looking for something.

Emelious fell... he says with a stone-faced expression He perused Keisan when I was getting Cuss. They were both too far away for me to get him too...

As the party asks questions Dwan will do his best to provide them with any details.

===============================

Dwan witnesses the end of Emelious Storm.

He heals Custer and the manticore for story purposes (rolls in lair. Custer +5 hp Manticore +4 hp)

He is the bearer of bad news.

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:32 am

Having finished shutting and barricading the door with the scraps of wood or weapons that lay on the tiled ground, Gimble finds his eyes drawn to the small orb mounted within a nest of plants. The light mesmerizes him, and he can't help but take a few steps closer until he was just below it. The old gnome stroked his beard and wracked his brain for any past knowledge of such an object, whether it seems like an ordinary spell focus or something far greater.

1d20+7 Arcana = 19

DiceMaster Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:32 am

The member 'Gimble Nabisco Raulnor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 12

Artimus DeLonde Fri Feb 19, 2016 11:28 am

Artimus winced at the flash of light that bursted force with terrible brillance. His eyes had been desperately trying to make out the m manticore mounted men as they decended down the dizzying tower that grew rose from the cragy earth and rose impossibly towards the sky. Despite the surging vertigo the mariner had forced a fixed gaze through squinted eyes.

"Come on, Come on" He quitely repeated.

The blast sent him reelings covering burnt cornea- he rubbed his searching eyes blinking once and again- trying to banish the sensation of his eyes being filled wih sand.

"Zweet Fuck!" He exclaimed laid low onto his ass.

As his vision slowly return he could make a rough stout beared form stepping over the balcony with a smaller form in tow

Scambling to feet he grabbed the what looked like a vague approximation of a Dwarf with both hand on his stout shoulders-

"Dawn zhe BeaztMazter, Magnifique!

He moved to the fuzzy smaller form

"Cuzter how did you pozzibly survive thiz, how do you fit ballz that big into those tiny pantz?"

As his vision came further into focus Artimus could make out the crest fallen look dripping off of Dwan's face and the conspicious absence of Emelious.

Dwan wrote:"Emelious fell... he says with a stone-faced expression He perused Keisan when I was getting Cuss. They were both too far away for me to get him too...

The excitement and joy drained from the mariner's face, open smile falling pale and dour.

"Non Non Non Brave- Foolizh.... Blazt! " grumbled pacing left and right

Artimus looked back up to those gathered-

"We have no time to wazte, if Kezian gets to zhe Holicondath before we do... zhiz will all be for naught, . Emelious will have died in vien.

Artimus pulled out his Cartography kit and sketched out the tower hastily- planning their best exit. (1d20 cartography) 23!

" We each know portions of this place- Gimble Valeria- your input would be valuable"
=======================================

Artimus Searches Daste

DiceMaster Fri Feb 19, 2016 11:28 am

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 19

Kellar Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:26 pm

Kellar craned his neck and rolled his shoulders. The fatigue would wear off, just needed to rest. The combat high was wearing off. It's been too long since we've rested. Orbaugh and his master scoured the room for weapons, trinkets or other things that were of value. He looked up as Dwan landed with Custer in tow. "By the Nines, he made it. Where is-" Then Dwan unfolded what happened in the sky and how Emelious fell.

"These sons of bitches need to be ended. No quarter, no mercy. Just, ended," Kellar said fiercely. "We kill twenty of them, they kill one of us. We need to cut the head off the snake and step on it." Kellar crossed his arms and looked out over the valley, staring at the fire below and the tiny camps. "Valeria, Gimble. Can, no, will you aid us in our quest?" Kellar looked at Custer. "He has to be the luckiest hin I know. A fine level of madness and skill."

Kellar looked to the others. "What do we do next?"

Valeria Thaemor Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:34 pm

Val stares at Custer and Dwan with a look of surprise mingled with sadness for the news Dwan has delivered. Her eyes instinctively go over the two, eyeing them for any serious wounds that may need tending too. "I'm sorry about Emelious. I didn't know him for very long, but he seemed to be a good man." She notices Gimble examining a crystal ball and glares "Where did you find that?! You're like a toddler! Every time I turn around you're grabbing onto everything you can! What if that's dangerous, huh? You think I want to spend my day picking up chunks of gnome when you inevitably blow yourself up?!" She disgruntingly pipes down when the gnome puts a finger to his lips and shushes her.

Custer Thickett Fri Feb 19, 2016 1:57 pm

"Hoof!" The wind left Cuss's lungs in a painful instant as his ribs cracked and folded flat. Words escaped even his thoughts as he was sure he was dead, but as his eyes flew wide open and refocused, he realized he was alive and far above the camp. His grip on the compass tightened as he tried to clutch the short fur on the manticore's back with his other hand.

"Hold on tight Cuss, hopefully Emelious caught that son of a bitch."

He turned his head to look at the rider, relieved and surprised to see it was Dwan and not Cyric's laughing mask returning for the artifact. He opened his mouth to try to thank his friend with a quip about Kesian's mother, but only managed to leak blood onto his chin in a wheezed effort to speak. He realized then that he couldn't breathe.

Bright light and a concussive blast from above distracted him from panic, as he narrowed his eyes to try to see the source. He spotted a manticore tumbling end over end, and a rider plummeting like a rock. Custer could see the shield of Valkur on the rider's arm. The clever cleric from Waterdeep was falling, and above him, Kesian was still mounted and fleeing.

"Emelious?" Dwan asked.

Cuss shook his head and pointed at the ridge of the mountains. His voice barely a whisper as he spoke, "He fell."

Dwan, sensing his pain, laid a hand upon Cuss. It brought him comfort, and boiled a warmth inside him that seemed to fill his lungs and push his ribs back out. Cuss howled as he sucked in air.

"Come on, we are going back to get you some more help."

Cuss stepped onto the balcony and trudged slowly to a seat beside the closest fire. His friends greeted him with smiles and pats on the back. He sighed as he sat down, and held up the compass for them to observe.

Artimus was quick to return a smile to Custer's face, saying, "Cuzter how did you pozzibly survive thiz, how do you fit ballz that big into those tiny pantz?"

He removed Brahms scarf from his head as he looked up at the Cormyrian, "Magic, yeah?"

The joke purchased only a moment's respite as Artimus was soon pacing and joining Kellar in pleas of anger over Emelious's fall. Cuss stared into the fire, and the words around him faded. He could only hear the singing of the flame. He thought of home.

"Thank you, my Lady."

Artimus's voice pulled him back, "We have no time to wazte, if Kezian gets to zhe Holicondath before we do... zhiz will all be for naught, . Emelious will have died in vien."

The Cuss remember the boy. He placed his hand on the Fist, and reached out to him. "Brahm, the room is clear. Come back with my pack, and try to think back to me if you see anybody in the hallway."

He got up from the fire and moved into the room of corpses, noticing the door had been barricaded shut. He shook his head and whispered back out to Brahm. "Eh, nevermind. Seems the door is locked. If there is another way in, come. If not, make your way out of the tower. Doan let them see your fear, yeah?"

Then Cuss turned his attention to the cloaked lady lying on the floor near the head of the table. He smiled when he saw the panic in her eyes and poisoned sores on her face. She looked to be otherwise unharmed. Hopefully, she was just paralyzed, but still alive.

Straddling Maurei, Cuss sits on her chest and holds his hand over her mouth and nose, checking to see if she is still breathing. He whispers down to her. "All this for a god of murder and lies. Me thinks ya thought it would end differently, yeah? Heh. K'Tesh thought much the same. Saw it in his dying eyes I did."

....

Cuss hopes Maruei is still alive as she only drank paralyzing poison.

Ao Sun Feb 21, 2016 3:27 pm

“I’m still hiding.” the voice came in clearly through the Kraken’s Fist pendant, Brahm’s tone shaky but preserved. Custer’s bones ache as he straddles the poison-wracked woman Maurei, whose face is a bloodied and blistered mess. Her body only trembles slightly beneath him, but her eyes remain fixed upon his face.

It seems she has no use of her tongue, presently. But she is alive.

The compass sits coldly, and weightily, in his hands.

[…]

The mariner sits at the grand table, the charcoal between his fingers smudging upon his nails as he drafts a copy of the map for all to see. Striding past, Kellar looks at the relatively complicated schematic that Artimus has created. It is rather impressive.

[Cartography results:]

Artimus’ handiwork produces two likely paths for exit. Perhaps they could use the elevator network through the inner sanctum, facing no risk of incendiary explosion on the way down. Likely, they could find their way to the portal room again, or out through the minecarts. There were a lot of them for a stealthy retreat on a wagon, however. And the camp would undoubtedly be alarmed if Alshaquiz had bade warning of their assault.

Although, the Djinn seemed unconcerned with anything but himself. Perhaps he simply fled.

They could also retreat back down the staircase and through the scullery passage, escaping out into the camp under disguise.

Or, the were the manticores….

Dwan looks over the balcony as the others deliberate on the next plan of action. Burned into his eyelids, the violet explosion of Emelious’ demise will not vacate his memory.

[Dwan, knowledge]

Looking down, he watches again as the Manticores flap about and roost. Two of them tear apart a carcass on a ledge below, and you cannot be completely sure that it isn’t human. They were lucky enough to commandeer and command the beasts in the salvation of Custer and the pursuit of Keisan during the confusion, but manticores are vicious and fickle creatures. Dwan might be able to break one - but the whole fellowship? That would prove a challenge.

[…]

Gimble looks curiously at the crystal ball. And then, his pulse begins to quicken, and the hairs stand up on his neck.

[Gimble, Arcane check (reaction) ]

Closeby, Valyria watches as the gnome turns white, backing away from the ball as it suddenly begins to glow brilliantly. Gimble knows exactly what this is…

A teleportation keystone.

The ball begins to spin and rotate wickedly, casting a mist of green light off in sheets. From inside the chambers, the fellowship is suddenly alerted to the flickering light commotion outside on the balcony.

Gimble moves he and Valyria back rapidly, nearly tripping over the uneven stone on the balcony until they have put the fire pit in between themselves and an expanding dimensional door.

In seconds, there is an eldritch green portal projecting out from the ball. It shimmers and wavers, pulling together the fabrics of time and space.

[…]
[Gimble’s Arcane check gives enough time for him to shout, alert the fellowship, and allow everyone to move/get into position wherever they would like]

[…]

Your eyes remain fixated on the portal.

Suddenly, a shadow materializes.

A tiny, bulbous creature with unusable wings makes a vaguely squishing noise as it leaps from the green gateway, followed by another and another. They are disgusting looking creatures, with vacant, ponderous eyes and tiny pink hands. No larger than a barn cat, they squish about on the balcony, dripping mucousy ichor off their slick, swampy flesh.

In a matter of seconds, nearly two dozen of them have emerged and created a bizarre procession, standing at attention for a larger shadow that begins to appear, and then fill, and then flood through the portal…!

A baritone, scratching voice echoes across the balcony even before the being steps into existence.

“Keisssssan. Your timing is inconvenient, as always.”

There is a scraping sound as an enormous, eight-foot tall armoured humanoid steps onto the balcony. Green mist swirls about him, obscuring parts of his body and converging as an enormous cloak that billows down his back.

He wears a charcoal breastplate emblazoned with golden sigils, a pair of laughing skulls and an assemblage of sickles. A helm, shaped ornamentally like a jackal with a great yawning maw, adorns the top of his head. It obscures its’ wearer’s face in shadow, leaving only the impression of an inhuman jawline studded with barbs and thorns.

Strapped across his back, is a starkly white, skinny great sword that stretches from above his head and down to below his knees. It looks like the spine of a dragon, for its’ length and fragile lethality.

He looks at you, scanning the crowd.

From behind him, another shadow materializes through the portal. A small, bulbous demon that looks similar to a sentient pile of moss sloshes out and stands just behind the towering, eldritch warrior. With its four gouty arms, it holds a long pole that bares the weight of a small cage, with a shadowy figure imprisoned inside.

“What issss the meaning of this?” speaks the warrior with an air of irritation. “You have called, and I have ansssswered the sssssummons. Sssssspeak quickly, or asssssssssure your death.”

Artimus’ eyes, however, are not fixated upon the towering demon before them.

No, he watches as a diminutive individual peers out from within the cage.

Mussed hair, and a dirt-specked face that’s worse for wear than the last time he’d seen him.

Pimli.

===========================

Ok guys.

See above - Gimbles arcana check gave you all enough warning necessary to position yourselves wherever you’d like for this encounter.

Pimli is held in an anti-magic cage. Pim, you don’t have access to any of your magic skills, or items. And you cannot cast any spells.

I’ll let you define how it is you ended up in this situation, my good friend gnome. You can let them know after it’s resolved.

Demon's stats are up in the lair, should this end in combat.

Good luck.

MVP: Custer. Really solid narrative sir. Appreciated another vantage point on the events that transpired.

Custer Thickett Sun Feb 21, 2016 4:56 pm

[Rolling 3d6 hit dice for short rest. +1]
15 HP

Cuss tilts his head and leans when he listens to Brahm's message. He begins to reach for his Fist to reply, but notices Maurei's eyes follow his face. He smiles down at her. "Ah, ya knew him, yeah? K'Tesh Hun'Ett?"

Cuss takes a dagger out of his leather bracer and lightly traces the point underneath his chin as he says, "He wanted to wear my face. In the end, I cut the hair off his dead body and used it for silver thread to embroider my underblack cloak. Oiy, I wish I had it here for you to see."

Cuss looks up and sees his hand-crossbows laying on the cold stone of the balcony. He looks down at Maurei with wide eyes, then uses his left hand to turn her head to turn and look out at them. "See that black crossbow out there? You might have seen it before when you convinced that Drow bastard to forsake Lloth for Cyric. I used it to kill Kesian."

[Deception for flavor +5]
8

He turns her head back to look up at him. He traces the point of his dagger down her nose. "Me thinks ya wondering why ya God hasn't smited me for this, yeah?"

He leans back a little as he lifts his left hand from her face and uses it display the holy symbol of Waukeen before her eyes. "He offended me Lady when he turned armies against her children, yeah?"

He releases the amulet to return his hand to her face and squeeze her cheeks between his fingers. He lifts the dagger, threatening her with it. "Ya were foolish to think them weak."

He narrows his eyes as he asks her, "Where is Lincoln Thickett?"

...

Cuss will sit on Maurei's chest waiting for an answer until Gimble calls out a warning, upon which he will dive off her for his crossbows on the balcony.

DiceMaster Sun Feb 21, 2016 4:56 pm

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D8' : 5, 1, 8

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 3

Artimus DeLonde Mon Feb 22, 2016 12:01 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vXj-eT3rF4
===================================

"Zo how did you enjoy our firzt foray Mon vieux acier- how long have you been hidden away up here anyway?"

"I didn't" the metal face sounded, -" I ordered you to put me back, didn't I? Now look at me covered in blood and-!"

Zhhhhhhh now,"Artimus interrupted “You zound like a -how you zay -a -a" not finding the words he reverted to his mother tongue.

"'une petit prix blanc' now, non? You're fine aren’t you?" He comforted the sentient blade as he cleaned the sanguine fluids from its length

'You’ve made the world a little less vile today- isn't that nice?" The Mariner questioned.

"I don't care one bit about the doings of a commoner-” The crotchety blade was interrupted again by, this time by the shout of a Gnome.

The Mariner moved out to broken glass window on to balcony following the noise.

[..]

The shuttering aperture stood, an affront to the material plane, jade and crackling, venting a mist that smelt of burnt hair and the taste of lighting.

Artimus followed the sound to where Gimble and the voice that cried out in warning. The Cormyrian Sailor seeing the portal moved to where it formed instinctively positioned to respond to what would come next, waiting with some anxiety for what it would bore.

Sweat collected, warm and salty upon his brow, wicked away into an already salt stained black folded bandana as he viewed the bulbous demons Materialize out of the portal's event horizon. One, six, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four.

The Mariner slowly pulled his dark eleven blade from its resting place counter point to the long sword in his stronger hand.

“I want you to meet your zizter-Mon vieux acier; zhe is fazt az lighting and cruel az a barb-"

"You're quite mad." the blade answered. "Now I have no interest in-" once again the sentient armament was interrupted, this time by the emergence of what came next.

At the same time Artimus saw it- massive, enshrouded in black billowing enfurlment and effervescant green obscurities.

Further than sight he could feel it's presence- right to his very core- like the steady pull on fresh stitches - threatening to tear him wide.

1d20+Wis Dc 15 or be unable to move. Fail
1d20+Con Dc 15 or take 1d10 damage demonic presence Fail

The ever-present wound on his chest- moved- seeping a black blood-.

" I.. I.. I...” each declaration punctuated by a sharp panicked inhalation of air.

"I juzt can't.." he whispered as he his eyes tightly, squeezing out tears - tears that burned with acidity of the sleepless trek into the mountains veil- to this dark place marked with evil and triumph and loss.

Artimus felt his flesh fail and his psyche wither- his heart bled at the demonic presence. Weakened by his traverse to other side- by the demon that marked him in death. He was one who was hunted, one who died, one who was anchored by the divine grace of Selûne.

Then he saw it, a sorry, slight looking creature who lay caged behind the cadre of demon and spawn. Pimili. looking desperatly- with the fearfull eyes of a child.

Today he was reminded of what that meant. To bleed till all men are free.

Stammering, broken, he exclaimed to the towering demonic presence.

Kezian demandz...mmmm... requeztz zhe gnome filzh-

He haz dizturbed our portalz and zhreatened our planz- our clericz need to probe him and expozez hiz truzhz!-

To learn what ozher interruptionz he may have planted or planned.

We've only juzt foiled zhe rezt of hiz interloperz who dezcended on our council.

Artimus waited in breathless anticipation- resisting the impulse to grip his throbbing chest. He pled for his friend’s life.
1d20 +4 bluff-persuasion. Critical Success. (24)

============================================================

Ok folks!
So for those of you who may not know- Artimus Died in the time between this campaign and the last- while traversing this plane to the next was brought back by a priestess of Selûne- explained here https://rootsoflegend.rpg-board.net/t449p450-chapter-four[/color][/color]

DiceMaster Mon Feb 22, 2016 12:01 am

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 8, 7, 20

Pimli Prixus Mon Feb 22, 2016 12:16 pm

What a fine mess you've gotten yourself into this time! Pimli thinks to himself looking at his captors. Of course Demon's don't want to by your friend that was dumb, and now you may never see your real friends again

The little Gnome sits in the force cage favoring his right arm, looking around the Hellscape at his captors awaiting whatever punishment they have in store for him.

"The flith will learn not to disturb it'sssss bettersssssssss" The gnome lifts his grime covered fast to look the Demon in the eye, and with a defiant smile he says "Betters? What are you better at? I'd like to try and see. It'll be like a game"

A black guantleted fist flies through the air connecting with Pimli's mouth sending him flying into the back of his cell

[Ao can you provide dmg for this smack?]

Getting to his feet he wipes blood for the corner of his mouth and grins towards the armored figure, but his captor is paying attention to something else. A shimmering portal that just opened up, a portal through which he sees his friends.

===============================

(EARLIER)

Pimli looks at Artimus, watching as the Mariner takes his first few steps up the elevator chain.

“Captain, you on on ahead. There was something about that portal room I just…I just wanted to check out…”

Pimli leaves his friends behind, as he retraces his steps thinking on the impossibility that he believes he saw.

He walks into the portal room and up to the large stone archway that at one time shimmered like a mirror. And there right where he thought he had seen it before Kellar leaped sending the Gnome flying, was a small glass orb.

Interesting, this doesn't belong here The Gnome thinks to himself as he picks the object up.

He can feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, the all to familiar feeling of an Arcane surge, but coming from the Orb not himself. He drops the ball and readies himself as the Dimensional Door cuts its way into existence.

He watches in wonderment as the bazaar parade of Demons marches through the gateway and stops before him.

"Keisssssan, You have called, and I have ansssswered the sssssummons. Sssssspeak quickly, or asssssssssure your death." the Gnome drops his guard and walks towards the towering being before him "I'm not Keisssssan, I'm Pimli and I apologize for ssssssummoning you. I just wanted to see what the Orb there did, and who might you be?" He swaps his staff from his right hand to his left as he speaks and raises his tiny hand up to the tower of a man.

The armored figure grasps Pimlis hand and lifts him off the ground by that arm until they are face to face "I will be your destruction"

=======================================

(NOW)

Joy fills his face at the sight of his friends, but confusion sets in at the sight of Artimus he doesn't look like the Captain that Pimli left earlier that day, he looks unsure and broken.

Who are these new people? surely It's only been a few hours since I lift Artimus at the elevator shaft, and wheres Emelious?

The Gnomes thoughts are cut off as the Captain begins to speak "Kezian demandz- mm requeztz zhe gnome filzh- he haz dizturbed our portalz and zhreatened our planz- our clericz need to probe him and expozez hiz truzhz- to learn what ozher interruptionz he may have planted or planned. We've only juzt foiled zhe rezt of hiz interloperz who dezcended on our council."

[Insight Check to see what Arts getting at d20+4: 9 FAIL]

The joy runs out of Pimlis face, tears stream through his eyes leaving trails in the dirt. He falls to his knees and openly sobs.

Cyric you bastard what did you do to my friends

DiceMaster Mon Feb 22, 2016 12:16 pm

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 5

Kellar Mon Feb 22, 2016 3:34 pm

Kellar nudged Valeria and nodded toward the caged Pimli.

He walked around Artimus to give an air of credibility to his words. "Hand him over," said Kellar, as he removed a chain from his belt pouch. His golden scales faded as he walked toward Pimli, showing the beaten and faded armor underneath. He looked like worn out anvil of death. Persuasion Roll= 6+4= 10; Meh.

Kellar raised a hand to the cage and removed Pimli with one hand. "Quit crying, maggot," he said with a gravel-like voice.Intimidation Roll= 12+4= 16; Yah? Kellar punched Pimli as he hung from his opposite hand. 1d4 damage= 3 (I'm so sorry). He carried Pimli toward one of the pillars as Valerie escorted. "Cleric, begin extracting information from this maggot," he said. Deception Roll= 4+4= 8; Meh.

I hope this works...

DiceMaster Mon Feb 22, 2016 3:34 pm

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 4, 6

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#2 'D20' : 9, 12

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#3 'D4' : 3

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#4 'D20' : 4, 4

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