Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Sparkie]

It is Maia! And she's more beautiful, more radiant, than I thought possible. This is how she should be; angelic and pure, free of Corruption. Valkyries and ministers of Betula save me, I'm not fit to look upon her form. Still, she beckons me. Could it be? Might I finally have what I've wanted so?

I continue forward. Nothing can stop me from my destiny now...

 

[SeverinR]

Stopping to look over the scene,
It is obvious who is charmed and who isn't.
MY bow? The wolf girl has it, where is she?
Bow? Do I need a bow?
"I could really make them sing..." I draw my sword.
Moving quickly and trying not to be noticed, I look for a way to get behind one of the bird banshees, without splashing in the water, if impossible I will try to get behind the closest without drawing attention, or as little attention as possible.

(If I need a roll let me know, I won't attack yet to make sure that we are on the same as the others)

 

[Steerpike]

((Going to describe this as best I can without a map. Note, Keit was too far away to attack the creature with the dagger last run. The monster is out in the water with Darin. I'm having Keit run up that way this round, having drawn her spear. You can save your rolls from last round if you like, since there was no map to go on to determine distance)).

Darin walks forward toward the dagger-wielding creature and it swoops lower over the water, its wings sending ripples across the black surface and increasing the foul smell in the cavern.

Matthew is a few feet behind Darin, still moving forward as well, and a few feet behind him comes Algernon. The barbarian finds his captives, Cadell and Keitsumah, struggling, and he releases them, allowing him to make better time toward the beautiful singer. Cadell and Keitsumah land in the water with a small splash - not much, as the water is shallow.

Keitsumah appears to go almost into a trance of some sort, as though straining with a vision. Cadell hears Baldhart's loud voice, and answers her, turning to offer her sword.

The creature that attacked Ankari previously comes at him again, once again using both of its talons to its best advantage. Ankari concentrates his efforts on evading the blows:

Creature Attack [1d20+3] = 17+3 = 20

Creature Attack [1d20+3] = 7+3 = 10

His evasions are largely effective, though one claw gets through:

Talon Damage [1d4] = 1

The attack is little more than a scratch.

Aliron notes that the creature attacking Ankari is the closest enemy, and moves swiftly through the shallow water to position himself behind the foul monster.

Rydh continues toward the creature, his Maia, singing her affections to him.

The dagger-wielding creature closes on the dumbstruck Darin, who looks up at her in adoration. Without breaking her song, she sails past him. There is a flick of her dagger, the spattering of drops into the black pool, then the dwarf grabs at his throat and pitches forward, splashing into the cold embrace of the water.

As the creature sails past, Batos arrives, growling, and takes a leap at her. He is just a moment too late, and she sails past him without taking any damage.

Keitsumah breaks from her vision, spear in hand, and moves toward where Batos stands, growling. The creature is beyond her reach, but it is circling, and when it completes its turn it has Keitsumah fixed in its gaze and it comes in for another attack.

Baldhart reaches Cadell to take her sword. Mauve is only a little behind her, reaching the chamber just as the singing creature completes her attack on Darin.

((Note:

Aliron, Baldhart, Ankari, Cadell, and Mauve are each close enough to use melee attacks against the creature that has been attacking Ankari.

Any member of the party is close enough to either creature to attack using ranged attacks.

The singing creature is out of melee range at the start of the round, but she is descending toward Keitsumah. Baldhart and Cadell are close enough to reach Keitsumah's side about the same time the creature does. Please post questions if you have them. Sorry about no map - I'll get that fixed tomorrow morning)).

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I grab my sword, and rush to Keit's side, ready to attack…

…flying naked women?

Baldy, don't get distracted!

 

[Nihal]

Flying furies. I can swear I've seen something similar on the bestiaries before although I can't remember its entry; my best guess it's one of those beasts who are somehow magical and can charm people—assumption backed up by my own predicament. My eyes dart from the flying beasts to the people on the lake, the ranger, the ones who came with me... and the elf with my spear.

I can't reach the damned singer! I need to block sound! I think furiously while I move. I can't use the spell I wish, I'm too tired for that. Then what can I do with the energy left? I want to smash the beast who managed to enchant me, a caster more powerful than I. Oh, I don't like competition... I look again to the lake; I think in the enchantments I still have energy to use.

I smirk.

"WATER BLOCKS SOUNDS!" I shout at the top of my lungs and sing again, moving to the water, closer to the harpies, fishing something from my backpack, an item I've not used for a long time: Rope.

When positioned, I throw it in the singer's direction. "EAT THIS, YOU BLOODY HARLOT!"

I shout the enchantment and wave, controlling the rope in the air. Birds with tangled wings can't fly.



((Mage Hands, spell lvl 0. Critical success! *______*

Plan: She wants to loop the floating rope around the harpy body, specifically it's wings, keeping one end at her hand if the distance allows. In case the singer is too far—25ft—she'll hold the rope ready to entangle her when she comes closer.))

 

[Ireth]

"DARIN!"

Is he alive?

I can't tell whether or not he's moving. I leap forward and fall to my knees in the bloody water, then reach down and try to pull him up. If he is still alive, I may be able to keep him from drowning.

Darin is too heavy for me to lift with one hand and my useless stump. I settle for turning him face-up so he can breathe -- if he can still breathe. "Darin!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((I rolled a 6 to-hit, but if a naked creature is prone… no armor, no DEX, I think -4 AC for the vulnerability or just a free hit for being entangled in rope… my 6 might hit. IF it does, this is the readied action from Baldy actually working thanks to Mauve.))

Mauve…!

Your gamble paid off! She's good, Baldy!

Already prepared to strike the songbird, I take advantage of her weakened position and plunge my sword alongside Keitsumah's spear!

I stomp on her with my boot with the hope to drown her! ((Assuming a water landing.))

 

[Keitsumah]

The creature's wings cause the air to swirl with the fetid stench of decaying bodies. I wrinkle my nose and hold firm, depsite the fact that my limbs begin to quiver.

I see Baldart rushing towards me, sword raised, and I brace my feet against the floor, spear pointing out just as her sword slashes at the monster.

[1d20+0]= 16 (hit chance)

[1d8+0]= 4 (damage if it works)

 

[SeverinR]

My embarassment, my disorientation, all my anger I muster up a mighty swing


Maybe a little less rage and I might have hit.

Just in case I hit.

 

[Ankari]

I ignore the group as they arrive. Too many are under the wretched creature's spell. I need to rid myself of this new assault and skewer the songstress to silence her song.

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=11472]Longbow Attack: [1d20+3] = 8+3 = 11 Attacking the one attacking me. What?(I got Nihal's cooties)[/URL]

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=11474]Arrow Damage: [1d8+3] = 4+3 = 7 (I may be moody, but I'm always hopeful)[/URL]

 

[Steerpike]

((Here is the new map!))

 

[Steerpike]

The entire party is now within the reeking natural cavern. As your eyes have adjusted you can make out a bit more of the ledge from whence the harpies swooped down toward members of the group. Black shapes huddle motionless atop the ledge. Along the far wall of the cavern, you make out a cage similar to the one Keit was in, but smaller, and a large pile of bones nearby. There is little time to do more than register these sights, however, as the battle continues.

The singing harpy continues her dive toward Keitsumah, dagger held sideways in its forward fist as it attempts to slash Keitsumah without slowing its flying motion. Both Keitsumah and Baldhart ready attacks of their own. The three attacks occur almost simultaneously. Baldhart thrusts her sword forward, but she misjudged the speed of the flying creature and her sword misses its mark. A wave of stink emanates from the harpy's wings as it flies past.

Keitsumah's spear scores the creature's leg, cutting a gash across the dirty skin. Even as she hits it, however, the fast-moving creature twists its torso and drags the tip of its sharp knife across Keitsumah's torso:

Harpy Attacks Keitsumah [1d20+4] = 18+4 = 22

Harpy Damage [1d4+3] = 3+3 = 6

The cut is deep, and a coldness spreads across the wound, followed by a sharp pain ((-6 HP Keitsumah)).

As the melee attacks occur, Mauve has her rope in place and tries to use the magical power of her spell to twist the rope around the creature. Though the task is incredibly difficult, she somehow manages to loop the rope in just the right manner, catching the harpy just as it tries to spread its wings again to gain altitude. The forward momentum of the creature aids in the tangling of the rope across its wings.

The harpy is heavy, though, and moving fast. The rope does not drop the entangled creature at the spot where Mauve struck it. Instead, it's momentum carries it through the air, the rope further winding about its body as it sails past Mauve, enough of its wings catching air to keep it aloft a few seconds more. Mauve uses all of her strength to try to hang on to the rope and bring the creature down, while the creature uses its strength and momentum to try to avoid it:

STR Check Flying Harpy [1d20+6] = 15+6 = 21

The speed and weight of the creature prove to be too much. Mauve, trying to hang on, is jerked forward onto her knees. She splashes into the cold water and loses hold of the rope. The harpy hits the edge of the water with a splash, then tumbles onto its haunches. The rope is wrapped around its arms and wings, and it twists and turns violently, spitting water. It won't take long to free itself.

The other consequence of the harpy's crash is this: when it struck the water, its song came to an immediate end, and when it tumbles onto its feet, spitting water, the last echoes of the song have already left the cavern. The harpy continues to struggle with the rope, eyes fixed with hatred on Mauve. All those who were charmed suddenly find themselves, somewhat confusingly, standing in cold water in a stinking cavern, the object of their affection turned to a dirty, hideous (though quite naked), winged female.

Unaware of Aliron behind her, the harpy attacking Ankari splashes to a landing in front of him. He attacks, but she dodges the blow, then strikes out with a fist:

Harpy Swings at Ankari [1d20+3] = 18+3 = 21

Harpy Fist Damage [1d3+2] = 2+2 = 4

Her fist catches Ankari across the jaw, twisting his head to the side with the force of it. ((-4 HP to Ankari. This is non-lethal damage)).

Aliron, behind this now-landed harpy, takes the opportunity to thrust his blade at the creature's back. The creature ruffles its wings at just the same moment and the blade is turned aside by a mass of clotted feathers. The harpy lets out a yelp of surprise, turns, and takes a step backward, eager to keep both Ankari and Aliron in its sights.

As the fighting rages, Cadell has the dwarf. He keeps Darin's head out of the water, preventing the dwarf from drowning. Darin is unconcious, and blood spurts from the slash across his neck with each beat of his heart. His face is pale, as are his fingers and hands. He is breathing, but only shallowly. Cadell feels certain that without some dramatic assistance, the dwarf is not long for this world.

 

[Ireth]

I do my best to support the unconscious dwarf with my left arm, and press my hand to the gash in his neck, struggling to stem the flow. My hand is soon coated in crimson.

The song is ended -- the others must be free of its spell. I raise my head and bellow. "RYDH! HELP!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Mauve!

You said you wanted to support her, Baldy. Now's a good time.

I shout at the entangled harpy as I charge!

And slam her against the wall!

((STR - Stun attempt!))

((Yeah, that's the Baldhart we all know and love!))

 

[Nihal]

For a second I thought I would end flying through the place only to suffer a not nearly pleasant landing. I spit the foul water and raise, keeping my eyes fixed on the entangled harpy, not believing it really worked.

Oh...

The thing is pissed at me. I pull my dagger again, not daring to look away from her to get my spear. That's it, I have no more tricks left, I'm tired and practically unarmed. All I can do now is trust in these people, I can't even shout for help or the beast could interpret it as fear, making me an even more attractive prey. Yet, mayhap I can keep the thing from resuming its song.

"What? I don't know what is worse, this place's stink or your ugly face." I say mockingly and laugh, attempting to instill even more hatred.


((Nope.))

My heart feels like if it's going to burst out of my chest. If it comes, then let it come!

((Evade stance, +4 to my poor AC. Yay for Baldhart!))

 

[Sparkie]

This post begins last round...

I step toward my blessed mentor, and she lowers herself to the level of mortals. I see Darin now, and Maia approaches him. She reaches out to him. The emotional weight of her anointing touch is, indeed, too much for him, and he falls on his face in obeisance to her. How loving of her and our Divine Swordsman to extend a blessing to a Dwarf!

Once again she rises, and I'm in awe. I can only pray that I might be like her one day. She lowers herself to the former prisoner girl, and extends a blessing to her as well.

What is Mauve doing? No! Don't drag her down! Why?!? Why would you-

Oh my...

*****​

I'm standing in a puddle of sludge. Baldhart is attacking... Whatever that is. It's not Maia, that's for sure. I hear the sound of wings on the other side of the room, and I turn. Ankari and Aliron are engaged with something similar-looking to what Baldhart and Mauve are fighting. I ready my-

My sword! Where is my sword?!?

I hear someone calling me, and again I turn. Cadell is kneeling, holding Darin's head above water. The dwarf is badly hurt, and Cadell looks desperate. I run over to Darin, kneel, grasp his shoulder close to his neck, and cast...

Rydh casts Cure Light Wounds on Darin, heals 5 HP.

I then stand and look around quickly. My sword, I have to find it!

 

[Ireth]

Rysh looks around, and I imagine he seeks his weapon, since I don't see it on him or anywhere nearby. I speak up quickly. "Take my sword, and may it serve you well." I nod to the weapon hanging against my hip.

 

[Phietadix]

What? What has happened? I was coming to a celebration. We had just one another battle, and then . . . where am I? I look around the room for a few seconds. The party is fighting a creature, a harpy it appears. I prepare to charge it. My spear! where is my spear? And my javelins? I remember dropping them, I was almost in a dream-like state. I have no time to get them. I'll simply have to try and grapple the creature, hold it down so the others can strike.

((Dex is prime))

 

[Ravana]

Algernon looks a bit at a loss once the sing-along stops. In fact, he shows little sign of snapping out of it at all: he continues to stare upward, as if entranced.

Anyone watching his eyes might note that they aren't looking at the now-crashed harpy, but rather the ledge she dove from.

Anyone watching his hands, rather than his eyes, might note that each now holds a throwing hammer, fresh off their belt loops.

Anyone expecting him to remain quiet hasn't been paying enough attention.

"Hey, birdies! Betcha don't know this one!"

And betcha can't sing louder'n I can, neither.

"Now as I walked out one fine day
Down by the London River
A handsome girl I chanced to spy
We cruised along together
Her cheeks they were like the roses red
She'd a feathery bonnet all on her head
I put the hardwood on her but she said she was a maid
The pretty little trim-rigged doxy!

"'Now I can't and I shan't and I won't go with you
You saucy rambling sailor
Why, me parents they would not agree
I'm promised to a tailor'
But I was hot-shot eager to rifle her charms
'A guinea,' says I, 'for a roll in your arms'
The deal it was done, and we went upstairs
Meself and the trim-rigged doxy

"It was haul out the bow and let the stays'ls fall
And yardarm to yardarm bobbin'
Oh, me shot all gone, asleep I falls
And soon she turned to robbin'
She robbed me pockets of all I had
And she took me boots from the end of the bed
Why, she even took a gold watch out from underneath me head
The saucy little trim-rigged doxy

"And when I'd found that she was gone
I started to roar like thunder
Oh, me gold watch and me money too
She'd bore them away for plunder
But it ain't for me watch nor me money too
For them I don't value; for I tell you true
I fear her little fire-bucket burned me bobstay through
The saucy little trim-rigged doxy."

Yeah, g'head an' sing that one, birdies.

 

[Ankari]

The punch snaps my head to the side. A flourish of stars threaten to carry my conscious away and evaporate. I stagger to the right, careful to keep my feet under me ((I'm trying to RP moving to the harpy's left (or right, depending what arm she used to him me), flanking her (blindside attack), while her focus is on the more immediate threat (Aliron).))

Aliron joins battle. The harpy twists to keep the new threat in sight. I move further to the right, using Aliron's distraction to gain a blindside attack, then fire:

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=11515]Longbow Attack: [1d20+3] = 14+3 = 17 (harpy kabob)[/URL]

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=11516]Arrow Damage: [1d8+3] = 1+3 = 4 (broke the stick. Need a new one)[/URL]