Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Legendary Sidekick]

"They have the hostage, lets go get the troublesome girl!" I shout to the group.

"That's right, lizards. The little nudist is yours! Whatever you do to her, keep her wings intact. She's useless without them."

"You're a thankless bunch!"

Nissa sounds ready to cry. I feel so bad.

"What's to thank?" I growl as I escort the 'prisoner.' "You should thank me for sending you off with rations."

"The lizards will eat it. Then what will I eat?"

"Maybe they'll feed you your own limbs. I can't imagine you taste good enough for them."

 

[SeverinR]

"Definately useless, I bet the lizards didn't even know she was with us the whole time, her nagging after a fight and annoying parlor tricks didn't help us, in a battle it was like she was never there." I shout after them.

Then I lay the oil cloth arrow and one other and pray.

"Bless these arrows to find their path to cause the greatest harm to our enemies, to those that stand in the path to our goals, and bless those that seek to end the taint and those that are behind its curse."

 

[Ireth]

Líadan

I watch as the others carry out their plan, still lingering close to Branwen. When Aliron asks a blessing on his arrows, I smile and murmur a prayer to Oercus for what aid he will give my new allies. I do not know what god or goddess Aliron serves; I can only hope his deity's interests are not in conflict with mine.

 

[Steerpike]

((Got home a short while ago and don't have the map yet. There's one more bit we can take care of before we need it)).

Nissa makes her way down the corridor, the jeers and insults of the party at her back. The smell of oil gets stronger as she goes, though the air doesn't seem to be saturated enough for the corridor to go up in a flash just from the presence of the flame. Lizard heads rise slightly above the debris, just enough so Nissa catches the glow of their eyes watching her over the jumbled piles of wood and rock. Lizardy voices waft across the air, and she has the distinct impression there is an argument taking place.

When Nissa is about twenty feet from the lizards, the voices get louder and one of the lizards steps between some of the debris. The creature is speaking rapidly in its unintelligible tongue and gesturing at Nissa's torch. As least three crossbows rise above the debris, though the weaving of the ends of the weapon seems to indicate nervous wielders.

The lizard who stepped forward barks out another few words, gesturing at the torch again and then gesturing at the floor. A third gesture at the torch, and the creature makes a cupping motion, with one hand over the other. The lizard may want the torch snuffed out, though suggestions on how to do that are limited.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((@Steerpike, how many lizards? It won't affect Nissa's current action, but if she has to disappear or if the lizards run away from the party instead of toward, she'll want to give Baldy a head count.))


Nissa

Brynhild, thank you for the opportunity to help my Valkyrie-in-training and those who travel with her. It appears that what I do now will set the battle in motion. I have accepted Baldy's sacrifice—to take responsibility for the harpy child—on your behalf. As I am involved in this battle, I will make a sacrifice as well:

Me.

It has been nearly eight centuries since I've had to endure physical pain. I was never accustomed to it as my frail body was broken easily. If what I do will help, then I am prepared for the consequences. If I am hit with more arrows than I can bear, please guide my soul safely to Baldhart's body. If my body remains intact, please grant me the courage to endure the pain, pick up that torch, and make use of this temporary body until it expires.

* * *

The smell of oil is stronger here! Darin was right about the downward slope working to our advantage. This bag of oil wasn't necessary. Still, it will help.

I fly over the one who stepped out, but spread my arms passively. I speak slowly.

"I am unarmed, and as you can see, I wear no protection."

The barricade is porous. Surely, as the stench is strongest here, the oil spill has flowed beyond the lizards. I wonder if the surface of the water will burn as well.

I start to descend, explaining, "I must land in the clearing."

I gesture to the space behind the lizards, knowing those shaky crossbows will follow me. I move slowly enough to allow it. Sudden acceleration will get me shot before I'm where I want to be.

I turn to face the lizards as I pretend to land. I am easily in reach of a crossbow wielder. Point blank. He may shoot me, but perhaps I'm too close for the other two to contemplate the trigger. Better to catch one than futilely attempt to dodge three.

"Would you be a dear and take my bag?" I say to the nearest one.

I gently extend the sack, but release two fingers first, so the opening unfolds toward the lizard. As soon as the oil pours, I release the sack—and the torch if I miss.


((Second post coming with Baldy's POV and Nissa's to-hit roll…

I haven't rolled the attack yet, but here's the deal: if Nissa misses, she releases the torch, knowing it will either light the oil-soaked lizard or drop past him but light the oil-soaked floor. If she hits and the lizard is engulfed, she keeps the torch.

I'm making an assumption about how flying creatures can fight based on the harpy battle. If legal, Nissa will attempt to thrust her torch at the oil-soaked lizard while ascending, so she doesn't get roasted herself.

Also, and again—if this is a legal move—Nissa will drop the torch if she sees a lack of flames below. So while the to-hit roll is deciding hit or miss, Nissa probably wouldn't feel a hit but would see one. Whether she can actually release the torch before all three crossbows are fired is up to Steerpike. Nissa figures if she's shot down, the torch falls, so mission accomplished anyway.))

EDIT - Didn't miss!

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I wave the white flag, even though I want to shove it up the lizards' scrawny, green asses. How dare they point their weapons at…

At… the tiny, harmless-looking pixie that's about to enter them into a world of pain.

She releases her oil bag, and her innocent "oops" is where the charade ends. She rises, thrusting her torch as she ascends.

((Well, maybe there was a situational modifier and maybe there wasn't. I suspect a 20 hit regardless.
For bonuses: One +1 is Nissa's STR, and the other is the typical level 2 hit bonus for a Charisma class character.))

I toss the flag and unsheathe my blade, stepping back and hugging the wall, eyes fixed on the results of Nissa's attack. But what about Nissa?

Don't worry about me, Baldy.

Nissa? Were you hit?

I was ready to endure arrows, but I fear if I get shot too many times, you may feel it. Maybe even die. Here's what I saw…

 

[Steerpike]

((I'll have to finish the map tonight, but there's no reason people can't react to the following)):

The lizard's eyes widen in comprehension just as Nissa releases her bag of oil and sets the end of the corridor aflame. There is a woosh as the flames flicker to life on the floor and across the debris pile. Crossbows clatter to the ground and the small reptiles twist and scream as the flames travel along their bodies. After resting behind the debris pile for so long, it appears they've distributed a fair amount of oil along their scaly hides. One of the lizards pitches itself into the water, where it disappears from view. The other three shriek and spin, crashing into each other and the debris pile before finally pitching to the ground, their still bodies charred and continuing to burn even so.

The flame almost immediately engulfs the entrance to the corridor as well, traveling across the floor and far up both walls, the flames licking out ahead and uphill as the fire travels toward the party. It's like watching a flame move along the length of a match, devouring as it goes, though this fire is traveling much more quickly. There is another loud woosh when the flames reach the second debris pile and continue beyond.

There is no sign that the integrity of the corridor is hurt by the flames.

 

[Steerpike]

Líadan

Branwen has already demonstrated something of a fear, or at least healthy respect, for fire. As you watch the execution of the plan, and watch as the walls of the corridor fill with orange light, reflecting the flames that are traveling up the passageway, and as you hear the hiss and woosh of fire, there is a pain in your right leg. Looking down, you see Branwen, eyes wide, digging her fingernails into your thigh. Her fingers are not taloned like her feet, but the sensation is still an uncomfortable one. She doesn't appear to be aware of doing it.

The Others

The flames are preceded by heat that washes over all of you. Darin lifts his shield, protecting all of his face except for the eyes. He readjusts his grip on his hammer. "A few minutes of flame, no more. Then we go."

He glances at the rest of the group, gauging the readiness of each member.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

The roar of the flames drowns out the cries of agonizing death. I call out to the party.

"Three likely dead; one jumped in the water and maybe he can fight, or maybe he's too severely burned to do anything, even swim. Four shot at Nissa, and there are four more who didn't.

"The eight survivors are perched on higher ground, four on each side. I want to get to Srilkind—to Burnbright—but those eight lizards will fill our backs with arrows. Like Darin, I think we need to finish what's been started. And with this trap out of the way—and the visual Nissa's given me—I know exactly what we need to do here to end this quickly and with minimal risk. The flames give us time to position ourselves.

"Darin, Cadell, your shields are needed to form a wall, or we'll never make it down that hall alive. Alin, Ankari, your bows will need to be close to the wall if it's a shooting war. Your bow is welcome as well, Liadan, but stay safe. Your magic may be needed to fill the holes in our torsos. Keit, perhaps Batos can sense the enemy if they rush us before the smoke clears?"

I look back at Mauve.

"Mauve… you're the only one here who can really hurt the enemy where they are currently positioned. I'll draw a sketch of where they're perched. What's the radius of your sound blast, if you're willing to use it on 'em?"

You did good, Nissa. Real good!

 

[Nihal]

I peek around the corner when I hear the commotion, hiding again and allowing the heat to work its way.

"W-what? Are they on the other side and you want me to attack now from there?! Impossible!

"...maybe I can, but I doubt the blast reach is this good; I also have no idea of it's radius. It's not my spell, it's theirs and I've only used once, it didn't come with instructions, you know." I sigh. "Tell me their positions anyway, we must know before fighting."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Aw, Mauve… I may not understand your magic, but I know enough about battle to not strike when you can't confirm a kill. I'm suggesting we do as Darin said. When the flames die down, we go. As for the radius of your attack, how far were you and I when we got blasted by your spell? We were at the edge of it, since Alin wasn't hit, so you can do the math.

"Nissa gave me a mental image of what she saw, so I think I can figure enemy positions accurately, including distance."

I draw a sketch of what I saw using blue chalk… and green for the lizards.

"There were four lizards—the green dots—on each side, armed with short bows and daggers. We can take these guys, but if they stay in place, Mauve, you can blast 'em if you're willing."

"That's you in pink.

"Um… if the spell has a short reach, I figure a fifteen foot radius is enough to take out four of them. We'd need a shield wall to get you close enough… and after the spell is cast, both Cadell and Darin would need to move in front of you for protection from the other four. And, Mauve, I'll be there to shield you from arrows in my own way."

I erase the pink chalk and the little shield guys and draw another attack.

"But if your attack has a radius of, say, forty feet or better, I'll bet you can blast all of them! If they march up the corridor you definitely can blast 'em as they approach… but even if they stay put like in my sketch, they're sitting ducks on those ledges. Plus, they'll all be deaf, so if they survive, they won't be ready when we all rush in at once."

I watch the flames, wondering how much they started to die while I was playing with chalk. I look back at Mauve.

"What do you think? Does either scenario sound appealing to you, Mauve?"

 

[Nihal]

"I am afraid I can not hit both groups with this spell. I have no idea actually, but... argh, you got it. I do not even know what happens if this enchantment hits nothing, both times it met the walls.

"I think I did not aim farther than 25 feet, but I can not be sure. Wasn't Aliron spared from this spell because he was shielded by the wall? I was a bit busy jumping around." I play with a strand of my hair as she draws. "We could try something different, but I need to think. Ugh, I hate to be hurried up. I could use darkness, I was already planning something, but I don't—" I stop short of saying 'don't know' again. I shake my head.

"It will be a nice cover, if it works; it's new to me, as you can imagine. Just warn me a minute or two before the fire ends and I can get the spell ready to go." I smirk.

Darkness in my pocket.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Well, it's your magic," I tell her. "You know where the enemy is, so if you have an idea, I trust you with your magic. Oh! And those blue wavy lines are water, if you want to scare the lizards. Ha, ha!"

 

[Nihal]

I glance at the others. "Do you want the cover of darkness? The enchantment I knew could be used on an object, so I can 'end' it at will. This with a shield wall would be good. I just don't..."

I roll my eyes, utter a swear word and end with a "Fine, enough." Moving away from them, I explain, "I'm sick of 'if's and 'I don't know'." When I put a good distance between us, I pick up a pebble and tie it to the end of the roll of string I carry, resisting to the urge to giggle at my silly plan. It's almost child's play, if it wasn't for the deadly magic involved, corruption and all those lovely details.

Corruption.

The very word that makes me shiver. I force it back to where it came and try to relax. If I'm to get more corrupted, so it'll be. Nothing in this world will stop me, the more I think about it, more I believe that even getting insane will not make me forget my wish—aren't I a little insane anyway? I let the curiosity and the acceptance take place of the fear and calm me down.

A deep breath, the words, the gestures. I focus on the pebble, chanting in a low and determined voice, calling the darkness. Will I see that place again?

((Darkness, lvl 2—or not—spell. :3))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I follow Mauve.

"Did you just…?" I don't know what she did. What am I even asking her? "Never mind. I wanted to talk to you privately, and, yeah. I guess we're far enough and have time before the flames die…"

 

[Nihal]

((Based on the wizard's darkness, I'll assume the spell worked to keep the things going, okay? If somehow it didn't give her a new corruption point, mwahahaha!))

I look up, noticing Baldhart only when she talks, and by the time she's finished the darkness emanated from the pebble, engulfing us and a good area around us. Before stuffing the pebble inside my pouch to block the spell I glance outside its range, trying to discover if while staying inside it it's possible to see outside its area of effect.

I clear my throat as if I did the most mundane thing instead of using a dangerous (to me) spell and say, "Yes?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I laugh at Mauve's comment, and quit whispering.

"Maybe it is too important to tell one person." I yell to the group, "Nissa says make sure I sleep by a fire and never sleep alone. I don't know why."

I tell Mauve, "I haven't had a room to myself since the day we arrived. No—on the ship. Ankari paid for my own room at the Crow, but then Burnbright latched onto us, so I let her stay in my room. Nod wanted to stay too. He sang to me, I won't snore / and I'll sleep on the floor. He was cute. I shoulda let him. Ha!"

An Eisenberg woman falling for a halfling man is not a joke.

Oh… Nissa. I… I didn't mean it like that!

"Anyway, we should probably get into position. What are you thinking with that rock? Like, we jump out like bleah! and the lizards shoot, only you pull out the rock, we hit the floor, and then Alin and Ankari fire arrows in the dark so the lizards think, hey you @#$%^& and shoot back, then you put the rock away and…

"Uh… that's hard to organize. Will you give us a number of seconds so we can know when to expect light again? Maybe the rest of us could each claim an opponent based on where I drew them so we don't get in each other's way."

 

[Steerpike]

((For purposes of making the map, can you let me know roughly where everyone wants to be when the first dies down enough to travel down the hallway? Darin will be ready with his shield, as suggested by Baldhart)).

Mauve feels the familiar effect of magic as she channels the energy of the spell. An impenetrable darkness springs into place, centered on the pebble and spreading out twenty feet in all directions. For those within the darkness, nothing is visible. Poking a head outside of the radius allows one to see normally.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

As Darin and Cadell move into position, I plan on being behind the shield wall.

Directly behind, but prepared to allow Ankari or Alin to move in front of me if we're to shoot from afar.

 

[Ankari]

((I'll press against the left wall behind the meatshields))