Dragon's Egg - Act II

[SeverinR]

To the rest of the group she says "Come and sit with me a while. We can continue this discussion in a more relaxing manner. Food and drink can be arranged. I promise you safety, so long as you make no move against us. To that end, you may wish to leash the dwarf."

Darin growls, every muscle in his arm straining with the force of his grip on his hammer. He manages to keep himself in check only out of the respect he has developed for the group since joining them.

Leash the dwarf, if only it was that easy. I reply in my mind. Just because we agree on the proper place for dwarves doesn't mean she is not the enemy. I believe she might be a little prejudice against elves, if I remember my lore properly.

Might as well ask,
Without sticking my head out, Can I see the womans body? is it long like a snake or serpant, more horse or goat like?

 

[Nihal]

They intend to come here. Terrific.

I crack my neck as if bored, allowing my hair to fall and cover a good part of face. I'm sure sooner or later someone will grab it during a fight, but keeping it long has its perks—one which isn't only to cover my scars. I look straight to Baldhart and move my lips without emitting a sound, "Don't touch anything."

I yawn and watch them a little longer.

C'mon, don't make me waste a message spell!

 

[SeverinR]

(msg recieved of the woman, can't tell you without giving away my position)
I don't think I have anything planned tonight, but thats when everything tends to happen.
So I will post my reaction attack:
When someone does attack, I will come up and shoot my blessed arrow.
Primary target:elfbow guy if he is dead before I can shoot, second target is woman/creature.
(If my archery bonus is based on darkness I get the bonus all the time in the tunnels, if it is based on when the moon is up then it is only part of the day.)
rolled as if night time:
night arrowshot [1d20+7] = 13+7 = 20
+3 dex +1bow, +1 level +2 night shooting.
arrow damage [1d8] = 1

Almost a sure hit(if night bonus) but only 1 damage.
[maybe next time I pray, I should pray to hit and do serious damage, rather then just pray to hit. ]

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I position myself between Cadell and Darin as we move. I'm not a primary target for any but Tommen. He'll hit me. I'll hit harder. I see Mauve's lips. I make no gesture but trust her warning. I will only touch the hilt of my sword. Soon.

Whatever you're doing, Mauve, get on with it. I don't want to get too close in case she zaps herself. If her spell works, it may grant us the first attack.

 

[Nihal]

My fingertips find the string again, reminding me of the time running short. I'll lose any advantage I had if I allow this situation stretch any further. I hoped to get better answers or position myself at her backs, but it seems I'm not the most charming person around, no matter how alike we are. A true tragedy, I wish we had met in different circumstances.

"Ugh, man, you stink—" I mutter to the man and take some distance from him and the woman, not attempting to get behind them but coming some feet closer to the lizards. Raising my voice, I complete, "—even their scales smell better." I turn to him, smiling mischievously, giving a last step backwards. A little pull and the pebble is out of my pocket.

((If there is darkness: ))

"Pet!" I scoff at them let the pebble fly in their general direction, moving sideways a step or two. My voice floats in the darkness, reciting enchantment they might know really well, until it becomes a swear when I feel the magic spiraling out of my control. And I was worried about aiming in the dark...



Sure, after this damned shield why would any other spell work? I don't attempt to hold the runaway magic at all this time, knowing some of them might be afflicted as well. I hope it hurts!



((Not sure if you can let the magic run away on purpose and still avoid corruption, erm, but in the end it doesn't even matters.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

First sign of aggression! I was hoping it would be something less painful for Mauve. I suppose Mauve's sidestep kept me safe from her runaway magic and suppose the enemy felt it.

In any case, this is the moment to strike. "Now," I tell Darin and Cadell, trusting them to move beside me so I'm not the only aggressor the lizards see.

Tommen conveniently positioned himself closer to me by protecting his lady. Perhaps with this distraction, I can reach him without getting shot…

((hit / damage))

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

At Baldhart's word I spring forward, placing myself between Baldhart and our foes so she isn't the only one to take damage. I was lucky at first, but it may not hold now. Not with the damage this man can deal with that presumably stolen bow. I draw my sword, hold my shield high, and lunge at the nearest enemy.

Líadan

The others attack, and I am quick to join them. I snatch an arrow from my quiver, nock it, and take aim at Tommen. He can deal massive damage; best to take him out of the fight early. I silently repeat my customary prayer to Oercus just before I loose the shaft.

((Apparently she didn't pray hard enough... eep!))

 

[Steerpike]

((OK, here is the map. Aliron is at the bottom, hidden. Mauve has moved closer to the lizards. Cadell, Baldhart, and Darin rushed forth, Ankari is back for ranged shots, Keitsumah and Batos are back, Liadan is in line of sight to Tommen, Matthew is standing protectively near Liadan, and Branwen is tagging along behind Liadan.

If that doesn't work for anyone, let me know. I'm working on a post to describe all this now, but give me a little time.

If you want to see a larger version of the map, go here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2578171/island3.png )).

 

[Steerpike]

Mauve steps back, away from Tommen, and withdraws the string from her pocket. There is no darkness. Not wasting time, she draws on magical energy in an attempt to create a sound burst. The magic surges into her, but the spell fails and crackle of energy washes over her and the large red lizard next to her. The familiar dark-tinged sensation of corruption follows the runaway magic. ((Mauve takes 1 hp; so does the large lizard next to her)).

The failed casting acts as a signal, unleashing the chaos that follows. Cadell, Baldhart and Darin rush the enemy, weapons poised to attack. The enemies with ranged weapons at the ready let loose their volleys.

Tommen's shot streaks toward Baldhart at the same time Aliron looses his own arrow. There is no glow of magic behind Tommen's arrow:

Tommen's Attack [1d20+3] = 10+3 = 13

Tommen's Damage [1d8+1] = 6+1 = 7

Magic or not, the arrow embeds itself deeply in Baldhart's shoulder. Tommen twists slightly and gives a grunt of pain as Aliron's arrow clips his side, slicing through his leather armor to draw blood.

((Baldhart takes 7 HP))

Two of the smaller lizards to Tommen's left fire at Cadell as he closes with his foe:

Lizard Attack [1d20+1] = 15+1 = 16

Lizard Attack [1d20+1] = 6+1 = 7

One of the crossbow bolts passes harmlessly in front of Cadell, but the other catches him in the thigh.

Lizard Damage [1d6] = 4

((Cadell takes 4 HP))

Of the three smaller lizards to Tommen's right, two fire at Mauve after taking half a step backward, hissing at her failed magic:

Lizard Attack [1d20+1] = 1+1 = 2


Lizard Attack [1d20+1] = 1+1 = 2

Both lizards are too nervous to aim properly, and the bolts fly over Mauve's head and disappear into the darkness.

The third lizard sets its sights on Liadan, loosing a bolt in her direction as she moves into position to target Tommen, Branwen still clutching at her leg.

Lizard Attack [1d20+1] = 5+1 = 6

That bolt, too, misses its target, clattering off the rocks behind Liadan.

Liadan's own shot glances off the protective leather of Tommen's shoulder.

Upon reaching one of the large lizards, Cadell lashes out and cut deeps into the creature's leg. With a hiss of pain, the creature brings its axe around in a powerful arc, hoping to put Cadell down with a single blow:

Large Lizard Attack [1d20+2] = 10+2 = 12

Cadell parries the blow, knocking the swinging axe upward so that it whooshes over his head.

Baldhart closes with Tommen in powerful strides, using her momentum to bring her sword down at the archer. Tommen drops the bow, trying to side step the attack while fumbling for a dagger at his belt. Baldhart's attack is too fearsome, and it cuts a long swatch through Tommen's leathers, spraying blood. Tommen gasps in pain, stumbling back a couple of steps as he pulls his dagger free.

The large lizard nearest Mauve fumbles with the haft of its axe as Mauve's runaway magic washes over it. The unexpected energy seems to confuse the creature for a moment, and it is too slow to attack. Darin reaches the creature with a cry on his lips, hammer held aloft, then falling downward in a powerful stroke:

Darin's Attack [1d20+2] = 9+2 = 11


The lizard regains its senses just in time to twist its body away from the falling hammer.

Within seconds of the beginning of the attack, Calexa reared up from her position behind Tommen. Her cloak falls away to reveal a fearsome sight. Her head and torso are that of a human woman, but with four scaled arms sprouting from the side of her body and a long, thick, snake-like body trailing behind her. Raised up, she towers above the fray at nearly twice Baldhart's height. Each of her two upper hands clutches a long, curved sword, while her lower hands are empty.

She hisses in anger, crossing her blades defensively in front of her. When Tommen stumbles back, she reaches out to him with one of her free arms, muttering in the reptilian tongue you've heard from the lizards. A faint, blue-tinged light emanates from Calexa's hand and Tommen straightens up at her touch, the blood flowing from his torso ceasing its flow as his wounds magically knit.

"Leave none alive," hisses Calexa, her words clipped in fury. Her braided hair flies from side to side as she looks quickly over her minions. "For our Lady!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Tommen dies first."

"Troglodytes, flee and live! Your slavery ends with Calexa's death!—a quick one, archers!"


Brynhild, if this is how I earn my wings, I thank you that my blade was swift and strong against Tommen, worthy opponent. Though you do not allow your followers to use bows, please guide the arrows of my allies into the heart of the evil one. I pray my words to the troglodytes strike as true as my blade, so those who serve as slaves do not continue to intervene…

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

Pain sears through me as the lizard's weapon sinks into my thigh. I stagger back a pace, but snarl and lunge forward again for a counterstrike. Hopefully the others can deal with Tommen and Calexa themselves.

Not good enough -- not nearly. Damn it all!

Líadan

I gasp as Calexa's monstrous form is finally revealed, and aim my next arrow at whatever part of her enormous body I can reach. My next prayer to Oercus is much more fervent. I hope it is enough.

((damage roll just in case, though I doubt that hit))

((All the damage, none of the impact. Daaaang!))

 

[Nihal]

Swallowing hard, with the tingling sensation still running along my spine I raise my eyes, seeing the priestess raising herself above us, wielding more swords than she should be allowed to. A quick review of my options reveals that I don't have many options.

From all the times my magic could fail me and the corruption creep in had it to be now?

"Guys, good news: The half-worm can't fireball us!" I can't be really sure, but after this I'm sure I'll discover.

My heart beats furiously, as if it wanted to burst out of my chest and run away. I want to run away too, if only I could reach any safe place before getting my back all pierced by bolts. I'm sure my soft flesh would make an magnificent pin cushion. No, I don't dare to turn my back to our enemies yet and just stand in the same place, ready to parry and dodge until the battle involves them enough to allow me to slip away. I hope I've made the right decision.

((Dodge maneuver D: ))

 

[Keitsumah]

I flick my wrist and Batos takes off running, snarling as he charges the nearest lizard:

Charge! [1d20+0] = 12+0 = 12

Bite! [1d8+3] = 4+3 = 7

There's a sickening crunch as Batos's fangs meet flesh, and he twists his head wildly in an attempt to do greater damage before leaping back, blood flowing down his chest and making his snow-white fur turn crimson. The warg half in him is rising, and a small mane stands up on the back of his neck. His growl deepens to a more threatening pitch, and I raise my hand, my vision flicking to Cadell in alarm.

Words form unbidden on my lips as i cast the spell:

Heal Cadell! [1d8+2] = 5+2 = 7

I pray it will suffice for now, then withdraw into a defensive stance lest any lizards try to come at me.

 

[Ankari]

The opportunity to unveil the mystery of this northern wasteland fled the charge of a barbarian and the failed spell of an inept wizard. No time to dwell on such things. We face an enemy that will deny us the chance to live long enough to care. Time to do what is need.

Arrow to string, I take aim at the serpent witch-kin.

Ranged Attack: [1d20+3] = 5+3 = 8

((I think I'm going to migrate over to rolz.org. This is no longer coincidence that all of my unseen servant rolls are low. Steer, if you notice a roll in rolz under my name, disregard it. I just want to settle my suspicions.))

 

[SeverinR]

Fire again at Tommen if still standing, if not then snake woman.

night arrowshot [1d20+7] = 19+7 = 26

The Unseen Servant

arrow damage: arrow damage [1d8] = 3
The Unseen Servant

Trying to maintain at least 50% cover if possible behind ledge.

(figured I post it in the right thread this time. Had both open and closed the other, but my computer closed the wrong one.)

links did not copy, so if you want to see the rolls, go to sub forum where I posted this the first time.

 

[Steerpike]

((Updated map. Description of events to follow))

 

[Steerpike]

Even as Calexa heals Tommen, Baldhart slashes at him with another vicious stroke, connecting again and opening a wound across his flank. The man spits and growl "Damn you, you brawny bitch!"


Cadell is engaged with his opponent, wary of the creatures axe as he lunges. The lizard knocks the blade aside and a low rumbling - what might pass for a reptilian chuckle - issues from its toothed mouth.


Liadan looses another arrow at Calexa. This one appears to be on the mark, but the missile glances harmlessly off her scales and ricochets into the rocks. The beast, whatever she is, pays it no mind.


Matthew moves into position in front of Liadan, keeping his shield raised and his eyes trained on the enemy.


Batos rushes at one of the nearby lizards. The creature tries to fend the wolf off with its left hand, but Batos' jaw tears through its scaly flesh, leaving strips of meat hanging as his mouth comes away bloody.


((Note - the roll that is shown did not hit the lizard. I'm giving Batos a +2 for charging, however, and that is enough to hit))


Keitsumah follows on the heels of her companion, but moves up behind Cadell instead of engaging the enemy. She reaches out and places a hand on him, and Cadell feels the warmth of healing magic as it moves through him. Having healed the elf, Keitsumah steps away from him.


Ankari takes aim and looses an arrow toward Calexa, but his aim is off and the arrow whistles past her head. Already in the midst of casting, judging by the flow of words from her mouth and the movement of her lower arms, Calexa ignores the attack.


Aliron's shot finds Tommen, slicing across the leather protecting his upper arm and tearing a ragged line along his flesh.


Darin remains engaged in melee with one of the larger lizards. He uses his shield to try to force an opening in his opponents defenses, then follows through with a swing of his hammer





The lizard dances nimbly away from the attack.


Three of the smaller lizards were sighting Liadan with their crossbows. Matthew's movement in front of the elf draws the attack of two of them, who suddenly find Liadan much more difficult a target:










((Unseen Servant not working. I can only post four pics per post, and even with four the site is giving me an error and telling me I have five, so we'll resume on my next post in just a moment. Don't act yet ))

 

[Steerpike]

Both bolts bounce off of Matthew's shield, harming no one. The third lizard keeps his sights on Liadan, and he too fires:





The shot is terrible, flying well over Liadan's head. As the fight continues, Branwen begins to sing softly to herself.


Bleeding and angry, Tommen lashes at Baldhart with his dagger:








He scores a hit, raking the dagger across Baldhart's ribs


((5 HP damage to Baldhart))


The lizard bitten by Batos slashes furiously at the wolf, attempting to bring the animal down with a blow from its axe:





The canny wolf is too fast, ducking beneath the blow from the angry reptile.


((Continued again on the next post!))

 

[Steerpike]

The lizard engaged with Darin returns the dwarf's attack, muscled hands clenched tight around the haft of its axe:





Darin deflects the attack with his shield, the sound of the impact ringing across the battleground.


Cadell's lizard, too, counters with his axe, chest puffed arrogantly as it swings:





The reptile is no match for Cadell's speed, however, and the attack missed.


The two smaller lizards to Calexa's left have their crossbows reloaded, and both fire, the first aiming for Ankari, the second for Keitsumah:








((And again, to the next post!))

 

[Steerpike]

The tiny lizards hiss with glee as both bolts find their mark:








((4 HP damage to Ankari; 1 HP damage to Keitsumah))


Calexa finishes her spell and a hammer shimmers into existence, suspended in the air next to Darin. The head of the hammer glows with a golden aura, and no sooner does it form then it strikes out at the dwarf, as though wielded by some unseen hand:






((Grrr. It is telling me I have 5 images again when I only have 4. One more post))