Dialing it up a Notch (DM Chris) Monday January 7th, 2002 10:13:28 AM
The guards at the gates of Titania were less than welcoming. Though given current events it isn't totally unbelievable that they would be somewhat uptight about the security of their home. Never the less, you turned East toward Perpaguil, hoping to see some sunshine in the Wold. Metaphorically speaking of course. The further and further you traveled from Titania, the more the memory of the guard's words haunted you. "There is no sanctuary, whether in or outside a barricade. Love is run rampant, and folk fear for their very souls."
As you enter the small town called Perpaguil, you notice at once that something has changed. For one, no children, elf or otherwise, greet you as you stride down the road. Many of the homes in town seem to be abandoned, the brand of the bow drawn superimposed over a hand burned into the doors. The main activity seems, strangely enough, to come from the orphanage. as you approach, you see that the front doors and windows have been reinforced with iron and solid oak framing. The front doors are branded with an all-too-familiar symbol, and shouting can be heard coming from behind a newly constructed wooden palisade that encloses the entire rear of the building, including the outside play areas. A chill runs down your collective spines as you hear children's voices chanting, "Love is pure... love is right... love can cure... love is MIGHT!!!"
Figment Monday January 7th, 2002 10:54:19 AM
The mage looks troubled. (Hey, Figment made his Int check - he should know the symbol and it's meaning.). "It appears to me that this is the hands of love again. I wonder if the group that was thrown out of the city has been busy - or perhaps some of their friends. We must find the leader of the city quickly!". The mage knocks on the door to the orphanage.
Ingrge Monday January 7th, 2002 7:22:27 PM
Nodding to Olanna, Ingrge lets her do her thing until he hears the children. Then with a silent grimace of pure, unadulterated, rage, his normally blue-green eyes turn slate gray. And in a very controlled voice, devoid of all feeling says, "I do think that it is time for the Hands of Love to feel some of my personal affection." Grabbing his staff, he strides up to the door and without even waiting strikes the door with his staff and mutters "Open and enter." (Staff- Knock spell) As the door opens he walks in looking for the nearest HOL adult to be seen.
Olana Monday January 7th, 2002 9:14:11 PM
Of the same mind as Ingrge, Olana nocks an arrow. There was going to be trouble here.
She stays by the door, in missile range.
Milo Tuesday January 8th, 2002 2:03:45 AM
Seeing Ingrge's anger, Milo winces muttering, "Well so much for subtlety..." The halfling draws his short sword, and for the first time in a long time, activates his ring, becoming invisible as he dashes up to flank the door that Ingrge just knocked on.
K'Nara Tuesday January 8th, 2002 6:54:12 AM
The tall redhead found herself in no mood for subtlety, either. Once Ingrge had the door open--though Lucia remained in its sheath--K'Nara immediately stepped into the building, her sharp hazel eyes looking for whomever was in charge and intending to demand where the elven orphans from the forest were.
Brother Bertram Tuesday January 8th, 2002 7:50:54 AM
Bertram gives a grim smile immediately upon hearing that it might be his 'friends' from the Hand. Gripping his axe tightly he hurries after the long-legged Ingrge.
Liam Tuesday January 8th, 2002 9:50:27 AM
Anticipating trouble, Liam stays where he is, preparing to enter without moving closer to the door. Turning to Olana he half grins, "Can't you feel the love?" Obviously the voice of sarcasm.
Be Prepared... (DM Chris) Tuesday January 8th, 2002 9:56:25 AM
It seems quite apparent to Figment that the bow and arrow are the holy symbol of Caerolda, and the hand is an alteration signifying this particular sect of the Hand of Love.
Apparently the Hand of Love were more prepared than Ingrge and K'nara anticipated. The elf's knock spell results in two resounding clicks, as two latches on the interior come undone. However the door remains closed, barring the way. (Everyone make a Listen check please.)
Figment d20+6=20 Tuesday January 8th, 2002 1:21:45 PM
The mage listens to the locks click. He continues to listen carefully. He shrugs and also casts knock on the door hoping to undo the barrier.
Brother Bertram Tuesday January 8th, 2002 5:33:09 PM
Bertram watches Fignent and waits to see the results of his spell
Olana d20+2=9 Tuesday January 8th, 2002 6:45:27 PM
The elf nods at Lian. "They're like a plague," she whispers. Ears alert, she steps down the side of the building. Perhaps there was another way in. ((Listen check 9 - sheesh))
Ingrge d20+2=19 d20+3=22 Tuesday January 8th, 2002 7:53:01 PM
Nearly banging his nose on the door as it doesn't seem to want to open, Ingrge stops for a moment, and since his ear is all but touching the door anyway, listens to hear what can be heard.(listen 19) If the sounds don't appear to be too horrifying, Ingrge kicks in the door, diving into the room, low and to the right. (Strength roll 22)
K'Nara d20-1=16 Wednesday January 9th, 2002 8:01:29 AM
K'Nara cocked her head to one side, her patience evaporating as she realized that the door was not opening with the Knock spell.
"That's it!" she snarled through gritted teeth. As Ingrge kicked in the door, K'Nara hauled Lucia out of its sheath, pausing a moment before deciding to not activate its flaming properties...
...she just wasn't angry enough for that--yet.
Milo d20+12=31 Wednesday January 9th, 2002 10:34:46 AM
Milo steps up to the door, having a look at the lock in place. "Don't kick the door please, I'm standing here." The halfling announces in a quiet voice. Then pulling a number of strong, slender tools from hidden locations on his person, the invisible rogue sets to work on the lock, all the while talking quietly, "Sounds like one of those fancy multi-tumbler dealy-bobs... thats a technical term of course. Those things sure are expensive, but folks buy 'em to keep you wizardly types out, as they tend to foil knock spells. Really it is kinda like a big combination lock with multiple combinations, and muliple bolts as well. Seems to me that if you wanted to keep your stuff safe that badly, you could find a better way to do it." (OOC: Made an Open Locks check DC 31)
Liam Wednesday January 9th, 2002 10:36:07 AM
Turning to Olana, "Does Milo always ramble on like that when he is doing someting illegal?" The elf's amusement is plain on his face. He has clearly relaxed somewhat as entry doesn't seem entirely imminent.
Stymied Entrance... (DM Chris) Wednesday January 9th, 2002 10:44:58 AM
Figment's knock spell results in another pair of resounding 'THUNKS', however the door does not open. Listening at the door, Ingrge can hear that the two bolts he unlocked, are relatched, even as Figment's spell undoes a third and fourth bolt. As Ingrge steps back from the door, and bashes it, he discovers that it is just as solid as it looks. (Ingrge takes 2 hps subdual damage) As Milo works on the lock, the Talons can hear the bolts sliding back in regular progression. 'THUNK' 'THUNK' 'THUNK' 'THUNK' 'THUNK' 'THUNK' 'THUNK' 'THUNK' 'THUNK' 'THUNK' As the door is unlocked.
Olana d20+8=19 Wednesday January 9th, 2002 6:34:47 PM
Olana shrugs at Lian. "Maybe it's a form of relaxation," she whispers, "unless a 'deely bob' is some form of spell. Who knows."
She winces as Ingrge bounces off the door, ((Search check 19)) then has a scout around to see if there's another way in.
Brother Bertram Wednesday January 9th, 2002 8:01:39 PM
Bertram shoulders his way forward. "Friend Ingrge, the door appears equal to kicking it in. I propose instead we take it apart--one piece at a time." Bertram swings his large axe knocking a goodly sized chunk from the door. He begins swinging with a will.
Milo (Invisible) Wednesday January 9th, 2002 10:57:52 PM
Milo, who is standing invisibly in front of the door screams, "Wait Bertram... wait... I think I got it... don't swing." Reaching up, Milo grabs the handle and pushes in on the door.
LIAN d20+10=25 Thursday January 10th, 2002 1:17:50 AM
Lian whispers to Milo; "Hey, maybe life might be easier on you if we just knock politely and ask if we can be converted with the children." Smiling, Lian turns to the group and states; "If the Hands want to convert the kids, it will be a whole new generation of bickering idiots." "Really though, I think we should just storm it, beat in the door. But patience may yet prevail." OOC:Listen at the door, Listen check of 25, what may I hear other than tumblers and Milo's breatheing.
K'Nara Thursday January 10th, 2002 6:39:58 AM
The woman warrior's patience was wearing very, very thin. Milo's work was relatively quick, but having to unlock an entire series of deadbolts did nothing to reassure K'Nara that it might be possible that the children within the building were participating in anything that was at all beneficial for them!
The tall human bladesinger resolved to enter the building as soon as the door was totally unlocked and opened!
Lets Get it On.... (DM Chris) d20+7=23 d20+7=17 d20+7=10 d8+2=8 Thursday January 10th, 2002 10:17:08 AM
From her vantage, Olana doesn't see any other obvious way into the newly fortified orphanage. Chips fly as Bertram's axe connects with the door right above where Milo's head was, and the door doesn't even shudder in its frame. However, when Milo grabs the handle and pushes in, the door does indeed slide silently in, and to one side revealing a half a dozen soldiers in chainmail with shields and longswords. Behind them stand three women with longbows, nocked and drawn. They let fly. An arrow thunks into Ingrge (hit AC 23 for 8 hps dmg) solidly imbedding itself in the elf's shoulder. One goes careening off of Bertram's armor, and the third is easily sidestepped by K'nara, standing somewhat further back.
Flueterflam d20+9=11 Thursday January 10th, 2002 3:46:59 PM
The bard rolls off to the side of the door, unsheathing his shortsword right as he lands. (ooc: Tumble DC 11). He becomes prepared for anything, hoping that nothing more will happen.
Olana d20+11=13 d6+2=4 Thursday January 10th, 2002 6:23:24 PM
The elf moves quickly, arrow already nocked in her magic short bow, firing her first shot toward one of the opposing bow women. The shot proves difficult because she's behind some of the others. ((4 dam if it connects))
Ingrge d6=6 Thursday January 10th, 2002 7:20:13 PM
Staff in hand, Ingrge mutters a curse and with a sharp few words utters "Shade-n-hue." (Color spray spell from staff: affects six opponents) (will DC 18).
Figment Thursday January 10th, 2002 11:35:16 PM
The mage casts improved invisibility on himself. He then moves through the door where he can see - when there's an opening. (Drawing?)
K'Nara d20=17 d20+8=26 d10+4=14 d20+2=16 Friday January 11th, 2002 6:15:10 AM
K'Nara's brow wrinkled as she did something rather unusual for her--she tried to think. Well--it was unusual that she would pause to do this right after somebody firing an arrow at her, anyhow.
She tried to dredge her memory for recognizing any of the people in front of her as being rightful citizens of this particular town. (OOC: made a voluntary Intelligence check of 17; DM to decide if she happens to recognize that these fighters are, indeed, Titanian or not.)
If K'Nara doesn't recognize the people as being the rightful defenders of the orphanage, then she'll attack the closest person to her, attempting to push back the defenders as she does so. (OOC: hits AC26 for 14hp damage.)
However, if K'Nara DOES recognize that these defenders are, indeed, supposed to be here (in other words, that they are not HoL lackeys), then she'll demand to know who is in command and to see the head of the facility, because she has important news for them. (OOC: made a voluntary Intimidation check of 16.)
Milo (Invisible) d20+10=20 Friday January 11th, 2002 10:29:40 AM
Milo steps inside the door after Ingrge's spell goes off and attempts to tumble through the line of soldiers in front of the doorway. As he somersaults in however, he loses his footing, and bumps into one of the soldiers, which knocks him back to where he began. Fortunately he is still invisible.
The Fight for Love... (DM Chris) d20+1=8 d20+1=10 d20+1=12 d20+1=13 d20+1=12 d20+1=8 d8=6 Friday January 11th, 2002 10:42:28 AM
Olana's shot flies high missing her target, however, Ingrge's color spray blasts forth a myriad of colors, knocking all of the warriors unconscious, and leaving a huge opening for Figment. K'nara realizes that the symbol on the warrior's livery as well as the women's medallions is that of Caerolda, superimposed over a hand, and that these are indeed NOT the rightful caretakers of this establishment. Moving in, she slashes one of the women, bringing her down. Milo realizes that the man he rebounded off of, could not indeed have been a soldier... perhaps in invisible Figment? The remaining women step back, dropping their bows in unison, they both cast spells. The first spell goes off, and the Talons all hear an ear-splitting burst of sound. (All take 6 hps and make a Will save DC 15 or be stunned for your next action) The second spell goes off as the woman drags an iron nail across the air in front of her. (K'nara make a Will save DC 16 or be held)
Figment d20+7=14 Friday January 11th, 2002 12:00:11 PM
The mage is stunned and stands dazed, trying to regain his composure from the attack.
Flueterflam d20+4=24 d20+5=19 d6=2 Friday January 11th, 2002 3:30:34 PM
Flueterflam stands up and charges the women casting spells, despite the pain. As he does so, he attempts to cut down one for making such a harsh mistake. (ooc: hits AC 19 for 2) While doing so, he yells angrily, "BIG mistake."
Ingrge d20+4=15 Friday January 11th, 2002 6:18:49 PM
Once again cursing as he is struck by the pain of a wound, Ingrge manages to shake off an impending sense of indecision and reaching into one his robe's pocket pulls out what appears to be a tattered piece of cobweb. Tossing it into the air and blowing it toward the woman with the nail clearly says "Spider twist and Spider spun, affix thy web from that wall to that one."
(Web spell; DC 16)
Olana d20+6=21 d20+11=27 d6+2=4 Friday January 11th, 2002 10:30:46 PM
Half way through re-loading her bow, the sound spell goes off. The noise reverberates, making Olana's eyes water, but not enough to stop her letting another arrow fly *WHAP* - toward the one waving what looked like a piece of metal in the air.
She couldn't see Milo or Figment, and although she didn't worry about hitting Milo too much because she was aiming high, she hoped Figment was keeping low, or out of range.
Brother Bertram d20+5=13 Saturday January 12th, 2002 7:49:19 PM
Bertram hears and feels a great booming and falls to the ground stunned by the confusion and sound.
Lian d20+10=19 Monday January 14th, 2002 5:35:28 AM
Lian stands 'readying' to pull out any of his companions who fall.
"Bertram!" Lian moves, cart-wheeling in to drag out his friend out of harm's way, whether spells are being cast or not.
OOC: Made Tumble check, DC 19, +2 Synergy bonus from Jump if it matters.
K'Nara d20+5=9 d20+5=20 Monday January 14th, 2002 6:07:10 AM
K'Nara bellowed at the sudden burst of sound, pausing to shake off the stunning effect. (OOC: didn't save against the Stun, but DID save versus being Held.)
Milo (Invisible) d20+5=16 d20+10=20 d20+10=26 Monday January 14th, 2002 10:17:43 AM
Standing in the doorway, Milo evades the web spell as he tumbles between the women in the hall to end up on the other side of the web area. Coming up on his feet, he pivots turning back to see that he has been cut off from the group. (OOC: Made Will save vs. sound burst, Made Ref save vs. web, made Tumble check DC 26 to tumble through a threatened area)
Gummin' up the works... (DM Chris) d6=5 d20+4=11 d20+7=24 Monday January 14th, 2002 10:25:42 AM
Flueterflam cuts deeply into one of the clerics of the Hand, making her sure of her mistake, just as the arrow from Olana's bow catches her in the throat, laying her low. The remaining archer is caught, held fast by Ingrge's web spell, though Flueterflam manages to successfully dodge back away from the sticky mass. Milo tumbles through the area, unwittingly cutting himself off from the rest of the group, and Liam successfully pulls Bertram out of harm's way. This hall seems to be the main way into the complex, and requires either burning or cutting the webs in order to make it passable.
Ingrge Monday January 14th, 2002 9:31:21 PM
"Olana, why don't you and Fluet toss our unconcious and unwebbed friends in to the web?"
Walking up to the webbed archer, Ingrge scowls at her and with no trace of mirth in his voice says, "Give me a reason why I shouldn't introduce you to the loving warmth of a fire's kiss."
Brother Bertram Monday January 14th, 2002 9:35:16 PM
Bertram groggily nods his head to Lian and gropes about for his axe. Feeling his hand close upon it gives him reassurance even if he still isnt in complete control of his senses.
Figment 4d4(2+4+1+1)+4=12 Tuesday January 15th, 2002 12:05:41 AM
Regaining his senses the mage moves on by the group - as far as he can without being caught in the web and casts a magic missile at the remaining priestess (12 DMG).
Lian Tuesday January 15th, 2002 2:39:10 AM
"Here you are Bertram. Get to your feet friend, let me help you." "Are you ready to do these Hands some harm? I have been waiting for this." Lian claps his hands together and rubs them together. "Bertram my friend... after you." Lian bows to Bertram and extends an arm toward the door.
K'Nara Tuesday January 15th, 2002 7:11:35 AM
The human bladesinger shook off the effects of the Sound Burst and helped Olana toss the unconscious foes into Ingrge's sticky Web.
"Is everyone okay..?" she asked. "Milo...can you see about scouting out where the children are and if they're all right? We don't HAVE to go busting into the classroom and needlessly scare 'em to death."
However, K'Nara would be damned before letting the Hands of Love continue their brainwashing classes here!
Milo (Invisible) d20+14=28 Tuesday January 15th, 2002 10:08:41 AM
Hearing K'nara's request, but not wanting to make any noise on this side of the web spell, Milo quietly pads off in search of the children.(Made Move Silently check DC 28)
Black guard of Caerolda... (DM Chris) d20+2=14 Tuesday January 15th, 2002 10:22:53 AM
Figment's magic missile slams into the remaining cleric just as she is starting to struggle in the webs. She immediately goes limp.
Something tall, dark, and not-so-handsome approaches the other side of the web, apparently not noticing Milo in his invisible state. It is difficult to make out what exactly is there, until the web begins to part, practically disintegrating away. Then all is clear as a tall human figure steps out into the front room. The cleric that was caught in the web, slumps to the ground. He speaks not at all as he comes toward your group, wearing full plate armor enameled black with swirling red designs all over its surface. In one hand, he wields a ebony bladed long sword, that seems to pulsate with unholy energy. The other arm is adorned with a large shield that bears the head of a lion. Strange, but you think that the lion's head moved.
Figment (Improved Invis) Tuesday January 15th, 2002 1:16:33 PM
The mage move over to K'Nara "It's me, I'm casting on you. Stand still.". He casts stoneskin on her (7 - 10/+5). Lasts for 70 minutes.
Lian d20+6=7 Tuesday January 15th, 2002 5:29:19 PM
"Bertram!? What is that thing?" Lian points to the armor clad giant approaching the group.
Lian begins to string his short bow, not having used it since a hunt in the woods around home months back. Lian takes aim and fires and the dark visage.
Hitting only the wall over the armored giants shoulder (AC 7, rolled a natural 1), Lian positions himself behind Bertram. "Bertram, maybe I will cover your approach. I will never hit HIM unarmed."
Olana d20+11=15 d6+2=7 Tuesday January 15th, 2002 8:24:40 PM
Olana helps drag fallen foes over to the web. "Er.. how are we going to get past this web thing and - oooh, who's that?" She backs off, bow drawn. "He doesn't look very friendly," she adds - as usual, stating the obvious, and sends an arrow in his direction.
((7 dam if hit))
Brother Bertram d20+6=25 d10+5=15 Tuesday January 15th, 2002 8:42:59 PM
Hearing Lian, Bertram shakes the cobwebs from his head and looks at the ominous figure approaching. Seeing an opening part through the webs, Bertram charges, absent-mindedly murmuring a prayer to Domi as he swings his axe with all his might at the dark figure.
Ingrge d4+1=4 Tuesday January 15th, 2002 11:30:10 PM
Also stepping up to K'nara. "I too am going to cast a spell on you to aid with your dancing." Cast Cat's grace: 1d4+1 bonus to Dexterity points adding any benefits to AC reflex saves and anything else using dexterity mods. K'nara +4 dexterity for 6 hours. After casting Ingrge steps back and starts going thru his repetoire of spells that can be used.
K'Nara Stoneskin, Cat's Grace d20+8=25 d10+4=14 d6=6 Wednesday January 16th, 2002 6:59:01 AM
K'Nara's hazel eyes narrowed at the sight of the heavily-enchanted warrior--oh, yeah...this guy was bad news.
"Make sure the children are safe." the leader of the Talons said out loud, then added: "Lucia!" Her bastard sword flared to fiery life, and the human bladesinger slung her blade in a whirling motion straight at the unknown warrior, slicing at him through the rest of the webbing he was parting, setting it on fire.
(OOC: K'Nara's blow hits AC25 for 14hp of damage, plus 6hp fire damage from the flaming sword. The fire should burn up the Web, I think.)
Flueterflam Wednesday January 16th, 2002 8:44:30 AM
The bard stays out of range of this new eerie figure, but close enough that he can easily backup K'Nara should all her enchantments fail. Just before she moves in for her attack, "Just let me know if ya need me."
Fluet takes a moment, to glance around the 'hall' that they are standing in, to see if there is any other exit than the stairs or front door.
Milo d20+14=30 d20+8=16 d20+8=14 Wednesday January 16th, 2002 10:29:59 AM
Turning on one heel, Milo follows the dark figure out through the hall, back to where his friends are, moving as silently as a mouse. Waiting for just the right moment, he watches as K'nara steps up to attack the man in black armor, and then strikes from behind, his blade careening of the armor as it whirls in for a double blow. He reappears, his invisibility dispelled by his attack. A look of horror is plain on the halfling's face.
Blackguard... (DM Chris) d20+17=28 d8+8=14 d6=3 d6=4 d20+12=23 d8+8=9 d6=4 d6=2 d20+17=23 d6=3 d6=4 Wednesday January 16th, 2002 10:42:05 AM
Olana's arrow goes careening off the man's armor to no effect, but K'Nara's blow strikes true, sinking into flesh, and burning all the same. He doesn't even flinch, though it is clear that he is wounded. Milo's blows indeed are ineffective, though the blackguard is somewhat startled by the sudden appearance of the halfling. A hollow voice issues from the helmet, "Greetings and well met fools, I am Dem'lione Blackheart, servant of the heart, and I am your doom." Swinging his ebony blade, he strikes K'Nara soundly, his unholy blade sinking into her side. (Hit AC 28 for 21 hps damage.) Then pivoting in place, swings at Milo as well, smiting the rogue. (Hit AC 23 for 15 hps damage.) Quickly in his follow up, he spins on K'Nara once more and speaking an indiscernible arcane word, the lion's head on his shield comes to life biting K'Nara. (Hit AC 23 for 7 hps.)
Figment 4d4(2+2+1+3)+4=12 Wednesday January 16th, 2002 11:08:12 AM
The mage casts magic missile at the ebony warrior striking him squarely in the chest with all 4 missiles (12 DMG).
Figment (Improved Invis...) Wednesday January 16th, 2002 11:08:41 AM
Forgot to mention he's invisible.
Olana d20+5=11 d20+5=22 d6=3 Wednesday January 16th, 2002 7:04:36 PM
Growling in frustration, Olana pulls her swords and lunges at "old doom face" just as soon as she see's those MM's go whistling past. Hopefully she manages to nick him for 3.
Flueterflam d20+5=19 d6=6 d20=18 Wednesday January 16th, 2002 8:16:06 PM
As he see K'Nara becoming very injured, Fluet immediately becomes too enraged to stand still. With all the speed he can muster and more somehow, being amplified by his battle rage, the bard flies at the warrior and jabs his short sword into its stomach. (ooc Hit AC 19 for 6) Even if the bard's sword cannot penetrate the warrior's armor, he makes his best attempt to slam into it and confuse it somewhat. (ooc: voluntary 'slam' DC 18 ...wow)
Ingrge d20+8=24 3d6(6+6+6)=18 Wednesday January 16th, 2002 9:07:07 PM
From the side blackguard's side, Ingrge casts another spell and reaches out and touches the Blackguard (AC 24, Vampiric touch, no save 18 points damage to blackguard +18 HP to Ingrge)
Lian d20+10=23 Thursday January 17th, 2002 1:32:56 AM
Lian sees that all of his friends are engaged with Mr. Blackheart, he takes the oppurtunity and back-flips into position behind him with Milo.
(OOC:Take the attack of opportunity, Dodge and Moving Defensively AC 22, Tumble Check of 23 plus 2 from Jump for a total Tumble of 25.)
K'Nara (Stoneskin, Cat's Grace) d20+8=28 d20+8=27 d10+4=5 d6=3 d10+4=9 d6=6 Thursday January 17th, 2002 7:05:48 AM
The blow from the sword looked nastier than it was--thanks to the timely casting of Figment--but the humanbladesinger reeled from it anyhow. The animated lion's head almost freaked K'Nara out, but she managed to curb her shock. By the Dark Lord, this one was going to be a foe to contend with!
Injured but unwilling to give up the fight, K'Nara danced as the Maulk had instructed, then struck as soon as she sensed an opening in the unholy warrior's defenses--Lucia weaving in and striking soundly.
"Love this!" hissed K'Nara as her flaming sword bit deep into the blackguard. (OOC: Critical hit! Hits AC28 and then AC27 for 14hp sword damage and 9hp fire damage.)
Milo d20+8=28 d20+8=12 d20+8=19 4d6(3+3+1+6)+1=14 Thursday January 17th, 2002 10:22:08 AM
Milo steps up after that blow, flanking the Blackguard and sets his blade in motion. His first swipe misses the evil warrior, but his second, sinks into his back. (Hit with a natural 20, but not a critical for 14 hps dmg)
Crack of Doom... (DM Chris) d20+12=27 d20+8=13 d8+13=16 Thursday January 17th, 2002 10:38:18 AM
Figment's magic missiles slam into Dem'lione, but he keeps on coming. Olana's blows are deflected without harm, as are Flueterflam's. When Flueterflam steps in to slam the Blackguard, he sidesteps the bard who hits nothing but air. (Fluet make a Reflex save DC 15 to keep your feet.) The Blackguard reels when Ingrge hits him with the vampiric touch, and again with K'nara's massive blow. Liam reaches his chosen destination without an attack of opportunity (Nice tumble check) and Milo's attack sends him forward. Setting himself, the warrior steps and swings, concentrating all his unholy might into a single attack focused on... K'Nara's sword. Striking the flaming sword at the hilt, and sundering the weapon, causing a crack to run directly up the center of the blade, and the flame goes out. (OOC: Used Sunder feat to attack K'Nara's weapon. Hit AC 27. Rolled K'Nara's attack roll to defend for an AC 13. Did 16 hps to the flaming sword, that has a hardness of 11 (10 +1 for magic enchantment) and 5 hps).
Flueterflam d20+7=26 d20+5=24 d6=6 Thursday January 17th, 2002 11:16:24 AM
Fluet easily catches himself from falling as he realizes the dark warrior has moved away from his attempted battering. (Reflex DC 26) The bard easily swings around and comes at the warrior again. This time however, he swings his sword at the legs of the fiend, hoping to knock its knee out and temporarily cripple Dem'lione. (Hit AC 24 for 6 hps wow!)
Figment d4+1=5 d4+1=2 d4+1=4 d4+1=4 Thursday January 17th, 2002 12:59:34 PM
The mage casts his missles once again at the evil paladin hitting him squarely again for 15 DMG).
Lian d20+6=25 d20+6=14 d8-1=2 d8-1=0 Thursday January 17th, 2002 4:49:27 PM
Lian attempts to hit the iron clad warrior.
Hitting him with lightning speed for 2 points of Damage from the first blow.
OOC: Flurry of Blows, first hits AC 23 (modified from 25) and the next is AC12, not including any bonus for Flanking.
Ingrge 3d4(2+3+4)+3=12 Thursday January 17th, 2002 7:11:53 PM
Feeling stronger than he has felt in a long time, Ingrge casts yet a third spell, sending three bolts of energy ripping into the Blackguard. (magic missile, 12 points)
Olana d20+5=25 d20+5=13 d8+1=7 Thursday January 17th, 2002 8:51:44 PM
Aware of those around her, Olana dives in with both blades again, this time hopefully connecting with her longsword for 7.
This one wasn't going down easy.
Brother Bertram d20+6=24 Thursday January 17th, 2002 10:23:29 PM
Bertram realizes his attack did no harm to the warrior who ignored him, instead focusing on K'nara. Seeing the others were not having much success, Bertram tries something different. Dropping his axe he grabs Dem'lione's right foot and lifts straight up with all his might. His mighty thews crack as he feels the foot raising and he groans with the exertion as the dark warrior resists him.
(OOC Will let you decide if it worked :) )
K'Nara (Stoneskin, Cat's Grace) d20+8=26 d6+3=8 d20+8=23 d6+3=9 Friday January 18th, 2002 8:17:55 AM
K'Nara dared not let her shock at her beloved Lucia being sundered show--this warrior was entirely too deadly to give that advantage to. Instead the wily bladesinger spun in place, taking advantage of the Cat's Grace spell in order to execute several maneuvers in what appeared to be one fluid motion:
K'Nara released the handle of her trademark bastard sword, reached over her right shoulder, clasped the handle of the magical scimitar sheathed on her back, pulled it free of its scabbard and used the rest of the momentum of her spin to bring the blade out and around, slashing viciously at the man who'd just destroyed Lucia.
(OOC: Crit Hit for at least 8hp damage, 17hp total.)
Milo d20+8=22 d20+8=23 Friday January 18th, 2002 10:04:59 AM
Seeing the man taking the onslaught, Milo spins his short sword swinging at the dark warrior, and missing the mark as his enchanted blade is turned aside each time, by the man's armor.
Love on the Run... (DM Chris) Friday January 18th, 2002 10:24:30 AM
Dem'lione is staggered again and again as the Talons lay into him with a fury. Fluet, Olana, and K'nara all lay into the man with bladed weapons, while magic missiles from both Ingrge and Figment slam into him. In a final move, Bertram grapples the man by the leg, expecting to find resistance where there is none. Lifting, the man is flung to the ground where he lay still. A black, brackish smelling smoke rises from his armor, which falls apart as his demon-wracked body departs this plane of existence. His sword collapses into ash.
Rushing into the orphanage, the Talons catch the cleric of Caerolda as she is preparing the children for some kind of mass ritual sacrifice. However, as the group interrupts her ceremony, she speaks but a word, and in a flash of light and a sucking of air as it rushes to fill the space she once inhabited, she is gone, her plans foiled.
The children are happy to see the Emerald Talons once again. Some laugh and dance about, while others collapse into tears. A silent few, merely sit where they are, reacting to little as though stunned from their experience with the Hand of Love.
(Its been fun guys. For those of you who don't already know, Monday ya'll will have a new DM. I'm stepping down due to time and work constraints. Though I'll still be playing Milo.)
Figment Friday January 18th, 2002 11:32:03 AM
Still invisible, the mage moves around the area looking for any sign of other opponents. When he's sure all is clear he releases his spell. He slowly comes over to one of the older children and kindly places a hand on him. "My good boy, where are the adults? Do you know what has happened to them?".
Olana Friday January 18th, 2002 7:40:49 PM
"Oh!" says the startled Olana as Figment winks back into existance. "There you are," she chuckles.
After asking K'Nara quietly if she's alright, she attempts to engage the more silent children in conversation, and beckons to Bertram. "This is Bertram," she said. "He picked up that nasty man and just threw him down on the ground. Isn't that just wonderful?"
Lian Friday January 18th, 2002 11:13:46 PM
"Uhmm, friends... what was that?"
Rubbing the back of his neck, Lian walks over to Bertrams axe and picks it up, then hands it to his friend. Then Lian picks up his bow from the doorway.
"Bertram, I have never seen a dwarf drop a weapon to attack an armor clad foe! Very impressive my friend. I do not believe I harmed him at all."
"K'nara, how are the children?" Lian turns, remembering why they are actually here.
Lian then begins to stretch out the knots in his muscles by doing his Kahta excercises.
K'Nara (Stoneskin, Cat's Grace) Saturday January 19th, 2002 7:31:10 AM
"I am all right, Olana," K'Nara assured the ranger, "Let's make sure the children are okay..." She joined the others in confirming the relative welfare of the children and additionally ordered any of the Hands of Love left behind to be tied up, helping to do so herself.
Finally, she returned to the antechamber where the Talons had defeated Dem'lione. The only items left now were the pile of ash that had once been the fighter (OOC: did the lion's-head shield go up in smoke, too? You didn't say in the DM post)...and the sundered Lucia, which the tall redhead slowly picked up from the floor, turning the rent, now-useless weapon over in her hands.
Lucia was dead. K'Nara face grimaced and it looked like she was about to cry.
"Damnation!!!" the curse seemed to be torn from her very soul. "The Gold Dragons of Plateau City gave this to me--it was presented to me by Greymalkin himself!!!" K'Nara choked back a sob. "If it's the last thing I ever do, I'm going to find that priestess and chop her up into steak tartare!!!"
Lian (again) Saturday January 19th, 2002 8:32:12 AM
"Lucia... the light.... has been extinguished, for in light there is hope, and now it is dark..." Lian sits down from his excercises, and hangs his head in mourning. Then as if realizing the irony, raises his head smiling, almost laughing and says... "...but as light shines, it cuts the darkness and only castes shadow!" "Lucia truly cut the darkness K'nara. There is light left in this building, the pure light of children."
Milo Saturday January 19th, 2002 4:44:12 PM
Looking very sad for K'nara, the halfling steps around the warrior woman and reaching into a pouch that he keeps tucked in his shirt, with a leather strap that encircles his neck, Milo pulls out a handful of large rubies and emeralds that he has been saving for just such an occasion. It is obvious there are more in the pouch. Looking K'nara in the eye sadly, "Just ask, and Alemi will provide. I've been saving these for a rainy day... well... its raining... and I just may know where we can get you a new sword... perhaps a better sword."
Ingrge Saturday January 19th, 2002 8:50:42 PM
Wtching as the Blackguard falls, Ingrge follows the others deeper in to the orphanage. "Well now that we have dispensed some love, Talon style, lets see what we can do for these children." As he sees the priestess about to sacrifice the children, he raises his staff and charges her. Just as he gets within striking distance she vanishes, leaving Ingrge with a bitter taste in his mouth. As the children swarm over the Talons, Ingrge allows his guard to relax a bit and every now and again a smile is seen to flit across his grim visage as he helps carry the children in to the daylight.
Ingrge too feels for K'narra, as she mourns for her bladed companion. "K'narra I'm sorry about Lucia, I understand how you feel about her. I would feel very much the same were the staff that Joe Hand gave to me were broken." If there is any way I can help, just let me know."
K'Nara Sunday January 20th, 2002 8:35:37 AM
The empathy and commiserations of her companions didn't seem to penetrate the mix of grief and anger that enveloped the human bladesinger...but K'Nara lowered the ruined blade that had once been Lucia and blinked down at Milo as the generous halfling made his offer to her.
"Oh, Milo, my friend..." she said, this time with tears falling from her eyes, "...thank you so much for the offer. I'm just angry that those Hands of Love bastards wrecked up Lucia. A warrior can fight with ANY weapon, but Lucia was special because of the fact that the Gold Dragons themselves gave it to me. Nothing could ever replace that..." Still cradling Lucia tenderly, the tall human went down on one knee and hugged Milo with her free arm.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this offer to me, though," K'Nara said sincerely, "I really DO appreciate it." She looked at Lucia once more, then retrieved the sheath for the blade and reverently slid the sword into it.
"I have some money--I'll use it to have Lucia repaired." the leader of the Talons said matter-of-factly. "I have the scimitar to use until then." K'Nara packed Lucia into her backpack, patting the bundle after she was finished securing it. "Until then, Lucia...until then."
Brother Bertram Sunday January 20th, 2002 9:00:18 AM
Bertram smiles his thanks to Lian as he grips his familiar axe. "We usually don't but the weapons for once didn't seem to be working. And I am not the same dwarf I used to be anymore my friend. As for throwing that fiend down, twas nothing, he weighed but a pittance. Now we must enjoy our time here and the adoration of these children." Bertram smiles gently and picks up a smiling toddler, holding him tenderly.
Olana Sunday January 20th, 2002 5:19:22 PM
Olana pondered Lian's words as she collected arrows that could be repaired, and helped with the children. She had begun to think that Lian was completely and utterly barking mad, but of course she was too polite to say so. Still, what he'd said just now made sense. He seemed to do things so very differently, still - tribes were tribes - they all had their own ways. On her way to find Fluet, to make sure he wasn't brooding somewhere, she found herself watching Ingrge. He'd make an excellent father some day.
K'Nara Monday January 21st, 2002 6:32:07 AM
The well-being of the children was paramount; K'Nara and the Talons searched the area (OOC: the whole village if they have to!) for the adults who were supposed to be in Perpaguil. Once they found out the fate of the grownups, K'Nara confirmed whether the elven orphans who'd helped them earlier were here and being taken care of.
Once that was done, the Talons would be free to assist the Tines in making sure the Kingdom stayed stable in Parnoth's absence.
Flueterflam Monday January 21st, 2002 11:20:47 AM
The bard roams around, helping out when/if needed. Otherwise he distances himself from the group and appears to just be finding solace in staring out into the sky. He whistles to himself. Though, his face presents a look of curiosity and questioning.
Fluet finds times, however, to ask Olana, "This is all so dream like. Sometimes I don't even feel like I am completely aware of myself. Why is everything so strange lately?" He asks without expecting an answer. It seems that he just finds comfort in hearing his own voice after not speaking for awhile.
Figment Monday January 21st, 2002 11:24:40 AM
The mage mentions to K'Nara "Do not discard Lucia, perhaps it can be mended - but I would expect to be using another sword from now on. I mourn your loss - such a magnificent weapon. But remember, it was destroyed in the cause of good. What better way to be remembered, or live your life.".
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