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Shining Force Central Forums > RPG Gallery > Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:03 am
A virtual tidal wave of gigantic monsters is crashing against the walls of the Abbey as Cedric's force is teleported into position. Two huge stone golems pound against the fortified walls as steam tanks manned by Cult tinkers fire volley after volley into the brick and mortar barrier. Great dragons seemingly made of pure magma roar and advance on the defensive line, backed by gigantic centaurs, deformed and terrible. Scraps of armor and clothing cover the gibbering and obvious mad centaurs, growths and extra limbs jutting from their bodies in odd places. Finally a pair of huge, vaguely rhino like monsters with crude barding and a tiny box with gnome and halfling riders within lurch forward.
: "Reinforcements! Finally! I hate fighting at the front lines!" Hans says with visible relief. Shade frowns and glares at his father.
: "Dad, don't say things like that! You're embarrassing mo... You're embarrassing the family," Shade says, turning back to the fight and firing a deadly explosive shell into the midst of a cultist formation.
: "Whatever! Fight the enemy, not your family!" Wendy calls out, turning to the force. "You're just in time! Hehehehe, I fight side by side with Cypressians once more! That's something we're all used to here, we helped your Prince take back his crown!"
:"Wendy! It's not time to reminisce either!" Kashing bellows as he raises his shield to block a fiery bolt from one of the dragons.
: "Right, right, right... Well it's not complicated! Just fight! Don't let any of them through, the Hall is already under attack from a group that was rode in on dragon, demon, and devil back. They can't take any more!" Wendy shouts. "Come on now! For Cypress and Guardiana!"
: "Hold the line! Don't let a one through!" Kashing shouts.
: "Come on you filth! It doesn't matter you're bigger than I am, I'll chop you down to my own size!" Ruce shouts, taking a defensive stance in front of a breach to the wall.
The monsters surge forth in response.
((You drop immediately into combat, no time for buffs before.))
Victory Conditions:
Hold the Line
Do Not Allow Any Enemies Past the North Edge of the Map
Map:
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9628/abbeywall1to9.png

Posted by: Rusty Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:39 am
: "My music shall pierce through the battlefield. But first, I must ensure my safety! Keep them back. Put up magical barriers if possible!" *With those words, Faralon casts a spell, turning ghostly in form.* ((Ghostform cast.

QUOTE (Spell Compendium)
You have no physical body while in this state. You can be harmed only by other incorporeal creatures, magic weapons or creatures that strike as magic weapons, and spells, spell-like abilities, or supernatural abilities. You are immune to all nonmagical attack forms. Even when hit by spells, including touch spells, or magic weapons, you have a 50% chance to ignore any damage from a corporeal source (except for positive energy, negative energy, force effects, or attacks made with ghost touch weapons). Nondamaging spell effects affect you normally unless they require corporeal targets to function (such as implosion) or they create a corporeal effect that incorporeal creatures would normally be unaffected by (such as a web or wall of stone spell).
Your attacks while in ghostform pass through (ignore) natural armor, armor, and shields, although deflection bonuses and force effects (such as mage armor) work normally against you. Nonmagical attacks you make with melee weapons have no effect on corporeal targets, and any melee weapon attack you make with a magic weapon against a corporeal target has a 50% miss chance, except for attacks you make with a ghost touch weapon, which are made normally (no miss chance). Spells you cast while in ghostform affect corporeal targets normally, including spells that require you to make an attack roll (such as rays or melee touch spells).
Any equipment you are wearing or carrying is also incorporeal as long as it remains in your possession. An object that you relinquish loses its incorporeal quality (and you lose the ability to manipulate the object). If you use a thrown or ranged weapon, the projectile becomes corporeal as soon as it is fired and can affect a corporeal target normally (no miss chance). Magic items you possess work normally with respect to their effects on you or another target.
As an incorporeal creature, you have no natural armor bonus but have a deflection bonus equal to your Charisma bonus (always at least +1, even if your Charisma score does not normally provide a bonus).
You can enter or pass through solid objects while in ghostform, but you must remain adjacent to the object's exterior, and so you cannot pass entirely through an object whose space is larger than your own. You can sense the presence of creatures or objects within a square adjacent to your current location, but enemies have total concealment from you while you are inside an object. In order to see farther from the object you are in and attack normally, you must emerge. While inside an object, you have total cover, but when you attack a creature outside the object you have cover only, so a creature outside with a readied action could strike at you as you attack. You cannot pass through a force effect.
You can pass through and operate in water as easily as you do in air. You cannot fall or take falling damage. You cannot make trip or grapple attacks, nor can you be tripped or grappled. In fact, you cannot take any physical action that would move or manipulate an opponent or its equipment, nor are you subject to such actions. You have no weight while in ghostform and do not set off traps that are triggered by weight.
You move silently and cannot be heard with Listen checks if you don't wish to be while in ghostform. You have no Strength score while incorporeal, so your Dexterity applies to both your melee attacks and ranged attacks. Nonvisual senses, such as scent and blindsight, are either ineffective or only partly effective with regard to you. You have an innate sense of direction and can move at full speed even when you cannot see.

So Faralon gains all those nifty bonuses and +9 to AC.
Current AC: 34))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Aug 03, 2008 2:54 am
*Merkass suffers memories resurging as soon as the teleportation resolves. His thoughts are thrust back to the last time he had been here. The blasted, simple pit trap, the meeting with past Shining heroes, and connection with them. Now, the time is far different. While the threat of impending invasion had been in the air, now it had become real. Merkass' brow furrows and his nose curls in response to the enormous beacon of evil approaching the walls. As brightly as its evil shone through to Merkass, so too did its red-hot, fiery exterior. Its form molten, Merkass sensed particular danger from it. Scurrying behind the battlements, Merkass gets into position and launches a trio of arrows into its hide. He strikes with deadly precision, though the memories, brightness, and flowing hide throw off his ability to actually pinpoint its weakest spot, preventing the blow from being truly telling.*
((Merkass moves 2 spaces left and manyshots 3 at the magma dragon that would be below him.
1d20 + 33 - 6 + 1 (PBS) = 20 + ...
CONFIRM: 1d20 + 28 = 2 + 28 = 30. No confirm.
Damage
1d8 + 20 + 1 (PBS) + 1 (FE) + 7d6 + 1d6 (skirmish) = 6 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 1 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 1 + 22 = 57.
1d8 + 22 + 8d6 = 2 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 4 + 22 = 68.
1d8 + 22 + 8d6 = 4 + 4 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 22 = 61.
Total: 186 and 3 CON damage.))
*Shade Abbey would not be under siege for long, and Aurik would see to it. These molten servants of darkness would not withstand the flames of the Holy Firebird. Aurik banks his shield with his morningstar, sparking cinders flying from his divinely powered weapon.
: This holy place will not be yours, fiends. Volcanon wards all his subjects from your approach! In His name, I demand you halt at once!
*Aurik's command booms over the servants of strife before him, forcing them to reconsider what their actions and hold fast in place instead. The results not immediately important, Aurik takes a step back to gain better protection from the battlements.*
((Aurik casts GREATER COMMAND. Defensive Casting is automatically passed.
The knight in front of the golem in front of Aurik, the Magma Giant in front of Ruce, and the brass gunner below them all must make a DC 25 Will save or halt actions for 19 rounds. While not helpless, they may not take actions. Each round they may make another DC 25 will save to end the effect.
Aurik then 5-ft steps back.))
((Just as a note, Rhizor wildshapes while they're preparing to teleport. Go figure the one time I could use 12 headed cryohydra I'm not going to do it. He will be in the form of a Desmodu War Bat.))
*Pfah. More servants of the Strife Lords sent to perform some tertiary task instead of appearing themselves to claim what they feel is theirs. Their lot would never hold such a monumental location, and the very world itself would throw itself against them and their cronies to bar their advance. Rhizor flaps his enlarged wings to distance himself somewhat from the top of the wall. He then opens his fanged mouth as though to skreech, but instead of sounds, strands of kelp fly forth, impacting the group before him and wrapping around them, constricting their movements and limiting their actions.*
((Rhizor flies up 10' and throws a kelpstrand at the magma dragon (to the right, not way down), knight, brass gunner, and THRESH BEAST in front of him.
Ranged touch attacks, in order:
1d20 + 18 = 10 + 18 = 28.
1d20 + 18 = 20 + ... = hit.
1d20 + 18 = 12 + 18 = 30.
1d20 + 18 = 4 + 18 = 22.
Grapple Checks
1d20 + 40 = 16 + 40 = 56.
1d20 + 40 = 17 + 40 = 57.
1d20 + 40 = 5 + 40 = 45.
1d20 + 40 = 2 + 40 = 42.))

Posted by: YsFanatic Sun Aug 03, 2008 11:14 pm
Van is momentarily disoriented by the teleportation, but when his senses return to normal he swiftly spots the golem right by the wall near him. Reaching down with his weapon, the village warrior lashes out with a series of mostly clumsy attacks, including a blow aimed at possibly knocking the stone golem off balance.
((Looks like Van might be able to hit that golem from where he is or with a 5' move, so full attack with the first being a Trip attempt since Knight wants me to try to trip it from above. And its not like Van can really contribute in any other way >_> Unless TUM wants to give him his Soul Calibur critical finish....
Hit: d20 + BAB + STR + Earthbound + Focus – PA
D20 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4
Trip Hit: 9 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 4 + 4 (Sweeping) = 35
15 + 11 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 4 = 32
6 + 6 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 4 = 18
5 + 1 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 4 = 12
Damage: 2d4 + STR + Earthbound + Enchantment + PA
2d4 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 8
STR check = 17(d20) + 10 (STR 1.5) + 4(Improved Trip) = 31
1 + 4 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 8 = 26
3 + 2 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 8 = 26
3 + 1 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 8 = 25
Sense Weakness and Distracting Attack in effect, Dodge to the golem for 29 total AC))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Aug 04, 2008 12:35 am
Here are Kayla's level ups, finally!

QUOTE
Kayla gains a level in Rogue! [Rogue 6/Assassin 10, ECL 17]

- Max HP +8
- BAB +1
- Fortitue save +1
- Reflex save +1
- Will save +1
- Balance +2
- Bluff +1
- Disable Device +1
- Escape Artist +1
- Hide +1
- Move Silently +1
- Open Lock +1
- Search +1
- Sleight of Hand +1
- Tumble +1
- Trap Sense increases to +2

QUOTE
Kayla gains a level in Rogue! [Rogue 7/Assassin 10, ECL 18]

- Max HP +9
- BAB +1
- Balance +2
- Bluff +1
- Disable Device +1
- Escape Artist +1
- Hide +1
- Move Silently +1
- Open Lock +1
- Search +1
- Sleight of Hand +1
- Tumble +1
- Sneak Attack increases to +9d6

QUOTE
Kayla gains a level in Rogue! [Rogue 8/Assassin 10, ECL 19]

- Max HP +5
- BAB +1
- Reflex save +1
- Balance +1
- Bluff +1
- Disable Device +1
- Escape Artist +1
- Hide +1
- Move Silently +1
- Open Lock +1
- Perform (Dance) +1
- Search +1
- Sleight of Hand +1
- Tumble +1
- Gains the 'Improved Two-Weapon Fighting' feat

Now, here are my actions for this round.
Damas takes a few moments to survey the battlefield. The first thing he notices is that they while they are not outnumbered by much, their enemies look to be quite fierce. Still, such a thing had never stopped the force before, and probably never will. Damas weaves arcane symbols in the air with his fingers, while chanting at the same time. Suddenly, six exact duplicates of the elven sorcerer spring into being around him.
((Damas stays where he is and casts Mirror Image on himself. The spell created six duplicates, and lasts sixteen minutes.
Hit Points: 86/86
Armor Class: 18
Spell Slots: Level 0 - 6/6, Level 1 - 9/9, Level 2 - 8/9, Level 3 - 8/8, Level 4 - 8/8, Level 5 - 8/8, Level 6 - 8/8, Level 7 - 6/6, Level 8 - 4/4))
Kethra stays on her guard and watches her surroundings carefully, waiting for an enemy to come within her range on the wall.
((Since Kethra is up on the wall, I have no clue how far up it is, and do not know if she can get down or even how, Kethra is holding her action. She will attack the first enemy to come within range of attacks.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:51 pm
((Might pretty up later, might not, just want to get it in before I forget about it. Sudden Maximized Field of Icy Razors. L9, L14, 05, R9 and either S17 or V4 if either or both can be included. Total Damage = 114, Half Slashing, Half Cold. All targets movement reduced by 20 feet for 19 rounds. REF save for half and no movement restriction.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Aug 05, 2008 12:04 am
((Quick and dirty. Ash Enlarges Gabe and casts Shield to up his AC. Gabe waits to pop the nearest thing, which apparenly is a Magma Giant. Two crits for 58 and 53 damage.)) <}=={ Ashathel }=={> (O) HP: 147/147
(O) AC: 30
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [1 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition [x2], Lesser Orb of Electricity [x3], Shield
L2: Blur, Cat's Grace, Fox's Cunning, Mirror Image
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec], Mnemonic Enhancer, Orb of Electricity, Ray of Deanimation
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 212/212
(O) AC: 25
(O) Rage 2/day [2 left]
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (3 left)

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Aug 05, 2008 1:45 am
Aurik's spell halts some of the enemies in their tracks as Van defies all laws of physics and manages to push the golem over. The gigantic statue topples over, striking the ground with a loud thud, and scrambles to get back up. Upon regaining its feet, it slugs Van with incredible force, nearly breaking Van's jaw.
((Saves failed, Golem falls over, move action to get back up, single attack on Van. Hit! 44 damage to Van.))
Strands of kelp bind the mutated centaur fast, as they also anchor the tinker tank to the ground. However, the guns of the mighty machine still fire, and the Magma Dragon and Siege Beast break out of their aquatic bonds with some effort. The kelp-wrapped Brass Gunner fires on the wall, blasting off a shower of bricks and weakening the structure.
((75 damage to the wall.))
Isyndel's spell covers the area in front of her in a whirling blizzard of sharp ice and freezing cold. Weakening under the blustery barrage, Hans manages to fire on one of the gigantic centaurs, slaying it in a series of explosions as he lets loose with Buster Shots. Shade follows suit, though he doesn't manage to slay his target, one of the lumbering Siege Beasts. Ruce brings up his shield and takes a strange combat stance while Wendy calls down the power of Freeze magic on an approaching Magma Giant. Kashing finishes the job with a series of skillful lance thrusts.
: "Keep firing! They're closing fast!"
: "Let 'em! They're not getting past us!"
((All except the centaurs, Magma Giant, and Siege Beast in the back save. Hans finishes off the centaur, Shade wounds the Siege Beast. Ruce activates Defensive Stance. Wendy and Kashing manages to take down the Giant with lance and Maximized Freeze 4.))
Cedric prepares himself for the coming battle.
((Cedric activates Power Surge and Divine Might.))
One of the gigantic granite golems gouges great cracks in the wall as he slams at it relentlessly, the study fortification slowly giving way to the monster's assault.
((Greater Stone Golem 1 attacks the wall, inflicting 100 damage to the fortification, and severely damaging it.))
Another one of the stone statues attacks Kethra, her defensive stance availing her not as two huge stone fists slam into the mousy monk, bruising flesh and breaking bone.
((Greater Stone Golem 2 attacks Kethra! Hit! Hit! 82 damage to Kethra!))
One of the Magma Giants charges forward, Gabriel meeting it with a pair of sword swings that opens great, flaming wounds in the creature's stony hide. The giant roars several colorful curses in the tongue of Giants, then retaliates with a punch that forces Gabriel to take a single step back.
((Gabriel wails on Magma Giant, MG returns fire with a punch that deals 30 damage and 5 fire damage.))
Kashing brings up his sword and shield, just managing to turn aside the crazed charge of a chaos centaur. Ruce isn't quite as lucky, the abomination forcing a spiked club past his defenses. However, the hit doesn't even faze the dwarf.
((Chaos Centaur charges Kashing and misses. Chaos Centaur charges Ruce and hits, dealing 11 damage.))
One of the huge Siege Beasts lumbers forth, moving toward the wall as the riders on its back chant a spell and gesture at Faralon and Van. A wide bolt of lightning streaks out from the pairs' joined hands, but passes right through Faralon. Van manages to step mostly aside, avoiding most of the blast's power. However, the second Siege Beast charges forward at Kashing, sweeping him off the ground and into its jaws.
: "Damn! Somebody help me!!!" Kashing yells as he struggles to free himself.
((The riders of the Siege Beast unleash a bolt of lightning! Faralon is incorporeal. Van makes his save, and only takes 17 damage. Second Siege Beast charges Kashing, grabbing him in powerful jaws. Kashing takes 25 damage and is grappled.))
Kyoji silently regards the battle, then vanishes from sight.
((Kyoji activates his ring and flips down the wall.))
The Magma Dragons stomp forward, one halting at the wall and breathing a vast gout of flame over the battlements. Hans is caught unawares, the elf screaming as his skin is blackened and burnt. Cedric swiftly hits the ground, the paladin's heavy armor clanking against the brick floor as fire jets scant inches over his head.
: "Grah! I'm hit... I'm hit!!!"
((Hans takes 85 damage, failing the save. Cedric evades despite a low roll thanks to his crazy Kensai skillz.))
Wings of pure fire unfurl from the lava shoulders of the Magma Dragons, who flap into the air and soar onto the wall. The wings meld back into the dragons' bodies when they touch ground again, a deafening roar echoing from their fiery maws.
A single dragon hangs back, casting some sort of spell.
Another of the Brass Gunners opens fire, the deafening boom of its main cannon accompanied by chattering from twin machine-guns on its sides. The cannon blasts the wall near Damas, the explosion and hail of shrapnel tearing into the mage as his images flicker and vanish. Wendy fares little better, shrieking with pain as particularly lucky machinegun shots pierce through her, soaking her robes with blood.
((Rolled 20, 20, 19. Confirmed twice. Damas takes 72 damage and his images are dispelled. Wendy takes 72 damage and is at single digit HP))
: "N...no!" Wendy says, leaning heavily on her staff. Fire burns in her eyes. "You won't beat me!!! You won't!!!"
Shade evades a huge explosion and twin streams of gunfire as one of the Brass Gunners fires on him.
: "Too slow!" Shade jeers at the enemy.
((Brass Gunner rolls 8,3,1. No malfunction, but all miss.))
Next turn!
Map(Rhizor is actually Huge):
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/866/abbeywall2yz3.png

Posted by: Rusty Tue Aug 05, 2008 1:55 am
*As the battle rages around him, Faralon begins to sing, his voice calling out to his allies to uplift their spirits in their time of need.* ((This will last for 3 total rounds. When that runs out, the bonuses will be half. But I may increase them again before then anyway.
Faralon and all his allies gain a +10 morale bonus to attack and damage rolls, as well as a +10 morale bonus to saves against charm and fear effects.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Aug 05, 2008 2:07 am
*Merkass deftly rolls out of the way of the molten beast flying over his head. Easily finding his feet once more, Merkass' eyes narrow. It was dangerously close to Isyndel, and while his role was to hunt evil, find, and exterminate it to whatever end, cleansing the land in Mitula's name, he would allow none of his friends to be harmed if it could be stopped. Merkass agilely backflips, twisting wildly to his original position, all the while time slowing to seemingly a standstill for him. He sees every motion the magma dragon makes, and predicts its coming moves. Aiming for its head to fell it swiftly, Merkass runs his finger along the holy, divine bowstring with gentleness and grace, taking his time, for now he had all that he needed. Now ready, he rapidly pulls back on the bowstring, then lets the arrow-like beam of light fly toward its target. Before it can even impact, Merkass sends out a cascade of three more, the final striking with deadly accuracy. Despite all his efforts, Merkass is left shocked to find that the beast still stood, though severely wounded and on its last legs.*
: Lady Isyndel, move to safety! I will take this quarry.
((Merkass Activates SENSE. All attacks hit for one round, and all attacks against Merkass miss!
Merkass attempts to move 10' as a 5' step.
Tumble: 1d20 + 32 = 20 + 32 + 10 = 62. Pass. Merkass is in E4.
Full Attack, Rapid shot. Checking for crits.
1d20 = 2.
1d20 = 8.
1d20 = 1.
1d20 = 20.
check upgrade: 1d20 = 17. Normal crit.
PS: AIM - Blow me.
Damage
1d8 + 22 + 10 + 8d6 = 6 + 32 + 6 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 4 + 5 + 3 = 65.
1d8 + 32 + 4d6 = 7 + 32 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 6 = 53.
1d8 + 32 + 4d6 = 4 + 32 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 5 = 49.
(1d8 + 32)*3 + 4d6 + 2d10 = 6 + 5 + 4 + 96 + 5 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 8 + 1 = 133.
Total: 300 damage. 4 CON damage.))
*The attacks on the wall were brutal, and the assault on Aurik's allies were no less so. The dragons scaling the wall gave Aurik no pause, however. These abominations of dragonkin, forged from a union of earth and flame would never dominate the true, pure flames of Volcanon. They burned untainted by any darknes or other element, and were not subject to anyone or anything.*
: You all seem to have lost your way! Let me shine light on the road to where your path will take you!
*Aurik conjures a small globe of flame from the head of his morningstar, then tosses a rock that seems to glow as it nears the orb. In the blink of an eye, it travels across the battlefield, hurtling toward its destination. A great distance away, it explodes into a mini-sun, engulfing everything in its wake in brilliant, blinding light. Volcanon would weed the wicked from the battlefield, avenging the slights against him on the heads of the servants of the Lords of Strife. For every misdeed, there is punishment, and Aurik would act as his Lord's servant to right the grievous wrongs against Volcanon and his creation. Aurik then takes a few steps to the side to stand next to Hans.*
: The light will not fade on you today, *He says to the Shining Warrior, though prepared to provide aid if necessary.*
((Aurik drops a Sunburst http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/sunburst.jpg, which gets automatically enlarged.
Everything takes 6d6 = 4 + 6 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 3 = 22 damage and is blinded.
A DC 26 Reflex save can be made for half damage and negates the blindness.
SHOULD anything happen to be undead, it takes19d6 damage instead. Since I don't believe anything is undead, I'm not rolling it.
Aurik then moves 10' to the right, placing him in D11.
He's saving his swift/immediate action in case something else goes terribly wrong.))
*So, dark, unholy, elemental abominations had come to test his mettle. He would see just what they had to offer. Flapping his strengthened bat wings to bear him aloft ever higher, he stares down at the magma dragon standing next to him. If he could, he would speak to it, telling it that it stood on the wrong side of this battle, and that the very earth itself would bear witness to its defeat, and aid in it. But, it was not to be, nor was it needed. If he could not speak, then he would strip the beast of its sight. Rhizor opens his large, fanged mouth as though to dive down and bite the dragon. Instead, a vile ichor, crackling with black lightning flies toward the Magma Dragon, impacting it easily in the eyes. It roars and bellows, but it is too late, the dragon's eyesight lost for now, and likely forever. Rhizor cackles silently to himself. The beast probably thought itself superior until now. Unable to see, it had become the fodder it had most likely thought he and the rest of his companions to be.*
((Rhizor flies up another 5' and casts Fell Drained Blinding Spittle. In the event a concentration check is needed, he auto-passes.
Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 18 + 10 - 4 = 5 + 24 = 29. Hit.
The dragon is blinded, no save.
It also gains a negative level, so -1 to effectively everything and -5 hp. This should also effect HD related abilities.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:33 pm
I will post my actions for this round in a little bit, so...PLACE HOLDER!

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:34 pm
NEW MAP LOCATION since imageshack blows http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/AbbeyWall2.PNG

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Tue Aug 05, 2008 7:00 pm
The dragon had descended upon them quickly, too quickly for her liking. Isyndel bent low to her knees as she backpedaled a few feet, arms raised before her as she stared almost in awe at it. No choice, it was rising beyond the wall far too quickly. There was nothing left but to hope her companions would take care of the rest.
She brought the Psychowand roaring to life with her incantantions as she held it defensively before her, and brought the full weight of her best Freeze magic upon the weakened beast.
((5 foot step to the right, casting defensively.
Maximized Freeze 4 on the dragon closest to her. 120 ice damage, no saving throw.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Aug 05, 2008 7:44 pm
The shrapnel that tears into Damas and the sheer force of the explosion nearly bring the sorcerer to his knees. In spite of his terrible wounds, the elf manages to remain standing. He takes a moment to look around and finds that his images have faded.
"Well, that didn't quite work out like I thought it would."
Damas takes note of the dragons that have landed on the wall, and quickly comes up with another plan of action. The sorcerer takes a step back, and brings the power of his most powerful ice spell down upon the magma dragon.
((Damas takes a 5' step back to D-46, and defensively casts an Empowered Freeze 4 spell.
Defensive Casting: 16 + 21 + 2 = 41
Damage: 12d8 + 36 = 138
The listed damage is before any modifiers such as damage reduction or vulnerability.
Hit Points: 14/86
Armor Class: 18
Spell Slots: Level 0 - 6/6, Level 1 - 9/9, Level 2 - 8/9, Level 3 - 8/8, Level 4 - 8/8, Level 5 - 8/8, Level 6 - 8/8, Level 7 - 6/6, Level 8 - 3/4))
Kethra bites her lip to keep herself from crying out as the golem's fists slam into her. The monk ignores the coppery taste of blood in her mouth, and spins around to face what she assumes to be the greater threat.
((Kethra uses Flurry of Blows on said magma dragon.
Attack 1: 18 + 23 = 41
Damage: 16 + 17 = 33
Attack 2: 14 + 23 = 37
Damage: 6 + 17 = 23
Attack 3: 12 + 23 = 35
Damage: 12 + 17 = 29
Attack 4: 8 + 18 = 26
Damage: 11 + 17 = 28
Attack 5: 8 + 13 = 21
Damage: 15 + 17 = 32
I'm almost sure that attacks 4 and 5 missed, but I posted damage just in case like I always do.
Hit Points: 41/123
Armor Class: 36
Spell Resistance: 27))

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:53 pm
Cedric takes a deep breath, bracing himself for the clash of arms, then he leaps over the bulwark and as he falls to the ground below smashing his hammer against the massive centaur threat. [Jump: 9 + 7 = 16 (Armor Check Penalty already calculated)]
[Power Attack 5]
[Attack: 18 + 27 + 10 - 5 (PA) = 50]
[Damage: 8 + 21 + 1 + 10 (PA) + 10 (Music) + 3 [Sonic] + 5 [Elec]]
[50 + 3 Sonic + 5 Elec]
((A good deal more if it's somehow fiendish.))
Cedric lands with a mighty crash at the base of the great wall.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Aug 06, 2008 10:01 pm
((May pretty it up later. Gabe should be large, due to the Enlarge Person; dunno where you're going to put the dragon, but I also have to wonder if Gabe would get the AoO for however it drops in. Not sure if I mentioned it, but Gabe has been raging for the past two rounds. I'll figure out what that means for his HP sometime later, probably when it's too late.
He smacks the Magma Giant around for 53 on a hit and 108 on a crit.
=====
Ash taps the dragon next to him a couple times; two hits and a miss. 48 to hit / 53 damage, and 46 to hit / 44 damage.))

Posted by: YsFanatic Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:36 am
Van nearly loses his balance from the pair of attacks, but the injuries he just sustained didn't prevent him from lashing out at the golem again, though one of his attacks was rather clumsy. ((Van gets an extra attack from Improved Trip, but as the attack should have actually been last round, I do not count Music or the higher PA into its totals. He stays put and full attacks the golem again, once more going for a trip.
Hit: d20 + BAB + STR + Earthbound + Focus + Music – PA
D20 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 + 10 – 7
Improved Trip Hit: 7 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 4 = 29
Trip Hit: 6 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 7 + 4 (Sweeping) + 10 = 39
16 + 11 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 7 + 10 = 40
16 + 6 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 7 + 10 = 35
5 + 1 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 7 + 10 = 19
Damage: 2d4 + STR + Earthbound + Enchantment + Music + PA
2d4 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 10 + 14
Improved Trip Damage: 3 + 3 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 8 = 27
STR check = 11(d20) + 10 (STR 1.5) + 4(Improved Trip) = 25
2 + 2 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 14 + 10 = 41
1 + 2 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 14 + 10 = 40
3 + 2 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 14 + 10 = 42
Dodge to the golem he's attack for a total of 29 AC))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Aug 07, 2008 11:33 pm
Faralon's masterful song echoes across the battlefield, over the sounds of clashing metal, screams, and cannon-fire. Hearts are emboldened and steeled against the terror of war by the power of music. As the spell-summoned sun blasts away the sight of a handful of foes and scorches the skin of others, Hans turns to Aurik and nods.
"Right... Right, got to stay positive... For Diane's sake..." Hans mutters.
((Aurik blinds the left Siege Beast, the Magma Giant, the Magma Dragon, and two Chaos Centaurs.))
A hail of arrows drives deeply into the side of the great lava lizard, its pained roar threatening to shatter the hearing of those nearby. Merkass severely wounds the Magma Dragon, but it presses forward, roaring a hot wind over the wall as it lashes out at the archer that left himself open. Luckily, the archer's swift reflexes save him for a crushing snap of the obsidian jaws, hot breath washing over his head. The catfolk's supernatural speed allows him to move as if everyone else is moving in slow motion... for now.
((AoO: Upgraded Critical Hit. Negated due to Sense.))
The air around Isyndel and the dragon drops to freezing temperature as ice begins to spontaneously form on the Magma Dragon, great gouts of steam bursting from the beast. It lets out a bonechilling howl as the fire within it dims, then dies, lava turning to stone. The stone dragon then crumbles into a pile of volcanic rocks, each no bigger than a fist. Isyndel's swift spell slays the beast.
((Magma Dragon slain.))
Kashing manages to break free of the Siege Beast's maw, hooves scrambling for purchase as the elderly warrior manages to push off the great creature's face and slide back to his original position. The Siege Beast then roars as it attempts to get the veteran knight in its jaws once more, but Kashing's shield and lance are too fast and skilled to allow a single hit to touch him.
((Siege Beast FA: no hits.))
Damas inflicts terrible damage on the Magma Dragon, his icy magic crumbling away chunks of volcanic rock from the dragon as its inner heat begins to run out.
Blow after devastating blow strikes the Dragon's hide, yet more stone crumbling away from the rapid-cooled hide of the lava monster.
((Kethra hits thrice, assuming she didn't add in the BM bonus.))
Already weakened by Isyndel's spell, the Chaos Centaur falls to Cedric's single blow, the powerful hammer smashing in his skull in a smooth motion.
((Chaos Centaur is the dead.))
Van pushes the Golem over again... somehow.
((Another 2.))
Rhizor's spittle doesn't seem to affect the dragon, the vile substance evaporating as it strikes the Magma Dragon.
((SR failed, not that it matters for this turn.))
The golem gets back up and slugs Van in the chest. If constructs were capable of emotion, you suspect it'd be rather irritated at this point.
((Hit. 31 damage.))
"Damn... That I have to resort to this so soon..." Wendy murmurs as she plucks a bottle from her belt and swiftly chugs down the contents, a shimmering, clear liquid.
((Wendy drinks a Healing Water, restoring her to full.))
A hail of explosions rips apart one of the lumbering Siege Beasts, a stray shot blasting off a hunk of obsidian from a nearby Magma Dragon. The creature growls at the wound.
((Hans kills the wounded Siege Beast, then wounds the dragon.))
Ashathel badly wounds the dragon, his swift, shimmering, scientific sword slicing through shattered scales. Meanwhile, Gabriel cuts off the Magma Giant's head in an almost dismissive manner, using the momentum of the blow to crash into the nearby dragon's flank, opening a fiery wound and causing it to howl in rage.
Kyoji glares at the dragon, calming unsheathing the Doom Blade and moving it in a circular motion as he emerges from invisibility. Holding it horizontally in front of him, the air around him bends and grow wavy as a circle of Haponese runes blazes to life around him. The runes explode into mirror images of the ninja, and the six soldiers of shadow encircle the dragon, each dealing a terrible blow with lightning speed. Wound after wound opens on the beast as Kyoji becomes a dark blue and black blur speeding around the giant reptile. In the blink of an eye, terrible cuts flay the dragon from head to tail, the mirror images vanishing as Kyoji returns to his original spot, shaking the gore off his blade as the dragon collapses behind him.
((Kyoji finishes off the Dragon with Strike of Mirrors. Kyoji then uses Ghost Step. 1 Crit, 7 hits, 3 misses. 483 damage.))
Greater Stone Golem manages to crumble away a huge chunk of the wall with his powerful blows, mortar and brick raining down below.
Ruce raises his father's Atlas Axe, newly restored to him. A hail of fire envelops one of the Brass Gunners as a quartet of salvaged Ancient shells tear open its armor. ITs ammunition reserves exposes, the magical fire swiftly detonates them, exploding the tank and slaying the pilot within.
((Shade and Ruce blow up a Brass Gunner with Buster Shots and Blaze 3.))
Another Brass Gunner blasts the wall again, part of it beginning to crumble apart under the incredible force generated by the cannon blast.
Wendy's healing proved timely, another Brass Gunner blasting her, one of its side guns mercifully impacting on the wall instead. The young mage shrieks in pain as most of her wounds reopen.
((Hit, Hit, Miss. 53 damage to Wendy.))
The Greater Stone Golem near Kethra grabs her, crushing her chest with one massive hand and slamming her back onto the wall.
((Hit, Hit. 83 damage to Kethra. Kethra is at -42 and dead.))
Chaos Centaur gets in a lucky, but light blow on Kashing, the elder knight barely injured by what would've been a deathblow for an ordinary soldier.
((Miss, Miss, Hit! 12 damage to Kashing.))
One of the Magma dragons exhales a fiery breath! Flames mixed with jagged shards of lava rock blast over the heroes manning the wall, consuming Van in fire as they merely pass through Faralon. Shades rolls to the side, acrobatically avoiding the fire with amazing reflexes. He laughs as the fire shoots past him.
"Is that the best you can do? You're pathetic!" Shade shouts at the dragon.
((133 fire damage to Gabriel and Van, prior amulets/protections. Shade rolled a nat 20 and evades. Faralon passes incorporeality. Van is down, though I'm not sure by how much.))
Rhizor is set upon by the Magma Dragon, the dragon's reach overcoming the bat's flight as claws and jaws tear into the druid's flesh, though both the overgrown tail and wings of fire miss thanks to the awkward position the dragon is forced to engage in.
((Bad rolls mean 3 hits and 3 misses. 81 damage to Rhizor.))
[[Just a note that since no one actually ever got around to saying what happened, I'll assume that the people who were given the Medallions of Mitula still have them. Namely:
>Aurik
>Kethra
>Sophie
>Isyndel
>Van
>Gabriel ]]
Next turn!
Map:
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/6258/abbeywall3mp9.png

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:39 am
Cedric tightens his grip around the hilt of his weapon as he takes a step forward over the rubbled strewed ground. His face is grim as he unleashes a barrage of blows against the vile beast before him, though no words escape his lips. There's an old familiar weariness in his eyes, a thirst for a resolution that never came.
[Attack 1: 6 + 27 + 10 = 43]
[Damage: 10 + 22 + 10 (Music) + 6 [Sonic] + 5 [Elec]]
[Attack 2: 20 + 22 + 10 = 51]
[Confirm: 5 + 22 + 10 = 37]
[Damage: 5 (15) + 22 (66) + 10 (Music) + 5 [Sonic] + 5(4) [Elec]]
[Attack 3: 3 + 13 + 10 = 26]
[Damage: 1 + 22 + 10 + 1 [Sonic] + 6 [Elec]]
"Hold here!" The paladin roughly barks, his eyes glancing down the line, "Keep them from breaking through! Take out those siegebeasts!"
((Course, he doesn't note that two people are already dead. :/ ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Aug 08, 2008 4:44 am
Damas' eyes widen when he sees Kethra and Van fall lifeless. His ears twitch when the sound of Cedric's voice reaches his ears. "We kind of have our own problems up here!" Damas sets his sights on the Magma Dragon before him once again, the elf's eyes narrowed to slits. The Sorcerer once again brings the power of Ultimate Freeze to bear.
((Damas defensively casts an Empowered Freeze 4 on the Magma Dragon in front of him again.
Defensive Casting: 7 + 21 + 4 = 32
Spell Resistance: 19 + 16 = 35
Damage: 12d12 + 36 * 1.5 = 168
Hit Points: 14/86
Armor Class: 18
Spell Slots: Level 0 - 6/6, Level 1 - 9/9, Level 2 - 8/9, Level 3 - 8/8, Level 4 - 8/8, Level 5 - 8/8, Level 6 - 8/8, Level 7 - 6/6, Level 8 - 2/4
As a side note, some healing would be nice. Just a thought. ))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Aug 08, 2008 4:54 am
The Magma Dragon howls and collapses over, the life drained out of it by the power of the elven sorcerer. ((It's dead, Jim.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Aug 08, 2008 6:54 pm
Isyndel weighed her options again quickly, noting there was little to nothing she could do against the hulking construct pushing its way towards them. Instead, the wizardess called upon light, bringing it to bear on the enemies far from her, the paralyzed foes nearest still no threat to them.
((
Enpowered Deadly Sunstroke, centered on O-42. There's no radius, just a number of creatures per level so long as they aren't more than 60 feet apart. Targets: Both Gunners, Both Knights, Siege Monster thing.
102 Fire damage, dazed for 1d6 rounds. Living creatures affected by the spell become fatigued. Fort save halfs damage and negates the fatigue. Undead or Plant types take an additional 50% damage, but I doubt that Siege thing is either of those.
))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:16 pm
"AURIK!" the half-giant bellowed, his wounds lessened by the divine protection granted him by Volcanon. Still, his wounds were grievous, more so than others due to the amount of damage his body could sustain. But his words were only to alert the cleric, not a sign he was no longer able to fight. Stepping over to the side of the fallen guisarme wielder, he took it upon himself to continue where Van left off - not with tactical tricks, but with brute force.
((5' step to the left, then wail on the Stone Golem.
Hit bonus: +39 (+16 bab, +11 str, +10 bardic, +1 wpn, +1 high ground)
Dmg bonus: 4d6 +27 +2d6 fire (4d6 +1 wpn, +2d6 flaming, +16 str, +10 bardic)
Atk 1: to-hit 44, dmg 42 +8 fire
Atk 2: to hit 41, dmg 41 +7 fire
Atk 3: to hit 37, dmg 40 +7 fire
Atk 4: to hit 27, dmg 38 +3 fire
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 76/244 (212 normal +32 rage)
(O) AC: 25
(O) Rage 2/day [1 left]
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (3 left) ))
=====
Ashathel swings his sword in his usual manner, hewing off scales from the dragon's back, as usual... only to find his remaining attacks do nothing to it's incredibly tough hide. He looks up in disbelief, expecting it to try and bite him in half...
... only to have Damas' frigid blast finish off the fiery dragon. Breathing a sigh of relief, he nods to the sorceror and turns, scanning the battlefield that Cedric just dropped into.
((Ashathel's single attack that got through accounted for already.))
<}=={ Ashathel }=={>
(O) HP: 147/147
(O) AC: 30
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [0 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition [x2], Lesser Orb of Electricity [x3], Shield
L2: Blur, Cat's Grace, Fox's Cunning, Mirror Image
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec], Mnemonic Enhancer, Orb of Electricity, Ray of Deanimation

Posted by: YsFanatic Sat Aug 09, 2008 12:23 am
((Forgot to take the AoO from the first time the golem stood up, plus I get a second AoO now and the Improved Trip attack before Van dies. First AoO, before music: 3 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 4 = 25 Improved Trip: 1 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 7 + 10 = FAIL AoO 2: 19 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 – 7 + 10 = 48
AoO 1: 4 + 1 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 8 = 36
AoO 2: 4 + 1 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 14 + 10 = 42))
The golem's single blow nearly knocked Van off his feet, but before the village warrior could recover and reply with his own blows he is engulfed in fire. Virtually nothing remains of his flesh and clothes after the fiery attack, with Van not even having time for final thoughts before his death.

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:52 pm
*Merkass hits the ground slowly, bracing with one hand after effortlessly avoiding the dragon's molten jaws. Time speeds once more, Merkass once again aware of sounds and his surroundings as everyone else was. Easily standing to his feet, Merkass notes the enemies still left about. Below him was the golem, against which he knew he would have no power. Further away stood the dumbfounded enemies Aurik had commanded to halt long before.*
: CEDRIC! *Merkass calls out. Momentarily garnering his attention, the ranger points to the golem, then makes a motion across his throat indicating that it should be his next target.
Having given his suggestion, Merkass sprints across the Abbey wall, wrinkling his nose in anticipation of his foul quarry, he takes a few quick somersaults and handsprings past the golem's reaching arms. Onn the way, Merkass takes a second to raise his bow and nod to Hans in respect. Finally, Merkass comes to a sliding halt, then aims his bow at the closest remaining dragon. He takes deadly aim, then fires a trio of light beams that impact the beast with a great flash.*
((Merkass moves to E14.
Tumble to avoid AoOs: 1d20 + 32 = 3 + 32 = 35. Full speed wthout AoOs not a problem.
Attack, Manyshot 3 at the dragon in C31.
1d20 + 43 - 6 = 10 + 37 = 47.
Damage
1d8 + 7d6 + 30 = 4 + 5 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 5 + 3 + 30 = 53.
1d8 + 7d6 + 30 = 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 30 = 69.
1d8 + 7d6 + 30 = 1 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 30 = 63.
Total: 185 damage, 3 CON damage.))
*Aurik watches the dragons tear into his allies with great power and carnage, then hears their cries for reprieve. Aurik nods to Hans, affirming his decision to fight on and stare downt he forces of darkness with a resolve of the ages. He then moves quickly as he is able toward his friends, shouting a prayer to his god as he goes.*
: Lord Volcanon, grant a new wind to my friends and allies, warming their hearts and souls so that they may continue the fight against the forces of Strife!
*The prayer beads hanging from Aurik's body flare, and then he calls more power from his lord to empower his spellcasting. He waves his hand, and Gabriel, Rhizor, and Ashathel are healed of many of their wounds.*
((Aurik moves to D17, activating his prayer beads,
Aurik casts MASS CURE CRITICAL WOUNDS from his domain slot, powered by Divine Spel Power.
Turn check: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 3 = 13 + 9 = 22. Aurik's spell resolves as though 4 levels higher (CL 29).
Automatically Empowered MCCW
(4d8 + 29)*1.5 = (2 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 29)*1.5 = 61 hp healed to Ashathel, Gabriel, and Rhizor.))
*Rhizor is forced to give pause, taking tremendous wounds having underestimated these overgrown lava lizards. Trying to distance himself evermore over the heads of his enemies, Rhizor flies up and over them even more. Then, with a powerful flap of his wings, more of the entagling kelp flies out at the magma dragons, threatening to hold them fast.*
((Rhizor flies 5' vertically and into column 34 (it's a 5' step).
Rhizor casts Kelpstrand, getting out 5 strands of kelp. 2 go to the dragon on Rhizor's left, 3 go to the one on his right.
--- D1 ---
1d20 + 28 = 9 + 28 = 37.
1d20 + 28 = 5 + 28 = 33.
--- D2 ---
1d20 + 28 = 15 + 28 = 43.
1d20 + 28 = 15 + 28 = 43.
1d20 + 28 = 14 + 28 = 42.
Grapples
--- D1 ---
1d20 + 40 = 19 + 40 = 59.
1d20 + 40 = 4 + 40 = 44.
--- D2 ---
1d20 + 40 = 18 + 40 = 58.
1d20 + 40 = 11 + 40 = 51.
1d20 + 40 = 20 + 40 = 60.
To break free, the Dragons must beat the grapples for each kelpstrand.
Should one of the dragons be dead, Rhizor puts all of the kelpstrands onto a single dragon.))

Posted by: Rusty Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:14 am
*Faralon looks on as the battle rages, seeing his beloved Kethra fall. Unsure of her condition so far, and recalling the amulet she is wearing, he tries his best to keep a cool head of the situation, silently praying to himself that she's okay. Breaking the song, he sings a different tune for a moment, pointing at a group of enemies as a sonic burst erupts shortly thereafter.*
((Using Special...
Unfortunately, only 1 round for my spells. So just this one...
Special doubles effects of the spell, except for the save which has its DC increase by 4.
Thus...
Hitting the Siege Beast, the Brass Gunner, and the Knight in the lower right portion of the map.
116 sonic damage to those three foes.
REF save DC 28 for half damage.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:06 am
((Gotta make this fast, so a bit less descriptive than usual.)) Cedric kills the Magma Giant with astonishing ease, the blessed hammer cracking apart the volcanic hide of the creature with the same ease that a cook cracks an eggshell. Isyndel coats a large area in incredible heat and dazzling light. However, most of the foe are able to shield themselves a little from the heat summoned by her searing, scorching, spell.
((Only the 2 Brass Gunners fail their saves. All are dazed though.))
Gabriel cleaves apart the Greater Stone Golem, the creature already weakened by Van's valiant attacks.
Merkass wounds the dragon badly, arrows of pure light burrowing deeply into its rocky hide. It howls in pain at the... well, pain.
The second dragon attacked by Rhizor's kelp strands finds itself held fast, though the other manages to break free.
Aurik heals people.
A terrible blast of pure sound blasts apart the already damaged Brass Gunners, liquefies the Chaos Centaur's flesh, and causes blood to stream out from the Siege Beast's ears, the beast adding its own howl to the cacophony.
((No one passed Faralon's save. Brass Gunner blows up, Chaos Centaur dies, Siege Beast remains.))
"The dragon!" Hans yells to Shade. The other elf nods.
"Right!"
A hail of Buster Shots rips apart the terrible monster, flashes of blinding light and deafening sound echoing across the wall. Another two shots slam into the nearby golem, cracking off stone from its rocky form.
((Hans and Shade manage to finish off the left Dragon, wounding the right Golem too.))
Kashing attacks the Golem and gets whalloped in response.
((2 hits, 2 misses. 41 damage to Golem after DR, 80 damage to Kashing.))
The second golem bashes in another huge chunk of wall, stone, mortar, and brick cascading around the deconstructing construct.
The last dragon sets the wall of fire with a word of power. Flames sprout up from the thin air as it laughs darkly.
((Row “E” is engulfed in flame. Characters within it suffer 25 fire damage. Characters on other parts of the wall suffer 5 fire damage. No save. Rhizor flies above the flames, so only takes the 5 damage for being within 10'.))
With a great crash and a wave of heat, five fiery stone forms slam into the battlefield, roaring as they rise to do battle. The Minions of Xadoss prepare to fight, Ruce taking one apart before it has a chance to even stand up.
Wendy attempts to cast a spell on the dragon, but it fizzles. A vein on her forehead noticeably twitches.
Next turn!
http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/3830/abbeywall4me7.png

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:36 am
Cedric turns swiftly and strides towards the golem, not feeling resentment towards Merkass for directing him as a lesser leader might. He readies his mighty hammer but in his approach he opens himself up to assault! ((Golem gets an AoO, AC is 34 and DR 5/-))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:08 am

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:36 am)
Cedric turns swiftly and strides towards the golem, not feeling resentment towards Merkass for directing him as a lesser leader might. He readies his mighty hammer but in his approach he opens himself up to assault! ((Golem gets an AoO, AC is 34 and DR 5/-))

((Blast, no AIM here. Using the D20 SRD roller seems to be dangerous...))
The golem raises a single fist and drives it into Cedric, breaking bone and wracking the noble paladin's body with pain. The awesome blow still does not manage to fell the fierce fighter.
((Nat 20. Confirming... Nat 20. Upgrading... 55. Upgraded critical. 30x3= 90 damage to Cedric. 90-5= 85 damage.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:29 am
[Fort: 7 + 17 = 24] [Save vs Death from Massive Damage Passed.] Cedric staggers back half a step at the mighty blow, then presses on and unleashes a powerful blow of his own. [Power Attack: 5] [Attack: 3 + Blah Blah = Miss!]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:21 am
The half-giant grunted, looking between the dragon and the minion of Xadoss. He could reach neither, couldn't charge past his allies to get to either... but with the dragon having been battered continuously, he trusted that the group would handle it. Popping the cork on a potion he pulled free, he guzzled the contents as he moved, half his body still engulfed in the wall of flames.
((Gabe moves 50' to the left (top-left square at D19) and drinks a CSW potion. 21 HP restored.
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 158/244 (212 normal +32 rage)
(O) AC: 25
(O) Rage 2/day [1 left] (3
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (3 left) ))
=====
"You've got to be kidding!" the bladesinger said, as the Xadoss-like creatures touched down. Raising a hand as he headed for wendy's side, he said "Get out of there! I'll take care of the thing, just get to safety!"
Even as he spoke, the bladesinger's fingers traced supernatural lines in the air, touching the threads of magic he'd become accustomed to tapping into. Finally, a stunning orb of electricity launched itself towards the dragon, aiming to bring it down.
((Ashathel casts Orb of Electricity, aiming at the dragon. Then he moves to D44.
Hit Bonus: +28 (+14 bab, +10 bardic, +4 dex)
Dmg Bonus: 12d6 (1d6 x 12th caster level)
Atk: to hit 33 (touch attack), dmg 44 (no save, no SR)
<}=={ Ashathel }=={>
(O) HP: 122/147
(O) AC: 30
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [0 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition [x2], Lesser Orb of Electricity [x3], Shield
L2: Blur, Cat's Grace, Fox's Cunning, Mirror Image
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec], Mnemonic Enhancer, Ray of Deanimation

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:07 am
((Hello everyone. There is a computer where I am, but access to it will probably be limited. So please feel free to take Damas' actions for me. Thanks! ))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:25 pm
*Aurik is unhindered by the flames, Volcanon's bracers warding him from harm, indicating him as a true servant of the firebird. He knew, however, that his allies would not fare so well against the flames. Aurik stands steadfast against the minion of Xadoss, having faced their master long ago. He raises his morningstar to the heavens, but wards himself behind his shield, and quenches the flames on the Abbey wall. Not yet satisfied, however, Aurik then brings protection from Volcanon himself to bear. With but a thought, a flaming morningstar appears hovering around Aurik, threatening to strike at those who would strike Volcanon's servant.*
((Defensive Casting: 1d20 + 17 + 4 = 3 + 21 = 24, pass.
Cast Greater Dispel Magic on the fire wall.
Enhance with Divine Spell Power
1d20 + 6 + 2 + 3 = 10 + 11 = 21. Cast at CL 3 higher (27).
Dispel Check: 1d20 + 27 = 11 + 27 = 38. Aurik will dispel the wall if the CL is 27 or less. Considering that would dispel an Old Prismatic Dragon's wall of fire, I'm going to assume it's gone.
Aurik then casts Divine Retaliation as a swift action. This summons an exact replica of Volcanon's Favored Weapon, which I'm presuming is some kind of Flaming Morningstar of blah blah. This replica deals damage exactly as the favored weapon does, and makes retaliatory hits against anyone hits Aurik. The weapon will attack anyone who hits Aurik once for each time they hit him. This may happen an unlimited number of times for 1 round.
Cast this with Divine Spell Power
1d20 + 11 = 5 + 11 = 17. Aurik casts at CL 2 higher (26).
The weapon has a BAB of 26 and uses Aurik's WIS mod for its to hit, giving it a total of +34 on its attacks.))
*Merkass winces when the flames quickly wash over him, and then again when Cedric takes a massive beating from the stone golem on the ground. However, the flames lift with Aurik's spell, allowing him to continue unabated. Merkass quickly slides beneath the Servant of Xadoss' feat, then kips back up and jogs over to and past Shade, giving his former archery partner a nod and a wry grin on the way. Merkass then quickly turns and fires into the stone monstrosity, hoping to bring it down before it could do much damage to anyone. After releasing his arrows, Merkass sees that behind him lay the body of Van. His eyes narrow, angered at this loss. He would punish them tenfold.*
((Save versus Wall of Fire: 1d20 + 32 = 1 + ... FAIL.
CANNOT READ!!!
Tumble: 1d20 + 32 = 15 + 32 = 47. Merkass easily tumbles through the minion's space at full speed. Move to E22.
Manyshot 3.
1d20 + 37 + 1 (PBS) = 10 + 38 = 48.
Damage
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 + 1d6 (Skirmish) + 1 (PBS) = 6 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 5 + 32 = 68.
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 = 7 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 32 = 59.
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 = 8 + 6 + 2 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 6 + 3 + 32 = 67.
Total: 194 and 3 CON damage. If it's immune to crits, subtract 5 from that total to remove the skirmish damage.))
*Finally, after ten thousand years he was free of the foul dragons' assault. Now there would be no reprieve for the enemy. Angered that he had used some of his more potent disabling spells, he would have to make due with what he could. Rhizor opens his mouth, emitting a sonic wave that travels across the battlefield and heads, visibly, toward the stone golem that had breeched the Abbey wall. Suddenly, debris begins to rocket upward in the sky, and the golem begins to move with it. With no means of supporting himself, the knight behind the golem also tumbles upward, then bobs, suspended in mid-air. To better survey the situation, Rhizor flies up further out of harm's way.*
((Rhizor casts Reverse Gravity. Now, since it's shapeable, I'm putting it in a rectangle with opposite corners defined by H8 and L10. I'm just going to warn that to me this doesn't make sense, since this means the golem technically started inside the wall, but it's how the map's set up. I would imagine it's only starting in row I, but it's all I have to go on.
In any event, the Reverse Gravity causes them to fly up 45' and dangle. The knight gets no save since it has nothing to hold onto, but I suppose that since the golem is by the wall, it can attempt to stabilize itself, so it gets a DC 30 Reflex save Since this is an ongoing effect, should it save but decide to move or attack, it'll have to make the save in following rounds.
This portion of the wall is effectively secure, as long as we don't all die, anyway.
Rhizor flies up 40'.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:15 pm
(( Move to E-12, or Hans' spot if he moves. Psychowand Sudden Empower Activated, and all my fun tricks are gone I think. Field of Icy Razors cast, centered N-37. Targets: Infernal (J31), Knight (K36), Gunner (R35), Infernal (P43), Siege Asshole (K45)
Total: 111 Damage (Half Cold, Half Slashing, Movement Speed Reduction [20ft/19 rounds] Reflex for Half and no movement reduction.
))

Posted by: Rusty Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:20 pm
*Faralon begins the song from before, taking in the surroundings, watching the battle carefully, trying to determine where best his bow can be of use.* ((Starting another song and using special. For 2 more rounds, +10 to attack and damage for everyone, and +10 to fear and charm saves. I'll probably just keep the music going this time and start shooting at things, unless I really HAVE to use a spell.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:06 am
Gabriel feels some of his wounds close as Ashathel zaps the dragon, irritating it with a spell that would've killed many outright. Rhizor causes the golem and knight to dangle above the wall, Cedric getting in one last goodbye whack on the golem as Shade and Hans then blast it apart with Buster Shot fire. Shards of rock fall to the ground below as the golem comes apart.
Isyndel wipes out everything but the golem and the dragon on the wall on the right side, icy razors slashing and freezing everything in their path until a field of red snow lay where part of an army once stood.
One of the minions of Xadoss rushes Ruce and is hacked apart for his trouble.
Breathing heavily, Kashing slams his lance into the Greater Stone Golem again and again, managing to chip away a large chunk with his perseverance and power.
((Kashing deals 67 damage to the GSG.))
Damas falls back and drinks a potion, but it doesn't help much.
((Drank potion of Cure Serious Wounds. Healed 17 HP.))
Wendy casts a mighty spell against the dragon, a protective spell around it absorbing the damage, though it fades immediately afterwards. The dragon snaps his bonds of kelp with a feral roar as Wendy inches back, worry on her face.
The Golem bashes Kashing. Kashing breathes blood.
((Hit, Hit. 72 damage to Kashing.))
Another wave of enemies, this time demonic in nature, nears the wall.
((4 Doomguard
2 Demon Masters
4 Demonic Warlords
4 Cultist Bowriders
4 Cultist Bladelords
2 Elder Fire Elementals))
Next turn!
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/6162/abbeywall5ff7.png

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Aug 11, 2008 4:31 am
"Drive them back!" Cedric calls out, lumbering across the battlefield in a heavy charge that ends with a mighty blow against the siege engine before him. [Attack: 7 + a whole lot = Hit!] [Damage: 1 + 21 + 1 + 10 (Music) + 1 [Sonic] + 4 [Elec]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:08 am
Enough. Volcanon had given his ward power for a reason. There were fiends about - many of them, too many of them now. The wall was not yet safe, but with the sheer number of allies remaining and the single pair of foes within touching distance of the wall... it meant the rest were scattered.
And the lion of Volcanon intended to hunt.
The wall was barely large enough to accomodate the now enlarged giant... but as his skin streched and warped, hair lengthening into glorious golden fur and fingernails turning into razor-sharp claws, it was all it could do to contain the bulk of the truly dire lion. Flexing ever so slightly, he leaped down from the wall and hit the ground with a resounding thud, shaking his mane out before roaring a challenge to all foes who remained.
Let them come.
((Gabe goes Primeval, regaining 16 hp, then uses his move to jump off the wall and land with his top-left square at J19. No running start, so DC to jump down is 30.
Jump: 58. Passed. Gabe takes damage as if he fell from 10 feet lower than the height of the wall (the damage is also subject to his now DR 10/magic, so he may take no damage.))
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 174/244 (212 normal +32 rage)
(O) AC: 28
(O) Rage 2/day [1 left] (3
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (3 left) ))
=====
"That usually does the trick, honest," Ashathel said sheepishly, raising his shoulders in a slight shrug as he addressed Wendy. "Ah, well... we don't get better without a challenge, right?"
Before the other elf could reply, the swashbuckler forged ahead, his normally completely cool exterior filled with worry at the sight of his brother's love interest and his glaive-wielding ally. Still, arcane power sharpening his skills, he knew he almost couldn't miss with the powerful swing of his Force Blade - far more potent that the last spell he'd cast.
((Ashathel moves to D50 and attacks the dragon. Ray of Deanimation sacrificed to use Arcane Strike, giving +8 to hit and +4d4 damage.
Hit Bonus: 46 (+14 bab, +10 weapon +10 bardic, +8 arcane strike, +4 dex, +2 charge)
Dmg Bonus: 7d6 +2d6 +4d4 + 21 (7d6 weapon +2d6 holy + 4d4 arcane strike +10 bardic +5 int + 3 greaves + 3 str)
Atk: to hit 50, dmg 72 (63 +9 holy)
<}=={ Ashathel }=={>
(O) HP: 122/147
(O) AC: 30
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [0 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition [x2], Lesser Orb of Electricity [x3], Shield
L2: Blur, Cat's Grace, Fox's Cunning, Mirror Image
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec], Mnemonic Enhancer))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:17 am
((Damas drinks a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds and regains 15 hit points. Hit Points: 46/86 Armor Class: 18 Spell Slots: Level 0 - 6/6, Level 1 - 9/9, Level 2 - 8/9, Level 3 - 8/8, Level 4 - 8/8, Level 5 - 8/8, Level 6 - 8/8, Level 7 - 6/6, Level 8 - 2/4))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:18 am
((NPC actions nows.)) Ashathel drives his sword deep into the dragon's searing scales, the great beast roaring with pain as the elf makes his assault. Meanwhile, Cedric slams his hammer into the last Brass Gunner, ruining the paint job on a certainly uninsured vehicle. If only the mad tinker within had bought the Platinum Plan.
Wendy frowns as she begins to weave her hands around.
"Tell me about it! One or two of mine and they're usually ash... Well... I guess this thing is already part ash, but..."
Arcane sparks fly from the dragon's hide as Wendy's spell fails once again. The elven mage lets out a furious shriek.
"Salamander spit! What in blazes is this thing?!?!"
((A 6. A fail.))
The monster rears up, crashing down on Ashathel with claw and fang. Burning wounds open up on the elf's chest, but his skill and luck wins the day. Ashathel manages to leap aside from the sweeping tail and the batting wings.
((4 hits, 3 misses. Ashathel takes 106 damage.))
"Nice footwork!" Wendy comments as the swordsmen remains after the draconic attack.
Kyoji explodes from thin air, slashing apart one of the fierce Doomguard in an instant before returning to his ethereal state.
((Doomguard next to Kyoji slain.))
Hans manages to take apart a Demon Master with carefully aimed shots as Shade turns his attention to the nearby dragon, managing to land a pair of shots that crack through the beast's obsidian hide. The air from the massive explosions blows over Ashathel and Wendy's faces, forcing their hair back as a wave of heat passes over them.
((Demon Master at the far left dead. 87 damage to the Magma Dragon.))
With a sound similar to a smith striking a forge with his hammer, Kashing's lance crashes again and again onto the stone form of the Greater Golem. Kashing finally manages to bring down the Golem that slew Kethra, the aged centaur panting heavily as he trots back to his original position and the heap of rock crumbles apart.
((4 hits, 80 damage after DR. Golem destroyed.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:39 am
Breathing heavily, Isyndel creeped back against the rear of the wall once more. Feeling her reserves thinning, she called once more upon the light to explode about several foes. Have to hold on, must hold the wall... she thought, forcing the words upon herself to gird her will.
((Move D15. Spell Center: W33. (V31, X31, W33 and W36 should be affected. 20ft radius.
Spell Enhancer: Caster Level +2, Save DC increased +1. So with the Psychowand, the spell is cast as level 21.
Radiant Assault: 51 damage, dazed for 1d6 rounds. Will save for half, dazzled instead if successful.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:42 am
"Gods..." Cedric breathes in awe, "Kyoji you are so badass."

Posted by: Rusty Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:37 am
((Action to come later...For now, some Bardic Knowledge. Warlords: 41, Bladelords: 29, Demon Master: 36, Doomguards: 27, Fire Elementals: 36, Magma Dragon: 42))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:22 pm
*Before Cedric can rush off to face the servants of evil head on, Aurik issues a blessing to his leader, closing some of his wounds and revitalizing him to face his enemies.* : Cedric, be careful! *Across the battlefield, Aurik noted more of Volcanon's servants subverted to do the bidding of the Strife Lords. Whle in time he may bring them to the side of the Light, there were more pressing matters. Aurik hurries as quickly as his feet would carry him, then weaves his hands and raises his new holy symbol into the air. A boon of light erupts from a number of his allies,healing their wounds as completely as is able. They are then further revitalized, as Cedric had been, with a new resiliency to smite their foes with impunity.*
((Aurik drops a Close Wounds on Cedric.
1d4 + 5 = 4 + 5 = 9.
Healing Kicker: Aid. Cedric receives 13 temp HP on top of this, and a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and against fear effects. This lasts for 5 minutes.
Aurik moves to E23 and casts Mass Heal.
Damas, Kashings, Ashathel, and Wendy are healed 250 hp.
Healing Kicker Aid used. They all receive 13 temp HP on top of this, and a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and against fear effects. This lasts for 5 minutes.))
*Merkass sighs, wondering if this battle would ever end. Concerned with warding off attackers on the wall to his right, which was going mostly unguarded now, Merkass takes aim at the terrible Doomguards with which he had experience in the past. Merkass raises his bow and takes aim. He calls upon the power of Mitula, asking her for guidance in the hunt of evil, requesting she grant him the aim to fell his quarry. Merkass draws the featherlight string, and then releases a hail of arrows into the farthest Doomguard to the wall's side, impacting him with terrible force as the light arrows explode about it. Satisfied, Merkass turns to Shade.*
: Are there more of those? *He asks, indicating the Buster Shots with a quirk of his head.*
((Merkass Manyshots 3 into the Doomguard.
1d20 + 37 = 17 + 37 = 54. Hit.
Damage
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 = 2 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 31 = 52.
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 = 8 + 1 + 6 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 5 + 31 = 63.
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 = 8 + 1 + 2 + 6 + 5 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 31 = 60.
Total: 175 damage, 3 CON damage. All damage counts as holy.))
*So, they wanted to continue this useless fight. There would be no reprieve for the defilers this day. Rhizor rapidly flaps his wings, conjuring winds around him, then opens his jaggedly-fanged mouth wide open. A ghostly form of his mouth crackling with black and purple energy appears and rockets across the battlefield at the rightmost Demon Master. It clamps down hard, drawing its vile blood and coursing the black energy into its body like electricity. It then refuses to let go, trying to keep the mage at bay.*
((Rhizor casts Fell Drained Spiritjaws on the Demon Master. This is a force effect.
To Hit: 1d20 + 24 = 12 + 24 = 36.
Damage: 2d6 = 4 + 6 = 10.
Demon Master gains a negative level, giving it

- -1 on all skill checks and ability checks.
- -1 on attack rolls and saving throws.
- -5 hit points.
- -1 effective level (whenever the creature’s level is used in a die roll or calculation, reduce it by one for each negative level).
- Lost access to one spell as if she had cast her highest-level, currently available spell.

Grapple
1d20 + 28 = 12 + 28 = 40.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:24 pm
Isyndel blasts with blazing brilliant brightness, dazing the Demonic Warlord and Doomguard. THEY ARE SEARED. Aurik causes the wounds of his allies to close shut, the pain disappearing from their bodies. "Thanks!" Wendy chirps, re-energized and ready to fight. "I owe you one!"
"Healing, thank the gods!" Kashing says as his injuries vanish.
Merkass' arrows easily slice apart the demonic foe, the Bow of Mitula most effective against its chosen foe. The Doomguard roars as he is reduced to sulfurous ash by the holy weapon and holy warrior. Shade turns to Merkass.
“Not nearly enough,” Shade says, slamming another Buster Shot into his crossbow. “We're going to have to switch to Assault Shells pretty soon if they keep it up.”
One of the Demonic Warlords charges at Gabriel, landing a shallow cut on the warrior of Volcanon's side.
((Hit! 40 damage to Gabriel.))
The Bowriders on the field open up on Isyndel and Rhizor, hail after hail of explosive shells bombarding the fortified walls. Though many shells shake the stone walls, a few manage to hit, impacting against Isyndel's magical shield and Rhizor's leathery flesh.
((Cover bonus added. 3 hits, 5 misses. 58 damage to Isyndel. 3 hits, 5 misses. 80 damage to Rhizor.))
The Demonic Warlord advances, grinning wickedly as his burning eyes settle on Kyoji despite his ninja skill and, according to some, badassery. Surprised at the ease of which the demon sees him, Kyoji is struck dead on by the daemonsword of the warlord, a huge cut opening in the ninja's chest. He slumps back, clutching the wound and panting heavily.
((Critical Hit! 66 damage to Kyoji!))
The Doomguard roars a challenge in the common tongue.
"Idiotic soldiers! Your doom is here! And we will be its executors!" the huge demon shouts, then he chants a spell and laughes maniacally as fire rains down on the defenders of the Abbey.
((Fire Storm: 72 fire damage to everyone. Ref save DC 22 for half. Kashing fails the save, Shade, Hans, and Kyoji evade, Wendy passes and fire resist takes care of the rest.))
The Demon Master points at Rhizor and utters words of fell power. A sickly greenish white and black ray lances out from the demonic spellcaster's outstretched hand and strikes Rhizor, leeching away his life force.
((Unholy Ray on Rhizor. 75 damage. No save.))
>>Rusty gets a retro turn.<<
Next turn!
Map: http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/AbbeyWall6.PNG

Posted by: Rusty Tue Aug 12, 2008 10:31 pm
R-R-R-RETRO ACTION *Faralon stops his song yet again to cast another spell, this time blocking the shots of the archers, though he is unable to get the wall of force up before the Demon Master's spell.* ((http://www.voxpvoxd.com/rustysfc/WallOfForce.png
Current round's action to come in a bit. Bardic Music is still on. I'm still waiting on the results of those Bardic Knowledge checks.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:39 am
((I renounce my hold on Cedric, anyone who wishes to have him may have him as a character. Or, he may be killed or likewise written out of the story. Regardless, if he does live on, no matter how well he is fielded, that Cedric is not the true Cedric that I created and played.
Good luck all. I'll still be around on AIM and at my blog.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Aug 16, 2008 10:28 pm
Calling upon her own hidden reserves, she brought forth more shards of ice upon several foes. ((Summary: Ref passed. Mass Cat's Grace eaten to absorb the remaining damage, and I assume the arrows aren't fired because of the Wall of Force. Move action used to draw Enpower Wand.
Special activated, spell levels used to get one more burst of Field of Icy Razors.
Enpowered: 106 damage, half cold, half slashing. The Fire Elementals should take 132 damage due to cold vulnerability, Reflex for half and to avoid having movement speed reduced.
I think that was all I had to type here. Lost my first post, so simplified this time around. hehe.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Aug 17, 2008 1:34 am
*Merkass deftly launches his body into a crenellation, easily shielding himself from the flames brought forth on the wall. While the demons were certainly a threat, Merkass expected that Kashings might handle his while the other stood motionless. However, the demonic warlord remained slightly out of his reach. Leaping from his safe spot, Merkass bounds across the wall, then fires another trio of arrows, this time aiming to help Kashings in his endeavor to hold thel line.*
((Merkass shoots something after moving 10' to the right.
Reflex: 1d20 + 32 = 15 + 32 = 47. Pass. Evaded.
1d20 + 37 = 8 + 37 = 45.
Demon Warlord by Kashings
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 = (1) (4 1 2 1 3 6 3)+ 31 = 52 + 1 CON damage
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 = (4) (3 2 2 5 3 6 1)+ 31 = 57 + 1 CON damage
1d8 + 7d6 + 31 = (4) (4 5 3 4 3 5 2)+ 31 = 61 + 1 CON damage))
*Aurik held no fear of flames wrought from the bowels of hell. Aurik ducks out of the way, raising his Gauntlets of Fire in defense, halting the approaching flames. Saved from the hellish blaze fires, Aurik watches as Rhizor begins to drop from the sky, horribly battered. Rushing to his aid, Aurik lays a hand on him, restoring his vitality and providing him with an extra boon with which to continue the fight.*
((Aurik moves 30' right and Heals Rhizor after he comes down. 150 hp restored. Healing Kicker aid. 13 temp hp.
Reflex: 1d20 + 9 = 15 + 9 = 24. Pass. Evaded.))
*Rhizor feels the life pulled right out of him by the Demon Master's foul spell. He would just have to return the favor, ripping his cursed existence from this plane and ending his attempts to defile the world. Rhizor's form wavers, his enormous bat form gaining a dark shroud like a cloak. The effect flies outward from him with a strong flap of his wing, Rhizor then dropping himself down to the wall and toward their healer, Aurik. Meanwhile, a skeletal visage peers out from under the travelling cloak. It pulls out a wicked scythe, then swings at the Demon Master. Though the weapon passes through, the Demon Master is left frozen in place for a moment as it tries to ward off the death itself.*
((Rhizor Drops 4 squares left and down to the wall again.
No reflex necessary because he's above the fire storm when it happens.
Finger of Death DESOUL the Demon Master
SR: 1d20 + 16 = 20 + 16 = 36.
DC 30 Fort save or die.
If pass, eat 3d6 + 16 = (1 6 4)+ 16 = 27 untyped damage.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:59 am
Gabriel snatched up the new foe in his jaws almost immediately, tearing into him with vigor and anger. ((Previous AoO was a 39 on a bite, with a 65 total on the grapple. The Demonic Pantherath Wannabe is grappled, and took 41 damage; not sure if it negated the damage Gabe took, but the current total assumes it didn't.
Gabe fails his Firestorm save.
Gabe full attacks the Demonic Pantherath Wannabe he currently has grappled.
Claw1: to-hit 62, damage 37
Claw2: to-hit 54, damage 36
Bite: to-hit 37, damage 31
Rake1: to-hit 47, damage 33
Rake2: to-hit 50, damage 33))
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 62/244 (212 normal +32 rage)
(O) AC: 28
(O) Rage 2/day [1 left]
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (3 left) ))
=====
"Just give me a second, honest," Ashathel said, swinging his sword three more times as the massive, legendary beast.
((Ashathel stays and attacks the dragon.
Hit Bonus: 38 (+14 bab, +10 weapon +10 bardic, +4 dex)
Dmg Bonus: 7d6 +2d6 +21 (7d6 weapon +2d6 holy +10 bardic +5 int +3 greaves +3 str)
Atk: to hit 45, dmg 60 (48 +12 holy)
Atk: to hit 48, dmg 47 (40 +7 holy)
Atk: to hit 36, dmg 40 (37 +3 holy)
<}=={ Ashathel }=={>
(O) HP: 122/147
(O) AC: 30
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [0 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition [x2], Lesser Orb of Electricity [x3], Shield
L2: Blur, Cat's Grace, Fox's Cunning, Mirror Image
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec], Mnemonic Enhancer))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:34 pm
((Damas fails his saving throw and takes 72 damage.)) Damas screams in pain as the fire rains down upon him and his allies. Now covered with horrible burns, the Sorcerer nearly falls, but he manages to stay standing somehow. Damas grits his teeth, trying to ignore the pain as he conjures a spell.
((Damas casts an Empowered Bolt 2, centered on the Demonic Warlord that charged Gabriel.
Damage [Primary]: 16d6 * 1.5 = 102
Damage [Secondary]: 8d6 * 1.5 = 54
Hit Points: 14/86
Armor Class: 18
Spell Slots: Level 0 - 6/6, Level 1 - 9/9, Level 2 - 8/9, Level 3 - 8/8, Level 4 - 8/8, Level 5 - 8/8, Level 6 - 8/8, Level 7 - 6/6, Level 8 - 1/4))

Posted by: Rusty Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:42 pm
((Made a bunch of BK checks.)) : "Watch out for those warlords! I've heard of those in legends before. They must be killed twice, and quickly, and like Balors, they burst into flames when they die!" *Faralon, seeing the Magma Dragon nearly be defeated by Ashathel's attacks, shoots a powerful orb of sound at it, hoping to finish it off.*
((Special for magic: 2 rounds
Targetting the Dragon with an Orb of Sound (30d4 thanks to the special.)
Roll to hit: 29 total, I think.
Damage: 75))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:33 pm
I'll pretty this up when I don't feel like a zombie. Isy blasts with ice. Merk shoots. Rhizor slays the Demon Master with a Finger of Death. Gabe rips apart the Demonic Warlord only to have it explode in his mouth, then reform in a fiery pillar of ash, fully restored.
((Warlord slain. Death Throes activated. Rebirth activated for action. 50 damage to Ref save DC 23 for half. Everyone but Ash, Wendy, and Damas is affected. Those on the wall have Improved Cover against this and the other Death Throes that will occur. They receive +4 to Ref saves and are treated as having Improved Evasion. Shade, Hans, Cedric, and Kyoji evade. Fire Elementals fail and are destroyed. Brass Gunner fails and is destroyed. ))
Ash, Wendy, and Faralon all hurl spell and slash with sword to finally bring down the gigantic dragon.
Damas' spell strikes the risen form of the Demonic Warlord.
Cedric and Kyoji work together and manage to take down the other Demonic Warlord, the demon risen again in a blast of fire and brimstone.
((Another Death Throes save to the same people.))
Already battered and burned from being caught in two demonic explosions, the two BladeLords that charge Ruce are cut down in short order by the diminutive defender.
Already badly weakened by Merkass' shots, the Demonic Warlord in front of Kashing falls to Shade's shells, the explosions rending apart the monster's tough frame. When he rises again, Kashing is ready to strike in unison with Hans, and two lucky hits on the creatures' head ends it before the demon can even raise his sword.
Cult BladeLord attacks Kashing, Kashing is wounded badly.
Kashing is possessed by a Doomguard! His body bloats and stretches horribly as the invading spirit alters it to his taste.
((Kashing is possessed.))
Ash takes 20 damage from a lucky Bowrider shot, most of the barrage striking the walls.
Next turn.
http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/AbbeyWall7.png

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:33 pm
((Merkass 1d20 + 36 = 4 + 36 = 40. Evaded. 1d20 + 36 = 8 + 36 = 44. Evaded. Merkass takes aim at the two doomguards to the right, firing subdual at Demon-Kashings and lethal at the other one. For Kashings, Merkass casts Hunter's Mercy as a swift action, which makes his first hit a crit.
Attacks
1d20 + 43 - 2 (RS) - 4 (Sub) = (10)+ 37 = 47
1d20+41: (2)+ 41 = 43
1d20+36: (4)+ 36 = 40
1d20+31: (14)+ 31 = 45
Kashings
3d8+7d6+2d10+93: (7 2 5) (5 1 5 2 4 5 3) (4 3)+ 93 = 139 subdual, and I guess 1 CON damage.
Other doomguard total
3d8+9d6+93: (1 8 2) (4 6 2 3 2 4 1 4 1)+ 93 = 131, 3 CON damage
All damage is holy))
((Aurik
1d20 + 13 = 13 + 13 = 26. Evaded.
1d20 + 13 = 12 + 13 = 25. Evaded.
Since Damas is pretty torn up, Aurik uses his immediate action from last round to cast Delay Death on him. Since he's only 55' away, he's well within close range. For 24 rounds, Damas cannot die due to being dropped to -10 HP.
Aurik's action for this round
Aurik moves 30' left to E23 and casts Reach Heal. The Heal spell becomes a 30' ray, and Aurik targets Gabe with it. If you actually need an attack roll
1d20 + 24 = 12 + 24 = 36.
Gabe recovers 150 HP.
Aurik uses Healing Kicker (Aid)
Gabe gains 13 Temp HP and +1 morale to attack and saves versus fear.))
((Rhizor
1d20 + 15 = 13 + 15 = 26. Evaded.
1d20 + 15 = 6 + 15 = 21. Half Damage. Rhizor takes 25... because he should have been on the wall, still
Rhizor casts Sudden Maximized Fire Storm.
The back row of archers and then straight up through the hole (basically, the blademaster J45) takes 96 damage fire damage.
REF DEC 29 for half.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:10 am
((Just for totaling purposes... Gabe rolls and passes both saves with a 26 each. 50 damage total; 30 if his DR 10/magic applies. Will add more later.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:49 pm
"We must hold out just a bit longer!" Isyndel exclaimed. Exhausted, she brought herself closer to her allies and sent forth another explosion of light. ((Passed both saves with rolls of 20 and 14. Move to D17. Enpowered Radiant Assault = 80 damage. Centered on X32 above the wall so burst should affect all targets in the area. Dazed for 1d6 rounds. Will save for half, dazzled instead.))

Posted by: Rusty Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:54 am
*Noting the foes are already greatly injured thanks to Merkass's efforts, Faralon decides to try to finish them off rather than sealing the wall, hoping for the best.* ((Cacophonic Burst on the baddies near Kashing. Note that this does NOT hit Kashing. This will hit both the Bladelord and the Doomguard [NOT Kashing].
Song of Arcane Power to increase my CL by...+4.
SR check on Doomguard: 16 + 21 = 37.
Damage: 92 sonic damage to both the Bladelord and the Doomguard.
REF save DC: 28 for half damage.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:19 pm
As the members of the Guardianan Shining Force lay into the enemy, the members of the Cypress Expeditionary Force match if not outshine their legendary companion's valor. Merkass knocks out the corrupted Kashing with a single accurate shot, his other arrows tearing through the Doomguard nearby, wounding him terribly. Isyndel's magic rips through the battlefield in a stunning display of arcane prowess as Gabriel rips through the innards of the Demonic Warlord in a stunning display of savage might. Consumed by a firestorm, nearly all of the Bowriders fall, and Faralon makes short work of the remaining foes by the east breach.
Though a few foes remain, fewer still advance, and it's clear as the team struggles on who will win the day.
As Ash moves over the ash remains of the Magma dragons, he notes a glimmer of light from within the mounds of charred rock and broken magma.
((The Magma Dragon remains have 5,000 gold in obsidian chunks and 2 diamonds worth 5K and 7K in them.))
((SFCWII team level to 19.))
----------
The Hall of Heroes used to be Shade Abbey's main chapel. During the reconstruction of the devastated complex, the chapel was expanded and reworked. Statues of great heroes, most of whom were present in the original Shining Force line the walls, while great stained glass windows with scenes of great sacrifice, valor, heroism, and compassion let in light. The Hall is still sometimes used for services, but mainly it now serves as a monument to heroism in all its form, though of course it focuses on the heroes that saved the world so long ago. Those heroes that Shade Abbey was meant to prepare for. With its original purpose accomplished , Shade Abbey was given a new one: keep the memory of those great deeds alive.
The heroes of the Shining Force, Alexander's Avengers, and Radford's Rangers hastily move to positions within the grand structure. Upon appearing, Max and Anri are immediately greeted by their long lost friends, though any true reunion is cut short by the necessity of battle preparations. The sight of the Avengers and Rangers to reinforce them, as well as two heroes thought lost restored, greatly boost the Force's morale. Amidst the stone stares of heroes both old and very familiar, they make ready once more for war. Khris swiftly explains that the civilians here have taken refuge in the cellars underneath the Hall, along with most of the Abbey's supplies. This will be the enemy's primary target.
As the heavy cathedral doors are battered and banged by what invaders managed to breach the walls outside, Mae sighs and speaks, the first words spoken since the group's rather dramatic appearance.
"This is about the last thing I thought would end up happening," Mae reflects, steeling herself for the coming onslaught. "Not only fighting alongside comrades I thought dead, but brought to us from people both around the world and off it... and the fight decides the fate of my homeland and its people. Sometimes I wonder at the powers that watch over us."
"You'd be surprised how often this sort of thing happens to us," Jim says with a rueful sigh. He looks over to Alex. "I had to deploy some of my troops to reinforce a few spots on the wall, so I won't be as large a help as I'd like for this. You ready?"
((You have 2 rounds to prepare, unlike the other battles. Jim used Tactical Aid to give everyone +4 AC and +4 to attack. This stacks with everything but Tactical Aid.))

Posted by: Rusty Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:16 am
: "Almost. Just a few last second preparations and we'll be ready. Everyone, we will be fighting alongside the legendary Shining Force, the most experienced fighters in the world. I want you to challenge yourselves not only to match them, but best them."
*Alex says, with a smirk. He knew that he couldn't afford to have his group go lax on him with experienced heroes around. It could be fatal if they overestimate their allies, putting too much reliance on them. He turns to face his group, addressing them.*
: "I'm sorry that...that I have been away for a time. But I'm back now, and we're about to start the final strikes against the forces of darkness! Wizards, shield us with your magic. Now is the time for battle!"
*Smiling, Hal takes in the atmosphere - how heroic it is. Heroes, new and old, banding together to take down the devils - the Strife Lords, and their followers. It seemed fitting that they stood in a cathedral, ready to strike down evil. The Light was truly with them, and this experience felt almost surreal to Hal. After all, there should be no place safer than a cathedral in the darkest of times, and this is where the battle was to be decided - where the Light shines upon the darkness and eradicates it. Adding nothing to Alex's speech, Hal immediately begins casting spells to protect his allies.*

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:10 pm
As if to punctuate Alex's words, a crack in the heavy Hall door appears, followed by the sound of wood giving way. : "Rangers! On your guard! Let's show these cultists just what we're made of!" Jim shouts, taking cover behind a pew and bracing his heavy gun on it.
: "Shining Force! Let's remind these evil upstarts why the forces of Darkness believed we were undefeatable during the first war!" Max shouts, taking a defensive stance.
((+7 to Ref saves, +2 to AC from Max's auras.))
Apis grins even as the door breaks inward, a wave of cultists battering it out of the way.
: "Best us, eh? So it's like a contest, then?"
: "No battle should be taken that lightly," Mae shakes her head at her son. Then she grins, slightly. "...And if it were, do you think you could win against you mother?"
The door finally gives way and a group of cultists pours into the Hall, accompanied by a sudden storm of flashing lights as monsters and demons appear throughout the Hall.
: “They've breached the wards!” Khris shouts, her grip tightening on her Holy Staff.
: “Damn! We haven't even begun and already they've broken through our lines?!” Jim yells.
: “It won't help them!” Tao shouts, a feral grin on her face. “They're gonna feel my fire!”
: “Yeah!” Sheila cheers. “Let's really give it to 'em if they're so damn eager!”
The battle is joined in a clash of magic and metal.
To Victory!: www.voxpvoxd.com/rustysfc/VictoryMX.mp3
Map:

Posted by: Rusty Sat Aug 23, 2008 12:36 am
*Alex sees a shadow appear over him, and as he turns, he sees a fiend advancing on his brother. Quick to his aid, Alex slashes into the fiend, howling a battle cry.* ((Free move action: Heroic Surge used. Alex moves to N11. Free action: Divine Might (+CHA to damage)
Free action: Enter Holy Fury
Immediate action: Protection Devotion: +6 sacred bonus to all allies within 30' of Alex. This will last for 1 minute.
Full Attack:
#1: 19 + 42 = 61.
Damage: 17 [sword] + 3 [magic with bane] + 8 [holy] + 6 [bane] + 5 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 2 [aura] + 3 [music] = 52.
#2: 7 + 37 = 44.
Damage: 20 [sword] + 3 [magic with bane] + 7 [holy] + 8 [bane] + 5 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 2 [aura] + 3 [music] = 56.
#3: 2 + 32 = 34.
Damage: 17 [sword] + 3 [magic with bane] + 8 [holy] + 8 [bane] + 5 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 2 [aura] + 3 [music] = 54.
#4: 12 + 42 = 54.
Damage: 31 [sword] + 3 [magic with bane] + 6 [holy] + 5 [bane] + 5 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 2 [aura] + 3 [music] = 63.
Alex's AC: 51 after Holy Aura
Current DR: DR 13/-
HP: 218/218))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Aug 23, 2008 1:00 am
*Dagron lazily prepares for the coming battle, unconcerned with the threat the Cult and their demon consorts might bring.* : Pfah, let them come. They won't make it in here, much less take the sanctuary! *Dagron conjures a disc of force to hover in front of him as a ward. He then brings up a multicolored barrier around him, protecting him from arrows and other ranged attacks. Just then, the demons and cultists appear within the walls of the Abbey.*
: Hey, that's cheating! And you know, they say cheaters never win!
*With a powerful flap of his wings, Dagron flies up and over Enrick's head, being careful not to ruffle the flamboyantly fabulous fealty-sworn fighter's hair. He then brings his claws up to his mouth, opening it wide and showing flames developing. Dagron throws his arms out to the side, letting the fire wash out and over the cultists barging through the door, the flames flashing brightly white as the fly out of the Abbey. Some of his quarry attempt to shield their eyes, but the damage is done.*
: Good thing this is made out of stone, huh!?
*Just then, Dagron winks out of sight, but he isn't finished yet.*
: Oh, and you might want to take out those Gloom Incubi --- those green demons. They have a habit of messing with spells and everything you do by making you feel bad.
((Prep1: Cast Shield (1 minute duration)
Prep2: Cast Entropic Shield (1 minute duration)
DAGRON flies up in the air 5' diagonally over Enrick's head, winding up here and unleashing an empowered breath weapon. He also casts Breath Flare as part of the breath weapon action.
REF DC 24 or take
4d10*1.5: (7 10 1 3)*1.5 = 31 fire damage
and be dazzled for 1 minute.
Breath weapon usable in
1d4+1: (1)+ 1 = 2
http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/dagron.xls
DAGRON IDs the Gloom Incubi.
(08:35:08 AM) Lord Oddeye 23: Leonard casts Greater Invis this round. Tell TUM if I don't post))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Aug 23, 2008 3:43 am
"Wwwwaaaahhh!!!" Viki shrieked, as monsters appeared all about her in the rear of the room. In a blink, she had vanished to the other side to focus on the monsters storming through the door first. She brought the Water Rune to bear in a flash of light, heaving ice upon them.
((Prep Round 1: Moment of Prescience
Prep Round 2: Blink
Standard Action: Activate Guardian Shoes, Teleport to T-20, next to Jogurt.
Sudden Maximize, Breath of Ice = 90 Ice Damage, centered on T-11, 20ft radius.
REF for half, SR applies. Viki has both Spell Penetration and Greater Spell Penetration.))
"Don't hold back, everyone! We can't afford to lose!"
With that, she immediately charges into the fray.
((Would prefer to target the Demon Master if Zylo or someone else manages to kill the knight in front of it. If not, she crashes into one of the knights in the front line unless a path opens up to another spellcaster. If I'm not around, Rusty or Kev can designate a target for her when you update.
Prep: Fly into the air high enough for a charge.
Attack Roll: 19 +14 (BAB) +2 (Charge) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -5(PA) = 49
Damage: 7 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) +8(AlexThing) +5(PA) = 34 x 3 = 102
Greater Powerful Charge: +5
Chr. Lance: 2 (Fire) 3(Frost) 2(Acid) 2(Electricity) 3(Poison) = 12
Total: 119))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:13 am
Jessica uses the power of Deban twice, once on Alex's group, and once on Jim's group. When the enemies break through the lines and flood into the temple, the Psion takes little time to think, and instead, acts. Jessica puts some distance between herself and the Golem before her. The Psion motions towards the Golem, and a wave of force slams into it from seemingly nowhere.
((Jessica moves to J-13 and uses Concussion Blast. She expends a total of 14 power points to augment this power, increasing the damage by 7d6. The Golem closest to Jessica takes 40 force damage.))
Merla prepares for the coming battle by casting a spell to bolster her allies and friends. Immediately afterwards, she casts a spell on herself, and the Wizardess' form becomes translucent, like a Ghost.
Shortly afterwards, their enemies break through the lines and flood into the chapel. Merla sighs and shakes her head, more than a little worried about their enemies breaking through the lines so quickly. The Wizardess takes little time to reflect on this however, and instead, chooses to act. She moves to Hal's right side and begins to cast her spell.
Magic swirls around and courses through Merla's body. She traces arcane symbols in the air with her fingers, and chants in the language of magic. Speaking the final word of power, Merla holds out her hand. An icky green cloud appears above the group of foes gathered near the door, and acid rain falls down upon them.
((Merla moves to K-9 and casts http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj1/XxDarkMaidenXx/acidstorm.png. All creatures within the spell's radius take 74 acid damage. Reflex save DC 25 for half.))

Posted by: YsFanatic Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:55 am
((Move 5' to the right and full attack that blue thing near me. Then Dodge to it. 33 total AC after Dodge, and DR 7 and 70 shield points. Gauss Hit: 1d20 + BAB + DEX + Weapon Focus (Gauss Assault Rifle) – Burst Fire + Enchantment + HUD = (12/7/2 + 8 = 21/16/11) + Haste + PBS + Jim's bonus + Bardic Music + Elation
Attack 1: 13 + 21 = 34 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 44
Attack 2: 18 + 16 = 34 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 44
Attack 3: 5 + 11 = 16 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 26
Haste Attack: 11 + 21 = 32 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 42
Gauss Damage: 3d10+3 + Weapon Specialization (Gauss Assault Rifle) + 2d10 (Burst Fire) + Holy + Enchantment + PBS + Bardic Music + Alex's Aura = (5d10 + 2d6 + 14)
Attack 1: (5d10 = 5 + 6 + 10 + 8 + 6 = 35) + (2d6 = 3 + 3 = 7) + 14 = 56
Attack 2: (5d10 = 3 + 6 + 6 + 10 + 1 = 26) + (2d6 = 3 + 1 = 4) + 14 = 44
Attack 3: (5d10 = 9 + 10 + 8 + 7 + 7 = 41) + (2d6 = 2 + 1 = 3) + 14 = 58
Haste Attack: (5d10 = 6 + 3 + 6 + 8 + 9 = 32) + (2d6 = 4 + 3 = 7) + 14 = 53
All attacks ignore a total of 20 points of DR between the rifle and Sense Weakness. Also, Armor Piercing 7.))

Posted by: Alpha Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:45 pm
Glad to be in a combat situation once again after days of inactivity, Talacre explodes into action. Jumping over a pew, he lands with a thud, and after a couple of steps jumps again. His first stab goes wide, but a second slice connects solidly. He swings again as he comes down the other side of the demon, already moving off, having spotted a hated flaw of life, a golem. Moving forward, he swings at its leg, before jumping up and coming down with a powering strike to the constructs head.
[Fighting defensively, PA4.
Three attacks against the doomguard next to Sheila:
Attack 1: 1…miss
Attack 2: 1d20(14) + 13(bab) + 7(dex) + 3(ench) + 1(w.focus) - 1(trait) + 4(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 4(tactical aid) + 1(haste) + 4(greater heroism) + 1(elation) – 4(FD) – 4(PA) = 45
Damage: 1d10(1) + 1d6(1)(deadly defence) + 1d6(5)(starmetal) + 9(x1.5 str) + 3(enchantment) + 6(int) + 1(trait) + 4(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 2(aura) + 3(inspire courage) + 1(elation) + 8(PA) = 46
Attack 3: 1d20(3) + 31 = 34
Damage: 1d10(5) + 2d6(2,3) + 39 = 49
Two attacks against the golem. Demolition crystal allows critical hits and makes weapon count as adamantine.
Attack 4: 1d20(11) + 26 = 37
Damage: 1d10(5) + 2d6(1,4) + 39 = 49
Haste Attack: 1d20(20)…critical threat
Confirm: 1d20(13) + 36 + 2(construct bane) = 51
Damage: 2d10(1, 2) + 2d6(3, 1) + 1d6(6)(demolition crystal) + 2d6(1, 2)(construct bane) + 1d6(6)(flay) + 39(x2) + 2(x2)(construct bane) + 2d6(6, 4)(devastation gauntlets) = 114
HP: 243/243
AC: 58
Effects: DR 5/-]
With Alexander’s war cry, Laeral also steps forward to aid him in taking out the incubus. Spinning gracefully, the pair of daggers stabbing and cutting at the demon, the elf chanting all the while. His weapons begin sparkling somewhat, and his form wavers.
[5’ step up, full attack. All count as touch attacks due to wraith strike
On hand attacks
Attack 1: 1d20(20)…threat
Confirm: 1d20(3) + 11(bab) + 8(dex) + 1(weapon focus) + 1(enchantment) - 2(two weapon fighting) + 4(g.heroism) + 4(tactical aid) + 1(haste) + 1(elation) + 2(daggerspell stance) + 4(critical strike) = 38. Confirm.
Damage: [1d6 + 11]*2 + 5d6(sneak) +1d6(critical strike) = 39
Attack 2: 1d20(7) + 26 = 33
Damage: 7d6 + 11 = 29
Attack 3: 1d20(11) + 21 = 32
Damage: 7d6 + 11 = 36
Haste Attack: 1d20(16)…critical threat
Confirm: 1d20(10) + 31 + 4 = 45
Damage: [1d6 + 11]*2 + 5d6(sneak) +1d6(critical strike) = 49
Off hand attacks
Attack 1: 1d20(1)…miss
Attack 2: 1d20(11) + 26 = 37
Damage: 7d6 + 2d6(holy) + 1 electric + 1 fire = 24 normal, 6 holy, 1 electric, 1 fire
Attack 3: 1d20(9) + 21 = 30
Damage: 7d6 + 2d6(holy) + 1 electric + 1 fire = 31 normal, 4 holy, 1 electric, 1 fire
Daggerspell flurry: cast Displacement on self. Concentration check: 50
HP: 194/194
AC: 43
Other: 50% miss chance, DR 5/-]

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:37 pm
But Enrick wasn't here. lol. Earlier this battle... : "Let's do this, everyone! A frabjous day shines upon us!" After casting a sparkling Elation spell, Enrick raises his weapon with poise, a "stunningly magnificious, incredibly shiniful, divine" rapier, and addresses the crowd with bravado.
"http://oddeye.alphaalec.com/RPGs/SFCW/ToTheFight.mp3 Let's put the ghost of war to eternal rest!"
He then casts Mirror Image and many blinking clones appear beside him to further his defenses.
Viki instantly clutched the Wow Wow Wand to her breasts tightly and scanned the room several times before shutting her eyes.
"Wait, no one said anything about g-g-g-ghosts..."
The swordsman and his translucent twins let their arm fall back and glance at the blinking mage.
"That's a way to say we shall stand victorious today, miss Viki." Enrick explains with a wide grin, striking a superhero pose, "Herein, don't you worry! As long as I'm here, only the specter of defeat awaits the enemy!"
Then Enrick somehow ends up teleported by Viki to a faraway place beyond even Rune's best cartographers' reach.

Posted by: Rusty Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:28 pm
((Hal moves to P11 and casts Holy Aura. 20' radius centered on himself, and it affects all allies. +4 deflection bonus on AC, +4 resistance bonus on saves, SR 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures, blocks possession and mental influence ala protection from evil, and any attackers hitting those protected need to make a FORT save DC 27 vs. a blinding effect.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:58 pm
Dagron blows a brilliant blazing breath over the assembled cultists, only the Bowriders and Demon Master able to evade the shining inferno. The rest stand shock still, their sight taken from them. The devastation isn't over yet though, as Viki appears to coat the attacks in a layer of chilling ice. None escape this assault, and the cultists are left badly wounded, unable to gather their senses in time to avoid the killing blow. Merla summons a vicious storm of pure acid, the cultists screaming incoherently as they are melted to puddles of what was once flesh, bone, and steel. Only the Bowriders and the Demon Master still stand, by virtue of speed and spell, respectively. However, the Demon Master's end comes on swift wings... literally, as Eve dives down from the Hall's vaulted ceiling, impaling the hellborn mage on her magical lance. The Demon Master wraps his hands around the weapon as if to try and pull it out of him, but all he can do is manage to gurgle once, then fall still.
((Dagron:Bowriders evade, Demon Master saves. All others fail. Viki: SR pierced, all fail save. Merla: Bowriders evade, kills Paladines and Mystics. Demon Master saves.
Eve's charge skewers the Demon Master, slaying him instantly. ))
Jessica blasts off a large chunk from the Greater Stone Golem as she moves. The giant stone creature is not to be denied vengeance however, and when Jess leaves an opening, the monster takes it, smashing a fist into the medic's back.
((GSG hit, AoOs Jess for 25 damage.))
Melissa's short and accurate bursts of gunfire prove devastating against the Doomguard facing her. Only a single shot misses, and Melissa's attack is more than enough when combined with support fire from Jim to slay the monster. The creature roars deafeningly as it dissolves into ash and fire. Jim nods to Melissa in commendation, then fires off a parting burst to the Doomguard near Michael.
((Mel gravely wounds the Doomguard, missing once. Between her and Jim it dies, then Jim uses his remaining attack to lightly wound the DG near Mike.))
Talacre wounds both Doomguard and Golem, though he fells neither, dancing across the hall in a flashing storm of blades.
Alex lays into the demon before him, his holy fury cleaving away chunk after chunk of tainted flesh from the huge outsider. The Gloom Incubus lets out an inhuman wail, then Laeralas rolls in to finish it off with twin dagger strikes. The demon collapses into a vortex of nothing.
Sheila erupts into a blinding whirlwind of motion as she fires again and again and again at the Doomguard near her, not ceasing the stream of fire until the enemy is slain.
Max steps over and deals a devastating blow to the Golem, the Chaos Breaker opening a wide breach in its stony hide.
Zylo leaps forward to tear out the throat of a nearby Bowrider, the already wounded centaur no match for a wolfman's fury.
Tao and Anri look to each other and nod, turning as one to face the Marilith in the back of the Hall.
"It's been a while since we've done this!" Tao says with a grin, summoning a roaring column of fire onto the demon.
"Just like old times," Anri says quietly, conjuring a massive glacier just above the marilith. The fire column disappears as the glacier drops down onto the foe, shattering into a million dagger-sharp shards of ice as the power of Blaze and Freeze at their highest level are unleashed on the monster.
"Fire and Ice!" Tao shouts as the demoness screams, her body torn asunder by the magical assault. Nought but ash remains.
Jim is nearly knocked off his feet as a massive fist slams into his ribs. The field commander hastily rolls aside to dodge a second blow as the golem behind him turns his murderous attention to him.
((Golem hits Jim once, misses once. 45 damage to Jim.))
Far swifter than the veteran soldier is the elf Talacre, who nimbly avoids both heavy blows that the great golem aims at him.
((Golem misses twice on Talacre.))
The remaining Doomguards utter words of fell power as Dagron and Laeralas feel an otherwordly presence struggle to invade their bodies. Steeled by their previous adventures, the pair are easily able to oust the invading presences.
The Bowriders attack, a single well aimed explosive shell slamming into both Eve and Zylo's chests. Breathing is an exercise in pain for a few moments, then Khris dashes over and whispers some holy words of comfort. The pain immediately lessens, though the fury at being so injured remains.
((75 to Eve, 90 to Zylo, pair of crits, rest miss. Khris heals both of them for 30.))
The Gloom Incubus dispels the Holy Aura emitted by Hal as Melissa begins to see visions of her past defeats and losses. Whispering voices in her mind slowly grow in volume, accusing her of failure, betrayal, of casting aside her past, of not doing her duty as a soldier. Images from the war that took her old life away burn in her mind's eye, sometimes replaced by vision of future devastation, her new team annihilated, her cause destroyed, her skills insufficient.
((Melissa passes the aura save, but fails the Whisper save. She is dazed for 2 rounds, unable to do anything but reflect on her loss.))
Though the other Gloom Incubus is slain, its mere appearance was greatly unnerving, a growing unease permeating those around it.
((Everyone must pass a DC 26 Will save or take -2 to attacks, saves, skill checks, and ability checks as visions of losses past and losses yet to come invade their mind.))
Next turn!

Posted by: Aldur Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:13 pm
Michael smiled at the Large imposing demon right beside him. The teen had to wonder if the enemy knew exactly what they were going up against in the room and shrugged, his beautiful wings appearing, the boy's hands flipping up to pound the demon with Holy energies.
(( Ranged touch total: 24.
Damage: 138 Holy damage.))

Posted by: Alpha Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:06 pm
: “Cease to be once more, you abomination!” Talacre yells at the golem before him, anger filling his words. The elven swordsman jumps about, expertly hitting the construct in weak spots most other beings would never be able to pick out. The creation falls after just three hits, the last splitting it entirely in two.
With a satisfied nod, he speeds across the room, running up to where Max is stood and then proceeding to jump over the second golem. He scores a solid hit on it as he passes over his head, and another as he lands on the ground next to it.
[Will save: 1d20(13) + 17 = 30. Pass
To hit: 48, 51 (37 on confirm), 38, 34, 52. All hit.
Damage: 56/73/119/62/62
HP: 243/243
AC: 53
Effects: DR 5/-]
Laeralas spins around to face the doomguard behind him, taking note also of Dagron’s position closeby. With a flash from his head circlet, a small blade of force appears and circles around the demon. With a wicked grin, the elf twirls about, slicing and stabbing at the doomguard, chanting all the while. He finishes the attack by flipping a dagger into the air and shouting “Dagron!” to get his friends attention. With a hop towards the young dragon, he high fives him and a spark of magical energy passes between the two. They promptly disappear, reappearing up next to the gloom incubus.
[Quicken cast persistent blade, which flanks the doomguard.
Full attack doomguard + daggerspell flurry. Flurry is a teleport that takes Laeral and Dagron up next to the incubus. Can quicken the teleport because it’s part of the full attack, and not an extra action
As before, all hits count as touch attacks.
Will save: 1d20(12) + 27 = 39. Pass.
Defensive casting: 1d20(6) + 27 = 33. Pass
On hand attacks:
Attack 1: 1d20(19)…threat
Confirm: 1d20(18) + 37…upgrade threat
Confirm: 1d20(9) + 37 = 46
Damage: 3d6 + 33 + 6d6 = 51
Attack 2: 1d20(19)…threat
Confirm: 1d20(11) + 32 = 43
Damage: 2d6 + 22 + 6d6 = 51
Attack 3: 1d20(19)…threat
Confirm: 1d20(19) + 27…upgraded threat
Confirm: 1d20(20) + 27…double upgraded threat
Confirm: 1d20(11) + 27 = 38
Damage: 4d6 + 44 + 6d6 = 73
Haste Attack: 1d20(7) + 33 = 40
Damage: 1d6 + 11 + 6d6 = 38
Off hand attacks:
Attack 1: 1d20(8) + 33 = 41
Damage: 1d6 + 11 + 5d6 + 2d6 = 27 + 10 holy
Attack 2: 1d20(20)…threat
Confirm: 1d20(10) + 32 = 42
Damage: 2d6 + 22 + 5d6 + 2d6 = 42 + 8 holy
Attack 3: 1d20(7) + 23 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 11 + 5d6 + 2d6 = 39 + 8 holy
HP: 194/194
AC: 43
Other: 50% miss chance, DR 5/-]

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:40 pm
*Dagron easily resists the extended reach of the Gloom Incubus' sorrow-bringing aura. The golden dragon prepares, to lash out on the Doomguard when Michael unleashes a brilliant blast, disintegrating it into naught but brimstone ash and smoke.*
: Nice shot, Michael! Oh, hey!
*Dagron catches a glimpse of Laeralas lunging forward, hand outstretched after the Doomguard to his other side explodes as well. Pleased to see his longtime friend's successes continue, Dagron responds to congratulate him, extending a talon toward the dagger-wielding, Elven blademaster, but suddenly finds himself thrown across the room in the blink of an eye, hovering in front of the Gloom Incubus that was causing so much trouble.*
: Why hello, there! I'm Dagron, and I'll be eating your face today!
*Dagron lashes out in a flurry of tooth, nail, and tail, battering and tearing into the Gloom Incubus with all his might, letting none of its foul deeds, be they past or present, go unpunished.*
: Laeral, that might just be more fun than speeding up a mountain to take stick someone with a dagger surprise.
((Will Save: 1d20 + 16 = 20 + ... pass
Laeral teleports DAGRON to (GH)(18-19), still 5' up. That'd put Laeralas in F17.
Full Attack
Bite: 1d20+34: (14)+ 34 = 48
Bite: 1d20+34: (16)+ 34 = 50
Claw: 1d20+29: (19)+ 29 = 48
Claw: 1d20+29: (6)+ 29 = 35
Wing: 1d20+27: (18)+ 27 = 45
Wing: 1d20+27: (10)+ 27 = 37
Tail: 1d20+27: (7)+ 27 = 34
Damage
Bite: 2d6+2d6+21: (3 3) (4 4)+ 21 = 35
Bite: 2d6+2d6+21: (3 3) (6 2)+ 21 = 35
Claw: 1d8+2d6+14: (4) (1 4)+ 14 = 23
Claw: 1d8+2d6+14: (3) (3 5)+ 14 = 25
Wing: 1d6+12: (3)+ 12 = 15
Wing: 1d6+12: (5)+ 12 = 17
Tail: 1d8+26: (2)+ 26 = 28
Damage will be holy for bites and claws, regular for wings and tail.))

Posted by: Rusty Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:39 am
*Quickly, Alex rushes the final enemy seen thus far, cutting into it with ease, finishing the foe off.* : "Stay on your toes, and don't let those demons get to you!" ((Alex and Hal both pass the saves with ease. 18 and 11 rolled, respectively, and even without buffs they have at least a +20 on that, so yeah.
Alex's turn:
Free action: Change Over the Top Aura to Force of Will, so we no longer gain a circumstance bonus of +8 on charge damages, but we DO gain a circumstance of +8 on WILL saves. Those within 60' of Alex, anyway.
Heroic Surge burned for an extra move action.
Head over to the Gloom Incubus to finish it off.
Roll to hit: 17 + 42? = hit.
Damage: 24 [sword] + 5 [holy] + 6 [bane] + 3 [magic w/ bane] + 5 [STR] + 2 [damage] + 3 [music] = 48. Marine confirms that it is dead. I guess Alex will be at F18?))
"Light, bless their hearts and restore their will," Hal says, casting a spell in the Cathedral of the Light.
((Hal drops a Mass Resurgence. Everyone that failed their saves gets a new save as that's an ongoing effect.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:51 am
((Busy tonight and at football game tomorrow. Attacks Bowrider to immediate right. Save: 14+ 14 = Pass Haste Roll: 11 +14 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -5(PA) = 40 Damage: 8 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) +5(PA) = 27
Chr. Lance: 4 (Fire) 1(Frost) 3(Acid) 6(Electricity) 6(Poison) = 20
Total: 47
Attack Roll: 8 +14 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -5(PA) = 36
Damage: 6 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) +5(PA) =25
Chr. Lance: 1 (Fire) 2(Frost) 1(Acid) 3(Electricity) 2(Poison) = 9
Attack Roll: 20 +9 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -5(PA) = 43
Crit Confirm: 20
Next Roll: 11 (Upgraded?)
Damage: 8 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) +5(PA) = 27
Chr. Lance: 4 (Fire) 3(Frost) 3(Acid) 2(Electricity) 5(Poison) = 17
Total: 44 (Not counting if its crit damage or not)
Attack Roll: 13 +4 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -5(PA) = 31
Damage: 2 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) +5(PA) = 21
Chr. Lance: 3 (Fire) 6(Frost) 1(Acid) 3(Electricity) 3(Poison) = 16
Total: 37
Save: 19 + 15 = Pass
Kindness Rain, centered on Eve. All PCs within 30feet radius regain 28 HP.
))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:12 pm
((Both Jessica and Merla pass their Will saves.)) Merla turns to look at Jessica and shakes her head at the Medic. "If you give your enemy an opening, they will exploit it. You would do well to remember that. By the way, you should see to your commander over there. He doesn't look so good."
Jessica rolls her eyes at the Wizardess but she goes to aid her commander nonetheless. Resting her hand on Jim's shoulder, she channels her power to heal his wounds.
((Jessica moves to J-15, if that's a "legal" move, and uses a fully augmented Gires. Jim regains 42 hit points.
Hit Points: 105/130
Armor Class: 27
Damage Reduction: 5/-
Power Points: 363/406))
Merla turns her attention to the Golem to her right, and the Wizardess smirks. With a few gestures and a word or two, she launches two glowing orbs of energy at the Golem, one right after the other.
((Merla casts a Quickened Orb of Force, and an Orb of Force at the Golem to her right.
Attack #1: 13 + 16 = 29
Damage: 10d6 = 42
Attack #2: 12 + 16 = 28
Damage: 10d6 = 43
Hit Points: 129/129
Armor Class: 29
Damage Reduction: 5/-))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:35 pm
The powers of the Gloom Incubus roil over the holy hall, though most manage to simply ignore the potent aura. However, there are three who do not. Mae suddenly grunts, her lance lowering as her eyes take on a far off look, her mouth set in a grimace as she wages a losing mental battle.
"Ken..." she whispers as she shakes her head from side to side.
"Aaaaaah! Not that place again! It's gone! Never happen again!" Sheila screams, her pistol-wielding hands pressed to both sides of her head.
"Dad..." Apis murmurs, a haunted look passing over his face.
Then Hal's holy words heal the heroes of their hellspawned horrors. Mae shakes her head and fury replaces the sorrow in her eyes, a low growl rising from her throat. Apis blinks hard and returns to a battle stance. Sheila however, remains caught in the depths of the gloom generated by the fallen foe.
((Mae, Sheila, and Apis fail their saves. All others pass. Resurge: Mae, Apis succeeds, Sheila fails.))
Michael blasts apart the demon with what appears to be very little effort on his part, shreds of demon bits floating down from the air as it detonates like a water balloon under high pressure.
Laeralas slashes apart the other Doomguard, his otherworldly grace and skill more than a match for the infernal will and unholy might of the demonic warrior.
"I'll cherish the moment I lay eyes on you in hell!" the demon snarls as his body crumbles to ash.
Talacre hacks down the golem with sword slash after sword slash. Though it doesn't seem like such tiny weapons can harm such a huge pile of rock, the swordsman stands in sheer defiance of all conventional physical knowledge. The blades carve away chunk after chunk of the rock monster, like tiny knives whittling down a statuette with incredible speed. Finally the magic holding the creature together can take no more and it crumbles into a pile of stones.
Dagron wounds the Gloom Incubus badly with his blessed fangs and fierce claws. Huge cuts in the monsters' chest are opened by the dragon's assault. The demon's pain is only increased when a barrage of gunfire from Jim tears off its wings, dropping it to the ground. The final blow comes from Alex, who charges forward with superhuman strength and speed, felling the creature with his sword in an instant.
Merla finishes off the last Golem with her magic, twin orbs of force smashing apart the already badly damaged construct. Debris showers down on those in the northern part of the hall.
Eve skewers the last Bowrider with an easy motion of her lance, and for a moment, it seems like the fight might be finished.
Then with flashes of unholy light, another wave of enemies teleports in, while a horde of beastmen rush in through the open door, Cult colors flying ragged on their patchwork armor. Two hulking golems made of what the elves in the group easily recognize as mithril now stand over the rubble that was once their comrade constructs. A number of what appear to be corpses encased in fiery magma accompany them, while a pair of pit fiends fly with bizzare amalgamations of flesh and hundreds of tiny deformed wings to the north. A single devil of a sort you've never seen before appears at the center of the hall. It appears to be a human at first glance, but its head is marred by a huge, fangfilled maw, its color is the shade of pure shadow, and its hands end in long claws instead of fingers. A thrashing tail and bat wings truly mark the creature as one of Hell's own.
Next turn!
Alex is actually at F-18, and Jessica is at J-15, I just preuploaded the map before I saw the moves.

Posted by: Rusty Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:37 pm
: "Now they're serious! Be careful, these monsters look incredibly powerful. Laeralas, let's take down this golem. Eve, don't let yourself get stranded! Someone, help her!" ((Free action: Change minor aura to Master of Tactics, which gives +8 to damage on flanked opponents. This does NOT stack with the other aura damage.
Move and full attack that golem.
#1: 16 + 45 - 5 = 56. Hit!
Damage: 37 [sword] + 1 [magic] + 1 [item] + 5 [PA] + 6 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 8 [aura] + 3 [music] = 69.
#2: 7 + 40 - 5 = 42. Hit!
Damage: 23 [sword] + 1 [magic] + 2 [item] + 5 [PA] + 6 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 8 [aura] + 3 [music] = 56.
#3: 15 + 35 - 5 = 45. Hit!
Damage: 32 [sword] + 1 [magic] + 5 [item] + 5 [PA] + 6 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 8 [aura] + 3 [music] = 68.
#4: 2 + 45 - 5 = 42. Hit!
Damage: 32 [sword] + 1 [magic] + 4 [item] + 5 [PA] + 6 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 8 [aura] + 3 [music] = 67.
Each attack ignores 5 points of DR.))

Posted by: Alpha Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:57 pm
As the doom guard utters its curse to Laeral, the elf merely sticks out his tongue at the demon before he disappears. As he teleports however, the residual energies of the gloom incubus wash over him. Although he throws off most of the insidious effects, old and wounding memories spring up into his mind.
Take…take care of him…always…
…
She’s dead….she died because of you…
…
You can’t blame him forever! He’s your brother, the only thing to remind you of her!
No longer amused as the painful memories surface, Laeral grits his teeth and mutters a quick spell. Picking out now clearly visible (to him, at least) weak point in the golem, he furiously goes to work. Though the mithril make up of the construct defeats a lot of the power of his attack, he chips away quite effectively at it. With the attack comes more magic energy, and Alex’s form wavers and blurs, making it harder to focus on him.
[Cast Golem Strike as a swift action. Golem can be sneak attacked. Again, attacks resolved as touch attacks.
On Hand to hit: 43/40/42/39
Off Hand to hit: 1/49/44
On Hand damage: 42/40/42/40
Off Hand damage: 40/41
Daggerspell flurry to cast Blur on Alex
HP: 194/194
AC: 43
Other: 50% miss chance, DR 5/-]
In his pure focus in taking down the construct abominations, Talacre is not affected by the gloom incubus’ effects like his brother is. Seeing that his leader and his brother have the imminent one almost taken down, he jumps over it, and lays into the other one, hacking and slashing with deadly precision.
[Move and attack the left golem. Power attack 4. End up at H9.
To hit: 59(61 to confirm crit)/55/39/33/50. 4 hits.
Damage: 101/63/61/56
Ignore 5 points of DR from Sense Weakness feat
HP: 243/243
AC: 51
Effects: DR 5/-]

Posted by: Aldur Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:25 am
Michael frowns, muttering to himself, those close by hearing a whisper just beyond their hearing as he turns pupiless white eyes at the new humanoid devil, appearing to listen for a moment before letting out a whistle. "Well damn! My holy friends don't have a clue this time, but be careful! It's infused with some kind of divine energy!"
The warlock turned to address the figure. "You got a name, you...thingy?"
The creature grins sickly, its inch long fangs slick with venom. "To properly pronounce it... I'd have to pull out your tongue."
Michael snorted. "I speak in tongues. I could pronounce it perfectly with the gift the Light gave me." The fiend notes Michael seems to be speaking it's native language perfectly.
"Well," the fiend says, focusing on Michael. "I still think you should get your tongue pulled out before trying to say it."
"You could try, but I'm not into the rough stuff, you know? So, they're bringing the big guns out? So, what are you? You're hardly run of the mill." Michael asked with a cute smile on his face.
"I'm... something new," the devil says with a smile. "This is my big debut."
"Well, that's simply fabulous. Are you excited?" Michael asked innocently.
"Oh, as I've ever been," the creature says. "I think this'll be great fun..."
"So, what are you into?" Michael continued conversationally. "I quite like blasting away from afar."
"I can go either way. Blasting and tearing both have their appeals," the creature replies.
Michael's smile broadened. "I can sometimes do two at once, you got any special moves? I'll show you mine if you show me yours."
"Then allow me to show you just what I can do!"
Michael laughed, bracing himself as he shot forcefully at the creature...twice!
((Ranged touch: 36.
Damage: 138 Holy Aligned etc etc))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:37 am
Jessica takes a few moments to look around as the next wave of enemies moves in the confront them. "Damn, this isn't good. These enemies defiantly look stronger than the ones we faced before..." The medic's eyes focus on one of the corpses wreathed in flames. Though she does not know what they are, she knows that they are probably dangerous. Jessica points her index finger at the monster, and a thin green ray springs forth from the tip.
((Jessica targets the Lavawight at R-11 with a fully augmented Psionic Disintegrate.
Attack Roll: 10 + 14 = 24
Damage: 34d6 = 160
If the Lavawight succeeds at a DC 25 Fortitude save, it takes 26 damage instead.
Hit Points: 105/130
Armor Class: 27
Damage Reduction: 5/-
Power Points: 346/406))
Merla watches as the next wave of enemies moves to engage them. That, and the fact that Eve and Zylo are in her line of fire, makes the Wizardess realize that she is quickly running out of options. Following the medic's example, Merla hurls an Orb of Force at the Lavawight.
((Merla hurls an Orb of Force at the same Lavawight that Jessica attacked.
Attack Roll: 18 + 16 = 34
Damage: 10d6 = 50
Hit Points: 129/129
Armor Class: 29
Damage Reduction: 5/-))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Aug 29, 2008 8:22 pm
*Dagron flits his wings happily as Alex and Talacre pummel the nearby golem into smithereens. That threat avoided, the wyrm unleashes another trick up his sleeve. Taking a look at the enemies around, he realizes that these are ancient, undisputed, and previously unseen creatures in the world that would be incredibly dangerous. To test the waters, Dagron decides it would be best to attack at range. With a gesture of a talon, Dagron instantly besets upon the floating mass of wings with all his best attacks. Surprisingly, he finds all but one of his attacks hit, aside from being a bit nervous about all these new things. They were like deep horrors from a dark abyss, crawling forth to the surface of Rune, and he didn't like it.*
: Hey, uh... these things up here are from the plane of air, but they're not anything I've ever seen before. I'd avoid zapping them with lightning if I were you. Then, those flaming zombies aren't just any undead... they're imbued with unholy fire! Try not to get hit by them if you can, since it'll probably hurt really bad!
*Dagron warns his allies to the best that he can, then flaps his wings hard, backing away from the floating abomination.*
((Swift action: Cast Blood Wind. DAGRON may make a full attack action at range 20'. Attack the Chichimec in front of him.
Full Attack
Bite: 1d20+34: (2)+ 34 = 36
Bite: 1d20+34: (3)+ 34 = 37
Claw: 1d20+29: (17)+ 29 = 46
Claw: 1d20+29: (19)+ 29 = 48
Wing: 1d20+27: (2)+ 27 = 29
Wing: 1d20+27: (18)+ 27 = 45
Tail: 1d20+27: (17)+ 27 = 44
Damage
Bite: 2d6+2d6+21: (5 6) (3 2)+ 21 = 37
Bite: 2d6+2d6+21: (6 1) (6 4)+ 21 = 38
Claw: 1d8+2d6+14: (6) (1 6)+ 14 = 27
Claw: 1d8+2d6+14: (7) (6 2)+ 14 = 29
Wing: 1d6+12: (1)+ 12 = 13
Tail: 1d8+26: (7)+ 26 = 33
Bites and Claws count as Holy.
Results of Knowledge checks given.
DAGRON then moves 5' down.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Aug 29, 2008 8:52 pm
Nearly in a panic, Viki brings the Water Rune to bear once more as she activates the Wow Wow Wand. A storm of cold and ice whips around the newly appeared monsters but manages to exclude both Eve and Zylo. ((Enpowered Breath of Ice does 59 damage, REF for half. Everything within 15 feet of Eve, excluding Eve and Zylo, is subject to the effect.))
"Don't get stranded," Eve mutters under her breath, missing an oncomer with a wild thrust. "Like I've got a choice! Well, come on," she beckons to one of them. "I don't have all day!"
The pegasus lashes out at a foe behind her warily, tightening her grip on her shield as she spun about, hoping to draw fire from Zylo.
((
Move Action: Goad on U20, target must pass DC20 Will if it threatens Eve. If it fails, target must attack Eve this turn.
Full Attack on T9, Combat Expertise +4 AC this turn. Dodge to T11. 5ft step to land.
Haste Roll: 2 +14 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -4(CE) = 31
Damage: 7 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) = 21
Chr. Lance: 2 (Fire) 3(Frost) 5(Acid) 5(Electricity) 1(Poison) = 16
Total: 37
Attack Roll: 11 +14 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -4(CE) = 40
Damage: 3 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) =17
Chr. Lance: 5 (Fire) 5(Frost) 1(Acid) 3(Electricity) 1(Poison) = 15
Total: 32
Attack Roll: 14 +9 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -4(CE) = 38
Damage: 2 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) = 16
Chr. Lance: 6 (Fire) 3(Frost) 5(Acid) 1(Electricity) 2(Poison) = 17
Total: 33
Attack Roll: 6 +4 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -4(CE) = 25
Damage: 3 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) = 17
Chr. Lance: 6 (Fire) 4(Frost) 1(Acid) 1(Electricity) 1(Poison) = 13
Total: 30
))

Posted by: Rusty Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:00 am
*Hal's eyes open wide as he sees the rush of enemies. Stumbling backwards, he casts a spell to try to protect Eve and the others that are fighting the epic horde of foes.* ((Mass Conviction on as many allies to the south as possible. It's a 20' burst. +4 morale bonus to all saves.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Aug 30, 2008 3:49 am
Alex deals heavy damage to the Mithril Golem, incredible blows leaving giant dents in the ultrarare metal structure. Laeralas finishes it off with a combination of skill, speed, and magic. The swift, sorcerous elf reduces it to scrap metal, albeit extremely valuable scrap metal.
"Damnit, that wasn't funny!" Sheila roars as she empties her clips at the nearby Mithril Golem, blasting a few holes in its torso before stopping to reload. Her breathing is rapid and her face taunt, the memories brought on by the Gloom Incubus still with her.
((5 hits. Free action: reload 1 gun. Surge: reload second gun. 90 damage to M Golem after DR. ))
Talacre is a bladed blur as he dances around the Mithril Golem, his sword slashes cutting off an arm and a leg from the massive monster. The metal behemoth tries to counterattack or defend itself, but it's simply too slow. The Mithril Golem collapses to the ground with a resounding thud, the combined attacks too much for it. Talacre adminsters the coup de grace by severing its metal head with a single sword stroke.
Merla and Jessica bring to bear the power of mind and the power of magic upon the Lavawight, but despite their assaults noticeably dimming the flame of the undead monster, it does not fall. Apis then charges at the fiery foe, but it dodges out of the way at the last moment, causing the young knight to wince. His mother had already caught the error, administering a disapproving glare to her son as she herself began to move forward.
"Remember, like this," Mae says, erupting into a gallop. Mae charges forward, landing a devastating hit on her target Lavawight. The flaming monster staggers back with an eerie hiss as its wound belches out smoking magma onto the once immaculate hall floor.
Dagron tears into the Air Abomination, wounding it noticeably, but not as badly as the dragon is used to. Still, the amount of shredded wings and spongy flesh that fall to the Hall floor is considerable.
Viki calls upon the powers of the Water Rune once more, and ice assails the foes of Light. Frost coats the fur coats of the Wolf Lords as two of the Lavawights attempt to shield themselves with their arms. One luckless Lavawight is hit full on by the spell, its fire sputtering, then giving out as it crumbles to ash and stone.
((3 Wolf Lords save, 2 of the Lavawights save. 1 Lavawight fails its save and falls to Viki's icy spell.))
Zylo emits a terrifying howl, his eyes going white as battle-rage overtakes him. He savagely lays into the enemy, ripping apart limbs and biting into throats with disturbing gusto. In short order, he tears apart two of the Wolf Lords, shaking the survivors and reminding them why he bears the title of Forest King.
Tao bounds over one of the pews with glee, blatantly eager at the sight of new foes.
"I betcha ya burn real nice with all that fur!" she cheerfully chirps as she raises her staff. "Let's find out, eh? Ultimate Blaze!!!"
In the blink of an eye, a fiery dragon erupts from a great pit of fire underneath one of the Cult beastmen. The flaming serpent latches onto one of the Wolf Lords and drags him into the pit screaming. In no time at all, only a blackened skeleton remains as the pit and dragon vanish, leaving a laughing Tao behind. "Awesome!"
The Wolf Lords swarm against Eve, screaming intelligible chants and savage howls. Despite their great strength and unbridled ferocity, only a handful of the most forceful blows manage to pierce the pegasus knight's formidable defense.
((3 hits, many misses. 36 damage total.))
A different Wolf Lord inflicts surprising damage on Apis, the young knight apparently off his guard by his illfated charge earlier. Several lacerations are slashed across his flank as he attempts and fails to bring his shield to bear.
((3 hits, 35 damage.))
One of the Lavawights is suddenly encased in a block of ice, then shatters into a hundred pieces as Anri cooly brings her magic to bear on the powerful undead.
Only now coming out of the Gloom Incubus' effects, Melissa is startled to find one of the terrible Lavawights leaping right at her! Even her superhoned Spartan senses are unable to react quickly enough, and a single flaming claw strikes a weak point on her armor, scoring a deep wound and causing her flesh to crawl with unholy fire even underneath her super sophisticated armor.
((Hit. 33 damage. Save failed. Melissa is alight with Unholy Fire! Melissa permanently loses 4 HP! Make a Fort save.))
Another one of the Lavawights charges for Hal, but the portly priest's divine touched soul manages to resist the effects of the unholy fire, no foul flame appears on his flesh. However, there is still the matter of a large wound.
((Hit. 35 damage. Save passed.))
Jim nods gratefully to Jess when healed. His attention is demanded shortly afterward as Melissa is locked into combat with her dreadful adversary.
“Melissa, watch out!” Jim shouts as he swings his GSAW towards the Lavawight and unleashes a full burst at the monster. Despite the devastating accuracy of the barrage, tearing off a great deal of magma and flesh from the unholy beast, it is not enough and the creature stands its ground.
((4 hits, 1 miss.))
The Overdevil flinches as Michael's attacks strike it, the holy energy burning the foul creature's skin. Then it grins evilly.
"Since you wanted to see it so bad... But it'll be the last thing you see!" the monster laughs as it brings its hands together. "Have a mere taste of torment eternal!"
A darkly prismatic sphere forms between the creature's hands, expanding to the size of a head as he raises it high and lets go. The sphere immediately turns dark orange, then detonates with amazing force in all directions, blasting the Force with pure sound, electricity, fire, and even acid. Jim swears and ducks under a pew as Sheila follows suit. The wooden pews shatter under the extreme force, the statues of the Force members in the center of the hall are reduced to dust by the extreme power. Floor tiles are blasted away and for a moment all are blinded... The Pit Fiend chuckles darkly, seemingly unaffected by the display. The Overdevil laughs madly, though a thin trail of black blood leaks from his nose.
((Hellball: Jim and Sheila both evade. Eve, Viki, Zylo, Mae, Apis, and Tao are out of the AoE. Everyone else must save. Pit Fiend's SR saves it.
41 acid, 31 fire, 34 electricity, 32 sonic. DC 29 Ref save. Anri and Khris pass taking half. Max fails. Overdevil takes 34 damage from backlash.))
Khris staggers up, shaking her head as smoke rises off her clothes.
"Light... Light will prevail!" she shouts, raising her staff high. Healing energy floods those around her.
((Khris casts Mass Heal, Anri, Max, Leonard, Talacre, Hal, and Merla are healed back to full HP.))
"Dance," one of the Pit Fiends commands, shouting a power word and gesturing at Laeralas. Four large spheres of flaming rock erupt from the Fiend's hand and strike at the nimble elf, exploding into a shower of debris and fire that burn all around him.
((Meteor Swarm. Pit Fiend calls down 4 meteors on Laeralas. Hit twice. Laeralas may not save against the first 2 of the 4 meteoric explosions, and takes 15 bludgeoning damage. Meteor-1:23 Meteor-2:19 Meteor-3: Assimilations into the Adju... Er, I mean, 18 damage. Meteor-4: 17 fire damage. Jim evades with the help of an action point. Dagron is immune. Alex and Jessica must make save vs. each meteor explosion. DC Ref 27))
"Yes... Dance, dance!" echoes the other Pit Fiend, repeating the same spectacle with Merla and those around her.
((Meteor Swarm. Pit Fiend calls down 4 meteors on Merla. Hit thrice. Merla may not save against the first 3 of the 4 meteoric explosions, and takes 19 bludgeoning damage. Meteor-1:24 Meteor-2:26 Meteor-3: Omega Wa... Er, I mean, 21 damage. Meteor-4: 25 fire damage. Sheila evades. Khris, Hal, Max, Anri and Talacre must make save vs. each meteor explosion. Anri saves thrice, fails once, takes 60 damage. Max saves twice and takes 71 damage. Khris saves twice and takes 71 damage. DC Ref 27))
Max groans as his body is subjected to unimaginable pain, then healed of its ills, then subjected to more pain, all in a few seconds. He grits his teeth and glares at the Overdevil.
"You..." he hisses. "You're no mightier than the dragon. You'll fall as he did..."
Max jumps forward, the Chaos Breaker a barely visible line of green energy as the swordsman slashes again and again at the fiend, creating deep wounds that blaze with purifying fire. The fiend roars in pain as it is wounded, sneering at the hero as the final attack misses.
((4 hits 1 miss.))
The two fleshy abomination of Air twitch their many, deformed wings in an odd pattern. Immediately lightning strikes down and dances around the warriors of Light, burning and blinding them. Despite years of experience, Mae, Khris, and Apis are unable to get out of the way, taking a bolt to the belly each.
((Air Abomination casts Bolt 2! 68 damage to Dagron, 34 damage to Jim, Jessica, Laeralas, and Alex. Ref save DC: 26. Air Abomination casts Bolt 2! 70 damage to Eve, 34 damage to Mae, Apis, Zylo, and Khris. Mae, Apis, and Khris fail. Zylo succeeds. Ref save DC: 26.))

Posted by: Aldur Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:22 am
Max grits his teeth, slashing and thrusting with the Chaos Breaker again and again, but with the Overdevil's attention on him, even his attacks find little purchase. Only a pair of strike hit home, though one does so to devastating effect. As the various energies roil and crackle around the Favoured Soul of the Light, Michael coughs, swaying violently in the air, flipping over, the teen gritting his teeth, the brilliant light surrounding him getting brighter and brighter until he became kin to a beacon.
((Save failed. 106 damage. Currently on 48/154hp wise.))
"Wow! Mike and Max Double team! Loving it. Hey, you! Devil! Guess you can't handle two at once like me huh?"
"I just took on the lot of you..." the devil wheezes. "I was merely stupid enough to let your taunt guide my actions..."
"I'm a irritating bastard, I'll agree with you there. So, before I end you...any last words?" Michael smiled impishly.
The Overdevil grins. "I'll... be back for you... Count on it."
Michael nods, pointing both hands at the Overdevil, the brilliant light surrounding his body erupting from his palms as the twin beams slam into the Overdevil, causing the outsider to disintegrate into ashes amid a flash of purest white.
((It dies. Lol Because I'm cool. Ranged touch: 18+all that stuff. Hit.
Quickened, Maximised, Empowered Eldritch blast = 207 damage = Dead.))
"It seems I've gained another ardent Suitor! Hahaha! So that's your boss gone you poor, weak bastards. Who wants to go next?"

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Aug 30, 2008 1:40 pm
*Dagron is thrown for a loop in the hellball's attack, but by using the heat generated by it, quickly moves up into the air, avoiding the worst of it. He continues through the Pit Fiends' dual meteor swarms, completely unaffected by the inferno generated by them. However, the flames quickly dissipate, and the magical heat with it, and Dagron finds himself falling back down to his originally position more quickly than he had anticipated, tumbling a bit in the air. The lightning botlt from the abomination catches him squarely in his chest, knocking him back a few feet. Undeterred, the dragon floats forward once more, and unleashes yet another barrage of his attacks.*
: I'll tear your wings off one at a time you many winged... winged... abomination... monstrosity... with, uh... wings!
((Hellball Save: 1d20 + 22 = 18 + 22 = 40. Pass.
Meteor Swarm: Unnecessary
Meteor Swarm: Unnecessary
Bolt 2: 1d20 + 22 = 3 + 22 = 25. <-- you ass
5' forward, use BLOOD WIND again.
Full Attack
Bite: 1d20+34: (14)+ 34 = 48.
Bite: 1d20+34: (15)+ 34 = 49.
Claw: 1d20+29: (13)+ 29 = 42.
Claw: 1d20+29: (13)+ 29 = 42.
Wing: 1d20+27: ( 9)+ 27 = 36.
Wing: 1d20+27: ( 8)+ 27 = 35.
Tail: 1d20+27: (20)+ 27 = ...
CONFIRM: 1d20+27: (19)+ 27 = 46.
Damage
Bite: 2d6+2d6+21: (1 5) (1 1)+ 21 = 29
Bite: 2d6+2d6+21: (4 1) (1 2)+ 21 = 29
Claw: 1d8+2d6+14: (5) (2 1)+ 14 = 22
Claw: 1d8+2d6+14: (8) (1 3)+ 14 = 26
Wing: 1d6+12: (1)+ 12 = 13
Wing: 1d6+12: (4)+ 12 = 16
Tail: (1d8+26)*2: (7 4)+ 52 = 63
Bites and Claws count as Holy.
http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/dagron.xls click for sheet.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Aug 30, 2008 7:41 pm
Jessica is thrown off of the pew by the sheer force of the Hellball. When the smoke clears away, the Medic is sprawled out on the floor. Jessica is battered, bruised, bloodied, and burned to such a degree that it is obvious no life remains in her.
((Jessica fails her save against the Hellball and dies.))
Merla manages to avoid the worst of the Hellball, and is swiftly healed by Khris. Soon after, however, the Meteor Swarm hits her, and wounds nearly as severe as those from the Hellball cover her body again. The Wizardess takes note of the winged abominations floating on either side of the room.
"My fire magic will not do much against the pit fiends, or those flaming undead, but it should work just fine on these things."
Merla weaves arcane symbols in the air with her fingers, and speaks in the ancient language of magic. The Wizardess motions towards the abomination, and brings the power of Ultimate Blaze to bear.
((Merla casts a Maximized Blaze 4 on the Chichimec at B-18. 104 fire damage, no save. If it is already dead after Dagron's attacks, redirect it at the Chichimec at B-5 instead.
Hit Points: 69/129
Armor Class: 29
Damage Reduction: 5/-))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:50 pm
"This should help...I think...." Viki said casually, calling upon the power of the Wow Wow Wand once more. With a flash, the Water Rune surged to life even brighter than usual, and a cool mist of magical raindrops poured from out of nowhere to wash over everyone.
((Sudden Widen with the Wow Wow Wand to Enpower.
Kindness Rain: 44 HP restored to everyone besides Viki.))
"Get going if you want; I can hold here," Eve muttered through clenched teeth to Zylo as her body trembled from the remains of the lightning that coursed through her only mere seconds ago.
((
REF: Passed.
Attack S-10, move to S-11 if S-10 goes down. Combat Expertise: AC+4, Dodge to S-11. Eve's five foot step is used to lift off the ground once more for getting into range.
Haste Roll: 15 +14 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -4(CE) = 44
Damage: 3 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) = 17
Chr. Lance: 5(Fire) 5(Frost) 2(Acid) 3(Electricity) 6(Poison) = 21
Total: 38
Attack Roll: 8 +14 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -4(CE) = 37
Damage: 5 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) = 19
Chr. Lance: 1 (Fire) 4(Frost) 1(Acid) 3(Electricity) 6(Poison) = 15
Total: 34
Attack Roll: 13 +9 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -4(CE) = 37
Damage: 1 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) = 15
Chr. Lance: 3 (Fire) 4(Frost) 1(Acid) 5(Electricity) 1(Poison) = 14
Total: 29
Attack Roll: 16 +4 (BAB) +8 (Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +2(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) +1(Haste) +4(Jim) - 1(Size) -4(CE) = 35
Damage: 2 +8(Str) + 4(Wpn) +2(WpnSp) = 16
Chr. Lance: 5 (Fire) 6(Frost) 6(Acid) 5(Electricity) 4(Poison) = 26
Total: 42
))
Viki, HP: 82/82 Condition: Normal
Eve, HP: 158/202 Condition: Normal

Posted by: Alpha Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:54 pm
Enacting his ability to walk on the air, Talacre races towards the left pit fiend, and goes to work, floating several feet up in the air. His attacks are extremely precise and deals severe damage to the devil. : “Dance, dance?” he questions. “We’re not falling apart you know,” he comments with amusement.
It only takes three slices before the pit fiend succumbs completely. Pirouetting around, he sprints through the air and strikes a final two times at the remaining pit fiend.
[Hellball reflex saves: doesn’t matter, as he gets healed to full
Meteor swarm: evade 2, fail 2 (stupid natural 1s). Takes 49 damage.
Power attack 5, attack left pit fiend. 3 hits kill it, he then moves to the next one.
To hit: 48(upgraded critical)/40(upgraded critical)/43(critical)/41/49
Damage: 120/126/89/52/54
HP: 238/243
AC: 51
Effects: DR 5/-]
Surprised that the meteors made their way through his displacing defences, Laerals expertly dodge the rest of the attacks with his elven grace. He then moves forward slightly, falling into casting, leaving the pit fiends to his brother and the others close by. He targets one of the lavawights with an ultimate freeze spell, the powerful ice and cold hurting it greatly.
[Laeral’s reflex saves for Hellball: 49/1/49/41. Evasion saves him from the 3 he passes. Natural 1 takes 34 damage.
Passes meteor 3 and 4, no damage from evasion. Same goes for Bolt 2.
Move to I17 and cast Freeze 4 on the M19 Lavawight. Pass SR. 109 damage
HP: 157/194
AC: 43
Other: 50% miss chance, DR 5/-]

Posted by: Rusty Sun Aug 31, 2008 12:50 am
*Hal points at Jessica as she begins to fall, saving her life. He then heals many of his allies completely.* ((Hal: Immediate action: Delay Death on Jessica. She's not dead. Standard action: Hal will cast a Widened Mass Heal [which is maximized and empowered for free so basically it's 100% to everyone] where it is best suited/heals as many people as possible.))
---
*Alex somehow manages to come out unscathed despite the many spells cast in his direction. Alex heads over to finish off the Pit Fiend that Talacre softened up for him.*
((Alex:
First off, the saves. Heroic Destiny to add +6 to my save against the HBall. 6 rolled. Rolled a 9 for the save...+27 = 36. Pass. Ring of Evasion, so evade!
Now for the Meteor Swarm saves...
13 + 21 = 34. Pass, evade.
18 + 21 = 39. Pass, evade.
18 + 21 = 39. Pass, evade.
6 + 21 = 27. Pass, barely. Evade.
Now for the Bolt 2 save...
18 + 21 = 39. Pass, evade. lol
Heroic Surge to the remaining Pit Fiend in the center. Full Attack. Smite, PA7, Divine Might.
#1: 19 + 57 - 7 = 69. Hit.
Damage: 28 [sword] + 9 [bane] + 9 [holy] + 3 [magic with bane] + 7 [PA] + 6 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 10 [Smite] + 2 [aura] + 3 [music] = 85.
#2: 6 + 42 - 7 = 41. Hit.
Damage: 18 [sword] + 7 [bane] + 5 [holy] + 3 [magic with bane] + 7 [PA] + 6 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 2 [aura] + 3 [music] = 59.
#3: 6 + 37 - 7 = 36. Miss.
#4: 18 + 47 - 7 = 58. Hit.
Damage: 28 [sword] + 3 [bane] + 10 [holy] + 3 [magic with bane] + 7 [PA] + 6 [STR] + 8 [Divine Might] + 2 [aura] + 3 [music] = 70.
This cuts right through its DR and should kill it, since it's already taken some damage from Alpha's attacks.))

Posted by: YsFanatic Mon Sep 01, 2008 2:14 am
Melissa silently shuddered once as the images of her fellow Spartans dying from battle or even worse, the surgeries that enhanced them. But now the images were gone and the Spartan swiftly raised her rifle once more and let loose a withering barrage against a target similar to the one that attacked her. However, the visions apparently shook up the super-soldier more than she thought, as only five of the gauss rounds hit their target.
((Full Attack with Haste and Surge against a Lavawight TUM said was attacking Mae.
Gauss Hit: 1d20 + BAB + DEX + Weapon Focus (Gauss Assault Rifle) – Burst Fire + Enchantment + HUD = (12/7/2 + 8 = 21/16/11) + Haste + Music
Attack 1: 16 + 21 = 37 + 1 = 38 + 3 = 41
Rest missed
Gauss Damage: 3d10+3 + Weapon Specialization (Gauss Assault Rifle) + 2d10 (Burst Fire) + Holy + Enchantment = (5d10 + 9 + 2d6)
Attack 1: (5d10 = 9 + 10 + 4 + 3 + 4 = 30) + (2d6 = 5 + 5 = 10) + 8 = 48
All attacks ignore a total of 20 points of DR between the rifle and Sense Weakness. Also, Armor Piercing 7.
Dodge to whatever attacks Mel next.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:17 am
Battle ended, massive post to go here. In the meantime, why not level up everyone to 19?

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:18 am
((DAGRON becomes level 19! HP increase by 42! (hell yes max hp) STR increases by 2! BAB increases by 2! FORT increases by 1!
REF increases by 1!
WILL increases by 1!
Diplomacy increases by 2!
Intimidate increases by 2!
Knowledge: Ancients increases by 2!
Knowledge: Arcana increases by 4!
Knowledge: The Planes increases by 2!
Knowledge: Religion increases by 2!
Listen increases by 2!
Search increases by 2!
Sense Motive increases by 2!
Spot increases by 2!
Use Magic Device increases by 2!
DAGRON gains the feat Multiattack!
Natural armor increases to 12!
Fire Breath increases to 5d10!))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:35 am
Eve tears apart her target with consummate skill and discpline even as Zylo shakes his head. Hal brings blessed relief to his comrades in arms and friends as healing flows from the portly priest. "I won't leave a comrade in the middle of things," he snarls. "Nor give up such a grand hunt!"
Talacre's speed shocks the pit fiend as it soon finds itself collapsed to a knee, gurgling black blood before disintegrating into sulfur and ash.
"What... What power allows you to wreak such carnage..." the other Pit Fiend mumbles as Alex runs him through. The archdevil crumbles into a pile of maggots that burn away into ash.
Anri and Merla both focus on the Air Abomination, chanting words of arcane power and bending the fabric of reality to their will. Unfortunately their spells run up against a solid wall of pure disruptive force, their spells fizzling.
Tao incinerates another Wolf Lord with barely restrained glee. "Burn, baby burn!"
Zylo rips apart another Wolf Lord, lost in the throes of bloodlust as pale imitation after pale imitation falls to his claws.
Mae wounds a Lavawight as Apis barely manages to kill a Wolf Lord, the centaur general and her progeny frowned upon by luck... Or fighting as if some heavy burden was clouding their minds.
Laeralas manages to slay the Lavawight attacking Melissa with a single spell, Jim nodding his thanks to the mage at helping get one of his troops out of trouble.
Mae raises her shield in expectation of the Lavawight's assault, but Melissa's rifle burst tears apart the molten core of the creature even as the rest of the bursts go wild. Mae nods to the Spartan in thanks.
Sheila shoots one of the Air Abomination again and again, opening terrible wounds, but not dropping the monster much to her very vocal frustration. In response, Jim swings his gun around, spraying the monster with heavy gunfire and finishing it off for the gunslinging girl. Said girl shoots him a glare that goes unnoticed as her kill is stolen.
The final Air Abomination charges Dagron and the two struggle. For a moment it looks like the monster has the better of Dagron as none of the young wyrm's attacks hit, but Dagron endures the terrible storm of unholy wings and manages to strike true with a second round of attacks, finishing the already wounded creature in a gruesome display of tainted blood and misshapen limbs torn from deformed body.
The last of the foe fallen, Khris swiftly gathers the warriors around her, healing their wounds with the last of her powerful magic.
((Assuming everyone can fit, Widened Heal to restore everyone's HP to full. Spells and abilities are still used up though.))
Balbaroy swoops in through the broken down doors, panting and out of breath. Battle wounds cover his body, but nothing life threatening.
"The enemy has been mostly defeated," he says, wincing. "They're pulling back past the walls for now. Everyone that can fight is regrouping in the courtyard while those that can't are being moved inside the buildings."
"I'll start tending to the wounded," Khris nods. "Most of my powerful spells are used up anyway. Zylo, can you guard me and our healers just in case?"
Zylo merely nods.
"All right," Max says, looking at everyone and nodding. "Together to victory, then. Let's form up"
28 pieces of Mithril Ore are found, the remains of the Mithril Golems.
----------
The battered and weary defenders at the Abbey wall are greeted by the sight of Amon flying down before them even as the last of their foes pulls back.
"No time to talk, but if you can fight get to the courtyard, we're regrouping. I'll carry any that can't to the healers."
----------
And the hordes of enemies around Dam Dicem's group finally break, scattering into the wilderness as the way back to the Abbey swiftly opened once more.
((Just to clarify, SFCWIV characters are now L19.))

Posted by: Alpha Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:34 am
Talacre is now level 19 Talacre gains a level in Dervish! HP increased by 12! BAB increased by 1! Fortitude increased by 1!
Dervish AC bonus increased by 1!
Dervish Dance attack and damage bonus increased by 1!
Dervish Dances can now be used 5/day!
Gained the class ability Tireless Dance!
Gained 1 skill points Perform [Dance], Jump, Tumble, escape artist, 2 in Listen , 2 in balance!
Laeralas is now level 19
Laeralas gains a level in Abjurant Champion!
HP increased by 13!
BAB increased by 1!
Will increased by 1!
Gained the class ability Swift Abjuration!
Gained a skill point in Concentration, Jump, 2 in Knowledge [Arcana], 2 in Spellcraft
Gained one extra 7th level slot and one extra 8th level slot!
Learns the new spells Irreristible Dance, Superior Invisibility, Bolt 4!

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Mon Sep 01, 2008 9:46 pm
((Lord Oddeye gains a level in FREEDOM. Updated some serious placeholder.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:46 pm
Jessica's Level Ups:

QUOTE
Jessica gains a level in Psion! [Psion 18]

- Max HP +6
- BAB +1
- Fortitude save +1
- Reflex save +1
- Will save +1
- Autohypnosis +1
- Balance +2
- Concentration +1
- Heal +1
- Knowledge (Geography) +1
- Knowledge (Psionics) +1
- Psicraft +1
- Gains feat: Empower Power
- Max PP +36
- Learns new powers: Psionic Mind Blank (8th-level) & Shadow Body (8th-level)

QUOTE
Jessica gains a level in Psion! [Psion 19]

- Max HP +4
- Autohypnosis +1
- Balance +2
- Concentration +1
- Heal +1
- Knowledge (Geography) +1
- Knowledge (Psionics) +1
- Psicraft +1
- Max PP +36
- Learns new power: Assimilate (9th-level)

Merla's Level Ups:

QUOTE
Merla gains a level in Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil! [Wizard 10/Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil 7]

- Max HP +7
- Concentration +1
- Decipher Script +1
- Knowledge (Arcana) +1
- Knowledge (Nature) +1
- Knowledge (Religion) +2
- Knowledge (The Planes) +1
- Spellcraft +1
- Gains class abilities: Kaleidoscopic Doom, Violet Veil, and Warding 4/day
- Learns new spells: Magic Miasma (9th-level) & Meteor Swarm (9th-level)

QUOTE
Merla gains a level in Archmage! [Wizard 10/Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil 7/Archmage 1]

- Max HP +6
- Will save +2
- Concentration +1
- Knowledge (Arcana) +1
- Knowledge (Nature) +1
- Knowledge (Religion) +1
- Knowledge (The Planes) +1
- Search +2
- Spellcraft +1
- Gains feat: Greater Spell Focus (Abjuration)
- Gains class ability: High Arcana (Mastery of Elements)
- Learns new spells: Prismatic Sphere (9th-level) & Summon Monster 9 (9th-level)

QUOTE
Merla gains a level in Archmage! [Wizard 10/Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil 7/Archmage 2]

- Max HP +4
- BAB +1
- Will save +1
- Concentration +1
- Knowledge (Arcana) +1
- Knowledge (Nature) +1
- Knowledge (Religion) +1
- Knowledge (The Planes) +1
- Search +2
- Spellcraft +1
- Gains class ability: High Arcana (Spell Power)
- Learns new spells: Reaving Dispel (9th-level) & Time Stop (9th-level)

Updated sheets have been sent.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Sep 02, 2008 3:38 am
((All characters leveled besides Graigus. And Garudaos I'll hand the sheets off to whoever when I finish Graigus, rather than sending them along piecemeal.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:53 pm
As the heroes regroup in the courtyard and swiftly heal their wounds, a roiling, opaque gray mist begins to roll in. It quickly covers the ground up to the groups' knees, slowly but surely rising.

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:37 pm
((CHECK SWARM OF DOOM. Not posting more right now because frankly, I have other far more important shit to do. Merkass - Also looks for something nearby that he can climb Spot: 44. Listen: 35. Aurik - Casts eyes of the avoral on the way over because he can.
Religion: 35.
Spot: 38.
Listen: 14.
Spellcraft: 26.
Rhizor - Flying above the mist because he's a bat and he can fly.
Nature: 32.
Spot: 42.
Listen: 39.
Spellcraft: 34.
Mahler - IS A ROCK.
Religion: 23.
Spot: 7.
Listen: 28.
DAGRON - Flying above the mist because he's a dragon and can fly.
Ancients: 52.
Arcana: 28.
Planes: 25.
Religion: 34.
Spot: 26.
Listen: 24.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:29 pm
"Be wary," Isyndel exclaimed as the fog began to build beneath them. "Whatever this is, there is no doubt that its' magic steeped in evil. Prepare yourselves accordingly." She saw and heard nothing of its source, which made her heart pound in a combination of fear and anticipation. Exhausted, she pulled herself upward from her rest using the Psychowand as a brace, and brushed the dirt off her robes and skirt as she peered around warily.
"Day just went from bad ta worse, I'd say," Langston chimed, his whiskers twitching. "Er, guess really, it went from real bad to flippin' miserable 'less I miss my guess. Hope ya gotta plan or somethin' worked up for this, boss," he added as he turned to Dam, unsheathing his rapier once more.
"What the hell is all this?" Eve queried, rearing backwards on her hind legs when she first noticed the mist, her front legs dangling warily before her before setting down once more.
"Dagron!" she shouted then, and when the dragons eyes looked to her, she jerked her head upward before a hefty lurch of her wings pushed her into the air above to get a better view.
"Waaaaa...." Viki's head jerked from side to side in abstract fear, standing on her toes and shuffling her weight between her feet almost rhythmically as she pursed her lips together. "I...I'm scared...I hope it isn't ghosts..."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:46 pm
The fog continues to rise higher and higher, now up to the chins of the group. "Where's it coming from?" Max asks, looking around. "I can't see a source!"

Posted by: Alpha Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:01 pm
Using his class imbued magic, Talacre jumps straight up and also takes to the sky, walking on the air to get a better view too. [Jump: 85 Listen: 32 Spot: 18] The fog already above his head height, Laeralas chants a few quick words, and grants himself magical flight. He soars up to join his brother.
[Cast Fly.
Arcana: 38
Geography: 28
Planes: 20
Listen: 53
Spellcraft: 45
Spot: 26]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:10 am
"I usually do, don't I?" Dam said, winking while he was still visible. "Granted, 'Stay alive' is a pretty broad plan, but I find it works pretty well as a starting point." "Of course, cutting things to ribbons isn't a bad plan either," he continued, a sickly smile spreading across his face as his purple-skinned alter ego rises to the surface.
((The round before the battle starts, Dam assumes his Silver-Tongued Devil form.))
=====
Pantherath snarled, his divinely granted senses activating in the midst of the fog.
((Detect Evil.))
=====
Graigus takes off up a tree. Once there, he simply waits for the coming storm, dropping down more hirstute than he rose when the time was right.
((Graigus uses 30 or 40 feet (whatever his max Slow Fall distance is)), and stays there until the round before combat begins. That round, he'll use his Hybrid form and just jump down, since Slow Fall negates the damage he'd otherwise take.))
=====
"Can we try not fighting more? Have we tried that yet?" Ashathel asked, nonetheless casting those spells he did not have time for before. He also plays the flute quickly to enhance the attacks of Merkass and others.
((Ash casts whatever buffs he wasn't able to before; I think a few might be abjurations, which he can quicken.
Also, the round before combat begins, Ash will play Alleria's Flute of Accuracy, to give all ranged attackers +2 to damage for 16 rounds.))
=====
Gabriel grunted, standing with greatsword in hand, as he waited for the coming attack.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:26 am
The fog rises higher and higher until it shrouds even the tallest of the various Forces. Those who fly or climb above see a swirling blanket of dark gray mist cover the Abbey grounds. Those within the mist find their sight restricted to a few feet in front of them, sounds growing muffled and indistinct. Efforts to move out of the fog seem futile, no matter how far you run or walk, all you find is more mist... And soon everyone is separated from everyone else in the seemingly endless gray expanse.

Posted by: Aldur Thu Sep 04, 2008 9:41 am
"You know guys, Just because we can't see each other doesn't mean we can't hear each other. Maybe gather around me?" Michael smiles as he seems to grow brighter and brighter with his Radiant Aura, hopefully piercing through the mist.

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:44 am
Leonard walks toward the light.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:17 pm
Though Michael shines brilliantly, none of the others seem to be able to follow the light towards him within the thick fog. A laugh that's all too familiar to some of the assembled warriors begins to echo across the Abbey as six points of red light blaze to life within the mists.
The Malefactor: http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/Kefka.mp3
: "Heheheheheh... Have you lost your way once more, my little playthings Hehehe... Then allow me to be your light!"a familiar voice asks as red light flares over the Abbey grounds, then mists vanishing in the blink of an eye.
At the center of the Abbey Courtyard is the sinister figure of Shailtor, Second of the Strife Lords, Lord of the Twisted Web.
: "A spectacular show as always. Blood, ichor, hate, pain, sorrow, all flowing freely into the so called holy ground of this place as swords and spells clashed. I got so excited watching, I just had to join in. You don't mind, do you?" Shailtor asks.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Sep 06, 2008 1:14 am
Gabriel stepped forward slowly, then broke into a run. Leaping forward, as he touched down in front of the Strife Lord, he landed much heavier and much, much angrier, ready to tear Shailtor to pieces. ((Move to within 30 feet, Primeval and Rage.))
=====
"You know, Cedric was wrong when he scolded us for not attacking you," Ashathel said, his weapon at the ready. "We wern't ready to kill you then... but we are now!"
As he spoke, the elf waved his blade. With a snap of his fingers, a small crackling orb surged foward.
((Lesser Orb of Electricity. Touch to-hit 37, damage 25. No save, no SR.))
=====
"Awaiting your orders to remove this scum, sir," Pantherath growled, his training and his memory of the twisted Strife Lord's tactics the only thing that prevented him from bounding after the author of millions of deaths.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Sep 06, 2008 2:36 am
"You," came Isyndel's voice, low of tone and short in anger. Immediately, the Wizardess began the incantation of one of her typical spells, knowing full well that nothing good would come of Shailtor's appearance. ((In the fog, Isyndel casts Protection from Evil. At Shailtor's appearance, she casts Haste.))
"Plan's always worked well enough for us before, I s'pose," Langston replied, before the fog enveloped them further.
At the sound of Shailtor's voice, the rat shuffled his feet. "Yeah. Definitely bad ta much worse. Think I'd be used ta it by now."
Unable to escape the fog, Eve maintained her height several feet off the ground as best she could. When the fog cleared, she saw the creature at last, and almost immediately caught sight of several members surging forward to attack it.
"You're most definitely NOT welcome here, whoever you are," the pegasus spat, lowering herself to about fifteen feet above the ground as she put herself at the head of Alex's formation. Her hands tightened on her lance as she brought her shield before her, hovering protectively in front of her companions and awaiting orders.
"Oh, good! Its not a ghost!" Viki exclaimed, turning to Jim and the others as the smoke cleared. "I'm glad."

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Sep 06, 2008 2:47 am
*The dense fog rolls in continuously, streaming up to Aurik's ankles, then knees, waist, chest, and finally over his head, and he gets the sensation that it continues rising. Unable to see in front of his face, Aurik calls upon the grace of Volcanon so that he may be a beacon of light to the others. His body assumes the form of a firebird, in the very form of his god, shedding light from his body. However, it is of no avail, as the light is extinguished not far beyond the extent of his vision by the dense fog, and he can only call out to let the others know they had not been separated.*
: Friends, do not give up hope just yet! While we may not see, we still stand together to face what comes!
*The fog suddenly rolls back in the blink of an eye, and in its wake stands the many burning eyes of Shailtor. This time he would not get away so easily. The self-proclaimed Lord of the Web would stand in judgment for his crimes against this world, its people, and its benefactors.*
: Shailtor, crawl back into the pit from whence you came! Your time in the shadows has not been long enough. The light from the holy fires wrought from the very body of Volcanon shall be your undoing as they encroach the very darkness of your being. As long as the people of this land o not yield, neither shall its defenders. This day shall not be yours, and neither will any other. In the name of Volcanon will I send thee!
*Aurik's voice booms out like a roaring wildfire, empowering his allies with heated fervor, with those worshiping Volcanon feeling extra divine inspiration.*
((During the fog scene, Aurik casts Greater Visage of the Deity on himself.
When Shailtor appears, Aurik casts Recitation. Everyone gains

- +2 luck bonus to AC
- +2 luck bonus to Attack rolls
- +2 luck bonus to Saving throws

If you worship Volcanon, it's +3.))
*Mahler stands motionless through the rising fog, unperturbed, and unworried. There had been worse situations, and he could imagine worse, too. He hadn't needed to wait long, either. The fog rolls back to reveal a Strife Lord he had only seen once before yet heard so much about.*
: "I don't really know you that well, but I know enough not to like you. Why don't we get properly acquainted. This is my fist, and he says IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME!
*Mahler immediately lashes out into a reckless charge, bounding the interposing distance between himself and Shailtor. Cocking his fist to his side, he throws a vicious uppercut into the many-eyed Lord of Strife, imbuing it with all the sacred power the Light would grant him to snuff out the blight Shailtor left in his wake just by existing.*
((Mahler charges, throwing a smite and PA 5.
1d20 + 28 + 4 + 3 - 5 = 14 + 30 = 44.
Damage
8d8 + 10 + 12 + 5 + 2d6 = 7 + 5 + 7 + 7 + 6 + 6 + 8 + 7 + 27 + 3 + 3 = 86 holy damage.
If he's an evil construct by some weirdness, it's doubled.
If he's a fiend, the last 2d6 becomes 2d8.))
*Merkass sneers at the evil stench emanating from the immediate area. Nearby stands a tree, and Merkass runs to it then climbs into it to get a better vantage point. Before long, the foul mist is over the heads of his allies and continues to rise, engulfing even him and the tree. He wondered what powerful force could conjure such a dense fog into the entire Abbey Courtyard, but he needn't think long on it, as the fog dissipates and reveals one of his most hated adversaries. There stood Shailtor, Lord of the Web, Destroyer of Sanity, and one of the rulers of the wicked. Fires burned inside of him as he was reminded of the time long ago when he had failed the test of the shadowlord's prodding. Left trapt within his own mind, unable to retaliate. This time would be different. There would be no reprieve for this unearthly hellion who tainted the very air around him with his presence. Merkass levels the holy bow of Mitula, given to him to catch just this quarry and pierce his unholy heart. Three arrows are instantly knocked when Merkass takes the string in his fingers, and he releases them at his adversary.
This day he would see his brother again.*
((Merkass throws a Manyshot 3 at Shailtor.
1d20 + 37 - 6 = 12 + 31 = 43.
Damage
1d8 + 8d6 + 22 = 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 22 = 53.
1d8 + 8d6 + 22 = 7 + 3 + 1 + 6 + 3 + 5 + 4 + 2 + 5 + 22 = 58.
1d8 + 8d6 + 22 = 4 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 22 = 47.
((ugh... too much shit to type all at once. Will fill this in with more stuff later))
((During fog: Rhizor casts Owl's Insight.
Rhizor casts Spiritjaws on Shailtor.
Attack: 1d20 + 30 = 16 + 30 = 46.
Grapple: 1d20 + 34 = 7 + 34 = 41.
Damage: 2d6 = 7 force.
SR: 1d20 + 19 = 19 + 19 = 38.))
((Dagron flies and makes more knowledge checks on Shailtor.
Anc: 1d20 + 22 = 4 + 22 = 26.
Arc: 1d20 + 12 = 15 + 12 = 27.
Pln: 1d20 + 22 = 18 + 22 = 40.
Rel: 1d20 + 22 = 13 + 22 = 35.))

Posted by: YsFanatic Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:01 am
Van starts to unconsciously grind his teeth together in anger when Shailtor appeared. The newly revived warrior's mind played back the devastation of his village while his grip on his guisamre tightened and he braced himself to launch an attack.
"Shailtor," he growled out, "You'll pay for what you've done!" Even as he got out the last few words he was charging towards the evil being with his weapon poised to strike.
((Van charges Shailtor!
Hit: d20 + BAB + STR + Earthbound + Focus + MWMS + Haste + Charge + Recitation
D20 + 16 + 7 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 28 + 1 + 2 = 31 + 2 = 33
5 + 28 + 1 + 2 = 36 + 2 = 38
Damage: 2d4 + STR + Earthbound + Enchantment + MWMS
2d4 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 15
3 + 4 + 15 = 22
Dodge to Shailtor, Distracting Attack in play as well as Sense Weakness))

Posted by: Alpha Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:42 pm
Not hesitating, Talacre immediately swoops down from his aerial position and immediately lets loose a string of mighty attacks against the Strife Lord, before retreating back out. [Dervish Dance, full attack. Power attack 5 To hit: 60(53 on confirm), 52(44 on confirm), 47(44 on confirm), 36, 59(59 on confirm)
Damage: 94/108/107/49/106
Damage will be different if crits don’t confirm. Just ask.
Ignores 5 points of DR.
HP: 237/237
AC: 44
Other: DR 5/-]
Tanis lifts his staff of defence, and its protective energies spread over those closeby.
[use Staff of Defence to cast Shield of Law]
From a similar position in the air to his brother, Laeral chants quickly and clashes his daggers together. His form begins flickering at what looks random, but is actually controlled.
[Laeral casts Greater Blink]

Posted by: Aldur Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:14 am
"So, like? You're a Strife Lord? I really have to pay you back for quite alot of things! I hope you don't mind!" Kria laughs to herself and points at the Strife Lord, and then gasps, drawing her blade in a defensive manner in front of her. "Oops. Outta juice. Go, team?"
((EB is still disabled. Full Defensive.))
**
"A Strife Lord? You look rather interesting, but if you don't mind...you are stealing my bit! I'll be the one who does the guiding light thing, thank you!"
((RAnged touch: 24.
Damage: 52 damage. Dimensional Anchor is also in effect if it hits.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:50 am
Shailtor just laughs and spreads his arms wide as the attacks sail at him. Ashathel's orb of electricity passes through Shailtor and strikes Leonard dead in the chest, a shocking surprise for the grim bard. Kyoji suddenly doubles over, blood streaming from underneath his mask as Mahler smashes his fist into Shailtor to no effect. The ninja is furthermore lifted into the air by a set of powerful, invisible jaws, his wounds worsening as Rhizor's magic finds him to be their target.
((Mahler's smite and Rhizor's spell both hit Kyoji, Kyoji is at 3 HP and grappled.))
Stabbing pains shoot through Merla as she looks down to see a trio of arrows protruding from her side, Merkass' shots flying to a far different target than he intended.
((Merla is hit for 79 damage by Merkass' arrows.))
Van's polearm crashes against Shailtor's form with all the rage he can muster... And Isyndel loses a few spells as her shield flickers.
((Isyndel takes 15 damage from Van.))
Shailtor's laughter doubles in volume as Talacre descends on him with spinning blades. Farain suddenly screams as a huge gash opens up on his neck right when the first of Talacre's swords lands. A bright red line of pain opens up on Eve's flank as the second sword strikes Shailtor to no effect. Zylo growls angrily as a moderate wound opens on his thigh just as Talacre's third strike lands. Shailtor's laughter heightens, then dissolves into a cry of pain as Talacre's final strike hits home, drawing black blood and dark smoke from a good sized cut in the archfiend's armor.
((Eve takes 108 from Tal. Zylo eats 49 damage from Tal 106 on Shailtor from Tal.))
: "Chance, you whore... Didn't I pay you well enough with sacrifices?" Shailtor mutters as he clutches the wound, not even noticing as Michael's energy blast dissipates mere feet from him, reappearing to smack Faralon in the side of the head.
((52 damage to Faralon from Mike.))
: "Well, well..." Shailtor murmurs as the storm of attacks fades. "That went a little better than last time, I think."
:"Monster..." Mae snarls, readying her lance. "Why not dispense with the parlor tricks? Are you afraid of fighting us fairly, without your lies and traps to protect you?"
"Oh please, why would I ever fight fair?" Shailtor asks, seeming to roll all six eyes at Mae's question. "What kind of villain do you take me for, hehehehe..."
"Watch out!" Sheila shouts. "He's got some new tricks this time! He sure as heck wasn't able to pull off this sort of thing back when we fought him!"
"Of course..." Jim mutters. "He wouldn't show himself unless he thought he knew the outcome in advance... But then again he's been beaten under those circumstances before."
:"You... You stain on existence!" Anri shouts. "I haven't forgotten what you did... What you made ME do! You'll not leave this place alive, I don't care what magics protect you!"
:"You're incredibly arrogant to stand before us, even if it's after a large battle," Max says, coldly. "I promise you, you'll pay for that arrogance."

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:04 am
*Aurik's eyes widen in horror as his allies are torn apart by their own attacks. Some part of him had recalled the great power Shailtor wielded, but he had been too consumed with rage to act upon the knowledge. He would not make that mistake again.*
: Shailtor, your trickery knows no bounds. However, this is not the end!
*Aurik raises his morningstar with a flourish, and the newly crafted holy symbol hanging from his neck glows. The divinely powered cleric calls a pillar of light around Shailtor which then shatters into 3 pieces, Aurik knowing then that his gambit had worked.*
: Friends, he's vulnerable now!
((Aurik nails Shailtor with a GDM. At All Costs is now down. YOU MAY ATTACK WITHOUT THEM REDIRECTING. Two contingencies go as well.))

Posted by: Aldur Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:06 am
"Well, I do like the sound of that. So, I noticed that a lot of things like you tend to like going places. But I'm binding you here. Hope you don't mind." Michael winked, and fired off another holy blast of energy, slamming dead on into the Strife Lord, a weird glowing aftereffect lingering for a moment.
"And Gotcha! Just try leaving now!"
((To hit: 19
Confirming...1.
Hit.
Damage: 46 Holy damage + Dimensional Anchored.))

Posted by: Rusty Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:47 am
*Faralon winces in pain.* : "Shailtor, you were a fool to show yourself here! You will fall before us, just as Xadoss did!" ((Bardic music. Morale bonus of +10 to attack and damage, as well to saves vs. Charm and Fear effects. Note that Faralon now has Melodic Casting and will be able to cast spells while using some of his bardic music, including inspire courage.))
===
: "So, you're one of the Strife Lords, the ones that started all this havoc...I heard you're some sort of fiend, so I have NO problem with taking you down!"
((Ombligo casts Assay Spell Resistance and then Arcane Spellsurge. ASR gives +10 bonus to overcoming SR. AS decreases the casting time of spells for the duration of the spell, which is 1 round/level. Spells normally cast as a standard action can be cast as a swift action. Since Ombligo can't take more than one swift action, he can only cast one spell a round still. However, he can modify a spell with a metamagic feat and increase its casting time in that manner, making it possible to cast 2 spells simultaneously.))
===
*Alex's nostrils flare as he howls out at Shailtor. He readies his blade as he speaks.*
: "You're the reason I'm here today! You are the embodiment of everything I hate! Your name is unimportant to me. The only thing I care about is your defeat! This is for my family!!!"
*Leaping forward, Alex's weapon glows with divine energy before cutting into Shailtor deeply.*
((Free Action: Enter Holy Fury. All his attacks count as good while in Holy Fury.
Free Action: Divine Might. +8 to damage.
Swift Action: Cast Rhino's Rush
Standard Action: Charge of Doom. This is a Smite attempt. Power Attack 16.
Roll to hit: 13 + 2 [BAB - PA] + 5 [STR] + 1 [focus] + 3 [magic w/ bane] + 10 [Force sword] + 10 [music] + 10 [smite] + 2 [charge] + 2 [flank?] = 56 or 58.
Damage: 47 [sword] + 8 [bane] + 10 [STR] + 6 [magic w/ bane] + 20 [music] + 26 [smite] + 32 [PA] + 16 [Divine Might] = 165 damage.
Damage counts as good and adamantine. This attack also ignores 5 points of DR.))
---
*Hal's eyes flash as he sees Alex's rage. However, he knows what he must concentrate on first, healing the allies that were hurt by Shailtor's wicked magic.*
((Mass Cure Critical Wounds on as many people as possible. +99 HP, I think))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:38 am
Damas' eyes narrow as the mist fades away and reveals the familiar figure of Shailtor standing before them. He takes a step forward and speaks in the common tongue. "Your arrogance will be your undoing." The sorcerer brings the power of Ultimate Freeze to bear on the Strife Lord.
((Damas casts an Empowered Freeze 4.
Spell Resistance: 18 + 19 = 37
Damage: 8d12 + 24 * 1.5 = 132 Cold
Hit Points: 98/98
Armor Class: 21
Spell Slots: Level 0 - 6/6, Level 1 - 9/9, Level 2 - 8/9, Level 3 - 8/8, Level 4 - 8/8, Level 5 - 8/8, Level 6 - 8/8, Level 7 - 6/7, Level 8 - 0/7, Level 9 - 0/5))
----------
Jessica closes her eyes for a few moments and then opens them again. The medic points at Shailtor and the Strife Lord finds himself being buffeted with telekinetic force.
((Jessica uses a move action to become psionically focused, and a standard action to "cast" an empowered Concussion Blast. She then spends 14 extra power points to augment the power and increase its base damage by 7d6.
Damage: 8d6 * 1.5 = 57 Force
Hit Points: 140/140
Armor Class: 23
Power Points: 327/438))
----------
Kayla growls when she sees Shailtor standing before them. The assassin readies her blades as she speaks.
"You will not leave here alive."
((If Kayla is unable to charge, because of people being in her way, she will get as close to Shailtor as possible.
Hit Points: 136/136
Armor Class: 31))
----------
Merla shrieks as stabbing pain shoots through her body. The wizardess looks down to see three arrows three arrows protruding from her side. She gasps in disbelief when she realizes that they are, in fact, Merkass' arrows. Merla wastes no time in conjuring a spell to enhance her stamina and that of the people around her as well. When the power of Hal's spell washes over her, Merla turns her head to look at the Priest.
"Thanks a lot for the healing Hal."
((Merla casts Mass Bear's Endurance on herself and as many people near her as possible.
Hit Points: 152/152
Armor Class: 25))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:45 pm
Laeral shakes his head with annoyance, realising he should have done what Aurik did. Reasoning that the Strife Lord likely had more enchantments about him, the elf also casts a powerful dispel. [Cast Greater Dispel Magic on Shailtor. Check: 1d20(13) + 19 = 32]
Cursing as his attacks redirect and vowing to apologise later, Talacre grins as one goes through and the Strife Lord’s enchantment fades thanks to Aurik. Swooping back in, he executes another devastating attack.
[Back in, full attack, back out. Power attack 10
To hit: 54/58(59 on confirm, 50 on upgraded confirm)/45/40/63(51 on confirm)
Damage: 53/60(113 on crit, 169 on upgrade)/61/63/63(116 on crit)
Tanis takes careful aim and begins chanting one of his recently learnt spells. A ray of ice shoots out to envelop the Strife Lord, quickly followed by a sound lance.
[Cast a Sudden Empowered, Sudden Maximised Polar Ray.
Ranged touch: 1d20(10) + 27 = 37
SR: 1d20(16) + 18 = 34
Damage: (18 x 6) x1.5 + 13(edge) = 175, no save.
Cast a Fate Spun, Quickened, Empowered, Maximised Sound Lance
Damage: (10 x 8) x 1.5 + 13(edge) = 133, Fort save DC24 for half
SR: 1d20(13) + 18 = 31]

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:42 am
*Mahler stares into the many eyes of Shailtor. The granite guardian gazes into each faceted, gem-like eye with piercing fury, telling Shailtor that he would come to harm no other person from this day on.* : "That was some trick, making me hit a friend like that. Too bad I was just warming up, pal, and you don't have a shield this time."
*Mahler slams his fists together, a crackling like popping knuckles in an auditorium resounding. Mahler leads with a blow to Shailtor's midsection, then follows with an uppercut to the chin. The Lord of Strife, thrown of balance by the overwhelming blows, then catches Mahler's right elbow in the side of his face, yet the rocky guardian wasn't through with his punitive damages. Coming back from the elbow, Mahler grabs Shailtor's head and brings it down, lifting his knee into the Strife Lord's face.*
: "Let's see how well you hurt people with that many black eyes!
((Mahler opens a can of serious whoopass on Shailtor, full attacking.
1d20 + 30 = 19 + 30 = 49.
1d20 + 30 = 19 + 30 = 49.
1d20 + 30 = 11 + 30 = 41.
1d20 + 30 = 17 + 25 = 42.
Damage (all rolled into one)
32d8+40 = 190.
Damage is good aligned.))
*Merkass sneers viciously from his treetop perch. His piercing eyes focused on his quarry, shooting daggers of venom in Shailtor's direction. Not this time. There would be no more pain and suffering from this dastardly fiend, his machinations, or any other scheme he had concocted this day. Merkass would be sure of it. He takes steady aim at Shailtor once more, aiming the gift of Mitula at Shailtor's vile head. The Goddess would have order once more with Merkass as her scout. The stalker of evil unleashes a trio of holy bolts at the spider-like shade, impacting and spilling his black ichor into the air.*
((Merkass deals 200 holy damage))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:43 am
With a mighty roar, the lion of Volcanon kicked up debris as he charged the six-eyed author of his suffering. ((Gabe charges and pounces on SHAILTOR SIX-EYES. Claws: to-hit +51 (+18 bab, +20 str, +10 bardic, +2 charge, +1 haste), damage 2d6 +30 (2d6 claws, +20 str, +10 bardic)
Bite: to-hit +36 (+18 bab, +10 str, +10 bardic, +2 charge, +1 haste, -5 secondary), damage 2d6 +20 (2d6 bite, +10 str, +10 bardic)
Rake: to-hit +46 (+18 bab, +20 str, +10 bardic, +2 charge, +1 haste, -5 secondary), damage 2d6 +30 (2d6 claws, +20 str, +10 bardic)
Haste Claw: to-hit 65, damage 53
Claw 1: to-hit 67, damage 40
Claw 2: to-hit 67, damage 37
Bite: to-hit 41, damage 28; grapple check 69 (includes size bonus)
Rake 1: to-hit 62, damage 36
Rake 2: to-hit 51, damage 35
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 272/272 (234 normal +38 rage)
(O) AC: 28 (30 -2 charge)
(O) DR 10/magic
(O) Rage 2/day [0 left]
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (1 left) ))
<--->
"I don't usually take pleasure in fighting, especially not lately... but I'm going to enjoy this so very, very much," Ashathel said, adding his own blade to the mass of attacks directed at Shailtor.
((Move and attack.
Force Blade: to hit +46 (17 bab, 10 weapon, 10 bardic, 5 dex, 3 greaves, 1 haste), dmg 7d6+2d6+21 (7d6 wpn +2d6 holy +10 bardic +5 int +3 greaves +3 str)
Attack: to-hit 53, dmg 49
<}=={ Ashathel }=={>
(O) HP: 181/181
(O) AC: 36 (35 +1 dodge)
(O) 20% Miss chance, 6 Mirror Images
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [0 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition [x2], Lesser Orb of Electricity [x2]
L2: Blur
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec], Mnemonic Enhancer
L5: ---
L6: ---))
<--->
Staff spinning as he weaved between his allies, Graigus came to a sliding halt and battered the Strife Lord with blow after blow.
((Charge, stagger auto-pass, flurry of blows and such.
Staff [main end]: to-hit +32/27/22 (14/9/4 bab, 10 bardic, 4 wis, 2 charge, 1 wpn, 1 wpn. focus), dmg 8d8+2d6+14 (8d8+1 wpn, +2d6 holy, +10 bardic, +3 str)
Haste Attack: to-hit 33; auto-fail (natural 1)
Flurry Attack: to-hit 37, dmg 74
Attack 1: to-hit 36, dmg 67
Attack 2: to-hit 34, dmg 64
Attack 3: to-hit 32, dmg 63
<}-{ Graigus }-{>
HP: 174/174 (will check next round)
AC: 34 (36 -2 charge +2 dodge)
Stunning Fist 10/day [2 remaining]
<--->
"Ahh, to fight Aelisnyx again," Dam said, considering the use of his newly returned bow. Deciding against it, he instead moved to lash out at the Strife Lord, then popped out of existence to re-appear a decent distance away.
((Move up, shank some Shailtor, and use Sidestep to move out 30'.
Knife: to-hit +35 (14 bab, 10 bardic, 5 dex, +2 blur, +2 flank, +1 wpn, +1 haste), dmg 3d6+7d8+11 (1d6 wpn +2d6 holy +7d8 sacred strike +10 bardic +1 str)
Attack: to-hit 48, dmg 53 (considered holy & silver)
<}-{ Dam Dicem }-{>
HP: 142/142
AC: 33 (32 +1 dodge)
Sidestep 3/day [0 remaining]
<---->
"SHAILTOR!" Pantherath snarled, bringing down the full force of his divine power upon the six-eyed spellcaster.
Righteous Smite: SR check 34, dmg 144 & 4 rounds of blindness (Will dc 22 for 72 dmg & no blindness)
<}-{ Pantherath }-{>
HP: 169/169
AC: 25 (24 +1 dodge)
Smite Evil 2/day [0 remaining]
Turn Undead 20/day [18 remaining]
Turn Water/Bolster Fire 10/day [10 remaining]
-- Spells --
Spell DC's: 16 + spell level
L0: 6/6
L1: 6/8
L2: 3/7
L3: 3/7
L4: 3/7
L5: 6/7
L6: 4/6
L7: 1/6
L8: 0/5
L9: 0/3
= Templar =
L1: Divine Favor, Divine Sacrifice

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:05 am
Her expression showed only cold, calculating determination as she listened to the Strife Lord's speech. Several of those present might have balked at Shailtor's presence, but Isyndel Rhoe'wyn and likely most of her immediate companions had survived an encounter with him before, survived him and one of his brethren, and any fear the elven wizardess had of this being was surpressed by a surprising well of confidence within her. She withdrew a large stone, likely familiar, and summoned its powers to life wordlessly.
((Isyndel moves inward to about 40 feet away and activates the Anti-Teleport Stone.))
"Bigger they are..." Langston muttered, wasting no time as he broke into a run before setting into a storm of cartwheels, rolls, and flips to pass through the ensuing melee. He disappeared into the fray before suddenly appearing nearly above it as he passed by in midair, whipping his rapier about as he passed by.
To Hit: 15 + 14(BAB) +7(Dex) +5(Wpn) + 10(Music) +2(Flanking) +4(Acro.Strike) +1 (TrickFight) +4(Jim)= 62
Damage: 3 + 10 = 13
Sacred Strike: 20
Shadow Strike: 48
Total: 81
Langston tumble super flips behind Shailtor. Dodge to Talacre. Or Shailtor. Whichever makes more sense.
"If you are what I think you are, I won't hold back!" Lance levelled before her, the Pegasus Knight heaved forward into a mighty charge, rising in altitude as she slammed into the Strife Lord.
Roll: 14 + 16 +8Str +1Wpn Focus +2(Charge) +4HvyLance +4Wpn +10 Music +4(Jim) -5(PA)- 1Size = 57
Damage: 4 +8 Str +2(Wpn Specialization) + 4 (Weapon Enchantment) +10(Music) +5(PA) = 31 x 3 = 93
C.Lance: 5(Fire) 5(Frost) 4(Acid) 5(Electricity) 1(Poison) = 20
Total: 113
Dodge to Van. Not really.
"So he's really bad then?" Viki queried to no one in particular. "I don't like bad people."
Unable to do anything else, she summons the Water Rune once more, cascading ice and wind upon Shailtor.
((Enpowered Breath of Ice = 71 damage, Ref Half, SR, blah blah))

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:33 am
*DAGRON charges downward at Shailtor, mouth open and ready to literally bite the Lord of Strife's head off. However, once he gets close, he pulls back, realizing what his enemy was, throwing him off the mark.* : Wait, wait, wait just a second here. Do I really have to sink my teeth into this guy? I think I'd rather have the tideform.
((DAGRON charges and nat 1s for the lol))
*Deprived of any potential shot now by Shailtor's redirecting magic, Rhizor can only close the distance some in his flight and hope an opportunity presents itself. To prepare for the coming onslaught he knew Shailtor had prepared, the Batling calls forth the powers of nature to steel his mind and body against the Strife Lord's cunning offenses.*
((Rhizor moves closer and casts Superior Resistance on himself))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:48 am
: "All Rangers attack! Focus your fire and don't look into his eyes!" Jim shouts, giving advice on formations and tactics as best he could. ((Jim uses Tactical Advice to give everyone +4 to hit.)) Max charges to attack as Sheila howls an incoherent battle cry, opening fire on Shailtor. Anri and Tao both direct spells at the foe, but their spells fail in front of them.
Pantherath's smite deals damage though none of Shailtor's eyes appear blinded. A magical aura fades from the archfiend at Laeralas' magical command while Hal's healing washes over those who were wounded, sealing most of their injuries.
The attacks pile up on Shailtor, who begins to laugh louder and louder as his armor is torn open and his form battered. Though some spells splash off the archfiend's natural resistance, and some attacks clank off his sinister armor, the rest hit home, mangling and crippling the Lord of Strife. Disturbingly, this doesn't seem to bother him at all. If anything, his laughter seems to increase the more the heroes throw at him. The worse his wounds get, the more black mist and ichor leak from the numerous breaches of his armor, the more unhinged his chortling becomes.
: "Heh heh heh... Are you quite done?" Shailtor as his eyes blink in an odd fashion. Those around Shailtor find themselves flung back with incredible force, leaving the archfiend standing alone.
((All those who melee attacked Shailtor take 30 damage and are flung back 30' from where they were.))
The Malefactor: http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/Kefka.mp3
An invisible hand grabs Sheila and lifts her high in the air by her neck, the agent coughs and gasps as she claws at her throat.
: “You think your great and powerful 'GDO' scares me?! Pathetic! Your technology and numbers mean nothing here! You're all sound and fury, arrogant and blind!" Shailtor spits as Sheila is hurled through the air to crunch sickeningly against the stone wall of the Abbey. Cedric is next, suddenly gasping for breath as he is dragging into the air by his neck.
: “The Cypressians?! I managed to kill half your great heroes and rampaged your lands with ease and pleasure! You wounded me, but I did far worse to you! Weaklings!”
Cedric sails across the battlefield, striking the ground hard and rolling into a heap.
Gail is the next to rise, a black cloud appearing and enveloping her as her struggles grow fainter and fainter.
: “Holy warriors from different nations, planets, stars, it doesn't matter! I'll consume or corrupt all of you!” Shailtor roars. When the angelborn is hurled against the Abbey Gate a moment later, she is already unconscious.
Farain suddenly utters a strangled yelp as he lifts into the air, struggling against some unseen force. His body is jerked violently, the force holding him up transferred all to his neck. The weight of his centaur frame is too much for his human neck to bear and with a sickening crack, his neck breaks and he falls to the ground, body already begun to cool.
: “This world's defenders will die or all their power will serve me!” Shailtor roars as Zylo sails into the air like a doll tossed by an angry child. He hits the ground later with a crunch, several of his bones broken. The wolfman manages a pained growl, the legendary warrior managing to cling to life despite the brutal assault. Shailtor laughs madly, his voice echoing across the Abbey, chilling your soul with the sheer insanity behind it.
:“I'm sorry, did you think I was just lazing around waiting for you to come to me? No! You stupid cretins, while my minions bought time and you squabbled with that pathetically insignificant Empire, I was quite busy. Busy with unearthing the secrets of Creation! The secrets of Destruction! You've grown in power since last we met, but I assure you so have I! I've plumbed the lore of this worlds' Ancients! I've raided the arcana held by the Vandals! I've studied the works of the Innovator, the Ur, the very gods themselves! No, beyond that, the works of the god above gods! Almost all secrets are known to me, and soon those few that are beyond my reach shall be mine as well! What hope do you have against me? Just because you... you smashed apart my brother like a pile of rocks you think you can triumph against a master of manipulation like myself?! You're ants! Lower than ants! Dirt! The dust left by the footprints of a long dead being! Pale reflections in a mirror while I behold the reality that casts you!”
Shailtor tilts his head and his eyes travel across the desolated courtyard. Suddenly he screams in rage and a wave of pure concussive force blasts outward from him. Though most only are knocked off their feet, Coventry and Sophie have the misfortune to have their heads strike flagstones when they fall. The sibling healers lose consciousness in short order.
:“I have six eyes that are all very much open. Let me open just one of yours to the things you've not allowed yourselves to truly see! Look upon your scarred and wounded souls and tell me you're truly ready to face me!”
The mists you thought banished return in an instant, surrounding the party with walls of thick gray fog. Even those that fly are caught by tendrils of the mist that snap out to ensnare them with unearthly speed and accuracy. In the space of a few seconds, every last one of the heroes is by his or herself, lost in the mists. Though they can hear their companions, the sounds seem far, far away, and muddled, barely intelligible. No matter how they move they can't seem to escape the mists or find their comrades in arms. And all the while a cackling laugh echoes through the mists.
After a short time, the mists begin to swirl and churn, a variety of colored lights beginning to spark on and off within the depths of the cold and ominous barrier...

Posted by: Aldur Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:55 am
"Dear gods! You're like a child! Look at me! Look at me!" Michael snorted, looking around, attempting to fly out of the mist, continuing to speak as he did so. "So, you need attention from us? Why not just invite us round for tea?" ** Kria looked around, and blinked. "Huh. So like, what now I wonder?" She looks around, snarling in frustration, her sword out and ready as she awaited whatever was coming.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:46 am
The mists begin to swirl faster and faster until they pull away, revealing a village in the treetops. Each of the heroes save Kria finds themselves invisible and formless, able only to watch as things unfold in front of them. Kria is once again flying through her village, ruined as it is. A score of her tribe work hard at returning the burnt trees and houses to their former state. Though the returned catfolk are small in number, they are diligent and determined to rebuild their home. Kria finds herself walking among them, issuing orders, instructions, leading. Time passes and the village grows... grows and grumbles. Tensions begin to rise high. Unaccustomed to not having the influx of riches from raiding to support them, there is poverty within the tribe. Though the worship of the Dark Dragon has been outlawed, there has been talk that some of the families have been ignoring this rule and secretly holding dark rituals. Bad blood spills over as those who've embraced the reformation bicker bitterly with those who cling to the old ways. Kria tries again and again to smooth things out, but only succeeds in drawing more and more enmity to herself. In the end, both sides come to hate her.
Finally, Kria assembles the whole village for a rousing speech she hopes will dismiss the lingering tensions and cement the bond between the catfolk.
It doesn't work.
At the end of the speech, the crowd erupts into a bloody riot as the flames of old hatreds are fanned to their utmost. As her villagers mercilessly slaughter each other, Kria tries again and again to restore order, finally resorting to blasting warning shots at the crowd. As one, the villagers turn towards the leader they've come to hate, pouncing at her with blood in their eyes. Desperate to avoid a slaughter, Kria shouts out dire warnings, pleas for common sense, and even promises of rewards to those who help her. Nothing works in the end and she prepares to simply fly above the angry crowd...
Suddenly her powers desert her, draining out as the rioters sweep over her. As she is forced to defend herself with only her sword, the enraged villagers hiss accusations at her. The angrier they get the harder they press until already some have fallen to Kria's combat skills. This only enrages them more as screams of pain mix with those of anger. Any pleas Kria makes fall on deaf ears, the villagers simply will not listen to her.
"Airy bitch..." one snarls. "You sit there singing songs and telling lies while the rest of us work our hands to the bone... Then you have the gall to tell us that we may not support ourselves with the hunt!"
"How dare you take away the dragon from us! He's been the backbone of the tribe for generations! Who are you to stand against tradition?!" an elderly one screams throwing rocks at her.
"You're useless!" an adolescent roars. "You tell us don't do this, don't do that, but what CAN we do? All you can do is lead us away from things, never towards something!"
"You couldn't even save your mother..." one of the catfolk spits out. "You killed her instead... Of course it would be the same with your tribe."
"We were fools to trust you!" another shouts. "You murdered us before, of course you'd do it again!"
Villager after villager falls to Kria's blade as blood begins to cover her, soaking her colorful clothes and staining her bangles crimson.
The mists begin to roll in, obscuring the view of Kria battling for her life against the village she swore to revive...again. When they part once more, they show Kria growing older, alone in the forest. The only one of her kind for miles around now, she dwells in the abandoned village that is her home. Broken by her ordeal and the destruction of her tribe yet again, she spends most of her day sitting on the edges of tall tree branches and scratching things into the bark. These scratches inevitably take the form of short sayings, broken and mostly misspelled as her mind slowly leaves her. Occasionally she will see a passerby, but attempts to talk end poorly... She has almost completely forgotten to talk. Words come only with great effort and understanding almost never. Eventually all she ends up doing is simply repeating her name, over and over again onto the bark, trying to spell it right and failing. Trying to prove that at least she can do such a simple thing... but she cannot. Not anymore. Not even that. With a blank stare, she keeps scratching until eventually the letters become unrecognizable as anything but random gouges in the wood.
The mists roll back as Shailtor laughs.
: "Ohohoho that was delightful. The part I liked most was probably where you couldn't do anything at all to help. It reminded me so much of right now, where you're helpless and bereft of your powers, relying on everyone else to pull your weight. Well, and all those other times you were useless too," Shailtor says, cheerfully as the mists return, separating the heroes from each other again. "I guess that's what happens when you've got more personalities than I have eyes."
When the mists finally fill the air once more, Kria finds herself whole again... but the memory of wounds taken and inflicted remains.
>Edited for last minute content.<

Posted by: Alpha Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:53 am
Concerned at everyone's disappearance, and recognising that malevolent magic is at work, Laeral guides himself with the fly spell to the ground. The mists swirl around as he scours his mind for a spell, whilst his keen eyes search through the mists.
~ ~ ~ ~
Not as concerned as his brother, Talacre still hangs midair, sword ready for whatever might come at him, not realising that what might come can't be defeated with weapons.
~ ~ ~ ~
Tanis is immediately worried about the new setting. He's seen something like this before, more than once. Clutching his staff of defence in front of him, he nervously waits for what might happen, knowing it's not going to be good.

Posted by: Aldur Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:17 am
"Shut up." Reponds the kitty kat, her form visibly shaking with pure rage. "Don't blame me," Shailtor sniffs. "I'm not the one who keeps showing up to murder thier own people... for once." "Really? As I recall WE slaughtered your brother." Kria remarks, in an unusual fit of dry wit. "Oops. Sorry, guess I'm flipping personalities again huh?"
"And you killed your mother! Really, we have so much in common," Shailtor says with a chuckle. "Well except that I'm immortal and you're going to lose what's left of your mind and suffer a slow disintegration of your ability to even think."
"Yeah, I did. Tell me, did you watch?" Kria asks curiously. "Because I can tell you've been around, so I'm wondering if you could critique my technique?"
"Well your death to blast ratio was nice..." Shailtor says, his eyes gleaming. "But really, it was over a bit too fast for my tastes. You've got to slow down and savor the moment."
Kria nodded, noting this. "Any other tips, or preferences you have? See, I just want the moment to be perfect for you as well as me."
geddis the hero: Perhaps a bouquet, and scented candles.
"Aw, I didn't know you cared," Shailtor says. "Don't worry, your death will be nice and slow. I'll see to it."
"I care very much about you, Spider Man. Because I want the moment to be perfect, as my blade cuts through the last of your defenses, as panic TRULY sets in for the first time. And that's when I'll let it loose. That part deep inside, the part that knows what true pain and horror are. I'm going to release my own personal Dragon on you. And you will loathe the day you heard my name?" Kria clears her throat. "But like, let's keep that little affair between us, kay? Because I really like being the ditz! You know, you're at an extreme disadvantage against me, ya know?"
Shailtor regards Kria for a moment, then laughs loudly. "You really ARE mad! How delightful!"
"Exactly! That's why you will fail against me! I've seen the worse, done the worst and come out the other end laughing like a child with a shiny toy! Like, If you surrender to me now, it'll be quick! Promise!" Kria chuckled darkly then. "However, if this persists, understand that I am very much my Mother's daughter. Clear? You pollute and rape the whole mind. However, I'm like, totally splintered! You can't touch me! I am invincible to your ways!" Kria laughed then, shaking her head. "Man, I'm totally starting to sound like you earlier. Blah Blah, Behold! My ultimate powers of Doom!" Kria stopped suddenly and then laughed. "Is it because your other Brother is better than you, and Mommy had to dote on the idiot you need so much attention? I bet that's it. Poor little Strife child...I'll be your angel of mercy. I'll free you."
"Oh, I'm not the one that needs, freeing, little cat. You'll see that for yourself..." Shailtor whispers.
"I don't believe I asked for your input petulant child." Kria stuck out her tongue in what she hoped was the Strife Lord's general direction. "So, all this time you've been partying it up in the world huh? Bet that was fun. Well, I guess you should enjoy yourself while you're alive. Also, I doubt you're immortal. Probably just like, hard to kill." Kria shrugged. "So, wanna tell me about some of these awesome powers you've unlocked? I've not seen anything new."
"Don't worry, you will," Shailtor says with an unnerving laugh. "Unfortunately your time is up. I've others to torment too, you know. Perhaps I'll leave it to you. Which of your friends should I go after next?"
"Pfft. Smoke and mirrors as usual." Kria shrugged. "Fair enough. You're busy. And like, do I have to hold your hand? Get the damn hell away from me and pick your own victims. But I AM going to find you and gut you like a pig. Kay?"
"So traditional... There are plenty of other ways to gut things than pigs. Ta!"
"Toodles." Kria replied before striding through the mists, beginning her bloody mission.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:52 am
Only a minute passes as the heroes make no comment on the scene they'd just witnessed. Perhaps shock or fear silenced them. Kria hears a deep laugh shortly before the mists begin to roil with color once more. : "How amusing! Those companions of yours... You'd think they'd say something, give some inkling of concern after being there to witness your torture... But no, they remain silent, too afraid of what I'm cooking up for them to even wonder about how you're faring. Some Shining Force!" Shailtor says jovially to Kria. "I'm not even lying this time! There's no need to when the truth is so entertaining! All that you gave and they couldn't care less! This is delicious!"
Tanis is the next to hear the dark one speak.
: "So how are we doing, my fine furred friend?" Shailtor's voice echoes in Tanis' head.
"You mean you don't know?" Tanis retorts defiantly, though the firmness of his reply is significantly lessened as he shudders.
: "Just being polite," Shailtor says with a snigger. "So I asked your dear friend Kria who I should torture next. Want to know what she said?"
"No, but I suspect you'll tell me anyway." the catfolk says quietly, before pausing. "Though I'm pretty sure I can guess anyway."
: "Oooh, guess!" Shailtor says, happily. "It's so much more fun that way."
"That it's my fault her village is in ruins?" Tanis offers.
: "Well, no, but to be fair, she was thinking it," Shailtor says, apologetically. "No, she refused to name anyone. But that's OK. She put up a brave front, but I could see into her heart. Though she didn't name a name, she didn't have to. The first name she thought of before clamping down and refusing to speak was yours, of course."
Shailtor pauses for a moment, sighing with glee.
: "Oh it was wonderful to see... Such repressed anger, pain... Bravely pressing it down for your sake, but denial can only last for so long. She hates you, you know. In her soul, she hates you, blames you. She claims not to, but those words ring increasingly false. Soon even she will be forced to acknowledge the lie."
"I suspected that anyway. I always thought she forgave me far too quickly," Tanis says bravely. " It does not matter. I will continue to work towards paying for what I've done, no matter the cost. You can't torture me with this, Shailtor!" he continues, tone intensifying and voice rising. "Somebody's already beaten you to it, and I overcame it then! I can do so now too!"
: "I applaud your spirit," the Strife Lords hisses. "But this is just a taste of what I've in store for you."
A flurry of failures blaze through the mists. Tanis' first death in Hassan. Placing Kria on the altar. His confrontation with Fasher. Lesser failures bubble to the surface too, even things from his childhood long dealt with or buried. Shailtor clucks his tongue. Tanis is forced to relive every moment in every detail as the others can only watch.
"Ah yes, this is amusing, but also old. We've been over this before," Shailtor says with a sigh. "You're a failure. I know it, you know it... Blast that Fasher for beating me to the fun. Well, I guess you beat me to that. Let's find something new, shall we?"
Shailtor pauses for a moment, before chuckling.
"Well, then... There is the matter of HOW those failures have affected others. You're a smart lad, surely you can see it? Well, we already know about Kria... But what about the others? Morgan was there too, you know. Your actions led to his death, forced him to do terrible things. Your entire band of companions view you as a burden, a nuisance thanks to your continual screw-ups. Here, borrow some of my vision and peer into a possible future. What awaits you even if you succeed?" Shailtor asks.
The mists reveal a heartening sight. Shailtor and Erebeus lie defeated, their bodies broken and crumbling amidst a vast battlefield. The Shining Forces, old and new, cheer jubilantly as everyone congratulates everyone else. Amidst the army of light, Tanis winds his way through the crowd. First he approaches Kria.
"It's finally over, Kria," he says with a smile.
"Um... Yeah. I guess it is," Kria says, looking around, suddenly uncomfortable. "Oh, uh, I have to talk to Iggy 'bout something. Sorry!"
Kria flies away as Tanis frowns and looks around, finally smiling as he approaches Graigus.
"That was a mighty blow that felled the lich guarding the Spidery Lord," Tanis says, nodding to the dwarven monk. Graigus turns and nods.
"Thanks... Uh... That was... a nice fire spell..." Graigus winces. "Well, before it backfired and cooked our front lines." Graigus winces again. "Oh! I didn't mean it like that! I mean, our healers managed to fix what you did really quick! Oh! Uh... What I mean is... Nice prismatic... No, Dam tripped and fell into that... Uh..." Graigus looks around rapidly, eyes locking onto someone else in the crowd. "There's Dam now! I better go check on his injuries..."
"But you..." Tanis begins to say, but Graigus is already speeding away. Alone again, Tanis turns to Gilliam. Walking towards the combat cyborg, he nods.
"You fought well," Tanis says. "I thought you might fall once or twice, but you pulled through."
"Yes I know," Gilliam says, irritation clear in his robotic voice. "No thanks to you. Your combat efficiency was ridiculously low, something around 6%. You damaged us more than the enemy, we wouldn't have had any deaths at all on this battle if you hadn't..." Gilliam growls and turns. "I'm sorry, I can't look at you right now."
Gilliam tromps away into the crowd, leaving Tanis with a sad frown on his face. As the catfolk stands there, reflecting, a large number of the soldiers under Cedric Theodoric approach, smiling as they near Tanis. Of their number, Faralon walks up to Tanis, handing him a simply cylinder with a big grin on his face.
"What's this?" Tanis asks, holding the object curiously in one hand.
"A smokestick," Faralon replies, the rest of the Cypressian force holding in laughter. "We bought it from Derrik for you. We thought you might need it at the rate you help out."
Most of the Cypressians burst out laughing at some joke unknown to Tanis... though he's by far smart enough to realize when he is being mocked.
His shoulder slumped and head downcast, Tanis leaves the group to walk back to camp, the others still celebrating for the most part.
Time passes and the heroes eventually return to where they come from. When it comes time to part, Tanis and Kria speak with each other.
"I'm sorry..." Kria says, quietly. "I know... I know we've been travel buddies for a long, long, time but..." Anger begins to creep into Kria's voice as she speaks. "I... I can't bear to look at you anymore. Everytime I see you... I remember. I remember what you did... what you made me do..." Kria balls her fists and slams them hard into Tanis. "I can't stand it anymore! I can't stand you anymore! If I have to be near you for one day more... I think... I think I'll lose what remains of my self control and hurt you. Badly."
Tanis searches for words, but cannot find them. "Kria..."
"No, no more songs, no more treasure hunts, no more..." Kria shakes her head, sobbing. "You... You took all that away."
There is quiet for a long time before Kria points behind Tanis.
"Go, damn it! Just... just go!"
Nodding slowly, Tanis turns and leaves the last of his companions. Along the road, he walks and walks... alone. Always alone.
The mists fade, once more sealing everyone off from each other.
"Wow, even I found that a little depressing! It brought tears to one of my six eyes. Really!" Shailtor comments, clucking his tongue... assuming he has one under that mask.

Posted by: Alpha Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:05 am
The ordeal proves too much for Tanis. Even though he overcame Fasher's mental onslaught, Shailtor's is much more potent. It doesn't attack what mistake the catfolk has already done and mostly overcome, but what could happen. The images fade and Tanis collapses to his his knees, face in hands and fighting back tears. Too much...just too much.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:07 am
"Well, that's not fair," Dam said, crossing his arms. "Kria only thinks she crazy, and Tanis is perfectly normal; why don't you pick on a crazy of your own caliber?"

Posted by: Aldur Sun Sep 14, 2008 12:54 pm
"Funny, I thought I was over here." Kria remarks dryly. "Tanis? Like, get up. Stop being a wimp. And like, Dam? Shut up. I can be crazy if I want. Don't spoil my fun."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Sep 17, 2008 3:19 am
: "Well since you asked so nicely," Shailtor says, six eyes flaring to life in front of the rogue. "I'm in the mood for some variety anyway. You've a veritable buffet of psychosises stored up in that noggin of yours! A man after my own, twisted, blackened foul lump of a heart."
"I thought you'd never ask," Dam said, arms crossed. "Please do."
: "Oh, right away, Mr. Granalt, sir," Shailtor says mockingly as the mists roll in once more.
They reveal a very familiar memory from the past of those hired to search for Max. Aelisnyx and Dam have their archery contest with its unfortunately predictable end. Once more Graigus tries to help, but fails, as both monk and rogue are claimed by the Devil Army, leaving behind a confused Gail in charge of the search party.
: "You know, I never get tired of that story... When first you all came to my attention and I inquired about your past deeds, I thought my brother was joking when he brought this up! It's even more delicious as a memory that I can see! The anecdote I heard doesn't do it justice!" Shailtor laughs with glee. "Magnificent! You even dragged the poor monk into hell's maw with you! Well, let's see what else we can dig up. I bet your stay with the Army was quite a vacation!"
Once returned to the Devil Army's base in northern Grans, the monk and rogue are swiftly possessed and made to join the fiends on their raids and attacks against Galam in addition to various other duties at the base.
Duties including the prolonged torture of Ignatius, who is chained within the dungeons of the unholy structure. Dam gleefully flays the flesh from the half-Vandal, allowing the wounds to heal before opening all over again. Ignatius' screams range from roars of outrage, to whimpers of despair as the torture continues for hours. Kria is there too, whispering promises into the half Vandal's ear. A pledge of service to the Lords of Strife will end all the pain... When such promises fail, Kria too, joins the torture, lashing Ignatius with scourge and arcane blast alike. The two possessed seem to revel in the suffering they inflict on the Vandal, only ceasing when even his transhuman frame nears death.
: "Ah, I see you and Kria had quite some fun! Wish I had that much spare time. Ah well. Oh I know what you'll think, what you'll say... That wasn't my fault, I was possessed. But come now, among those killers of killers and torturers of torturers, you were the most at home you've ever been and you know it. You know what you are, Cedirc, what you've always been: a killer. A painbringer. Anything else is a denial..." Shailtor's chuckles stop for a moment.
: "Odd... There's been tampering with your memories and not of my own doing? Mr. Granalt, have you been seeing other mind-fiends other than me?! I'm shocked!" Shailtor chuckles. "Ah, but no relief for you... All that I've shown you is clean recollection. I wonder then what the memories you lost where. Ah well. Let's see what else is in there."
The mists roil and the scene changes to the Temple of Mitula, newly resurrected Dam Dicem suffering a mental breakdown on the floor as the others look on.
: "Oho! That's quite a show you put on for your grand re-entry! Let's have some commentary from the audience... Let's see what your friends thought..." Shailtor murmurs as thoughts bubble forth from everyone within the temple.
"Oh... Look at him, gone mad from his own failure. I pity him so much, poor thing..." Gail thinks.
"Disgusting. Writhing over the floor of this holy place just because of his own mental struggles," Aurik sneers inwardly.
"Wow. Their leader fell apart at the drop of a hat! I hope I'm not that weak when I get my first command!" Sheila thinks.
"This is who our allies followed? A madman? Fools," Merkass thinks, shaking his head.
"Ewwww, do I look that bad when I do my voices thing? That's just... Ew. I better start pulling myself together before I end up like him!" Kria winces.
Sorel looks to the floor, sadly. "All that I did, all that I tried and in the end I could not help him. No one could. He's broken beyond repair."
"Weakling," Gabriel snorts in his mind. "Not even fit to stand within the temple of Mitula... Volcanon's mere presence might kill him if he goes on that fight."
Shailtor's loud laughter drowns out the mental voices as the mists roil over once more.
: "Oh that was good! But they're wrong you know. You might be miserable and a weakling, but you're also a killer! Killer Kysha... Oh, I'm sorry, Ms. Killia Norret, knew you better than any of them. And she knew that firsthand by the end! Well, kind of. After all, you weren't a very good killer back then. But let's see how you'll improve! After all, let's see what you'll do with your time if you manage to best me! Maybe visit your folks?"
The mists part to reveal a homecoming for Dam. The battles won, the world saved, the rogue of many faces finally arrives at his family house to see his family for the first time in ages. It takes some time to finally track down the folks from their move, but with the resources now available to him, it's easy enough. Dam nervously sighs as he knocks at the door.
The door opens to reveal a short, red haired woman with a little weight on her. Her blue eyes widen in shock and recognition, her facial features oddly reminiscent of Dam's own countenance.
"Ada, who is it?" a voice echoes from further into the house.
"Garret! It's Cedirc! He's back!!" Cedirc's mother shouts back into the house as she quickly turns back to her son. "Cedirc... We were beginning to think we'd never see you again..."
A tall, skinny man, also with blue eyes, hurries to the door, looking over his son as he comes to a stop.
"Cedirc..." he mumbles.
"Mom... Dad..." Dam says, uneasily. "How have you been?"
"Worried about you, mostly. About what you've done," Garret mutters evenly.
"Dear..." Ada says with a wince to her husband before turning back to her son. "We... heard about some of the problems you had..."
"Well, it's a long story," Cedirc says, smiling. "But I'm safe now. And I've got enough gold to take care of you two for the rest of your lives."
"We won't take your blood money," Garret says, glaring disapprovingly at his son.
"Dear!" Ada shouts.
"We heard all about it..." Garret mutters. "We heard about how you fought alongside the devils against Galam. One of our neighbors left to serve in that war and saw you. Recognized you. I didn't want to believe it..."
"What? No! Dad, you can't..." Cedirc begins.
"They SAW you!" Garret roars. "I knew... I knew you'd gotten into some questionable things, but this... Aiding devils? I never thought..."
"That's not..." Cedirc mutters, anger and fear beginning to build within him.
"Your... girlfriend came by looking for you..." Ada says, sadly. "She... told us about what you did. Some of it. The killings..."
"I raised you to hunt beasts, boy..." Garret states. "Not sentients. That is not a hunt. That is not what our skills are for!"
"Please, I can explain..." Cedirc pleads. Fear of his parents discovering his sins freezes over his mind. Meanwhile, fiery rage that they dare judge him after all he'd done and sacrificed for them, for the world, begins to roil in his belly like magma.
"We even heard from Ribble... You tried to rape the daughters of that poor archaeologist..." Ada mutters sadly, looking down.
"No!!!" Cedirc shouts. "I just..."
"There' even been talk that you were involved with Hassan burning down..."
"Enough!!!" Dam roars, drawing his knives in a fluid motion and stabbing blindly at his parents. Rage completely overtakes him as he lashes out. "Stop it! Just stop it! You don't know!!! You don't know anything!!! I'm not a killer! I saved you! I saved all of you!!! I..."
Dam stops as the bodies of his parents hit the floor, their blood covering his daggers, his hands, the walls, the floor... everything. For a moment, he just stands there, silently, staring at what he had done. Then he begins to laugh. A pure sound of utter despair, an unhinged laugh erupts from Dam's mouth as his daggers drops from his hands and he clutches the sides of his head with both hands. He screams and laughs insanely for a good minute before his crazed eyes finally settle on the dropped daggers. He bolts for the weapons, grabbing them and jamming them into either side of his neck and slashing outward.
The mists roll back in as Dam Dicem, Cedirc Granalt, lies cooling on the ground, a pool of his own blood spreading out from the horrid twin gashes in his neck. The wail of an infant child echoes from somewhere deeper in the dwelling, the deceased couple unable to tell their son about his new baby brother...
: "Very nice, Mr. Granalt! Bringing death to those who brought you life! Full circle! Artistic!" Shailtor says, the sound of applause echoing through the mist. "Pity you'll end yourself too. I was curious to see who you were going to kill next. Maybe your baby brother? Well I guess he'll die soon enough from starvation without his parents there. I guess that counts."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:09 am
"I must say, you weave quite a tale," Dam said, his form seeming to melt and swirl. His face, his clothing... all on him, all that is part of him is dynamic, save his eyes. Cold, uncaring glee seems to spring from it. "You tend to forget, though... I'm a little mad."
"As am I,"
"And I," two other voices echoed, though their shapes could not be made out in the rapid transitions, his features flowing like water in a multitude of hues and colors.
"I wonder, do you get hurt if I don't care?"
"Does it bother you?"
"What about Erebus?"
"What about Xadoss?"
"Does it bother them?"
"Does it bother them?"
"Does it?"
"Does it?"
"Does it?"
"Does it?"
"We're a little mad, if you didn't get it," the rogue added, laughing.
"They're dead, you see."
"The brother."
"The mother."
"The father."
"The woman."
"All dead!"
"All dead..."
"Did you say dead?"
"What about dead?"
"DEAD!" they all yelled, a collective voice that settled into the original form of Cedirc Granalt.
"Not my life, you know," Dam said, shrugging. "If you didn't know, I'm going back to hell after this. A little killing Strife Lords here, a little biting the dust again there."
"Nice try, but you can't kill a man who has nothing to lose," the Silver-Tongued Devil grinned. "If you've seen them and you can't get to them before me, I have nothing to fear. And if you can, then then they're dead already and I can't do anything - so nothing to worry about, see?"
"And them? Well, if they think that, they'll put up with me if it means getting the job done," Dicem continued. "And if they don't, well... nothing I can do again, so again, nothing to worry about."
"What I'd really like," the Silver-Tongued Devil said, fingering the edge of a wave-bladed kris knife, "is to see you actually break me. Take my mind... break it."
"Whoops! Too late - I beat you to it," Dam said, still smiling. "Still, try... I'm begging you. Take a dip in this cesspool, and see if you don't drown."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:23 am
Shailtor clucks his tongue, the mists vanishing for just a moment to allow the others of the Force full view of Dam's mental breakdown. When he says the last word the mists reappear in an instant, cutting everyone off from one another again. Shailtor's head peering through the mists, tilting at Dam.
: "I'll admit, it is disappointing that you're already so far gone. There's nothing for me to work with anymore. Still, I'll enjoy seeing how your team reacts to the fact that they're led by a madman. A consolation prize. Ah well, I'll get over it," Shailtor says, his form vanishing into the mists once more.
It isn't long before his voice echoes throughout the mists again.
: "Well it's been some classics so far, but I think we could switch it up with some fresh meat... How about one of the newcomers, hm? Let's see... quiet, dutiful, fierce in battle... Yes, I do believe I'll try the pegasus knight next. How about it, Eve? Care to dance?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:46 am
"Giving up so easily? I'm more disappointed than you are," the rogue continued. "And here I thought you would give us a reason to fear you." "Of course, it's because you're not really that powerful," the Silver-Tongued Devil continued, rolling his blades around in his hand. "I mean, some of these guys would have been tipped over by a fly, and you still couldn't beat them. It's what... months later, and they're more powerful? You might as well give up."
"Maybe that's why Erebus is looking for more power... to get rid of weaklings like you?" he asked, his mouth and the purplish skin around it twisting into a bigger smile. "Yeah... that would be it. After all... without Xadoss, he's stuck with the tedious job of bailing you out when you get in trouble."
"Really, though... trouble with us?" the rogue asked, the smile remaining no matter the words. "We're not gods. We age, and we die, and we don't gain power just by feeding on the very same anger and ill-will all of our enemies have against us. And, through all that, you still can't stop us. You're like an ant eating away at a tree, only to have a branch fall off and kill you. We're not even trying... you're getting hit by stopped carts."
"Let me ask you, though... when you fought those other guys, did you run away yourself, or did Xadoss or Erebus pull your fat out of the fire?" the Silver-Tongued Devil asked, the curiosity mixing with his seemingly endless glee. "Did they leave you to get killed by a random man with a hammer, or did they have to save you from a random guy with a hammer? My, that's an interesting question."
"I mean... from what I heard, no one else touched you. That's gotta sting. I mean, I thought I had egg on my face when I challenged a master archer to a duel I couldn't win, but you probably set all the terms and lost anyway. Really... how do you have the upper hand and lose? That's like making a bow and shooting yourself in the foot."
"I realize... that puts you in a tough situation. I mean, if Cedric smashed your face in and you had to run, then you're not strong enough to do anything on your own. And if, instead, you got rescued, then you're going to die if Erebus dies."
"Well, then... wait a minute. If that's the case, you're a lackey!" the Silver-Tongued Devil said, a look of insult the first thing to replace his seemingly endless smirk. "Get your brother, then! I don't want to waste my time with a nobody."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:51 am
The only response Dam gets at first is silence. Then pure pain begins to jolt through his system as lance of mist dig into his body, burning yet leaving no wound where they touch. :All that matters, mortal, is who wins in the end. Any loss, no matter how embarrassing, is acceptable so long as the goal is reached. And I assure you, it will be me who remains after all of you are dust." Shailtor hisses before leaving Dam to torment in his shrouded prison.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:03 am
"Ooh... nice and warm," the Silver-Tongued Devil said, his smile returning. "There's the fight I expected! I mean, sure, it's coming from a washed-up, would-be-but-isn't-anything who, for all his mental manipulation, can't overcome the same guys he tried to mentally destroy months ago, but at least I know I'm popular, right?"
"That's actually a good question, isn't it?"the rogue asked, grin widening as the pain continued. "You're talking about being the last one standing, but I can't see that what you did to Cedric and his people had any effect. Why should any of us be afraid, then?"
"Hurry up and get your brother," the rogue repeated. "I'm rather tired of all this smoke and mirrors, and now that your best stuff failed you're resorting to the basics. If I wanted simple pain, I'd ask one of your lackey Cult mages to throw a ball of fire or something."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:17 am
"Fine with me," Eve replied sternly, bracing herself for impact. "Though the weather isn't really my cup of tea for this sort of thing. But I guess if this is what you have to do, its what you have to do, right?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:26 am
: “Indeed! Dutifully accepting your turn on the mental torture rack... Then again, your line was always particularly concerned with duty... Shall we have a look?” Shailtor says with satisfaction as the mists roll in once more. In a pretty simple cottage in the middle of nowhere, with your typical country decorum are two pegasus centaurs. Checkered curtains line the windows, furnishings of wood, and a nice fireplace where she and her husband kept their weapons crossed above the wall decorate the mostly spartan dwelling.
"I think her name should be Eve," whispered an exhausted voice over still labored breaths. It came from a female pegasus with raven black hair that clenched to the sides of her face in sweat. She cradled a small foal in her arms, looking upward.
A male pegasus with bright red hair cast his eyes over her as she spoke, gazing upon the female lovingly. "Fitting...like her mother's name. Her hair looks that it will be the color of the sky as the sun sets," he replied gently. "And just as beautiful."
The raven haired woman smiled quietly in return, lowering her eyes to their child before closing them, lightly tightening her embrace.
: “How... cute,” Shailtor mutters. “Well they look very happy. A young newlywed couple in love, how charming. Well let's see what a few years of Eve will do to them.”
The scene changes, time passes, this time an argument between husband and wife.
"I didn't think it was possible that you could be this stupid!" the raven haired woman exclaimed, one hand on her hip and the other raised wildly beside her in the heat of frustration.
"Stupid? What the hell is wrong with you, Dusk? We formed this unit, together! WE did it! Protectora never had the likes of us in their army before we came!" the male retorted, his face twisted in anger. "So things are different, so what! You're just going to walk away?"
"You're right," the one named Dusk replied, sighing audibly. "Protectora never had the likes of us...the likes of...but, Protectora is gone, Albert. It's gone, and only Runefaust remains, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry," she said, eyes welling with tears. "I won't risk my life, and I refuse to risk Eve's." She trailed off, looking outside, her dark eyes following the site of her growing daughter playing outside.
"What kind of knight are you?! No...forget it. I can't stand to even look at you anymore, your cowardice makes me sick to my stomach. I respected you," Albert said coldly. "Respected what you accomplished in your life, even before we met. You were the standard I held myself to as a knight. You act as if we're conscripting her to fight in this war."
"Who will raise her if we die when Runefaust is brought down, Albert?!" she exclaimed, suddenly enraged.
"If it weren't for her..." he began, but never finished his sentence, as Dusk pushed to her mantle, ripping her lance from above the wall it adorned.
"You die in your fool war, Albert, if thats what you want. You die thinking you're upholding the ideals of being a knight. You do whatever the hell you please, so long as you get out of my damned house before I finish it for you."
"You'd do that to me?"
"You think I can't?" Dusk replied sternly, levelling it before her. "No one speaks to me about my daughter like that. No one. Not even her father. Now go. Go die with Ramladu," she finished, her voice shaking all the while.
When the door slammed without a reply moments later, Dusk Morslyn wept.
: “Awww, isn't that sweet? You managed to make your mother almost kill your father over you. You didn't even have to say a word! That's manipulation approaching my level, bravo! One has to wonder what your father never said, though. If it weren't for her, your mother would've come with him? If it weren't for her he wouldn't have married? Oh, the possibilities are endless and delightful. Well, let's check in with the old man. Maybe he'll tell us later,” Shailtor says, applauding as the mists shift and reveal a far different scene, a familiar scene to those of the first Shining Force among the heroes. A natural rock formation turned into a bridge in the mountains, and a deadly weapon awaiting thereon...
"For Runefaust!" Albert exclaimed, as he and several of his companions flew into battle. Magic rained from the skies, punctuated with the flash of steel everywhere in sunlight. "We have to defend the Laser Eye at all costs!"
He surged forward then, easily evading the arrows of a young elf and avoiding a wild swipe from a birdman before lowering into a charge, heading straight for the enemy leader. He lashed out, but the man was quicker, and his wild thrust caught only the tail ends of a royal blue cape flowing freely behind him as he moved. Albert's opponent, a young man with hair colored like his own, wasted no time in returning his own strike, which the Pegasus neatly defended with his shield.
They exchanged blows, dancing about as if they were the only two on the battlefield even as a small fairy circled his opponent. For several seconds they fought, but Albert gave his opponent no quarter in his advance. He was a knight in service to his kingdom, and nothing would stand in the way of that. The just would always prevail.
Seconds later, the man's sword bore through his heart.
Seconds later and hundreds of miles away, Dusk Morslyn felt as if hers had broken. Again.
Years later and at this very moment, her daughter heard the words echo once more. "If it weren't for her...”
: “Oh, maybe if it weren't for her, he wouldn't be in the knights? Wouldn't have had something to protect? Would've lived? The fact that you now fight at the side of your father's killer is only icing on the cake, my dear... Such a delicious betrayal for one that talks of duty,” Shailtor chuckles. “Well let's see your training, I wonder what we can find there!”
The mists provide a window to yet another time as they change once more.
Stuck amidst more drills, Eve Morslyn wiped more sweat from her brow. She could feel the heat of her fellow soldiers eyes boring into her as she worked her forms almost flawlessly, much to their chagrin but to her instructor's admiration. For whatever reason today felt emptier than the others. She could not shake the feeling that she did not belong here, in this unit. The Pegasus Knights of Protectora had been famous long before the war, and she had hoped they would be famous once again.
She didn't know the history beyond that, and her comrades never saw fit to tell her. Instead, they stayed far away, huddled in words not meant for her ears.
To their credit, they had held themselves in check very well.
Most blamed her father for the deaths of their own, after all, and perhaps in a fit of contradiction, loathed her mother for not being there to die with them.
Eve knew none of this, she only knew that this unit did not fit her ideals. With all the work done eliminating traces of Runefaust, the army had done little to change, and little to help change. It was the way of war, she knew well enough despite her youth, that it would take longer for the military presence to be affected, but consistently training only to do nothing else to help had bothered her to no end since she had arrived.
Now, in the throes of Shailtor's images, she understood why. And she understood why she had never belonged, suddenly privy to the hatred and jealousy all those people held for her, keeping her at bay. It all made sense now.
As the haze began to set forth once again, Eve Morslyn swore she saw her mother crying alone, clutching the scarf that had fallen out of Eve's bag as she left, years before.
“Ah, I see you are beginning to understand...” Shailtor whispers. “Now, then... Let's... have a look at something else...”
The mists change the scene once again.
She fought emptily, the Strife Lords minions surrounding her companions and assaulting them to no end. Friends old and new waged an epic battle despite being cut off into several small groups. Something about the battle rattled her nerves, but she could not place her fingers upon it -- as the number of monsters began to dwindle, she rose into the sky to check the condition of her comrades.
And was struck with the realization that hers was the only group to survive. A few small packets of monsters before them stood silently, awkwardly, before turning to them and beginning their advance.
Something about this didn't feel right.
Her unit advanced without her, a voice she could not identify from a face obscured in the haze of the vision called to her. She looked down but did not respond, unable to put words into her doubts. The few remaining heroes crashed into the wave of monsters, as other monsters poured in, attacking both.
Her head pounded, and she closed her eyes only to see her mother, locked in battle feeling the very same emotions pouring through her as she fought. Her mother was beautiful even then, young, vibrant, her spear a part of her as she danced through the sky. She felled an enemy and smiled at a companion just the same, and turned to see a man face down a great demon, ordering the small number of survivors forward.
Her mother's face changed as his sword leveled towards it, as if suddenly realizing what it was she could not understand. Then the sword plunged through the demon and the demon became...
...Oh God...
She opened her eyes to shout a warning, but there was no one left to hear her but corpses.
: “Oho! Your mother's got a good hold on you too! Just like her, you keep silent and take orders despite knowing better than your superiors! Just like her, you allow yourself to be led by someone you know isn't up to the task... But you don't do anything about it,” Shailtor says, chuckling. “Boiling within you is resentment, Eve. It was you who led your forces to victory in the Sea of Trees, was it not? It was you who has been steadfast in her duty... The so called 'hero' had a mental breakdown. You're far more fit to lead than he is, you feel that... know it in your heart. You don't say a word because it's your duty to follow, despite your mother trying to raise you differently. Yet doubts eat away at your insides... Doubts like these...”
The man in the vision becomes Alex, the girl on the ground Sophie, the corpses surrounding them belonging to the Shining Force. Eve became her mother, shouting a warning too late, paying attention to her own instincts instead of orders not soon enough to avert the execution of the rest of her friends. Charging forward as ordered, they stumble directly into trap after trap, cut down and leaving Eve all alone.
: "History..." Shailtor mutters as the mists return. "Does have a habit of repeating itself, you know..."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:59 pm

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Sep 22, 2008 4:36 am
"Oh, I'm sure you'd like for her to not follow orders, wouldn't you," the rogue said, his smile only broadening. "You're right, though... she's definitely following a mad king corrupted by power and pure evil, who can't see the right thing to do. Too bad she's not in the middle of a group that has checks and balances. Whoops... she is."
"You know," he continued, "one has to wonder... who's more to blame? The ruler who tossed his countrymen into a terrible and losing war, or the evil force that turned him into that madman? I'm willing to bet that the evil force probably deserves a lot of that blame, and - oh, look! - you too would be an evil force."
"Granted, not a very good one; after all, you've tried this with people in this group who are looking at you pretty funny now," the Silver-Tongued Devil commented. "Shailtor, are you going to continue wasting your time? I mean, you could stop now, so that when we step over your corpse to get to Erebus he can at least pretend you were competent. Really, I know it's got to be hard living in his shadow, knowing that all of your trickery still puts you well below him in everything you do, but is setting yourself up for what's obviously going to be a losing fight worth it?"

Posted by: Aldur Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:47 pm
"Dam! Stop teasing the strife lord. He'll get all attention needy again." Kria rolled her eyes, continuing to wander through the mist.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Sep 23, 2008 11:28 pm
Shailtor heaves a long and drawn out sigh. : "Really, you two are becoming quite annoying. Do shut up," Shailtor says as both Dam and Kria's jaws suddenly clench tight, not allowing them to say a word. : "Now then, let's continue with the newcomers, hm? Wouldn't them to miss out on what the rest of you have had so long to savor. Oh let's try the one that thinks he's an angel. What a curious interpretation of the divine..."
The mists roll in and murky montages of the things Michael witnessed in the slums and streets of Destonia roll past. Thefts, rapes, murders, assaults, beatings, executions, all manner of terrible things committed in the shadow of the Imperial City. Still a young boy, Michael can only hide or flee when he stumbles on these terrors. Sometimes the perpetrators are thugs, bandits, gang leaders that dwell in the slums... and other times they are Imperial soldiers administering punishment or nobles indulging a cruel whim. As these scenes fade, another comes into view, one far less grim.
Four kids stood around on a street corner, one very obviously a younger Michael. Another is a young woman, painfully thin, but with bright, cheerful blue eyes and short blond hair. The other two look very similar, dark hair and eyes and faces that suggest relation, but one is male and the other female. A conversation that appears to have been held for some time drifts to the heroes' ears. Michael remembers this conversation well, he lived it long ago, and lives it once more through this vision.
"Amelia, we can't stay any longer," the dark haired girl says. "We've got a chance to get out. We've got to take it."
"But what about everyone else?" the blond one, Amelia asks. "I... I thought that maybe if you started helping, the orphanage could..."
"Lighten up," the other dark haired one says. "Between you and Michael, you'll have the whole city emptying out its coins to you... Heh, even if they don't know they've done so," he says, winking at Michael.
"Jarl, that's not funny," the dark haired girl says. "Don't try to cheer them with false hope."
"Hey, I don't think that hope is false..." Jarl mumbles with a frown.
"But Jarl, Tenei, all your friends are here, friends that could use your help..." Amelia says. "If we all work together, we can..."
"No... we have to leave. This place... it corrupts all it touches," Tenei murmurs. "Do you really think you can do anything here? Do you think you can make enough of a difference that will change the nature of this damned city? This place is lost. HAS been lost. It's run by a mix of madmen, hypocrites, and despots, and there's nothing anyone can do about that.
"Medion..." Amelia begins to say, but Tenei shakes her head.
"Give it time and he'll become like them. It's this place... It's... I'm sorry, Amelia, Michael. I really don't think there's anything left to save here. So instead, I'll save myself and leave before I become... become like everyone else here. Either full of despair and fear, or full of hate and greed."
"Yeah... Yeah..." Jarl mutters, shaking his head and looking to Amelia and Michael with sad eyes. "Sorry... You know how she is... She won't change her mind, and I can't let her go alone. Gotta make sure she doesn't get so gloomy that some passing cleric won't mistake her for some sort of undead!"
"I'm... I'm sure we'll meet again someday. In happier times," Amelia says, managing to put a smile on her face. Michael stays silent. The pair say their goodbyes, then leave.
"Well it's just us now," Amelia says. "But don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. They're wrong, though. The Light will be with us. The Light will work through us and we will help heal this city..."
The vision abruptly shifts to her broken, bleeding body on the ground of a church, a high priest of Elbesem standing over her. Then it fades away.
: "I guess I can see why you wanted to impersonate an angel so much. Being mortal must be truly irritating, all those people you cared for up and leaving you one by one as time marched on. Far better to be a spirit-being above such things? Heheheheh... Poor fool. Blind to his own heritage. How can you hope to understand where you are going if you don't understand what you've sprung forth from? If you don't understand your origins? Did you ever wonder what might've been had you been born, say a noble? Perhaps even a brother to that same prince you despise so, Medion of the Empire. Shall we find out?"
The mists roil again, revealing a very different scene, Michael growing up in the palace, wearing the finest of clothes, eating the choicest of foods. His every whim catered to by fawning servants, the youth grows into a young man sure of himself and his place in the world. His place as one of the ruling elite. The inferiority of the peasants pounded into his head at every turn by peers and tutors, the authority of his birth embedded firmly by the all too rare talks from his father, Michael finds himself despising the common masses.
During a royal banquet and ball, the young prince encounters his older brother, staring out a window.
"Hail Medion!" he jokingly greets. "I don't understand why you search the heavens for celestial bodies when there are so many present within these halls..." Michael grins. "Did you see the Duchess of Kander's daughters? I know they're not military, but perhaps they'd submit to a... heh... royal inspection anyway..."
"Serious as ever, brother," Medion says, shaking his head with a slight smile. "No, I'm just thinking."
"What about?" Michael asks, tilting his head.
"I heard... saw, rather, that the city's poorer sections are suffering from another poor harvest. There's famine in much of the Empire this year," Prince Medion says with a frown. Michael looks confused.
"So?"
"So?" Medion asks, turning to face the other prince. "Do you think it's right to waltz within the palace walls and feast when so many others go hungry? To waste so much food? Do you ever look at all the uneaten dishes that are tossed to the hounds after one of these-"
Michael laughs, clapping his brother on the back. "Oh... Oh, brother, you're such a delight! They're only peasants! Their duty is to go hungry that we might feast! That's their part in life!"
Medion shakes his head. "But it's the duty of those in power to see to those not with power..."
Michael waves his hand. "Oh, please. They'll manage. The peasants are near worthless, but I'll grant them that they are hardy, resilient. We don't need to worry about them."
"But we HAVE to worry about them!" Medion counters. "That's the very core of chivalry and nobility, to use what we have in an honorable fashion to serve the people of the Empire. That's our job, that's supposed to be who we are. We call ourselves nobles, shouldn't we act nobly? Should we not strive to uplift our people?"
Michael bursts out into laughter, waving off his brother once more.
"You're such a softie. You're looking at this the wrong way. The peasants may be suffering, but look at how the Empire prospers! Our armies grow, our territories expand, our glory increases. The peasants should be glad to suffer for such a grand nation, their suffering is their contribution!" Michael grins. "It's a privilege we grant them to suffer for emperor and empire! Their lives have meaning thanks to us! If a few can't understand their place and complain, that's hardly our fault. That's why we have laws and the Imperial Guard. Besides, if they had any real worth, they'd crawl up from the muck and make something of themselves, like your Sir Campbell."
Medion stares at Michael for a long time before slowly and sadly shaking his head.
"Michael... you... you just don't understand," Medion says with a sigh. "None of you do..."
Michael frowns, beginning to grow angry. "I understand that there are more enjoyable ways for me to spend this evening than arguing with you over a bunch of smelly slum dwellers."
Michael storms away from his brother, a broad grin creeping onto his face as he begins to approach some of the ladies hovering at the edges of the ballroom dance floor.
Some time passes, Medion's words hovering at the back of Michael's head, subtly tainting his decadent fun with a shadowy guilt. Time passes and the words, and the guilt, remain no matter what Michael does to drive them out of his head. No matter the vice he indulges in for the day, Michael cannot stop reflecting on whether or not the nobility are doing their jobs correctly... on whether or not he's doing his job as a noble. One day, he broods quietly in his chambers, sitting at his desk and staring out a window at the beautiful royal gardens that the view overlooks. The door opens and a young woman enters, one of the castle servants.
"The cook sent me to inform you that midday meal is ready. You can eat at your leisure, mi'lord," the girl says with a bow.
"Mmmmm," Michael murmurs. The girl waits for a while, then turns to leave. Michael turns his head. "Wait. Stay."
"As you wish, milord. Is there something further you need of me?" the servant girl asks.
"Don't we treat you well?" Michael mutters, not facing the girl. "You have food, shelter, the honor of assisting us in our tasks..."
"Uh, em, yes lord," the girl says. "You have been most generous."
"Then why do people complain so about father's rule?" Michael fumes. "He's only doing what's best for the Empire. People should be happy they can help him in whatever way they can to bring the nation more glory... Selfish, selfish peasants, only thinking of themselves and never the country that protects them..."
"My lord," the servant girl says, hesitantly. "It is not my place to say... But perhaps they believe they are performing their service to the Empire that way?"
"What?" Michael says, frowning.
"Well... if they truly believe that the Emperor is about to take wrong action, then trying to warn him of their concerns, trying to make him avoid what they see as catastrophe... Isn't that service to the Empire?" the girl asks. "They cannot see or know all that our great Emperor knows, all they can do is make known what they see and hope that if there is something useful in it, the Emperor will see it and alter his actions accordingly. If they only cared for themselves, they would not speak for fear of incurring the Emperor's wrath. They all endure tremendous hardship for the Empire's sake... They can't be that selfish, can they?"
"Perhaps... Perhaps you're right. You're quite clever... for a servant girl. Quite pretty, too..." A mischievous light enters Michael's eyes as he gestures to the servant girl.
"Come here for a minute," he says.
"My... My lord?" the girl asks.
"Just do as I say, come here," Michael says with a grin. The servant girl hesitantly approaches, Michael rising and placing his hands on her. His mouth flies to hers, his hands begin to move as the servant girl immediately pulls away.
"My lord?! Wha... what?" the girl gets out. Michael moves to kiss her again, but the girl manages to shove him away. "No! No, my lord, I cannot..."
"You would reject me?!" Michael fumes. "I am your lord, I represent the Empire! You must serve me, it is your place! Didn't you just talk about service and selflessness?"
"My lord, my service is yours, but this..." the girl shakes her head. "My body is mine, and my heart to another."
"Wench!" Michael roars, backhanding the girl as fury boils over. "You have nothing! All that you have is mine! I am a prince and you are my servant! You're just like those... those idiotic rebels and moronic peasants. Everything in the Empire belongs to us! To the Imperial family! We share it with all of you out of the purity of our hearts and insolence is what we get in return?! How dare you... How DARE you deny me anything?! I should be everything to people like you, I am son of the emperor!!!"
Enraged, Michael grabs of the neck of the young woman and chokes her, roaring curses as he does so. He throttles her until at last she falls lifeless to the floor. The woman's features shift, her hair lightens to blond and her eyes to blue. Amelia's corpse now lies before Michael as the mists roll in, and for a moment, Michael catches sight of himself in the mirror and can't help but think he looks like a high priest he knew from long ago...
: "Heheheh... Did you think yourself immune to the sort of thing that dogged those priests and nobles? Did you think yourself above such sins with your wings and powers? Fool! You've been on their same path for years, that girl merely made you stop at the wayside for a short rest... The same lusts, the same passions, the same drives are embedded into your being as theirs! Did you think they started out the way they were? Did you think they never knew loyalty, love, or selflessness? Did you think they were born as your adversaries? Oh, you poor little boy who thinks he's a man... No... You think you're above man. But for all your power and all your experience, you're still just a boy on the cusp of manhood. Not an angel. Not a man."
The mists roil again and Shailtor laughs.
: "But maybe that's still better than this one here. The broken shell that thinks himself a man, that others think is a hero..." Shailtor's burning eyes appear in the mists before Alex. "You're pathetic. You're just a broken blade now... Another man emptying himself out to be a weapon and not much else..." Shailtor's voice echoes around the heroes. "But then again there's so much of that, isn't there? You're like a paler version of Cedric... Have you gotten to know him better yet? Oh there's much the two of you share. Heh... Heheh....More than the two of you... The ninja hides behind a mask and his duty, focusing on his craft alone, on his revenge. The commander from the stars allows himself nothing but the role he's been tasked with, filling his head with tactics and strategies that push lesser things like the self from his thoughts. The space-warrior, that amazon in green armor is the same! I daresay I could polymorph the two's features and you'd have trouble telling them apart, so similar... When was the last time the ninja took off his mask, the commander his mask, the amazon her helmet? You're afraid of your own faces, afraid of becoming more than the roles you must carry out. Extinguishing the self to fulfill a duty... Ah, but you poor three, you don't need masks to do that, haven't you learned? The catfolk archer has managed to kill himself quite handily without such an aid. He shoots and sneaks, and smells his way through battle after battle, and what does he do in between? Does he dance? Does he laugh?
No.
He prepares for the next battle and dreams of the day when he'll be able to pierce my form with the arrows he shoots.
: "[b]I[b] took that away from him... from you. I crafted so many of you into what you are... You claim that I have no power over you, but I've managed to silence the sound of your life with but a few manipulations and crashing catastrophes..." Shailtor begins to laugh again.
:"Even the Shining Force are not safe from my web! Look at grim, dour Mae! Her husband lies in my thrall, her friends in my palm, the loss of her father echoes in her hear! Fear and hate roil in her, slowly burning out her soul! Look at Max! Another that gave himself up for duty! Another that sought to turn himself into something he wasn't! How many did you save, dragonslayer? How many did you damn, for you know well the queen's tale... Ah... The Queen of Guardiana... Fair Anri, there's no need to speak of what I managed to do to you. You think you've broken free, but you've only moved to a higher state of servitude..."
: "And there are those of you not yet there, but on the path. Oh, tell me Van, have you managed to do anything but batter at things uselessly since your village burnt? You've naught left but duty and revenge now. You're not to where the others are yet, but don't worry, you're almost there..." Shailtor chuckles darkly. "Look at what my brother managed to do to Ombligo... He was so happy once, wasn't he? So careful and innocent. Now he trembles with sorrow, fear and anger, a delicious cocktail to one such as I... Where song once bounced off the lips of Ashathel and Cedric, battle oaths and declarations of doom now abound. Well, you asked yourself the same question, Ashathel... back when you battled that poor dark elf that didn't know what he was getting into. When did you become such a bastard? Little elf, it was a process that began the moment you drew my gaze, and will culminate very soon. Don't feel bad. These others you've brought here will join me soon enough."
: "You've allowed your duty... your hate... your vengeance to become your defining force. You've cast aside your personalities in favor of that role, the crusader, the grim defender, the killer..."
Shailtor's laughter grows louder.
: "Excellent! Glorious! Exactly what I wanted! Weapons of hate! Weapons I can use, can feed on! You're so close to being mine..." Shailtor's eyes appear before those who follow Cedric and the grim paladin himself. The demon's voice whispers to them, gleeful. "No... You were already mine..."
The mists eject pale copies of the Cypress Force, still images of the heroes that look paler, tired, worn out, but with an anger inside allowing them to stand.
:“Look at you, look at that wonderful hate roiling within all of you. That immense power each of you now possesses. How much stronger are all of you now than when you began this farce of a journey? All that you are you owe to ME. All that you are is mine. And today I will take back what I rightfully own..."
: "And as for the warriors from the stars, I can lay claim to their souls as well... Except for the panther warrior, the white tiger. Wait a pity... Like Dam, someone's already left their mark on him. Still, look well at him, 'heroes'. Nothing within but hate and duty, rejecting offers of help from those that would be his friends..." Shailtor's eyes appear in front of Pantherath. "But what they fail to understand and what he and I know all too well is that weapons don't have friends. They have functions. Just as you forged yourself to slay that monster of another realm, cat, so have I forged all these blades. But these blades do not realize yet who they truly serve."

Posted by: Rusty Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:09 am
: "Am I really like Cedric? If so, should I be ashamed? He has clearly accomplished much, and his force has, more than a couple of times, thwarted your plans. Indeed, it is in part thanks to his efforts that we are where we are today - and that Xadoss has been defeated. So, I will take that as a compliment."
: "Are you finished spewing vomit, Shailtor? Honestly, I never thought you'd shut up. Is hatred my driving force? No. No it is not. In fact, I was a spiteful, sneaky, immature elf when this adventure had started. I didn't have the proper perspective that I now possess. My eyes have opened up through this war, and I found love - and it is for that love that I fight. I was initially reluctant to take up arms when I learned exactly who we were facing and the dangers imposed - but I realized the importance of it all, and I realized that only through caring could I have a chance of making a difference. Before, I lived only for myself. Now, I live for everyone else. Your attempt to break our spirits will ultimately fail, just as your attempts to defeat us in the past. We have come too far to fall now, and we only have our powers as they are necessary to defeat the likes of you. Yes, Shailtor, it is fate that brought us here today - it is fate that decided we are the ones that will defeat you, and it is only a matter of time before you meet this fate and see with your own eyes, all of them, that what I say is the truth."
: "It's true that I've changed, but that's part of life - growing up. I fully believe it is my purpose to do battle with you and save my friends and everyone else. My entire life has been this war. Who I am now is better than who I was. Happiness isn't unreachable even now, and it certainly won't be after you're defeated! If I just gave up before, I would probably be dead. I must be doing something right if you're admitting my power! It's too bad you can't tell the difference between maturity and a crushed spirit. I have no regrets, even though some of my friends have died along the way. It was beyond my control, and I have accepted that. But know that it is thanks to my friends that I know who I am, what I am, and why I exist. I know what I do is right and just, and I know who the true enemies are."
: "Everyone, remember what we've been through! Remember the progress we've made! Remember why we're here! We didn't come this far to be beaten down. Indeed, we are a great force, and we always have been. It is our tenacity and our fearlessness that brought us this far. That does not mean there hasn't been great pain to challenge us along the way, but it does mean we can overcome this. You can't listen to Shailtor! You know the truth in your hearts, and the bonds we've built cannot be broken. I believe in you all. Never forget that!"

Posted by: Aldur Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:08 pm
"Only I get to Decide what I am and what happens to me now. Preach. Visions, oh I'll give you that. Such horrors as me being a Prince of the Empire, now that...that was good. I have to praise you. But I am me. I have my roots! I know where I come from! I don't care if I don't know who my family are! THIS! These people will be my family. And you're going straight back to wherever you came from! Hate? I don't hate you! How can I? You're just a creature performing according to it's nature. You shouldn't be hated for it. Simply put down."
Michael got brighter as he exclaimed this, the warlock turned Enlightened person starting to run through the fog, attempting to follow Shailtor's voice.
**
Kria merely continued walking, gritting her teeth and holding her blade tight. No one gags me. Like, the nerve!

Posted by: YsFanatic Mon Sep 29, 2008 12:30 am
"So then, what treat is this that comes to me from beyond the void of space?" Shailtor says, gleefully turning to Melissa. The Spartan says nothing as she continues to scan the mist for any sign of the Strife Lord. "Oh, so silent. So bound to duty, to tactical effiency, to war and war alone... You're precisely one of the tools I asked for, girl. You're only a step away..." Shailtor chuckles. "Why resist it? Come and fight for me. Your original duties are past, that world dead, that nation gone. What binds you to these so called 'guardians'?"
Again, no response from Melissa. She had no reason at all to respond to this being. She would complete her mission at any cost, and killing Shailtor was part of that mission.
"Ah. So focused on the mission. Tell me, how did that work out the last time, hmm?" Shailtor asks as the mists begin to roil
The vision starts out with hazy images of Melissa waking up in a hospital, her body in much worse shape then it was currently. Not only was her body in terrible shape from being in a coma for years, when she was told of the death of many of her fellow Spartans her heart was nearly crushed.
Then it fast-forwarded to her donning her powered armor, the vision becoming more clear as she did so and grabbed several weapons and magnetized them to her armor. Finally, the vision became crystal clear as it fast forwarded again, revealing her seated in a dropship with a squad of marines.
The Pelican dropship came under fire, but despite some damage it managed to land and disgorge its cargo of soldiers into an urban battlefield decimated by rockets, plasma blasts, and cannon shells. Human soldiers and aliens of various types engaged in combat both on foot and in numerous ground and air vehicles. Melissa and the marines with her quickly made their way to the nearest barricade and opened fire upon an onslaught of short aliens in environment suits, mowing them down by the dozens with a minimal of return fire.
However, that victory was short lived as the aliens quickly replied with better soldiers and vehicles, and as the vision progressed more and more of the marines with the Spartan were killed. Eventually they had to fall back into a maze of back roads and small buildings with the enemy in pursuit. Before long all the marines had been killed, leaving Melissa alone and injured from several hits to her armor against an unknown number of enemies. She had long since resorted to using the weapons she took from the deceased alien bodies as she had run out of ammo for her own weapons.
Eventually she came to the end of alley, and found a crashed alien fighter craft in the middle of the large street. It appeared to be mostly intact, but before she could do anything, a large hair brute of an alien crashed through a wall behind her and swung an oversized hammer towards her head. While she was able to step away in time to avoid a direct hit, the hammer unleashed a shockwave of energy upon impact with the ground, a shockwave powerful enough to send the thousand pounds of super soldier flying into the street.
Melissa rolled with her impact with the ground and came to a stop in a crouched position, a plasma grenade she had confiscated from one of the aliens earlier in her hand. Arming the grenade, she then expertly tossed the grenade to where it would stick to the alien. The brute had but a moment to roar in anger before the grenade blew him into a million pieces. Unfortunately her victory was short lived as a brute she had failed to notice sneaking up on her smashed its fist into her head. Since her shields were depleted, she took the full force of the blow and was easily knocked down onto her side.
Her head pounding, she rolled onto her back and attempted to point her plasma rifle at this new threat, but the alien easily ripped the weapon from her grasp and tossed it aside before rewarding her efforts with a punch to the faceplate, cracking it. Her vision swam from the sudden wave of pain, to the point where she could barely see the brute raise a strange gun with blades on the underside of it. The alien pulled the trigger, unleashing a burst of large spikes that punched through the Spartan’s armor and straight through her gut, pinning her to the ground.
Spartan-127 gasped at this new pain, but was able to spit out a few words after a couple of moments. “You’ll never take Earth you bastards.” The brute paused for a moment, then laughed before barking out a few words in its harsh language as it raised its weapon to her head.
The translation program built into her armor told her what the alien had said, “Without you Demons, your planet can not escape its destruction!” Those words were the last things Melissa heard before she lost consciousness, knowing that she had failed to keep humanity’s homeworld safe.
Then Melissa awakens again to laughter as she finds herself back in the mists.
"Such a fond trip down memory lane. You seem to be fond of futile struggle."
There was still no verbal response from the Spartan, but her grip on her rifle tightened as emotions threatened to break her self-control for a moment.
"Oh, did I strike on something? You already know it in your heart... if HE couldn't perservere, the greatest of you, then what hope did the rest of you have?" Shailtor asks, tilting his head. "Super soldiers indeed."
"There is no proof he is dead," Melissa says quietly. "John has always found a way before, and there is no reason to think he isn't out there somewhere, still fighting to get home."
"Mmm mmm mmmm..." Shailtor chuckles. "A delightful delusion. You even call him by his first name instead of his rank."
"How long has it been since then? And no word?"
"Lack of communication does not mean he is dead."
"Nothing means anything for certain..." Shailtor admits. "Everything is probability. The fact there hasn't been word of him for so long is a good indicator of what probability."
Melissa refused to accept the fact that the Spartan's leader, the Master Cheif, could be dead. Out of all the Spartans, he always seemed to have the best chance to survive thanks to his uncanny luck. She wouldn't listen to Shailtor's lies, all she would do was make sure that the Strife Lord died sooner than later.
"Oh you're no fun. Then again, what fun WAS there in your life? Well, I guess all the killing... You enjoy, killing, don't you?"
The Strife Lord was wrong. The people and aliens she had killed were all on the line of duty, not out of enjoyment. Fulfillling her duty what was she enjoyed, be it combat oriented or not. But she wouldn't even give Shailtor the pleasure of getting that response out of her.
"How boring. Then again that's how it goes with you. I don't think you have the slightest idea what fun or pleasure are, do you?" Shailtor asks.
She wouldn't consider that to be true, but once more the Spartan saw no point in replying to the Strife Lord. There was no need to prove Shailtor wrong as they were going to kill him anyway.
"You disagree? Oh, delicious, tell me why," Shailtor asks.
Melissa mentally cursed Shailtor's thought stealing ability. How could she get this enemy to shut up if he wouldn't stop peeking in her mind for material for his taunts? It was rather pointless.
"If you won't... Fine, I'll dig into your mind and see your argument for myself," Shailtor says, probing Melissa's thoughts.
"Oh for... You find fulfillment in accomplishing missions and fulfilling your duties? That's what's fun for you?" Shailtor says in disbelief. "I should track down those scientists from the project that made you and take notes... They really did a number on you. I'm not sure even I could do a better job of making a human into a drone of war."
"Are those diluted feelings and emotions you experience now what you believe life is? How boring and dull. Well let me open your eyes a little..." Shailtor murmurs as his eyes flash.
Melissa is suddenly bombarded with a dizzying array of emotions. The deepest love, the most agonizing sorrow, the most overwhelming hate, the lightest laughter... Every emotion in the human spectrum whirls through her mind in the span of a few minutes.
"THOSE are emotions, my dear, not those pale shadows the UNSC left you with."
The sudden outburst of emotions that she normally kept locked away so they couldn't intefere with her missions caused her to fall to her knees, gasping in surprise. Her mind struggled to regain control, but it proved more than she could handle for now.
"I'm not quite done with your lesson yet..." Shailtor whispers. "You've been in war for so long, I have no doubt you've drank deeply of the chalice of pain... But what about its opposite?"
Pleasure suddenly floods Melissa's senses, pure and undiluted. Much as the emotional wash came over her varied and powerful, so did this new 'assault'. Commonplace pleasures such as the taste of exquisite food or the pleasant scent of perfume and flowers melt into darker sensations such as the high of biochemicals caused by drugs.
One by one, the foreign feelings march by until finally the last of them fades, leaving only the memory behind.
The Spartan's eyes are closed as she struggles to keep her thoughts focused. This was not a kind of attack she was trained to deal with, and it was rather overwhelming. She couldn't understand the point behind these mental attacks, but she was glad that they were over, at least for now.
"Having trouble concentrating?" Shailtor asks, tilting his head.
"Damn you..." Melissa growls as her mind spins in a merry-go-round ride of pleasureable feelings that made it rather difficult to string together any lengthy thoughts together.
"I assure you, it's far too late for that," Shailtor remarks.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:50 am
"Hello again, Van, how have you been?" Shailtor asks, cheerily. "Let me stick my weapon into your head and I'll let you know," Van replies quickly, with some anger in his voice. "Still upset over that whole village thing?" Shailtor asks. "I don't know why you're blaming me. You're the one at fault."
"They were no threat to you and you killed them regardless, bastard."
"I had to, you made me," Shailtor says, shaking his head. "I made a promise to you. If I hadn't killed them, I wouldn't be a fiend of my word."
"And that," Van says angrily, "is why we will kill you."
Shailtor chuckles. "Oh I'm sorry, did you have family? Friends in that backwater? Did I wipe out everything dear to you?"
"You know very well the answer to that, monster."
"Oh come, on, lemme here you say it," Shailtor says with obvious enjoyment.
Van adjusts his grip on his guisarme. "I"ll say it after you are dead."
"Heheheh, then I'll spare the warm up for you, Van, and get to the main event!"
A horrible vision envelops Van. The destruction of his village happens all around him, houses burning, people screaming, and blood, so much blood everywhere.
Many, many times the doomed people cry out his name. Sometimes it is to plead for his help, sometimes to curse his name.
The guisarme-warrior gritted his teeth together in anger at the scene. He knew this was nothing but one of Shailtor's tricks, but it still hurt to see it again. The sight of friends fleeing for their lives or being killed was nearly too much for him. Tears streaming from his eyes, he softly swears vengence for his village several times over as the vision continues.
"Let's add some spice to this..." Shailtor says, and Van finds himself inhabiting the body of one of the Cult Raiders. From the raider's eyes he watches as innocent after innocent is cut down. Unable to affect the raider in any way, he can only watch as his hands bring death to the people he knew and loved. And the demon laughs.
Van mentally rages at this cruel trick, but before long the horrible images he is seeing has him crying out in mental anguish.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:47 am
"So you claim..." Shailtor says, the mists around Ashathel becoming murky. "I admit you and yours have shown remarkable resilience thus far... That's why I want you so bad in the first place. What fine servants, once remade..." Shailtor chuckles.
"But just how far do you think you can go before you break? How much of this world do you think you can cleanse with sword and fire before you discover you've soiled yourself with the filth you sought to eradicate? Even if you resist me... There are others seeking you out as well. Can you handle them all?"
"I'll find out," Ashathel said, his voice firm. "I don't have to do this forever, Shailtor... just long enough to help get world back from you and yours."
"Don't have to..." Shailtor whispers, then he bursts out laughing.
"Elf... You have no idea the irony of what you've just said. But one way or the other you might find out one day," Shailtor says, his eyes glimmering. "Life is a struggle against inevitability for you mortals. Perhaps... especially so on this world."
"What happens to me in the future doesn't mean that I'm not going to stop you in the present," the bladesinger said. "You don't get it, and you never will."
"Heheheheh... How pathetic this is. Perhaps the cat has a point. This has devolved into 'I'm going to beat you up!' 'No, I'm going to beat YOU up!"
"This meeting was your idea, not ours," Ashathel said. "But all the same, we're ready for you."
"In a way that's true... and in another way that's completely false," Shailtor says, his eyes glimmering once more. "All the same, I see that you're going to need to be broken of the notion that you're invincible before I can really go to work with you. Ah well."
The elf says nothing more, but waits for the Strife Lord to make his next move.
"Well I'm done with you for now then. At least, done with the one on one. I'll get back to you when you're more properly... prepared."
<}----{^}----{>
"So you're the monkey monk. I've heard you had a brief little stint in our glorious little Devil Army, then quit. Didn't think you were going to get that promotion?" Shailtor asks.
"I already heard about you," Graigus said. "You're nothing but a lot of mind tricks, but they won't work on me."
"Oh please," Shailtor says with a laugh. "I've heard that so often now the words have lost all meaning."
"You'll believe again soon," Graigus said. "As soon as you stop hiding and face us like a man."
"Oh, facing you like a man wouldn't be any challenge at all. Men die, wither, cower, and fall. I'd prefer to face you like the immortal demigod that I am," Shailtor says, happily. "What makes you think you can stop me?"
"Because you can't stop us," Graigus said simply. "You don't want people like us around, because we remind the world that there is still hope. But if you could have gotten rid of us before, you would have."
"My, my, my..." Shailtor says, clucking what you hope is his tongue. "Someone wasn't paying attention to my little speech."
"You have every reason to lie," the dwarf said.
"And you have every reason to blind yourself to the truth," Shailtor counters. "Disciple of a dead master."
"He died protecting others, and fighting your cult," Graigus said, his tone hardening. "I am proud to have learned from him, and I'll let you see what he taught me first-hand."
"Oh?" Shailtor says, tilting his head. "Are you so sure of which master I'm referring to?"
"What do you mean?"
"Oh I think you know," Shailtor says, chuckling. "Wrath may have lost, but he did manage to get a good idea of the location and layout of your temple while he was there."
"You couldn't," Graigus said. "You wouldn't even be able to make it up the mountain."
"Yes, there's no way I'd be able to send flying or teleporting things up into the mountains," Shailtor says, nodding. "Or tunneling things. Nope. No way at all."
"They're stronger than you think," Graigus said. "You won't just slaughter them."
"Perhaps not, it won't be like with Van and his village, but do you think they can manage to survive? They might take a nice chunk of my forces out, but I think in the end they'll be quite dead," Shailtor says with a nod. "Oh, I've got an idea, why don't we simply check in and see?"
Stone carved from cold, mountainous rock crumbled and fell, supernatural heat and inhuman strength proving too much for even the sturdy Temple of the Stone Leaf. Snow melted and puddled on the steps, mingling with the blood of slain monks.
The monstrous bodies of the invaders lay in piles, broken and battered by bare hands and simple weapons. And though five or six of the creatures fell, they could afford it, while each dead monk was a heavy blow to the order. Men and women of all races and diversities of talents banded together, though with each loss it became more apparent that they could not hold out forever against the horde.
And moving along the front lines, a lithe, panther-like shape cut into foe after foe, ignoring the scores of cuts, scrapes, and holes in his flesh. His eyes flashed with determination and anger, even as the cult forces literally piled on top of him. As he disappeared from view, and his eyes dimmed, he fingered the ring left by his most prized pupil...
"Well, they don't seem to be doing too well at all, now are they?" Shailtor says, shaking his head. "I like choices. Do you like choices Graigus?"
"What do you want?" Graigus asked.
"I want you to make a choice," Shailtor says. "I can open a portal for you, to your temple, where you can try and do what you couldn't for Rao, try to fight with and save your brethren and master. Or you can stay here and consign your order to certain death and defeat. Whichever you choose, you'll suffer for having the choice made later, so it's all good for me."
"Then I'll stay here, to make sure that all those you already killed didn't die in vain," Graigus said, his decision calm and swift. "You want us all to leave, one by one, until there are enough for you to win or run away. I won't be one of the ones that lets you do what you want."
"As you wish, to make the same error twice," Shailtor says, the vision vanishing. "I don't know what you expect to accomplish. You've always been rather useless... a kid tagging along with adults. Why do you expect that to change?"
"You'll see," Graigus said, falling silent afterwards.
"Did you ever consider maybe I've already seen? And that it was a different vision than the one you carry in your head and hopes?" Shailtor asks. "You will never become more than a mere monkey."
But Graigus does not respond, instead waiting for the coming fight.

Posted by: YsFanatic Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:48 am
In memory of Legacy... SPACER OF YS!

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:51 am
"You're about the last people I ever expected to run into again," Shailtor comments. "Perhaps this is fate." "Then fate would be against you," Pantherath snarled. "Waste time elsewhere, fiend. You already know that you cannot cause my determination to waver."
"I also know that I can just cut off your arms instead," Shailtor remarks. "Of course you'll grow them back, but by that time, you'll be dead."
"Even if I could not defeat you without them, I still have no fear of you," the woren said, his tone harsh. "But we will see how well you do without your eyes, or your head for that matter."
"You'd be surprised," Shailtor says with a leer. "Managed to kill Deathevo yet?"
"You were on the way," the massive black-and-white striped cat retorted. "Enough! Begone, foul servant of the cowering, cowardly darkness!"
"Cowering cowardly..." Shailtor mutters before breaking out into laughter. "Oh.. Oh thank you for that, Pantherath, you always did know just how to cheer me up!"
Shailtor tilts his head.
"But maybe I have a surprise for you..."
"You may have something planned, but I am sure I will find no surprise in it," the Templar snarled.
"Don't be so sure," Shailtor says as his form ripples and twists.A grotesque form erupts from the shell of Shailtor, many times his size and covered in dark scales. Massive horns curl outward from a piglike head while his chest appears to be a maw lined with skulls and fangs. Two additional eyes glare from his shoulders, a fat, maggot like tail whips around behind him, and a series of lamprey like tubes with fanged maws at their end sprount from his lower torso.
"Since you insist on sharing his form, you will share his fate!" Pantherath snarled, swinging his Purity Blade wildly at the image. Pantherath's blade bounces off the unholy scales of the monster as it booms with dark laughter.
"So you are the one that has sought my end for so long..." Deathevn booms. "Yet you fail to realize one thing."
"SHAILTOR!" the Templar howled, striking again and again.
"You call out another's name when we fight? How rude," Deathevn grumbles. "You don't seek my death at all, do you?"
Each strike of the Woren's blade deflects off the monster's body as he rears back and sends the templar flying with a single sweep of his massive wing.Pantherath let his body roll, then stopped himself with a hand, tumbling to his feet.
"You cannot be here," Pantherath snarled, "which makes you only another trick of the accursed six-eyed fiend! And if you are... then you are under his control, and it is he that I want dead even more!"
"I think it is you who you want dead most of all," the monster remarks as it launches a blast of unholy power at the templar. "You seek your death in unwinnable combats... because you know you should've died with your world."
"It is you who should have died, many times over!" the woren said, charging forward.
"Probably," Deatheven chuckles as it brings up a wall of screaming souls to halt the woren's advance. "But what about you? You're a despicable thing, always fighting and never winning. You serve only one purpose, and that is to amuse such as we, who look on your futile struggles and laugh that you never quite get it."
"Die!" Pantherath demanded, struggling past the wall.
Pantherath charges the monster again to no effect, the thing continuing to talk even as they grappled.
"I wonder... Is the reason you charge into battle so often because if you're mad you don't have to think too much about these sorts of things?"
"It is because you talk too much!" he replied.
"Then no more talk, let us fight," Deathevn rumbles.
The battle is joined, templar and demon fight against each other with all of their strength... but mortal strength is not enough against one such as Deathevn. After only a minute of combat, Pantherath teeters on the brink of defeat. Drained of magic, bereft of strength, and bleeding from wounds across his entire body, he manages to stand one last time. He lifts his sword...
...and is crushed as the abomination's massive tail cracks his back from behind. His spine breaks, and he strikes the ground paralyzed from the neck down, laughter ringing around him. The woren snarls, his body unmoving and helpless... until rage overtakes him. He speaks words of power, calling upon divine fire to smite the monstrosity before him... but his spells fizzle and fail, the energy sustaining such power long since used.
"Even if I can only spit, I will kill you!" Pantherath declared, attempting to crawl forward on his chin. His body weight is far too much for Pantherath to handle and his valiant effort fails. Even so, he continues to do whatever he is able to do, his only focus on rending the Shailtor/Deathevan creature limb from limb. His efforts futile, the monster continues to laugh as a whispered voice intrudes into his thoughts.
"So just how badly do you want this monster to die? This... Deathevn?"
"Remove yourself from my head, fiend!"
Shailtor appears beside the helpless Pantherath.
"I'm only here to help... I can give you the power to slay that monster. You obviously can't do it by yourself."
"I will die before I accept your so-called 'help,' you lying monster!" Pantherath spat.
"Yes... you'll die. Like your home did. And that monster will live on. All that you've worked for your entire life will be for nothing," Shailtor hisses. "And you don't even care, do you? Such a hero."
"I have seen your schemes for what they are, and it will not work!" the Templar raged. "Your 'power' will make me your slave, and I will never give the monster what he deserves! Do you think I am one of these people, whose home has become the battlefield? I have no home! My family died soon after we escaped what was left of my birthplace! You have nothing to give but your unholy life, and that I will take from you with my bare hands!"
"Then I will feed you to the monster myself!" Shailtor whispers as Pantherath begins to slowly slide towards the maw of the creature that destroyed his world. "Perhaps I will simply wrench your form from its belly and ask again after you've realized what a fool you are."
"Then so be it!" Pantherath said defiantly, awaiting his opportunity to chew the creature to death from the inside. The catfolk slid slowly towards his archnemesis, defiant to the last.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:29 am
"Hello fat one. Been sneaking food from the donation pantry again?" Shailtor asks. "I thought about your torture, and then it occured to me that seeing your brother driven insane and your friends slain by my hand would be enough. No need for anything else, really."
Hal simply shakes his head at the Strife Lord. "You don't intimidate me. I have faith in my companions. They haven't failed even once, when it really counted. You brought them into this war, and I'll see to it that they finish this fight and the battles to come."
"But can you see to it that they emerge whole, healer? Your pitiful attempts to heal the druid were laughable and now he's gone. Your brother's held quite a wound for some time that you've been unable to close. And what of the others? Hahahaha... Even if you beat me... You'll see the scars I leave will mark you and yours forever. You can only lose against me... just to varying degrees," Shailtor states, firmly.
Hal retains his resolve as he responds. "Maybe I cannot heal every wound. However, I can and will heal the wounds I am able to, and I can only lose by giving up."
"You'll lose more than you know by facing me..." Shailtor hisses. "You shall see for yourself."

Posted by: Rusty Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:56 am
"So how goes your singing career?" Shailtor asks, his eyes glinting within the mists. "And your lady loves?" : "For now, the only songs I sing are ones of your demise and my allies' victories. Ending this war is a priority, after all..." "Hmph," Shailtor shakes his head. "You're a bit like the rogue... You already caused your own hell and then came out of it. What's left for me to play with? So inconsiderate of you."
*Faralon smirks.*
: "I guess the worst of us learned first and came out on top."
*His face then grows serious once more.*
: "But of course, you're still up to your old tricks. Enjoy it while you can, Shailtor. If Cedric doesn't get to smash your head in again, I just might do it myself."
"Oh come now, with your upper body strength?" Shailtor laughs. "And it can't be the other kind of smashed. Mortal alcohols don't have much of an effect on me."
: "I don't need to be that strong to give you a bruise, Shailtor. Behind all that magic, you're a frail fiend."
*Faralon ignores the alcohol reference, but of course completely understands why Shailtor mentioned it.*
"I was... I'll give you that..." Shailtor says, his eyes glimmering. "But you're not the only one that's changed."
*Faralon squints his eyes at the Strife Lord.*
: "That may be true, but you've underestimated us before."
*The elf smirks once more.*
: "I don't trust you that much, but I do trust you to make the same mistake twice...heheh."
"Expect to be disappointed, elf... Now... What hell shall I put you through?"
: "You're already putting me through it with all these delays! I want to wring your neck and shut you up, already. How much longer do you intend to keep this up? Are you just going until someone breaks? If so, don't even waste your time with me. You already said I'm no fun."
"Perhaps, but I'm a stubborn one. Perhaps I'll simply force you to watch what I have in store for your lover, hm?" Shailtor asks.
*Faralon winces for a second before squinting his eyes again.*
: "This will be over sooner than you think, Shailtor, and the outcome will NOT be in your favor. I promise you that..."
"Perhaps the same could be said of all lives," Shailtor muses. "Anyway, the irony amuses me. The selfish one now tortured by his newfound empathy. Yes... I'll force you to torture your beloved. That will be delicious..."
: "We didn't come this far to be beaten by your petty antics. Kethra will know better, even if the images will hurt her. She knows the truth, and so do I."
"Images? Who said it would be images? You remember our dear allies the Shadow Demons, don't you?" Shailtor asks, chuckling.
: "So that's how it is, hm? Too bad you didn't take into account that I can get around that, Shailtor. You'll just send a Shadow Demon to its death if you send one my way."
"Close, but no cigar..." Shailtor chuckles. "I said that to remind you of the general idea... No, I'll have a hand in this personally..."
: "You really seem to want me working for you, Shailtor. Are you afraid of me? You sound desperate. Hiding in the fog and threatening to possess me...You say you're stronger now, but you seem even weaker than before. At least you showed yourself back then."
*Faralon has his lute ready in his hand while keeping a close watch on Shailtor's glimmering eyes.*
"It's the principle of the thing, my boy. I claimed you and your friends. I have to have you now. I'm a fiend of my word..." Shailtor says as his eyes advance on Faralon.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Sep 30, 2008 7:44 am
Within the mists surrounding him, six burning eyes suddenly appear, staring at Merkass. : "Hello again, cat. I see you're not dead yet. What a shame. Well, I've been planning this warm up for quite some time... might as well not let it go to waste," Shailtor whispers as Merkass feels a horrible pain overtake him. Liquid fire pours through his being and when he looks down, he sees not his normal hands, but decaying claws. His flesh rots, his bones show, his clothes are ragged and smell of grave earth.
: "One who hunts monsters must be careful that they do not become monsters... Oops!" Shailtor laughs madly as his eyes vanish and the cold realization that he no longer needs to breath hits Merkass, along with a craving for living flesh.
The mists swirls, receding a little to reveal Damas, who stumbles out of the smoky barrier into the small clearing around Merkass...
-------
The mists swirl around Dagron, but nothing comes for him. Nothing... and no one. A sudden sense of isolation strikes the young dragon.

Posted by: Rusty Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:59 am
"Aren't you a bit young to be a mass murderer?" Shailtor asks, tilting his head at the floating mass of tentacles before him. : "Shut up! You're the mass murderer, Shailtor. You're largely at fault for all the atrocities that have happened. I know I'm doing the right thing by fighting you and the fiends you send against us, because this turmoil won't end until you and that other Strife Lord are out of the picture!"
"How can you claim to know anything?" Shailtor asks. "You're so young... What can you claim to have seen? Truly seen? Aside from this war? Nothing."
: "You're wrong. I've seen so much - maybe too much. Maybe some of the others have only focused on the war, but I've learned a lot from my travels with these people. I've learned more about myself, and I've learned more about others. Why do you want to change things, Shailtor? Did people look at you funny, too? How did you get to be who you are? I have seen a lot, especially for my age, but I don't understand what could bring someone to do the things you do!"
"Then think on this... I've existed for countless years. Past centuries. I've seen far more than you ever will. And I act the way I do. Don't get it? Here, let me give you a taste of the reality lurking at the edges of your childish perception..." Shailtor hisses.
Ombligo feels at first a whisper on his mind, then an overwhelming presence as a flood of images, memories, and scenes drives into his young mind. War, misery, famine, suffering in a thousand thousand forms on just as many worlds to hordes of people. Varied and terrible, the mental assault washes over Ombligo.
For some reason, Ombligo felt nothing in this instant. It wasn't that he didn't care - it was that he couldn't feel himself caring. Perhaps it was because they were just images - he wasn't there, in person, witnessing them. But that doesn't mean they weren't true, either. Still, it felt foreign to see it this way, and so Ombligo felt nothing. In some ways, this troubled him.
"THIS... is reality..." Shailtor whispers, the scenes before Ombligo flipping from a bloody battleground to an execution chamber in use, to tortures, to brutal assaults, to children dying of starvation... The most vile acts that mortalkind can perpetuate on other mortals are shown before Ombligo...and he cannot turn away.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Oct 02, 2008 5:09 am
As the terrible visions beset each hero, assaulting their minds with the worst pain possible for them, Shailtor laughs and laughs. : "Suffer... Suffer! Feed me and mine! Resist! Give in! It is all the same! You can't imagine how long I've waited for this, to attain this level of power, to hold all of you in my grasp... Ah... Mighty heroes, so good, so pure... I will twist you until you cannot be twisted any further... I..." Shailtor says, then suddenly stops. "Wait... What? No, that can't..."
A shining light pierces through the mist, burning through it and banishing it as sure as the morning sun after a cold night.
One by one, the heroes emerge from their nightmares and from the mists, their eyes drawn inexorably to the source of the light... A brilliant orb held up in the hands of a small halfling at the gate, guarded by two centaurs, a hulking mass of metal that somehow moves on two stubby legs, a man in robes, a green haired elf cleric, a noble looking dragonman, and a brown haired foxling.
Music: To The Rescue! http://www.voxpvoxd.com/rustysfc/ToTheRescue.mp3
: "You've got to be kidding me..." Shailtor groans.
: "Im... Impossible!" Anri says in shock. "My guard! You survived?!"

Posted by: Alpha Thu Oct 02, 2008 1:01 pm
"Qu-Queen Anri! Septimus both exclaims and stutters at the sight of Guardiana's queen, not even noticing the presence of the Strife Lord. "Thank the Light you're safe!" One might call what the young wizard says ironic.

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Oct 02, 2008 1:27 pm
*Ivellas gives a nod to Septimus. After their long journey across the continent, they had finally returned to their charge. Ivellas feels a surge of adrenaline at seeing the once more, and then the many-eyed monstrosity he had seen before. That painful night Guardiana was left to burn at the hands of the Strife Lords. Then their return, when Ivellas was forced to face the undead effigy of his father. Ivellas felt no pity for this demonic cretin. He takes a few telling steps forward, levelling his lance in challenge to the Lord of Strife.*
: "This is no joke, demon! The royal guard has traveled long and fought against your minions at every step. Now we have returned, and by the Light we will end this. I can only hope we have been as much of a thorn in your side as your reaction indicates."
*Kyuu runs up behind Ivellas, eager to get a say in as well.*
: "Yeah! And you're ugly, too!" *The kitsune quips, nodding happily.*
: "My Queen, I pray you are alright. Is this the other band of heroes we've heard about?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:59 pm
"General Mae is in their midst, as well as... a legend," Garudaos said, scanning the crowd until his gaze fell upon Max. His chest puffing slightly, a few powerful flaps of his wings is all it takes for the dragonman to go airborne. "Before you are assembled the greatest fighters in all of Rune, Strife Lord. Were it not for your evil, I would suggest you quit this world... but such a sinister presence cannot be allowed free!" he intoned, the anger in his blue eyes smouldering like the red flames building in his throat. "By your leave, sir, let us join the battle!"

Posted by: Aldur Thu Oct 02, 2008 5:26 pm
Kria giggled to herself, waving at the others, punching a hand into the air, speaking if she was able. "Score!" ** "Man, that light sure put mine to shame, but thank the Light for your timely arrival. Guess it's time to finish this?" Asked Michael from his airborne position, pointing his hands at the Strife Lord.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Oct 02, 2008 9:33 pm
: "Yes... These are the heroes who've led the fight against darkness," the queen affirms, nodding to Ivellas. Cedric emerges from the mists, his eyes haunted, focused on Shailtor with a glare that spoke of soul consuming hatred. Shailtor slowly scans the group around him, then laughs madly.
: "Oh... But I see everyone's turned out for this. Well almost everyone. Let me contribute a little too..." Shailtor says as two bright flashes of light herald the teleportation of a familiar kyantol and a humanoid mass of insects and bugs.
: "Orin!!!" Gilliam shouts.
"The Shining Force..." the Swarm murmurs. "Now... It is time for yet another test to see if you're worthy of the title."
Shailtor starts laughing once more, then stops as he addresses the Cypressians.
: "This seems somewhat familiar doesn't it? But now it's a bit of a reversal... Instead of you storming my castle to bring an end to me, I assault your chapel to bring a new beginning to you... I say again, in death or life you SHALL serve me!" Shailtor roars.
: "And we say you will not have our service but our swords in your gut, monster!" Max roars. "Never again... Never again will I be enslaved!"
: "You're going to get the payback you've deserved since Guardiana, you six eyed simpleton!" Tao declares, fire forming around one fist. "I'm going to broil you like a Waral Giant Conch!"
A thin carpet of mist rolls over the ground, but does not rise higher than one's foot. Shailtor's eyes flare red in unison.
: "Centuries of searching and we've finally found it... Finally unearthed its secrets, the secrets of our genesis, the secrets bound into that humble piece of metal... We're managed to dodge the best the multiverse has to offer in the way of champions for hundreds of years! Do you think you'll fare better than the hundreds of worlds that came before you?! Come now... embrace your end!"
Dark energy pulls to Shailtor as the heroes raise their weapons...
Ascent of the Spider: http://knight.alphaalec.com/SFCW/SFCW4/eru_yousei.mp3
Map:
((A reminder that while you're all at full HP from healing, any spells or abilities you've used up for the day are used up. It's been about 20 minutes since the mists arrived, so most of your buffs are probable gone too.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:11 pm
((Garudaos moves to J20 and uses his breath attack; from where he is, he should be able to breath strike all the enemies, while avoiding allies. He is currently hovering 15 feet in the air. More actions/ beautification of posts later.))

Posted by: Aldur Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:41 pm
((Man. Surprise. Lolz.)) "Hello everyone. Aurik? Don't talk to my wife again. Isyndel? You as well. I'm rather protective these days. Why, your influence has her sneaking around places she shouldn't...giving away information I'd rather you all knew nothing about. And she thinks I have no idea! Delicious! The most hilarious thing is that she thinks she's finally doing something by herself! Anyway, It seems I shall have to teach you all a lesson!"
As he speaks, his familiar glamor fades away, the Kyantol turning into a demon like figure, with eight eyes and what appeared to be web like armour. He soars into the sky, seemingly unperturbed by the Dragon man's breath. He laughs, somewhat hysterically as usual.
"And so I see yet more familiar faces...Queen Anri, you always were indecisive, but really! You should stick to a side once you pick it! Ah, Damas! How are you doing? I honestly thought you'd be dead! Kethra! Ineffective as ever are we? This is the end! One way or the other you'll become my allies once again! Hahaha! Oh sure. Cmon, shoot me! I'll be back in a day or two! Ahaha! Ahahahahahaha! I remember looking after you all, caring about how you all felt! Cypress Force! Join me! Once more...I shall look after you. I promise. I'm a simply FABULOUS HOST!"
Amelios continued to laugh, his batlike wings flapping ominously as his massive jaws wobbled, the cleric turned Lich demon appeared more demented than ever as he pointed at his former companions!
"I just don't know who to kill first! How about you...AURIK! How dare you talk to my plaything, and put her in your cage! You shall know your place!"
((Implosion on Aurik. Save DC: 28 Fort. Pass or die. This effect is instantaneous.
Note Amelios is now fifty feet in the air.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:05 am
((Kethra hasn't been raised yet Aldur.))

Posted by: Aldur Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:59 am
((Kinda his point there. lulz))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Oct 03, 2008 2:04 am
((Uh...huh. Well as soon as I figure out what I want my characters to do, I'll post.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Oct 03, 2008 2:16 pm
((Aurik passes fort save, doesn't die. Still have leveling to do. This will get filled with actions, but it could be a bit))

Posted by: Aldur Fri Oct 03, 2008 2:23 pm
((OMG I DON'T BELIEVE YOU NUMBERS PLZ))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Oct 03, 2008 3:13 pm
9/7/08 ((Isyndel moves inward to about 40 feet away and activates the Anti-Teleport Stone.)) I mean I realize it was like a month ago, but it was posted...does this effect last less than 20 minutes? I think that's like the second time I've activated the item besides when we used it for plot and someone teleported within its range anyway.

Posted by: Rusty Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:50 pm
: "It has been a long time, Shailtor. We've been fighting this war for a long time now, but the end of the road is in sight, and it won't be long until your wickedness ends." ((Cast Find the Gap on self.)) --- *Faralon notes the Orb of Truth with a smile.*
: "Don't you see, Shailtor? People from everywhere - every walk of life, people from every place, even beyond this world, are determined to stop you. That is why you can't win. You won't win! And I see you're twisting Amelios yet again...If for that alone, you will die!"
((Bardic Music + Special. +10 morale bonus to attack, damage, and saves vs. charm and fear for all allies. Lasts 3 full rounds before I'll have to use the special again. Enjoy.))
---
: "You're as cruel as you are conniving, Strife Lord! But here, you will be punished!"
((Assay Spell Resistance on Shailtor. Also casting Arcane Spellsurge, which is a Personal spell.))
---
"May the Light shine upon us and bless us this day."
((Move to K21 and use Recitation. That should hit all of Alex's force and Ivellas's force as well. +2 luck bonus to AC, attack rolls, and saving throws to all non-Light believing allies. Those that DO believe in the Light gain +3 instead.))
---
: "Pierce them with your magic! Let's let Shailtor experience his greatest fears and make them a reality!"
((Free Action: Holy Fury
Free Action: Activate Tabard of Nimbral Herald [fly for 5 minutes]
Free Action: Divine Might.
Swift Action: Minor Aura activated: Determined Caster. Every ally within 60' of Alex, at any time, gains a +8 circumstance bonus to overcome enemy SR.
Heroic Surge to The Swarm. If he's already dead somehow, Heroic Surge to Shailtor and apply the attacks against him instead.
Full Attack Action: Smite. Divine Might. PA8.
Attack #1: 64 total.
Damage: 23 [Sword] + 13 [Smite] + 8 [Divine Might] + 5 [STR] + 10 [Music] + 1 [Magic] + 8 [Power Attack] + 2 [Aura] = 70.
Attack #2: 51 total.
Damage #2: 32 [Sword] + 8 [Divine Might] + 5 [STR] + 10 [Music] + 1 [Magic] + 8 [Power Attack] + 2 [Aura] = 66.
Attack #3: 50 total.
Damage #3: 29 [Sword] + 8 [Divine Might] + 5 [STR] + 10 [Music] + 1 [Magic] + 8 [Power Attack] + 2 [Aura] = 63.
Attack #4: 32 total. Miss.
Attack #5: 49 total.
Damage #4: 19 [Sword] + 8 [Divine Might] + 5 [STR] + 10 [Music] + 1 [Magic] + 8 [Power Attack] + 2 [Aura] = 53.
All damage is good and adamantine, and also ignores up to five points of DR should he have any.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:11 pm

QUOTE (DragonmasterDon1 @ Fri Oct 03, 2008 3:13 pm)
9/7/08 ((Isyndel moves inward to about 40 feet away and activates the Anti-Teleport Stone.)) I mean I realize it was like a month ago, but it was posted...does this effect last less than 20 minutes? I think that's like the second time I've activated the item besides when we used it for plot and someone teleported within its range anyway.

((The Anti Teleport Stone is like a roach motel, Don. Things can teleport in... They can't teleport out.))

Posted by: Alpha Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:00 pm
: “Foul beast!” Talacre yells, rushing forward to the Swarm. In his mind, this affront to life and nature “Your cursed existence on this earth ends today!” Each of the blade dancer’s strikes connect with the walking vermin, though the green haired elf suspects not all of them truly connected. He then backs away, jumping into the air and staying there, his blade dancer abilities coming into effect.
[Dervish Dance, full attack swarm, finish up at N22, 30’ in the air
To hits: 58/54/47/45/55
Damage: 43/38/42/44/36
Ignore 5 points of DR]
As soon as Talacre shoots off to attack the Swarm, Laeral begins chanting a spell to aid his brother’s effort.
: “This…is going to hurt,” he assures with a smirk. He then mutters another word, and his headband flashes. The movements of those around him suddenly quicken.
[Cast Bolt 4 on the Swarm. SR check: 39. Damage: 84, no save
Quicken cast Haste on Alex’s and Jolly Jim’s troops]
Muttering under his breath at the continued reappearances of Amelios, Tanis extends his finger towards Amelios. A sound lance roars out, slamming into the fallen cleric. Quick to follow is a green ray that shoots up towards the fallen cleric, hoping dealing a huge amount of damage to his cursed form.
: “You will torture us no longer,” he says quietly, but full of conviction.
[Cast a quickened, empowered, maximised Sound Lance at Amelios. SR check: 37. Must pass.
Damage: (10 x 8) x 1.5 + 13 = 133 damage. Fort save DC23 for half damage.
Cast a maximised disintegrate, burning two level 8 spells with Versatile Spellcaster to cast a level 9 spell. SR check: 38
Damage: (19 x 6) + 9 = 123 damage. Fort save DC28. If pass, 39 damage.]
[Talacre: HP: 237/237, AC:48
Laeralas: HP: 194/194, AC: 34
Tanis: HP: 121/121, AC: 24
((Sep's action to come...))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Oct 04, 2008 1:42 am
"It is good to see you safe my lady." The voice comes from a very familiar looking female elf. Locks of dark green hair fall past beyond her shoulders. Her eyes are an orange-yellow color, similar to amber, and her skin is fair but not too pale. Clad in ornate and flowing white, red, and gold robes, the silver holy symbol around her neck marks her as a priestess of Volcanon.
"Fear not my friends, for the great God of fire favors us this day."
Myala calls upon the power that her God has granted her to shield her friends from harm. Her gaze then shifts to Shailtor, and the lovely elf's eyes narrow.
"As for you fiend, your time has come to an end. You and those that serve you shall be cleansed in the flames of Volcanon's judgment!"
((Myala casts Mass Death Ward. Ivellas' group is immune to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and negative energy effects.
Hit Points: 136/136
Armor Class: 27
Damage Resistance: 5/-
I will post the rest of my characters' actions later.))

Posted by: Aldur Sat Oct 04, 2008 1:28 pm
Amelios grunts as the spells, slam into him. Laughing hysterically the whole time. "Pain...I love it. It brings out the best in people. It truly does. But you'll need to do better. Come on Kitty kat, are you as useless as my master says?"

Posted by: Alpha Sat Oct 04, 2008 2:59 pm
: "Not anymore," Tanis retorts. "And I have more uses than you'll ever have!" ((Which ones did he pass, Aldur? Actually saying is useful, you know))

Posted by: Aldur Sat Oct 04, 2008 3:00 pm
((You'll know when he's dead trust me. Besides, it doesn't matter at all considering the sheer volume of you lot to him. But both actually if you have to know. ))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:08 pm
((Going to keep editing this. Bear with me)) *Ivellas stamps a hoof in challenge a few times, then slams his lance off of his shield.* : "Show them no mercy! Shailtor knows none, and that mass of insects stole your queen! The royal guard of Guardiana knows no pity for the wicked or the vile! Attaaaack!"
*Ivellas' declaration of battle enflames Kyuu's already overactive emotions. The foxling's control over thee elemental energies of fire cause his very fur to begin to waver, turning scalding red. The fox mage raises his right hand, the protective bracer jangling with the movement, a tolling bell of evil's impending end. A burning globe of flame conjures into Kyuu's hand, lighting his face even more.*
: "Ivellas is right! That nasty ugly bug guy took Queen Anri and forced us to go to a bunch of other places! Things are about to heat up here, and it might get uncomfortable... not that I care. FLAME ON!"
*Kyuu's fur bursts into flames as he takes on the form of a foxling-shaped fire elemental. He tosses the orb, and time itself seems to slow around him, though everyone else sees him move impossibly fast. A fiery serpent, far hotter than any blaze spell cast to this day springs out of the ground, surrounding the swarm and incinerating many of the insects forming the Swarm's body. In the blink of an eye, the pyromancer conjures up yet another blaze, catching the elder ancient off guard with the second stream of flames. Kyuu giggles to himself, grinning madly, enjoying the sight of his fire and the potential he had reached.
Mom would be so proud, he hoped.*
((As a note, Kyuu has Energy Immunity (Cold) up. It lasts 24 hours.
Kyuu 5' steps behind Prestle.
Kyuu casts an Empowered, Fiery, Searing Blaze 4 (Level 9).
SR: 1d20 + 18 + 2 (Spell Pen) + 3 (Fire Pen) + 8 (Aura) = 18 + 31 = 49.
Damage: (8d10 + 24 + 8 (Fiery))*1.5 (Empowered) = ((10 7 2 4 7 3 6 3)+ 32)*1.5 = 74*1.5 = 111.
No save.
This spell bypasses all fire resistance. If the Swarm is immune, it takes half damage (55).
Swift Action: Kyuu casts Greater Celerity (Level 8). Kyuu gains a full round action but is dazed next round.
Kyuu is immune to being dazed.
Kyuu casts an Fiery, Searing Blaze 4 (Level 7).
Residual Magic kicks in: Empower is also applied.
SR: 1d20 + 31 = 18 + 31 = 49.
Damage: (8d10 + 32)*1.5 = ((3 2 5 2 1 10 7 10)+ 32)*1.5 = 72*1.5 = 108.
No save.
This spell bypasses all Fire Resistance. If the Swarm is immune, it takes half damage (54).
))
*Ivellas waits no longer, but raises his shield at Kyuu's display. This day would be a new beginning, and he knew it. Ivellas begins to gallop, and upon nearing Shailtor, leaps high into the air, enough that he would be even over the Strife Lord's head were he directly over him. Ivellas lashes out with all his might, his weapon thundering as it pounds into the spidery shade's chitinous armor.*
: "I owe you much, Lord of Strife, but I owe your brother more! Your strongholds here dimish every day. Others may have stood against you and failed, but we are not them! You face your end now!"
*Ivellas lands next to an Elf wielding a sword the likes of which he hadn't seen before and a huge, hovering bat. Not wanting to alarm him and his companions, yet also realizing battle wasn't the time for chit-chat, Ivellas takes a moment to at least introduce himself to who would most likely be his new companions.*
: "Ivellas," *he says, gesturing toward himself with a head nod.* "I'd talk more, but it can wait until we finish these three."
((Ivellas CHARGES Shailtor.
Activate Leap Attack: Jump: 1d20 + 25 = 4 + 25 = 29. Ivellas clears 25' horizontal and 7' vertical.
Attack, PA 17.
1d20 + 36 + 10 (BM) + 3 (Recitation) + 2 (Charge) + 1 (HG) - 17 = 8 + 35 = 43.
Damage
(1d8 + 14 + 10 (BM) + 17*2 (PA+LA) + 2 (Alex))*4 + 2d6 = 3 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 24 + 5 + 5 = 265.
Ivellas uses Ride-by Attack to end in D13))
*Emboldened and empowered by the prospect of new allies, Mahler also takes to the fight, though not nearly as wordy as his fellows. With a bellow, Mahler takes bounding steps across the Abbey courtyard, Shailtor in his sights. Winding up, Mahler crashes his fist into Shailtor with as much power as he can muster, calling on the Light to aid him. A resounding crack, and Shailtor looks as though he might teeter and fall at Mahler's attack. Globes of light pour from Mahler's fist, seeking the strife lord out, fighting against his evil, fiendish nature.*
: "That looks like it hurt. I can only hope it did. It may have just lit you up."
((Mahler charges Shailtor, landing in H13. Smite. Divine Might as swift action.
1d20 + 26 + 4 (charge) + 3 (smite) = 9 + 33 = 42. Should this miss by 1, activate Servant of the Heavens for +1 to hit.
Damage
8d8+2d8+2d6+25: (2 8 1 5 5 1 6 7) (7 3) (4 3)+ 27 = 79. Holy.
Activate Overwhelming Smite. Mahler gets a free trip:
STR: 1d20 + 14 = 4 + 14 = 18.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:36 pm
"Join you and that snake you call a master? Pfeh, I would sooner die. You were right about one thing though traitor - this is the end." With an outstretched hand, Damas gestures towards the area behind Shailtor. A mere moment later, a blast of multicolored light floods the area.
((Damas casts Radiant Assault - http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj1/XxDarkMaidenXx/radiantassault.png.
Spell Resistance: 38 [Shailtor], 36 [The Swarm]
If Damas bypasses their spell resistance, Shailtor and The Swarm take 74 damage and are dazed for 1d6 rounds. If they pass their Will saves [DC 27], they take 37 damage and are dazzled for 1d6 rounds.
That is before any immunity, resistance, and so on. Also, this spell only affects creatures with sight. Just thought that should be said just in case.
Hit Points: 98/98
Armor Class: 19
Damage Reduction: Cold 10
Spell Slots: Level 0 - 6/6, Level 1 - 9/9, Level 2 - 8/9, Level 3 - 8/8, Level 4 - 8/8, Level 5 - 8/8, Level 6 - 8/8, Level 7 - 5/7, Level 8 - 0/7, Level 9 - 0/5))
"Finally the time has come for you to pay for the crimes you have committed and the lives you have ruined monster!"
Jessica takes a few moments to center herself, and points toward Shailtor. A bolt of frosty energy shoots forth from her finger tip towards the Strife Lord.
((Jessica uses her move action to become psionically focused, and her standard action to use an Empowered Energy Ray [Cold] on Shailtor.
Attack: 14 + 11 = 25
Damage: 17d6 + 17 * 1.5 = 138 Cold
Hit Points: 140/140
Armor Class: 22
Damage Reduction: Fire 10
Power Points: 308/438))
"You will not escape your fate this time Shailtor."
Merla closes her eyes and magic courses through the wizardess. With a chant already on her lips, she weaves arcane symbols in the air with her fingers. Large balls of fire rain down from the sky, and a fiery dragon erupts from the ground, coiling around Shailtor.
((Merla casts Blaze 4 on Shailtor.
Spell Resistance: 46
Damage: 8d10 + 24 = 88 Fire
Hit Points: 114/114
Armor Class: 24
Spell Resistance: 18))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Oct 05, 2008 1:13 am
Shuffling around to stand next to the burning form that is Kyuu, Septimus whispers a few words of battle ideas to his foxling friend. He then begins casting, and stretches out both his arms. One hand points towards the flying form of Amelios as the undead kyantol is hit with a powerful dispel, potentially stealing some of the lich’s enchantments. The wizard’s other hand points towards the Swarm, the foe that no so long ago was too strong for them. That was no longer the case now.
[Cast a targeted Reaving Dispel on Amelios.
SR check: 1d20(15) + 20 + 8 = 43
Dispel check: 1d20(19) + 20 = 39
Spellcraft check to identify each ongoing spell currently in effect on Amelios (DC can’t be higher than 34): 1d20(4) + 36 = 40
Any spell Septimus dispels, he can reave and take for himself
Cast a Quickened, Empowered Blaze 4 on the Swarm. Is possible thanks to Easy Metamagic
SR check: 1d20(8) + 20 + 8 = 36
Damage: (8d10 x 1.5) + 36 = 105 fire damage, no save]
[Septimus: HP: 90/90, AC: 19]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Oct 05, 2008 5:45 am
((Posting it anew, so it's noticed.)) "I know not what you once were," Garudaos said, the flames in his throat building and licking out as he spoke to the Swarm, "but now, you will become a charred remnant of this day's battle!" No sooner did the words leave his throat, than the dragonman's inner flame did as well, surging over the battlefield as a purging fire.
((Garudaos moves in a loop from his starting position to N13, then back to his starting position; in the process, he uses Flyby Attack to use his breath attack on the Swarm while at N13. 30 fire damage, Ref DC 22 for half damage. It also extends to Shailtor's space (and possibly Amelios' space as well, if he's 45' or less in the air), so he/they would have to make the save as well.
Breath Weapon usable again in 3 rounds.))
<}=={ Garudaos }=={>
(O) HP: 186/186
(O) AC: 26 (27 to the first attacker to target him)
<--->
"Like I said... so very, very much," Ashathel reiterated, sacrificing arcane energy for a boost to his physical attack.
((Move to G14 and attack Shailtor. Drop Mnemonic Enhancer to use Arcane Strike.
Force Blade: to hit +53 (17 bab, 10 weapon, 10 bardic, 5 dex, 3 greaves, +8 arcane strike), dmg 7d6+2d6+4d4+21 (7d6 wpn +2d6 holy +10 bardic +5 int +3 greaves +3 str+4d4 arcane strike)
Attack: to-hit 71, dmg 65))
<}=={ Ashathel }=={>
(O) HP: 181/181
(O) AC: 36 (35 +1 dodge)
(O) 20% Miss chance, 6 Mirror Images
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [0 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition [x2], Lesser Orb of Electricity [x2]
L2: Blur
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec]
L5: ---
L6: ---
<--->
Once more, the barbarian assumes the form of a lion, ready to shred Shailtor limb from limb.
((Gabe Stays and goes Primeval.))
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 234/234
(O) AC: 30
(O) DR 10/magic
(O) Rage 2/day [0 left]
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (0 left)
<--->
Graigus tore across the abbey grounds, his attacks aimed squarely at the Strife lord..
((Charge to G13, stagger auto-pass, flurry of blows and such.
Staff [main end]: to-hit +32/32/27/22 (14/14/9/4 bab, 10 bardic, 4 wis, 2 charge, 1 wpn, 1 wpn. focus), dmg 8d8+2d6+14 (8d8+1 wpn, +2d6 holy, +10 bardic, +3 str)
Flurry Attack: to-hit 48, dmg 59
Attack 1: to-hit 45, dmg 59
Attack 2: to-hit 35, dmg 52
Attack 3: to-hit 32, dmg 48))
<}-{ Graigus }-{>
HP: 174/174
AC: 34 (36 -2 charge +2 dodge)
Stunning Fist 10/day [2 remaining]
<--->
"Now, then... remind me again, what was it you had to say, Shailtor?" the Silver-Tongued Devil asked, smirking. "You were so fearless a moment ago, and now you show all the righteous indignation of a terrified little boy, determined not to expose the truth to the world."
"Come, then... stay where you are," he added, fingering a blade dangerously with a smile as equally lacking in the promise of safety. "Stay, and let me bleed the truth from you!"
((Double Move to H12.))
<}-{ Dam Dicem }-{>
HP: 142/142
AC: 33 (32 +1 dodge)
Sidestep 3/day [0 remaining]
<---->
"You have breathed your last, monster," the Woren said, accessing higher power as he called down tremendous destruction on the six-eyed author of so much destruction.
((Swift Action to cast Assay Spell Resistance for Shailtor, then cast Righteous Smite on said Shailtor-shaped object. Expending 4 turn attempts via Divine Metamagic to Maximize it.
Righteous Smite: SR check 38, dmg 144 & 4 rounds of blindness (Will dc 22 for 72 dmg & no blindness))
<}-{ Pantherath }-{>
HP: 169/169
AC: 25 (24 +1 dodge)
Smite Evil 2/day [0 remaining]
Turn Undead 20/day [14 remaining]
Turn Water/Bolster Fire 10/day [10 remaining]
-- Spells --
Spell DC's: 16 + spell level
L0: 6/6
L1: 6/8
L2: 3/7
L3: 3/7
L4: 3/7
L5: 6/7
L6: 4/6
L7: 1/6
L8: 0/5
L9: 0/3
= Templar =
L1: Divine Favor, Divine Sacrifice

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:24 am
Kayla moves swiftly towards Shailtor, unsheathing her knives and pointing one of them at the Strife Lord in a threatening manner. "Have you lost your nerve Shailtor? What is it about them that has you so worried?" the assassin asks, motioning towards the newcomers. "Or have you finally realized that you can't win? I may not be one to talk Strife Lord, but you have hurt far too many people for me to stand here and do nothing. Stay right where you are, and I'll show you what pain is."
Kayla stops and shifts her stance slightly, watching her foes like a hawk, ready to defend herself against any attack at a moment's notice.
((Kayla moves to H-10 and goes on Total Defense [+4 dodge bonus to AC until her next turn].
Hit Points: 136/136
Armor Class: 33
Damage Reduction: Cold 5, Electricity 5, Fire 5))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:24 pm
As Septimus’ spell washes over Amelios, the enchantments are stripped away from the fallen cleric. Amusingly, this also causes the kyantol’s bat wings to disappear, the cleric falls once more (>_> couldn’t resist), though this time to the ground. Simultaneously, angel wings erupt from the wizard’s back and he feels himself empowered and more resistant than before.
[Amelios loses Greater Visage of the Deity and Spell Resistance. Septimus gains both]
[Septimus: HP: 128/128, AC: 24
Acid, Cold, Electricity resistance 10, DR10/magic, SR32]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:01 pm
Isyndel straightened at the appearance of Amelios, tightening her grip on the Psychowand with both hands before her. "How dare you," the Wizardess hissed, the slits of her eyes narrowed in fury. She spoke no further and hid the small beacon of hope that had found its light inside her once more. Once again the situation had played out almost exactly as she had hoped, or at the very least she had reason to believe her work had no longer been in vain. Still, what would the cost be? she wondered. What would her friend awake to if it wasn't too late?
((Spellcraft: Amelios 47, Shailtor 61 (Nat20), The Swarm 43. If she detects anything removable, Isyndel activates the Psychowand to negate it. I don't recall if it affects more than one target at once, so priority to removing barriers goes Shailtor -> Amelios -> The Swarm.))
The nimble rat wastes no time as Kayla and Dam move forward. He quickly rolls just beyond Amelios before pushing himself to the sky with one furry hand, slashing wildly as he lands behind the plummeting man.
((
Attack: 4 + 14(BAB) + 7(Dex) +2(Flank) +10(Rusty) = 37
Damage: 6 + 5(Wpn) + 10(Rusty): 21
Sacred Strike: 20
Dodge to Amelios.))
Viki simply casts Breath of Ice with little to no thought.
((Centered between Shailtor and Amelios, both get 37 big damage but can Ref for half.))
Eve howled, lance levelled before her, and barreled through the sky like a crimson comet.
((
Elevation: 10 feet, charge to H15.
Attack: 10 + 16(BAB) +8(Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +4(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) + 10(Rusty) - 1Size = 52
Damage: 7 +8 (Str) +2(Wpn Specialization) + 4 (Weapon Enchantment) +10(Gr.P.Ch)= 31 x3 = 93
Chromatic: 2(Fire) 1(Frost) 5(Acid) 5(Electricity) 6(Poison)
Dodge to Shailtor.))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:33 pm
((FYI: Alex's d00dz and Jolly Jim's space men are all hasted. Don't forget))

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Oct 06, 2008 6:46 pm
((ACTIONS OF MANY, PATR TOO ! ! !)) *Dagron flies over Leonard's head, but then comes to an abrupt halt as he curiously regards the Swarm. What in the world was it? Why did it exist? How did it exist. It made no sense, and it filled him with awe, wonder, and absolute disgust all at the same time. It was so obviously, yet inexplicably evil, he had a hard time getting his mind around it. Made of tons of crawling insects, yet in the form of a man, Dagron wasn't about to stick his mouth on it.*
: "WHY IS EVIL SO UGLY, DISGUSTING, AND FOUL TASTING!?"
*The young wyrm takes a swing through the swarm's form, tearing off a chunk of his insectoid mass, more scattering when they flash a brilliant white.*
((DAGRON moves such that his top left corner is in K18.
1d20 + 47 = 12 + 47 = 59.
Damage: 1d8+2d6+26: (6) (2 4)+ 26 = 38 holy.))
*Rhizor had enough of Shailtor's games and the Strife Lords' false promises and delusions of ownership. There was one true master of everything. The Strife Lords could never own nature. Never control it. They could twist it, warp it, and defile it, but it would always fight back. Destroy this world, and another world would begin to flourish and develop. They had tempted him before. He had almost fallen for it. No, there would be no more bargaining. No longer would they rape the wilds. His own interests were different from theirs, no matter what anyone told him. He wanted to know.
It was time for business. Rhizor quickly begins leveling toward the ground, his enormous batlike shape bubbling and writhing. It grows, standing taller and taller, many bony, knoblike protrusions sticking out from a white, furred body. The frozen North would come to claim them in a sea of ice, and a swarm of tooth and nail. Rhizor lets out a deep, low, sorrowful moan that reverberates through all his allies. Some feel empowered by it, their hearts racing faster, and their muscles tightening, ready to act at a moment's notice.*
((Move Action from Fast Wild Shape: Wild Shape into a DIRE POLAR BEAR. He is HUGE (and actually still was HUGE).
Standard Action: Cast Aura of Vitality.
Rhizor, Gabriel, Ivellas, Eve, Graigus, and Zylo all get +4 MORALE to STR, DEX, and CON.
: "There is still good in your wife, Sulia, Amelios. There may even still be good in you. You made your choice, and for your atrocities you will face judgment from your god. You made Sulia's choice for her, and for her there is still hope. Now, it is time you face the light you so wantonly turned from! Volcanon brought light unto the world wrought from the flames of chaos. Go now into the light once more, and turn from this evil once more!"
*Aurik calls forth a brilliant light unto the head of his morningstar. It glows, becoming ever brighter, and then a lance of that light flies forth at the fallen cleric. It impacts, disrupting Amelios' very being to its core, causing him to convulse at the divine power. Aurik only hoped there was still good left in him after all.*
((Aurik burns a turn attempt to Spontaneously Cast Sunbeam.
Auron burns a turn attempt on Divine Spell Power. He casts at +1 CL.
SR: 1d20 + 31 = 10 + 31 = 41.
Touch To hit: 1d20 + 32 = 14 + 32 = 46.
Damage: 20d6: (2 2 5 3 2 6 5 6 4 3 2 2 2 1 1 3 4 1 1 3) = 58 untyped. No DR/Energy resistance applies.
DC 28 reflex for half.))
*Merkass sights Shailtor in from behind the bow of Mitula. In the blink of an eye, Merkass deftly leaps, tumbling through the air, and lands elsewhere.*
: "You may have tricks. You may be right that the hunter eventually becomes his prey. But this day, you will die. This task is handed down by the goddess herself, and against her weapon you have no power."
*Merkass openly declares his hunt to Shailtor, giving the worthwhile adversary his due notice. Merkass, however, does not mince words lightly. Before his mouth can close, he fires a trio of arrows from the holy bow, piercing Shailtor's black heart with its holy energy.*
((Merkass tumbles 10' as 5' (1d20+34 = 9 + 34 = 43, pas) to D19.
Manyshot 3.
1d20 + 50 - 6 = 19 + 44 = 63. THREAT.
1d20 + 44 = 8 + 44 = 52.
Damage
(1d8 + 32)*3 + 9d6 = 3d8+9d6+96: (4 5 1) (4 1 3 1 3 6 3 6 5)+ 96 = 138 holy.
1d8+8d6+32: (3) (6 4 4 1 6 3 4 2)+ 32 = 65
1d8+8d6+32: (4) (3 4 6 6 4 3 5 1)+ 32 = 68.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:09 am
Spells and powers flare into being over the heroes, protecting and strengthening them for the trial to come as Alex boldly charges into the fray, sword held high. The enchanted blade of the hero slices three times through the foul mass of insects that is the Swarm, though somehow the creature's form wavers and the last two strikes miss. Talacre's attacks meet much the same fate, most striking but some missing. With a strangled, discordant cry, the Swarm staggers back, falling to the ground shortly before a burst of white light envelops him and the damage inflicted by the swordsmen vanish.
((Contingency: Heal activated. Swarm heals 200 HP.))
The abomination's form is suddenly wreathed with lightning as Laeralas' spell hits home. Then fire is added to the assault as Kyuu joins his magic with Laeralas' to immolate the insectile invoker. The blaze around the screaming abomination almost blocks the shine of light from another activated spell as the damage from this latest assault fades as well.
((Contingency: Heal activated. Swarm heals 200 HP.))
Ivellas barely misses the Lord of the Twisted Web as he barrels past. Mahler takes a mighty swing at the archfiend, his blow landing with a sickening thud. However, to his horror, the form of Shailtor wavers and Mahler sees that he had struck none other than Dam Dicem!
((Mahler misses. Malevolent Misdirection used. Mahler's strike hits Dam for 79 damage.))
: "Oops! How clumsy of you!" Shailtor chides with laughter.
Damas's spell fizzles against the incredible aura of power emanating from Shailtor though it strikes the Swarm to some effect. Jessica's bolt of frozen power strikes true, causing the Lord of Strife to grumble with pain. The grumble becomes a roar as Merla adds the fiery serpent of a Blaze 4 spell to the mix. Another flash of light emits from the Swarm as once more he is pushed to the brink of destruction, this time by Septimus and Damas, and once more embedded magic saves him.
((Contingency Heal activated: Healed for 200 HP.))
Viki's ice spell shatters down on Shailtor, causing some damage much to the archfiend's surprise. The spidery devil turns to Viki with flashing eyes.
: "Unexpected... All right girl, let's see what your mind has to offer me..." Shailtor whispers as he reaches out with his powers. Moments later, he shakes his head, his tone confused. "Eh? What? It's not... But there it... It's all over the place! How the... What is this?! How can you work without a mind?!"
((Shailtor attempts to use Trauma on Viki. Viki is immune to this effect.))
Distracted by his failed assault, Shailtor is left open for Ashathel's burning blade. Said blade barely misses as Shailtor's form wavers and distorts, his
glowing blade driving deep into Mahler instead. Meanwhile Shailtor grunts in pain as Graigus cracks a staff over his head. However, when Graigus whirls his staff around for more strikes, he finds not only can he hit the agile archfiend, but two of his strikes land upon his ally Ashathel! Or they appeared to... but two of the elf's mirror images disappear into smoke instead.
((Miss chance: miss. Malevolent Misdirection used. Ashathel's attack redirected to Mahler. Mahler takes 65 damage. Graigus hits once, misses all others. 2 hits redirected to Ashathel. Strikes mirror images. 2 Mirror Images removed. Malevolent Misdirection exhausted for the round.))
: "Stop stabbing yourself! Ahahaha!" Shailtor mocks.
Pantherath's magic crackles and flares around Shailtor, but does not seem to affect the fiend, his laughter only heightening. Then Eve slams into Shailtor, impacting like a meteor and drawing black blood as her lance pierces the archfiend's armor.
: "Gragh! Stupid horse... I'll switch your mind with a donkey's for that!" Shailtor hisses.
A column of mists suddenly shoots up from the ground, falling away to reveal a ghostly form as the familar form of the Shade bursts forth. One lethal blade already stabbing deep into the vitals of Ashathel... But all in vain thanks to Myala.
((Boosted Corporate: Shade manifests this round as a move action instead of a standard action. Ash is hit for 59 damage, Death Attack has no effect due to Mass Death Ward.))
"I'm trained for these foes," Kyoji states as he jumps into melee with the ghost, his blades each parried by the Ancient assassin. "I'll try to keep him busy!"
((Kyoji misses.))
: "Focus your fire on one foe at a time! Watch out for spells and be mindful of your cover and distance to teammates! Don't look into Shailtor's eyes, but watch when they flash, that's when he uses his powers!" Jim shouts. "Try to flank them!"
((Jim uses Tactical Advice to give everyone +4 to hit.))
Roaring a wordless battlecry, Max charges the Swarm, bringing the Chaos Breaker down on the Ancient archmage. A groan that sounds like many buzzing bees meets him as the holy blade burns away scores of insects.
: "Ah... The Chaos Breaker. I remember when it was planned... So long ago... Long... long ago..." the Swarm whispers, almost sadly as he is wounded.
((Max charges the Swarm and hits, dealing 50 damage. Max's auras give everyone a +7 Ref save and +2 AC.))
Gilliam tromps forward, eyes fixed on the mass of insects before him that was once a dear friend.
: "Orin... No... The Swarm. You're through," Gilliam states.
: "Just because you've burned through so many of my protections already you're claiming victory already? Have you grown arrogant, old friend?" the Swarm whispers.
: "Have you? Look at the power arrayed against you, you know you cannot win," Gilliam states.
: "Perhaps that is why I am fighting. You of all people should understand."
: "..."
: "I am the last... When I am gone our unit will finally be at peace, even if the grave was the best peace we could ask for. The Shade here will finally be able to sleep forever after I am gone... and his bones in that castle are laid to rest. That castle that is now empty."
: "What?" Gilliam says, his guard lowering as he listens to his friend speak.
: "Not a single one of us is left there. The Castle is abandoned, its undead inhabitants turned out against the world. And that world ate them up to the last. Do I have to spell it out for you? Kill me. Kill me and the Drowned Eye will finally be over, a bad dream the world can wake from at last," the Swarm says, almost pleadingly.
: "Orin..." Gilliam whispers.
: "Gilliam this world is ours no longer, if ever it was. It is time for us to disappear. Yes... Your group here shall kill me. And I shall grant you the release you desire. What you've been seeking for centuries now. Your end at last," the Swarm states, firmly.
: "What?! Orin, you..." Gilliam begins to shout, realization dawning on him.
: "There are some attacks against which there is no defense, Gilliam."
Gilliam's panels flip open and reveal his chest laser, fully charged. The familiar blinding white beam fires, streaking across the battlefield to burn away the bug-composed left arm of the Swarm. The Swarm shrieks, but white light flares around it and the arm reforms seconds later.
: "Good... That's the last of them. And this is the last of you. Farewell, old friend. I'll see you soon. And then I'll see you in another hundred years," the Swarm whispers as fell energies begin to crackle around him. With an unholy word of power that seems to burn everyone's ears, the archmage gestures at Gilliam, and a red-orange stream of energy strikes him square in the chest. The cyborg topples to the ground, smoking.
((Gilliam uses his laser on the Swarm. Swarm takes 66 damage. Last Heal contingency used. The Swarm casts Bodily Disjunction. Gilliam dies.))
Shailtor roars in pain as three streaks of light blast through his armored form.
((Merkass hits since his bow negates miss chance.))
Cedric says nothing, but divine power and raw anger begin to ripple over him. His eyes seem to convey a warning glance to get out of his way to Shailtor.
((Cedric uses Divine Might and Power Surge.))
A pistol shot zooms past Shailtor's head, the archfiend turning to find its source.
: “Oh, the manufactured agent. Given any thought on what I told you last?” Shailtor asks, lightly.
“I AM NOT A WEAPON!” Sheila roars, emptying her pistols at the archfiend. Three shots land on the demon and crack open his foul armor.
((3 hits, 4 misses. 62 damage to Shailtor.))
"Lemme try this!" Daran shouts, his laser cannon lowering towards the Swarm. "Aim! Fire!"
Three lines of blue-white light blast from the steamsuit towards the enemy spellcaster, eradicating yet more bugs from his form.
((Hit, Hit, Hit. 53 damage to the Swarm.))
Dagron's claw passes right through the Swarm.
((Miss due to displacement.))
: "I'll boil you in acid for these affronts," Shailtor promises, his eyes searching through the crowd and settling on Talacre. "You are MINE now!!!"
Talacre feels an overpowering presence inside his mind, pressing his thoughts and concerns to the side as an overwhelming anger and hatred consume him. Insane rage fills his very core as he is overcome with a desire to hack and slash apart the people who had once been his companions.
((Shailtor uses Absolute Domination. No save. Talacre is driven mad with rage and must attack his allies for the next 3 rounds. His skill is not affected, but he is incoherent and deranged during this time.))
: "And you..." Shailtor hisses, turning to Ivellas. "You shall follow the path of your father!"
Ivellas instantly feels a stream of corruptive thoughts enter his mind, threatening to drown his moral core in a lake of bloody impulses and black deeds. However, the driven knight manages to push aside the mental assault and retain himself.
: "You return to the shadows!" Shailtor roars at Morgan, the necromancer stumbling back into a realm of nightmares as his mind is submerged into his past.
((Trauma used on Morgan. Fail. Morgan is trapped in his own nightmare!))
: "Feel my power!!" Shailtor roars as he raises his hands to the sky, thunder crashing as a shower of black raindrops cascade on those below. The black liquid burns the skin and sears the soul, each droplet concentrated evil.
((Unholy rain: Everyone within 30' of Shailtor takes 60 unholy damage. Fort save DC 30 for half.))
Isyndel can tell that there are a large amount of magical auras around the Swarm, all of which seem to be mortal magic. Shailtor's power seems to be interwoven with his essence, meaning that while there are shielding powers active on him, they don't appear to be dispellable. Thinking on it further, Isyndel deduces that Shailtor was holding a bit of himself back during the first encounter, some bit of his essence was stretched into another place... but he has recalled it in order to fight the Shining Force with his full strength. Unsure of any effect to be had against the archfiend, Isyndel raises the Psychowand and a beam of green light springs from it, melting away the last of the Swarm's magical defenses.
((Refer to Aldur for whether attacks strike Amelios.))
Next Turn!

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:17 am
The dragonman plunges from the air at impossible speeds, slamming into the Swarm with his flaming blade. ((As a note, according to Garudaos' official action (not the one I initially posted) he should be where he started the battle. As such, he would be outside of the range of the Unholy Rain.
Garudaos activates Strength of Honor for a +4 morale bonus to Str, then divebombs the Swarm, stopping at I18.
Bastard Sword: to-hit +39 (+16 bab, +11 str, +10 bardic, +2 w. mastery, +2 charge, +1 w. focus, +1 wpn, +1 height, -5 pa), damage 2d10+110 [(1d10+5 wpn, +16 str, +10 orb, +10 bardic, +10 pa, +2 w. spec, +2 w. mastery)]x2 dive)
Bastard Sword: to-hit 55, damage 120))
<}=={ Garudaos }=={>
(O) HP: 186/186
(O) AC: 26 (27 to the first attacker to target him)
((More actions to be posted later, after I know how injured people are, and whether or not the healers will pick up the slack.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:01 am
Garudaos' sword drives into the humanoid mass of insects and sets fire to the lot, immolating the monster. As he bursts into flames, the Swarm drops down, sighing with what sounds like relief. "Thank... you..." he murmurs before the many insects that make up his form fly apart and die in a hail of burning bugs.

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:41 pm
((Going same way as before. Will edit as I go. Fort saves: Ivellas: 1d20 + 23 = 9 + 23 = 32. Rhizor: 1d20 + 21 = 9 + 21 = 30. Aurik: 1d20 + 17 = 17 + 17 = 34.
Mahler; 1d20 + 31 = 16 + 31 = 47.
DAGRON: 1d20 + 23 = 12 + 23 = 35.))
: "My father was an honorable man! As long as there is evil facing this world, there will never be a short supply of people like my father willing to stand up to it. Your time on this world is at an end. and I will see to it personally!"
*Ivellas gallops out once more, heading to the side. He leaps up and over Graigus' head, landing down near the Dwarf and his leader ((ie: more of Arc's characters)). With a powerful thrust driven by his momentum from both this attack and the last, Ivellas drives his weapon deep into Shailtor's black heart.*
((Ivellas Charges to G12, jumping to activate leap attack.
1d20 + 22 = 15 + 22 = 37. Activated.
Attack, PA 17:
1d20 + 55 + 2 (Charge) + 2 (flank) - 17 (PA) = 18 + 42 = 60. THREAT (Lance has increased threat range)
CONFIRM: 1d20 + 42 = 20 + ... UPGRADED THREAT
UPGRADE: 1d20 + 42 = 7 + 42 = 49.
Miss Chance > 50. If you want the actual number, ask Arc.
Damage
(1d8 + 26 + 17*2 + 17*1.5 (Combat Brute))*(4 + 2 (crit) + 1 (upgrade) + 2d6 = (1d8+85)*7 + 2d6
= 7d8+2d6+595 = (3 6 5 6 4 8 1) (6 5)+ 595 = 639 Damage))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:57 pm
((Before the attack, Pantherath casts True Seeing on Ivellas. Other actions coming later.))

Posted by: Alpha Tue Oct 07, 2008 6:05 pm
((Note, Septimus should be standing next to Kyuu)) : “NO! HE WIL NEVER BE YOURS, YOU BASTARD!” Laeral roars in rage as he sees Shailtor’s spell take hold of Talacre. The blade dancer growls and begins his charging descent towards his brother. Laeralas begins chanting though, before muttering, “I am sorry brother, but this is for your own good…”
The spell completes and also takes hold of Laeralas’ brother, stopping him scant feet from the daggerspell mage. What was temporarily uncontrolled rage in his expression is now one of complete blankness as a pale mist surrounds the elven swordsman. Talacre does not move, but seems to be watching the event before him with mild amusement – everything he sees now is only an illusion in his mind.
[Laeralas casts Solipsism on Talacre. Talacre fails. He is effectively helpless and can take no actions, even if attacked. Everything he sees is now just an illusion to him]
Confident that their combined might would be able to take down the remaining two enemies, despite their apparent strength, Septimus fires a spell at Amelios and whilst also placing a hand on Kyuu’s shoulder, ready to add his own power to the foxling’s spells. The orb of acid the wizard conjures smacks into the lich, sizzling away at his dead form, just as metamagic energy begins surging into his sorcerer friend.
[Cast a Quickened, Empowered Orb of Acid. Bypasses SR.
Ranged touch: 1d20(16) + 11(ranged) + 10(Faralon) + 4(Jim) = 41
Damage: 85 acid damage, no save.
Readied action: Cooperative Metamagic with Kyuu]
Tanis follows the wizard from Guardiana’s example, also throwing an orb, though this one is of fire. And, of course, a sound lance accompanies the catfolk’s continued arcane onslaught.
[Cast an Empowered, Maximised Orb of Fire. Bypasses SR.
Ranged touch: 1d20(8) + 12(ranged) + 10(Faralon) + 4(Jim) = 34
Damage: 158, no save.
Cast a Quickened, Empowered, Maximised Sound Lance. SR check: 35
Damage: 143. Fort save DC23 for half damage.]
[[Septimus: HP: 128/128, AC: 24, Acid/Cold/Electric resistance 10, DR10/magic, SR32]
Talacre: HP: 237/237, AC: 38
Laeralas: HP: 194/194, AC: 36
Tanis: HP: 121/121, AC: 26

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:13 pm
Damas hisses angrily when he sees that his spell has no affect whatsoever on Shailtor. Be that as it may, the sorcerer has hardly ever been the type of person to give up. Damas moves to stand by Anri's side and casts his most powerful Freeze spell on the Strife Lord.
((Damas moves to C-22 and casts Freeze 4 on Shailtor.
Spell Resistance: 43
Damage: 8d12 + 24 = 96 Cold
Hit Points: 98/98
Armor Class: 21
Damage Reduction: Cold 10
Spell Slots: Level 0 - 6/6, Level 1 - 9/9, Level 2 - 8/9, Level 3 - 8/8, Level 4 - 8/8, Level 5 - 8/8, Level 6 - 7/8, Level 7 - 5/7, Level 8 - 0/7, Level 9 - 0/5))
Jessica wastes little time in taking action. The psion holds out her hand and a ray of fiery energy shoots forth from her fingertip towards Shailtor.
((Jessica uses her move action to become psionically focused, and then expends it to use a fully augmented Empowered Energy Ray [Fire] on Shailtor.
Miss Chance: 64
Attack: 5 + 9 [Base Attack Bonus] + 2 [Dexterity] + 10 [Bardic Music] + 1 [Haste] + 2 [Recitation] + 4 [Tactical Aid] - 4 = 29
Damage: 17d6 + 17 * 1.5 = 141 Fire
Hit Points: 140/140
Armor Class: 24
Damage Reduction: Fire 10
Power Points: 289/438))
A grin slowly spreads across Kayla's face as she moves up behind Shailtor with, knives in hand. The assassin had promised to show the Strife Lord what pain really was, and she did not intend to break that promise.
((Kayla moves to I-14 and attack Shailtor.
Miss Chance: 86, 94
Attack 1: 12 + 13 [Base Attack Bonus] + 10 [Dexterity] + 1 [Weapon] + 10 [Bardic Music] + 2 [Flank] + 2 [Recitation] + 4 [Tactical Aid] - 2 [Two Weapon Fighting] = 52
Damage: 3 + 1 [Strength] + 1 [Weapon] + 6 [Holy] + 37 [Sneak Attack] + 2 [Alex's Aura] + 10 [Bardic Music] = 60
Attack 2: 3 + 13 [Base Attack Bonus] + 10 [Dexterity] + 1 [Weapon] + 10 [Bardic Music] + 2 [Flank] + 2 [Recitation] + 4 [Tactical Aid] - 2 [Two Weapon Fighting] = 43
Damage: 1 + 1 [Strength] + 1 [Weapon] + 10 [Holy] + 26 [Sneak Attack] + 2 [Alex's Aura] + 10 [Bardic Music] = 51
Hit Points: 136/136
Armor Class: 31
Damage Reduction: Cold 5, Electricity 5, Fire 5))
Merla soon realizes that she is quickly running out of options. Determined to end this as quickly as possible, the wizardess closes the distance between herself and Shailtor. She holds out her hand and three fiery rays shoot forth from her fingertips towards the Strife Lord.
((Merla moves to I-22 and casts Scorching Ray on Shailtor.
Miss Chance: 71, 70, 59
Spell Resistance: 49, 42, 45
Attack 1: 19 + 9 [Base Attack Bonus] + 3 [Dexterity] + 1 [Size] + 10 [Bardic Music] + 1 [Haste] + 2 [Recitation] + 4 [Tactical Aid] = 49
Damage: 4d6 = 18 Fire
Attack 2: 8 + 9 [Base Attack Bonus] + 3 [Dexterity] + 1 [Size] + 10 [Bardic Music] + 1 [Haste] + 2 [Recitation] + 4 [Tactical Aid] = 38
Damage: 4d6 = 16 Fire
Attack 3: 7 + + 9 [Base Attack Bonus] + 3 [Dexterity] + 1 [Size] + 10 [Bardic Music] + 1 [Haste] + 2 [Recitation] + 4 [Tactical Aid] = 37
Damage: 4d6 = 22 Fire
Hit Points: 114/114
Armor Class: 26
Spell Resistance: 18))
Myala frowns when she sees that her allies have been wounded and decides to take action. The priestess moves forward in Shailtor's direction, and stops behind the tiefling Kayla. She closes her eyes and murmurs a prayer, healing the wounds and easing the pain of her allies, while doing the exact opposite to Amelios and The Shade.
((Myala moves into the space behind Kayla, J-14, and casts Mass Cure Critical Wounds. She will target as many people within the spell's range as possible except Shailtor. Any of Myala's allies affected by the spell regain 78 hit points. Amelios and The Shade suffer an equal amount of damage, unless they succeed at a DC 26 Will Save. In that case, they only take 38 damage.
Hit Points: 136/136
Armor Class: 29
Damage Resistance: 5/-))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Oct 07, 2008 11:00 pm
: "Oooh... that doesn't look nice," *Kyuu says, commenting on the dark energy raining about the area.* "Ready to toast some evil guys, Sep!?" *Kyuu excitedly adds.* Septimus nods in reply to Kyuu, also smiling with confidence. "After you," he implores."
*The foxling speeds up once more to unthinkable speeds. His focus is on the evil mage fallen from the sky. Simultaneously, Septimus and Kyuu trace out arcane symbols in the air, and Kyuu's powerful magic rips through the air once more, engulfing the lich in impossibly hot flames. Not contended that the mage was crispy enough, Kyuu follows up in his haste with yet another Blaze, further incinerating Amelios. Kyuu then spies Tao across the battlefield, then excitedly waves with an enormous grin at the fellow fire mage.*
((Kyuu casts Greater Celerity (level 8) to gain another Full Round Action.
Septimus readies to Empower and Maximize Kyuu's Blaze 4. Total spell level is 5 (Base) + 1 (Searing) + 1 (Fiery) + 1 (Empower; decreased by easy metamagic) + 2 (Maximize; decreased by easy metamagic) = 10. Kyuu only uses a level 7 slot.
Septimus Spellcraft DC = 18 + 3*10 = 48.
Septimus SC: 1d20 + 37 = 19 + 37 = 56. Pass.
Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 29 = 16 + 29 = 45.
Blaze Damage: (8d10+24+8)*1.5 maxed = (80+32)*1.5 = 168 fire. No fire resistance applies. Half (84) if immune.
No save.
Second action: Cast Searing Empowered Blaze 5 (Level 8). Fiery is automatically applied due to Residual Magic.
SR: 1d20 + 29 = 10 + 29 = 39.
Damage: (8d10+32)*1.5 = 84*1.5 = 126 fire damage. No fire resistance applies. Half (63) if immune.
No save.))
*Now a primal force of nature to be reckoned with, bearing all the power of ancient ice and snow trapped in animal form, Rhizor stomps across the battlefield, moving to help encircle Amelios. There would be no easy way out for him this time. He would be crushed at their hands. Rhizor roars, and his snout elongates, becoming all the more grizzly and menacing. He glowers at Amelios, indicating his days were numbered, and he would see to it that this would be his last.*
((Rhizor moves such that his top left corner is in H5.
Cast Bite of the Werebear.))

Posted by: Aldur Wed Oct 08, 2008 9:49 pm
Amelios grins as the forces assembled continue their assault against him. "Useless without me. Hmm, I'll concentrate my spells on the sub ordinate of a dark god, even though if you take down the god, I'm useless and nothing more than bones. Well done everyone. Truly I see you all need my intellect. Aren't you even going to bother wondering why I've been so easily defeated before, and now no matter what's being thrown at me, I seem ok? Goodness, How many more hints shall I give?"
He seemed to ignore the flames and spells, though as the various mages wasted their powerful spells against him, dark energy seemed to flood into him from somewhere on his person, repairing his cracked and damaged frame. He looks around as he gets to his feet.
"You know, I can keep going ALL day."
(( Contingency Harm, Contingency Harm and Contingency Harm. Amelios is still rocking out. Sorry folks.))
He lifted his arms into the air, the Kyantol Lich Laughing all the while as he lurches forwards, moving in a roundabout way, ignoring those nearby him. Suddenly those nearby the Kyantol feel impossibly cold, as the Kyantol begins to glow warmly.
(( Note also he moves around Kayla and left before going right, to ignore Dam and Zylo. Move to F-11. Maximised Heat Drain, 20ft radius enamating from Amelios. 120 Damage, Fort Save DC 30 for no Damage. Amelios gains 28 Temp Hp.))
"And why not another? Haha! Yes indeed!"
((Quickened, Maximised Heat Drain, 120 Damage, Fort Save DC 30 for no damage. Amelios gains 28 more temporary Hp.))
((Map showing who is hit; . ))
((AoO's so far: Ivellas: 59 after DR, Rhizor: 27 after DR.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Oct 08, 2008 10:30 pm
((Dagron, Mahler, Merkass, and Aurik to go here. Fort saves:

1. Ivellas
   1. 1d20 + 24 = 13 + 24 = 37. Pass.
   2. 1d20 + 24 = 9 + 24 = 33. Pass.
2. Mahler (if he's even affected)
   1. 1d20 + 29 = 7 + 29 = 36. Pass.
   2. 1d20 + 29 = 2 + 29 = 31. Pass.))

*Mahler fumes, though shows no outward sign of doing so. Shailtor is far trickier than his brother, Xadoss. All these little traps and misdirections, and making them injure one another. Mahler had a trick up his sleeve this time, though. Channeling more holy energy into his fists, the guardian golem leads with an uppercut straight up into Shailtor's chin.*
: "Peek-a-boo! I see you!"
((Mahler throws another smite. This ignores miss chance due to Awesome Smite.
1d20 + 31 = 16 + 31 = 47.
Damage:
8d8+2d8+25: (2 2 8 6 2 5 6 4) (7 3)+ 25 = 70 holy.))
*Dagron cocks his head to the side when his claw passes right through the Swarm without doing anything to it, and is then further surprised when the dragonman comes diving out of the sky, causing the Swarm to more or less explode. He rights his head, then blinks.*
: "Well, that was easy. Next?"
*Dagron wastes no time waiting for an answer. He instead flies as quickly as he can over to Shailtor, whipping his neck around and tearing into the Strife Lord with all his might. Vile ichor pours into his mouth, and he spits it out, covering Shailtor in tiny droplets of his own secretion.*
: "WHY. DO. YOU. PEOPLE. ALWAYS. TASTE. SO. BAD!?"
((Dagron flies over to top left in J14. Bite.
1d20 + 47 = 8 + 47 = 55.
Damage:
2d6+2d6+26: (5 3) (2 5)+ 26 = 41 holy.
Miss Chance: 1d100 = 70.))
*Merkass continues advancing across the Abbey courtyard, getting into better tactical position. He fires another trio of holy arrows straight from Mitula's quiver, ready to destroy the great evil at the first chance. The white bolts of energy unerringly find their target once more, further disrupting the dark energies surrounding his quarry.*
: "I'll have your lying tongue by the end of this."
((Merkass moves to F19. Manyshot
1d8+9d6+32: (7) (1 1 2 5 1 5 4 6 1)+ 32 = 65 Holy.
1d8+8d6+32: (7) (3 6 3 3 5 5 2 4)+ 32 = 70 Holy.
1d8+8d6+32: (1) (6 6 4 6 5 2 3 5)+ 32 = 70 Holy.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:54 am
EDIT: This is not the post you're looking for.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:40 am
((Ashathel fails all three fort saves and is dead after the first Heat Drain, Gabe passes his save vs. Unholy Rain, Dam fails all three saves (but is dead after the first Heat Drain), and Graigus passes all three saves. Pantherath casts Delay Death on Ashathel as an immediate interrupt, putting Ash at -119 HP.
Aldur: Heat Drain is a level 8 spell. How are you Maximizing and Quickening it?))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Oct 09, 2008 8:33 am
((As far as I know, Divine Metamagic would be the only thing that would allow him to do that.))

Posted by: Aldur Thu Oct 09, 2008 1:03 pm

QUOTE (Dark Maiden @ Thu Oct 09, 2008 8:33 am)
((As far as I know, Divine Metamagic would be the only thing that would allow him to do that.))

(( =D ))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:16 pm
((Does Amelios have the Divine Metamagic feat?))

Posted by: Rusty Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:34 pm
((More specifically, does he have the Divine Metamagic feat for EACH metamagic feat?))

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:42 pm
((SLAPFIGHT ! ! !))

Posted by: Alpha Thu Oct 09, 2008 9:45 pm
((It haz begun! FIGHT!))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:07 pm

QUOTE (Rusty @ Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:34 pm)
((More specifically, does he have the Divine Metamagic feat for EACH metamagic feat?))

((I was unaware Divine Metamagic worked like that. Though I suppose it does make sense, otherwise the feat would be way too broken.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:25 pm
((Be nice, everyone. I'm not busting his ass; I just want to make sure that my characters are actually taking this kind of damage. I won't get into triple Contingency Spells, because while I'm sure that's not legal, stacking Contingencies has been used by others.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:37 pm
((One might think we don't have an OOC thread for this sort of thing. : / ))

Posted by: Aldur Fri Oct 10, 2008 2:57 pm
((Sigh. Yes he does. If Marine opened his Sheet and looked under feats, he'd see them. He has Quicken, Empower and Maximise feats. Sorry for generating an OOC Debate.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Oct 10, 2008 3:17 pm
*Aurik watches with disgust as Amelios drains the warmth and life energy right from the bodies of his friends and allies. Aurik's temper flares, Volcanon's wrath entering him, guiding him to exact divine vengeance for this affront. However, Aurik also saw an opening. His allies were not the only ones attacked by Amelios' spell.*
: "There was a time when you were protector of life and purifier of the foul, Amelios! That time was not long ago, where you granted succor to those in need and fought valiantly against misdeeds. You have fallen far, and now you turn on the one who now grants you power! You usurp, and you steal, and you have fallen from the path of righteousness. For that, you will fail!"
*Aurik shoots another ray of searing light at Amelios, this one impacting with far more power than the last, searing away any remnants that may have said he was once Amelios, Kyantol healer of Mitula. Aurik further bars the passing of death, his holy symbol reactively flaring to life. Dam feels the cold chill of death reach for his heart, but instead passes not beyond the threshold of life.*
((Aurik once again sunbeams (round 2 of many) Amelios.
76 damage. REF DC 28 half.
Immediate Action: Delay Death on Dam.
Free Action: Aurik activates boots of speed.
This is subject to change if Rusty ends up not throwing the Widened Mass Heal he promised.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Oct 10, 2008 4:23 pm
((Langston AoO = 72total. More to come sometime.))

Posted by: Aldur Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:38 am
"Damn you Aurik. Always so...righteous. The Light! I can't absorb it!" Amelios sounds very startled and than began to laugh. "But it doesn't matter you see. I will return shortly...well, unless I'm needed elsewhere. And choices? She CHOSE to follow me. Not my fault she ended up less than...as she was? I think the shade suits her! Hahaha! Ahahahaha! Until we meet once more! You like Fire Aurik!? GET A LOAD OF THIS!"
Amelios continues to laugh until...Boom. The Lich explodes with a bang, fiery explosions roiling around the nearby area, his robes and possessions liquefying in the blast.
((127 fire damage. Ref save 22 for Half. 75 ft Radius. Everyone's least favorite Lich is gone gone gone.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:50 am
((The suicide spell takes the place of the previous Heat Drain, which does not happen.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:16 am
((If there is any question as to whether you are in the effect or not TUM said my old saves stay in place, so here we go.

- Ivellas: 1d20 + 17 = 13 + 24 = 37. Pass.
  - HP: 217/310
  - AC: 36
- Kyuu: Immune to fire
  - HP: 104/104
  - AC: 20
- Merkass: 1d20 + 43 = 6 + 43. Merkass Evades.
  - HP: 171/171
  - AC: 27
- Aurik: 1d20 + 14 = 8 + 21 = 29. Pass. Evaded.
  - HP: 149/179
  - AC: 33
- Rhizor: 1d20 + 17 = 7 + 24 = 31. Pass.
  - HP: 245/338
  - AC: 31
- Mahler: 1d20 + 22 = 9 + 22 = 31. Pass.
  - HP: 165/304
  - AC: 34
- DAGRON: Immune to fire.
  - HP: 220/250
  - AC: 37))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:26 am
((Talacre auto fails. Tanis and Sep pass and each take half damage))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:39 am
((Garudaos is immune to fire, Ashathel passes (25), Gabriel passes (nat. 20), Dam passes (22), Graigus passes (31), and Pantherath is out of range. Actions coming soon. Honest.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Oct 12, 2008 3:42 am

- Damas: 14 + 11 = 25. Pass.
  - Hit Points: 34/98
- Kayla: 19 + 25 = 44. Pass.
  - Hit Points: 136/136
- Merla: 17 + 14 = 31. Pass.
  - Hit Points: 88/114
- Myala: 11 + 11 = 22. Pass.
  - Hit Points: 72/136

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:33 pm
"Unexpected... All right girl, let's see what your mind has to offer me..." Shailtor whispers as he reaches out with his powers. Moments later, he shakes his head, his tone confused. "Eh? What? It's not... But there it... It's all over the place! How the... What is this?! How can you work without a mind?!"
"Oh, it's nothing really," she replies casually. Drops of rain fall over several heroes in the fray, restoring some of their strength.
((Everyone within a 30ft radius of Max regains 38 HP.))
Isyndel waves her hand defensively before her, meeting the force of the explosion with her own magical energy. A twinge of regret surged through her and she grinded her teeth together, heaving magical fire down upon Shailtor. There would be time to wonder about this later, she surmised.
((Save passed, damage absorbed.
Blaze 4, 80 Fire))
"Kiyaaaahh!" Eve exclaims, fluttering above ground as she swings wildly with her Lance.
Attack: 9 + 16(BAB) +8(Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +4(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) + 10(Rusty) - 1Size +1(Haste) +4(Jim)= 56
Damage: 5 +8 (Str) +2(Wpn Specialization) + 4 (Weapon Enchantment) = 19
Chromatic: 4(Fire) 3(Frost) 2(Acid) 5(Electricity) 6(Poison) = 20
Attack: 13 + 16(BAB) +8(Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +4(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) + 10(Rusty) - 1Size = 60
Damage: 7 +8 (Str) +2(Wpn Specialization) + 4 (Weapon Enchantment) = 21
Chromatic: 1(Fire) 1(Frost) 5(Acid) 4(Electricity) 5(Poison) = 16
Attack: 8 + 11(BAB) +8(Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +4(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) + 10(Rusty) - 1Size +1(Haste) +4(Jim) = 50
Damage: 4 +8 (Str) +2(Wpn Specialization) + 4 (Weapon Enchantment) = 18
Chromatic: 6(Fire) 3(Frost) 2(Acid) 5(Electricity) 1(Poison) = 17
Attack: 14 + 6(BAB) +8(Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +4(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) + 10(Rusty) - 1Size+1(Haste) +4(Jim) = 51
Damage: 8 +8 (Str) +2(Wpn Specialization) + 4 (Weapon Enchantment) = 22
Chromatic: 2(Fire) 1(Frost) 3(Acid) 5(Electricity) 1(Poison) = 12
Attack: 6 + 1(BAB) +8(Str) +1(Wpn Focus) +4(HvyLance) +4(Wpn) + 10(Rusty) - 1Size 1(Haste) +4(Jim)= 38
Sure this one doesn't hit.))
[color=green]Langston evades. Action standby, will attack if no one more badass jumps in.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:22 am
"You're still as annoying as ever, aren't you?" the bladesinger asked, his weapon cutting left and right. ((Stay and attack Shailtor. Force Blade: to hit +44 (17 bab, 10 weapon, 10 bardic, 5 dex, 3 greaves, -1 comb. exp.), dmg 7d6+2d6+21 (7d6 wpn +2d6 holy +10 bardic +5 int +3 greaves +3 str)
Attack: to-hit 64, dmg 61 (54 +7 holy), miss chance 100
Attack: to-hit 52, dmg 57 (49 +8 holy), miss chance 68
Attack: to-hit 38, dmg 50 (40 +10 holy), miss chance 54
Attack: Natural 1 , lol @ miss chance 12))
<}=={ Ashathel }=={>
(O) HP: 181/181
(O) AC: 36 (35 +1 dodge)
(O) 20% Miss chance, 4 Mirror Images
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [0 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition [x2], Lesser Orb of Electricity [x2]
L2: Blur
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec]
L5: ---
L6: ---
<--->
In an exhibiton of superhuman power, the lion clears the entire group of fighters and the Strife Lord they surround with a single, lazy leap. Landing, he tears into Shailtor with as much power as he can muster.
((Gabe passes the jump check to leap over the entire mass of enemies, land with his top-left square at I15. Then, he attacks Shailtor McDoodyface.
Claw: to hit +40 (+18 bab, +20 str, +10 bardic, +2 charge, +2 flank, +4 tactical aid, +2 recitation -18 power attack), damage 2d6 +56 (2d6 claws, +20 str, +18 pa, +18 leap attack)
Bite: to hit +35 (+18 bab, +20 str, +10 bardic, +2 charge, +2 flank, +4 tactical aid, +2 recitation -18 power attack, -5 secondary), damage 2d6 +46 (2d6 bite, +10 str, +18 pa, +18 leap attack)
Rake: to hit +35 (+18 bab, +20 str, +10 bardic, +2 charge, +2 flank, +4 tactical aid, +2 recitation -18 power attack, -5 secondary), damage 2d6 +56 (2d6 rake, +20 str, +18 pa, +18 leap attack)
Claw: to-hit 54, dmg 69
Claw: to-hit 54, dmg 69
Bite: to-hit 50, dmg 64, grapple check 62 vs. Shailtor. If successful...
Rake: to-hit 54, dmg 64
Rake: to-hit Natural 20 (no crit), dmg 64))
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 342/342
(O) AC: 30
(O) DR 10/magic
(O) Rage 2/day [0 left]
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (0 left)
<--->
The monkey shen continued his assault on the Strife Lord, though his monastery's condition remained on his mind.
((Stay and attack.
Staff [main end]: to-hit +36/36/31/26 (14/14/9/4 bab, 10 bardic, 4 wis, 2 flank, 1 wpn, 1 wpn. focus, +4 tactical aid), dmg 8d8+2d6+14 (8d8+1 wpn, +2d6 holy, +10 bardic, +3 str)
Flurry Attack: to-hit 39, dmg 54
Attack 1: to-hit 43, dmg 57
Attack 2: to-hit 50, dmg 60
Attack 3: to-hit 30, dmg 53))
<}-{ Graigus }-{>
HP: 174/174
AC: 36
Stunning Fist 10/day [2 remaining]
<--->
"Come now, Shailtor... where's that blood I've been meaning to bleed from you!" the Silver-Tongued Devil said, his words punctuated by his actions.
((Dam moves to I13 and full-attacks Shailtor.
Main-hand Dagger: to-hit +35/+30/+25 (+14 bab, +10 bardic, +5 dex, +2 flank, +2 blur, +4 tactical aid, -2 twf), dmg 3d6+7d8+11 (1d6 dagger, 2d6 holy, 7d8 sneak, +1 str, +10 bardic)
Off-hand Dagger: to-hit +35 (+14 bab, +10 bardic, +5 dex, +2 flank, +2 blur, +4 tactical aid, -2 twf), dmg 1d6+7d8+11 (1d6 dagger, 7d8 sneak, +1 str, +10 bardic)
Main-hand Dagger: to-hit 46, dmg 53
Main-hand Dagger: to-hit 48, dmg 55
Main-hand Dagger: to-hit Natural 1
Off-hand Dagger: to-hit 40, dmg 50))
<}-{ Dam Dicem }-{>
HP: 142/142
AC: 33 (32 +1 dodge)
Sidestep 3/day [0 remaining]
<---->
The GDO Templar stalked ever closer to his quarry, ready to tear him apart at the first opportunity...
((After casting True Seeing on Ivellas, Pantherath moves to F19.))
<}-{ Pantherath }-{>
HP: 169/169
AC: 25 (24 +1 dodge)
Smite Evil 2/day [0 remaining]
Turn Undead 20/day [14 remaining]
Turn Water/Bolster Fire 10/day [10 remaining]
-- Spells --
Spell DC's: 16 + spell level
L0: 6/6
L1: 6/8
L2: 3/7
L3: 3/7
L4: 3/7
L5: 5/7
L6: 4/6
L7: 1/6
L8: 0/5
L9: 0/3
= Templar =
L1: Divine Favor, Divine Sacrifice

Posted by: Rusty Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:46 pm
((I'll try to make a post later on, just to note and hope this thing doesn't move while I'm gone. For now, I'll post the results of my characters' saves. Prestle: 8 + 12 + 3 + any other buffs? = passed. Prestle has Evasion, so he Evades and takes no damage.
Faralon: 9 + 14 + any buffs? = passed. Half damage.
Ombligo casts Ruin Delver's Fortune as an immediate action and gains Evasion and a bonus equal to his CHA (+11) for 3 rounds. Passes the save with flying colors and takes no damage. (8 + 12 + 11 + I don't know = pass)
Alex: 16 + 12 + 1 + 3 + any other buffs = pass. Alex has Evasion and takes no damage.
If I can, I'll simply edit this post later with my actions. Note: These actions happen after some of Marine's due to the late posting.))
*Prestle clenches his fist, knowing there was nothing he could do to save the ninja. He casts a spell over many allies, old and new, granting them greater strength.*
((Mass Bull's Strength to any that would enjoy it. Fighter-types preferred. I have no idea where would be the ideal place, but put Prestle in the midst of it, please. I apologize for doing it this way.))
---
*Seeing the ninja fall, Faralon immediately casts a spell which seems to tie up The Shade magically.*
((Bigby's Grasping Hand cast. It'll stay around for 19 rounds. It's a force spell, and Marine has confirmed that The Shade has been successfully grappled. Not sure if any buffs apply to the attack check [37], but the grapple is a continuous 42.))
---
*Glaring at Shailtor, Alex calls upon the Light to protect himself.*
((Burn a turn attempt to use Sacred Vitality on self. Alex gains immunity to ability damage, ability drain, and energy drain for 1 minute.
Shift Minor Aura to WILL SAVE BOOSTING AURA OF AWESOMENESS +8))
---
Hal heals.
((Cast a Widened Mass Heal, targetting as many allies as possible, wherever that would be. I'll try to edit in my other characters' actions soon.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:26 am
Ivellas charges Shailtor, the knight of Guardiana's lance tearing through layers of dark metal as if they were naught but foil, the enchanted weapon bursting through Shailtor like some divine spire of justice as the monster howls in pain. Black blood and bile splatters all those close by as the awesome blow creates a huge hole in Shailtor's armor, sending spiderweb cracks across the rest. An oily, smoky dark mist roils within the gaping hole, pulsating with malevolence as Shailtor staggers back, screaming and roaring incoherently for a moment before composing himself.
: "You... You!!!" the dark one sputters. "You cannot even imagine the torments I will visit upon you for striking me with that blow!"
The Lord of the Twisted Web is then interrupted as a hail of fire and freeze bears down on him as Damas, Jessica, Merla, and Isyndel train their powers on the foul fiend... however, Merla's spell seems to have almost no effect. Alternatively frozen and burnt, Shailtor roars, then turns to Laeralas, eyes flaring red.
: “Never be mine? Are you sure?” Shailtor snarls, waving a hand. Within his prison, dark visions begin to assault Talacre as the spell around him is subverted to Shailtor's designs.
((Talacre is hit with Trauma. He is trapped within his own realm of nightmares. Alpha I'll IM you what happens within his mind when you're on.))
Kayla attacks, one dagger driving deep into the archfiend, but the other dagger twists itself around and buries itself in the priestess of Volcanon as she arrives for healing.
((Malevolent Misdirection: Myala is hit by Kayla for 51 damage.))
The wound is immediately sealed as Myala casts her spell, the Shade's form wavering a little at the spell's burst.
Tao waves back to Kyuu, as he casts his spell. Calling over the din of battle, she grins as she shouts to the fellow fire mage.
"Hey! Nice blastin' there! You're makin' your mom proud!" Tao calls. "Ya got talent, kiddo!"
Kyoji immediately launches into an attack the moment he sees Myala's magic weaken the ghostly assassin. Blade strike after blade strike, each imbued with ki-power lashes out at the undead, but only three manage to pierce his formidable defense. The Shade grunts a little as Kyoji tears into his ectoplasmic form, then stares at him evenly, moving his twin short swords around with impossible grace. The ghostly artifacts spin through the air and slide under Kyoji's twin blades, bypassing the ninja's defenses with moderate effort. Kyoji immediately moves his swords down to intercept, realizing all too late the error he has made. The ghostly weapons slide into the shadow warrior's chest, Kyoji's eyes wide.
"N... No... I have to..." he manages to get out as blood flows from his mouth. Then the second of the ghost's short swords flares with dark energy and Kyoji screams before letting out a single tired groan. He collapses on the ground. The Shade seems replenished by this act, his ectoplasm repairing itself.
((Kyoji is hit with 3 critical hits for far, far more HP than he has. He is slain.))
Shailtor whips his head around to stare at the distant Melissa.
:“Shed your ethics and join us in darkness...” Shailtor hisses, his eyes flashing red as Melissa feels an overpowering presence in her head. Sudden disgust for the warriors she was fighting with floods her, accompanied by a desire to serve Shailtor and an overpowering bloodlust to see her former comrades slain.
((Failed save. Melissa is corrupted into Shailtor's service. AL changes to LE.))
Unable to find an opening against Shailtor, Max moves to the Shade and brings the Chaos Breaker down on him, only to blink in surprise as his form ripples and effortlessly moves around the blade.
Mahler barely misses his target, his fist coming within inches of Shailtor's metal chin. That same fist sails around and smashes into Ivellas' jaw with bruising force as Shailtor seems to watch with smug satisfaction.
((Malevolent Misdirection. Ivellas takes 70 damage.))
Dagron bites down into Shailtor, the taste quite disgusting as the dragon breaches yet more of the being's supernatural armor.
The battle is suddenly paused as Amelios detonates, washing most of the battlefield in flames. Though many are agile enough to avoid death, horrible burns now cover many combatants on the battlefield, and Daran's steamsuit glow red hot, several systems on it sparking, steaming, and begining to melt. The tinker shouts a few harried, half hearted curses as he tries to bring the malfunctioning machine under control.
"Awwww... aw, monkey tails and machinery fails!" Daran curses as the steamsuit shuts down, the emergency safeties activating.
((Daran rolls a nat 1 on his Ref save, prompting a malfunction check. Fails.))
Merk's artifact weapon bypasses the vile and unholy defenses of Shailtor with ease, the god-weapon created for exactly this sort of combat. The three magical bolt slam through Shailtor's armor, more of the stuff cracking, crumbling, and falling to the ground as more and more black smoke begins to show underneath.
: “Perhaps cat, but I'll have your hide!” Shailtor roars in return. “You were to be mine! MINE! Cypressians!”
Cedric raises his hammer, finally beginning to move, but a bolt of intensely dark energy strikes his chest, not having to seem much of an effect other than to root the human juggernaut in place. Cedric still says nothing, his eyes locked on Shailtor as he quietly strains against his confinement.
A sudden streak of curses from Tao sufficient to cause even the most hardened marine to raise an eyebrow shatters the air, another spell failing against Shailtor's defenses.
: “That tickles...” Shailtor chuckles as he evades a blast from Ignatius and weathers the storm of blows set upon him by Eve. One of the blows lances past him and gouges Kayla lightly. "Ah, the gentle touch of a lady..." Shailtor snickers.
((Malevolent Misdirection: Kayla is hit for 30 damage after resistances.))
A glowing sword suddenly slices through the archfiend's form, gouts of vile ichor running down to befoul the earth as clouds of dark essence begin to boil forth from Shailtor. The Lord of the Twisted Web turns around at Ashathel's physical and verbal attack.
: “I could say the same for you, elf!” Shailtor shouts as his form wavers and one of Ashathel's sword strikes lands a nasty cut across Eve.
((Malevolent Misdirection: Eve takes 50 damage from Ash. Malevolent Misdirection exhausted for this turn.))
Graigus manages to land a solid blow on Shailtor, though most of his attacks rebound against what little remains of Shailtor's armored shell. The archfiend only grunts at the attack, his words beginning to fail him.
Hal heals the group in preparation for a new onslaught.
Gabriel grapples Shailtor, inflicting terrible damage as his claws and jaws tear into the foe. The tremendous punishment already suffered has cracked and destroyed most of the fiend's armor, this new assault leaves Shailtor's once proud and sinister form a crumbling wreck. Finally, Gabriel locks his jaws around the Lord of the Twisted Web, pinning him against the ground.
: "You know what they say, Gabriel..." Shailtor hisses as the huge cat lifts him up in his jaws. "YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!"
Shailtor's ruined and crumbling armor falls to dust, the signature six eyed helm that will forever haunt your memories strikes the ground amidst a pile of metal bits and cloth scraps. Hovering where Shailtor once was is an oily cloud of darkness, six points of light moving around its surface in seemingly random patterns. The cloud immediately flows into Gabriel's mouth, into his body. The proud giant feels an all too familiar presence usurping control of his body as red light begins to shine through his eyes and his whole body begins to darken and change. Gabriel's claws grow jagged, wicked, his muscles bulge even further, spines and horns begin to sprout over his body. A hissing voice speaks as Gabriel transforms.
"You've destroyed my first body... You owe me another!" Shailtor accuses as Gabriel finishes transforming, looking like a lion spawned from the deepest pits of hell.
"No way!" Tao shouts.
"Impossible!" Max says, gritting his teeth. "He's..."
Anri narrows her eyes, but says nothing.
"Stay clear of his claws until someone can figure out how to... deal with this!" Jim shouts. "Watch out, it looks like he can still use his powers from there! There's little cover here, so be ready to hit the dirt if you see an AoE go up!"
Sheila aims at the ghost, the only presentable target at the time, cursing under her breath as she fumbles to load new ammunition before opening fire. Her shots seem to pass through the creature for the most part, though a few seem to cause its form to waver.
((Jim uses Tactical Aid to give everyone +4 AC. H Surge to swap out for Aura ammo.3 hits, 4 misses. 131 damage to the Shade.))
"Gabriel" unleashes an unholy howl, dark energy crackling over the battlefield as Shailtor completes possession of his new host. The true Gabriel is trapped behind the overwhelming presence of the archfiend. While still whole and unharmed in spirit, he can yet do nothing against the invader of his body.
((Mass Harm used. Ivellas, Graigus, Max, Mae, Ash, Dam, Mahler, Eve, Kayla, and Myala must all pass a DC 30 Will save or suffer 200 damage. Save for half. This spell cannot drop you past 1 HP. Max passes, Mae fails.))
"Gabriel" turns to Merkass and grins evilly. The world suddenly spins around Merkass and he finds himself back on the plains of his home... Once again his tribe is beset with undead... and this time he is one of them. With slavering jaws, decaying claws, and ragged clothes, he pounces on his former kin, seeking only to devour as much of their tasty flesh as he could while they fought and fought against waves of his unholy brethren.
((Trauma on Merkass. Merkass is sealed inside his mind, within nightmares.))
Mae fumbles for a bottle at her side, hastily grabbing it and emptying the contents into her mouth. Her terrible wounds seal shut as she casts the bottle aside, bringing her shield up and preparing to do battle once more.
((Healing water used.))
Alex then calls upon the Light to protect him and his allies, while Faralon uses a huge magic hand to hold the Shade fast.
Next turn!

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:47 am
"He's... he's possessing him like one of the Shadow Demons!" Ashathel said. "You know, Gabriel's really going to kill you for that!"

Posted by: Rusty Tue Oct 14, 2008 9:39 am
((Curiously, were the WILL saves involved charm-based? Because Faralon's music also gives a +10 morale bonus to charm and fear spells.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:17 am

- Kayla: 16 + 7 = 23. Fail.
- Myala: 17 + 23 = 40. Pass.

Damas narrows his eyes and mutters to himself in his native tongue. The sorcerer quickly comes to the conclusion that there is not much to can do to Shailtor without hurting Gabriel in the process, so he opts not to. With that in mind he turns his gaze to The Shade and a glowing orb of energy appears in his left hand. Without hesitation he hurls the orb of force at The Shade.
((Orb of Force cast.
Attack: 10 + 24 - 4 = 30
Damage: 36))
Jessica gasps in shock as Kyoji falls to the ground. Rather than let grief overtake her however, the medic's eyes narrow with determination. In the blink of an eye the palman woman vanishes from sight only to reappear next to Kyoji. Jessica reaches down and places her hand on Kyoji's forehead.
"It is not your time to die yet Kyoji."
((Jessica uses Psionic Dimension Door, spending the 6 additional power points to manifest it as a move action, and "moves" to E-15. She then uses Psionic Revivify to restore Kyoji to life [-1 hit point and stable]. They both lose 200 experience points though. ))
Kayla grunts in pain as Eve's lance pierces her flesh. The grunt quickly turns into a scream as dark energy courses through her. The assassin glares at Gabriel who is now possessed by Shailtor.
"Curse you and your cheap tricks Shailtor."
Merla growls, her failure to do any real damage to Shailtor with her spell being more than enough to piss the wizardess off.
"Bloody hell."
Much like her sorcerer friend, Merla chooses to focus on The Shade for now. The wizardess holds out her hand and five shimmering projectiles made of pure force spring forth from her open palm.
((Merla casts Magic Missile.
Damage: 20))
Myala cannot help but shriek as the dark energy courses through her body, and nearly brings the priestess to her knees. The young elf clasps her hands together and prays to her god. Those that had been wounded by Shailtor's power, herself included, find that the damage is quickly undone as their pain fades away. Being one of the undead however, the holy power harms The Shade rather than heal him.
((Mass Heal cast. Ashathel, Dam, Eve, Graigus, Ivellas, Kayla, Kyoji, Mae, Mahler, Max, and Myala regain 200 hit points. The Shade suffers the same amount of damage, or half if he succeeds at a DC 27 Will save.))
Kayla turns to Myala and smiles at the elf.
"Thanks a lot priestess; I owe you one."
The tiefling assassin shifts her stance and raises her hands to protect herself.
((Kayla goes on Total Defense.))

- Damas
  - HP: 98/98
  - AC: 25
- Jessica
  - HP: 140/140
  - AC: 28
- Kayla
  - HP: 136/136
  - AC: 39
- Merla
  - HP: 114/114
  - AC: 30
- Myala
  - HP: 136/136
  - AC: 33

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:02 pm
((Just a note: Everyone within 10' of Mahler is under Magic Circle Against Evil, which is giving them +2 Deflection to AC and +2 Resistance on saves, as well immunity from "mental control over the creature (including enchantment (charm) effects and enchantment (compulsion) effects that grant the caster ongoing control over the subject, such as dominate person)... and keeps out a possessing life force... This second effect works regardless of alignment."
This includes Gabe.
Saves:
Mahler is immune to Harm.
Ivellas: 1d20 + 16 + 8 + 2 (MCAE) = 10 + 26 = 36, pass.
Then it's moot because he gets healed.
Mahler also still has something like 3-5 of those anti-possession crystals, since I don't think they were divided up. Are they reacting here?))

Posted by: Alpha Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:10 pm
((I have actions ready to post, but they depend on what Mahler's effect has on events))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:04 pm
Jessica's power seems to have no effect on Kyoji. The body seems completely drained of life, like a gaping wound in the life-flow of the natural world. ((No effect, but you do not lose XP.)) Mahler's wards, potent though they may be, are insufficient to keep out the Strife Lord from Gabriel's body. From his knowledge of the subject Mahler believes that even though overrun, the wards may be weakening Shailtor's hold, making it more difficult to retain possession. He might notice the crystals he carries glow slightly.

Posted by: Alpha Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:59 pm
: “DAMN YOU!” Laeralas yells as he sees his brother being further tortured. “LEAVE HIM ALONE!” The elf, exploding with fury darts forward, a shining dagger leading the way. With a flying leap, the elf plunges the dagger into Gabriel. No blood appears however, and within moments the huge lion begins prancing about in a way that might be comical if the situation wasn’t so dire. Laeral also releases cold magic with his dagger touch, freezing up the possessed form’s joints and muscles.
[Move to I18, cast Irresistible Dance on Gabe though his dagger using Daggercast. Touch attack: 1d20(15) + 36 = 51. Hit. No save. SR check: 42
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/irresistibleDance.htm
Releases Shivering Touch as afree action. SR check: 35. 15 DEX damage. No save.]
~ ~ ~ ~
Unwilling to let cast any offense spells at an ally, Tanis sprints forward, right into the fray. Raising his staff of defence, he unleashes a powerful spell of protection against possession and mental influence.
[Tanis moves to H12 and casts Shield of Law. Everyone within 20’ of that spot gains the effects, including Gabe.

QUOTE
Each warded creature gains +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. This applies against all attacks. Second, a warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against chaotic spells and spells cast by chaotic creatures. Third, the abjuration blocks possession and mental influence, just as protection from chaos does.

((Sep's action to come, depending on the outcome of these two))

Posted by: YsFanatic Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:15 am
Melissa couldn't explain what these strange feelings were or what was going on, but she did know that the best way to win this battle was to eliminate the enemy leaders, all of them. And she would start with the one standing right next to her. Shouldering her weapon, she unleashes a full barrage into Jim's back.
((Full Attack with Haste and Surge upon Jim, Dodge to Sheila
Gauss Hit: 1d20 + BAB + DEX + Weapon Focus (Gauss Assault Rifle) – Burst Fire + Enchantment + HUD = (12/7/2 + 8 = 21/16/11) + Music + Recitation + whatever other mods may still apply
Attack 1: 13 + 21 = 36 + 10 + 2 = 41
Attack 2: 20 + 16 = 36 + 10 + 2 = …
Confirm: 16 + 28 = 44
Attack 3: 20 + 11 = 31 + 10 + 2 = …
Confirm: 1 + 23 = 24 + 5 (Action Point) = 29
Haste Attack: 6 + 21 = 27 + 10 + 2 = 39
Surge Attack: 14 + 21 = 35 + 10 + 2 = 47
Gauss Damage: 3d10+3 + Weapon Specialization (Gauss Assault Rifle) + 2d10 (Burst Fire) + Enchantment = (5d10 + 9 + 2d6) + 10 (Music)
Attack 1: (5d10 = 2 + 2 + 3 + 9 + 8 = 24) + 8 + 10 = 42
Attack 2: (5d10 = 9 + 9 + 8 + 6 + 7 = 39) + 8 + 10 = 57 x2 = 114
Attack 3: (5d10 = 8 + 3 + 10 + 1 + 3 = 25) + 8 + 10 = 43 x2 = 86
Haste Attack: (5d10 = 10 + 8 + 10 + 4 + 10 = 42) + 8 + 10 = 60
Surge Attack: (5d10 = 10 + 7 + 6 + 7 + 4 = 34) + 8 + 10 = 52
All attacks ignore a total of 20 points of DR between the rifle and Sense Weakness. Also, Armor Piercing 7.))

Posted by: Rusty Sat Oct 18, 2008 10:34 am
*Prestle casts a spell on himself, though it appears to do nothing...so far.* ((Surge of Fortune cast.)) --- *Faralon continues his song, simultaneously casting a spell at Melissa.* ((Bardic Music doubled bonuses of +10 apply to 3 more rounds, as I'm extending it with a special. Melissa no longer benefits from Bardic Music. Also, Melissa has to make a WILL save DC 20 or laugh hysterically for 19 rounds, thanks to Tasha's Hideous Laughter.))
---
*Ombligo casts a Magic Missile, simultaneously casting a second, strong Magic Missile spell at The Shade.*
((Magic Missile on The Shade. Thanks to Arcane Spellsurge, this is only a Swift Action. 20 damage total from the first magic missile, no save. Casting a Maximized Magic Missile on The Shade as a standard action. He takes 25 damage, no save.))
---
Hal, the awesome healer that he is, prevents Jim's death through a great spell. He also heals wounds.
((Immediate Action: Delay Death on Jim. He's not dead, though he is hurt pretty darn bad. Also, Mass Cure Serious Wounds over the group that got wounded most in general [most clustered], just because. 78 HP healed for all affected. Dropping Repulsion.))
---
: "Don't fall for his tricks! Steady your will and stay strong!"
((WILL save circumstance bonus of +8 is still up. Same with circumstance bonus of +2 to damage. Melissa no longer benefits from either of these effects. Alex will move to H16 and attack The Shade. He misses.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Oct 18, 2008 7:52 pm
*Merkass is trapped... WITHIN HIS OWN NIGHTMARE... but he's getting better.* ((Forgoing the description on this atm for when I have more time. Trying to get the post out atm. Merkass fights against the darkness gripping his soul, and both his good and bad desires do shittily, but bad does shittier.))
: "Heeeey... who said you could make an explosion that big!? Hmph... then watch this!"
*Not seeming to realize that Amelios had "sacrificed" himself, if a Lich could do such a thing, Kyuu turns his attention to the Shade, another entity he remembered from long ago. Raising his hand, a dark, fiery mass appears, but consolidates quickly into a translucent ball. With a pitching motion, Kyuu launches the force sphere at the ghostly assassin, then watches to see if he goes down.*
((Swift Action: Cast Spell Enhancer (Level 4). CL increases by 2, DC by 1 on next spell.
Kyuu casts Greater Shadow Evocation (Level 8) to cast Empowered Orb of Force (Sorc 6) at the Shade.
Touch To Hit: 1d20 + 29 = 14 + 29 = 43. Ignores Incorporeality.
Damage: 10d6*1.5 = (3 1 6 5 5 3 4 1 1 5)*1.5 = 34*1.5 = 51 force.
DC 27 Will save to disbelieve and take 3/5 (30) damage instead.))
*Ivellas stands his ground, surveying the situation. Shailtor had possessed one of them, but was now disabled. Shailtor was his definite target, but Ivellas knew to keep an eye on the Shade as well, though he was also indisposed by the hand-shaped force. Ivellas waits to see if Shailtor jumps ship, though if it is before long, determines to finish the Shade instead.*
((Ivellas basically delays an attack if/when Shailtor comes out of Gabe. If that doesn't happen or he comes out out of reach, Ivellas instead 5' steps and attacks the Shade.
Ivellas will PA 8, giving him a +47/42/37/32 bonus to hit.
Damage is 1d8+26+17*1.5 (combat brute) + 8 (PA) = 1d8+59.))
*Rhizor stomps over to Gabriel, prepared to restrain the lion if it became necessary.*
((Rhizor moves his center to E13 and readies to grapple Gabe down.
Grapple mod is +62.))
*Aurik lowers his head, saddened. Amelios had once again been close, but now resolved to not even finish the fight against them, instead destroying himself. He would be back, though, so Aurik knew he would have to move quickly to resolve this once and for all. He would bring Amelios to justice before his true goddess and force him to face his sins.
The possession of Gabriel is equally disheartening. Aurik knew Gabriel could fight the foul usurper off, however, but the rest of his allies were still at danger if Shailtor tried once more. Aurik runs to Max's side in an effort to deny any further hosts to the foul entity. Raising his holy symbol, a fiery shield washes over him, then explodes outward as he incants.*
: "Flaming veil, cleanse us of evil taint, and drown out the whispers of evil spirits as a roaring fire!"
((Aurik moves to H18 and casts Holy Aura. Everyone within 20' gains

- +4 deflection to AC
- +4 resistance to saves
- SR 25 against spells from evil casters
- Immunity to possession and mental influence.
- An evil creature is blinded if it makes melee attacks against those so warded, Fort DC 28 negates.))

*A warm glow emits from Mahler's side, and reaching down, he finds the same crystals that had been used long ago to help his friends were now radiating to help once more.*
: "This might sting a bit, but you'll be better in no time!"
*Mahler quickly juts his fist out, pressing it into the dancing lionman, waiting for the stone to take its effect. At the same time, Mahler's own stone skin erupts in a flash of light, the golem's skin looking harder than normal.*
((Mahler uses the anti possession stone on Gabe.
Touch to hit: 1d20 + 33 = 12 + 33 = 45.
Swift Action: Divine Vigor. Mahler gains 36 temp hp.))
*Dagron hovers in the air, somewhat uncertain about what to do. He didn't want to hurt one of his allies while possessed by Shailtor, but he was also the closest thing he could tear apart. Sighing at being unable to do anything, DAGRON instead flies up and around the possessed lion, then instead lays into the Shade.*
((DAGRON moves to where he's over Max. Attack the Shade.
Bite: 1d20 + 45 + 1 = 11 + 46 = 47.
Damage: 2d6 + 26 + 2d6 = 1 + 1 + 26 + 5 + 2 = 35 holy.))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:34 am
((Just a note, Kev: Tanis cast Shield of Law, which gives much the same bonuses as Holy Aura. Make sure you aren't catching the same people with it ))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Oct 19, 2008 3:01 am
((Garudaos takes to the air and flies straight up until he's 15' off the ground. Ashathel 5' steps north (to F14) and casts Lesser Orb of Electricity. Gabriel... struggles to get Shailtor out. Or something. Graigus goes Monkey Shen and moves to the spot above Max (F16) to give some flankz.
Dam casts nothing, because he's not a spellcaster. He does 5' step to H15 and attack the Shade, though.
Pantherath casts Banishment if it looks like it can be modified to push out possessing creatures, otherwise he casts Magic Circle Against Evil to try and push Shailtor out. He also casts Delay Death on Kyoji.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:14 pm
Unfortunately, Pantherath finds his magic has no effect on the ninja... his life force was taken the exact moment the Shade's blades struck. As for the ghostly assassin, magic missiles, orbs of force, and magical weapons all strike the ancient's form. Despite formidable defenses, the undead can do nothing but be battered and beaten by the brutal assaults. At last, the artifact swords fall from his hands and he drops to the ground with a sigh of what sounds like relief.
"At... last..." he whispers as his form wavers and dissipates, leaving nothing but dust behind.
All too conscious of her lack of defense, Anri casts a mighty spell, enshrouding her in a shimmering prismatic sphere of color.
Mahler touches the crystal to Gabriel's hide and immediately the great lion lets out a mighty bellow as black smoke pours forth from his nostrils, mouth, and ears, coalescing into a shadowy shade of Shailtor a few feet away. The crystal flares pure white, then crumbles in Mahler's great granite hand. The bellow fades to a shrill scream as the demon is forced from his body, the archfiend glaring at those assembled with unbridled hatred.
"All right!" Tao cheers as she lets loose with a storm of fire. "I've been waiting for this!" Unfortunately the fire fades mere inches from Shailtor as he begins to growl menacingly. Tao screams out in frustration. "OH COME ON!"
((Gabriel is allowed a save now due to the Lesser Crystal. Save passed. Shailtor is ejected from Gabriel. Tao casts Blaze 3. SR failed. Ivellas is too distant for his attack to go off.))
Shailtor lets out an unholy roar and waves of arcane power blast from his body, assailing the group with acid, electricity, fire, and pure sound. Max swiftly hits the deck as the magic crashes against Anri's wards. Tao is far unluckier, the magical assault picking her up and throwing her down, the fiery elf going still as her endurance runs out. Zylo lets out a pained howl as the energy pushes him back, inflicting terrible wounds that leave the wolfman near death. Even more sparks fly from Daran's steamsuit as the contraption falls apart under the assault. The little halfling with the magical orb is sent flying, the brave little soldier losing consciousness amidst the chaos. Cedric's eyes grow more and more furious as he seems to somehow withstand the eldritch energies.
((29 acid, 37 fire, 39 elec, 27 sonic. Sheila, Jim, Viki, Melissa, Ig, Kria, Ombligo, Morgan, Michael and Leo are not in the AoE. All others save Ref DC 30 for half. Tao fails and is slain. Zylo fails and is critical. Max passes and evades. Felix, Daran fail. Daran's suit is damaged to nonfunctioning, Felix is KO'd, but not dead. Cedric passes and evades.))
Mae and Apis charge towards the newly formed Strife Lord. Shailtor agilely steps aside and lays a hand on both of them. Mother and son immediately shudder and fall still as their eyes glaze over.
"Fine!" Shailtor roars. "I suppose I'll just have to send each and everyone of you to your worst nightmare until you LEARN YOUR LESSONS!!!"
((Mae and Apis attack and roll horribly. Trauma twice. They are trapped in their own nightmares.))
"Shailtor's out, fo-" Jim begins to say, then is cut off as bullets riddle his body. He doesn't even manage to get out last words as he simply slumps down, Hal's magic keeping him from death. Sheila turns around with fury as her eyes settle on Melissa.
"You... YOU!!!" Sheila roars, the rest of her speech lost in an incoherent scream as she jumps on the Spartan, grabbing her arms and attempting to pin her to the ground.
((Grapple: Sheila: 27. Melissa: 26. Melissa is grappled.))
"Tao!!!" Max roars, charging across the battlefield to bring the Chaosbreaker down on Shailtor. "Monster! Die already!"
((Hit. 50 damage.))
"You first!" Shailtor shouts, three of his eyes blinking as some vitality appears to return to the archfiend. Another eldritch blast goes flying past his head as Ignatius' aim is off.
((3 Mass Heals cast. 750HP regained.))
Next turn

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Oct 21, 2008 3:08 am

- Damas: 18 + 9 = 27. Fail.
- Jessica: 7 + 12 = 19. Fail.
- Kayla: 12 + 27 = 39. Pass.
- Merla: 13 + 17 = 30. Pass.
- Myala: 17 + 13 = 30. Pass.

Damas collapses in a heap, his body damaged beyond the point of functioning.
Kayla swiftly dives for cover and manages to completely escape the effects of Shailtor's spell.
Merla also dives for cover and manages to avoid the worst of the blast.
Myala casts a spell as the sorcerer Damas hits the ground. A soft glow appears on his chest near his heart, and even after the fatal wounds he has suffered, the elf still lives.
Jessica tries to dive for cover but she isn't quite fast enough. She lets out a cry of pain, the blast of energy causing terrible wounds and pushing the medic to the brink of death.
((Myala casts Delay Death and keeps Damas alive [Currently at -34; he will die if not restored to -9 or higher hit points in 19 rounds]. The rest of my actions will come later once I see how badly everyone else is injured. ))

Posted by: Alpha Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:44 am
[Laeralas passes and evades. Septimus passes and takes half damage. Tanis passes and takes half damage. Talacre fails and eats all the damage.] Laeral hops between Max and Mae with elven grace, evading the powerful spell completely and landing right next to Shailtor. He lashes out with fury at the Strife Lord, simultaneously casting a spell to aid his attacks. Though his strikes may not have had effect normally, his powerful enchantment that lets him attack as a wraith might proves to be extremely helpful here.
[Pass DC35 tumble check to move 10’ as a 5’ step. Move to K19. Daggerspell cast Draconic Might and full attack Shailtor.
Laeral’s melee attacks are resolved as touch attacks
Touch to hit rolls: 44/42/59/48/42
Damage: 29/26+11 holy/30/28+7holy/29
Weapons count as good and holy]
Septimus cries out in pain as the multitude of energies wash over him, though the spell he reaved from Amelios lessens the pain. He also calls out in dismay as Daran and Felix are gravely injured. Raising his arms and chanting quickly, the spellguard casts two spells to burn at the Strife Lord. First to arrive is a giant serpent of flame. It launches itself into the air to join a concentrated, dark cloud that has appeared above Shailtor. It then drops towards him as a bolt of intense energy sparks down, the fire snaking around the electricity.
[Septimus should be at O16 – he moved there a couple of rounds ago
Cast a Quickened Blaze 4. SR check: 39.
Damage: 8d10 + 24 = 69 damage, no save
Cast an Empowered Bolt 4. Possible due to easy metamagic. SR check: 40
Damage: 20d8 x 1.5 = 117 damage, no save]
Now that the vile fiend had been pushed out of Gabriel’s body, Tanis moves around to get a clear shot. Mimicking Septimus’ spell, another serpent of flame that would make both Tao and Kyuu proud smashes into the strife lord, the warmage’s pure magical force put into the arcane attack.
[Move to M15, cast an Empowered Blaze 4 on Shailtor
SR: 33. Can reroll if it fails.
Damage: (8d10 + 24) x 1.5 = 137 damage, no save]
Talacre’s mind reels as is it tormented from past memories. He see things that not only pained him, but his brother and father too…
[Still doing his nightmare post. Coming soon…]
[Laeralas: HP: 194/194, AC: 36
Septimus: HP: 54/90, AC: 24, Acid/Cold/Electric resistance 10, DR10/magic, SR32
Talacre: HP: 134/237, AC: 38
Tanis: HP: 55/121, AC: 26]

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Oct 27, 2008 3:48 am
((Reflex saves Ivellas: 1d20 + 17 + 7 = 7 + 24 = 31. Pass. 64 damage. Kyuu: 1d20 + 12 + 7 = 4 + 19 = 23. Fail. 95 damage. Merkass: Autofail, and I rolled a 1 anyway. 132 damage. Rhizor: 1d20 + 17 + 7 = 7 + 24 + 31. Pass. 64 damage.
Aurik: 1d20 + 14 + 7 = 19 + 21 = 40. Pass. Evade.
Mahler: 1d20 + 15 + 7 = 14 + 22 = 36. Pass. 64 damage.
DAGRON: 1d20 + 18 + 7 = 12 + 25 = 37. Pass. 46 damage.
None of my meleers can get to Shailtor except DAGRON.
Bite: 1d20+46: (8)+ 46 = 54
Damage: 2d6+2d6+26: (6 5) (2 4)+ 26 = 43 holy.
Kyuu casts Assay SR.
Kyuu spews a searing, fiery blaze 4
SR: 1d20+31: (6)+ 31 = 37.
Damage: (1 1 3 9 2 3 7 2)+ 32 = 60. No fire resistance applies. No save.))

Posted by: YsFanatic Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:13 am
Even as Sheila tackled her to the ground, Melissa felt laughter tear itself from her throat against her will, and soon she was laughing hard enough where her sides her and she found herself unable to do much at all. ((Mel failed her save versus the Laughter spell, and with Van dead I'm pretty sure I'm out of this battle))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:23 am
((Garudaos rolls a 30 on a natural 1; if he does officially fail, he is immune to the fire damage. Ashathel passes and takes half damage. Gabe rolls a 14, but due to Irresistible Dance and Shivering Touch he fails the save and takes all the damage listed. In addition, expelling Shailtor also causes him to take 10 temp Str damage.
Dam evades and takes no damage.
Graigus evades and takes no damage.
Pantherath evades and takes no damage.))
The dragonman plunges from the air at impossible speeds, slamming into the Swarm with his flaming blade.
((Garudaos dives on Shailtor with Flyby Attack, stopping 5' above the ground at M19.
Bastard Sword: to-hit +41 (+16 bab, +11 str, +10 bardic, +2 w. mastery, +2 charge, +2 recitation, +1 w. focus, +1 wpn, +1 height, -5 pa), damage 2d10+114 [(1d10+5 wpn, +16 str, +10 orb, +10 bardic, +10 pa, +2 w. spec, +2 w. mastery, +2 aura)]x2 dive)
Bastard Sword: to-hit 59, damage 122 ))
<}=={ Garudaos }=={>
(O) HP: 91/186
(O) AC: 31
<---->
Just after the dragonman finished his powerful dive, ashathel used his magic to swap Garudaos with Gabriel.
((Ashathel casts Benevolent Transposition, swapping Garudaos with Gabriel. Garudaos is at I16 (on the ground) while Gabriel ends up 5' above the ground with his leftmost square at M19.))
<}=={ Ashathel }=={>
(O) HP: 113/181
(O) AC: 47
(O) 20% Miss chance, 4 Mirror Images
(O) Song of Celerity 1/day [0 left]
(O) Spells
L0: Electric Jolt [x2]
L1: Benign Transposition, Lesser Orb of Electricity [x2]
L2: Blur
L3: Bolt 1 [x4]
L4: Freeze 3 [Elec]
L5: ---
L6: ---
<--->
Gabriel dances like a fool, waiting until he can once more punish shailtor for the damage he's done.
((Gabriel doesn't do anything.))
<}=={ Gabriel }=={>
(O) HP: 342/342
(O) AC: ?? (depends on whether Pantherath can cast Restoration)
(O) DR 10/magic
(O) Rage 2/day [0 left]
(O) Primeval Form 3/day (0 left)
<--->
Graigus becomes more hirstute as he moves across the battlefield.
((Graigus assumes his Hybrid Form and moves to L13.))
<}-{ Graigus }-{>
HP: 212/212
AC: 44
Stunning Fist 10/day [2 remaining]
<--->
The double-dagger weielder Dam Dicem drifts towards Shailtor, driving his point home - literally.
((Dam moves to I13 and attacks Shailtor.
Main-hand Dagger: to-hit +35 (+14 bab, +10 bardic, +5 dex, +2 flank, +2 blur, +4 tactical aid, -2 twf), dmg 3d6+7d8+11 (1d6 dagger, 2d6 holy, 7d8 sneak, +1 str, +10 bardic)
Main-hand Dagger: to-hit , 37 dmg 45))
<}-{ Dam Dicem }-{>
HP: 142/142
AC: 38
Sidestep 3/day [0 remaining]
<---->
Pantherath exercised his magical ability, casting spells to heal his allies.
((I was told that Aurik was casting Close Wounds, and based on temp HP gain Tao would be alright; if necessary, Pantherath will also toss in a Close Wounds to help. If it isn't necessary (or if he can't keep her from dying) then Panth casts Delay Death on Tao.
For his standard action, if necessary Pantherath casts a Mass Cure Moderate Wounds spell on the most injured people; otherwise, he casts Restoration on Gabriel, undoing the Str damage from Shailtor and the Dex damage from Shivering Touch.))
<}-{ Pantherath }-{>
HP: 169/169
AC: 35
Smite Evil 2/day [0 remaining]
Turn Undead 20/day [14 remaining]
Turn Water/Bolster Fire 10/day [10 remaining]
-- Spells --
Spell DC's: 16 + spell level
L0: 6/6
L1: 6/8
L2: 3/7
L3: 3/7
L4: 3/7
L5: 5/7
L6: 4/6
L7: 1/6
L8: 0/5
L9: 0/3
= Templar =
L1: Divine Favor, Divine Sacrifice
-=<}--{^}--{>=-
-=<{ Garudaos }>=-
Bardic Music {+10 morale bonus to atk/dmg/ saves vs. fear & charm}
Recitation {+2 luck bonus to atk, ac, saves; +3 for light-believers}
Death Ward {immune to death spells and death effects}
Holy Aura {+4 deflection to AC, +4 resistance to saves, SR 25/evil spells & casters, evil attackers are blinded}
-=<{ Ashathel }>=-
Shield {+8 shield to AC}
Bardic Music {+10 morale to atk/dmg/ saves vs. fear & charm}
Recitation {+2 luck to atk, ac, saves; +3 for light-believers}
Holy Aura {+4 deflection to AC, +4 resistance to saves, SR 25/evil spells & casters, evil attackers are blinded}
Shield of Law {+4 deflection to AC, +4 resistance to saves, SR 25/chaotic spells & casters, chaotic attackers are slowed}
-=<{ Gabriel }>=-
Shield {+8 shield to AC}
Bardic Music {+10 morale bonus to atk/dmg/ saves vs. fear & charm}
Recitation {+2 luck bonus to atk, ac, saves; +3 for light-believers}
Aura of Vitality {+4 morale to str, dex, con}
Holy Aura {+4 deflection to AC, +4 resistance to saves, SR 25/evil spells & casters, evil attackers are blinded}
Shield of Law {+4 deflection to AC, +4 resistance to saves, SR 25/chaotic spells & casters, chaotic attackers are slowed}
Shivering Touch {-15 Dex}
Irresistible Dance {-4 AC, -10 Ref, provoke AoO's}
-=<{ Dam }>=-
Bardic Music {+10 morale bonus to atk/dmg/ saves vs. fear & charm}
Shield of Law {+4 deflection to AC, +4 resistance to saves, SR 25/chaotic spells & casters, chaotic attackers are slowed}
-=<{ Graigus }>=-
Bardic Music {+10 morale bonus to atk/dmg/ saves vs. fear & charm}
Aura of Vitality {+4 morale to str, dex, con}
Shield of Law {+4 deflection to AC, +4 resistance to saves, SR 25/chaotic spells & casters, chaotic attackers are slowed}
-=<{ Pantherath }>=-
Bardic Music {+10 morale bonus to atk/dmg/ saves vs. fear & charm}
Recitation {+2 luck bonus to atk, ac, saves; +3 for light-believers}
Haste {+1 atk, +1 dodge ac, +1 dodge ref saves}
Holy Aura {+4 deflection to AC, +4 resistance to saves, SR 25/evil spells & casters, evil attackers are blinded}

Posted by: Alpha Mon Oct 27, 2008 11:15 am
((Just so you know Arc, Irresistisble Dance ends this round - next round Gabe is free to own shit again))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:16 am
Laeralas effortlessly moves through the crowd, appearing next to Shailtor in what seems like an instant, driving his daggers through the shadowy form of the archfiend. Shailtor roars in pain and seems to shrink back from the blows, no witty retorts or taunts hurled now. The once mighty, smug Shailtor can only emit pained exclamations as the war party tears into him. Septimus and Tanis add lightning and fire to the onslaught and Shailtor's screams grow louder, his essence beginning to flicker. Dragon and dragonman alike dive down on the devil lord, enchanted fang and sword ripping through his exposed essence as Dam barely misses the besieged demon. Four of the six red lights that make up Shailtor's eyes begin to dim, the finally fade out as his form grows more and more transparent. Sparks of pure fell energy begin to fall from him and defile the ground, as if he was beginning to fall apart where he stood.
((Shailtor's strength is nearly gone! Actions reduced from six to two! All stats reduced!))
Emboldened by the attacks of the others, Max raises the Chaos Breaker high and brings it down on Shailtor, the brilliant green blade melting away the shadowy substance of the Strife Lord with its blazing light.
: "It's over, Shailtor! You're finished!" Max shouts as he brings his sword around for another strike.
: "You... might be... right..." Shailtor gasps as his ghostly hand wraps around Max's sword arm. "But... I don't want to make... that journey alone..."
Darkness flares to life around Max and the hero screams as the life is sucked from his body. When the unholy aura fades, Max still stands, weakly... then Shailtor drives his hand through his chest. The Dragon Slayer topples, then falls, as Shailtor begins a pained chuckle.
((Harm drops Max to 1 HP, attack brings him down to -34. Max dies.))
: "NO!" Anri screams, her eyes widening with terror as the great hero falls to the terrible fiend.
: "Heh... That... is the fate... of heroes. Death... in some crusade..." Shailtor hisses. "Heh... heh... If... he'd have listened to you, and you to me... back at the Citadel..."
:
"Then we'd both be trapped in madness," Anri says, her voice suddenly tight, controlled. "Max would never want that... he said so himself. Your games are over."
Anri says, raising her staff and calling out words of arcane power in a commanding voice. Shards of ice fall from the heavens, unerringly striking the spidery Strife Lord and making him scream once more. When the spell ends, Shailtor begins to look around all of you, distantly... almost as if in a daze. Then he regains focus and his remaining eyes glare at you with hate. With absolute loathing mixed with everything from envy to fear.
: "So... This will be the end. Unfair. UNFAIR! I... You..." Shailtor spits, then an odd calm seems to overtake him as he laughs weakly, speaking again. "Come on then... heroes... I gave you that strength you wield... That hate you use against me..." Shailtor rasps. "Let me see the fruit... of my labor... Even if you kill me... Heh... heh... My gifts will be with you... always... Ha... ha..."
Next turn!
Map no longer truly needed.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:58 am
((It's late and I'm tired, so I will pretty this up later, but Myala casts Mass Heal. I'll list who gets the healing tomorrow...or later today rather. Z_Z))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:14 am
"The retribution of the Light comes now, Shailtor! The multiverse shall bear with you not longer!" Pantherath snarled, his righteous indignation focused into a powerful display of divine magic. ((Pantherath casts Righteous Smite with his last 7th-level slot. Four more turn attempts burned for Divine Metamagic to maximize the spell.
Righteous Smite: SR check 40, dmg 144))
<----->
"Yes..." the Silver-Tongued Devil said, driving his weapons home again and again, a sadistic look in his eyes. "Feel the truth seep into you... feel your mortality, lord of nothing but failure, and feel our victory pour into you, crushing your hopes and dreams for destruction. Feel the promise of life, of a world without you and yours... and weep bitter blood for all eternity!"
((Dam attacks Shailtor some more.
Atk1: to-hit 49, dmg 50
Atk2: to-hit 40, dmg 51
Atk3: to-hit 43, dmg 52
Atk4: to-hit 39, dmg 48))

Posted by: Alpha Thu Oct 30, 2008 12:27 pm
Bolstered by the fact that Shailtor is quickly weakening, Laeral continues his onslaught on the Strife Lord. Once again, his daggers tear away at the foul entity and a serpent of fire crashes into him. [Full attack, DaggerFlurry Blaze 4 Laeral’s melee attacks are resolved as touch attacks
Touch to hit rolls: 57/48/44/50/56
Damage: 34/33/36/33/38
Weapons count as good and holy
Blaze 4 SR check: 28
Damage: 60, no save]
Septimus cries out once more, but this time not in pain. He sees Max fall to Shailtor’s darkness. Chanting quickly, he makes a wish to the Light, to preserve the Hero’s life. Then with renewed fury, he casts another damaging spell on Shailtor.
[Cast Limited Wish to cast Delay Death on Max
Quicken Cast another Blaze 4: 34 on SR, 76 damage, no save]
The fall of Shailtor now in view, Tanis continues his arcane assault, pounding away at the Strife Lord.
[Cast Maximised, Empowered Orb of Fire
Ranged touch: 27
Ignores SR
Damage: (15 x 6) x 1.5 + 13 + 10 = 158 damage, no save]
Talacre continues to squirm about in trauma land.
[Laeralas: HP: 194/194, AC: 36
Septimus: HP: 90/90, AC: 24, Acid/Cold/Electric resistance 10, DR10/magic, SR32
Talacre: HP: 237/237, AC: 38
Tanis: HP: 121/121, AC: 26]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Oct 30, 2008 9:51 pm
((Myala moves to G-15 and casts Mass Heal. Alex, Ashathel, Aurik, Cedric, Dagron, Dam, Eve, Gabriel, Graigus, Ivellas, Jessica, Myala, and Tanis regain 200 hit points. The spell should also heal Gabriel's Strength damage. Jessica moves to I-20 and manifests an Empowered Nasar. Apis, Garudaos, Hal, Laeral, Mae, Max, Merla, and Pantherath regain 60 hit points.
I will post the rest of my characters actions later because I have to go now. :-/))

- Jessica
  - HP: 140/140
  - AC: 28
  - PP: 248/438
- Kayla
  - HP: 136/136
  - AC: 35
- Merla
  - HP: 114/114
  - AC: 30
- Myala
  - HP: 136/136
  - AC: 33

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Oct 31, 2008 12:29 am
*Aurik glares at Shailtor, unappreciative of his wiles. The demonic cloud of corruption begins to wink out, and Aurik senses victory, but is taken back by his surprise.* : "You will have no prize this day, pawn of darkness! The Hero of Light is not yours to claim, and neither will this day be added to your spoils. The hearts here are pure, and this sanctum stands against darkness like a naked bonfire, strengthened by the winds assailing it, never stifled. Max, arise, and stand against the darkness once more!"
*Before Shailtor can land the killing blow, Max's wounds immediately begin to close, negating what would have otherwise been the final blow against the Hero of Rune and Slayer of the Dark Dragon. Though he begins to collapse, Max still breathes, still lives.*
((Aurik uses an immediate action the round before to use Close Wounds on Max as an immediate action. Add Healing Kicker (Aid)
Max gains 1d4 + 5 + 4 (Augment Healing) = 3 + 9 = 12 hp.
Max also gains MAX(1d8+5) = 13 temp hp.
Max is at -9, alive, and stable.
Aurik gives Shailtor the finger.))
*Kyuu is left angered, his already flaming fur glowing brighter when Max is cut down.*
: "You big, mean, ugly, dirty... uh... smoky... uh... BAD THING! Go back to whatever hole you came from and leave us alone!"
*In a blur of motion, Kyuu throws two more blazes at the weakening blob of darkness, hoping to send Shailtor away once and for all.*
((Searing Empowered Fiery Blaze 4 (Searing is free)
SR: 1d20 + 31 = 15 + 31 = 46.
(8d10+24+8)*1.5 = ((5 1 6 8 4 2 8 5)+ 32)*1.5 = 71*1.5 = 101 fire.
Greater Celerity for another full round
Searing Empowered Fiery Blaze 4
SR: 1d20 + 31 = 10 + 31 = 41.
(8d10+32)*1.5 = ((8 3 2 7 8 4 10 9)+32)*1.5 = 83*1.5 = 124 fire.
No save, no Fire Resistance applies.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:45 am
((Merla casts Magic Missile. Shailtor takes 23 damage. SR applies, but no save. I'm not too sure if there is even room for Kayla to get in and attack Shailtor, but I rolled a 1 anyway so it really doesn't matter. ))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Oct 31, 2008 10:25 am
The fiery serpent called against Shailtor dissipates as soon as it forms, but Laeralas' blades strike true against the fiend, disrupting his essence. Tanis' and Kyuu's fire burn away the brunt of the monster's essence, leaving only a floating head and arms where Shailtor's shadowy form once stood. Those remnants of the Strife Lord are then further blasted as Pantherath calls down the fury of the Light itself onto the fiend.
Through the efforts of Septimus and Aurik, Shailtor's victory over Max is denied, the hero restored to life. Shailtor shrieks with utter rage as his prize is taken from him yet again, his anger only growing as Jessica and Myala repair the damage he'd done moments before to the heroes. The wavering form, now only head and arms, begins to call magic to it... and is stopped by twin blades slicing through his dissipating form. Shailtor twists around to lock eyes with the rogue, near incorporeal icy arms of shadowy mist locking around his hands.
: "You... think you've won..." Shailtor hisses. "Let me tell you something, whelp. My defeat means NOTHING. You don't even know the nature of this world that you live in... the truths that we've seen. That are hidden from such as you..." Shailtor chuckles insanely. "We... We interlopers from another world... We... We're just the appetizer. Nothing compared to that thing at the core."
: "I do hope so, because you're not very filling," the Silver-Tongued Devil smiled, twisting his blades. "I have had enough of playing with lackeys... give me the ones running the show, the ones whose deaths will mean this madness comes to an end. That is the meat I want to sink my teeth into... but all they're doing right now are scraping against bones."
Shailtor laughs harder.
: "That's... what you fail to comprehend. This world... By its very nature... The madness will never end."
TheUnknownMarine: Shailtor's remaining eyes gleam. "Another thing... We didn't discover this world of yours, oh no. We were TOLD to come."
: "Now we're talking," the rogue said, his devilish smile only broadening. "Maybe there'll actually be something more than an appetizer after all."
:"Perhaps for them..." Shailtor's eyes flicker as his grip on Dam tightens. Dark power begins to crackle around the rogue and archfiend, Shailtor pouring his essence into one final spell. Some amount of vitality begins to return to Shailtor as Dam feels a terrifying chill spread through his being. Decaying wings of ghostly skeletal tendrils sprout from Shailtor's back as Dam begins to feel tired, drained. As Shailtor speaks, the tendrils seem to rip into the very air itself, tips disappearing into many tiny rifts. "But not for you. My last card... If I can't have the hero, I'll have to make do with the thief! I'll die now, but I'll make sure I can return later! I'll use your soul to disperse mine into the planes, make its destruction impossible! A fragment here or there over countless universes? You'll never truly destroy me! Oh it'll take a millennium for me to reform, but I'll have fun with your descen..."
A roar of pure fury interrupts Shailtor, Cedric finally bursting free from his unholy shackles as the artifacts on him begin to shine with holy light.
: "What?!" Shailtor gets out, turning and unleashing the spell energy at the holy knight instead of Dam. A spark of darkness, like a minute void in existence, flashes towards the paladin. Cedric takes the unholy bolt without flinching, continuing to charge. His hammer blazes with a brilliant light that blinds all who look directly at it as he crashes into Shailtor. What remains of the archfiend is slammed into the ground, rolling away to weakly twitch as only the faintest outline and one single eye remain.
:“Wha... What is that... That glow... No! It can't be! That sword was shattered! That energy shouldn't be...” Shailtor screams, sounding terrified. “That's... you shouldn't be able to wield that kind of power... Cedric! You're just a mortal... Aren't you?! What are you! What have you become?!”
Cedric Theodoric, Holy Knight of Mitula does not respond, roaring once more in hatred and defiance as he slams him hammer into Shailtor once more before falling to the ground. The hammer shatters, exploding with pure energy as for a brief moment the spectres of a hundred heroes surround the fallen fiend. A hulking man with a huge gun, a lithe girl with pointed ears and artificial claws strapped on, a blue haired mage, a hundred souls pure of spirit, mind, and body that gave their lives fighting the Strife Lords, all appear, spectral weapons in hand. At their head is a young woman in familiar armor with an elegant and powerful sword. The sky is filled with battle cries from a hundred dead throats as the ghosts of the fallen swarm down upon the now vulnerable Shailtor. Stripped of his defenses by the heroes, the unimpeded blades of the dead slice away the very soul of the archfiend, cutting his connections to the spirit world, the realms of magic, and every higher plane he could once boast a link to. Rather than attack him directly, the spirits destroy the connections bored into the fabric between worlds, preventing him from using those connections to escape or bypass the trapping stone or anchoring spell laid upon him. Spectral swords, spells, and shots rip into Shailtor, attacking him on places invisible to mortal eyes, laying waste to contingency after contingency. In an instant, the few avenues of escape left to the devious fiend are cut off, the bony tendrils shattered and sliced into minute fragments. The twisted web of Shailtor's essence is reduced only to the thing in front of the Shining Forces allowing them to accomplish what countless worlds, heroes, and armies had failed to do. As the ghosts fade, only one way out remains for the Lord of the Twisted Web. Almost invisible save for one dim eye now, the Strife Lord twitches and tries to get up.
: "My... escape..." Shailtor whispers. "Damn... Cedric... Damn... that woman... Damn... you all..."
Dam finishes his attack, driving his daggers into Shailtor's fading form, the magical energy enveloping the weapons tearing away the fragile remnants of the once mighty entity as he fixes the rogue with one last hate filled glare.
:"And damn you... Cedirc... Dam..."
Shailtor's words become a scream as he utters one last shriek of pure pain, then his being explodes into a million translucent droplets of essence. Each drop sizzles away in the light of day as the battlefield becomes quiet.
One ghost lingers, kneeling beside Cedric's still form. Avenger, heroine, queen of dead star, Lisa takes Cedric's hand as the paladin draws in one ragged last breath. Having withstood spell after spell throughout the fight, power after power, the mighty will that filled the body with power finally fades. When Lisa's ghost fades, another accompanies it.
An expression of peace lies on Cedric's face for the first time in months as his soul departs for another place.
((Victory! Battle ended!))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Oct 31, 2008 7:45 pm
Isyndel watched the spectacle wide-eyed as it unfolded before her with a sort of lucid detachment that only someone of her line of work could display. What she could see, she tracked, azure eyes flickering rapidly at each spirit while she analyzed what little she could in the split seconds they gave her. Faces and powers danced before her in a cacophony of imagery, most of which she failed to recognize but stood in awe of anyway.
Then her eyes widened and horror overtook her face as comprehension overtook her, her breath caught in her throat, the sensation of her legs and hands all but disappeared, and all she could feel was the sound of her heartbeat. For seconds she was frozen by her own understanding.
From the rear of the battlements the clang of the Psychowand striking the ground echoed as everything began to settle, and the frail form of the woman pushed her way through those around her in a sudden burst of energy, one hand outstretched, the other clenching the neckline of her robe.
She opened her mouth, but only silence came as she charged forward as Lisa took Cedric's hand. She tried to talk, tried to scream, tried to do anything, something, but nothing came.
She reached Cedric's fallen form just as their forms began to fade, her arm still stretched before her. "W...w..." the woman's voice stammered, shaking with each attempt.
And then they were gone. Her arm fell to her side as if it were lifeless as she stood in the center of them all, next to the Paladin's lifeless form. Her eyes fell to him, then rose to where he had departed once more, and her form began to tremble.
Isyndel gritted her teeth, suddenly aware that she was not alone, feeling as if the eyes of the world had fallen upon her. Silently, she turned her head left, then right in rapid motion as if everyone were closing in upon her and she could not find an escape route, and there was nothing left to her but to fight. She held her breath but her lips parted and pressed uncontrollably, her body continued to shake.
Her eyes found Damas and locked on them for but a moment, but that moment was all it took. Suddenly everyone around her was gone, and she sank to her knees, the fight in her long gone.
She found his head in her lap, unaware she had moved to do so herself. She traced her finger along the line of his jaw, over his ear, and stroked his hair as if petting her feline accomplice.
This man had respected her. This man had led her, led them, through the most frightening moments of her life. And in doing so, had lost everything.
Her head lowered, tresses of hair fell over the sides, masking her face, masking the single tear that fell unto the passed man's cheek.
She had respected him. This man was her friend, would always be.
But he was gone.
Cedric was gone.
As if no one else were alone, Isyndel Rhoe'wyn wept openly and unashamed then, casting free the bonds she placed upon herself. She pounded her fist once upon the man's breastplate in frustration, and clenched her other hand over her face.
Understanding it, evidently, did not make it any easier to accept.

Posted by: Alpha Fri Oct 31, 2008 9:00 pm
As soon as Shailtor's form dissipates, the Strife Lord gone, Laeral sheathes his daggers and runs to his brother. He studies Talacre intently, seeing if either the possession or trauma has left him with Shailtor's demise. Septimus sighs in relief and offers a quick prayer of thanks to the Light as the Strife Lord finally passes away. He looks to both his leader and his Queen, hoping they're alright. Zip emerges from his safe nook in a fold in the wizard's robes. He takes a perch on the spellguard's head, chirping with interest at the scene before him.
Tanis leans heavily on his staff of defence. With a sigh, he walks over to Kria. At first he doesn't say anything. Then he wraps her up in a hug, muttering a string of continued apologies for the pain his actions caused.
((Trauma scene 1...))
Talacre’s nightmarish torment begins…
A cloudy haze passes over his eyes, the current scene disappearing. After a few moments focus, eyesight returns….
…Talacre’s eyes regard the new vision, working furiously to see what memory of his it is. After some time, he realises the shocking truth…it isn’t him. He’s seeing events through a young Laeral’s eyes here…
Something is wrong… his brother is sat on the floor of a Stamp house, knees up against check, and shaking with worry. There are moans of pain along with mutterings of reassurance coming from close by, presumably the next room. With each cry out, Laeral’s small body flinches, trying to block the sound out, but refusing to leave at the same time.
Soon, the sounds of pain stop. More concerned now, the young elf gets up stiffly, cramped from hours spent in the same position. He quietly moves over to the door, which opens. The tear stricken face of Raelan greets Laeral, and the father slowly shakes his head.
http://www.alphaalec.com/chaoswar/music/Sorrow.mp3
Denial comes first. Laeral shakes his head vigorously, refusing to believe the truth.
“She…she can’t be,” he almost wails, tears flooding down his cheeks.
“I - I’m sorry, Laeral. But…your brother survived,” Raelan manages to get out. “Do you want to see him?”
“NO!” the distraught Laeralas screams. “I hate him! I’ll always hate him!” Finally unable to bear it anymore, the young elf runs from the room, leaving his likewise devastated father behind.
The pain of the scene rushing through his mind, the haze reappears. Then a new scene begins to come into focus. This time, it’s one Talacre recognises from his own viewpoint…

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Oct 31, 2008 9:09 pm
Dicem dropped to his knees, his skin lightening and form shifting to his usual. The wavy-bladed daggers clattered to the ground, his energy spent. "That... that was fun," he coughed, voice raspy, sweat dripping off his forehead. "Let's... not do that again, for a while..."
<--->
Pantherath snorted, a small, low growl escaping his throat for a moment. Then, kneeling, he placed the tip of his large blade into the ground, closing his eyes.
"You have earned your rest, saviors of Algol," he spoke softly. "May the warmth of the Light embrace you, from now until eternity."
After speaking the short prayer, he set about casting minor spells, restoring the damage done to those around him.
((Mass Vigors and such used.))
<--->
Graigus stood in silence for a moment, before his eyes widened and he looked around at the spellcasters.
"My temple!" he said. "I need to go to my temple... I have to find them, I have to help them!"
<--->
Ashathel bowed his head in silence, astounded and even dumbfounded. He had no words, no songs, no tunes... only long silence.
<--->
Gabriel's leonine form faded, returning to that of the half-giant he was. His eyes looked both sad and peaceful, as the idea that he now had to find a new purpose began to sink in.
<--->
Garudaos' wings fluttered and stretched behind him, as he approached Ivellas.
"Sir Ivellas... what would you like us to do now?" he asked.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Nov 01, 2008 11:19 am
((This is what happens when I'm sick and I can't sleep. )) Jessica breathes a faint sigh of relief as the archfiend Shailtor finally falls. The medic rushes to her leader's side to check on him. She rests her hand on Jim's shoulder and whispers a single word.
"Nares."
A bright light spreads out from Jessica's fingertips, healing Jim's wounds. When he starts to come around, the medic breathes another sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness. Are you ok sir?"
Kayla sheathes her curved daggers and turns around to face Dam. She takes a few steps towards the rogue and holds out her hand.
"You look like hell Dam. Are you going to be ok?"
The moment that Shailtor falls, Myala rushes to Damas' side. She had used her magic to keep him from death, but it would not last much longer. The elven priestess rests her hand on the sorcerer's chest and casts one of her more powerful healing spells. A bright white light spreads from her fingertips, seeping into and healing Damas' wounds.
After what seems to be an eternity, Merla snaps out of her trance. The first thing she does is take a deep breath. From the corner of her eye she notices Damas on the ground in a heap, and the priestess Myala kneeling beside him. She rushes to the sorcerer's side as fast as her small legs can carry her.
"Is he...?"
Myala looks over her shoulder at the female halfling and shakes her head.
"Your friend is going to be just fine. Perhaps you should see if your leader is ok though."
Although a little reluctent at first, Merla turns and seeks out her leader. When she reaches his side, she looks up and speaks.
"Alexander...is everything ok?"
Shortly after Merla walks away, Damas finally starts to come around. The sorcerer lets out a low moan and slowly opens his eyes.
"My head hurts..."
Myala smiles when she sees Damas comes around.
"It is good to see that you are well my friend."
Damas lies there for a few moments and then slowly sits up. He looks at Myala.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Myala Chelderstorm. I am a priestess of Volcanon."
Damas nods and pulls himself up off of the ground with the priestess' help.
"The name's Damas. Thanks a lot for the healing Myala. I would probably be dead if not for you."
"You are welcome Damas. Now if you will excuse me, I have other people to tend to my friend."
Myala bows her head and turns to walk away.
Damas grabs the priestess' wrist.
"Wait a moment Myala... What...happened here? Where is Shailtor?"
"The foul fiend was slain."
As the sorcerer's grip on her wrist loosens, Myala takes her leave.
Damas stands there alone for a few minutes and mutters to himself.
{Elvish} "Shailtor is dead? Who slew him?"
The sorcerer looks around and his eyes are immediately drawn to Isyndel who is kneeling beside Cedric. Even from where he is standing, he can tell that no life remains in the paladin.
"Cedric..."
Damas closes his eyes and murmurs a silent prayer in elvish. The sorcerer slowly opens his eyes once more and makes his way through the crowd to Isyndel's side. He looks down at Cedric's lifeless body, trying desperately to fight back tears.
Cedric has found peace at last...
Damas watches Isyndel in silence. The sight of her shaking and sobbing hurts the sorcerer almost more than he can bare. Not knowing what else to do, Damas kneels down and rests his hand on the wizardess' shoulder.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Nov 01, 2008 11:56 pm
Isyndel canted her head to the side, lifting her reddened eyes to meet his, trails of tears still trickling down her cheeks. Her lips quivered before she moved them to speak before closing them once more after only a muffled whine came from them. She raised her hand to his pensively, still shaking, before interweaving her trembling fingers around his as tightly as she could manage.
"I...," she whispered, in the elvish tongue, "...I know. I know I'm...being a fool, and I know that I'm doing no honor to his memory. I know there is work to be done, I know...I know..."
"Yeah, 'er ladyship's right boss, maybe you oughta take a breather," Langston added, before flopping backward onto the ground spread-eagle. "Hell, think I'm gonna take one too. Cripes."
"A true knight," Eve spoke softly, to no one in particular. "Still, that doesn't make this any easier."
"Everyone okay?" she asked, looking about for the rest of Alex's squad before seeing Laeralas. She shifted uneasily watching him stare at Talacre, and steadied herself in case the latter were still being affected.
"...that was the scariest ghost I've ever seen."

Posted by: Aldur Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:47 pm
"Well done everyone! I'm like so proud of you all. That's two down! One more left!" Kria's fist punched through the air, a gleeful grin adorning her face. She blinks as Tanis grabs her, and hugs him back, rolling her eyes. "Oh come on, you big baby."

Posted by: Alpha Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:14 am
Tanis merely laughs quietly at Kria's words, hugging her all the tighter.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Nov 08, 2008 12:46 am
"Oooooooow," Daran says, staggering out of his suit. "That hurt. A lot. I'm just going to take a short break if that's OK, boss." Talacre, Mae and Apis still stand stock still, eyes blank with unseen horror as they are internally tested. Jim groans wearily as Jessica revives him, painfully pulling himself into a sitting position and looking around.
: "I think we're all pretty far from OK..." Jim slowly says, looking around. "Status report. Where's Shailtor? Who's alive, who's dead, who..."
Jim is cut off as he convulses suddenly, the military officer tearing off his gas mask to lean over and retch, a small stream of blood pouring from his mouth to puddle on the ground. Jim wipes his mouth with the back of his hand as he returns to sitting.
"Yeah... pretty far from OK."
: "Mel's all whacked up in the head, but I've managed to pin her down," Sheila calls. "I'd appreciate someone knocking the evil out of her, or barrin' that, just knockin' her out!"
Anri and Max support each other, leaning heavily on the other as they take stock of the scarred battlefield.
: "Many... great heroes were lost today..." Max says, looking at Cedric's corpse. "Someone... get the healers from the Abbey. Check the rest of it, check the others, make sure they're all right..."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:00 am
"Dam... we need to go back to my temple," Graigus said, his tone frantic. "Shailtor... he sent the cult to attack the temple!" "Well... that sucks," the rogue said, slowly pushing to his feet. "That sucks a lot for them..." "What... no... you can't be serious, Dam..."
"I just finished letting my alter ego rip apart one of the Strife Lords. I'm afraid not, kid," the rogue said, sheathing his blades to dust himself off.
"But... but... how can you?" Graigus asked, his worry and frustration turning to anger. "How can you let them die?"
"What? No, kid, lay off the dwarven ale already," he said, unsheathing his blades. Winking as he clicked his heels, activating the boots of teleportation, he added, "Sucks to be them when I get there."
The dwarf slowly sank to his knees as the rogue disappeared, unable to do anything but look at the ground.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:27 am

QUOTE (DragonmasterDon1 @ Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:56 pm)
Isyndel canted her head to the side, lifting her reddened eyes to meet his, trails of tears still trickling down her cheeks. Her lips quivered before she moved them to speak before closing them once more after only a muffled whine came from them. She raised her hand to his pensively, still shaking, before interweaving her trembling fingers around his as tightly as she could manage.
"I...," she whispered, in the elvish tongue, "...I know. I know I'm...being a fool, and I know that I'm doing no honor to his memory. I know there is work to be done, I know...I know..."

"You are not a fool Isyndel," Damas whispers in elvish. "It is perfectly natural and acceptable to mourn the loss of a friend or loved one." The sorcerer lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. "Dwelling on his loss, however...could be considered dishonorable, and no good ever comes of dwelling on loss for too long. Trust me, I know." Unsure of what else to do, Damas offers Isyndel a faint smile.
((I hope you'll forgive my lame response Don. ^_^;;))

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:13 pm
Leonard shakes his head sadly at the turns of events and plays a moving ode to the fallen at some point, since he's the mourner and he does that best. ((Perform 40.)) Morgan says... Yeah. Nothing.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:26 pm
Snow crunched under the weight of feet that were not present only seconds before, the cold winds whipping loose snow around the rogue. He looked about, scanning the horizon and the area around the mountain that protected the Temple of the Stone Leaf. While the howling wind through off his hearing, his eyes poved to be far more keen.
((Listen: 21 (nat. 1)
Spot: 34))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Nov 08, 2008 11:27 pm
Isyndel murmured under her breath, wiping her eyes with her free hand, before resting the fallen Paladin's head onto the ground gently. She rose, albeit slowly and unsteadily, and turned to face the Sorceror. She lowered her eyes and took a step forward into him, resting her forehead into his chest at about his shoulder, her heart still aching.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:47 am
"Hey! You! You were here with Graigus, wern't you?" a thickly-cloaked monk called, half hidden behind a large snowpile. "I'd like to think so, yeah," the rogue said, sheathing his blades. "I was hoping that there'd be a fight, but I guess I could settle for you all being safe and sound."
"What are you talking about?" the monk asked.
"Nothing... bad joke, I guess," he mumbled. "Hey, is it alright for me to talk to your head panther honcho?"
"I cannot say that he will be able to see you," the monk said, "but you are welcome to come in out of the cold. Follow us."
Us? he thought, before three more of the monks made their presence known through their motion. They all wore thick, light-colored clothing, blending in almost seamlessly with the snowy backdrop of the mountain. Smirking, he followed wordlessly.
=====
"I didn't expect to be ushered right in," Dam said, his footsteps echoing down the hallway as he entered Quialis' private chamber. The monk remained on his bed, eyeing the rogue as he entered. "Not really the type of action reserved for people like myself."
"You are an odd one, Dam Dicem," Quialis said. "What service may we provide you?"
"Can't a man just drop by to say hello?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"A man may do such a thing. However, you are not a man who is doing such a thing now," he chuckled. "Please... you need not beat around the bush."
"Well, I'd rather go around than cut through it, but it's up to you," he said, shrugging. "I'm just here because children have nightmares."
"Is that so?" he asked, a small smile enhancing the twinkle in the aged monk's eye.
"You're old enough to be someone's grandfather... you know," Dam said. "Graigus, he doesn't sleep well sometimes... he fights Strife Lords, and afterwards has these crazy dreams that his temple is a smouldering ball of ruin and death. Crazy, isn't it?"
"Which one did you fight?" Quialis asked.
"Shailtor."
"The one said to enjoy lies and trickery," Quialis said. "I see that you stand, but you are by no means unaffected. I take it you are victorious, else you would not be able to come here."
"Oh, come on now... don't be so hard on yourself," Dam said, shrugging. "I'd haunt you too, if I were dead. No reason to leave anyone out... I have all of eternity, and all that."
"I will ask you something, Dam Dicem, and I will see if I receive an answer," the monk said, slowly sliding out of the bed. Standing straight, his form flickered and shifted, until a humanoid panther stood in his place. Quialis slowly circled the rogue, looking at him and sniffing the air. Finally, he stopped in front of the dual-dagger wielder and said, "I want to see it."
"See what?" Dam asked, raising an eyebrow.
"This is your form... and it is not," he said. "You have another... and I want to see it."
"Ooh... storytelling time, I see," the rogue said. A hint of something flickering in his eyes, he grinned dangerously and said, "Well, now... are you sure about that, Quialis? I have nice ones, and I have mean ones... you'll have to decide which one you want to see, and if you really want to see it."
"Have others seen your forms?" the panther shen asked.
"Just the meanest of them all," Dam said.
"Then that is the form I want to see," he purred, a hint of something dangerous in his words.
"I do hope you still think so now," the rogue said, though his form and voice were that of the Silver-Tongued Devil. "I would hate to be where I'm not wanted."
Quialis circled the rogue as he had before, though his eyes were locked on the mountebank and a constant low growl hummed in his throat. Then, stopping in front of the Silver-Tongued Devil once more, he stood straight, before returning to his human form once more.
"I am satisified that my children are in good care," Quialis said, sitting on the edge of his bed once more.
"That makes one of us," Dam said, reverting to his true form as well. "You don't really need to be in that bed, do you?"
"An old man can have his fun, can't he?" Quialis winked. "Besides... I still teach my children at least once a day, and dine with them for all meals. My presence is missed, and I would not begrudge them the few liberties they have while Razahr is away."
"I don't know whether I should be happy for them, or sad for us," the mountebank said, shrugging.
"He means well, but is hard on himself and others. He holds them to a very high level of accountability, one which both he and they often fall short of," the panther shen said. "I do hope that he will learn to relax more, before he returns."
"I'll see what I can do about that," Dam said, nodding. "Well... let me not keep you. Just indulging the kid's fantasies; I should hurry and get back, before he sends the entire force after me."
"I expect you to return soon," Quialis said. "We have much to discuss, you and I."
"Now, now... aren't we pushy?" Dam said, smirking.
"I prefer to call it being firm," the leader of the Stone Leaf Temple said, returning a slight smile. "Whether you return or not is, of course, your own decision."
"Then we'll see," Dam said, opening the door. "Don't die on the kid, old man."
"And the same should be said for you, Dam Dicem," Quialis whispered, the door long since closed and the cold mountain missing a fiery-headed man who had been there only moments before.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 13, 2008 3:39 am
Leo's haunting music plays over the battlefield as the healers from the abbey arrive and being tending to the wounded. Abbey Devastation: http://www.voxpvoxd.com/rustysfc/ShadeAbbey.mp3 Abbess Khris herself sees to Melissa, calling upon the power of the Light to perform a Miracle to restore the Spartan to her former self.
Though Cedric, Kyoji, and Gilliam are beyond the power of even the most holy priests at this point, Van is able to be revived without too much trouble. But the heroes are not the only ones with losses. The battlefield is vast, and the soldiers of the resistance lay scattered over it in droves, the wounded and dying intermingled. These too are tended to by the priests and monks of the abbey. Gathering up the dead and tending to the wounded, a small modicum of order is brought to the besieged abbey.
Talacre, Mae, and Apis are brought together, their comatose bodies still seeing visions only they perceive. Through magic, a great struggle within each of them is easily detected, a struggle best left to themselves for now. The heroes can only watch and wait.
While Dam's adventurers await the return of their leader and Cedric's crusaders mourn the passing of theirs, Alex and Ivellas' forces wait for their leaders to speak or act. The Rangers slowly begin to regroup and rally around Jim after Melissa is restored. Battered and weary, the unit falls in. The twisted and broken form of Varro is hauled to the others as Adam grimaces at the sight. As meditechs begin to cover the bodies of a few slain troopers, Jim shakes his head as the condition of his unit sinks in.
: "Not working... This isn't working..." Jim mumbles, rubbing his chin. "Victories at high costs, like before... I need to think of a new approach."
Meanwhile, the heroes of the Shining Force regroup as well, clustering around the main hall door.
: "As horrible as it was to endure any death... It's amazing there weren't more casualties," Anri remarks, watching the heroes tend to their own and reorganize.
: "They really are heroes... the next Shining Force," Max says, quietly.
: "They've saved all of our lives now, at least once, some more," Anri comments to Max. For a while, no one says anything. Then Tao speaks up.
: "So... What do we do now?" Tao asks, holding her still injured sides.
: "For now? We'll wait," Max states, his eyes traveling over the Cypressians, the adventurers, the royal guard, and the crusaders. "We'll give the new heroes time to rest and mourn. Whatever we do next... It'll largely be decided by them, I think."
: "Perhaps... Our job will merely be to help them. To prepare the way," Anri muses.
: "Much like this very Abbey so long ago," Khris says.
No one said anything for a long time after that.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:02 am
"Catch, kid," Dam said, tossing a white sphere at the monk seconds after teleporting back to the field. Graigus grabbed it out of the air, only to drop the snowball on the ground. "What happened? Are they-" "Dead? No. Hurt? No. Crazy for living up in the mountains... maybe, but you already knew that," the rogue said. "It's okay, kid... there's a reason why Shailtor and lies are usually mentioned in the same sentence."
The monk breathed a sigh of relief, collapsing backwards to lay on the cold, battered ground, his body eagle-spread.
"Good... that's good..."
"Yeah, I know," the rogue said. "I know..."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Nov 15, 2008 1:18 am
Jim leaned heavily against the Abbey Wall, going over a hastily made report from Sgt. Hale. Under his mask, he was grimacing at the news. "Maria returning to ship for treatment, Varro beyond repair with current facilities, Viletta recovering from an infectious enervation blast... Nearly everyone injured with ailments our or the natives' magic can't touch. With time, they should be OK, but..." Jim shakes his head, lowering the report. "That leaves only myself, Pantherath, Sheila, Jessica, Viki, and Melissa left in first squad..."
--------
Doctor Coventry, Gail, and Sophie leave shortly after recovering their strength, leaving only a cryptic note to Alexander not to worry, that they're going to look for help. They might be gone for a while.
--------
Eventually the battlefield is cleared and a watch posted, but it isn't until nightfall that all this occurs. Dinner proves to be a somber affair to say the least as the heroes and the soldiers that survived deal with the events of the day.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:15 am
Isyndel rose after her meal to walk the Abbey Grounds in peace and quiet. She drew a cloak about her and left wordlessly, haunted by a strong desire to be alone with her thoughts. Too much had been lost, two of which were people important to her. Too much had been lost, but for what? Their mortal enemy had been defeated -- Shailtor was gone for good, or at least as much as she could hope.
She didn't feel any less empty. Her footsteps paused and her eyes drifted before her aimlessly before rising to view the sky, unsure where she was going and why she was going there. Her feet began to move again as she lowered her gaze, and once more Isyndel Rhoe'wyn began to drift.
Several moments later, her ears twitched at the sound of metal scraping dirt from not far off. Her thoughts scattered, leaving only the hurt behind, and she suddenly regained her coherence. A small lantern lay upon the ground not far off, and its flickering flame danced off the metallic edge of a shovel that was in the arms of a centaur, no...a pegasus?
"I don't need any help," the pegasus spoke shortly. Eve had only just noticed the elven woman as the latter noticed her, the lithe frame blending well into the darkness beyond the lamplight in her dark cloak.
The wizardess closed the gap between them, ignoring the obvious tone and body language that screamed for the other's solitude.
"I did not come to do so," she offered flatly in return.
"Then why are you here? Graveyard wouldn't be my first choice for a breath of fresh air," Eve replied, resuming her digging as she spoke.
Isyndel eyed her surreptitiously but chose to ignore the question, realizing she had no answer for it. She had no idea why she was even in the graveyard in the first place, and short of knowing she had walked there, could scarcely remember anything she saw or heard between there and the dinner table. A moment passed before she spoke again.
"We do not even know if he will be laid to rest here. You may be wasting your time."
Eve took a hand off the shovel to brush her crimson hair from her face in a furious and obvious motion. She pursed her lips, exhaling sharply through her nose and then inhaling once more, before opening her mouth to release a deep breath.
"You're the one on his team that no one seems to like all that much," Eve replied matter-of-factly. If it were meant as an insult, it did not seem to come from her that way.
And if the wizardess were offended, she made no obvious reaction to indicate it. She did the exact opposite in fact, and moved across the hole the other was digging to meet her gaze.
"Anyway, I'm not wasting my time," Eve continued. "I'm doing something. I have to do something, I don't have the strength of heart to stand still and absorb it. If you ask me, you're the one wasting time, but I guess thats in the eye of the beholder, huh?"
"You did not even know them," Isyndel replied harshly, her voice thundering in ire. "Do not speak as if you travelled with them as I."
The two locked eyes, neither daring to back from the other for several seconds.
Then in a twist, Isyndel flinched, lowering her eyes to the ground.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I don't even know you, and I am taking my frustration to you."
"Eve. Eve Morslyn," the Pegasus Knight said with a grin. "Now you know me, keep going."
Isyndel canted her head to the side and looked at her in amusement when the understanding struck.
"You did that on purpose," she stated. "Mirrored me. You were trying to incite me."
"My mother would be proud, she's the type that always took great pride in being able to do that sort of thing," Eve replied. "It wasn't on purpose though; I came out here to be alone, to do something for the fallen, even if it ends up being meaningless like you said. I was startled to see you, and then..." She spiked the shovel into the ground before her and then crossed her arms, her eyes moving to the ground.
She nodded, understanding now that the words were before her. Eve Morslyn was her opposite in such a regard, she realized, and it was only natural that she would be angry watching her own aimless wandering.
"To die in service of a greater good," Eve murmured. "Do you think...it made them happy? Was it worth it to them; is it worth it to them now?"
Isyndel looked about awkwardly before her keen elven eyes settled on something. She left the Pegasus Knight standing alone for but a moment, giving only a motion of her hand to still her, before returning, her small hands cradling a shovel she had seen nearby. Without looking at Eve, she struck the ground beneath them and pulled the dirt free, her lean frame struggling to maintain her balance as she did so.
"You did not even know them," the wizardess whispered, looking up. "But if you would hear it, I would tell you of them."
Eve looked at her in surprise, and then turned to pick her shovel off the ground. She grinned in spite of herself; somehow the elf had not only seen through her, but in her own awkward way now sought to return the favor.

Posted by: Aldur Wed Nov 19, 2008 5:42 am
((Kria and Mike are also due long drawn out scenes. Kria's requires Tanis tho.)) As the great battles swirled around the world, a lone woman headed for somewhere she'd never been in a very long time. Her long silver hair sparkled in the dimming evening sun, but it was a lie, concealing her true nature underneath. Sulia Adelhyde headed for home. To her family. She entered Swiftly to find the shocked face of her mother.
A haughty looking plump woman of middling years, clad in a stylish purple gown, her sapphire eyes wide; the tied black hair swirling behind her as she rushes to her daughter, hugging her tightly, to receive a half hearted gesture in return.
"Greetings."
"You're home! But how!? Why!? Are you alright!? The last I heard was that you were fighting with a Shining Force! Hah! Should have seen how I rubbed that in the faces of some of the nobles at court! My Daughter! And her respectable Husband battling together! Side by side! I've commissioned a bard to write a song about it. You have brought honour to our house!"
Sulia's Mother; Ellen leant back and smiled at her daughter, pulling her into the large kitchen, screaming for a servant to bring wine. Sulia followed, a tranquil expression on her glamored face. "Is Rueben home?"
"Your brother is actually in training at the moment! He's going to become a Paladin of the Light! I was naturally disappointed he was not chosen like you were, but we'll make do. Pity really...And to think!" Ellen laughed, as if remembering something funny.
Sulia sat down at the family table with her mother, raising an eyebrow quizzically to enquire as to the source of the joke. Ellen sighed, settling herself as she sat at the head of the table, frowning at Sulia.
"You're on my left. Not my right. You should remember! It's been awhile I know, but REALLY. Shuffle ago now dear."
Waiting until her daughter complied, she cleared her throat to continue, waving away the servant who brought them refreshments. "Rueben claimed he wanted to become a Mage! Of all the nerve of that boy! Oh sure, he could naturally make things work of an arcane nature, but no. He will become a fine Paladin. I feel it's more suitable don't you dear? Oh, of course you do. A mother always knows best. So is Amelios with you?"
Sulia looked away, somewhat ashamed. "Amelios is...dead.
"What? When? How? Do his family know? And think carefully when! If I find you a new husband too soon I know for a fact some people will talk. Not about my family, oh no they won't!"
Sulia's fist clenched and slammed into the table at this point, Ellen looking over flabbergasted. "Why...whatever is the matter?"
"I do not wish to be married again like some prize. I wish to choose my own partner this time. If there is a next time. Have you no shame for the fallen?"
Ellen snorted loudly, drinking deeply and massaging her temples. "Sulia, Oh my Sulia, have we not been over this? You were like this the last time. It's a wonderful sacrifice to make for your family. Hmm, The Prince...He's under the spell of Mayfair apparently according to gossip, but I'm fairly sure I could wield enough clout to maybe shunt them apart...Or am I being too ambitious?" Ellen giggled a little.
"Are you even listening Mother? Do you care not at all for my feelings at all? Don't you ever get bored of controlling your children's lives to get ahead!? Did you forget Rachel so quickly!? I know what you did to her! WHAT YOU DID TO THEM!!!!"
Ellen screams in shock at this outburst, ringing a nearby bell, two maids appearing. "Alert the house. No one is to enter this room until. I. SAY." Turning back to her daughter with a sickly sweet smile on her face the raven haired woman shrugged.
"Rachel is happy in the monastery in Rune I hear! Though of course it's a war zone...so who knows now? Why, her family tell me everytime I ask she's getting along just fine!"
Sulia rose to her feet, her frame shaking with disbelief and rage. "Are you so blind!? Rachel and Amelios loved each other! But you split them apart to bind our houses together! For your own Social Status! What kind of Monster are you!? At least the Strife Lords do not attempt to hide what they are beneath their words! You tore them apart, planted the seeds of his madness and my apathy!"
Ellen laughed coldly at this, also rising to her feet. "MY social status? How...dare you! I did it so our family would be safe! Be preserved! With Status and Prestige comes security! Safety!"
"You deluded fool! Silence! I will hear your lies no more. NO MORE! My life shall yet be mine! I shall make my choices. Neither you, nor Amelios or ANY DEITY can decide for me anymore! I am Sulia! Not Sulia Adelhyde! Not Sulia of the Light! Not Sulia of the Dark! I am simply me! You will not use me for your own gain! You do not deserve the title mother!"
Ellen didn't miss a beat, extending an arm out, muttering to herself as Sulia laughed. "Did you just...you did! I felt it! Did you just attempt...to overpower my...mind!? You truly are heartless!"
"Sulia! Darling, let's calm down. I'm sorry, I was upset, so are you! Let's talk about this. I promise I won't do it again. I just...I just want what's best, you know?"
Sulia slammed a fist, down removing her mace and pointing it at her mother. "You are a bitch. You are offal. I have no respect or fear for you anymore. Your spells cannot match mine. Therefore I think I am the one that gets to decide what's best yes? After all...that's what you said to me when I refused marriage to that poor man."
Ellen frowned at this. "Aha...what do you plan."
"Simply this." Sulia smiled widely, the grin becoming ever more toothy as she let the glamour fade, revealing Sulia in demonic form.
"This is what Amelios chose for me. Isn't it delightful?" Sulia gestured, a spell now holding her mother in place. She swiftly removed her armour, and her under dress, revealing numerous scars and welts all over her purple skinned body. "Gaze upon Amelios's choice for me."
Ellen tried to scream, but appeared so scared no sound came out. Sulia laughed darkly. "And this is what you chose for me." Sulia closed her eyes opening them to reveal the familiar "good" Sulia, adorned in Angels wings, bright white armour and a sword. "A mindless puppet of the Light. Used for your own social status. A sword for you to wield!"
Sulia snarled, her glamour disappearing halfway revealing her in a two face style personage. On one half the Cold Instrument of the Light, but ultimately her Mother's toy. On the other the Demon Warrior of the Strife Lords, but ultimately her Husband's toy.
"This will end. Your punishment will be first, for you are the start of the unravelling of that man's soul."
"Please, I gave you life! Don't take mine! I, I, I gave you so much! Please! Daughter! Sulia!" Ellen screamed out. Sulia rolled her eyes.
"I will not give you the easy choice. Prepare yourself! I Sulia! Cast this Geas upon thee! You must now spend your life guiding your son! In HIS best interests! No more may you use people to improve your lot...lest ye die! This Geas I lay upon thee! Behold my power!"
((Geas Cast on Ellen))
Sulia smiles sadly at this juncture, completing the spell that would lock her mother into being a good person and a good mother on pain of death. "Rueben shall get a life that is his own."
Ellen began sobbing once the spell was finished. "You don't know what you've done to me! To us!"
"Perhaps but...I have decided...and that is final."
Ellen stopped sobbing, glaring at her daughter, recognising those all too familiar words she had echoed over the years. Towards her dead husband, her daughter...and recently her son.
"I hope this opens your eyes. Goodbye Mother. I will return...but I have another punishment to mete out. Sulia bowed politely, swiftly reclothed herself and proceeded to exit the house, disguised as the Holy Avenger once more. Ellen found she could move and rang for the servants, who found her sobbing alone at the table...
**
I can...begin to grieve now. Rachel. Amelios...I'll make this all right. I will. But not because anyone says so! But because I! I...chose this.
High in the Sky Sulia began to cry, shaking her head, letting out a long cry of anguish. For her life...wasted so far, and for Amelios's. And for Rachel. And Finally for the lives used by her mother...for her mother. Sulia wept, flying through the night towards old friends and new enemies, her second task due to begin...

Posted by: YsFanatic Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:19 am
At some point Melissa comes up to where Jim is leaning against the wall, her helmet tucked under one arm as she salutes with the other. The only visible emotion on her face is shame.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:28 am
Jim gingerly fingers the part of his torso that had been blown outward by the gauss burst as Melissa salutes. Keeping one hand on the wounded area, he salutes half-heartedly with the other. "It's all right," he says, quietly, looking at the ground. "We did all we could. That's all that anyone can do."
Storm clouds begin to gather overheard, the distant rumble of thunder echoing throughout the mountains.

Posted by: YsFanatic Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:33 pm
The Spartan lowers her hand from the salute, and after a few moments speaks up. "Sir, what is to be my punishment?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:31 am
Garudaos, understanding the loss of an ally in the fight against the Strife Lords, remains with Ivellas and the rest of the heroes of Guardiana. He longs to speak with Max, to have his questions finally answered... but chooses to leave it for a more appropriate time.
<}--<{^}>--{>
Ashathel attempts to play a more solemn tune, but finds the magical flute to be too light for such a mood. And so he sits, silently, staring into the fire.
<}--<{^}>--{>
Gabriel stalked through the forest nearby, finding a quiet place to sit for much of the night. He ponders his options now, with both Shailtor and Cedric gone from the land of the living.
<}--<{^}>--{>
Dicem sits on in silence for a while, before suddenly and silently rising from the fire. He stalks off into the forest, past the treeline. Those who follow his movements do not see any other signs of movement, save a humanoid figure with wings that rises into the air swiftly. The same figure returns nearly ten minutes later, after which the rogue returns to the fire, continuing to sit silently.
<}--<{^}>--{>
Though by no means overjoyed, Graigus' relief at the safety of his temple and it's inhabitants carries over into the night, and he simply perches himself in one of the trees in the courtyard, near the campfire of his own group.
<}--<{^}>--{>
Pantherath silently muses the defeat of one of his greatest foes... and the one remaining, whose presence he can no longer keep out of his thoughts.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:23 am
Jim stares at the ground, silent for a while. Wind begins to pick up as snow begins to drop from the sky. Finally he shakes his head. "No punishment."

Posted by: Alpha Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:56 am
Nightmares, not dreams: Part 2 “Laeral, Laeral, Laeral!” the young elf calls. Huffing and puffing as he sprints up the stairs, Talacre looks quite different to what he does now. His hair is purely green (with none of the blue flecks he’s now added), he doesn’t move with supernatural speed and he’s a lot shorter. Also absent is his usual confidence. He can’t be more than ten years of age.
Reaching the room he knew his older brother would be, Talacre strides into the library, feeling strangely optimistic. Maybe Laeralas would do something with him this day, and not brush him off as he usually does.
Laeralas, appearing almost as he does this day, is the sole occupant of the tome filled room. Talacre tentatively approaches his brother. “Laeral, Hedoba is singing! For the first time in months! Want to come?” he enquires. His excitement at this event isn’t just from his youth – Hedoba had had a throat infection recently, and as such had not been able to grace Stamp with her beautiful voice for some time.
“No.” comes the short and gruff reply, sounding out of place being used by a melodious elven voice.
“Why not?” Talacre asks, hints of sadness and the knowledge of rejection apparent in his voice. “C’mon, Laeral, it’ll be fun!”
“Leave me alone, Talacre.” Laeral says, no patience in his tone. The future daggerspell has not even looked up from his book.
“Why not, Laeral? Please come!” And the younger brother grasps his sibling’s arm, and tries to pull him. A mistake.
Laeral no longer has time for words. With a swipe of his arm, he disentangles from his brother. And with a few well rehearsed syllables, a short blast of wind sends the younger elf flying several feet. “I told you to go,” Laeral says icily, his expression one of hatred.
Shocked and hurt, Talacre scrambles to his feet. He runs from the room, not looking back and tears already streaming down his face. He rushes to one of the rope bridges that connect parts of Stamp village, and jumps to a side branch. There, the young elf sits and cries. He has never felt more hurt in his life, and there’s nothing he can do about it.
This moment lingers in Talacre’s nightmare for several moments, no doubt the work of Shailtor. The strife lord would obviously want to lengthen the re-experience of one of Talacre’s most painful memories.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:24 am
As a blanket of snow works to cover up the scars on the land left by the terrible battle, the majority of the Force slowly returns to their headquarters in Cypress for now. Upon their arrival, they are met almost immediately by Yeesha. : "Good, you're back, I have news from the capital an- What? What's wrong? Why does everyone look so down? Where's Cedric and Kyoji?" Yeesha asks.

Posted by: YsFanatic Wed Nov 26, 2008 3:09 am
Spartan-127 blinks in surprise at her commander's decision. She had been sure there would have been a punishment for her actions, regardless of the fact that she wasn't in control. Even if it was a light punishment, she thought there should still have been one.
However, it wasn't up to her, and she had been let off easy. "Understood, sir." Melissa stood there for a few moments longer before she turned and left.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Nov 26, 2008 3:11 am
Ashathel looked up at the spellcaster, shaking his head slowly before looking back at the fire.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 26, 2008 4:28 am
Jim stares silently at the falling snow for a long time after, and when he finally moves, he has to shake a coating of the stuff off his helmet and uniform. -------- Yeesha stares at Ashathel. : "What happened?" she finally asks after a long silence.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:40 am
"It's been a long day," he said, moments of silence passing before a deep sigh. "Only Erebus is left, but... we paid a price for it. A steep one." ===== Raising himself from the fire, the rogue moved to a different, quieter section of the camp.
"Finally taking a nap, you hunk of tin?" Dam said, sitting next to the inert form of Gilliam. "You know, I almost envy you right now..."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 26, 2008 9:05 am
Gilliam of course, does not respond, his form motionless, quiet, and cold. ----- : "Then they're..." Yeesha trails off. "Who... Who will lead us now?"

Posted by: Aldur Wed Nov 26, 2008 4:16 pm
Kria grins, overhearing this conversation, shaking her head. "You're silly. You've got Jim, Dam, Alex, Me, Max, Queen Anri and tons of other people. And leading? From what I can see now we're so big all do our own thing anyway! And shouldn't you be mourning now while you have the chance? You can strategise later!"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:05 pm
Kria's appearance draws the attention of Damas and not in a pleasant way either. The sorcerer narrows his eyes at the female catfolk, and his lips are tight with anger. No words need be spoken - the look says it all. Kethra is too shocked by Kria's words to say anything at the moment. Then she notices the look that Damas, whom is sitting beside her, is giving the warlock. If looks could kill..., the monk thinks to herself.

Posted by: Alpha Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:50 pm
Laeralas does not join this meeting right now, though he can be seen moving his brother to a bed in the barracks. The green haired elf has suspended his younger brother in the air with magic, and is guiding him along. Every now and again, Talacre twitches, still in the midst of his nightmares.
~ ~ ~
Tanis says nothing as he comes in with Kria, though he does notice the looks she gains from her words. He shrugs with acceptance - it was a difficult time for many people, after all.
~ ~ ~
After consulting with Ivellas quickly, explaining the nature of Amelios, Septimus retrieves a part of the lich's remains. He then joins his leader and group.
"What do we do now?" he asks quietly, Zip perched on his head, chirping unhappily.

Posted by: Aldur Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:21 pm
((He exploded. What did you pick up?))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:26 pm
((Clarification: The suicide spell Amelios cast destroys the caster's body utterly, there's nothing remaining.))

Posted by: Alpha Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:40 am
((Psh. Whatever, doofus bags))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Nov 27, 2008 4:13 pm
"I disagree; we strategize now and mourn later," came Isyndel's voice as she waded through those gathered toward the front. "We are but flesh and blood, given and guided by hearts are enemies lack and expected to do so. But we need not do what they expect."
She lowered her eyes in pause to think, shifting uneasily in her robes as if it had just occurred to her that she stood and spoke alone amongst them. She took a deep breath.
"A day's rest, maybe two at most. I see no reason to not formulate a plan for continued action during that time unless the leaders need the time to themselves," she stated, turning to Yeesha. "If you would allow me to sit in on the discussion, I would appreciate it."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 27, 2008 6:02 pm
Yeesha nods. : "Very well... You'll be the Cypressian representative then, I suppose. Unless anyone has any objections. The leaders will meet in two day's time, until then..." Yeesha sighs heavily. "I'd better notify Cedric's family and prepare for a funeral."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Nov 27, 2008 6:16 pm
"Being the representative isn't necessary," Isyndel replied. "Likely I would not be either the first nor best choice for the role in any case -- but I would like to sit in if there is room."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 27, 2008 6:40 pm
: "Certainly," Yeesha nods. "I have other news. Sulia was captured a while ago. In exchange for her freedom, she gave us Amelios' phylactery and a vow to not harm any of Cypress' interests." -------- The meeting to decide what the Force will do next is set to occur in two days, giving the heroes that time to rest, recuperate, and do whatever they want.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:34 am
Dam is seen only sparsely for the two days, his boots of teleportation carrying him to places only he would know - unless others attempted to scry for him. ((Further actions forthcoming... mostly people taking care of personal business. Which means me writing up some stuff for the HQ thread. Summaries will be here, though.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Dec 01, 2008 2:27 am
((If you have something you wanted to do before this, just post it with the notation "before the meeting.")) The two days pass all too swiftly before Yeesha gathers up everyone in the only half completed war room. : "There are a few things we need to talk about now that everyone's had some time to rest and recuperate... First of all, King Nicholas has been notified of Cedric's fate, as has his family. The King has put forward the suggestion that the fortress be renamed 'Theodoric Hold' to honor the fallen. He's also arranging for a grand funeral, not just for Cedric, though he is the central figure, but for all the war dead. Lady Mayfair has stated it's important to remember the sacrifices being made for our country and our world. The funeral's date is still under discussion, when things are finalized I'll tell you. I assume most of you will be in attendance," Yeesha states. Her manner is cool, clipped, all emotion under strict discipline. "There is also the matter of selecting another leader for the Cypress Expeditionary Force. If anyone would like to volunteer or put forward a recommendation, please speak up. After that..."
Yeesha sighs, closing her eyes for a moment.
: "As I said, we captured Sulia, who traded us Amelios' phylactery for her freedom... She also left behind notes about my curse. Her motivations are no longer clear, and it's uncertain whether she remains foe or if..." Yeesha trails off, shaking her head. "Anyway the lich's phylactery is in our possession. King Nicholas wants to know what you think we should do with it. Keeping it 'safe' was part of the bargain."
Yeesha gestures to Ivellas and the Guardianan Royal Guard remnant.
: "Finally, now that things are a bit calmer, we have some new faces. This is Sir Ivellas, leader of a Guardianan Royal Guard detachment that's been fighting against the Chaos Cult occupation since the war began. Queen Anri speaks highly of their ability and has credited them with saving her life and the lives of other Shining Warriors more than once since this whole thing started. The Queen has asked that we accept them as part of the new Shining Force, a title that I think they, and us for that matter, have more than earned."
Yeesha sighs heavily.
: "There is also the matter of... Doctor Coventry, Gail, and Sophie have left. Apparently in an attempt to breach the barrier and make contact with the Heavens, hoping to contract some celestial assistance. We don't know when they're going to be back, if they will be... but let's all wish them luck. Unfortunately we lost a number of others in the last fight... Gorrik is gone. Not dead... we don't think, but no one can seem to find him. It's like he's vanished. Thavon is also missing, as is Enrick. We've managed to find out only a single thing with scrying, and that's just that Enrick is alive."
: "Finally there's the question of what to DO now? Shailtor is dead, the army he led against the Abbey annihilated. The remaining Cult forces have ceased their offensives and have begun to focus on consolidating their hold on what lands they still possess. The Destonian Empire is being pushed back steadily by the Aspianian Republic's counter-offensive. The Ur Priests appear to have gone to ground, with no further activity noted from them with the deaths of two of their three high priests. King Nicholas's main force is almost finished securing Cypress and Iom, they will sail for the shores of Rune in a few day's time. That's... about it, I think."
With that, Yeesha tiredly sits down in a chair and waits for suggestions and questions.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Dec 01, 2008 4:03 am
"I'm going to apologize in advance; I piss people off pretty regularly, no reason this should be any different," Dicem said. "Alright... look. On the point of who's leading that part of the group... it's nice to bring up, but that's really something for them to decide by themselves. I don't think it's appropriate for anyone to mention anything about it."
"As for the lich... well, he's an asshole. He was when I met him and he was alive, and he's an undead asshole now. I say we kill him, and let that be that," he continued. "No sense in drawing it out; why give him a chance to be a pain in the ass again? After all, I think I can speak for everyone when I say that I didn't enjoy him trying to kill me a couple days ago."
"As for Gorrik, Coventry and Gail... they're all competent fighters," Dam said, his tone different. "They'll be fine. And I'm pretty sure everyone else who's missing is fine too. And hey to the new guys."
"Now... for the meat and potatoes - the good stuff, if you will," Dam said, rubbing his hands together. "This is where the individual groups that are inside or with the cult show their colors, and they're probably going to do one of two things - either start sending as many troops and supplies as they can to the only Strife Lord left, or go hide in as deep and dark a hole as they can find. I say we crush whatever groups might end up a problem when we get ready to squash Erebus, then go knock him on his ass like we did his brothers. We can worry about memorials and renaming things then, I say."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Dec 01, 2008 5:02 am
: "The question remains then, is what particular group do we go after? What exactly do we do?" Yeesha says.

Posted by: Aldur Mon Dec 01, 2008 5:38 am
"Destonia. The Empire. We deal with them, assisting the Aspinian forces, who then join with us to crush Erebeus." Michael chipped in, punching the air with a fist. "As for the Ur? Um, I think the only place left for them is either with Erebeus or up that direction anyway. The course is set. To East Parmecia."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:46 pm
"While I certainly do not share Mr. Dicem's colorful title for Amelios, I cannot say I disagree with his sentiments," spoke Isyndel, with a wistful sigh. "This is certainly placing us between a rock and a hard place. Keep this safe? The very item which allows him to continue tormenting us? Why would she ask us such a thing?"
"Still, we must decide at least this much now. If we betray her, I do not think there is any way for us to bring her back. But if it is to be done," she paused briefly, before speaking the rest in an almost acidic tone, "...then I will destroy it myself, and be solely responsible for the betrayal."
"If we march on Destonia, how confident can we be of King Nicholas' forces not being overwhelmed in Rune? Do we have any details on the relative strength of their forces, and of the Empire's?" Eve asked.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:44 pm
Wartime Briefing: http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/4748/28 ((Using it in any way other than to destroy Amelios is not common knowledge, no.)) : "Destonia's army is still numbered in the tens of thousands, but the death of their rising star general, Ereth Eredium, and their defeats at Storich and Stamp have left them somewhat demoralized and disorganized. With their victory at Malorie and the strong hand of their admiral there, it's unknown for how long that will last. The Republicans have made strong advances in reclaiming their former territory however, and Synbios is leading his battalion towards Malorie as we speak. We don't have any reliable information currently on the Chaos Cult's forces on Rune... But judging from the increasing strength of the monsters they are sending against us, I would say it to be considerable. Not in numbers, but in troop quality."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:57 pm
((Previous post editted)) "Huh," Eve replied. "So either we ignore Rune for now and let them get stronger, risking the King's Forces to hold them off while we finish what we started in Destonia, or we strike to weaken Rune while allowing the Empire to regroup and strike back at us from behind. Either way, we're going to be exposed."
Her arms interwove together tightly as she lowered her head, debating which was the worse of the two.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Dec 02, 2008 12:04 am
"Isn't that why we have people with the magic that makes things disappear in painful ways?" Dam asked. "I'm not saying we're invincible - gods only know we figured that one out just yesterday, if we didn't know already - but I'd like to think that a couple of well-planted strikes in both areas could probably go a long way. We have teleporting fighters of all types - we can be in and out before the rain hits the ground, and still have time for a nice campfire story session. There's no reason to choose if we don't have to, and if either one wouldn't be what we want."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Dec 02, 2008 12:17 am
: "Do you have a target in mind for such a raid, Mr. Dicem?" Yeesha asks.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:16 am
"Leave Malorie for the people headed there, for one; if we come rushing in and save the day, it'd really suck the air out of their sails," the rogue said. "A good string of wins from their own people would work wonders on morale, so while they're still not doing too bad, we should see what's on Rune."
"If the big baddies are coming from there, then we need to stop the big baddie forge from hammering more of them out," Dicem said, looking between those assembled. "What key points do they hold? Who's nearby who could fight them? What color is their manure? We need to find out everything we can about them, down to the length of their toenails; if hitting up a couple spots in the area will do that, the better for us."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:28 am
: "If more information on the area is called for, we have a number of diviners... Not to mention that Sir Ivellas has spent the last few months in the area fighting the Cult, perhaps he knows of a few weak areas? Or maybe allies that can be called on to provide information?" Yeesha suggests.

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