NOW LIVE! Today's the day you meet your new best friend. You don’t have to leave Wolfy behind... In 'Pets & Sidekicks' your companions level up with you!

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="darkbard" data-source="post: 9233126" data-attributes="member: 1282">You stand, ankle deep in blood, amidst a scene of horror. Abaddon's blood continues to drip slowly from the gaping maw above. Though collected into the shallow pool in which you stand, blood streams in narrow rivulets towards gore-encrusted grates in the cobbled flooring.A gargantuan stone idol of the Demon Lord of Undeath dominates the space, Orcus in all his corpulent, winged glory. Four other, smaller statues presumably depict minor demons, two flanking the great statue on the south wall, two more atop a dais to the east. Stairs lead up that dais to an area of disturbed and mounded earth.To the west, another dais rises, this one topped by a bone altar upon which is spread a hoary tome and objects of material wealth.To the north, a great archway looms, a gaping blackness that threatens menace and harm. Before it, in a glowing magic circle inscribed on the stone cobbles, is a corpse that hungers for your living flesh!The corpse is not, of course, the only occupant. Five skeletal archers with swords strapped to their alabaster pelvises are on alert about the chamber. And a handsome Elf with bleached pallor and long, straight black hair stands before the altar. He holds a rod in one hand and wears leather armor crafted from the scaly hide of a hellborn beast, embellished with brass studs that flicker with dark energy."Ah, intruders into our sanctum," he purrs. "Or, rather, witnesses. For you are just in time to behold the Blood Lord made manifest in our realm. Today ushers in a new age upon the earth, one where darkness and freedom from the strictures of society reign. Fall to your knees, mortals, and your lives may be spared to serve the Lord of Undeath!"Sanctuary of Orcus (EL5, L+4, XP 825)Place your PCs anywhere in squares M-R/9-13 (within the Blood Pool; see below). Roll initiative and whatever Monster Knowledge checks you desire.Dimensions The ceiling of this chamber rises 6 squares above the floor. The long dais on the left (5 squares wide top to bottom) is 3 squares above the main level. The right dais rises 3 squares to an area of disturbed earth cut into the stone.Illumination Ample small braziers throughout the chamber provide bright light. These can be stunted with.Columns and Wall Partitions These features, gray circles and narrow rectangles (H/1-3 and W/1-3), are blocking terrain.Disturbed Earth This area (CC-DD/10-12) is normal terrain. It is likely some fell grave or other malevolent location, for it radiates palpable evil (no check necessary).Blood Pool and Streams Any square with blood is difficult terrain and hindering terrain to living creatures. Any living creature that ends its turn in the pool or streams takes 5 necrotic damage.Grates These gore-crusted squares are difficult terrain. They can be stunted with.Small Statues These statues (J1, U1, CC8, CC14) are blocking terrain and can be stunted with.Orcus Statue This gargantuan stone carving is immobile and blocking terrain. It stands 4 squares high and can be climbed (Athletics DC 12).Glowing Circle These squares are the locus of necromantic rituals. They provide cover for undead creatures. This effect ends if the magic circle is disenchanted (see Skill Challenge).Altar This feature is one square high and can be climbed (Athletics DC 8). Upon the altar is a ritual book (see Skill Challenge), and it also strewn with material offerings to Orcus. It is difficult terrain.Abyssal Portal The topmost feature of the chamber, L-S/20-21, is a stone arch filled with a blackness unlike anything you have ever seen before. The Yellow Aura is the range of the portal's effects. A successful Arcana/Insight/Religion check might reveal more.Mylistra makes an Insight check, r1+9=10. Fails to meet Moderate DC 13. No additional information.[SPOILER]Level 3 Obstacle (Level 2 Hazard + Level 1 Skill Challenge)Hazard XP 300A portal to the Abyss whispers in your mind, drawing you forward as it compels you to revel in chaos and murder.Hazard: The abyssal portal is a demon hole or part of a demongate or a dimensional passageway. The abyssal portal provides cover or blocks movement at its radius (squares 20-21).TriggerWhen any living creature attacks an undead creature within 10 squares of the abyssal portal, the hazard attacks.AttackOpportunity Action Ranged 10Target: The triggering creatureAttack: +6 vs. WillHit: The target makes a melee or ranged basic attack as a free action, targeting the nearest ally. If no ally is within range, the target is dazed (save ends).   Aftereffect: The abyssal portal pulls the target 2 squares.Special: If the target enters or is pulled into the abyssal portal, it leaves the plane the portal is on and enters the Abyss. The target's location in the Abyss and any option to return depend on the nature of the abyssal portal, as determined by the DM.Perception✦ No checkArcana/Insight/Religion✦ DC 13/20: An evil of the abyss taints this area, whispering of murder as it calls for you to approach.Countermeasures✦ As a minor action, a creature can make a Charisma check (DC 9) to ignore the hazard's effect until the start of the creature's next turn.✦ If a creature closes the abyssal portal, the abyssal portal can neither attack nor disgorge wisp wraiths.[/SPOILER]The abyssal portal can be closed by successfully completing a Skill Challenge. Close the Abyssal Portal: Level 1, Complexity 1 SC (XP as part of Hazard). 1 Secondary Skill (Minor Action, Easy DC 8). 4 Primary Skill Successes (Moderate DC 12) before 3 Failures.[SPOILER]Primary Skills:✦ Deconsecrate the Altar: Arcana, Heal, Nature, or Religion (standard action, adjacent to altar).✦ Disenchant the Magic Circle: Arcana or Religion (move action, range 5 from magic circle (provokes OAs)).✦ Destroy the Vessel: Athletics, Dungeoneering, or Thievery (standard action, adjacent to large statue of Orcus).✦ Annul the Rite: Arcana, Bluff, History, or Religion (standard action, no range requirement but must have retrieved ritual tome from altar first (minor action)).SUCCESS: The portal is sealed, the ritual undone. Neither Orcus nor his servants can cross over from the abyss into the material world from this portal.FAILURE: Very no bueno. An avatar of Orcus manifests in the world. This would probably be a Level 1 Huge Solo added to the current encounter or something similar![/SPOILER]Creatures: Gulthias (L3 Elite Controller (Leader)), Grasping Zombie (L1 Brute), 5 Decrepit Skeletons (L1 Minion Skirmishers)Gulthias HP 84; Bloodied 42; AC 17, Fortitude 14, Reflex 15, Will 16Jendi makes a Religion check, r19+8=27. Exceeds Hard DC.[SPOILER]Gulthias, Vampire Necromancer Level 3 Elite Controller (Leader)Medium natural humanoid (undead) XP 300HP 84; Bloodied 42 Initiative +4AC 17, Fortitude 14, Reflex 15, Will 16 Perception+8Speed 7, climb 4 (spider climb) DarkvisionImmune disease, poison; Resist 10 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiantSaving Throws +2; Action Points 1Traits☼ Unholy Strength (necrotic) ✦ Aura 2Any undead ally in the aura deals 5 extra necrotic damage.Burned by Sunlight (radiant)Whenever Gulthias starts his turn in direct sunlight, he takes 5 radiant damage.Grave HealingIf Gulthias takes an extended rest in or on his grave dirt, he regains all his hit points. Gulthias cannot rest while in mist form.Standard Actions(⚔) Withering Rod (weapon) ✦ At-WillAttack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. ACHit: 2d8 + 2 damage.Effect: After the attack, Gulthias slides the target up to 2 squares.Embolden Undead ✦ At-WillEffect: Gulthias can use withering rod twice, or he can use withering rod once and allow one undead ally within 5 squares of him to make a basic attack as a free action.ᗕ Word of Beguilement (charm, psychic) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅Attack: Close blast 3 (enemies in the blast); +6 vs. WillHit: 2d8 +5 psychic damage, and until the end of its next turn, the target is slowed and takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls it makes against Gulthias.ᗕ Necromantic Surge (necrotic) ✦ Recharge when first bloodiedAttack: Close blast 5 (enemies in the blast); +6 vs. FortitudeHit: 2d6 + 4 necrotic damage, and target is dazed (save ends).Miss: Half damage.Effect: Undead allies in the blast gain 10 temporary hit points.Minor Actions⚔ Bite ✦ At-Will (1/round)Attack: Melee 1 (one dazed, slowed, or unconscious creature); +8 vs. ACHit: 1d10 + 3 damage, and Gulthias regains 5 hit points.Triggered ActionsMist Form (polymorph) ✦ EncounterTrigger: Gulthias takes damage while bloodied.Effect (No Action): Gulthias becomes insubstantial, gains fly speed 6, and can immediately shift up to his fly speed. Gulthias cannot attack in this form and can end this form as a minor action.Skills Arcana +10, Bluff +10, Stealth +9Str 14 (+3) Dex 16 (+4) Wis 14 (+3)Con 10 (+1) Int 18 (+5) Cha 18 (+5)Alignment Chaotic Evil Languages CommonEquipment: rod, Leather Armor of Dark Majesty +1[/SPOILER]Grasping Zombie HP 33; Bloodied 16; AC 13, Fortitude 14, Reflex 11, Will 11Jendi makes a Religion check, r17+8=25. Exceeds Hard DC.[SPOILER]Grasping Zombie Level 1 BruteMedium natural animate (undead) XP 100HP 33; Bloodied 16 Initiative -1AC 13, Fortitude 14, Reflex 11, Will 11 Perception -1Speed 4 DarkvisionImmune disease, poisonTraitsZombie WeaknessA critical hit automatically reduces the zombie to 0 hit points.Standard Actions(⚔) Slam ✦ At-WillAttack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. ACHit: 1d12 + 3 damage, or 1d12 + 8 against a grabbed target.⚔ Zombie Grasp ✦ At-WillAttack: Melee 1 (one creature); +4 vs. ReflexHit: 1d6 + 3 damage, and the zombie grabs the target (escape DC 12) if it does not have a creature grabbed.Triggered ActionsDeathless Hunger ✦ EncounterTrigger: The zombie is reduced to 0 hit points, but not by a critical hit.Effect (No Action): Roll a d20. On a 15 or higher, the zombie is instead reduced to 1 hit point.Str 16 (+3) Dex 8 (-1) Wis 8 (-1)Con 13 (+1) Int 1 (-5) Cha 3 (-4)Alignment unaligned Languages –[/SPOILER]Decrepit Skeleton HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion; AC 16, Fortitude 13, Reflex 14, Will 13Jendi makes a Religion check, r12+8=20. Exceeds Hard DC.[SPOILER]Decrepit Skeleton Level 1 Minion SkirmisherMedium natural animate (undead) XP 25HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative +5AC 16, Fortitude 13, Reflex 14, Will 13 Perception +2Speed 6 DarkvisionImmune disease, poison; Resist 10 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiantStandard Actions(⚔) Longsword (weapon) ✦ At-WillEffect: The skeleton can shift 1 square before the attackAttack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. ACHit: 4 damage.(➶) Shortbow (weapon) ✦ At-WillEffect: The skeleton can shift 1 square before the attackAttack: Ranged 20 (one creature); +6 vs. ACHit: 3 damage.Str 15 (+2) Dex 17 (+3) Wis 14 (+2)Con 13 (+1) Int 3 (-4) Cha 3 (-4)Alignment unaligned Languages -[/SPOILER][ATTACH=full]342407[/ATTACH]INITIATIVESkeletons (gray), r13+5=18Mylistra (purple), r15+3=18 (ROUND ONE, DELAYS UNTIL AFTER JENDI: NEW INITIATIVE 17)Jendi (blue), r16+1=17Gulthias (black), r9+4=11Toriq (red), r8+1=9 (ROUND FIVE, DELAYS UNTIL AFTER NEMO: NEW INITIATIVE 6)Nemo (green), r1+5=6 (ROUND SIX, DELAYS UNTIL AFTER TORIQ)Zombie (brown), r6-1=5ROUND ONE[ATTACH=full]342509[/ATTACH]"You do not kneel?" Gulthias observes blithely. "Very well. Kill them all!"THE SKELETONS mostly launch arrows from their shortbows from where they stand, one striking Nemo, another Mylistra. One steps back, fires an arrow at Toriq, which bounces harmlessly off her shield, and then steps forward again. The remaining skeleton unsheathes a longsword and slashes at the Halforc, but its form lacks the mass and muscle to make much of the attempt.SK L10: Standard: Shortbow vs T, Shift 1 to K10, ATK r9+6=15 vs 18 AC. Miss. Move: Shift 1 to L10.SK L12: Minor: Draw longsword; Standard: Longsword vs T, r2+6=8 vs 18 AC. Miss.SK E11: Standard: Shortbow vs N, r16+6=22 vs 17 AC. Hit, 3 damage.SK W8: Standard: Shortbow vs J, r7+6=13. Miss.SK Y15: Standard: Shortbow vs M, r19+6=25 vs 17 AC. Hit, 3 damage.LOCATION: E11, L10, L12, W8, Y15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 3 to N, 3 to MCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 1, MinionsCURRENT DE/BUFFS: na[HR][/HR]MYLISTRA delays until after Jendi.[HR][/HR]Landing somewhat softly in a pool of the blood of his Duskqueen's servant, JENDI feels a caress not unlike a raven's feather across his cheek. Reaching up one of his hands to touch his face, the warlock quickly looks around to understand the situation and to strategize. A feeling of pride and strength wells up within him, despite the odds of their succeeding.Based on what Abaddon said to them earlier, he knows that the glowing circle is one of the hinderances he must take care of immediately. He can see its magicks circling, protecting, hiding, revealing, and then hiding again (somewhat) the zombie within it. He sees the point of unraveling and reaches in and grabs the thread, and the glowing circle fades away, leaving only its unnaturally lovely design on the floor.Having fought a zombie in the chamber above, he thinks he has a better handle on their actions. Stepping carefully and keeping out of its reaches, he reaches Nemo and scans the far walls for the other tasks they must complete to stop Gulthias. Seeing the two skeletons menacing his sister, he conjures one of the spells he mastered at the Ebony Tower, luring the very will to continue from one of the undead with scintillating magic.Minor Action: Charisma Check vs. Abyssal Portal: r15 +4 =19 vs. DC 9/Success; Jendi unaffectedMove Action: Disenchant the Magic Circle: Primary Skill Arcana check: r4 +8 =12 vs. DC 12/1 Success out of 4/0 FailuresMove Action: 6 squares from Q12 to N14, Triggers: Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNTAP: Beguiling Strands (Enc) CBL 5 L-P/9-13: ATK vs. SK L12: r8 +3 = 11 vs. 13 Will/Miss; ATK vs. SK L10: r20 +3 =23/Critical/Hit; SK L10 KILLEDLOCATION: N14DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: SK L10 KILLEDCONDITIONS TO  ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 26/26CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/8; 0 APs availableSC Progress: 1 Success/0 Failures/1 Secondary Skill Available; Disenchant the Magic Circle completed.[HR][/HR]MYLISTRA hears Jendi's assertion to hold onto herself but does not fully understand what he means. Or perhaps she would if she did not have this buzzing in her ears distracting her.Shaking her head, the Stygian witch steps forward as they had planned in the chamber above, turning toward her companions and their skeleton foes. As she goes to reach up toward the Moonlight she cannot yet see, a strange wave of whispers and insidious suggestions pour over her and into her ear. Without conscious effort, she turns to fling her dagger at her mentor's son, but happily it passes him by in the mists of shadow lurking around him protectively.Her eyes momentarily widen with apology before she is able to finish calling down Sehanine's light and protection. The stream of Moonlight flows over them, gently leaving a silvery film of starlight on their armor and skin. The appearance of such brilliant illumination in this chamber causes the single skeleton still menacing Toriq to scramble away almost comically, falling prone. The witch has no smile, however. Her actions - protective and offensive - complete, she suddenly feels a pull toward the portal. Although whatever doing so stops after a short distance, her skin still crawls from the uneasy sense of having her strings pulled by a puppetmaster.Minor Action: Charisma check: r6 +2 =8 vs. DC 9/FailsMove Action: 6 squares from R13 to M16Standard Action: Moment of Glory (Daily) CBL 5 L-P/11-15: ATK vs. Z TRIGGERS OA FROM ABYSSAL PORTAL: Trigger: When any living creature attacks an undead creature within 10 squares of the abyssal portal, the hazard attacks.AttackOpportunity Action Ranged 10Target: The triggering creatureAttack: +6 vs. WillHit: The target makes a melee or ranged basic attack as a free action, targeting the nearest ally. If no ally is within range, the target is dazed (save ends).Aftereffect: The abyssal portal pulls the target 2 squares.Special: If the target enters or is pulled into the abyssal portal, it leaves the plane the portal is on and enters the Abyss. The target's location in the Abyss and any option to return depend on the nature of the abyssal portal, as determined by the DM.Free Action: M's RBA vs. Jendi: r8 +6 -2 SW = 12 vs. 15 AC/MissM's ATK vs Z, r4 +4 = 8 vs. Will 11/Miss; ATK vs. SK L12: r9 +4 = 13 vs. Will 13/Hit, pushed 3 squares to L9 & Prone; effect: Mylistra & each ally in blast (whole company) gain Resist 5 All UEoMNT; Sustain Minor: effect persistsAftereffect: M pulled 2 squares, M16 to M18LOCATION: M18, SK L12 --> L9DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: SK L12 Prone in L9CURRENT HP: 21/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (M & all alies) (MoG)SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/7; 1 AP available[HR][/HR]The unholy abomination GULTHIAS, elven vampire, necromancer, servant most foul of Orcus, moves calmly but with preternatural speed down the stairs from the dais and into the fray. The creature radiates an unholy aura palpable to Toriq even from this distance. "Give me your life force, your essence, mortals, so that I may in turn gift it to my pet," the creature snarls. A blast of necrotic energy washes over Toriq and poor Nemo, dazing them, sapping their health, and the necromancer bestows that energy to the skeleton upon the cobbles.Then, in a more honeyed tone, "Come closer to Gulthias, you brute of a warrior. Let me kiss you, drink deep of your life ... and blood." Nearby, Nemo shakes the fog that almost fills his brain, but Toriq feels her will weaken. Why would she attack this beautiful creature? She should stand where she is, let him kiss her, bite her with those delicious fangs, more impressive even than her own...Move: 7 squares D12 to K11Standard: Necromantic Surge CBL 5 L-P/9-13, ATK vs T, r14+6=20 vs 15 Fortitude. Hit. ATK vs N, r11+6=17 vs 11 Fortitude. Hit. r3,3+4-5 Resist all=5 necrotic damage and Dazed (SE). Effect: SK L9 gains 10 HP.AP: Word of Beguilement CBL 3 L-N/11-13, ATK vs T, r18+6=24 vs 14 Will. Hit. ATK vs N, r5+6=11 vs 12 Will. Miss. r6,8+5-5 Resist all=14 necrotic damage, Slowed, -2 ATK vs G UEoTNT. T BLOODIED, TRIGGERS Half-orc Resilience, T gains 5 THP.LOCATION: K11DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 necrotic damage to T, 5 necrotic damage to NCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: N Dazed (SE); T Dazed (SE), Slowed, -2 ATK vs G UEoTNTCURRENT HP: 84/84CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SK L9 in Unholy Strength Aura 2, Word of Beguilement & Necromantic Surge on cooldown[HR][/HR]TORIQ attempts to shake herself out of the daze that the vampire has put her in, to no avail. Gritting her teeth, she tries to pull him toward her with one of her warden attacks, but the fog in her brain seems to have added a siren voice, calling her toward the gate, and this distraction proves disastrous. She feels herself give in to the pull.Then, as stubborn as her mother claims the halforc's father is (whichever name he carries - Juniper has alluded to several candidates), Toriq takes two final steps under her own power ... and out of the pool of blood.Begins turn: Dazed SE & Slowed UEoGNT; Font of Life: Save vs. Dazed: r1 = FailStandard: Thorn Strike M2 vs. Gulthias: r8 +7 = 15 vs 17 AC/Miss. TRIGGERS OA from Abyssal Gate: r8 +6 = 14 vs. 14 Will/Hit: T Dazed (already Dazed) & pulled 2 squares toward gate: from M11 to M13.Ends turn: Save vs. Dazed: r15 = SuccessLOCATION: M15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 11/30 5THPCURRENT DE/BUFFS: Slowed UEoGNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 3/10; 1 AP available[HR][/HR]Vampires and skeletons and more zombies now! NEMO doesn't think even Great-Aunt Rubee has had such experiences! And perhaps if he makes it through, he can tell her all about them, but right now the young rogue needs to simply survive. Not an easy task, given the mental blow he has just been given. The halfling looks about to see his companions in similar states but slogging along and vows to show them his mettle. Still struggling through his mind fog, he slides over to the zombie and is able to strike it a solid and crippling blow. Then, to his horror, his blade continues its trajectory toward his friend. <No!> his mind shouts, but his hand attempts to get past Jendi's defenses. Thankfully, the two sources of his fog - the vampire and the dark maw of a gate - seem to conflict momentarily ... just long enough for Nemo to succumb to the pull of that maw and step toward it.Begins turn: Dazed SEStandard: Acrobatic Strike vs. Zombie: shift 1 square from N13 to O14; ATK vs Z TRIGGERS OA from Abyssal Portal: r9 +6 = 15 vs. 12 Will/Hit: N's MBA vs Jendi: r9 +5 -2 SW = 12 vs. 15 AC/Miss; N's ATK vs Z r5 +9 +2 CA (CS) = 16 vs. 13 AC; Damage: r4 +5 + r6,5 SA = 20 Damage to Zombie, BLOODIED; No Action: Low Blow: Trigger: hit enemy granting CA: Z Dazed UEoNNT; Aftereffect: N pulled 2 squares toward gate: from O14 to O16Ends turn: Save vs. Dazed: r14 = SuccessLOCATION: O16DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 20 Damage to Zombie, Z BLOODIEDCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Zombie Dazed UEoNNTCURRENT HP: 16/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: naSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 3/7; 1 AP available[HR][/HR]THE ZOMBIE does not think. But it feels. And what it feels is hunger: hunger for the tasty flesh of the Halfling before it. With a guttural groan, it reaches out with its arms to grasp the little creature, alive with so much promise yet, but Nemo is just quick enough to duck under its rotting arms and out of harm's way.Starts turn: Dazed UEoNNTStandard: Zombie Grasp vs N, r12+4=16 vs 17 Reflex. Miss.Ends turn: Dazed UEoNNTLOCATION: P15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 13/33, BLOODIEDCURRENT DE/BUFFS: Dazed UEoNNT[HR][/HR]SC Progress: 1 Success/0 Failures/1 Secondary Skill Available; Disenchant the Magic Circle completed.ROUND TWO[ATTACH=full]342759[/ATTACH]THE SKELETONS do not think either. But they must sense something of the Lord of Undeath's nemesis about the young warlock, for Jendi becomes the object of their ire. Two fire ineffectual arrows from their remote positions. A third stands from where Mylistra's prayer had pushed it prostrate on the stone floor, sheathes its sword, and fires a third arrow, also to no avail. But a fourth steps closer, within the reach of the abyssal portal's grasp. Perhaps that is what causes its arrow to fly true, but Mylistra's protective payer causes Jendi to turn at the last moment to catch the arrow in the epaulet of his leather armor, avoiding any wound.E11: Standard: Shortbow R20 vs J, r5+6-2 Concealment=9 vs 15 AC. Miss.L9: Move: Stand from Prone; Minor: Stow longsword; Standard: Shortbow R20 vs J, r1. Miss.W8: Move: 2 squares W8 to W10; Standard: Shortbow R20 vs J, r11+6-2=15 vs 15 AC. Hit. 3 damage -5 Resist All = 0 damage.Y15: Standard: Shortbow R20 vs J, r1. Miss.LOCATION: E11, L9, W10, Y15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: all 1 except W8 11/11CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na[HR][/HR]After watching his sister and his friends being controlled somehow by the portal (not to mention ducking attacks from two of them), JENDI decides to get out of range of its attacks. Clearly Orcus is aiming to take out the Duskmaiden's servant first, using his companions to do the dirty work. As soon as he reaches the space beyond the opening of the abyssal gate, a sense of relief melts over him: perhaps the influence of that gate? The young warlock looks around and takes a moment to curse the zombie (the vampire being sadly just out of his reach), before sending a wave of punishing energy at it from his hand crackling with blight. Sadly, Jendi's attempt to avoid hitting his friend (despite Nemo's recent attack on him) causes the blight to fizzle in the bloody pool.No matter, he turns and focuses his sights on the altar and on how to mount the dais to reach it.Move: 6 squares from N14 to H20, triggering Shadow Walk ConcealmentMinor: Warlock's Curse on ZombieStandard: Hand of Blight R10 vs. Zombie: r1 = AutofailureLOCATION: H20DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Zombie cursedCURRENT HP: 26/26CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/8; 0 APs available[HR][/HR]Still reeling from the sensation of being outside of her body and her own agency, MYLISTRA decides to quickly follow in Jendi's path and (hopefully) out of the reach of the fell gate. Before doing so, however, she witnesses her friend's stumbling out of the bloody pool and quickly sends a prayer for Sehanine's blessing and healing to the warden. After seeing the comforting silvery blue light, she hastens out of the influence of the portal.Stopping next to Jendi (and apologizing profusely for her happily unsuccessful attack), the witch feels a similar wave of relief pour over her, and she feels her psyche return to her own power. She gazes over her allies and calls upon Sehanine to continue her protection on them while they fulfill what is surely her will.Minor: Healing Word on Toriq: 7 + r5 = 12 HP, and +2 ATK UEoMNT BCLMove: 6 squares from M18 to G20Minor: Sustain Moment of Glory: Resist 5 All on allLOCATION: G20DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 21/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (all) MoG; +2 ATK (T) BCLSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/7; 1 AP available[HR][/HR]The vampire called GULTHIAS takes a few steps towards Toriq and purrs another charm of deceit at the Halforc warden. "Why don't you drop your sword, warrior? Or better yet, switch sides? Call me your new master, and I will reward you with eternal life. No earthly worry will ever be yours again. You will be able to embrace the true beast within you and relish in the blood hunt. Join me!"Toriq shakes her head, and with it the charm fails. But young Nemo looks up with horror at his new friend. "Would she betray them so? Is she the beast the vampire claims?" The mere thought breaks the Halfling's spirit. For now.Begins turn: Rolls to Recharge Words of Beguilement, r(6). Recharges.Move: 2 squares (1 DT) K11 to L13Standard: Words of Beguilement CBL3 M-O/14-16. ATK vs T, r6+6=12 vs 14 Will. Miss. ATK vs N, r16+6=22. TRIGGERS: Second Chance, reroll ATK, r10+6=16 vs 12 Will. Hit. r6,8+5-5=14 damage + Slowed & -2 ATK vs G UEoNNT. N BLOODIED.LOCATION: L13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 14 damage to N, N BLOODIEDCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: N Slowed + -2 ATK vs G UEoNNTCURRENT HP: 84/84CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Word of Beguilement and Necromantic Surge on cooldown[HR][/HR]Before impulsively leaping into action (as she feels she has been pressed to do), TORIQ takes a moment to center herself, as Dryope taught her when they first met. She learned so many wonderful things from her, when the dryad was more of a mentor than a lover, and she must remember to use them. Opening her eyes, the warden looks straight into the gaze of the vampire. Toriq narrows her eyes at her quarry, stands her ground, and pulls him closer to her with a sticky, thorny strike. "Enough of this nonsense," she growls at Gulthias, "your demon lord will not enter here!" And Toriq falls into a wild frenzy of attack, but not one controlled by the vampire.Minor: Charisma check vs. Abyssal Portal: r17 -1 =16 vs. 9 DC/Success; not influenced by portalMinor: Hunter's Quarry (Enc.) on Gulthias UEoTNTStandard: Thorn Strike M2 vs. Gulthias: r16 +7 +2 BCL =25 vs. 17 AC/Hit; Damage: r6 +4 + r6 HQ = 16 Damage, & Gulthias slid to M14Free: Furious Assault (Enc.): trigger hit w/attack: + r1 = 17 Total Damage (from this attack)Free: Nature's Wrath: Mark Gulthias UEoTNTAP: Wildblood Frenzy (Enc) both ATKs vs. Gulthias: 1st ATK: r2 +7 +2= 11 vs. 17 AC/Miss; 2nd ATK: r11 +7 +2 = 20 vs. 17 AC/Hit; Damage: r2 +7= 9 DamageLOCATION: M15, Gulthias M14DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 26 Damage to GulthiasCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias Marked UEoTNTCURRENT HP: 23/30 5 THPCURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 ATK BCL UEoMNT, Resist 5 ALL UEoMNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/10; 0 APS available[HR][/HR]Trying to stay on his feet long enough to save himself, NEMO thinks of Beppa and her bravery, even when staring down meaner, larger folk. She always joked that if you don't got the balls, at least pretend you do! Who's to know until they check! Feeling slightly better remembering her sly smirk, he tries out one similar on the zombie he faces, fully expending it to have no effect on the monstrous rotting creature. To his surprised delight, the dazed thing is just confused enough for him to finish it off. As the zombie's corpse crumples to the grounds, the young halfling takes out the potion given to him by the beautiful dryad and quickly gulps it down. Immediately several of his most grievous wounds begin to scab over. <Okay, Beppa: I still have my balls!> he thinks to himself ... wishing he were saying it to his cousin. Boy, he misses her raucous laughter!Minor: Charisma check vs. Abyssal Portal: r11 +2 =13 vs. 9 DC/Success; not influenced by portalStandard: Sly Flourish vs. Zombie: r4 +9 +2 CA = 15 vs. 13 AC/Hit; Damage: r2 +7 + r5,2 = 16 Damage/Zombie at 0 HP, TRIGGERS: Deathless Hunger: effect: Roll d20. On a 15 or higher, Zombie is instead reduced to 1 HP: r8 = Zombie KILLEDMinor: take out Potion of HealingAP: Consume Potion of Healing: spend 1 Surge/gain 10 HPLOCATION: O16DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 16 to Zombie: KILLEDCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:CURRENT HP: 12/24 BLOODIEDCURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoGSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/7; 0 APs available[HR][/HR]SC Progress: 1 Success/0 Failures/1 Secondary Skill Available; Disenchant the Magic Circle completed.ROUND THREE[ATTACH=full]342841[/ATTACH]THE SKELETONS may themselves be mindless, but that doesn't mean they don't follow the will of their creator or fight with clever tactics! The one upon the altar steps draws closer to the witch and warlock lurking near the north wall, fires an arrow at Jendi, who is warded by Mylistra's prayer, and then unsheathes its longsword. The other in the west portion of this unholy chamber rattles over behind an intervening column, firing an arrow at the warlock, which is lost in the protective shadows of The Raven Queen, and then draws its own sword. Meanwhile, the two at the eastern portion of the chamber draw closer to their master's unholy aura, unsheathing swords as they go.E11: Move: 1 square E11 to F12; Standard: Shortbow vs J, r17+6-2 SW=21 vs 15 AC. Hit. 3 -5 Resist All=0 damage; Minor: Draw longswordL9: Move: 4 squares Ll9 to I13 (possible cover); Standard: Shortbow vs J, r10+6-2=14 vs 15 AC. Miss; Minor: Draw longswordW10: Move: 6 squares W10 to R12 (1 DT); Move: 3 squares (all DT) R12 to O12, in Unholy Strength Aura; Minor: Draw longswordY15: Minor: Draw longsword; Move 5 squares (1 DT) Y15 to U15; Move: 5 squares (avoiding OA) U15 to O15, in Unholy Strength AuraLOCATION: F12, I13 (11 HP), O12, O15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 1, I13 11 HPCURRENT DE/BUFFS: O12 + O15 in G's Unholy Aura (+5 damage), I13 possible cover[HR][/HR]JENDI sneers at the vampire with his Goddess-given curse. Then, from his vantage point outside the baleful influence of the portal, he focuses on a step near the skeleton on the stairs, sending a shower of blistering argent rain to give cover to Mylistra's plan to race up to the altar. Stepping forward to accompany the witch, at least for part of her mad dash, the young warlock murmurs to her that he hopes she's right about being protected by her Goddess. "I know the Duskqueen has us under her wing as well."Minor: Warlock's Curse on GulthiasStandard: Argent Rain (Enc.) ABU 1 w/in 10: G12: ATK vs. SK F12: r2 +4 =6 vs. 14 Ref/Miss; Effect: create zone [F-H 11-13] lasting USoJNT: any creature entering/ending turn in zone takes 5 fire damage.Move: 6 squares from H20 to G14, TRIGGERING Shadow Walk ConcealmentLOCATION: G14DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: G Cursed, Zone (all creatures entering or ending turn in zone): F-H 11-13CURRENT HP: 26/26CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoG; Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/8; 0 APs available[HR][/HR]MYLISTRA does not respond to Jendi's quip as he strides confidently toward the steps. Pulling her focus inward, the witch thanks Sehanine for continuing to protect them all while performing tasks to better this world and keep it safe from the foul and profane.Mylistra's eyes dart over to catch a quick glimpse of the vampire. There is something about him that is familiar. No, not him in particular: there is a strong resemblance to someone she knows or knew, but she cannot quite place who. It did not register earlier when Abaddon was telling them his tale of Gulthias, but now - combined with Gulthias's appearance, there are loud alarm bells clanging in her head. Catching Jendi's gesture to hurry, she uses the fear generated by this almost memory to allow her feet to fly over the surface of the dungeon.* * *Jendi watches the witch race toward and up the stairs, not hesitating at the sword he was sure would pierce her shoulder badly but - somehow - only glances off her slightly, almost urging her forward with a flash of silvery blue light. He watches as she ignores his zone of argent fire (and is amazed as his flames part for her feet, leaving them places to land in without receiving harm). The warlock stares - dumbfounded - as she skirts the second skeleton and circles the altar, placing her hands on it and beginning to murmur a prayer.Finally, Jendi is stunned as he witnesses her slight smile of triumph and daring as she stares down the vampire glaring at her. She seems to glow with the same silvery blue emanating from the altar no longer consecrated to the Demon Lord of Undeath.Minor: sustain Moment of Glory UEoMNT2 Moves: double running move: 18 Squares from G20 to A13; grants CA & takes -5 ATKs USoMNTOAs of SKs: I13 & Zone of Argent Rain: r19 +6 =25 vs 17 AC/Hit, Damage 4 - 5 Resist All = 0; F12: r10 +6 = 16 vs. 17 AC/Miss; Zone: 5 - 5 Resist All = 0 DamageAP: Deconsecrate the Altar: Primary Skill Heal check: r15 +8 = 23 vs. 12 Mod DC/SuccessLOCATION: A13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: SC: Deconsecrate the Altar: 2 of 4 SuccessesCURRENT HP: 21/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoG; CA & -5 ATKs USoMNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/7; 0 APs availableSC Progress: 2 Successes/0 Failures/1 Secondary Skill Available; Disenchant the Magic Circle completed. Deconsecrate the Altar completed.[HR][/HR]A flicker of ... rage? pain? ... glimmers across GULTHIAS'S countenance. Then it snarls, "You would dare strike me, brute? Yes! That is what I want! I want you to give in to your rage, your bestial nature. Then you grow closer to me. All the easier to make you mine once I finally drink!"The creature strikes at Toriq with its rod, a withering assault that drags the Halforc into the pool of blood, where the skeleton waits in menace. Gulthias strikes a second time, and though Mylistra's prayer protects her from the worst of the vampire's blows, Toriq feels the preternatural strength of the undead behind each blow from Gulthias's rod.Starts turn: Roll to Recharge Word of Beguilement, r2. Fails to recharge.Standard: Embolden Undead, Withering Rod x2 on T, ATK1, r16+8=24 vs 18 AC. Hit. r3,6+2-5=6 damage & T slid 2 squares M15 to N13. ATK2, r11+8+2 CA=21 vs 18 AC. Hit. r2,5+2=9-5=4 damage, forgo slide.LOCATION: M14, T in N13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: T 5 THP depleted, 5 damageCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 58/84CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Word of Beguilement and Necromantic Surge on Cooldown, Marked by T UEoTNT[HR][/HR]For a moment only, TORIQ's confidence in herself is shaken. Happily, years of service and habit stand her in good stead. If she does not make it through this, so be it. She will give her all to help the others to succeed: it is all she can do, even should it prove not enough.As one of her mentors, Ladak, halfgiant of the northern Katho-Olavi Frost tribe, taught her not many winters ago, the halforc now alters herself to become the form of Winter's Herald. Toriq stares stonily back at the arrogant vampire as ice forms over her armor and the blood freezes in ripples around her feet. Lifting one bent leg and the arm holding her weapon, the warden swings her sword downward in an arc while simultaneously swinging that leg around, pulling her body around in a twirl. The skeleton's bones separate from the animation that held them together, and they sound like tree limbs falling in a winter's forest. Gulthias still stands, glaring, but some of his borrowed blood is beginning to seep out of a gash through one of his flowing sleeves. But Toriq feels no triumph, only the sense of inevitability as the portal pulls her closer.Then, the warden shakes her head, alert and in control once more, and says to Gulthias, "nice try, but it will take more than that to defeat us."Minor: Charisma check vs. Abyssal Portal: r6 -1 =5 vs. 9 DC/FailFree: Nature's Wrath, Mark G UEoTNTMinor: Form of Winter's Herald (Daily): T assumes the guardian form of winter's herald until end of encounter. While in this form, T gains +1 AC and Resist 5 Cold (does not stack with MoG). In addition, each square within 2 of T, wherever she moves, is difficult terrain for your enemies.Standard: Form of Winter's Herald Attack (Enc) CBU 1/each enemy: Atk vs. G & SK O12 TRIGGERS OA from Abyssal Portal: r15 +6 = 21 vs. 14 Will/Hit & T is Dazed SE; ATK vs. G: r16 +7 = 23 vs. 17 AC/Hit; vs. SK O12: r11 +7 =18/Hit; Damage: r7 +4 = 11 & Immobilized (SE); SK O12 DESTROYED; Aftereffect: T pulled 2 squares toward portal: from N13 to N15Ends Turn: Save vs. Dazed: r11 = no longer dazed!LOCATION: N15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 11 to Gulthias & SK O12; SK O12 DESTROYEDCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias Immobilized (SE), Marked by T UEoTNTCURRENT HP: 18/30CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT (MoG); Resist 5 Cold, +1 AC, & squares w/in 2 of T = DT for enemies EoE (FoWH)[HR][/HR]Since it worked so well a moment ago in bolstering his spirits, NEMO conjures up another memory of intrepid family members - deliberately this time. Another cousin, Seraphina, without fear, despite numerous warnings and words of caution. All of those stories about exactly how she learned about the dialects of Stygian elves. <Now she surely has balls!> the halfling thinks, shaking his head in wry admiration. The halfling steps carefully around the skeleton he is fighting. Then he uses the side of his dagger to break its spine. As its bones drop noisily onto the icy floor below, Nemo finds himself staring into the eyes of the vampire. Remembering  his task, he lifts two arms and - as he draws them back down, his hands make a fluttery motion. Gulthias raises an intrigued eyebrow, but Nemo imagines that he can see a shadowy shroud fall gently over the vampire's head and shoulders.Minor: Charisma check vs. Abyssal Portal: r9 +2 =11/Success; not influenced by portalStandard: Acrobatic Strike vs. SK O15: shift 1 square from O16 to P15 (to flank w/T); ATK: r5 +9 +2 CA = 16 vs. 16 AC/Hit; SK O15 DESTROYEDMinor: Raven Queen's Shroud: choose a target w/in 10 (Gulthias). G gains Mark of the Raven Queen EoE. On N's turn, can reroll result of 1 Damage Die vs G.LOCATION: P15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: SK O12 DESTROYEDCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias Mark of the Raven Queen EoECURRENT HP: 12/24 BLOODIEDCURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT (MoG)SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/7; 0 APs remainingSC Progress: 2 Successes/0 Failures/1 Secondary Skill Available; Disenchant the Magic Circle completed. Deconsecrate the Altar completed.[HR][/HR]ROUND FOUR[ATTACH=full]342865[/ATTACH]Heeding their creator's mental summons, THE SKELETONS cross the center of the chamber, willingly braving the icy terrain surrounding the warden in order to strike at her with their swords. And strike they do, but both blows are stopped by the thin film of rime that coats the Halforc's armor and body.SK F12: Move: 5 squares F12 to K13; Standard: Charge 6 squares (3 DT) K13 to M15, Longsword ATK vs T, r11+6+1=18 vs 19 AC. Miss.SK I13: Move 4 squares (1 DT) I13 to K15; Standard: Charge 4 squares (2 DT) K15 to M16, Longsword ATK vs T, r11+6+1=18 vs 19 AC. Miss.LOCATION: M15, M16DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: SK M15 1 HP, SK M16 11 HPCURRENT DE/BUFFS: SK M15 and SK M16 within Unholy Aura (+5 damage)[HR][/HR]As his beautiful metallic flames peter out, JENDI keeps his eye on everything going on around him, strategizing, making plans, ditching plans, taking in everything. Deciding - for better or worse - to focus on the vampire, the warlock swiftly returns to the corner he recently abandoned. Hopefully he will not get trapped here! But it is better to try to keep attention away from Mylistra's actions.Gifting his Lady's curse to the closest of the remaining skeletons, he generates one of his crackling energy balls of blight to throw at Gulthias. Thinking of the vampire's name causes a moment of distraction as Jendi suddenly remembers the strange reaction the witch showed a few moments ago. His focus returns to his actions as he watches the ball fall harmlessly at the vampire's feet, sizzling in the ice. That's all right, he thinks to himself, there's more where that came from.Move: 6 squares from G14 to J20, Triggers Shadow Walk ConcealmentMinor: Warlock's Curse on closest enemy: SK M16Standard: Hand of Blight vs. Gulthias: r7 +4 =11 vs 14 Fort/MissLOCATION: J20DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias & SK M16 CursedCURRENT HP: 26/26CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT MoG; Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/8; O APs available[HR][/HR]After completing the prayer for the removal of foul and profane blessings on the altar, MYLISTRA repeats her constant prayer of thanksgiving to her Goddess, in particular the protection she is currently showering on them with her silvery light. Then the witch takes the book of rituals into her hands and opens its pages. Her prayer to Sehanine now becomes a plea for aid in finding her way through the maze of familiar, almost familiar and completely foreign words and declensions and tenses. Her eyes skim the written words, stopping here, extrapolating there, substituting other words several places. <Well, Sehanine, Goddess of Trickery and Moonlight, wish me luck!> she says silently before beginning to carefully sound out the words she recognizes (easily) and those she does not (not easily at all!).Then somehow, as Mylistra bluffs her way through the text, she finds the rhythm of the words, or at least the rhythm she finds is not discordant with what she hopes to achieve. Another wave of silvery blue light warms her as the witch cocks her head to the side, certain she can hear musical laughter nearby.Minor: Sustain Moment of GloryMinor: Pick up ritual bookStandard: Annul the Rite: Primary Skill Bluff check: r18 +8 = 26 vs. 12 Moderate DC/Success - 3 of 4 Successes/0 FailuresLOCATION: A13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: SC: Annul the Rite: 3 of 4 SuccessesCURRENT HP: 21/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 ALL UEoMNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/7; 0 APs availableSC Progress: 3 Successes/0 Failures/1 Secondary Skill Available; Disenchant the Magic Circle completed. Deconsecrate the Altar completed. Annul the Rite completed.[HR][/HR]The vampire's eyes narrow as its servant's attacks ring harmlessly off the ice-encrusted Halforc. GULTHIAS is displeased. It did not account for this, a Primal Guardian, one of the Guardians of the Ruby Spire, no doubt. He had thought them all fools, so easily duped by his pretenses. And yet, could it be mere coincidence that this Guardian is here, so soon after its own reawakening? Did they know?The necromancer bashes at Toriq with its rod, and bashes again. To no avail. The rimefrost is too strong to penetrate, even for its strength. It struggles to release itself from the icy grasp of the terrain, but fails. Suddenly, an emotion Gulthias has not known for a long time creeps over it: Fear.Starts turn: Immobilized (SE), Marked by T, Cursed, RQ Shroud. Roll to Recharge Words of Beguilement, r2. Fails to recharge.Standard: Embolden Undead, Withering Rod x2 vs T, ATK 1, r10+8=18 vs 19 AC. Miss. ATK 2, r3+8=11 vs 19 AC. Miss.Ends turn: Save vs Immobilized, r5+2=7. Fails.LOCATION: M14DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 47/84CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Immoblized (SE), Cursed, Marked by T EoTNT, RQ Shroud, Words of Beguilement and Necromantic Surge on Cooldown[HR][/HR]TORIQ senses the now familiar feeling of grim resignation enter her psyche and once again soldiers on. She meets the empty eyesockets of the two skeletons - preparing them for Nature's Wrath, before turning to face Gulthias once again and narrowing her eyes. She sneers at the undead creature who once claimed kinship with the Guardians, her sharp teeth whiter than his own sharp ones.The warden puts all of her righteous indignation into her swing, but melting ice from her Winter's Herald form gets in her eyes. The blade only glances off his armor, made from some hellborn beast, no doubt. Taking a step away from the vampire's attempt at retaliation, she says to Gulthias, "your armor will adorn my brother before long."Minor: Charisma check vs. Abyssal Portal: r9 -1 =8 vs. DC 9/FailFree Action: Nature's Wrath: all adjacent enemies (SK M15, SK M16, & Gulthias) UEoTNTStandard: Weight of the Earth vs. Gulthias: TRIGGERS OA from Abyssal Portal: r7 +6 =13 vs 14 Will/Miss; ATK vs. G: r4 +7 =11/MissMove: Shift 1 square from N15 to O15LOCATION: O15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias Immobilized SECURRENT HP: 18/30CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT (MoG); Resist 5 Cold, +1 AC, & squares w/in 2 of T = DT for enemies EoE (FoWH)SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/10; 0 APs available[HR][/HR]The young halfling decides caution is the better part of valor and takes a moment to get his second wind. While doing so, NEMO's eyes catch on the statue at the other end of the room. At the same time, Toriq calls out that she has this - this being fighting off three separate opponents, though he supposes she probably does "have this" - and get on with it. He suddenly remembers his other given task, beyond marking the vampire "for later."At her words urging him onward, and the idea that he might escape from the oppressive atmosphere here before the portal, Nemo feels some of his usual vigor and zest return to him, and he takes off toward the enormous and ugly statue. He leapfrogs over the bloody streams not once but twice, the final leap sailing so far he impresses even himself, and so he is a little sorry that the twins, Gillifred and Filbert, are not there to witness his glory. As Nemo nails the landing without falling, he knows that they will never believe him. Taking out the case holding his special tools, he thinks of all the stories he finally is gathering to tell them - most of which he thinks they will likely believe ... but sadly not about that magnificent leap.Standard: Second Wind: Spend Surge for 6 HPMove: Run 8 squares, including 2 jumps: 1st w/out running steps: r17 +7 =24/2 squares cleared (R13, R12), 2nd w/running steps (S11, S10): r20 +7 =27/5 squares cleared (R9, Q8): beginning P15 and ending P7Minor: retrieves thieves toolsLOCATION: P7DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 18/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT (MoG); +2 All Defenses (SW) USoNNT; CA and -5 ATKs USoNNT (Run)SURGES/ACTIONS POINTS: 1/7; 0 APs remaining[HR][/HR]SC Progress: 3 Successes/0 Failures/1 Secondary Skill Available; Disenchant the Magic Circle completed. Deconsecrate the Altar completed. Annul the Rite completed.ROUND FIVE[ATTACH=full]342875[/ATTACH]The Primal energies of earth are those of life, diametrically opposed to the force that animates THE SKELETONS. So when Toriq unleashes Nature's Wrath upon them, they have no choice but to strike out at her as anathema to their existence. As one, the two step forward slowly across the icy terrain surrounding the warden and lash out with their blades. But Toriq is well protected, by armor and by primal rime.SK M15: Move: 2 squares (1 DT) M15 to N15; Standard: Longsword vs T, r12+6=18 vs 19 AC. Miss.SK M16: Move 2 squares (1 DT) M16 to N16; Standard: Longsword vs T, r3+6=9 vs 19 AC. Miss.LOCATION: N15, N16DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: N15 1 HP, N16, 11 HPCURRENT DE/BUFFS: In Unholy Strength Aura (+5 damage), Marked by T UEoTNT[HR][/HR]From the sidelines, JENDI murmurs, "time for teamwork. My turn to save you, Riqqi." Stepping forward into the Portal's insidious influence once more, Jendi fights to hold onto his psyche as he hears whispers of dread power and magnificent and delicious evil. Sweat begins to pour down his brow despite the coolness of being near his sister in wintery form.Stopping at a safe distance from the vampire and his crew (if not especially a safe distance from the tempting maw of darkness at his back), the young warlock readies his attack. He hears a sweet, melodious voice saying, "stay your hand - my servant is your ally! HIs servants serve you!" and hesitates ... only for a moment. Then, he sees the shadow of a shadowy shroud undulating around the head and across the shoulders of the vampire: his Duskqueen's shroud. Coming back into himself, Jendi, representative of his Lady, reaches forward his left hand as if to grab Gulthias and his skeletons. The vampire's two servants elude his spectral grasp, but the vampire's body lifts slightly from the ground and is squeezed. This briefly breaks the hold that Toriq's zone of winter has on its feet before the ice reforms, reaching up and wrapping itself around Gulthias's ankles once more.Move: 4 squares from J20 to L16, enters Portal's aura; TRIGGERS Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNTCharisma check vs. Abyssal Portal: r2 +4 =6 vs 9 DC/FailStandard: Star Shackles CBU 2/each enemy: Atk vs. G, SKs N15 & N16; TRIGGERS OA from Abyssal Portal: r7 +6 =13 vs. J's Will 15/Fail; ATK: vs. G: r10 +4 =14 vs. 14 Fort/Hit; vs. SK N15: r4 +4 =8 vs. 13 Fort/Miss; SK N16: r1/Automiss; Damage to G: r1 +4 =5 Damage & Gulthias is Grabbed (Escape DC14) & BLOODIEDLOCATION: L16DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 5 to Gulthias, BLOODIEDCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias Grabbed & Cursed, SK N16 CursedCURRENT HP: 26/26CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoG; Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNTSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/8; 0 APs available[HR][/HR]Watching the situation unfold - it could go either way! - MYLISTRA's murmured thanks to Sehanine feels particularly fervent as the witch steps back around the altar and into the baleful influence of the portal. It is not that she was hiding behind it - not really - but she does now feel less safe, less brave. Particularly since she has not had a chance to reinforce her will against its - not that she has been particularly successful thus far. Mylistra guiltily looks at the dagger in her hand. Resolutely, she raises her hand to clasp her pendant and shoves her other hand forward, repulsing one of the skeletons. For a brief moment, she feels the now familiar and insidious voice telling her to throw the dagger, that <this time it will hit the boy truly and deeply, that...> but it melts away - this time she fought it off. Her hand completes the motion, and she can see the silver blue light hit the skeleton's face and shiver over its body.---Toriq may be surprised to suddenly be able to discern fear on the bony, skinless skull of the skeleton seemingly desperate to rush past her, but her instincts are fast and true. Her sword hand comes up just as it begins to ease around her, and its movement propels it into the sword. The bisected spinal column falls first, the other bones only a moment later.---Mylistra looks back toward Nemo as he begins to climb up the statue. Minor: Sustain Moment of Glory effectMove: 6 squares from A13 to E13 (into Abyssal Portal's aura)Standard: Cause Fear Ranged 10 vs. SK N15: TRIGGERS OA from Abyssal Portal: r7 +6 =13 vs. M's Will 16/Fail; ATK: r15 +4 =19 vs. 13 Will/Hit: SK N15 attempts to run 8 squares to T18 TRIGGERS OA from Toriq vs SK N15: r11 +7 = 18 vs. 16 AC/Hit: SK N15 DESTROYEDLOCATION: E13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: SK N15 DESTROYED (by T)CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 21/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoGSURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/7; 0 APs available[HR][/HR]Lifted from his feet by the magicks fueled by the young warlock's pact with the Lord of Undeath's nemesis, GULTHIAS struggles and squirms against the invisible restraint, bursting free in a display of undead strength. Landing on its feet like a cat, the vampire hisses and unleashes a surge of necrotic energy that washes over the warlock and warden both, draining their lifeforce, dulling their senses and reactions to the external world.Gulthias smiles. And pulls its feet free from the icy crust that had held them fast. "I am not so easily foiled," the necromancer whispers.Begins turn: Rolls to Recharge Words of Beguilement, r5. Recharges.Move: Escape Grab, Acrobatics r19+4=23 vs 14 DC. Succeeds.Standard: Necromantic Surge (Recharge exhausted) CBL5 L-P/15-19, ATK vs J, r10+6=16 vs 12 Fortitude. Hit. ATK vs T, r11+6=17 vs 15 Fortitude. Hit. r3,1+4-5 Resist All=3 necrotic damage and Dazed (SE). Effect: SK N16 gains 10 THP (doesn't stack).Ends turn: Save vs Immoblized, r12+2=14. Succeeds.LOCATION: M14DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 3 necrotic to T and J, T BLOODIEDCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: T and J Dazed (SE)CURRENT HP: 42/84 BLOODIEDCURRENT DE/BUFFS: Cursed, RQ Shroud, Marked by T UEoTNT, Necromantic Surge exhausted, Words of Beguilement Recharged.[HR][/HR]TORIQ delays her turn until after Nemo’s turn[HR][/HR]NEMO ignores sounds of combat and taunts going on behind him and focuses on the matter at hand. During his final soaring leap, a feature of the statue of the Undead God caught his eye: the scepter. Releasing the statue’s grasp of it should destroy the “vessel’s” power. The halfling holds both hammer and chisel in his teeth and begins his ascent (yes, he does remember that is how his brother Thierry broke his jaw. Thanks, Aunt Rubee, for the reminder. No, he is not going crazy and hearing voices in his head. It just helps him to ignore the shouts of pain and cries of surprise and fury behind him. In fact, Nemo would appreciate it if she would. Just. Shut. Up…. at least for now). He chooses carefully his route: a step onto the pedestal, another onto the clawed foot, a careful handhold on a meaty if stony calf here, a pull up onto the meatier thigh, grasping the stone chain around the figure’s waist, across the bulging belly to the left wing, carefully using the wing to climb up the back, onto the arm, and finally resting on the shoulder.Nemo adds ignoring the open toothy maw of the bull-headed statue to everything else he ignores as he removes his tools from his mouth and sets to work. It proves much easier than he expected: Sehanine and Jendi’s Duskqueen must be doing their parts. The scepter held by the statue – designed from (made from?) the spinal column of some horned beast and topped with the skull of that same creature – easily is released from the figure’s grasp and falls to the floor of the chamber, almost in slow motion.The scepter shatters as it hits the ground, sending a bright flash of bright silvery blue and brilliant shadow throughout the chamber, briefly stopping all sounds of combat. The halfling looks up to see the Abyssal Portal’s deep tunnel of darkness turn instantly into the flatness of a stone wall, then turns his head to face the furious vampire. It directs its full ire at the Halfling on the defaced statue. “You think you’ve defeated me, but there are many avenues for bringing the Lord of Undeath into this world. I shall start by using your blood.”From atop the statue’s shoulder, Nemo grins. “Good luck with that!”Minor: Stow toolsMove: 5 squares P 7 to N4 (Climb 2 squares): Athletics check: r13 +7 =20 vs. DC 12/Success, 6 squares = 3 squares of movementStandard: Destroy the Vessel: Primary Skill Thievery check: +12 +2 tools = AutosuccessLOCATION: N4 (3 squares up)DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: SC: Destroy the Vessel: 4 out of 4 SuccessesCURRENT HP: 18/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Grants CA (climbing); Resist 5 All UEoMNT (MoG)[ATTACH=full]342885[/ATTACH]SC Complete.[HR][/HR]TORIQ attributes her ability to quickly throw off Gulthias's mesmerism to the instruction of her various mentors over the years: Dryope teaching of trees drawing strength through their deep roots, Ladak showing her the ancient ice holding within it seeds of the ages, Begnym the Sorrowful mourning the loss of the moon each month despite knowing its inevitable return - these and her other sensei reminding her of patient endurance and mindfulness. The warden seeks to pass along some of this knowledge, to teach the skeleton of the Weight of Earth, but sadly its bones will not retain the lesson. Its frame remains as light and hollow as that of a bird. Toriq steps forward, closer to the vampire, ready to defend any of her companions he should threaten.Starts turn Dazed SE; Font of Life: r12 = no longer dazedStandard: Weight of Earth vs. SK: r8 +7 = 15 vs. 16 AC/MissMove: Shift 1 square from O15 to N15Free: Nature's Wrath: SK & G Marked UEoTNTLOCATION: N15DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias and SK both marked by T UEoTNTCURRENT HP: 15/30 BLOODIEDCURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT (MoG; Resist 5 Cold, +1 AC, & squares w/in 2 of T = DT for enemies EoE (FoWH)SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 2/10; 0 APs available[HR][/HR]ROUND SIX[ATTACH=full]342929[/ATTACH]SKILL CHALLENGE COMPLETEThough Gulthias has regained some equanimity in freedom from its ice bondage and the mental grasp of that warlock to the Interloper, it still recognizes the acute danger of the situation. "Move! Strike her down!" the vampire commands its last remaining skeletal servant. THE SKELETON takes a few steps to move into a flanking maneuver, but Toriq spins to face her foe. Her ploy worked! She raises her longsword and brings it down upon the animated bones with a brutal show of force. Her blow shatters the skeleton's skull, and the blazing light within dims in its eyesockets as it clatters to the cobbles.Move: 2 squares (1 DT) N16 to O16, TRIGGERS OA from T, r16+7=23 vs 16 Fortitude. Hit. r8+4=12 damage. SK DESTROYED[HR][/HR]JENDI tries to shake the clouds from his eyes. The backlash of having his spell thrown back at him dealt a powerful blow. At least he thinks that's what happened: everything is a bit foggy. But Gulthias ... Gulthias is still there, in front of him, sadly no longer struggling from an invisible fist of force, nor is he still mired in Toriq's bloody ice. Jendi tried to focus his eyes on the vampire while he forms yet another crackling ball of blight to throw, but he can't figure out which Gulthias to aim at. Perhaps he should aim between the two.As Jendi shakes his head again, his vision clears ... and he hears the sizzle of the dousing of his ball of energy. Well, at least he can see straight again.Begins turn: Dazed SEStandard: Hand of Blight Ranged 10 vs. Gulthias: r9 +4 = 13 vs. 14 Fort/MissEnds turn: Save vs. Dazed: r16 = no longer dazedLOCATION: L16DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias CursedCURRENT HP: 23/26CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoG; Shadow Walk Concealment endsSURGES: 2/8[HR][/HR]Her prayer of thanksgiving to Sehanine continues as MYLISTRA steps ever closer to the combat. While she is no longer afraid of the now inert portal, the vampire's foul magicks are still potent. But - though they have accomplished the more crucial of their task - they still need to put to rest this creature.Unfortunately, Gulthias's defenses are as strong as his attacks, and she cannot quite penetrate them to make Her Mark on his forehead. Perhaps the undead ... or at least the more sentient undead ... are immune? But, no: that is not what she has been taught. It is simply that the dark magicks which animate them are so powerful.And why is his name so familiar?Minor: Sustain Moment of GloryMove: 4 squares from E13 to I13Standard: Gaze of Defiance R 5 vs. Gulthias: r7 +4 =11 vs. 16 Will/MissLOCATION: I13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 21/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoGSURGES: 2/7[HR][/HR]The vampire feels his foes closing in around him. Guile has gotten him far. Very far. Perhaps his beguiling words can put an end to this in his favor. "Lay down your sword, your staff," he purrs at the warden and warlock. "If you but give it a chance, service to the Lord of Undeath, Bonelord can reward you with all your earthly desires. And more!"But GULTHIAS sees only grim determination on his enemies' faces. So it turns and races towards the weak one, the one of its own former kind, the one with fear in her heart and a Goddess already half in shadow.Toriq tries to stab at the creature as it goes, but this creature is both quick and dead at the same time!Standard: Word of Beguilement CBL3 L-N/15-17, ATK vs J, r1=Automiss; ATK vs T, r5+6=11 vs 14 Will. Miss.Move: 4 squares (1 DT) M14 to J13; first square of movement without shifting TRIGGERS OA from T, r1=Automiss.LOCATION: G13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 42/84 BLOODIEDCURRENT DE/BUFFS: Cursed, Marked by T UEoTNT, RQ Shroud[HR][/HR]Atop the now broken vessel, NEMO keenly observes the action below to see how best he can join.NEMO Delays his turn until after Toriq's.[HR][/HR]TORIQ is keenly aware that her usual combatants have been beasts and unnatural creatures. With sentient beings - unnatural or otherwise, she generally attempts negotiation, persuasion, and threat. The warden is also aware that if she is tired, her little brother and their friends must be doubly so. That said, they have certainly kept up, and their work is ... nearly ... done. Now, if they could just. Finish. Him. Off!!Move: 3 squares from N15 to K13.Free: Nature's Wrath on Gulthias.Standard: Weight of Earth on Gulthias: r7 +7 =16 vs 17 AC/MissLOCATION: K13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias Marked UEoTNTCURRENT HP: 15/30CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoG; Resist 5 Cold, +1 AC, & Squares w/in 2 of T = DT for enemies EoE FoWHSURGES: 2/10[HR][/HR]NEMO remembers what his older brother Milo always says ... or is it his sister Mazzee? Well, one of them always tells him that a body cannot wait for the perfect moment: they must make the perfect moment. Now is the opening for Nemo to make his perfect moment. The halfling climbs back down the the statue, avoiding the less savory parts, no matter what kind of better footing they might give. Once again he leapfrogs over streams of blood in his way. Then, taking out the ceremonial dagger, he slides into place next to the witch. "I am here."Move: Climb down from statue: Athletics check: 7 +7 =14 vs 12 DC/SuccessMove: 6 squares from M6 to H12, including jump: Athletics check: r15 +7 =22 = 2 squares cleared (L7 & K8)Minor: retrieves "the" daggerLOCATION: H12DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 18/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNTSURGES: 1/7[HR][/HR]ROUND SEVENSKILL CHALLENGE COMPLETE.With the situation looking pretty grim for Gulthias, the only real option here is for him to try to escape once his Mist Form is triggered. That is the only outcome that is still at stake: will he be able to escape before Nemo lands a blow with the ceremonial dagger? And so I offered [USER=20459]@Nephis[/USER] the option of calling off combat here and and switching to a Skill Challenge to resolve that stake, but she declined, preferring to "give it another round of combat."[ATTACH=full]342964[/ATTACH]JENDI grits in frustration as his opponent somehow continues to subvert his closing the noose. He forms a ball of crackling energy and hurls it at the foul creature, and ... again! Gulthias avoids the attack.The warlock backs up enough paces to cover himself with The Duskmaiden's protective shadow and to study the board more closely.Standard: Hand of Blight R10 vs. Gulthias: r1=AutomissMove: 3 squares from L16 to J19LOCATION: J19DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias CursedCURRENT HP: 23/26CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoG; Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNTSURGES: 2/8[HR][/HR]As ever, thanking the Blessed Moonlight for its Goddess-given protection of this group of warriors, MYLISTRA quickly considers her options. Her Stygian instincts kick in, and she covers herself with her inherently drawn cloud of darkness, even realizing it might hinder her small companion at her side. For half a moment she enjoys Gulthias's consternation and confusion as suddenly he is without sight, surely for the first time in possibly a hundred years. Then, she delivers Sehanine's strong and disapproving reprisal with the dagger in her hand. "This is for attacking my friend through my dagger! Take that!!"* * *The vampire feels something jab into its chest, a searing pain and then the cleric's taunt. Wishing to escape with its unlife, Gulthias transforms itself to mist and swiftly rises above the fray and into the perverted Altar of Sacrifice above.Minor: Sustain Moment of GloryMinor: CBU 1, Effect: The burst creates a cloud of darkness that remains in place UEoMNT. The cloud blocks line of sight, squares within it are totally obscured, and creatures entirely within it are blinded (-5 attack rolls, -10 Perception checks, grant CA, can’t flank) until they exit. M is immune to these effects.Standard: Sehanine's Reprisal Melee 1 vs. Gulthias: r20 +7 +2 CA = 29/Autohit; Damage 8, and the next attack the target makes before the end of M's next turn takes a penalty to the damage roll equal to M's Charisma modifier (2). TRIGGERS: Mist Form (polymorph) ✦ Encounter; Trigger: Gulthias takes damage while bloodied.; Effect (No Action): Gulthias becomes insubstantial, gains fly speed 6, and can immediately shift up to his fly speed. Gulthias cannot attack in this form and can end this form as a minor action.G shifts 6 squares J13 to P11 Flying ^7 (1 square above opening in ceiling O-P/11-12, possible cover)LOCATION: I13DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to GulthiasCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Gulthias: -2 to next damage roll UEoMNTCURRENT HP: 21/24CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 All UEoMNT MoG; Cloud of DarknessSURGES: 2/7</blockquote>

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