Round 5
Round 4 (conclusion)
Marcus creeps up along the wall, eyeing the dark forms amidst the pillars and magics. Aiming, he sends his shaft expertly between the pillars and between the ribs of the gnoll (g8). It staggers and falls. (critiacal: 11 pts) The wolf silently trails at his heels.
Round 5
Elhdannis pauses after completing his incantations, then sends another shaft into the gnoll partially hidden behind the far southern pillar. Despite the cover, the arrow finds its mark in the already wounded creature, and brings it down. Meanwhile, another fiendish wolf appears amidst a cloud of sulferous smoke, and launches itself at the back of Brioc's opponent. Perhaps the smell of sulpher gives it away, as the gnoll steps aside just in time.
Tullius turns his attention to the stunned gnoll, swinging hard with axe and sword, and bringing yet another opponent down(g11). Again, Octar is not to be outdone, expertly plunging his sword into the heart of one of his opponents(g9). (2nd critical: 20 pts dmg)
Only three gnolls remain in sight on the platform. One swings its halbert at Octar, which the soldier easily deflects with his sheild. Another, Brioc's opponent, hacks unsuccessfully at the wolf. The third, wearing a black robe, and holding a short spear, staggers back a few steps, and removes his hands from his ears. They are covered with blood.
But before the route is complete, the rear party members hear footsteps from behind. From the inky darkness come another band of gnolls, running full tilt. It's a wonder no one heard them sooner. They bear a variety of weapons and armor, and are led by a mail-clad one, swinging a great sword overhead.
[If they wish, I'll allow Brioc and Dhormium to rethink their 5th round actions. They both hear the new attackers. Marcus, Mendicus and wolf can also still act.]