Akos is glad that genie decided not to attack him after her sudden awakening. He vacillates between further healing of the knight and her, but they seem fine for the moment. The cleric is the real problem here and while he is not really offensive yet, he can turn easily. And the best way to finish the fight is not to heal allies, but the turn the tables. On this side of the room there were Falen, Vitus and him, all casters of one sort or the other. And with the cleric and two thugs it may go either way.
And he knows he can hurt them badly, but at this moment, he needs to disable the cleric quickly. That will mean risking the blades of thugs. He plans his movement carefully, but cannot avoid at least one attack. He could teleport, of course, but risk of grappling like in the last fight remains in his mind.
"Unicorn, heal whomever you think is most wounded, I don't really see from this side!"
The unicorn steps along the wall next to the chest. She touches Spritewing on the hindquarters with her horn and healing energy flows into the other magical beast. Spritewing neighs and bobs his head in thanks while keeping his senses focused on the foes in front of him and Rockhorn.
Vitus' celebrations were short-lived as he watched the evil chaos bolstering their enemies. It occured to the boy that this cleric was the antithesis of Tyche, using maligned chaos to seal victory. Chaos to divide.
Vitus had a sinking feeling as he took in the combat: the Exemplars were divided, fighting 3 separate fights. Custodio and Vincenzo were fighting three enemies while Tuck, Custodio and Tim were fighting others. Akos, Falen and himself were engaged with the other thugs. The bugbear was alone, sowing confusion.
Vitus was scared. These were not some disorganized band of goblins - these were formidable foes and Vitus felt he was out of his league. Would Tyche put Vitus on a path that would lead to his destruction? Had he been unworthy?
Never! I'd follow her to hell and back!
Vitus tries not to glance at the darkened ceiling above him as the cleric's motes descend down on the bugbear's evil allies. He knows it an unnatural thing that should not be here. There is a power coming from it that is very disturbing, and frightening.
Neurotic said:
Time to put fear of Titania into their hearts.
"You think you have us on the ropes here? Well, I have news for you..." he starts as his aspect changes to more fey as he removed himself from the antimagic field and blessings of Titania reasserted themselves.
He walks next to Mitrik, right through magic circle
"You think you're doing something useful? You think the world owes you something?" he scoffs at the thug
"Poor you." he moves away as the thug swipes at him angrily.
"The truth is, you cannot intimidate The Exemplars. And your pathetic overlord cannot control even his own domain. He cannot even use most of it and depends on this poor genie which is now free. You didn't disable any of us and your people are dying. Here's the deal. Back off now...or suffer the consequences. I am never outnumbered, and believe me, you don't want fey sense justice on you or you or you."
Mitrik stabs at Akos with his blade. The weapon hits the Loremaster in the ribs but his fey heritage protects him from taking any damage. He can still feel the heat of the iron trying to burn through his skin.
The thug grins in victory until he realizes that Akos isn't bleeding. He growls in frustration. Then, he feels the power of the Loremaster's words hit his soul and his knees begin to shake. Not even the magical aid from the bugbear had any hope of keeping the Loremaster's words from cutting into his soul.
Both he and Redcap cower from the fey creature in front of them.
TaranTheWanderer said:
There was one among the group that Vitus felt a special connection to and he looked to Falen for reassurment but the cool confidence the hobgoblin had exuded yesterday was replaced by some other desperate, fearful emotion.
"By Tyche, Falen, organize the group! I could hear you! Use it to coordinate everyone."
That's when Akos invoked the fearful power of the Summer Queen, Titania, and Vitus witnessed the goons cowering before it.
Of course. How could I have doubted you Tyche? You lead me here. To help these people.
Vitus could draw his dagger and try to finish him off but he couldn't bring himself to attack a helpless foe. Then Vitus met Falen's eye as the man between them cowered. Vitus held up his shield, waiting to help his new comrade, if need be.
The man in front of him, Redcap, begins to shake uncontrollably, as does the other thug next to the silent knight.
Neurotic said:
The end needs work he thinks as he points at the thugs and the cleric in order. Still, the magic of his Queen is still enhancing his presence and everything he said was literal truth.
He even tries with compassion after the threats.
"You, bugbear, I can understand with all prejudice against your kind. But you're not helping with your behaviour. Now note that you can try diplomacy and peaceful solution. But when that doesn't work, you stride in and punish those that work against people."
The bugbear cleric of darkness listens intently to Akos' speech. And, when looks at him, his eyes go wide, but only for a split second. He laughs and shakes his head.
"Ah ha! He warned me you'd try this against me," the cleric smiles a toothy evil grin.
"I was hired to deal with you," he nods his head towards Akos and then looks casually towards Tim.
"And, your large friend over there."
"Your fey powers cannot break my soul," the cleric says more sternly.
"It belongs to the Midnight King."
The cleric sets his stance and lowers his head. A low growl emanates from deep in his chest.
"I am coming for you, Loremaster Akos. Make your final prayers to your goddess."
Bolstered by blessing of good god, hasted up, backed up by the unicorn, and more determined than ever, small ranger and his trusty steed lash out at the loyalist in front of them, this time with better success. After the flurry of axe blows and hoof attack, Parch reels with several new wounds.
Rockhorn and his mount keep their focus on the foes in front of them. After a quick step by Spritewing, the duo manage to get through Parch's defenses. Rockhorn's first and third strike with his axe are solid hits, and Spritewing manages to kick the Loyalist soldier in the torso for good measure. The man is only able to block Rockhorn's second axe swing.
The man is now wounded and bleeding, but he still seems to have some fight left in him.
