nerdytenor's The Missing Warlock

[The Digger]

Seeing his companions attacking the skeletons, seemingly in droves, Joshua almost decides to wait before reacting, but then a vision, a memory, flashes into his mind of both of Rellek's arrows missing.

"Better safe than sorry" he grunts and lets fly another missile at the NW skeleton
[sblock=OOC]Magic Missile: Ranged 20: +6 vs Ref: Damage 2d4 +5[/sblock]

 

[nerdytenor]

Moreen calls out another divine challenge to the undead archer as she closes the distance, then thrusts her sword forward in a lunging strike. The challenge falls on deaf ears, as she dispatches the undead abomination once and for all.

Almost at the same time, Todarr strikes hard at the other skeleton. Seeing his companions attacking the skeletons, seemingly in droves, Joshua almost decides to wait before reacting, but then a vision, a memory, flashes into his mind of both of Rellek's arrows missing.

"Better safe than sorry" he grunts and lets fly another missile, dispatching the final skeleton and ending the battle.

[sblock=Joshua]
I went ahead and changed your target for you since the other skeleton bit the dust. Hope you don't mind.
[/sblock]

 

[nerdytenor]

With no more unnaturally animated bones or diseased limbs left moving, the party's attention is drawn once more to the center of the room.

The figure shackled to the stone seems barely aware of what has just transpired, but manages to let out a pitiful noise, perhaps a muffled scream, which quickly gives way to barely audible whimpers before stopping altogether. The purple glow surrounding him seems to pulsate slightly, but it is very subtle.

[sblock=Joshua]
You feel you can recognize the figure - when you touched the other stone, you were somehow connected. But the connection is hard to pin down - sort of like meeting up with someone you haven't seen in ages and not being able to place them.
[/sblock]

 

[Arbanax]

Friend Joshua, we must stop this abomination. Do you perceive the means by which to free this unfortunate and stop both his and this lands unnatural suffering?

[sblock=OOC]

I'll use perception, intuition etc, where it may be helpful or otherwise aid another to help Joshua discern how we might free the 'sacrifice' and stop the stones.

On another note tomorrow I go on holiday, the first week I will spordaically be able to access the internet, but after that around (22nd -till 29th) I won't. Feel free NT to keep action moving, I'll otherwise chime in when I can - but I'd rather not hold things up.

Hope that is ok - Ab

[/sblock]

 

[covaithe]

Karis kicks the pile of bones at her feet contemptuously, scattering them across the loft. She takes advantage of the higher position to look at the stone altar from a different angle, hoping to notice something new. "Well, we can at least cut the shackles off the wretch. Though it would be prudent to remain armed, just in case."

 

[nerdytenor]

[sblock=Arbanax]
Understood. I will keep Rellek involved and make obvious moves in your absence but will minimize any role-playing on my part to keep the slate clean, as it were.

Hope you have a great trip!
[/sblock]

 

[Arbanax]

Thanks NT - really loving the adventure, so appreciate the dispensation, don't want you thinking I'm going awol .

Ab

 

[BlueLotus]

With the fighting done, the paladin descends the stairs again. Her concern has shifted from the battle to the victim on the stone. She hurries over, seeing if she can do anything to aid.

[sblock=ooc]Moreen will see if she can do anything for the victim with heal, religion, or what have you[/sblock]

 

[The Digger]

Joshua watches the end of the battle with relief - arrows Hurt! He walks over to the prisoner and stops just short to examine the purple glow.

"Caution, people. Don't touch anything until I've had a think about this glow. I'll try to do it as quickly as possible."

He racks his brains for any arcana-related information which may relate to this.
[sblock=OOC]Arcana & knowledges check: Arcana +9; Religion +4[/sblock]

As the poor wretch moans piteously Joshau, in uncharacteristic fashion, speaks to him in a somewhat comforting manner.

"It will be all right, old chap. Just hang on a little longer"

 

[nerdytenor]

Observations

[sblock=Moreen]
There is an evil influence here, no doubt about it. But you can't identify the source. The person on the stone is slowly dying - you can tell he will not last long in his present condition.
[/sblock]

[sblock=Joshua]
You are fairly certain the purple glow is a side effect of the magic from the stone, and not dangerous. The stone appears to be channeling energy out of the person on it, but to where, you cannot tell.
[/sblock]

[sblock=Karis]
The shackles look fairly basic - wouldn't be hard to open them, even without the key.

The man on the stone wears a ring - it is a perfect match for Elloen's life ring.
[/sblock]