The Reconquista: Part I (Shadows over Istivin)

[hafrogman]

Ignoring the human conversation floating above his head for a moment, Gregor paces a little bit in the hallway, peering around for any signs of anything interesting. He briefly laments lacking a true wolf's keen sense of smell . . . but then reconsiders after thinking about what covers him. Lacking anything useful to contribute at this point he follows after the others.

 

[J. Alexander]

George

Taking in the banter, George will remain largley silent. When it is completed he will say "Care to have me slink ahead and recon the area?"

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Pride comes before the ...

You begin to make your way down the eastern branch of the cell block, heading towards the seemingly abandoned guard room. Before you can even take two steps, there is a high-pitched screetching that all of you instantly recognize as coming from Noctra, Latalya's bat familiar. Flying like a ... well, like a bat out of the Nine Hells down the western corridor she continues twittering with alarm around the elven knight's head, obviously trying to warn you all about something.

Thanee:[sblock]Noctra squeaks, "Cold, evil, danger down this way! Not living! Not breathing! Coming this way!"[/sblock]
Quickly scanning ahead and behind you none of you see anything out of the ordinary (OOC: Everyone makes Listen and Spot checks). You do feel an unearthly chill travel down your spine. It steadily increases in intensity, and seems to be emanating from both the western and the eastern guard rooms.

Bloodweaver1:[sblock]OOC: You definitely detect evil coming from down the eastern corridor, although it seems to be stangely "flickering" in and out of existance, as if something is blocking it some of the time. You do not detect anything down the western corridor.[/sblock]

(OOC: Switching into combat rounds. All of you get a full round to prepare for what is about to hit. I am rolling initiative, but as you have nothing to attack this round, the exact order does not matter right now. PLEASE POST ALL COMBAT ACTIONS TO THE NEW COMBAT THREAD)

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Combat Round 1

The elven scout, George, prepares to meet the foul beasts by readying his bow and actively looking for an opponent. (OOC: Ready action)

"The canker has sent its minions to deal with us," replies Anastasia as Latalya's bat come screaching down the hall. She turns to face the hidden evil with her sword and shield raised high, all the while relaying the increasing presence of evil in front of them and behind them to her friends. In a firm voice she calls out, "Stay together, and Mayaheine will protect us." (OOC: casts Protection from Evil on herself as she is not within Latalya's circle.)

Gregor drops the sunrod at his feet, freeing up his jaws for whatever foe might approach. His hackles raise as he turns in place, looking east and west at the source of the emanation. A low growl forms deep in his throat as he considers the approaching threat. (OOC: drops sunrod, full defense AC: 25, 16 touch)

Sensing danger, Morley begins a brief chant while putting a hand to his holy symbol. As he completes the spell he reaches down to touch Beau's neck with a slightly glowing hand. He raises his bow once more straining to see what is upon them. Seeing that there is no immediate thread, he reaches back and takes up the sunrod discarded by Gregor. With a cry of "Heads up, coming through," he tossess it between the ranks of the party members. It lands about 10 feet out in front of the party and illuminates the passage ahead. (OOC: Casts Nature's Favor on Beau giving him a +1 bonus to hit and damage for 5 minutes)

“Undead,” Latalya says, as she draws her impressive greatsword from the scabbard on her back. Holding it in one hand for now, she completes some arcane gestures with the other, while casting a spell of protection. (OOC: Draw Weapon; Cast Shield, shared with Noctra)

Reivik, realizing that the foe must already know that they are there, begins to tell an ancient dwarven saga of good against evil. As he speaks, a feeling of courage begins to flow through the bodies of his companions. He hefts Bar and prepares himself to meet the enemy. (OOC: Use Inspire Courage, Everyone gains +1 bonus)

Mavic looks back at Eshanna, and with a shrug they both wait for whatever it is to show up, unwilling to expend vital spell energies without a clear target for a battle in some damnable hallway.
"If undead they be, then the Lady's blessings shall soon enough show them their Master, Eshanna says.
Mavic winces, and almost imperceptibly shakes his head, knowing full well that Eshanna didn't particularly have any problems with the dead while away from his companions. Politics, he thinks, Everywhere I go there's politics.

COMBAT MAP

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Cell Block Combat Round 2

"This should be interesting gentlemen, we can sense something but I can not see anything. Let's be on our toes". George continues to actively scan the area in front of him ready to lose an arrow at the first sign of trouble. (OOC: Ready action)

Patience is a Virtue well worth waiting for... The old saying runs quietly through Anastasia’s mind as she grips her sword in anticipation. (OOC: Ready action until she can attack a viable target)

Morley begins another incantation, this time the magic flows over him and Beau equally through their shared bond. (OOC: cast Cat's Grace shared with Beau, +4 Dex for 5 min)

Mavic, ever vigilant hero of the marches, taps his foot impatiently waiting for whatever it is that is making its dastardly way toward them to arrive.

He does not have to wait long. Moments later a group of three charcoal-gray humanoid shapes detach themselves from the darkness in the eastern guardroom. Their bodies are made of insubstantial smoke and soot, and lack any identifying detail. Their eyes glow a dull green and are filled with a hatred that you only see among the undead.
Most of you faced creatures such as this at the beginning of the War Against the Giants. During the flight of the refugees from Fitela, a powerful gnoll thrall of Yeenoghu had summoned creatures such as these and sent them to sew chaos in your camp at night. These undead shadows and drained the life out of more than a dozen people before being overcome. You can still recall the tortured faces of the dead village folk to this day.

Grateful of finally having a target, the elven sniper lets an arrow fly. Sadly it simply passes through its target, clattering into the wall of the guard room behind it. You remember that creatures such as this are fiendishly hard to hit even with magical weapons. (OOC: Readied longbow attack against Shadow A 2 + 17 + 1 (inspiration) – 4 (cover from Anastasia) = 16, hit! Miss chance roll 31, failure)

The undead creatures rush at your front line, their shadowy, dark hands stretched out before them. Thankfully, this is exactly what Anastasia has been waiting for. She slashes at the first shadow that seems to be coming for Reivik. The paladin’s sword tears through the ephemeral midsection of the shadow, ripping some of its substance away. (OOC: Readied Clarity attack on Shadow A 20! + 15 + 1 (Inspiration) = 36, hit! Miss chance roll 89, success! Damage 1d8 + 4 + 1 (Inspiration) + 2d6 = 18 hp)
Seemingly aware of the threat of the holy sword, the undead reaches out to drain the life of her, but the attack is clumsy and Anastasia easily sidesteps it. (OOC: Shadow A touch attack automatic failure)

The second creature floats toward Reivik silently, but is not fast enough. (OOC: Shadow B double moves).
The third shadow is a bit more cautious and makes its way partway down the hallway before partially merging with the cell block walls. (OOC: Shadow C double move, now has cover)

The dwarf finally sees his chance to strike. Reivik continues his storytelling, even as he swings Bar in vicious, powerful strokes at the nearest shadows. His first attack connects soundly with the shadow already hurting from the paladin's onslaught, tearing away more of the undead creature's shadow-stuff. The second swing seems as if it would connect, but simply passes through the shadow. (OOC: Bar full attack on Shadow A: attack#1 20! + 14 + 1 (Inspiration) = 35, hit! Miss chance roll 89, success! Damage 1d12 + 18 + 1 (Inspiration) = 30 hp; attack#2 20! + 9 + 1 (Inspiration) = 30, hit! Miss chance roll 43, failure)

Gregor's muzzle expands as his teeth seem to grow into a bristling maw full of daggers. His face is frozen in a menacing snarl as he lashes out at the first foe that comes within reach. His wish is soon granted as three more shadow undead come streaming down the western corridor towards the druid and the elven magus. Sadly his teeth close on nothing but air. A split-second later, a second creature moves past the shapeshifter towards his elven companion, leaving itself open. Again the druid is unable to tear at the gossamer body of the shadow. (OOC: readied morphic bite attack on Shadow D 2 + 13 + 1 (Inspiration) = 16, hit! Miss chance roll 25, failure; morphic bite AAO on Shadow E 5 + 14 = 19, hit! Miss chance roll 50, failure))

Prepared to defend herself, Latalya strikes the first of the undead, that she can reach. (OOC: Combat Expertise 5; readied greatsword attack on Shadow E 6 + 10 = 16, hit! Miss chance roll 89, success! Damage 2d6 + 9 = 14 hp)

The shadows which emerged from the western corridor finally see their chance to attack. Already locked in combat with the druid, the undead closest to him reaches out, dark fingers trying to wrap around the wolf's head. They seem to penetrate the druid's skull, draining him of his vital strength. Having already taken a bit of a beating from the elf, the second shadow of this group tries to reach through her protections, but is unsuccessful. The third shadow seems to circumvent the bottleneck created by the combat in front of it. It simply slips through the cell block walls, appearing from the wall next to Latalya. (OOC: Shadow D touch attack against Gregor hits AC 15, hit! Damage: 5 points of Str damage; Shadow E touch attack against Latalya hits AC 9, miss; Shadow F double moves through walls, avoiding AOO)

Eshanna grits her teeth and strokes the wooden disk of the Grey Lady at her breast, whispering the prayers of command and conditioning impressed upon the dead by their Mistress Wee Jas. Indeed, these creatures would learn to respect a priestess of the Pale Magics this day or die their True Deaths to bow to the Lady herself soon enough. The shadow which just emerged from the wall next to her immediately turns toward her, its eyes now open wide, its mouth open in evident awe. (OOC: rebuke undead check 1d20 = 15, rebukes 9 HD of undead, Shadow F rebuked)

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Cell Block Combat Round 3

With a brief order to Beau and a quick step, Morley swaps places with his dog and unleashes a flurry of arrows at the nearest foe. Three of the master archer’s arrows bury themselves in the body of the undead apparition. As lightning courses through its form, it dissolves into nothingness with a hollow scream.
(OOC: Five foot step full attack on Shadow E, attack#1: 9 + 18 = 27, hit! Miss chance 88, success! Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1d6 = 14 hp of damage, attack#2: 9 + 18 = 27, hit! Miss chance 91, success! Damage = 12 hp of damage, attack#3: 8 + 13 = 21, hit! Miss chance 99, success! Damage = 15 hp of damage, attack#4: 2 + 8 = 10, miss; Shadow E is destroyed)

Mavic curses as he notes the enclosed space around him and his options. Can't use half of my spells because of this thrice-bastardly narrow corridor, he thinks. Calming himself, Mavic wiggles his fingers in the intricate dance of the fire arcana and murmurs the low incantations of evocation before he jabs an immaculate nail at the shadowy shapes. Three vaguely lion-shaped gouts of scarlet flame shoot from his fingers. Two hit their targets, consuming them momentarily in a blaze which casts nightmarish shadows across the cell block walls. The third impacts on the ceiling, leaving a large, smoking scorch mark.
(OCC: casting scorching rays, Touch attack vs. Shadow A: 7 + 7 - 4 (cover) - 4 (firing into melee) = 6, miss; attack vs. Shadow B: 17 - 1 = 16, hit! Miss chance 86, success! Damage 4d6 = 18 hp of fire damage; attack vs. Shadow C: 17 - 1 = 16, hit! Miss chance 53, success! Damage = 19 hp of fire damage)

Scanning the combat before him, George continues his course by using his bow against the foul beasts. Both arrows disintegrate the shadows they hit, as the undead dissolve into nothingness.
(OCC: Longbow full attacks vs. Shadow B:, attack: 19 + 17 – 4 (firing into melee) – 4 (cover) = 28, hit! Miss chance 67, success! Damage: 1d8 + 7 = 15 hp of damage; Shadow B is destroyed; attack#2 vs. Shadow A: 15 + 4 = 19, hit! Miss chance 94, success! Damage = 11 hp of damage; Shadow A is destroyed)

Without any emotion, the remaining shadow in the eastern hallway rushes towards Anastasia, dark fingers outstretched. They briefly rake through her helmeted skull as you see the paladin visibly convulse. With a new gleam in its eye, the creature attempts to retreat through the wall of the neighboring cell. As it does this, Reivik sees an opening and strikes with Bar, but the maul catches on nothing but a bit of the wall, sending out a small shower or mortar. The shadow passes through the cell wall, disappearing from view.
(OOC: Shadow attack hits touch AC 16, hit! Damage = Anastasia takes 5 pts of Str damage; Shadow attempts Spring Attack, draws AoO from Reivik as it tries to leave the square in front of Anastasia; AoO attack with Bar: 20, automatic hit! Miss chance 7, failure)

Calm and seemingly at peace in the midst of battle, Reivik continues his story, telling of how the dwarven clans joined together to face a great darkness, continuing to inspire his companions. His story tells of how his forefathers followed their foes into their lairs, so that none would return to plague them ever again. At the same time, he swings his mighty greathammer powerfully, rushing after the retreating shadow, determined to send this unearthly foe back to the nether! Sadly, even his inspiring saga does not help him to hit the elusive creature.
(OOC: Move action; continue Inspiring Courage; Bar attack vs. Shadow C: 2 + 14 = 16, hit! Miss chance 2, failure)

Whimpering slightly as he feels his strength flowing from him, Gregor nevertheless presses the fight against these spectral foes. He attempts to close his teeth around something more solid. His magically enhanced jaw makes contact with the shadow substance which tastes of mold, lost dreams, and ash.
(OOC: Attack vs. Shadow D: 20, automatic hit! Miss chance 61, success! Damage 1d8 + 4 = 12 hp of damage)

Inspired by her successful attack, Latalya presses forward and swings her sword against the shadowy creatures once more. Wasting not a single breath, the elf then steps forward and attacks the next undead foe immediately. Even though she still keeps a healthy distance from the strange being her attacks become wilder now. Although her first hit connects with the shadow’s arm, tearing off a large chunk of dark matter, the second only finds air.
(OOC: Combat Expertise 5, Power Attack 2; greatsword full attack#1 vs. Shadow D: 9 + 10 = 19, hit! Miss chance 54, success! Damage 2d6 + 13 = 19 hp of damage; attack#2: 18 + 5 = 23, hit! Miss chance 23, failure)

Still having a hard time keeping its eyes off the priestess of Wee Jas, the shadow facing nonetheless reaches out towards Latalya when she is attacked. Its fingers seem to shrink back before the elven knight’s holy aura.
(OOC: Shadow F touch attack vs. Latalya hits AC 19, miss)

The shadowy undead next to Gregor looks at him with greedy eyes, as it tries to once again plunge its fingers into him. With a howl the wolf is struck deeply once again.
(OOC: Shadow D touch attack vs. Gregor hits AC 16, hit! Gregor takes 6 pts of Str damage)

Eshanna smirks confidently, and draws and swings her mighty bastard sword at the beast before her in one lightning fast smooth motion. Both cuts only catch on vapor.
(OOC: Bastard sword full attack on Shadow F, attack#1:11 + 9 = 20, hit! Miss chance 15, failure; attack#2 12 + 4 = 16, hit! Miss chance 14, failure; Eshanna has Quick Draw, because it makes great drama.)

 

[Branding Opportunity]

With hardly a pause, Morley begins another volley of arrows at the shadow to the south. The first three find their target and the undead sizzles slightly as the lightning courses through it, leaving behind a burning smell. The fourth arrow passes through the specter, clattering off an unseen wall in the distant dark seconds later. (OOC: Longbow full attack#1 vs. Shadow F: 20, automatic hit! Miss chance 59, success! Damage 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 = 9 hp; attack#2: 9 + 18 = 27, hit! Miss chance 97, success! Damage = 9 hp; attack#3 9 + 13 = 22, hit! Miss chance 75, success! Damage = 12 hp; attack#4: 17 + 8 = 25, hit! Miss chance 16, failure)

Mavic smiles with unabashed self-satisfaction as his whispered flames lick away the two shadows, and then turns toward the shadow facing his lieutenant, his fingers weaving cyan arcs of electricity until the magics form into darts of the purest element that reach out to kiss their destination. This time the shadow seems to positively wail as the magic tears it into dozens of dark pieces. (OCC: casts Magic Missiles: 5 missiles at 1d4+1 each toward Shadow F: Damage = 18 hp; Shadow F is destroyed)

Scanning the combat before him, George continues his course by using his bow against the foul beast. (OCC: Composite longbow full attack#1 on Shadow D: 16 + 17 = 33, hit! Miss chance 71, success! Damage = 1d8 + 7 = 14 hp; attack#2 1, automatic miss)

Feeling her strength being drained from her, she quickly focuses her mind and summons the strength of her deity. With her strength briefly returned to her, she quickly follows her stout companion after the fleeing undead. The potent might of Mayaheine is truly behind her swing, as Clarity strikes a mighty blow against the floating apparition. (OOC: Divine Might (free action); move 20 feet, Standard attack on Shadow C: 10 + 13 = 23, hit! Miss chance 60, success! Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 2d6 (Holy) = 20 hp)

Undeterred in the face of its imminent destruction, the shadow stays locked in combat with Reivik. In his weakened state, he is unable to evade the undead's touch. His knees buckle visibly as his brawn is literally sucked out of him. (OOC: Shadow C touch attack on Reivik: Hits touch AC 11, hit! Damage: 5 pts of Str damage)

Pursuing the last shadow on this side of the group, Reivik continues to tell his story, his voice steady and loud, despite the increasing strain of swinging Bar. The dwarf attacks the nearby shadow relentlessly, with powerful strokes of the heavy greathammer. Despite his reduced he is nevertheless able to finish his work and the shadow falls before him. (OOC: Inspiring courage; 5 pt. Power Attack; Greathammer full attack#1 vs. Shadow C: 6 + 11 = 17, hit! Miss chance 58, success! Damage = 1d12 + 18 = 20 hp; Shadow C is destroyed)

Wary of the dangers of falling prey to these creatures, Gregor focuses his efforts on avoiding their attacks as he seeks to get clear of the melee. (OOC: Full defense (AC: 25, touch: 16); 5 foot step SW)

Latalya continues her furious attacks against the shadowy undead, seeing that Gregor already has trouble staying on his feet... or paws. “Hold out, Gregor!” she tries to encourage the druid to be a bit more defensive, while she tries to dissipate the shadow. Drawing on strength none of you knew she had, the elven woman slashes viciously at the undead creature. It barely dodges her first group of blows, but fades into nothingness as the second impact with its insubstantial form. (OOC: Combat Expertise 0, Power Attack 8; Full attack#1 on Shadow D: 4 + 7 = 11, miss; attack#2 17 + 2 = 19, hit! Miss chance 83, success! Damage: 2d6 + 25 = 31 hp; Shadow D is destroyed)

COMBAT IS OVER

 

[Rhun]

Reivik falls to one knee and uses Bar to help support his weight as the weakness of the shadow's touch momentarily overcomes him. He trails off his storytelling as he realizes that the battle is done. With a groan, the dwarf staggers to his feet and back into the corridor.

 

[hafrogman]

As the last shadow falls, the wolfish form of Gregor rises up off the ground, changing into a human as it goes. When at last Gregor stands complete before the group, he suddenly collapses again, lying on the ground. He struggles to turn himself over, then lies on his back, seemingly pinned down by the weight of his gear.

"That could have gone better."

 

[James Heard]

"By the goddess, is anyone more hurt than ill-touched by these shades?" Eshanna says, rushing toward her master and attempting to examine the indignant mage, who merely hisses.

"Not ME woman! Tend to those who danced closer than I with the Lady's lost!" he says, struggling to keep her from inspecting him closely.