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Another day, another dinar...Or whatever the Alexandrians call their gold pieces. The notice was posted looking for talented adventurers to handle an archeological expedition and for those interested to meet one Gregor Canterswell at the Bountiful Boar feasthall, one of the more reputable inns in Alexandria. Not top notch, but certainly good enough for traveling merchants and lower end diplomats. Once you arrive, you are ushered to a private room in the back, where Gregor awaits at a long table with bench seats. 

A small spread of meats, bread, and cheeses has been set out, along with a few pitchers of wine and ale and some cups. Looks like he expects some buttering up needs to be done. Gregor himself is somewhat like you would expect in a scholar or archeologist. In his late fourties to early fifties, balding salt and pepper hair, a thick mustache, ink stained fingers, pale skin. He ushers you in and gestures towards the bench opposite him. "Come in, take a seat and eat, drink. There is much to discuss before we can leave."

Vuk rather likes the idea of exploring an ancient ruin, and thus he'll happly comply when it's mentioned to join the expedition..that and the food -certainly- helps him think this is a grand idea! "Vuk Aleksy! Adventurer Extradionare! Scholar, camp warden, a gentleman's gentleman, esquire at your service!" He says with a flourish of his top hat.

"You're offerin' us food? This must be one hell of a job," Fishbelly observes in dubious tones, glancing over the spread -- and then he drops down to sit, reaching over for one of the pitchers of ale as he rumbles out, "Brother Fishbelly, Toad of Rada."

Kravar takes a long draw of the drink he's offered. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand he peers at the Gregor. "Kravar. You are Gregor Canterswell?"

Ssylrath arrives on his swiftclaw but leaves it outside wth orders to not eat anyone. He comes in, seeming somewhat uncomfortable inside, and stands against a wall. The chairs don't have space for his tail. He holds up one open palm, "Peace on your nessst. I am Ssylrath." His voice is harsh and sibilant.

The scholar nods to Kravar and spies the rest with a dubious look. "I am he." He pours himself a cup of wine and takes a sip. Once you are close enough to sit down you can see his bench is occupied more by books and scrolls than by him. "Do you know about much of the history and stories of Stormgarde?" He asks of the group, though Kravar holds his gaze when he says it. "I have made it my life's mission to preserve the history and culture of their people, whom rely mostly on oral tradition. It...can be difficult, being an outsider, but I have found some noble patronage that makes this expedition possible. Last summer, I believe I found the tomb of Brandur. He was a great warrior that rose at the dawn of the Age of Man. With the fall of the Millenium Kingdom, there was much strife of course. Brandur was the bastard child of Kurja the Rime Witch. His father was a giant, possibly an ogre and it was a miracle that he was born at all, but he was deformed. That gave him his first nickname. Brandur the Bent. He was legendary for the hatred of the Jotunkind and killed anywhere from two dozen to seven score, depending on whom is telling the tale. That earned him his second nickname, Brandur the Kinslayer. Later in life, he fought against what would become the Kingdom of Myrridon. He became a scourge of the Acanian people, and took his final name. Brandur the Butcher...." The old man drones on, showing no sign of stopping. He pauses only to take a sip of wine to wet his throat before he starts to continue...

A cup of ale poured, Fishbelly pours for anyone else as well before setting the pitcher down and leaning back. "Interestin," he murmurs in a low rumble to the tale told my the scholar, apparently paying attention.

Kravar's expression goes from interested at the mention of Stormgarde to guarded when the scholar mentions tombs to curious when he hears the story of Brandur's life. Once the scholar pauses Kravar holds out a hand. "Wait, the Aesir usually put their tales to song." He peers at Gregor for a moment and then hesitates. "Though I'm sure we can make an exception in this case."

Vuk doesn't really know history..in fact, the furthest he's been from Alexandria has been a week or two by foot, suffice to say he has no idea whom these people are..is an understatement. "He hardly seems like a nice fellow." Vuk says before pouring him self some wine, to go with the fact he's sampling the food laid out.

Ssylrath waits impassively, his scaly snout betraying little emotion. He nods at appropriate times, apparently paying attention at least.

Gregor rattles on, "No, sir Goblin. He was not. He put entire villages to the torch. It was a rather personal blood feud. Some say his mother was killed by Myrrish, others say it was his wife. Problem with songs is that they change over time. WHich is why it is so important to put them to writing. In any case, his stories always end with being mortally wounded in a battle and his mother burying in the Barrow of the Three Stones. Last summer, I believe I found the barrow. The jarl is Giantborn and their kind had different stories of Brandur than the Aesir, for obvious reasons, and was amiable to letting me excavate for a proper tribute of course. Sadly, I am not a man of means. Fortunately, I did find a benefactor in one of the Myrrish noble houses. Apparently they had a story of Brandur of their own. One of the founding members of the family, a highborn paladin of Daeus, was slain by Brandur and took a chalice of great curative power. Some say he wanted to use it to cure his deformities, but apparently that did not work. But I do know that the Aesir bury their warriors with their treasures, so the family has decided to fund the expedition. I just need some able-bodied adventurers to guard the excavation team and help clear out any...problems. His mother being a witch, she may well have warded the barrow against intrusion."

Kravar is finished with his drink and as the story goes on he speeds up his own efforts to finish his second. Finally he spots a chance to interrupt, and does so. "Your notice spoke of an expedition..." he prompts.

"Nnh." Fishbelly shakes his head a little, "Barrow-wights'n the like, no doubt... well, this should be interestin'." He tugs at his beard thoughtfully, brow furrowing, "So what about the Aesir in th'area?"

Ssylrath nods in understanding. "You found a place where sssomeone was buried with many treasures. He no longer needs them ssso you are collecting them. We are the guardsss." He seems agreeablt with this notion.

Vuk bobs his head a bit, he's been in great tombs before! "I believe that for the sake of history, and possibly a way to heal the sick and the like, we should depart with out pause to ensure that the road it self is safe!"

The old scholar rubs his mustache, "Well, I wouldn't advertise that we are going to raid the tomb of Brandur to any of the locals we meet. If they do not hold Brandur as a hero, they may very well want his treasure for themselves. I personally have no interest in baubles, I wish to study his tomb. There will of course be proper compensation, and you may keep anything found that has no historical signifigance. But it will require some travel. I have passage by airship to Stormgarde and then a week north. With any luck, you could be back within a month. Are you interested?

Kravar nods slowly. "A chance to visit my homeland? And to see with my own eyes the tomb of this Brandur the Butcher..." He slaps the palm of an open hand on the table. "Yes! I will go."

"Treasure moulderin' in an old tomb isn't any good to th'economy," is Fishbelly's opinion, raising up the cup of ale in an easy salute, "I'm in."

Ssylrath shrugs. "I am interesssted. I have not been north in some time, and I have little airship experience. It will be... new. New enough at leassst."

Vuk looks positively excited now. "An airship? I've never been on an airship! I'll get to tell Zippo all about it! Will it be cold? I'll pack plenty of warm clothing if it is!" He babbles, almost as fast as the scholar. "Jolly good showing this will be! An airship and exploring an ancient burial place!"

Contracts are signed, payment is agreed to, marks are made, and arrangements made. It's a fairly uneventful trip, as the airship is more cargo-oriented than passengers and your accomodations are typically "bunk where you can find a corner." Once you get to Stormgarde itself, you journey north from the port city into the northern wilds. It's muddy and slow going with the spring melt, but you make good enough time with Gregor and his two porters/diggers. A khazad and a war golem that I'm not bothering to name because they don't matter (sad). The giantborn village is an interesting experience as actual benevolent giants number amongst its residents and after Gregor delivers the tribute of gold, the seven of you make your way to the Barrow of the Three Stones, or at least what Gregor hopes it is.

It lives up to it's name at least. A large, steep hill at the base of the Icewall mountains, with three smooth boulders at the top arranged in a triangular pattern. The two porters start probing on the western side of the hill, as Gregor explains that dead travel on the fading light of the setting sun according to old Aesir traditions. It's not long before they uncover a flat stone slab. With the help of mules and/or muscley adventurers, it is pulled aside, revealing a root-lined packed earth tunnel.

Fishbelly savoured the trip, as he always did, despite the fact that he was basically sleeping on wood; he ministered to the religious needs of the sailors as they went, as Rada protects all who sail - water or wind - of course. As they arrive, he's following along with the others towards the dig. "Well, well," he rumbles lowly, "This would be the tomb, then... dirt? Faugh. Not even stone!"

Vuk was incredibly excited by the airship ride..his wolf, less so. He was like a child in a candy store, though it flags some with the long ride to the tomb. "Well...maybe it was once stone! Maybe inside there is stone?"

Ssylrath performs a short ritual once the airship touches down and summons his swiftclaw, Thaliss. She is standoffish but he keeps her under control only dismounting when necessary. Ssylrath keeps a close eye on the surroundings, watching for ambushes and the like, and enjoying nature. He still speaks little but is friendly enough. On the uncovering of the tunnel he swings from the saddle, admonishes Thaliss again to not eat anyone, and prepares to descend with his falchion ready and fullplate cinched in place.

Kravar steps off of the airship dressed in his 'travel' armor. He tries to keep towards the front of the group, ready to intervene in case something unpleasant should jump out at the diggers. Once the tunnel is revealed he steps forward. "In this land the very earth freezes," he comments. "Dirt can be just as hard as stone." Then he shrugs. "But come, let's see for ourselves."

GAME: Vuk rolls stealth+3: (9)+25+3: 37

GAME: Vuk rolls perception-2: (17)+18+-2: 33

The four of you line up and prepare yourselves for yet another descent into a tomb. This one is actually quite different than most others. Hard packed dirt with the occasional petrified timber support beam and flat stones braced into the wall and floors, loose dust, cobwebs, and dirt falling across your heads. Except for Vuk, who is lucky (and paranoid) enough to keep his eyes everywhere as he inches forward. Amongst the roots and stale air, is a series of fetishes of wood, stone, shell, and bone hanging from the short ceiling. It is primitive, but has all the hallmarks of a magical ward.

Kravar pulls a torch out of his backpack, then unwraps a cloth cover. Doing so reveals that it was already lit (magic no doubt). He holds it high, a heavy Aesir broadsword in his other hand. After giving Vuk a few moments to get ahead, Kravar begins to follow slowly.

Vuk is small, and prone to slinking, so this suits him just fine as he moves. He doesn't want to fall for some exploding trap, but when he runs into what he suspects is a ward, he'll hold fast and kneel down to keep watch. "I am afraid, I do not know what this is meant to be..but I don't trust it! Where is that scholar? The good sir no doubt might know!"

Fishbelly's tread is heavy, a lumbering roll more suited to a ship's back than the earth -- but he makes it work. "Magic, eh?" A dubious look down the tunnel, "Unsurprisin'. Maybe it's lost its strength o'er th'years, though."

Ssylrath follows the others, falchion drawn and keeping an eye behind (and above). He pauses when the others do, not able to see past them very well.

GAME: Vuk rolls disable device+2: (13)+16+2: 31

Vuk decides to not wait for the scholar..the ward is ancient, so parts of it likely no longer function..he just helps by breaking various parts of it so it no longer has the ability to summon it's magical forces and then he goes back to sneaking forward, hopefully every thing else is as useless due to age.

Sadly, they don't make them like they used to. And in this instance, the primitive nature of the trap worked in it's favor as even cut from the rotting vines that held them to the ceiling, the fetishes and pouches of various creature parts had enough ju-ju left in them to function when discarded on the floor. When the goblin moves forward, his foot strides across the trigger stone and purple light lances from the totems and talismans, striking Vuk square in the back...

GAME: Vuk rolls will: (4)+3: 7

Kravar watches as Vuk works, occasionally holding his torch to one side or up high to cast more light on the ward. He waits until Vuk starts moving again before he relaxes and follows.

Then Vuk sort of drops down to the ground when it hits him, and he coughs occasional and whimpers quietly to him self, his skin looks suddenly bad..and he sounds bad.

"Red tide--" An oath from Fishbelly as he steps forward a bit, "--Vuk, lad, r'you alright there!?"

Kravar takes a few steps ahead, sheathing his sword and switching his torch to his other hand. He makes a fist with his off hand and holds it in front of himself like he's holding a shield. "Is he all right?" he whispers, head turned a bit but not looking away from the tunnel.

Vuk doesn't throw up, but he sounds like he's going to. "We should have made the scholar goes first.." he bemoans, any one who shines a light over him can see the lesions and boils and his general state of not well off suddenly.

GAME: Fishbelly rolls spellcraft: (11)+4: 15

Kravar watches the way ahead for a bit longer and then, when nobody comes to finish Vuk off in his moment of weakness, the Aesir turns and pays more attention to the plight of his fellow adventurer.

Silver lining, at least. As Kravar moves up a bit more to check on Vuk in the cramped earthen tunnels, the shadowy light of the torch reveals the tunnel opens up into a larger chamber ahead.

Fishbelly's nose wrinkles up in a grimace at the sight of the afflicted goblin. "Buck up, lad," he gruffs, "Once we're out've here I can take care've that little... ah... problem you've got there." A pause. "Probably."

Vuk rolls over onto his side for a bit, then on his back, before forcing him self to stand up and go back to crawling forward. "Maybe that chalice can make me feel better.." He has much faith in those words as he did Fishbelly.

Once it becomes clear that Vuk isn't going to melt or develop butt cancer or anything else, the slow crawl continues, even more vigilant for traps and other dangers now. Fortunately, there are none found or set off as you enter the larger chamber. It's still cramped by most tomb standards, 15 foot diameter with a 7 foot dome ceiling. There are 3 stone slabs pushed against the walls. To the left and right are bowls and small rotting chests full of dusty, dirty gold and silver, while the stone slab directly opposite you contains the skeleton of what has to be Brandur. The giantblooded barbarian's skeleton is warped and it becomes apparent that he was born a hunchback, though his right arm is as large as an ogre, and his left leg ends in a clubfoot. A shirt of glimmering chain mail hangs loosely off his bones and his massive right hand holds a great sword of cold iron, while his left holds a silver chalice with gilded scrollwork and ornate depictions of Daeus. What do you dooooo?

Ssylrath waits at the doorway for the trapspringer, debilitated as he is, to give direction. His is out of his element.

"One moment," Fishbelly rumbles deep in his throat, stepping forward - although not full into the tomb - and crouching down, drawing out a small vial of water from a pouch. It's uncorked with a tusk, and he growls out, "In th'name of th'Great Fisherman... I reconsecrate this ground t'you. As water feeds life from its source, let life stir here."

GAME: Fishbelly casts Consecrate. Caster Level: 7 DC: 17

Vuk doesn't seem so cheerful to dart forward this time, he's quite unhappy with being turned into a plague victim or some thing. "Well, it's safe..isn't this when the Scholar can do his work? I already set off the trap.." he whines.

Well, there is some reaction to Fishbelly's blessing. Or maybe it's the presence of anybody in the chamber at all. There is a rumble all around you, and dirt and dust sprinkles down in a fine cloud.

Kravar steps into the chamber and then moves to the left, sword out. He finds a spot to drop his torch where it will still cast some light, freeing up both hands for fighting. "Nicely done, brother," he murmurs, eyes shifting back and forth as he looks for a cause of the rumbling.

"Some evil lurks here," is Fishbelly's low, growled opinion as he slowly straightens once more, reaching back to pull the trident free of its harness upon his back, "It likes not th'blessing I have placed here. Be ready, my friends... but move with some haste. Vuk, see what you can find."

Vuk will find some place to sneak into, and crouch down..like Behind Fishbelly, it works well, even as poorly as he feels, he's able to hide rather well! Isn't he?

Ssylrath watches the ceiling for signs of failure. "Thisss is what we came for, yes?"

The rumbling stops after a moment, though the more perceptive amongst you might feel that it felt as if most of the movement came from around and above rather than below.

Fishbelly twists slightly to look back at Vuk. "Bah," he grunts, and then he's stepping forward, "Brandur! Get your old bones up, if you're going to, else we'll take your prize for ourselves."

Brandur does not respond.

Vuk watches Fishbelly when he's so forward about trying to raise the dead..he thinks it's a dreadfully bad idea.

Kravar adjusts his grip on his sword hilt. After a moment he casts a glance around the chamber. The Aesir points with his sword at the slabs. "Those other slabs - do you think they once held other skeletons?"

GAME: Kravar rolls perception: (8)+9: 17

The stone slabs don't seem to have any lids on them. They appear to be just slabs of granite, 2 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep. They have some crude engravings on them, but beyond that, just rectangles. The one that holds Brandur's bones has another stone slab atop to hold his feet and head aloft.

You paged Kravar with 'They remind you of hammer heads, come to think of it.'

Fishbelly gives the dead man a few moments to react. Then? Then the oruch strides boldly forward and reaches out with one big green hand to pick up that silver chalice. #yolo

Vuk is staying near the entrance...because -generally- when things like this occur..problems come up, and he already disabled the trap, he can get paid for that and leg it!

That seems to do the trick. When Fishbelly takes the chalice, the arm falls to the side, fingers held together by long rotting sinews that give way and the whole arm falls off with a dusty thump. Then everything starts shaking again. HARD. The stone slabs lift and dirt starts to cave in from the sides. the whole thing is about to cave in! RUUUUUUUUN!

Ssylrath turns for the entrance. "Run!" He take himself at his word, hampered by his armor as he is, watching the ceiling ahead as he goes.

Vuk didn't need encouragement to run! He's going to flee back the way he came! "Come on Fish!"

It's with the holy chalice in hand that Fishbelly turns as well -- and he makes for the exit at a swift stride, his enchanted boots carrying him double-time along down the tomb's corridors, silver goblet cradled protectively in against his chest! "I'm movin'!"

Kravar backs a few steps towards the exit, although he faces the chamber. Once Fishbelly reaches the door Kravar turns, snatches up his torch and runs after.

The slowest of you make it out just in time to escape the collasping tunnel in a plume of dust kicked up. Gregor has his hands on his head, jaw hanging agape. "WHAT DID YOU DOOOOO?!" He bellows before his eyeline shifts from you to upwards. As each of your turns around to see what remains of the hill, you find what was reacting to Fishbelly's consecration and what was supporting the barrow itself. The three stones poking up from the top of the hill turned out to be the three skulls of skeletal giants, tearing themselves free from their burial spots. The stone slabs that once held the bones and treasure of their charge are hefted in bony hands the size of wagon wheels, returning to their original function: massive stone clubs. As the clumped dirt falls away from their empty eyes sockets, the intense pinpoint glow of red can be seen, staring at you with intense malevolence through the hazy dust clouds kicked up by their revival.

GAME: Fishbelly rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 17

GAME: Vuk rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 23

GAME: Kravar rolls initiative: Roll: 4 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 8

GAME: Ssylrath rolls initiative: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 13

GAME: You roll initiative for Giant Skeletons: Roll: 10 + Bonus: +7 = Total: 17

GAME: Vuk rolls stealth+3-4: (18)+25+3+-4: 42

Vuk isn't going to stay in the open against -hill- sized undead, nope, he's crawling under one of their wagons and glance about for his wolf...legging it seems like such a good plan!

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+15: (2)+15: 17

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+15: (20)+15: 35

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+15: (14)+15: 29

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16

GAME: Hassan rolls 9d6+36: (23)+36: 59

GAME: You damaged Fishbelly for 59 points. 9 remaining.

The trio of skeletons finish tearing themselves free from their centuries old graves and lumber forward. Fortnuately for man and sith'makar, they seem to be a bit rusty and their hammers do nothing but smash huge divots into the ground. Fishbelly is not so lucky and catches one of the massive mineral mallets right in the chest, sending him flying back into one of the wagons. A testament to Rada's love and/or the Yrch's fortitude, he's -still- standing.

GAME: Fishbelly rolls 6d6: (31): 31

GAME: You damaged Fishbelly for -31 points. 40 remaining.

That giant hammer smashes into Fishbelly's chest, and he's hurled back -- crashing into the side of the wagon, the wooden wall collapses from the impact. A few long moments later, the oruch heaves himself to his feet, blood spilling past his lip to stain his beard crimson, limping from the pain of shattered ribs. "IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOD, DEAD THING?!" The roar of defiance is joined with a sudden wash of pale blue energy outwards, the waves of positive energy washing over the party, knitting the worst of his injuries together.

GAME: Ssylrath rolls ride +5 (no skill penalty with mount): (3)+7+5 (no skill penalty with mount): 15

Ssylrath glances at the giant skeletons, and then shouts. "Thaliss!" The swiftclaw trots over and Ssylrath swings into the saddle as she then peels away again from the giants.

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d20+12: (6)+12: 18

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d20+7: (12)+7: 19

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d4+4: (3)+4: 7

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d4+4: (1)+4: 5

Kravar sucks in his gut as a giant club slams into the earth at his feet. He shuffles a few steps forward and then smashes the edge of his invisible shield into the giant monster's thigh once and then again into the other leg. Kravar is trying to knock the thing off balance, but it's like slamming his shield into a wall.

GAME: Vuk rolls ranged+1+1+2-4: (11)+13+1+1+2+-4: 24

GAME: Vuk rolls ranged+1+1+2-4-5: (16)+13+1+1+2+-4+-5: 24

GAME: Vuk rolls 1d10+1d6+1d6+1+1+2: (3)+(2)+(1)+1+1+2: 10

GAME: Vuk rolls 2d6: (7): 7

GAME: Vuk rolls 1d10+1d6+1d6+1+1+2+2d6: (6)+(3)+(4)+1+1+2+(4): 21

Vuk was hiding under the wagon, and then two shots slam out from where he is, giving up the element of surprise, but hopefully hurting the skeletons ...and if not, maybe they'll fall apart when they try to find him?

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+18: (11)+18: 29

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+16: (15)+16: 31

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+11: (1)+11: 12

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+18: (13)+18: 31

GAME: Hassan rolls 3d6+12: (11)+12: 23

GAME: Hassan rolls 3d6+12: (14)+12: 26

GAME: Hassan rolls 3d6+12: (12)+12: 24

GAME: You damaged Fishbelly for 31 points. 9 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Kravar for 26 points. 59 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Vuk for 24 points. 20 remaining.

The one that smote Fishbelly prior lurches forward into a rush to smash the Radan priest once more, succeeding but still not crushing the life from him as it clips his shoulder with a bone crushing blow. Kravar fairs a bit better, dodging one wild attack, but even the shield of force doesn't save him from the force of another swing that pushes feet into the dirt and cracks ribs just from the transferred force. And the one that Vuk fired upon, missing half it's head but still functioning on unholy force rushes the wagon, smashing it into flinders, the broken boards slamming indirectly into the nimble green gunman.

GAME: Fishbelly rolls 6d6: (21): 21

GAME: You damaged Fishbelly for -21 points. 30 remaining

GAME: You damaged Vuk for -21 points. 41 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Kravar for -21 points. 80 remaining.

Another rippling splash of healing 'water' erupts from Fishbelly as the hammer pounces into him, and he snarls, spitting blood to one side, "I can keep this up all day, y'abomination of nature!"

GAME: Ssylrath rolls melee+1+5: (12)+12+1+5: 30

GAME: Ssylrath rolls 4d4+16+12+14: (11)+16+12+14: 53

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+16: (20)+16: 36

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+16: (13)+16: 29

GAME: Hassan rolls 9d6+36: (27)+36: 63

GAME: Ssylrath rolls 1d100: (86): 86

Ssylrath urges his mount to a trot and then a run, past the giant attacking Vuk. His falchion licks out neatly cutting through its spinal colums and it collapses behind him, He fails to spot the other one and rides right into its club, sailing from the saddle with a crunch as Thaliss pulls up to a stop.

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d20+12: (13)+12: 25

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d20+7: (7)+7: 14

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d8+19: (5)+19: 24

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d8+19: (4)+19: 23

Kravar foregoes trying to knock the giant off of it's feet this time - what works well for more mundane foes seems to have no effect to giant undead. Instead Kravar holds his broadsword with both hands, quickly chopping his opponent on each leg. The heavy blade does much more damage than his shield did earlier.

GAME: Vuk rolls ranged+1+1+2-4: (7)+13+1+1+2+-4: 20

GAME: Vuk rolls 1d10+1d6+1d6+1+1+2: (5)+(1)+(5)+1+1+2: 15

GAME: Vuk rolls ranged+1+1+2-4-5: (11)+13+1+1+2+-4+-5: 19

GAME: Vuk rolls 1d10+1d6+1d6+1+1+2: (9)+(6)+(1)+1+1+2: 20

Vuk feels every thing sort of smashing down on him..and then the healing aura of a cleric rifle through him and revitalize him. In return, he double taps the undead and keeps a watchful eye.

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+16: (13)+16: 29

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+11: (6)+11: 17

GAME: Hassan rolls 3d6+12: (7)+12: 19

GAME: You damaged Fishbelly for 19 points. 11 remaining.

The remaining skeleton, despite the ballistic assault by Vuk has its crimson gaze on Fishbelly. Focused on it's murderous task, it is still stuck on the backswing of smashing the Sith'makar and instead uses the petrified wooden haft of the earthbreaker to drive into Fishbelly's chest, crumpling the armor and causing fresh blood to run through the seams in his armor. Fortunately, as it brings the head down again, the Yrch's reflexes are still sharp enough to get out of the way of the wild attack that completely obliterates the rest of the weapon.

GAME: Fishbelly rolls 6d6: (25): 25

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15

As the sith-makar is thrown from his mouth, and another blow slams down against Fishbelly's shoulder, the oruch //roars// -- and there's a blast of energy from him, pale blue light like a swirling serpent of water that spirals through the air, tearing ephemerally through the skeleton and leaving burning bone behind!

GAME: Ssylrath rolls constitution: (12)+3: 15

Ssylrath lies still on the ground and Thaliss noses at him, licking his facial scales with her raspy greenish tongue.

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+16: (19)+16: 35

GAME: Hassan rolls 3d6+12: (4)+12: 16

GAME: You damaged Kravar for 16 points. 64 remaining.

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d20+14: (12)+14: 26

GAME: Kravar rolls 1d8+19: (5)+19: 24

Kravar winces as an undead giant is blasted apart before his eyes, showering him with bits of bone. He glances around to take in the battlefield, seeing only one still standing. Kravar runs that way only to take a pounding hit from a club, rocking him back. But he rushes in that much faster, cutting down the larger roll with a mighty swing. Then he pauses to catch his breath. "Gregor. Gregor!" he calls, looking around. "Where are you!"

A final rush of healing energyes wash out across the battle-field from Fishbelly to bring the other adventurers to health, and he stumbles in to lean against the wagon. "Those damnable things hit hard," he growls lowly, "Hope that's th'last of th'guardians..."

Vuk waits till it does seem the skeletons are dead..err, redead and emerges. "Can we determine if the chalice can save me..?" He asks.

Ssylrath pulls himself upright on Thaliss's harness. "That was unpleasssant. I do not wish to repeat that." He lifts himself into the saddle and rides over to inspect the remains of the wagon.

The elderly scholar had the same idea as Vuk. Only a little bit further. Gregor emerges from behind one of the tents, bald head poking out like a prairie dog. "Is...is it safe?" He asks in a trembling voice. His apprehension turns to outright horror as he approaches the 'erupted' hill, hands on his head, "Nooo! It's destroyed! It'll take weeks of digging!" He then turns to look at the mangled wagon and equally mangled party. "Um, are you all okay?" Awkward....

Once you get patched up and Gregor confirms it is the chalice, he sets it aside in the box. He's barely a mage, but he does manage to diagnose Vuk's condition as a curse, something removable by the grace of Rada on the airship ride back home with your filthy loot...Literally filthy in this case.

FIN.