PrP: Cult Leader
You've all been hired by the adventurer's guild to check out the reports and rumors that a village, a couple days ride to the north east, has been taken over by some demonic cult. The adventurer's guild wants you to go in and stop this cult and save the village. Any that wish it have been given horses to ride and you find yourself on the road approaching the village. The sky is overcast and it's unnaturally quiet.
Tiasa isn't that comfortable with horses and she can keep up fairly well with most she just walks. The large Sith-Makar moves along taking in the others that have taken the job.
Garak rides a warhorse from the temple of Serriel, often murmuring to it on the journey. He glances at the surroundings as the near the village. Best to be prepared fir anything when dealing with these fults, he's learned.
Given the recent fiendish activity in the city, a random report of a demonic cult can't be overlooked. It may not be random. Verna passes the travel time, not surprisingly, by reading. She is not much of a rider, so makes the addition of a small simple wagon or open carriage. It also makes it far easier to read while travelling.
"Demons," Alba grouses from atop her horse. "As if there were not trouble enough to sate the miserable, there must be such fools as to wish for more, yet. Tchah..." The masked Veyshanti doesn't seem anything less than unsettling herself, never showing her face except to eat, whispering and crooning to teh snake that lives in her hair... animating her hair to serve as a third arm... and yet, most of her commentary on the ride up has revolved around the foolishness of those who would truck with demons.
"Refardless how foolish they are," Garak comments after who knows hamy such comments, “The powers they've aligned themselves with are not to be taken lightly." He goes on to describe invisibility, auras of fear or disease, teleportation and either tactics the demons have been seen to employ.
As you get closer to the village about the village gates you can see a headless figure that has been stung up above the gates. Although the body is headless it's easy to see the silver holy symbol of Althea on the body. The body is male and is covered in blood and other filth. Just then you hear the high pitched giggling of children and it's coming closer. You can all see something rolling towards the village gates.
"Fear," Alba repeats, and even behind the mask the slow, satisfied smile is audible in her voice. "Then foolish these wetlanders be, but this shall prove to be a journey filled with interesting answers to interesting questions..." As the party rolls up on the gates, Alba's mask turns to the beheaded Althean, and kicks off from her horse... floating suspended in midair. "...Very well," she says, voice hard and flat. "Let us see what terrors these folk would seek to visit."
"Fiends are not to be underestimated," Verna concurs, "and those able to coerce them to serve even moreso..." She slows at the sight of the corpse lashed above the gates. "I believe that we have arrived, and suggest caution." To that end, she conjures a protective field about herself with a brief invocation.
GAME: Verna casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 10 DC: 15
Tiasa frowns and growls a little, "That is not good." she hears the sounds and sees something rolling and grunts a bit, "Do not be alarmed." she says to the others, not sure how many have seen the Sith change. There are popping and cracking sounds as her body starts to change and shift, she grows bigger and drops onto her hands and feet as her body continues to swell. After a moment she is in the form of a large Monitor lizard, bluish scales though her upper body still resembles the breastplate she wore, so her upper torso is darker scales that almost seems to swirl and electricity dances occasionally across the scales. She looks at the others, "Bee ready." she hisses, still speaking tradespeak but her words are a bit rougher given her form.
Garak leans forward and places a hand in the side of his horse's side, fingertips brushing a golden band. He murmurs a quick prayer before straightening.
GAME: Garak casts Shield Other. Caster Level: 9 DC: 16
A severed head comes rolling towards the group and from around the corner come two flying babies. As they get closer you can all see that they are a grotesque combination of baby and fly. They speak to each other in the Infernal language as they head after the head. They pull up short and all of you can hear in your mind their unnaturally high pitched child like voices. "Are you here to ruin our fun?" One voice says before another picks up, "That's our ball, the Master said we could have it." "Although we are supposed to tell him if anyone comes to the village." "Maybe we should unless you can give us something." Their mouths are covered in blood as their fly like wings make a buzzing noise.
"...well."
"That's brilliant."
Nadara looks pretty unenthused about all of this, you know, and moe than a little annoyed. "I think you all oughta surrender now!" She shrlls. Goblin, you know.
"We may possibly be able to grant you your existence on the plane," Verna explains to the flying babes, "but I some may have differing ideas."
Tiasa lets the others do the talking as for the moment she just watches, ready to charge or jump into the fray.
When the head rolls to a stop Garak's expression goes from shock to outrage. "Tell him or don't tell him, you'll get nothing but justice for what you've done!" He raises a hand and it's suddenly filled with a gleaming lance. He sets himself in his saddle, and his horse seems to tense slightly, ready to charge.
The masked witch bobs backward in the air a bit, as the baby-flies bumble toward the gates. "Hn," she grunts, one hand rising to the chin of her mask. "If it is toys you wish to play with, an exciting new one I may provide, little flies."
A three fingered hand goes over Nadara's face.
The fly-babies frown at Garak as their thoughts fill the parties head, "He's a mean one. I'd like to show him what we did to the other mean ones." "I was so fun, but they probably wouldn't like what we have to show them." Their voices are almost sing song." Alba's mention of toys make the fly-babies move a little closer towards her, "Oh what do you have for us?" "I hope it's fun."
Verna turns her hood towards the masked one. "This should prove interesting, I expect..." When the winged infants flap her way, she observes them for a time before looking through the gateway and into the village proper, lest some other curious creature wander out to 'play.'
Verna pages: Any chance of identifying these creatures?
You paged Verna with 'Sure! Knowledge/the planes'
GAME: Verna rolls knowledge/the planes: (20)+8: 28
You paged Verna with 'You know that they are Accuser devils otherwise known as Zebub's. They are relatively low level devils, feel free to look up their strengths and weaknesses. They can telepathically show people what they've seen but only if you are willing.'
For her part, Nadara reaches down and lays a hand on her pistol. SHe's hanging back and letting others take point for the moment, but she's definitely less than a little pleased with this set of circumstances. The head is being eyed.
Garak's warhorse edges forward now, at Garak's murmured command. The priest begins casting another spell. Then he risks looking away for a moment, to see exactly what Alba had in mind.
GAME: Garak casts Magic Vestment. Caster Level: 9 DC: 17
"Fun indeed," Alba says, pushing up her mask just far enough to reveal a wide, sharklike smile. "Be ready to catch!"
Then the strangled noises begin, the witch's throat distending quite unnaturally. By the sounds of it, something is caught in her throat... and by the look of it, that something is *growing.* Lurching forward, Alba looses an explosive, wracking cough, and a ball if tightly-packed, yellow-white fibers launches from her throat, into the face of the baby on the left.
GAME: Alba casts Web. Caster Level: 6 DC: 15
<OOC> Alba says, "Casting through my Focused Metamagic Rod, so the bebyfly on the left has a DC of +2"
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Cesran has dropped a TIMESTOP! Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Cesran to instruct you further. For in-combat commands, type: +thelp. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Alba rolls initiative: 10 + 4 = 14
GAME: Tiasa rolls initiative: 2 + 3 = 5
GAME: Nadara rolls initiative: 11 + 4 = 15
GAME: You roll initiative for Zebub1: Roll: 2 + Bonus: +8 = Total: 10
GAME: You roll initiative for Zebub2: Roll: 16 + Bonus: +8 = Total: 24
GAME: Verna rolls initiative: 2 + 2 = 4
GAME: Cesran rolls 1d20+10: (12)+10: 22
GAME: Cesran rolls 1d20+10: (6)+10: 16
=============== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 ===============
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
24 Zebub2
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15 Nadara 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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14 Alba 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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10 Zebub1
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5 Tiasa 1
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4 Verna 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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==============================================================================
<OOC> Cesran says, "Garak?"
GAME: Garak rolls initiative: 9 + 4 = 13
<OOC> Alba thinks Garak has been RLt.
GAME: Cesran rolls 1d20+4: (1)+4: 5 (EPIC FAIL)
The fly-baby that was caught in the web tries to get free. It struggles but it can't get out of the web. "This is not a fun toy!" It screams in the minds of the party as it twists and turns trying to get free of the sticky web.
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 24.
It is now Zebub2's turn! Nadara is next!
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 15.
It is now Nadara's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Nadara ended.
<OOC> Cesran says, "Nadara you are up"
<OOC> Nadara says, "Oh!"
<OOC> Nadara says, "Okay. :)"
<OOC> Nadara says, "I am gonna make everyone happy"
GAME: Nadara casts Blessing of Fervor. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19
<OOC> Nadara says, "Everyone gets:"
<OOC> Nadara |With this blessing, you call your allies to move forth and empower them to conquer and become victorious. Each round for the duration of this spell, each of your allies can choose one of the following bonuses for that round at the beginning of its turn (their choice).
•Increase its speed by 30 feet. r
•Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
•Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
•Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
•Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
<OOC> Verna is familiar. "That is my usual first spell."
<OOC> Nadara fistbumps Vera.
"Rada, grant my friends the ability to flow like the river." And so, Nadara's holy symbol briefly glows a moment and, indeed, ach person present can smell brine in the air.
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 14.
It is now Alba's turn! Garak is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Alba ended.
<OOC> Cesran says, "Alba!"
<OOC> Alba says, "Dart in and use my hair to grapple the not-entangled Zebub from reach."
<OOC> Cesran says, "Go for it"
GAME: Alba rolls 1d20+3+3: (9)+3+3: 15
<OOC> Alba says, "Plus Fervor bonus is a total of 17."
<OOC> Cesran says, "You are just able to hold him"
Alba lunges forward on a tide of brine-scented air, her hair lashing outward in writhing, wormlike locks to wrap around the one demon that escaped her spell. "Saaaah, no it is a *grand* game, little one," she cackles, squeezing the babylike demon’s midsection. "The game is called 'How quickly may we hurl your filth back to its place?' We are *good* at this game."
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Garak's turn! Zebub1 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Garak ended.
<OOC> Cesran says, "garak you are up"
<OOC> Garak says, "How far apart are they? And how far from us?"
<OOC> Cesran says, "They are about 5 feet apart. One is by the gates so about 10 feet, one is right next to Alba"
<OOC> Garak will use Fervor for an extra attack and then attack the one by Alba 3 times
<OOC> Cesran says, "Sure go for it"
GAME: Garak rolls 9: (13)+9: 22
GAME: Garak rolls 9: (19)+9: 28
GAME: Garak rolls 4: (8)+4: 12
<OOC> Cesran says, "Hit, Hit, Miss"
GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+13: (6)+13: 19
GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+13: (7)+13: 20
<OOC> Cesran says, "You hurt it badly"
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 10.
It is now Zebub1's turn! Tiasa is next!
You paged Garak with 'Your weapon is not good or silver correct?'
Garak pages: Nope just a +1 lance
Garak feels the effects of Nadara's spell settle over him. His warhorse only has to take a few quick steps to bring rider within striking distance. Garak stands in his stirrups and stabs the demon-baby with his lance, nearly skewering it.
The fly-baby caught in Alba's hair growls and screams in the minds of everyone, "This is not fun!" It shouts out a word in Infernal and is gone from Alba's hair. It reappears about 50 feet above the ground. "I'm telling."
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 5.
It is now Tiasa's turn! Verna is next!
<OOC> Cesran says, "Tiasa!"
<OOC> Tiasa says, "so there is one by the gates 10' away right?"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Yep, it's caught up in a web"
<OOC> Tiasa says, "can I 5' and full attack it, since I can't get to the one in the air"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Sure"
<OOC> Tiasa says, "ok, fervor for the extra attack, rage, 5' step, full attack bite, claw claw claw, with power attack"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Okay"
GAME: Tiasa RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 6 temporary HP
GAME: Tiasa rolls pbite: aliased to melee+1-3: (7)+13+1+-3: 18
GAME: Tiasa rolls pclaw: aliased to Melee+1+1-3: (17)+13+1+1+-3: 29
GAME: Tiasa rolls pclaw: aliased to Melee+1+1-3: (5)+13+1+1+-3: 17
GAME: Tiasa rolls pclaw: aliased to Melee+1+1-3: (11)+13+1+1+-3: 23
<OOC> Cesran says, "All hits"
<OOC> Tiasa says, "alright rolling dam, an extra d6 on one of the claw attacks due to rending claws feat"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Okay"
GAME: Tiasa rolls pbdam: aliased to 1d8+strength+1+6: (8)+7+1+6: 22
GAME: Tiasa rolls pcdam: aliased to 2d6+strength+1+6: (6)+7+1+6: 20
GAME: Tiasa rolls pcdam: aliased to 2d6+strength+1+6: (4)+7+1+6: 18
GAME: Tiasa rolls pcdam+1d6: aliased to 2d6+strength+1+6+1d6: (5)+7+1+6+(5): 24
<OOC> Cesran says, "You destroy it"
Tiasa growls and roars a bit. She did not like them using the head as a ball and she calls on her rage as well as the fervor of the spell. She moves forward and lashes out at the webbed one with her teeth and then one massive claw, a second massive claw, and then a final claw rending and ripping at it till it’s just a pile of gore on the ground.
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 4.
It is now Verna's turn! Zebub2 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Verna ended.
<OOC> Cesran says, "Verna you are up!"
<OOC> Verna will retrieve a Lesser Rod of Extend and cast a spell.
GAME: Verna casts Spectral Hand. Caster Level: 10 DC: 17
<OOC> Cesran says, "Gotcha, Anything else?"
Verna watches as one is trapped, the escapes, while the other is trapped, then eviscerated. "Conserve yourselves. These are mere pawns. Messengers serving a larger threat. They did not cause this strife, nor are they demons, but devils." She retrieves a short rod from her robes and conjures a ghostly hand-shaped force to her side with a brief utterance. To the Zebub above, she dictates in Abyssal, "Go! Call your master here, that we may drive it from this place and return you all to the Abyss."
<OOC> Verna believes a move and standard consume her turn.
GAME: Verna rolls 1d4: (1): 1
<OOC> Verna also loses 1 HP for the Hand.
GAME: You damaged Verna for 1 points. 58 remaining.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 15.
It is now Nadara's turn! Alba is next!
<OOC> Cesran says, "Nadara you are up!"
<OOC> Nadara hm!
<OOC> Nadara says, "I will shoot one :)"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Okay. it's 50' up in the air"
<OOC> Nadara says, "Sorry, some RL there."
GAME: Nadara rolls 1d20+13: (15)+13: 28
GAME: Nadara rolls 1d20+8: (8)+8: 16
<OOC> Nadara says, "Add 2 to those. xD"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Both hits"
Nadara has partially disconnected.
GAME: Nadara rolls 2d6+4: (10)+4: 14
<OOC> Nadara says, "Nice damage rolls for me!"
<OOC> Cesran says, "You hurt it a little bit"
Quickly, Nadara flicks her pistol out and takes aim at the flying creature. Two shots rip through it, injuring slightly. Small bullets for a small gun, don'tcha know.
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 14.
It is now Alba's turn! Garak is next!
<OOC> Cesran says, "Alba!"
<OOC> Alba hm.
<OOC> Alba says, "How hurt is it?"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Very hurt"
<OOC> Alba says, "Use the Fervor bonus to boost my speed, Scroll of Chill Touch."
<OOC> Cesran says, "Okay"
GAME: Alba used a Scroll of Chill Touch.
GAME: Alba rolls bab+3: (13)+3+3: 19
<OOC> Cesran says, "Hit"
<OOC> Alba says, "Also Fort save, DC 14, or lose 1 pointof Strength"
GAME: Alba rolls id6: (4)+id6: 4
GAME: Alba rolls 1d6: (5): 5
GAME: Cesran rolls 1d20+6: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Alba says, "And 5 Negative-energy damage. :D"
<OOC> Cesran says, "It's unhappy but it still going."
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Garak's turn! Zebub1 is next!
<OOC> Cesran says, "Garak!"
<OOC> Garak will cast Spiritual Weapon, Extended courtesy of Fervor
<OOC> Garak says, "Make it appear right next to the demon so that it can full attack"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Sure"
GAME: Garak rolls 11: (14)+11: 25
GAME: Garak rolls 6: (18)+6: 24
<OOC> Cesran says, "Both hits"
GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+3: (1)+3: 4
GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+3: (4)+3: 7
<OOC> Cesran says, "You killed it"
GAME: Tiasa ends her rage.
GAME: You clear initiatives.
GAME: Cesran has cleared initiatives.
GAME: Cesran removes the timestop.
Timestop by Cesran has left.
GAME: You remove the timestop.
Garak glares up at the escaping demon. He raises his lance over his head with one hand, the other clutching his holy symbol. A copy of his lance, only one made of pure force, appears next to the demon and stabs it. After a moment Garak turns back to the others. "I'm sure their master will know we are here, soon enough."
"Then let us see that he is *properly* terrified that we are," Alba says, drifting back down toward the ground, hair thrashing around her. "And hope that what is arrayed against us is the greater danger than *infants.*"
"Indeed," Verna agrees as she steps down from the wagon and begins to walk for the gate. "Let us see that it is sooner rather than later. There is no telling what the creature plans. Unlike their fiendish cousins, Abyssals are organized and methodical in their vileness."
"..well this is getting promising fast," says Nadara, eyeing ALba for a long moment. "Welp, you're creepy," she tells her. Then she reloads her pistol again and sets it back in its holster. "Come on, then."
<OOC> Cesran says, "So into the village?"
Tiasa nods and is a bit weak for a moment as her rage subsides but she doesn't change back, staying in the larger monitor lizard form. She looks at the others and then does start to move through the gates.
<OOC> Tiasa says, "sounds like it."
<OOC> Verna says, "Correct."
<OOC> Alba says, "Yas!"
<OOC> Garak nods
Garak says something to his warhorse and then mount and rider move after Tiasa. The spiritual lance floats down and then overs above him.
<OOC> Nadara says, "Yep :)"
As you enter the village it is pretty much a ghost town. Almost all the buildings have their doors and windows are barred shut. The few that don't are ransacked and the inside of the buildings destroyed. In the center of the village is a large marble fountain, obviously the pride of the town. A beautiful statue of Althea was once there, but now it has been desecrated and the water around the statue is murky and filled with filth. Behind the statue is a large church. As you approach the doors move open and three figures come out. Two adults and a child. The child is a boy that would be familiar to Garak, Tiasa, and Verna as it was the boy they saved from the bone devil. One of the adults speaks, "Leave here this town is ours and belongs to us. Do not make us call upon our allies."
"...oh for pity's sake," says Nadara, putting her hand to her face again.
"This is just not going to get any better, is it?" She looks to the statue of Althea and tips her hat towards her. "Welp. We're not leaving." Verna makes a simple gesture, opening her sight to any magical auras in the vicinity. Perhaps it may shed light on these individuals, whether they are possessed, influenced, or merely duped by cunning. The why is relevant, but not all-encompassing, as the end result is the same. "This town was built by, and remains the right of, those of this world and not of extraplanar beings, nor their minions. No matter what they offered nor promised, they will twist all to their vilw whim, as they did with the fountain.
GAME: Verna casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 10 DC: 14
Garak stares at the child in disbelief. "You! What are you--" he trails off and looks at the adults. Then he turns his gaze towards the defaced statue. Finally he glances back towards the gate, where the follower of Althea was strung up. "What has happened here?" he grates. "Where are the rest of the villagers?"
"It will get no more pleasing," Alba confirms, drifting one way, then another, and finally up over the party, her toes dangling on a level with Garak's shoulder. As the priests see to the confrontation, Alba casts her eyes toward the child, looking for sign of how he's being restrained.
You paged Verna with 'You can see magic objects on the three before you but nothing else.'
Tiasa shakes her head but for the moment keeps silent, just watching the kid and adults.
The other adult speaks, "The villagers are dead, their souls have be given to our lord may rise here." He looks towards the child as the boy simply sighs and then turns to go back into the church. The first adult nods to the boy, "Yes I understand." The other adult goes to follow after the boy and shuts the door behind them. "Arise! And protect us!" He shouts. There is an explosion in the water and a serpentine creature that has finlike wings, ram horns, four eyes, and arms that end in masses of tentacles comes out out the fountain. "Ah something new to play with."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Cesran has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Cesran to instruct you further.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Alba rolls initiative: 20 + 4 = 24
GAME: You roll initiative for Evil Cleric: Roll: 12 + Bonus: -1 = Total: 11
GAME: Verna rolls initiative: 14 + 2 = 16
GAME: You roll initiative for DD: Roll: 12 + Bonus: +7 = Total: 19
GAME: Tiasa rolls initiative: 6 + 3 = 9
GAME: Garak rolls initiative: 18 + 4 = 22
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 24.
It is now Alba's turn! Garak is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Alba ended.
GAME: Nadara rolls initiative: 13 + 4 = 17
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
>> 24 Alba 1 <<
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22 Garak 4 Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)
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19 DD
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17 Nadara 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)
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16 Verna 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)
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11 Evil Cleric
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9 Tiasa 1
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==============================================================================
<OOC> Alba says, "Uh."
<OOC> Cesran says, "Alba you are up first!"
<OOC> Alba says, "Is Nadara going to join in? :P"
<OOC> Nadara says, "I did :)"
<OOC> Nadara got a 17!
<OOC> Alba says, "So you did! Okay."
<OOC> Verna wonders if the man uttered a spell or something more ritualistic.
<OOC> Cesran says, "Nope. It was just laying in wait for a command to attack"
<OOC> Verna nods.
<OOC> Verna should also ask how much time has transpired, due to effects cast prior.
<OOC> Cesran says, "I'd say 10 minutes"
<OOC> Alba says, ".....Heh. Okay! First move, Evil Eye, and shift myself to the back of the party. Will Save DC 16, or have a -2 save penalty."
<OOC> Cesran says, "on who?"
<OOC> Alba says, "On the tentacle horn wing thing,."
<OOC> Cesran says, "Sure"
GAME: Cesran rolls 1d20+11: (5)+11: 16
<OOC> Cesran says, "It just makes it."
<OOC> Alba says, "So it gets -2 to its saves for only one round."
<OOC> Alba says, "Evil Eye is an ugly Will Partial hex. :D"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Okay. Pose it up"
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now Garak's turn! DD is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Garak ended.
<OOC> Cesran says, "Garak you are next!"
As the creature blasts out from beneath the surface of the water, Alba skates backward in the air, eyeslits orienting directly onto the *irresponsibly* ugly thing. One eye burns for a moment, a blood-colored light stabbing out to strike a momentary tremor of doubt and hesitation into its black heart.
<OOC> Garak will try casting Dismissal on the thing
<OOC> Cesran says, "Sure!"
GAME: Garak casts Dismissal. Caster Level: 9 DC: 18
GAME: Cesran rolls 1d20+11: (7)+11: 18
<OOC> Cesran says, "It stays."
<OOC> Cesran says, "Or not"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Because of the evil eye you dismiss it"
<OOC> Nadara laughs. :D
<OOC> Verna did warn them that we would return them to the Abyss.
GAME: DD removed from initiative list.
Garak raises his symbol and shouts, "By Serriel's light, begone from this world!" He seems almost surprised when the monster vanishes. Lowering his symbol, he raises his lance warily and edges his horse towards the spot where it was.
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 17.
It is now Nadara's turn! Verna is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Nadara ended.
<OOC> Cesran says, "Nadara you are up"
<OOC> Nadara says, "I cast Prayer."
<OOC> Nadara says, "+1 for us to everthing, -1 to them!"
GAME: Nadara casts Prayer. Caster Level: 8 DC: 18
GAME: Cesran rolls 1d20+8: (12)+8: 20
<OOC> Cesran says, "The cleric makes it."
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Verna's turn! Evil Cleric is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Verna ended.
<OOC> Verna will cast a spell at the cleric.
GAME: Verna casts Enervation. Caster Level: 10 DC: 19
GAME: Verna rolls ranged+1: (9)+7+1: 17
<OOC> Cesran says, "That's a hit"
GAME: Verna rolls 1d4: (4): 4
<OOC> Verna hands him 4 negative levels.
<OOC> Alba says, "Poor daft cleric."
<OOC> Cesran says, "You have drained him badly"
"You ally has deserted you. Your faith is misplaced. The souls you stole are the wars of my Mistress," Verna informs the man, sternly. While her Mistress is stewardess of all souls, and Her Hall is of the realms beyond, it is Verna's own knowledge she uses to conjure a morsel of negative energy that is loosed into the deluded man, sapping life and power. "You are nothing before Her. Relent, and face Her judgement."
<OOC> Cesran says, "Okay everyone make a will save, DC 17"
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 11.
It is now Evil Cleric's turn! Tiasa is next!
"Rada, again, grant my allies your blesisng so we can get paid," Nadara says, confidently. And, indeed, Rada's blessing can be felt. The smell of the sea becomes apparent once more and a soft breeze washes over everyone.
GAME: Garak rolls will+2: (15)+10+2: 27
GAME: Alba rolls will+1: (4)+7+1: 12
GAME: Tiasa rolls will: (13)+3: 16
GAME: Nadara rolls will: (3)+13: 16
<OOC> Nadara says, "Oh1"
<OOC> Nadara says, "+1 to mine because Prayer."
<OOC> Nadara says, "Same for Tiasa, I suspect!"
GAME: Verna rolls will+1: (9)+13+1: 23
GAME: Cesran rolls 2d8: (11): 11
GAME: You damaged Alba for -100 points. 27 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Garak for -100 points. 85 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Nadara for -100 points. 59 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Verna for -100 points. 59 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Verna for 1 points. 58 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Alba for 11 points. 16 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Verna for 5 points. 53 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Garak for 5 points. 80 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Nadara for 5 points. 54 remaining.
GAME: Cesran rolls 1d4: (4): 4
<OOC> Cesran says, "Alba you are sickened for 4 rounds"
<OOC> Alba says, "Hee, all right."
The cleric clutches his holy symbol as Verna's spells hit him. "I will not give up so easily." He calls upon the dark powers and an unholy miasma washes over the party. Only Alba seems particularly effected as the cleric moves to escape into the church away from the party.
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 9.
It is now Tiasa's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 24.
It is now Alba's turn! Garak is next!
<OOC> Cesran says, "ALba!"
<OOC> Alba says, "Get all up in his face, Bestow Curse."
GAME: Alba rolls bab+3+1-2: (14)+3+3+1+-2: 19
GAME: Alba casts Bestow Curse. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16
<OOC> Cesran says, "He moved into the church."
<OOC> Alba says, "He did. Damnit."
<OOC> Cesran says, "So you have a wooden door between you an him."
<OOC> Alba uncasts the spell then. >.<
<OOC> Cesran says, "You guys banished his demon and dropped him 4 levels. He's not sticking around. ;)"
<OOC> Alba says, "Meh, that's fine. Is the door locked?"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Nope, it's barred from the inside."
<OOC> Alba says, "Regular wooden door, I expect?"
<OOC> Cesran says, "Yep"
<OOC> Alba says, "Then the murderglove makes its debut, as I hack at the door with adamantine fingerblades."
<OOC> Cesran says, "Go for it"
GAME: Alba rolls melee+1-2: (1)+3+1+-2: 3 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Alba says, "...Or, y'know, not."
<OOC> Verna says, "Doors are the most diabolical opponents known to adventures."
<OOC> Cesran says, "So you scratch the door"
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now Garak's turn! Nadara is next!
<OOC> Cesran says, "Garak! The evil cleric has fled and Alba is like a cat scratching at the door to be let in."
The sickening miasma bowls Alba over in midair, but the instant she recovers, the Witch rushes the door. "THINK YOU TO DISCOURAGE *ME* WITH THIS PALTRY ILLNESS?!" she roars, shavings of wood curling up under the foot-long blades on her fingers. "LISTEN AND TREMBLE, FOR WHEN THIS DOOR IS SUNDERED YOU SHALL *PRAY TO YOUR BLACK GODS FOR MERCY* BEFORE I ALLOW YOU TO MEET THEM!"
<OOC> Garak will give my warhorse battle rage and have it try to kick down the door
<OOC> Cesran says, "Sure"
GAME: Garak rolls 6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Garak rolls 6: (12)+6: 18
<OOC> Cesran says, "On the second try you bust down the door"
GAME: Cesran advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 17.
It is now Nadara's turn! Verna is next!
<OOC> Cesran says, "Nadara!"
<OOC> Nadara says, "Okay!"
<OOC> Nadara says, "I am gonna go in through the now opened door."
<OOC> Cesran says, "Sure!"
GAME: Cesran removes the timestop.
Timestop by Cesran has left.
GAME: You remove the timestop.
<OOC> Cesran says, "So I'm assuming everyone's going to be going into the church?"
<OOC> Alba says, "Alba has faces to wreck, yes. :D"
<OOC> Verna will do so, and will also cure Alba's sickened condition.
<OOC> Cesran says, "Okay"
<OOC> Nadara says, "Yep :)"
Garak finally turns his gaze away from the water and to the cleric...just in time to feel the unholy energy. Then the cleric flees. Garak seems at a loss for a moment before Alba begins attacking the door. Garak seems to think that's a fine idea, only he lends the strength of his warhorse to the effort. The steed knocks down the door and Garak slips off tge saddle and enters the church.
"...hey. You made quick work of that door. Fuckin' doors," mutters Nadara as she moves inside.
Inside of the church is where you will find the villagers, they have been all killed and their bodies desecrated. At the back of the church where the altar is you'll find the cleric that ran away and the other two. The altar has been set on fire and that fire is quickly spreading. The three are holding hands and chanting. The boy gives a little wave to the party before he takes the adult's hand and the three shifts out. There is the smell of brimstone that is left in their wake.
Verna approaches and enters the now=open door, placing a hand upon Alba as she does so, banishing any intestinal or related discomfort. "You will-" her demand is cut short as the trio apportate elsewhere. That leaves the bodies, church, and, more threatening, the fire. "We must extinguish this."
Barreling in the door after Garak, Alba's limbs clench in fury as the trio vanishes on the spot. Loosing a high, terrible, enraged shriek, the Witch summons up a swirling hell of bitterly chill wind and driving sleet, perhaps to beat away the flames coming from the altar.
GAME: Alba casts Sleet Storm. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16
<OOC> Alba says, "Fire out! :D"
Preparing to engage a spell to generate water herself, Alba is firwst on it. "Well, that wors," agrees Nadara. She looks rather disgutsted with the situation here and indeed maks her way towards the chanting trio, her dragonspitter in her hand, "I think you're done here."
With the fire out in the church and no other threats the party can more thoroughly search the village. You do manage to find about 7 people left alive in the village, they were hiding. They want to stay in the village and rebuild their homes. They do ask you to bring word to the temple of Althea of what happened to Hearthguard Able, the cleric you saw that was strung up. You are all welcome to help them bury their dead and clean up, but your mission is done here.
"Thank you," Verna notes, after holding her cloak against the whipping chill winds. She then begins the process of tending to the remains, here, before a more broad search of the village is made. With survivors come hope, and some consolation. There are those who can identify the deceased and fill out the appropriate paperwork on their behalf. All souls must be properly accounted for, and their remains treated as dictated by their preferences.
When the survivors are recovered, Alba stays on to help see to the dead, and when out of sight surreptitiously calls swarms of insects into being to clean away the filth, as she can manage the strength to. When not helping the village clean up, she disappears into the wilds, returning with bags full of butchered game meat, and hides for treating. It may not be much, but it's something she can do, and these people have suffered enough.