A Message from Taara
Log Info
- Title: A message from Taara
- Emitter: Cryosanthia
- Characters: Merek, Aya
- Place: A12: Memorial Gardens District
- Time: Sunday, September 20, 2020, 4:02 PM
- Summary: It's an idlyic day in the Memorial Gardens, families and couples about, a group of children are playing soccer. Veterans are changing the standards over at the Monument to the Fallen. Merek is tending to the garden with Aya strolls with her shadowy thoughts. Without warning, the football hits a dark winged angel hiding behind a statue. Battle Ensues, with the civilians fleeing, and the veterans and guards moving to help defend Merek and Aya. Merek appears to be the focus of this group, which has a messenger of Taara and three Erinyes, who summon two barbazu devils to help out. The messenger has something for Merek, attacks mostly, and words that she dominates Aya to deliver. Aya, restrains Merek and prevents him from casting, and whispers Lady Zainirth's words in his ear, while the Ash Wings shoot him full of flaming arrows. Merek fights valiantly, but succumbs, the devils relenting in their onslaught before he is slain. Aya is forced to render the Seer unconsious, just in time for arriving paladins to witness. The messengers vanish, leaving Aya and a quickly self-restoring Merek to answer questions.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A12: Memorial Gardens District *>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Among the gardens, scents mingle: green, loam and subtle sweetness, wafting from the meticulously groomed grounds. The lawns are richly green, dense and close-cropped, bordered with polished pale marble stones the size of a human man's fist. The pathways are smoothly cobbled in muted tones that subtly echo and contrast with the surrounding greenery, shaded by the lush canopies of tall, straight trees whose branches arch over the walkways to form open, airy tunnels. Elegantly ornate, tall mana-lamps of wrought black iron keep the paths softly lit in the evenings; they are often situated near benches of matching material and style. It is peaceful, here. Somber. It is also curiously warm and green no matter the time of year; leaves do change color in fall but remain on the trees until spring comes again.
At the heart of the park where the paths converge are large marble pedestals supporting bronze or marble statuary, chiseled letters upon the heavy bases naming the subject of each piece. The previous sculpture celebrating the union of Alexandros with Myrddion has been removed from the center of the garden and replaced with a gorgeous statue of the Crown Princess Lianna Rena and a marble walkway that leads to the Monument of Heroes - a newly-raised edifice celebrating those who fought and died on behalf of others. Tribute is still given to the friendship between Myrddion and Alexandros in the form of the paired standards mounted above the entrance to the Monument of Heroes: one from each nation. The flagstaffs are crossed and held by a Myrrish Knight and an Old-Alexandros Miner.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing, in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-= Merek 5'10" 215 Lb Human Male A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes. Aya 4'7" 105 Lb Shadow Elf Female Mul'niessa. Braided hair. Simple clothing. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= As the GM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
It's a fair-weather day, a bright blue sky with light cloud cover, drifting by. There is wind, more gusty than constant, intermittent enough for the air to go still and start to warm up before it blows again. Leaves rustle on the path, a gardener is sweeping them up.
A small group of veterans is participating in a changing of the standards in front of the Monument of Heroes. It involves taking down the old ones, carefully folding them, and raising fresh bright banners. There is some pomp and circumstance associated with it, a stomping of feet, bugle calls.
Other people about are a group of kids kicking a ball around. Of mixed races, they seem the same age though some are considerably taller than others. A few families, a couple with a child primarily, wander and look at the roses. One set points out a carving in a tree that seems well aged. There are some childless couples as well, younger and more noisy and demonstrative in their affections towards each other.
Finally two city guards are on patrol, wandering through. Overall it's peaceful and idlyic.
Merek often can be found looking to the flowers within the gardens of the districts of the city, taking the time to put on that dark attire he often wears. There's a beltcape about the hips while he wears a scarf that is pulled about his face to keep from the weather, looking to people while he would begin working with the flowers.
Pomp and circumstance. Aya is not especially inclined to, nor fond of, either, but there are many who are. While she understands the honorifics behind the formalities, they are not something close to her upbringing; she isn't a native Alexandrian or Alexandrosian, afterall.
She pays little mind to the ceremony, walking along on the pleasant day. Mostly pleasant, in her view. It would be moreso if it were rather more overcast rather than bright sun.
The changing of the standards continue. The old ones folded away, their bearers stamp, about face, stamp off and the new standards are bourne forth with some more trumpeting. They are unfurled, about to be raised. It is what it is, the veterans are out in their dress uniforms, with medals. It's a melancholy presentation, as they seem to be in their 40s. The oruchs in their company are venerable and at death's door, while the longer lived races, like humans, are meerly thickening. Also there's an elf who looks boyish still.
Amongst the couples and families, a few drinks are bought from a lemonaide vendor, and they drift along the paths. A ball flies by Aya, chased by children that are nearly as tall as she is. The sun persists in being present and brightly lighting the surroundings.
The flowers are doing well, especially under Merek's care. They're ready to be weeded again, already small shoots of opportunistic plants are sprouting around them. As well, it's time for some of the annuals to be changed out.
Given that these are warriors or soldiers, honoring their own, Aya believes that it is those here, today, are the ones who should be honored. They are the ones strong, smart, and/or fortunate enough to have survived. She is aware that her view is, more often than not, the great minority, and certainly not the popular one. Thus, she keeps it to herself.
The ball that flies past actually catches more attention that the standards, as well as the children chasing after it. They may be her size, but they are children; their more innocent naivete is actually refreshing, at times.
<OOC> Stealth rolls for the Ash Wings GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (20)+15: 35 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (2)+15: 17 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (15)+15: 30 GAME: Aya rolls perception: (10)+24: 34 GAME: Merek rolls perception: (2)+25: 27
Merek looks between the flowers, while he seems to content in taking care of them. He does look to the people changing the standards, while he begins to weed flowers, checking upon each of them while he works a bit as well.
The ball goes by Aya and past a statue and thumps into something behind it. Something that looks like an Angel, with ash coloured wings. Standing ironically enough, behind a statue of an angel. She was in the process of doing something that the soccer ball interrupted, and is hissing at the kid. Nearby, there another Angel statue, with another not-Angel behind it. They are directly out of Merek's line of sight, except for the one that got hit by the football. She is visible to him. The one he hasn't noticed, suddenly there are two there.
And behind a third statue, there's another ashen angel, and then she becomes two as well.
The ceremony progresses, the survivors honouring their fallen friends.
The drama is over by the ball. It thumps into someone standing behind an Angel statue. The someone, a tall and beautiful woman with angelic features and smouldering black wings, hisses and snaps something at the child running towards her.
A child that is suddenly having a religious experience he does not want. There is terror in his eyes and no mercy in hers. She has a readied longbow in hand, a flaming arrow already drawn.
GAME: Merek casts Angelic Aspect. Caster Level: 11 DC: 19
Merek looks over to the statue, noticing the angel woman with the bow drawn to a kid which is dealing with what she's doing. The man takes a look before he considers, then he begins to maneuver on that way, not even minding the flowers at all. He then sweeps up between the two, "What are you doing?" he asks, while he lifts a pendant up which carries a stone, that glows before he chants, then wings begin to come from the man's back.
Divine, divine. So much focus and awe upon the divine. Aya finds as much vindication as irony in that a winged figure stands behind angelic statuary, though she doubts the former is anything like the idyllized version in the former, even if she (it?) is even something of that bent. Judging by the ire and sounds at the child, ... well, who knows if any camp of planar beings are fond of mortal children?
Aya ceases to stand where she was, appearing in a puff of dwindling puffs of darkness adjacent to the child. Her eyes remain on the ...creature as she urges the child, "Run along and find yourself a new ball..." Of course, this is NOT the same one that Merek noted. As there is more than one statue, there seems to be more than one thing standing behind their respective statues.
GAME: Aya rolls knowledge/the planes: (15)+4: 19 to Cryosanthia GAME: Aya rolls sense motive: (2)+17: 19 to Cryosanthia
There is a distinct sense of 'Dammit, shit!' from the one that was hit by the football. Also, it, or she is an Erinyes, a fallen angel, a kind of evil succubus with all the sexy channeled into murderous bloodlust.
Also, also. It's Taara's.
<OOC> Aya will activate Barkskin as a Ki ability. GAME: Aya spends ONE point of KI POOL.
Aya isn't yet certain exactly what the 'fallen angels' are here to do, but it's no great stretch to assume it's something generally unpleasant. They are not the only ones with links to shadow, however. Aya had once thought her gifts were tied to The Shadow Sorceress, Herself, though has since decided otherwise.
Ambient shadows cast by the statuary fade and drift to her, further darkening her skin as they cling to her like a second one. "What is your business here, fiends? This city has grown quite intolerant of your kind visiting, as of late."
"Daemila, you idiot!" The dark angel hisses in Infernal. She's the one Aya confronts, behind another statue, who has an identical partner that wasn't there before. A partner that murmurs things in the abysal tongue that sound vile and beyond comprehension. The clear-speaking one glares death at Aya, snaps in Tradespeak, "Delivering a message."
She launches into the air and shoots at Merek.
Who is confronting the first one spotted, the one hit by the football and presumably named 'Daemila'. She hisses, ignoring the child, backing away from the man then flying up as well. That readied bow and knocked arrow are put to use. She shoots at Merek, sneering, "You'll see."
Two more are in the air, flying out of perfect concealment behind another edifice. Another arrow.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Aya can take an AOO if she wants" GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (1)+22: 23 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (14)+15: 29 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (6)+15: 21 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (5)+15: 20 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d8+7: (6)+7: 13 <OOC> Merek says, "DR 5/Evil." GAME: Ash Wing Ariavine damaged Merek for 8 points. 76 HP remaining.
Fiends or not, Aya didn't intend to initiate aggression. Sometimes, a fight isn't warranted. Once she realizes the one is taking a shot at Merek (or anyone, to be honest), she attempts to lash out, herself. Unfortunately, the angel had already taken flight and, as pointed out, Aya is not vertically-gifted, and her hand snaps out far too late for her arm to reach.
<OOC> Cryosanthia nods, "Okay. Believe it or not, this is a diplomacy roll." GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
A woman appears out of nowhere. A dawn-elf with unusually sharp features that give her a cruel, fox-like appearance. She wears priestly robes, in sombre, shadowy colours. Her gaze is peircing.
She stands in the gardens positioned a little behind where Merek was previously standing. Of course, he's moved, so she's turned to face him over by the statue. This has disrupted her planned appearance. Still, she soldiers on with a grimace, clearly flustered and choking on her words. What might have been an impressive introduction is less so.
"Greetings Seer Merek Starsong, flame and azure, beloved of Eluna's court and entwined of Angel Starsong, I, Lady Tiliyane Zainirith, bring greeting and salutations from my mistress. She has noticed you, Unbreakable One, and has sent me to deliver the answers you so seek."
After which, her hand flips through an arcane gesture and a black ray leaps from her finger towards the seer.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10: (7)+10: 17
And misses him. The presentation is not going well.
The boy, whose soccer game turned unexpectedly dire, flees as instructed. So do all his friends. This is enough to get the couples and the families with children moving. Some of them, some still stare.
The guards are pulling up ranged weapons, and the veterans look like they might do something also. The lady Tiliyane has caught the attention of the crowd.
The are 5 angels that are 30' from Merek, in the air, so it's something like 20' off the ground and a certain distance out. Civilians are all over the place, so the distance from them to the angels vary, but again, in the 30 - 50' range. They are 30' from each other.
<OOC> Merek says, "Free Action, Sacrifice 3 Pool to call upon the Metamagic Quicken,
Move to Five Foot Step,
Swift With Quicken to Spear of Purity into the Flying Angel,
then Standard to Holy Smite the flying Angel."
GAME: Merek casts Spear of Purity. Caster Level: 11 DC: 16
GAME: Merek casts Holy Smite. Caster Level: 11 DC: 18
GAME: Merek rolls ranged: (16)+12: 28
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "I belive it's effective caster level, not total character level."
GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11: (13)+11: 24
GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11: (8)+11: 19
GAME: Merek rolls 10d6: (35): 35
GAME: Merek rolls 10d6: (37): 37
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
Merek looks to the woman that arrives with that title to him, then he watches. "You, would bring this to the civilians of the city, all to talk." He states, then his luminescent golden eyes begin to shimmer while he takes a moment to look to the flying angel, "You, would use your magic, on a kid." With that he then lifts up both hands, magical flames dancing along while it looks like blood begins to shift along both of his arms, then he takes a spear of holy magic.
Then he swings that into that angel, impaling through with the lance of light. Then he would begin lifting up a hand along to the woman, while a holy energy would begin to shimmer along within the skies, the flame dancing along wings. "Speak, Lady Zainirith."
Daemila is hit, she's blinded, she's very unhappy.
<OOC> Aya says, "Thank you for the clarification.
spend Ki as Switft for Diamond Soul (SR 25 for 15 rounds),
move before Lady T (another ki for Abundant Step, if necessary)
strike her in the face for subdual. For entertainment purposes
GAME: Aya spends ONE point of KI POOL.
GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (11)+22: 33
GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (15)+6: 21
GAME: Aya rolls intimidate+4: (16)+19+4: 39
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Lady T is shaken."
Aya makes a note to speak with Merek later on precisely whom he might have been seeking answers from and concerning what. That is for later, however. For the moment, she darts back to the proclaimed Lady: perhaps as she's on the ground, perhaps as she seems that she might be the senior member of this uninvited party.
"I have a message for you to deliver to your mistress, messenger..."
She then snaps her forehead into the sildanyari's nose.
"She should come, Herself, if she isn't to send competent lackeys..."
"Dammit Daemila, she's right. If you can't fight summon someone who can." One of the other Ashen Angels calls at the one who was just blinded and bisected by Merek's holy light.
-Fwppp- She's gone. Vanished from mid air.
The other four are still flying and circling. One flings a rope while the other cackles and waves. A cold, cloying miasma of greasy darkness, surrounds Merek and spreads in a small radius, right up to Aya and Lady Zainirith.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "AW Daemila teleports out of sight and range." <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "AW A, Rope, Ranged Touch, and AW I Unholy Blight" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (4)+14: 18 GAME: Merek rolls will: (4)+18: 22 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 4d8: (18): 18 GAME: Ash Wing Infirith damaged Merek for 9 points. 67 HP remaining.
The rope is thrown towards the seer, and falls at his feet. It burns, blackened and twisting, attempting to wrap around him, yet it fails.
The spreading miasma though, seeps through his defenses, hurting a little.
A couple of the veterans that were moving towards Merek are caught in the dark cloud, and drop on the spot.
"Ouch!" Lady Zainirith yelps, head-butted in the face, her nose bleeding. She sounds less haughty and more stuffed up now. "Ariavine, Infirith, deal with him, her."
She makes a rapid gesture, and then she vanishes.
And... seems to be vanished.
<OOC> Defensive Casting, Tiliyane Quickened Fly, then Fey Passing Glance ability, then fly back GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+13: (18)+1&-2: 33 to Cryosanthia GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+17: (17)+17-2: 32 to Cryosanthia GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+23: (5)+23: 28 GAME: Aya rolls spellcraft: Trained Use Only: 0 GAME: Merek rolls spellcraft: (10)+22: 32 GAME: Aya rolls perception: (4)+24: 28 GAME: Merek rolls perception: (4)+25: 29
The guards raise crossbows, firing at the smoking angels. They miss. One of them has a whistle and is blowing it frantically.
The veterans are just regular grunts, and recognize this is a magic fight they didn't bring a dagger to. They brought swords, and a couple maces. Three oruchs rush to Merek's side, while the remaining veterans grab the fallen ones and bear them off.
Seeing the professionals join the fight, and the retired professionals retreating, the rest of the families get the message and start moving away too.
Slowly...
Four Angels fly above Merek, circling.
There is not a lot of cover, there are tree canopies over the path, otherwise it's somewhat open. The trees will give some protection and possibly concealment.
GAME: Merek casts Spell Resistance. Caster Level: 11 DC: 19
<OOC> Merek says, "Spell Defense stands at 23,
AC Stands at 26 after Protection From Evil."
Merek looks to the angels that are in the skies, then he looks to the people fighting with him, nodding a bit, "We need to find a place to cover from," he notes, then he takes a moment to weave the Spell Resistance to him, while he begins to settle into the canopies of the trees, the spell from before as well as that arrow keeping his skin a little bit seared while bleeding a little bit also.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "1 AW summons 2 Demons, 2 AW fails to summon" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d2: (2): 2 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d2: (2): 2 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d2: (1): 1
The ashen angels continue circling as Merek retreats. They do not follow, nor do they come closer to the ground. Instead their wings seem to be smouldering, trailing an inky black smoke behind them.
Suddenly, two men appear beside Merek. Devils, amidst the veteran oruchs he brought with him. They wield vicious, saw-tooth glaives and strike at him from a distance.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (19)+11+2: 32 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11+2: (8)+11: 21 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d10+6: (8)+6: 14 GAME: Bearded Devil damaged Merek for 9 points. 58 HP remaining. GAME: Note 2 point bleed added to Merek.
One strikes with the vicious glaive, opening up a gushing wound. The other misses.
<OOC> Aya considers. "I have very few options against fliers,
I wish to spend 1 Ki for Abundant Step (cost reduced due to Ring of Ki Mastery)
Dimensional Savant to make a full attack, with Flurry.
First strike will also use Stunning Fist and second will use Elbow Smash."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Sounds good."
GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (14)+22: 36
GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (6)+22: 28
GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (10)+22: 32
GAME: Aya spends ONE use of STUNNING FIST. DC21
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (19)+9: 28
GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-5: (2)+22+-5: 19
GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-5: (1)+22+-5: 18 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-10: (9)+22+-10: 21
GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (10)+6: 16
GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (11)+6: 17
GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (12)+6: 18
Aya cannot fly; while she has shadow on her side, she doesn't have wings. She can, however, deal with those threats on the ground. She vanishes to reappear at the flank of one that attacked Merek and delivers a rapid series of strikes to include elbows and knees in addition punches and kicks.
The devil smiles when Aya punches him, then continues to smile as the shadowy monk punches out all his teeth. He seems less happy. Still tanding, but quite hurt.
The bearded devil, so pummeled, is looking in bad shape.
Underneath the canopy of trees, a thin fog coalesces and spreads around Merek, surrounding him and the others. Aya, the oruchs, the devils with their glaives, are all surrounded. It's thin, easy to see through, but it seeps into the mind as well. Somehow, everything seems futile.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Will negates, DC 24, SR also applies" <OOC> Aya's SR is 25. GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+12: (14)+12: 26 GAME: Aya rolls will: (8)+11+2: 21 GAME: Note -10 wis checks will saves added to Aya. <OOC> Merek's SR is 23. GAME: Merek rolls will: (18)+18: 36
The oruchs assisting Merek move up on the bearded devils, receiving horrible wounds for their trouble. The veteran's attacks don't seem to be having much effect on them either. Of the three oruchs, two look on the verge of going down while the other is fine.
"Flank. We'll back you up." One of them grunts in a deep voice.
GAME: Bleed damaged Merek for 2 points. 56 HP remaining. <OOC> Merek says, "Casting Defensively." <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "DC 15+ 2xspell level, and the roll is d20+caster level and ability mod" GAME: Merek casts Blessing of Fervor. Caster Level: 11 DC: 18 <OOC> Merek says, "23." GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11+4: (17)+11+4: 32 GAME: Merek rolls knowledge/religion: (3)+22+2: 27
They are Bearded devils. Their beard is full of maggots and will attack you, except with the Protection from Evil, the beard can't. Relatively they are weak, much weaker than the Angels flying around. Also, they are Taara's.
"Watch for those beards Aya," Merek offers then to the woman, while he feels that glaive slice right into his arm, blood spilling while it begins to bleed, taking a moment to cast the Blessing of Fervor on the five of them, in addition to anyone else that is within 30 feet, "We can win, if you guys would like to, you can look for safety." A nod a bit to oruchs while he waits.
<OOC> Aya will flurry on the devil(s). GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (10)+22: 32 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (14)+22: 36 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (17)+22: 39 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-5: (11)+22+-5: 28 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-10: (4)+22+-10: 16 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (15)+22: 37 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (9)+6: 15 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (14)+6: 20 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (17)+6: 23 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (8)+6: 14 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (5)+6: 11 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (8)+6: 14 <OOC> Aya keeps forgetting about the Mimetic weapon ability. "Does it have any elemental resistances?" <OOC> Aya gain 10 resistance to an energy type, so 30 to Acid, 30 to Cold until next turn.
"Go. Away!" It isn't the fiend's fault, in truth. It is not the one which Aya continues to pummel which has assaulted her mind. There is a reason- no, ARE reasons, that she dislikes spellcasters on general principle. She can't see the likley culprit, so she, instead, pummels the one before her into pulp.
Several things happen, the smoking angels hover. Still at a great distance, they aren't that far off the ground and can see along the pathways into the foggy area beneath the canopy.
Suddenly, two of them vanish completely!
One, or a similar one appears directly in front of Merek, also hovering in the air, fifteen feet off the ground, twenty feet back, she's got her bow drawn... and she's waiting for him to do something. It might be the one he blinded earlier, but she doesn't look blinded now.
The two hovering ones, further away, let loose a flurry of arrows at the seer.
The remaining bearded demon also swipes away with his glaive.
<OOC> Cryosanthia pages: first 2 = fly GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+19: (14)+19: 33 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+19: (3)+19: 22 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "They hover successfully" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (1)+14: 15 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (13)+14: 27 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (20)+9: 29 (THREAT) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (15)+9: 24 (not confirmed) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (3)+14: 17 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (4)+14: 18 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (16)+9: 25 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d8+6+1d6: (3)+6+(5): 14 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d8+6+1d6: (3)+6+(6): 15 GAME: Ash Wings damaged Merek for 19 points. 37 HP remaining.
Flaming arrows fly, with deadly aim, two strike the seer and the rest go wild and deflect off his magic protections. Truly does Eluna smile on him.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Bearded Devil does his Full attack now" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (11)+11: 22 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8
The bearded devil snarls and slashes, his attacks failing.
<OOC> Aya has SR 25 for another 14 rounds, yes. <OOC> Aya says, "Ki power: Diamond Soul." <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "against your SR" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+12: (16)+12: 28 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "gets through. Okay, it's Dominate Person, and your will save is -10, +2 vs enchantements" GAME: Aya rolls will-8: (9)+11+-8: 12
Hovering in the air, Lady Zainirith appears. She's closer than the ashen angels but still a good eighty feet away or so. She's also directly behind the one that hovers in front of Merek, so his view of her is somewhat obstructed.
Aya's isn't, and if she wasn't aware of her, she becomes so when she hears her voice in her head. Well, her laughter first, followed by an observation, "I think I have."
Then, commands, "Stop him from casting and deliver my message, Apostate One."
She still sounds nasily, funny how a broken nose made it to her mental voice. Yet Aya feels compelled to carry out her orders to the exclusion of everything else.
Don't let Merek Cast.
"We fight for Alexandria, and we fight for you." One of the bleeding oruchs declares, moving to protect Merek. He's cut down, fast and efficiently with a cut across his chest, and all his medals.
The blood of a patriot and a veteran seeps into the gravel.
The other two move up, flanking. The demon swipes at another, indifferent, and misses.
<OOC> Merek says, "Attempting to cast Calm Emotions in a 20 foot area to calm Aya and folk, DC is Caster Level in Will to negate." GAME: Bleed damaged Merek for 2 points. 35 HP remaining. <OOC> Merek says, "Casting Defensively. DC19" GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11+4: (5)+11+4: 20 GAME: Merek casts Calm Emotions. Caster Level: 11 DC: 16 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Aya's SR is 25" GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11: (10)+11: 21 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Roll for Demon SR." <OOC> Aya notes: Of COURSE NOW IT STOPS A SPELL GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11: (17)+11: 28 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+3: (7)+3: 10
Merek looks then to Aya while he takes a moment to watch while she's being dominated mentally. He then shifts that attention of his to the angels, while two arrows would manage to strike him, "No!" he shouts to the oruchs that are taken down for him. There is now an arrow in his stomach, as well as the side, while blood begins to shift along his arms, to his body.
With his magic he tries the best he can, calling that onto Aya and anyone about him, "I will not let you... You will be alright, remember who you are." He then notices that the Spell Resistance begins to shield from the power. He looks to the demon then he steps along to take the glaive with a hand, pulling it to point to him if he can, then opens up his body for all of those arrows. "I won't let you put that blood upon Aya, I will not permit it," then he prepares to take himself onto the weapon.
A sudden calm descends on the combattants. Except for Aya, her diamond soul protects her from emotion manipulating spells. Already she's failed in her mission. She can hear Lady Zainirith laughing again, "Still think you're better than me?"
The oruchs, and the bearded demon exhale and lower their weapons. It's such a nice day, everyone should relax. They all look at the fallen oruch, his chest ripped open. The demon laments, "He didn't even try. He ran right at my glaive."
"Time's almost up for us, a good fight is hard to find. Uzim had a year, at best." The unwounded oruch said.
"Six months, he told me. Sick of getting up five times a night to pee." The other says, blood trickling from his injuries.
"Heh, you or him?" The first oruch asks.
"Both of us." The second oruch chuckles.
"I see," the demon says, watching at Merek pulls on his glaive, then addressing the oruchs again, "just like this guy. Well, wait a minute, and I'll kill you proper."
<OOC> Aya tries not to laugh, fails. <OOC> Aya will Abundant Step behind Merek and attempt a grapple. I assume no flanking, now that most everyone put down their weapons. GAME: Aya rolls cmb: (16)+19: 35 GAME: Aya spends ONE point of KI POOL.
As Ayas are wont to do, she vanishes, only to re-appear a moment later; behind Merek. She promptly grabs at his wrists, pulling arms back behind him so they can't be easily moved. While she is not keen on the finer details of spellcasting, she knows enough that gesticulating and/or speaking are usually involved. Fortunately for Merek, restraint of arms is more efficient and quick than removing his tongue.
This grip also allows her to lift herself up higher, as he has over a foot on her in stature. With a knee in the small of his back, she is propped such that she can put her lips near his ear. A messenger need not shout, and men generally tend to pay more heed to things a woman whispers in their ear from only a breath away.
"The Mistress heard you were asking about Animus shards and didn't see fit to solicit her opinion. Rather insulting. You won't succeed. Vardama is quite happy with her new bed warmer; she doesn't want that crusty fossil back. And if magic is in turmoil, it's because your dreaming goddess can't wrap her sleepy head around the complexity of it. It's better off in efficient, competent hands." She pauses briefly to allow that to sink in. "Managing to follow this so far?
The ashen angel hovering in front of Merek continues to do so. Wings beating, fanning the air with quiet sounds. She's growling under her breath, something infernal, inaudible. Her arrow remains knocked, ready, pointed at the man's heart and her gaze equally locked on him, angry and intense.
Of the other two, one swoops down and retrieves her rope then moves to hover beside the shadowy Lady. The other flies up, into the canopy and flings her rope at Merek. A little redundancy never hurts.
<OOC> AW A throws rope, AW I gets rope she threw GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (10)+15: 25 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "So it's a DC20 Reflex to not be entangled by the rope" GAME: Merek rolls reflex: (3)+11: 14
Struggle as he might, the rope winds up his legs and around him. It carefully avoids Aya, and starts knotting up to keep his arms in the position she's put him in.
Meanwhile, the bearded demon looks examines Merek, "Are you the Unbroken One?"
Lady Zainirith remains where she is, apparently concentrating on something with her arms crossed.
And Aya senses a presence in her head, watching.
"You mind if I bandage him up?" the unwounded oruch asks the demon. The demon shrugs and the orc gets to it.
GAME: Bleed damaged Merek for 2 points. 33 HP remaining.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "oh, you need to make a concentration check to keep Calm Emotions going Merek."
GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11+4: (16)+11+4: 31
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Casting a spell while you have the grappled or pinned condition is difficult and it requires a concentration check
(DC 10 + the grappler's CMB + the level of the spell you're casting).
Pinned creatures can only cast spells that do not have somatic components."
<OOC> Merek says, "That's DC 31."
GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11+4: (6)+11+4: 21
About now would be when the Guard and/or Paladins show up. Aya, already the likely suspect for anything, something and everything would be caught in the act.
Merek is kept in that hold by Aya, while he begins to fall from the glaive, then looks up when that rope is pulled about him. The man takes a bit to concentrate even while that arrow was pointed to him, while he's bleeding up from the wounds. The luminescent golden eyes watch then look to that Lady, "I understand. It doesn't matter, I have to protect people, I need to keep folk safe. I will fight you and all that would stand in the way."
Even like that, the man looks to the demon, "You can't break me you know," he states, even while trying to cast that spell on the place. Three arrows stick from him, while he's bleeding from that slash in his arm.
"Yeah, I know. I heard about you." The demon replies casually, unnaturally calm. He's leaning on his glaive and pulling on his beard. "Three months. That's tough."
Aya doesn't accost Merek further, she simply seeks to maintain her restraint. With restraint, perhaps? Her 'perch' upon him is likewise maintained, and further words delivered to his ear.
"It will go much easier if you stop struggling..." the words are more softly spoken now. Perhaps not precisely 'sweet nothings,' but delivered in a similar manner. "My-" there is a breath of delay- " mistress wants those shards. She'll take care of them, that's the best way you can protect people. Otherwise a lot are going to die. You don't think Animus went down without Vardama's approval, do you? You have no idea the forces aligned against you. And we can take you down, anytime."
Aya's head and eyes then lift from Merek to focus on the calm, conversational devil. "Less talking, more fighting, you idiot."
The bearded devil looks like he 'might' attack, just not yet. He stretches with his glaive, gets a better grip. Meanwhile, the wounded orc is nearly bandaged up.
Aya, if that if Lady T keeps stressing the -my- mistress in Aya's head, might find herself able to resist.
Over by Lady Zainirith, two more ashen angels appear, bows raised. The one hovering in Merek continues to do so, raising the arrow to point between his eyes. She grumbles again, indistinct infernal curses.
The one that joined her previously lets fly three more arrows at the seer.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (7)+14: 21 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (13)+14: 27 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (4)+9: 13 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d8+6+1d6: (5)+6+(5): 16 <OOC> Aya told them that Taara sent incompetent lackeys! GAME: Ash Wing Ariavine damaged Merek for 11 points. 22 HP remaining.
Flaming arrows fly towards the man, leaving sticky trails of smoke, another buries into his flesh, burning, while two go wide.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Lady T casts lightning bolt." GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+12: (2)+12: 14
Lady Zainirth flicks her hand, a bolt of lightning leaps between her and Merek. It fizzles as it hits his chest, draining into nothing and leaving the scent of ozone behind. She snorts and wipes at her nose.
One of the city guards has run off, to signal for help. The remaining one, who drew the short stick, shoots at one of the angels. Ineffectively. He'll make a good witness to the events, that's about it.
The oruchs ready their weapont too, but remain casual. The bandaged one looks at the other, "Beer if we survive?"
"Yuh."
GAME: Bleed damaged Merek for 2 points. 20 HP remaining. <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "first to see if the existing calm emotions stays up" GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11+4: (19)+11+4: 34 <OOC> Merek says, "Going to attempt to concentrate again." GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11+4: (11)+11+4: 26 GAME: Merek casts Dimension Door. Caster Level: 10 DC: 19
Merek looks to that arrow while he tries to avoid it, only for it to strike into his right leg, while blood begins to shift from it onto the floor of the city. He then looks to the woman, that Lady. That lightning would begin shimmering along that shield while he watches, "What will you do with the Shards? Make your master a lot more powerful?" he asks, "I will keep them safe, that or I will make sure there are no shards anymore."
Pin him, he's still struggling and trying to cast, stop him casting
GAME: Aya rolls cmb+2+5: (8)+19+2+5: 34
Aya shifts her weight higher and forward to upset Merek's center of balance. This pitches him forward, and without his arms free to catch himself, puts him to the ground. He can't easily rise again for the same reason.
"It will go much easier for you if you relent, and don't struggle..." she repeats, if more adlib than previously.
A moment later, Aya imparts further words of (alleged) wisdom. Maybe it isn't so easy to keep up in another's head with a headache of one's own? Tsk tsk.
"What would you do with them, give them to the sleepyhead that already can't control what she snatched? So very loyal. Ask yourself, isn't one who knows how to wield it better than three fighting over it? But destroying them, that's an amusing idea. Yes, you do that."
The ashen angel hovering directly in front of Merek vanishes.
The bearded demon and the two oruchs continue to casualy enjoy the pleasant day. There aren't many of them, it's good to indulge when the opportunity presents itself. Metaphorically stop and smell the roses, and honour the fallen. The extreemly recently fallen.
<OOC> Merek says, "is Aya making sure they can hit him since it's difficult to assail a man pinned fully with a flurry?"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Aya is primarily trying to stop you casting things,
and yes, she's behind you, they're in front, and she's pretty small."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "I believe your have AC 24 now, +2 from BoF, +2 PfE, to AC 28, then -4 no dex"
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (18)+15: 33
"I do hope you'll remember our little conversation. My mistress wanted to make sure you got. The. Message." Lady Tiliyane Zainirith shouts. It's well delivered, forceful, and stuffed up. She will have to get that nose seen to. Also, some of the impact is lost with her yelling it from far away.
It's just a little bit cowardly, but then again, she has a headache.
She drops her hand decisively and the fallen angels fire.
So many arrows.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, and some Ash Wing full attacks." GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (15)+14: 29 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (13)+14: 27 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (4)+9: 13 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d8+6+1d6: (1)+6+(4): 11 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d8+6+1d6: (5)+6+(6): 17 GAME: Ash Wing Ariavine damaged Merek for 6 points. 14 HP remaining. GAME: Ash Wing Ariavine damaged Merek for 12 points. 2 HP remaining.
The firing line lets loose. Merek is struck, struck again by fiery bolts. It's clear that another will kill him, even as he struggles to hold onto consciousness. The remaining arrows go into the oruchs, giving them an unexpected death in battle.
The bearded demon gets one in his maggoty beard, and throat. That will teach him to be so chatty.
Taara's shadowy messenger vanishes
A laughing voice invades Aya's mind some more. "Very good. Hold him until he's unconscious. Help him there if you have to, then, do whatever."
She giggles.
>twang< A foolish guard shoots at one of the fallen, missing.
GAME: Bleed damaged Merek for 2 points. 0 HP remaining. (DISABLED) <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Well 0 HP is a thing where you are conscious and can do limited stuff, but taking a standard action will do 1 HP damage" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "and you're still grappled and pinned, so you have to concentrate still" <OOC> Concentration for existing Calm Emotions Spell GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11+4: (16)+11+4: 31 <OOC> Merek says, "Merek calls upon his last energies to try and hit the 31." GAME: Merek rolls 1d20+11+4: (3)+11+4: 18 <OOC> Merek says, "Is channel energy a concentration check?" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay it seems no concentation check is needed" <OOC> Cryosanthia nods, "Doing a standard will cause 1 HP damage,b ut weren't you trying to do a spell first? <OOC> Merek says, "His attire works as one, Cassock of Clergy." GAME: Merek rolls 3d6: (9): 9 GAME: Merek damaged Merek for -9 points. 9 HP remaining. GAME: Merek damaged Aya for -9 points. 170 HP remaining.
Merek looks then to the woman that gives the message, then he tries to take a moment to perform magic. Then there's an arrow that strikes along his other leg, the smoke from where they strike lifting. He then takes another nice arrow right into his stomach, blood beginning to gently pool on the street. He has a few arrows sticking from him, "I... Will... Do what's right..." The man looks to the skies, while he tries to fight. Then he begins to channel the energy from the Positive Plane, the wounds beginning to mend a little bit.
<OOC> Aya says, "Given that Aya can 'do whatever' once he's unconscious, is going to help.
Can't release him, so will maintain grapple/pin to deal unarmed combat damage to him.
Nonlethal. I.E. attempt to konk him out."
GAME: Aya rolls cmb+5: (5)+19+5: 29
GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+6: (9)+6: 15
GAME: Aya damaged Merek for 10 points of nonlethal. 10 total.
Aya isn't worried that she might help kill someone, it's more that there are tons of witnesses about to report that she did so. Also that it was supporting a deity, especially Taara. That part does annoy her.
"Then do so. Shut. Up," Aya offers wisdom as to what she believes The Right Thing to be. Further, she is even helpful in guiding him in that direction; primarily by grabbing the back of his head and slamming it into the cobbles, though not harshly.
Merek would look up to Aya while he tries to fight with the woman, though he's taken down with the woman swinging him into that street. He then would gently begin to relax into a slacked position within the pin. Blood keeps shifting along from his wounds, all he wears a bit covered in the crimson material.
Infernal snickering, as Merek passes out. One of the ash wings turns and shoots the guard, giving him a hotfoot. He'll live, but he'll rue the day.
"That's a good girl." The one in the middle hisses.
The one on the northern end of the line of three is rubbing at her eyes still.
Without a sound, they all vanish. Three feathers, each as black as an oil-slick flutters down from where they were hovering. They turn into dark grease stains as they hit the ground.
The bearded demon vanishes, coughing.
And the messenger is gone.
NOW the reinforcements arrive, just in time to see Aya help Merek off to slumberland.
And Merek continues to bleed.
Message delivered. Recipient is unconscious, tied up, and bleeding with a mul'niessa on his back.
Aya is now free to do anything. Unfortunately, what she would very much like to do, she cannot, as it involves the 'lady.' More specifically, breaking her face further. Possibly from behind.
A close second on that list is not being imprisoned, executed, or otherwise detained by well-meaning-but-uninformed guards. "Wake up!" She repeats the motion with his head, though not so forcefully as to cause injury. She then climbs off of him to roll him over after her feigned medical treatment fails. Only then can she retrieve a potion from her belongings to pour down his gullet.
See! She's helping him! Honest!
GAME: Aya used a Potion. GAME: Merek rolls 3d8+5: (14)+5: 19 <OOC> Aya had a CLW from agest past.
More city guards, backing up a couple paladins from the temples. Infernals were involved after all. The hotfoot guard is rapidly explaining things, pointing along the path where the pair are. It is mere moments from before they approach and say what's all this, then.
"Wots all this then?" With weapons drawn.
In time to see Aya feed Merek the potion, and the seer awaken.
GAME: Merek rolls heal: (14)+20: 34 <OOC> Merek says, "That will treat the bleed, it's DC 17." GAME: Merek casts Heal. Caster Level: 11 DC: 20 <OOC> Merek says, "Also this spell heals me for 110."
Merek takes a look to the potion when he's back to settling up, nodding a bit to the woman. He then looks to Aya, while he takes a moment to channel energies to himself. He takes a drink from the one he used a little earlier as well, then he works on patching up the wound along the shoulder as well as pulling arrows from the body.
The guards and paladins watch as the seer restores himself. Finally one of them says, "We have some questions..."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Standard disclaimers, this will be tough. Tragedy is easy, Comedy is hard."
<OOC> Aya thought tragedy is when I stub my toe and comedy was when Merek fell down an open manhole and died?
Dramatis Personae
The Ash Wings, Erinyes
Ariavine
Infirith
Daemila the Clumsy
The Shadow Messenger of Taara
Lady Tiliyane Zainirith
The Orc Veterans, fatal casualties
Uzim
Four unnamed Oruchs, one with an inssomnia and urination issue, another that loves beer.
The Guards
'Hoppy' the hotfoot guard
'Run for Help' guard
Several unnamed guards and paladins
'Wots all this?' Paladin
Combatty Stuff
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Oh, do take the time to make a selection of spells if you use prepared, and refresh. Also tell me if you've got something persistent going, ie: Malik usually has Mage Armour on, or an always-on Magic Item that might be of interest to me. I would prefer not to find out you're wearing Boots of Elvis and walking 10' off the ground after I say a bull rushes you."
<OOC> Merek says, "Mind Sentinel Medallion, Phylactery of Faithfulness, Engineer's Workgloves, Spectacles of Understanding are what's generally always on for me, with Boots of the Winterlands."
<OOC> Aya has... boots of the Winterlands, insofar as unusual constant items. "I think that is all."
[TPK] Cryosanthia says, "If you have good flight, and therefore can hover, does hovering mean you can full attack melee/ranged since you are not moving anywhere, or is hovering the move action?"
[TPK] Whirlpool says, "As far as I know, yes"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "A character with 0 hit points, or one who has negative hit points but has become stable and conscious, is disabled. A disabled character may take a single move action or standard action each round (but not both, nor can he take full-round actions, but he can still take swift, immediate, and free actions). He moves at half speed. Taking move actions doesnt risk further injury, but performing any standard action (or any other action the GM deems strenuous, including some free actions such as casting a Quicken Spell spell) deals 1 point of damage after the completion of the act. Unless the action increased the disabled characters hit points, he is now in negative hit points and dying."
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| Name | Race | Class | CHP | HP | AC/FF/T |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
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|Aya |SHADOW_ELF|Mnk | 170 | 170 |30/25/26 | 45 | 15 | 16 | 11 |
|Merek |HUMAN |Clr/MTh/Sor| 84 | 84 |24/20/18 | 26 | 12 | 11 | 18 |
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| Name | CHP (T) | HP |
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| Aya...........| 170 | 170 |
| Merek.........| 9 | 84 |
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===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 8 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
25 Aya 6 -10 wis checks will saves
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23 Ash Wings 1
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20 Lady T 1
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20 Civilians 1
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>> 16 Merek 1 2 point bleed <<
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