3 - 121: The Third Piece

[K Man]

{Very well Udjat. I've re-introduced Callian into this round, acting last. Give Wiz our regards and tell him to hurry back.}
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Krysta, Caelith, Girud, Mordrock, Galdren, and Garor - Alton drops his bow and takes a tumbling leap to move behind the demon threatening the giant he has become so fond of. Though agile, he fails to dodge the opportunistic swipe the demon takes. [Damage Roll = 8] Undaunted, Alton plunges his blade into the devil's back and forces a cry from hellish lips.

Vorren maintains his stance, but whirls to face the golem that just crashed through the stained glass window. Both his blows land, sending glass scattering away from the golem. It seems to do little to the behemoth though and it continues to advance.

Krysta drops her belt for the sly rogue Mordrock and advances to help out Jannoch. [Attack Roll = Nat. 20, Crit. Confirm = Success] The bolt flies straight and true, over the paladin's shoulder and in between the devil's eyes. [Damage Roll = 20] It howls in pain, grabbing its face and trying to scratch out the arrow. With Jannoch's wounds, the devil collapses to the ground and Jannoch nods at Krysta's good deeds....

Girud lays into the devil sandwhiched between him and Alton. [Attack Rolls = 18/15] The devil is too quick and too lithe to be tricked today, dodging each blow quicker than the giant can blink.

Caelith moves to assist the fighters, moving to the hear center of the battle and selecting a few choice targets to assist with magic. [Haste] Those that receive his arcane blessing feel the power surge within them, ready to combat the evil with renewed vigor.

Brother Hingar, using Caelith's invigorating magic, slices the devil before him apart. His first two blows are nearly lethal and the third just finished the devil off as it claws for reprieve. Brother Hingar nods a short thanks to Caelith and spins, ready to meet the oncoming Golem.

The lone surviving devil, sensing the death of his allies and hellish compatriots, take this opportunity to prove his cowardice. He shouts one final command in infernal ("Don't stop attacking" Said to golems for those that need it.) and quickly rushes for the Western door. [Tumble to move 1/2 speed, made check and then move action to door.]

Adelia moves to also provide magical help to the party...but in the sense of divine grace. Her spell fills the allies with good and hope that even this place in hell cannot drag down. [glorious Weapons, 60ft. burst]

Galdren, filled with power from Caelith and Adelia, attacks the Golem with the disciplined fury of an expert Samurai. [Attack Rolls = 23/24/18, 15] The first two blows land, shredding glass. [Damage Rolls = 15/8 (immune fire)] The Golem is nearly destroyed now, barely standing on shreds of glass legs.

Mordrock leaps from his hiding spot, ignoring the dirty naked woman nearby and retrieves the belt from Krysta. He smugly picks it up, gives his two 'women' a wink and jots back over, ready to go to work.

Garor tries again to smash the Golem, benefitting from Caelith and Adelia's Magicks. [Attack Rolls = 19/30/15] The first two blows land, dealing great damage against the fragile glass. [Damage Rolls = 19/20] In a sound not unlike a chandlier dropping to the floor from incredibile heights, the Golem shatters into more than a million pieces...

The Golems, infinitely slow creations that they are, finally activate and take action. One near Vorren slices into him with glass sword, leaving colorful chunks and fine glass powder all over his armor. Vorren may need healing after that blow. Another advances towards Brother Hingar, bringing its huge blade down in an arc. It misses the heavily armored paladin thankfully, doing little more than leaving more glass on the floor. The last golem moves away from the wall and advances on Alton.

It stops just shy of the small Halfling and catches you all off guard by simply holding a hand, composed entirely of stained glass outward. It remains still, only for a second until a bright light builds from within it....that same light explodes a moment later in a brilliant array of color that washes over all of you. [One time, Prismatic Spray, 60ft cone, should hit all the way to Adelia]

Vorren = "Turned to Stone", Fort Save = Success
Alton = "Insanity", Will Save = Fail
Galdren = "20 Points fire damage", Ref Save = Success (10 pts)
Garor = "80 points electrical damage", Ref Save = Success (40 pts)
Girud = "80 points electrical damage", Ref Save = success (40 pts)
Adelia = "Poison, kills or 1d6 CON damage", Fort. Save Success (4 CON damage)
Jannoch = "Insanity", Will Save = Success
Prisoner 1 = "Insanity", Will Save = Fail
Prisoner 2 = "Turned to Stone", Fort Save = Fail
Prisoner 3 = "Two rays", "Turned to Stone", "40 pts acid damage", Fort Save = Success, Ref Save = Fail
Prisoner 4 = "20 pts fire damage", Ref Save = Fail

(Two victims dead, another insane and one strangely fine [The one that took the fire damage] The orange one is the one that took the damage)

The blast is devastating, leaving most of you reeling from the pain and chaos. The golem does not stop nor care, only brings its blade back up for an attack...

Jannoch, his enemy now dead, moves over towards Brother Hingar to assist him with his Golem next round.

Lastly, Callian, having finally joined the battle, rushes out only to find that most opponents ar too far away to reach. He will have to wait until next round to reach an enemy.... (Since the devil was dead, I figured he'd want to move somewhere else.)

The battle goes on...

[Initiative: Alton, Vorren, Krysta and Girud, Caelith, Brother Hingar, The Devils, Adelia, Galdren, Mordrock, Garor, The golems, Jannoch, Callian]

Map;

                     |    |
                     |    |
   __________________|I   |
  / ©©  ©©xB xxx          \_
  |       O  JDR             []
  []¢     O  N G  L   A K ¤ M©|
  |         xV               ©|
   \_©©__©©_O©©©___x©©©_____[]

[/pre]


© = Captured Victim
© = Freed Innocent
¤ = Screaming Obelisk
B = Brother Hingar
J = Jannoch
V = Vorren
I = Caelith
M= Mordrock
A = Adelia
G = Girud
D = Galdren
R = Garor
N = Alton
K = Krysta
L = Callian
¢ = Kochrachan Devil
O = Golem

COUNTDOWN - 01:21 Hours to Apocalypse Clock Chime...

-12 out of 200 Restoration points earned.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yuri and Romar - Once past the threshold of the temple, the demon wraps a massive shadowy paw around Daniel's legs and forcibly rips him from the confines of the temple. Once outside, you notice that whatever magic the demon had over time has been applied to Daniel as he looks frozen...his wounds no longer bleeding. The demon's emerald orbs rest on you, feeling like they pierce into whatever soul you had left.

The demon moves its eyes from you to the limp body of Daniel next to it. It says nothing as it pulls the form away from you and the very sun in the sky seems to darken as though its power is being pulled as the demon works magic. A misty fog enshrouds the peculiar beast like the shores of a hidden lake until you lose sight of the green eyes.

And then...the mist is gone.

The body of Daniel, the demon...neither can be seen. Hoping for the best, you poke your head out the temple doors and look around, only find your nightmares have become true.

THE CLERICS ARE STILL FROZEN!!!
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[GeneralMHB]

Wonderful...

Yuri remains still long after the demon has left for several minutes, several emotions swarming him: Hate, anger, rage, guilt, sorrow, all rushing in as one tide. Yet, on the outside, he shows nothing but blazing red eyes. Yuri finally turns to Romar and asks that one important question.

Now what do we do?

(OOC: What? No Telethon for The Hidden City? R-Kelly singing no song about all this? We on our own? Cause I have no idea what to do from here.)

[VemuKhaham]

As the realization sinks in that they had just been betrayed for the second time today, and the Demon was gone out of sight, Romar blinks his eyes a couple of times out of pure inability to comprehend the consequences of this turn of events.

He looks at Yuri, but probably doesn't find the answer there, and looks back into the temple, but it's just the same as five minutes ago. His eyes again dart to outside, to one of the many clerics that stand frozen in the surroundings. His hearthbeat begins to pace.

He steps outside the temple, still not in tune with recent happenings. Al is silent, or at least no sound that his ears catch makes it to his brains. Totally defeated, he again turns to Yuri.

"The demon is gone..."

an anger rises from his hearth up to his head, as he thinks how Yuri had taken over leadership and had ignored his words. How he had closed him out of negotiations by bringing up the dark speech of the Abyss. How he...

A flash of fire can be briefly glimpsed in his eyes as he looks at Yuri.

But as unexpected as it came so did it dissapear immediately. He turns away from Yuri and looks over the surroundings, trying to calm himself and bring reason to his mind. Yuri wasn't to blame for this; he did the best he could.

A dream comes back before his vision, one he had a while ago on the great rock of New Rocroost.

"Your 'friends' are all wise enough to understand that your so-called hunt is in vain. Yuri might have been willing to go so far, but we all know what he is and that he eventually will come to realise he cannot deny it any longer."

Was Hirsuthe right? Had the time come that Yuri realizes he should give in to his nature? No, no of course not; it were the evil words of Hirsuthe, and Yuri has helped him greatly so far.

Feelings of doubt tear Romar appart. He then passed his thoughts over the agreement between him and Yuri: his hands instinctively searched for his sword. His head turns to meet Yuri, and he looks at him with fear and distrust.

But his hand is pulled back quickly again. No, Yuri had been his greatest ally. Yet to be always on guard concerning Yuri was part of the agreement. He had to make sure...

"What did you say to the demon when you spoke in its language?"

[Fangor the Fierce]

If the devil is not dealt with by the time Krysta's turn comes up, she quickly grabs her arrows, letting them fly with increased speed, aimed at the back of the retreating devil.

"Don't Let Him Escape!" she calls out, trying to prevent the little one from calling or warning others nearby.

Full attack, taking 5 foot step SW, trying to get a clear shot at the devil. (Not sure if Vorren will hit the golem and move up, or stay there.... if he taks his 5 foot step, I can get the clear shot.... hint hint...)

Taking aim, the arrows fly, hopefully taking down the little guy.

With Prayer and Haste, new attack bonuses....

+2 Mighty Comp Longbow of Shock, +15/+15/+10, 1d8+2+1d6Electricdmg, x3, Good Aligned

[Japic]

Alton is in your hands KMan, roll gently.

=======================================

Groaning in pain Girud shaked hie head, trying to clear the spots in his eyes as his muscles loosen from their tensed position. One thing he knows, he couldn't take another blow like that again. Everyone seemed to be alive and standing for now, but those monsters had to be brought down.

The monster in the south seemed wounded, with any luck it could be brought down before it brought us down. And if he positioned himself just right, he might be able to get another attack on the other monster.

Girud moves W, W, SW. Should put himdirectly between the two southern golems.

Once there he attacks the thing of glass, unwilling to admit defeat so easily.

{+15 to hit, 2d6+10 dmg}

If the beast dies then Girud brings his anger to bear cleaving into the next one.

If V should kill the thing before Girud gets there, then he'll go straight west to the pair of golems there. Same attack.

[GeneralMHB]

Yuri looks down, the anger surpassing briefly as Romar speeks.

I told him exactly what was written on the walls, the demoness's last words. I then told him to do with Daniel what he wished. Then nothing more. I thought the demon would release the grip on this place. Apparently, that has not happened. I failed to save this place, and even now, my hunger is returning...

He pauses for a minute, not looking at Romar directly. Pacing around outside observing the now Frozen City, he finishes.

This place was my last hope to find salvation. All I find is an illusion. I cannot hold back this tide forever Romar. Either I feed or die.

He looks around for anything close to resembling a stake.

I choose Death, and I greet it with open arms now. There is nothing left for me. I regret ever becoming this abomination. I cannot feed on innocents.

He turns back to Romar.

End my life, for I may end others.

(OOC: KMan, PM)

[Jevva]

Galdren groans as the magical spray blows past him, singing his skin. Even more determined now, he travels to the west and attack the golem directly west of him (moving around Jannoch)

+14: Flaming Katana of Ooze Bane 1d10 +5
AC: 25

[Fangor the Fierce]

Adelia looks around, knowing that the attack has weakend most of the warriors. She must act quickly, knowing that she can not heal them all so quickly. Perhaps if she empowered one of them to deal with the golems quicker....

She spies the damage dealt by the Maul wielded by the dwarf. Might as well make him more of a wrecking machine... she thinks to herself, as she calls for aid from Pelor himself.

She then points at the dwarf, "May Pelor grant you his power!", as the dwarf feels a surge of power engulf him. His body pulses, growing with each beat, until he stands over the golems, glaring down with his larger maul and longer reach.

Casts Enlarge Person on Garor, using Divine Spell Power to empower it to last for a longer period of time, considering we would need it...Rolled 19+9=28, lasts 15 minutes for Garor. Your maul damage increases from 1d10 to 2d8, STR is +2, DEX is -2, -1 Attack and AC, plus REACH, keeping you from harm....

Sensing her healing will be needed quickly, she then moves towards the battle, hoping she can withstand the golems, should they try to use the same powers as before.... She moves 20 feet west, as she is wearing medium armour, grabbing a wand and wiedling it in one hand, ready to be used.

Turn Attempts left, 6 for the day.

[Fangor the Fierce]

Mordrock, a little torn as to what to do, watches as Krysta tries to bring down the devil. By the time he can react, it is more than too late to aid. He turns his attention back to the prisoners. One seemed to be turned to stone, another goes crazy, one more gets covered in acid and almost melts, while another is engulfed in flames, yet manages to survive. This prisoner is different from the others. Perhaps able to help the others as well, if he were freed...

He sees that the others are feeble, and decides to take a closer look at the prisoner that seems to withstand fire. He moves 60 feet, to within ten feet of the survivor, and examines him. Search +10, Hide +7, (taking -20 for double move)

[BluSpecs]

Garor smiles at his increased size and attacks the nearest glass monster

" Healing wand...belt...help...others!" Garor hopes she can grab the wand if she needs it.

Masterwork Maul (+13/+13/+7, 2d8+8, . 20\x3 Ghost Touch) (I think w/spell boni)

[VemuKhaham]

As Yuri speaks his plea for death, for final salvation of his undead state, for the one sure way to prevent him from bringing further harm upon others who are innocent, Romar looks at him with wide open eyes.

"End my life, for I may end others."

If Yuri finds his stake and offers it to Romar to slay him with it, Romar steps back and shakes his head. His reaction had until then been astounished mostly, but he then conciously puts himself together and looks at Yuri with a sort of parental anger.

"Damn you, Yuri, why do you constantly blame yourself for being what you are? Yes, you might have blood that feels cold to the touch, and yes, you do have the canine teeth of the vampire, but good lord, ever since you have been with me, what have you done wrong for being so cursed as you claim to be? Is it saving hundreds of dwarves and killing two, or is it saving dozens of young maidens and having slain one? What matters is what you do when you are acting as Yuri, and not as when you are drawn to blood by that cursed, blasted disease of yours!"

Romar sighs. "No, my failure to trust you at times is my own failure. I have said that I would slay you whenever you gave in to the vampire inside you, but that moment is not now, and for all I know that moment might not come before my own death, or not even in a hundred lifetimes. And for as long as we travel together, I shall watch over you and make sure you do not commit the same mistakes you did before, so that it will not have to come to such a time at all."

Romar looks at Yuri, hoping to change his toughts to another subject. "There must be a way to get this city back to its old state. Will you help me find it?"

[TheUdjat]

Callian, frustrated at the fleeing demon, attempts again to join the fray - this time he directs his attacks at the golems, however, advancing on the one southwest of Vorren (assuming it's still there on his turn). He does not charge - simply advances and begins with a powerful downward swipe of his sword, inwardly wishing he had something to bash it with. ((Power Attack for 3: Longsword +1 (not flaming) at +7, damage 1d8+7, AC 25))

Caelith, like Krysta, takes particular note of the demon attempting to scurry away. If it is still not slain by his turn, then he drops his rapier, quickly swinging his longbow to the forefront and firing upon the fleeing devil. He moves to find as clear a shot to it as possible, ofcourse. ((Quick Draw to get the bow out as a free action. Axiomatic Longbow +1 at +9 to hit, 1d8+1 damage (extra damage to chaotic creatures probably doesn't apply)))

If the demon is slain, Caelith will instead move to the North wall to investigate the screaming obelisks there, hoping to determine a way to destroy them or shut them down - or any information he can attain at all. ((All knowledges at +7, except Arcana at +17 - use whatever applies))

[GeneralMHB]

Yuri gazes back at Romar and stops looking for the stake.

Maybe there is some hope, the hard part is finding it....

With that, he speeks up once more.

Mortals do not remember the good deeds that have been done by a soul, but remember him eternally for the sins he has committed. Understand where I come from Romar. My grandfather was the greatest of advisors to the king of Ravenshead. All those good deeds were erased in one night. Everyone rememberd him and his family bloodlines as traitors from then on out. I slowly become that which my grandfather was. I hoped that this city would aid me in my ailment, but how can a frozen man help another? I do not wish for that same curse to fall upon me again. That is why I plead for death.

Perhaps there is hope. Looking for it will not be easy, but perhaps it is there. I will die before you do Romar, but, when I die, I will take 'The Master' and Hirsuthe with me. All I need is some way to sustain my hunger until then without the cost of innocents. Even now, I grow hungary after having Daniel's blood in my hands. You have no idea how greatful I am that you are aiding me. Whatever you wish of me, it is yours. I will aid you in finding a way to unfreeze the city. But I do not have much time left. My hunger is returning quickly.

[VemuKhaham]

"I see you are suffering, and how the hunger gnaws on your very bones, yet death is not the answer for you, I think; it seems only a quick way to avoid the question. I shall do what I can to ease that hunger, though my skills only go so far, and animal blood seems not to work in the way a man's or woman's blood feeds you. But trust me Yuri that I shall wake over you as you have done for me as well. You may die before I do, yet you may not, but I am sure when we are separated forever and irreversibly by the one power that can do so - death - that the Gods will take over my task, no matter if you or I still wander this world."

Romar was terrified when he heard Yuri begging for death, but now his relieve is all the greater. He then begins to think of a way to bring Yuri some new hope, a way to find it, as he called it. Looking to the spot where the demon was last seen, Romar speaks up:

"What option is left to us now? Who can undo the enchantment that has doomed this place? The Demon said he could, but he betrayed us and finding him will be truly impossible I fear. But who else?"

Romar thinks out loud, but then he shrugs. Suddenly, he feels tired, and looking at Yuri, he sees that the brave man could use some rest as well, if only to heal his wounds, to order his toughts and to regain the psionic powers that he so stoutly wields. The spell that Daniel had released from that enchanted device must have nearly devastated him.

"Come with me to one of the temples, Yuri, and let us find rest and solace there, even though they might be abandoned by the clerics, I believe something must still be there lingering of the spirits of the Gods. I have seen how you have been torn as of late in your spiritual guidance, and I even have heard you mention the Whispered One. Do you still turn to her in your prayers? It would be wise to cast aside such an abominable goddess, for Vecna does little to ease your suffering, my friend."

If Yuri agrees and nothing further of note happens, he would go to a nearby temple that looks pleasant enough, though he would be hesitant to enter the big one they just left again, simply cause he feels rest and solace would be hard to find in that place after what happened. However, if there's no other temple, it would be his last resort.