Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception

Subject: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:16 am

ooc: For continuity purposes, the events in the previous iteration of Chapter 2 (i.e. the one before this current thread) do not exist.

Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception

After the adventurers dispatched Holg Half-Orc, priest of The Many, of the Bloodaxe Clan (as identified by Somi-Sesolston mortician-priests from the Church of Wee Jas), they took some time off in the now-appreciative city to recover, retrain, and even enjoy a couple of other R’s – namely, relaxation and recreation.

ooc: You guys begin at level 2, the way your characters have been upgraded from earlier. As far as I know, nobody opted to recreate their character.

After a few weeks, the group meets with Leland-Sir, a Sesolston town official, at the large town square. There they learn that Princess Somi’s sixteenth birthday is drawing near, the special celebration of dou'fore double novem. Put in broader terms, it is her sixteenth year, and held in such special regard because of the Kingdom's history, that the extensive preparations required has resulted in the other main towns wearing themselves thin with logistics. It is prime time for the adventuring profession.

After learning that the strange, orange mist known as the burning plague emanated from barrels in Holg’s forest hideout, scouts from Sesolston discovered that the recent increase in bandit attacks and highway raids has been the combined efforts of two orc tribes: The Bloodaxe and the Tornclaw . Not since the War of Ultimates has such alliances existed openly.

The town’s chief concerns at the moment are the mounting raids against the kingdom’s border settlements to the south, and the disturbing fact that a Bloodaxe-Tornclaw band was able to evade Somi patrols and hide so closely to town. Indeed, Shiane's son's kidnapping may have yet been boon in disguise.

(It is interesting to note that though the Bloodaxe-Tornclaw alliance possesses barrels of the burning plague, their clerics are not likely to have manufactured such a sophisticated substance, at least not without outside help.)

With the group’s information that the Jinam Protectorate from the Warring Nations on the Seventh Shell may be involved, the town officials are baffled and perplexed, fearing potential disaster for the kingdom. They borrow the strange visor and strange rod from the group to analyze the foreign objects, promising to return them to the adventurers after they finish.

ooc: More coming in the next few minutes...

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:29 am

With a shock, the group learns that the Kingdom of Somi and the Jinam Protectorate have always has good history from the War of Ultimates, beginning with Grimjaw, the legendary lizardman high chieftain who became First General of the Jinam Protectorate, and Kahlan Amnell-Somi, First Queen of the Kingdom of Somi. The foundations of peace that both leaders laid down for their lands made their alliance possible, securing their realms’ survival in the first dark ages that were the aftermath of the Great War. It soon dawns on the group that it would indeed be disastrous for the cordial relations between the two nations should it be discovered that after centuries of technological, military, and capital gain on both ends, one has in fact turned against the other in secret.

The town officials stress that this is now a new priority with which they can provide the adventurers with employment: They need to verify the identity of the Jinam behind this, after which they will inform Somi-Siegard, the capital city, at once. There are three absolutely critical things the town officials stress to the group regarding this:

No one outside of the Sesolston town councilmen, the adventuring group (you guys), and King Somi’s high council can ever know about this.
The town of Sesolston may come under intense scrutiny from the capital, depending on how they decide to proceed with this news (regardless of how it turns out).
The general populace of the Jinam Protector on Shell 7 and even most officials and common military personnel most likely wouldn’t know of such a subtle plot by its high command and select troops. Therefore, Jinam officials cannot be alerted or informed about this new development in any way (you just don’t know what they know…). All public relations with such officials and citizens must remain cordial.

With a sobering reminder that the security of Sesolston – even the entire Kingdom of Somi – may depend on the group’s ability to allay the Jinam Protectorate’s counter-suspicion, the town officials reinforce the fact that if any of the group members have had negative history with the Jinam, they must avoid contact with them in public at all cost.

ooc: And more coming again soon…

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:39 am

After a few days, the group is summoned back to the town council, who has suggested that the best course of action for the group is to grant them asylum in the nearby trading post town of Seawell, off the shore of Sauron’s Eye Lake.

ooc: The group is given traveling papers granting them passage to Seawell.

They also gain a conscription scroll, which basically just says that they are now a part of Sesolston’s town militia, sent on a mission to investigate the absence of some recent shipments from across the lake, that the town expected several days ago.

Traveling to Seawell, a tenday away, the group learns from those in Seawell that it is the regularly-due cargo ships themselves that have failed to show up in the last few weeks (as opposed to something happening to Sesolston’s land caravans along the way back to town). However, the town’s own small militia is already dealing with increased hostile activity from nearby wild lizardfolk tribes.

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:53 am

Commander Sean of the Seawell militia seeks the group out at the bar:

"You're from Sesolston, then? We heard that we'd be getting help from them." Appraising the group, he arches his eyebrows, impressed. "Seems like Sesolston's into more interesting folk these days, eh?” No doubt he’s referring to the group’s less humanoid members. Whatever thought crosses his cryptic features remains unspoken, though it is something like a smirk. "We're dealing with more raids than usual from the local savage tribes. It’s kept us busy, but we’d still like to find out why there’s been a continued absence of all ships from the sea, reef-side. Several volunteers, citizens and militia alike, have gone to figure out what has happened, but none of them have come back. Probably some sort of foul play along the shore.

"Here," he adds, showing them an open scroll, "is a statement from our mayor promising 100 gold to each of you to find out what has become of the ships that should have been coming to port on a regular basis over the last three weeks, and resolve the problem. You are also promised all spoils recovered from the hostile folk you may encounter. However, please return any cargo from any grounded ships you might find, as they are the property of their merchants. We won’t make it your job to haul back that stuff for us – just make a report when you return.” The group notices that he doesn’t say “if” – well, that’s a good thing. Right?”

A few other things learned:

Typical enemies of Seawell stay in temporary camps throughout the wildernesses of the kingdom (probably for better mobility).
There are some seaside cliffs and coves along the shore of the peninsula as it stretches out into the sea, but they aren’t really around here, closer to town or off the town shoreline.
Ship cargo should be marked by the specific traders they come from and the merchants they are intended for. Those kinds of marks easily resist normal wear and tear and usually cannot be removed without intentional force.
The town is interested in recovering mainly the dry goods of higher value, if any remain – foodstuffs have likely perished already.
If the group wishes to keep any of the cargo they find, the town can verify if the shipment has been nulled, and if so, they will be allowed to do so. (keeping them illegally is also an option, but consider the consequences of such an action)
Local fishermen wouldn't know if anything unusual had happened to the single lighthouse sitting on the tip of the peninsula itself, as they don’t really have their ships go out that far.

ooc: The group is given temporary accommodations at a nearby inn – nothing too fancy.

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:56 am

Before the group retires for the night, they learn the additional following details:

The lighthouse was built 45 years ago by the Kojars, a family of four. The lighthouse is over fifty feet tall, and rests on the other side of the peninsula just around its tip, away from Seawell.
It is apparent from searching around town and explanations by locals that whatever telltale signs of habitation that would normally be left by larger, clumsier groups such as orc and other goblinoid tribes are nowhere to be seen. The current conclusion is thus that the savage tribes inhabiting this part of the region are very familiar with the lay of the land, and probably divide up their tribal groups into smaller bands and raiding parties to avoid being tracked effectively.
When a dry season begins, as the swamp waters begin to recede from the peninsula, local wildlife dig muddy depressions in the ground to trap the remaining water and keep themselves comfortable as they await the next wet season. Known as solution holes, these deep pits measure 20 feet across and house all sorts of wildlife: Fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and even alligators, among others. Since it is currently the wet season, the solution holes have shrunk, collapsing slightly, though they are not visible above the murky water and tall grasses that dot the land.
The peninsula is also dotted with stands of trees growing on raised areas known as hummocks. A typical hummock measures about 300 feet across, but can be up to a few times larger. Trees grow thickly on the hummocks, providing shelter for large predators such as wild cats.
The terrain around the lighthouse itself consists mainly of sand dunes dotted with patches of tall grass and trees. The dunes form a raised area between the beach and the swampland, which shields the beach from the view of anyone approaching from the peninsula.

Given a few different ways to reach the reef that sits along the edge of the swampy peninsula jutting out from the town’s shoreline, the group elects to travel by (wet) land the next day.

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:07 am

Armias, a rugged-looking Seawell local, takes the group to the peninsula. He waves away the group’s payment up front, saying that they’ll figure out the cost later depending on how long it actually takes (it’s a good-natured statement – they might actually spend less time in the peninsula that first anticipated).

ooc: If any of you paid 2 sp from before, give it back to yourselves.

And Now...

A few days have passed without incident, besides startling some night jaguars, passing through some interesting, rough grasses, and knee-deep marshland. The group settles down to lunch. Armias concocts his bowl of mysterious stew seemingly out of nothing more than the stuff in the environment around them and some herbs and spices tucked away on his pack. The various group members deal with lunch individually, and Armias enjoys watching some of them struggle to fish, hunt, or otherwise prepare more rugged meals than even they are accustomed to. Yes, life on the peninsula must be hard... which is why no one actually lives out here, really.

Later on, the group continues their slow but steady forward trek. Nothing greets them but the high, hot sun of the afternoon, dark blots in the sky representing the Shells above, and the chirps, clicks, clacks, and buzzing of marshland creatures both tiny and small around them. After a few hours, Armias stops, and the group gathers to him, looking outward.

The land before them looks even more swampy and treacherous than before. "Watch out," cautions the rugged, tan-skinned man. "There's more than flies and critters in these parts..."

ooc: Here we go!

David, please upgrade Mystia to level 2 and re-send her to me before you post.

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:37 pm

"Well, I be watchin yer standing here in front of me. I be payin ye good silver to guide, and you be's chargin by t' day. We gonna move or stand around yappin all day?"

Alterith is impatient to be out of this hot, humid, bug ridden territory, and his impatience is beginning to show. It really isn't directed at the guide, but he will bare the brunt of it for the moment.

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Thu Jan 08, 2009 1:26 am

"We go," grumbles the Blackscale (ooc: and brushing the inch thick layer of dust from his hide). The time spent in Seawell had helped him brush up on his common, though it was still middling at best. Many words came out garbled and in most cases it was just easier for him to use short and simple phrases instead of struggling to piece the correct words together. He constantly found himself mixing Draconic in with his sentences which led to things being lost in translation.

He rolls his eyes at the remainder of their party and turns to follow Armias further into the murky swamp land.

AC/Touch/Flat-footed: 21/15/17

Skythar pulls over his hood as to avoid the direct sunlight. His scales shimmer and change colors as he brushes against the foliage around him. Not being used to walking in a marsh, he finds that he much prefers the dry dunes of his homeland. There was no suction from the mud underneath, no tangled vines and plants, and no waist high water and having to worry about supplies getting wet. He much rather prefer the open land of his homeland, the hot surface disguising the comfortably cool sand underneath. Never being too sure in a foreign land, he occasionally looks around and focuses his hearing to check for predators. You could never be too sure, and coming from his homeland, where if one let their guard down for one second, they were likely taken by a giant sand scorpion or another predator, he'd rather be safe than sorry.

spot: 3+4 = 7
listen: 14+4 = 18

AC/Touch/Flat-footed: 21/15/17

ooc: here are the checks, spot, then listen

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:48 am

The member 'silverdrak' has done the following action : Dice

'20' :
Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception D20

Result :

Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception 14

Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception 5

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:50 am

From afar the tall grasses appear as a nice area to just trot or run through. This reminds Squin of his home, where there were an occansional open grassland to trot or run around in. As soon as they got closer, it was quite obvious that it was different. Here was nothing but marshes full of pit holes. The going is fairly slow and very uncomfortable. It is no wonder that virtual no one lives out here. He doesn't really care if they stop for a little bit or if they continue on. His mind is slowly drifting towards a zombie like state. Realizing that some of the others have looked at him after voicing their opinions on moving on, Squin shrugs his shoulders with his hands held upwards and outwards signalling that it doesn't matter wiht him. When he gets hungry or needs energy he'll just munch on some bland trail rations.

Subject: Post #2-2 Mon Jan 12, 2009 3:14 am

ooc: Spot and Listen - nothing out of ordinary.

The hot, damp air lays upon them like a heavy blanket. Whether it is the tall grass or insects nicking at them from all directions, they can no longer tell. With a grunt and a gruff nod, Armias continues onward, the group following close behind. A couple hand gestures from him tell the adventurers to follow his footsteps exactly. They are only ankle-deep in the parts in which they tread, and the guide doesn't look like the kind who'd pull them out of any deeper problem should they misstep.

So far, so good. But a nagging feeling pervades the group - they know that the land around them is teeming full of life... and not just of the trivial kind. Quite on the contrary, the nagging feeling convinces the group that hostile creatures are ready to explode with violence should they discover their presence in this territory on the peninsula.

ooc: Everybody, PM me a Dexterity check to see how well you follow Armias' lead. Squin, you get a -2 physical penalty.

Subject: Post #2-3 Wed Jan 14, 2009 2:34 am

The adventurers cautiously follow Armias into the mushy swampland. They note that their guide chooses patches of ground indiscernable to their eyes that are apparently more steady to walk on. However, as they progress... splllooorrrrssshhh! Alterith's foot finds a new home in the mire. By his own might, the halfling pulls himself back out, and now he has a new dark brown boot, dripping with murky water and decorated with blades of marsh grass.

The sound is remarkably loud in this environment. Armias stops suddenly, his back stiffening. He turns around, the look on his face showing his desire to shush the group but unwilling to say anything out loud for fear of rousing any of the creatures around him. His eyes widen as a warning, and then he turns back around and continues proceeding. The group follows, as well.

ooc: Everyone, PM me a (second) Dex check and a Spot check. Disregard the first Dex check I previously asked for in post 2-2 if you didn't do it yet.

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:33 pm

His natural environment was somewhat similar to the area they were currently in, though a bit less murky. Krytox continues to take care, following in the exact spots that Armias had just stepped. A loud noise from nearby causes him to become instantly alert, though he quickly realizes it was only the little halfling. The blackscale gave Alterith a knowing grin, letting out a raspy snicker before turning and continuing on his way. The mumbling curses from everyone and the squishy noises now emanating from Alterith dulled his senses slightly as he focused solely on following their current path. Hope we don't have to do this for long... at least for their sakes.

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Thu Jan 15, 2009 6:46 am

Quiet is something foreign to the halfling. This is not his cup of tea at all. As once again he sinks almost to his waste in water that rises to the others shins. Sloshing along, grumbling to himself or anyone else listening, the squish, squash, squelch of him lumbering along and pulling himself out of the muck makes their passing obvious.

"CONFOUND IT", he shouts as he pulls his foot out of a particularly bad patch of mud and leaves his boot behind. Bending over he grasps the boot and yanks it out of the mud, sitting down behind him in the process.
"HOW MUCH MORE OF THIS IS THERE!" It is a rhetorical question, obviously not one he wants an answer to as he immediately returns to his grumbles. "One monster to fight, one anything other than mosquitos and mud. Maybe we shoulda had a go at those swamp cats."

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:09 am

His mind a bit mindless at the moment the centaur almost follows the halfling into the deep muck. In fact, he got one hoof stuck in the same mud pile, but thanks to the halfling's noisy entrance he just recovers before falling in himself. Barely. At the expense of being quiet. Now he's got some wet muck halfway up one of his front legs with splatters of it on the other legs. At least his mind has snapped back into focus ... for the time being.

Subject: Post #2-4 Thu Jan 15, 2009 3:23 pm

As the group trudges on, the sun shines down on them ever more fiercely. The air doesn't look too foggy, but they feel it on their skin, a permeating, heavy vapor web. Grasses crunch and bend as they wade through the marshland, occasionally taking the moss-covered dry, higher ground, and sometimes dipping into knee- or waist-deep bog regions. The chirp and hum of wildlife continues in the background, and they can almost taste the swampy smell that pervades their ears.

Suddenly, elongated forms splash violently out of the marsh waters, spraying a dark vaporous sheen everywhere. Droplets of water glitter in the sunlight as a flurry of movement heads all too rapidly for the adventurers. With a grunt of surprise, Armias dives to the side as a dark shape closes in, and then passes him. Massive jaws shut on Skythar, clamping tightly on the duneskaj's torso! Almost immediately, even as bones crunch and the blood starts to flow into the bubbling, splashing water surrounding the area, a deadly struggle begins as Skythar renews his strength and begins fighting back, locking the creature in an iron embrace.

As the horrified companions look onward, suddenly a second form splashes violently out of the water near the group, off to the side. This time, an thick appendage the size of a small log - probably a tail - swoops out of the grassy marsh, gashing Squin the centaur across his flank. The wound stings as flesh is rendered and torn, and with a loud scream of pain Squin drops to one side, his two left legs failing to sustain himself. Blood sprays over the nearby marsh grasses as the centaur's ribs are horribly exposed. He struggles valiantly to keep his footing, but his eyes close and he slowly begins to sink into the swamp waters.

Still too far behind, Rasa and Dorian notice the disturbance farther up ahead where their friends went, and struggle to catch up. "Shell's hells!" swears a wide-eyed Armias vehemently, hand going to his hip to draw his shortsword. One would imagine Alterith and Krytox responding similarly with all due haste. But as the guide draws his weapon, he shouts, "there's no way! We have to run! Take your friends and let's go!" He begins to beat a hasty retreat.

The next few minutes may well determine the destiny of the Novemterran Legend.

ooc: Everyone roll Initiative! Jack and Zadok, see PM. Andrew and Trevor, since I haven't heard from you guys yet, your characters are behind the main group, and it will take some time to catch up.

Everyone, make sure to update the character sheets in your Profile - I sometimes will have to reference it (i.e. if I'm posting somewhere out of the house), so it's to your advantage to have that information updated)

Last edited by Alterith on Thu Jan 15, 2009 7:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

As the lethargy of travel is banished in a frenzied instant, Alterith loses his mental grasp on his darker side. A bloody haze fills his field of vision blinding him as skythar's blood flies into his face and onto his clothes. In that blinded state, Bloodlust surges forward. Sensing the surprise of Alterith, the weakening of his bonds on Bloodlust's fury, he surges forward. Feeling control of the body flow to him, he rapidly banishes Alterith to a dark, safe corner and slams down a wall to keep him from regaining control. Absolute control is a rare thing for Bloodlust, but he takes full advantage of it.

Blinking his eyes, only a few heartbeats have passed, and the others have barely begun to move, but the internal struggle is over for Bloodlust. As his vision clears, all he can see is the slow motion action as the creatures body swings in Skythars grasp, and other creatures swarm in towards the group. Armias flees, but this is nothing to Bloodlust.

His axe materializes in his hands as his body surges forward into the combat. A roar escapes his lips, and shakes the trees around him. He has learned something from Alterith's pacivity. The best way to overcome a wild beast is to convince it you are a greater beast. He may be small, but his fang is sharper than most. A wicked scream splits the air as his axe whistles over his head aiming for the neck behind the head currently clamped on the lizardman's middle. At the last second, he realizes his miscalculation as his boot refuses to pull loose from the muck and he tumbles in front of the creature.

Initiative: 18 +4 =22
Attack: 2 +6 =8

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Fri Jan 16, 2009 1:08 pm

What the heck! That hurts. I'm drenched in something ... something red ... and its coming from me. Feel so tired ... .... ..... ..... Stumbling a bit, with limbs flailing and with a splash Squin collapses into the water. After a brief moment Squin starts bobbing in the water, peacefully, as if sleeping. However, the growing pool of red water betrays the seemingly serene setting.

AC/Touch/Flat-footed: 21/15/17

It's coming, you should move, it's coming, MOVE!....

Skythar realizes that the attacker is coming for him, but it is too late. His body seems slow to move as he tracks the movement of the creature. It seems like slow motion as the creature's head approaches Skythar and seems to grow out of his torso. His eyes widen in surprise as his thick torso collapses under the jaws of an unknown assailant. Strangely, he feels no pain, though he realizes the crunching noise in not from the marsh, but from inside his own body. He is thrown into the marsh, and the sudden wetness of the environment further confuses him.

However, as his mind goes into shock from the pain and sensory overload, a glaze seems to come over his eyes as he suddenly begins to struggle against the creature. The normally unemotional face of the reptile seems even less alive as Skythar begins to thrash against his assailant furiously. However, while his limbs and body seem to move powerfully, looking at his face, you would think that fighting with a monster clamped around his torso was as common as the sun in the sky.

ooc: hey, do i get to attack if i'm struggling to get out of its grasp?
initiative: 19+4 = 23

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Wed Jan 21, 2009 1:23 am

Krytox leaps to action as soon as he sees the darting shape take form. His powerful legs flex as he springs from the muck towards the point of attack. Skythar's body swings back and forth like a ragdoll, but there is still life in his limbs as he pounds against his assailant. The Underlost takes a split second to look at Squin, or at least where Squin had been standing. The centaur now lay in an ever growing pool of his own blood. Not much hope for that one... he thinks as he continues his charge.

His fingers tighten around the base of the wooden club as he readies it for a swing. His hands clench and relax multiple times during his bull-rush, getting the best grip on the club as possible. The lizardman might only get one shot at their attacker and he wanted it to count. The little halfling was unable to do so and as their numbers dwindled, each attack might mean the difference between their survival and gruesome ends.

Init: 2 + 3 = 5
Attack: 20 + 10 + 7 = 37
Dmg (if applicable): 9 + 7 = 16
Dmg (crit if applicable): 3 + 7 = 10
Total Dmg (if applicable) 16 + 10 = 26

Subject: Post #2-5 Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:40 pm

ooc: Zadok, I still need an Initiative roll from you. Don't be tryin ta dodge outta takin 1 hp reductions, y'hear!!!

Skythar struggles mightily against the steel-jawed crocodilian. The poison dusk brace his body, and in his final, desperate attempt, displays a show of power from his small body rivaling that of a giant. Amid the din, Krytox and Alterith barely make out tiny sounds... like the whirring of small motors.

The creature relinquishes its grasp, and Skythar squirms away, having barely broken free of its hold. He struggles to regroup and regain his bearings.

Alterith's alter-ego's rage proves too potent, at least for this kind of terrain. Losing his balance in the frenzy, his axe falls short as he stumbles. Krytox swings his greatclub mightily, as though for the Major Leagues on a different world, in a different time. It really is a home run smash, shattering tough, armored scales and bones alike, and crumpling flesh. The receiving creature bucks into the air, writhing spasmodically as it falls length-wise back down into the marsh, and lays still. Red-orangish bubbles drift to the surface.

But the fight is not yet over. The other crocodilian, having felled Squin, turns on Krytox, latching onto the underlost's leg, tearing away at heavy, dark scales and the tough sinew underneath.

ooc: I don't know what happened to Andrew and Trevor - I hope they're doing alright! - but I'm putting them on the bench. If they come back, I'll deal with it then. But for now, it'll be just you guys. David, if you'd still like to join back, let me know.

Last edited by Alterith on Thu Jan 22, 2009 5:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

Curses fly from Bloodlust's mouth as he plants his axe into the muck. Scrambling back to his feet he yanks his axe free and turns to his opponent. Seeing the beast floating in the water, blood bubbles bursting around it, he turns to the next target. Seeing scales, he swings the axe blade in a vicious arc. The foam from the mud still on his face gives him a feral, rabid appearance. The red glint to his eye adds to the effect. Any sane person would be running the other way. The two combatants locked together in a life or death struggle don't even notice. At the last second Alterith surges forward, altering the axe blow away from Krytox's skull, and angling down at the other scaled beast. Bloodlust gives a mental shrug, not caring where the blood flows from as long as it flows free.

Attack: +6

Random number (1,20) :: 10

Damage: +3

Random number (1,10) :: 10

Subject: Re: Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception Thu Jan 22, 2009 11:20 pm

His triumphant expression was quickly torn to pieces, as was his leg, by the second crocodilian. A gutteral scream builds from deep within him, causing the air to reverberate around his chest finally building to a mighty crescendo. He bends at the hip, releasing the yell. A mixture of pain and hate emanates as spittle flicks from his forked-tongue and jagged teeth. Blood pours from his leg, mixing in with all the other crimson liquid already causing the mud to look more like clay. The hot liquid squirts onto the crocodilian, but doesn't stay long as water sloshes around wiping away the blood and replacing it with the gooey muck from underfoot.

If someone were to look, they could easily become entranced and lose themself in the small eddies of brown and red swirling between the combatants legs. Krytox' frenzied eyes shift from movement to movement, locked in a fierce battle not only for his life, but those of his compatriots. He pauses slightly on the fallen centaur for a second time. Seeing his friend's blood mixing in with his own, his fury is heightened to a new level. The murky water makes the grip on the weapon slick. Grasping with two hands, he swings the knotted club against the second assailant. The arc causes mud, scales and other pieces of flesh to fly into the air. As it reaches the pinnacle, his grip falters slightly. The blow lands solidly, but the Underlost knows it was not nearly as true a strike as before. All he can hope for is that it would be enough to end this skirmish quickly - or at least some of the party might be meeting a premature and cruel fate.

Attack: 11 + 7 = 18
Damage: 6 + 7 = 13

» Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception
» Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception
» Chapter 7: Bankruptcy
» Chapter I: So Where's the Tavern?
» Chapter 1: Don't Go Into Dark Places Alone