Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception

ooc: My map file is on my home computer - I'll upload the results after this round [1] probably tomorrow. But for now, at least we've got the action going!

In the span of mere moments, the battle begins to rage once again across the sandy grasses of the wet peninsula. Blood-soaked flecks of sand fly in all directions as dust is trampled into the sky and white foam spews from the seemingly upset shore, as though Terra herself were expressing her displeasure that her beloved Miderth should suffer the dirtiness of murder.

Squin's arrow flies true, striking the pirate in the eye as he was about to raise his dagger to strike the group's lizardfolk ally. But alas, the eye in the pirate's vile head is but a glass one, shining in the afternoon sunlight with greens and blues muddied by the filth of his surrounding oily skin, and the arrow sparks against it and deflects into the ground, bent and broken. The pirate stumbles backward slightly, grasping his right eye and screaming in pain - the hit must have knocked the gem farther back into his filthy head.

As Mystia stays by the centaur's side and loads her crossbow, giving it small but strong pulls to prepare the deadly bolt for villainous flesh, the Pirate Captain puts away her binoculars calmly, and having surveyed the battlefield, mutters something to herself. Immediately, a wave of cold dread sweeps over the combatants on the shoreline as a mystically-summoned, rotting hand tattered with the wet, gurgling organisms of Aquatrane's deepest depths surface around the Pirate Captain's body, enclosing her limbs and torso. When the ghostly image fades, the Pirate Captain is wrapped in a sickly green-blue glow.

Krytox doesn't bat an eyelid at the spectacle - not because he doesn't have eyelids, but because the Underlost is too busy burying the business end of his axe in the pirate's head with the glass eye. The blade messily thunders through both hand and skull, dropping the pirate lifelessly to the ground. (Upon further inspection after the battle, the Underlost would sadly recognize that his weapon would be sufficiently worn as to warrant a new purchase above some makeshift repair at the hands of some unscupulous blacksmith.)

Alterith charges through the fray, his bloodlust taking him nearly face to face with the Pirate Captain. He bowls right past two fighting pirates on his way, and while the two pirates each have their own reptilians to fight, they each give a half-hearted swing at the halfling. Both miss. Taking himself to the Pirate Captain has him left before her, ready to utter a bloodcurdling cry and seamlessly meld the edge of his weapon with her rough but pretty face. A spirit of violence - Bloodlust, one might say - descends upon them, seeming to burn away the dark, dank, oppressive force imposed by the creatures of Aquatrane's deep, like a spectre of crimson rage. Then, before such a feat can happen, a thick chained head of black metal and a wickedly-curved cutlass from the other side slam down onto the halfling's back. The group spares a glance toward where the command group has temporarily stopped, and so does their hearts, as the ravaged barbarian begins to fall forward, eyes closing as he hits the sand at their feet, blade and bludgeon embedded in his red-soaked back.

The other member of the terrible quartet, the left lieutenant, strides forward, giving no glance to the near-fatal encounter his Captain experienced. He strokes his chin beneath his red handkerchief covering his mouth, then with a fluid motion swings through and guts the lizardwoman unfortunate enough to be too close to where the pirate command group first came to shore. The now freed pirate gleefully looks up at the left lieutenant in admiration, but his respect is lost on the latter as he reaches down with iron-studded, gloved hands and, without flinching, ruthlessly crushes the gurgling lizardwoman's throat.

As certain emotions stir within the companions, the battle rages on, and a few pirates and lizardfolk die this round.

ooc: Since no map yet:

Pirate A: Dead
Alterith: Sustains 15 dmg (total from both enemies)
Ally G: Dead
Pirate C, I: Dead
Ally F: Dead

Gore dripping from his axe blade, Bloodlust looks around him in amazement. A large field extends as far as the eye can see. Large, colorful bunnies bounce carefree through this odd landscape. His mind is slow to register what his body already knows. His last charge has ended in disaster and soon his spirit will be released to float through the heavenly shells, free as the bunnies that leap and play around him. But why bunnies? As one leaps near him, Bloodlust lunges. Well, at least he will eat well as he waits for his own release.

Attack Rabbit:+6

Random number (1,20) :

9

Stabilize:

Random number (1,100) :

74

Damage:+7

Random number (1,10) :

6

"I..uhh...you see...," Mystia begins, locking the bolt into place. However, she is interrupted by the Pirate Captain on the shore. Her eyes fill with dread as she recognizes the ghastly creatures that engulf the Captain. She stares for a few seconds, but then realizes that she holds a loaded weapon in her hands. Forcing herself to concentrate, she aims her crossbow at the nearest pirate and lets the bolt fly. She hadn't been practicing with the crossbow as much lately, and it showed.

Attack: Pirate B: 1d20 + 2 = 12+2 = 14
Damage: 1d8 = 6

Mystia immediately begins loading another crossbow bolt. She turns back to Squin. "Yeah, so I guess we should get going," she says, nodding towards the group by the shore. Something in the distance didn't look quite right, but she can't quite put her finger on what it was.

ooc: at least, i'm assuming she would recognize the Aquatrane fishies, at least...

Krytox looks toward the shoreline just in time to see his comrade tumble to the sand. The small puff and inaudible thump were nearly more than the Underlost could bear. The training he went through with The Traveler that now seemed so long ago helped him to clear his mind and act rationally, even in such a stressful and dire situation. While he struggled with something as simple as the Miderthian Common language, the battlefield is where his intelligence shone through. He quickly surveyed the area, taking note of which of their allies still appeared to be in fighting condition. I am the only strength left for close combat, but if someone so hardened as Alterith fell so quickly, they are obviously formidable.

There were only two more enemies continuing to fight in their area and it would be a boon if he had the remaining lizardfolk tribe helping him against the pirates. Taking command of the situation he points back to Squin and Mystia, then to the closest pirate to them (Pirate B) silently instructing where they should focus their next strike. His plan was emboldened by the fact that Squin had managed to strike the pirate in his eye, even if it was bad luck that it was glass.

Krytox himself decided to help the only other ally still fighting one of the lighthouse pirates (Pirate D). He gives a rallying cry to the tribe as releases one of his last few axes, "Fight! This battle is nearly won! To me and we will destroy these forsaken pirates!" Even if he didn't fully believe his own words, hopefully those around him would...

Attack 17 + 5 = 22
Damage: 2 + 5 = 7

ooc: Moving two squares south to be amidst our allies, throwing the axe at pirate D, then moving toward the command group. hopefully bringing the tribe with me, and rallying near allies C & G for an assault on the command.

Worried that the pirates might deliver the final blow on the downed halfling, Squin gets all tense frantically trying to think of a way to revive or stabilize the fallen halfling. He takes a step forward, but realizes that charging in wouldn't work. Just look at what happened to the halfling. They needed to distract the pirates enough to not only ignore the dying halfling but to create an opening for for someone to heal the halfling before it is too late. Ideas, both logical and insane, begin flying through Squin's mind. Somehow, someway he figured his first step was to get rid of any obstacles between them and the pirate command group. Good news for Squin, because he now has somewhat of an action plan, bad news for pirate B as he has now become the next target.

He notches another arrow and pulls back on the drawstring. Squin hesitates slightly, making sure that he doesn't peg his newfound ally. It would be a bad situation if he had to fight both the pirates and the lizardfolks. Real bad.

Attack: 15+8 = 23
Damage: 2

Aim was better, but still it appears that recently he hasn't done more than scratching the pirates with his arrows. Maybe this was the wrong choice, and now maybe Alterith dies. Frustrated, he utters a few curses under his breath. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees that Krytox is signaling to him. A brief moment later, Squin is no longer frustrated as he realizes that Krytox wanted him to target the very pirate Squin shot at. Confidence returning, he looks for his next move as he listens to Krytox bellow out something.

OOC: Moving to D3 before firing at Pirate B (in H6).

The pirates to the south of the group fall under the lizardfolks' claws and spears as Squin and Krytox deal them substantial damage. Mystia's bolt flies wide, but the mermaid reloads for more action, unshaken. A battle is joined to the north, at the base of the burning pirate structure.

The command group moves past where the group's halfling companion Alterith has fallen, intent on rectifying the situation that has fallen into disarray.

ooc: End of Round 2:

Krytox watches as his axe embeds itself deep into the chest of the last pirate near them. A small sense of satisfaction sweeps over him as he sees that there are still three of their original party and three more of their allies. They still faced a formidable task with the obviously dangerous pirate commanders, but not being the only target could be a big advantage. The other emotion the dark lizardman suddenly felt was that of confidence. It surprised him a little, considering how hurt and tired he was, but having others listen and look to him as a field commander bolstered him for the rest of the battle to come.

He gave another battle cry, hoping the others would continue to follow his lead, and started into a charge at the commanders. Another throwing axe found its way into his hand and it was instinctively thrown at the nearest enemy (Commander 4). Not waiting to see if it would strike he readied himself for melee combat. Even if he wanted to stay at a range, Krytox was quickly running out of throwing weapons. Only two axes remained strapped to his waist and he might need those for reserves should something change.

Attack: 14 + 5 = 19
Damage: 4 + 5 = 9

ooc: moving to J9, throwing the axe at Pirate Command 4, then pulling out the spiked chain (reach 10 ft), so please make note of any AoO's I might receive. I have Combat Reflexes, so I can receive up to 4 with my dex bonus.

Blood continues to mix with the sand around him as Alterith lies bleeding on the beach. As the adrenalin of rage flows from his body his blood flows even faster. His eyes sink back into his head and dark shadows fill his face. The dark wings of valkyries can be heard nearby by those with a sense of the ethereal plane.

In another world, one of flowers and cuddly bunnies, Alterith sits staring at the lifeless animal in his hands. Its blood mingles with Alterith’s own and forms a pool by his feet. Defeat sits heavily on his shoulders and when he raises his head, the fields and flowers are gone, replaced by a desolate landscape and swords and spears in place of flowers and trees. Bodies litter the landscape, an aftereffect of a great battle that continues to rage in the distance. Dark clouds billow overhead and the wind begins to pick up. The shamans of the Shuehart army are using the weather to their advantage.

Peace settles on Alterith as he looks at his death in the distance. The sounds of pain and death surround him, but they are a comfort to the warrior. His friend, and his fellows fight for their lives against the horde of Rasheik, and he is sitting here moping around like an old lady. Hell, the cook is probably at it with her wooden spoon. Leaning over, his hand closes around the haft of his axe, and he raises it to his shoulder for one last hurrah. Rasa is fighting for his life somewhere in that mess and low be it for Alterith to let him die alone.

As Alterith heads to battle, his alter-ego Bloodlust remains oddly silent. His rage has been expended, and a new calculating formula flows in his mind. The two warriors fall on the same agenda; both recognizing the futility of the war, but at the same time determined to make a fair accounting of themselves before the end finally falls.

Those on the beach might notice the strange look that falls on the face of the small halfling. It is no longer one of pain and resignation. Now a look of peace covers his face, and strength returns to his body, though death still looms nearby on the doorstep. He has not stepped through yet, and the halfling will not meet him till he does.

Stabilize:

Random number (1,100) :

78

ooc: Alex, if Krytox does not have Quick Draw, he’ll have to wait until next turn to draw his spiked chain. So far, this round he would be able to move (move-equivalent action) and then attack (standard action), taking up the entire round.

Andrew, Rasa is colored in gray (K15). You may post now and it will be counted next round. Welcome back!



The number of allies and enemies wane on each side of the battle. As Squin and Mystia look on, the pirate command group strides farther past the fallen halfling, undoubtedly to approach the attacking adventurers farther in-shore. The Pirate Captain (2) deftly leans to the side as a throwing axe streaks by her head. She looks ahead with eyes as cool as the sea at the Underlost warrior, less than one hundred feet away. “I seem to be out of my element here on mundane Miderth,” she says coldly, raven eyes narrowing. “But then again… so are you.” She points a slender finger at Krytox, and then her hand forms a clawing posture. Her left and right lieutenants (1, 4) move forward lithely, backs slightly hunched over with malicious intent.

The Captain’s aide (3) sees something moving across the water’s edge, south of their location and in the direction from where the allies are coming. He barks a quick command, and the pirate minion (J) heads off in that direction. The group glances toward the location indicated by the Captain’s aide, and lo and behold, it is the dracen, Rasa! Where suspicion would normally creep back into the group, relief floods into them now, as they know that at least for this battle, they have another pair of helping, albeit deadly, hands. The rest of the pirate command group does not appear to notice, or if they do, seem uninterested.

Alterith, far away, continues to fight in the field of dreams and phantoms as relaxation floods throughout his entire body. Beyond, in the ethereal distance, the Great Divide begins to spread toward him, its darkness beckoning to him with its eternal comfort.

Meanwhile, one of the lizardmen remaining (H) sees the boldness of Krytox, and hisses to the rest of the allies. ”He isss not one of uss… but sssurely he and the other foreignerss fight againsst the enemy of our lighthoussse friendss, forrr they bear our marrrk! Let uss benefit from their presssence for noww!” The other lizardfolk hiss their agreement and begin advancing with him. At the base of the burning tower, pirate and lizardfolk meet with spear and blade, and even more fall.

Sometimes, things are just too much. When you've grown used to working with a precise and stealthy death squad all you life, Dealing with a group that doesn't understand concepts such as sneak attacking can really make things difficult. Rasa knew that while Alterith's and Krytox's "Rush in and attack arms flailing" technique was quite effective and downing foes yes, but unfortunately for him, he didn't have the body to take the beating that they came back with every time. Some of the blows that Alterith shrugged off as nothing amazed Rasa every time. When Alterith went running towards the lighthouse and the lizardmen appeared, Rasa finally decided he needed a break. He stepped off into the underbrush and disappeared.

Watching the group from afar, he continued to survey the scene, and try to see what was going on from afar. It was only when he saw his comrade Alterith fall that he decided it was time to join in. Rising to a crouch from his perfectly concealed prone position he carefully takes aim at the pirate leader.

"Drat!" he thinks to himself as she notices him and sends one of her guards his way. "Maybe he hasn't seen me yet though? either way, I need to get this done." He quickly adjusts his aim, and lets a bolt loose on the Pirate coming towards him.

Strike (hand crossbow): 16 + 4 = 20
Fires at Pirate J (O14)
DMG: 2
If sudden strike applies, add 5 damage.

The always ready killer doesn't even wait to see if his bolt struck true as he switches his hand crossbow for his blade. He knew he needed to end this quick....

attacking as a standard action and then using a move equivalent action to change weapons after the shot. I think this is how it works?

Trying to decide what his next action should be, Squin suddenly realizes that he had zoned out momentarily. Jumping back into action, he trots foward and scans the situation. The situation doesn't look too good, especially for the halfling, though the reappearance of Rasa certainly helps a little. Seeing the pirate lieutenant easily dodge one of Krytox's normally accurate throws, Squin senses that the lizard ally may be overmatched one versus one against that pirate lieutenant. Squin decides target the lieutenant hoping that the lizard allies near the watchtower can handle the pirates and watch his back.

OOC: Move to K4 and fires an arrow at Pirate Lieutenant 1.
Attack: 9+8 = 17
Damage: 3 (Believe I missed, but just in case).

The whirling axe misses its target by quite a bit, but still almost finds a home in the captains head. A last second reaction helped avoid a gruesome death. Instead of respect from one combatant to another, all that followed were taunts. A frustrated growl welled up inside the Blackscale, but he fought it back to keep from showing unnecessary emotions. There was no sense in letting his opponents know they got under his skin. It was time to let his combat expertise do the talking.

Digging his feet in and gripping his relatively new weapon, Krytox prepared for the assault from the pirate commanders. The cool iron had a distinctly different feel than the wooden great club handle or even one of his many axes. The training he had undergone to learn these strange spiked chains rushed back into his mind. Krytox had been used to fighting on instinct and adrenaline, but since escaping on this foreign shell, he had to think more often before he acted. His muscles flexed slightly from the thought of using the exotic weapon, but now it was time to see if his brain and body could work in sync to help get them out of this seemingly insurmountable situation.

ooc: holding action to determine what the pirates will do. The spiked chain has a reach of 10ft, so I threaten all squares from L7-L11 in a wall moving 5 squares west to H7-H11. I plan on using trip attempts with my combat reflex AoO. This is just a touch attack, followed by an opposed strength (or dex, whichever bonus is higher) check. Because the spiked chain allows for a weapon-trip, an AoO is not gained by the opponent that is being tripped. If no one enters my threatened space by round end, I will take a 5-foot step to space K8. If anyone is in my threatened space by round end I will attack them.

Attack (if necessary): 14 + 7 = 21
Damage (2d4): 1 + 3 + 5 + 2 (2-handed) = 11

AoO1 (trip = touch attack): 20 + 10 + 7 = 37 (what a waste of a 20... oh well)
--> Str Check: 19 + 5 = 24

AoO2 (trip = touch attack): 11 + 7 = 18
--> Str Check: 14 + 5 = 19

AoO3 (trip = touch attack): 4 + 7 = 11
--> Str Check: 14 + 5 = 19

ooc: i doubt i'd have more than 3... but if necessary go ahead and roll for me.

As Alterith races to the aid of his comrades, the battle seems to drift farther and farther from him. He can hear the clash of steel, and the cries of the injured, but they seem to be coming from a great distance. The great beyond expands before him and the voices drift across it. His body continues to lie motionless on the sand as his will attempts to self stabilize the body.

Stabilize:

Random number (1,100) :

24

ooc: House Rule Cg4 (Player Absence) revised. Please review when able.

Rasa: sudden strike did not apply this round. you are correct with your actions.
Krytox: no need to hold action, you go right after the command group already.
Squin: good call on rolling dmg with atk – always do that to expedite play.
Mystia: Since you haven’t replied, I’m having you do nothing this round.
Alterith: If you’re interested in recreating should it become necessary, I will send you a PM on how we can proceed.


The lieutenants approach the adventuring group and their allies. Squin takes aim at the Left Lieutenant, hoping to pincushion him before he can join in melee with their lizardfolk ally, but misses. The scene is too intense for innocent Mystia – the young woman temporarily withdraws into herself in fear (no action this round). The Pirate Captain strides forward again, with her Assistant in tow. The Left Lieutenant, seeing Krytox swinging his newly-drawn chain menacingly, maneuvers around it to attack the lizardfolk ally, who barely manages to escape his blade. The Right Lieutenant laughs as he moves forward without heeding the Underlost. The Left shouts a warning involving the words “… damn fool…!”, but too late – Krytox uses the Right’s overconfidence against him, and trips him easily. Now, with the Right struggling to regain his feet, he looks up just in time to see Krytox’s spiked chain coming down. It cuts a deep gash in his shoulder, skittering down across his chest. The Right howls in pain and fury. Rasa, desperate to get to dying Alterith, fires his crossbow at one of the pirate minions. The bolt hits, though it doesn’t fell him. The lizardfolk exchange blows with the pirates, and vice versa, though death spares them this round. Pirate (J) closes with Rasa to fight him. He swings, but the lithe dracen easily eludes his blow.

As Mystia reloaded her crossbow, she froze. She had been shooting at pirates...but why? There was no sense of hatred that she had for these people of the sea. She knew they were despicable, and had probably done something horrible for the lizardfolk to mount an attack, and for her friends to join. She looks down, and only then notices her hands shaking. Mystia grabs her own shoulders, letting the crossbow fall harmlessly to the ground. She shivers slightly, but there is no cold breeze in the air.

Her aquamarine eyes survey the battlefield. Pirate and lizardfolk bodies litter the plain, and the wooden structure still burns in the distance. She sees Krytox charging, and switching to a spiked chain. She sees Squin, moving forward and letting an arrow fly. She sees Rasa pop up from nowhere and begin his own assault. Her eyes dart back and forth, looking for Alterith, but he is not on the battlefield...and then, she sees him. He lies unmoving in the sand, blood all around him.

Mystia's spirit rises. Her mission now materializes itself in front of her. Growing up, she had never thought of what her calling had meant. Perhaps leaving her home shell was good for her. Her body follows her spirit as she picks up her crossbow. Nothing was more important to her now than to get herself to Alterith.

ooc: I don't really know how fast I can move with full run? or just run? or...something? I can get to R3 because of runx4 = 80 feet, which leads to an AoO from pirate F at N2, right? I also lose my dex bonus to AC for that AoO. Let me know if anything changes, or if I can somehow avoid that AoO

Rasa just gets his blade out in time to parry, as the pirate takes his first swing. He darts back from the second swing, missing a fatal cut to the neck by only a few inches. Taking the opportunity, he dives in for a few weak jabs of his own. All 3 are easily parried by the pirate, but Rasa knew each one was merely to feel out his opponent, and to build up his confidence. After all, the pleasure of the kill is greatest, when your opponent thinks he's won, when in reality, he's merely playing into your hands.....

The pirate gets a few more swipes off, each barely dodged by Rasa. Continuing in his pattern, the pirate continues with a downward swing, to cleave Rasa right in half. It all looks over for a brief second, but that was Rasa's plan. with lightning speed, he misses the blow by inches, and dives in with his sword pointed straight at his opponent's throat.....



Attack:

Random number (1,20) :

19

Damage?: 5

The chains whipped wildly about, chinging and clanking as they swung. To the untrained eye it appeared to be pure chaos, but to one familiar with the weapon is was an exhibition of beauty - a warrior's art. The magnificent display seemed to end as an end of the chains takes a wider arc and dips too low, scuffing along the ground. The pirate lieutenant deftly avoids the dangerous spikes. Overconfident, or perhaps unfamiliar with the weapon, the other lieutenant approaches carelessly. Where the chains had missed their mark, whether due to lack of experience by the wielder or skill on the part of the defender, they reached a bulls eye on the second attempt. The dust cloud from where the chains had disrupted the ground had barely settled when the other end of the chains lashed out, wrapping themselves around the second lieutenant's leg. Krytox finished his spinning maneuvers and as he came to a stop looked the pirate dead in the eye as if to say 'Gotcha!'. A look of surprise involuntarily overtook the pirate's face just as the mighty Underlost gave a firm tug on the chains. The pirate was sent head over heals, careen through the air from the strength of the pull. Landing hard on the ground he was stunned for a moment, just long enough for the spiky bits of the chain to rake across his back, leaving a ragged and bloody mess.

Krytox turned his attention back to the lieutenant who was still standing. Hardly slowing the chains down he gives him an evil grin, showing the rows of teeth and his flicking tongue. Everything was going to plan so far, but one bad move and everything could turn south quickly. The rattle of the metal continued and Krytox once more started spinning with them, looking more and more like a whirling dervish with each pass. The spiked parts of the chain snapped out like hungry crocodiles trying to get a bite. At the center of the storm, Krytox could only hope that as he tripped up their enemies his allies would finish them off while vulnerable.

ooc: similar to last round, AoO's will be used to trip... except on those already prone, which will garner standard strikes. I believe that you cannot re-trip a prone enemy until they have regained their footing, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. My one regular attack will be used on anyone still standing that I threaten or whomever appears in the best shape damage wise from a glance. Also - if an attack is made against a prone enemy, please add in the +4 bonus to the attack roll.

Attack: 18 + 7 = 25
Damage: 3 + 3 + 5 + 2 (2-handed) = 13

AoO1: 6 + 7 = 13
Str Check (if trip): 11 + 5 = 16
Damage (if std attack): 4 + 4 + 7 = 15

AoO2: 4 + 7 = 11
Str Check (if trip): 10 = 5 = 15
Damage (if std attack): 4 + 1 + 7 = 12

AoO3: 15 + 7 = 22
Str Check (if trip): 10 + 5 = 15
Damage (if std attack): 4 + 1 + 7 = 12

Behind the left lieutenant he just shot at, Squin sees Krytox pulling out his spiked chain and is making an impressive demonstration of it. While perhaps not as graceful but equally impressive was the way the lizard ally barely getting out of the way of the left lieutenant's attack. The way the left lieutenant's blade danced definitely is making Squin think twice about engaging him in melee. Half faith and half hope, Squin believes that Krytox's skill is better than either lieutenant's. With the left lieutenant's attention split between the swinging spiked chain and his lizard opponent, Squin decides to take another pot shot at him. Reaching back quickly he pulls out yet another arrow, silently hoping he doesn't have to use all his arrows with his this fight. Unable to resist such an opportunity to shoot at an opponent who is not paying attention to him, Squin takes aim hoping to catch the left lieutenant unawares. Taking better aim this time, Squin prays that the left lieutenant doesn't move out of the way as he fires. He realizes that his arrows will probably be no more than some insect sting against this command group. Well Squin muses, I suppose lots of insect stings can still take someone down, but hopefully one sting is enough to annoy them. Squin shakes his head as he recalls memories of bug bites than annoyed him to no end ... especially the ones that he couldn't help but scratch at. Those memories started to make him feel itchy, and he shivers trying to get the feeling and memories out of his head. Getting his head back into it, he moves forwards remembering that the halfling doesn't have much time left, if any.

Attack: 14 + 8 - 4 = 18
Damage: 3

OOC: Firing at left lieutenant (L7), before moving to S4

The blood coming from the halfling's broken body has slowed to a trickle. Little remains of the once robust spirit. The barbarian's determination holds fast to the last tremors of life, however, and a small cough escapes his lips. Consciousness remains elusive. A strange tinge of blue surrounds the edges of his vision. A calming light. A healing light, but it is merely easing his passage into the next realm, not bringing his body back to fighting form. A sigh passes from him, perhaps the last exhalation his body will make.


Stabilize:

Random number (1,100) :

29

The Left Lieutenant hisses savagely as Squin’s arrow strikes true, catching him in the shoulder. The crimson that flows out of his wound forms a deeper red that is a little off from the red handkerchief tied around his nose and mouth. The lieutenant’s brow furrows as the centaur gallops past him. “So you’re going to play that way, eh…” he mutters darkly, turning to the lizardman foe before him. The lizardman, undaunted, bares its fangs, its spiny scales standing on end. Lunging forward, the lizardman sinks its teeth into the lieutenant’s deftly raised right arm. The lieutenant clenches the muscles in his arm, and suddenly the lizardman cannot release its teeth from his flesh. A quick flash dances across the lizardman’s belly, and suddenly a mass of hot, smelly entrails gush out of the lizardfolk’s open stomach. Glancing over at Krytox, the lieutenant returns the grin.

“Oi…” the Right Lieutenant stands up gingerly, beholding the whirling dervish before him. “Don’t consider yourself so skilled, black lizard.” He strides toward Krytox without fear, even as blood flows freely from the open gashes running down across his front and back. This time, when Krytox’s spiked chain comes around to rend more flesh, the lieutenant deftly dodges it, planting a boot firmly down on the head as it whistles by. Krytox snarls and yanks the chain back as the lieutenant’s blade flashes downward on the Underlost.

4 damage @ Krytox

Rasa’s strike hits true. The pirate staggers backward slightly, reeling as his vision brightens with red. The dracen notes with grim satisfaction that the bandit has almost bought it. However, the pirate lashes out desperately, and this time Rasa is caught in the blow, though barely. A small pink line appears on the dracen’s cheek.

1 damage @ Rasa

Alterith continues to slip toward the Great Divide, a great rushing tide of tranquility gushing toward him. The halfling lays languidly in the field, turning his head slowly to one side. He sees a monstrous image – the hulking, shadowy form of Bloodlust, silhouette of muscles bulging, sitting nearby on a rock, immersing it in his own shadow. The sunlight of the mystical land does not touch him; under one hoisted hand is his enormous axe. Bloodlust regards Alterith with lightly glowing eyes through sweat-dampened hair covering his face. The glow is malicious, though strangely calm, and not overwhelmingly evil.

“They did… many things to you. Unwanted at birth, formed in the bowels of their secret laboratories. I was created in the bosom of war. They pushed you down their sparkling white corridors of death… and at the end, in that room… we became one… all because of-”

Two lizardfolk near Krytox begin advancing… but for one of them, their feral aggressiveness is no match for shrewd, malicious tactics. The Right Lieutenant catches a glimpse of the lizardman out of the corner of his eye… and the flash of a blade later, it is no more. The remaining lizardfolk and pirates exchange blows, tooth and claw for blade. More one each side die, and it soon appears that it is the pirate command group and the adventurers that will prevail until endgame.

EDIT - Krytox's attack against the Left Lieutenant (#1) was successful. He now appears to be severely injured, moreso than the Right Lieutenant (#4).

Mystia slows down and catches her breath as she also catches up with Squin. Her wet clothes and hair did nothing to help her mobility, and she wasn't even that fast, to boot. Still, she managed to get herself within touch range of the Centaur. "Cover me while I get to Alterith." Her voice is calm and collected, and she seems to be in control of herself. It's as if a new purpose has materialized in her mind, and she has accepted it. Squin looks behind him at the woman, his eyes resting on her still-wet hair and clothing that hasn't had a chance to dry yet. He looks ahead to the pirate between them and Alterith, and grits his teeth.

Mystia doesn't wait for his response, and raises her crossbow, aiming at the dwarf. She had fought pirates back at home, and it felt eerily out of place to be doing battle with them on land, instead of on the waters. Still, she wasn't about to give up the fight just because she was uncomfortable now.

Attack: Pirate 3: 1d20 + 2 = 11+2 = 13
Damage: 1d8 = 4

The bolt doesn't reach its mark, but Mystia doesn't care. That wasn't her goal anyways. The more threats on that pirates life, the more careful they'll act...and hopefully that's enough of a distraction so she could accomplish her mission. She doesn't bother reloading the weapon. "I'll leave him to you. Don't let me down!" Mystia says, as she puts her hand on his torso as a gesture of understanding, and darts off again towards Alterith.

ooc: I move to U-5 and hope nobody sees me

A scratch to the face like the new one on Rasa's may have frightened any normal person, but Rasa already had enough battle scars to know it was nothing. He had his opponent right where he wanted him. Right by the balls.

The pirate throws a few more sloppy but desperate swings at Rasa, but the Dracen easily parries or dodges either. Taking note of the perfect opportunity, Rasa glimpses the lizardman advancing on the pirate. The lizardman might not know it, but he was about to pull a maneuver that Rasa had pulled with many of his associates back home.... The good old pincer attack.

After a few more swings, the pirate notices that Rasa had raised his guard high. It gave him a PERFECT target right across the Dracen's chest! What a fool! Lady Luck never smiled upon him so much, this was almost too good to be true! Taking a horizontal swing with his blade, he realizes he played right into Dracen's hands, as Rasa drops right to the ground and gracefully tumbles to the side changing his position. The pirate knew he was in trouble. With the lizard man at his back and the Dracen in the front, he had a tough fight ahead of him, and it didn't help that he was already seriously wounded. Any attempt to quickly thwart the movement was destroyed, as the Dracen immediately threw his blade right at the pirate's chest. Rasa knew it was a well placed shot, but if it struck true or not was solely dependent on how quickly the pirate could get his blade back in the way.

Tumble to M-15: 19 + 6 = 25, so no AoO
Strike on Pirate: 6 + (2 flanking?) = 6 or 8
Damage: 1 (*cry*)
Rasa Positions himself such that he and the lizardman are flanking the pirate.

As heartening as it was to see the big lizardman pound the left lieutenant, it was equally disheartening to see several of the other smaller lizardfold fall just as easily. Perhaps if our group was fully healthy this battle could be manageable. Alas, that's not the case. Seeing the dwarf position himself between him and the fallen halfling, he sees no real choice but attempt to fight toe-to-hoof against one half of a tag team that took down the halfling so quickly. Hoping for any advantage, he notches another arrow and draws back his bow. Aiming for what he hopes is a critical location, Squin is pleased his arrow is flying true. Seeing the arrow fly in at him, the dwarf seems to doing two things at once. The dwarf starts to move unsure if he wants to block or dodge the incoming projectile. Squin hopes he fails to do either. Another thought crosses Squin's mind, based on what he knows about dwarves, the dwarf could just take the hit, and it might just be no more than a sratch.

Attack: 17 + 8 = 25
Damage: 3

Hearing Mystia's request as takes off, he hopes he's doing the right thing. Trotting foward with a grimace on this face, he angles off to the side of the dwarf and loops in around between the prone halfling and the dwarf.

OOC: Moving diagonally to V7, then to V8, before stopping at U9.

The chains continue to trace wicked paths through the air. For those that look over, the area is hazy from all the dust that has been kicked into the air. The spikes come dangerously close to the ground on some passes, threatening to interrupt the ugly dance of death taking place. If that were to happen it would likely be the end of the large lizardman and potentially the rest of his companions. Focusing strictly on the two scrawnier lieutenants, as they were the first to approach, Krytox hadn't had a chance to see how anyone else was faring. If he knew that Squin and Rasa were holding their own more than competently, he might have felt more relaxed, but as it was he fought on with a dire sense of conviction.

The continued taunting coming from the lieutenants hardened his resolve to best both of them. He swung the chain down at the right as he tried to stand, but wasn't quick enough. The nimble pirate managed to step on the end of the chain, leading to what appeared to be a wide open strike at Krytox. He managed to quickly free his chain and attempted a swing to ward off the charging lieutenant, but wasn't able to force him back. The Underlost turned at the last second in a feeble attempt to fend off the blow. The blade sliced a gash across his shoulder, leaving yet another wound open on his tormented body. A grunt of pain is all that is uttered, as he doesn't want to give the pirate the satisfaction. He knew that the wound could have been more grievous and that only by getting his arm and shoulder down was he able to protect his body.

When he looked up again to destroy his opponent, he realized that while his wild swing from just a moment before had missed its intended target, it had managed to rip a huge laceration across the back of the left lieutenant. The left lieutenant, who had just managed to fell another of their allies, had gotten careless himself. Allowing the native lizardman to sink his teeth deeply into his arm was a cocky manuever that he may soon regret. It was enough of a distraction to allow the chains to find a mark, though obviously not the intended one. Becoming more pale by the second he shoots a nasty look to the blackscale. This battle can't end soon enough...

ooc: any attacks of opportunity will be used as standard attacks, no trip attempts this round. std attack to be used against the left lieutenant (#1), followed by a move in whatever direction is away from the right lieutenant. if I can move 10 ft without garnering an AoO that is my choice, otherwise it is just a 5 ft step in that direction.

Attack: 12 + 7 = 19
Damage: 1 + 4 + 7 = 12

AoO1: 19 + 7 = 26
Damage: 3 + 1 + 7 = 11

AoO2: 3 + 7 = 10
Damage: 4 + 2 + 7 = 13