Contrary Mari, Part 3

The ghost has vanished, but the echo of her anguished wail seems to linger in the air, before fading. What hasn't faded, though, is that dim, unpleasant creaking sound -- the sound of a rope stretched taut, swaying back and forth with a heavy weight to it. That noise lingers in the corners of this place, a legacy of what happened.

Dirk steps outside, to check the perimeter, while the other heroes gather, and Dolan pages hurriedly through the journal of the last priest of Karda's Ford, Haysden.

But the air is still chill, even with the afternoon sun shining down outside, and whatever has Mari riled up so, it hasn't abated yet.

"I do not expect they will stay gone for long." Seyardu notes as the ghost vanishes. The cleric looked ill at ease, but determined. "Anything of note in the tome? if they have any names, listings or rituals, anything is of help."

The chill in the air, that _presence_, is not lost on Dolan, and the inquisitor stubbornly pushes the gibbering farmboy into the corner of his mind as he pages one by one through the journal, looking not only for information on the trial itself, but on what sort of person this Hayden was. Did he merely fear to confront the evil in the town, or was he complicit?

He slows, though, and finally pauses on a particular point some fifteen years back. "Some son of a pig's arse was messing with the Sunguard," he spits out suddenly, jabbing a finger at the page.

When pointed out, it is easy enough to see what he's talking about. What was a fairly focused, concise mind writing his thoughts - shifts as he turns, page by page. Confusion enters into the mix, and the penmanship is less certain, more - wandering. "_Why can't I remember that night?_ He keeps writing that. Was he possessed?" The mobile half of his face is set into taut anger.

"It's good to meet you, Mari," Silmeria says, addressing the sound of the rope itself, her voice steady and gentle. "I know you've been hurting for longer than anyone could bear, and I'm sorry. We're here to learn your truth, and help show you the way to rest."

By her tone, she seems to be talking to a frightened child, rather than a murderous shade from beyond the grave. Though to a Vardaman, perhaps the two aren't so different as most would assume.

"Will you be kind enough to allow my friends and I leave to help you? We believe the truth of your death is written, somewhere in these halls."

Pausing, she blinks, turning back to listen to Dolan, eyes wide. "Possessed? Controlled? Either is possible..."

"Don't know yet, Speaker, but I don't like this," Dolan tells Silmeria as he continues reading. "There's something way more dangerous than just a few arseholes involved in this. Something with the ability to affect minds. This is far more sinister than we had been led to believe. Let's move on, and find out what else is here. Maybe there's a clue to what else was involved, but - let's be damned careful."

He looks up and around, then nods to the double doors. "Let's start there, yeah? We'll have to look at all of it."

"Do you think that they did not wish to harm her?" Seyardu wonders with a glance to the book. "That is concerning. But if we can prove some are not at fault, it may help put her mind at ease." She considers. "Let us check the other rooms, then."

"Agreed, Corona," Silmeria says quietly. "There will be nothing gained by stomping about like... hobbyists," she says with a soft chuckle.

"However, it bears remembering: be Mari sinister, desperate, or both... Remember that the visions she show us will be dug from her memories, of the moments that dug their hooks deepest within her soul. Even a gentle girl who died painfully is capable of frightening a good person to their core, in such a state."

It's the courtroom. Of course it's the courtroom. And... the place of execution, as well.

Serried ranks of dusty benches stand on either side of the central aisle, leading up to a gallows. On one side is another set of benches and tables, while on the other side is the judge's perch. It's a variant design of the typical court, built to emphasize the seriousness of what is done here.

The air here is cold, so cold -- your breath steams, and the sound of the creaking is so much louder. Even though no one is there, the noose still hangs straight, swaying ever so slightly. This is the place where Mari died. And...

And now there is more. The air -shudders-, and faceless forms start to rise up around the gallows. A trio of guards, looking ragged, empty eyes blazing as they stare at the living interlopers. Smoothly, in unison, they draw large pistols wrought of bone and blackened steel...

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

       Telamon has dropped a TIMESTOP!

       Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Telamon to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.

       For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

<OOC> Telamon says, "Map: https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=mi8662oa9iw"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Sword: Dolan, Dragon: Seyardu, Blunderbuss: Silmeria."

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 29.

It is now guard2's turn! Silmeria is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 2 moves to use the bench as cover, and takes a potshot at Dolan!"

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15: (8)+15: 23

The ragged, undead guards don't speak. The one in front, however, has some tactical awareness as he immediately moves behind one of the benches, and squeezes off a shot from his elaborate bone-pistol. The crack of the round echoes through the room as it hisses past Dolan, punching into the door behind him.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 21.

It is now Silmeria's turn! guard1 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Silmeria, you're up."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Swift action, Shared Judgment/Judgment of Purity. Both myself and Seyardu get +3 to all saving throws, +6 vs. curse, disease, and poison."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Move action, move to 6,15, then shoot at 2."

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2-2: (11)+10+2+-2: 21

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 20.

It is now guard1's turn! Dolan is next!

<OOC> Telamon will note that the benches do provide partial cover (+2 AC).

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard1 lines up a single, brutal shot on Silmeria..."

"Harpist of the Dead-Ever-Sleeping," Silmeria calls as the first shots are fired by unquiet shades, "grant us the fortitude to see this sorry tale to its rightful end."

A shell of silver-white light coalesces around her, and Seyardu, as the Speaker lopes down the benches, cutting to one side and taking a potshot at the 'guard' that had targeted Dolan.

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-4: (15)+15+-4: 26

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1+6d6: (1)+1+(21): 23

The next guard doesn't move, instead tracking Silmeria with its blank eyes. A hungry expression on the gaunt face, as the bone pistol is raised. Black arcs of energy crackle around the barrel, and then a thunderous BOOM is heard as a shot goes screaming down the length of the courtroom, punching through the bench and through Silmeria as well, leaving a ghastly wound!

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 15.

It is now Dolan's turn! guard3 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Dolan!"

<OOC> Dolan says, "So that Judgment of Purity looks like a pretty good notion, but I think I will make mine a Judgment of Justice. +3 sacred bonus on all attack rolls, bonus doubles on attack rolls made to confirm critical hits."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Swift for that and then open up with the Searing Light."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Actually, move first."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Where to?"

<OOC> Dolan says, "7, 13 and target #1 with Searing Light."

GAME: Dolan refreshes special ability pools.

GAME: Dolan spends ONE use of JUDGMENT.

<OOC> Telamon says, "Cast, then roll ranged touch :)"

GAME: Dolan casts Searing Light. Caster Level: 10 DC: 16

GAME: Dolan rolls ranged+3: (3)+11+3: 17

<OOC> Dolan says, "Reroll that"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Reroll spent."

GAME: Dolan rolls ranged+3: (1)+11+3: 15 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 14.

It is now guard3's turn! Seyardu is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard3 tries a potshot at Seyardu after vaulting a bench..."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-2: (18)+15+-2: 31

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1: (7)+1: 8

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 9.

It is now Seyardu's turn! guard2 is next!

Dolan's actually turning to Silmeria as he pushes the double doors open, the mobile half of his face lifting in a quirk of a smile that has something dark lurking beneath it. "Yeah, I heard that somewhere." More, though, there isn't time to say as a bullet goes whistling past his ear.

"Shit!" he swears, the battle well joined before he can even think. He fairly dives for the cover of a bench, muttering, "Holy Knight, guide my hand to see Your justice done."

Let's hope that what happens next isn't an example of that guidance, because he lifts a hand and shouts a word in the holy tongue, and a burst of brightest sunlight bursts from his hand, only to miss entirely and slam into the bench he'd just dived into for cover. "Damn it, Andie's laugh at me," he mutters.

The last guard stalks forward, smoothly leaping over the bench -- not passing through it, interestingly, and its worn boots hit the floorboards with a thud, kicking out dust. The bone-pistol comes up, and it fires on Seyardu... the round sizzling a line through her flesh as the undead glares at her, bony jaw working silently.

<OOC> Seyardu says, "I'll go up to Silmeria"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "and cast bestow grace of the champion on her"

<OOC> Telamon says, "OK, cast it."

GAME: Seyardu casts Bestow Grace of the Champion. Caster Level: 15 DC: 23

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 29.

It is now guard2's turn! Silmeria is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 2 opens fire on Dolan, full attack with pistols."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-2: (2)+15+-2: 15

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-2: (18)+15+-2: 31

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-2: (13)+10+-2: 21

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-2: (8)+10+-2: 16

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5-2: (15)+5+-2: 18

<OOC> Telamon says, "One hit."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1: (2)+1: 3

<OOC> Telamon writes pose, will drop after Seyardu.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 21.

It is now Silmeria's turn! guard1 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Sil, you're up."

<OOC> Silmeria assumes 15' of move to clear a pew?

<OOC> Telamon says, "Just 10. Treat as difficult terrain."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "So move me to 4,13, and I would like to flex the buff I just got, and declare 2 a Smite target."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Moved."

<OOC> Telamon says, "He is now Smite Targeted."

<OOC> Silmeria smites as a 7th level Pally.

Seyardu flinches as the spirits take up arms against them. "It seems we will need to deal with them, sorry." The cleric apologizes, even as she is grazed by one of the attacks. The cleric draws her weapon in one hand while running to Silmeria's shoulder. "Her grace and might guide your blows." she prays, infusing Silmeria with holy righteousness.

The first guard rears up from behind the bench, a pistol in each hand. Each bone and steel weapon bellows, a fusillade of rounds screaming downrange, each pistol reloading itself with unholy energies as fast as it's fired. Fortunately, the range and the bench defeat the worst of the barrage, only one round glancing off Dolan as the reanimated bailiff stares angrily.

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+4-2: (16)+10+2+4+-2: 30

<OOC> Telamon says, "That's a hit :)"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Auto-bypass all DR thanks to Smite."

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2+7: (3)+2+7: 12

<OOC> Silmeria says, "So 19 then. :D"

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 20.

It is now guard1's turn! Dolan is next!

That brutal shot yanks Silmeria's shoulder back, eyes widening in shock and agony as she struggles to find her feet. "Be sure to tell your wife about it over something warm," she says to Dolan... then looks back at Seyardu, true gratitude suffusing her features.

Then her face goes grim, as she turns back to level her pistol at the baliff, and his gun of horrors. "...Dearest Muse of the Dreamless..."

Her pistol goes off again, its report somehow *cleaner* than those of the guards.

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 1 advances, takes a potshot at Silmeria again."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-2: (8)+15+-2: 21

<OOC> Telamon checks. Nope, that misses.

<OOC> Telamon says, "He's outside Touch AC range."

The guards aren't daunted by the rage of the living. The one that dealt such a bitter wound to Silmeria stalks forward, empty eyes full of malice as it stares at her. Taking up position next to its comrade, it snaps off another round, but this one goes high and punches a neat hole in the wall.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 15.

It is now Dolan's turn! guard3 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Dolan!"

<OOC> Dolan says, "Jumping pew sounds like a pretty good idea here, so I'll jump to 7,11 and try another searing light."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Same target, #2?"

<OOC> Dolan says, "#2 yes"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Cast and roll :)"

GAME: Dolan casts Searing Light. Caster Level: 10 DC: 16

GAME: Dolan rolls ranged+3: (14)+11+3: 28

<OOC> Telamon says, "That's a hit :)"

<OOC> Dolan says, "That's more like it."

GAME: Dolan rolls 10d6: (24): 24

"I'll probably tell her about it under the covers later," Dolan answers Silmeria, ducking behind the cover of a bench suddenly riddled with holes in front of him. Most miss, but one grazes the edge of his arm sticking out just above the level of the bench, leaving a shallow, bloodied furrow.

"Okay, you jumped-up bag of bones, it's time you ate a little of His justice." Planting a hand on the back of the riddled bench, he vaults it neatly and drops back to one knee. The same holy word again, but this time, the bolt of pure sunlight that seems to surround him and his outstretched hand for a moment like a nimbus before leaving *slams* into the thing, leaving undead flesh to sizzle and evaporate.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 14.

It is now guard3's turn! Seyardu is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 3 lines up one of those murdershots on Dolan!"

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-2: (11)+15+-2: 24

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1+6d6: (7)+1+(16): 24

The next guard seems to sneer at Dolan's bravado, and points one of its guns at him. More black energy crackling along the barrel, a seething shot of hatred for the living that slams into the Corona viciously, a visceral reminder of how much these entities hate the living.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 9.

It is now Seyardu's turn! guard2 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Seyardu!"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "okay"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "hmm"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "double channel"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "first to heal, second to harm"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "sorry, need a moment"

<OOC> Telamon says, "You may need to move up to hit the undead, what's the range on channel?"

<OOC> Telamon checks. OK, PBAoE 30' radius.

<OOC> Seyardu says, "yeah"

<OOC> Telamon says, "OK, so how do you wanna do this?"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "uh, heal, move up 5 and 2nd aoe for damage"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "5' step into difficult terrain needs modifiers."

<OOC> Seyardu says, "8d6, dc is 20"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Yeah, that's a problem. You need to move up to hit more than 3."

<OOC> Seyardu says, "ah"

<OOC> Telamon says, "#3 that is."

<OOC> Seyardu says, "well if I miss one of them that's fine"

<OOC> Telamon says, "You're only going to get #3 if you only move 5' to 8,14. You can't move straight north 5' because that's difficult terrain."

<OOC> Seyardu says, "okay scratch the damaging channel I'm just gonna heal"

GAME: Seyardu rolls 8d6: (34): 34

<OOC> Telamon says, "Where do you want to move to?"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "8 12*"

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 29.

It is now guard2's turn! Silmeria is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 2 takes a 5' step and fires murdershot at Seyardu."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15: (4)+15: 19

<OOC> Telamon says, "And connects."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1+6d6: (5)+1+(24): 30

<OOC> Telamon saves pose, will pose after Seyardu.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 21.

It is now Silmeria's turn! guard1 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Sil, you're up."

Seyardu holds up the small grey and crimson stone statuette that was hidden under their robes, and the symbol glows for a brief moment before it vanishes, though the group finds some of their wounds mending in the process. The sith-makar strides forward, taking a spot behind Dolan and brandishing their polearm. "I will do what I can to keep us safe." The cleric reassures.

The first guard is battered, first by Silmeria's shot and then by the searing sunbeam that scours its undead flesh, causing it to bubble and evaporate like grease on a griddle. The creature seems to recognize that Seyardu is mending the wounds dealt by it and its fellows, though, and it lines up a shot... another black, howling blast sent at the makari and gouging a deep wound into her.

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Swift action, Bane/Undead. Standard action, Flames of the Faithful to give my gun Flaming Burst, move up near Dolan at 5,11."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Pose it!"

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 20.

It is now guard1's turn! Dolan is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 1 opens fire on Silmeria, using Deadly Aim."

"Death-Singing Dragon, whose coils show the dead the way forward..." Memento Mori's traceries glow a searing bright white, as she vaults the next row of benches, and takes up a more advantageous position. "Basalt Queen, in whose arms all rest is sheltered..." She passes her hand over her gun, and now the white light of the scrollwork pulses a deep, angry red, like motes of fire traveling in time to a beating heart.

Seyardu's blessing washes over her, and she glances back to give the Makari an appreciative smile, before turning back to the three that stand in their way. "FORGIVE ME FOR THE VIOLENCE I AM ABOUT TO UNLEASH."

...How much damage do you need to do that you ask Death for absolution *beforehand?!*

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (14)+15+-3: 26

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (1)+15+-3: 13 (EPIC FAIL)

<OOC> Telamon says, "Sadly, he does not misfire (unique critter ability)"

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-3: (4)+10+-3: 11

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-3: (5)+10+-3: 12

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5-3: (13)+5+-3: 15

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+7-2: (1)+7+-2: 6

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+7-2: (3)+7+-2: 8

Once again, one of the undead guards pops up to unleash a wild fusillade, filling the air with angry screaming rounds that punch holes in the walls and strike Silmeria, though not as effectively as they could have. One could swear the undead gunslinger had a look of confusion on its face at how their attacks don't seem to be slowing the heroes down.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 15.

It is now Dolan's turn! guard3 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Dolan!"

<OOC> Dolan says, "Swift for Bane/undead, move to 8,8, drawing as I go, and introduce #2 to my little friend the greatsword."

<OOC> Telamon says, "#2 is at 8,8 already. How about 8,9?"

<OOC> Dolan says, "Yeah that"

GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+3+2: (13)+15+3+2: 33

<OOC> Telamon says, "Hit."

GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+6+2+2d6: (6)+6+2+(11): 25

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 14.

It is now guard3's turn! Seyardu is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 3 fusillades Seyardu, using deadly aim..."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (13)+15+-3: 25

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (5)+15+-3: 17

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-3: (19)+10+-3: 26

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-3: (11)+10+-3: 18

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5-3: (12)+5+-3: 14

<OOC> Telamon says, "All hit Sey's touch AC."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Seyardu, any DR?"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "not at the moment"

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+7+1d8+7+1d8+7+1d8+7+1d8+7: (7)+7+(6)+7+(4)+7+(8)+7+(2)+7: 62

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 9.

It is now Seyardu's turn! guard2 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Seyardu, you're up."

The blast from the third one sends Dolan staggering back into the bench with a scream, but an instant later, warmth and healing flood through him, and he rights himself. "Thanks," he tosses backwards towards Seyardu without looking, his hand instead reaching for the clasp across his front.

"Bright Sunlord, Speaker, if you're going to unleash violence, get on with it!" he calls, a cheeky grin suddenly flashing across his harlequin features. Suiting actions to words, he drops the leather harness to the floor, and the greatsword is suddenly in his hands. "After all, I think we owe a little payback. Let the light of the Sunlord be your bane!" he finishes, shouting as he bursts into a run towards the closest one. The mighty blade flashes with a burst of sunlight and slams unerringly into the creature, chips of bone and undead flesh flying in every direction as if to punctuate his words.

The third guard braces itself, lining up both pistols on the imposing makari cleric. The hammers of its unholy pistols clatter like rattling jawbones in anticipation, and then the air is split by triphammer detonations as it fires on Seyardu over and over -- each round punching into the priestess, a brutal barrage of strikes.

<OOC> Seyardu says, "okay"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "move up one space, channel heal and damage for real this time"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Alrighty then!"

<OOC> Telamon says, "DC 20, 8d6?"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Roll your heal first."

<OOC> Seyardu says, "first roll heal second damage, excluding allies in case anyone is secretly undead"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "and enemies for healing"

GAME: Seyardu rolls 8d6: (33): 33

GAME: Seyardu rolls 8d6: (24): 24

<OOC> Dolan says, "Not in this game. :D Next one, though."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+13+4: (6)+13+4: 23

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+13+4: (2)+13+4: 19

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+13+4: (4)+13+4: 21

<OOC> Telamon says, "#2 fails save, eats the full damage."

<OOC> Telamon says, "He's pretty badly damaged now."

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Four - Init 29.

It is now guard2's turn! Silmeria is next!

<OOC> Seyardu is fine, yes, sorry.

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 2 will take a 5' step back..."

<OOC> Telamon says, "And will try to fusillade Dolan."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (15)+15+-3: 27

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (8)+15+-3: 20

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-3: (17)+10+-3: 24

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-3: (3)+10+-3: 10

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5-3: (11)+5+-3: 13

<OOC> Telamon says, "three hits on your touch AC."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Any DR, Dolan?"

<OOC> Dolan says, "No."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+7+1d8+7+1d8+7: (2)+7+(6)+7+(3)+7: 32

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Four - Init 21.

It is now Silmeria's turn! guard1 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Silmeria, you're up!"

Seyardu was staggered suddenly by the series of shots taken by one of the undead, though the extent of any noises of pain were a few grunts of pain. The cleric proved more resilient than might be expected however, though there were several very large patches of red staining their robes as the stepped forward again. The holy symbol was held aloft again, suffusing their allies with restorative energy, only for it to turn suddenly harsher, even as it seemed to avoid touching them. Instead, it tore away at the magics binding the undead together, seeking to unravel what kept them anchored.

The second guard looks blasted and battered, bits and pieces of it falling off and -- curiously -- disintegrating. It stumbles back from the onslaught of Dolan and Seyardu, trying to keep its footing as both guns come up. The twin muzzles bark savagely, the stink of the grave heavy in the air as rounds slam into Dolan and then past him as the pistols' aim wanders.

<OOC> Silmeria says, "OKAY, SO."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Swift action; Swap my Judgment to Destruction (Seyardu's remains Purity), then full attack on #2."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Roll 'em."

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+2+4: (5)+10+2+2+4: 23

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+2+4-5: (6)+10+2+2+4+-5: 19

<OOC> Telamon says, "Two hits."

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+14+4: (2)+(7)+(3)+2+14+4: 32

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+14+4: (6)+(5)+(1)+2+14+4: 32

<OOC> Telamon says, "That kills him stone re-dead."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Note: when the guard collapses he dissipates into an inert puddle of ectoplasm."

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Four - Init 20.

It is now guard1's turn! Dolan is next!

"WORKING ON IT," Silmeria calls, as her aura seems to shatter into a spiky, wavering light. Leveling her pistol at the bailiff she'd marked for judgment, she fires, reloads in less than an eyeblink, and fires again.

The shots sound like great, burning bronze bells, tolling the second death-knell for the risen guardsman, and whatever unholy force animated him just.. leaves, and the remains collapse to the ground, withering into translucent ectoplasm and evaporating into the chill air.

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 1 shoots Silmeria. Again. Because every time they wound her Seyardu just heals it away. Fusillade, no deadly aim this time."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15: (20)+15: 35

<OOC> Telamon says, "Ut oh."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Confirming crit."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15: (9)+15: 24

<OOC> Silmeria oof.

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10: (7)+10: 17

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10: (13)+10: 23

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21

<OOC> Telamon says, "Alright, so... three hits, one crit."

<OOC> Telamon says, "You DO have DR 2 vs undead."

GAME: Telamon rolls 4d8+4-2: (24)+4+-2: 26

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1-2: (8)+1+-2: 7

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1-2: (7)+1+-2: 6

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Well shit."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1-2: (5)+1+-2: 4

<OOC> Telamon says, "So 43 after DR, etc."

The first guard looks at where its compatriot is now evaporating, then turns its empty stare on Silmeria. Then it ears back the hammers of its pistols, as if to say, 'Alright, mortal, let's DO this.' And then the blasts come, the first savaging Silmeria while the other three tear at her flesh with less injurious but still bloody strikes.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Four - Init 15.

It is now Dolan's turn! guard3 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Dolan, you're up."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Swift to swtich judgments, and using second judgment to select two."

<OOC> Telamon says, "OK."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Okay, so justice is still appropriate, so we'll roll to both destruction and judgment, and charge #3. Power attack / furious focus / bane / justice judgement."

GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+3+2: (17)+15+3+2: 37 (THREAT)

<OOC> Dolan says, "Adding the extra 3 to confirm critical!"

GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+3+2+3: (4)+15+3+2+3: 27

<OOC> Telamon says, "That's a crit."

<OOC> Dolan says, "+cracks knuckles."

<OOC> Dolan says, "And I had an additional +2 beyond that from cunning."

<OOC> Telamon nods.

<OOC> Dolan says, "Destruction should be a total of +4. That and power attack both double?"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Yeah. Rule of thumb: static bonuses always multiply, variable (dice) bonuses don't."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Apologies, this is a lot to asemble."

<OOC> Telamon says, "No worries."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Does the base 2d6 for the weapon double?"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "it should, it's a longsword, right?"

<OOC> Dolan says, "Greatsword."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Also anyone with seize the moment?"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "ah, yeah. 4d6 on a crit"

GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+6 weapon+2 bane+6 power attack+4 destruction+2d6+6+2+6+4+2d6 bane dice: (4)+0+2 bane+6 power attack+4 destruction+(6)+6+2+6+4+(6 bane dice): 46

<OOC> Dolan says, "That doesn't look right."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Oh I know why, Add 6 more to that, the 0 is wrong."

<OOC> Telamon says, "So 52?"

<OOC> Dolan says, "Yes."

<OOC> Telamon says, "OK, he's still up but that was a -serious- hit."

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Four - Init 14.

It is now guard3's turn! Seyardu is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 3 does not like this at ALL and will 5' back up and throw a murdershot at Dolan."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15: (15)+15: 30

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1+6d6: (2)+1+(26): 29

"Speaker!" Dolan shouts as bullets rip through them both, but he's taken far worse on some of his better days. Bleeding, yes, but he's far from down, and he immediately snarls a prayer. "Let Your judgment guide this blade."

With that, he _launches_ himself at the second one, desperate to keep it busy for a moment, but this time, sunlight flashes again down the blade is a single searing moment, the blade crashing through its shoulder and cracking bone and parting flesh without mercy, leaving a mass of destruction perilously close to what would have been its heart in its wake.

The third guard almost falls as Dolan's charge slams into it and deals the undead horror a grievous wound even for an unliving thing. Stumbling back, it grabs the bench, the wood cracking under its bony grip, and its fleshless teeth grin at Dolan as the muzzle of its pistol lines up. A flare of dark magic, and a lance of unholy power propels a round -through- Dolan, another bloody wound to add to the stack he carries on his flesh.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Four - Init 9.

It is now Seyardu's turn! Silmeria is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Seyardu, you're up."

<OOC> Seyardu says, "Alright, it's a little late but I've been trying to make sure no one is in a dangerous health range, going to quick channel a heal, and blessing of fervor the group"

<OOC> Telamon nods!

GAME: Seyardu rolls 8d6: (33): 33

GAME: Seyardu casts Blessing of Fervor. Caster Level: 15 DC: 20

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Five - Init 21.

It is now Silmeria's turn! guard1 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Sil, you're up."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Two bullets in 1."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "And.... hm."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Yus, that."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Dump the boof into another attack."

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+2+4: (16)+10+2+2+4: 34

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+2+4: (13)+10+2+2+4: 31

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+2+4-5: (9)+10+2+2+4+-5: 22

<OOC> Telamon says, "Three hits."

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+14+4: (2)+(8)+(6)+2+14+4: 36

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+14+4: (4)+(5)+(1)+2+14+4: 30

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+14+4: (6)+(4)+(4)+2+14+4: 34

<OOC> Seyardu says, "oh, yeah, Sey is going to activate +2 to dodge for herself so it's noted"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Sil, you only had #2 smited."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Right."

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+4: (3)+(10)+(1)+2+4: 20

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+4: (4)+(6)+(3)+2+4: 19

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+4: (5)+(8)+(6)+2+4: 25

<OOC> Telamon says, "Sorry :)"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "That's a *big* shift, I'm perfectly fine rerolling. XD"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "And I did slightly better than I would have just knocking 14 off."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Still up, but you blow huge holes in him."

"Do not worry about me, I will be fine. The lead is not obvious against silver, is it?" The cleric attempts to joke, but seeing Silmeria take the worst of another barrage has the makari harden their gaze again. their hand was still held onto their holy symbol from prior, giving another wave of mending energy to staunch the quickly mounting wounds. "They fall, finish them off! Celestial mother guide your blows and protect you from harm!" the cleric hisses, causing the group to be bolstered with divine strength.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Five - Init 20.

It is now guard1's turn! Dolan is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 1 switches to deadly aim, returns the favor to Silmeria."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (9)+15+-3: 21

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (2)+15+-3: 14

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-3: (13)+10+-3: 20

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10-3: (12)+10+-3: 19

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5-3: (16)+5+-3: 18

<OOC> Telamon says, "Four hits. He WOULD have hit five times but you're standing behind that bench."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+7+1d8+7+1d8+7+1d8+7: (5)+7+(3)+7+(5)+7+(5)+7: 46

"I'm okay!" Silmeria calls... though how one can be 'okay' when the bullet from an undead gun put a hole *through* her abdomen, is a mystery best left to the Grey Lady. Certainly Seyardu's talented prayercraft is, wuite literally, covering a multitude of sins.

Enough that the Speaker finds it within her, thanks to the priestess' prayer, to move faster than ordinarily she could have, and places three holes within the dead baliff, as though marking out the points of her holy icon.

The first guard reels under the wrath of the Harpist and her trusted servant, but it doesn't go down. It plants its booted feet, shaking its head as if to clear away cobwebs and not as if there's chunks of, well, desiccated flesh missing from it. Both guns come up to respond to Silmeria's shots, and it blasts away, hitting her four times and blowing another hole in the bench. The stink of grave earth and gunpowder hangs heavy in the courtroom.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Five - Init 15.

It is now Dolan's turn! guard3 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Dolan!"

<OOC> Dolan says, "All right. DM call - since I am not actively wielding the greatsword, can I take a hand off of it to cast a spell?"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Yeah. It takes two hands to -wield-, so you can take a hand off to cast."

<OOC> Seyardu says, "I'm pretty sure it's a free action to change grip during your turn"

<OOC> Dolan says, "That is what I thought."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Yup!"

<OOC> Dolan says, "Take a hand off and cast searing light, using BoF for the +2 attack / +2 AC and Reflex saves, then put the hand back on and close with him."

GAME: Dolan casts Searing Light. Caster Level: 10 DC: 16

<OOC> Telamon nods. Roll ranged touch.

GAME: Dolan rolls ranged+3+2: (12)+11+3+2: 28

<OOC> Telamon says, "Hits. :)"

GAME: Dolan rolls 10d6: (28): 28

<OOC> Telamon says, "You melt him a little more, he's not doing well at all."

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Five - Init 14.

It is now guard3's turn! Seyardu is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 3 is going to try and get away from Dolan by using Acrobatics."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "..."

This is getting serious. Dolan's flesh and blood eye narrows, pain and adrenaline sharpening his focus to laser accuracy, shrinking his world until this undead _thing_ is all that lies within it. One hand comes off the blade, the point lowering as he extends that hand yet one more time and again shouts that phrase, that word in the holy tongue that calls forth that beam of brightest sunlight that wraps around him and lashes out at the thing, melting more undead flesh.

He does not stop to admire his handiwork, instead resuming his grip and stalking the thing with the sword raised in a defensive stance. "I will be your end, you piece of shit, and I'm going to enjoy it." Not really, from his tone.

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+10: (7)+10: 17

<OOC> Telamon says, "And unfortunately, he still draws the AoO. Swing, Dolan ;)"

GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+3+2+2: (11)+15+3+2+2: 33

<OOC> Telamon says, "LOL, hits."

GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+6+2+2d6+4: (5)+6+2+(5)+4: 22

<OOC> Dolan says, "Not the best of hits, but here's hoping it's enough."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Not down yet, but that hurt. He will shoot once, using deadly aim."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15-3: (14)+15+-3: 26

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+7: (6)+7: 13

More of the hated sunlight that burns their impure flesh. The gunslinger nearly crumples under Dolan's assault, but isn't down yet. It tries to pirouette away, but stumbles, and catches -another- slash from the Corona. Crab-walking backwards, it levers itself upright before snapping off a shot that punches into Dolan's shoulder. Glaring back at him murderously.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Five - Init 9.

It is now Seyardu's turn! Silmeria is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Seyardu!"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "okay"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "moving over to Silmeria, and casting heal"

<OOC> Silmeria wow. o.o

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard 1's reaction: 'Really? REALLY?!' :D"

<OOC> Dolan says, "LOL"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Cast the spell and pose, Seyardu :)"

GAME: Seyardu casts Heal. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Six - Init 21.

It is now Silmeria's turn! guard1 is next!

<OOC> Seyardu just has an amusing amount of HP

<OOC> Silmeria srs.

<OOC> Telamon says, "Silmeria, you -were- horribly injured, and now you are -not-. :)"

<OOC> Seyardu says, "on account of having 20 constitution"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Your go."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "And I'm making that *everybody's* problem!"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Because I'm tapping the bof to cast an extended 2nd level spell, then full attack."

GAME: Silmeria casts Spiritual Weapon. Caster Level: 10 DC: 14

<OOC> Telamon says, "Where you droppin' it?"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "#1"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "And it'll last 20 rounds."

<OOC> Telamon says, "How's that?"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "*Extended* spell, per Blessing of Fervor."

<OOC> Silmeria says, "* Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell."

Seyardu glares at the undead as it seems like every wound that is mended is quickly replaced by more and more, and Silmeria looks even worse than before. To serious for less direct heals to be enough.

The silver makari strides over, and places one hand over one of the worst wounds. "Be whole and in good health Speaker." The cleric growls, as it seemed like every last injury was mended, forcing any physical projectiles out along with them. <Draconic>

<OOC> Telamon says, "I meant the location on the map :)"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Doip, sorry. XD THat's good!"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Roll your attacks :)"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Khopesh first;"

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d20+7+2: (19)+7+2: 28

<OOC> Telamon says, "That hits."

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+2+4: (3)+10+2+2+4: 21

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+2+4-5: (1)+10+2+2+4+-5: 14 (EPIC FAIL)

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Shit."

<OOC> Telamon says, "You do have a reroll."

<OOC> Dolan says, "Reroll?"

<OOC> Silmeria says, "Reroll!"

GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+2+2+4-5: (19)+10+2+2+4+-5: 32

<OOC> Silmeria says, "I will take that. ._."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Well spent."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Two hits. Do you have improved crit with pistols?"

<OOC> Silmeria does not!

<OOC> Telamon says, "So, 2 hits then. Roll damage :)"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Don't forget the Spiritual Weapon damage."

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d8+3: (5)+3: 8

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+4: (3)+(8)+(2)+2+4: 19

GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+2d6+1d6+2+4: (5)+(6)+(2)+2+4: 19

<OOC> Silmeria says, "46 total."

Round Six - Init 20.

It is now guard1's turn! Dolan is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Guard1 donates a murdershot to Seyardu to express its displeasure with her."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+15: (3)+15: 18

<OOC> Telamon says, "Hits, barely."

GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+1+6d6: (7)+1+(23): 31

With her pistol, Silmeria points to the sky. "FALL, GUARDSMAN! YOUR LABORS ARE UNNECESSARY, YOUR *REST* IS ALL THIS CITY DESIRES OF YOU. FALL AND BE AT PEACE!"

Swinging her gun down in a chopping motion, the ceiling of the courthouse momentarily... *rips,* allowing a ghostly hooked sword to spin from the rift, *CHUNK*ing down to the ground through the undead fusillier's back.

Not one to miss an opportunity, the Speaker follows this up with a pair of thunderous shots, as she glances over her shoulder. "I *truly* owe you my life, Hearthguard."

The first guard looks extremely... put out, at Seyardu restoring Silmeria to health. Indeed, it almost looks like the undead creature is pouting. Of course, then it gets hit by a spiritual weapon, and then shot twice by the Speaker. So it demonstrates its unhappiness with this development with another unholy blast-bullet that drills through Seyardu like an awl of blackened ice, yielding a spatter of blood.

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Six - Init 15.

It is now Dolan's turn! guard3 is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Dolan!"

<OOC> Dolan says, "All right, say goodnight gunslinger."

<OOC> Telamon says, "Goodnight gunslinger!"

<OOC> Dolan snrk. Close with him in a charge and finish the job. Power attack / furious focus / bane / charge / +2+2 from BoF.

<OOC> Telamon says, "Roll 'em!"

GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+3+2+2: (17)+15+3+2+2: 39 (THREAT)

GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+3+2+2+3: (16)+15+3+2+2+3: 41

<OOC> Telamon looks at the screen like Jim from The Office.

<OOC> Telamon says, "Yes, that's a crit :)"

<OOC> Dolan says, "The extra +3 is to confirm the crit."

GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+6+2+4+6+2d6+6+2+4+6+2d6: (8)+6+2+4+6+(10)+6+2+4+6+(5): 59

<OOC> Telamon says, "He dead. Feel free to mash him into the wall :)"

GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.

Round Six - Init 9.

It is now Seyardu's turn! Silmeria is next!

<OOC> Telamon says, "Seyardu, you're up."

<OOC> Seyardu says, "alright"

"Oh, no you don't." Dolan's hot on the creature's heels as it flees, stalking the fleeing undead with the inexorable steadiness of an oncoming avalanche in the freezing air of the room. Seeing an opening, he lunges at the creature, smashing it against the wall with a mighty, unerring slash from shoulder to hip that sends it flying into the stone and slumping at Dolan's feet.

<OOC> Seyardu says, "I will searing light the last zombie"

<OOC> Telamon says, "Cast and roll :)"

GAME: Seyardu casts Searing Light. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19

GAME: Seyardu rolls 1d20+11: (3)+11: 14

<OOC> Seyardu says, "I would like to reroll that"

<OOC> Telamon says, "OK!"

GAME: Seyardu rolls 1d20+11: (14)+11: 25

<OOC> Telamon says, "Hit!"

<OOC> Dolan says, "Well spent."

<OOC> Telamon says, "10d6 damage."

GAME: Seyardu rolls 10d6: (33): 33

<OOC> Telamon says, "Dead."

<OOC> Telamon says, "This one, and the other one Dolan also killed, also evaporate into ectoplasm."

Seyardu was growing a bit more tired as the fight went on, but with the second undead falling, there was at least a moment of respite from the continual bullets fired at them. "No more harm will be done today." The cleric growls, raising one hand and bathing the room in light. "Celestial mother's radiance grant you the rest you need." They pray, the light bursting forth and enveloping the remaining undead, leaving little left as the light subsides. <Draconic>

As the last undead guard hits the ground, they crumble and melt into inert pools of ectoplasm, which swiftly evaporates, leaving no sign they were ever here. The air in the room is still chilly, the creaking still continues.

Suddenly, there's a loud CLACK as the trapdoor for the gallows opens, the door swinging open. There's no one hanging there, no poor soul to fall through and be sent on to the Halls. But the trapdoor swings for a few moments, before subsiding, the hinges squeaking loudly in the sudden quiet.

"Well *done,* Hearthguard," Silmeria pants, dismissing the spectral sword and slooowly rising from her fighting stance. "Corona, how fare you?"

Even knowing that the battle is over, but the war remains, isn't enough to keep the Speaker from starting when the trapdoor CLACKs open. Adjusting her spectacles, she looks up to stare the noose directly into the loop. "Was this your doing," she says, half to herself, gesturing at the ectoplasmic remnants. "Or the doing of your tormentors? *Help us find the truth,* Mari. We don't want you to hurt, anymore."

Dolan sags against the wall once the ectoplasm is gone, sword in one hand, the other and his forehead up against the wall. He looses a single colorful curse into the air, covered in blood and still bleeding in a couple of places where the bullets have sunk in. "I'm all right," he calls over to Silmeria, but there isn't time to rest before the CLACK of the trapdoor dropping makes him jump all over again. He doesn't, right now, have the energy to add to Silmeria's plea with Mari.

Seyardu squints into the room with a sudden whip of their head as the trapdoor swings open. The smaller makari exhales, not completely at ease, but leaning more than a bit against their polearm braced on the floor. "I was simply doing my duties, as you do yours. And it is my duty to say that no, you are not alright, Dolan. Most of us still are not." They point out. "We will still help them to the best of our abilities, but we must tend to our own wounds before looking outward again."