PrP: Just Lion Around

Log Info

• Title: Just Lion Around
• Emitter: Fiaol
• Characters: Nasirri Level 5, Karl Level 7
• NPCs: Basil, Sharia, Narkin
• Place: Alexandria – Unnamed Hamlet
• Time: Aug 7, 2011
• Summary: Rumors have been spreading of a hamlet north and east of Alexandria that has fallen into something very ill. Nasirri and Karl set out to investigate … and find part of the problem – and Karl nearly kisses it! Also, Basil, bane of Karl's existance, is introduced. Fun to be had by all!
• APL: 5
• Encounter 1: 2 Lamia CR8

There are rumors. There are always rumors.

Though, sometimes not as ... disturbing as a rumor whispering through the ranks of the Adventurer's Guild. There are refugees flooding the area, and hardly any room to take them in - many will say there isn't enough room in all of Alexandros for the flood of mortality flowing into it. So when a small hamlet is found filled with zombies and emmaciated dead bodies - the stench of death clinging to all that even go near it .

Such a rumor tends bring a cold pall to the air, a sense of dread and paranoia to the eyes and weighs heavily upon the souls of those who hear it.

Of course, someone had to mention this to Karl. Because he's a ghast magnet. "I suppose we could go check it out," he admitted to whoever was nearby when he heard the rumor, shouldering his rifle and heading out to the city gates. Sure, it'll be a brisk walk, but he's a ranger. He's used to that.

There are always rumors. Stories about dark things and ominous tidings told around campfires or in the cold grey rain, stories about nightmarish things best left unseen.

"I could think of few others I would trust with such things," Nasirri replies, bright eyes warm in the day's light. She finishes placing key healing components within her pouch, tightening it with expert, deft claws. "I was uncertain of the story being true, but if it is... I would prefer your expert touch, Karl. How are the little ones, the kobold-kin?"

"I haven't been there for awhile," Karl says with a slow shake of his head, "I recently donated about twenty platinum to the town for rebuilding and relief, though, hopefully that can ease the tensions they're having..."

Nasirri rustles the feathers along wing and neck and shoulder, a ripple of motion belying volumes. "I am grateful for your kindness," she chirrs, "But I do not know if it will be able to do much. The city grows with pressure; even the region feels it now. It will not be long before the spark comes that ignies an inferno beneath our wings..."

A noted member of the Adeventuring Guild, one particularly noted for not liking Karl - after all, Karl took his swaggering, swashbuckling style ... and feathered hat idea, approaches the pair. He grins an oily smile and tries to put a companionly arm about Karl's shoulders.

"More undead about I hear," Basil offers in a tone that reeks of ill wishes. "You been out playin' in the forest again, m'Boy?"

"Basil," Karl observes in rather cheerful tones, "If you rest that arm around my shoulders, I will be taking it off at the shoulder. Just so you know." A sidelong look, dry, "And that I've heard, yes."

Nasirri raises long fingers to her beak, the silent click whispering the hint of inner laughter. "Ser Basil," she offers after a moment, bending respectfully. It pays to be polite, even to rivals! (Not *her* rival, but still....)

The arm suddenly stops a couple inches shy of Karl's shoulder, and Basil then continues it's fluid movement up and over Karl, as if that were the original intention - like a cat tripping then standing up with a 'I meant to do that' look afterwards.

Clearing his throat, Basil continues, chucking in a rich baritone, "Really, Karl, how you manage to get a woman to even look at you twice, with that prickly demenor of your, I will never understand."

Then Basil bows, with a flourish to Nasirri. "Ah... I see you are going to flush them out for our Egalrin friend here to finish, then, Karl? The undead, that is."

"Was there something that you wanted, Basil," Karl asks, one brow arching upwards as he looks back at him, "Or are you just here to be annoying?" Nasirri tries, very much, to keep the hint of giggling mirth from rousing bright feathers in sharp array.

Mostly.

"Annoying, he says!" barks Basil with laughter and a shake of his head. "Only because, Karl, I'm better at making the women smile than you are," is said with a wink and a bright flash of a smile to Nasirri.

"No, I am merely here to wish you luck," says the man with a dismissive wave, letting the air hang for the span of two heartbeats.

"And to let you know, I'll make sure that your rifle is in good hands when the Ghasts finally get you. Ta ta. Any last words you want me to give to someone before you head off?" Basil teases as he backs a step away from Karl, JUST out of arm's reach.

"Tell your mother I miss her," Karl replies without missing a beat, flashing a rogue's smile back to Basil and then turning to Nasirri, "Shall we head out? I think the smell'll be better over in the village of the damned."

Colors of warm pink and subtle rose dance at the edges of warm cere, the places where skin is close enough to the surface to show free. "We each have our own special talents," she says, beak parted in avian mirth. "But it is true, we are moving to investigate the fears of the villagers." Ah, the pecking order of the males... Nasirri is quite certain that the plumage within various hats would be rustling and rousing, if it were capable!

"But if you know of anything that might prove helpful," she adds, hands beneath either sleeve clasping serenely. "I would be grateful, honored hunter."

"How rude!" exclaims Basil to Karl as he takes another step away, bowing with a flourish once more to Nasirri. "Your companion is far too lovely to have a stench about her. Because you surely do not speak of myself. Why, I just had a lovely rose-petal bath at the bathhouse ... charged to your name."

And with that, Basil is swaggering away, smiling to himself.

Nasirri sighs softly, wistfully. "Think kind thoughts," she suggests, murmuring back to Karl. "...and try not to visualize him too much, if it should come to shooting."

"The watch wouldn't really object if I just winged him, right?" Karl asks the question dryly as he watches Basil stride off, "Right?"

"They might," Nasirri reminds, chirring quietly. And laughing within, if the chitter of her beak is any indication! "And then, we would be less able to aid those we seek to comfort."

Karl exhales a sigh of breath, turning, "Alright, alright. Let's go."

The Watch, are being kind and /NOT/ watching ... or trying not to, and NOT snickering, or trying not to, the exchange between the men. Ahhh, everyone has someone else they want to just kill for being annoying.

Really, they do!

So, without further delay, Nasirri and Karl head out the Norther Gate to the mountain road. Here they travel nearly half a day, before turning off on a smaller, less kept and less traveled road towards the west. With the Cold War in Myrridon, not many are straying from the Western Hamlets, lest they get conscripted to do some 'favor' or other from the squabbling nobles still eyeing the lands set aside in the Rose Treaty.

Another two hours, and the sun is in the late afternoon sky, covering everything with long shadows and an eerie orange-yellow light, when the first houses of the hamlet come into view. Though, that is not what raises one's awareness of the hamlet. No, the stench of rotting meat, and cows and goats fallen, bloated and decaying in the fields gone to weed - those are what is noticed first.

As the stench wafts through the air, Karl's steps slow down considerably. "It wasn't just rumour, it sounds like," he murmurs, unslinging the rifle from his back and stepping over to the field. One hand plants on the rail, and he hops the fence, "Give me a second. I'm going to take a look at the cows, see what killed them."

"Pray, be careful," Nasirri replies, sharp eyes gleaming in the evening light. The grey robe catches the colors faintly, bright wings adding to the metallic shimmer of the whole. She keeps watch out towards the distance, curve of her beak betraying every movement of her focused gaze.

<OOC> Nasirri would like to have Shield Other pre-cast, if she may. It has a 5 hour duration.

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Give me a ... knowledge/nature, Karl."

<OOC> Fiaol says, "And cast away, Nasirri."

GAME: Karl rolls Knowledge/Nature: (20)+10: 30

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Well... that's a good roll. You'd have to say humanoid-sized creatures clawed and chewed at the cows and goats ... just to kill them, eat a little, and left the rest to rot."

Karl pulls on his gloves to examine the cows; moving around the carcass, examining the wounds with gentle probing of his fingers, lifting the leg slightly to examine under it. "They were humanoid," he says quietly, "These are claw marks... bites... ghouls, possibly? Guess we'll find out."

Nasirri's feathers slicken, serried clicks sliding into place as her eyes continue their somber rake across the landscape. "We should not be surprised," she admits softly. "Such creatures commonly hunt the sickly and weak... Stragglers among the refugees would surely count in such cases."

"I'm just hoping that..." Karl looks towards the town proper, his lips pursing in a tight line, "That they didn't take all the townsfolk, too. Let's move." He starts towards the buildings, saying quietly, "Just keep quiet, move quiet if you can."

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Stealth checks, please?"

GAME: Karl rolls Stealth: (19)+15: 34

<OOC> Nasirri will use Touch of Luck... just in case.

GAME: Nasirri rolls Stealth: (13)+3: 16

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+15: (10)+15: 25

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

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+15: (16)+15: 31

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

Nasirri dips her head in a single nod, though apprehension remains marked on the feathered features. "Stay close to me," she adds in turn, bright wings tensing, whispering at her back. She moves behind, as quietly as she may... Brightly arrayed or not!

<OOC> Karl says, "Also +4 perception vs undead."

GAME: Karl rolls Perception: (19)+12: 31

GAME: Nasirri rolls Perception: (4)+10: 14

<OOC> Nasirri says, "Uses that luck!"

GAME: Nasirri rolls Perception: (18)+10: 28

The rifle's brought down a bit from Karl's shoulder, his steps slowing. "We're being followed," he hisses quietly, turning a bit and raising his head to call out, "'Ey! Over there, in the field... I see you. Come on out! We're not going to hurt you!" Lower, again, "...unless you're horrible abominations..."

"Let us hope they are not horrible abominiations," Nasirri murmurs, the polished, dark wood of her shield at hand. The other slides beneath her sleeve, withdrawing a slender scroll from within to hold ready.

There is a pause in the rustling, then a face peers out from the wheat. A face and a torso, the rest being lost to the nearly ready crop. The face is that of a young woman with dark, curling hair tangled together, her blue eyes pale, and a bit overlarge, perhaps even haunted, and her shirt a tatters. "Who ... who are you? It is not safe here," she whispers, looking over her shoulder. "My sister and I ... we warn people away, but have no where else to go. You should leave."

"I'm Karl Mattock," is the hunter's response, bringing the rifle back up to his shoulder as he brings a hand up towards the dark-haired girl, beckoning her, "This is Nasirri... we're here to help. Trust me, I've been in more dangerous places than this hamlet. What happened here?"

The Egalrin slips the scroll back beneath her sleeve with a whisper of movement, securing it once more as she dips in brief welcome. "I am a healer also," she calls, voice like a summer song. "If you or your sister are injured, please let me aid you as well. It is why we have come.

There is a pause about the young woman, and she seems to cower back slightly into the wheat, shaking her head at Karl. "I dare not, Karl Mattock," she notes to the man. Licking her licks nervously, she looks to the skies, then down the road, before beckoning to the man herself. "Come this way, out of the open," she murmurs.

Those blue eyes then look to Nasirri, studying the Egalrin. "A healer?" she asks curiously, before looking over her shoulder. "We are not injured deeply. But others ... yes, the others..." she notes, before looking back to the cleric with a pleading glance.

There is a hint of a rustle of the wheat, and it seems the young woman takes a half-step back into hiding. "I am Sharia, and my sister is Narkin. Come out of the open," she urges, motioning with her hand again.

"Don't worry," Karl assures them, "We'll help."

A quiet whisper to Nasirri, "...be careful. This could be a trick, but we can't refuse just in case it's not..." Then he's heading towards the wheat, moving at a half-jog towards the girl.

OOC NOTE: Kudos to Karl for being paranoid!

Nasirri dips her head quietly, nodding once. "Faith," she murmurs in soft return, wings folding tighter as she follows the ranger off into the wheat. She moves with nowhere near his stealth and woodslore, but she does her best to keep sounds low. "How ill are the others?" she begins, asking the young woman in gentle voice.

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Sharia has her hand held out to Karl still ... is he going to walk next to her, or take the hand?"

<OOC> Karl will take it. Is still wearing gloves! >.>

GAME: You secretly roll 1d20+7:20

You paged Karl with 'She manages to reach out her other hand and clasp the wrist which is uncovered, too.'

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4: (1): 1 to karl

GAME: Fiaol damaged Karl's Wisdom for 1 points. 1 total damage.

There is a flick of Narkin's features, before she slips back completely into the wheat, though she leaves a trail wide enough and easy enough for Nasirri to follow if she wants. Sharia looks at Karl as he takes her hand, and reaches out with her other to clasp his wrist, eyes wide and thankful. "They ... it isn't right," she tells Nasirri, watching Karl instead. "We are so glad you game to us ... so very glad you could help us," she says shyly, backing further into the wheat and trying to pull Karl with her.

"It's what we do," Karl replies with a reassuring smile; his hand clasping hers, not pulling away as she grips to him like the frightened girl she seems to be, "So what happened here, what attacked you...?" He walks beside Sharia, turning his head to keep an eye through the wheat, "How many survivors?"

Nasirri follows in her own turn, gaze curving from the frightened back to the hamlet, returning again in full time. "And how have you remained hidden for so long?" she adds, glancing back once before her eyes rise again. Careful search, for any dangers that might come.

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Nasirri... give me a spellcraft check."

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Karl, give me a Will Save."

GAME: Karl rolls Will: (12)+2: 14

<OOC> Nasirri does not have spellcraft. ^^;

<OOC> Nasirri says, "+1 for the effects of Shield Other, Karl. It is to AC and to all saves."

Sharia looks up at Karl, her blue eyes seeming so very large as she whispers lightly. "We were so scared... you will protect us, won't you?"

For a moment, Karl feels as if he could fall right into those eyes, that their light blue would overcome him, and he would do anything for this girl. Then ... he notices something off about the trail she is making... it is too ... long. It isn't right.

There is a flash in Karl's mind and he suddenly realizes that the girl he is talking to has the torso and upper body of a girl, but the rest of it is that of a lion! This ... This isn't right!

"Sister, they are more hardy than we thought!"

At those words, Narkin leaps from the what, dagger flashing in the coming sunset as it slashes against Nasirri, several bloody feathers falling from the Egalrin, exposing a large rip in her lovely robes.

<OOC> Karl says, "Vital Strike."

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+8: (20)+8: 28

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+8: (13)+8: 21

<OOC> Fiaol says, "... OW."

<OOC> Fiaol says, "This will hurt."

GAME: Karl rolls 4d6+2: (17)+2: 19

It almost works. Karl's smile softens as he looks down into those blue eyes, one hand lifting to brush against her cheek as he murmurs, "Of course I-- we-- will..." She's a pretty little thing, isn't she? Maybe if he helps her, she'll give him a ki... wait... he pulls back a touch, glancing to the ground. Lion tracks? Then she realizes what's going on, and he lets out a snarl, "Nasirri, they're--" Too late, as that dagger cuts feathers and flesh. "Nasirri!"

The iron blade at the end of his rifle is reversed and swung down towards the girl he was just about to kiss!

The ring glimmering on the ranger's hand pulses warmly, a silent warning; it chimes a wren's calling sound, drawing attention away from purely the sensual above, and down across the feel and sight of the rest of the world. The tracks. The feline frame

Nasirri's sharp cry online confirms what Karl cries out, and broad wings flash and beat in quick time as she flails back from the leonine creature upon her. "To me!" she cries out, bright wings flaring in a rush of shining color. No time to explain further as the Egalrin grips Karl beneath the arms, momentarily abandoning the defense of her shield. The strain is easily felt, like a bowstring suddenly drawing far too tight; powerful legs kick from the ground, and Ranger and Cleric are aloft in seconds, aloft within the coccoon of the air!

... for seconds alone.

"I.. can't....!" Nasirri whispers, beak clicking off short as she drags the weight of two beings back towards the road. It ends with a safe landing-- relatively-- But a heavy one. Nasirri releases Karl to the roadline, staggering to one knee as bright wings droop with the sudden surge of activity. "Cannot... long enough..." she pants, bright breast heaving with air and bleeding.

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

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+15: (11)+15: 26

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+7: (9)+7: 16

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Touch AC, Karl?"

GAME: Fiaol rolls 2d4+10: (7)+10: 17

There is a keening cry from Narkin as the Egalrin tries to flee! "My prey!" she shrieks with a voice quivering and full of hate. Despite Nasirri's efforts, it seems these leonine women are faster than the Eaglrin, and Narkin rushes at Nasirri, digging her wicked dagger deep into the back of the Egalrin's shoulder.

Sharia follows up, fingers curled like claws, as they try to rake at Karl, glowing with a sickly black light. As they reach for the man, there is a spark of light, of flame, that keeps those fingers from the man's skin - the protection of the Phoenix granted from Nasirri's spell.

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+13: (19)+13: 32

<OOC> Nasirri X>

<OOC> Karl says, "...roll to confirm..."

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

<OOC> Fiaol says, "That is a Confirm."

GAME: Karl rolls 3d10+18: (15)+18: 33

"Get away from me--" Karl pulls back from the reaching fingers of the leonine woman with the heat of anger in his voice, turning then as he hears Nasirri's eagle-voice sounding in pain, the rifle swept up with the bayonet still slick with blood before he fires off a round that hits Narkin square in the side, a terrible wound splattering red over the wheat and road.

<OOC> Nasirri shall do the very thing! "Step back 5', and HEALING."

GAME: Nasirri casts Daylight.

GAME: Nasirri rolls 3d8+5: (12)+5: 17

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Roll healing."

GAME: Fiaol damaged Nasirri for -17 points. 25 remaining.

Blood flows bright and hot down the silvery robe, and Nasirri falls back behind the defense of her shield. Karl's shot blasts out on the air, and the acrid taste of gunpowder is a scent from Heaven as she keeps the darkwood shield's aegis high. "Blessed Phoenix, Joyous Light!" She shudders with the force of exhaled words, trembling as she feels the healing warmth already pouring through her veins. "Praise she of fire and song and fiercest flame!"

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+13: (13)+13: 26

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+13: (15)+13: 28

<OOC> Nasirri hee!

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11

<OOC> Fiaol says, "2 hits. One from each."

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4+5: (4)+5: 9

<OOC> Karl says, "Two hits! Sharia must be feeling spurned. :("

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4+5: (1)+5: 6

"How dare you spill my sister's blood! The Mistress take you in the darkness!" hisses Sharia as she slashes across Karl's arm once, though the second blow to his face misses.

Narkin looks at the Egalrin, then growls, moving up on padded feet to sink her blade at Karl's leg. Luckily, it is only a flesh wound.

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

GAME: Karl rolls 1d10+9: (2)+9: 11

GAME: Nasirri rolls 3d6: (14): 14

"Nnh--you're the one who attacked us first, lion-bitch," Karl hisses out as he drops back another step from the onrushing monstrous women, just in time to avoid that knife slashing towards his face. Another shot's snapped off, a round hitting Narkin's shoulder in a painful impact, "That's why I dare!"

The silver bands gleam, tiny rubies marking the eyes of the carved Phoenixi glowing from within. Where one standing alone is strong, two together are twice again what they would be seperately, and the Phoenix' Shield flares with divine light. Nasirri slips back from the battle, giving Karl room to maneuver as best she may; the other hand slides beneath her robes, to hover over her breast as she calls the healing energies again, to release with a corona of warm, fiery light.

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+7: (17)+7: 24

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4: (4): 4

GAME: Fiaol damaged Nasirri's Wisdom for 4 points. 4 total damage.

<OOC> Karl says, "Ouch!"

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+13: (2)+13: 15

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+7: (13)+7: 20

"Shadows take thee!" hisses Sharia as Narkin is shot again. Wildly she attacks Karl, the blade gleeming darkly, wanting more blood, only to wildly miss with two slashing attacks.

"Forget the man," hisses Narkin, as she lunges at Nasirri, her fingers raking at the Egalrin's flesh. "The Cleric is the dangerous one, Sister!"

GAME: Karl rolls Acrobatics: (17)+11: 28

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+10: (3)+10: 13

The dagger's edge sparks against fine mithril links, and then Karl ducks down under the swing of a dagger; straightening up and whirling on the sister, his bayonet's swept through the air across her back, but he mis-judges the length of that leonine torso.

GAME: Nasirri rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9

Nasirri shudders at the rake of black claws, the shattering of tiny fragments across thought and memory. The Egalrin shrieks with a warbling fury, eyes wide as feathers rouse aloft, standing upright in a dozen different directions. Large, fearsome, but without concentration-- she reaches for a spell, the words and prayers that do not come. Words fail before a shriek of gravest anger, the reins cast loose before a passionate fury run wild...

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Right. 2 attacks on Karl as Sharia slips into flank. And then another Wis Drain attack on Nasirri."

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+15: (6)+15: 21

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+9: (19)+9: 28

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+7: (20)+7: 27

<OOC> Karl says, "Uh oh."

<OOC> Fiaol says, "ANd this is to confirm...."

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+9: (9)+9: 18

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

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4+5: (4)+5: 9

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4+5: (4)+5: 9

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4: (1): 1

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4: (2): 2

Again that dagger, curved so wickedly, lashes out, sinking into Karl's flesh. However, thanks to Nasirri's spell, the ranger is better off than the Egalrin instead as wounds spontaneously appear on her form in the exact same spot as Karl's. With Sharia busy with Karl, Narkin smiles wickedly at Nasirri, her tongue licking over vicious teeth. "Cleric," she murmurs so softly, as her hand rakes out again to brush against the Egalrin, "ALways has such a sweet flavor."

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+10: (19)+10: 29

GAME: Karl rolls 1d6+2+1d6: (4)+2+(3): 9

A low, pained grunt leaves Karl's lips as his arm is slashed... but not as deep as it should be, and he thrusts his bayoneted rifle down against Narkin's back, delving into the flesh of her flank in a grievous wound. "I'll give you a flavour, you lion-bitch--"

GAME: Nasirri rolls 1d6+2: (2)+2: 4

Nasirri brings the black shield up before her, bright eyes narrowing as jagged sparks of fury practically singe from her gaze. "I will remember to ask the Makar how *you* taste," she hisses, bright wings flaring as she thrusts her hand forward, a flaring bolt of sudden fire erupting from her palm. "Whe I give you to them for their celebrations!"

<OOC> Fiaol says, "2 more attacks on Karl ... then Nasirri, give me a will save."

<OOC> Nasirri says, "Oh dear. X>"

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+15: (18)+15: 33

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+9: (18)+9: 27

GAME: Nasirri rolls Will: (14)+3: 17

<OOC> Karl says, "Yes, fire the will save spells at the cleric plz."

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Okay... you are NOT charmed!"

<OOC> Fiaol laughs and has drained her a TON! I thought I would try!

<OOC> Nasirri X>

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4+5: (1)+5: 6

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4+5: (4)+5: 9

Sharia is just grinning at Karl. "I would have rather had you other than for dinner," she says from behind a wicked smile on her lips. "But a sooner death will have to do!" she offers as her wocked blade slices at the man again. Narkin waits for Sharia to attack, then she shifts away from Karl and Nasirri. The leonine woman hisses, purring, really, "Yes, surrender to your fury. Feel the anger inside. Let it burn you to ash. Join us... become our Sister... we will offer you a home, a purpose," she whispers.

There is a moment where Nasirri feels the fires burning ever so brightly, so seductively, calling out to her. But there is still enough of the Cleric in her to pull back before her soul is burned assunder.

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+10: (17)+10: 27

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Damage!"

<OOC> Karl says, "Er, -2, I'm not flanking anymore. :D"

GAME: Karl rolls 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6

"I don't think she'd appreciate being your Sister," Karl's response is sharp as he lunges out--spearing his bayonet into Narkin's side, but she isn't felled, though her wounds look terrible indeed! As do his own, blood staining mithril in glistening trails.

GAME: Nasirri rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24

GAME: Nasirri rolls 1d6+2: (1)+2: 3

Cleric by far, and one Phoenix-born. For one so blessed, no flame holds fear; for Nasirri, she embraces that burning rage, seizing that infernal seduction, forging it into a lance as sharp as lightning, hot as molten steel.

"Foolish, foolish child," she sings, croons, voice a piercing call as sharp as steel. "The Fire is life, and through it I know no pain. The Grey Owl releases his clasp, because he cannot bear the touch of the flames." Another bolt, jagged as teeth, to rake and blast and burn through the leonine hide.

"I am Phoenix-born!" she sings, "Remember this as you burn in the flame!"

As Narkin falls to the ground, singed and blistered by the Phoenix, Sharia howls in pure, unadulterated vengeful fury. Karl is her target of choice right now, the dagger lashing back and forth, striking the man once. "You will pay for what you have done to my sister!"

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+13: (11)+13: 24

GAME: Karl rolls 2d10+9: (9)+9: 18

As more of Karl's blood hits the ground to feed the wheat, he drops back a step with a snarl; bringing up the rifle again, this time to fire, a shot grazing painfully across her leonine body in a red furrow through fur. "And for what you've done to the village!"

GAME: Nasirri rolls 3d6: (11): 11

Nasirri lets the creature fall, eyes still hot as the slender hand moves beneath her robe. "And for all else you have ever done," she adds, wings flared as she steps to one side. Healing energy flows again, a warming song bright and hot and sweet.

GAME: Nasirri rolls Will: (10)+3: 13

GAME: Karl rolls Will: (15)+2: 17

Sharia hisses as pain burns her side from the slug hurtled from Karl's gun. Sharia takes another step back, her eyes, now golden and cat-like, look between the pair, and she smiles ... wickedly.

A wave of her hand, and sparkling motes of dust encircle the pair of Karl and Nasirri, mixing with rose petals and their comforting scent. A display of beauty that creates a sense of calm, of ease, and just at the edge of hearing a lullaby. Eyelids start to droop, weariness starts to fall …

Karl's already in a great deal of pain right now; it'd be so easy to just relax, to close his eyes... he gives his head a tight shake, then, grimacing as he brings up the rifle and takes a shot, this one hitting her solidly in one foreleg with a painful sounding crack. "I don't... think so..."

Fire snarls and crackles inside, a passionate response to all the days' frustrations. Anger, fierce outrage, a hundred unrivalled furies.... All level against a fatigue become exhuastion, a weariness that steals into the bones. Nasirri clicks her beak, a last glitter of bright ehyes before she slumps to earth, unconcious among the wheat.

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+13: (13)+13: 26

GAME: Karl rolls 2d10+9: (18)+9: 27

<OOC> Nasirri shall sleep and dream of kobold cheerleaders, waving "Karl!" pompoms.

Another hiss, another scream, and the leonine woman glares daggers at Karl. "You... will ... be miiiiine," she growls, before incanting another spell. Suddenly there are 8 Sharia standing so very close together, ready to leap at Karl.

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+13: (18)+13: 31

<OOC> Nasirri X>

<OOC> Fiaol says, "That's gonna hurt!"

<OOC> Fiaol says, "ROll 1d8"

GAME: Karl rolls 1d8: (7): 7

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Figment destroyed."

<OOC> Fiaol says, "You want a 1"

A rifle's shot cuts through one of the images, and it shatters like a mirror. "Taara's tits," Karl swears under his breath; reloading as he looks between the seven remaining figures with a growing sort of desperation.

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d20+7: (14)+7: 21

GAME: Fiaol rolls 1d4: (1): 1

GAME: Fiaol damaged Karl's Wisdom for 1 points. 2 total damage.

"I do prefer mine better," purrs Saphira as she dances around Karl's shot. Laughing as one of the images is destroyed. The Lamia then moves roward, reaching out to brush her hand against Karl's chest, and he can feel the world starting to cloud over even more.

GAME: Karl rolls 1d20+8: (12)+8: 20

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Just hits!"

<OOC> Fiaol says, "1d7"

GAME: Karl rolls 1d7: (6): 6

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Another image."

As the caress of the lamia's fingers steals more of Karl's judgement away, he grits his teeth--sweeping his bayoneted rifle in a wild swing that shatters another image into shards of glittering magic!

<OOC> Fiaol says, "Will save, Karl."

GAME: Karl rolls Will: (10)+2: 12

<OOC> Fiaol says, "YOu have failed against Suggestion."

Saphira steps back, her eyes watching Karl warily. He is going to get lucky, one of these days. Finally she nods, her hand rising and moving from left to right. "This is not a battle you can win. I suggest we both take our wounded and withdraw...." she murmurs, seeming to make perfect sense.

After all, Nasirri is unconscious from who knows what....

After a moment, Karl's chin dips in a slight nod. "...very well, Sharia," he says quietly, tightly, "But this isn't over, I assure you..." His gaze never leaves her as he steps slowly over towards where his comrade's fallen into slumber, rifle held up at the ready...

Sharia half-lids her eyes and purrs loudly. "I do love it ... when the prey fights back," she murmurs in a seductive tone. "I will... expect you again, Dearest Karl Mattock."

There's a part of Karl, the part that enjoys the hunt, that can't help but smile back to her. "So do I," he replies quietly, "I'll see you again, one more time." Then he's easing down to a crouch beside Nasirri, "Now take your sister and get out of here..."

Sharia licks her lips, eyes glinting at the smile. "You ... are a man worthy... perhaps I will keep you for a while ... enjoy your company ... before eating you," she purrs, meaning it as a compliment, before pulling at Narkin, and disappearing into the wheat.

As she goes, Karl shakes his head... and then he's shaking Nasirri, muttering, "Wake up, priestess..."