PrP:The Cairn

Log Info

• Title: The Cairn
• Emitter: Arkun
• Characters: Blackjack Level 2, Faiza Level 5, Belladona Level 4, Pips Level 2, Terewin Level 3
• Place: Alexandria - An ancient Cairn
• Time: Jan 09, 2015
• Summary: A missive from a village about two days travel from the city of Alexandria has arrived at the Adventurer's Guild. The local villagers have reported a series of disappearances near an ancient burial ground that has been abandoned, and was being reclaimed as farmland for the expansion of the village. Worried that they may have upset something they should not have, the headman of the village has sent a petition to the Guild to send some adventurers to deal with the issue.
• APL: 2-5
• Encounter 1: 1 Skeletal Champion, 3 Medium Skeletons CR 5
• Encounter 2: 1 Skeletal Mage, 1 Skeletal Champion, 2 Medium Skeleton Archers CR 7

<OOC> Arkun says, "Alrighty. Hi folks. This is my first plot I'm running, so if I'm slow at points its because I'm checking up rules and rolls and etc. After the scene set, I'm going to open up for a round of free poses so everyone can get introduced IC, then if everyone's good to go after that I'll be progressing onwards from there."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Sound fine?"

EVENTS: The Cairn is scheduled to start RIGHT NOW!

<OOC> Terewin says, "Sounds good."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Sounds good to me!"

<OOC> Pips thumbs up.

Each of you have accepted the mission that was offered by the Adventurer's Guild, and have given the use of a caravan - each adventurer getting the use of a horse, with one dragging a cart to transport equipment and supplies - to transport the entire party to the outlaying village that sent in the missive. The headman greets the party at the gates, his hat held in his hands, his face displaying the worry of a person who carries the villages hopes on his shoulders. He does not press for the party to continue on as the sun is dipping, but shows the party in to their meeting hall - a less drafty large barn - stating that he will return at first light, allowing the party to finally get a proper introduction with eachother before heading out towards the Cairn in the morning.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Free round!"

"Well!" The pirate lass barks out, finding herself something comfortable to sit against before flopping down and stretching her limbs after the long journey. "... G'night!" Social. She pulls the tip of her tricorn down over her eyes, crosses her arms behind her head and lays back, smacking her lips audibly. She points a finger at nobody in particular, "Don't ye be wakin' me 'fore it's time t'go, neither. I swear on me mum, I'll chib ye." And then Blackjack's arm flops down onto herself once again.

Apparently this is how she introduces herself.

GAME: Pips refreshes spells.

GAME: Belladona refreshes spells.

Belladona looks around the meeting hall as Samafa stalks around a bit. She looks over at Blackjack, "All right if we are attacked we'll let you be killed in your sleep." She moves around to look over where they are staying.

Terewin rides his own horse, Gallant and even takes the horse inside the barn outside of the weather. "Goodnight indeed fellow adventurer! I am Terewin, a knight of the sword if you need me for anything." he says with a flourish before preparing a sleeping place in some hay.

Pips is quite the opposite of the team's pirate companion. "Do you think the Cairn will have treasure? I hope they have treasure. Especially shiny treasure! Like gold! Or gems!... Oooo, maybe even GOLD GEMS! Wouldn't that be swell? Speaking of swelling, this one time I got hit by a reefclaw and the wound swelled up a lot and my other companion was worried because I stopped talking for a bit, but it wasn't cause of the wound I was-" He rambles on. And on. Eventually, he trails off and loses himself in thought over thoughts of pies and cakes.

The redheaded shadow elf that's been with the group since the Adventurer's Guild start has been somewhat reticent; while she's not been completely standoffish, she's not offered small talk of her own volition. Introductions have been made, though: she is, apparently, Faiza Belvade, paladin of the Silver Guard(that's the martial branch of Eluna's faithful). She's been making use of her own horse, an unremarkable though steadfast enough mount with the silver crescent of Eluna on its saddle and harness.

She hangs back slightly as the group make their way to the barn that's to be their lodgings, taking in the layout of the place with a few practised glances, and after she's seen to her horse, places her saddlebags and a blanket near the door. Apparently she aims to keep watch. Or something.

A grunt is offered by the seafaring lass, a hand lifted to give Belladonna the thumbs up, and once again, it falls with a flopping smack against her body. Blackjack's brows furrow as Terewin introduces himself, one eye popping open, swivelling to regard him evenly for a few long, lingering moments. "... Aye, ye're no bad." Her eye closes, finally. "Ye can stay." She makes a blind-shot kissy-face in the cavalier's direction, before Pips begins talking. She mutters something most assuredly foul, and rolls onto her side in the opposing direction.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Okay! We all good to go on?"

<OOC> Faiza is!

<OOC> Terewin says, "Lets go!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Fantastish."

As the first lights of dawn break through the morning clouds, the headman of the village arrives to formally introduce himself and explain their problem. Headman Alistair, as he is called, put out the missive because a few of the villagers and some of those who live outside the village have not been seen in two weeks - the time when they began carefully taking apart the cairns to place the bodies of their ancestors in a new graveyard that had been blessed by Vardama. Apparently it was after the blessing that villagers began seeing things out at the Cairns site, but it was dismissed as drunken nonsense. The time for that has passed, and now with people missing family members and treasured members of their community gone, Alistair had no choice but to reach out to the Adventurer's Guild.

With this information relayed, Alistair offers to show the way to the old Cairn site and answer any questions they might have on the way. Obviously, the headman is eager to get this issue dealt with. As you grow close to the Cairns, Alistair points out the largest, showing where a hole has been made in the side of the sealed Cairn. He dares not go further.

Belladona walks along with Samafa by her side and she asks the headman, "So how many people exactly have gone missing and are you sure it has to do with this Cairn?"

"There's been about five people missing.. And.. Well. The Cairn didn't have a big hole in it before. And we don't have problems with the local wildlife.." Alistair replies. He fidgits with his hat again, obviously uncomfortable being in even visual range of the Cairn.

Faiza has roused herself early; when the headman arrives, she's already up and prepared. On the journey towards the site of the troubles, she listens carefully to Alistair's explanation, and offers questions of her own. "Are the Vardamans aware of the issue? If the dismantling of the old cairn has disturbed something, I assume they would want to know about it."

"We have sent a missive to the local Church of Vardama, but they're obviously busy as they service a few villages around this area. We figured.. Well. If there /is/ a problem, Adventurer's would be the best way to go, and if there isn't anything wrong, then you've all earned a bit just for your troubles and to reassure our village." Alistair comments in response to Faiza, offering a weak smile.

Terewin dismounts when the party approaches the cairn, drawing his exotic two bladed sword. "I wager its some devilish evil creature. We have only to go in and slay it is all" he says confidently. "We will avenge your lost people."

Pips follows a few steps behind the rest of the party. Not purposefully, he just appears to be daydreaming, as he can be seen staring at the sky and humming softly to himself. However, he blinks and comes to when he hears- "Devilish things? I hope not..."

Blackjack wakes up swinging, "Wot?! AH'LL SET ABOUT YE!" She snorts loudly, hat fully over her face before it tumbles down her front when she sits up to the sounds of people conversing. "... ...tastes like..." Her lips smack, her tongue feeling about the inside of her mouth briefly, the skin above her nose wrinkling. "... furry leather'n orange, th'hell's I been daen..." She mutters to herself, even as she's approaching the group, and follows along as they're lead. She doesn't directly ask questions.

Belladona nods, "Five people, any names or ages or descriptions so that we know that we've found the right people?" She asks and looks over at Blackjack, "You said not to wake you."

Faiza smiles in response to Alistair's. Yes, she can smile! It even looks genuine. "I'm sure we can handle whatever it is," she says, and sounds like she means it; those faintly glowing red eyes sweep across the group sent out from the Adventurers' Guild. Such confidence.

"Aye, I did." Comes the simple retort from Blackjack. "Much obliged, ye snarky wee thing." She snorts, then barks out a laugh. "HAW. Fanny."

"John and Joanna Goodman, good hard working folk. Hargrin the Farmer, and his farmhands Oldwin and Gulwin, brothers. They're all in the common garb of us hard workin' folk, you know? Anything in those Cairns is at least a few hundred years old, so, well, if you do see anything it'll.. Well.. It'll stick out..." His voice trails off as Alistair comes to the realization that anything in those Cairns most likely won't be alive, and he looks crestfallen for a moment. "So. Well. I really shouldn't keep you on any longer. People seemed to have vanished in the night, and I don't want to waste the day."

There's a pause before the pirate lass's grin splits wide, brows high on her features. "But they aren't feelin' s'good now." Tactless. Apparently Blackjack has no sense of decorum. This should be no surprise to those around her by this point, but who knows. "Haw." She snerks, her head turning away from the others as she entertains herself with another few zingers under her breath at the expense of the most-likely fallen.

"Aye, let's get on with it, then!" She begins in a skipping gait toward the Cairn proper, a hand moving for the hilt of her greatsword as she does so, whistling offkey the whole way.

"Sky-Singer see your path is true," says Faiza, in a response that seems near-automatic, one hand pressed to the silver crescent on her breastplate, and dips her head in a half-bow towards the village's headman. "I'll make a full report on what we find." There's only a hint of Charn to her accent, as though it's been deliberately polished away through careful practice of a neutral Alexandrian inflection.

Belladona nods, "I understand and thank you for the help. We'll do our best to find out what happened to your missing neighbors." She says as she looks back at the cairn as she takes her shield off her back and puts her claws on one hand.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Alrighty, good to push on then?"

<OOC> Pips nod

Terewin nods "Horrible, but lets get it done. We will clear out the cairn and end thsi curse."

<OOC> Terewin says, "Yup"

As you advance towards the Cairn, the clouds grow to obsucre the sky, darkening the land enough where the wamrth of the sun cannot be felt. Alistair the Headman has obviously made himself scarce, the villager petrified by the current change in the weather. As the party reaches the Cairn, a pair of glowing blue orbs stare out at you from the pitch darkness, before what must have been once a mighty warrior steps out to greet you. Rags and patches of half-rotted leather hang from the skeletal creatures form, and behind it three half-skeletal figures begin to shamble out from the hole behind the Skeletal warrior, clutching broken weapons in their skinless hands.

Their clothes are eerily reminiscent of the clothing that the headman wore. It appears you've found at least three of the five missing villagers, congratulations!

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

Arkun has dropped a TIMESTOP!

Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Arkun to instruct you further.

For additional in-combat commands, please type: +thelp.

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

GAME: Terewin rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 20

GAME: Pips rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 5

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Champion: Roll: 10 + Bonus: +5 = Total: 15

GAME: Belladona rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 13

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Warrior 1: Roll: 20 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 26

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Warrior 2: Roll: 7 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 13

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Warrior 3: Roll: 2 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 8

GAME: Blackjack rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 8

=============== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 ===============

---Init--Name----------------Notes--------------------------------------------

26 Skeletal Warrior 1

---

20 Terewin Flat-footed (0 rnds active)

---

15 Skeletal Champion

---

13 Skeletal Warrior 2

---

13 Belladona Flat-footed (0 rnds active)

---

8 Skeletal Warrior 3

---

8 Blackjack Flat-footed (0 rnds active)

---

5 Pips Flat-footed (0 rnds active)

---

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

<OOC> Faiza says, "Note, you get +4 to any saves against fear as long as you're within 10' of me."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 26.

It is now Skeletal Warrior 1's turn! Terewin is next!

GAME: Faiza rolls initiative: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 13

<OOC> Faiza says, "Oop, sorry, forgot to +init."

<OOC> Arkun says, "No worries!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "There won't be any surprise round here, since you all saw this coming."

The first of the Skeletal warriors moves from a shamble into a run, its limbs animated by dark magic that imbues it. Its featureless skeletal face turns towards Terewin, its form lurching in close as it swings a broken, rotted sword down towards the Cavalier.

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d20+2: (7)+2: 9

<OOC> Arkun says, "Miss!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 20.

It is now Terewin's turn! Skeletal Champion is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Terewin ended.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Terewin!"

<OOC> Terewin says, "two weapon fighting, will attack twice."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go ahead and roll it!"

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2: (4)+7+1+-2: 10

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2: (20)+7+1+-2: 26 (THREAT)

<OOC> Arkun says, "Miss! Threat! Roll."

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2: (9)+7+1+-2: 15

<OOC> Arkun says, "That's confirmed."

GAME: Terewin rolls 2d8+4: (10)+4: 14

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go ahead and roll that crit damage."

<OOC> Arkun says, "You hack it down. Go ahead and pose it!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 15.

It is now Skeletal Champion's turn! Skeletal Warrior 2 is next!

The Skeletal Champion pauses as the first Skeletal Warrior charges on by towards Terewin. It's blazing blue eyes turn to regard Faiza, and it raises its sword in a mocking salute towards the Paladin, before it lumbers forwards quicker than it's armoured bulk would suggest, hauling up a rotted and pitted shield. With a swing of it's sword arm, rust falls away from its blade to reveal a sharpness that has not aged by time, and it swings down in a heavy hacking attack.

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d20+7: (3)+7: 10

<OOC> Arkun says, "That's a miss!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 13.

It is now Skeletal Warrior 2's turn! Faiza is next!

<OOC> Faiza is torn. To smite or not to smite?

<OOC> Faiza says, "There could be more backup."

Finding its compatriot hacked down, the second Skeletal Warrior opens its mouth in a wordless scream of dusty dry air. Hauling up its sword in two hands, it charges towards Terewin as whatever dark force controls the now undead villager aims it to revenge its fallen ally.

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d20+2: (20)+2: 22

Terewin brandishes his two bladed sword and catches the enemies attack with the first blade and brings the other end in to hack the skeleton down into a pile of bones. "Down foul creature, taste the blade of a Knight of the Sword!"

<OOC> Faiza says, "... oh, wait, I can smite twice in a day."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Rolling to comfirm."

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d20+2: (8)+2: 10

<OOC> Arkun says, "No crit from Skeletal Warrior 2."

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d6: (3): 3

GAME: You damaged Terewin for 3 points. 26 remaining.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Tis' but a flesh wound."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 13.

It is now Faiza's turn! Belladona is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Faiza ended.

GAME: Faiza rolls weapon1+4: (8)+10+4: 22

<OOC> Arkun says, "That's a hit!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll for DMG."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Since it's undead, I'll do double damage on a smite. Right?"

<OOC> Faiza says, "Oh, wait, double BONUS damage."

<OOC> Terewin says, "For the first hit I believe."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Double bonus damage."

<OOC> Arkun says, "So you'd do 5x2 dmg."

<OOC> Belladona says, "You add you charisma or your level"

<OOC> Arkun says, "As bonus."

<OOC> Arkun says, "So roll your weapon damage plus whatever normal modifiers with an additional 10 damage."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Right."

GAME: Faiza rolls 1d8+4+10: (1)+4+10: 15

<OOC> Faiza says, "Hah."

<OOC> Arkun says, "A firm hit, but the Skeletal creature remains standing!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go ahead and pose it!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 13.

It is now Belladona's turn! Skeletal Warrior 3 is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Belladona ended.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Belladona!"

<OOC> Belladona says, "I will have Samafa attack the one that Terewin. I'll drop my claws, move and draw my club to power attack the same one."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Okay, go ahead and do the rolls on Samafa first."

GAME: Belladona rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25

<OOC> Arkun says, "Hit."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll damage."

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

<OOC> Arkun says, "It remains standing."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go ahead and roll your own attack now."

GAME: Belladona rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22

<OOC> Arkun says, "Clean hit!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Damage?"

GAME: Belladona rolls 1d6+9: (4)+9: 13

<OOC> Arkun says, "And it crumbles under the club attack, go ahead and pose it!"

GAME: 'Skeletal Warrior 1' removed from initiative list.

GAME: 'Skeletal Warrior 2' removed from initiative list.

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 8.

It is now Skeletal Warrior 3's turn! Blackjack is next!

Squaring off against the more threatening of the trio of undead, the redheaded shadow elf does not return the salute. Instead, she raises her sword aloft, beginning a soft chant of prayer under her breath. The effect is immediate, and startling: the blade is enveloped in a silvery sheen that seems to reflect directly onto the undead creature before her, bathing it in a terrible luminescence. With a grunt, Faiza swings the blade straight down; it's not an elegant swing, but it bites deeply into the remains of armour and through, searing rotting flesh with a sickening smell.

The third Skeletal Warrior ignores the fate of its two companions, instead rushing forwards in an attempt to bolster the Skeletal Champion that has begun its duel with Faiza. It rushes forwards, aiming towards the Paladin's flank, dropping its broken weapon to aim its clawed fingers for the warm flesh underneath armour!

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d20+4: (19)+4: 23

GAME: You clear initiatives.

GAME: Arkun has cleared initiatives.

<OOC> Arkun says, "AUGH"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Wrong command. I'm sorry."

<OOC> Blackjack says, "HA"

<OOC> Arkun says, "I have the init still showing so.."

<OOC> Arkun says, "One sec."

GAME: You roll initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 12

GAME: Arkun rolls initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 12

<OOC> Arkun says, ".."

GAME: Belladona rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 13

<OOC> Arkun says, "Lame"

GAME: You clear initiatives.

GAME: Arkun has cleared initiatives.

<OOC> Arkun says, "I'll put you all back up."

<OOC> Belladona says, "okay"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Sorry about this folks. :("

<OOC> Terewin says, "No worries."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Everyone just +init once and I'll put you guys where you should be."

GAME: Blackjack rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 5

GAME: Belladona rolls initiative: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 6

GAME: Terewin rolls initiative: Roll: 1 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 4

GAME: Faiza rolls initiative: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 16

GAME: Pips rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 20

Belladona frowns as the skeletons arrive right outside the cairn entrance. She sees Terewin get attacked and she points to the skeleton that hit him, "Samafa attack." The armored lioness springs into action as she crunches down on the femur of the skeleton. This gives Belladona time to drop her claws and pull out her club as she knows skeletons have a weakness against weapons that bash and crush. She moves over to crush the skull of the skeleton that Samafa just bit down on.

GAME: Belladona's initiative total changed to 13.

GAME: Terewin's initiative total changed to 20.

GAME: Pips' initiative total changed to 5.

GAME: Blackjack's initiative total changed to 8.

GAME: Faiza's initiative total changed to 13.

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Champion: Roll: 1 + Bonus: +5 = Total: 6

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Warrior 3: Roll: 20 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 26

GAME: Skeletal Warrior 3's initiative total changed to 8

GAME: Skeletal Champion's initiative total changed to 15

<OOC> Arkun says, "Okay. Back to our regular programming."

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d4+2: (4)+2: 6

GAME: You damaged Faiza for 6 points. 40 remaining.

<OOC> Faiza says, "Owie."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 20.

It is now Terewin's turn! Skeletal Champion is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Terewin ended.

<OOC> Arkun says, "One sec."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 15.

It is now Skeletal Champion's turn! Faiza is next!

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 13.

It is now Faiza's turn! Belladona is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Faiza ended.

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 13.

It is now Belladona's turn! Skeletal Warrior 3 is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Belladona ended.

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 8.

It is now Skeletal Warrior 3's turn! Blackjack is next!

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 8.

It is now Blackjack's turn! Pips is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Blackjack ended.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Blackjack!"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Attacking skeletal warrior 3, flanking with Faiza."

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Power attack"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Blackjack rolls melee+2: (9)+6+2: 17

<OOC> Arkun says, "hit!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Damage."

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Hooray"

GAME: Blackjack rolls 2d6+8: (4)+8: 12

<OOC> Arkun says, "You smash it."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose it!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 5.

It is now Pips' turn! Terewin is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Pips ended.

<OOC> Arkun says, "PIPS."

<OOC> Arkun says, "You are up."

<OOC> Pips says, "I shall move and attack the champion with my quarterstaff"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go for it! You get a flanking bonus."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Bonk it over the head!"

GAME: Pips rolls melee+2: (3)+4+2: 9

<OOC> Arkun says, "Swosh, you sadly miss. Pose it!"

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 20.

It is now Terewin's turn! Skeletal Champion is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Terewin!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "You stand surrounded by the.. bones.. of your enemies. What do you do."

<OOC> Terewin will chalange the Champion! The two weapon fighting.

<OOC> Terewin says, "Er then two swings."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Challenged Champion! Okay. Roll to hit!"

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2: (10)+7+1+-2: 16

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2: (14)+7+1+-2: 20

<OOC> Arkun says, "Miss, hit. Roll for damage!"

GAME: Terewin rolls 1d8+2+3: (3)+2+3: 8

<OOC> Arkun says, "You have successfully challenged the Champion and came out the victor. Go ahead and pose! I will now remove the timestop and wait for everyone to pose before continuing."

Pips, seeing the decimation his allies have brought on their enemies, runs at the stronger looking skeleton with his staff. He manuevers behind it and swats at it with his staff. However, the skeleton deflects the attack with ease.

GAME: Arkun removes the timestop.

Timestop by Arkun has left.

GAME: You remove the timestop.

Skip, skip, swing!

Blackjack has her own method of getting into the fray, it seems. "Aharr! I've seen scarier things'n ye left in neat piles in th'bog, I have!" Smack-talking the undead is not nearly so fulfilling as it could be. Still her blade comes down in an inelegant arc, bashing down the final warrior that had moved to threaten Faiza. She yards her blade free and lifts her chin in a stiff reverse-nod to the Mul-blooded, lips quirking into a slow smirk before she gives her a wink. "Pleased t'meet ye." She allows, her gaze flicking to Terewin and the Champion he fights. "Honoured t'fight by yer side, lass. Let's go help our boy, aye?"

Terewin faces the skeletal champion and once more catches an attack on his blade. "Come on bones, give this knight a proper fight! My grandmother has sturdier bones in her limbs than you!" much the same way as the weaker skeleton before after catching an attack on his first blade he reverses the swing and strikes the skeleton down with the other end the exotic weapon.

The Cairn births no further combatants, but the skies themselves remain darkened and dour, refusing the ground the warmth it deserves.

As the skeleton with the glowing eyes crumples in a heap of... well, bones, Faiza remains in a guarding position for another couple of seconds before slowly lowering her shield. Taking the time to return the nod to the marine-themed whirlwind of action - wouldn't do to be seen as impolite, after all - she straightens up with a slight wince. "Somehow I doubt that was the end of it," she says, with the endlessly resigned tone of someone who just -knows- they're right. "Stay alert." She carefully moves her line of sight across the area of the cairn, eyes slightly narrowed and eerily glowing red.

<OOC> Faiza says, "Does anything ping on Detect Evil?"

<OOC> Arkun says, "The Cairn resonates with Evil, the outside does not."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Correction: The /inside/ resonates, is what I mean."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Ah. And we're standing just outside it?"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Yes'm."

<OOC> Blackjack nods sagely.

Belladona moves to pick up her claws and she puts them away. She keeps her club handy, "Well something doesn't want us going down there. Let's find out what is down there." She looks over to Terewin, "How badly are you hurt?"

"Only one way to find out what happened to the rest," says the Elunan paladin, still in the same vaguely resigned tone of voice, and raises her shield once more. "I can see through darkness; I'll go first." Her tone of voice brooks not argument, and indeed, she starts to stride confidently towards the entrance to the cairn itself.

<OOC> Faiza must remember to include her name in poses.

Terewin pulls out a strip of cloth and binds a scratch on his arms. "I am good to go, lets finish whatever is left inside." he same with a solemn conviction.

Blackjack, for once, is mostly silent as she moves to follow alongside Faiza, swagger in full sway, a smirk still placed on her lips, and sword still drawn.

Pips blinks as the combat is over nearly as quickly as it began. "That -did- seem a bit easy." He looks at Faiza as she starts to go in and then quickly starts to follow in. She looks tough, so he figures he will follow her.

The inside of the Cairn is dark and damp, a large circular expanse that runs thirty foot wide. The stone inside the cairn has been worn by damp and time, but is daubed with paintings and ragged cloth that was obviously the heraldry of the owner of this Cairn. This first level is barren of life, with a winding tunnel leading down deeper into the Cairn, obscured by darkness. Only at the bottom does there seem to be light, torches burning bright to illuminate the outside of what must be the burial chamber.

<OOC> Faiza will be trying to regularly ping Detect Evil - unless the aura inside is totally overwhelming - to try and avoid any nasty pop-up surprises.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Your Deity-granted ability to detect evil informs you dutifully that the evil eminates from within the burial chamber, but the aura of evil itself prevents you from discerning if it is one single source or multiple sources."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Fair enough!"

<OOC> Faiza says, "Anything suspicious about the layout of the cairn itself? Like, obvious blood ritual remnants, hints the villagers are actually THE TRUE EVIL AFTER ALL, etc.? :P"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Tell ya what! Gimmie a knowledge roll for religion and dungoneering seperately."

<OOC> Arkun says, "That's to any/all."

GAME: Blackjack rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: (11)+6: 17

GAME: Terewin rolls knowledge/religion: (13)+7: 20

<OOC> Arkun says, "I'll page you the results."

GAME: Faiza rolls knowledge/religion: (2)+7: 9

GAME: Faiza rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: Trained Use Only: 0

<OOC> Faiza says, "No dungeoneering. Alas."

<OOC> Arkun says, "That's fine!"

<OOC> Blackjack has you covered, bby.

[Public] Dain says, "So... how do you request to teach tricks to your animal companion?"

You paged Terewin with 'From the heraldry and the symbols that you see within the Cairn, you easily gain the assumption that the individual who resided within this Cairn was a devotee of Thul, and with the age of the Cairn in relation to the religious symbology, you can assume that the villagers are not /THE EVIL/.'

You paged Blackjack with 'Through the age of this Cairn you assess that burning torches really don't burn as long as they should in a place as old as this, and through the architecture of the Cairn, the culture that brought this stuff in did not survive to this day and age. The villagers are not /the EVIL/.'

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pages have been sent to those who made the rolls."

Terewin looks around inside the cairn, examining some of the remmenants of the heraldry. "This... the person emtombed here... was a servant of evil, of Thul. Be prepared for powerful evil down below." he says stone faced and grim.

"Damned Thul an' his minions! Aye, yar, we should absolutely be gettin' rid o'all influence o'his presence." Blackjack asserts with a stiff nod, taking a moment to glance about the Cairn proper, lips pursing as she considers the build of this place. "... ri', let's get tae goin', I'm gettin' th'weeblies."

Faiza leads the way, as she stated. Mul'niessa can see in the dark, thankfully; though the area is dim, she can make her way around just fine. The paladin peers suspiciously at the decorations on the walls, but doesn't seem overly concerned as she carefully makes her way deeper within. She pauses briefly at Terewin's words, then, nodding to him in acknowledgement. "The Prophetess is with us," she says with confidence. "Her light shall drive out those who would use the darkness."

Belladona hmms, "Makes you wonder if the villagers knew that when they were moving the cairn." She has her shield and club ready.

Belladona pauses to cast a spell on Samafa to strengthen the lioness for the no doubt upcoming fight.

<OOC> Belladona says, "Casting bulls strength on Samafa"

GAME: Belladona casts Bull's Strength. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15

<OOC> Arkun says, "Kk."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Alright! Moving on!"

This chamber is the same size of the Cairn trophy chamber above, but is deeper. At the middle of the pit is a throne of stone, upon which sits a skeletal figure that wears a crown. As the party enters the chamber, blue fire grows within its eyes, and it's form rises to its feet. As it extends its hands outwards, another rag and metal clad skeletal champion emergies from behind a pillar, marching to stand before its king. From behind the throne, the last two villagers emerge, each holding a bow with a quiver.

"INTRUDERS TO MY KINGDOM." The voice eminates from the maw of the crowned skeleton, "TASTE THE WRATH OF A CHOSEN NECROMANCER OF THUL. EVEN TIME SHALL NOT STOP ME. MY KINGDOM WILL RISE ONCE MORE."

With a sweep of its hand, eldritch sparks begin to jump between its hands, and the Skeletal Champion offers the same salute as the previous before assuming a defensive position, blocking direct advance towards its leige.

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

Arkun has dropped a TIMESTOP!

Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Arkun to instruct you further.

For additional in-combat commands, please type: +thelp.

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

GAME: Blackjack rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 23

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Mage: Roll: 20 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 26

GAME: Pips rolls initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 9

GAME: Belladona rolls initiative: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 10

GAME: Terewin rolls initiative: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 10

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Champion: Roll: 1 + Bonus: +5 = Total: 6

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Archer 1: Roll: 18 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 24

GAME: You roll initiative for Skeletal Archer 2: Roll: 12 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 18

GAME: Faiza rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 4

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 26.

It is now Skeletal Mage's turn! Skeletal Archer 1 is next!

The Chosen Magus of Thul raises up both of its hands, screeching out words of dark arcane power. Fire burns to life within its hands, before it then throws both of its hands out towards the Paladin, attempting to smite down the light before the battle truely begins.

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

<OOC> Arkun says, "Faiza, what's your Touch AC?"

<OOC> Faiza says, "... hang on, how do I find that out again? <.<"

<OOC> Terewin says, "AC minus armor, nat armor and shield bonus."

<OOC> Faiza says, "... 12? I think?"

<OOC> Arkun says, "the ray hits!"

GAME: Arkun rolls 4d6: (10): 10

GAME: You damaged Faiza for 10 points. 30 remaining.

<OOC> Arkun says, "It burns, it burns."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 24.

It is now Skeletal Archer 1's turn! Blackjack is next!

As the scorching ray shoots from the Skeletal Magus, the first of the Archers takes direct aim towards Pips, dragging an arrow and loosing it mercilessly, its eyes - or lack of - staring without pity at the caster.

---

| Name | Race | Class |E Lev| CHP | HP | AC |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |

---

|Belladona |ORC |Dru | 4 | 36 | 36 | 20 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 9 |

|Blackjack |HUMAN |Rgr | 2 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 2 |

|Faiza |SHADOW_ELF|Pal | 5 | 30 | 46 | 23 | 20 | 10 | 7 | 8 |

|Pips |HALFLING |Sor | 2 | 7 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 3 |

|Terewin |HUMAN |Cav | 3 | 26 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 2 |

---

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d20+3: (1)+3: 4 (EPIC FAIL)

<OOC> Arkun says, "It fails, horribly."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 23.

It is now Blackjack's turn! Skeletal Archer 2 is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Blackjack ended.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Blackjack!"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Guess I'll try to go for the champion. Can't get at the mage, right?"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Correct, the Champion blocks the way."

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Aight, lol"

GAME: Blackjack rolls melee: (8)+6: 14

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Bah."

ooc Pose it. :(

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose it. :("

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 18.

It is now Skeletal Archer 2's turn! Terewin is next!

In eerie conjunction with the other archer, it appears that Pips is being targetted by the Archers who are attempting to whittle down people in unison before moving on to the next!

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d20+3: (17)+3: 20

<OOC> Arkun says, "One sec, Pips. Let me boost you to full HP first."

GAME: You damaged Pips for -100 points. 15 remaining.

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d8+1: (6)+1: 7

GAME: You damaged Pips for 7 points. 8 remaining.

<OOC> Arkun says, "A firm hit."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 10.

It is now Terewin's turn! Belladona is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Terewin ended.

"Avast!"

Blackjack moves to approach the Champion at speed, blade up and swiping in a downward arc that is deflected by the Champion's shield, sparking up a brilliant spray as it grinds against the stone hallway. She stands there a moment, looking up at it's face, then back to her blade, giving a quiet suck of her teeth. "... Aren't no harm done, big man, aye?

ooc Terewin, you are up!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Terewin, you are up!"

<OOC> Terewin says, "Ok, charge the champion."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1+2: (11)+7+1+2: 21

<OOC> Arkun says, "Successful hit!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll damage!"

GAME: Terewin rolls 1d8+6: (8)+6: 14

<OOC> Arkun says, "Okay! You hit it hard, but it remains standing!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose it please."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 10.

It is now Belladona's turn! Pips is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Belladona ended.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Belladona!"

<OOC> Belladona says, "Cast magic fang on samafa and send Samafa to attack one of the archers."

<OOC> Arkun says, "That'll get an AoO from the Champion."

<OOC> Belladona says, "Then I'll have her attack the champion too instead"

Terewin raises his two-bladed sword over his shoulder and rushes in to deliver a powerfull blow to the champion skeleton holding his exotic sword in both hands, slashing through bone. "Go back to your evil place!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go ahead and roll it."

GAME: Belladona casts Magic Fang. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14

GAME: Belladona rolls 1d20+8: (19)+8: 27

<OOC> Arkun says, "That's a hit!"

GAME: Belladona rolls 1d6+5: (2)+5: 7

<OOC> Arkun says, "It remains standing."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 9.

It is now Pips' turn! Skeletal Champion is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Pips ended.

ooc PIPS! Brave champion of justice! hit with an arrow! You are up.

<OOC> Arkun says, "PIPS! Brave champion of justice! hit with an arrow! You are up."

<OOC> Pips says, "I will let loose ony of my Elemental Rays (acid) at the one that hit me!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Pips rolls ranged: (16)+5: 21

<OOC> Arkun says, "Direct hit!"

<OOC> Faiza says, "How badly hurt does Pips look?"

GAME: Pips rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5

<OOC> Pips has 8 hp left

<OOC> Arkun says, "You smite it with Acid! Down it goes! Pose it!"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "(+hp)"

11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)~~

| Name | CHP | HP |

11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)~~

| Belladona.....| 36 | 36 |

| Blackjack.....| 21 | 21 |

| Faiza.........| 30 | 46 |

| Pips..........| 8 | 15 |

| Terewin.......| 26 | 29 |

11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)11:07, 16 January 2015 (EET)~~

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 6.

It is now Skeletal Champion's turn! Faiza is next!

Belladona reaches down to rest her hand on Samafa muzzle as she rubs some herbs on it. She casts a spell on Samafa strengthening her bite before she points to the champion, "Attack." The lioness moves in with the others and she chomps down on the champion.

<OOC> Arkun says, "The champion moves to strike down Blackjack in vengeance for the REALLY MEAN WORDS."

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d20+7: (19)+7: 26

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d8+3: (1)+3: 4

<OOC> Blackjack says, "THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

GAME: You damaged Blackjack for 4 points. 17 remaining.

<OOC> Blackjack says, "(I hope so.)("

<OOC> Arkun says, "I'll be posing now!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 4.

It is now Faiza's turn! Skeletal Mage is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Faiza ended.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Faiza, your action!"

Pips looks at the skeletal archer as it shoots him, yelping as the arrow strikes him in the side. "EEEP! That hurt!" He sucks in a deep breath, puts his curled fist next to his mouth, and blows into it, letting loose a bolt of acid at the skeletal archer. It hits it hard, melting its skull away with a loud hissing noise. "HURRA- ow. It hurts to cheer."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Is anyone else hurt?"

<OOC> Terewin type +hp

<OOC> Terewin says, "Pips is in a bad way."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Right! Gonna channel to heal people. Big burst of glowy healy light."

The Skeletal Champion turns on its heel, as if antagonised by the insults from Blackjack. Its arm hauls backwards, dust and rust falling from its form before it swings downwards, catching the swashbuckler on the shoulder and leaving a flesh wound.

<OOC> Faiza says, "That's two uses of Lay on Hands."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go for it! How many Lay on Hands remaining?"

<OOC> Arkun says, "And what is your DC for resisting half damage from it?"

<OOC> Faiza says, "Four."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Or wait, you're healing, nvm!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go ahead and roll the healing."

<OOC> Arkun says, "3d6, iirc?"

<OOC> Faiza says, "Yarp."

GAME: Faiza rolls 3d6: (8): 8

<OOC> Arkun says, "Boom, 8hp for all."

---

| Name | Race | Class |E Lev| CHP | HP | AC |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |

---

|Belladona |ORC |Dru | 4 | 36 | 36 | 20 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 9 |

|Blackjack |HUMAN |Rgr | 2 | 17 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 2 |

|Faiza |SHADOW_ELF|Pal | 5 | 30 | 46 | 23 | 20 | 10 | 7 | 8 |

|Pips |HALFLING |Sor | 2 | 8 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 3 |

|Terewin |HUMAN |Cav | 3 | 26 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 2 |

---

GAME: You damaged Blackjack for -8 points. 21 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Faiza for -8 points. 38 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Pips for -8 points. 15 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Terewin for -8 points. 29 remaining.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose it!"

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 26.

It is now Skeletal Mage's turn! Skeletal Archer 1 is next!

Screeching in incoherent rage, the Skeletal Mage raises its hands once more, uttering chants in the arcane tongue as it pulls the weave of Magic to its undead will. With a thrust of its hand, it points a hand towards Terewin, sending bolts of magic flying towards the Cavalier.

"DIE."

GAME: Arkun rolls 2d4+2: (3)+2: 5

GAME: You damaged Terewin for 5 points. 24 remaining.

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 24.

It is now Skeletal Archer 1's turn! Blackjack is next!

Instead of charging into the fray, Faiza... pauses, and closes her eyes briefly, and lays a hand atop the silver crescent embossed in her breastplate. "Elune, hear my prayer," she says softly. "Cast your healing light on your faithful." And just like that, the prayer is answered. A brilliant, silvery flash of light bursts out from the symbol under her hand, bathing the entire scene, for a moment, in serenity. Wounds begin to knit. Pulses quicken. Ragged breaths grow steadier.

<OOC> Faiza says, "... Eluna. Pretend I said Eluna."

<OOC> Belladona watches Faiza get smoted.

<OOC> Faiza says, "-.-"

The First Skeletal archer turns its head to look towards the acidic slag that was its companion. It's jaw hinge slowly pops open, before it then turns its head back to stare at Pips. It takes aim and fires at the Caster, trying to gain revenge!

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

---

| Name | Race | Class |E Lev| CHP | HP | AC |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |

---

|Belladona |ORC |Dru | 4 | 36 | 36 | 20 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 9 |

|Blackjack |HUMAN |Rgr | 2 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 2 |

|Faiza |SHADOW_ELF|Pal | 5 | 38 | 46 | 23 | 20 | 10 | 7 | 8 |

|Pips |HALFLING |Sor | 2 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 3 |

|Terewin |HUMAN |Cav | 3 | 24 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 2 |

---

<OOC> Arkun says, "Sorry, quick question."

<OOC> Arkun says, "I rolled a 14 there. Pips AC is 14. Do I hit or miss?"

<OOC> Pips says, "Hit"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Thank you!"

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d8+1: (8)+1: 9

GAME: You damaged Pips for 9 points. 6 remaining.

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Ouchies."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Thunk."

<OOC> Pips says, "ACK! (should have lied)"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 23.

It is now Blackjack's turn! Terewin is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "I SMELL LIES."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Blackjack!"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Gunna try to kill champion."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll it. I'll allow a flanking bonus since you're up there with Terewin."

GAME: Blackjack rolls melee+2: (7)+6+2: 15

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Ffff"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Why do you hate me, dice?!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Swing and a miss, I'm afraid."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 10.

It is now Terewin's turn! Belladona is next!

<OOC> Terewin says, "Two swings with the flank!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Terewin! You also get the flank bonus. The Champion is turning this way and that!"

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1+2-2: (5)+7+1+2+-2: 13

<OOC> Arkun says, "Miss!"

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1+2-2: (13)+7+1+2+-2: 21

<OOC> Arkun says, "HIT."

<OOC> Arkun says, "roll damage."

GAME: Terewin rolls 1d8+2: (6)+2: 8

<OOC> Arkun says, "It's /still/ standing. Pose!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 10.

It is now Belladona's turn! Pips is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Belladona."

<OOC> Belladona says, "I'll cast resist energy (fire) on me and Samafa will full attack"

GAME: Belladona casts Resist Energy. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15

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

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

GAME: Belladona rolls 1d20+8: (2)+8: 10

GAME: Belladona rolls 1d6+5: (5)+5: 10

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

<OOC> Arkun says, "Samafa manages to pull the champion down. The route is now open to the Magus."

GAME: 'Skeletal Champion' removed from initiative list.

Terewin takes a blast of energy to the chest but regains his focus and strikes with both ends of his exotic double weapon at the skeletal champion, striking on the second hit.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose it!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 9.

It is now Pips' turn! Faiza is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "PIPS."

"AHYABASTARYE!" Rapid-fire profanity.

Blackjack's wounds are knit almost as soon as they're laid in, a brow quirking and head turning to regard the paladin. "Much obliged, hen." She lifts her sword in a salute, before angling it and bringing it down at the Champion once more. It is, once again, deflected and skirts the corner of the hallway's entrance. "Bugger me!" She howls in frustration, staggering back a step and letting out a disgruntled growl.

<OOC> Pips says, "I will fire a Elemental Ray at the other archer!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go for it!"

GAME: Pips rolls ranged: (18)+5: 23

<OOC> Arkun says, "Hit!"

GAME: Pips rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll damage!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Boom, melted slag."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose it!"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Lookit Pips go. More like Pimps, amirite"

GAME: 'Skeletal Archer 1' removed from initiative list.

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 4.

It is now Faiza's turn! Skeletal Mage is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "FAIZA!"

Belladona gets out some red colored herbs and she rubs them on herself as she casts a spell on herself. Samafa leaps up and she bites and claws at the Champion, bringing him down. She growls as she stands on his fallen chest.

<OOC> Faiza says, "Iiiii am gonna channel again. I think, between the others' damage output, that mage is toast."

<OOC> Blackjack says, "If I can hit the damned thing. :p"

Pips goes to cheer as his wounds are healed, but he gets hit with an arrow from the other archer. "ACK! Stop that!" He blows a bolt of acid at the last skeletal archer, melting its entire ribcage. "HAHA!"

GAME: Faiza rolls 3d6: (8): 8

<OOC> Faiza says, "Ffff. Damn it, dice."

---

| Name | Race | Class |E Lev| CHP | HP | AC |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |

---

|Belladona |ORC |Dru | 4 | 36 | 36 | 20 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 9 |

|Blackjack |HUMAN |Rgr | 2 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 2 |

|Faiza |SHADOW_ELF|Pal | 5 | 38 | 46 | 23 | 20 | 10 | 7 | 8 |

|Pips |HALFLING |Sor | 2 | 6 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 3 |

|Terewin |HUMAN |Cav | 3 | 24 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 2 |

---

GAME: You damaged Faiza for -8 points. 46 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Pips for -8 points. 14 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Terewin for -8 points. 29 remaining.

<OOC> Blackjack says, "That's not bad, actually. You're only 1 point off half max."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose it!"

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 26.

It is now Skeletal Mage's turn! Blackjack is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Terewin, give me a Fort roll!"

<OOC> Terewin says, "Does it involve energy drain, death or ability drain?"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Yessir."

GAME: Terewin rolls fort+2: (10)+6+2: 18

<OOC> Arkun says, "Add any/all bonuses you have!"

Another burst of shimmering, silvery light follows the first; the Elunan paladin remains where she is, praying to her goddess for succor for her companions. The peaceful, healing radiance is such a contrast to the carnage of the battle; again, flesh knits together, blood stops oozing, and those bathed in the light feel themselves invigorated.

GAME: Arkun rolls 1d6+2: (5)+2: 7

<OOC> Arkun says, "You are drained for 3 strength points. You manage to shake off the worst of the effects."

The Mage stands upon its throne, the keening noise eminating from its bony throat is consistantly getting more and more high in rage as it points one finger towards Terewin. A beam of purple smoke punches from the digit, impacting into Terewin's form. His muscles are physically drained of their strength, but the Cavalier manages to throw off the worst of the effects.

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 23.

It is now Blackjack's turn! Terewin is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Blackjack!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "The way is clear!"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Charging mage. Power attack."

GAME: Blackjack rolls melee+2: (19)+6+2: 27

<OOC> Arkun says, "Clean hit!"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Threat"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll to confirm."

GAME: Blackjack rolls melee+2: (8)+6+2: 16

<OOC> Arkun says, "Sadly not. But give me damage!"

<OOC> Blackjack says, "Psh."

GAME: Blackjack rolls 2d6+8: (11)+8: 19

<OOC> Arkun says, "A solid hit. You hear the crack of bone."

<OOC> Arkun says, "It remains standing, however. Pose it!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 10.

It is now Terewin's turn! Belladona is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Terewin! You're drained, but not out of the fight just yet."

<OOC> Terewin says, "Charge the Mage"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go for it."

GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1+2-2: (6)+7+1+2+-2: 14

<OOC> Arkun says, "Miss!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pose it!"

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 10.

It is now Belladona's turn! Pips is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Belladona!"

Terewin gets his by a ray of draining magic, gritting his teeth for resists the worst of it as it saps his strength but he will not go down. Gripping his sword firmly he charges with a yell, barely missing the mage and slicing into the chair. "You cannot stop me."

"Get te, ya bam!" Blackjack 'challenges' the crowned mage, skipping the first few steps, before launching into a charge with a mighty battle cry!

"YAAAAAAAS!"

Her blade comes slamming down on the creature, rending bone and momentarily lodging itself in the collarbone. More creaking, more splintering bone chips away as her sword is yarded out of it, jerking it forward. "... No?" She repositions, still off-balance from her charge, looking at her sword as though something were wrong with it.

"... Get on yer game, Wildcard! Heids!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Belladona?"

<OOC> Arkun says, "1 minute warning."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 9.

It is now Pips' turn! Faiza is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Pips!"

<OOC> Pips says, "Elemental Ray on the mage!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go for it!"

GAME: Pips rolls ranged-4: (18)+5+-4: 19

<OOC> Arkun says, "Hit!"

GAME: Pips rolls 1d6+1: (3)+1: 4

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll damage!"

<OOC> Arkun says, "Burn baby burn. Pose it."

<OOC> Arkun says, "It remains standing, sadly."

GAME: Arkun advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 4.

It is now Faiza's turn! Skeletal Mage is next!

<OOC> Arkun says, "Faiza."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Do I have room to charge in?"

<OOC> Arkun says, "I will say yes."

<OOC> Arkun says, "It's standing on its throne spitting curses at you lot."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Lots of space to go around."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Imma go all out. Charge, power attack, smite... and celestial spirit weapon effect."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Flaming sword, baby."

Pips cheers as his wounds are healed up again, leaving a minor scrape in place of a bleeding gash. "Thanks, Faiza!" He calls before blowing another bolt of acid, this time at the mage. It hits the thing, sizzling the bone, but not enough to take out the more powerful foe.

<OOC> Arkun says, "Go for it! Gimmie that attack roll."

<OOC> Faiza says, "Hang on, let me just see what I need to roll..."

<OOC> Belladona says, "Sorry about that RL happened. I'll have Samafa move up and attack and I'll cast produce flame."

<OOC> Arkun says, "You'll have to wait for the next round I'm afraid."

GAME: Faiza rolls weapon1+2-2+4: (4)+10+2+-2+4: 18

<OOC> Belladona says, "all right"

<OOC> Arkun says, "That's a hit, Faiza."

<OOC> Arkun says, "Roll your smitey goodness damage."

GAME: Faiza rolls 1d8+1d6+4+4+10: (5)+(3)+4+4+10: 26

<OOC> Arkun says, "You smite it to the ground. Pose it."

"Yea, though we are beset by evil," murmurs Faiza, voice steadily rising, eyes opening and staring straight at the corpse-mage. "Yea, though darkness encroaches upon us." Her sword rises to point at the undead horror. "Yea, though our foes beleaguer and vex our minds and spirits." That radiance again, bright and terrible, shines down from above, bathing her in pale light, setting her sword to shing as if made from silver. "We shall not falter." She begins to move towards the group as blows rain down on the last remaining undead. "We shall not want." Her pace picks up - she's running, sword pointed ahead. "The light of the goddess is with us, and WE SHALL PREVAIL!" And then, moments before her charge sends her crashing into the robed, rotting skeleton, that terrible blade bursts into brilliant, pure white flames, describing an arc that sears into the viewers' vision. Blade meets skull, splits bone, and goes THROUGH, sundering the skeletal mage from head to sternum in a glorious, terrible flash.

With a rattling hiss of breath, "MY.. KING..DOM..--" The Magus cries out, before it crumbles, not only to a pile of bones, but to ash itself. The Cairn rumbles as the dark magics contained within are dispelled with the final death of the Magus, and the ceiling of the Cairn crumbles to allow a view of the sky above, as the clouds lighten and spread to allow the warmth of the sun to bathe the village and the outlaying lands once more.

With the rays of the sun, the village headman returns with a few of his people. While they are obviously saddened, they thank the party for at least allowing them to put their fellow villagers to rest, as their skeletal forms are carefully placed within coffins and taken to the nearby graveyard. The headman explains that the Cairn will not be touched until the local priesthood of Verdama come to sanctify the site so they can dismantle it without any further hassle.

The headman is obviously exceptionally grateful, and as the party move to assmble their caravan for the trip home, the cart is given an additional gift of the first foods of the harvest, a selection of jams and honey, as well as some fresh salted meats and bread for the trip home. The official reward will be awaiting them at the Guild.