lostsole31
  
    THE SKY IS FALLING! 

A star has fallen and the rush is on! While the crimelords of Riddleport race to be the first to claim the mysterious meteorite, dark works are afoot at the crash site on Devil's Elbow. Things not of this world claw their way forth from skymetal  prisons, hungry for new prey and ready to spread their alien seed  across an unsuspecting world. Can the PCs put an end to a terror that  comes from beyond the night sky and the diabolical magic that summoned  it forth?
    
    DRAMATIS PERSONAE    
     Name
[Player]
  
  Color
  
  Race [Ethnicity]
(gender ID)
  
  AL
  
  Faith  
  Side 1
  
  Side 2
  
 
    Kwava
[NPC]
 
  
   Saddle Brown
   
 Elf [Ekujae]
(m) 
 ??? 
 ??? 
 Ranger ? 
 ??? ? 
 
    Lev
[Kvard51]
   
   Indigo
   
 Human [Taldan]
(m) 
 CG 
 Cayden Cailean 
 Daevic (Desire) 4 
 Skald 4 
 
    Maggie
[farmerbink]
   
   Green
   
 Gnome
(f) 
 NG 
 Green Faith 
 Druid 4
[Feyspeaker] 
 Oracle (Heavens) 4
[Spirit Guide] 
 
    Ozlech "Ozzy" Darkwing
[bcool999]
   
   Teal
   
 Tiefling
(m) 
 NG 
 Calistria 
 Harbinger 4
[Ravenlord] 
 Vizier 4 
 
    Santiago Orcarr
[Spirit/ Aggressive Bread]
   
   Golden Rod
   
 Tiefling [Shackleborn, Varisian]
(m) 
 LG 
 Abadar 
 Paladin 4
[Oath of Vengeance] 
 Warlord 4
[Vanguard Commander] 
 
    Sol Flood
[NPC]
   
   Fire Brick Red
   
 Human [Chelaxian] + ???
(m) 
 NG (CG) 
 NORELPREF 
 Alchemist 4 
 Rogue [Heister] 1/
LA 3 
 
    Tsyra Anrivir
[rypt]
   
   Gray
   
 Elf
(f) 
 NG 
 Findeladlara 
 Epilektoi 4 
 Legendary Geokineticist 4 
 
    Visto
[meemaas]
   
   Blue
   
 Suqur [Nisr]
(m) 
 CG 
 NORELPREF 
 Radiant 4 
 Stormbound 4 
 
    Huginn, Ozlech's Raven
[NPC]
   
   Navy Blue
   
 Raven (size S)
(m) 
 NG 
 NORELPREF 
 Companion 4 
 -- 
 
  
lostsole31
      Lev     
 
 
 Description  6' 5", 185 lbs.; Gray-Blue Eyes, Black Hair

Tall, dark, and handsome, Lev finds it easy to meet and make acquaintances among the fairer sex (probably the unfairer too, but that's not where his interest lies).  He is very fit with broad shoulders, black hair, and grey-blue eyes.  He is always well-groomed, even when he's on the road, and keeps his mustache waxed into small curls on the ends.  His clothing is the best quality he can afford and he keeps it clean and brushed through the judicious use of the  prestidigitation  cantrip.

 Personality 

Lev is open and gregarious.  He loves companionship, whether that be his friends or his lovers.  He hides some deep scars and doubt related to a father he has never known and a mother who died much too young and seldom had time for him before her untimely death.  He can be a bit obsessive about protecting those he cares about.

 Home of Record 

Riddleport, Varisia, Avistan

  
 
lostsole31
      Maggie     
 
 
 Description  3' 5", 38 lbs.; Green Eyes, Auburn-Orange Hair

Tall for a gnome, Maggie has long, usually-braided hair that blends the lines between blazing fire and the auburn of autumn leaves.  Her bright, vibrantly green eyes glitter with pranks thus far unrealized, though her slight limbs suggest that they'll be mental in nature.  She walks with the aid of a long, thin walking stick, and a sickle hangs from a loop at her hip.

Perhaps most surprisingly, a badger that must outweigh her by at least double plods along placidly at her hip.  It gazes about with a bit more intention than most animals, and follows Maggie almost unerringly.

 Personality 

Fickle and quick to anger, Maggie prefers pranks to polite conversation.  With her friends the pranks tend to be good-natured and amusing (if occasionally annoying).  With her enemies, describing her response as pranks is perhaps an understatement.  Capricious to a fault, Maggie's as likely to help a struggling animal as she is to bind an annoying person and leave them to deal with it on their own.

 Home of Record 

Undisclosed Gnomish Settlement, Churlwood, Varisia, Avistan

  
 
lostsole31
      Ozlech "Ozzy" Darkwing     
 
 
 Description  6' 3", 205 lbs.; Black Eyes, Black Hair

Ozlech isn't a pretty sight to see. His demonic heritage often leaves him with skin blemishes and renders his hair a greasy black mop, which does him no favors with his sickly grey skin tone making him appear a diseased wretch. One of his horns remains on his head as a broken stump shattered by blunt force. His face holds two noticeable scars while his arms are filled with many smaller blade scars. Perhaps a stunning smile could fix his appearance? If only his mouth wasn't full of needle like teeth meant for tearing flesh from bone.

 Personality 

Despite all appearances, Ozlech is a nice fellow that wouldn't hurt anyone who didn't try to hurt him first.

 Home of Record 

Riddleport, Varisia, Avistan

  
 
lostsole31
      Santiago "Ago" Orcarr     
 
 
 Description  6' 3", 225 lbs.; Orange Eyes, Black Hair

Santiago, or Ago to his friends, always shimmers when he enters a room. Many debate whether this is Abadar's light, or simply the golden ornaments that adorn him. He is a tall, stocky tiefling with burnished red skin. His long black hair is tightly tied in a ponytail which falls to the center of his back. He is bedazzled with various pieces of jewelry and piercings, including a chain that bridges the gap between his two horns. He wears fine chainmail, which carries the symbol of Abadar, and is polished to a mirror sheen. He carries a light flail at his side and a spiked shield on his back. His eyes burn a fiery orange, and he usually carries a stoic expression.

 Personality 

Santiago is a rare exception to the scoundrels and thieves which make up most of the Orcarr family. He is a staunch defender of law and and justice, but he uses them in an effort to raise up the less fortunate, rather than see them abused. His service to Abadar has left him with a healthy love of coin, which is obvious in how he dresses. Above this values however, Santiago is a man who will go to any length to settle his debts.

Ago is greedy nearly to a fault. It is hard for him to resist the draw of coin, and even despite his holy mannerisms, he can easily lose his composure when large amounts of money are involved.

 Home of Record 

Riddleport, Varisia, Avistan; Recently returned from Absalom

  
 
lostsole31
      Sol Flood     
   
    
  Description  5' 5", 115 lbs.; Dark Brown Eyes, Jet-Black, Red-tinged hair

Somewhat underfed-looking. Close-cropped jet black hair with tinges of  red at the ends. Eyes: Dark Brown. Complexion: Pale but not anemic.

 Personality
 
Generally spiritual, but not specifically religious.  He believes in  decency and the alleviation of suffering.  Cruelty is a cancer that  should be removed.  Goodness may come from a temporary ill.  Altruism is  an important guide to his inner moral compass.  One must be willing to  suspend one's personal interests to render assistance to those in need.

 Home of Record 
Brastlewark, Archduchy of Sirmium, Empire of Cheliax, Avistan

  
 
lostsole31
      Tsyra Anrivir     
 
 
     
  Description  5' 10", 120 lbs.; Turquoise Eyes, Platinum Hair

With pointed ears protruding through silver hair as smooth as polished metal, and framing eyes that shine like gemstones, Tsyra might be fuller in the face than other elves, but she still cuts a slim and striking figure by the standards of the younger races.  Holding her head high and her shoulders back, she conducts herself with a refined, almost regal quality.

Dressed in the finest elven robes, and with no weapons visible on her person, there are few details that might suggest her capacity to defend herself in combat.  The glint of mithral rings may be visible on occasion beneath the collar of her robes, and those who happen to touch her skin may wonder if they're touching flesh or stone.

 Personality
 Accustomed to the courtesy and deference her name affords her within Kyonin, Tsyra is wholly unprepared for what awaits her in Riddleport.  To say nothing of the fact that she is often more interested in bladed weapons than she is in other people, her demeanor is dryly formal and her manners are sharpened to so fine a point that they might wound inadvertently.

Tsyra is well educated and often an eager learner, but when she sets her mind to a task, she tends to pursue it so obsessively as to ignore pertinent facts and advice to the contrary.  Compounding her stubbornness is her pride, and her awareness of how she will be received back home should her brief excursion prove fruitless.

 Home of Record 
Kyonin, Avistan

  
 
lostsole31
      Visto     
   
    
  Description  6' 0", 70 lbs.; Black-Red Eyes, Black Feather, with pink, bald, head and neck

Visto is a fairly tall humanoid, bearing the head of a vulture, along  with wings, covered in black feathers. While his body is still fairly  similar to a human, it's easy to tell he's in good shape, while not  overly muscular, he's at least at a healthy weight. His customized  Leather armor overlaps his basic traveling clothes, and his sharp talons  round out the look.

 Personality
 
Visto is a friendly person who believes strongly in nature. He  habitually speaks in the third person, and when he has taken to an ally,  he will fiercely defend them at virtually any cost.

 Home of Record 

Calphiak Mountains, Varisia, Avistan

  
 
lostsole31
     The Race Is On! 
    The Gold Goblin Gambling Hall is looking to sponsor its own skymetal-hunting team to go to Devil's Elbow - the island site of the recent meteor strike - and stake a claim!
Not only is the management a casino owner, but several of our associates have recently been seen about town doing good works in helping Riddleport recover from the tsunami that struck as an after effect of the meteor strike.

And when the mission is over, if we work together well, employment as a junior partner in running a top-notch casino could be in your future!

Persons of skill - preferably in physical combat, magic, and/or a variety of practical knowledge - are most desirable.
Of particular note, we are looking for the following positions: a linguist, Undercommon preferred; an engineer, or one knowledgeable in practical understandings of metallurgy; and a morale officer for the casino, but if secondary skills are good enough, for the expedition as well.

Please ask for Sol Flood at the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall.  
   
       
         Disclaimer: The Gold Goblin Gambling Hall is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will  take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in  employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation,  termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment  against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color,  gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's  status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.   
Kvard51
Lev rubs his eyes as he peruses the sign.  "   Morale officer?  I could definitely keep morale up among the serving girls...   , he thinks with a chuckle.

He makes his way to the Golden Goblin.  As he enters, he says,   "I'm here to speak with Sol Flood about a job..."  
Farmerbink
"  Sit  still  I gotta read this!  " the uncouth Gnome gripes, grabbing unceremoniously at anything that might serve as a handhold.  With a single grunt, the oversized badger seems to convey begrudging acceptance as he patiently suffers this latest indignation.  Precariously perched atop the beast's shoulders, Maggie rises to her knees to get close enough to read the details of the post.  Gnawing on the last of the salted meat she was able to afford after wandering into the city, she reads aloud "  Yuk'n be mscle, Scruff.  I know some mag'c, 'n I'kn shpik Undercom'n, too!  " she muses, uncomfortably dry-mouthed.  Finally, she manages to swallow the bite, and glances down forlornly at the now-empty waxed paper.

"  Suppose if we want to keep eatin' I better go ask, eh?  "  Chuckling at some unspoken joke, the fire-haired Gnome slides down her companion's striped flank and begins to stride purposefully down the street.  After taking a brisk dozen paces or so, she suddenly pulls up short.  "  'Scuse me, miss?  " she calls, interrupting a pair of woman gossiping nearby in the midmorning sun.  "  Can either of you point me towards the 'Gold Goblin Gambling Hall?'  "  She offers her most winsome smile (which is, in fact,  quite  winsome), and begins heading in the indicated direction.

"  Thanks a bunch!  " she calls over her shoulder, as she breaks into a skipping step, gawking openly at the grand buildings and frowning unhappily at the intermittent signs of pervasive waste.  "  C'mon Scruff, let's go get some food! er- ...money!   Then  we'll get more food!  "
rypt
Tsyra enters the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall with two sheets of paper held flat between her hands.  After taking a moment to appraise the interior of the hall -- cleanliness, aesthetic appeal, noise, etc. -- and making no effort whatsoever to disguise her approval or lack thereof,  she approaches whoever she first perceives to be an employee.    "Greetings.  Are you employed by this establishment?"    If she receives an answer in the affirmative, she holds up the first sheet of paper, which is one of the advertisements that had been posted around town.    "I desire to speak to Sol Flood regarding his expedition to the island of Devil's Elbow.  I have prepared a document detailing my qualifications to join."    At that, she trades the first sheet for the second, which is nearly a full page of immaculate handwritten script listing Tsyra's educational background, training and expertise, including names of instructors and the years through which she received instruction.  Most substantial among the various entries is the section detailing her work as a bladesmith and the instruction she received from her father, "Talthyn Anrivir, successor to the Royal Forgemaster of the Viridian Queen of Kyonin."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will remove a page from her sketchbook to prepare her 'resume.'
 
lostsole31
The Gold Goblin Gambling Hall is not currently filled with customers, but there are glaziers replacing whole sheets of glass, and it looks like there was quite a battle here recently.

Whomever you each meet will usher your to see Sol Flood (see spotlight post, above), a relatively friendly sort, which is offset by some level of awkwardness. Your initial interviews are very quick, and then you are asked to return in the later afternoon.

In the late afternoon, the three of you (Maggie, Tsyra, Lev) are together as an interviewing panel are across from the three of you.  The interviewing panel consists of Sol Flood and his recent junior partners - Ozzy Darkwing, Ago Orcarr, and Visto.

Sol looks to his three assistants and says,   "At current, the three of them are the current finalists for the job. Maggie the gnome there is looking for the linguist slot and she has a pony-sized badger currently in a separate stall in the stables; Tsyra Anrivir brings many bona fides from Kyonin regarding an engineer and metallurgy expert; and Lev there is not only a potential Morale &amp; Activities Officer for local work, but looks stout enough and seemed willing to go on the expedition.

"Ozzy, Ago, Visto? Any questions you'd like to ask them regarding their fitness and qualifications, as our lives will depend on them if hired?"  
meemaas
Visto shakes his head.   "The only thing Visto cares about new Friends is that they make sure not to die. Visto wants new Friends to promise they won't until Old Age."  
Farmerbink
Maggie blinks several times in rapid succession before falling into a fit of full-bellied laughter.  "   Nobody  can promise that!  " she gawks between labored breaths..  "  Don't get me wrong, I don't wanna die, but when you ask for people who can fight... I mean, there's a chance, yeah?  "  She glances around the unlikely gathering, and quickly becomes a little uneasy.  "  I mean...  right?  "

Rubbing the back of her head visibly self-consciously, she murmurs.   "  Yeah, I'll not die.  For a long time.  " 
Kvard51
Lev laughs too, but his laughter is more of a full-throated roar that makes you want to join in.    "Sure you can, my gnomish friend.  Let me show you."    He looks the birdman directly in the eye and says,   "I make an oath to you by my father's name that I will not die until I am old and gray."  

He looks around at both sides of the gathered group, a huge grin on his face,   "Will that suffice?"  
AggressiveBread
Santiago chuckles softly, listening to the exchange, casting his eyes over the assembled applicants. His face is stern, like a general inspecting his soldiers.  
”I’m glad that you’re aware of the risks involved.”   he turns to Sol, the adornments on his armor jingling softly.
  ”They’ve got enthusiasm at least.
I approve, although I’m curious to see how they handle themselves in dangerous situations.”  
rypt
While Lev and Maggie laugh in turn, Tsyra remains utterly stone-faced.    "Visto, is it?  Your statements suggest a recent loss.  Perhaps the loss of those we are meant to replace?  That is regrettable, but I can make no promise as to my longevity.  When Findeladlara calls me to Elysium, I shall go gladly."  
lostsole31
The eyes of the interviewER table sort of unconsciously track to the one yet to speak ... the one dressed like a beggar the feast and his turkey-sized raven ... Ozzy.
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Reading over the flyer Sol had posted in disbelief once again, Ozzy pinched the bridge of his nose in consternation. This will be the last time Ozzy let’s Sol get away with vague answers like having feelers out for talented help. In any case here they were, time to see what the cat, or in one specific case badger, drug in.

  ”Yes, well I suppose I should ask  some  questions to keep with the form of an interview if nothing else.

You there, Maggie yes? You claim to be fluent in Undercommon. It is through non-magical means that you can speak and understand the tongue yes? It would be disastrous if such expertise was needed and unavailable due to spell fatigue or other environmental factors like antimagic. Secondly would you be willing to teach the language to others during your employ? Lastly, as it ties in to Visto’s request, what methods do you have to stave off death for another day for yourself and allies.”   Ozzy listens intently to the responses given before nodding and turning to the next interviewee.

Turning to their eager engineer, Ozzy makes a show of glancing through her resume before deliberately pushing it aside and ignoring it.   “Miss Tsyra, I did pronounce that correctly yes? I will admit to my Elven being rusty. You have provided quite the list of references, education, and accomplishments. Unfortunately due to the tightness of our schedule to mount this expedition swiftly we were unable to contact and verify your qualifications. So allow me a practical question or two. Say while on the expedition we encounter a deposit of metal we believe to be sky metal. However it is buried or mostly encased by the surrounding stone. What method would you propose to quickly and safely extricate the metal before our claim was unlawfully seized by a competitor? What’s more, how would you seek to defend yourself and your fellow employees from said unlawful acts which threaten life and limb?”  

After listening to Tsyra’s responses and nodding, Ozzy then turns to Lev,   ”Lastly we have you Mr. Lev. A Riddleport native like myself unless I misjudge? I may have even ran into you before! If so here is your chance to get back some of the gold which might have disappeared around that time. Tell me in your own words what you think the duties of a Morale and Activities Officer is. Mind your words though, my Ginny here is young and impressionable. No descriptions that would make a Calistrian blush.”   Ozzy will gesture to Ginny as he says her name before focusing in to hear what Lev has to say.
Farmerbink
Maggie nods eagerly at Ozzy's question.  "  Oh yes!  You see my mother's got a cousin that never comes to the surface.  She's a real odd-one, that Sidgey.  Anyway, we had to go about half a day's walk, most of it  down  before we made it to their clan hold to celebrate my grandma's 250th birthday.  And can you believe her hair's still as vibrantly green as ever, spending almost a century underground?  So I've always had a knack for words and how different folks like to use 'em, so while we were there I met a more distant relative- I  think  he's my second cousin once removed, but these details can get fuzzy.  And besides, I was more interested in the funny way he said 'amethyst' than in how exactly we were related.  But so we were there for almost 3 months that trip, and I learned all about the  even darker  Gnomes and Dwarves that live  deeeeeep  underground, and my (I think) second cousin once removed- his name was Quijamite- he taught me Undercommon while we were there.  They just call it common though, isn't that neat!?  So we had lots of time to talk, after all a 250th birthday isn't a trifling matter...  "  When it becomes apparent that Maggie could (and would gladly) regale the gathered company with the entirety of their three-month stay in the nearer portions of the subsurface, no doubt  someone  gets her back on topic, and reminds her of the other half of the question.

"  Ooooh,  riight   " she murmurs.  "  Well, you haven't seen Scruff mad, but he can a pretty compelling distraction when we get in a bind.  And I've got a couple of neat tricks up my sleeve, so long as magic isn't out of the question.  All the same, I'd like to keep the details to myself for now.  "  She immediately begins literally bouncing up and down in her seat, visibly excited.   "  It's so much  fun  when people see it for the first time!  "   It's hard to be sure, but it seems she's not aware she's spoken the thought aloud. "  Oh!  And I can cast curative magic, too.  and... kinda... sometimes.... see the future.... a little.  "  She finally rattles to a pause- long enough to take 3 breaths, in fact.  Blinking awareness back to the present, she looks up at Ozzy with a polite smile.

"  Will that do?  "
rypt
Tsyra regards the tiefling in silence for a moment before answering his questions.    "We of House Anrivir are known to our kind as  lindar cemilindalë . Translated literally, it means 'those who sing the songs of the earth,' but I believe our art is known to you as geomancy."     Up until this point, Tsyra has been sitting with her hands clasped in her lap, but now, she places her right hand, palm up, atop the table.    "The command of stone and metal is of a great many uses to us, both as craftsmen, and as warriors."    It is then that a mass of stone begins to grow from her hand, an agglomerate of audibly grinding rock that shifts into a narrow, elongated form.  As she takes hold of one end, a sheared edge takes shape along the exposed length, forming what appears to be a guardless sword.    "Bladed weapons are my family's specialty, and of those I am capable of wielding in defense of myself and others, I favor this one."  

She eyes the blade for a moment before releasing her grip, at which point it vanishes completely.  She then returns her hand to her lap and her eyes to Ozlech.    "As to the extraction of metal from stone, I would simply peel away the stone, as one might peel the rind of a fruit."  
Kvard51
  "You caught the accent, huh?"  , Lev grins at the tiefling,   " I would think the job of the Morale and Activity Officer would be, primarily, to keep things interesting.  Bring a little levity to situations that are too solemn, connect with new people in an enjoyable way, throw the occasional feast.  You know, whatever is required to keep the team functioning at full capacity!"  , You note his smile grow even bigger now,   "Oh, and apparently I'll be expected to kill people and break things.  That I can also do."  
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy turns to Sol after hearing the candidates answers,   ”They seem to have the competence for their respective positions. I’ll approve their application. We don’t really have the time to be too picky if we want to beat others to the prize.”  
AggressiveBread
Listening to Lev’s last answer, Santiago raises an eyebrow and speaks up.    ”I’m glad to see you’re all capable, but I hope that we can keep the killing people to an absolute minimum. Although, that may be optimistic of me.”  
rypt
Tsyra turns her eye to Santiago and his curious expression of optimism.    "Have you reason to expect mining claims to be violently contested?  Is this typically how Varisians settle their resource disputes?"  
AggressiveBread
Santiago turns to Tsyra with a grim expression on his face, as if recalling something very unpleasant.  
”I certainly can’t speak for all Varisians, but I’ve known men in Riddleport that would sell their own mother to earn some coin.”     He looks at the other Riddleport natives in the room, realizing the unintentional insult.   ”Although I’m sure there are honest men among them of course.”  
lostsole31
  "Great!"   says Sol.   "This concludes the job interview. We have sleeping quarters upstairs for the three of you if you don't have your own lodging. Bell will be rung for breakfast. Be ready on the morrow for planning meeting."  
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy raises a brow at Santiago at his ‘honest men of Riddleport’ comment, but shakes his head and decided not to comment. Who knows, there could be a young lad in Riddleport who hasn’t learned better yet.

Turning to their new hires, Ozzy waves them goodnight and says,   ”Rest well. We have many things to do in the coming days, and if we do them right we’ll all be a lot richer for it.”  
Farmerbink
Maggie smiles brightly- but almost immediately it fades to crestfallen.  "  I- uh... I don't suppose you'd let me bring in Scruffy?  " she asks, expecting little.
rypt
Though the meeting seems to be winding down, Tsyra makes no motion to leave.  "And how is ownership to be structured should we... "  searching for the correct phrase in common, she glances down at the advertisement,   " stake a claim ?"  
lostsole31
  "Equal shares, plus a party share,"   says Sol to answer Tsyra, then he says,   "You badger is more than welcome. Sorry, I have my own things to tend to before heading out."  

Does anyone have any business other than moving into a bunk upstairs (if they do)?
Farmerbink
"  Oh, thank you  thank you!   " Maggie squeals.  She almost dashes from the room before Sol finishes the statement, but manages just to compose herself and wait for a more express dismissal.  As soon as she's confident it won't be particularly impolite, she dashes to the stable to recover her companion.

"  Can you  believe  it, Scruff? We're gonna sleep in a  bed!   "  She literally skips back to the main building, Scruffy plodding along placidly at her side.  As she enters, she realizes that she doesn't know where the stairs are- much less which room up there is assigned to her.  Without particular concern for propriety, she wanders into the first floor (of the  Gold Goblin? ) in search of someone who can guide her to her lodging.
lostsole31
    Sunday, 3 Desnus 4708 AR (Waning Crescent) 
85 / 65 F. Trace precipitation. Medium humidity.   

The next day, everyone wakes up, and Sol makes sure breakfast is served to those that eat it. It is a Sunday, a non-working day for most and a religious day even among the semi-religious.

The mysterious shadow in the sky is gone, and the strange events that have been plaguing the city have ended. The falling star that struck Devil’s Elbow is now accepted by both commonfolk and cyphermages alike as having been the cause of these disturbances, and now that it has fallen to Golarion, the feelings of nervous fear have passed.

Indeed, it was the effects of the relatively small (but still destructive) tsunami that hit Riddleport after the star crashed that have been on the minds of the city’s denizens recently. When the wave surged ashore, dozens of ships were beached, with several washed inland and left stranded as far as Wharf Street. Many of Riddleport’s piers were ruined, and several of the smaller buildings along the waterfront were damaged. Over the days following the event, the crimelords and overlord of Riddleport mobilized in a way rarely seen in the lawless city, working together to put out fires, save citizens who were swept out into the harbor, and kill angry and disoriented reefclaws, sharks, bunyips, and other dangerous sea creatures that suddenly found themselves stranded in the city streets.

In the aftermath, the cost of the damage to buildings and structures rises into the tens of thousands of gold, and the total number slain or swept out to sea by the wave may never be known (thanks to the city’s inefficient census practices), although the more conservative estimates place the total number of victims between 150 to 200. Yet despite the disaster, Riddleport is quick to forget the trauma. Those who weren’t directly harmed by the wave have little compassion for those who do, while those who were affected are universally quick to turn the event from disaster into opportunity. In the days and weeks to follow, the chaos on the waterfront makes for ripe grounds for smugglers, looters, and other violent criminals. Ships that were further out to sea return to find many of their competitors no longer in a position to work against them, and the balance of power among the various pirate captains has shifted dramatically (not that many outside of that violent subculture would notice much difference).

In addition, with each passing day, a new greed continues to grow among Riddleport’s citizens—a greed for skymetal. After the initial shock of the falling star and its impact subsided, the implications of the event sunk in. Skymetal, in any of its seven known varieties, is a valued and much sought-after commodity in any society, but with Riddleport’s Gas Forges being one of Varisia’s only public operations capable of smelting such difficult metals, the convenience of the fallen star has many of Riddleport’s groups eager for a chance at the easy money.

Yet the damage done to Riddleport’s waterfront and to many of the ships owned by prominent locals has retarded the burgeoning Skymetal Rush. As the days drag on, the race to be the first to reach Devil’s Elbow slowly takes the city by storm, with those who don’t have access to ships scrambling to secure deals with those who do.

First, is anyone going to, or wanting to, keep Sunday a holy day for themselves?

Second, does anyone differ in what is prepared on their sheets?

After everyone's daily preps and breakfast, Sol calls the group together.
rypt
When asked about breakfast, Tsyra replies as though Sol were a waiter, listing the various foods she would like to eat without any regard for whether those items are likely to be available in a coastal town recently struck by a tsunami.  Whatever it is that is eventually served, she will not hesitate to share any critiques -- say, whether the fruit is overripe or the bread not baked to her liking.  While picking at her plate, she will pull from her belt an unlined notebook and a wax pencil -- both of which seem too tall to fit in the pockets from which they are removed -- and begin to sketch a rather exquisitely detailed sword hilt.  She remains absorbed in her work up until the moment that when Sol calls the meeting.
lostsole31
 
 Spoiler: Lev's Morning Routine 
Lev, all of your short association thus far with Naysin has been getting used to housing her. She has trained you mentally on how to protect your charges at range, and prepared you for various akashic exercises and opening up your feet and hands especially, but so far it has only been preparation. As if in answer to the destiny that may be upon you, Naysin feels you are ready, and during your 30 minutes of akashic meditation this morning, you finally have results with your first veils!

The first veil you form is minor. In fact, some of the magic you already know in spell form, but Naysin specifically calls upon that famliarity to help you achieve that first weaving. Faint spectral images whirl about your head, forming faint jewelry of ghostly light. These are called   Aigrette of Specters  , a minor veil not dissimilar to a combination of  haunted fey aspect  (which you don't know as a skald) and  ghost sound  (which you do), but allowing a bit more control than either with minor auditory-visual illusions.

The next thing you form is an earring of gold and jade akasha that will help you detect corruption in the form of diseases and poisons (  Earring of Safe Health  ), though admittedly your lack of medicine or alchemy means you would only be able to determine the presence, but not the type.

Then, coming from Naysin's power directly and infusing the strange part of Lev's nature known as his "blood slot," is one where Lev's blemishes are all smoothed away to perfection to make himself more attractive noticeable, and magnet to others (  Essence of the Succubus  ). This is the very first, and most basic "true veil" (meaning, not a "minor veil" like the first two) that is connected to his passion.

The next passion veil is about manipulating others to get what you want, especially in business, as next appears a gleaming golden band about Lev's waist that seems to  reflect and refract light as though studded with a thousand precious  gems (  Waistband of the Wealthy  ).

Finally, even though the last veil to form will not be part of the passion set, it is a passion veil normally if on later days Lev should make it so. Lev's boots are made to seem particularly well-shined and beautiful, with the prevailing thought that one could "fall head over heels" in love. It calls upon being able to quickly fake out a target since Lev isn't particularly well-trained in tripping people and so as not to be attacked on the follow-up where he can do a foot-hook to knock someone down. Because of the bound power of akasha in this veil, it could very possibly be seen as a non-aggressive move, and even the beginning of what some bards and skalds call the "clumsy meet-cute" (  Lover's Tread  ).
 


 

As breakfast winds down, Sol says,   "It's important for our new persons to know what is happening. To dismiss likely unimportant details and streamline .... the previous proprietor of this place of perdition and predation against those in penury was Saul Vancaskerkin. He betrayed me and my friends - I am the last one here of that group - and I worked with Ozzy, Visto, and others no longer with us to raid the Gold Goblin; capture Saul; and then explore clues to contacts with troglodytes he had with the smuggler's tunnels that lead to the basement.

"Our exploration came to its dramatic conclusion against a strange mauve-skinned elven woman with pure white hair and pure white eyes - no visible slcera, iris, or pupil. I identified the mortification of flesh and her extremely offensive odor not as being connected to the troglodtyes, but rather being common to that of a ghast ... an undead on the same order as ghouls, but one whose paralysis can affect elves .... which is apparently what happened in this woman's life to get to being a ghast. Thing is, I can't identify the purplish coloring or eyes as being connected to the state of either undeath or specifically ghoul fever or that strain common with the rarer ghast.

"We fought her to a draw, in that she killed one of ours but escaped. It wasn't a victory. But in the chamber that had her personal posessions was a journal that none of the rest of us have been able to decode. Maggie, that's where you are going to come in. We want you to decode this journal the best you can while we move forward on our mission. We don't know what this elf wanted, or why, but the excavation she led actually was at the 'root' of the Cyphergate.  Also, her gear was very strange. So, I have her destroyed hand crossbow.  Tsyra, if you can perhaps study that today, and work with Maggie by maybe identifying the type of leather or what was used as the strange pages of her journal, that would be helpful. Meanwhile, I will be working to procure transportation to the Devil's Elbow."  

He sets out the journal and what is obviously a destroyed hand crossbow, but at first glance, the hand crossbow is not of any familiar design (it would require study).
Farmerbink
Maggie wakes mostly refreshed.  She gratefully breaks her fast on anything provided- but chooses to do the actual eating outdoors.  With no apparent realization that Scruff is indeed not a human(oid), she trades bites with the badger chatting idly about her expectations for the day.  Perhaps most surprisingly, she manages to eat almost as much as the oversized omnivore.

Visibly content, she begrudgingly stables Scruff to rejoin the rest of the group where they were eating.  Eyebrows furrow thoughtfully as Sol describes the unusual Elf, though for the moment she manages to not interrupt.  When it turns out the day's tasks include primarily reading and deciphering, Maggie relaxes a bit.  "  I can look around at it, for sure,  " she offers cheerfully.  "  And it occurs to me, I've got cousins who never come to the surface- and well, they seem a hair darker-skinned.  Maybe this lady was the same thing, but for Elves?  " she adds with a hopeful expression.

She climbs atop her chair to reach the journal, not especially concerned by the effort.  Still standing, she begins to flip through it from a vantage where she can easily see the fullness of page and binding without having to hold it.

 
 Spoiler: Crunch 
In my head this is linguistics? Or perhaps not even a check if it's as straightforward as reading a known language.

Also, whichever skill(s) might apply to identifying the source of a given leather.  Seems like maybe know(nature)?  Or a related craft?
 
rypt
Tsyra continues to sketch as Sol begins to recount recent happenings.  At the mention of a strange elven woman, her pencil grows still, and at the mention of a recovered hand crossbow, she sets the pencil down and closes her sketchbook altogether.

  "You encountered this elf before or after the meteorite fell?"   she asks once Sol has finished.

While looking over the pieces of the broken weapon, she attempts to recall any information about elves with either purple skin or featureless white eyes.  She then studies the crossbow more closely, materializing a pair of crystalline-framed spectacles as she does so.  She takes great care in handling the weapon, using her pencil to move the pieces about rather than her hands.  Once she has determined whether the weapon is magical -- and attempted to identify the nature of its enchantments if it is -- she organizes the pieces so as to ascertain whether any critical components are missing.  If it appears to be repairable, shimmering clockwork machinery takes shape around her hands, which she sets down on either side of the collected pieces.  After speaking aloud a prayer to Findeladlara,    "nai máryat mahta ninya má,"    she sets her mind and magic to piecing the crossbow back together.

 
 Spoiler: Elven 
Tsyra's prayer is Elven for "may Her hand guide mine."
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will use her  eyeglasses of magic sight  to check for any magical auras and  hands of the mender  if it appears possible to repair the hand crossbow.
 
lostsole31
The O.G. can tell the new folk that the meteor hit the evening after their foray's return from fighting the purple ghast-elf.

Maggie and Tsyra both inspect the strange leather, but unfortunately it has gone through enough artificial process that they can't place it.

Tsyra looks at the incomplete crossbow ... for it does not have all pieces present ... and that alone is enough for the  hands of the mender  to fail completely (there is no extra credit for reforming portions of a destroyed object). It carries no current or lingering enchantment, and both the metal and wood of the stock are not immediately recognizeable, though obviously made from a medium-hard wood and some blend of a steel alloy, surely.

Maggie looks at the journal's contents. It actually isn't written in cypher at all, but could appear that way to the untrained eye. Rather, this appears to be a journal written in Undercommon and in a florid hand but with some strange syntaxes. Maggie, do you read out the contents to those present?
Farmerbink
With no concern for propriety, Maggie begins mumbling aloud as she reads the journal.  Upon prompting, she starts- having apparently forgotten about the other people in the room.  "  Oh yes, of course!  I'll speak up!  " she comments with a easy smile.  " It starts with... "
lostsole31
Maggie begins reading to those present (which includes everyone except Sol and Ago, the former on business, the second worshiping in private).

The book is written in Undercommon and is the property of   Depora Azrinae  . Some of the book seems to be a ledger of sorts that lists all of the money Saul had been funneling to her, along with several notes of what that money was spent on (mostly alchemical supplies, spell components, and exotic food to be shipped to Devil’s Elbow—these shipments were always made at night and by different sailors from whom Depora was careful to hide her true nature). Most of the book seems to be a list of all of the strange and exotic weather effects and other unusual phenomena that have occurred in Riddleport over the past several months. All of these, including the Blot itself, are indicated in the journal as  “strange and eldritch side effects from the charging of the glyphs on Devil’s Elbow,”  and that  “It would do to further refine the glyphs to minimize such blatant displays lest the enemy receive further warning of the impending apocalypse than we wish to reveal.”  The journal goes on to theorize that as soon as the  “glyphs are activated and the star is plucked,”  the strange side effects such as the shadow in the sky should vanish immediately. The last journal entry indicates that Depora suspects that this event could occur as soon as "tonight."
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy struggles a bit to pay attention once it appears that the journal was largely a ledger for the money Saul sent to the Ghast. Once the book mentions that the strange weather phenomena attributed to the Blot was not a freak occurrence but orchestrated, Ozzy is paying quite close attention to the rest.

Finally Ozzy sighs and says,   ”After all this time with the Blot hanging over our heads, all the investigation and curiosity, most had dismissed it as a strange magical confluence. Guess we know now that it was a side effect of a longer ritual. Though it begs the question of why though. Plucking a star from the sky to ravage the earth is devastating for sure and the tsunami claimed many lives, but Riddleport still stands. I can’t think off the top of my head why they would target Devil’s Elbow.”  
Kvard51
Lev shakes his head at Ozzy's last statement,   "I think you misunderstood.  Devil's Elbow was the power source for something much bigger.  An 'apocalypse' of some sort."  
rypt
  "I am afraid there is little I can glean from the manner of the crossbow's construction,"   Tsyra shares after examining the broken weapon.    "I am no arbalest; my expertise lies in bladed weapons and those forged of metal.  If all of its pieces were present, it is likely I could have repaired it, but as they are not, I cannot."   

As she listens to Maggie's translation, a glower falls on Tsyra's face.    "That you failed to end her unlife is unfortunate.  An opportunity missed to rid this world of a depraved evil.  If this meteorite was meant to realize her apocalypse, then she has failed utterly, but her work may yet be incomplete.  That she details the requisition of food -- presumably  not  the humanoid corpses upon which a ghast might subsist -- suggests she has enlisted others to her cause.  When you met her in battle, was she alone?"
  
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Responding to Tsyra, Ozzy says,   ”She was the only Elf or I suppose Elf-Turned-Ghast if that is what you were asking. She did have some hideous obese creatures fighting for her which we dispatched before fighting her.”  
rypt
Tsyra looks to Ozlech.    "Given that these creatures were, as you say, 'obese,' it is conceivable that the shipments of food were meant for their consumption.  But since the food was shipped to Devil's Elbow, whereas you encountered the ghast here in the city, it seems more likely that there are others in her company yet unknown.  She will certainly have relayed to them your names and descriptions of your appearances, in which case, you may very well become targets upon your arrival on the island."  
Farmerbink
Maggie looks up (literally), frowning.  "  So we really  should  expect to be attacked?  It certainly seems more than a little bit likely that this is gonna come down to who's strong enough to claim the...sun- star- uhhh, what'd you call the metal bits?  "  She nods as someone dutifully (or in exasperation) fills in the gaps.  "  Right!  Skymetal!  That stuff.  "

She chuckles quietly, utterly unaware of any potential frustration or discontent.  "  Well, if it doesn't belong to anyone yet, and there's bad people who want to...  "  she glances back down at the journal.  "  Well, I don't much like the idea of an 'impending apocalypse, myself.  Let's beat 'em to the punch!  "

Flexing one tiny, thin arm, she adds "  Literally!  "
lostsole31
Things shut down and move on from there, and Ago and Sol return and are told of the results of the new employees' determinations.
AggressiveBread
Santiago listens to the entire rundown quietly, he stays mostly straight faced while he listens, but he looks worried when the word apocalypse is mentioned. At the end of the brief, he speaks up.  
”Thank you all for your work. This Depora woman whoever she is, is more vile than I could have imagined. I know now for certain that we must make it to Devil’s elbow to put an end to this monster and her plans. I don’t know what we’ll find when we arrive, but I know that Abadar will keep us from harm.”  
He flashes a row of pointed teeth in a confident smile
Farmerbink
Maggie nods slowly, apparently struggling to make sense of her thoughts.

"  So how do we get there?  "
lostsole31
Sol says,   "I've a contact who helped us take back the Gold Goblin. We're meeting him tonight here at the Goblin, and he has a line on possible conveyance to Devil's Elbow. In the meantime, I recommend you split up in groups of two and spread out through Riddleport. Try to find out a little more about our competitors. Then, meet me back here."  

So, who pairs up with whom? And what parts of Riddleport will you try to seek information? It shouldn't be broad areas or overlapping, or your asking around will arouse suspicion. Sol will stay back at the Goblin.
AggressiveBread
Santiago is the first to speak up, clearing his throat.  ”Well, I have some family in town I’d like to visit. If I remember right, they were small time smugglers back in the day. They might know something about who’s going after the skymetal.   he looks around at the assembled room.   ”Anyone is welcome to join me, but Ozzy might be the most comfortable, since the Orcarr family are all tieflings.”  
Farmerbink
Maggie speaks up, high-pitched and visibly excited.  "  Oh, I wouldn't mind!  Isn't that very unusual, though, for  everyone  to be a Tiefling?  I'm certainly no expert, but I'd  love  to meet your family!  "
lostsole31
Ago and Maggie will make one "team" looking at the upper lower classes of society.

What about the rest of you?
AggressiveBread
Ago chuckles a little at the remark.   
”Normally, it would be very strange. But many of my relatives were adopted by my father to keep them off the street. My brother Rodriguez, and my sister Sophia are technically his only biological children.”    when he mentions his brother’s name, a very quick grimace crosses his face before it returns to normal.
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy thinks for a moment before perking up and saying,   ”Lev I know just the place for us to check! A little temple in Leeward where we can seek an Abbess for guidance.”  

Saying the last word with a wink, Ozzy motions for Lev to follow him.

 
 Spoiler: Riddleport Slang and OOC 
Abbess here refers to a priestess (or whore) of Calistra and by Temple Ozzy refers to the House of the Silken Veil. Temple of Calistra and brothel.
 
rypt
Tsyra frowns at Sol's instruction.    "I know little of this city, nor am I keen to traffic in rumor or hearsay.  But if you believe such efforts to be in the best interest of our venture...."    She sighs and looks to Visto.    "I suppose that leaves the two of us."  
Kvard51
Lev looks at Ozzy, a wolfish grin on his face,   "I believe I know that selfsame Abbess.  That IS an excellent place to start!  lead the way, my new friend."  
Farmerbink
Maggie immediately approaches Santiago with a grin.  "  Oh! That would certainly explain that!  How nice!  Your father must be a wonderful person,  " she cheerfully exclaims.

Reaching up, she eagerly tugs at a hand, wrist, elbow, whatever she can reach that serves the purpose.  "  Let's go see them, right away!  "  With childlike exuberance (and efficacy), she all-but pulls (or tries to, at least) Santiago towards the door.
lostsole31
The duos disperse to diplomacize with the downtrodden denizens of this degenerate demesne.
 
 Spoiler: Tsyra &amp; Visto 
The worst possible combination. Visto is  friendly, but alien and not trained in social interaction ... and Tsyra  is antisocial. They mill around, ask too-blunt or too vague questions,  and otherwise learn nothing of use. They spend four hours in complete  disarray.
 

 
 Spoiler: Ozzy and Lev 
The fine upstanding people that Ozzy and Lev ply for information after three hours do give them some scuttlebutt. When it comes to gathering information, neither of them are particularly good .... as Ozzy's Tekritanin rhetoric, and Lev's almost sleazy appeal aren't good for subtlety.

 Goldhammer’s Expedition:  Since Overlord Cromarcky hired several dwarves to sail out to Devil’s Elbow to gather up as much skymetal as possible for him, everyone’s heard about the interest the dwarves of the Gas Forges have in the fallen star. The dwarves, led by a loud miner named Goldhammer, left for Devil’s Elbow 2 days before the start of this adventure on a ship named the Mithral Wave, which dropped the dwarves off and then sailed on to make a delivery to Magnimar—the plan is to pick up the dwarves on the return trip in a week.
 

 
 Spoiler: Ago &amp; Maggie 
Ago finds that Maggie is surprisingly very good at this type of thing, though she appears guile-less and more sincere in her questions while Ago is more restrained. Together they make a good team.

 Slyeg’s Group:  Avery Slyeg, Riddleport’s most successful smuggler and black marketeer, was the first to act on the promise of skymetal. With one of his ships not quite in port when the star fell, he was able to move quickly when the Black Bunyip returned to Riddleport. Avery outfitted her quickly, and his group of smugglers and thugs left for Devil’s Elbow 7 days ago.

 Cyphermages:  Eager to investigate the island but frustrated by attempts to organize transport (due to a combination of internal bickering and the sabotage efforts of Zincher’s men), the cyphermages finally secured a small group of a dozen or so explorers and secured passage to the island on the  Foamrunner , a merchant cog bound for Magnimar. The cyphermages left for Devil’s Elbow 3 days ago. Samaritha Beldusk, a former hostess at the Gold Goblin, is among those who travel to the island on the  Foamrunner .

 Zincher’s Group:  Clegg Zincher didn’t have the luxury of a ship returning to port, nor did he have Overlord Cromarcky’s finances to rush repairs on one of his own vessels. Nor does he trust his men not to simply gather the skymetal and run with it. Zincher waited for the next pirate ship to pull into port, then personally led a hand-picked crew of toughs down to the waterfront that evening to attack the ship under the cover of night. After murdering the crew and feeding them to the hungry harbor denizens, Zincher and his crew sailed the stolen  Dark Pearl  out to Devil’s Elbow 5 days ago.
 
AggressiveBread
Santiago is the first to speak up, he looks quite exhausted as he sinks into a chair in the Gold Goblin.  
”Maggie and I picked up quite a bit from my relatives and other smugglers around town. Avery Slyeg has the best head start on us, but I’m not afraid of their crew. However we should be cautious of Cleg Zincher’s gang, they are dangerous and unpredictable. I’m not very worried about the cyphermages, but they may know why Depora excavated a piece of the Cyphergate under the Gold Goblin.”  
He looks over at Maggie to see if she has anything to say, as he starts idly cleaning his armor.
rypt
Tysra is in a disagreeable mood upon her return to the  Gold Goblin , and listening to what the others have learned does little to improve her disposition.

  "The news you have brought us, if accurate, is most displeasing."    She glances briefly to Ozlech and Lev before return her gaze to the center of the table, seemingly intent on staring a hole through its surface.    "The Gas Forges are the only forges in the region which burn hot enough to work skymetal.  Thus, it is certain that the dwarves of Goldhammer's company are experienced in the handling of such rare material.  Their competence is evident in the danger and difficulty of their craft, and though I cannot know if they have previously had an opportunity to retrieve these metals at their source, given the longevity of their kind, I believe it prudent to assume that they have.  That we are two days behind such a company means we are at a distinct disadvantage."  

She is silent for a moment before continuing.

  "The only conceivable remediating factor I can see here is that some of the other companies may have little interest in retrieving skymetal from the earth.  It seems possible, if not likely, that at least Zincher's thugs may be planning to obtain skymetal in the same manner by which they obtained their vessel.  In that case, the greater Goldhammer's success, the more likely his company may be to be preyed upon by the least scrupulous of our competitors."  
meemaas
Visto, unfortunately, has little to add to the conversation. He's not a very smart person, and doesn't think hard on things like many of the others would.
AggressiveBread
Ago nods to Tysra with respect, considering her words. His fatigue seems almost completely gone now, as he looks down at his hands, a look of deep concentration on his face.  ”You make good points Tysra. Everyone, tell me what you think of this.”   He pauses.
  ”Perhaps we can strike up a fair deal with Goldhammer. In exchange for protecting them from Zincher’s thugs, we could take a portion of their haul. Perhaps they’d even be willing to forge some of it for us. I’d like us to be on decent terms with our competitors. However, I know that some of you might not be interested in jolly cooperation with the other prospecting teams.”  
lostsole31
  "Dwarves aren't known to share,"   says Sol, taking in all of what each group could share (if anything).   "At best, they'd only pay us as guards, not as equals."  
Farmerbink
Maggie walks back alongside Ago distinctly uncomfortably.  Despite the others' eager contemplation, the aging and personable Gnome maintains an uncharacteristic silence.  Finally, after Sol's concern is aired, she breaks her peace.  "  I just don't understand!  " she blurts.  "  If this stuff is so valuable as they say,  surely  splitting the profits with competitors will still afford most involved a princely sum!  Why all the violence?  Why all the killing and such?  "  She seems on the verge of tears as she obviously struggles to make sense of the groups' findings.
Kvard51
  "I'm just not sure of the best way to go.  I mean, we could strike a deal with the dwarves and hope they treat us right.  Or, we could freelance and take what Zincher steals from Goldhammer.  Finally, I guess we could just go and find our own metal and trade a bit of it to forge what we want."    Lev looks around at the group,   "Am I missing anything?"  
AggressiveBread
Ago will reach down it put a hand on Maggie’s shoulder if she allows. He looks calm and gentle, unlike his usual sternness.
  ”I’ve asked myself that same question many times, and I’ve never been satisfied with the answer. Men will always want what they do not have, that is more true in Riddleport than anywhere else. But I believe that we have the power to earn our keep fairly, without bloodshed, and protect those who do the same. I think we should speak with the dwarves when we arrive at least, if we don’t like their terms, we find our own metal.   He pauses, collecting himself.
  ”That’s what I believe we should do. If we come into conflict with Zincher we deal with it then.”  
Farmerbink
Maggie nods eagerly alongside Ago, smiling up warmly at the earnest Tiefling.  "  I agree!  Dwarves are honest folk, we can reason with them!  "
rypt
Tsyra's eyes narrow slightly as she senses a growing consensus.    "Though there is value to be had in considering our options, I would caution against committing ourselves to a course of action until we are able to directly assess conditions on the island.  The quantity of skymetal carried by the meteor is unknown to us, as is the integrity of the terrain proximate to the meteor's impact.  Scarcity and accessibility will undoubtedly inform the decision making of those who arrived before us, and it should inform our decision making as well."    
lostsole31
Sol nods to Tsyra,   "Good point. Until we're at the Devil's Elbow, we really don't know what's what."  

Looking to the rest of the group, he says,   "Which brings us to transportation. I've talked with a ship's captain named Josper Creesy of the  Flying Cloud . It would have cost us 50 gp per passenger (yes, animals count as passengers, Maggie), but a friend contacted me and is willing to foot that bill.  Visto, Ozzy ... you remember Kwava? He is interested in this trip we're taking, and while he wants to wait to see if there is a 'living' elf that fits the renegade description in the Riddleport area, our discovery of this strange ghast-elf might be the one we were told about, and her journal points us to Devil's Elbow.  So, that is a shp and passage paid, which just means we need to be onboard ship by 2100 tonight for an early, dark-hours maneuvering watch with the tide. I'm already packed. Are the rest of you ready with what you need?"  
AggressiveBread
Ago stands to go collect his things, his jewelry jingling softly.
  ”I’ll be ready. May Abadar keep you all.”
   He leaves to retrieve his weapons and armor.
Farmerbink
Maggie frowns briefly at mention of cost and Scruff needing his own ticket.  Her relief that some unfamiliar patron intends to foot the bill is almost tangible.  "  Oh, good!  " she breathes.  Wide-eyed by the sums involved, she murmurs, "  I certainly couldn't afford that trip without help.  "

At Ago's words, she nods eagerly.  "  I always enjoy being out at night anyway.  There's so many  stars  to see!  "  She turns to Sol.  ""  I just need to go retrieve my bag from the room upstairs.  I...  Well, I don't have much, so I'll just bring it all!  
Kvard51
Lev shakes his head,   "I'll need to make some arrangements and grab some things back at my room.  I'll meet you all at the docks."    He turns and makes his way out the door.

 
 Spoiler: Stuff 
Adding another 50 gp, his Gear Maintenance Kit, &amp; Scrivener's Kit to his load out.
 
bcool999
 Ozzy 

Checking over his bandoliers that everything is secured, Ozzy will confirm his readiness,   ”Ready to go on our little night cruise. S’long as the captains steady and unlikely to run aground.”  

He will move to the docks with the others once all are ready.
lostsole31
The party rendezvouses at the dock. The  Flying Cloud  is a four-masted vessel built for speed. With a narrow beam, sharply raked stem, and square rig, the distinctive design (itself based on the design of the larger Chelish clipper) gives the ship great speed on the waves when under full sail. The  Flying Cloud  flies the flag of Riddleport on her mainmast (although the captain keeps a dozen flags in storage and feels no real ties to any one port). Captain Josper Creesy, a relatively young man, seeks to make a name for himself and his ship by setting speed records all along the Arcadian Coast.

The young Captain Creesy hurries everyone onboard.   "Come, come! Welcome to the Flying Cloud. I was informed of the badger, but it will need to be penned in the Orlop Deck for everyone's safety - including its own. But don't worry, you'll be bunking down there, anyway. I'll show you down there, and after that, I invite you to dine with me in my cabin to talk of our voyage early on the morrow."  
Farmerbink
Maggie frowns demurely, but keeps her peace for now.  She nods knowingly, acknowledging the truth of the captain's words.  When the party is shown belowdecks, she spends several minutes closely inspecting the "lodgings" for Scruffy.  "  You'll be safe down here, big guy.  And don't worry, if  anything  happens, I'll come get you, straight away!  "  Lastly, she retrieves a thick slab about as long as her arm of dried, salted meat.  She gives it to Scruff, closing the door to her cage herself.  "   Stay , big guy.  "  With a final, fond pat, she removes her arm from the enclosure and scurries back to catch up with the captain and the others.
lostsole31
With everyone packed (and I mean packed) into the captain's cabin. Captain Creesy wishes to get to know you a little and find out why they're heading to Devil's Elbow, and during the dinner he all but interrogates them on their plans and goals once they arrive on the island. Speaking of which, he treats the PCs to a fine meal of fresh reefclaw and vegetables with warm bread and chilled wine. He makes a quip to them to not get used to such finery once the ship is underway, but for now they should enjoy the meal.

What do you tell him about what you seek?
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Standing on the deck of the  Flying Cloud , Ozzy doesn’t hide his admiration of the four masted vessel, easily the largest he has boarded legitimately, and nods at the Captain’s speech before following.

In the captain’s quarters at dinner, Ozzy takes the opportunity to speak and introduce himself and Ginny.   ”My thanks at your warm welcome Captain. I am sure lodgings will be more than adequate for our needs aboard your vessel. Though do forgive us our lack of manners as we break bread with you this evening.”   Ozzy greets the Captain warmly before continuing,   “I am Ozlech Darkwing, though please do call me Ozzy, and my feathered companion here goes by Ginny. As for what we seek, we seek what most with ambition to brave the seas seek! Wealth! Wealth to make us the envy of any pirate in Riddleport. Ending up with just enough wealth to never get reacquainted with hunger would be fine too if we fall short of our goal.”  
Farmerbink
"  Omigosh this is so delicious!  " Maggie exhorts.  "  Thank you so much for sharing with us!  "

After a time, she considers her answers to his questions.  "  Well, I just want to do what I'm supposed to.  The world is a strange place, and the powers I serve want me to do something about it.  At least, I  think  they do.  I don't super mind, anyway.  It feels good to help people!  "
AggressiveBread
Santiago takes his time eating, seemingly enjoying every bite. After a while he gives his own answer to the captain’s questions.
As he speaks, he picks food out of his sharp teeth with a piece of cutlery.
  ”My name is Santiago. As one of Abadar’s knights, I have a vested interest in making sure nothing malicious crops up on Devil’s elbow as a result of the new skymetal. But. On a personal note, I’m also traveling with these folks as a favor to my late brother, who knew them.”  
meemaas
  "Visto is happy to meet Friend Captain. Visto came to help other Friends, and hopes not to fall in the water. Visto does not like the water."   Visto shakes just a little when mentioning the water, but otherwise helps himself to food while listening to the others.
rypt
This is Tsyra's first time aboard a seafaring vessel of any kind, and given her affinity for solid ground, her inexperience and discomfort are evident in equal measure.  Too proud to ask for help, and too stubborn to complain, she seems intent to simply endure the voyage.

When asked about her interest in Devil's Elbow, she answers directly.    "There is a relic of our people, an ancient blade forged by one of my ancestors.  It was broken long ago, but should I acquire the right variety of skymetal, I believe it can be repaired.  Findeladlara wills it so."  
Kvard51
Lev smiles his most charming smile at the Captain,   "I am a storyteller and songsmith.  As such, I am along simply for the joy of recording the deeds I observe on the journey.  Although, surely there will be more of such a fine repast once we are underway.  A man of your station wouldn't dine on what his men are reduced to, would he?  
 
 Spoiler: uh... 
Lev is laying it on thick in the hopes that the Captain will invite him to dine with him during the trip...
 
lostsole31
Captain Creesy listens to everyone, smiling at some of the questions posed to him, and this is all mixed in with various small talk as well, of course. He seems to be very taken by Ago and Maggie, who stand out in the group as the most personable. He warms up to them, and by extension the rest of the PCs, and his interrogations swiftly transforms into actual conversation. He's eager to talk about his desire to set sailing speed records between Varisia and Andoran, but admits he's still a few months away from making the attempt. A local, Captain Creesy is well-versed in the stories of the region, and smiling, he asks,   "So, the Devil's Elbow, eh? You of course have heard of Virashi's Curse, yes?"  
AggressiveBread
Ago raises an eyebrow, looking concerned.
  ”I’ve only recently returned to Riddleport after many years away. I’ve never heard of this curse. What is it?”  
lostsole31
 
 Spoiler: Captain Creesy Tells the Story of Devil's Elbow &amp; Virashi's Curse 
    "Well, the way I hear it,"     Captain Creesy begins ....

    "Devil’s Elbow is a mountainous island, heavily forested with pine trees, firs, redwoods, and cypress trees. Reefs and dangerous rocks surround the island except for one narrow approach to a sheltered cove on its northern side, and most of the island’s shores are rocky cliffs averaging 100 feet in height. The island terrain itself is rugged, with its highest peak being 800 feet above sea level. Birds, bats, and other flying animals are common fauna, and there’s a relatively large population of deer, wild boar, wild dogs, stirges, giant centipedes, snakes, donkey rats, and rabbits on the island as well. Most of these animals and vermin were introduced to the island by settlers from the south 5 decades ago.

"At that time, Devil’s Elbow was known primarily among the local Varisians and goblin tribes of the nearby mountains as the lair of a cruel and capricious siren named Virashi. When disenfranchised explorers and settlers began drifting into the region in great numbers 70 or so years ago, dissatisfied with the way Magnimar was growing, several settlements sprang up along the shores here. While two of these settlements (Riddleport and Roderic’s Cove) fared well and even flourished, most of the settlements, faced with goblins, dangerous wildlife, and the difficulties of the remote region, did not. The village of Witchlight, founded in 4680 AR by an exiled Chelish merchant named Yaris Neraken, was one such village.

"When he was scouting locations for a suitable site, he and his ship wrecked on the reefs surrounding Devil’s Elbow. Yaris, the only survivor of the wreck, found himself in the care of a strange and enthralling creature with the body of a bird and the face of a beautiful woman—the siren Virashi. He spent many months as her plaything, but in time an amazing thing happened. The two fell in love. Virashi released Yaris from enthrallment, and while he remained at the siren’s side for many more weeks, he pined for the comforts of civilization. He eventually convinced Virashi that, were he to establish a thriving community on the island above, not only would he be able to enjoy soft beds and fireplaces but the money he brought in would allow him to drape the siren and her lair with riches. It didn’t take much to convince the avaricious siren of the benefits of this idea.

"Yaris returned to Magnimar and managed to convince several investors that the rumors of Virashi were little more than that, and that he would be able to build a thriving settlement on the island. Once they arrived, he chose a site at the center of the island that overlooked the Varisian Gulf to serve as his new village’s foundation, and commissioned the creation of several watchtowers and lighthouses to warn what he hoped would be a steady influx of merchant traffic away from the dangerous reefs. Yaris returned to Magnimar and  managed to convince several investors that the rumors of Virashi were little more than that, and that he would be able to build a thriving settlement on the island. Once they arrived, he chose a site at the center of the island that overlooked the Varisian Gulf to serve as his new village’s foundation, and commissioned the creation of several watchtowers and lighthouses to warn what he hoped would be a steady influx of merchant traffic away from the dangerous reefs.

"Yet as the construction of Witchlight and the watchtowers continued, it became apparent that Yaris’ dream was unraveling. What was initially intended to be a self-sustaining settlement became more and more reliant on supplies from Riddleport, and that city was only too eager to gouge Yaris for every penny. As dissent increased among his people, Yaris’ bad luck seemed only to grow. The western watchtower burned partially to the ground only a week after construction was complete, killing nearly a dozen laborers and Yaris’ brother in the process. Several weeks later, a ship bearing a huge shipment of grain ran afoul of the reefs surrounding the island, and the giant centipedes that had infested the ship made it ashore and quickly bloomed into one of the island’s most obnoxious and dangerous pests. The spate of bad luck gave rise to whispers of “Virashi’s Curse,” and more and more locals began to speak of seeing a ghostly woman-faced bird in the forests and on the rocky shores. Yaris railed against these rumors, but was unable to offer proof that Virashi wasn’t behind the “curse” without revealing his secret. Then, at the onset of winter during a particularly violent storm, the final blow struck. A shipment of diseased cattle brought to the island to augment meager food stores saw an outbreak of the deadly disease anthrakitis that killed off a third of Witchlight’s population. Distraught over the fact that his dream was falling apart, Yaris went down to seek comfort with Virashi—but he was followed by a suspicious priest who believed Yaris had made a deal with a devil that had gone sour. The priest’s fears were confirmed when he witnessed Yaris and Virashi embrace. He returned to Witchlight, roused a mob, and under the protection of a silence spell, led the mob down to Virashi’s cave the next morning and slew the siren as she slept in her lair.

"Yaris woke the next day to a horrific sight—the body of his lover hanging from a pole above a fire in the middle of Witchlight. Overcome with grief and shock, Yaris threw himself from the eastern watchtower onto the rocks and surf below. This was the final blow to the settlement—without Yaris to provide encouragement, the remaining citizens of Devil’s Elbow packed up and left for easier lives in Riddleport, Magnimar, or beyond. By the end of the week, Devil’s Elbow had been abandoned.

"For the past several decades, Devil’s Elbow has remained uninhabited. Travelers on ships passing close to the island sometimes claim to see lights burning in the island’s watchtowers, further inspiring rumors that the place is haunted. These rumors are given weight every few years when adventurers decide to sail out to the island in search of Virashi’s hidden treasure, since many of them do not return, and those who do come with tales of monstrous centipedes, strange noises, and mysterious lights in the woods. This, combined with the fact that an unusual number of ships seem to wreck and sink in the waters within a 5-mile radius around the island, secured the region’s ill repute, and today, very few visitors come to its deserted shores."    
 
AggressiveBread
Ago looks grim as the captain finishes his story. He takes a deep breath before he speaks.  ”Thank you again for giving us a lift captain, considering the dangers.”   He looks at his companions, more resolute than before.   ”Whatever horrors await us, we will stand firm against them.”   thinking about something, he cuts in one more time.
  ”Especially if there’s ghosts…. I hate ghosts.”  
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Listening to the Captain’s telling of Virashi’s curse, Ozzy smiles and says,   ”A chilling tale well told Captian. Though I suspect Devil’s Elbow isn’t quite so deserted as the story says as this is not the only ship flying sails to the island from Riddleport. Still knowing of the centipede infestation will help ready us to face any we find.  
Farmerbink
Maggie listens, wide-eyed, utterly rapt by Creesy's well-spun tale.  As he comes to a close, she finds herself almost blinking back tears.  "  What a horribly sad story!  " she murmurs.  "  Poor Virashi...  "

Lost in thought for a few moments, she perks up as her companions share similar sentiments.  "  You're sure you can navigate the reefs?  I'd hate to try and swim ashore with Scruff...  "
rypt
As the captain details the island's history, Tsyra watches the faces of the others, contemplating the possibility that they might have withheld their knowledge the island's dangers so as not to scare away their prospective hires.

  "If the island is as dangerous as your tale suggests,"   she says to Creesy once he has finished,   "then in at least one regard, our late arrival may prove some small benefit."  
Kvard51
  "Bravo, Captain!  I do appreciate a tale well spun and you have the gift, it seems."    Lev looks to his companions with a huge grin,   "And if the yarn spins true, we'll have a ready-made base of operations.  Surely we can find a defensible site in the abandoned town?"  
meemaas
  "Visto hopes the ship can reach the island properly. Visto does not think he can fly with another Friend."  
lostsole31
As the PCs are having their post-bedtime-story discussion ... 
 Spoiler: Maggie, Visto 
You hear the sounds of fire!
 
Farmerbink
Maggie suddenly starts, her gently-pointed ears perking up amusingly.  "  D'you hear that?  Sounds like...  "  her eyes suddenly widen.  "  Fire!  Come on!!  "  Without waiting to see if anyone is following, Maggie literally leaps from where she had been standing in the chair (to be able to see the others at something approximating eye-level), bolting for the door.  She grunts, and stumbles briefly, unused to such feats, and reaches to open the door leading from the captain's cabin.
lostsole31
Maggie stumbles to the door, and opens it.

 Visto , what do you do? It's crammed enough in the captain's cabin to be difficult terrain.
meemaas
Visto knows he is slower than the others, and rather than rushing for the door, moves to get out of the way of the others.   "Friends go first. Visto will follow to help with injured."  
lostsole31
 Begin Round One ...

R1T20:  Sol stands.   "Ozzy, Maggie ... get your animals out of the hold!"   he says as he zooms out the door.

 R1T17:   Ago , what do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago stands surprisingly quickly in his heavy armor, some of his loose jewelry jangles when he moves quickly. He calls out,   ”I’m heading to the main deck! Be careful everyone!”   He gets in a defensive posture, before rushing out of the captain’s quarters as quickly as he can toward the main deck. Pulling out his shield as he goes.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: move 20 ft out of the captain’s quarters taking the closest route to the main deck, pulling out shield while moving.
SA: move another 20 ft toward the main deck
SWA: enter inner sphere stance.
 
lostsole31
 R1T17:  Santiago stands surprisingly quickly in his  heavy armor, some of his loose jewelry jangles when he moves quickly. He  calls out,   ”I’m heading to the main deck! Be careful, everyone!”    He gets in a defensive posture, before rushing out of the captain’s  quarters as quickly as he can toward the main deck.  
 Spoiler: Ago 
You  only got 20 total feet of movement, because it cost you 40' movement.  Also, a shield ... even though it can be wielded like a weapon, is NOT  given the "draw with movement as long as you have +1 BAB or greater."  That is only for items which are categorized as weapons, and for  wands.
 

 R1T12:   Maggie , what do you do?
Farmerbink
Maggie continues her mad scramble for the deck below.  Spurred on as only desperate concern for a loved one can muster, her tiny feet patter against the deckboards as she makes for, and takes the stairs downward.
 
 Spoiler: Maggie actions 
MA: move 20' to (roughly) top of stairs
MA: move down stairs into hold below, and towards Scruff as movement allows.
 
lostsole31
 R1T12:  Maggie continues her mad scramble for the deck  below.  Spurred on as  only desperate concern for a loved one can muster, her tiny feet patter  against the deckboards as she makes for, and takes the stairs downward  the last few feet is just a ladder that she pretty much spryly jumps  down into the orlop deck (the hold).

 R1T11:   Ozzy , what do you do? Ginny is in the hold, and it is difficult terrain within the captain's cabin (only).
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Having his meal interrupted does nothing to aid Ozzy’s mood, but hearing there may be a fire, he contacts Ginny telepathically.

 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”There seems to be a fire aboard. Can you get free?”   
 


Whilst waiting for Ginny’s reply, Ozzy channels his essence into his veils and into a pair of allies as he moves through the captains cabin with apparent ease. Mist clings to Ozzy’s legs as he moves becoming more solid as essence fills them. A similar pair appears on Ago and Tysra aiding them in traversing the space in the cabin.

Ozzy moves to pass Sol on the stairs up to the deck saying,   ”Ginny should join us shortly,”   as he passes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: Telepathy Ginny
Move action to move out of the cabin. (NW, W, W)
Swift action: assign essence. 2 into Brume Treads for a +10 enhancement bonus to movement (Brume Treads on their own should negate difficult terrain even uninvested) 2 into Akashic Army choosing Ago and Tsyra and sharing Brume Treads with both for the difficult terrain avoidance. Last essence into Ring of the Abjurer for +1 ac.
Standard Action: move up the stairs with 40ft of movement and ignoring difficult terrain.

Also for what it’s worth, allies within 60ft of Ozzy get a 5ft enhancement bonus to speed passively from akashic army.
 
lostsole31
 R1T11:  Having his meal interrupted does nothing to aid  Ozzy’s mood; but, hearing there may be a fire he contacts Ginny  telepathically.  
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”There seems to be a fire aboard. Can you get free?”   
 
Whilst waiting for Ginny’s reply, Ozzy channels his essence into his  veils and into a pair of allies as he moves through the captains cabin  with apparent ease. Mist clings to Ozzy’s legs as he moves becoming more  solid as essence fills them. A similar pair appears on Ago and Tysra  aiding them in traversing the space in the cabin. 
 Spoiler: Ginny &gt;&gt;&gt; Ozzy 
  "No problem. I will meet you topside as safely as I can."  
 

Ozzy moves to pass Sol on the stairs up to the deck saying,   ”Ginny should join us shortly,”   as he passes and gets up to the Main deck.

Meanwhile, the large black raven flies past Maggie up the ladder, then the stairs to pass Sol and then ends up on the main deck next to Ozzy.

 R1T10:   Lev , what do you do?
Kvard51
It takes a moment for Maggie's shout of   "Fire! Come on!!"   to break through Lev's thoughts, as he is considering the new abilities Naysin had introduced him to over the last few days.  Being one of the last to move, he decides to take the time to call upon his magic to improve his speed, singing a song about the swift deer fleeing the hunter.  He then sprints across the room and up the ladder, bursting through the hatch and onto the deck above.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
SA: Cast  Expeditious Retreat  on himself, increasing his movement to 60' for the next minute.
MA: 60' movement halved for difficult terrain - SW, W, W, up the ladder, ending in an unoccupied space on deck.
 Draws his greatsword as he comes free of the hatch.
 
lostsole31
 R1T10:  It takes a moment for Maggie's shout of   "Fire! Come on!!"    to break through Lev's thoughts, as he is considering the new abilities  Naysin had introduced him to over the last few days.  Being one of the  last to move, he decides to take the time to call upon his magic to  improve his speed, singing a song about the swift deer fleeing the  hunter.  He then sprints across the room, out the door, and up behind Sol.

 R1T7:   Tsyra , you have these magical boots appearing on your feet. Strange. What do you do?
lostsole31
 R1T7:  Tsyra moves forth, completely unimpeded by crowded cabin or stairs, to make it to the deck with Ozzy and his bird.

 R1T6:   Visto ,  strange that Ozzy would not gift you with such magic, as you are slower than most  people and he knows this. You are left alone in the cabin besides the captain, who has yet  to go. What do you do?
meemaas
Visto follows after his comrades, albeit slowly compared to them. While he does, he allows the excitement of the events to begin the raging storm, as his Storm of choice shatters and reforms into a new and more appropriate one.

 
 Spoiler 
As Initiative has been rolled, Visto can reshape his Storm Veil to The Deluge.

He'll invest the first point of Temporary Essence into The Deluge

He'll use both his move and standard action in order to move after the others out onto deck.
 
lostsole31
 R1T6-5:  Visto follows after his comrades, albeit slowly  compared to them, and Captain Creesy comes out into the hold deck fray.  At the same time, he is exhorting the various sailors taking it easy on  this deck to go to battle stations: firefighting.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T20:  Sol zooms up, out, and onto the main deck.

 R2T17:   Ago , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Ozzy/ Ginny in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Getting assistance from Ozzy’s magic, Ago picks up the pace and bounds up the stairs. As he moves by Ozzy on the main deck, he gives him a nod of gratitude.  
”Thanks for the help.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: move 20 ft up the stairs, ignoring difficult terrain.
SA: if he spots fire on the main deck, he moves 20 ft toward it
 
lostsole31
 R2T17:  Getting assistance from Ozzy’s magic, Ago picks up the pace and bounds  up the stairs. As he moves up onto the main deck, he gives Ozzy a nod  of gratitude.   ”Thanks for the help.”  
 R2T12:   Maggie , what do you do?

Ozzy/ Ginny on deck/in the hole ...
Farmerbink
Maggie breathes a long sigh of relief as she releases Scruff from his small enclosure. “  Come on, big guy,  ” she murmurs, as she turns to look around the lowest deck.

With her trusty companion back at her side, she hurries for the upper decks.
 
 Spoiler: Maggie actions 
unsure about the action to get Scruff out? I suspect MA, but can easily manipulate my dog crates at home without any thought at all.

In order of priority: release scruff
FA: handle scruff to heel
MA: to investigate to make sure nothing is visibly out of place
MA: to head back up (if time allows?)
 
lostsole31
 R2T12-11.5:  Maggie breathes a long sigh of relief as she releases Scruff from his small enclosure. “  Come on, big guy,  ”  she murmurs, as she turns to look around the lowest deck. With her  trusty companion back at her back, she hurries for the upper decks.

 R2T11:   Ozzy   (and Ginny), now that you are topside, you see that sails and some  rigging are on fire. Meanwhile, several tough-looking folk are prone on  the pier with arrows in them. One is in combat with a bronzy-skinned,  white-haired elf on the pier, not far from the gangplank. The  white-haired elf does a bunting strike with his bow to the man's face -  painful, but not deadly - and the man drops to the deck even as the  white-haired elf .... whom you remember as Kwaava the ekjuae ... nods to  you and does a salute. Some sailors from the Flying Cloud are starting  to combat the flames. What do you do?

Lev on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
bcool999
 Ozlech 

After a glance up top, Ozzy says,   ”Looks like Kwaava made short work of them. Now the fire.”  

Turning back around and heading down the stairs, Ozzy reallocates essence taking away Ago’s loaned veil to give it to Visto to aid him up the stairs.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: head back down stairs.
Swift Action: reallocate essence so Visto has Brume Treads now to get them up the stairs to the fire.
 
lostsole31
At this point, we don't need to belabor round-by-round. Some things do happen, though.

Kwava picks up and carries the fallen man and gets onto the gangplank.

Captain Creesy's first mate directs fire-fighting efforts as the other heroes spill up onto deck.  Norton is able to really make his weather powers shine, though having to warn "friend sailors" first, as he sets up The Deluge to help rain on the fire.

Meanwhile, Riddleportians do what they do whenever a ship is on fire so as not to allow other ships to catch fire or to bring fire to the town .... they cut the mooring lines.  Kwava has to hop up and drop the man, tumbling down himself, else he would have been dumped into the bay as the gangplank falls.  Ganmeed, his bird companion, flies up to the gunwale.

He looks up to the Captain and the heroes as they quickly bring the fire - caused by alchemical fire - are brought to bear and then put out, with the ship just drifting into the bay ....

  "Request permission to come aboard?"  
Kvard51
Lev laughs loudly as the white-haired elf lands on the deck,   "Oh!  Well done good sir!  That was almost worth the price of admission all by itself.  
lostsole31
The Captain says as firefighting efforts quickly wind down and his men go to stabilizing the ship,   "Actually, Mr. Kwava here is the one who paid for all of your fares of passage. Though, true ... that is three more mouths to feed, it seems."  

The elf stands, putting his bow away and pointing down to the unconscous man.   "This man, and a couple of his friends, threw alchemist's fire on your sails to set them alight. He would be worth questioning quickly, and then reducing the mouth to feed by waking him up and throwing him in the bay for an honest chance to survive swimming to the pier."  
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Flashing a sharp toothed smile, Ozlech responds to Kwava’s suggestion with enthusiasm,   ”I agree with getting some answers from these saboteurs. Perhaps the Captain would even agree to a night departure since we have already been cast adrift. We can wake our prisoner and inform them that the longer they dither or fail to answer sufficiently is more distance to swim to shore.”  
AggressiveBread
Santiago, who had been helping the sailors fight the fire on the sails, does a double take when he sees a white haired elf on the dock. He visibly relaxes when he sees that Kwava is friendly.
  ”Probably some hired help to keep us from getting to Devil’s Elbow.”   He eyes the arrow-filled men on the dock with pity.   ”The poor fools were expecting easy coin I bet.”  
Farmerbink
Maggie stumbles onto the main deck, with Scruff close at her heels.  "  Are we...  On fire?  " she murmurs to no one, as she begins struggling to take in the unexpected scene.

Quite used, by now, to seeing almost entirely unfamiliar faces aboard the ship, she doesn't bat an eye at the white-haired newcomer.  However, nearly everyone she's met has been conscious; a brief pang of empathic pain flashes over her eyes as she rushes to the downed tough.  "  Oof!  That's gonna leave a mark, friend,  " she mutters, unconcerned that he can't hear her.

The odd little Gnome manages to glean enough awareness from her companion's hesitance to pause, kneeling beside the saboteur.  "  Uh... I can help him.... wake up?  I guess gather round!  "  She gives Santiago in particular enough time to get close before reaching down and reviving the man with a gentle touch, heavily laden with positive energy.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Assuming she's not interrupted, Maggie will cast cure light wounds for  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  points of healing.
 
lostsole31
The man is FULLY HEALED BY THE LIFE-GIVING POWER OF NATURE!!!

But he is fully surrounded by the power of multiple, angry, well-armed and kitted adventurers.
rypt
Having never before seen one of the Ekujae, Tsyra watches with a scrutinizing eye as the bronze-skinned bowman dispatches the last of the attackers and makes his way aboard.  Initially believing him to be one of Creesy's crew, she is surprised to find one of her own kind -- particularly one so competent -- serving under a human captain.  It isn't until Creesy identifies the elf as the sponsor of their journey that she recalls Sol's earlier mention of his name and of his interest in the purple-skinned elf.

While Maggie restores the saboteur to consciousness, Tsyra moves to stand beside him.  With her hands clasped behind her back, she does not seem to view him as a threat.    "You should speak quickly of your purpose and of who paid you,"   she says matter-of-factly as she stares down at the man.    "This ship has begun to drift, and they intend to make you swim for your life."  
lostsole31
The man just blinks at the strange, monotoning elf.

The party realizes with that one round of questioning that Tsyra has all of the endearment, terror, and conniving ability of a discarded sock, forgotten in a mouldy corner.
AggressiveBread
Santiago let’s out a little chuckle that he quickly stifles behind one of his gauntlets. He kneels to stare directly into the man’s face with fiery eyes. He puts a hand on the man’s shoulder and grips it tightly.  ”Listen my friend, you’ve put many innocent lives at risk today. I’m willing to forgive that if you tell us who you’re working for, and why they want us gone. My elven friend wasn’t lying. The longer you wait, the farther you have to swim for the dock.”  
Farmerbink
"  Besides,  " Maggie begins musing with apparent detachment, "  hurting  you  would just be spiteful.  It's your boss we really need to be looking out for.  "

She glances towards the slowly receding docks, obviously concerned.  "  Getting to be a long swim....  "
lostsole31
The young man says,   "We was paid 20 gold each by Clegg Zincher to make sure n'other ships bound for Devil's Elbow set out until, at the very least, end o' month."  
AggressiveBread
Ago releases the man’s shoulder, as he stands, his voice is full of disgust.   ”Figures. It seems like Zincher has a lot invested in keeping the haul to himself. Hopefully this means we aren’t too late to the party.”   
Farmerbink
Maggie purses her lips in disappointment.  "  Figures,  " she grunts.  She nods to the gunwale nearest the docks.  "  I figure you best start swimming.  Anyone else care to pry further?  "
lostsole31
As Maggie says, "...further?" there is a loud splash as you look from her to the empty spot where the man was and then note the man swimming for his life towards shore.
bcool999
 Ozlech 
  ”Perhaps a poor choice of words to tell him to leave and then ask us if we had any further questions.”   Ozzy remarks before continuing,   “Nevertheless, a hired goon won’t know much beyond who hired him, what the job is, and of course how much they will pay for it.

Since all that information was obtained we really had no more reason to keep him. Though this does tell us that Zincher will be just as cutthroat as we feared regarding this expedition. We should assume hostility when we see his men.”  
AggressiveBread
  ”Agreed, we’ll have to keep our guard up.”   he turns to address the captain.   “Are the sails still in good enough condition to get us to Devil’s elbow captain?”  
lostsole31
After some time discussing damage control with his mate and quartermaster, Captain Creesy says,   "Given tides and time for repair, and because we aren't crewed to sail 24 hours, we will anchor out here in the Gulf, but still leave tomorrow as noted.  Please take your animals back down to the hold ... you, too, Mr. Kwava ... and my men will show you to your hammocks."  
lostsole31
  
 
    Moonday, 4 Desnus 4708 AR (New Moon)
 80 / 65 F. Winds 15 SE. Low humidity.     

Repairs delay the initial plan to leave Riddleport for Devil’s Elbow, but only by a few hours as specified, as the  Flying Cloud  anchors out. It is an early rise for the sailors, though the heroes get to sleep in to be well-rested for their expedition, but in time awaken and prepare themselves for the new day. By early afternoon, the  Flying Cloud  is ready to set sail for Devil’s Elbow. The journey is short, and the ship covers the 18-mile voyage in a mere 5 hours, reaching the island about an hour before sundown.

Located 18 miles southwest of Riddleport and a mere 2 miles from the rugged and wild cliff shores of the Calphiak Mountains, the 5-mile-wide island of Devil’s Elbow appears on few maps. Its relatively remote location and notorious history have worked well together to ensure that it has remained mostly abandoned after an attempt to establish a settlement on its southern ridge.

The forested island is quiet as the ship approaches; no signs of life are immediately apparent. A low ridge forms a spine along the length of the island, its slopes covered with dense forest and its shores affording very few safe places to land. Two stone towers rise above the level of the surrounding trees along the top of the island’s ridge, one to the east and one at the island’s center. A thin plume of smoke rises from a point about midway between those two towers at the height of the island’s ridge. Yet the most dramatic sight as the ship nears its destination is the immense crater on the island’s northeastern slopes. The crater itself is hundreds of feet wide and surrounded by an even larger swath of burnt trees that have been knocked flat in a burst pattern around the impact site. The region’s frequent rainstorms and damp conditions prevented the fire from consuming the entire island, yet in all nearly a quarter of the island’s forest was destroyed by the impact.

Captain Creesy seems unusually nervous as the ship nears the island; despite his bravado, the tales of Virashi’s Curse and the island’s history get to him, and the sight of the immense crater does little to calm his nerves. He tells the PCs that he’d rather not stay in the region, and he attempts to arrange for a pick-up date when they’ll be done and he can come back and collect them. As he speaks, a bright light suddenly flashes at the peak of the island’s central tower, a sparkling blast of pyrotechnics that lasts for several seconds before expiring. The mysterious flash of light seals the deal—Creesy will sail up to the old piers and allow the PCs to disembark, but he does not want to remain overnight within sight of the island.

Creesy is reluctant to dock anywhere but the old pier due to dangerous reefs.

As the heroes disembark at the old pier, a voice calls out from the seemingly abandoned buildings:   "Ahoy, the ship! Ahoy! Goldhammer's Expedition requesting permission to approach!"  
Farmerbink
Maggie looks up from where she stood idly patting the scruff of Scruff's neck on the docks.  "  Oh?  Uh sure!  "  She spends a few moments facing the apparently-not-abandoned wharf, trying to find the source of the call.  She takes a few steps forward, perhaps naively placing herself and Scruff at the head of the group, nearest the speaker.

As she does, she waves generally towards the buildings, in a friendly, welcoming manner.   "  Goldhammer's crew are surely gonna be the most honorable ones,  "  she mutters under her breath.  "  Come on out!  " she calls, much louder.  "  We'll talk with ya!  "
AggressiveBread
Ago nods in agreement, standing beside Maggie and Scruff. He calls out.   ”Well met! We represent Sol Flood and the Gold Goblin!”   He keeps his eyes peeled, looking for signs of movement in the buildings.
Kvard51
Lev keeps his head on a swivel, looking for threats hoping to go unnoticed.  He leans toward Santiago and says quietly,   "I'll hang back at first, to see if I can discern their tells.  But if any real negotiation is to take place, be aware that I am, umm, gifted with words..."  
lostsole31
The lead dwarf calls out,   "I'm Gravin Goldhammer, leader of my eponymous expedition and official representative of the Gas Forges."  

As the dwarf approache the docks, followed by four others (two dwarves and two humans), it is immediately clear to the PCs that they've had a rough time. Their clothes are torn and filthy and their faces are tired and haggard. They close to 10' of the PCs, seem friendly enough in gratitude at your arrival, and call up to the Captain.   "We be the only four of us left of the original expedition, and we seek to quit this cursed island. We ask passage on your ship to return to Riddleport."  
 "Works for me!"  calls the captain, coming down the gangplank.  "I wasn't staying here, but merely depositing these fine adventurers here." 

Captain Creesy looks to the PCs,  "Don't worry, I don't intend to totally abandon you. I agree to come back here at any point in the future that you request, within reason; but the earliest I can return will be tomorrow evening. What say you?" 
Farmerbink
Maggie gasps at the state of the foursome.  "  Oh goodness!  Here, sweethearts, let me help!  "  She scurries forward- almost subconsciously gesturing for Scruff to stay put, and immediately begins seeing to the Dwarf and his companion's injuries.  She subconsciously conjures several handfuls of pure water to wipe away the worst of the grime and- "  Is that dried blood? How bad is it?  Let's see if you can still move this arm without too much pain.  Just soreness?  That's good!  No, really!  "

Utterly oblivious to everything but the sorry state of the would-be evacuees, Maggie proceeds to gently treat injuries and sores anywhere and everywhere the injured men will allow.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I would like her to start by using the  lifelink hex  to create bonds with the newcomers, literally sharing her hit points with them as she assesses the situation.

In that vein, she'll be going for heal checks (+7) to assess the severity of their injuries and/or illnesses.

As needed, she will use other healing options to help Goldhammer and his troupe, generally starting with using a few cure light wounds on  herself , to refill after using  lifelink  to heal them.  She gets 1d8+6 in this way, (the extra +2) thanks to the Fey Foundling feat.
 
lostsole31
Assuming Visto takes over the mundane aspect of healing, he and Maggie determine that each of them is lightly wounded. Only two of them have wounds strong enough for Maggie to take on some of the wounds to herself, and she ends up expending two CLW spells. Otherwise, Visto guides the more mundane binding of wounds.
Farmerbink
Maggie eyes Visto with newfound respect, surprised by his medical acumen.  With genuine relief, the Gnome easily shifts modes into more pressing matters.  "  Now, that's settled.  I hope you all feel better.  Let's sit for a short time- I know you're all eager to leave- but we've got a job to do, and it would really be a great help to know more about what we're getting into.  You can spare, say an hour, Captain Creesy?  "

She flashes their captain and Goldhammer her most winsome smile, deliberately leveraging every ounce of cuteness she can muster.
lostsole31
  "Not at all!"   says Captain Creesy.   "You have a few minutes. All hands, prepare to set sail!"  
AggressiveBread
Santiago chuckles before he looks to the dwarves with a serious expression.   ”I guess we don’t have much time then. Gravin, can you tell us what you saw here on the island? Is there any chance the rest of your men still live?”  
lostsole31
Gravin shakes his head ruefully, as the other in his group lower their heads, the humans taking off their caps.   "I led a thirteen-guildsman expedition. We've only been here a few days, and this is all what's left of our expedition."  

He gives a few more moments of silence to respect the lost and then looks up, wiping his eye.   "Damnable salt spray getting in my eyes from the ocean. Serves a dwarf right for going boatin' on a damn fool's errand. As to your other question? Them stories about Virashi’s Curse are right—mostly. Only it ain’t ghosts what haunt this place, no. It’s monsters. Low-to-the-ground things, fast and lean. Never did get me a good look at one of them, even with them snatching a few of my men and dragging them off into the woods. A few others got bit or slashed, and their wounds turned bad. Some sort of sick got in them, and then, when they died, it came back out their faces. Torag’s scars, but that were a sight I’d like to unsee. Came right out of their faces like they were tongues, and then my own men attacked us. We put them down and burned the bodies just this morning. Whatever’s out there, it’s not fit for this world. You shouldn’t stay here. If you had any sense, you’d get back on that boat and head right back to Riddleport!”
  
Sol asks,   "No chance you've seen any purple-skined elves, is there?"  

That actually gets an ironic chuckle from the dwarf, which catches to his men. They then have a really good laugh. It doesn't seem out of a desire to mock so much as the desperate need for humor to break tension before they settle back into their doldrums.    "There's that salt spray again," says Gravin, wiping his other eye after a good laugh. Purple-skinned elves. Ha! Nope. No leprechauns or two-headed donkey rats either. We haven’t even seen the Sandpoint Devil. You’re welcome to look for all three, and purple-skinned elves as well, but I ain’t staying here longer to see what other fanciful beasts this place has to offer.”  
AggressiveBread
Santiago chuckles a little himself, realizing he’s never seen this purple skinned elf with his own eyes. He asks,  ”Have you heard anything from the other expeditions? Before we left, we heard that both Clegg Zincher and the Cyphermages were coming to Devil’s Elbow.”  
Farmerbink
Maggie frowns thoughtfully as Gravin relates his experience. "   Ugh,   " she groans.  "  I'm so sorry you all had to go through that . "  Nearly on the verge of tears herself, the little woman's fists clench and unclench almost spasmodically.  She glances nervously at Scruff, the ground, and her taller companions.

Blinking back tears, she opens eyes full of grit and determination.  Nearly to herself, she begins muttering, in the lilting hodgepodge tongue of the Gnomes...  
 Spoiler: Gnomish language 
 "  Low to the ground, fast and lean, strong enough to pull a full-grown man too fast to get a good look....  I've seen vine monsters do that, could it be something  burrowing?   " 
 
  Her eyes glaze over, as she stares into the ground somewhere between the docks and wharves without seeing.  
 Spoiler: Gnomish language 
  "  Probably too fast for a snake.  Something with root-like tentacles?  But something on them that cuts....  " 
 
  She visibly wracks her brain, scowling deep in thought, as she tries to make heads and tails of what the Dwarf is telling them.   
 Spoiler: Gnomish language 
 "  Not too many things like all that.... Could be multiple different kinds of things?  " 
 


After a time, with or without a useful conclusion, she snaps her eyes back to the Dwarf front-and-center.  "  Master Goldhammer, I promise in so far as I can that I will avenge your companions.  There's no room in nature for such nonsensical, wasteful destruction!  "  Her tiny fist slams into an open palm with... probably less emphasis than she would like.  "  You have my solemn word on it!  "
lostsole31
Master Goldhammer answers the golden tiefling.   “There’s supposed to be three other groups here, but I only seen one of them so far—the cyphermages who are up in Witchlight. Slyeg and Zincher supposedly have men here too, but I ain’t seen any of them… although we did spot some smoke rising to the southeast, like maybe from campfires.”  

Kwava asks,   "Why do you feel you were 'too late?'"  

Master Goldhammer spits and says,   "Not a speck of skymetal. Plenty of craters around, but nothing in them worth taking. Either the other groups got it all, or there wasn't any to begin with."  

Master Goldhammer nods to the ferocious oath given by the muttering gnome.
rypt
Tsyra is quick to dismiss the possibility that there may be no starmetal on Devil's Elbow, speaking with with far more conviction than seems reasonable for someone who has only just arrived.   "No, this  cannot  be."    Stepping to the front of the group to address the dwarf directly, she continues,   "Given the tsunami that struck Riddleport, would you not have expected a single, large crater, rather than a multitude of smaller ones?  And if you encountered only the latter, and not the former, is it not more likely that your company simply failed to locate the primary deposit of celestial material on the island?"  
lostsole31
  "Don't know, don't care, and don't be so cruel as to stop our speedy departure!"   says Gravin, suddenly shocked by the elf's threatening posture.

  "Tsyra,"   calls down the captain.   "If you halt that man's liberty from disaster more, you shall not be welcome back upon my ship. Let him pass. Now."  
rypt
The dwarf's preposterous accusation takes Tsyra by surprise.    "I have no notion of what you speak!  I was not delaying your departure when I stood there"   --she points to a few steps behind her--   "and I am not delaying your departure where I stand now."  

She looks to the captain, says nothing, then looks back to the dwarf.    "Had I known that the urgency of your desire to leave this place was so much greater now than it was when you spoke at length only moments ago, I would have said nothing."   At that, she steps to the edge of the pier where there can be no ambiguity as to her intentions.
AggressiveBread
Santiago clears his throat trying to cut through the sudden awkward tension.   ”Look we won’t keep you any more Gravin. May Abadar protect you.”   he turns to look at Sol.   ”How long do you think we’ll be here for? So the good captain knows when to return.”  
meemaas
Visto waves almost cheerfully at the group as they leave.   "Visto hopes that new Friends get home safely."  
lostsole31
As the remains of Goldhammer's expedition boards the  Flying Cloud , Sol says,   "I recommend him here tomorrow evening ... his earliest. Hopefully, we can get a lay of the land by then to have a better estimate."  
Farmerbink
Maggie peers thoughtfully into the distance, trying to take in the broad woods, the abandoned storefronts, distant peaks, the whole thing.  After a time, she turns back to face her companions, smiling.   " Who knows?  Could be a week, could be a year!  Smells like we're supposed to be here, though. " 

She begins whistling, a simple nameless tune, and wandering in the directions of the buildings.   " First thing's first.  We need to find someplace where we're not likely to be eaten in our sleep! " 
lostsole31
The party gathers along behind and with Maggie as she moves forward to check out the harbor area (area  A ). Meanwhile, the rest of Goldhammer's Expedition boards the  Flying Cloud  and they set sail.

The party searches around these buildings. When Yaris Neraken first attempted to settle Devil’s Elbow, the three piers and houses here were the first structures he built, since they would serve as the gateway between Witchlight and the rest of the world. Situated in the only safe harbor on the island’s shore, the buildings here once served as warehouses and homes for guards and laborers, but they are now long abandoned and partially collapsed due to the falling star; little remains of the buildings but heaps of rubble and a few leaning walls. Likewise, the piers themselves are falling into disrepair, with many planks missing from their lengths, especially at the ends where only a few leaning pilings protrude from the surf. There’s nothing unusual or particularly interesting in the ruined buildings, with the exception of several bright red, foot-long centipedes that scurry for cover as soon as anyone approaches.

Now what?
meemaas
Visto invests some of his energy into his wings, and takes takes off into the air to get a better view. He doesn't go too high up, so as to not lose sight of the others.   "Visto missed this. Why doesn't Visto fly more often?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Visto goes about 50 ft up, high enough to be able to see a bit more of an aerial layout, but low enough that he can return to his allies quickly.
 
lostsole31
Visto doesn't notice anything immediately interesting that sticks out.
Farmerbink
"   Gosh , those are big-ol' buggies!  " Maggie chirps.  After a heartbeat, her expression grows pensive.  "  Sure could be a problem if we ran into bigger ones- or a whole gigantic mess of 'em.  "

Her eyes track to Scruff, freely roaming within about 15' of herself.  "  Stay close, big guy.  No running off, now!  "

She turns back to her companions.  "  We better find someplace to camp.  These walls... well, they might be better than nothing, but they're not gonna suffice all by themselves.  We've only got a few minutes before things get more complicated.  "

She begins trying to identify a promising nook- a building with sturdier-looking bones, or at least a big enough pile of rubble to serve as a windbreak.
lostsole31
You did get here early evening, and with everything before this point, the sun is setting now.

The party will be able to scope out something that is vaguely defensible that will provide succor from the elements.

Do you do anything else or just bed down now?
rypt
Tsyra does not soon forget Goldhammer's accusation nor the captain's rebuke.  And whether it is anger or embarrassment that lingers into the night, she speaks to the others as little as possible and keeps to the periphery of the party as they explore the ruined structures near the pier, her expression plainly discouraging any small talk or banter.

Once they've selected a suitable location to spend the night, she will use her geokinesis to whatever extent she can to shore up the surrounding structure, prioritizing the filling or blocking of holes and gaps that are low to the ground.  If she will be sleeping on the ground, she will likewise use her geokinesis to first level the surface.
AggressiveBread
After removing his gear and storing away in a neat pile. Santiago will gather anyone in the party who cares to listen, an begins sharing stories from when he was last in Riddleport.
  ”You should have seen the look on that merchant’s face when he came back to find his whole cart missing!”   He laughs, wiping a mirthful tear from his eyes. He calms down looking wistful.  ”Gods that was a long time ago, I bet Abadar would have my head in the stocks if I did anything like that these days.”  
Kvard51
Lev settles in with the others but sits where he can see Tsyra.  Her hard demeanor but clear vulnerability after the dwarf's rebuke mark her as a potential liability for the moment, in his mind.  He looks for ways to connect, making eye contact whenever she looks his way.
Farmerbink
Maggie finds herself reclining, laying on Scruff's slowly rising-and-falling flank.  As the pair doze happily, she gazes skyward, peering at the stars and celestial bodies with surprising focus.  Where some might mistake her attention as idle or fleeting, nonetheless she carefully ponders their courses and gentle gleams.

"  Tomorrow will be dangerous,  " she suddenly blurts.  "  But I suppose we all knew that, right?  "  She chuckles quietly to herself, letting her eyelids fall closed.

"  Wake me for the second watch.  I love seeing the stars.  "
rypt
Tsyra's elven senses are far too keen not to notice Lev's persistent gaze, and though she ignores it for a time, there comes a point where she sets down her sketchbook and meets the bard's gray-blue eyes.    "If there is something you wish to say, let it be said, else put it rest beneath the stars."  
lostsole31
It is a very dark night, but the party is able to make a fire from readily available materials without to much light escaping. Otherwise, it is a warm spring night (low of 65). In the middle of night, a rain is heard moderately pattering on the ground outside.

 

   Toilday, 5 Desnus 4708 AR (New Moon) 
 Weather: 80 / 65 F. Moderate rain (up to 3/4"). Winds W 5 mph. Low humidity.   

The next morning is gray and lightly raining off and on. The party has good shelter, but otherwise cramped accommodations. At least its not very cold, though the rain cools things a little.  Now is time for everyone to begin their morning preparations.   
 Spoiler: OOC 
This will be the first time that each of you will be "in the open" when doing so please describe your morning routine for others to get a sense of, and let me know if you change anything in your dailies.
 
AggressiveBread
First thing in the morning Santiago is quietly tending to his armor, polishing the platemail to a mirror sheen. Under his breath he whispers prayers to Abadar, shifting between Taldane and abyssal. After he suits up he will offer to lead the party in light workouts and drills. Even wearing 40 pounds of armor, he is a very enthusiastic trainer.
Farmerbink
Maggy wakes in a cheery mood, eager to begin the day.  After scooping a sizable helping of acorns and dried berries out of her pack, she fills her iron pot with conjured water and sits to watch Scruff eat, apparently  thoroughly  enjoying the simplest pleasure of provision and companionship.

After a short time, she drifts into a meditative stance, perhaps picking up where her stargazing left off the night before.  Maggie is still sitting cross-legged, with her sickle held loosely in one hand when Scruff finishes his morning meal and plods around to sit behind her, staring placidly over her head (without having to exert any effort to see over).

When she opens her eyes and looks around, Maggie is frowning.  "  This won't be a good day.  It never is when the spirit of fire comes over me.  "  She rises, a previously unnoticed extra  zing  in her step.  She scampers a few paces away- far enough to find natural greenery, even if only a small patch of grass or tenacious weeds.

She frowns deeply at the greenery, and paces around it several times, stopping such that the grand, foreboding forests loom overhead.  She glances back and forth between the peaceful little scrub and the trees that apparently harbor cruel deaths for many who dare trespass.  Gently, she cups a few blades of grass and buds of dandelions, almost apologetically.

A few minutes later, she returns to the group, unusually somber.  She tries (and fails) to master the scowl on her face as she witnesses her companion's final preparations.  She eyes Santiago's training warily.  In stark contrast to the previous two day's admiration, she seems totally uninterested in his efforts.  "  Are we ready to start looking?  " she asks, curtly.  "  Burnin' daylight out here.  "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Maggie will take the  spirit of flame today,   Gaze of Flames  as her hex.  Burning hands (1st) and resist energy (2nd) replace her previous spirit guide spells

Instead of Summon Nature’s Ally II on the druid side, she will prepare  flaming sphere 

No other changes for her daily preparation.
 
lostsole31
  "Sorry, folks,"   Sol warns.   "If you want me tip-top, I'm gonna' need an extra hour."  

Sol spends a half-hour with mixing several substancess in vials from a satchel that he wears. He then spends another half-hour doing minor exercises and light calisthenics, mainly breathing and finger-and-hand stretches.  He then leaves behind his backpack with bedroll, light mace, light crossbow and four cases of bolts; but from his backpack he puts in his belt a sunrod and a glass flask. He covers his left-behinds in simple leaves, but doesn't think too much about it.

Then, he spends a full hour in addition to that first hour carefully mixing, measuring, and distilling some special brew. (Full Time: 2 hours)
rypt
Tsyra begins her morning by neatly folding her blanket, rolling up her bedroll, and storing both in a sack which she pulls from a comparatively small pouch on her belt.  She then forms a recess in the earth where she slept and sets the sack in the recess such that the end of the sack barely protrudes from the leveled surface.

Next, she spends 30 minutes in silent meditation, focusing her mind on the akashic energies necessary to maintain her veils.  She then takes her holy symbol in hand and spends about 15 minutes offering her prayers to Findeladlara.  What few portions are spoken aloud are spoken in Elven.  The same time again is then spent on stretches and calisthenics.

When Sol informs the group of the time he'll need to prepare, Tsyra approaches Maggy, waiting for the gnome to finish her curious communion with a patch of grass before addressing her.    "Twice now you have cautioned us of dangers of the day yet to come.  Is this warning born of mere instinct, some subtle omen, or true foresight?"  
meemaas
Visto finds something to perch on, closing his eyes and focusing on his Essence, drawing it out and circulating it through the air, as though a small storm has formed with him at the center. After a while, his meditation draws the Essence back in, his body glowing with its light while he circulates it through his body.

Once his meditation is finished, he opens his eyes and draws out some Essence to reinforce his allies, Santiago and Ozlech. Then while waiting for the others to finish their preparations, he goes for a bit of a flight, keeping close to camp in order to stretch his wings.

 
 Spoiler 
First, Stormbound, then Radiant, then some exercise while waiting on the rest of the party (Since Sol clearly needs more time than the rest of us.)
 
Farmerbink
Maggie blinks in surprise at Sol's declaration.  "   What?   " She stammers, visibly agitated.  "  Your gods or spirits need to wake up! Or  you  need to get up earlier!    "  Clearly, this is not quite the same pleasant and talkative Gnome that made the trip across the ocean the day before.

She stews irritably, actually pacing as Sol continues his preparations, unconcerned for her complaints.  She takes several paces away (while Scruff placidly snorts along behind), murmuring and complaining as he tinkers at his  "  stupid trinkets and baubles...  " 

She almost visibly jumps at Tsyra's question, and she turns an irritated gaze on the Elf, only to come up short, a playful (if not entirely friendly) look on her face.  "  Well that's kind of a silly question, isn't it?  You were here the whole time, too.  The skies never opened up; no grand gesture of spirit nor god came upon us.  "

The suddenly capricious Gnome spreads her hands to gesture all around.  "  Yet there are Dwarf Men too scared to venture into the forests, and vermin the size of my leg skittering about!   Something  is very wrong here, but you'll have to ask me later whether or not it's foresight, or just plain old sight.  "  At the last, the veneer finally breaks, and a genuinely mirthful giggle bubbles forth.  Maggie, cheerful as ever, winks at Tsyra, before glancing past the woman at Sol's  continued  preparations.  She scowls fiercely as she turns away, gazing wistfully at the distant shore.
rypt
Their demeanors as different as their statures, Tsyra's stoic expression remains unmoved until a heartbeat after Maggie turns around.    "It was not a silly question,"   she declares with a hint of frown that the gnome cannot see, but can perhaps hear, before stepping away.
lostsole31
The white-haired Ekujae spends a half-hour in prayer and reflection of the natural world around him (obviously preparing outside). He then spends a half hour, getting a sense of the shift of the sand and dirt, the girth of the stalks of grass, and the shadows under the sun in this part of the world. Finally, he spends a half-hour practicing his archery and various other combat calisthenics.

You may not have noticed it before on the ship, but now you can't help it. Kwava's bodily proportions are significantly different than the rest of you, but most notably Tsyra. His legs are a few inches shorter than extra but making up for his 6'7" height with an exceptionally long, lean torso. Too, his arms are almost albatross-like, being far longer than expected, practically coming to his knees. When he walks, he does so in a sort of bandy-legged gait that his about as fast as the almost-similarly proportioned Visto, the small Maggie, and the armored Ago.

After having spent his 90 minutes on preparation he simply says to Maggie.   "If you are alive during our extra time, then every breath you take under the sun is a gift. If our extra preparations benefit our lives and then yours, it was an investment. If we neglect our disciplines and tragedy befalls, that is senseless death. Breathe well, gnome, for unless misadventure visits you, your years will be far longer than Sol's."  
Kvard51
Lev rises with the sun, takes a big gulp of water, grabs his lute and heads outside.  He sits, back against the wall of a nearby ruin and runs through some finger exercises and scales.  After a few minutes, he sets the lute aside and begins humming and finally, singing in a rich, clear baritone.  Once his song is finished, he begins to speak, as if to another person, of all the things he saw the day before that sparked desire in him, and his hopes for the day.  Some of this oration is a bit colorful, possibly embarrassing to anyone hearing it.

When he stops, he exchanges his lute for his sword, and works up a light sweat working through forms.
lostsole31
Lev, it is time now to release the old day's pent up energy, and weave the new during your morning commune with your daeva. 
 Spoiler: Lev's Daily Veil Discovery 

The  aigrette  and  earrings  are the first to go.

Now, a strange half-circle of bronzed akasha forms itself snugly around your wrist, its surface now shifting and swirling with your thoughts. You have unlocked the   penannular of prestidigitation  .

Then, you build upon "nerd chic" as you create a pair of small spectacles of bronzed and crystalline akasha, allowing you to see magical auras. You have unlocked   eyeglasses of magic sight  .

These two are not tremendous since you already know both spell versions, but careful knowledge of the limitations of these minor veils will show some minor differences that increase with any allotted essentia.

Recognizing that you ... and your friends ... are in dangerous territory, AND it seems that if there was one beleaguered expedition, there might be more, Naysin guides your mind and heart to your well of compassion for when a caress means more than something sensual, but possesses its own healing power. A shimmering golden glow encompasses your hands as your kind nature manifests as positive energy. Now, you can heal with a touch, and the bound nature of your hands chakra means that even more of your nurturing spirit may be given to those who deserve your ministrations. You have unlocked   immaculate touch  , which is currently a passion veil. This particular frequency of positive energy (PE) is such that if you heal someone fatigued, you can wash away their weariness. [Fatigued is the current mercy applied.]

Naysin then shows you how you can take that caressing compassion and give others a strong ... ahem, "ardor" ... for you! Your very blood is infused with the Naysin's power now to bring any creature to their knees just by blowing a kiss. You have unlocked   heartsblood caress  , which is your second passion veil.

Finally, a passion veil that is instead developed in a non-passion slot is a sumptuous cloak that can help protect you. You have unlocked   courtesan's cloak  . It is in your shoulders slot, but you learn you could form it just as easily in your neck slot as well at a later date.

DISCLAIMER: As always note that while these are the shapes these veils take, only if you put E(ssentia) into them are they readily visible to the world at large.
 


 

Kwava says,   "I and Ganmeed will stay here and guard the camp, though I will be in hiding. That way, if there are other refugees seeking safety, this is the natural place they would come, and I will come them and let them know a ship will be here to help."  

With that, what does the group want to do?
AggressiveBread
Once everyone is gathered together, Santiago will put forward his plan.   ”I think the most promising place to look would be the huge crater we saw on the way in. I’m hoping we might run into the other teams, if they still live.”   He adds on the last part almost as an afterthought, with a touch of sadness in his voice.
lostsole31
Sol nods in agreement at this plan, looking at the others.
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy wakes up and greets the rest of the group before falling into meditation much like Visto does. He waves his hands waggles his fingers and otherwise looks like he is shaping things with his hands. As Ozzy cycles his essence to check his constructs they briefly flare into sight before he pulls his essence back and moves onto the next one. By the end of his meditation only his ring remains invested and visible to others.

Standing from his meditation, Ozzy begins performing Martial Kata. Practicing footwork and reinforcing the form of his moves with slow deliberate motions. For some of it Ginny seems to join in, performing aerial versions of Ozzy’s land bound techniques, but the stances are practiced by Ozzy alone.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No changes to daily prep. Leaving 2 Essence in the Ring of the Abjurer.
 
Kvard51
Lev nods as Santiago lays out his idea,   "I agree.  The obvious site of impact seems the most likely place to find what we seek."  
rypt
When Sol looks to Tsyra, Tsyra looks back.    "I have no objection to this course of action."  
Farmerbink
Maggie nods eagerly.  "  Yes! Let's!  Anything to be done standing around!  "  She  does , however, master her impatience enough to let a more capable scout take point.
lostsole31
And with that, the group is off ... leaving Kwava and Ganmeed to stay behind to cover and protect any other appearing survivors while waiting to flag down the  Flying Cloud  when it's time (if the party has not returned).

Although it’s clearly visible from the sea, actually reaching the crater site by land is easier said than done. No trails lead to the site, and once one comes within a half mile of the actual crater, fallen trees and loose soil make travel even more exhausting. The terrain here is difficult, and overland travel speeds are reduced to one-quarter normal. Moving among the toppled and scorched trees makes for a strange and unnerving experience, since the only signs of life are the wheeling flocks of turkey vultures in the skies above.

Now what?
AggressiveBread
Despite the rough terrain, Santiago manages to walk with a confident stride. His unshakable presence filling the party around him with similar determination
 
 Spoiler: Using indomitable presence  
All Allies within 30 ft gain the diehard feat, and a +5 morale bonus on saves against death, fatigue, exhaustion, or poison effects.
 
lostsole31
  "Okay, ummm...."   Sol looks around.   "Tsyra? Do we just begin searching the blast area for loose pieces of starmetal? Should we set up a grid system or something? I have a feeling this is going to be way longer than roam around aimlessly for five minutes or something."  
rypt
Upon arriving at the crater, Tsyra first looks for any signs that might indicate that this area has been previously searched by other expeditions -- signs of human activity, evidence of digging, leftover tools, implements, etc.  She then takes a knee and scoops up a handful of dirt.  After smelling it, she lets it fall slowly through the gaps in her fingers, seeking to determine the extent to which the native soil at their current location has been intermixed with foreign material from the meteor.  She then stands back up and attempts to ascertain where they are presently standing relative to the meteor's primary point of impact.

If Sol's questions come before she has completed this initial analysis, she replies,   "A moment, please."  
Farmerbink
Maggie scampers along sportingly, though she obviously struggles a bit to keep up with her longer-legged compatriots.  Occasionally, as they find themselves clambering over fallen trees, she resorts to hands and feet in tandem to try to minimize how much they end up waiting on her.  Before long, the irritable firebrand that somehow displaced Maggie's cheerful demeanor overnight has broken, leaving little more than an aging Gnome woman trekking through unfriendly terrain.

She catches as Tsyra is looking around, and for perhaps the first time in her adult life, doesn't immediately comment.
rypt
After a moment's consideration, Tsyra looks to Sol.    "To your first question -- no.  If there were ever any loose pieces of starmetal to be found here, they have surely by now been recovered by other expeditions.  Instead, I believe any starmetal which yet remains is most likely to be buried in the vicinity of the meteor's primary point of impact.  I suspect, but cannot verify, any surface sediment near to the periphery of the crater -- including the ground upon which we presently stand -- to be composed almost entirely of native earth displaced by the force of the blast.  
  "To your second question -- yes, I believe a grid search will prove a suitable means of ensuring a comprehensive search.  But before we employ it, we must first locate the heart of the crater, that we may begin our search there."    At that, she turns to the only member of their company with wings.    "Visto, you are uniquely suited to this task.  I would ask that you take to the sky above, and from your elevated vantage, attempt to identify the location at which the meteor impacted the island."  
lostsole31
Visto flies out and comes back, easily noting the point of impact to the party's SSE.
AggressiveBread
Unless anyone objects, Santiago will start heading toward the impact sight, with his shield and flail in his hands.
rypt
Tsyra will likewise head in the direction indicated by Visto.  Along the way, she will occasionally pause briefly to examine the upset earth at her feet, curious to see if there comes a point as they near the impact site that the soil begins to discernably change, either in color or composition.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Every few minutes, Tsyra will use the  sift  ability of her basic geokinesis to examine a cube of dirt.
 
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Staring at the large scar in the earth before them, Ozzy whistles at the overturned earth.   "Looks like that rock made quite a splash didn't it Ginny?"   Ozzy says aloud,   "What's it look like from above?"  

Ozzy walks along with the rest, keeping his eyes on the rim of the depression for any other expeditions. They are quite exposed here after all.
lostsole31
The party stands at the main crater. What does the party do?
rypt
Tsyra briefly surveys the condition of the impact site and again checks her immediate surroundings for any signs of previous activity.  She then slowly moves her hand above the dirt to form a leveled area at her feet roughly four feet across.  Shaping a narrow blade of rock in her hand not unlike a stone rapier, she uses the pointed end to diagram in the flattened earth a possible search pattern.  She proposes that they split into two groups, each aligned north-to-south.  One group will proceed to the west before doubling back to the east, progressing in a serpentine pattern that gradually moves northward.  The other group will proceed to the east before doubling back to the west, progressing in a serpentine pattern that gradually moves southward.
meemaas
Visto is fine with this plan, and recommends that he and Ozzy are in separate groups so that both can have someone in the air. While Sol can fly too, it's not obvious like Visto and Ginny, and so could be kept as a surprise.
Kvard51
Lev nods in agreement with the plan and joins the group Tsyra joins.
lostsole31
The party searches for one hour, finding nothing of interest or value.

Do you search another hour?
rypt
Tsyra is insistent that the search continue.    "An area this large cannot be searched quickly if it is to be searched thoroughly."  
lostsole31
A second hour of searching yields nothing...
rypt
It is Tsyra's preference that they continue searching the crater for up to another 4 hours in order to be as thorough as possible without forgoing daylight on their journey back to camp.
lostsole31
Four hours later ... nothing. No random attacks from mutant cassowaries. No bits of starmetal.  It is about 1630. Does the group agree to go back to camp?
Farmerbink
Maggie rapidly begins to show signs of fatigue- being simply not built for long-term walking and searching.  She keeps a stoic face to it, but grumbles incessantly.  "  How in the seven heavens, nine hells, and everything in between, did something hit big enough to make this crater and leave not a single trace of itself in the process?  "

Rather than looking for metals or ores, she begins searching the area for signs of animal life as the group continues to wander in a systematic, if ultimately fruitless, fashion.   
 Spoiler: OOC 
Given half a chance, she'll cast speak with animals to take the search a different direction, but I kinda don't think we're going to find a reasonable opportunity.
 


She frowns deeply as the sun has clearly begun its descent.  "  I suppose I didn't have much to do in Riddleport, either,  " she gripes.  "  Let's head back while we're not relying on starlight to do it, yeah?  "
rypt
Growing increasingly irritated as the hours pass unproductively, Tsyra struggles to conceive of a plausible explanation for the absolute absence of starmetal.    "It defies reason.  Even were one to presume the most diligent and capable efforts on the part of our rival companies, one would still expect to find small fragments or pieces of low grade ore."    As they prepare for the return trip back to camp, she reflects on her knowledge of starmetal, considering the possibility that the properties of a particular variety might explain the puzzlingly desolate crater.
lostsole31
The party gets back to camp, greeting Kwava, and tell him about finding nothing. He doesn't know about such things, so can't offer any input.

Does the party look to do evening routine and go to bed?
AggressiveBread
While getting ready for bed Santiago will ask Visto.  ”If you fly above the trees, can you see any smoke from other campsites? Anything we might investigate tomorrow?”  
meemaas
Visto will agree and fly upward high enough to see if there is any smoke or sign of anything of interest.
rypt
After conveying to Kwava the unusual condition of the crater, Tsyra asks of the Ekujae,   "Did you encounter any of the other expeditions while we were away?"  
lostsole31
Kwava shakes his head, but adds.   "Every now and then, well to the south, I thought I saw the dissipation of smoke, as from large campfires."  
meemaas
Visto returns to the ground to report what he's seen.   Visto noticed smoke and what may be a camp in that direction."   He says, pointing southeast.   "And a tower with lights that Visto doesn't think are normal in that direction."   He continues, pointing southeast (towards the tower, if it's visible).   Both are some ways away from the crater."  
Farmerbink
Maggie follows along, grumbling foully under her breath in a bizarre smattering of no less than a half-dozen languages, creating a jarring juxtaposition as she rolls from the harsh tongue of the Dwarves to the Elves' lilting, melodic phrases without a pervasive scowl faltering for even a moment.  Without initiating conversation, she sees to Scruff and begins laying out her bedroll in a suitably sheltered nook.
AggressiveBread
Santiago looks hopeful as the group sets up camp.  ”I know today was not as fruitful as we had hoped, but I’m sure we will find more of what we’re looking for tomorrow. Until then, get some sleep everyone.”  
Kvard51
Lev strums his lute by his bedroll, nodding along with Santiago.    "I agree, a good night's sleep will give us a fresh outlook on the morrow.  I'll take first watch."   he says, getting up and replacing the lute with his greatsword.
lostsole31
The party beds down, setting up watches as most makes sense based on who does or does not need specific rest for their abilities, though by the time you would move in the morning, you stay longer to insure that all have gotten good rest.

 
  
 Wealday, 6 Desnus 4708 AR (New Moon) 
Weather: 80/ 65F. Winds SW 20 mph. Dry.  

Everyone wakes up to perform their daily routine.
 
 Spoiler: Lev 
During your meditation, you are guided to think about the many life forces surrounding you, and that helps you to form a circlet that would aid you in saving lives, or taking them. You have unlocked the minor veil (head)   circlet of life &amp; death  , that gives you the power of the orisons  bleed  and  stabilize .

On a much more daily utilitarian note, not one so much for high adventuring but still a good minor veil to be aware of, you are guided to form a different pair of spectacles than the eyeglasses of magic sight you previously formed. These would help you in various writing needs, such as when you want to properly mark your musical compositions with your personal rune. You have unlocked the minor veil (headband)   spectacles of the scribe  , that gives you the abilities of the cantrips  arcane mark  and  scrivener's chant .

Now the real work begins ....

Naysin feels like there is a close connection to not only the stars, but the void between them. Sickly green tendrils of akashic energy writhe and lash around your forearms clutching at anything that draws too near, the power forming from your wrists chakra. With this veil, you can disarm opponents without fear of creating an opening for a counterattack. You have unlocked the wrist chakra   Embrace of the Old Ones  , set up as a passion veil.

The next passion veil creates a deep, gnawing hunger in the pit of your stomach, giving you both a bite and a small extradimensional space. You have unlocked the neck veil   Wolf's Hunger  .

The one non-passion veil formed is one that on other days could be a passion veil, once you have already formed, and that helps heal others (or harm undead) ...  immaculate touch . Today, however, you are shown how a touche might help calm somebody who is all riled up (per the  Riled paladin mercy ).
 

 ALCON , Please let me know if you make any changes to your daily lineup...
lostsole31
In the morning, after everyone's morning routine is done, Maggie admits to the party,   "We were so focused on fancy starmetal that if there was any, it was wrapped up in tons of not-fancy starmetal space-rock that blasted all over the place at the crater site. I think why I felt so off as the day went on .. and I'm so sorry for that ... was that I sensed that the very land was choked and poisoned by non-fertile rock ... covering, corrupting, and poisoning the blast site. It's not immediate, but in time, that whole blast site will go dead for generations before the soil is refreshed. And that is what I sensed ... the muteness of the life that is there that is doomed to die from suffocation and mineral poisoning."  

She's in tears now,   "And ... and there is some unhappy, unnatural presence that I can just sense outside of where I can really claim to know where it is ... but it is out there ... here, on this island. I will stay here to watch for survivors and to watch over the camp. Tonight, when Captain Creesy returns with the Flying Cloud, I will leave on it. This very island is poisoning the natural connection to my soul, and I can't do it."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago listens solemnly before speaking up.  
”Whatever powers poison this island Maggie, you have my word that I will root them out. Skymetal be damned. But, there is no shame in deciding to leave.”   he addresses the rest of the party.  ”It looks like we’ll need to widen our search area. I think we should start with those campsites we saw last night.”   He scratches his chin, thinking.   “I also think we should find the siren’s cave, from the legend. It feels like a place that evil would gather.”  
meemaas
Visto nods with that idea.   "Visto agrees. Checking the camp Visto spotted would probably be a good idea. The Tower may also be connected."  
lostsole31
Okay, which direction, then?
meemaas
As Visto had seen the camp far to the South-Southeast of where they were, he suggests the party go in that direction, even though it is a ways away from the crater we were here to explore.
rypt
  "Goldhammer indicated that the Cyphermages were camped at Witchlight,"   Tsyra says without looking up from her sketchbook.    "I assume this corresponds to the strange lights you saw last night.  The other camp is thus likely to belong either to Slyeg's company, or Zincher's."  
AggressiveBread
  ”Let’s pay a visit to the cyphermages then. If that’s acceptable to everyone.”  
lostsole31
There is actually a well-marked path/dirt road heading in that general direction that you can begin to follow, assuming nobody wants to go crawling through trackless forest, allowing the party to to make good time. The party travels WSW for a little over a mile and a half when there is an eastern switchback to the trail.

Do you follow the trail heading E now, or try to go off the trail?
AggressiveBread
Peering into the surrounding area, Santiago points a gauntlet to the path  ”Let’s take the trodden path, it’ll be faster, and hopefully safer.”  
lostsole31
Another 3/4 miles later, and it curves back sharply again to the southeast. Then, a quarter-mile later another sharp tack to the east .... all the while making the way southwards.  At the next switch to the east, the party hears the sounds and smells to the south of an active campsite.

What do you do?
meemaas
Visto smiles, showing his excitement at meeting new Friends, but waits on the others to take the lead.
AggressiveBread
Santiago pauses for a moment, taking in the sounds. He looks to the rest of the party and quietly says,   ”This must be one of the camps. Does anyone want to go first? If not, I’m just going to walk in. I’m keeping my weapons out. Just in case.”   While he waits for a response he pulls out his flail and spiked shield. He keeps them down at his sides, but ready.
lostsole31
What does everyone else have in hand?
Kvard51
Lev smiles his biggest smile.    "Let me go first."  , he says.  He begins walking toward the camp, hands empty and palms up.    "Ho, the camp!"  
rypt
Tsyra's expression sours as she observes Santiago drawing his weapon.    "Must you bare your fangs?"   she remarks in a rather unpleasant tone.

For her part, Tsyra will remain empty handed.
bcool999
 Ozzy 

Not expecting much of a conflict with the Cyphermages, Ozzy says,   ”Caution is well and good. Just try not to make an enemy out of a possible friend Ago.”  

Ozzy walks with his hands seemingly empty at his sides. His Storm Gauntlets being difficult to discern without essence in them.
lostsole31
  
 
Thus far, we've spoken about lateral travel, but now the party faces a difficult slog up a steep, overgrown trail that winds up the mountainous island. You find yourself at last atop the island’s highest peak, affording a peerless view of the Varisian Gulf. On particularly clear days, the distant haze of Riddleport can be seen to the northeast.

Worse, it seems your sensations betrayed you at a distant. For you do not hear the distant sounds of men's voices, but carrion birds. And you do not smell the warm smells of camp food, but of death. Each of you is absolutely sure you heard and smelled something more welcome, but what you see is the site of a massacre. Turkey vultures wheel in the sky above.

The collection of crumbling buildings that once comprised the largest settlement on Devil’s Elbow has long since fallen into disrepair, the recent impact having further damaged the buildings so that bits and pieces of the internal walls have collapsed. None of the buildings save the tower retain a complete roof. The stone-walled buildings themselves have weathered the passage of time rather well.

This must be Witchlight, now abandoned and ruined. The only structure with a roof and solid footing remaining is the old watchtower, the first and best-built structure on the entire island. Yet even it has suffered from the passage of time and the recent impact.
meemaas
Visto takes to the sky to get a better view of the area before everyone starts exploring the abandoned camp.
AggressiveBread
Santiago surveys the grim scene, he doesn’t seem overly shaken, but his grip on his weapons tightens. He speaks in a dead serious tone, like a veteran.  ”I hate to say a told you so friends, but I don’t see many new friends here. My gods, this is gruesome.”  
lostsole31
Visto comes back to give his report on what he's seen of the layout ...
AggressiveBread
Looking toward the closest building, Santiago draws himself up to his full height as he did when searching the crater yesterday. Making his party feel bolder.  
”Stay close to me. Abadar will protect you from fear and other threats. Let’s start with this building”   Santiago starts moving toward the building to the south, but he sticks close to the party.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Santiago uses indomitable presence.
 
lostsole31
The party follows Ago up to the door. A portion of the slate-covered roof of this stone house has collapsed into ruins—but the rest of the roof seems to be intact.
rypt
Tsyra is no stranger to violence, but this kind of fresh, wholesale slaughter is almost wholly foreign to her.  As she follows along with the others, her stride is less certain than it has been previously, and to those keen enough to notice, it is apparent that there is deliberate effort being put towards maintaining her composure.

  "Why were they called  Cypher mages?"   she asks in a low voice as they approach the building.

Should she pass within 10 feet of a body, she will move to examine it for any wounds and attempt to determine the manner in which it was killed.
lostsole31
Sol answers Tsyra while Ago decides whether or not to open the door or do something else.   "As you may know, Riddleport's big tourist attraction is the massive Cyphergate that forms the upper part of a perfect concentric ring in the harbor. One of those ancient mega-ruins, if you know anything about them. In fact, it was a lower part of the Cyphergate that the purple-skinned elf had found and was doing excavation around when our group chased her away ... at the cost of Ago's brother's life.

"Anyway, for some untold number of years, this Cyphergate - with its weird symbols on it - has been a curiosity beause nobody could ever quite figure out what it really was or its purpose. A whole branch of magical study popped up in Riddleport to study the arch, and in doing so, study all manner of written magical forms ... glyphs, sigils, wards, and what-not. Those guys are the Cyphermages out of the Cypherlodge. In fact, two people that used to work at the Goblin ended up going there to study."  
AggressiveBread
Seeing everyone is situated where they want to be. Ago will open up the door.
lostsole31
Ago opens the door, and has to step in to see anything the way the door is situated. Nothing. In fact, you could have bypassed the door as the entire SE corner has fallen in.
AggressiveBread
Santiago will start making his way through the building, taking stock of there’s anything noteworthy. Afterward, he makes his way through the hole toward the building south of him.
lostsole31
 Ago , you enter the building, but while you're in the building, you sense that you are in a very dangerous place. You have not had time to do any kind of search. What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will step back outside the way he came. He’s going to try and figure out what had him on edge.
lostsole31
The shoddy construction and the feeling that the building could come down atop him at any moment had him on edge.
AggressiveBread
Santiago holds up a hand, looking up at the roof.  ”It could come down any moment, we should just go around.”   He starts walking around the outside of the building, moving toward the building to the south.
lostsole31
Two doors quickly reveal themselves to the building to the south.
bcool999
 Ozzy 

Hearing Ago’s report about the soundness, or lack-thereof, in the first building, Ozzy points to the watchtower and says,   ”We can eyeball these buildings for anything creeping inside, but my money is on the watchtower holding anything of note. It’s the only one I would consider hiding out in and I’d still say my prayers vigorously before getting any shuteye in there.”  

That said, Ozzy stays with the group. Keeping a wary eye for the perpetrators of this slaughter, and hoping this doesn’t turn into the ambush it appears to be.
lostsole31
Kwava seems leery of the buildings, regardless of intent, purpose, or party gain.

Sol, for his part, says,   "I think a careful scour of these other buildings might give a clue as to what is about, rather than heading right for the most heavily-defensible structure."  
rypt
Everything Sol has to say about the Cyphermages is new to Tsyra, including that of the fate of Santiago's brother -- a detail which brings certain clarity to some of the tiefling's earlier comments.    "In the interest of gauging the magnitude of the peril they faced here, is it fair to say you would consider the Cyphermages to be primarily scholars, rather than warriors?"  

As Tsyra continues to move south with the others, she will look around for any humanoid remains.
lostsole31
  "As a rule, they tend to be sedentary and scholarly, yes,"   admits Sol.

Tsyra doesn't see a body, though the scent of decay is in the air.
meemaas
Visto follows quietly, helping the search, but doesn't have any other input at present.
AggressiveBread
Santiago will open up the door to his south and look inside the building.
lostsole31
This large timber-and-stone structure stands at the edge of the steep  southern slope, overlooking the sea far below. Large windows facing the  village’s main thoroughfare suggest a shop in at least one portion of  the building, but the windows have been hastily boarded over. Several  corpses lay near the outer walls of the building, obviously a source of  interest for the circling turkey vultures above. As some of the sunlight  pours into the building, there are several inhuman screehches from  inside.

 Round One ...

R1T22:   Tsyra , what do you do?
rypt
Seeing the nearby corpses and hearing the strange sounds echoing from within the building, Tsyra immediately moves to stand in front of Sol, a length of shifting stone growing from her hand and taking the form of a narrow blade.    "Goldhammer warned of a sickness that animated the bodies of those it infected.  I suspect some of the Cyphermages may have succumbed to the same affliction."    Drawing then upon her connection to elemental earth, grains of sand begin to seep from her pores, giving her skin a strange flowing texture.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Move to the square to the south of Sol.

Free action: Form a Kinetic Blade.

Standard action: Accept 2 burn via Flesh of Stone to increase her damage reduction by 2.

Swift action: Adopt the  Scarlet Einhander  stance.
 
lostsole31
 R1T22:  Seeing the nearby corpses and hearing the strange sounds echoing from  within the building, Tsyra immediately moves to stand in front of Sol, a  length of shifting stone growing from her hand and taking the form of a  narrow blade.    "Goldhammer warned of a  sickness that animated the bodies of those it infected.  I suspect some  of the Cyphermages may have succumbed to the same affliction."     Drawing then upon her connection to elemental earth, grains of sand  begin to seep from her pores, giving her skin a strange flowing texture.

 R1T21:  Kwava says,   "I see....something."   He moves while taking out his bow and getting between Ago and Ozzy. Looking due south he says,   "I don't know what it is, but it isn't friendly,"   as  he lets off a shot that hits it in the right hand where the brachial  artery begins to diffuse into the smaller capillaries in the hand. It  should have nicked its artery, but unable to bleed, the creature only  takes  19 .

He looks to his hawk and in Elven orders an attack.

 R1T20:   Ganmeed flies in with an attempt to attack, but when it gets to close  it veers away and flies farther into the building with a terrified  screech.

 R1T19:  Ago sees another one of these  creatures come into his field of view, see Ganmeed and close on him. It  swings a ruined fist to slap against feathers but not hurt Kwava's  friend.

 R1T18:  Sol concentrates on his hand,  bringing forth a mote of flame that sits in his palm and he moves into  the building and immediately roll right out of the building and to the  back.   "Uh, there are four of those  things in there! They're some kind of variant zombie, I think. They look  fast, and they're tongues are share biological design with some animals  that lance the skin and drain blood."  
 R1T17:   Ozzy , what do you do? What do you have Ginny do?
bcool999
 Ozzy 

Ozzy quickly reinvests his essence to prepare for combat causing Ago and Tsyra to lose the benefit of their loaned veils. The gauntlets on Ozzy’s hands flairs to life with miniature storms appearing in them and growing larger as essence fills them. A crown also appears atop Ozzy’s head formed of fire, ice, electricity, acid and sonic forces entwined with one another.

Preparations completed, Ozzy gathers the power of storms from the gauntlets and launches it forth at the visible undead. Then he cries out,   ”Hold them at the doorway.  Don’t give them a chance to surround anyone.”  

He then sends instructions to Ginny,
 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Harry them if you can, but stay safe.”   
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SwA: Move 2 essence from akashic army to Storm Gauntlets, move 1 uninvested Essence into Aura of the Adaptable which is emulating Crown of Elemental Mastery.

Standard Action: RTA with Storm Gauntlets vs visible foe.

Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 14 ]  v Touch
Damage:  (1d3)[ 3 ]  Cold  (1d3)[ 1 ]  Electricity  (1d3)[ 1 ]  Sonic.
The above energy damage ignores up to 10 Energy Resistance due to the emulated Crown of Elemental Mastery.

FA: Speak and Telepathy.
 
lostsole31
 R1T17:  Ozzy quickly reinvests his essence to prepare for combat causing Ago and  Tsyra to lose the benefit of their loaned veils. The gauntlets on  Ozzy’s hands flairs to life with miniature storms appearing in them and  growing larger as essence fills them. A crown also appears atop Ozzy’s  head formed of fire, ice, electricity, acid and sonic forces entwined  with one another.

Preparations completed, Ozzy gathers the power of storms from the  gauntlets and launches it forth at the visible undead, but not being any  type of ranged combatant, he completely misses. He cries  out,   ”Hold them at the doorway.  Don’t give them a chance to surround anyone.”  

He then sends instructions to Ginny:  
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Harry them if you can, but stay safe.”   
 

Ginny responds ...  
 Spoiler: Ginny &gt;&gt;&gt; Ozzy 
   "That  'hold at doorway' is only good while Kwava doesn't care about his bird,  but I will give it a go to protect my fellow avian! Let's see if I  can't make that first one as slow as a normal zombie."   
 
...as  she flies in and pecks the thing in the belly while affecting the flow  of time around the creature ... even as it turns to dust. 
 Spoiler: Ginny  &gt;&gt;&gt; Ozzy 
   "I didn't hit it that hard! They do  not  have zombie-tough skin."   
 
Outside, a pall of gloom surrounds Ozzy, as Ginny continues flying to the southern wall next to Ganmeed.

 R1T15:   Ago , what do you do?
AggressiveBread
Watching the two birds fly into the house, Ago gives Ozzy a half shrug before turning to follow them. He calls,  ”These foul wretches won’t get past me!”   He moves to the square north of red, using his flail to try and bring the zombie to the ground.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: move to the square north of the red zombie
SWA: activate a sweeping gambit
SA: use sweeping tail on the red zombie.
Trip attack: (1d20+14)[ 24 ] 
Maneuver damage:  (2d6+5)[ 10 ] 
AOO from sweeping gambit:  (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 
AOO damage:  (1d8+7)[ 13 ]  plus the extra 5 from sweeping gambit.
 
lostsole31
 R1T15:  Watching the two birds fly into the house, Ago gives Ozzy a half shrug before turning to follow them. He calls,  ”These foul wretches won’t get past me!”    He moves to the square north of Red, but in doing so he realizes  another of these things, and getting to his desired spot opens him up to  an AOO from his intended target. He puts himself into flank position  from Blue, but also flanking his enemy with Ganmeed, and uses his flail  to slam the target to the ground for  10 . He recovers and does a moulinet with his flail to then slam the zombie in the belly hard enough to dust him.

 R1T14:   Lev , what do you do?
Kvard51
Lev, hearing the conversation between Ozzy and Ago, begins to recite the tale of an ancient battle he heard often as a boy in the inn.  He follows that up by falling into a fighting stance with his shoulders loose and his feet set wide, which provides a solid foundation from which to launch attacks in melee and with thrown weapons.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
SA: Start Raging Song.
MA: Move into Accurate Stance as part of his Raging Song.
 
lostsole31
 R1T14:  Lev, hearing the conversation between Ozzy and Ago, begins to recite the  tale of an ancient battle he heard often as a boy in the inn.  He  follows that up by falling into a fighting stance with his shoulders  loose and his feet set wide, which provides a solid foundation from  which to launch attacks in melee and with thrown weapons.

 R1T12:   Two powerful fists slam against Ago's impenetrable armor. What Ago  didn't expect, however, was a long, rotted tongue getting inside the  joints of his armor to strike him in the chest for a soft critical of  7 . Worse, blood drains from the tongue into the zombie (  2 STR damage  ), before the engorged tongue detaches and thwaps to the floor, splashing open with blood!

 R1T5:   Visto , do you accept the raging song? What do you do?
meemaas
Visto ignores the raging song, keeping his position, he will ready himself for action, but does not wish to rush into danger otherwise.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1TE and invest it into Soothing Rain
Otherwise, Visto will delay his turn.
 
lostsole31
 R1T5:  Visto ignores the raging song, keeping his  position, but does not wish to rush into danger otherwise. He allows his  energy to build quietly inside of him, ready for when an ally needs  healing.

 R1T2:  Another of these creepy zombies comes to Ago from the east, clawing at him from a whole in the wall.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T22:  Tsyra, do you accept the raging song? A  kinetic blade  is formed.

Kwava/ Ganmeed on deck and in the hole ...
rypt
Guarding closely the integrity of her own mind, Tsyra rejects the influence of Lev's song as she moves to assist Santiago and the avian duo within the building.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Tsyra will move inside the building, prioritizing a path and position as follows:

 (A) Without knowingly provoking, ending in a position in which she  flanks at least one enemy and threatens at least two adjacent enemies.

(B) Without knowingly provoking, ending in a position in which she threatens at least two adjacent enemies.

(C) Without knowingly provoking, ending in a position in which she flanks one enemy.

(D) Without knowingly provoking, ending in a position in which she threatens one enemy.

(E) - (H) are, in order, as (A) - (D) above, ignoring "without knowingly provoking". 
Standard action: If one (A), (B), (E) and (F) are satisfied above, she will use  scything strike  to attack two adjacent enemies with her kinetic blade.

 If one of (B), (C), (G) and (H) are satisfied, she will use  devastating rush  to attack the adjacent enemy with her kinetic blade.

 Attack: (d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Damage: (2d6+5)[ 10 ]  (plus  (2d6)[ 7 ]  in the event  devastating rush  is used)  
Note on bonuses: I have not included the +1d6 bonus damage from  scarlet einhander , nor the +1 bonus to attack from Elemental Overflow, though I believe both are applicable.
 
lostsole31
 R2T22:  Guarding closely the integrity of her own mind,  Tsyra rejects the  influence of Lev's song as she moves to assist Santiago and the avian  duo within the building. As soon as she enters, she realizes that the  best she can do is attack an enemy without special positioning, but  that's better than nothing as she steps up to Blue. She realizes, this  being her first mortal confrontation that the concentration required to  activate a maneuver and the concentration needed to maintain her kinetic  blade are mutually exclusive. The incredible thought processes with  which she has distracted herself fails her physically as she cannot  bludgeon past the creature's thick skin. The sequence complete, and the  avians at least safe for now, her mind fills with the knowledge of how  to help the injured should it come to that.

 R2T21:  Kwava moves into the building and turns to fire at Blue, hitting the monster in the upper left arm for  15 .  Tsyra notes with detached scholarly interest that while there was the  initial resistance against the arrow as if the zombie was like any  creature with a tough hide, yet its undead nature did not ablate the  power of the arrow as some corporeal are wont to do.

 R2T20:  Ganmeed flies forth and does a terrible job nipping at Blue, and then tries to fly away, but gets hit for  8  for her troubles as she gets out of the building, with Kwava telling her to back down in Elven.

 R2T18:    Sol's turn to head in, and he rolls right in next to Tsyra and Ago. He  swishes clumsily with the fire in his hand but still somehow manages to  catch the unimpressive monster with a burning slap to the face for   4 fire  .

 R2T17:   Ozzy , the gloom around you ends. Do you accept the raging song? What do you do?

Ginny's simultaneous turn, Ago in the hole ...
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Surprised by Ginny’s report, Ozzy thinks for a moment on what these undead could be, but proceeds to press the attack. Entering his stance, Ozzy moves next to Kwava. Once in position and able to see Ozzy fires his storm blast at the nearest foe.

  ”They’re not as hardy as I thought! Press the attack!”   Ozzy says.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Raging song is denied.

SwA: Enter Aura of Misfortune stance.

Move Action: move 4 squares South.

Standard Action: Use Storm Guantlets Bind to fire a blast at nearest foe.

RTA:  (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d3)[ 1 ]  Cold  (1d3)[ 3 ]  Electricity  (1d3)[ 2 ]  sonic damage.

If it is a free action Ozzy will also attempt a Knowledge check against these to see if he has an inkling of what they are.
 
lostsole31
 R2T17:  Surprised by Ginny’s report, Ozzy thinks for a moment on what these  undead could be, but proceeds to press the attack. Entering his stance,  Ozzy moves next to Kwava. Once in position and able to see, Ozzy fires  his storm blast at the nearest foe, hitting Blue in the hand for a total of  6 energy  damage.   ”They’re not as hardy as I thought! Press the attack!”   Ozzy says.

Ginny  disappears from her spot, reappearing in flank with Tsyra and attacks,  but misses, clacking her beak into the crumbling stone of the buidling.  Again a pall surrounds Ozzy.

 R2T15:   Ago , what do you do? Do you take Lev's raging song?

Lev on deck, Blue in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Accepting the raging song, Ago lets out a bellowing war cry.  ”These wretches will fall before us comrades!”   Emboldened by his allies, Ago let’s loose a storm of attacks with his flail, his shield, and even a vicious bite.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: Accept raging song
SWA: activate encouraging roar boost. (+2 attack and damage to Allies in 30 ft)
Full round: full attack, attacking blue first, but if he goes down the remaining attacks will be on green.
Flail  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage: (1d8+6)[ 14 ] 
Spiked shield  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage  (1d4+3)[ 6 ] 
Bite:  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Damage (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
(Boost is included in all rolls, but raging song is not.)
 
lostsole31
 R2T15:  Accepting the raging song, Ago lets out a bellowing war cry,   ”These wretches will fall before us, comrades!”    Emboldened by his allies, Ago let’s loose a storm of attacks with his  flail, his shield, and even a vicious bite. He swings his flail up into  Blue's groin, destroying him and leaving a hideous scorch mark on the  ground. He then pushes the spike on his shield through the gap in the  wall to stab green in the upper arm for for  7 , then bites low to mack on the zombie's knee for  9 . The taste of the zombie is truly hideous, gut-wrenching, but Ago ignores the taste.

 R2T14:   Lev , you are currently using inspired rage. You should probably get closer to at least see the fight. What do you do?

Visto on deck, Green in the hole ...
Kvard51
Continuing his tale, Lev cast a spell and disappears as his intonation ends, and walks into the building while drawing his two-hander.  He moves to his left upon entering, looking at what is left to kill.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
FA: continue Raging Song.
SA: Cast  Vanish 
MA: Walk S 10', SW 5', S 5', E 10'
 
lostsole31
 R2T14:  Continuing his tale, Lev cast a spell and disappears as his intonation  ends, and walks into the building while drawing his two-hander.  He  moves to his left upon entering, looking at what is left to kill (again).

 R2T5:   Visto , what do you do?

Green on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto follows the rest of the party into the building. He doesn't feel much like his friends need him though, especially since they seem to be downing the foes with relative ease.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate and invest 1TE into Soothing Rain.
Move action: Move into the room.
Standard action: Survey the party for any obviously badly injured. I know that it's only Ago and Ganmeed, but Visto doesn't know for sure that none of his friends are dying in here.
 
lostsole31
 R2T5:  Visto follows the rest of the party into the building. He doesn't feel  much like his friends need him though, especially since they seem to be  downing the foes with relative ease.

 R2T2:  Green steps away from the painful guy to attack the big bird, with one fist landing against Ginny for  5 .

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T22:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Kwava on deck, Sol in the hole ...
rypt
Embarrassment flushes Tsyra's face as expectations of her own abilities collide with reality.  Not wanting to dwell on this overestimation, she moves quickly to engage the only foe she can see, stepping around Santiago and swinging her kinetic weapon at the zombie in a crushing downward blow.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Move to the square east of Santiago.

Standard action: Attack the zombie with her kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 11 ]  
The following bonuses are believed to be applicable, but have not been applied above: +1d6 damage from  scarlet einhander , +1 attack from Elemental Overflow, +2 to attack and damage from Santiago's boost.
 
lostsole31
 R3T22:  Embarrassment flushes Tsyra's face as  expectations of her own abilities  collide with reality.  Not wanting to dwell on this overestimation, she  moves quickly to engage the only foe she can see. Noticing that the only  part of the wall she can squeeze through is by the open spot ( vanished   Lev), she moves past him and through the wall and then south, opening  up a futile attack from the zombie. Tsyra swings her kinetic weapon at  the zombie in a crushing  downward blow to destroy the monster. Despite the strange nature of this  particular zombie, it does as all destroyed undead do ... spontaneous  combat from inside and turn to ash .... leaving a scorch mark on the  ruined floor.

 Combat Ends! 
AggressiveBread
As the last zombie vanishes, Santiago looks around with a proud smile on his face.   ”Good work everyone. You all fought well. Before we continue, I seem to have lost a lot of blood.   He gestures to the wound from the tongue.   “Does anyone know a way to recover my strength?”  
rypt
Tsyra reaches most of her forearm into a small pouch on her belt and removes a rolled sheet of parchment.    "Yes,"   she says in answer to Santiago's question.    "This is a scroll of a restorative spell, but I cannot make use of it without the aid of my Goddess.  I would require a period of uninterrupted prayer unless one of you capable is activating its magic in my stead."  

She will wait to see if anyone comes forward, in which case she will hand them the scroll.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra draws a scroll of  lesser restoration  from her Craftsman's Belt.
 
lostsole31
Sol says,   "Ago, do you yet have holy magics as some paladins? Because healing like that is usually granted holy warriors to heal the sick. If not, Lev, your resume mentioned broad skill at commandeering magical items?"  
AggressiveBread
Ago nods   ”I could, but I don’t have that spell prepared. If you all want to take some time to search the building, I could pray for it.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If the party wants to wait, Santiago will swap veil of positive energy for lesser restoration and cast it on himself.
 
Kvard51
Lev stops his oration and allows his spell to lapse so the others can see him  He looks at the scroll Tsyra is holding, stating.   "Yes, I do have some skill in that area.  I should be able to cast that spell."  

He looks to Santiago,   "Do you want me to try, Ago?"  
lostsole31
Sol says,   "We can probably take that time, though it stinks inside of this building, we should go outside. It's only a little bit of time, and it would save Tsyra's scroll from consumption."  

Does any other prepared caster want to pray/ mediate/ study to reassign remaining spell slots? What about readied maneuvers?
rypt
  "This is agreeable.  I shall pray as well in the event there is need of the scroll in the future."    At that, she returns the scroll to the pouch on her belt and heads outside.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will will ready  make it work  in place of  scything strike , and guarantee  make it work  in place of  sabotage .
 
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy checks that their enemies are completely destroyed and that the larva followed their unfortunate hosts to the grave.   ”Be wary friends for I have an inkling of what created these undead, known as Void Zombies, and that they were created extremely recently. Should we face these creature’s progenitor we must take care to avoid or quickly cure parasitic infection lest we have a larvae’s tail sticking out our jaw as we shamble about.”  

Ozzy keeps an eye out for trouble as the rest of the party focuses on preparing to face further foes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No Changes to Ozzy. He tends to mostly adapt in the middle of combat anyway.
 
lostsole31
Everyone who is making changes have made their changes. Now what?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will cast lesser restoration on himself
lostsole31
Unfortunately, his spell only recovers a little bit of the blood drain he had suffered (  1 STR  ).
AggressiveBread
Santiago looks disappointed after casting his spell.   ”I am still not at full strength, but I should be fine after some rest. Shall we move forward?”  
rypt
Tsyra nods.    "I am ready to continue the search.  Before we move to another building, I would like to count the bodies we saw earlier.  The Cyphermages were said to have departed with a company of approximately twelve individuals.  We encountered four as these so-called 'void zombies.'  I wish to know how likely we are to encounter either more zombies or possible survivors of the attack."  

She will then move to examine the corpses laying near the outside of the building.
lostsole31
The corpses outside are not new, but ancient ... decades old, at least.
AggressiveBread
Santiago looks down at the old corpses.   ”These must be some of witchlight’s first inhabitants, means there might be more cyphermage zombies around. It’s a shame they couldn’t be buried properly.   Santiago will move check out the buildings to the northeast.
lostsole31
Once outside, Kwava says,   "My Ganmeed is wounded, but it seems healing is light in this group. I will have him keep watch safely out of the way."  

As Santiago passes that first building to the north, he sees the outside portion of where that building's southeast corner had subsided. Avoiding the tower to the southeast for now, he continues to the northeastern building's door. The rest of the team follows.
AggressiveBread
Nodding in agreement with Kwava, Santiago will move to open up the door.
lostsole31
Santiago opens the door. This building’s rotting timbers still bear flecks of colorful paint, a sign that it must have looked grand in its heyday. Now it is little more than a collapsing ruin.
AggressiveBread
  ”Well if nobody else wants to enter this dark crumbling ruin, I will.”   he will step inside to the east and begin looking around.
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Moving to the doorway, Ozzy eyes the building warily saying,   ”Emphasis on crumbling there Ago. There may be something in there if it hasn’t been picked over since it was abandoned, but it could also fall over if we breathe too heavy. Judging by the paint there was wealth here at one point at least.”  

After seeing if anything breaks with Ago’s passage, Ozzy will enter and look around.
lostsole31
Yup, nothing of interest.
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy will take his leave of the oversized coffin that was once a serviceable building.
lostsole31
There's one more smaller building before the main tower. Do you check there next?
AggressiveBread
Exiting the crumbling building carefully after his tiefling comrade, Santiago will make his way over to the smaller building opening the door when he gets there.
meemaas
Visto's mind was clearly elsewhere, since it took him this long to realize it, but his fellow avian was injured and he wants to take care of it. So he takes some time to heal up Ganmeed's wounds while the group is exploring.

 
 Spoiler 
Visto will invest 2E into Unicorn Feathering and use it on Ganmeed.
 
lostsole31
As Sol and Ago head east, Kwava calls down Ganmeed for healing. I don't think the new members of the party have seen this before, so Visto's feathered arms turn white, the feathers taking on a more downy, very fine appearance, and he touches Ganmeed with Kwava's supervision. A few seconds later, Ganmeed's wound fully close, and Kwava and Ganmeed head up behind Ago. Ago opens the door, but the placement of the door is such that he doesn't really have too good a look inside, though just with opening the door, the building groans woefully.
AggressiveBread
Watching the building creak, Ago looks up at the roof with a scowl. He lets out a sigh of resignation before taking a step inside to look around. He mutters under his breath,   ”don’t collapse, don’t collapse, don’t collapse.  
lostsole31
He goes in and sees another ruin of a building, much like the very first one.
AggressiveBread
Santiago will make his way over to the tower with everyone else. As he passes he says,   ”Not much to see over there, just empty ruins.”   He’ll open the entrance when he gets there
lostsole31
Ago passes the party heading west and then south around the curve of the tower. But there is no entrance that way, and a cliff dropoff that keeps him from continuing around the south of the tower. Instead, the party will find the entrance on the south side of the service building connected to the tower, over on the eastern side.

The outer door was once soild oak, but now it hangs askew on its hinges. Ago manipulates it some and it comes falling off its hinges easily. Still, the reinforced windows, solid stone construction, and connection to the watchtower mark this building as a military structure of some kind. This is just a front passage going in 10' with a wall on the west near the end.
AggressiveBread
Nodding to his party members, Ago will start heading inside with weapon and shield drawn.
lostsole31
With weapon-and-shield drawn ... Ago gets to the door.

Who follows in behind him? Shall I just assume a random, semi-sensible follow?
Kvard51
Lev sets the blade of his sword on his shoulder and follows behind Ago.
lostsole31
Sol stands just outside the doorway, standing behind Lev.

With the hallway and entrance taken, Ago, what now?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will enter the tower to look around. He slowly twists his wrist, swinging his flail in little circles as he goes. In the closed space, the jingling of his armor and adornments sounds like a giant shaking a bag of 1,000 coins. This doesn’t seem to bother him though.
lostsole31
While there is a sense of dread in this place, the group had gone  through too many builds such that Ago and Lev let their guard down. As  soon as Ago opens the door, he and Leve recoil from the stench of death  just enough to distract them from the dangers beyond.

 Surprise Round ...

S11:  Blue slams Ago with a low strike to his shin for  7 .

 Begin Round One ...

R1T24:  Kwava delays ...

 R1T23:  Sol calls to Ago,   "Whatcha' see?"  
 R1T20:   Tsyra , your back is to a cliff, and what you can see is a completely full passage with no throughway. What do you do?
rypt
Conjuring an earthen blade as a precaution, Tsyra steps backwards to give room to Lev and Santiago in the event they wish to step out of the entranceway.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: Form a kinetic blade that deals slashing damage.

Move action: Move to the square north of Visto.

Swift action: Adopt  scarlet einhander  stance.

Standard action: Ready an action to attack with her kinetic blade an enemy that enters a square she threatens.
 
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Seeing the crowded doorway, Ozzy is reminded again of an earlier trip to a house of charity and the fight that occurred in such cramped quarters. Therefore, Ozzy stays put and says,   ”The tower is too cramped. Take care!”  
 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Any other entrances?”   
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SwA: Enter Aura of Misfortune stance.

SA: Ready a Melee touch Attack with Storm Gauntlets if an enemy enters a threatened space.
 
 Spoiler: If Readied Action Triggers 
To Hit:  (1d20+10)[ 19 ]  vs Touch.
Damage:  (1d3)[ 1 ]  Cold,  (1d3)[ 3 ]  Electricity,  (1d3)[ 1 ]  Sonic damage. These ignore the first 10 points of Energy Resist.
 

 
lostsole31
 R1T17:  Seeing the crowded doorway, Ozzy is reminded again of an earlier trip to  a house of charity and the fight that occurred in such cramped  quarters. Therefore, Ozzy stays put and says,   ”The tower is too cramped. Take care!”  
 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Any other entrances?”   
 
 
 Spoiler: Ginny &gt;&gt;&gt; Ozzy 
   "I didn't see anything, want me to fly up to the top?"   
 

 R1T16:   Lev , what do you do?
Kvard51
Lev recoils in surprise when *Blue* comes out of nowhere to attack Ago.  But it is a short-lived surprise, as he responds with an overhand swing of his greatsword, hoping to end the battle before it really starts.

 
 Spoiler: Surprise!! 
Risky Strike @ Blue:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  for [roll]2d6+12] Slashing damage.
 
lostsole31
 R1T16:  Lev recoils in surprise when *Blue* comes out of  nowhere to attack Ago.   But it is a short-lived surprise, as he responds with an overhand swing  of his greatsword, hoping to end the battle before it really starts,  but ends up just dinging the doorway and his sword for his troubles.

 R1T15:  Brown bites Ago in his left hand with a soft crit for  10 , with claws screeching off his armor.

 R1T14:  Ago, you have shield in hand, but not weapon ... as you were busy opening a door. What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Ago yells out in pain, his face twists into a furious grimace as he calls down Abadar’s divine power on this zombie. He initiates a maneuver when he bites that opens lev up to attack. He calls out   ”There’s at least three in there! I could use some medical help Visto!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SWA: smite evil on blue
SA:initiate hunting party with a bite at blue, giving lev an aoo if it hits.
Attack roll:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] not including smite
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 9 ]  not including smite damage
 
lostsole31
 R1T14:  Ago yells out in pain, his face twists into a furious grimace as he  calls down Abadar’s divine power on this zombie. He initiates a maneuver  when he bites that opens Lev up to attack, biting the zombie in the side of the head for  17 ! He calls out   ”There’s at least three in there! I could use some medical help Visto!”  

Lev's AOO clangs off the side of the wall, nearly bouncing back on himself.

 R1T13-10:   Red and Green snarl menacingly. Ganmeed is aware of danger. Blue attacks Ago, completely missing.

 R1T5:   Visto , what do you do?

Kwava on deck, Sol in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto moves into action, moving himself so he can see Ago from the outside of the room, he conjures up a healing rain upon his ally, to sooth his wounds and bring him back into the fight.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1TE and invest it into Soothing Rain
Move action: Move two squares to the West so he can see inside the room to where Ago is.
Standard action: Activate Soothing Rain on Ago, healing for  (4d8)[ 14 ]  HP
 
lostsole31
 R1T5:  Visto moves into action, moving himself so he can see Ago from the  outside of the room, he conjures up a healing rain upon his ally, to  sooth his wounds and bring him back into the fight. Ago regains   14 hp  .

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T24:  Kwava moves north along the building, looking out for any other hostiles.

 R2T23:   Sol flies in and just above Lev and Ago. He reaches out, and though he  has a little trouble with the doorjamb, he still touches Blue's shoulder  to scorch and destroy the void zombie!    "There's a spot open!"    he calls out.

 R2T20:   Tsyra , your readied action never went off. What do you do?

Ozzy/ Ginny on deck ....
rypt
Trusting in Sol's words, Tsyra prays for the guidance of Findeladlara as she rushes into the building to assist the apparently wounded and outnumbered Santiago.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Tsyra will move W, W, N, N, W into where I believe there is now an opening.  If the opening is in a different location, please adjust accordingly, even if a second move action is required.

Standard action: If Tsyra is able to move into the opening with a single move action, she will slash at the red zombie with her kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 17 ]  
The following bonuses are believed to be applicable, but have not been applied above: +1d6 damage from  scarlet einhander , +1 attack from Elemental Overflow.
 
lostsole31
 R2T20:  Trusting in Sol's words, Tsyra prays for the guidance of Findeladlara as  she rushes into the building to assist the apparently unwounded and  not-outnumbered Santiago. She slashes Red in the head for  21 ,  cutting open its head and revealing its ruined, prion-ridden brain. The  skull part she separated dangles along the right side of its head,  slapping against its cheek, held in placed by greasy hair and twisting  skin.

 R2T17:   Ozzy , your readied action  never happened. An opening was called, but then was likely taken by  Tsyra. What do you do? What do you have Ginny do?

Lev on deck, Brown in the hole ...
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Seeing the combat in the hallway continues, Ozzy has no interest in trying to squeeze inside. Instead, Ozzy follows Kwava’s move North around the building saying,   “Let’s stick together.”  
 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Yes fly up top. Report back.”   
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: Move 2 Squares East, if Ozzy can then see Kwava head North until Adjacent to Kwava.
 
lostsole31
 R2T17:  Seeing the combat in the hallway continues, Ozzy has no interest in  trying to squeeze inside. Instead, Ozzy follows Kwava’s move North  around the building saying,   “Let’s stick together.” 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Yes fly up top. Report back.”   
 
  
And with that, Ginny begins circling the tower to climb higher and higher.

 R2T16:   Lev , what do you do?

Brown on deck, Ago in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev considers his new skills and decides to put them to use.  He allocates some of his new energy into his attack, giving more power to his overhand chop at Red.

 
 Spoiler: I hope I'm doing this right... 
SwA: Put 2 E into Chakra Power.
SA: Risky Strike at Red  (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  for  (2d6+14)[ 24 ]  Slashing Damage,  Crit if needed:  (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
 
Kvard51
 
 Spoiler: Crit info 
Severity Check:  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
Double Damage:  (2d6)[ 8 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T16:  Lev considers his new skills and decides to put  them to use.  He  allocates some of his new energy into his attack, giving more power to  his overhand chop at Red, but then immediately turns his sword to the  wall when he realizes that Tsyra is standing where he thought a zombie  might be!

 R2T15:  Brown slams Tsyra in her hip for  1 mod , swings with the other fist, and meanwhile its tongue flails about, trying to get to her.

 R2T14:   Ago , your smite has faded since Blue has been sent to their final rest. What do you do?

Red on deck, Green in the hole ....
AggressiveBread
With a satisfied smile, Ago gives Visto a hearty thumbs up. Invigorated, he follows Tsyra into the room drawing his flail as he goes to pull one of the zombies down.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: Try to flank With Tsyra, drawing flail with movement. If no flank is available, move adjacent to red.
SWA: initiate sweeping gambit.
SA: sweeping tail on red
Trip CMB check  (1d20+13)[ 17 ] (reduced strength added in because it’s already on my sheet)
Maneuver damage: (2d6+5)[ 16 ] 
Sweeping gambit aoo (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Damage: (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  +5 damage from gambit
 
lostsole31
 R2T14:  With a satisfied smile, Ago gives Visto a hearty  thumbs up. Invigorated,  he seeks to follow Tsyra into the room, but it is too crowded. He tries  to do a sweeping gambit on Brown from across the doorway after he takes  out his flail, but the door way throws off his attack.

 R2T13-10:  Red &amp; Green both attack Tsyra to no avail.

 R2T5:   Visto , what do you do?

Kwava on deck, Sol in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto will keep an eye on the action, watching to make sure his ally doesn't get injured again while staying away from the fighting itself.

 
 Spoiler 
Visto is delaying.
 
lostsole31
 R2T5:  Visto keeps an eye on the action, watching to make sure his ally  doesn't get injured again while staying away from the fighting itself.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T24:  Kwaja delays on lookout ....

 R3T23:  Sol swoops in above Tsyra and touches Red with his flaming hand, destroying the zombie.   "Another opening!"   he calls out.   "Tsyra, step in."  
 R3T20:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Ozzy/ Ginny on deck, Visto delaying ...
rypt
Tsyra shifts to her right as she slashes at the zombie nearer to the doorway.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: 5-foot step to the west.

Standard action: Attack the orange zombie.
 Attack:  (d20+9)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 13 ]  
The following bonuses are believed to be applicable, but have not been applied above: +1d6 damage from scarlet einhander, +1 attack from Elemental Overflow.
 
lostsole31
 R3T20:  Tsyra shifts to her right as she slashes at the zombie nearer to the doorway for  16  against its left foot.

 R3T17:   Ozzy , while Ginny makes the spiral flight up the tower, what do you do?

Ginny on deck, Lev in the hole ....
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy keeps his head on a swivel for any surprises or reports from Ginny.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ozzy will delay.
 
lostsole31
 R3T17:  Ozzy keeps his head on a swivel for any  surprises or reports from Ginny. Meanwhile, she continues flying around  and around, up and up, and ends her movement on the unseen western  side. 
 Spoiler: Ginny &gt;&gt;&gt; Ozzy 
   "No glass for the lighthouse, but heavy shutters. I'll need a few seconds to take a pass around to look."   
 

 R3T16:   Lev , what do you do?

Brown on deck, Ago in the hole, Ozzy delaying ...
Kvard51
Lev, still unable to find his way into the room where the fighting is, begins singing a rousing tune of victory.

 
 Spoiler: action 
Start Raging Song.
 
lostsole31
 R3T16:  Lev, still unable to find his way into the room where the fighting is, begins singing a rousing tune of victory.

 R3T15:  Brown slams Tsyra in the left upper arm for  4 mod , then in the chest for another  4 mod .

 R3T14:   Ago , you are currently suffering from your rake, and you may not begin any gambits on this turn. Do you take the raging song? What do you do?

Green on deck, Sol in the hole, Kwava/ Ozzy/ Ganmeed/ Visto delaying ...
AggressiveBread
Ago takes a step into the room, letting the power of the song flow through him. He lets out his own bellowing roar to embolden his allies, then will loose a strike with his flail to knock down any zombie he can reach.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swa initiate encouraging roar. (+2 to hit and damage for allies within 30ft)
FA:5ft step into the room under Sol if that spot is open
SA: initiate tactical snap on green zombie
Attack with flail:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Modifiers: +2 encouraging roar, raging song bonus, -2 penalty for failed gambit.
Damage: (1d8+4)[ 10 ] 
Same bonuses as above but failed gambit doesn’t apply to damage
Free trip attempt: (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Same bonuses and penalties as before, but an additional +2 for
the maneuver
Using the called trait, result in discord.
 
lostsole31
 R3T14:  Ago takes a step into the room (directly below  Sol), letting the power of the song flow  through him. He lets out his own bellowing roar to embolden his allies  before loosing a strike with his flail to knock down any zombie he can  reach, and catching Brown in the gut with so wrecking a blow that Brown  is destroyed. The zombie's destruction heartens the paladin, easing his  flagging confidence from his failed attempt several seconds prior.

 R3T10:   Green, who seems to have been a gnome in life (and was able to fit in  the smaller partial square), steps into the spot opened by Ago just now,  attacking the paladin fruitlessly.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T23:  Sol touches the gnome zombie with his burning hand to do   10 fire  .

 R4T20:   Tsyra , do you accept the raging song? What do you do?

Ginny on deck, Lev in the hole, Kwava/ Ozzy/ Ganmeed/ Visto delaying ...
rypt
Tsyra refuses the influence of Lev's melody as she attempts to cut down the remaining zombie.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Tsyra attacks the green zombie with her kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 14 ]  
The following bonuses are believed to be applicable, but have not been applied above: +1d6 damage from scarlet einhander, +1 attack from Elemental Overflow, +2 attack and +2 damage from Santiago's boost.
 
lostsole31
And with that stroke, Green is destroyed!

 Combat Ends   ... 
AggressiveBread
Santiago looks at the spots the zombies once occupied with a mixture of pity and disgust. He spits on the ground, trying in vain to get the taste of the zombie he bit out of his mouth. He gives Tsyra a nod of respect.   ”Good work putting those creatures to rest. Are you hurt?”  
rypt
Tsyra returns Santiago's nod in kind, but absent any words of praise, it is less than clear whether she is merely acknowledging his compliment or reciprocating the sentiment.

  "Not seriously,"   she replies.     "If our capacity for healing is limited, I do not believe my wounds warrant immediate attention."
   
With her earthen blade still in hand, she examines the door for a moment before looking back at Santiago and Sol.    "I am prepared to proceed if you are."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago narrows his eyes for a moment as if trying to read her reaction. He gives up on this quickly however, returning to his usual confidence. He calls to the others outside,   ”We’re all clear in here. Tsyra’s got some light wounds, but other than that we’re okay.”   he then takes up a position by the western door with flail and shield ready.   ”Whatever created these zombies could still be here. Let’s stay vigilant.”  
meemaas
Visto takes the chance to apply a bit of healing to Tsyra, restoring her to full fighting power in a matter of moments.   "Visto has plenty of healing to give to all his Friends whenever healing is needed."  
 
 Spoiler 
Visto will use his Unicorn Feathering to heal Tsyra. Gonna be massively overkill, but that's fine.
 
bcool999
 Ozlech 

After the sounds of battle die away, Ozzy contacts Ginny telepathically and says,
 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Sounds like the fight is over now. Anything of note at the top of the tower?”   
 


Speaking to Kwava now, Ozzy opines,   “Sounds like everything’s quieted down in there. We should head back.”   Putting words to actions, Ozzy will move to rejoin the group in the tower.
lostsole31
 
 Spoiler: Ginny &gt;&gt;&gt; Ozzy 
   "Nope. Closed wooden shutters."   
 

Kwava and Ganmeed gather at the very back of the group, but everyone is still spilling out a little because there are a lot of you.

What now?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will put away his flail to open the door to the southwest
lostsole31
The door's knob turns, but the door appears to be barred from the inside.
AggressiveBread
He turns back to the party.   ”The door is barred. There could be survivors inside who were sheltering from the dead.”   He’ll knock on the door several times with a gauntleted hand,   ”If there’s anyone in there, we’ve killed the zombies! We mean you no harm!”  
lostsole31
There is no answer ...
bcool999
 Ozlech 
  ”Hmm, anyone handy at getting to another side of a barred door?”   Ozzy asks after rejoining the party and spotting the locked door.

Ozzy considers their options should no one have a suitable means of bypassing the barred portal.
lostsole31
  "Maybe?"   says Sol.   "Sometimes you just can't get to the barring mechanism, but sometimes you can."  

He goes up to it and starts doing some mechanical sorcery, but nothing happens.   "Tsyra, Engineer ... could you come give me a hand, please?"  

Assuming Tsyra helps, they determine that only brute force is going to break this door down, not mechanical trickery.
AggressiveBread
  ”Lev could you give me a hand? I was weakened by the zombies, but I think we can manage together.”   he muses to himself   ”Haven’t busted in a door like this in a long time. Brings back memories.”  Santiago will roll his shoulders and begin trying to force the door open. Hopefully with help from Lev.
lostsole31
Assuming that Ago assists Lev as above, three attempts do not heave the door open.

There is a body shuffle as Kwava comes forward to try, asking Lev to assist him, rather than the other way around. Lev doesn't do that good a job assisting, but on the second try, they heave the door open. It seems that the bandy-legged elf is stronger even than Lev or Ago.

Beyond is the ground floor. This large area is empty, save for a few mounds of destroyed furniture and other rubble and a set of stairs that spiral upwards.
AggressiveBread
Ago gives Kwava a pat on the back before advancing up the stairs with flail and shield in hand.
lostsole31
No sooner does Ago get to the bottom of the stairs to begin to climb (and the party falls in behind him) than a woman's voice calls down.   "Stop there! Say something so I know you're alive."  
AggressiveBread
Ago looks relieved upon hearing the voice.
  ”Thank the gods there are survivors. We mean you no harm! We took care of the zombies outside and around the settlement! Are you hurt!”  
meemaas
Visto hasn't been much help lately, his talents not useful when it comes to being friendly or breaking things, but he lights up at the thought that he may be useful now.   "If new Friends have anyone in need of healing, let them know that Visto would be happy to be of assistance."  
lostsole31
  "Thank the gods, yes! We have wounded. Come on up, and be quick about it, for there are monsters lurking in the woods."  

The party is invited up, and finds that no matter where they go, it is really cramped. The Witchlight was just a lighthouse, and was never meant to have a lot of people in it.

Once the party crams into the upper levels, the de facto leader of the Cypheramages introduces herself as Samarith Beldusk. It turns out Sol has only a passing acquaintance with her, because he joined the Gold Goblin just as she was serving a brief stint there as a server before being inducted into the Cypher Lodge.

Samaritha leads them into area  B5d  to speak with them. She suspects that the monsters in the woods have noticed the PCs as well and might be massing for another attack, so she sends one of her cyphermages up top to area  B5f  to keep a watch before she bombards the PCs with questions, particularly asking them if they’ve encountered any of the “monsters” yet. She doesn’t know what to call them, only that they’re ferocious, resistant to magic, probably venomous, and that those whom the creatures kill arise as zombies. She breathlessly and quickly recounts the story of her time on the island, and ends by practically begging the PCs to heal her injured companions and then lead them off the island to safety.

 
 Spoiler: The Cyphermages in Witchlight 
Led by a wizard named Fenella Bromathan, the cyphermages arrived on Devil’s Elbow 3 days before the PCs. Their first 2 days were relatively productive, although they were concerned that there didn’t seem to be “enough noqual” around, considering the number of craters on the island. Initially, the cyphermages assumed the shortage was because other prospectors had reached the sites before them, but now, the surviving cyphermages have come to suspect other reasons.

The original contingent of cyphermages numbered 12 in all; Fenella Bromathan, her new apprentice Samaritha Beldusk, and ten minor wizards who were along for the experience and to provide assistance. Of those 12, only five remain alive, and of those five, only three are conscious. Fenella was among the first to die the night the monsters converged on Witchlight and attacked the cyphermages. Faced with magic-resistant and deadly foes, the cyphermages were torn apart. Those who survived did so only by retreating to the watchtower and barricading themselves in. They could do little more than watch as the bodies of their dead, left in the rubble, eventually rose as void zombies and staggered off into the surrounding woodlands to seek out safe and secluded places to birth their alien young.

Since Fenella’s death, Samaritha has assumed control of the operation. Periodically, she travels up to the top of the tower to fire off an eye-catching spell like  pyrotechnics  in hopes of attracting the attention of others on the island for help. When Goldhammer’s men arrived late yesterday, the cyphermages thought they were rescued, but could only watch as the men refused to approach the ruins further without being met outside—a tactic that ended poorly for them as they were ambushed and slaughtered by monsters lurking in the nearby woods. When the cyphermages sighted the  Flying Cloud , Samaritha did her best to attract the ship’s attention with another  pyrotechnics  spell, and is now considering a risky flight down the mountainside to seek aid. Fear of the monsters and a sense of duty to the cyphermages too injured to move have kept her here for now.
 

Samaritha and her companions are all wounded to one degree or another, but she’s quick to point out that none of them have been bitten by the monsters—an important distinction, she says, since those who were bitten and then later died rose as zombies. She points to the void zombies as an example, some of whom were trapped in the ground floor of the tower. Unless the PCs come up with a much better plan, Samaritha wants to remain holed up here in the relative safety of the tower until a ship arrives, at which point she’s willing to risk the journey downhill to rescue (provided the PCs are there to help protect her and her fellow wizards).
AggressiveBread
With Santiago’s ability to heal being much weaker than Visto’s he will leave the injured in his care. Once that is underway he begins to confer with Samarith.   ”Our ship the Flying Cloud should be returning within a day. They would be happy to return you to Riddleport, and we will do all within our power to escort you to the dock.
Would you be willing to share some of the skymetal you’ve collected as compensation? We have been unable to find any ourselves thus far.”  
lostsole31
  "Yes, we can give you half,"   says Samaritha. She describes their current store of noqual in the small chest.

Visto, do you go about to see to the wounded?
meemaas
Visto heads straight for the wounded and immediately gets to work, applying his healing to each of them in turn. He almost seems giddy to be helping like this.

 
 Spoiler 
He will apply Unicorn Feathering to every person known to be injured, no matter how minor.
 
lostsole31
And with that, the Cyphermages are all healed!

The Cyphermage guard atop the tower cries out an alarm down the stairs,    "Here they come again!"   

Samaritha's face grows pale with fear and she races downstairs to make sure the doors to area  B4  are closed tightly. Some of you might follow her down. She looks unhappy to see the door that was busted down, but at least the two main doors in  B4  are intact. She admits openly that she's not sure why the creatures didn't attack the PCs earlier, but she suspects that their activity cycles have something to do with it.

Kwava and Ganmeed are up with the cyphermage in the tower, and everyone else is jammed in area  B5b/c  at this time, save for another cyphermage  B5d .

Does anyone do anything, or hold position for now?
Kvard51
  "Should we not go to the lowest defensible level to make our initial stand, but ready to fight our way back up to the top level, if necessary?"   Lev asks, watching the preparations the Cyphermages are making?
lostsole31
Sol answers for Samaritha.   "Listen, they aren't battle-trained like you. Besides, up here it is more congested. If you think the majority of us should go down, fine."  
rypt
  "Where did you--"   Tsyra is about to ask Samaritha about the source of their starmetal when the warning cry comes from above.  She follows the cyphermage downstairs and assists her in securing the doors in  B4 .  Before closing the outermost doors, she touches a hand to the doorframe and intones a prayer to Findeladlara.

  "What is your best estimate of their number?"   she asks once the doors have been closed.
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Hearing that the monstrous enemies capable of creating Void Zombies are approaching, Ozzy looks towards a nearby shuttered window that Ginny perceived earlier on the wing and tries to determine if Ginny could exit through one.

If she can, Ozzy will have her fly out saying,   ”Need your eyes out there Ginny. Harass them as you can but keep moving and let me know how many we have to deal with.”  

If Ginny can’t exit out a window or other roof access point, Ozzy will open doors as necessary to get her out before they become besieged. He will then close up the tower as best he can and tell his allies,   “Alright we have Ginny outside so she can give me feedback on how it’s looking out there while also making a nuisance of herself to our enemies. Kwaja, and anyone else with farther ranged attacks may wish to stay up at the observation floor and do what you can from the windows. Just be prepared to bar them if the enemies look like they will climb or fly in. The rest of us should remain on the ground floor while the mages turtle up or use their spells to give us advantage at their discretion. We should try to keep them bottlenecked at the tower entrance as much as possible. We have Visto’s healing so we should have endurance on our side as long as we don’t let them overwhelm us.”  
AggressiveBread
Ago will stay up on this floor adjacent to one of the windows, ready to protect the cyphermages if need be.
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by rypt 
   "What is your best estimate of their number?"   she asks once the doors have been closed. 
 

She thanks Tsyra, and then she begins heading upstairs again after answering,   "Unknown."  

Does Tsyra stay on the ground floor, or head upstairs as well?

 
 Originally Posted by bcool999 
 If she can, Ozzy will have her fly out saying,   ”Need your eyes out there Ginny. Harass them as you can but keep moving and let me know how many we have to deal with.”   
 

Ginny flies out a window before it is shuttered again.

Kwaja has been on the top floor, but Sol will go to assist him with his bombs.

 
 Originally Posted by AggressiveBread 
 Ago will stay up on this floor adjacent to one of the windows, ready to protect the cyphermages if need be. 
 

Done.

Lev, Visto, and (as above) Tsyra?
meemaas
Visto has an idea and quickly brings it up to the others.   "Visto can cause large amounts of plants to grow and impede their way. Visto could block the door with them so Friends can pick off the enemy."  
 
 Spoiler 
If the others vacate the ground floor or at least give a wide berth to the entrance, Visto will empower his Verdant Vambraces with 2E and then ready himself to apply its effects centered far enough from the door to cover the door and their approach. While waiting, he will reactivate it every few moments to try and make sure that it remains in effect without wearing off.
 
bcool999
 Ozlech 
  ”Sounds good Visto. If they make it beyond that we can still hold them at the stairs as a chokepoint.”   Ozzy says and remains adjacent to Visto to avoid the area of effect of his magic.
lostsole31
Given the above tactic suggested (and seconded), does Tsyra stay on the ground floor, or pull back? If she pulls back, to where does she pull back?
rypt
Tsyra calls upwards,   "Let those on the roof know that the doors at the entrance cannot be locked or barred.  They will not hold for long."  

Moving then to the south of the suqur, she looks back at Visto and Lev.    "If they are able to enter this room in great numbers, we must withdraw to the level above.  Is that understood?"  
lostsole31
  "They're surging out of the forest!"   screams Sol as loud as he can so the ground floor can hear.

Ozzy hears a similar report.

  "Their numbers have grown!"   calls a very worried Samaritha.

The  wave of monsters reaches the tower, the beasts scrambling up the sides  and scratching at its foundations. To the heroes below (Visto, Ozzy,  Tsyra), it is particularly unnerving. It sounds like the entire place is  crawling with monsters, heard easily by all characters at all levels.  The creatures hammer and claw and bite at the tower's windows and at the  outer ground floor door. The window shutters can't hold forever, though  they seems fairly strong for the moment. A shutter near Lev and Ago  partially shatters, and a wriggling black tentacle whips around trying  to feel things when Lev cuts it off and there's a a bunch of extra  scrabbling only increasing now from greater numbers, but the battering  outside all window shutters and doors do not  lessen.

A few seconds later, that same window shutter - now  weakened - blasts open right by Lev and Ago! What they see is something  like a small (still Medium-sized), hairless, blue lion-like creature  with twin tentacular tails. Dozens more thick tentacles quiver and  twitch where its main should be!

The window aperture itself is  not particularly wide for such a creature (or yourselves) to pass  through easily, and it is struggling to get through.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T26:    "Did I just hear a breach?"   calls down Sol.

 R1T24:   Ozzy ,  you didn't hear the smashing window shutter upstairs, but  Ginny just told you that the entire tower is covered in blue creatures,  and it looks like they just opened a spot mid-tower. What do you do?
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Surprised at the suddenness of the attack, Ozzy calls out,   "Ginny says tower's swarmed, breach mid-tower!"  

Adopting a stance, Ozzy prepares to face attackers should the ground floor be breached next.

 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Give em hell Ginny!”   
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SwA: Enter Aura of Misfortune Stance.
Standard Action: Ready a Ranged Touch Attack with the Storm Gauntlets should an enemy enter Ozzy’s sight lines.
FA: Speak/Telepathy
 
lostsole31
 R1T24:  Surprised at the suddenness of the attack, Ozzy calls out,   "Ginny says tower's swarmed, breach mid-tower!"  

Adopting a stance, Ozzy prepares to face attackers should the ground floor be breached next. 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Give em hell Ginny!”   
 

To which she responds 
 Spoiler: Ginny &gt;&gt;&gt; Ozzy 
   "You want me to ...  what?!?  There's too many of them! What the hell am  I  supposed to do?"   
 

 R1T19:   Tsyra , what do you do?
rypt
Tsyra she waits to see how the attack progresses.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will delay.
 
lostsole31
 R1T19:  Something occurs to Tsyra, but for the moment she waits to see how  the attack progresses.

 R1T14:  The akata in the  windowframe, wriggles around, unable to get farther into the room. It  bites at the cyphermage standing there in shock, biting him in the upper  left arm for  4 .

 R1T10:  Kwava starts double-moving down the stairs.

 R1T9:   Lev ,  there is a monster (see pictures in Discord) stuck in the window,  trying to push in, and it just bit a cyphermage. What do you do?

Tsyra delaying ...
Kvard51
Lev moves to block the aperture, trying to push the beast back out the window.  As he moves toward the blue-lion creature, he searches his memories of tales and ballads so he can battle it more effectively.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
MA - Move in front of the window.
FA: Invest 2 E in Chakra Power and 2 in Wolf's Hunger
SA: Bullrush to shove back out the window  (1d20+10)[ 23 ] 

I added the +2 CMB from Chakra Power
 
lostsole31
 R1T9:  Lev moves to block the aperture, but Ago is in  the way. Lev can still reach to try to push the beast back out of the  window, and as he does so, his mouth complete distends and changes form  to now appear as a long, lupine muzzle with sharp teeth. His mouth  easily presses against the monster to plunger the monster out the window  easily! What makes this really creepy, though, and you (plural) are  just now realizing it .... these monsters have NO vocalizations. No  growls, yips, mews, roars, nothing. All is dreadful silence except the  sounds of their claws on the stone outside. Lev searches his  memories of tales and ballads so he can battle it more effectively.

 R1T6:   Ago ,  Lev-Wolf just reached past you and booped the critter out the window,  but the sounds of clicking claws on stone through the wall tell you that  there are scores waiting to take that one's place ... and who knows  what is happening at other windows. What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Ago takes just a second to absorb Lev’s appearance before turning back to the matter at hand. He begins barking out commands with an unshakable confidence that bolsters those nearby.   ”Mages away from the windows hide under a bed If you must! I swear by Abadar’s light you shall live to see tomorrow!”  
Entering a defensive posture, he reaches out his hand to heal the wounded mage. 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: initiate indomitable presence (everyone in 30ft gets the benefit of diehard, and +5 against poison, death, fatigue, and exhaustion)
SWA:enter inner sphere stance
SA: Use lay on hands on the wounded mage to my NE
Healing:  (2d6)[ 9 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T6:  Ago takes just a second to absorb Lev’s appearance before turning back  to the matter at hand. He begins barking out commands with an unshakable  confidence that bolsters those nearby.   ”Mages, away from the windows hide under a bed If you must! I swear by Abadar’s light you shall live to see tomorrow!”  Entering a defensive posture, he reaches out his hand and fully heals the wounded mage.

 R1T5-4:  The mages all scram to clear the area for the heroes (incl. Samaritha).

 End of Round  :    A tremor shakes the entire tower. It is bad enough to knock the poorly  balanced Ago off his feet, as well as all of the Cyphermages (Samaritha  keeps her feet, though). The tremor lasts only a few seconds, but  afterward the tower has a barely perceptible lean to the south.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T26:  Sol delays where he is...

 R2T24:   Ozzy , your readied action didn't occur. What do you do?

Monsters on deck, Kwava in the hole, Tsyra delaying ...
rypt
Tsyra is visibly alarmed by the shaking of the tower, and once the tremor subsides, she begins to examine the tower's walls, hoping to ascertain the integrity of the structure and the risk that it might topple over or collapse.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Assess the integrity of the tower.  If Tsyra believes that the tower is at risk of toppling or collapsing, she will alert the others to the danger and indicate that they cannot remain inside.

Standard action: If her assessment indicates a risk to remaining inside the tower, she will move to the broken door between B5a and B4.  If she assesses no risk, she will ready an action to attack with a ranged kinetic blast any enemy who enters within 30 ft.
 
lostsole31
 R2T25:  Tsyra is visibly alarmed by the shaking of the tower. Once the  tremor subsides she begins to examine the tower's walls, hoping to  ascertain the integrity of the structure and the risk that it might  topple over or collapse. Alarmed, she cries out,   "Everyone out of the tower, it's going to collapse!"   as she rushes over to the destroyed doorway.

 R2T24:   Ozzy , as mentioned before, your readied action did not happen. What do you do?

Monsters on deck, Kwava in the hole, Visto delaying ...
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Concerned at Tsyra’s warning, Ozzy wishes to move to the tower’s entrance and possible escape, but curses and moves his essence as he runs above shouting,   ”TOWER’S FALLING EVACUATE NOW!”  
 
 Spoiler: Ozlech &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Try to draw off some beasts at the entrance. Hit and fly.”   
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SwA: Move 1E from Aura of adaptable and 1 E from Storm Gauntlets to power Brume Treads to 2E Giving Ozzy +10 enhancement to speed and +4 to acrobatics.

Move Action+Standard Action: Move as high up the tower as 80ft of movement that ignores difficult terrain will get him to shout out his warning to everyone he can.

FA: Shout out Warning.

FA: Telepathy Ginny to use Flyby attack to pull aggro from the door.
 
lostsole31
 R2T24:  Concerned at Tsyra’s warning, Ozzy but curses and moves his essence as he  runs above, shouting,   ”TOWER’S FALLING EVACUATE NOW!”     just as he passes the second-to-last level and is on the final  staircase, yelling up to Sol. (He passed Kwava going the other  way.) 
 Spoiler: Ozzy &gt;&gt;&gt; Ginny 
   ”Try to draw off some beasts at the entrance. Hit and fly.”   
 

 
 Spoiler: Ginny &gt;&gt;&gt; Ozzy 
  "Got it. Here goes ............  GAHH!  Get off ...... no,  LET GO!  Get ....  aahhhhh ahhhhhhh     ahhhhhhh...."  
 
Ozzy senses that his connection to Ginny has ended.
 

 R2T14:   Everyone in every level hears the clawing and scrathing on stone from  outside every wall and shutter throughout the tower. There are too many  right now for one to even get to push into the window towards Ago right  now.

 R2T10:   Kwava continues down, ending up right where Ozzy had just left, near Visto.

 R2T9:   Lev , what do you do?

Ago on deck, Cyphermages in the hole ...
Kvard51
  "Ago, get the Cyphermages headed downstairs.  I'll go and help clear a path!"    Lev spins on his heel and sprints down the stairs, drawing his greatsword as he goes.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
MA+MA: Double Move down the stairs.
FA Draw Sword as he moves.
 
lostsole31
 R2T9:    "Ago, get the Cyphermages headed downstairs.  I'll go and help clear a path!"    Lev spins on his heel and sprints down the stairs, drawing his greatsword as he goes.

 R2T6:   Ago , what do you do? You had been knocked prone by the tremor.

Cyphermages on deck/ in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Getting to his feet slowly. Ago calls down.  ”There’s too many beasts for the mages to push out into them! It may be safer to ride out the collapse than to risk getting bitten!   he turns to the mages,   ”We’re heading downstairs. Stay behind me!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: stand up
SA: move towards the stairs to the first floor as far as I can get
If he has to make a saving throw between now and his next turn, he’ll use his unbreakable gambit.
 
lostsole31
 R2T6:  Getting to his feet slowly. Ago calls down.  ”There’s  too many beasts for the mages to push out into them! It may be safer to  ride out the collapse than to risk getting bitten!"   he turns to the prone mages as he passes them,   ”We’re heading downstairs. Stay behind me!”  
 R2T5-4:   The Cyphermages get to their feet. Those on upper levels begin coming  down, but the ones on the second don't pass Ago, though one from the  highest level likewise doesn't try to push past Ozzy.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T25:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Ozzy on deck, Monsters in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto start downstairs after the others, he doesn't have any tactical help he can provide, and he knows his storms would do as much damage to the tower as the monsters already are.

 
 Spoiler 
Visto comes out of delay to head down the stairs.
 
lostsole31
 R2T3:  Visto steps downstairs after the others.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T25:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Ozzy on deck, Monsters in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra calls back to Santiago,   "The mages can shelter in the entranceway!  This tower is leaning to the south, and to the south is a  cliff !"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swift action: Tsyra will adopt the  scarlet einhander  stance.

Standard action: Ready an action to fire a ranged kinetic blast at any enemy who enters within 30 ft.
 
lostsole31
 R3T25:  Tsyra calls back to Santiago,    "The mages can shelter in the entranceway!  This tower is leaning to the south, and to the south is a  cliff !"    

She  goes to adopt the scarlet einhander stance, but realizes she doesn't  have a weapon in hand, so she prepares herself mentally to toss rocks if  needed.

 R3T24:   Ozzy , you felt the loss of Ginny, and your bodies organs are enervated by the severance ( 1 CON ).  It could have been much worse, but in her dying moments she seemed to  know and did a feedback of as much life energy as possible so you  wouldn't be overwhelmed by the loss. What do you do?

Monsters on deck, Kwava in the hole ...
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Breathing heavily as he suffers Ginny’s death and runs up most of the stairs, Ozzy shouts again,   ”GET TO THE GROUND FLOOR! MOVE!”  

Having delivered his warning the the majority of the tower, Ozzy makes his way to the ground floor.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: Speak
Move Action: Descend 40ft down the stairs.
Standarc Action: Descend 40ft down the stairs.
 
lostsole31
 R3T24:  Breathing heavily as he suffers Ginny’s death and runs up most of the stairs, Ozzy shouts again,   ”GET TO THE GROUND FLOOR! MOVE!”  

Having delivered his warning the the majority of the tower, Ozzy makes his way to the ground floor.

 R3T10:  Kwava gets to the ground floor and moves up against the underwall of the stairs.

 R3T9:   Lev , you are on the ground floor of the tower with sword in hand. What do you do?

Ago on deck, Cyphermages in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev stops, panting,   "Are we evacuating or trying to shelter here?  Will there be enough room for everyone?"  
lostsole31
 R3T9:  Lev stops, panting,   "Are we evacuating or trying to shelter here?  Will there be enough room for everyone?"  
 R3T6:   Ago ,  you are on the second level with a bunch of cyphermages. People have  been running up and down stairs. Enough have been running downstairs you  aren't sure if there will be room for you and your current load of  relative non-combatants. What do you do?

Cyphermages on deck, Samaritha in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Ago will pause at the top of the stairs, allowing the mages to go ahead of him.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
He will delay, coming out of delay after Samaritan and the mages.
 
lostsole31
 R3T5:  All but one of the cypheramges jams in below. There was one that was on the upper level that stops behind Ago.

 R3T4:  Meanwhile, Samaritha curses and heads back up the stairs and back to the hospital ward. She opens the locker in there.

 R3T3:   Visto , what do you do?

 Ago , also, you can come out of delay....
AggressiveBread
Ago rushes down the stairs as far as he can. He points out the bitten mage to Visto.   ”This one was bitten by those creatures. I’ve healed his wounds but I can’t do anything for infection.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: move downstairs and into B4 north of Tsyra if the door is open
SA: continue moving to that space.
 
lostsole31
 R3T3:  Ago rushes down the stairs as far as he can. He points out the bitten mage to Visto.   ”This one was bitten by those creatures. I’ve healed his wounds but I can’t do anything for infection.”  
 R3T2:   Visto , what do you do?

Tsyra on deck, Ozzy in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto will turn toward the bitten Cyphermage and start to check him over to determine what the infection might be and what he can do about it.

 
 Spoiler 
Visto will use his action to perform whatever checks are needed to determine the above, presumably Heal, and if its something he can't treat, will pass the information on to the others.
 
lostsole31
 R3T2:  Visto will turn toward the bitten Cyphermage and start to check him over  to determine what the infection might be and what he can do about it. He looks to Ago and the others,   "Visto  cannot tell what might ail Friend Cyphermage. His wound was healed  before it could be checked, and he hasn't started showing any illness,  so Visto does not know. I would need more time to help Friend Cyphermage  fight off possible sickness."  
 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T25:   Tsyra ,  your readied action did not occur. No enemies are in sight, but easily  heard crawling all along the outer walls. What do you do?

Ozzy on deck, enemies in the hole ...
rypt
To Lev's question, Tsyra replies,   "As many as can fit in here."    She gestures through the door into B4.    "The rest of us can either take our chances outside, or take cover beneath the stairs, as close to the north face of the tower as possible."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Ready an action to fire a ranged kinetic blast at any enemy who enters within 30 ft.
 
lostsole31
 R4T25:  To Lev's question, Tsyra replies,   "As many as can fit in here."    She gestures through the door into  B4 .    "The  rest of us can either take our chances outside, or take cover beneath  the stairs, as close to the north face of the tower as possible."  
 R4T24:   Ozzy , what do you do?

Monsters on deck, Kwava in the hole ...
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy moves into the room indicated by Tsyra. Standing in a defensive posture and readying his essence.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: Move North 1 Northeast 1, North 1 into B4.
Standard action: total defense.
SwA: Move 1E from Brume Treads to Storm Guantlets and 1E from Brume Treads to Aura of the Adaptable.
 
lostsole31
 R4T24:  Ozzy moves into the room indicated by Tsyra.  Standing in a defensive posture and readying his essence. Ozzy's strange  footwear seems to disappear, even as a crown made of the elements and  forged into an interwined, twisting web of crystalline structure adorns  his brown.

 R4T14:  The continued noises of quiet clacking from the outside.

 R4T10:  Kwava puts his bow away to have his hands free.

 R4T9:   Lev , what do you do?

Cyphermages on deck, Samaritha in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev turns to the Cyphermages,   "Hurry now!  As many of you as can, take shelter where Tsyra indicated.  If some of us must weather this out-of-doors, then it will be me."    He moves to the door, to step out quickly...

 
 Spoiler: Action 
Lev will see if there is enough room for everyone.  If not, he will lead all who won't fit out the door and designate someone to close it back as he fends off the beasts.
 
lostsole31
 R4T9:  Lev turns to the Cyphermages,   "Hurry now!  As  many of you as can, take shelter where Tsyra indicated.  If some of us  must weather this out-of-doors, then it will be me."    He  moves to the middle door and opens it. It looks like with the lower  floor of the tower and all internal parts of this adjoining building,  there should be just enough room.

 R4T5:  The  Cyphermages begin queuing up ... including one straggler that just gets  to the ground floor now. However, nobody is brave enough to pass the  protector at the head of the line (Lev).

 R4T4:  Samaritha makes it down to the ground floor.

 R4T3:   Ago , what do you do?

Visto on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Ago calls out.   ”I’ll hold the stairs! Tsyra! How long do we have?”  
As he prepares for battle some of Ago’s prowess rubs off on his allies.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SA: use warleader to share tandem trip with all Allies in 30ft for 8 rounds.
SWA: initiate encouraging roar.
 
lostsole31
 R4T3:  Ago calls out.   ”I’ll hold the stairs! Tsyra! How long do we have?”  

As he prepares for battle some of Ago’s prowess rubs off on some of  the allies that are able to hear him and see a quick demonstration  (Visto, Kwava, Samaritha, Tsyra, and all but one cyphermage; Sol is not  on this level, and Ozzy and Lev couldn't see him).

 R4T2:   Visto , what do you do?
meemaas
Visto waits, unwilling to leave before the mages get out. He turns to watch Ago while waiting for the others to get out.

 
 Spoiler 
Visto will delay action
 
lostsole31
 R4T2:  Visto waits, unwilling to leave before the mages get out. He turns to watch Ago while waiting for the others to get out.

 R4T0:    A second tremor shakes the tower. It quickly becomes apparent that this  tremor is much more significant. Lev, Samaritha, Ago, &amp; Tsyra all  fall as the tower begins to sag to the southwest. (Amazingly, the  cyphermages kept their balance.) A terrible noise like endless thunder  growls louder by the moment. When Ago and Tsyra fell, it knocked them  out of stance.

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T25:   Tsyra , you fell down right at the doorjamb between the tower and its attached building. What do you do?

Ozzy on deck, Monsters in the hole, Visto delaying ...
rypt
Tsyra climbs to her feet and then steps out of the doorway to make room for more of the cyphermages.  Eyes turned upward, she moves to stand beside Kwava.   "I'd estimate a matter of seconds.  Perhaps thirty at the very most."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Stand up.

Move action: Move to the square west of Kwava.
 
lostsole31
 R5T25:  Tsyra climbs to her feet and then steps out of the doorway to make room  for more of the cyphermages.  Eyes turned upward, she moves to stand  beside Kwava.   "I'd estimate a matter of seconds.  Perhaps thirty at the very most."  
 R5T24:   Ozzy , what do you do?

Monsters on deck, Kwava in the hole ...
bcool999
 Ozlech 

Ozzy will wait to see what the monsters do and if the tower falls.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Entering Delay.
 
lostsole31
 R5T24:  Ozzy will wait to see what the monsters do and if the tower falls.

 R5T14:  The sound of innumerable, powerful claws climbing outside all exterior surfaces continues.

  "Partial breach!"   calls Sol's voice from somewhere upstairs, but shouted down the stairwell.

 R5T14:  Kwava instantly leaves his spot under the stairs, crosses the crowded room, and begins heading up the stairwell.

 R5T9:   Lev , you are prone right now. What do you do?

Cyphermages on deck/in the hole, Ozzy/Visto delaying ...
Kvard51
Lev crawls back to his feet,   "Is everyone ok?"    A soft white glow surrounds his hands as he begins helping others to their feet.    "I can help with healing if anyone is hurt."  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 
MA: Stand
SA Help others to their feet.
FA: Invest 1 E into Immaculate Touch
 
lostsole31
 R5T9:  Lev crawls back to his feet,   "Is everyone ok?"     A soft white glow surrounds his hands as he seeks to help others to  their feet, though the two people near him are fine, so he moves into  the main tower.    "I can help with healing if anyone is hurt."  
 R5T5-4:  The cyphermages delay, as nobody is "leading" them out the monster-infested outdoors. The same with Samaritha.

 R5T0:    The ground gives way. The stone tower topples on its side, throwing  every creature against the (now horizontal) western wall ... except for  Ozzy and a cyphermage who were in the adjoining building to the east.  Everyone is technically "prone." Lev takes  1 . Samaritha takes  2 .

 Ozzy , roll a Ref save to avoid being swept away by the landslide!
bcool999
 Ozlech 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Reflex Saving Throw:  (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
 
lostsole31
 
 Spoiler: Ozzy 
 R5T0:  The adjoining building that seemed  the smartest point, actually was the worst place to be as the entire  partial structure subsides and collapses in a landslide. Ozzy sees the  cyphermage that was in the area with him get entirely pulped by the  imploding building and falling rock, and only because of poor luck does  he fare any better, for Ozzy is now in a mix of jumbled rocks smashing  under and over and onto him as he takes  35  ... and is still technically doing so at this time ...
 

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ... 
 R6T25:   Tsyra ,  you ae prone against what used to be the western wall. A large gap to  the east exists that was the tower floor. This tower surely was given  magical protection to keep its relatively form as it hasn't collapsed in  and crushed everyone. Though below you (underneath the tower where it  is on the ground) the sounds there were cut short, there is still the  scuttling sounds all over the rest of the tower ... and outside ... even  amongst the rumbling. You don't see the adjoining building but there is  a large dust cloud outside (and inside at the gaping endcap).  What do  you do?

Monsters on deck, Kwava in the hole ...
meemaas
After the tumble, Visto gets back up on his feet.   "Are any friends badly hurt? Visto will heal those who hurt only a little when this is over."   If nobody speaks up about any bad injuries, Visto will fly up a bit and start toward the newly created exit that was the bottom of the tower.   "Visto will check outside."  
rypt
Tsyra picks herself off the ground.  As she finds her footing and adjusts to her rather disorienting surroundings, she groans in Elven,   " Like a tree with no roots . 
 
  "Fortified though this tower may be, I doubt that the earth beneath us will hold after such an impact.  Is everyone able to move?  I believe we must take our chances with the creatures outside."    She then calls forth a blade of stone and begins to head for the eastern opening.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: Form a kinetic blade that deals slashing damage.

Move action: Stand up.

Swift action: Activate  scarlet einhander  stance.

Move action: Move towards and possibly through the eastern opening, stopping if she enters a square adjacent to an enemy.

 Standard action: If her movement ends with her adjacent to an enemy, she will attack it with her kinetic blade.  Otherwise she will ready an action to attack in melee with her kinetic blade any enemy that enters her threatened area. 
 
lostsole31
 R6T26:  After the tumble, Visto gets back up on his feet.   "Are any friends badly hurt? Visto will heal those who hurt only a little when this is over."    If nobody speaks up about any bad injuries, Visto will fly up a bit and  start toward the newly created exit that was the bottom of the tower.   "Visto will check outside."  
 R6T25:  Tsyra picks herself off the ground.  As she finds her footing and  adjusts to her rather disorienting surroundings, she groans in Elven,   *&lt;"Like a tree with no roots."&gt;* 
 Then, in Taldane she continues,   "Fortified though this tower may be, I doubt  that the earth beneath us will hold after such an impact.  Is everyone  able to move?  I believe we must take our chances with the creatures  outside."    She then calls forth a blade of stone looks  twoards the eastern opening where a line of "blue meanies"  awaits. 
 Spoiler: Tsyra 
Your mind refreshes, maneuvers refresh/  re-withheld. Also, you spent a MA just to stand.
 

 R6T14:   The dust that slowly clears something more dreadful .... an uncountable  hose of these blue lion-dogs rush through the opening and into the  tower. Tsyra misses one that passes her. One comes up to noiselessly  bite at her. Meanwhile, a bunch of these creatures spill into the entire  section, as many as can possibly fit. It looks like a dark, dire time  now as everyone is surrounded (except Visto).

 R6T10:  Kwava, on the stairs, withdraws inwards (what used to be "upwards").

 R6T10:   Lev , you are prone on the ground, and several devils all around. What do you do?

Cyphermages on deck, Samaritha in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev, seeing himself in dire straits, decides his best course of action is to rouse his friends to action.  He begins to sing an old, old song of a battle against impossible odds,    Slaughter-wolves waded then, heeded not water;
the Viking band, west over Pante,
over bright water, bore their shields;
seamen to land linden bore.
There against anger Byrhtnoth stood ready,100
surrounded by warriors. He bade them with shields
build the battle-hedge, hold that troop
fast against foes. Then was the fight near,
glory in battle. The time had come
when fey men must fall there.   

And as he sang, he climbed to his feet to commence the battle...

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
SA: Initiate Raging Song.
MA: Stand from prone.
 
lostsole31
 R6T9:  Lev, seeing himself in dire straits, decides his best course of action  is to rouse his friends to action.  He begins to sing an old, old song  of a battle against impossible odds,     Slaughter-wolves waded then, heeded not water;         the Viking band, west over Pante,
over bright water, bore their shields;
seamen to land linden bore.
    
And as he sings, he climbs to his feet to commence the battle, managing  to fend off the bites and tentacles of the creatures around him.

 R6T5-6:  Cyphermages and Samaritha all stand, all but Samaritha suffering a small bite or flick of the tentacles.

 R6T3:   Ago , you are prone, surrounded in a sea of allies and blue meanies. Do you take Lev's raging song? What do you do?

Sol on deck ...
AggressiveBread
Accepting Lev’s rage, Ago will bellow out to all assembled as he gets to his feet and enters a stance.
  ”You want to kill me beasts? I won’t be such an easy meal! Abadar protects us!”   He attacks one of the creatures with his flail.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Fa:He will use tactical flanker on one of the squares adjacent to him if it would help lev or Tsyra. (tactical flanker designates one adjacent square as if I was standing in it for flanking)
FA: accept raging song
MA: stand up
SWA: enter inner sphere stance
SA:Flail attack  (1d20+8)[ 23 ]  plus rage
Damage  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  plus rage
 
lostsole31
 R6T3:  Accepting Lev’s rage, Ago will bellow out to all  assembled as he gets to his feet as as blue meanies snap at him to get  past his armor and he enters a stance,    ”You want to kill me beasts? I won’t be such an easy meal! Abadar protects us!”    He attacks one of the creatures with his flail, pounding it hard. It skitters back, but another takes its place.

 R6T0:   And with all that motion on the curve of the tower and still on the  outside as these things swarm over around, and now into it, even  climbing the inside walls and moving upstairs (or inward, as you will),  the tower wobbles back ... and forth ... and back ... and finally  lurches! The tower now begins rolling down the steep slope towards the  waters of the lagoon below. Immense cracks begin radiating up along the  sides of the tower as it follows a landslide of rock and rubble  downward. Any characters inside the tower are carried along for a  harrowing ride, but the tower’s shape serves to help slow the fall  somewhat. Akatas clinging to the side of the tower scramble for  purchase—some tumble away to join the rocks and dirt on the fall into  the sea below, while others cling to the outside of the tower only to be  crushed as it rolls over onto them.

 Ozzy , roll another  saving throw as being battered around as you are you desperately try to  get out of the underside of rolling, crunching rocks!
bcool999
 Ozlech 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Reflex Save:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
 
lostsole31
 Initiative Restarts! 

All stances,  raging songs, tactical presences, kinetic blades and the like drop as  the tower rumbles sidelong down the cliff like a rolling log and all of  you like helpless ants inside.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T24:   Tsyra  as the rolling happens, there is a small crack passes within 5' of your position. You may attempt to  escape  (MA, Acrobatics, followed by Ref save) through the small crack to get out of the rolling tower.

Otherwise, your current options are to  ride   (MA, Acrobatics check) along with the tower, moving and jumping along  with the rolling motion to prevent yourself from being battered; or, to  brace  (MA, Climb check) to use stairs, walls, or what-have-you to keep from getting battered around.

What do you do?
rypt
More frightened by what she imagines might happen when the rolling stops than she is by the rolling itself, Tysra offers a prayer to Findeladhlara and reaches for the passing crack in an attempt to escape the tower.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Acrobatics:  (d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Reflex save:  (d20+13)[ 14 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T24:  More frightened by what she imagines might  happen when the rolling stops  than she is by the rolling itself, Tysra offers a prayer to  Findeladhlara and reaches for the passing crack in an attempt to escape  the tower. Her fear quickens her focus in jumping out of the crack, but  she mistimes it and is partially crushed by the tower and carried by the  landslide. So violent is the motion, that her mithral chain shirt is  torn and completely shredded, though very possibly it saved her from  suffering greater injury than the  14 mod  she seems to suffer right now.

 R1T23:   Kwava is an ekujae elf. More than that, He is of an offshoot of the  ekujae - the arboreal ekujae who spend much of their lives in the trees  rather than the ground - explaining his shorter, bandy-legged posture  and his longer arms. He had put himself at a perfect position to brace  easlly.

 R1T21:   Ago , your flail is in hand  and your shield was readied. An akata is getting uncomfortably close to  Samaritha, but you are passing by it. You may make a single attack  against it if you wish. Meanwhile, you may either  Ride  the tower (MA, Acrobatics) or attempt to  Escape  (also MA, Acrobatics, but Ref save if passed). What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Trying to get into an aggressive stance, Ago will swing at the passing creature. Even as the tower continues its wild ride, he tries to keep up his indomitable spirit.   ”Hold fast! Do not give up hope, we shall endure this!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swa: try to enter stance of agression
SA: Attack the creature with flail.
Attack: (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Damage: (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  +1d6 if stance applies
MA: try to adopt indomitable presence
 
lostsole31
 R1T21:  Trying to get into an aggressive stance, but is  moving far too unpredictably to be able to. Still, Ago swings at the  passing  creature; though the hit doesn't kill it, the distraction is enough that  it is unabe to hold purchase and gets tossed to a tower wall to be  smashed into blue goo. Even as the tower continues its wild ride, he  tries to keep up  his indomitable spirit for others to gain courage, but he can't even  manage the proper breath to speak. And then, not having done anything  for himself to deal with the tower's movement, he is tossed to the  tower's side himself, effectively  jostled/prone , but he twists enough at the end to minimize impact. He is fine, but the bulwark Visto gives him is done.

 R1T17:  Though exhibiting no skill or even particularly grand agility, Samarith seems to be able to ride with the tower this round.

 R1T11:   Visto , you were  flying, but a rolling cylinder that also drops may prove a tricky  proposition for you even then. Meanwhile, in all of this rolling around,  one of the blue meanies is getting close to you. What do you do?
meemaas
With the tower starting to come down, Visto will attempt to get out of the opening that was the bottom of the tower quickly, knowing that he can fly to safety if he can just make it out.

 
 Spoiler 
Move action: Fly check  (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 

If successful, and can continue to move, he will double move to fly out, if needed.
 
lostsole31
 R1T11:  With the tower starting to come down, Visto will  attempt to get out of  the opening that was the bottom of the tower quickly, knowing that he  can fly to safety if he can just make it out. If he tried to fly inside  in a sort of "flying ride" he would've failed, but since he is really  just trying to zoom out the side as quickly as possible, he just.  barely. makes. it . out.

He watches the tower continue to tumble down the cliffside, his friends inside.

 R1T6:   Lev , there is a solid object to brace against if you wish (MA, Climb DC 15). What do you wish to do?
Kvard51
As the tower starts tumbling, Lev grabs at the first thing available, the support beam under the stairs.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
MA: Climb Check  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
SA, if he succeeds, restart Raging Song to give others a higher CON to withstand damage.
 
lostsole31
 R1T6:  As the tower starts tumbling, Lev grabs for the  first thing that makes itself available, but he fails and is spun off  into a wall for  9 + prone !

 R1T0:   The tower keeps tumbling down the hill. 
 Spoiler: Visto 
Possibly because  he is out of range, but Ozzy is no longer part of your akashic  bond.
 

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ... 
 R2T24:  Tsyra, you are in a landslide. Roll a Ref save!

Kwava on deck, Ago in the hole ...
rypt
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra's Reflex save:  (d20+13)[ 23 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T24:  Tsyra releases her kinetic blade as she holds  onto a dangling root! She still has the odd pebble dink her in the melon  and dirt spill over, but she uses the root to keep her from falling any  farther. Tsyra sees Visto flying, and both of you see the tower  continue to tumble like a rolling log. It's not pleasant, though, as her  wounds catch up with her ( 21  from DDP).

 R2T23:  Kwava easily maintains his brace, and as Samaritha floats by him, he gives her aid.

 R2T21:   Ago ,  you have to take a MA just to get out of "prone/jostled." An unbraced  Lev is in reach. You can either spend a MA to give him aid, but then you  are jostled and get hurt; or you can leave Lev to his own devices and  either try to Brace (DC 15 Climb), Ride (DC 15 Acrobatics), or Escape  (DC 15 Acrobatics + Ref save). What do you do?

Samaritha on deck, Visto in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Practically being dragged around by the weight of his armor, Ago chooses to forgo his own safety to reach out a hand to help Lev.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ma: get out of being jostled
Ma: assist Lev.
 
lostsole31
 R2T21:   Practically being dragged around by the weight of his armor, Ago chooses  to forgo his own safety to reach out a hand to help Lev.

 R2T17:  Samaritha is unable to make use of Kwava's offered help and is thrown to the side for  3 + jostled . She rights herself afterwards.

 R2T11:   Visto ,  you escaped. Lev and Ago are now out of range and you no longer have an  akashic bond with them, either. You do see Tsyra dangling, but I am  going to take you out of initiative as it is assumed you will help her  get down safely.

 R2T7:  Many of  the inner horde of blue meanies, natural climbers, are now bracing  themselves carefully. Silently staring at the non-blue meanies hungrily.

 R2T6:   Lev ,  it is assumed you take a MA to remove the jostled/prone condition. A  blue meanie is near you. You can either strike at it, or seek to  brace ,  ride , or  escape , and Ago is trying to assist you. 
 Spoiler 
Brace = Climb DC 15.
Ride = Acrobatics DC 15.
Escape = Acrobatics DC 15 + Ref save.
 

Cyphermages on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev reaches again for the brace, hoping to arrest his tumbling.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
MA: Climb check  (1d20+8)[ 22 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T6:  Lev's powerful hands maintain a brace, but the  blue meanie bites him with a crit. Lev resists the possible fatigue, but  still takes  14 .

 R2T5:  Cyphermages continue to have a bad time of it.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T23:  Kwava continues to brace.

 R3T21:  Ago is automatically able to keep bracing this round without need for a check.

 R3T17:  Samaritha continues to be jostled for  8 .

 R3T7:   The monsters continue to brace well, though several still get tossed  about and jostled, and the one that bit Lev gets smashed against the  wall.

 R3T6:  Yet another blue meanie drifts by Lev.  Lev , do you seek to  ride ,  brace , or  escape ?
Kvard51
Lev continues to grip the brace with all the strength he can muster.  He begins telling a tale of the power of perseverance in his resonant baritone, hoping to encourage the others to just hang on.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
MA Brace:  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
SA initiate Raging Song (with Skald's Vigor) in hopes of helping the others find the strength to hold
 
lostsole31
 R3T6:  Lev continues to grip the brace with all the  strength he can muster.  He  begins telling a tale of the power of perseverance in his resonant  baritone, hoping to encourage the others to just hang on, but he doesn't  have the posture or breath to make it work for the entire area, though  he draws psychological strength from it for himself. Still, the blue  meanie drifting by nips him in the calf for  2 .

 End Initiative! 

At  the bottom of the slope, the tower plunges into the sea. The impact is  softened by the water, and characters within the tower are automatically  knocked prone unless they were bracing on the previous round. (So,  Kwava, Ago, Lev are not prone.)

The impact also inflicts damage to everyone, though people's agility can mitigate that: Kwava ( 4 ), Lev ( 5 ), Ago ( 3 ), Sol (no damage).

The  tower’s magical construction prevented it from completely collapsing,  but enough holes exist now that the waves swiftly rush in—likewise, the  PCs should have little problem clambering out of the tower and onto the  beach. The water here isn’t deep enough to completely submerge the  fallen tower, but it is enough to damage the blue meanies, as the salt  water acts as an extremely powerful acid on those creatures. Any  surviving and conscious blue meanies thrash in freakishly silent agony  as the salt water eats away at them, dealing 4d6 points of damage per  round. The water slays the score or so surviving blue meanies from the  assault with relative ease.

While Samaritha used  feather fall  at  the last instant to greatly increase the likelihood of her own  survival, the collapsing tower and tumble killed the other cyphermages.  Samaritha quickly realizes her shelter is now gone. Desperate and  afraid, she looks to the PCs for direction on where to go next.

Meanwhile, Visto and Tsyra amble their way to the bottom. The latter is pretty battered from the rockslide.

Ozzy is nowhere in sight. 😦

Samaritha mentions that she can use  levitate   to help ferry those that are really bad at climbing back up to the  ridge above (most likely Ago, if nobody else). Without levitation or  flight, the climb back up to the top is difficult but not impossible.  Few beaches surround the base of the island's cliffs, so walking the  perimeter really isn't an option - swimming, however, is (though there  are rumors that the waters surrounding the Devil's Elbow is infested  with sharks, reefclaws, and all manner of aquatic menaces).

What will the party do?
AggressiveBread
Ago looks at the bodies of the Cyphermages with a deep sadness and shame on his face. As he clambers out of the ruined tower he points back up toward higher ground.
  ”Let’s regroup on the cliff, we will stay true to our word and get Samaritha on a ship back to Riddleport. Where is Ozzy?”  
rypt
Will Visto's help, Tsyra reaches the bottom of the cliff to rejoin the others.  Her hair, no longer tied in the back, now hangs haphazardly across her face, caked in places by masses of dirt.  Her robes are stained and torn, exposing a bare bruised shoulder and the rent remains of a once-exquisite chainmail shirt.

  "That it would remain whole..."   she remarks with a note of bewilderment as she eyes the partially submerged tower.    "I am surprised such magics were invested in this meager settlement."   

When Santiago asks about Ozzy, she turns away from the water, wincing as she cranes her neck up to the clifftop.    "I have not seen him since the tower fell.  It is possible that he and the others in the entryway were spared this ruinous descent."  

She then looks back to the others.    "The starmetal stored in the tower, was anyone able to retrieve it?"  
lostsole31
  "I was,"   says Samaritha.   "That's why I went back upstairs briefly."  

Kwava points to an area adjacent to the tower. It is the complete ruins of the adjoining building to the tower.    "Unless he jumped clear, Ozzy was not so lucky."  
rypt
Tsyra follows Kwava's gesture to the ruins of the adjoining building.  For a time she is silent, her eyes shifting between the wave-lapped debris and some distant point.     "The way the tower fell..."    her voice is so quiet as to be barely audible,     "I could not have known of its enchantment."      She then clears her throat and repeats, louder this time and with an edge of defensiveness, as though answering an accusation no one has actually made,   "I could not have known of its enchantment."    She then turns away from the water, and as she steps towards the cliff face, begins to remove climbing equipment from her backpack.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will ready her climber's kit for the ascent back to the top of the ridge.
 
AggressiveBread
Santiago speaks softy with the assurance of someone who has practiced these same words many times.   ”Don’t be too hard on yourself, we all new the risks of coming here. For now, we have a duty to save those who can still be saved.”   he glances at Samaritha as he says this.
Kvard51
Lev begins checking the Cyphermages to see if he can help anyone.  As he works, he begins to sing, softly, while tears well in his eyes,  “Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all
To avenge our friends, not mourn them forever.
Each of us will come to the end of this life
On earth; he who can earn it should fight
For the glory of his name; fame after death
Is the noblest of goals.”  
lostsole31
A brief attempt to try and find Ozzy's body will come to naught. None of the Cypher-no-name-mages are salvaged, their spellbooks weren't carried on person but in the tower, and they otherwise had nothing of value individually.

There is a brief period of cairn building (plenty of rocks), even if one of them (Ozzy's) has to be symbolic without a body to bury.

It will be a bit of an evolution, but with Kwava leading the way and Tsyra guiding and Samaritha using some magic and Sol and Visto flying ....... Ago and Lev (and everyone else) will be able to be brought safely back up to the top.

Now what?
AggressiveBread
Santiago recites a short prayer for the dead, adding a little in Abyssal for Ozzy. Once up at the top of the cliff, he addresses the party.   ”We should get back to camp and get Samaritha on the boat back to Riddleport.”   He pauses in thought for a moment his armor and adornments jingling with the breeze.
  ”After that, I think it would be wise to seek out Zincher’s camp. As unpleasant as those thugs are, they may know more about what is going on here. We still haven’t found any sign of those purple elves.  
lostsole31
  "Why do we think there are multiple purple elves?"   asks Sol.   "The one your brother saw below the Cyphergate - I didn't see it myself - but my understanding it was some type of undead elf. And purple skin? I'm inclined to think it some type of sorcerous bloodline or perhaps something related to the manner of its particular undeath."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago ponders the question before answering.  ”Mostly an assumption. If we only have the one to worry about that would be nice, but, given our track record with this island. I’m assuming the worst.”   he looks down at the sunken tower below.   ”For what it’s worth I hope there’s only one. She sounded like a handful on her own.”  
meemaas
Visto nods along with Santiago.   "Visto agrees. While Visto would like it best if there was only one, Visto does not believe that being prepared for one is the smart thing to do."   He has been quiet for the most part, mourning the fallen in his mind, although he has taken the time during their travel to make sure that everyone present has been taken care of.

 
 Spoiler 
Basically, since I haven't posted in some time, I'm just adding in that Visto will/has used Unicorn Feathering on anyone who is injured while we move or while we moved. Basically whenever he has the chance.
 
lostsole31
Everyone is now fully healed (with the exception of any ability damage). Tsyra was so banged up from her portion of the fall in the landslide that it took Visto two uses of his feathering to help her.

Kwava and Ganmeed reunite.

 Tsyra ,  Lev  ... are you both good with heading back to "camp?"
rypt
Tsyra thanks Visto for his restorative magics and nods in agreement at the suggestion that they return to camp.  After the brief exchange between Santiago and Sol about other oddly colored threats, she speaks up,   "And what of the swarm of tentacled blue beasts?  Do any of you know what those creatures were?  I am troubled by the possibility, however small, that they may have intended to bring the tower down, either as a product of their own quiet cunning, or under the command of another."  
lostsole31
Samaritha speaks up as the party begins heading back to camp.   "It is my hypothesis that they are not from our world .... that they came from the stars with the meteor somehow. Similar to a monster of mythology, I call them 'akatas' for want of anything else to call them. I don't think they cared about the tower, but I and my doomed team. Their bite seems to include something nasty, for those that are bitten turn into those void zombies."  
lostsole31
The group makes it back across the island the way they came to rendezvous with a well-hidden Maggie.
AggressiveBread
Santiago will fill Maggie in on what happened and Ozzy’s fate.
Afterwards he addresses the party.
  ”Samaritha, you should be safe here with Maggie until the captain returns. Does anyone need to rest? I think we should make haste to Clegg’s camp. Unless there is somewhere else we could investigate.”  
lostsole31
Sol says,   "It's almost nightfall, and we've had a harrowing day with the loss of our friend ... even if you didn't know him that long."  
AggressiveBread
The paladin slumps a little, as if the gravity of recent events has only just hit him.   ”Of course. Take all the time you need, my brother trusted him. I’m sure he was a good man.”  
rypt
Upon returning to camp, Tsyra will search for a spot that will afford her a measure of privacy.  Assuming she finds a suitable location, she will use that privacy to carefully remove what little remains of her chain shirt.  After gathering the metal fragments before her, she will offer her prayers to Findeladlara.  Her holy words are at times spoken in a low, almost sorrowful tone as she laments the loss of a great elven work while also acknowledging that it may well have saved her life.  Once this brief ritual is complete, she will stow the fragments in a folded sack and then return the sack to an extradimensional pocket on her belt.  She will then rejoin the others and, while waiting for Creesy to return with the  Flying Cloud , will use  hands of the mender  to mend the tears in her robes.
lostsole31
Captain Creesy and the Flying Cloud make it to the pier after another hour or so.

Anything to tell the captain? Anyone else quitting themselves of this aptly named "Devil's Elbow?"
AggressiveBread
Ago will speak to Samaritha one last time before she leaves.
  ”I hope you make the trip back safely. Would you still be willing to give us a portion of the metal you found? I know the evacuation went poorly but we could really use it.”  
lostsole31
She looks shocked. Not because it seems like she was going to cheat the party, but because in her own misery she didn't think about it. She opens the small chest and takes out some small pieces of what looks almost like green crystal and hands it to the party.

That's when Kwava says,   "You're already on this mission, and I never meant to be on a boat voyage in the first place. I must go report what has happened here to my superiors, so I and Ganmeed will be leaving as well."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago will nod with gratitude. Turning to speak to Kwava, he will ask.
  ”When we return Riddleport, would it be possible to contact you if we find anything of note?”  
meemaas
Visto bows to Kwava upon his declaration of leaving.   "Visto will miss Friends Ganmeed and Kwava and hopes to see them again in the future. Be safe"  
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by AggressiveBread 
 Santiago will nod with gratitude. Turning to speak to Kwava, he will ask,   ”When we return Riddleport, would it be possible to contact you if we find anything of note?”   
 

  "I will find you, should you return safely,"   he says.

 
 Originally Posted by meemaas 
 Visto bows to Kwava upon his declaration of leaving.   "Visto will miss Friends Ganmeed and Kwava and hopes to see them again in the future. Be safe"   
 

  "Thank you, Friend Visto and other friends, and may the stars guide you ever to a worthy home,"   he says, nodding to the others as he goes aboard.

Samaritha merely pats Sol's and Ago's hands as she quietly goes aboard, too traumatized to speak.

Next, Maggie and Scruff (the badger) move up to the gangplank .... and then she stops. She stares up at the ship, then a look to the south and west at the island. She doesn't move, lost in thought. It looks like Captain Creesy might be getting impatient.
rypt
Tsyra bids the departing trio farewell before turning to Captain Creesy.    "When are you next able to return?"  
lostsole31
  "If that stubby-legged fey and her stubby-legged rat don't climb aboard,"   says Captain Creesy,   "I should die of old age beside this pier!"  
rypt
Tsyra regards Maggie with a puzzled expression.    "Have you reconsidered your decision to depart the island?"   she asks of the gnome.
lostsole31
She looks like she's chewing on something on the side of her mouth slowly.   "I wouldn't call it 'reconsider.' The smart play is I step on that plank, walk up it, get on the ship, and sail back to safety away from blighted lands."  
rypt
  "Call it what you will."    She gestures downward, moving her hand forward and back to highlight the short distance between Maggie's boot and the end of the gangplank.    "The difference between recognizing a good decision and making a good decision is just so."  
AggressiveBread
  ”Like she said.”   Ago nods toward Tsyra.   “We understand if you wish to leave, but by the same token.”   he gestures to his bedraggled and debris covered companions.   “It seems we could use your help. Who knows? Maybe something good will come from our stint here, gods willing.”  
lostsole31
She has a foot on the bottom of the plank, though she looks ill.   "Forward and up is a 'good decision.'"   She puts her foot off the gangplank, but still looks up.   "But what kind of druid am I if I leave this place imperiled with otherworldly energies until I know the land will be okay?"  

She steps back, pauses several seconds, and just nods curtly once to the captain, who then has his crew retract the gangway.    "No, Riddleport is stinky, and more blighted than this place, so this is the path of least resistance here, right? So this place really is the baby step, not the other way around. And here I will be for now."   

Captain Creesy will check in again the night after tomorrow, and with that he sails away. 
AggressiveBread
Santiago claps his gauntleted hands together.   ”We’re glad to have you on board Maggie. After we get some rest I think we should head to Zincher’s camp in the morning. Unless anyone has other destinations in mind.”  
lostsole31
That night, in the shelter at the pier that the group has chosen, Lev plays music for the group while watching Ago's and Maggie's with each other, finding both of them endlessly fascinating. Sol is outside working on something alchemical, surely, as he is breathing fire! Tsyras and Visto talk to each other about their connection to raw magical forces.

The shelter is buttoned up tight and everyone goes to bed.

 

    Oathday, 7 Desnus 4708 AR (Waxing Crescent) 
Weather: 85/ 65 F. Winds NW 5 mph. Dry.   

The next day, it is time for dailies. What do folks do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago is up bright and early reciting a few quiet prayers to Abadar while polishing his armor with a rag. He admires his work like a proud father.
 
 Spoiler: Daily prep 
Santiago will be swapping out lesser restoration for veil of positive energy. No other changes.
 
bcool999
 Maggie 

After completing her morning preparations Maggie can be seen speaking with Scruff in camp.

  ”Alright Scruff it’s a new day and we have an island full of otherworldly nastiness to explore. And also some town crooks by the sound of it. If they give us any trouble just remember what I taught you about pants. If you pull it down to their ankles it’s almost as good as rope.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No changes to sheet. Still settling into it and option paralysis is a real danger.
 
lostsole31
For today's discovery for Lev ... 
 Spoiler: Lev's Discoveries 

First, the very aspect of the earth's many caustic minerals is infused into the fabric of a pair of gloves that Lev makes, which now allows him to flick that caustic material at an enemy up to 30' away. As always, with no energy invested, it disappears from view, but the power is still there. Unlocked minor veil/ hands:   gloves of lashing elements [acid]  .

Next, realizing that so many groups enduring tragedy on this island in history and current, there is likely to be a lot of pain, the daeva guides Lev to make a monocle with images fleeting across the surface to help him read psychic phenomena. Unlocked minor veil/ head:   relic seeker's monocle  .

Now for the passion veils, his bread and butter. Shimmering circlets of akasha chime and jingle with each movement of his arms like the bracelets of an eldritch courtesan, making others taken in by your intoxicating presence. Unlocked   bangles of the jealous seductress  .

Finally, Naysin guides you to the last - and not least - of all of your passion veils you have to learn. It allows Naysin to inhabit this realm a little more closely to enjoy your sensations, and you shape the veil in the mysterious blood slot. As a creature of desire, the need to reach out and touch beyond yourself, as well as to be listened to and even obeyed is much stronger. Unlocked  daevic aspect [desire] .

Finally, actually binding to the feet and not a part of your passion, a set of curving ivory claws forged of pure akasha encase Lev's feet. Good for a set of backup natural weapons, but mainly to allow Lev to be more spry on land and in water. Unlocked   sea drake's talons  .

REMEMBER, you start with no E in any of them, which means none of these are easy to see by others looking at you.
 
rypt
Tsyra's routine is much the same as it has been the days prior.    "Are we certain of Zincher's location?"   she asks as she stows her bedding.    "As I recall, Visto spotted signs of a camp to the southeast, but that is as likely to belong to Slyeg's company as it is to Zincher's."  

While waiting for Sol to complete his preparations, Tsyra will examine and attempt to identify the starmetal left by Samaritha.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The only change to Tsyra's daily prep is that  breaker's dodge  will change to Withheld Readied.
 
meemaas
Visto continues to meditate as he has previously, reshaping his veils to better fit what he believes will help his friends most. Once he finishes, he goes around to each of his Friends and applies his protection to them for the day, while imbuing Ago and Lev with further power to protect them more.

 
 Spoiler 
Veils will remain the same with the exception of one veil stored in the Tactician's Tabard, where Lightdash Bindings will be changed for Gorget of the Wyrm (Cold). This locks up 2E invested into the Tabard.

Visto will maintain 2E invested into his Wings from his Stormbound pool.

He will also maintain 2E invested into Spectacles of the Sheikh from his Radiant side.

He will invest 2E each into both Santiago and Lev, giving them the benefits of the Ferocity Vivification.

Finally, Visto will activate his Weatherproofing on himself and every member of his party, protecting them from both his Storms and his Veils both.
 
lostsole31
This moveable feast is ready to head out. Which way do you go?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will follow Visto’s lead.
  ”Visto, can you lead us to the camp you saw?”  
Kvard51
Lev's new knowledge feels useful.  And best of all, he feels closer to Naysin than he has since the first heady days after she first approached him.    "I would ask that no one stand close to me if we must fight today.
 My Daeva has gifted me with new power that will not differentiate friend from foe."  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Going to go ahead and invest 1E in Chakra Power, 1 in Gloves of Lashing Elements, and 1 in Relic Seekers Monocle.  I will also Bind Daevic Aspect but wait to invest E.  Same with Sea Drake's Talons.
 
meemaas
Visto will fly upwards again to get a better sense of direction to the camp he remembers, and then once he's caught sight of it, returns to the ground and points the direction.   "Visto sees it in this direction, and will check as Friends progress to make sure not to lose the way, but Friend Ago can lead."  
lostsole31
The best thing to do is not the most direct route. Rather, it is to take the road heading west and then with multiple switchbacks south to the now destroyed Witchlight area, for from there the old path goes south and east along the curve of the island (of note, the path always continues to the south and west as well) . This is far better than traipsing directly through rough and mixed forest terrain because of a direct line.

As the party travels, Sol and Visto are flying above (20' altitude) and  talking when Ago - who is taking role of protector more than the role of  "point" in the front - suddenly gets completely swarmed by hundreds, if  not thousands, of diminutive, wriggling little many-legged bugs! He  ends up taking  11 +  1 poison    from the mass, which completely blows through Visto's aid. Even with no  mental preparation, the swarm does not distract the Abadaran.

 Begin Round One ..

R1T22:   Maggie , what do you do? What do you order Scruff to do?
bcool999
 Maggie 

Seeing the seething mass of bugs envelop Ago, Maggie gags a little and warns Scruff,   ”Avoid the bugs Scruff!”  

Maggie then calls upon the spirit of Flame and shoots fire from her fingers into the bugs. She aims carefully to avoid singeing Ago before retreating a distance from the bugs.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: Order Scruff to avoid the bugs.
Standard Action: Cast Burning Hands originating at the South West Corner of Maggies Square and firing Southwest. Should get 2 squares of swarm and miss allies.

Damage:  (4d4)[ 8 ]  Fire Damage DC 16 Reflex for half.

Move Action:Move East 20ft.
 
lostsole31
 R1T22:  Seeing the seething mass of bugs envelop Ago, Maggie gags a little and warns Scruff,   ”Avoid the bugs, Scruff!”  

Maggie then calls upon the spirit of Flame and shoots fire from her   fingers into the bugs, aiming carefully to avoid singeing Ago. The swarm  gets hit for   12 fire  ! Maggie retreats a distance from the bugs.

 R1T18:   Lev , what do you do?
Kvard51
Lev, trying out one of the new abilities Nasin has shown him, hurls acid into the swarm.  He finishes by stepping to the other side of the boulder to his left.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
SA:Gloves of Lashing Elements (ACID)  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  for  (2d3+4)[ 8 ]  acid dmg
MA: move 5' SE, 5' E, 10' NE
 
lostsole31
 R1T18:  Lev, trying out one of the new abilities Nasin  has shown him, hurls acid  into the swarm. It appears to have no appreciable effect against the  mass, though a centipede or two are dissolved.  He finishes by stepping  to the other side of the  boulder to his left.

 R1T14:  Sol flies past Visto and simply drops a bomb onto the mass for   12 fire  . Ago gets hit by some of the splash, but his inhuman heritage minimizes it to   3 mod fire  .

 R1T13:   Tsyra , what do you do?
rypt
Appearing for a moment as though she'd taken a bite out of rotten fruit, Tsyra's expression twists in disgust as she watches Santiago disappear beneath the verminous mass.  Quickly conjuring a now familiar blade of earth and stone, she darts forward and attempts to cut across the portion of insects still on the ground.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: Create a slashing kinetic blade via Kinetic Blade Master.

Swift action: Adopt  scarlet einhander  stance.

Move action: Move 1 square southeast, then 1 square south.

Standard action: Attack the swarm with her kinetic blade.
 Attack: (d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Damage: (2d6+5)[ 9 ]  Bonuses believed to be applicable above but not applied: +1d6 damage from  scarlet einhander , +1 attack from Elemental Overflow.
 
lostsole31
 R1T13:  Appearing for a moment as though she'd taken a bite out of rotten fruit,  Tsyra's expression twists in disgust as she watches Santiago disappear  beneath the verminous mass.  Quickly conjuring a now familiar blade of  earth and stone, she darts forward and attempts to cut across the  portion of insects still on the ground. She only gets the odd centipede or two, as the whole mass is surprisingly quick.

 R1T12:   Ago , roll two Fort saves: the first vs. distraction, the second vs. the centipede venom. What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will bellow out in anger getting a centipede or two in his mouth. He stands in the swarm and conjures Abadar’s light to heal himself. He calls out.   ”I’ll make myself a target, anyone who can hit many at once, take your shot!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
he will use unbreakable gambit as an immediate action on the poison save.
Save vs poison:  (1d20+17)[ 36 ]  +2 from gambit
If successful, the gambit gives him 15 THP for a round
Save vs distraction:  (1d20+17)[ 20 ] 
MA: activate indomitable presence
SA: ready an action to use lay on hands on himself the next time he is damaged by the swarm.
 

 
 Spoiler: If distracted 
MA activate indomitable presence
 
lostsole31
 R1T12:  Santiago will bellow out in anger getting a centipede or two in his  mouth. He calls out.   ”I’ll make myself a target, anyone who can hit many at once, take your shot!”  
 R1T10:   Visto , what do you do?
meemaas
Visto allows the power of his storms to release, expanding the area around him and his friends. The very air around him begins to grow uncomfortably hot as the wind picks up, moving the hot air in a way that is clearly unnatural for the area. As it starts, he will drop himself down a small ways, releasing the energy of one of his veils in order to reform a new one, scales much like a dragons appearing down his back and shoulders, before turning translucent with a slight blue shimmer to them.

 
 Spoiler 
NAA: At start of combat, Visto's Stormweaving allows him to change his Storm Veil for a different one, so he will swap to The Sirocco. For turn, he will generate 1 TE and invest it into The Sirocco

Move action: Move 10 feet down, to make sure the Storm keeps the swarm in range even if it moves to another ally.
Standard action: Take 1 Essence Burn to use the Tactician's Tabard, storing the Verdant Vambraces and shaping the Gorget of the Wyrm to the neck slot.

At end of turn, all targets unaffiliated with Visto's team within 30 feet of him will take  (1d3)[ 2 ]  Fire damage and must make a Fort save or be sickened until damage is healed.
 
lostsole31
 R1T10:  Visto allows the power of his storms to release, expanding the area  around him and his friends. The very air around him begins to grow  uncomfortably hot as the wind picks up, moving the hot air in a way that  is clearly unnatural for the area. As it starts, he will drop himself  down a small ways, releasing the energy of one of his veils in order to  reform a new one, scales much like a dragons appearing down his back and  shoulders, before turning translucent with a slight blue shimmer to  them.

Meanwhile, the sweltering heat causes havoc among the swarm, which takes   3 fire damage  .

 R1T9:  Scruff delays, awaiting orders ...

 R1T6:  The centipede swarm continues to nibble and envenom Ago for  6 +  1 poison  .  Ago doesn't even feel any of the pain, distraction, or poison, and it  doesn't hurt him enough that he feels the need to lay on  hands. 
 Spoiler: Ago 
Your readied action doesn't go off, because only your  THP buffer is affected ... you didn't take any actual  real  hp damage.
 

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T22:   Maggie , what do you do?

Lev on deck, Sol in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Moving a few steps closer to be in range, Maggie fires off another blast of flame just catching a portion of the swarm in range.

Seeing Scruff still over there eyeballing the swarm, she rolls her eyes and says,   ”Over here Scruff!”   while pointing just north of herself.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
5ft step West
Standard: Burning Hands cone facing Orthogonal West. DC 16 Reflex vs 4d4 fire damage.
Free action: Order Scruff to move to the square north of Maggie.
 
lostsole31
 R2T22:  Moving a few steps closer to be in range, Maggie fires off another blast  of flame just catching a portion of the swarm in range for   12 fire  . Seeing Scruff still over there eyeballing the swarm, she rolls her eyes and says,   ”Over here, Scruff!”   while pointing just north of herself.

 R2T21:  Scruff trundles over to where directed.

 R2T18:  Lev, having nothing for this and believing the swarm to be well in hand, delays ...

 R2T14:   Sol hovers and lets loose with another bomb that destroys the remainder  of the swarm, scattering its remnants into holes to escape as quickly  as possible. For his part, Ago turned quickly enough so that the flames  that do hit him don't hurt him.

 Battle Over! 
AggressiveBread
Santiago laughs as he wipes some bug copses off of his armor.  ”Despite their numbers, those pests were no match for Abadar’s protection. I was, however, lightly injured. I would appreciate some of your healing before we continue on Visto.  
bcool999
 Maggie 

Giving Scruff an under the chin scritch for his behavior, Maggie turns to Ago as he requests healing from the flying Visto. Walking over to Ago and channeling healing energy to into her hands she reaches over and pokes him in the side “  ”Boop.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Use Lay on Hands on Ago (unless he dodges or something)
Healing:  (2d6)[ 8 ] 
 
lostsole31
And with that, Ago is completely healed.

What now?
AggressiveBread
Receiving the healing gratefully Ago gives Maggie an appreciative nod.   ”Now then, I suppose we should continue towards the camp. Onwards and upwards friends!”   he will take the lead in the direction that Visto was leading.
lostsole31
As the party continues their travels, the main path continues along the raised plateau of the island as expected, but there does seem to be a cliff side path leading downwards towards the sea.

Does the group remain on the main path, which Visto figures would take them to where they think they're going? or, do they go off the main path to explore the cliff side paths, instead?
AggressiveBread
Ago points down the main path.   ”I think finding the camp should be our first goal, We should remember this path for later though. What do you think?”  
meemaas
  Visto could fly over in that direction to see if anything might come after Friends from behind. But Visto is fine going straight to the camp with Friends also.   
rypt
Tsyra eyes the side path for a moment before focusing on the main path.    "It is worthwhile to know of paths to the sea in the event the tentacled beasts return, but for now, let us proceed to the camp."  
lostsole31
 


It's only another half mile or so south along the path, and following the bit white plume of smoke, before you get to an area where you can see the camp. The entire camp stands in a wide forest clearing just off the western side of the trail and about 200 feet south of two partially collapsed buildings. One massive tent dominates this encampment, with three lesser olive-green tents to the south and a line of relatively small canvas tents along the north end. Ahead of the massive tent and between the lines of the others slowly burns a huge bonfire, creating a tremendous plume of white smoke. Sections of high palisade walls offer minimal protection around the edges of the camp, although stacked tree trunks and lines of narrow, deep trenches indicate the palisade is meant to eventually engulf the entire camp.

What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago looks at the fortifications with curiosity.
  ”It seems like these men plan to be here for a long while yet. Let’s head down and see who we can find. Let’s keep weapons sheathed for now.”   Santiago will begin making his way towards the camp, looking for other people.
bcool999
 Maggie 

Maggie and Scruff trundle along behind Ago with only a minimal amount of Coaxing to keep Scruff from sniffing the undergrowth.
meemaas
Visto will return to the ground and start walking with his team as he follows them into the camp.
rypt
Tsyra nods approvingly at Santiago's suggestion that they keep their weapon's sheathed, looking to each of the others to check if any among them intend to ready a weapon anyway.
lostsole31
As the PCs approach, they are met by four people wearing studded leather and armed with shortsword and shortbow (all stowed).

 "Hey! Who are you? What're you doin' at our camp!"  challenges one when the group is 30' away. His weapon isn't pulled, but their hands are on the pommels of weapon in case of trouble.
AggressiveBread
Santiago puts his hands up, showing he has no weapons out. He calls out to the men.   ”We’re with Sol flood from the Gold Goblin! We’ve been attacked by strange beasts and undead on the island and we were hoping Zincher might know something about it! May we enter?”  
lostsole31
Santiago does nothing to allay them, and they take out their short swords (but don't advance), and one of them says, "Get Zincher" as another takes off towards a large tent.

Do you wait calmly or force/ escalate the interaction?
meemaas
Visto speaks up while the party waits.   "Visto hopes new Friends are healthy and safe. Visto has seen many on this island that have been hurt or worse by the creatures, and Visto would like to offer to heal those of new Friends group that may need some. At least, once new Friends decide that Visto and his Friends are friends."   While the others may not notice it, those who have been with Visto for some time can notice that the last use of friends is in a slightly different tone than the way he normally uses the word.
lostsole31
Visto does NOT get to have all his words heard. He can stubbornly say everything, but Zincher's men don't want to hear any damn "pretty words" and just as things are starting to emotionally escalate the fourth man returns and talks to the others and calls out,  "Clegg Zincher will see the newcomers in his pavilion. Come closer, and follow us." 

Assuming everyone does so (because, after all, that's why you're here, right?), you are brought into the camp not from the northwest but the southwest. As you enter the inner perimeter of the camp, puffing out a massive column of white smoke, this large bonfire ( E1 ) slowly burns the tall pile of wet boughs and branches piled up here. The wood gives off a pleasant aroma as it crackles and pops.

You pass an area that lines the western edges of the encampment where several crude wooden cages sit under the trees ( E7 ). Each cage is empty.

You are brought right around the entrance and into the largest temporary structure in camp. This immense red pavilion sticks out in the forest setting. Easily fifteen feet tall and twenty feet wide, the tent is larger than many buildings in Riddleport: Zincher's Pavilion ( E6 ).

Just before you are brought inside, the guards say,  "Gotta' keep your weapons out here before you go inside to see the boss." 

What do you do?
Kvard51
Lev steps to the front of the party, slowly unsheathing his greatsword from his back.  He leans it against the tent beside the door, unsheaths his dagger and lays it on the ground.    "There you go, boys.  Keep a close eye on those, will you?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The guards need to make a DC17 Will Save or be fascinated by Lev's Bangles of the Jealous Seductress
 
lostsole31
All four guards pay rapt attention to Lev.
AggressiveBread
Santiago will lay his weapons and shield next to Lev’s. He’ll wait to see what the others do, watching the guards with curiosity.
  ”I’ll be alright without my weapons, we should try to stay civil.”  
rypt
Making her own contribution to the collection of armaments piled at the entrance to the tent, Tsyra gently sets down a pair of matching shortswords with leaf-shaped blades.  Then, echoing Santiago's sentiment in her own way, she states firmly,   "We are guests here, and Findeladlara holds sacred the laws of hospitality.  I will not violate those laws, and wish to not see them violated by those in my company."  
lostsole31
Sol deposits a light mace, a dagger, and a light crossbow with four cases of bolts.

 Maggie and Visto ?
meemaas
Visto carries no weapons, but to fit in, drops his backpack and leaves it with the others.
lostsole31
The last one is Maggie.   "You gotta leave your badger out here, staked down and not roaming free, but at least you'll have someone guarding your weapons, right?"   says one of the guards.
bcool999
 Maggie 

Begrudgingly, Maggie ties up Scruff and leaves him to guard the group’s weapons. Giving the guards a side eye through the process.   ”Guard here Scruff. We’ll be back shortly.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Maggie agrees to disarmament and orders Scruff to stand guard over the disarmed weapons.
 
Kvard51
Once everyone has removed their armaments, Lev gestures to the tent flap.    ”If you would be so kind as to show us in good sirs?”  
lostsole31
The group is led inside to the first part of the pavilion. A bizarre place of opulence despite its isolation, the inside of this pavilion is divided by a curtain that runs from roof to floor. In he open front half, a massive, iron-banded wooden trunk rests along the north wall while a row of boxes lines the south wall. Four heavily cushioned leather chairs sit in the middle of the open space in pairs. A tall, wrought-iron candelabra stands in the center of the area, its twelve evenly spaced candles burning merrily and giving off a mixture of pleasant aromas.

A man comes out from the divided section to greet you ... Clegg Zincher. Clegg Zincher is a broad-shouldered man. He has short gray hair and the leathery, wrinkled face of a man who spent most of his youth working under the sun. His beard is short and stubbly, almost an afterthought, and he wears an amulet bearing an image of a two-headed roc. Zincher wears a leather cord on one shoulder, on which he has threaded several dried goblin ears—trophies from a long-ago triumphant battle.

  "Sit,"   he gestures to the many comfortable chairs in the pavilion, along with some boxes and benches.

Is anyone too ornery to sit?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will whistle as he sits in one of the chairs, taking in the finery.   ”Nice place.”  
rypt
Tsyra sits down on one of the peripheral benches.  While the others filter in and find a seat, she will take a closer look both at Zincher and at the contents of his surprisingly well-appointed tent.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Does Zincher appear to be well rested?  Is he armed?

Are there any labels or markings on the boxes?
 
meemaas
Rather than sit, Visto perches on his seat. He shows great interest in the amulet, but keeps quiet so as to not cause problems again.
Kvard51
  "Thank you Mr. Zincher,"   Lev says, sitting in the closest seat to Clegg.    "I hope we can find some common ground today."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Fascinate triggers for everyone w/in 10 ft of Lev.  DC17
 
lostsole31
I need  everyone  to roll a Will save, please.
rypt
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra's Will save:  (d20+9)[ 23 ] 
 
Kvard51
 
 Spoiler: Will save 
Will  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
 
bcool999
 Maggie 
 
 Spoiler: Will save 
 (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  +1 if it is an illusion spell or effect.
 


Maggie will take a seat where she is able.
AggressiveBread
 
 Spoiler: Will save 
 (1d20+12)[ 26 ] 
If it’s a fear effect he is immune and everyone within 10ft gets a +4 bonus from aura of courage.
 
meemaas
 
 Spoiler 
Visto Will Save  (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 
 
lostsole31
 Maggie , that Lev sure is an amazing speaker. You could listen to him read a census report all. day. long. Ahhhh......
 
 Spoiler: Lev, Sol, Visto 
It appears that Clegg is almost completely focused on Lev. While there is a functional respect there for the speaker, he seems to stare rather than the normal amount of awareness you'd expect from a so-called "crime lord."
 

Clegg greets you all like old friends.   "I'm not surprised to see you all here, as some of you have made a name for yourselves in Riddleport, after all. You must be fearless - or perhaps desperate - adventurers indeed to brave the perils of Devil’s Elbow simply to pay me a visit.

"So, three questions to get the ball rolling. Why are you here? Who sent you here? and, what do you expect and hope to find on Devil's Elbow?"  
Kvard51
Lev smiles his best smile,   "Well, Mr. Zincher.  I suspect we are here for the same reason you are.
 Space metal."   He leans in just a bit.    "And we work with Sol Flood at the Gold Goblin."  
  " As to what we expected to find, well, dwarves for one.  Wizards.  And you and your men."   Lev looks up, then, catching Zincher's eyes with an intense stare.    "And we clearly hoped to find some ore.  But what we did find has led us to call on you.  You see, the dwarves were leaving when we got here.  Begged a berth with the Captain that brought us here.  And the Wizards were holed up in a tower, under siege.
 We just helped the last of them living get off the island.  They had been decimated by some strange beasts and stranger zombies."    He smiles, one more time,   "So we are here to warn you, and help you out of here, too.  If you need it."  
lostsole31
  "Yeah,"   he says ruefully.   "There are definitely unfortunate denizens on this island. You know, you could do subcontract for me, actually. I got some jobs need doing. I promise payments in gold for each successful mission - such funds payable upon my safe return to Riddleport, of course. I'll even set you up with your own tent," and he looks at the somewhat large party, "or two. My am Erix and the rest are out searching for noqual, and with the damnable creatures of Devil's Elbow, there'll be safety in numbers for all of us.

"Interested in hearing more ... earning more .... and being protected more?"  
Kvard51
Lev smiles a beatific smile as Clegg Zincher talks.    "I believe we are interested, Mr. Zincher,"   he says, looking at his compatriots.    "I do believe we are.  But before we begin, might I confer with my friends here a moment?"  
AggressiveBread
Santiago nods along looking to Lev.
  ”As long as we’re careful, I see no reason to refuse. Assuming you do right by us Zincher, we’ll do right by you.”  
lostsole31
With no one else interjecting, Clegg continues. He has three tasks in mind for the PCs, which can be completed in any order ...
 
  Noqual Gathering:  Clegg wants the PCs to gather noqual from the large crater site; he’ll pay over full price (60 gp per pound) for any noqual the PCs recover for him. 
  Catch a Live Akata:   If the PCs can catch living akatas (that's the name a now-deceased scholar in his band call the creepy-quiet blue-kitties of death) and keep them caged, Clegg promises them 250 gp for each. Of course, catching akatas and keeping them in simple wooden cages might prove troublesome. 
  Defend the Camp:  Two nights ago, a pair of void zombies (again, what the now-deceased scholar among his number called the strange zombies) attacked the camp. Last night, there were four. Clegg suspects these zombies were once members of the Cyphermages or even Slyeg’s group, but the fact that each night brings more worries him. He promises each PC 25 gp per night spent guarding the camp. 
 
Kvard51
Lev turns back after seeking guidance and nods once.    "We agree."    He rises from his chair and steps forward with his hand extended to Zincher.    "You've offered us a great opportunity and we accept your terms, to include two tents.  I forsee a profitable partnership."  
lostsole31
He clasps your hand, and shakes it warmly. As in, he has a particularly warm grip.

He walks everyone out of his pavilion and makes sure you all get your equipment (and badgers) returned to you, and has one of his men show you to your tents where you can set down heavier things you don't want to lug around.

What now?
bcool999
 Maggie 

After giving Scruff numerous head pats upon her return, Maggie turns to the rest of the group once they are mostly alone and asks,   ”So which job are we tackling first? I don’t quite like the idea of trying to cage those quiet blue kitty things you guys talked about. Honestly don’t like to think about what he even wants them for. I do think it’s bad that more and more zombies are showing up at night. Probably a good idea to get on that sooner rather than later.”  
lostsole31
  "I think..."   says Sol slowly, his thoughts forming as he speaks, but trying not to get ahead of himself,   "we prepare for attack tonight, and use today to get used to the layout of the camp ... for defensive purposes. Protect the camp tonight as needed. But on the morrow, I don't want to sit here waiting for things to happen. I say we continue our exploration of Devil's Elbow ... to search for monsters and noqual, but farther afield than his men. I don't think we'll learn what we need to learn close-by, and his men have more than trod the close field."  
AggressiveBread
  ”I agree, let’s familiarize ourselves with the camp and the other defenders. In the morning, I think we could investigate that path we found on the way here, or we could investigate the tips of the island.”  
Kvard51
Lev nods along with Sol,   "Agreed.  That will give us an opportunity to also ask about where they have searched and start considering a way to catch the cat beast alive if it's even possible.  Let's also see what kind of supplies we have access to."  
rypt
  "I do not know what useful purpose could be served by capturing the creatures in such numbers.  Perhaps one or two might be studied for academic purposes, but these men do not seem the academic type, and they have constructed at least a dozen cages."  

Tsyra turns to Lev when he mentions checking for supplies.    "Yes.  My armor was destroyed in the landslide.  I would like to see if there is any unused armor here I could wear while we defend the camp."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago will look around the camp with the others, trying to find some armor for Tsyra. While he does this he’ll try to keep track of how many men are present at the camp, and if anyone stands out besides Zincher.
meemaas
Visto will go around the camp, checking on the health of everyone present, happy to help anyone he can with his healing abilities while the others deal with the logistics of camp defense.
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by AggressiveBread 
 Santiago will look around the camp with the others, trying to find some armor for Tsyra. While he does this he’ll try to keep track of how many men are present at the camp, and if anyone stands out besides Zincher. 
 

He will not find any spare armor. Either men lived and have their armor, or died and either died elsewhere, or had their armor shredded.

There are only 4 men in the campsite now, but there are reputedly 10 men in addition to someone called "Erik" or something like that, but these other men are in the forest looking for noqual.

 
 Originally Posted by meemaas 
 Visto will go around the camp, checking on the health of everyone present, happy to help anyone he can with his healing abilities while the others deal with the logistics of camp defense. 
 

The four men are fine, and being fine, don't want you futzing with them, you creepy, vulture-headed, dude.

A guide to the camp is forthcoming.
AggressiveBread
  ”There’s no armor here so you’ll have to do without for the time being Tsyra. I’m prepared for nightfall if you all are. While we’re here, keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”   Santiago is ready to wait until nightfall to guard the camp.
rypt
  "Hm.  Very well,"   she says with a nod to Santiago.  Turning to observe the camp, she continues,   "I believe we should at least consider leveraging the akata's susceptibility to seawater in preparing for a possible attack.  The transport and storage of large volumes may prove prohibitively difficult given the resources at hand, but should we be overwhelmed, water may prove more effective a weapon than any other at our disposal."  
lostsole31
  "They do have some buckets and smaller hand kegs here,"   offers Sol.   "Though the sea seems to be an interesting cliff at each point - making portaging hard. I'm not that strong, so trying to fly lots of smaller ones myself is problematic. Perhaps ... we can explore that pathway that seems to go down to the sea AND prepare for akata battle?"  
AggressiveBread
Santiago nods   ”Seems like a reasonable plan to me. I’ll help carry some of the water back if we decide to take some.”  
lostsole31
Okay, who wants to be part of the long-haul bucket brigade? Or, more to the point, is there anyone who stays behind?
meemaas
Visto will come along, but he's not much for the needed heavy lifting and isn't sure how much help he'll actually be.
Kvard51
Lev signs on to go with Ago.
rypt
Tsyra will accompany the others in exploring the path to the sea.
lostsole31
With everyone doing this, Maggie surely doesn't want to be left alone. Everyone sheathes any weapons and carries two buckets (just one for Sol and Maggie, though).

It's only a half-mile to march back to where that split was. The cliffside path is only 5' wide, a narrow ledge that seems to wind down the cliffside out of sight, but hopefully with easier access to the sea.

How do you proceed?
Kvard51
Lev leads the way down the narrow path with a bucket in each hand, counting on Sol flying overhead to warn of impending danger.
lostsole31
Finally the party gets to a point right where the narrow ledge comes to a dead end some 20' above sea level. What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will take a look around at the end of the path to see if there’s anything else of interest before speaking up.  ”If anyone has rope we should be able to lower the buckets down ourselves”  
Santiago will start tying his rope to one of the buckets to lower it down.
rypt
Tsyra removes a bundle of rope from her backpack and is about to hand it forward to Santiago when she sees he already has rope of his own.  She sighs and begins to undertake a similar rope-tying and bucket-lowering process.
bcool999
 Maggie 

Stepping back up the trail a ways, Maggie sets her bucket down and calls out to Santiago,   ”Hey Ago! Can you give me a hand tying this knot?”  


Assuming Ago or another member of the party approaches to assist Maggie, she lowers her voice a bit and says,   “Something’s fishy here and not just the ocean spray. I think I spotted a hidden door on the cliff ledge over there. If it is one, that fissure just a few feet back from it would be a great place to spy on who is trying to enter.”  
AggressiveBread
Santiago will set his bucket down and head over to Maggie and begin helping with the knot. He also speaks in a hushed tone.
  ”Shall we check the fissure to make sure we aren’t being watched? Then check the door?”  
bcool999
 Maggie 

Still speaking discreetly to Ago, Maggie says,   ”Up to you, but I don’t want to fiddle with the door on the ledge while someone is watching and waiting to push.”  
AggressiveBread
Santiago nods.   I’ll go check it out.”   he’ll move over to the fissure that Maggie pointed out and inspect it, looking for anything inside.
lostsole31
Santiago easily sees what Maggie pointed out, as it does appear to be a secret door in the side of the cliff face.
AggressiveBread
Taking out his shield in one hand, he’ll use his free hand to open the door.
lostsole31
So, everyone heard Maggie call Ago back up the path for a private confab. Then Ago passes everyone, and on a 5'-wide ledge that is awkward as someone might have gotten bumped and fallen off the cliff into the waves grinding against the rocks below.

He gets to the end of the path, takes out his shield, and does something with the cliff face.

NOBODY is ready for this or was informed of what was happening, and everyone but Maggie is in various stages of futzing with buckets (good thing I didn't Spooner that, eh?).

There is a tremendously loud report as a thundering sound peals right at Ago's location as soon as he touches the stone, and he takes   6 sonic   (all of which is absorbed by Visto's fortification of his friend).

A couple members of the party are so surprised by this, they nearly topple off the cliff.
AggressiveBread
Santiago pulls slightly back from the door his ears ringing in his helmet.   ”My apologies I was overeager. There is a door in the cliff everyone. And   he shakes his head.   “I’ve discovered that it’s trapped. Is everyone ok?”  
lostsole31
  "WHAT?"   Sol asks, perhaps too loudly for normal conversation.
bcool999
 Maggie 
  ”TRAPPED SECRET DOOR!”   Maggie shouts trying to match Sol’s volume.
rypt
Startled by the sudden noise, Tsyra spills the contents of her bucket at her feet.  Fearful that might lose her balance, she throws her weight backwards, leaning against the cliff-face so as to be certain she doesn't topple the other way.  She takes a moment to compose herself, a moment that is interrupted by Sol's and Maggie's shouting.

  " Please  stop shouting."    It is more of a demand than a request.    "Nothing good can come of you drawing more attention to our precarious position than has been already."  

She turns then to Sol, tapping him on the shoulder to get his attention.  Once he looks to her, she asks slowly, and at an ordinary volume,   "Can you hear me?"    Her words are accompanied by gestures, pointing first to Sol's chest, then to her own ear, and then to her own chest.
lostsole31
  "Yes! I fear you,"   says Sol loudly, though a little less loud than before.   "You're very intense."  
rypt
Tsyra glares at Sol for a moment before tilting her head to look past him to the others.    "It is likely that the trap has affected his hearing.  I cannot know whether it will recover on its own.  We should choose quickly whether to return him to the camp or continue to investigate what is behind this door.  Whoever went through the trouble to disguise and protect such a passage is surely not looking to entertain uninvited guests."    
AggressiveBread
Santiago points towards the door again   ”I’m alright, and I touched the damn thing. Will somebody with good eyes take a look at the door closely to make sure it’s safe now?”  
lostsole31
It should be noted that by now it seems apparent that Maggie's senses are the sharpest overall (fitting for a druid), and both Tsyra and Visto are a close second.
meemaas
Visto will check the door, and if he doesn't see anything out of the ordinary, he will try to open it for his Friends.
lostsole31
Visto opens the secret door .... and beyond is a yawning darkness with a decidedly unpleasant smell ... like the smell of death.
AggressiveBread
Seeing that Visto has opened the door without further issues. He adresses his companions.  ”Everyone form up and arm yourselves, let’s check this place out.”   He will enter just far enough to be in front of Visto with his flail and shield, but no further until everyone is ready
lostsole31
 Surprise Round ...

S16:  No sooner does Ago step  forward exactly as intended (right in front of Visto), than there is a  sound of shifting rocks and gravel inside. A figure darts a little bit  into Ago's visual field and a click is heard. Something punches through  Ago's shield to strike his left hand for  8 .

 S13:   Something closer steps forward and attacks, and Ago feels pain at the  side of his neck as Visto's protection - which had finally built back up  in the intervening time - is blown through and he takes  10 .

 S11:   Visto , you had heard something but you didn't get to respond before Ago was attacked. What do you do?
meemaas
Visto will take a moment to conjure the motes of light that form from his bangles, and send them out ahead of Ago in order to light the way ahead, then retreat to allow others to come in and help with the fight.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1TE and invest it into Soothing Rain
Free action: Conjure Motes from Bangles of Roving Light and send them both out to around 10 feet ahead of Visto to light the way for Ago
Move action: Move away from the door, making room for others to come in in his place. (Based on the last map posted, I'd say in the square where Ago was on that map, but if not possible, then as close to that space as possible.)
 
lostsole31
 S11:  Visto will take a moment to conjure the motes of light that form from  his bangles, and send them out ahead of Ago in order to light the way  ahead.

 
 End Surprise Round, Begin Round One ...

R1T23:   Sol drops his bucket which falls into the sea below. He flies out and  in over Visto and Ago and just past the first assailant, but in doing so  the assailant makes a perfect pinhole attack, striking Sol in his neck  below the outer left jawline for  11 + 1 bleed .    "Urch!"    exclaims Sol softely in pain as he continues north and gains height  even as the ceiling slopes up some and he gains a height of 15'. He  looks like he wanted to do something else, but after getting stung like  that, he was more focused on opening datum.

 R1T18:   Maggie , what do you do? You have a smaller bucket of water in your hands.
bcool999
 Maggie 

Dropping her bucket of water, Maggie moves up to Tsyra. After calling Scruff to heel, Maggie chants a blessing for her allies.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free: Drop bucket.
Move: 20ft west toward the ruckus.
Standard Action: Cast Bless, allies in a 50ft burst gain a +1 morale bonus to attack and saves vs fear for 1 min/lvl.
 
lostsole31
 R1T18:  Dropping her bucket of water (which tumbles over  the side of the cliff), Maggie moves up to Tsyra. After calling Scruff  to heel, Maggie chants a blessing for her allies (though sadly that will  not include Sol and Ago, who are both out of sight inside the cliff  entrance somewhere).

 R1T16:  Visto, your motes  suddenly wink out of view and the cave beyond is plunged into darkness.  You sense that the motes have been dispelled.

 R1T15:   Ago ,  your darkvision sees a warrior several feet back in the center of the  cave suddenly surrounded by darkness when they touch their chain  hauberk. That warrior then reloads what appears to be a hand crossbow.  There is also a warrior right in front of you, barring access to the  cave. What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago Will call down Abadar’s wrath on the warrior in front of him, calling out.
  ”Two warriors in the cave, one’s blocking the entrance! Sol is further in and was hit bad!”  
He then stands up to his full height so that his presence inspires his allies, and takes a swing on the warrior close to him.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swa: smite evil on the warrior adjacent to me. (+5 attack, +4 damage. +5 ac and ignore dr.)
MA: activate indomitable presence (Allies in 30ft get the diehard feat and a +5 bonus on saves against death, fatigue, exhaustion, and poison.)
SA: initiate sweeping tail strike.
Trip attack: (1d20+12)[ 18 ]  +5 for smite
Strike damage:  (2d6+5)[ 7 ]  +4 for smite
 
lostsole31
 R1T15:  Santiago had set down his bucket and had readied  his shield for danger, though he had not yet retrieved a weapon. He  calls down Abadar’s wrath on the warrior in front of him, calling out,    ”Two warriors in the cave, one’s blocking the entrance! Sol is further in and was hit bad!”    

He  stands to his full height so that his presence inspires his allies, and  with his bare hands he then crouches down low and yanks the warrior off  his feet to slam hard on the ground. In doing so, Ago's smite power  goes into that hard slam, not just proving that his adversary is evil,  but surprising Ago as that smite bites a lot harder than would have been  expected for  15 !

 R1T14:   Lev , what do you do?
Kvard51
Lev draws his sword as he moves into the opening, chanting the words to an ancient Dwarven Battle Hymn.  He slips into the passageway, working his way through to the cave itself.  He sidesteps into the cavern, keeping his back to the wall and prepared to strike if Ago's wrestling partner tries to get up.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
SA: Raging Song - Inspired Rage initiated. +2 Str/+2 Con/+2 Will Saves for all who accept it.
MA: Move 30' into the cavern (or less, if that gets him just inside the door and within reach of Ago's prone enemy).  One step in, 1 step to his right, back against the wall.
 
lostsole31
 R1T14:   Dropping his bucket (which goes tumbling into  the sea), Lev draws his sword as he moves into the opening, chanting the  words to  an ancient Dwarven Battle Hymn.  He slips past Visto, but the area  beyond is very black, and Ago wards him back as he is in combat with  something that is hard to see.

 R1T13:  The  warrior doesn't rise at first, but a cloak they wear that seemed to move  oddly forms into a swarm of insects that crawl forth from the darkness  to cover Ago in crawling, flying insects. Ago swings his shield  mightily, dismissing the swarm back to a cloak that the warrior wears,  but the distraction did its job as the warrior is now on his feet  safely.

 R1T12:   Tsyra , do you take Lev's raging song? You have a bucket of seawater in hand. What do you do?
rypt
Hearing Santiago's alarm, Tsyra's head snaps toward the doorway.  She sets down her bucket near to the wall at her back, not caring if it spells water, only that it does not carry her rope into the sea.  Calling forth a stone blade into her empty hand, she moves to stand beside Lev, refusing the influence of his song.    "Is there room for one of us to assist you?"   she calls forward to the tiefling.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: 'Store' the bucket on the ground.

Free action: Form a slashing kinetic blade via Kinetic Blade Mastery.

Swift action: Adopt  scarlet einhander  stance.

Move action: Move 10 feet west to be adjacent to Lev.
 
lostsole31
 R1T12:  Hearing Santiago's alarm, Tsyra's head snaps towards the doorway.  She sets  down her bucket near to the wall at her back, not caring if it spells  water, only that it does not carry her rope into the sea.  Calling forth  a stone blade into her empty hand, she moves to stand beside Lev,  refusing the influence of his song.     "Is there room for one of us to assist you?"    she calls forward to the tiefling.  
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Breaker's dodge .
 

 R1T11:   Visto ,  your motes got completely suppressed by the field of darkness, meaning  with no extant light it isn't even dim lighting inside. Also, things  happened so quickly, you never had a chance to back up, and that's  already caused problems. What do you do?

Scruff on deck, Sol in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R1T11:  Visto flies off of the ledge to clear for others, but wary for any other dangers.

 R1T5:  Scruff moves along the ledge to get behind Maggie.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T23:  Ago sees Sol hover in mid-air, take out something and drink it for   11 healing  . Sol calls out,   "I'm alright. Not bleeding anymore and feeling better."  
 R2T18:   Maggie , what do you do? The nature of the cavern and such is that you were able to hear Sol's voice and understand what he said.

Blue on deck, Ago in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Unable to safely reach the others inside from this narrow ledge, Maggie calls out,   ”Be careful in there!”  

Maggie nervously waits on the ledge for further developments leaving space in front of her for allied movement.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Don’t think I have anything I can do right now so pass turn.
 
lostsole31
 R2T18:  Unable to safely reach the others inside from this narrow ledge, Maggie calls out,    ”Be careful in there!”   

Maggie nervously waits on the ledge for further developments leaving space in front of her for allied movement.

 R2T16:  Within the chamber, Ago's darkvision espies the warrior farther back shoots Sol in the chest with a hand crossbow for  9  before reloading.

 R2T15:   Ago , what do you do? Do you accept Lev's song?

Lev on deck, Red in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago accepts Lev’s rage and calls out,   ”I’ll try to make some room! Move in as soon as you can!”   Letting out a battlecry, and using his shield as a brace, he will shoulder into the enemy in front of him to move him back.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: accept raging song
Swa: use encouraging roar boost(+2 bonus on attack/ damage for allies in 30ft)
SA: bull rush on the man in front of me following him with the movement(provokes Aoo)
CMB check: (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  +5 from smite, +1 from rage, +2 from the boost.
MA: draw flail
 
lostsole31
 R2T15:  Santiago accepts Lev’s rage and calls out,   ”I’ll try to make some room! Move in as soon as you can!”    Letting out a battle cry and using his shield as a brace, he shoulders  into the enemy in front of him to move him back 5'. Santiago sets  himself for fury, drawing his flail dramatically as he does so.

 R2T14:   Lev ,  do you keep up the raging song? What do you do from around the corner,  encouraged as you are not only by your own song, but Ago's virile shout?

Red on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev continues his chant as he hears Ago's instruction.  When he hears the battlecry followed by the shuffling of feet scraping on stone, he steps into the gap created and pushes into the cavern in an attempt to slide past the assailant.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
FA: Maintain Raging Song
MA: Try to push past Ago and the other combatant
 
lostsole31
 R2T14:  Lev continues his chant as he hears Ago's  instruction.  When he hears  the battle cry followed by the shuffling of feet scraping on stone, he  steps into the gap created and pushes into the cavern in an attempt to  slide past the assailant. As he gets to where Ago is in this dim cavern,  he realizes that the gap to the west isn't big enough for him. Since  his akashic-infused power exceeds his agility, he changes "push past" to  attempt to "bowl over." Only because of his own song, akashic power,  and Ago's battle cry is Lev able to just barely knock the warrior to the  ground in the darkness and step past him. Still, Lev notices the  movement behind him now from another assailant in the cavern.

 R2T13:   Red (the assailant Lev just knocked down) has a rapier and a small  shield, and he(?) comes up very carefully. Despite this, Ago clomps him  in the head with his flail for  11  and Lev slashes the assailant in the back for  17 . But it wasn't enough to drop him, and he sidesteps away from Ago.

 R2T12:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Visto on deck, Scruff in the hole ...
rypt
Touching a hand to her holy symbol, Tsyra follows Lev into the cavern to engage the unknown foes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Move into the cavern, prioritizing her pathing and final position as follows:
 
 Move, without knowingly provoking, to be adjacent to an enemy. 
 Move, without knowingly provoking, to be at least 10 feet and at most 30 feet away from an enemy not engaged in melee and without cover between Tsyra and said enemy.  If two or more enemies qualify, target nearest. 
 Move, without knowingly provoking, to be at least 10 feet and at most 30 feet away from an enemy not engaged in melee with cover between Tsyra and said enemy.  If two or more enemies qualify, target nearest. 
 Move, without knowingly provoking, to be at least 10 feet and at most 30 feet away from an enemy engaged in melee with cover between Tsyra and said enemy.  If two or more enemies qualify, target nearest. 
 
Standard action: If (1) above, attack adjacent enemy with kinetic blade.  If (2)-(4) above, attack at range with kinetic blast.  If no attack is possible, ready a kinetic blade attack against an enemy who enters an adjacent square.
 Attack: (d20+9)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 15 ] 
Bonuses believed to be relevant but not applied: +2 attack and damage from Santiago's boost, +1d6 damage from  scarlet einhander , +1 attack from Elemental Overflow, +2 damage (ranged kinetic blast only) from Elemental Overflow. 
 
lostsole31
 R2T12:  Touching a hand to her holy symbol, Tsyra  follows Lev into the cavern to engage the unknown foes. She moves into  the darkened chamber, pushing past Ago. But there is no light in this  chamber. In fact, what little sunlight pierced the opening seemed to  have hit some type of pall that made it harder to see, but now she is in  pure darkness. There are vague shapes in the dark moving about, but she  can't identify them, and woe betide her should she slash out and gut  Lev for his troubles.

 R2T11:   Visto , what  do you do? Your motes of light were completely swallowed by the  darkness, and since there is no natural lighting actually inside the  cave, what you suspect to be supernatural darkness will not be something  you can manage.

Scruff on deck, Sol in the hole ...
meemaas
  "The dark ate Visto's Lights. Visto does not think it is safe to fight inside."   He maintains his flight, and then continues, addressing Sol.   "Friend Sol, if you are still injured, rejoin Visto and Visto will take care of them."  
 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1TE and invest it into Soothing Rain
Move action: Maintain flight (Hover, if possible, otherwise he'll move the needed distance to keep flying.)
Standard action: Ready action to use Soothing Rain on Sol if he leaves the cave and EITHER confirms he needs healing, or looks visibly injured.

Healing, if needed  (6d8)[ 25 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T11:    "The dark ate Visto's Lights. Visto does not think it is safe to fight inside."   He maintains his flight, and then continues, addressing Sol.   "Friend Sol, if you are still injured, rejoin Visto and Visto will take care of them."  
 R2T5:  Scruff delays ...

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T23:  Sol flies carefully down and out, shouting,   "Yes, please!"  

As he does so, a localized rain storm briefly appears to shower him and fully heal him.

 R3T18:   Maggie , what do you do? What do you have Scruff do?

Blue on deck, Ago in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

With a chant and a touch, Maggie casts a spell on Scruff. Strengthening tooth and jaw in his fluffly maw. Pointing at the cave opening, Maggie says,   ”Sniff out foes to attack Scruff!”  

Maggie herself remains mostly where she is. Moving to let Scruff pass.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard Action: Magic Fang on Scruff’s bite attack.

Orders: Attack enemy(s). Scent should help him distinguish hopefully.
 
lostsole31
 R3T18:  With a chant and a touch, Maggie casts a spell on Scruff, strengthening  tooth and jaw in his fluffy maw. Pointing at the cave opening, Maggie  says,   ”Sniff out foes to attack Scruff!”  

Maggie herself remains mostly where she is. Moving to let Scruff pass.

 R3T17:    Scruff snuffles along the dangerous ledge, stopping outside the portal  to within the cliff. It gives a badgery screech, looking over to Maggie.

 R3T16:   Ago sees Blue step back a little and then shoot at Lev, but the bolt  bounces off of his armor. Blue then seems to put his hand crossbow away.

 R3T15:   Ago , you are currently accepting Lev's raging song. Red is not in reach. What do you do?

Lev on deck, Red in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago let’s out a battlecry as he moves farther into the cave. He attempts to flank with Lev, before trying a daring maneuver to bring his opponent to the ground once more.
After he moves he will call out,  ”There is another combatant north of me just out of my reach.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA:attempt to move to the east of red, if not possible he will go 5ft north of Lev.
SWA: Activate sweeping gambit
SA: use tactical snap maneuver.
Tactical snap attack:  (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  (+1 from rage,+5 from smite, +2 if flanking)
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]  (+1 rage, +8 smite)
If successful: trip attempt  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] (same bonus as above, +2 bonus from gambit.)
Sweeping gambit aoo: (1d20+9)[ 19 ]  (same bonuses as first attack)
aoo damage:  (1d8+5)[ 9 ]  (+1 rage, +4 smite, +5 from gambit)
If the gambit succeeds, he recovers up to 5 maneuvers
 
lostsole31
 R3T15:  Santiago let’s out a battle cry as he moves  farther into the cave. He  attempts to flank with Lev, followed by a daring maneuver to bring his  opponent to the ground with him, but it is a wild swing, and this  warrior was focused on defense, and now Ago feels vulnerable. He calls  out,  ”There is another combatant north of me, just out of my reach.”  
 R3T14:   Lev , Ago's voice sounds full of grit, like he has accepted your song. What do you do?

Red on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev continues, chanting the third stanza of the Dwarven Hymn.  He reaches into his sash and pulls out his Ioun Torch, putting it into orbit around his head, then takes a mighty swing at the creature revealed by the light.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
FA: Maintain Inspired Rage w/Accurate Stance
MA: Remove Ioun Torch from Sash, place it in orbit
Two-Handed Sword Attack on flanked creature (I wasn't sure if I add flanking bonus, so I did not...):  (1d20+10)[ 25 ]  for  (2d6+6)[ 13 ]  Slashing Damage
 
lostsole31
 R3T14:  Lev continues his song, chanting the third stanza of the Dwarven Hymn.  He  reaches into his sash and pulls out his  ioun torch , putting it  into  orbit around his head. As soon as he releases it to orbit his head,  there is a momentary flash and a small cracking sound. It's still  completely dark within the cave, but those without darkvision at least  can see the opening a little better than they did.

Unfortunately,  where Lev is - and where his intended enemy is - is still not  illuminated. Given what was discussed and what he hears, though, Lev  attacks to his immediate west, confident that is not where Ago is at  this time, and Lev takes a mighty swing in that direction. There is the  clanging of rapier and small steel shield catching and deflecting his  blade.

 R3T13:  As Lev's weapon is deflected, there seems to be a riposte action to strike Lev in a painful section of the knee for  13 .

 R3T12:   Tsyra ,  your keen elven eyes detect that the supernatural field of darkness no  longer exists, but that still doesn't help when it is a dark cave.  You're really not sure where anyone is, with the exception of Lev, who  is adjacent-north of you, singing his song. Do you wish to accept that  song? What do you do?

Sol on deck, Visto in the hole ...
rypt
  "I believe the unnatural darkness is no longer present!"   Tsyra announces loud enough to be heard by those outside the cavern.  Dismissing her blade of stone, she reaches around into her backpack to draw forth her everburning torch.  If the light reveals a nearby foe, she will conjure a new earth-formed weapon to strike them, stepping forward if necessary.  If it reveals a distant enemy, she will launch an earthen projectile instead.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra does not accept Lev's song.

Free action: Dismiss kinetic blade via Kinetic Blade Mastery.

Move action: Retrieve everburning torch.

Free action: If there is an enemy adjacent to her, or one which she can move to be adjacent to with a 5-foot step, she will conjure a new slashing kinetic blade in her free hand.

Free action: If she is not adjacent to an enemy, and if a 5-foot step would bring her adjacent to an enemy, she will take that 5-foot step.

Standard action: Attack in melee or at range, prioritizing target as follows:
 
 Adjacent enemy 
 Enemy within 30 feet not engaged in melee and without cover between Tsyra and said enemy. If two or more enemies qualify, target nearest 
 Enemy within 30 feet not engaged in melee and with cover between Tsyra and said enemy. If two or more enemies qualify, target nearest 
 Enemy within 30 feet engaged in melee and with or without cover between Tsyra and said enemy. If two or more enemies qualify, target nearest 
 
 Attack:  (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 11 ] 
Bonuses believed to be relevant but not applied: +1 attack from Elemental Overflow, +2 damage (ranged kinetic blast only) from Elemental Overflow, +1d6 damage from scarlet einhander (kinetic blade only). 
 
lostsole31
 R3T12:     "I believe the unnatural darkness is no longer present!"     Tsyra announces loud enough to be heard by those outside the cavern.   Dismissing her blade of stone, she reaches around into her backpack to  draw forth her  everburning torch .  Her light reveals a nearby  enemy, so she steps forward and conjures a new, earth-formed weapon. She  gets back into her profiled stance and attacks, but her blade clips off  of a fine chain hauberk.

Now that Tysyra's torch does a fine job illuminating the cavern, it likewise illuminates the warriors the party is fighting.

These  humanoids are each around six feet tall. Their skin is dark as pitch,  but with an almost purple undertone, their ears are pointed, they have  white hair, and dull red eyes. Their skin seems to be very unhealthy.  They are bedecked in beautifully worked chain shirts and the lead  warrior (Red)has an equally decorated small steel shield readied. He  also wields a masterfully wrought rapier. Blue is similarly garbed, but  has no weapons or shield in hand at this time.  Both of them also have  fine quality hand crossbows that are holstered.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ....

R4T23:  Sol takes an extract to protect him before flying back in, seeing the warriors, and exclaiming,   "What the hell are they?!"  
 R4T22:   Visto , you have not had the pleasure of seeing the enemies yet, but you do see torchlight from within. What do you do?

Maggie on deck, Scruff in the hole ...
meemaas
Now that Visto can see light in the cave, he draws more power into his Bangles, summoning his motes of light and launches them into the cave to provide some extra light.   "Visto is summoning light for Friends to see. Please tell Visto how far the lights need to go."  
 
 Spoiler 
Swift action: Invest the 2E from Stormbound that is not currently invested into Bangles of Roving Light, generating his full complement of four lights in the process.
Free action: Send the four lights into the cave and another 50 feet forward once they've entered. Visto does not need LoS for them, so he's fine to move them blindly.

Move action: Hover. Fly check  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Standard action: If Hover is successsful, he won't do anything else, if it fails he'll try again, if possible  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R4T22:  Now that Visto can see light in the cave, he draws more power into his   Bangles , summoning his motes of light and launches them into the cave to  provide some extra light.   "Visto is summoning light for Friends to see. Please tell Visto how far the lights need to go."   Meanwhile, his body fills with more generalized storm energy.

   "Stop one light!"     calls Sol, which helps Visto stop one that seems to be used for a "door  light" but otherwise sends the others back as far as he can based on  what he remembers of the layout.

 R4T18:   Maggie , what do you do?

Scruff on deck, Blue in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Walking along the cliff face towards Scruff and the cave opening, Maggie tries to get a peek inside the illuminated cave. Upon seeing their foes, Maggie calls out,   ”Get ‘em Scruff!”   before supporting the others by casting a spell to hinder their foes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: move 20ft West.
If Maggie can see foes from new position: Standard Action: Barbed Chains targeting 2 different enemies if in range or doubling up on 1 if only 1 in range. Will attempt to trip on both chains.
Trip attempt Chain1:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Trip attempt Chain2:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 

Free action: Order Scruff to attack.
 
lostsole31
 R4T18-17:  Walking along the cliff face towards Scruff  and the cave opening, Maggie  tries to get a peek inside the illuminated cave, but can't see anything  from her vantage. Unable to see the foes, Maggie adjusts her stance to  now stand south of Scruff but still can't see any enemies - despite  seeing into part of the cave - to which she can direct Scruff. Scruff  delays...

 R4T16:  Blue readies their shield and draws their rapier and steps down to face Ago.

 R4T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Lev on deck, Red in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Adopting a defensive posture, Ago attempts to strike red with a blow that will open them up for Tsyra. After striking, he moves into a flanking position against red.  ”Whatever you are, I shall face you with all I have!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SWA: enter inner spheres stance(+2 ac +2 will saves.)
SA: Use hunting party strike on red
Attack  (1d20+9)[ 26 ]  +1 rage, +5 smite, -2 gambit rake (if successful, an adjacent ally may make an aoo)
Damage  (1d8+5)[ 10 ]  +1 rage, +8 smite,
MA: move 20 ft into the square north of red going around to the west. (Provoking aoo)
 
lostsole31
 R4T15:  Adopting a defensive posture, Ago strikes Red in his shield hand for a devastating  19  that creates an opening for Tsyra, who in turn smacks the guard in his lower left arm with a blunt kinetic blade for only  8 mod .  Even though the hand was struck, the guard was too wounded from Ago's  holy barrage and a line of red-orange goes up the arm and to the center  chest, radiating outward, and the guard glow bright before turning  completely to ash. His equipment falls under the weight, kicking up the  ash.

In the meantime, Ago repositions to the north, and senses  his smite energies leave as what seems to have been undead from the  enhanced first strike leave him ... and his confidence returns.

 R4T14:   Lev , what do you do? Do you keep up the raging song?

Red on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
Kvard51
Continuing his chant, Lev steps into the gap between Ago and Tsyra.  He brings his greatsword down on blue in a vicious, overhand swing.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
FA: Continue Raging Song
MA: 5' step NE
SA: Power Attack w/ Cold Iron Greatsword  (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  for  (2d6+13)[ 20 ]  Slashing Damage
 
lostsole31
 R4T14:  Continuing his chant, Lev steps into the gap  between Ago and Tsyra.  He  brings his greatsword down on Blue in a vicious, overhand swing. The  undead elf deflects the powerful swing downwards, but not enough away  from him, such that Lev's blade slams into the miscreant's left knee for   20 .

 R4T12:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Sol on deck, Visto in the hole ...
rypt
  &lt;"Your corrupted existence must end,"&gt;   Tsyra declares, addressing her foe in her native tongue.    &lt;"May your soul find peace when it does."&gt;    At that, she shifts deftly to her right, drawing her earthen blade across her body to cut at the throat of the undead elf.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: 5-ft. step to the east.

Standard action: Attack Blue with kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage: (2d6+9)[ 14 ] 
Bonuses believed to be relevant but not applied: +1 attack from Elemental Overflow, +1d6 damage from  scarlet einhander . 
 
lostsole31
 R4T12:    *&lt;"Your corrupted existence must end,"&gt;  * Tsyra declares, addressing her foe in her native tongue.    *&lt;"May your soul find peace when it does."&gt;*    At that, she shifts deftly to her right, drawing her earthen blade across her body to cut at the throat of the undead elf for  17 .  Against even a practiced warrior, it would have been a killing blow.  And while it did significant structural damage, it drives home the point  of how without a need to breath and without blood flow, the neck really  is no more of a special spot to strike than normal.

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T23:   Sol takes out a glass flask of fluid, and then tosses it at the undead  elf, but the enemy bats it to the side and the flask shatters without  effect.

 R5T18:  Maggie, what do you do?

Scruff on deck, Blue in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Finally moving into the cave, Maggie gets her first look around. Seeing the wrong looking elf being attacked by her allies she calls out to Scruff,   ”That one Scruff!”  

With gestures and a chant to the Wyrd, Maggie jumps up to bat one of the hanging legs of Sol granting him a divine boon.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: Move North 20ft into the cave.
FA: Order Scruff
Standard Action: Cast Guidance on Sol.
 
lostsole31
 R5T18:  Finally moving into the cave, Maggie gets her first look around. Seeing  the wrong looking-elf being attacked by her allies she calls out to  Scruff,   ”That one Scruff!”  

With gestures and a chant to the Wyrd, Maggie jumps up to bat one of the hanging legs of Sol granting him a divine boon.

 R5T17:   Scruff scrambles in and starts moving towards that very same  wrong-looking elf that Maggie points towards. It scrambles over some  rocky terrain to get right up to the elf and bites leaps up to bite him  in the chest for  6 .

 R5T16:  Blue  steps back a few feet from the appearance of the suddenly ferocious  animal. Given the number of foes vastly outnumbering him, the elf  switches to a more defensive style and strikes at Ago, but is easily  deflected.

 R5T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Lev on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Before Santiago moves, he uses his positioning to knock his foe off balance before stepping to the northeast. Once he arrives, he attempts to knock the creature off its feet, and viciously bite it.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: designate the square south of blue as a flanking position with tactical flanker warlord ability.
FA: 5ft step to the northeast to flank with himself.
SWA: activate sweeping gambit
FRA(Not Twf): trip attempt on blue using flail with first attack, then a bite on blue after.
Trip attempt: (rolling twice because of tandem trip feat)
 (1d20+10)[ 11 ]  +2 flanking +2 from sweeping gambit  (1d20+10)[ 24 ]  same bonuses
Sweeping gambit aoo:  (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  +2 flanking, +4 if prone
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 12 ]  +5 from gambit
Bite attack (secondary)  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  same bonuses as aoo
Damage:  (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
If the gambit succeeds, he recovers up to 5 maneuvers.
 
meemaas
Visto continues to hover in place, not wanting to rush in and cause problems for his Friends, instead he calls out once more.   "Visto will be moving the lights further in, please tell Visto if any need to stop"   Leaving behind the first one he stopped, and a second where the three remaining ones did, Visto sends his remaining two deeper into the cave as best as he can, stopping one part of the way in while the other continues.

 
 Spoiler 
Free action: Move lights from his Bangles of Roving light further into the cave, sending them forward approximately 20 feet and 40 feet respectively to try and create a wide range of light for his allies. He will stop a light earlier if someone tells him to.

Standard action: Hover check  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Move action: Second Hover check, if needed  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R5T15:  Before Santiago moves, he uses his positioning  to knock his foe off  balance before stepping to the northeast. Now  expertly re-positioned, he knocks the creature off of its feet, misses  with his sweeping gambit AOO, and  bites the undead  elf in the upper right arm for  8 . In the meantime, for biting into undead flesh, Ago takes   2 poison + sickened  .

 R5T14.5:  Visto continues to hover in place, not wanting to rush in and cause problems for his Friends, instead he calls out once more.    "Visto will be moving the lights further in, please tell Visto if any need to stop."      Leaving behind the first one he stopped, and a second where the three   remaining ones did, Visto sends his remaining two deeper into the cave   as best as he can, stopping one part of the way in while the other   continues.

Unfortunately, this focus and is own poor flight serves him not at all  as Visto plummets into the sea.  There's a reason that most birds of the  air have no skill at stationkeeping. Luckily, as the fall is only 20',  it hurts nothing more than his pride, though Visto is now well  underwater and disoriented (similar to prone, but underwater).

 R5T14:   Lev , you are NOT aware that Visto has  fallen. You only heard his yell (as above). For info's sake, the lights  have gone as far as they can go against the back wall, except for the  one that got put at the entrance just inside.  Do you maintain your  raging song? What do you do?

Tsyra on deck, Sol in the hole ...
Kvard51
Reaching the crescendo of his hymn, Lev steps to his right.  He brings his sword from it's finishing position from his overhand slash up at an angle designed to separate the undead elf from hip to clavicle.    "Let's finish this!   he exclaims as he finishes his move.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
FA: Continue Ragin Song
MA: 5' step E to take up flanking position w/ Ago
SA: Risky Strike w/ Greatsword  (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  for  (2d6+13)[ 20 ]  Slashing damage; Crit Confirm  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R5T14:  Reaching the crescendo of his hymn, Lev steps to his right.  He brings  his sword from it's finishing position from his overhand slash up at an  angle designed to separate the undead elf from hip to clavicle.    "Let's finish this!   he exclaims as he finishes his move, but it is deflected by the elf's defensive posture and shield.

 R5T12:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Sol on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
Dropping her sword low, Tsyra puts her back to Lev's as she slides behind the bard.  Stepping into the gap beside him, she pivots, arcing the blade up over her head and then down towards the undead elf.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: 5-ft. step to the NW.

Standard action: Attack Blue with kinetic blade.
 Attack: (d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Damage: (2d6+5)[ 11 ] 
Bonuses believed to be relevant but not applied: +1 attack from Elemental Overflow, + (1d6)[ 3 ]  damage from  scarlet einhander . 
 
lostsole31
 R5T12:  Dropping her sword low, Tsyra puts her back to   Lev's as she slides  behind the bard.  Stepping into the gap beside him,  she pivots, arcing  the blade up over her head and then down towards  the undead elf, to slash his right shoulder for  15 .

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T23:  Sol says,   "Visto fell from the sky. I'm going to investigate."   He quickly darts out of the cave.

 R6T18:   Maggie , what do you do?

Scruff on deck, Undead elf in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 
  ”Take this!”   Maggie cries out before chanting a spell and gesturing with her holy symbol.

A sphere of flame appears near the elf and attempts to burn it!

  “Keep it up Scruff!”   Maggie encourages.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard Action: Cast Flaming Sphere on foes space. Reflex DC 17 or take:  (3d6)[ 11 ]  Fire Damage

Ordering Scruff to keep attacking.
 
lostsole31
 R6T18:    ”Take this!”    Maggie cries out before chanting a spell and gesturing with her holy  symbol. A sphere of flame appears near the elf and attempts to burn it!  But even on the ground, the elf deftly moves out of the way from being  burned.

  “Keep it up Scruff!”   Maggie encourages.

 R6T17:   Scruff goes around behind Tsyra, stumbles around on the rocks to the  west, and then closes on the elf, biting the monster in the chest for  5 ,  but not affected by the undead skin like Ago was.  Still, that elicited  obvious animal disgust as it sputters and spits out the bit of dead elf  it chewed. Scruff looks at Maggie with a reproving glance.

 R6T16:   Blue goes on pure defense and attempts to stand. Before any heroes take  advantage of this development, Scruff bats the elf in the head with its  claw hard ..... and the elf is destroyed!!

 R6T15:   Ago ,  your suffering from biting dead flesh is short-lived, and you are no  longer sickened. The undead are destroyed. Sol mentioned something about  Visto. What do you do? Do you keep the benefits of the song?

Visto on deck, Lev in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto will attempt to focus his energies to shift the Gorget he has shaped for a new veil, a translucent tail that replaces his talons, and then attempts to right himself.

 
 Spoiler 
Standard action: Burn 1E currently invested into his Wings in order to reshape Gorget of the Wyrm into Mermaid's Tail (Feet slot)
Move action: Attempt to right himself. If the swim check is still needed,  (1d20+1)[ 15 ] 
 
AggressiveBread
Santiago makes his way to the entrance, looking around for Visto. He gives Sol a worried look and shouts over the sound of waves.   ”Where is he?”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC  
MA+SA: move twice to make it back outside to the cliff.
 
lostsole31
 R6T15:  Santiago makes his way to the entrance, looking  around for Visto. Dealing with going around the fiery ball and a lot of  loose rubble keeps him from getting quite to the edge, and he sees  neither Sol nor Visto. He  gives a worried look and shouts over the sound of waves.   ”Where is he?”  
   "We're down here!"    calls Sols voice from somewhere below.

 R6T14.5:  Below, out of sight because it is under the lip of the ledge, Visto focuses his energies to shift the  gorget   he has  shaped for a new veil, a translucent tail that replaces his talons. He  then manages to right himself. Swimming is a lot easier, but even down  here the surface rolling action from the crashing waves against the  cliff is not small.

 R6T14:   Lev , you enjoy   FH2   from your song. Do you keep singing, now that there are no active enemies? What do you do?

Tsyra on deck, Sol in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev completes his song as the last enemy falls.  He drops to his knee beside the corpse dust and searches for any gear or metal the undead might have carried.   "Well, at least we now know who has been behind the attacks.  Although I have never seen an elf quite this hue.  Probably something to do with being underground too long."  
lostsole31
 R6T14:  Lev completes his song as the last enemy falls.  He drops to his knee  beside the corpse dust and searches for any gear or metal the undead  might have carried.   "Well, at least we now know  who has been behind the attacks.  Although I have never seen an elf  quite this hue.  Probably something to do with being underground too  long."  

Two of the items remaining are a  masterwork rapier and a masterwork chain shirt (won't be updated on  party treasury until after initiative and party does out-of-initiative  inventory).

 R6T12:   Tsyra , initiative is  kept for timing purposes only. You are no longer in combat, so you come  out of stance. What do you do?  If nothing special, you can step out of  initiative (delay).

Sol on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
For a brief moment, Tsyra appears to stare through the pile of ash at her feet, her eyes darting about as she processes what has happened here.    "We have much to consider,"   she says as she turns towards the cavern entrance and dismisses her kinetic blade.    "But first we must see to the suqur's safety."  

Setting her torch down near the opening to the cliffside, she will move to retrieve her rope.  On the way, she calls down to Visto and Sol,    "Do you require rope, or are you able to ascend on your own?"   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: Dismiss kinetic blade.

Move and Standard action: Exit the cave and move back to where she set her rope down.

Free action: Drop her torch along the way.
 
lostsole31
 R6T12:  For a brief moment, Tsyra appears to stare through the pile of ash at  her feet, her eyes darting about as she processes what has happened  here.    "We have much to consider,"   she says as she turns towards the cavern entrance and dismisses her kinetic blade.    "But first we must see to the suqur's safety."  

Setting her torch down near the opening to the cliff side, she double  moves to get to a clear position. Looking below, she calls down to Sol  (Visto is not visible),    "Do you require rope, or are you able to ascend on your own?"   

The sea smashes against the cliff face below, showing that anyone attempting to swim will have a very hard time.

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T23:    "Rope will help!"   calls up Sol, floating above the water.    "I'm  not strong enough to pull him out and I can't swim, and he probably  needs the rope to help him be steady to begin being pulled out."   
 R7T18:   Maggie , what do you do?

Scruff on deck, Ago in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Wincing at Scruff’s betrayed look, Maggie says,   ”I’ll find you something tasty later Scruff. Promise.”  

Leaving her Sphere to burn itself out, Maggie goes to look at the commotion outside.
lostsole31
 R7T18:  Wincing at Scruff’s betrayed look, Maggie says,   ”I’ll find you something tasty later, Scruff. Promise.”  

Leaving her  sphere  to burn itself out, Maggie goes to look at  the commotion outside. She carefully passes Tsyra on the ledge, and sees  only Visto 15' below, floating just above the waves.

 R7T17:  Scruff snuffles futilely through the remains of a fallen undead elf's gear for some sign of meat, but also entertained by the  flaming sphere 's fiery dance.

 R7T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Visto on deck, Lev in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago will pull out his rope and lower it down the cliff quickly.
  ”Grab the rope Visto! If you don’t think you can climb I’ll pull you up! Someone give me a hand!”  
lostsole31
 R7T15:  Stepping up to the edge so he can see, Santiago  drops his flail at his feet, pulls out his rope, and lowers it down the  cliff quickly. He doesn't see Visto to yell at him - only Sol.

 R7T14.5:   Visto ,  the water is churning powerfully because of its action against the  cliff, a challenge even for a "natural" swimmer. You are no longer  disoriented, but you are 10' below the surface, holding your breath.  What do you do?

Lev on deck, Tsyra in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto will swim to the surface the best he can, and once he makes it up, he looks for a place he can climb out of the water from so he can try to fly up to the rest.

 
 Spoiler 
Move action x2: Swim to the surface and then aim for solid land to climb out onto.

Swim check:  (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 

Also, note that Mermaid's Tail veil gives Visto the ability to breathe water like air while it's shaped. Visto aint drowning.
 
lostsole31
 R7T14.5:  Visto fails to swim to the surface, but is  instead carried headlong into the rocky cliff. The water in which he  finds himself submerged now 15' help to cushion the blow as he takes  only  6 NL .

 R7T14:   Lev , what do you do? Do you drop the raging song?

Tsyra on deck, Sol in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R7T14:  With no current enemies, Lev drops his raging song and heads towards the entrance and out onto the ledge.

 R7T12:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Sol on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra moves to stand behind Santiago, ready to take hold of the rope to help him pull Visto from the water.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Move to the north of Santiago.

Standard action: Ready an action to help pull the rope when there is some indication that someone has taken hold of the other end (be it a verbal indication or simply Santiago beginning to pull).
 
lostsole31
 R7T12:  Tsyra moves to stand behind Santiago, but  because of the cliff she can only move to the other side of him, ready  to take hold of the rope to help him pull Visto from the water.

 End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T23:    Sol reaches over to grab the rope that Ago is tending and then flies  straight down .... into the water ... while loosely traveling his hand  over the length of the rope.  Now underwater he presses down, letting  his momentum carrying him to Visto's depth. He looks terrified, but he  holds the rope in his hand, gesturing to Visto to grab him.

 R8T18:   Maggie , do you delay? There's not much for you to do right now. If not, what do you do?

Scruff on deck, Ago in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Nervously fidgeting and wrenching her hands together, Maggie powerlessly waits.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Maggie will delay.
 
lostsole31
 R8T18:  Nervously fidgeting and wrenching her hands together, Maggie powerlessly waits.

 R8T15:   Ago ,  you are holding the rope that Sol took the bitter end of before going  into the water. There isn't any jerking symbol to give you any  indication to pull up at this time. What do you do?

Visto on deck, Lev in the hole, Maggie delaying ...
meemaas
Visto takes Sol's hand once he's close enough to grab it, swimming closer if needed in order to do so.

 
 Spoiler 
Swim check, if needed  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 

Move action: Swim towards Sol if needed.
Standard action: Grab Sol's hand.
 
AggressiveBread
Santiago prepares himself to begin pulling the rope up once he feels a hard pull on the other end, or hears some kind of signal.
lostsole31
 R8T15:  Santiago prepares himself to begin pulling the  rope up once he feels a hard pull on the other end, or hears some kind  of signal.

 R8T14.5:  Since Visto is just  reaching out to grab Sol - who is right there - and Sol doesn't resist,  there's no problem. But once held, the water slams both against the  rocks so that Visto takes  3 NL , and Sol takes  7 NL .

 R8T14-12:  Lev and Tsyra, since their rope was not "chosen" have very little to do now but wait.

 End Round 8, Begin Round 9 ...

R9T23:   Sol yanks on the rope as hard as he can. Ago, feeling that the pull now  isn't just weight and bodies but deliberate, begins to help haul them  out of the briny soup.

They will make it up in time ... at least  out of the water long enough to fly on their own power to go up onto the  ledge themselves, panting from the exertion.

Meanwhile, within the cave the  flaming sphere  will wink out of existence and Scruff will retreat to Maggie's side.

 Initiative Ends! 
meemaas
Once Visto get back on his feet on the ledge, he starts shaking himself off and focuses to reform his previous veil, happy that it helped, even if not nearly as much as he wanted it to.   "Visto really does not like this pattern, thanks for the help Friends."  
 
 Spoiler 
Take another point of Essence Burn to reshift Mermaid's Tail to Gorget of the Wyrm. Once his Essence recovers in a minute, he'll reinvest the Essence back into his wings.
 
bcool999
 Maggie 

Looking at the sodden and roughed up forms of Sol and Visto, Maggie tuts at them and says,   ”You both look like half drowned cats. Here, this should help.”  

That said she offers a hand to Visto and then Sol with healing energy at her fingertips.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Lay on hands for the both of them.
Visto:  (2d6)[ 8 ] 
Sol:  (2d6)[ 6 ] 
 
lostsole31
Maggie's healing power fully refreshes Sol, and Visto has only the faintest feeling of soreness.

What now? You originally came here to gather salt water to fight akatas, and now this. Meanwhile, in the frenetic actions of the battle, a few buckets were kicked around and fell ... so you only have two buckets remaining.  Then, there's the whole issue of the caves.

Sol says,   "I don't understand exactly what they were, but those dead elves were some type of guards ... and well trained at that, too."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago puts away his rope and addresses the group with a determined expression.
  ”I was able to smite them with Abadar’s power. Meaning the creatures were most definitely evil. I believe it would be good for us to investigate the cave. Whatever their purpose here was, it was dark.”  
lostsole31
  "Before we do that,"   says Sol,   "How is everyone doing on healing and resources? And do you think we should finish our task and report to Clegg in case the worst befalls us and they still have salt water to fight the akatas?"  
AggressiveBread
Santiago has a blazing hatred in his eyes as he looks at the cave.   ”I’m at almost full strength. If these undead elves are like the one that slew my brother. I think they must be dealt with quickly. However, I will follow the party’s wishes.”  
Kvard51
  "I agree with Ago.  The caves are now priority one.  Clegg and the akatas can wait.  These guards mean something."   Lev says, fingering the hilt of his sword.    "There is something going on bigger than these beasts."  
bcool999
 Maggie 

Focusing inwardly, Maggie tries to determine how much magic she has left in her today. With her estimate in mind she opens her eyes and tells the others,   ”I have used a little under half of my healing touch. As for spells I haven’t used that many. I think I have used four spells total? And I have a bunch left in the arsenal.”  

Maggie thinks on whether to delve in or report back to Clegg with what seawater they can carry, tilting her head side to side in thought. Finally she speaks up,   “I don’t really like the guy, but I also don’t want to cross him now that we agreed to work together. Going back and letting him know what we found will at least keep him from shanking us over it later. Hopefully…”  
meemaas
  "Visto's powers of healing will be more than enough to keep Friends safe."  
rypt
Tsyra shares her thoughts on their situation as she moves to collect her rope and  everburning torch .    "I agree that these undead elves warrant our immediate attention, but I would strongly suggest that we at least consider filling the remaining buckets and having Visto and Sol fly them back to Zincher's camp.  We are not far, and should this prove to be an expansive network of tunnels, it is in our best interest to see that this island is not wholly overrun by the akatas in our absence.  In either case, I would like to examine the equipment that belonged to the guards before we explore further.  If nothing else, the armor may serve as a tolerable replacement for the work that was lost to the landslide."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will examine the equipment of the two guards and see if there is anything to be gleaned from the manner of their craftsmanship.  For example, how they compare to the elven works she is familiar with.  Also, assuming there is no objection, she is interested in using the chain shirt as a replacement for her destroyed armor.
 
lostsole31
Sol shakes his head.   "If Visto and I leave, you lose healing and fire support. Also, neither of us are very strong, so we won't be carrying much water back by ourselves. I'm willing to be outvoted and for us to commit to the caves. I am happy if my advice is taken and we all fill what buckets we can and return. I absolutely will not listen to a vote that has us splitting ourselves foolishly while 2/3 of you head into unknown territory."  
rypt
  "I would not have us proceed into the cave until you and Visto return,"   Tsyra clarifies.
lostsole31
  "Sooooo ....."   trails Sol's voice in a rising, almost sing-song way,   "Why don't we  all  return to camp ... with what remaining buckets are full and the stronger backs to carry them and switch off with each other ... drop off the buckets and give a report ... and all return here?"  
AggressiveBread
Santiago nods in agreement.
  ”How much time do we have till nightfall? That will give at least a general time frame to investigate the cave.”  
lostsole31
It is mid-afternoon now...
AggressiveBread
Santiago clasps his hands together.   ”How about this, we still have quite a bit of time until nightfall, and this place is close to Zincher’s. How about we explore for a few hours, making sure we leave before nightfall. That way we can keep our word with Zincher, without giving any evils in these caverns a chance to escape.”  
lostsole31
  "Who cares 'what evil escapes,' you frickin zealot!"   snaps Sol once Ago has revealed his hand.   "If we should fall against whatever perils are in that cave, Zincher's camp believes we are fine and we are 'on our way' back with buckets of salt water to help  protect others  against a wave of akata like we faced and we were only too lucky with at the Witchlight. If we don't hand off some salt water and tell them what we're doing so that they then send others to collect salt water, they're going to lack an important defense .... because you feel it more important to smite maybe-evil than to defend definite-people."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago looks back at Sol with calmness, narrowing his eyes.
  ”It seems our priorities are not the same Sol Flood. But, I’m not some self righteous fool. You are the expedition leader after all, if the party agrees, we’ll take the water back now. But I implore you that we hurry back quickly afterward.”   There is no anger in Ago’s voice despite being insulted, he begins collecting saltwater to carry back.
meemaas
Visto speaks up after the latest outburst.   "Visto thinks that any evil that might be in this cave will still be there tomorrow, but Friend Clegg's camp might not be if Visto and the others don't help prepare. Also, Visto would feel bad if Friend Clegg lost any of his friends because Visto and Friends were more worried about this cave."  
Kvard51
Lev listens to the opinions offered and weighs the merits of each.  Sol and Ago's impassion words feel right to him, so he speaks in agreement,   "I will grab a bucket.  The caves will not go anywhere and we can gather supplies and return after telling Clegg what his men must do."  
lostsole31
  "That is all I ask,"   says Sol.

 Ago , do you relent?
AggressiveBread
Santiago nods.   ”Let’s get to it then. Tsyra, make sure you grab the armor you needed before we leave.”  
lostsole31
The few remaining buckets are filled and returned to Clegg.

  "Where the hell are you all going without the buckets? Aren't you going to get some more saltwater?"   Clegg asks after the contents of the buckets are put into barrels and ostensibly the buckets are left behind.
AggressiveBread
Santiago, turns to address Clegg.
  ”We were attacked when we went to fetch the water. We’re going to clear the area and make sure it is safe if your men also come to collect some. We wanted to make a report before heading back, but we’ll be back in camp by nightfall.”  
lostsole31
He simply nods with a smile.   "Sounds good."  

Does anyone else have anything to add before you head off to  die horribly  clear the caves?
rypt
  "In your time spent exploring the surrounding area,"   Tsyra asks of Clegg,   "did your company ever locate any cave systems?  I ask because it was at the entrance to a cave that we were attacked.  And while I believe returning here with water to have been in the best interest of upholding an agreement made in good faith, I also recognize that in our absence, we risk the same entrance being heavily fortified or made wholly impassable."  
bcool999
 Maggie 

Maggie is preoccupied giving Scruff plenty of scritches as repayment for having him bite rotting elf meat.
lostsole31
Clegg shakes his head,   "No random attacks but from the blue lion-dogs. What attacked you?"  

Sol says,   "Ago, remember ... we discovered a secret entrance that was magically trapped. The attack didn't occur until we went into the cave. The inhabitants never came out to attack us."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago acknowledges Sol with a nod before speaking to Clegg.
  ”Some kind of humanoid undead. They seemed intelligent, unlike zombies. We aren’t exactly sure what they are. But they were certainly wicked creatures.”  
lostsole31
  "Sounds nasty,"   says Clegg.   "Definitely something someone should look into."  
Kvard51
  "We will enter and clear out the caves,"   Lev says to Clegg,   " thereby making the cliff clear for your men to bring more water to combat the lion-dogs"  
lostsole31
  "Well, you better get to it,"   says Clegg.
AggressiveBread
Santiago will start heading back towards the cave
lostsole31
Does anyone have any final business at Zincher's camp?
Kvard51
Per usual, Lev quickly falls in at Ago's back.
bcool999
 Maggie 

Maggie tries to keep up with Ago as much as her diminutive stride will allow.
lostsole31
Alright, the party is back at the cliffs. Since the cliffs face west, the cliffs are well lit .... but mainly because the sun is getting low in the sky so while being more red-orange, it isn't blocked.

What preparations and order do you intend before entering? This includes light sources.
AggressiveBread
Santiago will offer a prayer to Abadar as he casts a spell upon himself. He is surrounded with a veil of protective energy. He offers to take the lead.
 
 Spoiler: Spells 
santiago casts veil of positive energy on himself, which lasts 40 minutes.
 
bcool999
 Maggie 

With a prayer, Maggie holds her symbol of the green faith aloft as hit begins to glow. Touching it to her walking stick, a gentle light remains to guard them against the darkness.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Maggie would go second or third to provide light. Scruff will be in front of her or by her side as space allows.
Maggie will also cast Light on her walking staff.
 
rypt
As they near the cliffside pathway, Tsyra readies her  everglowing torch  in one hand, and a slashing kinetic blade in the other.
lostsole31
For their part, Lev pulls out  his greatsword in readiness; Ago has flail and shield readied; Visto  has only two motes of light to give light to the back; Sol is in the  rear.

Ago moves into the cave first, and pushes in far enough until just before a passage from the west empties into this larger chamber. Water drips down along the walls of this damp cavern. The cave itself is cluttered with bits of rubble and debris, much of which seems to be from a strange, blackened form of rock quite different in appearance from the rock that makes up the walls of the cavern. The ceiling slopes up to the north, from a height of about ten feet near the southern exit to a height of twenty-five feet to the north.

In addition to the passage from the west, Ago's darkvision that there is a much smaller, rubble-cluttered passageway leading away to the northeast.

Oh, and there are definitely signs that there are others in this complex. Not because of something you see, but something you don't see ... namely, the belongings left behind from the combusted undead corpses you had slain!

What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago will point toward the passageway to the left and begin making his way down it, making sure the others are behind him.
lostsole31
 Surprise Round ... 

A hideous screeching sound is heard and Ago feels something in his chest for  5 +  4 cold  , his lower abdomen for  6 +  4 cold  , and then his chest again for  8 +  3 cold  .

 Begin Round One ...

R1T26:  The pain is in Ago's upper left arm now for  3 +  1 cold  , then his right elbow for  4 +  2 cold  , and it feels like his belly is going to turn to ice and cause him to implode as he takes  5 +  1 cold  . That horrid screeching comes again.

 R1T24:   Sol immediately begins flying above folks and to just inside the open  section that separates the two natural chambers - floating above Lev -  and he creates that red mote in his flame to provide light for himself.  As soon as he does, he sucks in his breath suddenly.   "Whoa! We have some type of creepy ghost devil or something! My height. 10' to my WSW."  
 R1T23:   Tsyra , note that the N-S column you are on has difficult terrain, and  you don't know about if you go in past the others. But Sol did give you  intel that it is flying at his own height (5' above the ground). You  have EB torch in one hand, and KBlade (S) in the other. What do you do?
rypt
With an elven prayer to Findeladlara on her lips, Tsyra rushes forward to combat this new and unknown threat.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swift action: Adopt  scarlet einhander  stance.

Move action: Beginning to the NW, Tsyra will move forward and attempt to get into a position to attack the 'creepy ghost devil' (CGD).
 
 Move, without knowingly provoking, to be adjacent to the CGD. 
 Move, without knowingly provoking, to be at least 10 feet and at most 30 feet away the CGD with line-of-sight thereto. 
 Move, risking a possible AoO, to be adjacent to the CGD. 
 Move, risking a possible AoO, to be at least 10 feet and at most 30 feet away the CGD with line-of-sight thereto. 
 

Free action: If Tsyra is able to identify the CGD, she will announce to the party what it is.

Free action: If her movement ends in a position where she cannot attack in melee, but can attack with a ranged kinetic blast, she will drop her  everburning torch .

Standard action: Attack the CGD, if possible.  If an attack is not possible, ready an action to attack if it moves into a position where she can.
 Attack: (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Bonuses believed to be relevant but not applied above: + (1d6)[ 2 ]  damage from  scarlet einhander  (kinetic blade only), +1 attack from Elemental Overflow, +2 damage from Elemental Overflow (ranged kinetic blast only). 
 
lostsole31
 R1T23:  With an elven prayer to Findeladlara on her  lips, Tsyra rushes forward to combat this new and unknown threat. She  shares a spot with Lev only to find that there's no way to pass Lev and  Ago without risking getting hit by the strange darkness, so she  backpedals to the northeast instead. It isn't great as it is more of a  narrow avenue, but she can still target the ... what? ... nonethless.  She drops her everburning torch at her feet, and her kinetic blade  cracks and crumbles even as more forms around it and she launches forth  sharpened flechettes of rock. The narrow firing tunnel causes most rocks  to hit the side walls while the shadowy, bat-winged, demonic creature -  a creature with teeth and claws and yet somehow lacking physicality,  melting into the darkness - effortlessly dodges away.

 R1T17:   Maggie ,  what do you do? You don't see the bogey, but you DO know that Tsyra  backed off, having gotten no farther than Lev/Sol's square (Sol flying  5' above) so as not to get struck, telling you that the bogey is  probably immediately to Ago's SW.
bcool999
 Maggie 

Seeing how congested it is in front, Maggie will delay to see if Ago needs her help.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Delay until After Ago to know if he needs healing and if we can decongest the clog we are in.
 
lostsole31
 R1T17-16:  Maggie and Scruff delay...

 R1T15:   Ago ,  there you stand before this shadowy darkness that has nearly shredded  and frozen you in seconds. It floats in or with or from the darkness but  5' off the ground. What do you do?

Maggie delaying ...
AggressiveBread
Ago calls out to his friends.   ”I’m hurt pretty bad, I’ll do what I can but I might need healing. I’ll make some room!”   his hand glows with holy light as he does his best to heal his wounds. Stepping further into the room, he’ll swing at the creature with his flail.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SWA: lay on hands on himself, using the hand with his light shield.  (2d6+8)[ 13 ]  (the +8 is from fcb and fey foundling feat.)
MA: activate indomitable presence(Allies in 30ft gain diehard and +5 bonus on saves vs death fatigue exhaustion and poison.)
FA: 5ft step west
SA: attack with flail:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 7 ] 
If ago goes down he will cast hero’s defiance as an IA
 
lostsole31
 R1T15:  Ago calls out to his friends,   ”I’m hurt pretty bad, I’ll do what I can but I might need healing. I’ll make some room!”   His hand glows with holy light as he does his best to heal his wounds (  13  ).  Stepping further into the room, he swings at the creature with his  flail, completely missing.

 R1T11:   Lev , what do you do?

Maggie and Scruff delaying ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Hearing Ago’s call for healing, Maggie begins to cast a spell. Holding the positive energy in her hand, she strides forth to Ago’s side to deliver it.

  ”Stay Scruff!”   Maggie calls out as she walks forward.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard Action: Cast Cure Moderate Wounds.

Move Action: Move 15ft West to be adjacent to Ago.

Free Action: Deliver Touch range spell (CMW)  (2d8+4)[ 13 ] 

Free Action: have Scruff stay.
 
lostsole31
 R1T14:  Hearing Ago’s call for healing, Maggie begins to cast a spell. Holding  the positive energy in her hand, she strides and commands,   ”Stay, Scruff!”   Once she gets to Ago, she touches him to release the energy for a warming   13 healing  .

 R1T11:   Lev , what do you do?
Kvard51
Lev steps into the fray, dropping one hand from his sword and casting a spell to limn the batlike shadow with light while, hopefully, blinding it at the same time.    "The way is clear now, Tsyra!"  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 
MA: Move 10' SW to stand in front of the bat-demon
StA" Cast Glitterdust [DC 16]
 
lostsole31
 R1T11:  Lev steps into the fray, having to go around the  wall and underneath the creature. As he does so, the head of the thing  forms enough to bite Lev's right hand as he goes by. Though Lev is not  injured, the attack ripped away every ounce of Visto's fortification.  Lev drops his right hand from the sword and begins casting a spell, but  the creature is so fluidly quick as to bite Lev in the chest this time  for  4 +  5 cold  . Lev tries to fight through the numbing pain, but ends up losing his spell anyway.

 R1T7:   Visto , what do you do?

Bogey on deck, Sol in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto will move until he can see Ago clearly, and responding to the other's need for healing, will call upon his healing rain to restore his Friends wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1TE and invest it into Soothing Rain.
Move action: Move north 2 squares and Northeast one where he should have Line of Sight with Ago (If he does not, he will adjust from there till he does.
Standard action: Soothing Rain targetting Ago healing  (3d8)[ 12 ]  damage
 
lostsole31
 R1T7:  Visto moves until he can see Ago clearly. He  desperately wants to heal his wounds, but the difficult rubble when he  first moved, and then having to move more than expected to get a clear  LOS, keeps him from helping just yet.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T26:   The unknown does a 5' adjustment, and moves so fluidly as to not  generate any counterattack. Floating above Lev, it attacks from above. A  spectral claw passes through Lev's left shoulder to simply open his  skin in a wound that then ices over for  5 +  6 cold  ; another claw passes through Lev's face for  1 +  5 cold  ; and its head thrusts into Lev's chest with a "bite" for  6 +  3 cold  .

 R2T24:   Sol flies in and to the north and throws the flame in his hand which  hits the far wall before another mote of the same type reforms in his  palm.

 R2T23:   Tsyra , you have only the slimmest target right now, as the thing floats above Lev. What do you do?

Ago on deck, Maggie on deck ...
rypt
Tsyra moves into the adjoining chamber to strike at the mass of swirling shadow floating above Lev.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swift action(?): I had Tsyra adopt the  scarlet einhander  stance last round, but it is not enabled on her sheet.  In the event something prevented her from maintaining the stance, she will enter it again now.

Move action: Move SW twice to end NE of Lev.

Standard action: Strike at the shadow creature with her kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 12 ] 

Bonuses believed to be relevant but not applied above: + (1d6)[ 1 ]  damage from  scarlet einhander , +1 attack from Elemental Overflow. 
 
lostsole31
 R2T23:  Tsyra moves into the adjoining chamber to strike  at the mass of swirling shadow floating above Lev, hitting it somewhere  along what might be the belly. The power of the elf's magic stone blade  is enough that there is a scrawing sound of anger coming from the thing  as some of its essence is peeled away ( 7 mod ).

 R2T15:   Ago , what do you do? This is a ghostly creature, and yet your  veil of positive energy  didn't light off as expected.

Maggie on deck, Lev in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago calls out.   Whatever it is, it’s not undead. We’ll take it down.”   he calls down Abadar’s power on the creature before stepping up to swing and bite at it.  
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swa: use smite evil on the creature (+(+5 attack +5 deflection bonus to ac, ignore dr, and +8 damage if it’s an evil dragon outsider or undead.)
FA: 5ft step to the southeast
FRA: attack with just flail and bite.
Flail attack:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ]  +5 from smite
Flail damage:  (1d8+5)[ 10 ]  +4 from smite, or +8 depending on the type of creature. (Ignores dr)
Bite attack  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  +5 from smite
Damage  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  +4 from smite (ignores dr)
 
lostsole31
 R2T15:  Santiago calls out,   "Whatever it is, it’s not undead. We’ll take it down.”    he calls down Abadar’s power on the creature. He heads southeast, but  the combination of rubble and a spur of rock jutting out from the wall  makes it more difficult than expected and he has to go around by heading  down southwest instead (also rubble). Still, he swings with his  god-driven flail to smite the creature in what passes for a chest for  9 mod ,  his weapon thrumming from a more powerful strike than expected. He  hasn't the time to bite, but it just might be Abadar protecting him from  having tried to bite a creature of such foulness, for if his smite was  so successful (despite its ephemeral nature) as it was .... and he knows  now it wasn't undead; and he's pretty sure it's not a dragon; that  leaves one possibility ... a fiend! A creature whose very essence is  made up of sin and corruption and foulness!

 R2T14:   Maggie ,  what do you do? You saw Santiago struggle with the area to your  immediate south, and now you know that you can't fit in that square (nor  travel through it).

Lev on deck, Visto in thee hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 
  ”Lev! Give me room to cast!”   Maggie cries out waiting for her moment to strike with her magic.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: Talk
Standard Action: Ready action to cast Color Spray when I can hit enemy without hitting an ally. If I can do this already with 3 dimensional targeting I do so.
 
lostsole31
 R2T14:    ”Lev! Give me room to cast!”   Maggie cries out waiting for her moment to strike with her magic.

 R2T11:   Lev , it is floating right above your head. What do you do?

Visto on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
Kvard51
Hearing Maggie's plea, Lev immediately drops to the ground, beginning a song to rally the troops from the early histories of Lastwall.

 
 Spoiler: Actions: 
FA - Drop Prone
SA: Initiate Raging Song (and Skald's Vigor...)
 
lostsole31
 R2T11:  Hearing Maggie's plea, Lev immediately drops to the ground, beginning a  song to rally the troops from the early histories of Lastwall.

 R2T10:   Taking his drop to the ground as a sacrifice play, Maggie - who isn't  really sure of how the spell will propagate in these close quarters -  pulls a handful of colored sand out of her medicine bundle and flings  it, whereby it takes on sparkling colors that then erupt into a riot of  chromatics as she tries to aim it partly upwards. The narrow cone goes  over Tsyra's head. Unfortunately, it still blooms outwards and hits Ago  and even Lev when he's prone, as well as the bogey.

 Ago , do you take Lev's raging song? Then, after answering that, roll a Will save.

 Lev , roll a Will save.
AggressiveBread
Ago will accept the raging song.
 
 Spoiler: Will save 
 (1d20+12)[ 20 ]  +1 from raging song
 
meemaas
Visto, still farther from the fray than anyone else, continues to make his way in towards the fighting, focusing his attention on any of his Friends that he can see inside.

 
 Spoiler 

Nonaction: Generate 1TE and invest it into Soothing Rain
Move action: Move to the West, aiming to end up five foot East of Maggie, if possible in one Move action.
Standard action: If Visto can make the move through the terrain, and has Line of Sight, he will release his Soothing Rain on Ago from here. If he cannot see Ago, Visto will instead release it on Lev, assuming the worst from him being prone.

If healing Ago  (5d8)[ 27 ] 
If healing Lev  (6d8)[ 28 ] 
 
Kvard51
Will Save:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  +2 from Inspired Rage...

 
 Spoiler: Actions: 
I'm sorry.  I really don't know how I missed this...
 
lostsole31
 R2T10:  It is ONLY because of Lev's inspired rage giving  him focus that he is able to ignore Maggie's spell, while Ago looks  away easily enough, likening the glistening lights to lights reflecting  onto a pour of golden coins into a chest.  It was a hell of a dangerous  ploy. Both allies fine, but nothing appears to be different with the  enemy.

 R2T7:  Visto - still farther from the  fray than anyone else - continues to make  his way in towards the fighting, focusing his attention on any of his  friends that he can see inside. He only sees Maggie, Ago, and Tsyra -  but not Lev, and allows a brief burst of soothing rain to wash over Ago to completely heal him.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T26:   With a fool on the ground below it, the bogey reaches its long shadowy  maw to the man who punctuates his power song with his own screams of  terror. The maw seems to clamp around and through the knee, leaving  behind wounds and frost of  8 +  1 cold  . A claw glides through his chest for  2 +  2 cold   as the other claw goes through Lev's gut for  1 +  1 cold  . It could have been so much worse, but Lev's raging song protected him from feeling much of it.

 R3T24:  As Sol repositions slightly for another wildly missing toss of fire, his fingers catch on some sharp rock protrusions (  1d6 bleed  ).

 R3T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Ago on deck, Lev in the hole ...
rypt
  "An inadvisable position,"   Tsyra remarks to the prone Lev before reaching over him to strike at the shadow monster.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Attack the shadow monster with her kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+10)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 13 ] 
 Scarlet einhander  damage bonus:  (1d6)[ 1 ]  
 
lostsole31
 R3T23:    "An inadvisable position,"    Tsyra remarks to the prone Lev before reaching over him to strike at  the shadow monster, slashing it through its head for what appears to  only be about  7 mod  of disruption to its discorporate form.

 R3T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Lev on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Entering an aggressive posture Santiago tries to strike the creature with his flail and make an opening for Tsyra. He calls out   ”Visto! Lev needs healing so he can safely stand!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SWA: enter stance of agression (-2 ac +1d6 on damage rolls)
SA:Use hunting party strike
(if successful Tsyra can make an Aoo)
Flail attack:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ]  +1 from raging song, +5 smite
Damage  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]  +1 from song +8 from smite
Stance of aggression damage:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R3T15:  Entering an aggressive posture, Santiago tries  to strike the creature with his flail to try and make an opening for  Tsyra. His weapon rushes through the creature's lower right arm to smite  it for  8 mod . Tsyra senses that opening and then strikes as well - slashing across the forehead of the shadow monster for  7 mod . Lev calls out,   ”Visto! Lev needs healing so he can safely stand!”  
 R3T11:   Lev , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Visto in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev doesn't think he can wait for Visto to reach him.  Having no other choice, he rolls left and stands.  Once erect, he quickly begins backing down the tunnel he rolled toward.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
MA: Stand from prone.
MA: Move 30' South (appears to be a tunnel)
FA: Maintain Raging Song.
 
lostsole31
 R3T11:  Continuing his song (  FH2  ), Lev doesn't think he can wait for Visto to reach him.  Having no other  choice, he rolls left and stands, but gets bit in the belly for  1 +  2 cold    for his trouble. Far better than it could have been. With the monster  focused on his getting up, Lev is sure he's safe. Once erect, he quickly  begins backing  down the tunnel he rolled toward. Tragically, he completely  underestimates just how quick his opponent is, and its ephemeral bite  sinks deep into Lev's right shoulder and into his chest and lung,  tearing apart muscle fibers and lung tissue for  13 +  6 cold  +  nausea  (which in turn stops the raging song) !  But Lev, mercifully, doesn't feel the nausea, as half-frozen puke that  erupts from him does so on a body that once again is prone, but this  time unmoving.

 R3T10:   Maggie , what do you do?

Visto on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
Kvard51
Lev falls to the cavern floor, unconscious and covered in his own emesis...
bcool999
 Maggie 
  ”Lev is down!”   Maggie cries as she makes room for Visto to enter the chamber. She then focuses on her holy symbol and speaks words of power to send a burst of radiance exploding into the flying enemy.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free Action: Speak
Move Action: Move 1 square West.
Standard: Cast Burst of Radiance targeting (From Maggies starting space) 1 square SW 2 squares S and point of origin will be SW corner of that Square. Will also target 5 feet up off of ground to be sure to catch bad guy.

Reflex Save DC 17 vs blinded for 1d4 rounds Dazzled for same duration on successful save. Evil Creatures in burst take  (4d4)[ 11 ]  Damage no Save.
Spell Resistance does apply.
 
meemaas
Visto moves further into the fray so that he can see where Lev is, prone and dying, and provide his friend with healing. As he does, the air around him begins to fill with a dry heat, as though the weather itself is punishing the enemy for daring to hurt Visto's Friends. Once Visto can see Lev, he'll summon another torrent of rain to heal his Friend and renew Lev's lease on life.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1TE and invest it into The Sirocco. Visto will actually use his storm veil this combat since he's in the midst of the fray for once.

Move action: Move relative East 10 ft in order to have LOS on Lev
Standard action: Soothing Rain on Lev, healing  (6d8)[ 30 ]  damage.

End of Turn: All enemies within a 35ft Radius take  (1d3)[ 1 ]  Fire damage and must make a DC 15 Fort Save or be Sickened until they heal the aforementioned damage.
 
lostsole31
 R3T10:    ”Lev is down!”   Maggie cries as she  makes room for Visto to enter the chamber. She then focuses on her holy  symbol and speaks words of power to send a burst of radiance exploding  into the flying enemy. Because of the bright flash, it is unknown how the bogey was affected.

 R3T7:   Visto moves further into the fray so that he can see where Lev is,  prone  and dying, and provide his friend with healing. As he does, the air  around him begins to fill with a dry heat, as though the weather itself  is punishing the enemy for daring to hurt Visto's Friends.  Unfortunately, heading east back into the first cavern keeps Visto from  getting eyes on Lev, so he is unable to heal him at this time.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T26:    The bogey darts away from the fallen Lev, doing so aerobatically so  that nobody is able to get in an AOO. It flies past Visto and then turns  around before giving a gods-awful screech!

 Visto , and  Maggie  ... roll Will saves!
meemaas
 
 Spoiler: Visto Will Save 
Will Save  (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
 
bcool999
 
 Spoiler: Maggie Will Save 
Will:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  +2 if illusion, +2 if death effect, +4 if enemy is fey.

(Just throwing all the conditionals at the wall)
 
lostsole31
 R4T26 (Cont'd):   Scruff chucks nervously. Maggie nearly  completely loses it, but Ago standing as a nearby inspiration keeps her  fear from getting the best of her (but she still feels it,  shaken ). Visto, on the other hand, caws out in completely maddened terror.

 R4T24:  Sol flies down to Maggie as he takes   2 bleed  .   "Maggie, can you stop my bleeding?"  
 R4T23:   Tsyra , what do you do? The bogey outmaneuvered the party and went to the larger chamber that you entered into towards the east.

Ago on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra glances down at Lev's body, steels herself, then looks up to meet Ago's eye before moving to pursue the shadow creature into the eastern chamber.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Tsyra will move NE once, then east once.  If she can see the creature from there, she will continue moving as near to it as possible.  If she cannot see it, she will move to be as near to Visto as possible.  If she cannot see Visto, she will move 1 more square to the NE.

Standard action:  If Tsyra can see the creature, she will attack it with a kinetic blade if she ends adjacent to it, or with a kinetic blast if not.  If she cannot see the creature, she will ready a kinetic blast if the event it moves within 30 ft.
 Attack:  (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6)[ 6 ]  plus 5 with blade or plus 7 with blast.  Additional  (1d6)[ 6 ]  for  scarlet einhander  with blade. 
Free action: If Tsyra has to drop her kinetic blade to make a kinetic blast attack, she will reform a slashing kinetic blade via Kinetic Blade Master.

Swift action:  If Tsyra had to drop out of  scarlet einhander  to make a kinetic blast attack, she will re-enter it.
 
lostsole31
 R4T23:  Tsyra glances down at Lev's body, steels herself, then looks up to meet  Ago's eye before moving to pursue the shadow creature into the eastern  chamber. She moves past Scruff and Visto to attack the bogey from the north, but it is too quick for her this time.

 R4T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Visto in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Seeing that the creature has left Lev alone for now, Santiago calls out.   ”I will engage the creature with tsyra. Maggie if you can, tend to the wounded.”   Santiago takes another concerned look at Lev before he runs to engage the creature.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: move 20ft towards the creature
Sa: He will move again to be within 5ft of the creature,flanking if possible.
 
lostsole31
 R4T15:  Seeing that the creature has left Lev alone for now, Santiago calls out.   ”I will engage the creature with tsyra. Maggie if you can, tend to the wounded.”   Santiago takes another concerned look at Lev before he runs to engage the creature.

 R4T10:   Maggie ,  you are shaken by the power of the bogey's dark energies. Sol is  standing there with an actively bleeding cut. Lev is south and prone,  unmoving. What do you do?

Visto on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Visibly swallowing her fear, Maggie shakily replies to Sol,   ”O-okay Sol. Here.”  

Maggie then reaches out and touches him with healing energy.

After that, Maggie moves South to check on Lev.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard Action: Lay on Hands on Sol. Healing  (2d6)[ 9 ] 

Move action: Move south 1 square to be adjacent to Lev.
 
lostsole31
 R4T10:  Visibly swallowing her fear, Maggie shakily replies to Sol,   ”O-okay Sol. Here.”   Maggie then reaches out and touches him with healing energy.

A fully-healed Sol smiles, trying to calm her.   "Overkill, but thanks."  

After that, Maggie moves South to check on Lev.

 R4T7:   The hot, dry air only increases in temperature in this area, though the  heroes are protected from it. But Visto doesn't care as he cries out in  a piercing shriek of terror! His wings seem to gain a faint, lambent  glow about them. He takes wing, flying immediately to the southwest away  from the bogey and then out the entrance of the cave as quickly as  possible ... out of sight of everyone!

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T26:   The bogey swirls back, just out of reach of the two heroes bearing down  on its position. It moves its shadowy arms together, darkness trailing  like smoky whorls about it, but nothing happens.

 R5T24:   Sol flies through the fissure and into the primary cavern to get to a  height of 10' to the north. He throws another fiery mote that the bogey  easily dodges.

 R5T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Ago on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra is still for a moment, her face strained as loose stones and pebbles rise from the cavern floor and begin to swirl around her, joining other mismatched pieces of earthen debris that seem to spontaneously spring into existence.  Bouncing off each other, colliding with rock walls and the metal armor of her companions, the sound is of a hailstorm of stone.  When Tsyra then steps forward, the whirling cloud of earth moves with her.  And when she strikes at the shadow monster with her blade, the innumerable bits of rock converge on the creature as though suddenly awakened to the threat it poses.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Gather power.

Free action: 5-foot step to the NE.

Standard action: Attack shadow monster with her kinetic blade, utilizing the entangling infusion.  Gather power reduces the burn cost to 1, which Tsyra will accept as battle burn.  If the attack hits, the creature must make a DC 15 Reflex save or be entangled for 1 minute (can be removed with a DC 15 Escape Artist or Strength check).
 Attack: (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 15 ]  with  (1d6)[ 3 ]  for  scarlet einhander . 
 
lostsole31
 R5T23:  Tsyra is still for a moment, her face strained  as loose stones and  pebbles rise from the cavern floor and begin to swirl around her,  joining other mismatched pieces of earthen debris that seem to  spontaneously spring into existence.  Bouncing off each other, colliding  with rock walls and the metal armor of her companions, the sound is of a  hailstorm of stone. She controls this maelstrom with both of her hands,  temporarily releasing her previous blade ... and dropping her out of  stance to do so. When Tsyra then steps forward, the whirling cloud  of earth moves with her.  And when she reforms her blade and strikes at  the shadow monster, the innumerable bits of rock converge on the  creature as  though suddenly awakened to the threat it poses. Her blade hits  somewhere in the dark mass that passes for the monster's legs and yet it  seems completely unharmed! 
 Spoiler: Tsyra 
It is then that Tsyra realizes  ... she's been duped. The creature fooled her into thinking that she  was able to harm it the other two times she thought she struck it ....  but it had used its shadowy form to fake injury to keep her committed to  a hopeless battle. 😦
 

 R5T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Visto in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago moves toward the creature, standing next to the Tsyra. He bellows out an inspiring cry.   ”By Abadar’s light I will outlast you fiend!”   Then he strikes at the creature as hard as he can.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: Move North 5ft then northeast 5 ft to be adjacent to the creature.
SWA: use encouraging roar (+2 attack and damage for allies in 30 ft)
SA Risky strike with flail
Attack roll  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  +5 smite +2 encouraging roar
Damage: (1d8+9)[ 14 ]  +8 smite +2 encouraging roll
Stance of aggression damage  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R5T15:  Santiago moves toward the creature, standing next to the Tsyra. He bellows out an inspiring cry,   ”By Abadar’s light! I will outlast you, fiend!”    as he strikes at the creature as hard as he can, his flail passing  through what passes for its left elbow. Though Santiago strikes nothing  solid, yet his righteousness and Abadar's gift burns the corruption  nevertheless for  10 mod .

 R5T10:   Maggie , you are no longer shaken (and neither is Scruff). You are standing over Lev's unconscious form. What do you do?

Visto on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Seeing that Lev appears to be alive for the moment, Maggie gathers magical energy weaving a spell of healing with a prayer and a gesture. The resulting positive energy then is pushed into Lev to restore him.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard Action: Cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Lev for  (2d8+4)[ 10 ]  Positive energy.
 
lostsole31
 R5T10:  Seeing that Lev appears to be alive for the moment, Maggie gathers  magical energy, weaving a spell of healing with a prayer and a gesture.  The resulting positive energy then is pushed into Lev to restore him for   10 healing  . Lev is still unconscious, but it is obvious that the spell had a significant impact on healing his wounds.

 R5T7:  Visto, still panicking, now opens up the throttle as it were, and conducts a run action!

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T26:  The bogey jukes away from Tsyra to the south (and above) Ago. A claw goes through Ago's head for  5 +  3 cold  ; Ago's holy protection saves him from the second claw; but the bite makes a pincushion out of Ago with a crit for  24 +  5 cold  , but Ago's divine protection keeps it from being a bleeding wound.

 R6T24:   Sol throws his flame to strike the thing in the wing, but the thing's  unholy nature seems to ignore the effect. In addition, Sol's flame power  is burned out and the mote of fire disappears from his hand.

 R6T23:   Tsyra , what do you do? The thing is now flying on the other side of Ago from you, 5' in the air.

Ago on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra calls out in dismay,   "The creature deceives us!  My blade cannot harm it -- it merely feigns injury!"    She then dismisses her kinetic blade and draws a more conventional weapon, a thin-bladed dagger tapered slightly near the hilt.  Running her fingers along the steel, she focuses her mind and her magic on this new form.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: Dismiss kinetic blade.

Move action: Draw an elven leafblade.

Standard action: Attune to the elven leafblade.

Swift action: Adopt  scarlet einhander  stance.
 
lostsole31
 R6T23:  Tsyra calls out in dismay,   "The creature deceives us!  My blade cannot harm it -- it merely feigns injury!"     She then dismisses her kinetic blade and draws a more conventional  weapon, a thin-bladed dagger tapered slightly near the hilt.  Running  her fingers along the steel, she focuses her mind and her magic on this  new form, but her soul's energy does not fill this simple vessel. Though  elven in make, it is not masterwork in craft, and cannot sustain the  attempted attunement. She gets back into her combat stance despite that.

 R6T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago recoils slightly from the powerful bite, but moves quickly to heal his wounds with holy power. He then steps 5ft toward the mouth of the cave.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SWA: lay on hands on self
Healing:  (2d6+8)[ 19 ] 
SA: lay on hands self again
Healing: (2d6+8)[ 16 ] 
FA: 5ft step to the southwest if possible
If he is required to make a saving throw he will use unbreakable gambit.
 
lostsole31
 R6T15:  Santiago recoils slightly from the powerful bite, but moves quickly to  heal his wounds with holy power for a whopping   35 healing  , so that only a minor chilled bit of his tiefling skin remains to show any discomfort. He then steps 5ft toward the mouth of  the cave.

 R6T10:  Meanwhile, in the other cave ...  Maggie , what do you do?

Bogey on deck, Sol in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Examining Lev’s wounds, Maggie continues to pump healing energy into him. Hoping he will open his eyes.

  ”C’mon Lev! Wake up!”   Maggie urges.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: Heal check on Lev’s wounds to see if I can tell damage types.
Heal:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 

Standard Action: Lay on hands on Lev for  (2d6)[ 9 ]  Positive Energy.
 
lostsole31
 R6T10:  Examining Lev’s wounds, Maggie continues to pump healing energy into him (  9 healing  ). Lev opens his eyes, but seems completely disoriented and his eyes are unable to focus on anything ( blinded &amp;   stunned ). Maggie urges him,   ”C’mon, Lev! Wake up!”  
 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T26:   The bogey moves 5' NE and looks to concentrate on something and creates  a vulnerability that Tsyra tries to exploit, but her leafblade misses.  The bogey touches one of the many, many rocks on the ground. Suddenly,  the entire area is plunged into a darkness that not even Ago's vision  can penetrate!

 R7T24:    "I can't see!"   calls out Sol.   "I'm going to go into the other chamber to make sure Maggie and Lev are okay."   A few seconds later he calls out,   "That blackness only extends halfway into the passage between chambers. I see Maggie's light now."   With that he flies in, 10' off the ground and looking down at Maggie from a height of 10'.

 R7T23:   Tsyra ,  you see nothing. Before the lights went out, the bogey flew down  adjacent to your SE and touched one of many rocks in rubble and  everything went black. What do you do?

Ago on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
With one hand outstretched, Tsyra moves towards the western wall of the chamber, using Sol's voice to orient herself in the dark.  Once she feels that she's reached the wall, she begins to follow it south.  If and when she reaches the passageway to the adjoining chamber, she calls to others,   "We must consider the possibility that this creature is beyond our ability to defeat.  I suggest we make for the entrance and hope that the light of day will deter the living darkness."    She will then continue as far southward as her movement will allow, keeping a hand on the wall in case the darkness extends all the way to the cliff edge.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action and standard action: Move west to the chamber wall and then turn south, following the wall south. She will stop if she leaves the darkness or if she feels that she's reached the cliffside pathway.
 
lostsole31
 R7T23:  With one hand outstretched, Tsyra moves towards the western wall of the  chamber, using Sol's voice to orient herself in the dark.  Once she  feels that she's reached the wall, she begins immediately follows it south and calls into the chamber beyond as she continues,   "We must consider the possibility  that this creature is beyond our ability to defeat.  I suggest we make  for the entrance and hope that the light of day will deter the living  darkness."  

Being in pitch black and dealing  with the line of scree and rubble enough so that when she gets to Scruff  because she hasn't the time to get past the badger.

 R7T15:   Ago , what do you do? You see nothing ... your entire field of view taken up by supernatural darkness that defeats your darkvision.

Maggie on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Ago will move west towards the sound of Sol’s voice. Using the wall to guide him, he tries to get out of the darkness. He also adopts a more defensive stance.
  ”Tsyra make your way outside! I’ll guard Sol and the others!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: Move as far west as possible, then follow the wall into the smaller area where sol presumably is.
Sa: continue moving until he is at least 10ft out of the darkness.
SWA: enter inner sphere stance.
 
lostsole31
 R7T15:  Ago moves west towards the sound of Sol’s voice,  stumbling over Scruff and the difficult line of rocks as he goes, which  is a really difficult area to move past in the dark. Using the wall to  guide him, he gets to the mouth of the entrance, but not farther beyond,  and is still in the dark. Adopting a defensive posture he calls out,   ”Tsyra make your way outside! I’ll guard Sol and the others!”  
 R7T11-10:   Lev is no longer comatose, but is temporarily blinded and stunned, but  his eyes open and they begin to fight to focus as he is still stunned.

 Maggie ,  you know that he only has a few more seconds (1 round) before he is no  longer stunned. Meanwhile, you also heard both Tsyra and Ago stumbling  around, annoying Scruff in the darkness. What do you do?

Bogey on deck, Sol in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

With the impenetrable darkness blocking the way with danger still within, Maggie hunkers down next to Lev to guard him. She also calls out to Scruff in the darkness,   ”Here boy. C’mere Scruff.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FRA: Full Defense Action
FA: Call Scruff over.
 
lostsole31
 R7T10:  With the impenetrable darkness blocking the way with danger still  within, Maggie hunkers down next to Lev to guard him. She also calls out  to Scruff in the darkness,   ”Here, boy. C’mere, Scruff.”  
 R7T9:   Ago feels something furry and ornery brush past him. Maggie, Scruff  appears and gets into a safe little nook between Maggie and the wall of  the cave.

 End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T26:  The bogey appears from out of the rock face of the secondary chamber, its dread nature terrifying those in the cavern.

 Maggie  and  Lev ,  roll a Will save vs. fear! (Sorry, Lev, but being stunned is not a  defense against this fear effect as it doesn't require you to be lucid.)
bcool999
 Maggie 
 
 Spoiler: Will save: 
Will saving throw:  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
 
Kvard51
Will Save

 
 Spoiler: Save 
  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R8T26:  Lev is too insensate and loopy to feel too much  fear. Maggie's spirit quails, but though she cannot see Ago, she senses  him coming and is heartened. Scruff is too ornery. Sol barely holds it  together but for Ago's unseen inspiration. (All heroes and badger  shaken .)

 R8T24:    "Tsyra's right,"   says Sol.   "Fall back if you can if you don't think you can do anything to the Bat-Man. I'm heading out over the bay outside."   With that, he flies into the darkness to the east, brushing past Ago as he goes.

 R8T23:   Tsyra ,  you are at the mouth of the western cave, on the north side. A field of  rubble goes due south to the exit, you remember. You are in pitch  black. What do you do?

Ago on deck, Lev in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra calls out in the darkness,   "Sol, are you able to see how far the darkness extends towards the cliff face?"  

Making her way southward, she crosses the westward passage, trying to keep one hand on the cavern wall as she navigates the uneven terrain.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move and standard action: Double move south along the western wall of the cavern.  If she steps into a space without difficult terrain or is able to see that she's reached the cliffside, she will stop.  If she leaves the darkness, she will call back to the others to describe the location of the boundary.
 
lostsole31
 R8T23:  Tsyra calls out in the darkness,   "Sol, are you able to see how far the darkness extends towards the cliff face?"  
  "Yes!"   comes a distant call that carries little echo, indicating he is outside.

Making her way southward, she crosses the westward passage - including  patting Ago in the back - trying to  keep one hand on the cavern wall as she navigates the uneven terrain.  She manages to work just a strenuous move action before the glint of  light coming in through the entrance is finally visible. She calls out  to others,   "The darkness seems to  end 10' or so south of the cross passage. It is still dark in the cave,  but I can at least see the light of sunset coming in from outside."  
 R8T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Lev on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Ago continues to move west, if he makes it out of the darkness, he moves to strike the creature with his flail.   ”Come fiend! I will be your opponent!”   
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: move to the west into the smaller cavern trying to get within 5ft of the enemy
SA: If he’s within 5ft he will strike the creature, if he is not adjacent, he will move again.
Flail attack:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ]  +5 smite
Damage  (1d8+5)[ 13 ] +4 smite
If he has to make a saving throw, he’ll use unbreakable gambit.
 
lostsole31
 R8T15:  Ago continues to move west, making it out of the  darkness, crosses past Maggie, and then strikes the creature with his  flail for  8 .   ”Come fiend! I will be your opponent!”  
 R8T11:  Lev is still stunned, but ...

 R8T10:   ... he regains his wits a second later, finding himself alive and prone  on the deck, and the bogey hovering right near him at ground level.

 Maggie , what do you do? You are surely filled with trepidation, but you are no longer shaken.

Scruff on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Seeing the creature looming above them once more, Maggie is visibly fearful for her life. Still she steels herself to aid her allies escape.

  ”Scruff! We gotta pull Lev. Pull!”   Maggie attempts to show Scruff how to perform this unfamiliar action.

Worried about Lev Taking more blows, Maggie opts to restore more of his vitality. A spell springs to her lips and healing energy channels into Lev.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: Push Scruff to perform an unknown trick. Handle Animal vs DC25:  (1d20+12)[ 13 ]  +4 for animal companion link I believe?
On success, get Scruff to perform a Drag maneuver on Lev moving North.

Standard Action: Cure Moderate wounds on Lev. Healing:  (2d8+4)[ 15 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R8T10:  Seeing the creature looming above them once more, Maggie is visibly  fearful for her life. Still she steels herself to aid her allies escape.

  ”Scruff! We gotta pull Lev. Pull!”   Maggie attempts to show Scruff how to perform this unfamiliar action.

Worried about Lev Taking more blows, Maggie opts to restore more of his  vitality. A spell springs to her lips and healing energy channels into  Lev for   15 healing  . This empties her of her most powerful spirit guide magic, and she fights off a headache.

 R8T9:  Scruff tries to claw and burrow through the hard rock of the cave, but makes no headway.

 End Round 8, Begin Round 9 ...

R9T26:   The bogey does a 5-foot adjustment to now be partway in the rock on the  eastern wall. An ephemeral claw slashes through Lev's left knee for  5 +  5 cold  , another claw passes his neck for  4 +  1 cold  , and finally it gnaws on his foot for  7 +  2 cold  , and Lev feels unconsciousness looming over him again.

 Lev , do you go unconscious or fight it and stay awake?
Kvard51
Lev lapses back into unconsciousness, his body protecting him from imminent death...
lostsole31
 R9T26 (Cont'd):  Lev lapses back into unconsciousness, his body protecting him from imminent death.

 R9T24:  Outside, Sol seems to have shaken off that initial terror. He calls out,   "Tsyra! do you hear me? Follow my voice."  
 R9T23:   Tsyra ,  what do you do? You aren't in a field of impenetrable darkness, but  your light source and those of the party are, and the setting sun makes a  brilliant pinhole at the entrance without actually lighting the cavern  for you appreciably.

Ago on deck, Lev (dying) in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
With zeal and hatred burning in his eyes Santiago casts a divine spell to focus his wrath on the creature. He then steps over Lev’s body, standing over him.
  ”Do what you can to move him Maggie. It seems Lev lacks the Will to move of his own accord.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SA: cast wrath on himself, focusing on the fiend. (+2 to attack/damage against one creature for a minute)
MA: Move onto the square with lev’s body, standing over him
 
rypt
  "I can hear you,"    Tsyra calls back to Sol.    "I can see light at the entrance to the cavern."    As she moves towards the cliff, she relays to Sol what she's heard from the other chamber.    "Santiago is still combating the sentient shadow.  Maggie is struggling to extricate Lev."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move and standard action: Tsyra will double move towards the entrance of the cavern.  She will stop if she reaches Sol or the cliffside pathway.
 
lostsole31
 R9T23:    "I can hear you,"    Tsyra calls back to Sol.    "I can see light at the entrance to the cavern."    As she moves towards the cliff, she relays to Sol what she's heard from the other chamber.    "Santiago is still combating the sentient shadow.  Maggie is struggling to extricate Lev."  

Sol has her move one step to the side of the entrance so as not to block the light for others.

 R9T15:  With zeal and hatred burning in his eyes Santiago casts a divine spell  to focus his wrath on the creature. He then steps over Lev’s body,  standing over him.   ”Do what you can to move him, Maggie. It seems Lev lacks the Will to move of his own accord.”  
 R9T11:   Lev , roll a stabilization check.

 R9T10:   Maggie , what do you do?

Scruff on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Stepping away from the threatening foe, Maggie yells at Ago,   ”There’s no way I can drag Lev out of here alone Ago!“  

Reaching for her druidic magics, Maggie summons a cloud of fog to obscure the enemy’s vision. She then calls out,   “Scruff with me!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
5ft step North
FA speak
Standard Action: Cast Fog Cloud Centered on Self.
FA: Order Scruff to Heel.
 
lostsole31
 R9T10:  Stepping away from the threatening foe, Maggie yells at Ago,   ”There’s no way I can drag Lev out of here alone Ago!“   Reaching for her druidic magics, Maggie summons a cloud of fog to obscure the enemy’s vision. She then calls out,   “Scruff with me!”  
 R9T9:  Scruff delays, waiting for its master to move more, since he is still adjacent to her....

 End Round 9, Begin Round 10 ... 
 R10T26:   Protected by the stone it is partially inhabiting, it seems to Ago that  the monster is briefly concentrating on something.  Then a sharp report  is heard with the tang of ozone (even Maggie senses that) and a  lightning rips straight through Ago and Lev.  Ago is not very agile, and  takes 43 electricity. Only Ago (and Scruff) sees the horror, but Lev's  body is completely misshapen, contorted, and cooked as his nervous  system has him break his own back from the powerful jolt. The monster  then disappears into the wall. Even as the electricity wracked him, it  looked like something ephemeral left him - like a spirit - and yet it  had vaguely female qualities.

 Maggie , you sense something behind you, and the demon has now fully exited the cavern wall to threaten you!

 R10T24:   Sol takes a drink of something, and this body begins to become brutish,  ugly, and misshapen. He still looks vaguely like Sol, but like a fat,  grotesque version of him.  He looks around, and in a thicker, slightly  higher-pitched voice he says,   "Tsyra,I  see no sign of Visto. I just heard a powerful jolt of electricity. I am  pretty sure even Maggie isn't powerful enough for that type of magic. I  say we peace out, but do it together. Otherwise, this cliff is a  particularly bad place to wait for you, as you can't fly should you get  knocked from the ledge should the battle come out here."  
 R10T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Ago on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra's composure is beginning to falter now, and there is no disguising the hint of panic in here voice.    "What?  You...you think they're all...?"    She can neither speak the final word nor meet Sol's eye in its absence.    "No.  Please, let us wait a little while longer."     She reaches into the pouch on her belt and withdraws a sunrod.  She actives it and holds it out towards the darkness of the cave.    "Here.  We will be able to see whatever emerges from the shadow.  If it is cause to flee, then so be it."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swift action: Draw sunrod from her Craftman's Belt.

Standard action: Activate sunrod.
 
lostsole31
 R10T23:  Tsyra's composure is beginning to falter now, and there is no disguising the hint of panic in here voice.    "What?  You...you think they're all...?"    She can neither speak the final word nor meet Sol's eye in its absence.    "No.  Please, let us wait a little while longer."      She reaches into the pouch on her belt and withdraws a sunrod.  She  actives it and holds it out towards the darkness of the cave.    "Here.  We will be able to see whatever emerges from the shadow.  If it is cause to flee, then so be it."  

She  takes a light step to allow the sunrod's light to wash into the cave.  The light brightly shines in for 20' before being stopped cold by a wall  of impenetrable darkness.

 R10T15:   Ago  ... ow, what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Bogey in the hole, Scruff delaying to maintain "heel" command .....
AggressiveBread
Santiago shouts to be heard by his allies.
  ”Lev is gone! Maggie try to get out! My lord demands that this fiend doesn’t go unpunished!”   Channeling more holy energy into himself, Santiago tries to staunch his wounds before moving towards the creature.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swa: lay on hands on himself
Sa: lay on hands to self again
MA: move 5ft north then 5ft northeast
If he has to make a saving throw he will use unbreakable gambit. (Which gives a +2 bonus)
First lay on hands
 (2d6+8)[ 14 ] 
2nd lay on hands
 (2d6+8)[ 18 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R10T15:  Santiago shouts to be heard by his allies,    ”Lev is gone! Maggie, try to get out! My lord demands that this fiend doesn’t go unpunished!”   

Channeling more holy energy into himself, Santiago staunches his wounds (  32 healing  ) before moving towards the creature, and seeing it as he finishes his movement.

 R10T10:   Maggie , what do you do?

Bogey on deck, Sol in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Distraught at Lev’s passing and Ago determination to die fighting, Maggie croaks out,   ”Goodbye Ago.”  

Hoping their opponent can’t see through her conjured fog like she can, Maggie makes her way outside.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard: Activate Gaze of Flame.
Move Action: Move past Ago and towards outside. This will provoke AoO from villain.
 
lostsole31
 R10T10:  Distraught at Lev’s passing and Ago determination to die fighting, Maggie croaks out,   ”Goodbye, Ago.”  

Hoping their opponent can’t see through her conjured fog like she can,  Maggie hustles out of there. She registers that the bogey tried to bite  at her. Because of the combination of darkness and difficult terrain,  she doesn't make it outside but she DOES make it out of the darkness,  and sees Tsyra guiding her final steps with a lit sunrod.

 R10T9:   At about the same time, Scruff goes to heel as directed. Maggie doesn't  see it, but Ago does. Scruff scrambled out of where they were to get  into Ago's spot (the only place it could go) before trying to leave that  point when the bogey crits Scruff with a bite! Scruff is blown back by  the blow to where he originated - though luckily no longer visually in  range or view of the bogey, but still took  8 +  2 cold  + prone . Maggie doesn't see this, but does hear Scruff's scream of anguish.

 End Round 10, Begin Round 11 ...

R11T26:  The  bogey moves to the southwest out of Ago's view in the thick cloud, but  the movement was only slight (a 5' step) to rob Ago of a counterattack.  Then, the refracted light of a massive plume of fire erupts before it is  no longer refracted light but engulfing Ago and Scruff. This time,  however, Ago recognized something was wrong with this flame - that it  didn't seem quite right ... that is was only  partly  real. He  didn't roll out of the way in time to keep from getting engulfed, but  his understanding that it is a faux fireball of some sort means he only  takes   1 mod fire  . Amazingly, Scruff's animal instinct must have informed it that it wasn't real fire as he only takes   7 fire  .

 R11T24:    "That ... was the sound of a fireball eruption,"   says Sol.   "But it is strangely muted for some reason."  
 R11T23:   Tsyra , what do you do? You saw Maggie just barely exit the darkened area in a hurry.

Ago on deck, Maggie in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra waves Maggie towards her and then readies herself to launch an earthen shard should anything hostile emerge from the darkness.

  "Are these magics the makings of a new foe, or is that shadow fiend more capable still?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Ready a ranged kinetic blast at any hostile creature that moves into view.
 Attack: (d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Damage: (2d6+7)[ 11 ]  
 
lostsole31
 R11T23:  Tsyra waves Maggie towards her and then readies herself to launch an  earthen shard should anything hostile emerge from the darkness.    "Are these magics the makings of a new foe, or is that shadow fiend more capable still?"  
 R11T15:   Ago , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Scruff in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Ago holds his position where he is.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ago will delay, and come out of delay after scruff moves.
 
lostsole31
 R11T15:  Ago holds his position where he is.

 R11T10:   Maggie ,  Scruff should be up to you, you would think, but you heard him cry in  pain. Meanwhile, Tsyra with her sunrod are at the cave's entrance as a  field of darkness is behind you. What do you do?

Scruff on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Moving slightly towards the entrance, Maggie looks back towards the unnatural darkness and calls for her friend.   ”Come here Scruff. Here boy!”  

Maggie makes no indication that she heard Tsyra’s questions.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: Move 2 Squares south toward cave entrance.
FA: Call for Scruff.
 
lostsole31
 R11T10:  Moving slightly towards the entrance, Maggie looks back towards the unnatural darkness and calls for her friend while carefully navigating the difficult terrain towards and gets to the cave entrance.   ”Come here Scruff. Here boy!”   She makes no indication that she heard Tsyra’s questions.

 R11T9:  Scruff twists and rolls back over onto his feet.  He pushes past Ago's legs and disappears into the darkness.

On  the other side, he pushes out of the darkness while managing the  difficult terrain and moves up to Maggie, obviously having hustled and huffed to get here.

 R11T8:   Ago , you were going to come out of delay after Scruff past you. Now what?

Bogey on deck, Sol in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago yells out.   Call to me when you are safety outside! It has magic that reaches a wide area so I don’t want to be too close! Worry not! It seems the magic is only partially real.”   Staying in this spot, Santiago will heal himself once again, preparing to withstand another attack.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SA: lay on hands himself.
Lay on hands:  (2d6+8)[ 13 ] 
Ma: he will unstrap his light shield from his arm, holding on to it for now.
If he has to make a save he will use unbreakable gambit.
 Just a reminder that inner sphere stance also gives a bonus to Will saves, as well as to ac.
 
lostsole31
 R11T8:  Santiago yells out,   "C    all to me when you are  safety outside! It has magic that reaches a wide area so I don’t want to  be too close! Worry not! It seems the magic is only partially real.”   Staying in place, Santiago heals himself once again (  13  ), preparing to withstand another attack.

 End Round 11, Begin Round 12 ... 
 R12T26:   Maggie, Tsyra, and Sol are shocked to sea the monster come out of the  stone and concentrate down their way before a bolt of electricity goes  through Scruff (  9 electricity  ), Maggie (  3 electricity  ), Tsyra (  7 electricity DDP  ), and Sol (  2 electricity  ).  It seems Scruff's animal senses and everyone else heeded Ago's warning  about the partially-real nature of the lightning, with Sol and Maggie  having moved faster to get out of the way.

 R12T24:  Sol chucks a bomb over his allies' heads at the monster for the vial to explode center of mass, but apparently doing nothing.   "Scram!"   he says as he flies quickly to the east.

 R12T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Scruff in the hole ...
rypt
With Maggie and Scruff nearby, and having heard Santiago's voice, Tsyra stands taller and steadier than she had moments before.    "The creature passes through stone!"   she calls out to the tiefling.    "It has emerged near to the mouth of the cave!  We are attempting to withdraw along the cliffside!"  

She then moves east to follow Sol, readying herself for a possible attack from the shadow monster.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Swift action: Adopt  scarlet einhander  stance.

Move action: Move 30 ft. to the east.

Standard action: Total defense for +4 dodge bonus to AC.
 
lostsole31
 R12T23:  With Maggie and Scruff nearby, and having heard Santiago's voice, Tsyra  stands taller and steadier than she had moments before.     "The creature passes through stone!"    she calls out to the tiefling.     "It has emerged near to the mouth of the cave!  We are attempting to withdraw along the cliff side!"   

She then moves east to follow Sol, readying herself for a possible attack from the shadow monster.

 R12T10:   Maggie ,  this thing towers menacingly over little Scruff. Of course, it looked like it did before Tsyra took the light with her. You can still see, but the light outside has been waning and the sun setting, and this section isn't lit quite as before as the sun is partway below the waves. For that specific aspect, it is strange that you should find beauty in the setting sun at this time. Remember that whole  north-south strip leading to the mouth of the cave is difficult terrain.  What do you do?

Scruff on deck, Ago in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 
  ”Ago it’s following us!”   Maggie cries as she continues to flee.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: Speak
Move Action: Move one square south and all of remaining movement East along the cliff.
Standard Action: Continue moving away as far as tiny legs will take her.
 
lostsole31
 R12T10:    ”Ago, it’s following us!”   Maggie cries as she continues to flee.

 R12T8:   Ago , what do you do?

Bogey on deck, Sol in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago enters into an aggressive stance. moves to the east, then south towards the cave mouth swinging at the creature if he can see it. He calls out,
  ”I’m right behind you!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
SWA: enter stance of aggression.
MA: move 5ft west, then 15ft south
SA: if he can reach the creature, he will try to hit it with his flail. If he can’t see or reach it, he will move 20 ft towards the cave exit.
If he has to make a saving throw he’ll use unbreakable gambit.
Flail Attack with risky strike: (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  +5 from smite
Damage  (1d8+9)[ 12 ]  +4 from smite
Stance of aggression damage  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R12T8:   Santiago enters into an aggressive stance. He moves to the west, then south  towards the cave mouth swinging at the creature if he can see it. He  calls out,   ”I’m right behind you!”  

In  his initial confusion of the mist, he starts the wrong way and moves  down to stand over Lev's body. Realizing his mistake, he then goes back  to the point where he was and tries and feels around before he would  enter the darkness, already exhausted of movement for his mistake.

 End Round 12, Begin Round 13 ...

R13T26:   The sun's last sliver has disappeared beneath the horizon, casting a  warm red glow to the west. The party can still see from the most recent  sunset .... and they see the shadowy demon exit the cave mouth to  follow! It flies well out from the cliff's edge, and then seems to move  its shadowy claw violently. Scruff gets picked up by an unseen force and  violently hurled at Tsyra's back, but Tsyra blocks the furry missile  ... and in doing so, Scruff falls with a terrified chittering screech  .... falls to the churning waters below, taking  4 NL   from the impact with the water at this height. Because of the force of  the fall, Scruff is not on the surface but below the water.

In the heads of Tsyra and Maggie (only), a most inhuman, most grating "voice" triumphantly says,   &lt;"Listen to the dying scream of your pet, insect. You will not come here again."&gt;  
 R13T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Scruff in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra grimaces as the creature's wordless voice claws at the edges of her mind.  Hoping that Sol can still hear her, she calls back towards the cave,    "The creature can move others with its magic!  It just propelled Scruff into the sea!"     She takes a deep breath then, and imploring the guidance of her goddess, hurries along the path to the east.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard and Move action: Double move to the east, turning north away from the cliff if and when the terrain permits it.
 
lostsole31
 R13T23:  Tsyra grimaces as the creature's wordless voice claws at the edges of  her mind.  Hoping that Sol can still hear her, she calls back towards  the cave,    "The creature can move others with its magic!  It just propelled Scruff into the sea!"     She takes a deep breath then, and imploring the guidance of her goddess, hurries along the path to the east.

 R13T10:   Maggie , what do you do? Scruff is not seen, under the crashing waves against the cliff below.

Scruff on deck, Ago in the hole ...
bcool999
 Maggie 

Maggies eyes widen in horror as Scruff is cast off the cliff, falling to the waves below.

   ”SCRUUUUUUUUUUUF!”    Maggie wails mournfully even as she flees with all her might.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: Wail Mournfully.

If terrain permits: FRA: Run Action moving max distance possible.

If terrain restricts Running safely: Double move after Tsyra.
 
lostsole31
 R13T10:  Maggie's eyes widen in horror as Scruff is cast off the cliff, falling to the waves below.

    ”SCRUUUUUUUUUUUF!”    Maggie wails mournfully even as she flees with all her might.

 R13T8:   Ago , what do you do? You definitely heard Maggie's baleful cry loud and getting more distant.

Visto on deck, bogey in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago moves east then south making his way to the cave entrance.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
ma: move 5ft east and 15 ft south
Sa: keep moving south until he’s outside the cave.
If he has to make a save he’ll use unbreakable gambit
 
lostsole31
 R13T8:  Santiago moves east - misjudging how far east he  has to go - then finally into the difficult terrain of the rubble in  the other room, not yet having had a chance to turn south, but feeling  the wall ton his right shoulder as he guides around the corner.

 R13T7:   Visto's terror has been leading him to fly at fastest speed toward the  sun, as if the sun held safety. But now the sun disappears below the  horizon - providing a brilliant sunset but no longer direct sunlight,  and hurting his eyes ...

 End Round 13, Begin Round 14 ...

R14T26:   .... and it seems that sudden explosion of orange and pink and red and  lavender is what is needed to finally, finally bring him out of the  abject terror he suffered when the unknown creature of shadows touched  on a primal terror within him.

Visto turns to see that he is easily at least 300 yards from the cliff edges.

 R14T9:  ...

 R14T8:   Ago ,  what do you do? Remember that you have your flail in one hand, that  your shield is loosed (not readied) but held in the other hand, and you  are in  stance of aggression . Also, you know you are in the line  of rubble that extends north-south from the cave entrance and need only  move south now ... in pitch darkness.

Visto on deck, bogey in the hole ...
AggressiveBread
Santiago will shift back into a defensive stance before continuing to move toward the cave entrance. Moving along the cliff if he makes it outside. Once outside he will bellow   ”Visto! If you can hear me, return to camp!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: move full speed toward the cave entrance

SA: Continue moving outside and along the cliff.
SWA: enter inner sphere stance
If he has to make a save he’ll use unbreakable gambit.
 
meemaas
Now that Visto has finally calmed down after his extremely frightening experience, he intends to turn around and return to his Friends. Adjusting his direction to return to the camp, Visto starts flying back where he came from, while fervently hoping his Friends are still alive.

 
 Spoiler 
In an effort to return to his friends, he will attempt to "run" back to camp if possible.
 
lostsole31
 R14T8:  Santiago will shift back into a defensive stance  before continuing to  move toward the cave entrance, stumbling in the darkness and on the  rocks. The difficult movement in dark and rubble means he moves very  slowly as he picks and feels his way around the rocks, and knows he  isn't at the cave entrance. Out of worry, he bellows,   ”Visto! If you can hear me, return to camp!”  

But  the immediate reverberation and echo in the darkness tells Ago - as  does the lack of surf noise - that the secret door has been shut! 😦
 R14T7:  Now that Visto has finally calmed down after his extremely frightening  experience, he intends to turn around and return to his Friends.  Adjusting his direction to return to the camp, Visto starts flying back  where he came from, while fervently hoping his Friends are still alive (out of initiative).

 End Round 14, Begin Round 15 ...

R15T26:  Ago feels pain in his left (  5 + 6 cold  ) and right ( 4 +  1 cold  ), and finally at his neck ( 5 +  5 cold  ),  his stance completely useless when he can't see the threat, and his  faith lacking in repelling the forces of darkness. The attack came from  the very direction he was trying to go ... he thinks, but is worried  about getting turned around in here.

 R15T8:   Ago , what do you do?
AggressiveBread
Using the wall to his west as a guide, he continues moving toward the cave entrance, past the creature assaulting him.
Once he’s made it as far as he can, he’ll drop his shield and heal himself. He calls into the dark.   ”Fiend! If you allow me to leave, you may have a chance to save yourself, but if you slay me here. You will die, if not by my hand, then by those sent to avenge me! By Abadar’s might, their swords will bring you low!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: Continue moving toward where the entrance 20ft
SA: If still in darkness, he’ll keep moving. Another 20ft If he’s out of the dark after the first move, he’ll go into total defense.
FA: drop shield
SWA: lay on hands self
 (2d6+8)[ 18 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R15T8:  Using the wall to his west as a guide, Ago  continues moving toward the cave entrance, attempting to get past the  creature assaulting him, but finding that while formless - there is an  energy about it that deflects him. He would have to try much more  forcefully ... and just in the attempt he is bitten(?) in the neck again  for  8 +  1 cold  .

Since he’s made it as far as he can, he drops his shield and heal himself for   18 healing  , exhausting the last of this type of healing. He calls into the dark.   ” Fiend!   If you allow me to leave, you may have a chance to save yourself, but  if you slay me here. You will die, if not by my hand, then by those sent  to avenge me! By Abadar’s might, their swords will bring you low!”  
 End Round 15, Begin Round 16 ...

R16T26:  In Ago's mind he hears a blasphemous mental cacophony speaking to him... 
 Spoiler: Bogey &gt;&gt;&gt; Ago 
  "I might have spared you, were you not already corrupted from birth. No, tonight I shall feast on your soul."  
 
A slash at his shoulder for  2 +  2 cold   followed by a bite at his abdomen for  7 +  3 cold  .

 R16T8:   Ago ?
AggressiveBread
Santiago attempts to move around the creature by moving to the southeast then continuing southward. He replies to the spirit.
  May my soul be bitter and cause you great pain then.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: Rather than go straight south, he’ll try to go southeast to get around the enemy before continuing south Sa: if he is still in darkness by the end of the move, he will keep going south. If out of the darkness, he’ll use total defense
Swa: If he uses his standard action to move, he’ll draw his scimitar on the move and enter inner sphere stance.
 
lostsole31
 R16T8:  Santiago attempts to move around the creature by  moving to the southeast, only to find he is at the bottlneck where the  entryway narrows - and cannot pass by. He replies to the spirit while  drawing his scimitar and resolving a stance for the end,   "M    ay my soul be bitter and cause you great pain then."  
 End Round 16, Begin Round 17 ...

R17T26:   Ago's holy aura in the smite protects him from one claw, and that has  him jolt back to dodge the other. But his elbow still gets struck for  6 +  2 cold  .  
 Spoiler: Bogey &gt;&gt;&gt; Ago 
  "Your  disgusting power - granted you by your failing worship - yet protects  you. This means you haven't despaired, but resolved, so it shall be as  sweet a meat as any soul ever when I feast on your purity."  
 

 R17T8:   Ago , what do you do?
AggressiveBread
Ago moves back north following the wall to try and move back into the smaller cavern where there was light. He calls out to no one in particular.
  ”Brother, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to save you. Or bring your killers to justice. Pour me glass of wine would you? It’s been so long since I’ve had a good drink.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
MA: move north following the wall as trying to reach the entrance to the side cavern to the west
Sa: continue following the wall into the side cavern trying to get in as far as possible.
 
lostsole31
 R17T8:  Ago moves back north following the wall to try  and move back into the  smaller cavern where there was light. With the darkness and rubble, he  only makes it as far as the lip of the passageway that heads west. He  calls out to no one in  particular,   ”Brother, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to save you.  Or bring your killers to justice. Pour me glass of wine would you? It’s  been so long since I’ve had a good drink.”  
 End Round 17, Begin Round 18 ...

R18T26:   Ago feels the evil close to him to the south biting wildly in the  darkness at him. it's only really now that Ago realizes .... this  creature, this demon of shadow, it actually can't see through its own  darkness. Rather, it is extremely capable of fighting when its own  vision is impaired, and that is where its advantage there exists.

 R18T8:   Ago , what do you do? You now need only begin heading west to get to that smaller cavern.
AggressiveBread
Santiago smirks a little at the thought of the creature being just as blind as he is, before he moves to the west, hopefully back Into a place he can see. Using his tail he pulls a potion from his belt and drinks it
 
 Spoiler 
MA: Move west until he’s roughly in the center of the small cavern. Making sure he is not adjacent to any of the walls once he can see again
SWA: use prehensile tail to retrieve a potion of eagle’s splendor from his belt.
SA: drink potion
If he has to make a save he’ll use indomitable gambit
 
lostsole31
 R18T8:  Santiago smirks a little at the thought of the  creature being just as  blind as he is, before he moves to the west. While there is no place not  next to some part of wall, he does situate himself - his darkvision  returned but in Maggie's cloud - in as far from being too close to a  wall as possible. Using his tail he pulls a potion from his belt and  drinks  it. He instantly feels his confidence returning to him at an incredible  rate.

 End Round 18, Begin Round 19 ...

R19T26:  Ago once again finds himself instantly in darkness.

 R19T8:   Ago , what do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago calls out to the demon through gritted teeth before he moves, attempting to throw him off of his position .   “I don’t care if it kills me but. I will banish you demon! So cower in the dark! Like the worm you are!”   He begins moving southward now, making use of the brief moment he had before being plunged back into darkness. He attempts to make his way down the passageway to the south which he saw when fighting in here before. He pulls another potion from his belt with his tail.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA: speak
MA: move south past lev’s body into the passage (going full speed
SWA: retrieve a potion of bull’s strength with prehensile tail
SA: if still in darkness keep moving down the passage as far as possible if the first Ma got him out of darkness he’ll drink the potion.

 
lostsole31
 R19T8:  Santiago calls out to the demon through gritted teeth before he moves, attempting to throw him off of his position .   “I don’t care if it kills me but. I will banish you demon! So cower in the dark! Like the worm you are!”    He begins moving southward now, and in very short order steps out of this pool of darkness. He attempts to make his way  down the passageway to the south which he saw when fighting in here  before and ends past Lev, out of the darkness and out of the fog. He pulls another potion from his belt with his tail.

It is also important to note that his  wrath  spell expires.

 End Round 19, Begin Round 20 ...

R20T26:   The demon comes out of the rock well to the south of Ago now and bites  at Ago with height advantage, nipping him in the temple for  1 +  6 cold  .

 R20T8:   Ago , what do you do?
AggressiveBread
Santiago steps under the creature, his eyes full of fury. He lets out a roar of determination as he goes.
He strikes at it with his flail and even tries to bite it, staying defensive, and praying that Abadar will guide the strikes home. He says quietly.
  “My lord I cannot die yet, not until your justice is delivered. I need you now.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
FA 5ft step under the creature
SWA: use encouraging roar (+2 to attack/damage)
FRA: attack with flail and bite
Flail attack with defensive stance: (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  +7 from smite, +2 from encouraging roar. Tactical choice penalty already applied.
Flail damage:  (1d8+7)[ 12 ]  +4 smite +2 from boost
Bite attack: with defensive stance (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  +7 smite, +2 boost
Bite damage:  (1d6+4)[ 10 ]  +4 smite +2 boost
If he has to make a save he’ll use unbreakable gambit reminders: still in inner sphere stance,+2 ac and has the bonus from defensive stance tactical choice +2 ac.
 
lostsole31
 R20T8:  Santiago steps under the creature, his eyes full  of fury. He lets out a roar of determination as he goes. He stays  defensive, and praying that Abadar will guide the strikes home. The  flail passes through the abdomen of the ephemeral creature, but the holy  damage that helps to back it up means he does  9 mod . He even bites it in the upper arm for  8 mod .

He says  quietly,    “My lord I cannot die yet, not until your justice is delivered. I need you now.”    
 End Round 20, Begin Round 21 ...

R21T26:  The demon is now given to the paladin's destruction. A claw scratches Ago's shoulder for  1 +  2 cold  ; another claw against his hand for  4 +  2 cold  . At this point, only his own indomitable presence keeps him on his feet. Then, a bite on his should for  6 +  5 cold  .

 R21T8:   Ago ,  you are delirious, and any other man would have fallen dead, but you  are still here. In your mind, you hear a distant voice say with a purity  that cannot be confused as a trick from the demon, but might be a trick  from your own mind.  
 Spoiler: Unknown Delirium &gt;&gt;&gt; Santiago 
  "You  have met your charge. You covered the escape of others. There is no  wrong choice now. Either simply spit vitriol and see your death laid out  before you for vengeance's sake, or fall into the embrace of my voice,  and should you wake alive, pledge yourself to me and I to you in  Abadar's service, but doing so will mean that many of your fighting  tricks will be unremembered."  
 

 Ago ,  do you fight on for hatred's sake? or, do you trust in this strange  voice and allow the warm embrace of a purer darkness to take you and let  yourself go unconscious?
AggressiveBread
Santiago whispers   ”A small price to pay.”   before allowing himself to slip into unconsciousness.
lostsole31
Visto will be able to catch up pretty quickly to the others. Even though his movement is technically slower, Tsyra and Maggie are dealing with terrain and trees. Meanwhile, Sol had held up so that the ladies could catch up to him, and the four of you - spurned by fear and worry - roll into Zincher's camp.

After catching your breath, what do you tell Zincher? 
 Spoiler: Visto 
You still have an active akashic bond with Ago, though he isn't here.
 
meemaas
  "Visto is....sorry. It is Visto's fault that Friends have suffered, because Visto wasn't strong enough to fight the monster's power. Visto hopes that Friends can forgive Visto for his failure."   After saying his part, Visto takes the time to check on his Friends conditions and heal their wounds.   "Where is Friend Ago? Shouldn't Friend Ago have caught up to Visto and Friends by now?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Visto will use his Unicorn Feathering veil on everyone who needs healing, no matter how little.
 
lostsole31
Only Maggie and Sol had light wounds at best ... though Visto now realizes that Maggie's badger Scruff isn't there now, either.
rypt
Clutching her holy symbol in one hand, Tsyra's voice is quiet and distant.    "There is nothing to forgive,"   she says to Visto.    "I don't think any of us were strong enough to fight that monster's power.  We should have all fled when we had the chance."
  
When Visto asks about Santiago, Tsyra shakes her head.   "He seemed...committed to delivering his lord's justice.  I do not know if he even attempted to escape the cave.  If he did, it is possible the creature cast him into the sea."    She pauses then and looks to Maggie.    "Is your companion able to swim?"  

When they make their way into Zincher's tent, she relays the following:   "We returned to the cave and were ambushed by a living shadow.  A creature of darkness and malice.  It was as a spirit, passing freely through stone, and it commanded terrifying magics.  Lev is dead.  Santiago may be too.  We did not encounter more of the undead.  I cannot know if the shadow serves the undead, if the undead serve the shadow, or if both serve another, greater evil."  
meemaas
Responding to Tsyra's comment about Ago, Visto retorts quickly.   "No. Friend Ago lives. Visto is certain of this."  
lostsole31
  "I'm sure that now ... knowing what you are up against .... you can better prepare for your next foray,"   says Zincher.
rypt
  "I understand you to be inclined to optimism."   Tsyra says to Visto.    "Is this true certainty you speak of, or merely hope disguised as such?"  

She furrows her brow at Zincher's response, watching the human's face closely.    " Next foray ?  What do you suppose might allow three of us to defeat what five could not?  Had that the creature the will to leave its cave, it might well be capable of killing every living thing on this island.  I had expected you to take the threat more seriously."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
What is Tsyra's gut assessment (Sense Motive) of this interaction with Zincher?
 
bcool999
 Maggie 

Tear streaked and hiccuping, Maggie haltingly replies,   ”I-I don’t know how Scruff will fare. The w-waves were rough there right? Even Visto got trapped so…”  

Eyes downcast, Maggie berates herself,   ”Why didn’t I leave with the boat when I had the chance? I had to leave Ago behind to die fighting to avenge Lev, and Scruff is…”   Maggie chokes back a sob and goes quiet.
lostsole31
There's a grunt-and-snuffle at Maggie's shin and ankles and she sees Scruff - a bit banged up, but none the worse for wear.

  "Because,"   says a mezzo-soprano woman's voice that commands attention,   "had you not striven so heroically against the Darkness, the Light would never have taken notice."  

Men in Zincher's camp jump as a gods-blessed (it would be blasphemous to say gods-damned, wouldn't it?), no-kidding-unless-it's-a-ruse, honest-to-goodness angel standing there. Despite that, she does appear to be a bit worn and says,   "I dragged your redeemed friend out of the cave, and managing to drag him along the cliffs was particularly perilous. But I am worn out now, and I could use help from strong mortal backs to spirit him to the safety of your camp."
  
The woman is a lanky 7' tall - solidly built, but not overdeveloped. Other than her clothing, she seems to carry no equipment at all, and the clothes she does wear are simple and spare, right down to her sandals. Her hair is a two-tone cerulean and azure, and almost shining in their jewel tones. The almost lambent irises of her eyes are magenta, but instead of white her sclera looks to be made of gold. Her wings, too, seem far more majestic than Visto's, and appear to be made of gold at the leading edge, and then blending out to silver or platinum at the trailing edges. Her skin is a dark brown, and most of her skin is covered in what seems to be a mix of sacred tattoos and war paints made of silver, gold, and other fine materials.
meemaas
Visto smiles.   "Thank you Friend, for saving Friend Ago. Visto is thankful for this turn of events. Visto is not strong, but has powerful healing magics, so Visto will come along if Friend Ago has not already been healed.    Visto moves over to Maggie, and kneels down to apply his healing magic to Scruff.   "Visto is thankful Little Friend is still alive. Visto is sorry for not having as much faith in Little Friends survival."  
lostsole31
The angelic woman nods and turns and starts walking away from everyone down the path. With a single touch, over the course of a few rounds Scruff will be fully healed.
meemaas
Visto flies after the new person, ready to see Santiago and help him return to the camp.
rypt
Tsyra is visibly shocked by the arrival of the winged figure.  She looks to the celestial with wide eyes before bowing her head in deference.    *&lt;"Greetings to you, lightbringer"&gt;*    She speaks first in her native tongue without even realizing.    "Excuse me."    After collecting herself, she continues in Taldane.    "Your arrival is unexpected, but we are grateful for your aid.  You are an envoy of the key-keeper?"  

Tsyra will follow the angel and Visto to retrieve Santiago.
lostsole31
The angel does not answer Tsyra's question. In fact, the party has to hurry to keep up with her quick step, with Maggie and Scruff at a full jog.

Finally, you will see Ago's unconscious form, with his shield, flail, and scimitar laid out next to him. His armor has been removed, and set carefully aside him as well.

  "I have healed some of his wounds,"   the angel says,   "he is no longer comatose, but he has had a physically and spiritually exhausting trial, and will need his sleep til the morrow. He had badly wounded the demon, so when I was sent down, the coward fled into the darkness."  
rypt
Tsyra waits some time for the angel to respond.  When no answer is forthcoming, she follows up,   "Is it your intention to answer my question after Santiago has recovered, or not at all?"  

Once they arrive at Santiago's unconscious body, she looks over the tiefling and his gathered belongings.    "If he cannot be revived by Visto's magic, it may be challenging for us to return him and his equipment to camp in a single trip."    She reaches into a pouch on her belt and removes an empty sack.  She then asks of Maggie,   "If we placed his weapons in this, would Scruff be able to carry them back to camp?"  

Anything that can fit inside her Craftman's Belt, she will store there.  Otherwise, having offered the pouch to Maggie, she will volunteer to help carry Santiago's body, presumably with the angel's assistance.  Hopefully Visto and Maggie can manage whatever is left.

While preparations are underway, Tsyra says to the angel,   "While I believe that whatever lurks in that cave is the greatest threat we face on this island, it is not the only threat.  There are also a great many tentacled beasts, alien creatures that may well have arrived here upon a meteor.  Those they kill later rise in a zombie-like state.  They have attacked Zincher's camp in the past, and he expects them to do so again in the future."  
lostsole31
With Ago not in his armor, Ago won't actually be as difficult to take back as Tsyra fears. She looks around, and already the angel is off towards Zincher's camp, carrying several of Ago's items, and the weaker members of the party can get the rest of his gear. None of his major gear will fit inside the  craftsman's belt .
rypt
Tsyra stands in bewilderment for a moment as she watches the celestial walk away.    "I would not have expected an angel to be so rude,"   she muses aloud before bending down to pick up Santiago.  Once the others have gathered his belongings, she will begin to carry him back towards the camp.
lostsole31
You get back to camp, and Ago is placed on a cot in one of the party's tents, where the items that the angel had brought have already been delivered as a member of Zincher's camp directs you, but the angel is nowhere around.
meemaas
Visto will sit with Ago, waiting patiently for him to wake up, after informing his Friends to call for him if they need him.
lostsole31
Visto realizes that Ago is going to be out all night, so he doesn't need to "wait for him to wake up."
meemaas
Despite this, Visto will still remain unless (or until) there is a pressing need for him to be elsewhere. This does mean that he will sleep here for the night.
lostsole31
After a short while, the angel flies into the camp and delivers buckets full of salt water. She grabs a couple of more buckets before she looks like she's about to head back out into the darkness.
rypt
  "They are known to you then,"   Tsyra says to the outsider, looking to the buckets of water.    "Should they attack in the night, may we depend upon your assistance?"     
lostsole31
  "Always depend on your community. Never assume those who are in your community,"   she answers before flying off with two more empty buckets.
rypt
Tsyra watches impassively as the celestial departs.  Seeming not to care whether or not she can be heard, the elf remarks,   "Had I assumed, I would not have asked."  
lostsole31
After several minutes, the celestial flies back to drop off the buckets, pouring them into the barrel .... before being about to fly off again.   "The cave was danger, but this task is faster if you brave the cliffs."  

And she flies off again with empty buckets.
lostsole31
She flies back. She empties two buckets, and prepares to fly out again.
rypt
Tsyra asks Visto and Maggie whether they will taking a shift on watch tonight.   She tells them she will be on watch tonight and offers to take the first shift.  She then goes to Zincher's men to find out when the party is needed for watch duty.
lostsole31
Instead of tasking the party to take part of a great rotation, he instead says that one member of the PCs' group is on watch at all times, subject to how you want to split those hours up.  The party has enough people even with Santiago asleep through the night that they can split up the watch and with a couple extra hours in the morning, still be able to be fully rested.

 
  
  Fireday, 8 Desnus 4708 AR 
Weather: 85/ 70 (65 near coast) F. Winds W 5 mph.   

The next day, wherein Ago will wake up refreshed and much changed, and the camp is relieved not to have been attacked in the night by creepy blue lion dogs and void zombies.

Does anyone do anything different from their normal daily routine?
AggressiveBread
Santiago jolts up in the tent looking around in a daze. If any of the party is in the tent with him, he visibly relaxes. He muses to the party as he sets about getting his equipment ready.
  ”I am alive. But how? I remember hearing a woman’s voice, then silence.”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
He will prep the word of resolve spell instead of veil of positive energy.
 
rypt
  "A miracle, or something very near to one.  An angel with gilded eyes and wings healed your wounds and pulled you from the cave.  Your god, it seems, took notice of your sacrifice."    She straightens her back and bows her head to the tiefling.    "I shall not soon forget it either."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No changes to Tsyra's daily prep.
 
AggressiveBread
Santiago smiles at the kind words, but his face shows a twinge of sadness.   ”It was by Abadar’s will that I made it out alive. I only wish that I were able to save Lev as well.”   After a moment of silence, he straightens up and returns to his more military bearing.
  ”We should gather the others, including the angel if we can find her. I want to discuss our next move.”  
rypt
  "He is due a proper burial,"   Tsyra says at the mention of Lev.    "But to say nothing of the danger posed by the living shadow, that cave is inhabited by the undead.  His body may have already been put to their unholy purpose."  

Of the angel, she adds,   "Yes, perhaps she has more to say to you than she did to us."  
bcool999
 Maggie 

Still remembering the horror of the previous day's desperate fight with the shadow, Maggie attempts to call upon a new spirit to aid her against such a foe.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Only change will be swapping Fire Spirit for Ancestor Spirit (At GM's discretion if it doesn't conflict with Maggie's Ethos, Mystery or Alignment) gaining Unseen Servant in place of Burning Hands, Spiritual Weapon in place of Resist Energy, and the Ghost Blade hex as her Wandering Hex in place of Gaze of Flames.
 
lostsole31
The angel is spotted well down the path, almost like a wilderness animal that keeps its distance but guides you along a direction.

What do you do?
AggressiveBread
Seeing the angel for the first time, Santiago is completely stunned. He stares in silence for a few seconds before he snaps out of it. He addresses the party.   ”I imagine that the angel who rescued me wishes to return to the cave and root out the corruption there. However, I must ask all of you, do you think we are ready? There may be other threats on this island we can hone our skills against like the zombies and Akatas.   He takes a deep breath.
  ”If you all agree we can return immediately. I should at least be able to shield Visto from the fiend’s terror this time.”  
rypt
Tsyra stares with Santiago.    "The three of us, surely not.  We are of wrought iron.  That cave warrants tempered steel.  But her, I do not know.  Her metal is unknown to me."  
lostsole31
The deva calls out,   "It is not the metal of your weapons but the mettle of your hearts that will win the day."    She turns around and continues on the path.
AggressiveBread
While the group walks, Ago will put a hand on Visto’s shoulder as he begins to form a magical link.
  ”Visto, if you stay close to me while we’re in the cave I can give you courage so you remain in control of yourself. And, it seems this angel has given me the power to shield my allies from harm. If you allow I can take a large portion of the damage you receive upon myself. Hopefully keeping you safe.  
 
 Spoiler: Link with Visto 
Santiago will use his guardian ability to give Visto the effect of shield other.
 
lostsole31
The party makes it back to the cliff, and then down to the no-longer-a-secret door.

Does anyone make any preparations or desires for marching order change?
AggressiveBread
Santiago addresses the group.   ”Anyone with any preparatory spells should use them now, even if they only last a few minutes. Sole, I remember that your fire didn’t harm the creature very much. Do you think you could watch the door from outside and make sure it isn’t closed while we fight? I was trapped in there last time.”   He looks to the angel.
  ”My lady, will you be fighting in close quarters, or at range?”  
lostsole31
The one first addressed answers with a grin,   "Uh, that's Sol, Aggie ... not Solo, not Sole, not Oh-Solo-Mio. Yeah, sounds good to me. But if things get hairy, you call me back in."  
  "I am Jal-Valdoreth,"   the celestial answers.   "I can do either, but I am most best at range."  
bcool999
 Maggie 

Outside the terrifying dark cave, Maggie steels herself and begins to cast. First she turns her attention to Scruff. Weaving magic into his fangs and claws. Next she calls down a blessing upon the party to guide their strikes and shield them from fear. Once complete she says,   ”Those spells will last a little while. I can also use a spirit’s blessing to let our blades strike ghostly enemies, but it only lasts a very short while so stay near me if we encounter tall dark and scary again.”  

With a light spell at the end of her staff, Maggie is prepared to enter the cave.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Cast Magic Fang on Scruff’s Bite.
Cast Magic Fang on Scruff’s Claws.
Cast Bless on party.
Cast Light on Quarterstaff.
 
AggressiveBread
Santiago nods to Maggie, readying his weapons. He also points to his south at the hole in the rock   ”For those that can fly, that small opening leads to a room in the cave. If the fighting moves into that area you may be able to shoot through that space in the rock while staying safely in sunlight. And Maggie, could you cast the spell you used on scruff on my teeth as well? I am able to bite pretty hard with them.   he flashes his rows of sharp looking teeth.
meemaas
Visto reapplies his Weatherproofing effects on the party, including the angel, then imbues some of his energy into both Scruff, Sol and the angel, if she accepts it. Once he finishes that, he nods to Ago.   "Visto appreciates the protection, but Visto is more worried about Friend Ago than Visto. Visto is very sturdy, after all. Please protect Friend Ago first."  
 
 Spoiler 
Apply Weatherproofing to Scruff, Maggie, Santiago, Tsyra, Sol, and Jal-Valdoreth.
From the Radiant Essence Pool;
Invest 2E into Santiago through Akashic Bond, granting him the Ferocity Vivification.
Invest 1E into Scruff, Sol, and Jal-Valdoreth (If accepted), granting Ferocity Vivification
Maintain 2E invested into Spectacles of the Sheikh.

From the Stormbound Essence Pool;
2E into Will of the Daeva
2E into Wings
2E are locked into Tactician's Tabard and cannot be moved.

As for Visto's place in the party formation, he will remain in the middle as much as he can.
 
lostsole31
Assuming Visto explains what he is offering, the angel takes the boon quietly and graciously.

Sol takes his health mutagen.
rypt
Tsyra draws forth a blade of stone and then asks of the angel,   "Have you any knowledge of this shadow creature?  Has it any weakness that can be exploited?  In our first encounter, Santiago may well have been the only one among us able to harm it."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will form a slashing kinetic blade.
 
lostsole31
  "It is a demon. Righteousness and virtue shall win the day,"   she says.
AggressiveBread
  ”This door was trapped the last time we were here. Could someone check if it has been reset?”   Santiago moves to the end of the line to make room.
lostsole31
With Santiago carefully edging around folks to the back, Valdoreth flies down and checks the rock face, likely with Tsyra pointing out what to look for as far as the secret door itself.  Valdoreth flies back out over the bay,   "It is clear of any danger I can detect."  
AggressiveBread
Santiago will carefully move back the the front position and open the door
lostsole31
Water drips down along the walls of this damp cavern. The cave itself is cluttered with bits of rubble and debris, much of which seems to be from a strange, blackened form of rock quite different in appearance from the rock that makes up the walls of the cavern. The ceiling slopes up to the north, from a height of about ten feet near the southern exit to a height of twenty-five feet to the north.
AggressiveBread
Santiago will make his way into the cave,   ”The demon appeared when we entered the room to the left, be on guard.”  
lostsole31
As folks move in, Valdoreth flies in and ahead and up to the middle of the first cavern, which oversees the intersection.

  "Where does the passageway to the northeast go?"   she asks.
AggressiveBread
Santiago shakes his head as he moves to stand beside Valdoreth.   ”We do not know, we were unable to check before the demon attacked us.”  
lostsole31
  "Do you want to explore to the northeast, or ready yourself for vengeance to the west?"   she asks.
AggressiveBread
  ”I think we should deal with the demon first. But if this area becomes filled with darkness, it might be a good place to go if the outside is inaccessible.”  
lostsole31
  "That is a point I had not considered,"   says Valdoreth,   "but for that point, we should see how safe it really is before calling it a fallback point."  
AggressiveBread
  ”That is fine. Let’s check it out quickly.”   he will begin making his way to the northeast tunnel.
lostsole31
Presumably, the others follow.

Sure enough, there does seem to be a passage heading out from the main one to the northeast. After only 10' along the passage, there is a small section which opens to the southeast even as the northeast section quickly closes into jagged cavern wall and rubble. Facing to the southeast, there appears to be some type of wooden wall covered in spidery runes, but Ago does not know the language.
AggressiveBread
Santiago looks back to the others   ”There is some kind of script written over here, I’m unfamiliar with the language. Can someone take a look?”  
lostsole31
Maggie heads over there with her light, though she has Scruff stay in the larger room so there is more room to maneuver in the tight confines where the wooden wall is.

  "Huh,"   remarks Maggie, surprised despite herself.   "I actually can read it. It's Undercommon. It's a warning of great undead peril beyond this barrier."   She casts a spell.   "Turns out, it's magical. Hey, angel-lady, do you see magical emanations?"  

Jal-Valdoreth shakes her head in the negative.

Maggie shrugs.   "Sorry, Ago. It's magical, but I'm not that practiced at parsing out the meaning of the magical auras, so I can't tell you anything more than that."  

She thinks for a second.   "SO, yeah, Undercommon says bad juju. I studied Undercommon in case I ever visited my deep cousins, but I've never seen that kind of script before. Whatcha' wanna' do?"  
AggressiveBread
Santiago shakes his head.   ”I assume it was our enemies who wrote this as they are the only other inhabitants of this cave, however this undead may be just as perilous to us. If we are able, I would like to lay this undead to rest. But, I think dealing with the demon comes first.”   He turns back to Jal.   ”What do you think?”  
lostsole31
  "The demon had fled yesterday when I arrived, and I can only imagine that is because it had been significantly wounded by your efforts already it didn't want to tangle with an unknown,"   the deva answers.   "Unless someone is present somewhere to heal the demon, it's ability to recover is not as great as your groups because you have the gods protecting you with healing magic.  It may have taken up position where it was, or it may have run off ... either completely, or to fall back. So, if the demon is not present where it was encountered, will we then go chasing after it and leave this behind, or do we take care of this now because it is a problem placed in front of us in the here and now?

"As far as undead, I hold no love for such things, either. How is your party at preparations, power, and puissance against the undead?"  

Sol says,   "If I can kill it with fire, that's better'n' the demon, which was resistant."  

Tsyra answers,   "My earthen blades are better at cutting corporeal creatures. Demon or undead, I recently learned I am not as good against creatures of spirit-stuff."  

Maggie answers,   "Ohh, I am MUCH better against undead, even if it is just whacking them with hurty heal spells."  
 Visto , what do you offer to this conversation?
meemaas
Visto gives his answer next,   "Visto is good at healing Friends, and is fine helping Friends with whatever they wish to do, so long as Visto can keep them alive."  
AggressiveBread
  ”Let’s investigate the undead. If I remember right, the legends of the curse of Devil’s elbow speak of restless spirits that still roam the island. Perhaps this is one of them.”   Santiago will begin moving past the barriers to the southeast, letting the others keep close behind him.
meemaas
Visto follows along after Santiago, keeping close to him for safety.   "With any luck, this creature won't be a threat to Friends. Visto does not much like this place."  
lostsole31
How will Ago "begin moving past the barrier?"
rypt
A pair of bronze-framed spectacles appear across Tsyra's eyes as she studies the wooden barrier.    "The cliffside entrance was trapped, and I suspect this might be as well."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will activate her  eyeglasses of magic sight  and focus on the barrier for the full 3 rounds necessary to attempt to identify any magical effects.
 
AggressiveBread
Santiago will make room for Tysra to inspect the barrier
lostsole31
Tsyra, you sense that the runes deal with illusion magic, and with some insights from Maggie, specifically it appears that a glamer is in place ...but for what lies beyond the barricade, as compared to this side.
meemaas
After the discussion about the Runes, Visto asks,   "If those Runes are related to magic, what if Friends destroyed or damaged the Runes?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Does Visto know the answer to this question himself?
 
rypt
  "These runes are those of a glamer.  An illusion likely intended to mask the presence of this barricade from whatever might view it from the other side.  Perhaps disguising it behind the appearance of ordinary cavern wall."  

Tsyra studies the structure again, this time focusing her attention on its periphery, the interface between wood and the surrounding stone.  She checks first for any fastening means -- rock bolts, pitons or the like that would serve to join the wood to the stone.  If there are none, she will then check for clearance between the wood and the stone such that she might be able to pass her fingers to the other side or otherwise grip the edge of the wood to be able to move the barrier aside.
lostsole31
Tsyra finds no means of finessing the barrier. If you want to get through, you need brute force.
AggressiveBread
Santiago peers at the wooden barrier.
  ”We could get sol to throw some fire at it. I could hit, it but I don’t want to break my weapons.”  
rypt
  "My weapon is easily replaced."   Tsyra squares herself to the barrier and begins to attempt to break through it with her kinetic blade.  Should her kinetic blade be damaged, she will conjure a new slashing blade in its place.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will adopt  scarlet einhander  stance before attempting to break through the barricade.
 
lostsole31
With Maggie standing directly behind the elf to provide light, it only takes Tsyra three powerful strikes before the barricade blows apart in splinters, and tiny lines of magic fizzle and pop to show whatever ward was on the door is now gone as well.

A natural cavern lays beyond, though you can't see enough of it to really get a sense of it.
rypt
  "The way is clear,"   Tsyra says to the others.    "Another cavern.  Without more light, I cannot judge it's size or where it leads."    She steps into the unexplored space and then moves to the side to provide room for the others to follow.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra will move 1 square to the southeast and then 1 square east.
 
lostsole31
Knowing she's Tsyra's only light for the moment, Maggie follows right in on her heels, and Scruff follows behind her.

This large chamber rises to a height of roughly thirty feet near the center, where a very small hole acts as a natural skylight. Relatively quiet, with the constant crash of the ocean muffled by solid stone, this cave seems an ideal lair. Moisture-slicked mildewing tapestries and animal pelts cover nearly every inch of the walls, indicating that at one time this chamber did serve as home to some kind of creature.

Just then, something manifests to the west of the chamber - a ghostly bird-like creature with the head of a beautiful woman. She asks, her voice heard even by those in the hallway.     "Where is my Yaris? What has happened to him?"    

With some insight from Maggie, Tsyra heard the story of how Yaris threw himself from the eastern tower (perhaps from Captain Creesy?).

What does everyone do?
rypt
Tsyra steals a glance back towards the opening before swallowing the lump in her throat and addressing the ghostly creature.    "Yaris is dead.  He was so overwhelmed by grief when he learned you had been killed that he took his own life,  throwing himself from the eastern watchtower."  
lostsole31
Ago politely moves past Scruff and Maggie, but so as not to threaten the spirit by getting to close moves along the east by Tsyra.   "You seem spirit, not demon, and though I am vigilant, I know that not all spirits are malevolent. Tell us your name, and if we may peaceably find rest for you."  
  "Yes,"   Maggie seconds.   "It hurts my heart to see a spirit unsettled, for I am a shaman and friend to those who are friendly spirits."  
   "My name is Virashi, and I was Yaris' siren love,"    she says.    "I don't know what hope there is for me, but you speak to me with kindness, and if there is a question I may answer, I will do so."   
meemaas
Visto follows in after the others and addresses the Spirit.   "Visto is happy to hear this. Visto and Friends have been worried about dangerous creatures living in this cave. A dangerous thing killed one of Visto's Friends just yesterday.Is there anything Spirit Friend could tell about this cave?"  
lostsole31
The others push in as well, pushing the hole line a little farther south and slightly around. Val-Doreth remains outside to be on guard.

She answers as best as she can,    "When the dark-skinned elves came, I had hoped they had the information about my love Yaris. Upon approaching me, though, they answered only with violence, defeating me and vanquishing me until I rejuvenated an unknown number of days later. When I was back in my powers, rage filled me and I lashed out these darkened elves, but they defeated me again, this time isolating me here with a magical barricade that kept me here and being unable to use my voice. Unable to move beyond the boundaries of my chamber, I have spent the past several weeks suffering their proximity while I spent all hours of the day and night in torment.

"I see, of course, that you are not of them, and I do not hold the earlier actions of the dark elves against you. I was rewarded with a story of pain, but at least I know now of my lost love. Among themselves, they do not refer to themselves as dark elves, but 'drow.' They are led by a drow female named Shindiira, a powerful and unholy priestess of an unknown force, but skilled in arms as well. Then, there is her lieutenant ... a drow male who wields magic of nature perverted. Their primary enforcer is Chmetugo, a shadow demon that serves Shindiira. Then, there are the rank and file drow males that have been turned into some type of undead, I am guessing so she can force their loyalty with her dark powers."    
 Spoiler: OOC 
As a reminder, none of you have ever heard the term "dark elf" or "drow" before.
 
meemaas
Visto takes in what was said, and speaks again,   "This Chmetugo, would Friend Spirit know if it was here yesterday? Or when the Dark-skinned Elves were last here?"   Visto pauses for a moment, before adding something else.   "Can Visto and Friends help Friend Spirit?  
lostsole31
  "I do not know anything beyond the magical barricade,"   says Virashi.   "You told me the tragedy of my beloved, remove the accursed dark creatures, and perhaps that will give me rest."  
rypt
Tsyra contemplates Virashi's words before addressing the spirit.    "I have never heard of such a thing as a 'drow.'  Perhaps the term is of some significance to whatever cult or malicious enterprise they serve.  Curious too that only the males are condemned to undeath.  We encountered two such sentries guarding a cliffside door yesterday afternoon.  They were destroyed without difficulty.  When we returned later in the day, however, we were ambushed by this 'Chmetugo.'  The demon killed one of our company, a human named Lev.  It would likely have killed Santiago as well had it not been for the intervention of Jal-Valdoreth.  " She looks to each of them in turn.     "It is most troubling to learn that such a deadly creature is merely the servant of another that inhabits these caves."  

She gestures with her empty hand towards the once barricaded passageway.    "I believe that the barrier that confined you here has been destroyed.  Until such a time as we are able to bring you peace you are owed, know that you are free to move about as you see fit."  
lostsole31
  "I shall help you revenge yourself on your fallen, if you allow me to help you avenge myself on my would-be captors,"   says Virashi.
rypt
Tsyra looks to the others. Absent any objections, she turns back to the spirit and touches a hand to her holy symbol.    "Findeladlara smiles upon your generous offer.  These caves are your home, and so we are your guests.  Uninvited perhaps, but I hope not also unwelcome."   She bows her head slightly in a gesture of respect.    "If it is vengeance you seek, then we shall seek it together."  
lostsole31
Ago says,   "Right, let us move on them now and he heads out of the smaller chamber."  

Tsyra?
meemaas
Visto follows after Ago, happy to be helping the friendly Spirit.
rypt
Tsyra will follow Santiago as well, keeping within the glow of Maggie's light.
lostsole31
Ago leading the fray, he moves to the intersection where the demon had attacked .... but now it is quiet.
rypt
  "Is this where Lev fell?"   Tsyra asks Santiago, speaking only as loud as necessary.   She will examine as much of the chamber as the light will allow, checking for Lev's body, or any sign of it being moved elsewhere.

If there is no sign of Lev's body, nor evidence of its relocation, she will ask those with a source of light, darkvision, or in Virashi's case, possible knowledge of the cave's layout,   "Where else does this chamber lead?"  
lostsole31
Does the party move south so that the light can go into the southern area where Lev fell (and beyond) and do a search?
lostsole31
The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs echoes in this chamber through a narrow fissure in the eastern wall. A low table sits against the west wall, on which the remains of an unusual creature are splayed. The doglike beast’s body is partially dissected and surrounded by a variety of tools and half-filled bottles.

Thanks to its position and the narrow shelf it opens onto, this chamber serves as a perfect place to watch the land approach to the caves, providing an unobstructed view all the way up the cliffside without appearing obvious from outside.

The body on the makeshift table is, of course, a dead akata that someone had been examining.

Nothing else of note is in this cavern.

What now?
meemaas
Visto looks out at the view of the land approach to the cavern, before checking out the bottles, interested in what the contents might be.
rypt
Tsyra steps away from the fissure and nearer to Virashi.    "We have come to know these creatures as 'akatas,'"   she says to the spirit.    "Have you seen such a creature before?"  
lostsole31
  "I have never seen such a disgusting little monster,"   Virashi says.
rypt
  "They roam Devil's Elbow in great numbers,"   Tsyra explains,   "delivered here by the falling star.  I do not know whether or not they were brought here deliberately, but it is these drow who are responsible.  Somewhere on this island, perhaps in these very caves, they have either created or discovered magical glyphs with the power to tear stars from the sky."  
lostsole31
  "C'mon, gang,"   says Ago, prompting the team,   "let's keep going."  
 Surprise Round ... 
 S23:  As the  group gets into formation, Tsyra is third in line going up the tunnel to  the north. She senses danger to the north, though she doesn't know what  it is or the nature of it. This is pure instinct, not sensory input.  What does she do? 
 Spoiler: Surprise Round 
Not only are you limited to SA  or MA (not FRA/ FAA) plus ability to take FA and SwA, she is limited  during surprise round to three words or less vocally, and no off-round  vocals.
 
rypt
Tsyra suddenly darts forward, raising her kinetic blade to meet an unknown threat.    "Our enemy approaches!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: If not already formed already, form slashing kinetic blade.

Swift action: Adopt  scarlet einhander  stance.

Move action: Move 2 squares north of Jal-Valdoreth.
 
lostsole31
 S23:  Tsyra suddenly darts forward, raising her kinetic blade to meet an unknown threat.    "Our enemy approaches!"  
 S19:  Jal-Valdoreth looks east - outside of the thin bit of green light escaping through the tunnel from Maggie - and calls out,   "Creatures of death!"   

She  steps just out of the light to the east and there is a bright flash -  too quick and bright for Tsyra to see anything in the darkness.

 S18:  The sound of something clicking, followed by something dropping to the ground.

 S17:  Virashi flies through everyone (very unsettling) - even Tsyra - and gets just north of her and 5' off the ground.   "Their undead warriors."  
 S14:  Tsyra feels a sharp pain in her belly, but tries to ignore it for now ( 17 DDP ).

 End Surprise Round, Begin Round One ...

R1T23:   Tsyra ,  you can't see but for Maggie's faint green light escaping the tunnel.  You do hear the sounds of rushing water echoing behind you, as if there  is a great chamber to the west with an underground river. Luckily,  because you do have the green light, you did just see the angle of  attack to determine that the one that stabbed you with a rapier blade is  to your east. What do you do?
rypt
Tsyra grimaces as she looks down the tunnel towards Maggie.   "Bring forward the light!  An enemy strikes from the darkness to my east."    She readies her earthen blade to strike at this foe once it is revealed.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Ready a kinetic blade attack against any adjacent hostile target revealed by light before the start of her next turn.
 Attack:  (d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 13 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 5 ]  from  scarlet einhander . 
 
lostsole31
 R1T23:  Tsyra grimaces as she looks down the tunnel towards Maggie.   "Bring forward the light!  An enemy strikes from the darkness to my east."    She readies her earthen blade to strike at this foe once it is revealed.

 R1T22:     "On it!"    answers Maggie.   "Scruff, with me."  

She  then carefully spins her light-staff protectively to keep up defense as  she moves forward. She only gets 10' before Tsyra sees an opponent and  attacks, but the dark-skinned warrior moves far faster than expected and  dodges the attack. Meanwhile, Maggie continues out of the tunnel and a  little west.   "Two bogeys in line northeast of me, 10' close."  
 R1T19:    "I don't know what type of creature it  was , but I know what type of creature it  is ,"   says Valdoreth.   "They are zombie lords, 'undead' if that helps your tactics. As a zombie variant, use cutting weapons if you can."  

She  glares at Blue with a righteous fury, a faint glow forming around her  and steps to flank with Tsyra, completely heedless of Red behind her.  Forming from her wrists is a glowing, sword-like construct that is as  long as a two-handed sword, but possessing graceful curves and a more  balanced look. She swings at the zombie, but it dodges her attack  effortlessly.

 R1T18:  Red, at whose feat is a  released hand crossbow, steps into flank against Valoreth. He draws his  rapier and forcefully stabs the deva in the back for  12 mod .

 R1T17:  Scruff follows Maggie, getting behind her.

 R1T16:  Virashi withdraws into the rock behind her.

 R1T14:  Blue spins around to take advantage of the flank, but Val deflects the blade.

 R1T8:  Sol flies forward and takes a position 5' off the ground and near Tsyra and Maggie.  He takes a  shield  extract.

 R1T6:   Visto , what do you do?
meemaas
Visto refocuses his Essence, conjuring up a number of small motes of light, and then quickly launching them forward to light the way and provide visual support for his Friends. After confirming the path forward, Visto moves after them to get closer to his Friends and help with the battle, as the Storm he commands starts to build up on the way.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1 Temporary Essence and invest it into The Sirocco.
Swift action: Reallocate 2E from Wings into Bangles of Roving Light, activating it and generating 4 motes of light (Random Colors) As part of this action, Visto will send them forth in the direction of his allies, using one to light the way between himself and the green light he sees, and moving the others beyond that point, stopping them at 15 foot intervals past the point where he can see on the map.

Move action x2, if needed: Move North towards the rest of his allies, stopping one he's within 15 feet of one of them, or as far as his move action(s) can take him, whichever comes first.

At the end of his turn, The Sirocco deals  (1d3)[ 1 ]  Nonlethal Fire damage to all targets within range except those affected by Weatherproofing, which I know is pointless, all points considering, but the decision to change veils at the start of combat predates the point where Visto knows what they are
 
lostsole31
 R1T6:  Visto refocuses his Essence, conjuring up a  number of small motes of  light, and then quickly launching them forward to light the way and  provide visual support for his Friends. After confirming the path  forward, Visto moves after them to get closer to his Friends and help  with the battle, as the Storm he commands starts to build up on the way,  though with Ago lit up in the passage, Visto only moves 10' forward to  be within 15' of the paladin.

 R1T5:  Ago moves  forward while readying his shield and drawing his scimitar.  Unfortunately, in his attempt to quickly draw and cut, he nicks his palm  on his scimitar (  3 bleed  ).

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?
rypt
With both zombies focused on Valdoreth, Tsyra slashes at Blue's exposed flank.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Attack Blue with kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+10)[ 19 ]  (Flanking bonus not applied)
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 2 ]  from  scarlet einhander  
Immediate action: If Tsyra is granted  breaker's dodge  at the end of her turn and is subsequently attacked with a manufactured weapon, she will use  breaker's dodge  to attempt to negate the attack.
 
lostsole31
 R2T23:  With both zombies focused on Valdoreth, Tsyra  slashes at Blue's exposed flank, and with flanking and the still-extant  bless, the blade just manages to cut into the enemy's back for  10 . With that stroke, she is given inspiration to her last remaining maneuver, while at the same time feeling the  17  she had forestalled.

 R2T22:  Maggie calls out,   "Val! Get ready to dive south in a withdrawal if you fail against my spell!"  

Maggie  casts a spell, and a tremendously brilliant flash covers the two zombie  lords and Valdoreth. The warning helps and Val is only  dazzled .  Unfortunately, her long and loud warning also made the two undead dodge  pretty well, but the spell burns their evil natures and Blue takes  5 light + blind  and Red takes  3 light + blind.

 "That's weird,"   admits Maggie.   "They both dodged crazy-good, but are still blinded. Sic 'em, Scruff!"  
 R2T19:    "I  don't think the blinding is from your spell, little one, so much as it  is that they seem to have sensitive eyes. Worry not about me, and more  of that would be good!"   exhorts Valdoreth. With the opposition temporarily off-kilter, she takes the time to place holy energies on Ago.   "Bird-friend, close Santiago's wound!"  
 R2T18:  Red takes a swing that looks like it would've taken Val's head off were he not blind.

 R2T17:  Scruff moves past Maggie and Sol to bite Blue for  6 .

 R2T16:  With the battle crammed as it is, Virashi looks out over the water behind the party.   "Behind us is a massive cavern. On top of a platform to the south are two more guards, sneaking this way."  

She begins to sing an ancient lay that stirs the hearts of the party!

 R2T14:  Blue scores a lucky, blind stab in Val's foot for  4 mod .

 R2T11-10:  Mixed in little bursts in her song, Virashi says,   "I also hear a female casting..."  
 R2T8:   Sol flies over Scruff and tries and fails to stop Ago's bleeding.   "Visto, like the lady said. A little help!"  
  "... over to the ..."  
 R2T6:   Visto , what do you do?

Ago on deck ...
meemaas
Visto, upon hearing the call for aid, focuses his attention on helping Ago. He moves the rest of the way into the room, and upon catching sight of his Friend, releases a small drizzle of healing rain upon his Friend.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1 Temporary Essence. Invest both it into Soothing Rain

Swift action: Reallocate 1 Essence from The Sirocco into Soothing Rain

Move action: Move after the others, stopping once Visto can see Ago

Standard action: Activate Soothing Rain on Santiago, healing for  (6d8)[ 29 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T6:  Visto, upon hearing the call for aid, focuses his attention on helping  Ago. He moves the rest of the way into the room, and upon catching sight  of his Friend, releases a small drizzle of healing rain upon his  Friend to stop his bleeding.

 R2T5:  Refreshed, Ago's scimitar flashes out at Blue's sword wrist to strike for  15  before stepping east.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T24:  A torchlight appears somewhere to the west and a mote of flame misses Virashi, landing to extinguish at Maggie's feet.

 R3T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Valdoreth in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra grimaces at Virashi's warning before continuing to cut at Blue's flank, striking with greater force but less control than before.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Attack Blue with kinetic blade utlizing risky strike.
 Attack:  (d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+9)[ 13 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 5 ]  from  scarlet einhander . 
Move action: If her attack downs Blue, she will move NE then E to be north of Valdoreth.  Otherwise, she will remain in her current square.

Immediate action: If attacked with a manufactured weapon, use  breaker's dodge  to attempt to negate it.
 
lostsole31
 R3T23:  Tsyra grimaces at Virashi's warning before continuing to cut at Blue's  flank, attacking with greater force but less control than before, and that focus on force causes her to miss.

 R3T22:   Both zombies clear their blindness, and yet still seemed visually  impaired. Maggie casts a spell, creating a roiling ball of fire some 3'  wide to form near the eastern zombie, which it dodges easily now that it  can see.

 R3T19:  Valdoreth attacks Blue to strike along the lower back for  24  before she sidesteps to the north to take herself out of flank. She does seem to have been minorly inconvenienced ( dazzled ) by Maggie's previous spell.

 R3T18:   Red closes to the northern wall in pursuit of Valdoreth. It stabs her  in the side of the chest, but has to work just to push the sword in  enough to do  2 mod .

 R3T17:  Scruff settles into flank with Valdoreth. Its magic claw strikes Blue for  10 .

 R3T16:  Virashi continues her incredible song to help the heroes.   "Drow male with fire magic 30' west, walking on water. Closest zombie guard to south 30' and closing."  
 R3T15:  Visto, you feel incredible pain on the back of your left upper arm as you take  5 +  4 cold  . Floating 5' above and just south of you is a shadow demon, likely the very one you fought yesterday!

 R3T14:   Blue steps back, puts his rapier in his shield hand so it is merely  held and not wielded, and attempts to take something out of his belt. As  he does so, Scruff bites the zombie in the groin powerfully enough for  the drow zombie to scream in pain and combust to naught but a scorch  mark on the deck and his gear.

 R3T12:  A new  zombie guard (Green) appears to the west, having rounded the corner from  the south. It completely ignores the singing siren-ghost to leap at  Maggie to strike her in the right shoulder. She and Ago each take  3 , though Ago doesn't appear wounded.

  "There's now a..."   begins to inform Virashi.

 R3T8:    "The shadow demon is back! It's behind Visto in the tunnel!"    cries Sol in alarm. From his backpack he takes out a glass flask from  filled with what appears to be water and throws it just above Visto.  Though the demon is incorporeal, as the flask passes through it, the  corrupt essence of the demon interacts with the water and the flask  explodes and sizzles the demon Chemtugo (the name Virsashi gave the  shadow demon for   6 PE  .

  "...lizard on the ..."  
 R3T6:   Visto , what do you do?

Ago on deck, Bogies in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto's storm starts to rage around him again, and in a fit of surprise, Visto rushes away from the Shadow Demon and into the middle of his Friends, only making sure to move his lights to illuminate the demon as an afterthought.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: Generate 1 Temporary Essence and invest it into The Sirocco
Full Round Action: Withdraw action, moving to a space one square relative east of Tsyra.
Free action: Relocate the lights so that one is lighting up the hadow demon, and move the others so that they light up the nearest other unlit spaces Visto can see.
 
lostsole31
 R3T6:  Visto's storm starts to rage around him again, and in a fit of surprise,  Visto rushes away from the Shadow Demon and into the middle of his  Friends, only making sure to move his lights to illuminate the demon as  an afterthought based on his remembrance of relative position of where it stood.

 R3T5:  Ago moves north to engage Red, scimitar and shield getting blocked.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T25:  Green, at the entrance, stabs Maggie in the upper right arm, doing  7  to Maggie and  7  to Ago.

 R4T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Jal-Valdoreth in the hole ...
rypt
  "I leave the demon to you."    Tsyra says in the direction of Santiago and Valdoreth.    "My blade cannot harm it."  

She then shifts to her right to aide Maggie against the zombie reinforcements.  As she moves, pieces of earth and stone move with her, swirling about her body and then her sword.  She strikes at this new foe, and in the process, propels these bits of earth into the ground at its feet.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Gather power.

Free action: 5-foot step to the SW.

Standard action: Attack Green with kinetic blade, utilizing the persistent infusion to leave chunks of earth in its square.  The burn cost is reduced to 0 by way of gather power.
 Attack:  (d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 4 ]  from  scarlet einhander . 
Immediate action: If attacked with a manufactured weapon before the start of her next turn, utilize  breaker's dodge  to attempt to negate it.
 
lostsole31
 R4T23:    "I leave the demon to you."    Tsyra says in the direction of Santiago and Valdoreth.    "My blade cannot harm it."  

She then shifts to her right to aide Maggie against the zombie  reinforcements.  As she moves, pieces of earth and stone move with her,  swirling about her body - and in fact, the entire smaller sub-cavern  itself - and then her sword.  She strikes at this new  foe, and in the process, propels these bits of earth into the ground at  its feet, but her blade itself gets deflected by the enemy's shield, and  as she missed her target, the rocks end up getting bounced into Tsyra's  square!

 R4T22:  Maggie backs away from the guard  and underneath Sol while controlling the flaming sphere into Red's  square. This time, the zombie drow doesn't dodge but rather as the fire  touches its unholy essence, the spell is destroyed and the guard is no  longer dazzled.

  "No fair!"   Maggie pouts.

 R4T19:  Valdoreth steps away from the burning drow zombie and looks to Visto.   "I am going to cast a spell on you to keep you from harm. It will only work  if  you don't attack, and it isn't guaranteed, based on the spiritual strength of a potential aggressor."   She casts a spell and touches Visto.

 R4T18:  Red steps to the east and attacks Ago, matching blade to blade.

  "Scruff, that one!"   Maggie points to the newly-arrived guard.

 R4T17:  Scruff advances and soft-crits Green in the chest with a bite for  12 .

 R4T16:  Visrashi floats a few feet from the drow guard - now inches above the shoreline - and continues her song to hearten the heroes.

 R4T15:  In every hero's mind is heard a creepy, telepathic voice,      "I am Chemtugo, invidiak, what you would call shadow demon. I have fought you once before, and this time you will fall."     

Flying out of the cramped southern cavern and charging Sol is your old pal, the shadow demon, clawing Sol's upper right arm for  5 +  9 cold  .

 R4T8:  Sol floats north out of reach and then mentally concentrates, attempting to bring his own  flaming sphere   up under the feet of Red, but again, the corrupt nature of the enemy  destroys the spell before it really has a chance to fully form.

 R4T6:   Visto , what do you do?

Ago on deck ...
meemaas
Visto, accepting the magic that has been cast on him, refocuses his energy in order to change his storm, creating a small wind throughout the area. Then he reaches out to Sol, activating a veil in order to accelerate Sol's natural healing.

 
 Spoiler 
Nonaction: At the start of turn, before generating Essence, Visto will unshape The Sirocco with his Shifting Storms class feature, and shape The Tempest in its place, burning the 1 point of Temporary Essence currently invested in The Sirocco. Afterwards, he generates 1 Temporary Essence and invests it into The Tempest

Swift action: Reallocate 2 Essence from Spectacles of the Sheikh into Unicorn Feathering

Standard action: Activate Unicorn Feathering on Sol, granting him 11 Fast Healing for 3 rounds, and the effects of the Bless spell for that duration.
 
lostsole31
 R4T6:  Visto, accepting the magic that has been cast on him, refocuses his  energy in order to change his storm, creating a small wind throughout  the area. Then he reaches out to Sol, activating a veil in order to  accelerate Sol's natural healing.

 R4T5:  Santiago puts his scimitar in his shield hand, and with his open hand lays it on his chest by his symbol of Abadar for   20 healing  . Returning to proper formation, he strikes Red in the thigh with his scimitar for  15 .

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T29:   A female with dessicated, purple-black skin, white hair, and white eyes  appears to the west. With a brief concentration there is a soft blue  flash that covers and lights up Tsyra, Maggie, Scruff, and Sol now  limned with that same light. With her arrival comes a gods-awful stench  that sickens Maggie.

 R5T25:  Green makes an  impressive display, but either because of each person's personal grit or  being inspired by Santiago, nobody is bothered by it.

 R5T24:  A bolt of red comes in to hit Virashi for   4 mod fire  .

 R5T23:   Tsyra , you are currently using slashing-Kblade, are in  scarlet einhander ,  and at the end of this next exchange your maneuvers will refresh. You  are lit up with a soft blue glow, and your persistent infusion is in  your own square. What do you do?

Maggie on deck, Jal-Valdoreth in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra curses in elven the deflection of her own infusion, but makes no effort to avoid the rocks, trusting her stone-hardened skin to minimize any harm they might cause.

After glancing with concern at the priestess behind him, she continues to attack Green with her kinetic blade.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Attack Green with kinetic blade.
 Attack: (d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 14 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 6 ]  from  scarlet einhander.  
Immediate action: If attacked with a manufactured weapon before the end of her next turn, use  breaker's dodge  to attempt to negate it.
 
lostsole31
 R5T23:   Tsyra curses in Elven the deflection of her own  infusion, but makes no  effort to avoid the rocks, trusting her stone-hardened skin to minimize  any harm they might cause. After glancing with concern at the priestess  behind him, she continues to attack Green with her kinetic blade,  slashing its left shoulder for  21 .

 R5T22:  Maggie grits her teeth and says a quiet spell over her lit quarterstaff, readying herself for Chmetugo.

 R5T19:   Valdoreth is no longer dazzled. She carefully steps left and then makes  sure she doesn't see Virashi before letting loose with a burst of  positive energy, doing   3 PE   to Red,   1 PE   to Green, and even the new female sizzles a little for   2 PE  .

 R5T18:  Red hits Ago's armor hard, but doesn't penetrate, and then he sidesteps to the southwest.

 R5T17:  Scruff bites Green in the shin for  10 , and a claw slashes the right calf for  10 .

 R5T16:  Virashi continues her song to help her rescuers, though floats farther over the water to stay away from the new female.

 R5T15:   Chmetugo floats back a few feet from Maggie and Tsyra and just inside  the south tunnel, and his voice reaches out to touch the minds of the  mortals.      "You  underestimate me because of my devotion, but it is your doom. For at  one point, I was once a powerful rogue who served Nocticula herself as  an Abyssal spy but I spurned that bitch Shimandylar, and she pulled  strings and not only had me stripped of my power and rank, exiled to  this weak world of mewling mortals."     
 R5T13:   Suddenly appearing in the midst is a Small sized creature whose bloated  frame shudders with each heaving step, yet despite its shape, the thing  moves with surprising quickness. There is a gods-awful sound of loud,  flapping, wet flatulence, and then a thick, cloying, disgusting green  cloud flows out from this monster that fills the whole area.

 R5T8:  Sol's wounds completely raised.   "Does anyone know what this effect is?"    he calls through the thick green fog. Tsyra and Maggie both see him  flying west overhead. Green stabs at him as he flies overhead, making it  through Sol's  shield  but not his armor and out of sight, but immediately after a cry of pain is heard from Sol.   "That strange ghoul from the Cyphergate is alive. The one that killed out friends under the Cyphergate is that woman!!"  
 Tsyra  and  Visto , please roll a Fort save!

 R5T6:   Visto , assuming you make your save, what do you do? Note that you only see no more than 5' through the green cloud.

Ago on deck, Female "ghoul" (according to Sol) in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto attempts to hold his breath, to avoid breathing in too much of the fog. Afterwards, the wind that makes up his storm picks up further, and he attempts to focus it to push the fog away from him and his allies, afraid to move carelessly with all the dangerous threats around.

 
 Spoiler 
Fort Save:  (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 

Assuming I pass:

Nonaction: Generate 1 Temporary Essence and invest it into The Tempest, directing the wind to push Relative West

Standard action: Attempt to Bull Rush the cloud with The Tempest's activated ability

If a roll is needed: Bull Rush:  (1d20+12)[ 18 ] 

Finally, Five Foot Step to the relative Northwest
 
lostsole31
Santiago is overcome by the noxious fumes, and begins to vomit!

 R5T6:  Visto attempts to hold his breath, to avoid  breathing in too much of the  fog. Afterwards, the wind that makes up his storm picks up further, and  he attempts to focus it to push the fog away from him and his allies,  afraid to move carelessly with all the dangerous threats around. It does  start to have an affect on the noxious fumes, but not enough this round  to disperse it or affect the limit to visibility.

 R5T5:  Ago stands there, vomiting, and steps away from Red.

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T29:  Sound of a woman casting just outside the chamber and the brief roar of flames.

 R6T25:  Green stabs at Scruffy, missing.

 R6T24:  Another sound of less "white-noise", flame.

 R6T23:   Tsyra , roll a Fort save against the cloud (again)! Assuming you save, what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Val in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra cuts at Green with her kinetic blade, hoping to clear a path for herself and others to escape the cloud of noxious gas.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Fortitude save:  (d20+12)[ 18 ] 

Standard action: Attack Green with kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 14 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 1 ]  from  scarlet einhander . 
Move action: If Green is destroyed, move SW and continue until out of the cloud or adjacent to another enemy.

Free action: If Green is destroyed and Tsyra is able to see a clear path to escape the cloud, she will call out to communicate that pathway to the others.

Immediate action: If attacked with a manufactured weapon before the start of her next turn, she will use  breaker's dodge  to attempt to negate it.
 
lostsole31
 R6T23:  Tsyra cuts at Green with her kinetic blade,  hoping to clear a path for herself and others to escape the cloud of  noxious gas. She withstands the gas, but misses her enemy. Her hardened  skin protects her from her own persistent infusion.

 R6T22:  Maggie grits her teeth, fighting against the cloud. Maggie concentrates and casts a spell to fully heal herself.

 R6T19:  Val pushes through the green cloud to get to Maggie. To the gnome she says some word of power that heartens her.

 R6T18:   Red follows the deva's voice through the soup, which also brings him  into Visto's view. He looks directly at the vulture-man with a look of  contempt, as if the creature is beneath him, and turns towards Val,  stabbing her in the chest for  2 mod .

 R6T17:  Scruff ignores the cloud and scratches Green in his upper arm for  9 .

 R6T16:  Virashi continues her song to help the heroes.

 R6T15:  Chmetugo suddenly appears, hovering above Maggie after biting her in the upper arm for  2 +  1 cold  , while Ago takes the same. With a claw he then slashes Maggie's other arm for  3 +  2 cold  , also shared by Ago.

 R6T14:  The horrific, short, fat beast seems to be lost in its limited thought, and then gives a wet, screeching roar at Maggie.

 R6T12:    "Depora Azrinae! You killed my friends. Die, you ghoul drow bitch!"   Sol's voice is heard shouting, backed up by the fhwoomphing of one of his bombs. Flame can be seen to cover Green for   8 fire  .

 R6T6:   Visto , roll a Fort save vs. the cloud (even though you are holding your breath). Assuming you succeed, what do you do?
meemaas
Visto continues to try to avoid breathing in the gas, and tries to call upon his wind again, hoping to push the fog away and clear the area up for his friends.

 
 Spoiler 
Fort Save  (1d20+13)[ 27 ] 

Standard action: Attempt to bull rush the cloud again

Bull Rush roll  (1d20+12)[ 18 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R6T6:  Visto continues to try to avoid breathing in the  gas, and tries to call  upon his wind again, hoping to push the fog away and clear the area up  for his friends. He does seem to have a continued minimal effect on the  cloud, but again, not enough yet to curtail its noxious effects.

 R6T5:  Ago is still nauseated by the cloud, but has a hand on Visto for comradeship and support.

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T29:  There is the sound of mocking laughter, followed by a heavily accented woman's voice in Taldane,   "I  remember you, fly-boy. I killed those two tieflings under the  Cyphergate. But you ruined my plans, so this is more your comeuppance  than it is your vengeance."  

Sound of pain from Sol.

 R7T25:  Green stabs Scruff for  9 ,  about half of which is absorbed by Visto's protection (which is now  gone). But then it backs up out of the way and out of sight.

 R7T24:  Sound of a fluff of fire and a minor interruption in Virashi's song.

 R7T23:   Tsyra , at the end of last round, your inspiration kicked and your maneuvers reset. What do you do?

Maggie on deck, Val in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra calls out to Sol,   "You are right to be angry, but you must not allow yourself to be goaded into careless action!"    Fighting the instinct to cough in the noxious cloud, she then begins to move in the direction of the sounds of Santiago's distress.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
 Spoiler: Fort save, if necessary 
Fort:  (d20+12)[ 29 ] 
 

Move action: Move in the direction from which she's heard the sounds of Santiago's sickness, stopping either once she is adjacent to Santiago, or adjacent to an enemy other than the shadow demon.

Standard action: If she reaches a square adjacent to Santiago and is not also adjacent to an enemy, she will draw a vial of stillgut from her craftman's belt.  If she stops adjacent to an enemy, she will attack it with her kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 3 ]  from  scarlet einhander  
 
lostsole31
 R7T23:  Tsyra calls out to Sol,   "You are right to be angry, but you must not allow yourself to be goaded into careless action!"     Fighting the instinct to cough in the noxious cloud, she then begins  to move in the direction of the sounds of Santiago's distress. She moves  northeast, passing Val when she sees the fat-monster and Red, but has  to keep moving (since she can't share that square) and continues  northeast, which leaves her briefly vulnerable, though both enemies miss  her. Once she gets next to Visto she has a chance to stop - though she  doesn't see Ago - and does a spinning low back slice that catches Red's  calf for  14 . Once that is done, she is inspired with  enduring crane strike .

 R7T22:   Maggie solidly wallops an otherwise incorporeal Chmetugo, yet despite  this solidity she does no damage as she is small and sickened.

 R7T19:  Val attacks Red with her curved blade, but the cloud foils her attack.

 R7T18:  Red attacks Maggie, failing to get past her wooden armor.

 R7T17:  Scruff moves west to keep pressure on Green, and the wonderfully welcome sound of undead combustion is heard through the cloud.

Maggie cheers,   "Yay, Scruff! Heel!"  
 R7T16:  Virashi continues her stirring song....

 R7T15:  Chmetugo, though he paused last round, continues his bona fides to telepathically wear at the will of the heroes,      "Since  that horrific day, I have wandered the wilderness of northwestern  Varisia, seeking priests of Nocticula to serve so that I can someday  regain my rightful place and achieve revenge against my nemesis!"     

Meanwhile, Maggie gets clawed in the left upper arm for  3 +  2 cold  , then the lower left arm for  1 +  1 cold  , then bitten in the chest for  4 +  1 cold   (with the same damage appearing on Ago).

 R7T14.5:  The noxious cloud suddenly disappears from view, and the short fat monster is no longer seen. Ago is still nauseous, however.

 R7T12:  Scruff notices something, reacting at the last instant as it gets struck by a small bolt for  5 . Then Brown closes on him.

 R7T11:  Another woman's voice is heard farther back to the west, hard to parse out with the sound of falling water.

 R7T8:    "Guys, we have yet another bogey. Female caster, divine, carries a flail,"   calls out Sol to warn the others. Sound of another bomb bursting follows.

 R7T6:   Visto , the  sanctuary   Val put on your folds. You no longer need to hold your breath as the  cloud completely disappeared and suddenly at that. What do you do?

Ago (nauseous) on deck, Depora Azrinae in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R7T6:   Visto bravely steps forward to help screen Ago from more harm, dropping another raincloud on the badly wounded paladin for   39 healing  .

 R7T5:  Ago's nausea continues.

 End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T29:   Depora moves north and acrobatically gets past Brown to face Scruff.  Instead of stabbing the badger, she tries to bite, and its thick hide  repels her unholy bite.

 R8T24:  A mote of flame misses Virashi.

 R8T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Val in the hole ...
rypt
  "If the first drow woman is Azrinae, then I expect the second to be their leader.  We must hurry!"    Tsyra steps to the east and slashes at Red's flank.  Regardless of whether Red is destroyed, she will draw a small vial from the pouch on her belt and attempt to hand it to Santiago.    "Here, you must drink this.  It may calm your stomach."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: 5-foot step to the east.

Standard action: Attack Red with kinetic blade, utilizing risky strike.
 Attack: (d20+8)[ 14 ] 
Damage: (2d6+9)[ 13 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 2 ]  from  scarlet einhander  
Swift action: Withdraw a stillgut vial from her craftsman's belt.

Move action: Attempt to hand the stillgut vial to Santiago.
 
lostsole31
 R8T23:    "If the first drow woman is Azrinae, then I expect the second to be their leader.  We must hurry!"     Tsyra steps to the east and slashes at Red's flank, missing, before drawing a small vial from the pouch on  her belt and holds it out to Santiago.    "Here, you must drink this.  It may calm your stomach."  
 R8T22:  Maggie steps south and attacks Chmetugo, missing, but directs Scruff to attack the demon.

 R8T19:  Val moves south and cuts off his left arm at the elbow before that and the rest of him combusts to ash.

 R8T17:  Scruff spins around as directed and bites the demon for  5 mod , but the claw attack swings through and misses to strike himself for  8 .

 R8T16:  Virashi continues her selfless song.

 R8T15:  The demon spins around on the small badger. One claw does  6 +  4 cold  , the other claw does  1 +  4 cold  , and the bite strikes for  6 +  6 cold  .

 R8T12:  Brown stabs Scruff for  11 , dropping the brave little badger.

  "Scruff, NOOO!"  
 R8T11:  A female voice is heard casting.

 R8T10:  Fire and the angry snarling of a male voice.

 R8T6:   Visto , what do you do?

Ago on deck, Depora in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto thinks for a moment, and finally decides to do something crazy. He moves in towards the enemy, charging Essence into his Gorget. Once in place, he takes a deep breath, exhaling a breath of cold air to envelop both Scruff and Chmetugo.

 
 Spoiler 
Move action: Move to the square directly Northwest of Val

Swift action: Reinvest 2E from Bangles of Roving Light into Gorget of the Wyrm

Free action: Move a mote of light to illuminate Visto's square, along with retaining one near Ago and Tsyra. The other two fade away with the Essence removal

Standard action: Use the Breath Weapon granted by Gorget of the Wyrm to fire a cone of cold energy such that it hits both Chmetugo and Scruff (Scruff is immune thanks to Veilproofing)

Damage roll  (3d6)[ 14 ]  Cold, Reflex DC 16 for half
 
lostsole31
 R8T6:  Visto thinks for a moment, and finally decides to  do something crazy. He  moves in towards the enemy, charging Essence into his Gorget, but finds  he can't quite get to the spot he had hoped to get into. The distant  lights farther into the larger cave disappear, even as two motes of  light go from the southern passage into this primary cavern most are in  right now. Once in  place, he takes a deep breath, exhaling a breath of cold air to envelop  both Scruff, Chmetugo, and even Depora Azrinae ... whom Visto recognizes  physically now as the ghoul woman from the fight under the Cyphergate  where he lost his friends, including Ago's brother. With his special  bond, Scruff's body is protected. Chmetugo doesn't move out of the way,  and seems to be completely unharmed. Depora, on the other hand, ducks  partly behind the rock to only take   7 cold  .

 R8T5:  Ago manages to take the container of stillgut, but with his vomiting can't ingest it yet.

 End Round 8, Begin Round 9 ...

R9T29:  Depora drops a blast of darkness upon herself that provides her with   13 negative energy healing  . She steps north out of view.

 R9T24:  Loud casting from a man in the western cavern.

 R9T23:   Tsyra , what do you do?

Maggie on deck, Val in the hole ...
rypt
Unable to do anything more for Santiago, Tsyra takes a step toward the opening into western cavern to get a better view of Brown.  Once again drawing upon her connection with elemental earth, loose stones and clumps of dirt swirl within the cave before she launches a shard of rock at the remaining undead guard.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: 5-foot step to the SW to be east of Visto.

Move action: Gather power.

Standard action: Ranged kinetic blast attack (slashing) at Brown.  The burn cost is reduced to 0 by gather power.
 Attack: (d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 16 ]  
 
lostsole31
 R9T23:  Unable to do anything more for Santiago, Tsyra  takes several steps toward the  opening into western cavern to get a better view of Brown.  Having moved  a clip to get to this point, Tsyra feels pain as she takes more burn  before sending forth a shard of rock  at the remaining undead guard and missing.

 R9T22:  Maggie gives a wild swing at Chmetugo with her quarterstaff.

 R9T19:  Val steps back and casts a spell to stabilize Scruff.

 R9T16:  Virashi continues to sing for the heroes.

 R9T15:  Chmetugo shadowy form disappears from sight.

 R9T12:   Even though it offers little apparent tactical benefit, Brown CDG's  Scruff before stepping to the south. As that happens, Visto feels the  sharp stabbing pain and loss of connection ( 1E burn ).

 R9T11:  Female casting farther in the cave.

 R9T6:   Visto , what do you do?

Ago on deck, Depora in the hole ...
meemaas
Visto moves further toward the fray, moving one of his lights in towards the enemy to illuminate them, before firing another breath of cold upon the enemies.

 
 Spoiler 
Five foot step to the south.

Free action: Move the light that was near Ago in to the space above Brown.

Standard action: Gorget of the Wyrm aiming to hit the most targets he can see.

Damage  (3d6)[ 13 ]  Cold, Reflex DC 16 for half
 
lostsole31
 R9T6:  Visto moves further toward the fray, moving one of his lights in towards  the enemy to illuminate them, before firing another breath of cold upon  the enemies, though it only covers Brown and Scruff's body. Brown moves behind a portion of the stone enough to only take   6 cold  .

 R9T6:  Ago is still suffering from nausea, and his distress is enough that he can't even drink the stillgut he was handed.

 End Round 9, Begin Round 10 ...

R10T29:   Depora Azrina appears from the north and west and advances on Visto and  Maggie. She ignores Maggie and hisses when she sees Visto for their  second meeting. As the healer blocks high, she slashes him in the foot  for  12 +  1 temporary negative level  .

 R10T24:  A robed male drow with a wand passes the entrance, heading north to south, and shoots a bit of fire at Virashi from the wand.

 R10T23:   Tsyra , what do you do? Visto may or may not be paralyzed (pending save).

 Visto , roll a Fort save, as the unnatural power from the ghoul drow woman's claw threatens to immobilize him.

Maggie on deck, Jal-Valdoreth in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra draws a sharp breath of concern as she realizes that her avian companion is paralyzed.  Dismissing the eathern blade in her hand, she takes hold of the suqur and attempts to reposition him out of harms way.  She then conjures a new blade and steps forward to confront the ghoulish drow woman.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: Dismiss kinetic blade via Kinetic Blade Master.

Standard action: Attempt a reposition maneuver to move Visto as far from Depora as she is able.

Free action: Form new slashing kinetic blade.

Swift action: In the event dismissing her kinetic blade dropped her out of  scarlet einhander , she will re-enter the stance.

Move action: Move to the square north of Depora.
 
lostsole31
 R10T23:  Tsyra draws a sharp breath of concern as she realizes that her avian  companion is paralyzed.  Dismissing the earthen blade in her hand (which in turn drops her stance), she  takes hold of the suqur and attempts to reposition him out of harm's way.   In doing so, the woman slashes with the claw hand (which has a buckler on it) again to rake against Visto's right thigh for  11 +  1 energy drain  .  Once Visto is thrown behind her, Visto falls, as his paralyzed form was  keenly balanced for how he was at the time of being paralyzed. Tsyra  then conjures a new blade and steps forward to confront the  ghoulish drow woman.  
 Spoiler: Withheld Granted 
 Breaker's dodge 
 

 R10T22:  The faint glow on Maggie's quarterstaff goes away. She shakes her head ruefully,   "My ghost-killing enchantment is gone from my staff."  

She puts a hand on herself for   3 healing  , then on Tsyra for   9 healing  , and steps into the southern corridor for cover.

 R10T19:   Jal-Valdoreth casts a spell upon herself and then steps into the spot Maggie vacated to cover her.

 R10T16:  Virashi continues her inspiring song for the heroes.

 R10T15:   Tsyra had no way of knowing that Chemtugo was hiding in the wall by  Ago, meaning by Visto now as well. He pops out opposite of Ago, and  begins attacking the prone, paralyzed Visto. Both claws pass through  Visto for a total of  6 +  10 cold  , though amazingly it missed with its maw.

Ago finally recovers from his nausea.

 R10T12:    Brown comes through and tries to tumble past the warrior women,  bypassing Tsyra, but not Val, who scores a light crit against its chest  for  11 . As he continues to move past, Tsyra finally  spots and opening and slashes against its chain shirt. He ends up in a  flank as he stabs Tsyra in the back for  14 mod .

 R10T11:   Another drow woman hustles in and over Scruff's body, and then  northeast of Depora. This woman is armored in banded mail, and possesses  a flail and heavy shield. Tsyra's AOO against her bounces off of armor.

 R10T10:  Some type of lizard follows fast behind, stopping over Scruff's body.

 R10T9:  A tremendous splashing sound is heard to the west.

 R10T8:  Another tremendous thrashing of water.

 R10T6:  Visto is paralyzed.

 R10T5:   Ago drinks down the stillgut, just in case and steps out to confront the undead drow guard and the shadow demon.   "I accept your resume as worthy of one who I will not have wasted this smite upon. Death be upon you, Chmetugo!"  
 End Round 10, Begin Round 11 ... 
 R11T29:   Depora resettles her buckler and begins to move acrobatically. It's not  great as Val still swings at her but the drow ghoul vaults over the  blade before then brilliant bouncing off the walls to get behind Ago.

 R11T24:  A bolt of fire hits Virashi for   2 fire  .

 R11T23:   Tsyra , what do you do? Roll a Fort save vs. Depora's stench!

Maggie on deck, Val in the hole ...
rypt
Focusing on the threats to Visto, Tsyra shifts to her left to slash at Brown's flank.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Free action: 5-foot step to the NE.

Standard action: Attack Brown with kinetic blade.
 Attack: (d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 13 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 1 ]  from  scarlet einhander . 
Immediate action: If attacked with a manufactured weapon before the start of her next turn, use  breaker's dodge  to attempt to negate it.
 
lostsole31
 R11T23:  Focusing on the threats to Visto, Tsyra shifts to her left to slash at Brown's flank, but the guard blocks it. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
Gain  sabotage .
 

 R11T  22:  Maggie says,   "Forgive  me, friends, but precision attacks and tactical movement is playing  more to our enemies than to us. Please don't be angry with what I'm  about to do."  

She puts her focus into her  prayer to the Green Faith, and a thick fog billows outwards to spread  around the corners into most of the main fighting area.   "There. They might use darkvision in their own darkness, but that won't help them in a fog!"  
 R11T19:    "A little light mist never bothered me,"    says Valdoreth with a grin as she steps into Tsyra's view to swing hard  against Brown's armor, not penetrating even with all of the current  group and personal buffs active.

 R11T16:  Virashi continues her song for the heroes.

 R11T15:  Chemtugo continues to focus his immortal hatred on the healer. Both claws slash Visto's chest for a total of  4 +  3 cold  ; his bite, however, is foiled by the cloud.

 R11T12:   Brown draws back on his rapier arm to find the best attack to end  Visto's life quickly. When he does so, there is a flurry of activity  from the heroes desperate to save Visto. Tsyra misses. Valdoreth looks  like she was going to hit, were it not for the  fog cloud . Ago's scimitar fails to land. Unfortunately, the  fog cloud  does not also save Visto from Brown. The rapier stabs into Visto's cheek for  18 .

 Visto , roll a Fort save vs. the CDG!
meemaas
 
 Spoiler: Visto Fort Save 
Fort Save  (1d20+12)[ 30 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R11T12:    "It is done. The bird-healer is dead,"   croaks the drow.

 R11T11:  The heavily armored drow woman swings her flail low and Tsyra blocks the flail with a hard block that does no  damage to the flail. The woman quickly recovers, performs a moulinet,  and then smashes Tsyra across the face despite no immediate wound ( 17 mod DDP ).

 R11T5:    "NOOOO!"   Santiago shouts in anguish.   "They killed Visto!"  

Ago's voice is heard intoning a prayer of wrath against demons.

 End Round 11, Begin Round 12 ...

R12T29:  A crackle of dark energy is heard in Depora's area.

 R12T24:  A male voice mutters something outside.

 R12T23:   Tsyra , what do you do? You don't have a SwA this turn.

Maggie on deck, Val in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra gasps, then begins to pray aloud in Elven.  Entreating Findeladlara to preserve those in her company who yet live, that they might see the evil of this place destroyed, her voice is broken at points by fear or pain or sorrow.  Punctuating her words are the slashes of her blade as she continues to attack the drow guard beside her.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Attack Brown with kinetic blade.
 Attack:  (d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Damage: (2d6+5)[ 12 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 2 ]  from  scarlet einhander  
 
lostsole31
 R12T23:  Tsyra gasps, then begins to pray aloud in Elven.  Entreating  Findeladlara to preserve those in her company who yet live, that they  might see the evil of this place destroyed, her voice is broken at  points by fear or pain or sorrow.  Punctuating her words are the slashes  of her blade as she continues to attack the drow guard beside her, cutting across his back for  19 . 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
This is one round of maneuvers fallow.
 

 R12T22:  Maggie's voice is heard intoning a spell.

 R12T19:  Valdoreth concentrates on a spell, a faint glow surrounding her to protect her.

 R12T16:  Virashi continues her song.

 R12T15:  The sound of mocking laughter fills everyone's mind.      "Shindiira Misraria, your pets are so witless. The suqur resisted death. See? He is still paralyzed."     

Tsyra sees Chemtugo slash low, once, through Visto's form, and his body slumps out of paralysis.

    "There. See? His body relaxed out of paralysis. NOW he  is  dead, and you are partly avenged Depora Azrinae."    

And with that, Chemtugo's shadowy form melts into the false lighting and fog.

 R12T12:   Brown sidesteps to the north of Tsyra. He fails to fake her out with  his tricky point work, but he still skillfully uses blade-to-blade to  put her body out of alignment and then twists her over so she falls on  the ground.

 R12T11:  The drow warrior-woman slams her flail down on Tsyra's chest for  11 mod (+4 DDP) . She follows up with a weaker into Tsyra's chest again for  9 mod .

 R12T10:  ...

 R12T8:  Flash of flame very close by to west.

 R12T5:  Ago steps out of that sliver of non-cloudy area to the north to face the drow guard and clashes swords.

 End Round 12, Begin Round 13 ...

R13T29:   Depora says something in a language Tsyra doesn't understand as she  steps up to Ago while standing over Visto's body. She puts her sword in  her buckler hand (though still using the buckler for defense) and then  claws low against Ago's calf for  11 +  1 level energy drain  ,  some of his life force coming out of that wound to her claw, and that  strange, iridescent essence pulled into Depora's mouth, practically  breathed in. It has an almost visibly narcotic effect upon her.

 R13T24:  A puff of fire farther west.

 R13T23:   Tsyra , roll a Fort save vs. the stench. What do you do?
rypt
Rolling onto her back, Tsyra slashes her blade desperately at Brown's legs.    "I am in need of healing!"   she calls to her allies.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action: Attack Brown with kinetic blade utilizing risky strike.
 Attack:  (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+9)[ 21 ]  
 
lostsole31
 R13T23:  Rolling onto her back, Tsyra slashes her blade desperately at Brown's legs.    "I am in need of healing!"   she calls to her allies, despite now feeling the sickening effects of Depora's stench. She then feels the effects of  17  from her DDP. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
Second round fallow.
 

 R13T22:  Maggie puts a hand to herself for   9 healing    before darting ahead to try to get to Tsyra, but Sindiira sweeps Maggie  off her feet before she can get close. Maggie pops up onto her feet,  but not before the drow woman clocks her in the chest for  10  to Maggie and  10  to Ago.

 R13T19:  Valdoreth concentrates carefully and then casts a spell, touching Tsyra for   12 healing  .

 R13T16:  Virashi continues her song.

 R13T15:  Chmetugo comes out of the shadows to bite Ago in the shoulder for  6 +  3 cold  .

 R13T12:  Brown power-stabs Tsyra for  15 mod .

 R13T11:  Shindiira clips Tsyra in the right shoulder for  10 + 2 DDP , and then in the upper left arm for  11 mod .

 R13T8:   Tsyra sees Shindiira get hit by a scimitar made of fire, but with the  flat of the blade to her upper left arm. In doing so, the scimitar  completely disappears from view.

 R13T5:  Ago is hyper-focused on Chmetugo, devoted to the slaying of demons as he is. He touches himself for a brief prayer and   16 healing  . He lashes out at the demon's neck that hits with a flash for  11 mod .

 End Round 13, Begin Round 14 ...

R14T29:   Depora steps SE into the cloud. She misses Ago with her sword and bite,  so she forgoes her buckler's defense to claw at the tiefling. But he  knows what that claw means and throws up a hard block.

 R14T24:  ....

 R14T23:   Tsyra , you are now scikened on top of everything else. What do you do?

Maggie on deck, Val in the hole ...
rypt
Tsyra touches the signet ring on her left hand to her breast and attempts to stand.  If she survives the effort, she will slash at Brown with her kinetic blade.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move action: Stand up.

Standard action: Attack brown with kinetic blade utilizing risky strike.
 Attack: (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+9)[ 20 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 1 ]  from  scarlet einhander . 
 
lostsole31
 R14T23:  Tsyra touches the signet ring on her left hand to her breast and  attempts to stand. Shindiira's swing is foiled by the fog, Chmetugo bites her left hand for  0 mod +  5 cold  , even as Brown stabs her in the chest for  12 mod , dropping the brave elf. As she hits the ground her kinetic blade crumbles.

  "Tsyra's down!"   calls Val.

 R14T22:  Maggie carefully casts a spell on herself for   10 healing  .  She then gulps and stands, and in doing so Shindiira swings so  powerfully that her flail's head goes over Maggie's head and slams and  gets stuck into the stone wall! Maggie steps over to Tsyra.

 R14T19:  Heedless of who she might help, Val channels positive energy for the following effects:   5 healing   to herself &amp; Chmetugo;   4 healing   to Ago &amp; Sol;   2 healing   to Shindiira;   1 healing   to Maggie &amp; Tsyra (the latter of whom is now disabled but conscious).

 R14T16:  Virashi's song ends, and so does what little bit of hope was helping the heroes, sans the  bless  spell. A second or so later, there is a tremendous screeching sound.

 R14T15:   Chmetugo backs into the wall before reappearing from the floor between  Ago and Tsyra. Even from a low position he bites Ago in the neck for  1 +  3 cold  .

 R14T12:  Brown sees Tsyra stir and stabs her in the head for  13 mod , causing her to go limp again.

 R14T11:  Shindiira tries and fails to recover her flail from the wall.

 R14T10:  A lizard attacks Sol from the west.

 R14T8:  Sol steps east and tries to catch Shindiira with his mote of flame.

 R14T5:  Ago gives himself   13 healing   before missing Chmetugo with his scimitar.

 End Round 14, Begin Round 15 ...

R15T29:  Depora stabs Ago's right elbow with her short sword for 13 and forgoes her buckler to claw his left forearm for  6( +5 ) +  energy drain  .

 R15T24:  A drown male comes in, holding a staff.

 R15T23:   Tsyra , roll a stabilization check!
rypt
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Tsyra's stabilization check:  (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
 