Norton's face flushed red with shame at his thoughts and deeds. The words would not come to explain what had just transpired... He was grasping for some answer when the thunderous voice of Tenebrax's minion filled the room. Alyssa was on her feet faster than him, but she fell backwards into his arms. His body recoiled, and he felt all his muscles tighten- begging to give battle. Thalya as well issued her challenge, but Norton was reluctant. Was this some form of punishment? Was this thing the true source of the...<em> corruption </em>that had just ensued?<br/><br/>Was it all his fault?<br/><br/>He could barely think or make sense of it all. He heard Thalya's command, telling him to just take Alyssa and Al'Rhayel and flee. Instinct compelled him to obey, but then he questioned the source. Not too long ago, she had been lured into falseness by sin's allure. He considered it, just a moment, to take them and run... Alyssa leaped from his embrace, drawing her blade and charging at it. How could he abandon them? He already failed them once... he closed his eyes and put his hand on the pommel of the Sunmaiden's Kiss.<br/><br/>'Lux... give me strength, O' radiant lady, protect them. Let me atone and be again worthy of your love.' With that short prayer, he drew the blade and lets its glow bathe the dark storeroom of the deserted vessel. He was already panting, "Forgive me, Thalya." He said, holding the blade over his head.<em>I have to do this...</em>"I mustn't run away..."<br/><br/>"Hark, fiend! The light of Lux take your soul!" He screamed, charging right after Alyssa and bringing Sunmaiden's kiss to bear.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">HP: 12 + 3 temporary hit points, AC: 16 (sans shield)<br/>Here's to hoping the sword's bonus vs. undead and fiends comes in handy. Or that suicidal bravery grants inspiration. ;)<br/><br/>I kind of miss the old 'Immunity to fear' aspect of Paladins. Not because it was particularly useful crunch-wise but because it's just an interesting mechanics from a fluff perspective. I kind of assume that despite the fact that Paladins are no longer granted this mechanically, they are still somewhat suicidally zealous, the first to cry "Banzai" and charge a machine gun and such. So while Norton might have a lot of personal doubt and apprehension, he wishes to maintain the guise of an ideal crusader and lightbearer.<br/><br/>In any event; Attacking with a two-handed grip on Sunmaiden's kiss.<br/>Attack: 10. Doh. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4813779/)<br/>Damage: Would have been... 29. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4813780/)<br/><br/>Really hoping to milk some inspiration from ya, frags. ;)</div></div>