PrP: Murderous Cannibal

Log Info

• Title: Murderous Cannibal
• Emitter: Benthus
• Characters: Kailin Level 2, Sigrid Level 2, Haggerty Level 2, Malkael Level 2
• Place: 1 day away from Glenspiel
• Time: Jan 2, 2016
• Summary: Continuation of the plot 'Just Business'
• APL: 2
• Encounter 1: 1x Zombie grizzly bear, CR 3
• Encounter 2: 1x Human ftr1/rng3 (+1 advanced), CR 4

(Start of story)

As the intrepid adventurers leave the village of Glenspiel behind, a pervading sense of being followed is felt by each member of the team. As the distance from the village to Alexandria is several days away, the long trek back is likely not to go without incident. One evening as the group rested, they had strange dreams of people calling from beneath a large, dark abyss. Calling for help and release. The group awakens tired and troubled.

A snow blizzard decided to visit the area where the trio's were travelling and this further hampered their haste to return home. Forced again to make camp to weather out the storm, the group rest in a cave that they manage to find before the storm overtook them.

Sigrid is at least not bothered by the temperature as we wait out the snow. "I wonder if there's any more we could have done for the people," she laments. "A whole village. So tragic."

Kailin, like Sigrid, is used to weathering cold temperatures and waits at the edge of the cave, keeping a watch out into the storm. "I've felt like something was following us the entire time, but I haven't seen anything. And then last night I had dreams of people calling from a dark pit." He shakes his head slightly and says, "I don't think that area is quite as clear as maybe I'd have hoped it was. It may be following us." He looks to Sigrid and gives a shrug. "But I don't know what else we could have done. We searched the area, we identified the magic used. We even buried the bodies properly. There was literally nothing else we could have done." He turns then to Haggerty and asks, "Unless one of us has further abilities that we haven't shared?" He finishes, "Filing that, we did what we could. And that's all anyone can reasonably expect."

Haggerty groans and looks about, kisses Kuno on the dome of the hairy head and goes to wash his features and arms with the snow to wake up properly, likely procured in a bucket or on stips of bark near the entrance. They made sure not to offend any bears, rite!? Good. Now, travel was not that bad when the wizard called mounts for a few hours to help the heavy armor wearing woman bear her load more easily and help the other find an hour of rest while moving -when the magic made sense and the phantasmal steed could be employed for any such means. Now in camp, he gets dressed fully again. "Sadly not. Negative again. Only learning will get me farther and to where I should be to have more impact here, but I make do in the meantime with what little I can. My spells are for other situations than battling undead." He clears his breath to the side. "This was magic on levels the cursed Charnites and the thrice darned Kulthians enacted. Normally, this takes circles of acolythes. It is something so powerful I can barely believe it were there not some previous events which exceeded the scope of this terror. It's.. really strong. The kind of gem this would take would need to be huge. Like put on a trek wagon big."

Sigrid nods to Kailin. "I agree, we have done what we can. If something else is following us, it will either give up before it comes to the city, or someone in the city will figure out what it is and what can be done." She peers at Haggerty, the says, "If that's the case, then we must notify my temple as soon as we get back."

Kailin listens to Haggerty and gives a nod to Sigrid. "We'll take an accurate recording of our findings and submit them to people in the city so that someone more equipped to handle the situation can be assigned to check it out." He shakes his head and says, "This isn't even a matter of our particular job, anymore. That back there..." he shakes his head and continues, "...goes way beyond a breach of contract dispute." He scoops back his white braids and lays them across his shoulder. "If this wood is as important to the city as we were told, one - if not more - of the organizations in Alexandria will respond appropriately to the situation."

He pauses as he says that and adds belatedly, "Then again, we have to make it back to do that. It could be that whatever caused that massacre has realized that exact thing and means to prevent us from alerting anyone..." That might explain the sensation of being followed. Kailin's brow darkens at that.

Haggerty watches the pug dog stretch and then plop down on his red sweater again which seems to go with a slow grunt-snort and a silent belch accompanied by eyes too cute. Unglueing his vision from the tiny friend, the redhead observes the others once more and nods to what they say. His hair got a bit frazzled in the days past, but so be it. "It sadly is. They stole ALL life essence, all souls from the entire valley." The Stormgardian shakes his head, messing up the braids some more. "This is a major occurrence and a tragedy. Valiant souls must live a fruitful afterlife." He nos to Kailin again, "They might have destroyed the trees' lives, too, which harms the magic of the wood, because all druidic magic is tied to life in some way. Indeed, Kailin. We are being followed or sensored which I cannot stop, unfortunately."

Sigrid nods about sending out people better equipped for this. "That would be wise. I am not concerned for their commerce. But if it was as vital as they say it is, they should have had guards and such there. I can only conclude that it is not so vital as they now claim." She considers Kailin's comment, and nods. "I hope that it's not after us, but it's something we should be wary for." She frowns at what Haggerty has to say, and replies, "They will have resources in the city to take action."

Kailin packs away his large metal maul and instead takes out his long, thinner lucerne hammer as he shrugs to Sigrid. "I can't imagine that even a standard guard would have made much of a difference in what took place there. We're talking about stealing the souls directly from living things. Guards shmards, I think." He shakes his head sorrowfully, thinking about what that event must have looked like. "And let us just be as prepared as possible if they do come after us. That's as much as we can do and hopefully our gods will be with us."

As the group get settled inside the cave, they begin to smell something pungent. That pungent smell soon became malodorous, and then just plain foul. The sound a growl can be heard deeper inside the cave...

<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll survival or knowledge/nature" GAME: Kailin rolls bardic knowledge +2: (15)+bardic knowledge+2: 17 GAME: Malkael rolls survival: (8)+10: 18 GAME: Haggerty rolls knowledge/nature: (10)+8: 18 You paged (Kailin, Malkael, Haggerty) with 'Without seeing what it is yet, you are sure that it is a grizzly bear. But the smell is definitely not something a living bear could produce, but something that of death and decay.'

Malkael has been tracking the group, staying out of the way and doing as he is tasked, making sure everything goes without trouble. However with all the undead activity he's seen the group engage in he has decided that perhaps having someone to watch his own back is not a bad idea. Walking out from the woods he holds up a hand, despite his dark appearance and hoping his grim countenance doesn't count too much against him. "Hail... I have come to render assistance." he says from behind the steel helmet that covers the top of his face. "From that smell you may need it."

"To even wield such power is staggering. This requires artifact level abilities and handling techniques. Only the guild's veterans should ever bother with this kind of terror," tells the pale guy, "But you two can whether this for as long as we must." With a shrug, "They had a heavily armored guard, the one the monsters re-purposed when we got to Glenspiel. They were more interested in the profit than in the safety. Follow the wiles of Rada they do. Guarding is important. Order must be enacted for cultures to thrive. Within reason. That is for..Some other time.."

Sigrid says to Kailin, "They might not have been able to stop it. But they might have recognized sooner that something was wrong, and helped the town organize an escape." She shrugs to

Haggerty. "Though I suppose it's foolish to speculate now." She sniffs. "Ugh, what was that?" she wonders, glancing into the depths of the cave. Wait? "Someone is outside?" She puts her hand on her sword hilt. But ambushers would just attack, yes? "Who goes there?"

A large ursine creature comes lumbering into the light of the camp's fire. For those with enhanced vision, they can actually see that the creature has large gaping wounds on its sides and head. Maggot can be seen crawling out of the open wounds. The creature has lost one eye, but the other eye is glazed by a milky white film, effects of the optical lens decaying. It is likely attracted to the heat produced by living flesh than that of the fire nearby.

Kailin turns towards the growling as soon as he hears it and lowers his hammer in that direction, back to the cave entrance. "That smell..." He shakes his head and says, "A bear... but... an undead one. Like the townspeople. So the town was not the only target." He mentions with a casual say, "I'll do my best to try to remain upright through this particular fight this time." He resets his grip on the end, the long weapon, making him feel a touch safer.

GAME: Haggerty rolls initiative: 11 + 6 = 17 GAME: You roll initiative for Zombie bear: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 16 GAME: Sigrid rolls initiative: 12 + 1 = 13 GAME: Kailin rolls initiative: 6 + 2 = 8 GAME: Malkael rolls initiative: 1 + 6 = 7

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 17.
     It is now Haggerty's turn! Zombie bear is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Haggerty ended. <OOC> Haggerty says, "Okay. He should know. Casting d6 ray vs. Undead." GAME: Haggerty rolls ranged: (5)+3: 8

Haggerty moves his head to tell his assent to Sigrid's statement. He motions for Kuno to keep to his back while the wizard awaits what is to come, preferably away from the actual trouble, "<<Incomprehensible wizard talk.>>" He shudders and casts his spell, a pale, blightly colored ray aimed to dismantle the undead to a degree, but the attack goes wide, because the human is not equipped to see in the dark. The zigzagging stream of arcane energy goes right over the thing.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 16.
     It is now Zombie bear's turn! Sigrid is next!

<OOC> Benthus says, "Sigrid is targetted. It charge-attacks her." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (13)+10: 23 <OOC> Benthus says, "That is a hit. Initiating grapple." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+13: (3)+13: 16 <OOC> Sigrid says, "17" GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6+6: (2)+6: 8 GAME: You damaged Sigrid for 8 points. 12 remaining.

The zombie grizzly bear comes roaring and charging at the female sunblade. One of its massive paws swings from the side and clips Sigrid on the thigh, and attempt to grapple her. But she manages to maintain her balance and move away from its deadly embrace. But the claws manage to rend through her armour and cut her flesh deeply.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 13.
     It is now Sigrid's turn! Kailin is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Sigrid ended. <OOC> Sigrid says, "I will hit it." <OOC> Sigrid says, "WIth power attack" GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19 GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+9: (8)+9: 17

Sigrid is philosophizing one moment, and then she's got a zombie bear in her face. "Daeus!" she gasps, and reaches for her sword. How she keeps back from it's paws is a miracle pure and simple, but she does, slashing back at it with a good solid blow from her sword. "Looks like it's not over yet," she says to her friends.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 8.
     It is now Kailin's turn! Malkael is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kailin ended. <OOC> Kailin says, "Now attack at range. Standard. If I can move to flank, I will." GAME: Kailin rolls melee+2: (10)+6+2: 18 GAME: Kailin rolls 1d12+7: (2)+7: 9 (Damage reduced)

Kailin begins circling as the bear charges at Sigrid, moving around the side of it and keeping it within the long reach of his polearm. As Sigrid slips the bear's hold, he whips the weapon downward, smashing it into the bear's flank, but there is not nearly as much damage as he might have liked. And from his experience, only a complete destruction of these things will keep it from moving. He keeps the weapon at the ready, aiming to take another strike.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 7.
     It is now Malkael's turn! Haggerty is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Malkael ended. <OOC> Malkael will come charging with his greatsword then. GAME: Malkael rolls weapon1+2: (5)+5+2: 12 GAME: Malkael rolls 2d6+4: (6)+4: 10

Malkael comes walking out of the woods, drawing the long steel greatsword, heavy boots pounding dirt as he closes to leave a long gash in its side. "Stand firm sunblade. You have support." he says calmly and cooly despite the intensity of the situation.

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 17.
     It is now Haggerty's turn! Zombie bear is next!

<OOC> Haggerty says, "Zapping again." GAME: Haggerty casts Disrupt Undead. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 GAME: Haggerty rolls ranged: (13)+3: 16 GAME: Haggerty rolls 1d6: (6): 6

Haggerty is on the mark. Sensing success, the black pug snorts applause. This new beam strikes squarely and saps a chunk of undeath right out of the heap of not so dead ursine.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 16.
     It is now Zombie bear's turn! Sigrid is next!

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (16)+10: 26 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+13: (5)+13: 18 <OOC> Benthus says, "Sigrid is grappled. And takes..." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6+6: (5)+6: 11 GAME: You damaged Sigrid for 11 points. 6 remaining.

The zombie grizzly continues its assault on the sunblade. It mauls her again, but this time, it manages to grab her and draw her to its decaying body. It rakes her hard with the claw that has her pinned to it.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 13.
     It is now Sigrid's turn! Kailin is next!

<OOC> Sigrid says, "I may as well try and take control of the grapple." GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+7: (17)+7: 24 GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d6: (1): 1 (LoH) GAME: You damaged Sigrid for -1 points. 7 remaining.

Sigrid is caught by the bear's second attempt at grabbing her, her luck doesn't hold out that long. But she can try and do something about it. With a grunt of effort and a herculean strain, she manages to get control of one of the paws, and there's a shift, and suddenly, she's the one in control of the grapple. Small wonder with her attention on a giant undead bear wrapped around her that her prayers to Daeus for healing are not as bright as they might be.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 8.
     It is now Kailin's turn! Malkael is next!

<OOC> Kailin says, "Rage and attack." <OOC> Kailin flanks with move. GAME: Kailin rolls melee+2+2: (11)+6+2+2: 21 GAME: Kailin rolls 1d12+7+2: (11)+7+2: 20 (Damage reduced)

GAME: Benthus removes the timestop. Timestop by Benthus has left. GAME: You remove the timestop.

Kailin sees the bear get ahold of Sigrid and goes all out, letting a roar loose as he winds back his polearm. Sigrid actually gets the upper hand on the bear, but his rage is already loosed and he smashed down his weapon. It speeds through the air and the square hammer end smacks into the bear's side, breaking through its flank and crunching ribs. The head of the hammer buries itself deep within the bear's chest and Kailin yanks it out violently, bringing with it oozing dead flesh as the bear goes limp in Sigrid's hands. He suppresses another yell for the good of not attracting more attention, but his shoulders slump and he leans heavily against his weapon, looking towards the newcomer. "Hail..."

The cave is quiet. A contrast to the howling winds outside. All seems to have settled for the moment. For the moment, the group can rest at ease.

<OOC> Malkael will heal Sigrid. GAME: Malkael casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 GAME: Malkael rolls 1d8+2: (1)+2: 3 GAME: Kailin casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 1 DC: 13 GAME: Kailin rolls 1d8+1: (3)+1: 4 GAME: Kailin casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 1 DC: 13 GAME: Kailin rolls 1d8+1: (2)+1: 3 GAME: Malkael casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 GAME: Malkael rolls 1d8+2: (8)+2: 10

Malkael offers Sigrid a hand after the bear has been dispatched. "I'm the backup." he mentions grimly, the glowing hand healing the process. "I am Malkael, is anyone else hurt?"

Sigrid breathes a sigh of relief for the healing, slight as it is. "Thank you," she says, bowing her head. "The town has been completely destroyed," she reports. "We're trying to get back to Alexandria to report."

<OOC> Benthus says, "Anyone with knowledge/religion?" GAME: Haggerty rolls knowledge/religion: (10)+8: 18 GAME: Kailin rolls bard+2: (1)+1+2: 4 (EPIC FAIL) You paged Haggerty with 'Looking at the corpse of the bear, you find a symbol branded on its forehead. It's one of the symbols of Thul.'

Haggerty breathes and views the charging folk and their swinging of immense weapons which reminds of home, only with less axes. He squints his eyes and watches the scenery for a moment, "We need to throw the dead flesh out, please. Or get moving." Then, "Greetings, friendly assistant. Do you have a writ from the guild, maybe?"

Kailin rests a bit, letting the tingling in his blood drain from his system. He gives a nod to Malkael and says, "Glad to have you. I think there's something that doesn't want us to make it back to the city though." Once the adrenaline has faded, Kailin does his best to try to heal the wounds on Sigrid. It is negligible, but it helps. "If you can help us get back, obviously that would be very much appreciated."

Haggerty struggles with the huge bearskull for a moment to roll it out of the cave, but pauses, his narrow chest heaving with the strain, "Swordmaiden and guys? It is Thulites. See here, please. The symbol is unmistakable."

Malkael offers a scroll, with the seal of the guild on it. "I can take first watch if you need rest. Se to your wounds." he says taking watch his enormous steel and wood repeating crossbow.

(Group goes to rest. First watch: Sigrid Malkael. Second Watch: Haggerty, Kailin)

<OOC> Benthus says, "Sigrid, Malkael, roll perceptions please." GAME: Malkael rolls perception: (16)+8: 24 GAME: Sigrid rolls perception: (18)+3: 21 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (4)+10: 14

A twig snap somewhere close outside the cave's mouth.

You paged (Sigrid, Malkael) with 'You see a lone figure crouching low and approaching the cave's mouth with two weapons drawn, one on each hand. A scimitar. The other, a kukri.'

Sigrid looks up as the twig snaps. She grips her greatsword and looks around for the source of the noise. "Halt!" she calls out pretty loudly. "Who goes there? Show yourself!" She peers at the shadowy figure intently.

Malkael looks up, raising his mechanical crossbow to his shoulder and then looks at Sigrid and gestures over to the cave with his head "Supicious individual..." he says before nudging the others with his boot, crossbow fixed on the cave mouth.

GAME: You damaged Sigrid for -10 points. 17 remaining. GAME: You damaged Sigrid for -10 points. 25 remaining.

GAME: Malkael rolls initiative: 16 + 6 = 22 GAME: You roll initiative for Murderous Cannibal: Roll: 8 + Bonus: +4 = Total: 12 GAME: Haggerty rolls initiative: 1 + 6 = 7 GAME: Kailin rolls initiative: 4 + 2 = 6 GAME: Sigrid rolls initiative: 3 + 1 = 4

"I didn't thought there would be anyone coming to these parts anymore. Considering how efficient my brotherens have been in culling the living. But I am lucky to have found your trail. And it looks like you are worthy foes for my consumption. Soon, your powers will be mine. And I. I will become part of the elite." Says the man covered in dark, green tattered cloak with his scimitar and kukri at the ready. He grins malevolently as he breaks away from his cover and attacks the first one nearest the cave entrance.

<OOC> Benthus says, "Surprise round. Malkael, action first." <OOC> Malkael says, "Can I swift actiona nd standard action?" <OOC> Benthus says, "Yup." <OOC> Malkael will pass the Judgement of Justice on him and shoot him. GAME: Malkael rolls weapon2+1+1: (15)+4+1+1: 21 GAME: Malkael rolls 1d10+1: (2)+1: 3

Malkael glares throught he visor of his helmet at the cave mouth and grimaces "Lay down your arms and surrender yourself. You are in violation of the law and I will pass judgement." he says in warning as he fires a bolt from the powerful crossbow. "Do it now."

<OOC> Benthus says, "Okay, Foes turn. It goes after Sigrid, who is flat footed at the moment." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+11: (12)+11: 23 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6+6: (2)+6: 8 GAME: You damaged Sigrid for 8 points. 17 remaining.

The intruder leaps into action, going after Sigrid first and stabbing her with his scimitar.

<OOC> Benthus says, "Okay, surprise round: Sigrid's turn." <OOC> Sigrid says, "So, swift: LOH, Move: Detect Evil, Standard: Attack." <OOC> Benthus says, "Not yet. That is why I haven't moved the init rounds yet." <OOC> Sigrid says, "So all that minus the detect. I'll smite anyway, his dialogue sounded pretty evil." <OOC> Sigrid says, "Oh, and power attack" GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+9: (2)+9: 11 <OOC> Sigrid says, "And the channel" GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d6: (6): 6 GAME: You damaged Sigrid for -6 points. 23 remaining.

Sigrid grunts, "He said we're foes for his consumption. He's not going to come along quietly." She shakes off his hit, channeling some positive energy to try and counter the wound, while hacking back with her greatsword. Her blow is weak, though, and even with Daeus's favor, it's not a true enough strike to draw blood.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Zero - Init 22.
     It is now Malkael's turn! Murderous Cannibal is next!

<OOC> Malkael will shoot him again. GAME: Malkael rolls weapon2+1+1: (2)+4+1+1: 8

Malkael fires a second bolt from his repeating crossbow but this time it goes wide. "By no complying you have forfeited your freedom and life." he says clamly and he looks to take another shot.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Zero - Init 12.
     It is now Murderous Cannibal's turn! Haggerty is next!

<OOC> Benthus says, "He attacks Sigrid, who is not flat footed." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+9: (5)+9: 14 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (13)+7: 20 <OOC> Benthus says, "Kukri hits." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4+5: (2)+5: 7 GAME: You damaged Sigrid for 7 points. 16 remaining.

The intruder grins hungrily at Sigrid, his eyes gleaming with evil intent. He seems delirious with sadistic glee as he swings his scimitar at her, opening her up for his kukri. His blade laced with her blood, he licks it. "Sweet."

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Zero - Init 7.
     It is now Haggerty's turn! Kailin is next!

<OOC> Benthus says, "Haggerty, you are prone, action please." <OOC> Haggerty says, "Undead test with DU." GAME: Haggerty casts Disrupt Undead. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14

GAME: Haggerty rolls ranged+4: (14)+3: 17 <OOC> Benthus says, "Can you roll knowledge/religion, Haggerty?" GAME: Haggerty rolls knowledge/religion: (18)+8: 26 GAME: Haggerty rolls perception+2: (17)+3+2: 22 You paged Haggerty with 'It is not undead.' <OOC> Benthus will give you a chance to change your actions for this round. <OOC> Haggerty says, "I am. Keeps me from debuffing the allies, too."

Haggerty is kicked and jumps to his feet with beady eyes. Kuno stays at his neck by biting into the shoulder section of his cape, then slides into the waking wizard's hood. Rubbing dirt from his eyes, the northman is faintly aware of what is going on and sees folk engaged in melee once more. One has a bolt sticking somewhere. He mistakes the precise coloring and frequency of the assailant's bloodletting to hit him with another pale ray which hits but does nothing. This madman is alive! He purses his lips and has another option now which seems to be very much in order.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Zero - Init 6.
     It is now Kailin's turn! Sigrid is next!

<OOC> Kailin says, "Standing up with a move action, bardic performance with standard."

Kailin sitrs at the sound of battle and curses himself for being caught asleep. He scrambles to his feet and to gather up the weapon laying near his hand, trying to asses the situation as quickly as possible. He knew who his allies were and he knows they are faced off against a cloaked individual so there's no question what side he's on. He begins belting out a booming dirge, singing his allies on to victory. He clenches a fist as his notes sustain, the deep sounds echoing through the cave entrance.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Zero - Init 4.
     It is now Sigrid's turn! Malkael is next!

<OOC> Sigrid says, "Same thing as last round. LOH + smite attack+PA" GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+9: (9)+9: 18

The intruder grins hungrily at Sigrid, his eyes gleaming with evil intent. He seems delirious with sadistic glee as he swings his scimitar at her, opening her up for his kukri. His blade laced with her blood, he licks it. "Sweet."

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 22.
     It is now Malkael's turn! Murderous Cannibal is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Malkael ended. <OOC> Malkael will walk up and heal Sigrid GAME: Malkael casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 GAME: Malkael rolls 1d8+2: (8)+2: 10 GAME: You damaged Sigrid for -10 points. 25 remaining.

Malkael walks up behind Sigrid and touches her on the shoulder "Stand strong Sunblade and dispense your justice as you should." he says firmly, his touch healing the warrior of her wounds.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 12.
     It is now Murderous Cannibal's turn! Haggerty is next!

The intruder sees that Malkael has closed up to assist Sigrid. He does not like that. He moves 5 feet to be in range of him and double attacks him.

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+9: (20)+9: 29 (First attack, threat) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+9: (2)+9: 11 (unconfirmed) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (15)+7: 22 (Second attack) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6+6: (1)+6: 7 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4+5: (3)+5: 8 GAME: You damaged Malkael for 15 points. 0 remaining. (DISABLED)

The intruder is very good with his weapons. So much in fact that he is able to cut Malkael close at the neck. Just an inch more and it would have been his jugular. He continues his flurry of blade with a kukri past his thigh muscle, aiming for his femoral artery. "Wonderful! So much potential. You will indeed make me very powerful!"

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 7.
     It is now Haggerty's turn! Kailin is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Haggerty ended. <OOC> Haggerty says, "Ray of Enf now." GAME: Haggerty casts Ray of Enfeeblement. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15 GAME: Haggerty rolls ranged: (10)+3+1: 14 (Hit touch) GAME: Haggerty rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (16)+8: 24 (Intruder's fort save: success)

Haggerty whips out the stronger magics from the reserves he kept for the day. The skaldic effect steadies his aim and the black zotting streak goes into the freak's body which the thin readhead counts as a little victory.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 6.
     It is now Kailin's turn! Sigrid is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kailin ended. <OOC> Kailin says, "Move: equip hammer, standard: charge. From the way I envision it, Sigrid and Malkael are in front of the cannibal, but since my weapon as reach my charge can end behind them. All that sound about right?" GAME: Kailin rolls melee+2+1: (6)+6+2+1: 15

Kailin dramatically dips low with a long step in rhythm with his song and his long arm scoops up his polearm. As soon as he brings it to bear, that is the only hesitation he makes before he darts forward, a sprinter out of the blocks. He brings his weapon in an arcing swoop, the long weapon sliding out and around the field of view to come darting in again at the murderous cannibal. It swings wide of its mark and wooshes through the air as Kailin redirects the weapon back to a neutral position, all the while signing his song.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 4.
     It is now Sigrid's turn! Malkael is next!

GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+9: (12)+9: 21 GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+11: (7)+11: 18

Sigrid fights furiously now as her wounds bleed, and as the fellow continues to be creepy and horrible. She takes a moment to collect herself, and swings down diagonally across his body, and leaves a long slash across his chest.

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 22.
     It is now Malkael's turn! Murderous Cannibal is next!

<OOC> Malkael is, I will 5 foot back and try and shoot him anyway, otherwise there's not much else I can do. GAME: Malkael rolls weapon2+1+1+1-4: (11)+4+1+1+1+-4: 14

Malkael clutches two terible wounds in his midsection as he backs up and fires his crossbow from the hip with a free hand but its just a bit too much for the grim inquisitor and he passes out on the ground.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 12.
     It is now Murderous Cannibal's turn! Haggerty is next!

<OOC> Benthus says, "Intruder attacks Sigrid again." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (2)+8: 10 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16

The intruder attacks Sigrid now that Malkael is down. He misses on both swings. He is not happy.

<OOC> Benthus says, "Both miss, considering that Sigrid has smite on it now." GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 7.
     It is now Haggerty's turn! Kailin is next!

<OOC> Haggerty says, "Flicking a dagger at the guy." GAME: Haggerty rolls bab+4: (5)+1+4: 10

Haggerty is rather out of spells to affect others with or effect them, but there is another source of mana stockpile to tap in which he does. The dagger the young wizard uses flies right past the nasty attacker and so the most useful thing to do is catch it back when it returns to the arcanist's hand.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 6.
     It is now Kailin's turn! Sigrid is next!

<OOC> Kailin says, "Move: flank (moving around the cannibal and past him with 40' of movement), then Standard: charge (attacking his flanked rear with 10' threat reach)" <OOC> Benthus says, "Charging is actually a full round action." <OOC> Kailin says, "Ah. Just the flank then. Regular old attack." GAME: Kailin rolls melee + 2 + 1: (9)+6+2+1: 18

Kailin moves around the fighting to try to get behind the cannibal just as Malkael goes down. He skates the outside edge of combat, his weapon staying warily between himself and the cannibal as he goes. He continues past to give himself room, then pivots and steps in behind the cannibal, trying to catch the cannibal off guard while it is busy fighting Sigrid. His weapon wings horizontally now that he is on the side free of allies and he lets it loose with abandon, trying to connect with a desperate shot. He moves out of the way just in time and the hammer head misses its target a second time, but he has the figure trapped between himself and Sigrid now with his song still booming loudly.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 4.
     It is now Sigrid's turn! Malkael is next!

GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+9: (17)+9: 26 GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+11: (8)+11: 19

Sigrid fights on, desperation and piety combining to guide her blade. She swings across at waist level and plants her greatsword hard in the fellow's middle, doubling him over as she follows through. He drops, motionless finally, and she says a soft prayer for his soul.

Kailin finishes out his song and gives the man on the ground a swift whack with the haft of his hammer. "Damned creature." He motions and says, "If there are more of these as indicated, we'd best be moving on quickly." He grabs the dead body by the ankle and lifts it into the air. "Perhaps we burn this one with the bear?"

Sigrid nods to Kailin about getting out of here. "Maybe it'd be better to forget sleep and move all night, whatever the weather?"

Haggerty flexes his hands and stashes the dagger again. The blue-clad man lowers his head to the warrior skald, "Sounds good, but we need enough dry wood for this. Let us search him first, but please be careful. This guy was too darned good. Took many strikes that would hack most wild humanoids in two, fell many militia men. The flesh eating part is particularly worrisome."

Kailin nods to Sigrid and says, "Sounds about right to me. These things don't have any trouble getting to us in the weather so we'd just be sitting ducks." He tosses the body down in a heap by Haggerty and says with a smirk, "Search away, at your pleasure." He moves quickly to begin packing up the camp so that they can leave as quickly as possible without leaving too much behind.

Haggerty says to Sigrid and Kailin, "Making headway sounds good enough. Agreed. After we buried or burned as we have to. I do not want to fight this creep again."

Haggerty does just that and begins the strip search.

Sigrid frowns at the body, then shakes her head. "Let's not burn him. Now that I think about it, our people may need to come back and examine him for clues. Let's just ... say a prayer for his soul and get moving that much faster?"

Haggerty first says, "Guess we have to." He sighs before he resumes pointedly while the strangely long tongue is what kuno maneuvers all over the back of the blue eyed man's neck, right under his shock of braids which tickles, but the situation is grave enough, "I want to take his weapons to be sure, but he attacked us like a warrior."

Kailin takes whatever time is left to rip the bear's head from its body with a massive pull and says, "We'll take this with us and they can examine this. Also, it makes for good showing during the recounting of the tale." He hooks his belongings over one shoulder and hangs the bear head over the other one. "Alright. Ready when you are."

(End of Plot)