The Raven Army
GAME: Ravenstongue used a Scroll of Scry.
Beyond the gates of Alexandria, an army gathers.
Cor'lana Lúpecyll-Atlon, for her petite height and frame, commands a presence as she stands before all the people she has summoned. She stands dressed in garments of war, her violet-black adventuring robes and boots paired with her circlet and cloak, combined with the new addition of a silver dagger on her belt, all declare her intent for this meeting. Her violet eyes are determined, focused only on the task ahead, but she commands a regal presence on account of the floral crown that she wears on her head: a medley of nasturtium flowers, such small and delicate orange flowers, combined with the purple of wolfsbane and the white tendrils of asphodel, wreathed around her head and above the circlet.
She finishes the scrying spell that's in her hands, sighing deeply. "My husband, Telamon Lúpecyll-Atlon, is in the captive hands of Zalgiman Joaki," she says, addressing the crowd before her. "For those of you that do not know him, Zalgiman Joaki is a servant of Caracoroth, the Hound, with whom I have a personal history--hence his decision to take my husband. Telamon has been fed a potion of unknown origin and is currently in a tent with Zalgiman, where he has kept him captive. I suspect Zalgiman is trying to turn him into a lycanthrope like himself."
The sorceress takes a scroll out from within her bag of holding. "Prepare yourselves. When I cast the spell written within, we will be landing right outside of the tent where my husband is kept captive. We will be quick. We will be lethal. We will take my husband back into the clutches of safety."
Her eyes are hard and grim as she says, "And we will kill Zalgiman Joaki."
Ous was there this evening. His usual joking manner replaced with a darker, angrier professionalism, the tall ranger nods as he checks his gear one last time. and grunts softly, digging the balls of his feet into the spring dirt, he begins to softly humm a song to himself.
Under the best of circumstances, Leirune Theran does not look the part of a soldier, but that does not mean that the half-elf isn't one to answer the call. Especially when it is the life of friends on the line. Well, at least someone she would like to consider a friend.
There is a twitch of the rogue's ears, listening carefully to Cor'lana's words. Like Ous, her usually easy-going expression is serious, one hand flicking a dagger in an idle motion before it is tucked back into a sheath at her waist. Reaching back, she draws out her twin short-blades. By no means is she outfitted for war, but sometimes determination is all one has to bolster themselves.
"Ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this." Rune's hands tighten on the blades, giving one firm nod of the head.
Dolan, clad in full adventuring gear and with a small pack over his shoulders, listens with a cold stare, arms crossed loosely across his chest. Questions linger in his eyes, but when the plan is announced, he just nods and extracts from a belt pouch two vials. These, he examines closely, but one is stoppered in red, and the other in blue. The blue one he takes in one hand, but before unstoppering the other, he speaks. "Don't play around with these creatures," he warns. If you are bitten, take yourself straight to the Temple of Eluna as soon as we return. Aim to kill, and kill quickly. You are not doing them any favors by trying to save or spare any of them. I'm going to make myself invisible right before we teleport, to give us an edge. We're probably going to be outnumbered. We'll need to move fast."
GAME: Harkashan casts Shield Other. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16 GAME: Dolan used a Potion of Invisibility. GAME: Harkashan casts Bless. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15 GAME: Dolan used a Silversheen. GAME: Harkashan casts Divine Favor. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15 <OOC> Harkashan says, "(Shield other on Rune, Bless on the team at large, Divine Favor on self)" GAME: Dolan casts Flames of the Faithful. Caster Level: 7 DC: 15
The Deathsinger isn't particularly one who is normally in these kinds of situations. Even when the Charn invaded Am'shere in force in the initial assaults that caused so many of his Kin to perish, he rarely saw the battles at the front lines. How own acts over a century oft meant burying those who had fallen in battles they'd fought without him.
The idea of pushing in on a sentient being in order to slay it feels... strange to the Deathsinger. Yet, it is one he is willing to embrace in order to halt the greater evil here, and protect a fine ally -- and return a husband to their wife. Though the Sith-makari may have rather unusual views on interpersonal bonds compared to most Softskins, it would seem that Harkashan can understand these kinds of deeper bonds better than some.
In truth, he would not have said no regardless of that. After all, when Rune asked him to help her protect a friend of her own - that had been enough to agree. "I shall do that which I can." The Sith-makar remarks to Cor'lana, as he removes something from his pouch and steps up to Rune for a moment.
He offers her what looks like a black obsidian looking ring of sorts, and presses it into her hand. "Please wear this as we stride to war, Rune." As he then wraps both hands around hers, suggesting this ring is precious in some way. "It will ensure a great bond between the two of us."
When she does so, casting a spell between her and himself, after he puts on a similar looking ring. Following that, a peaceful pulse of pale light ripples out from him, as he blesses those around him, and then runs a hand over his blade as he brings the Khopesh out, letting the central red line of it come to a deep divine glow.
"I am ready."
GAME: Dolan casts Shield of Faith. Caster Level: 7 DC: 14 GAME: Ravenstongue used a Scroll of Teleport.
"I'm unfortunately not sure how many werewolves we're dealing with," Cor'lana states in dismay, casting a protective spell over herself in the lull between sentences. "But half of us will be dedicated to dealing with the werewolves that will likely be assaulting us on all sides. Zalgiman is a powerful fighter, and I need those with a certain skillset with me."
She points to Silmeria, Dirk, and Skielstregar. "You three," she says. "You're coming with me into the tent to face Zalgiman. Dolan, you're my general on the outside. Harkashan, Leirune, Ous--listen to Dolan. He will direct you as needed with the werewolves.
There's a moment where Cor'lana just takes in a deep breath. "We're coming, my love," she murmurs. Then, she unfurls the scroll and casts it, sending the group far away.
The teleportation does not land you in the middle of a werewolf’s tent.
Instead you find yourselves on the outskirts of a small camp, not an army in the valley below a mountain, but rather a very small camp with little pup tents arranged between you and a much larger tent. It is not however the small camp, nor the large tent that draws the eye.
It is the stage of nooses and the corpses that dangle from them that is to the left of the tent. Six corpses in all, arranged along the line of the terrible makeshift stage. The first in the line so resembles Telamon in clothing and visage that if not for Cor’lana’s connection to him, she might have despaired then and there of rescuing him. Even so, it is a heart-stopping moment. The next in line is clearly meant to resemble Cor’lana herself. A haphazard mark resembling her own drawn on the woman’s chest in mimicry. To the other side of this corpse is one of a man with only one eye, his clothing simple and a leather brace on one shoulder. If the similarity to Dolan is not immediately obvious, it is perhaps more so in relation to the others.
Then a corpse that was obviously made up to more closely resemble a member of your friends. A dark-skinned and petite woman with simple gray robes on, her hair clearly dyed badly with bleach. Beside this one another dark-skinned woman, this one with long black hair that has also suffered a bad dye job though this one done in a sickly shade of pink, her dress chosen to match. Lastly is what seems to be a child, this one with a beard of hacked-off hair attached to his face and… well his resemblance is to really no one, but the beard itself might well give a hint as to whom he is meant to represent.
For in truth there is little doubt that this is a ghastly threat. A terribly macabre message left in the wake of where an army once had been.
It seems the werewolves know who their enemies are.
Cor'lana's gaze settles on the crowd of corpses for only a moment--in truth, the only one that makes her pause for even a moment is the visage of the one done up to resemble Telamon.
"We will not let them make us falter," she growls. "Front guard, with me into the tent. Dolan and the others, rear guard!" Her command is as natural as anything, the flower crown on her brow seeming to bolster her on as she casts a spell of quickened movement that settles onto the party.
GAME: Ravenstongue casts Haste. Caster Level: 13 DC: 20
The message to Dolan is clear - his job is to get everyone out alive. It's not until the teleport completes and there is no army that Dolan looks more closely - and catches the line of corpses.
That was bound to happen, he tells himself with an indrawn breath and a turn away. He is invisible, but after a moment, he speaks so that he can be heard. "Collapse the tents," he tells the others. "Slow them down. We'll do best if we aren't all rushed at once. Don't waste your time with mercy unless you find a hostage."
Taking in his surroundings as the appear, Ous' nostrils flare. Locking on the stage, he stops humming as he whispers. "Not a child. Aye cannae find mercy for the mur-der of a child."
That's all he has to say about it as the command is given and Ous begins moving forward to collapse tents and keep a path open for the retreat of those in the front.
Just as they are about to be teleported into battle, Harkashan is in front of Rune and thrusting that ring into her hand. A different person might interpret it as almost an intimate gesture, especially with the Makari taking her hands like that. However, Rune has also traveled with the scaled cleric long enough to simply accept that this must be 'one of those Cleric things'. "Got it." The ring is slipped on. Her attention then snaps back to Cor'lana, and then to Dolan. Well, to where Dolan used to be. At least it makes it clear who she will answer to in this fight.
As they appear at the edge of the camp, Rune is quick to take stock of their surroundings, and perhaps a bit too quick to notice the gruesome sight that lies in wait for them. The moment she sees it, there is an intake of breath. It takes a second or two longer for her to realize what this is meant to represent. The rogue swears under her breath in her native tongue, which probably sounds more flowery than it is meant to.
"On it." She replies to the disembodied voice of Dolan, though she seems to be sweeping the area with her eyes, taking care not to move too far from the others, as it seems likely an ambush lies in wait.
GAME: Harkashan rolls Perception: (16)+4: 20
Deal with the Werewolves while the main squad deals with the main threat. That, Harkashan is prepared for. What he is less prepared for, is the unsightly vision of what comes next.
Hanging from on high, corpses. Desecration of the dead. A deep gutteral growl eminates from the Deathsinger at such a view. His posture lifting up and there's this deep irritated resonating tremor that is quick to enter every tone of his voice. "Such mockery." He hisses with a sharp tone.
His tail lashes at the ground as he moves forward and moves his buckler in front of his chest to protect more vulnerable parts. Harkashan isn't deep friends with the mimicry of those on display, not yet, but that doesn't mean he goes unaffected by such a view either.
Feeling the burst of energy coming from the Haste spell that soon enters him, he still keeps a slower and more ponderous approach. Letting the others lead while he remains at a mid-point with them. Crimson eyes seeking through the dark of the forests.
"There is no movement within the tents. Nothing in the tents at all from what I can tell. This feels like a trap." He then warns the others. "Do not approach too lightly. If you give me a moment, I can try to sense for sources of evil within our vicinity." That word, Evil, spoken with vehemence. After all... something that would do this to a corpse... there is no question in his mind about it.
The rear guard does as is suggested, staying behind as the main group and following an order from Dolan to collapse the tents. A man steps forth from the largest of the tents. A huge stormguardian man with a massive blade on his hip which he draws. The weapon despite its normal appearance has a dark aura around it, and he looks out at the approaching army with a grim expression on in his silver eyes. "She comes for you." He says to someone loudly enough to be heard by all.
Just a moment outside, and then he ducks back into the tent, his blade in hand. The rest of his army surges forward, not from the tents, but from behind his own. A force of werewolves armed and ready for battle.
GAME: Ravenstongue used a Scroll of Lunar Veil.
The mass of the werewolves pours fourth, blocking exact entrance to the tent and descending on the group of adventurers. None of them are in wolfish form, but rather human in their shape and figure. There's howling in their number just the same, and it's the hair-raising kind that sends shivers down the spine.
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 -2: (7)+8+2+-2: 15 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 -2: (20)+8+2+-2: 28 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 -2: (4)+8+2+-2: 12 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 -2: (13)+8+2+-2: 21 GAME: Rune rolls damage2+damage2: aliased to 1d6+0+1d6+0: (4)+0+(2)+0: 6
The warning from Harkashan comes at just the right moment, it seems, as the sound of footfalls rumble towards them and Rune stops in her tracks, steeling for the fight. There is a widening of her eyes at the sight coming towards them, likely having never quite faced down quite so many foes at one time. There's no time for second thoughts now.
As the closest wolf comes into range, she moves into a flurry of quick slashes with her blades, moving faster than she might have expected. This may also be the first time she's ever been hasted, so it comes a a bit of a surprise and means that her attacks don't quite land as cleanly as they might have otherwise. Still, at least once seems to catch flesh.
GAME: Ous rolls weapon11+-1: (4)+9++-1: 12 GAME: Ous rolls weapon1+1: (7)+7+1: 15 GAME: Ous rolls Weapon11+3: (19)+9+3: 31 GAME: Ous rolls damage11+2: aliased to 1d8+5+2: (7)+5+2: 14
As the swarm of Werewolves descends on them, Ous slips the Axes from his belt and moves forward to meet them. Thumping his chest with one hand, he shouts "Ous! Ous! Ous!" before the battle is joined. batting limbs away as the werewolves close in, the ranger drives the bearded battle axe deep into the ribs of one as he snarls.
GAME: Harkashan casts Hold Person. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16 GAME: Silmeria casts Coordinated Effort. Caster Level: 10 DC: 15 GAME: Zeke rolls 1d20+2: (19)+2: 21
"Ah, they have shown themselves. It appears we will not need to seek for cowards." Harkashan remarks as his blade moves to point forwards. And it isn't long before the wolves come bearing down, clashing with the front lines of his allies.
He tries to quickly draw up a spell to halt one of the wolves, but as he tries to garner hold of them, they break loose from the spell and continue storming the front lines.
"These foul ones are vicious and resistant." He grunts, and continues bearing forwards.
GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (2)+12+1+1+2: 18 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (12)+12+1+1+2: 28 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (9)+12+1+1+2: 25 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+4+1d6 fire: (6)+2+(3)+4+(6 fire): 21 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+4+1d6 fire: (4)+2+(8)+4+(3 fire): 21 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+4+1d6 fire: (8)+2+(7)+4+(4 fire): 25
Without warning, Dolan bursts again into view as the werewolves attack in force, his longsword in hand, with a golden-white hot fire rippling down the blade. "The flames of the Sunlord be your bane, you mangy sons of rats!" he shouts, clearly intending to draw attention to himself. Sunlight and fire ripple once more down the blade, and he lays into the wolves before him, leaving a swath of bloodied and burning corpses in his wake.
GAME: Zeke rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24 GAME: Zeke rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 GAME: Zeke rolls 1d20+5: (9)+5: 14 GAME: Zeke rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21
The werewolves are an effective distraction, but they seem... almost demoralized. Perhaps because their leader isn't here to buoy them. Perhaps because the moon is veiled. Either way their attacks are largely ineffective.
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 +2 -2: (6)+8+2+2+-2: 16 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 +2 -2: (14)+8+2+2+-2: 24 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 +2 -2: (6)+8+2+2+-2: 16 GAME: Rune rolls damage2+sneakattack: aliased to 1d6+0+sneakattack: (3)+0+sneakattack: 3 GAME: Rune rolls 2d6: (4): 4
A bit of blood splatters over in Rune's direction, causing her to look over just in time to see Dolan slice through a number of the werewolves as if they were little more than children's playthings. Her brows lift, showing an obviously impressed expression. That is, until the one she'd been poking at starts swiping at her, causing the rogue to have to duck out of the way. Pay attention and don't just stare at the really impressive fighters, Rune!
She shifts slightly, moving to a better position to use the advantage of her allies in her favor and follows up with another series of blade strikes, but it seems to have a similar impact, not quite finding the weak points in their defenses. So many bodies and combatants makes things a bit overwhelming, it seems.
GAME: Ous rolls weapon11-1: (16)+9+-1: 24 GAME: Ous rolls weapon1+1: (20)+7+1: 28 (THREAT) GAME: Ous rolls weapon1+1: (14)+7+1: 22 GAME: Ous rolls weapon11+3: (2)+9+3: 14 GAME: Ous rolls damage11+2: aliased to 1d8+5+2: (6)+5+2: 13 GAME: Ous rolls damage1+2: aliased to 1d6+4+2: (1)+4+2: 7 GAME: Ous rolls damage1+2: aliased to 1d6+4+2: (1)+4+2: 7 GAME: Ous rolls damage1+2: aliased to 1d6+4+2: (4)+4+2: 10
Dropping under the swing of another Werewolf, Ous leans in and pops the creature in the chest with his shoulder, knocking it back slightly, the large Aesir follows it, Battle axe biting into his opponent's hip, he yanks the creature closer as his off hand comes around with the smaller hand axe, driving the weapon deep into the neck, twisting the weapon slightly to open the wound wider as he pushes the corpse away. "Pushing forward!"
GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+1+1+2+3: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+1+1+2+3: (13)+5+-1+4+1+1+2+3: 28 GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+1+1+2+3: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+1+1+2+3: (12)+5+-1+4+1+1+2+3: 27 GAME: Harkashan rolls Damage3+3: aliased to 1d8+1+3: (4)+1+3: 8 GAME: Harkashan rolls Damage3+3: aliased to 1d8+1+3: (8)+1+3: 12
Harkashan makes a sound, impressed as Dolan dives in. Between the flame and the wielder's skill, it's clear that he'd be welcomed amongst the Warrior Caste of his Kin. Still, it is a short lived sound, as his focus remains on the battle at hand.
He proceeds forwards, shifting to flank alongside Rune as the human-looking werewolves get too close to her, and he is quick to sweep a blade right for their throat as she manages to get a first cut in and has them back off. There's what almost looks like a spark along the edge of the blade, as he does a heavy step in, his tail moving upwards to adjust for his balance, and with a push of his body against the man's throat, he slices the blade wide and tears their head off in a rough cutting motion.
He then proceeds to slice the blade down and uses a cloth quickly to clean the blade, as he motions the weapon to the other approaching Werewolves. "I shall honor this one by burying it. If you fall upon this day, I promise I will bury you as well. Now. Come. Let me sing the song of your death." As his voice shifts and this heavy almost ritualistic 'song' begins to come from his throat. This draconic wordless throaty tune welcoming more to their end. Keeping close to Rune and aiding her in flanking any targets that get close to her.
GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (6)+12+1+1+2: 22 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2-5: (6)+12+1+1+2+-5: 17 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (9)+12+1+1+2: 25 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+4+1d6 fire: (5)+2+(5)+4+(3 fire): 19 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+4+1d6 fire: (5)+2+(2)+4+(1 fire): 14 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+4+1d6 fire: (7)+2+(8)+4+(6 fire): 27
It's been a while since Dolan has seen pitched battle, and he's feeling it in arms, back, and shoulders, but with a gleeful, victorious grin that holds nothing of humor and splits both sides of his face from ear to ear, stretching the scarred side of his face into a macabre mask. In truth, the second swing errs badly, leaving one of his enemies alive. "Sorry," he snarls. "I'll make this quick."
So saying, he takes the longsword in both hands, intent on renewing the attack.
As the werewolves begin to falter, one of their number hefts his weapon and rallies the remaining members of their number. It is he that steps forward and challenges Dolan, letting out a wild human howl and looking at the man with wide red eyes.
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 +2 -2: (13)+8+2+2+-2: 23 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 +2 -2: (8)+8+2+2+-2: 18 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 + 2 +2 -2: (9)+8+2+2+-2: 19 GAME: Rune rolls damage2+2d6: aliased to 1d6+0+2d6: (6)+0+(6): 12 GAME: Rune rolls damage2+2d6: aliased to 1d6+0+2d6: (3)+0+(3): 6 GAME: Rune rolls damage2+2d6: aliased to 1d6+0+2d6: (2)+0+(8): 10
There is something to be said for being the last person to fell an enemy. Maybe, just maybe, it leaves Rune with a bit of something to prove. With Harkashan's presence acting as a distraction, she shfits her grip on her blades and shifts one foot back. "Ra!" Pushing off, she leaps at the wolf, launching herself off of his knee in an acrobatic flourish before slashing three times in mid-air.
This is followed by one of those movie moments where the bad guy stands there briefly as if nothing happened, and then slowly topples over with a splat. So, it may have been a teensy bit of overkill in this case, but she still had a lot of catching up to do compared to her comrades.
Of course, she can't help but look over her shoulder towards the wolf that is currently stepping forward towards Dolan.
GAME: Ous rolls weapon11-1: (1)+9+-1: 9 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Ous rolls weapon1+1: (12)+7+1: 20 GAME: Ous rolls weapon11+3: (15)+9+3: 27 GAME: Ous rolls damage1+2: aliased to 1d6+4+2: (4)+4+2: 10 GAME: Ous rolls Damage11+2: aliased to 1d8+5+2: (2)+5+2: 9
Shifting his body to the left to keep in step with the rest of his cohort, Ous raises that bearded battle axe once more, swinging hard, he grunts in pain as an old injury locks his elbow for a moment, causing him to whiff badly and leave himself wide open for a moment.
Rolling his torso, the Aesir ranger jerks his body around, swinging the smaller hand axe in his off hand around in a tight back swing, catching his latest opponent in the chest, the impact seeming to unlock his elbow as he continues the motion with an overhand swing of the larger axe, severing the clavicle and passing through the werewolf.
Hearing the howled challenge and seeing the large wolf headed towards Dolan, Ous calls out. "Got Yer back Do-lan!"
GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+1+1+2+3: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+1+1+2+3: (11)+5+-1+4+1+1+2+3: 26 GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+1+1+2+3: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+1+1+2+3: (1)+5+-1+4+1+1+2+3: 16 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Harkashan rolls Damage3+3: aliased to 1d8+1+3: (7)+1+3: 11
He can see why Dolan is leading them here, taking care of their wellbeing.
Yet, for all of that, his focus remains on his closer ally. A slow nod from Harkashan, approving of Rune's flourish in taking care of another one of their foes. His movements continue to remain ponderous - compared to his allies. Not because he cannot move faster, but simply because he is taking his time to do everything with precision and care.
Maneuvering around Rune a bit, he catches a strike from one of the werewolves meant for him, halting an initial blow, before using the momentum from being repelled to spin and throw his tail along their feet, sweeping the werewolf. The moment they're on the floor, his Khopesh strikes straight down into their chest cavity, cracking ribs and piercing their heart.
With a rough motion, he pulls the blade out and cleans it once more, as that mournful song of Death from the Deathsinger continues to grow louder. Intenser. His gaze staring at their foes.
GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (6)+12+1+1+2: 22 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+4+1d6 fire: (7)+2+(1)+4+(6 fire): 20 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2-5: (7)+12+1+1+2+-5: 18 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (10)+12+1+1+2: 26 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+6+1d6 fire: (12)+2+(8)+6+(4 fire): 32 GAME: Dolan rolls intimidate+1: (15)+18+1: 34 GAME: Rune rolls intimidate: (5)+6: 11 GAME: Harkashan rolls Intimidate: (14)+4: 18 GAME: Ous rolls intimidate: (4)+6: 10 GAME: Zeke rolls 1d20+3: (11)+3: 14
Their leader! Dolan's mind, focused down into the narrow channel that is the tide of battle, manages to register that much. A quick slash of the flaming blade leaves the human coated in yet another layer of black-rust-crimson, spattered across an already twisted visage, literally every inch of him coated in mod, blood, and sweat.
"Okay, you furry motherfucker, you want to be the next to die?" he snarls, his other hand without thinking going to the hilt of his longsword and going up into a guard pose that more closely resembles the style of a greatsword than the much smaller blade he wields. A sharp lance of pain through his left shoulder reminds him forcefully of what he isn't supposed to be doing, but in the heat of battle, it is washed away in the tide of blood. The first strike comes up short, a style clearly intended for a larger and heavier blade, but he automatically adjusts, and the next blow smals straight down into the creature's shoulder, shearing through muscle and bone with the stench of burnt, dirty hair, leaving the arm to fly to the increasingly stained grass. "GIVE IT UP!" he shouts, fixing his enemies with that expressionless and unnerving stare. "YOU ARE NO MATCH FOR US!"
GAME: Zeke rolls 1d20+10: (14)+10: 24
The werewolf leader tries to attack Dolan, but without his arm... he is entirely off balance and the much better swordsman easily avoids the blade; using armor as shield. There's a look of hopelessness in his gaze suddenly, and it's there too in the others who hesitate now to attack. Their weapons lowering, their eyes defeated.
GAME: Ous rolls heal: (12)+10: 22 GAME: Ous rolls sense motive: (7)+3: 10 GAME: Ous rolls weapon11-1: (18)+9+-1: 26 GAME: Ous rolls weapon1+1: (4)+7+1: 12 GAME: Ous rolls weapon11+3: (8)+9+3: 20 GAME: Ous rolls weapon11+2: (3)+9+2: 14 GAME: Ous rolls weapon11+2: (12)+9+2: 23
Glancing towards Dolan, Ous continues fighting his way towards the tent as a feral snarl eminates from the thick beard. "Ye killed a child. Ye kill fer fun. People of th' woods are going tae starve because ye lot hunted th' forest and killed fer th' joy of it! Ye dinnae get tae give up now ye bastards. Aye'm going tae put ye down like th' rabid sickness that ye lot are!" Calling over his shoulder, he adds "Har-ka-shan, Do-lan is gonnae destroy himsel' savin' our sorry arses! help him!"
Anything further he might have to say is cut off as the ranger pivots and takes another werewolf down with a vicious twirling melee of axes.
GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+1+1+2+3: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+1+1+2+3: (12)+5+-1+4+1+1+2+3: 27 GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+1+1+2+3: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+1+1+2+3: (2)+5+-1+4+1+1+2+3: 17 GAME: Harkashan rolls Damage3+3: aliased to 1d8+1+3: (4)+1+3: 8
"Let us end this, so we can aid our allies." Harkashan offers to Dolan as he moves with Rune towards the General. Dolan's words still in his mind. No not bother with mercy. Tying it to what they have done here. To those corpses. To Telamon. Their aid to 'V'.
Leaving these things to live, allowing them to surrender, he understands that this would be like leaving a wounded animal in the forest near a settlement. It will only turn more violent in the future. It must be cut down now.
So, he moves, blade singing in sync with his voice, coming up with a stroke at its waist, turning, and then coming straight back down to the same spot, trying to bear through its defenses.
GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (16)+12+1+1+2: 32 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2-5: (13)+12+1+1+2+-5: 24 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon4+1+1+2: (13)+12+1+1+2: 29 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+6+1d6 fire: (11)+2+(6)+6+(5 fire): 30 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+6+1d6 fire: (5)+2+(4)+6+(1 fire): 18 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+2+1d8+6+1d6 fire: (6)+2+(7)+6+(5 fire): 26
"Yeah," Dolan grits his teeth, but nods quickly when the sith-makar's words reach him. His sword flashes out again with deadly, unerring accuracy as the lance of agony through his shoulder sharpens his focus, narrows his mind, and in short order, the general's corpse crumples to the ground. He drops his blood-soaked left arm away from the ground, staring down at it, then stares at those few remaining. "If you want to go to Eluna, throw down your weapons. Now."
To his allies. "They go to Eluna's temple for healing, or they die. If they don't drop their weapons, kill 'em as quick as you can."
After Dolan takes down their general, and seeing Ous tear apart one of their number who wasn't even looking to attack... The werewolves break. They flee. There's not many of them left and they clearly haven't the heart to fight any longer. They don't all head in the same direction, but rather spread out in the hopes of getting away, they don't care about one another; they only care about living. Nor do they have any hope that Eluna will forgive them what they've done here today. So they flee.
As the wolves flee the group of you gather together and head toward the tent. Skielstregar stands at the entry of the tent, Silmeria just a little in front of him. Beyond them... Is Zalgiman's corps on the ground. With the rest of the advance-team arrayed in the tent.
Telamon, at the moment, looks free, and remarkably bruised but otherwise unharmed.
With the matter at the tent handled, Harkashan breaks off from the group slightly - sheathing his blade for the time being. Returning to the desecrated or otherwise done-up corpses, and begins to remove them from their bindings. Taking great care in handling them and identifying them. Inquiring with Dolan; "Do you wish for these to be returned? Or shall I bury them here?"
Watching the Wolves turn and run, Ous lets out a shout of frustration. Dropping the hand axe, the ranger slips a throwing axe from his belt and hurls it after one of the retreating lycanthropes. The weapon misses by a hair's breadth and buries itself in a tree.
Watching the creatures scatter until the last one is gone, the ranger turns and looks into the tent. Seeing that all is ok there, he turns and heads towards Dolan. "Ye hurt yersel' Do-lan. What can Aye do tae help ye?"
GAME: Harkashan casts Spark. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14
Dolan had led the way up to the tent, but peering through told him that Telamon is safe, and he fairly slumps in relief. "The rest of them ran for it," he informs those in front, then turns away when Harkashan addresses them. "We bury them," he agrees, reaching with a filthy, bloodied hand into his belt pouch for a cleaning rag. With this, he cleans his hand, and then his sword, the lone brown eye sad as he stares at the corpses. "These furry bastards have a lot to answer for. At least it looks like Tel's okay. Let's get out of here."
Ous' question behind him makes him jump, and he whirls on the Aesir, clearly badly startled. "Not a damn thing you can do, Ous. Tel's my friend, and if he's in trouble, fuck healers' orders. Not much to be done for it anyhow. I live with it," he answers tersely.
As the wolves make a break for it, separating into different parts of the surrounding territory, there is a moment where Rune has to consider the risk of letting them run free, holding that against their purpose in coming here. "We'll... get them later." Her voice is quiet, though, even as her hands remain holding her blades at her side.
Instead, her attention turns to the main force in the tent, looking for any sign that they might need additional assistance. However, the sight that greets them seems to represent an end to the fighting, at least for now. She opens her mouth as if to ask about the sorcerer's condition, but then seems to think better of it.
Ultimately, it is the sight of Harkashan moving to deal with the dead that has her paling slightly. She closes her eyes, moving to sheath both swords and very pointedly looks away from the sight before her. For now, she just seems... very quiet. At Dolan's prospect of getting out of there, Rune nods. "Yeah, let's go."
Nodding quietly to Dolan, Ous reaches into a pouch on his belt. coming out with a bottle filled with a swirling golden colored liquid, he offers it to the inquisitor. "Dinnae if th' healing magic in it will help ye any, but th' booze might." Looking around once more, he adds. "Aye should go get me axe."
Dolan's grin suddenly flashes white in a blood-stained, furrowed, and scarred face, the mobile half of his expression. "You're a fine man, Ous, and I'm grateful you came to help." He takes the flask, tipping a swallow back, then hands it back with a hard breath out. "That's got a kick to it. Is that from where you're from?"
As the group gathers corpses for Harkashan's pyres, Skielstregar turns back to the tent. Telamon has collapsed. Something is wrong. The sith-makar looks at Dolan. Blinks. "... thisss one will carry the sparkly one."
"TEL!" Cor'lana screams, letting go of Zalgiman (gently) and running over to him. She doesn't manage to catch him as he falls, on account of holding a dead body of a large man, and she sheds more bitter tears for it. The man on the floor has the last laugh in the end, doesn't he.
And yet one thought courses through her head. I deserved that in the end for what I did. The tears feel even hotter on her cheeks for the miserable thought. No amount of poetry nor well-wishes for Zalgiman's soul will fix that.
"We're getting everyone out of here," she says, once Skielstregar offers to carry Telamon out. "Now. Skielstregar, you're carrying him to the Temple of Eluna with me once we teleport out."
One of the flowers on her head is supposed to mean victory in battle--and while she did win, the victory feels tainted. That was the way it was always going to be. Tainted by the love of a man who went beyond love into obsession.