Vagrant Tower: Savage Garden

Log Info

• Title: Vagrant Tower: Savage Garden

• Characters: Rune, Aelwyn, Andelena, Eztli, Harkashan, Slixvah
• DM: Subduction

• Place: Vagrant Tower

• Summary: The Ethereal labyrinth that has appeared around the portal has been mapped, and offered some clues as to how to operate the central portal in a more directed and deliberate way. The researchers now know the keywords to select which floor to send teams of adventurers to. They do not, yet, know what is on any of the floors however. A team is required to brave one of these unknown floors of the Vagrant Tower, in whatever corner of the planes it may be nestled away.

Where the atmosphere had once been one of fervent energy, the camp- now somewhat further from the portal- of the researchers spearheading the exploration of the Vagrant Tower has grown more morose. More than half of their number were lost to the Phase Spiders and the Xill, caught between the appetites of both alien species from the ethereal. The adventurers were able to rescue the head researcher and her partner, but both bear scars from their ordeal. Security at camp has been beefed up, with alarm wards and a cleric from the temple of Navos has taken up semi-permanent station here, both to tend wounds and to maintain the wards- as well as to send a Message should anything go awry. Mercenary guards have also been hired, nearly double the number and from a more expensive and reputable mercenary company, as were previously stationed here.

Nevertheless, the tide of knowledge marches ever onwards, and research has continued if not in earnest, at least apace in the intervening weeks. The labyrinth has been mapped, bodies recovered and given proper rites, and even the shattered teleportation crystal replaced with a modern alternative shipped in from Alexandria.

And with the latest batch of supplies, a band of adventurers are shipped back in as well- riding the coach, or their own animals if they prefer, at the head of the small convoy laden with food and weapons, quills and parchment and empty tomes ready for filling, charcoal and easels and brushes and picks and trowels. All that is needed for picking apart such a rich supply of knowledge as an abandoned wizards tower- for they are now certain that that is what this is. The research team believe they are close, now, to understanding the extent of the tower and the mechanism for its exraplanar layout. But they require adventurers to brave unexplored regions now they have decyphered the codes needed to operate the portals with intention.

Harkashan is riding his Swiftclaw as the group begins to approach the strange 'shimmer' of the labyrinth behind the former walls. Patiently maneuvering alongside the coach, looking inside and talking wiht anyone who wished to strike up conversation with him. The gleam of that lavastone between his horns serves almost as a subtle glint of a beacon as they approach the camp.

Once they arrive, he dismounts and pats the flank of the Swiftclaw, before approaching the research team. Looking for the folk some of the Adventuring Party had rescued on a previous excursion against the Phase Spiders and Xill.

"Peace upon your Nest." He rumbles to them. "It would appear our services are once again needed?" While glancing over to the mercenaries, and back again.

Slixvah, both needing a break from her Aerie and needing the coin to aid them, jumped at the chance to be a part of this research expedition once more. This time with less derring-do.

So she's here, among the notes and knowledge, getting up to speed in her plain looking brown vest with silk cyan pants, inquisitive and energetic about the findings. And codes to operate the portals? Ooh. This was a much, much needed change of pace. "Place sure has changed since I was last here!" she quips gleefully, an arm full of notes and scrolls. "Lemme jus' get this squirrled 'way and I'm ready ta get ta spleunkin'. Hopefully with less 'holy shit the plane of air is tryin' ta kill us!'"

She gives a rainbow wing wave to the others, glad to see folks she can count on with her.

A mysterious tower, filled with ethereal creatures from beyond, murdering and slaughtering the poor, knowledge hungry researches - what is there not to like? Especially when one's mind is laden with enough distraction, like Aelwyn's was, of the bloody and unknown kind.

Surely a few dusty passages would not carry so much tortured death?

"Hmmh, this one does not understand why the tower could not be simply left to its own." The Dragoon rumbles, sitting on the edge of the wagon, chin on his fist. His glaive's red ribbons fluttered with the wind. "Is this not an errant quest for greed of knowledge; and the knowledge that contains their downfall within?"

Having arrived at the destination, the ruddy sith-makar hops off and stretches out his bod, glaive held above his head. Strapped in his combat 'gear', he meanders after the rest of the party, looking happy to travel with so many familiar faces; but also uncharacteristically distant.

The fact that the researchers had returned at all is somewhat of a surprise to Rune. She had glimpsed the horrors that the survivors had faced and seen the bodies of the fallen. In fact, Rune had almost become one, herself. Perhaps she is just as much a fool as the researchers, to have come back after everything that occured here.

Yet, there she is, regardless.

Rune dismounts from her bay horse and makes sure they are handed off to someone to tend to before she gives an uncertain look at the portal. "At least we have a deal with the spiders, I would rather not deal with them again." She sighs softly, rotating her shoulder where a new white scar is visible from her last escapade here. "Wouldn't surprise me if we find more Xill, though."

Andelena Donnelly, Sunguard of Daeus, is here, and she looks as grim and determined as ever. Steel-gray eyes survey the environs for a long, long moment before she looks back to her allies. "Take it you've all been dealing with these people before," she says. "Spiders, though. Eugh."

She shivers a little. "Anyway. Put me up front and I'll try and make sure we all get out alive, yeah?"

Eztli had been out to this displaced tower before, so already having some experience with the place, a job returning to the place seemed sensible enough.

So it was that the small makari found herself wandering back into the researcher's camp, where she waited patently at one of the rest areas.

"Well, just so you know if something does go wrong with the spiders, they have poisons which can deteriorate quickly. Hopefully, they'll keep up their agreement from last time." Eztli nods. "Oh, hey Slix! Feeling a bit more confident going back in already. The portal doesn't look any bigger than last time, does it? And I hope we aren't looking for any more missing researchers this time."

GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Vestment. Caster Level: 9 DC: 18
GAME: Harkashan casts Comprehend Languages. Caster Level: 9 DC: 16

"Takes more than a few spiders to put us off." The Lucht-sil head researcher says. She's a little less portly than when the first adventuring group met with her, and she looks like she could do with a few more hours sleep, but she's managing a smile as she greets the adventurers. "And the portal's the same size, same shape. It's stabilized, for now. And we have a clearer idea of how long it will last, to boot. Another few months, at least. Maybe as much as a year. It's drawing energy from the planes themselves. But we don't know how, yet." she explains. Her usually ever present companion, the tall, thin, sildynari man they last saw with an abdomen full of squirming critters, is not with her. "We've set the portal up for transit ready for you guys." she adds then. "To a stable pocket dimension, somewhere close to the positive energy end of the planes." she adds then. "We're working on the assumption that any energy the tower uses has to follow the usual metaphysics, and follow the natural course of positive to negative. So we're hoping there might be some clue as to how it all works, that way. Or, a map would be nice too. Maybe an encyclopedia of nasties you're likely to encounter but- well, probably wishful thinking."

Harkashan looks around when the Lucht-sil meets them, before looking back down to her as she speaks.

"I believe I will have to leave the map-drawing to someone else amongst us." The Deathsinger rumbles, before inquiring; "Is your friend doing alright? I do not see them anymore." Before looking back to her.

At the talk of positive energy, he nods his head.

"One would hope that would mean a more positive experience while exploring this place."

Slixvah hasn't delved into this tower like others have, but her optimism hasn't been sullied from the horrors just yet. Or- she's just a fan of weird stuff. "Because there's secrets ta be unveiled!" she coos warmly. "Spiders? Xill? Oh my! That sounds grand!"

She stops by her friends, greeting each one with a hug or a clap on the shoulder. Aelwyn is saved for last, him getting a hug coupled with a clapping both shoulders. A gale drifts by, a familiar sensation. She just smiles and says nothing before stepping away and pulling out a wand, getting some prepared magics done and dealt with.

The egalrin listens to the head researcher. "Mmmm. Interestin'. I wonda if all th' magic gettin' wonky is lettin' some mana ta easily flo' 'round ta fuel dis stuff," she theorizes, rubbing the underside of her beak. "Prett' clever, puttin' it near the positive plane. Thing's gonna get right wonky, but I'm ready!"

The esoteric is her favorite, it seems. Snorting at Harkashan's words.

<OOC> Slixvah says, "hex:ward on aelwyn. +3 deflection ac/+3 resistance saves until hit or fail save: slix knows when it pops"
GAME: Slixvah used a Wand of Mage Armor.
GAME: Slixvah casts Comprehend Languages. Caster Level: 8 DC: 16
GAME: Eztli casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 8 DC: 16

Aelwyn bows his head at the researcher; but he leaves the more complicated lines of inquiry to the others. "This one is glad some things have remained the same." Such as the thirst for knowledge. Maybe he could understand a bit of that drive after all. There was very little he could do to prepare, beyond just stretching his limbs and flexing his arms; using his glaive as sort of a deadly stretching stick, he rumbles audibly as he shifts his body in place. "If we were in search for positive, Lava, perhaps it is the wrong line of work." He amusedly quips, "It is the negative that carries the heavy metal."

Except when Slixvah approaches him, taking him by bit of surprise. "Hmmh, one of these days this one will receive a proper embrace, Ribbon." He teases the egalrin with a tap on the ankles from his tail.

"For now." Rune repeats, as if those words were not a comfort. "Would be nice to understand why it changed, in the first place." Some worry is written in her features, but it is only slightly masked by the determined set of her arms, folded across her chest.

"Trust me, the spiders were anything but grand." Rune still may be a bit sore about that entire encounter. Yet, she still returns the hug to Slixvah before turning to glower at the portal.

"By the gods Hark, don't say things like that. You know you're going to curse us, right?" The half-sil mutters.

The idea of investigating the source of magics is met with a small lift of her shoulders. "I'll leave the poking at magics to those who are more gifted in it. Instead, I'll just assume we're going to be dealing with any interesting number of 'nasties' as our researcher friend so puts it." She reaches back to pat the blades strapped to her back.

"Well, at least it's not getting worse, so that's a small silver lining, right? Something good for now, hopefully means getting there and back won't be too bad." The small makari smiles. "But, moving to different planes is more of a concern, who knows what we'll find if we go. elemental planes are a lot more straightforward in that regard."

"Could be that everything going on over here is affecting things going on with the portal, hard to say. I just hope well, that portal I broke wasn't leading anywhere particularly important."

"I just don't want any eight-legged fucks trying to eat me," Andelena grumbles. She looks less enthused about the whole situation than she was before. "I _only_ get the weird fuckin' jobs, I swear."

But she offers a little smile to the rest of her allies. "If there's fucked-up magic afoot, I'm leaving that up to Slixvah here. Like Rune, I'm more of the... 'fuck up shit, ask questions later' kind of gal. Bry's the one with a brain for that kind of shit."

"You're discounting yourself too easily," Deliverance's maternal voice rumbles.

The smile falters a little at the mention of her colleague, but it returns a moment later- even if it does take a painted-on cast. "He's... managing." she answers, honestly. "He's keeping himself busy in his tomes lately." she adds then with a helpless half shrug. "He always was a bookish sort." she adds then. There's plenty left unsaid, but painted plain on her expression- clearly she's handling the trauma better than he. "Let's find something exciting for him to write about, shall we?" she suggests, and then gestures towards the Labyrinth.

A couple of guards are posted up inside, and more alarm wards- things seem more likely to come from within than without. "Oh don't worry about that, we had a new crystal shipped in from Alexandria. It's... well, it'll serve as a replacement but between you and me the guild of arcanists don't have anything on whoever built this place." she offers. She stiffens slightly as the topic goes to getting eaten by spiders, "Let-lets not talk about that." she suggests, and then hurries onwards leading the way through the labyrinth to the central portal. Another mercenary guard, here. "Like we say, we don't know exactly what is on the other side. We only know it's relative position among the planes, and that none of the previous groups have visited yet. So your job will be the same as ever- traverse the portal, and see what is on the other side. Make it safe, if you can, but most importantly, come back safe and tell us what you find." she tells the group.

With that, she speaks a few words of arcane power, her voice taking on the booming quality of an invocation, and the stones making up the portal twist and shift, before with a whoosh of unstable energy, a stable, shimmering blue field forms in the arch, like a vertical wall of gently oscillating water. None of the earth-rumbling and bone shaking violence of previous activations.

At the mention of her colleague, Harkashan nods his head. "I understand. He went through a great deal of... stress.Do let me know if you'd wish for me to speak to him." He offers to her. But at the offer to get him something to write about, he lets that topic go and nods his head.

Only for folk to speak up on the matter of positivity.

Harkashan tilts his head like a confused hound, when Rune speaks of curses. "I do not believe I cast a Curse upon us. Unless the Death Singing Dragon has granted me abilities beyond my ken." He answers her with this big set of blinks of his eyes.

Looking at his hands for a moment to see if maybe there's some magic pouring out.

As the blue field forms, the portal forming, Harkashan touches up on a few more spells before he steps inside.

GAME: Harkashan casts Owl's Wisdom. Caster Level: 9 DC: 17
GAME: Harkashan casts Shield of Faith. Caster Level: 9 DC: 16

Slix gives a thumbs up as folks defer to her for the weird stuff, she just gives a cheeky smile to Aelwyn. "We both know how well that went," she jokes, elbowing him in the side with a wing before she puts her affects away and crosses her arms. She shoots a grin to Andelena. "Hey, the weird ones make the best stories."

The egalrin gives an agreeing click to the head researcher, her following towards the entrance into the Labyrinth. Reading the room, she doesn't ask about the spiders. "I'll take a stable portal wit' th' crystal than endlessly flyin' through the plane o' air." Another giggle. "You're onna spree today, Shashan.""

Sky blue eyes widen with joy as the invocation is spoken, stones and portals twisting into position. "Gods, I love magic," she sighs warmly before striding forth. For science!

There is a look that Rune casts to Harkashan, likely reading between the lines of just what sort of strain may exist between the researcher and their partner. "Nothing wrong with books." She finally speaks up. "They were some of my best friends when I was little."

Then, there is a soft laugh as she nods to Andelena. "It's good to have people who can fuck shit up, sometimes. More often than not in this place." She motions her chin at the portal.

Then, as they stand before the portal, she lets her arms drop to her sides, a slight jint of a tremble visible before she shakes it off, shifts her weight from foot to foot, draws her weapons, and... hesitates.

Just at that moment, Aelwyn walks up to speak to her and she is snapped from her own thoughts. "He's still trying to figure out the whole... dragon in his head thing." Rune explains with a soft shake of her head. "He hasn't always gotten my jokes in the best of times, but I wouldn't worry."

That said, she takes a breath, looks at the portal again, "Fuck it, going in." And then she steps forward, before her brain can convince her to do otherwise.

"Ah, don't worry about it Harkashan. We've got our good luck charm with us, so even if anything goes wrong, we'll get through it." Eztli chuckles as she wanders over to where the portal was being set for their entry.

"And, yeah, we can talk a bit more about potential dangers on the other side, out of earshot of those who had to deal with them." The small makari nods, only to snap to attention again. "You still owe me an explanation about that, Rune." They huff. "Since you know, kind of a bit qualified to provide insight on that sort of thing."

And then everyone was entering, and Eztli had no choice but to follow through quickly, just in case the arrival point decided to change.

"I wouldn't worry about the Deathsinger," Andelena replies to Aelwyn. "He's got his head screwed on straight. Dependable as they come."

Finally, Andelena murmurs a protective prayer to her god, a thing to bolster her own strength, before she sets off after Rune. "Right in after you!" she calls out.

"Knight preserve us," Deliverance says with a soft sigh.

GAME: Andelena casts Bull's Strength. Caster Level: 6 DC: 15

Stepping through the portal, much like opening it, is a much less jarring experience now that it is stabilized. Before, where there was the sensation of being suspended in still waters and rushing wind, a sensation that at once seemed timeless and eternal, now there is no sensation to speak of. Upon stepping through the portal, one immediately steps out on the other side of it.

The party find themselves standing on a raised stone platform, arrayed around the portal. Their surrounds are dim, and the air feels heavy with the scents and sensations of nature. At first, one might be forgiven for believing they have stepped into a cavern, until they turn their gazes upwards and see a night sky above- though not one familiar to any native of Ea. The constelations are wrong, there is one too many moons, and all of them are too small.

The nose is the first to adjust to the surrounds- a strong smell, familiar to many an adventurer. The sickly stench of rotten flesh. The ears come next- despite the seemingly natural surroundings, no noise of wind nor animals. And the eyes finally, adjusting to the gloom, may pick out the curving walls that reach from earthen ground to the false sky above. This is a constructed place, carefully mimicking nature.

<OOC> Subduction says, "Everyone, give me perception and knowledge/nature checks if you have it."
GAME: Slixvah rolls alertness: aliased to perception+2: (13)+14+2: 29
GAME: Aelwyn rolls perception: (1)+1: 2 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Slixvah rolls knowledge/nature: (8)+9: 17
GAME: Andelena rolls Perception: (11)+13: 24
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (20)+19: 39
GAME: Rune rolls knowledge/nature: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Eztli rolls perception: (9)+5: 14
GAME: Eztli rolls knowledge/nature: Trained Use Only: 0
GAME: Harkashan rolls Perception: (5)+10: 15
GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/Nature+2: (20)+4+2: 26
GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (20)+8: 28

"I am well." Harkashan answers Aelwyn, looking between him and Rune as they talk about his Dragon Passenger. Indeed, he hasn't fully figured that mess out yet. But this is not such a matter. "A joke?" Pause. "Ah!"

He's smart for your average Sith-makar. But some references do pass him by.

Through the portal they go. Past the strange winds and waters, until they are upon the stone platform. Harkashan's lava-like scales having a hard time gleaming amidst such dim surroundings. He takes in a deep smell of this place.

Followed by a loud 'snort' from his nose to get some of the smell out of it. "The Death Singer's Flower." He rumbles, snorting again at the Rafflesia.

"What is this place?" He then rumbles, looking around. The flowers, the trees. "This place is... out of place. These plants do not belong together." He growls deeply. "This is artificial. Perhaps not even 'true'." He declares firmly.

Looking up, the constellations and moons are also wrong...

There's a sudden touch to the edge of his head. A fierce glow of red across his body. A hiss of... not quite pain, but surprise. He turns his head away for a moment, grimacing, before looking towards the southwest. "Those are... Infernal plants that eat blood and carrion..." He flicks his head. "This may be close to the Cradle of Nature. But even the Cradle doesn't have these kinds of wild plant diversities so out of place of one-another." He rumbles, before lowering his hand from his head.

Slixvah chirps to Aelwyn. "No promises." A happy look is given to Eztli from being called a good luck charm. And then she's in. Slix is half expecting a sudden change in gravity like last time, her wings half furled to catch a wind and glide. But nothing comes. Instead talons meet stone, her blinking and looking about with raised feathered brows. "Feh, somethin's rank..." she complains as she draws out a wavy looking dagger from her vest. Her gaze goes up. "Yuh, Shashan... this is .. a diorama? A self contained environ?" she theorizes before her gaze drops down to the land itself. "I... can't see, there live things here?" she asks, a small forming on her fingertips as it presses against the side of her blade. Half formed spell to shed light at the ready. She blinks at the Deathsinger, first from his glow, then his information. "Infernal plants? Aw Hell," she huffs.

It's the smell that catches Rune's nose first, causing her to make an unpleasant sound as she lifts her mask and pulls it over her nose and mouth. Thankfully, the difference between this scent and a real corpse is ... hard to differentiate, but the sight of it confirms the source. "Smells I have not missed..." She whispers, the darkness causing her to keep her voice down.

However, there are sounds in the darkness and subtle movements that have her tilting her head, trying to follow them even as she takes in the strange miniature world around them.

And then, there goes Harkashan acting /weird/ and the rogue gives a look to Eztli, and a motion with her hand, as if the light show and the grimace from Harkashan were an example of what she might mean. Not to mention the information dump that follows. Then, she lifts one shoulder in a half shrug to Aelwyn, "Yeah, I know." Is all she answers. Clearly, it unsettles her from time to time, as well.

"Yeah, there's a few big shambling masses out there, I can sort of see them in the shadows and hear them moving." Rune still keeps her voice low, instinctually trying to utilize the darkness to remain as still as possible and not draw attention.

Eztli freezes up on the other side of the portal, and the small makari's head whips around, only to settle on the large flowers. "Oh, it's just those plants that smell like death." Eztli notes with a long sigh of relief. "But, what is this place? Cradle of Nature?" They wonder, only to have their gaze downcast again. "Well, still might be blood and bodies here. Guess I relaxed too soon. Careful, if there are things that eat carrion and blood, well, they have to be able to obtain that nearby somehow, right?"

"Infernal plants," Andelena mutters. "Fiend motherfuckers just don't know when to quit, huh. Sure smells like their bullshit though." Her nose wrinkles in complete distaste.

She looks to the rest of the group. "Anyone need a light, or just me?" she asks. Being the only full-human in the group, she knows her own limits. "I can't really get the drop on 'em if I can't _see_ 'em."

"It's alright..." Harkashan rumbles, when Aelwyn and Rune both show their concern for him in different ways. "Thirku was sharing memories of these places. But they came from... different sources." The Sith-makar answers them. "It can be a bit overwhelming. But clearly, they mean well in this instance."

He takes in a deep breath, and raises his posture up properly.

"I believe Rune would appreciate some light at minimum." Harkashan then proposes, only for Rune to speak of Shambling Mounds. This has Harkashan a bit more on edge and immediately casting a spell to bless the group, in case the Shambling Mounds turn on them.

As if on queue, the fireflies light up at the same time. It's... kind of beautiful in a ways. If one can ignore the pool of blood. No doubt triggering memories for Andelena and Rune. When the vines to the southwest begin to move.

"Prepare for this place to get rather aggressive in moments." He warns the group, motioning to the infernal plants he'd mentioned earlier.

GAME: Harkashan casts Bless. Caster Level: 9 DC: 16

Slix nods towards Andie. "Aye, need a light, jus'... don' wanna spook shtuff is all," she whispers. Opting to cut the difference, she stashes the dagger into the folds of her clothes and releases the magic onto the blade. Giving it a soft white glow, but it's smothered by cloth. A lantern when needed.

But it seems like it's not needed as soft motes reveal themselves. "Well, at least its pretty-"

She blinks, whirling around to peer into the soft blues from Hark's warning and blessing. "Shoo," she huffs, peering past the portal and reaching a hand out towards Andelena. She it in the air, looking like she is about to pull something, but gives it a twist and tie. For Andie, it feels like something good is about to spring forth, akin to the sensation of unwrapping a present.

GAME: Slixvah casts Light. Caster Level: 8 DC: 15

"Thirku, is it? Well, I don't think I've ever heard the name before." Eztli considers, before letting out a long sigh. "I'd check the records if I still could but, they're probably all burnt down, if you could even get close enough to check."

The small makari squints again, and growls quietly. "I've read about those vines before, they're probably going to try to catch us. Looks like they already are." They warn, raising a hand and gesturing with a low hissed note, causing the sorceress to shimmer and diffuse, until suddenly there were multiple makari where Eztli had just been.

GAME: Eztli casts Mirror Image. Caster Level: 8 DC: 17
GAME: Eztli rolls 1d4+2: (2)+2: 4

"Hmmh. As long one is still standing, Lava." The Dragoon responds with a tilt of his head. He was about to take a step forward before those fireflies raise up and light up...

... and then there is the blood. Aelwyn's orange slit pupils narrow and widen, and he lets out a deep, annoyed breath. "Blood magic, is it?" He tells Slixvah, before he rolls his shoulders and neck. "Unless anyone has objections, this one shall take a step forward and see if he cannot find a little fire in this place." His glaive is swung forward.

"Aye, light things up if you need them. I don't think it's going to matter much." Rune tightens her grip on her weapons as she watches one of the closest sections of moving plantlife. "I have a sneaking suspicion at least some of these things already know we're here."

And then, the world starts to come to life with fireflies. It would be a beautiful sight, if it weren't a sign that this place was reacting to them. "I'd also recommend we move away from the infernal plants."

Rune motions around them. "Right now, we're kind of surrounded on all sides. It might be best to pick a direction and get into a defensible position." And that is when her eyes sweep past the pool of blood. "Maybe... not that direction."

Andelena gives an appreciative whistle as Slixvah casts the spell. "Thanks Slix," she says. "Here, lemme return the favor..."

She takes in a breath before she intones, "Holy Knight Daeus, I pray to you for our success in battle on this day. Sharpen our blades and our minds to deliver your Justice."

Holy magic washes over herself, her allies, and one of the infernal plants. "I ain't keen on going over there, either," she says. "Rune, you got the keenest eyes--pick a direction and I'm following."

GAME: Andelena casts Prayer. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16

<OOC> Eztli says, "I think I can hit 5 of them with a fireball"
GAME: Eztli casts Fireball. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19
GAME: Eztli rolls 8d6+8: (24)+8: 32
<OOC> Subduction says, "Give me spell penetration rolls."
GAME: Eztli rolls 1d20+8+2: (9)+8+2: 19
<OOC> Subduction says, "Penetrates"
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (10)+5: 15
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (13)+5: 18
<OOC> Subduction says, "And none of them save"

"There! Those vines over there!" The small makari exclaims, gesturing several hands towards the vines that were suddenly on the move. At least for the moment, there was no one near the plants for the time being. Flames coalesce in one hand, condensing into a swirling sphere that the sorceress hurls right into the midst of the vines where it explodes, washing fire over the majority of the plants.

"Whatever demonic horticulturalist came up with these things hates me." They grumble. "Careful! They're resistant to magic, and I don't think they're burning quite right, either!" She warns.

As the conflagration engulfs the tree they hang from, the vines give up their subtle writhing- untangling themselves one by one from the barren branches and falling to the sand. They begin to squirm their way towards the group, the source of the flame and the promise of warm, beating hearts both, hissing blindly along the ground in twisting, undulating motions.

<OOC> Andelena says, "Ok. I think Andie's gonna march up to Shambling Mound 4, Swift action to Channel Energy and activate Grayflame, then smack with Power Attack + Furious Focus."
<OOC> Andelena says, "And bless and prayer. I'll throw fortune on there too."
GAME: Andelena spends ONE use of CHANNEL ENERGY.
GAME: Andelena rolls weapon16+1+1+1+1: (15)+16+1+1+1+1: 35
GAME: Andelena rolls weapon16+1+1+1+1: (8)+16+1+1+1+1: 28
<OOC> Andelena says, "Taking the 35."
GAME: Andelena rolls damage16+1+1+1+6+1d6: aliased to 1d8+7+1+1+1+6+1d6: (3)+7+1+1+1+6+(1): 20

The Sunguard Andelena strides forward, steel-gray eyes trained on the first of the plants closest to the group. Her eyes sting at how bad it smells, but she has a mission. _Going forward._

"Okay buttercup. Pucker up your asshole because I'm about to tear it wide open," Andelena growls, surging forward as she draws Deliverance from her belt. "Ready, Livvie?"

"I am with you," Deliverance says with a sigh, "although your phrasing is still quite unbecoming."

Then Andelena and Deliverance speak in concert as Sunguard and blade rush forward. "Holy Knight, may I be the servant that delivers your judgment!" they say, and Deliverance is wreathed in silver-gray flame. The Sunguard brings down the blade and deals a solid strike to the enemy in one blow.

<OOC> Subduction says, "Mound 2 moves and attacks Eztli"
GAME: Subduction rolls 11: (17)+11: 28
GAME: Subduction rolls 2d6+5: (4)+5: 9
<OOC> Eztli says, "1 is real lizzerd"
GAME: Eztli rolls 1d5: (4): 4

The sudden explosion of light and fire and violence attracts the attention of the so-far peacable mounds of assorted plant matter. They stop their absent minded foraging, and one of them tramples through the brush, crushing ferns and flowers underfoot as long whip-vines emerge from its foliage and lash out towards the offending caster- catching one of her mirror duplicates and dashing it to motes of fading magic.

<OOC> Rune says, "I'd like to move to the square just to the right of the many Eztlis if possible. If it's normal turrain, I'll do a tumble to try to avoid an AoO, then do a single stab."
<OOC> Subduction says, "It is normal terrain, but you're very close to the rafflasia so I'll need a fort save to resist Sickened."
GAME: Rune rolls fortitude: (19)+7: 26
<OOC> Subduction says, "You're good."
GAME: Rune rolls acrobatics: (12)+18: 30
GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2: (14)+14+2: 30
<OOC> Subduction says, "And no AoO"
<OOC> Subduction says, "And a hit."
GAME: Rune rolls damage1+1d6+1: aliased to 1d6+1+1d6+1: (5)+1+(1)+1: 8

The sudden explosion of fire and the many identical lizards moving in her direction have Rune momentarily standing there and looking a little perplexed. "Nice shot, but it looks like they're still coming." She notes.

Soon enough, the sight of the larger, shambling mounds moving closer has her cursing slightly under her breath, especially when one takes a swipe at Eztli and causes one of those images to disappear. "I'll try to draw it's attention."

However, Rune isn't quite in a good position for it. She ends up having to get a bit close to the corpse-flower, causing her to make a brief gagging sound and then hold her breath as she slashes out at the mass of plantlife.

"Hey, pick on me. Just one of me, right? Leave the lizards alone." Not that she suspects these things actually understand her, but... making noise helps with distractions.

<OOC> Subduction says, "Charges slix, water doesn't count as difficult terrain for it as it has a swim speed"
GAME: Subduction rolls 11+2: (18)+11+2: 31
GAME: Subduction rolls 2d6+5: (7)+5: 12
<OOC> Subduction says, "Plus grab"
GAME: Subduction rolls 16: (7)+16: 23
<OOC> Slixvah grabbed

The slithering intensifies as more of the vines begin moving, some of them splashing through the shallow pool of blood at the base of their tree- where the sanguine liquid soaks into their flesh, buds rapidly form, blooming into scarlet flowers. They are not fast, but they are relentless.

The shambling mounds, however, are not quite so shambling. One of them comes bursting through the brush towards Slixvah, bounding across earth and through water alike with equal, loping grace. It's tentacle whips lash out, snatching up the Elgarin witch, crushing the breath out of her against its damp, muddy mass and pressing her into its sweet scent of decaying leaves.

<OOC> Subduction says, "Full attacks Andelena"
GAME: Subduction rolls 11: (10)+11: 21
GAME: Subduction rolls 11: (6)+11: 17
<OOC> Subduction says, "But wiffs twice."

The mound recoils back, shedding matted twigs and hunks of semi-rotten plant matter as Andelena's blade cleaves deeply into its flesh, but vines spring forth from the open wound, lashing out at her- battering against the hard metal of her breastplate with dull thuds, but failing to land any meaningful blows against her.

<OOC> Slixvah says, "I'll pull out my dagger that has Light on it (20 ft bright, 20 ft dim after that) as a move action"
<OOC> Slixvah says, "and then I'll misfortune hex augmented with soothsayer on shambling mound 2"
<OOC> Slixvah says, "it'll kick on whe it tries to do an ability check, att roll, or skill check. Will have to make a will save DC 19 when it comes up to have disadvange on all d20 rolls for 2 rounds"

Slix is quite slow to the draw as others begin to rush forth, and a ball of flame flies over her head and explodes into the tree with all the fiend brambles. "Well, yuh, Ezt! Fiends and fire are best buds!" she points out, her elucidation getting her slow to the draw.

And that would be her downfall as something blasts out from the thicket and slamming into her. Before she can even squawk a surprise, she's wrapped up and entangled. "Ahhh! Ceiwen's breezy tits! Fuck!" she yells. She yanks out the dagger, shedding more light as she strains her neck to see Eztli and Rune. "Grrr, don't ya /fuckin'/ dare!" she hisses, slashing at the air. Seemingly doing nothing. <Auran>

But then a few ethereal strings waft by the mound, lingering.

Another of the shambling masses of mulch and brush comes barreling through the woods from the north, towards Eztli. And while its whip-vine appendages flail threateningly, it is more thoroughly impeded than the others and makes slower progress through the denser foliage where Am'shere life borders temperate woodland. Interestingly, for Rune, while the scent and the rush of adrenaline were the first things she noted- she can't help but feel the penetrating humidity and overbearing heat as she steps off the platform- it is as though she is in the dense jungles of that distant continent.

<OOC> Aelwyn says, "I'm tempted to do some defender nonsense, but I think I'll five foot to the left and then full attack the shambling mound on Slix."
<OOC> Aelwyn says, "With power attack and dramatic display"
GAME: Aelwyn rolls perform/dance+2: (8)+10+2: 20
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-2+2: (2)+12+-2+2: 14
<OOC> Subduction says, "Sadly, the plants don't seem to care about your dance skills. You're not even sure the vines can see."
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-2+2: (11)+12+-2+2: 23
<OOC> Subduction says, "Miss and a hit."
GAME: Aelwyn rolls damage11+1+6: aliased to 1d10+5+1+6: (10)+5+1+6: 22
<OOC> Aelwyn says, "And since it's flaming"
GAME: Aelwyn rolls 1d6: (4): 4
<OOC> Subduction says, "The fire doesn't seem to do anything."

Seeing the rest of the group suddenly getting ganged upon by the shambling vegetation, Aelwyn hisses. His head whips around, seeing Slixvah near him get flooded on by the murderous growth. "Stand strong, Guard!" He calls out to Andelena, as he decides to stay behind to help the feather in trouble.

"Hold on, Ribbon!" With extremely unneeded flair and flourish, he taps the end of his glaive onto the dais and then leaps, bringing his glaive down hard onto the growth. The flames from his glaive seem to be completely decorative. "Tch. Unnatural."

The slithering, hissing noise reaches a crescendo as the vines move in unison towards the party of adventurers even as they contend with the masses of compost-to-be lash at them.

GAME: Harkashan casts Blessing of Fervor. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19

Flames blaze over the infernal plants, and Harkashan tries to glance to the other shambling mounds moving around. Uncertain if they'll react to this aggressive behavior. But that quickly becomes apparent.

The mounds slither and the vines writhe, and he watches as his allies take on the offensive. A slithering silver set of ribbons swarm out from Harkashan as he moves to back up Rune, offering her a hand to get her out of the stinky reach of the Rafflesia.

"Let's focus them down. If we spread out too much, they'll overrun our position because we'll be fighting alone." He rumbles to the group.

<OOC> Eztli says, "I would like to 5 foot step south first"
<OOC> Eztli says, "Then I'd like to liberating command Slixvah as my swift"
GAME: Eztli casts Liberating Command. Caster Level: 8 DC: 16
<OOC> Subduction says, "Slix gets an immediate escape artist check"
GAME: Slixvah rolls escape artist+16: (17)+3+16: 36
<OOC> Subduction says, "That'll do it, no longer grappled."
<OOC> Slixvah says, "37, forgot prayer-PHEW"

<OOC> Eztli says, "well, fire didn't do much against the shambling mounds either, so Eztli is going to chuck another fireball at the brambles"
<OOC> Subduction says, "Alrighty, cast it and roll for penetration"
GAME: Eztli rolls 1d20+8+2: (17)+8+2: 27
<OOC> Subduction says, "Penetrates"
GAME: Eztli casts Fireball. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19
<OOC> Subduction says, "ROll damage"
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (13)+5: 18
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (16)+5: 21
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (8)+5: 13
GAME: Eztli rolls 8d6+8: (27)+8: 35
<OOC> Subduction says, "Lash 3 saves, rest don't."

"Hang on just a moment!" Eztli shouts, raising one hand up and pointing it at the egalrin, all while one of the vines smashes one of the mirror images to nothing. "Escape!" the sorceress growls, causing the witch to slip out of the vines with ease as she darts out of range of any further attacks for the time being. Another orb coalesces in their hand, and again it is hurled into the midst of the demonic vines, where it explodes into another wave of flames that scorch the plants.

<OOC> Andelena says, "I'm taking that extra attack from BoF."
<OOC> Andelena says, "Full attack, power attack, furious focus, prayer, bless, fortune."
GAME: Andelena rolls weapon16+1+1+1+1: (4)+16+1+1+1+1: 24
<OOC> Andelena says, "Fortune kicking in."
GAME: Andelena rolls weapon16+1+1+1+1: (12)+16+1+1+1+1: 32
<OOC> Subduction says, "Hits"
<OOC> Andelena says, "BoF attack."
GAME: Andelena rolls weapon16+1+1+1+1: (20)+16+1+1+1+1: 40 (THREAT)
<OOC> Andelena says, "Rolling to confirm."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Yup roll it"
GAME: Andelena rolls weapon16+1+1+1+1: (3)+16+1+1+1+1: 23
<OOC> Subduction says, "Crit"
GAME: Andelena rolls weapon16+1+1+1+1-5-2: (1)+16+1+1+1+1+-5+-2: 14 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Andelena rolls damage16+1+1+1+6+1d6: aliased to 1d8+7+1+1+1+6+1d6: (4)+7+1+1+1+6+(4): 24
GAME: Andelena rolls damage16+1+1+1+6+damage16+1+1+1+1d6: aliased to 1d8+7+1+1+1+6+1d8+7+1+1+1+1d6: (3)+7+1+1+1+6+(1)+7+1+1+1+(5): 35

Daeus is with her.

The Sunguard Andelena's blade burns as brightly as her steel-gray eyes as she stares down the horrible plant-mass in front of her. "Knight, I am the instrument of your Justice, I am the sword of your Judgment, I am the wielder of your Compassion--so help me strike--"

She brings Deliverance, silvered-flaming ever still, and carves down into her enemy. It's made all the stronger by her prayer, because she knows that her allies need her.

"--DOWN MY ENEMY!"

The second blow is what finishes it. Ripping through the plant-entity and tearing through it, rendering it lifeless and inert.

Andelena breathes hard for a moment before she turns her attention back to her allies behind her. "I'm coming over!" she bellows. "Hold the line!"

<OOC> Subduction says, "Mound 2 attempts to full attack rune."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Rolling will"
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (19)+5: 24
<OOC> Subduction says, "It can act!"
GAME: Subduction rolls 11: (15)+11: 26
GAME: Subduction rolls 11: (10)+11: 21
<OOC> Rune says, "Hit, Miss."
GAME: Subduction rolls 2d6+5: (9)+5: 14
GAME: Subduction damaged you for 14 points. 60 HP remaining.
<OOC> Subduction says, "Plus grab"
GAME: Subduction rolls 16: (4)+16: 20
<OOC> Subduction says, "Fails to grab."

The writhing mass of mulch toe to toe with rune opens a makeshift maw in the front of its body, and a pair of strangling vines lash towards her. One of them strikes her about the throat, but she's too quick and ducks out of the way as the vine attempts to wrap around it and drag her in.

<OOC> Rune says, "Okay, 5fstep to the square 1 north of me right now. Taking extra attack from BoF, full round attack on shambling mound 1. And using improved two-weapon feint.
<OOC> Rune says, "I believe these are non-humanoid but have an INT > 2?"
<OOC> Subduction says, "Correct"
GAME: Rune rolls bluff+1-4: (16)+20+1+-4: 33
<OOC> Subduction says, "Feint successful"

GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2-2: (9)+14+2+-2: 23
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+2-7: (3)+14+2+-7: 12
GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2-7: (13)+14+2+-7: 22
GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2: (13)+14+2: 29
<OOC> Subduction says, "Hit, miss, hit hit"
GAME: Rune rolls damage1+1d6+1+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1d6+1+5d6: (6)+1+(2)+1+(16): 26
GAME: Rune rolls damage1+1d6+1+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1d6+1+5d6: (1)+1+(6)+1+(16): 25
GAME: Rune rolls damage1+1d6+1+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1d6+1+5d6: (1)+1+(6)+1+(20): 29
<OOC> Subduction says, "Killed outright."

"Focus fire... I'll do my best." At the moment, Rune is a little pre-occupied. She grabs the hand that is offered out to her, stepping away from the stench of the flower before it can become too overwhelming. "Going to have to deal with these two assholes first, though."

As a leafy arm slams into her, it knocks her back against Harkashan briefly, causing the rogue to let out a grunt of pain before she is pushed back onto her feet. Rather than focusing on the one that attacked her, she uses the moment to try to take out the other target, likely spotting it winding up for an attack.

"Hey!" She shouts at the top of her lungs, "I've seen scarier piles of grass in the front yards of Alexandrian nobles." Of course, it makes little sense to the creature, but the loud sound is all that matters.

Rune sweeps in with her blades, using one as a distraction and the other to lash repeatedly at the bulky form, tearing into what amounts to plant-flesh, it seems. There aren't really vital places to hit, so she just stabs for anywhere that looks like it may be the 'heart' of the monster.

<OOC> Subduction says, "Moves and attacks Andelena"
GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (15)+12: 27
<OOC> Andelena says, "Hit."
GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+7: (2)+7: 9
<OOC> Subduction says, "Plus bleed."

The relentless hunters finally catch up with the group- one of the vines begins to flail wildly, blindly, now that it is so close to living flesh. The lashing vines whip about and catch Andelena on the head and shoulders, thumb-sized thorns punching through armor and drawing fresh blood. More flowers bloom along its length, spiraling out of rapidly forming buds. They have a distinctly alluring aroma, musky and sweet. The false promises so common of the Infernal.

<OOC> Subduction says, "Mound 3 full attacks, one each for Slix and Aelwyn"
GAME: Subduction rolls 11: (6)+11: 17
GAME: Subduction rolls 11: (18)+11: 29
GAME: Subduction rolls 2d6+5: (5)+5: 10
<OOC> Subduction says, "Plus grab"
GAME: Subduction rolls 16: (3)+16: 19
GAME: Subduction rolls 2d6+5: (5)+5: 10
<OOC> Subduction says, "Plus grab"
GAME: Subduction rolls 16: (14)+16: 30

<OOC> Eztli will liberating command at the right time now then!
<OOC> Subduction says, "Alright. Aelwyn, roll it."
GAME: Eztli casts Liberating Command. Caster Level: 8 DC: 16
<OOC> Eztli says, "Aelwyn gets a +16 to escape artist check"
GAME: Aelwyn rolls escape artist+16: (16)+3+16: 35

The lumbering mass of plant matter bearing down on Slixvah finds its vines suddenly empty and a glaive in its flank. It does not seem to take lightly to either, and its vines lash out again, one snaking up the leangth of the offending glaive to grab ahold of Aelwyn and slam him bodily down into the ground. The other finds its original target once again, snaking around Slix's midsection to begin crushing the life out of her.

<OOC> Subduction says, "Full attacks Aelwyn."
GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (6)+12: 18
GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (7)+12: 19
<OOC> Subduction says, "Wiffs twice."

And even as Aelwyn is buffeted against the cold granite of the dais he stands upon, thorny vines whip at him from behind, inching closer they seek the soft parts of his armor so they might penetrate and drink deep of his lifeblood- but they fail to find purchase, scratching and scrabbling but denied their meal for now.

<OOC> Subduction says, "You're currently grappled, what will you do?"
<OOC> Slixvah says, "cry as a free action"
<OOC> Slixvah says, "and then misfortune hex the one grabbing me"
<OOC> Slixvah says, "dc 19 will"
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (7)+5: 12
<OOC> Subduction says, "Fails"

Slixvah struggles and squirms as the mound seems to keep her locked in. "Keep at it, Aelwyn!" she encourages, trying to keep the panic out of her voice before absolute, sudden alacrity rips through her body. She twists and turns, ripping off the tendrils as she jaunts out to freedom. "Holy moly, Ez, gods I love ya!"

She looks back to the advancing bramble, and grimaces as her trap didn't work. "Lovlies! We need ta get away from th' vines before we get tangled up!" And once more, before she can get another word out, she's slammed up against the portal's stones. Slix coughs up blood, squirming. "Let! Go! Of! Me!" she screes, stabbing her dagger down at the shambling mound that's keeping her like this. No damage seems to appear from the cuts, but ethereal strands twang off and drift away, shredding the luck surround it. And then all the threads pull taught. "Fuck you!"

<OOC> Aelwyn says, "Going to fivefoot to the right and then use the bof to go full ham on the mound with power attack and more drama."
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-2+2: (6)+12+-2+2: 18
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-2+2: (14)+12+-2+2: 26
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-2+2: (11)+12+-2+2: 23

Grabbed and smacked down onto the ground. Sputtering and about to be whipped, he quickly grabs his polearm and swings it about him. "Tch," He breathes as he swings around, looking at Slixvah struggling with the beast. "This one is grateful," The draconian says to Eztli - but he doesn't pause for further than that, before with an inhumane yell and unnatural beat, he slams his glaive and foot down onto the grassy beast.

After few swings, it drops down, unable to handle the beating.

<OOC> Harkashan says, "I will move to Slix and then cast Spiritual Ally behind Shambling Mound 2 to give Rune flanking"
GAME: Harkashan casts Spiritual Ally. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19
GAME: Subduction rolls 11: (15)+11: 26
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Miss"
GAME: Harkashan rolls BAB+wisdom: (17)+6+5: 28
GAME: Harkashan rolls BAB+wisdom-5: (4)+6+5+-5: 10
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d10+3: (2)+3: 5

Harkashan moves his tail around a bit as Rune begins to stumble, making sure she doesn't get knocked over. "You've got this." He rumbles to the rogue. He then begins to move away...

At the same time that a silvren-grey presence begins to rise behind the Shambling Mound. Slithering up from the ground, a lithe faceless being bearing a large Khopesh. And the moment Rune is about the strike, it brings that massive Khopesh through and stabs right into the Shambling mound to try and help keep it in place.

Harkashan's hand then touches Slixvah. "Step behind me. I will heal you in just a moment." He promises her.

<OOC> Eztli says, "sorry, just trying to see how I can line up a line"
<OOC> Eztli says, "If I can move to 16,24, I'd like to do  that"
<OOC> Subduction says, "Are you taking the movement speed buff from BoF?"
<OOC> Eztli nods
<OOC> Subduction says, "That's as far as you can get and you'll be passing through threatened squares"
<OOC> Eztli that's alright
<OOC> Subduction says, "Alrighty, you provoke once"
GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (12)+12: 24
<OOC> Eztli says, "and a breath attack, I think I can hit 4"
<OOC> Eztli says, "DC 21 reflex, not 19 because of robes"
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (8)+5: 13
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (13)+5: 18
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (15)+5: 20
<OOC> Eztli says, "Fire damage"
<OOC> Subduction says, "Alrighty, none save."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Roll damage."
GAME: Eztli rolls 13d6: (40): 40

"Just, LEAVE HER ALONE ALREADY!" Eztli growls as the shambling mound grabs Slixvah again, but also Aelwyn. "Oh, Aelwyn, just shred that thing, please." She shouts to the dragoon, allowing the makari to wiggle out of the vines with ease. Once Slixvah was accounted for, the sorceress dashes to one side of the swampy garden, flames spilling out of the corners of their mouth, only to erupt into a sheet of flames that incinerate the majority of the vines in their path. <Draconic>

<OOC> Andelena says, "Power attack, furious focus, bless, prayer, grayflame, bull's strength, BOF."
GAME: Andelena rolls weapon16+1+1+1+1+2: (16)+16+1+1+1+1+2: 38
GAME: Andelena rolls damage16+1+1+1+6+1d6: aliased to  1d8+7+1+1+1+6+1d6: (6)+7+1+1+1+6+(3): 25

After Eztli's brilliant attack, Andelena seeks to ensure that these infernal tangles of brambles don't get to continue their assault on her allies. Silver-flamed Deliverance in her hands, she steps forward and brings down the longsword with a mighty strike.

"Eztli! Be careful, I'm not gonna let this overgrown sack of thorns getcha!" Andelena calls over. "If you don't finish it, I sure as shit will!"

<OOC> Subduction says, "You have flanking."
<OOC> Subduction says, "I suspect blending is about to occur."
<OOC> Rune makes weedwhacker noises. "Yes, full round attack, extra attack from BoF."
GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2+2: (13)+14+2+2: 31
GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2+2-2: (15)+14+2+2+-2: 31
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+2+2-2: (2)+14+2+2+-2: 18
GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2+2-7: (2)+14+2+2+-7: 13
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+2+2-7: (3)+14+2+2+-7: 14
<OOC> Subduction says, "Hit Hit Hit Miss Miss"
GAME: Rune rolls damage1+1+1d6+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1+1d6+5d6: (4)+1+1+(3)+(15): 24
GAME: Rune rolls damage1+1+1d6+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1+1d6+5d6: (3)+1+1+(2)+(18): 25
GAME: Rune rolls damage2+1+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1+5d6: (1)+1+1+(13): 16

"Don't worry about me, take care of the others." Rune replies, only giving Harkashan a glance over her shoulder and a wink as he goes. The spiritual help is all she needs to make sure that the shambling plant creature is well distracted.

She ducks out of the way of flailing limbs, giving a quick laugh, "You call those attacks? I've seen worse from badly trimmed topiary." With that last attempt at beating down the ego of the creatures, who almost certainly can't understand her, Rune lashes out with her blades.

It's another flurry of quick movements, so much so that it is hard to see which ones connect and which don't. However, when it is all over, there is a thud as the creature falls to the ground and a bit of plant-goo strewn across her face in the process.

"Who's next?" She turns, finally getting a chance to see the smouldering chaos behind her. "By the gods, Eztli... that is some impressive fire-works."

<OOC> Subduction says, "Bramblash 6 SMite Good's on Andelena and full attacks."
<OOC> Andelena says, "OH. THAT'S A THING."
GAME: Subduction rolls 12+1: (2)+12+1: 15
GAME: Subduction rolls 12+1: (15)+12+1: 28
<OOC> Subduction says, "One hit"
GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+7+4: (6)+7+4: 17
<OOC> Subduction says, "Plus bleed, overwrites previous bleed"

The scarlet flowers running down the length of one of the few remaining infernal brambles suddenly turn black and then wither. A surge of Infernal energy runs through the plant, surging back from the dying blooms along its length and infusing it's brambles. It lashes out with unholy speed towards Andelena, the thorns punching straight through her chestplate and drawing gouts of fresh blood- blood which boils and blackens even as it's sucked into the pores of the evil plant. Searing pain spreads from the wounds as Infernal energy surges forth.

<OOC> Slixvah says, "ok im going to move up to aelwyn and cast dimension door to move us to where he's in melee range of bramble 6 Ill give you a coordinate soon"
<OOC> Slixvah says, "12,18 for aelwyn and 12, 17 for me"
<OOC> Slixvah says, "turn immeidately ends because i dont have agility"
GAME: Slixvah casts Dimension Door. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19

Slixvah gasps as the beast is cut to ribbons from Aelwyn's glaive, her shooting him an appreciative look as the Dragoon. "Thankies, hon," she coos before Harkashan gives a hand. "Yeah yeah, jus' gotta-"

Her eyes widen as Eztli runs across the field. "Ez, hon, what are ya doi- HOLY SHIT EZTLI, THE LITTLE INFERFO, COMIN' IN HOT!" she shouts in a cheer, completely rallied now. Looking about, she sees the last two infernal brambles remaining. Giving an apologetic look to Harkashan, she plucks a thread out of the air, her winding the etherealness around herself and lassoing Aelwyn with it. "We goin' in! Ekma em a ywa!"

And she gives it a hard crack. Both are suddenly whisked into the thread, and it rides out a wave across the space before unraveling and spilling them out closer. "Get em!"

<OOC> Aelwyn says, "I'll five foot down and right and full attack the 6 with the bof and the dramatic power attack. ._."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Roll 'em."
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-2+2: (15)+12+-2+2: 27
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-2+2: (15)+12+-2+2: 27
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-2+2-5: (19)+12+-2+2+-5: 26
<OOC> Subduction says, "Three hits"
GAME: Aelwyn rolls damage11+6+1+1d6: aliased to 1d10+5+6+1+1d6: (2)+5+6+1+(2): 16
GAME: Aelwyn rolls damage11+6+1+1d6: aliased to 1d10+5+6+1+1d6: (4)+5+6+1+(2): 18
GAME: Aelwyn rolls damage11+6+1+1d6: aliased to 1d10+5+6+1+1d6: (9)+5+6+1+(2): 23

"Anytime, Ribbon." Aelwyn flashes a bloodied grin towards her as the light of the firebugs and his glaive gives him an eerie glow. The ruddy sith-makar was about to turn and head on to support Eztli and Andelena - but then he gets snagged by the egalrin instead.

"Hey, wai-" The Dragoon was about to protest - but quickly catches onto the thread, landing on his feet, and moving in close to slice into the brambles with surprising ferocity, nearly destroying the will to exist out of it. But not quite.

<OOC> Harkashan says, "Move Harkashan as close to a center-point between his allies so he can Positive Heal his team."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "And move the Spiritual Ally towards the enemy."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "That's it."
GAME: Subduction (for Harkashan) rolls 5d6: (19): 19

<OOC> Eztli says, "I can hit both of them with my last breath weapon use"
<OOC> Subduction says, "Alrighty, roll damage."
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (12)+5: 17
GAME: Subduction rolls 5: (2)+5: 7
<OOC> Subduction says, "Neither saves"
GAME: Eztli rolls 13d6: (39): 39

"I appreciate the help, lets get these things finished!" Eztli agrees, maw already flickering with more flames, only to swivel slightly as Aelwyn and Slix appear nearby. Another gout of fire covers the remaining vines, until they were so brittle they cracked before they could move again.

The last of the infernal vines char and shrivel under the heat of Eztli's flame- apparently hotter than the fires of hell these plants thrive in. The garden is left eerily silent with the last of them dispatched, without any animal noises or natural breeze to disturb the plants, and without even the rustling and shuffling of its more mobile plant life.

Exploring, it soon become apparent that the room is ensorceled- the southwest infernal corner is achingly hot and arid, the swamp is cool and cloying, the jungle sticky and smothering, and the woods pleasantly cool, like an early autumn evening. The false sky above has shifted perceptibly in the short time the party have been here, and a pinkish hue at the eastern side of the room hints at a rising simulated sun.

Rune can only look on from the opposite end of the domed structure as her friends take out the last of the threats. Even after all of the fighting, there is still a sense of wonder about this place. It is like something out of a storybook. Like the tales she was told so long ago.

Lowering her weapons, Rune steps back towards the platform and the portal which brought them through, "That was fucking amazing, Ez." She offers up, taking a moment to pull out a bit of cloth and clean her blades before sheathing them again at her back. "I definitely owe you not only a drink, but all those answers I owe you, too."

Then, eyes sweeping the room, she just lets out a low whistle, "I know some people that would be fascinated by this place. If nothing else, I think we succeeded in giving our researcher friend something to spend their time on."

Aelwyn withdraws his blade and moves to give Eztli a pat on her shoulder. "That was a brilliant show." He compliments, then moves to pat Slixvah on the shoulder as well. The draconian then moves to settle by the dais himself; minding over the others as they explore the space.

Andelena squints at the light of the rising simulated sun, steel-gray eyes straining to find the light. "Holy Knight, what in the..."

She shakes her head. "We're getting the fuck out of here," she says gently, before she looks at everyone else. "Ezt? Aelwyn? Hark? Slixvah? Everyone doing okay? I can give all of us a thump of healing before we head on out of here. Gods know a few of us probably need it."

She glares at the thorns that had lashed at her. "Fucking demonic plants. Fuck _off_."

Slixvah quips to Aelwyn, "Too bad!" And then blades flash, another gout of flame searing away the last of the infernal vines, the heat blasting and hot. She stumbles back, panting, looking around. "... phew... ow... ya'll good?" Slix asks the group. She looks up to the false sky, watching the false sunrise before shaking her head. "Yeah, Ez gettin' free rounds at the TarRaCe. Shoo' all ya'll will."

She gives a nod towards Aelwyn before giving a long sigh. "Yeah, blet a healin', Andie, then lets blow this place," she grunts, sitting next to Aelwyn on the dais.

Eztli coughs once, expelling a few wisps of smoke out their nostrils, the small makari wincing a bit. "Never tried that back to back like that, gonna take getting used to." She grumbles for a moment, only to turn back to the others. "You all okay?" She asks, concern creeping back into her voice. "Well, thanks, glad they could still burn, that could have gone bad. I just wanted to make sure everyone was alright." She replies, rubbing the back of her head and one of her horns. "Drinks sounds good, but so does making sure everyone's healed up. Lets get that sorted, and get out of here. Then we can think about drinks, yeah?"

With the immediate threats handled and the adventurers returning with their limbs still mostly intact and attached, their report is offered to the research team. Arrangements are made to bring in experts of botanical and mycological life in order to survey- under mercenary guard- the plant life, as well as the enchantments present. It will take a little time to bring in the appropriate experts, though, so the adventurers are free to get some much needed rest before the next foray is planned.