Heir to the Throne - Retake Urah

Part 4: Retake Urah

It is still closer to night. The moon hangs overhead, as the group moves from the mines towards the castle that looms over Urah city. Once, this was the seat of power for the Von Stein royalty. Now, it is ruled over by the Duivia Dukedom - headed by Reinhard von Dunkelwald. As they get closer, they group up with more Adventurers.

The leader of the Rebellion is traveling with them. Gran'it Von Stein, the youthful would-be-prince is keeping his body low as they approach the water-side castle, leading them to a hidden tunnel. "We've scouted this position a few times. Their patrols don't really cover the area down below." As he ties off a rope to a nearby branch, and lowers it into an overgrowth-covered pit of sorts.

"We get in there, we use the downstairs to get as quickly as we can to the seat of power, and we take out Reinhard - who has been leading the forced labor at the mines. We do not give the soldiers time to react. And with their lord defeated, some of the magic seals on the castle will fall - and our allies can get in." Gran'it explains, as he helps lower people down into the depths.

As an owl coos in the moonlight night, it all seems to be going incredibly smoothly. The Princeling of course knows his former home inside-and-out. And with all of the patrols already charted out, there shouldn't be anything they can't deal with.

Taking over the former Von Stein location will give the Rebellion a base of operations, as well as garnering a powerbase within the holdings of Duivia Dukedom once more. Making its intentions clear, to remove the Duke from power, and to ensure that they cannot assassinate the Prince without anyone being the wiser.

GAME: Fidget refreshes spells.

"Right," Bryn agrees. Because she can't really doubt that the guy whose name's on the castle (or was) knows just a -little- bit more about the place (and hidden spots) than she does. Since she's never been there. "We shockenaw 'em! Sounds like a plan. A fun one, even." She looks down the rope at the pit. "Who wants ta go first?"

GAME: Bryn refreshes spells.

Always willing to help out a good rebellion, Fidget had heard through word of mouth about this operation, and did a little research before replying. It sure seemed like the Duke was a bad guy who needed exploding. And she was the gobbo to help with that.

"Is the palace warded against scrying? Could be worth having a peek in there, if it wouldn't set off an alarm or something?" she asks, being a bit more cautious than her usual - at least for now. "And you're welcome to go first. Let us know if it's a sewer or something." she says with a little laugh, and then with a flourish, she adopts gobbo stealth mode, the bright colours draining from her outfit from head to toe, putting her in black tones of a gothic style. Except her purple skin and the red half of her hair plume.

GAME: Fidget casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19

Zofija, the arvek-nar who had been helping with the fledgling rebellion for some time now, was yet again joining for another job of questionable safety. At least they had enough time to heal up from last time. "Seems like we're counting on a lot of unknowns once we're actually in there." The arvek-nar grunts. "Ah well, if we're going in, I'll go first suppose. Less likely to die if something looks at me funny, and all."

No Deathless today in the pit. He was left at home, in comfort, for which she was thankful. A deep dark hole where one had to climb down a rope to even access is no place for a horse. Carver's usual dark raccoon eye makeup has been replaced with a more overt threatening red band of paint that covers the top half of her face. Perhaps the incursion into the mine awakened her to the actual nature of war, and killing of men. No hood, or special accoutrement tonight. Just her furs, skin, bones, and a quiver packed with arrows.

She drops the last few feet, shaking her arms to loosen tense muscles.

"Unfortunately, that's some of the magics being maintained by Reinhard." Gran'it answers Fidget. "That's part of why we aren't committing to a full assault, but doing this with a small strike behind enemy lines. Taking down various magical effects they have active within these walls will allow a more open assault for our allies." He explains.

He then rapels down with the rest, and soon they land in shallow waters. "No sewer. Just a basement level." Gran'it explains, and steps forward. He finds an old iron gate, and shoulderchecks it in a way that shows he's no doubt used this door a few times already. That kind of 'this door only opens if you nudge it just right' kind of way of opening a door. It squeels just a bit, after which he lowers the light on his lantern.

"I see some light down the way. Sounds like a solo soldier. We may be able to take them out without making too much noise." He remarks to the rest of the team.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

       Harkashan has dropped a TIMESTOP!

       Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Harkashan to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.

       For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

GAME: Bryn refreshes special ability pools.

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 27.

It is now Giant Spider's turn! Carver is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 25.

It is now Carver's turn! Miserable Foot Soldier is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 19.

It is now Miserable Foot Soldier's turn! Bryn is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 18.

It is now Bryn's turn! Fidget is next!

Carver reaches into her pocket, taking a strange porous rock polished until it shines like the moon. Her whispered incantation invokes the primal spirits, of wild hunts and dark forests. The 'moon rock' is tied to her bow, a dangling sliver of silver before it fades in the dark.

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 17.

It is now Fidget's turn! Zofija is next!

GAME: Bryn rolls stealth: (3)+6: 9

GAME: Fidget rolls stealth: (1)+9: 10 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 8.

It is now Zofija's turn! Giant Spider is next!

Bryn sees the light, too, given her eye is sharp. A nod and she starts creeping forward. Well, as creepy as a rather large oruch in a chain shirt can be. Which may be more 'creepy' than 'quiet.'

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 27.

It is now Giant Spider's turn! Carver is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (4)+1: 5

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 25.

It is now Carver's turn! Miserable Foot Soldier is next!

In the distance, the team can hear the hissing and chittering of something the more experienced amongst them would easily recognize as the sounds of a giant spider. It's likely the soldier is trying to deal with a recent pest outbreak. It's not just Taverns that ask Adventurers to kill giant rats.

"I don't know if you've been reading too many mystery novels, but you aren't actually doing much walking that slow." Zofija sighs, plodding a few steps forward. "Sides, sounds like they're more preoccupied with something else. Help em, or use the distraction to deal with them? Might have keys on 'em." She suggests, picking up her pace somewhat.

Carver whips to the north, stepping just out of line of the formation. She slides to a stop, already drawing back her bow and ready to fire...

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 19.

It is now Miserable Foot Soldier's turn! Bryn is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 3: (10)+3: 13

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 18.

It is now Bryn's turn! Fidget is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 17.

It is now Fidget's turn! Zofija is next!

Sneaking forward with the others, Fidget trips over a rock and stubs her toe. "Shi-!" she curses then cuts off with a hand over her own mouth.

GAME: Fidget casts Aqueous Orb. Caster Level: 9 DC: 21

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (3)+1: 4

GAME: Harkashan rolls 7: (7)+7: 14

GAME: Harkashan rolls 7: (17)+7: 24

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (16)+1: 17

GAME: Fidget rolls 2d6: (10): 10

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 8.

It is now Zofija's turn! Giant Spider is next!

GAME: Zofija rolls ranged: (14)+7: 21

GAME: Zofija rolls 1d6 +4: (3)+4: 7

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 27.

It is now Giant Spider's turn! Carver is next!

Abandoning the quiet movement, Fidget dashes around the corner in the opposite direction from Carver, and peers over the rubble to where the soldier and spider are fighting, she grins as she mutters, "Standing close together, nice!" and twirls a finger in the air, forming a small watery sphere before her, before thrusting her hand forward and the sphere grows like a rolling snowball as it rushes towards the pair, catching only some of the spider's legs, but rolling the entire solder with it - the unfortunate man flailing helplessly in the churning water before passing out with a few bubbles.

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (10)+1: 11

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 25.

It is now Carver's turn! Miserable Foot Soldier is next!

GAME: Carver rolls #7 at -1: (18)+#7 at+-1: 17

GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+6: (8)+6: 14

GAME: Harkashan removes the timestop.

Timestop by Harkashan has left.

Zofija continues on with the moving forward, seeing there may be more pressing matters for the time being. Stopping just short of the large spider, the arvek-nar reaches for a javelin that they hurl abruptly at the giant insect, leaving a rather large pole sticking out of it.

Carver lips press to a tight line as no expected foe comes around the corner, and once more lopes into position. One she comes around the corner, she finally spots the large spider and the afterwork of one of Fidget's spells. One shot, one kill. The arrow's impact between the many many many eyes of the spider leaves it drooling and dead.

The moment the group takes out the Spider - with Fidget handily and skillfully causing the soldier to get knocked out instead of killing them, Gran'it catches up soon after. "Nicely done you guys." He remarks with a bold smile, even giving Fidget a thumbs-up. "Let's hope that's the only Giant Spider we have to deal with." As he begins to lead the way further into the basement of the castle.

"As long as we keep moving west from here, we should eventually end up being able to head up the stairs and come out in the port area of the Castle." He whispers, continuing on. "But let's keep our voices quiet and footsteps even quieter. This also used to be the sleeping area for the soldiers during my father's reign. So we don't want to wake them up."

With a snap of her fingers, Fidget dismisses the orb to let all that water, and the poor soldier, land with a wet thump in the middle of the pool of spreading water. "He's probably alive if you wanna tie him up." she says to the Prince, then sits down for a moment to rub at her bruised toe through the boot, "Damnit. Stupid rocks." before following along.

Bryn didn't trip over anything, but everyone else is a bit quicker, or has longer reach. A blink and both the spider and the guard are dealt with. She gives a low, appreciative whistle. "Nice... but le's go 'fore more bugs show up." She heads on after Gran'it.

"Righ', like bloody mice." Carver agrees, acknowledging the suggestion that they be 'quiet'. A worried look is given to the others but she accepts that what will be will be. "Can we keep moving? Better forward than stuck, innit?"

Zofija wanders over the last bit of distance to grab the javelin out of the now dead body of the spider, shaking it off and stowing it back away with the others. The arvek-nar nods to Fidget, stopped, and shrugged, as if there was some weird jump in their memory, before they went back to tying up the guard, and making sure they were gagged, rejoining the group shortly after.

The group advances rather easily. With the amount of legwork the Rebellion has done on all of this, perhaps this is to be expected. But it feels like a plan that is going smoothly. Sure, there was an unexpected soldier dealing with a Giant Spider pest, but other than that, it's going well.

The group passes by a group of chambers where they spot sleeping soldiers. Of course, not wearing their armors. Those would take whole minutes to even don. But they are also notably out cold. Nicely asleep.

Before long, they've made it to the stairs. And Gran'it lets out a long breath of air. "Okay, up these stairs. To the North will be the Great Pale Tree. It was planted by one of our ancestors, and has stood over our house ever since. It seems that even the Duivia Dukedom didn't have the heart to tear down that old symbol." He notes.

"We should find the Regent there. Just prepare to fight hard, and fight fast." He whispers, before leading up the stairs.

Carver, aside to Fidget. "What they call it when you kill a regent?"

GAME: Zofija rolls will: (6)+2: 8

GAME: Bryn rolls will: (4)+8: 12

GAME: Fidget rolls will: (11)+7: 18

It Seemed they were lucky enough to not wake the guards they were passing by in their grim task, in spite of the potential size of their posterior. "Well, we'll deal with them quick like, then the others are coming. Sooner, the better, yeah? "

"Let me haste people as we're about to rush in, and we'll fight fastest." Fidget suggests, then to Carver - "Oh, it's..." then she pauses and realizes the correct response is probably not to give the definition, "... I dunno, what do you call it when you kill a regent?" she offers.

Bryn draws out her long blade to be ready to use it, a tusky grin blooming. "Hard 'n fast is how it's'posed ta be!" She turns the grin to the others with another energetic whisper. Carver's question then gives her a moment of pause. "A dead regent! Ready? Le's go!" She is, apparently, and heads on up after Gran'it. "Get the zoomies when we get up there, ye?" She adds on the way.

As the group gets onto the surface, it's the scent of prickly sea water. The moon is shining down, allowing them to all bear witness to the beautiful alabaster stonework all throughout the former Von Stein capitol.

Gran'it guides them up a small hill and onto a raised walkway. Across, they can hear people talking. A regal voice, speaking to a group of soldiers. Asking what the hold-up is on clearing the basement of the damned spiders. And why has hasn't heard anything yet from the Inquisitors at the mines, who are dealing with that 'damned Fiend problem'.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

       Harkashan has dropped a TIMESTOP!

       Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Harkashan to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.

       For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 21.

It is now Surprised Footsoldier's turn! Zofija is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 20.

It is now Zofija's turn! Hurt Footsoldier is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 19.

It is now Hurt Footsoldier's turn! Strong Footsoldier is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 18.

It is now Strong Footsoldier's turn! Gran'it is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 17.

It is now Gran'it's turn! Fidget is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 13.

It is now Fidget's turn! Carver is next!

GAME: Fidget casts Haste. Caster Level: 9 DC: 21

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 12.

It is now Carver's turn! Reinhard von Dunkelwald is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 11.

It is now Reinhard von Dunkelwald's turn! Bryn is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 6.

It is now Bryn's turn! Guilty Footsoldier is next!

"Well, don't have time to sneak up on him, I suppose." Zofija growls, heading for the main hall, and drawing their large hammer in both hands.

Maybe Carver had a real zinger loaded in. Maybe she didn't. Today isn't the day for it.

The wailing of bureaucracy intervenes, the voice of the man they were meant to kill overwhelms the need for brevity or educational merit. She zips after the others, buoyed by Fidget's sparkly magic.

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 5.

It is now Guilty Footsoldier's turn! Surprised Footsoldier is next!

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 21.

It is now Surprised Footsoldier's turn! Zofija is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1+2: (14)+1+2: 17

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 20.

It is now Zofija's turn! Hurt Footsoldier is next!

As the others start to rush in, Fidget quickly calls out words of power and with a sweeping gesture, sends a quickening enchantment chasing on their heels. "Go fast and smash things!" she cheers them on, following after at a more sedate pace.

GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9+2+1: (18)+9+2+1: 30

GAME: Zofija rolls 2d6 +6: (3)+6: 9

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 19.

It is now Hurt Footsoldier's turn! Strong Footsoldier is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1+2: (12)+1+2: 15

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 18.

It is now Strong Footsoldier's turn! Gran'it is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (2)+1: 3

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 17.

It is now Gran'it's turn! Fidget is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (5)+14: 19

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+5: (6)+5: 11

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 13.

It is now Fidget's turn! Carver is next!

The target was in sight, and there was no guarantee that they would get a better opportunity than this in the future. Charging forward, a bit overly heedless of the rest of the guards, the Arvek-nar manages to land a solid blow on the leader upon closing the distance, electing not to roar any issues of challenge that might give them away prematurely.

As the Adventurers rush forward, Reinhard looks to the side and spots them as they come rushing forward. "What the!?" He calls out, shocked at the revelation of their presence. "No, this shouldn't be possible, how did I not foresee this?!" He quickly reaches for something in his pockets. "Are they carrying those accursed crystals? Or..."

Squint. "Oh... I see." He then remarks more calmly. "Soldiers, get them!" He demands. With one of the footsoldiers quickly rushing for Gran'it as the rest of the gang is storming forward. But his blade is easily caught within Gran'it's polearm and pushed aside. "Focus on Reinhard!" Gran'it calls out.

"So the boy was alive after all..." Reinhard remarks with a sudden smirk. "Oh, this pushes the clock forward quite a bit."

Gran'it rushes alongside Zofija, as the Soldiers try to intercept the two. With Zofija harming Reinhard through his cloth right as he is taking out what looks like a crystaline ball. Gran'it hewing down a soldier that's trying to outflank Zofija.

GAME: Fidget rolls will: (14)+7: 21

GAME: Zofija rolls will: (14)+2: 16

GAME: Bryn rolls will: (11)+8: 19

GAME: Fidget casts Hold Monster. Caster Level: 9 DC: 24

GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (18)+10: 28

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 12.

It is now Carver's turn! Reinhard von Dunkelwald is next!

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7 -2: (11)+15+-2: 24

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-2: (9)+15+-2: 22

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-2: (4)+15+-2: 17

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-7: (13)+15+-7: 21

GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+6: (9)+6: 15

GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+6: (2)+6: 8

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 11.

It is now Reinhard von Dunkelwald's turn! Bryn is next!

Using her now enhanced speed, the goblin rushes in, dashing between Carver and Bryn and jumping over the shelves in the way, just out of reach of one of the guards - she spots the man the attack had been planned to assassinate, surrounded by her allies, and with a whispered word and a reaching hand, she lets a purple wisp of enchanting magic float through the air and into the Duke's ear, making his eyes fuzz over for just a second before he frustratingly reasserts his will and the purple mist blows away in a breeze from the open door. The goblin hisses in annoyance, and takes a step away from that nearby soldier cautiously.

GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9 +1+1+1: (14)+9+1+1+1: 26

GAME: Zofija rolls 2d6 +6: (8)+6: 14

GAME: Fidget rolls spellcraft: (9)+22: 31

GAME: Bryn rolls spellcraft: (11)+7: 18

GAME: Carver rolls spellcraft: (6)+7: 13

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 6.

It is now Bryn's turn! Guilty Footsoldier is next!

GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE.

Reinhard is hit in the shoulder twice by Carver's arrows, and he stumbles back - giving Zofija a chance to hew into his body. He quickly retreats, calling out to the soldiers; "Stop them! Stop them now! I will get the remaining <Troops>!" He calls out to the foot soldiers. Rushing towards the eastern side of the tree, and casting a spell that seems to sing out across his own form, as well as the remaining soldiers near him.

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 5.

It is now Guilty Footsoldier's turn! Surprised Footsoldier is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1+2+2: (9)+1+2+2: 14

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 21.

It is now Surprised Footsoldier's turn! Zofija is next!

GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (6)+6+1+1: 14

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 20.

It is now Zofija's turn! Hurt Footsoldier is next!

"Ha!" Bryn calls out as blood's already been spilled... even if it ain't hers or by her. "Hit 'em hard, hit 'em fas'. Hit 'em lots, we'll kick their ass!" It is a bellow as much as a belt before she moves in to give Fidget some shielding from one of the soldiers. The one that decides to back off and not the one that charges in from the other side, sadly. "Ohnoye don'-" Except he does back away, and quicker that she can get her big blade around.

The Regent grimaces at Fidget as the Goblin almost manages to get a hold of him through her spell. He then bites; "As if I'd let you control me so easily! You'll learn, soon... all of this was for naught - coward Goblin!" The soldiers keep repositioning, trying to protect Reinhard's retreat. Moving away from Bryn and adjusting positions near Zofija to appropiately block her way. "You're not getting through us!" They call out to her.

GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9 +1+1+1 -2: (5)+9+1+1+1+-2: 15

GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9 +1+1+1 -2: (13)+9+1+1+1+-2: 23

GAME: Zofija rolls 2d6 +6+6: (5)+6+6: 17

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 19.

It is now Hurt Footsoldier's turn! Strong Footsoldier is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (20)+1: 21

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (18)+1: 19

GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+2d6+3: (3)+(9)+3: 15

GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+1: (5)+1: 6

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 18.

It is now Strong Footsoldier's turn! Gran'it is next!

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 17.

It is now Gran'it's turn! Fidget is next!

GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (7)+1: 8

GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (1)+14: 15 (EPIC FAIL)

"Get back here you spineless coward!" The Arvek-nar shouts this time, taking another swing at Dunkelwald as they take off. Not able to clamber over the table with two guards near them, the cavalier smashes one of them with their hammer, closing the distance as they crumpled to the floor.

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 13.

It is now Fidget's turn! Carver is next!

Gran'it tries to chase after Dunkelwald as well, using the space made by Zofija and nodding at her as he avoids a blow by the guard that's simultaneously swinging at Zofija. And while he may not catch Gran'it off guard, that heavy Greatsword carves into Zofija's fur!

Gran'it gets to Reinhard, but with the strange celerity he's cast upon himself, his own weapon goes wide as he tries to get the man. "Damnit!"

GAME: Fidget casts Confusion. Caster Level: 9 DC: 23

GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (15)+10: 25

GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (12)+10: 22

GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 12.

It is now Carver's turn! Reinhard von Dunkelwald is next!

GAME: Fidget used a Jaunt Boots.

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-1: (4)+15+-1: 18

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7: (14)+15: 29

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7: (14)+15: 29

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7: (15)+15: 30

GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-5: (13)+15+-5: 23

GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2: (2)+2: 4

GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2: (9)+2: 11

GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2: (7)+2: 9

GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2: (9)+2: 11

GAME: Fidget rolls will: (2)+7: 9

GAME: Zofija rolls will: (9)+2: 11

GAME: Bryn rolls will: (19)+8: 27

"Don't need to," Carver mumbles, the only one not racing in pursuit. Fidget disappears in a puff of purple smoke before apparating further ahead.

Just as it begins to fade, a flurry of arrows pierce through it. Even as the last of the wizard's enchantment is taking hold of the accused, the arrows are impacting.

Countdown to the beat of the hearts as it slows... slows.......

For a moment, it looks like Reject Reinhard might get away... but it's hard to outrun arrows. "Ha!" Bryn shouts triumphantly. "How ye like tha-er, wha?" Dunkelwald falls, and his ball drops. Her eye goes to it, and she gets confused. Dizzy. Maybe some of column A and column B. Her free hand goes to her head.

Fidget ducks one way and draws a swing from the guard trying to slow the mage, but then she vanishes out from under the flashing blade, reappearing behind some boxes nearby, and closer to the Duke with a clear-ish line of sight, "Attempt number two! You won't get far if you don't know where you are..." she to herself with mirth, and breathes out a purple and green mist that surrounds his head and slips into his nostrils and making his head spin.

Fidget's spell lashes onto Dunkelwald's mind, halting his movement. And at the same time, Carver's arrows fly. Thanks to Fidget, his body just spasms. Unable to truly get away in the confusion.

One hits him in the eye, tearing through one side of his skull. Another through the chest, just missing his lungs. Another two into his belly, causing severe bloodloss even in just that moment as they come out on the other side.

The man falls to the ground, and his arms flop wide. A crystal ball rolling out of his hand, as he grins at the skies.

He spits out blood from his mouth. Gasping for breath.

Looking up at the air. "Did you get all of that?" He asks...

Behind them, almost as if timed, the White King on a chessboard falls over, jostled in the battle, and down onto the tile.

---

As the 'camera' zooms out...

---

A crystal ball becomes visible. A set of hands holding them, trembling. Seeing his own death, moments like that never sit well with him. His crown, born heavily and golden, as he looks up. "Six hours from now, a group of Rebels will be infiltrating this Castle. Call all the guards at this castle." His lips peel into a viscious grin.

"Lord Dunkelwald, should we call out to the mainland?"

"No, I can deal with a few weak Rebels myself. They may have caught me offguard... but this time, we'll be ready for them." He answers arrogantly to the footsoldier. He then turns to his side as he sees the chessboard, and grabs the black king and slams it forward one more square.

"Check Mate, Von Stein. You will rue the day you thought to battle the Oracle, Reinhard Dunkelwald."

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