Part 5: Retake Urah

Part 5: Retake Urah, Again

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. After the entire group rapels down, Gran'it moves forward and steps confidently up to the bars of the rusty looking gate in front of them. They rest following him. He makes for a pull and a confident push - like someone who knows exactly how an old door should be opened after decades of aging. In the meantime, he re-iterates that they are specifically doing this as a small attack squad, because the wards on this place prevent scrying and the like. Cling. "Huh... strange." Gran'it looks down at the gate. "The scouts didn't say anything about a lock." There's naught but darkness and quiet ahead though. "Must have added it to make sure the Duivia troops didn't bother with this gate." He remarks and runs his hand behind his head. "Any of you good with locks? It doesn't look too sturdy, we can probably just bash or pry it open."

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

Bryn clambers on down, pretty confident that the princeling knows the place like the back of his hand. Way better than she. She moves quietly... at least for an oruchess in metal chain. Maybe? "Huh.." she breaths as she looks around. "Holes in the ground all look alot alike..." Then there's the gate, and the lock. "Um..." now her eye pans back to the others, then back to von Stein. "Can always smack it... but that'll be noisy."

"Understood," Warrick grunts as he rappels down into the depths, a plethora of weapons dangling off his back and sides. He lands with a thud, sliding on a open faced helmet that doesn't match his blackened breastplate. Large crossbow in hand that was enchanted by the very gobber with them, he loads a bolt. There's a stare at the gate, before Warrick blinks and shakes his head. "I can shoot it off, but yes, it'll be loud." He idly inspects his armored left arm, squinting briefly before rubbing his eyes and saddling up against the wall like he usually does when holding an angle.

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 someone else will have to handle the lock if you want it done... subtly." she adds, miming an explosion with her hands with a widening grin. "Ah, you too, Bryn, Warrick? We can be the obvious rogues together. Did anyone remember to bring a sneaky type?"

"Don't look at me, I'm not picking any locks, one of the crimes I haven't managed to commit." Zofija shrugs, looking at the lock. Could always smash it off, but that'll be real obvious, and if there's a lock there, that means they know about it, right?" "So, what's the plan? I don't know if we've got any other choice getting in here."

Carver places a kiss on Deathless's nose, the red horse giving a shake of her head as they seperate. The hole was too small sadly. She is the last to come down, dark eyes in the dark darting around nervously as the others mull over how to get past the first obstacle.

Gran'it nods and agrees; "It'll be loud, but it's a lot better than storming this place. Let's just be prepared to rush in there." He calls out to the crew. "Warrick, take down the lock. Everyone else, let's be prepared to head in. We'll be moving straight west - straight from this door - and going up the stairs when we find them. Alright? Keep your eyes peeled."

Bryn nods to Gran'it, gets her blade out and grips it firm, then gives Warrick a tusky grin. "I'm ready." Aside from bashing the lock off, she doesn't have any sneaky suggestions. She isn't the most subtle.

Warrick gives one last once over before he eyes the group. "Got it. Fidget- can you conjure acid? That would be quieter," he suggests, ducking slightly to get ready to run.

"Okay, hold on, hold on - I can't be quiet, but I can be quieter than *that*." the purple gobbo says, pointing at Warrick's massive long-range-argument-winner. With a couple of arcane gestures and a few words of power, she conjures a greenish, sizzling blob of acid, and flicks it at the lock with a finger, the goop eating into the metal. It takes her two castings before the lock snaps open and thuds into the dirt. The door, too, looks a little worse for wear.

GAME: Fidget casts Acid Splash. Caster Level: 9 DC: 18

There's a splash against the lock, and it soon begins to sizzle away, taking some of the door with it. Gran'it takes a moment to let the acid melt through and grow inert, before he pushes the door open with a bit of a shoulder-check - revealing an empty hall. "Good, just as the scouts said. There should be no patrols here right now. Let's head straight west everyone!"

"Well, that works at least. Guess the door'll get fixed later. Or filled in entirely." Zofija shrugs, squeezing into the basement area. "Careful, might still be people here even if they're not actively patrolling. Good spot to sneak off for a nap, probably."

<OOC> Warrick lets out a ioun torch to get more light

== GM Harkashan has dropped a TIMESTOP! ==
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Warrick, roll me a reflexive Stealth and Perception check as you move into that spot."
GAME: Warrick rolls stealth: (13)+2: 15
GAME: Warrick rolls perception: (6)+7: 13

Warrick chuckles as his large crossbow is pointed out, him waiting for the door to get opened before he slips in with everyone. He fans out north, leveling his crossbow in the darkness before thumbing a button on a pouch, letting a glowing dull sphere roll out upwards and defy gravity near his head, spilling light out around him. "Understood, Skyguard," the arbalest grunts, advancing and picking a corner to post up against.- He squints in the dark. A weapon glints off the light in the distance. "... aw shit. Uh. Phalanx formation squad ahead in the hallway? With a royal behind them?" he whispers to the party. "I think they see us..." He takes a half step into the corner wall, gripping his weapon tighter.

It is now Reinhard von Dunkelwald's turn! Selfish Footsoldier is next!

Straight to the west, a group of soldiers stand at the ready, taking up an entire hallway. Some kneeled down, bearing spears and hiding behind shields. A proper formation that looks all too well prepared. Potions hanging from some of their belts. Behind them, a man that none of them have ever seen. Except, Bryn has a bit of feeling of Deja Vu about the man. Warrick, being the first to be spotted though, may also spot something unusual. There's surprise on the kingly man's expression. Like, he was expecting people, but he wasn't expecting /WARRICK/. There's a mouthed 'what in the name of...' as the man takes a solid moment to recover, before pointing forward. "The assassins have arrived, just as Foretold!" He calls out to his soldiers. "By Divine Right, I bear protection over this place. No lowly rebels will take this. Gran'it von Stein! Your little Rebellion ceases right here! You will pay for your transgressions, as will that lowly Goblin and the rest of the mangy mutts you brought with you!" He then sweeps his hand outwards, as glowing pale light envelops the troops before him, as well as somewhere around a corner. "Take them down!"

<OOC> Harkashan says, "The man casts some kind of spell."
GAME: Harkashan advances the initiative order.

It is now Selfish Footsoldier's turn! Soldier Troops is next!
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3+2+2: (7)+3+2+2: 14

From the North, a Soldier suddenly bum-rushes Bryn, bringing his massive great-sword to bear upon the Orc, trying to take her out in one fell swoop. At the same time, from the West, the troops they were warned about rush in towards Warrick and Gran'it. "Charge!" They call out, forming up on their position and bring their weapons to bear as they surround the two of them from all sides!

It is now Carver's turn! Anxious Footsoldier is next!
<OOC> Carver says, "step, full attack rapid shot at the big troopers."
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-1: (11)+15+-1: 25
GAME: Carver rolls weapon-1: (14)+0+-1: 13
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-1: (7)+15+-1: 21
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-5: (7)+15+-5: 17

It is now Anxious Footsoldier's turn! Fidget is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Anxious Footsoldier attacks Warrick."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3+2: (19)+3+2: 24
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+3: (12)+3: 15

It is now Fidget's turn! Puzzled Footsoldier is next!
GAME: Fidget casts Fireball. Caster Level: 9 DC: 21
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Troops:"
GAME: Harkashan rolls 9: (17)+9: 26
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Foot Soldier:"
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1: (17)+1: 18
GAME: Fidget rolls 9d6: (43): 43

"So much for empty tunnels" Fidget complains aloud as the guards rush them, "And what was that about 'foretold'? Were they scrying on us on our trip here?" Seeing a mass of people rush around the corner, she abandons subtlety and calls out loudly the magic words that draw fire forth, creating a whirling gout of flame between her outstretched hands, "Warrick, duck right a bit!" she yells to him, and lobs the fire forth into the empty space behind the formation, the explosion consuming those closest entirely.

It is now Puzzled Footsoldier's turn! Bryn is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Puzzled Footsoldier runs around and attacks Warrick as well."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3: (6)+3: 9

It is now Bryn's turn! Zofija is next!
<OOC> Bryn will smack Selfish back selfishly. "Swift for Arcane Strike, standard to to attack."
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1: (12)+6+1: 19
GAME: Bryn rolls damage1+1: aliased to 2d4+4+1: (8)+4+1: 13
<OOC> Harkashan says, "They fall before your might"

"So much for sneakin..." Bryn is ready for a fight, though. Unfortunately, she's ready for a fight with the folks to the west that Warrick mentioned; not so much with the one running at her from the north. Her bum is rushed and the rest of her takes a heavy gash from the sword. -That- gets her attention. "Ey!" There's no rousing call, except maybe for herself, as she turns her focus and ire upon that one. It's swiftly followed by a heavy swing in kind; she'll worry about bleeding later. The greedy soldier winds up the one more worse for the effort, starts bleeding immediately, and collapses. "Don' give whatcha can' take!"

It is now Zofija's turn! Warrick is next!
<OOC> Zofija says, "moves and rolls power attack on puzzled before Hark returns"
GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9+1+1-2: (15)+9+1+1+-2: 24
GAME: Zofija rolls 2d6+6+6: (7)+6+6: 19

"Ah, it's okay, the information was sound after all. look, not a patrol in sight." The arvek-nar snorts. "Appreciate you coming down to meet me! Saves me the trouble of chasing you around this castle to cave your skull in!" They roar in challenge, stepping closer to one of the guards who is unceremoniously crushed against the ground.

It is now Warrick's turn! Gran'it is next!
   It is now Warrick's turn! Gran'it is next!
<OOC> Warrick says, "attempt to acrobatics out of the threatened area"
GAME: Warrick rolls acrobatics+1: (8)+7+1: 16
<OOC> Harkashan says, "CMD is 20."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6: (10): 10
<OOC> Warrick keeps moving to get into the cover of the rocks there from the main guy and shoots the troop
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16+1: (11)+12+1: 24
GAME: Warrick rolls xbowdamage+1: aliased to 1d10+4+1: (8)+4+1: 13
<OOC> Harkashan says, "You manage to disperse the last remains of the troop along with Carver and Fidget."

It is now Reinhard von Dunkelwald's turn! Selfish Footsoldier is next!

"He should not even be aware of my existence. How could he have been scrying on me?" Gran'it falters as the troop near him begins to burn, and his allies take down various soldiers. "No, my plans. The scouting. This should have been a perfect plan." He mumbles, not having the kind of experience that Adventurers have. He stumble back a bit, deflecting a blow meant for him by one of the soldiers trying to get the surround on him. He's led all these Adventurers into a far too dangerous situation! But his mind is racing. How is this possible? He grits his teeth and grips his blade even harder. This isn't a time to worry about this plan somehow having failed. Now is time for action alongside these Adventurers! Avoiding one of Warrick's crossbow bolts, and then charging forward towards the King-looking man. "Reinhard! This is my parents' home, and my birthright! You will stain it no further!"

<OOC> Harkashan says, "Reinhard runs back at full speed as well."

Warrick meets eyes with the kingly man, his brow furrowing at that interaction before- "Aw shit, here they come!" he shouts, pulling his weapon in close to his neck and pressing against the wall as the troop charges in. There's only a brief sting of pain being struck before heat engulfs the space. Wiping away most of the forces that surrounded them. He heeds the warning to duck without a thought, skipping forth out of the cover to get some space. "Something's really off about all this!" he yells back to Fidget, the look back earning a spear in the side, only barely held back from the undermail. Gasping, he scrabbles to the side to get behind some rocks, leveling the crossbow at a soldier and firing a shot off, one that piercing them, and another behind them clanging into a skull. That seemed to be enough to discourage any more, as they scatter.

Reinhard watches as his troops get outright slaughtered in such a small moment of time. "Damnit!" He calls out in irritation, and turns away, running down the hallway with incredibly speed. Yet, he halts near the end of the hall, and brandishes what looks like a dagger. "Then let's do this, Gran'it. You and I. King and Princeling! You may have bested me before, but not this time!"

It is now Carver's turn! Fidget is next!
<OOC> Carver says, "Move, perception check to see if others are hiding to get their flanks."
GAME: Carver rolls perception: (19)+13: 32

Yeah, go kick his ass!" Carver screeches as Gran'it rushes ahead. She doesn't match his pace, instead sliding to a stop near the pillar and sweeping a look across the room they're still in for any more nasties.

It is now Fidget's turn! Bryn is next!
<OOC> Fidget says: Call Gran'it back, and hold casting Haste for him, casting on everyone if possible.
GAME: Fidget casts Haste. Caster Level: 9 DC: 21

"Gran'it, don't be foolish, he didn't want to fight you one on one before he was outnumbered. Fuck him up. But first, come back here and get some of the magical assistance he certainly also has." Fidget implores the eager rebel, casting the first parts of a hastening spell. "And I would worry Warrick. I always expect plans to go like this. If carefully laid plans worked most of the time, it wouldn't be half as fun."

It is now Bryn's turn! Zofija is next!
<OOC> Bryn will move up next to Warrick and start up Inpire Courage.

It is now Zofija's turn! Warrick is next!
<OOC> Zofija says, "move and give the group paired opportunists as a standard for 5 rounds"
"Hang on, hang on! Oh, for fucks sake, I know you want him dead, but knock some sense into that skull of yours!" The arvek-nar curses loudly above most of the group. "tunnel's wide for three folks, we can't easily cut him off. so get close to him and keep him in place for your allies!"

It is now Warrick's turn! Gran'it is next!
<OOC> Warrick says, "move forward, take a pot shot at the kingly guy, is he in darkness or dim light?"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Dim thanks to Gran'it having a torch on him."
<OOC> Warrick says, "21-1 is a miss"
GAME: Warrick rolls 1d100: (33): 33
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16+1: (20)+12+1: 33 (THREAT)

Warrick groans. "There is no honor in a duel like this, Gran'it, it is a trap!" he yells to the young lordling rushing forth. He glances back at Fidget. "Yeah, I know, I am worried." Jetting forth, he skids to a halt and drops to a hard knee, the heavy crossbow leveling down the way. There's a deep breath and a slow exhale. This was more his style. "Serriel guide this shot..." he whispers, pulling the trigger. The bolt whistles down the hallway, managing to land on Reinhard, but not managing to stick in anything vital.

It is now Gran'it's turn! Reinhard von Dunkelwald is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Gran'it moves back to get that Haste @ Fidget"
<OOC> Fidget says, "Looks like that's everyone getting Haste."

Gran'it hesitates for a moment as Fidget calls back at him. Warrick is echoing his own thoughts. "What do you mean... transgressions?" It feels like something has happened without something having happened. "What is going on?" He pushes his feet back and gets back into range of Fidget's magic for just long enough that it can take effect, and then uses the magic given to him to rush forward even faster! "I know! I will wait for you guys!" He calls back to Zofija, rushing Reinhard, as he calls out even louder; "REEEIIINHAAAAAARD!"

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

As Gran'it keeps going closer, Reinhard grins at him. Even as Warrick's bolt hits him in the shoulder, he's already casting. And even as the blood drips down his arm, he expands his arms outwards. "Soon, I will have my vengeance! Ha ha ha ha ha!" As a fog suddenly billows out from the halls and obscures him from view!

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

"I like 'em," Carver's laughter huckhaws between her crooked teeth, as her booties sparkle with magic. Like many of the others, she moves with unnatural expedience for their bloody political discourse. She is beginning to whisper a prayer. Or magic. Likely prayer.

It is now Fidget's turn! Bryn is next!
<OOC> Fidget says, "Dispel Magic on the Fog Cloud?"
GAME: Fidget rolls 1d20+9: (11)+9: 20
<OOC> Harkashan says, "DC 18"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "It looks like he got through a gate and locked it"

Chasing after the 'waiting' rebel ally, Fidget spots the billowing cloud of fog from where that arrogant sounding voice had come, and assuming he was hiding in there somewhere, she mutters and weaves lines of magic with her hands, seeming to unwind a complex sigil made of glowing blue, as parts of the fog cloud start to wink away rather than dispersing, and in a few moments the line of sight is cleared again.

It is now Bryn's turn! Zofija is next!
<OOC> Bryn will take her Zoomies and move up. Also maintaining Bardic.

"Kick 'is arse! Smash 'is skull!" Bryn now belts out encouragement to all in earshot. It may not be the most tactically sound for Gran'it to rush on in, but she respects his dedication. Though the magic makes things muddled... for a moment before Fidget un-muddles things. "'S dangerous ta go alone!" So she joins in on the rushing on into the hallway ahead.

It is now Zofija's turn! Warrick is next!
<OOC> Zofija says, "I may be in trouble when the surprise ambush trickles out of the other doors, but I'll take a run to get up near the door"

"Nice job on that, easy to see that his sorry ass is taking off from here. Course, you know, ah, whatever. Sooner he's on the ground, the better." The Arvek-nar calls out, sprinting down the hall. "Ah, crap, that's what I was worried about. Careful! There's another two squads down here!"

It is now Warrick's turn! Perplexed Foot Soldier is next!
<OOC> Warrick says, "(five foot step forward to get it back into one range increment, shoot 3 times)"
GAME: Warrick rolls 1d100: (58): 58
GAME: Warrick rolls 1d100: (37): 37
GAME: Warrick rolls 1d100: (4): 4 MISS
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16-2+1+1: (18)+12+-2+1+1: 30
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16-2+1+1: (11)+12+-2+1+1: 23 MISS
GAME: Warrick rolls xbowDamage+1: aliased to 1d10+4+1: (6)+4+1: 11

Warrick sighs as Gran'it rushes deeper. "Maintain cohesion!" he shouts, stepping forward- and then the fog that blocked his view is yanked out of existence from Fidget's unweaving. He suddenly drops to a knee, planting the weapon on debris to stabilize it. "Suppressing!" he barks, as heavy bolts weave through the party and sail to the end of the hall. One is lost to the dark. One clanks against metal bars. But one manages to weave through everything and cut a nasty gash along the kingly man's arm.

It is now Perplexed Foot Soldier's turn! Gran'it is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Perplexed Foot Soldier goes after Zofija. Notably, not as fast as the previous ones."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3: (20)+3: 23 CRIT
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3: (18)+3: 21 CONFIRMED
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6+3+2d6+3: (8)+3+(6)+3: 20

It is now Gran'it's turn! Relieved Foot Soldier is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Gran'it moves to block the door, to make sure at least one of Zofija's flanks it protected."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "He then attacks the guard."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (20)+14: 34 CRIT
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (6)+14: 20 CONFIRMED
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+5+1d8+5: (3)+5+(5)+5: 18

It is now Relieved Foot Soldier's turn! Soldier Troops 2 is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Relieved Footsoldier goes after Zofija. Gran'it gets an AoO."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (14)+14: 28 HIT
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+5: (1)+5: 6
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3: (10)+3: 13 MISS
<OOC> Harkashan says, "The guard misses Zofija."

It is now Reinhard von Dunkelwald's turn! Jealous Foot Soldier is next!

<OOC> Harkashan says, "Dunkelwald casts <a spell> on his troops and steps back a bit."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Spellcraft rolls for those who want to recognize the spell."
GAME: Fidget rolls spellcraft+4: (13)+22+4: 39
GAME: Bryn rolls spellcraft: (8)+7: 15
<OOC> Harkashan says, "It's Bless."

It is now Jealous Foot Soldier's turn! Remorseful Foot Soldier is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Jealous Footsoldier attacks Gran'it."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3+2: (2)+3+2: 7 MISS

It is now Remorseful Foot Soldier's turn! Carver is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Remorseful does the same."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3+2: (9)+3+2: 14 MISS

As Zofija gets too close, the trap 'collapses' in on her position. Soldiers flood from the chambers to the north and the south. Filling the halls with due haste whilest Reinhard casts a spell of bolstering upon his soldiers. "You knew it was a trap, yet you still rushed forward. You are just as foolhardry as your father was!" Reinhard calls out to Gran'it, with a bold grin. "And a former Skyguard... what is the dreaded lady Vought doing here, fighting against the Myrrish Kingdom she was sworn to protect?" He asks the woman who is getting pincered against the metalic bars of the gate standing in her way. "Don't think I don't recognize you..." He tells her with a wickedness in his eyes.

It is now Carver's turn! Fidget is next!
<OOC> Carver says, "gonna focus on the mob, rapid fire + haste ect, ect."
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7: (14)+15: 29 HIT
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7: (13)+15: 28 HIT
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7: (8)+15: 23 HIT
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-5: (13)+15+-5: 23 HIT
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+2: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+2: (1)+2: 3
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+2: (7)+2: 9
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+2: (7)+2: 9

It is now Fidget's turn! Soldier Troops 3 is next!
GAME: Fidget casts Hold Monster. Caster Level: 9 DC: 24
<OOC> Fidget says, "Try to Hold Reinhardt."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 10+1: (2)+10+1: 13 FAIL

It is now Soldier Troops 3's turn! Bryn is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Troops rush out, and swarm Fidget's position!"

It is now Bryn's turn! Zofija is next!
<OOC> Bryn says, "Ok. Maintaining Bardic still, step up, swift for Arcane strike, and full attack on the troop."
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (1)+6+1+1: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (17)+6+1+1: 25 HIT
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (9)+6+1+1: 17 HIT
GAME: Bryn rolls damage1+1+1: aliased to 2d4+4+1: (5)+4+1: 11
GAME: Bryn rolls damage1+1+1: aliased to 2d4+4+1: (7)+4+1: 13

Bryn is looking (and planning) ahead to where Gran'it and Zofija have found themselves in a target-rich environment. "Crack 'er skulls! Stomp 'em flat! Kick 'em inna-shite!" Suddenly there's more targets swarming to her (and over Fidget), so she has to once more start looking right up close. "Back down" A wide swing of her large curved blade. "Or siddown!" And another. She can thin down this swarming group, and/or get their attention.

It is now Zofija's turn! Warrick is next!
<OOC> Zofija will full attack, going for the relieved foot soldier first
GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9+1+1+1+1-2: (13)+9+1+1+1+1+-2: 24 HIT
GAME: Zofija rolls 2d6+6+6+1: (5)+6+6+1: 18 
<OOC> Zofija says, "2nd on the squad"
GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9+1+1+1+1-2: (8)+9+1+1+1+1+-2: 19 HIT
GAME: Zofija rolls 2d6+6+6+1: (10)+6+6+1: 23
<OOC> Harkashan says, "You've almost routed all of them."

"You're real lucky that gate is still in one piece, you know. Moment it's down, you're going with it." The arvek-nar growls, Smashing their hammer into another one of the guards with a sickening crunch, and another hits the squad hard, sending bodies tumbling over eachother. "Shit! Hold on, just gotta clear up here, first!"

It is now Warrick's turn! Perplexed Foot Soldier is next!
<OOC> Warrick going to finish up the squad on zofi and gran'it
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16+1+1-2: (10)+12+1+1+-2: 22 HIT
GAME: Warrick rolls xbowDamage+1: aliased to 1d10+4+1: (1)+4+1: 6
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16+1+1-2: (8)+12+1+1+-2: 20 HIT
GAME: Warrick rolls xbowDamage+1: aliased to 1d10+4+1: (3)+4+1: 8 DOWN
<OOC> Warrick says, "last shot on the guy, second increment. in normal light now?"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Yes. And he's Held."
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16+1+1-2-2: (19)+12+1+1+-2+-2: 29 (THREAT)
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16+1+1-2-2: (12)+12+1+1+-2+-2: 22

Feeling the chanting from Bryn, Warrick scrambles up the cover, standing up atop a rock to get a downward angle down the entire hallway. Grabbing a fistful of bolts, a couple sail down at high speeds to one of the troops, managing to break their morale and scatter before he gets down on another knee. Inhales. A glint sparkles down the hallway in the other room, as a bolt whistles through the air, aiming straight for Reinhard's skull, only for the shaft to clink on the bars, making it just barely miss and leave a scratch on their neck. "Suppressing!" Warrick's voice echoes down the hall.

It is now Gran'it's turn! Relieved Foot Soldier is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Gran'it full-attacks"
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (15)+14: 29
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (12)+14: 26
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+5: (1)+5: 6
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+5: (5)+5: 10
<OOC> Harkashan says, "And takes down one of the soldiers and moves to protect Zofija."

It is now Remorseful Foot Soldier's turn! Carver is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Remorseful attacks Gran'it"
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3+2: (5)+3+2: 10 MISS

GAME: Harkashan rolls 18: (17)+18: 35

Harkashan says, "What are you talking about? What vengeance? What did I ever do to you?" Gran'it is too confused by the situation to even engage on the matter of his father. He cuts down one of the soldiers by the chest, then shifts his spear and cuts off the arm of another before moving to flank Zofija to protect her. Glancing back at Reinhard... just as he breaks from Fidget's spell. "Rrraaah! You foul Goblin!" He calls out at Fidget, right before Warrick's crossbow bolt hits him right in the neck and leaves a nasty gash. "Tchhh..." He grunts, stumbling back, before looking Warrick in the eyes. "You've gathered quite the party here, Gran'it. The 'leftovers' of the Skyguard, who could barely accomplish a single mission even when representing the useless gits from Blar. It's a good thing she's no longer dragging down the honor of the Skyguard." He then turns to look to Warrick. "And the Myrrish bastard son whose father no doubt fled to Alexandria. Where he barely managed to survive as a soldier - and let his entire squad die. Over here, some of us still call him and his Captain under their proper titles - Butchers." He glares at Gran'it. "Better look he doesn't shoot you in the back too!""

<OOC> Harkashan says, "Everyone, Sense Motive rolls please, aside from Warrick and Zofija, they get to roll Will Saves instead."
GAME: Fidget rolls sense motive: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Carver rolls sense motive: (8)+3: 11
GAME: Bryn rolls sense motive: (20)+6: 26
GAME: Zofija rolls will: (1)+2: 3 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Warrick rolls will: (20)+3: 23 (CRITICAL SUCCESS)

To (Fidget, Carver), Harkashan pages: You know this guy is no good. No doubt he's twisting things to some extent. Yet... you feel like there's truth there too. Enough to cast just a little bit of suspicion towards Warrick and Zofija.

It is now Carver's turn! Fidget is next!
<OOC> Carver says, "deadly + rapid fire this time on fidget's crowd."
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-1: (2)+15+-1: 16 RPP REROLL
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-1: (3)+15+-1: 17 HIT
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-1: (11)+15+-1: 25 HIT
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-1: (13)+15+-1: 27 HIT
GAME: Carver rolls weapon7-6: (10)+15+-6: 19 HIT
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+6: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+6: (7)+6: 13
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+6: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+6: (5)+6: 11 DOWN

"What's this idiot blabberin' about, you two know this mule's ass?" Redundancy of her insult besides, what follows is something that's served her well, her patience running thin for this fight - the knowledge that more reinforcement are coming aside. She continues to focus on the many many soldiers.

It is now Fidget's turn! Soldier Troops 3 is next!
<OOC> Fidget says, "Move next to Bryn, Dimension Door so that Bryn lands right next to Reinhardt, and I'm 1 square further away."
GAME: Fidget casts Dimension Door. Caster Level: 9 DC: 22

"If you surrender, we can talk about that, maybe you're telling the truth. But while we're fighting I don't trust what you say against my allies. She ducks around a soldier who had been trying to stab her a moment ago, and is now flopping lifelessly to the floor, and grabs Byrn by the arm. "Let's get past that door, follow me!" and then Bryn feels a strange kind of tug that pulls her ~elsewhere~, if only just for a moment, as she is teleported alongside Fidget and through the bars, almost on top of Reinhardt. "Get him! Unless he surrenders, I guess."

 It is now Bryn's turn! Zofija is next!
<OOC> Bryn continues Bardic, swift for Arcane strike, and full attack von Dunklewald.
GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. 
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (14)+6+1+1: 22 MISS
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (11)+6+1+1: 19 MISS

It is now Zofija's turn! Warrick is next!
<OOC> Zofija says, "full attack on the door"
GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9+1+1+1+1-2: (5)+9+1+1+1+1+-2: 16 HIT
GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9+1+1+1+1-2: (12)+9+1+1+1+1+-2: 23 HIT
GAME: Zofija rolls 2d6+6+6+1: (5)+6+6+1: 18 
GAME: Zofija rolls 2d6+6+6+1: (5)+6+6+1: 18 BREAK

Zofija, despite their claims from earlier, didn't turn back to the group surrounding Fidget, even before they had fallen. No, their eyes were set fully on the man behind the locked gate. "THE ONLY ONES DRAGGING THEIR NAME NAME THROUGH THE MUD'S NOBLES WHO'VE GOT A SILVER SPOON SHOVED SO FAR UP THEIR SKIN'S TURNING BLUE!" The Arvek-nar roars down the hall, smashing the gate once, then twice, the lock getting torn off the door with a subsequent blow. Seemed he struck a nerve, or several.

It is now Warrick's turn! Gran'it is next!
<OOC> Warrick will move forward and take a pot shot at Remorseful foot soldier
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon16+1+1: (5)+12+1+1: 19 HIT
GAME: Warrick rolls xbowDamage+1: aliased to 1d10+4+1: (2)+4+1: 7 DOWN

Warrick's crossbow lowers briefly, only to snap back up. "You speak ill of events you had no part of! Call me any names you want, but you will not disrespect my Captain, my old squad, or my family!" he yells- no the only one genuinely angry- but keeps a lid on it as he scuttles down the rubble, zipping closer to the melee and firing off a shot from the hip along the way. It nails the foot soldier in the side, making them crumple into a heap. "Oy. Kingly Reinhard. For a leader of supposed Korites, you sure are bitch made with all this running."

It is now Gran'it's turn! Reinhard von Dunkelwald is next!
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14+2-3: (1)+14+2+-3: 14 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Aww, he misses."

It is now Reinhard von Dunkelwald's turn! Carver is next!
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Reinhard tries to Curse the Princeling, Casting Defensively."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 10+9+4: (5)+10+9+4: 28 SUCCEEDS
<OOC> Harkashan says, "DC 17 Will Save for the Princeling."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 3+1+1: (3)+3+1+1: 8 FAIL
<OOC> Harkashan says, "He then tries to run away."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Bryn and Gran'it get AoOs!"

<OOC> Warrick says, "those taking the AoO get +4 from zofi's feat"

<OOC> Harkashan says, "Gran'it has a 50% chance to fail."
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d100: (94): 94 SUCCESS
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14+2: (20)+14+2: 36 CRIT
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14+2: (17)+14+2: 33 CONFIRM
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+5+1d8+5: (1)+5+(2)+5: 13
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1+4: (13)+6+1+1+4: 25 HIT
GAME: Bryn rolls damage1+1+1: aliased to 2d4+4+1+1: (6)+4+1+1: 12
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Heavily injured. He ran to the north-west."

It is now Carver's turn! Fidget is next!
<OOC> Carver says, "Moved up"
Carver moves up to the gate, briefly looking down to the smashed lock.

It is now Fidget's turn! Bryn is next!
<OOC> Fidget says, "Cast Aqueous Orb and roll it through him"
GAME: Harkashan rolls 9: (14)+9: 23 SAVE vs Damage
GAME: Harkashan rolls 9: (16)+9: 25 SAVE vs Engulf

Fidget uses her enhanced speed to bolt after the retreating oracle, and rounding the corner to see him making for the stairs she yells out "That's not surrendering!" and throws a gesture at the floor that sends a drop of water rolling towards him, a drop of water that grows in size to large enough to engulf someone entirely, if he hadn't ducked out of the way in time, it splashes against a wall and comes to a halt for now.

It is now Bryn's turn! Zofija is next!
<OOC> Bryn zoomies up then tries a swing at him. All same as before.
GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE.
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (16)+6+1+1: 24 MISS

"Coward! Liar! Get yer yellow arse back 'ere so we can kick it!" Bryn bellows as she zoomies on after the fleeing Dunklewald. Can't have him warning his army, and even if that wasn't worry, she still wants to catch him. Because he's proven himself to be an arse, and even said some really rude things about Zofija and Warrick. Maybe that's why she takes a heafty swing at him when she catches up, even if it just goes wide

It is now Zofija's turn! Warrick is next!
<OOC> Zofija says, "charge him"
GAME: Zofija rolls 1d20+9+1+1+1+1+2-2: (7)+9+1+1+1+1+2+-2: 20 MISS
<OOC> Zofija says, "alright, a swift to challenge"

"WELL, THAT REQUIRES BREATHING, DOESN'T IT?" Zofija yells down the hall, charging down the hall in an attempt to smash the wizard, but finding no purchase where the water distorted their placement just enough that there was a large indent in the wall where their head appeared to be.

It is now Warrick's turn! Gran'it is next!
<OOC> Warrick won't be able to do anything except double move
<OOC> Warrick pulls out a tanglefoot bag along the way

Warrick rushes forth with the others, holding his crossbow with one hand as he pulls out a fist sized bag from a pouch on his side. "Surround him! Grab him!" the arbalest yells from the back line. He wasn't going to be able to make it...!

 It is now Gran'it's turn! Reinhard von Dunkelwald is next!
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d100: (56): 56 SUCCESS
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Gran'it manages to ignore the curse this round"
GAME: Harkashan rolls 14+2-3: (15)+14+2+-3: 28 HIT
GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d8+5+2+6: (16)+5+2+6: 29 DOWN

Carver comes around the corner, the last of the party to join. Her dark eyes shift from the corpse of the fallen Reinhard before settling on Warrick. Her expression is *inscrutable*. She eventually looks away with a question, "Should we leave?"

Reinhard's blade moves quick. The small dagger doing so much work as he deflects the blows of Bryn and Zofija. Fighting for his life. He just has to get upstairs. He just has to... "I... I've got him! I will not let you stop this rebellion!" Gran'it is running down the hallway. Stumbling. Those black vines across his skin grasping at his throat, trying to stop his movements. Gasping for breath as he just barely manages to make it to Reinhard. Rather than something skillful, he just calls out in anger. "SERRIEL! GUIDE MY BLADE!" As he throws his Glaive that last bit right for Reinhard's back... "Nooooo!" Reinhard calls out in anguish! And the blade pierces, causing Reinhard to stumble and fall as it pierces through his armor, through the damage done by Gran'it's allies. And the man falls down, bloody... beaten... As his eyes slowly go pale. "But I foresaw... my victory..." He glances at Warrick, as he rounds the corner. "... Anomaly..." And lifts a hand towards him. "May you forever..." His heartbeat aches. "... be marked." As a black snape ropes through the air and suddenly grips around Warrick's throat, swirling around, and 'bites' him. Creating a black tattoo upon his neck.

"That, gods damn it all. Least he's dead now." The arvek-nar grunts, turning back down the hall. "You okay there Warrick? Is that like, whatever the hells he did to the prince?" "Can't leave, we need to secure this place. I'll see to any who aren't dead in the halls behind us. Should be a prison here we can keep them, might be useful as bargaining chips, might even be able to see the error of their ways, but that's real hopeful thinking." Zofija snorts. "But no, we weren't taking this place just to dump it, there's a lot more to go, now."

Warrick pants as he rounds the corner, getting ready to glue the man to the floor- but then the rebelling lord manages put down the tyrant! He pants, sweat dripping from the bottom of the helm. He starts to- something whips through the air, Warrick dropping everything and grabbing at something on his throat..! "What the-...?!" He grabs at nothing, then scratches at the spot, confused as all hell as he pulls free his helmet. He meets gaze with Carver. Sighs. "Can talk later," he mutters to her before clearing his throat. "Yes, we should... go," the man answers, fishing around for a little mirror in a pocket and checking his neck. "This whole endeavor was beyond strange. I feel... fine, Skyguard. Stabbed a few times but fine. Not whatever happened to the prince."

Dismissing the watery boulder with a flick of her wrist, Fidget looks at Gran'it, "Are you...okay? You got some black stuff - and now so does Warrick. What is that stuff?" she asks, and casts a detection spell to investigate the potentially dangerous magic. "And I'm gonna have some questions later about the stuff he said. I noticed you didn't say it wasn't true, Warrick? Just that it wasn't how he made it sound?" she chats as she scans them both to figure out if this magic is going to hurt either of them now the caster is dead.

GAME: Fidget casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 9 DC: 18
GAME: Fidget rolls spellcraft+4: (19)+22+4: 45
<OOC> Harkashan says, "You detect they are both Cursed."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Gran'it with a curse of confusion and inaction."

Bryn also turns to eye Warrick, or rather follow the strange snake in its journey to Warrick and then the after math. Several blinks. Another peer. Then she looks to Carver while jabbing a thumb in agreement to Zofija. "Ye. Jus got 'ere. Ain leavin yet. Secure it. Take it back. Set it up. Then there's lots drinkin 'n eatin!" Because they won, right! Her eye goes back to Warrick. "Sure ye good? If'n its poison, better suck't out." Not that it looks anything like a normal snakebite.

"Never taking another job with politics involved," Carver says as she disappears into the dark to do as told. Secure and prepare for a potential counterattack.

"No, I will remain here." Gran'it remarks to the rest of the Adventurers. "From here, I will..." He groans. "Okay, maybe I need to see a Cleric soon." He groans, grabbing at his throat. "I have to get the marks down, and open the gates for the reinforcements to get in." He looks to Carver. "It's almost over. Thank you for your aid. You will of course get paid." Noting how Carver is grumbling about politics. "And then we get the wards down, and announce our existence. This is only the beginning. Cidolfus will not take this lying down. But the moment we announce this to the world, all eyes will be on him. He won't be able to just make this problem 'disappear'."

First checking out Warrick, Fidget says "A curse? A weird curse. Seems ... kinda harmless, but would make it easy for someone to spot and identify you - perhaps you have to worry about an assassin in future? Curses are annoying - you'll need a cleric to get rid of it." Then on Gran'it, "Another curse. Confusion one. Can't fix that one either wihtout a cleric friend." she lets them know.

"Father and mother did leave the Myrrish kingdoms, yes. But they weren't royalty or anything of the sort," Warrick answers, inspecting himself. "He's not... entirely wrong about my Captain and I. But we didn't butcher anyone. Just..." He watches Carver walk off. A sigh escapes him. "The Alexandrian Wight Invasion," Warrick mentions once before shuddering. "I'd rather not speak any further of old wounds right now. Not in the mood." The arbalest just stares at Fidget as she explains the whole ordeal of curses. The mirror is put away, and he rubs at his face. "Serriel damn it. Great. This whole thing is weird." Thinking a moment, he pulls off some armor on his left arm and rolls up a sleeve, exposing a scarred arm with a tattoo of Serriel on the upper half, inspecting it.

"What'cha talking about? The political ones are great. Nice to be doing something to help people for a good job for a change." Zofija chuckles, trailing into a pained cough as the arvek-nar clutches their back and leans against one of the walls. "Damn, last wound was just starting to feel better, too. Think one of those guards stabbed me good in the back." She grumbles. "Still, better than being cursed. You guys probably got it worse than a good old stabbing, I don't envy the idea of dealing with magical curses."

"Eh, stabs we get fixed up," Bryn assures Zofija. "N ain no reason to go doubtin nobody 'ere, right?" She looks from Warrick to Carver and back. "Sure we can find somebody to deal with the cursin, too." There's a bit of a frown before her tusk perk up with a grin. "Worst things gonna be explainin that ink ta-URGH!" She suddenly shuts her eye in a grimace of pain and her free hand goes to her head. "What in Kor's colossal.. bash it!" Her eye opens with a few blinks. "Ain the first time we done this. But it stuck this time..." A slow glance around is made to try and confirm that.

Warrick nods along with Zofija. "I'd prefer jobs like these, but they have their demerits." Bryn's sudden pain gets his attention quickly, him blinking a few times before looking down at his holy symbol tattooed on his arm. "... we have? Messing with loops? I've heard about that. But he seemed... surprised to see me here. I get the feeling that having Serriel's symbol on me might have blocked him from seeing me in his predictions," he proffers, rolling the sleeve down and strapping down the armor that was removed. "I think he's got extra help. Should be wary of that." He blinks. "Anyway, the prince is right. Let's clear the place, get an announcement ready, and get a friggin priest."

"Given the spells and curses he was slinging around, I think this guy might be an Oracle - a weird magic user that's somewhere between arcane, divine, and cursed themselves. I've heard they can see the future, but never far enough in advance to set up traps like this, to see us coming more than a few minutes in the future. And he didn't seem unusually powerful in the rest of his abilities - maybe he had an ally helping him out? Or some kinda cool magic item?" That switches her from musing to curious, and she focuses her detection magic on the corpse on the floor, looking for anything shiny and cool.

Warrick nods along with Zofija. "I'd prefer jobs like these, but they have their demerits." Bryn's sudden pain gets his attention quickly, him blinking a few times before looking down at his holy symbol tattooed on his arm. "... we have? Messing with loops? I've heard about that. But he seemed... surprised to see me here. I get the feeling that having Serriel's symbol on me might have blocked him from seeing me in his predictions," he proffers, rolling the sleeve down and strapping down the armor that was removed. "I think he's got extra help. Should be wary of that." He blinks. "Anyway, the prince is right. Let's clear the place, get an announcement ready, and get a friggin priest."

"Yeah, sure we can, and, wait, now are you in trouble too?" Zofija asks, turning around to see the others."I wouldn't be surprised, it'd explain how he had an entire multi stage ambush planned for an entrance that was supposed to be unknown." She muses. "Shit. Dealing with some things that are pretty powerful. We'll need to be careful. And we'll need to see a priest. I'd rather not go through my entire stock of bandages from bleeding wounds if I can help it, you know how expensive sterile bandages are?"

"Ugh... an Oracle. Yeah, that explains some of it." Gran'it groans. "Never heard of someone of this guy's abilities being able to see that far into the past. I agree, Fidget." The princeling remarks, as he starts up the stairs. "Damn bastard saw us coming... we'll have to find a way to get around that - if there's more like him. And it looks like Warrick... or perhaps Serriel, may be the answer to that."

"Nope, nothing particularly cool and interesting here. Though... I can probably repurpose this enchantment from the dagger, maybe Rune needs more stabby things." Fidget says, finishing rifling through the dead man's pockets, and slipping a knife into the mess of layers of her petticoats (how much stuff does she keep in there?).

Bryn recovers from the unexepected recollection and nods. "Ye. Le's clear it. Get things set. Find a priest. 'N some good ale. 'N stones." She tilts her head and the Dunklewald being lightened by Fidget. "I 'member he liked seein, maybe didn' like bein seen. There's magic rocks or summin here keepin others from foreseeing stuff. Be good ta get goin for us. In case he ain' the only one wantin ta watch."

"By the way, what do you plan on us doing now you've taken out the leadership - do we have time to rest before we're attacked? I can take you both somewhere to heal, it'll only be a matter of hours." Fidget points out. "Up to three passengers to Alexandria and back."

"We should have at least some days before the Mainland can react." Gran'it answers. "Maybe even a few weeks. I'll be trying to get allies from the nearby Dukedoms. So you've got some time to head home if you'd like. I can contact you once we're ready for the next stretch." He offers to Fidget.

"Gran'it - *you're* one of the three. I can have you back in a couple of hours, but that curse is not one you can ignore - it will get you or someone else killed if it triggers again at the wrong time. Warrick's only 'might' get him killed. Delegate a couple of tasks to someone who's willing to stay while you're away." Fidget insists, "Or don't, I guess it's your rebellion." and the goblin gives a shrug, she's all for people making their own choices, even if they're dumb ones.

"Honestly... I would love to take you up on that Fidget." Gran'it remarks. "But... I don't think it would be wise for me to show up in Alexandria. My sheer existence is going to have heavy political ramifications. And if I show up in Alexandria, it may not be looked upon fondly." He explains to Fidget. "But if you find a Cleric, by all means, feel free to bring them around to me instead."