Beyond the Pale Part 6
The party for their part have regrouped in the formerlly trapped corridor, now festooned with slowly melting oily black icicles which are all that remains of the black pudding after being promptly dispatched by the crypts own defences. Ulthan took a nasty blow from the trap in the same gout that finished off the black pudding, but they seem to have a moment to prepare themselves, if those skeletons stay where they are for the time being.
Crik hops on after the rest of the party, carefully stepping around the black puddings and keeping close to the walls in case the traps decide to go for bird legs. "... are they moving?" He asks. "A really long stick or a sizeable rock usually helps." The corvid suggests, before looking at the rest of the party. Beyond the fact that he was bloodied, spat upon and looked like a walking corpse himself, he looked absolutely fine! "Strange that there were this large crypt and nobody on the town seemed to mind."
Ulthan's leaning on the door while looking over the next area of the crypt that has now opened up fro them.
Topped off by the clever use of wands, Skyler still looks relatively rough for wear as he sits down next to the lever, staring at the wall opposite him for a moment. "I don't think I am *ever* going to eat a pudding again." He informs the entire party before getting to his feet, pulling a handkerchief out of his coat to mop the blood and gore off his face.
He makes his way towards Crik, frowning. "They don't look like they're moving." He says dubiously, "But considering there was a defaced statue of the Harper..." Obviously there's going to be undead. They've already faced undead, and all indications are an evil necromancer or some shit. He glances down the hall they came, frowning. "I'm kind of worried about something coming from the rear. Any sign of another lever we can use to close the door we came through?"
Gargoyles and pendulumns and puddings, oh my! With the last one of those now freeze-dried, Bryn looks to her compatriots and then in the direction of the skeletons. "Least we found s'more bones ta break, ey?" Always good to look at things from the half-full side. "If'n more come from th'other way, tha's jus more ta hit!"
Burai wanders down the hallway. He holds a large sword-like weapon, loosely in one hand. He peers into the room but seems unwilling to leave the sight of the rest of the party. "Yes, we have to be careful of becoming trapped down here in this...dungeon, of being attacked from all sides." He squints into the room. "And we have yet to learn more about the 'master' that supposedly slumbers here."
Ulthan says, “We see two, but do you think there'd be another, or few more, hiding behind the corner fromt he doors? Anyone poke their head in to do a full scan?”
Crik holds out his hands. "The worst thing that can happen is that the doors close in on us and we are trapped with the air of death." The corvid says, shaking his head. "Let us not close our escape path. At least without really long rope to get us back to the surface." He then rubs at his beak. "Anyone have bones that I could stitch to the cloaks?"
<OOC> Thurid says, "If anyone would like to, give me a knowledge/nature check."
<OOC> Skyler says, "What 'bout dungeoneering?"
<OOC> Thurid says, "You can roll it, but it won't give the same info."
GAME: Crik rolls knowledge/nature: Trained Use Only: 0
Haggerty carefully walks to the right of the passage in which the group stands to see the end of it. The wizard shakes his head to the shoulderbagged companion on the way back, "No Kay, you may not go on your own when there is deathly acid on he floor." The dogelet wince-snorts a reply while the arcanely studying redhead kneels to get a sample of the frosted pudding into a stoppered vial. For science! He looks between the others. Listen first, comment. "There may well be more outside, but then there must have been patrols of which we have not seen a thing. I have never heard of material undead who use tracklessness. I assume any on the graveyard would have joined the attack of the chimeric rider." He clears his throat into the balled left, "On the skeletons ahead, I think we could try to bind them? Else I have a scroll I could try. But we did not confirm them being magically animated or undead."
GAME: Skyler rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: (3)+1: 4 GAME: Burai rolls knowledge/nature: (11)+6: 17 GAME: Crik rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: (18)+7: 25 GAME: Haggerty rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: (9)+9: 18
"I mean, we *all* have bones." Skyler points out to Crik with a good natured grin towards the raven-man. He also jerks a thumb towards the skeletons, adding, "We could off those guys and use'm to stitch the bones onto you?" He scratches his jaw, "Unless the point is try and sneak past them? Although how would that work, considering they don't have eyes?" He squints, and then abruptly shakes his head with a pained expression. "GAH. Too much thinking."
GAME: Ulthan rolls kdun: aliased to knowledge/dungeoneering: (18)+4: 22
There's lots of things they don't know yet that they need to find out, and almost as much speculation. Bryn is all about learnin things. "Le's find out!" She strides ahead throught the doors to see what else she can see.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Thurid has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Thurid to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
<OOC> Bryn oohs. "I found a timestop!"
When Crik mentions being trapped, it seems to remind Burai of something. He looks up and along the ceiling, where roots poke through te stone here and there. "The great tree above is pushing it's way into these catacombs," he notes. "We can dig our way out and to the graveyard above, if we must." He pauses and then glances at the party. "Although it wouldn't be easy," he admits.
As soon as Bryn passes the threshold marked by the archway seperating the large chamber from the rest of the crypt, the skeletons twitch. Their hands grip their blades, shaking loose grave dust, and a dim glow burns in their empty sockets, growing brighter and brighter until it fills those dark voids in their grinning skulls. Their shields are lifted, and held ready, and blades thrust tip down into the ground as they stand rigidly to attention, staring at the interloper.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 24.
It is now Skyler's turn! Burai is next!
<OOC> Skyler says, "Hoookay, how far are they from us?" <OOC> Thurid says, "Oh I've lost you on the map" <OOC> Thurid says, "Ah you were sitting under Burai" <OOC> Skyler says, "NM I needed to refresh map XD Moving thirty" <OOC> Thurid says, "It's a full round, no surprise, so you can still take a standard or another move if you like." <OOC> Skyler says, "Imma defend where I'm at" <OOC> Thurid thumbs up. "Pose away."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now Burai's turn! Cryptguard 2 is next!
<OOC> Burai will cast Barkskin on himself and move up about 10 feet to the left of Skyler <OOC> Thurid says, "Pose it."
As the creatures come to life, Skyler lets out a low, frustrated moan as he sprints after Bryn. "I'll draw, you flank." He tells the Bard, even as he takes a guard position, ready for the creatures to swarm forward and attack with his pale grey-green eyes narrowed in consideration.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Guard 2 delays his turn until after guard 12" <OOC> Thurid says, "1*"
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 19.
It is now Cryptguard 2's turn! Haggerty is next!
<OOC> Skyler says, "12?!"
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 18.
It is now Haggerty's turn! Cryptguard 1 is next!
<OOC> Haggerty says, "Ranting and casting Detect Magic."
Haggerty says, "I have some ghoulish toe nails in my component pouch, but I doubt that helps, good Crik. The very nature of this edifice is meant for both entry and exit to those who know the tricks and traps. So yes, we need to watch our sixes." The spellcaster with the damaged blue hat squints at the guards to determine the strength of what keeps them unlife. "Master Shapeshifter, could you animate the roots to do the digging for us, please?"
GAME: Haggerty casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
Burai glances at the roots pushing through the stone and seems to realize somethng. He chants under his breath. And his own skin begins to thicken and take on the hue and consistency of the roots. Then his attention is drawn into the room as Skyler rushes in. The half-orc's expression turns grim and he races in after the pirate. At the mention of 'flank' he shifts his direction to drift to one side, perhaps not realizing the instruction was not meant for him.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Cryptguard 2's turn! Cryptguard 1 is next!
<OOC> Thurid says, "The guards raise their shields defensively, and then advance 20' in lockstep."
The clattering assembly of animated bones and ancient armor jerk into motion. Their shields are held out ahead of them, as the pair of them begin to march in perfect lockstep towards the adventurers. Their gait is stiff and regimented, perfect soldiers even in undeath.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Cryptguard 1's turn! Bryn is next!
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 15.
It is now Bryn's turn! Ulthan is next!
<OOC> Bryn shall spin up Inspire Courage as a move, then step up to the pair. "Since she's drawing and Sky Guy is flanking. Or something like that." GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. <OOC> Thurid thumbs up!
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 15.
It is now Ulthan's turn! Crik is next!
<OOC> Thurid says, "You'll provoke taking the straight path there, you're passing through a threatened square." <OOC> Ulthan says, "Moved there, and since it was straight line, I used charge... So that's, +2 to hit, from that, and how much from Bryn's IC?" <OOC> Thurid says, "Ah, charging, alright." <OOC> Haggerty says, "Yes."
"Look't 'em! Walkin tagether! Le's break off their knees, watch 'em fall down tagether!" Bryn gives a call with her point, then steps on up to them with her big curved blade out. "Knock the dust offa dem fer yer collectin, Crik!" He wanted bones, right? And Skyler he was flanking to her draw, ey?
GAME: Ulthan rolls weapon1+4: (3)+9+4: 16
<OOC> Thurid says, "And that's a miss." <OOC> Thurid says, "Go ahead and pose it."
Ulthan rumbles as he sees that the Bard has pulled aggro again, he waits for his friends to clear before he rushes to intercept, charging his swing as he goes, but having to stop short, he misses byt a plume's length.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 14.
It is now Crik's turn! Skyler is next!
<OOC> Crik says, "I suppose I can't stealth it up here?" <OOC> Thurid says, "You don't have any cover." <OOC> Crik says, "Alright, I'll just move in. How does checking for trap work in init?" <OOC> Thurid says, "Halfs your movement, and a perception roll." <OOC> Crik says, "Can I still full move or is it standard?" <OOC> Thurid says, "You can still full move." <OOC> Thurid says, "Just can't run." <OOC> Crik will do that then. will move as far as he can around the party to get around the back and check for traps
GAME: Crik rolls perception+2: (12)+11+2: 25
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, pose it."
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 24.
It is now Skyler's turn! Burai is next!
Crik opens his beak. "Oh." He flips open one of his fresher notebooks. "How... to... sneak... past... skeletons..." He murmurs quietly, making large diagrams. It takes him a moment or two too long to notice Bryn is just marching on forward. "The floo-" He begins but then the skeletons and the rest of the party was rushing in. "There are procedures for bone collection!" He calls out after Bryn. A pause. "... at least try to keep them in one piece!"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Sky guy! You're up."
<OOC> Skyler says, "As much as I'd love to be strategic, I'm gunna 5' step up and do a full attack on Cryptie 2" <OOC> Thurid says, "Roll 'em"
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2: (13)+13+2: 28
<OOC> Thurid says, "Making sure I didn't need to heal or DM punch anyone :p" <OOC> Skyler says, "Roll second attack or damage first?" <OOC> Thurid says, "That's a miss." <OOC> Skyler will crit fish anyways
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2-5: (7)+13+2+-5: 17
<OOC> Thurid says, "And miss. Pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now Burai's turn! Haggerty is next!
"No promises!" Skyler calls to Crik as he lifts his blade into a guard position, frowning as he considers the skeletons in front of him. He flicks his blade twice: First a wicked overhand strike that bounces off the edge of a shield, and the second a flick towards the eyes that doesn't *quite* hit due to the momentum being robbed by the bounce off the shield.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Burai, you're up."
<OOC> Burai would like to wildshape into Dire Tiger, and then move around behind them, has 40' movement and was trying to move straight up, then to the right, then behind to avoid any AoO shennanigans...and then single attack <OOC> Burai says, "Up meaning north :D" <OOC> Thurid nodnods. <OOC> Thurid says, "That works! Roll to hit, with flanking." <OOC> Burai says, "For future reference...how high is the ceiling"
GAME: Burai rolls 11+2+2: (1)+11+2+2: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Thurid says, "Decently high, about 20'" <OOC> Thurid says, "That's a wiff, pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 18.
It is now Haggerty's turn! Cryptguard 2 is next!
<OOC> Thurid says, "Are you maintaining concentration on Detect Magic?" <OOC> Haggerty says, "Yes. Also step up two squares."
Burai moves! He begins to walk, but after a few steps falls forward. But his body morphs and twists as he falls. And thus it's the giant cat that lands, suddenly bounding forward and then to one side, to end up behind the skeletons. It swipes with a claw but the hasty attack scrapes off of armor. The great cat growls in frustration and then looks for a less protected spot for it's next attacks.
<OOC> Haggerty says, "Roll Spellcraft or know/arcana, please?" <OOC> Thurid says, "Sure, go ahead and roll Spellcraft"
GAME: Haggerty rolls Spellcraft: (12)+13: 25
<OOC> Thurid paged infos. <OOC> Thurid says, "Go ahead and pose."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 16.
It is now Cryptguard 2's turn! Cryptguard 1 is next!
<OOC> Thurid says, "The cryptguards each full attack, directing their first attacks at Ulthan and Burai, and their iterative attacks at Sky and Bryn." <OOC> Thurid says, "They also stop fighting defensively." <OOC> Thurid says, "Ulthan first."
GAME: Thurid rolls 12: (4)+12: 16
Haggerty moves forward and explores the immediate area with his detection magics, "There is a trigger spell. Looks like alarm. This can set up a teleport spell or summoning. Strong stuff! I can try to banish the teleportation. By all means, watch out!" Then, the wizard and his familiar espy for flickers of a gate or another type of strong summons.
<OOC> Thurid says, "This one is for sky" GAME: Thurid rolls 7: (3)+7: 10 <OOC> Thurid says, "Now roll for riposte."
GAME: Skyler spends ONE point of PANACHE. GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2+2: (3)+13+2+2: 20
<OOC> Thurid says, "Riposte successfull." <OOC> Skyler says, "Want me to roll a second attack or use that one?" GAME: Skyler uses an AoO! 4 remaining.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Roll again for your attack"
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2+2: (19)+13+2+2: 36 (THREAT)
<OOC> Thurid says, "Roll to confirm."
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2+2: (11)+13+2+2: 28
<OOC> Thurid says, "Does not confirm, but does hit." <OOC> Thurid says, "Go ahead and roll damage, precision applies."
GAME: Skyler rolls damage1+2+6: aliased to 1d6+5+2+6: (2)+5+2+6: 15
<OOC> Thurid says, "You hurt it a bit!" <OOC> Thurid says, "And now, Bryn"
GAME: Thurid rolls 7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Thurid says, "And another miss."
THe Skeletons move with preternatural coordination, when Burai moves behind them, one turns to strike at him with a low sweep with its blade. The other tries a thrust at Ulthan but fails to find its mark. The first of them finishes its turnabout to follow up with a lunge at Bryn, but the tip of the blade thusts past her. Finally, an overhead sweep for Skyler- Skyler binds the blade and deflects it expertly, but as he lunges in for a devestating riposte the skeleton's comrade interjects, bashing the tip of Skyler's blade off course and leading him to score only a glancing blow. The pair of them seem to expertly cover one another's blind spots, and immediately seize upon oppotunities the other creates as they fight back to back.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 16.
It is now Cryptguard 1's turn! Bryn is next!
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 15.
It is now Bryn's turn! Ulthan is next!
<OOC> Thurid says, "Anyone have any skills related to military tactics, combat theory etc, can roll them for a hint." <OOC> Bryn has K/Military Theory? <OOC> Thurid says, "Perfect"
GAME: Haggerty rolls knowledge/military tactics: (15)+knowledge/military tactics: 15
<OOC> Thurid says, "Profession/Soldier or /Gladiator or /Guard would also work."
<OOC> Haggerty says, "Hagg has military theory +13."
GAME: Bryn rolls knowledge/military theory: (4)+9: 13
<OOC> Bryn stares at die. <OOC> Bryn says, "Oh, wait! I can just Take ten on that." <OOC> Ulthan says, "By the way, do I get flank from Burai?" <OOC> Thurid says, "You do." <OOC> Skyler does love a big boi <OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, Bryn's up." <OOC> Bryn cracks knuckles. "This could be painful, but, I would like to attempt a Bull Rush on Cryptie2." <OOC> Thurid says, "Alright. You'll provoke, since I don't think you have Improved BUllrush, right?" <OOC> Bryn says, "Correct."
GAME: Thurid rolls 12+4: (1)+12+4: 17 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Thurid rolls 12+4: (12)+12+4: 28 GAME: Thurid rolls 1d8+6: (2)+6: 8
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, one of them hits you." <OOC> Bryn nods. <OOC> Thurid says, "Make the attempt"
GAME: Bryn rolls cmb+2: (12)+10+2: 24
<OOC> Bryn would like to use Gallant Inspiration as an immediate if necessary. <OOC> Thurid says, "That's a success, you push them back 5'" <OOC> Bryn says, "Yay!" <OOC> Bryn will also move with. <OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 15.
It is now Ulthan's turn! Crik is next!
<OOC> Ulthan says, "Oof, no easy flank... I'll take 5' to there and swing at the baddie." <OOC> Thurid says, "You still have flank on 2 with Burai"
Bryn blinks as a thought strikes (hey, it happens sometimes!)... or maybe it's a wink; it's hard to tell with her. "They's battle buddies! Gotta keep 'em separated!" Not the most detailed explanation, but that could be because she lowers her shoulder as she says this and rushes into the one to her right. Despite getting jabbed on the way, she checks and pushes back her target a couple steps and bbarrels along with it. "Ha. come out and play!" All carried on in a rhythm and with a refrain of "We got this!"
<OOC> Ulthan says, "Oh, right, the size... :D" <OOC> Thurid says, "He's large sized, yeah" <OOC> Bryn failed to mention she maintains inspiration, also.
GAME: Ulthan rolls weapon1+2+2: (5)+9+2+2: 18
GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE.
<OOC> Thurid says, "That's a wiff" <OOC> Thurid says, "Any other action?"
Ulthan follows the pushed-off crypt keeper and tries to swing at their head, but gets the angle wrong again, going above their head.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 14.
It is now Crik's turn! Skyler is next!
<OOC> Ulthan says, "None that I would take this phase of round... :D" <OOC> Crik says, "Can I roll religiion to try and identify these things beyond 'skeletons in armor'?" <OOC> Ulthan says, "I mean, if I rage, I will do it -before- I try to swing... :D" <OOC> Thurid says, "You can!"
GAME: Crik rolls knowledge/religion: (6)+3: 9
<OOC> Crik rerolls that just because. <OOC> Thurid says, "Alright"
GAME: Crik rolls knowledge/religion: (17)+3: 20
<OOC> Thurid says, "Any other action?" <OOC> Crik will then move one up and slap the nearest skeleton <OOC> Thurid says, "Roll to hit, you have flanking"
GAME: Crik rolls weapon1+2: (16)+9+2: 27
<OOC> Crik says, "Do I also have bardic?" <OOC> Thurid says, "You do, and that hits with bardic" <OOC> Crik says, "Sneak attack!" <OOC> Thurid says, "Roll damage, with sneak attack"
GAME: Crik rolls damage1+3d6: aliased to 1d4+1+3d6: (2)+1+(14): 17
<OOC> Thurid says, "You hurt it some, but it's still looking pretty strong! Pose it."
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 24.
It is now Skyler's turn! Burai is next!
Crik turns his head towards the side, opening his beak. "Not mindless skeletons! But still skeletons! Do not underestimate their lack of brains!" The corvid calls out and then moves a little closer to try and wedge the blade in the cartilage. "Anyone have any positive energy?" He asks, "Someone who is not Skyler or Bryn?" He adds.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, Sky's up if he's back from cleaning up after doggo"
<OOC> Skyler says, "I am! Sec while I take in the map"
<OOC> Skyler patiently waits for it to refresh
<OOC> Skyler says, "5' step NE to block Cryptie2 from flanking Bryn, then full attack on Cryptie2"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Roll 'em"
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2: (4)+13+2: 19
<OOC> Skyler says, "Gunna reroll that" <OOC> Thurid says, "Go for it"
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2: (19)+13+2: 34 (THREAT)
<OOC> Thurid says, "Roll to confirm"
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2: (16)+13+2: 31 (THREAT)
<OOC> Thurid says, "That's a crit." <OOC> Skyler says, "Gunna burn panache to double my precision, but gained a panache for confirming crit so break even"
GAME: Skyler rolls damage1+damage1+4+12: aliased to 1d6+5+1d6+5+4+12: (5)+5+(1)+5+4+12: 32
<OOC> Thurid says, "A resoundinjg blow. It's still up, but badly damaged." <OOC> Thurid says, "Iterative attack?"
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2-5: (10)+13+2+-5: 20
<OOC> Thurid says, "That one misses." <OOC> Thurid says, "Go ahead and pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 22.
It is now Burai's turn! Haggerty is next!
"I'm *full* of positive energy!" Skyler protests to Crik at his exclusion, voice sounded injured and offended. He takes a deep breath, focuses, and bounces behind Bryn to protect her flank. "Positive thoughts!" And he swipes his blade after a momentary pause to analyze the situation. His strike is true, slicing the creature with a wicked blow across the neck that threatens to behead it but falls short. His return blow glances off the gorget, and he glances at Crik with a beaming smile, "See? Positive energy! I was positive I'd hit it!"
<OOC> Burai will full attack #2...and if any actually hit I will for the first time use Grab! <OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, roll 'em"
GAME: Burai rolls 11+2+2: (15)+11+2+2: 30 GAME: Burai rolls 11+2+2: (7)+11+2+2: 22 GAME: Burai rolls 11+2+2: (7)+11+2+2: 22
<OOC> Thurid says, "One hit. Roll damage and CMB"
GAME: Burai rolls 2d6+8: (8)+8: 16
<OOC> Burai says, "Does performance help with CMB rolls? :)" <OOC> Thurid says, "Bardic?" <OOC> Burai nods <OOC> Bryn says, "Barid does. It is an attack roll" <OOC> Thurid says, "Yeah, anything that boosts your attack roll also boosts CMB"
GAME: Burai rolls cmb+2+2: (18)+9+2+2: 31
<OOC> Thurid says, "And Guard 2 is grappled." <OOC> Thurid says, "Pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 18.
It is now Haggerty's turn! Cryptguard 2 is next!
<OOC> Haggerty says, "Try to dispel the big spell." <OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, cast it and roll it."
GAME: Haggerty casts Dispel Magic. Caster Level: 5 DC: 18
GAME: Haggerty rolls 1d20+5: (13)+5: 18
<OOC> Thurid says, "You are unable to dispel the magic." <OOC> Thurid says, "Any other action?"
Burai flinches back as the skeleton's begin attacking. But between his toughened skin and the superior reflexes affored by his new form, Burai avoids the attacks. "Positive enerrgy?" he rumbles. "Would fire suffice?" It's seemingly the question Burai asks about everything. Even a few wisps of smoke escape from his jaws at the thought. But then he seems to come back to the moment. Opening his jaws wide he clamps them down on a shoulder. The bite is solid, and twisting his head he tries to dig his huge fangs in further and gain leverage to hold the guard immobile.
<OOC> Haggerty says, "I would like to reroll, if needed." <OOC> Thurid says, "Sure."
GAME: Haggerty rolls 1d20+5: (3)+5: 8
<OOC> Thurid says, "Still no dice, I'm afraid." <OOC> Bryn shakes fist at dice. <OOC> Haggerty says, "Bleh. Anyway. Posing. :)"
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 16.
It is now Cryptguard 2's turn! Cryptguard 1 is next!
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty. Guard 2 will attempt a full round action to escape grapple."
GAME: Thurid rolls 9: (16)+9: 25
<OOC> Burai CMB is currently 11, CMD is 24 <OOC> Thurid says, "Then it escapes the grapple"
Haggerty scowls. The two are at least powerfully programmed beings. Nothing for a minimized scroll! "They are a pair. The lady minstrel is most correct!" The Aesir squares what small shoulders he has and over-enunciates negatory sentences in Eldritch while the blue eyed mage gestures to the extent he can. The incoming or lingering mojo is mighty so the Northman gives it his all, sends waves of abjuration at the opposing force. The effect stays. "Rotten apples! The conjuration is too powerful!"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Guard 1 will drop the shield, 2-hand its sword, and full attack Bryn." <OOC> Bryn feels loved and adored.
GAME: Thurid rolls 10: (6)+10: 16 GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (11)+5: 16
<OOC> Thurid says, "Wiffs twice. It will 5' step into flanking now, since I forgot to do that first." <OOC> Bryn shrugs. "That's your call. We're all human (even if our (N)PCs are not. :)" <OOC> Bryn has no problem with it. "To be fair, you allowed the Bardic to continue when I didn't explicitly state it until after my turn." <OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, then that's two hits I believe."
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d8+9: (6)+9: 15 GAME: Thurid rolls 1d8+9: (6)+9: 15
<OOC> Bryn says, "It's just a flesh wound."
After the skeletons are forcibly seperated, their shield wall tactics are suddenly no use to them and the adventurers manage to pile on the damage to the now isolated guard. One of them manages to wrest itsel;f free of Burai's jaws with a couple of pommel strikes to the snout of the tiger and then a twist of its shoulders. The other seems to have taken objection to Bryn's brash maneuvre, and drops its shield. It grips the hilt of its longsword in both hands, and then plunges the tip into Bryn's back. It shoulders her off it's blade, drawing it back and around to come down on her shoulder with a second blow, both drawing copious blood from the hot-blooded bard.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 16.
It is now Cryptguard 1's turn! Bryn is next!
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 15.
It is now Bryn's turn! Ulthan is next!
<OOC> Bryn will take a swing at the very injured #2. Maintain Bardic as free. Swift for Arcane strike. Using Power Attack. <OOC> Thurid says, "Roll it"
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1-2+2: (3)+11+-2+2: 14
<OOC> Bryn says, "Reroll" <OOC> Thurid says, "Go for it"
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1-2+2: (11)+11+-2+2: 22
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, that's a miss I'm afraid. Any other action?" <OOC> Bryn will throw iterative at it, too. Just on the off change. <OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, roll it."
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1-2-5: (8)+11+-2+-5: 12
<OOC> Thurid says, "Yeah, that's a wiff, too." <OOC> Bryn nodnods. Posing.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 15.
It is now Ulthan's turn! Crik is next!
<OOC> Ulthan says, "I'll swing at the damaged one... That's still flank and bardic, right?" <OOC> Ulthan says, "Oh, for the heck of it, I'll rage, too..."
GAME: Ulthan RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 10 temporary HP GAME: Ulthan rolls weapon1+2+2: (16)+11+2+2: 31
<OOC> Thurid says, "Yup flank and bardic" <OOC> Thurid says, "And hit"
GAME: Ulthan rolls damage1+2: aliased to 1d10+7+2: (4)+7+2: 13
<OOC> Thurid says, "And dead." <OOC> Thurid says, "Any other action?"
Ulthan sees the blood of a comrade be spattered around, and it flips the Bloodrager out, with a roar he seems to grow bigger and more indistinct as he activates his Rage and takes a heavy smash at the mostly-battered skeelton, finishing them in a shower of splinters and bones.
<OOC> Ulthan says, "Nope." <OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 14.
It is now Crik's turn! Skyler is next!
<OOC> Ulthan says, "Applied Blur to me via the Arcane Bloodrage." <OOC> Thurid nodnods! <OOC> Thurid says, "Crik, you're up."
"Smash 'em good! Break 's bones!" Bryn shouts on as Cryptkeeper #2 is bitten, held, pummeled. "Ah!" Sure, she gets hacked into from behind, but a wounded enemy is just as dangerous (or moreso!) than any other. Which she intends to prove by bringing her big curveblade up and down in a hurried overhead swing.
Unfortunately, she falls short of her proof, as the wasn't expecting it to move from Burai's jaws. Her unplanned follow-up is even more uncoordinated. At least now she can turn to the one remaining. "Yer next!" She may be bleeding a bit profusely, but since when has that slowed her down, much less stopped her?
<OOC> Crik says, "I'll five foot down and stabbity the skeleton" <OOC> Thurid says, "Roll it."
GAME: Crik rolls weapon1+2+2: (5)+9+2+2: 18
<OOC> Crik sad noise <OOC> Thurid says, "Miss, sadly." <OOC> Thurid says, "Pose it."
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 24.
It is now Skyler's turn! Burai is next!
<OOC> Skyler says, "5' step down and full attack. Sucks I lost flank, but maybe I can crit XD" <OOC> Thurid says, "He also dropped his shield." <OOC> Thurid says, "Roll to hit"
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2: (2)+13+2: 17
<OOC> Thurid says, "That's a wiff"
"They are not programmed! They are just skeletons who champion their past lives!" Crik calls out and then makes out a loud caw as Bryn gets splattered. He then looks at Skyler. "More positive energy, channel more positive energy!" He rapidly gestures at the pirate. "Imagine yourself cleaving their skulls clean off!"
GAME: Skyler rolls weapon1+2-5: (11)+13+2+-5: 21
<OOC> Thurid says, "That wiffs as well, I'm afraid." <OOC> Thurid says, "Alrighty, go ahead and pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 22.
It is now Burai's turn! Haggerty is next!
<OOC> Thurid says, "Burai, you're up, one skele left."
"Positive energy!" Skyler says, although there's a certain high pitch squeak to his voice as he watches Ulthan take out the guy he softened up for him. When Bryn gets struck, he moves to draw attention with a lunging step that glances off the shield, as does the follow-up, an underhand wrap blow designed to go under the shield. "... I think I'm out of positive energy."
<OOC> Burai attacks!
GAME: Burai rolls 11+2+2: (12)+11+2+2: 27 GAME: Burai rolls 11+2+2: (11)+11+2+2: 26 GAME: Burai rolls 11+2+2: (8)+11+2+2: 23
<OOC> Thurid says, "Two hits"
GAME: Burai rolls 2d6+8: (8)+8: 16
<OOC> Thurid says, "Roll damage and CMB if you're grabbing"
GAME: Burai rolls 2d4+8: (8)+8: 16
<OOC> Thurid says, "Badly damaged, but still up" <OOC> Burai says, "Only grab so far but sure I will try!"
GAME: Burai rolls cmb+2+2: (15)+9+2+2: 28
<OOC> Thurid says, "And grappled." <OOC> Thurid says, "Pose it. Also do you have reach, or are you 5' stepping?" <OOC> Burai will 5' and does not have reach <OOC> Thurid says, "I don't think you have flank then" <OOC> Thurid says, "So only the first one hit, still grabbed though." <OOC> Thurid says, "I think? That's what the second +2 on your roll was, yeah?" <OOC> Burai nods <OOC> Thurid says, "Yeah, one hit, 16 damage plus grabbed. It's fairly rather than badly damaged. Pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 18. It is now Haggerty's turn! Cryptguard 2 is next!
<OOC> Haggerty says, "Step up to stand diagonally behind Bryn. Then cast Prot Evil on Bryn." <OOC> Thurid says, "ALrighty, cast it."
GAME: Haggerty casts Protection From Evil. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
<OOC> Thurid says, "And go ahead and pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 16. It is now Cryptguard 1's turn! Bryn is next!
<OOC> Thurid says, "Cryptguard 1 will attempt to claw at Burai's face rather than escape the grapple."
GAME: Thurid rolls 7: (12)+7: 19 GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (7)+3: 10
<OOC> Thurid says, "What's your current AC?" <OOC> Burai says, "I believe it remains 27, somehow he doesn't gain the grappled condition due to Grab. Since he is using monster rules."
Haggerty jogs forward and right, "A shield for the lady!" He already follows up with more spells-tongue words and gently pats the bloodied bard's shoulder from the back to layer the oruch with a silvery sheen of protection.
Burai's head is wrenched as the guard pulls free, almost pulling free one of Burai's dagger-like fangs with it. The cat's growling takes on a puzzled note when a flail-like weapon smashes down the skeleton in front of its very eyes. Burai turns wearily towards the remaining guard. His long tigerish tongue rubs his still-loose fang, testing it. He's lost feathers as a bird and fur as various other animal forms without any ill effect when he resumes his normal shape. But does he dare risk a tooth? He decides in an instant that he does. He opens his jaws wide and clamps them down on the remaining guard's outstretched arm, once again digging the large teeth in and locking his jaws.
The skeleton sees its comrade fall, and the fire in its empty sockets flares with anger. It doesn't have long to process it though, before Burai is upon him, crushing bone and armor alike with feral jaws. The skeleton releases one hand from its longsword, and attempts to Rake at Burai's eyes with its bony hand to encourage him to let go, but is unable to do any real damage.
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 15.
It is now Bryn's turn! Ulthan is next!
<OOC> Bryn will try Crypt-smacking again. This time, she has flank and grabbed target, at least. Maintaining Inspire Courage as free. Swift for Arcane Strike. Power attack. <OOC> Thurid says, "Roll 'em"
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+2+2: (19)+11+2+2: 34 (THREAT) GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+2+2: (4)+11+2+2: 19
<OOC> Thurid says, "Hit, no crit." <OOC> Bryn nods. GAME: Bryn rolls damage1+2+2+6: aliased to 2d4+7+2+2+6: (4)+7+2+2+6: 21
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, now it's badly damaged but not quite down." <OOC> Bryn adds on iterative.
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+2+2-2-5: (7)+11+2+2+-2+-5: 15 <OOC> Thurid says, "That's a wiff, pose it."
GAME: Thurid advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 15.
It is now Ulthan's turn! Crik is next!
Now they've got it right where they want it! That is, surrounded, being chewed on, and getting pummeled; just like the last one. "Jus die already! Again!" Bryn yells at it while repeating her big swing from the prior attempt. This time it hits, but the skeleton isn't quite convinced to go back to being dead-dead. Still, "We're breakin bone. Bashin skulls! It ain' gettin' way!"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Ulthan, you're up." <OOC> Ulthan says, "I'll move to there and swing..." <OOC> Ulthan says, "Burai's still in flank?" <OOC> Thurid says, "Yar, you're flanking with him now"
GAME: Ulthan rolls weapon1+2+2: (13)+11+2+2: 28
<OOC> Thurid says, "Hit"
GAME: Ulthan rolls damage1+2: aliased to 1d10+7+2: (8)+7+2: 17
<OOC> Thurid says, "And that drops it."
Ulthan, not satisfied with one smashed skeleton, chases to reach the other one, still fuming with his Rage, and swings a massive overhead strike, pulverizing the spine of the remainging skeleton.
The second skeletal guardian crumbles to the ground at Ulthan's telling blow, its sword clattering from its bony grasp. Burai still has a hold of its other arm, but that arm comes off as its structural integrity is compromised so the dire tiger is left gnawing on an armor-clad forearm separated from the rest of its corpus. Blood still trickles from Bryn's wounds, but the rest of the party seem largely unscathed for the encounter.
As Ulthan enters a rage and fairly pulverizes the last skeleton, Skyler blinks, relaxing somewhat. He glances over at the Bloodrager, and holds his free hand up soothing. "Hey big guy... Sun's getting *real* low." He says in a soothing sort of voice, "That's the last for now." He glances around, brow furrowed, Crik? Any sign of traps or hidden doors? This might be a good place to rest. We have a narrow door on one side, and the high ground on the other." Beat. "Any bones left for Crik's creepy cloak, the doggo, and maybe some tasty bone broth?"
Crik covers his face as the skeleton gets pulverized. He stares down. "... effective. Maybe positive energy is not just magic afterall." He bops his head at the corpses for a moment, before quietly leaning down and reaching out for one of the skulls. "... what if I wear a skull, would it work as a disguise?" He tilts his head. "... add a light for glowing eyes?"
Then the corvid rogue's eyes move towards Bryn's wounds. Blood for the blood disguise. "-oh! No, there are no traps in this room." Back at the bones.
Bryn seems pleased enough to have laid some smack down, even if it was just softening up the bones for Ulthan. It's only after it crumbles that she lowers her weapon, and a beat later looks down at herself. "Jus' needa sec ta catch my breath." Yes, there's plenty of blood running if anyone needs any for anyting.
Burai opens his jaws and shakes his head until the bone dislodges itself from his fangs and falls. Then...slowly...as if he can't resist. One feline paw moves forward and bats the disembodied arm back and forth. Finally Burai turns his feline head to look around. "Well done," he says to the rest of the party. "Those crreatures were very strong. Unnatural." He pauses and then adds, "I mean, they were strong even for skeletons." Then he focuses on Bryn. "You seem to have taken the worrst of it..."
Haggerty exhales some of that adrenaline built tension. To the side as to not breathe on Bryn's neck. "Wound cleaning and closure time. Mind the lingering conjuration, please. It is NOT gone. There could be another trap, so be careful, please." The redhead looks at the derring do man. "Some undead see lifeforce not appearances, good Crik."
GAME: Burai casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 7 DC: 14 GAME: Burai casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 7 DC: 14
GAME: Burai rolls 1d8+5: (8)+5: 13 GAME: Burai rolls 1d8+5: (1)+5: 6
"They were not normal skeletons," Crik shakes his head. "They were..." He makes a grand sweeping gesture in the air. "CHAMPION skeletons. Smart, intelligent, and apparently very good with shields." And then he looks at Haggerty. "But what if I cover myself with undead energy?" He holds up some of the bones in front of his beak.
GAME: Bryn used a Wand of Cure Light Wounds. GAME: Bryn used a Wand of Cure Light Wounds. GAME: Bryn rolls 1d8+1: (5)+1: 6 GAME: Bryn rolls 1d8+1: (8)+1: 9 GAME: Ulthan ends his rage.
Ulthan sits down heavily after the combat ends and his Rage leaves him. "Sheesh, those guys were hard..."
Haggerty scratches his chin with the gloved knuckle of his right while the pointy hatted man pats the little canine who snirfles and is let on his tiny paws. "There might be enough lingering mana or necrotic energy, but only for a little while. And every, please mind the magical threat."