A shadow had fallen upon Sirène. She could feel him inside her mind; a dark, malevolent presence trying to worm its way through her most intimate thoughts. She tried to resist, clawed at him as best she could. But it was no use. Her vision became blurred and indistinct; her ears numb from the endless dull ringing inside mind; her chest tight as the air was squeezed from it.

Until, finally, he was gone.

Sirène gasped for air. She shook her head in an effort to gain her bearings, returning to the world through blinking, tear-strained eyes. The battle was not going well. Alasdair smirked triumphantly, a crazed general surveying with glee the chaos that he had sown. Her allies were all isolated, all wounded, and all overwhelmed.

“Astaldi Sirène,” the elven enchantress whispered to herself, trying to ward off any lingering fear and doubt. “Astaldi ten’mellonea.’
One of her hands produced a vial from a belt pouch and emptied its contents through her parched lips. With that brief moment of respite, she forced herself back into the fray.


OOC: Sirène will move will drink a potion of extra healing and move to where Cor is currently lying.

The Elvish translates: “Courage Sirène. Courage for my friends.”

Rayne paid attention to the ebb an flow of what was happening around her but here main focus was on the far right hand Minion, she had already wounded. Hasted still her arrows flew from quiver to bow and when released, there was a satisfying twang of the string as it vibrated. Rayne watched each arrow fly off and transform into a shaft of energy as it flew towards it intended target. Even as it dlew her fingers snatched another arrow with practiced ease notched it drew and released yet again. Four shafts of energy targeted on on minion . If they got out of here, and the story of there travails were told, songs may be written, perhaps an epic poes or ballade.

Rayne couldn’t help thinking that it was like a song a war song to be sure, yet even more than that. The was the twang of bow, the clash of steel and shield the smell of blood and sweat, the sizzle of magic that permeated the air. She wondered if those in years to come ever heard it would believe a half of it. The thought a strange little smile that played on her lips. This was a fight they must wim for the dade of the world. Wherther it was ever sung about or recited what was important was that she and her comrades did theier utmost to win. This was her overriginf focus of her entire beings.

Lives had already been lost to get them this far. Lives had be lost today. But how many more lives would be lost if The Darkness won. Rayne could think of no sacrcrifice that was to great to make to achieve their vistory.

[If #4 goes down, then Rayne will swiitch to Minion #3]

The stone turned to flesh as the panther took shape and responded to Ulthok’s commands. Leaping to attack Divot the panther drew the Zombie's focus. To Ulthok's surprise and amazement the Zombie bounded from the predators attack, leaping up on the wall and clinging there to keep out of the panthers reach and returning its attack. Divot’s movement away gave Ulthok the time he needed to drink the potion of fire protection and digest it without worry of throwing it back up. He now needed to get close to the horror in his brothers body. His ring would allow him to vanish and get close enough reach out, smashing the vial of oil of firey burning on the zombie consuming the evil. Protecting himself from the fire should give Ulthok an advantage and as the creature burns the mage will be sure to finish it.

Kenji’s battle rage grew when he felt his swords bite deep into the opponent before him; it was cooled a little when he received a blow to his chest which slide him backwards in his stance. He looked up and shook his head and then seeing the smaller opponent striding forward to meet him again he smiled broadly.

“Ai.” was all he said as he reengaged the warrior before him. Finally he had found someone with which to do proper battle. This was no riddle, puzzle, or bug creature; this was a warrior which stood before him and tried to kill him. The honorable thing was to give his best in return and either slay his opponent or die in the attempt.

(If by some chance this opponent was killed prior to him getting his turn; he will turn his attention; move then attack, towards Alasdair.)

Wanting to go into battle behind the other fighters and use them as shields did not seem to work a brute all to himself. The sword play seemed to be all it was. The brute being able to hack and slash at will and the old man only being able to wave his huge axe as if saying, ‘see this don’t come any closer or I will use it.’

It was then a familiar smell came to his nose. He pushed this to the back of his mind as he fought but some how he was pushed or guided back to something. It was then Maggot took a blow and in the pain his eyes widen and he saw what was there, his things.

OOC: Maggot will attempt to break combat, move to his things and pick up his Sword. So that way he could at least possibly hit this brute that stands before him.

It had been a long road to this point in time for this party of adventurers. Losses of friends and fellow party members, now with the recent deaths of Haila and Cynil, numbering a baker’s dozen. The goal before them, a number of enemies new and two old standing between them, the fight continued........

The first to act this round was Sirene, having fought off Alasdair’s attack on her mind she took a quick scan of the battle field before her and knew what she had to do next. A potion of Extra-Healing to hand she drained it and was on the move even before it had fully taken effect. Her movement still hasted what would have for her been a full move was shortened and she easily reached Cor’s unconscious body. Rolling him over she prepared to help him the next round.

Kenji’s battle rage grew as he felt his swords bite deep into the opponent before him, however his feeling of elation was quickly cooled as he received a blow to his chest.
The Samurai, not one to let the blow stop him, was once more engaged in melee within seconds. Still benefited by Sirene’s Haste spell his attacks where many with three of them connecting this time. However again the Samurai warrior found himself taking a heavy hit, this time to his right leg, and felt the bones there shatter!. Off balance, Kenji almost fell, but was able to maintain his stance as the hulking brute stepped up once more, A ball of greenish/bluish light cast from the shielded minion (#2) inclosing him for a few moments once more.

Maggot was in trouble and knew it, due to his eagerness to engage the foe after having been brought back to life he had grabbed a weapon unfamiliar to him, and so far it had proven to be a bane on his attempts to hit the minion before him. Having caught sight of his gear nearby out of the corner of his eye he made a desperate choice. Throwing the axe of Demon’s Fire towards the minions head he dodged low and was able to reach his gear, grab his normal sword and block the minions main attack with it’s battle axe but was still caught by the hand axe held in its left. However now armed with a much loved and familiar weapon the next round would be very different.

Conall having met the minion’s first attack and blocking it was ready for it’s next set. Still somewhat alit with tiny flames it moved with one purpose to strike the Paladin before it. A series of parries and blows and Conall found himself unhurt, yet having gained a hit upon his adversary.

The last of the group facing Alasdair and his minions to act this combat round was Rayne. Having had some success with her bow attacks the last round she decided to continue to attack #4 again in the same manner. However this time her aim was badly off as the first two energy arrows missed minion #4, the third striking Kenji in his unhurt leg and the fourth barely missing the Samurai again as the two combatants were locked close together. Seeing that this time her attacks had done more harm then good it was time to perhaps try something else. As only one of two healers, with Cor down and out and Sirene moving to help him, mayhap it was time her talents for healing were brought forth.

As it had the last round so it did again this round the shield wielding minion (#2) standing in the rear casting spells and guarding the way past it to Alasdair. Having finally moved Althena next to the glass stand, he spoke to her once more.

“Grab the sword and place it in my empty scabbard or I shall take it myself and then you and everyone in this room will die!”
Punctuating this with a blast of his psionic ability of Domination, Althena reached for the sword grasping it in her hand for the first time in 1200 years. Her eyes flashing open in surprise, she was shocked at what she truly held, Nothing told to her from her father up to this point had prepared her for this................

FAR CORNER (EDITED)
Ulthok, though not 100% was better then he had been since his brother had first appeared and shown himself as a Zombie Lord. With his summoned Panther dazed, its back broken, the Halfling Mage/Thief found himself facing his brother alone once more.

With Divot distracted by the panther attack Ulthok willed a spark of spirit into his ring and vanished, at the same time grabbing quickly a Potion of Fire Resistance and drinking it down. Now invisible his plan the next round was to directly attack his undead brother using a flask of Oil of Fiery Burning, while he himself was protected by the Potion he had just drank. As he watched his brother easily finish off the panther the Halfling Thief/Mage noticed for the first time the slippers upon Divot’s feet, much like the ones of Spider Climb he had worn before. Again his brother’s unnatural speed came into play as he noticed Ulthok gone and began a quick search of the small darkness shrouded area. Ulthok knew that the Zombie Lord was sure to find his ’little brother’ within seconds..............

(DM OOC: Ok here’s my delayed post from this past weekend. I just started to write it and it seemed to almost finish itself after all the rolls were completed. Next Post Next Sunday the 18th. Damage and a semi-new Map are updated.

Also as I have not heard from Mercury or seen any activity from him on the Inn in 2 weeks I have decided to drop him from the game and the character as with Haila and Cynil will not be recast. For now the 6 players we currently have will be the only players until I get you to a spot that I can recruit two new players and characters.

Like always..............

"GAME ON"!! )

Kenji staggered from the blow to his leg; he felt the bones break and gritted his teeth against the pain. He barely held on to his swords and glared at his opponent. He saw the strange glow that enveloped the guy and frowned as he glanced at the enemy that was in the back of the front group.

“SOMEONE TAKE OUT THEIR HEALER” He yelled and gestured briefly at the one he suspected of healing the one that he was trying to kill.

Knowing his time in this battle was running out, he gathered all of his remaining strength. With a battle cry "Kiai!" (Lesser Ki Power) he flung himself at his opponent whom he now saw as unworthy. This thing may be a good warrior but he was not honorable; to be engaged in single combat with another warrior and yet to be assisted by their healer was not the mark of an honorable warrior. In Kenji’s eyes this one was no longer worthy of an honorable death.

He threw himself bodily at his opponent, he sweep both of his weapons at the weapon of his opponent in an attempt to knock it to the side; then he threw himself atop his opponent attempting to use his giant size to overcome him and bear them both to the ground. He wanted to pin this opponent down where he could not use his weapon or get up.

Kenji knew he would probably not survive this battle; his strength was failing and he was seriously injured, the least he could do was to temporarily take his opponent out of the picture. He hoped to give his comrades time to accomplish their ends even if it meant his life.

(Edit: Added use of lesser Ki power shout, see above)

“Hello old friend.” The old man whispered to himself as he sprang to his feet with sword in hand. The half wild Ranger/Bard still in a three-point stance but now facing his foe with a much loved blade gave an evil grin as a bit of light twinkled from the blade, “Now let us dance, you and I.”

With that the Old man sprang into attack.

Ulthok had willed a spark of spirit into his ring and vanished. Hidden from sight he knew he’d have to move quickly, he could not afford to let this atrocity to continue. Holding his breath to prevent the stench from befalling him again he closed on the creature searching for him. Divot moved surprisingly quickly. Ulthok could see the zombie had shoes similar to his for spider climbing, but they didn’t make him quicker. Divot looked up from the defeated leopard and starting searching the darkness to find Ulthok. As Divot passed the invisible Ulthok he was close enough to touch . Using the quickness gifted him by his boots of striding the determined Halfling leapt on the Zombie’s back,(stealth and /or dex bonus)grabbing him and smashing the vial into the living corpse, releasing the fire fluid. “Be free my brother!”

Both sadness and hope course through Ulthok as he clung (strength bonus)to his brother’s back. He knew he had to avoid those unnaturally strong arms. His heart ached and leapt with the hope he could save his brother soul by destroying the cursed body.

The abomination could not be allowed to escape, if the fire didn’t destroy the zombie Ulthok could hold him until help might arrive. If the corpse would collapse to floor the Mage would draw his sword and behead the thing.

So much had happened in such a short time, from the appearance of the hideous insect-like creatures to Alasdair’s sudden betrayal, that Sirène could barely register it all. She and her friends had done all they could to overcome each new challenge, only for another, stronger foe to emerge. The battle was endless. And bit by bit, like a patient craftsman working with unworked stone, they were all beginning to crumble beneath the strain.

“Arwen, laita ilya man verya óla cala ,”
The words crackled with power and meaning. Sirène found comfort in the familiar tones of the ritualistic prayer. A moment’s refuge from the deluge elsewhere. But it was mouthed to benefit Cor, whose broken body the elven enchantress cradled in slender arms. She moved her mouth to his, her dark locks mingling briefly with the blacker, coarser hair of the dwarf’s beard, to lay a chaste healing kiss upon Cor’s cracked lips.

“Tsk. Sleeping on the job. What would your Dwarven brothers say?” she added in a chiding whisper.


OOC: Sirène’s casting Cure Serious Wounds on Cor.

The elven translates as: ‘Lady, bless all who dare to dream of the Light.”

rayne what disappointed to say the least when her first two arrows went wide of her intended target. However that feeling turned to a horror as her third arrow struck Kenhi in his leg and that crumpled beneath him. HEr fouth arrow she hardly noticed what hapened to it. rayne leaped forward slinging her bow and raced towards Kenho She still had a Heal spell available to her. She had veen at the forfront of the battle taking all thepunishment form the minions Alasdair had summoned. She leaps forwaard and races across the room towards where KEnhi still fights on despite his injuries.


Rayne will use Cure Serious on KEnji as soon as she gets there this round or the next.

Will the bhump spell on my sword allowed me to hump that far?

Hard hits, tough talk, a kiss shared, with a battle very much in doubt, the party fought on.............

Maggot naked as the day he was born, but larger then the newborn he had been then, finally had something in his hand familiar, warm and throbbing for his touch. However this was not flesh but cold hard magical steel and as he brought it up to block he then at once attacked. Minion #3 caught off guard by the quick block/attack found himself hit easily in two places, Maggots two attacks successful. However the minion was not one to be upstaged and taking advantage of Maggots unprotected flesh struck right back gaining a single hit once more. The hit from the battle-axe in his hand cutting deep causing Maggot no small amount of pain.

Conall yet in melee with minion # 1 again moved to the attack, both combatants trading blows. This time the Holy Avenger in the Paladin’s hand cut very deep, slashing a clean blood filled line across the minions belly. However it was a case of traded critical hits as #1’s sword, revealed to Conall as it drew his life energy into it as one of 9 lives stealing. As Conall began to die he pushed the Holy Avenger forward attacking one last time hoping for a hit.

Rayne seeing the futility of firing arrows into a melee knew the best thing she could do was attempt to heal those of the party she could reach. Seeing Kenji as the most wounded of the party in melee she slung her bow and moved towards him. Still hasted she easily made it to his left side to stand slightly behind him and cast a Cure Serious Wound spell upon him. Her action for this round a success she watched as the Samurai surged forward.

That same Samurai feeling the infusion of healing energy gave a shout of "Kiai!" bringing forth the ability to raise his strength and moved to close combat once more. Again the two enemies traded blows but only Kenji this time was successful in hitting, the giant maul missing him by inches. Kenji’s two blows clearly having an effect the largest of the minions instead of surging forward once more as he had before, instead took two steps back. However it was clear to Kenji, though he had hurt the big armored minion, he was still in this fight.

This time however no blue glow encased him as that went instead to #1 as Conall’s hit had hurt him the worst. The glow there and gone the shielded fighter moved in support of #4 and it’s battle with Kenji.

Sirene knowing the battle could easily turn against the party in a spilt second knew they needed every able body person up and fighting. A quick glance to make sure she was clear and still hasted like the rest of the party she moved, like Rayne had, easily to Cor’s prone body and quickly yet gently cradled the old dwarf in her arms.

“Arwen, laita ilya man verya óla cala”
Sirene spoke as she leaned down to place a kiss upon the dwarf’s lips, casting a spell of Cure Serious Wounds at the same time. Her head lifting, the spell cast, she watched as Cor once more opened his eyes.

THE FAR CORNER
Ulthok invisible and for the moment hidden from Divot’s sight heard his brother speak as he searched for him.

“Come now little brother, hide and seek? Whatever shall I tell mother of you while I eat her.”
As Divot passed Ulthok, crouched so very low, he was finally close enough to touch . Using the quickness gifted him by both Sirene’s spell of haste and his own boots he easily leaped upon Divots back smashing the vial of Fiery Burning he had yet been holding.

“Be free my brother!”
As Divot was suddenly engulfed in flames, Ulthok yet clinging to his back protected from those same flames, found that his older brother was yet full of fight even as the flames ate at him. Reaching behind him and over his shoulder he grabbed Ulthok by his hair and physically pulled him to his front. A fist hard as steel then struck the younger halfling square in the face easily breaking Ulthok’s nose. With blood spraying everywhere Ulthok watched as a flaming fist drew back to hit him once more.

ALTHENA & ALASDAIR
As Althena grasped the sword only she had the power to contain she was shocked, scared, surprised and in disbelief as she stood in silence, a battle to gain this very item ongoing before her. The sharp jab of her former lover’s sword and his raspy voice once more reminding her of Alasdair’s commands she placed the sword within the empty sheath at the Death Knight’s side. Knowing what was coming next she braced herself for his killing blow but was surprised instead to find herself released and lying on the floor.

“I will tell my master of your cooperation my love. Mayhap he will once again send me to visit you with his blessings,”
Laughing clearly in victory and enjoying it, Alasdair disappeared Gating himself away.

(DM OOC: Ok there you have this weeks post and Map I hope you enjoy it. Keeper once more you are able to post actions.
Next post Next Sunday/Monday )

Cor opened his eyes to find Sirene's lips pressed against his own. "Why lass, I dinna know ye cared." Cor winked then his mind tried to put things in order. One moment he had been tending to Ulthok and the next he was under care from Sirene and Ulthok was engulfed in flame in the clutches of what looked like Divot. 'That canna be. The lad is dead.' Cor thought. His next thought was zombie or some other form of necromancy. Unsure of exactly what was going on, Cor took a bit of a conservative chance; weilding his axe he used his priestly powers in an a attempt to turn the creature that held Ulthok. "By the power of Odin I command you to flee from his holy site!" As he cast, Cor moved closer in case next round his axe was needed in a differant manner.

“Thank you Milady,” Kenji said quietly as he felt the healing and a slight turn of his head showed the Lady Rayne close behind him.

Getting the better of the battle this round pleased Kenji but his opponent was still standing and he was growing angry at the whole situation. Seeing the casting member of the enemy coming over to assist his opponent he growled.

“Coward!” He cried aloud looking directly at his adversary, “Have you no honor that you can not face an enemy in fair combat? So be it!”

Throwing caution to the wind, the Samurai gripped his swords tightly as he yelled a fierce battle cry "KIAI" (Ki power) and moved himself slightly to the left and placed his large frame between his now two opponents and the Lady Rayne behind him. He directed his attacks against both of the enemy before him; he used his right hand to attack his current adversary and his left hand to direct attacks at the latest arrival.

“Why…why do ye care…?”

It was dark and cold. The words rumbled like two rocks grinding together, a sound that caused the bowl she had been holding to slip from her fingers in fright. Her eyes widened as blood bubbled past his thick lips, and his thick heavyset hand reached for the half-broken axe by his side. She was running before she knew it, past all the short, stocky bearded bodies that lay lifeless around the brook, plugged with arrows. Fine white elven arrows.

“No please…” she heard from behind as she slipped into the trees, “I don’t want to die alone….”
---

"Why lass, I dinna know ye cared."

Sirène opened her eyes to find those of Cor staring back at her. The dwarf grinned idiotically, a trace of her blue rouge still upon his lips. With a wink, the dwarf rose to his feet leaving traces of a wistful smile upon Sirène’s elfin face.

The smile lasted only a moment. The air reverberated suddenly with arcane power. Sirène could taste and feel its light burn upon her skin. She barely needed to look to know what had happened. The sword was gone. Althena lay defeated by the plinth upon which it had lain. And, Sirène did not have to see Alasdair disappear, or hear his cruel goodbye, to know that he had taken it.

”Rhaich,” Sirène cursed softly, knowing that any deeper reflection would have to wait for later. The elven enchantress began to trace runes in the air, summoning the tattoos that laced her form into a vibrant blue burst of colour.


OOC: Sirène will cast Disintegrate at the minion that was casting spells (minion 2).

EDIT: Having read Ulthok's plan, she will first move until she's 40' clear of Ulthok before casting the spell.