As the creatures move from the tree line the heroes discover they they are not bats, but rather Shadow beasts! They begin to swarm around them!
The one that Charles attacked moves forward floating in the air, it raised it's massive claw and struck Charles across the chest. As Charles raised himself up he stared to feel weaker for some reason. (S3 Attack Strength Drain: 21, Damage: 9, Strength Drain: 3 points til short rest.)
The flames around Bowme's scimitar light the area. Yet it is also became a beacon for the nearby shadow beasts! One such shadow flew from the trees slashing at Bowme! It cut through his defenses. Luckily for Bowme, Marissa's spell was still in effect. Yet as Bowme recovered from the attack he to felt his physical strength drained. (S2 Attack Strength Drain: 17, Damage: 9, Strength Drain: 4 points til short rest.)
With fury and vengeance in the creatures eyes, the shadow beast flew at Draycor with out stretched claws! As it attacked, Draycor timed his movements just so and was able to dodge the attack just in the nick of time. Due to it's injuries the shadow was so weak that it could not even defend itself! (S1 Attack Rolls: Crit Fail! Next attack against it has advantage!)
Breaking the tree line as the others have the shadow reached out strike Desmond with it's claws! Yet the Drow caught the attack with his sword and forced the shadow down and back. (S4 Attack: 13)
Seeing it's prey try to escape, The shadow dove forth at Beautiful, claws striking this way and that. However the seasoned Goliath parred the attacks one after another until the shadow could do no more! (S5 Attack 11)
After the shadow tried to attack Desmond, he comes up at the shadow and hits it with his long sword doing damage to it, Desmond was in glee when he hit the shadow creature he was having the time of his life.
Draycor completely devastated by his self diagnosis of narcolepsy took a quick break from the action. He had to process what this condition would have on his life and mission (Init FAIL miss turn).
Bowme raises his scimitar and slashes at the creature standing in front of him. Its mid section is split wide open as the flames consumes the shadow beast! The flames on his scimitar grow a little brighter after that kill. Bowme stands and gets ready for another strike.
Beautiful readies his blade after advantageously moving back to his fellow adventurers. When the foul beasts come forth swinging, Beautiful taunts the creature as he parry's the initial attack. Beautiful counters with one of his own- slicing into the beast with a hefty downward swing. He follows up with a jab, with the butt of his weapon, into the open wound created moments prior. To Beautiful's surprise, The halberd tip pierces straight through the chest cavity of the (now) dead creature. With one last swing of his weapon (into a defensive pose) he discards the carcass without a fleeting look.
His furious rage filled eyes are directed towards the mass of creatures on the other side of Marisa. He moves into position for the next flurry of swings.
Elias felt a chill run down his spine as the creatures charged his companions and blood was drawn. He saw his chance as one creature was busy attacking the human named Charles. He side stepped the people encircling him and moved to flank the creature. (s3). The trick to being a monk is actually not religion like most people assume. It is science, one must have knowledge to do an effective amount of destructive damage with his fist and palms. Any idiot can pick up a sword and mortally wound another person, that's what weapons are made for after all. Elias did not know the number of hours he had spent studying the anatomy and physiology of just about every creature ever killed and dissected for study. Although no two species are exactly alike you do learn that similarities exist and patterns abound in mother natures work; for instance a creature such as this like any other bird prizes its wings and has thousands of nerves in them that allow it to control its flight, but all those nerves also serve as a way to communicate pain to the brain. You know when you prick your finger for some reason it hurts more than when you cut your arm or your hand, well that's all the nerves in your finger tips communicating with your brain.
Elias sent his first strike into the creature's left wing and the soft thin sinew gave and tore under the force of his strike. (Hit1 9 damage) The creature shrieked in agony its ability to resist or dodge another incoming attack gone as pain became its reality, a singular thought that ruled every facet of its being. Elias breathed channeling his elemental fire abilities into his next attack which he aimed at the creature's exposed neck. Flame formed in his palm blue and hot; the heat of a well fed forge kept alive endlessly by the struggle of blacksmiths determined to never let it die for they know it is the eternal flame that burns the hottest. Like a hot knife through butter, Elias' fist slit through skin, sinew, and bone severing the beast's head from its body. (Hit 2 5 damage + 10 fire damage) His hand came away drowned in blood and guts as the beast's headless torso crumpled to the ground its bloody severed neck spewing steam like a bucket of water that has just been used to cool a heated blade.
Elias smiled adrenaline and blood lust pumping through his veins. Earlier today he had doubted that fate and the spirits might be on his side, that maybe just maybe they had forsaken him. All evidence to the contrary he thought flexing his hand.
Panic sets in and Marisa finds her eyes going wide. She knew they were going to run into trouble, but she didn't expect it to be this bad. She shook her head quickly and slammed her eyes shut.
It's just a dream.
She told herself that over and over. When her eyes opened the harsh reality of the world hit her like a brick. The company was surrounded. The brave cleric that had once stood seemed to be vanishing by the moment.
What do I do...!?
A small gasp left her lips as she watched Beautiful run to her, doing his best to shield her from any stray attacks. That simply action gave her the resolve to move on.
I HAVE TO DO THIS!
She felt a new sense of urgency, a sense of purpose. She had to fight, she had to protect. Within that very moment she threw her tome open and she found her eyes racing across the various pages. "There it is!" She lifted her index finger only to slam it into the page below. Once more magic began to gather around her, her form being wrapped up in the powerful aura.
"Keep them off me!" Her strength was back as a roar of confidence left her lips. The moment she went silent she was back to channeling. "Allow me to aid you, SHIELD OF FAITH" Her fiery locks seemed to spark as she let out a cry that could no doubt be heard through the entirety of the forest.
At that very moment pure energy burst from Marisa and surrounded Beautiful. Her eyes went wide as it circled around him. Her hair still standing on ends. A smile crept on her face. Through all the chaos that had happened she was just happy she seemed to do something right.
"Yes...!" A gasp of glee left her lips as she clenched her fist in victory.
Already the defeated shadows were dissolving. Their essence a black puff of smoke that evaporated as the fight continued. Still the few left made blood thirsty cries and attacked the companions! Yet as they tired the heroes were able to hold their own. Charles' fire arced through the air, striking the Shadow in front of Desmond in the face! (S4, 1 damage).
Blinded by the attack, the beast struck wildly about Desmond, but the drow was quick, reacting nimbly to the wild and unfocused attacks. The warrior cracked a mocking smile seeing how easy his prey would be to defeat. (S4 Attack 6 miss)
The blooded shadow moved closer to Draycor and tried to strike at the dragonborn with everything it could muster! Yet the ranger was able to deflect the attack with little effort since their was no strength left in the shadows attacks. (S5 Attack 7 miss)
As Marisa finished casting her spell something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. A shadow was upon her with it's claw raised high and was bringing it down. Instead, Marissa adjusted her stance and thrust her mace upward to meet the deadly claw. The parry was true and the shadow was thrown back by the surprise parry. (S6 Attack 13 miss)
As a new shadow moved to take the other's place, Beautiful was ready. He raised his spear and thrust the blade out catching the shadow in the the chest! As Beautiful pulled the spear out, black liquid poured forth from the wound. Still the shadow tired to attack striking with a new sense of purpose and malice towards the goliath. Due to the shadow's injury it was slowed and the barbarian was more then ready for the easy attacks. (AoO Attack Beautiful: 20 [Unnat], 14 damage on S7 / S7 Attack: 14 miss )
Combat Map
Damage Tracker:
Shadow1: 11
Shadow2: Dead, Bowme
Shadow3: Dead, Elias
Shadow4: 8
Shadow5: Dead, Beautiful
Shadow6: 0
Shadow7: 14
Players
Charles: 9 (STR -3)
Bowme: 4 (STR -4)
Desmond: +5
Beautiful: +5 (Shield of Hope, Raging)
Marisa: 0
Draycor: 0
Elias: 0
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PbP Character: Stribog Northson(Zendikar/Eberron) "Why chase them when a bolt of lightening goes so much faster"
PbP Character: Vilk Dusza (The Peak's of Winter's Hold)
Bowme realizes that his friends are in danger. He runs up to S1 (damage 21) and slices his body clean in half. As he prepares for his next attack, the scimitar gives off a brighter glow now. Bowme feels the fire from within and channels it through his blade. He yells out "Feel my radiant flames you shadow BASTARDS" in a fierce tone.
With new vigor, Beautiful stands tall and hides his halberd from sight hoping to catch the shadows off guard.
When one of them advances he catches it off guard by reaching out with a quick reactionary swing (AoO). He then recoils in the knick of time to parry the attacks from the shadow.
Now it is his turn to finish the beast. With a mighty swing to the midsection, the shadow splits into two. Beautiful adjusts his gaze to shadow who cowardly chose to challenge someone half their size (Marisa)!
In and attempt to show the shadow who the real challenge is; Beautiful follows up with a vicious blow to the pathetic shadow and jabs it in the chest with the butt end of the halberd.
Draycor quickly recovers. The wounded shadow is an inch from death but still draws near attempting to strike.
"Hey if you like my bow skills then you will LOVE my sword," Draycor mocked.
He quickly unsheaths his short sword twirling it with ease. As soon as the beast is in range, he plunges the blade into its sternum. With a quick twist he pops the shadow's chest open spilling its putrid guts on the dew soaked ground.
A low sigh left Maria's lips. Everything seemed to be going well. She couldn't help but feel proud at the power of her spells and the sheer dumb luck that she was able to parry a blow that would have no doubt sent her to the ground.
But this was no time to bask in the glory. There was still work to be done.
What should I do?
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
There were many to make in this moment and Marisa had to be quick and think of her next action. She had no time to spare even if the shadows were falling one by one. She turned her head and looked to Bowme before looking back to Beautiful, back to Bowme.
Alright, this is it.
With another slow breath she readied her spell as sparks began to fly from her tome. "No one is going to die..." She muttered under her breath before confidence once more shot through her veins. "HEAR MY CALL, ALLIES!" Her voice roared through the forest as she focused her attention on Bowme, Beautiful, and Desmond. "Take this blessing and fight on!" Energy shot from the young cleric's body as it seemed to wrap around the three she had her attention on. In a moment a calming aura would wash over them as they felt stronger than ever!
(Bless has been cast on Bowme, Desmond, and Beautiful.)
Desmond tries to attack the Shadow (S4) with an over arcing attack with his long sword but then he missed it, he can't believed that this happened " slippery bastard" he hopes that his ally Elias him can successfully hit it. Desmond looks to Elias and says " Hey Darthiir don't miss" he hopes that his new companion does hit, if he does miss then Desmond will laugh at him but it would suck if Elias does miss because the shadow will attack him but if it did try to attack him Desmond will use his shield spell. Desmond Thought too himself Jokes on the Shadow creature if it does try to attack me its a win win for me heeheeeee.
Elias needed to brush up on his Drow because he had no idea what "Darthiiiir" meant. It was probably some sort of weak insult, which was ironic seeing as how, Desmond was it, had just missed his attack. Elias was not one to standby in a battle however so he used the distraction to circle the shadow beast. (s4). With its back exposed he found the perfect opportunity to strike its back. Elias aimed low hoping to snap one the creatures lower lumbars. His left handed punch was rewarded with a snap and a shriek of pain from the beast. (1st attack 5damage) Lightning fast Elias right hand leapt forward and his fingers constricted the creature's neck. It choked and gasped writhing in his hand. His left hand joined his right and he twisted as if trying to snap a thick branch. Elias was unsure if the creature neck snapped or if it died from chocking first, but he didn't let up until he heard another satisfying snap and the creature gave a final death throw. (2nd attack 9damage) He caught the corpse in his arms and laid it at Desmond's feet. "You're welcome." He announced.
Seeing that it was a lost cause, the last Shadow (S6) broke away from combat and began to disappear into the mists. Only Marisa saw it's faint glow of mystical energy and gave chase! With her mace held high she struck out were it should have been. Unfortunately, the Shadow was too quick and disappeared completely into the mists. (Attack 13, miss). Yet Beautiful was not satisfied with leaving the shadow alive! He ran towards the dense fog, swinging wildly at the air.
The group now examined the remains but could not find anything except the some Essence of Shadow (x6). As they regained cooler heads they notice that the fog had become dense towards the western road. It was as if nothing could be seen beyond the mists. When they looked to the east, they could still see the road and in the distance an opening.
Desmond was very happy that his friend killed the Shadow " oh thanks friend, I know our races hate each other but we can still be good friends" he bows to Elias in thanks. Desmond cracks a smile, I can't believe I got this elf to do my bidding! I wonder what else I could make him do. his smile spreads deeper at the future holds.
Overall he thought the team did pretty well together. It seemed like they had a well balanced group put together. He was reassured that they would survive this strange situation that they found themselves in.
"Well everybody, I am very much impressed by your skills in combat. It looks like Beautiful still wants a piece of the action," he chuckled.
"Might I suggest we round him up and then head east. The west looks like it will only bring more trouble."
The scimitars fire extinguishes, just like the heat of battle. Bowme returns his blade to his hip and pulls his flask from his pack. The battle took the strength right out of him and he needed sometime to recuperate. Before dropping down into a short meditation Bowme looks at all the slain shadow beasts and says
"HA! Those F*ckin hosers! They ain't got nothin on our group of hacks. Nice work everybody. Somebody go get Beautiful, I need some meditation to center myself again."
Bowme drops down and begins his meditation but also listening to the group.
Elias flexed his his hands returning feeling to them, all that bone snapping and flesh tearing had made them go numb. He uncapped his large canteen and spared some of the precious water to wash his hands free of the blood. Elias had been fortunate to go unscathed he could tell not everyone in the group shared that. Indeed the druid had already sat down to rest, Elias doubted there would be time for a proper rest, but he didn't disturb Bowme. His eyes sought Beautiful who had rashly gone after the last of the creatures. His eyes found beautiful returning; disappointment on his face, so he did not manage to catch the creature. (perception 24) The path before them had grown even darker and more shrouded. Elias wondered if the path East was truly better , but than again its clarity might be a trap to draw them that way. They had not traveled for long so the sun would still be before them. Elias once again sought the guidance of the spirits and around him, but they remained silent. He reached forward hoping to make contact with something with his mind, but instead received a high pierced ring in his ears as if something had anticipated his attempt and laid a trap in wait for him. (religion nat1) Damn these infernal woods and whatever presence set its will of evil here, never before had he been so blocked in his discernment of the right path. Hopefully his companions would have a better idea.
Marisa honestly just wanted to pass out right on the spot. Somehow the party had managed to get through this with no one dying. She chalked that up to a personal victory. She looked over everyone with something a of a sigh as she narrowed her eyes.
She was tired. So very tired. Not a word was said as she fell back on her rump and crossed her arms over. Her eyes shutting as she breathed out through her nose. She could feel her heart racing but finally it was seeming to slow down, to a more normal pace.
"I can't believe it." Words left her lips in a muttered state as she went to remove a tassel of hair from her eyes. "We're not dead." She leaned further now falling on her back as she looked to the sky above. She heard something about someone missing...or something.
She wasn't paying attention. She was tired, drained, exhausted.
"...Did someone say something?"
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As the creatures move from the tree line the heroes discover they they are not bats, but rather Shadow beasts! They begin to swarm around them!
The one that Charles attacked moves forward floating in the air, it raised it's massive claw and struck Charles across the chest. As Charles raised himself up he stared to feel weaker for some reason. (S3 Attack Strength Drain: 21, Damage: 9, Strength Drain: 3 points til short rest.)
The flames around Bowme's scimitar light the area. Yet it is also became a beacon for the nearby shadow beasts! One such shadow flew from the trees slashing at Bowme! It cut through his defenses. Luckily for Bowme, Marissa's spell was still in effect. Yet as Bowme recovered from the attack he to felt his physical strength drained. (S2 Attack Strength Drain: 17, Damage: 9, Strength Drain: 4 points til short rest.)
With fury and vengeance in the creatures eyes, the shadow beast flew at Draycor with out stretched claws! As it attacked, Draycor timed his movements just so and was able to dodge the attack just in the nick of time. Due to it's injuries the shadow was so weak that it could not even defend itself! (S1 Attack Rolls: Crit Fail! Next attack against it has advantage!)
Breaking the tree line as the others have the shadow reached out strike Desmond with it's claws! Yet the Drow caught the attack with his sword and forced the shadow down and back. (S4 Attack: 13)
Seeing it's prey try to escape, The shadow dove forth at Beautiful, claws striking this way and that. However the seasoned Goliath parred the attacks one after another until the shadow could do no more! (S5 Attack 11)
Combat Map
Damage Tracker
Players
After the shadow tried to attack Desmond, he comes up at the shadow and hits it with his long sword doing damage to it, Desmond was in glee when he hit the shadow creature he was having the time of his life.
( damage 8 on S4)
Draycor completely devastated by his self diagnosis of narcolepsy took a quick break from the action. He had to process what this condition would have on his life and mission (Init FAIL miss turn).
Bowme raises his scimitar and slashes at the creature standing in front of him. Its mid section is split wide open as the flames consumes the shadow beast! The flames on his scimitar grow a little brighter after that kill. Bowme stands and gets ready for another strike.
(Damage 15 on S2)
Beautiful readies his blade after advantageously moving back to his fellow adventurers. When the foul beasts come forth swinging, Beautiful taunts the creature as he parry's the initial attack. Beautiful counters with one of his own- slicing into the beast with a hefty downward swing. He follows up with a jab, with the butt of his weapon, into the open wound created moments prior. To Beautiful's surprise, The halberd tip pierces straight through the chest cavity of the (now) dead creature. With one last swing of his weapon (into a defensive pose) he discards the carcass without a fleeting look.
His furious rage filled eyes are directed towards the mass of creatures on the other side of Marisa. He moves into position for the next flurry of swings.
Elias felt a chill run down his spine as the creatures charged his companions and blood was drawn. He saw his chance as one creature was busy attacking the human named Charles. He side stepped the people encircling him and moved to flank the creature. (s3). The trick to being a monk is actually not religion like most people assume. It is science, one must have knowledge to do an effective amount of destructive damage with his fist and palms. Any idiot can pick up a sword and mortally wound another person, that's what weapons are made for after all. Elias did not know the number of hours he had spent studying the anatomy and physiology of just about every creature ever killed and dissected for study. Although no two species are exactly alike you do learn that similarities exist and patterns abound in mother natures work; for instance a creature such as this like any other bird prizes its wings and has thousands of nerves in them that allow it to control its flight, but all those nerves also serve as a way to communicate pain to the brain. You know when you prick your finger for some reason it hurts more than when you cut your arm or your hand, well that's all the nerves in your finger tips communicating with your brain.
Elias sent his first strike into the creature's left wing and the soft thin sinew gave and tore under the force of his strike. (Hit1 9 damage) The creature shrieked in agony its ability to resist or dodge another incoming attack gone as pain became its reality, a singular thought that ruled every facet of its being. Elias breathed channeling his elemental fire abilities into his next attack which he aimed at the creature's exposed neck. Flame formed in his palm blue and hot; the heat of a well fed forge kept alive endlessly by the struggle of blacksmiths determined to never let it die for they know it is the eternal flame that burns the hottest. Like a hot knife through butter, Elias' fist slit through skin, sinew, and bone severing the beast's head from its body. (Hit 2 5 damage + 10 fire damage) His hand came away drowned in blood and guts as the beast's headless torso crumpled to the ground its bloody severed neck spewing steam like a bucket of water that has just been used to cool a heated blade.
Elias smiled adrenaline and blood lust pumping through his veins. Earlier today he had doubted that fate and the spirits might be on his side, that maybe just maybe they had forsaken him. All evidence to the contrary he thought flexing his hand.
Panic sets in and Marisa finds her eyes going wide. She knew they were going to run into trouble, but she didn't expect it to be this bad. She shook her head quickly and slammed her eyes shut.
It's just a dream.
She told herself that over and over. When her eyes opened the harsh reality of the world hit her like a brick. The company was surrounded. The brave cleric that had once stood seemed to be vanishing by the moment.
What do I do...!?
A small gasp left her lips as she watched Beautiful run to her, doing his best to shield her from any stray attacks. That simply action gave her the resolve to move on.
I HAVE TO DO THIS!
She felt a new sense of urgency, a sense of purpose. She had to fight, she had to protect. Within that very moment she threw her tome open and she found her eyes racing across the various pages. "There it is!" She lifted her index finger only to slam it into the page below. Once more magic began to gather around her, her form being wrapped up in the powerful aura.
"Keep them off me!" Her strength was back as a roar of confidence left her lips. The moment she went silent she was back to channeling. "Allow me to aid you, SHIELD OF FAITH" Her fiery locks seemed to spark as she let out a cry that could no doubt be heard through the entirety of the forest.
At that very moment pure energy burst from Marisa and surrounded Beautiful. Her eyes went wide as it circled around him. Her hair still standing on ends. A smile crept on her face. Through all the chaos that had happened she was just happy she seemed to do something right.
"Yes...!" A gasp of glee left her lips as she clenched her fist in victory.
(Shield of Faith cast on Beautiful! )
Already the defeated shadows were dissolving. Their essence a black puff of smoke that evaporated as the fight continued. Still the few left made blood thirsty cries and attacked the companions! Yet as they tired the heroes were able to hold their own. Charles' fire arced through the air, striking the Shadow in front of Desmond in the face! (S4, 1 damage).
Blinded by the attack, the beast struck wildly about Desmond, but the drow was quick, reacting nimbly to the wild and unfocused attacks. The warrior cracked a mocking smile seeing how easy his prey would be to defeat. (S4 Attack 6 miss)
The blooded shadow moved closer to Draycor and tried to strike at the dragonborn with everything it could muster! Yet the ranger was able to deflect the attack with little effort since their was no strength left in the shadows attacks. (S5 Attack 7 miss)
As Marisa finished casting her spell something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. A shadow was upon her with it's claw raised high and was bringing it down. Instead, Marissa adjusted her stance and thrust her mace upward to meet the deadly claw. The parry was true and the shadow was thrown back by the surprise parry. (S6 Attack 13 miss)
As a new shadow moved to take the other's place, Beautiful was ready. He raised his spear and thrust the blade out catching the shadow in the the chest! As Beautiful pulled the spear out, black liquid poured forth from the wound. Still the shadow tired to attack striking with a new sense of purpose and malice towards the goliath. Due to the shadow's injury it was slowed and the barbarian was more then ready for the easy attacks. (AoO Attack Beautiful: 20 [Unnat], 14 damage on S7 / S7 Attack: 14 miss )
Combat Map
Damage Tracker:
Shadow2: Dead, BowmeShadow3: Dead, EliasShadow5: Dead, BeautifulPlayers
Bowme realizes that his friends are in danger. He runs up to S1 (damage 21) and slices his body clean in half. As he prepares for his next attack, the scimitar gives off a brighter glow now. Bowme feels the fire from within and channels it through his blade. He yells out "Feel my radiant flames you shadow BASTARDS" in a fierce tone.
With new vigor, Beautiful stands tall and hides his halberd from sight hoping to catch the shadows off guard.
When one of them advances he catches it off guard by reaching out with a quick reactionary swing (AoO). He then recoils in the knick of time to parry the attacks from the shadow.
Now it is his turn to finish the beast. With a mighty swing to the midsection, the shadow splits into two. Beautiful adjusts his gaze to shadow who cowardly chose to challenge someone half their size (Marisa)!
In and attempt to show the shadow who the real challenge is; Beautiful follows up with a vicious blow to the pathetic shadow and jabs it in the chest with the butt end of the halberd.
Draycor quickly recovers. The wounded shadow is an inch from death but still draws near attempting to strike.
"Hey if you like my bow skills then you will LOVE my sword," Draycor mocked.
He quickly unsheaths his short sword twirling it with ease. As soon as the beast is in range, he plunges the blade into its sternum. With a quick twist he pops the shadow's chest open spilling its putrid guts on the dew soaked ground.
Game. Set. Match.
A low sigh left Maria's lips. Everything seemed to be going well. She couldn't help but feel proud at the power of her spells and the sheer dumb luck that she was able to parry a blow that would have no doubt sent her to the ground.
But this was no time to bask in the glory. There was still work to be done.
What should I do?
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
There were many to make in this moment and Marisa had to be quick and think of her next action. She had no time to spare even if the shadows were falling one by one. She turned her head and looked to Bowme before looking back to Beautiful, back to Bowme.
Alright, this is it.
With another slow breath she readied her spell as sparks began to fly from her tome. "No one is going to die..." She muttered under her breath before confidence once more shot through her veins. "HEAR MY CALL, ALLIES!" Her voice roared through the forest as she focused her attention on Bowme, Beautiful, and Desmond. "Take this blessing and fight on!" Energy shot from the young cleric's body as it seemed to wrap around the three she had her attention on. In a moment a calming aura would wash over them as they felt stronger than ever!
(Bless has been cast on Bowme, Desmond, and Beautiful.)
Desmond tries to attack the Shadow (S4) with an over arcing attack with his long sword but then he missed it, he can't believed that this happened " slippery bastard" he hopes that his ally Elias him can successfully hit it. Desmond looks to Elias and says " Hey Darthiir don't miss" he hopes that his new companion does hit, if he does miss then Desmond will laugh at him but it would suck if Elias does miss because the shadow will attack him but if it did try to attack him Desmond will use his shield spell. Desmond Thought too himself Jokes on the Shadow creature if it does try to attack me its a win win for me heeheeeee.
(Sword Attack: 11 miss)
Elias needed to brush up on his Drow because he had no idea what "Darthiiiir" meant. It was probably some sort of weak insult, which was ironic seeing as how, Desmond was it, had just missed his attack. Elias was not one to standby in a battle however so he used the distraction to circle the shadow beast. (s4). With its back exposed he found the perfect opportunity to strike its back. Elias aimed low hoping to snap one the creatures lower lumbars. His left handed punch was rewarded with a snap and a shriek of pain from the beast. (1st attack 5damage) Lightning fast Elias right hand leapt forward and his fingers constricted the creature's neck. It choked and gasped writhing in his hand. His left hand joined his right and he twisted as if trying to snap a thick branch. Elias was unsure if the creature neck snapped or if it died from chocking first, but he didn't let up until he heard another satisfying snap and the creature gave a final death throw. (2nd attack 9damage) He caught the corpse in his arms and laid it at Desmond's feet. "You're welcome." He announced.
Seeing that it was a lost cause, the last Shadow (S6) broke away from combat and began to disappear into the mists. Only Marisa saw it's faint glow of mystical energy and gave chase! With her mace held high she struck out were it should have been. Unfortunately, the Shadow was too quick and disappeared completely into the mists. (Attack 13, miss). Yet Beautiful was not satisfied with leaving the shadow alive! He ran towards the dense fog, swinging wildly at the air.
The group now examined the remains but could not find anything except the some Essence of Shadow (x6). As they regained cooler heads they notice that the fog had become dense towards the western road. It was as if nothing could be seen beyond the mists. When they looked to the east, they could still see the road and in the distance an opening.
Results of Combat:
Shadow1: Dead, BowmeShadow2: Dead, BowmeShadow3: Dead, EliasShadow4: Dead, EliasShadow5: Dead, BeautifulShadow7: Dead, DraycorItems: Essence of Shadow (x6)
Desmond was very happy that his friend killed the Shadow " oh thanks friend, I know our races hate each other but we can still be good friends" he bows to Elias in thanks. Desmond cracks a smile, I can't believe I got this elf to do my bidding! I wonder what else I could make him do. his smile spreads deeper at the future holds.
"What a weird batte that was," Draycor thought.
Overall he thought the team did pretty well together. It seemed like they had a well balanced group put together. He was reassured that they would survive this strange situation that they found themselves in.
"Well everybody, I am very much impressed by your skills in combat. It looks like Beautiful still wants a piece of the action," he chuckled.
"Might I suggest we round him up and then head east. The west looks like it will only bring more trouble."
The scimitars fire extinguishes, just like the heat of battle. Bowme returns his blade to his hip and pulls his flask from his pack. The battle took the strength right out of him and he needed sometime to recuperate. Before dropping down into a short meditation Bowme looks at all the slain shadow beasts and says
"HA! Those F*ckin hosers! They ain't got nothin on our group of hacks. Nice work everybody. Somebody go get Beautiful, I need some meditation to center myself again."
Bowme drops down and begins his meditation but also listening to the group.
Elias flexed his his hands returning feeling to them, all that bone snapping and flesh tearing had made them go numb. He uncapped his large canteen and spared some of the precious water to wash his hands free of the blood. Elias had been fortunate to go unscathed he could tell not everyone in the group shared that. Indeed the druid had already sat down to rest, Elias doubted there would be time for a proper rest, but he didn't disturb Bowme. His eyes sought Beautiful who had rashly gone after the last of the creatures. His eyes found beautiful returning; disappointment on his face, so he did not manage to catch the creature. (perception 24) The path before them had grown even darker and more shrouded. Elias wondered if the path East was truly better , but than again its clarity might be a trap to draw them that way. They had not traveled for long so the sun would still be before them. Elias once again sought the guidance of the spirits and around him, but they remained silent. He reached forward hoping to make contact with something with his mind, but instead received a high pierced ring in his ears as if something had anticipated his attempt and laid a trap in wait for him. (religion nat1) Damn these infernal woods and whatever presence set its will of evil here, never before had he been so blocked in his discernment of the right path. Hopefully his companions would have a better idea.
Marisa honestly just wanted to pass out right on the spot. Somehow the party had managed to get through this with no one dying. She chalked that up to a personal victory. She looked over everyone with something a of a sigh as she narrowed her eyes.
She was tired. So very tired. Not a word was said as she fell back on her rump and crossed her arms over. Her eyes shutting as she breathed out through her nose. She could feel her heart racing but finally it was seeming to slow down, to a more normal pace.
"I can't believe it." Words left her lips in a muttered state as she went to remove a tassel of hair from her eyes. "We're not dead." She leaned further now falling on her back as she looked to the sky above. She heard something about someone missing...or something.
She wasn't paying attention. She was tired, drained, exhausted.
"...Did someone say something?"