"Hold a moment, friend Hao." Elaric speaks calmly, but with a hint of force in his voice. A faint smile tugs at his lips. "There is magic here. Magic and... mischief, I think." Picking the items up one by one, Elaric quickly details to the group what his magically-enhanced vision allows him to perceive. Though he carefully avoids touching those items which give off any hint of a necromantic aura, he still makes sure to point them out to the party from a safe distance. He adds in an admonishing tone, "Do not touch those until either Wendell or I have had a chance to examine them." Looking to his counterpart in the arcane arts, he smiles grimly and adds, "We do not, after all, want a repeat of the chicken incident with our friends as the chickens."
With various items collected and placed into the party's bag of holding* for later examination and identification, Elaric announces, "That covers the magic," and turns toward the altar and cauldron, "now for the mischief." After eyeing the objects for several moments, he tries to describe the arcane aura to the party as well as the strange pull they seemed to exert on his mind. "I think we should all keep a safe distance from these items for the moment. Have any of you ever encountered or heard of such magics before?"
Arcana check to understand the strange aura: 12
[Per PM with DM and OOC: Elaric is simultaneously considering the possibility of cursed items, hence not touching the items with a necromantic aura. As a result, he has a second arcana check related to curses and trying to pick apart any concerning patterns in the weave that may surround these objects: 10 ]
*[OOG: We still have that from our first adventure, right? If so, who is holding it? If not, Elaric tucks the items into his pack.]
Elaric can't determine the nature of the odd auras. Furthermore, his understanding of permanent curses is less developed than other avenues of magical study. Nothing overt about anything here speaks specifically to a curse, but he does recall that such magics are notoriously subtle and difficult to spot with anything short of reality altering magic. Cursed objects are ancient forms of magic that defy modern arcane methods of analysis.
Wendell will give a shot at the cauldron auras after ritually preparing his own Detect Magic spell. 25
"Oh!" Wendell says with over-exaggerated cheer, "This is planar magic. These objects are connected to Hades. Strongly. We find the nicest things down here..."
Wendell's will save to resist the effects of looking at the objects 14.
Wendell stares hard at the cauldron for a moment, then his gaze softens and he takes a tentative step towards it. Before he can take another, his eyes clear and he shakes his head, dispelling Detect Magic. "None of that now," he mutters.
Though he had begun to reach out to stop Wendell from moving forward, Elaric's hand drops back to his side as he sees the wizard's head clear quickly. "I think we had better keep everyone out of here for now." He begins ushering his companions out and away from the room. Turning to Wendell, he quietly whispers, "Given the connection to Hades and Karl's description of the creature he and his men destroyed, I fear we are dealing with Night Hags. We should reconvene with the men who faced the fiend and make arrangements for their protection - such creatures are notorious for attempting to steal souls through nightmares and I fear some of the troops may already be afflicted."
Though he had begun to reach out to stop Wendell from moving forward, Elaric's hand drops back to his side as he sees the wizard's head clear quickly. "I think we had better keep everyone out of here for now." He begins ushering his companions out and away from the room. Turning to Wendell, he quietly whispers, "Given the connection to Hades and Karl's description of the creature he and his men destroyed, I fear we are dealing with Night Hags. We should reconvene with the men who faced the fiend and make arrangements for their protection - such creatures are notorious for attempting to steal souls through nightmares and I fear some of the troops may already be afflicted."
Wendell's face grows grim, "Agreed. Hags this close to Pyrringham... if the soldiers killed this Crone Cobhol that means the coven is short a member. That's a terrifying prospect, Elaric. That's a temporary situation the remaining hags would seek to repair quickly."
Thinking back on the doom-laden words the door uttered, he grows visibly pale, "A niece uncharmed..."
Elaric's eyes grow wide as the implications dawn on him. "Hags reproduce by stealing young girls from their parents and..." Jerking as though struck, Elaric turns to the mercenaries and nearly barks out, "Karl! Gather all of your men who helped destroy the monster sleeping in the bed and meet me in the ritual room as quickly as possible. Caster!" Here, Elaric turns to the mercenary spellcaster who accompanied the group. "Gather at least two of your fellow casters and meet me in the ritual room. Wendell, take Guan Hao and Skoth and get to Bruna! Gong, find Mady and take her to Bruna! Balasar, I need you to guard this room until more troops arrive. Tell them to stay out - we don't want anyone going near that altar or cauldron." Turning to some of the other mercenaries in the group, Elaric points to two men, "We need to find Lieutenant Boyd, now! You two, find him and tell him I need him in the ritual chamber." Taking in the remaining mercenaries by eye, he says, "The rest of you, go with with Wendell and do as he asks of you - a child's life - and possibly many souls - almost certainly depend on it. Go!"
Elaric's eyes grow wide as the implications dawn on him. "Hags reproduce by stealing young girls from their parents and..." Jerking as though struck, Elaric turns to the mercenaries and nearly barks out, "Karl! Gather all of your men who helped destroy the monster sleeping in the bed and meet me in the ritual room as quickly as possible. Caster!" Here, Elaric turns to the mercenary spellcaster who accompanied the group. "Gather at least two of your fellow casters and meet me in the ritual room. Wendell, take Guan Hao and Skoth and get to Bruna! Gong, find Mady and take her to Bruna! Balasar, I need you to guard this room until more troops arrive. Tell them to stay out - we don't want anyone going near that altar or cauldron." Turning to some of the other mercenaries in the group, Elaric points to two men, "We need to find Lieutenant Boyd, now! You two, find him and tell him I need him in the ritual chamber." Taking in the remaining mercenaries by eye, he says, "The rest of you, go with with Wendell and do as he asks of you - a child's life - and possibly many souls - almost certainly depend on it. Go!"
Gong grunts in affirmation and rushes out to locate Mady.
Gong finds Mady saddling up by Bruna's house. She waves at his approach, "Good to see you, I've received word and I might need to be away for a while. Have you seen Wendell? I'd like to talk to him before I head out, I've already let Bruna know."
Gong grunts in affirmation and rushes out to locate Mady.
Gong finds Mady saddling up by Bruna's house. She waves at his approach, "Good to see you, I've received word and I might need to be away for a while. Have you seen Wendell? I'd like to talk to him before I head out, I've already let Bruna know."
Gong: "Your brother is on his way. Guan Hao and Skoth are with him. Stay with Bruna - they'll be here soon."
Gong grunts in affirmation and rushes out to locate Mady.
Gong finds Mady saddling up by Bruna's house. She waves at his approach, "Good to see you, I've received word and I might need to be away for a while. Have you seen Wendell? I'd like to talk to him before I head out, I've already let Bruna know."
Gong: "Your brother is on his way. Guan Hao and Skoth are with him. Stay with Bruna - they'll be here soon."
She nods, pleased. Then she pauses, noting Gong's expression, "Is something wrong?"
Elaric's eyes grow wide as the implications dawn on him. "Hags reproduce by stealing young girls from their parents and..." Jerking as though struck, Elaric turns to the mercenaries and nearly barks out, "Karl! Gather all of your men who helped destroy the monster sleeping in the bed and meet me in the ritual room as quickly as possible. Caster!" Here, Elaric turns to the mercenary spellcaster who accompanied the group. "Gather at least two of your fellow casters and meet me in the ritual room. Wendell, take Guan Hao and Skoth and get to Bruna! Gong, find Mady and take her to Bruna! Balasar, I need you to guard this room until more troops arrive. Tell them to stay out - we don't want anyone going near that altar or cauldron." Turning to some of the other mercenaries in the group, Elaric points to two men, "We need to find Lieutenant Boyd, now! You two, find him and tell him I need him in the ritual chamber." Taking in the remaining mercenaries by eye, he says, "The rest of you, go with with Wendell and do as he asks of you - a child's life - and possibly many souls - almost certainly depend on it. Go!"
Elaric enters the ritual chamber to find three casters waiting for him. In the center, the Ettercap blinks its large and pupil-less eyes. Raising one claw, it pokes absentmindedly at the barrier, seemingly amused by the play of orange sparks the contact generates. The one who stayed Karl's blade nods in greeting, but one of the others glares at the wizard as he approaches.
"What's this about, Elf?" he glances to the Ettercap, "Zoo seems a little empty to start giving tours yet, and I'm not much for spiders."
Bruna is looking over a ledger when Wendell, Guan Hao, and Skoth enter. "Ah, welcome back everyone. How was the hunt? Have you eaten yet? I've not started lunch yet but give me a moment and I can-" She stops, seeing Wendell's expression, "What is it?"
Wendell glances outside, and seems to draw comfort from the sight of the noon-day sunlight before answering, "Bruna, Elaric things there were hags in the ruins. Judging by what I saw down there, I think he's right. They... threatened us. Specifically my niece. Congratulations, by the way, you could have said something."
Bruna blinks, and her expression becomes one of fear and confusion, "But-"
Wendell cuts her off, distractedly checking the various arcane locks he placed earlier, "We can discuss the specifics of what we found later. I think Elaric has some sort of plan, but until he gets back, he wants the family together. We should find Mady, she should be able to help."
Elaric's eyes grow wide as the implications dawn on him. "Hags reproduce by stealing young girls from their parents and..." Jerking as though struck, Elaric turns to the mercenaries and nearly barks out, "Karl! Gather all of your men who helped destroy the monster sleeping in the bed and meet me in the ritual room as quickly as possible. Caster!" Here, Elaric turns to the mercenary spellcaster who accompanied the group. "Gather at least two of your fellow casters and meet me in the ritual room. Wendell, take Guan Hao and Skoth and get to Bruna! Gong, find Mady and take her to Bruna! Balasar, I need you to guard this room until more troops arrive. Tell them to stay out - we don't want anyone going near that altar or cauldron." Turning to some of the other mercenaries in the group, Elaric points to two men, "We need to find Lieutenant Boyd, now! You two, find him and tell him I need him in the ritual chamber." Taking in the remaining mercenaries by eye, he says, "The rest of you, go with with Wendell and do as he asks of you - a child's life - and possibly many souls - almost certainly depend on it. Go!"
Elaric enters the ritual chamber to find three casters waiting for him. In the center, the Ettercap blinks its large and pupil-less eyes. Raising one claw, it pokes absentmindedly at the barrier, seemingly amused by the play of orange sparks the contact generates. The one who stayed Karl's blade nods in greeting, but one of the others glares at the wizard as he approaches.
"What's this about, Elf?" he glances to the Ettercap, "Zoo seems a little empty to start giving tours yet, and I'm not much for spiders."
Elaric gives a reciprocal nod to the first caster before addressing the second, "In that case, you might enjoy the task with which I need assistance. I will elaborate upon the details once lieutenant Boyd, Karl, and the troops who took out the sleeping monster are assembled. While we wait, however, it would behoove us to take stock of our options; have you any restraining spells in your repertoire? Or a sleep spell perhaps?" Shifting his gaze so as to encompass all three casters, he adds, "Any of you?"
Elaric's eyes grow wide as the implications dawn on him. "Hags reproduce by stealing young girls from their parents and..." Jerking as though struck, Elaric turns to the mercenaries and nearly barks out, "Karl! Gather all of your men who helped destroy the monster sleeping in the bed and meet me in the ritual room as quickly as possible. Caster!" Here, Elaric turns to the mercenary spellcaster who accompanied the group. "Gather at least two of your fellow casters and meet me in the ritual room. Wendell, take Guan Hao and Skoth and get to Bruna! Gong, find Mady and take her to Bruna! Balasar, I need you to guard this room until more troops arrive. Tell them to stay out - we don't want anyone going near that altar or cauldron." Turning to some of the other mercenaries in the group, Elaric points to two men, "We need to find Lieutenant Boyd, now! You two, find him and tell him I need him in the ritual chamber." Taking in the remaining mercenaries by eye, he says, "The rest of you, go with with Wendell and do as he asks of you - a child's life - and possibly many souls - almost certainly depend on it. Go!"
Elaric enters the ritual chamber to find three casters waiting for him. In the center, the Ettercap blinks its large and pupil-less eyes. Raising one claw, it pokes absentmindedly at the barrier, seemingly amused by the play of orange sparks the contact generates. The one who stayed Karl's blade nods in greeting, but one of the others glares at the wizard as he approaches.
"What's this about, Elf?" he glances to the Ettercap, "Zoo seems a little empty to start giving tours yet, and I'm not much for spiders."
Elaric gives a reciprocal nod to the first caster before addressing the second, "In that case, you might enjoy the task with which I need assistance. I will elaborate upon the details once lieutenant Boyd, Karl, and the troops who took out the sleeping monster are assembled. While we wait, however, it would behoove us to take stock of our options; have you any restraining spells in your repertoire? Or a sleep spell perhaps?" Shifting his gaze so as to encompass all three casters, he adds, "Any of you?"
The first nods, the other two shake their heads, "We're a bit more direct in our dealings than Hesh over there," says the third with a grin, patting the longsword at his side, "We're responsible for pulling people out of formation, opening up lines of attack... real battle magic."
Hesh shoots the speaker a sour look, "Volk and Patrice are fighters first and mages a distant second. It's not ideal, but they are what is currently available."
"Available for what, exactly?" Boyd asks as he enters with Karl and company in tow, "What seems to be the trouble, Master Carsalon?"
The first nods, the other two shake their heads, "We're a bit more direct in our dealings than Hesh over there," says the third with a grin, patting the longsword at his side, "We're responsible for pulling people out of formation, opening up lines of attack... real battle magic."
Hesh shoots the speaker a sour look, "Volk and Patrice are fighters first and mages a distant second. It's not ideal, but they are what is currently available."
"Available for what, exactly?" Boyd asks as he enters with Karl and company in tow, "What seems to be the trouble, Master Carsalon?"
With the requisite parties assembled, Elaric details all of his concerns to Boyd. Beginning with Karl's account of the fight with the hag (and Karl's direct input), the Elf launches his lengthy explanation. HE details what he knowns of night hags, their method of stealing souls through nightmares and magic, the means by which a person may be protected from said magic (a magic circle, for example), and his concern that multiple troops could already be suffering from the effects. Elaric ends by looking at Hesh, "And this brings us to my need for a caster with restraining magic. I propose we incapacitate the Ettercap, move it to one of the smaller circles for temporary captivity," here, Elaric's gaze shifts back to Boyd, "and have the potentially effected troops sleep here in the larger protective circle. The magic will not impede their movement, as the spell only bars certain types of creatures. At worst, nothing happens and the men have a laugh at the nervous scholar's expense. At best and more seriously, we stymie the hag's attempt to collect the souls of your men, saving them from a fate far worse than mere death. What say you, lieutenant?"
The first nods, the other two shake their heads, "We're a bit more direct in our dealings than Hesh over there," says the third with a grin, patting the longsword at his side, "We're responsible for pulling people out of formation, opening up lines of attack... real battle magic."
Hesh shoots the speaker a sour look, "Volk and Patrice are fighters first and mages a distant second. It's not ideal, but they are what is currently available."
"Available for what, exactly?" Boyd asks as he enters with Karl and company in tow, "What seems to be the trouble, Master Carsalon?"
With the requisite parties assembled, Elaric details all of his concerns to Boyd. Beginning with Karl's account of the fight with the hag (and Karl's direct input), the Elf launches his lengthy explanation. HE details what he knowns of night hags, their method of stealing souls through nightmares and magic, the means by which a person may be protected from said magic (a magic circle, for example), and his concern that multiple troops could already be suffering from the effects. Elaric ends by looking at Hesh, "And this brings us to my need for a caster with restraining magic. I propose we incapacitate the Ettercap, move it to one of the smaller circles for temporary captivity," here, Elaric's gaze shifts back to Boyd, "and have the potentially effected troops sleep here in the larger protective circle. The magic will not impede their movement, as the spell only bars certain types of creatures. At worst, nothing happens and the men have a laugh at the nervous scholar's expense. At best and more seriously, we stymie the hag's attempt to collect the souls of your men, saving them from a fate far worse than mere death. What say you, lieutenant?"
Boyd looks with concern at the circle, "Hags are no laughing matter, but I have my reservations about using the method you're describing. Though this magic circle is an exceptional piece of work, it seems to be designed to restrain physical creatures specifically. I've not heard of a circle that can be re-attuned without significant expense and time, neither of which are available to us if a hag attack is imminent."
12
Boyd pauses, "Something is off about this... why would hags demand that you and your friends step aside instead of simply biding their time? Why would they simply not attack us now? Why, for that matter, was Karl and company able to take on a Night Hag at all? No offense to you, Karl, but a hag should be well above your punching class."
Karl stiffens, offended anyways, "I never said it were an easy fight, sir, far from it."
Boyd shakes his head "It would be a hard fight for the whole company, Karl. Either is wasn't really a night hag, or there are elements of this that we're not considering."
[Elaric can make an Investigation check or straight intelligence check]
Elaric's brow furrows in concentration. Over the course of several long moments, he begins slowly nodding to himself and his features take on a note of concerned understanding. With a start, he looks up, his eyes wide as he stares out of the ritual chamber in the general direction of the cauldron and altar. The whisper that escapes his lips, though barely audible, is filled with a deep dread. "Oh," he breathes, "...hells."
[OOC: Elaric is done until other PCs have had chances to act unless the DM says otherwise]
Balasar, make a perception check. With advantage as you are actively on guard.
[Per Kennedy's request, I'm rolling for Balasar while he is on honeymoon] 13, 10
Hearing the soft patter of bare feet on stone, Balasar turns to see a grey skinned woman at the end of the hall, dressed in hides the color of charcoal. Despite the primitiveness of her attire, there is a regal arrogance on her ugly face, and she stands tall as she begins to mutter.
Eyes wide, Balasar considers whether to find cover or charge this attacker. Knowing time is short, and unsure of what dweomer the hag might be intoning, Balasar charges, weapon drawn and wreathed in a whirling radiant cloud.
29
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Wendell stares hard at the cauldron for a moment, then his gaze softens and he takes a tentative step towards it. Before he can take another, his eyes clear and he shakes his head, dispelling Detect Magic. "None of that now," he mutters.
Though he had begun to reach out to stop Wendell from moving forward, Elaric's hand drops back to his side as he sees the wizard's head clear quickly. "I think we had better keep everyone out of here for now." He begins ushering his companions out and away from the room. Turning to Wendell, he quietly whispers, "Given the connection to Hades and Karl's description of the creature he and his men destroyed, I fear we are dealing with Night Hags. We should reconvene with the men who faced the fiend and make arrangements for their protection - such creatures are notorious for attempting to steal souls through nightmares and I fear some of the troops may already be afflicted."
Wendell's face grows grim, "Agreed. Hags this close to Pyrringham... if the soldiers killed this Crone Cobhol that means the coven is short a member. That's a terrifying prospect, Elaric. That's a temporary situation the remaining hags would seek to repair quickly."
Thinking back on the doom-laden words the door uttered, he grows visibly pale, "A niece uncharmed..."
Elaric's eyes grow wide as the implications dawn on him. "Hags reproduce by stealing young girls from their parents and..." Jerking as though struck, Elaric turns to the mercenaries and nearly barks out, "Karl! Gather all of your men who helped destroy the monster sleeping in the bed and meet me in the ritual room as quickly as possible. Caster!" Here, Elaric turns to the mercenary spellcaster who accompanied the group. "Gather at least two of your fellow casters and meet me in the ritual room. Wendell, take Guan Hao and Skoth and get to Bruna! Gong, find Mady and take her to Bruna! Balasar, I need you to guard this room until more troops arrive. Tell them to stay out - we don't want anyone going near that altar or cauldron." Turning to some of the other mercenaries in the group, Elaric points to two men, "We need to find Lieutenant Boyd, now! You two, find him and tell him I need him in the ritual chamber." Taking in the remaining mercenaries by eye, he says, "The rest of you, go with with Wendell and do as he asks of you - a child's life - and possibly many souls - almost certainly depend on it. Go!"
Balasar nods an assent and takes his post.
Gong grunts in affirmation and rushes out to locate Mady.
Gong finds Mady saddling up by Bruna's house. She waves at his approach, "Good to see you, I've received word and I might need to be away for a while. Have you seen Wendell? I'd like to talk to him before I head out, I've already let Bruna know."
Gong: "Your brother is on his way. Guan Hao and Skoth are with him. Stay with Bruna - they'll be here soon."
She nods, pleased. Then she pauses, noting Gong's expression, "Is something wrong?"
Elaric enters the ritual chamber to find three casters waiting for him. In the center, the Ettercap blinks its large and pupil-less eyes. Raising one claw, it pokes absentmindedly at the barrier, seemingly amused by the play of orange sparks the contact generates. The one who stayed Karl's blade nods in greeting, but one of the others glares at the wizard as he approaches.
"What's this about, Elf?" he glances to the Ettercap, "Zoo seems a little empty to start giving tours yet, and I'm not much for spiders."
Bruna is looking over a ledger when Wendell, Guan Hao, and Skoth enter. "Ah, welcome back everyone. How was the hunt? Have you eaten yet? I've not started lunch yet but give me a moment and I can-" She stops, seeing Wendell's expression, "What is it?"
Wendell glances outside, and seems to draw comfort from the sight of the noon-day sunlight before answering, "Bruna, Elaric things there were hags in the ruins. Judging by what I saw down there, I think he's right. They... threatened us. Specifically my niece. Congratulations, by the way, you could have said something."
Bruna blinks, and her expression becomes one of fear and confusion, "But-"
Wendell cuts her off, distractedly checking the various arcane locks he placed earlier, "We can discuss the specifics of what we found later. I think Elaric has some sort of plan, but until he gets back, he wants the family together. We should find Mady, she should be able to help."
Elaric gives a reciprocal nod to the first caster before addressing the second, "In that case, you might enjoy the task with which I need assistance. I will elaborate upon the details once lieutenant Boyd, Karl, and the troops who took out the sleeping monster are assembled. While we wait, however, it would behoove us to take stock of our options; have you any restraining spells in your repertoire? Or a sleep spell perhaps?" Shifting his gaze so as to encompass all three casters, he adds, "Any of you?"
The first nods, the other two shake their heads, "We're a bit more direct in our dealings than Hesh over there," says the third with a grin, patting the longsword at his side, "We're responsible for pulling people out of formation, opening up lines of attack... real battle magic."
Hesh shoots the speaker a sour look, "Volk and Patrice are fighters first and mages a distant second. It's not ideal, but they are what is currently available."
"Available for what, exactly?" Boyd asks as he enters with Karl and company in tow, "What seems to be the trouble, Master Carsalon?"
With the requisite parties assembled, Elaric details all of his concerns to Boyd. Beginning with Karl's account of the fight with the hag (and Karl's direct input), the Elf launches his lengthy explanation. HE details what he knowns of night hags, their method of stealing souls through nightmares and magic, the means by which a person may be protected from said magic (a magic circle, for example), and his concern that multiple troops could already be suffering from the effects. Elaric ends by looking at Hesh, "And this brings us to my need for a caster with restraining magic. I propose we incapacitate the Ettercap, move it to one of the smaller circles for temporary captivity," here, Elaric's gaze shifts back to Boyd, "and have the potentially effected troops sleep here in the larger protective circle. The magic will not impede their movement, as the spell only bars certain types of creatures. At worst, nothing happens and the men have a laugh at the nervous scholar's expense. At best and more seriously, we stymie the hag's attempt to collect the souls of your men, saving them from a fate far worse than mere death. What say you, lieutenant?"
Boyd looks with concern at the circle, "Hags are no laughing matter, but I have my reservations about using the method you're describing. Though this magic circle is an exceptional piece of work, it seems to be designed to restrain physical creatures specifically. I've not heard of a circle that can be re-attuned without significant expense and time, neither of which are available to us if a hag attack is imminent."
12
Boyd pauses, "Something is off about this... why would hags demand that you and your friends step aside instead of simply biding their time? Why would they simply not attack us now? Why, for that matter, was Karl and company able to take on a Night Hag at all? No offense to you, Karl, but a hag should be well above your punching class."
Karl stiffens, offended anyways, "I never said it were an easy fight, sir, far from it."
Boyd shakes his head "It would be a hard fight for the whole company, Karl. Either is wasn't really a night hag, or there are elements of this that we're not considering."
[Elaric can make an Investigation check or straight intelligence check]
Investigation check: 27
Elaric's brow furrows in concentration. Over the course of several long moments, he begins slowly nodding to himself and his features take on a note of concerned understanding. With a start, he looks up, his eyes wide as he stares out of the ritual chamber in the general direction of the cauldron and altar. The whisper that escapes his lips, though barely audible, is filled with a deep dread. "Oh," he breathes, "...hells."
[OOC: Elaric is done until other PCs have had chances to act unless the DM says otherwise]
Balasar, make a perception check. With advantage as you are actively on guard.
[Per Kennedy's request, I'm rolling for Balasar while he is on honeymoon] 15, 9
Hearing the soft patter of bare feet on stone, Balasar turns to see a grey skinned woman at the end of the hall, dressed in hides the color of charcoal. Despite the primitiveness of her attire, there is a regal arrogance on her ugly face, and she stands tall as she begins to mutter.
Eyes wide, Balasar considers whether to find cover or charge this attacker. Knowing time is short, and unsure of what dweomer the hag might be intoning, Balasar charges, weapon drawn and wreathed in a whirling radiant cloud.
29