The childs body is placed behind the inn and covered with one of the extra sheets while Sarah rushes off to fetch the local priest. Eager to get back on the trail, Angar prepares to start heading back for the road, but Zack requests one more quick detour to return the borrowed horse. Upon returning to Zacks fathers farm the horse is returned and his father embraces him one more time. If you're leaving for good this time son, I just want you to know I love ya and I'm damned proud of you. Take care of yourself and be careful. He let's you go and gives you a strong pat on the shoulder before getting back to work.
The party heads back on the road and back to where Nadaar had last seen the figure in the cart. Nadia inspects the path and can see the tracks of a cart clear as day. Judging by the depth of the tracks, the cart was carrying a heavy load. You follow the road south for a few hours before the tracks veer off the road heading east. Nadia, you know if the tracks continue as they are, you will likely be in the Misty forest within a few more hours.
The party continues following the trail, Nadia determined to push through the exhaustion, hell bent on stopping whatever is responsible for the boys death. With Nadaar aiding her, she maintains the trail. Zack and Rillex keep an eye on the perimeter while Angar follows along, checking for additional tracks or other clues that might escape the duo.
Eventually you find yourselves at the edge of the Misty Forest. The tracks continue for a ways in, but it's getting dark, and the canopy of trees quickly make it seem all the darker as you go further into the forest. The leaves russel in the wind, and every crack of a twig draws the attention of Zack or Rillex until its quickly determined to be some harmless animal. Even with Nadias ability to see in the dark, the tracks become fainter then further in you go. Soon night has fallen and Nadia has lost the trail. With Nadaars help they attempt to look again for where they last saw it, but to no avail.
Angar takes a seat beneath a tree and starts placing out a bed roll. It is not an issue Ms.Nadia. The trail thus far has more or less kept going east, towards the High Moors. I suspect whatever den of evil our corpse theif calls home is either in the Moor or close to it. If that is the case, then it should be maybe half a day or so before we find what we are looking for. Maybe longer if it's in the swamp, maybe less if not. It will be easier to pick up the trail again in the morning when you're talented eyes are rested. Let us set up camp here and start again in the morning.
Zack had rode the horse around the backside, towards the tree where his mother was buried. And if he had seen any flowers on the way he would stop long enough to grab at-least one. Regardless of whether or not he found any, he would dismount, knowing the others would be in a hurry. So he chose a respectful middle-ground. After dismounting the horse, He'd kneel down, and speak clearly, in a tone as if addressing a person directly in front of him. Hey Ma. Once again, I'm sorry I didn't make it before.. whatever took you - took you. I'm gonna miss you. But I know that you're watching from wherever you are right now. And I hope I am making you proud. A lot's happened since I left. More than I can remember. he sighs, heavily. But I'm piecing it back together .. slowly. I'm making my own way in the world.
I'm sorry it wasn't the path you and Pa wanted for me, but he seems accepting enough. his eyes moistened just a bit, but, he held back any tears that may have otherwise come - More prepared for this than his sudden awakening a week before. I don't trust this 'Angar' guy fully yet but he seems to be telling the truth so far. Still, As much as I'd wanna say something to you if he wasn't false. It's not worth desecrating your grave for. So I'll settle for this. Seems I got a lot of fighting still ahead of me. Watch my back eh? And.... thanks for bringing me into this world... with that, he'd kiss the grave-marker once, before getting up, and returning to his father, with the horse.
-----
Returning the hug with a firm squeeze of his own. Love you too Pa. And honestly, that means a lot to me - and for what it's worth, I'm proud to be your son. Don't go spending those gems on the first shiny thing you see! I'll send letters when I can. Or word, if I can't. And tell Godrick, sorry for all the trouble.
Eventually, returning to the others, who seem eager to be gone. He could tell that Nadia's fire was lit. And he understood more than anyone he knew. He too once had that same fire in him at everything. It's what led him to his dream of becoming a hero. And though he doubted it would have quite the same effect on her. Hers burnt bright, while his own had been tempered after so many fights, so much blood, and combat - what he could still remember of it. His was just as intense, but like a blue star, it burnt hot, yet cooly inside of him. He could harness it when he needed to - Thanks to the man that had saved his life... Tempering his will. He didn't say much the entire trip. If anything, trying to conserve his energy for a fight if it came to it.
The tracking having gone so well until the forest itself had made even Nadia's eyes fail. At the prospect of camp, he'd surprisingly say I agree. No point in pushing ourselves to our upper limits only to fall should we find them. I'll take first watch. You all get some rest.
Preferring not to intrude, and having little reason to pay personal respects(this time around), Nadaar largely kept out of things; preferring instead to keep Angar and Rillex occupied during village events. That is, after seeing to the child, and having to linger somewhere nearby for Zack at least to conclude his business.
Present...
"Mn... And not to make watches unnecessary, and if one does not mind going without a fire, I've recently gained some -- how do you say -- inspiration?" At that, Nadaar draws out his scimitar's and gives them a simultaneous flourish before crossing the blades over one another. "It will take some time, but soon I can carve and direct strands of magic from the weave into a virtually impenetrable dome of force. Which should make our rest fairly safe. It... will be easier to show. I ask only that a fair distance be kept, and for my focus to go undisturbed during the.. hn... I suppose you could call it a ritual of protection."
Unless more is than asked or demanded of him, Nadaar builds up into dance of blades, interweaving magic, force of presence, determination, and strange lyrical beat to the 'song' throughout the performance. No apparitions this time show up during the performance. At least, none that weren't a product of a painful conscious mind's awareness of troublesome memories. Which by its end, the strands of carved magic congeal into a opaque dome whose outsides at least blended roughly into the surrounding texture. Within, a dim light emanating from some point at the top and a far more comfortable atmosphere is felt within it.
And the view from within is eerily clear!
Performance(s)(Top) and Song(Below) Inspiration: (Also roll for flavor: 13.)
It was sheer willpower that kept Nadia going despite the exhaustion that tried to overcome her. She pushed forward, forced herself to continue, and thankfully, with Nadaar's help they managed to find a good enough trail that got them to where they were now. Deep brown eyes scanned the edge of the forest, a wave of memories nearly knocking her over from where she stood now."How many years..." She murmurs quietly to herself as she finally lets the fatigue she had been trying so hard to push back slowly consume her, not even finding enough energy to argue with Zack on the watch detail, but apparently there had been a slight solution?
Nadia had patiently and respectfully watched Nadaar's performance, and gave him a soft clap when the ritual had been completed. "Very nice. Not very noticeable either. A useful spell, indeed." She had tried to force her voice to be more energetic than she felt, but it came out relatively flat and gave away how tired she was. All I need is some sleep, she told herself. Then we'll get to the bottom of this, hopefully... in there...She briefly glances over to the forest. Of all the places.
When given the go ahead, she steps inside the dome, taking a quick look around, impressed at how oddly clear it was, but if it kept some baddies away, she wouldn't complain. "Well... If we still want to keep watch despite being in here, I'll be up in a few hours and take over then, okay? I just.. I need to put my head down for a bit." After bidding the boys a goodnight, she curls herself up somewhere out of the way, and lays down. Sure she had a bed roll to sleep on, but this patch of grass(?) looked mighty comfortable, so much so that she was out within a few minutes.
Zack was uncertain what exactly Nadaar had in mind, but when the dancing and weaving were completed, and the dome of force popped into existence, he couldn't help but pat the dragonman on the back. That's a very handy bit of inspiration. and despite his exhaustion, the faintest aura of being impressed exuded from him. Zack breaths were coming out slow, and heavy. Not like he was out of breath, but rather that he couldn't quite conjure the energy necessary to breathe normally. He could probably go one more day like this before it would lead to passing out regardless of what he was doing.
As with Nadia, he only entered when Nadaar himself said it was clear, with Zack taking up the rear. And once inside.... he'd set his massive sword to the farthest point away from everyone. Disrobing just his top-half of his armor, and setting it nearby. Whether due to exhaustion or a lack of outward signs, Zack didn't quite notice that Nadia was suffering fro ma bit of anxiety, and.... due to gaps in his memory, may simply not remember that what happened to Nadia was within a Forest.
No, I think we'll trust Nadaar. And you and I both need a concentrated dose of sleep... I don't know if Nadaar himself got any.... but.. lets rest.
Zack put himself defensively in front of Nadia, and within arms reach but staying far enough away to not smother her. He made sure that Angar was within view, regardless of where the man lay. And closed one eye, keeping the other on Angar until he was sure that the old man was asleep. Once there, due to finally ceasing to move.... and rest... Zack fell to the land of dreams.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nadias con sav. 7 as rolled in discord. Failed by 5 or more
Nadia initiative: 18
6 skellies: 20
Skelly alchemists: 15
6 zombals: 8
Zack: 19 per discord roll
Nadaar: 3
Angar: 4
B: 13
S1 -> Z Attack: 18 Damage: 3
S2 -> Nadaar Attack: 19 Damage: 5
S5 -> Nadaar Attack: 11 Damage: 5
S8 -> A Wis save DC 16 15 - Skeleton fails its save and redirects attack to Nadaar Attack: 24 Damage: 10
S11 -> A Wis Save same as above 2 Fail, redirect to Zack Attack: 24 Damage: 12
S14 -> Angar Wis sav 9 - Redirect to Zack Attack: 13 Damage: 3
B->A Wis 7 - redirect to Zack - Zacks Wis Sav 9 Dc13 so fail 25
You all eventually find yourselves falling asleep in the safety of Nadaars Novel Necessity(TM). The hut itself is comfortable, dry and warm, immune to the weather outside. Which is good because with a lack of a fire the night would likely have gotten quite cold, and as the night continues it starts to rain pretty heavily. The raindrops become the background noise to which you all fall asleep, for Zack and Nadia, some much needed sleep at that.
The night goes on without much interruption. The rain picks up but you are all shielded from storm. As you start waking up one by one, it's almost impossible to tell its morning,given the grim gloomy sky. It continues to rain outside the hut, but not nearly as hard. You spend the last few minutes of comfort in the warm dry hut eating your breakfast rations and preparing to face the cold rainy world. Nadia knows that this weather will make picking up the trail much more difficult.
As the magic of Nadaars spell wears off you are all suddenly hit by the chill of the early morning air and dampness as the rain comes down. Nadia looks east, towards the direction you had been following. The fire of yesterday still burning in her eyes. While staring off, she swears she sees something move from behind a tree...
Nadaar stretches his arms and Rillex hides underneath his arms to hide from the rain. Nadaar gives the Tressym a few scratches before he notices the cats ears perk up and his eyes dart to the north. With warning for Rillex Nadaar follows his gaze to see something moving from behind a tree....
As soon as the hut disappears just so happened to be when Zack was looking up at the stormy sky wondering if it would clear soon. Unfortunately when the protection of the hut ended Zack got eyes full of rain and has to spend a few seconds rubbing the water from them and thus doesn't see anything.
Angar is staring off to the south, as if expecting something. My friends, I suspect we have company. From behind the trees Angar sees a group of skeletons shambling towards the party. Nadaar sees a group of zombies as well as a skeleton which seems to be carrying vials of green liquid. Nadia also sees Zombies amd skeletons shambling towrds her, but from behind a bush Nadia sees something far more terrifying. A face with eyes as black as midnight, and a mouth far to long to be natural stares at her from the shrub. Nadias heart sinks into her chest as she stares back at the creature, every fiber of her body telling her to look away, but it's already to late. The skeletons, the skeletons of elves she can tell. The creature looking at her...it killed them and will kill her too. Her heart starts racing, sweat mixing in with the rain, she can't look anymore and then
Nadia falls to the ground at 0 hp.
As Nadia falls the skeletons that can do so rush in with short-swords as the ones further back fire arrows towrds the party. S1 Runs towards Zack just as Zack has wiped away the rain from his eyes. As soon as he can see the first thing he sees is a skeleton is rotting, tattered armor swinging a sword right at him. Zack deftly steps to the side to avoid the incoming blow. From the same direction S1 had come from. S2 steps out from behind the tree line and fires an arrow which strikes Nadaar painfully in the shoulder (6 dam). As Naddar's attention is drawn to the arrow in his left shoulder blade, he catches glimpse of another skeleton rushing him from his right. He goes to attempt to block the blow but is too slow as the rusty blade pierces his upper thigh. (4 dam). From the north, S8 aims a bow at Angar, but the two lock eyes for a moment and the skeleton changes target to Nadaar. The sudden change in target almost causes the arrow to fly astray but just barely hits Nadaar in the arm (6 dam). Like wise S11 also aims at Angar, but they lock eyes and the Skeleton quickly changes to target Zack. The arrow strikes true and with deadly accuracy causing a nasty wound to Zacks back (8 Dam). And lastly to the east, S14 takes aim at Angar but just like all the others, he feels an affinity to the death whisperer and is compelled to aim elsewhere. Unfortunately for Zack he happens to be that elsewhere as an arrow comes flying his way. Reeling from the earlier attack, and seeing another bow aimed at him, Zack quickly reacts as one of the orbs in his skin light up and just as the arrow strikes him it is sent flying away as a shimmering blue shield surrounds Zack and deflects the blow.
From the bush to the east, a form stirs and stands to reveal itself. The creature looks like it came straight from hell, walking with a hunched back, and staring at the party with dark, hollow eyes and elongated mouth. The creature stares directly at the Death Whisperer but, seemingly reluctantly, it turns its gaze towards the fighter. Zack catches a glimpse of the crature and suddenly feels his energy being sapped from his body, worse than any arrow or sword blow. He feels himself starting to wither, much like the child on the road or the skeletons before him. (25 dam)
(order is Nadia[IM SORRY], Skellies, B, Nadaar, Zack, Zombies, Angar, Skelly alch) (for the records Skeletons are # 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14. Skeletals with green vials are 12 and 10, Zombies are 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 13)
As soon as Rillex started looking antsy and Angar mentioned company, Nadaar has a scimitar drawn and gripped tightly in anticipation. "RIllex. Into my hood. Now." He states through clenched teeth, as the group reflexively backed themselves up into a back-to-back formation. As soon as he saw even apart of the forces arrayed against, with more being heard coming out of the woodwork elsewhere, Nadaar's otherwise neutral expression soured on the spot. "I knew it... I knew shouldn't have..." He muttered before being forced to focus on defense.
Sadly, for all of his practice the past few years, his form is off, and the exchange ends with him bleeding and having to headbutt one skeleton away just so it removed the sword from his thigh. Immediately after that, he takes deep, deep breathe before unleashing a draconic roar powerful enough to rattle bones, and shatter whatever semblance of spirit the dead had remaining. Only after which would he look back to Nadia and shout, "Lady Nadia! FIGHT!", calling to her spirit as a way of returning strength to the body. "Fight, and stand firm. Everyone." He adds as he turned back to the southern enemies, second Scimitar drawn, and a look of fierceness in his eyes.
Then seeming to think better of it if the two within melee appear affected by the roar, Nadaar takes his chances and hops his way to Nadia's immediate north, trusting Zack and Angar had the south and east better defended against.
Action: Use Dragon Roar, making every creature (excluding the party within 30ft) of Nadaar make a Wis Save(DC 14) or become frightened for one minute, suffering disadvantage on all attacks and ability checks.
Bonus Action: Cast Pep Talk at 3rd level on Nadia, restoring 13 HP.
Action surge attack: Attack: 19 Damage: 11 +3 fire
Zack cursed when he felt the rain his his eyes suddenly, blinking rapidly as one does when suddenly accosted by water. And by the time it was all taken care of, he had just enough time to dodge out of the way of a blow after hearing from Angar that they 'have company.' And in the next few seconds, his head was on the swivel, scanning how dire their situation was, but it was cursory. A way to see just what sort of enemies they faced. His sword already coming up as he notices they're surrounded by an undead host. And just as he feels he's done taking the situation in... he feels a deathly gaze on him, withering him from the inside out... just before an arrow, takes advantage of his sloth, and hits squarely in the back. His adrenaline pumping, as the damage doesn't quite hit as hard as it could have.
Just as he's recovering, his eyes fall towards where he heard a soft thump moments before he avoided the first attack... and there, he saw Nadia, lying, lifeless in the rain. His eyes flared up in magical energy, every one of his focal points glowing, and the entire. And for the briefest of moments, his shield flared in blue flames, licking harmlessly across his body. They had just been talking moments ago... And in his momentary loss of control, he failed t notice Nadaars words or his healing surging through Nadia's body. And just seconds after Nadaars own roar, Zack let one out himself.
FfffffRUAGH! Between his mother, his memories he was just rediscovering, his old friends, and fellow soldiers, he was still near his limit. Seeign Nadia fall, and knowing there was nothng he could do about it only adding fuel to the fire. Nadaar. Whatever that thing is... he said through gritted teeth. Don't look at it. It does something to you.... and that was all the control he had left, before, seeing the most immediate victims dangers being right there.... He flew into action, for 1 his sword drawing into an overhead chop, to come down on the abomination. And, unless it was still up, he would run around Nadia to attack 5.
His veins surging with adrenaline, his blade igniting from the flames that had been wreathed around him before, striking out again... Either at 1 or, if it had fallen... at 5.
Regardless of hits or misses.... Zack lets out another shout, feeling life surge back into himself..... (SW: 8)
6 -> A Wis sav 16 16 Redirect to Zack Attack: 12 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
A -> 5 Attack: 6 Damage: 11
SA12 -> Nadia Attack: 20 Damage: 6
SA12 -> Nadaar Attack: 22 Damage: 9
A loud roar tears through the morning sky. A distant listener might have coward, fearing dragons incoming. However it was Nadaars roar that shook the bones of the undead causing all but 10, 4, 6 and the bodak itself to be frightened. Taking advantage of the skeleton in front if hims momentary hesitation, zack strikes at the creature only to bounce of its tattered armor. Not missing a beat he follows up, this time the blade writhing in blue flames. The strike sends flaming bone scattering through the air, most of which burn to dust before even landing. As this happens Nadaar.changes position, and 5 takes a hasty swing at him hitting only the air where Nadaar had been. Most of the Zombies remain in their place, unable to move closer to the frightening dragonborn and by extensions the rest of the party. The exception being zombies 4 and 6 who proved to be braver than most. 4 shambles up to Zack where 1 had just been and walks up to where Nadaar had just been and attempts to attack Angar. Z4 attacks Zack with a rotting noodle arm. Clearly these were elven zombies, even if they didn't have pointed ears, the oddly arm strike being so ineffective as it was is a dead giveaway to Zack. Z6 tries to target Angar but just can't bring itself to attack and poor misunderstood Death Whisperer, and instead attacks Zack though the attack simply bounces off Zacks armor.
Angar looks around at all the undead, their voices all echo through his mind, yearning to be heard. The Bodaks voice shouts over them all, a creature of evil, likely someone who willingly became what they are, and offense to everything Angar holds dear. He grips his staff with both hands and slams it into the ground, Yoricks skull glows faintly as Angsr shouts Cease this attack at once!. Most of the undead suddenly stop what they are doing, seemingly becoming indifferent to the party. All undead except SA12, S5, Z3 and Z9 are affected by Angars words. S5 looks at Angar briefly but then seems ready to continue the attack. Angars farce snarls in anger as he yells I said cease! Angar swings his staff at the skeleton but it bounces off the creatures rotting armor. Angar just looks at Yorick with a disappointed look on his face and says. Well that was cooler in my head. My friends, don't attack the ones who are not actively hostile anymore. They will ignore us for the next day unless we harm them. Focus on the ones still attacking.
In the relative calm of things, SA12 grabs two vials of green viscous liquid and tossed them up and down in its skeletal hands for a moment before tossing them both, one at Nadaar and another at Nadia. The vials both miss, one hitting the ground and the other the trunk of the nearby tree. As the glass shatters and the ooze spills out, the party can smell burning bark and dirt as the acid bubbles and seeps into their respective landing places but quickly dissipate.
Once warned of the unsuspecting company, Nadia readies her bow, string taut with an arrow in hand, alert and ready to strike at the first attacker, but then she saw it. A creature who she had the unfortunate luck of locking eyes(?) with, unable to advert her gaze from its frightening visage.. and not even a few seconds later had her world gone black and her lifeless body crumpled to the ground. Though, before her soul could be claimed, Nadaar's words had reached her spirit and it returns to her body, she gasping for air to return to her lungs, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and terror behind them.
It took a moment for her to calm down and for her brain to catch her up to speed with what the hells was going on, but it didn't take much. She was hurting, and could tell that despite Zack in a rage of sorts, he was hurting too, as was Nadaar and Angar, though looking better off than them two. With a breath, she lifts herself from her place in the mud, a hand grabbing her bow, the other supporting her body weight as she brings herself up. However, during her ascension, amber magic pools behind her and when she stands fully, a spectral elk stands strong and broad as she does, long antlers bifurcated in multiple places with roses and ivy wrapping their stems around them.
With no hesitation, Nadia aims her shots.
Bonus Action: Healing Elk Allies within 60ft are healed 4.
Action 1: Long bow attack on Z3 - Attack: 14 Damage: 6 Action 2: Long bow attack on S5 - Attack: 14 Damage: 7
The elks healing powers soothe the others pain as well as your own. With rejuvenated vigor you take aim at your targets releasing two arrows in quick succession. The first strikes the still aggressive zombie in the chest with a wet splat. The zombie however doesn't seem to react to the strike. The skeleton gets an arrow lodged into its empty eye socket but seems to continue to stand as well. The skeletons, with the exception of 5, all stand in their place, seemingly without any care to what is going on. S5, unable to move forward, simply attempts to attack Angar but cannot bring itself to do it. Lacking another target, it simply stands there. The Bodak also stands there, compelled by Angar to stop caring about attacking the party.
"You mean -- By the nine, of course it'd have a Bodak on its side! Keep away from it, if you can. Horrid things can sap the life right from around them, or so the tales go." Nadaar barked back in nimbly side stepped the bombs. The following irritated growl turns into a hearty chuckle. "Worry not, Mr. Angar. I am certain you will have your chance again!" Nadaar proclaims while by then surveying the battleground; ever mindful of the Bodak's general position.
"Leave the one to the northwest to me." He states as he rushes forth to do battle with the Alchemist. With Rillex still mind, the last few steps are taken with flesh a flourish, but the same did not go for the slashes at the skeletal creature's arms and center. The first of which packs a bite, and is followed by his entering a more defensive posture after which.
Movement: Into immediate melee of 12.
Action: (Main-Handed)Scimitar - To Hit: 8 For: 4 non-magical slashing Damage on Skele12.
Bonus Action: (Off-Handed)Scimitar - To Hit: 9 For: 7 non-magical slashing Damage on Skele12.
Blue Flame Blade@ Zomb in front of him: Attack: 16 Damage: 11 + 6 Fire. No bounce targets I'm aware of.
Zack was ready to cut them all down. It seemed like the DM world was testing his mental fortitude by endlessly throwing new suffrage his way. As the one fell, only to be replaced by another, Nadaar's healing works it's way into Nadia's body, in time to keep her soul from departing it, and like a verdant phoenix, she rises from the leaves. Relief floods through his features like a cold wave, before it's replaced by the serious fire of battle. Thank you Nadaar! And glad you're still with us Nadia. I thought i'd lost you too for just a moment, and was about to teach these piles of shit what happens... he cut himself off, seeing the Zombie approaching ever closer to him, and, honestly not completely sure which ones were hostile, and not being able to reach the only one he was sure was... He struck out at the Zombie in front of him.
And if a chance appears to move into the elks space occurs, he will dip himself within it, only to pull himself out so Nadia could remain within. His doubts about Angar ere rising, if only due to ignorance of what Angar was doing....
If the zombie happened to fall, and stay down, he would move to be in front of the one closest to Nadia whom she had just attacked. Not willing to leave her side just yet, and leave her entirely open.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
AoO from 4 to Z Attack: 13 Damage: 5
Z4 -> Z Attack: 7 Damage: 2
Z6 -> Z Attack: 6 Damage: 6
Z3 -> Zack Attack: 18 Damage: 5
Z9 -> A Wis Sav-1 Attack: 7 Damage: 3
A -> S5 Attack: 20 Damage: 6
ZA12 -> Nadaar Attack: 11 Damage: 4
Nadaar runs towards the skeletal alchemist and makes two wild attacks with his scimitar, both of which cut nothing but the raindrops. Zack meanwhile is confused over which undead are hostile or not and simply attacks the zombie in front of him. The blade cuts off a large chunk of flesh which erupts into blue flame, severely harming the creature but it remains standing. The flame then jumps over to Z6 and its flesh starts to burn. Zack quickly steps back onto the elf's healing aura but not before the newly aggravated zombie attacks to hit him. Luckily for Zack the zombies noodle arms are really no threat and he heals quickly and returns to his position. With Anfars request to not attack the calmed undead ignored by the fighter, zombies 4 and 6 rejoin the fight and attack Zack. Though their noodle arms are no match for even the slightest amount of armor. Zombies 3 and 9, now able to approach the party without getting close to Nadaar shamble over, Z3 going for Zack and Z9 for Angar. Z3 noodle arms it against Zack, but Z9 strikes Angar right in the face for minor damage.
Angar gets an annoyed look on his face, glaring at Zack and saying I said don't attack the non aggressive ones! Ah forget it! He swings Yorick at the S5. He curses as Yorick bounces off the armor yet again only barely missing.
The zombie alchemist by Nadaar makes a claw attacks at the far to close dragonborn, slashing him across the snout
Nadia is up. Red enemies are aggressive and not afraid of Nadaar. The pinker color are aggressive but scared of Nadaar. Blue enemies are non aggressive.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With two successful shots, Nadia, despite having died just a few seconds ago, felt as rejuvenated as ever, adrenaline now coursing through her veins. At Nadaar's advice, she gives an affirming nod. "Thanks for the heads up! And for the life saving! I'll find a way to pay you back, yeah?" She grins at him and before he departs, gives him a thumbs up with her free hand. Pulling another arrow from her quiver, she pulls back the string just as Zack speaks, his comments earning him a light chuckle from the elf. "I ain't gonna be leaving this world that easily-- Hah! Not yet." She breaths, focusing sights on the zombies approaching him, ready to cover him from where she was. "Not yet."
Nadia, in your excitment not to die, you forget to move your finger from in front of your arrow. As a result you end up doing some sever damage to your finger but nothing some magic can't heal. Luckily the shot still strikes the zombie hard but it remains standing. You then, carefully this time, fire another arrow at Z6, striking it in the neck. Black blood oozes out but the zombie is still standing. The skeleton goes go try to attack Angar who keeps hitting him with a skull on a stick but instead just stares at him curiously. The bodak stands in the bushes watching events unfold.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nadaar took the pain with bared teeth. For worst than that was hearing the shuffling of undead feet to harass the party. Had he underestimated the effects of the roar? Or had the tree and shrubbery passed blocked enough view of his black scaled form? No matter the answer, it still left him scowling inwardly for the misstep, and tightening on the scimitar until the knuckles began to audible pop.
"...It's a long way down when your head is in the clouds And all around the sirens play"
Nadaar softly sung until calm begin to re-enter his form.
Don't get in my way. "Don't tell me I should bow"
He lowered his stance, compensating for the muddied and looser earth.
"Cuz I'm no clown And this is not a game Don't get in my way!"
In a burst of movement, the blades sing through the air, still aimed at severing at least the limbs in the first, passing stroke. Invigorated by the success, he gets around it, and in a more forceful move, struck again with the off-hand in upward swing, knocking some sense into it as he forced it back closer towards the frackus!
Action: (Main-Handed)Scimitar - To Hit: 24 For: 8 non-magical slashing Damage on Skele12.
Movement: To the immediate left of Alchemy Skeley(12).
Bonus Action: (Off-Handed)Scimitar - To Hit: 14 For: 8 non-magical slashing Damage on Skele12.
(Spending a bardic die and adding an additional 2 of damage to that 1st one, and the same amount to Nadaar's AC for Defensive Flourish)
(Spending Bardic and adding 7 damage to the 2nd one, and pushing Alchemy Skele(12) to the right by 5ft plus Bardic Die Roll. Before moving immediately to its left)
Zack feels the soft pitter-patter of noodles slapping his armor, like a light rain. But his trained senses tell him not to waste energy avoiding them, as the angle they're coming at wont even dint his armor. And hearing Angar shouting at him only ticks him off. Look man, I only recently came into whatever my powers are! And I barely understood magic to begin with. And this thing just hit me two seconds ago. It's a little hard to tell which ones you pacified two seconds before I attacked! Returning his focus to the fight before him, seeing the refreshedly aggressive zombies, still standing despite the beating and pinning between himself and Nadia, he wanted to hit the one in front of her, but chose instead to guarantee a thinning of their numbers.
Striking out once more at 4 with a Blue-Flame Blade. Outta the way!
Responding to Nadia Glad to hear it. But still, don't scare me like that! We're just gettin' started!
Finally, if one or both fell finally... He'd shift around 3 to divert it's attention. I'll work my way around this way. Support Nadaar before we have another Barn incident... he'd say quieter.Making sure his back was to the beast that had previously rendered himself and Nadia so... Prompting him to reiterate to Nadia... Just in case.... Whatever you do... Make sure you don't look east! Whatever that hellspawned ***** is seems to be able to hurt you by looking at you.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Z3 -> Z Attack: 10 Damage: 5
Z9 -> A Wis 6
A-> S5 Attack: 12 Damage: 6
S12 Attack: 4 Damage: 5
Z4 goes down in a burs of blue flame and the smell of burnt rotting flesh as Zack carves into it with his blade. The flames then leap to Z6 and though the creature is on fire it remains standing. Meanwhile Nadaar skillfully slashes Z12, looking more like a performer in the art of swordplay rather than the rough and relatively ungraceful Zack. The blades strike true and hard, sending broken bones flying away from their host yes the skeleton seems built of sterner stuff and remains in the fight. Z9 meanwhile looks to Angar like they should be having a pleasant conversation.
Back to Zack, Z3 flails its noodle arms in the fighters face. With the rain, this time its like being hit with a wet noodle that's been left out to freeze as the zombie slams Zack square in the jaw. At this point Angar is frustrated, between Zack and the damned skeleton refusing to fall. He lets out all his frustration in a wild swing of the staff aimed at Zack S5. Yorick and the skeletons skulls meet in a loud crack that sends S5's skull flying into the forest and its body crumples to the floor.
Lastly the Skeletal Alchemist turns to face Nadaar for another slash across the face! Luckily for Nadaar the slash is off its mark, the fear clearly having a notable affect of the creature.
Nadia holds in a scream at the pain that shoots up her arm at her foolish mistake, instead biting the inside of her cheek til she felt metal coat her tongue. “Carajo...” She grumbles after taking the second shot, using a second to look at the damage done to her poor finger. Thankfully, it doesn’t look too bad as spectral stems began to slowly weave the wound closed. “Gracias,”She says quietly to the elk, the creature bowing in response to her words.
Drawing another arrow from her quiver, the elf gives Zack a nod in affirmation as he begins to move. “You got it, hermoso,” With a cheeky wink in the fighters direction, she tthen focuses sights on the zombie still hostile towards them.
Action 1: Longbow attack on Z6 (since I thiiink he’s still up?) - Attack: 23 Damage: 11 + Extra damage 5
If Z6 still stands, she’ll direct another shot to him. If he’s down, Nadia moves to get a clear shot of SA12, also moving her Slayer’s Prey onto him for her bonus action.
Action 2: Longbow attack on Z6 (unless downed, on SA12) - Attack: 10 Damage: 12 + Extra damage 3
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(´。• ᵕ •。`) ♡
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The childs body is placed behind the inn and covered with one of the extra sheets while Sarah rushes off to fetch the local priest. Eager to get back on the trail, Angar prepares to start heading back for the road, but Zack requests one more quick detour to return the borrowed horse. Upon returning to Zacks fathers farm the horse is returned and his father embraces him one more time. If you're leaving for good this time son, I just want you to know I love ya and I'm damned proud of you. Take care of yourself and be careful. He let's you go and gives you a strong pat on the shoulder before getting back to work.
The party heads back on the road and back to where Nadaar had last seen the figure in the cart. Nadia inspects the path and can see the tracks of a cart clear as day. Judging by the depth of the tracks, the cart was carrying a heavy load. You follow the road south for a few hours before the tracks veer off the road heading east. Nadia, you know if the tracks continue as they are, you will likely be in the Misty forest within a few more hours.
The party continues following the trail, Nadia determined to push through the exhaustion, hell bent on stopping whatever is responsible for the boys death. With Nadaar aiding her, she maintains the trail. Zack and Rillex keep an eye on the perimeter while Angar follows along, checking for additional tracks or other clues that might escape the duo.
Eventually you find yourselves at the edge of the Misty Forest. The tracks continue for a ways in, but it's getting dark, and the canopy of trees quickly make it seem all the darker as you go further into the forest. The leaves russel in the wind, and every crack of a twig draws the attention of Zack or Rillex until its quickly determined to be some harmless animal. Even with Nadias ability to see in the dark, the tracks become fainter then further in you go. Soon night has fallen and Nadia has lost the trail. With Nadaars help they attempt to look again for where they last saw it, but to no avail.
Angar takes a seat beneath a tree and starts placing out a bed roll. It is not an issue Ms.Nadia. The trail thus far has more or less kept going east, towards the High Moors. I suspect whatever den of evil our corpse theif calls home is either in the Moor or close to it. If that is the case, then it should be maybe half a day or so before we find what we are looking for. Maybe longer if it's in the swamp, maybe less if not. It will be easier to pick up the trail again in the morning when you're talented eyes are rested. Let us set up camp here and start again in the morning.
Before leaving...
Zack had rode the horse around the backside, towards the tree where his mother was buried. And if he had seen any flowers on the way he would stop long enough to grab at-least one. Regardless of whether or not he found any, he would dismount, knowing the others would be in a hurry. So he chose a respectful middle-ground. After dismounting the horse, He'd kneel down, and speak clearly, in a tone as if addressing a person directly in front of him. Hey Ma. Once again, I'm sorry I didn't make it before.. whatever took you - took you. I'm gonna miss you. But I know that you're watching from wherever you are right now. And I hope I am making you proud. A lot's happened since I left. More than I can remember. he sighs, heavily. But I'm piecing it back together .. slowly. I'm making my own way in the world.
I'm sorry it wasn't the path you and Pa wanted for me, but he seems accepting enough. his eyes moistened just a bit, but, he held back any tears that may have otherwise come - More prepared for this than his sudden awakening a week before. I don't trust this 'Angar' guy fully yet but he seems to be telling the truth so far. Still, As much as I'd wanna say something to you if he wasn't false. It's not worth desecrating your grave for. So I'll settle for this. Seems I got a lot of fighting still ahead of me. Watch my back eh? And.... thanks for bringing me into this world... with that, he'd kiss the grave-marker once, before getting up, and returning to his father, with the horse.
-----
Returning the hug with a firm squeeze of his own. Love you too Pa. And honestly, that means a lot to me - and for what it's worth, I'm proud to be your son. Don't go spending those gems on the first shiny thing you see! I'll send letters when I can. Or word, if I can't. And tell Godrick, sorry for all the trouble.
Eventually, returning to the others, who seem eager to be gone. He could tell that Nadia's fire was lit. And he understood more than anyone he knew. He too once had that same fire in him at everything. It's what led him to his dream of becoming a hero. And though he doubted it would have quite the same effect on her. Hers burnt bright, while his own had been tempered after so many fights, so much blood, and combat - what he could still remember of it. His was just as intense, but like a blue star, it burnt hot, yet cooly inside of him. He could harness it when he needed to - Thanks to the man that had saved his life... Tempering his will. He didn't say much the entire trip. If anything, trying to conserve his energy for a fight if it came to it.
The tracking having gone so well until the forest itself had made even Nadia's eyes fail. At the prospect of camp, he'd surprisingly say I agree. No point in pushing ourselves to our upper limits only to fall should we find them. I'll take first watch. You all get some rest.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Earlier...
Preferring not to intrude, and having little reason to pay personal respects(this time around), Nadaar largely kept out of things; preferring instead to keep Angar and Rillex occupied during village events. That is, after seeing to the child, and having to linger somewhere nearby for Zack at least to conclude his business.
Present...
"Mn... And not to make watches unnecessary, and if one does not mind going without a fire, I've recently gained some -- how do you say -- inspiration?" At that, Nadaar draws out his scimitar's and gives them a simultaneous flourish before crossing the blades over one another. "It will take some time, but soon I can carve and direct strands of magic from the weave into a virtually impenetrable dome of force. Which should make our rest fairly safe. It... will be easier to show. I ask only that a fair distance be kept, and for my focus to go undisturbed during the.. hn... I suppose you could call it a ritual of protection."
Unless more is than asked or demanded of him, Nadaar builds up into dance of blades, interweaving magic, force of presence, determination, and strange lyrical beat to the 'song' throughout the performance. No apparitions this time show up during the performance. At least, none that weren't a product of a painful conscious mind's awareness of troublesome memories. Which by its end, the strands of carved magic congeal into a opaque dome whose outsides at least blended roughly into the surrounding texture. Within, a dim light emanating from some point at the top and a far more comfortable atmosphere is felt within it.
And the view from within is eerily clear!
Performance(s)(Top) and Song(Below) Inspiration: (Also roll for flavor: 13.)
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
It was sheer willpower that kept Nadia going despite the exhaustion that tried to overcome her. She pushed forward, forced herself to continue, and thankfully, with Nadaar's help they managed to find a good enough trail that got them to where they were now. Deep brown eyes scanned the edge of the forest, a wave of memories nearly knocking her over from where she stood now."How many years..." She murmurs quietly to herself as she finally lets the fatigue she had been trying so hard to push back slowly consume her, not even finding enough energy to argue with Zack on the watch detail, but apparently there had been a slight solution?
Nadia had patiently and respectfully watched Nadaar's performance, and gave him a soft clap when the ritual had been completed. "Very nice. Not very noticeable either. A useful spell, indeed." She had tried to force her voice to be more energetic than she felt, but it came out relatively flat and gave away how tired she was. All I need is some sleep, she told herself. Then we'll get to the bottom of this, hopefully... in there... She briefly glances over to the forest. Of all the places.
When given the go ahead, she steps inside the dome, taking a quick look around, impressed at how oddly clear it was, but if it kept some baddies away, she wouldn't complain. "Well... If we still want to keep watch despite being in here, I'll be up in a few hours and take over then, okay? I just.. I need to put my head down for a bit." After bidding the boys a goodnight, she curls herself up somewhere out of the way, and lays down. Sure she had a bed roll to sleep on, but this patch of grass(?) looked mighty comfortable, so much so that she was out within a few minutes.
Zack was uncertain what exactly Nadaar had in mind, but when the dancing and weaving were completed, and the dome of force popped into existence, he couldn't help but pat the dragonman on the back. That's a very handy bit of inspiration. and despite his exhaustion, the faintest aura of being impressed exuded from him. Zack breaths were coming out slow, and heavy. Not like he was out of breath, but rather that he couldn't quite conjure the energy necessary to breathe normally. He could probably go one more day like this before it would lead to passing out regardless of what he was doing.
As with Nadia, he only entered when Nadaar himself said it was clear, with Zack taking up the rear. And once inside.... he'd set his massive sword to the farthest point away from everyone. Disrobing just his top-half of his armor, and setting it nearby. Whether due to exhaustion or a lack of outward signs, Zack didn't quite notice that Nadia was suffering fro ma bit of anxiety, and.... due to gaps in his memory, may simply not remember that what happened to Nadia was within a Forest.
No, I think we'll trust Nadaar. And you and I both need a concentrated dose of sleep... I don't know if Nadaar himself got any.... but.. lets rest.
Zack put himself defensively in front of Nadia, and within arms reach but staying far enough away to not smother her. He made sure that Angar was within view, regardless of where the man lay. And closed one eye, keeping the other on Angar until he was sure that the old man was asleep. Once there, due to finally ceasing to move.... and rest... Zack fell to the land of dreams.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Nadias con sav. 7 as rolled in discord. Failed by 5 or more
Nadia initiative: 18
6 skellies: 20
Skelly alchemists: 15
6 zombals: 8
Zack: 19 per discord roll
Nadaar: 3
Angar: 4
B: 13
S1 -> Z Attack: 18 Damage: 3
S2 -> Nadaar Attack: 19 Damage: 5
S5 -> Nadaar Attack: 11 Damage: 5
S8 -> A Wis save DC 16 15 - Skeleton fails its save and redirects attack to Nadaar Attack: 24 Damage: 10
S11 -> A Wis Save same as above 2 Fail, redirect to Zack Attack: 24 Damage: 12
S14 -> Angar Wis sav 9 - Redirect to Zack Attack: 13 Damage: 3
B->A Wis 7 - redirect to Zack - Zacks Wis Sav 9 Dc13 so fail 25
You all eventually find yourselves falling asleep in the safety of Nadaars Novel Necessity(TM). The hut itself is comfortable, dry and warm, immune to the weather outside. Which is good because with a lack of a fire the night would likely have gotten quite cold, and as the night continues it starts to rain pretty heavily. The raindrops become the background noise to which you all fall asleep, for Zack and Nadia, some much needed sleep at that.
The night goes on without much interruption. The rain picks up but you are all shielded from storm. As you start waking up one by one, it's almost impossible to tell its morning,given the grim gloomy sky. It continues to rain outside the hut, but not nearly as hard. You spend the last few minutes of comfort in the warm dry hut eating your breakfast rations and preparing to face the cold rainy world. Nadia knows that this weather will make picking up the trail much more difficult.
As the magic of Nadaars spell wears off you are all suddenly hit by the chill of the early morning air and dampness as the rain comes down. Nadia looks east, towards the direction you had been following. The fire of yesterday still burning in her eyes. While staring off, she swears she sees something move from behind a tree...
Nadaar stretches his arms and Rillex hides underneath his arms to hide from the rain. Nadaar gives the Tressym a few scratches before he notices the cats ears perk up and his eyes dart to the north. With warning for Rillex Nadaar follows his gaze to see something moving from behind a tree....
As soon as the hut disappears just so happened to be when Zack was looking up at the stormy sky wondering if it would clear soon. Unfortunately when the protection of the hut ended Zack got eyes full of rain and has to spend a few seconds rubbing the water from them and thus doesn't see anything.
Angar is staring off to the south, as if expecting something. My friends, I suspect we have company. From behind the trees Angar sees a group of skeletons shambling towards the party. Nadaar sees a group of zombies as well as a skeleton which seems to be carrying vials of green liquid. Nadia also sees Zombies amd skeletons shambling towrds her, but from behind a bush Nadia sees something far more terrifying. A face with eyes as black as midnight, and a mouth far to long to be natural stares at her from the shrub. Nadias heart sinks into her chest as she stares back at the creature, every fiber of her body telling her to look away, but it's already to late. The skeletons, the skeletons of elves she can tell. The creature looking at her...it killed them and will kill her too. Her heart starts racing, sweat mixing in with the rain, she can't look anymore and then
Nadia falls to the ground at 0 hp.
As Nadia falls the skeletons that can do so rush in with short-swords as the ones further back fire arrows towrds the party. S1 Runs towards Zack just as Zack has wiped away the rain from his eyes. As soon as he can see the first thing he sees is a skeleton is rotting, tattered armor swinging a sword right at him. Zack deftly steps to the side to avoid the incoming blow. From the same direction S1 had come from. S2 steps out from behind the tree line and fires an arrow which strikes Nadaar painfully in the shoulder (6 dam). As Naddar's attention is drawn to the arrow in his left shoulder blade, he catches glimpse of another skeleton rushing him from his right. He goes to attempt to block the blow but is too slow as the rusty blade pierces his upper thigh. (4 dam). From the north, S8 aims a bow at Angar, but the two lock eyes for a moment and the skeleton changes target to Nadaar. The sudden change in target almost causes the arrow to fly astray but just barely hits Nadaar in the arm (6 dam). Like wise S11 also aims at Angar, but they lock eyes and the Skeleton quickly changes to target Zack. The arrow strikes true and with deadly accuracy causing a nasty wound to Zacks back (8 Dam). And lastly to the east, S14 takes aim at Angar but just like all the others, he feels an affinity to the death whisperer and is compelled to aim elsewhere. Unfortunately for Zack he happens to be that elsewhere as an arrow comes flying his way. Reeling from the earlier attack, and seeing another bow aimed at him, Zack quickly reacts as one of the orbs in his skin light up and just as the arrow strikes him it is sent flying away as a shimmering blue shield surrounds Zack and deflects the blow.
From the bush to the east, a form stirs and stands to reveal itself. The creature looks like it came straight from hell, walking with a hunched back, and staring at the party with dark, hollow eyes and elongated mouth. The creature stares directly at the Death Whisperer but, seemingly reluctantly, it turns its gaze towards the fighter. Zack catches a glimpse of the crature and suddenly feels his energy being sapped from his body, worse than any arrow or sword blow. He feels himself starting to wither, much like the child on the road or the skeletons before him. (25 dam)
(order is Nadia[IM SORRY], Skellies, B, Nadaar, Zack, Zombies, Angar, Skelly alch) (for the records Skeletons are # 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14. Skeletals with green vials are 12 and 10, Zombies are 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 13)
Nadaar is up
As soon as Rillex started looking antsy and Angar mentioned company, Nadaar has a scimitar drawn and gripped tightly in anticipation. "RIllex. Into my hood. Now." He states through clenched teeth, as the group reflexively backed themselves up into a back-to-back formation. As soon as he saw even apart of the forces arrayed against, with more being heard coming out of the woodwork elsewhere, Nadaar's otherwise neutral expression soured on the spot. "I knew it... I knew shouldn't have..." He muttered before being forced to focus on defense.
Sadly, for all of his practice the past few years, his form is off, and the exchange ends with him bleeding and having to headbutt one skeleton away just so it removed the sword from his thigh. Immediately after that, he takes deep, deep breathe before unleashing a draconic roar powerful enough to rattle bones, and shatter whatever semblance of spirit the dead had remaining. Only after which would he look back to Nadia and shout, "Lady Nadia! FIGHT!", calling to her spirit as a way of returning strength to the body. "Fight, and stand firm. Everyone." He adds as he turned back to the southern enemies, second Scimitar drawn, and a look of fierceness in his eyes.
Then seeming to think better of it if the two within melee appear affected by the roar, Nadaar takes his chances and hops his way to Nadia's immediate north, trusting Zack and Angar had the south and east better defended against.
Action: Use Dragon Roar, making every creature (excluding the party within 30ft) of Nadaar make a Wis Save(DC 14) or become frightened for one minute, suffering disadvantage on all attacks and ability checks.
Bonus Action: Cast Pep Talk at 3rd level on Nadia, restoring 13 HP.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Attack @ 1 Attack: 12 Damage: 14
Action surge attack: Attack: 19 Damage: 11 +3 fire
Zack cursed when he felt the rain his his eyes suddenly, blinking rapidly as one does when suddenly accosted by water. And by the time it was all taken care of, he had just enough time to dodge out of the way of a blow after hearing from Angar that they 'have company.' And in the next few seconds, his head was on the swivel, scanning how dire their situation was, but it was cursory. A way to see just what sort of enemies they faced. His sword already coming up as he notices they're surrounded by an undead host. And just as he feels he's done taking the situation in... he feels a deathly gaze on him, withering him from the inside out... just before an arrow, takes advantage of his sloth, and hits squarely in the back. His adrenaline pumping, as the damage doesn't quite hit as hard as it could have.
Just as he's recovering, his eyes fall towards where he heard a soft thump moments before he avoided the first attack... and there, he saw Nadia, lying, lifeless in the rain. His eyes flared up in magical energy, every one of his focal points glowing, and the entire. And for the briefest of moments, his shield flared in blue flames, licking harmlessly across his body. They had just been talking moments ago... And in his momentary loss of control, he failed t notice Nadaars words or his healing surging through Nadia's body. And just seconds after Nadaars own roar, Zack let one out himself.
FfffffRUAGH! Between his mother, his memories he was just rediscovering, his old friends, and fellow soldiers, he was still near his limit. Seeign Nadia fall, and knowing there was nothng he could do about it only adding fuel to the fire. Nadaar. Whatever that thing is... he said through gritted teeth. Don't look at it. It does something to you.... and that was all the control he had left, before, seeing the most immediate
victimsdangers being right there.... He flew into action, for 1 his sword drawing into an overhead chop, to come down on the abomination. And, unless it was still up, he would run around Nadia to attack 5.His veins surging with adrenaline, his blade igniting from the flames that had been wreathed around him before, striking out again... Either at 1 or, if it had fallen... at 5.
Regardless of hits or misses.... Zack lets out another shout, feeling life surge back into himself..... (SW: 8)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
5 AP -> Nadaar Attack: 11 Damage: 4
4 -> Zack Attack: 11 Damage: 3
6 -> A Wis sav 16 16 Redirect to Zack Attack: 12 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
A -> 5 Attack: 6 Damage: 11
SA12 -> Nadia Attack: 20 Damage: 6
SA12 -> Nadaar Attack: 22 Damage: 9
A loud roar tears through the morning sky. A distant listener might have coward, fearing dragons incoming. However it was Nadaars roar that shook the bones of the undead causing all but 10, 4, 6 and the bodak itself to be frightened. Taking advantage of the skeleton in front if hims momentary hesitation, zack strikes at the creature only to bounce of its tattered armor. Not missing a beat he follows up, this time the blade writhing in blue flames. The strike sends flaming bone scattering through the air, most of which burn to dust before even landing. As this happens Nadaar.changes position, and 5 takes a hasty swing at him hitting only the air where Nadaar had been. Most of the Zombies remain in their place, unable to move closer to the frightening dragonborn and by extensions the rest of the party. The exception being zombies 4 and 6 who proved to be braver than most. 4 shambles up to Zack where 1 had just been and walks up to where Nadaar had just been and attempts to attack Angar. Z4 attacks Zack with a rotting noodle arm. Clearly these were elven zombies, even if they didn't have pointed ears, the oddly arm strike being so ineffective as it was is a dead giveaway to Zack. Z6 tries to target Angar but just can't bring itself to attack and poor misunderstood Death Whisperer, and instead attacks Zack though the attack simply bounces off Zacks armor.
Angar looks around at all the undead, their voices all echo through his mind, yearning to be heard. The Bodaks voice shouts over them all, a creature of evil, likely someone who willingly became what they are, and offense to everything Angar holds dear. He grips his staff with both hands and slams it into the ground, Yoricks skull glows faintly as Angsr shouts Cease this attack at once!. Most of the undead suddenly stop what they are doing, seemingly becoming indifferent to the party. All undead except SA12, S5, Z3 and Z9 are affected by Angars words. S5 looks at Angar briefly but then seems ready to continue the attack. Angars farce snarls in anger as he yells I said cease! Angar swings his staff at the skeleton but it bounces off the creatures rotting armor. Angar just looks at Yorick with a disappointed look on his face and says. Well that was cooler in my head. My friends, don't attack the ones who are not actively hostile anymore. They will ignore us for the next day unless we harm them. Focus on the ones still attacking.
In the relative calm of things, SA12 grabs two vials of green viscous liquid and tossed them up and down in its skeletal hands for a moment before tossing them both, one at Nadaar and another at Nadia. The vials both miss, one hitting the ground and the other the trunk of the nearby tree. As the glass shatters and the ooze spills out, the party can smell burning bark and dirt as the acid bubbles and seeps into their respective landing places but quickly dissipate.
Nadia is up
Once warned of the unsuspecting company, Nadia readies her bow, string taut with an arrow in hand, alert and ready to strike at the first attacker, but then she saw it. A creature who she had the unfortunate luck of locking eyes(?) with, unable to advert her gaze from its frightening visage.. and not even a few seconds later had her world gone black and her lifeless body crumpled to the ground. Though, before her soul could be claimed, Nadaar's words had reached her spirit and it returns to her body, she gasping for air to return to her lungs, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and terror behind them.
It took a moment for her to calm down and for her brain to catch her up to speed with what the hells was going on, but it didn't take much. She was hurting, and could tell that despite Zack in a rage of sorts, he was hurting too, as was Nadaar and Angar, though looking better off than them two. With a breath, she lifts herself from her place in the mud, a hand grabbing her bow, the other supporting her body weight as she brings herself up. However, during her ascension, amber magic pools behind her and when she stands fully, a spectral elk stands strong and broad as she does, long antlers bifurcated in multiple places with roses and ivy wrapping their stems around them.
With no hesitation, Nadia aims her shots.
Bonus Action: Healing Elk Allies within 60ft are healed 4.
Action 1: Long bow attack on Z3 - Attack: 14 Damage: 6
Action 2: Long bow attack on S5 - Attack: 14 Damage: 7
The elks healing powers soothe the others pain as well as your own. With rejuvenated vigor you take aim at your targets releasing two arrows in quick succession. The first strikes the still aggressive zombie in the chest with a wet splat. The zombie however doesn't seem to react to the strike. The skeleton gets an arrow lodged into its empty eye socket but seems to continue to stand as well. The skeletons, with the exception of 5, all stand in their place, seemingly without any care to what is going on. S5, unable to move forward, simply attempts to attack Angar but cannot bring itself to do it. Lacking another target, it simply stands there. The Bodak also stands there, compelled by Angar to stop caring about attacking the party.
Nadaar and Zack are up
"You mean -- By the nine, of course it'd have a Bodak on its side! Keep away from it, if you can. Horrid things can sap the life right from around them, or so the tales go." Nadaar barked back in nimbly side stepped the bombs. The following irritated growl turns into a hearty chuckle. "Worry not, Mr. Angar. I am certain you will have your chance again!" Nadaar proclaims while by then surveying the battleground; ever mindful of the Bodak's general position.
"Leave the one to the northwest to me." He states as he rushes forth to do battle with the Alchemist. With Rillex still mind, the last few steps are taken with flesh a flourish, but the same did not go for the slashes at the skeletal creature's arms and center. The first of which packs a bite, and is followed by his entering a more defensive posture after which.
Movement: Into immediate melee of 12.
Action: (Main-Handed)Scimitar - To Hit: 8 For: 4 non-magical slashing Damage on Skele12.
Bonus Action: (Off-Handed)Scimitar - To Hit: 9 For: 7 non-magical slashing Damage on Skele12.
.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Blue Flame Blade@ Zomb in front of him: Attack: 16 Damage: 11 + 6 Fire. No bounce targets I'm aware of.
Zack was ready to cut them all down. It seemed like the
DMworld was testing his mental fortitude by endlessly throwing new suffrage his way. As the one fell, only to be replaced by another, Nadaar's healing works it's way into Nadia's body, in time to keep her soul from departing it, and like a verdant phoenix, she rises from the leaves. Relief floods through his features like a cold wave, before it's replaced by the serious fire of battle. Thank you Nadaar! And glad you're still with us Nadia. I thought i'd lost you too for just a moment, and was about to teach these piles of shit what happens... he cut himself off, seeing the Zombie approaching ever closer to him, and, honestly not completely sure which ones were hostile, and not being able to reach the only one he was sure was... He struck out at the Zombie in front of him.And if a chance appears to move into the elks space occurs, he will dip himself within it, only to pull himself out so Nadia could remain within. His doubts about Angar ere rising, if only due to ignorance of what Angar was doing....
If the zombie happened to fall, and stay down, he would move to be in front of the one closest to Nadia whom she had just attacked. Not willing to leave her side just yet, and leave her entirely open.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
AoO from 4 to Z Attack: 13 Damage: 5
Z4 -> Z Attack: 7 Damage: 2
Z6 -> Z Attack: 6 Damage: 6
Z3 -> Zack Attack: 18 Damage: 5
Z9 -> A Wis Sav-1 Attack: 7 Damage: 3
A -> S5 Attack: 20 Damage: 6
ZA12 -> Nadaar Attack: 11 Damage: 4
Nadaar runs towards the skeletal alchemist and makes two wild attacks with his scimitar, both of which cut nothing but the raindrops. Zack meanwhile is confused over which undead are hostile or not and simply attacks the zombie in front of him. The blade cuts off a large chunk of flesh which erupts into blue flame, severely harming the creature but it remains standing. The flame then jumps over to Z6 and its flesh starts to burn. Zack quickly steps back onto the elf's healing aura but not before the newly aggravated zombie attacks to hit him. Luckily for Zack the zombies noodle arms are really no threat and he heals quickly and returns to his position. With Anfars request to not attack the calmed undead ignored by the fighter, zombies 4 and 6 rejoin the fight and attack Zack. Though their noodle arms are no match for even the slightest amount of armor. Zombies 3 and 9, now able to approach the party without getting close to Nadaar shamble over, Z3 going for Zack and Z9 for Angar. Z3 noodle arms it against Zack, but Z9 strikes Angar right in the face for minor damage.
Angar gets an annoyed look on his face, glaring at Zack and saying I said don't attack the non aggressive ones! Ah forget it! He swings Yorick at the S5. He curses as Yorick bounces off the armor yet again only barely missing.
The zombie alchemist by Nadaar makes a claw attacks at the far to close dragonborn, slashing him across the snout
Nadia is up. Red enemies are aggressive and not afraid of Nadaar. The pinker color are aggressive but scared of Nadaar. Blue enemies are non aggressive.
With two successful shots, Nadia, despite having died just a few seconds ago, felt as rejuvenated as ever, adrenaline now coursing through her veins. At Nadaar's advice, she gives an affirming nod. "Thanks for the heads up! And for the life saving! I'll find a way to pay you back, yeah?" She grins at him and before he departs, gives him a thumbs up with her free hand. Pulling another arrow from her quiver, she pulls back the string just as Zack speaks, his comments earning him a light chuckle from the elf. "I ain't gonna be leaving this world that easily-- Hah! Not yet." She breaths, focusing sights on the zombies approaching him, ready to cover him from where she was. "Not yet."
Healing Elk: 1 hp regained.
Action 1: Longbow attack on Z4 - Attack: 11 Damage: 5
Action 2: Longbow attack on Z6 - Attack: 23 Damage: 6
Bonus Action: Slayer’s Prey on Z6 - Extra damage 2
Nadia, in your excitment not to die, you forget to move your finger from in front of your arrow. As a result you end up doing some sever damage to your finger but nothing some magic can't heal. Luckily the shot still strikes the zombie hard but it remains standing. You then, carefully this time, fire another arrow at Z6, striking it in the neck. Black blood oozes out but the zombie is still standing. The skeleton goes go try to attack Angar who keeps hitting him with a skull on a stick but instead just stares at him curiously. The bodak stands in the bushes watching events unfold.
Nadaar took the pain with bared teeth. For worst than that was hearing the shuffling of undead feet to harass the party. Had he underestimated the effects of the roar? Or had the tree and shrubbery passed blocked enough view of his black scaled form? No matter the answer, it still left him scowling inwardly for the misstep, and tightening on the scimitar until the knuckles began to audible pop.
"...It's a long way down when your head is in the clouds
And all around the sirens play"
Nadaar softly sung until calm begin to re-enter his form.
Don't get in my way.
"Don't tell me I should bow"
He lowered his stance, compensating for the muddied and looser earth.
"Cuz I'm no clown
And this is not a game
Don't get in my way!"
In a burst of movement, the blades sing through the air, still aimed at severing at least the limbs in the first, passing stroke. Invigorated by the success, he gets around it, and in a more forceful move, struck again with the off-hand in upward swing, knocking some sense into it as he forced it back closer towards the frackus!
Action: (Main-Handed)Scimitar - To Hit: 24 For: 8 non-magical slashing Damage on Skele12.
Movement: To the immediate left of Alchemy Skeley(12).
Bonus Action: (Off-Handed)Scimitar - To Hit: 14 For: 8 non-magical slashing Damage on Skele12.
(Spending a bardic die and adding an additional 2 of damage to that 1st one, and the same amount to Nadaar's AC for Defensive Flourish)
(Spending Bardic and adding 7 damage to the 2nd one, and pushing Alchemy Skele(12) to the right by 5ft plus Bardic Die Roll. Before moving immediately to its left)
.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
BFB@4: Attack: 24 Damage: 9 + 5 Fire.
Bounce@6: 8 +2 Fire
Zack feels the soft pitter-patter of noodles slapping his armor, like a light rain. But his trained senses tell him not to waste energy avoiding them, as the angle they're coming at wont even dint his armor. And hearing Angar shouting at him only ticks him off. Look man, I only recently came into whatever my powers are! And I barely understood magic to begin with. And this thing just hit me two seconds ago. It's a little hard to tell which ones you pacified two seconds before I attacked! Returning his focus to the fight before him, seeing the refreshedly aggressive zombies, still standing despite the beating and pinning between himself and Nadia, he wanted to hit the one in front of her, but chose instead to guarantee a thinning of their numbers.
Striking out once more at 4 with a Blue-Flame Blade. Outta the way!
Responding to Nadia Glad to hear it. But still, don't scare me like that! We're just gettin' started!
Finally, if one or both fell finally... He'd shift around 3 to divert it's attention. I'll work my way around this way. Support Nadaar before we have another Barn incident... he'd say quieter.Making sure his back was to the beast that had previously rendered himself and Nadia so... Prompting him to reiterate to Nadia... Just in case.... Whatever you do... Make sure you don't look east! Whatever that hellspawned ***** is seems to be able to hurt you by looking at you.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Z3 -> Z Attack: 10 Damage: 5
Z9 -> A Wis 6
A-> S5 Attack: 12 Damage: 6
S12 Attack: 4 Damage: 5
Z4 goes down in a burs of blue flame and the smell of burnt rotting flesh as Zack carves into it with his blade. The flames then leap to Z6 and though the creature is on fire it remains standing. Meanwhile Nadaar skillfully slashes Z12, looking more like a performer in the art of swordplay rather than the rough and relatively ungraceful Zack. The blades strike true and hard, sending broken bones flying away from their host yes the skeleton seems built of sterner stuff and remains in the fight. Z9 meanwhile looks to Angar like they should be having a pleasant conversation.
Back to Zack, Z3 flails its noodle arms in the fighters face. With the rain, this time its like being hit with a wet noodle that's been left out to freeze as the zombie slams Zack square in the jaw. At this point Angar is frustrated, between Zack and the damned skeleton refusing to fall. He lets out all his frustration in a wild swing of the staff aimed at
ZackS5. Yorick and the skeletons skulls meet in a loud crack that sends S5's skull flying into the forest and its body crumples to the floor.Lastly the Skeletal Alchemist turns to face Nadaar for another slash across the face! Luckily for Nadaar the slash is off its mark, the fear clearly having a notable affect of the creature.
Nadia holds in a scream at the pain that shoots up her arm at her foolish mistake, instead biting the inside of her cheek til she felt metal coat her tongue. “Carajo...” She grumbles after taking the second shot, using a second to look at the damage done to her poor finger. Thankfully, it doesn’t look too bad as spectral stems began to slowly weave the wound closed. “Gracias,” She says quietly to the elk, the creature bowing in response to her words.
Drawing another arrow from her quiver, the elf gives Zack a nod in affirmation as he begins to move. “You got it, hermoso,” With a cheeky wink in the fighters direction, she tthen focuses sights on the zombie still hostile towards them.
Healing Elk: 3 hp regained.
Action 1: Longbow attack on Z6 (since I thiiink he’s still up?) - Attack: 23 Damage: 11 + Extra damage 5
If Z6 still stands, she’ll direct another shot to him. If he’s down, Nadia moves to get a clear shot of SA12, also moving her Slayer’s Prey onto him for her bonus action.
Action 2: Longbow attack on Z6 (unless downed, on SA12) - Attack: 10 Damage: 12 + Extra damage 3