When opportunity offers,Klale says A possibility: I stand in the doorway and challenge this jailer. That way, I'll have some better air and some warmth. Xarini, you can be concealed to the side, ready to strike when the time is right. This challenge may put the braggart out of countenance. The big man pauses. We rescued one Ceven, a maia connected to the earth. He mentioned I, of this group, am most connected to the earth...I wish he were here, at least in spirit.

Xarini pauses after Klale's suggestion.  "What about Ryland?"

"Insolent old fool!  DIE!"  The mighty dark lord of earth rears back and brings his hand down on Ryland's position.

[AoE DMG = 22 (Ryland only).  Roll Reflex save 14 for half damage (shrapnel)]

Ryland tucks the staff under his arm as he rolls out of the way of the brunt of the blast. Multiple shards and chips still catch him, but he stands defiant as ever a few feet away from the door where he was.

Take 10, reflex = 19 for half damage: 11 DMG

He casually uses his free hand to brush dust and debris from his shoulders and robes, muttering to himself grumpily. The cuts seal up while spitting out chips and shards of stone. Feat: Disguise Spell

19:47, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 22 using 2d8+7.  Cure Moderate Wounds."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you aren't Patsy at all. Just who are you then, young man? You'd better not be one of those door to door peddlers selling snake oil again! And just look at the mess you made of my front lawn. I doubt I'll be inviting you in for tea at this rate".

"I AM DUATH'GUR, DISCHORD OF EARTH.  I AM YOUR DOOM!"  This time the other gigantic fist comes down on the tower itself creating a huge gouge in the side and marring several of the images carved there.  It is not close enough to Ryland though to cause harm.

Inside, Gwaelind stands taller and draws a deep breath.  "Yes!  Keep him doing that."  There is a slight breeze stirring around the inside of the chamber and a flicker of silvery light appears in Gwaelind's eyes for a moment.

You mean how long will we le4ave him in danger alone? We appear now or wait one more...event. My pride says, "Now!," but my common sense says, "Wait."

The disturbance outside draws Toben's attention. He walks to the window to find Ryland dancing around and taunting certain death. Not willing to step outside just yet, or break his concentration on the purification spell. He takes great care in casting his next spell. It feels as if it takes longer than normal, but when he finishes, an all too familiar feeling washes over the group. Pulses quicken, reflexes sharpen, and movements become much faster.

Toben casts Haste targeting Ryland, Ano, Klale, Xar, Xarini, Gwaelind, and Delanaur.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/haste.htm

"Daggoth Durp? Never heard of her. And you most certainly aren't my Duke. Do you like riddles? What can you receive only once, but gift a thousand times?" says Ryland, as he starts to put more distance between himself and the cottage. He feels Toben's haste spell take over and smiles underneath his bushy mustache. He continues to "brush" dust off of himself while muttering again, never taking his eyes off of Duath'gur.

"I HAVE NO ^{time for your riddles...wha?  What have you done to me?  Impossible!}"  The Maiar's voice is suddenly high-pitched and squeaky.  In the thin air, his words are thin and barely reach the ears of those within the hut.

Duath'gur rears back and slams both fists onto the platform, shearing off the stone on both sides and leaving only enough for Ryland to move about in front either back to the door or forward to the massive lava rock thing in front of him.  "^{I will destroy you, worm!}"

"Goodness me, whatever could have happened to your voice? Perhaps I should have offered you that tea after all. Dreadful, absolutely dreadful" Ryland takes a single defiant step forward. He stops short and looks beyond Duath'gur, and places his hands on his hips, cocking his head to the side. "Now what bizarre creature of Middle Earth would be out and about, flying in this weather? Do look out dear fellow, it's coming right for the back of your head!" he exclaims, pointing beyond the dischord's view behind him.

01:15, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 33 using 1d20+13. bluff dischord [bold text]

Completely befuddled by all the impossible things happening, the dark Maiar has no choice but to take the crazy old man seriously.  Gripping the tower tightly in both massive hands, Duath'gur ponderously turns his head to look over his left shoulder.  "^{I see nothing.  What are you playing at old man?}"

He continues to scan the sky behind him.

Ano feels Toben's spell wash over him and peeks out the door.  With the discord of earth distracted  now was the time to act.  With as much confidence as he can muster Ano steps outside onto what stone remains of the tower and goes to stand beside Ryland.  " Good work."

Klale mutters to Xarini Stay hidden. He goes to stand in the doorway. Seeing the huge maia distracted, he steps forward and to the side away from Ano and Ryland. He then puts his back close to the tower wall.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Sun 24 Sept 2017.

Xar slips out to the other side of Klale, his new daggers in hand.

Arrayed now against the monster are Ryland a ways forward.  Klale is behind him in the center, Ano to the left and Xar to the right.  Only Toben and Xarini of the party remain inside.

[Picture forthcoming.  How soon depends on kid aggro.]

Ryland's brilliant display of mind games and shenanigans gives Toben an idea. "This purification spell doesn't appear to be working. In fact, it may actually be helping hold this tower together." He shakes his head and dismisses the spell.

Looking back at Gwaelind, he says somberly "One way or another, we're going to get you out of here." While Duath'gur's attention is diverted, he runs out the door past the others and dives head first over the backside of the tower.

Within seconds, he disappears below the clouds and is out of sight.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:07, Mon 25 Sept 2017.

With everyone gathered on what ground is left, Ryland releases his hold of his illusionary image and voice. As the behemoth sized dischord turns back around, Ryland flashes a grin that twinkles, hands on his hips while standing boldly.

"Oh, well look at that. Must have all landed around me. Duath' Gur, meet "The Mithril Shields". Defenders of the meek. Defiers of the unjust. You may as well quit now while you can"

The great head turns back around, it's eyes wide and fiery.  "^{Mithril is metal, part of my domain.  It answers to me.  I will crush you, melt you down, and toss you out like so much dross.}"  Though his position and actions appear as if Duath'gur is attempting to use his voice as its own attack, the high-pitched, tinny sound is absolutely comical.  The only affect the group needs worry about is not falling to the ground in gales of laughter.

The Dischord rears back, inhaling with such ferocity that Ryland is in danger of stumbling momentarily before catching himself.  Duath'gur's mouth is wide and full of red fury as he inhales.

[At this point, everyone has move and action as his actions take two rounds to accomplish.  Post up your action and move as well as your initiative (roll or take 10) with your first post.

Per the map, there is enough of the circular platform left on the north and south of the tower to move around single-file and get behind the hut if you need to.  The platform on the east and west is approximately 150 feet across on average.]

Seeing the Dischord inhale and the tell-tale glow from his mouth, Ryland quickly cups his hands together and begins chanting. The familiar bat-like fur and ears spring forth from his person. He flaps his wings and calls out "Ano, need a lift!?" as he takes to the air, gaining around 30 foot of altitude up and back from the Dischord, towards the main body of the group.

Full 60 foot move from haste, 30 up and 30 back

Take 10 init = 14

Alter self, 10 min/ level duration = 70 minutes/rounds
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Mon 25 Sept 2017.

Klale yells HEY, LOUDMOUTH! I'M A MAN AND A FRIEND OF CEVEN'S. YOU THINK YOU'RE BIG STUFF, COME AND GET IT!

The tower begins to rumble softly as a surge of power courses through the stone all around the group.

09:20, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Initiative .

This message was last edited by the player at 14:20, Mon 25 Sept 2017.

Ano makes his way over to Ryland as he is changing form.  "Think you can get me on him"

09:13, Today: Ano rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Xar darts around to the north of the tower and disappears.

Take 10 + 4 = 14 Initiative.

Xarini pauses for a moment as the group scatters.  She looks back at the door and then at Klale.  Mind made up, she darts back inside and slams the door.


10:13, Today: Xarini rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

The battle continues in Chapter 7b: Battle of Sky Tomb...
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:11, Mon 25 Sept 2017.