Windfang swoops down and grabs Toben gently by the shoulders.  Back in the air he tosses the young man on to his back before Toben can object.  Then the two begin spiraling upward.

"Here, mate.  I was supposed to give this to you 'when the time was right' according to Gwaelind, but then I got sucked into the water and couldn't.  I think this might come in handy."  Windfang begins to gag and looks like nothing more than a cat - a giant, flying cat to be sure - hacking up a hairball.  When the contortions end, he holds up a yellowish egg covered in dragon phlegm.  "Crack this on yer 'ead.  It won't 'urt.  It's pretty fragile."

[GM Note: Leaving this public for ease and because Windfang will recount later even if Toben doesn't.]

"What? I..." He looks at the phlegmy egg for a moment. With so many strange things that's happened in recent months, he has begun to stop questioning certain things.

Toben reaches out and takes the egg from Windfang. Reluctantly, he breaks it on his head, expecting the typical slimy mess that follows to come trickling down.

The slimy mess does indeed follow, but it is only phlegm.  A moment after the egg breaks, however, Toben is lifted from Windfang's back into the air, his arms and legs spread like an eagles as his eyes glow with yellow light.  Lightning crackles from them as well as his fingertips as a tempest stirs around him.

Windfang is caught off guard by the winds and flails about for a moment, but rights himself in just enough time to avoid being struck by the colossal monstrosity that has arrived.  The dragon appears as a mere bird near a oliaphaunt next to it.

Toben brings his hands together in a clap of thunder so loud everyone is forced to cover their ears.  The monstrosity flails back from the sound, and the blinding column of lightning Toben releases immediately after.  However, it is not enough to destroy it.

The power released gently lowers the young scholar to the ground.  As the wind settles, his eyes stop glowing and his hair falls into a windswept pattern that gives his a wilder, more dangerous look.

Toben stands and looks at his hands for a moment. Lightning dances over his fingertips a few more times before finally fading. "Well, this should be interesting."

He clenches his fists, and with a renewed sense of determination, looks up at the misshapen abomination flying in the air. "I know you didn't choose this new form that was forced upon you. There can be only one true power in this land, and Melkor is not it."

Seeing the creature still a bit stunned from the initial blast of his awakening, Toben races back to the others and scoops up as many arrows as he can. "I've got an idea. These things are especially sensitive to sound." He glances up at Ryland, "The more melodic the better. They thrive on fear and despair, so anything that can counter that will be useful too."

Toben clutches the arrows in his hands and whispers a few words of power. "De ssejinw ekess ultro, klae nomenoi vaessi ekess dronilnr batobot rekisix ekess wer ordah"

The arrows glow a dull white for a moment and then fade. They vibrate ever so slightly to the touch, and if it were quiet enough, you'd swear they were humming. Toben splits the bundle equally and plants them back in the ground at Nowe's and Draugion's feet.

Toben enchants the arrows with Sonic Weapon. They do an extra d6 of sonic damage for every arrow that hits.

12:56, Mon 15 Oct: Toben Ironsprings rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Thu 18 Oct 2018.

Ryland nods. "Bring the noise".

19:39, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 16 using 1d20+4. Initiative check

Draugion takes some of the sonic arrows. "Ready".

11:38, Today: Draugion Gildor rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Initiative Check.

The monster nears the group and its wings still, even as it approaches.  It comes to hover about 60 feet from Galad, who is closest to it.  A moment after it stops, a dark tendril erupts from behind it and shoots toward Galad.  The tendril appears solid and of the same odd alien flesh as all the Vile'ek have.

Galad raises his shield and deflects the tendril, which retracts as fast as it came.

{Combat

Init     Name            HP      AC     Status
21       Nil'for'ak      -0      ??     <===
20       Adonnen         -0      ??     --
19       Windfang        -0      26     --
18       Nowe            -0      15     --
16       Ryland          -0      18     --
15       Marni           -0      19     --
14       Toben           -0      16     --
13       Ty              -0      21     --
11       Galad           -0      22     --
 7       Draugion        -0      17     --
 6       Toben           -0      16     --
}

This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Sat 20 Oct 2018.

The man in the cloak spurs his horse forward then stands in the saddle.  He pulls a simple staff from a sheath on his mount then leaps at the creature.  His staff hits solid, but there is no apparent effect.  The man drops the few feet to the ground and lands on one knee and the opposite palm.

By this time, the hood of his cloak has flown back revealing dark, curly hair and a handsome if stoic face with a face that has not seen a razor in several days.

{Combat

Init     Name            HP      AC     Status
21       Nil'for'ak      -0      ??     --
20       Adonnen         -0      ??     <===
19       Windfang        -0      26     --
18       Nowe            -0      15     --
16       Ryland          -0      18     --
15       Marni           -0      19     --
14       Toben           -0      16     --
13       Ty              -0      21     --
11       Galad           -0      22     --
 7       Draugion        -0      17     --
}

This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Sat 20 Oct 2018.

Windfang, the yellow-furred dragon spends the next few seconds flying up and away from the monstrosity.  Likely seeking higher altitude from which to attack.

{Combat

Init     Name            HP      AC     Status
21       Nil'for'ak      -0      ??     --
20       Adonnen         -0      ??     --
19       Windfang        -0      26     <===
18       Nowe            -0      15     --
16       Ryland          -0      18     --
15       Marni           -0      19     --
14       Toben           -0      16     --
13       Ty              -0      21     --
11       Galad           -0      22     --
 7       Draugion        -0      17     --
}

This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Sat 20 Oct 2018.

Nowe picks up one of Toben's arrows and lets fly.  The arrow slams into the beast with concussive force [DMG = 6 Sonic] and rocks it back.  A portion of its shoulder writhes and seems to shrink or fade or recede somehow from reality.  It returns shortly, but the effect is unmistakable.

The first arrow is followed by a second [DMG = 6 Sonic] and then a third [DMG = 6 Sonic], each with equally powerful effects.  Unfortunately, there is nothing left of the arrows.

{Combat

Init     Name            HP      AC     Status
21       Nil'for'ak     -18      ??     --
20       Adonnen         -0      ??     --
19       Windfang        -0      26     --
18       Nowe            -0      15     <===
16       Ryland          -0      18     --
15       Marni           -0      19     --
14       Toben           -0      16     --
13       Ty              -0      21     --
11       Galad           -0      22     --
 7       Draugion        -0      17     --
}

This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Sat 20 Oct 2018.

Rylands clasps his hands together, seeming to whisper into them. A second later a wave of light spreads from him, vanishing rapidly. He then readies himself to move away or dodge if the monstrosity ahead sends any of its ilk his way.

Ryland casts Good Hope

8 minute duration. 1 target/level.
Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.

Affects Adonnen, Nowe, Ryland, Marni, Ty, Galad, Draugion, and Toben.

Marni lets fly with an arrow which does nothing apparent to the monster even though it hits in the center of its chest.  She lets out a curse and draws another.

{Combat

Init     Name            HP      AC     Status
21       Nil'for'ak     -18      ??     --
20       Adonnen         -0      ??     --
19       Windfang        -0      26     --
18       Nowe            -0      15     --
16       Ryland          -0      18     --
15       Marni           -0      19     <===
14       Toben           -0      16     --
13       Ty              -0      21     --
11       Galad           -0      22     --
 7       Draugion        -0      17     --
}

This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Sat 20 Oct 2018.

From behind the others, Toben sweeps his staff in a large circular motion. The dust around him swirls as he draws from the magic within. He plants the butt of his staff firmly on the ground and a wave of energy issues forth. Those around him feel their pulse quicken and their reflexes sharpen.

Toben casts Haste. For the next 8 rounds, Adonnen, Nowe, Ryland, Marni, Ty, Galad, Draugion, and Ryland gain:

• +1 to attack
• +1 to dodge bonus AC
• +1 to reflex saves
• 1 additional attack when making a full attack

Ty grins as he feels speed added to the help Ryland had already provided.  Though he knocks an arrows, he holds his action and glances over at Galad and waits.

Galad holds his hammer in the air and cries out, "For Eru Iluvatar!"  A hemisphere of golden light blasts out from him to wash over friends and the foe alike.  All those save the winged monstrosity feel courage and strength surge through them.  Each of their weapons or tools glow with golden energy.  As the energy hits the monster, it reels in the air and struggles to maintain its altitude.

Then Ty releases three arrows in a row.  They streak toward their target as short beams of golden light, hitting the creature in a single wing in three different places.  Instead of simply passing through, the entire webbed area between the nearest two bones in each section where an arrow hits completely disintegrate.  Two of the holes are big enough for Windfang to dive through if he tucked his wings.

{Combat

Init     Name            HP      AC     Status
21       Nil'for'ak     -64      ??     Judgment of Eru
20       Adonnen         -0      ??     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope; Hasted
19       Windfang        -0      26     Blessing of Eru
18       Nowe            -0      15     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
16       Ryland          -0      18     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
15       Marni           -0      19     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
14       Toben           -0      16     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
13       Ty              -0      21     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
11       Galad           -0      22     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted <===
 7       Draugion        -0      17     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted

Blessing of Eru ==>  +2 to all rolls; damage counts as Harmonic Light damage; stacks with all other buffs
Good Hope ==> +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.  8 min
Hasted ==>+1 to attack; +1 to dodge bonus AC; +1 to reflex saves; 1 additional attack when making a full attack; double movement speed.  8 ROUNDS
}
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:46, Sat 20 Oct 2018.

Draugion takes a deep breath as he draws back his glowing arrow next to his pointed ear.

As he exhales, his bow launches the arrow in a flash of golden light, and strikes true in the torso of the nightmarish creature.

With a silent roar of rage, the winged horror extends it's wings and raises it's arms.  Then, with a movement almost too fast to follow, it thrusts them all forward toward its foes.  From the tips of the joints and fingers, dark, misty tendrils lance out and strike most of the group.  Galad's shield deflects three, and none of the tendrils go near Ryland.  Everyone else is struck.

Adonnen charges the two tendrils headed for him and screams an unintelligible war cry.  The tendrils shrivel a bit and are impotent against the man's fury.

Windfang sings a clear note and the six tendrils aimed for him disintegrate before they reach him.

Nowe clutches his chest and for a moment his skin turns grey and faint lines similar to the leathery scaled patterns on the Vile'ek arise.  He drops to a knee and growls, struggling to fight off whatever effect the tendril is having.  Draugion, the new elf, suffers a similar reaction.

Marni and Ty don't bother to move as they line up their next shots.  Whether it is Galad's aura, Ryland's song, or just their own Gondorian wills, the tendrils pass through them and dissipate with no noticeable effect.

Toben, familiar with the effect, concentrates as the tendrils strike and shrugs off their effect.

However, behind the group where the human and hobbit refuges huddle, the tendrils are far more effective.  One human male succumbs entirely to the barrage and drops to all fours, transforming into a Vile'ek G'thauk.  One of the hobbits also writhes on the ground, transforming into a Bil'thrak.  The others have similar reactions as Nowe.

{Toben and Draugion roll Will Save vs. DC 21 or loose 1d4 CHR.  I will update this post before continuing.  Confirm via FB Mesenger when you have rolled.}

{Combat

Init     Name          HP/CHA    AC     Status
21       Nil'for'ak     -64      ??     Judgment of Eru
20       Adonnen         -0      ??     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope; Hasted
19       Windfang        -0      26     Blessing of Eru
18       Nowe            -3      15     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
16       Ryland          -0      18     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
15       Marni           -0      19     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
14       Toben           -0      16     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
13       Ty              -0      21     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted
11       Galad           -0      22     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted <===
 7       Draugion        -3      17     Blessing of Eru; Good Hope;  Hasted

Blessing of Eru ==>  +2 to all rolls; damage counts as Harmonic Light damage; stacks with all other buffs
Good Hope ==> +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.  8 min
Hasted ==>+1 to attack; +1 to dodge bonus AC; +1 to reflex saves; 1 additional attack when making a full attack; double movement speed.  8 ROUNDS
}
This message was last edited by the player at 13:41, Sun 21 Oct 2018.

Windfang circles around and dives toward the monster.  He says something, but he is too far away for his words to reach those on the ground.  Then he unleashes what appears to be some kind of draconic breath weapon.  In front of him, proceeding from his mouth, a series of ripples in the air blast into the creature.  It flips backwards and huge portions of it seem to flake off.  Underneath, cracked black skin shot through with jagged lines the color of fire emerge for a moment.  The creature underneath seems to BE fire.

Fire and shadow.

Nowe recovers and fires another arrow into the flailing Vile'ek.  His glowing bolt hits right in the eye, rocking it back.  When it looks back at him, that portion of the Vile'ek's face is completely different but no less terrifying.  An eye of pure flame is surrounded by shadow that mimics a cheek and brow.  Just above that, a thick black horn like that found on a dragon curves down and forward to frame the face.

The image is momentary and the grey other-ness of the Vile'ek nature consumes it again.  This Vile'ek clearly underestimated it's foes, but seems to be regrouping.  One thing is certain, it is not running away.

"Well I certainly hope this works as before!" shouts Ryland, letting his fingers race across the strings of his instrument. He launches into an up-tempo and jolly melody, intended to spur his comrades forward.

21:30, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 29 using 1d20+13.  Perform check. +2 from good hope = 31 total

Marni let's loose with a flurry of golden arrows.  They glow brighter and seem much larger than before as if Ryland's music boosts them as much as Galad's aura.  They hit three different spots previously unaffected.  More shadow and flame are revealed and the grey struggles to recover more than before.

The surge of confidence Ryland's song is bestowing, in combination with Gwaelind's gift, swells with Toben. His mithril staff begins to hum and then vibrate as he channels the power into it. With a flourish, Toben thrusts his staff toward the fiery beast and lets loose a shout filled with a mixture of anger, defiance, and hope at the hulking figure. Sound waves ripple forward and slam into it.

The blast from the young mage sends the Vile'ek tumbling back through the air.  Much of the grey has melted away revealing a shadowy creature wreathed in flames.  Two enormous horns frame it's face which only has fire where the openings are.  There is something familiar about it to both Ryland and Toben.  A single pair of enormous shadowy wings flail about attempting to right the new creature.

As the shadowy monster rights itself, it looks down at those who had attacked it's other self.  Then it claws at its back and legs as it turns to flee.  It's efforts are not enough.  The Vile'ek contagion crawls slowly back over the shadow, consuming it once more.  Before it is beyond sight, six still wings protrude where two larger ones had been before.  Then the fog swallows it and it is gone.

The horrific realization of what that creature was finally washes over Toben. "We need to keep moving. If that was what I think it was, we're lucky to still be standing."

He calls out to Windfang overhead. "Are you able to spot a clear path out of here, friend?" There is a sense of urgency in his voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Wed 24 Oct 2018.

The dragon lands and sits on its haunches before Toben.  "No worries, mate.  Follow th' road due east and we'll travel swift as a kobodlin to the Misty Mountains and back to Imladris."