Raknesh: Raina nods at your plan. Yes, I think that's a good idea. I will enter, pretend to be a servant with a question, distract her. You come up behind her, we'll immobilize her together and you cover her mouth while I explain Tanzy sent us. Hopefully mention of her daughter will at the very least make her curious enough to cooperate, she sighs.

The plan in place, you go around, readying yourself to enter through the window...

ooc: Ok Raknesh, if you're using the spiderwalk stuff you don't need to worry about climbing checks. I will need a move silently and grapple etc if you plan on going that route. By the time you get to the window, Raina and Loden will be in place, Tanzy's mother's back to you. And since you had all this planned you definitely had enough time to make any preparations in advance. Go ahead and roll a grapple and a couple strength checks etc. Luckily it shouldn't be too hard since she's a middle aged NPC, lol!

Tanzy and company:

Tanzy enters, seemingly to Graystone's ignorance. The man is laying out his wedding clothes on the bed, inspecting them with satisfaction. His back is to you. The perfect chance...Should you move closer to him, however, to your surprise you feel a stabbing pain run through your body, as though you're being stuck with dozens of small blades...ooc: Roll a fort save please, Tanzy only, DC 25. If you fail, you take 16 damage, if you succeed you only take 8. Meanwhile, regardless, from what you can tell, he's either ignoring you or genuinely ignorant of your presence. Yet something is clearly causing this, and you'd bet money it's somehow his doing.

Ranesh nodded at Raina's proposition.

Using his magic shoes, he reached the window and stealthily moved inside the room.

21:08, Today: Raknesh Kaltash rolled 25,27 using d20+16,d20+21.  move silently/ hide.

Now began the hardest part.  While he had followed all the trainings in his youth, it was obvious very early he was  not a grappler... nor one for feats of strength.

Still, should he fail, a hit from his mindblade, specially attuned not to hurt but to stun, should resolve all maters.

21:10, Today: Raknesh Kaltash rolled 18 using 1d20+9.  grapple.

Ignoring the pain Tanzy grips her rapiers, advancing on the man with cool purpose. She remains invisible, this is an act of revenge and she knows Graystone won’t fight fair either. Before she can loose her resolve she attacks.

OOC: Fortitude:29
Using sneak attack
Attack 1: 34 (17+16) Damage:16
Attack 2: 21 (9+12) Damage: 17
Attack 3: 14 (7+7) Damage :16
Attack 4: 22 (10+12) Damage:17
Attack 5: 20 (13+7) Damage: 17

Tanzy: To your surprise, your attack goes well. Too well. Four of your strikes ring true, and his fine clothes are soon red with blood. He staggers a bit, as though slightly off balance, and then, to your alarm, he stands upright, far more fine than he should be. He seems to look right at you, a cold smile on his lips as he ignores the blood pooling at his feet. Oooh, you really meant that one, didn't you, Tanzy? he chuckles. I didn't think you'd actually have the guts. I'm almost proud of you, he claps his hands mockingly. Of course, you didn't think I'd actually make it that easy, did you? I've had my plans far too long for you to ruin them now. As he speaks, you suddenly are nearly overcome with fear. It's an unnatural feeling, one that emanates from him like poison. You've always known the man had dark powers, but this...this is bad. Did you happen to see your brother, Tanzy? I'm sure he'd love to see you, he adds mockingly.

Raknesh: It's surprisingly nerve wracking, to have to attempt this little maneuver, but in the end your quickness and strength pull it off. She's surprisingly squirrely, once you grab her from behind, but a moment later your hand is over her mouth, holding her firmly, though she's definitely making you work for it. She tries to scream, over and over and you don't dare move your hand lest the guards come running.

Luckily, Raina is there to do her part. She's already talking, holding her hands up soothingly, well, as best she can under the circumstances. It's alright, it's alright! Tanzy sent us to fetch you! Rather than be placated, the woman looks confused and Raina swears. Oh that's right. Tanzy's not her real name. What was it...Eloise? Giovanna? Drat it all! Your daughter. Your one and only daughter sent us. I know it seems crazy but you must give us a chance to explain. At this, the woman's eyes go wide in surprise and, after Raina makes her promise not to scream, she finally bids you to take away your hand.

If she's here to stop the wedding, it won't work. The noblewoman scowls. Nothing will stop me from marrying Graystone. Not after he brought my son back to me. If she knew her brother was alive, I tell you, she'd feel differently! She assures you, as though you can convince Tanzy for her.

Still unsure whether the man can see them but concerned about what he saw, Prizzard takes a single slow step into the room and summons his scythe from his glove.

rolled 22 using 1d20+20.  Will Save. If needed.

Bryon, up the wall and invisible, stayed alert to guards that might interfere.

"If he is here, she will know.  I can't vouch for her as I don't know all her story, but I pity the ones who wronged her and would try to stop her.

She will stop the wedding, one way or another.

And we are to get you out of here before something bad might happen.

Now, if you please."

“I’ve already seen my brother, and not that imposter you have lurking around here. I crossed paths with Anders, the real Anders, not long ago in the underworld actually. Tanzy snapps ignoring the chill she feels when he uses her false name. How much did he already know?
“I’ve been to hell and back. Do you really think you can frighten me away?” Yes. Yes he can, whatever unnatural tricks he’s using definitely has her on edge. She fights the urge to shout for Prizzard and Bryon.

Raknesh: The woman listens with a look of alarm, eyes quickly going from shocked to furious. Something bad? What does the little wretch have planned? She's no match for Graystone, if she thinks she's going to go after him. Take me to her at once, I must put a stop to all this ridiculousness! she snaps. Raina looks at you, completely at a loss of what to do.

Tanzy and co:

The moment Prizzard steps closer, he feels the same stabbing sensations Tanzy did, though he's less able to shake them off. Still, unpleasant as it is, you've been through far worse. Graystone seems to see you, for his eyes flick in your direction, though he ignores you for the moment, too busy with Tanzy. To her, he continues, The underworld, really? How fascinating! he seems genuinely curious. Well, I suppose you caught me then. Your brother's soul is where it belongs, but his body is mine to control. As yours will be too, as soon as I evict your own troublesome soul. Your mother will be so happy to have both her children returned to her. He smiles then, a chilling, horrifying smile that freezes your bones. It really will be a perfect wedding after all. As he talks, you notice the bleeding stops, he's already healing.

"I'm not exactly thrilled at the prospect of traveling there again for her soul. Lord Death might have more than one Balor waiting for us if there's a next time." Oblivious as usual. She isn't fighting so he simply walks to stand by her while speaking. But this is still an enemy, and a string one. Prizzard scratches at a painful stab like a bad itch, wields his weapon without a combat stance, and speaks of the journey and what they (barely) managed to kill there. Hopefully he can cow this opponent a bit. The wicked adamantine weapon probably helps a little.


HP: 146/162
AC: 21/19/15

rolled 34 using 1d20+25.  Intimidate.

Tanzy is relieved when she realizes Prizzard is already in the room with them.
“I took the liberty of having my mother removed. I’m afraid it’s going to be pretty lonely up there at the alter.” She smirks. “I can hear the gossip now, one missing bride and one dead groom.”
The fast healing does not go unnoticed and Tanzy steps forward, quickly moving to the left but countering at the last moment and striking on Graystone’s right.

OOC: AC:19 HP 112
Feint: 29 hopefully Graystone looses dex to defense. I didn’t roll damage yet, waiting to see if it works for sneak attack.

Attack 1: 25 (8+17
Attack 2: 13 (1+12) re-roll 1:25 (17:8)
Attack 3: 11 (4+7)
Attack 4: 28 (16+12) re roll for critical: 26: 9+16
Attack 5: 25 (7+18) re roll critical: 27 (10+17)

Tanzy/Prizzard: ooc: You hit with everything over 20 Tanzy, and he does indeed lose his AC, so sneak attack is successful. Also, Prizzard, I'm assuming since she did, you want me to do the attacks you pm'd me, yes? If I'm wrong, let me know and I'll edit this!
AC is 20 btw, so you know when you hit from now on.

IC: Surprisingly, Prizzard's intimidation has no effect, leading you to wonder what more there is to this man. The more you're around him the more he doesn't seem...quite human. The air in the room feels heavy, goosebumps raise on your flesh at the sight of him. Something familiar about this feeling, like dread and fear are all around you. And then, Tanzy strikes. A quick, rabid unleashing of attacks, many of them hitting him squarely, one even to the chest. Prizzard, not one to miss an opportunity, follows suit, a powerhouse as he attacks, also hitting a vital spot, this one in the stomach, though he fumbles a moment later, slipping on Graystone's blood. The noble himself reacts more with irritation than anger, though blood does indeed run down his body and it's clear his wounds are extensive. Well then, that was something, he says drily. He turns then, to Tanzy, responding to her last statement as though he didn't just receive, what should have been, mortal wounds from the both of you.
A missing bride can be found, and she will be. As for me..what makes you think I'm alive as it is, my dear? he chuckles in response to Tanzy's threat. By now, the beginnings of fear deepen in both of you. An unnatural, aggressive feeling attempting to sink into your bones and make you cower. You feel, somehow, that it is retaliation to Prizzard's intimidation attempt, though you don't know how you know that. Then, with alarming speed, the man lunges forward and grasps Tanzy's arm in his hand. You feel all the muscles in your body stiffen instantly, as though you're made of stone or wood. Even breathing is difficult as you fight this horrible feeling, as your body threatens to buckle and drop you on the spot....Meanwhile, you both are still fighting the feelings of fear taking over as well.

ooc: Go ahead and roll a knowledge arcane if you want to get an idea of what you're dealing with. Also, please roll Will saves DC 20 or succumb to fear (see the following link for what failure entails) : https://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/fear.htm



Bryon: As you wait in the hallway, you can't help but hear footsteps approaching from around the corner. Still invisible, you see a man, stumbling towards the door. He looks tired, so tired you wonder how he is conscious. His mouth is hanging open, his eyes barely open, like he's just woken up. He's pale, ashen and gray and he moves clumsily yet steadily towards the room...

Prizzard stands back up and takes a step to flank this creature, burning more of his belts power to act with speed. Two accurate blows followed by a trip attempt. Afterwards having a moment to consider just what they're fighting now.


HP: 146/162
AC: 21/19/15

rolled 35 using 1d20+20.  Will vs Mind-Affecting.
rolled 22 using 1d20+18.  Knowledge Arcana.
rolled 21,28,15 using d20+19,d20+14,d20+9.  Attack, Attack, Trip Attempt.
rolled 15,16,20 using 2d4+9,2d4+9,d20+5.  Damages, Opposed Strength.

Trip attempts are against touch AC, and if he's grappling that touch AC should be pretty low. But I expect he has the strength or dexterity to resist.

Tanzy feels herself falling unable to move or catch herself.

OOC: fortitude:19 one freaking point off! Didn’t bother with a will save since she can’t move anyway.

Bryon attempted to get a better "read" on the man.

09:42, Today: Bryon rolled 25 using 1d20+18.  Sense Motive.
Sense Motive Skill -
Hunch: This use of the skill involves making a gut assessment of the social situation. You can get the feeling from another's behavior that something is wrong, such as when you're talking to an impostor. Alternatively, you can get the feeling that someone is trustworthy.

Sense Enchantment: You can tell that someone's behavior is being influenced by an enchantment effect (by definition, a mind-affecting effect), such as charm person, even if that person isn't aware of it. The usual DC is 25, but if the target is dominated (see dominate person in Chapter 11: Spells), the DC is only 15 because of the limited range of the target's activities.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

"The only foolishness is this marriage.
I don't know what that man promised you, but we have experts on dead people among us, and her brother cannot be here.

You have been lied to and manipulated.

I promised Tanzy I would get you out safely.  With or without your consent...
"

Should it looks like she is about to do something stupid, he will knock her out.

Tanzy/Prizzard: Prizzard's attacks hit well, though the trip unfortunately does not succeed, but then you aren't exactly surprised by that. What you are surprised by, however, is seeing Tanzy fall to the ground as if dead. She's stiff, motionless, isn't even able to slow her fall as she lands, hard and lays perfectly still...

Meanwhile, Graystone returns your attacks with his own. He simply raises a hand and a black blast of energy sears towards you...ooc: Roll reflex, dc 20. If you fail, you take 53 damage, if you succeed you take 26.

Bryon: Studying this shambling man further, you get the sense that he isn't here by will of his own, but rather a mindless puppet, coming to his master's beckon. Considering how pale and gray he looks, you almost wonder if he's even really alive...

Raknesh: The woman gets furious at mention of her son. You're wrong! My Anders has been back for months! I've seen him with my own eyes! Why this is ridiculous! I demand to be taken to my daughter at once. I'll even go willingly if you take me to her so I can end this nonsense! she sniffs.

"You're lucky today, fighting a spellcaster with no spells." The magic in his weapon was working hard to compensate though and he allowed the sentient, insane weapon to telepathically ramble to the man about blood, murder, and its hunger.


HP: 120/162
AC: 21/19/15

rolled 30 using 1d20+12.  Reflex DC20.
rolled 22,23,27 using d20+19,d20+14,d20+9.  Full Attack.
rolled 15,14,13 using 2d4+9,2d4+9,2d4+9.  Damage.
rolled  1, 4, 2 using d6,d6,d6.  Truedeath Crystal Bonus.

"Raina, you might try to convince her while we look for Tanzy. We have to move anyways.

But my warning stand: if you try to run or cause us trouble in any way, you will be out of the house before you wake."

Bryon cast Chilling Tentacles in the shambling fellow's path.

Raknesh: Tanzy's mother gives a quick nod, eyes a bit fearful but still determined. Come. Let's sort all this out and be done with it, she says, leading the way. She's always hated my husband to be. Never forgave him for trying to replace her father, rest his soul. If she's anywhere in this place, she'll be there. He's in the east wing, my previous husband's chambers, she blushes a bit, no doubt realizing the insensitivity of such a set up. Would it be possible to set Rocky up along the path? Have him help us keep clear of guards? Raina suggests uncertainly, with a glance at the middle aged woman. It's clear she doesn't trust her.

ooc: If Rocky is able to help you scout, let me know. Also roll hide/move silently. You'll get considerable circumstantial bonuses if Rocky does help you. It will take you a smidge to get to the others though.

Bryon/Tanzy/Prizzard:

Bryon's tentacles work quite well, which is a relief. At least something is going right. They grasp his legs and pin him in place. He clumsily struggles, but he's clearly not the most adept at such things and it's almost pitiful to see how trapped he is. Then, you glance up to see another fellow headed towards you. He's much like the first. That same grayness of face, the same dead eyes. Just as he rounds the corner, you see yet another. This pattern is beginning to worry you....

Prizzard: Your attacks hit true, but you can already see he's starting to heal from your previous wounds. This is...problematic. Tanzy's paralysis and the fact that you're alone is not helping matters. Your thoughts are interrupted by a sudden, horrific movement from the man. He raises his hands up, over his head, and two thick, long, inhuman looking veins burst out of his arms, which he then whips at you. You start to duck, but to your surprise, the veins catch on the posts of the canopy bed next to you, tangling for a moment and missing you completely. ooc: hahahaha! I rolled a nat 1.

Bryon reached out to Raknesh, "Please hurry I do not know how long I can hold off what is coming your way."

Prizzard adjusted to the side, moving toward Tanzy slightly and willing his weapon to protect rather than maim. (Weapon enhancement bonus applied to AC) The first attack from this stance set him off balance though, missing any further chance to damage the rapidly-healing opponent.

HP: 120/162
AC: 23/21/15

rolled 18,14,14 using d20+17,d20+12,d20+7.  Full Attack (Defending +2).

Raknesh send Rocky on the lookout and began to move.
The woman is just behind him, watched by Raina.

'We are moving with the mother, what's the status on your side?'

There shouldn't have been any trouble getting rid of a pompous noble...

12:08, Today: Raknesh Kaltash rolled 35,27 using d20+21,d20+16.  rocky hide/move silently.

Pm