Selvin let out a sigh and frowned in thought. Chandanar re-stated what information they were looking for, but that didn't help determine WHERE they would find that information. He looked around and then finally shrugged.

"I dunno. I vote the Keep I guess. It seems maybe a likely place for information?" He didn't sound super-confident but the magic was throwing him off.

It seemed as good a plan as any and Izzick nodded. "Maybe someone knows something in there." Though he was becoming less hopeful they had anything that could defeat the dragon if it was what roasted them all alive. "The Keeps as good a place as any to start the search for such a thing. But this time..." he said looking around, "Let's try to stick together. Last thing we need is getting separated in a flashback."

In reply to Izzick (msg # 54):

The Keep sits on the other side of the drawbridge, unnervingly quiet.  The most direct route is to cross the drawbridge itself.

You lift yourselves on to the bridge.  The wood must be older than all of your grandfathers.  But it seems in pretty good shape.  You suspect maintenance magic that still has some potency.

Across the bridge is another gatehouse.  The gate on the island side is raised.  The stone tower that perches over the open maw of the gate seems to be in good repair as well.  You do not see any lights or hear any singing coming from it.

The moon comes out from behind a cloud.  The other end of the drawbridge lights up.

A single figure is standing dead center of the bridge.  Or the remains of a figure.  A skeletal warrior who's been bound to a rough wooden stake.  The arms are raised and lashed to the top of the post with what appears to be barbed wire.  The helmeted skull has fallen to one side, resting on the left shoulder.  At it's belt is an empty scabbard.  The sword that must fit there lays on the ground by it's feet.

Magic?  Oh hells yes.  The whole set up reeks of magic.  But you realize everything about the Keep reeks of magic.

Either way, the whole set up gets your Murder-Hobo senses tingling.

As they walked together, the drawbridge at night only making Izzick more unease, the half-orc growled staring towards the set up. A murder? A ritual? A ritual murder? There weren't many good options here, but his eyes were quick to look around the scene, seeing just how bad it bode for them. "Let's see here, the way this is placed at this angle..." he spoke aloud, seeing if he recalled why this seemed to magically amplified.

Not sure the check needed so:


23:05, Today: Izzick rolled 20 using 1d20.  Perception.

23:05, Today: Izzick rolled 33 using 1d20+18.  Spellcraft.

23:05, Today: Izzick rolled 17 using 1d20+10.  Knowledge Arcana.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 56):

Izzy, I'm assuming you are looking at why the area is so magically active and what you can make out of the 'guard' at the other end of the drawbridge.  If I am misinterpreting your intentions, let me know please.  Thanks

It doesn't help the whole frickin' island seems to be deeply suffused with magic.  And evil.  Can't forget the evil.  There was some kind of major magical disaster here at some time.  That is probably why everything has a tinge of magic.  And it might help explain what is powering the hauntings/flashbacks/what have you.

But your new friend at the end of the drawbridge...hmm. Obviously a trap.  That seems evident.  Some kind of warning magic?  Yes.  There seems to be indications of a 'perception' field.  Like a detection magic, emanating from the skeleton.  It must be the bit that triggers the 'trap'.  Whatever that is.

You would guess either the skeleton sounds a klaxon, triggers some kind of predetermined spell, or some combination of the two.  Probably that last.  But you are too far away to tell much more than that.

Oh.  That sword by it's feet?  It's all kinds of magical.

Turning back, Izzick nodded. "We've got a trap. Looks like the skeleton detects anything near by and triggers...well I'm not sure. But the temptations the magic sword at it's feet. Zuni I think you've got to take it from here. Identifying and disabling are whole-y different things and I know you're a much better expert at the latter."

Selvin stopped and looked around slowly. His nerves were on end, his body was tense, his eyes were darting this way and that. He was desperately trying to stay calm. This whole place, this weird flashback magic, was disturbing to him for some reason. On a deep level.

Magic was something that came easy to him, was a part of him. Enemies that could cast spells at him? Okay. Illusions? Not fun, but doable. But this? The illusions or flashbacks felt real, hell they smelled real. It was freaking him out.

He glanced at Zuni and gave her a nod. He would watch her back. He would keep his senses alert - he didn't have a choice.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 59):

I want to give Zuni a day or so to respond just in case.  In the meantime...

Chandanar  watches Zuni a moment, and then turns to Laoris.  Out of curiousity, any idea where Sial and Chainy got off to?

Laoris giggles and shakes her head.  Same as you.  When we got ambushed, and they took off, I was just as surprised.  I think ol' Sial knows something I don't.  Doesn't surprise me.  He's always been a sneaky bastard.  She shrugs.  If I were you guys, I'd count on him being hostile the next time you see him.  I think he just wanted to see how far he could use you to get here.  She smiles broadly.  But you can trust me

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 60):

Moving on then

Zuni studies the tableau and tilts her head to one side, making it crack.  She sighs and heads slowly and cautiously across the drawbridge.

She's silent as she approaches.  The moon makes more noise as it crosses the sky than she does crossing the old wood.

She gets within fifteen feet and stops, crouching suddenly.  You've seen her like this before.  Something's wrong.

Suddenly the sword rockets off the ground and towards her.  She dodges left, the blade missing her by inches.  The sword levels upwards as it flies forward and is soon above all of your heads.  It begins to circle back and seems to be diving towards the main group.  In other words, all the rest of youse guys.

Selvin let out a sigh and threw up his hands. "Great. Just what we need...more enemies!" He grumbled quietly, "I knew that guy was no good. Gave me the creeps." He shook his head and gave Laoris a quick, slight stink-eye before looking back at Zuni. "uh huh." He didn't believe Laoris was trustworthy for a heartbeat.

Then things got interesting. "A flying sword?? COME ON!!"

He pointed at the sword and cast a spell at it, trying to negate whatever magic was animated it or moving it or whatever.

OOC: Dispel Magic, Targeted Dispel.

19:57, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 31 using 1d20+11.  Dispel check.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 62):

That's a pretty good roll

The sword hovers for a second, mere inches away from Chandanar's neck.  Then it falls to the ground.  You all listen to the ringing sound of the metal die away.  The cleric looks at you Selvin and says Thanks

There's a sharp whistling sound from the other end of the drawbridge.  Zuni is still crouched down, making hand signals back at the rest of you.  She's seen movement from the other gate house on the Keep side of the bridge.  Lots of movement.  She scurries back towards you.

At the same time, from the gloom of the far gate, passing around the crucified soldier, comes a phalanx of riders.  Twelve strong.  Skeletons in mail on horses made of black fire, burning like shadows.  Which doesn't make a lot of sense.  But that's how it appears.

Twelve incoming riders and their horses.  You guys have a round to react before they're on this side of the bridge.

Izzick pressed his hands together, creating a triangle of his fingers before a flame ignited in between them at his chanting words. Commanding the fire to expand, it exploded forward, not in an explosion, but a massive serpent of flames that began to fly towards the riders, lighting up their path, and lighting them ablaze with Izzick's newest arcane spell.

Casting Fire Snake
I have a shapeable 55 ft line
09:08, Today: Izzick rolled 39 using 12d6+1.  Fire Snake.

Reflex save for Half Damage DC: 21

Selvin frowned at their luck and restrained another sigh. He looked at Zuni who was kind of off by herself with those things closing in. He flew forward a bit and cast another spell from his limited repertoire, something to help everyone move faster and attack more! Energy flowed outward from him and his symbiote, enveloping everyone with a surging rush!

OOC: Cast Haste on all allies. Moving to be within 30 ft of Izzick, Chandanar, etc to get as close to Zuni as he can up to that distance.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 65):

Ohhhh!  Pretty! Laoris claps her hands and hops up and down on the balls of her feet.  I wanna touch the hot snake!

Chandanar sighs.  Moving on...  He pulls out his symbol of office.

Zuni dodges aside to let the snake rush past her and strike the advancing riders.  The first riders are thrown, their dry bodies seeming to catch fire quickly.  Their mounts disappear like ash before a wind gust.

The second row of riders fare a bit better.  They are still coming towards you.  Though they smoldering.

The riders in back-about four of them-pay no attention to their flaming comrades.  They hurtle towards you.

<Orange>Everyone is hasted.  Four unscathed riders.  Three partially charred ones ahead of them.  You guys will be going first.  Thanks</Orange.

Izzick began to chant again, the fire at his finger tips fading as his magic began to spark with electrical magical energy. "Ukkost tuloss myrsky," he finished as condensed orbs of lightning began to form and fly towards the riding undead once spell after another.

I create 3 balls with Ball Lightning and so I'll have one hit each of the partially charred riders.


09:05, Today: Izzick rolled 7 using 3d6.  Damage 1.
09:05, Today: Izzick rolled 14 using 3d6.  Damage 2.
09:05, Today: Izzick rolled 10 using 3d6.  Damage 3.

Reflex Save 20 to negate the damage but they take a -4 penalty while in metal armor

Selvin shook his head and let out a roar as he flew (literally) at the four unscathed riders. He reached out for two of them, and tried to take as much attention as he could away from the rest of the group. He considered that his primary jobs - death-dealing and taking the hits.

He lashed out with his symbiotic friend's natural attacks, bite, claws and slams from his limbs. Their movements were very fast due to the haste spell, almost a blur at times, as they whipped about.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 68):

Izzick's shocky orbs and Selvin/Zac's claws/teeth/etc cut a huge gap in the riders. Zuni and Chandanar also wade in. Even Laoris helps out, waving her hand at a rider and causing him to collapse in some fashion.

You make short work of them.

But now that you've meted out punishment, and there's no more noise from the sound of animated bodies being brutally punished...you all hear a low wailing sound. It's coming from the crucified corpse. A magic alarm or beacon.

If it's supposed to signal someone, they aren't making a move. The Keep remains silent. Deathly so.

Selvin winced as the 'alarm' started going off. "Damnit!" He tensed again, but nothing seemed to happen. He looked around confusedly. "Somehow I doubt nobody's home but..." He looked around again and shrugged.

"Shall we go up or...try to...silence that alarm..."

Izzick took a few looks around and nodded, "If you've got any ideas? Otherwise we should probably leave." Even if the soldiers weren't around, there were wild animals out here - never mind the person they may (or may not, he wasn't entirely sure) have seen before the flashback even started. "Think you could dispel it?" The sorcerer only had so many more ideas for how to stop something like that from going off easily.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 71):

Zuni waves a hand and gestures towards the lake.  There is a large mass of bubbles breaking the surface.  Very large bubbles.  Bigger than any of you kind of large.

Chandanar gulps.  Let's...uh...make a break for it.

You can head towards the Keep's gate house, the gate house behind you, take to the sky, or do some of that crazy hoodoo that you guys do do.

Selvin stared at the lake for a moment. That didn't look good. "It never ends..." He let out a frustrated sigh. "Alright. I vote the other gatehouse, so we can get closer to the keep." He looked at his allies questioningly to see if they too wanted to chance it, or if they preferred to hide at the gatehouse close by instead. He was ready to move either way.

Izzick follows behind. They needed to get in anyway, and the faster, the better, regardless of what was actually coming out of the lake they had enough troubles to deal with. "Alright, let's run," he said, gripping tightly onto his bag as he began to bolt behind the summoner, occasionally looking back, seeing what might be hidden in the lake - one less unknwon for their way out.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 74):

Your group of five sprints across the bridge.  Laoriz whoops as she runs, and despite her skinny legs, beats you all.  Even the zippy Zuni.

You rush past the crucified sentry and head under the open portcullis.  And...

It happens much more quickly this time.  You step in to a patch of shadow and when you come out again, the scenery is different.  Sorta.

The floor is suddenly littered with the dead.  Fresh dead.  Some of the hacked bodies are still breathing.  Almost all are wheezing that hollow rattle of men about to die.  The ground is slick with blood.  It's like a sheet of slush on the ground.

Beyond the other side of the portcullis is an open courtyard.  It too is strewn with bodies.  There is a single upright man standing amidst the death and destruction.  A scrawny man wearing a flimsy silk robe the color of a storm cloud.  He has his back to you, holding a hand over his mouth, apparently trying to keep from retching.

Beyond him, you see the Keep itself.

The sun is shining brightly.  No birds despite all the fresh meat though.

Questions?

Zuni wanted to tell Laoriz to shut up.  The womans whooping was starting to annoy Zuni but before she could hiss out her displeasure, the world changed.  The first indication that something was wrong was when Zunis foot caught itself on a corpse.  The slender woman stumbled, arms flailing comically for but an instant before she recovered her balance.

"...ye...gods..." Zuni muttered, looking around at the scene of carnage about her.  Growing up she had seen men dying on the streets of Korvosa.  The scale of this amount of death was exponentially beyond a single individual dying in a dark alleyway.  Her hand shot to cover her mouth, partly to try and mask the smell and partly to try and keep herself from retching.

Awheezing came from her side, and Zuni looked down to lock eyes with a dying man.  The exact extent of his injuries was masked by the copious amounts of blood covering his clothing.  His eyes looked up at Zuni, pleading for release or healing it was difficult to tell.  Zuni breath caught in her chest and she was certain that she was not going to have a peaceful nights rest ever again, not after this scene.

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 76):

Chandanar kneels down beside the man you are looking at Zuni.  He examines the man, shakes his head, mutters something...a prayer probably...and reaches for the man's neck.  The priest makes it quick.

Some sound made during the operation makes the scrawny man turn.  He stares at all of you, what little color was in his face draining even faster.  He makes a moaning sound, turns, and starts to flee.

Starts to, since he trips on one of the dead.  He lands on his knees, yelping from the pain.  Either he is one of the greatest actors you've ever seen or he is most assuredly a non-combatant type.

He struggles to get up so he can run from you.

Ahead, the courtyard expands out to the west.  You can see what looks like the main entry to the hall in that area, set in to a northern wall.

Can you guys still see the map?  If so, you are in area 4.  If you can't see the map, let me know, and I'll see what I can do.  Danka.