Angrboda and Viktor peal off of the main group as they take to the shadows. For as much as the giant in full plate can manage he seems to be doing very well. It is obviously not as quiet as Angrboda would like, however it is enough that he does not seem to draw undue attention. Approaching the old well you can see that while it is not in disrepair, it is obviously not in use. While the winch housing is present, there is no crank visible. In addition, at first glance you can see no evidence of a bucket of any kind.

Your little party approaches the well to get a closer look. Now that you can take a first hand assessment you can tell that the walls are still solid, yet the mortar in a few places is beginning to crumble and flake off. At one time this may have been a usable well, but no longer. Leaving no stone unturned you each take a quick look down the well. As Viktor leans over the rim a tiny pebble is shaken loose. As it falls into the opening it bounces off the walls and into the darkness.

thunk

thunk

tink, what? tink?

thunk, no splashing noise.

At that moment a tiny ray of moonlight shines down the well at just the right angle. In that brief moment you think you see metal rungs fastened to the side of the well. On closer examination you see that hidden along the side, somewhat recessed into the wall, metal bars have been placed at regular intervals creating a ladder of sorts.

Angrboda smiles in satisfaction, "Knowing about paranoid nobles and their habits paid off I guess.  Do you think we should try to stop the others?" she asks, worried that they truly are walking to their deaths.

Glad you were right...I don't know if we should try to find them...would it be wise for you to scope them out or look down the well first to see where it leads...I can either wait here or go with but I might slow you down...smiles a little after seeing the makeshift ladder...

Angrboda begins to move down the ladder, "Bah, I am alreadyworried enough that we do not have enough time.  Let them find their own way in and out of the keep." she says, frustrated about the lack of trust some of the group has shown, despite her attempts to assuage fears.

yes sadly I agree...we need to keep moving...we will try to find them inside..if they are captured we can only save them if we are not holds his arm out to help Angrboda into the well...

Taking a few moments to gather and secure everything you begin your descent into the darkness. The metal rungs and sturdy and evenly spaced, perfect for those who would be moving quickly. Descending roughly 20 or so feet the narrow well begins to open a bit. Another 5 feet and the rungs terminate at an old dry well bottom. Stones and mortar show that this well never held much water if ever at all. The tiny room is big enough for two people to barely fit. Off to the "east" another stone and mortar tunnel heads off into the darkness.

After another 50 or so feet the tunnel ends abruptly at a thick wooden door with no handle. Taking a further look, it appears as if the door is a slider, no hinge reinforcement or apparatus is visible. It is evident that while the queen is paranoid enough to allow for a secret passage, it is not going to be easy. She is smart enough to not only hide the entrance, but her engineers seem to have a knack for hidden locking mechanisms as none are apparent.

walks over and knocks on the door with the handle of his axe...Looks like a secret entrance to a secret passage...do you think I should try to chop it open?  Do you see anything that might open this door?

Angrboda places her hand gently on Viktor's shoulder, "No, no let us not make a massive amount of noise at first.  Let me look around and see what I can find." she says as she begins looking for a mechanism.

20:15, Today: Angrboda rolled 36 using 1d100. search tn 71.

Yes I suppose loud chopping sounds might not be the best way to break into a secret passage...find anything useful?walks around tapping the wall to see if there is anything hollow or fake...                   rolled 12 on search

With the exception of the "door" itself you find that the walls are solid. Near the "door" however you do find a small stone that is loose in it's socket. A small amount of pressure applied to the stone you find that it will smoothly slide inwards. A bit more pushing and you hear a tiny click followed by a short whirring noise. The slab of the door pops open just a crack, enough for a hand to get between the frame and the door. As you slide the door open you hear some extremely faint ratcheting noises.
You open the door far enough to get a good look into the room. It is a square room roughly 15 feet square along the wall to your left you can see an opening.

The opening to the left of your original entrance heads down a short passage. The glow of your own light you can see another slab, much like the one you just went through, placed at the end of the hall. Placed along the right side of the room are several small trunks, a few barrels and a medium sized wardrobe. Seeing that room is clear you slide silently into the room. Set along the wall you can see a few sconces with unlit torches nestled in them. Knowing what you know, and thinking you know this ruler, you would deduce that this is a "last stop" outfitting room for any fleeing monarch.

Adding the area to Map 0. Green = "Doors". Blue X = Group
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:44, Wed 13 May 2015.

Angrboda shrugs and moves into the room, "Well, we should certainly keep any of these supplies from being used by the evil beings of this castle, right Viktor?" she states as she slips quietly over to the supplies to see what they contain.

walks into the room and starts looking through the trunks to see what kind of coin or jewelry it might contain...Yes beautiful Angrboda...I think we would give some of these items better homes then this scum in this castle..if anyone shows up I will put my axe through their neck....laughs in a sadistic tone
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Wed 13 May 2015.

A few seconds after you fully enter the room you once again hear the whisper of ropes and pulleys. The door silently slides back on it's own accord as the counterweight is triggered and smoothly closes the slab. You are once again faced with a smooth, unadorned, wooden slab of a door.

Viktor moves over to the south side of the room and casually opens one of the trunks. The flickering light catches a lustrous glint from the contents as the lid if lifted. A low intake of breath comes from Viktor as he wills his hands to move, Gold. Leaving the lid open he flips open the second chest... Gold. Looking to the side you see several more chests much like the lockboxes that were just opened. Each coffer would easily contain several hundred coins.

Meanwhile Angrboda, being a bit more on the practical side, scans over the barrels and handful of bags nestled into the corner. The barrels and bags contain basic foodstuffs designed for longevity. Hardtack, Water, a few empty skins, salted meats, and dried fruits are all stored away for escape. The wardrobe contains several changes of clothes that would remind you of a wealthy merchant or minor noble. Contained within the wardrobe are also a pair of longswords, 4 daggers, and a single crossbow with 10 bolts.

Angrboda carefully inspects the weapons for any sign of magical ability then looks for a backpack, "As much as I would love to take all that gold with us it seems impractical to take it now." she says as her eyes scan the clothes, "I do suggest taking a bit in case we cannot come back this way though."

Yes we may need some gold to bribe ourselves out of here or in case our ride doesn't show up...straps on the crossbow and bolts since he has had some training....grabs a couple of the bags and condenses them for food and gold...grabs a  belt and wraps the bag up containing the food and several handfuls of gold...

Ties on his makeshift bag of goodies with a strap to his back...looks around for a backpack and an opening to the door...rolled 39 search
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Fri 15 May 2015.

Finding a backpack she fills it alternating with the nicest clothes from the closet and gold to keep the coins from jingling while she walks, after packing the bag full she tuns to inspect this side of the door.  "Hopefully the others are doing fine.  I would hate to have the guards on high alert right now." she says as she scans the door.

OOC:  11:14, Today: Angrboda rolled 16 using 1d100. search tn 71.

Taking 100 gold.

Yes I hope my little buddy Rael is doing ok....wonder where they have made it to by now? rearranges his bag so the gold and food are layered between each other and some clothing...figures he has about 100 gold...

Making sure to adjust things so that noise is paramount you venture to the hallway and door to the "north". This mechanism is much easier to find than the one leading to the old well. You reach forward to push this false stone when something catches your eye. There seems to be a push plate both on the left side of the door AND on the right side of the door. Due to the door being a similar sliding slab you have no hinges to judge from.

Respect for Media just rose a tiny notch. In anticipation of outside infiltration she seems to have put a puzzle for any would be intruder. Is this a two part lock like back at the Tavern? Is one of the push plates a trick to alert those inside of intruders? Both mechanisms seem to be attached to the familiar pulley system that you have already encounter on both her previous doors. Silently you curse the higher lords of chaos, didn't want to make it that simple huh? Down to a stinking choice of luck, Balo must be laughing hideously right now.

Well Angrboda looks like some sort of trap here...do we push both at the same time? It has been a couple hours since I killed someone but would prefer not to have all the guards at once....chuckles a littleLooks over the pulley system...looks over at Angrboda and shrugs....
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Sun 17 May 2015.

Angrboda pauses for a second at the door and mumbles to herself an incantation, as the magic takes effect she feels along the trap, letting the magic guide her perceptions smiling as the lock yields its secrets to her, "Thank you Liret." she says as she opens the door.  "After you sir." She says bowing to Viktor.

17:45, Today: Angrboda rolled 47 using 1d100. pick locks tn 115.
Casting "Deftness of Cran Liret" 3 MP

Angrboda I could kiss you right now...for an evil bitch you are a pretty cool girl... puts his hand on her shoulder and smirks as he crosses into the other room...axe grasped in hand in case someone is on the other side....kind of hoping there is...

Angrboda takes another look at the mechanisms that frame the door. After calling forth the arcane energies she is able to trace back what she needs. Reaching out to the one of the left hand side of the door she depresses the false stone to be rewarded with the tiny audible click of success. The door slab slides open just enough to get a hand in the opening. The familiar counterweight pulley noises are beginning to sound familiar as you slide the false door out of your way and emerge into a tiny storehouse and preparation area.

This tiny room looks like many other craftsmans rooms. Lining the walls are shelves holding various herbs, powders, boxes and vials. The nook to your left holds a basin of water fed by a slow trickle of water and a small table that holds several hand held items of sinister intent. Many of the tools on the table look to be a cross between a butcher's tool and a seamstresses tool. A regular looking oaken door opens opposite the secret entrance you just opened.

Angrboda quickly looks over at the herbs and powders to see if there is anything useful there, unfortunately her knowledge of such things is rather lacking, "If we come back this way I am sure that Rael would like to look at those." she says as she heads to the oaken door to listen for noise on the other side.  The thick door seems to muffle everything, motioning to Viktor she hopes that perhaps his ears are better.

12:26, Today: Angrboda rolled 73 using 1d100. potions tn 20.

12:29, Today: Angrboda rolled 69 using 1d100. listen tn 67.

grabs a couple jars of herbs and stuffs them into his bag...does a quick look around the room to see if any of the weapons could be useful or maybe a master skeleton key for the castle...walks over to the door and puts his ear up to try to hear anything or anyone...I will bring a couple jars back of herbs for Rael...yes he would love this room...he has some serious trust issues but means well...

17:34, Today: Viktor rolled 11 using 1d100. listen. - Pass

17:38, Today: Viktor rolled 34 using 1d100. search. - Pass
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:56, Wed 20 May 2015.

As Viktor looks at the jars and containers, he quickly deduces that they are a bit to big to take in whole. Instead he grabs a few of the smaller vials nearby and slides some of the supplies in those. After gathering samples from several of the containers he adjusts his gear to minimize breakage of the same vials and heads to the door. All is silent at the door, which as you test, can be easily opened. Angrboda nods for an all clear, not sure if she had heard anything thanks to Viktors "delicate" handling of the apothecarian goods. Silently steeling into the room you find yourself in a rather large irregularly shaped chamber.

The Western wall of the room is taken up by shelves stocked with a wide assortment of arcane paraphernalia including beakers and phials filled with strange liquids and powders. In the center of the room stands a large bench or table, a rectangular slab of glistening ebon stone, laced with veins of silver. It is supported by four silver legs that resemble gnarled roots of an ancient tree. Directly above the table is a 10-foot long translucent blue-green crystal with nine spikes of various lengths, all radiating out from the long central body of the crystal. The tip of the central spike, pointing down towards the table, glows with a pulsing unpleasant green light. Near the table another small, crescent shaped slab of stone displays and assortment of multicolored crystals, each glowing with it's own inner light.

In a series of nine stalls arranged along the north and east walls stand what appear to be five women and four men, mummified and dressed in various (what you assume to be) fashions of Ildaron nobility. You can see that their eyes and mouths are sewn tightly shut with catgut, their hands clasp on hilts of strange looking black swords all bearing disturbing silvered runes.

From your vantage point you can also see that the small niche in the upper left of the room contains a small pool. The outer rim of the pool is ringed with inlaid silvered runes carved into the stone. Due to your inherent knowledge you can easily recognize the most prominent rune in the bunch, the eight sided icon of Chaos. The lighting in the room makes the liquid in the pool appear to be inky black.

After taking in the room you get a sense that you are not the only one here. Keeping still your senses are rewarded as a lithe, extremely comely, silver-blond haired women walks into your vision from the "south". Wearing a comfortable midnight blue robe, her pale skin and nearly silver hair form an almost luminous halo about her face as she moves. You see that beyond a few bangles at her wrist she is almost completely unadorned of decadent finery that dripped from the outside of the royal compound. Completely absorbed in her task, you watch her move towards the table from the door you can see from the corner of you eye to the south. She appears to be carrying a luminous crystal much like you one you can see on the crescent shaped dais near the table.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Thu 21 May 2015.

Do you think we should kill her or ask her what she is doing? I need she seems to be drugged up or something.Walks a little closer to Angrboda...

Not bothering to answer with words Angrboda moves quietly over behind the woman, drawing her dagger as she goes. Cursing as she trips over a stool between them she rushes forward to press the attack.

15:11, Today: Angrboda rolled 87 using 1d100. move quiet tn 60.
15:12, Today: Angrboda rolled 37 using 1d100. dagger attack tn 110.

As the stool skitters a bit the woman looks up towards the storage room. Her features shift from absent minded calculations to one of fear. Her eyes widen as she see's the intent in Angrboda's eyes. Thinking fast, she tosses the crystal in her hand at Angrboda and turns to run. The luminous crystal arcs through the air and hits Angrboda, causing no damage, but making her flinch from her intended path. A slight tinkling noise dances about the room as the crystal bounces and hits the floor.  Running as fast as her slipper covered feet can carry her, she bolts for the opening just to the right of the doorway seen on the opposite side of the room.

In a silky voice you can hear the woman shouting down the hall "Intruders in the Lab!"



22:04, Today: The Grey Lords, for the NPC Woman, rolled 7 using 1d100. Throw TN 65. - Critical
22:01, Today: The Grey Lords, for the NPC Woman, rolled 28 using 1d100. Dodge TN 55. - Pass

22:05, Today: The Grey Lords, on behalf of Angrboda, rolled 94 using 1d100. Dodge TN 41. - Fail

This message was deleted by the player at 19:33, Fri 22 May 2015.

Guess it is fighting time...nice plan....Makes a dash towards the woman in the hall as he winds up his axe being careful Angrboda isn't in the way....    rolled 69 and 18

Viktor unslings his Lymorian axe and sprints around the corner. Seeing that the easy path is occupied by Angrboda, he performs an astounding act of agility as he slides over the ebon slab in the middle of the room to land on his feet ready for action. Not wanting to loose his forward momentum he springs forward in a savage hack intending to stop the mysterious woman from getting away. The scraping of Viktors plate across the slab must has alerted the woman that something is up. She changes direction allowing Viktors blow to slice cleanly through the air and somehow is able to fling open the wooden door opening another avenue of escape.

From down the hall that the woman was running you can hear another door opening and the sound of several people in armor hurrying.


14:43, Today: The Grey Lords, for the NPC Woman, rolled 1 using 1d100. Agility tn 80.
14:38, Today: The Grey Lords, on behalf of Viktor, rolled 4 using 1d100. Agility.
14:36, Today: The Grey Lords, for the NPC Woman, rolled 27 using 1d100. Dodge tn 35.

Time for Combat. Since there is only two of you, go ahead and post your actions and rolls (See "Example of Combat" thread for what I want) I will then recap and keep things in synch with the other group.

Well Angrboda time to have some fun...follow me...smiles as a devilish look comes over his eyes...starts swinging his axe at throat level and runs into the hall...growling and laughing



15:01, Today: Viktor rolled 61 using 1d100. Dodge 2.
15:00, Today: Viktor rolled 14 using 1d100. Dodge.
20:42, Today: The Grey Lords, on behalf of Viktor, rolled 14 using 4d6. Axe Dmg.
15:00, Today: Viktor rolled 21 using 1d100. Axe.
15:00, Today: Viktor rolled 64 using 1d100. Engage.
14:59, Today: Viktor rolled 4 using 1d6. Initiative.
this copied backwards....start with initiative
*Edited and fixed*
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:43, Sun 24 May 2015.

Angrboda curses as the guards come towards them, "So much for the quiet appaoch." she laments as she tries to find a place to at least hide, unsuccessfully.  She draws both of her daggers as they round the corner turning to fight.  As the guards approach she turns and attempts to dodge the incoming attack and succeeds in catching it in the gut.  Growling she hacks at the guard with both daggers.  She smiles as the Dragon dagger bites deeply into the guards belly, even though the other dagger misses wildly.

13:07, Today: Angrboda rolled 27 using 1d6+21. Initiative.
13:10, Today: Angrboda rolled 92 using 1d100. Hide TN 60.
13:11, Today: Angrboda rolled 61 using 1d100. Dodge TN 42.
13:12, Today: Angrboda rolled 74 using 1d100. Dagger attack TN 120.
13:13, Today: Angrboda rolled 96 using 1d100. Off hand dagger attack TN 60.
13:18, Today: Angrboda rolled 6 using 1d6+2. Damage.

You see the woman duck through the door, pause for a second, and then disappear. You hear a commotion from up the stairs, sounding like more guards are being rallied to the fleeing woman's defense. The cry of "Hurry !  HURRY !" echos down the steps along with the sound of an unknown number of guards scurrying towards the stairs. Viktor unleashes a primal battlecry as he surges forward hoping that the insanity of a lone man wielding such a huge axe in tight quarters would cause those advancing to pause.

Which is just enough for Angrboda to dance around the charging brick using all the catlike reflexes that her race is known for. Dancing forward she uses the shock and Awe of Viktors charge to get underneath the defenses of one of the first responders. The guard attempts to parry with their longsword, however Angrboda is faster. The dragon dagger sinks into the side of the guard drawing a gasp of pain. Unknown if the guard saw her feint, or if luck was on the guards side, the second dagger strike glances off of the brass gauntlet and does not find any purchase. Locked in combat the guard wildly swings her longsword in an attempt to gut Angrboda. While a solid hit is made, the blade seems to slide right off of the lithe assassin with barely a notice.

Down the hall, over the shoulders of the two guardswomen, you can see two other guards setting up their crossbows for attacks of opportunity. Luckily, the narrow confines and the rapid movements of those involved, they are having a rough time off lining up a shot. The closest of them looses a bolt which flies harmlessly over the combat bogging down at the entrance to the hall.

Viktors forward momentum finally catches up with Angrboda's counter charge. Whatever lords were watching over you seemed to have blessed you at that moment. The other guard that had stopped as Angrboda charged in, must have sensed the bolt flying overhead. Some latent fear or phobia causes the guard to shirk, and loose control of her sword as she ducks. Her sword clangs harmlessly to the floor just as Viktor rushes in in a savage swipe. Not sure if intended or not, but Viktor's Lymorian axe takes a huge toll on the guard as she reaches for the fallen sword, her arm severed from her body. In shock the guard staggers backwards doing her best to staunch the wound with her gauntleted hand.

Going to let the other crew catch up a bit with reactions. Go ahead and post your actions, I'll follow up when they get some in as well.

Admires the guards arm as it flops to the ground and smiles...stops his mighty axe and rests it downward for a second and acknowledges Donblas...regains his breath and twists his body to send his axe swirling in a Tazmanian whirlwind (Taz fully armored with weapons hanging from him)...STAY LOW ANGRBODA!!!  KILL EM ALL!!!! as he drools with the excitement of death.



23:51, Today: Viktor rolled 16 using 4d6. Axe Dmg.
23:50, Today: Viktor rolled 79 using 1d100. Axe Attack.
23:49, Today: Viktor rolled 92 using 1d100. Dodge2.
23:47, Today: Viktor rolled 74 using 1d100. Dodge1.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:25, Wed 27 May 2015.

Seeing the large Pan Tangian bow his head causes Angrboda to pause, "A follower of Law?" she thinks, "That could cause problems." she shrugs, trusting Balo, then flicks her finger down the hall at one of the approaching guards, feeling the power of chaos pouring through her as she casts the spell.  She twists the blade still in the guard a bit hoping for its magic to take effect.

OOC:  casting agony on one of the guards approaching.

The sound of boots on the ground behind you signals a possible turn in the tide, as reinforcements from behind you begin to close in.

Doing what those in the grip of righteous vengeance tend to do, Viktor finishes his prayer to Donblas and once again charges down the hall. The two guard at the end had finished steadying shots as a word of power echos from Angrboda's lips sending the closest guard to her knees, dropping the crossbow. Clutching her head, a painful wail escapes her lips, the mother of all migraines making her lose all sense of purpose. [Private to Angrboda: You get the feeling that, much like a cat, your actions are causing the dagger to stir from some kind of lethargic state.]

In an attempt to stop the words from spilling from Angrobda's mouth, the guard currently stuck with the dragon dagger swings with her guantleted fist in an obvious attempt to give Angrboda a fat lip. A mere second after the last word from Angrboda is uttered the hay-maker connected. Given that each is bound in a dagger linked dance, the strike hits home giving Angrboda a nice fat lip, but sustaining no other real damage. Either in momentum, or out of spite, Angrboda twists the dagger already lodged in the guard rewarding her with the ability to watch the guards face twist in all forms of agony.

As the guard that Angrboda targeted drops to the ground, the guard at the end of the hall see's an opportunity to loose their bolt into the charging Pan Tangian. Without the benefit of friendly fire the crossbow strikes home and punctures a hole in the chain between the plates on the side of the torso. "Drop your weapons, Your surrounded with no where to go!" The crossbow wielding guard calls after seeing the bolt hit home.

"You two!" From just down the hall, behind you, a voice of authority bellows out. "Step lively or I'm promoting you to slab duty!"

During that chaotic moment Viktor reaches the incapacitated guard and completes his swing. Obviously Donblas is answering his prayers at judging the wicked and dealing out appropriate justice. His great Lymorian axe descends into the agonized guard. Slicing clean through the guards arms and into her chest, Viktor nearly bisects her, giving her a final cure to the agony that Angrboda gave.

Need a hand Angrboda...Pulls out the annoying bolt and sticks it in the head of his recent victim...looks at the guard that shot it and growls at her....laughs sadistically and kicks the severed arm her way...leaving his axe in the fresh corpse...he pulls out his throwing knives and whips them at the crossbow guard...



14:33, Today: The Grey Lords, on behalf of Viktor, rolled 19 using 1d6+15. initiative.
18:43, Today: Viktor rolled 91 using 1d100. dodge.
18:41, Today: Viktor rolled 33 using 1d100. throwing knives.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:34, Thu 28 May 2015.

Angrboda notices the guards coming down the stairs, "Um, Viktor darling, I seem to be needing help all of my own." she replies to the large man.  That said she twists the dagger again and flicks her finger at one of the guards coming down the stairs.

11:36, Today: Angrboda rolled 95 using 1d100. Dodge TN 42.
11:36, Today: Angrboda rolled 71 using 1d100. Dagger attack TN 120.
11:35, Today: Angrboda rolled 6 using 1d100. Luck TN 120.
Casting Agony again

Angrboda you are kind of almost pretty covered in blood...drops to his knees and again asks for a blessing on his mighty axe...and thanks Donblas...waits for his knives to hit..

"I said get a move on dammit!" bellows down the hall a few moments before even more royal guardswomen emerge from the doorway. The newcomers are just in time to watch as one of guards keels over in agony clutching at their head [Private to Berta; Eclair: The newcomers are you. On map 0 you are the two lighter red G's] This does not prevent the other two from rushing forward to take care of the now alone Angrboda. With swords drawn they move forward with purpose in their eyes and actions, Kill the witch! Angrboda twists and rips the dragon dagger from the gut of the original target causing a slight spray of blood in en effort to better defend herself. The action causes enough so that the original guard falls to the ground, no longer able to keep up the fight.

The two guards act in unison as they lunge forward trying to overpower Angrboda. Two quick thrusts trying to open her defenses dart in. The first Angrboda easily counters, the second is another story. The blade contacts a mere half second before Angrboda is able to turn away. However as with the prior hits, it slides from her as if water off of sealskin.

Viktor leaves his axe where it lays and quickly tosses a knife at the crossbow wielding guardswoman. The dagger flies true, and brushes the armor, deflecting off of one of the large brass rings. The guardswoman, seeing that Viktor has abandoned his axe drops the crossbow, draws her longsword and surges forward. Currently being disarmed, Viktor has no choice but to allow his gothic plate to absorb the blow from the longsword as the sword is unable to penetrate.

The two new guard move forward to press the attack. As they get near the combat you see one of then nod to the other. In a surprise attack you see the taller of the two raise a gauntlet covered fist and smash it into the back of the head of guardswoman pressing Angrboda. A look of complete shock crosses the womans face as she is cold-cocked and layed out from behind. Like a rock the guard drops to the floor. You swear you see the pugilist guard wink as she readies her sword.

One more surprise shows up through the door. A large, taller than Viktor, Amazon warrior saunters through the door. Clad in heavy looking, brass reinforced, plate armor, she carries a whip in the same manner as a taskmaster would. Just in time for one royal guard to drop another you hear the shock in her deep voice "What the hell do you think you are doing?" She quickly assess that somehow a traitor has infiltrated the ranks. Uncoiling the whip she quickly, and with extreme skill, lashes out. Quicker than the eye can follow the whip lashes out towards the pugilist. By luck, or anticipation of the attack, the pugilist is able to dart out of the way at the last second. There is a tiny spark where the whip itself strikes air, causing spots to appear in everyone's eyes. The smell of ozone permeates air and a ringing in your ears an aftershock of the tiny thunderclap.

Not allowing surprise to get the best of her Angrboda yells, "Blessings from Balo!" and begins laughing, "Watch out for her whip, it's a doozy." she warns between giggles, and moves to cover Viktor as she once again casts her spell.  Watching for an opening in the woman's defenses.

Casting agony on the Amazon.

17:42, Today: Angrboda rolled 75 using 1d100. dodge whip.
17:44, Today: Angrboda rolled 21 using 1d100. dagger attack tn 120.

Takes a severed arm and hits the crossbow wench across the face so that blood shoots all over her eyes and starts laughing hysterically...grabs his axe from the corpse and swipes it towards the bottom of her ankles to take her out...Hey Boda I don't know if that big hammer wench wants me to kill her with my axe or please her with my sword...lets out a mighty battle cry...



00:34, Today: Viktor rolled 93 using 1d100. dodge.
00:34, Today: Viktor rolled 44 using 1d100. axe.
00:33, Today: Viktor rolled 91 using 1d100. severed hand slap.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:05, Sun 31 May 2015.

That's a huge bitch!....looks over at the Amazon and wonders who the guard is that winked at him.

With a curse on her lips from the sting Yara served on her in passing, and fighting the urge to return the compliment, Berta is too slow to prevent the guards' assault on Angrboda, and though a blow from he fist ensures that at least one of them won't be repeating the affront, it is at the cost of betraying her true colours to the Amazon.

Berta is big.  Not so big as Viktor, perhaps, but ne'ertheless possessed of both height and muscle.  But e'en so, neither are as big as the Amazon, and she is lucky to avoid harm as Yara flicks her whip at her.


"Hells knows," Berta admits, blood racing now it is do or die, darting forward, hoping to catch the Amazon off guard as she probes with her blade and lashes out with her fist. "Saving myself, I hope ..."

[Private to GM: Combat rolls.  Figured I'd add in an Engage this time, since whip probably has more reach than fist or sword.  Even though I've done Cestus first in order of rolls, Cestus is off hand - assumed that since Berta is right handed, she'd use the sword as her primary weapon ... I think you said that brawl attack off hand is treated as full skill, not halved (When Brawl/Brawl, If Sword/Brawl it will still be halved as reaches and styles change, I'd probably allow Dagger/Brawl at no reduction)  And this time I've added in what I think are the results as I'm hoping it's as straightforwards as it seems <grins>

13:08, Today: Berta rolled 18 using 1d6+17. Initiative.
13:09, Today: Berta rolled 38 using 1d100. Engage (Dodge). vs 104 - success
13:09, Today: Berta rolled 28 using 1d100. Cestus. vs 140 ? (off hand) - success
13:09, Today: Berta rolled 66 using 1d100. Longsword ? vs 105 - success
13:09, Today: Berta rolled 36 using 1d100. Dodge. vs 104 - success
13:09, Today: Berta rolled 42 using 1d100. Dodge. vs 74 - success
13:09, Today: Berta rolled 40 using 1d100. Dodge. vs 44 - success]
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:10, Mon 01 June 2015.

Angrboda quickly recovers from the various turns and tides of the fight. Seeing the large taskmaster come into view she once again releases the power of pain. Yara's brass etchings flare for a brief second and you see a momentary look of pain cross her face. sadly she quickly recovers. The amazon's eyes shift around from the traitor and settle on the only logical answer that she can see, Angrboda. "Who do you think hunts the renegade witches you devil's whore!" Her nostrils flair in disgust. The whip recoils with a slight flick of her wrist as she prepares to strike again. Angrboda dances away in hopes to get out of the whips reach, only to stumble a bit on the corpses and bodies piled around her. The whip flies true and just barely kisses the assassin. A stinging sensation ripples through your body as jolt of pure electricity radiates from the location of the hit. Angrboda grits her teeth in pain as once again the smell of ozone permeates the air.  While she is able to stay on her feet, she obviously is able to to little else. Beyond a bit of tingling and a tiny feeling of ants across your body there seems to be little after effect.

The guard that accompanied the pugilist turns to face the dungeon guard in the throes of pain on the ground. She takes out a dagger and bends to put her out of her misery. She however stops and slowly gets back to her feet. [Language unknown: Elte titr thaat! Et ven nc ainwerove of ill alsti] and she points back into the laboratory. Risking a quick glance you see a mixture of men and women in a mummified state, all dressed in Syferan finery of minor nobles, calmly walking towards the combat. Their eyes and mouths are sewn shut with catgut and each is carrying a black blade about the size of the longswords commonly seen.

The pugilist guard, seeing an opportunity open, thanks to Angrboda's quest for attention, darts forward in an attempt to blindside Yara. Able to slide straight past the rest of the commotion she is unable to prevent the attack on Angrboda, but is able to get in before she could completely recover her whip. Yara calmly bats aside the longsword attack with her own gauntlet covered hand. "I'll deal with you next tra...." as the pugilist's haymaker gets past Yara's defense and cuts her short with little more than a fat lip.

Pressing in on the numb Angrboda, the guardswoman presses her attack in an attempt to disable to witch. However due to the numbness, being slightly off balance, and the scores of bodies at her feet she is unable to get out of the way. Luck is once again on her side as the blade is unable to fully penetrate.

Down the hallway Viktor takes a scant second to acknowledge that things are going on outside of his own little world as he hazards a glance over his shoulder. It is at that moment the guard that he is faced off against lunges in. The longsword darts in, luckily Viktors attention is pulled back in time to narrowly shift to the side and avoid being skewered. In retaliation Viktor grabs his mighty axe and golf swings up from the corpse. (Sorry your axe is two handed, no bloody hand hits). The guard attempts to block, however the momentum of Viktor's swing is able to break through the guards defense and into her calf. The attack severs the leg just under the knee. The guard screams, looses her balance, falling to the floor. Dropping her longsword the dungeon guard reaches down in a futile effort to staunch the blood streaming from her ruined leg.

[Private to Berta: Viktor is a few inches talker and wider than you. Overall tone, and howhe wields his axe, puts him on par with you for overall fitness.]

Angrboda snarls as at the woman's statement, "You DARE talk to me as if I am inferior to you?" she questions, moving towards the woman quickly, "Your death shall come quickly and your soul shall join the Lords of Chaos as Balo's newest trinket." she says as she gets closer.  Taking advantage of the diversion created by the pugilist she lunges forward, plunging both of her daggers into the woman.  "Apparently you do not recognize your betters when you see them." she whispers as the daggers strike.

OOC: 13:32, Today: Angrboda rolled 30 using 1d100. second dagger attack TN 60.
13:31, Today: Angrboda rolled 7 using 1d100. Dodge TN 42.
13:31, Today: Angrboda rolled 6 using 1d100. Luck TN 120.
13:31, Today: Angrboda rolled 71 using 1d100. Dagger attack TN 120.

Blessed Balo I actually dodged AND I critted on my luck roll (I think).  Don't know what that does though.

Kicks the hurt guard in the head and stands on her hands as she screams in pain...puts down his axe on her throat and pushes down until you hear a loud snap..picks up his axe and heads towards Angrboda in case she needs help and to block off the mummy kings and wenches...That guard had no head on her shoulders what so ever.... laughs loudly



01:24, Today: Viktor rolled 44 using 1d100. dodge.
01:24, Today: Viktor rolled 12 using 4d6. damage.
01:23, Today: Viktor rolled 70 using 1d100. axe.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:20, Sat 06 June 2015.

Yara's threat merely spurs Berta on, though she sets her jaw grimly at the ease with which her blade was blocked, realising that she has a fight on her hands against the bigger woman.

But if the Amazon's words provoke naught but renewed determination, the screams from behind her followed close by Angrboda's angry response sends a chill down her spine, and no little relief that venom is aimed at Yara and not herself !

"Hells !" Berta decides to let her blade fall from her hand, sending it clattering to the floor as she angles to one side of her foe to give Angroboda her opening, launching a wild flurry of blows at Yara, putting all her strength behind the punches and grunting with the effort.

[Private to GM: Sword/Brawl = Brawl at half skill makes perfect sense.  :>  Thought I'd mix it up this round and drop the sword, then go for four punches, two each hand dividing skill 50/50 = 70 each.  Figured I'd not post the actual value in the dice roller, so as to keep my fellows guessing ! <grins>  Coupla hits, coupla misses ...

20:24, Today: Berta rolled 23 using 1d6+17. Initiative.
20:25, Today: Berta rolled 66 using 1d100. Cestus R 50% #1. vs 70 - success
20:25, Today: Berta rolled 86 using 1d100. Cestus R 50% #2. vs 70 - failure
20:25, Today: Berta rolled 86 using 1d100. Cestus L 50% #1. vs 70 - failure
20:25, Today: Berta rolled 5 using 1d100. Cestus L 50% #2. vs 70 - critical
20:25, Today: Berta rolled 10 using 1d100. Dodge. vs 104 - critical
20:25, Today: Berta rolled 64 using 1d100. Dodge. vs 74 - success
20:26, Today: Berta rolled 14 using 1d100. Dodge. vs 44 - critical

Begs another question - didn't matter in this instance, but when splitting up a skill for multiple uses at whatever %, is the critical threshold calculated on the full skill ranking or the value used for a particular attack ? I'm thinking the latter.  :>

And if/when we clear the room, Berta's first action will be to raise her hands to show she's not attacking and yell "Friend !  Friend !"  <ROFL>]

Sees the mummies making their way towards them and one lonely guard....does a running twist to build momentum of his axe and attempts to take out the possible last guard....



17:46, Today: Viktor rolled 12 using 4d6. damage.
17:46, Today: Viktor rolled 49 using 1d100. axe.
17:45, Today: Viktor rolled 93 using 1d100. dodge.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:20, Sat 06 June 2015.

Yara sneers as the comment seems to have hit home, Angrboda turns and concentrates on on the large amazon. Her gauntlet covered hand and massive forearm sweeps the area in front of her batting aside the first dagger attack from Angrboda. "Balo? ha, such a minor lord as I have never heard of. Call to your lord to see how pitiful he is here!" her voice full of mocking in an almost practiced retort. [Secret to Angrboda: Yaawwn. What am I missing mistress? ]She uses a back hand swing with her gauntlet to swat aside the second dagger thrust. Full of confidence.

No matter her level of confidence she is not ready to face off against multiple adversaries in an all out brawl as the pugilist abandons her longsword and raises both fists into an all out brawlers stance. A flurry of blows rain in on the amazon who pulls back her arms to shield her face and upper body. Unfortunately for the amazon it is not enough. While her armor may have helped against Angrboda's magics, it did no avail against the combination of attacks from the two assailants. Two solid hits are enough to get past Yara's armor, perhaps next time her helm would have been a the wise choice, as the pugilist lands a solid blow snapping back Yara's head and laying her out flat. Yara's eyes flutter back as she slumps down against the stone wall. Full of adrenaline, the pugilist hocks a giant mouthful of spit and lets Yara know what she thinks of her. "That is for Sojan." As the battle spirit dies down, the pugilist raises her hands open palm side out. "Friend!!, Friend!"

"I do not think this is the time to put your hands up, weve got some mummies inbound!" The pugilist's guard ally points out as she draws forth a familiar looking short sword. Whomever this pugilist is, you instantly recognize the allies sword as belonging to Eclair. As Eclair sets for battle an also familiar battle cry roars down the hall. Viktor kicks the downed guard across the face silencing her cries and charges towards the last standing guard at the entrance to the hall. As everyone seems to have forgotten about her, the guard had moved up to stab Viktor in the back. Both parties meet somewhere in the middle as weapons spark. Viktor's momentum was not enough to get past this guards defense as she is able to deflect the giant axe. The guard retaliates with no results as Viktor dances just outside of the guards reach.

Just before the first of the mummies reaches eclair you hear a high pitched keening noise emanate from their sewn lips. A formaldehyde stench rolls across Eclair, the combination of the keening and the stench assaulting all of her senses. In a powerful yet clumsy attack the mummy hacks at Eclair who easily turns aside the black longsword. Turning the attack back on to the mummy Eclair performs a wicked slash across the unarmored midsection opening a large gash. Issuing forth from the gash, instead of the usual entrails, a mass of reddish tendrils leap out. As soon as they make contact with the air they ignite in a dazzling of violet red flame. The tendrils begin to flail around grasping at anything nearby. The heat radiating from the tendrils easily raises the temperature a few degrees.

Angrboda eyes narrow to slits as the woman mocks her patron, "You will meet him soon bitch." she whispers as she thrusts the dragon dagger into the unconscious woman's throat.  "You are missing the chance to feed you silly thing." she says to the dagger and pauses a second to see if the thing is hungry before turning to face the new threat.

Berta stares in horror and fascination at Angrboda. Not the death-stroke, mind, but the words she speaks to the killing weapon.  "Angrb ... Lady ?" this seems to be a woman who demands respect.

Eclair's warning spins her around and the big woman's eyes widen at the new threat.  For a moment she stands paralyzed as her new companion trades blows with the first of the creatures, searching their faces, hoping and praying not to see anyone she recognises ... and then Eclair's blade opens the belly of her foe and Berta is diving for her own sword, snatching it from the ground, for she's not going within the length of arm and steel of the reach of those ... things.

"Mirath's pale fingers !  Lady, beware !" her warning to Angrboda is more urgent as she moves to Eclair's side, lashing out with her sword at the things that were once men and batting at a black blade with her free hand, fighting back her rising gorge.

[Private to GM:  Sword as primary, and tried to use Cestus to disarm, but no dice.  Got to try rules out as I find 'em ... <grins>

20:28, Today: Berta rolled 22 using 1d6+17. Initiative. 5 DEX ranks to recover weapon
20:35, Today: Berta rolled 10 using 1d100. Longsword. vs 105 - critical
20:36, Today: Berta rolled 86 using 1d100. Cestus (offhand). vs (140/2) = 70 - failure
20:38, Today: Berta rolled 41 using 1d100. Dodge #1. vs 104 - success
20:38, Today: Berta rolled 5 using 1d100. Dodge #2. vs 74 - critical
20:38, Today: Berta rolled 24 using 1d100. Dodge #3. vs44 - success

]

Would you just die already...I want some mummies to kill....Keeps dueling with the last human guard....

Angrboda kneels on the lap of the giantess and inserts the dragon dagger just above the gorget of Yara's plate armor. Blood spurts out for a few seconds and cascades down her chest. Savoring in the kill, she lets the blade linger longer than many soldiers would.

Already ready for action Eclair swipes a second time at the same mummy she had hit earlier. Changing her tactics a bit she readies for a killing blow. In an expert cut, she swipes her sword up and towards the mummified things head taking it clean off. The mummy staggers for a bit, just a second, before a mass of the red ropy tentacles erupt from the things neck likewise erupting into flames. Staggering back from what should have been a killing blow, Eclair pulls back into a complete defensive position. As if sensing the retreat the fiery tendrils dart towards eclair. Clumsily the tendrils thrash about attempting to whip at Eclair who seems able to keep jsut out of striking range.

Not halting due to the demise of one of their "companions" head, another one of the mummies moves forward towards the fallen guard. With no emotion, except for the keening wail, the thing plunges it's black sword into the disabled guard effectively skewering her to the floor. The wail intensifies for a moment. The body then begins to deflate, as if the mummified body were merely a wineskin being drained of liquid. The area begins to become extremely crowded with these once noble Syferans. Two more take position within striking distance of Eclair. The keening echos some unfulfilled desire as they hack with their evil looking black swords. Tag teaming in rough hacks the mummies are able to get a glancing blow on Eclair. Though able to dodge one, the other is just a hair quicker nicking her in her off arm.

Seeing Eclair in trouble the pugilist guard grabs her abandoned sword and attempts to move forward and assist, however she is cut off as more of the mummies pour in to fill the open voids. She is able to get to her sword before getting cut off fortunately. In a desperate upwards slash she is able to carve off a portion of one of the mummies head, only to be met with a similar eruption of flaming tentacles that she is able to duck away from. Luckily, at this time, the remaining mummies have yet to reach the congesting hallway.

Viktor in aggravation swipes again at the last remaining guard. As the guard lunges at the Pan Tangian Viktor turns the tables. In a deft maneuver Viktor reverses his stance and pulls to the side altering his swing, which neatly severs the guards longsword hand from her forearm. In complete shock, the guard follows through with her swing and splatters the blood of her weaponless limb straight into the breastplate of Viktor.

As Yara's blood sprays over her body Angrboda laughs in exhilaration, "Mighty Bali take this woman's soul." she says and then turns to see the mummies attacking, "Back away from them, NOW!" she yells, she gives the team a few seconds to comply and unleashes one of her most potent spells, "Grome hear me, come take back your due." she exclaims as she draws upon her magical reserves.

OOC: casting beckoning earth.

Berta stares horrified at the fiery tendrils, and all but gasps in relief as Angrboda commands retreat, backing up towards the stairs to stand at the small woman's side, to ward her as she begins her incantation, sword held out before her in an effort to prevent any of the creatures coming near.

"Move if you can !" she yells out to those fallen guards that can still hear her.  "At least we can offer you a cleaner death !"

[Private to GM: Disengaging ... attempting to move back alongside Angrboda.  At least that was the plan ... hope no more than one blow comes her way !  :>

20:36, Today: Berta rolled 22 using 1d6+17. Initiative.
20:36, Today: Berta rolled 50 using 1d100. Dodge #1. vs 104 - success
20:36, Today: Berta rolled 89 using 1d100. Dodge #2. vs 74 - failure
20:37, Today: Berta rolled 67 using 1d100. Dodge #3. vs 44 - failure
]

Laughs loudly as the guards blood goes splashing against him and her arm and sword fall loudly to the ground...Run towards the mummies and through yourself on them or die now by my axe...I give you the choice..holds his mighty axe towards her neck and waits for her decision...hearing Angrboda yelling something in the background...




13:58, Today: Viktor rolled 66 using 1d100. listen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:30, Sat 13 June 2015.

Not even taking the time to clean the dagger, Angrboda stands and musters forth her arcane energies. Different than the other times of summoning her powers, this one feels far more oppressive, greedy almost. A short stench of carrion dirt flows from her towards the mummy things. The things halt their forward advances, and the room grows quiet.

for a second

The "nails across a chalkboard" keening wail rises from each of the mummified things, almost in a mocking chorus. They renew their forward shambling towards the party. [Secret to Angrboda: Purrrrrrr, Those are not dead mistress. See the sword still glowing in the body ] [Private to Angrboda: Absently you flick your eyes to the black longsword impaled in the now dead guard. The once vibrant runes are slowly fading away. Much like the corpse that wielded it, it seems to be draining of power. You have heard of object bound demons animating things in order for their goals to be met, however at this moment you cannot thing of any specific breed.]

Taking the second to her advantage the pugilist guard backs away from the mummified things and places herself between the sorceress and the one again advancing things. The thing, now sprouting firing tentacles from the side of it's carved face, advances on the pugilist guard. With as much emotion as a corpse can muster, it surges forward with both the sword and tentacles flailing away. Unable to maintain the shielding of Angrboda, and protecting herself, one of the attacks gets through glancing off the Royal Syferan armor. Thinking herself safe, the pugilist regains her footing and guard, in time to ward off the attack of a new black sword swing at her.

In an uncharacteristic restraint of his bloodlust Viktor offers the choice of mercy. Through the pain clouded eyes it is evident that little of what Viktor is saying it registering with her. That is until the mention of mummies, "Echare! RUN!" her eyes grow wide with the look of a rabbit fleeing for her very survival. Ignoring the axe at her neck she breaks and runs down the long corridor before Viktor can flinch.

Not as lucky, Eclair finds herself being progressively pushed back as she adopts a "fight for her life" defensive stance. The thing sprouting two fiery tentacles, and two others, press forward in an attempt to simply overwhelm her. In a dazzling display of swordsmanship and dexterity she is able to avoid the flurry of blows from the monstrous things. All blows but one, that is, as the effort eventually takes it's toll. The black sword from one of the creatures is able to break her defenses and pierce her armor. Blood gushes from the wound as Eclair slides to her knees.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:10, Sat 13 June 2015.

Hey guard do you want your hand back? Wonders why he didn't just kill the guard..damn Rael must be wearing me down on his human morals and such nonsense....laughs sadistically  and starts running towards the rest of his group...

"The swords, the swords are animating the corpses." yells Angrboda angry at herself for wasting so much precious energy without assessing the situation correctly.  She pauses to think, "Everyone up the stairs, quickly.  Viktor grab that whore's body."  she says as she turns to head to the stairs, an idea forming in her mind.

Runs over towards Éclair dodging any oozing zombie mummies in the way and swings his mighty axe towards the closest ones blocking Éclair to try to give her some relief and goes to grab Yara the whore's body after hacking his axe into her chest and chuckling after blood splatters out to keep it from falling and still be accessible to grab if needed.  Boda I have the whore, You he motions to the guard apparently on their side please help Eclair up the stairs she seems injured...Eclair are you ok?
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:36, Sun 14 June 2015.

It seems that this day Grome does not heed Angrboda's summons ... and while Berta is yet to decide whether that's a good or bad thing, it still leaves the creatures to be dealt with, or avoided.  Heeding Victor's call, Berta moves to Eclair's side, fighting her way through if necessary, though ...

"The stairs ?!!  We have trouble enough without bringing the rest of the Royal Guard down on our heads.  We need to find the prisoner and may not get the opportunity again - we should head that way," she pulls/drags Eclair down the to the left of the doorway, where it leads behind the stairs, hoping the other two follow.  "There's a guardroom back there - we should be able to block the door !"

[Private to GM: if anything comes near then trying disarm again, in view of Angrboda's advice regarding the swords - first with Cestus, then with blade, if needs be AND she has a free hand (might be trying to grab, pull or half-carry Eclair) ...  :>

13:37, Today: Berta rolled 20 using 1d6+17. Initiative.
13:37, Today: Berta rolled 41 using 1d100. Disarm . vs 140/2=70 - success
13:37, Today: Berta rolled 28 using 1d100. Disarm (Sword). 105/2=53 - success
13:38, Today: Berta rolled 22 using 1d100. Dodge #1. vs 104 - success
13:38, Today: Berta rolled 93 using 1d100. Dodge #2. vs 74 - failure
13:38, Today: Berta rolled 56 using 1d100. Dodge #3. vs 44 - failure

]

Angrboda nods, "You know this place better than I.  I need a narrow corridor." she says as she moves to help Eclair, "A pox on the day that I wish I had Rael around." she spits, then sighs, "Unfortunately Eclair I have no knowledge of the medicinal arts, but I will help you up, and together we can find that blasted man."

The fleeing guardswoman disappears around a corner at the end of the corridor indicated by the pugilist guard. Your besieged group surges forward, hoping for enough space to grab your companions and go. Viktor moves his axe to his right hand and begins to drag the giantess down the long open corridor. The pugilist guard and Angrboda both move forward to wrench Eclair from the clutches of the mummified things. That is when something unholy happens around Eclair.
[Private to Berta; Viktor: You feel a giant THUD in your chest as your ensorceled heart beats, once, slightly out of synch. Absently you clutch your chest as the event causes you to flinch slightly.]

A sort of aura, or flame, seems to envelope around Eclair. A primal, painful, yell issues from her throat as she grabs the black sword that had impaled her. Sliding the black longsword out from the wound you hear her call back over her shoulder "The heart! Go while you can! I got this." Her voice sounding almost completely alien out of her mouth as a tinge of male, and demonic, vocalizations all overlap her normal voice. The hand, she so carefully keeps hidden, slides from under her cloak as she reaches out to deflect another of the black swords. It is a stone fleshed, almost gargoyle like thing, oozing of it's own demonic power. Batting aside the black swords she surges forward pushing the group closest to the corridor a few steps back, giving the group ample time to retreat. A laugh issues from her mouth in the same three toned voice "At least this is more interesting than a fraking desk job!"

Berta grits her teeth and gasps for breath, hand pressed hard against her armoured chest ... and then the pain is gone and ...

The warrior-woman shies away as something possesses Eclair, eyes wide in shock, backing down the passage, then turning and running, grabbing hold of Yara's collar to assist the big axe-man with the corpse.

"By the Nine ... there is dark magic here !"

My chest....what the hell...did I eat something bad?...lets go of Yara the dead whore for a second and grabs his chest and groans a little...looks over towards the helping guard as she grabs her chest in pain too...did your lovely chest have a pain shoot through it? thanks for helping us get out of this dreadful place...I hate leaving Eclair behind...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Mon 15 June 2015.

"Like a damned knife," Berta growls, "and you're helping me ... if we can free the Tenatir and escape with our lives."

"There is merely magic." Angrboda states hoping that Eclair makes it back to them, as she keeps moving, looking for the right place.

Boda if Viktor cuts off oozing zombie mummy hands will they die?....where do you want the whore's evil dead body?.. looks towards Eclair and wonders if she is gone and if still alive..wants to be gone...

Turning around you find that the order to "bar the door after me" was blissfully ignored by whomever Yara was bellowing at. Sliding through the door you quickly pull it shut behind you to grant you a few more moments. As you collect your thoughts, you notice that there is a passage at the bottom of the stairwell that seems out of place. A smell similar to the dungeons is wafting through the passage. Above you can hear echoing through the compound the solid boot falls of guards being mobilized. It is obvious that something is going on upstairs.

The sound of clashing metal and the screeching wails of the mummified things seep their way through the door. It sounds as if Eclair is doing as promised and giving your group a moment to make your escape.

"The other passage !" Bertha rumbles, but the sounds behind her remove any inclination she might have to go back, nor do the noises from above appear any more inviting.  That opening to the left, though - not a good choice, but the best they have.

"Ah, Hells - this way !"  The big woman starts forward.  "Should lead through to the 'evil whore's' quarters.  Normally that'd be death, but not as if she'll be gainsaying us."

Yes let us go to the dead whore's room...should we drag her to the room? We need to get out of this place... spins his axe around trying not to show he is actually a liitle nervous about this situation...

Angrboda follows the others through the strange passage, hoping that the guard's willingness to attack her leader is not just a ruse to kill them both.  As soon as they are through the passage she does cast another spell before closing the door behind her, "That should make it a bit more difficult to follow us." she says, smiling,

OOC:  Casting Gift of Grome in the stairway.

Dragging the corpse of Yara you slide through the passage at the bottom of the stairwell. You slide through the secret passage and into a "cozy" little bedroom. The large cluttered chamber is filled with ugly and brutal looking weaponry, many of which stained with dried blood. There is a rough pallet along the west wall and a small table in a niche on the east wall. Hanging around the room to give it a much more homey feel are tapestries depicting various scenes of warfare. The fresh scent of dungeon mixes freely with the old bear den smell that occupies this room. Opposite the short passage you just went through there is a door in the north east corner still slightly open.

Angrboda slides into the chamber just as the echoing of boots begin to glide down the stairwell. Hearing pursuit just around the corner she calls deep into reserves and utters forth a few words of power. Once again the smell of damp earth permeates the area. A rumble, like that of a great beast tearing apart the world, can be felt through the very foundation that you stand on. Dirt, rock, and dusts begin to appear out of nowhere filling the passage that you just left. Screams and cries of those who are on the other side are nearly drown out by the earthen rumbles.

An aura of fatigue deepens around Angrboda as you can sense that the last few efforts are beginning to tax her reserves.

Angrboda smiles faintly at the rest of the group, "Well, I'm doing my part." she says, stumbling a bit because of her fatigue as she stands.  She moves over to the whore's body and begins going over the items on it very carefully, looking for the tell-tale signs of enchantment on any of it.  She is a bit rough with the corpse however, "Hope you are enjoying Balo's caress." she says as she strips the corpse.

Boda if you are to weak to walk...I can easily carry you...do you need help stripping this beast?..My name is Viktor...Gently puts his hand on Angrboda's shoulder...smiles a little too much as Yara is being stripped and puts his hand out to Berta...

Turning away from the screams with a shudder, Berta hesitates only a moment in the face of the disturbing smile that greets her, before moving her blade to her off hand and offering her main.  If her grasp is somewhat cautious, it seems it is only because of the blood-slick brasswork upon her gauntlet for her grip is strong.

"I am Berta," she nods, somewhat tiredly as the rush of battle wears thin. "Like you a long way from home and seeking the price of my passage, though for me that journey has been much delayed."

She looks at the blood-crusted weaponary and hangings with some distaste.  "The whore is Yara.  A brute, but not the worst of them.  Salrenna is somewhere about - a sorceress, garbed in black.  I saw her come this way before ..." she shakes her head.  "I know not why she chose not to confront you, but that was our good luck.  Pray to Balo that luck holds."

Releasing Viktor's hand she holds up a cautionary finger and moves to the door in the north-east corner peering through the gap.

Very nice spell Angrboda...the screams remind me of home...so now we have a sorceress to deal with too...how long have you been here Berta?...walks over closer to the door...

"Fuck!" Angrboda curses, "I knew that bitch was'the sorceress.  Now I am too weak to cast anything at that little pretending slit." She eyes Viktor appraisingly, "And no Viktor I do not need to be carried." she finishes before turning around to inspect the items she has stripped from Balo's new toy.  "Oh, nice to meet you Berta.  Thanks for your help."

"Too damned long ... months.  Those I was with ... well, I'm the only one that survived, and it was only luck that saved me."  She looks away, her lips tightening at the memory of the slaughter and how she'd barely escaped with her life, her fingers brushing her breastplate where a stone hangs beneath the leather and metal rings.  "Didn't know the others, but there was one I was fond of, and Yara killed him."

"You're welcome, but it was in my interest to save those who shared my aims ... and you disposed of Yara, so it appears I'm in your debt," she smiles gratefully at Angrboda, her eyes alight with no little satisfaction at the cooling corpse.

"Been here ever since," she continues, "doubly lucky for me that a woman who knows how to use a sword doesn't attract undue attention in these parts, and that Media's Royal Guard are always hiring."

"So I bided my time. Tenatir was just too well guarded, and what would I have done with with him anyway, once I missed that foppish fool's deadline for the trip back ?!!"

"I'd hoped the bitch might try again ... but as time passed that hope was fading.  Then you turned up.  Met your friends, Eclair," again she presses her lips together and her gaze flicks towards the spell-sealed entrance beyond which the small woman must surely by now have fallen to the unliving, "Rael, Khazim and Lars ... got them through the front gate, but we got separated - I think they must have come this way."

"We should get after them," the urgency in her voice is obvious as she glances out the door once more, yet the look she turns to Angrboda is seeking of approval.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Sun 21 June 2015.

You take a few moments to catch you breath, or as much as you can in this bears den, you begin to feel the weight of the last hour or so settle on you. The room is spacious as well as spartan allowing for ease of movement.

Cautiously you peer through the crack in the door to see a small room containing only a small table and 4 stools. [Secret to Angrboda: Help you I can mistress, but repay me you must. Sense you are very tired.] The table is littered with foodstuffs and other such things that often accompany a gathering point for jailors and other such "off duty" guards. From where you can peer in, you can see the doorway on the other side of the small guard room is also slightly ajar. The small sitting chamber looks to be departed in haste. Chairs have been knocked over and askew. A card game was being played and is left on the table the cards tossed down with little care. Against the wall to your left you can see a weapons rack, empty except for a few of the funny looking arrows that the guards use in the crossbow (As Valmir called it).

Both of the opposite doors have been left partially askew as if the last person through either door did not care to fully close it behind them. [Secret to Angrboda: Just use me to prick the large man's finger and let me drink, I'm sure his smitten eyes will help.]Taking a bit of time and deduction you can easily guess, by the layout of the chairs and other tossed items, that the guards all went out the door to your right. The door exactly opposite of you appears to have a white mist slightly rolling out of it.

[Private to Angrboda: The brass etching and accents on Yara's plate is enchanted. The best way to describe it would be to say there is a permanent "Power Sink" about them. In your witch sight the brasswork appears more of an inky black as if it were "absorbing" some of your latent magical sight.
The whip that Yara favored is demonically enhanced. Given what you know and have seen the demon has a storm bent to it, favoring lightning. More examination when you are less exhausted would be needed to figure the breed out.]

Angrboda puts the breastplate and the whip aside, "Well, these are enchanted.  Berta do you think you can fit into the armor?  As for the whip it will take me a bit more time when I am less exhausted to determine what it does." she says as she coils it up and places the belt which the whore had used to hold it on around her waist.  Tying the whip firmly onto the belt she moves to peek out into the stairwell, hoping for a survivor.  [Language unknown: "Pr, U ourforwil ildi ati to tedichconeauard romonsvor o in linsa st oliclo."]

Berta's brows rise at the news that the armour is enchanted, though she's uncertain as to whether that be good or bad. "Probably," she replies, "It may be a loose fit for Yara was a hefty brute."  She snorts, "Not a problem I usually have ... but now is not the best time for a fitting."

Looking back through the crack, she is convinced that there's no movement beyond and is about to heave the door open when she sees the tendrils of mist coming from the opposite opening.  "What is that ?!!" she looks to Angrboda, deeming her most knowledgeable regarding such matters, backing away to give the smaller woman more room.

Eyes fall upon Yara's body once more ... and Berta swears softly, "Goldar curse me for a greedy fool !" and sets too swiftly stripping the corpse of that armour, hunting around for a cloak if Yara did not have one, in which to bundle the armour so she might carry it with her.

Walks over to the door with the mist and holds his axe out and tries to open it a little to peer through and slide his axe in to maybe get a glimpse in its reflection...puts the opening of a winesack in his mouth to not breathe in the mist after taking a few hefty drinks and laughing a little...ok laughing kind of loud and a lot of belching...
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Tue 23 June 2015.

[Secret to Angrboda: Brace yourself Mistress. ]Valuing need over caution Berta begins to gather the stylized plate into a bundle. She wraps the contents into a rather large, obviously one of Yara's spare, cloak. After having his fill of the peep show. Viktor stumbles on a rather brilliant plan that he fails to tell anyone else about. With all the subtleties of an avalanche, Viktor strides out of Yara's quarters, across the disheveled guards station, and boldly open the door with the malevolent mist boiling out of.

As Viktor reaches for the door, it seems that the lords of the higher planes heard his secret plan and opened the door for him. A howling wind tears through the door slamming the stout wooden frame straight into Viktor's unsuspecting face. Blood gushes from his mouth as the wineskin hardly stops the weight of the door. Sputtering and coughing as wine and blood pour down his chest, Viktor gets a face full of ozone and brimstone scented mist. Viktor staggers back as the combination of wine, blood, and mist makes it nearly impossible to breathe.

Thanks to the distance involved, Angrboda is able to slam the door to Yara's room shut, only letting a tiny hint of the caustic mist in the room. Viktor can be heard hacking on the other side of the door just barely above the thunder of the wind as it blows through the halls.

Fuck me that was stupid...Viktor you dumb ass...HELP...Trying to catch his breathe and spitting out blood....walks towards the door to Yara's room falling on his knees from coughing...

Angrboda listens to the winds buffet the door from the other side, "Hold on Viktor." she whispers as she waits for the spell to die down.  She looks at her ring as she waits the last of her power safely nestled in it she knows the spell to get rid of the sorcerous winds but her power is waning, if she is to have any chance of beating the woman in charge here she is going to need as much of her power as possible.  She could just let the large man die but that is not the way to go about making friends.  All of this runs through her head as she begins the incantation, yanking open the door at the last second, letting loose Kakatal's flames to thwart the power of Lassa.

Using 4 points out of the ring to cast Flames of Kakatal.  sigh

Berta fashions a sling out of her unwieldy bundle so at least she can keep her hands free, even though it may hamper her movement.  But her efforts to settle her makeshift pack more comfortably are interrupted as the door first slams into Viktor then is slammed in turn behind him.

"What's he doing ?!!" Berta's question is born of fear, not of exasperation as even that small taste of the malign mist causes her to cough.

The big woman looks to Angrboda, any further questions she might have forestalled as the incantation begins, taking a deep breath before stepping forward to assist either of her companions as best she can, Viktor's difficulties heard only too clearly, and Angrboda's fatigue no less obvious.

lays down trying to slow his breathing down and tries to get out the way of the spell and mist...

Winds buffet the door as Angrboda braces to release an opposing elemental force. Steeling herself for the torrent of the door opening, she flings it open with words of power on her lips. As she is about to loose her own spell, the winds die down to nothing but a almost absent gentle breeze. Viktor staggers about the disheveled guard station tripping over various pieces of furniture that have be rearranged by the winds. [Private to Angrboda:You did not need to cast the spell, so I held it.]

With the mist out of the way, as well as much of the furniture, you are able to see into the following room. The room beyond the open portal is light in a pale blue light. Just on the other side of the doorway you see the boots of a Syferan guard laying motionless on the floor. With the smells washed away for a brief time by the winds you are greeted with an odd metallic smell the air. Not in the same fashion as a forge, but more akin to the smell of a desert lightning storm. *Tszt* an odd sharp noise crackles from the room for a brief second. You can hear movement from the adjoining room.

Angrboda rushes over to Viktor's prostrate body, cursing that Rael isn't around yet again.  "Get up you asshat, we have a mission to finish.  I am not getting stuck in this stupid dimension because you were dumb enough to walk into a bunch of poison." she says as she plops down next to him and starts pushing on him.

Damn it I wasted good wine...just curious...how do you think we are getting out of here?  I think the stairs are buried.slowly stands up using his axe as a walking stick and puts his arm around Angrboda to balance himself...Thanks Angrboda...I miss Rael

"Lean on me," Berta fears the big man might try his weight on Angrboda and as like to snap the smaller woman.  Though her eyes are on the adjoining room ... the body of the guard does not give her pause, but the pale blue light and the crackling noise does.

"If we must, then we go back the way you came," she hurriedly suggests, with a hope that Eclair managed to deal with at least some of the living dead before she must surely have fallen.

"Rael !" any of their names would have done, but Viktor's words brings his to her lips.  "You in there ?" she calls out.  If it's Salrenna, then a quick death might be her answer, and that if luck is with her.

"What are you doing?  You crazy....." Angrboda picks her words carefully, seeing that the one man who would jump to her defense is hurt badly, "..... Woman!  Why would you announce our presence to people who may not be on our side." she shakes her head, angry at the lack of secretiveness that the woman shows.  She waits expectantly while Viktor leans on the woman, half expecting a demon to burst through the doors and devour them, "if he dies I will taste your soul before I go quietly into the night." she says softly.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Sun 28 June 2015.

Berta shudders at Angrboda's undertone. "Th .. whoever's on the other side of that door knows we're here," she tries to explain.  "You're exhausted, Viktor's injured ... if that's not your friends, then they're dead and we can but hope to join them. You'll be doing me a kindness if you can kill me before Salrenna can take us."

"Rael !" she calls again, desperately.  "Mirath grant my path does not end here !"

Tries to regain his balance and stretches his arms and legs a little and spits one final blast of blood out of his mouth...I ain't got time to bleed, Angrboda if we run across this evil sorceress how will we destroy her?

Ok Berta I am going to yell as loud as I can two times to see who is over there...like you said if they wanted us dead... I would already be dead by now...RAEL ARE YOU THERE! shakes off the final blast of the mist and walks closer...RAEL ARE YOU THERE!

21:02, Today: Viktor rolled 94 using 1d100. luck.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Mon 29 June 2015.

As in response, a solitary "It is I Rael... come in." echos over the tiny buzzing and crackling noise that drifts from the room. A tense silence follows the invitation. Beyond the fatigue and tension, you are all fairly certain that it is indeed Rael who is calling the invitation.

I'm going to Merge the Threads back together. Follow up with your next posts there.