Bearding the Demon
In this time of plagues, demon dukes, fae queens (yes, plural), and mana-munching mucosal monstrosities, Verna calls a gathering to a place of color and cheer: the black basalt halls of Vardama's Temple. Any willing to undertake a highly dangerous task, yet NOT already committed to the (also highly dangerous) task of assaulting the Endless Winter's tower. She awaits any arrivals in an otherwise empty preparation room. She stands behind the large stone slab in the middle of the room, gloved hands clasped before her.
Kravar steps into the room, dressed for a fight. Which to be fair is how he tends to dress almost all the time, but he seems to be more serious than usual. This slips a bit when he spots Verna. "Well-met! I hadn't expected to see you taking such a personal interest in something like this. But it's good to see you!"
"Tell us what you need us to do, Mourner, and what you believe we should be prepared for," Serene tells Verna as she goes about her own process of being ready for combat. Her sword loose in its scabbard, her shield strapped to her arm. A metamagic rod holstered on her other hip. "I assume the intent here is not to fight Eclavdran."
Appearing in the Temple of Vardama, Lanier looks for all like a man going to a fight. His face is grim as he arrives in the area where the deed shall be done, his eyes locking on Verna, "Are you the Mourner summon Eclavdran?"
"Thank you for coming," Verna offers, nodding to Kravar's greeting, Serene's assumption, and Lanier's question. "I do, you are correct, and I am, respectively. "As much as I, and I presume many others, would see the Demon Duke destroyed, that is a monumental task. There is already one such task about to take place. To attempt both, combined, may well prove impossible. Thus, our goal is to draw him out, and keep him here, to vastly improve the others' chance of success. Every moment he cannot aid Endless Winter is a moment she might be thwarted. To that end, I will bring him to use utilizing her own circle beneath the city. For once, his arrival will be at a place and time of -our- choosing, and we will be prepared."
Kravar nods eagerly. "Yes! And I am prepared." He frowns slightly. "Under the city, eh? I had hoped to never step foot in a sewer again," he admits. "But I suppose it's what you do if you are an adventurer in Alexandria," he muses. Then he brightens. "And he'll be at all of the same disadvantages."
Serene's mouth curves downwards slightly. Not quite a frown or a scowl, but the beginnings of one. She looks Kravar over, then Lanier, assessing them.. then looks back at Verna. "Have you a means of trapping him, or are we to attempt to distract him? As fond as he is of the deal, if this Fae Queen has him under her influence I do not believe he could willingly fail to answer her call. Will we be able to utilize a circle of our own?"
Verna frowns to match Serene's. "I cannot add to the circle that binds him without great effort to modify it. As he currently roams the sewers, by all accounts and likely to protect the circle's integrity, none would survive the weeks it might take to accomplish. However," she lifts a finger, "I may be able to prevent him from extra- or interplanar travel for a short time. I may also, given that he is briefly occupied, restrict him physically. If we can accomplish both, I can then extend his ban on travel more permanently. In effect, we would trap him."
Lanier glances towards Kravar for a moment and then back to Verna, "So what exactly is the plan? Summon him, hold him, beat on him to buy the attack on the Endless Winter time?" He lifts a hand, wiggling it from side to side, "I'm a little unclear on the plan after the summoning."
Serene nods her understanding, then gestures to Lanier to indicated she, too, is interested. "Will you require me to engage him in combat, or in discussion?" Her eyes narrow. "I have much to ask him regarding our missing Seer and Hearthguard, though I fear expressing an interest in either may prompt him to use them as bargaining tools."
"The intended plan is thus," Verna begins. "We enter the sewers amidst the circle. As I noted, he has warned all away from the sewers and claims to patrol them. I believe that he is bound to maintain and protect the very thing that binds and summons him. He may well arrive swiftly to us even without summons, but I will attempt to teleport us to them directly, to minimize detection.
"When he arrives, my entire purpose will be to remove his ability to cross space or planes. Once that is accomplished, I have numerous means prepared to effect a physical trap. All of this will take some time. Once he realizes my intent, I will become his focus, as would any others choosing to lend similar magic."
Verna looks between Serene and the others, "However he can be delayed, be it combat or discussion, we must delay him. I cannot predict his mood, as fickle as it might be, but I would not imagine it to be pleasant."
Lanier blinks, nodding his head slowly, "Well, I reckon we can enter into a negotiation in bad faith while you lay the trap."
Serene shakes her head at Lanier. "There will be little need to lie to him, I think, to keep him talking. Aside from... my own misgivings... I would advise it unwise to intend to do such with this one. He puts far more value on an honest dealing than others of his kind... his reaction to such a plan may be beyond what we wish to deal with."
Verna nods. "I agree that deception is best avoided in discussions. In any case, I fear the moment spells are loosed he will no longer be in a mood to converse." She then looks between the others. "While there is an overall goal, and a plan for such, any individual insights or offerings are welcome. Otherwise, we should make ready to depart."
"I don't like to lie in general, much less to a demon!" Kravar says. "I really think we should decide though - do we talk or do we fight? And if the answer is both, than we all have to be committed." He grows serious once more, looking at each member of the party. "We have to all agree to fight, with everything we have. No deals, no more talking. Maybe we should agree upon a signal. A phrase or a word. The signal to begin fighting. Once it's uttered, by any of us, no matter what we think we can accomplished through other means, we fight. To win." He glances over the party one more time. "Agreed?"
"If it comes to fighting this creature, there will be death. We have not near the resources at hand that we would need to win, and as the Mourner said, one near impossible fight is enough right now. If there is a fight," Serene looks at Kravar and Lanier, "We do everything we can to protect Mourner Verna long enough for her to do what she can to keep Eclavdran here. When there is no more to be done, we leave." She pauses, maybe for effect, maybe to let that sink in. "Remember our goal."
"I concur," Verna affirms to Kravar, "that is an excellent idea. I suggest, as a signal to fight, 'To win.' Her expression firms further as she nods to Serene. "Should we succeed, or exhaust all options, we leave. As with the fight, we do so together, in as much as is possible. If no others are able to entrap him and I should fall, your obligation is ended. There would be no cause to risk further loss. Any amount he can be delayed is of benefit, possibly victory."
Kravar looks at Verna, then glances at Lanier. "If that's our plan...then I'll try to keep myself between her and the demon." He hefts his shield briefly, holding at the normal height he would in a fight to ward off blows, then lowers it again. He reaches into his pack and produces a shortbow. "Which means I won't have much room to use this." He glances around the party and then holds it out towards Lanier, offering it. "You look like you know your way around one of these..." A moment later he unhooks his sword as well. "And one of these," he amends. For some reason it looks like a large sword now, of the same size and style as the one Lanier himself wears.
Lanier turns his head towards Kravar, looking curiously towards the fighter while he begins removing the weaponry. The ranger looks over the shortbow for a moment, then nods his head. He reaches down, removing one of the arrows from the quiver at his belt, testing the notch of his arrows versus the width of the bowstring. He nods as he then tests the draw, nodding his head, "I know a thing or two about this, yes." He shoulders the bow, reaching out to take the blade now. He draws it, looking at the blade for a moment. His eyebrows creep up and then he nods his head, "This is a sword for a demon hunter. Little known fact..." He returns the sword to the scabbard with a firm press, "I'm a demon hunter."
"Ready yourselves and step to me," Verna notes. Her own preparation is comparatively simply as she withdraws a rod from her satchel. "Form a chain of hands, one to the other, and one upon me, and I shall take us there."
Kravar steps into place and holds hands as directed. He's practically quivering with restless energy and his breathing picks up until he realizes and forces himself to relax.
"Permit me to place a protective circle upon you, Mourner, before we depart," Serene says, waiting a moment for Verna's assent before murmuring her prayers to Eluna. She touches her holy symbol to the priestess's vestments, then pulls away. Another prayer strengthen her shield and then... she looks at Kravar and Lanier consideringly. She nods, then steps towards Lanier. "My knowledge of this enemy is less than I would like, but I will offer you some protection as well." She gives Lanier a moment to refuse, then casts her final blessing.
GAME: Serene casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 20 DC: 25 GAME: Serene casts Greater Magic Weapon. Caster Level: 20 DC: 25 GAME: Serene casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 20 DC: 26
Verna assents and then thinks to abjure herself with a minor protective spell. I may not aid much, but it certainly cannot harm. "One last note: once he is prevented from magical escape, I will block his passage to the rear, first. That will leave him no recourse but to move through us to escape. We must do our utmost to remain together." She then awaits the rest to be ready and in contact before transporting them.
You arrive in silence and darkness to the sewers. There's a passageway to your left, and it extends beyond to your right but that is all. It's surprisingly clean down here. No scent of any foul thing which you might expect. Instead the empty pathways extend to either side until they disappear into the empty darkness.
GAME: Verna casts Teleport. Caster Level: 15 DC: 20
Kravar takes a step ahead of Verna, shield raised. He squints in the darkness. The swordsman reaches for his belt but his hand closes on empty air - where the hilt of his glowing sword normally would be. Kravar blinks and grins wryly. Then he reaches into one of the side pockets of his haversack and pulls out a rounded length of wood. He bits a bit of cloth on the end and then pulls the cover off with his teeth, revealing the torch had been burning with some sort of heatless flame all along. He holds this aloft to cast light about and then edges a few more steps forward.
Verna remains quiet as she takes a look about, to either direction. The passage seems as expected, thus their arrival does, as well. As well, she seeks out any other immediately apparent possibly impediments to their task, to include, but not limited to cultists, consorts, fae queens, random fiends, and or Eclavdran. The last she hopes to arrive as, and when expected.
As they appear in the sewer, Lanier's breath catches, and he emits a strangled sounding grunt. It takes a moment, but he sorts himself, and then nods his head, saying in a whisper, "Sorry. I was breathing in through my nose when we teleported. I haven't done much of that yet." He blinks once, clears his throat, and then nods. He reaches into a pocket, opens his hand, and allows the ioun torch float into the air.
Serene steps away from Verna upon the completion of their transit. It takes her a moment to orient, but once she does her sword is drawn, its faint, glowing light subsumed by the torchlight as Kravar unwraps his torch and Lanier produces his ioun stone. "Eyes open, ears peeled. We can ill afford mistakes at this point. Stay close to each other. And looks for signs of passage."
GAME: Serene rolls survival: (11)+21: 32 GAME: Lanier rolls Survival+4: (2)+11+4: 17
Serene kneels, shield arm steadying her as she studies the stone floors.. her gaze travels to the walls, as well, and eventually the roof of the passage above them. She scowls and rises, shaking her head, though her nose wrinkles at an unpleasant smell. "I can find no hint of recent passage... but the scent of sulfur lingers. He has been here, I am certain, though that was to be expected. I cannot determine which direction he may be." She pauses... then offers, "I suppose the plan of drawing him to us remains."
Kravar nods in agreement. He glances around the corridors and then shrugs slightly. "I'd say this is as good a place as any." He looks at Verna. "Are you ready?"
Verna nods. "So it seems. Ready yourselves. I aim to call him before us, but he may arrive behind." She removes her gloves and doffs her hood. The gloves are tucked into her belongings, and the hand returns bearing a dagger.
Her rod is tucked under her arm as she looks to the others. Once she has a sense that they are prepared, she brings the tip of the dagger to her own palm. Not so deep as to damage any crucial finger-waggling tendons or muscle, but just enough to draw blood. The dagger is stowed as she lifts her bleeding palm and calls out, "Eclavdran! Come forth!"
At first, nothing happens. Verna bleeds, the drops trickling down her hand and onto the floor. And then you hear it distantly. The sound of footsteps echoing off the walls. Softly at first and then steadily growing louder. You have plenty of time to tell which direction he comes from before he appears. He looks so... normal. Human. Black hair falls around his face cut just around his shoulders, and his dark eyes roam over you briefly. An unpleasant smile takes root on his handsome face and he looks at you. "Seems that my darling didn't warn you forcefully enough. Oh well... I'll simply have to teach you all the hard way." A whip appears in his hands, burning merrily as it snakes along the grounds.
Kravar says, "Your darling?" He infuses his voice with as much curiosity as he can. But he also turns to the side, presenting a narrower target. His round shield further protects him, and he positions himself so that one more step will take him between Verna and the man. The torch is still raised, but his grip loosens until he's lightly holding it between fingertips. "You mean...there's a /Duchess/ of Hell?"
Turning in the direction of the sound, Lanier unshoulders the bow, though he doesn't reach for an arrow right away. He takes a few steps so as not to be up front, then takes another step back as the demon appears. Narrowing his eyes, he shakes his head, "I don't think he's talking about a lady demon."
"He might be," Serene tells Lanier.. for her own part, she does raise her sword to point towards the being she presumes to be Eclavdran. Her shield arm drops to her hip where her metamagic rod hangs. "Though I had not heard if she had been spotted down here." She raises her voice then to make it obvious she is talking to the newcomer. "It appears you enjoy this, Eclavdran. Hardly a service at all, it seems."
Verna turns at the sounds to eye him as he approaches. She has a strong theory as to whom he refers, but explanations can wait for later. His smug confidence is wholly unsurprising. So, also, is the whip. However, its arrival, combined with his words, can mean only one thing to her, at least in her limited encounters with him: he is not present to bargain.
"We are here," she announces firmly, "to win!" Her next words are in Mysandraal as she points her bloodied hand at him to loose an emerald ray at Eclavdran the Ever-Egotistical.
GAME: Verna casts Dimensional Anchor. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
Eclavdran lifts a hand and the spell dies a short death. Lazily he rolls his eyes at Verna, that wicked smile on his lips twisting into something promising unpleasantness. "What was his name again? There's so many of you mortals these days..." He's clearly only pretending that he can't remember the name, his whip slithering along the ground as he takes a step toward the group of you. "I warned him that if I caught anyone down here that I would write his name in their entrails, but it seems that either he or you did not believe me. It seems that I will have to teach you that I am a demon of my word."
GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+2+4-2: (10)+9+1+2+4+-2: 24 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+2+4-2: (20)+9+1+2+4+-2: 34 (THREAT) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+2+4-2: (7)+9+1+2+4+-2: 21 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+2+4-2-5: (8)+9+1+2+4+-2+-5: 17 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+2+4-2-2: (1)+9+1+2+4+-2+-2: 13 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d6+Strength+1+4: (2)+4+1+4: 11 GAME: Kravar rolls 32: (13)+32: 45
As the Vardaman cleric they are with calls the secret phrase, Lanier is quick on the draw. Literally. He reaches down, removing an arrow from the quiver at his belt, Lanier draws and fires. Like lightning, he continues drawing and firing arrows towards the demon with reckless abandon, one of which hits dead center and simply bounces off.
GAME: Kravar rolls 8d6+14: (26)+14: 40 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+33: (17)+33: 50 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (2): 2
Kravar freezes for one moment when he hears the signal to attack. But then when he moves, it's a blur. A blur that leaves the torch suspended in space for a moment as he releases it, before it falls to the ground. A blur that ends with a loud grunt, and the Northman standing in front of Eclavdran, one fist still outstretched from a punch.
The length of hallway that you all stand in darkens significantly and the feeling of something cold and terrifying expands from the man who stands in the hallway. His eyes narrow at Kravar as a drop of blood slides down from his nose. "How kind of you to volunteer." He snaps his whip out with a casual fick of his wrist and the weapon wraps around Kravar, sending up sparks and flames where it touches the man's skin. A blade appears in Eclavdran's other hand, a fierce looking weapon that he holds with the ease of long companionship. "You should tell your friends to run while I am busy gutting you. If they flee now I might be distracted long enough for them to escape."
GAME: Verna casts Dimensional Anchor. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19 GAME: Verna rolls ranged: (1)+9: 10 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Verna rolls ranged: (4)+9: 13
Verna suspected that he might shatter her magic. She accounted for this and promptly incants again. Unfortunately, either due to his erratic movements or his ensnarement of Kravar, the emerald ray goes wide.
GAME: Serene spends TWO uses of SMITE EVIL. GAME: Serene casts Righteous Vigor. Caster Level: 20 DC: 24 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+4+12: (2)+9+1+4+12: 28 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+4+12: (2)+9+1+4+12: 28 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+4+12-5: (20)+9+1+4+12+-5: 41 (THREAT) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+Ranged+1+4+12-5: (3)+9+1+4+12+-5: 24 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d6: (1): 1
Serene's lips part slightly as... things start to happen. "Eluna.. make me your instrument of vengeance.." she beseeches... though to some ears it may sound more as a demand. An accord? Her shield flares with silver light, then, and emits an aura that while not visible is certainly felt. As she moves closer to Eclavdran, she draws the rod from its loop on her belt and calls another prayer upon herself.. and then yells, pointing at the demon in human form. "Eluna... grant us justice! For those he has slain, for those he has tortured, for those who have suffered because of his mistress!"
GAME: Kravar rolls 38: (1)+38: 39 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Kravar rolls 38: (7)+38: 45 GAME: Kravar rolls 38: (18)+38: 56 GAME: Kravar rolls 33: (13)+33: 46 GAME: Kravar rolls 33: (19)+33: 52 GAME: Kravar rolls 28: (14)+28: 42 GAME: Kravar rolls 28: (14)+28: 42 GAME: Kravar rolls 23: (18)+23: 41
As he feels the magic wash over him from Serene's benedictions, Lanier raises his bow and calls out to Gilead for aid in his hunt. Like lightning, more arrows fly towards the demon, one of which actually lands
GAME: Kravar rolls 4d6+54: (15)+54: 69 GAME: Kravar rolls 4d6+34: (20)+34: 54 GAME: Kravar rolls 4d6+34: (12)+34: 46 GAME: Kravar rolls 4d6+34: (12)+34: 46 GAME: Kravar rolls 4d6+34: (16)+34: 50 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (2)+17: 19 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (13)+17: 30 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (8)+17: 25 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (10)+17: 27 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (2)+17: 19 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (2): 2 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (6): 6 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (5): 5 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+31: (1)+31: 32 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+26: (3)+26: 29
Kravar grits his teeth as the fire whip sears lines around his arms and neck where it wraps around him. But even more worrisome is how it keeps his large shield trapped in place against his body. Kravar is wriggling and tugging to get his other hand free when he hears Serene's voice. A familiar feeling settles over him, one that he's felt before - and one that reminds him of yet another reason it's good to fight alongside a paladin. Kravar's hand is finally freed, and beyond the power infused in his limbs by his amulet, the power of Eluna's justice infuses his fist. He pounds it into Eclavdran repeatedly.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+21: (6)+21: 27 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+16: (19)+16: 35 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (3): 3
Eclavdran snarls, dragging Kravar close enough to swing his weapon at the man, but the blade skitters off of armor and misses every cut thanks to the man's movements in his efforts to attack the demon. It is notable however that the demon's injuries are... healing. Healing rapidly enough that the few cuts and bruises that Kravar manages to score vanish leaving only his mussed clothing and hair as evidence that he is fighting the other man. That and the naked rage in his black eyes and stained across his handsome features. "Foolish, foolish adventures. I help you and this is the thanks I get? I /warned/ you to stay away. Now you're just... /irritating/ me for what? FOR WHAT?!?"
GAME: Verna rolls ranged+12: (17)+9+12: 38 GAME: Verna rolls 1d20+17: (9)+17: 26 GAME: Verna rolls 1d20+17: (15)+17: 32
While Verna would like nothing more than see Eclavran beaten to a pulp, should his ego fold and he flees... they would be no better off. She keepts to plan, which becomes something of a Hail Vardama as she focus her last opportunity (hindsight is always 20/20) to a third ray. This time, it connects, and its emerald glow spreads to surround him. "He can no longer teleport away!"
GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6: (19)+20+5+5+12+-6: 55 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6: (17)+20+5+5+12+-6: 53 GAME: Serene rolls 1d8+5+5+40+1d8+5+5+40+2d6: (2)+5+5+40+(3)+5+5+40+(9): 114 GAME: Kravar rolls 32: (16)+32: 48 GAME: Kravar rolls 8d6+44: (36)+44: 80 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (11)+17: 28
Serene casts a quick glance at Verna, then nods, whipping her head back around to focus on Eclavdran. Her eyes flash, perhaps gleam. Not from madness, but from focus. "He is here, my goddess... let us end him," she prays, then advances purposefully upon the outsider engaged with aesir pugilist. Her holy sword comes at him with a broad slash, trailing faint, silver light as it cuts deep.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+31: (3)+31: 34 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+26: (4)+26: 30
Kravar braces himself as the sword swings his way. But it doesn't manage to penetrate his armor and his guts remain unspilt. Kravar feels relief...and also that he should say something. He could talk about how his armor was crafted by famous Khazdul smiths as a reward for his efforts on their behalf. Or how his shield was enhanced by who Kravar considers to be the greatest artificer in the city. But instead he grits his teeth and scowls at Eclavdran. "We fought a Solar last year. Hit a lot harder than you." Then Kravar pulls back his fist and swings one more time, trying his best to bury the punch in the demon's gut.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+21: (10)+21: 31 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+16: (19)+16: 35 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (12)+34: 46
Eclavdran suffers some mighty blows. First from Serene who manages to cut a deep swath through his chest nearly cleaving through him, and then again from Kravar who manages to bury his fist in the demon's gut. Blood bubbles up from Eclavdran's mouth and he licks his lips as if he doesn't mind the wounds at all. Worse... the wounds heal. It's clearly magic at work, closing his injuries rapidly and leaving his flesh unblemished in a matter of seconds. "A paladin. Of course." His eyes narrow on Serene and he whips his blade at her, ringing the blade off her armor and growing - clearly - more irritated every second that his weapon fails to peirce her flesh. "You think to /keep/ me here? Idiots!" He hisses at you all. "Your spell is little more than the nuisance that you all are. I think..."
Eclavdran's voice deepens and the world seems to darken around him. As if it could get darker down here. "I am done toying with you." He's laughing suddenly, a wicked horrible sound that rolls up the spine and down the halls of the sewers.
GAME: Verna casts Wall of Force. Caster Level: 15 DC: 20
"You would claim to help us, then harm us at your whim... or hers," Verna notes to him. This does not preclude her incanting and gesturing to evoke (of all things) a very solid yet perfectly transparent barrier behind him.
GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6: (5)+20+5+5+12+-6: 41 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6: (7)+20+5+5+12+-6: 43 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-5: (4)+20+5+5+12+-6+-5: 35 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-5: (11)+20+5+5+12+-6+-5: 42 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-10: (9)+20+5+5+12+-6+-10: 35 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-10: (14)+20+5+5+12+-6+-10: 40 GAME: Serene rolls 2d8: (6): 6 GAME: Serene rolls 1d4+5+2+20+6+2d6: (4)+5+2+20+6+(7): 44 GAME: Serene rolls 1d4+5+2+20+6+2d6: (2)+5+2+20+6+(7): 42 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (11)+34: 45 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (7)+34: 41 GAME: Kravar rolls 38: (4)+38: 42 GAME: Kravar rolls 3d8+20: (15)+20: 35
"Servitude does not become you, Eclavdran," Serene snarls as she fends off his sword and counter strikes with her own. Even her shield is used to effect, holy empowered slams crashing into him. If she's bothered by his lack of being... bothered.. she covers it well, though her eyes narrow as he laughs and seems to gather the darkness about him. "Or do you enjoy being her lapdog?"
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+41: (19)+41: 60 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+36: (1)+36: 37 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+31: (5)+31: 36 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+26: (11)+26: 37 GAME: Serene spends TWO uses of LAY ON HANDS. GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+18: (8)+18: 26 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (2): 2
Eclavdran finally emerges from the dark, his true form revealed in all it's unnatural, unholy glory. He barely fits in this tunnel, his horns scrape on the roof and he's bent forward angrily. "You know nothing /mortal/. To come down here and challenge me. If I enjoyed being summoned do you think that I would have ever offered your pathetic kind aid? No. Yet here you are. Proving once and for all what complete idiots you are." His blade finally draws a line of blood from the paladin and his eyes narrow.
"I do not expect that you enjoy it," Verna counters, "but we cannot allow you to be, willing or not! If you would bargain, stand down and be still!" Her voice certainly does not boom, and she may be yelling simply to be heard over him. To her aforementioned intent, she drops the spent rod at her feet and focuses upon the evoked wall behind him as she forms and channels mana once more, sprinkling dust from her pouch.
GAME: Verna casts Permanency. Caster Level: 15 DC: 20 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (20)+17: 37 (CRITICAL SUCCESS) GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-2-4: (9)+20+5+5+12+-2+-4: 45 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-2-4: (17)+20+5+5+12+-2+-4: 53 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-4-5: (16)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-4+-5: 41 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-4-5: (17)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-4+-5: 42 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-4-10: (16)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-4+-10: 36 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-4-10: (19)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-4+-10: 39 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-4-15: (16)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-4+-15: 31 GAME: Serene rolls 6d8: (20): 20 GAME: Serene rolls 1d8+5+5+20+2d6: (6)+5+5+20+(10): 46 GAME: Serene rolls 1d8+5+5+20+2d6: (6)+5+5+20+(12): 48 GAME: Serene rolls 1d8+5+5+20+2d6: (8)+5+5+20+(7): 45 GAME: Serene rolls 1d4+5+2+20+2d6: (4)+5+2+20+(11): 42 GAME: Serene rolls 1d4+5+2+20+2d6: (3)+5+2+20+(9): 39 GAME: Serene rolls 1d4+5+2+20+2d6: (3)+5+2+20+(3): 33 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (11)+34: 45 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (13)+34: 47 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (19)+34: 53 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (18)+34: 52 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (16)+34: 50 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (5)+34: 39 GAME: Kravar rolls 40: (5)+40: 45 GAME: Kravar rolls 8d6+38: (27)+38: 65 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (4)+17: 21 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (6): 6
Serene barely pulls her face back in time... too late, in fact, as the tip of the evil looking sword Eclavdran wields does indeed draw blood. A fine line along the length of her face. Yet despite this, Serene's parted, snarling lips curl into something more akin to a smile. Almost predatory. Very unlike her usual presentation to the world. "I think you do enjoy it. I think you enjoy being at Her beck and call," Serene taunts as she executes another series of attacks. She is more cautious this time, Eclavdran's sword having taught her a bit of wariness perhaps, but most of her questing slashes and swings seem to find purchase in one way or another. "Or has the great and powerful Eclavdran truly been bested by a faerie?"
GAME: Verna rolls spellcraft+4: (1)+28+4: 33 (EPIC FAIL)
Kravar lowers his shield in an attempt to get it back to its normal guard position. Every time he strikes the demon with his bare hands, it feels like he's punching something so foul and unholy that it weakens him just to touch it. So he has been going for sparing hits in an attempt to keep up the pressure without exposing himself to much contact. He raises his knee almost to his chest and then leans forward while smashing his foot forward. His boot connects solidly with Eclavdran's abdomen, but Kravar feels even worse, wobbling and coming close to falling over before he can recover and plant his foot back on the ground.
Eclavdran tilts his head off to the side, and his wicked grin only widens as once again his wounds heal up. In a matter of moments his red skin lacks a single blemish and isn't that just about as infuriating as he is? The demon tisks you and takes a step back, his sword vanishing from his hand. "So that's why you want me here. You shouldn't have played your cards so soon. I might have stayed to play with you and ignored her... but you want me here too badly and you've irritated me enough that I think I'd rather help her just to watch you suffer." He laughs cruelly and the green glow around him vanishes as he twists his fingers. A doorway forms behind him. It's clearly a gate. It seems that he's leaving... just to spite you.
GAME: Verna casts Dispel Magic. Caster Level: 15 DC: 18 GAME: Verna rolls 1d20+15: (7)+15: 22
Verna's eyes widen as he- Oh The Grey Harpist's Bony A- - she makes a snap judgement and aborts her casting in progress. It would do little more than annoy future nascent Adventurer's Guildmembers to have an invisible wall here. In its place, she attempts to unravel the Gate formed but it remains fast. "No!"
GAME: Serene casts Fire of Entanglement. Caster Level: 20 DC: 24 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+17: (13)+17: 30 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-2: (1)+20+5+5+12+-2: 41 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-2: (7)+20+5+5+12+-2: 47 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-5: (19)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-5: 48 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-5: (4)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-5: 33 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-10: (12)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-10: 36 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-10: (10)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-10: 34 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-15: (5)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-15: 24 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12-6-2-5: (3)+20+5+5+12+-6+-2+-5: 32 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20: (2)+20: 22 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20: (2)+20: 22 GAME: Serene rolls 1d8+5+5+20+2d6: (3)+5+5+20+(6): 39 GAME: Serene rolls 1d8+5+5+20+2d6: (7)+5+5+20+(4): 41 GAME: Serene rolls 1d8+5+5+20+2d6: (3)+5+5+20+(4): 37 GAME: Serene rolls 1d4+5+2+20+2d6: (3)+5+2+20+(2): 32 GAME: Serene rolls 1d4+5+2+20+2d6: (1)+5+2+20+(7): 35 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (17)+34: 51 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (17)+34: 51 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (4)+34: 38 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (13)+34: 47 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (9)+34: 43 GAME: Kravar rolls 37: (5)+37: 42 GAME: Kravar rolls fort: (15)+17: 32 GAME: Kravar rolls 3d8+17: (9)+17: 26
White fire springs into life around Serene's sword arm as she drives it at Eclavdran. "You disguise your cowardice with pretty words, daemon," she says as her attacks bear into him. "But this.. this is running away. A beaten dog, running to its master. Know I am coming for you." The white flames lick and reach for Eclavdran, but they fail to find purchase.. that, or he just shrugs them off.
Kravar can't believe what he's seeing. Of all the possible outcomes of this fight...for Eclavdran to effortlessly conjure a portal away was not one that he had anticipated. He can tell the others are trying to keep the demon away from it. Which seems the only thing that he can do. Gathering what little strength he has remaining he raises his shield, holds it across his body. He grips the handle tightly and then puts his other hand on his wrists as he swings. Once again it's a solid blow that could very well send a smaller form flying through he air...but it bounces off the large demon's hip without any apparent effect.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+20: (14)+20: 34
Eclavdran laughs at Serene's words. "Call me coward if it makes you feel better, but we both know the truth. You've tried your best and proven that you can not stop me. Know though that someone will pay for your insults to me. Someone that you can't save." He flashes his teeth at her. "Such fools. I am not an unreasonable being. If you had been a little wiser you might have spared us all some pain, instead what comes next? It's all your own doing." He steps through the gate, and it closes with a soft woosh behind him... and he's gone.
Of course. They were such fools. Why would anyone think a rampaging, kidnapping, bellicose, smug demon to be unreasonable? Verna cannot put much weight behind his words. Lies, mostly likely. Even were they truth, they would be by his vile tendencies and choices, not theirs.
There was some things accomplished. Still, Verna... sags. It is brief, however, as she moves to Kravar to see what tending she can offer. For once, she has few words.
Kravar wavers on his feet. His cloak shifts and stirs, rising of its own accord and stiffening into wings. These begin flapping, so fast it's hard for the eye to follow, and Kravar's feet lift a few inches off the ground. "What now?" his voice is hoarse with strain, or the aftereffects of battle, or possibly even lingering weakness from striking Eclavdran. Perhaps all of these together.
"Now," Serene says to Kravar though she stares at the space where the gate disappeared. "Now we see to your wounds. And.. if there were a time to consider dismantling this summoning circle under the city, now might be it, if he is of a mind to stay away from us." She closes her eyes, dispelling her disappointment.. perhaps she truly did believe Eclavdran could be ended, here and now. Then she turns suddenly, her cloak catching the air briefly before settling once more. She assesses Kravar, seeing if he needs assistance, but Verna is already there. She looks to Lanier as well.. and then into the darkness of the tunnels. The one not blocked by the wall of force. "If there is a means we should get a message off."
GAME: Verna casts Restoration. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
"Be still a moment, please," Verna finally speaks, bidding Kravar quietly. She then beseeches The Grey Harpist to restore him and purge the vile weakness inflicted thereupon.
Verna adds, to Serene, with a sigh. "I may be able to do so, but it shall depend on how distant, or in which plane, they now stand."
Kravar touches down on the ground again, and holds still as directed. The moment the enchantment is complete, his breathing grows easier. He stands a little bit straighter. "My thanks," he nods at Verna. He raises his hand and opens and closes the fist a few times. The other holds out his shield at arm's length and moves in a small circle. It takes a few more such tests before he seems satisfied. The he peers at the corridors around them. "Disrupt the circle, you say? That sounds like a good idea. Even a small accomplishment...would be something."
Verna draws a hand down her face in annoyance... frustration... regret? It is the bloodied one and, while it no longer actively flows, she winds up with thickened streaks on palm and countenance. "My studies of the circle suggest that, yes, it can be damaged... however..." the day is heavy with caveats " ... Unless we were to disrupt large sections, perhaps even half the city, the circle will still function to call him. A smaller disruption would only offer him a means to return more readily, once summoned, should he wish."
Serene nods to Verna. "We must try to get them word, at least." Then she shrugs as Verna explains the complications involved in disrupting the circle. "It will have to be dealt with sooner or later. But perhaps later is safer. Or.. if there were a means to modify it.. but for now, it may be best we get out of here."
GAME: Verna rolls knowledge/arcana+4: (14)+28+4: 46 GAME: Kravar rolls knowledge/arcana+2: (7)+4+2: 13
-End