Shallow Heart
Log Info
- Title: Shallow Heart
- Emitter: Aftershock
- Characters: Cryosanthia, Silmeria, Azog, Lysos, Zapolklnex, Durrankar, Ezil, Merek, Sargon
- Place: A06: Lower Alexandrian Gardens District
- Time: Monday, March 23, 2020, 7:20 PM
- Summary: The lower Alexandrian Gardens have drawn several people who are looking to relax, but the slyvan city escape has drawn the attention of another. As the evening shadows naturally deepen, they unnaturally grow larger and turn into demons and attack everyone present. Leading them, glorying in the chaos, is Kol Demontyr. The daywalker vampire openly taunts the adventurers. More experienced ones, like Azog, Durrankar, Silmeria, and Merek shout defiant threats; weaker ones such as Cryosanthia, Lysos, Ezil, Sargon and Zapolklnex hold their tongues and close ranks to a degree to protect each other. The battle ensues, with Azog attacking Kol directly, and Merek, Silmeria and Durrankar laying more effective waste to his shadowy minions. Zap flees, pursued, while Ezil and Cryo do their best to protect Lysos, while she lays magic on them. Durrankar turns into a treant and blasts the area clear with sunlight. Silmeria uses her weapon and clears some of the shadow demons. The adventurers are prevailing, until Kol turns Azog to his team. The powerful oruch tears into Durrankar, practically chopping is trunk in half, and seems unstoppable. Cryo manages to tempt Kol's attention away with some flirting, and Merek uses the opportunity to blind the daywalking vampire with Sunlight. He flees the scene, and everyone else scatters before Azog is finally brought under control by some of the healers in the hospital who have a Protection for Evil spell that the adventurers lacked. In the aftermath, several, including Azog are in shock from the proceedings and the close call, with the oruch shamed but unsure what he might have done better.
-=--=--=--=--=--<* A06: Lower Alexandrian Gardens District *>=--=--=--=--=--=-
The city is divided, unofficially, into Upper Alexandria and Lower Alexandria. The Upper resides further up on the slope of the mountain, and rests to the east of the great river. The Lower resides to the west of it, and if the Lower could be said to have a heart, this verdant park might be its center.
Amid all the bustle of the Lower City, its Gardens District provides a peaceful respite. The warmth of Althea holds sway here, and though Daeus receives the occasional nod, this is clearly Her domain. She shares it with Dana, in the verdant green of this area. Vines and trees, remain green no matter the season and numerous flowers bloom along the park's walkways. Faerie-light lanterns hang from branches and along hedgerows.
A number of shops may be found here, most notably the city hospital, for which the park was originally built. Though now open to the public, the gardens by and large, remain underneath the hospital's care. However, in the Althean tradition, much of the work is provided by volunteers.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-= Appearing, in Order -=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'7" 245 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, lithe white lizardgirl with tattoos. Silmeria 5'8" 126 Lb Human Female A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and breastplate. Azog 7'0" 350 Lb Orc Male A huge male orc with long black hair in a topknot. Lysos 5'6" 105 Lb Human/Tsuran Female Dark eyes, dark hair, olive skin, a jotun-sized chip on the shoulder. Zapolklnex 4'5" 115 Lb Shadow Elf Male A darkly dressed traveling Mul'niessa man Durrankar 7'0" 398 Lb Sith-Makar Male Silver Sith-makar with blue eyes Ezil 5'11" 175 Lb Human Male An armored man with dark skin, and grey-blonde hair. Merek 5'10" 215 Lb Human Male A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes. Sargon 6'4" 225 Lb Orc Male Green (and bronze) skinned Oruch brawler. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
It's a nice day, warm in the sun, cool elsewhere, with a blue sky and a light breeze that moves them across the sky. As the afternoon draws long, some of the clouds take on a pinkish and orange hue, especially the ones in the distance. Flocks of birds, which tend to congregate in the evenings have started appearing in the gardens and settling into trees. Occasionally disturbed, a cloud of them surges away, circles, and lands again amid great cacophany.
A white-scaled sith-makar is hanging out in the gardens today, with a small book that she occasionally reads.
"o/~ ...--don't mind, the cadavers~! He don't mind human remains~!"
It's been some time since Silmeria has wandered the streets of Alexandria, singing her song and befriending the dying, but whatever business has called her away seems to have released its hold, for once more the bespectacled blond in the black cassock is all but skipping through the Gardens, her tread as light as her spirits.
"o/~ He got no problem sleepin' at night, ain't nothin' a little whisky won't tame~!"
Probably best not to think too hard on the words of her song, though.
Azog is carrying quite a large crate into the hospital, and he emerges a few minute later, his work done. He takes a deep breath and loses his coat, it might be time to shed it for the season. Well, if it starts to stay warm in the evenings. He looks around thoughtfully to see if anything interesting is going on. He peeeeers at Silmeria.
Lysos is in the area as well, though just off one of the paths for the moment, reclining against a tree with a glowing stone in hand. A stone she's busy staring at, blinking occasionally, as if she were trying to divine answers from it.
Zapolklnex is awake. Not having to be out when it was quiet bright earlier. But he still has the hood over his face, and his hands in his sleeves, as he steps into the gardens. Just passing through on the way to eat, as terrestrial gardens don't really hold much interest.
Silmeria, even with her rather happy strides, has her ear brushed by a feathery wing before a chickadee lands on her shoulder. Should Silmeria look, the coloring is definitely off. White is replaced by silver. It lets out a couple of chirps...and even bounces on her shoulder as she walks. <Durrankar>
Ezil has come to spend time in Althea and Dana's domain. It's that refreshing kind of venture, walking among the paths to look at the flowers. He even takes the time to admire the work of the well tended greenery as he lazily makes his pace through this garden. A few steps here, and noting all of the loving touches that have gone into its care. Another step there, looking at the organization, and vibrant colors. "I like the slow days." he muses to himself, not having noticed the sith-makar on his stroll. Usually this kind of trip he saves for being alone. Well! It's not often that the Speaker for the Dead gets a visit from the animal kingdom on her rovings, and the corners of her mouth tug further up briefly at the cickadee's coloration. Offering a finger for the birb to move to, she continues on her path, nodding merry greetings to those she passes by.
"o/~ Now, gravedigger, he got secrets, he whispered as he lit up a cig. He said 'You better watch you don't badger the holes, when you're cuttin' through the roots and the twigs.'"
Deep wisdom.
Cryosanthia is looking around now, the song having drawn her out of the book. There are lots of people to talk to, this will be much more interesting than reading! She shoves the book down the front of her armour and stands, picking her first target. Lysos and her glowing rock are quite close at a nearby tree, so she goes there. The sith-makar leans down, casting a long shadow interrupting Lysos to ask, "Whatchya doing?"
Azog continues to peoplewatch for the moment, though a few are certainly watching him. Silmeria's interesting, but there are a few others he recognizes as well. Crypsanthia's pretty distinctive, of course. There's a few others he knows to see, but it takes a bit more observation to pick them out.
The chickadee hops, rather easily, to Silmeria's finger and begins to chirp along to Silmeria's tune. The birb is able to keeps it's balance rather easily.....and stretch out it's wings and flap...even fluff up, as it sings along with the merry tune. <Durrankar>
Lysos starts at Cryosanthia's proximity, having been so absorbed she didn't notice the Sith's approach until her query interrupted her thoughts. Her head jerks a little bit, her eyes widen and her fist closes reflexively over the stone for a startled second... and then the tsuran relaxes, her breath coming out in a sigh. Her hand opens, then she pockets the stone and offers a weak smile. "Hello there, hero. I was just thinking about things. Felt like this was a good place to do it. What brings you here?"
"Oh, similar things. It felt like a nice place to be today, get some reading done." Cryosanthia crouches down, stretching her tail out behind her for balance, feet tucked in beneath her. As she does, she spots a familiar sight, Azog in the near distance. She waves at him before turning her attention back to the tsuran, "Does the rock help you think about things? I've had a lot to sort through too. I found breaking some wood helped. Is it glowing because of a light spell or is it special in another way?"
Ezil hears familiar voices in the garden, looking up from his thoughts to glance about. Cryosanthia, Lysos, Azog, and some others he doesn't know too well. It's a pretty big list for one place, but this causes a smile to creep over his features. He isn't the only one enjoying the nice weather with a stroll today. He meanders that way, feeling no need to rush when there isn't an obligation or reason. "Hallo, White-One! Lysos." intruding a bit as the two had began to talk. It's always good to see the citizens out and social, more so here where it's tranquil. "o/~ Dig, dig, gravedigger! (Sing it, brother!)" Yes, she is actually encouraging the birb to sing along, fairly confident that, unlike an actual bird, this one will. And yes, she is definitely having a grand old time. "Ding, gravedigger, dig! Work that shovel with vigor, gravedigger, 'fore the rigor mortis sets in, dig~!"
As she nears folk who are obviously in conversation, and by the sound of it somewhat less than merry, she does trail off both her singing and her bouncy steps. Instead, she simply smiles and nods at Lysos and Cryosanthia, humming quietly under her breath.
Azog peers at Cryosanthia. Is she waving for him to come over? Well, he's completed his delivery, so he may as well. He's got no other immediate business here, so he will bring his dour old self up to the group. He's taller than most, of a height with Durrankar, and towering over most of the rest as he draws closer now, and offers a "Hello."
"Hello Azog! It's nice to see you again." Cryosanthia says cheerfully, her tail waggling a little. She smiles also as Ezil approaches, and starts to tap in tune with Silmeria's song, clicking her nails against her scales to make sounds, which might generously be considered xylophonic. Mostly though, it sounds like clicking. "You also Ezil. I was bothering Lysos since I hadn't seen her since the ..." dramatic pause "... neck scorpions!"
The chickadee is happily chirping along to Silmeria's song...adding melodies to the song.
"I am not sure if it helped much," Lysos admits, referring to the stone, "It's just a little light magic.. someone suggested I try it. Maybe it would help put things in perspective." Another weak smile. "I might try your idea next.. breaking wood? I... aaah!" Lysos quickly scrambles to her feet, brushing madly at her shoulder and stepping away from the tree. "Gross. Spiders." As if that's what it took for Lysos's awareness to expand beyond her little bubble, she notices Ezil, registers his greeting and offers an apologetic wave. Silmeria's song draws her attention then... at least, until Cryosanthia mentions the neck scorpions. Lysos shudders again.
Ezil cringes a bit as Cryosanthia mentions those artifice abominations while Lysos scrambles to get away from something he couldn't note. "Oh, don't remind me." his tone dropping to a dour note, shaking his head. "We made it through though.... but that was a terrible fight." looking back to Lysos with an apologetic glance, trying to smile again. "I am still sorry there wasn't more I could do. I tried to get the one off Shin, but I think I did more damage than good there." remembering a shield-bash he had almost forgotten. "What brings you all here?" a nod in greeting then tossed to Azog as he tries to retreat.
Merek makes his way into the place, his dark attire on with the hat, while he finds a way to the gardens people are about, looking to see if he can work on some of the flowers, his scarf shifted about as well.
Azog bows his head to Cryosanthia as she greets him. "Good day to you. It is good to see you as well." He looks puzzled about neck scorpions, that's a thing he's not familiar with. To Ezil, he says, "I have completed a delivery of supplies to the hospital."
Zapolklnex does slow down as he's just passing through. Since a bird being sung to is a bit... unusual. And in Tarien's spirit. So, he will watch. Even if he doesn't sing along. Yet.
There's no warning as the daylight suddenly fades from the sky. It's not the subtle shift from day into night that has been happening slowly but surely, but a much faster and more ominous change. Clouds chase across the sky with unnatural speed, quickened by a wind that no one this far down can feel in anything but a chill. A chill that slides up the spine even as the eyes are drawn skyward by the clouds that should not be. It is not from the sky that anything comes however. Instead the long shadows brought forth from the encroching storm clouds grow long and linger where they aught not. All around you step forth shadow-born creatures with long claws and bodies made of the stuff of darkness.
Dancing down the street toward you all with jangling unnatural steps is a familiar man. He seems not at all bothered by the shadows even as one peels off of his own feet to stand behind him. Instead he grins and his green eyes take in the group of you gathered around Lysos and gives a warm wave. "Hello my friends!" It is immistakably the form of Kol Demontry. The vampire who has been terrorizing Alexandria, and it seems that this time he has brought some friends.
Cryo rises, now that Lysos is on her feet, so she's standing as well. "I found it tired me out enough I wasn't thinking much at all. Still, it made things simpler, for a while. I'll try the light."
The palescale sith turns, nodding to Azog, "Supplies? That's good. Is that the hospital you were talking about earlier, where everyone works? Or is that the Temple of... AH!"
The Chickadee lets out a shrill chirp to SIlmeria...and points it's beak at the ground. Then taps it's beak against Silmeria's glove...then points it's beak at the ground again. Seems the birb wants to be put on the ground.
GAME: Merek rolls will: (6)+17: 23
"Just on the way from meeting a friend," Silmeria says, bobbing her head at Ezil, before lifting up the hand supporting the bird. "And thank *you* very much, Ser, you're quite the lovely singer! Would you like to join the conversation, though? Only I'm on my way back to the Temple, and most don't find it the cheeriest of places."
As day becomes night, and storm-clouds close in over the darkling sky, Silmeria's head snaps up, her cheery countenance turning to a grim, weary frown.
As the jangling footsteps sound, her free hand blurs, and in the blink of an eye she seems to have assumed a fencer's stance... Only one hand has a tiny silver bird alight on her finger, and the other is holding a complex piece of lead-throwing artifice. "Mori," she says, all cheer gone from her gentle voice, "wake up. Trouble, in our road."
Complex etchings begin to glow with silvery foxfire, and a series of free-loating runic rings trace themselves into life, lazily revolving around the barrel's circumference as she lowers the bird to the ground. <<UNDERSTOOD>> says the gun, its voice distorted beyond identification as anything other than itself. <<COMMAND RELEASE AUTHORIZED>>
Azog ah, indeed, and he frowns as the sky darkens and his frequet foe reappears. Shield out, blade drawn, he'll start to move toward the other fellow before he can make more mischief. "All right, it's about time we finish this," he says sternly, his Tradespeak heavily accented. "You ran off with the wizard last time, there'll be no such reprieve for you today."
Lysos scrambles for the stone she just put in her pocket, pulling it out to allow its minor light magic to at least try and fight off some of the closing shadows. The light wavers as the hand that shows it trembles a little bit. She looks, not quite wildly but certainly nervously, first at Cryosanthia, then Ezil and Azog, and then the rest. "Do you know this... guy?" she asks, though who the question is aimed at isn't clear. Maybe it's a general query.
Merek looks then to Kol, while he sighs a bit in thought, then he shifts the hat which he wears, with a nod to Kol, "Well then, it looks like it's a fight," he says. He begins making his way to the frontlines, while the energy about him begins to charge. "Kol, what brings you to the city!"
Ezil goes tense as he feels that shift in the day, and the magic that is disrupting this place coming from that vampire. He slowly turns after towards that voice, his half-smile fading as others here seem to know that face. He's never seen it in person, but the wanted posters show a great likeness of him, and his research... that came in handy. "That's Kol... the vampire." he answer Cryosanthia, hands already fumbling to latch his shield to his arm, shaking his head. "Be wary, White-One. This is bad."
Zapolklnex looks up when the sky abruptly changes. Pulling his hood off, he looks oup, and around. Attention then turning to the vampire, he turns to face Kol, but takes a step back. Or three. Yes, three.
An unusual sight can be seen coming from the chickadee.....steam begins to flow from it's beak....especially when the vampire reveals itself. it's only then that the birb hops off of it's perch....and grows into the very tall form of Durrankar. "So this explains why the sky turned dark. Peace on your nest, Friend Silmeria. It seems there are some that cannot allow others to sing in peace."
GAME: Merek casts Angelic Aspect. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19 GAME: Cryosanthia casts Snapdragon Fireworks. Caster Level: 1 DC: 14 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (1): 1 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+23: (3)+23: 26
The rising shadows, the sudden beasts of shadow, the appearance of Kol Demontyr. It took Cryo a few moments for all that to sink in, another for her to startle, then a few more moments for her thoughts to re-engage. "Lysos, we need more light."
"This one doesn't know him. I've heard him spoken of, described. Kol Demontryr, a... a..." Cryo fumbles over how to describe his relationship with Mikilos, "... yes a vampire. Be wary of the minions too. And... uh... oh, Get Him Sparky!"
Cryo wriggles her hand through an arcane gesture, and a small fiery dragon appears on her fingertip. It zips away from her, leaving a trail of sparks. The dragon flies in an erratic path, finally zooming in on the vampire and exploding with a loud bang and a burst of sparks.
A very small burst of sparks. "Sparky hasn't been feeling himself lately." Cryo explains.
Sargon emerges from a shadowy area of the garden. Not the sinister shadows from Kol but more innocent natural shadows from the configuration of lighting and the occasional tree. "Something's not right," he begins, looking around. It doesn't take long to spot the vampire and the adventurers beginning to array against him. "And I think I know what it is," Sargon adds and begins to approach as well.
>Vampire.<
Silmeria's eyes narrow as her enemy is identified, her eyes flicking from one shadow to the next as the laughing abomination makes his erratic way toward the gathering. "Peace on your nest, Durrankar. It seems I've been away longer than I ought. Mori: Petition -- Vampire. Command seal bypass requested."
And, finally, she raises her voice to address the elephant mosquito in the room. "Vampire, the Grey Lady offers one chance. Turn, flee to Charn or wherever else will shelter you with open arms. Remain in this city, *Her* city, and by Her grace I pledge, the full list of your crimes against its people, its places, and the very earth you rot with your tread, shall be *engraved upon your soul.*"
And with her last words, flickering silver flames limn her outline, and the barrel of her gun seems to breathe holy fire.
Durrankar, 5' step away from the shadow monster behind me, Lightning lord them ALL! Reflex Half, DC is 20 GAME: Durrankar rolls 3d10: (15): 15 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+9: (3)+9: 12 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+18: (4)+18: 22 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+23: (13)+23: 36
Durrankar glances behind him and sees the shadow monster. "Friend Silmeria. I ask that you protect me from harm." he says moving away from the shadow monster. "YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE COME HERE KOL! YOU WILL HEAR THE DEATH SINGING DRAGON'S SONG!" Durrankar's exclamation is pointed by the fact that the very storm Kol has conjured begins to rumble...loudly....then One lightning bolt forks ten times to hit Kol AND the Shadow Monsters. Durrankar looks to see if they're hurt and....breathes out a bit of steam. "So no, Lightning."
Sargon, full attack! power attack. GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0-2: (7)+10+-2: 15 GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0-2: (7)+10+-2: 15
"HNH!" What might be an especially loud grunt from most, turns out to be Sargon's version of a battle cry. He launches himself in a flying kick, one booted foot outstretched to connect with a shadowy figure. Only the Oruch passes by. Almost immediately he spins around and tries to strike it with a backfist but this also doesn't seem to connect. "It's like fighting..." he stops himself before saying the word 'shadows' and instead grates out, "Phantoms."
Kol /was/ gonna close with Azog, but that lightning bolt changed his mind! Now he wants to play with Durrankar. He disappears and reappears beside the scaly druid and attacks!
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+23: (5)+23: 28 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d10+7: (12)+7: 19 Durrankar, fortitude save GAME: Durrankar rolls fortitude: (17)+19: 36 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (10)+15: 25 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (3)+15: 18 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (10)+15: 25 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (6)+15: 21 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (4)+15: 19 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (17)+15: 32 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (2)+15: 17 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (4)+24: 28 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (7)+24: 31 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (19)+24: 43 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+6: (5)+6: 11 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+6: (2)+6: 8 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+6: (5)+6: 11 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+6: (6)+6: 12 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+6: (6)+6: 12 GAME: Aftershock damaged Cryosanthia for 11 points. 18 HP remaining. GAME: Aftershock damaged Durrankar for 38 points. 147 HP remaining. GAME: Aftershock damaged Lysos for 8 points. 5 HP remaining. GAME: Aftershock damaged Merek for 11 points. 63 HP remaining. GAME: Aftershock damaged Silmeria for 12 points. 48 HP remaining. GAME: Aftershock damaged Zapolklnex for 12 points. 5 HP remaining. GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+8: (11)+8: 19
Kol disappeared and reappeared, vanishing from his place in on the street and reappearing at Durrankar's side, his hand lashing out and spilling the sith's blood. "You will sing for me as well yes?" His words were tinged with something rough and amused as he tasted the other's blood off of his fingers. Even as he spoke the shadows attacked as well, digging claws into nearly every person on the street. Blood splattered everywhere. It stained the once-beautiful stone of the gardens crimson. A beautiful shade of red if one was a vampire.
"Oh stars..." utters Lysos, freezing up as everything starts to move. She doesn't even try to move out of the way of the shadow that attacks her claws into her flesh. If anything, it's the pain of that blow that shakes her out of it, and even as she's screaming from the nasty slash she slaps one of Azog's beefy arms and... well, she doesn't say anything, she just pulls back and tries to retreat behind bigger people than her. People she knows, and perhaps trusts, namely Cryosanthia and Ezil, using them as shields.
Zapolklnex took a shot. And wow. It hurt. He grunts in that understated way his kind will often do, and grimacing with every step, gets away as fast as his short legs will carry him, away from all the sahdows, and definitely from the vampire.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2: (5)+7: 12
Cryo fumbles for her rapier as one of the shadowy beasts claws at her. She draws it successfully, but not quickly enough to parry anything. Her blood joins others on the ground as she's slashed hard. She cries in pain. It turns into a growl. "Lysos, Ezil, put whatever you can on Azog. We got your back Azog, but it's not much, fight like you're on your own. Lysos, between Ezil and me."
The sith calls out, "If you're not an adventurer, if you're not here to fight, RUN. Get away."
She moves to be a shield for Lysos, turning her blade on something near and stabbing at it. She misses the shadows.
GAME: Silmeria rolls knowledge/arcana: (9)+10: 19 GAME: Ezil rolls Knowledge/Religion: (9)+6: 15 GAME: Durrankar rolls knowledge/arcana: (15)+5: 20 GAME: Sargon rolls knowledge/arcana: (20)+9: 29 GAME: Merek rolls knowledge/religion+3: (2)+20+3: 25 GAME: Silmeria casts Coordinated Effort. Caster Level: 9 DC: 15
"I'm working on i-- GET DOWN!" But her warning to Durrankar comes a heartbeat too late, as the vampire leads his minions in a full assault and blood splashes the Gardens.
Drawing herself up from her own attack, she slips back a step, raising her shield and lifting it skyward. "Be ever on the move, friends! Hit and fade, and remain close!" Something in her voice pulses across the square, battle tactics melding into muscle memory, becoming reflex.
<<AUTHORIZATION CONFIRMED -- UNDEAD PROTOCILS ACTIVE>> says the gun. Oh, good.
There are two shadow-demons double-teaming Azog and a host of people between him and Kol now. Moving through them would provoke a lot of attacks, but would let the others move more freely, although it will leave the front line completely open.
Ezil watches the onslaught begin. Two people already shredded and injured, and Lysos retreating between him and Cryosanthia. "I know Kol's a vampire, but... I have never seen or heard of these shadows!" he calls, his free hand focusing as he forms a seal and calls that divine energy to himself, connecting with the source through Althea's blessing. "Even covered under the clouds, the stars still see all, and Telmentar's blessings will touch and heal those wounded." a burst of energy sent out among the battlefield after his words. It's draining, more so than his healing touch, but the results were not much to his liking. Not enough energy could be channeled, and all he can do is ready his shield and hope to draw their attention with his aura.
Azog, use Power attack, on the attack. GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (19)+24: 43 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (19)+24: 43 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (10)+24: 34 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (20)+15: 35 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (4)+15: 19 <OOC> Aftershock rolls to confirm GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (5)+15: 20 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+8: (9)+8: 17 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+8: (3)+8: 11 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+6: (4)+6: 10 GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+33: (15)+33: 48 GAME: Azog rolls 1d10+32: (9)+32: 41
Azog growls a challenge to the vampire. Not as compelling as one from a cavalier, or as powerful as one from a paladin, but one that cuts to the core. "Face -me-, vampire, or are you afraid?" Well, that'd cut Azog, anyhow. That said, Azog will approach Kol with a steady stride, taking attacks from the minions as he wades through them, seemingly unconcerned, and slashes at the vampire with a mighty blow from his sword, the magic blade, which doesn't seem dimmed by the gloom, whistling as it cuts the air. It cuts through the vampire, also, but when the sword is past, he doesn't look very injured at all.
Durrankar ponders.
Merek, cast blessing of fervor, move in front of the one in most danger, attempt diplomacy GAME: Merek casts Blessing of Fervor. Caster Level: 9 DC: 18
"Shadow demons, they will take the form of you, each of us, as powerful as the person they copy, and will target the one they copy," Merek informs people, while he takes a moment to offer a supplication, "Eluna, I ask your blessing upon the people," a light shifting to coalesce about the party. "If you don't think you can match the foe, flee from the place."
GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0-2: (13)+10+-2: 21 GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0-2: (1)+10+-2: 9 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Sargon rolls 1d8+4+4+1+4: (5)+4+4+1+4: 18
"The only one that will sing here is you, Kol." Durrankar holds his side as he retreats a little ways away......and his features take on a more....wooden feature...and he gets taller, scales more bark-like appearance....
Sargon learned his fighting Arts in a monastery, it's true. But he learned his -adventuring- arts on the streets. And the streets of Alexandria are filled with the arcane.
"Shadow demons, eh!" His next words start slow but pick up speed, clearly Sargon's thinking while he's speaking and by the end of his next sentence he's pieced it all together (or so he thinks). "That means sunlight will weaken them, and so will detaching them from the one they were born from." Perhaps to demonstrate he launches himself next at the shadow that started closest to Lysos - the one the sorcerer just moved away from. "If we focus on the right targets we can thin their numbers, fast!"
There's a lot of movement in the ranks as the shadow demons move to catch up to Azog. Kol turns his focus on the orc also. Because Kol is nothing if not obliging. Meanwhile one shadow catches up to Zap, but can't attack, and the rest do their able-body best to kill everyone else.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (14)+24: 38 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (11)+24: 35 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (18)+24: 42 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (4)+15: 19 Cryosanthia, opportunte parry ane ripost GAME: You spend ONE point of PANACHE. (4 remaining) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2: (5)+7: 12 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (7)+15: 22 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (5)+15: 20 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (12)+15: 27 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+26: (13)+26: 39 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+21: (13)+21: 34 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+16: (5)+16: 21 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (8)+11: 19 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+8: (5)+8: 13 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+6: (1)+6: 7 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+6: (1)+6: 7
GAME: Aftershock damaged Azog for 13 points. 131 HP remaining. GAME: Aftershock damaged Durrankar for 7 points. 153 HP remaining.
GAME: Aftershock damaged Sargon for 7 points. 67 HP remaining.
Kol made a low grating noise at Durrankar. "With pleasure!" The damage he took seemed to heal just as quickly, though his shirt hung about him half torn from its hinges. The vampire turned his sharp-toothed gaze on Azog and opened his arms up wide to the other man. "Fear? Please, bring me your passion my friend. I welcome you."
Even while he spoke the shadow demons attacked, drawing more and more blood with each passing second.
Zapolklnex sees he's being followed. And he still really hurts, a lot. So he steels himself, gathers himself up, and dashes again. Breathing deeply.
Lysos's low whisperings to herself are a constant thing, now... Ezil's healing has dulled most of the pain from the slash she took, but even if only the memory of it still existed it's enough to leave her shaken. She is very careful to stay out of the way of those fighting to protect her... and perhaps, later, she will be ashamed of herself for it, but right now she's not above hiding behind the larger and more capable. She does manage to get her arm in to briefly touch Cryosanthia's back before she quickly draws back again. Her other hand holds her light stone in a death grip.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2+3: (6)+7+3: 16
"Okay, let's back out of here. Thanks!" Cryosanthia says, as the shadow demon on Lysos is destroyed. She turns on the one facing her, stabbing with her rapier, she misses again. "This isn't working, lets try for the Hospital."
Silmeria, Alignment Channel -- Evil + Channeling Scourge + Channel Energy = 5d6 damage DC 19 Will save for half damage. GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+9: (16)+9: 25 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+13: (15)+13: 28
GAME: Silmeria rolls 5d6: (14): 14
"Let me try to open a hole," an increasingly worried Silmeria says.
<<WARNING -- PROTOCOL ACTIVE, AUTHORIZATION TEMPORARY>> comes the voice from somewhere deep in the heart of the Inquisitor's weapon.
"Thank you, Mori, that's very helpful," says the blonde with a sigh, before raising her shield, displaying the silver holy symbol clutched in the palm of her hand. "IN THE NAME OF VARDAMA, THE GREY LADY, THE ENDURING ONE! IN HER NAME I COMMAND, GET YOU OFF THE SKIN OF THIS WORLD!" Dropping to her knees she drives the symbol into the dirt, loosing a circular wave of silver fire that expands outward, accompanied by the peal of some distant, titanic iron bell.
Looking up, she sees that those demons closest to the group look a bit more tattered, but still very much present. "Well. Nuts."
Ezil will choose the +2 AC, and +2 to hit for Fervor. move to flank with Cryosanthia drawing a warhammer while moving, and attack her shadow with a smite GAME: Ezil rolls weapon11+6: (8)+8+6: 22 GAME: Ezil rolls damage11+8: aliased to 1D8+3+8: (8)+3+8: 19
Ezil takes a heavy breath, looking to Lysos and Cryosanthia before he darts into the battle despite the Sith-Makar's words to fall back. His warhammer is quickly in hand, rearing back as he takes a few steps to engage the one that's close. "Telmentar, let your light guide me, and empower me to overcome the darkness that dares invade out plane. Begone you devil and cease to BE!" his last words a yell as the momentum of turned hip, and a ripple of divine power merge into one collosal blow, his foe left obliterated in his wake. He's soon protecting his allies again, falling back into formation with a pant. "Two down! You move. I cover!" his shield still brought to bear, searching for new targets.
GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+34: (20)+34: 54 (THREAT) GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+34: (6)+34: 40 (Confirmed) GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+34: (12)+34: 46 GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+29: (10)+29: 39 GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+24: (16)+24: 40 GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+19: (11)+19: 30 GAME: Azog rolls 1d10+32: (3)+32: 35 GAME: Azog rolls 1d10+32: (4)+32: 36 GAME: Azog rolls 2d20+64: (15)+64: 79
Azog fights on with a viscious ferocity and uncanny speed, blade whirling and slashing at the vampire, his massive stregth behind every blow, so that when they hit, they hit like hammerblows of doom, though to an enemy as potent as this, Azog's efforts are not as effective as he'd like. Lesser foes would absolutely be scattered. Still, if he's gotten Kol's attention, that's his actual goal. Demontry won't be hurting anyone else while he's focused on the orc, who at least is quite a hard target. "Fight me!" he shouts at the vampire. "Fight me and fall!" The lesser minions who's attacks peck at him are ingored as Azog keeps his attention on the big game. If nothing else, he seems to have the fellow's attention. He can't seem to overwhelm it's regeneration, though he's absolutely making an effort.
The first two hits... don't seem to do much, the last one does, but again he heals /so/ fast that the wound is literally disappearing before the eyes.
There are four 'weak' shadow beings left, not counting the one chasing Zap, and three 'strong' ones. The strong ones are congregating on Azog. The palescale sith-makar seems in the most danger from the weak ones.
Merek, spear of purity Cryo's GAME: Merek casts Spear of Purity. Caster Level: 9 DC: 16 GAME: Merek rolls ranged+2: (4)+11+2: 17 GAME: Merek rolls 9d6: (28): 28
Merek looks between the people, seeing the ones that are most in need, while he then steps to take flight, his angelic feathered wings black with silver taking him up while he spins a silver spear of light about, then he begins to swing that into the shadow on Cryosanthia, besting the being. He nods then to the party, while he takes a stance.
Durrankar, use Sunburst. GAME: Durrankar casts Sunburst. Caster Level: 18 DC: 25 <OOC> Durrankar is rolling 6d6. Reflex for half. GAME: Durrankar rolls 6d6: (30): 30 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+18: (20)+18: 38 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+23: (17)+23: 40
Now that Durrankar has changed into a treant....the TREE-ankar stands up to it's full height....and he even heard SIldan's proclamation at figuring out the creatures weakness. And Durrankar's response to that is....'WE! ARE! GROOT!'...and the entire area around him lights up as it if were the brightest daylight anyone had ever seen......at least for a moment. Any of the lesser shadow forms are just....gone.....
Everyone move fairly freely now. The path to the Soldier's Defence is open for those that want to take it.
Sargon flinches out of insinct when light fills the immediate area. A few of the shadow demons vanish, but to his practiced eye the three that remain seem more than ready to continue. Sargon begins casting a spell, preparing himself for tougher opponents.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+30: (6)+30: 36. GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (15)+24: 39 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (20)+24: 44 (THREAT) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (1)+24: 25 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (19)+24: 43 (THREAT) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (6)+24: 30 (Confirmed) GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+8: (10)+8: 18 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+8: (7)+8: 15
Kol leans into the blows that hammer him, eyes half lidding with clear pleasure and obvious joy in his eyes. He moves quickly forward, trying to close distance with the warrior, but there's no opening so he skitters to the side instead and vanishes from view only to reappear before the doorway to the Soldier's Defense. "It is time. To join us." His green eyes bore into those that face him, but it's Azog he's really talking to. Azog that he holds his hand out to like one might hold a hand out to a dear friend. "You know you want to be free of the binds of morality that shackle you. My mistress has seen into your heart before. Join us. Let your strength be truly shown." The shadows bear down hard on the warrior, and more blood stains the streets.
Aftershock, Will save Azog! GAME: Azog rolls will: (10)+12: 22
Zapolklnex sees that whatever this is is STILL chasing him, so he decides to whirl around , trying to lead it back toward the more experienced veterans who can kill it.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2: (2)+7: 9 GAME: Lysos casts Shield. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15
Cryosanthia squints into the blinding sunlight, still dancing with her blade to fend off shadows. When the spots fade from her vision, she sees they're gone. Most of them. Some still claw at Azog, and down the way another one harries Zapolklnex.
"Zap! Run towards us. We need to help him." She tells her squad, moving in his direction, "And get away from Azog."
He's far, it will be a sprint. The sith-makar lopes off, signalling her companions to come with her. The Blessing of Fervor gives her extra speed. Glancing back, she sees the cloud cross Azog's eyes. "We really need to get away from Azog!"
Closing on Zapolklnex's shadow, she stabs with her rapier, and misses again.
It is the nature of hope to provide strength when times are their darkest, to lift us up... only to strand us in mid-air with nothing but the plummet to despair the look forward to. It is the latter Lysos sees, now, with the hope of survival, never mind victory, beind dashed at the new situation. The Azog Situation. She doesn't know the oruch... but he's big, and along with the Tree Lizard Man, he stood toe to toe with the vampire. Her face pales even further, almost losing her tsuran complexion completely, and she doesn't need to be told twice by Cryosanthia. "Ezil... come one!" she cries, then scrambles after the white Sith'makar, shoutting out, "Defendarius!" as she does so, flinging her hand out to summon her magic, invisible shield.
Ezil is a little heavier than the others he's with, and so he doesn't stop to attack. His mission is to contain the threat on Zapolklex, harhammer striking his shield to make noise, as he circles around the demon to box it in with Cryosanthia. "Hey! Over here!" not knowing if it will break lose of it's pray, but he's willing to try anything at this point. Plus, it gets him away from Azog. That's got him utterly confused.
GAME: Silmeria rolls sense motive: (8)+15: 23 GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+1+1+1+2: (9)+9+1+1+1+2: 23 GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+1+1+1+2: (14)+9+1+1+1+2: 28 GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+1+1+1+2-5: (16)+9+1+1+1+2+-5: 25 GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+1+1+1+4d6: (2)+1+1+1+(14): 19 GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+1+1+1+4d6: (2)+1+1+1+(12): 17 GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+1+1+1+4d6: (3)+1+1+1+(16): 22
Glancing over her shoulder at the tree that has lit up the day and the bulk of the demons, Silmeria gives Durrankar a nod of thanks, then turns back to the scuffle around Kol. A shift in the patterns of fighting causes her to narrow her eyes, and with another heavy sigh, she glances back at the tree. "And now I think I'll be needing *your* protection, Durrankar. He's gotten to Azog." Squaring her shoulders, she addresses her gun. "Mori: Protocol Override Code -- Svarshan Snack."
<<PROTOCOL OVERRIDE ACKNOWLEDGED -- THIRTY SECONDS UNTIL LIMITER REENGAGEMENT>>
"It'll have to do," Silmeria mutters. She takes aim, and lets fly.
Three times, thanks to the sacred magics lending her speed, does her gun erupt with a white cross of fire at its barrel. Three times, a single target jerks forward, pushed by the divine assault.
Aftershock says, "Okay Azog! Durrankar is standing right there all tree-y. Looks like a tasty treat for your weapon to smash into maybe. :3" <OOC> Aftershock says, "You REALLY want to kill somebody. And he's really the closest target." <OOC> Azog says, "Ahhhh. Sorry, Durr. ;.;" GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+37: (2)+37: 39 GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+32: (14)+32: 46 GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+27: (16)+27: 43 GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+22: (2)+22: 24 GAME: Azog rolls 1d10+22: (5)+22: 27 GAME: Azog rolls 1d10+22: (4)+22: 26 GAME: Azog rolls 1d10+22: (1)+22: 23
Azog turns, slowly at first, rage and despair filling his eyes as he fights it, but finally he begins attacking the tree that is Durrankar. Heavy blows from his sword send wood chips flying and bark scattering as his sword blows rain down upon his one-time ally as the oruch seems to have been turned to the side of evil.
Merek, Changing damage to acid. GAME: Merek casts Lightning Bolt/A1. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19 GAME: Merek rolls 8d6+8: (22)+8: 30 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+23: (19)+23: 42
Merek looks over to the party moving to protect Zapolklnex, then he shifts the wings to settle in front of the shadows, while he looks to Kol, then he lifts up a hand while he begins to chant, speaking to Azog, "Please don't let him control you! You can win!" He then calls a bolt of lightning from a hand which swings through the shadow into Kol as well. He does look to the shadow with a nod, while he spins an axe to the front as well. "Come on Kol, come on shadows." There's motion to the enemies while he nods. His hat shifts away while his scarf within the wind will shift in wave. He will take it all to protect the people!
With Azog going totally berserk on the nearest object....Durrankar runs the hell away from Azog......with a lot of bark cut off and a lot of sap dripping.
GAME: Sargon casts Thunderstomp. Caster Level: 5 DC: 11 GAME: Sargon rolls cmb+2+1: (11)+9+2+1: 23
Sargon's eyes widen as Azog the Unstoppable, Azog the Destroyer, Azog the Living Weapon...is turned against the enemies of Kol. Sargon shifts his stance uneasily, fists raised. He sizes up the newest enemy for some sign of weakness, of doubt. He sees none, but he doesn't want to fight his fellow Oruch. Instead Sargon flexes at the waist in a sudden wrenching movement, flexing his knees as well until his fist can punch the ground. A ripple of power shudders across the ground throwing up pebbles and causing a raising a faint trail of dirt in it's wake. But the trembling reaches Azog, surrounds him, and subsides without causing him to fall to the ground.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (4)+24: 28 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+24: (13)+24: 37 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+8: (7)+8: 15 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d6+8: (7)+8: 15
Kol slowly decends the stairs, watching Azog's every motion with wide happy eyes. He looks as excited as a child watching sweets being made as Durrankar is brutally attacked by his own ally. "Caught between pleasure and pain? Join us sith, and I will give you life. Or do not and he will give you death." Kol's offer rings in the air for Durrankar, a promise of what? The promise that Azog will destroy them all.
Zapolklnex looks between his chaser, and the people who are trying to kill these things. He knows he can't risk actually getting hit, so he's working hard to keep moving, grimacing in pain now and then, trying to get toward them, without getting in range of anything ELSE.
Cryosanthia, try to taunt and distract him off Durrankar with a Ray of Frost. GAME: Cryosanthia casts Ray of Frost. Caster Level: 1 DC: 13 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7: (3)+7: 10 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls bluff: (8)+7: 15 GAME: Lysos casts Color Spray. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+13: (4)+13: 17 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+9: (10)+9: 19
Cryo and the group have caught up with Zapolklnex, and taken up position around his shadow. The sith-makar keeps glancing at the situation developing with Durrankar and Azog, and now Kol. "I've got a horrible idea to distract them, but..."
Ezil interrupts her, "I've got this, do it."
Crysanthia nods, and turns, wriggling her hand through an arcane gesture, using the Blessing of Fervor to boost her cantrip. It'll reach Kol. Or it would, if she could point. The Ray of Frost passes across his vision. At the same time, she calls out very alluringly, "OOoooooh Kooooooool! Over Heeeeeerre! Just letting you know if you ever get tired of your Fae Queen, I'm Icy toooo! Next one on the lips, I promise!"
Kol is definitely distracted by the offer! Right now, Cryosanthia has his full attention.
Lysos keeps repeating something under her breath to herself, over and over. A mantra of some sort, perhaps, to keep her from completely flipping out. Or maybe it's a sign that she's already flipped and has gone a little bonkers. Desperation. While Cryo turns her attention to the vampire, Lysos fixes her gaze on the shadow creature chasing the shadow elf, grits her teeth, then flings her hand forward with a cry, "Razzle Dazzle!" A spray of colours that could only have been chosen by the sightless springs form her hand and into the creature's face and the air around it.
Silmeria, 5' step, keep Bane where it is switch Purity to Protection (+3 AC, +6 v crit confirm) put one bullet each in the demons. Azog, then Merek, then mine." GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+1+1+1+2: (12)+9+1+1+1+2: 26 GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+1+1+1+2: (20)+9+1+1+1+2: 34 (THREAT) GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+1+1+1+2-5: (2)+9+1+1+1+2+-5: 11 GAME: Silmeria rolls ranged+1+1+1+2: (11)+9+1+1+1+2: 25 GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d6+1+1+1+4d6: (4)+1+1+1+(15): 22 GAME: Silmeria rolls 1d8+1+1+1+4d6: (7)+1+1+1+(12): 22 GAME: Silmeria rolls 4d8+1+1+1+4d6: (11)+1+1+1+(9): 23
"DURRANKAR!" Silmeria cries out as she slides back enough to make her personal demon work for his meal. "The magic binding his mind is evil! He'll need magic to resist it, is there anything you can do?"
Once more her hands blur through their reloading trick, and of three shots, two land. But Merek's assailant is dead now, which means another jot of progress gained.
Ezil will take the +2 to hit, and +2 AC this round, and then +1 Bless. +2 for flanking slap Zapo's Shadow GAME: Ezil rolls weapon11+5: (20)+8+5: 33 (THREAT) GAME: Ezil rolls weapon11+5: (4)+8+5: 17 GAME: Ezil rolls damage11+1: aliased to 1D8+3+1: (5)+3+1: 9
Ezil had plotted this attack, shifting to take advantage of the flank. "I will finish up here!" calling to Cryo before his strike. The hooking swing of his warhammer finds a solid spot across the demon's head, but where he thought he would feel more give, the way the demon shifted at the last moment dampened what felt like an ending blow. A sneer crosses Ezil's features, shield brought before him as this fight seems to drag out still. "Damnit."
Azog says, "What is your bidding, my master?" Aftershock says, "Really you should probably go after Durrankar? Kol is nicely (was) penning him in for you." <OOC> Azog says, "OK. Move+attack." GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+39: (6)+39: 45 GAME: Azog rolls 1d10+22: (10)+22: 32
The dominated Azog lands another solid hit into the tree that is Durrankar.
Merek, Embracing Kol with his wings, drawing Azog's attention probably too then searing light him in the face while Cryo's distracted him. GAME: Merek casts Searing Light. Caster Level: 9 DC: 17 GAME: Merek rolls ranged+2: (16)+11+2: 29 GAME: Merek rolls 9d8: (33): 33 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+18: (2)+18: 20
Merek looks over to Cryosanthia and notices that she's speaking to Kol. He then looks to the situation with Azog, and nods to Durrankar, "You, flee!" Then he shifts those wings to an expanse, beginning to swing into Kol while he takes flight. Then he's coming upon the man. "Enough! You are taking, no more of my friends. You will NOT win, Kol!"
The man looks to Azog, and motions for him to target him instead, a nice target, assailing his master, worthy challenge. Then he swings his wings about the vampire while a bright light from the hand begins to coalesce right into the vampire's face, putting his all into it. "THIS IS FOR EVERYONE! EVERY VICTIM. EVERYONE KOL. FEEL THEIR FURY! FEEL THE DIVINE!" His wings even begin searing away a bit, this range being right up to the target. "KOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!"
Durrankar makes a hasty exit stage right! GAME: Azog rolls 1d20+37: (13)+37: 50 GAME: Azog rolls 1d10+22: (10)+22: 32
Durrankar changes form into a bird and tries to make a hasty retreat, with Azog hitting him one last time before the bleeding bird makes it to safety.
Sargon finds himself fortunately free of attack from shadows, vampires, or possessed adventurers and turns to run as well. There are some things that just speak to the instincts of a vampire. That go right past the mind and straight into the fight or flight response. A face full of sunlight is one of those things. In an instant the vampire is gone, and without him to command them the remaining shadows fade into nothingness leaving only a murderous, rampaging oruch to deal with. Which... in this instance is more than enough of a problem.
Sometimes it's just wisest to back up. Really that's all you can do as Azog seeks out his prey. Abandonded by his master Azog seeks that. Something to vent the chaos on. Fighting IS in his nature after all. At least until an expert or three is brought in to halt his deadly parade through Alexandria. A few well-placed spells put the warrior out of comission until a spell can be cast to free his mind, and then everything returns hesitantly to normal. Yet it seems a hollow victory in the sure knowledge that the vampire is still out there.
Merek would assist in bringing in an archon and emotion calm if need be. He does walk from the fight with Kol, whom fled from him (he's still amazed by that.) His wings are a bit seared, flickering embers shifting away from their frame, while he looks to people, and finds his friends, "You all are... Alright?"
"This one is fine." Cryosanthia says, sounding a little like her world has turned upside down. The demon shades where a shock, as was seeing Azog in action. Worst still was successfully drawing Kol's attention, that might come back to bite her, quite literally. Merek of course, is handling it all with aplomb even while still smoldering. "Yes, this one is fine. She needs to go have a relaxing time somewhere, this garden wasn't peaceful enough. Thanks for asking."
Lysos is not alright. Is very much not alright. When the fight is over, when the terror of running from Azog is done and the experts have subdued him, everything that kept her going is just gone. Dazed, or traumatized, it's all she could do to keep it together before eventually making it back to her rented room where she could be in the privacy of her own breakdown.
They are now shock pals! After shock pals.
Ezil doesn't really seem that shaken. He's immune to fear, or at least he has a handle on it, looking to Cryosanthia and Lysos with a furrowed brow. "I feel terrible for Azog, but that was tense." noting that scene of panic and chaos with a shake of his head. At least it's over. "Do I need to tend wounds?" looking from the girls near him to Merek. He's looking about, trying to figure out where they have wound up from the hectic battle.
Silmeria follows closely behind the runners, always looking over her shoulder until the warrior is finally subdued. Finally, she looses a long, long breath, moving up to Lysos and Cryosanthia and touching an arm each to try and get attention. "I know perhaps mine isn't the best faith to speak to, at the moment," she murmurs gently. "But I'd not feel I've done my duty without offering to speak, when you're ready to, if you feel it'd help."
Azog has been fuming and basically causing property damage indiscriminately until he can be magicked back to normal. He looks at the damage he'd caused, and frowns. "Thank you," he says after a thoughful pause to the people that saved him. "To you, and to whoever drove off the vampire. I clearly need magic mind protection as well." He looks around. "I am shamed, though I do not know what I might have done differently."
Cryo looks between Ezil and Silmeria, and seems to have found a kindred spirit in Lysos, in terms of being shocked and overwhelmed. She nods to their offers, definitely in need of some physical healing and her mental health might need some as well. "Lets... get somewhere else. And Azog... might need someone to talk to, too. This was... a lot."
The crowds disperse. The shadows grow long and deep. This time, the soft comforting shadows of the night. Relatively comforting, compared to the ones before.
Dramatis Personae
Silmeria
An unkempt mop of honey-blond hair tops this girl's head, spilling down just past her shoulders, framing a heart-shaped face, skin bronzed by the many miles spent traveling under the glare of the sun. Large, startlingly blue eyes gaze out at the world behind silver-rimmed spectacles, full lips quirked at the corners, as though to hint at some secret knowledge only she understands but finds amusing.
A priestly cassock of heavy black material covers her from neck to toes, and occasionally when she moves the sandy lace edging her cuffs pulls back just far enough to reveal fine, strong mithril chain sleeves. On the back of the robe, a pair of simple, stylized wings are picked out in gray embroidery. Thick, travelworn boots clomp heavily as she walks, occasionally shaking off the dust of miles trapped within cracks and crevices in the leather.
Around her waist sits a wide white leather belt, securing a slender pistol with a polished rosewood grip on her right hip, and on her back is secured a metal-rimmed wooden shield, the scales of Vardama carefully engraved in the center boss.
Sargon
Sargon is a sleekly muscular Oruch standing close to six and a half feet tall. His eyes are tawny and his hair is black and thick, cut far too short to be a proper mane and instead forming a rounded fringe on the top and back. Sargon's Oruch skin is deep green, but curiously his lower arms are bronze. Careful inspection would reveal they are actually covered in scales up to his forearms, ending in uneven lines below the elbows. The scales gleam dully like metal and yet are so tiny and malleable that they reveal every ripple in his forearms and every joint in his wrists and fingers.
He wears a rugged vest made of darkened cloth that leaves his arms and the middle of his torso exposed. It has no clasps or buttons - possibly meant to be shrugged off quickly were an enemy to catch hold of it in a fight. Sargon's lower body is wrapped in canvas leggings with reinforced patches over the knees. The ankles of his leggings are tucked securely into soft flexible boots that rise to mid-shin. A heavy leather wrap dotted with bronze stitches protects the palm and back of each of his hands.