What Does Not Die

You stand in a sleepy village just as ordinary as any other such village. They grow vegetables in their fields, have a few pigs and goats kept for food in lean times. It's a dreary, but not terribly unkind day tending toward the night, and most of those who had business out and about are headed home now. None of them seem terribly inclined to talk to outsiders.

You are here however with one very important purpose. This, is where there's been whispers of a cult. Hidden somewhere around here are those that worship fiends. It could be anyone. The kindly apple farmer. The weaver gathering her bundles of cloth and bandaging twine around them for the day. Or perhaps they are out in the woods somewhere, far from these villagers and their simple lives. There's no way of knowing.

Cults suck. Huian has never liked them. I mean a martial arts school could maybe be considered a small cult. But that's beside the point. The city girl who is Huian is not really all that familiar with life in small villages. But for the moment, she is merely observing and doing her level best to contribute to the investigation.

This shows up in the form of her being quiet and people-watching. That, and meditating with katas and the like.

Having heard of the possibility of a cult in the area, Ous had made his way in from camp. Dressed in his usual traveling clothes, the big Ranger had met up with some others on the journey. Now he stands with said group in the small village. Taking in the ambiance as he idly pulls the top off of an old beat up metal flask pulled from his left boot. The area around the ranger filling with the mixed scents of strong alcohol, green apples and cinnamon, he speaks idly before taking a drink. "Would be a nice village if t'weren't fer th' houses...an' a bunch of th' people. An tha' rooster. Aye'd keep an eye on tha' rooster. Seems ver' un-trsut-worthy."

GAME: Harkashan casts Light. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14

After a recent heads-up on recent discoveries, the prospect of looking into cult activity has Rune on-board relatively quickly. There's so much about the goings on that she simply doesn't understand, and that leads to a determination to find out.

With the dreary weather, Rune's hood is pulled up, hiding her half-sil ears from view as she walks not too far behind Huian and Ous, but the later's comments have her giving a very peculiar look at a certain rooster. "What's wrong with the rooster? I mean, I guess it's getting close to night so that is a little strange."

Rune sweeps her eyes over the area, keeping an eye out for anything non-rooster related that might be strange or unusual. Well, other than the group of Adventurers showing up all of a sudden.

Tlanexhuani is wary of people serving dark forces. The old bluescale is a bit too familiar with this. Who knows who might do this? It could be anyone. Still. "Is their village. Their home," he reminds to others as he moves with his crystal spear as walking stave. "Is rude to sspeak ill as visitors."

Harkashan is a bit tired when the group arrives at the dreary little town. It's already night, but there's a light constantly emanating from his position. Hung between the horns of the 'lava'-Mekari, is a rather sizable lavastone. One that has been worked more carefully than the others on his armor. From it, a soft pale light constantly emanates. The shift of the stone as he and his Warhorse move, ensure that the lava-like patterns on his body are constantly shifting and weaving. As if riding alongside a living lava-flow.

He lets out a little rumble of a look, as the team considers a rooster of all things. "I will leave you folk to ponder the flightless bird." As the horse proceeds onwards slowly.

All villages have their center. A market, a bar, a place of gathering where - after a rural community such as this is done with their hard labor - they come together as a community. That is the place he seeks. And once he finds it, dismounts and asks;

"Has anything out of the ordinary happened around here lately?" While scanning faces.

GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive: (19)+12: 31
GAME: Huian rolls perception: (8)+7: 15
GAME: Ous rolls perception: (6)+2: 8
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls perception: (4)+9: 13

Looking at Rune for a moment, Ous steps a bit closer to her as he points at the rooster. "Ye see how them feet are a weird bright yellow on th' rooster? An ye see how th' thing's beak be really pointy? And tha' wobbly comb-y thingy on it's head be bright Red like tha'?" As Ous speaks, he motions to the different points of interest on said rooster.

As Hark carries on, he adds. "Righ' behin ye Hot stuff." Tlan's comment gets a wink from Ous as he adds. "It's nice enough fer a village. Aye've brought them meat before. Aye jes' dinnae care for towns."

The town seems rather peaceful, even if the people themselves seem entirely uninterested in talking to Harkshan. In fact, one of the children tosses a rock at the sith-makar and has to be hurried away by their parent who offers a quick apology with resentment in their eyes.

One of the elders does in fact come up eventually however, as their presence sends those few remaining to their doors. "Whatever you're looking for - it isn't here. Go on. We don't want any of your ilk here."

GAME: Harkashan rolls Bluff: (14)+3: 17

While everyone else is investigating, Huian steps off to one side and finds a place to lean and observe. Yeah. Just watching. She's here as backup, and... dare say it, the little 5 foot 2 Jade Islander is also here as muscle. Laughable muscle, but muscle just the same. If and when a target is found or presented, that is when she will shine the most.

GAME: Rune rolls heal: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Rune rolls bluff: (20)+8: 28

Tlanexhuani does not rush out to speak to any, as they are visitors. Instead, he just watches. To him it is village, people's homes and lives. He isn't sure what to think of Ous' suspicion of the rooster. "Are guard birds, ssa? This one sees many keep them. Is good not anger..."

Nor the people, either. The dismissal and the rock-throwing prompt him to approach Harkshan. "Shaman, there iss nothing here. There are many other placess to search..."

GAME: Ous rolls intimidate: (4)+6: 10

As Ous steps closer, Rune leans in a bit, following the line of his finger towards the rooster in question. "Yeah?" She seems to be keenly paying attention to his examination of the suspicious creature in question. "So weird yellow feet, pointy beak, and wobbly red bits. Those are the definitive signs of an evil rooster?" It sounds like she completely believes the man's examination. "I'll be extra careful, then."

And that just so happens to lead Rune to walk a bit closer to the rooster in question, taking closer look at the barn yard. The half-sil leans slightly forward onto a fence and peers over at the animals. Squint. "What the..." Then, over her shoulder, she offers, "Hey Ous, you might be on to something."

Hopping over the fence into the pig pen, Rune some strange white objects out of the mud and muck. She offers them out to any who wish to examine them, "Do these look like teeth to you? And why exactly are they in with the pigs...?"

GAME: Ous rolls heal: (7)+10: 17

Harkashan has rocks thrown at him.

The Sith-makar seems to take it in stride. It takes some skill to read the subtle signs of sorrow and disappointment in his eyes. In fact, it's likely very few of those around him even know how to read a Sith-makar's more subtle draconic mannerisms.

But Tlanex might be able to tell, as he touches his shoulder. "Thank you, Kin, for your concern." He touches tails with Tlanex for a moment.

Still, he suppresses it, behind soft smiles to the parents who offer apologies. But that resentment they bear is easy to read...

As the Elder steps forwards, declaring that what they seek is not here, the Makari quiets a bit. In many ways, they do not truly know WHAT it is they seek yet. But he can see something in this elderly man. Fear. Deep fear. And fear is no doubt what brings him to lie. Origin, or Caused by the lie?

He motions his hand. "I have brought a great deal of powerful Adventurers with me. Please, I urge you to reconsider your words, and think on them for a moment. The Truth is Inevitable." The Deathsinger explains with the voice of a man who is softly chiding a child. "Think of your community, and what this will mean for them."

GAME: Harkashan rolls Diplomacy: (7)+11: 18

Jacob seems happy to be silent on this. He watches and waits for a long moment, staring ahead and watching his surroundings. People-watching was a favorite hobby of his. Though he notices Harkashan getting rocks thrown at him and he frowns deeply. "Forgive them, my friend. They know not what they do." He tells the Deathsinger, nodding slightly to the parent of the child who hurried them away.

"We are here to help sir. Please, heed my companions. We mean no harm, merely we wish to help any way we can. After we have finished, we will disturb you no more, you have my word."

Looking at Rune, Ous shakes his head. "Nae. Them's just normal rooster things. But they're feckin' creepy." Nodding to reaffirm his point, Ous continues walking after Harkashan. As Rune offers up teeth, Ous takes one and holds it up to the light. the frown deepening between wild mane of hair and thick beard.

Hearing Hark beseeching the village bosses, he adds. "An if ye tells us tae leave again, Aye won' be returning. Aye dinnae know what an Ilk be, but Aye knows an elk. Aye also knows that Aye brought 2 of th' bastards tae this village no 3 weeks ago. Didnae charge ye none for them either so's yer families wouldnae starve. Help or Aye'll no be bringing ye no more."

The old man leans in and glares at Harkashan. "I _am_." He says seriously, his eyes trailing after the child for a moment before looking at the sith-makar with slightly less hostility. "Look. Whatever you're looking for... it's probably out in the woods. So take your people and get out of here..."

In fact, he turns to go when he notices Rune over by the pens approaching the bulk of the party and he grunts at her sourly. "Those are animal teeth fool woman. Take your friends and go." He stiffly starts away again.

He gets no further than a few steps before Ous offers his telling words and the man turns stiffly toward the man. "Now we see your true colors. Threatening good families with starvation if you don't get the answers you like. Well we need no help from the likes of you. We've hunters of our own. Hunters that know how to bring what we need!" He spits in Ous' direction and storms off.

GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive: (7)+12: 19
GAME: Huian rolls sense motive: (14)+6: 20
GAME: Jacob rolls Sense Motive: (9)+8: 17
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls sense motive: (6)+2: 8
GAME: Rune rolls sense motive: (7)+8: 15

Lifting a single dark brow, Huian glances towards the others. "Did we threaten innocents?" she asks. Her first words spoken here... "I do not wish to be a part of such." she adds simply as her brown eyes narrow.

GAME: Harkashan casts Zone of Truth. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
GAME: Ous rolls sense motive: (18)+3: 21
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20: (2): 2

There's this deep rumbling and patient sound within Harkashan's chest when Jacob speaks of people not knowing what they do. "They do." He answers Jacob; "They know what they do, and they know why. Out of fear of the unknown. Both in the now, and in the future." His voice growly and his intonation a bit long-winded.

He then glances to Ous, as he interjects. "Ous, don't..." He begins, but Ous finishes his threat. There's a low rumbling growl of disapproval from the Sith-makar. Lifting a hand to Huian.

"Ous, friends, grab him." He bids to the Adventurers, as the Sith-makar slowly follows the old man. "I spoke truth, when I said the Truth is Inevitable. Now speak truth. Where are the threats of this place, and whom did those teeth belong to?" His hand reaching out to the old man, a pulse surrounding him.

"We do not speak to threaten," Tlanexhuani interjects. "Many apologies. Words are ... poor." The old smith returns the gesture to clasp Harkashan's shoulder. "Come. We should go." He looks to Ous after, then to the others, tail low and curling about one of his own ankles. "We not want angry words."

Inclining her head, Huian rests a hand on the grip of her sword. "Tlan. He speaks falsely. He seeks to deceive." she adds as she strides forward. She is not going to try to grapple. That'd be like a capuchin monkey trying to grapple a gorilla.

GAME: Jacob rolls CMB: (19)+5: 24

And that has Rune giving a laugh that certainly isn't befitting the situation. She clearly appreciates Ous' sense of humor. "I'll take a creepy rooster over some of the monsters that live in the Am'shere jungles." Just to make the point, however, she does point towards her eyes, then towards the rooster in an obvious 'I'm watching you' motion.

Once Ous takes the teeth, Rune clambers herself back over the fence, kicking a bit of mud off as she looks towards the very sour old man. "Riiight." She murmurs slowly. The rogue moves to stand a little closer to Huian, arms folded across her chest.

"I may very well be a fool, but not so much as you might think." She might not know what the teeth are all about, but she is /sure/ some of her allies do. "Question our friend here, I'll keep an eye out for other trouble coming our way." And Rune does just that, making sure that no one is coming to interfere, at least not yet.

Harkashan touches his hand over Tlanex, and gives him a kind smile. "The man speaks untruth. I do not seek angry words. Merely the truth, so we can protect these people, Kin." He notes. "I appreciate your worry." 'Lava' remarks, as he continues after the old man as Jacob means to grapple him.

Jacob looks at Harkashan with a soft nod to his features. "Some of them do. The children are too young to know any better." he counters him, before he turns his attention to the old man. As the old man tells them to leave, Jacob shakes his head. "I'm afraid you have lied to us, my friend. About everything."

Before Harkashan has the chance to finish his words, he swiftly reaches to grip the old man by his shoulder to keep him in place for Harkashan's spell.

"The Gods demand truth, my friend."

The man turns under Jacob's hand, bristling with fury. "I don't know!" He exclaims. He doesn't seem to expect the words that come out of his mouth and his eyes widen; his other hand rising to clasp over his mouth to stop any further excited utterances.

He doesn't know. "Hrrrm." A dead end then. The Sith-makar stares at the old man for a bit, and then remarks; "Why not simply say that? It is okay to not know." He remarks, before looking at Tlanex and Jacob on ideas on how to proceed.

"I could seek out sources of evil in town, but it'll take a bit." He explains. "But the Teeth that Rune and co found sounds like the Farmer of those Pigs would know -- or the pigs are at fault." He bids, trying to let the others take lead for a moment.

Looking back to the old man, he lifts his hand a bit. "Let him go. It is clear we will get nothing further out of him." His eyes looking almost sorrowful at the old man.

Tlanexhuani's tailtip twitches at Harkashan's words. "If his words false, could be fear, not evil." He turns back towards the village elder when Jacob closes upon and grabs the man. His eyes flick from the man to the Makari's own peers and back, then back to Harkashan. "Does he speak true? That he knows not?"

"Idiots!" The old man suddenly interjects, his hand falling so that he can jeer at the group. "How am I supposed to know exactly who those belong to?" His eyes widen further and he clamps his hand over his mouth again.

GAME: Huian rolls sense motive: (8)+6: 14

Watching all of this, Huian inclines her head. She spots a child and turns to approach. Her sword remains in its scabbard as she approaches and she offers a smile. "We are not to be feared young one." she offers, hands held out to demonstrate openness. "We will protect you if you can tell me what it is you are scared of."

GAME: Huian rolls diplomacy: (9)+10: 19

Well, that comment from the elder gives Tlanexhuani a bit more context. Maybe. Teeth in a pig pen do not mean that the pigs ate someone, or that the elder softskin even knows that they did if they did. The clamp of claws to face is something, though; the bluescale has witnessed this strange gesture in softskins before. He speaks to him again. "Is your village in danger? We would make it safe."

"You know, you're acting pretty stupid yourself, for someone who seems to like to call out everyone else for their idioicy." Rune just sighs at that, tugging slightly on the edge of her hood as she turns her blue eyes towards Ous. "So, if I'm understanding right, they may very well have fed someone to the pigs?" Her nose scrunches.

Since most of the party are focused on the old man, Rune lets her gaze follow Huian. Taking a few steps forward, the half-sil stays close enough that the martial artist isn't caught without some kind of back-up incase something more dire were to occur.

Looking at Rune for a moment, Ous looks back to the teeth and shrugs. "They're pretty damaged. Cannae tell if they're really human...but aye do know tha' a pack of pigs can strip a human body in under a half an hour down tae the teeth an th' hair." Pulling the flask once more, Ous taps it against his chin as he considers the situation. "Aye'd go an talk tae th' Pig farmer meself. he should know what's being fed tae his pigs."

Hearing Hark, Ous calls out to the Elder. "Ye lot been feeding people tae th' pigs?"

The old man nods furiously at Tlanexhuani's words, then quickly shakes it. But he does not lower his hand to reply verbally. His eyes are furious.

The boy looks up at Huian, blinking at her with sudden tears in his eyes. "Are you going to take mommy to the gaol?" His mommy, and in fact everyone else in the village has become conspicuously absent.

Ous' question draws the man's hand down a moment so he can scowl. "Of course n-yes!" He stomps his foot and glares around. "What's this strange magic you've put me under to say such things!"

Jacob keeps his hand firmly on the old man, even when instructed to release him, especially when the old man starts revealing accidental things. He raises a brow softly at the fellow. "Most likely, as a sacrifice." He comments to the old man, as if wondering if he'll let something slip again. He nods at Rune though, and when the old man reveals his knowledge, Jacob stares at the man.

"For what purpose did you feed them to the pigs? You are under the magic of truth - and you are compelled to do so, in the name of the Gods."

Lowering herself to one knee, Huian holds a hand out to the little boy, "I do not know your mommy. But I promise you that I am here to help. If I can help your mommy, I will. If she is causing harm to others, then I must stop her but... I will do my best to not let her come to harm."

She is not using lies but truth to try to reach the child, "Do you know who among the village is harming people?" she adds.

GAME: Ous rolls survival+1: (19)+8+1: 28
GAME: Harkashan rolls PErception: (13)+5: 18

Harkashan slowly crosses his arms, staring at the old man as he is under a barrage of questions, but his attention is drifting towards the people. So many of them have vacated the community area. No doubt feeling threatened. But there's something that's feeling off about this. Trying to get an idea if they are about to get trouble raining down upon them - and where they suddenly all moved off to.

Looking around for a moment, Ous sidles closer to the Elder. looking around in faux nonchalance, Ous says. "Say Aye were tae go to yon Barn o'er there where most o' th' town seems tae have gone all of a sudden. Would Aye find meself suddenly poked wit' a bunch of holes do ye think mister?"

Harkashan then hears Ous point out a barn, and that's when he spots some activity near a... well... Barn. "Rune." He motions for her, waiting for her to get close. He then whispers. "Take some folk and try to get closer to that barn there. See what's up over there. I'll be along soon."

The old man grunts and glares. "Then I will not talk!" He says squarely, eyes glittering with angry determination. He manages to not answer Jacob's question in this method of being quiet, but Ous draws his ire and thus he snarks back. "The barn is safe enough but it's more than meets the eye isn't it?" He laughs and then clamps his hand over his mouth again. "Dmnd spll." He mutters behind it.

The boy looks at Huian and blinks. "I dunno. I know that she meets her special friend in the barn though! I peeked once and saw her disappear! It must be magic!" He grins suddenly and then looks contrite. "I'm not old enough to go in there yet."

"Gaol?" Rune mouths the unfamiliar word. However, it does look like Huian has the situation with the child well in hand. Too many people would likely only make the child more nervous.

That's when Harkashan's motion catches her eye, crossing the steps closer to the lava-scaled Makari. With a nod, she looks towards the barn, "On it, big guy." So, with that instruction, Rune starts to quietly sneak up towards the barn, trying to listen for any conversation or scout for any signs of trouble within.

"The barn it is." Jacob tells the old man, frowning. "How many people are in the barn ready for a fight?" He asks the old man, turning his eyes towards Rune. "Be safe." He whispers to her when she passes. Though he turns his eyes towards the child, a raised brow.

GAME: Rune rolls stealth +2: (6)+10+2: 18

Looking up and over towards the others, Huian says simply, "You heard that, yes? I am going to gather and protect the children. I will join you in the barn as soon as I am able to."

That said, she looks towards the boy, "What is your name? Can you show me where the other children are so that I can keep them safe?"

Nodding to the Elder, Ous watches Rune go. nodding to the others, the Ranger moves to follow the rogue. Moving quietly as possible. He had a bad feeling about the barn that was more than a barn.

GAME: Ous rolls stealth: (7)+6: 13
GAME: Ous rolls stealth: (20)+6: 26
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (12)+13: 25
GAME: Ous rolls perception: (12)+2: 14

"He's clearly working with whatever is happening here. Jacob, tie him up for me?" He takes some rope from his bag and tosses it to the man, in case he needs it. "I'm going to join up with Rune and take the rest over there, in case she needs backup. When you have him tied, join us?" Harkashan isn't exactly the fastest, so Jacob can most likely catch up without trouble.

"I think we've got all the useful things we'll get out of him for now."

GAME: Harkashan casts Archon's Aura. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17

It takes Huian a while to gather up the kids. They're all in various different houses around town. She's still working on it by the time that Jacob, Harkashan, and Tlanexhuani can join the others in the barn. Rune and Jacob make an effective team sweeping the barn and being certain that there isn't anyone waiting in ambush in the barn. Searching it is fruitless on Jacob's part, but under the straw Rune finds a door laying built into the floor. It's largely inconspicuous, but telling in its location.

"Done."

Jacob drags the old coot to a post to tie him up. "I'm going to need you to stay here awhile, old man. We'll come back once we have the barn sorted out. I trust you'll be more cooperative next time, and magic will not be necessary. On your head be the consequences."

He starts to move then towards the barn, drawing his lance in preparation. He helps search the place out, looking around with a frown on his face. "I have a bad feeling about this." Just a general feeling of concern.

There are times when the quiet is just a little /too/ quiet. The rogue takes her time to try to make sure there isn't a trap waiting in the wings for them, but eventually she seems to step almost as if out of a nearby shadow (must be a trick of the eyes) and stops just over a spot on the floor.

Keeping quiet, Rune motions with one hand to try to get the attention of the party. Then she points downward. After that, she steps back, allowing everyone else room to take up positions.

Moving through the barn with Rune, Ous looks around, though he seem distracted. Blinking rapidly and shivering after a few moments, Ous grunts. "Weird. aye smelled toast there for a moment, an then Aye could have sworn Aye were Jacob." Looking around again, he grunts. "Sorry. Wha' were we doing?" As Rune motions towards the door, Ous moves forward and nods kneeling next to the door, waiting for others as he whispers. "Aye dinnae mind goin' first."

Tlanexhuani doesn't like the idea of anyone being tied up, but is off heading for the barn as the place of worry. The bronze-clad bluescale isn't exactly silent, especially walking with his spear-stave and hustling to catch and keep up. When Rune starts waving and pointing, he stops to look at her and then down where she points. He straightens up when Ous kneels, so he can look down over the man. "If open," he hisses quietly, "this one look inside."

For the next few minutes, Huian is -not- with the party. She is wandering with her newly recruited guardian apprentice, gathering the children of the village and taking them to a building as far from the indicated barn as possible. She does so with as few words as can be spoken. But she is earnest and helpful for the children.

GAME: Harkashan casts Bless. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
GAME: Harkashan casts Divine Favor. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15

When Harkashan arrives at the Barn, Ous and Rune have already scoped the place out and revealed the hidden door. The others are considering how to approach the matter.

"Rune, can you check if the entry is trapped at all?" Just in case. "After that, we just head inside. Best to just make it a group showing. It's a single entrance, so it's not like we'll go unnoticed."

GAME: Rune rolls perception+1: (16)+13+1: 30

To Rune's eyes the door does not in fact look trapped, so Tlanexhuani pokes his snout into the opening upon finding that it lifts easily. To his sensitive nose the path below smells heavily of soft-skins and dirt. As everyone heads inside it's quickly obvious that they are headed toward something. The sound of chanting grows louder and louder until the tunnel spills suddenly into a large area that must be below the town center. The space is filled with people in black robes, and in the center of them is a young woman with pale moon-lit skin and long black hair tied to what is clearly a sacrificial stone. One of the cultists is standing over her with a wicked-looking dagger.

"I'm not even a virgin!"

Asphodel's voice is muffled somewhat in the confines of the barn. If she could move or gesticulate, the impression from the tense, clenched muscles of her neck and stomach would indicate someone trying desperately to shift to the left. "Can't we talk about this?" Her eyes roll in frantic panic as she squirms on the stone.

"I bet your wife spends more time with the pigs than she does you." And she spits at the man with the dagger, satisfied with having found good final words. Final words, but a good parting shot!

GAME: Harkashan casts Forbid Action. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+4: (3)+4: 7

Chanting.

Chanting is rarely a good thing when it comes to the softskins.

It reminds him all too much of the Charneth. The Sith-makar's gaze turning dark. A frown heavily forming on his face. His blade drawn as lava-like light begins to flow from its central red spine. The Khopesh as wicked as the flow of lava that appears to come off of the Sith-makar himself.

Asphodel is making some attempts at argument about this whole being sacrificed thing, and the entire display before him reminds him of the same kind of vile rituals that gave birth to some of the most unfortunate Sith-makar victims in the war in Am'shere.

That fire within his stomach quickly burns up. Dark fumes coming from his nose and maw as he moves.

Rune has known Harkashan to be... a bit slow to action. But it seems that there are exceptions to that rule. This is one such situation, where he brings is hand forwards. A glimmer of lava-like 'shackles' looking to bind the man's hands as he tries to bring it down towards Asphodel.

"STOP!" He demands, his voice loud enough to echo within these chambers in a deafening manner. "Do not dare plunge that blade!"

GAME: Ous rolls Ranged+3: (2)+6+3: 11
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls ranged+1: (8)+4+1: 13

Moving in after Hark, Ous moves up beside the Sith. slipping a throwing axe from behind his back, he lets the weapon fly, wincing as his elbow locks mid throw, causing the axe to bounce harmlessly off the floor between himself and the man with the dagger. "Feckin' elbow!"

GAME: Jacob rolls Ranged: (8)+5: 13
GAME: Jacob rolls Ranged: (7)+5: 12
GAME: Jacob rolls Ranged: (5)+5: 10
GAME: Jacob casts Magic Stone. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14
GAME: Jacob rolls 2d6+2: (6)+2: 8

Directed by Rune, he looks down at the ground to see the door. He takes up a position, lifting his weapon over his shoulder as if ready to throw it as magic begins to swell in his hands. He was ready for a fight to the death, at any and all means.

"You could've sworn you were me?" He raises a brow at Ous for a moment. Before he looks back towards the door. He hears the sounds of chanting as he enters with everyone else. They find a woman with pale skin and long hair tied to a sacrificial stone.

"STOP!" Jacob howls his command to the cultists as he picks up some stones, charging them with magical energy and hurling them at the dagger cultist! Each stone burst in small explosions of mystical energy upon contact! "Covering!" He calls to Rune.

Tlanexhuani's eyes widen and he hustles forward to stand alongside the Death-Singer. "Move not!" he calls to the same one Harkashan commands, pointing his spear at him. A bit of spark jumps from his claws to the copper wire on the haft, spiraling up to glow the crystal briefly before it unleashes a small bolt of lightning. To impact the dirt at the dagger-wielder's feet.

GAME: Asphodel rolls escape artist: (11)+2: 13
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+1: (12)+1: 13
GAME: Ous rolls weapon11: (1)+9: 10 (EPIC FAIL)

Hearing Jacob, Ous nods as he calls back. "Aye did! It were odd! aye felt sober an' filled wit' religion an' Aye felt th' urge tae poke someone wit' a great big Pokin stick! No offense, but Aye didnae like it!"

Remembering that he was here to do a job, Ous charges forward. letting out a blood curdling scream, the ranger slides his hand along his belt, fingers catching the battle axe under the beared blade....and slips right past. The textbook swing at the attacker's neck completely ruined by the fact that there is no axe in hand. "HAAAAAAAaaaaa..a..a..a?"

GAME: Tlanexhuani activates his Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Str
GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (4)+3+3: 10

Tlanexhuani watches Ous and Rune dart in for the woman. He trusts they will be able to aid her, with others' aid. There is only the one exit, though, and many people chanting. A spark from his claw to chest gets the scales of his armor rippling and he draws his hammer as he steps back towards the way they entered. He doesn't know if the robed one there is truly vile; there was talk of a mother coming here. They could be forced here against their will in fear, so he does not strike first... but does not take his eyes from the one before him.

GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (18)+3+3: 24
GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+2: (8)+2: 10

"That is a little bit odd!" Jacob remarks to Ous, a chuckle leaving his lips as he summons a mystical weapon out of golden light near one of the cultists, gesturing with his hand as the glorious, radiant sword strikes the cultist across the chest with a fierce slash! The cultist isn't dead, but they're about to be if they do nothing!

"Help her!" He calls to Rune, before he looks at Tlanexhuani and Harkashan.

"They'll most likely try and block our escape..."

GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+1: (17)+1: 18
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+1: (14)+1: 15
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+1: (15)+1: 16
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9

The sounds of combat start around her, but Rune focuses on the task at hand. There's woman tied up and about to be sacrificed and right now she is very much still in danger. There is a swing of a blade, but it isn't from the cultist as one of Rune's short swords slashes into the bindings, "You're free. But I hope you've got some tricks up your sleeve, because things might get dicey in a minute."

Rune's eyes look around, taking in the large number of surrounding cultists. Gripping her swords, she grits her teeth, eyes narrowed, looking for anyone else who might decide to target the recently rescued Asphodel.

GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls fort: (14)+7: 21

The cultists move in a ragged sort of movement, most of them bodily throwing themselves at those that stand against them. Teeth gnash and most of them are... Changing. Shifting into wolf-headed beings.

The leader growls as he tries to bear the knife down but can not. "Help! I've been ensorcelled! Someone kill this woman!" Quick to answer his call one of the cultists takes the knife from him, but the blow does not manage to catch the woman on the stone table.

GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls weapon3+1: (7)+9+1: 17
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls damage3+1: aliased to 1d8+6+1: (2)+6+1: 9
GAME: Harkashan casts Prayer. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17

Well, -that- is not what Tlanexhuani expected. At all. Claws?! Teeth?! He is struck and blinks, then responds by swinging his hammer into the one attacking him. "What iss thiss?!"

GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+1: (13)+1: 14
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+1: (7)+1: 8

Harkashan hears Jacob call out about the escape route, and shifts his blade. "Then they will fall trying to stop us." The Sith-makar answers firmly. Not as a threat, not to boast, but in a matter-of-factly manner. The kind of way someone says 'I am going to buy bread'.

As he begins to sing. Those who have been around him enough, no doubt recognize it. That draconic deep rumble. That tremor in the air as a heat starts to radiate outwards from him. Subtle pale lines as Harkashan's Death Song begins...

Sorrowfully singing for his enemies.

"These people are under my protections." Smoke and fire practically billowing from his muzzle. This ritual thing really seems to have set him on edge. "Make peace with what you've tried to do here."

GAME: Huian rolls weapon9-3: (6)+9+-3: 12

Having done her bit for the kids, Huian comes spinning into the barn. Yes, she literally rolls off the door in a spin that places her into position near the cultist by the door. Her eyes widen as she sees the shapeshifting, and that is likely what has her aim off... her shock value. But her buckler on the left wrist to defend and help aim, she stabs forward with the slender bladed sword she uses... graceful yet inaccurate.

GAME: Asphodel casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14
GAME: Asphodel rolls 1d4+1: (2)+1: 3

Having seen the goings on in the center of the room, Huian calls out, "Make for the exit! Withdraw and make a bottleneck!" she suggests

GAME: Ous rolls weapon11+2: (7)+9+2: 18
GAME: Ous rolls weapon1+2: (2)+7+2: 11
GAME: Ous rolls damage11+2: aliased to 1d8+5+2: (3)+5+2: 10
GAME: Huian rolls perception: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Ous rolls perception: (14)+2: 16
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls perception: (11)+9: 20
GAME: Asphodel rolls perception: (10)+4: 14
GAME: Harkashan rolls Perception: (14)+5: 19
GAME: Jacob rolls Perception: (11)+5: 16
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (2)+13: 15
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls weapon3+2-1: (9)+9+2+-1: 19

Eyes going hard as Ous realizes he needs to get his head in the game, the ranger slips his axes free of his belt. Juking with the hand axe, he sinks the blade of his battle axe into his opponent's chest and grunts. "We does our own killin' ye dinnae order someone tae kill a defenseless woman tied tae a rock!" As the priest drops, and the room begins to smell of sulphur, Ous winces and calls out. "Aye think Aye may have done someat Inad...in...Aye may have done something bad of an oc-cult nature!"

GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls damage3+1+4: aliased to 1d8+6+1+4: (2)+6+1+4: 13

Tlanexhuani does not want to get clawed or bitten again. With it distracted some by Huian, he makes a mighty swing into the creature's side. The robes don't stop the crunching sound, but they make the results not so conspicuous. Aside from that it goes down.

The call for withdraw has him look back to the others. All are still standing, and some of the robed things are not.. but the cultists still outnumber them by twice. "Go out! We guard the way!"

GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (17)+3+3: 23
GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+2: (6)+2: 8
GAME: Jacob rolls weapon0: (12)+5: 17
GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+3: (1)+3: 4
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+1+1-2: (18)+8+1+1+-2: 26
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+1+1-2: (12)+8+1+1+-2: 20
GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7

Well, the woman clearly had some tricks up her sleeve as Rune had suggested. However, the sudden stench of sulfur leaves the half-elf coughing and lifting one arm to cover her nose. "That can't be good."

Calling out over her shoulder, "So... anyone have an idea how to deal with potentially triggered evil rituals?" Rune most certainly does not.

So, she just takes a step forward towards the closest of the transforming cultists and neatly stabs two daggers into the squishy parts while the individual still seems mid-shift.

The smell of sulfur is choking. It intensifies and the area above the stone table begins to darken as a shape takes form there. A horrible vaguely humanoid fiend steps forth, its claws cracking the table as it looks around with glowing red eyes. It's grotesque beard moves of its own volition. The cultists drop to their knees, offering ferverent prayers to their fiendish master.

"ON YOUR KNEES MORTALS." It's grating, oily voice is worse than the stench of sulfur in the air.

GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+7: (2)+7: 9
GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/Religion: (13)+5: 18

Jacob's lance strikes with ferocity and precision as the War Cleric maintains his work and creed, a gesture of his hand and that magic sword cleaves a cultist in twain! "It may be wiser to guard the way!" He calls out, before he turns his attention to what appears now. "Serriel guide us." Jacob's voice looks upon the humanoid fiend, weapon raised!

GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+3+1: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+3+1: (2)+5+-1+4+3+1: 14
GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+3+1: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+3+1: (18)+5+-1+4+3+1: 30
GAME: Harkashan rolls damage3+3: aliased to 1d8+1+3: (5)+1+3: 9

The scent of sulfur begins to enter the region, as blood begins to flow. Harkashan, not too familiar with demons, isn't so quick to make the connection. What he does understand, is a fiend appearing before Asphodel.

His dirge-like song continues as his blade begins to lift, taken into his hand, as he steps onto the altar. "Sorry, I don't speak your language." As he tries to hew into the fiend's back to test its strength.

Then, to Asphodel and the crew; "I do not yet know how powerful this fiend is. But it'll be more vulnerable to magic than my blade."

Things change in a blink at times. A demonic being shows up and Huian springs into motion. She runs forward on her toes, bouncing as she turns and spins, stopping herself with one foot up on the altar's side and her sword pointed at the demon. "Move." she says to Asphodel.

Asphodel need not be told anything twice. She's on her feet and running.

GAME: Ous rolls weapon11: (17)+9: 26
GAME: Ous rolls weapon1: (3)+7: 10
GAME: Ous rolls damage11: aliased to 1d8+5: (4)+5: 9

About to back away from the Altar, Ous pauses and sighs as his head drops slightly. There was a whole village of kids up there, and technically this was his mess. And then Hark is attacking the fiend as well. Grinning at the sith, Ous calls out. "This is a bad idea Har-ka-shan!" even as he speaks, the ranger swings at the fiend, the hand axe missing on it's swing as the Battle axe bites into a leg. "Tough bastard!"

GAME: Jacob rolls Knowledge/the planes: (5)+5: 10
GAME: Jacob casts Inflict Moderate Wounds. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15
GAME: Jacob rolls Weapon0+2: (4)+5+2: 11
GAME: Jacob rolls 2d8+4: (4)+4: 8

Realizing the cultists have not taken offensive action, Jacob looks upon the cultist and narrows his eyes. "Please, choose a better path." and he turns on his heel, sprinting across this strange room, and he leaps into the air towards the fiend! His hand reaches out to touch the creature as divine power flows through him like a conduit, causing harm upon the creature as he roars at it.

"Go back into the abyss from which you came."

GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 +1 +1 -2: (17)+8+1+1+-2: 25
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 +1 +1 -2: (9)+8+1+1+-2: 17
GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7
GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+8: (9)+8: 17

The appearance of the creature has Rune do one of those slow turns, looking over her shoulder with wide eyes. The cultist she had been fighting seems to no longer be putting up any kind of attack or defense, so there only seems to be their strange, other-worldly 'leader'. "Is... this a good idea?"

Rune has clearly never faced anything like this before. Not only that, but her weapons are sorely ill equipped for the job. Even so, with most all her friends joining the fight, the rogue steps up as well, slicing forward with her blades. "Uh, guys? I think this one's a bit tougher than the others."

As the blows fall the fiend glares at those attacking it with disdain. "FOOLISH MORTALS. YOUR ATTACKS ARE FEEBLE. FLEE FROM THIS PLACE OR DIE! STARTING WITH THIS _VERMIN_." With that the fiend attacks Jacob, it's claws finding little purchase on his armor, but it's a very near thing.

GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+1+3+2: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+1+3+2: (13)+5+-1+4+1+3+2: 27
GAME: Harkashan rolls damage3+3: aliased to 1d8+1+3: (7)+1+3: 11
GAME: Huian rolls weapon9-1: (20)+9+-1: 28 (THREAT)

"Even after a few decades of life, one still has bad ideas a plenty." Harkashan answers Ous. "But I fear that if we permit this being to survive, it may lead to far worse that a bad idea."

Still, Ous may be right. This fiend may be beyond their abilities to easily take down. Yet... to let a fiend get loose...

"Our attacks may be feeble. But we are many. Some of us may not have brought implements of magic, but you are not immortal, fiend." As his blade comes forth, trying to strike through its arms.

GAME: Huian rolls weapon9-1: (7)+9+-1: 15
GAME: Huian rolls damage9+3: aliased to 1d6+1+3: (4)+1+3: 8

It's apparently time to have a boot party on a demon. Huian circles around the altar, one hand gripping the upper edge to boost herself up onto it right on the corner. As she gets there, she is already thrusting her sword forward towards the face of the demon. Devil. Whatever. FIEND. She aims and strikes with flawless aim this time. Sure, it's tough but her sword -is- magic.

GAME: Asphodel casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14
GAME: Asphodel rolls 1d4: (2): 2
GAME: Ous rolls weapon11: (19)+9: 28
GAME: Ous rolls weapon1: (8)+7: 15
GAME: Ous rolls damage11+1: aliased to 1d8+5+1: (4)+5+1: 10

Laughing as Rune asks about this being a good idea, Ous doesn't look at her as he replies. "Nae! It's a shite idea! but there's babbies in th' village abov us, an' Aye ain't leavin' them tae die if Aye'm still breathin'! 'Sides, ye got anything else planned fr yer evenin'?" Nodding to Hark's words, Ous grins even wider before the fiend speaks. "Big Words! Aye dinnae even know th' meanin' o' feeble ye silly bitch!"

Axes still dancing in his hands, Ous strikes with the battle axe once again determined to cause death by 1000 cuts.

GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom+2: (15)+3+3+2: 23
GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+2: (4)+2: 6
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 +1 +1 +2 -2: (7)+8+1+1+2+-2: 17
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2 +1 +1 +2 -2: (10)+8+1+1+2+-2: 20
GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+2d6+1: (5)+(10)+1: 16
GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+2d6+1: (2)+(8)+1: 11
GAME: Huian rolls reflex: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Huian rolls reflex: (3)+7: 10
GAME: Ous rolls reflex: (11)+6: 17
GAME: Harkashan rolls reflex+1: (6)+2+1: 9
GAME: Rune rolls reflex: (19)+7: 26

"You will die because of us, hellfiend." Jacob spits acid at this monster, managing to just /barely/ bob and weave out of this things way, claws gliding against his armor. He pants from the effort, swinging his open hand as a brilliant sword sails through the air like a bolt of light, striking the fiend in the chest! But alas, he doesn't fel it. "It's tough!"

"Right, right." As strange as it sounds, Ous' response re-focuses Rune's efforts. She has a protective streak and the fact that there were scared children above who were at risk of harm from these people and ... whatever this thing is.

"Oh just shut the fuck up." What is it with villains and monologuing? With her friends and allies around, Rune is able to watch more carefully for openings in the enemy's defenses, finding a more vulnerable area where the flesh isn't quite so hard and resistant to her blades. It just takes the right application of speed and accuracy to put it to good use.

As Rune lays into the fiend, it suddenly... explodes. Fire and more flames roil forth and many take cover under the table for what little it provides. The cultists take this opportunity to flee as best they can. Tlanexhani tries to stop them, but he is quickly overwhelmed by their sheer numbers. As for the fiend... It leaves with one parting comment whispered into the minds of all present.

"YOU CAN NOT KILL WHAT DOES NOT DIE."

As the fiend explodes, Harkashan grimaces, staring at the area around him. Watching as the cultists flee. "Tlanex!" He calls out, but the poor Sith-makar is unable to hold them back. So, he stares at the ceiling of this place for a moment, as he motions his hand and sends out a pulse of healing energies to his allies.

"I'll remain here for a bit to Consecrate this area. It'll take me about a day." What with the long rest needed to get his spells back. "And to bury the bodies of those who have fallen today." Explaining what he will be doing.

"See if they fled and left that man in ropes. We may want him for questioning."

-End