Habololy Forum
Icefian Campaign => Reluctant Heroes => Topic started by: whitesword on December 13, 2012, 11:29:31 PM
-
Pick up right where we stopped.
-
Parker stares, stunned, in shock and utter horror at the spot where Uscis disappeared. He barely moves a muscle as the dragons corpse drives into the earth. For several seconds he just stands there. Then, his eyes seem to burn and his body seems to shale with an almost uncontrollable fury that slowly passes. Once he has himself under control, he walks down to the corpse and casts Detect Magic. Any items in or on the dragon he removes and puts in a pile. Once that is done, Parker will search the corpse for the largest undamaged scales and use his +2 Holy Bastard Sword to remove them. Those he places in a separate pile. Once all that is done Parker will set about determining what the items are.
-
Luigi.. still invisible flys over the group. You hear singing, and angry song.. that sounds more like a death metal rattle.. casts WISH!!! (Power through song.. cast 11 levels higher, 28th level wish (rollD20))
" I wish, I demand, that Uscis the Black Knight from another realm be brought back here"
-
The caster level doesn't matter on that, but the DC is important, using your Greatness Through Song, you will get the DC up to 19+ your wisdom Modifier and Intelligence modifier.
-
"I can Discern Location on Allanda, if you want Luigi."
cough cough
-
Rubius tends to the injured and administers healing potions.
-
"Unless Uscis appears, we should head back to the castle and be of what help we can."
-
"Unless Uscis appears, we should head back to the castle and be of what help we can."
Are you able to teleport us all?
-
Asinjin cannot, but Luigi indicated that he was able.
-
Uscis does not appear. From his position Luigi can see the red glow of fireballs and the sickly green of disintegration rays in the sky above the castle. All of you can hear the nearly continuous roar of the cannon.
-
After a few moments Elayu the celestial griffon streaks down into the College grounds. Nisoru is mounted upon his back. Both are covered in ichor. Nisoru says: "I saw the wyrm fall and the lone figure teleport away. Uscis left a dozen cornugan, invisible, patrolling the skies. Are we too late?"
Huthrim emerges and takes over dissecting the dragon from Parker.
-
"There is nothing left here except the stench of failure. We need to annihilate the body of the creature so that it is not brought back, and then return to the castle to be whatever help we can."
cough cough
Here is an interesting debate, I used my spells from yesterday, but had resting long enough to prepare new spells, but had not yet done so. So I can prepare spells, and cast a number that I had not yet cast today, correct?
Example, I used 2 8th yesterday, none today. But I have the ability to cast 3 in one day. I can prepare the three 8th level spells for today and then cast, since I have used none so far today.
-
"I saw the wyrm fall and the lone figure teleport away. Uscis left a dozen cornugan, invisible, patrolling the skies. Are we too late?"
"Uscis has fled, apparently with an imprisoned Allanda."
-
"Uscis has fled, apparently with an imprisoned Allanda."
Nisoru looks aghast at that statement. "We will find her. It is all but impossible to hide an imprisoned power."
How much time do you spend investigating the scene and or dissecting the dragon? Truly dismembering it is the work of hours. Huthrim shows no sign of leaving as he goes about the grim work.
The dragon has six items: a ring, an anklet, a crystal eye mounted in a gold sphere, an earring, a single iron scale embeded above its heart and a tail spike. None of them change size when you pile them up. It takes both Parker and Huthrim to remove the eye and lower it to the ground.
-
"I need to return to the castle in order to get my spellbooks and memorize spells."
"Are any of the items evil?" directed towards Ari.
"Parker, can you figure out what the items do?"
-
Nisoru looks aghast at that statement. "We will find her. It is all but impossible to hide an imprisoned power."
How much time do you spend investigating the scene and or dissecting the dragon? Truly dismembering it is the work of hours. Huthrim shows no sign of leaving as he goes about the grim work.
The dragon has six items: a ring, an anklet, a crystal eye mounted in a gold sphere, an earring, a single iron scale embeded above its heart and a tail spike. None of them change size when you pile them up. It takes both Parker and Huthrim to remove the eye and lower it to the ground.
Rubius will help load the special items into his and Parker's bags of holding. After that, he will go with the group to defend the castle.
-
Rubius will help load the special items into his and Parker's bags of holding. After that, he will go with the group to defend the castle.
Due to simultaneous posting with Asinjin, I retract my previous statement and revise it to this:
Rubius will help load the non-evil special items into his and Parker's bags of holding. After that, he will go with the group to defend the castle.
-
I will Detect Magic to get a school and power level on the items. Just in case one is a item of wishing.
"Nisoru, can you see any detail of what goes on at the castle?"
-
"I need to return to the castle in order to get my spellbooks and memorize spells."
"Are any of the items evil?" directed towards Ari.
"Parker, can you figure out what the items do?"
The tail spike is evil.
-
Bard-Like Knowledge (d20+12)check results in order: (a ring) 22, (an anklet) 31, (a crystal eye mounted in a gold sphere) 18, (an earring) 22, (a single iron scale embedded above its heart) 20, (a tail spike) 22.
-
Bard-Like Knowledge (d20+12)check results in order: (a ring) 22, (an anklet) 31, (a crystal eye mounted in a gold sphere) 18, (an earring) 22, (a single iron scale embedded above its heart) 20, (a tail spike) 22.
The anklet provides freedom of movement and increases speed for a period each day. No idea on the rest.
-
"Does anyone not have magical boots?"
-
"Does anyone not have magical boots?"
Note my comment that none change size.
Collectively the items weight several thousand pounds.
-
I will Detect Magic to get a school and power level on the items. Just in case one is a item of wishing.
"Nisoru, can you see any detail of what goes on at the castle?"
I don't have the power rules in front of me but they were all made by a 18th level caster.
Nisoru sends Elayu back aloft to get a view.
-
Schools of magic? The Freedom of Movement and Speed increase would be moderate.
Right, they didn't shrink. Since none of them will fit, not much need to go into detail for now.
-
Still need an answer on how long you remain at the scene.
-
I think the plan is to fit what we can into the bags of holding then head for the castle. If nothing fits, we leave it and go. Maybe Luigi can put a protective barrier up around the items like a force cage or prismatic sphere.
The problem is that Asinjin needs time to prepare spells since he still has several unused slots. Since we don't have that kind of time, we can leave Asinjin here at the college to prepare spells while we tend to the castle's defenses, or we can take our chances with what spells he has left. I'd rather not have him join us in battle unprepared and senselessly risk his life. I can always stay behind with him in case Usciis shows up. I may not be much of a match for him, but I can at least distract him long enough for Asinjin to escape if need be. You need his magic more than my bow.
-
"I need to return to the castle as soon as possible. I realized I don't have my spellbooks with me, they are at the castle."
-
I think the plan is to fit what we can into the bags of holding then head for the castle. If nothing fits, we leave it and go. Maybe Luigi can put a protective barrier up around the items like a force cage or prismatic sphere.
The problem is that Asinjin needs time to prepare spells since he still has several unused slots. Since we don't have that kind of time, we can leave Asinjin here at the college to prepare spells while we tend to the castle's defenses, or we can take our chances with what spells he has left. I'd rather not have him join us in battle unprepared and senselessly risk his life. I can always stay behind with him in case Usciis shows up. I may not be much of a match for him, but I can at least distract him long enough for Asinjin to escape if need be. You need his magic more than my bow.
Nisoru says: "My friend, that is very brave but, I hope, unnecessary. Even if Uscis wanted to return he would have to defend against the wards and protections of the grounds. I suspect he will take his victory and be content to have escaped."
-
The problem is that Asinjin needs time to prepare spells since he still has several unused slots. Since we don't have that kind of time, we can leave Asinjin here at the college to prepare spells while we tend to the castle's defenses, or we can take our chances with what spells he has left. I'd rather not have him join us in battle unprepared and senselessly risk his life. I can always stay behind with him in case Usciis shows up. I may not be much of a match for him, but I can at least distract him long enough for Asinjin to escape if need be. You need his magic more than my bow.
"It is very noble of you to say, and appreciated my friend. But I would not let you sacrifice yourself for me. You are a father and husband and have a long family life ahead of you." cough hack cough
"I, on the other hand, will likely not even live long enough to see all of the idiocy of this frigid nation removed."
-
"It is very noble of you to say, and appreciated my friend. But I would not let you sacrifice yourself for me. You are a father and husband and have a long family life ahead of you." cough hack cough
"I, on the other hand, will likely not even live long enough to see all of the idiocy of this frigid nation removed."
The first part earns a nod from Nisoru; the later a raised eyebrow.
-
Asinjin pauses, "I apologize, I should have said in this frigid nation, not of." and bows slightly. cough cough
-
Uscis does not appear. From his position Luigi can see the red glow of fireballs and the sickly green of disintegration rays in the sky above the castle. All of you can hear the nearly continuous roar of the cannon.
Can you do that again, Master Wonderword? Except this time, wish us to Uscis instead.
-
Here is an interesting debate, I used my spells from yesterday, but had resting long enough to prepare new spells, but had not yet done so. So I can prepare spells, and cast a number that I had not yet cast today, correct?
Correct. The spell slots have been recovered, but have not been filled yet.
-
Can you do that again, Master Wonderword? Except this time, wish us to Uscis instead.
"I would most appreciate if you waited until after I prepared to do that."
-
Can you do that again, Master Wonderword? Except this time, wish us to Uscis instead.
I can.. being that it didn't work one way, i'm not sure it would work the other.
-
I can wish us to him, but if we are attempt that, we need to act quickly.
-
In a flat, focused voice as he is working on the dragon, Parker says, "Asinjin will not go until he has had time to prepare. That will be an hour at least. Master Wonderword, I would not have you waste such a potent spell needlessly. I understand the need for haste, but charging after her before we are ready is foolhardy at best. Once we are prepared, you can use your spell to get us to Uscis."
After stuffing the dragon's items and some scales into his bag of holding, Parker will walk over to Ari and hit him with as many Cure Moderate Wounds from his wand as is needed to get him healed.
-
In a flat, focused voice as he is working on the dragon, Parker says, "Asinjin will not go until he has had time to prepare. That will be an hour at least. Master Wonderword, I would not have you waste such a potent spell needlessly. I understand the need for haste, but charging after her before we are ready is foolhardy at best. Once we are prepared, you can use your spell to get us to Uscis."
After stuffing the dragon's items and some scales into his bag of holding, Parker will walk over to Ari and hit him with as many Cure Moderate Wounds from his wand as is needed to get him healed.
The chances of this working decline rapidly. Very well Parker, when you are ready. Get some good hide for me, I need to build my magical arsenal up, as i predict my life will get more interesting.
-
"We need to find a way to annihilate the remaining parts. We know that the juggernaut can raise undead."
-
"We need to find a way to annihilate the remaining parts. We know that the juggernaut can raise undead."
Could we teleport the corpse to the cannons and destroy it with those? The gunmen could probably pulverize it into paste. If not that, is there a prayer available that one of the Clerics could use to prevent it from being raised?
-
"The remains are too heavy, and we cannot teleport on the College grounds."
-
In a flat, focused voice as he is working on the dragon, Parker says, "Asinjin will not go until he has had time to prepare. That will be an hour at least. Master Wonderword, I would not have you waste such a potent spell needlessly. I understand the need for haste, but charging after her before we are ready is foolhardy at best. Once we are prepared, you can use your spell to get us to Uscis."
After stuffing the dragon's items and some scales into his bag of holding, Parker will walk over to Ari and hit him with as many Cure Moderate Wounds from his wand as is needed to get him healed.
The weight of the dragon's items precludes you from moving them without magic and they far exceed the capacity of your bag(s) of holding.
Still looking for a total amount of time spent here. I need to know to accurately describe the situation at the castle. Just removing the dragon's items to the ground and carefully taking some scales and hide will take half an hour or more.
-
Nisoru's griffon should go up and report within two minutes of his arrival here.
-
The weight of the dragon's items precludes you from moving them without magic and they far exceed the capacity of your bag(s) of holding.
Still looking for a total amount of time spent here. I need to know to accurately describe the situation at the castle. Just removing the dragon's items to the ground and carefully taking some scales and hide will take half an hour or more.
Well, Huthrim could stay behind to dismantle the dragon. We need to stay here long enough to have Nisoru fly back to the castle, get a cleric to pray over the corpse to prevent it from being raised, then fly back to the college with said cleric. Once we accomplish that, we can exit the campus grounds and teleport back to the castle. However long that takes is how long we remain unless someone has a better suggestion.
-
Well, Huthrim could stay behind to dismantle the dragon. We need to stay here long enough to have Nisoru fly back to the castle, get a cleric to pray over the corpse to prevent it from being raised, then fly back to the college with said cleric. Once we accomplish that, we can exit the campus grounds and teleport back to the castle. However long that takes is how long we remain unless someone has a better suggestion.
Elayu returns in about five minutes and reports in perfect Celestial (It's not called Arborean, you know): "The castle is besieged. It appears as if the juggernaut destroyed a few of the guns and the doggedens are serving as living siege towers. The barbarians are climbing up their backs onto the battlements. The defenders are holding the walls well and the doggedens appear severely injured. The juggernaut is moving around, likely to assault the main gate, but it too appears to have sustained heavy damage. Aesculos and the knights are fighting the zombies and berserkers on the north flank and appear to be inflicting heavy casualties."
-
"Can we even get into the castle if we were to get there? It does not sound as if we could." cough
"Can you see if any are heading this way, towards the city?" cough
-
"Can we even get into the castle if we were to get there? It does not sound as if we could." cough
"Can you see if any are heading this way, towards the city?" cough
"There are several thousand barbarians with the juggernaut that could head this way but I cannot predict what they will do. It also appears to me that there are fewer troops in the field than what you reported from your reconnaissance so there may be a reserve."
-
"Luigi, do you have any spellbooks on you?"
cough
"Parker, do you carry yours? Are there any left in the college?"
-
Parker pulls his spellbook out of his bag of Holding. "It's not as extensive as yours, but you are welcome to use it."
-
Can you send me via some other form of messaging your spells?
Asinjin will prepare form Parker's book to start. "Hopefully there are some other spell books around here. Getting into the castle to get my spellbook seems unlikely based on that description."
Hack cough
-
"You are probably right. But, finding any might prove difficult."
-
"Ari, Master Wonderword, can either of you cast a Sending?"
-
Nisoru says: "I can cast a sending once. I will alert Lord Whiteknight that we will approach from the East. I can take Asinjin and Rubius on Elayu, or just Parker, and fly us back over the East wall. Can one of you take Lord Ari, Astrek and Parker?"
-
Ari and Asinjin can both fly right now.
-
Nisoru says: "I can cast a sending once. I will alert Lord Whiteknight that we will approach from the East. I can take Asinjin and Rubius on Elayu, or just Parker, and fly us back over the East wall. Can one of you take Lord Ari, Astrek and Parker?"
"I see the merit in your choice. However, I was thinking to Send to Master Itsawaru and tell him of Lady Alanda's situation. If that is not doable, then I will send Shank with a message once we get through to the city."
-
"I see the merit in your choice. However, I was thinking to Send to Master Itsawaru and tell him of Lady Alanda's situation. If that is not doable, then I will send Shank with a message once we get through to the city."
"Once we get inside the Castle we can contact anyone you wish but I would prefer not to be incinerated or disintegrated flying over the wall."
-
"I suggest we go soon. I can get in and prepare. You can do whatever you can, and I will join you when I'm more useful."
-
Alright, as it appears unlikely we will get our wrap up session in we need to proceed on the boards. However I still don't want to run you over so what I suggest is that you set goals and as best we can we will play them out over the next few weeks.
-
We need to get back to the castle. Ari and Asinjin can fly, so would Nisoru be able to take both Parker and Rubius? Rubius only weighs 50 lbs. and all his gear is in a bag of holding, so it wouldn't add any extra weight to Elayu's carrying capacity. Once there, Asinjin will head off to find spell books and prepare. The rest of us will meet with whoever is still alive and in charge and try to disable the Juggernaut.
-
Asinjin's plan is to get the the castle, study spells, help defeat the siege, then wait to see what shoe if any falls next before leaving for the winter.
-
We need to get back to the castle. Ari and Asinjin can fly, so would Nisoru be able to take both Parker and Rubius? Rubius only weighs 50 lbs. and all his gear is in a bag of holding, so it wouldn't add any extra weight to Elayu's carrying capacity. Once there, Asinjin will head off to find spell books and prepare. The rest of us will meet with whoever is still alive and in charge and try to disable the Juggernaut.
Elayu's ability to take Rubius is dependent on how much Parker weighs.
So Rubius' goal is to disable the juggernaut.
-
Asinjin's plan is to get the the castle, study spells, help defeat the siege, then wait to see what shoe if any falls next before leaving for the winter.
Defeat the siege is too broad. Juggernaut, fiends, berserkers, zombies, pick one or maybe two.
-
I will leave the zombies to Ajax and Ari.
I can do nothing against the juggernaut, although I will lend the scarab to the warrior I think best able to stop it.
My efforts will be around bottlenecking and stopping barbarians. I will have twinned Dolorous Motes (32 10x10 foot cubes, 3200 square feat of stall for 16 rounds) Willpower DC 30. I will also prepare Widened Transfixes (20 foot radius, anyone that enters DC30 Willpower or be paralyzed for 16 hours).
I imagine a Transfix can put an end to any barbarian effort to get through a gate or such.
I can also unleash a variety of holy lightning attacks on the fiends and undead if needed.
Here is the best I think, a purified greater call lightning. I can call down 16 5d12 lightning strikes on the fiends...yeah, that's it.
-
I will leave the zombies to Ajax and Ari.
I can do nothing against the juggernaut, although I will lend the scarab to the warrior I think best able to stop it.
My efforts will be around bottlenecking and stopping barbarians. I will have twinned Dolorous Motes (32 10x10 foot cubes, 3200 square feat of stall for 16 rounds) Willpower DC 30. I will also prepare Widened Transfixes (20 foot radius, anyone that enters DC30 Willpower or be paralyzed for 16 hours).
I imagine a Transfix can put an end to any barbarian effort to get through a gate or such.
I can also unleash a variety of holy lightning attacks on the fiends and undead if needed.
Here is the best I think, a purified greater call lightning. I can call down 16 5d12 lightning strikes on the fiends...yeah, that's it.
Are those spells you have to go memorize?
-
Dorolous Motes I have ready, the others I have to memorize.
-
Still waiting for Ari and Parker's goals.
-
Ari persistently suggests that the best course of action is to pursue Uscis.
Failing that, I will defer to the orders of the King once back in the castle.
-
Ari persistently suggests that the best course of action is to pursue Uscis.
Failing that, I will defer to the orders of the King once back in the castle.
Assume for the moment you are left to your own choices. What are your immediate goals? See Asinjin's post above for direction.
-
The Juggernaut.
-
Parker will go and defend the castle or barring that go get orders from Arion. He can be heard saying that the best way to rescue Allanda is with the kingdom's resources.
-
As you fly north over the city you can see the chaos all around the city and castle. A force of barbarians numbering perhaps three thousand are besieging the High King's gate with little success. Some of the wiser, or perhaps better lead, have scaled the walls and are sacking some of the great mansions that surround the promenade. Others are attacking the high temples with varying degrees of success. The temples of Tfop and Hemator are fully under attack while the temples of Stasis and Gnarion with their more militant followers seem to be repelling the attacks. The temple of Falan they appear to be avoiding entirely.
As you clear the walls of the city you can see the situation around the castle. One of the doggedens has been slain; it's ruined body slumped against the west wall. The other is clearly wounded but it is engaged with defenders near the southwest corner. Barbarians clamor up its back onto the walls but none seem to have made their way into the courtyard as the defenders cut them down as soon as they make their way clear of the great beast's protective reach.
The defenses continue to lash the assembled hordes with fireballs and occasional bursts of force along with catapult and cannon fire, though by now most of the enemy is inside the range of the conventional weapons. A barrage of spells erupts from the walls. Some are directed at the doggeden, others are sent into the massed force below.
The juggernaut is before the great southern gate. It appears to have sustained damage on all surfaces but it shows no sign of collapse. It is surrounded on all sides by thousands of zombies and taking cover behind it, safe from most of the castle's arsenal is the bulk of the barbarian force.
To the west flank of the juggernaut is the fiercest fighting. One hundred yards or more from it's massive rollers is a huge sphere of light with Ajax at its center. He and dozens of warriors, many of them Knights of the White Sword, are hacking their way through the ranks of zombies in an effort to reach the juggernaut. The zombies appear only to be delaying Ajax and the others. As Ajax holy aura envelops them most crumble into dust after only a few seconds.
On the east flank Damon and the giants and a force of gnomes and Icefian soldiers are likewise hacking and trampling their way closer to the construct. Many of the giants appear wounded, burned for the most part, but still moving forward. The source of their injuries becomes apparent as the juggernaut in turn unleashes a fireball of its own every few seconds at the castle, keeping the defenders away from the gate towers.
-
How long has the battle been raging this day?
-
How long has the battle been raging this day?
About an hour.
-
You clear the east wall and land on the battlements. There is a cheer from the defenders as word of Ari (and Astrek) and Nisoru's return spreads. Nisoru says: I am going to Arion. He is fighting the doggeden. He takes Parker and Rubius across the courtyard to the west wall. Luigi, seeing the other wizards seem to be concentrated there follows as well. As you cross the courtyard you can see that as many people as possible have crammed into the inner bailey around the palace and that the marks of several fireball detonations can be seen closer to the outer walls.
As they fly away Asinjin places his motes in a pattern sure to disrupt the barbarian advance. The motes are even more effective than usual as the barbarians have no regard for their fellows and those that are enchanted are trampled by those behind until each cube is filled with crushed berserkers.
Ari has a few moments to consider the juggernaut from the battlements. It is a terrifying sight, towering above the castle walls and crushing the frozen ground beneath its rollers. It is covered in blood and on the eighth tier you can see Minister Drayton, chained in place and seemingly mesmerized. Above him you can see the pulsing red ruby heart and you have no doubt it perceives the situation around it in some way.
As Elayu swoops down towards the battle on the west wall Nisoru leaps off and onto the doggeden's head, avoiding its lashing tongue. Standing before the beast's maw is Lord Whiteknight, slashing at its muzzle with his sunblade. Arion is surrounded by a huge globe of white light with Martine beside (sometimes before) him. They are fighting the elite of the berserkers as they clear the doggeden's back. Parker finds Thale, Thamolly and Russel, who are coordinating the magical assault on the horde.
Meanwhile, Asinjin is admitted to the palace where he finds thousands of children, most crying, being comforted by Lira, Queen Degala and the young queen in waiting of the south. Groups of jesters and bards, mostly students from the college are moving among the throng performing tricks, telling stories, singing and playing instruments. Asinjin is lead to a quiet room to memorize his missing spells.
Some specific input would be helpful at this point.
-
Asinjin can do little until he memorizes his spells.
I let my cat help comfort children.
-
How far away is the Juggernaut?
What tier is closest in elevation to the top of the castle's battlements?
-
The juggernaut is about 100 yards from the gate. It's seventh tier is equal to the walls and it's top is equal to the towers.
-
Parker grabs a messenger and tells him to find Itsuwaru if he is still around. If he can not be located, Parker gets a scroll of sending and will send him a message about Alanda. While Itsuwaru is being sought out, Parker will repair his clicker.
-
If anyone has one of those scarabs of golem destruction, I would like one. Rubius is considering climbing into the Juggernaut and trying to disrupt the spell on Minister Drayton then somehow deactivating the ruby heart.
-
Parker grabs a messenger and tells him to find Itsuwaru if he is still around. If he can not be located, Parker gets a scroll of sending and will send him a message about Alanda. While Itsuwaru is being sought out, Parker will repair his clicker.
You will not be able to get a sending to him until the immediate danger passes. Do you start working on the winder right there in the middle of the battle or do you go somewhere else?
-
You will not be able to get a sending to him until the immediate danger passes. Do you start working on the winder right there in the middle of the battle or do you go somewhere else?
I will find an out of the way building near the battle and work quickly. (I think i actually have a scroll of repair clicker from eons ago, but i have to check. Also my craft clicker check is pretty good).
-
I will find an out of the way building near the battle and work quickly. (I think i actually have a scroll of repair clicker from eons ago, but i have to check. Also my craft clicker check is pretty good).
You can go into the nearest tower and find an unused table or empty ammunition crate.
-
I'll do that
-
What classification is the winder? Lesser Clicker, CLicker, Greater Clicker, or Unique Clicker
-
If anyone has one of those scarabs of golem destruction, I would like one. Rubius is considering climbing into the Juggernaut and trying to disrupt the spell on Minister Drayton then somehow deactivating the ruby heart.
Rubius is currently on the west wall, where the doggeden is besieging the castle. If you want to rejoin Ari near the gate you will have to go all the way around (about 2.5 miles), get down to the courtyard and back up (difficult because the courtyard is packed to the point of bursting) or risk going the short way past the doggeden and berserkers. Unless you can fly.
-
Rubius is currently on the west wall, where the doggeden is besieging the castle. If you want to rejoin Ari near the gate you will have to go all the way around (about 2.5 miles), get down to the courtyard and back up (difficult because the courtyard is packed to the point of bursting) or risk going the short way past the doggeden and berserkers. Unless you can fly.
If Ari has the Golem bane scarabs, then that's where I go. I'm already invisible, so I'll activate the gaseous form ring and fly over to him. Once I get a scarab, I head for the heart of the Juggernaut.
-
What classification is the winder? Lesser Clicker, CLicker, Greater Clicker, or Unique Clicker
Any answer for this? Unless it is classified as a unique clicker, i use my quick fix ability to repair the Winder (I rolled a 24 on my check)
-
If Ari has the Golem bane scarabs, then that's where I go. I'm already invisible, so I'll activate the gaseous form ring and fly over to him. Once I get a scarab, I head for the heart of the Juggernaut.
The heart itself cannot be damaged, many have tried unsuccessfully since the last time this monstrosity was unleashed on Habololy. We can however, try to separate it from the Juggernaut. What holds the heart in place? How big is it?
Is Drayton wearing the headband that controls the Juggernaut?
-
Any answer for this? Unless it is classified as a unique clicker, i use my quick fix ability to repair the Winder (I rolled a 24 on my check)
Sorry, it's a greater clicker and you repair and reload it in two rounds.
-
The heart itself cannot be damaged, many have tried unsuccessfully since the last time this monstrosity was unleashed on Habololy. We can however, try to separate it from the Juggernaut. What holds the heart in place? How big is it?
Is Drayton wearing the headband that controls the Juggernaut?
The heart is slightly larger than a human head and rests at the pinnacle of the construct as you would find a gemstone set in a statue.
Drayton does have the headband but it appears to have been fused to some sort of crystal helm, which in turn is locked with a collar.
-
Is Asinjin back from studying yet?
-
When he is done, Parker will meet up with Ari and the rest and get caught up on the situation
-
Is Asinjin back from studying yet?
No, you just went into the palace.
-
When he is done, Parker will meet up with Ari and the rest and get caught up on the situation
Parker faces the same choices Rubius does as to how to get back to the main gate.
-
The heart is slightly larger than a human head and rests at the pinnacle of the construct as you would find a gemstone set in a statue.
Drayton does have the headband but it appears to have been fused to some sort of crystal helm, which in turn is locked with a collar.
Ari, perhaps we could try to remove the collar and helm from Drayton. If the heart is set like a gemstone, then we need to strike at the place setting. Maybe the golem bane scarab will loosen the heart from the setting. It's worth a shot at least. If not that, maybe we could knock out Drayton so whatever is controlling him loosens it's grip.
To DM: Is there any purple psionic ooze anywhere that Rubius can see?
-
Parker faces the same choices Rubius does as to how to get back to the main gate.
If he is still near the Doggeden fight, Parker will assist there. He will tell whoever seems to be in charge that he has spells and skills that can be put to use. How far away is it and those fighting it (Arion, nisoru, etc...)
-
If he is still near the Doggeden fight, Parker will assist there. He will tell whoever seems to be in charge that he has spells and skills that can be put to use. How far away is it and those fighting it (Arion, nisoru, etc...)
When you come back out of the tower you are about 250' from the fight
-
Since so many of you are online: put in some work!
-
Since so many of you are online: put in some work!
Waiting on a response on this:
To DM: Is there any purple psionic ooze anywhere that Rubius can see?
-
Waiting on a response on this:
To DM: Is there any purple psionic ooze anywhere that Rubius can see?
Sorry, I started a reply and got busy. The stone has a purplish sheen that does not look natural but you don't see any standing liquid.
-
Sorry, I started a reply and got busy. The stone has a purplish sheen that does not look natural but you don't see any standing liquid.
This may be a long shot, but since Rubius is now at the front gate, are there any shattered pieces of the gate lying around? If memory serves, some of the metal structures here at the castle are made of lead. I'd like to gather up as much of it as I can and stuff it into the bag of holding. I'm going to attempt to try to melt the metal over the stone to create a psionic barrier. Maybe it'll severe the mental link and/or reduce the potency of the Juggernaut.
-
When you come back out of the tower you are about 250' from the fight
Am I at ground level? or on the battlements? Knowing that will determine what Parker does next
-
This may be a long shot, but since Rubius is now at the front gate, are there any shattered pieces of the gate lying around? If memory serves, some of the metal structures here at the castle are made of lead. I'd like to gather up as much of it as I can and stuff it into the bag of holding. I'm going to attempt to try to melt the metal over the stone to create a psionic barrier. Maybe it'll severe the mental link and/or reduce the potency of the Juggernaut.
The juggernaut is still over 100 yards from the gate. The gate remains intact. The lead is inside the walls, which are also intact.
-
Am I at ground level? or on the battlements? Knowing that will determine what Parker does next
You are on the battlements with the wizards.
-
You are on the battlements with the wizards.
If there are any other spell casters around, I will ask if they can cast Fly or something similar on me. If there is not one around, Parker will look for a way down to the battlefield itself. If there is no easy way, then he will tie off a rope and scale down the outer battlement wall, grabbing a guardsman before he goes and instructing him to cut the line once he has made it to the ground.
-
If there are any other spell casters around, I will ask if they can cast Fly or something similar on me. If there is not one around, Parker will look for a way down to the battlefield itself. If there is no easy way, then he will tie off a rope and scale down the outer battlement wall, grabbing a guardsman before he goes and instructing him to cut the line once he has made it to the ground.
Russel casts a Fly spell on you.
-
Russel casts a Fly spell on you.
Holy shit... did RUSSEL just appear.. omg omg omg omg omg omg
-
"Thank you Russell. I should tell you that this battle was a feint. Uscis and the winged worm were after Lady Allanda. The wyrm is no more, but Uscis escaped with Lady Allanda. He had trapped her in some way. Someone needs to tell Master Itsuwaru. He may not be able to help us, but he damn sure can help her."
With that, Parker casts Greaater Invisibility on himself and flies out to join the fight with the Doggeden. Does it look like it's on its last legs? or does it still look in pretty good shape?
-
"Thank you Russell. I should tell you that this battle was a feint. Uscis and the winged worm were after Lady Allanda. The wyrm is no more, but Uscis escaped with Lady Allanda. He had trapped her in some way. Someone needs to tell Master Itsuwaru. He may not be able to help us, but he damn sure can help her."
With that, Parker casts Greaater Invisibility on himself and flies out to join the fight with the Doggeden. Does it look like it's on its last legs? or does it still look in pretty good shape?
"That is very worrisome. Allanda has formidable defenses and I doubt Uscis has the power to destroy her but I would not have thought him capable of taking her prisoner either. I will go and . . . watch, the events after the battle. It's so refreshing to speak with someone with a severed lifeline and not have to shut out their future all the time . . ." at which point you have flown off.
You have three options for attacking the doggeden. In the front is Lord Whiteknight and various knights and soldiers. On its back is Nisoru. The berserkers are avoiding him. It's left side is closest to you but you would have to fly off the wall and would be alone.
-
Somewhere, Asinjin twitches.
-
Can someone refresh my memory on how the Juggernaut is controlled? I know we got a run down from Delaque (I think).
Commanded through the headgear, which Drayton altered to be a psionic item. Who then is controlling Drayton?
Or maybe he's been enchanted to think he is attacking the scaled elves?
Does he appear to be moving or is he catatonic?
The Juggernaut has free will, if I recall, so if someone loses control does that mean it is free to act on it's own?
I'm very tempted to put 5 arrows into Drayton's chest. That might be the most karmicly-balanced way to stop the war altar.
-
Can someone refresh my memory on how the Juggernaut is controlled? I know we got a run down from Delaque (I think).
Commanded through the headgear, which Drayton altered to be a psionic item. Who then is controlling Drayton?
Or maybe he's been enchanted to think he is attacking the scaled elves?
Does he appear to be moving or is he catatonic?
The Juggernaut has free will, if I recall, so if someone loses control does that mean it is free to act on it's own?
I'm very tempted to put 5 arrows into Drayton's chest. That might be the most karmicly-balanced way to stop the war altar.
Your right on target. Drayton created an item to control the construct, which is why the "stone" is made with the ooze. He appears catatonic. The Heart has has a will and you don't know how it was controlled or if it was a willing participant in the assault on the Guardian Temple.
-
"That is very worrisome. Allanda has formidable defenses and I doubt Uscis has the power to destroy her but I would not have thought him capable of taking her prisoner either. I will go and . . . watch, the events after the battle. It's so refreshing to speak with someone with a severed lifeline and not have to shut out their future all the time . . ." at which point you have flown off.
You have three options for attacking the doggeden. In the front is Lord Whiteknight and various knights and soldiers. On its back is Nisoru. The berserkers are avoiding him. It's left side is closest to you but you would have to fly off the wall and would be alone.
All right then, Parker will land on its back with Nisoru, letting Nisoru know that he is there and to not attack him, and ask him how we kill this thing. Then Parker will sneak attack [the doggeden] with the Holy Longsword
-
All right then, Parker will land on its back with Nisoru, letting Nisoru know that he is there and to not attack him, and ask him how we kill this thing. Then Parker will sneak attack [the doggeden] with the Holy Longsword
Nisoru says: "This accursed thing is regenerating as fast as we wound it. Only our holy weapons appear to be having full effect."
-
Nisoru says: "This accursed thing is regenerating as fast as we wound it. Only our holy weapons appear to be having full effect."
"The Castles canons have no effect on it?? That is terrifying."
-
"The Castles canons have no effect on it?? That is terrifying."
"Yes, it must have some sort of spell against projectiles. The other one went down far more easily."
-
"Yes, it must have some sort of spell against projectiles. The other one went down far more easily."
Parker thinks for a moment, then says, "Meh, what's the worst that could happen." Then he casts Dispel Magic on the Doggeden.
-
Parker thinks for a moment, then says, "Meh, what's the worst that could happen." Then he casts Dispel Magic on the Doggeden.
Ok. You can test to see if it works.
-
Ok. Parker will quick Draw the Winder and shoot twice
-
Ok. Parker will quick Draw the Winder and shoot twice
(Using the first roll from the long chain you sent) The shot just bounces off.
-
(Using the first roll from the long chain you sent) The shot just bounces off.
"Didn't really think that would work anyway." Did Parker do any damage at all with his Holy Sword? If not then he is going to do something else while he is still invisible and flying.
-
"Didn't really think that would work anyway." Did Parker do any damage at all with his Holy Sword? If not then he is going to do something else while he is still invisible and flying.
Sorry, I thought the dispel and shot were substituted.
You stab the beast mightily and it rears in pain. It then sweeps its barbed tail across its back. (Again using the chain you sent you easily make your reflex save.)
-
Sorry, I thought the dispel and shot were substituted.
You stab the beast mightily and it rears in pain. It then sweeps its barbed tail across its back. (Again using the chain you sent you easily make your reflex save.)
Then I'll keep attacking with the Holy Sword
-
Parker continues fighting the doggeden. Ari and Rubius?
-
Parker continues fighting the doggeden. Ari and Rubius?
Just for the record, this is one of the most horrifying scenes in Habololian history. This is some serious New Testament "Revelation" stuff. Now that I got that out of my system...
Rubius is going to make his way over to where Drayton is. I'm going to try to knock him out with subdual damage.
-
Just for the record, this is one of the most horrifying scenes in Habololian history. This is some serious New Testament "Revelation" stuff. Now that I got that out of my system...
Rubius is going to make his way over to where Drayton is. I'm going to try to knock him out with subdual damage.
I agree, watching Parker use a sword is pretty terrible.
Assuming you fly to the juggernaut make a Reflex save and a Will save.
-
I agree, watching Parker use a sword is pretty terrible.
Assuming you fly to the juggernaut make a Reflex save and a Will save.
Reflex = 35
Will = 38
-
Reflex = 35
Will = 38
You avoid a massive fireball and fight your way through some sort of imposed reluctance to land on the construct. Drayton is imprisoned before you and appears comatose.
-
You avoid a massive fireball and fight your way through some sort of imposed reluctance to land on the construct. Drayton is imprisoned before you and appears comatose.
OK, I'll re-materialize from the gaseous form, remain invisible, then wail away with the Short Sword of Stealth. I'll hit with the flat of the blade to do subdual damage. I'll message you with stats.
-
Parker continues fighting the doggeden. Ari and Rubius?
Ari is going after the heart.
-
Ari is going after the heart.
How do you get over there?
-
Asinjin's fly spell still active?
-
Asinjin's fly spell still active?
No, it was only a minute a level.
-
Can I get out the gate?
Are there any demons on the battlefield?
-
Can I get out the gate?
Are there any demons on the battlefield?
You cannot get out the gate. You will have to fly, jump or scale down. You don't see any fiends in your field of view but the juggernaut blocks line of sight to a large mass of troops at this point.
-
Rubius is curious if what he's been doing to Drayton is having any effect.
-
Rubius is curious if what he's been doing to Drayton is having any effect.
You appear to be injuring him but it has not stopped the juggernaut.
-
You appear to be injuring him but it has not stopped the juggernaut.
I keep at it until he's out cold. After that, I'll work on the Juggernaut.
-
I keep at it until he's out cold. After that, I'll work on the Juggernaut.
He has appeared comatose from the beginning. He shows no sign of change other than bleeding and bruising.
-
He has appeared comatose from the beginning. He shows no sign of change other than bleeding and bruising.
I step away from Drayton and pull out the holy mighty composite longbow. I plunk three +3 arrows directly into the heart. +27/+22/+17 (+29/+24/+19 if invisibility matters) for 1d6+11 (19-20x3 crit) + 2d6 holy + 2d6 sneak attack (if applicable) for each arrow.
I add the disclaimer that if I see the first arrow bounce off, or magically appear in Drayton's chest, or summon a demon, or any other such nonsense, I hold back the other two arrows. If it appears to pierce it, I let loose.
-
I step away from Drayton and pull out the holy mighty composite longbow. I plunk three +3 arrows directly into the heart. +27/+22/+17 (+29/+24/+19 if invisibility matters) for 1d6+11 (19-20x3 crit) + 2d6 holy + 2d6 sneak attack (if applicable) for each arrow.
I add the disclaimer that if I see the first arrow bounce off, or magically appear in Drayton's chest, or summon a demon, or any other such nonsense, I hold back the other two arrows. If it appears to pierce it, I let loose.
The first arrow bounces off and provokes an angry red flash. You instantly feel a mental presence. Roll a Will save.
-
The first arrow bounces off and provokes an angry red flash. You instantly feel a mental presence. Roll a Will save.
40
-
Rubius invokes the "Eenie, Meenie, Mine, Moe..." ability and asks the question out loud to himself:
"Now how in Habastly's name am I supposed to stop this thing? Where exactly on this contraption is the weakness of this heart?"
With that, he begins to search around the heart for anything that appears to be fueling it such as psionic ooze, magic items, clickers, etc.
-
Rubius invokes the "Eenie, Meenie, Mine, Moe..." ability and asks the question out loud to himself:
"Now how in Habastly's name am I supposed to stop this thing? Where exactly on this contraption is the weakness of this heart?"
With that, he begins to search around the heart for anything that appears to be fueling it such as psionic ooze, magic items, clickers, etc.
Since I will miss the next two Wizards sessions I will try to get my fix by prodding you to wrap this up. (Asinjin still has 55 min to go)
Malchia gets no help from his ability to this point. As far as you can find there are no tubes or pipes. It appears to be a true construct, not a clicker.
-
Since I will miss the next two Wizards sessions I will try to get my fix by prodding you to wrap this up. (Asinjin still has 55 min to go)
Malchia gets no help from his ability to this point. As far as you can find there are no tubes or pipes. It appears to be a true construct, not a clicker.
Ari, did you ever give Rubius a golem bane scarab? If so, I'm going to use it now. If not, I'm going to continue to use the flat of the blade on Drayton.
-
Parker shouts to Nisoru over the din of battle, "You think you can handle this thing now? My skills can probably be better put to use elsewhere."
-
Parker shouts to Nisoru over the din of battle, "You think you can handle this thing now? My skills can probably be better put to use elsewhere."
He shouts in return: "Yes, it appears to be faltering."
-
He shouts in return: "Yes, it appears to be faltering."
"Good. Carry on then. Just save me a tusk or something."
Parker will fly (still invisible, unless it has work off, in which case he'll cast another Invisibity spell on himself) over to where Minister Drayton is shackled and inspect the mechanism that is keeping the crown locked onto his head.
-
"Good. Carry on then. Just save me a tusk or something."
Parker will fly (still invisible, unless it has work off, in which case he'll cast another Invisibity spell on himself) over to where Minister Drayton is shackled and inspect the mechanism that is keeping the crown locked onto his head.
The battlements have an invisibility purge and you're pretty sure the doggeden can detect you if you get anywhere near it so you have to pick your poison.
-
The battlements have an invisibility purge and you're pretty sure the doggeden can detect you if you get anywhere near it so you have to pick your poison.
Avoid the Doggeden, away from the battlements, over to the rolling 9-agon, invisible as soon as I am out of range of the invisibility purge range.
-
Avoid the Doggeden, away from the battlements, over to the rolling 9-agon, invisible as soon as I am out of range of the invisibility purge range.
Make a reflex and a will save. The will save is fear based.
-
Make a reflex and a will save. The will save is fear based.
Reflex:
Parker : rolling 1d20+18
(8)+18 = 26
Will:
rolling 1d20+12-2
(9)+12-2 = 19
-
Reflex:
Parker : rolling 1d20+18
(8)+18 = 26
Will:
rolling 1d20+12-2
(9)+12-2 = 19
You easily evade a fireball but when you approach within 150 feet of the construct you stop dead in your tracks, unwilling to face the terrifying presence contained within the Heart.
-
You easily evade a fireball but when you approach within 150 feet of the construct you stop dead in your tracks, unwilling to face the terrifying presence contained within the Heart.
Can I see Rubius flailing away at the Minister? If so, I call out to him to try and remove the crown instead.
-
Can I see Rubius flailing away at the Minister? If so, I call out to him to try and remove the crown instead.
You see Drayton's body move when struck but Rubius is invisible. You figure out pretty quickly he is there.
-
Can I see Rubius flailing away at the Minister? If so, I call out to him to try and remove the crown instead.
If Rubius hears Parker, he'll cease the subdual attack and attempt to remove the crown.
-
If Rubius hears Parker, he'll cease the subdual attack and attempt to remove the crown.
Rubius looks to see how the crown is connected both to Drayton's head and back to the Juggernaut. I try to find a mutual connection like an umbilical cord (if there is one) and cut it with the holy sword.
-
The heart is slightly larger than a human head and rests at the pinnacle of the construct as you would find a gemstone set in a statue.
Drayton does have the headband but it appears to have been fused to some sort of crystal helm, which in turn is locked with a collar.
Drayton is chained around his neck, waist, ankles and wrists. The chains are all anchored into the construct itself, not a plate or ring. The chains that lead to his wrists you can hack through in a few minutes. The others are very thick and it will take considerable time if at all to break them. All are welded closed, not locked.
Other than the chains nothing links him or the headgear to the construct.
-
Drayton is chained around his neck, waist, ankles and wrists. The chains are all anchored into the construct itself, not a plate or ring. The chains that lead to his wrists you can hack through in a few minutes. The others are very thick and it will take considerable time if at all to break them. All are welded closed, not locked.
Other than the chains nothing links him or the headgear to the construct.
I examine the crystal helm locked with the collar. Rubius will try his luck at trying to disable or unlock it. What should I roll: Open Lock, Disable Device, Use Magical Device?
-
I examine the crystal helm locked with the collar. Rubius will try his luck at trying to disable or unlock it. What should I roll: Open Lock, Disable Device, Use Magical Device?
You can roll a reflex save with your trap sense bonus. You can then roll a Disable Device check.
-
You cannot get out the gate. You will have to fly, jump or scale down. You don't see any fiends in your field of view but the juggernaut blocks line of sight to a large mass of troops at this point.
How high are the castle walls?
And what's on the ground in between me and the Juggernaut?
-
You can roll a reflex save with your trap sense bonus. You can then roll a Disable Device check.
Reflex = 33
DD = 27 + 5 (Better Lucky Than Skilled) = 32
-
How high are the castle walls?
And what's on the ground in between me and the Juggernaut?
The walkway on top of the walls are right at 60', with battlements another 10'. There is nothing on the ground immediately beneath you but there is a zombie horde immediately surrounding the juggernaut on the front and both sides. The barbarians are behind.
-
Reflex = 33
DD = 27 + 5 (Better Lucky Than Skilled) = 32
You easily evade a fiery ray but you cannot disable the mechanism that locks the helm in place. You think you will need a dispel magic to have any chance.
-
You easily evade a fiery ray but you cannot disable the mechanism that locks the helm in place. You think you will need a dispel magic to have any chance.
...OK, I guess I'll work on the chains until I get a spell caster over here.
-
...OK, I guess I'll work on the chains until I get a spell caster over here.
Do you take steps to get a spell caster to you?
-
Do you take steps to get a spell caster to you?
I look around to try and find one nearby that's still alive.
Spot = 23
-
I look around to try and find one nearby that's still alive.
Spot = 23
The only wizards you have seen are on the west wall fighting the doggeden and the barbarians scaling the wall.
-
The only wizards you have seen are on the west wall fighting the doggeden and the barbarians scaling the wall.
I'll turn to mist while remaining invisible and fly over to a wizard closest to my location.
-
I'll turn to mist while remaining invisible and fly over to a wizard closest to my location.
Ok. That will take a few minutes so we will see if Parker and Ari have anything to do in the interim.
-
Ok. That will take a few minutes so we will see if Parker and Ari have anything to do in the interim.
Let me know when I get to a wizard.
-
Still awaiting Ari and Parker's next moves. Your last posts are on page 11.
-
I give Astrek a "climb walls" potion (+20 climb), saddle up, and hang on for dear life as a 1 ton celestial badger scales down a 70 ft wall. Once on the ground I have Astrek start tunneling towards the Juggernaut to avoid the horde. I engage anything that approaches.
-
I give Astrek a "climb walls" potion (+20 climb), saddle up, and hang on for dear life as a 1 ton celestial badger scales down a 70 ft wall. Once on the ground I have Astrek start tunneling towards the Juggernaut to avoid the horde. I engage anything that approaches.
Astrek thinks you are calling him fat. He climbs and slides down the wall. Astrek begins to dig but quickly tells you the ground is frozen solid after nearly a year of winter. He can dig but it will be at 1/3 speed. If you still choose to tunnel where do you aim to come up?
-
He can go below the frost line. Albany's was <4 ft. Icefia's probably like 8 ft, worst case. Aiming to come up near the Juggernaut
-
He can go below the frost line. Albany's was <4 ft. Icefia's probably like 8 ft, worst case. Aiming to come up near the Juggernaut
You dig down below the frost and pop up about twenty feet in front of the juggernaut.
-
You dig down below the frost and pop up about twenty feet in front of the juggernaut.
You race towards the front roller and Astrek leaps to the top of the first tier. You shake off a physical force that pushes you away. Astrek scales each level, conveying to you the physical taint of evil that permeates the stone.
You reach the top tier and find Drayton chained before you.
The juggernaut is now less than 100' from the front gate and Asnijin has about 15 minutes to go.
-
I fish out a few vials of stonebreaker acid (from arms & equip guide) from my bag of holding and try my luck on the restraints at their anchor points. One vial of acid ignores the hardness of stone and does 5d10 dmg over 2 rounds (3d10 then 2d10). I have 6 doses.
-
I fish out a few vials of stonebreaker acid (from arms & equip guide) from my bag of holding and try my luck on the restraints at their anchor points. One vial of acid ignores the hardness of stone and does 5d10 dmg over 2 rounds (3d10 then 2d10). I have 6 doses.
The acid eats into the stone and after three rounds one of the chains is free. There are four total.
-
If Parker sees Ari pop up from the ground and start working on freeing Drayton, He'll fly back over to Russell and Luigi and tell them what is happening and ask them to keep that things attention if they can or help Ari if possible. He'll tell them about the barrier he ran into/couldn't brimg himself to cross and see if there is anything they can do about it.
How are the other defenses doing? Is there anywhere that is hard pressed? Are the actual Bards from the college doing anything to help other than calm the populace (ie. using their Bardic Music ability to bolster the defenders)? Where is Robyn? How are Arion and the others doing with the remaining Doggeden?
-
If Parker sees Ari pop up from the ground and start working on freeing Drayton, He'll fly back over to Russell and Luigi and tell them what is happening and ask them to keep that things attention if they can or help Ari if possible. He'll tell them about the barrier he ran into/couldn't brimg himself to cross and see if there is anything they can do about it.
How are the other defenses doing? Is there anywhere that is hard pressed? Are the actual Bards from the college doing anything to help other than calm the populace (ie. using their Bardic Music ability to bolster the defenders)? Where is Robyn? How are Arion and the others doing with the remaining Doggeden?
It's over half a mile from the juggernaut to the doggedens so you can't make out specifics over there. The bards seem to be mostly keeping the people calm in the courtyards.
If you want to head back to the wizards you could land and run faster than you can fly. Rubius is flying back now.
-
The acid eats into the stone and after three rounds one of the chains is free. There are four total.
How many doses did that take?
-
How many doses did that take?
One.
The juggernaut is only moving about 20' a round.
-
One.
The juggernaut is only moving about 20' a round.
I get to work on the other 3.
-
I get to work on the other 3.
You can pour two in a round. Do you do anything while you wait?
-
I look around and contemplate the unexpected lack of resistance. Spot = 27.
-
I look around and contemplate the unexpected lack of resistance. Spot = 27.
The Heart continues to throw fireballs every round at the giants, who are taking a beating. It lumbers towards the gate.
-
Once Drayton is free I send him down with Astrek and instruct him to take Drayton into the tunnel we used to get out here. I then make my way up to the Heart, assuming nothing appreciable occurs once Drayton is released.
-
It's over half a mile from the juggernaut to the doggedens so you can't make out specifics over there. The bards seem to be mostly keeping the people calm in the courtyards.
If you want to head back to the wizards you could land and run faster than you can fly. Rubius is flying back now.
Ok, then Parker will land and run over to the Wizards and tell them what is happening and ask them to keep that things attention if they can or help Ari if possible. He'll tell them about the barrier he ran into/couldn't bring himself to cross and see if there is anything they can do about it.
Then Parker will run to the nearest group of Bards/students and tells them to spread the word to have half of them move closer to and spread out along the walls so that the defenders will be able to hear them, (in groups or individually whatever works for them). Any of them (the Bards) that have spells that enhance and/or project their voice are strongly encouraged to do so as well as anything else they can do to bolster the defenders. Parker will tell the gathered bards that it is time to do their part in this battle. Parker will take a group of 4 or 5 of the most talented in the group and tell the rest that they are to join in with whatever song Parkers main group is singing. The effect will be (and Parker will use these words in his speech to the others) that the walls will reverberate with our unified voice, reminding the defenders what they fight for, lending them strength. Our enemies will hear the depth of our resolve and know they can not win.
Once they have spread out enough, Parker will tell the group of bards he pulled aside for this group to play inspirational songs that just about everyone (the other bards/students) would know, but to start with one he wrote, and then play it again at regular intervals throughout the battle (because Parker is, if nothing else, an attention whore).
Here is the song (my apologies (again) to Daughtry)
it's a world full of heartbreak fly-bys
we've seen our fair share of hard nights
looked right into the face of a goodbye
while we walked on the edge of the dark side
after all this time, yeah
we're not gonna fall now
we're not gonna bleed out
never gonna break down
no, whoa
when it's these Castle walls they try to cave in
and the ground underneath starts shaking
it's the hope in your eyes that we cling to
and i hope to gods it never leaves you
after all this time, yeah
we're not gonna fall now
we're not gonna bleed out
never gonna break down
no, whoa
[x2]
even when they come for us
everything can turn to dust
you and i are never going down
the spells and monst'rs they send at us
with Giant, Hunter, and Zigaraut
we will never give it up
oh, oh
we're not gonna fall now
we're not gonna bleed out
never gonna break down
no, whoa
[x3]
This will, hopefully, have the added effect of calming/rallying the people as well
-
You sure Parker's not a bard?
-
Ok:
As Ari free's Drayton, Parker and Rubius reach the battle with the berserkers, which appears to be ending. The second doggeden is slain but slumped against the battlements and warriors continue to swarm up its back.
As Astrek begins to drag Drayton away his body jerks involuntarily and something forces him to struggle with Astrek.
Asinjin has about five minutes to go.
Well done pseudo bard. Well done.
-
I realize I did not make clear: Astrek will not be able to easily drag him down. If left to do it alone it will take him several minutes.
-
I'll assist Astrek with Drayton. I have a set of manacles and will bind him in need be. Let me know what I need to roll.
-
I'll assist Astrek with Drayton. I have a set of manacles and will bind him in need be. Let me know what I need to roll.
As you descend to help Astrek the juggernaut lurches violently forward and then jerks to a halt. It's movement appears to mirror Drayton's. When you reach him it's clear it will take you several minutes to drag him off the juggernaut. You can either kill him or throw him off either side (throwing him off the front would clearly kill him).
-
Neat. Wonder if I could steer this thing using Drayton like a puppet...I resist the urge to make the Juggernaut do a wheelie and simply drag him down the side of the structure with Astrek's assistance. Looking to get Drayton underground.
-
Neat. Wonder if I could steer this thing using Drayton like a puppet...I resist the urge to make the Juggernaut do a wheelie and simply drag him down the side of the structure with Astrek's assistance. Looking to get Drayton underground.
Sorry, I should have made it more clear: if you drag him down even with the stop start process the juggernaut will breach the castle gate.
-
Ok:
As Ari free's Drayton, Parker and Rubius reach the battle with the berserkers, which appears to be ending. The second doggeden is slain but slumped against the battlements and warriors continue to swarm up its back.
I'm looking for a wizard to bring back to the Juggernaut to help disenchant him. If I don't see any, I fly back to help Ari.
-
I'm looking for a wizard to bring back to the Juggernaut to help disenchant him. If I don't see any, I fly back to help Ari.
You land in the midst of the chaos. Arion, Martine, Nisoru and Garland are at the front, near the head of the slain doggeden. Behind them is a line of soldiers, probably Diamond brigade shock troopers. Behind them are more soldiers, clearly less skilled, and a large group of clerics, mostly of Stasis and Gnarion, but with a random assortment of others including Tyrogatore mixed in with them. One is a Vass who appears enlarged (rather than naturally giant) who appears to be giving almost as good an account of himself as Martine and Nisoru.
Behind a third screen of spearman are the wizards. Thale, Haskra, Luigi, Russel, Thammolly, lord Darpus and a dozen more you don't recognize are mostly concentrating on the barbarians scaling up the back of the doggeden but occasionally they send a volley of magic missiles or another unerring spells into the melee. Thale has a black staff that flares with a nimbus of pale purple light when he casts a spell. Only Luigi's sonic spells seem to rival his in effect.
Haskra hears you and gets a nod of permission from Thale. The two of you begin the flight back towards the juggernaut.
-
You land in the midst of the chaos. Arion, Martine, Nisoru and Garland are at the front, near the head of the slain doggeden. Behind them is a line of soldiers, probably Diamond brigade shock troopers. Behind them are more soldiers, clearly less skilled, and a large group of clerics, mostly Stasis and Gnarion, but with a random assortment of others including Tyrogatore mix with them. One is a Vass who appears enlarged (rather than naturally giant) who appears to be giving almost as good an account of himself as Martine and Nisoru.
Behind a third screen of spearman are the wizards. Thale, Haskra, Luigi, Russel, Thammolly, lord Darpus and a dozen more you don't recognize are mostly concentrating on the barbarians scaling up the back of the doggeden but occasionally they send a volley of magic missiles or another unerring spell into the melee. Thale has a black staff that flares with a nimbus of pale purple light when he casts a spell. Only Luigi's sonic spells seem to rival his in effect.
Haskra hears you and gets a nod of permission from Thale. The two of you begin the flight back towards the juggernaut.
"Thank you Haskra. The faster we fly back to Drayton, the better. If we don't dispel his enchantments soon, the Juggernaut will breach the castle. I must warn you that the Juggernaut will attempt to stop us using a very powerful mental attack that scared me more than I care to remember. I was able to resist it, but be prepared to defend yourself upon reaching the construct. If you have any means of bolstering your resolve, I suggest you do it before we get there."
-
Didn't know I was there :P
You land in the midst of the chaos. Arion, Martine, Nisoru and Garland are at the front, near the head of the slain doggeden. Behind them is a line of soldiers, probably Diamond brigade shock troopers. Behind them are more soldiers, clearly less skilled, and a large group of clerics, mostly Stasis and Gnarion, but with a random assortment of others including Tyrogatore mix with them. One is a Vass who appears enlarged (rather than naturally giant) who appears to be giving almost as good an account of himself as Martine and Nisoru.
Behind a third screen of spearman are the wizards. Thale, Haskra, Luigi, Russel, Thammolly, lord Darpus and a dozen more you don't recognize are mostly concentrating on the barbarians scaling up the back of the doggeden but occasionally they send a volley of magic missiles or another unerring spell into the melee. Thale has a black staff that flares with a nimbus of pale purple light when he casts a spell. Only Luigi's sonic spells seem to rival his in effect.
Haskra hears you and gets a nod of permission from Thale. The two of you begin the flight back towards the juggernaut.
-
Didn't know I was there :P
Why don't you join us over by the Juggernaut? The more the merrier when facing certain doom. ;)
-
Didn't know I was there :P
Its in the past compared to the current campaign, so don't die or we'll have a non-Russell created paradox.
-
Its in the past compared to the current campaign, so don't die or we'll have a non-Russell created paradox.
You take care of the juggernaut... i'll eliminate the entire hoard with earthquakes....
-
Didn't know I was there :P
Post 74 details your return.
-
Post 74 details your return.
Do you do find 74....
-
Do you do find 74....
Here you go Luigi; post #74.
You clear the east wall and land on the battlements. There is a cheer from the defenders as word of Ari (and Astrek) and Nisoru's return spreads. Nisoru says: I am going to Arion. He is fighting the doggeden. He takes Parker and Rubius across the courtyard to the west wall. Luigi, seeing the other wizards seem to be concentrated there follows as well. As you cross the courtyard you can see that as many people as possible have crammed into the inner bailey around the palace and that the marks of several fireball detonations can be seen closer to the outer walls.
As they fly away Asinjin places his motes in a pattern sure to disrupt the barbarian advance. The motes are even more effective than usual as the barbarians have no regard for their fellows and those that are enchanted are trampled by those behind until each cube is filled with crushed berserkers.
Ari has a few moments to consider the juggernaut from the battlements. It is a terrifying sight, towering above the castle walls and crushing the frozen ground beneath its rollers. It is covered in blood and on the eighth tier you can see Minister Drayton, chained in place and seemingly mesmerized. Above him you can see the pulsing red ruby heart and you have no doubt it perceives the situation around it in some way.
As Elayu swoops down towards the battle on the west wall Nisoru leaps off and onto the doggeden's head, avoiding its lashing tongue. Standing before the beast's maw is Lord Whiteknight, slashing at its muzzle with his sunblade. Arion is surrounded by a huge globe of white light with Martine beside (sometimes before) him. They are fighting the elite of the berserkers as they clear the doggeden's back. Parker finds Thale, Thamolly and Russel, who are coordinating the magical assault on the horde.
Meanwhile, Asinjin is admitted to the palace where he finds thousands of children, most crying, being comforted by Lira, Queen Degala and the young queen in waiting of the south. Groups of jesters and bards, mostly students from the college are moving among the throng performing tricks, telling stories, singing and playing instruments. Asinjin is lead to a quiet room to memorize his missing spells.
Some specific input would be helpful at this point.
-
Sorry, I should have made it more clear: if you drag him down even with the stop start process the juggernaut will breach the castle gate.
Hmm, based on what I just observed, do I get the impression that I might be able to move the Juggernaut backwards? Or turn it 90 degrees?
-
Hmm, based on what I just observed, do I get the impression that I might be able to move the Juggernaut backwards? Or turn it 90 degrees?
No. It just appears that when he is not in any physical contact with the construct that it comes to an abrupt halt.
-
Got it. If I can get Drayton draped across Astrek's back, I tie him to the saddle. I have rope in my bag of holding. Use rope check = 19+4=23
-
Got it. If I can get Drayton draped across Astrek's back, I tie him to the saddle. I have rope in my bag of holding. Use rope check = 19+4=23
You will have to grapple and pin him to Astrek's back.
-
Okay. grapple checks it is since I probably can't throw him far enough to clear the bottom levels.
You can roll however many I need. +5 from str, +18 BAB.
They provoke AoOs.
-
Okay. grapple checks it is since I probably can't throw him far enough to clear the bottom levels.
You can roll however many I need. +5 from str, +18 BAB.
They provoke AoOs.
It takes you four rounds but you pin him and tie him down. As soon as he is no longer in contact with the stone of the juggernaut it halts, now only a few yards from the castle gate. It continues to throw fireballs at the defenders. After one round Astrek becomes very tense, his hair stands on end and he leaps down a level with the writhing Drayton still on his back.
As this is happening Asinjin emerges from his studies.
-
I make my way to them, mundanely moving. I ask the first person I see what the status of the battle is.
-
How far away are Rubius and Haskra from the Juggernaut at this point?
-
It takes you four rounds but you pin him and tie him down. As soon as he is no longer in contact with the stone of the juggernaut it halts, now only a few yards from the castle gate. It continues to throw fireballs at the defenders. After one round Astrek becomes very tense, his hair stands on end and he leaps down a level with the writhing Drayton still on his back.
As this is happening Asinjin emerges from his studies.
What's wrong with Astrek? Note he has an Int of 10 and can speak celestial.
-
How far away are Rubius and Haskra from the Juggernaut at this point?
About three minutes
-
What's wrong with Astrek? Note he has an Int of 10 and can speak celestial.
He says: There's a tremor in this thing. I think it's coming down.
-
Awesome. Hustle up.
-
Awesome. Hustle up.
Is that directed at Astrek or Rubius and Haskra?
-
Directed to Astrek. We'll make ready to make a dramatic leap off the Juggernaut a split second before it collapses.
-
Directed to Astrek. We'll make ready to make a dramatic leap off the Juggernaut a split second before it collapses.
As the vibration in the construct becomes perceptible to you, the two of you leap to the battle field below. Which side do you leap to, right or left?
-
Right.
-
Right.
Astrek leaps down (not gracefully) two tiers at a time. The shaking becomes more palpable and you know you will not be able to follow the same plan. With a running start you leap from the top tier.
Below you the battle is visible as you plummet towards the horde. To your right, from behind the juggernaut you can see a phalanx of ten fiends, cornugan you think, cutting a path towards the juggernaut. Behind them is an eight foot tall mind flayer, wearing a crystal helm similar to the one locked on Drayton. Behind you there is a tremendous crack and you turn your head to see the Heart rise, or rather float stationary, as it's pedestal splinters. You clearly hear "My thanks Knight." before the Heart in its admantium nonagon disappears in a flash.
As you are about to crash into the horde two great hands abruptly, but as gently as possible, arrest your fall. Sir Damon sweeps away half a dozen zombies and sets you down.
The juggernaut's tower has crushed it's rollers into the frozen ground and the lowest level has cracked under the weight of the upper levels.
-
Astrek leaps down (not gracefully) two tiers at a time. The shaking becomes more palpable and you know you will not be able to follow the same plan. With a running start you leap from the top tier.
Below you the battle is visible as you plummet towards the horde. To your right, from behind the juggernaut you can see a phalanx of ten fiends, cornugan you think, cutting a path towards the juggernaut. Behind them is an eight foot tall mind flayer, wearing a crystal helm similar to the one locked on Drayton. Behind you there is a tremendous crack and you turn your head to see the Heart rise, or rather float stationary, as it's pedestal splinters. You clearly hear "My thanks Knight." before the Heart in its admantium nonagon disappears in a flash.
As you are about to crash into the horde two great hands abruptly, but as gently as possible, arrest your fall. Sir Damon sweeps away half a dozen zombies and sets you down.
The juggernaut's tower has crushed it's rollers into the frozen ground and the lowest level has cracked under the weight of the upper levels.
Is it still lobbing fireballs or has it ceased all motion and activity?
-
Is it still lobbing fireballs or has it ceased all motion and activity?
The Heart was the source of the fireballs and it has teleported away.
-
Once Parker has 'Icafia-aid' up and running, he'll make his way back to Russell and the other wizards to see how the battle is going.
-
Once Parker has 'Icafia-aid' up and running, he'll make his way back to Russell and the other wizards to see how the battle is going.
Can you still fly?
-
Can you still fly?
That depends on how long it has been since Russell or Luigi cast it on me and how long it lasts
-
That depends on how long it has been since Russell or Luigi cast it on me and how long it lasts
You alight from the courtyard with the crowd beginning to take up the song after a few verses from the bards. It can be clearly heard along the battlements and between the song and the juggernaut stopping the tide on the walls seems to quickly turn.
You arrive to see another barrage of spells directed at the berserkers scaling the doggeden. The quality of the attackers seems less as more of them fall to the spells but their ranks are barely thinned. The entire attacking army is inside the arc of the cannons and the spell generators are too indiscriminate to be of much help.
Before the main gate of the castle it looks for a moment to Rubius and Parker (Ari is screened by the juggernaut) that the spearhead of fiends will break through and assault the main gate themselves. Then there is a great cry of Stasis and Icefia! followed by a bolt of glory that causes one of the fiends to burst into a cascade of light and then dust. The Knights and Ajax charge them and the fiends take flight into the air. Two more are cut down by rays of light from Ajax and the Knights but the rest flee southwest. The mind flayer hesitates for a moment but then disappears in a flash as well.
The Knights have left the zombie horde at their backs and they are soon engulfed. Arion leaps from the battlements into the chaos below.
-
The glowing form of Asinjin flies up towards the battlements. I look for the first person I recognize that I think will be able to hear my yell and can direct me the best as to what help is needed.
-
The glowing form of Asinjin flies up towards the battlements. I look for the first person I recognize that I think will be able to hear my yell and can direct me the best as to what help is needed.
You find Thale shouting orders above cacophony. He asks you "do you have spells that will only affect the wicked? The field is total chaos with no battle lines remaining."
-
"I can purify any spell, what would you like?"
http://dndtools.eu/feats/book-of-exalted-deeds--52/purify-spell--2306/
-
"Also, I can make the spell sacred if their are fiends immune to the elements; and if you have a wand or item, I can purify its effect." I look at the fireball generators.
-
Well, seeing as the Juggernaut is out of commission, I suppose Rubius will fly to some elevated position out of immediate harms way. From there, I can re-materialize, fortify my position, and start firing arrows into the fiends with the holy bow.
-
Are there any fiends left or did they all flee?
So Ari has the castle at his back, the wreckage to one side, and undead everywhere else?
-
You alight from the courtyard with the crowd beginning to take up the song after a few verses from the bards. It can be clearly heard along the battlements and between the song and the juggernaut stopping the tide on the walls seems to quickly turn.
You arrive to see another barrage of spells directed at the berserkers scaling the doggeden. The quality of the attackers seems less as more of them fall to the spells but their ranks are barely thinned. The entire attacking army is inside the arc of the cannons and the spell generators are too indiscriminate to be of much help.
Before the main gate of the castle it looks for a moment to Rubius and Parker (Ari is screened by the juggernaut) that the spearhead of fiends will break through and assault the main gate themselves. Then there is a great cry of Stasis and Icefia! followed by a bolt of glory that causes one of the fiends to burst into a cascade of light and then dust. The Knights and Ajax charge them and the fiends take flight into the air. Two more are cut down by rays of light from Ajax and the Knights but the rest flee southwest. The mind flayer hesitates for a moment but then disappears in a flash as well.
The Knights have left the zombie horde at their backs and they are soon engulfed. Arion leaps from the battlements into the chaos below.
As this didn't get much of a reaction, and occurs before Asinjin's arrival, I will continue from here.
Arion makes a running leap off the battlements. He is surrounded by a massive globe of pure white light. He crashes into the zombie horde and disappears from view for a moment but the globe of light remains. Only Rubius with his birds eye view sees him emerge apparently unharmed from the 80' drop. He begins to hack away at the nearest zombie but they surround him and appear to overbear him but within moments those closest to him begin to crumble into dust. Soon he cannot reach one to strike at before the Gemblade's light reduces them to ash. The globe burns a hole through the horde and allows him to reach the paladins and knights.
-
Are there any fiends left or did they all flee?
So Ari has the castle at his back, the wreckage to one side, and undead everywhere else?
After Damon sets you down you and Astrek are directly before the main gate. The juggernaut is to your right and there is only 40-50' between it's front edge and the castle. To your left is the primarily Demi human formation, led by Damon and his giants. They are joined by the ice gnomes, sledgehammer Dwarves and marines. They have suffered heavy casualties and are not as well organized, which you would expect given their composition.
The enemy before you is a mass of zombies but close behind them you can see the barbarians' standards and banners. Your detect evil is nearly overwhelmed but lingering in the rear you can sense a few overwhelming presences.
Damon orders his troops to form a line with the juggernaut as a right end and the left arcing back to the castle.
-
Well, seeing as the Juggernaut is out of commission, I suppose Rubius will fly to some elevated position out of immediate harms way. From there, I can re-materialize, fortify my position, and start firing arrows into the fiends with the holy bow.
The juggernaut no longer radiates fear and would offer you the best vantage to shoot at the fiends but if you are attacked only the giants and maybe Ari will be able to aid you. The battlements would offer you better protection but the fiends have not approached within a bow's range.
-
"Also, I can make the spell sacred if their are fiends immune to the elements; and if you have a wand or item, I can purify its effect." I look at the fireball generators.
He blinks and looks at you. "You can make the spell generators throw holy spells? Clear us a path! Get this wizard to the southwest tower!"
Thanis, Martine and other knights that you cannot identify with their helms closed begin hacking a path through the berserkers to the tower.
-
"I assume they act in the same way as a wand for purposes of using a magical item. If not, then I cannot."
Looking at the formation, does it appear to me that a widened purified lightning bolt would get...like 48 of them (120/5)*2.
Although from above, I may drop the widened purified acid ball...40 foot radius...that's probably 100 in that area of effect.
-
"I assume they act in the same way as a wand for purposes of using a magical item. If not, then I cannot."
Looking at the formation, does it appear to me that a widened purified lightning bolt would get...like 48 of them (120/5)*2.
Although from above, I may drop the widened purified acid ball...40 foot radius...that's probably 100 in that area of effect.
Where the lines are broken the acid ball would be more effective.
-
I will allow the leaders of the battle to tell me when and where.
-
If there is anything specific you wish to do during or immediately after the battle please post by Saturday. I will make a final post then or after I hear from each of you.
-
The juggernaut no longer radiates fear and would offer you the best vantage to shoot at the fiends but if you are attacked only the giants and maybe Ari will be able to aid you. The battlements would offer you better protection but the fiends have not approached within a bow's range.
OK, I'll land on the Juggernaut, but remain invisible. I'll start raining down +2 arrows with the holy bow.
-
If there is anything specific you wish to do during or immediately after the battle please post by Saturday. I will make a final post then or after I hear from each of you.
Once the battle ends, and assuming I survive, I'll help tend to the wounded with whatever remaining healing potions/wand charges I have left and supply water and food to whoever needs it.
-
Asinjin does what he can to cast his spells to help defeat the remains of the horde. After the battle, I find Arian and counsel him.
-
Hearing no further opinions, our epic thread and adventure comes to a close.
The battle rages through the darkness of the early day and the defenders seem as if they will break the attackers will when the sky lightens. The zombies and fiends are unimpressed by the dull grey hour of daylight and manage to hold the attackers lines until the darkness returns. Then the barbarians redouble their assault.
Asinjin spends the battle moving from one spell generator to another, using his purifying power to throw white fireballs where it seems the defenders lines might crumble. Most times the spells turn the tide but some times they do not and the soldiers or marines are overrun or pinned against the wall where no one can aid them.
Rubius spends most of the battle acting as a sniper, firing his holy arrows at fiends and barbarian leaders. He is very effective until a little after darkness returns when he is hit with a dispel that renders him visible and (he quickly discovers) unable to fly. He is forced to jump down to Damon to avoid a swarm of the winged brain fiends that you have seen before. He tries to return to his perch but the swarm returns and seems to have another means of locating him. He is forced to fight beside Ari until he is exhausted and then one of the giants picks him up and keeps him on his back until he too must withdraw for a respite.
Parker, as befitting his skills and reputation, spends the battle doing a variety of things. He serves as a protector for the wizards, all of whom exhaust their spells before the second darkness and continue in the battle using wands and staves from the treasury. He also adds spells of distraction and offense when needed and finally fighting a winged fiend, though Nisoru eventually helps him dispatch that opponent.
On the field the defenders eventually are broken into three groups. The first, well east of the Juggernaut and gate is centered on Damon and his giants. They suffer terribly from the fiends fire spells and the barbarians flaming spears and arrows but the ice gnome clerics heal them quickly, knowing that each one is worth dozens of smaller soldiers. After hours of battle a dwarven officer sends fifty of his warriors through the lines in a shield wall to the juggernaut. They smash the ends of the rollers using muscle and spells and soon begin passing boulders behind the lines to the giants. They in turn begin throwing them at point blank range into the horde, each inflicting terrible casualties. Damon proves himself nearly unchallengeable. Any berserker who vaulted the dwarven lines was instantly cut down and only once when a swarm of the winged brains seemed as if he would be overwhelmed. Asinjin's holy fire rescued him on that occasion. By the end of the battle dwarves, gnomes and humans took up the cry The White Mountain.
The second group forms around Arion, Ajax and the Knights. This group is the most disciplined, benefiting from the leadership and inspiration of those warriors but also because the soldiers are members of elite units inuding the Castle Guard and Diamond Brigades. In the early hours the soldiers fought in their own units and the Knights and paladins in a single block on their own, trying to break the enemy lines with their skill and mighty auras. The undead and berserkers proved largely immune to such magics (Ajax and Arion excepted) and held through the brief daylight. When the defenders were pushed back at great loss the knights and Arion separated and each joined one of the regular units. From then on their losses were far less severe.
There were exceptions among the heroes. Ajax rode back and forth along the lines, exhausting his spells and divine power against fiends and zombies and giving aid to weakened units. Nisoru mounted Elayu and descended upon one berserker chieftain after another, cutting them each down in a flurry of katana strokes before remounting Elayu to seek another. In the air he challenged those fiends that dared to return, sending them all back to the infernal planes.
Arion tried to do the same but King Oliver brought him back to lead the castle guard. Their block never broke and wrought terrible damage against the Cavehome waves that came against them.
-
The last group, driven apart from Damon and his block, by a vanguard of the Hunters of Men, formed around Ari (and Astrek). This group was mostly ice gnomes and marines, with a handful of dwarves and two giants. With their backs to the wreckage of the juggernaut. There they could rarely benefit from aid from battlements. Ari and Astrek cut down every challenger and never faltered. No other warrior felled as many enemies with blades and skill alone as Ari.
Near ten in the evening the last of the zombies were destroyed and the fury of the barbarians was spent. Believing the defenders were in no condition to pursue them the barbarians began a swift retreat. Perhaps the long silence of the castle defenses had led them to believe they too were spent, or the believed the defenders would be content to let them melt into the darkness but as soon as they were clear of the defenders' lines the cannon and spell generators began to roar. Unobstructed by the doggedens or juggernaut, the artillery unleashed its full might on the fleeing horde. Few escaped into the night.