Chapter 2: Rites of Passage

[Jeff]

The tal is blackroot, best served hot, and despite his earlier words, Matheu seems content to deliver each man and woman their beverage of choice. Dhaz sips wine from his glass a bit quickly, and actually holds on to one of the bottles.

Taymra nods at Kal. "Yes, let's go. I'll take you to the Deneith enclave, then we'll return and decide where to go from there." She pauses, and looks at Pel with an expressionless face. "Pel, I'm guessing you can help us...persuade people to talk with us?"

"While Kal checks in with his house, I'll figure out the best places to inquire when we're ready." She looks next to Grafth. "Then, while the others investigate, perhaps I can take you to the Lyrandar tower. But first things first."

[Darren]

"Agreed, Goran. We must all tread carefully. I believe that will be the main purpose of my fact-finding mission: to discern our enemies from our friends, and to discern Malov's, as well."

"Taymra, do you also know a place where we might be able to find some Chroniclers, or those who might have an interest in these kind of family history? I can inquire in those areas on my way back here."

[Jeff]

To Kal, Taymra say, "Perhaps. We'll talk as we go." She and Kal disappear down the stairs and head for the entrance to hail down the skycoach again. Tangat woofs at the rest of the party, then follows Kal.

Lounging in a chair, Dhaz cradles his wine bottle. Halfway through it himself, he seems more relaxed. "Streko...." He beckons the halfling over to him. "You know, I think I saw your sister on the rail....was the only halfling girl on there, I think. Looked excited, eager to get where she was going. Passed the first half hour looking out the window; spent the rest doing ledge...leg...legerdemain for some human kid."

Matheu relocates the Khorvaire map to a separate table.

[Josh]

Grafth nods thoughtfully at the plans put forth by Kal and Taymra. Before they leave, he lets her know that he'll be ready to flesh out his lead at the next available opportunity. He actually seems interested not just in the unravelling mystery, but in learning more about House Lyrandar as well.

To Kal, he reminds him that he need not do everything himself- and that he should bring information back to the group before heading off on his own again. "The more we work alone, the more trouble we'll wind up in, I am sure of it."

At Dhaz's words, Grafth looks up from his tea. "Legerdermain.... trickery! Streko, your sister is a conjurer?"

[Jeff]

Dhaz chuckles. "Nahh, not real spellwork. Just some sleight of hand. Small-handed sleight, that is, on account of her being a halfling, of course." The shifter laughs to himself and takes another sip.

[Joe]

Streko sighs. "There is very little that I know of my sister these days. Seeing her in Fairhaven (was it truly just a couple days ago?) was the first time I had been in Varna's actual presence in more than a decade...and so much has happened to me during that time. She could very well have become a trickster of sorts, which brings up something else those of you on the lightning rail during the attack have said.

"Wasn't there a trickster performing just before you boarded the rail? And wasn't that same trickster at the inn in Fairhaven just before the warforged attacked us? By the host, I sound like old Uncle Stonever...a halfling of infinite jest...and who believed that no good deed came without a conspiracy to perform ill attached to it. We need answers...and I believe that Varna is somehow attached to this mystery. Friend Dhaz, can you describe this halfling? Her clothing?"

He takes another sip of tal, looks around for Matheu. "May I trouble you for some more of this wonderful tea?"

[Josh]

Grafth offers up his mug for a re-fill as well. "I didn't say anything at the time, but yes, there was something about that performer that bothered me. However, I'm not the best judge of character in that regard, as I find their craft to be rather frivolous. A pastime for the indolent and shallow.

"It is not unlikely that we would see a performer on the street and again later at another venue- their kind must make themselves as ubiquitous as possible by trade. However, given our circumstances, it would be wise to remember all of the seemingly coincidental details of our travels."

[Jeff]

"Sorry, mate," Dhaz says to Streko, "I don't pay much attention to clothing. Even my own." He grins and pats his road-soiled longcoat. "Guess she just looked like Brel-folk. Pretty."

____________________________

Joe: Kal and Taymra have already left; and in truth it's best if Streko doesn't accompany with him, both because Darren isn't around for most of today and also because Kal can accomplish more alone at the enclave.

[Jeff]

After a short while of just relaxation and discussion...a series of sounds jars you from the quiet.

From the other room, you first hear a cacophonous sound like that of fabric tearing, then a loud crash, then Phorem calling out, a combination of pain and the swiftly spoken words of magic.

...then a series of inhuman moans that sour your stomach.

...then a strange crackling sound like wet rocks tossed into a fire!

[Josh]

"Hells!" spits Grafth, jumping from his seat and moving toward the room, his axe practically materializing in his hand. He crouches low and looks tentatively around the corner into the center chamber.

Grafth does his best to take in the scene and moving out of sight again, keeping himself as defensive as possible.

"Phorem!"

[Joe]

Streko reaches back to his ever-present haversack and grabs hold of his sickle and moves toward the sounds. He removes his holy symbol from beneath his shirt and prepares to pray.

[Lara]

Pel jumps to her feet and runs into the room where Phorem has been working.

[Jeremy]

Goran snaps an arrow out and onto his bow like lightning, and motions for Streko to get behind him.

"Pel! Stop!" Goran will try and tell her to stop and come back before she turns to the corner to the room if he can.

Without taking his eye off the line of sight down the arrow, he mumbles to Kal.

"Move with me..."

-he sidesteps warily around the corner, shooting his eyes at Grafth quickly before returning them to his aim.

[Jeff]

Each of you scrambles and positions yourself for whatever is to come. Grafth is the first to exit the bedroom section of the tower...

Rounding the corner of the wizard's laboratory, a....thing oozes into view. From the moment you see it, your senses revolt. The creature looks like a mass of molten blood and flesh—swirls of light and dark skin, tumorous brown, and red like swollen veins—which flows to the ground and then merges back into its body again. Roughly humanoid, but with a quivering mass instead of legs, it's slightly taller than a dwarf and just as stocky—a ruinous blob in mockery of a person. Worst of all is its face, like a man's but with every orifice stretched, widened, the mouth little more than a maw gaping in anguish. Amorphous eye swivel to look at you, and it lets out a moan.

Then you realize it's more than a creature in pain, but it's also maddenly angry. Stunted limbs reach out from the mass of its body, with malformed claws sprouting from the tip.

While none know what this creature is, Streko recognizes that it is not of the world—not this world, anyway. Even without the power of a paladin, he knows innately that there is true evil in this horrid form.

Dhaz stumbled awkwardly to his feet. Matheu, the pseudodragon, turns his body toward the blasphemous creature and hisses, ready to spring from the table on which he is perched.

Even as he is ready to engage it, Grafth sees that therr is more than one, and possibly more still in the room beyond. He can't see Phorem from here, but he can hear more of those moans. An acrid stench like sick flesh mixed with rust rises from the creatures—a true offense to Grafth's sensitive nose.

______________________________

Jeremy, Kal (and Tangat) isn't in the tower anymore; he left with Taymra.

Here is the initiative order, in case this helps you in advance with your proposed actions:

19 - Grafth / Streko
15 - the things
11 - Pel
10 - Dhaz
9 - Matheu
7 - Goran

The first round is about to begin. Feel free to post your action. Not that ranged attacks will be difficult from the current setup; there's a lot of people in the way!

[Jeremy]

Goran will take the best rapid shot he can, at the lead...thing.

---

Noted about the surroundings, but right now switching weapons is probably not the most judicious use of time. Ah well.

Totally spaced on Kal and Tamyra's disappearance.

Goran should get a +modifier and his attacks, since he's really pissed about not getting to finish his tea.

[Joe]

Streko casts BLESSED AIM.

"My friends...I sense hateful malevolence, evil and a depth of anger I have rarely encountered before! These things are NOT of Eberron and MUST BE DESTROYED!! I suggest the long distance approach. It will be much more suited to all of us as I've cast a spell to assist! If you can, back yourselves into this larger room so that we may all have a chance to attack these Kyhberish monsters!"

After casting his spell, he returns the sickle to his bag and removes a handful of darts. Standing between Goran and Dhaz, he prepares to fling up to 5 darts at the things, whatever they are.

[Lara]

Taking a good look at the thing blocking her way to Phorem's lab, Pel says, "What is this thing? How many of them are there?"

She reaches into her pack and pulls out a wand. "I truly don't know if any of my spells can affect this creature, but we have to aid Phorem. Can anyone tell whether he's hurt? Matheu?"

______________________
Ray of Frost wand

[Josh]

"More than one!" Grafth yells. His face is contorted into one of revulsion.

He quickly stows his handaxe and replaces it with his shortspear, holding it defensively. He continues to back toward the starcase.

"Matheu, any idea where these... things... have come from?"

Grafth intends to draw the lead creature away, to make room for more attacks. He will move down the staircase as the montser approaches. Anything he does is in order to best separate the creatures and allow for more openings of attack for the others.

[Jeff]

ROUND 1

19 - Grafth / Streko
15 - the things
11 - Pel
10 - Dhaz
9 - Matheu
7 - Goran

_________________

Grafth is the first to react, stowing his axe even as he steps quickly away from the first creature, goading it to follow. Just as he reaches the stairs, he looks behind him and glimpses at least four more of the things. One of them is flowing right off the table where Phorem was reading the book. Grafth glimpses Phorem’s legs around the corner from where he lays on the ground. The old mage’s legs are flailing about, so he appears to be actively on the defense himself. But Grafth can’t tell if any of the creatures is actively attacking him or not.

Streko exhorts a spell in the name of Olladra, and immediately everyone feels a surge of confidence flow through your limbs, tingling your body. You each feel your accuracy sharpen. Goran, especially, feels in that moment like he can hit anything.

The lead creature of molten flesh (#1) pursues Grafth almost instinctively, as if driven by desire to kill rather than strategic maneuver. It flows across the floor after him, moving at nearly half the speed but still too fast for comfort. When it reaches the stairs, it follows him, lashing out with fury in its anguished face. Its twisted claws slash through the leather of his chest and he feels them rake against his skin, drawing painful lines of blood.

More of the creatures spill out from the laboratory and lunge for the nearest victim. Pel is closest, to the next one reaches out at her with its claws. Pel nimbly dodges, but the next creature comes in too fast, scraping a single digit across her arm just as she’s drawing out her wand. The wound is slight, but painful. Two more ooze out from the laboratory, but they cannot get past their fellows in the threshold. A chorus of unnerving moans fills the tower.

Pel aims her wand at the creature in front of her, but her movement is distracted by their inexplicable hatred and horrifying appearance. The beam of white frost shots past the thing harmlessly.

Dhaz, still seeming a bit off-balance from his wine indulgence, dashes at Pel and pushes her—a gently as he can in a hurry—back and away from the things, taking her place at the front. Pel stumbled back behind the wall, currently safe from their reach. The shifter has only the wine bottle in his hand, but he suddenly bares his fangs. The hair on his head and on the back of his hand sprouts thick, his canines growing to twice their length. There is no fear in his face as he snarls at the creatures. Most of you have seen shifters call upon the heritage of their lycanthropic ancestry, and it always gives you that primal impression that you’re suddenly in the room with a deadly, feral beast.

Matheu launches into the air flaps overhead, flying as carefully as he can over the creatures to where Phorem is. His tiny body is hissing like a desert lizard, but you can all hear his telepathic voice beneath it. Foul devils of the Planes, he shouts, Forget fire and ice, Lady Pel. Just hit the things hard, all of you! If you have any silver, use it!

Taking only a single step for better line of sight, Goran knows his own allies are obstacles, but he’s trusting in his aim and the blessing of Olladra. He reaches for an arrow, then another, loosing two in succession. The first arrow sinks into the creature in front of Dhaz (#2), eliciting a scream of pain, but it doesn’t tear through quite enough flesh for Goran’s satisfaction. His second arrow goes too high, in an effort to avoid hitting Dhaz, smashing against the ceiling in the kitchen area.

__________________________________

• Streko’s spell grants a +2 morale bonus on all his allies’ ranged attacks.
  
• Creature #1’s attack = 16 +1 (higher ground) = 17 (hit) / 3 damage to Grafth
  
• Creature#2’s attack = 13 (miss)
  
• Creature#3’s attack = 17 / 1 damage to Pel
  
• Pel’s ranged touch attack = 2 + 3 = 5 (miss)
  
• Goran’s first attack: 18 + 6 - 2 (Rapid Shot) + 2 (Streko’s spell) +1 (Point Blank) - 4 (firing into melee) = 21 (hit) / 9 damage
  
• Goran’s second attack: 8 + 6 - 2 (Rapid Shot) + 2 (Streko’s spell) +1 (Point Blank) -4 (firing into melee) = 11 (miss)

[Josh]

"Quicker than I had hoped," mutters the shifter angrily, trying desperately for a solid foot hold on the stairs as he lunges forward with his shortspear, aiming for the creature's contorted face.

He pulls back from the attack and continues to move down the stairs, this time more quickly, trying to reach level ground as fast as possible.


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Grafth's attack roll... I don't even want to say it (2)!

[Jeremy]

**updated **

Goran grumbles in dissatisfaction at both his shots, even the one that hit. He snaps out two more arrows and prepares to fire again (pending consequences, of course).

He shouts:

"Dhaz! Forget the bottle, grab the dagger at my hip, use it! It'll be better!" offering the dagger if the shifter wants to snatch it from the sheath.

He says to Pel and Streko:

"Stay behind Dhaz and me! Don't let them get at you! Use your magic, or throw a bottle at them! I don't know, but stay behind us..."

---

Goran will, for the moment, continue shooting arrows at the beasts. However, should they begin to close in on the others, or rather...when...this happens, he will switch to his sword and try to get behind them, willing to take an extra hit or two to gain the advantage and protect Streko and Pel.

[Lara]

"Is Phorem hurt, Matheu?"

Pel stows the wand and readies her shortbow, looking for a spot from which to take a clear shot. Aiming carefully, she looses an arrow.

_____________
Attack = 20
Damage = 4

[Jeff]

ROUND 2

19 - Grafth / Streko
15 - the things
11 - Pel
10 - Dhaz
9 - Matheu
7 - Goran
____________________


Grafth stabs hard, but wild, and the creature above him on the stairs swats the shaft of the shortspear away all too easily. In turn, the thing seems unable to get a hold on Grafth this time.

Streko yanks a dark from his belt and throws. Even with his enhanced aim, however, there are too many obstacles. The dart is thrown wide.

The remaining creatures surge out from the laboratory—evidently, there are only five of them in total—and they vie viciously with one another to get through the doorway. One of reaches for Dhaz, and though the shifter is obviously quick on his feet, he still seems slightly bewildered. One of the thing’s claws slash across his coat and Dhaz grunts.

Pel looses an arrow of her own, and her aim is good: the arrow sinks into its flesh for half its length, but the shaft bounces back out as if the thing’s flesh were made of rubber. A good shot, but not hard enough to puncture it.

Dhaz seems lifts one leg, balanced to kick, then turns his head at Goran’s words. Sighing, he reaches over, drawing out the dagger given to Goran by Lady Korvine. The glowing blades suddenly flares with brighter white light. Dhaz grins and stabs at the creature across front of him (#3). The point of the white-glowing dagger hits is straight in the face! The unholy thing’s body appears to dissolve at the dagger’s touch, burning away into the air, fouling it only for a few moments with its horrid stench. Then it is gone completely, utterly destroyed.

"Grandfather Wolf!" Dhaz says.

Most excellent, shifter! Matheu calls out telepathically. The rest of you, do that. The pseudodragon disappears into the laboratory to seek after Phorem. He’s here, he’s just out cold!

With the wave of creatures still before him, Goran would have no easy time getting around them. He looses two more arrows in fast succession into the creature he’d hit previously (#2). Both arrows leave bloody wounds (almost lost amidst its swirling flesh), but the creature’s resilience is considerable. Still, the creature begins to wail and waver.

_________________________________

• Grafth’s attack: 1 + 4 = 5 (miss)
  
• Streko’s attack: 4 +5 +2 (Streko’s spell) -4 (firing into melee) = 7 (miss)
  
• Creature #1’s attack: 12 (miss)
  
• Creature #2’s attack: 20 (1 damage to Dhaz)
  
• Creature #3’s attack: 14 (miss)
  
• Pel’s attack: 15 + 3 +2 (Streko’s spell) -4 (firing into melee) = 16 / 4 damage are absorbed
  
• Dhaz’s attack: 20 + 7 = 27 (a second 27 confirms the critical) / damage is 9 + 6 + 6 = 21
  
• Goran’s first attack: 14 + 6 -2 (Rapid Shot) +2 (Streko’s spell) -4 (firing into melee) = 16 / 6 + 2 = 8 damage
  
• Goran’s first attack: 12 + 6 -2 (Rapid Shot) +2 (Streko’s spell) -4 (firing into melee) = 14 / 4 + 2 = 6

[Josh]

Grafth, cursing his footing on the smooth, worn staircase, continues to lure the creature downward. As it lurches forward, he breathes deep and takes another forceful stab at the thing, this time aiming squarely for the chest.

If his attack is successful, he will line up for another attack without retreating further, hoping to fend the creature off by using his spear defensively. If it is deflected, he will continue his descent.

__________________
Grafth's second shortspear attack = 20 (better this time)

[Joe]

Streko steps between Goran and Pel and flings darts and the molten creature emerging from Phorem's lab. He will concentrate his fire on that creature for now.

[Jeff]

Olladra's Divine Advice: Streko may want to reconsider this. Any sort of ranged attack when you're immediately adjacent to an enemy will provoke a free attack of opportunity from that creature. In any case, there is no space between Pel and Goran for him to stand, unless one of them moves first.

[Joe]

As if hearing a rebuke from Olladra herself, Streko stops his inital plan of action, realizing that he has no wiggle room between Goran and Pel and he can't actually attack the Kyhber-spawn without risking his own safety. Instead, he decides to do what men of his voaction do best...he grasps his holy symbol, praying for aid from the merciful Olladra and all the benevolent Host, and casts another spell.

_________________________________________

BLESS for all my friends.

[Jeff]

ROUND 3

19 - Grafth / Streko
15 - the things
11 - Pel
10 - Dhaz
9 - Matheu
7 - Goran
_________________

Grafth leads the creature further down the steps, then stabs again, taking an extra second to time it well. This time, the steel tip of his shortspear sinks into its hideous body, disgorging a stream of blood almost lost against the rest of its form. Grafth can’t help but snarl, knowing the force of his strike could have gutted most men. These things aren’t taking as much damage as he’s giving!

Streko intones another prayer, calling for a blessing upon his friends. Once again, a surge of confidence flows through you all.

In a mindless rage, the creature facing Grafth reaches with its claws for his spear. With its defense temporarily open, Grafth takes another stab but it fails to penetrate the things rubbery skin. He pulls the spear away before it can grab a hold.

Not the slightest bit fazed by the sensational death of its companion, the molten creature in front of Dhaz (#2) lunges for him again. The razor sharp claws rip into his coat a second time. The shifter, still snarling, doesn’t seem to notice the ribbons of his coat or the blood that falls away. The two on either side scrabble for him as well, but in that moment neither can reach him effectively.

Pel (presumably) looses another arrow, which slams dead center into the nearest creature, but once again fails to penetrate its tough skin.

Dhaz swipes with the glowing dagger a second time, but the nearest creature shrinks away, just out of his reach. “Damn it,” he growls, “Someone else take this!” Dhaz tosses the dagger behind him (which lands at Goran’s feet) and sprints forward right between the wall of disgusting creatures. Remarkably, he evades the touch of each one, but his shoulder does slam hard into the stone threshold along the way. Dhaz grunts, ending up at last standing just behind one of the creatures. He appears intent on aiding Grafth next.

Matheu flits back into view in the air, staying above the creatures’ reach. He opens his mouth and spits out a pulsing dart of energy. When the dart hits the wavering creature (#2) that already has some of Goran’s arrows in it, what remains of its misshapen head explodes. The rest of its body begins to sink t the floor as though all animating force is gone. In seconds, it’s nothing more than a foul puddle of slime.

Goran also (presumably) lets loose with another barrage of arrows. Both fail to hit their mark, as his line of site just isn’t clear enough.

___________________________

• Grafth’s attack: 19 + 4 = 23 / damage is = 6 + 3 (two-handed) = 9
  
• Streko casts Bless, granting everyone a +1 morale bonus on all attacks and saves (not stackable with the +2 morale bonus on ranged attacks)
  
• Grafth’s attack of opportunity = 4 + 4 = 8 (miss)
  
• Creature #1’s sunder attack: 5 vs. Grafth’s opposed roll of 12 (failure)
  
• Creature #2’s attack: 21 (2 damage to Dhaz)
  
• Pel’s attack: 18 + 3 +2 (Blessed Aim) -4 (firing into melee) = 19 / 3 damage is absorbed
  
• Dhaz’s attack: 11 +1 (Bless) = 12 (miss)
  
• Matheu’s magic missile = 3 damage
  
• Goran’s first attack: 11 + 6 -2 (Rapid Shot) +2 (Blessed aim) +1 (Point Blank) -4 (firing into melee) = 13 (miss)
  
• Goran’s second attack: 7 + 6 -2 (Rapid Shot) +2 (Blessed aim) +1 (Point Blank) -4 (firing into melee) = 9 (miss)

[Josh]

Without hesitation, Grafth thrusts into the creature again, this time aiming higher on the mass of the foul body, where the chest meets the head. He wills all of his strength into the attack, hoping to end the foul thing's life, if it can so be called.

______________________
Grafth's attack roll: 20 +3 (melee) = 23!
Grafth's "confirm critical" roll: 10 +3 = 13

[Joe]

Streko mutters to himself. "This is becoming habitual." He reaches back into his haversack, grabs hold of his Masterwork Sickle and moves to engage CREATURE #5, focusing his feat of Dodge on this particular beast. "Olladra's fortune favors the bold!" he cries out!
__________________________________
Streko's internal monologue goes something like this: Yes, I know that I am a drama queen. Although, I do remember this type of action nearly ending my life not too long ago....sigh....