The Sylvan Realm #34 (#78)

[GM Mad]

Sylvan Realm #34 (#78)

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

The struggle against the HIVE has reached a turning point. The HIVE Queen herself has entered the battle! She is gigantic, looking very much like a headhunter of enormous size. She hovers far away and is directing a small swarm of equally large borer beetles towards the coalition! These unnatural creatures move forward in two lines.

Lilia casts Bless on those around here, while Laucian puts down a Spike Growth in the area the monsters will have to cross over to reach them. For now, all the coalition can do is watch for the enemy to arrive.

Lothtor has returned on foot as he is too injured to fly on his own.

Just then, Lothtor arrives on foot. Ma Granite of the dwarves casts a healing spell on the badly-injured dragon. Onas looks sympathetically at the transformed drake. "Would you like more healing, Lothtor? I have a bit left and you appear to be in need."

“I won't refuse it,” Lothtor wheezes out. Clearly he is in pain and its hard to tell just how useful he will be in the battles to come.

“They are not alone!” Silvarn calls out as she senses other enemies.

Off to the right, more creatures are rapidly approaching. Lia's Moonfire illuminates the area enough that they can be seen. It is more of the HIVE ground troops and head hunters! Not in the sheer numbers as earlier, but enough to be a threat!

“We need to defend that flank,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “Take those fliers down while we concentrate on the ground troops!”


Before the enemy can arrive, those watching the giant beetles as they approach spot something else. A large shadow appears over the rift to the open sky above. It grows larger until a new object comes into view. It's the Dauntless, as summoned by Captain Roma!

The warship is huge, much larger than the Sunflower. It's over twice as long and twice as wide and has more decks to it. The Dauntless dives into the caverns, taking many of the vines dangling from the rift with it. The Alphabetical war ship pulls up and take a course that puts it between the two lines of borer beetles. The skill at which its crew controls the vessel is astounding! The Dauntless slows its speed and numerous hatches on either side of the ship are opened.

The command is given and the magi-cannons fire! One after another, the magi-cannons propel cannonshot, large balls of metal, outwards at tremendous velocity! Each of the 16 cannons per side of the ship are fired in succession, each letting out a loud BOOM in the process. The cannon shot streaks towards the two borer beetles on either side and blast through their sides and comes flying out the other! The two beetles struck twitch from the violent impacts and then crash lifelessly to the ground. The Dauntless sails forward, looking to target the next pair of beetles.


“We'll aid them against those giant monsters!” Silvarn calls out. “Contend with the ground troops!”

Silvarn and Saryn change back to their dragon forms and fly off once more. They move towards the front ranks of the borer beetles while the Dauntless is sailing in from the rear. Fire and ice are breathed once more and the lead beetles take damage.

The headhunters fly with in archery range and many arrows are sent in their direction. Most of the shafts hit and kill their targets. Down on the ground, the dwarves along with Arlen and Andlin move into battle formation with Lord Sharadin and Gweyr behind them. The ground forces are almost upon them!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

(Wasn’t sure if this was caught from last post)

I did miss it, but there was still time to cast it.

The giant borer beetles are still far way, but could be reached by bows if you wish to shoot at them. The ground forces are a more immediate concern along with the headhunters. This attack force is nowhere near as large as the earlier on. Perhaps a few dozen headhunters are in the sky with less than a hundred ground troops. There is enough time to get some defensive spells in place against the oncoming horde.

For a long time I couldn't decide on how the Spell Engine's offensive abilities looked. Then I saw this cut scene in WOW and that is what they look like.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Silvarn calls out that more ground troops are approaching along with the gigantic beetles.

“Something more to our size,” Lilia notes in a pleased tone.

Just as she's getting ready to create a Wall of Fire in front of the enemy ranks, the Dauntless arrives. The ship sails in with such skill and precision that Lilia is momentarily in awe of what she sees. Then these 'magi-cannons' that we heard about are fired in a series of loud explosions that propel hunks of metal at great velocity. The shot rips through the beetles shell and out the other side.

“I never realized just how little we knew when it came to using Spell Engines,” Lilia mutters as she watches. “So far to go.”

Forcing her attention back, Lilia will cast a Wall of Fire in front of the approaching enemy, but safely away from the ground forces.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Bow at the ready, Valena is keeping an eye on the approaching giants, gauging when they will be in range. She hears the call of other HIVE approaching from the right along with head hunters in the air.

“Finally, a target more to my liking,” Valena says as she fires on the flying parasites.

She hears about the arrival of the Alphatian Captain's ship and hears the sounds of its attack.

“Not very subtle,” Valena notes. “But extremely effective.”

Valena turns her attention back to the head hunters and keeps firing.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“I won't refuse it,” Lothtor wheezes out. Clearly he is in pain and its hard to tell just how useful he will be in the battles to come.

Summoning the last of Angharradh's granted blessings, Onas provides as much healing for the badly wounded dragon in human form as he can. "I would see you survive this battle, good sir, if it is within my power to make that happen. I'm sorry, but this is all that I can do for you at this time."

Kylie turns to the Forest Rider, a look of remembering in her eyes. "You have that right, Onas. It was terrifying; I had never seen anything remotely like it before."

“Initially yes,” Lilia adds. “The swamp was the source of a dark corruption and the land reflected that. The Nature Elemental was thus also corrupted and attacked us, but we managed to defeat it. Once the corruption was removed, it returned to its normal state and was peaceful. It absorbed what remained of the swamp and left a rapidly growing forest in its wake. It was breath taking to witness.”

Onas nods sympathetically in response to the Queen's and the Chosen's description of their previous encounter, though he really has nothing to add.

A thought comes to him as he watches the things lumber forward. “Borer Beetles…” Let us see if we can bring the roof down upon them.

"I never would have thought that simple bugs could grow so large," Onas says as he watches the beetles scuttle towards them.

“I thought they looked familiar,” Valena notes. “But I couldn't place them. I'm really getting sick of fighting giant monsters!”

"As am I, Valena," Onas agrees. He swallows, trying not to think of what they could do to a living person.

“By the All-Father!” Lilia curses upon seeing the giants. “Stand ready friends, this battle will not be easy!”

That would be an understatement to Onas' way of thinking. Nevertheless, they are here and this is the challenge before them.

Beyond the great insects, a large shadow obscures the opening to the sky. Within moments, Onas' wish is granted as Captain Roma's ship flies down through and he gives a small cheer at the sight. "Thank you, my Triune Lady," he prays. Flying down toward the bugs from behind, it releases a thunderous roar as its weapons tear into the back rank of the enormous beetles.

“Not very subtle,” Valena notes. “But extremely effective.”

"I couldn't have said it better myself," Onas agrees. "And very welcome."

It is soon noted that more enemies are approaching from the flank. These are more such as those they have faced before, and Onas breathes a small sigh of relief. Here is an opponent that he can face without trembling. Crouching behind a section of the dead dragon's wing, he begins firing as targets present themselves in an attempt to thin the rushing force.

______________________________________________________________________
Cool vid. Me likee. <g>

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“They do not seem to be skilled in the art of warfare,” Lilia surmises. “They have yet to employ any form of strategy in any of our encounters, other than simple try to overwhelm their enemies. That trait can be used against them.”

Kylie nods in agreement. "That's a good point, Lilia. Other than the lizardfolk who approached from underwater, they've just come straight at us."

“Guess it tenderizes the meat too much.” he says with a mirthful smirk.

Matching the forest-walker's smirk, Kylie says, "Mush isn't very appealing..."

Lilia's detailed description of their encounter with the corrupted nature spirit brings her own memory of the experience into sharper focus. Kylie pauses quietly for a few moments as it plays out in her mind.

Over the heavy tread of the approaching insectoid leviathans, Kylie hears Silvarn call out a warning of a second force approaching from a different angle. Passing far below her, they appear not to have noticed her flying near the shadowed cavern ceiling. A mass of lizardfolk trundle toward her friends and companions, a number of the headhunter bugs zeroing in from above. Fortunately, their strategy is weak once again and they have set themselves up perfectly to the right type of counterattack.

Suddenly a new player enters the scene. Captain Roma's ship, the Dauntless, flies down through the rent in the cavern roof. It rapidly approaches the back rank of giant beetles and unleashes the awful power of its magi-cannons. The sound is thunderous, and the damage no less so; the trailing beetles are decimated by the incredible firepower unleashed. Kylie cannot help but gape in awe at the terrible sight.

“We'll aid them against those giant monsters!” Silvarn calls out. “Contend with the ground troops!”

Silvarn's shout chasing her mind back to her immediate surroundings, Kylie returns her attention to the nearer threat. Descending just enough to be within range, she begins to softly speak the mystic sigils as she makes gestures reminiscent of packing snowballs. With a last chuffing breath, she releases the powerful spell just over the center of the headhunters.

______________________________________________________________________
Casting Ice Storm, in its damage-dealing hailstorm configuration.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Matching the forest-walker's smirk, Kylie says, "Mush isn't very appealing..."
"It's why I never ate Grondar's cooking." he says back.

“We need to defend that flank,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “Take those fliers down while we concentrate on the ground troops!”

Taking an arrow an knocking it, Laucian will begin to take aim at the headhunters. “Like fish in a barrel.”

Before the enemy can arrive, those watching the giant beetles as they approach spot something else. A large shadow appears over the rift to the open sky above. It grows larger until a new object comes into view. It's the Dauntless, as summoned by Captain Roma!

Noticing the shadow appear from above, Laucian can’t help but wonder if they have some kind of flying beetle air force as well. “Oh what now?” but then he sees the Dauntless drop down and begin to fire upon the Beetles.

Laucian jaw drops as he sees them blow out the side of the beetles armor and out the other side! “Lilia! We need to get one of those!” he calls out in cheer as he thinks what griffons with those cannons would do.

“We'll aid them against those giant monsters!” Silvarn calls out. “Contend with the ground troops!”

“ I dont think they need it…” he says under his breath so only Valena can hear him.

Laucian will fire on any head hunters left, If the ground troops are not engaged yet he will fire at them trying to thin the herd. If they are engaged he wont risk a shot into melee. Instead he will turn his gaze to the Hive queen and start putting arrows into her.

[Lia]

Lia

She watches as the Borer beetles lumber forward as a large shadow comes in from above. For a moment she wonders what it is than she notices it is the Dauntless. The ship levels off near the back of the beetles and blows the sides out of the beetles. They drop as Lia looks on in awe.
“ Who knew spell engines could be so powerful.”

With her blade drawn she watches as the archers free the skies of head hunters. She waits patiently for the ground troops to come forward resisting the urge to run forward. Thankfully she does not as Lilia puts up a Wall of Fire.

Lia will wait and engage the ground troops with her blade in hand.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

The HIVE is mounting yet another offensive to defend their eggs and repel the invaders in their domain. The HIVE Queen herself is seen far off in the distance, too far away for any sort of ranged attacks or spells to reach her. A small army of gigantic borer beetles are marching towards the coalition, but Captain Roma has returned and brought the Dauntless with her. The impressive warship flies in between the lines of approaching beetles and brings their magi-cannons to bear. Huge spheres of metal are launched at high velocity from the cannons. These missiles pierce the beetles shells, pass completely through their bodies and fly out the other side. The Dauntless advances onward, moving just a little faster than the beetles they are hunting.

Summoning the last of Angharradh's granted blessings, Onas provides as much healing for the badly wounded dragon in human form as he can. "I would see you survive this battle, good sir, if it is within my power to make that happen. I'm sorry, but this is all that I can do for you at this time."

“It will do,” Lothtor will say gratefully. “It was foolish of me to engage in that kind of fighting. Tooth and claw combat is not the way of my family.”

The coalitions attention is now focused away from the giant beetles and the Dauntless hunting them down. Instead, another wave of HIVE head hunters and ground soldiers are advancing. Another defensive line is formed and dwarf and elf alike await the arrival of the enemy.

Arrows fill the sky overhead as Laucian and Valena work to thin out the head hunters. The pair are on top the carcass of the larger black dragon giving them a better view of the battlefield. On the ground, Onas pumps arrows into the approaching ground forces. Bodies drop and disappear into the on rushing crowd.

Hovering even higher overhead, Kylie conjures an Ice Storm on top of the enemy, but safely far enough away from the defensive line. Giant hail stones start to plummet from the sky above the enemy. Head hunters are hit first and sent plummeting from the sky. The ground forces are next and many are flattened by the spell.

While waiting for the enemy to arrive, Gweyr had moved her Projected Image towards the approaching force. The HIVE Soldiers rush the image of the elf, only to not find anything really there.

“Wow, these things are ug-o-lee!”, the petite fire mage announces as she casts a spell of her own.

Those who can see properly, see what looks like a Fireball exploded out all around the Projected Image. But unlike a normal Fireball, this one did not leave burning bodies behind. No, this spell reduced everything within twenty feet of the illusionary Gweyr to ash!

Right after that, Lilia casts a Wall of Fire in front of the defensive line. The left hand end of the wall erupts from the body of one of the dead dragons, while the other side extends 180' long. The far right hand side is opening, but the whole will block an immediate rush of enemy forces.

Gweyr curses very unladylike in elfish about a sexual act. “If I can't see my illusionary double, the spell ends!” Gweyr complains.

The enemy reaches those on the ground, the majority of these having too close to the front line to get caught up in the spells going off. The dwarves greet the new arrivals with their battleaxes, while the elves strike with their blades. Lord Sharadin adds his own blades to the conflict, downing a HIVE with each strike. The Archmage of Cynalon finds himself defending the line next to his niece, Lia. Lia lashes out twice with her swords and two of the HIVE fall.

“Your skill with the blade is impressive, Lia,” Lord Sharadin notes.

While all of that is going on, Quirin hovers behind the defensive line still in his feathered serpent form. The couatl's eyes glow momentarily and the eyes of several of the approaching HIVE glow as well. Those HIVE come to a stop and move away from the defenders. Instead they rush into the egg fields and start to help smash the eggs!

“Weak willed, these ground ssssoldierssss are,” Quirin notes.


Another round of loud BOOMS go off as the Dauntless fires once more. Thirty-two more magi-cannon balls are fired and two more beetles drop to the swampy ground. Silvarn and Saryn combine to down one of the lead beetles. The other lead beetle is just now entering long bow range. The dragons stop and hover in mid-air, scooping out the battlefield to see where they can be used best next. The HIVE Queen continues to hover far away, safe from attack for now.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

One round in the books. The three spells took out the majority of those approaching the front lines. About twenty of the HIVE Soldiers are advancing. Five head hunters remain buzzing overhead. They are nearing the front line!

The first of the giant borer beetles is now within long bow range. The others are further away and the HIVE Queen even farther than that.

No damage was taken during this round.

Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“It will do,” Lothtor will say gratefully. “It was foolish of me to engage in that kind of fighting. Tooth and claw combat is not the way of my family.”

"You are welcome, Lothtor," Onas replies. "I would love to learn more of your family, should there be a better opportunity some day."

She watches as the Borer beetles lumber forward as a large shadow comes in from above. For a moment she wonders what it is than she notices it is the Dauntless. The ship levels off near the back of the beetles and blows the sides out of the beetles. They drop as Lia looks on in awe.
“Who knew spell engines could be so powerful.”

Onas shakes his head. "Not me. I'd never even heard of a spell engine until about a week ago."

Arrows and spells thin the approaching enemy force considerably. More loud booms are heard in the distance, but Onas stays focused on the battle before him. Switching weapons, he moves forward to engage their remaining opponents with sword and shield.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

"It's why I never ate Grondar's cooking." he says back.

Kylie laughs at Laucian's comment. Inwardly, she's glad that the comment wasn't aimed at her own cooking. She rather prides herself on her ability in that area.

===

From high above, Kylie watches as the enemy move toward their lines. Dropping down enough to be within range, she releases her spell. Suddenly, hailstones pound down in a roughly circular area, decimating a swath of their Hive opponents. Arrows and spells from her friends and companions whittle their numbers even further. From her vantage point, she can see many things as the battle progresses.

Once again, Gweyr has summoned her illusory self. A blast of fire emits from the illusion; strangely, the victims are turned to ash rather than being enflamed. Kylie has never seen anything quite like this spell the fire mage has cast. She'll have to ask Gweyr about it later.

Stranger yet, a small number of the Hive warriors suddenly turn and race off to the larva nursery and begin smashing the milky white eggs!

With many of the elves and dwarves using the dragons either as cover or to channel the enemy into a limited space, Kylie decides to use that fact to their advantage. Unfortunately, she needs to descend even further, so she dives toward the back of the advancing Hive minions. Once in position, she casts Web, stringing it between the two dragon bodies to entangle as many of the rear echelon of foes as possible.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Arrows fill the sky overhead as Laucian and Valena work to thin out the head hunters. The pair are on top the carcass of the larger black dragon giving them a better view of the battlefield. On the ground, Onas pumps arrows into the approaching ground forces. Bodies drop and disappear into the on rushing crowd.

Laucian feels the unfamiliar feeling of standing on a dragon odd. Strangely he can’t help but think. ‘If My parents could see me now, They’d kill me.’

“Wow, these things are ug-o-lee!”, the petite fire mage announces as she casts a spell of her own.

“I tend to think they look better with a few arrows jutting from their chests.” he calls back

Knowing that the Borer Beetles for the moment might be the larger threat, Laucian still turns his gaze to the remaining Head hunters and fill them with arrows till they are dead.

[Lia]

Lia

In quick secession a fire ball goes of then a wall of fire. Lia pulls her cowl up over her head to shed her eyes from the light.
“Hard to fight when blinded guys!” she calls out as she doesn’t see her Uncle forming up beside her.

Th

e enemy reaches those on the ground, the majority of these having too close to the front line to get caught up in the spells going off. The dwarves greet the new arrivals with their battleaxes, while the elves strike with their blades. Lord Sharadin adds his own blades to the conflict, downing a HIVE with each strike. The Archmage of Cynalon finds himself defending the line next to his niece, Lia. Lia lashes out twice with her swords and two of the HIVE fall.

“Your skill with the blade is impressive, Lia,” Lord Sharadin notes.

Lia moves with a practiced grace, her blade slicing two hive creatures down as her Uncle removes one from battle.

“Thanks Uncle.” she says as she blows a lock of hair from her eyes. “You are pretty good yourself!” as she awaits the next hivemen.
Lia will continue using her longsword.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Kylie nods in agreement. "That's a good point, Lilia. Other than the lizardfolk who approached from underwater, they've just come straight at us."

“And for all we know, they were already there in the water,” Lilia notes.

Laucian jaw drops as he sees them blow out the side of the beetles armor and out the other side! “Lilia! We need to get one of those!” he calls out in cheer as he thinks what griffons with those cannons would do.

“Many of those!” Lilia calls back. But how to get them remains a question.

Right after that, Lilia casts a Wall of Fire in front of the defensive line. The left hand end of the wall erupts from the body of one of the dead dragons, while the other side extends 180' long. The far right hand side is opening, but the whole will block an immediate rush of enemy forces.

Lilia puts down her Wall of Fire in front of the approaching enemy forces. It will damage those too close to it and funnel the attackers so that the ground forces won't be overwhelmed. It also has an unintended side effect.

Gweyr curses very unladylike in elfish about a sexual act. “If I can't see my illusionary double, the spell ends!” Gweyr complains.

Lilia raises an eyebrow at Gweyr's language, but does not comment on it. Unfortunately, the spell in question is beyond Lilia's skill so she had no idea that line of sight was a requirement for it.

Seeing that the ground forces are manageable, Lilia focuses elsewhere. Captain Roma is making short work of this giant insects so all that remains is the Hive Queen who is still far away. Lilia will hold for now and see if her efforts are needed while dealing with the ground force.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena continues to fire arrows at the headhunters. If they are all down, she'll switch to the ground forces.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

The conflict with the HIVE forces continues on. Numerous spells took out many of their ranks while the number of headhunters flying overhead continues to dwindle.

Kylie casts a Web spell situated between the two black dragon corpses. The spell ensnares several of the HIVE ground troops while being safely away from defensive line. The spell is short lived as part if gets too close to Lilia's Wall of Fire. The entire Web goes up in flames, incinerating whatever was trapped inside in the process.

“Nice!” Gweyr calls out approvingly. “That's a creative way to work a Web spell!”

What remains of the ground force clashes with the front line. More fall to the numerous blades and axes.

“Thanks Uncle.” she says as she blows a lock of hair from her eyes. “You are pretty good yourself!”

“I was a warrior before I was a mage,” Lord Sharadin responds. “I've had lots of practice when it comes to swords.”

Onas joins the fray and what remains are quickly cut down. Arrows from Laucian and Valena rapidly remove the last of the flying parasites. Just that fast the enemy forces have been eliminated!


Turning towards the enemy giants, the elves and dwarves can see that Silvarn and Saryn have flown past the gigantic beetles and are moving towards the HIVE Queen herself. Each dragon is rapidly approaching from a different flank.

The Dauntless picks up speed as it surges forward. Seeing just how easily their Magi-cannons are taking down the giant beetles, they try to remove more than two at a time. The Dauntless moves faster and fires just four Magi-cannonballs at the first pair of beetles. Continuing on, they fire four more at the next pair of beetles and saving their last four attacks for the remaining borer beetle. The assault is as devastating as before, but the five beetles remain on their feet. They look staggered and bloodied, but are not yet ready to fall.

After completing their attack run, the Dauntless gracefully starts to turn, slowing its speed as it does so. The ship passes close enough so that you can see Captain Roma wave as it sails over head.

Looking further back, you can see the dragons attacking the HIVE Queen. Saryn breathes fire on her one side, while Silvarn adds cold to the other. The HIVE Queen does not counter attack. Instead she flies forward-- towards the open rift above Shelvestra!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

All the ground forces are gone, save for those being controlled by Quirin. The closest of the giant beetles is within reach of those with ranged attacks. Those with melee attacks would have to run closer to attack, spending at least 1 round to reach their target. As for the HIVE Queen herself, it appears that she is trying to escape out the rift the Dauntless used to entered the Elder City.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“And for all we know, they were already there in the water,” Lilia notes.

"Good point," Kylie acknowledges the queen's comment with a grin.

From her position high above and well behind the attacking Hive soldiers, Kylie cannot make out most of what her companions say amidst the chaos of battle. She hears Lia yells something about being blinded, but cannot quite make it out. Still, the dark elf seems to fight effectively, so Kylie figures it must have been just temporary.

Lilia adds a Wall of Fire along the sides of the attackers in order to funnel them in. Her own Web spell hedges them in from behind, catching a number of the Hive in its sticky strands. Soon, the heat from the Wall proves too much and the Web goes up in flames and taking those Hive with it.

“Nice!” Gweyr calls out approvingly. “That's a creative way to work a Web spell!”

Gweyr manages to yell loud enough for her to hear. "Yup! Makes Burning Hands much more useful!" she hollers back at the fire mage.

Soon, most of the Hive force attacking them are eliminated. Kylie turns to survey the rest of the battlefield. She sees the Hive Queen far away start to fly toward the hole in the roof of the cavern. At the same time, the Dauntless finishes its run through the borer beetles and starts to turn for a second pass. Seeing Captain Roma wave in their direction gives her an idea. 'I hope I can make it,' she thinks. Surging forward as fast as she can, Kylie plots and flies an intercept course in an attempt to reach the ship before it accelerates again. Her goal is the crow's nest, but she'll land anywhere on the ship that she can reach.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“I tend to think they look better with a few arrows jutting from their chests.” he calls back.

Onas laughs. "'Hedgehog' is a good look on them, don't you think?"

As arrows fly and spells are cast, Onas spots Kylie flying above the far fringe of the battlefield, but then a sheet of flame springs up and conceals her once again. He hears the Chosen yell something in response to Gweyr's comment, so knows that she is okay for the moment.

In quick secession a fire ball goes of then a wall of fire. Lia pulls her cowl up over her head to shed her eyes from the light.
“Hard to fight when blinded guys!” she calls out as she doesn’t see her Uncle forming up beside her.

Onas' eyes aren't bothered by the firelight as much as the dark elf's. Not wanting to be accidentally stabbed, he announces himself as he steps up on her flank opposite Lord Sharadin. "I'm taking your left flank, Lia."

The last of the Hive warriors and fliers perish in the next few moments, leaving an empty battleground. Looking around, Onas calls out, "Anyone wounded?" before realizing that he has no spells left. Oh well, at least he can do some basic bandaging if needed. Remembering the badly wounded dragon, he turns to look for Lothtor. "You okay, Lothtor? I have some bandages here, if you think they would help, but I don't know much about dragon physiology."

__________________________________________________________________
If there's no bandaging to be done, then Onas will advance on the nearest beetles while firing his bow.

[Lia]

Lia

“I was a warrior before I was a mage,” Lord Sharadin responds. “I've had lots of practice when it comes to swords.”

“That explains a lot, Most mages I know shy away from close quarters Combat.

Looking further back, you can see the dragons attacking the HIVE Queen. Saryn breathes fire on her one side, while Silvarn adds cold to the other. The HIVE Queen does not counter attack. Instead she flies forward-- towards the open rift above Shelvestra!

As the fighting subsides and she looks up to see the beetles still lumbering forward. The Hive queen shrugs off teo attacks and continues moving forward to the exit. She cannot help but wonder if it is an illusion of some sort.
She will look to the Hive Queen and try to determine if it is an illusion. ( detect illusion skill)

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian reaches back for an arrows aims and let’s fly. The motion is repeated, thankful for his patron’s gift in the Quiver that is upon his back. Within a short time, the ground forces are removed from the field yet the Borer beetles still lumber forward albeit greatly bloodied.

He hears Onas call for those wounded, and his eyes are still in the beetles as the dragons envelope the Hive queen in fire and ice yet still runs away. Taking another arrow from his quiver, “There are more.” he calls out as he takes aim at the closest wounded Beetle and let’s fly.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

The struggle against the HIVE is reaching the home stretch! The ground forces have been defeated, but several of the giant borer beetles remain. They have been wounded by the Magi-cannons of the HMS Dauntless, but are not yet down. The dwarves rush to engage these dangerous creatures. Laucian and Valena send more arrows towards these same foes.

The Dauntless has just finished its attack run against the giant beetles, downing four of them and wounding the remaining five. The ship is close the ground forces as it slows to come about. Presumably it is going to make another pass through the giant beetles.

Kylie and Lilia hover overhead. Both, along with several others on the ground, can see Silvarn and Saryn attack the HIVE Queen with their breath weapons miles away. In response to this, the HIVE Queen tries to flee! She is flying towards the rift to the outside world near the center of the ruins of the Elder City!

Kylie flies upwards in an attempt to reach the Dauntless to warn Captain Roma of the danger. Lilia does the same, yelling out the Captain's name as she approaches. Both Kylie and Lilia reach the deck of the Dauntless just as it is coming out of its turn.

“Captain Roma!” Lilia calls out as she lands. The Queen of the Sylvan Realm points excitedly towards the distant HIVE Queen and her attempt to flee the buried city.

“Welcome to the Dauntless, Your Majesty,” Captain Roma calls out as she glances in their direction and nods. “Lady Kylie.”

The captain is close to the helm on the bridge of the Dauntless, the elevated deck near the rear of the ship. A crewman mans the wheel that controls the direction of the ship. Several other officers are on hand as well, dressed in a similar style of the captain. The one controlling the wheel is dressed less fancifully and matches the uniforms worn by the rest of the crew on the deck below.

“The HIVE Queen is trying to escape!” Lilia blurts out as she continues to point.

“That will not do. Not at all,” Captain Roma coolly responds as she sees the distant HIVE Queen flying towards the rift. The Captain of the Dauntless quickly rattles off her orders. “Full sail, Mister Grandar! Get me to that rift before the enemy arrives! Bring the defensive shield up, Mister Hastroms! Extend to full range! Prepare to starboard fire cannons! Stand by on port cannons!”

The Dauntless surges forwards once more and picks up speed with each passing moment. The defensive shield starts to form around the Dauntless, similar to the one that was invoked around the Sunflower a few days earlier. It is a series of overlapping golden shields that surrounds the ship in the shape of a sphere. Thus the shields covers the entire vessel from all sides. Then the golden shield starts to expand outwards creating a larger safe zone about the Dauntless.

The Dauntless reaches the rift before the HIVE Queen can reach it and comes to a stop. The golden defense shield about the Dauntless effectively blocks much of the rift, denying the HIVE Queen an escape route! However, the HIVE Queen does not slow down! She's going to ram the Dauntless!


Back on the ground, the dwarves and their allies have reached the first of the giant borer beetles. Laucian and Valena continue their barrage of arrows. While these beetles are much bigger and longer than normal, they are not all that much taller. The dwarves and elves focus on the monster's legs and it short order it falls. The group then rushes towards the next foe.


“Brace for collision!” Captain Roma calls out right before the impact.

The HIVE Queen slams head first into the defense shield surrounding the Dauntless and is bounced back! The Dauntless is shaken from the collision with many falling to the deck. But the shield holds, blocking the HIVE Queen's escape. The gigantic monster is momentarily stunned from the unexpected impact.

“Helm, hard to port!” Captain Roma calls out. “Put that thing in our line of fire!”

The Dauntless turns slowly, putting its starboard side towards the HIVE Queen. Once there is a clear shot, the starboard side cannons fire upon the HIVE Queen! A total of 16 Magi-cannon balls are launched from the Dauntless. Many hit the HIVE Queen, as she is a massive creature while others completely miss. Those that strike the Queen burrow through her body much like they did to the giant beetles. Unable to comprehend what is going on, the HIVE Queen moves away in fear, her blood flowing out of her perforated body.

But the HIVE Queen finds her retreat blocked by a gold dragon and a silver one. Saryn breathes fire once more, igniting one of the HIVE Queen's wings. Silvarn adds her frost breath to the main body of the gigantic insect. The HIVE Queen looses altitude and starts to fall to the ground of the Elder City.


Spurred on by their success with the first borer beetles, the dwarves move on to the next ones. Laucian and Valena continue to add their arrows to the dwarves axes and another beetle falls. Lord Sharadin, Lia, Onas and Gweyr remove a different beetle with their spells and blades. Only two of the giant monsters now remain.


The HIVE Queen hits the mud that covers Shelvestra hard. With her one wing destroyed, she can no longer fly. Like a wounded animal, the HIVE Queen tries to flee for safety down on the ground.

All the while, the Dauntless continues to spin about. In short order the port side of the ship faces the HIVE Queen. The command is given and sixteen more Magi-cannon Balls are launched. The missiles tear into the HIVE Queen once more, ripping her body apart. One of the balls passes through her head and the HIVE Queen falls! Her body twitches unnatural as it collapses to the mud. Saryn breathes fire on her once more, to make sure the HIVE Queen is down. Her body starts to burn leaving no doubt to any that the HIVE Queen is dead.

“Victory is ours,” Captain Roma proclaims in a satisfied voice.


Thanks to the combined forces on the ground, the last of the giant borer beetles fall. Far off in the distance, the sight of the HIVE Queen going down is seen by all. The dwarves raise their axes and let out a battle cry proclaiming victory.

Quirin floats closer to those on the ground. “Thesssse are the lasssst of them,” the couatl mentally communicates. The feathered serpent refers to the half-dozen HIVE ground troops that he dominated. “SSSSlay them.”

The dwarves and those who wish to help quickly comply and last of the enemy falls. All that remains of the HIVE are the eggs and the larva. Gweyr's Fire Elemental continues to burn the eggs as it passes over them. The HIVE has essentially been defeated!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

It was becoming clear to me that this particular battle was not going to end as I hoped it would. Fighting giant monsters might look cool in the movies and in video games, but its harder to pull of in this type of setting. Since it didn't look like the PC's were going to have much of an impact on the struggle against the HIVE Queen, I just wrapped things up to keep things from getting bogged down even further and leaving the players with making choices that wouldn't have much of an impact. With this behind us, we can move on to other and hopefully better things.

HIVE Queen was beyond the range of the Detect Illusion ability, as it only goes out for 90' and she was over a mile away.

It's been a really long time since I handed out XP's, so here they are. XP's have been updated in the usual place. A few levels gained thus far.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Looking off to the side, Kylie sees that Lilia seems to have had the same idea and they both race toward the Dauntless as it makes its turn. The ship is just starting to accelerate for its second run past the beetles when they both haul themselves over the railing. Another couple of seconds and the ship would have left them floating in its wake.

Breathing heavily from the exertion, Kylie just waves in response to Captain Roma's greeting. Lilia proceeds to warn her of the Hive Queen's attempt to escape, to which the Captain responds quickly. The Dauntless races for the opening in the roof of the cavern, its defensive shields flaring to life and expanding to a much larger radius that Kylie had thought possible.

The ship proves faster than the insect leviathan and arrives first, effectively blocking the Hive Queen's way. It's hard to tell whether she's unable to stop or just that desperate, but the Hive Queen plows bodily into the Dauntless' shields! The collision shakes the ship roughly; Kylie's glad she thought to grab onto the mast just before it hit or she might have been thrown quite a ways.

Turning, the Dauntless blasts the Hive Queen with a full broadside at close range, tearing gaping holes in her body. She turns to flee but finds Silvarn and Saryn waiting for her, both of which breathe they deadly breath on her. Unable to stay aloft, she slams hard into the ground. The ship spins around and tears her up with another broadside. Saryn sets the dying Hive Queen on fire to end any further threat from the foul insect.

“Victory is ours,” Captain Roma proclaims in a satisfied voice.

"Indeed it is, Captain," Kylie replies, sounding happy but a little shaken. "And none to soon, as far as I'm concerned."

__________________________________________________________________
Fantasy kaiju battle for the win! Not something you get to participate in every day...

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

Lothtor declines his offer of bandaging, so Onas joins the others in firing at the giant beetles. In the distance, they can see the Dauntless and the other two dragons battling the Hive Queen. With the dwarves help, they take down first one beetle, then another and another.

Just then, the ground shakes. Looking up, Onas sees that the enormous flying bug has crashed to the ground. It is only a matter of a few more moments before they finish off the last of the beetles. A quick look around shows that the battle is finally truly done! Onas gives a prayer of thanks to Angharradh for seeing them safely through this crisis.

Quirin floats closer to those on the ground. “Thesssse are the lasssst of them,” the couatl mentally communicates. The feathered serpent refers to the half-dozen HIVE ground troops that he dominated. “SSSSlay them.”

"Will do, Quirin," Onas replies. Pulling out his trusty sword, Frostfang, Onas proceeds to cut down the remaining Hive troops. Once that is done, he focuses on any eggs that Gweyr's elemental may have missed.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Unsure if those on the Alphatian Warship can see the HIVE Queen making for the rift, Lilia flies up towards the ship shouting as she goes. The ship is reached and Lilia lands as close to its captain as she dares.

“Captain Roma!” Lilia calls out as she lands. The Queen of the Sylvan Realm points excitedly towards the distant HIVE Queen and her attempt to flee the buried city.

“Welcome to the Dauntless, Your Majesty,” Captain Roma calls out as she glances in their direction and nods. “Lady Kylie.”

“The HIVE Queen is trying to escape!” Lilia blurts out as she continues to point.

“That will not do. Not at all,” Captain Roma coolly responds as she sees the distant HIVE Queen flying towards the rift. The Captain of the Dauntless quickly rattles off her orders. “Full sail, Mister Grandar! Get me to that rift before the enemy arrives! Bring the defensive shield up, Mister Hastroms! Extend to full range! Prepare to starboard fire cannons! Stand by on port cannons!”

At the Captain's commands, the ship surges forwards once more and surrounds itself in its defensive shield. The shield grows larger and larger until it encircles a huge area big enough to block access to the rift. The HIVE Queen rams the Dauntless and Lilia is knocked from her feet from the impact. The ship spins in place until its left side cannons can be used against the HIVE Queen. The magical weapons rip through the monstrosity and it tries to flee. The dragons swoop in once more and attack. The gold dragon breathes fire and the one of the HIVE Queen's wings start to burn. She falls, no longer able to support herself. The Dauntless continues it tight turn and then fires its right side cannons once they have line of sight. These barrage finishes off the HIVE Queen and she finally collapses to the ground. Saryn burns the body to make sure.

“Victory is ours,” Captain Roma proclaims in a satisfied voice.

"Indeed it is, Captain," Kylie replies, sounding happy but a little shaken. "And none to soon, as far as I'm concerned."

“Well done, Captain,” Lilia calls out visibly relieved. She feels as if a great weight has been lifted from her. “My compliments to your ship and fine crew.”

After being satisfied that the HIVE Queen is no more, Lilia will fly back to the others from the Dauntless.

“The HIVE Queen has been defeated,” Lilia announces. “Well done to all of us! All that remains is to remove any trace that may be left from the HIVE.”

Lilia will check to see if anyone needs healing. Lastly she'll see that the rest of the eggs are destroyed to ensure no further HIVE will trouble us.

When she is able, Lilia will ask the dragons and/or the couatl if there are any other beings about in the ruins of this Elder City.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Watching the battle unfold between ship and Hive Queen, Laucian watches with baited breath, knowing full well he cannot help his companions. But the worry is short lived as the metal shields turn away the Hive queen and she is racked with magi cannon fire.

“I hope, they are able to share their secrets with us of those ships and weapons.” The ranger of Ehlonna states.

The queen soon returns telling us the battle is over.

“The HIVE Queen has been defeated,” Lilia announces. “Well done to all of us! All that remains is to remove any trace that may be left from the HIVE.”

“Talen should be updated on our situation. He will be worried for his loved ones.” The ranger cleric states.

Lauican will assist those who are wounded, Healing them as he can with his first level spells. Laucian can’t help but look at all the bodies about them. How many souls fell to the HIve. But the feeling of loss for those souls is minimal as he realizes that they can suffer no more.

Laucian will see to helping with the eggs casting flamblade he will move through them dispatching them as he comes across them.

[Lia]

Lia

Lia looks to her Uncle briefly, “ Do you think there a chance that I could learn the ways of the mage?” she asks curiously. “ I never was much of a study but I can see it’s benefit.”

Lilia soon comes down to tell them of their victory and Lia raises her sword and let’s forth a yell of triumph and relief.

Quirin floats closer to those on the ground. “Thesssse are the lasssst of them,” the couatl mentally communicates. The feathered serpent refers to the half-dozen HIVE ground troops that he dominated. “SSSSlay them.”

“Quirin, Can you free one?” she asks curiously. “With the queen dead and only these remain perhaps they may hold to their former ways, meaning pre hive? And if not we slay it where it stands.” If he agrees she will have the dwarves surround the individual before releasing it from its spell state.

Lia hears Laucian mention her brother to the Queen, “I can go and see him. If the need is there. With the threat neutralized a rear guard may not be needed?” Seeing what the queen says.

Lia will help with the killing of the remaining Hive then the eggs.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

The HIVE Queen has fallen! All that remains of these vile insects are their eggs and larva. The Fire Elemental that Gweyr summoned continues to destroy the eggs, but many more remain.

"Indeed it is, Captain," Kylie replies, sounding happy but a little shaken. "And none to soon, as far as I'm concerned."

“Aye,” Captain Roma says in agreement.

“Well done, Captain,” Lilia calls out visibly relieved. She feels as if a great weight has been lifted from her. “My compliments to your ship and fine crew.”

“Thank you,” Captain Roma graciously answers. “I am pleased that we were able to remove this menace. I shudder to think what would have happened had they started to attack the countryside and lands around this swamp. Speaking of which, were any captives found?”


Once satisfied that the HIVE Queen has been slain, Silvarn flies closer to the Dauntless.

“The HIVE Queen is dead,” Silvarn reports. “Apart from the attack force, I can only sense a few larva back among the egg fields. The HIVE must have taken over every living in this area. The city seems dead now.”


Down on the ground, the last of the borer beetles have fallen. Quirin summons the ones that he mentally dominated so that they can also be dealt with.

"Will do, Quirin," Onas replies. Pulling out his trusty sword, Frostfang, Onas proceeds to cut down the remaining Hive troops. Once that is done, he focuses on any eggs that Gweyr's elemental may have missed.

“Quirin, Can you free one?” she asks curiously. “With the queen dead and only these remain perhaps they may hold to their former ways, meaning pre hive? And if not we slay it where it stands.” If he agrees she will have the dwarves surround the individual before releasing it from its spell state.

“Nothing remainssss,” Quirin will report. “Once they were transsssformed, all that remained wassss HIVE. All that they were issss long gone.”

The last of the HIVE Soldiers are slain, while others work on the remaining eggs and larva. Still others relax after the long struggle. Healing magic is used on those who need it. Lothar gets some more healing, but it is not enough to fully restore him. Saryn returns and takes his human form once more.

Lia looks to her Uncle briefly, “ Do you think there a chance that I could learn the ways of the mage?” she asks curiously. “ I never was much of a study but I can see it’s benefit.”

“Its possible, I suppose,” Lord Sharadin will say. “Magic runs strong in our family.”

“Talen should be updated on our situation. He will be worried for his loved ones.” The ranger cleric states.

Lia hears Laucian mention her brother to the Queen, “I can go and see him. If the need is there. With the threat neutralized a rear guard may not be needed?” Seeing what the queen says.

“I'll accompany you,” Lord Sharadin tells Lia. He casts a Fly spell on himself and will carry Lia if allowed. Together they make it back to a concerned Sherry, Terry and Talen. The defensive shield they erected around the Pillar Artifact is lowered.


GM Notes:

Everyone is back together. Going to do anything else here in the Elder City or make your way back to Karn's Keep?

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Seeing Lilia take flight to return to their companions, Kylie rises into the air. She pauses for a moment looking at Captain Roma. "Thank you, Captain. That was an impressive display. It was a pleasure meeting and fighting alongside you and your fine crew."

She pauses a moment longer, her face showing her grief. "I'm sorry, Captain, but the only captives we found were being used as food for the Hive larva. They are are beyond suffering now."

The flight back to join their friends is much more pleasant, as death isn't hanging over their heads and there is no need to fly at maximum speed. Arriving a little behind Lilia, Kylie floats down and lands.

Silvarn and Quirin report that there are none left alive here in the sunken Elder city. It seems their job here is done.

Laucian mentions that it would be good to check in with Talen and the twins. Lia and Sharaden volunteer to do so. "I'd like to join you as well," Kylie says to Lia. She will float along as they travel back to the portal where they initially arrived.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

Once the larva and eggs are accounted for, Onas checks to see if there is anything left of those being used as 'food'. If the spells cast in that area didn't entirely destroy the bodies, Onas will perform rites over the bodies and see to their burial.

Queen Lilia and the Speaker's daughter, Kylie, return along with the dragons. The queen announces that the battle is truly over. Silvarn confirms that all of their opponents are vanquished. At Lia's question, Quirin states that he cannot remove the infestation from the lizardfolk that he controlled. Onas says a prayer for all of the lizardfolk that were victimized by the Hive. While they are not generally friendly with elves, still they did not deserve what was done to them.

“The HIVE Queen has been defeated,” Lilia announces. “Well done to all of us! All that remains is to remove any trace that may be left from the HIVE.”

"Apparently the Hive used other peoples as food for their larva. My queen, I believe we should check to see if there are other victims for whom appropriate rites should be performed. There is much of this cavern for which we have not yet accounted."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia is visibly more relaxed with the defeat of the HIVE. Now comes the clean up.

“Thank you,” Captain Roma graciously answers. “I am pleased that we were able to remove this menace. I shudder to think what would have happened had they started to attack the countryside and lands around this swamp. Speaking of which, were any captives found?”

She pauses a moment longer, her face showing her grief. "I'm sorry, Captain, but the only captives we found were being used as food for the Hive larva. They are are beyond suffering now."

“It is as Kylie stated, Captain,” Lilia quietly adds. “There was nothing to be rescued. Those deemed unworthy to become part of the HIVE were consumed by them.”

“The HIVE Queen is dead,” Silvarn reports. “Apart from the attack force, I can only sense a few larva back among the egg fields. The HIVE must have taken over every living in this area. The city seems dead now.”

“They probably either converted or consumed everything in the vicinity,” Lilia agrees. “Nothing went to waste. Let this city stay dead and buried. Perhaps in time the swamp will cover it once more. Let it become a tomb for the HIVE.”

Lilia flies down from the deck of the Dauntless and lands among the rest of the attack force. The warship is impressive to say the least. She know understands Captain Roma's earlier claim that her flagship to reduce Karn's Keep to rubble. The Sylvan Realm will need such ships for it to flourish.

“Talen should be updated on our situation. He will be worried for his loved ones.” The ranger cleric states.

Lia hears Laucian mention her brother to the Queen, “I can go and see him. If the need is there. With the threat neutralized a rear guard may not be needed?” Seeing what the queen says.

“I'll accompany you,” Lord Sharadin tells Lia. He casts a Fly spell on himself and will carry Lia if allowed. Together they make it back to a concerned Sherry, Terry and Talen. The defensive shield they erected around the Pillar Artifact is lowered.

Laucian mentions that it would be good to check in with Talen and the twins. Lia and Sharadin volunteer to do so. "I'd like to join you as well," Kylie says to Lia. She will float along as they travel back to the portal where they initially arrived.

“Go,” is all that Lilia will say in response to the requests. “Everything seems to be well in hand now. I imagine that Talen will at least want to look around a bit before we depart, given just where we are.”

"Apparently the Hive used other peoples as food for their larva. My queen, I believe we should check to see if there are other victims for whom appropriate rites should be performed. There is much of this cavern for which we have not yet accounted."

“I'm not sure much remains...,” Lilia starts to say before catching herself. Onas is doing the appropriate thing for a priest to do. Something that Lilia herself is now since the change. The spirits of the dead need to be guided into the afterlife, even if they are not elves. “You are right. We must at least make the attempt, Onas. We owe the that much.”

Lilia will accompany Onas in search of larva to be slain and dead to guided. As she walks along, a hymn comes to Lilia's lips. It is a victory hymn of those who follow Corellon as he is the elfin deity of war. The skill at which Lilia sings even surprises her. It was another of the gifts she received during her transformation. After completing that hymn, she shifts to one more suitable for the task at hand. Guiding those who perished in battle to their proper places in the afterlife.

(Yes, Lilia can sing now! She just never had the opportunity to do it before. It seemed fitting at this time.)

[Talen]

Talen:

Talen can only watch and wait as the others go forth to battle against the HIVE. He understands the reason why he was left behind, but still isn't happy with. Neither are his cousins Sherry and Terry.

“Father is so protective,” they bemoaned. “We're as good as any of the other mages here.”

“And much better than I am,” Talen silently noted to himself.

There was a terrific battle that took place nearby, but then the lights and sounds of battle grew more distant. Then the giant beasts rose up in the far distant areas of the city! The Dauntless arrived with magical cannons blazing to make short work of the enemy. Finally everything went silent. Talen and his cousins could only watch in awe.

“Is it over?” Talen wondered. His cousins could only shrug in response.

Not long after that, some familiar faces are seen flying this way. Lia, Kylie and Lord Sharadin come into view. They land close by and walk through the defensive shield.

“What happened?” Talen wonders. “Did we win?”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“They probably either converted or consumed everything in the vicinity,” Lilia agrees. “Nothing went to waste. Let this city stay dead and buried. Perhaps in time the swamp will cover it once more. Let it become a tomb for the HIVE.”

Lilia adds to Kylie's reply to Captain Roma, to which Kylie nods in agreement. "Indeed, that may be the best outcome."

After rejoining the rest of their companions, Lia, Kylie, and Sharadin get approval from Lilia to go check on Talen and the twins. The flight back to the pillar artifact where they arrived doesn't take long, and Kylie breathes a sigh of relief when they get close enough to confirm that the golden shield is still in place. Landing just before the glowing barrier, Kylie steps through, smiling as best she can after what they have been through.

“What happened?” Talen wonders. “Did we win?”

Kylie cannot help chuckling at the so-very-Talen-like question. "Yes, Talen, we won. The black dragons have been defeated, along with the Hive queen and all of her troops. We could not have done so without Captain Roma, her ship, and her crew."

"It is so good to see that you all came through this safely," Kylie says, giving each one a hug in turn. "Did they send any of their forces to attack you here?" She didn't notice any bodies as they approached, but could easily have missed them.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

When Lia, Kylie, and Lord Sharadin make plans to go check up on Talen, Terry, and Sherry, Queen Lilia approves the idea. Onas watches for a moment as the trio fly off.

“I'm not sure much remains...,” Lilia starts to say before catching herself. Onas is doing the appropriate thing for a priest to do. Something that Lilia herself is now since the change. The spirits of the dead need to be guided into the afterlife, even if they are not elves. “You are right. We must at least make the attempt, Onas. We owe the that much.”

In response to his suggestion to search the rest of the cavern, the queen starts to disagree, then changes her mind. Onas smiles and nods, pleased that she agrees with his idea. As priests, they still have work to do here and he is glad that she is willing to support him in this.

Once they determine who all will accompany them, Onas suggests that they spread out a bit while still keeping well within sight of each other so that they can cover as much ground as possible. Queen Lilia recommends that they move back and forth from side to side as they work their way toward the far end of the cavern. This seems like a very good idea to him, so Onas nods in agreement and takes his place in the formation.

After they walk for a little while, Lilia starts to sing. The queen has a beautiful voice! Onas had never heard her sing before and didn't realize that she possessed that talent. Still, it makes sense for a cleric of Corellon. Some of the songs are familiar to him, though others are not. Not having the same skill, he listens happily but doesn't join in as he continues the search for unfortunate victims of the Hive.

[Lia]

Lia

“Its possible, I suppose,” Lord Sharadin will say. “Magic runs strong in our family.”

“ So does swordplay it would seem.” She adds playfully.


“Go,” is all that Lilia will say in response to the requests. “Everything seems to be well in hand now. I imagine that Talen will at least want to look around a bit before we depart, given just where we are.”[/quote]

A childlike smile begins to etch across her face. “Thank your my queen.”

“I'll accompany you,” Lord Sharadin tells Lia. He casts a Fly spell on himself and will carry Lia if allowed. Together they make it back to a concerned Sherry, Terry and Talen. The defensive shield they erected around the Pillar Artifact is lowered.

Lia will allow her uncle to do so and sheathes her sword before hand nodding to her Uncle.

Laucian mentions that it would be good to check in with Talen and the twins. Lia and Sharaden volunteer to do so. "I'd like to join you as well," Kylie says to Lia. She will float along as they travel back to the portal where they initially arrived.

“ Suit yourself, Kylie.” as Lord Sharadin begins to fly them back to the shield. Silently she cant help to feel like she is in a father figures arms.

“What happened?” Talen wonders. “Did we win?”
Kylie cannot help chuckling at the so-very-Talen-like question. "Yes, Talen, we won. The black dragons have been defeated, along with the Hive queen and all of her troops. We could not have done so without Captain Roma, her ship, and her crew."

“Come now brother. When have you known me to run from a fight.” she adds as she walks up and gives her brother and cousins a hug. “ The battle was hard fought But it was Captain Roma that turned the tide.”

"It is so good to see that you all came through this safely," Kylie says, giving each one a hug in turn. "Did they send any of their forces to attack you here?" She didn't notice any bodies as they approached, but could easily have missed them.

“ Do not lower the shields just yet. Let us move forward and join the others. You may want to look upon the ruins.”

[Talen]

Talen:

Talen feels relieve with Kylie, Lia and Lord Sharadin return.

Kylie cannot help chuckling at the so-very-Talen-like question. "Yes, Talen, we won. The black dragons have been defeated, along with the Hive queen and all of her troops. We could not have done so without Captain Roma, her ship, and her crew."

“That's great!” Talen says excitedly. “No more of those creepy bugs!”

“Come now brother. When have you known me to run from a fight.” she adds as she walks up and gives her brother and cousins a hug. “ The battle was hard fought But it was Captain Roma that turned the tide.”

“No,” Talen agrees with his sister. “Not even when she should. I'm relieved that everyone is okay.”

"It is so good to see that you all came through this safely," Kylie says, giving each one a hug in turn. "Did they send any of their forces to attack you here?" She didn't notice any bodies as they approached, but could easily have missed them.

“No, it was all quiet here,” Talen reports. “Apparently we were not much of a threat to them.”

“Do not lower the shields just yet. Let us move forward and join the others. You may want to look upon the ruins.”

“Well, that's under Sherry and Terry's control,” Talen answers in regards to the shield generated by the Spell Engine. “But yeah, I want to look around. There should be a city to city portal here and a second Pillar Artifact. I want to see what they can tell me.”

Talen starts to walk off, passing through the protective barrier. He goes several steps before coming to stop and turning back around.

“Uhm, has anyone seen these other teleporters?” Talen asks a bit sheepishly. “I don't know where they are at.”

[GM Mad]

Post Closed