New Frontiers #82

[GM Mad]

New Frontiers #82


The Guardians have penetrated the Ice Palace and captured two half-demon Ice Priestesses. One of them, a young girl with small forehead horns named Anja, was Charmed by Lyonessa. Much information was learned but when the group attempted to move on Anja saw her winged sister unconscious and bound. Confused by this, Anja became to question things.

At Sir Corley’s direction, Yusef springs into action. Once more his method of weaponless combat quickly and efficiently downs Anja. She is secured once more and the Guardians continue their trek down the tower stairs. Based on what the half-demon told Lyonessa, the next floor down is the High Priestess chambers. Below that are the quarters of an Ice Priestess/Sorceress named Kalandor.

On the third floor down is the rooms belonging to the half-demon twins. Far below that is the ground floor of the large tower, and presumably the location of the main Temple to Auril. The Heart of Winter, an Aurilite artifact of great power is supposed to be hovering over the main ice altar.

The stairs continue to spiral down following the outer wall of the tower. Farian and Yusef continue to lead the way. The stairs are treacherously slippery with their ice coating coupled with the blustery winds.

The inevitable finally occurs as Aria slips on the stairs! The dwarven battle-maiden goes tumbling down the stairs cursing as she goes. Both Yusef and Farian only have enough time to move aside as Aria goes tumbling past. Aria is quickly lost from sight due to the curve of the stairs, but her cursing continues reach your ears. But it is growing more and more distant.


Now what?

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

Once more it’s to these accursed stairs! Dwarves weren’t meant to dwell in such cold and wintry climates. We’d much prefer the warmth and comfort found in the depths of the earth.

One misstep is all it takes and Aria goes sliding down the stairs. She tries to find a hand hold if possible while making enough of a racket to raise the dead!

“Razzin-frazzin-flim-flam!!” She curses as she rolls out of sight. If she’s still conscious when she comes to a stop, Aria will rise and try to defend herself, assuming that she’s drawn the enemy to her.

[Corley]

Corley:

Lyonessa turns to agree with Sir Corley, "Yes, we would have had to dealt with her quickly once the deception was revealed."

“Thank you for confirming my suspicions, milady. Admittedly my knowledge of those things arcane is limited.”

"Thank you, Sir Corley," Lyonessa replies. "I am glad I was able to get us valuable information."

“A pretty face and a honey voice can work magic all their own when it comes to gathering intelligence. Let us put to good use what you have learned.”

“We will be returning for them, won’t we?” Ivy can’t help but ask. “They may be the enemy, but these girls are little more than victims of this twisted dogma. I cannot in good conscious see them killed out of hand.”

"I hope to, although I don't know what we can do with them," Lyonessa replies solemnly. "It is probably all they have known since birth. They may not even be aware they would be considered evil, no matter how vile it may appear to us."

“I would never kill an enemy who was unable to defend themselves,” Sir Corley states. “There is no honor in such a thing. Admittedly I am at a loss in this situation. If their beliefs run as deep as is believed, then nothing we say will change their minds. The only way to make them conform would be to use magic on them to control them. Such a thing would make us little better that those we fight. It be us trying to install our believes unto them.”

“Fortunately, we do not have to make a decision now. Let us see where we stand once the upcoming battles have ended. Only then can see what course of action to take regarding the maidens.”


We begin to move along once more. The stairs remain treacherous and icy. There’s a loud clang and Sir Corley turns to see Lady Aria falling down! The dwarf maiden is uttering some un-lady like language and is almost out of sight before Sir Corley can react.

“Be on guard! The enemy is assured to be aware of us now! We need to move forward! These cramped spaces and slippery conditions are not ideal for battle! If anyone can safely follow Lady Aria, do so. Most of the attention will be heading towards her location.”

[Argent]

Argent:

If the situation weren’t so serious, seeing Aria going tumbling and her protests to it would be funny. It appears the dwarf is going to get her wish for some excitement!

“Be on guard! The enemy is assured to be aware of us now! We need to move forward! These cramped spaces and slippery conditions are not ideal for battle! If anyone can safely follow Lady Aria, do so. Most of the attention will be heading towards her location.”

“I can do that, Sir Corley!”

Argent will cast Fly upon herself. She’ll then rise up over the others and goes down the stairs after our wayward dwarf. Any breathing enemies that might turn up along the way will get a Magic Missile. Any spells that target the Invoker will be used to feed her Tiara of Absorption.

[Ivy]

Ivy:

"Thank you," Grondar says to Ivy. "Hopefully, their father isn't hereabouts as well. Might have been good to know more about him. Speaking of which, we probably should have asked about those other four connected towers."

“I pray that is the case as well. Without Sir Acerion and Sir Validar here, I am unsure just how well we would fare against a creature from the lower planes nor am I eager to find out.”

A quick command from Lord Corley and Yusef turns into a whirlwind once more. "Just watching that boy is a bit intimidating," Grondar grumbles to no one in particular. "Glad he's on our side."

“It’s like his whole body is a living weapon,” Ivy adds in awe. “It’s incredible.”

"I hope to, although I don't know what we can do with them," Lyonessa replies solemnly. "It is probably all they have known since birth. They may not even be aware they would be considered evil, no matter how vile it may appear to us."

This notion saddens Ivy, but she’s at a loss for any better idea.

“I would never kill an enemy who was unable to defend themselves,” Sir Corley states. “There is no honor in such a thing. Admittedly I am at a loss in this situation. If their beliefs run as deep as is believed, then nothing we say will change their minds. The only way to make them conform would be to use magic on them to control them. Such a thing would make us little better that those we fight. It be us trying to install our believes unto them.”

“Fortunately, we do not have to make a decision now. Let us see where we stand once the upcoming battles have ended. Only then can see what course of action to take regarding the maidens.”

“That is most gallant of you, Sir Corley. And you are correct, what we do with them will all depend on our shape at the battle’s end. We may be victorious as we hope, or might ourselves be defeated. Best to concentrate on the task at hand instead of debating possibilities.”

Inspiration does strike Ivy, though. “Perhaps Kharyna may be able to help us? After all, she realized the evil she was dealing with. It seems to me that if anyone can reach them, it would be her.”


Ivy only hears the noises Aria makes when she takes her trip. It seems that the time for stealth is at an end.

“Be on guard! The enemy is assured to be aware of us now! We need to move forward! These cramped spaces and slippery conditions are not ideal for battle! If anyone can safely follow Lady Aria, do so. Most of the attention will be heading towards her location.”

“I should be able to move at my normal pace,” Ivy calls out. “My enchanted ring keeps my feet just above the ice, so I’m not as affected by it. I can scout ahead while the rest of you descend these stairs if you wish.”

[Yusef]

Yusef:

It is no real difficulty to render Anya unconscious. A simple strike to a nerve cluster and she crumples like a rag doll.

Minutes later, they begin working their way down the stairs toward the next level. A sudden sound presages Aria sliding past on her way down into the bowels of the tower. Yusef snatches at her as she slides by but misses by a hair's breadth, leaving him with nothing but a handful of air and mental self-recriminations.

He should have been faster! Master Tomas would be ashamed of him.

“Be on guard! The enemy is assured to be aware of us now! We need to move forward! These cramped spaces and slippery conditions are not ideal for battle! If anyone can safely follow Lady Aria, do so. Most of the attention will be heading towards her location.”

"Indeed. Any hope of catching them unawares is now lost," Yusef says grimly. Argent and Ivy volunteer to go after the dwarven warrioress. "I will join them as well, and keep them from harm. Farian can guide you the rest of the way as well as I."

Yusef murmurs a few words in an ancient tongue. The battered cloak he wears responds as though alive, rising up and transforming into a giant pair of bat-like wings. Flapping the wings mightily, Yusef races off down the stairs after Aria.
____________________________________________________________
Updated - with wings!

[Grondar]

Grondar:

“I pray that is the case as well. Without Sir Acerion and Sir Validar here, I am unsure just how well we would fare against a creature from the lower planes nor am I eager to find out.”

Grondar nods solemnly in agreement with the human priestess.

“It’s like his whole body is a living weapon,” Ivy adds in awe. “It’s incredible.”

"If I understand his remarks, that's essentially what his order trains to become. While they do gain some holy blessings as any other priest, they mostly focus on physical and mental discipline and efficiency in combat."

Hearing Ivy and Corley discuss what to do with the girls, Grondar puts forth a suggestion. "It may be that we could turn them over into the care of one of the more benevolent priesthoods. They may be able to provide the girls with a good home and eventually break through their conditioning."

They start down the stairs. They haven't gone far when a commotion arises as Aria loses her footing. Grondar can only watch in dismay as the dwarven lass goes sliding down the stairs into the darkness below.

[Sherra]

Sherra:

Yusef is impressive as he is able to quickly render the half-demon girl unconscious. She smiles approvingly at his skill and doesn't think she would ever get tired of watching him move.

Everyone forms back up and we begin to descend the stairs once more. Sherra is so glad she has had experience moving about on sailing vessels as she remains confident to her own footing. She keeps a watchful eye on Grondar as well as behind them.

Sherra hears commotion ahead and it seems Aria has slipped and is tumbling down the stairs. Aria's choice of words is nearly humorous, but Sherra knows their stealthy approach is now blown. She prepares some throwing knives while some of the others rush ahead.

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

“A pretty face and a honey voice can work magic all their own when it comes to gathering intelligence. Let us put to good use what you have learned.”

"Why thank you, Sir Corley," Lyonessa says, nearly blushing at his compliment.

Sir Corley also shows concern and a lot of wisdom over the fate of the young half-demons. It is a very tough decision and might prove impossible to change such learned behavior, but if there is a way to do it, Lyonessa is confindent they will.

The inevitable finally occurs as Aria slips on the stairs! The dwarven battle-maiden goes tumbling down the stairs cursing as she goes. Both Yusef and Farian only have enough time to move aside as Aria goes tumbling past. Aria is quickly lost from sight due to the curve of the stairs, but her cursing continues reach your ears. But it is growing more and more distant.

"Oh no!" Lyonessa cries, seeing Aria fall. She can't do anything to stop the descent, it happens so fast. A couple of her friends rush down the steps to help Aria and prepare for conflict. Lyonessa remains very mindful of her footing as she descends as fast as she dares.

[farian]

Farian

A commotion was heard then the swift brushing of hands across his legs caused him to stutter with his balance. Looking on in horror Farian couldn’t help but watch as Aria cursed and rolled outta sight.

“By Claddigin’s Twin Axes she is an impatient one! “ he said a little louder then he had hoped. “Always one to rush in….” a smirk forming over his face. But he quickly stowed the smirk as he realizes the seriousness of the situation. As the others move forward to look after Aria, Farian will help move the rest of the group toward the level to be checked out. Knowing that Aria’s voice may bring guests Farian will go invis once he reaches the landing of the floor.

"Indeed. Any hope of catching them unawares is now lost," Yusef says grimly. Argent and Ivy volunteer to go after the dwarven warrioress. "I will join them as well, and keep them from harm. Farian can guide you the rest of the way as well as I."

“If not better!” he proclaims loudly as he puffs out his chest.

[Chareos]

Chareos

With a lot of cursing Aria slides off down the stairs into the unknown.

“So much for stealth…” he said quietly as Corley begins to issue orders. Not onw to travel to well in these icy conditions, Chareos will make his way slowly down the stairs being mindful of his footing. If he does come across resistance he will pump a Magic missile into it.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Disaster has struck while the Guardians were descending the stairs in the main tower of the Ice Palace! Aria has slipped and gone tumbling down the icy covered stairs! The dwarven battlemaiden tumbles out of sight, cursing the whole way.

Reactions are quick. Argent casts Fly upon herself and then rises up to give chase. Ivy advances quickly through the ranks, her Ring of Water Walking extending to ice.

But Yusef acts the fastest. His seemingly ordinary old cloak suddenly grows bat-like wings! Beating these large wings, Yusef launches himself down the stairs in pursuit. In very short order, the monk catches up to and grabs a hold of Aria. The pair comes to a stop on the third level landing of the tower. Aria is conscious, but dizzy and disorientated.

While Yusef helps Aria gather herself, the monk becomes aware that they are not alone! Motion in the third level hallway attracts his attention. There he sees a human woman with long black hair wearing the traditional attire of a Priestess of Auril.

(Ice white robes with blue piping, cinched at the waist with a wide silver belt. Tucked into the belt is an ice axe with the drawing of a snowflake carved into the side. A silver circlet rests on her head.)

The woman also bears a staff that resembles a large icicle.

“Invaders!”, the woman hisses. “You will perish for your transgression! Ice shall cover you all!”

The woman speaks strange words and moves the staff in odd motions. In response, icy creatures begin to emerge from the walls and floor of the ice palace!

Argent comes flying up to Yusef and Aria. She can hear the priestess’ words, but cannot see her just yet. Ivy is a bit further behind, having just passed the fourth floor landing.


Further up the stairs, the rest of the Guardians try to catch up. The icy conditions force them to move at a respectable pace. With Farian in the lead they reach the forth floor landing. Farian uses his Ring of Invisibility to conceal himself. He doesn’t spot anything looking down the fourth floor hallway.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Aria and Yusef are on the third floor landing and can see Kalandor. Argent is just a bit up the stairs from the landing. She could hear Kalandor, but cannot see her. Ivy is further up the stairs and can only hear voices, but cannot make out the words.

Farian is at the fourth floor landing and invisible. That hallway seems clear. Everyone else is closing in on Farian’s position. The icy stairs simply make quick movement too difficult.


Now what?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

Unaware that he has become a topic of conversation among the other priests, huge bat wings appear behind his shoulders and Yusef goes streaking down the stairway. In moments, he catches up with the sliding dwarf and drags her to a stop. She seems disoriented, but not seriously hurt.

As he helps Aria regain her feet, Yusef notes a woman approaching. Based on Anja's description and their location, this can only be the priestess Argent encountered previously, Kalandor! Even as Argent and Ivy draw near, Kalandor speaks and gestures threateningly with her enchanted staff. At her command, ice warriors seem almost to grow out of the walls and floor.

Yusef knows there is no time to waste. Leaving Aria to clear her head, he launches himself directly at the priestess with a powerful stroke of his wings. Believing that she is the key and that the creatures of ice cannot function without her command, he ignores them and tries to reach her before she can create more. She may be powerful with the enchanted staff, but he believes that his warrior arts will will be her undoing.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

“By Claddigin’s Twin Axes she is an impatient one! “ he said a little louder then he had hoped. “Always one to rush in….” a smirk forming over his face. But he quickly stowed the smirk as he realizes the seriousness of the situation. As the others move forward to look after Aria, Farian will help move the rest of the group toward the level to be checked out. Knowing that Aria’s voice may bring guests Farian will go invis once he reaches the landing of the floor.

Farian's remark draws a chuckle from Grondar, who heard it from the back of the group. Still, it's not really a laughing matter, and he soon sobers.

Several of their group pursue Aria down the icy stairs with Yusef apparently in the lead. It's hard to tell from back here, but it looked like huge bat wings just grew out of Yusef's back! Muttering to himself and shaking his head, Grondar kisses the symbol of his devotion to Berronar.

He's going to have to have a talk with that youngster later.

They continue downward, and Grondar takes extra care in his footing. He would rather not repeat Aria's performance.

As best he can tell, it appears that Farian has reached the next landing. This should be the level where the girls' mother, the High Priestess, resides. "Corley!" Grondar calls out softly. "The High Priestess has her quarters here. I don't believe we should leave without determining whether she is here. Having her behind us could prove disastrous."

[Corley]

Sir Corley:

“That is most gallant of you, Sir Corley. And you are correct, what we do with them will all depend on our shape at the battle’s end. We may be victorious as we hope, or might ourselves be defeated. Best to concentrate on the task at hand instead of debating possibilities.”

Inspiration does strike Ivy, though. “Perhaps Kharyna may be able to help us? After all, she realized the evil she was dealing with. It seems to me that if anyone can reach them, it would be her.”

“Perhaps, Lady Ivy, but that will be the fair Kharyna’s choice to make. I do not know the maiden well enough to predict what her reaction would be. Her hatred for her former patron was palatable.”

Hearing Ivy and Corley discuss what to do with the girls, Grondar puts forth a suggestion. "It may be that we could turn them over into the care of one of the more benevolent priesthoods. They may be able to provide the girls with a good home and eventually break through their conditioning."

“A possible solution,” Sir Corley will agree. “But making them stay there might be a concern. One of them can fly away like a bird. Who know’s what other powers they might possess? Leaving them in the care of someone who might not be able to deal with them would be disastrous.”


Several of the Guardians rush to assist Lady Aria by a variety of magical methods. The most shocking is seeing Yusef’s cape change into bat-like wings. Somehow they seem to fit is not-quite human appearance.

Yusef is quickly lost from sight, as is Lady Argent. Lady Ivy rushes past shortly after that leaving the rest of us to carefully move down these treacherous stairs. Farian reaches the next landing and there’s still no sign of the others who went after Lady Aria.

Suddenly, the dwarven scout vanishes! Sir Corley is momentarily puzzled, but then remembers that the dwarf had a magical ring that made him invisible.

As best he can tell, it appears that Farian has reached the next landing. This should be the level where the girls' mother, the High Priestess, resides. "Corley!" Grondar calls out softly. "The High Priestess has her quarters here. I don't believe we should leave without determining whether she is here. Having her behind us could prove disastrous."

“I was just about to instruct Farian to scout out this level,” Sir Corley whispers back. “I will not leave myself open to an attack from the rear. Everyone else come closer and have weapons at the ready. I’ll follow a discrete distance behind Farian. Keep watch both up and down the stairs. An attack can come from almost any direction!”

Grasping his great sword, Sir Corley will take a few steps into the hallway while Farian scouts ahead.

[Argent]

Argent:

Argent finishes casting her flight spell and begins to rise up over the rest of the group. Up ahead she sees Yusef’s cloak change into bat-like wings. The monk then streaks off with great velocity!

“That was a surprise,” Argent mutters as she follows.

The circular stairs limit one’s range of sight. Argent can just barely make out Yusef up ahead. The noise and the cursing suddenly come to an end. Up ahead Argent see that Yusef has stopped Aria’s quick descent. But all of this has not gone unnoticed.

“Invaders!”, the woman hisses. “You will perish for your transgression! Ice shall cover you all!”

Being unable to see the speaker, Argent is unsure just what kind of attack she is making. But Yusef rushes forward, perhaps hoping to take her down with his unique combat skills. Argent flies closer and will hover next to the hallway opening. She’ll peak inside and then cast Magic Missile at the speaker.

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

Aria’s trip, while seemingly very long, suddenly ends. The world spins around the dwarven battlemaiden and her stomach seems to churning violently. Someone stopped her tumbling, but Aria can’t tell who it was just yet.

“Invaders!”, the woman hisses. “You will perish for your transgression! Ice shall cover you all!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Aria responds. “Give me a minute to clear my head, then I’ll whack you one!”

[Ivy]

Ivy:

"If I understand his remarks, that's essentially what his order trains to become. While they do gain some holy blessings as any other priest, they mostly focus on physical and mental discipline and efficiency in combat."

“Unusual, but not that surprising,” Ivy responds. “After all, each of our faiths focuses on different things. That gods have much to offer.”

“Perhaps, Lady Ivy, but that will be the fair Kharyna’s choice to make. I do not know the maiden well enough to predict what her reaction would be. Her hatred for her former patron was palatable.”

“Yes, of course,” Ivy agrees. “Assuming that we could even locate her.”

Hearing Ivy and Corley discuss what to do with the girls, Grondar puts forth a suggestion. "It may be that we could turn them over into the care of one of the more benevolent priesthoods. They may be able to provide the girls with a good home and eventually break through their conditioning."

“A possible solution,” Sir Corley will agree. “But making them stay there might be a concern. One of them can fly away like a bird. Who know’s what other powers they might possess? Leaving them in the care of someone who might not be able to deal with them would be disastrous.”

Ivy has nothing to add to what has been said. A sad look comes to her face. It seems that there are no easy answers to this. These two may not be save able.

Yusef murmurs a few words in an ancient tongue. The battered cloak he wears responds as though alive, rising up and transforming into a giant pair of bat-like wings. Flapping the wings mightily, Yusef races off down the stairs after Aria.

Ivy was far enough back to not see clearly what transpired. All of the sudden Yusef has wings! A combination of awe and surprise comes to Ivy’s face. Could this be the half-demon’s true form?!


Moving quickly as she can, Ivy moves past the rest of the group and continues down the stairs. Just past the next floor, Ivy can no longer hear Aria moving or cursing. A new voice is heard, but it is too far away to hear clearly. Grasping her mace tightly, Ivy continues to move down the stairs. It appears that battle is awaiting her just ahead!

[Sherra]

Sherra:

Several of their group pursue Aria down the icy stairs with Yusef apparently in the lead. It's hard to tell from back here, but it looked like huge bat wings just grew out of Yusef's back! Muttering to himself and shaking his head, Grondar kisses the symbol of his devotion to Berronar.

Sherra notices Yusef rise up, seemingly flapping a pair of.. wings! She raises an eyebrow as Yusef has descended too quickly for her to be sure, but she notices Grondar shaking his head and kissing his holy symbol.

"Those seem pretty handy to have," Sherra says in mock awe just to see if she can ruffle her good friend's feathers a little, "I wonder if I can learn to grow a pair of wings too." She'll let out a little laugh to let Grondar know she was just teasing and pat him on his broad shoulder.

“I was just about to instruct Farian to scout out this level,” Sir Corley whispers back. “I will not leave myself open to an attack from the rear. Everyone else come closer and have weapons at the ready. I’ll follow a discrete distance behind Farian. Keep watch both up and down the stairs. An attack can come from almost any direction!”

Sherra will guard the stairs once she reaches the landing. She will keep an eye out both above and below. Sherra would expect the ones who went racing after Aria to return soon, unless they ran into trouble...

[farian]

Farian

“I was just about to instruct Farian to scout out this level,” Sir Corley whispers back. “I will not leave myself open to an attack from the rear. Everyone else come closer and have weapons at the ready. I’ll follow a discrete distance behind Farian. Keep watch both up and down the stairs. An attack can come from almost any direction!”

Hearing Corley’s orders Farian merely smiles to himself and moves off down the hallway to scout. He will do so quietly and slowly due to icy conditions.

[Chareos]

“I was just about to instruct Farian to scout out this level,” Sir Corley whispers back. “I will not leave myself open to an attack from the rear. Everyone else come closer and have weapons at the ready. I’ll follow a discrete distance behind Farian. Keep watch both up and down the stairs. An attack can come from almost any direction!”

Grasping his great sword, Sir Corley will take a few steps into the hallway while Farian scouts ahead.

Drawing his Quarterstaff before him Chareos Follows Corley into the hallway. When he stops Chareos will turn about putting his back to Sir Corley so they can see more of the area.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

“Unusual, but not that surprising,” Ivy responds. “After all, each of our faiths focuses on different things. That gods have much to offer.”

"Indeed they do, fair lady," Grondar replies with a nod. "The gods are indeed as varied as they are mysterious in their ways."

“A possible solution,” Sir Corley will agree. “But making them stay there might be a concern. One of them can fly away like a bird. Who know’s what other powers they might possess? Leaving them in the care of someone who might not be able to deal with them would be disastrous.”

"I wasn't intending that we just drop them on someone. It would be necessary to discuss these issues with the priesthood in question and make sure they were prepared to deal with the difficulties that might arise. It just seems likely that at least one priesthood may have experience in dealing with this sort of indoctrination."

"Those seem pretty handy to have," Sherra says in mock awe just to see if she can ruffle her good friend's feathers a little, "I wonder if I can learn to grow a pair of wings too." She'll let out a little laugh to let Grondar know she was just teasing and pat him on his broad shoulder.

"Ai-yai-yai..." Grondar mutters. "Let us hope not, dear lady."

“I was just about to instruct Farian to scout out this level,” Sir Corley whispers back. “I will not leave myself open to an attack from the rear. Everyone else come closer and have weapons at the ready. I’ll follow a discrete distance behind Farian. Keep watch both up and down the stairs. An attack can come from almost any direction!”

"As you wish. Sherra and I will continue to watch our back." Grondar returns to his position at the rear of the group with Sherra, crossbow in hand.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The Ice Sorceress Kalandor has been discovered! Aria’s trip down the stairs has caught the attention of the Ice Priestess. Standing in the hallway on her level of the main tower in the Ice Palace, Kalandor has used the Staff of Winter to start forming Ice Warriors from the very surroundings themselves!

Yusef acts the fastest. He had used his Wings of Flying to reach Aria and stop her tumble down the steps. While the dwarven warrior gathers her wits, Yusef launches himself at Kalandor.

Moving quickly around the forming Ice Warriors, Yusef collides with the astonished knocking her to the floor. As they pair lands, Yusef notes small cracking sounds, as if ice was being broken.

Back at the landing, Argent has reached Aria and dares a peak into the hallway. She sees Yusef colliding with the Auril Priestess the Invoker battled earlier. Argent then casts Magic Missile.

Five sparkling missiles are unleashed and they streak forward, whizzing around the Ice Warriors. Each missile unerringly strikes Kalandor and there are more sounds of ice shattering. An unseen icy sheath covering Kalandor has been broken! (A cold version of Stoneskin.) Kalandor remains defiant and holds her Staff of Winter tightly.

Behind them, the Ice Warriors lumber towards Aria and Argent. Ivy catches up with them before the icy constructs arrive.


One floor up, Farian quickly and invisibly explores this level. Based on the intelligence Lyonessa gathered earlier, this level should be the private quarters to Mina, the High Priestess of Auril. Doors are open and the rooms glanced into. They seem to be very well appointed, when compared to the sparse tower seen thus far. But each room is currently unoccupied.

Sounds of battle can be heard from the level below.

Now what?

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

Lyonessa almost holds her breath as Farian expertly checks out this floor. It seems what she learned from the demon girl was accurate, but there is just no one about.

Noises drift up from below and it sounds like a battle is occuring. Turning to Sir Corley, she says, "It sounds like we're needed below."

Depnding on what Sir Corley commands, Lyonessa will move as quickly as she can without risking a slip or fall.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

“Yeah, yeah,” Aria responds. “Give me a minute to clear my head, then I’ll whack you one!”

Ignoring the shaken dwarf, Yusef charges forward to engage the priestess Kalandor. Several of the Ice Warriors attempt to attack him as he passes, but Yusef manages to avoid or deflect them all. Moments later, he tackles Kalandor. The impact is accompanied by an almost musical crackling sound.

Almost immediately, a barrage of mystic darts impact into the priestess, with more of the cracking heard. Yusef can see nearly-invisible shards of ice tinkling to the floor. Still, Kalandor appears determined to attack further.

Not wanting to give her time to act, Yusef unleashes upon the priestess with his deadly hands and feet.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

They pause on the landing to the High Priestess' quarters. Though he cannot see Farian, he assumes that the Wayfinder is scouting the floor as requested by Lord Corley.

Noises drift up from below and it sounds like a battle is occuring. Turning to Sir Corley, she says, "It sounds like we're needed below."

As they wait, Grondar too hears hints of the conflict below. "Indeed that is true, fair lady. Unfortunately, we cannot be reckless in our haste to assist them. We must have faith in their skills and pray that our gods protect them." Putting word to deed, Grondar mutters a quick prayer to Berronar asking her to lend her strength to their companions below.

[Argent]

Argent:

“Get her, Yusef!”

Argent regards the Ice Warriors close in on her, but decides to ignore them. Kalandor is the true danger here. The Invoker will cast a second magic missile at her if able.

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

Behind them, the Ice Warriors lumber towards Aria and Argent. Ivy catches up with them before the icy constructs arrive.

Aria’s head begins to clear a little bit. She struggles to her feet, holding her axe at the ready. Stumbling forward the dwarf is ready to rumble!

“Come on you walking hunks of ice! I’ve got the cure for what ails you right here!”

[Ivy]

Ivy:

Reaching the next landing, Ivy can see Argent casting spells at some unseen target. Yusef is not around, but Aria is struggling to stand up. Remarkable the dwarf seems ready to fight!

Moving closer, Ivy will back up the dwarf and put herself in front of Argent. She won’t let any attackers get at the magic user.

[Corley]

Corley:

Sir Corley is a bit disappointed that no one is home. That just means the High Priestess is somewhere else in this vast palace of ice.

Noises drift up from below and it sounds like a battle is occurring. Turning to Sir Corley, she says, "It sounds like we're needed below."

“Yes, let us move on. Down to aid our companions as quickly as these treacherous stairs will allow us.”

Still concerned about an attack from behind, Sir Corley will say, “I’ll take the rear guard. Everyone else move out!”

[farian]

Farian
Moving down the corridors Farian checks each room as quickly as he can, finding none as he walks out of the last hallways Farian becomes visible as he says, “Its all Clear. Go to the next floor“! He calls out as the cold wind whips down the corridor from the open windows.

Farian will make his way back down the hallway towards the others, Seeing Sir Corley begint o watch their backs as well as the on going battle below Farian calls out to him. “Get a move on I’ll get the rear, they may need you!” as he realizes Corley can get to the others far more easily then he can.

If Corley agrees he will take his war hammer in had and make his way to be put in a better postion to cover the rear flank.

[Chareos]

Chareos

Noises drift up from below and it sounds like a battle is occurring. Turning to Sir Corley, she says, "It sounds like we're needed below."

“Yes, let us move on. Down to aid our companions as quickly as these treacherous stairs will allow us.”


Hearing Sir Corley’s Orders Chareos re-grips is quarterstaff and heads down the stairs as quickly, without slipping, to the aid of his comrades. If he reaches the next floor and can link up to Ivy he will do so and bash anything that comes near. If he reaches the stairs and can only see so much… he will cast a Magic Missile and spread them so 2 hit a target.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed