The Vampires of Ansien, Elinie

[X-LPA/Gaerred Khaiarén (Gray)]

Between Gaerred Khaiarén and Naire Dhon there should be healing aplenty for all.

[X-Points East]

IC:

Seeing the Patriarch faint, Elamien hurries over to him and begins tending his wounds with any mundane means at her disposal, with a visible focus.  Should any magical healing be proffered to her, she declines it.  She is, after all, remarkably unscathed. . . .

[DM B]

You have all been reunited, and now the worst of your woulds have been healed and your spirits fortified. Of course, Elamien is unhurt, as are the two newcomers from the LPA. Maester Kaleiman is still in pretty bad shape;he can walk, but not quickly - and he CAN cast spells, but should avoid melee! The Patriarch, through his wounds still pain him, seems alert, almost eager.

OOC: In RoE we use a wound point/vitality system. Vitality recovers quickly (like hit points), but wounds take longer to heal (days or weeks - and magical healing only fixes 1 point/spell level or equivalent) and also cause penalties (to movement, Str, Dex, etc). Keep that in mind; those grievously injured will be feeling much better, but you're not exactly fresh. Your now-closed wounds still hurt, and will hamper you.

OOC2: Fatigue and fear is also a factor. Running around, fighting etc. causes fatigue that can be shed with rest. Lack of sleep, long periods of strenuous activity etc. require rest and nourishment to recover. Fear is also a potential problem that could easily accumulate in a place like this; Courage blood ab and paladin courage makes you effectively immune, but other PCs have to rely on blessings or their Will saves.

[X-Elinie/RiD (Niels)]

Looking at the assembled heroes, Rashid folds his hands before him and outlines the remaining objectives; "We have to assume the High Hierophant is in need of our help, in addition, we have yet to confront Adaliz, the Lady whom the other vapires referred to, they are one and the same.

You have each been able to discern a path to find one another, and this was most succesful after we each destroyed our foe..." At that Rashid's eyes roam the group, some wearing remarkably few signs of battle compared to others. He shifts his hands behinds his back as he continues, pacing slightly.

"I propose that we try this again, only this time, we seek out the most powerful evil in this place, the most dark corner emanating menace. - If Medhlorie has fallen, it is likely they have taken her there, and if she is fine, she will be striving to reach that place as well. And if she is not, ending this evil may provide her with the aid she needs to survive."

Stopping and facing the group he asks; "Do we agree?"

OOC: Assuming they do, Rashid uses his Detect Evil to try and find a path that will reveal Adaliz.

[DM B]

You start making your way through the great manor; though now it is not infinitely looping back on itself, its just big, dark, and gloomy.

Kaleiman marches on, using his staff as a crutch;

"Robhan here tells us that his opponent escaped after a fashion; turned into mist and floated away. As we learned before we came here, that particular vampire needs to rest through the following day - if there is such a thing here - before it can be of danger to us. The rest of us, it seems, have sent our opponents to a more final death...leaving only Adaliz and possibly Medhloire's assailant. And of course whatever other servants and horrors this place might hold."

You are ambushed as you make your way down the grand staircase and into the entrance hall; giant bats, wolves, and several vampire spawn. It is a tough fight, but now that you are united in purpose you vanquish your foes with few additional injuries.

Rashid leads you through the great double doors and outside; through the mist you can see an ancient mausoleum await on the other side of the courtyard. As you cross, you are attacked yet again; this time by more creatures of the night, but also by the vampires' human thralls and more vampire spawn. You are surrounded - and yet again fighting for your lives!

...but there IS some comfort to be found; they are actively trying to prevent you from reaching the mausoleum...which is a big change from them just toying with you. There is a sense of urgency - desperation perhaps...but in a few minutes that won't  matter, because by then you'll all be overwhelmed and killed.

[X-Points East]

IC:

In the midst of the general mêlée, Elamien calls out to Kaleiman, "If you have one great spell left within you, then by all means employ it!  I shall cover you as well as I might!"  And she attempts to signal to Rashid to join her, as she moves to protect the wizard. . . .

[X-Elinie/RiD (Niels)]

IC:

In the midst of the general mêlée, Elamien calls out to Kaleiman, "If you have one great spell left within you, then by all means employ it!  I shall cover you as well as I might!"  And she attempts to signal to Rashid to join her, as she moves to protect the wizard. . . .

Rahid is already near the flank of Elamien and he deftly moves to block any attackers with the Sun Sword. He fights defensively, with wide swings or long thrusts he makes the area around him dangerous to enter, but does little to pursue and chop an enemy down if they disengage. "We have your back Maester, blast away!"

[DM B]

Kaleiman has a few trick left up his sleeve - probably save for any final encounter with Adaliz, but saving his spells is pointless tight now - fire and light for the most part, but also wards and protections that either keep the shadowspawn at bay or confuse them and make them fall upon each other.

It is only delaying the inevitable; there horde is only growing, and...wait! Suddenly there is great commotion in the rear of the enemy ranks, in the direction of the main gates - unnoticed by you all they have been thrown open, and a new force enters the scene.

You're not sure they are your firneds, but since they are attacking Adaliz' servants you don't much care. Its a strange and motley group; several huge worgs, a half-a-dozen ferocious werewolves, a handful of halflings wielding wicked spiked chains, shambling undead, and even a few sidhe warriors clad in archaic bronze armor! This is not onyl a place of dreams, but of legends and fairy-tales...

...be that as it may...the battle is joined, and through you are still outnumbered, you are no longer outclassed...

[X-Elinie/RiD (Niels)]

Jumping up on a treestump, Rashid raises the Sun Sword above his head and shouts over the battle; "Forward Allies of Life! - Destroy the Wicked!"

OOC: Using my Noble ability to inspire large groups of men.

He then jumps down, and leads a ferocious charge to try and break the enemy lines and make our newly increased numbers count.

Wielding the Sun Sword in both hands, fueling it with the Light of Avanalae (Smite Evil), he batters on the frontlines of the enemy. His leather jerkin has been slashed and pierced a few times, revealing the chainshirt beneath.

[X-Mhoried/Droene Kavarra (Iasonas)]

Bjorn is taken over by the battle. Desperation did not touch him when they were outnumbered, there was just some sort of urgency, a feeling that their time runs out. He thrust his claymore slashing through flesh too many times, and fatigue started to diminish his efficiency.
When the strange "allies" came, his hope was renewed, his fatigue lessened. His eyes shown with determination, and lust for battle. He held his left hand high, and following the Patriarch's lead, he screamed and charged at the  first shadow creature he could target. His shirt was cut in numerous places, revealing a chain shirt armor with light blue hues. This battle was a challenge, a grand prize, and he wanted it more than anything right now. He would do anything to be standing in the end.

[X-LPA/Gaerred Khaiarén (Gray)]

Naire stays close to Kalieman to ward him from melee, while Gaerred takes a more active role with the others, wielding magic, prayer and Spear.

[X-Elinie/RiD (Niels)]

Rashid on the right, Gaerred with his spear in the center, and Bjørn on the left, a fearsome trio with deadly intent.

Together they throw themselves at the enemy line, trying to break it up so the next rank can chop down the dazed foes that are overrun.

The Sun Sword carving glowing trails in the air, blood following every swing as the sharp blade cleaves worg hide or zombie heads.

The bold assault uses the enemies numbers against them, as they cannot all reach the front, those before being in the way of those behind, and the charge pressing the front back so they can't fight effectively.

While nicks and cuts accrue, the healing of the priests seem to be enough to tide this battle. It is only a question of time before the enemy must break or be cut down... Or does evil have more up their sleeve?

[DM B]

The enemy is halted, wavers, and then breaks. You new 'allies' pursue them with a vengeance, but you are too fatigued to give chase.

As you stand there, marveling at life, you see a shadowy figure watching you from the manor's roof. He gives a brief wave with his hand, like an old friend would, and then disappears out of view.

The way to the mausoleum is open for you, but have you the strength to continue?

[X-Mhoried/Droene Kavarra (Iasonas)]

Bjorn stands still for a moment, then finds a rock to rest even for a few seconds. He catches his breath, and says:

"That was interesting. Has anyone got any clue as to who that figure on the roof might be?"

His face is still sweating from the effort. However he is determined to move forward whenever the decision is taken.

[X-Points East]

IC:

Elamien stares at the roof for a time, as her heavy breathing abates.  Hearing the words of Bjørn, she looks at him and replies, "I, for one, could not make out his face."  Then, addressing the group as an whole, she states, "I believe that we should proceed into the mausoleum.  We have come so far; and the High Hierophant may yet be alive:  no matter the danger, no matter our fatigue, how can we turn away now?" . . .