The Invasion

[Michael Briggs]

As Angel expends his god-given power to move the group rapidly through space, he feels a sense of acceptance.  He isn't sure why, but he is sure that the God of Contracts wants him in Narshall.  As an experience diplomatic of his dark religion, he knows he will have to align the goals of his god with those of the group.  

As soon as the first group arrives, the people in the room stop arguing and become confused.  They are obviously not expecting their guests.  One of the guards in the temple draws his sword and approaches the group in a few steps.  Before he can attack, the Administrator signals for him to stop.  

"The wards against non-followers is still in place.  That man," he explains pointing to Angel, "is a faithful.  The Cloaked One has blessed us by responding to our prayers!"  

This puts the guard as a cautious ease, but the man doesn't lower his sword.  Angel notes that he respects the command of the highest ranking priest.  With a smirk, Angel casts a spell and returns to the remainder of the group.  

As he returns with another set of people, they priests and guard still look on with curiosity and silence.  Again, Angel ignores them and sets out on the task of collecting the final member of the party.  Again, there is an awkward silence that lasts until the cleric again returns.  

"Who are you, cleric?" the Administrator asks once Angel has completed teleporting in everyone.

[Michael New]

Smithy keeps his sword in its sheath, even when the guard makes a move toward them.  With only his shield in his hand, but not up, he steps forward two steps, in order to take any physical attacks that come toward the group.

"Angel will be back shortly to explain everything," he says to the temple guards after Angel leaves for the second group.

[Bob G.]

Arriving in the first group and seeing the guard draw his sword and
approach, Cal'Shir opens his hands palm out to show they are empty, and
waits for Angel to ease the man's fears. When the Administrator stops
the guard, Cal'Shir lowers his hands slowly and relaxes his stance,
awaiting Angel to make the introductions. When Angel pops out without a
word, he just shakes his head and waits, hoping it doesn't get ugly
before explanations are made.

[Erek]

Arriving in the temple of Hunter Wraith, Keryth stays in place.  One hand resting comfortably on his sword, he has faith that Angel will make all the necessary introductions.   Seeing Cal'Shir shake his head, Keryth silently echoes the man's sentiment.  He wonders if all of Hunter Wraith's followers have the need for excessive flare and drama, or if Angel is just that blessed.  Keeping alert to the rest of the temple, Keryth turns slowly, inquisitively scanning the temple.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus was in the last group to arrive.  Seeing the man with the drawn sword causes Tempus to step protectively between the man and Shyam.  He instinctively reaches back, ready to unleash his axe if necessary.  He glares at the man, his general irritation focusing on the man.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam quickly regreted the decision to teleport into the temple of the Hunter Wraith.  Seeing that they were faced with some rather suspicious priest and guards. 

 

Realizing she still held Quentin's hand as Tempus boldly moved to protect her she lets go of the rogue and gently puts a hand on the barbarian's shoulder.  "Let Angel speak, these are his people remember."  The last thing they needed was a blood bath, but then from what she could quickly gather after the one spoke, he hadn't explained anything to them, just dropped the others off without a word. 

[Don Alley]

Quentin sizes up the room quickly, looking for doors and windows that would serve as escape routes.

Once he has this information, he quickly sizes up the occupants of the room, trying to get their intent and relative stature and capabilities.

Of note is the guard that appeared between the two groups, weapon in hand. It appears he was either well disciplined or was told to stay his hand. He looked ready to attack, but wasn't.

Since this was Angel's home turf, Quentin knew it would be best to let the priest handle things. Of course, he listened carefully since there were multiple motives for being here across the party.

For now, he blended in, inconspicuous, and somewhat behind the barbarian.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus starts a bit at the touch, a sense of confusion flowing through him.  Then he relaxes the hand that was reaching for the axe.  He turn his head to nod at Shyam, then looks back at the guard to watch him warily.

[Russ]

After the dizziness and nausea fade away, Karchok shakes his head slightly to resettle his brains.  The druid looks around at the dirty inner workings of the the church of Wraith.  The half-orc makes no move towards his weapons, and keeps his arms down at his sides. 

 

Ghost shakes his head fiercely to clear it, taking a few steps to the side.  The big wolf walked as though he had found an unguarded mug of strong ale.  With unfocused eyes, the grey wolf looks up at his brother and "woofs".  The big wolf was not amused by silent laughter in his brothers eyes.

 

Scar made several noisy gagging noise.  Although the reptile did not retch all over the floor, he certainly looked several shades of lighter green.  Scar daintily plops down near Karchok and closes his eyes to escape the spinning room.

[rpgamer]

During his last teleport trip, Angel exchanged his damp and muddy brown traveling robe with his fresh and sparkly black Justicar robe. It had been enhanced since its presentation at the Calsham Temple and no longer could be associated with just that temple. Along with the more mundane markings of his stature within the church, the priest had it emblazened on the back with a large outline of a bat in gold and silver laced trim with glowing blood red eyes. More symbolic church markings laced the hems and seams of the robe. The inner liner had been enhanced magically with a continual flame spell which now flickered with a soft glow around the cleric, boots to collar, giving him a more mystical look. When the effect no longer suited him, he could simply lower a second inner liner to cover it. The arrogance of the robe rivaled the disheveled and poorly fitted robe of the administrator.

Angel nods to his comrades as if to say stay back, stay calm, and let me speak.

Starting with a slight bow of deferrence to the administrator, Angel speaks calmly, purposefully, and with guarded respect. "Both our prayers have been answered. Praise the Glorious God of Contracts!" The priest is initially formal with his oration, including appropriate hand gestures and body motions.

"I am called Angel, Choosen Justicar of the Cloaked one." He takes a couple of steps forward to insure enough room for his show. Raising his left arm, he displays the partially healed scars of his hand, rotating it slowly. Some of the spidery webbed fissures were still raw, reddenned and oozing blood. A large dire bat suddenly appears behind him, flapping its wings and gives a loud squeech. "Signs from the Most Holy Hunter Wraith! We have been brought together by his great wisdom to accomplish his will. I, as his left hand, you, the adminstrator, as his right hand."

After he lowers his arm, the priest continues. "My comrades and I have travelled from beyond Calsham. The trials have been harsh yet we perservered in our quest. Some have perished along to way. And yet when the time was right, our Glorious One blessed me as worthy with the means to bring us here swiftly. Praise the Most Holy Cloaked One, in his darkness we are bound!"

A short breath later, he points out their commonality, "You too have faced harsh trials and many have perished along the way. Even though your prior administrator failed, your faith has sustained you and now the blessing of the Great Hunter embrace you. Together we will meet the challenges before us and achieve the righteous glory and praise for the God of Contracts."

Not wanting to make a long speech, Angel turns their attention back to the issues at hand. "If my group may have a short respite to cleanup and get what rest they can, I will meet with you and your trusted leaders in private to discuss our pressing matters. I would ask that one of my group to accompany me."

"Meanwhile, to further reveal the righteous glory of the Hunter Wraith, I ask that you bring what dead and dying you have about the temple or nearby to this consecrated chamber."

When he finishes, a flick of his left hand dismisses the large dire bat, and just as suddenly it dissappears. Angel bows slightly again to the administrator.

[Bob G.]

Too late...

[Leslie]

Shyam can't help rolling her eyes at Angel's antics. The man's ego
was growing it seemed and he was taking any chance he could to 'show
off'. The speach and obvious attempt to make himself appear more
important that he was further enforced to her that he wasn't a man to
be trusted. If this was the way of those of the Hunter Wraith she
wanted nothing to do with the god.

Still in her disguise of a boy traveling with the group she continues
to hang back, mentally she reassures herself taking note of the
pressure from the branch in her tunic pushing against her due to the
weight of the chain shirt she wore.

[Michael Briggs]

The administrator seems ill fitted to be in his position by appearance, but once he begins speaking, Angel sees the man's worth.

"Honored guest of our lord, the God of Contracts, I thank you for you timely arrival," the middle-aged man begins with a smile than turns sour as he continues, "but I am alarmed at your lack of protocol.  If it weren't for your display of blessing by the Blessed Hunter Wraith, I would have had my guards gut you and offer your remains to the Dark Lord." 

The guard visibly relaxes, even going as far as sheathing his blade.  The woman doesn't seem impressed, and for the group who unaccustomed to the interaction of this faith, it appears to almost be a hostile meeting.  Angel recognizes the posturing and bantering as just one aspect of his faith.  More residents of the temple begin arriving in the chamber, curious of the new visitors.  They stand at the edge.  Almost all of them are armed.

"You timing is impeccable," the leader continues.  "We have been seiged by the evil followers of the vile goddess of lies and deception, Lillith.  Even now, we ascertain that they are gathering forces for another assault on our temple.  Our faithful are tired, the guards are incompetent and the enemy is favored to win the day.  What is it you bring us?"

[rpgamer]

As Angel had learned growing up in the church, flattery of the administrator, especially in front of his flock, was usually well received. It re-enforced the leader's legitimacy, even more so during dire times and when given by an outside church official of prestigious rank. "Honored administrator of our lord, the God of Contracts, I sense his divine judgement of your worthy leadership over his church in Narshall. Your unwavering faith and guidance will provide the spiritual strength needed to repel the onslaught. While our lack of protocol was most unfortunate, the circumstances dictated its  necessity. We thank you for your wise and generous patience." (small flourish of bow and arm motions to emphasize his words)

The Maidenshire priest smiles as he acknowledges the growing number of the faithful with a glance around the room and slight nods. He was sure the administrator wanted him to produce the goods of their prayers answered, especially since the church leader had already such a pronouncement, before any chance of help in return. Very well you holy bastard, good move ...

"Impeccable in deed too. (purposeful play on words)," the justicar continues. "The folly of Lillith will be revealed when the righteous might of the Great Hunter smites down his foes. Your tired faithful and incompetent guards will be refreshed with new recruits who know not pain or retreat."

"Now, bring in your dead and dying here, so that his divine glory may be revealed."

[Jbizzle]

Rashear groans inwardly, but knowing that this would be the best way for the group keeps his mouth shut.  Letting Angel have his speech and knowing that this ritual or whatever would hopefully help the party out, or at least give a safe harbor for a few hours for everyone.  Keeping an eye out for exits, he looks around the room using the corners of his eye, not wanting to be obvious about it, he tries to keep a count of how many priests, and other clergyman are in the room with the group.  'After so many teleport spells, it's nice to know that the nausea that follows magical transport is just a minor annoyance.' He thinks to himself while, a feeling of unease hits his nerves, as if there was something in the air that the lizard part of his brain were trying to warn him about danger.

 Keeping his hands away from the hilts of his blades, he tries to keep an air of non threat while worrying about what could go wrong with the whole the party, while in the church of Hunter-Wraith. A troublesome thought hits him, what would the glory over bringing the dead and drying in this room would be helpful, and what would Angel be doing with them.

[Michael Briggs]

The Administrator almost convulses in response to Angel's order as he repeats it to make it seem as though the followers are responding to him instead of the new comer.  Angel recognizes very quickly that this man is not the true Administrator.  The temple is in crisis, making him wonder what is the condition of the Lillithians.  Without doubt, both religions would fight each others to the last, trying to gain glory in the eyes of their gods.  No form of negotiation would be possible between these two groups.  

The injured are mostly already tended to, with a few still needing care because the remaining cleric have expended their blessings for the day.  A majority of the refugees in the temple aren't even true followers of the God of Contracts, but when the world around them collapsed, they ran for what they thought was the safest place.  Quentin is appalled by the condition of the temple.  He knows that if this safe haven is as bad off as it appears, the rest of the city must be in terrible shape.  By Smithy and Quentin's estimation, the city has been in civil war for over 4 months now.  

Shyam feels a pull, a taste of power; the ability to make it all right.  The voice in the back of her head whispers dark temptations the she can punish the dark religions and bring about order to protect the weak. She only needs to release herself to the power.  It promises to give back her mortal shell once this injustice has been righted.  Images of followers of Hunter Wraith, Lillith and the city guards massacring citizens that fall on the wrong side of that group fill her head.  Children and women slain in their homes or left to burn alive are all around her.  She holds back though, with only a slight shudder.  

Karchok, Rashear and Keryth all feel the perversion of this beacon of unnatural blight.  Although Calsham manages to keep somewhat in tuned with the natural world, this temple doesn't boast a single piece of fauna.  Karchok can sense the world beneath his feet crying out in agony.  

Quentin realizes that he and Smithy need to take stock of the temples defenses before proceeding forward.  Quentin, who has already concealed his symbols of allegiance to the city of Calsham notices that the knight's armor is a dead give away to anyone familiar with his home.  Being only a decade and a few years from the war with this city-state, the group was bound to run into someone who knew what the symbolism of the knight's armor meant.  It wouldn't guarantee that they would be attacked, but that risk was certainly there.

[Don Alley]

Quentin watched Angel work his diplomacy with the priests of Narshall's Hunter Wraith faction. Angel was nothing if not a formidable personality.

While Angel monologues (he smiles to himself, monologuing being a true sign of when depravity meets power: The necessity to justify the means to the end), Quentin quietly says to Smithy, "You'll need a tabbard to cover your armor. The fine folks of Narshall may not have forgotten their disagreements with Calsham."

Once the priests (including Angel) are busy setting about healing and adjusting to the newcomers, Quentin mentions to Shyam, Karchok, and others in their group in very close earshot, "Do we plan to stay here in the temple or find a place out there? If we stay here, we may be forced to take sides in this mess, or even appear we've taken sides to the other religion."

"Granted, if we set out on our own, we may be hunted by both sides."

It wasn't his call to make, but he was curious if they should help fortify this place or get the heck out of it.

[Erek]

Wanting to see what is outside the temple and gain a sense of the true nature of the disaster that has befallen Narshall, Keryth thinks to interrupt the verbally sparring clerics.  Taking note of the many faithful of Hunter Wraith that have arrived to see what was happening, Keryth opts to keep his thoughts to himself.  He remembered the Yellow Rose fanatics, and was unsure if these worshipers would be any less unreasonable.  Angel seemed to have a semblance of control over the situation besides.

Feeling his hand still resting comfortably on the handle of the ancient weapon at his side, Keryth has a new thought.  Gripping the pommel in a manner that would not suggest he will draw the blade, Keryth focuses on weapon.  Perhaps the essences of his ancestors would be able to sense the danger in the surrounding area of the temple.

[Michael New]

Smithy nods to Quentin in understanding.  He does not move at this time, but if an opportunity arises he will shift his shield to cover any symbols on the breastplate of his armor.  The tabard will come after.

He wishes he had studied more history, but what's done is done; or in this case, not done.

[Michael Briggs]

Keryth immediately senses the vile presence of devils somewhere below him.  The sword tries to take hold of his will and force him to search out these abominations for destruction.  Keryth holds back the attempt, although he feels he almost lost.

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir is not comfortable with the way things are going at the temple,
but he knows it could be worse. Staying alert, he just hopes things
don't explode. It's going to be bad enough outside this temple they
don't need to be fighting the occupants, especially not if the
Lillithians attack. Two "less than good" religions attacking each other
in the ruins of a demon infested town. It just doesn't get better than this.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam squeezes her eyes shut in an effort to force the images to go away.  When they do and as movement begins around her she find herself huddled in a corner with the others besides Angel who it appeared had other things going on.

 

Her words are barely a whisper as seems to fear the sound of her voice, the sensation that something could take over her at any moment still very close.  "We can't stay here....  We must find the library."

 

[Bob G.]

Hearing Shyam whisper about the library, Cal'Shir gently places a hand
on her shoulder and leans in to whisper back "We will. Hang in there."
hoping it will calm her

[Erek]

Reeling a tiny bit from the sudden attempt at his free will, Keryth's respect for the ancient relic deepens.  He would have to be more careful and set his mind against it's intrusions.  Mulling over the information, Keryth wonders what the devils below them are planning.  Feeling unsafe in this temple, he turns to look at Shyam.  Seeing her huddled in the corner, Keryth wonders what has befallen her.  Seeing she is visibly shaken, Keryth says in a soft voice, "Are you alright, Shyam?"  Hearing mention of the library, Keryth remembers why Shyam wanted to come here.  He turns to Angel and walks towards the cleric, whispering to him, "We need to seek out the library.  There are devils below us."

[rpgamer]

As Keryth whispers his words of warning to the priest, he nods his understanding as if he continued to nod to the gathering of followers. Looking over the dead bodies being carefully laid out before him, Angel can't help but feel some loss that these souls didn't see the glory of a saved temple and a saved city, but he also took heart in knowing that they go to the Father of Contracts.

Summoning up his diplomacy and leadership (feat) skills, Angel makes his final preparations over the dead. Moving to the center of the mass of flesh, he confidently states, "The time is at hand. Administrator, join me with your priests. Circle around for the ritual. (motions them around with at least a 30' radius) Together we will re-dedicate our lives and call upon the divine wisdom and blessings from the Most Holy Hunter Wraith for the upcoming battle. The others must leave and close the doors for a short period and continue to rest and prepare for this next battle. It will be victorious, it will be glorious!"

Angel turns to address his group, "You too must leave. Go and wait for me outside the entrance and help stand watch. I will join you shortly to reveal further mysterious of our quest as the Great Wraith Hunter deems worthy." He finishes with a quick glance at Quinten and Cal'Shir and a bit anxious for the group. The move should be obvious to the king's spy master and rogue, a message in a message -- Get out of here now! Keep appearances up for helping the temple followers, I will join you as soon as I can, but don't wait if you can't!

While the main chamber clears, anticipation of what's coming next, sends Angel on a grand high. There is a slight trace of remorse inside him for being unable participate and witness in the upcoming battle. The flickering glow from inside his robe darkens a shade and a faint dark misty shadow begins to flow downward from him and embraces the dead.

[Michael New]

Smithy is relieved to be able to get out of this stifling place. He
sees the need for ritual, but being in Narshall, finally, he would
like to continue on the quest with the group. Being outside that will
be possible.

He removes his backpack and holds it in front of the crest of Calsham
on his chest; and starts to head for the exit,

[Don Alley]

Quentin makes to leave, taking Angel up on his suggestion. The message the priest sent was rather clear. 'Go outside' was far different than 'would you please excuse us'. Perhaps Angel feared getting the group involved, but the more likely reason was that he had things to do that he didn't want the group to see.

He had no doubt that Angel planned to animate the dead, his statement about reinforcements that do not know pain or retreat confirmed it, as did his research on poor Synoxl's cadaver.

"Let's get out of here.", he says headed to the door some guards were escorting them to. "We have work of our own to accomplish."


To himself, he wondered if his mother lived, and where he might find her in this hell on earth where Narshall once stood.

[Erek]

Wanting to see what was outside the temple, Keryth had no problem following Angel's direction.  He was fairly sure he knew what Hunter Wraith priest had in mind with the gathering of the dead, and he wanted no part of it.  Following Quentin's lead, Keryth hopes they do not encounter the devils that his sword made him aware of.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam follows the others carefully, not wanting to touch any of the hunter wraith faithful.  She scans the wounded seeing the innocent among them, those who had sought some form of refuge in the temple only to find those who had helped to start the war.  She wondered if any of the priest of the temple showed them any kindness.

[Russ]

  Karchok had been looking for a way to get out of the room before as soon as Angel had mentioned gathering up the dead and badly wounded.  The druid had a pretty good idea of what the priest was going to do, and wanted no part of the perversion that was taking place.  Would that he had the power he would stop the dark rites taking place.  But he didn't.  But he did have Shyam to take care of. 

 

The young druid walks out next to Shyam, Ghost and Scar following close behind him.  Karchok gives her a small nod and a half grin, meant to reassure her.  In truth, it was the druid who could use some reassuring.  

 

The very ground underneath his feet cries out in agony, here in the city that was the very source of the corruption.  A pus filled infestation upon the world.  Karchok wanted to leave this place, only returning to purify if.  With flames straight from the Elemental Plane of Fire.

 

The cries of the wounded people had fallen upon Karchok's deaf ears.  The sound of the very world suffering struck him deeply.  The sensation of it makes him want be ill and weep helplessly; to rage and destroy all those responsible for causing the corruption.    Clenching his hands into fist, Karchok wanted Angel to suddenly show up so he could vent his anger on the human, even though he had nothing really to do with it.

 

Forcing himself to calm down, Karchok unclenched his fists and takes several deep breathes of the foul smelling air.  It takes the young druid the entire walk to exit the main ground of the temple, but he manages to calm himself.  With a little difficulty, his Druid's mask slips into place as he mentally steadies himself.

 

Karchok focus's on their task at hand.  Keeping Shyam safe and finding this damn book.  After that, they were getting the hells out of this damned city.  

[Jbizzle]

 Rashear follows the others out, glad to be away from this "ritual" and wondering what the effects of what had happened in Narshal.

 

 

OOC: More to post when I get to on lunch.

[Andrew Airmet]

Still feeling on edge, Tempus follows the others out.  He keeps an eye on the surrounding area for any sign of trouble.  This place was supposed to be full of it.

[Bob G.]

Angel wants everyone to leave the temple, which is just fine with
Cal'Shir since it saves his the effort of coming up with a reason to get
out of there in the first place. Besides, he wasn't sure what Angel
wanted with the dead and injured but he was inclined to believe he
didn't want to be there to find out. Angel was creepy enough. Knowing
too much about the cleric might not be a good idea.

[Michael Briggs]

The streets outside the temple are in complete disarray.  Almost every structure is damaged and in disrepair.  Rocks and debris are scattered throughout the streets, requiring additional care while walking.  The world here looks like it is the middle of the night.  With the exception of a few distant building burning, there is almost no light.  Everyone outside of the temple, which is everyone except Angel, must come up with a light source.  Those group members with low light vision can see sixty feet, but everyone else can only see ten feet away.

[Jbizzle]

 Resting his hands on the pommel of his blades, Rashear looks around seeing very little he, let's out a low breath, trying to ignore the stench or the city, or more what is left of the city.  Feeling on edge, he considers pulling out the Ioun stone too shed some more light, dismissing it as a bad idea he starts to get a few ideas on what spells to pray for in the morning.

 

[Michael New]

Smithy lights a torch and holds it up for everyone to see around them.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam retrives the everburning torch she was given by the King.  As she's pulling it from her pack she asks, "Do we want the extra light or should we try not to bring attention to ourselves?"

 

[Don Alley]

"Unless we all have some form of night-vision, I believe we will be stuck with active light.", Quentin answers. "Not knowing what roams, what the capabilities are, or anything else, I can't say if it'd be better to have a few people nearly blind or walk with torches like a beacon."

"Shyam, where exactly are we going?"

[Leslie Lock]

"How should I know?  Keryth?"  Shyam scans the area looking to the sky several times wondering when the last time the sun touched the streets.  The perpetual darkness was enough to unnerve a person alone, but with the dust and fires in the distance from all the destruction and the growing feeling of evil she wished they could just leave the city all together.

[Don Alley]

Quentin fits his goggles of night over his eyes, just in case he is separated from the group or the light attracts too much attention.

Smiling at Shyam he says "And here I thought this little quest wasn't going to be challenging..."

"So... castle... library... wizard school...  all possible candidates. Maybe a church that was using the book as reference material for what to do If Bad Things Happened.  "

"All that assumes they knew what they had. For all we know it could have been given to a nobleman's kid because it had interesting illustrations."

Tentatively adding to the conversation, he requests, "If it's possible, and not much risk, I'd like to look at the main castle as well as at a particular warehouse. I'm from Narshall originally, and finding a relative of mine if she's still here is important to me."

He knew he would carry out his objective first, and fulfill this personal quest only if time permitted and it didn't unnecessarily endanger the group. That's the way she would have wanted it.

[Michael New]

"Now that we're here," says Smithy, "it would be useful if we each had a basic map of the city.  Could you sketch one out for us, Quentin?  It will help in our strategic decision making."

[Don Alley]

"I wish I could. I was only 4 or 5 when I left. I remember going to the castle a lot, and living in the warehouse near the castle. If I knew where one was, I could get to the other. As for everything else, I was a small boy and this was a big town."

[Michael Briggs]

The light shines, giving the group more of an idea of what is around them.  Among the debris are corpses in different states of decomposition.  Many have been trampled, some desecrated, and others eaten.  A few rusted and bent weapons are scattered about.  

Shyam remembers that the book was underground.  She also remembered seeing some symbology, but didn't know what it meant.

[rpgamer]

As the final door closes with a solid thwunk, Angel on que recites, "Let us begin." He leads the Narshall clerics in a standard devotional prayer for the glory and faithful service to the God of Contracts. As the rhythmic recitation becomes a heavy deep drumming, the justicar turns the lead of the holy chanting over to the administrator. With deepening shadows encompassing himself and the dead and dying, the cleric retreives his sharp ritual dagger and calls out to the Great Hunter above the din. One by one, he makes a gentle precise slice across the throat the unconscious dying souls, ensuring a quick, uneventful death. Then without pause or consideration, the priest continues in a deep Infernal dialect and dreadful gestures.

"You have all been called upon to serve our true god once again. Rise faithful servents of the god of contracts and fulfill your final destiny here in this world. Help our brothers and sisters once again defend this holy temple from the vile corruption of that false god Lillith!"

The dark mist about the bodies on the floor roiled in reply. Then one body twitched, then another, slowly more moved in more greater and determined motion. Finally they began to stand. Angel looked about and smiled at the reaction from the fellow clerics, especially the administrator. He continued his encouragement to the newly summoned undead. He smirked as some of the more damaged ones jerked and shook off their flesh from their bones in wet rending spasms, causing a few pieces to fly into some of the more unsuspecting younger acolytes. Angel somehow remained clean of the carnage. As fo the more fleshy ones, they began to show increased disease and decay from their prior dead state.

When the show came to an end, 27 undead followers should be standing before the them, if the priest was true to his training. Angel introduced the new soldiers to the temple leaders. "Our master, most holy god of contracts, has blessed you with a new contingent of soldiers to help fight your foes! Use them wisely and do not fail! You have archers, foot soldiers, and sergeants among them."

After quickly identifying specific ones, he turns to initially instruct the new force. "You are first to guard this temple, especially this chamber! Listen to the administrator and his clerics to support their defensive plans."

Already the dark mist and shadows had receded and the torch lights from along the chamber walls reclaimed their space again. Angel, finally looking exhausted with guant eyes, but gleeful smile, addresses the administrator (hopefully for the last time). "I trust you will bring glory to our Great Hunter Wraith in defense of his temple. Meanwhile I will bring glory to his holy name out in the city. This two prong effort may be what is needed to finally turn the tide for our righteous cause. For my actions thus far, I only ask if it's possible to tempararily spare a guide who knows his way about the old city and underground. Perhaps a wily roguish one, you don't need for now or a historian who's not a soldier."

 

[Erek]

Keryth's keen elven eyes adjusted to the gloom around them, seeing farther than his human companions. Wondering if he should try out the spell he had been working on to allow him to see in darkness, light from the everburning torches bathes the immediate area. Thinking they should not attract unnessecary attention, Keryth says, "I believe we should keep the light out of sight unless absolutely nessecary. I sensed devils below the church, and no doubt they would notice lights and come to investigate."

Keryth let's that thought settle in for a moment before continuing, "I do not know Narshall, Karchok studied the maps back in Calsham. As I recall we are supposed to head to a library, that is where the book we seek is located. We definitely need to get moving quickly."

[Leslie Lock]

"Getting away from this building sounds like a good start."  Shyam taking Keryth's caution to consideration tucks the everburning torch inside her cloak to keep it hidden unless needed her eyes adjusting to the darkness with an inner glow as she see with them as the devils do. 

 

Careful where she steps, staying as far way from the bodies as possible she moves out into the streets.

[Bob G.]

"We should move quickly if we're going to use light sources. It
shouldn't be dark right now so this only aids the creatures that have
been devastating the town. Let's hide where we can wait and watch for
Angel to come out then make our way to where we need to start looking.

[Don Alley]

Quentin follows closely, looking out for things in the rubble, or in the ruins of partially demolished buildings. He didn't particularly care for the priest tagging along, but recognized with the devils and demons in the area certain skills were valuable.

"On the subject of the priest, why do you travel with him? He asks in Karchok, Tempus, and Shyam's direction. He seems the antithesis of your value systems, and even now is casting magics to animate the dead."

Quentin's tone was nonjudgmental. The priest was a thorn in his side, nothing more. He was curious about the fiber that held the group together, and the nature of his accompaniment.

Noting that Shyam has not stopped moving away from the temple, he sees the group is once again split on the next action. He kept going to the general direction of the library.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus examined all the bodies, and immediately felt a great sense of unease.  Even he hadn't generated this many bodies at one time.  Then Quentin spoke.

Tempus looks at Quentin with a horrified expression.  "He's...whatting the dead?"

[Don Alley]

Quentin nods to Tempus. "I believe he is using magic to create skeletons ans zombies from the corpses of the dead."

"My intent is not to drive a wedge here, guys. I'm genuinely curious as to why two different value systems continue to operate together", he states. "I'm one of the newer members of this merry band and don't know the whole story."

He looks expectantly at the group for an answer.

[Michael New]

"It is my impression we were all brought together to achieve a common goal.  It should come as no surprise that there are people of different skills and values, people who might even be at odds in different circumstances." says Smithy.

"Now, let's find the library."

[Leslie Lock]

"He's just always been with us, he was one of the first to offer to find the children and is one of the few remaining from Maidenshire." 

 

Shyam's voice contains a hint of her dislike of the cleric, aggrivated by the knowledge of what he was doing and the memory of the undead creatures they fought before.  He had wanted to use a body then, to control the dead creature and it still repulsed her.  But in the back of her mind she knew he would be needed, that control of the dead, that understanding if they wanted to destroy the lich.  Even if she did dispise him.

[Don Alley]

"Very well.", Quentin accepts the answer. It seems everyone is merely coping with the priest's ways and is willing to put up with the megalomania for the skills he brings.

"At what point do the means cease to justify the ends?", was all he said further on the subject.

He personally had no problem with them using the dead bodies as a force in their fight. Odds are the dead were either former priests or followers, and wouldn't mind that their bodies continued to serve their cause after their souls could not. To him, the bodies were just another resource. But he was also quite aware that his own moral and ethical compass was very flexible.

They continued on, looking for the library.

[Russ]

"I am here to keep Shaym safe from those to seek to harm her, and avenge our fallen family," Karchok says simply, his deep voice softly cutting the darkness.  The half-orc looked out into the surrounding darkness.  "The priest serves a purpose on the hunt, nothing more.  If anything, he is one more body that can be thrown in front of Shyam to protect her from blades or arrows," the druid says with a shrug.  The hafl-orc's roughly hewn face is blank of any emotion, and his voice is flat. 

 

"I might need to few more solid landmarks then the church to make sure that we are heading to the same library that I had seen mention of in the maps I studied," Karchok says quietly.  "Not to mention we should try to keep hidden as much as possible as we travel.  There are many hunters about, and we are their prey."

[Michael Briggs]

Karchok's insight is spot on, as the maps he had studied hadn't accounted for the city in various stages of destruction.  As he finished this remark, the front door to the temple opens loudly as it moves across the unkempt ground.  Angel emerges with a look of satisfaction on his face, and easily spots the group beginning to move away.  

A few landmarks are visible.  The main castle still looms large on the horizon.  Not too far away, a stage with nooses, some of them filled, and other various torture equipment can be seen around one the of warehouses.  A shrill sound comes from the opposite direction the group is moving.  Several abyssal cries scream out in response.  The cacaphony foreshadows another of Shyam's visions.

Shyam suddenly finds herself standing in the worship chamber of the temple of Hunter Wraith.  She can see the administrator frantically ordering the guards to seal the chamber as a large force attempts to break open the front door.  Several civilian aid in holding the portal shut.  Dust and screams fly about the room in what must be a personal apocalypse for the inhabitants.  

The door breaks from the upper hinges and falls abruptly on small group of civilians and a couple of guards trying to hold it shut.  Their broken bodies barely give resistance to the huge monstrosity with several tentacles that steps on it.  Other beasts of the abyss begins to enter the building, but are met when a door at the other end of the room opens and devils run ravenously at the intruders.  Neither devil nor demon care about the lives or unliving that stand between them and their adversaries.  Angel's undead fight the demons along side of the devils with no regard for their own safety.  

The Administrator begins ordering the remaining living to fall back through the doors the devils are arriving from.  Some lose their lives trying to follow the orders, including a priest or two.  When they are finally ready to seal the doors at the other end of the room, the Administrator runs to get inside before being trapped outside.  The fatigue of spell casting has its impact on him, as he is just too slow.  A winged demon drops down on the man, causing him to cry out in panic.  Realizing the leader is lost, the guards and priests push the doors shut, leaving the high priest to his fate.  

The last thing Shyam sees is a woman dressed in the garb of a priestess moving toward the fallen priest, licking the blood of a facial injury as she laughs.  The demons stand aside, except the one holding the high priest in place.  "Take him to this false god's altar to be sacrificed in the name of the Lady of Deception," she instructs.  As Shyam loses the vision, she can see the man claw so violently in protest that his fingernails come loose; leaving a trail of blood.

[rpgamer]

When Angel catches up to the group, the others can see that he is exhausted, but sated as if surviving and all night orgy. As they continue to walk cautiously, he fumbles about his robes, back in his traveling one, and pulls out a very old map. "Let's find a quick safe place to gather our bearings and take advantage that I was smart enough to secure this map." Everyone who knows, can see it's Dras' map of the old city and library to where they want to go.

[Michael New]

"I asked about a map of Narshall back before we teleported.  I suggest we make a copy of this one as a back up.  However, I have no paper or quill...  Does anyone?" asks Smilthy.

[rpgamer]

"Apparently no one else cared about maps other than you and me, Smithy. Sorry, I must have missed your request. Diedra was quite the distraction (winked at the fighter and paused for a momentary thought elsewhere). However, this map is very special and not for open discussion or copying. Those who can, must commit it to memory." Angel spoke quiet to all.

 

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir moves over to Shyam and starts to whisper "Do you remember your
vision of a demon bursting through a building and charging straight
toward me? Please be alert so you can hopefully give me an extra few
seconds of warning if you see anything familiar from that vision. He
wiggles his fingers so they don't stiffen around the darts he is holding.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam grips Cal'Shir's arm tightly in an almost panic grip as he came in close to whisper to her, the aftermath of the vision draining her energy.

 

"We need to move away from here quickly, the Hunter Wraiths fail, their temple is falling."

[Don Alley]

Quentin looks over the map very carefully. He was quite accustomed to taking information and instruction with no written record. He committed the pattern of the city to memory.

"Thank you Angel.", he states while looking at it.

[Bob G.]

Urgency in his voice, Cal'Shir urges everyone forward "Vision time,
let's move it. Away from Angel's temple. Someone who can see, lead the way."

[rpgamer]

Angel acknowledges Cal'Shir's warning about Shyam having a vision, and quickly rolls up the map and secures it in the folds of his robe. To the others interested in the map, he flatly states, "Sorry, but we don't doubt Shyam's visions. Let's move away as Cal'Shir suggests. Quinten since you seem to have it memorized the map already, help lead us to the underground library. On the way, we can find a relatively safe place to rest a bit and review the map and what Shyam saw this time. Keep aware of that devil from her last vision about us here."

[Michael Briggs]

Karchok is able to use a few landmarks to guide the group towards the castle.  As a whole, the party works together to scout, remain undetected and arrive at the city library unhindered.  This process takes several hours, making the rangers and druid estimate that they are approaching early evening.  With the library in sight, the group visibly relaxes.  

Shyam has an incredible sense of deja vu when she looks to the building to the right.  Something inside her tells her that she is better off letting the vision play out as it had in the past.  It had been determined that different party members would take turns scouting ahead, to share the danger.  This responsibility was handed off between Rashear, Keryth, Quentin and Cal'Shir.  At this moment, Cal'Shir was supposed to take the lead.  

The worst part for the witch was the eerie silence, like the world awaited the judgment of the gods. 

[rpgamer]

With the library in sight, Angel enjoys a moment of respite, huffing deeply but steadily. Mentally exhausted from the days spell casting, he was now physically exhausted too. "Let's get underground and out of easy sight."

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam had been grateful that Angel had not insisted upon explaination of her statement.  She did not welcome explaining the vision of the destruction of the temple they had just left.  She also feared he may insist they help the high priest, although she suspected he was dead by now.  Hopefully Angel had not told any of the clerics of her or what she was.  The did not need anyone else after them at the moment.

 

Pausing as they approach the library she scans the area, her eyes adjusting easily to the darkness she knew it was time.  The memory of the vision, recalling the smells as well as the fear she begins to shake wanting to call out a warning that she can't seem to form.

[Russ]

Scanning around for anything else that might be creeping up on them, Karchok happens to look over at Shyam.  The young druid notes see is looking around and sniffing at the air.  Concerned the half-orc moves a bit closer, avoiding leaving a gaping hole in their defense.

 

"What's wrong," the druid asks quietly in orcish, Karchok's black eyes never stop moving for long.  They were the prey in this damned city and Karchok knew it.

[Don Alley]

Quentin sensed Shyam was amiss as well. Rather than inquire, which others had handled, he moved up near Cal'Shir to help scout.

Four eyes were better than two...

[Michael Briggs]

As Quentin moves forward, Shyam realizes that the Calshamite is too late.  The strings of fate have already taken their course, and then is confirmed when the wall of the building near the spell thief shatters sending debris everywhere.  With a supernatural sense, a devil flies out of the cloud of debris and collides directly with Cal'Shir.  

The beast easily pins the rogue.  Its shoulders go up six feet from the ground and the body extends almost 11 feet.  A mass of chains wreathe the creature, constantly moving as though they have a mind of their own.  A spiked spine lines it back all the way down to the tail.  It appears to be covered in blood, and its breath smells of decay.

[rpgamer]

Something was bothering the tired priest since about 10 minutes after they had started moving across the broken city, but he couldn't quite determine what. He had trudged after the others quietly, every now and then trying to determine what nagged him. He had passed it off as the effects of this depressing scenery and his exhaustion. As he was catching his breath while standing just across from the library, the annoyance burst through. He had lost all connection to his undead, apparently wiped-out. That wasn't a good sign for the Wraith Temple, much less for the administrator. He felt a deep sad loss, a loss of family, a loss of children, ...

Suddenly bursting out and shattering debris, the chained monster caught the cleric off-guard. Reactively he yells at Shyam, "This was your vision! Why didn't you say something! Warn us! Didn't you recognize this place?" Already Angel started to regret wasting time on the child. He focused his attention back to the immediate threat and attempted to determine what manner of creature this was and how best to fight it. Instinctively he reached for his holy symbol.

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir really thought he'd be able to give a better accounting for
himself if he were to die in battle. The devil pinned him so fast he was
embarrassed. For all his skills, he wasn't able to evade a grapple, let
alone an attack. He'd never live this down, if he managed to live. For
once he was glad to be estranged from the guild back home. Somewhere in
the back of his mind he thought it odd these would be his last thoughts.

Even as the conscious part of his mind filtered the events of the last
few seconds, the primal part took control of his body as he wriggled and
tried to escape from under this infernal beast.

[Leslie Lock]

Angel's outburst and accusation of her not 'warning' them stirs Shyam's anger to a boiling point.  Because she 'had' warned them, she 'had' told them all of this vision long ago.  Cal'Shir knew of his proposed fate, had even asked about it before they left the temple to find the library.  

 

Caring not for Angel's command, Shyam pushes her way forward around anyone that would get between her and the devil before them, the stirring of power still just below the surface she feeds off of it without giving up control (if she can).  Shouting out, "Cal'Shir!  Stay down.  YOU, fiend, go back to hell where you belong!" and sends a blast forward aiming at the creatures head so that she doesn't strike the rogue pinned below it. 

[Don Alley]

Quentin wasn't about to let Cal'Shir face his demise while he retreated. Recognizing that between the priest and the witch that majorly Big Things were afoot, he carefully went forward, ready to assist the rogue in escape.

[Michael New]

Smithy draws his sword and confidently moves next to the thing, ready to attack it depending on its reaction to Angel's and Shyam's commands.  And he quickly glances into the hole it came out of.

(Initiative: 15)

[Erek]

Keryth's instincts take over as he sees Cal'Shir suddenly pinned underneath a large devilish beast, and immediately draws his blade.  A flood of ancient memories instantly course through him, wiping away any thought of holding an attack.  Keryth found himself charging sword first at the unholy abomination, all his thoughts focused on destroying the beast.

[Andrew Airmet]

Someone else had been providing light, so Tempus was good and ready when the monstrosity burst through the wall and pinned Cal'Shir.  Immediately turning to the new threat, Tempus' nervousness quickly turned into rage.  He rushed the beast, attempting to destroy it before it could kill the other man.

[Jbizzle]

 Rashear starts chanting, letting the magic build, feeling the energy peak he lets the hands rest of the hilts of his blades.  The swords glow for a moment and he draws one of them with a breath, the other goes to his belt pouch, getting ready to draw the Ioun stone to add more light, he follows Tempus in.

[Russ]

Karchok's blacks eyes never leaving the devil wrapped in chains, the young druid begins chanting.  Motes of green light form and begin to revolve around Karchok.  A strong breeze scatters small bits of debris near the half-orc.  Ancient words flow past the half-breed tusked lips as he calls upon Nature to aid them.

 

Ghost growls deep in his throat, the big grey wolf's hackles were raised, all along the big animals back, down to his tail.  The big wolf wanted to charge out and rip the foul, unnatural smelling thing apart.  Hearing his two-legged brother chanting, the wolf ears lay flat against his skull.

 

Scar eyes the big, metal wrapped thing.  The reptile didn't share Ghost's enthusiasm concerning the devil.  Scar's claws dug into the broken ground as he gets ready to follow the furball. 

[Michael Briggs]

Someone else had been providing light, so Tempus was good and ready when the monstrosity burst through the wall and pinned Cal'Shir.  Immediately turning to the new threat, Tempus' nervousness quickly turned into rage.  He rushed the beast, attempting to destroy it before it could kill the other man. (Charge Action)

 

The farm boy lands a blow, but barely on the back of the devil.  His rage was enough to push through failure and channel his anger into a successful hit (19/13 DMG). 

 

Smithy draws his sword and confidently moves next to the thing, ready to attack it depending on its reaction to Angel's and Shyam's commands.  And he quickly glances into the hole it came out of. (Double Move)

 

It takes time for the knight to move up to the demon, but he finds himself alongside the beast ready to strike.

 

Keryth's instincts take over as he sees Cal'Shir suddenly pinned underneath a large devilish beast, and immediately draws his blade.  A flood of ancient memories instantly course through him, wiping away any thought of holding an attack.  Keryth found himself charging sword first at the unholy abomination, all his thoughts focused on destroying the beast. (Charge Action)

 

With the innate ability of swordmanship guided by the experience of elven warrior souls bound to its just purpose, the blade falls neatly into the devil’s hindquarters (25/10 DMG).  The blow doesn’t seem as substantial as Tempus’s, but harms the creature none-the-less.

 

Karchok's black eyes never leaving the devil wrapped in chains, the young druid begins chanting.  Motes of green light form and begin to revolve around Karchok.  A strong breeze scatters small bits of debris near the half-orc.  Ancient words flow past the half-breed tusked lips as he calls upon Nature to aid them. (Summoning)

 

Scar eyes the big, metal wrapped thing.  The reptile didn't share Ghost's enthusiasm concerning the devil.  Scar's claws dug into the broken ground as he gets ready to follow the furball. 

 

Rashear starts chanting, letting the magic build, feeling the energy peak he lets the hands rest of the hilts of his blades.  The swords glow for a moment and he draws one of them with a breath, the other goes to his belt pouch, getting ready to draw the Ioun stone to add more light, he follows Tempus in. (Double Move)

 

The devil releases its hold on the rogue laying underneath with a quick jump.  Drawing strikes from the group surrounding it. (Tempus 25/14 DMG, Keryth 32/13 DMG, Smithy [Holding for commands, no attack], Rashear 28/ 11 DMG)  It appears to only by slightly damaged, holding up to the strikes.  Rashear, Smithy and Keryth all see a slight, unnatural mending taking place.  It lands about 20 feet from the closest opponent.

 

Angel feels a rush of anger surge through him as the impulsive nitwit child of a witch displays her uncontrolled chaotic nature. Cursing in Infernal, he attempts to get ahead of the conflict again, "Great Kryton, this is not your fight! We are on a quest for the Most Holy! Don't delay us! Withdraw to safety nearby! I will try to seek you out later to chat and heal your wounds. Know that our Temple has probably fallen to the false god by now! Take this as a token. Go now!" Angel tosses the bag of Yellow Rose goodies to the fiend.  (Diplomacy 25)

 

Quentin wasn't about to let Cal'Shir face his demise while he retreated. Recognizing that between the priest and the witch that majorly Big Things were afoot, he carefully went forward, ready to assist the rogue in escape.

 

Without the devil directly on the rogue, Quentin is able to move up and offer Cal’Shir a hand. 

 

Angel's outburst and accusation of her not 'warning' them stirs Shyam's anger to a boiling point.  Because she 'had' warned them, she 'had' told them all of this vision long ago.  Cal'Shir knew of his proposed fate, had even asked about it before they left the temple to find the library.  

 

Caring not for Angel's command, Shyam pushes her way forward around anyone that would get between her and the devil before them, the stirring of power still just below the surface she feeds off of it without giving up control (if she can).  Shouting out, "Cal'Shir!  Stay down.  YOU, fiend, go back to hell where you belong!" and sends a blast forward aiming at the creatures head. (24 / 11 DMG)

 

Cal'Shir really thought he'd be able to give a better accounting for himself if he were to die in battle. The devil pinned him so fast he was embarrassed. For all his skills, he wasn't able to evade a grapple, let alone an attack. He'd never live this down, if he managed to live. For once he was glad to be estranged from the guild back home. Somewhere in the back of his mind he thought it odd these would be his last thoughts.

Taking the outstretched hand of Quentin, the rogue easily picks himself up. 

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir notices Angel saying something undecipherable to the devil
creature and tossing it a bag of party treasure pulled off the Yellow
Rose assailant. Frowning, he takes aim at the beast and wonders what
powers he might be able to rob it of temporarily as he lets loose one of
his magical darts.

If Angel is trying to buy this creature off it's a very expensive bribe.

[rpgamer]

Glad that the beast moved away from the group and released Cal'Shir, Angel redirects his comments to the group. "The creature released Cal'Shir! To the library! Quinten, help Cal'Shir. Tempus, help Shyam."

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus felt a sense of satisfaction at slash into the monstrosity that was attacking them, however, it leaping away only server to make Tempus' rage increase.

"Come back here, you monster!" he shouted at the beast.

Angel's shout barely registered in Tempus' mind as he rushed at the beast once more, hacking at the beast ferociously.  The mention of Shyam only held his attention for the moment as he focused on killing the beast.  Yes, help Shyam.  Must protect Shyam from the monster.

[Erek]

Waves of ecstasy flow through Keryth, as he feels his ancient weapon's satisfaction from slicing in to the devil.  Getting the sense that Angel is trying to parlay with the beast, Keryth laughs at that absurdity, feeling only the need to release the creature of any mortal existence.  Moving towards the unholy chain-covered beast once more, he attempts to flank the creature as he strikes again.

[Michael New]

Smithy understands now that this is no denizen to be reasoned with, or even goaded.  It was something that must be killed.  He attacks it with all his strength and skill, hoping to get the thing to concentrate on him.

(Power attack
Attack 1: 32, dam: 23
Attack 2: 11, dam: 20)

[Don Alley]

Quentin had already helped Cal'Shir up so wasn't sure what the priest was babbling about. With the others attacking the best, their best course of action was to down it quickly so they could move on. Moving into a position to flank with someone, Quentin lets loose a stab with his rapier.

Move action: Move to a position with a flanking buddy.
Standard action: Attack
   Attacks made with +2 magic weapon.
   Attack 1: 24 to hit, 7 damage + 18 sneak attack damage if applicable (flanking)


(Briggs, I sent you a full attack action on the dice server but saw the beastie moved 20 away. I'm using the first attack/damage roll I sent you.)

[Jbizzle]

 

 Rashear rolls forward trying to stay out of the creature's reach and to get behind it, in an attempt to hamgstring the unholy creature, as he get's out of his tuck and roll he draws his other blade, drawing that one into a defensive pattern.

 

 

OOC: Move action tumble check, 40 ft of movement, declaring the demon as my dodge opp, quickdrawing my other short sword to get the two-weapon defense to AC, then attack if able to

 

[Firefinger]

On 9/20/2012 12:55 PM, Jbizzle wrote:
> Rashear rolls forward trying to stay out of the creature's reach and
> to get behind it, in an attempt to hamgstring

Did you mean "ham g-string"?

[Leslie Lock]

shyam continues her volly of power bolts at the devil, strengthened by Angel's insistence to be...well Angel.  "Angel would you just keep your mouth shut for once and fight. Tempus doesn't need you to tell him what to do."

[Leslie Lock]

I may be misspeaking in my post for Shyam.  I could have sworn there was soemthign about Angel telling Tempus to guard Shyam. 

Part of why I as hoping for a clarification of what Angel actually did and said.

[Andrew Airmet]

Angel actually did say something about Tempus helping Shyam.

[Leslie Lock]

but was it this round or last.  If this round, Shyam hasn't really 'heard' it yet.  In the write up I didn't see mention of it, but then it could be beause I just skimmed it.

[Leslie Lock]

I'm traveling next week.  I should have access, but not sure what my schedule will be like as I'm in a seminar the whole week. 

[Don Alley]

Translation: Between sleeping at the seminar and drinking at the hotel bar on the company dime, she doesn't plan to have a lot of coherent thoughts.

=)

[Leslie Lock]

So my thinking would match your own? :P

[Don Alley]

Yup. But you're still stuck with your CHA.

=P

[Leslie Lock]

And that's a bad thing? 

[Michael New]

There's lots of time between 3am and 6am...

--
----------------------_/ /\/\ /\/ -----------------------

[Michael Briggs]

As Shyam sends another volley of power bolts at the devil, the creature flees behind builds and is gone into the night.  The faint rattling of chains gives way to the cacophony of sounds in the night.  The group looks over each other, and Shyam can't help but sense something is wrong.  It wasn't a specific vision, but something was about to change...