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Haynuus kept the scrolls, he figured in a few minutes chaos would erupt and he wasn't prepared to loose the learning... He quickly put them in his backpack and move around the corner, past Westian and prepared himself. If Aurek is unsuccefull in holding back the Scorpian he could unleash a fireball, perhaps enough of a blast to daze the creature and give the others time to get into position... If the plan worked, then Falkor would change his focus to the green tree like monster, dealing with a giant scorpian was bad enough without being attacked in the side by a tree!

OOC - Falkor would like to move to G10, also - let me know if I need to roll for the fireball (in advance of the next update)?

Westian stood behind Aurek, his attention flicking between the scorpion and the prone figure beyond the haze.

"Brighteyes - will you press the button to bring down the haze? And when we say press it again to bring it back? We would appreciate your help" he added with a smile.

With that he turned to the front again. His heart was still beating fast but he knew they were doing the right thing. He began to pray out loud. "Lord Larethian, watch over us while we act in your name. Do not give our enemies any of the shelter that comes from your power."


OOC: Getting a level 0 effect in to exclude the scorpion from any potential future magic shield.

No need to roll anything but damage for a fireball money, it's an auto-hit. THe 0-level effects are the ones I sometimes get you to roll for in the heat of combat, etc

Brighteyes stops what he is doing, and peers around the corner. "I get to help?" He looks around at exactly what the party are doing. "My oh my, how exciting! I would be delighted!" He quickly shakes his pendant with apparent irritation at the gemhole that temporarily thwarted him, but it seemed the fun of helping the group in their plan made up for it.

He attempted a few leaps first. "I...hmm...should...hup...yes, when you are ready!" Said the gnome with glee in his voice.

Heh, while you need to hope Brighteyes scores his Athletic checks quickly if you need to close the teleporter again, at least nothing starts until he hits the button to start with. See the OOC thread so I can double check what will happen if the scorpion attacks versus is cowed, so I can give you a decent substancial update tonight!

It was times like this Haynuus's orcish half screamed at him. He just wanted to rip his shirt off and get in there to start smacking the scorpion into little chitin pieces with his sword. The contrasting thought of cooking a humongous scorpion claw marinaded in remoulade sauce (with a dash of cayenne) contrasted with the ominous feeling of a pincered death. Few races lived for these moments, humans certainly didn't understand them. Blood letting for your food was an orc thing, and it came completely natural to him.

What was unnatural was that he was standing behind a paladin saying "Eaaasy... Eaaasy...", was waving his arms around and had started to prepare to placate the scorpion in some unfathomable way. Standing behind him and not distracting the monster was the best idea he had.

Also, Haynuus had a stinky flask in his hand which he just uncorked with his mouth - plop.... Euuughhh. He was a fighter not a cantankerous rogue or wizard and wasn't entirely sure what his plan is... If the scorpion attacks, I'll try to fist it in the mouth and avoid getting fireballed by the halfling... This was insane!

With everything ready, Brighteyes ran for the switch, catching it amazingly with his first try.

Zap.

With the blue hazes down, the room suddenly descended into an odd set of patchy light areas and many more dim areas. The scorpion that had been well illuminated infront of Aurek was suddenly a shadowy apparition. Luckily Aurek had been using his motions and sounds as close to the haze as possible, and the scoprion had already stopped attacking the haze for whatever reason.

Falkor had a change of heart upon seeing that Aurek was not completely insane. The paladin did indeed seem to know the gestures to placate the scorpion. Or, at least, the scorpion was confused enough and focused enough on Aurek that it was not just charging out aggressively at them all to gain its freedom.

The mage knew of a way, for a short time, to communicate with animals. Such vermin as scorpions - even giant versions - usually couldn't be consider such creatures. However the fact the paladin could even try to influence it surely showed that Lord Chaos's creations had some spark of intelligence to them. Or at least this one did.

While the ability was tiring - it meant actually getting into the mind of the animal, an easy way to lose one's own - it would usually allow the mage to communicate well with prospective familiars. Or, of course, temporarily let a mage use a small animal as an innocuous spy.

Meanwhile Aurek knew his gestures were keeping the scorpion at bay - for now. The thing snapped its remaining claw in the air, and stepped sideways, yet did not rush forward even when the barrier was down. Whether it was coincidence or it understood his comments, at least the thing was taking its time. All the better for the rest to do what they needed to do. Aurek shifted a little to ensure Westian would be able to move without drawing the scorpion's ire.

Falkor walked forward, probably much to Aurek's surprise, and called upon his ability, one that he could recall from the first days of magic school. It was, infact, a test initiates had to go through to prove they even had the mental ability to open their mind to the runes.

Falkor slowly walked forward, staring at the scorpion, and stepped closer and closer. Aurek could feel the change in the scoprion's behaviour, and realised someone was coming to his side. And Aurek could also feel at the same time the scorpion's attitude shift... the creature was no longer paying Aurek attention and started to advance...


Meanwhile Westian, initially seeing that the scoprion was surprisingly being held by Aurek's force of personality, rushed forward. The drop in light level was not a concern to the half-elf, and so he could tell almost at once that his ministrations were perhaps not needed. The man's eyes were still open, and he lay at an awkward angle that would not allow him to breath properly. There was no obvious signs of what killed the man, and the man did not seemparticularly troubled by his own passing.

Westian was oblivious to what was happening behind him with this find, and also because of something even stranger he saw. While the man had very plain clothes - one could almost guess a simple villager - around his neck had been placed something disconcerting. Glinting in the flicker of faint torchlight, shaped exactly the same as Westian remembered his own currently missing adornment, was the holy symbol of Lord Larethian!

"No!"

Only with the exclamation from near to him did Westian turn round, and see....



Moments before, Sir Farel had rushed forwards the second moment the haze dropped to go to the side of his squire. "Boy! Boy! Are you alright? Are you hurt? I'm here!" said the knight, his usual reserved tone odd as his words tumbled over themselves.

The squire nodded. "I'm ok, I'm not hurt. But hurry! He could be back! He won't be long! He's never gone long!"

"Seeroc? The mage?" asked Farel, and the boy nodded. "Don't worry lad, I've heard what's been going on in this place. I've found some like-minded companions, ones willing to help find you, and together we will not let the mage hurt you - nor anyone else."

"Hurry, hurry, hurry," said the squire, perhaps to Farel's surprise and bemusement the late teenage boy actually wrapped his arms around the knight, waiting to be pulled free.

However, then the boy saw the poorly lit scene beyond where the hazes had been, and the events that were occurring.

"No!" yelled the boy, pointing. And then he screamed...



Falkor was oblivious to the shift in the scorpion's stance, and to Aurek's sudden increase in worry. Haynuus, sadly, was too slow to see what was happening, despite his suitability.

Falkor opened his mind, and for a split second he was flooded by the alien, hideous thought process of the scorpion - if such a collection of instincts and base needs could be said to really constitute a thought process. Falkor's training meant he instantly formed his own words and desires and directed them at his contact, to ensure his own mind and identifty would not be overwhelmed. Pushing the simple desire to be left alone. To Aurek and Haynuus, suddenly from beside them it sounded as if a second scorpion had let loose a snarling bellow. Falkor tried to focus on the meaning of any reply.

DEATH DEATH DEATH DEATH DEATH DEATH!

The scorpion surged forward. Farel's squire was yelling, then screaming. Falkor could only look helplessly as the scorpion suddenly moved twards him, its pincer snapping at him. Aurek and Haynuus were too slow to react...

DEATH DEATH DEATH DEATH DEATH DEATH!

Falkor felt it immediately thanks to the spell - the 'words' filling Falkor's mind were not just the will of the creature, it was its demands in response to Falkor's 'words'. The creature was not about to kill Falkor, nor his friends, it was demanding the death of someone....of someone behind Falkor...

"Why?" screamed Farel's squire, "why are you here with HIM! NO!"

The light in the room suddenly restored itself as the teleporter hazes were put back in place. There was a 'zap' as the scorpion was thrown back into its holding area. And, of course, Westian and Farel were now in a holding area of their own along with Ardur.

Brighteyes had not pressed the button. Brighteyes had walked forwards a few steps. "Well, now this is embarrassing I suppose," he said in a far less excitable and far more confident tone than he usually used with the group.

At the red switch, revealed now that the party were looking around in better light, were two figures. They were perhaps the most disturbing figures the party had seen since entering the dungeon.

The figure that had actually pressed the red switch was now currently grinning. Disturbingly, the figure was grinning in a very recogniseable way. For the figure was Haynuus. Haynuus, at this moment still beside Falkor, could be forgiven for not recognising himself and therefore not being confused nor terrified. However, the other figure that stood at the red button could perhaps give all equal cause for confusion and fear. For the figure was Aurek. Aurek's twin looked directly across at Aurek. Whatever look Aurek gave his twin, his twin was glaring with malice in his eyes. Undisguised hatred.

At the other corner of the room by the door, two more figures were now visible. One bowed to the screaming boy and the well-groomed and confused man that shared his face. Westian's twin, for his part, simply smiled politely and waved a friendly wave at his trapped double.

"I had wanted to wait for a better time to introduce us all properly," said the gnome, with a shrug and no less confidence in his voice, and none of the usual jittery tone. "However, I suppose now is as good a time as any. Hello everyone. These are my little ones. And my name - I suppose - would be Seeroc."


...


...


...

"ha ha ha ha", Falkor broke out in laughter - given the current prediciment of his fellow travellors now seemed a strange time to actually laugh, but he has a few ideas. "Great job, you almost had me fooled for a while, did you like me questioning your loyalty in front of the others!!" Falkor walked towards Bright Eyes.... Seeroc.... "Will you still let me have my fun with them, and the grak graks?"

He tried not to make eye contact with the others, this was not a comfortable situation to be in and no doubt they would already be making their own assumptions as to just what was going on, everyone except Westian, but he was trapped for now... Falkor had to think and act fast!

"I knew it Falkor. I just did not want to believe it. Ameena could see what you are, that is why she could not bear to be near you. If I ever have my liberty again you will regret crossing me." He snarled at the halfling in an uncharacteristic display of anger.

He picked up the holy symbol and placed it around his neck. When attention in the room was focused elsewhere he quietly pulled out a knife and passed it to the squire. Perhaps a worthless gesture, given their situation, but it paid to be prepared.

OOC: Bluff roll was 8 + 5 = 13. Initiative was 18.

As Aurek witnessed the scene unfolding before him... OH F*CK! thought the paladin to himself. How the hell am I going to get out of this?

And then he remembered the two flasks that he'd picked up earlier... the elementals. I can talk to these guys, so I'm gonna 'give it a whirl' he reasoned with himself. He then removed the two flasks from his backpack... air first, then water he thought, and threw them at Seerok, "Haynuus... DUCK!".
However, he wasn't aiming directly to hit the evil mage in the face, he was aiming to hit the wall beside his opponent.

BREAK OPEN A KILL THIS EVIL BASTARD! he thought as the flask flew through the air... (throw flask 1d20 = 13... LOL! What a time to get 13!) as the flask broke apart, Aurek spoke to the now free elemental in it's native tongue, "Mage.... there... done... great evil." pausing for a brief moment, thinking over his wording, "Probably... helped... trap you. You... free... now... ... I free you. Mage... MUST... die."

And, although his speech was broken, he was sure that the creature got the gist of it.

OOC: Not sure if I can throw them both this round. If I can, I'd simply duplicate the speech in the other elemental's language. As for the speech itself, I obviously can't say that the elemental understands everything, but I tried to portray Aurek taking care with his choice of words.

Haynuus was confused at first with Brighteyes admitting to who he really was then what the halfling was saying, yet his survival instincts screamed at him and even though he was wrong footed and was looking the wrong way - he was dead certain on what to do.

With Brighteyes cum Seeroc with an army of clones at his back he fought his initial instinct to smack the gnome with the flat of his sword and broke into one of his magic runs[*]. He didn't care for the flask in his hand and let it drop on the floor when he started his sprint. He moved straight up parallel to the blue haze yet curved left before getting into reach of a somewhat paler version of Westian (did he just wink at the half-orc?). He moved along the side of the table, accepting the inevitable assault from the similarly zealous Aurek clone and brushed around his own mirror image - who spectactularly looked exactly as confused the real Haynuus was now.

Smack! Went the orc's hand so hard on the button it echoed through the room. What Haynuus was really looking for was not to liberate his friends (although it was nice), nor for creating a diversion with the scorpion (although it would be fascinating to watch in a psychopathic sense), but to let Westian out so he could explain to him what the FUCK was going on.


[*] He remebered a good run recently where he smacked a mummy between the legs with his club - ohhh those were the days. Life was much simpler back then.

Brighteyes - or Seeroc, apparently - smiled as Falkor walked forwards. "It is so very pleasant to speak to you out loud, there seems to be some confusion to extract ourselves from, and so many questions to ask and answer. And of course, until Gholst can arrive, my room is your room, my littles ones yours."

Westian's curses were at first met with a bright smile by Seeroc. "Oh, hush now, I still find you so very facinating depsite your...proclivities. Please, respect my hospitality with grace, especially towards my honoured guest here." However, something in the words of Westian seemed to trouble Seeroc, and his look back to Falkor had an odd hoodedness to it. "Hmm, again this ...name...Ameena is invoked. The departed friend. You really must tell me that tale again..."

Heh, sorry, Seeroc rolled well compared to Westian's bluff...I like that perhaps the gnome suspects Ameena of being some odd codeword since you invoked it earlier money! If you want to keep up the bluff, you will need to roll a good bluff roll, or perhaps do something to deflect/assuage some doubt.

Luckily, Seeroc's look to Falkor was distracted by the moves of the more action oriented companions that were still free.

Aurek reacted quickly, pulling one of the two flasks he had taken from the room they had first met this mage in. Something to do with elementals, Aurek recalled, and he found them quickly while Westian delivered his amazing rebuke.

Promptly as Seeroc addressed Falkor, and with a good eye, Aurek hurled the flask at the wall beside the mage. Unfortunately, the mage was not not as distracted as he appeared, and had apparently been ready for a movement from one of those still free.

A fireball flew infront of Falkor's nose, produced from the gnome's hand, and exploded painfully into Aurek's chest, flaring up to burn his face and forcing him to inhale heated air.

Ouch, 13 damage to you, unless you can make a reflexes save against DC18, in which case it drops down to 6hp fire damage. Readied actions are a bitch! Rememeber Farel gave you a healing potion back, which will restore 3d6 hit points. Though you might have a task to do anything with it right now...

Sadly, the contents of the flask simply seemed to dissipate on contact with the wall, instead of revealing anything. Aurek still entreated the spot through the pain, least something subtle be happening.

While it was not clear if the contents had been more than they appeared or not, one thing clear was that Seeroc was startled by both the action he had reacted to, and the stream of unfamiliar words by the paladin. The gnome shuffled across the hall looking uncertainly at the spot he had been standing beside.

Haynuus took advantage of the confusion to rush passed the distracted mage, aiming to strike the switch. If the half-orc expected resistance by the two look-alikes, he was in for a severe disappointment. The two simply regarded the half orc with interest, turning at the same time in an eerie yet almost comical manner.

Westian perhaps realised what was about to happen, and had moved close to Farel and the squire Ardur. Westian offered the squire a dagger quickly. For some reason, Ardur looked to Farel.

"Take it or don't lad, the decision is yours," said Farel to his squire. To Westian, Farel explained quickly, "I've tried to teach the boy lessons in non-violence, but at times such as this ... I will not preach, nor even practise it well." Ardur took the dagger with shaking hands.

Meanwhile, Haynuus reached his goal, and with a hearty slap pressed the button. Once more, the light levels dropped along with the hazes.

The scorpion behind Aurek started to move forwards. It seemed skittish, perhaps because of the explosion, or perhaps more importantly because of the gnomish mage. Either in deference to Aurek's manner a few moment ago, or perhaps in deference to its fear of the mage, the creature stopped only a few steps more. It gave almost a timid click of its claws towards where Seeroc had moved, shuffling around Aurek's back.

Seeroc, meanwhile, realised what Haynuus had done when the teleporter beside him dropped. He turned with surprise at the suddenly revealed faces of Farel who stood tall drawing a sword, the still crouched squire, and Westian himself. Westian could almost see the quick, dispassionate thoughts flick across the gnome's face as he chose his target.

Farel had, too, perhaps subconsciously been prepared for it, but was helpless to stop it.

A fireball was launched squarely at the unarmed squire, and the young man was blown backwards against the wall with the smell of scorched flesh. Farel cried in pain at being caught at the edge of the blast, then in anguish at seeing his squire felled. Seeroc's target had been - looking at it logically - a brilliant one. Surely with the weak link downed the two strong fighters were temporarily occupied.

Westian's dagger fell back down at his feet.

Is the squire dead, or just resting? Whether he's dead or dying, Westian might want to try a heal check around about now to tell (and maybe stabalise the man if alive), or just go for broke and throw away a VI spell hoping to cure him.

Seeroc did not even turn to see the results of his handiwork, looking around to his 'little ones'. The first group he looked to was those resembling Aurek and Haynuus, and it was clear why a moment later. With a big grin 'Haynuus' looked across at the real Haynuus, and without care allowed 'Aurek' to wrap his arm around the half-orc's throat and slowly start choking him.

While the false Haynuus simply grinned, the real Haynuus was the one to start feeling a strong pressing sensation around his throat. While Haynuus was thus distracted, the fake Haynuus happily strained across to the red button and slapped it again. The teleporters came back on, and more importantly the fake Haynuus kept his hand on the button as a challenge.

And 4 non-lethal damage to Haynuus! Oh, could money and OB roll me two d20s each at this point? Oh, and if Haynuus wants to look clsoer at his own double, perhaps roll a perception roll Ian!

Seeroc apparently did not need to look to see what was going on, and did not seem surprised when then blue hazes were restored, sending the scorpion back into its captivity. Seeroc was, for now, protected from harm from Farel.

Seeroc was already demanding his last two 'little ones' go over to Aurek. The figures had already been moving before Seeroc could voice the thought. The fake Westian and Farel gave unpleasant smiles as they rushed at the paladin.

"Please, drag him over here," said Seeroc, with an unpleasant tone as he apparently remembered an incident not too long ago. "I want to know what he just tried to do!"

The figures moved with surprising speed given the appeared to be dressed in the same armour that Westian and Farel wore. Neither were armed, seemingly happy to just try and seize the paladin before he could shift away. Given he was pinned behind a teleporter, there were few avenues of escape for the warrior.

Ok, so Aurek gets surrounded by two creatures who look like his companions - oddly how it works out, one his original companion, and the other his charge! Anyway, by the weirdness of dice rolls both rolled 23 for their grapple checks - so you'll need to roll a melee roll better than that. Note that 'Westian' drew an AoO getting into position, but more importantly both

You can only make one AoO not three, however if you want to make it, and you succeed in your blow, then one of the grapplers is automatically stopped from grappling you. Note you might get some retroactive grapple damage (non-lethal) if they succeed in grabbing you.

If you get pinned, you'll need to beat the highest of two checks to do anything - that includes gettign free, dragging them around with you, etc.

If you are pinned, and don't try to free yourself, I'll need a grapple check to resist their next actions aswell! Grappling - easy, yet complex. Basically, roll dice to do anything!

Speaking of rolling dice, feel free to roll a perception roll to look at the advancing dopplegangers.


The screamer in the corner had shuffled forward, perhaps to make its escape from all the explosions and noise of combat. Pushed back into its captivity too, it did the only thing it could think to do.

EEEEEK

In a very profound way, it perhaps summed up the unfolding events very well.


Anyway, that's the first round against Seeroc done! Map is here:
http://www.dmjump.net/seeroomfight2.jpg

Let me know if anything isn't clear, seems wrong, or just cry softly and let me enjoy your tears.

OH F*CK! thought Aurek once more, as the flask appeared to not actually contain an elemental after all... he was still reeling from the shock of it when a fairly large fireball slammed into him (reflex save 1d20 = 8 ). Then suddenly it was dark again, and all he could do was listen to the carnage going on elsewhere in the room.

The lights snapped back on, and he was still recovering from the blast, as two of his "alter ego" comrades closed in on him. He couldn't think of much else to do other than attempt to whoop thier asses back to wherever they came from. He swung his sword at "the other Westian", trying to stop him from getting a good grip on him (attack 1d20 = 15, damage 1d8 = 6). When the real Westian reeled backwards in response to his attack on the fake Westian, Aurek realised that he was going to have to think in order to get out of this...

Then came "the other Farel"... he had hold of the paladin, trying to drag him where he'd thrown the flask. Aurek struggled to break free of his vice-like grip (anti-grapple 1d20 = 19).
Then he turned back his attentions back to "Westian"... "You have NO RIGHT to look like my friend! Fight like a MAN!", then suddenly grabbed hold of "Farel", and attempted to push him into the haze, toward the real Farel (1d20 = 20! EPIC SUCCESS!).

After the brief string of destruction had passed, Aurek pondered for a moment it was an "air elemental", perhaps it is here, we just can't see it. He decided to try talking to it again, incase it was actually here, "Please... help... us... kill... mage."

OOC: Thought I'd try talking to air

Aurek reacted swiftly, his sword striking out expertly against the fiend that tried to wear his charges face. There was a moment of disconcerting reaction. While Aurek had struck out at the creature before him, the reaction and pain sounded lke it came from Westian behind him, through the teleporter.

And indeed, the cleric suddenly felt a stabbing pain where Aurek's skillful blow had just landed.

Westian, feel free to take 9 damage. Infact, I think I'll insist!
Update to map done!

If Haynuus was confused before, he was positively disorientated now. Choking and watching his mirror image being strangled in front of him with sheer horror he understood that this was some kind of unholy magicks that they were playing on him. He was disappointed that no-one was able to make it from behind of the blue haze when he deactivated it yet events had unfolded to confirm that he was right to have started off on an aggressive stance. He will continue!

With his mirror image in front of him being both strangled and holding the button, and the other fiend strangling yours-truly Haynuus dashed to their side and then charged directly at Seeroc attempting to push him into the the blue haze (1d20+9=28, 1d20+10=25) into the arms of what would be a grateful, vengeful knight. If it worked the gnome's actions would go through a full circle and it would be him at the sharp receiving end of a lesson of you are what you do.

OOC - Bull rush - Correct my math Beo
1) Normal attack without damage if it succeeds.
2) Strength check with Haynuus' +4 STR modifier, +4 bonus for the size category, a +2 bonus as he is charging

Westian saw at close range the damage done to the young squire. He acted on instincts, pulling the healing potion from his belt and letting the contents dribble into Ardur's open mouth.

There was little time to observe the effects though as Seeroc came crashing through the haze. Westian stood up quickly and turned to face him, sword in hand.

As Westian spoke he felt the glare of Seeroc upon him, he would need to explain fast, but now was not the time - actions of others took over and all Falkor could do was stand and watched, he was caught between a rock and a hard place, he needed to control his urge to jump in... He might be the only chance of escape later.

Falkor was forced to stand back as the doubles swarmed his friends and Seeroc showed his apparent calous disregardfor life. Did his companions really believe his ability to turn coat? And would Seeroc?

Aurek had no such compulsion, although his options had become more limited upon hearing the reaction of his charge to the weapon blow against his double.

Aurek shifted around, and firmly pushed the thing with Farel's face, using all the anger he possessed and being used and being faced with such mocking abominations. 'Farel' was caught by surprise, instantly disappearing in the teleporter's blue depths and reappearing on the other side with a 'zap'.

Aurek screamed at Westian's duplicate and then petitioned the area he had smashed the flask. He could not feel anythign react there. However, it was hard not to feel watched - once more by Seeroc, who gave him a calculating gaze, and by...

There was a strange growl by his side, and Aurek looked around to see his own face instead of Westian's. The doppleganger smiled and gave a meaningful look to the haze behind Aurek's shoulder.

Meanwhile, Westian went with his own instinct and quickly ministered to the fallen squire. Farel's demands and cries were not truly comprehendable, worrying given the man's previous well spoken and calm nature.

Westian barely finished applying the potion - did he detect movement, or just want to see it - when there was a confusion of motion.

Haynuus evaded his double rather than engage in such a strange contest for the button. Mostly because of the opportunity to catch Seroc unawares, and because Haynuus believed justice was about to be served.

Seeroc seemed distracted by Aurek's actions, and was not really concerned by those at his side anymore - apparently feeling them taken care of. It was only at the last moment Seeroc turned hearing the half-orc's flapping sandlas, and by then it was far too late.

Falkor had a front row seat to it, and saw it perfectly - unless the distracted Westian. Haynuus pushed Seeroc into the blue haze, and Seeroc actually staggered and stumbled through the haze, without triggering it. Falkor knew from his studies that one was not 'immune' to such magic. Certainly, if Seeroc was protected from it, it was because he had something - a spell or item - that allowed him passage. Either one of those, of course, could be used by anyone. Althought if it was a spell, it meant Seeroc could not be bound by the wards in this place.

Still, it did not matter in the end. Haynuus's might was such that Seeroc was pushed clear to the other side, and into the waiting arms of the irate knight.

The man did not hesitate, he apparently did not have reason in his mind enough to wonder how the object of his ire had been pulled towards him. Farel simply bent down behind the still beweildered gnome and and slipped his sword around the gnome's neck, then yanked the gnome up. Without being able to utter a single intelligible word, the gnome began to be quite effectively strangled.

Westian looked at the scene before him, only a few vague things coming to his notice due to the shock of events. The first was that Farel was drawing no blood - as strange as it seemed, his sword was blunted. The second was that the gnome had an odd shimmer to his skin. Westian realised the gnome possessed some form of magical shielding - perhaps due to the potions the gnome had been allowed to drink a few moments ago.

Ardur actually stirred, coming too with a start. However, the shock of the attack, and worse the shock of seeing his mentor stranging the gnome seemed to render him dumb - certainly, Farel had not spotted this as he simply yelled his rage.

Westian was distracted from further observations when the other Farel ran forward. There was a distrubing look on his face, the same rage as the real Farel showed. However, the fake Farel's gaze also flicked to Westian's sword, and he hungrily lunged for it.

OB, you can make an Attack of Opprtunity here to stop the attempt from happening (hitting AC18). However, to do it with non-lethal damage will require a -4 to the attempt. If you don't try, or don't succeed, then you need to make another attack roll - no penalty - to resist the disarm. If you don't beat 16 then you have no weapon, and the fake Farel now has your sword!



Meanwhile, the other Haynuus and Aurek
by the switch gave a strange hissing noise as Haynuus smashed into Seeroc. In a moment two Haynuuses were standing watching. The Haynuuses switched position, the second unwrapping his hands from his fellow and putting on to the switch, while the original snarled in a more half-orc like manner and charged at his likeness.

And because the evil critter can move freely passed its ally, then it goes get to charge. I'm afraid its Strength check is 17. It will follow through if it can, so if Haynuus loses by 5 or more, then that will be a very crowded area!


The screamer and the scorpion both shifted to look towards the action. After all, it was not everyday that one potentially saw one's captor killed by a human in shiny armour.


Couple of bits needing resolved, but hopefully I've given everyone enough info to resolve it all.

Map is here:
http://www.dmjump.net/seeroomfight3.jpg

Falkor focused his mind on the scorpian, "You must react quickly, I will release the field - you must help us kill the evil wizard who has brought you so much harm.... Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill!"

Falkor then ran round to the button, standing along side evil Haynuus, "quickly - we have to get our master our of their, he is in danger. Release the field and move over there to help. When our master is free I'll re-activate it, quickly now he is getting hurt" Although he wasn't sure that Haynuus would understand, or even believe (Bluff 1d20 = 14) he had little choice but to get that button pressed and the Scorpian released to aid in the battle.

'Haynuus' gave a disconcertingly Haynuus-like grin, slammed the button, and then ran across to the teleporter area.

Heh, so the teleporter screen is now down again, people. The scorpion acts at the end of the round, but, you know, you can guess it will do something not good

As the false Farel reached out for the sword Westian responded with a smooth motion: with the blade pointing down he lifted his hand up and pushed forward, catching the doppleganger on the full length of his chest. It was a movement he had been forced to practise hundreds of times in the monastery, and had came naturally without any concious knowledge. Truth be told as a novice he had considered the martial training he had been forced to endure to be at best aesthetically pleasing and at worst archaic and a complete waste of his time - he never had had an urge to become a soldier. Now though he was very glad that he had been forced to supplement his studies with weapons training, although the pained response from the true Farel muted any potential self-congratulations.

With slightly more breathing space Westian had time to think. What were these creatures? There were certainly not a part of the natural world order. And had Brighteyes mentioned something about Seeroc's undead creations?

With a flash of inspiration Westian grabbed his newly found holy symbol. It had always been important to him, but had never felt so right in his hands before. He held onto it as if he was holding onto life itself and brandished it in the direction of the creatures. "By the power of Lord Larethian - who despises those who defile nature - I cast you monsters out."

OOC: AoO on Farel was 15 + 5 = 20. Damage was 5 + 2 = 7. I don't know if turn undead will work, but I rolled an 18 + 6 + 2 = 26. I think it is + 2 for the holy symbol, not sure though.

Haynuus revelled at the act of forcefully ejecting the gnome through the forcefield, then repelled at the horrid act of retribution the knight was performing on the wee little monster. He would surely have done the same, yet the outcome saddened him.

The slight mental weakness in the field of battle was telling, as his mirror image barged him in the back from behind taking him completely by surprise. Suddenly he was seeing at close distance the sword's blade bleeding not blood but sheer mana from around Brighteye's neck[+]. It was like there was a sheen or mirror-like surface around his skin, it was almost fascinating to watch... And then he realised what he could do.

With the gnome effectively pinned by Farel and his legs comically flailing around he COULD just swing his sword in an attempt to chop off the little monster's pegs yet risk hurting the knight. It would be worth it, almost.

Haynuus had noticed the gem or magic lock around the gnome's neck, and with just a little help from Farel perhaps he could remove the artifact from his neck and he'd have one less option to use should he break out. He made a grab for the thing (1d20+17=22) by pulling with one hand the necklace it was attached to and hooking with his falchion with the other under and then up into the air in an attempt to either remove it or at the very least garotte the little bastard in the attempt. Should he get it, he'd swing it around his own neck.

[+] To Haynuus, he will always be remembered as Brighteyes, and not Seeroc.


OOC - Math time! Help me out here holy Dungeon Master
1) The gnome get's a free attack first!
2a) The wielder of a two-handed weapon on a disarm attempt gets a +4 bonus on this roll (I'm pushing it here aren't I?)
2b) The larger combatant gets a bonus on the attack roll of +4 per difference in size category
2c) The targeted item isn’t a melee weapon, the defender takes a -4 penalty on the roll (I'm glad that Haynuus isn't stealing his cock ring, though).

The scorpion seems bewildered and confused about the sudden freedom and communication, if Falkor's understanding of the chirps and snarls were anythign to go by. However, it then seemed to get the idea that it was free, and this wasn't some trick.

It scuttled forward with remarkable speed, heading towards the two Aureks. What it was snarling was hard for Falkor to understand, something about 'the claws' and 'the short one'. What it did, instead of go for the dogpile involving Seeroc though, was to instead head for the two Aureks. It seemd to hesitate, as if aware thta one was the evil thing which had no doubt tormented it in previous times on Seeroc's behalf, whereas the other was the funny creature that had attempted to do - something - that wasn't an instant attack.

The creature seemed to hesitate, and its claw snapped in the air to the side, as if in warning. Falkor had lost track of which Aurek was which... which was the one being threatened?


Heh, luckily the scorpion did not succeed in an attack, even through - really - it doesn't matter right now. I'm leaving this one up in the air as to whom the scorpion is threatening until I get Aurek's actions...

Meanwhile, for Haynuus the turn-about was strange, the half-orc opting for elegant sword-play of a non-lethal variety compared to the animalistic move of Sir Farel. Farel's assault of the gnome continued unabaited, still pulling his sword hard while the gnome struggled. In the background, apparently unheeded by all, Arbrut simply scrambled into the corner hugging his knees, tears in his eyes.

Haynuus, however, spotted that the knight's sword was lifting Seeroc's - well, Brighteyes's - pendant from around his neck. With amazing luck or skill, Haynuus used his falchion to flick the chain. The delecate links severed easily (while not taking out anyone's throat, fingers, hands, or eye) and the pendant fell to the ground unheeded by the two infront.

However, Farel was distracted as Westian attacked the knight's doppleganger. The 'evil' Farel did not managed to take Westian's sword, except in its chest, however Westian could hear the snarl of the knight behind him, not from the annoyed opponent before him.

Westian realised the blow felt...odd. While Farel looked as if he wore plate armour, and the resistance was about right, the feel was more..organic...

Westian's memories and instincts were to try a different tactic, and use the powers of his faith against this abomination. Westian could feel the power of his High Lord flow with strength. However, Westian could feel the sheer strength of the creature before him. This was not a common automaton, created on a whim. There was an age and strength under the veneer and Westian's faith was tested when faced with it. However, his strength was augmented by the fortunate find of this holy symbol. Whatever strange twist of fate placed it in his way surely showed the High Lords - or fate, or luck - favoured those ho kept their faith. He gestured again, and saw the creature before him take a step back. It was clearly shaken, although sadly Westian could feel his powers were not great enough to make this great evil flee him.

That's just narrative fluff for 'nice roll, irritatingly the resist roll was really high, but the holy symbol was indeed +2 so you drew level which is a success' Oh, except for the 'shaken, not stirred' reaction of the creature. That maybe hints this isn't a 1HD level glass cannon...

It seemed Farel was affected by the blow of Westian however, and the momentary weakness was all the slippery gnome mage needed. He took advantage of his short starture to slip under the knight's sword, and twisted and ran through the space where the teleporter had been. Farel tried to strike the gnome on the head but missed due to being crowded by Haynuus's double. Luckily, Farel's downwards strike meant Haynuus's double missed the knight, smashing his hand hard into the wall.

Haynuus did not really notice the pain in his fist, since he was trying to smash the gnome over the head himself.


Ian, Haynuus gets to make an Attack of Opportunity against Seeroc as the sneaky little mage runs sideways, and I assume Haynuus will take it


"Falkor! My friend, the curtain again if you please!" said the mage, coughing and rubbing his neck. For now, understandably, he did not seem to notice his missing jewelry. Also, decipite everything that had been happening to him, he seemed to still be remarkably spry.

Note this is just a platitude in Seeroc's case. 'Haynuus' will close the teleporter at the start of the next round. Will Falkor stand idly by, stop 'Haynuus', or even attempt something such as attempt to distract Seeroc (and hence 'Haynuus') or persuade Seeroc or 'Haynuus' not to.

Westian was still focused on his opponent, instead of what was behind him. This was because he was seeing something that shook him in turn. 'Farel' laughed, his mouth and eyes suddenly widening in an obscene way. There was a disturbing moment where Westian thought he was seeing something alien in place of the knight's distorted face, and then the worse moment where the distorted wided-eyed wide-mouthed human face was definitely back, and then suddenly the worst moment of all - Westian was facing a perfect dulicate of himself.

The thing held its hand up too - minus the holy symbol - and gestured over the cleric's shoulder. Perhaps it was to indicate with glee that Seeroc had just escaped and the party were soon to be trapped once more.

The screamer, unnoticed in the corner, had sensed the lack of noise from the hazes infront of it. With short, tree-trunk like roots, it started to shuffle as fast as it could - which wasn't that fast - towards where it sensed an exit.


Awww, poor screamer! Anyway, it's all so scary and exciting! Will Falkor get the haze to remain down? Will you guys at the other side manage to rush across before it's brought back up? For that second bit, I'll be nice and say if you wanna try to rush across, make a d20 acrobatics check to 'tumble' half your movement across the floor as a move action to get the the other side of the haze before it comes up. If you don't believe in the awesome powers of your halfling mage to pull your collective arses out of the fire that is.

Map's here:
http://www.dmjump.net/seeroomfight4.jpg

Falkor was quick to act, he assessed the situation, he had to get Seeroc on side, he also had to give himself an advantage also... As fast as Seeroc had been pushed free he turned to Haynuus - "Quick, the scorpian - go and get it back in position", next he turned his attention to Seeroc, "Your chain, you've dropped it during your struggle" and pointed back to the others... this distraction gave him all he needed to communicate to the scorpian, "My Friend, The ORC approaching, attack, kill, death, Come Forward QUICKLY". With this Falkor turned and jumped as high as he could and with his small hands attempted to push the button....

OOC: Perception check (1d20=1) hope this wasn't important

OOC - AoE
The gnome flipped out of the grips of the knight, yet he let his defences down to do so. Haynuus saw the weakness and was gifted a free swing at the gnome.

He was angry... The gnome's back was turned and there would be no possibility of accidentally hitting an ally this time, so no other better chance to vent his anger and fury at the wicked mage. He elected to cast elegance out and would swing his two handed sword with sheer fury[+]. Without hesitation Haynuus swung with all his force on the gnomic mage. (1d20+5=8, 2d4+14=22)

OOC - Math time!
Haynuus get's a d20+9 normal melee attack but I'll opt to take 4 off 'accuracy' and add 4 to damage using his Power Attack ability. d20+5
So instead of the usual 2d4+6, he'd get 2d4+10.
But, he's using a two handed weapon with Power Attack, so we add twice the number subtracted from the attack rolls - 2d4+14
It's probably all academic anyway as he rolled terribly!

OOC - Normal move
With both the Haynuus and the Westian monsters at his side it was a curious choice if you're human to charge like a berzerker at the gnome while letting your enemies get a free attack on your back... However, his logic was not completely flawed. The monsters could only get ONE AoO, and this left the others standing around them to freely move out of the potential prison as well!

"Attack the wizards! Get out of there!"

He then charged the gnome with the pendant in his mouth...

OOC - Normal Action
Haynuus scooped up the pendant and popped it in his mouth. Ignoring all around him he sprinted around to loom large over the gnome (I6).
With a furious anger he shouted "YOU WILL NEVER GET OUT OF THIS ROOM ALIIIIIVVVEEEE!!!"

The boy was cornered, Westian did not want to move and leave him at the mercy of the undead creations. "Ardur, get out! Farel, grab your squire, move out now!" Westian roared.

Their pathway out was by no means clear though, Westian knew that he would have to distract the creature wearing Haynuus's face to give them a chance. He brandished his symbol in the monsters face "Your end is near you! Larethian will protect me." With that he took a step backwards and turned slightly so he could see both the fake Haynuus and the fake Westian. Sensing that these creatures - and their master - had a hatred of all things sacred Westian decided the best way to get them focused on him, and not on Ardur and Farel, was to repeatedly mention the High Lords. "Soon you will see the power of holiness, and despair!" he shouted at both of them.

OOC: Turn undead on Haynuus, 5 foot step to M8. Turn undead was 10 + 6 + 2 = 18. Perception on fake Westian was 6, I suppose that can be explained by the fact that I barely looked at fake Westian!