Ch 3: Part 6: Battle at the Academy: Session 46

[14:58] <Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[14:58] <Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 3: The Armageddon Echo~~~
[14:58] <Kilarra> \Part 6: Battle at the Academy/
[14:58] <Kilarra> -Session 46-
[15:05] <Kilarra> The Battle for Celwynvian has been raging for several days now, with the party helping to make several decisive blows against the drow menace. On a more personal note, Some of these events have drawn Aluthyra and Kilarra closer together, although the two of them might differ on what that will mean for them in the end.
[15:05] <Kilarra> Regardless, dawn comes once more.
[15:06] * Kilarra awakens, stretching and yawning. She felt pretty good this morning.
[15:09] * Aluthyra sits up in her bedroll, rubbing her eyes. She smiles to Kilarra. "Good morning."
[15:11] <Kilarra> Kjell awakens and gets out his spellbook. At the same time, he procures the spellbooks of the drow to see if there was anything useful he could add to his own repetoire
[15:11] * Kilarra smirks at Aluthyra, "I always consider it a good morning when I wake up next to someone sexy." She flicks the Aasimar with her tail playfully
[15:11] <@Aluthyra> Tognik, as per the usual, is taking Kjell's hour to catch up on extra sleep.
[15:13] * Aluthyra chuckles. "Then... hopefully you will have many good mornings in the future." She stands, nodding to Kilarra. "I can get us breakfast while you prepare, if you would like?"
[15:14] * Kilarra grins mischeviously, showing off her pointy teeth, "Sure you don't wanna stay and watch this time?"
[15:17] * Aluthyra shakes her head, heading out with a faint blush. "I am sure."
[15:17] * Kilarra rolls her eyes and undresses, getting down to business
[15:20] <Kilarra> Kjell finishes his preparations, and managed to find at least one spell in the Drow's book worth adding to his own. Although there were a number of wizard spells he simply couldn't understand, and he wasn't too fond of some of the other more morose options.
[15:21] * Aluthyra retrieves breakfast; an assortment of fruits and vegetables on two plates. She heads back to the tent, eating the assortment on her own plate and waiting for Kilarra to finish.
[15:22] * Kilarra slips out of the tent still naked when she finishes up, grabbing the plate of fruit quickly and slipping back inside, but making sure Aluthyra got an exceptional view of her bare bottom.
[15:24] * Aluthyra gulps. She stays outside for now.
[15:24] * Kilarra snickers, quite pleased with herself as she gets dressed
[15:28] * Aluthyra finishes her plate, then meditates outside in silence.
[15:29] <Kilarra> Kjell comes out, waking Tognik first, then goes to get his own food
[15:30] <@Aluthyra> Tognik follows after dressing and getting ready, eager for some breakfast.
[15:31] * Kilarra slips out of the tent after donning her armour and clerical outfit. She smirks at Aluthyra and sits down next to her as she finishes her breakfast. She doesn't disturb her though, not wanting to be rude to someone she did like.
[15:32] * Aluthyra finishes a few minutes later. She turns her head and smiles to Kilarra. "I must admit... I am surprised you did not disturb me." She nods. "Thank you."
[15:34] * Kilarra pouts a bit, "I may be a vindictive bitch, but only to people I don't like. The number of people I really like tends to be limited to the people I'm in bed with most of the time though."
[15:37] <Kilarra> Kjell goes with Tognik for breakfast, "Those two seem to be getting along well. Can't say I'm not a bit envious."
[15:38] * Aluthyra smiles, wrapping her arms around Kilarra in a hug. "You are not a 'bitch', Kilarra."
[15:38] <@Aluthyra> Tognik chuckles. "Why's that? Missing that half elf?"
[15:40] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Indeed. Miss Beldusk is quite lovely, and very keen. Considering that we are at war and the prospect of death is upon us at any given moment, I can't help but wish our courtship had progressed a bit farther."
[15:40] * Kilarra hugs back, "I am when I want to be."
[15:44] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods, getting a plate of fruit. "I'm sure we'll have some time after this is all over." He smirks. "And perhaps you'll be asking me for a fireworks show soon after. For the kids."
[15:45] * Aluthyra smiles. "And you are equally lovely when you wish to be."
[15:45] * Kilarra actually flushes a bit at that.
[15:45] <Kilarra> Kjell chuckles hearily, "You'll be the first to know little friend."
[15:47] * Kilarra stands up, "Alright, let's go see what's on the bill for today. Perhaps we're close to finishing this."
[15:48] * Aluthyra nods, standing and walking towards Eviana's tent.
[15:50] <@Aluthyra> Tognik smiles, finishing his breakfast. He yawns, nodding to Kjell. "Ready to head out?"
[15:51] <Kilarra> Kjell stands up; "Aye. The sooner we can get this done, the sooner I can stop worrying"
[15:51] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods, walking to Eviana's tent for briefing.
[15:54] * Kilarra follows Aluthyra, slipping her tail around the other woman's waist
[15:55] * Aluthyra sticks close to Kilarra's side as she moves towards the tent.
[15:56] <Kilarra> As they arrive in Eviana's tent, the elf leader seems pleased to see them. "Thank you so much for rescuing Kaerishiel and his men. We need as many able bodied combantants as we can get right now."
[15:59] * Aluthyra nods. "Of course. And... are you making use of the ballista?"
[15:59] <Kilarra> Eviana nods, "It was quite useful for removing some entrenched drow, yes."
[16:01] * Aluthyra smiles. "Then, would you have another task for us?"
[16:04] <Kilarra> Eviana nods. "The battle has been hard," she says with a bit of a clenched jaw, "but I feel that we may be close to victory." She looks around at all those assembled, including a couple other captains, Kaerishiel, and Shalelu. "With the aid of these heroes here, our forces have managed to clear a path to the Academy of Arts. Naturally, the drow will try to retake this position with as much effort as they can muster, so the time for a
[16:04] <Kilarra> -so the time for a decisive strike has come."
[16:07] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods, listening. "...And that would entail?"
[16:10] <Kilarra> Eviana nods; "I would like you to participate in the attack. We have limited forces to commit here, with our kin spread so far around the city or holding the route to the Academy, so you’ll be one of three small teams moving against the building. It is my hope that we can capture or kill the drow leadership, secure access to the Armageddon Echo portal, and finally bring this war to a close."
[16:10] <Kilarra> Eviana adds, "I can understand if you feel this is beyond you, and I would find another group if one was available, but this is just not an option. I need you. Will you take on this last mission?”
[16:12] * Aluthyra nods. "I will. Gladly."
[16:12] <@Aluthyra> Tognik chuckles. "Made it this far. I might as well."
[16:14] <Kilarra> Kjell gives a slight bow, "I would be glad to offer my services for the swift conclusion of this conflict."
[16:14] * Kilarra nods, "Hey, the sooner this is over, the sooner..." She just looks at Aluthyra and winks.
[16:15] * Aluthyra blinks. She holds back her blush, and asks, "And may I ask who the other two teams are?"
[16:17] <Kilarra> Eviana nods, "There are three entrances to the Academy of Arts; two holes in the exterior plus the main entrance. I am afraid my knowledge of the interior is all but non-existant, but a three-pronged attack against them together is our best odds of penetrating their defenses. Captains Shalelu and Kaerishiel will be leading the other two teams."
[16:18] * Aluthyra nods. "And which entrance will we be taking?"
[16:21] <Kilarra> Eviana draw's the party's attention to the map, focusing in on a building near the center of the city ruins. "All three entrances are fiercely guarded by the drow and their servants. The front door is held by a full host of drow and is by far the most secure. The hole to the west is also well guarded by a few drow and a number of dretches. The hole to the north looks the easiest to breech, since it is close to the trees and guarded ov
[16:22] <Kilarra> guarded over by a few drow and a number of troglodyte slaves."
[16:23] * Aluthyra nods, looking over the map. She looks to her companions. "If they are not in objection. I would not be opposed to taking the front."
[16:23] <Kilarra> Eviana looks to the party after conveying this, "Which would you prefer?"
[16:23] <Kilarra> Kjell nudges Tognik, "If we are to take the front, that new wand of yours will come in handy
[16:23] <Kilarra> ."
[16:24] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods. "The only offensive I have." He shrugs. "I suppose it could work-- at the front."
[16:28] * Kilarra shakes her head, "That might not be the best idea Aluthyra. Sure, you and Kjell are beasts in a fight, but I'm far better suited to fighting smaller groups where I can trip up and pick off individuals."
[16:29] * Aluthyra nods. "I realize. It was merely a suggestion. I am sure that it would be appreciated if we could manage it, but if we cannot, another path may be chosen."
[16:34] * Kilarra notes, "The trogs would be easiest for us to get through, like Eviana said, but I suppose what really matters is who's got the best chance. I'm really hoping to live through this, but odds are better for that if we all make it through. I imagine Shalelu and Kaerishiel are probably as good as either you or Kjell by themselves, while we have both of you."
[16:35] * Aluthyra nods. "So then, you are in agreement to take the main entrance? Or would you wish to take a lesser path."
[16:37] * Kilarra looks to Aluthyra, "If you get killed, I'm paying Shorafa for the raising out of your coffers." She then nods, "We'll take the front."
[16:38] * Aluthyra nods.
[16:38] <@Aluthyra> Tognik sighs. "Alright. Well," He chuckles. "Best of luck to us!"
[16:38] <Kilarra> Kjell smiles, "I'd quite like to put a nice big dent in their defenses, and this seems to be the most expedient path, if not the safest."
[16:40] <Kilarra> Kaerishiel steps forward, having, surprisingly, not interrupted the party's choice. "My men will take the hole to the west then." Shalelu smiles and nods, "Guess that leaves us with the easy one. No complaints here."
[16:41] * Aluthyra sighs. "Very well." She looks between Shalelu and Kaerishiel. "I am assuming you are both prepared, and that we shall be leaving soon?"
[16:42] <Kilarra> Eviana nods, "The sooner we leave, the better. I had wished to move at dawn, but had to concede that you, unlike us, needed your sleep. Do not blame yourselves though, we have plenty of daylight remaining."
[16:45] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods. "Then let's get going, if everyone's ready."
[16:46] <Kilarra> Eviana nods and motions for their departure. She herself goes off to join the groups holding the route.
[16:47] <Kilarra> The journey to the academy is a quiet one. There seem to be very few drow on the streets and they are easily avoided. As the large building draws in sight, both Shalelu and Kaerishiel exchange well wishes with the PCs and each other before taking their small groups off to prepare for the assault.
[16:47] <@Aluthyra> Tognik takes out his new wand. He frowns. "Ready."
[16:48] <Kilarra> The Academy itself is one of the more well-preserved structures in Celwynvian, but still the passage of time has left its mark in places. The building itself is made of stone and consists of three domed structures surrounding a low, one-story stone bunker. The domes are of white marble and thick with ivy and other creeping vines.
[16:50] <Kilarra> The group at the main entry to the south consists of a drow arcanist and four drow skirmishers.
[16:51] * Aluthyra prepares her bow, readying it and nocking an arrow.
[16:52] <Kilarra> Kjell draws his sword and raises his spell arm, casting his shield
[16:59] <Kilarra> Unfortunately for the party, the drow skirmishers are very quick to react, each one firing a poisoned bolt at each member of the party in an attempt to take care of them quickly.
[17:01] <Kilarra> Kjell's Shield Spell catches the bolt shot at him, as does Kilarra's breastplate, but Tognik and Aluthyra are both grazed
[17:03] <Kilarra> Tognik falls unconscious as the poison from the bolt seeps through him, but Aluthyra manages to just barely shake it off
[17:07] <Kilarra> Kjell looks concerned, and would do his best to cover his friend until Kilarra could treat him.
[17:11] * Kilarra stoops down to check Tognik real quick. "Sleep poison. It might wear off in a minute, and if it doesn't, I can neutralize it." She then fires a poison bolt from her crossbow at the drow hiding behind the skirmishers to even the odds.
[17:12] <Kilarra> The drow blinks as a crossbow bolt embeds itself in her shoulder, then she too fall to the ground, unconscious
[17:14] * Kilarra blinks, then laughs exhuberantly. "Serves you right."
[17:15] * Aluthyra shakes her head, frowning as she narrowly shrugs off the poison. She returns fire, an arrow for each skirmisher.
[17:18] <Kilarra> Aluthyra takes down three of the Skirmishers with her return flurry without breaking a sweat
[17:18] <Kilarra> The fourth she misses
[17:22] <Kilarra> Kjell decides to forgo any chance of spell mishaps and simply charges the drow with Tyrant's Bane
[17:22] <Kilarra> The sword seems pleased to finally get some action
[17:24] <Kilarra> Kjell's first swing is almost enough to kill the drow, while the backswing finishes the job.
[17:25] * Aluthyra hurries up near the drow arcanist. She frowns. "Shall we end her, or question her when she wakes up?" She adds, "Tognik mentioned he had a wand of comprehending languages."
[17:26] <Kilarra> Kjell shakes his head, "I don't think we have time for an interrogation, especially since we have to wait a minute for Tognik. Bane thinks we should take care of her before she has a chance to get up and become a threat again."
[17:27] * Kilarra waits by Tognik, ready to neutralize the poison if he didn't get up after a minute.
[17:28] * Aluthyra nods. She aims her bow carefully, taking a shot at the drow.
[17:28] <Kilarra> Kjell holds up a hand, "Save your ammunition, I'll take care of this."
[17:28] * Aluthyra nods, relieving the tension on her bowstring.
[17:31] <Kilarra> Kjell plunges his sword through the unconscious drow's heart, then looks to see if she had anything worth adding to their own armaments. He sets aside the alchemical bolts for Kilarra. No doubt she was finding them most useful, considering
[17:31] <Kilarra> Kjell uses detect magic
[17:31] <Kilarra> The drow posesses a Cloak, a ring, a scroll, a wand, and a potion
[17:33] <Kilarra> Kjell smiles, "We've got a decent selection here. A cloak of resistance, a ring of protection, a scroll of Haste, a wand of False Life and a moderate cure potion."
[17:37] <Kilarra> Tognik wakes up as the poison dissipates
[17:37] * Aluthyra shrugs. "I already have such a ring and cloak." She gestures to Tognik "Perhaps he would like them."
[17:38] <Kilarra> Kjell passes Tognik the cloak and the ring, "Perhaps these will keep you a bit safer henceforth my friend." He keeps the scroll, potion and wand for himself.
[17:38] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shakes his head, groaning as he sits up. "Urgh..." He looks around, noting the corpses. "Great."
[17:38] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods as he is passed the new equipment. "Thanks."
[17:42] <@Aluthyra> Tognik dons his new gear, nodding. "Ready. Again... I guess."
[17:45] <Kilarra> Kjell chuckles, "Apologies my little friend, but you should actually thank Kilarra if anyone. She was ready to cure you in case the poison persisted, and used a selfsame bolt to take down the Drow Sorceress before she could truly become a threat.
[17:45] <Kilarra> "
[17:46] * Tognik looks to Kilarra and chuckles. "Then thank you, but if I was unconscious for a while... we best get moving."
[17:47] * Kilarra shrugs, "I didn't actually have to do anything, but yeah. The others are probably on their way in already. I must admit though, I was expecting that to be more difficult."
[17:48] <Kilarra> Kjell steps up to the entrance and pulls the large stone door open.
[17:48] * Aluthyra readies her bow, stepping in behind Kjell.
[17:51] <Kilarra> What once might have been a fabulously decorated entry hall is now a barren, empty chamber. Four white marble pillars support the roof, while two stone benches sit on either side of the room. The stone doors to the south have fallen away from the building’s facade, but those to the north remain intact.
[17:52] <Kilarra> Inside this room is what can only be called an abomination
[17:53] <Kilarra> A hideous, four-armed golem made from the flesh of slain elves. In two of its four arms it holds a pair of longbows.
[17:57] <Kilarra> Dozens of arrows are threaded through its loose mounds of flesh.
[17:59] * Kilarra blinks at the monstrosity, then pulls out her whip. It couldn't use those weapons if it was flat on its ass. She hoped.
[18:02] <Kilarra> Kilarra gets a nasty blow to the head from the Golem as she tries to trip it, but her whip catches around its leg and, with a heave, she's able to take it off balance and drop it to the floor.
[18:03] * Kilarra staggers back a bit as she recalls her whip, "Okay, this would be the hard part then."
[18:04] <@Aluthyra> Tognik frowns, pointing at the fallen golem and casting a spell of pugwampi's grace!
[18:07] <Kilarra> Nothing happens
[18:09] * Aluthyra frowns, and trying to draw the beast's attention, fires a flurry of five arrows.
[18:12] <Kilarra> Two of them manage to hit the prone golem, sticking in its lumps of flesh. Its hard to tell if they did anything
[18:17] <Kilarra> The Golem hoists itself to its feat
[18:17] * Kilarra activates the flame property of her whip and attempts to smack the thing while it was trying to stand
[18:17] <Kilarra> Kilarra's attack just bounces off
[18:18] * Kilarra frowns, "So not fair."
[18:18] <Kilarra> The Golem pulls back the strings on both its bows together, shooting at Kilarra and Aluthyra
[18:20] <Kilarra> Aluthyra nibly dodges the arrow, but Kilarra takes it hard in the chest.
[18:20] * Kilarra shrieks, "Shalk'thak da assk!" She was looking pretty bloodied between the arrow and the slam
[18:21] <Kilarra> Kjell drops Bane "Sorry," he mutters as he pulls out the Noqual longsword. It was meant for something like this.
[18:22] <Kilarra> Kjell swings with both hands for some extra oomph
[18:23] <Kilarra> Kjell's Noqual blade seems to be quite effective as it glows a sickly green colour, ripping through the animated flesh.
[18:23] * Kilarra wishes she had gotten a mace after all
[18:24] * Kilarra steps back and drinks a potion. Tripping this thing didn't seem to be worthwhile.
[18:25] <Kilarra> Kilarra's potion makes her no longer bloodied, but she still looks rough.
[18:28] <@Aluthyra> Tognik runs to Kilarra's side, placing his hand on her leg. He mumbles, casting a spell of invisibility upon her. "Back up and heal yourself."
[18:28] * Kilarra vanishes
[18:29] * Aluthyra fires another volley of arrows into the abomination.
[18:29] * Kilarra is actually grateful, there wasn't much she could do to this thing without getting herself hurt more
[18:30] <Kilarra> This time the arrows actually seem to have an impact, wounding the Golem.
[18:30] <Kilarra> However, it raises both its bows and fires a return flurry.
[18:30] <Kilarra> All at Aluthyra, who had pincushioned him.
[18:31] <Kilarra> Kjell lays into the beast with his Noqual sword, hoping to end it before it could do much more damage
[18:31] * Aluthyra grimaces, gritting her teeth as two arrows stick into her skin.
[18:33] <Kilarra> Kjell's first swing manages to Cleave a huge chunk out of the golem, which falls to the floor, causing his backswing to miss.
[18:33] <Kilarra> -End Session-
[18:33] <Kilarra> Rewards: 1 EL 9, 1 EL 7, 2400 Experience Each