PRP: Choose Your Own Adventure

The farm girl who turned up at the Adventurer's Guild to report that her neighbours might be in trouble apparently didn't stay long, but she did pass on that she hadn't seen her neighbours, the Widebottom family, in some days. What she had seen was a tough looking woman with too many daggers who had warned her to mind her own business when she tried to go to check on the Lucht farm, so she came into the city looking for help. She couldn't stay but she did leave directions. You poor saps are the ones detailed to check it out.

You get a nice walk in the countryside and you just might find some wrongs needing righting. Or just more walking. Either way.

Johan wasn't sure about the whole 'Adventuring Guild' thing, as it seemed a bit to beauracratic for adventuring... like the vagaries of life could be scheduled and yet... he had to admit the centralized location for people who /need/ an adventuring party does have it's advantages...

As it is Johan is walking his horse, letting the animal stretch it's legs a bit as he walks with the other adventurers who seem to have chosen to travel on their own two feet, or perhaps do not have mounts of their own. Either way the large half-oruch is quiet. For now the Sunguard simply watches the others, the surroundings, and listens for anything unusual.

Eventually he turns towards the others and asks in his deep baritone rumble, "Is this common here in Alexandros? Farms being taken like this and it falling to adventurer's? Do not the province have guards?" His tone curious, not aggressive.

Lorien stretches. He is with the group and walks onwards, as he takes his fingers and loops them about his belt, "You know, it's a quite nice time of the year for weather," he says, nodding amiably, as he glances about a bit, answering Johan, "It's best not and ask about Alexandros, noone else does, it's like some kind of unspoken agreement that 'things' happen, Eluna bless'em," he grins a bit playfully. The Artificer pats at his rifle strap, "I hope that it won't involve using this," he adds.

For some reason, her peers at both the temple and the Society decided to bestow Verna with preference for tasks which require travel. Allegedly, pollen-filled air, dusty roads, uncoopertaive animals, and biting insects shall improve her health and pallor. Thus Verna continues her recent trend of responding to agricultural engineers in need of assistance.

In this instance, she is even denied the opportunity to query the requestor. Her level of excitement is no more exposed than her form as she travels upon a hastily volunteered and, fortunately for Verna, old and gentle nag. "It appears to be somewhat more common as of late. The Planar Dysjunction Cannon was recently activated, and the energies released can cause all manor of indirect distrbances."

In her own horse's saddle, Charlotte seems to sigh a little bit as she looks all about. "Yeah. Usually the guards are needed more for protecting Alexandria and are too few to be spared. That's why we're called, to pick up the slack." She says resting her left hand upon her Saber. She's not an expert rider, but she can ride a horse, as long as it doesn't get spooked.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Can I get Survival rolls please?"

GAME: Charlotte rolls survival: (5)+1: 6

GAME: Lorien rolls survival: (7)+0: 7

GAME: Verna rolls survival: (15)+3: 18

It is a brisk spring day and several hours travel to the remote Lucht farm, so it is early afternoon by the time you arrive in the general area. Verna is the one who spots the turnoff for the farm, it appears that the sign has been taken down and someone has tried to conceal it with branches and twigs. Not a good sign.

GAME: Johan rolls survival: (7)+4: 11

"There," Verna points a gloved finger towards the ground and the somewhat suspicious pile of brush. Suspicious as one notable piece is rectangular, flat, and bears carved writing. "Either they are derelict in maintenance, or visitors are not desired." She nudges her nag down this path. "Did anyone receive more information beyond the fact that some assistance was requested?"

Charlotte quietly shakes her head to Verna. 'I did not, I fear." She says as she loks at the sign. "It's not a good sign that someone took the sign down though. Isn't a sign supposed to take a while to bring down naturally?"

Johan nods to the others as they offer forth their explanations on his question and then falls silent, travelling comfortably until they reach the partially disguised turnoff to where they need to go. "Leathers, to many daggers, and unfamiliar. I believe that is about the whole of it. We should look around and ask questions, just to be sure. The owners of the farm might be in need of assistance." He moves to climb up onto his horse just in case and then towards the others, "Does anyone have the capability to scout the situation without giving away our presence?" That was diplomatic.

The sign says 'Widebottom Family Farm' with a smiling face framed by apples and a cartoon house up on stilts as is common for Lucht dwellings.

Lorien slowly shakes his head, then rolls his shoulders a bit, "Seems suspicious," he says, and then folds his arms and looks at the sign. He glances a bit towards Johan, and then motions a bit, "Ask of whom?" he asks, with a grin, "We'll figure something, though scouting would likely work."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Let me know when you figure out how you want to proceed. Also, Perception checks please. :)"

GAME: Johan rolls perception: (19)+2: 21

GAME: Verna rolls perception: (2)+7: 9

GAME: Lorien rolls perception: (2)+0: 2

GAME: Verna rolls knowledge/local: (3)+7: 10

GAME: Lorien rolls knowledge/local: Trained Use Only: 0

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "With a 10 you know this isn't usual, hiding your farm is very weird."

GAME: Lorien rolls knowledge/nature: (4)+5: 9

GAME: Ssylrath rolls 6 (stuff and things): (9)+6 (stuff and things): 15

You paged Johan with 'You spot a large dark thing up in a tree among the branches, as big as a person. It isn't moving. Could be someone hiding there.'

GAME: Charlotte rolls perception: (10)+4: 14

Johan takes a look around a the flora and fauna as the others examine the path, the road, whatever and eventually he looks up. People do /not/ look up enough. He leans over and nudges Verna as she happens to be mounted and close by, and anyone else who fits those same requirements and then gestures up towards a tree branch, "I believe we are being observed." He rumbles.

GAME: Ssylrath rolls -1 (spot): (12)++-1 (spot): 11

<OOC> Lorien says, "Can Lorien try and climb the tree?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "It looks climbable yes. Would you like to?"

<OOC> Lorien says, "Yes."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Roll climb and pose going over and starting then please."

GAME: Lorien rolls climb: (2)+-1: 1

Lorien nods a bit towards Johan, as he folds his arms and looks upwards a bit, as if to where was mentioned. The youth takes a moment, and then rummages about at his pocket. Then he nods a bit, "I shall climb the tree," he says. He moves to the tree. He really has and get the right grip, first. That's it. We'll call it that.

"You may as well come down," Verna calls to the tree. "You observed us, and we observed you." Does she spy what Johan indicated? No, but the one indicated or suspected does not necessarily know this.

A woman's voice comes out of the tree. "No funny moves, I have a heavy crossbow here. What do you all want?"

Lorien quips out, with tactical reply, "Saving people!"

The voice comes again. "Nobody needs saving here, everyone is fine. Just move along and everyone will be happy." There is a rustle of movement. "I can't make any promises otherwise."

"To know why you are in this tree..." Whatever else Johan was going to say gets cut off by Loriens much more tactical reply. The half-oruch was probably going to spill the beans entirely but, he falls silent. The idea of having a crossbow pointed at him though is less than stellar, but... "Are you sure? Hanging out in a tree pointing crossbows at people. I am a Sunguard, surely we can be of assistance."

From the tree again. "We've got everything under control, you aren't needed here. I'm just the lookout to stop curious children from getting into trouble."

Lorien slowly places his hands at his hips, and then gives a nod, "Tell you what, if you like, explain why you're in this tree to begin with, and we'll go from there, I'll even leave a pouch of money should it be required!" he exclaims, "Then more bolts that you can shoot others with." He echoes Johan, "Trouble?" he asks.

Verna considers the situation, as noted by the as yet unseen voice within the tree. She subsequently notes, rather vocally, "We can continue on. This tree is not our destination. If the roosted one is secure, there are likely others who might require aid."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Sense Motive please."

GAME: Johan rolls sense motive: (18)+6: 24

GAME: Verna rolls sense motive: (15)+7: 22

There is more rustling and a tanned and weathered woman in studded leather armour climbs down the tree and jumps to the ground. She has a rapier on one hip and a crossbow slung over her back. "Look, I'm here to stop people who notice that road from taking it, however I can. It seems that the spooky tree-voice thing isn't working so I'm going to try reason. There's a nasty strain of ghoul fever up at the farm and I was hired by the doctor to make sure nobody disturbed them while they recover."

GAME: Lorien rolls sense motive: (16)+0: 16

You paged (Johan, Verna) with 'She is totally lying about the ghoul fever part. And the doctor.'

You paged Lorien with 'Sounds plausible. :)'

GAME: Charlotte rolls sense motive: (2)+4: 6

You paged Charlotte with 'Sounds plausible. :)'

From afar, Charlotte snickers.

"Well then it is a good thing I have come." Johan rumbles, using the 'story' against the armored and be-rapiered woman from the tree. "As I said before, I am a priest and I will lend my aid to the good doctor and the people whom are afflicted with this foul virus. You have done your part, let us do ours." And with that, Johan goads his horse forwards intending to continue down the path. Presumably with the others, unless lady in the woods wishes to try and take all four of them on.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Everyone else pushing forward?"

"Ghoul fever? They must receive attention immediately" Verna seems concerned. "If you were in proximity to any, you should be examined, for your own well-being." When Johan begins to move forward, Verna nudges her nag as well. Her attention remains on the woman from the tree, however. "Will you accompany us?"

The woman shakes her head. "No, I need to stay here to ward off the neighbour kids." She raise her voice in a shout. "Adventurers! Priest incoming!" She backs off to her tree and starts climbing.

Lorien nods, and then moves with the group, "We will save them all," he says with the assurance that can only come from those with great faith, or being crazy. The yoth takes a moment, "Eluna guide us," he intones, and then folds his arms to follow with the group.

For the sake of not subjecting her borrowed nag to contagion from Ghoul Fever, Verna dismounts once the tree is out of immediate line of sight. She also conjures a prophylactic field of force.

GAME: Verna casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14

Johan will also tie his horse to a tree out of sight of lady with crossbow, hopefully, so the poor thing doesn't get hurt in any possible coming attempted murders.

Charlotte dismounts as well. She looks to Verna and then makes sure to precede her in heading for the farm.

Lorien follows along with Verna, and says, masterfully, "I hope I can do as well as normally I do." Ayup. That's promising.

As you round the final bend in the road you come to the farmyard. On the right is a small Halfling house on stilts as is their custom, on the left is a larger barn. Scattered around the yard, mostly taking cover behind various implements and barrels and the like are more than half a dozen armed and lightly armoured men and women, most of them pointing longbows at you. The rest are still scrambling into position, but it'll just be seconds before they are ready as well. One half-oruch woman with a battleaxe over her back calls out to you. "Stand where you are and state your business."

"We stated our business to the sentry," Verna notes, ceasing her walk. "It was she who summarized greatly. Our presence was requested by the Widebottoms, and so we are present. What fear is so great that so many armed guards are required?" Her head turns towards her companions. "I receive the impression that they are distrustful and agitated."

Charlotte makes sure to stay in front of Verna as they approach. She doesn't talk though.

At all the weapons and whatnot, Johan looks at the six lightly armored individuals and their bows, counts arrows and then rolls his shoulders in a slight shrug. "Our business is to help those who need it." He rumbles towards his fellow half-oruch, "The Widebottoms need our help, and are here to render it. Do you perchance need help as well? Perhaps you should lower your weapons before this gets out of hand, yes? At the moment, we are just talking, and I believe we all would prefer to keep it that way." A toothy smile follows, "Now, what is the situation here exactly?" He asks pleasantly.

GAME: Johan rolls diplomacy: (16)+6: 22

GAME: Lorien rolls diplomacy-1: (7)+4+-1: 10

Lorien heaves out a sigh, and then relaxes. He speaks with the group, trying to make an effort to add his words with Jahon, "We heard reports of someone we were required to help, we don't intend and cause any harm fellow man," he says. He then folds his arms about and seems to listen. He doesn't make a move for any weapons.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Oh, Sense Motive again please from all."

GAME: Charlotte rolls sense motive: (17)+4: 21

GAME: Verna rolls sense motive: (3)+7: 10

GAME: Johan rolls sense motive: (9)+6: 15

GAME: Lorien rolls sense motive: (17)+0: 17

GAME: Ssylrath rolls 1d20 (bluff): (9 (bluff)): 9

Several of the bowmen lower their weapons but keep them ready, one speaks to the woman. "Boss, maybe we should just..." She cuts him off. "We were hired, don't back out on me." She turns back to you. "The family is indisposed, there is a doctor with them. I've been assured that they will be fine, there is no need for you here." Her gaze slides over towards the barn and then snaps back.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "You are all certain that she is failing to mention a lot of stuff."

"We did travel several hours," Verna begins as she slowly approaches the large oruch. "If you are concerned of infection, most can wait in the barn. I am knowledgeable in healing, and could aid the doctor. A more brief task makes your time all the more profitable, does it not?" Given her diminuitive stature, lack of armor and visible weaponry, Verna believes that she may be one of th least threatening of those present.

Lorien waits here a moment, and furrows up his brow a bit, as he relaxes his folded up arms, "Why are you all armed, what is it that you were expecting?" he asks, blatantly.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Can I get Diplomacy, Verna? I don't see it above."

GAME: Verna rolls diplomacy: (16)+8: 24

Charlotte only has a saber at her left hip, whom looks to Verna as she speaks. She then smirks to Verna. "If the family is indisposed and with a doctor, what did they come down with?" She's pretty sure the entire company didn't discuss WHAT the lucht were infected with.

As you all speak and then Verna steps forward they all raise their bows again, but the woman gestures them down. "Give me a moment to speak with my companions privately, will you?"

"Adventurers, and a priest." Johan rumbles softly to Lorien with wry amusement. At the female half-oruch bandit leaders look towards the barn he nods towards what Verna says afterwards, "I am a Sunguard. I'm afraid we do have to see the Widebottoms before we leave, to check on them, and to render assistance as required..." He pauses at Charlotte's question though, so as to not distract further from the answer. Though he does shift things slightly, preparing to ready shield and sword as the others bows come up again, however briefly.

Verna halts mid-step and her hood dips in a nod tothe oruch. "Of course." When Charlotte queries her, Lorian questions the others, and Johan appears understandable concerned, she lifts a hand to placate. "Ghoul Fever," she explains to Charlotte before noting, rather firmly to all of her companions, "It may be best that you all keep your distance for the moment. For your own safety."

The motley group gather together and talk quietly. You count nine of them in total. After a few minutes the leader again speaks. "The Widebottoms are in the barn with Bleys. We were just his hired help, but we didn't sign on for facing adventurers so we'll just be on our way quietly and let you see what he's up to in there. We really don't know, we haven't seen the family in three days, and Bleys won't say what he's doing. It's your problem now." As she speaks the others start heading out of the farmyard innto the woods and fields in various directions and she turns to leave as well.

Johan looks over towards the barn as the hired bodyguards or the like take their leave. Turning towards the barn he draws his sword then, readies shield, and prepares for War! Well not really, but he does have them at the ready since he is the obviously armored guy of the group it seems. "Three days is a long time." He rumbles on his way over, falling silent and trying to listen to what might be heard, maybe, while wondering if they leaving semi-bad guys are going to steal his horse on their way out or not.

Charlotte nods to the company and ponders, but doiesn't voice it before they leave. "Well.....looks like we'll see what's going on in the barn." She says drawing her saber and walks up along with Johan. She's also listening to see if she can figure out what's going on in there.

GAME: Charlotte rolls perception: (20)+4: 24

GAME: Lorien rolls perception: (2)+0: 2

Verna bends further in a bow to the larger motley group. "You have our gratitude. Travel safely." She has no intent to prevent their departure. They likely miss out on little, as she expect they were prudent enough to request the majority of payment up front. Her concern subsequently shifters to the Widebottoms and she follows the others towards the barn. "If they received no food or water in that time, they will likely require medical aid."

Lorien frowns at the drawn weapons, "A bit excessive," he says, and then seems a bit too focused on not making use of weapons to move onwards, "That said, thanks guys," he adds to the group.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "How do you want to approach/enter the barn?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Charlotte/Johan followed by Verna/Lorien"

With a heave and the groaning of timbers you pull open the big main door to reveal... nothing unusual. Three cows chewing hay in their stalls. A horse doing the same. A stack of haybales and a ladder going up to a loft. A pile of bloody fur lying in the middle of a cleared area. Okay, maybe that last one isn't so usual.

You paged Charlotte with 'You can hear movement from the hayloft.'

Lorien glances towards the fur, and then furrows a brow. He makes his way towards it, as if he wishes and try to identify what it is.

Charlotte quietly walks her way in and lightly nudges Johan and points up, putting a finger to her lips to keep everyone quiet for the time being.

Approaching closer it appears to be a dog, similar to a husky, very dead. Savaged even.

Lorien sniffles, and seems a bit sad about the dog.

A male voice comes from upstairs. "I told you not to disturb me! I'll cut your pay if this isn't important!"

Verna notes the carcass and its animal nature. She may have been abou to speak when she notices Charlotte's gesture. Remaining quiet, she lifts her attention upwards.

Johan is not the stealthiest of guys, but, he is also not the loudest. Generally. He notes the bloody fur, and then is about to comment about the fact that there is to much hair there, even for Travelling Folk but is nudged by Charlotte. At the gesture he nods and steps to the side, putting a little space between himself and Charlotte as he looks upwards briefly, and then, like any good colonial marine, checks the corners.

The voice continues querulously. "Well? What do you want this time? I don't have all week!"

Lorien calls out a bit, "We seem to have found intruders lurking about, what would you like us to do?" he asks gruffly.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Bluff please. :)"

GAME: Lorien rolls bluff: (19)+2: 21

The voice replies. "Frighten them off or kill them, I don't care. We'll be gone tomorrow, I'm almost done here." You hear the sound of footsteps, lightly, above your heads.

Lorien slowly takes his hands about to behind his belt and under his cloak, and then takes his Ray. He holds it about to his arms, and glances at the others, as if asking for instruction to the reply he gathers, and then tilts his head a bit towards the way up that loft questioningly.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Okay, situation. The loft takes half the barn, 15' above you, it's open to the far side (you think). The stalls are all on your side, the other side is large 25' high open space."

<OOC> Johan says, "Where is the ladder/stairs up to the loft?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "At the edge of the loft, so just ahead of you. You have to climb up he far side of the ladder to get up. Or climb the pile of haybales."

<OOC> Johan says, "Rope?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Sure, there's a block and tackle hanging from the higher ceiling, just out from the edge of the loft, all the way to the ground."

That, is all Johan needed to know. He nods towards Charlotte, and the others and then heads directly for the ladder. He's a big half-orc, not a nimble little thing. He's going to need the ladder, and so he intends to use it to climb right on up to the second floor without any warning if he can avoid it.

Verna's focus remains upward as her feet carry her towards the ladder. She sees no reason to ignore the intended means of elevation, especially when she does not possess the athleticism to bound across bales or climb ropes.

Lorien nods, and makes his way towards that ladder, so that he may be able and join with the climb.

GAME: Johan rolls initiative: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 22

GAME: Lorien rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 22

GAME: Charlotte rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 14

GAME: Verna rolls initiative: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 5

GAME: You roll initiative for Bleys: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 11

It is now Lorien's turn! Johan is next!

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "You are at the bottom of the ladder, nothing yet. Half speed while climbing."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "So, move action to climb then re-evaluate?"

<OOC> Lorien says, "Yes."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Okay, you can get right up and off the ladder. I'll emit what you see so I don't have to repeat."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Oh, Know/Religion if you have it please."

GAME: Johan rolls know/religion: (20)+know/religion: 20

GAME: Lorien rolls knowledge/religion: (11)+5: 16

<OOC> Johan says, "24"

GAME: Verna rolls knowledge/religion: (15)+10: 25

The scene in the loft is not a happy one. The structure has been cleared leaving bare wooden walls and floor, and a low table. Standing in front of it is a Lucht wearing robes and a holy symbol of the ravenous wolf, Caracoroth, gold of monsters and predators. He's got a wolfskin on his back and wears the head as a helm, and holds a very thin blade of some sort. On the table is presumably a Widebottom, a Lucht child bound and gagged, with designs drawn on his skin. On one side are three more, two adults and another boy, all similarly marked and bound. They all look over at Lorien in surprise.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Lorien, you have a Standard still."

<OOC> Lorien says, "Can he use this action to try and talk the Lucht down which would kind of at least distract him, and hopefully more?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "You don't think so, no. I'll give you that for free."

<OOC> Lorien says, "Can he draw his rifle also, with that?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Yes. Pose it then. :)"

It is now Johan's turn! Charlotte is next!

<OOC> Johan is going to move to the ladder, look see if he can get a beed on the bad guy, and if so cast a spell if not, will double time it up the ladder.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "You can't see anything from the ground, will ake a full round to climb up and stand at the top."

It is now Charlotte's turn! Bleys is next!

<OOC> Charlotte says, "Can I use acrobatics to jump my way up at the hay bales?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Sure, give it a shot."

GAME: Charlotte rolls acrobatics: (4)+7: 11

<OOC> Charlotte says, "at least it's not horrible."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Not so successful. As a move you can get to where you can see the whole loft, but you aren't fully up. What next?"

<OOC> Charlotte says, "Use my standard to get the rest of the way up."

<OOC> Charlotte says, "More acrobatics"

Lorien had to put away his weapon to grab the ladder and climb. As he does, he grunts, having reached up beforehand. He is fast. At least to take to towards that loft. He's concerned, and that shows on his features. The youth manages and reach the top, and swing over his legs to stand up. He narrows with his gaze when he notices that the Lucht is standing near the bound and gagged child. Reaching behind him, he grabs at the butt of his thunderbelcher rifle, and draws it. Matte-black, a silvery sheen, and it has the symbol of Eluna on it. For the sake of those that climb behind him, he places fingers about along the blue mana-lines of his weapon, and another near the trigger, though it's mostly a maneuver and ready it. "Drop the weapon, and step away from the child, or we'll have and handle this the hard way," he intones loudly.

GAME: Charlotte rolls acrobatics: (14)+7: 21

Johan moves towards the ladder, reaching to place a hand on it as he cranes his neck back and looks up, trying to get an eye on things going on up there. Unable to see anything of worth however the half-oruch grunts in annoyance and starts climbing up the ladder as fast as he can, once more cursing the fact that even this relatively light weight armor is slowing him down to much, mentally, all the while.

Upon reaching the top of the ladder he looks over at the bound and gagged and monstrous halflings. "Well." He says to himself in his deep rumbly voice, "Not often you see a Lucht worshipping monsters..."

It is now Bleys' turn! Verna is next!

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "The Lucht casts a spell, Spellcraft?"

GAME: Johan rolls spellcraft: (6)+4: 10

GAME: Verna rolls spellcraft: (8)+14: 22

Charlotte seeing everyone taking the ladder, makes her way over to the hay bales and starts jumping her way up. While she doesn't make it quite as far on her first attempt, her second lets her jump the rest of the way up with a backflip and a twirl so she's facing the lucht.

<OOC> Charlotte doesn't have it.

GAME: Lorien rolls spellcraft: (18)+8: 26

You paged Verna with 'Without being able to see you aren't sure.'

You paged Lorien with 'Air Walk. You can look it up if you want. :)'

Bleys the lucht does drop the weapon and step away, but he doesn't surrender. Instead he casts a spell, calling out to the Dread Wolf to grant his prayer. He then runs right off the edge of the loft and stands on the open air as if it were more floor, unafraid. He is still right beside the loft currently.

It is now Verna's turn! Lorien is next!

<OOC> Verna will move to get a better view. "Is the rope and tackle on that same side of the loft?

GAME: Ssylrath rolls 1d2 (1 is yes): (1 (1 is yes)): 2

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "No."

<OOC> Verna nods and casts Spiritual Weapon.

GAME: Verna casts Spiritual Weapon. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15

GAME: Verna rolls melee+wisdom: (5)+3+3: 11

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Miss. Pose it."

It is now Lorien's turn! Johan is next!

Verna first views feet on the air, then moves to view the rest. With them up in the air, she calls upon her Matron for aid. "Harsh Lady, lend me your aid to render those deserving unto your judgement!" A khopehs of force, avatar of Lamentation, materializes anf flies towards the air-walker. Unfortunately, Verna's aim is not so precise as her Mistress'

<OOC> Lorien says, "Can Lorien drop his Rifle, and draw his Ray, then take a shot with it?"

GAME: Lorien rolls ranged + 1: (15)+4+1: 20

GAME: Lorien rolls 2d6 + 4 + 1: (3)+4+1: 8

<OOC> Lorien says, "Fort save to avoid Stagger."

<OOC> Lorien says, "15 should be."

GAME: Ssylrath rolls 7 (Fort): (9)+7 (Fort): 16

It is now Johan's turn! Charlotte is next!

GAME: Johan casts Spiritual Weapon. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14

GAME: Johan rolls 1d20+2+2: (18)+2+2: 22

Lorien tosses aside his rifle, as he slings his Ray from the belt behind him, and then swings it up to take an aim. With dextrous speed, he shoots an icy blue light which slams clean into the air walking Lucht, ice crackling, though it seems that he manages and avoid being staggered by it, "Air Walkin'," he says, which is obvious a bit.

GAME: Johan rolls 1d8+1: (6)+1: 7

It is now Charlotte's turn! Bleys is next!

<OOC> Charlotte says, "K. I move my way up to him and try to stab him."

GAME: Charlotte rolls weapon1: (10)+9: 19

GAME: Charlotte rolls 1d6: (6): 6

It is now Bleys' turn! Verna is next!

Johan looks at the Lucht now walking on air and he cocks his head to the side. Then there is a glowing khopesh hacking at him and Johan looks mildly surprised at that development. Taking a step back his voice rumbles out in a prayer and he gestures as if throwing something at the fur wearing Lucht.

From his hands a glowing golden longsword flashes into being, spinning once, twice, and then a third time before it hacks into Bleys, very unfriendly like. Stabilizing it readies itself to hack again, "I suggest giving up and coming peacefully to the city for trial." He rumbles towards the villainous halfling.

Seeing the lucht float his way off the edge of the loft, Charlotte tries to cut him off and stabs him on the shoulder with her Saber. "You're not killing anything else." She swears.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Okay. He takes a 5' back and casts a spell, Flame Strike. I'm sorry if everything goes horribly wrong. Verna, you are under the overhang and not affected, everyone else, roll Reflex please, DC 18."

GAME: Ssylrath rolls 7d6: (21): 21

GAME: Charlotte rolls reflex: (5)+6: 11

GAME: Lorien rolls reflex: (12)+5: 17

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "That's 21 damage, save for 10."

GAME: Johan rolls reflex: (19)+4: 23

GAME: You damaged Johan for 10 points. 13 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Charlotte for 21 points. 11 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Lorien for 21 points. 4 remaining.

The villainous cultist takes a further step back into open air, away from the stabbling blade of Charlotte. "You will not stop the ritual, Dread Wolf must be fed!" He spellcasts again, and this time a massive pillar of holy fire blasts a hole in the roof of the building, centered on Charlotte and Lorien with the edges licking on Johan as well. He seem surprised that you are all standing afterwards.

It is now Verna's turn! Lorien is next!

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "15' off the floor."

<OOC> Verna attempts something different. "Bonded Object to cast unprepared spell. Enlarge Person on myself."

<OOC> Verna says, "Also, Spiritual Weapon attacks."

GAME: Verna rolls melee+wisdom: (13)+3+3: 19

GAME: Verna rolls 1d8+1: (1)+1: 2

It is now Lorien's turn! Johan is next!

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Action?"

<OOC> Lorien says, "His range away from Lorien?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "20' now."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Oh, you also notice that a fire has started in the loft."

<OOC> Lorien says, "How far away from the bound?"

The avatar of Lamentation swings at the Caracorothian again. This time, it nicks his flesh. Meanwhile, Verna makes a brief gesture before clasping herhands together and begins uttering in Eldritch syllables.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "They have a few rounds you estimate. Maybe."

<OOC> Lorien says, "Swift action, activate Titan Armor for 4 DEX, and then take a shot."

GAME: Lorien rolls ranged + PBS + 2: aliased to ranged + 1 + 2: (11)+4+1+2: 18

GAME: Lorien rolls 2d6 + 4 + 1: (7)+4+1: 12

GAME: Ssylrath rolls 4 (Fort): (11)+4 (Fort): 15

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "That was +7, regardless it makes it but he is very badly wounded. Pose it."

It is now Johan's turn! Charlotte is next!

<OOC> Johan converts lesser restoration into cure moderate on Lorien and lets the sword swing away

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Roll the attack, cast the lesser rest and roll your healing amount."

GAME: Johan rolls 1d20+2+2: (11)+2+2: 15

GAME: Johan casts Lesser Restoration. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14

GAME: Johan rolls 2d8+3: (6)+3: 9

GAME: You damaged Lorien for -9 points. 13 remaining.

It is now Charlotte's turn! Bleys is next!

<OOC> Charlotte says, "Well, since the lucht is out of my reach, I'm going to free the lucht family, if I can."

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "He is 10' from the edge of the loft now. Okay, you can cut one free per round, or just carry them away with a Str check."

<OOC> Charlotte has a 5' reach. I'm cutting the luchts free. Starting with the nearest.

<OOC> Lorien says, "Can I amend my pose?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Go ahead."

Lorien lifts up his Ray, though as a rain of the flames come down on him, most of his clothing gets seared and he hacks out a bloody cough. He shifts a bit and staggers back, but manages and keep his aim towards the air walking Lucht again, smoke drifting from the young male. The youth takes a breath, and then activates the armor so that his form grows a bit more dextrous. With that, he takes another clean shot of bright blue energy, and strikes, "Someone get those kids out of here, I'll take his attention if I have to!" he exclaims. He's really worried about flames that have begun.

Johan was not expecting to be blasted by a pillar of flame, and it appears most of his compatriots were not either. Johan reflexively puts his shield before him and avoids much of the flame as it blasts down into the barn but, not enough. Blisters along with the smell of burnt hair and cooking pork. Lovely. Taking a look around Johan immediately notes Lorien's condition and leaving the golden glowing longsword to slash at the Lucht ineffectually the half-oruch reaches over and murmurs a soft blessing in his deep rumbly voice while placing a hand on Lorien, "You do not stand alone this day, do not think to throw away your life. We will all survive this." And the warmth and healing energy of Daeus flows through that touch and into Lorien's burned body.

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Okay, the nearest of the boy on the table, you can cut his bonds. He's about 10 and very scared. And small."

It is now Bleys' turn! Verna is next!

As the lucht backs up from her reach, Charlotte gets BLASTED by a flame strike and it ruins her clothes, but thankfully not her armor. She shakes her head and turns back to the child that is on the table. She uses her saber to cut the boy free. "Get out of here, I'm getting your folks too! Just run!"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "He casts a spell on himself. Spellcraft?"

GAME: Lorien rolls spellcraft: (5)+8: 13

GAME: Verna rolls spellcraft: (15)+14: 29

GAME: Johan rolls spellcraft: (2)+4: 6

You paged Verna with 'He's casting Summon Nature's Ally III. Not finished casting yet.'

Bleys is starting to look worried but calls out to his god to grant him power yet again. This is a longer spell, he isn't finished by the time you all manage to react.

It is now Verna's turn! Lorien is next!

<OOC> Verna steps under the Lucht, utilizes Repose Domain ability as a touch attack, adds Channel Smite.

GAME: Verna rolls melee: (3)+3: 6

It is now Lorien's turn! Johan is next!

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Oh wait Verna, did you have a Spiritual Weapon too?"

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "Roll your attack, Lorien."

GAME: Lorien rolls ranged + PBS + 2: aliased to ranged + 1 + 2: (17)+4+1+2: 24

GAME: Lorien rolls 2d6 + 4 + 1: (8)+4+1: 13

As she chanted, Verna's robes began to grow. The unimposing stature increases to something akin to a troll or ogre. "He summons allies!" Now with much longer arms, she calls negative energy to her enlarged hand and reach up to slap it at him. Unfortunately, she is less coordinated with the larger body.

<OOC> Verna says, "Yes. Apologies."

GAME: Verna rolls melee+wisdom: (1)+3+3: 7

<OOC> Ssylrath says, "That drops him anyway, he slowly drifts to the ground, dead outright. Pose, Lorien."

Lorien hefts up his Ray, and then notices that a few attacks go awry. The youth growls a bit, a muttered, "Thanks," towards Johan. It's an honest answer, but he's way too focused on the next shot. He takes aim and then flicks his finger to the control mechanism trigger, "You've hurt too many, children? You bastard, send the Dread Wolf our regards when you meet him," he says. Then he clasps his finger and takes a shot which smacks clean into the Lucht and kills him, his body beginning and drift to the ground, "We gotta get the family out of here!" he exclaims afterwards.

As the fire in the barn creeps towards the bound bodies you all whisk them out of danger. Some quick work with buckets of water puts out the flames leaving scorched wood and a huge hole in the roof, but a mostly unharmed family. Unharmed but far from unmarked, each of them has been tattooed all over their exposed skin with symbology of the Ravening Maw, Caracoroth, god of evil lycanthropes, predatory animals, and barbarians.

For once, Verna can assist in a physical sense. While not herculean in might, her temporary size does enable her to aid in quickly returning others to ground level. She can also transport full buckets of water, rather than those only half-filled, for fire suppression.

Johan looked about ready to jump into the air and try and tackle the Lucht, the golden sword floating in the air preparing to take another hack when he is struck down by that blast of frost and the half-oruch grunts whether out of amusement or annoyance is impossible to determine. Then it's time to get people out of the barn, "Wish I'd prayed for summon water today, maybe could have saved the barn..." After that it's off to try and save the barn as best as he can.

Then it's tend to everyone's wounds time, channeling healing energies over the assembled people, healing their burns and whatever else. Including the halflings. Though Charlotte does require a touch more healing even after the warmth of the healing light. A sunguards work never ceases. "You should thank your neighbor." He tells the halflings, "Without her words of worry we would not have been here today."

Lorien slings up the Ray about behind him, then he grabs his rifle and slips that to the strap on his back. With that, he gives others a nod, before he moves and assists with cutting a few of the bonds, then with dousing the fires. When they manage and clean up and save the others, quite eventually, he gives others a nod, his features a bit... Solemn. He doesn't have that much to say, which is unusual for him.

Mostly concentrated upon getting the family out of the burning building, Charlotte ignores her own wounds and gets most of the family out. Of course, she tilts her head at the tattoos. She then looks to Johan and nods her thanks.

The Widebottom family are traumatized, apparently Bleys was preparing them to be ritual sacrifices to the Dread Wolf god. He and his men came out of the forest and imprisoned them several days ago, and they have had little hope since that time. They are very grateful for the rescue, and offer as much food as you can carry (all of excellent Lucht quality) and their thanks.