And she’s actually kind of enjoying it.
Chapter 3.b.: Distraction
"Torm!" she yells toward the guards. "What the hell are you..."
Suddenly, her body shudders, like her skin is crawling. She's looking directly at Ember with a hard, flat expression.
Yelnar is hoping some of them overtake him so he can attack them from behind.
Yelnar, she mutters, grabbing his hand. He’d recognize the protection cantrip if anyone has cast it on him before. She runs her had through her hair, casting it on herself as well
Run.
She fires her crossbow at Jacira and sprints.
Noticing the pathetic shot out of the corner of her eye, she groans and looks skyward.
You made me like this, Ocassa! What do you want??
Rolls
Crossbow +2 - (1d20+2)
(4) + 2 = 6
Hopefully damage - (1d8)
(8) = 8
Diplomacy +4 : really hard praying - (1d20+4)
(12) + 4 = 16
Rolls
Initiative I’m so sorry Yelnar... +2 - (1d20+2)
(10) + 2 = 12
Being slower than Ember because of his armour, Yelnar will double move. If they make a narrow tunnel entrance he'll turn and fight if the Crows pursue.
Rolls
Initiative - (1d20+2)
(8) + 2 = 10
Jacira will go first, then Ember and Yelnar, then the guards.
Rolls
Jacira - (1d20+1)
(16) + 1 = 17
Guards - (1d20)
(9) = 9
That was a dumb prayer. Ocassa isn’t listening. But you know what she gave you. Use it.
She’s not close enough.
Of course she is. For the big one.
I need to make sure I can’t miss.
She looks back at Jacira and fires again.
Rolls
Sense Motive - How screwed am I? +2 - (1d20+2)
(15) + 2 = 17
Attack +2 - (1d20+2)
(3) + 2 = 5
Damage hopefully - (1d8)
(4) = 4
So 12 to hit normally, 14 if it is a charge (and in that case I'd take a -2 AC for the next turn)
Rolls
Attack with Ludicrous Speed Battleaxe! - (1d20+5)
(7) + 5 = 12
On a hit, I shall damage zem! - (1d12+6)
(2) + 6 = 8
One arrow is faster than the others, and takes Jacira in the shoulder. A voice from the building shouts, "That's for Alia! That's for my WIFE, you cold-blooded harpy!"
The other takes her in the leg, and causes her to stumble back and growl in pain. A ragged cheer can be heard from inside the building. She's bleeding badly, but she still stands. If anything, she looks even more furious now, her lips drawn back in an animal snarl. There's little thought left in her wide eyes, her pupils dilated so far her eyes appear black.
Or... maybe they are black.
Rolls
Arrow 1 (Greybeard) - (1d20+1)
(17) + 1 = 18
Arrow 2 (Townsfolk archer 1) - (1d20)
(4) = 4
Arrow 3 (Townsfolk archer 2) - (1d20)
(12) = 12
Greybeard arrow damage - (1d8)
(4) = 4
Townsfolk archer 2 damage - (1d6)
(6) = 6
As he raises his sword arm to slash at Yelnar, the axe takes him in the side and bites deep through his meager leather armor. Blood spills from his body, and he crumples to the ground with a confused look on his face.
The others pause, their companion’s sudden death making them far less certain about moving in. They settle into defensive stances and do not press the attack. "Come on, just let her have the girl. Everyone will be better off," one of them says to Yelnar, pleading.
She's a little saddened by the blonde's death. He was almost a decent human being.
What's wrong with her?
Ember catches Jacira's vision. Black eyes. Not a good sign in her family. Probably not a good sign here, either. Her tone softens, though her skin prickles with energy.
............What's wrong with her?
She takes a single step forward. Not enough that she can't run. But enough that she can still fire.
Take the shot.
Just a minute. I'll need to aim.
You know what shot I mean.
What did they do to you? That's magic in your eyes. I thought your kind hated magic.
Rolls
Diplomacy +4 - (1d20+4)
(19) + 4 = 23
Shiloh looks up at Krav, and then takes a step forward, leaving behind a perfect duplicate of himself. Then both Shilohs step forward again, and leave another set of duplicates of themselves. Then the Shiloh duplicates suddenly burst forward, and with every step the number of rats keep growing and growing until a squirming, roiling mass of hundreds of rats explode out of the doorway of the building, flashing their teeth menacingly, claws scratching at everything in their path, as if overcome by desperate and overwhelming hunger!
As the mass of creatures pours out into the open area, Krav yells out "GET INSIDE!"
Then he notices the swarm of rats heading his way.
Aaaah! The rodent tide has found me!
Giant Yelnar then starts running away from the rats.
She shrieks, dropping her mace as she tries vainly to bat the animals away. But for everyone she dislodges, it takes a bit of flesh with it, and another just arrives to take its place. Before long, she's crumpling to the ground, the fight slowly leaving her body until she lies motionless on the ground.
The guards turn, lowering their weapons as they stare in horror at what's just happened to their leader. "Forget this," says one, his voice nearly over the edge of panic. "I'm not sticking around for this!" He runs off, in as opposite a direction of the rats and the citadel both as he can find. His companion, walking away backward, eyes wide, turns and follows suit. Soon, they're both gone.