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"I of course will keep an eye on you Vorsyin" Hollis smiles.

"I am very curious to see what awaits us - this Messenger is very intriguing!"

Date: Autumn, 432 ca., Campaign Day 10
Time: 12:35
Weather: 75 degrees (the armory is warm from the forge)
Location: Steading Dungeon - The ARMORY

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Magic in Effect: None
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HP:
Vorsyin: 38/52
Gaerys: 65/69
Hollis: 41/52
Lorath: 40/40
Ethan: 69/71
Olaf: 68/75

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And so the party decides to proceeds against the Messenger and remaining giant forces by calling forth an Elemental of Earth, following the elemental's surprise attack with an assault from the three fighters (and Lorath trailing close behind), with Vorsyin maintaining control of the elemental (hopefully) and Hollis bringing up the rear to protect the mage.

Vorsyin begins the slow, guttural chant to call forth their elemental shock trooper. The remainder of the party had 5-10 minutes for any last-minute preparations...preparations for the fight of their lives.

Gaerys thinks about reconsidering his lack of belief in the gods. He'll take help wherever he can get it at this point: old gods, new gods, gods of light, gods with many faces. It's equal-opportunity day in the Gaerys belief system.

Speaking of which: "Hollis, the moment just before we attack might be a good time for a prayer, don't you think?"

"Would it be useful to lob the wildfire over the rock pile just before the elemental goes in? If it only lasts three minutes, it should be out by the time we join the fight. Otherwise, perhaps someone who isn't likely to get hit could carry the wildfire. It's far too useful to leave behind, in my opinion."

Gaerys offers one last suggestion, if it isn't too late: "It might be wise for Vorsyin to cast protection from evil on himself before conjuring the elemental, just in case it does slip out of Vorsyin's control."

As Vorsyin casts his spell, Gaerys pulls out the googles of minute seeing and checks for traps on and near the rock pile.

"I will hold my prayer for our encounter with the Messenger I think, my friend" Hollis whispers to the Ranger.
"Good luck... but with Giantsbane back in your hand you scarcely need luck!"

Date: Autumn, 432 ca., Campaign Day 10
Time: 12:40
Weather: 50 degrees
Location: Steading Dungeon - Rockpile

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Magic in Effect: Lorath - Levitate
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HP:

Vorsyin: 38/52
Gaerys: 65/69
Hollis: 41/52
Lorath: 40/40
Ethan: 69/71
Olaf: 68/75

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The EARTH ELEMENTAL roars into being as the stone dungeon floor rises and takes shape. Vorsyin, barely unable to contain his awe at the awesome spirit, commands it forward to attack the two marsh giant sentries. The being descends like a submarine back into the earth...the party knows that the next time it emerges, it will be smashing giants.

As planned, the two fighters and the ranger charge forward to the pile, Gaerys already having checked the pile for traps. Lorath, having cast Levitate upon himself, snatches the wildfire, takes up Marcus's spear, and follows the fighters forward. Hollis and Vorsyin bring up the rear.

The fighter group reaches the pile. It is about 15' high, 10' long and possibly unstable. Ethan could easily hurdle it or land on the top, as would Lorath. Gaerys would need a little time to climb it, but would likely be safe. Hollis and Olaf, each in magic armor, and Vorsyin would need a minute or so to climb it - and would possibly fall.

The tension in the air is cut by the dull sound of stone crushing bone. The elemental is attacking! It is time to make a move!

SURPRISE ROUND -- DECLARE ACTIONS!!!

Hollis watches the rear, behind Vosyin

Gaerys carefully climbs over the rock pile.

Vorsyin maintains his concentration on keeping dominion over the elemental.

Ethan attempts to bound over the rock pile, and engage the giants.

Stumble Roll (must get higher than 16): [1d100] = 82
To Hit giant with Frostfell (ThAC0 11) [1d20+6] = 13+6 = 19 damage [1d12+6] = 5+6 = 11
To Hit giant with Frostfell (ThAC0 11) [1d20+6] = 14+6 = 20 damage [1d12+6] = 1+6 = 7

Surprise Rounds

A smash of an elemental's fist crunches the ribs of one heavily armored marsh giant guard. The guard wises up to the next blow, ducking before the elemental can smash it again.

Ethan springs over the pile and engages with the other marsh giant guard. Frostfell strikes true ... sliced flesh freezes, the giant roars, as it is badly wounded.

The remainder of the party moves forward - Gaerys scrambles up effortlessly, Lorath joins Gaerys at the top of the pile, wildfire in hand. Karstark manages to make his way to the top, seemingly determined to fight at Ethan's side.

Hollis and Vorsyin move to the base of the rockpile. The mage is well aware of the fact that he needs to stay within 30' or so of the elemental to remain in control.

Looking beyond the rockpile, the party sees the dark hallway yawning before them. What would emerge from it remained to be seen...

Declare Actions!!!

Gaerys descends the rock pile, unsheathes Giantbane, and attacks the nearest giant. It feels good to have his sword back, doing what it was made to do: cutting down giants!

Ethan presses his attack against the giants.

To Hit giant with Frostfell (ThAC0 11) [1d20+6] = 4+6 = 10 damage [1d12+6] = 2+6 = 8

To Hit giant with Frostfell (ThAC0 11) [1d20+6] = 20+6 = 26 damage [1d12+6] = 8+6 = 14
Natural 20! Take that, giant!!

Vorsyin stays within range of control of the elemental and urges it to destroy the remaining giants.

ROUND 1

The marsh giants take the narrowest of initiatives.

Fang-studded clubs swing hard down upon Ethan and the elemental. One screeches against stone like nails on a chalkboard. Ethan, now used to fighting giants, dodges the other. The heroes return the brutality but in a much more effective fashion. The elemental's fists pound upon the rubbery flesh of the one giant. Ethan thrusts his blade into the heart of the other giant -- Frostfell leaves the giant standing frozen solid in a haze of frosted air.

Gaerys and Karstark land on the floor, eager to join the fray. However, the warriors are caught on the flank by the pounce of two huge cave lizards who had been lurking noiselessly to the right of the rockpile. The first snaps at Gaerys, catching him across the thigh. The second snaps at Karstark's ankle - breaking it, but also causing the warrior to fall hard on his face. He is stunned!!

Gaerys 9 damage!

Natural 20! Karstark loses his footing! 28 damage!!!

Olaf remains stunned, while Gaerys returns the pain. His blade slices viciously across the belly of the fungi-mottled siamosaurus, drawing purple-red ichor.

Three more marsh giant guards - and a now-familiar priest - slowly converge on the battle.

See map!!!

Lorath hucks a wildfire into midst of two cave horrors and the oncoming priest. It explodes with a vicious flair, scorching all three hostiles!! The priest, however, manages to avoid the worst of it -- though it is clearly not accustomed to harm. Gaerys is now fighting a severely weakened opponent.

Vorsyin maintains his concentration, while Hollis - watching his back - prepares to scale the wall.

Hollis - I will give you a free move, since I had to move the game along.

Declare Actions!!

Map

Gaerys attacks the cave lizards, trying to stay in front of the stunned Karstark.

Giantbane (THAC0 12): [1d20+2] = 9+2 = 11 Dmg: [1d8+2] = 5+2 = 7 (S/M) [1d12+2] = 12+2 = 14 (L)
Giantbane (THAC0 12): [1d20+2] = 16+2 = 18 Dmg: [1d8+2] = 6+2 = 8 (S/M) [1d12+2] = 5+2 = 7 (L)

Vorsyin urges the Elemental to press the attack against the giants.

Hollis remains covering the mage for now