Fantasy World Creations

[info]Ryine, Jornathel, Kin[/info]
[spoiler=Open/close for music]http://www.youtube.com/v/rUHB-KPV7pc&autoplay=1(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44597627/Campaigns/The%20Guild%20of%20Galas'nor/Forum%20RP/In%20Defense%20of%20the%20Guild/village_night_by_penemenn-d3dekt6.jpg)[/spoiler]

It was already late in the night. Past midnight even, and the only sources of light were from the various lanterns lit about the guild's courtyard and the streets beyond. It was quiet in this immediate area where the guild hall stood, yet you knew that most of the activity was further and deeper into the city. The finals of the Tournament of Ternadan was still in full swing after all. The majority of your guild members were out there at the arenas cheering for their favorite team alongside thousands of others who gathered to view the spectacle of the final fight in the final day of the New Years Festival.

Yet there were a few of you who stood by at the guild, from either misery from previous defeats earlier, lack of any sort of interest in the proceedings happening at the arenas, tired from the day's activities, or simply drunk from the over consumption of alcohol during the day's festival events.



The fifty who stood by at the quiet halls simply passed the time waiting for their companions to return again. It would be a grand evening. The final two groups facing off against each other were none other than members from their guild, not a small feat for any guild in the large bustling city filled with hundreds of organizations. Regardless of who won, there would be celebration to be had.

It was then that you heard something. Someone yelling in the distance. You heard the warning shouts as some of your fellow guild members unseeable, but within earshot, claimed of an 'attack'. You didn't think much of it. After all, you very well knew that the guild was full of people who would more often than not over react from the slightest of things. Not to mention that more than half of the people who stayed behind were simply drunk. They were likely seeing things.

Someone near you shouted for them to shut up, but the yells grew more insistent, you were half inclined to see what was actually wrong. But you never had that chance. In a loud ear-splitting crack, the magical and seemingly impenetrable doors of the guild hall was forcefully opened, shattered as splinters of wood exploded and dust from the ancient oak scattering and filling the immediate area of the double doors. Shortly after that, the various windowed glass panes higher up, lining the walls of the guild hall too, shattered, with the glass pieces splintering even further as they fell and smashed against the cold floor.

"Kin, Jornathel, Ryine, come with me!" It was Arelia shouting above the crowd as intruders began to pour in from the now open windows. Each of them wore an emblem, similar in style to the ones each of you wore. Yet it was distinctly different.


Arelia's voice almost sounded worried, though she kept a stern gaze at each of the guild members as they gathered. She began moving away from the fight that was occurring, literally at their doorstep, and instead pulled the three guild members deeper into the hall.

She would cut off any arguments that the guild members would throw at her, but she eventually began explaining.

"If you haven't recognized them already. That was the Guild of Teras'nor. Normally where I'm about to lead you is restricted to almost everyone. Even the elite members that disappeared with our guild leader would have not been allowed. But if that particular guild is here, that means they only have one goal, and with the rest being gone... It falls down to us."

Eventually, the guild members made their way to an end of the hall, facing a set of large doors.


It was the Guild Vault. It was the domain of Arelia, as she handled many of the guild's transactions, book-keeping, reparations, and repairs. She mumbled some sort of words, and the vault's doors began to glow, and soon enough it was opened. You notice some sort of crystal-like material, or glass, lining the walls of the newly opened room, but it was pitch dark beyond the portal, making it harder to see what was beyond. The look of concern on Arelia's features were hard not to miss.

"Something's not right. The entrance should be lighted as it was opened. The protective magic we have on the vault should glow." She pulled out a rapier on her side, as well as a gladius for her other hand. She touched the crystal-like wall as she began going through the entryway.

"The protective magic... it's gone."

[info]RP Opportunity: Up to 500 exp for your introductory post.

Roll stealth, and perception if you choose to follow Arelia.[/info]

Kin slams his drink down on the table in frustration as the guild hall is breached. "REALLY? I only JUST got back from the arena infirmary. I finally get to relax, then THIS!" He was ready to go full-force on the incoming crowd, but picked out Arelia's voice in the turmoil. With all the main guild leaders in unknown, undisclosed locations, Arelia was essentially the top authority in the guild. And she most likely had a clue what was going on. Kin was just thankful that Ana was with Katrias today, and hoped that they didn't get involved.

Without hesitating, Kin ran toward Arelia, noting the emblems worn by the invaders on the way. He felt like he'd seen it before, but wasn't recalling exactly where he might have seen it. Finally, he reached the end of the hall, having dodged and ducked past multiple foes in the process. "Lia, what in the nine hells is going on here?"

Quote"If you haven't recognized them already. That was the Guild of Teras'nor. Normally where I'm about to lead you is restricted to almost everyone. Even the elite members that disappeared with our guild leader would have not been allowed. But if that particular guild is here, that means they only have one goal, and with the rest being gone... It falls down to us."

Kin listened intently, and with her mentioning the restricted areas, his expression became grave. The Lia he knew would never, on her life, let anyone in there. "Ah, Teras'nor...This situation is beyond dire, huh..." Kin looked at Arelia. "What's their goal? I didn't realize we had anything more than a rivalry with Teras'nor. And probably more importantly, what do you need us to do?"

It was then that they came to the vault, into which he'd never actually seen. But the notes of concern on Arelia's face as she examined the entryway were alarming.

Quote"The protective magic... it's gone."

"They must have somehow nulled the magic around the guild. How else could they break down that door? I've heard it's barred much more than mere men from entry." Kin paused, then looked to Arelia. "This is their goal, isn't it, Lia? Down here." The halfling's mind calls back to the the raffle a year or two ago where they received items produced by the guild relic. When he'd asked to see the relic, he was denied without a real chance for argument. "...The sword?"

As the invaders poured into the windows, Ryine looked up from his drink, begrudgingly. He rose with a howl, unsheathing Eclipse. "After that last match, people have the nerve to interrupt the festivities? Eclipse. We're going in." His tone was quiet, yet violent. He began to stalk the intruders. It didn't matter who they were; he just knew that they weren't here for fun.

Before he could get more than a few feet from the table, he heard Arelia shout for him. A personal request to follow her. He quickly scanned the room looking for familiar faces, and seeing that there were enough around that he recognized to get the job done, he followed as ordered. They seemed to be going in the direction of the vault.

The vault.. The greatest doors in the guild, so naturally also my greatest enemy. However, I'll be the one to end them. Not these ruffians. I think they say the enemy of your enemy is your friend or something like that. As much as it loathes me to think it, perhaps today I'll become the door's greatest ally.

As they approached the door, Ryine noticed something was amiss. Perhaps ajar. "Someone has beaten us to the door? Is it safe? Would it be possible for someone to already be inside?" His heart was racing. His greatest foe could not be bested by someone aside from him. He readied Eclipse, and tried to peer into the darkness. Checking that each of his allies was ready as well.

[spoiler=Rolls!]
Stealth: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 8, total 8[/blockquote]
Perception: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

[info]Forgot Kin's Rolls >.>
[blockquote]Perception:  1d20+14 : 11 + 14, total 25[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Stealth:  1d20+17 : 14 + 17, total 31[/blockquote][/info]

Jornathel and Sytheer had only recently returned to the guildhalls. They had been out deep in the forests these past few days spending time basking in the solitude. Though it came as a shock, it was good to be back amongst friends celebrating and cheering over one another's successes and failures in kind. It was a great notion to get a drink before heading home and calling it night. But as with all things when one let's their guard down, it is in those moments that an enemy will find weakness.

The sounds and commotions were sudden without any prediction. Jorn took note of Kin, always his companion in arms, and the call of a woman's voice. This was not the time to tarry and piece it together, perhaps answers would come on the way. The moon elf whispered under his breath as they "Goddess bless us this night, and let your moon light pierce any who should dare to do your champions harm."

Quote"If you haven't recognized them already. That was the Guild of Teras'nor. Normally where I'm about to lead you is restricted to almost everyone. Even the elite members that disappeared with our guild leader would have not been allowed. But if that particular guild is here, that means they only have one goal, and with the rest being gone... It falls down to us."

The name Teras'nor did not ring a bell. Perhaps these actions had happened in his absence. No matter this guild had chosen to cross sword with Galas'nor and this would be their last mistake. "I am not familiar with this guild, that you speak of. But whomever they are you have my blade."

Quote"The protective magic... it's gone."

A vault of some kind is where the group had ended up. It was quite impressive to behold but it did not take Jorn any time to recognize that all of the protective energies had been removed.  "Well I suppose we are on guard duty until help arrives. While we wait could someone explain to me who this Teras'nor is and why they would be interested in attacking us."

He passed his thoughts to Sytheer, "Keep your ears up in case someone attempts to get the drop on us my friend."

[spoiler]

Jorn Rolls
Perception: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 18 + 2, total 20[/blockquote]
Stealth: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 15 + 7, total 22[/blockquote]

Sytheer Rolls
Perception: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
Stealth: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 4 + 8, total 12[/blockquote]

[/spoiler]

Once the three of you entered along with Arelia. The guild banker spoke some words again, and the door behind you closed shut. You noticed it wasn't sealed all the way, potentially to let other allies come help. The lights from the guild hall vanished, leaving you in complete darkness. Arelia's two weapons began to glow soon after that however, leaving enough light to see the way ahead.

"A little bit of history then." Arelia said as she began leading the way down into the light-less entrance one step at a time, keeping her eyes alert peering into the darkness ahead. Both of her weapons put out a blue-colored glow, which cast enough light for the companions to realize that the walls, ceilings, and even the floor that they walked upon was made out of crystal, or some sort of glass-like material similar to it. The light reflected throughout the crystals, though seemed to diffuse the further the light shone out.

"A couple hundred years ago, Teras'nor and Galas'nor were both one single guild." Arelia explained. "It's why their mark mirrored ours so completely. Though, where they believe the ends justified the means, so to speak, many of us did not share those same sentiments. Back then they had proposed the elimination of an entire nation, our guild leader opposed the idea. I myself would have probably agreed with Teras'nor's assessment of things, but it wasn't my place to disobey, nor did I have the power to even if I wanted. It was because of that dispute then that the current leader of Teras'nor, Caelum, among many, many others, split from our guild, taking with them one of the two artifacts our guild carries. Theirs is the Tome of Galas'nor, and ours-", she looked towards Kin specifically confirming his thoughts. "The Sword of Galas'nor."

"For awhile it was guild members against guild members. Friends against friends who soon became enemies. I remember it as if it was yesterday. The guild had split in uneven terms. And for a few decades after that, there were open hostilities. Our guild leader had successfully prevented their plans, yet not without cost. There were quite a few who quit altogether on both sides and it took another few decades for our leader to salvage and repair the guild's reputation as well. But eventually things calmed down. Most of the original members of both guilds had already passed, save for the more longer-lived ones. The conflict was forgotten. There was peace, if only strained by those who still remembered."

"It's not something that is talked about much anymore. And ever since our guild leader just took off a few decades ago, leaving me, the guild's forced banker in charge. Well, let's just say I didn't bother explaining to every new recruit our colorful history. On the surface we're much like any other adventuring guild out there. It doesn't surprise me that neither of you three have heard, even when you are among the most veteran members of the guild as it stands."

"The only reason they could be back is for the artifact still left within our guild's vaults. In some ways their Tome is useless without our Sword. But if they were to strike, this very night would have been the best, with most our members out at the arenas. Never underestimate our enemies. And their leader, Caelum was one to always have multiple plans happening all at once for his goals. It wouldn't surprise me if the reason why we had so many guild members in the semifinals and the finals was because of strings Teras'nor pulled behind the scenes."

"That idiot Caelum should already know that I would be in charge of the sword in our leader's absence. He wouldn't suspect that I break one of our leader's rules of letting other members enter the vault, after that conflict centuries ago. I still have qualms of course, but I'm no fool. Even if he has something to catch me off guard, he at least wouldn't suspect you three."

"So, yes Ryine. Even if no one is already in the vault, we can expect someone to come very soon."

Soon enough, the passage down lead to an open area. Crystals jutted from each angle of this particular cave. Like the passage before, the walls, ceiling, and floor were made from the same shiny and translucent material.


It was a large room, with a high ceiling, and you wondered how far underground it was. There were all sorts of treasure, and piles of gold littered through out the entire cavern-like structure. Treasures aplenty with all sorts of other items simply stacked in piles. Countless gems and priceless jewelry littered the floor. It almost seemed like some sort of lair for a dragon.

At the center of the room was the crowning piece, that even with the darkness that covered the rest of the large hall, seemed to generate a bright light piercing the darkness around it. Structures of large crystals jutted from that centerpiece, and at the very top of the mound of crystals was a sword, blade downwards, embedded into the crystals beneath it.

The entire scene would have looked pristine, if not for an oddly shaped entrance carved from the walls itself.  Arelia had begun to shout out a warning the moment she noticed the odd tunnel. But it was cut off as three blades from seemingly out of no where launched out at her. She managed to quickly pull out her blades to deflect all three of them.

"I am the servant of god, and the messenger of his justice. Where devils and the heathen walk, and so shalt I break them with my rods of iron. And so shalt I dash them into pieces, like a potters vessel. Ye who listens, rejoice with trembling. For the judgement is near for those at the ends of the earth."

The figure who spoke smiled wickedly in the light of from the sword in the crystal. He had a pair of white angelic wings, and his robes looked to be one of a priest. Yet his facial expression seemed unhinged - crazy even. The spectacles he wore reflected the light, which only added to the strangeness of the figure before them.

[info]Roll for initiative. State any actions/spells/buffs that you may have taken before entering the room.[/info]

This was one of those rare moments Kin quietly listened, as the information was something he'd wondered about for a long time. Who were Teras'nor? Why were they our rivals? Who are our leaders? What is our guild's purpose? Kin had been in the guild for a long while, but these questions have never been answered. In a way, he found it funny; it sounded like Arelia wasn't against telling this information, he just needed to ask. When she began talking about their plan to attack during the apex of the tournament, Kin had to admit the cleverness. This Caelum character certainly knew how to plan out an ambush and assault.

"Smart." Kin paused. "I had not realized the sword was that important. Are these artifacts really so powerful?"

It was then that they entered the crystalline room, and his question was more or less answered. "...Yup, it's important. This has been below the guild this whole time!?" His jaw was dropped in amazement. The halfling almost expected a large hoard of gold, or a dragon to be within the enormous halls. But, it was practically empty. "What's the point of this hall?"

Before he could get his answer, things got chaotic. Arelia was immediately barraged by blades, with a rather off-putting figure standing before them. "Lia!" Kin shouts, rushing over to her and drawing his sword, directing it at the 'angelic' figure. "I don't know what god you worship, but just because she's got horns doesn't mean she's some evil being. There's nothing just about this. Shouldn't you know that?" Kin pauses, then says bluntly, "You really suck at being an angel."

[info]Activating Formless Dance stance

[blockquote]Initiative:  1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Ryine or Jorn, going to roll initiative? Going to skip initiative count by around 9/23/16 and move on to combat/next scene.[/info]

[spoiler=Super late to the party initiative.]
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+6 : 18 + 6, total 24
Sword is readied, as stated in previous post :O sorry for the delay guys.
[/spoiler]

Arelia answered as the rest of her companions began readying their weapons.

"The sword is perhaps the guild's greatest treasure. You can say that the guild was created to house the two artifacts." She was about to say more, but the winged opponent didn't leave a lot of time for the guild members to prepare their defenses, and had immediately changed his stance and closed the gap surprisingly quickly.

[info]Knowledge: Martial to identify the stance.[/info]

The man's reaction time was surprising, and even Arelia could not escape the scimitar that appeared in the man's hands as it swung for her. The weapon bit deep into her arm, and immediately light seemed to glow from the weapon as it bit into Arelia's flesh.

[info]Arelia will save vs Weapon's enchantment
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 8 + 7, total 15[/blockquote][/info]

Whatever the enchantment was, it started to take hold of Arelia. The light, bright and white, seemed to exude a feeling of holiness, much like weapons powerful clerics or paladins used. As the light engulfed Arelia, she seemed to dematerialize, and eventually she was gone. All that was left in her place was the bespacled man grinning widely.

"Caelum sends his regards, banker."

Kin
As you activated your stance, Formless Dance, your eyes started picking out something strange. The use of the ability puts the user in an almost dimensional flux, and as you began your stance what would normally be invisible to the naked eye started appearing. A distance away, perhaps around 40 ft. near the Sword of Galas'nor looked to be a woman. She seemed to not pay much attention to the fighting that winged man was about to bring, and instead was more focused on the sword encased in the crystal.


Her features were weaving in and out of your vision as your started your stance, telling you for certain that whoever she was, was under some sort of invisibility. Your companions with you likely would not have been able to perceive her at all. As you looked at her closer however, you noticed that she seemed eerily familiar. She wore a form-fitting black dress, and her hair was silken white. But it was the ribbon in her hair that gave you pause. You knew only one person who kept that knotted ribbon in her hair, and you knew her well. Ever since she was found abandoned and bloodied in Tzane's cavern did she wear that same very ribbon neatly tied in her hair. As the realization began to sink in, you recognized her face.

It was Anastasia.

You tried to search for that mental link you had with the girl, but as you tried to center your thoughts to it, to spark that communication you had with the psion, you found it blocked, as if a giant wall was placed between you and her.

QuoteInitiative Order
[spoiler]Winged Man
Ryine
Kin
Jorn
Anastasia?[/spoiler]

Damage Taken/Status
[spoiler]Winged Man:
Ryine:
Kin: 0, Formless Dance
Jorn:
Anastasia?:[/spoiler]

QuoteHere's the Grid Map (need to put the enemy tokens, but assume visible one is 10 ft. away. So, 5 ft. step from either of you can full-round attack it. The invisible one is around 40 ft. away from Kin near the centerpiece crystals.

Light sources: Ryine's sword, 20 ft. Kin's sword: 10 ft. toggleable. Center crystals: 20 ft.

https://app.roll20.net/join/2018883/_ZacJg
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44597627/Campaigns/The%20Guild%20of%20Galas'nor/Forum%20RP/In%20Defense%20of%20the%20Guild/Vault1.png)

[spoiler=click for music]http://youtube.com/v/qvSRDInPAHw&autoplay=1[/spoiler]

Ryine lashed out at the enemy in front of him. Whoever it was must be an even larger idiot than he, if they have the nerve to attack the halls of Galas'nor. He stepped forward and heaved Eclipse through the air, a pair of vicious slices with a single purpose: Erase those foolish enough to try to destroy his home.

[info] Ryine takes a 5 foot step, and does a full round action.

Attack 1: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+16 : 2 + 16, total 18[/blockquote]
Damage 1: [blockquote]Rolled 3d6+20 : 3, 2, 2 + 20, total 27[/blockquote] Fire damage: [blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 5, 2, total 7[/blockquote]

Attack 2: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 14 + 11, total 25[/blockquote]
Damage 2: [blockquote]Rolled 3d6+20 : 2, 2, 6 + 20, total 30[/blockquote] Fire damage: [blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 5, 6, total 11[/blockquote]
[/info]

Ryine
Your attacks miss. The first strike hit his robes as he attempted to dodge out of the way, he had nearly dodged as well, but the resulting clang told you that he had armor underneath that prevented the attack. Your next attack too came in swiftly and true, but again it was blocked by the armor. It was a strong hit, but you felt your attacks slow just as they neared hitting the opponent as if they were being deflected, and once it did pierce through that, the armor still held.

QuoteRoll20 Grid: https://app.roll20.net/join/2018883/_ZacJg
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44597627/Campaigns/The%20Guild%20of%20Galas'nor/Forum%20RP/In%20Defense%20of%20the%20Guild/Vault2.png)

Log
[spoiler]Round 1 begins.
Winged Man attacks and hits Arelia. Arelia disappears.
Ryine full round attacks Winged Man but misses both.[/spoiler]

Initiative Order
[spoiler]Winged Man
Ryine
Kin
Jorn
Anastasia?[/spoiler]

Damage Taken/Status
[spoiler]Winged Man:
Ryine:
Kin: 0, Formless Dance
Jorn:
Anastasia?:[/spoiler]

"Ana? ANA!?" Kin shouts in shock. Something about the woman in the distance was odd, but the face was unmistakably Anastasia's. "Ryine, cover this winged weirdo for a sec." Without leaving a moment for response, Kin circled around the 'priest' a little, leveling his stare as the man stared back. Then, with a smile, and a glint in his eyes, Kin spoke one word. "Bye!"

In a split second, Kin was already lunging through the air, barreling straight for Ana.

[info]Kin walks up and right 2 spaces diagonally, then uses a Dragon's Leap (Acrobatics check +20 = number of feet I can move as an immediate action) to try to cover the distance between himself and Anastasia.

[blockquote]Dragon's leap:  1d20+37 : 20 + 37, total 57[/blockquote][/info]

The halfling expertly lands before the invisible woman. "Ana, is that you? What are you doing here!?" Though fairly sure it's Ana, Kin keeps his guard up, not knowing if any other oddities will occur past a crazy flying cleric showing up in the vault and 'Lia disappearing.

[info]Perception to recognize if it's really Ana or not:
[blockquote]Perception:  1d20+14 : 12 + 14, total 26[/blockquote][/info]

Kin
Moving in a wide circle around the winged man, you made it a point to aim straight for the one who looked and seemed like a strange Ana further back. The winged man caught your move, but the rush from Ryine had the man busy with defending himself and was not able to intercept you.

The moment you got closer to her, ending your leap and keeping your guard up, the girl looked very much like Ana. Her figure and height looked to like your adopted daughter's. Her neatly kept hair, along with the ribbon she had looked very much familiar. The only differences you could see were the color of her eyes and hair, along with the tight-fitting garb she wore. With your connection blocked, you didn't feel the same warmth you usually get from her.

A field of electricity seemed to be protecting her. The electric fields continued to dance around her body, though didn't seem to pain her at all.

"You." The person stated simply as she realized that you were able to see her. She didn't respond to your question though, her eyes looked at you with purpose however, but there was no friendly emotion, only a very steeled gaze. Instead she seemed to about to take a step back.

QuoteRoll20 Grid: https://app.roll20.net/join/2018883/_ZacJg

Log
[spoiler]Round 1 begins.
Winged Man attacks and hits Arelia. Arelia disappears.
Ryine full round attacks Winged Man but misses both.
Kin moves 10 ft. NE, avoiding AoO, then uses Leaping Dragon to move 35 ft. east. Kin has a standard or move action left.[/spoiler]

Initiative Order
[spoiler]Winged Man
Ryine
Kin
Jorn
Anastasia?[/spoiler]

Damage Taken/Status
[spoiler]Winged Man:
Ryine:
Kin: 0, Formless Dance (see invisibility and blur)
Jorn:
Anastasia?:[/spoiler]

Kin has a standard or move action left.

Seeing that you made no move towards her. The person finally responded back as she took that step closer to the artifact at the center.

"From what I was told... After the guild of Teras'nor separated from Galas'nor hundreds of years ago, the guild master of Galas'nor placed an enchantment on the sword. 'Only a member of the guild could wield the sword, and shun those who do not bear the mark'." She repeated. As she did so, she begun playing with the ribbon in her hair, displaying the guild emblem finely embroidered in the piece of cloth.

She placed a hand on the weapon's hilt, drawing it easily from the encased crystal. At that moment the light emanating from the crystals started to dim. The source of their power being pulled out causing the diminishing light.

"It looks like I have that mark."

With the Sword of Galas'nor in hand, she begun casting a spell, directed towards Kin, tendrils of black energy appeared, and shortly after a ray of darkness aimed straight towards Kin shot forth from her fingertips. Kin was prepared, setting himself into a total defensive stance. Yet the girl's aim proved to be true, and Kin watched as the beam was about to hit him.

[info]Since you have counters, feel free to call one out if you plan to use it, if not, let me know too and I'll resolve it.[/info]

QuoteLog
[spoiler]Round 1 begins.
Winged Man attacks and hits Arelia. Arelia disappears.
Ryine full round attacks Winged Man but misses both.
Kin moves 10 ft. NE, avoiding AoO, then uses Leaping Dragon to move 35 ft. east. Then invokes Total Defense.
Jorn skipped.
Ana 5 ft. steps closer to artifact, pulls it out as a move action, standard action on casting a spell aimed at Kin.[/spoiler]

Initiative Order
[spoiler]Winged Man
Ryine
Kin
Jorn
Anastasia?[/spoiler]

Damage Taken/Status
[spoiler]Winged Man:
Ryine:
Kin: 0, Formless Dance (see invisibility and blur)
Jorn:
Anastasia?:[/spoiler]

[info]Kin uses his "Altered Penumbra" counter. Kin's Stealth vs. 'Ana's Perception. If he succeeds, he teleports next to her and her spell hits an afterimage of him.

[blockquote]Stealth:  1d20+17 : 5 + 17, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Karma reroll

[blockquote]Stealth:  1d20+17 : 19 + 17, total 36[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Cost 5, Reroll a skill check. Must take new roll.

Updating karma use, points spent: 131 -> 136[/info]Kin
Your training in the Veiled Moon discipline, gave you just enough time to react even though the beams were literally only a few inches away from impacting. You focused as reality seemed to cave in around you, and soon enough you found yourself 10 ft. away, appearing right next to the so-called 'Ana', leaving behind an afterimage that the woman's spells pierced through, but with no damage to you.

"Friend of heathens, consorters of demons! Ye who have strayed from the most righteous of paths. To lay a hand on the anointed ones, bear the wrath from the servant of god."

[info]Roll knowledge (martial) to identify.[/info][include u=2]Defending the Pride
[/include] With that, the winged man started to double back towards Kin, raising his weapon and attempting to charge towards the halfling.

[okay]Ryine to take AoO vs Winged Man.[/okay]

[info][blockquote]Knowledge (Martial):  1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20[/blockquote][/info]

Kin
You recognize the ability as Defending the Pride.

QuoteDEFENDING THE PRIDE
Discipline: Golden Lion (Boost)
Level: 2
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: 60-ft.
Target: Allies
Duration: One round
With a cry to defend themselves from incoming
attacks, the inspirational words of the disciple aid his
allies in their defense. As a swift action, the initiator
grants all allies within 60-ft. a +4 morale bonus to
their AC for one round.

Ryine caught the winged man charging his companion and lashed out with his trusty blade.

[info]Attack of Opportunity

To hit: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+16 : 7 + 16, total 23[/blockquote]

Damage: [blockquote]Rolled 3d6+16 : 3, 6, 4 + 16, total 29[/blockquote]
Fire damage: [blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 3, total 7[/blockquote]
[/info]

Ryine
Your attack missed, just barely with your sword catching the man at an awkward angle, causing the sword to bounce.

The winged man continued his charge, attacking Kin. He had a wide grin on his bespeckled face as his scimitar managed to dig into Kin's back. Though the halfling was blurred, the Winged Man's attack still struck true. The weapon sliced in deep, the winged man hiding a surprising amount of strength in his blow.

[error]Winged Man deals 16 damage to Kin.[/error]

QuoteLog
[spoiler]Round 1 begins.
Winged Man attacks and hits Arelia. Arelia disappears.
Ryine full round attacks Winged Man but misses both.
Kin moves 10 ft. NE, avoiding AoO, then uses Leaping Dragon to move 35 ft. east. Then invokes Total Defense.
Jorn skipped.
Ana 5 ft. steps closer to artifact, pulls it out as a move action, standard action on casting a spell aimed at Kin.
Round 1 ends, round 2 begins.
Winged Man charges at Kin, provokes AoO from Ryine, but Ryine misses. Deals 16 damage to Kin.[/spoiler]

Initiative Order
[spoiler]Winged Man
Ryine
Kin
Jorn
Anastasia?[/spoiler]

Damage Taken/Status
[spoiler]Winged Man:
Ryine:
Kin: 16, Formless Dance (see invisibility and blur)
Jorn:
Anastasia?:[/spoiler]

Ryine let out a beast-like howl as the winged man slipped past his blow and dug his blade into Kin. Letting an ally come into harms way, even one as boisterous and sturdy as Kin was unacceptable to him. With renewed vigor, he charged after the winged man, determined to land a blow.

[info]
Ryine charges after the Winged man, ideally in a position to flank with Kin.

Charge attack roll: 2 bonus from charge, 2 bonus from flanking.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+20 : 12 + 20, total 32[/blockquote]
Damage roll: [blockquote]Rolled 3d6+16 : 2, 5, 1 + 16, total 24[/blockquote]
Fire damage: [blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 1, total 5[/blockquote]
[/info]

Ryine
The blow landed and you were satisfied as you managed to land your attack on the man's back. You felt the impact of solid metal underneath, but you felt his armor bend from your blow, with the shock of the blunt trauma enough to make the winged man cough a spurt of blood. You also see what looked to be another person, garbed in black with white hair near the crystal.

QuoteRoll20 Grid: https://app.roll20.net/join/2018883/_ZacJg

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44597627/Campaigns/The%20Guild%20of%20Galas'nor/Forum%20RP/In%20Defense%20of%20the%20Guild/Vault3.png)

Log
[spoiler]Round 1 begins.
Winged Man attacks and hits Arelia. Arelia disappears.
Ryine full round attacks Winged Man but misses both.
Kin moves 10 ft. NE, avoiding AoO, then uses Leaping Dragon to move 35 ft. east. Then invokes Total Defense.
Jorn skipped.
Ana 5 ft. steps closer to artifact, pulls it out as a move action, standard action on casting a spell aimed at Kin. Kin uses Counter and succeeds. Invisibility wears off.
Round 1 ends, round 2 begins.
Winged Man charges at Kin, provokes AoO from Ryine, but Ryine misses. Deals 16 damage to Kin.
Ryine charges and deals 29 damage to Winged Man.[/spoiler]

Initiative Order
[spoiler]Winged Man
Ryine
Kin
Jorn
Anastasia?[/spoiler]

Damage Taken/Status
[spoiler]Winged Man: 29, Defending the Pride (+4 AC, 1 round), [include u=2]Riven Hourglass Stance (+4 AC, encounter),Bless (+1 atk/dmg, encounter), Bulls Strength (+2 atk/dmg, encounter)
[/include]
Ryine:
Kin: 16, Formless Dance (see invisibility and blur)
Jorn:
Anastasia?: 0, Defending the Pride (+4 AC, 1 round on Winged Man's turn), [include u=2]Mage Armor (+4 AC, encounter), Energy Retort (encounter), Shield (+4 AC, encounter)
[/include][/spoiler]

"Ack!" Kin grunts as he's hit from behind. "Why me!? You've got another man with a giant sword in front of you!" Still, the strike did not change what the halfling was determined to do. Ignoring the winged man once more, Kin rolled to the side and leapt forward, raising his blade. Though it pained him to confront who he still believed to be Ana, in some form, he could not hesitate to defend this item based on what Arelia had said.

"Drop that!" He shouted as his greatsword swung down toward Ana's grip on the Galas'nor sword.

[info]Tumbling to avoid AoO caused from disarm (getting out of threat range of Xantaeus). Avoiding using immediate action so I can counter next round. Need to roll for tumble acrobatics check, and two acrobatics to avoid AoO for moving in threatened squares.

Then attacking with a Disarm, provoking AoO from Ana.

Checks in next post.[/info]

[info][blockquote]Acrobatics to successfully tumble past Ana:  1d20+17 : 14 + 17, total 31[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Acrobatics vs Xantaeus to tumble past:  1d20+17 : 1 + 17, total 18[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Attack to disarm (combat maneuver) Ana:  1d20+12 : 15 + 12, total 27[/blockquote]

If disarm succeeds, and I don't need to use karma for it, Kin will use Karma to gain an extra turn to retrieve the sword of Galas'nor. (I THINK I'm able)[/info]

[info]WHY DO I ALWAYS ROLL 1s!!!! D:

...Karma.

[blockquote]Acrobatics vs Xantaeus:  1d20+17 : 3 + 17, total 20[/blockquote][/info]

You followed through with your attempt to disarm the supposed Ana however. As you neared her, she attempted to swing with the weapon she now held in her hands. However, her attack was clumsy, and though the Sword of Galas'nor would have been a dangerous weapon in the right hands, when she swung, she missed completely. Using that momentum, you reached out with your weapon, striking just so, and soon enough the sword fell to the ground; the disarm successful.

Seeing the weapon fall down, the girl started to pick up the weapon, leaving an opening for Kin to take.

QuoteRoll20 Grid: https://app.roll20.net/join/2018883/_ZacJg

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44597627/Campaigns/The%20Guild%20of%20Galas'nor/Forum%20RP/In%20Defense%20of%20the%20Guild/Vault4.png)

Log
[spoiler]Round 1 begins.
Winged Man attacks and hits Arelia. Arelia disappears.
Ryine full round attacks Winged Man but misses both.
Kin moves 10 ft. NE, avoiding AoO, then uses Leaping Dragon to move 35 ft. east. Then invokes Total Defense.
Jorn skipped.
Ana 5 ft. steps closer to artifact, pulls it out as a move action, standard action on casting a spell aimed at Kin. Kin uses Counter and succeeds. Invisibility wears off.
Round 1 ends, round 2 begins.
Winged Man charges at Kin, provokes AoO from Ryine, but Ryine misses. Deals 16 damage to Kin.
Ryine charges and deals 29 damage to Winged Man.
Kin 5-ft. steps east. Attempts to disarm, and is successful.
Jorn skipped. (2nd)
Ana attempts to pick up Sword of Galasnor. Provokes AoO from Kin.[/spoiler]

Initiative Order
[spoiler]Winged Man
Ryine
Kin
Jorn
Anastasia?[/spoiler]

Damage Taken/Status
[spoiler]Winged Man: 29, Defending the Pride (+4 AC, 1 round), [include u=2]Riven Hourglass Stance (+4 AC, encounter),Bless (+1 atk/dmg, encounter), Bulls Strength (+2 atk/dmg, encounter)
[/include]
Ryine:
Kin: 16, Formless Dance (see invisibility and blur)
Jorn:
Anastasia?: 0, Defending the Pride (+4 AC, 1 round on Winged Man's turn), [include u=2]Mage Armor (+4 AC, encounter), Energy Retort (encounter), Shield (+4 AC, encounter), Bulls Strength (+2 atk/dmg, encounter)
[/include][/spoiler]

[info]Prepare for AoO chaos! Kin is going to trip as in place of his attack for the Attack of Opportunity, which in-turn provokes an attack of opportunity from Fallacia. She's unarmed, though, I don't think she CAN AoO?[/info]

Seeing 'Ana' go directly for the sword, Kin springs forward, watching his distance related to the angel, and attempts to trip the woman before him. "No you don't!" The halfling whips out the back side of his blade, striking at 'Ana's' legs to knock her prone.

[blockquote]Trip Combat Maneuver vs CMD:  1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15[/blockquote]

The attempted trip failed, and though you reached out with your weapon's backside to trip her, she managed to keep her ground as she stumbled slightly back, though still with the artifact in hand.

QuoteRoll20 Grid: https://app.roll20.net/join/2018883/_ZacJg

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44597627/Campaigns/The%20Guild%20of%20Galas'nor/Forum%20RP/In%20Defense%20of%20the%20Guild/Vault4.png)

Log
[spoiler]Round 1 begins.
Winged Man attacks and hits Arelia. Arelia disappears.
Ryine full round attacks Winged Man but misses both.
Kin moves 10 ft. NE, avoiding AoO, then uses Leaping Dragon to move 35 ft. east. Then invokes Total Defense.
Jorn skipped.
Ana 5 ft. steps closer to artifact, pulls it out as a move action, standard action on casting a spell aimed at Kin. Kin uses Counter and succeeds. Invisibility wears off.
Round 1 ends, round 2 begins.
Winged Man charges at Kin, provokes AoO from Ryine, but Ryine misses. Deals 16 damage to Kin.
Ryine charges and deals 29 damage to Winged Man.
Kin 5-ft. steps east. Attempts to disarm, and is successful.
Jorn skipped. (2nd)
Ana attempts to pick up Sword of Galasnor. Provokes AoO from Kin. Kin's AoO misses. Ana has Standard action left.[/spoiler]

Initiative Order
[spoiler]Winged Man
Ryine
Kin
Jorn
Anastasia?[/spoiler]

Damage Taken/Status
[spoiler]Winged Man: 29, Defending the Pride (+4 AC, 1 round), [include u=2]Riven Hourglass Stance (+4 AC, encounter),Bless (+1 atk/dmg, encounter), Bulls Strength (+2 atk/dmg, encounter)
[/include]
Ryine:
Kin: 16, Formless Dance (see invisibility and blur)
Jorn:
Anastasia?: 0, Defending the Pride (+4 AC, 1 round on Winged Man's turn), [include u=2]Mage Armor (+4 AC, encounter), Energy Retort (encounter), Shield (+4 AC, encounter), Bulls Strength (+2 atk/dmg, encounter)
[/include][/spoiler]

QuoteMy mistake here, jumped the gun with Xantaeus' action. Fallacia had done a move action to pick up the item which triggered an AoO, she'll proceed with her standard action. (Long span of inactivity made me forget what was happening lol)

Once she had successfully prevented from being tripped, Fallacia had grabbed the sword, and started to move towards the winged man just 5-feet away from her.

"Xantaeus! We're escaping. We have the sword." A moment after that, she traced some runes in the air as Xantaeus rushed to her as well. A purple glow came from her fingertips, and shortly after that the two vanished. The primary light source, which had been the Sword of Galas'nor had vanished with the two invaders as well. It dark, save for the last remaining traces of energy still coursing through the crystals that made up the caverns. Yet, even that began to dwindle fast, as the light slowly began to fade and become more and more dimmer. Soon enough you knew it would become dark.

Those are not words I want to hear...! Kin thinks to himself in alarm, his expression only becoming more solemn as he rushes toward them to attempt another disarm. Seeing the runes that 'Ana' begins to cast, panic rises within him. In desperation, Kin dives toward the duo, his hand moments from the guild's sword. He begins to grasp his fingers in a grab.

Just as the spell completes, a purple glow flashing and leaving no trace of the intruders.

"NO!" He shouted has his hand whiffed through now-empty air.

Kin skids across the ground, not quite catching himself and landing on his hands and knees, his greatsword clattering onto the ground beside him. Everything is still; the room has become quiet and dark. And darker still are the emotions that have boiled over within the halfling swordsman's mind. He clenches his fists against the ground and grits his teeth before pounding down a fist.

The sword is gone...Arelia was hit by that weird spell and is gone...And if my eyes weren't mistaken, so is Ana. But there was no emotional link, so it couldn't have been her...Could it? She even had the same Galas'nor hair tie as Ana, so it was hard to say they aren't the same person...Everything is wrong. It's all wrong. Wrong. WRONG! She wouldn't betray me. She couldn't. She-

A few memories suddenly flow together. A certain man assaulting her with skeletons the day she was found in the troll cave, warning that she was a dangerous entity. The trace of cold, chilling energy when she and Kin were first mentally linked. The warnings from the medical teams that she was mentally unstable in a strange manner from her powers. It's unknown where Ana's psychic powers originated, but an option could be that it was an external influence, like oracles or warlocks. Or not.

Kin's mind was in turmoil, straining him past his limits. There was a single phrase, repeating over and over again in his mind, growing stronger and breaking through his mental suppression.

I failed.

Though always impulsive and carefree for the most part, Kin had never completely failed to accomplish or protect something important. Not since the death of his close friend in his scouting days. No, since he had devoted himself to the sword and become disciplined, he'd never failed in this way. Never this hard.

After finally being unable to contain these despairing emotions, Kin did the only thing his body and mind would allow him. His body tensed even more as he lifted his head toward the ceiling of the vault.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHhhh!"

Kin roared. It was a guttural, soulful roar, yet bordering on being a wail. The pain in his voice was apparent as it trailed off, echoing throughout the dark, empty chamber. When the burden was heaviest, when he needed to succeed most, he could not rise to the challenge.

He had failed.