[Game Thread] Part I Chapter I: The Caravan Ride

[Yuul]

Virtak trails a hand down the side of one of the unfortunate statues. Just like rock, what a shame. He had hoped before he had gotten a closer look that he might have been able to bring something good out of this event. Good research materials were hard to find. Hearing Trask and Skeeves pipe up the necromancer turns about to face them as they talk, and soon after finds himself look disdainfully down at the stammering one. "If it only takes the possibility of one who makes the dead walk to get you so panicked, then being in my presence should have you in a dead faint after soiling yourself. The dead are my art after all." His tone is scathing, cutting, as he lashes out with it at the stammer man before Blight reminds him of the more important things to be dealt with. A grim smile dawns through Virtak's mask, an excited fire alight in his eyes, as he replies to his friend. "Worth looking into?" A quiet laugh escapes. "Why Blight, if we did not look into it, I'd be quite disappointed. This is far to promising to pass up." Turning to Roger as the serious look returns to his face he speaks up again. "If you don't mind, I believe Blight and I shall handle this. You should probably wait here." A pause. "Not here here, you should probably move the caravan back down the road and out of sight of the fire. Obscure your tracks if possible."

[PIG]

Blight laughs wickedly at the stuttering man being scolded by Virtak. He thinks about the dark arts the necromancer performed back on the island. The horrors they shared. "You haven’t seen anything yet." The half-orc then walks away from the spineless Skeeves and leads the way following the tracks, making sure Roger does as Virtak told him. He makes sure his crossbow is still loaded and points his chin to the dark woods beyond."I'll lead, you follow. Do you need anything for light? If so, I'll carry it so you can have your hands free for casting." Blight will move ahead, Perception Dice Roll: d20+12 (20)+12 Total = 32 following the tracks and keeping his Perception Dice Roll: d20+12 (6)+12 Total = 18 eyes peeled. Virtak wasn't the best at sneaking around so it wasn't any use to keep a light foot. He's glad to see the cold eyed boy nearly gleeful to see what dark arts are at work here. Blight wants to see what it measures up against Virtak's might over the dead, like a twisted form or arm wrestling.

-----------------------------

Right Hand: Crossbow
Left Hand: Empty

 

Put Down: Nothing


Quiver of Bolts: 27
In the Crossbow: 1
Shot this Round: 0

Darts: 20
In the Blowgun: 0
Shot this Round: 0

Bombs Left Today: 4 of 4

Continuous or Instantaneous Inherited Powers (Racial, Class, Etc)
1) Darkvision: Half-orcs see in the dark up to 60 feet.
2) Orc Blood: count as both humans/orcs
3) Evasion: Reflex Save for 1/2 Dmg is reduced to no damage
4) Uncanny Dodge: Can not be caught flat-footed. No AC penalty from invisible attacks.

Continuous or Instantaneous Equipment Powers (Worn Magical Items, Etc)
1) Belt of Tumbling: The belt's wearer gains a +4 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks made to move through a threatened square or through an enemy's space.

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) nil

[Kurokuwashu]

Thematic Music If Skeeves felt admonished by Virtak's remarks, the skiddish guard didn't show it. He simply continued scanning the immediate area for the onslaught of undead walkers. "W, w, we gotta get outta here Roger. My nerves can't take it." "There's no turning back now Skeeves," Roger explained. "We're half a days march until we get out of this forest. Besides, if there are zombies in the area, I'm sure Virtak is more than capable of handling any necromancer." Blight and Virtak set out to follow the tracks while Roger went about handling the members of his nervous caravan. The trail led the two adventurers through thick and entangling undergrowth. After about one-hundred yards, the trail opened up to a large clearing. The roughly circular clearing was about sixty feet across. The trees surrounding the clearing were draped in huge spider webs that swayed in the breeze. Blight's appraoch to the clearing was halted by the sudden sensation of danger. He threw up a hand, warning Virtak to halt his progress. Blight scanned the immediate area. Not three yards ahead, the half-orc noticed a suspicious pile of leaves with an unusual vine pulled taut between two trees. To Blight's keen eyes the covering of the thirty foot deep pit was obvious and the disabling mechanism was child's play to his deft hands. With the danger of falling victim to the trap exposed, Blight returned his attention to the clearing. The ominous silence of the forest was broken by the sound of voices. In the center of the clearing, two unsavory looking individuals stood arguing over a heavy wooden chest.

[MrD]

“I don’t like it, Fitch. It’s not natural I say!” The taller of the two men fidgeted nervously with a small dagger twirling it between his fingers and passing it from hand to hand. His eyes darted erratically around the edges of the clearing. “Shut your blathering trap will ya and help wiv this lock” A second man, stockier of build than the first, looked up from where he crouched by an iron bound wooden travel chest. The light from the flickering fire illuminated his grizzled countenance. A ragged scar ran from his left cheek , across a twisted broken nose and ended at a glass eye. The milky orb glistened in the dewy night. He blinked. The first man pointed a wavering hand around the clearing “but what if she’s ‘ere somewhere... out there somewhere... watching us!!!” His voice trailed off into a whisper. “Shut it you nonce! “ The stocky man countered sharply but he too couldn’t help a quick glance beyond the firelight. He shook his head in annoyance. “Ere pass me that knife” He took the knife from the tall man and slipped it into the lock. He jiggled it, twisted it, jiggled it some more. “You saw what she did to them others. What if she does that to us.” The tall man ran his finger through his hair brushing the lank greasy strands back over his ears. “Listen!” The big man snapped “ The sooner we get this chest open the sooner were outta ere!” He continued to fiddle with the lock “Wassat!” “What!” “I thought I eard somthink!” “SHAdddup you idiot...” *CLICK* The lock snicked open “Ahh there you go..nice an easy! Now then let’s see what those unfortunate saps wus carryin” He stood an slipped his gnarled fingers in under the lid. “Let me see” Fear momentarily surpassed by greed the thin man pushed up close. “Stand back!” Snapped the big man and pushed him hard in the chest , knocking him backwards and sending him sprawling on the ground. “ You’ll get a look when I’ve finished lookin” he growled. The thin man pushed himself up on to his elbows and in an injured voice mewled “but we’re in this together right” He clambered back to his feet. The big man stamped a booted foot on the lid of the chest and wagged the dagger at the other man “Yeah that’s right but I’m in charge here so I get’s first dibs” He flipped the dagger over into a throwing position and weighed the blade in his hand. “Unless you got a problem wiv that?” A broken toothed grin split his face and he laughed a rasping coughing laugh as the other man silently brushed himself down. “Didn’t think so. Ere! elp me wiv this lid!”

[Yuul]

"Well, they don't appear to have seen us just yet." Virtak whispered to his companion as he looked ahead before turning back to the half-orc. "Unless you object, I'm going to use one of my spells to make you invisible before making myself known and attempting to distract the vermin that they are, preferably with words. If not, well, I am certain I can handle them for a few moments if necessary. Long enough for you to get into a good position when this turns to violence I'm sure. You might wish to keep a short distance between you and them however, if you get my meaning." Unless Blight objects in some way, the necromancer proceeds with casting the spell on his friend. With nod to the now disappearing alchemist, Virtak takes a breath and moves forward. He is almost certain this will turn badly, what with the lines of apparent similarity between these thugs and the ones who followed Addis quite clear to his gaze. He wasn't the best judge of character if Virtak were to choose to admit it, but only so far as that he distrusted and was quite inclined to see the worst in any stranger he meant most of the time. Where many were far to trusting he was often just the opposite, entirely too distrusting. If it hadn't been for Deepmar, he would never have given Blight the chance to earn his trust, but Virtak had, and Blight did. Just about the only thing the necromancer was grateful to that hell hole for. But we've gotten off track, and one thing Virtak knew was that they were not in the city anymore, the price these men would pay if they chose to fight was the one that he would have preferred the Bone Devils to have paid. He always appreciated new research materials after all. A grim smile dawned, even if the chest those two were so interested in had absolutely nothing in it, there were prizes to be had to make up for it. And with that Virtak stepped into the clearing. "Evening. As it turns out your friend did hear something after all, you really ought to keep a keener watch. Who knows what might sneak up on a man out here? I don't know myself, but I'm sure those poor souls back there did."

 

Standard: Cast Invisibility on Blight(8 minutes remaining)
Move: Move to P10

[MrD]

*Crack* The lid of the box slammed shut and the two men span to face the owner of the voice. The thin man began to back away but the stocky man grabbed at his shirt shoulder pulling him back. His eyes never left the newcomer. "Well, Well, Well what have we here Vinny. Another honest traveler passing through the woods just like us." He tried to smile but the livid scar pulled taut white across his nose and turned his attempt into a black toothed sneer. He slipped the hand with the dagger behind his back. The thin man bent close to his companion and whispered something in his ear. Scar face grunted in acknowledgement then continued. "Dangerous place these woods what with the witch an all....Did you travel here alone....friend?" He Took a few steps towards the fire craning his neck a little trying to look past the stranger into the darkness. "Come, share our fire." he winked at his friend the sneer returned once more and he moved further round the burning wood pile until it stood between him and the robed man. The flickering fire turned the mans glass eye to blood. The sneer slipped from his face. The thin man sat down on the Travel chest with a clump and let out a little snicker. "Yeah warm your sel' by the fire!" He let his hand drop down in his lap, then slip casually behind the chest.

[PIG]

The familiar tingle of invisibility graduates through his body as the necromancer finishes his spell. As Virtak startles the rogues he moves through the clearing to a log on his left, applying a vial of poison onto a bolt as he goes. Blight has to go on memory being that he can't see his own hands but the alchemist can work with poison with eyes close.

-----------------------------

PreCombat Round 1

Swift Action: Apply Poison (Medium spider venom)
Double Move Action: 8 squares to L15

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) Invisibility : 0 of 8 minutes used

Right Hand: Crossbow
Left Hand: Empty

 

Put Down: Nothing

Quiver of Bolts: 26
In the Crossbow: 1
Shot this Round: 0

Darts: 20
In the Blowgun: 0
Shot this Round: 0

Bombs Left Today: 4 of 4

Continuous or Instantaneous Inherited Powers (Racial, Class, Etc)
1) Darkvision: Half-orcs see in the dark up to 60 feet.
2) Orc Blood: count as both humans/orcs
3) Evasion: Reflex Save for 1/2 Dmg is reduced to no damage
4) Uncanny Dodge: Can not be caught flat-footed. No AC penalty from invisible attacks.

Continuous or Instantaneous Equipment Powers (Worn Magical Items, Etc)
1) Belt of Tumbling: The belt's wearer gains a +4 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks made to move through a threatened square or through an enemy's space.

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) Invisability: 0 of 8 minutes used

[Kurokuwashu]

Thematic Music As Virtak, the black robed necromancer, boldly confronted the pair of ruffians arguing over the spoils in the chest, Blight, the half-orc alchemist in the gleaming mask, slipped unseen into the clearing. The tension in the air was as thick as the forest surrounding the opened clearing. The faintest breath of wind rustled the leaves in the trees, the wood from the campfire crackled and threw away the occasional rogue ember, but those were the only sounds the night offered. Not a owl hooted, nor were there any crickets to be heard; the forest watched and waited. The ruffians eyed Virtak closely, sensing another potential victim. All the while, the necromancer returned their gaze with his own grim smile, sizing up the two men as acceptable crafting material. Blight meanwhile, scrutinized the entire scene as a testing ground for his own poisonous and often explosive experiments. Regardless of the outcome, there was one thing both sides were sure of; someone's blood was about to be spilled.

[Yuul]

"You know," Virtak began, taking a few steps forward without actually moving much at all. "The interesting thing about a trained wizard, or indeed any other trained spell caster, is that one does not have to worry when traveling alone." A deflection, rather than an answer, although whether the the two picked up on it was an open guess. "I have an idea," Virtak's grim smile deepened as he gazed at the mean out of the corner of his hood as he angled it just so. "What say you that we exchange a tale or two, it is only proper upon different traveler's meeting after all. I will even go first." A slight, almost mocking bow does he give them before continue without leaving a chance to respond. "Not all that long ago, maybe a week or so, I was in Kintargo with a friend of mine. We had just arrived back from Deepmar," Here he pauses, his gaze orienting to be more meet their one in the eye. "Yes that Deepmar, I don't know of any others. The punishment for ours and several others crimes was to figure what was messing up the Empire's precious mining operation, they are quite attached to it after all." A slow roll of the eyes and another step or two. "Well me and my friend got back, and rumors circulated as they always do, that as the only survivors beyond those we saved we had made out like bandits, having found some great treasure there." A shake of the head. "Not at all true of course, but rumors of wealth attract attention even more then facts of wealth you know. Well next thing we knew as we were going about our business in the middle of the town, we were beset by some incompetent as crew calling themselves Black Addis and the Bone Devils. A name almost as stupid as those who were in it to be sure. They of course believed these rumor and were intent on making us give up whatever spoils they believed us to possess. It is not wise to threaten a wizard, nor is it wise to threaten a poison master. This Black Addis did what all fools with more fools following them did. He sent in those fools alone. The first wave had the ground ripped out from under them, and they plummeted down into a sudden abyss. By the way their screams cut off I can only suppose the landing didn't agree with them. What a shame." A hefty injection of sarcasm, though his voice didn't raise. "Well, even as his first group got themselves killed, and the second was experiencing quite the amazing variety of toxins flowing through their systems..." A sudden change of conversation. "Have you ever seen a man's eyes turn inside out in a pulp of flesh and blood? I didn't even know there were poisons that did such things until then. It was most amusing to watch." A quiet laugh, a dark laugh. "I believe I have distracted myself, apologies. Well even as those men were being butchered much akin to beasts, Addis himself ran in, perhaps thinking an extra fool would make the difference. I felt the need to correct him of course, and the most expedient method time was a fairly simple one. So I shattered half the bones in his body. Oh the sound, it was quite delicious to hear, not that I expect you to grasp such eloquent beauty." That was a lie, the sound of so many bones snapping was far to similar to an annoying child snapping bunches of twigs. "The fight left him quickly after that if I do say so myself, and whatever was left of his little gang vanished into the alleys. However punishment had to be dealt out, examples to make and all that. So I removed his ability to see, blinded him. And my friend, well my friend did ensure that he wouldn't be recovering anytime soon." A sigh. "Not quite as appropriate as I might have wished, but we were in a city after all, and some appropriate measures are not allowed within their walls. Had things been different, not only would I have put them down in a far more permanent and befitting manner, but I would have bid them to rise and made such excellent use of the materials given." He gives them a look over. "The pair of you would make a fabulous pair of skeletal assistants you know." His eyes focus themselves into a glare, if but looks could kill... "Your turn, I believe."

 

Swift Action: Omen Trait ability, Intimidate:

Dice Intimidate:

1d20+15

(2)+15

Total = 17

Demoralize as a swift action targeting the nearest of the two.
Move Action: Move to N8
Standard Action: Intimidate:

Dice Intimidate:

1d20+15

(13)+15

Total = 28

Demoralize on the one furthest away.

[PIG]

Blight listens to Virtak dictate exactly what these guys have in store for them. The funny thing is, they're all true to the T. Everything grisly and grim, broken and bruised. And oh! oh! he hopes one of these dults makes a bad move towards the necromancer! The rogue-alchemist squiggles just a bit more get into position, feeling but not seeing the weight of the crossbow as he lines it up with the closest man. The half-orc thinks about the warning Roger gave and Skeeves worried about the walking dead. This dark forest is haunted by a dangerous monster: it's Virtak. He grins his toothy grin, not seen. C'mon, c'mon. Make a move.

-----------------------------

PreCombat Round 2

Hold Action

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) Invisibility : 0 of 8 minutes used

Right Hand: Crossbow
Left Hand: Empty

 

Put Down: Nothing

Quiver of Bolts: 26
In the Crossbow: 1
Shot this Round: 0

Darts: 20
In the Blowgun: 0
Shot this Round: 0

Bombs Left Today: 4 of 4

Continuous or Instantaneous Inherited Powers (Racial, Class, Etc)
1) Darkvision: Half-orcs see in the dark up to 60 feet.
2) Orc Blood: count as both humans/orcs
3) Evasion: Reflex Save for 1/2 Dmg is reduced to no damage
4) Uncanny Dodge: Can not be caught flat-footed. No AC penalty from invisible attacks.

Continuous or Instantaneous Equipment Powers (Worn Magical Items, Etc)
1) Belt of Tumbling: The belt's wearer gains a +4 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks made to move through a threatened square or through an enemy's space.

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) Invisability: 0 of 8 minutes used

[MrD]

The words of the necromancer, dark as the grave, cut to the marrow of the two men. The confident sneer of the glass eyed Fitch wavered uncertainly and slipped from his face. Vinny licked his lips nervously. "Wha' you mean.......skeletal assistants" the hand behind the chest came up empty. Whatever he'd been reaching for he'd obviously thought better of it. He turned to his comrade pleadingly "Wha's he mean Fitch? wha's he mean skeletal assistants?" "Shadup! Vinny, just shadup!, let me think!" Fitch drew a trembling hand across dry lips as his eyed the threatening cowled figure. His mind scrabbled furiously for their next move. The man before him was no ordinary traveler, an easy victim, a pathetic sap. No. This one was dangerous, more dangerous than anyone they'd met before, he knew it instinctively. moments ticked by.......then... suddenly... without warning... a blood curdling scream cut through the darkened forest to the west. aaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiEEEEeeeeeeeEEEEEEEE! The two men flinched and span to face the source of the noise. Branches cracked, leaves rustled. Vinny shot to his feet. "Wats that! .....wats that Fitch? wats.that? " Fitch dropped into a crouch the dagger reappearing in his hand. It trembled like a reed. Vinny took a couple of steps back. "it's the Witch!" he squeaked half frantic. "this was a bad idea I told you...it was bad!" A dry voice like the wind blown creaking branches of an ancient oak rasped through the trees. "He He eHEee, ooo aaares eeeenteeeer eeyyyee oomaaaneee Eeeeeehee." the sound of splintering wood and splitting branches rose in volume. Vinny span toward the stranger. "It..it.....it's...the witch......" a trembling hand pointed off across the glade. Another scream split the night the colour drained from the thin mans face. "I'm outta here!" he scuttled round the necromancer giving him a wide berth and headed for the track down which the Necromancer had come. "Come back. Come back you coward." Fitch yelled Two more bandits broke cover from behind a old fallen tree to the south of the clearing. They too looked pale as ghosts. They dropped the bows they'd been holding, leaped over the tree and headed the same way as Vinny. "Come back!" Fitch screamed "It's a trick!" he turned to face the necromancer "It's him he's playing a trick. come back the lot of ya!" Fitch paused in his flight to look back. The other two paused also. "Come on Fitch...pleease.. f..f..f..forget the treasure.....come on you don't want to be turned to stone!" The crashing and cackling seemed just beyond the clearing now. Fitch span back to look at the tree line, then back again to look at the necromancer. swallowing he regained a little composure. "If.....it's....not y...yyou...Can..yyy.ou beat....her??"

 

Vinny moves towards the eastern exit to n10
The other two Bandits which were hiding jump over the tree trunk and move to:
m13
l12

[Kurokuwashu]

Thematic Music With the sudden emergence of the two men hiding behind the fallen tree, Blight was indeed lucky Virtak had taken the time to obscure his movements, as one of the men had almost barreled right into him. Blight's reaction to the fleeing men had been instantaneous, as he smoothly took a single step backward and to the side, avoiding the man's headlong flight. Vinny, the skinny ruffian, gave the intimidating necromancer a wide berth as he too fled the immediate area. The voice that had brought the two bandits from their hiding place and had startled Vinny into fleeing, sounded more than a little peculiar to both Blight and Virtak. Despite the voice's menace, both men had heard more frightening sounds during their brief incarceration in the Deepmar Penal Colony. It was going to take more than the sound of danger to rattle these two hardened adventurers.

[PIG]

The crackling of the trees and the booming voice was intimidating, Blight could not entirely deny that as much as he would like underneath all that bravado, but Deepmar was indeed worse than this dark forest. Or so he might think anyway. The fleeing men leave the trunk like the vermin they are, scavenging off who ever turned those men into stone. Many of them hide behind Virtak. 'No, don't do that. Get your self killed. More toys for the necromancer to use against… what ever that is.' There is a fleeting thought that perhaps this is a trick by the necromancer, they really didn't have time to lay down a plan, but Blight isn't taking any chances. He swiftly pulls out one of his elixirs as one of the men fly by him. He was tempted in tripping the guy but that might trigger the invisible spell and reveal his spot. You just never know with magic. He downs the tart chemicals and pockets the vial so as not to give his self away. The magic feels him with sharpness, he can see people acting before they act, determine what they think before it even enters their minds. This first shot better count if there really is a powerful witch out there…

-----------------------------

PreCombat Round 3

Swift Action: Retrieve stored item from cloak
Standard Action: Drink elixir 'True Strike'

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) Invisibility : 0 of 8 minutes used
2) True Strike: Not used yet

Right Hand: Crossbow
Left Hand: Empty

 

Put Down: Nothing

Quiver of Bolts: 26
In the Crossbow: 1
Shot this Round: 0

Darts: 20
In the Blowgun: 0
Shot this Round: 0

Bombs Left Today: 4 of 4

Continuous or Instantaneous Inherited Powers (Racial, Class, Etc)
1) Darkvision: Half-orcs see in the dark up to 60 feet.
2) Orc Blood: count as both humans/orcs
3) Evasion: Reflex Save for 1/2 Dmg is reduced to no damage
4) Uncanny Dodge: Can not be caught flat-footed. No AC penalty from invisible attacks.

Continuous or Instantaneous Equipment Powers (Worn Magical Items, Etc)
1) Belt of Tumbling: The belt's wearer gains a +4 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks made to move through a threatened square or through an enemy's space.

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) Invisability: 0 of 8 minutes used

[Yuul]

In truth, he had almost forgotten the original danger and thus their purpose for scouting ahead of the caravan. That is, at least until the wailing voice sounded through the forest, approaching from the west. His gaze turns in the direction of the noise, he has heard worse from Deepmar alone, and thus finds himself not the slightest bit afraid. Indeed, he was not so much afraid as he was excited. However this ended, it would be most entertaining, a challenge that he had done without for a good while. The fleeing thugs rush behind him to cower, trying to convince their companion to do the same. Virtak pays them no heed, they are water, and he is rock. His cold stare turns away from the noise to rest his eyes on the one called Fitch as he asks his question. A slim smile, something dark alight in his eyes, these things crack through the mask in the long pause it takes for him to answer. "Yes, I can." And he knows it, somehow. More importantly he knows he is not alone, even if it appears that way to these mean. Blight is nearby, and there has not been a challenge they have faced and been unable to overcome. Really, it's almost unfair to the 'witch'. "Stay and watch if you wish, although if you linger around after, perhaps we shall see just how fine a set of assistants you would make, hmm?" A part of him does wish he had the time to find out now, and another part of him desires to know exactly where Blight is, so as to better plan their apparently upcoming encounter, but he will make do. Maurs were like that, even if he was the last one.

 

Move: Move to j10
Standard: Cast Shield on self, +4 to AC(also applicable to incorporeal touch attacks) and immune to magic missiles.

[MrD]

As abruptly as the sound started it ceased. A dark sullen silence fell like a shroud on the clearing. Expectation poised on a knife edge. The fire crackled excitedly. Fitch straightened slowly, rolling his head easily, his neck cracked once, twice, a third time. The fear of a moment before melted away. His glass eye flickered menacingly in the firelight. The white scar pulled tight across his cheek and nose as the black toothed sneer returned. "Ready lads!" If Virtak could have turned to look at the other three bandits he would have seen they'd stopped their headlong charge and were now poised behind him. There was no fear in their eyes only murder. "Har Harr HArrr!" The stocky man bellowed, his eyes creasing with mirth. "Look at the scary man now boys. Harr harr" He pointed the dagger at the necromancer wagging it reproachfully. "Do you think you are the first Wizard our little band has had to deal with. Harr Har Harr That's priceless!" he wiped a tear from his eye. The other bandits chuckled in agreement. Across the clearing Fitch raised his hands in the parody of a little mouse and with a squeaky little voice cooed "The pair of you would make a fabulous pair of skeletal assistants you know." All four bandits burst out in deep bellowing laughter. Fitch raised a hand. The others fell silent. Vinny whispered "I like this bit", Glass eye's countenance darkened his chin dropped and he stared out menacingly from under knitted brows at the cowled figure. His voice, deep like thunder, rumbled, "Now then...." The sneer returned. "...let me introduce you to MY assistant!" The ground where Virtak stood began to shake. Small stones bounced and skittered all about his vibrating feet. The rumbling increased in pitch. Fitch laughed madly "Ha..... Ha.... HArrrr......" The others held their breath in anticipation. The ground cracked... The noise and vibration stopped... Every one waited with baited breath... The crack lengthened sharply and a few of the small stones tumbled in. Silence fell.... One of the Bandits sniggered "Shhhhhh!" Vinny hissed. *BWAAAAaaaaaDOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!!!* The ground erupted in a spray of rock and dirt as up through the crack came a creature, a creature made of rock and stone. Standing a foot or so smaller than the group of men it never the less looked strong and sturdy. It regarded the captive with glowing ruby eyes. "Sieze him!" Fitch commanded. The lumbering mass of rock reached out two small yet mighty stone hands and grabbed the wizard round the waist. It squeezed him tightly then fell still, unmoving, as cold and lifeless as a statue. Vinny and the other two rushed Virtak from behind. The two took an arm each while Vinny grabbed the necromancer roughly round the neck. He put his knee in the small of his back and tightening his grip round the necromancers throat yanked his head back at a uncomfortably painful angle. He leered at the captive over his shoulder. "We got 'im good Fitch. Har Harr we got... 'im... good" spittle sprayed in Virtak's face, ran down the side of his nose and pooled in the corner of his eye. He could smell the thin man's rancid breath as he came close to his ear. "We're gonna cut you up a treat fella!"

 

Stone Creature summoned to: I10. Grapple
Three bandits move to: J11, K11, K10. Aid Other