Blackguard Sentinel

To each and every single person who played, followed along, got involved, or simply read through the barrage of very long posts; I would like to offer a huge massive thank you! {caged wyrm} was the result of sixteen roleplayers coming together to make something special despite the bumps in the road and it was also the result of several months of planning and brainstorming ideas!

First of all I would like to thank @secret-divinity and @thehollowmite who helped run segments of this arc for me and whom without it wouldn't be the same! I enjoyed the whole side arc with @lament-of-solitude very very much and am excited to see if it goes anywhere and the idea of the spare/kill choice for @blackguard-sentinel added an extra slice of drama into the mix and I am watching that space closely now their life is their own!

A huge thank you to @weaveryivel as well! Talking about our respective lores while roleplaying has been super fun and has helped me come up with ideas for what I would like to do with the Steelwyrm's blog once he's dead and gone!

A big big well done to those playing the support mission, especially to our late comers @hermit-the-moth and @mhoch; ya'll helped move the story along when it got stuck in places. And a massive well done to the other supports as well @cleverowllover and @monomon--the--teacher, thank you so much for playing and being involved!

Big congrats on the battle team for taking down the tyrant! Without all of you I could not have done this;

@zora-thesidecharacter; your intro with Herrah was sick as fuck with the big roll of 100 dropping in to kick some ass!

@ihavenocluewhatiwanttobecalled; thank you for taking on the role of healer during the fights! I honestly think with some of the attacks our group would have wiped without you there!

@morphologist; thank you so much for getting involved! It has been delightful every time I got to see your attacks! Your characters are delightful and I hope we cross paths in roleplay land again :D

@bigminiond; linking our lore together has been such a cool idea! And with you the legacy of the City of Steel can be carried forth /silly The extra drama of Dew's connection to the city added some spicy drama and I'm excited to see if it has any lasting consequences for the character!

@shinysaremine; thank you for being so invested and also interacting with the Steelwyrm outside of battle and giving me something to do outside of the fights!

@stromalfred-123; thank you for getting involved in this! Xero stirring up shit with Dryya and Lurien has been funny to see and thank you for being involved in both the battles AND support mission! Could not have done this without you

@ajithink; I am so excited to see where Glacier goes from here, and also terrified to see where Glacier goes from here. That is my child and I am taking them to therapy /silly and I am also so so sorry for what they'll see next :)

@partialpablo; despite Pablo having no connection to the story thank you so much for coming along! The move where Pablo taped some bombs to his hammer was very creative!

AND A SPECIAL EXTRA THANKS TO BOTH @rooted-lady and @impure-vessel-official who have both been murdering me with their seperate stuff going on and absolutely crushing my heart with emotions. Seeing Holly struggle with the knowledge of what is happening and with their own feelings surrounding their father has honestly put the shoe on the other foot and Now I Understand how it feels to the the one being slapped by angst in the most positive way possible. And seeing the White Lady's hope and return to service has been both painful and sweet to see! I am also apologising because I am about to do something horrible :D /silly /pos

And once again; thank you. Everyone. For reading, playing, being involved and for following along!

I will be taking a shortish break before moving on to the next arc in this series which is named...

{lost king}

I have no regrets… AT ALL!!!👁️

*reference under the cut🤌

...

until it moves. the pile shifts, rocks falling to the side as a single grey hand pierces though the mess, bloodied and broken. the Steelwyrm crawls free, maskless, amrourless, and completely and utterly defeated. he crawls up, shaking with agony and effort, his voice a rough slurred growl*

You.... haven't won..... I... am the one who... wins!!

Us, weak, mere, mortals...

Managed to turn your daughters against you, from what i know, they are to blame for what has happened to you...

Your kidnapped bride is on our side again.

Your soldiers are either dead or have deserted.

There is no other ones you can turn to

You have lost...

Y'know i once knew someone who was a victim to someone like you.

You know what i did?

Me and a few others burned the abuser's house, him still inside...

His screams was like music to me..

Now i like originality.

So i'm not burning you to a crisp.

Your victim will probably want the kill...

So i'm doing this instead.

*They won. The person who harmed Pane, their father, and who knows how many other is at their mercy. If this was only a few months ago, maybe they’d consider a peaceful approach, a pacifist way to end this, but now? Now, when they’ve seen so much loss, killed so many people?*

*…*

*Their throat is closed up, and yet…*

H…e..he…h…

*They laugh. The sound isn’t a true laugh, more of wind echoing through ice in a sound that slightly resembles a laugh, but it gets louder, more joyful (or crazy). They fucking won*

"If you're in this army, you adhere to our laws! If you lay a cruel claw on him, I will fucking kill you! Baldwin, make sure nobody hurts him. The order to execute is the Pale King's, until then he's a prisoner of war and shall not be harmed!"

Baldwin looks at the monster

You are pathetic, so pathetic that i almost feel sorry for you...

Almost

The last time we were satisfied with our links to your city was when we stabbed him! And that wasn't even in my lifespan!

Oh and also you hurt people I suppose...

this fleeting crumbling world, this monument to cruelty and pain... how had she ever called it her home? the nobles laugh at misfortune, prey upon the weak, live upon the bones and broken bodies of the less fortunate who live upon the toil and agony of slaves and stolen. and at the heart of it, at the centre of that writhing rot her father rules supreme.

cruel and cold like the howling winds that surround, a wicked thing, a wretched thing. a thing that believes itself the apex of all creation. a thing that believes itself owed everything it wishes for. she had bowed before it. swore fealty to it. had been sired by it unwillingly.

her fingers tighten. her breath is harsh in her throat. and many footsteps approach...*

So you have come; I knew you would...

I should warn you poor lost things, I will not fall as easily as that automata of metal.

[Pieris, Steel Princess Health 750/750]

You fell pretty easily last time if I recall, or at least you surrendered without complaint. Do you really want to fight? Now I've come with allies? If I was enough to defeat you what hope to do stand now?

Look; last I recall the Steelwyrm had tossed you like garbage, why not help us instead?

but then again, her sibling, the one that saved her, saved Emilia, saved Baptisia, they plan to fell the gods it seems, or remove their power, or destroy their rulership. wouldn't offering what help she can, wouldn't aiding these fools in killing her sire help in that matter? ...it seems her choice is made. her stance relaxes*

I will neither fight you nor fight with you. But I can offer what information I hold. Ask your questions; lingering here ere long will only make me doubt myself further.

Speak.

"Hell, what I need to know is how I kill him." she was blunt, direct, but nervous under all her armor. She had more to lose than just her life. Not that that would be a problem, she recognized the vessel standing by the Daughter of Steel, the same one who brought her to life. It glanced at her and nodded in greeting.

Blades and spells, claws and teeth. And luck. A bounty of luck.

I can already tell something about you...

He's abusive...

No, I have already said I will not help you further than this, and, these questions and answers that follow will aide in his ending, if such a thing can truly end.

Wait.

Hmm?

Let me talk to her. Perhaps another god talking to her will help.

But what about your cover?

It already knows we are here. There is no longer any point in staying hidden.

Dew closes his eyes.

“…Chalybs.”

A small whisper. But even that was enough. When next Dew opens his eyes, the one on his left was a bright gold. When his voice speaks, another seems to boom lightly in a whisper.

“Listen. Pieres, is it? We understand your fear. The Steelwyrm is an incredibly strong being feared even among the Gods of Steel. In a fair fight, it would most likely kill some of us.”

Their eyes narrow.

“But even it is not indestructible. As you said yourself, its face is scarred. That means it bleeds. And if something can bleed, then it can die. And especially with these fine and skilled warriors, one of whom has felled a god herself, I am sure that even it shall die.”

Dew blinks, and both his eyes and voice return to normal. He stumbles a bit, before regaining his balance.

“…Sorry. That’s all I have to say.”

Bleed the Steelwyrm can, be cut and be burned and be broken, true. But in this fight it is not just the Wyrm you would fight; tis the very city neath our feet. He is intertwined with it in ways which disgusts and reviles; he is the city and the city is he.

But you speak of a god slayer? I would assume that is you?

What've you to say for yourself?

I may technically be bound to the Steelwyrm and his kin due to the fact that I can't shed the title of Blackguard, but I sure can assist one of his daughters in killing him.

So, I will work with the opposition for now.

This image came to me while I was procrastinating n fiddling with the shiny rocks on my desk

*He grabs a crossbow, a few daggers, their blade and several other weapons.*

*They step out, their claw feet clinking on the steel floor. They adjust their armor with the help of Four, and makes his presence known to the assailants of the city.*

Well, it seems you got all the way to the underworks of the city! I congradulate you, "Heroes of Hallownest," you will die a glorious death!

*They draw their blade.*

[Lurien rolled 3d20 to attack; 14 + 17 + 18; total 49 damage!]

*more confident in his wings than he has been, Lurien dashes forwards, his pin outstetched before he slashes, an arc of sparks imbuded in the attack as the thunder egg charm Holly had gifted him works as intended*

"Why do you stand guard, sentinel? Why do this? Why serve a cruel master? Why not embrace freedom?"

So instead of attacking, she approached the other members of the team to begin healing their wounds, starting with Uunvraxis.

(1 + 6 + 14 = 21 healing received)

*The Blackguard is stabbed by the pin of the Watcher, though some of the damage is blocked by their dense armor.*

Augh... All this conversation! Exciting!

Watcher, you first.

*The Blackguard attempts to slash at Lurien, thinking that he would be the most determined of the group and thus be harder to take down so better to deal with early.*

(6 + 13 + 17 = 36 total damage!)

"Is this worth dying for? Is this worth killing for? Is this worth the senseless violence, to just... serve someone who just wants to watch the world burn?"

Knowing that Baldwin was also still hurt from the previous fight, Uunvraxis approached him and placed a hand on him. The spiral on Uunvraxis's shell lit up with Soul as he Focused and healed Baldwin's wounds.

And you, the sibling! It seems you've gotten a little bloodlust since I last saw you!

I simply must return that in kind.

*The Blackguard takes 36 damage from Glacier's ice, yet loads a crossbow and launches it at the Vessel's mask.*

Thank you, for your kindness

(292/300 hp)

Turns towards the blackguard

You should act more like him

I made a promise to defend my kingdom

I also made a promise to myself, to stop bastards like you

Baldwin throws his hook at him, and starts throwing him around like a ball and chain, hitting him on the ground and walls.

Xero rolled a 6+10+20=36

(That and baldwin's attack together makes it 81 damage)

Damn! You folks really are being rather efficient!

*The Blackguard drinks some sort of medicine from a flask and regains 43 (20+8+15)*

I'm not done yet though!

She rushes up faster than eyes could follow her movements. With all the force she could muster, she kicks the Blackguard in the chest.

(1+17+17=35 damage)

She turns around and frowns at Herrah.

"Would you capitalize on this? And don't forget we gotta talk later!"

*Herrah rushed forwards and attacked with a series of stabs and slashes from her claws, standing her ground in close quarters, if anything to server as a distraction and primary target.*

[13 + 11 + 20 = 44 damage!]

[The Blackguard defends 39 dmg (20+19) and deals 14 toward the beast.]

I have good experience putting down beasts. You are no different, spider.

Regardless, Dew raises his cannon to shoot twice, and then rushes forward to strike with their nail.

[Dew rolled 42 to attack (17 + 20 + 5)]

*Pablo finishes his drink and charges towards the blackguard*

[The Blackguard rolled a 40 to defend!]

I don't give a shit about you; tell me where the Pale King is!

[Lurien rolls 2d20 to attack; 15 + 17; total 32 damage!]

*neatly sidestepping the Blackguard's attack he slashes out with his weapon once more, neatly and cleanly, his eyes glaring through his mask with anger*

(6 + 15 + 15 = 36 healing received)

"I have stood sentinel for a Wyrm once, Blackguard. I found life far more fulfilling once I ceased, and perhaps the same would be true for you," Hornet shouted at the Sentinel.

I saw him a day or two ago, he was an annoyance. I took him from his cell to my master, and haven't seen him come out of the steel one's room.

Standing sentinel is not always what I do. My life is not in any way fulfilling, but do I complain? No.

Maybe you'd benefit from gaining some respect for your fellow warriors, hunter.

[The Blackguard cuts at Glacier yet again, dealing 42 (20+15+12) damage]

(14 to defend!)

(HP: 270/300)

*They move past the pain, slashing once then moving back, before firing off an icicle*

(12 + 19 = 31 damage!)

He focused his soul to heal Glacier (14 + 16 = 30 healing received) and Herrah (8 healing received).

[The Blackguard heals. 4 (1+2+1) HP added]

(292/300)

Xero rolled a 19+14+12=45

It's going to take more than that. I will fall before I let any of you cross into the halls.

"Stop this! We don't want to kill you!" she straddles his back, trying to subdue him.

(292/300)

(294/300)

[The Blackguard got a 41 (19+11+11) healed.]

“RRRAUGH!”

Dew rushes forward to strike with their nail and then firing at the Blackguard with his cannon.

“Just DIE ALREADY! DIE LIKE ALL THE OTHERS!”

[Dew rolled 39 to attack (17 + 2 + 20)]

*Lurien is honestly quite over all this, slamming his pin down on the metal floor, wincing slighly when it screams against it in a horrible high-pitched warble. but it gets the attention he wants. his breath shudders as he lifts the weapon and points it at the Blackguard*

Look; you don't want to die and I want information out of you, information I will get. You have a choice here; let us finish off your miserable pathetic little life or you can get us up into the city proper. All we want is to slit your masters throat in front of everyone and to take the Pale King back; your life means nothing to me and I couldn't care less if you perish or not. But you're useful. And I need useful.

Help us, and I will make certain you survive long enough to escape this horrible place. I cannot promise protection after that.

However this choice is not my choice alone; if my allies bay for your blood then, well, I will not stand in their way.

What say you, Knight?

If he will not be a problem, then he can live.

(No vote from Xero)

It is possible that this is different. Look at them, they're weary.

Another trick, to lower their guard. He's not falling for it. They're not taking any chances.

"I disagree. This may not be the City I know, but if it's anything like that, then these soldiers are either fight or die. If we let them live, they'll have a chance to attack us later, which could lead to casualties. It's too risky to leave them alive."

But I will support your boring choice of mercy.

*They don't say anymore, although they're very clearly angry*

Your weapons, we shall take them, your life you may keep. We expect you to lead us right to where your master is keeping the Pale King, no fuss, no argument because as you can tell; some care little for you and others seek your end. If you will not comply, just know; I have already defeated the daughters of your Steelwyrm by myself, you are hardly an issue.

Understood?

While I may be tied to the Steelwyrm due to the bloody organisation that my great great grandparents decided to join, I've no great loyalty toward the Master.

*He grabs a crossbow, a few daggers, their blade and several other weapons.*

*They step out, their claw feet clinking on the steel floor. They adjust their armor with the help of Four, and makes his presence known to the assailants of the city.*

Well, it seems you got all the way to the underworks of the city! I congradulate you, "Heroes of Hallownest," you will die a glorious death!

*They draw their blade.*

[Lurien rolled 3d20 to attack; 14 + 17 + 18; total 49 damage!]

*more confident in his wings than he has been, Lurien dashes forwards, his pin outstetched before he slashes, an arc of sparks imbuded in the attack as the thunder egg charm Holly had gifted him works as intended*

"Why do you stand guard, sentinel? Why do this? Why serve a cruel master? Why not embrace freedom?"

So instead of attacking, she approached the other members of the team to begin healing their wounds, starting with Uunvraxis.

(1 + 6 + 14 = 21 healing received)

*The Blackguard is stabbed by the pin of the Watcher, though some of the damage is blocked by their dense armor.*

Augh... All this conversation! Exciting!

Watcher, you first.

*The Blackguard attempts to slash at Lurien, thinking that he would be the most determined of the group and thus be harder to take down so better to deal with early.*

(6 + 13 + 17 = 36 total damage!)

"Is this worth dying for? Is this worth killing for? Is this worth the senseless violence, to just... serve someone who just wants to watch the world burn?"

Knowing that Baldwin was also still hurt from the previous fight, Uunvraxis approached him and placed a hand on him. The spiral on Uunvraxis's shell lit up with Soul as he Focused and healed Baldwin's wounds.

And you, the sibling! It seems you've gotten a little bloodlust since I last saw you!

I simply must return that in kind.

*The Blackguard takes 36 damage from Glacier's ice, yet loads a crossbow and launches it at the Vessel's mask.*

Thank you, for your kindness

(292/300 hp)

Turns towards the blackguard

You should act more like him

I made a promise to defend my kingdom

I also made a promise to myself, to stop bastards like you

Baldwin throws his hook at him, and starts throwing him around like a ball and chain, hitting him on the ground and walls.

Xero rolled a 6+10+20=36

(That and baldwin's attack together makes it 81 damage)

Damn! You folks really are being rather efficient!

*The Blackguard drinks some sort of medicine from a flask and regains 43 (20+8+15)*

I'm not done yet though!

She rushes up faster than eyes could follow her movements. With all the force she could muster, she kicks the Blackguard in the chest.

(1+17+17=35 damage)

She turns around and frowns at Herrah.

"Would you capitalize on this? And don't forget we gotta talk later!"

*Herrah rushed forwards and attacked with a series of stabs and slashes from her claws, standing her ground in close quarters, if anything to server as a distraction and primary target.*

[13 + 11 + 20 = 44 damage!]

[The Blackguard defends 39 dmg (20+19) and deals 14 toward the beast.]

I have good experience putting down beasts. You are no different, spider.

Regardless, Dew raises his cannon to shoot twice, and then rushes forward to strike with their nail.

[Dew rolled 42 to attack (17 + 20 + 5)]

*Pablo finishes his drink and charges towards the blackguard*

[The Blackguard rolled a 40 to defend!]

I don't give a shit about you; tell me where the Pale King is!

[Lurien rolls 2d20 to attack; 15 + 17; total 32 damage!]

*neatly sidestepping the Blackguard's attack he slashes out with his weapon once more, neatly and cleanly, his eyes glaring through his mask with anger*

(6 + 15 + 15 = 36 healing received)

"I have stood sentinel for a Wyrm once, Blackguard. I found life far more fulfilling once I ceased, and perhaps the same would be true for you," Hornet shouted at the Sentinel.

I saw him a day or two ago, he was an annoyance. I took him from his cell to my master, and haven't seen him come out of the steel one's room.

Standing sentinel is not always what I do. My life is not in any way fulfilling, but do I complain? No.

Maybe you'd benefit from gaining some respect for your fellow warriors, hunter.

[The Blackguard cuts at Glacier yet again, dealing 42 (20+15+12) damage]

(14 to defend!)

(HP: 270/300)

*They move past the pain, slashing once then moving back, before firing off an icicle*

(12 + 19 = 31 damage!)

He focused his soul to heal Glacier (14 + 16 = 30 healing received) and Herrah (8 healing received).

[The Blackguard heals. 4 (1+2+1) HP added]

(292/300)

Xero rolled a 19+14+12=45

It's going to take more than that. I will fall before I let any of you cross into the halls.

"Stop this! We don't want to kill you!" she straddles his back, trying to subdue him.

(292/300)

(294/300)

[The Blackguard got a 41 (19+11+11) healed.]

*He grabs a crossbow, a few daggers, their blade and several other weapons.*

*They step out, their claw feet clinking on the steel floor. They adjust their armor with the help of Four, and makes his presence known to the assailants of the city.*

Well, it seems you got all the way to the underworks of the city! I congradulate you, "Heroes of Hallownest," you will die a glorious death!

*They draw their blade.*

[Lurien rolled 3d20 to attack; 14 + 17 + 18; total 49 damage!]

*more confident in his wings than he has been, Lurien dashes forwards, his pin outstetched before he slashes, an arc of sparks imbuded in the attack as the thunder egg charm Holly had gifted him works as intended*

"Why do you stand guard, sentinel? Why do this? Why serve a cruel master? Why not embrace freedom?"

So instead of attacking, she approached the other members of the team to begin healing their wounds, starting with Uunvraxis.

(1 + 6 + 14 = 21 healing received)

*The Blackguard is stabbed by the pin of the Watcher, though some of the damage is blocked by their dense armor.*

Augh... All this conversation! Exciting!

Watcher, you first.

*The Blackguard attempts to slash at Lurien, thinking that he would be the most determined of the group and thus be harder to take down so better to deal with early.*

(6 + 13 + 17 = 36 total damage!)

"Is this worth dying for? Is this worth killing for? Is this worth the senseless violence, to just... serve someone who just wants to watch the world burn?"

Knowing that Baldwin was also still hurt from the previous fight, Uunvraxis approached him and placed a hand on him. The spiral on Uunvraxis's shell lit up with Soul as he Focused and healed Baldwin's wounds.

And you, the sibling! It seems you've gotten a little bloodlust since I last saw you!

I simply must return that in kind.

*The Blackguard takes 36 damage from Glacier's ice, yet loads a crossbow and launches it at the Vessel's mask.*

Thank you, for your kindness

(292/300 hp)

Turns towards the blackguard

You should act more like him

I made a promise to defend my kingdom

I also made a promise to myself, to stop bastards like you

Baldwin throws his hook at him, and starts throwing him around like a ball and chain, hitting him on the ground and walls.

Xero rolled a 6+10+20=36

(That and baldwin's attack together makes it 81 damage)

Damn! You folks really are being rather efficient!

*The Blackguard drinks some sort of medicine from a flask and regains 43 (20+8+15)*

I'm not done yet though!

She rushes up faster than eyes could follow her movements. With all the force she could muster, she kicks the Blackguard in the chest.

(1+17+17=35 damage)

She turns around and frowns at Herrah.

"Would you capitalize on this? And don't forget we gotta talk later!"

*Herrah rushed forwards and attacked with a series of stabs and slashes from her claws, standing her ground in close quarters, if anything to server as a distraction and primary target.*

[13 + 11 + 20 = 44 damage!]

[The Blackguard defends 39 dmg (20+19) and deals 14 toward the beast.]

I have good experience putting down beasts. You are no different, spider.

Regardless, Dew raises his cannon to shoot twice, and then rushes forward to strike with their nail.

[Dew rolled 42 to attack (17 + 20 + 5)]

*Pablo finishes his drink and charges towards the blackguard*

[The Blackguard rolled a 40 to defend!]

I don't give a shit about you; tell me where the Pale King is!

[Lurien rolls 2d20 to attack; 15 + 17; total 32 damage!]

*neatly sidestepping the Blackguard's attack he slashes out with his weapon once more, neatly and cleanly, his eyes glaring through his mask with anger*

(6 + 15 + 15 = 36 healing received)

"I have stood sentinel for a Wyrm once, Blackguard. I found life far more fulfilling once I ceased, and perhaps the same would be true for you," Hornet shouted at the Sentinel.

I saw him a day or two ago, he was an annoyance. I took him from his cell to my master, and haven't seen him come out of the steel one's room.

Standing sentinel is not always what I do. My life is not in any way fulfilling, but do I complain? No.

Maybe you'd benefit from gaining some respect for your fellow warriors, hunter.

[The Blackguard cuts at Glacier yet again, dealing 42 (20+15+12) damage]

(14 to defend!)

(HP: 270/300)

*They move past the pain, slashing once then moving back, before firing off an icicle*

(12 + 19 = 31 damage!)

He focused his soul to heal Glacier (14 + 16 = 30 healing received) and Herrah (8 healing received).

[The Blackguard heals. 4 (1+2+1) HP added]

(292/300)

Xero rolled a 19+14+12=45

It's going to take more than that. I will fall before I let any of you cross into the halls.

"Stop this! We don't want to kill you!" she straddles his back, trying to subdue him.

(292/300)

(294/300)

Shit.

*He attempts to patch himself up.*

Dew takes this opportunity to raise their cannon and shoot at the Blackguard while they’re down.

[Dew rolled 41 to attack (11 + 11 + 19)]

Dew, what are you doing?

Shooting to kill.

You’re supposed to be trying to subdue them.

This is a member of the City of Steel and it knows that. People like them are either fight or die. And if they’re not dying, they’re fighting.

He was tempted, heavily tempted, to heal the Blackguard this instant. But he did not. Not yet.

Instead, he healed Dew (19 healing received), Herrah (12 healing received), and Dryya (13 healing received).

He'd heal the Blackguard next.

...

[It gains 3 (1+1+1) health.]

You've a choice; take us to the Pale King now, or whatever cruelty your lord calls mercy will look kind compared to what I can do to you.

[Lurien rolls 3d20 to attack; 17 + 19 + 20; total 56 damage!]

*his fingers trace down the golden blade, its shine becoming impossibly bright as he slashes out waves of almost burning light. if he has this power within him he may as well use it...*

On two calm feet, she approached the Blackguard, and...

She attempted to bind his wounds.

(3 + 3 + 12 = 18 healing received)

...

*The Blackguard blinks slowly.*

That is an incredibly bold decision.

*The Blackguard nods at Hornet.*

Yet a respectable decision.

But I simply must continue.

*The Blackguard throws a sickle at the Watcher.*

*Glacier stares at Hornet, betrayed and bewildered, before attacking the Blackguard to make up for it*

(5 + 15 + 13 = 33 damage!)

Well... If they couldn't turn the Blackguard to their side, that still left options other than death. Restraint could work just as easily. He hoped.

Either way, before he started to plan how to do that, he wanted to try to keep everyone alive.

He Focused Soul and healed Lurien.

(3 + 11 + 17 = 31 healing received)

[The Blackguard got a 36 (19+17) for defence and an 18 for attack.]

[The Blackguard rolled a 60 (holy shit 20+20+20 omg) for health.]

*He grabs a crossbow, a few daggers, their blade and several other weapons.*

*They step out, their claw feet clinking on the steel floor. They adjust their armor with the help of Four, and makes his presence known to the assailants of the city.*

Well, it seems you got all the way to the underworks of the city! I congradulate you, "Heroes of Hallownest," you will die a glorious death!

*They draw their blade.*

[Lurien rolled 3d20 to attack; 14 + 17 + 18; total 49 damage!]

*more confident in his wings than he has been, Lurien dashes forwards, his pin outstetched before he slashes, an arc of sparks imbuded in the attack as the thunder egg charm Holly had gifted him works as intended*

"Why do you stand guard, sentinel? Why do this? Why serve a cruel master? Why not embrace freedom?"

So instead of attacking, she approached the other members of the team to begin healing their wounds, starting with Uunvraxis.

(1 + 6 + 14 = 21 healing received)

*The Blackguard is stabbed by the pin of the Watcher, though some of the damage is blocked by their dense armor.*

Augh... All this conversation! Exciting!

Watcher, you first.

*The Blackguard attempts to slash at Lurien, thinking that he would be the most determined of the group and thus be harder to take down so better to deal with early.*

(6 + 13 + 17 = 36 total damage!)

"Is this worth dying for? Is this worth killing for? Is this worth the senseless violence, to just... serve someone who just wants to watch the world burn?"

Knowing that Baldwin was also still hurt from the previous fight, Uunvraxis approached him and placed a hand on him. The spiral on Uunvraxis's shell lit up with Soul as he Focused and healed Baldwin's wounds.

And you, the sibling! It seems you've gotten a little bloodlust since I last saw you!

I simply must return that in kind.

*The Blackguard takes 36 damage from Glacier's ice, yet loads a crossbow and launches it at the Vessel's mask.*

Thank you, for your kindness

(292/300 hp)

Turns towards the blackguard

You should act more like him

I made a promise to defend my kingdom

I also made a promise to myself, to stop bastards like you

Baldwin throws his hook at him, and starts throwing him around like a ball and chain, hitting him on the ground and walls.

Xero rolled a 6+10+20=36

(That and baldwin's attack together makes it 81 damage)

Damn! You folks really are being rather efficient!

*The Blackguard drinks some sort of medicine from a flask and regains 43 (20+8+15)*

I'm not done yet though!

She rushes up faster than eyes could follow her movements. With all the force she could muster, she kicks the Blackguard in the chest.

(1+17+17=35 damage)

She turns around and frowns at Herrah.

"Would you capitalize on this? And don't forget we gotta talk later!"

*Herrah rushed forwards and attacked with a series of stabs and slashes from her claws, standing her ground in close quarters, if anything to server as a distraction and primary target.*

[13 + 11 + 20 = 44 damage!]

[The Blackguard defends 39 dmg (20+19) and deals 14 toward the beast.]

I have good experience putting down beasts. You are no different, spider.

Regardless, Dew raises his cannon to shoot twice, and then rushes forward to strike with their nail.

[Dew rolled 42 to attack (17 + 20 + 5)]

*Pablo finishes his drink and charges towards the blackguard*

[The Blackguard rolled a 40 to defend!]

I don't give a shit about you; tell me where the Pale King is!

[Lurien rolls 2d20 to attack; 15 + 17; total 32 damage!]

*neatly sidestepping the Blackguard's attack he slashes out with his weapon once more, neatly and cleanly, his eyes glaring through his mask with anger*

(6 + 15 + 15 = 36 healing received)

"I have stood sentinel for a Wyrm once, Blackguard. I found life far more fulfilling once I ceased, and perhaps the same would be true for you," Hornet shouted at the Sentinel.

I saw him a day or two ago, he was an annoyance. I took him from his cell to my master, and haven't seen him come out of the steel one's room.

Standing sentinel is not always what I do. My life is not in any way fulfilling, but do I complain? No.

Maybe you'd benefit from gaining some respect for your fellow warriors, hunter.

[The Blackguard cuts at Glacier yet again, dealing 42 (20+15+12) damage]

(14 to defend!)

(HP: 270/300)

*They move past the pain, slashing once then moving back, before firing off an icicle*

(12 + 19 = 31 damage!)

He focused his soul to heal Glacier (14 + 16 = 30 healing received) and Herrah (8 healing received).

[The Blackguard heals. 4 (1+2+1) HP added]

(292/300)

Xero rolled a 19+14+12=45

It's going to take more than that. I will fall before I let any of you cross into the halls.

"Stop this! We don't want to kill you!" she straddles his back, trying to subdue him.

(292/300)

(294/300)

Shit.

*He attempts to patch himself up.*

Dew takes this opportunity to raise their cannon and shoot at the Blackguard while they’re down.

[Dew rolled 41 to attack (11 + 11 + 19)]

Dew, what are you doing?

Shooting to kill.

You’re supposed to be trying to subdue them.

This is a member of the City of Steel and it knows that. People like them are either fight or die. And if they’re not dying, they’re fighting.

He was tempted, heavily tempted, to heal the Blackguard this instant. But he did not. Not yet.

Instead, he healed Dew (19 healing received), Herrah (12 healing received), and Dryya (13 healing received).

He'd heal the Blackguard next.

...

[It gains 3 (1+1+1) health.]

You've a choice; take us to the Pale King now, or whatever cruelty your lord calls mercy will look kind compared to what I can do to you.

[Lurien rolls 3d20 to attack; 17 + 19 + 20; total 56 damage!]

*his fingers trace down the golden blade, its shine becoming impossibly bright as he slashes out waves of almost burning light. if he has this power within him he may as well use it...*

On two calm feet, she approached the Blackguard, and...

She attempted to bind his wounds.

(3 + 3 + 12 = 18 healing received)

...

*The Blackguard blinks slowly.*

That is an incredibly bold decision.

*The Blackguard nods at Hornet.*

Yet a respectable decision.

But I simply must continue.

*The Blackguard throws a sickle at the Watcher.*

*Glacier stares at Hornet, betrayed and bewildered, before attacking the Blackguard to make up for it*

(5 + 15 + 13 = 33 damage!)

Well... If they couldn't turn the Blackguard to their side, that still left options other than death. Restraint could work just as easily. He hoped.

Either way, before he started to plan how to do that, he wanted to try to keep everyone alive.

He Focused Soul and healed Lurien.

(3 + 11 + 17 = 31 healing received)

[The Blackguard got a 36 (19+17) for defence and an 18 for attack.]

*He grabs a crossbow, a few daggers, their blade and several other weapons.*

*They step out, their claw feet clinking on the steel floor. They adjust their armor with the help of Four, and makes his presence known to the assailants of the city.*

Well, it seems you got all the way to the underworks of the city! I congradulate you, "Heroes of Hallownest," you will die a glorious death!

*They draw their blade.*

[Lurien rolled 3d20 to attack; 14 + 17 + 18; total 49 damage!]

*more confident in his wings than he has been, Lurien dashes forwards, his pin outstetched before he slashes, an arc of sparks imbuded in the attack as the thunder egg charm Holly had gifted him works as intended*

"Why do you stand guard, sentinel? Why do this? Why serve a cruel master? Why not embrace freedom?"

So instead of attacking, she approached the other members of the team to begin healing their wounds, starting with Uunvraxis.

(1 + 6 + 14 = 21 healing received)

*The Blackguard is stabbed by the pin of the Watcher, though some of the damage is blocked by their dense armor.*

Augh... All this conversation! Exciting!

Watcher, you first.

*The Blackguard attempts to slash at Lurien, thinking that he would be the most determined of the group and thus be harder to take down so better to deal with early.*

(6 + 13 + 17 = 36 total damage!)

"Is this worth dying for? Is this worth killing for? Is this worth the senseless violence, to just... serve someone who just wants to watch the world burn?"

Knowing that Baldwin was also still hurt from the previous fight, Uunvraxis approached him and placed a hand on him. The spiral on Uunvraxis's shell lit up with Soul as he Focused and healed Baldwin's wounds.

And you, the sibling! It seems you've gotten a little bloodlust since I last saw you!

I simply must return that in kind.

*The Blackguard takes 36 damage from Glacier's ice, yet loads a crossbow and launches it at the Vessel's mask.*

Thank you, for your kindness

(292/300 hp)

Turns towards the blackguard

You should act more like him

I made a promise to defend my kingdom

I also made a promise to myself, to stop bastards like you

Baldwin throws his hook at him, and starts throwing him around like a ball and chain, hitting him on the ground and walls.

Xero rolled a 6+10+20=36

(That and baldwin's attack together makes it 81 damage)

Damn! You folks really are being rather efficient!

*The Blackguard drinks some sort of medicine from a flask and regains 43 (20+8+15)*

I'm not done yet though!

She rushes up faster than eyes could follow her movements. With all the force she could muster, she kicks the Blackguard in the chest.

(1+17+17=35 damage)

She turns around and frowns at Herrah.

"Would you capitalize on this? And don't forget we gotta talk later!"

*Herrah rushed forwards and attacked with a series of stabs and slashes from her claws, standing her ground in close quarters, if anything to server as a distraction and primary target.*

[13 + 11 + 20 = 44 damage!]

[The Blackguard defends 39 dmg (20+19) and deals 14 toward the beast.]

I have good experience putting down beasts. You are no different, spider.

Regardless, Dew raises his cannon to shoot twice, and then rushes forward to strike with their nail.

[Dew rolled 42 to attack (17 + 20 + 5)]

*Pablo finishes his drink and charges towards the blackguard*

[The Blackguard rolled a 40 to defend!]

I don't give a shit about you; tell me where the Pale King is!

[Lurien rolls 2d20 to attack; 15 + 17; total 32 damage!]

*neatly sidestepping the Blackguard's attack he slashes out with his weapon once more, neatly and cleanly, his eyes glaring through his mask with anger*

(6 + 15 + 15 = 36 healing received)

"I have stood sentinel for a Wyrm once, Blackguard. I found life far more fulfilling once I ceased, and perhaps the same would be true for you," Hornet shouted at the Sentinel.

I saw him a day or two ago, he was an annoyance. I took him from his cell to my master, and haven't seen him come out of the steel one's room.

Standing sentinel is not always what I do. My life is not in any way fulfilling, but do I complain? No.

Maybe you'd benefit from gaining some respect for your fellow warriors, hunter.

[The Blackguard cuts at Glacier yet again, dealing 42 (20+15+12) damage]

(14 to defend!)

(HP: 270/300)

*They move past the pain, slashing once then moving back, before firing off an icicle*

(12 + 19 = 31 damage!)

He focused his soul to heal Glacier (14 + 16 = 30 healing received) and Herrah (8 healing received).

[The Blackguard heals. 4 (1+2+1) HP added]

(292/300)

Xero rolled a 19+14+12=45

It's going to take more than that. I will fall before I let any of you cross into the halls.

"Stop this! We don't want to kill you!" she straddles his back, trying to subdue him.

(292/300)

(294/300)

Shit.

*He attempts to patch himself up.*

Dew takes this opportunity to raise their cannon and shoot at the Blackguard while they’re down.

[Dew rolled 41 to attack (11 + 11 + 19)]

Dew, what are you doing?

Shooting to kill.

You’re supposed to be trying to subdue them.

This is a member of the City of Steel and it knows that. People like them are either fight or die. And if they’re not dying, they’re fighting.

He was tempted, heavily tempted, to heal the Blackguard this instant. But he did not. Not yet.

Instead, he healed Dew (19 healing received), Herrah (12 healing received), and Dryya (13 healing received).

He'd heal the Blackguard next.

...

[It gains 3 (1+1+1) health.]

You've a choice; take us to the Pale King now, or whatever cruelty your lord calls mercy will look kind compared to what I can do to you.

[Lurien rolls 3d20 to attack; 17 + 19 + 20; total 56 damage!]

*his fingers trace down the golden blade, its shine becoming impossibly bright as he slashes out waves of almost burning light. if he has this power within him he may as well use it...*

On two calm feet, she approached the Blackguard, and...

She attempted to bind his wounds.

(3 + 3 + 12 = 18 healing received)

...

*The Blackguard blinks slowly.*

That is an incredibly bold decision.

*The Blackguard nods at Hornet.*

Yet a respectable decision.

But I simply must continue.

*The Blackguard throws a sickle at the Watcher.*

*Glacier stares at Hornet, betrayed and bewildered, before attacking the Blackguard to make up for it*

(5 + 15 + 13 = 33 damage!)

Well... If they couldn't turn the Blackguard to their side, that still left options other than death. Restraint could work just as easily. He hoped.

Either way, before he started to plan how to do that, he wanted to try to keep everyone alive.

He Focused Soul and healed Lurien.

(3 + 11 + 17 = 31 healing received)

*He grabs a crossbow, a few daggers, their blade and several other weapons.*

*They step out, their claw feet clinking on the steel floor. They adjust their armor with the help of Four, and makes his presence known to the assailants of the city.*

Well, it seems you got all the way to the underworks of the city! I congradulate you, "Heroes of Hallownest," you will die a glorious death!

*They draw their blade.*

[Lurien rolled 3d20 to attack; 14 + 17 + 18; total 49 damage!]

*more confident in his wings than he has been, Lurien dashes forwards, his pin outstetched before he slashes, an arc of sparks imbuded in the attack as the thunder egg charm Holly had gifted him works as intended*

"Why do you stand guard, sentinel? Why do this? Why serve a cruel master? Why not embrace freedom?"

So instead of attacking, she approached the other members of the team to begin healing their wounds, starting with Uunvraxis.

(1 + 6 + 14 = 21 healing received)

*The Blackguard is stabbed by the pin of the Watcher, though some of the damage is blocked by their dense armor.*

Augh... All this conversation! Exciting!

Watcher, you first.

*The Blackguard attempts to slash at Lurien, thinking that he would be the most determined of the group and thus be harder to take down so better to deal with early.*

(6 + 13 + 17 = 36 total damage!)

"Is this worth dying for? Is this worth killing for? Is this worth the senseless violence, to just... serve someone who just wants to watch the world burn?"

Knowing that Baldwin was also still hurt from the previous fight, Uunvraxis approached him and placed a hand on him. The spiral on Uunvraxis's shell lit up with Soul as he Focused and healed Baldwin's wounds.

And you, the sibling! It seems you've gotten a little bloodlust since I last saw you!

I simply must return that in kind.

*The Blackguard takes 36 damage from Glacier's ice, yet loads a crossbow and launches it at the Vessel's mask.*

Thank you, for your kindness

(292/300 hp)

Turns towards the blackguard

You should act more like him

I made a promise to defend my kingdom

I also made a promise to myself, to stop bastards like you

Baldwin throws his hook at him, and starts throwing him around like a ball and chain, hitting him on the ground and walls.

Xero rolled a 6+10+20=36

(That and baldwin's attack together makes it 81 damage)

Damn! You folks really are being rather efficient!

*The Blackguard drinks some sort of medicine from a flask and regains 43 (20+8+15)*

I'm not done yet though!

She rushes up faster than eyes could follow her movements. With all the force she could muster, she kicks the Blackguard in the chest.

(1+17+17=35 damage)

She turns around and frowns at Herrah.

"Would you capitalize on this? And don't forget we gotta talk later!"

*Herrah rushed forwards and attacked with a series of stabs and slashes from her claws, standing her ground in close quarters, if anything to server as a distraction and primary target.*

[13 + 11 + 20 = 44 damage!]

[The Blackguard defends 39 dmg (20+19) and deals 14 toward the beast.]

I have good experience putting down beasts. You are no different, spider.

Regardless, Dew raises his cannon to shoot twice, and then rushes forward to strike with their nail.

[Dew rolled 42 to attack (17 + 20 + 5)]

*Pablo finishes his drink and charges towards the blackguard*

[The Blackguard rolled a 40 to defend!]

I don't give a shit about you; tell me where the Pale King is!

[Lurien rolls 2d20 to attack; 15 + 17; total 32 damage!]

*neatly sidestepping the Blackguard's attack he slashes out with his weapon once more, neatly and cleanly, his eyes glaring through his mask with anger*

(6 + 15 + 15 = 36 healing received)

"I have stood sentinel for a Wyrm once, Blackguard. I found life far more fulfilling once I ceased, and perhaps the same would be true for you," Hornet shouted at the Sentinel.

I saw him a day or two ago, he was an annoyance. I took him from his cell to my master, and haven't seen him come out of the steel one's room.

Standing sentinel is not always what I do. My life is not in any way fulfilling, but do I complain? No.

Maybe you'd benefit from gaining some respect for your fellow warriors, hunter.

[The Blackguard cuts at Glacier yet again, dealing 42 (20+15+12) damage]

(14 to defend!)

(HP: 270/300)

*They move past the pain, slashing once then moving back, before firing off an icicle*

(12 + 19 = 31 damage!)

He focused his soul to heal Glacier (14 + 16 = 30 healing received) and Herrah (8 healing received).

[The Blackguard heals. 4 (1+2+1) HP added]

(292/300)

Xero rolled a 19+14+12=45

It's going to take more than that. I will fall before I let any of you cross into the halls.

"Stop this! We don't want to kill you!" she straddles his back, trying to subdue him.

(292/300)

(294/300)

Shit.

*He attempts to patch himself up.*

Dew takes this opportunity to raise their cannon and shoot at the Blackguard while they’re down.

[Dew rolled 41 to attack (11 + 11 + 19)]

Dew, what are you doing?

Shooting to kill.

You’re supposed to be trying to subdue them.

This is a member of the City of Steel and it knows that. People like them are either fight or die. And if they’re not dying, they’re fighting.

He was tempted, heavily tempted, to heal the Blackguard this instant. But he did not. Not yet.

Instead, he healed Dew (19 healing received), Herrah (12 healing received), and Dryya (13 healing received).

He'd heal the Blackguard next.

...

[It gains 3 (1+1+1) health.]

You've a choice; take us to the Pale King now, or whatever cruelty your lord calls mercy will look kind compared to what I can do to you.

[Lurien rolls 3d20 to attack; 17 + 19 + 20; total 56 damage!]

*his fingers trace down the golden blade, its shine becoming impossibly bright as he slashes out waves of almost burning light. if he has this power within him he may as well use it...*

On two calm feet, she approached the Blackguard, and...

She attempted to bind his wounds.

(3 + 3 + 12 = 18 healing received)

...

*The Blackguard blinks slowly.*

That is an incredibly bold decision.

*The Blackguard nods at Hornet.*

Yet a respectable decision.

But I simply must continue.

*The Blackguard throws a sickle at the Watcher.*

[They deal 36 (15+19+2) damage.]

*He grabs a crossbow, a few daggers, their blade and several other weapons.*

*They step out, their claw feet clinking on the steel floor. They adjust their armor with the help of Four, and makes his presence known to the assailants of the city.*

Well, it seems you got all the way to the underworks of the city! I congradulate you, "Heroes of Hallownest," you will die a glorious death!

*They draw their blade.*

[Lurien rolled 3d20 to attack; 14 + 17 + 18; total 49 damage!]

*more confident in his wings than he has been, Lurien dashes forwards, his pin outstetched before he slashes, an arc of sparks imbuded in the attack as the thunder egg charm Holly had gifted him works as intended*

"Why do you stand guard, sentinel? Why do this? Why serve a cruel master? Why not embrace freedom?"

So instead of attacking, she approached the other members of the team to begin healing their wounds, starting with Uunvraxis.

(1 + 6 + 14 = 21 healing received)

*The Blackguard is stabbed by the pin of the Watcher, though some of the damage is blocked by their dense armor.*

Augh... All this conversation! Exciting!

Watcher, you first.

*The Blackguard attempts to slash at Lurien, thinking that he would be the most determined of the group and thus be harder to take down so better to deal with early.*

(6 + 13 + 17 = 36 total damage!)

"Is this worth dying for? Is this worth killing for? Is this worth the senseless violence, to just... serve someone who just wants to watch the world burn?"

Knowing that Baldwin was also still hurt from the previous fight, Uunvraxis approached him and placed a hand on him. The spiral on Uunvraxis's shell lit up with Soul as he Focused and healed Baldwin's wounds.

And you, the sibling! It seems you've gotten a little bloodlust since I last saw you!

I simply must return that in kind.

*The Blackguard takes 36 damage from Glacier's ice, yet loads a crossbow and launches it at the Vessel's mask.*

Thank you, for your kindness

(292/300 hp)

Turns towards the blackguard

You should act more like him

I made a promise to defend my kingdom

I also made a promise to myself, to stop bastards like you

Baldwin throws his hook at him, and starts throwing him around like a ball and chain, hitting him on the ground and walls.

Xero rolled a 6+10+20=36

(That and baldwin's attack together makes it 81 damage)

Damn! You folks really are being rather efficient!

*The Blackguard drinks some sort of medicine from a flask and regains 43 (20+8+15)*

I'm not done yet though!

She rushes up faster than eyes could follow her movements. With all the force she could muster, she kicks the Blackguard in the chest.

(1+17+17=35 damage)

She turns around and frowns at Herrah.

"Would you capitalize on this? And don't forget we gotta talk later!"

*Herrah rushed forwards and attacked with a series of stabs and slashes from her claws, standing her ground in close quarters, if anything to server as a distraction and primary target.*

[13 + 11 + 20 = 44 damage!]

[The Blackguard defends 39 dmg (20+19) and deals 14 toward the beast.]

I have good experience putting down beasts. You are no different, spider.

Regardless, Dew raises his cannon to shoot twice, and then rushes forward to strike with their nail.

[Dew rolled 42 to attack (17 + 20 + 5)]

*Pablo finishes his drink and charges towards the blackguard*

[The Blackguard rolled a 40 to defend!]

I don't give a shit about you; tell me where the Pale King is!

[Lurien rolls 2d20 to attack; 15 + 17; total 32 damage!]

*neatly sidestepping the Blackguard's attack he slashes out with his weapon once more, neatly and cleanly, his eyes glaring through his mask with anger*

(6 + 15 + 15 = 36 healing received)

"I have stood sentinel for a Wyrm once, Blackguard. I found life far more fulfilling once I ceased, and perhaps the same would be true for you," Hornet shouted at the Sentinel.

I saw him a day or two ago, he was an annoyance. I took him from his cell to my master, and haven't seen him come out of the steel one's room.

Standing sentinel is not always what I do. My life is not in any way fulfilling, but do I complain? No.

Maybe you'd benefit from gaining some respect for your fellow warriors, hunter.

[The Blackguard cuts at Glacier yet again, dealing 42 (20+15+12) damage]

(14 to defend!)

(HP: 270/300)

*They move past the pain, slashing once then moving back, before firing off an icicle*

(12 + 19 = 31 damage!)

He focused his soul to heal Glacier (14 + 16 = 30 healing received) and Herrah (8 healing received).

[The Blackguard heals. 4 (1+2+1) HP added]

(292/300)

Xero rolled a 19+14+12=45

It's going to take more than that. I will fall before I let any of you cross into the halls.

"Stop this! We don't want to kill you!" she straddles his back, trying to subdue him.

(292/300)

(294/300)

Shit.

*He attempts to patch himself up.*

Dew takes this opportunity to raise their cannon and shoot at the Blackguard while they’re down.

[Dew rolled 41 to attack (11 + 11 + 19)]

Dew, what are you doing?

Shooting to kill.

You’re supposed to be trying to subdue them.

This is a member of the City of Steel and it knows that. People like them are either fight or die. And if they’re not dying, they’re fighting.

He was tempted, heavily tempted, to heal the Blackguard this instant. But he did not. Not yet.

Instead, he healed Dew (19 healing received), Herrah (12 healing received), and Dryya (13 healing received).

He'd heal the Blackguard next.

...

[It gains 3 (1+1+1) health.]

*He grabs a crossbow, a few daggers, their blade and several other weapons.*

*They step out, their claw feet clinking on the steel floor. They adjust their armor with the help of Four, and makes his presence known to the assailants of the city.*

Well, it seems you got all the way to the underworks of the city! I congradulate you, "Heroes of Hallownest," you will die a glorious death!

*They draw their blade.*

[Lurien rolled 3d20 to attack; 14 + 17 + 18; total 49 damage!]

*more confident in his wings than he has been, Lurien dashes forwards, his pin outstetched before he slashes, an arc of sparks imbuded in the attack as the thunder egg charm Holly had gifted him works as intended*

"Why do you stand guard, sentinel? Why do this? Why serve a cruel master? Why not embrace freedom?"

So instead of attacking, she approached the other members of the team to begin healing their wounds, starting with Uunvraxis.

(1 + 6 + 14 = 21 healing received)

*The Blackguard is stabbed by the pin of the Watcher, though some of the damage is blocked by their dense armor.*

Augh... All this conversation! Exciting!

Watcher, you first.

*The Blackguard attempts to slash at Lurien, thinking that he would be the most determined of the group and thus be harder to take down so better to deal with early.*

(6 + 13 + 17 = 36 total damage!)

"Is this worth dying for? Is this worth killing for? Is this worth the senseless violence, to just... serve someone who just wants to watch the world burn?"

Knowing that Baldwin was also still hurt from the previous fight, Uunvraxis approached him and placed a hand on him. The spiral on Uunvraxis's shell lit up with Soul as he Focused and healed Baldwin's wounds.

And you, the sibling! It seems you've gotten a little bloodlust since I last saw you!

I simply must return that in kind.

*The Blackguard takes 36 damage from Glacier's ice, yet loads a crossbow and launches it at the Vessel's mask.*

Thank you, for your kindness

(292/300 hp)

Turns towards the blackguard

You should act more like him

I made a promise to defend my kingdom

I also made a promise to myself, to stop bastards like you

Baldwin throws his hook at him, and starts throwing him around like a ball and chain, hitting him on the ground and walls.

Xero rolled a 6+10+20=36

(That and baldwin's attack together makes it 81 damage)

Damn! You folks really are being rather efficient!

*The Blackguard drinks some sort of medicine from a flask and regains 43 (20+8+15)*

I'm not done yet though!

She rushes up faster than eyes could follow her movements. With all the force she could muster, she kicks the Blackguard in the chest.

(1+17+17=35 damage)

She turns around and frowns at Herrah.

"Would you capitalize on this? And don't forget we gotta talk later!"

*Herrah rushed forwards and attacked with a series of stabs and slashes from her claws, standing her ground in close quarters, if anything to server as a distraction and primary target.*

[13 + 11 + 20 = 44 damage!]

[The Blackguard defends 39 dmg (20+19) and deals 14 toward the beast.]

I have good experience putting down beasts. You are no different, spider.

Regardless, Dew raises his cannon to shoot twice, and then rushes forward to strike with their nail.

[Dew rolled 42 to attack (17 + 20 + 5)]

*Pablo finishes his drink and charges towards the blackguard*

[The Blackguard rolled a 40 to defend!]

I don't give a shit about you; tell me where the Pale King is!

[Lurien rolls 2d20 to attack; 15 + 17; total 32 damage!]

*neatly sidestepping the Blackguard's attack he slashes out with his weapon once more, neatly and cleanly, his eyes glaring through his mask with anger*

(6 + 15 + 15 = 36 healing received)

"I have stood sentinel for a Wyrm once, Blackguard. I found life far more fulfilling once I ceased, and perhaps the same would be true for you," Hornet shouted at the Sentinel.

I saw him a day or two ago, he was an annoyance. I took him from his cell to my master, and haven't seen him come out of the steel one's room.

Standing sentinel is not always what I do. My life is not in any way fulfilling, but do I complain? No.

Maybe you'd benefit from gaining some respect for your fellow warriors, hunter.

[The Blackguard cuts at Glacier yet again, dealing 42 (20+15+12) damage]

(14 to defend!)

(HP: 270/300)

*They move past the pain, slashing once then moving back, before firing off an icicle*

(12 + 19 = 31 damage!)

He focused his soul to heal Glacier (14 + 16 = 30 healing received) and Herrah (8 healing received).

[The Blackguard heals. 4 (1+2+1) HP added]

(292/300)

Xero rolled a 19+14+12=45

It's going to take more than that. I will fall before I let any of you cross into the halls.

"Stop this! We don't want to kill you!" she straddles his back, trying to subdue him.

(292/300)

(294/300)

Shit.

*He attempts to patch himself up.*