Melinda’s Concentration check: 1d20+19 = 21 (Success)

Melinda’s Attack (FDW6): 1d20+21 = 41 (Touch) (Crit Threat)

Confirm Crit: 1d20+21 = 30 (Touch) (Critical hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 14d6 = 47 (Acid) (Dead)

Melinda’s Attack (FDW2): 1d20+21 = 26 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 23 (Acid) (Dead)

Melinda’s Attack (FDW5): 1d20+21 = 41 (Touch) (Crit Threat)

Confirm Crit: 1d20+21 = 26 (Touch) (Critical hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 46 (Acid) (Dead)

Melinda’s Attack (FDW4): 1d20+21 = 26 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 23 (Acid)

Despite being surrounded by skeletons, I could see the wolves coming closer. The skeletons barely registered as a threat. If I got careless, or the mindless undead got lucky, then they could be a problem, but otherwise they were serving a useful role in being a barrier between us and the wolves.

So, I did the natural thing, and shot past my unwitting shields, and aimed for the closest wolves. I didn’t forget to change my attacks to acid, since the wolves, unlike the skeletons, were resistant to magic. The results were… emphatic, as three of the wolves literally melted under the acidic assault. OK, some of them had been hurt by the skeletons, but still, it was quite impressive. And even the survivor was not looking to be in good shape.

Skeletons’ attacks x7 (Melinda): 1d20+1 = 18 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x6 (Frostmane): 1d20+1 = 11 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x3 (Vestele): 1d20+1 = 8 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x2 (Siora): 1d20+1 = 20 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x2 (FDW1): 1d20+1 = 18 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+2 =4 (DR 10/Magic)

Skeletons’ attacks x1 (FDW3): 1d20+1 = 10 (Miss)

The skeletons once again proved their worth as nothing but expendable shields between us and more troublesome foes. Their blades were slashing all around us, but they were, to put it bluntly, completely ineffective. Which was just fine by me.

Siora, in the meantime, dropped into a defensive stance. Her spells were mostly enchantments and illusions. The skeletons were immune to such things, and, other than the spell she just used, her choices for dealing with the wolves were too short in their range to reach them just yet. So, she focused on the defense, and watched for an opportunity.

FW4’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+20 = 39 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 21 (Slashing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 6 (Fire) (Dead)

FW4’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+15 = 20 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 18 (Slashing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 5 (Fire) (Dead)

The werewolf warriors advanced, moving quickly around the few remaining skeletons between our pack and them. Well, all except one. Two swift strokes of its blade brought down the two skeletons threatening one of the wolves. The magic that enlarged them certainly didn’t hinder their attacks any.

FDW1’s attack (Skeleton): 1d20+11 = 18 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+10 = 18 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning) (Dead)

FDW3’s attack (Skeleton): 1d20+11 = 23 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+10 = 11 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning) (Dead)

FDW4’s attack (Skeleton): 1d20+11 = 24 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+10 = 12 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning) (Dead)

The remaining wolves advanced. Powerful jaws shattered reanimated bones. Our little ring of protection grew smaller as we allowed them to waste their energy getting through.

Rena’s CL Check: 1d20+10 = 27 (Success)

The priestess advanced, getting into the middle of the four warriors. “Malar, bless this Hunt, and guide our blades as we seek our prey!” With those words, a bloody aura surrounded her and the other werewolves, as well as two of the dire wolves.

Frostmane’s attack (Skeleton): 1d20+22 = 40 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+17 = 19 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 5 (Cold Immunity) (Dead)

Frostmane chuffed once, before striking down another skeleton with his jaws. “The little priestess must really be worried about their chances if she’s already trying to bolster her forces. Perhaps that’s why her masters left her out here to die first?” His words were loud enough that they could easily be heard over the din of battle. I noticed that the priestess was glaring quite harshly at him.

Vestele’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+10 = 16 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+2 = 8 (Bludgeoning) (Dead)

Vestele’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+5 = 19 (Miss)

Damage: 1d8+2 = 10 (Bludgeoning) (Dead)

Vestele growled, as her morningstar smote two more skeletons, driving them into the ground. “Now, now, Frostmane, the bitch is probably in heat, that’s why she’s so anxious. You’ll have to go ahead and break her a bit once we get her settled down. Perhaps a litter will get her to move to a better path in life.”

Lingering Acid damage (FDW4): 2d6 = 10 (Acid)

Melinda’s Concentration check: 1d20+19 = 29 (Success)

Melinda’s Attack (FW2): 1d20+21 = 39 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 7d6 = 28 (Acid)

Melinda’s Attack (Rena): 1d20+21 = 37 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 14 (Acid) (Acid Resistance 10)

Melinda’s Attack (FW4): 1d20+21 = 40 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 14 (Acid)

Melinda’s Attack (FW1): 1d20+21 = 31 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 14 (Acid)

By my calculations, the skeletons would not last much longer. The werewolves would tear through them momentarily, and then things would be much more difficult. With that thought in mind, I turned my eye away from the skeletons, and even the dire wolves, and focused on the werewolves. My bolt of acid scarred several wolves, though I noticed that, again, it barely did anything to the priestess.

The banter coming from Frostmane and Vestele was too close to home for my tastes, so I decided to change its direction slightly. “Come, now, Vestele, are you saying you and your sister weren’t planning on turning a couple of these wolves into your personal toys?” As I spoke, I was amused to see the looks of rage and indignation sweeping across the enemies’ faces. Angry enemies made mistakes, and those mistakes could often prove fatal.

Vestele’s AoO (Skeleton): 1d20+10 = 15 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+2 = 7 (Bludgeoning) (Dead)

Skeletons’ attacks x7 (Melinda): 1d20+1 = 14 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x6 (Frostmane): 1d20+1 = 14 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x1 (Vestele): 1d20+1 = 10 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x2 (Siora): 1d20+1 = 18 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x2 (FDW4): 1d20+1 = 4 (Miss)

The skeletons attacked again, but all they accomplished with their flailing was one of their number falling as Vestele’s morningstar met the creature’s skull while it tried to maneuver past her to get into a position to attack. Two others split off from the group, since they could not reach me with the others in their way, and sought out the unarmored hide of one of the wolves. Unfortunately, their luck was no better than that of the ones attacking me.

Siora’s Concentration Check: 1d20+21 = 35 (Success)

Siora’s CL Check: 1d20+12 = 27 (Success)

FW2’s Will Save (Charm Monster): 1d20+6 = 13 (Fail)

Siora just smiled as she kept her motions tight, not giving the skeletons an opening while she cast. “You know, getting a new pet isn’t a bad idea, Mel.” She unleashed the spell at one of the warriors, who stopped, and stared at her, waiting. Her smile grew wider as she pointed to Rena. “Kill the priestess!”

FW1’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+21 = 25 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 17 (Slashing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 6 (Fire) (Dead)

FW1’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+16 = 27 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 17 (Slashing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 2 (Fire) (Dead)

FW1’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+11 = 25 (Miss)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 16 (Slashing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 1 (Fire) (Dead)

FW1’s Bite (Skeleton): 1d20+14 = 20 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+8 = 16 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning) (Dead)

FW2’s Attack (Rena): 1d20+21 = 38 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 17 (Slashing) (DR 10/Silver)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 6 (Fire) (Fire Resistance 10)

FW4’s Attack (FW2): 1d20+21 = 24 (Miss)

FW4’s Attack (FW2): 1d20+16 = 23 (Miss)

FW4’s Attack (FW2): 1d20+11 = 13 (Miss)

FW4’s Bite (FW2): 1d20+14 = 22 (Miss)

It only took a little spark to cause chaos to flare up in the enemy ranks. Sure, one werewolf neatly shredded the line of skeletons separating me from him, but Siora’s pet played its part well, slashing the priestess with his burning blade. In response, one of the other werewolves turned to defend the priestess, though he found his charmed compatriot much harder to hit than the mere skeletons they had been butchering.

FDW1’s attack (Melinda): 1d20+11 = 25 (Miss)

Damage: 1d8+10 = 18 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning) (Dead)

FDW3’s attack (FW2): 1d20+11 = 31 (Crit Threat)

Confirm Crit: 1d20+11 = 26 (Critical Hit)

Damage: 2d8+20 = 22 (Piercing)

FDW3’s Trip Attempt: 1d20+11 = 15

FW2’s Modified STR check: 1d20+10 = 14 (Fail, Prone)

FDW4’s attack (Skeleton): 1d20+11 = 24 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+10 = 14 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning) (Dead)

For the first time since the fight began, wolves began snapping at things that weren’t just animated scraps of bone. I evaded my attacker easily enough, but Siora’s pet did not. The wolf’s fangs found his arm, and threw him to the ground.

Rena’s Spiritual Weapon (Siora): 1d20+14 = 31 (Hit)

20% Miss Chance: 1d100 = 79 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+3 = 5 (Force)

The priestess snarled at her charmed follower. “Slay this fool for me!” Then her eyes locked on to Siora. “And you, may Malar’s claws rend your flesh!” As she said that, a set of claws appeared in the air next to Siora, and slashed the Beguiler’s shoulder.

Frostmane’s attack (Skeleton): 1d20+22 = 38 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+17 = 25 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 2 (Cold Immunity) (Dead)

Frostmane’s jaws clenched shut, destroying another skeleton, and freeing the way in front of him to begin attacking the true threat, the wolves. But he didn’t forget to twist the dagger a little in the priestess. “Don’t worry, pup. Once I get through making you my bitch, you won’t care about Malar in the slightest.”

Vestele’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+10 = 14 (Miss)

Vestele’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+5 = 21 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+2 = 4 (Bludgeoning)

Skeleton’s Will Save (Disruption): 1d20+2 = 9 (Fail, Dead)

Vestele smirked as her weapon destroyed another of the skeletons. “Really, we might be able to convert her into a priestess of Sharess when you’re through with her, Frostmane. They are all about getting fucked into a haze. Unlike followers of the Lady, who like to maintain control of the situation while we indulge ourselves.”

Lingering Acid damage (FDW4): 2d6 = 5 (Acid)

Lingering Acid damage (FW1): 2d6 = 5 (Acid)

Lingering Acid damage (FW2): 2d6 = 7 (Acid)

Lingering Acid damage (FW4): 2d6 = 9 (Acid)

Lingering Acid damage (Rena): 2d6 = 4 (Acid) (Acid Resistance 10)

Melinda’s Concentration check: 1d20+19 = 32 (Success)

Melinda’s Attack (Rena): 1d20+21 = 36 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 7d6 = 19 (Acid) (Acid Resistance 10)

Melinda’s Attack (FDW3): 1d20+21 = 39 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 9 (Acid)

Melinda’s Attack (FW4): 1d20+21 = 35 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 9 (Acid)

Melinda’s Attack (FW3): 1d20+21 = 30 (Touch) (Hit)

Vitriolic Chain Damage: 9 (Acid)

Acid sizzled and burned the wolves, but I wasn’t going to stop. Firing another bolt, this time I targeted someone who was just within striking distance: the priestess. My shot hit true, and bounced around to the other victims quite nicely. “All right, time to stop playing around. Crush these fools!”

Skeletons’ attacks x4 (Melinda): 1d20+1 = 18 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x2 (Frostmane): 1d20+1 = 15 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x1 (Vestele): 1d20+1 = 12 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x3 (Siora): 1d20+1 = 12 (Miss)

Skeletons’ attacks x1 (FDW4): 1d20+1 = 21 (Crit threat)

Confirm Crit: 1d20+1 = 18 (Critical Hit)

Damage: 2d6+2 = 6 (DR 5/Magic)

The skeletons struck out once again, both literally and figuratively. One managed to catch the wolf between the ribs, but the beast’s magical hide kept it from taking much damage. But that was fine. The wolf would have to pay attention to the skeleton instead of us, which made our lives easier.

Siora’s Concentration Check: 1d20+21 = 29 (Success)

Siora’s Bluff Check (FW1): 1d20+17 = 35

FW1’s Sense Motive: 1d20+1 = 9 (Fail)

Siora’s CL Check: 1d20+14 = 25 (Success)

FW1’s Will Save (Whelm): 1d20+6 = 11 (Fail)

Damage: 5d6 = 15 (Nonlethal)

Siora recovered nicely from the spiritual weapon’s assault, and unleashed a quick spell at the closest of the warriors. The warrior staggered back as she cast the spell, shaking his head. “Please kill that bitch before she can do too much more.”

FW1’s Attack (Melinda): 1d20+21 = 24 (Miss)

FW1’s Attack (Melinda): 1d20+16 = 25 (Miss)

FW1’s Attack (Melinda): 1d20+11 = 21 (Miss)

FW1’s Bite (Melinda): 1d20+14 = 17 (Miss)

FW4’s AoO (FW2): 1d20+21 = 23 (Miss)

FDW3’s AoO (FW2): 1d20+11 = 24 (Miss)

Rena’s AoO (FW2): 1d20+20 = 25 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+16 = 25 (Slashing) (DR 5/Silver)

FW2’s Attack (Rena): 1d20+21 = 33 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 17 (Slashing) (DR 10/Silver)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 5 (Fire) (Fire Resistance 10)

FW2’s Attack (Rena): 1d20+16 = 26 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 13 (Slashing) (DR 10/Silver)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 5 (Fire) (Fire Resistance 10)

FW2’s Attack (Rena): 1d20+11 = 29 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 14 (Slashing) (DR 10/Silver)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 6 (Fire) (Fire Resistance 10)

FW2’s Bite (Rena): 1d20+14 = 28 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+8 = 11 (Piercing) (DR 10/Silver)

FW4’s Attack (FW2): 1d20+21 = 28 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 19 (Slashing) (DR 5/Silver)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 2 (Fire) (Fire Resistance 10)

FW4’s Attack (FW2): 1d20+16 = 30 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+10 = 21 (Slashing) (DR 5/Silver)

Flaming weapon: 1d6 = 3 (Fire) (Fire Resistance 10) (Dead)

The werewolf in front of me started slashing and biting like a wild animal, but I was too quick, dodging out of the way. Siora’s pet stood up, fending off blows as he did so, and struck out against the priestess. His blows struck home, but without a silvered weapon it was not as effective as it could have been. Unfortunately, one of his comrades then cut him down with two slashes of his sword.

FDW1’s attack (Melinda): 1d20+11 = 13 (Miss)

Damage: 1d8+10 = 18 (Piercing) (DR 5/Bludgeoning) (Dead)

Skeleton’s AoO x2 (FDW3): 1d20+1 = 15 (Hit)

Damage: 2d6+2 = 9 (Slashing) (DR 5/Magic)

The wolf closest to me tried to bite, like the bad dog it was, but I wasn’t slow enough for it to catch me. The other wolves moved around the pack, looking to get past the skeletons to us. Even if one got a couple nicks from the skeletons in passing, they were more concerned with us.

Rena’s Spiritual Weapon (Siora): 1d20+14 = 29 (Hit)

20% Miss Chance: 1d100 = 13 (Miss)

Melinda’s Fort Save (Wrack): 1d20+20 = 24 (Success)

The Priestess advanced, her eyes blazing as she stared at me. “Foul thing! Don’t think I’ve forgotten you and your acid. Take this!” She unleashed a spell at me, but my mystically enhanced body was too strong to be stopped. She screamed when I just smiled, instead of suffering whatever fate she had wished upon me.

Frostmane’s attack (FW3): 1d20+17 = 36 (Hit)

Power Attack (5) Bite: 1d8+22 = 28 (Piercing) (DR 5/Silver)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 3 (Cold Resistance 10)

Frostmane’s Trip attempt: 1d20+17 = 20

FW3’s Modified STR Check: 1d20+10 = 28 (Success)

Frostmane’s fangs found werewolf flesh, and he ripped ragged chunks from the wolf’s side. “Finally, someone who can actually put up a fight! I was starting to get bored!”

Vestele’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+10 = 27 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+2 = 10 (Bludgeoning) (Dead)

Vestele’s Attack (Skeleton): 1d20+5 = 8 (Miss)

Vestele smashed the skeleton closest to her, destroying it. As she moved towards another skeleton, swinging half-heartedly at it, she said, “Don’t be like that, Frostmane. Taking it easy is good for you.” Apparently, banter just couldn’t be stopped.