Paimon's Rapier (IC)

[Ichneumon]

Paimon's Rapier

Your months long journey through the swamps, full of hostile and unfriendly Lizardfolk and Bullywugs, has left your cloaks and armor covered in mud and your clothes soaked with sweat. Hungry insects buzz about you, and the air is warm and wet. Your destination is Blackroot, an orc tribal village. You've been send on a "holy" mission to find out more about an ancient artefact, known as "Paimon's rapier".

The legend of the rapier, which you all know. (same as from the recruitment thread)
Legends say that eons ago the gods came together in the great halls of the Sun God, after having fought great wars with each other, to feast and celebrate this new era of peace. All the gods had taken with them their most loyal servant to serve them at the feast, as the Sun God didn't have enough servants to serve all the deities that evening. One of the gods, Camazotz, the god of bats fell for the beauty of Fertility, the daughter of the Sun God. He tried to win her affection, by praising her many talents and he composed a song for her. The song intimidated Fertility though and when she didn't return Camazotz's love, he forced himself on her (impregnating her). The Sun God's loyal servant caught them in the act and told his master about the rape. All the gods were furious and banished the evil bat god to the underworld. Camazotz's loyal servant, known as Paimon, wanted to avenge his lord and challenged the Sun God for a duel, but the Sun God didn't like to be challenged by a mere mortal servant and cut of Paimon's hands and feet, bound swords to his mutilated limbs and ordered him to dance for his guests instead.

After the feast was over, Paimon died exhausted and humiliated. His plagued soul went back to Camazotz in the Underworld. Fertility gave birth to a son, who would later become the god of Night. She raised the son together with the Sun God's loyal servant, the one who discovered the rape. He was rewarded by the Gods and became a god himself, now known as the God of Honour.
The sun is beginning to set when the settlement finally comes into view. Like most villages in these forsaken lands, this small community offers few amenities. There is no central authority in the Blackroot, and the village reeve, a paladin of the Sun called Doria Veledaar, is responsible for administering justice in the local region and she is said to know more about rapier.

Blackroot draws its name from the darkwood trees that thrive in this region, their tangled roots rising up from the soil to all sides. The ground here is relatively solid, and the village sits atop a rocky rise. Its huts sit directly upon the ground instead of being raised on stilts above marshland, as is common elsewhere in the region. Orcs, humans, and half-orcs work
together in the nearby orchards or pass along the main street. None of them seem particularly pleased to see you. Within moments, you are approached by a lean and muscular orc, wearing dark blue armor, decorated with water and rain like patterns. His skin is weathered, streaks of gray seen in his long black hair. He bears no weapons, but he carries himself with confidence. “Greetings,” he says. “I am Izodor, Paladin of the Rain God, the reeve of Blackroot. I don’t know what brings you here, but we’ve no inn, no tavern, and no time for strangers. I suggest you move on.”

[GamerJacob]

Despite the harsh journey, Laos steps up with a spring in his step. "We have cause to be here. Doria Veledaar sent word to Julia Riverdroplet in Lutarum. We have been sent by her to hear Doria out. This is Blackroot, is it not?"

[Ichneumon]

Izodor is confident, even to the point of extreme arrogance.
"Yes, this is Blackroot all right, but I don't care about your cause, we don't want you here. We've got a lot to do and don't want strangers like you walking around, causing trouble, sticking there nose where it doesn't belong." Izodor reacts gruff, but his body language is not actually aggresive. "Doria is gone, left with here family" He points to one of the cottages. "Left a few weeks ago, didn't like living here any more, don't know where she went or what for."

[GamerJacob]

"You want don't us here? I can understand that. I'll be frank with you to say that we're not simply going to leave. Let us have a look at that cottage to see if there was a message or such left behind for us. Did Doria say where she was taking her family? Help us find Doria and we'll abide by your rules. That will be the quickest way to get us out of Blackroot."

[deathpigeon]

Izodor is confident, even to the point of extreme arrogance.
"Yes, this is Blackroot all right, but I don't care about your cause, we don't want you here. We've got a lot to do and don't want strangers like you walking around, causing trouble, sticking there nose where it doesn't belong." Izodor reacts gruff, but his body language is not actually aggresive. "Doria is gone, left with here family" He points to one of the cottages. "Left a few weeks ago, didn't like living here any more, don't know where she went or what for."

Peren glares at the Paladin, but for now restrains himself from killing him here and now.

[Scoot]

Thorn groans to himself, "I guess this is why men of faith weren't allowed in my village, so very rude.". He then turns to face the Paladin, "Laos speaks the truth, we're not leaving without this information. We mean you no harm, and we simply wish to continue on with our mission."

[Ichneumon]

"You want don't us here? I can understand that. I'll be frank with you to say that we're not simply going to leave. Let us have a look at that cottage to see if there was a message or such left behind for us. Did Doria say where she was taking her family? Help us find Doria and we'll abide by your rules. That will be the quickest way to get us out of Blackroot."

When the paladin Izodor notices the party isn't that easy to get rid off, he get's angry.

"Who do you think you are, thugs? Coming here, trying to make deals with me. You're here in my village. I OWN Blackroot. I've got work to do, work of the gravest importance for..." He hessitates. "I don't know where she went and I'm certainly not going to help you search for her. I'm glad she's gone."

Then, Izodor sees Peren gaze at him and he looks at the party members again.

Suspiciously, he says: "Ehh, you know what... You may take a look at the cottage, given that it's empty anyway. But I want you to be gone next morning!"

He whistles. Another orc appears from one of the cottages.

[GamerJacob]

Laos for the first (and definitely not the last time) happily engages in a conversation about someone in front of that person. "He is more of a village protector type. A group such as ourselves are likely to be trouble when we don't get our way." Laos looks pointedly at Izodor, "Self-Interested Ego types. Thugs. I'm sure you've seen 'em before. But lets not fight; don't think so poorly of us; come here and give me a hug!"

Laos makes big eyes at Izodor and flings his arms wide.

The moment over, Laos looks back to his companions. "Men of 'Faith' can often be self righteous. After all they have the highest authority on their side. But that is just mortal failing revealing itself associated with that which can be actually virtuous. Now Izodor, hasn't said a thing related to The Rain God yet. In fact, I'm not going to take that he is an actual devotee at face value. We've known murderers that don that cloth. They might even a part of the actual order without the blessing of The Rain God." Laos looks to Peren with compassion.

[gareth]

Thomas (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=176964) smirks at the mention of the Rain God, then looks alarmed as Laos speaks. He makes a throat slitting gesture and whispers to him:
Shut up, we're in.

Thomas turns to Izodor.
You'll have to pardon our barbarian. He's great in a fight, but he's not the sharpest arrow in the quiver.

[Ichneumon]

"You... mock... me..."
Izodor looks like he is about to explode, as an semi-reflex he grabs to his side, as if he was expecting to grap a sword out of a sheath. However, as he carries no sword (nor has a sheathed sword), he grabs thin air. He looks a bit surprised by it.


You'll have to pardon our barbarian. He's great in a fight, but he's not the sharpest arrow in the quiver.

Izodor calms down when he hears Thomas speak. A small smirk appears on his face and a strange mad sparkle appears in his eyes when he mumbles: "May the great rain wash you all away, ignorant fools."

The other orc has ran to the group by now. He's a head smaller than Izodor and looks quite timid.

"Y....Ye...Ye..Yes, Chief?"

Izodor, not even looking at the other orc, turns towards Laos, he says: "This here is Dorn. He'll bring you all to the cottage of the Veledaar family."

He turns towards the entire group again, looks very briefly down on the orc identified as "Dorn". He puts on a fake smile and says in a very sarcastic "polite" manner: "Now, you must excuse me, gentlemen. The job of a paladin of Rain and village reeve is never done."

He nods to Dorn who seems to be too afraid of Izodor to look him in the eyes, expecting to be hit by him, he shouts softly.

Izodor looks at the party again, while making movements to indicate he is about to leave: :smallmad:"Can you all agree with this solution?"

[gareth]

Thomas nods.
That's fine, we'll follow him.

[deathpigeon]

Laos for the first (and definitely not the last time) happily engages in a conversation about someone in front of that person. "He is more of a village protector type. A group such as ourselves are likely to be trouble when we don't get our way." Laos looks pointedly at Izodor, "Self-Interested Ego types. Thugs. I'm sure you've seen 'em before. But lets not fight; don't think so poorly of us; come here and give me a hug!"

Laos makes big eyes at Izodor and flings his arms wide.

The moment over, Laos looks back to his companions. "Men of 'Faith' can often be self righteous. After all they have the highest authority on their side. But that is just mortal failing revealing itself associated with that which can be actually virtuous. Now Izodor, hasn't said a thing related to The Rain God yet. In fact, I'm not going to take that he is an actual devotee at face value. We've known murderers that don that cloth. They might even a part of the actual order without the blessing of The Rain God." Laos looks to Peren with compassion.

Peren smiles at Laos, completely ignoring everyone else, "That is true, he may in fact not believe in the great Rain god, or he may interpret the teachings of the Rain god falsely, but all I have to know about him is that he is probably of the order."

[Talkkno]

Brielth Ulthren

Brielth followed his companions silently, though listening attentively, interjecting tersely after Peren, outstretching his neck. "What does it matter if he follows Rain god? He gave us the information we needed, let us move on from this trival matter."

[Ichneumon]

"A..Al... All.. R.Right, gentle.. gentlemen? Could you please follow me?"

Dorn escorts you to the abandoned Veledaar dwelling, while Izodor quickly runs away. Clouds start forming in the sky, blocking the sun. It's getting late.

Doria Veledaar was supposed to be staying with her family in Blackroot, but she isn't any more. What happened? Where did she go? Can you find any clues?



It's time for a skill challenge...
Needed: 8 successes before 3 failures.
The idea of this skill challenge is to investigate what happpened. You could search for a message left by Doria or other clues inside her cottage, like Laos (GamerJacob) suggested or look around in Blackroot some more. You are allowed to use all the skills you think might be appropriate (Insight, Perception, maybe Diplomacy/Intimidate or even Nature or Heal if you can think of a good logical use for it). See the OOC-thread for more information about this challenge.

[GamerJacob]

Figuring Thorn will handle the basic search of the Veledaar cottage, Laos immediately starts a search of the inaccessible places (the ceiling, the roof, and the undercarriage part of the house that offers access from the dip it sits on.)

I am attempting to leverage Athletics for these hard to reach places. If you do not feel that is appropriate, just knock 5 off this roll for Perception.

Skill Challenge Roll [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

The cottage has two floors and a porch. You find nothing special about the ceilings or the roof. Standing on the roof of the porch though you can look, through a window, inside a bedroom on the second floor. You nitice that the curtains are torn apart and the sheets of the bed and pillows are wildly scattered on the ground. Two chairs lie on their side near the door, one of them is broken in 2 pieces as if something or someone violently smashed against it.

[1 success, 0 failures]

[deathpigeon]

Peren wanders the city asking the citizens of Blackroot about Doria, and the Rain Paladin to find out more about what happened, and to get dirt on the paladin.

Streetwise- [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

All citizens react wary to Peren's questions. They seem nervous and, when approached, pretend to be in a hurry and don't have time to talk.

[1 success, 1 failure]

[gareth]

Thomas doesn't bother to search the cottage - the others are better at that. He wanders through the village, not speaking to the orcs but merely listening to them talk in the local dialect of Giant. When he returns, he takes a vial of metallic powder from his pocket and pours it onto his tongue. He holds it in his mouth for ten minutes before spitting it out.
Casting Comprehend Language for Giant. Arcana check: [roll0]. This isn't part of the skill challenge, just preparation for doing an Insight check if it works.

[Talkkno]

Brielth Ulthren

Brielth picks up a clod of dirt near the cottage and scatters it to the winds, his keen eyes picking up on marks they may have been left by there departure. Perhaps natural animals dragged to them their deaths...or horrors that lurk beneath the underdark emerged to feed. He shuddered, dismissing that thought to the dark conors of mind as he went to work.


Perception [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Right in front of the door, Brielth finds trampled into the dirt a broken tip of what appears to be a dagger blade crafted from red volcanic glass.

[2 success, 1 failure]

[deathpigeon]

Peren returns to the cottage disappointed. At the cottage, he attempts to sense for the presence of magic around the hut.

Arcana- [roll0]

[Talkkno]

Brielth Ulthren

Brielth picks up the dagger blade, handling it carefully, uses a stick to nudge it gently and he attempts to discern the nature of the weapon.

Knowledge Nature [roll0]

[Scoot]

Thorn decides to enter the Cottage and actively search it, looking for any possible clues to the former inhabitant's whereabouts.

Perception - [roll0]

[gareth]

Thomas curses (in Common) as the spell fizzles - he's unable to speak Giant, but he can still understand it. He walks quietly through the village again, trying to hear what the orcs are talking about amongst themselves.

Insight check for skill challenge: "What are the orcs worried about?" [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Peren returns to the cottage disappointed. At the cottage, he attempts to sense for the presence of magic around the hut.


As soon as Peren tries to "sense" magic he is almost overwhelmed by the very powerful mystical energy that surrounds the entire village. He feels it is concentrated somewhere close by.


Brielth picks up the dagger blade, handling it carefully, uses a stick to nudge it gently and he attempts to discern the nature of the weapon.

The blade, although now just a piece of useless volcanic glass, seems to have been part of an expensive seremonial dagger, traditionally used for ritual animal sacrifice. It has a cutting edge and a ledge to divert the animal's blood (so to prevent the priest's cloths from getting covered in blood).


Thorn decides to enter the Cottage and actively search it, looking for any possible clues to the former inhabitant's whereabouts.

It seems unlikely that Doria's family left to seek new lives. Many possessions that would likely have been taken on an extensive trip were left behind. Such as clothing and things one would judge to have sentimental value like many of the prices Doria seems to have won with gardening.


Thomas curses (in Common) as the spell fizzles - he's unable to speak Giant, but he can still understand it. He walks quietly through the village again, trying to hear what the orcs are talking about amongst themselves.

Many of the folk of Blackroot seem fearful, as if anticipating some imminent challenge or threat. Thomas is also able to hear the following short conversation between 2 orcs, both quite old and wearing loose peasant clothing:

"Thorgosh, maybe we should try to escape? It's still a few hours before nightfall."
"Escape where? If Izodor plans to harvest us tonight, he will notice we are gone. He will find us."
"So, if he wishes to take us tonight, we are doomed, whatever we try to do?"
"Aye."

[6 success, 1 failure]

[Talkkno]

Brielth nods silently, picking up the blade by its handle.

Peren, Thomoas come here, this blade i uncovered I am certain is used for animal scarfice. It portends an ill omen, perhaps one of the dark gods servents are at work here. The elf calls, steeling his gaze to determine if the work of the abbherent are at work.

Knowledge Dungeoneering [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Knowledge Dungeoneering [roll0]

You don't uncover anything new and substantial about the mysterious dagger. It certainly was an advanced dagger, more so than others, but they are used by a variety of different cultures, races and people. Nothing on the dagger hints towards a specific race or a more specific purpose other than that it is a ritual dagger most of the times used for killing animals during religous sacrifices.

[gareth]

Thomas returns to the cottage and reports what he heard.
If we can trust what they said, Izodor is killing or kidnapping some of the orcs at nightfall. We need to get out of here.
He sees the dagger.
Give me that for a second.
He studies the dagger, hoping for a clue about its owner.
Religion check: "Which religion or sect uses this style of dagger?" [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Traditionally, the cults of the god of the Sky, of the goddess of Fire, of the god of Night, goddess of Diseases, and cults of the bat god Camazotz, use these or similar daggers in their ceremonies, however in modern days they aren't even used any more to kill animals ever since the teachings of the god of Nonviolence became popular in these regions. That's for all of the "humanoid" gods, many religions of "primitive" monstrous races use daggers like these (yet less sophisticated) even today, but the knowledge about these nature religions is too scarse to identify one kind of religion from another.


[7 success, 1 failure] 1 more succes to go...

EDIT: Oh and starts to rain, a small drizzle.

[GamerJacob]

"Good Work Thomas! But leave? We've got to stop this Izodor. I'll not fight an army, but he can't be making many friends by killing these people's neighbors. Perhaps Brielth will join me to scout out just how many 'thugs' this bastard has with him. "

[gareth]

Thomas sighs.
I'd really rather not get into a fight. But I suppose if we just leave we'll never find the artifact.
He thinks for a moment.
All right, try to find out what we're facing. I'll fight any reasonable enemy but I'm not up for a suicide mission.

[Talkkno]

Brielth

Perhaps it is not a parley to suicide as much you think Thomas. A single devastating strike could cut the head of beast so to speak. Scattering his forces to the wind. Dorn's hesitation and fear in leading us here seems to suggest that the paladin is only strong arming them into submission. Brielth remarked with a hint of grim sastifcation, already toying with an arrow in his quiver.

[deathpigeon]

Peren rushes to Thomas, fear filling his eyes, "This city is surrounded by some sort of strange magical force, it is concentrated somewhere nearby." He looks at the drizzling clouds, "Though... If we attack now, we will have the Rain God on our side." He lowers his head in prayer.

[Scoot]

Hearing word of a possible fight, Thorn pops his head out from the cottage, "One paladin should hardly prove to be a fight, if he's all there is I say we go for it. Oh, and if anyone cares to know I'm pretty certain Doria left in a hurry, I'm guessing this paladin may be a factor as of to why."

[Talkkno]

Brielth

I'm certain that more clues to Doria's disappearance still lie here...but as the say, fortune favors the bold Brielth remarks, an open palm collecting a small puddle, the water soon overflowing into the ground. Closing his fist, the water splashes across his face.

[deathpigeon]

Brielth

I'm certain that more clues to Doria's disappearance still lie here...but as the say, fortune favors the bold Brielth remarks, an open palm collecting a small puddle, the water soon overflowing into the ground. Closing his fist, the water splashes across his face.

Peren nods and says, "And the Rain God favors the true of heart."

[Talkkno]

Brielth

Very well then, I'll shall scout, while the rest of the group follows behind. Dorn left not too long ago, I'm sure that he will lead us to Izodor. And if the situation does favor us, then we should assault. Brielth replied, nodding, as he attempts to follow Dorn's tracks.

Knowledge Nature to track: [roll0]
Stealth if successful in tracking to avoid being seen [roll1]

[CrazySopher]

Rhavash grinned, twisting his neck with an audible crack as he hefted his massive, jagged axe over his shoulder again. "Mmmm, good. Been waiting too long for a little action. When we catch up to the guy, I hope nobody minds if I 'politely' ask him what may have happened and where our shiny new Paladin friend is?"

[Ichneumon]

[8 success, 1 failure] Well done team...

None of the native population seems to notice Brielth leaving.
Dorn's tracks, although difficult to follow because of the rain, lead out of the village through a path at the far side of the village deeper into the woods. The path is small, irregular and difficult and the woods are dense, filled with blackroot trees. Brielth however has no difficulty following his footprints and could most likely track them down further deeper into the woods.

[I'm assuming he does that, alone, while the rest still is in in/near the village of Blackroot. He's the scout and scouts ahead.]

@Brielth: The foliage around round you is tough, which bloodvines winding around and between the trees. The path you follow is difficult and irregular, but seems to be worn and many individuals seem to have walked it before. As you approach a sloping hill, you see a clearing open up around the mouth of a cave. Two villagers stand watch by the mouth of the cave. One of them seems to be Dorn. The other is a heavyset orc woodcutter, with his axe ready. Both seem to be talking. They haven't noticed you.

@the others: In the village nothing happens. All the villagers seem to have returned to their homes and keep quiet. Entire Blackroot seems deserted. Thomas suddenly however, notices a strong increase in ambient arcane energy, of unknown source, somewhere in the woods, in the direction Brielth went to scout. It's a quite unnerving kind of energy, unnatural and uncommon, even in a world with all kinds of magical auras.

It starts to rain harder.

Everyone should make a stealth check if they decide to follow Brielth. Brielth doesn't need to make another stealth check if he now decides to return to the village.

Map of the cave entrance, the two guards and Brielth's position:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5579/screenshot20100112at921.png
The yellow boxes are difficult terrain. The stuff in the blue boxes provide cover. B stands for Brielth. The two g's are the two guards, the most left is Dorn. The pink areas are areas on which you can not stand. It's mountainous rock. The southern path between the pink areas is the cave entrance.

[CrazySopher]

Rhavash leans against a tree, restlessly sharpening his axe, toes tapping out a staccato rhythm on a nearby root. The silence wasn't quite maddening, but the rain was enough of an annoyance and the stillness was aggravating. "So... are we gonna smoke this sucker or what? C'mon, this 'I'm so high and mighty' bastard's planning something big, right?! Sacrifice and death and some crap! Let's just run in, kick the door down, and beat the living snot out of'em! What are we waiting for!?"

[GamerJacob]

Laos travels with Brielth and teaches him hand (and bow) signals he knows to follow, stay, and hide. He will let Brielth do all of the scouting and does not crest a hill or turn a corner without a signal.

Laos's goal is not to sneak up on anyone or get a look at the camps but to be available to support Brielth should he have trouble. (Basically I'm trying to protect him but give up the right to any perception related advantages for scouting in exchange for not being subject to any.)

[deathpigeon]

Peren begins to fidget as the rain grows harder, "We should go now, the Rain God's blessing will not last long now." Having said that, he follows Brielth.

Stealth: [roll0]

[gareth]

Thomas looks worried as he senses the increase in energy.
I have a feeling Brielth will be facing more than a paladin. We should follow him. But stay quiet, we still have no idea what we're up against.

He starts off down the path, walking as quietly as he can.

Stealth check: [roll0]

[CrazySopher]

Rhavash groaned, rolling his eyes, lowering his voice. "Hrmm. Quiet. I dunno. I don't like quiet, especially since Brielth's up there. I'll do it if I need to, but we've all had worse odds than this." The fighter grunted, coughed a little bit, scratched along his neck, uneasily trying for all the world to remain silent before leaning down and "whispering" to Gareth in a voice that he was seemingly unaware the entire group could here. "Personally, I say we rush'em. I'll go first, Laos goes second. Mmm? C'monnnn!

Reluctantly, Rhavash at least gives this whole "quiet" thing a shot. [roll0]

[Talkkno]

Brielth
(Assuming that Rhavash and Thomas are right behind me)


Brielth whispers to himself as he drew his an arrow to his bow More walking scarifies to the bloody handed god." He grimaced, as the fired duo of arrows at the closest guard.

Minor action designate first guard as quarry. Move action to where i marked B.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b57/talkkno/untitled.jpg
Stranded action Twin Strike quarry

First attack roll
Damage [roll]1d10+1+1d8

2nd attack roll
Damage: [roll]1d10+1

[Scoot]

Seeing everyone leave, Thorn grows anxious. "Loosk like we're heading out, I hope they're not all gone when I get there". He then grins and stalks after the party.

[roll0] - Stealth

[GamerJacob]

Seeing Brielth ready to fire, Laos tries to interrupt. "Hold on a second Brielth. Let me and Rhavash come at them from behind and the sides to see if we can take them silently. Given all the cover theres a moderate chance we can get past these guys without raising the alarm or killing them. I'll grab Dorn by the windpipe and hold him until he passes out."

-Note, Brielth can easily decide not to wait and start the encounter. Or Ichneumon could decide I'm not fast enough. Laos is just trying for a more quiet way to get past these guys.

[CrazySopher]

Rhavash grins. "Oh no you don't. Igot dibs on Dorn. We'll let him pass out of course. But first, we need information. I'm all for squeezing him until he can't breathe nomore, but there's no way you or I are getting up to the mouth of that there cave before they can spot us. That said, we need info. And these guys don't seem real willing to do their jobs. So."

Rhavash grinned, practically pulling the others almost into a sort of huddle. "Ok. So. I havn't gotten into a scrap with you fellas yet, but I'm pretty sure we can collectively handle ourselves. I dunno what's inside that cave, but Dorn and those other orc bastards are pissing their boots over it, so they sure as hell would be anywhere else if they had the chance. That means we have leverage. Now, far as I can tell, they're not gonna make more men guard the guard here, so nobody should have an eye on these two. I say that big guy here," he whispered as best he could, clapping a hand on Laos' shoulder, "and I charge'em. One each. All we have to do is rush. Charge in, pin them, make them shut up, you four come out, two to a man. Show them that we have numbers, we have power. We tie'em, gag'em. Well, gag one. Then we get Dorn to squeal, which either I or Misfit here," he thumbed sideways at Peren, "can do real easy. We figure out what's going on, where our contact went off to, and where Shiny's Hiney is so we can kick it. Anybody not like the idea?"

[GamerJacob]

"You want Dorn? I'm fine with that. What I had in mind was me coming out from behind that long bush and you coming out from behind that roundish one. We could ask Thomas to make one of those illusion thingies of a deer or other natural animal as we move in. Brielth can tell us what lives here abouts. We could grapple them from behind while they are distracted. If either over us fail to surprise them, I say we just beat 'em down with the sides of our blades."

Laos pauses briefly, "My plan becomes your plan if I screw up. You're right that I'm not that stealthy. I'm hoping Thomas can make ti easy on me."

[Talkkno]

A moment before the icy borne arrows would let go, his compainions pleas fall onto him, just a hair's breath away. He loosened his grip on the arrows.

Very well then... Assuaging to his comrades strategy.

[Ichneumon]

"Who's there!?", Dorn shouts. He jumps up and wildy looks around, waving his fists. He looks panicked, nervous, on the edge of a mental break down. The other guard looks surprised.

"Calm down, Dorn, please! There is nobody here except us." He does look around for a second, reassuring himself.

He lays his hands on Dorns shoulders.

"You work too hard. You should take a rest."

Dorn calms down, yet even from Breilth's distance you can waves of sweat dripping of his forehead.

"Stevok, it's just Izodor with his...stuff... It unnerves me, what they are trying to do, how they do it. One of these days, it's me or my family they'll come for.... each month... When will it stop?"

Izodor promised he'll spare those that are loyal to him...

"But we can't trust him. He has lied before. He and his friends can do that. They'll come for me... soon. I just know it." His hands start trembling. He starts crying. They continue talking, but not loud enough for any of you to hear.

[gareth]

Thomas looks sheepish.
I can't actually cast that kind of illusion yet.

He paces back and forth for a moment.
I've got it. Someone catch me a animal, a bird or mouse or something. Bring it to me alive, and give me ten minutes.

He starts mixing rare herbs together on a flat rock.

[Ichneumon]

The updated map + I named 1 of the guard D for Dorn:
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3068/screenshot20100113at849.png

[Talkkno]

Brielth

Ascending to Thomas request, Brielth moves silently back beyond the immedaite sight of Dorn and eyes closely for any sign of any small local animals.

Knowledge Nature: [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

You only find the nest of a "Lesser mouse-deer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_Mouse-deer)". However, the nest is deserted.

[gareth]

Thomas looks annoyed at the empty nest.
Let me try.

He steps off the path to search the forest.
Nature check: Find a Tiny natural animal and capture it alive. [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Thomas finds a vivid, bold female specimen of the lesser mouse-deer and manages to capture her alive.

[GamerJacob]

On hearing the loud talk, Laos says... "Yeah, I definitely don't think we should harm them if we can help it. We can stick with the distraction/stealth plan for positioning. But rather than grappling them, let's send silver-tongued Peren in with his hands up. Peren can pop out if we fail to be sneaky and draw their attention. Rhavash and I can charge in if Peren fails to persuade."

If there is no objection Laos will go ahead and position himself after Thomas and Brielth give him the thumbs up.

[roll0]

[gareth]

Thomas passes the deer to Brielth and lights the mixture of herbs.
Hold her in the smoke. Don't inhale any of it.
He fans the smoke from the burning herbs over the terrified deer for ten minutes and whispers to her.
He'll come for you, Dorn. No-one will be spared. You've seen what he does, it'll be so much worse for you.

Thomas stops whispering and speaks to the deer in a normal voice.
Dorn, the nervous-looking orc standing on the right as you look towards the cave. Go.
He motions for Brielth to release the animal.
Casting Animal Messenger to deliver the message in italics to Dorn.

[Talkkno]

"So it begins..."
Brielth murmurs and he gently prodes the animal in the general direction.

[deathpigeon]

"Then we get Dorn to squeal, which either I or Misfit here," he thumbed sideways at Peren, "can do real easy. We figure out what's going on, where our contact went off to, and where Shiny's Hiney is so we can kick it. Anybody not like the idea?"

Peren glares at Ravesh, "I resent that! I just have a dark and troubled past."

[Ichneumon]

Stealth - (1d20+1)[1](2)

Laos manages to reach his destination, but accidentally steps on a dead twig.

The guard, named Stevok, freezes. "Did you hear that?"

Yes... I did.
For a moment, both say nothing.

Stevok hessitates and shouts: "Who is there?"
"Do...D-Do you think we should call the others?"

"Yes, maybe that's a go-"

Stevok stops talking when he notices the small deer coming out of the foliage towards them. It doesn't behave normally for a deer, it seems focussed and walks in a streight path towards them.

"What the-"

"He'll come for you, Dorn. No-one will be spared. You've seen what he does, it'll be so much worse for you."

Both seem dazzled when they heard it speak. Dorn, watches the deer, in completely disbelief, motionless as if he was in some kind of trance. After a few seconds, Stevok seems to get angry. "What is this! Some kind of trick? What are you? Some kind of druid or one of Izodor's shapeshifters?"

Stevok waves his axe in a threatening position, ready to kill the deer. The small deer however looks scared and quickly runs away.

"I... I just knew it. I'm going to die..."

[GamerJacob]

Although he hadn't planned it, Laos's utter failure to be stealthy prompts him to step out. "I mean no harm. We just want to talk. Izodor is killing your people? That is complete crap. What makes him think he has cause for sacrifice? Talk to us, please."

[Ichneumon]

Both look surprised with Laos suddenly appearing.
Dorn whispers softly to Stevok: "Stevok, I know him, maybe he's right, maybe there is hope... maybe we could-"

Stevok reacts angrily, hits Dorn against his shoulder and says so him, softly, but Laos can hear it: "Shut up, Dorn, you're not thinking clearly. You'll get us all killed. Let me do the talking!"

Stevok then walks toward Laos, making movements with his arm indicating he wants him to leave, while saying: "Please, ehm... go away... the cave is ehm.. being used for private religious ceremonies. I do not know what you're talking about. Please, I ask you to leave." He looks quite unsure about what he's doing.

[deathpigeon]

Peren sighs, I better do something to fix this mess he's creating. He drops his weapon, and walks out as well, "I come unarmed, and mean you no harm. Like he said, gesturing at Laos, "Izodor is killing your people, and you know. We can help you, if you let us."

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Stevok turns to Peren: "Who are you? Why would you want to help us? "

Dorn answers: "They were searching for Doria, Stevok."

Stevok closes his eyes, thinking: "I see. Thank you, but with how many are you? If you go against Izodor, and fail, he'll know it was us and we'd be dead."

[deathpigeon]

Stevok turns to Peren: "Who are you? Why would you want to help us? "

Dorn answers: "They were searching for Doria, Stevok."

Stevok closes his eyes, thinking: "I see. Thank you, but with how many are you? If you go against Izodor, and fail, he'll know it was us and we'd be dead."

Peren sighs. He opens his mind and lets his magic speak through him (Words of Friendship, but only if it allows a reroll as well), "There is a total of, oh, six of us. But fear not, for we are of great skill, and we can use powerful magic. We will defeat Izodor, if you help us, if not, you die."

If I can reroll because of Words of Friendship (+5 to diplomacy), diplomacy [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Peren sighs. He opens his mind and lets his magic speak through him (Words of Friendship, but only if it allows a reroll as well), "There is a total of, oh, six of us. But fear not, for we are of great skill, and we can use powerful magic. We will defeat Izodor, if you help us, if not, you die."

Although they aren't sure what it is exactly, but there is something very convincing about Peren's argument.

"They're right, Stevok. This is our only change of surviving."

"All right, we will help you... let you help us, I mean." Stevok laughs friendly, yet a bit uneasy.

"I guess it started a few months ago. Izodor returned to the village after 10 years of lonely praying and adventuring in the wastelands, searching for a destiny. He'd changed quite a lot. Physically, he hadn't changed, looked exactly the same as he did when had left. Mentally, he had changed a great deal though."

Dorn continues: "You see, before he left he was always modest and kind, yet he now was arrogant and ambitious. Bullying everybody around, commanding everybody to fulfill his wishes. He brought with him friends, orcs we had never seen before. Izodor told us he'd spoken with the Rain God who gave him and the other orcs a holy mission. He wanted to revive Camazotz, release him from the Underworld so he could kill the Sun and rule the heavens in his place... He told us Camazotz had promised to reward Rain for helping him, making him King of the Gods, next to Camazotz. We believed every word of it, of course. Izodor freightened us into doing what he wanted, he and his strange friends. Each month they take a few of us to below. He says he doesn't know how much more he needs." He points at the cave. "They call it the harvest. I'm not sure what happens, but I do know the villagers never return."

"We think they are sacrificed to Camazotz, to make him stronger and release him once again."

"Doria was one of the first that was harvested."

[deathpigeon]

Although they aren't sure what it is exactly, but there is something very convincing about Peren's argument.

"They're right, Stevok. This is our only change of surviving."

"All right, we will help you... let you help us, I mean." Stevok laughs friendly, yet a bit uneasy.

"I guess it started a few months ago. Izodor returned to the village after 10 years of lonely praying and adventuring in the wastelands, searching for a destiny. He'd changed quite a lot. Physically, he hadn't changed, looked exactly the same as he did when had left. Mentally, he had changed a great deal though."

Dorn continues: "You see, before he left he was always modest and kind, yet he now was arrogant and ambitious. Bullying everybody around, commanding everybody to fulfill his wishes. He brought with him friends, orcs we had never seen before. Izodor told us he'd spoken with the Rain God who gave him and the other orcs a holy mission. He wanted to revive Camazotz, release him from the Underworld so he could kill the Sun and rule the heavens in his place... He told us Camazotz had promised to reward Rain for helping him, making him King of the Gods, next to Camazotz. We believed every word of it, of course. Izodor freightened us into doing what he wanted, he and his strange friends. Each month they take a few of us to below. He says he doesn't know how much more he needs." He points at the cave. "They call it the harvest. I'm not sure what happens, but I do know the villagers never return."

"We think they are sacrificed to Camazotz, to make him stronger and release him once again."

"Doria was one of the first that was harvested."

Peren bows his head, "This is a perversion of the powers given to him by the Rain God. The Rain God would never support such actions, and would fight against it. I to will fight against it as I believe the Rain God would want me to." He motions to the rest of the group to join him, "These nice warriors have agreed to help us with our cause."

[GamerJacob]

Laos smiles at Peren. His eyes giving thanks for pulling him out of a sticky situation, "What can you tell us about down below? How large of place is it and how many friends did Izodor bring? Does he have other locals below like you two who would abandon Izodor if the knew we were coming to deal with him?"

Laos tries to gather everyone around, "I have the beginnings of a plan that I would like everyone's input on. We could send word to Izodor via Dorn or Stevok here that our group is poking around his house. Or some other place he cares about. We'll do this for two purposes. The first is to allow these fine orcs to save the lives of others who have no loyalty to Izodor. The second is to separate Izodor's group so that we can face it in parts."

Laos looks to the orcs, "How about we ask those who you trust (and be sure about it) to rub dirt or mud on the left side of their face to indicate they are friendlies. We will not attack anyone so marked and let them fall behind us as we work through Izodor's foreigners."

[Talkkno]

"The delicious irony, it will us that will be doing harvesting today." Brielth mutters , appearing from the shadows suddenly. Paying no attention to Stevok and Dorn, he peers a bit deeper into the cave entrance.

Perception to notice anything funny about the cave. [roll0]

[gareth]

Thomas nods warily, eyeing the two orcs with suspicion.
That sounds good, we should try to split them up.

Insight check: Do the orcs seem trustworthy? [roll0]

[Scoot]

Thorn steps towards Laos. "Unless anyone can come up with anything else, this appears to be our best course of action. No objections here. Could we perhaps set up an ambush at the house, or did you wish to stay here?"

He then tosses his staff back and forth in excitement, grinning slightly.

[GamerJacob]

"We don't want to wait for the house as they will expect us there. But just a little outside of the cave should work. We'll want to wait until I can get between them and the cave entrance. Otherwise they might escape down into it."

[Ichneumon]

Laos smiles at Peren. His eyes giving thanks for pulling him out of a sticky situation, "What can you tell us about down below? How large of place is it and how many friends did Izodor bring? Does he have other locals below like you two who would abandon Izodor if the knew we were coming to deal with him?"


Both Dorn and Stevok look happy to hear all the good ideas and even though Dorn still looks quite timid, there actually seems to glow some kind of confidence in his eyes.

"We don't know much about what's below. First there is a long stairs and a hall of strange statues. We weren't allowed to go beyond. There are others who've been deeper though. They say it is quite big below. Some say it goes directly into the underworld."

Stevok nods. "Yes, I'm sure many would follow us and help you if they believed there chances of surviving would be bigger by doing so than by helping Izodor. Most are only loyal to Izodor out of fear."


Laos tries to gather everyone around, "I have the beginnings of a plan that I would like everyone's input on. We could send word to Izodor via Dorn or Stevok here that our group is poking around his house. Or some other place he cares about. We'll do this for two purposes. The first is to allow these fine orcs to save the lives of others who have no loyalty to Izodor. The second is to separate Izodor's group so that we can face it in parts."


Both the orcs nod. "Yes, that might work."


Laos looks to the orcs, "How about we ask those who you trust (and be sure about it) to rub dirt or mud on the left side of their face to indicate they are friendlies. We will not attack anyone so marked and let them fall behind us as we work through Izodor's foreigners."

"Sure, I can do that. I know a couple of people we can trust."
Stevok turns to Dorn and says "Who?"
Dorn replies "Well, there is Hiyal, Gamal, Mord and my sister... Nogu."
"Are you seriously considering asking Gamal? You're mad. You really don't know people. You'd get us all killed. Thank Rain I'm here to watch over you!", says Stevok.:smallannoyed:


Perception to notice anything funny about the cave.

It's quite an ordinary cave, natural. Nothing funny about it.


Insight check: Do the orcs seem trustworthy?

Although both seem to have a simple mind, their heart seems to be in the right place. They don't seem to be lying or anything.


"We don't want to wait for the house as they will expect us there. But just a little outside of the cave should work. We'll want to wait until I can get between them and the cave entrance. Otherwise they might escape down into it."

Stevok: "Yes, you're right. It might be better if you hide behind those rocks."

"Well, otherwise you could maybe set a trap on the path. They always take the same path back to the village. They seem afraid to leave the path and go into the wild forest, so you can be sure they'd want to take the same path back to the village."

"Where did you get that idea?"
"Didn't you notice they always ask us to keep the path clear and clean?"
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean they...."
"Doesn't it?"
"No, it doesn't."

[Talkkno]

Laos tries to gather everyone around, "I have the beginnings of a plan that I would like everyone's input on. We could send word to Izodor via Dorn or Stevok here that our group is poking around his house. Or some other place he cares about. We'll do this for two purposes. The first is to allow these fine orcs to save the lives of others who have no loyalty to Izodor. The second is to separate Izodor's group so that we can face it in parts."

I think we can avoid fighting all together, there has to some loose rocks above the cave entrance. With a little work we can maneuver to be easily knocked over the cave entrance, crushing them instantly. Even if it doesn't work, we can cut them down normally. There escape blocked of the rock pile and crumpled bodies. Brielth notes coldly, as takes sight above to cave to see if there any of aforementioned rocks

Perception [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

[color=red]
Perception [roll0]

The cave entrance doesn't seem to have such rocks that would easily enable you to do what Brielth mentioned.

[GamerJacob]

Some of the Orcs are friendlies, We have to go through that cave afterwords, and someone might hear a landslide inside. I hate being negative.

[CrazySopher]

Rhavash shakes his head, letting out a coarse, booming chuckle. "No-can-do, Brieleth! What are we gonna crush'em with? F*cking pebbles? I mean, if you wanted I could climb up there and land on a few of'em. I don't get to jump on stuff a whole lot, it'd be fun!" Rhavash was grinning now, his eyes alight with an almost childish glee. Given his scars, his size, his coarse laughter and the odd lava color of his eyes, he almost came off a little bit more fiendishly than intended. "Oooh, and there's this talk of an uprising! I LOVE THOSE! Overthrowing the bad guys with nothing more than a strong arm, a loud voice, the collective will of the people and a sh*t ton of elbow grease! You, Dorn! The dude we talked to earlier! Fighting. Smashing stuff with an axe, smacking it with a hammer, leaping out and scaring the living snot out of the enemy before plinking him with something. You know how it is. How many of you Orc S-O-B's can do it? Us and them? Or that hoity-toity magic crap that Slim and Half'n'half here know how to work?" Rhavash grinned, slapping Peren and Thomas on the back with a chuckle. "Cuz I'll throw down with you guys if you wanna. Or, well, with them. Or against them. By which I mean, fighting FOR you guys, but WITH you-... oh, screw it, you know what I mean!"

[Talkkno]

Brieleth rolls his eyes. "So I'm presuming that pretty much any traps are out of the question?"

[CrazySopher]

Rhavash grins and chuckles. "Huh? Oh MAN no! We're totally gonna lay a trap! It just won't involve rocks falling on people. Well, unless we can find some. DORN. Rocks, where do we-... actually, no. Can't really do that all sneaky-like, can we! Huh. Scratch that. I like an ambush though... hell, we can have it here! OH MAN. I can actually jump on their heads. I'll climb up onto the cave top, jump down into'em! You guys set up positions, Laos can charge in, the Orcs can... well, they can fight if they wanna." Rhavash was pacing back and forth now, scratching his chin, gesturing wildly with his other hand. But if they DO, then I can lead'em in! Don't worry, boys, you've got Rhavash the Flaming Cannonball to lead the charge! Don't we have us a plinker? Someone that does archery? We can have the mouth of the cave covered! Either pin them inside it, or force them outside so they split! Oh man we could WORK this!"

Rhavash was grinning now, eyes wide with excitement and boundless energy. This was a plan now, a course of action to be acted upon with the greatest possible, bombastic, explosive end possible. They could bottle them up and kill them off in one fell, bloody swoop.

[Talkkno]

"Fair enough. So i assume everyone agrees on the plan?"

[gareth]

Thomas' attention has been wandering during the conversation. When Talkkno speaks he tries to look alert.
Hide just outside the cave, wait for the orcs, get between them and the entrance, kill everyone with mud on the left side of their face. Got it.

[GamerJacob]

That is a poor joke Thomas. Do not kill anyone with mud on the side of their face until they attack one of us. Laos seems to get very angry at the idea of causal killing of the people they are trying to save.

[deathpigeon]

Peren merely nods and begins to move into position.

[Ichneumon]

"Alright, so... I guess this is it then?"

Dorn looks questioning to the others and to Stevok.

"Alright, we'll go and try to come back with Izodor and some of his people, and some of our people. Good luck and we can't thank you enough!"

Both prepare to enter the cave.

[Scoot]

Thorn looks slightly confused at Thomas, "But I thought... Oh, humor.", and then moves into position.

[gareth]

Thomas winces.
Sorry, I misheard that part. Mud on the left, leave them alone.

[Ichneumon]

(OOC: Alright, I'm I had to place Scoot's character somewhere as he hadn't indicated the place yet, so I chose k18.)

When Dorn and Stevok leave into the dark cave, everything turns silent. Moments after moments, minutes after minutes you wait, almost half an hour.
And then....

Soft voices can be heard from inside the cave, slowly becoming louder and louder.

"I do hope it is serious, Dorn, or else I you'll pay for disturbing these important rituals!"

"Oh, it.. it.it is very important Izodor, very!"

"ehm.. Yes, you see those strangers are searching through your cottage and..."

"What? That's not what Dorn told me! He told me the strangers were raiding the food storages!"

A female orcish voice: "I don't trust this. What's going on small brother?"

"No, Nogu, I'm hiding nothing! It's... they are doing a lot of things."

"It will be all clear to you when we reach the village."

"I certainly hope so, Stevok. Or else you're both dead. My patience has endured enough of your idiocies already."

Out of the cave come a large group of 7 people: Dorn & Stevok, both looking quite sheepish and pale. Izodor, now wearing a dark red robe with golden "rain droplets", holding a dagger in his hand. 1 very and strong large female orc guard wielding a great axe and 3 male orcs, all having shields and short swords. None of the orcs wear mud on the left side of their faces, except for Dorn and Stevok...

Izodor and the other orcs look surprised when they see Rhavash. Izodor however also looks around, directly looking in the eyes of all the party party members, as if he could see them all. "Dorn, you disappoint me. I knew you were a coward, but this... I hadn't expected this."

The other orcs look surprised and don't understand that this is an ambush.
The female orc directs her question to Rhavash, asking: "Ehm, who are you"

"You're a disgrace for all of us, Dorn."
After having said those words, Izodor violently stabs his dagger in Dorn's forehead, killing him instantly.

Izodor, directly looking at Laos: "You see human, I don't have the highest authority on MY side. I AM the highest authority."

Stevok: "Dorn!"

The other orcs stand confused, not knowing what is happening and to whom Izodor is talking.

Round 1 starts now

This is the battle map:
S: Stevok
D: Dorn
W: Female orc
G: the 3 male orc guards
i: Izodor
P: Peren
T:Thorn
θ: Thomas
Spear: Laos
B: Brielth
R: Rhavash
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/5450/battlemap1.png

(I hope everything is clear and let the battle begin!:smallbiggrin:)

[deathpigeon]

Peren scowls and mutters, "No. You aren't. You are a just a self-important jerk."

[GamerJacob]

As Laos moves out, Damn you Izodor. You will pay for killing Dorn.

Move action: Laos uses Combat Sprint to move to o18 and then stand over Dorn.

Standard Action: Laos attacks Izodor and his allies.
Macetail's Rage (Daily)
Target: Each Enemy in Close Burst 1
Izodor - [roll0] (VsAC)
Guard @ 15- [roll1] (VsAC)
Guard @ 17- [roll2] (VsAC)
[roll3] [roll4]
Miss: Half Damage.
Effect (On Hit): Knock the Target Prone.
Effect: Laos enters a rage. Until the rage ends, Laos gains (4) str mod temporary hps whenever he hits with an attack.

Laos spends an Action Point to attack Izodor viciously again.
Pressing Strike (At-Will)
Target: An Enemy.
Izodor - [roll5] (VsAC)
[roll6] [roll7] [roll8]
Effect (On Hit only) Shift the target 1 square.
Effect: Shift 2 before the attack. Laos can shift through Enemies.
Laos ends his turn at o18 having shifted Izodor to o15 on a hit.

[GamerJacob]

So the results of my attacks seem to be...
Izodor, Guard @ 15, and Guard 17 each take 10 damage is Prone.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/5450/battlemap1.png

[deathpigeon]

In response to that, Peren moves next to Ravesh (K15) and uses divine challenge on Izodor, marking him.

[Talkkno]

Brielth stays where he is and attempts to remain hidden behind the brush, as he pulls out a trick shot, hoping to disable his movement, aiming as his knee caps as an icy grip emboldens the arrow

Attack: Daily Hunter's Bear Trap d20+9
Damage: [roll0] and the target is slowed and takes ongoing 5
damage (save ends both).
Miss: Half damage, no ongoing damage, and the target is slowed until the end of your next turn.

Stealth to remain hidden.
[roll1]

[gareth]

Shocked at Dorn's murder, Thomas darts out of his hiding place- and realises he's far too close to the action. He hastily backs away, yelling as he does.
Get out of the way, Stevor!

When he's at a safe distance, he holds out his orb. The crystal fades away, leaving a cloud of mist hovering over his hand as he glares at the orcs.

moving from N9 to N12, then from N12 to K12. Casting Sleep on the square n12-n17-r12-r17. Designating Izodor to take a -3 penalty to saving throws for this attack.
All attacks vs Will:
Female orc [roll0]
P14 guard[roll1]
Izodor[roll2]
Q15 guard [roll3]
Q16 guard [roll4]
Stevor [roll5]

[gareth]

All of the orcs including Stevor are slowed (save ends). Here's the new map, edited for Peren.
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/5558/battlemap2.png (http://img63.imageshack.us/i/battlemap2.png/)

[deathpigeon]

All of the orcs including Stevor are slowed (save ends). Here's the new map.
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/5558/battlemap2.png (http://img532.imageshack.us/i/battlemap2.png/)

I moved to K15.

[Scoot]

I move to J17,

I violently thrust out my staff, a cold blue bolt streaks towards Izodor.

Attack Izodor with Frost Flash. Wis Vs. Fort. Attack - [roll0] Hit - [roll1] - If hit, Immobilized until end of my next turn.

[Ichneumon]

Laos's rage causes much damage. Izodor and the 2 guards are caught "off guard" and they clearly hadn't expected him to act so wildy. They all fall to the ground. (Laos daily power hits them all)

Laos continues to attack the fallen Izodor viciously. Izodor is overwhelmed and can only shout: "Guards! To me!" In his blind rage however, Laos misses. (Pressing Strike misses)

Izodor, disorientated by Laos attacks, trying to stand up again, suddenly looks quite focussed on Peren. (Peren's mark works)

However, an arrow, coming seemingly out of nowhere, hits Izodor and he howls of pain: "Aaaaah!" (Brielth's Daily Hunter's Bear Trap hits, assuming it was targeted at Izodor)

When Thomas casts his spell, the Orc female, the guard on p14, the guard on q15 and Izodor are hit by a shock of tiredness, it almost seems like they fall asleep. (Sleep works, they are slowed) All seem quite shocked, not understand what happens.

As if that wasn't enough, Thorn thrushes towards Izodor and hits him hard with cold leaves. (Frost Flash hits)

----Overview of what happened:
Izodor takes 10+21+10=41 damage and is knocked prone. He is also slowed again and has ongoing damage 5.
Guard at q15 takes 10 damage and is knocked prone
Guard at q17 takes 10 damage is knocked prone
Some people may fall asleep next turn.

People who still need to act in this round:CrazySopher
After his post I'll post the actions (including the many saves) of the enemies/NPCs and start round 2

[CrazySopher]

Rhavash scowls at the slaying. He's all for bloodshed when necessary, but that was completely unnecessary.

"THAT WAS WAY OUTTA LINE, SHINEY." With a roar, Rhavash moves to engage, swinging his weapon at Izodor with a feral growl. With his free hand, he tries to at least nudge Dorn into some semblance of consciousness. "C'mon, mate, you've got family to live for! UP!"

Rhavash moves to 0,15 and then uses Brash Strike against Izodor: [roll0] vs AC. Damage: [roll1] Executioner's Axe has Brutal 2. Will reroll in a separate thread if need be. Rhavash then uses Inspiring Word on Dorn (unless Dorn is DEAD dead, of course). Dorn spends a surge and regains an additional [roll2] HP. Rhavash grants Combat Advantage to Izodor until the start of his next turn.

[Ichneumon]

Rhavash's attack misses. Dorn is really dead dead.

---All right, this post will first contain all the saves that need to be made...
Saves concernin Sleep:
Orc female: [roll0]
the guard on p14:[roll1]
the guard on q15:[roll2]
Izodor:[roll3]

Izodor rolls for ending slowedness and ongoing damage 5 from Brielth's attack: [roll4]

[Ichneumon]

"You fools!" Izodor laughs when Rhavash misses. "You can't win. The Rain God and Camazotz will..." He falls unconscious.

Stevok listens to Thomas's wise words and runs away to spot i13.

The orc woman, apparently named Nogu and the sister of the late Dorn, doesn't seem too much troubled about what happened to Dorn and acts more concerned for the well-being of Izodor, who just fell on the ground. She runs to thomas, on L12 and shouts: "What did you do to him?" She waves her great axe at Thomas and tries to hit him. She's very emotional. vs Fortitude. (If it should hit: [roll1] damage and Thomas would be knocked prone and dazed (save ends).

The guard on p14 sees Rhavash attack Izodor and tries to stab him with his short short. "Don't! We need him!" [roll2] vs AC. If it hits it deals [roll]1d6+2 damage

The guard on q17 stands up. Saying to Rhavash:"How dare you, you infidel" He opens his mouth and his unnatural tongue lashes out of his mouth as a long cord of muscle and strikes at Rhavash. [roll3] vs AC. If it hits it deals [roll4] poison damage.

The guard on q15 stands up too, but he does nothing else, but looking rather menacingly.

(I'll post an updated map soon)

[Ichneumon]

I forgot to mention that the guard on p14 moves to o15, else it can't attack. I made a mistake with the dice roll, so here is the damage: [roll0]

The guard with the tongue seems dazed suddenly.
Here is the updated map:

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/8381/againv.png

[gareth]

Thomas easily shrugs off the attack, and sneers at the orc woman.
If you can't even hurt a low-level wizard with an axe, exactly how long do you expect to survive?

Not taking my turn yet, just trash-talking.

[Ichneumon]

"Long enough for the others inside the cave to finish the magic ritual. Izodor won't die in vain, human!"

EDIT: Round 2 starts now.

[GamerJacob]

Laos moves to assist Thomas.
Origin (n18)-> (m18) -> (l17) ->(k16)->(j15)->(j14)

Standard Action - Pressing Strike (At-Will)
Nogu - [roll0] (VsAC)
[roll1] [roll2] [roll3]
Effect: Before Attack shift 2 squares. You can move through Enemies, but can't end there. You push the target 1 Square.

On a hit, Nogu is pushed 1 to L12 (Freeing up Thomas for movement.)

Laos also calls over his shoulder to Peren. "I think I should go disrupt that ritual. Give me a promise you will not be far behind and I'll take care of it."

(Edit Note: Nogu takes 14 damage. Laos gains 4 temporary Hitpoints.)

[Talkkno]

Brielth



Move to J10,

Hunters quarry on Nogu, minor action.

Twin Strike on Nogu
Attack:
2nd Attack: [roll1]

Damage:[roll]1d10+1+1d8
[roll2]

[Scoot]

"Please move back, sir, I'm trying to keep a one guard per ally ratio."

Thorn then casts Storm Spike on the guard in o15.

"I'll only ask once."

Attack - [roll0] Wis Vs. Ref / Hit - [roll1], if he dosen't move at least 2 squares on his next turn he takes another 4 damage.

[gareth]

Thomas grins as Nogu tells them about the ritual.
Thanks for the warning.
He points a finger at her and his entire hand suddenly turns corpse-white. A white ray stabs out towards her, and he turns his back and walks away.

Casting Ray of Frost at Nogu.
Attack versus Fortitude: [roll0]
Damage [roll1] cold.
If hit, slowed until the end of my next turn.
Moving from K12 to J12, then J12 to F8.

[gareth]

New map.
I'm not entirely sure where everyone is, so tell me if I've put you in the wrong place.
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/5558/battlemap2.png (http://img517.imageshack.us/i/battlemap2.png/)

[deathpigeon]

Peren rushes forward to Izodor, -14, and yells triumphantly as he stabs Izodor viscously.

Daily Power
Stirring Shout
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: 16 damage (automatic critical b/c its a coup de gras, if this is more than his bloodied value, he dies.)
Miss: Half damage
Effect: Until the end of the encounter, me and any ally within 5 squares of me gain a +1 power bonus to damage rolls and saving throws. In addition, whenever me or an ally reduces an enemy to 0 HP with an attack, me and an ally within 5 squares of the enemy can shift 1 square as a free action.

[Ichneumon]

Rhavash isn't intimidated so easily and ignores the tongue-throwing guard and attacks the guard on o15, trying to cleave his skull with his axe. Basic attack: If it hits, [roll1] damage.

-Next comes the villain actions, I'm already rolling the saves here:
Izodor, trying to wake up: [roll2]

EDIT: I think I also need to roll for Brielth as something went wrong in post 108, I think. [roll]1d10+1 + 1d8

[Ichneumon]

I think I also need to roll for Brielth as something went wrong in post 108, I think. [roll0] + [roll1]

[Ichneumon]

Laos' attack hits Nogu, she is temporally unbalanced. Laos uses this to push her back.

"ROAR! It's not over yet!"

However, Brielth shoots her right in her head.
Her face, covered in dark red warm blood, she had no change escaping from Thomas' spell.

"Izodor!"

Izodor however, continues to sleep, defenseless against Peren's attack. However, he doesn't die.

Nogu runs to K11, desperately trying to kill Brielth with her axe. However, blood runs out of the wound on her head and she's doesn't seem very focussed. [roll0] If it hits: [roll1] damage and the target is knocked prone and dazed.

The guard on o15 attacks Rhavesh with his sword, "Take that": [roll2] possibly dealing [roll3] damage.

The guard on q15 tries to stab Peren, using the same tactic as the other guard: [roll4] possibly dealing [roll5] damage.

The guard on q17 tries to retract his tongue and is preparing another attack.

Round 3 starts now

[GamerJacob]

Laos moves to o13, and shifts 2 to q14 as he tries to do a final blow to Izodor.

Pressing Strike (At-Will)
Izodor - [roll0] (vs AC) (+2 included for Combat Advantage) (+5 included for Unconscious.)
[roll1] [roll2] [roll3]
Effect: Before Attack shift 2 squares. You can move through Enemies, but can't end there. You push the target 1 Square.


Total Damage to Izodor is 22 (Full Damage on Roll even though I didn't need it.)

[Ichneumon]

Laos hits Izodor.

The spear pierces through his chest. Izodor wakes up, with blood in his mouth he still manages to speak "You won't get away with th..", before he dies.

[Talkkno]

Brielth (Taken 16 damage+dazed+prone, ouch...)

As the attack connects, luckily it only managed to smack him the head slightly, dazing him, but Brielth manages to rebound from the ground somewhat, skirting arcoss the surface, dodging another axe strike, cleaving neatly into the ground, giving Brielth enough to time in his prone state to draw a bead where he struck before, a singular arrow of icy fury let loose

Immediate Reaction
Yield Ground Shift 3 squares, G12. Gain a +2 power bonus to all defenses until the end of your next turn

Stranded Action:
Singular Shot Encounter Power

Damage: [roll]2d10+9 +1d8

[Ichneumon]

Brielth's attack deals 25 damage (see OOC thread).

Nogu falls to the ground and bleeds to death.

Stevok walks to her and says:
"Dorn was your brother. You... You died fighting .... side by side with his murderer." He pauzes for a moment, closing his eyes, being introspective and all. "Fine, it will be a pleasure to save the village from the likes of you and Izodor."

[GamerJacob]

You could try switching to rollv...

{rollv=ToHit}1d20+9{/rollv}

Change { to [ and } to ]

[deathpigeon]

Peren shifts to -15 and makes a melee basic attack against the guard directly to the south of him.

Attack: [roll0]
On hit: [roll1]

[gareth]

As he watches Nogu die, Thomas looks worried.
We need someone to question! Peren, try to get them to surrender.
He shoots a white ray across the battle field at one of the guards.
Er, after we soften them up a bit...
Casting Ray of Frost at the guard at o15.
Attack vs Fortitude [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
If hit, slowed until the end of my next turn.
No movement.

[deathpigeon]

Peren yells, "Surrender now and you won't be harmed!"

Diplomacy: [roll0]
Intimidate: [roll1]

[Ichneumon]

Here is the map:


http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/5450/battlemap1.png

With Nogu and Izodor fallen, the guards seem less assured of themselves. They don't seem to prefer dying for their cause.

The guard on 015 throws his sword on the ground, looks at Stevok and says: "I hope you know what you're doing."

The guard on q15 seems to doubt, he doesn't say a thing, but he does lower his sword. He looks and Peren and than at the orc who just threw down his sword and says: "Sark?"

The guard on q17 doesn't seem so willing to give up. "Sark! You traitor! How dare you!"

He seems ready to strike again, with his strange tongue...

[Scoot]

Thorn sighs, "Why does it have to be the freak of nature that dosen't surrender. ... Oh well, more of a challenge I suppose."

And with that he hurries over to N18,

and unleashes another Storm Spike.

Attack - [roll0] Wis Vs. Ref, Hit - [roll1], and if he dosen't move at least 2 squares on his turn, he takes another 4 damage.

[Ichneumon]

The orc falls to the ground immediately. Surprisingly he is dead. His tongue however, detaches itself and slowly craws away, in the direction of the woods. However, before it manages to move more than 10 feet, it stops, lying motionless in the grass.

"So..., what will you have of us?", one of the orcs says.

"My name is... I am... Sark.... Son of Gallus."

"You may call me Etor." The second orc says, he adds: "We don't wish to harm you. I also don't blame you for killing Izodor or his followers. If I had been a bit more brave and was as strong as you, I'd have done the same."

"Etor is right."

Both the orcs look honest, although they are visibly extremely nervous.

Combat encounter is over: You get 950 xp.

[GamerJacob]

Laos bends down and begins to search Izodor, Nogu, and FrogTongue. While searching he looks to the guards, "How long before the ritual completes?" Anything he finds, he tosses to Thomas and Peren to examine.

[Scoot]

Ignoring the corpses, Thorn heads over to the former tongue, worm, creature, and examines it.

"Hello little friend.. What could you be."

Nature - [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Izodor seems to be wearing a lot of strange expensive-looking items. His dark red cloak, decorated with golden "rain droplets" looks magical in nature. (Cloak of Resistance, level 2 PHB pg 250) Under his cloak he wears chainmail armor. (Dwarven Armor, level 2, page 229 of the same book) He also wears strange boots, decorated with wave-like paterns. (Wavestrider Boots, page 246) He has a strange golden belt, marked with runes. (Belt of Vigor, page 253 PHB) He also wears strange armbands, marked with blood images of dragons and giants. (Bracers of MIghty Striking, level 2, page 244)

Etor answers Laos his question: "I, ehm, I don't know when the ritual will be ready. This is the first time when they are actually completing it. Previous times, they said they never had enough people, so they waited till they claimed more. It seems they now have enough. I.. I am not really skilled in rituals, so I don't know how long it will take them. Izodor doesn't allow us near." Meanwhile, he walks to Stevok, and whispers: "I.. I am sorry about Dorn."

The worm/tongue thing is a really strange creature. It seems to be some kind of insect or crustacious flesh like- thing. It's a symbiont. Symbionts are very rare creatures, degenerated into living tools, created by evil dark sorcerers from forces coming out of the Far Realms. Symbionts are usually sentient, but not inherently evil. It bonds to the flesh of its wearer, though it can be released when the wearer wishes it. A symbiont draws sustenance from it's host creature, without it, it dies. This specimen is still alive.
Stats of the symbiont:
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6396/symbiont.png

[GamerJacob]

After they have had time to identify the items, Laos suggests the following. "While the bracers would be good for me, I think Rhavash would get more use out of them. Are those boots related to your god Peren? The only other item that is moderately useful to me is the belt, but I'll still have dry eyes if someone cares for it."

Laos looks to Stevok, "Are you ok to watch these two? I'm going down there to stop that ritual now."

[deathpigeon]

Peren takes Izodor's boots and replaces his own with them. "Lets go." He walks into the cave with determination.

[Scoot]

"Hm, looks like I've found my treasure right here"

Thorn then lifts the symbiont to his mouth, hesitantly at first, but quickly affirms himself and allows the creature to attach.

"Time to stop some magic"

He then moves to enter the cavern.

[Talkkno]

Brielth, getting up from the ground, he sees the glimmer of magic items collected from Izodar's coprse with little interest. Shrugging off the temporay pain from the axe slam, following Thorn into the cave.

(Spend 2 surges to get to full HP, 4 surges left)

[GamerJacob]

Watching Thorn, Laos looks sick.

[Ichneumon]

Stevok replies: "Sure, I can watch these two here, if you want. We shall take care of the bodies. So, you all go down there, right?"

The symbiont attaches itself to Thorn's throat. It "feels" like an extended part of Thorns body. Although you can't hear it's thoughts, you feel its gratitude for not killing it.

As you all decide to go into the cave:
The cavern ahead is dry and musty, the floors are worn smooth by generations of passing footsteps. Your footsteps are faint echoes as you descend deeper and deeper. Suddenly, an eerie crimson glow rises from the passage ahead, it's origin unclear.

[gareth]

Thomas looks disappointed at the treasure, until the belt is revealed. He picks it up carefully.

Hmm, this is a very old and delicate magic item. I'll look after it, make sure it doesn't get damaged.

He fastens it around his waist with exaggerated care, then follows the party into the cave. When the crimson glow lights up the passage, he stares at it curiously.

Arcana check: "What could produce that kind of light?" [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Arcana check: "What could produce that kind of light?" [roll0]

You have no idea what could produce such light. It could be magical, but it could just as well be something else.

[Talkkno]

Seeing the same light Breitlth attempts to narrow his eyes, seeing if he can see beyond the haze of light to its source


Perception [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

The light doesn't seem to have 1 focus, instead it seems that farther into the tunnel, the cavern walls themselves are covered with the red light. It doesn't seem to be moving, but from this distance it is hard to see, the lights are likely 200-250 feet away. Whether you stare or avert your eyes, you are overcome however with a feeling that you might be able to force the lights in the distance to reveal its secret to you, if you'd only get closer and put your mind to it.

(OOC: Wow, good roll!:smallbiggrin:)

[deathpigeon]

Peren confidently walks forward toward the light.

[Ichneumon]

The walls of the cavern are covered with lines of red light- scrawls and scribbles painted in what likes glowing blood. The symbols resemble some sort of writing, but although this is no language you all know, the text is infuriatingly familiar. Suddenly, you realize the symbols are moving-crawling slowly across the walls and floor.

[deathpigeon]

The walls of the cavern are covered with lines of red light- scrawls and scribbles painted in what likes glowing blood. The symbols resemble some sort of writing, but although this is no language you all know, the text is infuriatingly familiar. Suddenly, you realize the symbols are moving-crawling slowly across the walls and floor.

Peren ignores them and continues.

[gareth]

Thomas is fascinated at the crawling symbols.

I could use a ritual to read this, but we probably don't have the time.

He continues along the passage, staring at the text and trying to identify it.

Arcana check for any information about the text: [roll0]
Religion check for the same: [roll1]

[Talkkno]

Following Thomas, Breilth also observes the strange symbols.

Be careful, Thomas, when i pierced the unearthly veil, the symbols seemed almost beckon to me...to come closer. I sense a trap. I'd reckon these symbols are some work of some Far Realm cult, given the symbiont that sputtered out earlier, but merely a guess. Give me a moment, and perhaps I can discern its true nature. Breilth murmurs

Knowledge Dungeonering [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

Breilth doesn't know what they are.

Thomas attempts to decipher the words on the cavern walls. He realises that the glyphs are an endless scrawl of names, each capturing not just the identity but also the spiritual essence of a creature. These are the souls of long-dead cultists trapped here by foul rites. However, they are old, much older than a few months or years. Thousands of years ago they died, were harvested in a ritual likely similar to what Izodor and his cult tries to do now. Therefore it seems likely that these caverns were used for similar purposes long before Izodor came.

[gareth]

Thomas explains what the glyphs are to the rest of the party.

...so I think we can expect more than a simple cult down there. Don't hesitate to run if the odds are overwhelming, I certainly won't.

He continues very cautiously down the passage.

[Scoot]

At the mention of running Thorn appears troubled,

but continues through the cavern, looking at the words but thinking little of them.

[Ichneumon]

Past the living words, the cavern takes a sharp turn and you stand before a rusty gate (yellow on them map). The doors are broken, spoiled by ages of time. Beyond the doors you find a strange room, filled with statues. The statues are those of gods. The god of the Sun, Rain, Fertility, Honour, Knowledge, Nature. All of the statues are destroyed however, someone smashed all of their faces. The room is filled with torn parchments, some containing writing, other's do not. Around the corner, the room leads to a corridor, however a swirling mass of burning crimson lines cover the floor. The pattern slithers and shifts like a nest of vipers, and as you look at it, you hear strange whispers in the back of your mind.

Here is the current map. I have only included Peren in the map, just so you know from what direction you are coming. You do't need to keep track of where exactly you are in the room, meaning you don't have to give an exact square space.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4886/screenshot20100128at632.png

[gareth]

Thomas inspects the room, staying well clear of the crimson lines.
Perception check to search the room [roll0]
Religion check for any information on the contents of the room [roll1]

[Ichneumon]

The parchments are all used scrolls of the rituals "Undead Ward" and "Magic Circle".

Behind one of the statues, you find one unused scroll of "Undead Ward" (OOC:I can post stats if people want to).

The statues seem to have functioned as "guardians", protecting those outside from what's locked, imprisoned beneath these caverns below. They are the jailers of the evil bat god Camazotz. Although it is doubtful what the defacing of the statues (or the statues in the first place) would do, the defacing is more a symbolic attack than a magical one.

[deathpigeon]

Peren walks through, pausing only to mutter a prayer at each of the guardians before moving on.

[Ichneumon]

Peren walks through, pausing only to mutter a prayer at each of the guardians before moving on.

Do you walk over the squares with the crimson lines?

[deathpigeon]

Do you walk over the squares with the crimson lines?

Yes I do.


((10 characters))

[Ichneumon]

Attack on your will, [roll0]

If it fails, nothing happens and you can continue, if it doesn't, I'll post another post behind this one.

[Ichneumon]

Before you can continue, you hear soft voices in your head, becoming stronger and stronger, filling you with anger and hate.

Peren growls, turns around, takes his javelin and aims at Laos. [roll0] (Basic attack, I think against AC) If it hits [roll1]

On Peren's next turn, he may attempt a will save or else he continues to be dominated. I'm assuming Laos was in range, because the miniatures haven't been places yet. I'd like you all to determine your place on the map in your next post.

[Ichneumon]

Al right, to speed things up a bit, I've decided on your location for you. Most of it I've randomly chosen, but considering the room is small, I don't think there is anywhere where you can't go in one move action.

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2382/screenshot20100128at103.png

[GamerJacob]

Laos grunts as he is hit, though the attack does not injure him much. (Removed all of his Temporary Hitpoints.) Laos says "What is wrong with you man?" He reaches out to slap Peren in order to shake him out of whatever is gripping him.

The Slap is an effort to give Peren a Heal based Saving throw.
[roll0] DC is 15 according to the book.

[gareth]

Thomas looks up from the scroll as Peren attacks.

He's been brainwashed! Get him away from those lines, and don't touch them yourself.

[Talkkno]

Seeing that's Laos's smack didn't work Peren. Brielth draws his longsword and charges, jumping high into the air attempting land on his back and smack his head with the longsword
Wake up you stupid berk!"

Acrobatics [roll0]
"Heal" check to grant a reroll [roll1]

[Scoot]

Seeing Brielth and Laos pounding on Peren, Thorn decides to join in, rapping Peren's head with his staff, keeping clear of these red lines.

"I guess one more wouldn't hurt"

Heal to grant re-roll [roll0]

[deathpigeon]

Peren attempts to shake the domination.

Save: [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

The voices disappear. You are free again.

[GamerJacob]

Laos says "So that barrier turns anyone who crosses it against us eh? I think we should rope trick it. I'll work up some bonds which cannot be broken and we'll each take a turn crossing the barrier. We wait until the madness ends before freeing them and tossing the bindings back over. While the person is helpless, they can do no harm. We have both sides hold onto an end of the rope so as to keep the enraged individual across the barrier. The only question is who gets across the hard way? I'd rather not try to cross as I don't want to hurt any of you. Whoever does should leave behind their weapons and magic dodads. Maybe Peren again as he might be immune?"

[gareth]

Thomas frowns at the lines.

I could float us across it with a ritual, but again we don't have the time. I say we go with Laos' plan.

He hands Laos his orb.

Willpower is the only defense against those things, so I'll go first. If they take me over I might start casting ranged spells, so get out of my line of sight.

Thomas takes out the rope from his adventurer's kit and reluctantly steps onto the crimson lines.

Moving to the top left-hand square covered by the lines. Will defense is 18. All magic attacks are at -1 to attack and -1 to damage for losing the orb.

[Ichneumon]

As soon as Thomas steps on the lines he starts hearing the voices.

Attack on will [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

(OOC: Damn, those glyphs suddenly get good rolls...:smallmad:)

Rage runs through your veins, you can't think clearly anymore.
His hands start trembling and he seems unable to cast spells though, he walks in the direction of Peren, attacking him unarmed. [roll0]. In case it hits: [roll1]

[GamerJacob]

"Snap out of it!" He tries to bonk Thomas with his own orb.

The Bonk is an effort to give Thomas a Heal based Saving throw.
[roll0] DC is 15 according to the book.

[Scoot]

Thorn is annoyed by this,

"Really? ... If it's fine with everyone, I'd like to go next."

He then raps Thomas on the head with his staff.

"Through the glyphs, that is, give Thomas a minute to recollect himself."

Heal check for re-roll [roll0] . I hear the DC is 15?

[Ichneumon]

The voices disappear from Thomas his mind. He's free again.

[gareth]

Thomas clutches his head as the voices disappear. When he returns to normal he looks frustrated.

Yeah, that went well. All right, enough messing around. Brielth, drop all your equipment except rope and stand next to the lines. Laos, throw him over. Make sure he hits the ground outside the lines. I'll start doing the ritual for backup.

He starts drawing a circle in chalk on the floor.

Casting Tensor's Floating Disc. This takes ten minutes. If someone manages to cross within ten minutes I stop the ritual.

[Talkkno]

"Understood

[GamerJacob]

Laos chuckles and says, "That will not work, but its a good idea. Brielth give me an assist on this would you?"

Laos tries to running leap across.
[roll0] The roll / 5 in squares I skip.

[Talkkno]

Breith adds his momentum to the jump, sumerlating threw the air

Arcobatics [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

You both make the jump easily and jump over the crimson glyphs on the floor.

[Talkkno]

Breith lands gracefully snapping his neck to turn to see his comrades holding the rope tight and stand next to the lines, tossing it over the glyphs.

[gareth]

Thomas carefully rubs out the chalk markings on the floor and stands next to the lines. He grabs the other end of Brielth's rope and holds it taut over the gap.

Excellent work. So we know the lines only work if you touch them. If we make a bridge out of the two ropes, everyone can cross without getting zapped.

[Ichneumon]

You all manage to cross the glyphs without any more trouble, due to making the bridge. [You all get 500 xp]

You all descend deeper and deeper into the mountain. The cave passage & walls become more and more rough. The walls are studded with glowing symbols. You are all forced to walk single file, and in some places to squeeze through narrow gaps. The shaft twists and turns, but always it descends- and farther you go, the stranger it becomes.
You feel a terrible chill. though your breath does not freeze in the air. Sometimes you hear whispers twist around you- mad voices that fade as soon as you try to hear their words. The stone of walls and floor grow soft and spongy.

The passage becomes wider again and suddenly makes a 90 degrees turn.

You see the shadows and flickering of a source of light in the room beyond the corner. You hear voices:

A young and bold female voice, not scared and saying in taunting manner: "Have you finally decided to kill me, General Vince?"

A lizard-like voice, sincere, "You won't be able to anger me by mocking my rank, foolish woman. I am made of different stuff than Izodor. I've decided to let you be the first person we'll sacrifice today, your soul will be the first one to be destroyed completely and will be the first one to help us liberate the mighty god of Death! Camazotz!"

"Izodor told me some there were some outlanders searching for you. I guess they'll never find you alive."

"Outlanders? I don't know anyone..."

"You don't? I guess it's a mistake then. It is of no importance. Goodbye, Doria."

You hear the sound of water splashing against something. You hear the woman shouting, as if she was drowning. You hear people laughing.

(If no one posts, I'm assuming you all just rush around the corner.)

[GamerJacob]

Laos rushes around the corner and moves as fast as possible towards any woman struggling in water.

[Ichneumon]

In the middle of the room, you see a strange humanoid creature seemingly naked and completely made out of water. With one hand he holds the woman, Doria Veledaar, at her throat, with his other hand trying to suffocate or drown her with waves of water flowing from his finger tips.

Next to the woman and the water creature is a man in blue robes. He's extremely skinny. His skin is pale with a green tinge. Brown spots in clusters appear in his neck. His hair is long and greasy, plastered back. His arms are long. He's wielding a big dagger.

An illustration that might give you a better idea what his race looks like:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/cor_gallery/89536.jpg

There are 5 other cultists in the room, one of them, the one on L9, is holding a red ruby the size of someone's head. The others are all wielding daggers similar to the green-skinned skinny person.

Here is the map:

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/8034/cultists.png

Laos is the L, (sorry about that, I'll change it to your icon in the next map update). V is Doria Veledaar. A is the water creature (an avatar). F is the strange green-skinned "General Vince". C are the cultists.

If you decide to attack now, you may act first. If you decide to go for diplomatic instead you may try to talk to them first, but you run the risk of them attacking you first.

[GamerJacob]

Laos moves to Q10 saying "Thank you for distracting your own pet so I could stick this in your eye." Laos is attempting a physiological feint at making Vince turn the pet on him rather than on Veledaar. He backs up that cover by attacking Vince.

Resurgent Strike (Encounter)
Vince - [roll0] (Vs AC)
[roll1] [roll2]
Effect: You Gain 3+Con Temp Hps or Remove a Daze or Weakening effect before the attack.
Edit - 22 Damage & Laos gains 6 Temporary Hitpoints.

Edit - For Map
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5558/battlemap2.png

[gareth]

Thomas pushes past the others to get a better shot at the enemy. He holds out his orb and two bolts of brilliant blue-white energy stab out towards Vince and the water creature, avoiding the woman between them.

Moving from S4 to R5, then R5 to S6. Casting Icy Rays at Vince and the avatar.
Vince
To hit vs Reflex: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Avatar
To hit vs Reflex: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
If hit, target is immobilised.

[gareth]

Critical hit on the avatar. Damage is [roll0], plus 5 for bonuses = 16.

[gareth]

New map:
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5558/battlemap2.png (http://img509.imageshack.us/i/battlemap2.png/)

[Talkkno]

"So much for talk." Breilth mutters, as he takes aim, and unerringly strikes at the chest of the so called water elemental
Move action: Move to P10

Minor Action: Desingainate the Avatar as quarry.

Stranded Action: Singular Shot Encounter Power.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

Hunter quarry damage
[roll2]

[Scoot]

"Mm. Let's just hope this woman knows enough to cover those soon to be dead."

I then move up to Q7, hoping to get a better view of the situation.

"Looks like you're in a spot to take some punishment, Laos, let me see if I can't give you a little protection".

Minor Action: Barskin Encounter Power. Laos recieves a +3 Power Bonus to AC untill the end of my next turn.

Thorn then directs his attention to the cultists, and then throws a bolt at the Avatar, further pushing it to get moving.

Storm Spike on the Avatar, ToHIT [roll0] Vs. Reflex. Damage [roll1]. If target does not move at least 2 squares will take 4 more damage

[deathpigeon]

Peren rushes forward and sings,
"And so the heroes found the villain
And as they charged into battler,
The villain tripped upon his hem,
And stumbled into their charge!"
And as he sang the song, the green skinned General Vince.

Blunder:
To hit: [roll0]
On hit: [roll1] and he slides 2 squares to R10. During the slide, Peren or his allies can make a melee basic attack against the target as a free action with a +3 power bonus to the attack roll.
Peren'sa melee basic attack:
To hit: [roll2]
On hit: [roll3]
And Laos can make a melee basic attack.
Ending square: R9

[GamerJacob]

Laos takes the opportunity saying simply, "Nice."

Basic Melee Attack (At-Will)
[roll0] (Vs AC) (+3 due to situation)
[roll1]

[GamerJacob]

Extra Action Available Only if Laos's 18 Blow kills General Vince.

22 Damage (From Laos) If Vince's AC is 26 or Lower.
+ 10 (From Thomas) If Vince's Reflex is 16 or lower.
+ 11 (From Peren) If Vince's AC is 25 or Lower.
+ 6 (From Peren) if Vince's AC is 21 or Lower.
+ 18 (From Laos) If Vince's AC is 22 or Lower.

Total possible Damage is 67 damage.

Laos uses Shift Charge (Trigger: Reduces a Enemy to 0 Hitpoints) Laos moves to Q13 and attacks Cultist @ S14.

Howling Strike (At-Will)
[roll0] (Vs AC)
[roll1] [roll2] [roll3]
Effect: When charging you can use this power in place of a basic melee attack. If Raging, you can move 2 extra squares.

Results are 14 Damage.

If the attack does not kill Vince this did not happen.

[Ichneumon]

Laos's first strike hits the green-skinned "general" in surprise. "Aah! What! Who are you?" [Vince takes 22 damage]

Thomas' rays hit both Vince and the avatar. Both seem immobilized and the avatar seems to have difficulty controlling his movement as his limbs freeze solid. He drops Doria, who falls to the ground, she doesn't seem in a very bad condition, but she looks to weak to fight. [Vince & the avatar are both immobilized. Vince takes 10 damage and the avatar takes 14 damage.]

The avatar's frozen arm breaks, falls to the ground and shatters when Brielth's arrow hits him. [The avatar takes 30 damage]

Other parts of the avatar's body start falling apart too. His legs are trembling and he seems to be "leaking" as a pool of non-animated water forms around him. [The avatar is bloodied]

Thorn's bolts decapitate the avatar. [the avatar takes 7 damage]

Vince shouts: "No! This can't be happening! Rain! You promised to help us! Why don't you-"

He's unable to finish his speech, as he's hit fully by both Peren's and Laos's strikes. [vince takes 17 damage, he's bloodied, and he takes 18 damage again] He's trembling and can barely stand on his feet. He wipes the blood from his face and whispers: "It isn't over yet."

---
All right, this is the outcome of all your actions. I'll now post the actions of all the NPCs in the next post. It might take a few minutes to write everything down...

[Ichneumon]

The cultist wielding the giant red ruby slowly moves from L9 to L12. The ruby seems extremely heavy and he seems extremely careful not to drop it.

The cultist on S10 runs towards Peren, to square S9, shouting "I'll finish that song for you, bard!" He waves his dagger in the air and tries to stab him. [roll0] vs AC, if it hits it deals [roll1] damage.

The avatar launches a "tentacle" of water towards Brielth. [roll2] vs AC. If it hits it deals [roll3] damage. He then walks clumsy towards him, to square N11, [taking 4 more damage due to Thorn's power].

"Rain promised to reward us! Guards! Guards!"

Another cultist enters the room from another corridor, ending on H13.

General Vince eye's gaze at Brielth in a very eerie manner"Who are you?". His gaze seems to go right through Brielth's soul.[roll4] vs Brielth's Will. If it hits, he takes [roll5] damage and Brielth is dazes until the end of his next turn.

The cultist from N14 moves to N11, around his arm wraps a wormlike symbiont, spitting a glob of glutinous goo towards Laos. [roll6] vs Reflex, if it hits the target is restrained (save ends).

The cultist of S13 moves to R11 and throws his dagger towards Peren. [roll7] vs AC. If it hits he takes 4 damage.

The cultist of S14 moves to S11. His off-hand, the one not wielding a dagger, he wears a gauntlet of living flesh and bone. An unblinking alien eye stares out from the palm of this symbiont. He aims and a shoots a bold of necrotic energy towards Laos. [roll8] vs AC. If it hits, Laos takes [roll9] necrotic damage and is immobilized (save ends).

[Ichneumon]

I made a mistake with this roll:


The cultist from N14 moves to N11, around his arm wraps a wormlike symbiont, spitting a glob of glutinous goo towards Laos. (1d27)[7] vs Reflex, if it hits the target is restrained (save ends).

I will roll again, [roll0] vs Reflex.

[Ichneumon]

New Map:

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/5282/newmapagain.png

Next round starts now.

[deathpigeon]

As the cultist's attack misses Laos, arcane power surges from Peren, and Laos shifts to . Peren grins at the Vince and sings,
"And so the villain valiantly
Begged to the god for help
As he was struck to the ground
By the power of the bard.
His blood is thin and weak.
He is a coward,
And nothing more."
He bows.

Viscous Mockery:
To Hit: [roll0] vs. Will
On Hit: [roll1] and Vince takes a -2 to attack rolls until end of my next turn.

[GamerJacob]

Laos sweeps his spear around trying to draw the attention of the all the Cultists in the immediate area. He focuses his strike on the Cultist @ S9.

Blade Sweep (Encounter)
[roll0] (Vs AC) (-2 Restrained)
[roll1] [roll2]
Effect (On Hit): All adjacent Enemies take Con Damage + [roll3].

After the attack, Laos makes a save. [roll4]

Results: Laos does no damage, but is no longer Restrained.

[Ichneumon]

The nimble cultist at S9 evades Laos's spear. Laos's attack misses. Laos however manages to get free from the goo.

"You're jokes mean nothing to me, foolish jester!" Vince shouts angry. Peren's mockery doesn't seem to have any effect.

[deathpigeon]

The nimble cultist at S9 evades Laos's spear. Laos's attack misses. Laos however manages to get free from the goo.

"You're jokes mean nothing to me, foolish jester!" Vince shouts angry. Peren's mockery doesn't seem to have any effect.

"I'm not a 'jester'. I'm a skald. We don't entertain a court with silly jokes; we keep history and tradition alive with our songs and poems!"

[Ichneumon]

"I'm not a 'jester'. I'm a skald. We don't entertain a court with silly jokes; we keep history and tradition alive with our songs and poems!"

"You can name it however you like, 'skald'. It doesn't make me scorn you any less!"

"Your songs and poems might be infused with arcane magic and power, but you are even more ignorant to the effects of arcane magic than him." Vince points towards Thomas. "I despise you all. You know not the true essence of the power you wield."

"Camazotz will save us, save the world."

"He will reward us and punish all you ignorant arcane scholars and 'skalds'!"

[deathpigeon]

"You can name it however you like, 'skald'. It doesn't make me scorn you any less!"

"Your songs and poems might be infused with arcane magic and power, but you are even more ignorant to the effects of arcane magic than him." Vince points towards Thomas. "I despise you all. You know not the true essence of the power you wield."

"Camazotz will save us, save the world."

"He will reward us and punish all you ignorant arcane scholars and 'skalds'!"

Peren sighs, "I hate crazy cultists."

[Ichneumon]

I'm sorry guys, forgot to add this:

The avatar melts away completely, as a giant snowman, leaving only a pool of non-animated water.

I'm sorry with all the damages and stuff I forgot to mention it.

[Talkkno]

Breilth takes 15 damage(13 hp left) (Bloodied)

The water elemental choked the elf solidly for a few moments, but enough for the foul gaze of the "General" to mire his mind, as he bounces its grip as it dissvoled, skidding arcoss the floor.

(Immediate Action Yield Ground Encounter Power, You can shift a number of squares equal to your Wisdom(3) modifier. Gain a +2 power bonus to all defenses until the end of your next turn. Move to R7.)

"Choke on this! Breilth retorts as he skid across the floor, drawing two arrows, aiming them sqaurely on the pretty General's mouth.

Stranded Action:
Twin Strike At will
Attack rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]


Damage:
[roll2]
[roll3]

Hunter's quarry To the 2nd damage roll.
[roll4]

[Scoot]

(I'm in Q7 by the way. Sorry, couldn't edit the map from last turn)

"Mm.. This might be interesting"

Thorn then points his staff at the large gathering of cultists, and lets his magic fly.

Daily Evocation - Faerie Fire. Targeted at S10, burst 1, hitting the Cultists in S10, S9, R11, and General R9. ToHIT [roll0] Vs. Will. Hit: The target is slowed and grants combat advantage (Save Ends Both). Aftereffect: [roll1] Radiant Damage and grants combat advantage untill end of my next turn.

If Miss: [roll2] Radiant damage and grants combat advantage untill end of my next turn

[Scoot]

For crit, Damage is 22 + 1 (from OOC roll)

[Ichneumon]

While Vince was having his "evil speech" with Peren, he didn't see Brielth's arrows coming at all. They hit him right in the face. One in his eye, one in his mouth. [he takes 22 damage]

General Vince staggers and when Thorn does his magic, colourful light dances around him and he has no idea what's happening to him. [He is slowed and grants combat advantage, critical hit damage is aftereffect damage, so it will come into effect as soon as he breaks free]

"I.. what is this?"

-We now only need Thomas' turn.

[gareth]

Thomas shakes his head at Vince's tauts, and fires a white ray towards him.

Now I've got your attention, I can also perform magic with my voice. But it doesn't sound quite as nice.

Thomas utters a single, untranscribable word that couldn't have come from the throat of any animal, let alone a human language. His breath smokes as if the air is freezing, and the vapour wafts across the battlefield to settle around Vince and the cultists.

Casting Ray of Frost at Vince.
Attack vs Fortitude: [roll0]
+2 to hit if I have combat advantage against him.
Damage: [roll1]
Critical hit damage:[roll2]
Target slowed if hit.
Using an action point.
Casting Icy Terrain on S10, burst 1, hitting the Cultists in S10, S9, R11and Vince R9 (same targets as Faerie Fire). Action Surge adds +3 to hit.
Cultist S10 vs Reflex [roll3]
Cultist S9 vs Reflex [roll4]
Cultist R11 vs Reflex [roll5]
Vince R9 vs Reflex [roll6]
+2 to hit for any targets I have combat advantage against.
Damage for all [roll7]
If hit, target is knocked prone.

[Ichneumon]

Thomas' spells freeze the ground and air, blasting cold winds against the cultists.

Vince with a last "Rain, why didn't you help us?" succumbs to the cold and falls dead to the ground. As soon as he hits the ground, the flares of light start searing his flesh and tearing apart his clothes, before finally disappearing.

All the cultists within in blast, (S9, S10 and R11) are hit and, still confused by all the strange coloured lights, are unable to defend themselves against such a force and are knocked prone. Two of them, S9 and R11, are taken by the cold and die immediately.[they take 19 damage and are knocked prone]


"General Vince! No! You'll pay for that, wizard! Your cantrips are not a match for the true power of the divine!", the remaining cultist on S10 shouts, while trying to stand up.

---
I'll post the NPC-actions and start the next round within 6 hours.

[Ichneumon]

The cultist at S10 carefully stands up. He grabs something from under his cloak. It's a rapier in a sheath. He draws it and points it at Thomas. The rapier looks old and rusty. "Die, arcanist!" He runs to S7 and shouts "STRIKE OF DEATH!", calling his attack, while he thrusts towards Thomas. vs AC, if it hits, it deals [roll1] damage. Thorn and Peren get an opportunity attack against the cultist.

The cultist at N11 moves to O10. He draws another dagger from under his cloak and as he attacks, he maneuvers around Peren, trying to force Peren to move with him. [roll2] vs AC. If it hits the cultist shifts back to N11 and slides Peren to O10, trying to isolate him from the group. EDIT: If it hits, it also deals [roll]1d4+3 damage.

The cultist who entered the room on H13 runs to N13. He wields a crossbow and aims at Laos. [roll3] If he hits, he deals [roll4] damage.

Shocked by the death of the General Vince, the cultist at L12, the one carrying the large ruby, drops it. The ruby shatters and creates a zone of large thick vapor, blocking line of sight. Inside the cloud you hear the sound of a large animal, roaring, and something that sounds like large flapping wings.

--
Next post will contain the new map, with the zone.

[Ichneumon]

Peren also gets [roll0] damage from the attack of the cultist.

This is the new map. The icy-blue zone is the zone affected by Thomas' spell.
The green area is the area of the sight-blocking cloud.
The placement of NPCs you can't see anymore stays the same, it indicates their last postion you could see, before the cloud.
EDIT: New round starts now.
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5497/map002.png

[deathpigeon]

Once again, Laos can shift one square. Peren sings,
"And so the warrior was wounded,
But, in the heat of battle,
Wounds mean nothing.
And, even as he said that, Brielth's wounds seemed not to matter. Peren then slides to S9, then moves to U10.

Majestic Word:
Brielth spends a healing surge and gains an extra 5 hit points. He can also slide one square.

[GamerJacob]

Laos moves to O14 in order to keep a watch down the hall. He then jabs his spear through the green cloud at the Cultist @ N13.

Howling Strike (At-Will)
[roll0] (Vs AC) (- Unknown LoS debuff?)
[roll1] [roll2] [roll3]

[Talkkno]

Slide to P9, returns to 27 HP.

Breilth aims his arrow carefully at the cultist that struck Thomas, the discordance of battle making it an easy shot.

Move action: Moving to Q7

Minor Action: Mark cultist at S7 as quarry.

Stranded Action:
Hunter's Teamwork At will
Attack Roll:[roll0]

Damage roll: [roll1]
Hunter's quarry damage: [roll2]

[Ichneumon]

At the end of the corridor, Laos sees a double door.

(the penalty for concealment is -2) Even though Laos has to partly guess the exact location of the cultist, he hits and the cultist falls on the ground, out of the cloud. He's dead. His armor is torn apart, as if done by a wild beast. Meanwhile, you can hear the flapping continue in the cloud.

@deathpigeon: don't forget, you got an opportunity attack. Same goes for Thorn.

[Ichneumon]

Slide to P9, returns to 27 HP.

Breilth aims his arrow carefully at the cultist that struck Thomas, the discordance of battle making it an easy shot.

Move action: Moving to Q7

Minor Action: Mark cultist at S7 as quarry.

Stranded Action:
Hunter's Teamwork At will
Attack Roll:[roll0]

Damage roll: [roll1]
Hunter's quarry damage: [roll2]

The rapier wielding cultist is hit by Brielth's arrows, [he takes 16 damage], yet he doesn't seem to be affected by it much.

[gareth]

Thomas looks amused as the rapier bounces off him.

You know, you don't have to yell out the name of your attack before you do it. Here, I'll show you.

He thrusts his orb at the cultist, without saying anything, then walks away.

Casting Thunderwave on the square S7-S9-U9-U7.
Attack vs Fortitude [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Critical hit damage [roll2]
If hit, target pushed from S7 to S10.
Moving S6 to R6 to Q7 to M7.

[gareth]

New map, assuming I hit.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5558/battlemap2.png (http://img524.imageshack.us/i/battlemap2.png/)

[Ichneumon]

"Aaaaahhh!" Thunder scorches his clothes and skin as the cultist is blasted against the wall by Thomas' spell. [The cultist takes 15 damage, and is bloodied]

-I was about to post a new map, but it seems gareth had the initiative.

[Scoot]

Opportunity Attack:

Thorn swings his staff at the now open for attack Cultist,

Melee Basic [roll0] Damage [roll1]

And then turns his attention to the fog, and runs to M7.

He thrusts out his staff, letting a flash of blue into the fog.

Chill Wind, Targeting M12, Burst 1, hitting every square in the fogged area. ToHIT [roll2]. Vs. Will. Damage [roll3] Cold damage, and anything hit is slid one square. As I can't see anything, just slide anything outwards.

[Scoot]

(Got Ninja'd on the move. :smalleek:) (Didn't notice where Thomas moved)
Thorn instead is in L7, everything else is as normal.

[Ichneumon]

As the icy gust enters the cloud and savages everybody within, you hear a beastly howl, painful to your ears. The cloud disperses and 2 cultists, scattered, become visible (J11 and O11). They seem disorientated. Your attention is caught however by a human-sized Monstrous Bat, flapping its wings. It's eyes are solid red, no pupils. He has no hair and his skin is covered with crimson shining glyphs. He doesn't look happy.

EDIT: The map... there is a small mistake, ignore the cultist on N14, he's dead.

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/736/newmap002.png

[deathpigeon]

Opportunity Attack:
To Hit: [roll0]
On Hit: [roll1]

[Ichneumon]

Peren's attack misses.

The monstrous fiendish bat "charges" howling at Laos (stopping at N13), savagely slashing with the huge slaws on his feet and at the end of each wing, with such a force that it would be hard to resist it.
[roll0] vs AC, if it hits Laos gets [roll1] damage and is knocked prone.

The cultist at k11, the one who dropped the ruby, looks shocked, and teleports to p7 and try to strike Brielth with a dagger. [roll2] vs AC, if it hits 4 damage.

The cultist at O11 runs towards Laos (stopping at O13 and tries to attack him, unarmed. (He seems to have dropped his weapon when he was "kicked" out of the cloud by Thomas' spell. [roll3] and deals [roll4] damage, if he hits.

An evil grin appears on the face of the cultist with the rapier. He looks at Peren and says: "It's seem I have you cornered, skald." He tries to strike at him.[roll5] vs AC, If he hits, [roll6] damage.

New map, and start of new round:

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/270/newmap003.png

[GamerJacob]

Laos attacks through the cultist @ O13 so as to position himself to block the bat from attacking his friends. Laos ends his turn @ O12. If the attack hits, the cultist is pushed to O14.

Pressing Strike (At-Will)
[roll0]
[roll1]
Effect: Before Attack shift 2 squares. You can move through Enemies, but can't end there. You push the target 1 Square.

[deathpigeon]

Peren uses second wind, activates his cloak, its hem turning red, moves to T12, spends an action point, saying, "You spoke to soon." and throws his javelin, and with a deft movement, when it returns, throws it again.

Twin Strike:
To Hit: [roll0]
On Hit: [roll1]
To Hit (second attack): [roll2]
On Hit (second attack): [roll3]

[Ichneumon]

Laos' attack fails, as the cultist resists being pushed and doesn't seem harmed at all.

[Scoot]

Thorn rushes to Q10,

And lets loose a shock of blue magic in an attempt to halt the Cultist attacking Peren.

Frost Flash - Attacking Cultist in T10. toHit [roll0] vs Will. Damage [roll1] and is immobilized untill end of my next turn.

[gareth]

Thomas stares in fascination at the huge bat.

I've never seen anything like that. Try not to damage the body too much, I'll want to dissect it.

He walks towards it to get a better view, and fires a white ray at the creature almost as an afterthought.


Moving to L9. Casting Ray of Frost at the bat.
Attack vs Fortitude [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Critical hit damage [roll2]
If hit, slowed until the end of my next turn.

[gareth]

New map.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5558/battlemap2.png (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/battlemap2.png/)

[deathpigeon]

Thomas stares in fascination at the huge bat.

I've never seen anything like that. Try not to damage the body too much, I'll want to dissect it.

He walks towards it to get a better view, and fires a white ray at the creature almost as an afterthought.


Moving to L9. Casting Ray of Frost at the bat.
Attack vs Fortitude [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Critical hit damage [roll2]
If hit, slowed until the end of my next turn.


"Yeah, it really is neat. I may help you with the disection after we deal with the trouble down here, cause I don't think it will end here."

[Talkkno]

Breilth shrugs off the near miss as he shifts behind backwards, as he splits two arrows in different direction

Shift to R7,

Standerd Action: Twin strike, one hit on the cultist in P7 and the other cultist in O13

Attack rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]

Damage
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Ichneumon]

The cultist is able to evade Peren's first attack, however he hadn't expected the second and the javelin pierces into his shoulder. Even though it appears to be just a flesh wound, the shock and pain causing him to drop the rapier. [He takes 5 damage] "Great Paimon, the agony!" Tears appear in his eyes.

He quickly tries to pick the rapier up again, but before he can do so, he is surprised by a ray of Thorn's blue magic. The frost kills him, yet the ice leaves his corpse frozen solid in the awkward position of trying to pick up the rapier.

The bat seems strangely intelligent (for a bat that is), the sort of intelligence you find in crows and blackbirds. The ways he moves his head, his limbs, the way he observes his surroundings. He seems curious, inquisitive, but most of all, just angry and evil. He sees Thomas's ray of frost coming and, unbelievably confident, he doesn't seem to try to evade it. He flies still, allowing the ray to hit him, full in the chest, as if he expected the ray not to do him any harm. It did however. [The bat takes 9 damage]

The teleporting cultist shows extreem nimbleness, but isn't able to evade Brielth's attack and takes [21 damage], the arrow hits him in the chest, blood everywhere, and he is turning pale. [bloodied]

The other arrow however, doesn't land anywhere near the other cultist and instead almost strikes Thomas, just barely missing him.

[next post will contain NPC actions]

[Ichneumon]

The teleporting cultist makes a series of swift grabs, twists, and blows, trying to land on Brielth's joints, trying to cripple him. Attack roll: [roll0] vs Fortitude. If it hits: [roll1] damage and he grabs Brielth. (See page 290 of the PH, for information on Grab)

The other cultist smiles at Thomas. "Your bardish friend is right, this doesn't end here and it doesn't end now!" The cultist jumps up and kicks in Laos' direction. [roll2] vs Reflex, if he hits, Laos is knocked prone and slowed until the cultists next turn.

The bat looks frightened, he suddenly seems to realise he can be hurt, and likely killed, on this material plane. He roars furiously and throws himself at Laos. He tries to bite him in his limbs, trying to disarm him. [roll3] vs AC. He deals [roll]1d8+4 damage. However, if Laos was knocked prone, he deals deals another [roll4] damage.

[Ichneumon]

I seem to have failed rolling for the attack on Laos... [roll0]

[Ichneumon]

This really isn't my day... [roll0]

[Talkkno]

Brielth attempts to slep his way out of the hands of the cultist. (takes 5 damage)
Arcobatics [roll0] vs reflex

If sucessful shift to T6, and Breilth aims his bow towards the dam energerizer bunny with Twin Strike, mark him as my quarry as minor action.
[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage:

[roll3]
[roll4]

Quarry Damage to the first attack.
[roll5]


If failed I attempt to escape again with my standerd action.

[roll6]

[Talkkno]

Rerolling my second attack using elven arrucay, encounter power If i managed to escape with my move action.
[roll0]

[GamerJacob]

Laos struggles away from the Bat and tries to strike at the cultist who tried to knock Laos off his feet.

Recuperating Strike (At-Will)
[roll0] (Vs AC)
[roll1] [roll2]
Effect: You gain Con Temporary Hitpoints. Add 5 if Raging.

[GamerJacob]

Laos goes on a Rampage! He will attack the Cultist again if the damage didn't kill him (16 if already injured. 22 if not injured.) otherwise he will attack the beast who shredded his arm.

Basic Melee Attack (At-Will)
[roll0] (Vs AC)
[roll1] [roll2]

[Talkkno]

Stupid dice roller...

Elven arrucay for 2nd attack roll

d20+11

[gareth]

Thomas ducks away from Brielth's arrow.

Hey, watch it.

When the bat and the cultist start attacking Laos, Thomas looks worried. He glances around the battlefield, hesitates, then rushes out towards the bat.

HEY BAT! OVER HERE!

He thrusts the orb out towards the melee.

Moving to M12. Casting Thunderwave on square M13-O13-O15-M15.
Bat
Attack vs Fortitude [roll0]
If hit, pushed to M16.
Cultist
Attack vs Fortitude [roll1]
If hit, pushed to N16.
Damage for both [roll2]

[Scoot]

(OOC: Somewhat confused on the map, but I think I can do this)

Thorn, somewhat disturbed by this bat-creature, decides to move in see if he can't hurt it.

Move to L13, (If not, the nearest possible spot in range)

and casts a spell.

Storm Spike on the Bat. to hit [roll0] vs. Ref. Damage [roll1]. If target does not move at least 2 squares on next turn, will take 4 damage again.

[deathpigeon]

Peren walks to Doria and frees her (if needed), "Are you all right?"

[Ichneumon]

[I am sorry for the late reply, I've been ill and my eyes hurt if I watch a screen for long.]

Brielth manages to escape the cultists grasp and shifts and aims fires and hits [dealing 10 damage] the second arrow misses though.

Laos' in his fury, strikes at the jumping cultist multiple times. The cultist falls to the ground, overwhelmed by the force of the raging warrior's attacks.

At that same moment, Thomas shouts "HEY BAT! OVER HERE!"

The bat turns his head and ignoring Laos, he shifts his attention to the wizard who's second spell blasts him away from Laos. The cultist is hit too and dies.

Magical spells, arrows, a giant bat and cultist corpses, make it difficult for any caster to make concentrate and Thorn's spells miss.

Doria, who's a bit disorientated, stands up, helped by Peren, "I am fine, considering the circumstances."

[I'm now making the map and deciding on the actions of the remaining NPC]

[Ichneumon]

The last remaining cultist, the teleporting one, uses his magic one more time, shifting his focus from Brielth to Thomas. He teleports to L12 and slaps Thomas in his face. [roll]1d20+4[roll] vs Fortitude. If it hits, he deals [roll0] damage.

The bat, looks frustrated by all the magical attacks. He opens his mouth and a low unnatural voice comes from his throat: "I'm through with you, wizard!" and he charges at Thomas, trying to bite his head off. [roll1] vs AC. He'd deal [roll2] damage.

[Ichneumon]

[typo...] The teleporting cultist's attack roll: [roll0]

The new map:

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/6425/mapteleport.jpg

[deathpigeon]

Doria, who's a bit disorientated, stands up, helped by Peren, "I am fine, considering the circumstances."

Peren says, "What happened?"

[Ichneumon]

"I am a paladin of the Sun and I am... was the leader of Blackroot. Izodor, the paladin of Rain, always was envious of my reputation and when he returned some time ago from his 2 years of pilgrimage, he brought with him some friends, these cultists. They were with many and they slowly recruited some of the villagers into their dark practices and ideologies. For a while they kept it a secret for me, yet I noticed people disappearing. I found out what they were doing, yet it was too late. They caught me too. Izodor was all to happy to take my place. They want to release the ancient villainous god, Camazotz, from his underworld prison. They say Camazotz made a deal with Rain, promising him half of the world if Rain would plot against the other gods and have his servants release Camazotz. Behind those doors..." Doria points at the corridor with the door. "Behind those doors, are the other villagers imprisoned, contained in strange magical crystals, draining their soul energy. That's how Izodor tried opening the prison. These caverns were used long ago by shifter druids for animal and human sacrifice, and that's how Izodor came up with the idea of sacrificing us. You see, these soul energy draining crystals, it's a very long and slow process, he wanted it to go faster and by destroying our souls instantly, through sacrifice, he thought he could do it. He summoned an avatar of Rain and was about to sacrifice me, when you came in."

[deathpigeon]

Upon hearing about the deal the Rain god made, Peren yells "Lies!!!", but he is otherwise silent.

[Ichneumon]

"Lies? You wouldn't be one of those people that deny the existence of the gods would you?" Doria reacts extremely annoyed, obviously misunderstanding the nature of Peren's objection. "Listen fellow, the gods are real. I've SEEN their gifts, FELT their presence and their power is REAL!" It seems in her anger, she's seems to have lost her gratitude for a moment.

[deathpigeon]

"Lies? You wouldn't be one of those people that deny the existence of the gods would you?" Doria reacts extremely annoyed, obviously misunderstanding the nature of Peren's objection. "Listen fellow, the gods are real. I've SEEN their gifts, FELT their presence and their power is REAL!" It seems in her anger, she's seems to have lost her gratitude for a moment.

"Deny the gods? Nonsense, I to have felt their presence... but the Rain God is the kindest of the gods, he would never make a deal with Camazotz!"

[GamerJacob]

Laos preforms a Shift Charge at the last cultist in response to killing the cultist by him. He turns that charge into a Howling Strike.

Howling Strike (At-Will)
[roll0] (Vs AC)
[roll1] [roll2] [roll3]
Effect: When charging you can use this power in place of a basic melee attack. If Raging, you can move 2 extra squares.

On his normal turn, he will move to N11 to attack the cultist if he is still alive. Otherwise at the Bat.

Howling Strike (At-Will)
[roll4] (Vs AC)
[roll5] [roll6] [roll7]
Effect: When charging you can use this power in place of a basic melee attack. If Raging, you can move 2 extra squares.

[GamerJacob]

Laos goes on a Rampage! He attacks the Cultist if still alive. Otherwise he strikes at the Bat.

Basic Melee Attack (At-Will)
[roll0] (Vs AC)
[roll1] [roll2]