[DnD4E] Snowbody's Keep on the Shadowfell (IC)

[Snowbody]

Realms, both wondrous and dire, border the world. One such realm is the Shadowfell. Although not inherently evil, the Shadowfell is fraught with dangers, and the barrier between worlds can be thin. Sometimes the darkness breaks into the light.

Nearly two hundred years ago, a cult of the demon prince Orcus purposely created such a gap, connecting one of Orcus’s unholy Shadowfell sites to the world. Skeletons, zombies, and fouler creatures flooded through the rift into the light of day. The empire of Nerath dispatched legionnaires to eliminate the threat. The empire’s soldiers destroyed the undead, sealed the opening, and built a keep to watch over the location and contain the threat. This is the site known as the Keep on the Shadowfell.

Time passes and empires fall, and even Nerath wasn’t immune to the ravages of time. The once-great human empire collapsed almost a century ago, and only memories remain of its glory remain.

The Story So Far:
Seeking their missing mentor, a group of four adventurers headed towards Winterhaven, a small farming/artisanal/trading village. Dispatching some kobold raiders with ease, they arrived at the town and discovered that Douven was seeking treasure at a rumored dragon burial site. They intended to set out to rescue him right away, even though it was getting late, but were prevented from doing so due to an arson fire at one of the nearby farms. A guard tried to stop them from leaving through the gate. Not to be deterred, they pushed ahead and ran into the main group of guards who had just contained the fire. In trouble for breaking some town regulations, they healed the injured guards, but wound up under arrest anyway. The Captain of the guards befriended them and showed them a secret exit from the barracks. It was a water tunnel, which contained a swarm of rats and rapidly flooded. They barely escaped, emerging in the town graveyard. They encountered several suspicious incidents, leading to the deaths of two suspected cult members. A party member left. They continued to the burial site, bushwhacking through forest, springing traps and acquiring a new party member. They defeated the thugs and rescued Douven from captivity, and then spent an uneasy night in the campsite. Several clues indicated that these thugs may be connected to the cultists and the kobolds. The next morning they recovered a box that was the object of Douven's (and the thugs') search, but before they could set out they were ambushed by kobolds. This fight wasn't much harder than the previous one, and they successfully returned to Winterhaven. They were put on trial and mostly vindicated, though they were required to deal with the kobold problem. Another party member swap occurred. Now they are investigating the artifact they found, and gathering more information in town.

[Snowbody]

Current OOC thread: 240675
Former OOC thread: 189462

Current IC thread: this one
Former IC thread: 189461
Former split-party threads: 203327
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[Snowbody]

Valthrun sighs, and softens a little. "A moment if you please. Paladin, I did not desire to offend you, and I apologize. I've gone about this all wrong. I've been we both had the chance to get what we wanted and it looks like now I won't. It's just...well...I'm only able to study books now that I'm old and can't travel. I've studied everything worth studying about the people of Winterhaven, but when you came to town, so...different, so turbulent, so ephemeral--there's so much to discover about you! You're all so unique, so fascinating! Thank you, Alessa, for your kind offer to stay and talk with Jarvis and me. Barbarian, you obviously have stories to tell, but perhaps now is not the best time for you." His eyes are finally showing some compassion.
"There's no danger now that I've set up the protective circle. I'm fairly sure the box itself is safe--it's obviously a Nerath containment coffer-- but what's inside will probably be magical. Thus the circle for protection."

[Lycan 01]

"I find it amusing that he does not wish to pester me with questions," Zimelda smirks playfully. "Though, last time he tried, he insulted me on accident and I was rather blunt in my warnings..."

She then looks at the old sage and smiles. "Worry not, I have become slightly better at controlling my temper. I even told someone 'thank you' earlier. As I told them earlier, my traveling companions are proving to be a bad influence on me." As she says this, she steps between Arjhan and Mertes and playfully elbows them in the sides. "Though, forgive me if I do seem a bit curt and cross right now. Being arrested, questioned, flirted with, and forced to take on two young troublemakers as my temporary protegees has been quite trying on my patience," she laments.

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan responds in kind to Zimelda's playful elbow, "Speaking of bad influences."

"I accept your apology, Sage Valthrun. I sympathize with your thirst for knowledge. Another time, perhaps, I would happily tell you any story I can tell. Presently, however, I am of a mind with Zimelda. We have work to do, and I would see my friend Douven healed. I'm sure we'll speak upon our return from dealing with the kobold threat." Arjhan tilts his head respectfully to Valthrun, and waits for his friends to be ready to leave.

[Snowbody]

"Sounds like an interesting story, Lady Zimelda, and I'd love to hear it when you have time. But now I have only one question for you, Lady Zimelda. Your superiors didn't rise to power by ignoring the personality traits of those around them. They would have been able to see that you would be susceptible to influence by non-Drow ideals. Why, then, did they send you on this mission?"

He sets down the box in the middle of the circle, and picks up an arcane instrument from the table, moving it over all the sides of the box.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda nods. "Yes, influence by non-Drow ideals and culture was a possibility, but that actually contributes to my goal. My orders are simple: explore the Surface World and its civilizations, until I am given a signal to return. I am to learn whatever I can about the terrain, culture, history, food, weapon, tactics, ecosystems, cooking techniques, religions... Anything and everything."

Her mouth then curls into a smirk. "You are familiar with the phrase 'know your enemy,' are you not?"

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath give an a weak but sincere smile to the man,
"I do enjoy tell my stories, but you were right as we are in some hurry. I still want to see how Douven is fairing and we have to prepare for our departure. I'll go with those two youngling to gather their equipment for the road and I'll catch you all up at the temple with Douven. Good day sir Valthrun."
He turn to the two young mens and tells them,
"Alright, lets go to your homes and pack."
As he walks out with the boys, he tells them,
"You two better behave and follow our orders kids. You might think you are strong, and you may be, but what we are gonna do is dangerous. We have a saying in my tribe that is quite fitting for your situation : A young pup who follow his pack survive longer than a strong lone wolf."
The goliath look at the two boy reaction over his shoulder and say in any case,
"The meaning of this is that we are stronger as a group than alone. As I said to your lord, I'll take care of you two as I do for the rest of the group. I do consider you as part of our group now and you should share your serious ideas with us. That being said, we still have more experience than you : you should follow our lead and try to learn from us."

[Snowbody]

"Ahh, the confusion of language. No, I wasn't talking about you absorbing the details of post-Empire culture. I was talking about the likelihood that your, shall we say, loyalties could possibly be swayed. You look to be on the way to becoming friends with some of us Surface Worlders. We both know what happens when a Drow matriarch thinks one of her underlings is likely to stop obeying her orders. Which brings up the question of why you were even allowed on the Surface without someone to keep track of you. Were you a troublemaker back in the Underdark?" One of the instruments he's holding begins glowing. "Ah, I was right! Genuine Nerath transport coffer. Serial number seems to have been corroded right off, that's a pity. Class C, prevents active magical effects and blocks scrying unless it's completely open, good we don't have to worry about that."

---

The boys follow Mertes out the door and down the stairs, as if in a daze. They seem quite unsure as Mertes imparts his wisdom. Finally Goyle speaks up: "We've got our pack, it's Crabbe and me, and my dad's the chief. We look out for each other. That's why you shoved Lady Zimelda away, isn't it?" Crabbe mumbles something inaudible and continues to pay attention to his feet. "Goyle! Don't do something that stupid again!" He good-naturedly shoves Crabbe in the shoulder. "No hard feelings man?"

"S'alright." Crabbe seems to return to reality. "So you want serious ideas huh? How about this--I know someone who goes by the Keep. Is that what you mean?"

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda frowns. "My loyalties are unwavering. Though I see what you are trying to say. Upon my return, though, I will be seen as an asset to my people, not a liability. And no, I was not a troublemaker. In fact, I was rather well-regarded among my order," she smirks.

[Snowbody]

"Has there ever been, to your knowledge, any other Drow sent on a mission of such importance without a minder or spy following to report back on her activities?" He fiddles with the latches on the side of the case.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda stares at the floor, deep in thought. Her eyes begin to show a mixture of confusion and concern.


Anybody who wants to interject or something, feel free.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I lived with the drow of the Underdark for some time. If they have a rival, they kill them and hide the body, and society goes on as if they never existed. I find it unlikely Zimelda was sent to the Surface World as punishment.

[Snowbody]

"My research confirms Miss Alessa's impression. If they wanted you out of their hair, for whatever reason, they'd have sent an assassin after you the first day you left the Underdark. You'd have been easy enough to track, what with attracting angry mobs. How long were you on the surface before you fell in with your current band? Ah, that's it." He pops open one of the latches is about to open the cover. "As for you, Miss Alessa, how did you journey from the Elemental Chaos to the Underdark? I've always been interested in the nitty-gritty of interplanar travel."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Akta Kalim, the sorceress whose soul I bear, exchanged her soul for the elemental power to defeat a lich sworn to the Horned One. I am the result of her soul wandering the Elemental Chaos after the exchange. I was summoned to the Underdark by a group of novice necromancers wanting revenge on their masters. That is where my journey began, explains the elemental matter-of-factly.

[Snowbody]

"Was this before or after the fall of Nerath? Summoned? Any idea why you didn't just pop back to the Elemental Chaos when the summoning ritual expired?" He can't quite work the latch open. "My fingers aren't as nimble...would you? It's perfectly safe."

1
Arjhan and Mertes escort the boys towards their home on the south side of town. It's a long building with several doors, obviously consisting of multiple separate living units - a tenement.

Goyle Sr. is there, just about done packing his belongings onto the mulecart. "Dad! You're free!?" calls the younger Goyle excitedly. He rushes over to hug his dad.

"Yeah, I'm free. Free as a bird. For the first time since I laid eyes on that bloody harridan," says the father. He slips out of his son's hug and continues strapping stuff down on the cart.

"So you got banished? I'll get my stuff, I guess Crabbe should come too?" He seems to have quickly forgotten what Lord Padraig ordered.

Goyle waves his hand aimlessly in the air as he speaks: "No, don't you get it, you simpleton? I'm free -- no job, no lease, no brats, no responsibilities. I'm finally free of this backwoods town. Get away as soon as you can, before you get so desperate as to think one of these wenches is attractive, but don't go looking for me."

The boy is speechless.

"At least you didn't take up with the Drow witch." Having secured his goods, he climbs onto the cart and snaps the reins, but the mule doesn't move.

Crabbe has his hands balled into fists again.

[Lycan 01]

"I would say I've been up here a week or so short of four months," Zimelda idly muses. Seeing Valthrun's distress, she casually works the latch and tries to open it for him.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
It has been roughly four years since my summoning, and only about two months since my ascent to the surface world. I am kept on this plane because it is my soul's native plane, allowing me to anchor myself to this plane of existence. I use humanoid sustenance such as food and water to fuel the magics that keep that anchor strong.

[Dekkah]

Mertes

The goliath nod at Crabbe and is about to say something when he spot Goyle Sr. ahead an hold his thought.

He say nothing and wait to see how things turn out. As the young Goyle mention fleeing with his father, Mertes is about to say something, but Goyle Sr. beat him to it. Feeling sad for the young man who is being disowned like that, the barbarian still take note that he will have to talk with the boy to set his priorities strait later.

Sensing the young man fury, the goliath stay a step behind the kid, ready to grab him if he try decide to go against his dad.

Mertes does have doubt about Goyle Sr. real intensions. He check out his body language to see if he is really wanting to leave and let everything behind (really packing all his stuff and all), or if he is simply puting his son aside not to implicate the boy in something he want to do/will do here later.
[roll0]

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan watches in disbelief as Goyle Sr. disowns his son in such an off-hand manner. He moves to a position where he can stop Goyle Jr. or Crabbe from fighting if things escalate.

Then he says to Goyle Sr. with a look of utter contempt, "I think it's time you went on your way." And with that, Arjhan delivers a sharp smack to the mule's flank, in an attempt to get it moving.

[Snowbody]

"I would say I've been up here a week or so short of four months," Zimelda idly muses. Seeing Valthrun's distress, she casually works the latch and tries to open it for him.

"Thank you. Four months, you'd have seen some trace of your tail by now. All of your gear is from below? Did you check it for scrying enchantments?" The coffer opens to reveal a mirror, glass and bronze, with minimal adornment but of high quality, resting on velvet cushions. "Hmm." Valthrun seems to have gotten an idea.


Alessa
It has been roughly four years since my summoning, and only about two months since my ascent to the surface world. I am kept on this plane because it is my soul's native plane, allowing me to anchor myself to this plane of existence. I use humanoid sustenance such as food and water to fuel the magics that keep that anchor strong.

"Fascinating! A method of I never considered! A way to make a summon effectively permanent! Given that the soul formerly inhabited a sorceress, but the body is native to the Elemental Chaos..." he mutters to himself "...average planar distance...elastic repatriation force...well I'll do those calculations later. Just a word of advice, don't mess around with any portals, and try not to let your form get too disrupted -- I can't be sure whether you'd be instantly returned to the Elemental Chaos, become disembodied, or just cease to be. But as a student of history, I'm wondering how long ago your former incarnation battled with the lich? Was that during the time of Nerath? Or even earlier? What was the great empire of the day? Bael Turath? Arkhosia? The minotaurs?" He taps the mirror, its surface still perfectly smooth after countless years. "Ritual focus, I'd put my money on it."

1

Mertes

The goliath nod at Crabbe and is about to say something when he spot Goyle Sr. ahead an hold his thought.

He say nothing and wait to see how things turn out. As the young Goyle mention fleeing with his father, Mertes is about to say something, but Goyle Sr. beat him to it. Feeling sad for the young man who is being disowned like that, the barbarian still take note that he will have to talk with the boy to set his priorities strait later.

Sensing the young man fury, the goliath stay a step behind the kid, ready to grab him if he try decide to go against his dad.

"What about telling jokes? What about reading St. Cuthbert? What about cooking together?"

"All in the past."


Arjhan watches in disbelief as Goyle Sr. disowns his son in such an off-hand manner. He moves to a position where he can stop Goyle Jr. or Crabbe from fighting if things escalate.

Then he says to Goyle Sr. with a look of utter contempt, "I think it's time you went on your way." And with that, Arjhan delivers a sharp smack to the mule's flank, in an attempt to get it moving.

The mule suddenly charges off, surprising Goyle, who sprawls backwards into the cart. Regaining his seat, he gets control of the mule and directs the cart toward the gate. With a wordless cry of anger, Crabbe tries to kick at the cart as it goes past; good thing Mertes and Arjhan are there to restrain him and save him from potential injury.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath say nothing to the young man, but make sure he doesnt try to follow.

Once his father is gone, he simply say,
"He is doing what is best for you two. He doesnt want you to be branded as deserters. Lets be done with our actual mission and gain some more experience, then you may make your own way in life and maybe you'll see him again. Gather your own stuff kids and lets go meet with the others."

I have more to say (and ask) but I prefer to see their reaction to this first :))

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan looks on with sympathy while Mertes speaks to Crabbe and Goyle. When he is finished, Arjhan speaks up, saying, "Mertes is right, men. This is an unfortunate occurrence, but take heart! Now you are the masters of your own destinies. It has come time for you to take charge of your own lives. Now gather your things, we have work to do." Arjhan then stiffens and raises his fist to his chest in salute to the two young men.

Then Arjhan says quietly so only Mertes can hear, "I think we should start their training immediately. If we address them as men rather than boys, it may help to clear their minds of this unfortunate incident. We should begin treating them as soldiers in training of the watch. When they finish packing, maybe you could teach them to salute properly."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Either it was long before Nerath was even conceived, or it took place on an altogether different Material Plane. By the time Akta made the exchange, the lich had conquered most of the continent where she lived. I do not know the outcome; for all I know, she failed to stop him and that realm has been a hell of undeath for eons, or perhaps only for a couple of years. Once her soul left her body, my knowledge of her life is lost.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath nod to Arhjan and tells him,
"I agree. I'll let you show them discipline, that is not really my specialty."

[Lycan 01]

"This gear is my own, as it has always been. It was not provided to me or tampered upon by anyone else. Any examinations I have done have revealed nothing, though if you wish to examine it, you may attempt to do so," Zimelda states.

She then smirks. "But I'm not taking anything off for you, if that's what you were hoping for."

[Snowbody]

Mertes
"He is doing what is best for you two. He doesnt want you to be branded as deserters. Lets be done with our actual mission and gain some more experience, then you may make your own way in life and maybe you'll see him again. Gather your own stuff kids and lets go meet with the others."

Crabbe, denied a chance to vent his rage, rams ineffectually into Arjhan and Mertes, then slumps down in a sulk. "What a jerk."

Goyle turns to the heroes and pleads, "Why didn't you stop him? He's my dad!"


"Mertes is right, men. This is an unfortunate occurrence, but take heart! Now you are the masters of your own destinies. It has come time for you to take charge of your own lives. Now gather your things, we have work to do." Arjhan then stiffens and raises his fist to his chest in salute to the two young men.

"But, but, but, I can't be a man yet! Dad left before we did the rite of passage!"

1


Alessa
Either it was long before Nerath was even conceived, or it took place on an altogether different Material Plane. By the time Akta made the exchange, the lich had conquered most of the continent where she lived. I do not know the outcome; for all I know, she failed to stop him and that realm has been a hell of undeath for eons, or perhaps only for a couple of years. Once her soul left her body, my knowledge of her life is lost.

"The history of this continent records nothing like what you described, so it wasn't here. It's an elementary principle that there's only one of each Plane, but....hmm..." He pauses his condescending words to exchange his equipment for a pair of spectacles a few books from one of the nearby bookcases. He holds onto one (it resembles a ritual book) but presents the second one to Alessa. Its title appears to be in an old form of Common: Worldes Above, Belowe, and Sydeweyse. "The author was an expert in the dynamics of the Planes, until he went mad. Accidentally glimpsed the Far Realm, probably. This book was his final opus, where he proposes different worlds within the same Plane, separated from each other by vast gaps, sharing similar traits, but perhaps able to reach each other if the enormous distances can be traversed. Most dismissed it as the ramblings of a madman, but there's nothing that theoretically prevents it. So your supposition could be on the right track: from another world, like this one but different. The book has a primer on the planes at the beginning; it's so simplified you might even be able to understand it."

Jarvis contributes, "Talking with Valthrun has helped me remember some slivers of my past. I, too, was ripped from my native plane while guarding against evil, and bound to this one."

[Snowbody]

That elicits a chuckle from Valthrun. "No, madam, not the kind of research I was considering. My lusts have only been for knowledge." He concentrates for a second. "You do have a magical item, but it is divine magic. Probably your holy symbol." This is news to Zimelda. "Anyway, back to the artifact. No active magical auras...there's a passive effect, probably the ritual it was a focus for. This will take a few minutes." He begins reading a chant from his ritual book.

Zimelda:
The next time Zimelda takes a short rest and examines her holy symbol, she will find that it is now a +1 Symbol of Excellence:
{table=head]Symbol of Excellence|Level 2
{colsp=2}Your devotion to your divine patron inspires others to attain the heights of excellence.
{colsp=2}
Lvl 2 +1 520 gpImplement (Holy Symbol)Enhancement: attack rolls and damage rolls for powers with the Implement keywordCritical: +1d6 damage per plus (Implement attacks only)
{colsp=2}Power (Daily): Minor Action. Grant one ally within 10 squares of you a power bonus to his or her next attack roll, ability check, or skill check equal to the symbol’s enhancement bonus.[/table]
Source: Dragon 365, "Bazaar of the Bizarre" (http://www.wizards.com/files/365_Bazaar.pdf)

Unfortunately, Zimelda's only implement attack is Turn Undead.

The "Lolth's Boon" bonus may be applied to this instead of to the Divine Fortune.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The water elemental is annoyed at the slight upon her intelligence, but has yet to master conveying annoyance to her artificially crafted face, so her expression remains impassive as she accepts the book and begins to leaf through it. I shall have to leave this plane eventually, Sage Valthrun. I must finish what my predecessor started; I will not rest until I am destroyed, or I have seen the true death of the Demon Prince of Undeath. My trials on this plane are but a proving ground to master my abilities; one day, perhaps decades or centuries from now, I shall return to my home to wage war on the Abyss, she states matter-of-factly as she engrosses herself in the pages of the proffered book.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath reply to the young man,
"We cannot stop hi, he have been banned from this land. That would be against Lord Padraig orders. He might not be the best father, but he is doing what he thing is best for you."
As the young man talk about rite of passage,
"I have no clue of what your rite of passage is, and I dont want insult you in your beleifs, but for me it isnt the rite itself that make someone a man. Right now you're becoming a man, not by your own choice, but by your father's as you have to take care of yourself. You have to be strong now, your destiny is in your own hands now."

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda says nothing to the man's observations of her gear. She'd known it hadn't been tampered with. Or at least, she was almost absolutely certain...

Shaking the seeds of doubt and concern from her mind, the Drow begins to pace casually while Valthrun does his magic, quite literally. "So, Kobold women. They can be priests? I expected them to have a male-dominated society..." she idly observes. "The priest we fought was a sterile female..."

[Snowbody]

Alessa
I shall have to leave this plane eventually, Sage Valthrun. I must finish what my predecessor started; I will not rest until I am destroyed, or I have seen the true death of the Demon Prince of Undeath. My trials on this plane are but a proving ground to master my abilities; one day, perhaps decades or centuries from now, I shall return to my home to wage war on the Abyss, she states matter-of-factly as she engrosses herself in the pages of the proffered book.

"Fascinating. What abilities have you gained control of since you found yourself on this plane? Besides shapeshifting of course."

Alessa:
Since Alessa has studied the book, she gets a +2 on all untrained skill checks related to planes, portals, or distant worlds. Others probably would too. It does not stack with the +5 from skill training, and only gives a +1 if there is some other bonus to untrained skills.


Mertes
"We cannot stop hi, he have been banned from this land. That would be against Lord Padraig orders. He might not be the best father, but he is doing what he thing is best for you."
"I have no clue of what your rite of passage is, and I dont want insult you in your beleifs, but for me it isnt the rite itself that make someone a man. Right now you're becoming a man, not by your own choice, but by your father's as you have to take care of yourself. You have to be strong now, your destiny is in your own hands now."

"We don't know what it is either! Dad would never tell us, said it would spoil it if we knew before. Did you have one? What was it like? Hey maybe him leaving us is part of it."


"So, Kobold women. They can be priests? I expected them to have a male-dominated society..." she idly observes. "The priest we fought was a sterile female..."

"In my limited research on kobolds so far, they are indeed male-dominated, and I'd never heard of a female being a priest. What kind of dragon was she dedicated to? I suppose she's dead and I'll have to just find out what I can from your observations. Any possibility of resurrecting her? I speak Draconic."

[Lycan 01]

"I'm not sure she worshiped a dragon," Zimelda muses. "Her loyalties appeared to be not to Tiamet, but to the Horned One. Or at least, someone who in turn served him. Between its many attempts to insult or breath acid on us, it made many fanatical statements of devotion to them... And there is no chance of resurrecting it. We destroyed the body completely, at Arjhan's behest..." she solemnly states.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I am a water elemental. I am sure you can extrapolate my basic abilities; I would demonstrate, but I fear your tower would end up the worse for wear, she says passively; though she has trouble conveying irritation in facial expression, she is becoming bored with being treated as a science project. She had enough of that in the Underdark.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
Looking at the youngs men, Mertes remember his own trials, that were relatively similar to the two younglings.
"As I said, there is no real rite of passage in my tribe. Most of the time, when you were old or strong enough to take arms and join the battles was the time you'd become a man. Sometimes, like in my case, you had to become a man sooner than that, when you ended up the oldest living member of the family and had to take care of yourself and possibly others."

[Snowbody]

OOC all
Sorry--system crashed while I was composing the post.


Mertes
"As I said, there is no real rite of passage in my tribe. Most of the time, when you were old or strong enough to take arms and join the battles was the time you'd become a man. Sometimes, like in my case, you had to become a man sooner than that, when you ended up the oldest living member of the family and had to take care of yourself and possibly others."

"So it's a trial by combat?"
"All right! A fight! We're up for that!"
"Howzat go...it will be a great honor to fight alongside you to the end, brother Mertes!" He tries to make his voice sound deeper, gruffer, what he imagines is "heroic".


Alessa
I am a water elemental. I am sure you can extrapolate my basic abilities; I would demonstrate, but I fear your tower would end up the worse for wear, she says passively; though she has trouble conveying irritation in facial expression, she is becoming bored with being treated as a science project. She had enough of that in the Underdark.

Valthrun seems flustered or agitated. "Yes, yes, quite, manipulating water, using it as a weapon, moving through it and resisting being moved, elementals have been widely studied...though it's always been difficult to overcome the elemental's pull to its home plane..." He notices that he is only further annoying Alessa with questions about her nature. "Say, that is a remarkably...ambitious life goal, bringing down a demon prince. Best of luck to you. Have you encountered any adherents of Pelor or the Raven Queen? I'm certain they'd fully support your mission to root out the undead and their would-be lord."


"I'm not sure she worshiped a dragon," Zimelda muses. "Her loyalties appeared to be not to Tiamet, but to the Horned One. Or at least, someone who in turn served him. Between its many attempts to insult or breath acid on us, it made many fanatical statements of devotion to them... And there is no chance of resurrecting it. We destroyed the body completely, at Arjhan's behest..." she solemnly states.

He sighs. "Can't expect paranoid adventurers to do anything else. Pity, that. A sterile female, you say? Those are killed as soon as it's clear they're not oviparous. She must have manifested her powers at a young age. Acid probably means a black dragon was worshiped at some point in the clan's past. That might be a clue.
"I've almost ascertained the last ritual that used the mirror. And there's also a latent scrying effect, might as well activate it too." He concentrates for a second "Well, it looks like the last ritual performed on the mirror was to suppress a powerful...."

The mirror flashes to life, and a horned demonic face, lit by an arcane glow, fills the glass:
http://i.imgur.com/xAFVF.jpg
It doesn't move.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda immediately forgets whatever annoyance she had with the sage, as it is replaced by surprise and horror. The Drow's armor clanks loudly as she hurls herself backwards from the mirror, landing in a tense stance. She relaxes slightly when the image doesn't move.

"Is... that what I think it is?" she whispers.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
SAtisfied that he spur the two kids into the right path, he tells them,
"We first gather your equipment, then we join the other at the temple. Once we are finished with our buisness in town, we are gonna head out. Come on, hurry up now."

[Snowbody]

Mertes and Arjhan accompany the boys into their house. It is dirty and disheveled, with the exception of a cooking area around the fireplace which is clean and proper. Most of the items have been taken but there's a collection of flavorful herbs. The boys pick up their slings and stuff them and various other items into their packs.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
As the face becomes clear, Alessa unleashes an inhuman shriek. The elemental dissolves, and in her place a roiling column of seawater begins to whirl around, consuming the chair she was sitting in. The sounds of waves and thunderstorms are heard; a speaker of the Primordial tongue might interpret them otherwise, but to those present, it is just violent noise. Steam rises from the pillar as the elemental's uncontrollable fury rises.

[Snowbody]

Valthrun, upon recognizing the face of Orcus, had become paralyzed with shock and indecision, but when he sees Alessa's reaction, he moves quickly. Speaking arcane words, he waves his hands like he's trying to break the connection but to no avail. He's visibly sweating. Something's wrong.

Another figure strides into view in the mirror. Dressed in a cape, with headgear made from a ram's skull, and a skull motif on his robes. Zimelda recognizes him as the shadow-thing from the burial site--Kalarel?

The arrogant and evil face of the Priest of Orcus fills the mirror, but it bears a look of confusion, as if he isn't seeing what he expected.

[Lycan 01]

"YOU!!" Zimelda snarls, striding towards the mirror defiantly. "I thought I killed you already?!" However, upon seeing his confusion, she throws her head back and laughs haughtily. "Oh, my apologies! Are we interrupting something? I hope it wasn't important..." she croons with a smirk.

[Snowbody]

Zimelda and Alessa
OOC: I'm assuming that Alessa is still "Stunned"

Kalarel looks incredulous. "A female defeated my alter ego?" Suddenly anger flashes across his face, and he calls to someone other than Zimelda. "Irontooth! Cease this foolishness at once! Breaking captives is your job, not mine! You know how valuable my time is! Even if you did capture the artifact and one of them, you know you shouldn't let them near each other, even with a magic circle! Prepare them both for transport to the Keep at once, we need sacrifices and the Bloodreavers haven't acquired any yet. " The voice is the same as the shadowy apparition at the dragon site. He obviously thinks Zimelda and the mirror were both captured by this "Irontooth".

Valthrun, realizing that his attempts to close the connection by magic are fruitless, loops around toward the magic circle. (Passive insight: success) He's going to try to shut the case unless someone stops him.

1
Mertes and Arjhan
As they pack up the remnants of their childhood, the boys try to come up with some good memories of living in the tenement. There aren't many. Leaving it all behind, they accompany Mertes and Arjhan to the temple. Both of them are somewhat reluctant to enter, doubtless Goyle Sr.'s influence.

The main hall of the temple is empty except for an itinerant pilgrim of Avandra kneeling in prayer, so the adventurers make their way to the Chamber of Healing. There an acolyte informs them that Sister Linora is not in, as she is making her customary rounds of the outlying farms to tend to the sick, injured, and aged, but Ian, the chief acolyte, is diagnosing Douven. Ian turns out to be the acolyte who had talked with the party the previous evening and had discussed kobold religious practices and the extent of tolerance practiced and preached at the temple.

Douven is resting comfortably in the bed as the acolyte examines him.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda waves her hand at Valthrun, gesturing for him to wait.

She then looks back at the man in the mirror, and scowls. "Break me? Bah. I am here of my own accord. A Priestess of Lolth should always lend her aid to a diabolical plot, should she not?" she says, idly waving her hand. "It seems I have uncovered something of a conspiracy. A conspiracy for a different deity, yes. But a conspiracy none-the-less..." the Drow muses with a smirk. "So, tell me, how may I be of service?" she purrs.


Bluff! :smallbiggrin:

[roll0]

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The elemental storm begins to calm, and it reassembles into a humanoid mass of water. Steam continues to rise from Alessa. She holds out a hand towards Valthrun without saying a word, allowing Zimelda a chance at whatever deception she is weaving.

[Snowbody]

OOC: Kalarel's passive insight is higher than that, but I want to see where this is going. Actually, I don't think Zimelda technically told any lies!

Noting the signals sent by Alessa and Zimelda, Valthrun takes up his position just outside the circle, out of sight of the mirror. He readies himself to leap in and slam the case shut.

Kalarel again calls out, "Irontooth?" Then something dawns on him. Wait...if you banished the shade...you're one of that old goat's mercs that drove off Agrid!" Suddenly his face goes blank. "I believe it would be mutually beneficial for us to come to an understanding. As you have surmised, there are inevitable events in motion, advance knowledge which would be incalculably valuable to the right people. I also am not lacking in gold. What I desire is simple. The mirror in front of you rightfully belongs to me; note how it is under my complete control. It is useless in your hands; selling it would yield a few hundred gold at most; you can do much better by bringing it to me."

He seems perfectly forthright and convincing.

[Lycan 01]

"Hah. Hah hah," Zimelda laughs artificially, before deadpanning: "No."

A smirk curls across the Drow's features. "I did not get where I am today by blindly obeying every order, failing to ask questions, and ignoring my suspicions. You say there are events set in motions; what sort? As much as I would love to help you with your diabolical plot, there are a few issues that may arise from such a course of action."

Zimelda shrugs, idly clasping her hands together in contemplation. "Lolth loves her conspiracies. She loves it when a plan comes together, especially if it wreaks catastrophic havoc. But she has her own schemes and plans in motion. And if your plot is potentially counter-productive to her own, I don't have much reason to help you, now do I?" she arches a silver eyebrow. "So tell me what you're doing. What effect will your plans have on the Surface World, the Underdark, those damned elves, the very fabric of existence itself... If our goals are mutually exclusive, or at the very least will not conflict, then I may be willing to comply with your request, or perhaps even offer my own assistance," she smirks.

[Snowbody]

"If our goals conflict, you are not willing to deal. I understand, I would insist on the same. But if either of us reveals anything we risk compromising our own position. So here is my proposal. Bring the mirror to the Winterhaven crossroads tonight at dusk. I will send another shade. It knows what I do, but cannot communicate back to me. Tell it what your mistresses' plans are. If our aims are compatible, it will direct you to the proper location. If they conflict, that will be the end of things. In any event, it may be destroyed and whatever you have told it will perish with it. Is that acceptable?"

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda scowls. "I have met your Shades, and I must say, dealing with them is not a prospect that appeals to me. They talk too much, and know exactly what to say to annoy me. And let me guess, I am to come alone?" she asks, her expression dubious. "Your offer is... questionable, to say the least. Perhaps it would be safer-" she idly draws her mace, "If I just smashed this odd little mirror, and washed my hands of the matter?"

[Snowbody]

Zimelda and Alessa

Valthrun draws his breath in sharply when Zimelda suggests smashing the mirror.

Fear briefly flashes over Kalarel's face, before the priest of Orcus recovers his composure. "Wary of an ambush? No, you don't need to be alone, the shade is expendable. Bring your friends, bring the entire Winterhaven guard for all I care. If you smash the mirror you get nothing, and the inevitable events will still proceed."

Passive insight: success - he's more worried about losing the mirror than he's letting on

[Dekkah]

Mertes
At the temple, Mertes await patiently that the acolyte finish checking up Douven and can barely hide his sadness as he sees the man so afflicted.
When the priest is done, Mertes ask him,
"How is he?"

[Lycan 01]

"No they won't," Zimelda flatly states, calling his bluff. "Or perhaps they will, but not without great difficulty. You want this mirror more than you're willing to let on. I can see the worry etched into your features," she purrs.

The Drow takes a step towards the mirror, hefting her mace - and then pauses. "So how did you get the Kobolds on your side?" she asks, suddenly changing topics. "I am curious. Silly little lizards do not seem like ideal followers for the Horned Prince. What did you do, promise to resurrect that old dragon skeleton for them? That is what I would have done..." she shrugs aloofly. "Either way, using the kobolds seems to have been a smart choice, and given you several advantages..."

[Snowbody]

Mertes and Arjhan

Ian: "Hello, Avandra's grace be with you, are you in need of healing? Oh, you're finally here, Avandra be praised! The guard who brought Mr. Staul here told me you had an urgent audience with Lord Padraig; I hope it went well. Your friend is traumatized in body and mind, fortunately nothing life-threatening as far as I can tell. But he shouldn't be walking, and his intelligible speech is limited to the simplest phrases. I think it's just mental trauma rather than any kind of curse. He'll probably need magical healing; we'll have to wait for Sister Linora to confirm that. She should be back tonight." He seems shaken up that anyone would torture an old man so.

1

Zimelda and Alessa

Kalarel has completely recovered his composure, but Valthrun seems more nervous. The evil priest retorts, "Strange then that your employer didn't destroy it as soon as he found it. Maybe he knows its value better than you do. Do you want to risk angering him and damaging your reputation?"

When Zimelda hoists her mace, Valthrun waves his hand at her, palm out, as if to warn her off.

Kalarel makes a great show of being shocked, putting his fingers to his chin and opening his mouth in 'surprise'. "Kobolds? On my side? How wonderful to have some friends! You'd think someone would have told me before! What about the kobolds -- how much do they know about this 'alliance'?" The irony and arrogance have returned, matching his shade's taunting from the dragon site fight. A flicker of smugness goes over his face when Zimelda alludes to Orcus.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda gives the priest an exasperated glance. "Really? You wish to be snide to me when I have your precious mirror in my possession?" she deadpans.

The Drow then shrugs. "Well, if this is how you treat your business partners, then clearly I have no business with you..." she muses, before striding purposefully towards the mirror.


She's going to shut the chest, not smash the mirror.

Bad guy doesn't have to know that, though... :smalltongue:

[Snowbody]

Zimelda and Alessa
Valthrun calls out "No! Don't do it!" and moves between Zimelda and the mirror, his hand out to stop her.

Kalarel's eyes widen as the old sage comes into his field of view. The evil priest's hand reaches below the bottom of the mirror and his arm muscles tighten.

OOC: you can easily get past Valthrun, he doesn't have an MBA

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda easily sidesteps the old man, and as quickly as her armored form can move, she tries to slam the chest shut and sever the ritual's connection.

Once she concludes that action, she turns to Valthrun with irritation burning in her eyes. "Do you really think I am that stupid?" she hisses venomously. "I had no real intention of destroying the mirror, especially if it could be used as a bargaining chip." The Drow then turns and looks away, looking rather perturbed. "And now that damn necromancer knows of your involvement, which rather complicates my plans..." she huffs. "So much for that..."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I am not a great admirer of the Spider Queen, but at least she is not the unholy embodiment of undeath. Surely, Lady Zimelda, you do not wish to deal with this heretic mage honestly? I will accept nothing less than death for the followers of the Horned Lord.

[Lycan 01]

"Bah," Zimelda waves her hand dismissively. "Even if I did want to work with the Horned Whatever's followers - and I do not - I would never work with that man. Aside from the fact that he is a man, he has managed to irk me in several ways, and I quite enjoy the idea of irritating him and/or smashing his face into a chunky pulp with my mace," she factually quips with a cheerful smile. "I simply wanted to see how much information I could worm out of him, and mess with his head a bit if given the chance. I managed to do a little of both, at least..." she shrugs.

[Snowbody]

Zimelda and Alessa
OOC: Not quite that simple

As Zimelda pushes past him, Valthrun stumbles into the magic circle. As the sage falls, Kalarel lifts a skull-headed rod (http://amiawiki.shatuga.com/index.php/File:Orcus_Symbol.jpg) and swings it toward the mirror, calling out "Ruin.". Magical energy surges from the mirror, impacting Valthrun full on, continuing to the edges of the magic circle where it dissipates.

Valthrun lies motionless on the ground, dark energy still clinging to the parts of him that are inside the magic circle and sapping his lifeforce. The case is closed and the mirror is hidden; somehow he managed to close the case as he was falling.

[Lycan 01]

"Stupid old man!" Zimelda barks, immediately kneeling over the fallen scholar. She grabs onto his shoulders and rolls him over onto his back, before gritting her teeth and attempting to channel enough healing energies to counter-act the necrotic forces ravaging the old man's body.


Healing Word: Healing surge, extra HP, bla bla bla it probably doesn't really matter. :smalltongue:

[Snowbody]

Zimelda and Alessa

Valthrun gasps as life returns to him, but the necrotic energies still coursing through him are about to take it away again.

OOC - Zimelda still has a standard action this "round"; Alessa has all her actions

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The Goliath put an hand on the priest shoulder and say,
"Fear not, the person resposible wont do this kind of torture again if we manage to find them. I'll wait for the good priestess here if you dont mind. Our friends should come see Douven soon anyway."

[Lycan 01]

"Damnation, you will not die you feeble old fool!" Zimelda snarls, tightly gripping Valthrun's shoulders and flooding his system with the healing energy of Lolth. Her hands glow with a purple aura, forcing back the dark necrotic energies ravaging the old man. "You are too important and too smart to die from such an ignoble end, am I not mistaken?" she snarls. "You should be crushed to death by a stack of books, or die of a heart attack while enthusiastically teaching a class to stupid young scholars! If you have the will to learn mounds of boring information, you have the will to overcome a curse! Now come on you stubborn idiot, fight it off!"


Zimelda is basically pulling the whole "Doctor tries to motivate patient while zapping him with a defibrillator" cliche.

Healing Word: Bla bla bla heal the old man.

[Snowbody]

OOC: Two reasons that won't work. One, he's a Heroic tier NPC; he only has one healing surge. Two, you can only use Healing Word once per round. Perhaps you should try using a skill instead of a power.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The water elemental surges forward, bending over the distressed wizard. I remain unfamiliar with human biology, but I believe that mundane medicinal expertise may also be of use here. Inform me on how I can assist, Priestess, she says in a very watery voice.

MW is down, but assuming her bonus is decent, Alessa with try to use a Heal Check to grant him a saving throw.

[Snowbody]

At the water elemental's touch, the old man's panic subsides, he takes a deep breath, and, finally able to take Zimelda's words to heart, expels the necrotic energy with a burst of willpower. Panting, drenched with sweat, he lies just outside the circle.

Good work, both of you, says Jarvis.


Alessa's heal check:
[roll0] vs DC 15

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Alessa's soothing waters wash over Valthrun, wiping away the last of the necrotic grime. You must rest, Sage Valthrun. Where can we move you where you will be most suitably comfortable?

[Snowbody]

Mertes and Arjhan

Douven manages a weak wave at his rescuers, but he yawns and his eyes close. He hasn't slept much lately, and the morning's hike must have worn him out. A plate of food is by his bedside, mostly uneaten.

"Sister Linora may not be back for a few hours," says Ian. He indicates Crabbe and Goyle, carrying their packs. "New adventurers for your crew? Or are you bringing them here to learn about Avandra? Their religious education to this point has been sadly lacking."

Goyle indignantly starts to say, "Hey, my dad teaches...taught..." but he trails off and looks at his shoes.

Zimelda and Alessa

Valthrun opens his eyes, surprised that he's still alive. "Ffthenkh Ldeeeuw," he slurs, then spits out some blood, revealing that he'd bitten his tongue while fighting the necrosis. "Thank you, my bed is just downstairs, Lord Padraig must be told!"

"Is it okay to come out now? Magic show's over?" calls Rat's voice from behind the door where he had hidden himself.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath shrug.
"I'll wait for my friends if you dont mind. Then we will see if we leave or wait for Priestess Linora. As for these two young mens, they will comes with us to help us investigate and deal with the kobold menace. I doubt it will teach them much about Avandra herself, but it shall teach them about the world around them for sure."

Mertes say nothing until the priest let them be and he and Arhjan are alone with the young mens.
"I am curious here, what religion did your father taught you? You mentionned something about St-Cutherd or something sooner, I assume that is some religious beleif, but I am unfamiliar with that name."

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan nods and adds, "I too am curious as to what religious practices you may hold."

[Lycan 01]

"Alessa," Zimelda turns to the elemental, "Take Valthrun down to his bed. I shall contact Lord Padraig, and update him on the situation."

She then smiles in amusement at Rat. "Well you certainly made yourself useful..." she quips. "Come over here and watch my back. I don't want that crate exploding or something while I try to activate these things..." she muses as she begins to dig the Sending Stones out of her backpack.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The water elemental flows up under Valthrun and helps to push him to his feet. She then resumes her humanoid form, and helps him shuffle off to bed.

[Snowbody]

Mertes and Arjhan (and the boys)

Ian nods and heads for the door after whispering a final blessing on Douven. "I'll be in my cell, studying. Ring the bell if you need me for anything."

"Yeah, St. Cuthbert, not many people know about him. We read about him in Tales of the Vulgar Fool, it's full of great stories, always cracks us up. St Cuthbert pretends to be stupid, but he's really got smarts, see, but he so when he gets into trouble, he can always figure a way out. He always gets the girl, always gets what he wants, nobody stands in his way. All those other religions, full of rules, trying to make you a good little servant to the lord, even Avandra, just look at this town full of stooges! But I never thought that he'd...you know...just up and leave...even if the stories said that you don't let anyone get in the way of what you want..."

OOC Arjhan:
Arjhan, having religious training, remembers that some things that Goyle has said about St Cuthbert aren't quite right. Roll religion (+7) to see what.

1

Zimelda and Alessa (and Rat)

"Well ya gotta admit, that box was more trouble than it was worth...just glad nobody got killed..." Rat shuffles over obediently and keeps an eye on the box, now inert within the magic circle.

Zimelda finds the Sending Stone that Lord Padraig gave her. Her magical training tells her that she can send a message up to 25 words before waiting for a reply.

Alessa leads Valthrun downstairs; this time the door is accessible from the stairway. Valthrun lies down in his bed; he waves Alessa to the door.

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan says nothing in response to the boys' description of St. Cuthbert, but he muses quietly over what they have said, trying to find the discrepancy that made the monologue sound so, wrong.

roll for religion [roll0]

[Snowbody]

Arjhan knows:
that belief in St Cuthbert is virtually extinct, mainly because St Cuthbert no longer answers any prayers, nor communicates with his followers in any way. Some think that the deity is dead. But when it flourished, Cuthbertism was a very Lawful religion -- its central tenets were to obey the legitimate authority, do good works, help others, and use common sense. The book Goyle is describing sounds like a heretical/blasphemous parody of the actual religion. At best it was a joke, not intended to be taken seriously, although Goyle Sr. apparently took it seriously.

[Lycan 01]

Purple energy flickers in her hands as Zimelda activates the sending stone. She then factually states: "Zimelda reporting: mirror activated, enemy contact established, dark plots in motion, they need the mirror but offered a deal, Valthrun was wounded by curse."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath nod to the kids,
"Ok, so he is more a conceptual entity, like the druid who follow the land, not an actual God then. It explain why I never heard of him. Still it is good that you have your own set of beleifs."
The barbarian smile to the kids.
"I do follow kord teachings, and while there is actually some rules, I dont find them hard to follow as they fit my own beleif and way of life. I am glad you've found something to refer to yourself."

Changing subject, the goliath say,
"Now that we are alone and have some time there is something I'd like to know. Sooner you told me you knew someone who was going regulary to the keep ruins. Now might be a good time to fill us in about it, as I feel there might be a connection between that place and what is happening around here. Also, I would like to learn what you two know about Keegan legend."

[Snowbody]

Zimelda
A few moments pass, and the reply forms in Zimelda's mind.

If mirror is dangerous and desired by enemies, bring to inner gate, can keep safe in vault. Kobold threat escalating. Any progress locating their lair?

1

Mertes, Arjhan, and boys

"He tells us how to get what we want, that's more than any god ever did."

"Sure! There's this airhead elf that sells flowers in the market, we saw her when we went out to look at the Keep. Some of her flowers don't grow in many places; I bet she gets some of them near the Keep."

"Keegan? Some old soldier, in charge of the keep, one day he went nuts and killed everybody, starting with his wife and kids. They sent a whole army from Fallcrest to take him down, big black eye for the empire. They say his ghost still roams the hills, but that's just a spook story to keep kids in bed at night."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The barbarian smile a the two young men.
"I would not dismiss the ghost story that easyly. We face some sort of undead sooner, might be that ghost you are speaking of. Lord Padraig is right in saying that we adventurer see conspirarcies and danger where there might now necessary be, but that is what keep us alive. So dont dismiss trivial possibilities like this and you should share this kind of knowledge when you have some."

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda states in response: "Will bring mirror soon. How is the threat escalating? No new information on lair location. May be able to trick enemy into revealing more information."

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan nods and adds, "Mertes is right, men. If you notice anything, even if it seems of little import, you should voice it to the rest of the party. You never know when it could save you."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
Mertes nod to the paladin,
"Speaking of which, I know I did mention you sooner that I had some weird dream last night. In the dream, I was fighting the black dragon with the soldiers and we defeated it. During the fight, the soldier leader told me some stuff about Keegan, that he was a traitor and that he was dangerous."
Mertes pause for a second to take a sip of water then resume his story,
"While some would argue that it is only a dream, I dont beleive it is as simple. I had no knowledge of that war and know nothing of a man named Keegan. Also, I did check the dragon bones and they bear the same damage as I saw in the dream. I did not inspect them before and did not notice the damage to the spine. When you spoke of crazy Keegan," Mertes look at the two young mens, "I realised that he might be implicated in all this. Considering the kind of power that weild the stupid god our enemies follows, I would not be surprised if Keegan was still 'alive', probably as some disgusting undead, and could be behind all this."

Too bad only Arhjan is there for that discussion, but the time is kinda good to talk about it lol.

[Snowbody]

Zimelda
More outlying farms raided this morning, children kidnapped. I want to increase readiness but avoid spreading panic. Best to eliminate the problem at its source.

"You're having some kind of telepathic conversation, based on what I can see," notes Jarvis. "but I can't pick it up. The Lord?" he asks.

OOC: If you want to share any or all of the info with Jarvis, no need to write anything in detail, just say that you're doing so.

Arjhan and Mertes

The boys look at each other and shrug. "There's always talk of ghosts, skeletons, and zombies in the graveyard but that's probably just scare tactics too." says Goyle, the taller and faster of the boys. "Though I still wouldn't go there at night unless I had to. Have you asked any of the hunters or trackers?"

"I saw a goblin once, crossing the North Road, but they keep clear of the town," says Crabb, the wider and better perceptive of the boys, and the son of a Regular guard who seems to not have parental rights. "And there's caves in the area, but all of them were checked out by the Regulars -- no kobolds. I betcha Eric couldn't'a' told ya that."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
"We did check out with one of this town rangers, but she had some attitude. I actually beleive she is like that with everyone, as none were too surprise about the rejection we've got from her. Do you know one who would help us?"

[Snowbody]

"Keegan was supposed to be some kind of big hero -- there were even songs about him. I heard one once in Wrafton's -- it went 'Something something hmm hmm hmm, traitorous Sir Keegan'. He fought some, uhh, bad guys in a cave? And got noble-ized. That's why he was in charge of the Keep."


"We did check out with one of this town rangers, but she had some attitude. I actually beleive she is like that with everyone, as none were too surprise about the rejection we've got from her. Do you know one who would help us?"

Both boys burst out laughing. "Ninaran? She's not even fun to tease. Don't follow her, she'll make you regret it. Others? Well there's Hefrey Kaleroot. He's cool for a halfling, gave us puffs of his pipeweed after he caught us at his cabin. He can find anything in the woods."

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda looks over to Jarvis and nods. "Things have become much more serious. The kobolds raided more farms this morning. Children have been kidnapped." A smirk crosses her face. "On the positive side, I think our new elemental friend has ample reason to join us. Saving children and fighting Eternal Darkness seems to be right up her alley."

Zimelda then pauses, and raises an eyebrow. "Did I say that right? Up her alley? Or is that a euphemism for something else? Oh Lolth, did I just imply I wished to procreate with her?"

Poor Zimelda turns her attention back to the sending stones, and tries to send another message: "We will bring the mirror and regroup. The kobold threat will soon be handle. Pity we have no time for that tour now, it seems."

[Snowbody]

"That is unfortunate, and the optimal course of action is to seek them out before harm comes to them, rather than to try to effect my release. I am glad that the elemental can join you in my stead.
"I believe that your colloquial phrase is acceptable, and even if not, the context should make it clear. Though I am not sure if her human shape even has any potential to procreate."

The reply comes back from the Sending Stone: Understood. The tour can wait until a time of joy and celebration. Keep me informed of any progress.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda opens her mouth a few times, trying to formulate a response to Jarvis. She then smirks wickedly. "I shall ask her for you," she winks. She then places the sending stone back in her backpack. "For now, though, we have more pressing issues to deal with. I need to figure out where Arjhan, Mertes, and those boys have gone... But first, Alessa and the half-dead scholar."

Zimelda then heads off to the scholar's bedroom. She raps her gauntleted knuckles on the door, then enters. "Alessa, how is our scholarly associate faring? Is he stable?" the Drow asks. "I am afraid we must make haste. Things have gotten quite complicated. The Kobolds have made more attacks, and children have been kidnapped."

Zimelda then smirks playfully. "I trust you will be joining us? I would assume that rescuing the innocent and fighting the forces of evil incarnate are activities you find interesting."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I need no motivation but the eradication of undead, Priestess. That children are also missing only adds to the crimes I shall have these lunatics answer for, replies the elemental neutrally. Sage Valthrun will live, his wounds heal in due time. There is little more I can do to help him; rest is what he needs. Let us finish any more errands you have quickly, so we can set out at once.

[Snowbody]

Given the need for haste, and that Valthrun is stable, the Drow and elemental leave the tower and again walk the streets of the town, past Bairwin's Grande Shoppe, and the (closed) militia training building, through the alley where Zimelda was accosted by Goyle and the boys, to the temple. As they enter they notice Ninaran kneeling in prayer in the main sanctuary at the (small) altar to Corellon, the elvish god who had banished and cursed the Drow. Perhaps Zimelda was wise to avoid her earlier. (Most popular gods have a small niche in the temple's sanctuary, reflecting Avandra's tolerance.)

Zimelda knows the way to the Chamber of Healing where her friends are waiting for her.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda's eye twitches. She quickly strides away from the elf, making sure to position Alessa and/or Rat between her and the elf.

Once they get to the Chamber of Healing, Zimelda grins cheerfully. "Wonderful news, my companions!" Her expression then falls flat. "We have a problem. Several problems, actually. Who feels like being a hero?"

[tedthehunter]

"I always feel like being a hero, Zimelda." Arjhan says dryly. "What are the problems of which you speak?"

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda smirks. "Right, right... Paladin..." she playfully quips.

Her expression then goes serious. "The kobolds have become more active. This morning they raided several more farms. They've become more bold, more aggressive. And they've changed their tactics. Children were kidnapped..." she pauses, allowing her words to hang in the air so everyone can wrap their mind around what she just said.

"Oh, and the followers of the Death Prince need the mirror to accomplish whatever dark plans they are trying to accomplish. They even offered me a deal for the mirror; I think the offer my be on the table, if anyone wants to join me later for an obvious ambush," she smirks. "Unfortunately, Valthrun interrupted and got smote by a curse, but we managed to save him. Now Lord Padraig wants us to bring the mirror to him, and then go find the kobold hideout. Stop the monsters, rescue the kids..." she idly gestures with her hands. "You know, hero stuff."

She then sighs, and looks over at Alessa. "Have I mentioned that I miss the Underdark?" she laments, though her smile shows that she's just being dramatic.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Even your homeland has its heroes, priestess, deadpans the water elemental. If you and your companions are finished here, I recommend we submit the mirror to Padraig and get moving.

[Snowbody]

The two boys stop messing up stacks of bedsheets and rifling through cabinets to process the new information. "Heroes? Yeah, that's us!" "Slay the enemy, rescue the captives, get the glory and the women!"

OOC: I forgot to have Jarvis comment on the situation; this should have been earlier.

"You gained some valuable information there, Lady Drow, though not without cost. The necromancer mentioned a keep, quite possibly the same keep as the one Valthrun referred to. He also talked about a need for sacrifices, meaning that he is either planning some dark ritual, or in contact with malevolent extraplanar forces, and it also means you should act quickly if the kobold kidnappings are connected. He also mentioned the Bloodreavers; I do not know who they are, but given their name they are likely not friendly to Winterhaven."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
His allies finaly here, and speaking of action, Mertes rise to his feets, adjust his gear and say,
"Lets go slay kobolds then. We'll discuss on the way there. Maybe we could go by some ranger cabin that our two new group members know. I assume it is out of the city boundaries right?"
He looks at the two boys raising an eyebrow.

[Snowbody]

"Yeah, just out of town, past the southern farmsteads."

Zimelda, Arjhan, and Mertes remember the name "Kaleroot" -- it's the name of a halfling tracker that Captain Kelfem had recommended to them. He'd also given them a map to the cabin.

[Lycan 01]

"I am not sure we have time to go find more assistance. The necromancer mentioned something about sacrifices. We may be racing the hourglass..." Zimelda states grimly. She then back and forth between Rat and the boys. "Do any of you know about something called a Bloodreaver?"

[Snowbody]

"Nope."

"Nuh-uh."

"In Fallcrest there was talk of some bunch of bandits by that name, I think, off to the east...maybe they weren't human?" says Rat.

OOC: Everyone may roll History checks to see if they've heard anything about them in their travels, or Streetwise to ask around town, or other skills if you can explain why they're useful.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda scratches her chin. "Why do I get the strangest feeling, as if I am supposed to know something important right now? Tis very... odd..." she muses.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The Bloodreavers are a band of surfaceworlder mercenaries. I would guess that their loyalty to our foe extends only to the depth of his coin purse.

[Snowbody]

OOC -- anything else to do at the Temple? bother Ian again? attempt to communicate with Douven? pray at the niche of your chosen deity? If nobody does anything I'll fast-forward to the inner gate so you can give the mirror to Lord Padraig

Rat says to Zimelda "That elf lady in there praying -- she's bad news for you, is that usual for elves or is she worse somehow? But her, you don't have to be a drow for her to be bad news. You met her before?"

[Dekkah]

Mertes
As Zimelda ask the Bloodreavers, the goliath shrug.
AS rat mention some elf, he looks at him and say then look around,
"What elven lady are you talking about??"

I dont have anything else I will try here myself... unless the elven lady thing turn interesting (the two boys told me about some elven flower seller who might know stuff about the keep after all).

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda scowls. "No, I have not met her directly. The conflict and spite between our people is quite normal. Par the course, in fact. But as long as I avoid her attention, there should be no problem."

Zimelda tugs at her hood, just to make sure it is properly in place. At Mertes' inquiry, she idly replies: "Ninaran, or whatever her name is. The hunter-gatherer. The one you, if I recall correctly, irritated..."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath nearly laugh out loud at Niranan mention,
"Forget her Zimelda. She hated me as I spoke with her. I can only imagine how she would react to you. If you wanta guide, Crabbe and Goyle know one living just out of town. Kelfrem actually suggested that one to me when we've met. Shall we go?"

[Snowbody]

Leaving Douven to his well-deserved (and much-needed) rest, the party heads out from the Chamber of Healing. As they pass the sanctuary, a quick glance shows that Ninaran has finished her prayers and is about to leave as well. Zimelda might have been stealthy enough to sneak past; Mertes might have been quick enough; but it's almost a certainty that she noticed Arjhan. And sure enough, the elf hunter follows at a distance as the adventurers walk along the town streets toward the inner gate. The boys don't notice, (as they are pretending to fight the battle with the Bloodreavers and boasting of their future exploits), but Rat does, casting a nervous eye over his shoulder several times at the following elf.

The group passes the tenements outside which Zimelda was accosted by Goyle, Bairwin's Grande Shoppe (a general store), the closed militia training facility, Valthrun's tower, the path to Market Square, and Thair Coalstriker's blacksmith shop.

At the gate, acting Captain Kelfem is there to meet them, along with the two other guards. "I'll personally make sure this is placed in the vault," he says. His eyes show his concern for the kidnapped children.

Ninaran stops by Valthrun's tower, making no effort to hide that she's following the adventurers and watching them.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
Seeing the blacksmith sign, Mertes suddenly remember that he wanted to see the dwarf and take note that he will return see him when they are done with this delivery.

As they meet Kelfrem, Mertes nod to the man.
"Excellent. We will be leaving soon to deal with these small lezards and rput you back where you belong."
The goliath nod to the captain.
"Keep your eyes open for dark cultist my friend. Many of you may think we are seeing conspiracies everywhere, but I doubt your city is as clean as most of you beleive."

The goliath turn around and say in Ninaran direction.
"You can join us if you want elf instead of simply following around, no need to be shy. We could use some guide that knows the area to track these little leezard buggers."
The goliath wait a few seconds to see her reaction, before turning his attetion to his friends and tell them,
"I'll go see the blacksmith, I have a few thing for him and he may have more informations on the kobolds and what is happening to share."

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda ignores the elf. When Captain Kelfem meets them at the gate, Zimelda nods to him in greeting. A small sign to most, but a gesture of great respect from a Drow. "Be very careful. The enemy has shown their ability to harness this artifact for their own dark purposes. Make sure the chest is not opened under any circumstances. Also, you may wish to send someone to check on Valthrun. The old sage should be fine for now, but it would be prudent to monitor his condition."

And then Mertes opens his big mouth.

Zimelda lifts a hand to her forehead, and cradles her face as she lets out a deep sigh of exasperation. "Mertes. Mertes, I am going to hurt you..." she quietly mutters. Her annoyance with the Goliath is almost palpable.

[Snowbody]

Captain Kelfem's eyes go wide when Zimelda nods, but he gravely responds in kind.


"Be very careful. The enemy has shown their ability to harness this artifact for their own dark purposes. Make sure the chest is not opened under any circumstances. Also, you may wish to send someone to check on Valthrun. The old sage should be fine for now, but it would be prudent to monitor his condition."
"I'll send a patrol over in an hour or so; if he doesn't respond we know how to get in."


"Excellent. We will be leaving soon to deal with these small lezards and rput you back where you belong."
The goliath nod to the captain.
"Keep your eyes open for dark cultist my friend. Many of you may think we are seeing conspiracies everywhere, but I doubt your city is as clean as most of you beleive."

"Well I know something's not right, given Lady Alessa's report. I'm not ruling out your theory, but I'm going to investigate more likely possibilities first."


"You can join us if you want elf instead of simply following around, no need to be shy. We could use some guide that knows the area to track these little leezard buggers."

Ninaran, arms crossed, looks briefly in their direction out of the corner of her eye. She tosses her head, indicating Captain Kelfem, and shakes her head.

"Looks like your friend there still hasn't forgiven Eric. Maybe she'll offer to guide you after I make myself scarce."


"I'll go see the blacksmith, I have a few thing for him and he may have more informations on the kobolds and what is happening to share."

"Ah, that reminds me. Given recent developments, Lord Padraig wants to make sure you have the best chance of success, and also wants to give you something in return for your service in acquiring the mirror." He gives Mertes a leather bag (containing 50 gp) and a parchment, which instructs any merchants doing regular business in Winterhaven to extend credit to Mertes, Zimelda, and Arjhan in a total amount not exceeding 500gp, the interest to be paid by Lord Padraig and the loan also guaranteed by him. It includes lines for each merchant to record the loan amount. (OOC - it's a credit card with a 500gp limit, and someone else is making the payments)

Rat doesn't know whether to be more nervous of Captain Kelfem or Ninaran.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath look at Kelfrem as he speak of Ninaran having trouble with Eric,
"She've got trouble with your son? Do we want to know or it isnt relevant?"

As he receive the money and paper, the Goliath put it in a safe and waterproof place with his other paper, a waterskin he adapted for that purpose.
"Thanks, I'll keep this here guys. Tell me if you need it."

The goliath pull out the bag of trinket he acquired during their few battles, the one with various citizens items, go throught them picking up what he expect belong to the dwarven smith and the Dwarven ale keg and give the rest to Kelfrem.
"We've found these things in the camp we found Douven in. I beleive it belong to people here, look like some personnal stuff that some might want to retreive."

Ok, I removed "Bag containing various Townsfolk items." from the group loot.

I added the 50 GP and 500 GP credit letter to the group loot.


Snowbody : Did we sleep since the kobold battle? I think not.. .what time is it exactly right now...?

Also, I just recalled about my injured hands and arms (when I cut and pasted my status bellow).
I dont beleive Mertes would had forgotten and would had asked for treatment at the temple while he waited... but if you say I have forgotten, I'll roleplay returning to the place for it (no problem here for me)

Mertes Status
HP :...33/33...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...8/12
AC:...16...FORT:...16... REF:...13...WILL:...13...
Main Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Off Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Swift Panther Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain endurance (Minor)

Effects on Mertes :
- Vulnerable Arms: each time he is hit, roll a d20 and on a 17 or higher, he takes an additional 2 damage. This damage is not affected by Stone Endurance or THP; it always deducts from real HP.
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP

Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
65 GP (Agrid gold)
5 GP
36 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 928

[Snowbody]

This is a retcon, this was supposed to happen back at the temple.

Mertes shows the acolyte Ian his arms, and asks about healing.

"Hmm, looks serious, this would definitely hamper you in combat. I'm amazed that you can do anything at all, even with this excellent bandaging job," he says with a nod toward the Dragonborn. "The best treatment, of course, is rest and avoiding strenuous activity, allowing the wounds to heal naturally. But I doubt that appeals to you.
"I have studied the healing ritual, but I am not as experienced as Sister Linora. She'll be back tonight. If you still want me to do it, let me warn you, you would definitely be drained afterwards, perhaps even to the point of unconsciousness. I'm sure you'd recover quickly, but it still would take a toll."
"Also, we are here to help the town, but please keep in mind that the ointments and salves used do cost money, around 150 GP, so a contribution to the temple would be greatly appreciated."

OOC: Mertes has two afflictions right now: vulnerable arms (extra damage when hit) and wrenched arms (penalty to attacks unless you sustain endurance). For each affliction you wish healed magically, you'll take damage, either your maximum HP, half your max HP, or 1/4 of max HP, depending on the roll of the d20. There's a 50% chance that it will be half your HP. Keep in mind that Zimelda has healing words to heal you more effectively than just using surges during a short rest, but it takes time for her to recharge them.

[Snowbody]

Crabbe and Goyle, working together, managed to remember a little bit more of the song:


The Platinum Dragon upon his shield,
Traitorous Sir Keegan.
Stained red with the blood of those he'd killed,
Traitorous Sir Keegan.

"Hey Mr. Arjhan, you've got a dragon on your shield too!" Keegan was a Bahamut follower, at least according to the song!

[Lycan 01]

Whenever the kids do their song

Zimelda shakes her head. "You boys are quite astute. Next time you see him, tell Jarvis that he is made of crystals. I am certain he would love to be informed of such a startling revelation," the Drow sarcastically observes.


In the present

Zimelda grabs the items out of Mertes' hands when he tries to hand them over. "Mertes, why are you handing over my henchman's personal effects?" she asks, slightly annoyed. "It is as thought you are intent on irritating me today. The next time you get an arm ripped off or something, I will be sure to wait an extra thirty seconds before healing your broken, battered form. In fact, I think I shall spend those thirty seconds doing something more productive, like poking you. With a stick!" she snarks.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
It has occurred to me that my would-be companions have not properly rested since their return to the city. I know that children have gone missing, which is dire indeed, but is it wise to assault the enemy with a tired attack force? asks Alessa, to no one in particular. I also have an errand to run before we depart; it shall take but a few minutes, she adds, without waiting for anyone to answer her first question. She leaves for the market, to find the stall of the old jam-seller.

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan sighs heavily and says, "I hate to admit it, but I am quite weary. Honor demands that we go save the children immediately, but my body demands rest. Perhaps we should take some time to rest before we leave."

[Snowbody]

The stall is closed, but Alessa soon finds the old lady buying new jars from a glassblower. "Oh, it's you dearie. Making friends I hope? This is such a friendly town! Will you be visiting tonight?" she prattles, oblivious as usual.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I am sorry, ma'am, but it seems I will not be visiting tonight. There's bandit activity out in the countryside, and I'm going to help the deputies set it right this evening. I wanted to come and tell you I would not be joining you this evening, explains the elemental disguised as a woman.

[Snowbody]

"Oho, bandits? They've never troubled me. It's only the outsiders that grouse about such things. Avandra keeps me safe," she says, clutching at her medallion. "She knows this is one of her shrines, I'm sure the Regulars will handle it. Sorry I can't offer you any jam to pass around on your trip, I'm fresh out. Maybe when you come back."

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda frowns at Arjhan. "I myself feel perfectly fine. If you need rest to be effective in combat, then I suppose you should rest. But I thought Paladins of Bahamut were willing to charge into battle against the forces of wickedness even while missing limbs, let alone in need of a nap?" she quips.

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan gives Zimelda a weary smile and says, "It is true, my Lady, that my body will continue it's work for as long as I command it to, without food or rest. But these recent events have left me in a thoughtful mood, and much has happened in these past days that weighs heavily on my mind and heart."

He sighs heavily and says quietly to Zimelda, "And in truth, much of what you know about Paladins is truly the stuff of legend. If I lose a limb, Bahamut will have to forgive me for wanting to preserve the rest of them."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
Sooner at the temple
Mertes let the priest treat his arms with the help of Arhjan.
Once that is done, he feel a little bit weaker, but his arms are way better.
He consider asking for treatment to his hands as well, but he already owe the temple enough and hope he can fight this disease on his own.
"Thanksa lot. This is what I can afford to give you right now. I'll pay the rest when I come back with my share of our finding."

The barbarian give 65 GP to the young priest.



Now
"Sorry I thought it was belonging to the citizen here." reply the goliath to Zimelda with a smile.
The goliath become serious again and simply say,
"Let move on, there is childrens life at stake here. We will rest when we absolutly need to."
To Kelfrem, Mertes give the drawven Ale.
"Could you give this to Thair and tell him it is from me. He should still return it to the Inn, but I hope it gives him back access to the place, as I beleive he is banned from it."

I cant find our discussion with the dwarf... I dont remember what he promised me for the Ale... but I am pretty sure he have been kicked out of the inn for something (probably complaining about the missing ale)


Mertes Status
HP :...30/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...8/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Off Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain endurance (Minor)

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
5 GP
36 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1000

[Snowbody]

(Back at the temple)

"Good choice -- even though the muscle damage limits how effective you can be in combat, you won't be able to do anything at all if the enemy gets enough hits on your arms to take you out of the fight."

Ian is quite pleased that Mertes wasn't too badly drained by the ritual, and gratefully accepts the gold. "Lord Padraig supports us, of course, and we do get some income from pilgrims visiting the shrine, but we always are wishing that we could do more." He then retires to his cell.

after the song

"Jarvis is made of crystals? You mean that crystal guy you were with before?" Realizing the idiocy of what he's said, Crabbe shuts up for a moment.

in the present

Mertes, even while he's asking Captain Kelfem about Ninaran, remembers that Kelfem had said that Eric had become infatuated with Ninaran at some point in the past. He had been following her around and bugging her inside Wrafton's until Salvana threw him out and complained to the Captain. Kelfem implied that he'd corrected the problem with his son (probably some form of discipline was involved) and he didn't bother Ninaran any more. Nothing in the story indicated that Ninaran had done anything in retaliation.

He also remembers that Thair is not banned from Wrafton's, but instead had stormed out in a huff and vowed never to return. The triggering incident was when Salvana had raised the price on Dwarven Ale after the kobolds had stolen the shipment.

Crabbe and Goyle notice Zimelda's bickering with the other party members, and they whisper to each other and start pointing and snickering.

((OOC: Any changes to what Mertes does?)

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda whirls around to glare at the boys. While she welcomes the distraction of dealing with them, it doesn't do much to alleviate her irritation. "Something amusing, children?" she asks sternly.

[Snowbody]

"We just thought -- we just -- no ma'am." He's obviously lying, as he can barely contain his giggles.

Captain Kelfem also gives two hand crossbows and a bunch of bolts to Arjhan. "The two of them are decent enough with their slings, but if you get a chance, see if you can get them to practice with these, it's what the Regulars use."

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan bows his head and says, "Thank you Captain. I'll keep that in mind." He busies himself fastening the crossbows to his belt, trying halfheartedly to hide his grin from Zimelda.

[Snowbody]

Mertes produces the cask of ale from his pack and explains the situation to Captain Kelfem. The officer claps his hand to his temple and shakes his head slightly. "I wish you hadn't told me that," he says. "Now I have to confiscate this as 'spoils of an unlicensed vigilante operation' since your commission was invalidated. We'll have to send a message to the dwarf representative in Fallcrest the next time a courier comes. I doubt the dwarves will want such a small amount of their stolen goods back, they've probably already written it off. I'll try to keep it secure, but it might be a few drinks lighter by then. Unless...if you defeat the kobolds, we can talk to Lord Padraig about having your expedition covered retroactively, and then it would be yours to keep. "

Padraig leaves with the mirror (safely in its box) and cask. Ninaran motions the group away from the gate and guards. Assuming they do so (Rat in particular is reluctant to approach) Ninaran says the following:

"I have something you need to hear, but I can't say it in town--too many ears. Can we go out the gate and down to the main road?" with a tilt of her head toward the guards at the gate.

In the unlikely event that Zimelda approaches, Ninaran pointedly ignores her, but she icily says "Hello, boys," to Crabbe and Goyle, who blanch and try to make themselves as small as possible.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda, assuming somebody else follows the elves' motioning, will follow along. She doesn't say anything, though. And when the elf makes a show of ignoring her, Zimelda responds by simply crossing her arms and doing her best to look bored.

Spiteful, yes. But at least she's not screaming in dark tongues and bashing her face in with a mace.

Yet.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The barbarian nod to Niranan and follows out,
"We're leaving anyway."

[Snowbody]

Rat mutters about what a bad idea this is.

The group passes the town market and exits town via the main gate. When they are safely out of earshot of the gate guards, Ninaran starts talking, mostly to Mertes, but including everyone (but Zimelda).

"I was rude to you back at Wrafton's. Too rude. I'm...sorry. You were just looking for your friend; I heard you found him; good for you. I just wanted everyone to go away so I could relax. Well, Salvana always wants me to be friendlier, I thought about it, she's right.

"I lied to you then, too, but I had a reason. I do know about the kobolds -- where they live in the forest -- and more importantly, who their allies are. I'm sure you do too."

She makes a "horns" gesture, suggesting Orcus.

"But I'd never talk about it in town. Kelfem or Forace would arrest me for disturbing the peace, and that'd be the end of me, since the cultists have quietly infiltrated the town, maybe even the Regulars or the manor servants. Kelfem's so sure his men are blameless, he can't even see what's right in front of him. If they're not stopped the results could be dire.

"So here's my offer. I'll tell you where the kobold hideout is, and how to get there, as long as you promise not to let anybody know. I don't want this coming down on me."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath shrug and simply dismiss Niranan recollection of her previous attitude toward him with his hand, letting her know that it doesnt matter to him at this point.

"The more we know on the enemy, the better. So sure, we would like you to tell us what you know about their camp. And fear not, we wont tell anyone who gave us the information," the goliath take a second to give Crabbe and Goyle a look meaning this promise include their own silence as well, "I'd also like to know if you have any idea who is in league with the kobolds within the city. Personnaly I have some faith on Kelfrem to be a clean man. While we still have some reservation, we've decided to trust Lord Padraig, Sister Linora and the city wizard named Valthrun as well. If you beleive or know one these are in league with the enemy, you may as well tell us."

The goliath pause then remember an other thing,
"Do you know something about the one they call the Withered arm? I beleive it is their leader."

[Snowbody]

(Assuming the other two agree)

Ninaran nods attentively at Mertes's observations. Crabbe, Goyle, and Rat are completely intimidated by Ninaran, it's obvious that with Ninaran involved they won't be talking, whether or not Mertes does anything to enforce it.

The elf considers Mertes's questions, and counts off the suspects on her fingers.
"I don't conclusively know any of them to be in the conspiracy, but I have my suspicions. I'll defer to your judgment about Kelfem, but I've known him to be honorable.
"As for my half-kin the noble, trust him if you must, but remember, that sort always has their own plans in motion, the face they present to you may be completely different, they can tell a lie perfectly and then sleep soundly at night.
"Sister Linora is always kind and tolerant. She'd be the last person to be in league with demons or bandits.
"Valthrun I think is the biggest risk, always hungry for more knowledge without regard for what it costs other people."

"The kobolds come and go from a cave behind a waterfall, in some hills a ways to the east and south of the village. You can follow the stream there from the road. Former Druid gathering place. Kind of an obvious choice for a hideout, right? That's why it was the first place the Regulars searched. But the little eðla moved in the day the guards reported finding it empty-- which made me think that infiltration of the Regulars was a possibility. They've only been in there a few weeks, not nearly long enough for them to put in the kind of defensive fortifications kobolds are known for.
"The Withered Arm...I have heard that name, and that's significant in itself because it was spoken in Common, not Draconic. So I think their leader is not a kobold. Would the beasts consent to have a human rule over them? I know not."



*Elvish: Lizards

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda remains silent for the majority of the elf's exposition. However, at the mention of Lord Padraig, the Drow becomes visibly more attentive. "Ah, a half-elf. That explains some things..." she murmurs. She than quietly observes: "Yes, trust in the noble should be limited. I do not know what his plans for the rest of you are, but I know for certain he has plans for me. Plans which, from what I've gathered, seem to include a bedchamber..." she grumbles with a roll of her eyes.

"The Regulars are also corrupted by local criminals," she adds after Ninaran's explanations. "Some of them are willing to bend the law or look the other way, depending on the whim of their benefactors. Or so a fat pheasant told me. No. Big eagle. Wait, no," she furrows her brow. "What is it? Oh! Little bird. A little bird told me. Yes. That is it," she states with a neutral expression, striving to salvage what little pride she has left.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath doesnt appear too surprised with her assesment of the trustwortyness of the citizen he ask about, as he have relatively the same feeling about them.
"With the god they follow, which I dont beelive shoudl be the norm with for that race, I would not be surprised if their leader turn out to be some human."
The goliath consider what he have seen so far since he've been here and keep the rest of his tought to himself, ... or maybe some undead, possibly even the spirit of Keegan.
Looking at the elf, he ask,
"Anything we should look out for? Any information you have on the enemy can be helpful here. Also, what do you know about the old keep in the area?"

[Snowbody]

Ninaran tries to show no interest in what Zimelda is saying, but it's clear she's uncomfortable at the thought of Zimelda and Lord Padraig together. Her malapropism distracting the boys from thinking about the Lord's lechery, but then they notice her awkward self-correction and giggle nervously.

"Get into the cave as soon as you can, less chance for them to spot you outside. There's a few interconnected rooms, just keep moving."
"The keep is an old ruin. It's not part of my hunting grounds; animals avoid the area instinctively. Everyone knows the stories about ghosts and goblins. Why do you ask? Do you think there are cultists there?"

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath shrug,
"We dont have any clues leading there yet, but I to me, it look like a good place to hide some evil cult. what better than some ruins no one really wanna approach. Even these rumors of ghost might be only to keep people away. In my tribe we have a saying : Every caves can hide an hibernating bear at winter."

Thinking about Ninaran advice, the barbarian ask,
"Do you know if there is other entry points for these caves?"

[Snowbody]

Ninaran greets Alessa. "Hail, fellow traveler. You are new to the town as well? Welcome. What is your background?"

Responding to Mertes, "I see, that does make sense, but I'm not the one to ask about a poor hunting ground. As for the kobolds' cave, it has two entrances other than the waterfall, one on each side. There's some vegetation blocking each entrance that makes it hard to see in or out, but it should be simple to push through."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath nod.
"DO you know if one of these entry would suit us better. Maybe one is more remote or less guarded."

[Snowbody]

"The cave isn't large; all the entrances are with 100 feet or so of each other. There will probably be a sentry at each."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
From a very different land than this, miss, replies the elemental. Sage Valthrun was attacked by the owner of that mirror, who is clearly in league with the Horned One. The attack nearly killed him; I doubt Valthrun has betrayed the town, even if the locals vex him occasionally, she observes.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath nod,
"Will you guide us there or will you stay in town?"

[Snowbody]

Ninaran tosses her head and nods at Alessa's guarded answer. Her eyes go wide for an instant as Alessa reveals the attack on Valthrun, then she nods again.

Responding to Mertes, she puts her hand to her mouth for a second in shock, then says, "I would if I could -- really. I'd love to teach a lesson to those kobolds and their misguided leader. Whoever it is. But I'm neither a mercenary, nor a hero, I have my own responsibilities, just to go on living. Perhaps we shall fight together some day, but not today. I can give you detailed directions, that should get you to the lair without any trouble, but if you want a guide, try Kaleroot."

Through all this, her stiff demeanor hasn't changed.

OOC: If you want to change her attitude towards you, or convince her of something, try some skills

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda continues to stand by, letting everyone else due to the talking. Must... resist... urge... to be... snarky...

[Snowbody]

Having said what she came to say, Ninaran bids everyone (save Zimelda) farewell and heads off into the woods.

Crabbe and Goyle are still acting scared, turning around, looking over their shoulders into the woods, and trying to spot some trace of the Elf (they won't).

Rat mutters, "I'd be more inclined to trust that guy in the mirror. Whadda ya think we'll find--trap, ambush, or just an open pit."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
"I doubt she would do that, but still we must keep in mind that it can happen. But still, we should go check this out. Even if she is sending us in a trap, we will either find the kobolds, or learn that she is part of the enemy."
The goliath shrug adding,
"Assuming we can pull this off, it will be a win-win situation. Lets just be ready to flee in case of need."

[tedthehunter]

"Mertes is right. I'm not sure I fully trust her either, but we have no other leads at this point. We may as well investigate."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
If there is any chance that the children are captives there, it is a risk we must undertake. I will not permit these Undeath-worshipping brigands to take any additional lives.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
Looking at Alessa, the goliath nod and reply seriously,
"I have no idea, but it is a good place to start looking if you ask me."

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda shrugs. "I do not think she is setting a trap. For you at least. Do not be surprised if I disappear under mysterious circumstances during this little quest," the Drow deadpans. It's hard to tell if she's joking.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath cannot his a smile at Zimelda's way of seeing things.
"She might not like you, your two races are at war after all, but I doubt she would sent you into some trap, and thus compromise our mission."
Mertes give her some wicked smile and add and a wink,
"And if she does do something like that against you, well she becomes our enemy. I stick and protect my allies...."

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda gives a dismissive wave of her hand. "Nonsense. Do not let our ancient rivalry have any bearing on you. She has every right to hate me, as I have her. You need not worry yourself with such things, whatever comes of them." She then lets out a small sigh. "I was hoping she would at least try to insult me, though. I was looking forward to a contest of wit and spite..."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath laugh,
"She probabyl would had insulted you if had been alone and not part of her city lord plan against the kobolds. Alright, anyone have anything to do here or shall we go check out those caves?"
The goliath apear quite eager to get into some action.

[Snowbody]

Following Ninaran's directions is easy. The four seasoned warriors, with their three hangers-on, follow the King's Road and find the stream with no trouble (it was not far from the combat that started this whole adventure). The slow, shallow stream is easy to traverse, and the vegetation is thin enough that all are able to choose whether to walk in the stream or on either of its banks. Here and there are signs that kobolds have passed this way, even a few broken chests and empty sacks that they must have discarded when returning from a raid. After a half-hour of hiking, a halt is called as there is a clearing up ahead, with a cliff face beyond it. Some small glades of trees dot the clearing. There's also a magic circle of some sort, ringed with standing stones and emanating power detectable to those with magical senses.

The rocky outcropping is around 50 feet high, running from east to west in the south side of the clearing. Water pours over the top into a shallow pool, just as Ninaran had described it, and the stream flows to the north. The two entrances she mentioned are also easy to spot, one to the east of the falls and up the cliff a ways, the other to the west and only 10 feet off the ground. The kobolds seem to have halfheartedly tried to conceal the western entrance, planting a bush incongrously across it, though it does make it impossible to see inside (the afternoon sun interferes with Zimelda's darkvision). The roar of the waterfall prevents any inhabitants of the cave from hearing the adventurers, and vice versa.

Which is a good thing, as Crabbe foolishly calls out "Look!" and points. There's a flicker of movement from the eastern entrance, located at a rocky outcropping, 30 feet up. It's a kobold, a scrawny at that. It peeks its head out, looks around, and withdraws into the cave, apparently not having seen anything. As it withdraws, there's a flapping motion that might possibly be a curtain hung over the entrance. The kobold didn't seem to be all that alert or conscientious; it didn't even look in the direction of the adventurers.

A minute later, it pops out again and makes a similarly cursory survey.

This is the place. What will everyone do?

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/503b955ccb6db

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Silence, child. They may be small, but your human head will not withstand a crossbow quarrel or sling stone, and their aim is good. Do not make any unnecessary exclamations, scolds Alessa, drawing a simple pole of mahogany from its place between her pack and her back. This will not be a diplomatic greeting. We should prepare for combat. With that, Alessa's form wavers, and her equipment melts into her body as her body itself begins to collapse. In her place, a vaguely humanoid pillar of water now stands. It seems to regard its allies briefly, before focusing its attention forward again.

Initiative: [roll0]
Alessa assumes her Elemental Form. In this form, she has Damage Reduction against melee and ranged attacks equal to 4, but is restricted to beast form implement powers.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath hide an amused smile at the boys being scolded, but say nothing.

He look around the cliff side, making sure he isnt overlooking anything and if he cannot find traps of hidden sentries.
He say in an hushed voice,
"Do we all go in at the same entry point? If we dont, I probably can climb up to the kobold and knock him unconcious."
Remembering what he told the mage, "Do we kill or simply disable them? I gues that we cannot afford to be too kind here, as they probabyl hold the children hostile. But keeping some alive might be a way ot bargain with these little bastards... and to gain some more informations."

Looking athte two young mens, the goliath tells them,
"You two will use these crossbow. You stay behind and shoot at kobold when you get a good line. No need to waste bolts and take chances hitting one of us. Dont attack right away, wait for us to engage them before trying to help. And try not to get too much attention from enemies, watch and learn for now."
Knowing that the boys wont like to be held back with the kind of attitude they kept displaying before, Mertes add,
"And fear not, you will get your chance to shine along the way."

As he speak with the two young mens, something draw the barbarian attention and he tells the other,
"I can see some movement in the waterfall and the hidden entry . Niranan was right, there is sentries at every entry points"

[Snowbody]

Rat scowls, and whispers sharply, "You're giving crossbows to the kids? And I still don't have my lucky charms, or even a club?"

Goyle whispers back "That's because we're the big-time heroes and you're -- you're -- what is he exactly?"

"Useless!" says Crabb with a chuckle, brandishing his crossbow. Goyle gently presses Crabb's arm to lower his aim.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda's right eye gives a slight twitch as she listens to the boys and Rat bicker.

For a moment, she enjoys a delightful little fantasy in which she cuts the boys Achilles tendons and leaves them here in the bushes for Rat to look after until she returns later to heal them. But that would be bad.

Eventually, the Drow whirls around and glares at all three men. "Silence," she hisses, looking quite annoyed.

She then reaches into her pack, pulls out the old kobold shortsword, twirls it in her gauntlet, and then holds it out for Rat to take. "Here. You will stay here and protect the boys. Boys, you will listen to this charming little scoundrel, or I will hurt you. Badly. A lot," she deadpans.

She then leans in close to Rat, almost face-to-face. More than likely violating his personal space, she smirks and slowly traces a metal-clad finger down his face. "Do a good job, Rat, and I might be less cruel to you," she purrs in a both-wicked-and-suggestive manner. "Mess up, though, and I'll eat your liver raw. Do we have an understanding?" she cheerfully asks.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath frown at the two young boys and whisper them to support Zimelda's word,
"Lower your voices or you'll get us discovered. I thought I was clear, you dont play heroes right now. You stay back and give us support with your crossbows. Follow this man instructions, he have more experience than you."
The gliath point out Rat.

Turning to his friends,
"Unless you object, I'll use the forest cover to get to the base of the mountain side there and I'll climb up to get to the sentry. I dont think any of us is an expert in stealth anyway, so give me a chance to get there before moving in. If I get detected, well we rush at the waterfall and fight our way in. I'd say you guys should try to breach the main entry- the waterfall. Once I am up there, if I see it doesnt link up with the main entry, I'll come back down to join you. Is that ok with you?"
The barbarian wait for everyone approoval, and assuming no objection. He move back into the forest to get being the grove of tree east, then throught it with as much stealth as he can, moving only when the kobolds doesnt look outside.

Assuming no one objects, here is my stealth.
Stealth : [roll0]

I'll go back and around to A0 (Assuming there is some places to hide out of the map on the north side... if not, I'll go along the trees using them as cover ffrom the entries.

Then I'll move to A3, then thourght the trees to B7 and finaly move to C13 when the kobolds head disappear behind the curtain.

Note that I assume that I can hide against the cliff and stay relativly out of sight of the kobold bellow the outcropping.

That should take me some time... so I'll let the other some chances to speak and do actions.

[Snowbody]

Rat accepts the sword with a nod, and tries a few quick thrusts at a nearby tree. "Will do," he says to Zimelda, swallowing down his nervousness. "As well as I can."

The boys sigh and moan ("it's not like anything by the cliff can hear us anyway"), but soon cease their backtalk, then begin scanning the forest for kobolds.

Rat warns them, "We have to stay out of sight. Don't fire if it has armor, or if it will draw strong enemies toward us."

Mertes creeps through the forest, seeming stepping on every fallen branch and rustling every fallen leaf. He notices something... (PM incoming)

Current map (the three known sentry kobolds think they are hidden):
http://beta.ditzie.com/x/503d27b10c556

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath stop, look at the ground and notches. Taking a branch on the ground, he cautiously shovel the leafs away.
This look like some traps... probably more pit traps like before. thinks the goliath.

[Snowbody]

Mertes's poking and prodding fails to uncover any traps among the trees.

(OOC: I'm assuming everyone else will delay until something happens)

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The elemental shifts into a more humanoid form for a moment, so that her face is solid enough to produce vocal sounds. Leaves have been purposefully taken from these trees. I advise caution, as kobold trapsmiths are devious. Additionally, there is a circle of magical energy present. I have yet to divine its function. She points out briefly where the circle is, then she reassumes her less humanoid combat form and advances to the tree line.

Arcana to identify circle's effect: [roll0]

I can't figure out how to save the map, but since the trees presumably make the kobolds unable to see us, I'd like to move to m5

[Snowbody]

Alessa realizes that it's a sacred druidic circle. Standing in the circle brings one in tune with the primordial elements of the world, allowing improved focus. (ooc: +1 to attack rolls while standing in the aura) She whispers this to those around her, shifts back into her watery form, and starts to follow Mertes.

Rat whispers back, "That could help our budding sharpshooters keep their discipline, but I don't like having them that exposed...or walking them into the killzone of a trap. We're staying here."

Mertes advances further along, discovering no traps with his eyes, stick, or feet.

(Map instructions: After you drag your counter, press enter. The page will refresh and the web address will change. Copy the new URL from the address box into your post.)

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/503d385b39df6

[Snowbody]

Please hold -- ambush incoming.

[Snowbody]

Mertes completes his traversal of the forest and ventures out to climb the rocky outcropping. But before he can even find his first handhold, chaos erupts. The party is Surprised.

Javelins and sling bullets rain down from the treetops -- the kobolds have built camouflaged perches in the trees! Attacking them from the ground will be difficult; the fluttering leaves make it hard to see exactly where the kobold is, and the shelters provide a small amount of cover.

The first javelin aimed at Alessa sails wide, but the rest of them find their mark...and five javelins pass right through her watery form without inflicting any damage. The kobolds call to each other in amazement and dismay.

In response, three kobolds climb down from the trees near Alessa and point swords and javelin at her. One (that climbs down behind her before she can react) wears leather armor, and carries just three javelins, but the other two are more formidable: the closer (just out of reach) is armed with scale armor, a light shield, and a shortsword; and the farther one (who looks even shiftier than usual for a kobold) has leather armor and a shortsword. The leather-and-sword kobold charges toward her in a jerky, hard-to-follow manner, dodging past its fellow. She prepares herself to absorb the charge. As the kobold approaches, the javelin kobold behind her tries to distracts her, but the timing is off because of the cover provided by the trees, and she twists in such a way to avoid any damage to her form. (5 hits, 2 misses, 0 total damage to Alessa)

Mertes doesn't fare as well. True, only one javelin hits of the three thrown at him, but it seemed expertly thrown. Good thing his Goliath skin blunted the force of the blow. More troubling is the ceramic pot flung by the nearby slinger -- it bursts open on impact, emitting a noxious smell that causes Mertes to retch and gag. He's not disabled, but his fighting capacity will be hampered as long as the stink remains on him. (2 hits, 2 miss, 10 damage to Mertes, -2 to attacks, save ends)

Mertes and Arjhan are the first to gather their wits. (Arjhan is still totally concealed behind the treeline)

Crunch:

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/503d995d7cbd7
Round 0 - Surprise Round

Anyone not surprised can only take one standard, move, or minor action and can't spend action points
Anyone surprised can only take free actions (no standard, move, minor, immediate, nor opportunity actions), grants CA, and can't flank

Kobold Quickblade: Climbs down tree at (t,5), wearing climbing gear. No longer Hidden.
Minion 1: climbs down tree at (l,5) (Alessa doesn't get an OA due to Surprised.). No longer Hidden.
Minions 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10: throw javelins at Alessa; attack rolls 6, 22, 24, 25, 23 vs AC (16). 5 hits, each for 4 damage, but it is all resisted. No longer Hidden.
Minions 3, 5, and 8: throw javelins at Mertes, attack rolls CRIT, 12, 12, vs. AC (16). 1 hit for 4 damage (I hate minion crits). No longer Hidden.
Dragonshield: climbs down tree at (o,5). no longer Hidden.
Slinger: fires special shot at Mertes; attack roll 25 vs. AC (16). Hit for 6 damage and -2 penalty to attacks, save ends. No longer Hidden.

Round 1 - no more surprise
Quickblade: Move - Fleet feet, shift up to 3 squares
Minor - Shifty - Shift one square.
Standard - Charge to (n,5) and attack Alessa; attack roll 15 vs. AC (16); miss.

Anyone under the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the treetops has partial cover and concealment. All minions (except minion 1) and the slinger are in the treetops (altitude 2, 10 feet up)

[Dekkah]

Mertes
"Sneaky little leezard bastard!", hisses the barbarian as he receive a javelin and a pot of stinking ooze.
Looking up in the trees, he spot the slinger. Not wanting to trigger a stupid pit, the goliath climb directly in the trees going toward the kobold with a wicked grin in his face, climbing as up as need to get a clear view of him and position himslef beside both enemies nearby.
Once in line with the enemy, he place his footing on solid branches and pick up his axe in two hand and swing at the sligner.
"Can you fly leezard?"

took 10 damages and -2 to attack save ends.

Minor : Sustain endurance
Move : : My movement depends on the rules with the trees cover/concealment (In any case, I start to climb/diagonaly in the trees directly not to fall in some pit...)
Athletic to climb with the move : [roll0] or [roll1] (Take best)

NOTE : Numbers in bracket is altitude (ground Being 0)

If I need to be on the same eight of a kobold in the tree to negate concealment/cover and I can use my Pressing strike free shift 2 to climb one square (Move ->X13 (1)..... then use the shift 2 to climb to X13 (2)) NO OA

If I need to be on the same eight of a kobold in the tree to negate concealment/cover(Move -> X14 (1) -> X13 (2))... this would provoke an OA from the sligner only.

If being adjacent to (at any height) negate the conver/concealment or if there is no way to negate the penalties : (Move ->X13(1)) No OA provoked

Standard :Pressing Strike, shift 2 before attack (noted in movement mode above)
Attack Kobold slinger (-2 (Stinking pot), -2 (cover), -2 (concealment))[roll2] VS AC (Note that I counted the cover concealment penalties... add the according bonuses if I some of these are negated by my positioning - see movement)
Hit : [roll3] damages and push kobold sligner to V13 (2) so he fall (he got a save to prevent the push, if not [roll4] falling damages)
End of turn : save VS stinking pot [roll5]


Mertes Status
HP :...20/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...8/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Off Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain endurance (Minor)

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
5 GP
36 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1000

[Snowbody]

The kobold sees Mertes coming up and lashes out with his dagger in a panic, managing to scratch Mertes, but he can't prevent the powerful axe blow. Knocked off his feet, he tries to grab hold and...

[roll0]

manages to avoid plunging to the ground below.

Updated Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/503e69e7b2698

[tedthehunter]

With a guttural roar, Arjhan springs to action, drawing his sword and attacking the nearest armored kobold with intense fervor.



Standard: Piercing Smite against O5
Attack: [roll0] -2 for concealment
Hit: [roll1] damage to O5, and O5+N5 are marked until the end of Arjhan's next turn

Move: from L0 to O4
Minor: Draws his sword



Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/503e96b79744b

[Snowbody]

Crabb brings up his crossbow but thinks better of it and puts it down even before Rat puts a hand on his shoulder. Too many strong enemies close by.

The Dragonshield roars with fury at his defenses being breached by the surprise charge and the power of Bahamut. "Svent wer ustdan!" he calls out. He nods at the nearby minion, who disengages from Alessa and then circles around behind Arjhan, clashing his javelins together. It's just sound and fury, signifying nothing--it couldn't rattle Arjhan...could it?

Taking advantage of the distraction, most of the other minions unleash their javelins at Arjhan. His armor is sorely put to the test, and found wanting. Fueled by the kobolds' hatred of Bahamut, four of the javelins find their mark (16 damage to Arjhan)

The Dragonshield sees his enemy standing and unbowed despite the multiple javelins sticking out of his shield and armor. "D'nag riyit. Nomeno ir ui desta." He swings his sword at Arjhan, who moves to block it, but it's just a feint. The real attack is from the shield, which bashes into his knees, dislocating them both (12 damage to Arjhan, Bloodied, Immobilized until end of dragonshield's next turn) The kobold then shifts away from Arjhan, chortling with triumph as he sees the blood on his shield.

Over in Mertes's corner, the nearby minion finds a stock of courage from somewhere and charges at Mertes, aiming to shove him out of the tree. But Mertes's feet are planted firmly, and he shoves the kobold back.

The slinger kobold picks himself up and back away from Mertes carefully. Loading another pot into his sling, he hurls it at Mertes, but his aim is off. The pot smashes against nearby rocks, erupting briefly in flames.

The remaining kobold, at the west entrance, studies the battlefield, looking like he's waiting for something.

Zimelda and Alessa recover from the shock of the ambush.

Crunch:

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/503edd5222207

Round 0 - Surprise Round
Kobold Quickblade: Climbs down tree at (t,5), wearing climbing gear. No longer Hidden.
Minion 1: climbs down tree at (l,5) (Alessa doesn't get an OA due to Surprised.). No longer Hidden.
Minions 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10: throw javelins at Alessa; attack rolls 6, 22, 24, 25, 23 vs AC (16). 5 hits, each for 4 damage, but it is all resisted. No longer Hidden.
Minions 3, 5, and 8: throw javelins at Mertes, attack rolls CRIT, 12, 12, vs. AC (16). 1 hit for 4 damage (I hate minion crits). No longer Hidden.
Dragonshield: climbs down tree at (o,5). no longer Hidden.
Slinger: fires special shot at Mertes; attack roll 25 vs. AC (16). Hit for 6 damage and -2 penalty to attacks, save ends. No longer Hidden.

Round 1
Quickblade: Move - Fleet feet, shift up to 3 squares
Minor - Shifty - Shift one square.
Standard - Charge to (n,5) and attack Alessa; attack roll 15 vs. AC (16); miss.
Mertes: Minor - sustain endurance
Move - climb tree, provoking
Slinger: OA - MBA hits Mertes for 5
Mertes: Standard - Pressing strike hits slinger for ? and attempted push out of the tree
Slinger: Save - Success, stays in tree, but is rendered Prone
Arjhan: Move - up to Dragonshield
Standard - Piercing Smite on Dragonshield, hit for ? and marks
Minion 1 - Aid Another on Dragonshield re Arjhan (18 vs dc 11, success)
Minion 2 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 18 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 3 - shift, javelin at Arjhan, roll 20 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 4 - javelin at Arjhan, FUMBLE
Minion 5 - shift, charge Mertes with bullrush, 12 vs Fort 16, miss
Minion 6 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 22 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 7 - readies an action
Minion 8 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 20 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 9 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 11 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 10 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 21 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Dragonshield uses dirty tactics encounter power on Arjhan, roll ?? vs ?? Fort, hit, 12 damage and immobilized UE DS NT

Anyone under the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the treetops has concealment, and partial cover from anyone on the ground. Only Mertes and the minion and slinger near him are in the treetops.


draconic

Kill the infidel.
Nice trick. Mine is better.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda glares harshly at Rat and the boys. "Stay low, stay quiet, stay out of the way. If things go badly, run."

The Drow then races forward into the fray. She runs up alongside Alessa, and quickly sizes up the enemies and situation in front of her. "Arjhan," she hisses, "Lolth is probably getting tired of me asking her to save you." As she says this, she raises her left hand towards him, and a faint purple aura flickers around her gauntlet-shod fingertips.

She then snarls, runs forward, and swings her mace with all her might at the face of the kobold Quickblade. With both hands gripping the haft of the weapon, she channels some of her spiritual power into the head of the mace. As it (hopefully) smashes against the creature's skull, the lizard-beast's pain will serve as a catalyst, and invoke the healing energies of Lolth to descend upon Arjhan.



Move: K0 --> L4
Swift Action: Healing Word on Arjhan - he spends a Surge and recovers [roll0] extra HP
Spend An Action Point For Extra Move Action
Move: L4 --> N4
Free Action: Channel Divinity - Divine Fortune (+1 to attack roll)
Standard Action: Healing Strike on Quickblade

Healing Strike: [roll1] vs AC
On hit...
Damage: [roll2]
Target is Marked
Arjhan Spends a Healing Surge



New Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/503f54ee9afff

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The water elemental buffets the nearby quickblade, trying to shove it out of position with a torrent of angry water.

Standard Action: 1A - Slip & Slide, @ n5

Attack: [roll0] vs. Reflex [incl. -2 for concealment]
Hit: [roll1] damage, and slide to o5.

Rest of turn depends on the result of this.

[Snowbody]

Goyle's jaw drops as he sees the rapid exchange of blows, swords and maces ringing on shields and armor. It's all a blur to him. He probably couldn't shoot even if he wanted to.

Rat readies an action to get charge into the way of any kobold who approaches the boys with hostile intent.

Zimelda, calling on the blessing of her god, swings at the quickblade, but he dodges behind a tree. Calling on the boon granted by Lolth, divine power flares for an instant, just enough to make the strike hit, though the kobold shrugs it off. Arjhan seems to be completely recovered, though Zimelda does feel a tinge of annoyance that valuable divine resources are being repeatedly used for the benefit of a male -- and a Lawful Good male at that.

Alessa sends a shower of water at the kobold, but he holds his ground -- perhaps he has practiced jumping in and out of the waterfall entrance to the cave. She moves away from the fray.

Round 2

The quickblade's having none of that. Fighting the compulsion that Zimelda's attack put on him, it shifts away from the drow and breaks into another charge at Alessa. Its sword still can't find any place to damage the watery form of the elemental. Frustrated, it calls to its fellow kobolds, "Svanoa tir yth slathalin vi waphir niarhaanin?"

Mertes and Arjhan are up; Arjhan is still immobilized

Crunch:

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/503fdd135e46e

Round 1

Quickblade: Move - Fleet feet, shift up to 3 squares
Minor - Shifty - Shift one square.
Standard - Charge to (n,5) and attack Alessa; attack roll 15 vs. AC (16); miss.
Mertes: Minor - sustain endurance
Move - climb tree, provoking
Slinger: OA - MBA hits Mertes for 5
Mertes: Standard - Pressing strike hits slinger for ? and attempted push out of the tree
Slinger: Save - Success, stays in tree, but is rendered Prone
Arjhan: Move - up to Dragonshield
Standard - Piercing Smite on Dragonshield, hit for ? and marks
Minion 1 - Aid Another on Dragonshield re Arjhan (18 vs dc 11, success)
Minion 2 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 18 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 3 - shift, javelin at Arjhan, roll 20 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 4 - javelin at Arjhan, FUMBLE
Minion 5 - shift, charge Mertes with bullrush, 12 vs Fort 16, miss
Minion 6 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 22 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 7 - readies an action
Minion 8 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 20 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 9 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 11 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 10 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 21 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Dragonshield uses dirty tactics encounter power on Arjhan, roll 21 vs fort 16, hit, 12 damage and immobilized UE DS NT
Crabbe, Goyle: Delay
Zimelda: Move
Minor - healing word on Arjhan
Free -divine fortune
Standard - healing strike
Free - lolth's boon used to make healing strike hit.
Alessa: Standard - Slip 'n' slide (miss)
Move - shift south
Rat: Standard - ready an action

Round 2:
Quickblade: Move - fleet feet, shift 3 squares to l4
Minor - Shift to l3
Standard - Charge to l5, short sword vs. Alessa, attack roll 11 vs AC 16 (miss)

Anyone in the the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the treetops has partial cover from anyone not in the treetops, and concealment from everybody. Most minions are in the treetops; so are Mertes and slinger. The minion near Arjhan is on the ground.


draconic
How do we fight a living river?

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath turn his attention for a second onto the bugging little kobld and swing Life-ender at the kobold beside him to get room to move after the slinger.

took 4 damages from OA... bloodied
Minor :Sustain Endurance
Standard : Pressing strike on the Minion 5 (-2 (Concealment)), VS AC
Hit : [roll]1D12+ damages and push the goblin to V12
Move : Move to W15 (only if i Hit Minion5 - so I dont get OAed)


Mertes Status
HP :...16/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...8/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Off Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain endurance (Minor)

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.
Bloodied

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
5 GP
36 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1000

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan flashes Zimelda a mocking grin and shouts over the sounds of battle, "Send your spider my sincerest apologies!" And with that he leaps back into the fray with waves of heat distorting the air around his mouth.



Standard: Valiant Strike against Minion 1 at o3
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: Minion Kill
Minor Action: Dragon Breath against Minion 2 and Dragonshield at q5 and o6 respectively
Attack (minion): [roll1] vs. reflex
Attack (Dragonshield): [roll2] vs. reflex
Hit: [roll3] fire damage

Save against immobility (if needed): [roll4]

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda grins at the dragonborn as he fires back his sarcastic reply and promptly opens up a can of Paladinic badassery on the nearby Kobolds. "Impressive! But bear in mind, that armor is not spider proof. You have to sleep some time!" she proclaims gleefully, while idly waving her hand at the Kobold Dragonshield, which results in a flickering halo of purple balefire appearing over his head. "Here, aim for the face. I need the teeth," she idly remarks, before rushing froward and swinging her own mace at the beast. If the blow connects, the kobold's face is left seared and glowing, making it even easier for her allies to target the creature.


Assuming minion 1 is dead, Zimelda will...
Swift Action - Darkfire on the Kobold Dragonshield
Movement - Move from N4 to N6
Righteous Brand: [roll0] (And +2 for Darkfire I believe, but I'm away from book atm) Vs. AC
If hit...
Damage: [roll1]
Arjhan gains +3 attack bonus until the end of my turn


New Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/504050a32c1c1

[Snowbody]

Round 2 continued

After pushing back the kobold who tried to shove him out of the tree, Mertes attempts to get rid of the annoyance, but can't get a good angle.

Arjhan begins continues to fight effectively, first dispatching the minion behind him with a sound blow, then blasting out a strong gout of flame from his mouth. The dragonshield can't get out of the way, and the powerful flame sears open wounds on his skin. But the other minion standing in the tree nearby seems to have a sixth sense about the incoming flames, and dives out of the way. For now it lives, but the platforms and leaves in the treetops don't fare so well. The dragonshield notes that the minion has lost its cover and concealment advantage, and signals. In resonse, the minion climbs down from the tree and skitters behind Arjhan, menacing him like the previous kobold did.

Agitated, the other minions throw their last javelins. Their accuracy this time is not good; only one manages to hit Arjhan, doing minimal damage (4 damage to Arjhan).

The dragonshield backs up, calls out Kiwieg sia vyth!" and launches into another charge at Arjhan. His sword punches another weak point through the Dragonborn's armor. ([roll0] damage)

Over in Mertes's corner, the spunky kobold tries to shove Mertes again, and this time Mertes can't keep his footing. He grabs onto the branches to save himself from falling out of the tree, but he's prone.

The slinger chucks another pot at Mertes, but it also goes wide. He seems to be out of pots now.

Zimelda and Alessa are up. Quickblade is on deck unless you can end him.

Crunch:

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/5040d49d96662
Zones: Magic Circle, creatures standing in the zone have +1 to attacks
Burned Treetops: treetops do not provide the usual cover or concealment to creatures there. Also treetop level becomes difficult terrain. Cover on ground is not affected.

Round 1

Quickblade: Move - Fleet feet, shift up to 3 squares
Minor - Shifty - Shift one square.
Standard - Charge to (n,5) and attack Alessa; attack roll 15 vs. AC (16); miss.
Mertes: Minor - sustain endurance
Move - climb tree, provoking
Slinger: OA - MBA hits Mertes for 5
Mertes: Standard - Pressing strike hits slinger for ? and attempted push out of the tree
Slinger: Save - Success, stays in tree, but is rendered Prone
Arjhan: Move - up to Dragonshield
Standard - Piercing Smite on Dragonshield, hit for ? and marks
Minion 1 - Aid Another on Dragonshield re Arjhan (18 vs dc 11, success)
Minion 2 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 18 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 3 - shift, javelin at Arjhan, roll 20 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 4 - javelin at Arjhan, FUMBLE
Minion 5 - shift, charge Mertes with bullrush, 12 vs Fort 16, miss
Minion 6 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 22 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 7 - readies an action
Minion 8 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 20 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Minion 9 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 11 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 10 - javelin at Arjhan, roll 21 vs AC 20, hit, 4 damage
Dragonshield uses dirty tactics encounter power on Arjhan, roll 21 vs fort 16, hit, 12 damage and immobilized UE DS NT
Crabbe, Goyle: Delay
Zimelda: Move
Minor - healing word on Arjhan
Free - divine fortune
Standard - healing strike
Free - lolth's boon used to make healing strike hit.
Alessa: Standard - Slip 'n' slide (miss)
Move - shift south
Rat: Standard - ready an action
Minor - order boys to use total defense

Round 2:
Quickblade: Move - fleet feet, shift 3 squares to l4
Minor - Shift to l3
Standard - Charge to l5, short sword vs. Alessa, attack roll 11 vs AC 16 (miss)
Mertes - Standard: Pressing Strike on minion kobold, miss
Minor: Sustain
Move: None
Arjhan - Standard - Valiant Strike on minion (hit, killed)
Minor - Dragonbreath vs. DS and minion 2 - hits DS, creates burned treetops zone
Minion 2 : Immediate Interrupt - Narrow Escape (Trigger: hit or missed by area or close attack) - shift out of the blast zone to (q,4)
Minion 7's readied action didn't trigger and is lost.
Minion 2 : Climb down tree, walk, shift, Standard - Aid Another on Dragonshield vs. Arjhan, attack roll 21 vs DC 11, success
Minion 3 - climb down tree, walk, shift, javelin at Arjhan, roll 17 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 4 - climb down, move closer, javelin at Arjhan, roll 22 vs AC 20, hit
Minion 5 - bullrush on Mertes, 23 vs Fort 16, hit, Mertes gets 19 on saving throw and falls prone
Minion 6 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 7 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 8 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 9 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 10 - climb down, move closer, javelin at Arjhan, miss
Dragonshield - shift, charge Arjhan, roll 30 vs AC 20, hit
Slinger - firepot at Mertes, 12 vs ac 16, miss

Anyone in the the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the treetops has partial cover from anyone not in the treetops, and concealment from everybody. Most minions are in the treetops; so are Mertes and slinger. The minion near Arjhan, and a few others, are on the ground.


Status at end of post:

Minion 15/12/14/12, 9 remain
Quickblade 15/12/14/12, 14 damage, marked by Zimelda
Dragonshield 18/14/15/13, 23 damage, bloodied, marked by Arjhan
Slinger 13/12/14/12, up a tree, 7 damage

Arjhan - 24/38 HP
Mertes - 19/33 HP, up a tree, prone
Alessa - 35/35 HP, watery form
Zimelda - 29/29 HP


draconic
Feel my steel

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Water once again reaches out for the Quickblade, trying to draw it closer to the fray.

Standard Action: Slip & Slide, @ quickblade

Attack: [roll0] Vs. Reflex
Hit: [roll1] damage and slide to m5.

Rest of turn depends on slide.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Having bodily dragged the kobold where it wants it fire roars out of the water to singe it and cause further damage. The elemental rushes to the side and loosens it's form, lashing out with a vortex of lascerating liquid at the dragonshield and quickblade.

Free Action: Elemental Legacy
Move Action: Shift 1 right
Action Point: Scattered Form, CBurst 1

Vs Q: [roll0] Vs Reflex
Vs D: [roll1] Vs Reflex
Hit: [roll2] damage.
Effect: Alessa takes half damage from all Melee or ranged attacks UEMNT.

Legacy: Quickblade takes 3 extra fire damage.

[Snowbody]

Round 2 continued

As soon as Zimelda raises her hand, apparently letting her guard down an instant, the two kobolds adjacent to her strike with spear and sword. The Dragonshield's overhead chop isn't anywhere near her, and the trees foil the minion's spearthrust. (using a Ranged power in melee, two OAs both miss) Despite the distraction, Zimelda still manages to catch the shieldbearer with her Darkfire, in theory making it easier to hit. Perhaps Lolth is looking the other way now, though; the kobold's armor resists her mace. (Edit: retcon, dice fudged, see future post)

A second stream of water surprises the Quickblade, who is blasted and pulled, opening up several wounds. Alessa's followup blast at multiple kobolds is blocked by the tree trunks.

The boys find a better defensive position, and Rat remains ready.

Round 3 begins!

The Quickblade takes an instant to assess its position. Alessa, already known to be a hard target, seems even less solid than usual, so the choice is clear. It dances away from Zimelda and Alessa without leaving an opening, then charges Zimelda, flanking her with the minion. Her armor turns the blade again and the kobold lets out a stream of invective and spittle. (EDIT: See future post)

Mertes and Arjhan up, minions, DS, and slinger on deck

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/504102b4f1049
Zones:
Magic Circle - creatures standing on the ground in the zone have +1 to attacks
Burned Treetops - treetops do not provide the usual cover or concealment to creatures there. Also treetop level becomes difficult terrain. Cover on ground is not affected.

Crunch:


Round 2

Quickblade: Move - fleet feet, shift 3 squares to l4
Minor - Shift to l3
Standard - Charge to l5, short sword vs. Alessa, attack roll 11 vs AC 16 (miss)
Mertes - Standard: Pressing Strike on minion kobold, miss
Minor: Sustain
Move: None
Arjhan - Standard - Valiant Strike on minion (hit, killed)
Minor - Dragonbreath vs. DS and minion 2 - hits DS, creates burned treetops zone
End of turn - mark on DS expires
Minion 2 : Immediate Interrupt - Narrow Escape (Trigger: hit or missed by area or close attack) - shift out of the blast zone to (q,4)
Minion 7's readied action didn't trigger and is lost.
Minion 2 : Climb down tree, walk, shift, Standard - Aid Another on Dragonshield vs. Arjhan, attack roll 21 vs DC 11, success
Minion 3 - climb down tree, walk, shift, javelin at Arjhan, roll 17 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 4 - climb down, move closer, javelin at Arjhan, roll 22 vs AC 20, hit
Minion 5 - bullrush on Mertes, 23 vs Fort 16, hit, Mertes gets 19 on saving throw and falls prone
Minion 6 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 7 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 8 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 9 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 10 - climb down, move closer, javelin at Arjhan, miss
Dragonshield - shift, charge Arjhan, roll 30 vs AC 20, hit
Slinger - firepot at Mertes, 12 vs ac 16, miss
Zimelda - Minor: Cast Darkfire on DS, provoking
DS - Opportunity Action: Shortsword at Zimelda, 8 vs AC 18, miss
Minion 2 - Opportunity Action: Spear at Zimelda, 15 vs AC 18, miss
Zimelda - Standard: Righteous Brand on DS, miss
End of turn: Mark on Quickblade expires
Alessa - Slip 'n' Slide on Quickblade, hit, 8 damage
Anyone in the the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the treetops has partial cover from anyone not in the treetops, and concealment from everybody. Most minions are in the treetops; so are Mertes and slinger. The minion near Arjhan, and a few others, are on the ground.

Round 3:
Quickblade - Move: fleet feet to J3
Minor - shift to j4
Standard - charge Zimelda, to M5, attack 13 vs AC 18, miss

Status at end of post:

Minion 15/12/14/12, 9 remain
Quickblade 15/12/14/12, 25 damage, bloodied
Dragonshield 18/14/15/13, 23 damage, bloodied, Darkfire (grant CA)
Slinger 13/12/14/12, up a tree, 7 damage

Arjhan - 24/38 HP
Mertes - 19/33 HP, up a tree, prone
Alessa - 35/35 HP, elemental form, scattered form (resist 50% melee and ranged)
Zimelda - 29/29 HP

[Snowbody]

Mertes pulls himself to his feet, blocking out the pain. He swings wildly at the scrawny kobold near him, and only hits leaves. "You miss!" taunts the kobold, preparing to knock Mertes down again.

Arjhan is up

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/504102b4f1049

[tedthehunter]

The armored kobold's attack wipes the grin off Arjhan's face, and he spins to face his adversary. He raises his sword high above his head and roars his displeasure, then swings the now faintly glowing sword towards the kobold's head.


Minor: Divine strength - +4 damage to next attack this turn
Free: Item encounter power - +1 damage

Standard: Valiant Strike against Dragonshield at o5
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: [roll1] damage

[Snowbody]

Retcon of post #178
From round 2
As Zimelda calls down the darkfire, the magic surges out of control, illuminating both the Dragonshield, and to Zimelda's horror, herself. Fortunately the spell completes too late for the dragonshield and minion to gain any benefit of it. Zimelda's strike finds the Dragonshield, branding it with more magic and revealing an opening to Arjhan.
From round 3
Unfortunately, this is just what the Quickblade needed, and his swordthrust finds its way through her armor, just barely drawing blood. (15 damage to Zimelda, she is Bloodied)

Back to the "present"

Round 3 continued

As Mertes misses the kobold minion, Arjhan strikes out at the Dragonshield, now outlined in such clarity that he hardly has to expend any effort to run it through and end its life. As it falls it calls out "wer usk oth geou rhulit ve!".

The remaining kobolds chatter as their strongest warrior falls. Most of the remaining minions charge Arjhan in anger, but only two spearthrusts have any effect, bloodying him again (2 hit, 4 miss Arjhan, 8 damage to Arjhan, he is Bloodied). The two kobolds that were nearest the cliff face head over toward Mertes, but are unable to close the distance. The slinger hurls a rock in Mertes's direction, to no effect, and the minion in the tree can't accomplish anything either. They both curse in frustration.

Zimelda and Alessa up, quickblade on deck

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/5045846c76fe9
Zones:
Magic Circle - creatures standing on the ground in the zone have +1 to attacks
Burned Treetops - treetops do not provide the usual cover or concealment to creatures there; instead they are difficult terrain. Cover on ground is not affected.

Anyone in the the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the non-burned treetops has partial cover from anyone not in the treetops, and concealment from everybody. Most minions are on the ground. Only Mertes, the minion adjacent to him, and the slinger nearby are in the treetops.

Crunch:

Round 2

Quickblade: Move - fleet feet, shift 3 squares to l4
Minor - Shift to l3
Standard - Charge to l5, short sword vs. Alessa, attack roll 11 vs AC 16 (miss)
Mertes - Standard: Pressing Strike on minion kobold, miss
Minor: Sustain
Move: None
Arjhan - Standard - Valiant Strike on minion (hit, killed)
Minor - Dragonbreath vs. DS and minion 2 - hits DS, creates burned treetops zone
End of turn - mark on DS expires
Minion 2 : Immediate Interrupt - Narrow Escape (Trigger: hit or missed by area or close attack) - shift out of the blast zone to (q,4)
Minion 7's readied action didn't trigger and is lost.
Minion 2 : Climb down tree, walk, shift, Standard - Aid Another on Dragonshield vs. Arjhan, attack roll 21 vs DC 11, success
Minion 3 - climb down tree, walk, shift, javelin at Arjhan, roll 17 vs AC 20, miss
Minion 4 - climb down, move closer, javelin at Arjhan, roll 22 vs AC 20, hit
Minion 5 - bullrush on Mertes, 23 vs Fort 16, hit, Mertes gets 19 on saving throw and falls prone
Minion 6 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 7 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 8 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 9 - javelin at Arjhan, miss
Minion 10 - climb down, move closer, javelin at Arjhan, miss
Dragonshield - shift, charge Arjhan, roll 30 vs AC 20, hit
Slinger - firepot at Mertes, 12 vs ac 16, miss
Zimelda - Minor: Cast Darkfire on DS, provoking
DS - Opportunity Action: Shortsword at Zimelda, 8 vs AC 18, miss
Minion 2 - Opportunity Action: Spear at Zimelda, 15 vs AC 18, miss
Zimelda - Standard: Righteous Brand on DS, miss HIT after dice fudge
End of turn: Mark on Quickblade expires
Alessa - Slip 'n' Slide on Quickblade, hit, 8 damage

Round 3:
Quickblade - Move: fleet feet to J3
Minor - shift to j4
Standard - charge Zimelda, to M5, attack 13 vs AC 18, miss HIT after dice fudged, 15 damage
Mertes - Move: Stand
Standard: attack on minion kobold, miss
Minor: Sustain
Arjhan - Standard - Valiant Strike on dragonshield (hit, killed)
Minor - None
Minion 2 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 3 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 4 - move, attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 5 - aid another on Mertes, fail
Minion 6 - move, attack Arjhan, hit, 4 damage
Minion 7 - move towards Mertes
Minion 8 - move, attack Arjhan, hit, 4 damage
Minion 9 - move, attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 10 - move towards Mertes
Slinger - sling bullet at Mertes, 10 vs ac 16, miss

Status at end of post:

Minion 15/12/14/12, 9 remain
Quickblade 15/12/14/12, 25 damage, bloodied
Dragonshield 18/14/15/13, DEAD
Slinger 13/12/14/12, up a tree, 7 damage

Arjhan - 16/38 HP, Bloodied
Mertes - 19/33 HP, up a tree
Alessa - 35/35 HP, elemental form, scattered form (resist 50% melee and ranged) UET
Zimelda - 14/29 HP, Bloodied

draconic
The iron tooth will avenge me

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda hisses at the Kobold as its blade punches through her armor, sending searing pain through her flank. She glares at it with indignant fury, scowling fiercely. She looks down at the trickle of blood leaking down her her side.

When she looks back up at the Quickblade, her scowl is replaced by a deranged grin. "Oh little lizard," she purrs, madness in her eyes. "I will savor your suffering. Alessa, keep him busy. Before I kill him, I want him to witness me slaughtering his kin," she cheerfully proclaims.

And with that, she lunges towards the kobold minion in front of her. Before the creature can react, she smashes all the teeth out of its skull with her mace - along with a few fragments of the skull itself. As the twitching creature collapses to the ground in front of her, she stomps her armored boot down on whatever was left of it's skull, a sadistic grin adorning her blood-splattered face.

She then looks back at the Quickblade, and gleefully exclaims: "This is going to be [i]so much fun!"



Go Zimelda go! Channel you're inner Alucard from [I]Hellsing! :smallbiggrin:

Standard Action - Priest's Shield: [roll0] vs AC
If hit: [roll1] damage; Zimelda and Arjhan gain +1 AC until the end of her next turn.

Free Action, if the Kobold dies: Ruthless Demonstration
Enemies take a -2 penalty to attacks against Zimelda until she's either hit, or the attack ends.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The elemental sends a surge of water forward to drown and distract the kobold minions pressing Zimelda and Arjhan from the south.

Standard Action: Splash, Close Blast 3 @ n5-p8

Hit: [roll0] damage.
Attack vs. n5: [roll1] vs. Reflex
Attack vs. o5: [roll2] vs. Reflex
Attack vs. p5: [roll3] vs. Reflex

Effect: Each enemy in the zone grants CA UEMNT.

[Snowbody]

OOC: So sorry to do this to you, but the minions would rather live

Alessa sends a wall of water at the minions, who again seem to have a premonition and dodge out of the way. The wall of water crashes into unoccupied forest, and now the kobolds are on three sides of Zimelda and Arjhan (but thankfully not flanking them any more, other than one minion and the quickblade).

Rat signals to indicate that he'll give the boys the order to fire at the minions at any time.

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/504620810d26c

Crunch: As an immediate reaction to being hit or missed with a close attack, minions 4, 6, and 8 use their encounter power "Narrow Escape" as an immediate interrupt, and shift up to 3 squares. As a result all of them are out of the blast zone when the blast goes off. So none of them die, and none of them grant combat advantage.

It's still Alessa's turn; she has actions remaining.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The mighty elemental, practically impervious to the little kobolds' puny weapons, surges around them to put herself between them and the untrained humans, conveniently setting up a flanking position for Zimelda.

Move Action: Move to n2

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/5046221ab7cd3

She still has Scattered Form buff on, which halves the damage before her Swarm Druid ability reduces it by 4. So, unless any of those opportunity attacks do more than 8 damage, they might as well not take them :smalltongue:.

[Snowbody]

Round 3 continued

The kobolds scurry out of the way of the water blast, escaping certain doom. Showing tactical insight, Alessa flows around the side of the kobolds, pinning one between her and Zimelda. The quickblade slashes at her in vain as she passes, as does the minion. The latter is severely distracted that this invulnerable water spirit is following him, and fails to pay attention to Zimelda. Her stroke is swift and brutal.

Round 4

Zimelda's ruthless demonstration draws cries of alarm from the surviving kobolds. The Quickblade thinks better of attacking her, glowing as she is with magical protection, and (after dancing around as usual) goes for Alessa, who has coalesced somewhat. He finally manages to disrupt her form slightly. (Attack roll 21 hits Alessa AC 16, 11-4=7 damage)

Mertes and Arjhan up, minions and slinger on deck

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/50466585858a0
Anyone in the the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the non-burned treetops has partial cover from anyone not in the treetops, and concealment from everybody. Most minions are on the ground. Only Mertes, the minion adjacent to him, and the slinger nearby are in the treetops.
Zones:
Magic Circle - creatures standing on the ground in the zone have +1 to attacks
Burned Treetops - treetops do not provide the usual cover or concealment to creatures there; instead they are difficult terrain. Cover on ground is not affected.

Crunch:

Round 3

Quickblade - Move: fleet feet to J3
Minor - shift to j4
Standard - charge Zimelda, to M5, attack 13 vs AC 18, miss HIT after dice fudged, 15 damage
Mertes - Move: Stand
Standard: attack on minion kobold, miss
Minor: Sustain
Arjhan - Standard : Valiant Strike on dragonshield (hit, killed)
Minor - None
Minion 2 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 3 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 4 - move, attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 5 - aid another on Mertes, fail
Minion 6 - move, attack Arjhan, hit, 4 damage
Minion 7 - move towards Mertes
Minion 8 - move, attack Arjhan, hit, 4 damage
Minion 9 - move, attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 10 - move towards Mertes
Slinger - sling bullet at Mertes, 10 vs ac 16, miss
Alessa - Standard : Splash on minions, triggering...
Minions - Immediate Interrupt : shift out of the way
Alessa - Move : Into (l,4) to flank with Zimelda
Zimelda - Standard: Priest's Shield on minion 4, hit, minion killed, Arjhan and Zimelda get +1 AC
Free : Ruthless Demonstration, enemies take -2 to attack Zimelda, ends on next successful attack on Zimelda

Round 4
Quickblade - Move : Fleet feet
Minor : Shifty
Standard : Charge Alessa, 21 hit AC 16, 11 damage - 4 resist = 7 damage

Status at end of post:

Minion 15/12/14/12, 8 remain; #2, #6, #8 have used narrow escape
Quickblade 15/12/14/12, 25 damage, bloodied
Dragonshield 18/14/15/13, DEAD
Slinger 13/12/14/12, up a tree, 7 damage

Arjhan - 16/38 HP, Bloodied
Mertes - 19/33 HP, up a tree
Alessa - 28/35 HP, elemental form (resist 4 melee and ranged)
Zimelda - 14/29 HP, Bloodied

[Dekkah]

Mertes
With growing frustration, the goliath swing Life-Ender at the kobold beside yelling a warcry.
As he cleave the pityful creature in half, he jump down throught the trees toward an other incoming enemy on the ground. As he fall toward the enemy, the swing bring down hs weapon in some overhead choping motion yelling like a mad man.

Minor : Sustain endurance
Move : Stone endurance (Resist 5 all damage UENT)
Standard : Howling strike at Minion 5 (-2 (Concealment)), [roll0] VS AC
Hit :[roll1] + [roll2] damages

Free : If I kill minion 5, Swift charge : Charge Minion 10 at V13 using howling strike.
Charge movement : I jump down from starting position (1 Square = Dc 10 = auto-success with +11, roll twice take best) : -> W13 (1) -> V13 (0)
Falling damage : [roll3] damages, reduced by 5 (resist all) and acrobatic [roll]1D20+7[roll] = no damage taken (broken roll is irrevelant as I reduce at least with the roll... added with the resist all 5 > the damage taken)
Attack on Minion 10 (+1 (Charge)) [roll4] VS AC
Hit : [roll5] + [roll6] damages




Mertes Status
HP :...16/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...8/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Off Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain endurance (Minor)

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.
Bloodied
Stone endurance UENT (Mertes) - Resist all 5

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
5 GP
36 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1000

[tedthehunter]

Sensing his friend's pain, Arjhan sheathes his longsword. "But for all your bravado, my friend, you still bleed like the rest of us." He grins as he extends a softly glowing hand towards Zimelda, but there is no humor in his eyes, only concern. Having healed her, Arjhan raises his shield, steeling himself for the next attack.


Standard: Second Wind: +10 HP and +2 to all defenses
Minor: Sheath sword
Minor: Lay on hands at Zimelda: she regains HP as if she spent a healing surge

[Snowbody]

Round 4 continued

Is anything better than glorious battle--feats of strength and martial exploits in the name of Kord? If so, Mertes doesn't know it. His barbarian yell, terror in the ears of the kobolds, is Mertes' hymn of praise to the god. The kobold near him is a minor irritant, but the slinger in the trees still can't manage to hit the Goliath.

Arjhan takes a pause in the battle to heal himself and his fellow. This gives the kobolds an opening, and they strike. "Rhulit hesi wielgtor isthasyi!" they cry. Zimelda and Arjhan are each hit once. (1 hit on Zimelda, who takes 4 damage and loses Ruthless Demonstration bonus; 4 miss, 1 CRIT on Arjhan, who takes 4 damage) showing the kobolds Zimelda's not so tough after all.

Alessa and Zimelda up, quickblade on deck

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/5046c9cea4c3d
Anyone in the the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the non-burned treetops has partial cover from anyone not in the treetops, and concealment from everybody. Most minions are on the ground. Only Mertes, the minion adjacent to him, and the slinger nearby are in the treetops.
Zones:
Magic Circle - creatures standing on the ground in the zone have +1 to attacks
Burned Treetops - treetops do not provide the usual cover or concealment to creatures there; instead they are difficult terrain. Cover on ground is not affected.

Crunch:

Round 3

Quickblade - Move: fleet feet to J3
Minor - shift to j4
Standard - charge Zimelda, to M5, attack 13 vs AC 18, miss HIT after dice fudged, 15 damage
Mertes - Move: Stand
Standard: attack on minion kobold, miss
Minor: Sustain
Arjhan - Standard : Valiant Strike on dragonshield (hit, killed)
Minor - None
Minion 2 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 3 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 4 - move, attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 5 - aid another on Mertes, fail
Minion 6 - move, attack Arjhan, hit, 4 damage
Minion 7 - move towards Mertes
Minion 8 - move, attack Arjhan, hit, 4 damage
Minion 9 - move, attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 10 - move towards Mertes
Slinger - sling bullet at Mertes, 10 vs ac 16, miss
Alessa - Standard : Splash on minions, triggering...
Minions - Immediate Interrupt : shift out of the way
Alessa - Move : Into (l,4) to flank with Zimelda
Zimelda - Standard: Priest's Shield on minion 4, hit, minion killed, Arjhan and Zimelda get +1 AC
Free : Ruthless Demonstration, enemies take -2 to attack Zimelda, ends on next successful attack on Zimelda

Round 4
Quickblade - Move : Fleet feet
Minor : Shifty
Standard : Charge Alessa, 21 hit AC 16, 11 damage - 4 resist = 7 damage
Mertes - Standard: Howling Strike on minion, hit, killed
Free : Swift Charge on minion, jumping down as part of the movement, no fall damage taken so movement continues, minion hit, killed
Arjhan: Standard - Second Wind, surge spent, now at full HP again
Minor - Lay On Hands on Zimelda, surge spent
Minion 2 - attack Arjhan, CRIT, 4 damage
Minion 3 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 6 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 7 - aid another on Mertes, Success, +2 to slinger's next attack
Minion 8 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 9 - attack Zimelda, 21 (incl cover and Ruthless Demonstration penalties) vs. 18, hit, 4 damage, ruthless demonstration ended
Slinger : Move - Attempt to hide in the treetops, stealth 12 vs. Mertes passive perception of 16, fail
Standard - sling bullet at Mertes, 15 vs ac 16, miss


Status at end of post:

Minion 15/12/14/12, 6 remain; #2, #6, #8 have used narrow escape
Quickblade 15/12/14/12, 25 damage, bloodied
Dragonshield 18/14/15/13, DEAD
Slinger 13/12/14/12, up a tree, 7 damage

Arjhan - 22/38 HP
Mertes - 19/33 HP, up a tree
Alessa - 28/35 HP, elemental form (resist 4 melee and ranged)
Zimelda - 17/29 HP


Draconic:
Avenge our fallen brothers!

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda growls as one of the kobolds stabs her in the back. Her armor blocks the blade, but the impact will still leave some bruises. "Oh, you little bastard," she hisses, whirling around to glare at the creature. "Did you really think that was a wise choice?"

Zimelda gives it no chance to reply before she removes it's ability to reply. That is to say, she bashes it's teeth out of its face.

That never get's old.


Attacking Minion 9
Priest's Shield: [roll0] vs AC
Damage: [roll1]
If hit, Zimelda and Arjhan gain +1 AC until the end of her next turn


Or at least, she tries to bash its teeth out.

"Lolth damn it!"

[Snowbody]

The kobold ducks Zimelda's mace. "You no can hurt me!" it taunts. "Irontooth give us power!"

Zimelda's ruthless demonstration seems to have had an effect on someone else; she can hear a groan and splatting/splashing sound behind her, right where Crabb was standing. Goyle seems to have been able to hold onto his lunch though, but he's likely to be a little queasy too.

OOC: Crabb failed a saving throw against nausea; Goyle passed

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The elemental roils up alongside Zimelda, and then unleashes a buffeting wave of water at the Quickblade and one of its minions.

Move Action: Shift to m4
Standard Action: TE - Buffeting Wave CBlast 3 @ l5 to n7

Vs. Quickblade: [roll0] vs. Fortitude
Vs. Minion: [roll1] vs. Fortitude

Hit: [roll2] damage and prone.

[Snowbody]

Round 4 continued

The torrent hits the quickblade just as he is breathing in, and his lungs fill with water as he falls. He's too injured to cough it out, and he dies squirming and writhing on the ground, looking like he wanted to say something but unable to. The minion closes its nostril flaps, but the water spraying in its direction is more like a weak drizzle.

Round 5 begins!

Mertes and Arjhan up, slinger and minions on deck

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/504754ffb21bd
Anyone in the the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the non-burned treetops has partial cover from anyone not in the treetops, and concealment from everybody. Most minions are on the ground. Only Mertes, the minion adjacent to him, and the slinger nearby are in the treetops.
Zones:
Magic Circle - creatures standing on the ground in the zone have +1 to attacks
Burned Treetops - treetops do not provide the usual cover or concealment to creatures there; instead they are difficult terrain. Cover on ground is not affected.

Crunch:

Round 3

Quickblade - Move: fleet feet to J3
Minor - shift to j4
Standard - charge Zimelda, to M5, attack 13 vs AC 18, miss HIT after dice fudged, 15 damage
Mertes - Move: Stand
Standard: attack on minion kobold, miss
Minor: Sustain
Arjhan - Standard : Valiant Strike on dragonshield (hit, killed)
Minor - None
Minion 2 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 3 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 4 - move, attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 5 - aid another on Mertes, fail
Minion 6 - move, attack Arjhan, hit, 4 damage
Minion 7 - move towards Mertes
Minion 8 - move, attack Arjhan, hit, 4 damage
Minion 9 - move, attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 10 - move towards Mertes
Slinger - sling bullet at Mertes, 10 vs ac 16, miss
Alessa - Standard : Splash on minions, triggering...
Minions - Immediate Interrupt : shift out of the way
Alessa - Move : Into (l,4) to flank with Zimelda
Zimelda - Standard: Priest's Shield on minion 4, hit, minion killed, Arjhan and Zimelda get +1 AC
Free : Ruthless Demonstration, enemies take -2 to attack Zimelda, ends on next successful attack on Zimelda

Round 4
Quickblade - Move : Fleet feet
Minor : Shifty
Standard : Charge Alessa, 21 hit AC 16, 11 damage - 4 resist = 7 damage
Mertes - Standard: Howling Strike on minion, hit, killed
Free : Swift Charge on minion, jumping down as part of the movement, no fall damage taken so movement continues, minion hit, killed
Arjhan: Standard - Second Wind, surge spent, now at full HP again
Minor - Lay On Hands on Zimelda, surge spent
Minion 2 - attack Arjhan, CRIT, 4 damage
Minion 3 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 6 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 7 - aid another on Mertes, Success, +2 to slinger's next attack
Minion 8 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 9 - attack Zimelda, 21 (incl cover and Ruthless Demonstration penalties) vs. 18, hit, 4 damage, ruthless demonstration ended
Slinger : Move - Attempt to hide in the treetops, stealth 12 vs. Mertes passive perception of 16, fail
Standard - sling bullet at Mertes, 15 vs ac 16, miss
Zimelda - mace on minion 9, miss
Alessa: Move - shift
Standard - Buffeting Wave on Quickblade and minion 6, quickblade killed

Status at end of post:

Minion 15/12/14/12, 6 remain; #2, #6, #8 have used narrow escape
Quickblade 15/12/14/12, DEAD
Dragonshield 18/14/15/13, DEAD
Slinger 13/12/14/12, up a tree, 7 damage

Arjhan - 22/38 HP
Mertes - 19/33 HP, up a tree
Alessa - 28/35 HP, elemental form (resist 4 melee and ranged)
Zimelda - 17/29 HP

[Dekkah]

DM
Looking at the weak goblin not even trying to hurt him, Mertes grin and let out a wicked laugher. He look north, seeing his allies drop one of the strong enemy, having things in good hands.
He then look up at the slinger and smile to the creature saying, "It's your turn to meet Life-Ender."
Ignore the weakling beside him, the barbarian climb the trees to get on the same level as the kobold and in his killing spirit, he welcome the pain his hands and focus on his enemy instead. Grabing his axe in two hands, he swing with all his might left to right leaving little room to his enemy for evasion this time.

Move : Climb up in the trees (-> W13 (1) -> W14 (2) ), Athletic to climb (take best) [roll0] or [roll1]
((Note that I provoke an Oa... but I resist 5 to all damage still))

Minor : Oath of enmity on Slinger UENT (Mertes)

Ok, I think my endurance sustaining doesnt work like regular sustain (which have to be done at any time during the round) and that I need to sustain before my attack or take the penalty this round. If I am wrong, you'll have to add 2 to both attack rolls.

Standard : Resurgent strike on slinger (-2 (cover), -2 (Wrenched arms)).
Attack on Slinger :[roll2] or [roll3] (take best)
Hit : Mertes gain 7 Temporary HP and slinger take [roll4] damages

end of turn : Sustain ends.
End of turn : Stone endurance ends.


Mertes Status
HP :...16/39...TEMP HP :...7
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...8/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Off Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Oath of enmity on Sligner UENT (Mertes)

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.
Bloodied

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
5 GP
36 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1000

[tedthehunter]

Carefully observing the battlefield, Arjhan waits for the dancing ring of Kobolds to show an opening. Seeing his opportunity, he unsheathes his sword and attacks in one clean motion. He then shifts to a more advantageous position.


Standard: Valiant Strike vs. n3
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: Minion death

Minor: Draws sword
Move: Shift to p4

http://beta.ditzie.com/5047f5fee016a

[Snowbody]

Round 5

Mertes and Arjhan dispatch their respective kobolds with ease. Yet the minions don't panic, they don't flee, they don't try to summon aid from inside the cave -- their fanaticism drives them to blind fury at the intruders, despite the impossible odds. They briefly back off, then charge Arjhan. The kobold near Mertes also dashes over to join the fray. The noble Dragonborn is bleeding again.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

8 damage to Arjhan, he is Bloodied

All good guys up, minions on deck

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/50480d1665cde
Anyone in the the trees has partial cover. Anyone in the non-burned treetops has partial cover from anyone not in the treetops, and concealment from everybody. Most minions are on the ground. Only Mertes, the minion adjacent to him, and the slinger nearby are in the treetops.
Zones:
Magic Circle - creatures standing on the ground in the zone have +1 to attacks
Burned Treetops - treetops do not provide the usual cover or concealment to creatures there; instead they are difficult terrain. Cover on ground is not affected.

Crunch:

Round 4
Quickblade - Move : Fleet feet
Minor : Shifty
Standard : Charge Alessa, 21 hit AC 16, 11 damage - 4 resist = 7 damage
Mertes - Standard: Howling Strike on minion, hit, killed
Free : Swift Charge on minion, jumping down as part of the movement, no fall damage taken so movement continues, minion hit, killed
Arjhan: Standard - Second Wind, surge spent, now at full HP again
Minor - Lay On Hands on Zimelda, surge spent
Minion 2 - attack Arjhan, CRIT, 4 damage
Minion 3 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 6 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 7 - aid another on Mertes, Success, +2 to slinger's next attack
Minion 8 - attack Arjhan, miss
Minion 9 - attack Zimelda, 21 (incl cover and Ruthless Demonstration penalties) vs. 18, hit, 4 damage, ruthless demonstration ended
Slinger : Move - Attempt to hide in the treetops, stealth 12 vs. Mertes passive perception of 16, fail
Standard - sling bullet at Mertes, 15 vs ac 16, miss
Zimelda - mace on minion 9, miss
Alessa: Move - shift
Standard - Buffeting Wave on Quickblade and minion 6, quickblade killed

Round 5
Mertes - oath of enmity, climb, kill slinger
Arjhan - kill minion
Minions - shift, move, charge Arjhan, 2 hits

Status at end of post:

Minion 15/12/14/12, 5 remain; #2, #6, #8 have used narrow escape
Quickblade 15/12/14/12, DEAD
Dragonshield 18/14/15/13, DEAD
Slinger 13/12/14/12, up a tree, DEAD

Arjhan - 14/38 HP, Bloodied
Mertes - 19/33 HP, up a tree
Alessa - 28/35 HP, elemental form (resist 4 melee and ranged)
Zimelda - 17/29 HP

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda quickly strafes sideways, circling around behind on of the kobolds and stepping into the magic circle. Basking in it's glow, she raises her mace and grins wickedly at the little kobold in front of her. Before it can let out anything more than a squeak, she smashes it's face and most of its teeth in. "You know, perhaps you should think about praying to your beloved Iron Tooth for some stronger jaws, yourselves..." she idly muses as she watches the creature's limp body pirouette through the air.


Move: 4N --> 6O
Standard: Priest's Shield
[roll0] vs AC
Damage: [roll1]
If hit, Zimelda gets +1 AC til the end of her next turn.


http://beta.ditzie.com/504818ed93b98

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Backing off towards the boys, Alessa assumes a more human-like form, the water solidifying into distinct limbs. Drown, blasphemers, is all she says before her arm extends past Arjhan and erupts, ending in a swirling vortex of water which tries to drown two of the kobolds.

Move Action: To n1
Minor Action: Human Form
Standard Action: 1A - Grasping Tides, ABurst 1 @ r4

vs. q3: [roll0] vs. Fortitude
vs. q5: [roll1] vs. Fortitude

Hit: Dead

[Dekkah]

Mertes
Mertes take a few seconds to push back the increasing pain in his hands, then climb back down onto the ground. He move toward his friend, jumping over the ground under the trees, as it would be a good place to put trap since the kobolds were in the treetop. Once close enough, the barbarian charge roaring an other battle cry at one of the creature, Life-Ender leading the way.

Minor : Start endurance again against my wrenched Arm (rolled OOC = 23)
Move : CLimb down the tree ([roll0] or [roll1] take best and jump over T10 (Auto-success) ((->W13(1) -> V12(0) -> U11 -> T10 ->S9
Standard : Charge at Minion 7 using Howling strike (-> R8 -> Q7 -> P6)
Attack on Minion 7 (+1 (Charge) +1 (Zone), +2 (CA - Flank):[roll2]
Hit : Kill minion

Mertes Status
HP :...16/39...TEMP HP :...7
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...8/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Off Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Endurance UENT (Sustain)

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.
Bloodied

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
5 GP
36 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1156

[Snowbody]

One of the kobolds jumps out of the way of Alessa's blast.

OOC: Yes, the one that you rolled the 20 against

Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/x/5048a5a178ff0

Arjhan up

[tedthehunter]

Sensing the battle is drawing to a close, Arjhan wordlessly takes steps to finish the remaining kobolds.


Valiant Strike against p3
Attack: [roll]1d20+11[\roll]
Hit: Minion death

Move: Shift into p3's space

[Snowbody]

"Okay boys, let 'em have it!" calls Rat.

Goyle draws a bead and fires his crossbow at the kobold:
[roll0]
and the bolt strikes an artery in the kobold's chest. Blood sprays out, and the kobold falls to the ground, bleeding out. Goyle stands there for a second, dumbfounded, then abruptly loses his lunch.

The waterfall and stream continue to flow. A stillness falls over the clearing, littered with kobold bodies.

COMBAT OVER - take 156 XP

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda lips curl into a cruel smile as she surveys the slaughter around her. "Heh. I would say that went rather well, all things considered. Did anyone sustain any serious injuries?" she asks aloud.

She then looks down at the kobold Goyle shot, and casually lifts her boot to poke at the arrow jutting from its chest. "Hm. You missed the heart proper, and struck the aorta. A little bit to the right, and he would not have bled out so swiftly, thus prolonging his suffering. I will expect better of you next time," she states as if she were a bored professor or something of the sort, while seeming to completely ignore the fact that he's retching up his guts.

The Drow walks over to the dead Quickblade, looks down at the creature, and lets out a disappointed sigh. "Pity you are already dead. I was looking forward to giving you your comeuppance. Still, I'll enjoy this addition to my collection!" she says with a cheerful smile, before viciously bringing her boot down on it's face.

Repeatedly.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
All kobolds terminated. I sustained no injuries worthy of note; traditional weapons are not effective against me, reports Alessa, as if reading a grocery list; her voice has a watery quality to it. Before attacking whatever is camping behind that waterfall, we should rest and determine a plan of action. Any structure which kobolds have possessed for long enough is doubtlessly riddled with traps and ambushes. As she says this, the colour returns to her skin as she reassumes her guise as a human woman leaning on a wooden staff.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath look around the battlefeild smiling,
"Nice work guys. I agree, let rest a bit and see how the kobold in the waterwall react."
Looking at Zimelda, the goliath grin and say,
"You know how I love getting healed by you. I've let those kobolds hit me just so to feel your smoldering godess power."
While he does jest a little, it is still evident that he really appreciate Zimelda's healing powers. To the goliath, the source of the power, which would repulse many, doesnt really matters.

Once Zimelda's done, the goliath say,
"I'll keep watch up there."
Mertes climb into the trees and take his time moving into a good posiiton where he is still hidden, but can see all the cavern access well enough.

I could use some healing if Zimelda's have some still to spare.

[Snowbody]

The boys are in a daze, staring off into the distance, looking at nothing. "Hey! No napping! We're not out of the woods yet!" Rat barks at them, to little effect. He starts dragging some of the unattended kobold bodies back to the treeline (row 0). "Um, we might want to get these all out of sight..."

Just then, Zimelda feels a buzzing in her mind from the Sending Stone in her pack. It resolves itself into words:
...so I just think the words and it works? Zimelda--you there? It's Eric. Did you find the kobolds yet? My dad says Lord Padraig...

which then cuts off because Eric reached the limit.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda pauses her stomping of the kobolds face, caught off guard by the combination of Mertes' comments and the message forming in her mind. "Well that was unexpected," she flatly states.

The Drow turns towards Mertes, and grins. "Oh, is that so? Well, if smouldering goddess power is what you desire, then perhaps I should just smite you with unholy fire then?" she cheerfully asks. "I would prefer to save it for Iron Tooth or someone who really just needs to die, but I am willing to make an exception for someone as special you, my delightful Barbarian comrade."

Zimelda then unslings her backpack, and begins to dig through it for the sending stones. "In all seriousness, though, I shall heal you in a moment. Crabbe, Goyle, assist Rat in dragging the corpses out of sight - and fetch me their teeth while you're at it." No, she seriously does not see the problem with asking teenagers to mutilate dead lizard-people. "Also, check them for valuables. Gold, potions, weapons. And do not try to hide anything you find. It would be an unwise move on your part. Now, I must answer a message..."

She proceeds to hold up the stone and concentrate on it, sending a clipped and factual response.


Kobolds encountered. They tried to ambush us. Killing them was entertaining. Crabbe and Goyle vomited profusely. About to enter their lair. Lord Padraig needs something?

[Dekkah]

Mertes
While he wait for Zimelda, Mertes quickly give an hand to hide the corpses and take his time to search them.

Perception : [roll0]

[Snowbody]

Mertes, Rat, and still-shocked Crabb and Goyle find 4 gp and 17 sp (5.7 gp altogether) on the kobolds. There are no potions or magic items. 10 intact javelins are scattered around the area. The kobolds have the usual poor quality armor and weapons (10 spears, 2 shortswords sling, 18 sling bullets). One of the boys might be able to use the dragonshield's shield.

Zimelda is presented with 13 sets of kobold teeth.

The kobold sentry peers out of his hole high up the cliff and notes the signs of the battle in the clearing. "Lowd! Hesi shiviri jahen svent! Irontooth zklaen qe visp!" it yells, before ducking back inside.

After that, no further kobolds emerge from the waterfall or the other two holes.

Eric responds to Zimelda:Cool haha. Wish I could see it. Lord doesn't need anything, he let dad have stone while he is 'indisposed'. Good luck. Let us know.

draconic
Attack! Our guards were killed! Irontooth must be told!

[Lycan 01]

"Keep the swords, boys, you may need them. Rat, take the shield, or give it to one of the boys if you cannot use it," Zimelda tells her henchmen. She momentarily ignores the yappy Kobold, instead opting to stuff the teeth in her backpack and send a response with the stones while the rest of the team deals with the scout.


Indisposed? Did he say with what? Also, my response may be slow. Kobold scout spotted the bodies. Things are about to get interesting.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
And so the purpose of that lazy sentry is revealed. Unfortunate. They will be preparing for us, now; all the more reason not to rush in until everyone is rested, states Alessa. They think the waterfall protects them, but they are about to learn just how deadly water can be.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath nod,
"I agree Alessa. Once Zimelda will have tended my wounds, I'll climb there and keep an eye on all the entries and rest there. You guys still shall be ready in case they dare to come out."

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan moves to the visibly shaken young men and says, "The horrors of battle affect us all. You boys did well. Here." He offers them a waterskin to drink from.

After seeing to the boys, he turns to the rest of his friends and says, "I think Alessa is right. Let us take a moment to prepare ourselves before we venture through the waterfall."

[Dekkah]

Mertes
Mertes add the money tfound to the group loot bag, then let Zimelda heal him some. Then climb up to watch the area and rest. After his rest, he feel up for battle and await the others.

I added the money ot the group loot.
Zimelda heal Mertes 15 HP (-1 surge)
Mertes Regain 8 during rest (-1 Surge)



Mertes Status
HP :...39/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...6/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Off Hand : Life-Ender (Greataxe)
Encounter count : 2
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (1/2)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Endurance UENT (Sustain)

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
9 GP
53 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1156

[Snowbody]

After the boys don't respond to Zimelda's order, Rat takes the shield and two of the shortswords, cleaning them on the grass. "We'll try to keep the boys out of melee a little longer. I'll give these to them when they buck up."

Crabb, absently presenting Zimelda with the bloody teeth, briefly looks at her and asks "Mistress Zimelda? Please...don't do that...thing again."

Goyle is still staring at nothing. He speaks, probably directed to Arjhan. "He looked at me... He was alive and I shot him and then he looked at me and then he was dead. Did he have a dad? Did he have any children?"

Another message comes from Eric to Zimelda:
Naw, I think just his afternoon nap. Another fight? Wish I could be there. Send a message when it's over. Good luck!

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda doesn't bother sending a reply, as time is likely now of the essence. She places the stone back in her backpack and slings it back over her shoulders. She walks over to Mertes, grips him by the shoulders, closes her eyes, and begins to silently mouth prayers to Lolth. Healing energy glows around her fingertips, and the Goliath's injuries begin to rapidly heal.

When Crabbe addresses her, she opens one eye and looks at him with a neutral expression. "Which thing?" she asks flatly. The boy really needs to be more specific. She did a lot of things over the last fifteen minutes that probably made him quite uncomfortable. The fact that he has the testicular fortitude to actually ask her to stop actually impresses her, though she won't let him know that.

Her eye shifts to look at Goyle, and then to Arjhan. She stares at the Dragonborn for a moment, before closing her eye and resuming her holy duty. She decides that this would be a situation the Paladin should handle, as anything she said would only make things worse.

She makes a mental note that she really needs to stop traveling with these people. They're making her nice and responsible, and she doesn't like it.

[tedthehunter]

"He'd have done the same to you, son. You did the right thing." With that Arjhan leaves the boys to Rat's care. He notes with approval that Zimelda has been silent about the matter. The boys don't need it.

He addresses the group, "Whenever you're ready to proceed, my friends."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I assume that those inside know little of our tactics. As a result, they will not immediately suspect that their weapons will have little impact on my elemental form. Accordingly, while I am sure Ser Arjhan wishes to center the front line, I recommend that I draw any initial fire, wasting their ammunition and time.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath nod at Alessa sugestion.
"Before you head in, I'll climb up the ledge to check inside. If it link up with the waterfall entry, I'll go in that way, If not 'Ill go back down t enter with you all. Better not spli up too much, more so no that they know we are coming."

[Snowbody]

...stomping on his head after you killed him...I don't want to get cursed...

Zimelda recalls from her religious training recalls that a common superstition is that doing unnecessary violence to a dead body attracts curses and hauntings from the wayward soul of the deceased.

Mertes climbs to the top of the cliff and is in front of the closed curtain. With the waterfall nearby, no noises pass through.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda gives Crabbe a small, charming smile. "Lolth approves of my methods. You have nothing to fear. And you must remember, these creatures are weak and cowardly. When they work together, they fall under an illusion that they are stronger. Invincible, because of their overwhelming numbers, with no chance that they, of all kobolds, will be struck down. 'It won't be me,' they think."

She holds up her armored hand, flexes it, and then balls it into a fist. "These creatures sometimes must be reminded of their weakness. When they witness the death of their comrade, a chink appears in that illusion of invincibility. When that comrade suffers a violent, agonizing death, that illusion is shattered utterly, and the creature once again realizes that a painful death is a real possibility, numbers be damned. By stomping on that kobold's face, I demoralized its brethren and reduced their combat effectiveness. I was no longer the outnumbered foe. I was something they wanted to stay very far away from," she leers.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath wait for his allies to be ready to enter the waterfall if need be, then take a quick look inside.

Perception : [roll0]

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Lady Zimelda's... demonstration was indeed an effective demoralizing strategy. Battle is conducted as much in the mind as it is with weapons.

[Snowbody]

Mertes sees:
Pitch blackness. As his eyes start to adjust, it looks like a tunnel carved through the rock of the cave. In the distance there is a red glow of uncertain source, and 25-30 feet away there's some natural light shining onto the right (east) side of the tunnel, apparently coming from the the left (west) side, shimmering as if filtered through a waterfall. So it apparently does connect.

A javelin comes whipping out of the darkness:

[roll0] vs Mertes AC 17 for 4 damage if hit

Expertly thrown, it's fortunate that the kobolds are weak, and it barely pierces his armor (4 damage to Mertes). The kobold quietly snickers. "Me can see yooooo!" The echoing of the tunnel makes it impossible to pinpoint where it is....but Mertes can trace back the path of the javelin and figures out where the kobold must be hiding.

Crabbe relies to Zimelda, "So that all was...what you had to do?" He seems to accept it, but he still doesn't like it.

Goyle mutters, "I thought it would be glorious...I don't feel glorious...does it get better?"

[Snowbody]

(OOC: The kobold beat Mertes in initiative, so now it gets its full turn)

Mertes hears
the kobold scattering something on the ground, then it slinks off into the tunnel, trying to stay out of the light.

The tunnel is 5 foot by 5 foot, much more roomy than kobolds need (but then again, Ninaran said they weren't the original inhabitants). Mertes would have to crouch slightly to enter, but he'd have enough space to swing his axe and defend himself without a problem (OOC: No squeezing penalties). However, jumping would be difficult due to the lack of clearance.

Crunch:Round 1
Kobold Minion
Standard: Scatter ??? on floor in the square nearest the curtain. [roll0]
Move: 2 squares south and attempt to hide. [roll1] vs Mertes PP of 18
Minor: do something (Mertes may see this if the kobold's stealth doesn't beat Mertes passive perception)


Mechanical stuff:Previously, Mertes stuck his head inside the curtain (a "no action") and then rolled active perception (minor). The kobold sentry noticed him with passive perception and used his surprise action to throw a javelin. The curtain normally blocks line of sight and line of effect. When Mertes peeked through, he had total concealment and superior cover due to being mostly behind the curtain, but the kobold critted.

On his turn, Mertes has a few options. He can move through the curtain (double movement cost a la difficult terrain), but the curtain would close again, leaving him in a dark tunnel with no LoS nor LoE to the outside. He can rip down the curtain, a standard action strength check (i.e. +5) vs DC 10. Rolling Athletics to jump over the "stuff" on the floor is still possible, but there's no room for a running start. If Mertes wants to jump one square, even though Mertes's +11 Athletics is an auto-pass he still has to roll. Also, Mertes will have to roll Acrobatics to determine if he bumps his head on the ceiling, falls prone on landing, or both.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath rip off the crutain. Unable to see the kobold right now, he still move into the cavern. Instead of trying to jump over whatever the enemy droped and risk hitting his head on the low celling, he decide to use his physical strenght and take advantage of the close walls to his advantage. The goliath use both walls to to get across the traped floor, hand onto one side, feet on the other.
Once he cleared the dangerous square, he put his feet back onto the ground and walk into the cavern.

Took 4 damages from Javelin
Minor : Stow greataxe.
Standard : Rip off the curtain (roll in OOC = 18)
Move : I move in the carven.
Ok, My goal is to use the wall to walk across the traped square instead of jumping. I beleive this is something physical rather than acrobatic and with 5 feet wide corridor, it should be doable.
End of turn : sustain endurance ends.


Mertes Status
HP :...35/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...6/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand :
Off Hand :
Encounter count : 2
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (1/2)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
9 GP
53 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1156

[Snowbody]

Mertes rips down the curtain, and light floods into the tunnel, revealing the caltrops on the ground, and the kobold pressed against the wall a little ways inward. It shrieks at being revealed, and Mertes chimneys over the caltrops and drops down about 10 feet away, readying his axe as soon as he hits the floor. Mertes feels a twinge of pain in his arms from the exertion.

The kobold reacts by backing further down the passage (adjacent to the area where it opens up) then turns to fling another javelin at Mertes, which scores another glancing blow (4 damage to Mertes). It chitters a warning, and another kobold emerges from hiding to fling another javelin. It was supposed to be directed at Mertes, but the kobold nearly takes its compatriot's head off instead. The sentry shouts curses in Draconic. They both then skitter out of sight around a corner 50 feet away from Mertes, still chittering at each other angrily, and Mertes thinks he knows at least one of them is.

The red light seems to be coming from ground level, further into the cave.

Mertes's arms start to throb with pain; unless he can master it again he'll find himself hampered.

Crunch:

Round 1Kobold Minion Standard: Scatter caltrops on floor in the square nearest the curtain. [roll0]
Move: 2 squares south and attempt to hide. 23 vs Mertes PP of 18, success
Minor: do something (Mertes may see this if the kobold's stealth doesn't beat Mertes passive perception)
Mertes Standard: Tear down curtain, strength 18 vs DC 10, pass, exposing the kobold
Move: brace on walls and climb past caltrops
Minor: Sustain endurancedraw axe

Round 2
Minion 1 Minor: Shift further south
Standard: Javelin at Mertes, [roll0] vs Mertes AC 17, hit, 4 damage
Free: Chitter to Minion 2
Move: Out of sight around corner, stealth [roll1] vs Mertes PP 18
Minion 2 Standard: Javelin at Mertes, [roll2] vs Mertes AC 17, FUMBLE
Move: Out of sight around corner, stealth [roll3] vs Mertes PP 18
Minor: Shifty to try hiding again if it's not hidden already, Out of sight around corner, stealth [roll4] vs Mertes PP 18

Conditions:

Mertes - 25/33 HP, wielding Life-ender; wrenched arms (-2 to attacks and skill checks involving arms unless an Endurance check is passed)
Minion 1 - 11 squares away, no line of sight to Mertes, not hidden
Minion 2 - Hidden, at least 11 squares away

Mertes is up

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath look outside and yell to his allies.
((This may require a perception at DM request to read spoiler below :))
"Move in guys, I'll meet you there!"
He then move toward the corner, but then readying a charge if an enemy show up in line of sight again.

Took 4 damages (note that my max HP is 39 now)
Minor : TRy to sustain endurance VS 10
move : move 6 squares in tunnel.
Standard : Ready a charge on enemy showing its ugly head in sight
Howling Strike (+1 (Charge)), [roll1] VS AC
Hit : [roll]1D12+ + [roll2] damages

Note that if I do that and kill a kobold and can see an other deeper, I may also charge it with swift charge unless I detect possible real danger (like 10 other kobold

Mertes Status
HP :...31/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...8
Surge left/surge per day :...6/12
AC:...17...FORT:...17... REF:...14...WILL:...14...
Main Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Off Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Encounter count : 2
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (1/2)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain endurance

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.

Readied a charge.

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
9 GP
53 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1156

[Snowbody]

The tunnel opens up on the right, giving Mertes a clear view of a large room behind the waterfall. At least a dozen kobolds mill around the room. Most are the weak spear-and-javelin type, but there are also several of the extra-shifty type with the sword.

Several of the minions look like they're ready to throw their javelins (readied action).

There's another similar ledge on the opposite (west) side of the cavern, 25 feet up, with kobolds standing on it.

-- sorry, I'll do the rolls in the morning

OOC: You may switch to another standard action, since new information arrived during Mertes's move. If you ready the action indicated, it will trigger immediately and Mertes will charge off the edge, falling down 30 feet for 3d10 damage reduced by half of his 1d20+7 acrobatics check, an average of 7 damage. He could take as much as 26 damage, but he's actually got a decent chance to land on his feet and continue the charge at the nearest minion. But I suspect that's not what you want to do.

Also I have a map, but it's on my other computer.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Mertes beckons. Come, we must assist. The woman once again dissolves into her true form, and the animated wave of water surges down the river and through the waterfall into the interior.

Alessa is Aquatic, so I believe she ignores any difficult terrain caused by water that is not deep enough to require her to switch to her swim speed (which is only 2, sadly). In case that's relevant, what with the waterfall and such.

[Snowbody]

Here's what Mertes sees: (rest of map will be revealed soon)
http://beta.ditzie.com/505b4ff5041e7

Green fuzz = upstairs passage

Downstairs, it looks like this:
http://beta.ditzie.com/505b51e86db78

In total Mertes can see:
10 minions (5 upstairs, 5 downstairs)
3 skirmishers
1 wyrmpriest
1 dragonshield

the red light is coming from somewhere near the dragonshield (red fog of war)

Minions 6, 7, and 8 throw javelins as readied action. Mertes has partial cover from #6 and #7 due to being upstairs and too close. No CA because you spotted each other at the same time.
[roll0] vs AC 16 for 4 damage if hit
[roll1] vs AC 16 for 4 damage if hit
[roll2] vs AC 16 for 4 damage if hit.

Minion 9 throws something downwards as a readied action. It swings back up again at Mertes, and as it appears he sees it's a wolf skull, tied to a chain that is embedded in the ceiling of the cave.
[roll3] vs Ref 13 for [roll4] damage
Minion 3 then pulls on another rope as a readied action, drawing the skull back to him.

In light of the kobolds' surprising accuracy, Mertes withdraws and takes a moment to catch his breath and recover his accuracy. (second wind, healing surge spent, 9HP regained, +2 to defenses USNT(Mertes))

Alessa then bursts through the waterfall, seeing the following scene:
http://beta.ditzie.com/505b54ef943c9

Far in the distance, flanked by two dragonshields, there is a goblin sitting on a throne from which a red light emanates, lighting up the cavern.

Three of the minions throw javelins at Alessa, to no effect other than their cries of dismay.

One of the quickblades charges her, but its blade swings through without doing any damage.
[roll5] vs Alessa AC (16) for [roll6]


Current Map:
http://beta.ditzie.com/505b5680e07c9

[Dekkah]

Mertes
As the barbarian enter the room, he receive a barrage of javelins and a weird skull shaped thing. He cannot dodge any of the multiples projectiles and end up quite wounded. Takinf a few steps back, he take a few moments regain focus and stop some of his bleeding wounds.

Take 17 damages.

Move : Move to S1
Standard : Second wind (+9 HP, loose a surge, +2 all denfese USNT)

Mertes Status
HP :...23/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...5/12
AC:...17 (19)...FORT:...17 (19)... REF:...14 (16)...WILL:...14 (16)...
Main Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Off Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Encounter count : 2
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (1/2)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain endurance

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.
+2 all defenses USNT (Mertes)

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
9 GP
53 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1156

[Snowbody]

Current Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/505b67ac35133

Alessa still has the rest of her move action (she only used up 2 squares of movement), as well as her standard and minor actions. It's also Arjhan and Zimelda's turns.

Current Conditions:
Minions - none (other than being minions), all readied actions have fired
Dragonshields - Delaying
Goblin - Delaying
Skirmishers - 2 still have readied actions (though only Alessa and Mertes know this)
Wyrmpriest - Delaying
Mertes - Second Wind (+2 to all defense UENT(Mertes))

Alessa - Elemental Form (resist all 4)
Zimelda - none
Arjhan - none
Rat - minion
Crabb - minion
Goyle - minion

[tedthehunter]

Sloshing through the large pool of water towards Alessa, Arjhan extends a shielded hand, and with a word, causes the nearest kobold to turn its attention to him. "Face me, wretch!"

Then he swings his sword in a faintly glowing arc towards the creature.


Standard: Holy Strike against j1
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: [roll1] damage

Move: from l- to k1

Minor: Divine Challenge against j1

New map: http://beta.ditzie.com/505bd118c072d

[Lycan 01]

When the boys ask if killing ever gets better, Zimelda shakes her head solemnly. "For many... no." She then turns to Rat. "Watch the boys. Keep them safe. It may be better if you stay out here, as there's no telling what's waiting on the other side. Now then," she turns, "I am off to kill things."

Zimelda charges through the waterfall. And immediately sees Arjhan and Alessa fighting a Kobold Quickblade. "Oh, hello!" she cheerfully chimes. "Allow me to join this little dance of death!"

She swiftly follows up this quip with a mace to the face.


Move to K0
Priest's Shield attack against Quickblade

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

If hit, Zimelda and Arjhan gain +1 AC until the end of her next turn.

New Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/505cafebf419d

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
As intended, the opening barrage passes through the elemental harmlessly. She ignores the quickblade at the entrance, leaving him for when Arjhan and Zimelda enter. Instead, she charges the next one.

Finish move action
Charge to e6 @ quickblade there, Slip n' Slide

Attack: [roll0] Vs Reflex
Hit: [roll1] damage and slide to g7.

No map update, on phone with no enter key.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda leers as her mace draws blood from the kobold, wounding it severely. "What is wrong little kobold? Can you not dance?" she barks cheerfully, insane glee sparkling in her eyes. "Will you not join me in this dance of death? Perhaps I should find other dancers then!" she grins, before pointing at the nearest kobold minion. "Perhaps you?" She points to another kobold. "Or you?"

She then looks back at the quickblade, and leers. "No little kobold, you shall be my partner in this macabre dance. If you cannot keep pace, then I suggest you flee!"


Enemies now take a -2 penalty to hit Zimelda until she's either hit again, or the attack ends.

Also, since I bloodied the Quickblade, I can try to force him to surrender.

Intimidate: [roll0]

[Snowbody]

Round 2 continued
Mertes takes refuge back in the tunnel and regains his composure after being surprised by the hail of javelins. His blood still drips on the floor.

Alessa easily flows through the waterfall, and ignores the puny javelins and charging swordthrusts sent her way, continuing on towards her first target. The Quickblade next to her lashes out as she steps away, but its sword glances off her flowing form. A minion's spear also pokes at her tentatively and finds no purchase. Her charge overwhelms the western Quickblade, sending it stumbling off to the southeast, just as Arjhan comes through the waterfall.

The kobold regains its footing and then charges (to K2) at Arjhan, who blocks the blow with his shield. Arjhan strikes at the original quickblade but misjudges his aim and only scrapes its armor. Bahamut's radiance shines around it, compelling the kobold to focus on the Dragonborn.

Zimelda steps through the waterfall and the eastern kobold curses as it knows it can't reach her in time (readied action foiled due to Zimelda being out of charge range). Her mace solidly connects with the first kobold's head, knocking several teeth out, gaining lolth's blessing on herself and the dragonborn. Her intimidating words cut to the hearts of all the kobolds. The kobold she hit (and badly wounded) starts to shudder in fear and looks on the verge of giving up.

Round 3

Seeing his troops starting to waver, the wyrmpriest standing in the doorway far to the south runs (-5 to attacks, grant CA USNT) into the main cavern, then shouts, his words resounding off the cavern walls: "jaciv ui ti versvesh! usk oth majakic udoka dastudr! eligne hesi vis okarthel!"

All the kobolds snap to alertness as the shout awakens something in their kobold blood, and they all move toward the battle. (5 THP to all kobolds, and they all can shift 1) To reinforce his point, the wyrmpriest spits a ball of fire at Zimelda, managing to just arc it just over Arjhan to burst on the Drow, who is slightly singed (hit reflex, 6 damage to Zimelda). All the kobolds cheer as the hit shatters Zimelda's projection of invulnerability.

The minions maneuver closer to the fray (those near Mertes seem to find good hiding spots, Mertes loses track of them). Realizing their spears have small chance of penetrating the armor of their targets, they switch to a support role, harrying the feet of the heroes and preventing them from getting good position (3 success, 1 failure). One off to the side throws a javelin at Zimelda, piercing through her divine protection and her armor (CRIT, 4 damage to Zimelda).

The kobold with the skull flings it down at Arjhan, bonking him on the head. (hit reflex, 7 damage to Arjhan) His fellow then reels in the skull again.

Aided by the work of the minions, the two quickblades carefully back off from Arjhan and Zimelda, and both charge the Dragonborn. He expertly blocks one blow with his shield, then turns to parry the other one with his sword.

The kobolds near Alessa work better as a team, thrusting their spears all around her and leaving the elemental nowhere to dodge. The quickblade spots a crucial flow in the the stream of water and slashes at just the right moment, severely disrupting it (hit, 11 damage to Alessa after resist).

Alessa hears
faint cries for help coming from the western edge of the goblin's throne room

The dragonshields and the goblin seem content to watch the battle unfold. (Delay) The goblin turns to the west and yells toward the doorway, "Shut mouth or I feed you to ghost!"

Crunch:
Map:Upper level -http://beta.ditzie.com/x/505fe713c4e1c
Lower level - http://beta.ditzie.com/x/505fe6faf3795
Round 1Minion 1 throws javelin at Mertes, CRIT, 4 damage to Mertes, scatters caltrops, then withdraws and hides
Mertes
Standard - tear down curtain, revealing kobold
Move - chimney over caltrops
Minor - ready Axe
Round 2 Minion 1 throws javelin at Mertes, hit, 4 damage to Mertes, withdraws, warns other kobolds, fails to hide
Minion 2 throws javelin at Mertes, FUMBLE, withdraws around corner and hides
Mertes: Free - call companions Minor - Resume sustain endurance Move - out of tunnel, triggering readied actions from kobolds: Minion 6: throw javelin at Mertes, hit Minion 7: throw javelin at Mertes, hit Minion 8: throw javelin at Mertes, hit Minion 9: fling skull-on-a-chain at Mertes, hit Minion 3: reel in skull Move (continued): back into cover Standard: Second Wind Alessa: Move - through waterfall, triggering readied actions: Several ineffective minion attacks Quickblade 1 charges, miss Move (continued) + Standard - Charge to (e,6), attack Quickblade 2 with Slip 'n' Slide, Hit, 13 damage, quickblade 2 slid to (g,7) Arjhan: Move through waterfall, Minor DC quickblade 1, Standard attack quickblade 1, miss Zimelda: Move through waterfall, Standard attack quickblade 1, crit. Free: Execution Strike, 8 more damage. Free: Intimidate check to force Quickblade 1 to surrender (fail by 1)

Round 3

Wyrmpriest Move - RUN to (n,9) Minor - Incite Faith (Encounter power) All kobolds receive 5 THP Standard - Energy Orb at Zimelda - 16 including run, partial cover (Arjhan), and ruthless demonstration penalties hits reflex 13, for 6 damage
Minions Minion 1 - Hide (21 stealth beat Mertes PP 18) Minion 2 - Hide (21 stealth beat Mertes PP 18) Minion 3 - throw skull at Arjhan (18 hit reflex 15, 7 damage) Minion 4 - Aid Another on Alessa, 23 beat DC 11, bonus given to Quickblade 3 Minion 5 - javelin at Zimelda, CRIT, 4 damage Minion 6 - Aid another on Arjhan, 12 beat DC 11, bonus given to Quickblade 2 Minion 7 - Aid another on Arjhan, 19 beat DC 11, bonus given to Quickblade 1 Minion 8 - Hide (28 stealth beat Mertes PP 18) Minion 9 - reel in skull Minion 10 - Aid another on Alessa, 24 beat DC 11, bonus given to Quickblade 3
Quickblade 1: Minor - Shifty to Shift away, Move - Fleet Feet to shift away, Standard - Charge Arjhan, 14 miss AC 22
Quickblade 2: Minor - Shifty to Shift away, Move - Fleet Feet to shift away, Standard - Charge Arjhan, 11 miss AC 22
Quickblade 3: Minor - Shifty to Shift away, Move - Fleet Feet to shift away, Standard - Charge Alessa, 28 hit AC 16, 11 damage after resist
Dragonshields Delay
Goblin Delay



Status:
Alessa: 24/35 HP, Elemental form (resist all 4)
Arjhan: 31/38 HP, Priest's Shield (+1 AC UENT(Zimelda))
Mertes: 16/33 HP, Bloodied, Second wind (+2 all defenses UST)
Zimelda: 19/29 HP, Priest's Shield (+1 AC UENT)
Minions: 10 remain, all have 5 THP. #3 is holding the skull. #1, #2, #3, #8, and #9 are on the upper walkway. #1, #2, and #8 are Hidden from Mertes and have readied actions.
Quickblade 1: 20 damage, 5 THP, bloodied, DC by Arjhan
Quickblade 2: 13 damage, 5 THP
Quickblade 3: 0 damage, 5 THP
Wyrmpriest: Run (Grant CA, -5 to attacks USNT)
Dragonshields: Delay
Goblin: Delay

Draconic:
She is not strong! Iron tooth gives us strength! Defend our true home!

Up Next: The Winterhaven Irregulars

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The unstoppable elemental continues to tear into the kobolds, restructuring herself and lashing out at those around her, leaving her form scattered and resistant to further assault.

Minor Action: Second Wind via Elemental Resilience, regain 8 HP
Standard Action: Scattered Form, CBurst 1

Damage on Hit: [roll0] damage.

vs. Minion 4: [roll1] vs. Reflex
vs. Minion 10: [roll2] vs. Reflex
vs. Quickblade 2: [roll3] vs. Reflex

Effect: In addition to having Resist 4 (Melee and Ranged), Alessa takes half damage from melee and ranged attacks until the end of her next turn.

She also gains +2 to all defenses until the end of her next turn, from using her Second Wind.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath hear his allies enter the main room and draw most of the enemies attention. Still, the goliath summon his inate ability and harden his skin and stroll into the main room on the high ledge.
The two of the 3 javelins whould had connected, but his enhanced skin simply deflect the weak projectiles.
Now that he can spot the goblins, the barbarian rush forward in a furious charge at the second goblin but misjudge the distance and miss him.

Start of turn :+2 to defense ends
Minor : Stone endurance , Resist 5 to all damages UENT (Mertes)
Move : Move to S7 (receive javelin = no damages)
standard : Charge Minion 2 at Q11 (No Oa) jumping ove the last two squares of movement (auto-succes - in case there is some more trap) using howling Strike
Attack on Minion 2 (+1 (Charge)): [roll0] VS AC (hurray for crappry rolls.
Hit : [roll1] + [roll2] damages

Free action (If I kill target only) : Swift charge Minion 8 at M11 (provoke Oa - dont forget resist 5) jumping over the last two squares (auto-success) using howling strike.
Attack on minion 8 (+1 ( Charge)) : [roll3] VS AC
Hit : [roll4] + [roll5] damages
end of turn : Sustain endurance ends.
NOTE : If I would do acrit on the first attack, I would use rampages on the other adjacent minion and not waste swift charge.

(Note that if I kill a creature I gain 4 THP)



Mertes Status
HP :...23/39...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...5/12
AC:...17 ...FORT:...17 ... REF:...14 ...WILL:...14 ...
Main Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Off Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Encounter count : 2
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (1/2)
Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :

Effects on Mertes :
[S]Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.
Resist 5 to all damages UENT (Mertes)

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
9 GP
53 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1156

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda scowls fiercely. "You creatures are astoundingly stupid. 'Oh, me know! Let's go poke at the scary priestess lady thing! Surely no bad things happen!'" she mockingly imitates the kobolds. "Unfortunately, bad things do happen. Like this!"

Zimelda raises her mace up above her head with both hands, and then brings it down on the wounded Quickblade. Whether or not the blow kills the creature, she then spins around 360 degrees, and with a feral snarl smashes her mace into the face of the other Quickblade beside her. Its agony channels through her mace, knitting her own wounds and easing her pain.


Standard Action: Priest's Shield Attack on Quickblade 1
Spend Action Point for Second Standard Action.
Free Action: Divine Fortune (+1 next attack)
Standard Action: Healing Strike on Quickblade 2

Priest's Shield:
Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Damage: [roll1]
If hit, +1 AC to Zimelda and Arjhan until end of her next turn


Healing Strike:
Attack: [roll2] vs AC
Damage: [roll3]
If hit, target is marked and Zimelda spends a healing surge + 3 extra HP.

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan, encouraged by his drow companion's ferocity, swings at one of the kobolds, and with a yell, belches fire at two of its friends.


Standard: Valiant strike against quickblade 1
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: [roll1] damage

Minor: Dragon's Breath against quickblade 2 and minion 6
Attack vs. quickblade 2: [roll2] vs. Reflex
Attack vs. minion 6: [roll3] vs. Reflex

Hit: [roll4] fire damage

[Snowbody]

Round 3 continued
Mertes moves out of cover, the javelins bouncing off his hardened skin. He charges the kobold, but it leaps out of the way of the battleaxe.

Alessa splashes the kobolds next to her, but the attack is not very accurate, only causing one of the minions to step out of the way. She then reverts to humanoid form, causing some confusion and distress to the nearby kobolds.

Arjhan and Zimelda combine their attacks. Blade, mace, and dragonfire work together to put down the badly wounded Quickblade, and leave the next one bloody and burned. The minion somehow moves out of the way before the fire reaches it.

Round 4
One of the dragonshields, noting that one quickblade has fallen and the other is barely on his feet, calls to the Wyrmpriest, with a note of malicious glee in his voice: "Tir wux rigluin letoclo?"

"Thric, froneel ui onureth rihlilg," responds the bone-masked kobold with a visible shudder. It gestures to one of the minions, which pokes its spear at Arjhan's feet to disrupt his battle rhythm, then backs off. (Aid another success)

Putting on a brave face, the wyrmpriest then approaches Arjhan, taunting him: "Dout ibafarshani re plythu, ocuir wer vis vers Irontooth majakic!" Rearing back, he sends a searing burst of flame over Zimelda and Arjhan, managing to even burn through some of the Dragonborn's scales (2 hits vs fort, 12 damage each to Zimelda and Arjhan, Arjhan is Bloodied), then backs off slightly.

Not knowing what to make of Alessa's transformation into a human, the kobolds near her nervously back off, and head towards the scrum just inside the waterfall.

After the flames cease, the minions use the cover of the steam to scurry into position again, and resume pestering the two Deputies. A javelin misses Zimelda, but the other kobolds do a good job of interfering with their defenses. (3 more aid another successes) Pressing their advantage, the Quickblades charge. Zimelda is saved by the recently-conjured nimbus of magical protection, (quickblade 2 misses) and the newly arrived Quickblade slips in the water and doesn't get off an attack on Arjhan (fumble).

Up on the walkway, Mertes is suddenly beset by three kobolds who each rush up to him and try to push him off the walkway. The Goliath is one with the mountain, and stands firm (1 aid another success, 2 bullrushes miss fort).

Further along the walkway, the kobolds with the wolf skull fling it and retrieve it again, resulting in another bonk on the head for Arjhan. (hit reflex, 5 damage to Arjhan)

The goblin claps his hand to his forehead as the two quickblades flail uselessly, then nods at the Dragonshields, and they start to slowly advance toward the battle. "No! I still win!" calls the Wyrmpriest in broken Common.

Crunch:
Map:Upper level - http://beta.ditzie.com/x/50623c408a1fd
Lower level - http://beta.ditzie.com/x/50623c6619bb5
Round 3 Wyrmpriest Move - RUN to (n,9) Minor - Incite Faith (Encounter power) All kobolds receive 5 THP Standard - Energy Orb at Zimelda - 16 including run, partial cover (Arjhan), and ruthless demonstration penalties hits reflex 13, for 6 damage
Minions Minion 1 - Hide (21 stealth beat Mertes PP 18) Minion 2 - Hide (21 stealth beat Mertes PP 18) Minion 3 - throw skull at Arjhan (18 hit reflex 15, 7 damage) Minion 4 - Aid Another on Alessa, 23 beat DC 11, bonus given to Quickblade 3 Minion 5 - javelin at Zimelda, CRIT, 4 damage Minion 6 - Aid another on Arjhan, 12 beat DC 11, bonus given to Quickblade 2 Minion 7 - Aid another on Arjhan, 19 beat DC 11, bonus given to Quickblade 1 Minion 8 - Hide (28 stealth beat Mertes PP 18) Minion 9 - reel in skull Minion 10 - Aid another on Alessa, 24 beat DC 11, bonus given to Quickblade 3
Quickblade 1: Minor - Shifty to Shift away, Move - Fleet Feet to shift away, Standard - Charge Arjhan, 14 miss AC 22
Quickblade 2: Minor - Shifty to Shift away, Move - Fleet Feet to shift away, Standard - Charge Arjhan, 11 miss AC 22
Quickblade 3: Minor - Shifty to Shift away, Move - Fleet Feet to shift away, Standard - Charge Alessa, 28 hit AC 16, 11 damage after resist
Alessa Minor - Second Wind Standard - Scattered Form (2 miss, 1 minion uses Narrow Escape as immediate interrupt to shift away) Move - humanoid form
Mertes Minor - Stone Endurance Move - out of cover (javelins have no effect due to Stone Endurance) Standard - Charge minion, miss
Zimelda Standard - Priest's Shield, hit, Zimelda and Arjhan get +1AC Free - Divine Fortune Action Point - Healing Strike, hit
Arjhan Standard - Valiant Strike hits Minor - Dragonbreath hits Quickblade 2, minion 6 uses Narrow Escape to shift out of the blast
Dragonshields Delay
Goblin Delay

Round 4
Dragonshield: Free - veiled threat
Wyrmpriest Free - assert competence, direct kobolds Move - to (l,3) Standard - Dragonbreath vs. Arjhan (26 hit fort 13) and Zimelda (22 hit fort 15), 12 damage to each Minor - Shifty to shift to (m,3)
Lower level Minions - Scamper around, #5 throws javelin (12 miss AC 18), others all use Aid Another and succeed (15, 14, 22, 24 vs DC 11). One kobold had to go before the Wyrmpriest in initiative order for this to work, but it does.
Upper level minions - Aid another succeeds (16 vs DC 11), 2 bullrushes fail (5, 10 vs Fort 17)
Quickblade #2 - shift away and charge Zimelda (18 miss AC 19)
Quickblade #3 - shift away and charge Arjhan (fumble)
Goblin: Free - unleash dragonshields, Delay
Dragonshields: Move 6 towards battle, ready actions
Wyrmpriest: Free - protest ineffectually


Status:
Alessa: 32/35 HP, Scattered Form (resist melee/ranged 50% UENT), Second Wind (+2 all defenses USNT)
Arjhan: 14/38 HP, Bloodied (+1 to attack)
Mertes: 23/39 HP, Stone's Endurance (Resist 5 all UENT), no longer sustaining, will require a DC10 endurance check next turn to restart
Zimelda: 17/29 HP, Priest's Shield (+1 AC UENT)
Minions: 10 remain, all have 5 THP. #9 is holding the skull. #1, #2, #3, #8, and #9 are on the upper walkway. #4, #6 have used Narrow Escape
Quickblade 1: DEAD
Quickblade 2: 27 damage, Bloodied, marked by Zimelda UENT(Zimelda)
Quickblade 3: 0 damage, 5 THP
Wyrmpriest: 0 damage
Dragonshields: 0 Damage, readied actions
Goblin: 0 Damage, Delay

Draconic:
Dragonshield: Do you need help?
Wymrpriest: No, they are under control. / Your flames are weak, see the true power Irontooth gives!

Up Next: You (yes, you)

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The elemental in her human guise strides forward towards the melee. Mok jetner. Pjemk! she roars; though vocal sounds are heard, most of the speech consists of sounds of the ocean, washing waves and rain, overlaid with the short words. As she says this, a portal to the Elemental Chaos is ripped open for a brief moment. For a moment, it seems if nothing has happened, but then a wave of grey-green liquid leaps from the portal, squeezing through just as it closes. A tendril of the slime stretches over a kobold in its path, attempting to snare the wyrmpriest. This lesser elemental will obey me. Treat it as an ally, she informs her allies. Alessa then collapses back into a roiling wave of water.

Unfortunately, the sloshing slime completely misses the wyrmpriest.

Move Action: To j4
Standard Action: 1D - Summon Slime Elemental, @ m0, attack Wyrmpriest
Minor Action: Shift back into Elemental Form

Updated Map: http://beta.ditzie.com/50632275997f9 [Had to turn one of the boys into the elemental, couldn't figure out how to add a new token]

Attack vs. Wyrmpriest: [roll0] vs. Reflex
Hit: [roll1] damage and pulled to m1.

[Lycan 01]

Zimelda staggers back a step, batting the flames off of her cloak. Though she manages to put out the flames, she's left coughing and hacking from the smoke. "Damnation," she growls through grit teeth. "Give me a moment to recover my breath..."


Spending Second Wind.

Recovered a surge, +3 bonus HP for Clerical class feature thingy, and bonus to all defenses til next turn, IIRC.

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath grow frustated against the enemies, but still keep bulding up his rage for the time he'll face an worthy opponent. Instead, he walk right into the enemy group forcing his way on the other side to be between them all. As he walk by, he swing Life-Ender with all his might at one of the kobolds. The weapon live up to its name as it cut the monster nearly in half, sending it flying over the edge down to the floor bellow.

Bolstered by the enemies blood and not too worried about the weaklings, the goliath ignore the weak one beside him and go for the skull thrower enemy. Once close enough, he exert himself and charge in axe leading the way. As the weapon hit, the goliath keep his momentum, beheading the small creature as he pass by, and keep running forward toward the next one further onto the ledge yelling like a mad man. Once he arrive up to the kobold, Life-Ender simply end the poor creature futur as it cut his left arm.

Minor : Sustain endurance, roll done in OOC.... 10 VS DC 10 (start resisting)
Standard : Pressing strike, Shift 2 to O11 (can pass throught enemies squares), Attack Minion 8, [roll0] VS AC, [roll1] damages and push goblin to P10 (mostly for the show :smallredface:)
Move : Move to I11 (Provoke Oas, but I resist 5 to all damage still... so no real risk of damage)
Free : Action point
Standard : Charge minion 9 at E8 using Howling strike (+1 (Charge)), [roll2] VS AC, [roll3] + [roll4] damages.
Free Action : Swift Charge Minion at C5 using Howling strike (+1 (Charge)), [roll5] VS AC, [roll6] + [roll7] damages.
End of turn : REsist 5 all damage ends.

Note that If I crit I might use rampage if a creature is still alive beside me instead of the Swift charge).
Note 2 : I win 4 THP if I kill a creature (hopefully I will)


Mertes Status
HP :...23/39...TEMP HP :...4
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...5/12
AC:...17 ...FORT:...17 ... REF:...14 ...WILL:...14 ...
Main Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Off Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Encounter count : 2
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/2)Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain Endurance

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
9 GP
53 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1156

[tedthehunter]

Arjhan's armor and weapon turn the water around him to steam, radiating the heat from two successive fire blasts.

He says to Zimelda, "Tired already? What's a little fire to us?" He laughs and swings his sword in a great, steaming arc towards the kobold nearest her. He shouts, drawing the attention of all the nearby enemies, then steels himself for their attack.


Standard: Piercing smite against Quickblade 2
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: [roll1] damage and Quickblade 2, quickblade 3, and minion 10 are marked until the end of Arjhan's next turn

ACTION POINT
Standard: Second wind: regain 10 HP and +2 to defenses

Minor: Divine challenge against minion 6

[Snowbody]

Round 4 continued
Alessa summons a desperately needed ally, then returns to her watery shape. The kobolds react with disgust toward the amorphous blob.

Zimelda takes a minute to pull herself together. Good thing for her that Arjhan is drawing the attention of the kobolds.

Mertes barrels through the kobold lines, mocking their feeble efforts to slow him down or even get past his rock-hard skin. The walkway is a little too narrow for him to get off a good swing, so he leaves the three kobolds behind and charges off toward the west edge of the cavern, easily dispatching the two kobolds there. He exults in the kills, but his soul lusts for real battle, not these contemptible weaklings.

Arjhan's sword sweep finishes off the second quickblade and draws the attention of all near him.

Round 5
The wyrmpriest calls back to the Dragonshields, "I clean ugly mess -- see?" It spits a ball of fire at the newly appeared slime, sizzling some of its essence away (hit reflex, 7 damage to slime). The goblin grunts in approval, but the dragonshields snort in derision.

In deference to the Wyrmpriest, one of the minions peels away from Arjhan and charges at the slime, amazingly slicing it in half! (CRIT, 4 damage to slime). The halves reform, but the slime is looking pretty shaky.

Another minion heads into the center of the cavern to retrieve the skull. It kicks it up to the kobolds that just failed to deter Mertes. Tears come to its eyes and it cries out in pain, grabbing its foot -- but then it steels itself, thanks to the determination to fight on provided by the Wyrmpriest. (Minion takes 5 damage for flubbing the kick)

A minion catches the skull and grabs onto the pull-rope, then hands the skull to its adjacent fellow. That one throws the skull at Alessa, but misses. The first one then reels the skull back in. The third kobold scampers along the east walkway and throws a javelin at the slime, splattering it even more. (hit, 4 damage to slime)

The other minions swarm around Arjhan to disrupt his footing and loosen his armor, partially succeeding (aid another 2 success 1 failure). This opens the way for the final Quickblade to charge in and plunge his sword into the hip joint of Arjhan's armor, spilling the Dragonborn's blood again (hit, 13 damage to Arjhan after resist). But the servant of the Platinum Dragon just looks even more determined.

The dragonshields continue their slow advance. They, at least, will be worthy foes for Mertes...if he can get there in time.

Crunch:
Map:Upper level - http://beta.ditzie.com/x/5063dfb7336d6
Lower level - http://beta.ditzie.com/x/5063dfdf41850
Round 4 Dragonshield: Free - veiled threat
Wyrmpriest Free - assert competence, direct kobolds Move - to (l,3) Standard - Dragonbreath vs. Arjhan (26 hit fort 13) and Zimelda (22 hit fort 15), 12 damage to each Minor - Shifty to shift to (m,3)
Lower level Minions - Scamper around, #5 throws javelin (12 miss AC 18), others all use Aid Another and succeed (15, 14, 22, 24 vs DC 11). One kobold had to go before the Wyrmpriest in initiative order for this to work, but it does.
Upper level minions - Aid another succeeds (16 vs DC 11), 2 bullrushes fail (5, 10 vs Fort 17)
Quickblade #2 - shift away and charge Zimelda (18 miss AC 19)
Quickblade #3 - shift away and charge Arjhan (fumble)
Goblin: Delay
Dragonshields: Move 6 towards battle, ready actions
Wyrmpriest: Free - protest ineffectually
Alessa
Zimelda - Second Wind, surge spent, 8HP regained, +2 to all def USNT
Mertes Minor Standard Move AP Free
Arjhan -

Round 5 Wyrmpriest Standard: Fireball at Slime (17 hit reflex 16, 7 damage) move to p7
Lower level minions #4 charges the slime and crits for 4 damage #5, #7, and #10 use aid another on Arjhan, results 11, 7, and 24, giving the +3 bonus to the Quickblade #6 kicks skull up to kobolds on top level, losing his THP in the process
Upper level minions #1 catches the skull, passes it to #2, and readies an action #2 throws the skull at Alessa and misses with a 13 vs ref 16 #1 then reels the skull in again #8 throws a javelin at the slime and hits with a 22, 4 damage.
Quickblade Minor - shifty to shift away Move - Fleet Feet to shift away Standard - Charge Arjhan, 25 hit AC 23, 15 damage - 2 resist = 13 damage
Dragonshields: Move 6 squares toward battle, ready actions.
Goblin: Delay

Status:
Alessa: 32/35 HP, Scattered Form (resist melee/ranged 50% UENT), Second Wind (+2 all defenses USNT)
Alessa's Slime: 2/17 HP, Instinctive Action:
attacks the same creature that it attacked during your previous turn. If it can’t do that, it attacks an enemy within 3 squares of it if it can. Otherwise, it moves its speed to a square within 3 squares of the nearest enemy. The Wyrmpriest is not within range, so its action will be to attack another enemy within 3 squares (Alessa's choice), unless Alessa spends a move action to command it to move 3.
Arjhan: 11/38 HP, Expiring: Second Wind (+2 to all def USNT), Virtuous Recovery (Resist All 2 USNT), Bloodied (+1 to attack rolls)
Mertes: 23/39 HP + 4 THP, sustain endurance
Zimelda: 24/29 HP, Expiring: Second Wind (+2 to all def USNT)
Minions: 8 remain, all have 5 THP except for #6. #1 is holding the skull. #1, #2, and #8 are on the upper walkway. #4, #6 have used Narrow Escape
Quickblade 1: DEAD
Quickblade 2: DEAD
Quickblade 3: 0 damage, 5 THP
Wyrmpriest: 0 damage
Dragonshield 1: 0 damage
Dragonshield 2: 0 damage
Goblin: 0 Damage, Delay

Up Next: Go go power rangers!

[Dekkah]

Mertes
The goliath ugre to kill isnt satisfied, so he sprint back toward the kobold on the stone bridge. To reach them, he shorten the distance by jumping from ledge to ledge, then charge in with all his might.

Minor : Sustain endurance
Move : Move to I11 (Jumping from E7 to H10... with running start I auto-succeeed ).
Standard : Charge Minion 1 at M11 using Howling Strike (+1 (Charge)), [roll0] VS AC, [roll1] + [roll2] damages

Mertes Status
HP :...23/39...TEMP HP :...4
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...5/12
AC:...17 ...FORT:...17 ... REF:...14 ...WILL:...14 ...
Main Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Off Hand : Life-ender (Battleaxe)
Encounter count : 2
Powers :
Howling Strike
Pressing Strike
Action point (0/2)Second Wind
Resurgent Strike
Oath of enmity
Stone Endurance
Swift Charge
Iron Wolf Charge
Nomad's Rush
Tyrant's Rage
Items powers:

Consumables :

Effects from Mertes :
Sustain Endurance

Effects on Mertes :
Wrenched Arms: -2 to any attack or skill check involving use of his arms, unless he sustained endurance via a minor action earlier in the turn, or uses an AP during the turn. If he stops sustaining, DC 10 is necessary to resume.

Items Carried/Owned :

Hide armor
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (1)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Greataxe (named Life-Ender)
Javelin (4/4)
Dagger
Waterskin With Deputy commissioning papers inside.
Rager Belt (Magical)
Gnome Daggers (2/2)


Wealth :
1 GP
5 SP


Group Wealth :
Agrid Daggers
Mertes Owe 65 GP to the group (disease treatment).
9 GP
53 SP
50 GP (From Padraig)
Paper giving 500GP credit in Winterhaven (From Padraig)


XP : 1156

[Snowbody]

Minion 1 drops the skull as he dies, and it falls down to minion 6, who catches it. Minion 2 is holding the rope to pull it back up.