Battling the Shadows IC

[Halberd]

In the Elorian stronghold of Karanus, the six of you are escorted from their training chambers and taken to a large room with a small throne. An equally small woman in white, expensive-looking robes rises from it. She smiles.
Ah, very good! You must be the ones chosen to get rid of that horrid Syndicate while the Peacekeepers are off fighting the army in the northeast. I am Lady Ilara and I have a couple things to announce.
First, you can finally stop with training, which I'm sure is a great relief for you all. Second, we're sending you on your way to complete the job you were chosen to do. Now, we aren't going to be ordering you around very much, especially since most of our generals and tacticians are off in the northeast with the Peacekeepers. But we are going to give you some assistance.
She takes a rolled-up piece of paper from the folds of her robes and tosses it at your feet. This is a map enchanted to show the locations of all Syndicate attacks, color-coded by member. With this knowledge, you should be able to figure out where their bases of operations are. Which to strike at first is entirely up to you.
Now, I think it would be best for you to get going, as time is too short as it is. The guards will show you the way out of Karanus, but it is your decision where to go next. Goodbye.
And with that, she leaves the room through a side door. A guard leads you out of the fortress, and leaves you outside its gate to ponder your options.

[Vesth]

"We got to see Lady Ilara! We got to see Lady Ilara! We're important people now!" Dytrastar positively beamed.

"Let's take a look at that map..." he said, opening the roll of paper for everyone to see, hoping to see a pattern.

"Guys, do you see any sort of pattern? Or should we just visit the nearest place attacked?"

[potatocubed]

"Why do I feel like I've just been evicted?" Faena grumbles. She stretches and rolls her shoulders some, limbering up. It did feel good to finally be pointed at the enemy and let loose.

"I'm a pretty straightforward girl; let's hit the closest bad guys, take one alive, and make him tell us where his boss is. That's how we used to do it in Steelport."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Looking over the map and scratching his shaven head, the gaunt Deva gets an expression like he's trying to remember something. After a few minutes, he regains his focus.

"Let's head to the closest site. We'll search for clues there."

Religion check to see if the attack sites have any divine significance: [roll0]

[Halberd]

The map shows a fairly clear pattern in which each member seems to be focusing on one side or corner of Eloria. It features a legend to the color coding with each member's name.
Here they are, in no particular order:

Asryn's attacks seem to be in the west, in its fields and farms, centering on Monolith City.
Liald primarily ravages the cold, northern settlements, with no clear central point.
Thyrak seems to favor the southeastern deserts. They seem to center around something, but you're not sure what it is.
Akina stays mostly in the northwestern pine forests, centering somewhere near a grove of notable primal power.
Chalvor attacks the southern coast, as well as its numerous islands. He has no clear central point.
Gharhin's raids focus on the mountains in the east, centering around a group of three particularly impressive mountains known as the Triple Fang.
Moresthan is in the southwest, attacking its numerous plantations. He seems to be based somewhere in the city of Cealdon.
And Vuldurus, who you assume to be their leader, has a very clear line of attacks in the northeast that seem to be making a beeline for the capital.

Asryn seems to be the closest; Monolith City is about three days' journey from Karanus.
Phaetun:
The only one of these sites that you know to have direct religious significance is Triple Fang, which is regarded as a sacred monument to Moradin. The cities of Monolith and Cealdon both have an assortment of temples, however.

[Vesth]

"Hmm....should we head to Asryn? It seems like the closest place...

Or maybe Akina? If we don't stop her soon, maybe she'll obtain whatever power she's looking for?

Or should we cut to the chase and go for Vuldurus? I think he might be the leader, so there's that. And he's heading straight for the capital too..." Dytrastar said exitedly.

[SirDalyus]

"I doubt their leader Is going to go down to us, seeing as we've barely finished basic training. I say we go for Asryn, and stop him destroying any more communities."

Darius's eyes briefly glow, as he remembers the tragic events that lead to him being recruited by the peacemakers. He surveys the rest of the group, seeing if they have noticed his slight loss of control.

"I agree that we should try to bring Asryn back alive though. A bird In the hand, as they say."

He nods at Faena, trying to show his support of her Idea.

"I know I've seen some of you before, but I've no mind for names. I am Darius Gleam, of the former village of Breekit."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Startled back into the moment, the Deva says, "Phaetun. Just Phaetun."

[CalebRoberts]

The lithe Elf steps forward. He wears no armor, only bracers and supple boots. His clothing is bound tight about him with strips of black satin ribbon. The holy Ankh of Ioun hangs from a snug torc around his corded neck. The only weapon he carries it an exceptionally long, yet surprisingly narrow blade fixed to his back.

With a hard look in his eyes he declares "We WILL take Asryn. Taking one of the Syndicate alive as soon as possible is of the utmost importance. Knowledge will be out most effective weapon at this juncture."
His pointing finger comes to rest on Monolith City.

[CalebRoberts]

"Elisian Willowblade." he says, almost annoyed that they are not moving yet.

"Time is of the essence now, we must be on our way."

He grabs his pack and readies the few belongings in it.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

The priest struggles to ready his relatively small pack. He then nods to his companions and proceeds with them as they depart.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Silent up until this point, Flaern can't help but think that the seat of Primal Power is his first choice. That said, he is a guardian, above all, so it makes sense to him to safeguard the communities nearby. He finishes his work at the small cauldron on the table and bottles a silvery liquid, stoppering the flask and slipping it in his belt pouch.

"My vote is for Akina, but I suppose Asryn is worth pursuing first. We might as well get an idea of what we're up against. I'm not necessarily in favor of taking one alive, but we will do what the spirits ask of us. Either way, I'm interested in getting back out into the wild, so let's move."

With that, he grabs his walking stick from where it leans against the wall. Light blue runes flaring to life as soon as his hands make contact.

"For what it's worth, you may call me Flaern."

[Halberd]

And so you set off to Monolith City. The journey begins with an uneventful day of walking over rugged hills, but on the second, you see a plume of smoke on the horizon. As you approach, you see it is a burning farmhouse that looks like it was just set ablaze recently. A piercing shriek can be heard as a group of silhouettes, some of which look decidedly monstrous, leave the farmhouse with sacks held over their shoulders while a prone figure looks on helplessly.

[CalebRoberts]

Elisian draws the massive sword. As it pulls free from his back the metal bursts into a blinding light, as if the elf is hold a piece of Ioun herself to do battle with.

Surprisingly, he kneels and prays quietly for just a moment. "Father. You have entrusted this blade to me as the all Willowblades have done with their children, i will not bring shame to our legacy. My Lady, grant me the wisdom to strike decisively at those who would be your enemies."

Then he is up, running so fast that none of you could hope to keep up.

[SirDalyus]

Darius snort's at the elf's theatrics.

"Shall we try to keep a low profile, or shall we announce our position to anyone that wishes to know that we are coming? Shall we set the country side on fire, and then rake the ashes into a portrait of our faces?

Darius loads his crossbow, and ensures his daggers and rod are within easy reach. He runs towards the humanoids, trying to keep Elisian between them and him, whilst still being close enough to bring his powers to bear. He mutters furiously under his breath as he runs, vague semblances of eldritch power leaking from him. Along with some profoundly foul language.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Snorting derisively at the holy elf, Flaern shifts into the form of a large panther and sprints towards the silhouettes, easily outpacing the Avenger.

Move speed = 8, plus I shift 2 squares for free whenever I shift into beast form. Word.

[potatocubed]

"Well, there's a lot to be said for enthusiasm!" Faena unlimbers her sword and sprints to keep up with the others but quickly falls behind in her heavy scale armour. The idea of being last into the fray bothers her more than the total absence of a plan...

[Vesth]

"Wait, wait, wait!" Dytrastar shouts after the others, "I have some spells that can give us an advantage and - oh nuts, forget it.".

Running towards them, he draws his starves, which both light simultaneously, and the very sky boomed:

"YOU HAVE ANGERED THE WILL OF THE GODS. FLEE NOW, OR BE CURSED FOREVER".

Moving 6 squares forward, and casting Ghost Sound.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Watching his companions advance on the marauders, the cleric begins to smile in an eerie, beatific way. He strides quickly afterwards, not wishing to be left behind.

Move: Advance 5 squares.
Minor: Perception check to seek hidden foes. [roll0]
Standard: Full Defense.

Monster Knowledge checks to use as needed (add +7 for Arcana or +9 for Religion):
#1 [roll1]
#2 [roll2]
#3 [roll3]
#4 [roll4]
#5 [roll5]

[Halberd]

As you approach, the marauders turn in your direction. You notice that there are four of them; two around human size, one wielding a bow,the other a flail, one larger and stockier with an axe, and one considerably smaller, with no weapon other than a staff with a shrunken head adorning its top.
The smaller one complains to the others, Aw, nuts. Looks like the Peacekeepers found us. I thought they was busy fighting Vuldurus 'n his army? One of the human-sized figures shakes his head.
No, I don't think so. The Peacekeepers seem to be above using animals to do their work. Besides, they would have mentioned Erathis specifically instead of "the gods". No, this is a different threat. Still, I think this would be an excellent time to release the shadow ooze Asryn gave to us in case of such a situation. Uskor?
The large, stocky one nods as he unscrews the lid from an odd-looking black container. uskor happy to help. uskor like unscrewing lids. As he completes the last turn, a jet-black morass that seems far too enormous to have possibly fit in the container oozes forth. As it forms into a cohesive mass, the marauders drop their sacks and draw their weapons.

Phaetun:The smaller one is a goblin hexer and the larger one is an orc raider. Both are natural humanoids. The ooze is a shadow beast (ooze) that is a rare creature from the Shadowfell that makes undead skeletons from the bones of creatures dissolved by its necrotic acid. You're not sure about the two human-sized marauders.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap2Arevisedcopy.jpg
The humanoid with a flail disciplinedly walks towards Elisian, then swings his weapon viciously.

To hit:[roll0]
Damage if hit: [roll1]

[Meltheim]

Flaern

The black panther that is Flaern moves forward gracefully, approaching the flail-wielding humanoid. With a savage pounce, he slashes out with his claws.

The ball of fur then steps back, returning to the form of an Elf holding a staff in one hand and a small ball of fire in the other. The fire slowly turns into the form of a hawk that lifts off from Flaern's hand, circling in a wide arc before swooping down at the Goblin Hexer. The hawk then returns to Flaern, circling casually over his head, looking for an opening.


I'm basing my coordinates on columns going 1-20 across the top, and rows going A-P down the bottom.

Alright, since I already declared I was moving into kitty form and pouncing, I'll do that.

Move: Shift 1 to H11

Standard: Savage Rend against Flail Humanoid (FH)
Attack: [roll0] vs Reflex
Hit: [roll1] damage and I slide FH 1 square to G11

Minor: Wild Shape (allows me to Shift 1 when changing back into humanoid)

Effect: Shift 1 square to I11

*ACTION POINT*

Standard: Fire Hawk vs Goblin Hexer (GH)

Attack: [roll2] vs Reflex
Hit: [roll3] fire damage. Until the start of my next turn (Fl-2) I can use the Fire Hawk Attack power as an Opportunity Action against the target. This only happens on a HIT.

Fire Hawk Attack

Trigger: The target takes any action that can provoke opportunity attacks (ranged attack, area attack, run, squeeze, walk - click the link for the official ruling from WotC) (http://wizards.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1905/~/d%26d%3A-faq-for-primal-power)
Attack: 1d20+7 vs Reflex
Hit: 1d8+5 fire damage
Halberd - Please feel free to roll the opportunity attack yourself if the trigger is met by the Goblin Hexer's actions.

[potatocubed]

Faena comes sprinting up from the rear, frustrated - first in last out, that was her, that was what they'd drilled into her in training. First in, last out, keep everybody safe.

"Hey! You!" she yells as she wades into combat. "Stitch this!"

Move: Move 5 to one square south of Flailman.
Standard: Tide of Iron vs Flailman - [roll0] vs AC, [roll1] damage + push 1 square north + shift into his old space.

Action Point!

Standard: Cleave vs Ooze [roll2] vs AC, [roll3] damage and 4 damage to Flailman.

(This works even if Tide of Iron misses - I'll just be standing somewhere else when I make the attack.)

Flailman and the Ooze are marked, so if they move away from me or attack anyone else I get to attack them (+11 vs AC, 1d10+5 damage and movement is halted). Also they get -2 to attack other people.

Also! I'll use firepulse on the first person who hits me in melee (range 1, +6 vs Ref, 1d6 + 4 fire damage). And mark them, if they're not already marked, since I just realised firepulse counts as an attack so I can totally do that.

Halberd, please roll any OAs or firepulses for me as necessary.

[Vesth]

Sighing, Dytrastar walked forward slightly and drew both starves, slamming them into the ground. Between the two pillars of the Arcane, magic energy surged, coalescing into a ball of pure force. After a brief moment of pulsing, it shot off in the direction of the Shadow Ooze.

Move: One space to the right (now behind DA).
Standard: Casting Force Orb at the Shadow Ooze.

Attack (Int Vs Reflex): [roll0]
Damage (Force): [roll1]

If it hits, make a secondary attack on FH and US.

FH:
Attack (Int Vs Reflex): [roll2]
Damage (Force): [roll3]

US:
Attack (Int Vs Reflex): [roll4]
Damage (Force): [roll5]

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap2B.jpg Currently Acting: Elisian
Next Acting: Shadow Ooze

The flail humanoid screams as Flaern's claws rake through him and push him away from the ooze, then easily catches Faena's strike on his shield. Careful, he warns, grunting as Faena's second strike grazes him, that animal's a druid.
I noticed! comes the panicked reply of the goblin who is frantically swatting about with his staff as the fire hawk assaults him.
The ooze, which does not seem to be unduly perturbed by the blades and blasts of force damaging it, seems genuinely afraid of Elisian's radiant sword, shrinking back from its glow.

[CalebRoberts]

Elisian

"You will all die for bringing this abomination forth. I begin by killing it."
Elisian skirts around the ooze, narrowly avoiding swings and psuedopods. His blinding blade comes crashing down on the black mass.
Actions
Minor: Oath of Emnity on Shadow Ooze
Standard: Angelic Alacrity vs Shadow Ooze
Effect: shift 5 squares F11 to H14
Attack:[roll0], [roll1] = 18 vs AC
Damage: [roll2] radiant damage

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap2Ccopy.jpg
Currently acting: Phaetun(Ph) and Darius (Da)
The ooze emits something resembling a garbled scream as the radiance tears through its body. Heedless of the mark Faena placed upon it, it angrily slams down upon Elisian with one of its dark pseudopods, missing the quick elf. Faena's blade cuts deeply into it, but it seems to take little notice in its rage.
The bow humanoid quietly raises his longbow, draws it back in a smooth motion, and lets an arrow loose towards Flaern. A subtle, smug grin crosses his face as the arrow strikes true.
Quick, Uskor! the flail humanoid yells. Flanking maneuver!
The orc looks extremely confused. uskor not know what "franking" is. uskor hope it have something to do with food.
The flail wielder sighs. Just go around the ooze and the elf, then charge that woman with a sword.
The orc grins as he comprehends the strategy. He then runs past the goblin, who is still busy swatting at Flaern's fire hawk, and charges Faena from behind, axe swinging about in a haphazard manner. He manages a slight hit upon Faena, and dodges the resultant fierce outburst of fire. wow! she really flamey! he comments.

Ooze: Slam Elisian. Vs. AC: [roll0] Damage:[roll1] necrotic, and ongoing 5 acid. Faena's attack: Vs. AC:[roll2] Damage: [roll3]
Bow Humanoid: Longbow attack Flaern. Vs. AC: [roll4] Damage: [roll5]
Uskor: Move to K15, charge to I13, attack Faena. Vs. AC: [roll6] Damage: [roll7] Firepulse if hit: Vs. Reflex: [roll8] Damage: [roll9]

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"You are a diverse group. Why raid from farms when you are so clearly capable of fending for yourselves? You could do well in society as mercenaries."

Phaetun asks them largely rhetorically as he advances, his skin seeming nearly translucent as holy light pours out to bolster his allies -- and hinder his foes.

Move: to G9.
Standard: Hymn of Resurgence Burst 5 E10/I14. Phaetun and allies in the area either gain 5THP or a free Saving Throw (their choice; THP is the obvious choice). Enemies are attacked Wisdom vs Fort. If hit, they have -2 to all defenses Until End of my Next Turn and will be knocked prone the next time an ally hits them during this interval.
Shadow Ooze: [roll0]
Uskor: [roll1]
Edit: FH also attacked: (24) vs Fort (see OOC thread)
Minor: Insight check on the prone figure [roll2]

[SirDalyus]

Darius teases a little power out of the air, rolls It up Into a tight ball, and then uses It to brand the flail-wielding humanoid. He then draws a little more power In order to amplify his voice, giving It a horrible, screeching tone.

"Fiends! We come to make peace, and make pieces! Run while you have the chance."

Darius then throws his crossbow aside, so that he can conjure down a heavy stream of darkness from the skys, which he wraps around the marked creature, suffocating It In the cold embrace of Neverath.



Minor Action 1:
Apply warlocks curse to Flail Humanoid.

Minor Action 2: Use Beguiling tongue to intimidate our foes.

Intimidate : [roll0]

Standard: Use Frigid Darkness
[roll1] against Fort for [roll2] and on hit target grants combat advantage to allies and has a -2 penalty to AC.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap2Drevisedcopy.jpgNext acting: Flaern, Faena, Dytrastar, Elisian

The goblin stops swatting the hawk for a second and mutters,
Alright, let's see how ya do when ya can't see so well! He then twists his staff and speaks a single magic word. An enormous cloud of haze billows out across the battlefield.
Yeah, that'll show- Aagh! In his moment of distraction, he is suddenly assaulted by Flaern's fire hawk, which burns his flesh in an unpleasant-looking manner.
The flail humanoid is knocked over by the stream of darkness, then gets back up, grunting. Seemingly unaffected by the cloud filling his vision, he strikes out at Faena, barely managing to score a vicious, bloody blow to her side.
Mercenaries? Ha! We couldn't do well as anything in the "monster-free" Elorian society. We had to eke out a living at the far edges of the empire until the Syndicate showed up to lead us against those accursed Peacekeepers.

Goblin Hexer: Vexing Cloud centered on FH, all enemies within have -2 to hit, and all allies within have concealment. Fire Hawk: Vs. Reflex: [roll0] [roll1] fire damage.
Flail Humanoid: Get up from prone. Attack Faena. Vs. AC: [roll2] Damage: [roll3]

[potatocubed]

"Ow!"

Faena found herself surrounded, out on point again. Nothing for it but to clear some space, buy some time, and let her allies get stuck in: she brings up her shield and drives it into the flail-wielder to open up some room to manoeuvre.

Shield Bash vs Flailman: [roll0] vs Reflex. This includes the -2 from the vexing cloud but not any other modifiers. On hit [roll1] damage + push him to F11 and knock him prone.

Could do with a surge from one of our leaders if there are any going spare.

[CalebRoberts]

Elisian runs straight at the ooze and the thing seems to consume him but in an instant he appears out the other side, unscathed. His blade wheels around, burning deep into the black. Then another strike, this time to the side, forcing the ooze to move with him for just a moment.

Actions
Standard: Deadly stride vs Ooze (AC)

Effect: shift 3 squares, Elisian has phasing with this shift
Shift H14>G14>F13>E13
Attack: [roll0], [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] Radiant Damage and knocked prone
Action Point!: Overwhelming strike vs Ooze (AC)

Attack: [roll3], [roll4]+2 from CA (prone) = 19 vs AC
Damage: [roll5] Radiant Damage
Shift to D13 and Ooze is slid to E13/F14
NOTE: since the Ooze is at -2 to defenses and we are at -2 to attacks in the zone I just canceled the two out for my rolls.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Moving out of the darkness, Flaern crouches down to the ground, pulling up three small stones. He holds them in his hand and they begin to glow. Flaern tosses the stones into the air and swings his staff, hitting the stones and sending them hurtling at his enemies. As the stones fly, he changes back into the form of a large panther.

Move: Walk to L9

Standard: Magic Stones (3 targets) vs FH, GH, US
Attack FH: [roll0] vs Reflex (-2 due to concealment, +2 due to CA) [CRIT 13 damage (http://alt.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=13659386&postcount=75)]

Hit: Push to F12Attack GH: [roll1] vs Reflex
Attack US: [roll2] vs Reflex (-2 due to concealment)
Hit: [roll3] damage and enemy is pushed (see notes above)

Minor: Wild Shape

[Vesth]

Muttering slightly under his breath, Dytrastar knocked both starves together, and a thin ray of frost shot forth. He might not be able to do what he wanted, but at least he had a back-up plan.

Standard: Ray of Frost against GH.

Attack (Int Vs Fort): [roll0]
Damage (Cold Damage): [roll1]

If hit, GH is slowed until the end of my next turn.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap2E.jpg Next Acting: Phaetun, Darius

The shadow ooze writhes and screeches in pain as Elisian's radiant blade slashes through it once, then twice. It seems to be heavily damaged, but not quite destroyed. Not yet. It unleashes two furious, slamming attacks of its own at the elf, one of which hits with fearful force and coats Elisian in acid.
The humanoid with a bow betrays the slightest hint of alarm on his face as he stares through the cloud. He lets off another arrow, this time at Phaetun. It, like the attack before, strikes true.
Uskor slashes at Faena with his axe once more, an enormous, fanged smile on his face. uskor like franking, it fun! Faena easily blocks, however, partially due to the fact that his flanking partner is currently clutching at the stone embedded in his skull.

Ooze attacks Elisian. Vs. AC: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] Action point for another attack: [roll2] Damage: [roll3] If either hit, Elisian takes ongoing 5 acid (save ends)
Bow Humanoid attacks Phaetun. [roll4] Damage: [roll5]
Uskor attacks Faena. [roll6] Damage: [roll7]
Phaetun:
The prone figure appears to be human, male, and on the younger side of middle-aged. You guess he is the owner of the raided farm.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Frowning mildly at the arrow, the Deva shrugs, causing it to fall to the ground, its injury not quite as bad as had originally appeared. He then strides past the flail-wielding humanoid in a calculatedly risky fashion, his inner light glowing brighter with each step. As he leaves the cloud of darkness, his glow coalesces and lances out from his staff, blasting at several enemies.

"The prejudices of this empire may be righted in time. Your actions would not aid your cause."

Move: walk to B11 through F10 to flank FH while provoking an OA from it and triggering Faena's fighter's mark.
Minor: (only if hit by FH's OA) Resurgent Strength on self to regain 13 HPs and gaining +4 Power bonus to damage UENT.
Standard: Hand of Radiance on SO, BH and FH (GH instead if FH is dead).
SO: [roll0] (-2 for concealment = 16) vs Reflex for [roll1] (+4 Power = 13) Radiant
BH: [roll2] (+3 from Memories of a Thousand Lifetimes = 19) vs Reflex for [roll3] (+4 Power = 13) Radiant
FH/GH: [roll4] (-2 for concealment = 14) vs Reflex for [roll5] (+4 Power = 11) Radiant

[SirDalyus]

Darius stalks out of the darkness like a nocturnal predator,drawing his focus from his belt and weighing It's heft against his palm. He loops It through the air as he walks, whistling a jaunty tune to ward off the darkness. He jabs at the flail humanoid.

"I warned you once. An ancient secret I tell you."

Wisps of shadows whip up around Darius, before fireing into the darkness.

"Pouge Mahon!"

OOC:

Move action: I move to C11

Minor Action: I draw my rod of corruption.

Standard action: Dreadful Word on the flail humanoid, [roll0] (penalties included, but not bonuses) against will for [roll1] + [roll2] damage and a -2 to will saves until the end of my next turn.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap2F.jpg Next acting: Flaern, Faena, Dytrastar. Elisian
The humanoid swings his flail at Phaetun as he passes by, allowing Faena to strike at his back. He grunts as the cleric's bolt of radiance hits him in the chest, then falls to his knees.
Water will flow uphill before this country's prejudices change. The only way is- He is cut off as Darius speaks the words. As he hears them, his eyes become glassy and stare off into space. His voice becomes faint, yet filled with terror.
The stars... They're all around... No! NO! NOOOOOOO! As his voice reaches its terrified crescendo, he falls over, heart stopped from fear, hand still outstretched as if to ward against whatever horrors he saw.
The goblin looks on incredulously, then speaks in a voice full of shock. Wow. Ulix finally fell in battle. Who woulda thought he'd be the first of us? I'm gonna leave the whole "avenging" thing to his brother over here. The goblin gestures to the one with the bow, whose features have contorted into a furious grimace. He's looking pretty pissed. I'm just gonna hex ya, OK? With that, the goblin unleashes a spell at Flaern.
The ooze, meanwhile, reacts to Phaetun's attack by unleashing its most piercing, unsettling shriek yet, then a series of intensifying quivers begin to ripple through its form as its shriek transforms into a low gurgle. It then bursts, covering Elisian and the nearby battlefield in black, acidic sludge.

Flail Humanoid OA: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]
Goblin: Blinding Hex at Flaern. Vs. Fortitude: [roll2] Damage: [roll3] and blinded [save ends] Sustain Vexing Cloud.
Ooze: Explosion at Elisian. Vs. Reflex, miss half. [roll4] Damage: [roll5] necrotic and acid. The spot where it was becomes difficult terrain.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

With black clouds dancing in front of his eyes, Flaern crouches and then, in his panther form, darts across the battlefield in the direction of the Hexer. He pounces through the air at the creature, screaming a horrible sound of primal fury. He lands in his elven form and slams his staff into the ground, projecting a thunderous blast toward the Goblin Hexer.

Under "Targeting what you can't see" in the Compendium, there is this section:


Close or Area Attacks: An attacker can make a close attack or an area attack that includes the square it thinks (or knows) an invisible creature is in. The attack roll doesn’t take a penalty from the target’s concealment.

I think that this means that if I do my close blast attack (Thunderwave) that the concealment is not an issue, right? Or rather, that me being blinded is not an issue.


Move: Move to H17, avoiding OAs (I have move of 8)

Minor: Wild Shape to Elven form

Standard: Thunderwave vs GH and BH (Blast 3 including GH and BH)

Attack GH: [roll0] vs Fortitude
Attack BH: [roll1] vs Fortitude
Hit: [roll2] damage and I push the target up to 4 (WIS) squares.

If I hit GH, I will push him to E13, putting him in the acid and adjacent to Elisian
If I hit BH, I will push him to E14, putting him in the acid and adjacent to Elisian

Save vs Blinded: [roll3]

[CalebRoberts]

"Now for you, evil goblin!"

Elisian slips through the shadow, his bright blade cutting a path that seals up behind him again. He turns quickly around the bowman, sprinting for the caster. His blade hums as it strikes the goblin.

Move: D13 to D17, then south E17, F18, G17
Minor: Oath of Emnity on Hexcaster
Standard: Overwhelming Strike vs GH
Attack: [roll0], [roll1]
HIT: Damage: [roll2] radiant damage, Elisian shifts to G18, the goblin is slid to G17

[potatocubed]

Two down, three to go - since her compatriots seem to have the goblin and the archer under control, Faena turns her attention to the orc.

"Uskor, is it?" she asks almost conversationally, as she crowds the orc and forces him backwards with a series of shield bashes. "Take it from me: hanging out with these guys is only going to hurt you."

Tide of Iron vs Uskor: [roll0] vs AC (including -2 for concealment and -2 for the cloud) for [roll1] damage + push 1 square south and Faena will shift to follow him.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap2G.jpg

[Vesth]

Dytrastar jumped into the cloud, twirling both starves. One billowed wind, the gales of the Arcane, and the other trailed flame, magically glowing in the darkness of the cloud. With a spin and a stomp, he stopped, spinning in a tight circle, and the fire bursts forth, engulfing all the enemies nearby.

Move: To G11
Standard: Fire Shroud

Attack (Int Vs Fort):

GH: [roll0]
BH: [roll1]
US: [roll2]

Damage (Fire): [roll3]

If hit, ongoing 5 fire damage, save ends.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap2Hrevised.jpg Next acting: All PCs

The goblin screams as the flames burn at his body. He collapses, crawling on the ground.
I shoulda run when I had the chance...he groans, before flopping down on the ground and crawling no more. The cloud he conjured begins dissipating, seemingly as a result of his death.
The bow humanoid, burned but unfazed by the explosion, aims with furious purpose at Darius and pulls his bow back almost to breaking point before firing. A mad light goes into his eyes as the arrow pierces Darius's chest.
Uskor looks at Ulix's body, horrified expression still on its face, then at the goblin's charred corpse, then at the flames and wounds covering his own body, then back at Faena. uskor think he not hanging around with them anymore. uskor surrender.

BH attacks Darius. [roll0] Damage: [roll1] Save vs. ongoing: [roll2]
US: Save vs ongoing: [roll3]

[Vesth]

Dytrastar pauses a moment, and accepts the surrender, turning back to the last enemy.

Standard: Ray of Frost at BH

Attack (Int Vs Fort): [roll0]

Damage (Cold): [roll1]

If hit, target is slowed until the end of my next turn.

[CalebRoberts]

"No one escapes" snarls Elisian. In a blur he steps up to the last bowman, his blade already in motion.

Move: C13 to D14
Minor: Oath of Emnity on BH
Standard: Overwhelming Strike vs BH
Attack: [roll0], [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] radiant. Shift to D15. slide BH to D14

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Looking at the remaining enemy with pity, the priest holds his staff before his eyes, directing a blast of mental energy through it at the unfortunate creature.

Minor Action: Healing Word on Elisian.
Standard Action: Gaze of Defiance on BH. [roll0] vs Will for [roll1] Psychic damage, and granting allies a +1 Power bonus to attacks on BH UENT.
Move Action: Unused.

[SirDalyus]

Darius looks down at the arrow that's lodged into his jacket. He snaps the shaft off, and throws It away. He pats himself down, and stares Into the bowman's eyes.

"My companions here want to kill you. And that's fine with me. But If you don't put down your weapon like your smarter companion I am going to do so, so much worse to you. And I can do so much worse than killing you."

Darius starts running towards the goblin, building up steam before throwing himself at the goblin.

OOC:

Free: Drop Rod of Corruption

Move: Charge to E13

Standard: Grab action against Bowman. [roll0] against fort?

Minor: If grab fails, draw dagger.

[potatocubed]

"Good idea," Faena says to Uskor. "Drop the axe, sit down, and wait here."

She turns her back on the orc, trusting that he's properly cowed, then jogs across the battlefield to join in the dogpile on the humanoid with the bow.

"Hello," she says as she sweeps her sword towards him. "Join the orc in surrender, or join your brother in hell. Your choice."

Move to F15 (flanking with Elisian)
Cleave: including flanking bonus vs AC; [roll]1d10+5 damage. Striking to subdue rather than kill, if it's important.

Also, he's marked now.

[Halberd]

The archer winces at Faena's strike, looks at the forces arrayed against him and sighs, bowing his bloodied head.Very well, I surrender. It's not as if I can avenge my brother in my current state anyway. Just let me go.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Tending the injuries of friend and foe alike, the Deva says little, at least initially.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Gesturing with his staff, small vines grow up from the ground to wrap tightly around both the orc and archer alike.

"Please, sit tight while we sort out what has happened here."

Turning to his companions Flaern looks them over. They were not much worse for wear and had fared well in this skirmish. "That shadow ooze frustrates me. These others - they could have been persecuted themselves. The ooze though . . . that is the Syndicate's doing. If things like that are loose in the world, we might be in for more than we originally anticipated."

With that, he looks down at the small cut on his thigh and watches closely as the skin begins to knit together.

"I'll scout the area. The rest of you, maybe you can learn something from our friends here."

Flaern turns into a hawk and takes to the wing, looping around the battlefield to see if he can learn something more about their immediate location.

Spend 1 healing surge to get back up to full.

Perception check: [roll0]
Nature check: [roll]1d20+12

[Vesth]

The archer winces at Faena's strike, looks at the forces arrayed against him and sighs, bowing his bloodied head.Very well, I surrender. It's not as if I can avenge my brother in my current state anyway. Just let me go.

"What do you mean by that? And why are the two of you doing this?"

[Leewei]

Phaetun

As he tends to Uskor, the Deva speaks without looking up, still largely absorbed in his task. "Someone please ask the farmer if anyone is in his house and in need of rescue. I'll be inspecting his wounds soon, as well as anyone else needing care."

"In fact, it might yet be possible to save the farmhouse, or at least some things that were in it. For that matter, those sacks the marauders were carrying likely have some of the farmer's belongings in them -- or else food for these creatures duped by Asryn."

[potatocubed]

"Cheers." Faena nods her thanks at Phaetun for the healing magic. Uskor and Ulix had been an effective team, temporarily.

Not really one for interrogation, she sheathes her sword, shoulders her shield, and starts helping the farmers get themselves and their belongings back together.

[SirDalyus]

Darius wanders around the battlesight, picking up his crossbow and his rod of corruption. He turns over the goblin and crosses It's arms over It's chest, before picking up It's staff and examining It. He then heads over to the prisoners.

"So Archer. Do you have a name we can call you by? How did you end up with the Syndicate?"

[CalebRoberts]

Elisian moves to help the farmers. as he walk away from the interrogation he mutters something about the folly of leaving enemies alive.

[Halberd]

The archer stares defiantly at Darius.
The name is Solix, and I ended up with the Syndicate the same way that the others did. Asryn came to our village and offered to help us take back the lands our ancestors were banished from so long ago. He told us that the Peacekeepers were occupied in the northeast, and that we could strike at lands that were rightfully ours. We had never known anything other than living in the wastelands, so we readily accepted.


The farmhouse seems to still be alight. The farmer gasps as you approach.
Oh, thank Pelor someone's here. My wife and daughter are still in the house. Hurry! It's been torture sitting here with broken legs watching my house and family burn. You might still be able to save them!

Flaern:The surrounding area seems to be almost entirely comprised of farms and gently rolling hills, which become steeper as one moves eastward. Far to the west, you can see a distant shape that resembles an enormous tower.

Darius: This staff gives off a definite magic aura, but it doesn't seem to have any special enchantment. It simply seems to be a good bit more powerful than an ordinary staff, +2 to be exact.

[SirDalyus]

"Uskor, you seem to be the most sensible of your merry little band. I suggest you help put out the flames you've left In that farmhouse."

Darius begins spinning his staff, In one hand at first before switching It between his hands and around his waist.

"Now Solix, tell me more about Asyrn. I know he's charismatic, and dangerous. More than you I'm afraid."

[Halberd]

Uskor looks at Darius, mystified.
uskor not sure how to do that. uskor know that putting glowy stuff on woody stuff make it go foom, but uskor not know how to make it un-foom.

Solix narrows his eyes.
Nobody really knows much about him. All I've seen of him is a tall, dark figure in this robe made of feathers. He seems to be ordering us to take all the valuables from our raids into this room near the top of... our base. We don't know why, exactly, he's forcing us to do so. Most of us aren't in the raids for the money, anyway, so it's fine.

[SirDalyus]

"We can talk later. Solix, since Uskor is of no help, help put out the blaze. Uskor, stay close to me."

Darius gestures for them to stand, but keeps far away enough that they can't grab him.

[Halberd]

Solix rolls his eyes.
I'd love to help, really, I would, but don't you think it's a bit difficult for me to help put out a fire when I'm... like this?
He looks down at Flaern's vines, which still bind him in place.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Flying back to the ground just in time to hear the archer's comments, Flaern shifts back into his elven form and waves his hand and the vines casually recede.

"There's a large tower to the West. It could be that it is from there where Asryn commands his people." Turning to Solix, he says, "Help put out the fire or the vines come back, and this time they'll stay until the wolves come for you. All this carnage is sure to bring a pack this way within the hour."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

As he finishes binding Uskor's wounds, the cleric absent-mindedly flares his staff at Faena, healing her. Hearing the farmer's plight, he immediately focuses his attention on the innocents in the burning house.

"I need your name," he says, addressing the farmer, "and that of your wife and daughter. We should keep the marauders back, away from the house. Your family within may in fact be hiding from those raiding their lands, or in any case are unlikely to come willingly if they think we're with them."

"Once they're secure, I'll be back to tend to you," he continues to the farmer.

Turning to the humanoids, he states, "We must treat those we've defeated honorably. In this case, ironically, what you know may be quite important, Uskor."

Once he knows the farmer's name, as well as that of his wife and daughter, he runs off with Faena to assist in the rescue.

Once he has the names, Phaetun will head off to the flaming house, yelling the names of the wife and daughter, announcing himself as being sent by the Peacekeepers. He'll try to get those trapped inside to yell out their location. Faena, with her great strength and natural fire resistance will hopefully be of some use with this.

[Halberd]

The farmer grunts in pain.
My name is Denn. My wife is Kalessa and my daughter is Annalyn. There's a well just over that hill if that helps at all.

Solix walks off in the direction of the well.
Fine, fine, no need for threats. I'll help.

Skill Challenge: Burning House Rescue
Complexity 3
Skills available:

Diplomacy (DC 15) Convince victims that it is safe to shout for help. Can only be used once, but gives a +2 bonus to subsequent Perception checks.
Perception (DC 20) Identify the location of one of those trapped inside, warn victims of falling rubble, etc.
Athletics (DC 20) Lift burning rubble, break through flaming doors, pick up one of the victims and carry them toward the exit, etc. Does 5 fire damage to you.
Arcana (DC 15) Cast an icy spell to quell the flames. Only available if you have a power that deals cold damage.
Heal (DC 25) Heal the burns of one of the victims. Since they're still in the burning building, this is rather difficult.

Extra notes: If the party fails, but amasses 4 successes before doing so, it is considered a partial success, in which they manage to save only one of the two victims.

[Vesth]

Dytrastar grins as he readies his starves. It just so happens that he has a cold spell at the ready!

Moving towards the house, the starves flicker blue, and a stream of frost battles the raging heat.

Arcana Check with Ray of Frost:

[roll0]

[Meltheim]

Flaern

The druid begins to run after his companions toward the burning house, jumps into the air and turns into a racoon. Using his new, smaller form, he darts in through an opening and gets inside the house. Shifting back into an Elf, his keen eyes spot beams about to fall and he shouts out a warning to those inside.

He scans the area for survivors, listening for cries as well.

[roll0]

[CalebRoberts]

Elisian

Elisian is close on the heels of Flaern. As soon as the Druid finds one of those trapped, Elisian is there. The lithe elf pushes mightily against the table, channeling his divine rage at the injustice done to these people. The flames lick at his body but he does not even feel them. He throws the table off and grabs the person trapped underneath, hauling them outside and to safety.

Athletics: [roll0]

OOC: on the money!

[potatocubed]

"There are people in there?"

Faena doesn't hesitate, plunging into the burning building and trusting her natural fire resistance to keep her from harm while she frees anyone she can find.

Athletics: [roll0] I'd like to claim some sort of advantage for being fire-resistant, too. EDIT: Damn and blast.

[Vesth]

Dytrastar twirled his starves once more, aiming his spell at another part of the flames, the magical coldness quelling the heat.

Arcana check: [roll0]

[SirDalyus]

Darius storms Into the house, ignoring the blaze as best he can whilst he looks for the survivors.

"Kalessa! Annalyn! Can you hear my voice? Come towards my voice!"

OOC: Perception Diplomacy 19

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Hearing Kalessa's pained cry for help, Phaetun holds his staff up, causing it to flare briefly in a bizarrely soothing light. He smiles at her sounds of relief.

Holy Healer's Staff daily power used.

[SirDalyus]

Trying to pinpoint the trapped villagers, Darius rushes into the blaze with no regard for his own safety. The acrid smoke crawls into his lungs, and he suffers from the heat of the fire so close to him.

OOC:
[roll0]
[roll1]

[potatocubed]

Faena ignores the fire and keeps searching, throwing burning furniture aside and crashing through weakened doors.

Athletics: (+6 from 3d6 fire damage) [roll0]
Fire Damage: (fire resistance included) [roll1]

[Halberd]

As Faena crashes through a door, she can see a woman crouched behind it. She looks to be about a year younger than the farmer and is covered with burns. Solix dumps a full bucket of cold water on the nearby fire, allowing Faena to carry Kalessa out of the building without risk of further injury.

Denn smiles with joy and relief as his family is brought out alive.
Oh, thank you so much! I thought my wife and daughter would die in there for sure, but you somehow saved them from that horrible fate. Of course, my legs are still broken, and my house is burned, but I'll deal with that later. For now, I'm just happy my family's alive. If there's anything I can do to express my gratitude...

[Leewei]

Phaetun

After the rescue, Phaetun turns his attention to Denn. His tenuous focus is obviously drifting as he works to set the farmer's legs and alleviate his pain. Once this task is done, he sits on a large rock, breathing deeply and attempting to calm and center his thoughts. At last, after several minutes, he utters a couple of words, his staff flaring as he heals Darius and Denn.

Finished, he reclines again, all but exhausted, and looking somber.

"We are the Peacekeepers' hand. Our goal is simple, but daunting. Preserve Erathis's holy empire and drive back the shadows. Anything you might know of or possess that can aid us in this would be appreciated."

The Deva then glances at Uskor and Solix, cueing to them that they are included in this statement as well.

Heal check: [roll0]
Take a Short Rest.
Spend two Healing Words.
Denn is healed for a surge + [roll1]
Darius is healed for a surge + [roll2]

[Halberd]

Denn gets up unsteadily on his newly fixed legs.
Well, we have little to offer you in the way of reward except some crops from the field. Feel free to help yourself to them. I suppose you can have some of the valuables those raiders were going to carry away as well- my family's lives are worth far more than whatever wealth I may possess.

Uskor grins.
ooh! ooh! uskor know where asryn at. he- The orc is suddenly interrupted by Solix's hand covering his large, toothy mouth.
No, Uskor! Remember, Asryn threatened a swift, inevitable death to anyone who discloses any sensitive information.

[Meltheim]

(are we still in Skill Challenge?)

Flaern

"Do not worry about retaliation from Asryn. With your help, we should be able to over throw the Shadow and free you from its curse.

I saw a large tower to the West. Is that where we need to go if we are going to overthrow Asryn? Are there any traps, hazards or other things we should be worried about? How many are in his army?"

[roll0] to see if they tell the truth in their answer

[CalebRoberts]

No, Uskor! Remember, Asryn threatened a swift, inevitable death to anyone who discloses any sensitive information.

At the exclamation Elisian's blade it out in a flash, white light streaming from it. "Yet my blade will cause swifter death then even Asryn." Elisian whips the huge sword to Solix's throat. The light sears into the man's skin, causing great pain. "You will speak now."

[Halberd]

Solix resists for a second, then bows his head.
Fine. I guess I'm dead no matter what I do. Asryn's base is located in the- He is suddenly cut short and coughs up some blood. He then collapses, gasping. As the life leaves his eyes, a couple of small, bloodstreaked, raven-like creatures with sharp-looking beaks and talons hop out of his mouth and fly away.

Uskor looks on, too confused and horror-stricken to say anything.

Denn stares at the unfortunate archer for a while before regaining his composure.
Well, I can safely say that's a fate I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. Anyway, that "tower" you saw is probably downtown Monolith City. It's a lot bigger than it looks from this distance, believe me. I go there quite often to sell crops. I haven't exactly seen much indicating that a monstrous army is located there, but the city might contain some secret place I don't know about.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Admiring his companion's ferocity, Flaern leans in towards the man, adding "Yes, you would do well to answer my questions."

[CalebRoberts]

Elisian looks a his shining blade in contemplation for a moment. The light winks out and he sheathes the sword once more.

Insight: Did the radiant light cause Solix's death?
[roll0]

[Leewei]

Phaetun

His attention riveted on the creatures, the Deva spares Solix's corpse a pitying glance.

"We'll need a way to exorcise these things if we're to find anything out. It seems that the shadows have acquired some insidious magic to ensure loyalty in those who do their bidding."

Religion: [roll0] to see what he can recall about the creatures apparently possessing Solix.

[Halberd]

Elisian:
His death does not seem to be a result of the radiance, but rather seems to have been caused by his attempt to tell you about Asryn's base.
Phaetun:
The birds did not seem to be spirits capable of possession, but rather some sort of vicious Shadowfell bird that was somehow conjured inside Solix's body when he tried to divulge information deemed "sensitive".

[CalebRoberts]

"There is a spell on these men. Uskor is likely under it's aegis as well. It will kill them instantly if they try to speak of "forbidden" things. If we are to learn anything of them we must overcome the spell first."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"Those creatures weren't possessing Solix. They were summoned, but I haven't any notion how. Darius or Dytrastar -- do either of you know how this was done, or what we might do to prevent it?"

[SirDalyus]

"I deal with things beyond, not things betwixt and between. I can tell you that those birds are not natural, which boasts of Asyrn's power. I fear we must find out more about our prey before this dangerous hunt goes fae."

Darius quickly marches over to the archers corpse, and crosses It's arms and closes It's eyes. He kneels over the corpse, and mutters a prayer to the spirits of the corpses forebearers.

"And may you walk the long walk. Now, someone powerful enough to kill with this kind of curse won't go down easily. I think we need to look for dangerous allies of our own."

Darius drags the corpse away from the house, before pacing around looking for firewood.

OOC: If a perception roll is required : [roll0] otherwise I take 10 for a total of 13

[Vesth]

"A spell? That's my specialty! Come, let me have a look!" Dytrastar said excitedly.

Kneeling besides Solix, he feels for any residual magic, trying to sense the same in Uskor as well.

Arcana: [roll0]

[Halberd]

Dytrastar: You can definitely sense magic on both Solix's body and Uskor. However, you can't identify it.

[SirDalyus]

Darius walks over, and also give Uskor a once over. Once he finishes, he turns to the rest of the party.

"I think we have spent enough time here. Shall we continue on with our quest now? I'd rather not let news of our comming reach Acryn's sensative ears."

OOC;[roll0]

[potatocubed]

Faena strides over to Uskor and lays her hands on his shoulders.

"Not long ago, I was where you are now - made some bad choices, got stuck, got a chance at a fresh start. These folk--" she thumbs over her shoulder at the farmers "--could use a strong man like you to help them rebuild. Maybe protect them from other raiders. Understand? This is your fresh start. Make it good."

She claps him on the shoulder and looks around. "Let's make tracks," she says. "All this sorcery's a bit beyond me - oozes in jars, birds in people's heads, ugh - but I know my way around city streets and hitting folk."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"Heading into town may be best for nearly all of us. The farms here are clearly not protected well enough. Uskor would be a daily reminder to everyone nearby of the marauders and their raids. Even if the family accepts him, other local farmers likely will not. It would be best were he to simply leave. The rest of us -- including our hosts," Phaetun indicates the family with a glance, "should head into town with their belongings. Denn, have you any neighbors nearby who can spread warning of this attack?"

"Should any of you need aid in your recovery, I will happily assist."

A thought then occurs to the pale, gaunt Immortal. "Uskor, why don't you take the sack you had earlier? I'd hate to think of you robbing others out of necessity. If we do hear of you stealing from others, though, we'd have to come and get you. Keep that in mind."

Looking back at Denn, Phaetun says, "I am willing to give fair compensation for that, of course. Cities aren't cheap, and I imagine you'd find coin more useful at the moment. Once we've dealt with these marauders, you could then return home."

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Sighing to himself, Flaern says, "Cities . . . " with such disdain and contempt that it is almost palpable. "Well then, lets get moving."

With that, he shifts into the form of a horse and waits for the group to gather their things.

[Halberd]

Denn thinks for a moment before answering.
Alright, I suppose we can go to the city. It'd be a nice way to take our minds off the attack. But do we have to bring him with us? He gestures towards Uskor, who is currently busy stuffing his face with one of Denn's watermelons.
My husband does have a point. Kalessa comments. The orc seems... difficult to control. Having him with us in the city could cause some difficulties. As for neighbors, I'll go talk with Kren and Atani about the attack here. Hopefully they'll help people to be prepared if another raiding party comes this way.
Uskor finishes his watermelon and looks at the distant monolith.
uskor happy to go to city. cities fun!

[Meltheim]

Flaern

The Horse-who-is-Flaern regards Uskor with a glance, then says, "How about Uskor go to Asryn, and we follow behind?"

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Looking at Uskor, the Deva shakes his head. "We should send him on his way. Uskor, that city will be hostile to you. I suggest you take your sack and depart."

[Halberd]

uskor not take you to asryn. uskor not want birdies. they bad birdies. The orc looks at the city sadly, then begins walking off, saying, at least uskor have sack. at least sack have shinies...
Denn gazes at the departing orc for a while, then turns to the party as Kalessa returns.
Very well. Shall we be off, then?

[SirDalyus]

Darius picks up his possestions, before heading in the direction of the city.

"So, how long will It take to walk to the city?"

[Leewei]

Phaetun

In a decidedly unheroic fashion, the thin Deva struggles into his backpack, intent on walking into Monolith City. A short while after starting out, he pauses, then muses, "Say, Flaern, if you'd like to postpone your trip to the city, you could try backtracking the marauders."

[Meltheim]

Flaern

The horse-that-is-Flaern raises a hoof, puts it down, raises it again, then snorts, changes back into an Elf, and facepalms.

"OF COURSE!" He exclaims, giving the Deva a smile.

"That's an excellent idea. Of course, with all this," he gestures to the chaos and churned earth that their recent battle caused, "it might be difficult, but if I just . . ." and he drifts off, changing into the a wolf, head to the ground sniffing where Uskor had been standing first, then following some unseen trail off to the side.

Rolling to find tracks/scent of Uskor and others, to follow back hopefully in their hideout and/or Asryn.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Halberd]

Denn looks up from the dirt road in front of him.
It'll take around a day and a half to- what in Erathis's name is that druid doing?

Flaern:
You find their tracks, which seem to come from the same direction in which they were attempting to escape. Following them leads you about a hundred feet away from the battle, at which point they seem to abruptly disappear.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Sniffing at the ground where the tracks disappear, Flaern howls loudly to the rest of the group, then shifts back. "The tracks just appear right here - perhaps a portal of some kind? Would one of you mind checking? That type of power is not my strength."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"They appear to be shadows in more than name. The creatures they call forth may have something in common with their means of traveling. It's puzzling that our adversary would use these marauders when he has such power. His goals must require subtlety."

Phaetun then looks at Dytrastar expectantly.

[SirDalyus]

Darius scans the ground where the marauders appeared, trying to pick up the distinct hum of arcane energy.

"The trail is faint, let me try and see If I can figure It out. "

Darius's eyes glow slighty, as he examines the ground where they appeared.

Arcana to see If they appeared by magic, and what type. I.E Divine, arcane, primal ect. [roll0]

[Vesth]

Dytrastar sniffs when Darius went to examine the circle first.

"Just because I can't figure out the spell that stops Uskor from telling us anything..." he mumbles.

Arcana: [roll0]

[Halberd]

Darius:
The marauders seem to have arrived by some sort of arcane teleportation spell that allows those it is cast upon to return once they touch the spot where they originally appeared. How exactly it does this is unclear.
Dytrastar:
The marauders seem to have arrived by some sort of arcane teleportation spell that allows those it is cast upon to return once they touch the spot where they originally appeared. It seems to accomplish this by means of multiple triggered Shadowfell portals, in which one travels a short distance in the Shadowfell, but a long distance in the real world. The portal they appeared at remains, but will only open for those marked by the spell.

[SirDalyus]

Darius shakes his head, indicating that he can find out nothing.

"Not my kind of magic. It's too formal, and intricate, but It looks like a teleportating circle. Dytrastar, do you know more about this?"

[Vesth]

"It's uh...a teleporting circle of sorts. It's still here too. Those marked by the spell just has to touch it and it triggers Shadowfell portals...I think. You walk a little bit in there, and when you come out, you'll have walked quite a distance...

So...what do we do? Should we bring Uskor to see if he can open this portal?"

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"We should seek Uskor out and have him open this portal only if we desire to see him dead. Were Solix's body to be placed here, we might see something happen. In any case, this Shadowfell place seems dangerous. We may want to learn more about it and prepare ourselves before heading there. Monolith City is nearby. We may be able to discover more there."

[Halberd]

And with that, the group sets off for Monolith City. The tower-like thing in the distance seems to emit smoke from its top, and it glows with multitudes of tiny lights at night.
The following day, as you get closer, you notice that it is in fact a colossal rock spire, jutting out from a spot near a river. A boardwalk-like structure lined with buildings built into the rock spirals up the monolith, stopping abruptly about four-fifths of the way up. A fair amount of buildings are constructed outside the towering structure, but it is clear the monolith is the city's center.
Denn stops you as you approach the city wall.
Hold up. The guards have started to get a little paranoid about safety what with the raids and all, and they've started checking people to make sure they aren't raiders trying to get inside. I doubt they'll take kindly to a large group with some of its members armed. How do you guys want to handle this?

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"I was hoping our credentials as agents of the Peacekeeper would be sufficient. If not, I am a priest of Erathis. Perhaps the guard might respect that?"

[potatocubed]

Faena taps her armour. "I can walk through walls if I have to. Well, a wall, but it'll get me into the city all quiet-like."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Considering the situation briefly, the Deva slowly nods. "Our adversary will know that his last raid failed. If his sights are set on Monolith City, which we have every reason to believe, he may well have his own agents. Hiding our numbers could help our cause in this contingency. I'll stay with the family for now to see to their care. Others could either sneak in or enter individually. Flaern has an excellent disguise. We should decide on a place to rendezvous before entering the city. Could you suggest an inn, Denn?"

"If we cannot find our way there for whatever reason, I'd suggest a secondary rally point -- perhaps at the monolith, which should be easy enough for anyone to find given its size."

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Flaern looks over the group.

"I can't do much about armor, but I can do something about your weapons. When I shift, everything I carry becomes part of my new form. Put your weapons into my pack and I can just sneak past and we can meet up soon after.

Unarmed, you should be able to have an easier time trickling in. I'd rather not split us up too much - that's one of the first things we learned in Peacekeeper training, remember?"

[SirDalyus]

Darius ponders for a minute.

"I can get myself Into the city, easily. Why don't myself and Faena go first, and then when we can located lodgings Faena can walk through the walls and tell you where to meet? Perhaps on the Inside we can find another way In?"

Suddenly, a bolt of Inspiration strikes Darius.

"Afterall, Myself and Faena are hoping to make our fortune by collecting bounties on bandits. I'm a mighty hunter, she a legendary swordmaster, and this,"

He points to Flearn.

"Is how we plan on hunting those fugatives down."

Darius rubs his hands together In glee.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Flaern nods in time with Darius' logic.

"Right, let's do this. What do you want me to do? I'm getting itchy feet from standing still so long."

[SirDalyus]

"That depends. Do you have big, ravonous, sheep stealing dog In your shifting capacities? If you don't, you'd make a good trophy slung over one shoulder."

Darius laughs at his last comment.

"I mean, surely the guards have heard the tales of the huge demon hounds those fiendish orcs use, standing twelve hands tall and twenty in length. Huge teeth gnash and tear out your supple sinews, as the rest of the pack closes In on their still thrasing meal. Those hounds, which I swear exist. See?

Darius mimics holding one up high for the gaurds to see.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Chuckling, Flaern shakes his head. "Demons are outside of nature, and I cannot become one of them. For something fierce that ravages sheep, I can do this, however," and Flaern shifts into the form of an Owlbear.

[Vesth]

Flaern

Flaern looks over the group.

"I can't do much about armor, but I can do something about your weapons. When I shift, everything I carry becomes part of my new form. Put your weapons into my pack and I can just sneak past and we can meet up soon after.

Unarmed, you should be able to have an easier time trickling in. I'd rather not split us up too much - that's one of the first things we learned in Peacekeeper training, remember?"

Dytrastar looks long and hard at his dual starves...and shakes his head.

"...Nah, I need these to fight. My heritage allows me to walk through the walls anyway. Do you have a definite place to meet?"

[Halberd]

With a combination of bounty-hunter posturing and passing through walls, you manage to get through the gates and reunite without much trouble. As you walk through the streets, Denn looks up at the monolith, deep in thought.
For lodging, I'd recommend the Iron Gazelle. They've got excellent food and the drinks are even better. Plus, it's quite cheap and the beds are pretty clean compared to some other places. It's about a third of the way up the monolith- look for the sign.
After a lengthy ascent, you spot a rough, weathered sign emblazoned with the image of a gray horned creature and the words "Iron Gazelle Guesthouse and Tavern"
Inside, a smiling clerk looks over at you and borderline shouts over the noise of drunken revelry coming from the tavern.
Ah, hello! What can I do for you?

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"A snifter of brandy each for myself and this farmer. Wine for his wife. Hot chocolate for the girl. A good loaf of rye bread and a flank of roast pork for our dinner. My other companioins will have their own order as well. We'll also need lodging. The family will need a room for the night, and I'll take one myself. Nothing fancy will be necessary."

"Lastly, have you whereabouts for a good library and apothecary?"

[potatocubed]

"Yeah, pork and lodgings and beer sound good," Faena says, elbowing herself a place at the bar. "Plenty of pepper on the pork."

She turns to lean against the bar, unconsciously slipping into her old bouncer ways, surveying the taproom for trouble.

"What's the plan, then? Eat up, rest up, then see what we can find out about this Asryn guy?"

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"You're essentially right, Faena. I'd also like to find out which humanoids were once in these lands. If our adversary is recruiting from their villages, it may be important to know more about them. I'm also interested in some historical perspective. While we don't yet know why he's here, I'm certain Asryn's interest in this place is no coincidence."

[Halberd]

The clerk finishes writing down your order.
Alright, so you want two brandies, a cup of wine, a mug of hot chocolate, a round of beer, a pork and bread meal with extra pepper for nine, and... seven normal rooms? That totals up to 20 GP. Here are your room keys, and I'll send your order down to the chef and bartender. Thank you for your visit.
As you're waiting for your food and drink to arrive, a man who appears to be of high class appears at the door and orders their most luxurious room, as well as an expensive local dish you've never heard of. As he sits down next to Darius, the bloodstains on his jacket's right sleeve become apparent.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Flaern takes the room keys and pockets one for himself, handing the other keys to the others in turn. He rests his staff against the bar and signals the bartender, ordering an iced wine for himself.

Under the pretense of examining his fingernails, Flaern turns his attention to the highborn who just arrived at the bar, making every effort to examine the man while remaining nondescript.

He tries to signal Phaetun in some way, indicating that he should be discrete about their mission.

My passive perception is 24, for what it's worth.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Noticing that they're still in a public place, the priest abruptly stops talking about the mission. His cheeks redden a bit. Without further comment, he places 20gp in front of the clerk, then moves to relax in the main tavern area.

Passive Insight 21 should probably notice Flaern's call for discretion. If not, I'll roll in the OOC thread.

[SirDalyus]

Darius pulls his travelling coat around himself more tightly, trying to ensure his weapons stay concealed. Ignoring the man who's just sat down, Darius scans the crowd, seeing If the man's presence has made a ripple In the general candence of the room.

OOC: Passive Perception Is 13, Passive Insight is 17

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Vesth]

Grabbing his keys, Dytrastar called for some Elven mead, if they have it. Eladrin are similar to elves in terms of culture, and he could use the familarity to soothe himself and to meditate over recent events.

Looking around, he asks out loud,

"Does anyone know where I can find a good library as well? Or some form of Arcane focus, like a Wizard's Guild in the area?"

[Halberd]

The bartender brings your drinks and food. He looks at Dytrastar.
Well, there's the Skyreach Library and Observatory near the top of the monolith. Don't know of any wizards' guilds though.
Annalyn looks up from her hot chocolate, staring at the noble. She pipes up.
Mister, why is there blood on your jacket?
The man seems taken aback for a moment by her question, then responds, smiling.
Oh, that's because I got a cut on my arm a while back. Don't worry, it's better now, but my coat's still messy.

Flaern:
The man seems to be a human of high status. The noble crest tattooed on his hand is the same as that seen emblazoned on Lady Ilara's throne. The blood on his jacket appears to be only around a day old.

Darius:
His presence has definitely made a stir, mostly because this place doesn't get many noble patrons.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Noting the well-dressed stranger with the blood on his sleeve, the Deva momentarily focuses his wandering attentioin to the present situation.

Heal: [roll0]; How fresh is the blood?
Insight: [roll1]; Is the man in some way betraying some guilt about the bloodstain?
History: [roll2]; Does Phaetun recognize the man or any sort of heraldry on him?

[Halberd]

Phaetun:
The blood is, at most, a day old. He isn't betraying any guilt about it, as far as you can tell. He bears a crest tattooed upon his hand that you've seen before on Lady Ilara's throne.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Taking an interest in the nobleman, the pale cleric steps forward, bowing. "I note a familiar crest on your hand, Sir. It appears you have a relation in Lady Ilara. While it seems the small injury you bear is not troubling you, I will still offer my services should you desire them. I am Phaetun, a priest of Erathis, and a physician of some skill."

[Halberd]

The noble steps back slightly, as if Phaetun's presence unsettles him.
Ah yes, Lady Ilara. She is a... cousin of mine. And thank you, but I've already had my injury tended to.

[SirDalyus]

Darius pulls his cloak more tightly around himself. He mutters under his breath, just loudly enough for the nobleman to hear him.

"Stinking clerics, sticking their noses where they don't belong. Don't they know Influence when they see It."

He turns In Pheatun's direction, giving him a scrowl followed by the tiniest of winks, followed by turning to the barkeep.

"Give me a double measure of your strongest drink barkeep. I've got a lot of regrets, and the coin that comes with It."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Blinking in surprise, Phaetun withdraws to a more welcoming crowd.

[Halberd]

As the barkeep prepares your drink, the noble reacts to Darius's statement somewhat belatedly, like an actor who has momentarily forgotten his lines.
Ah, yes- I mean, no, no! He was just trying to help. I, er... worked with the clergy of Erathis a few times, and they tend to get rather offended at such statements.
The murmur around him has begun to grow louder as a few patrons begin to recognize him.
Hey, isn't that Lord Julian?
Yep, cousin to Lady Ilara, if I remember correctly.
I think he's here on official business. What an honor it is that he picked this humble little tavern!

[Vesth]

"Well, I'll see you guys later. Anyone want to follow me to the observatory or the library?" Dytrastar asks, finishing up the last of his meal. Ordinarily, he would have loved the hustle and bustle of attention, but on a mission like this where attention can get the enemy alerted, he'll rather not risk it.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

"I'd enjoy both, Dytrastar. I'd like to get the accounts of Denn and his family in order before we do, however. Would you mind waiting a bit?"

[Vesth]

Dytrastar nodded in response, opting to use the spare time to leisurely finish his mead.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

The Deva takes pains to interview the farm family, writing down as much detail as possible from them regarding the marauder attacks. Did they have any warning? Did they notice anything suspicious before the attack? How did the attack progess? Did the marauders say anything, or do anything unusual during the attack? Et cetera.

As the accounts are told, Phaetun's attention wanders onto the back of the visiting noble, where he stares thoughtfully.

[Halberd]

Denn gives Phaetun his responses.
We hardly had any warning at all. They just came up from the hills and attacked. I did see an odd-looking black bat in the sky when I was taking home the prize money for Largest Carrot from the fair. That was the night before the attack. So far as how the attack went, I was out watering the radishes when I heard Annalyn scream from inside the house. I ran up to see four raiders carrying sacks full of every valuable we had. The short one lit the house on fire with some sort of magic while another one broke my legs with his flail. I didn't see much of what happened inside, though. Kalessa, can you elaborate?
Kalessa sighs. Obviously this memory is painful for her.
Well... I heard them break down the door, then they came into the living room where I was. The one with a bow tied me to a chair and gagged me while they ransacked the house. I heard them saying something strange about having almost enough to "bribe the spell", whatever that means, before I heard them tie up Annalyn as well, though they couldn't get the gag on her before she screamed. Then the house started burning and... you know the rest.

The noble finishes his meal, then leans against a nearby wall at the back of the tavern. He sits there for a while, then suddenly gets up, as if alarmed at something. He quickly collects his belongings and leaves, muttering something about voices in the walls.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Obviously sympathetic to the family, Phaetun finishes his notes.

"Thank you both very much. It is clear that the attackers intended for you and your and daughter to die, Kalessa, and for you to witness them, Denn. Their motives aren't entirely clear, and it might put your family at even more risk were we to discuss this further. Hopefully, recording what you have witnessed will help to protect your family, since you are now less of a loose end. Still, I recommend caution until Monolith City's current problems are resolved."

Apolagetically, the priest continues.

"Unfortunately, we can't offer you much protection beyond this. Associating with us comes with its own risks -- you may be seen as leverage against us, or else just find yourselves in the way of dangers we will doubtless be faced with. I'd suggest seeking asylum with the local clergy. I'll be visiting them soon enough."

"For now, let's enjoy the comforts of this place and relax. You've certainly earned it."

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Once his meal is finished, the Deva stretches, looking to his room with a longing expression showing on his otherworldly face. He breathes in slowly before finally rising from his chair. Turning to Dytrastar, he says, "I suppose the observatory would be an appropriate place to visit in the evening. I am at your disposal."

[Vesth]

Waiting to see of any of the others object, Dytrastar grins and nods, preparing to leave as well.

[SirDalyus]

While Phaeton was interviewing the farmer, Darius paid for his drinks and wandered outside to try and spot the nobleman.


For shadowing him, I'm not sure whether streetwise or thievery is more important, so I'll roll both.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Halberd]

Darius:
Lord Julian seems to be rapidly walking down the monolith, intermittently checking behind him. Make a Stealth check to evade notice.
Phaetun, Dytrastar: You eventually arrive at the library/observatory, one of the monolith's highest buildings. Massive arrays of books are located inside a maze of shelves, and a large group of telescopes, sextants, and other tools sits at the center of this glass-ceilinged structure.
As you enter, you see a figure in enormous green robes, and an enormous hood to match, sitting at a table. A large black bat flies in through the open door and lands on his shoulder. He looks at the bat briefly, then nods and walks towards the back of the building, disappearing from sight.

[Vesth]

To Phaetun:
"Should we tail or talk to him? Do you think he's here for the same reason as us? Maybe he's Asryn!" he said, getting a little carried away.

Arcana check (Him, the bat, or basically anything in this are that reeks of magic): [roll0]

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Dytrastar, DM:
Noting the unusual pet, the thin cleric shakes his head at his companion. "While you may be right, I'm sure he'd rather be left alone in his studies, and we have other priorities. I must confess that the climb to this tower has me a bit winded. Shall we sit down and plan our research?"

Phaetun moves to the recently vacated desk and sits down somewhat heavily, leaning on his staff.

Insight: [roll0] to glean what is possible from the man's demeanor.
Insight: [roll1] ditto, the bat.
Perception: [roll2] to look for discarded research items, notes, etc. from the man who just left.

[Halberd]

Dytrastar:
He gives off a definite magical aura, as does his bat.

Phaetun:
The man seemed to be somewhat harried in his movements, as if the bat had just told him he was late for an appointment. His bat was acting as if it had returned from some sort of scouting mission.
He was reading a book about Monolith City's history. It is open to a chapter detailing how the monolith used to be the home of a particularly greedy blue dragon named Gramzon before the purging of monsters from Eloria. He was also known as a potent spellcaster and protected his hoard at the monolith's top with all sorts of deadly spells and traps. To this day, no one dares build Monolith City any higher for fear of these protections.

[Meltheim]

Flaern

Flaern waits about 20 seconds before making his own farewell, giving Faena an obvious look, then walking outside.

Once outside, Flaern slips into an alley and shifts into the form of a dog and pads after Lord Julian.

(This seems more RP than anything to me, but let me know if you need a roll for me to follow behind as Darius & Julian)

[Leewei]

Dytrastar:
Phaetun leans over a book left open on the table. "Hey, a dragon. I bet this would be a fun read." After scanning the excerpt, he slides the tome to you.

Looking out the door, he speculates, "I wonder how good bats can hear. We'll have to ask Flaern. I bet they're pretty good listeners."

[Vesth]

To Phaetun
Dytrastar grins at the find, and his eyes open as an idea comes into his head.

"A library must have a librarian of sorts right? I bet he will know what else that strange guy's reading!" he said, as he looks around for said librarian.

[potatocubed]

Faena catches Flaern's look and excuses herself.

"Julian, Julian... where have you gone..."

Streetwise: [roll0]
Stealth: [roll1]

I foresee this going... poorly. Faena is not a subtle character. :smalltongue:

[Halberd]

Darius, Faena, Flaern:
Lord Julian sees Faena over his shoulder and his brisk stride turns into an all-out sprint. He disappears into a shady-looking market at the base of the monolith.
Dytrastar, Phaetun:
Dytrastar's eye falls on an eladrin woman of indeterminate age swiftly placing books on a shelf. She walks over to the two adventurers.
Excuse me, do you need assistance?

[Leewei]

Dytrastar, DM:
"A dragon once lived in Monolith City?" Phaetun speaks in hushed tones filled with awe. "That's remarkable! Would you happen to have any other volumes on the topic? Also, would it be possible to lease such tomes? I could secure them with gold if need be."

Thinking things over a moment, the Deva continues, "Say, would you happen to know who was looking this over earlier? Such a person may know things that interest me."

Insight: [roll0] to see if she has motives beyond the obvious.
Diplomacy: [roll1] to impress her with the cleric of Erathis's trustworthiness.

[potatocubed]

Darius, Flaern, GM
"****." Faena doesn't hesitate but breaks into a sprint right after the fleeing nobleman. Nothing like running to prove he's got something to hide...

Athletics: [roll0]

[Halberd]

Phaetun, Dytrastar
The librarian thinks for a moment.
Well, there really isn't much else known about Gramzon besides what you just read, but I suppose there are some more books that include the topic. Ordinarily, you need to secure book loans with gold, but you seem trustworthy enough that such a transaction won't be necessary. Just make sure you return them, all right?
She then turns around and begins searching a shelf. As she does so, she comments,
As for that mysterious figure in green robes, I have no idea. He or she certainly reads quite a bit, mostly things about Monolith's history, obscure magic, and the creatures of the Shadowfell.

Darius, Faena
As you rush into the market, you catch Lord Julian disappearing behind a sign at the far back of the shop.

[Leewei]

@Dytrastar, DM:Smiling enthusiastically to the librarian, the priest takes the related volumes, placing them carefully into his pack. He then staggers out toward the door.

"Let's return to our quarters where we can research this matter properly."

Assuming Dytrastar consents, once they're en route, Phaetun explains, "Neither the mysterious researcher, nor the bat are likely to be the one we're seeking. Such a ruthless individual would consider those doing his bidding to be subordinates. Those two were partners."

"We should think of suitable nicknames for our opponents in case of eavesdropping. That way, small snatches of conversation might not be completely obvious."

"Also, if we have some luck, our rivals may yet need to research."

Phaetun looks meaningfully at his weighty bag and smiles triumphantly.

[Vesth]

@Phaetun, DM:
"Let's name them Ugly and Bat." Dytrastar offered helpfully, "We get to insult them everything we talk about them!" he said with a smile.

Looking at the bags, he sighs a little, "I wanted to ask the librarian what books on obscure magic he was reading on, and maybe figure out a counterspell or something. Though that would have tipped her off, wouldn't it?"

[SirDalyus]

@Faena

"Why don't you wait outside the shop until I call you? If things go south then you can walk through and save me? I've always wanted to be a damsel in distress.

@Faena, GM
Darius catches up with Faena, eventually, and catches his breath whilst he narrows down the shop the noble disappeared into. He eyes It cautiously. If he sees nothing of interest, he will walk into the shop.

[roll0]

[Halberd]

Darius: The shop seems to be selling a surprisingly wide range of things, from produce to jewelry. The sign Julian disappeared behind (advertising half off on a used-looking plow) is odd in that it seems to be a painted cloth nailed to the shop's back wall, and Julian's figure cannot be seen behind it.

[potatocubed]

@Darius, GM

"Why don't you wait outside the shop until I call you? If things go south then you can walk through and save me? I've always wanted to be a damsel in distress.

Faena dithers for a moment, torn between her duty to go in first and her somewhat clumsy methods of investigation, then nods.

"Sure, you go first - but holler if you even think you see something dodgy."

[SirDalyus]

@Faena, GMDarius keeps his eyes on the canvas as he walks backwards. He makes sure he has his focus in hand as he does so.

""Hey Faena, come check this out."

[potatocubed]

Darius, GM
Darius keeps his eyes on the canvas as he walks backwards. He makes sure he has his focus in hand as he does so.

""Hey Faena, come check this out."

Faena pokes her head into the store and looks at the mystery cloth.

"Huh. Another one of those shadow portals, maybe? That would put Jules there on the wrong side of this fight." She looks about. "I don't fancy strolling into the Shadowfell without the rest of the gang. What say we head back to the inn and catch up?"

OOC: I read your spoiler to see what you saw. Hopefully that's not cheating.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Upon returning to the inn, the priest empties the books from his backpack onto his bed. He then grabs two volumes and secures his door before entering the public room. There, he begins to read one in the firelight. Once Dytrastar is situated, the Deva looks up.

"With luck, our companions will return soon with news of their own activities. This one looks promising. Maatshauk's Umbral Concordance"

He then offers the wizard the second tome.

[SirDalyus]

@Faena, GM:
"Faena, your quicker that I. Why don't you get everyone else whilst I keep watch?"

[Vesth]

"And this one...not so much so. Though we could always hope..." he said as he begun flipping through A Tour Through Monolith City: Places to Sightsee.

"What do you think Ugly's searching for?" he asked as he studies his tomb.

[Halberd]

As Dytrastar and Phaetun discuss their tomes, they hear Faena enter the inn. After a brief explanation to each other of what they had found, they go down to the market where Julian disappeared.

You can now read each other's spoilers.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Looking over the cloth, the gaunt cleric looks for a mundane hidden route.

Perception: [roll0]
Arcana: [roll1] (in case there is something magic here)

[Vesth]

Watching Phaetun touch the cloth, Dytrastar steps back, and reaches out for any residual magic. Perhaps it is similar to the shadowfell portals they felt earlier?

Arcana: [roll0]

[Halberd]

Phaetun discovers a tunnel behind the door. It leads into the monolith and slopes sharply upward.

Dytrastar: The cloth seems to be nonmagical, although it does have a trace of shadow on it.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Staring at a section of wall, the frail cleric nudges a brick with the tip of his staff. When it pops out on a hidden hinge with a click, he then experimentally moves it about until the entire section rotates and falls smoothly inward. Looking back to his companioins, he grins widely.

"It looks like we're in luck. This doesn't appear to go to the Shadowfell. It does go to someplace of interest to Ashryn, however. The former lair of the blue dragon Gramzon."

The priest continues, "This place is said to be trapped -- likely the magical variety. Also, it is almost certain that our rivals will be hostile. Lastly, keep your eyes open for a large bat. If you see it, attempt to subdue it -- it seems to be intelligent, and likely knows about the marauders."

[Halberd]

The four of you walk cautiously up the lengthy tunnel, with Faena in front and Dytrastar in back. As it winds upwards, various noises and chatter can be heard from the buildings built into the monolith. No traps are seen yet- apparently Gramzon didn't see fit to guard the structure's lower reaches.
After climbing up the steep tunnel for a while, you hear a different conversation that seems to be coming from inside the passage. One of the voices is recognizable as Lord Julian.

Here's the fortune, in all its glittering glory. This should be enough, don't you think?
The other voice betrays a hint of unease.
We can never be sure until we try it out. Are you certain that no one saw you move this wealth in through the room?
There was one servant, but I slit his throat. It was almost as easy as- Julian is interrupted by an urgent flapping of wings.
Hush. Echo tells me we're not alone. Have the zombies take the treasure away. I suspect it's more heroes like those elves we saw earlier. If there are enough of them, Asryn's operation here might be at risk.
The unknown voice seems almost happy at this pronouncement.

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Forewarned, the Deva glances meaningfully at his fellows. When they're ready to move, he heads up the stairs with them.

Insight: [roll0] to make sure the overheard conversation is genuine.

[potatocubed]

Faena's heard enough: she abandons all subtlety, rips her sword from its sheath and sprints in the direction of the conversation.

[Vesth]

"Aim for the zombies first!" Dytrastar hissed to his companions, drawing his dual starves.

[Halberd]

As you round the corner, you see the tunnel widen, revealing Julian and the figure from the library. Surrounding them are a large group of zombies, most of which are hauling loads of gold and jewels up the tunnel. A few remain, however. The robed figure nods in approval.
Ah, extra zombies. Very good, we can use them to cover our retreat while we- A black collar begins to appear faintly around the figure's neck. His bat flaps in alarm.I mean, we can use them to help us rid Asryn's halls of these interlopers once and for all.
Julian draws a short sword from the folds of his bloodstained clothes.
Ah yes, those were the heroes I saw earlier. Let me finish off the cleric personally, would you?

Map:
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap3A.jpg

[Leewei]

Phaetun

The Deva advises, "The robed one and bat have done nothing provably wrong, aside from poor choice in circumstances. Unless they attack, do not impede them. Unfortunately, by his own admission, the same cannot be said for Lord Julian."

[potatocubed]

Faena doesn't hesitate - she steps forwards and wades into the undead with conviction.

"Stand down and you won't get hurt!" she shouts.

Step forward and Tide of Iron Z1. If I hit, I'll push it NE and follow up into its space.

Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Damage: [roll1]

I won't use firepulse unless I'm attacked by non-zombie enemies.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/Base%20Map%203B_zpsc305ddc8.jpg

The zombie disintegrates as Faena strikes it, rotting pieces of flesh exploding outward from her blade.
Echo flies from the figure's shoulder towards Faena, enormous wings making no sound whatsoever. Its claws rake at her as it flaps past to land just behind her, a shadowy aura crackling around its claws in the dim light.
Julian steps forward, readying his short sword.
What a foolhardy girl. I suppose you'll be the first to die, then.
He then takes a stab at an opening in her defense.

Echo will make a flyby attack against Faena while moving to E7. [roll0] Damage: [roll1]
Julian moves to G5 and attacks Faena with combat advantage. [roll2] Damage: [roll3]

[Leewei]

Phaetun

Frowning at the fight, the Deva sighs. "There may have been no need for this," he announces. "My offer to let you pass without hostility still stands," he continues, looking hopefully at the robed figure.

The priest then appears to grow several inches, shedding the cold, judging light of Erathis on the battle. Faena's wounds begin to fade, but nearby enemies are blasted.

Assuming I have coordinates correct:
Move: shift to D8, flanking the bat with Faena.
Minor: Healing Word on Faena for [roll0] plus a Healing Surge (+6=+5 Wis +1 Holy Healer's Staff)
Standard: Hymn of Resurgence close blast 5 on E7:I3. This should attack all enemies excepting green robes (RF). Both Phaetun and Faena gain 5THP. Enemies hit are at -2 to all defenses and are knocked prone by the first ally to hit them UEMNT.
LJ: [roll1] vs Fort
EC: [roll2] vs Fort
Z2: [roll3] vs Fort
Z3: [roll4] vs Fort
Z4: [roll5] vs Fort

Edit: Crud, staff bonus should be one higher (+8 = +5 Wis +1 Level/2 +1 Enhancement +1 Feat). Those rolls should all be one higher.

[potatocubed]

As the bat rakes Faena, she sweeps her arm around to spray it with her burning blood.

"Don't say I didn't warn you!"

Firepulse on batty bat. [roll0] vs Reflex, [roll1] fire damage and he's marked.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap3C_zps96320233.jpg
The robed figure makes a concerned noise as his bat is burned.
All right, Echo. Just one spell, then I'll get you out of there.
You then hear a couple of unintelligible words before a swiftly moving transparent cube turns a corner and flies down the hallway. It explodes near Phaetun, filling the cramped area with razor-like shards of force that don't seem to affect Echo. Another word is spoken, and Echo is suddenly whisked away, replaced by Lord Julian. He shouts indignantly at this, eyes still squinting from Phaetun's light.
What? Why'd you place me so deep in here? There's too much risk! I might-
The robed figure replies without a trace of apology.
You wanted to finish off the cleric, did you not? Well, there he is. Go get him. I even softened him up for you.
Standard action: Force explosion centered on Phaetun, area burst 2. Vs. Reflex on all. Dytrastar: [roll0] Darius: [roll1] Phaetun: [roll2] Faena: [roll3] Damage: [roll4] force damage, miss half. Move action: Transposition on LJ and EC.
Phaetun:
These zombies don't look like they're anything special. They seem to have been made for labor rather than combat.

[Vesth]

"No you don't! You aren't going anywhere!" Dytrastar called out to Echo as he teleported away to the zombies.

"Eat orbs of magical force!"

Force orb, centered on Echo.

Attack (Int Vs Reflex): [roll0]
Damage (Force): [roll1]

If it hits, make a secondary attack on Z2 and Z3.

Z2:
Attack (Int Vs Reflex): [roll2]
Damage (Force): [roll3]

Z3:
Attack (Int Vs Reflex): [roll4]
Damage (Force): [roll5]

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap3D.jpg
Echo flaps out of the way of the force orb with ease, chittering nervously. Darius makes eye contact with Julian, a flash of light flickering from his gaze. Julian clutches his head in pain, then looks up, confused.
What? Where'd that warlock go? He couldn't have escaped so quickly... Well, one less opponent, I suppose.The zombies then close in on Faena, swinging burly, rotting arms with disgustingly long fingernails. One tears out a chunk of her flesh and chews on it noisily.

Darius: Warlock's Curse then Eyebite on Julian. Vs. Will: [roll0] Damage: [roll1], and he is invisible to Julian until the start of his next turn.
Z2 and Z3 both attack Faena. Vs. AC: [roll2] [roll3] Both do 5 damage if they hit.

[Leewei]

Faena

Glaring at the undead attacking her, Faena focuses on the biggest threat to her companions. She swings her blade into Julian, striking at a zombie as an afterthought.

Standard: Cleave LJ [roll0] (CA included) vs AC for [roll1] damage, and marking him. On a hit, she also inflicts 4 damage on Z2.

Move and Minor actions not taken.

[Halberd]

Julian ducks under Faena's swing with ease, then he turns to Phaetun.
You accursed servants of Erathis have been a thorn in our side for quite some time now. I've had the personal pleasure of slaughtering a Peacekeeper before, and I think it'll be a good bit easier without all that armor-
He suddenly darts in towards Phaetun's torso, stabbing with his short sword.
Meanwhile, Echo makes another swipe at Faena, claws tearing at her helm. The bat misses entirely, almost flying into the cave floor before regaining control.

Julian: Feint vs. Phaetun's Will: [roll0] If hit, Julian gets CA and +1d6 damage. Short sword on Phaetun: [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Extra Damage: [roll3]
Echo: Claw on Faena with CA. [roll4] Damage: [roll5]

[Leewei]

Faena

As Julian stabs at Phaetun, the Genasi warrior smites him in retribution.

[roll0] (+2 included for CA; LJ still at -2 to defenses from Hymn of Resurgence) for [roll1] damage.


Phaetun

"Just who is this supposed Peacekeeper you claim to have slain? Regardless, here is some retribution for your misdeed."

The Deva then gestures with his staff, calling down bolts of radiance on Julian and the nearby zombies.

Word of Healing on Faena for [roll2] and another HS.

Hand of Radiance
Damage: [roll3] Radiant
Attacks vs reflex
Lord Julian: [roll4]
Zombie 2: [roll5]
Zombie 3: [roll6]

Notes: all targets still at -2 to defenses until end of this turn. Staff expertise permits use of ranged implement attacks without provoking OAs.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap3E.jpg

Julian grits his teeth in pain as Faena's sword opens a gash in his back. Don't know, really. He had fancy armor on and ordered the others around, so I assume he was a leader of some sort. He momentarily looks to the robed figure. as Phaetun's radiant bolts vaporize two more zombies. Hey, can you get this irritating woman off my back for a second?
I suppose, sighs the robed figure, firing a bolt of electricity at Faena.

Lightning attack vs. Faena. Vs. Reflex: [roll0] Damage:[roll1] lightning, and Faena is dazed UEONT.

[Vesth]

"Pouge Mahon!"

"Ray of Frost!"

The two spellcasters unleash a devastating combination of shadow and frost and merge into a spinning ball tinted with blue and black, spiralling towards Julian.

Darius:
Minor Action: Warlock's Curse (+1d6 damage)
Standard action: Dreadful Word on Lord Julian, [roll0] against will for [roll1] + [roll2] damage and a -2 to will saves until the end of his next turn.

Dytrastar:
Standard: Ray of Frost against LJ.

Attack (Int Vs Fort): [roll3]
Damage (Cold Damage): [roll4]

If hit, LJ is slowed until the end of my next turn.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap3F.jpg

Julian seems to resist Darius's attack, but Dytrastar's spell strikes true. Frost crystals form on his jacket, and he begins shivering uncontrollably.
Meanwhile, the last zombie, unperturbed by the loss of its comrades, walks up to Faena and tries to bite her.

Zombie moves to F5 and attacks Faena. [roll0] 5 damage if hit.

[Leewei]

Faena

Taking advantage of the flank on Lord Julian, Faena slashes at him.

Standard: Cleave [roll0] vs Lord Julian's AC for [roll1] damage; on a hit, inflict Str(+4) damage on Z4. Also, Lord Julian is marked by Faena UENT.
Move and Minor actions unused.

[Halberd]

Julian parries Faena's swipe with a smirk, then stabs at Phaetun once more with his now somewhat cold sword. Echo bites at Faena's back, teeth gnawing through her armor. The bat does not anticipate the hardness of her armor, though, and abruptly flaps off in surprise and pain.

Julian:Attack Phaetun. [roll0] Damage: [roll1] Echo: Bite Faena. [roll2] Damage: [roll3]

[Leewei]

Faena

Provoked by Lord Julian's assault on her ally, the fiery warrior slashes at his flank.Fighter's Mark attack: [roll0] vs AC for [roll1]

Phaetun

Clearly relieved by Faena's protection, the Deva focuses all of his attention on Lord Julian. The intensity of the priest's glare strikes the bloodthirsty noble like a blow.Standard: Gaze of Defiance [rollv]d20+8[rollv] 22 vs Will for [roll]d8+6[roll] 11 Psychic; on a hit, allies gain a +1 Power bonus to attack LJ UENT. If LJ attacks Phaetun during this interval, the bonus increases to +3.

[Halberd]

The robed figure watches through Echo's eyes as Julian clutches at his head, eyes watering in pain.
Your little grudge against the clergy of Erathis isn't working out for you so well now, is it, "Julian"? He says the lord's name as if it was some silly title that he was being told to play along with.
He intones two spells. One takes the form of a river of darkness that coalesces around Echo, transforming him into a vague, shadowy blur. The other is a powerful psychic spell that worms its way painfully into Dytrastar's mind. He hears multiple, sibilant whispers urging him to attack his companions.

Minor: Darkness spell on Echo, giving him concealment and +1d6 damage. Standard: Domination spell on Dytrastar. Vs. Will: [roll0] On hit: [roll]1d6+5 11damage, and Dytrastar is dominated (save ends) On a miss, half damage, and dazed UEONT.

[Vesth]

"Attack...my companions..." Dytrastar said in a daze, lurching forward to strike Phaetun atop the head with one staff. Startled, Darius, holds back his attack in fear of hitting his ally that moved past him.

Dytrastar, move up one, to the right by three, and attack Phaetun:
MBA Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Save: [roll2]

Darius:
Minor: Warlock's Curse on LJ (+1d6 damage)
Readied action: attack LJ with Eldritch Blast after he attacks.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap3G.jpg

The zombie continues to assail Faena in its brute, never-ending hunger.

Attack Faena. [roll0] 5 damage if hit.

[Leewei]

Faena

Spitting out a curse as the zombie bites her arm, Faena continues her assault against Lord Julian.

Standard: Cleave [roll0] vs AC for [roll1] damage. On a hit, she also inflicts 4hp damage on the irritating zombie.
Move, Minor actions not taken.

[Halberd]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/Halberd-/BaseMap3H.jpg?t=1354162328Echo swoops down at Faena as her sweeping blade bisects the last zombie. Its claws and teeth are indistinct, slashing smudges in its cloud of haze. Julian gasps, tortured by his multiple wounds, and his eyes and hair seem to flash a different color for a second. He panickedly looks down the tunnel as if plotting an escape. A spectral black collar appears around his neck for an instant, jerking his attention back to Phaetun. So, there's no turning back, he muses, a sober look coming to his face. Well, if I'm going to die, it might as well be up against one of those damned clergy of Erathis. He then stabs at Phaetun's heart in a desperate gesture.
Echo shadow attacks Faena. [roll0] [roll1] Julian stabs Phaetun and gets a crit on an 18-20. [roll2] Damage: [roll3], with an extra 6 damage on a crit.

[Leewei]

Faena

Incited by Julian's attack, the warrior smashes him with her bastard sword.

MBA: [roll0] (+3 Power and +2 CA included) for [roll1] damage.