[D&D 4E] Shadows Coalesce [IC]

[CalebRoberts]

Your last job was a harrowing one. Transportation of...something...to the Cormyr prison city of Wheloon from the free Sembian city of Daerlun. The toughest part was making it through the Vast Swamp on your way West. Being paid to escort, not kill, you mainly drove off would be thieves, lizardmen, even an ambitious, if immature, black dragon.

The payment in Wheloon was generous as promised. Knowing that the city of Arabel is known for its markets and general availability of spectacular things, you made your way there to purchase gear, supplies, and just spend some money.


http://dungeonsmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/old-world-tavern-300x251.jpg

Its dark outside and you have all gathered into the Gilded Lady for supper and drink. The tavern is quite crowded tonight, likely due to the cold rain. The large stone hearth is blazing with a warm fire. Several patrons lounge on the leather couch and arm chairs, most enjoying a pipe. The booths near the about half full with folks eating an drinking. The tables in the center and the bar itself are mostly empty, being the favored drinking spots of the late night locals. Overhead large globes of mage light burn bright and steady with a warm glow. The walls are covered with paintings and carvings of Cormyr knights in battle against Netherese wizards and their minions. The bar is well stocked and you can get just about any drink you want. The kitchen is equally well furnished, offering many dishes at any one time.

Your rooms are up the covered stairs that head up the outer wall. Tonight seems like a normal one. People are enjoying their food, a pair of lovers eyes each other in a booth over drinks. The only odd thing was that about an hour ago a man burst through the door, soaking wet. He was out of breath but immediately headed straight for the corner booth and hunkered down. He has had only water since then and the barkeep is becoming a bit annoyed that he isn't ordering anything.

You all noticed when the man burst in but he has since slipped most of your minds as you talk about where your little group might go next.

*Please describe your character (visually and how they might be feeling). Make it clear where they are in the bar and feel free to chat a little with each other. Feel free to create any details you see fit of the groups previous adventures. This is your game as much as mine.

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral couldn’t wait to unwind after that last mission. His hair is no longer in a ponytail it now hangs freely just above his shoulders. He finds a seat that is close to his comrades and as close as he can get to the hearth. He is now thinking about what to eat before he goes to sleep. But he can’t ignore that suspicious guy in the corner. Even though he wants to, he knows that there is bound to be a situation with that guy sooner or later. But for now he will relax with his group and relax with a nice meal and perhaps an ale or 2.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale noticed the man walk through the door. He eyed him with great suspicion for a little while, but then stopped paying attention to him, only looking at him from time to time after that.

Were you to look at Kale, you would not be sure exactly what Genasi to call him, if you aren't familiar with rare genasi types. He looked like a firesoul, but no firesoul you had really ever seen. He seemed more to be like wood from a fire, turned into lowly lit coals at the end of the night, with a subdued glow like said burning coals. Kale's hair, like most Genasi, also was tied in to his manifistation, and looks like a campfire on a windy night, kicking up ash that had cinders in it as well. There was no actual ash or cinders that fell anywhere, but his hair seemed to always be moving. His skin was black, but had veins of that same glowing coal red coursing around, on the pieces of skin that wasn't covered by his pants, belt, boots, and leather armor. His khopesh hung at his side, never far from being drawn if the need arose, and he never left his little charges side.

He ordered an ale, and a milk for Maria, keeping a watchful eye over her, and anyone keeping too close an eye on her. Kale was always grateful when the got done with a job and his little one was unharmed. It meant he did his job correctly and didn't have to worry quite as much. He liked always being on the move and doing different odd jobs here and there, meant it was harder to track them. Though he did wish that he wasn't so noticeable as a Cindersoul....but that is something he has been working on....

[AvianMalkavian]

"..but the Earthmother was weakened by the vile corruption of Kazgoroth's presence upon her land. And so, she awakened her children, mortal aspects of the Earthmother herself, the Leviathan, the Wolf Pack, and Kamerynn the Unicorn to defend her and the people of the Moonshae's against the darkness of the Beast. And tomorrow I will tell of what happened next."

Freja smiled lightly as she finished braiding Maria's hair in the style of the Ffolk, one that she had worn many times in the past. She offered a nod to Kale when he ordered a suitable drink for the child, patting their youngest traveling companion on the head before getting up to procure a pint of mead for herself. She made note of the man in the corner, still there after his abrupt entrance. Something about him seemed off to her, and so the Skald decided it would be best to keep an eye on him.

Returning to their small gathering, drink in hand, Freja sat back down and relaxed beside the warm fire, "So, with the job done, where do we go from here? I've often heard that there's always steady work in Athkatla, if not always honest."

[onlie2005]

Sitting near the hearth, warming herself near the fire, was a small girl, who stood just a few inches short of four feet. She was a smallish, slightly thin girl, though not too thin, fairskinned with long, wavy, reddish brown hair and hazel eyes. Her clothing consisted of a blue shirt, brown pants, a pair of black boots, and a hooded green cloak. Sitting in between her legs was a backpack with she purposely placed there to be within arms' reach and to make it not so easily accessible to anyone but her or those she trusted. While she was small for her age and might actually look younger, she was 9 years old, human, and the youngest member of the party.

For Maria, the job was a baptism of fire for her. A sort of coming out party so to speak as an adventurer. Which for a 9 year old girl was a lot more significant. Even if she was a wizard. She had to learn to travel on foot more than she was used, get used to rations instead of real food, and constantly be on alert for trouble. Mind you she did her best and somehow managed, but still she had a lot to learn. As the weeks passed by, she grew more and more used to tired feet and cold weather and sleeping on the hard ground. In some ways she was starting to enjoy it now. Despite the danger it was more fun than she had thought it to be. She was even able to get a new cloak to replace the original one she had that got singed by the breath of the black dragon that had attacked them. It was a boon for her since the cloak also provided her with extra magical protection.

The girl largely minded her own business and let the adult members of the party decide what the next move was. For her she wanted to relax after a long day of travel and enjoy a warm, soft bed to sleep in when she goes up to sleep. The girl notices the rather wet and disheveled looking man bursting into the bar and taking a seat in one of the booths. She pays no mind to him anyways and continues drinking her milk while staring into the fire lost in her thoughts. Smiling at Freja after she braids her hair and returns with the mead in her hand.

"Well as long as we don't run into dragons I will be fine with it.", Maria says and then she glances over to the disheveled man in the booth, "I wonder what is it with him?"

[Kevin Burns]

"Athkatla, sounds ok though honest work may be a stretch. What do you guys think, Athkatla?" I head to the bar for an ale. "Anyone want anything else, how about you kiddo?" I say with a wink.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter

Bert sat quietly not too far from Freja and Maria, listening to the bard's story unfold. Having such a sheltered adolescence and not having met outsiders until recently had left him still in some ways a child at heart---although most wouldn't guess it from his scruffy appearance and strong arms---and thus he always enjoyed hearing Freja's new and exotic tales, even if they were just children's stories. As the tale wrapped up, he sipped his wine and lazily watched the tavern's patrons, intrigued to see so many outlandish sorts of people he had never encountered before. He made a point of keeping an eye on Maria as well, although not to the exclusion of everyone else, as Kale seemed (as usual) to have the situation under control.

"Athkatla?" he asked when he hears the others' discussion. "I thought that was a big city. Wouldn't our services be more useful out in the wilderness? In this last trip we found more than enough problems that needed solving out there; I'm sure there are still more waiting for us."

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale hears talk about going to a bigger city to find work. "No," he says with a little more force than intended, "Bert is right, there is much to do around here, no need to wander into the larger cities.....I am not overly fond of them. Most Genasi are welcomed well enough.....but one such as me may not be welcomed quite so well." It was true that he didn't like the bigger cities, but his motives were different. Bigger cities mean more eyes, and Kale would like to avoid as many eyes upon his litte one as he could. Seeming to take a softer tone, which he only used with one person, he continued, "What do you think little one? Where should we go next?" Taking some of her hair that was braided by Freja, picking it up and inspecting it, and then putting it back down.

Truthfully Kale was relieved that Maria and he could trust Freja, and they Maria warmed to her so. He had no idea how to handle, or raise, a little girl, that was for certain. So he was grateful for Freja's motherly-like influence over the girl. All he had known of his childhood was death, pain, and suffering, he knew nothing of what children liked or wanted. But there was nothing in this world, or in all the others, that would tear her away from him while he still drew breath, and he was willing to make any pact with any power to ensure that she lived a full and happy life, and that Tamm paid for his crimes with his life and soul, in a very, very painful way.

Sorry for the really long post, but I started writing and it just came out of my fingers, I couldn't help it and didn't want to stop it :smallbiggrin:

[Kevin Burns]

I walk up to the bar. “Hi, I would like an ale and whatever the meal is for this evening and” I lean in closer. “Who is that guy?” I nod in the direction of the guy in the corner.

[Solinvitus]

An athletic build figure draped in entirely black attire- cloak, hide armor, pants, boots- was sitting next to Bert, withdrawing himself from their conversations as usual. From afar, he would be noticed as a black breathing statue of shadow and darkness- calm, cold and dangerous looking. His cloak covered most of his body, leaving only the hilt of his scimitar protruding out prominently, as a warning to let petty bandits and such to think twice before trying their luck on the wrong quarry.

Natshikrak pulled his hood lower to allow the shadow to cover more of his face, leaving only his blue tinted gleaming eyes peering into the surroundings.

He had recently joined this band of mercenary, escorting some goods to Wheloon. It was not a job taken up by choice, but assigned by his secret organization Bregan D'aerthe. He had no say in what he would take or not, it was a blood debt that he had to pay, in exchange for the protection he would get against his enemies, of his own kind- drow. This was his first assignment, and he was pleased that all went well.

For hours, he had been waiting. His pair of blue orbs darted across the room frequently to look for the agent who would contact him to delegate his next assignment.

"Some ale, please" Natshikrak called out in a low measured voice to the nearest waitress.

[onlie2005]

Maria eyed the disheveled man for a moment before answering Kale. She herself was not sure what else to do. Nor was she sure where to go next. She thought for a moment, thinking of the options. Although having lived only in Shadowdale for the most part of her life and just starting adventuring, familiarity with the current region was not her strongest subject. After politely shaking her head in answer to Immeral(she had already eaten), she answered, "Well why don't we ask around here first if there are any jobs for us adventurers? Surely there must be bulletin boards or notices around town indicating employment of some sort. Why travel to another city, especially in this weather?"

[CalebRoberts]

“Hi, I would like an ale and whatever the meal is for this evening and” I lean in closer. “Who is that guy?”

The bartender stands polishing a mug for a moment with a not so white rag. "Ah ain't never seen 'im bef'r in mah life. Dah yah want the pork er the beef?"



"Some ale, please" Natshikrak called out in a low measured voice to the nearest waitress.

The serving woman startles a bit at the Drow's sudden request but the makes a small curtsy and fetches him an ale. The beer is a dark amber color and is quite good. Cormryan ale seems to always be good.

Immeral sits down to the bar to eat his meal.

As if on cue to Marianna's words, the southern door bangs open. Wind gusts through, soaking to floor in front of it. A tall woman of thin build walks in, pulling back her hood and shaking off the rain. Under her brown, waxed canvas slicker black leather with red stitching is apparent. She carries two broad punching daggers, exotic weapons by the looks of em, on her hips. The only skin you can see, her face, has a gray palor to it. Her ears are filled with steel rings and black stylized tattoos creep up out of her tight collar.

Behind her you can see a crew of large shapes approaching the door. Big men walk through the door. All are cloaked and brandishing some sort of weaponry. Cudgels and clubs mostly but a few hold shortswords. Most have small one handed crossbows as well. The Northern door opens then too and several more armed me come through, with more clearly outside.

The man in the corner goes white a sheet. He clutches at a small pin on his jacket and looks about frantically. The woman begins to slowly walk towards hit, talking as she moves. "You would all do well to leave us alone. Our quarrel is with this man, not with you. Once we are gone, forget we were ever here." Three of the men walk behind her, weapons drawn.

She lays a hand on the man's shoulder and lifts him out of the booth with one arm. Her lithe strength is clear to you all, if not to the regular partons.

"HELP! HELP!" cries the man as she begins to drag him away.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Not one to want to interfere with others affairs, but certainly not one to be told what to do, Kale speaks up, "And what was his crime, hunter-woman of scared men?"

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja rose to her feet at the latest sudden intrusion into the Inn. She watched the men as they entered, wary of them and their apparent leader. Of course, when they grabbed the man, she couldn't help but grin and reach for her sword. She hadn't had a good fight in days, and her Northern blood was already surging through her at the promise of a bit of rough-and-tumble, "And I thought tonight was going to be boring."

[onlie2005]

Maria slowly pulls out her wand from her right pants pocket. She looks to the others and waits for the woman to answer Kale's question.

These rolls are to determine the nature of the tattoos on the woman, the type of pin the scared man is wearing, and the motives of those involved as best as Maria can.

Perception Check:[roll0]
Arcana Check:[roll1]
Religion Check:[roll2]
Insight Check:[roll3]

[CalebRoberts]

"And what was his crime, hunter-woman of scared men?"

"Stay out of this elemental, its none of your kind's concern." she says, and keeps on dragging the man towards the door.

*The people near the fireplace (Kale, Marianna, Freja, Natshikrak, Bert) are ~ 15-20 feet away from the Woman.
*Immeral at the bar is about 30 feet away.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
The only warning anyone had that Kale was doing anything was a bright flare from all of his "cinder" parts, hair burning brightly, and all at once his khopesh was out and he was running for the woman, "My kind will burn you!!"

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral looks at his food and then at the woman and back to his food and then to his group. He rolls his eyes and draws his dagger and short sword. "I knew he was going to be trouble." Immeral whispered.

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak emptied the ale, placed the mug on the table and gradually stood on his feet. "This is troublesome..." He whispered under his breath, and his both hands reached for his blades,"What crime has he committed? SPEAK!" He raised his voice on the last word with threatening tone."Otherwise, let him go!" The dark elf sauntered toward the intruders, soles of his boots knocked on the wooden floor in a four beat rhythm, raising the tension of the situation with every step he took. Even from the shadow of his hood, one could see his thin lips curled back into a smile, and his eyes gleamed menacingly.

1d20

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja drew her sword, watching as the others reacted to Kale's rather.. direct approach to the situation. Looking to Maria, she smiled, "Don't worry. I'll keep you safe."

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter

When the newcomers barge in, Bert looks up, ceasing his random people-watching and focusing intently on the woman and her entourage. He places his hand on his axe, ready to react if needed, but doesn't move at first. Something about the situation doesn't sit right with him---Don't cities like this usually have guards in uniforms that deal with arrests like this? These people don't look like what I've heard about...---but he's too unsure of the city ways to be sure who's right and who's wrong here. When Kale accosts the woman, Bert waits intently for her answer.

When Kale suddenly rushes forward, though, Bert sprints to his feet. So much for taking things slow... He moves in front of Maria and whispers, Stay out of trouble, little girl. Bert stands fast and holds out his arms, axe in one hand, preparing to receive the first foe that comes at him or one of his companions.


Initiative: [roll0]
Readying an action: Charge and Knockdown assault on the first enemy(?) to move within 2 squares of Freja, Maria, Immeral, or Nashikrak.

[onlie2005]

Maria stands up and assesses the situation. She knew right away from the looks on the intruders that the scared man was in trouble. And every instinct within her told her to act. Taking her wand completely out of her pocket she points it menacingly at the newcomers making a comment to both Freja and Bert.

"Hey don't worry about me?! Worry about THEM! I'm not the one who is about to be toasted. Just be ready to keep your distance if I have to fry them if they get too close.", she whispers wryly and with some humor. Oddly enough there is no arrogance to it and more or less done with a brave front.

OOC:
Initiative:[roll0]

[CalebRoberts]

NOTE: Please see the map spoiler for map information.

Even as Kale moves and words are thrown the thuggish crew swings into action. Clearly they had a contingency plan if the met with resistance.

The woman draws and flicks her broad dagger in one smooth motion. A glob of somthing flips off the tip and slaps Kale in the face. It seeps quickly into his skin, pinning his feet where he stands and sapping away at his life.

Nashikrak takes a hit to the arm and Immeral takes a bolt to the leg as the thugs clearly move in to block for the woman dragging the man away.
"I told you to mind your own business cindersoul. Stand down and I wont take the little girl too." A wicked smile cracks her lips as she stares straight at Maria.

Another thug charges at Kale but the swordsman blocks the strike easily despite his sudden mallady.

Bert is UP!


Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern01-thumb.png (http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern01.png)
Click on the map for the full size image

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar[b]: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
[u]Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.
Initiative & Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 25 | Ruffian 6 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
TURN | 19 | Bert | 32/32 | 9/9 |
| 18 | Ruffian 2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 16 | Ruffian 5 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 16 | Thug 2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
| 13 | Nashikrak | 24/29 | 7/7 |
| 12 | Kale | 28/42 | 11/11 | Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both)
| 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
| 10 | Ruffian 1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 5 | Thug 3 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 4 | Freja | 33/33 | 8/8 |
[/table]
Enemy Initiative
[roll0]
*
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
*
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

Enemy rolls are in the OOC for this post but will be IC from now on.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter

Not ready to let the helpless man be dragged away, Bert turns his attention away from the thug in front of him and towards the woman. We must stop her, he shouts to Freja before he crashes through the chairs and lunges at the woman.

Nothing good can come of this...


Move, Standard: Double-move (letting Thug 3 have an opportunity attack) over the chairs and charge the woman. My path is J8-I9-H10-G11-F11-E12; should cost 9 squares of movement; will also be passing Ruffian 1.
At the end of the charge, will do Threatening Rush vs. Woman (AC)
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1] damage, and Bert marks every enemy adjacent to him until the end of his next turn (if he survives that long! :smallbiggrin:)
Free: If he hits, he'll also spend a free action to kick off his Pinning Battleaxe's daily power: Use this power when you hit an enemy with this weapon. That enemy is immobilized until you are no longer adjacent to it.

[CalebRoberts]

Opportunity Attacks:
Thug 3:
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1]

Ruffian 1
Attack: [roll2]
Hit: 5 damage

Bert smashes the woman, forcing her let go of the man she was dragging. He axe flashes with light and the woman is bound to Bert with chains of force.

The mob closes in around Bert but somehow the man stays up and fighting, though he does take a few good hits.

One of the thugs to the north scrambles onto the bar and swings wildly at Immeral since the eladrin was about to go for his dagger.

Maria, Nashikrak, Kale, & Immeral are UP!.
**You four can go in any order. Your turns will be applied in the order posted.**

Enemies:
Ruffin 2:
Move: G13 to F11 - circling round the East of 1
Standard: Club vs Bert
Attack: w/ CA [roll3]
Hit: 7 damage

Ruffian 3:
Move: Hop on to bar
Standard: Charge Immeral (to G7)
Attack: [roll4]
Hit: 5 damage

Ruffian 5:
Standard: Club vs Bert
Attack: w/ CA [roll5]
Hit: 7 damage

Thug 2:
Move: Shift D12 to E11
Attack: w/ CA [roll6]
Hit: [roll7]
Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern02-thumb.png (http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern02.png)
Click on the map for the full size image

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar[b]: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
[u]Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.
Initiative & Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -9 | 19 /?/?/? | Immobilized until no longer adjacent to Bert, Marked (Bert)
X | 25 | Ruffian 6 | -0 | ?/?/?/? | Marked (Bert)
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -0 | 14 /?/?/? |
X | 19 | Bert | 8/32 | 9/9 | BLOODIED!
X | 18 | Ruffian 2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 16 | Ruffian 5 | -0 | ?/?/?/? | Marked (Bert)
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -12 | 14 /?/?/? | Marked (Bert)
TURN | 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
TURN | 13 | Nashikrak | 24/29 | 7/7 |
TURN | 12 | Kale | 28/42 | 11/11 | Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both)
TURN | 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
| 10 | Ruffian 1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 5 | Thug 3 | -0 | 14 /?/?/? |
| 4 | Freja | 33/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter

The thug trying to cautiously sidestep Bert is not sly enough to avoid the fighter's wary eyes. As the thug moves around him, Bert suddenly wrenches his axe free from the woman and swings at the thug, catching him off guard.


Immediate Interrupt: Melee Basic Attack (Combat Challenge) vs. Thug 2 (AC)
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1]

[Solinvitus]

The darkelf growled in anger and moved past his comrade to strike his nearest quarry. At the moment he arrived, he muttered an arcane language and dark cloud began to surround him.


Move: E10
Minor Action: Cloud of Darkness, Close burst 1, creatures entirely within it are blinded until they exit. Until next turn
Standard Action: Dual Attack at D11

MBA: [roll0], high critical, damage [roll1]
Dual Attack, if MBA hit (high critical: [roll2], damage [roll3]

[CalebRoberts]

The fleet Drow takes a club to the back as he rushes to help Bert. The confused target of his attack jerks away unintentionally as he tries to find his way out of the dark, causing Nashikrak to swing wide.

Opportunity Attacks:
Thug 3: MBA vs Nashikrak
[roll0]
[roll1]

Ruffian 4
[roll2]
5 damage
Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern03-thumb.png (http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern03.png)
Click on the map for the full size image

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar[b]: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
[u]Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.
Initiative & Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -9 | 19 /?/?/? | Immobilized until no longer adjacent to Bert, Marked (Bert)
X | 25 | Ruffian 6 | -0 | ?/?/?/? | Marked (Bert)
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -0 | 14 /?/?/? |
X | 19 | Bert | 8/32 | 9/9 | BLOODIED!
X | 18 | Ruffian 2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 16 | Ruffian 5 | -0 | ?/?/?/? | Marked (Bert)
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -12 | 14 /?/?/? | Marked (Bert)
TURN | 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
X | 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
TURN | 12 | Kale | 28/42 | 11/11 | Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both)
TURN | 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
| 10 | Ruffian 1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 5 | Thug 3 | -0 | 14 /?/?/? |
| 4 | Freja | 33/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral Will shift to F9 and with my short sword I will use Deft Strike which lets me move 2 squares before the attack. I will move one more square to F10. I will attack Ruffian number one and since he hasn't acted first strike gives me combat advantage against him.

Attack
[roll0]

Damage
[roll1]

and since I have combat advantage I will use sneak attack

Extra
[roll2]

[onlie2005]

Maria sees the action unfold and curses herself for her slow and hesitant action. All the inexperience showing in just a few seconds. However she is not one to sit by and see her friends get slaughtered. Hoping that Bert will remember that her spell is harmless to her she flicks her wand down and up after making a circular motion with it. Suddenly a pillar of fire that spins liks top surrounds Bert but mysteriously has no effect on him at the same time scorching the enemies surrounding him with fire.

OOC:
Standard Action: Cast Fountain of Flame centered at E12. It is Burst 1 within 10 Squares. INT vs REF. If miss only half damage. Any enemy entering the zone or beginning its turn within takes 5 fire damage. The zone lasts until the end of the encounter.

Fountain of Flame Against D11: 1d20+8
Fountain of Flame Against E11: 1d20+8
Fountain of Flame Against F11: 1d20+8
Fountain of Flame Against D13: 1d20+8
Fountain of Flame Against E13: 1d20+8
Fountain of Flame Against F13: 1d20+8
Damage if Hit 1: 1d8+6
Damage if Hit 2: 1d8+6
Damage if Hit 3: 1d8+6

[CalebRoberts]

Maria's flame burns the life from two of the thugs and wounds another badly. The tables and chairs around Bert burst into flames. The Barkeep yells "Eh, its just are barfight little girl. Whadaya doing!"

Worse yet, the very man you sought to protect is badly burned as well, he cries out in pain.
(He will die at the end of the next round unless he gets aid or is pulled from the fire)

Kale is UP!

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern04-thumb.png (http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern04.png)
Click on the map for the full size image

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Cloud of Darkness: all creatures besides Nashikrak are blinded within the Zone. (Until end of Nashikrak's turn - round 2)
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -20 | 19/?/?/? | Immobilized until no longer adjacent to Bert, Marked (Bert)
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -0 | 14/?/13/? |
X | 19 | Bert | 8/32 | 9/9 | BLOODIED!
X | 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 16 | Ruffian 5 | -0 | ?/?/14/? | Marked (Bert)
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -22 | 14/?/13/? | Marked (Bert), BLOODIED!
X | 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
X | 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
TURN | 12 | Kale | 28/42 | 11/11 | Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both)
X | 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
| 10 | Ruffian 1 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
| 5 | Thug 3 | -0 | 14/?/13/? |
| 4 | Freja | 33/33 | 8/8 |
| | | | |
| 0 | Soaked Man | | Will die next turn if no aid is given (Round 2)|[/table]

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert winces as he sees the man cry out. He shoots a frantic glance at Freja, whom he can barely see around the cloud of darkness, and gestures urgently between himself and the man. Over the course of their previous adventures they had gotten skilled at reading one another's intentions, and Bert hopes the skald can understand him this time. I've got him... if I can keep standing.

(OOC: striking this post since the guy did not actually get burned)

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale tries to use his natural flame to scorch the liquid off of himself, but it was too quick to seep into his skin. His body stiffened somewhat and he felt something coursing through his veins......poison, he could taste it in his mouth. He spit and look up as the man as he takes a swing at him. Kale parries the man's sword, and hears the woman's words and hi whole body seems to erupt in flames. He turns to the man and attacks him, as well as marking him with an arcane rune, so he was sure that he didn't attack Maria.

Actions
Damage - Take 5 poison
Move - oh wait :smalltongue:
Minor - Aegis on Thug 1 (I assume that is the one in front of me)
Standard - Booming Blade vs AC on Thug 1 [roll0]
Damage - [roll1] (brutal 1, so adjusted the math so I didn't have to keep doing rerolls), and if the target is adjacent to you at the start of its next turn and moves away during that turn, it takes [roll2] thunder damage.
Save for ongoing and Immobilization - [roll3]

[CalebRoberts]

The one man outside of Maria's flame notices that she is the one responsible. "Kid er not, ahm gunna knock you silly." He charges Maria, club held high for a knockout strike. The little girl is fast though and the club hits only the couch.

Freja is quickly occupied with a thug as well, unable to stop the attack on Maria. She blocks the strike but the man gets further around her.

Freja is UP!

Enemy Rolls:
Ruffian 1
Standard: Charge Maria, G12 to I11
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: 5 damage

Thug 3
Move: K7 to J8
Standard: Head Strike (AC)
Attack: [roll1]
Hit: [roll2], -2 to attacks and and grants CA until the end of Thug 3's next turn.
Effect: Thug 3 shifts 1 square to I8
Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern05-thumb.png (http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern05.png)
Click on the map for the full size image

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Cloud of Darkness: all creatures besides Nashikrak are blinded within the Zone. (Until end of Nashikrak's turn - round 2)
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -20 | 19/?/?/? | Immobilized until no longer adjacent to Bert, Marked (Bert)
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -9 | 14/?/13/? | Aegis (Kale), If adjacent to Kale at St of next turn (Rnd 2) take 7 thunder
X | 19 | Bert | 8/32 | 9/9 | BLOODIED!
X | 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 16 | Ruffian 5 | -0 | ?/?/14/? | Marked (Bert)
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -22 | 14/?/13/? | Marked (Bert), BLOODIED!
X | 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
X | 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
X | 12 | Kale | 23/42 | 11/11 | Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both)
X | 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
X | 10 | Ruffian 1 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 5 | Thug 3 | -0 | 14/?/13/? |
| 4 | Freja | 33/33 | 8/8 |

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja growled, her blood boiling at the sight of the man trying to strike Maria. She pointed a finger at him, eyes seeming almost aflame as she spoke, "You're dead."

Brandishing her sword, she quickly turned to face the other man harrying her, keeping her from reaching Maria unless she wanted to find herself being attacked from both sides, "But you're first."

"Come on friends! Just like the heroes of old! Let's show these street rats what real skill is!"

Minor Action: Activating Skald's Aura.
Move Action: Converting to Minor, Activating Words of Gravity At-Will
Standard: Attacking the thug adjacent to me at I8.

Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]

If I hit, I grant Maria a +2 to all of her defenses until the end of my next turn.

[CalebRoberts]

The woman feints with one katar as the she draws and slashes with the other in a smooth arc. The handle comes down hard on Bert's temple, knocking him out cold. With the brute out of her way she vanishes in a cloud of shadow to re-materialize on the other side of her would be prisoner.

Maria successfully fends off another attack. The man looks surprised at this little girls abilities.

Kale takes a deep cut from the sword due to his distraction from Maria being attacked. He can feel his consciousness starting to fade already.

Bert, I need a death save from you!

Enemy Rolls:
Woman
Start of Turn: Take 5 fire damage
Minor: Draw second Katar
Standard: Double attack vs Bert (Gains CA vs any creature marking Woman)
Attack: [roll0]
hit: [roll1]
Attack: [roll2]
hit: [roll3]
Move: Shadow Leap - teleport to G13

Ruffian 4
Move: L8 to K9
Standard: club vs Maria
Attack: w/CA [roll4]
Hit: 7 damage

Thug 1:
Start of Turn: Take 7 thunder for being adjacent to Kale
Standard: Head strike vs Kale
Attack: [roll5]
hit: [roll6]. -2 to attack rolls, and grants CA until the end of Thug 1's next turn.
Effect: shift 1 square to J11Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern06.png

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Cloud of Darkness: all creatures besides Nashikrak are blinded within the Zone. (Until end of Nashikrak's turn - round 2)
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -25 | 19/?/?/? |
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -16 | 14/?/13/? | Aegis (Kale)
| 19 | Bert | -2/32 | 9/9 | UNCONSCIOUS!
| 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
| 16 | Ruffian 5 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
| 16 | Thug 2 | -22 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!
| 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 | +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 2)
| 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
| 12 | Kale | 13/42 | 11/11 | BLOODIED!, Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both), +3 to next successful attack
| 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
| 10 | Ruffian 1 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
| 5 | Thug 3 | -15 | 14/?/13/? |
| 4 | Freja | 33/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale gets attacked by the thug, but the hit doesn't seem to hit quite as hard as the Thug wanted it to, as a shield of arcane energy seems to break, and the sword only knicks Kale's side.

Immediate Interrupt - Channeling shield
Trigger An attack hits you or an ally within 10 squares of you
Target The creature hit by the triggering attack
Effect You reduce the damage the target takes from the triggering attack by 8 dmg.
Aegis of Shielding The next successful attack you make before the end of your next turn deals extra damage equal to your Constitution modifier.(+3)

[CalebRoberts]

Nice work Celtic! Applied above.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert breathes a sigh of relief as several of the foes around him move off in search of easier prey or are consumed in the flames. His luck seems to run out, however, when the warrior woman's attack hits him square in the head.

Perhaps... this wasn't... such a good...

Everything goes black as Bert collapses to the floor. To those who can see him through the flames, he looks to be clinging to life...who knows how much longer he can hold on.

Death save: [roll0]

[CalebRoberts]

Surrounded by so many enemies, Freja takes a club to the shoulder.

Only Nashikrak can see the man perish in the flames, his corpse charring as the skin begins to peel back.

The other in the flames manages to keep his feet though his wounds are extensive. Seeking to leave the flames and the unnatural darkness, he opens himself up to attack from the Drow.


=================

Nashikrak has an OA vs Thug 2
Maria, Nashikrak, Kale, Immeral are up in any order.


=================

Enemy Rolls:
Ruffian 3:
Standard: Charge Freja H7 to I9
Attack: w/CA [roll0]
hit: 7 damage

Ruffian 5:
Start of Turn: take 5 damage - die

Thug 2:
Start of Turn: take 5 damage
Move: E11 to G12 - provoke OA from Nashikrak
Standard: Ready Head Strike
Trigger: an enemy comes adjacentMap:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern07.png

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Cloud of Darkness: all creatures besides Nashikrak are blinded within the Zone. (Until end of Nashikrak's turn - round 2)
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -25 | 19/?/?/? |
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -16 | 14/?/13/? | Aegis (Kale)
X | 19 | Bert | -2/32 | 9/9 | UNCONSCIOUS!
X | 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -27 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!, Readied: Head Strike
| 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 | +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 2)
| 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
| 12 | Kale | 13/42 | 11/11 | BLOODIED!, Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both), +3 to next successful attack
| 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
| 10 | Ruffian 1 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
| 5 | Thug 3 | -15 | 14/?/13/? |
| 4 | Freja | 26/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[Solinvitus]

The dark elf raised one brow and smirked, "Where do you think ya going? I am not down with you yet!" His scimitar hummed though the air toward his quarry in response, followed by his katar in a stabbing move.

OA with CA
MBA: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Solinvitus]

As the thug falls, Nashikrak's eyes scan for his next quarry and charges at a dazzling speed toward the ruffian (2). Both his blades meet in a cross over his head before he drives them down in two vicious slash.

Minor Action: Aspect of Charging Ram (NO OA while charging, +2 damage, knock prone - Until end of Stance)
Standard action: @ Ruffian 2
1. MBA [roll0], damage [roll1] (High Critical)
2. If MBA hit, Dual attack [roll2], damage [roll3] (high critical)
Effect: Knock Prone if hit.

[CalebRoberts]

Short Update: Thug 2 is still alive but barely after Nashikrak's OA.

[CalebRoberts]

Nashikrak gets a vicious swipe in at the fleeing man, then skewers one of the men menacing Maria.


=================

Maria, Kale, Immeral are up in any order.


=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern08-1.png

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -25 | 19/?/?/? |
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -16 | 14/?/13/? | Aegis (Kale)
X | 19 | Bert | -2/32 | 9/9 | UNCONSCIOUS!
X | 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -40 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!, Readied: Head Strike
TURN | 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 | +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 2)
X | 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
TURN | 12 | Kale | 13/42 | 11/11 | BLOODIED!, Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both), +3 to next successful attack
TURN | 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
| 5 | Thug 3 | -15 | 14/?/13/? |
| 4 | Freja | 26/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[onlie2005]

Maria is about to cast Burning Hands when she realizes that by doing so no matter how well she aims it, will always affect one of her allies or an innocent. So being crouching low and feinting slightly, jumping back, like her mother taught her she conjures up lightning that leaps out of her wand and flies towards the two attackers in front of her.

OOC:
Standard Action: Cast Arc Lightning on I11 and J11. INT vs REF. Note that Maria has a +2 AC bonus against attacks of opportunity so she has 18 AC while casting spell.

Arc Lightning on I11: [roll0]
Arc Lightning on J11: [roll1]
Damage if Hit: [roll2]
Reroll Damage Roll if first result is 1(Evocation Specialist): [roll3]

[onlie2005]

OOC: Scratch I11. Make that I9. Damn it.

[CalebRoberts]

Maria has incredible luck as all three men miss her. They must not be used to fighting someone of small stature.

OAs
Thug 1
Attack: [roll0]
hit: [roll1]

Ruffian 3
Attack: [roll2]
hit: 5 damage

Ruffian 4
Attack: [roll3]
hit: 5 damage

[CalebRoberts]

Maria electrocutes two of the men around her. One swallows his tongue and quickly turns cyanotic and falls limp to the floor. The other's convulsions ar enough to slam his head into his own knees, audibly breaking his nose.


=================

Kale, Immeral are up in either order.


=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern09.png

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -25 | 19/?/?/? |
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -23 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!, Aegis (Kale)
X | 19 | Bert | -2/32 | 9/9 | UNCONSCIOUS!
X | 16 | Ruffian 3 | -0 | ?/?/14/? |
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -40 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!, Readied: Head Strike
X | 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 | +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 2)
X | 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
TURN | 12 | Kale | 13/42 | 11/11 | BLOODIED!, Immobilized & Ongoing 5 poison (Save Ends both), +3 to next successful attack
TURN | 11 | Immeral | 29/34 | 7/7 |
| 5 | Thug 3 | -15 | 14/?/13/? |
| 4 | Freja | 26/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[Kevin Burns]

With his dagger grasped lightly in his hand he will throw it at his new target the woman.

Actions
Move:
Immeral will move to E11

Standard:
Attack
Easy Target, Dexterity vs. AC
Hit: [roll0]
the target is slowed and grants combat advantage to you (save ends both).

Miss: Half damage, and the target grants combat advantage to you until the end of your next turn.

Damage
[roll1]

[CalebRoberts]

The woman is bloodied but the map remains the same.

Kale is up!

[Kevin Burns]

After letting the woman taste a sample of his steel he moves in to assist his ally.

Action

Minor: Let Bert use healing surge

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale spits up some blood and glares at the thug. Arcane energy then flows over him, healing is wounds. He then slashes at the thug, and sends an arcane mark that hits the man to his right.

Actions
Minor - Use a healing surge + [roll0] due to aura, should be 29/42
Minor - Aegis on Ruffian 4
Standard - Booming Blade VS AC on Thug 1 [roll1]
Damage - [roll2] +3 dmg if it hits, and if the target is adjacent to you at the start of its next turn and moves away during that turn, it takes [roll3] thunder damage.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
A nudge from Immeral brings Bert to the verge of consciousness, and he can faintly hear Freja's song over the din of blades and clubs. Even though they're just at the very edge of his awareness, the words bolster his spirits and give him the strength to keep on fighting. With a start, his eyes open.

Lose 1 surge
Gain [roll0] HP

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral stands over his ally, he sees Bert's eyes open. "Welcome back Bert, the fight isn't over yet." He says with a smile.

[CalebRoberts]

The woman calls out "Time to go boys." The first man to disengage turns his back to Freja as he jogs away. Despite her attempt to stop him he take the opportunity to his Immeral while he is helping Bert up, bloodying the back of the eladrin's head.


=================

Freja has an Opportunity attack vs Thug 3
Freja is up!


=================

Enemy Actions:
Thug 3
Move: walk I8 to G8, provoke OA from Freja
Standard: Charge Immeral to E10
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1]
Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern10.png

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -34 | 19/?/?/? | BLOODIED!
X | 24 | Ruffian 4 | -0 | 15/?/14/? | Aegis (Kale)
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -23 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!, [Head Strike]
X | 19 | Bert | 10/32 | 8/9 | BLOODIED!, prone
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -40 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!, Readied: Head Strike
X | 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 | +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 2)
X | 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
X | 12 | Kale | 24/42 | 10/11 |
X | 11 | Immeral | 16/34 | 7/7 | BLOODIED!
X | 5 | Thug 3 | -15 | 14/?/13/? | [Head Strike]
| 4 | Freja | 26/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[AvianMalkavian]

"Get back here!" The skald roared, slashing at the man's exposed back when he attempted to get away from her. The slash spinning her about and turning her focus toward the other lackey beside her. Freja growling as she moved around to stand beside Maria, still protective of the little girl even as bared the blade down to swipe at her next foe, "In the name of Tempus, fall villains!"

Opportunity Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]

Standard Action: Attack Bad Guy At K9

Attack Roll: [roll2]
Damage Roll: [roll3]

If the Opportunity Attack hits, give a +2 bonus to all Defenses to Immeral. If the Standard Action Attack hits, give a +2 bonus to all Defenses to Bert.

[CalebRoberts]

Kale gets in a weak strike but Nashikrak simply beheads the charging man. The cut was so swift that the body even takes a few more steps before keeling over.

Bert drags himself up and takes a breath. The woman manges to squirm free of his grasp and avoids his off balance swing.

"You men are worthless! Kill the Drow!" screams the woman. One of the thugs launches himself at Nashikrak.

.....

=================

Maria, Nashikrak, Kale, Immeral are up in any order


=================

Enemy Actions:
Thug 2:
Move: G12 to G11
Standard: Head Strike
Attack: 1d20+7
Hit:3d6+8 damage, -2 to attacks and grants CA until the end of the thug's next turn.
Effect: shift 1 square - declined

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern12.png

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 3

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -53 | 19/?/?/? | BLOODIED!, grabbed until the end of Bert's next turn
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -33 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!
| 19 | Bert | 10/32 | 8/9 | BLOODIED!, prone, +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 3)
| 16 | Thug 2 | -40 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!, Readied: Head Strike
| 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
| 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
| 12 | Kale | 24/42 | 10/11 |
| 11 | Immeral | 16/34 | 7/7 | BLOODIED!, +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 3)
| 5 | Thug 3 | -31 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED
| 4 | Freja | 26/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale takes a shot at the thug running away from him, hoping to take him down.

OA
[roll0]
[roll1]
Unfortunately Kale isn't great at Basic Melee Attacks :smalltongue:

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
edit:Bert, still lying prone on the floor, sees one of the thugs charging at him, and grimaces in preparation for the blow. Before the thug can reach him, though, he sees Kale and Nashikrak strike him down. Bert gives the two a knowing nod.

While holding the woman fast, Bert rises to his feet. He sees the thugs swarm around him. Expecting them to unleash all their might on him in attempt to cover their leader's escape, Bert takes a deep breath and prepares to defend himself.

Then he looks the woman in the eye. You're not going anywhere, scum, he growls, as he tries to bash her with the handle of his axe, hoping to slow her escape and make her an easier target for his friends. In his haste, though, he crushes his own fingers in between his weapon and her armor, and curses in pain.


Move: Stand up
Standard: Second wind (gain 9 HP, +2 bonus to all defenses, should stack with Freja's +2 power bonus)
Action point: Knockdown Assault vs. Woman (Fortitude)
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: 4 damage, she is knocked prone

The grab on the woman ends, but she is still marked, and Bert will use Combat Superiority to interrupt her if she shifts or tries to attack the man again.

[Solinvitus]

"Stop running around!" Natshikrak smirks as his scimitar lashes out at the thug who let open his defense.

OA
MBA: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Solinvitus]

Seeing his comrade surrounded by foes, the dark elf moves forward to eliminate the nearest threat (Thug 3) as his blades flashes in a combo of stab and swipe.

Move: F10
Standard action: @ Thug 3
1. MBA , damage [roll]1d8+8) (High Critical)
2. If MBA hit, Dual attack 1d20+12), damage 1d6+7) (high critical)

[Solinvitus]

Made a ice tag mistake in dual attack roll. : D

2. If MBA hit, Dual attack [roll0], damage [roll1] (high critical)

[Solinvitus]

****. Another mistake in dice tag.

MBA damage. [roll0]

[onlie2005]

If the thug is still alive, Maria will cast Magic Missile at Thug 1.

OOC:Cast Magic Missile at Thug#1. Automatically hits. 7 damage.

[CalebRoberts]

Kale gets in a weak strike but Nashikrak simply beheads the charging man. The cut was so swift that the body even takes a few more steps before keeling over.

Bert drags himself up and takes a breath. The woman manges to squirm free of his grasp and avoids his off balance swing.

"You men are worthless! Kill the Drow!" screams the woman. One of the thugs launches himself at Nashikrak but misses with a powerful swing.

.....

=================

Maria, Nashikrak, Kale, Immeral are up in any order


=================

Enemy Actions:
Thug 2:
Move: G12 to G11
Standard: Head Strike
Attack: [roll0]
Hit:[roll1] damage, -2 to attacks and grants CA until the end of the thug's next turn.
Effect: shift 1 square - declined

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Tavern12-1.png

Map Features:
Chairs and tables: difficult terrain. You can spend a minor action to move one item one square. This minor action can be spent during a move action
Couch and armchairs: difficult terrain; provides cover; can be moved with a minor and a DC 13 athletics check.
Bar: superior cover if between combatants. Takes 3 squares to climb over.
Fire Place: 10 damage to any creature entering the fire or ending it's turn there. (this damage can only be dealt 1/round)
Windows: can be broken with a minor action or it someone jumps through.

Effects:
Fountain of Flame: Any enemy entering or ending their turn in the zone takes 5 fire damage. (Until end of Encounter) Initiative & Status:
Round 3

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 25 | Woman | -53 | 19/?/?/? | BLOODIED!
X | 21 | Thug 1 | -33 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!
X| 19 | Bert | 18/32 | 7/9 | +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 3), +2 to DEFs until the start of Berts next turn (Round 3)
X | 16 | Thug 2 | -40 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED!
| 15 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
| 13 | Nashikrak | 19/29 | 7/7 |
| 12 | Kale | 24/42 | 10/11 |
| 11 | Immeral | 16/34 | 7/7 | BLOODIED!, +2 to all DEFs until the end of Freja's next turn (Round 3)
| 5 | Thug 3 | -31 | 14/?/13/? | BLOODIED
| 4 | Freja | 26/33 | 8/8 |[/table]

[onlie2005]

Moving around Kale, Maria positions herself for another strike, this time on the woman and one of her thugs. The reason why she maneuvers this way is to reduce the chances of her being charged. She only hopes Kale understands.

OOC:
Move Action: Move to K10, M11 and finally M12.
Standard Action: Cast Arc Lightning on G11 and E13. If any are critical hit does 11 points of damage. If both miss and the result on the woman is 4 or less points from the needed target number, use Heroic Effort power to make it a hit. If there is a miss on the woman that is 4 or less points away from the target number, use Heroic Effort. If woman is hit and the thug is missed by only 4 or less do not use Heroic Effort. Any roll of 1 can be rerolled due to Maria's evocation specialty. However if both damage rolls to the two targets are 1, apply only to woman.

Arc Lightning on G11: [roll0]
Damage if Hit: [roll1]
Arc Lightning on E13: [roll2]
Damage if Hit: [roll3]
Damage Reroll for roll of 1: [roll4]

[CalebRoberts]

Maria vaporizes Thug 2 but the woman dodges the lightning.

[CalebRoberts]

Nashikrak drops the last thuggish man, leaving the dark woman without any defenders

Kale and Immeral are up!

[Kevin Burns]

I will use Second Wind and use a healing surge. Then I will use my Action Point.

Actions
Move:
I Fey Step to D14

Nowhere to run lady, now tell us what’s your business with this man?!



Standard:
Attack, Riposte Strike
Dexterity vs. AC

[roll0]

Damage
[roll1]

If the target attacks me before the start of my next turn, I make my riposte against the target as an immediate interrupt.

Strength vs. AC
[roll2]

Thanks to my last attack I now have combat advantage so I hit her with a sneak attack.

Extra Damage
[roll3]

[CalebRoberts]

The woman dies with Immeral's dagger lodged in her throat. A gurgle escapes along with some frothy blood. She might have been trying to talk but you will never know.

The man they were after lies on the floor near her. The front of his robes are soaked in blood. He is holding his stomach, trying in vain to ease his pain. He gasps at Immeral and Bert, waving frantically for him to come near.

"You...You...must...." He is clearly weakening. You wil have to get closer in a hurry to hear his words.

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral rushes to his side. "I must what?"

[CalebRoberts]

The man grabs the front of Immeral's tunic with bloody hands, pulling him close with the last of his strength. "Stop the return....to Winterhaven, go to Winterhaven. Shar! do not let....Shar!....stop...the...retu..r..n.........."

He gasps in one more breath, the sighs long and deep. His eyes fix upwards, unseeing. He does not breath again. Immeral has to force the dead fingers from his tunic.

[Kevin Burns]

"Aw crap." Immeral turns to the party. "He's dead, his last words were a bit cryptic but I think I know where we are going next." "You lot up for a trip to Winterhaven?"

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja sheathed her sword, taking a look around at the carnage and making sure that her allies were still breathing and that Maria was safe before approaching Immeral, "What did he say? What's in Winterhaven?"

[Kevin Burns]

I turn to Freja "He said something like, Stop the return to Winterhaven, go to Winterhaven. Shar! do not let Shar! stop the... retu..r..n..........and then what I think was a death gurgle. Like I said, cryptic. So, we taking the case?"

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale, after seeing the woman's life leave her eyes, immediately walked over to Maria. "Are you ok?"

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak wiped his bloodied blade on the dead thug's garment and began searching the bodies. "Let's see if we can find anything that can tell us more about where they are from. And let's hope their coins are enough cover the damages caused and... pay for our most recent efforts..."

Search, perception (if required)
[roll0]

[Kevin Burns]

I will search the body of the man to see if he has information on Winterhaven or Shar.

Perception (if needed)

[roll0]

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak wiped his bloodied blade on the dead thug's garment and began searching the bodies. "Let's see if we can find anything that can tell us more about where they are from. And let's hope their coins are enough cover the damages caused and... pay for our most recent efforts..."

Search, perception (if required)
[roll0]

[onlie2005]

Maria nods to Kale to indicate that she is okay. The girl then moves over to the man that was assaulted and ultimately killed by the thugs and woman. She begins searching him, not because she is being disrespectful, but because she wants to find out who he is. She also examines the pin that she saw him clutch.

Perception[roll0]

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert hurries towards the man, but when the man dies in Immeral's arms Bert slumps to the floor, his knees getting blackened from the wood scorched during the fight. In the end, throwing himself on so many blades had made no difference. All that effort for nothing... Maybe the man would even still be alive if they had not intervened.

"We cannot afford to be careless again," he says to the others. "Let's hope the spirits forgive us for our failure here." He is quiet for a moment, and then adds, "So, Winterhaven? Do you know where that is?"

[Kevin Burns]

"Careless, we knew nothing about the man or the woman we just jumped into a fight." "It was reckless and stupid, we were lucky that none of us died!"

[AvianMalkavian]

"Winterhaven's not far, if that's where we're headed. Its on the road between here and Highmoon, in the Thunder Peaks," She looked around again, feeling a bit bad for the Innkeeper now that he'd have to clean all of this up. Making her way over, she placed a hand on Bert's shoulder, "We did what we could to save him. But if we couldn't do that, the least we can do is to try and honor his last wish."

[onlie2005]

"It would not have mattered if they took him anyways. Their intent was to kill him. They just did not want to do it in public in front of witnesses.", Maria said.

[Kevin Burns]

"Look we have had a long day, why don't we get rested up and talk about this tomorrow." "There is something I have to do first" I walk over to Freja. I whisper "Look, maybe we should ask around town to see if we can find anything about whats going on in Winterhaven or a Shar."


Streetwise:
[roll0]

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert nods when Freja mentions honoring the man's last wish. "It will be hard to honor his wish if we don't know more about what he is asking of us, though," he points out. "Perhaps there are ways to ask him for more information about what we're to do once we reach Winterhaven. I remember my master used to be able to speak with the spirits of woodland creatures after they died. He never taught me how. But in this city there might be others who can."

[Kevin Burns]

If the pin is still on his jacket I would like to take it off and inspect it.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale nods at Maria's conformation that she wasn't hurt. He then sheaths his sword and walks over to the men and the woman. He searches the bodies, looking for anything that might give him a clue as to who they were and where they were from, next to Natshikrak.

Perception [roll0]

[Solinvitus]

"When it's time for one to die, die he will. Such is the natural cycle of the living." Natshikrak replies plainly without looking at his companions while he continues searching the bodies. "Death is an inevitable end. When one expires in her usefulness in the roll of fate, which is weaved ceaselessly by forces we cannot comprehend, she is discarded. Just as we would discard things we have no use. We can try to salvage it. But sometimes it's beyond our means." The dark elf adds to his rant.

Natshikrak's own kind, his kin, would not flinch a bit over the death of the man. His life so far has been an irrefutable testimony that points to the fact that only the fittest should survive and the strong should rein over the weak. He has a conflicted view on this, and there is even a slight tendency of his rebellious nature to fight this belief, but so far he reckons that his personal attempts does little to change the entire fact in reality.

"Maybe these people are different..." Natshikrak whispers beneath his beath. Part of the dark elf feels comfort in his comrades' exhanges. He feels happy. Perhaps, he finally found what he truly longed for. Though he isn't sure, but right now the word that spring into his mind- Friends. He etches a faint smile.

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja eyes Immeral dubiously after his last statement, A Shar? Do you not know of Shar? The Mistress of the Night? Sister of Selune? She is evil beyond measure, and if there is something that she seeks within Winterhaven, then we need to go there and stop it."

She moves away from the remains of the battle to pick up her half finished mug of mead and downing the rest, "This man, who didn't even know us, saw fit to share this information with his last few breaths. It was important enough, and he was desperate enough, that he asked complete strangers to do it for him. It only seems right that we should go to Winterhaven."

[CalebRoberts]

All

You all know who of the godess Shar. She is the evil Mistress of the Night. She is sister and opposite to Selûne, the good godess of the Moon. Shar's symbol is a black disk with a purple boarder.

You also are keenly aware of the smoldering conflict that has been growing in this greater region for years now. The reborn empire of Netheril, not far to the North and West of where you are now, openly worship Shar. It is said that somehow they draw their hideous powers directly from Her. The empire of Cormyr (which you are in now) is openly declared against Netheril. The two empires are fighting a proxy war of influence over Sembia, Netheril is likely winning that war at the moment.

Area Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Greaterarea.png
You are in Arabel.

In addition most of you would have heard of Winterhaven. It is a small town high in the Thunder Peaks. If any of you have been there before you know that the people live in and around an old, abandoned Cormyr outpost that was once part of a much larger settlement.

<<If you wish to know more, checks of some sort would be in order. Please put the mechanics in spoiler tags and provide at least a little description on what you are seeking to find.>>

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak takes a bag of gold from the bodies and diligently counts its content. He is the sort who make sure all monetary findings are well accounted for and all rewards are distributed among his comrades fairly. He shrugs, shakes his head and throws the bag of gold on the table.

"Well. 20 Gold pieces. Let's pay off the damages" He turns to Maria and raises a brow, "Particularly the Fire...And then we will split the remains."

His eyes flick toward the tavern owner who is standing behind the bar counter and asks in a husky voice, "We will pay for the damages...Name a reasonable price... I WARN YOU...Don't attempt to raise the bar...We are not stupid... So my advice be careful what you ask for...You might get NOTHING" He enunciate the last word with clear hint of threat.

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja watches Natshikrak disapprovingly, "It may be wise if we don't let our dark elf friend negotiate."

Moving to the bar, she offered a warm smile to the Innkeeper, "We apologize for any damages we may have caused in our.. ruckus. Please know we will be happy to pay for necessary repairs before we continue on our way, and we will gladly spread word of your fine establishment and kind patronage to those we meet in our travels."

Meanwhile, the Skald was running through her thoughts, trying to remember if she had heard anything else of Winterhaven during her travels.

Diplomacy Roll to peacefully deal with the damages to the Inn: [roll0]

Rolls For Winterhaven:
History: [roll1]
Religion: [roll2]

Can't think of anything else that might be applicable.

[CalebRoberts]

The barkeep, who was scared before, turns white a the Drow's threats. Luckily Freja manages to avert a second disaster. Color returns to the barkeep's face and he gulps in airs. "Thankya ma'am." he says, glancing nervously at Nashikrak.

Clearly the accidental good cop/bad cop interaction has made the man grateful instead of what was likely angry for burning up some of his tavern. "Um, ah suppose ten gold would do meh fer the damages. Thankya 'gain fer the knd words. Ah've no doubt a fine singer like you can spin a tale."

[onlie2005]

Maria gives everyone an apologetic look for the fire she caused. But she is not without regret or remorse. A man's life was at stake and she would do it again in a heartbeat.

"Those people definitely would have killed the man anyways. I am sure of it. I am sorry for the fire but I could not let them take him away without a fight and by placing the spell in that area I essentially cut them off from one exit they could have used.", Maria says and although she is gracious in her apology, she is not remorseful and will pay for the damage from her own purse if possible. She will spend all her money to pay for it or at least some of it.

Diplomacy Check: [roll0]

"The man was a Chauntean priest. I am not sure if there are any Chauntean temples in Winterhaven although I have never really been there. Nonetheless we should at least deliver his body to his home. He might have family and friends there who may be worried about him."

Knowledge Checks:
To know more of the history of the area including about Winterhaven

History: [roll1]

To see if she knows more about Shar and Chauntea and if there is a temple of Chauntea in Winterhaven.

Religion: [roll2]

[Kevin Burns]

"Hey guys." I call for them to gather around. "She is right." I show them the pin. "We should be able to get more information at the Temple of Chauntea."

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090201063819/forgottenrealms/images/2/21/Chauntea_symbol_-_Mike_Schely.jpg

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak raises a brow at the singer, gives a blank face and walks to the dead woman instead. He then throws her over his shoulder and walks up the stairs. At midway, he halts and calls out to his comrades, "Just in case, you ask. I am keeping her armor. If you guys intend to go where you agreed to go, this may turn out useful."

"Please don't harbour the wrong ideas. I am not that sort." Then he enters his room.

Moments later, he returns to his comrades and dangles a necklace on his fingers. There is a pendant that clearly marks the symbol of Shar. "I have kept the armor in my pack, and while undressing her. I found this." His face remains cold and bored.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Throughout most of the searching and discussion Bert had been standing to the side watching with a blank look on his face, somewhat overwhelmed and unsure how to carry himself around this many people in this situation. He had fought and dealt with bodies before, but most of what they had encountered on the last job had been nonhuman monsters. And even when they did fight and dispatch humans, it somehow felt more... natural, being out in the wilderness. All this bloodshed in a tavern packed with common people was something he was not accustomed to, and he was not sure how he was expected to respond.

Bert's attention perks up when Immeral and Maria bring up Chauntea. "The worshippers of Chauntea are good and peace-loving people", he points out, thinking back to the farmers who used to live near his forest, and whom he and his master had always gotten along well with. "So this man's warning is something to be worried about. Maybe there are other priests in this city who might know what this man was concerned about."


To see if he knows whether there's a temple of Chauntea in Wheloon
Religion: [roll0]

[Kevin Burns]

After thinking about Chauntea a little bit more he figures the best place to ask is here in the tavern. He walks over to the bartender. "Hello again, could you tell me where I might be able to find the closest temple or followers of Chauntea."

Streetwise:

[roll0]

[CalebRoberts]

The man is still quite shaken by the brief and exceedingly bloody conflict. He rubs a hand through his greasy hair, then wipes it on his apron. He takes a quick shot of some strong liquor and makes a face, then sighs.

Immeral comes up and asks his exceedingly polite question. "Well, many of us follow the teachings of the goddess here." He rubs a small inlay on the bar that is the Wheat and Rose symbol.

"Lady Benda is the mistress of the Field. The Field ain't that far away, though it be dark and locked now. Best ta visit in the mornin' Ya be needin' some guidance from the Lady after this scuffle no doubt."

[Kevin Burns]

"No doubt, and again we apologize for the scuffle." I return to the group. "Good news, tomorrow we go pay a visit to Lady Benda who is the mistress of the Field. Not to far from here." "We should be able to find out more information there." "So lets rest up."

[onlie2005]

"There is definitely a temple of Chauntea in Winterhaven. I think we should bring the body there since it may be his home after all.", Maria suggests.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale looks at Maria with a smile on his face, she seems to be the only one that can put one on his face, "This is a good idea little one. A man should be put to rest, so his spirit can be at peace. Come, let us go to bed. You go to the room. I will wrap him up, with the help of anyone who wants to, and we will take his body to the temple so he may be laid to rest." Kale pats Maria's head, not in a condescending way as one might think, but in a way of love.

Kale then proceeds to gain some sheeting from the bartender and, with the help of anyone that wants to, Kale proceeds to wrap the body in a showing of reverence that you have yet to see from Kale. He takes the body to his room, laying the man next to a wall, and then covering him with a blanket as well. He then proceeds to tuck Maria in to bed, and pulls up a chair next to the bed, sitting in between her and the body. Not because he thinks she can't handle it, but because he knows that it makes her, and him, feel better. He faces her, making sure she knows he is there as she falls asleep, then takes the plunge into a lands of dreams himself. He doesn't sleep well, once again, and wakes up quite a lot during the night. Kale never has slept well since he came from the place of Chaos, and he is always waking up multiple times a night, oddly enough in a cold sweat.

[onlie2005]

Maria is not one to be outdone in kindness. She herself was raised to do the right thing as much as possible. So she helps Kale wrap and store the body in as dignified a way as possible. Hard work had been instilled in her by her mother and father in an early age. But also a sense of duty and honor. So even though she was a child, she felt obliged to help out, partly out of guilt for failing to save the man's life.

"I'm sorry I nearly burnt down the tavern Kale. But I just couldn't let those thugs take the innocent man away. Somehow I just knew that they were going to kill him. So I put the flame spell in a way that prevented them from leaving the nearest exit.", Maria says, crying a little, upset that all her efforts were for not. Eventually she cries herself to sleep.

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja made an effort to also help with the body, saying a few short Cormyrian prayers that she had learned in her travels, "Still, we should be careful. If this man came from Winterhaven trying to warn someone about Shar, and these people who came to take him were worshippers of Shar, its possible that there could be some danger waiting for us there. It wouldn't be the first time that forces of shadow had visited that town. I remember a tale of the slaying of the dragon Shadraxil that took place within Winterhaven when it was still used by Cormyr as a fortress."

When the body was taken care of and everyone was heading to bed, Freja did much the same, offering some words of encouragement to her companions before she headed off herself to try and find a respite from the nights activities in dream.

[CalebRoberts]

All

Everyone sleeps soundly. Most of you are so exhausted that you are unconscious as soon as your head hits the lumpy, thin pillows.
.........
The morning sun streams through the windows. The sky is clear and blue in the early morning, promising a much better day then the previous one. Down in the common room a few of the guests are breakfasting. Most are quietly talking about last night's events.

A charred circle is all that is left of the evidence of last night. The burnt furniture has been removed and the blood pools have been cleaned up

<<What did Nashikrak do with the woman's body?>>

Some of you head to the Field of Chauntae by the barkeep's directions. It takes you about a five minute walk across Arabel. The Field is a squat wood structure near the farms. An open, covered area with many benches protects the entrance from wild elements. The area is ringed by thick, flowering rose bushes though the days have been getting a little colder as of late.

A modest, yet well kept alter resides at one side of the covered area. On the support post behind it rests a scythe with a blade in the shape of a stylized wheat sheaf.

Most of you know that this outdoor area is the place of worship of Chauntae. The little structure is likely no more then a home for Lady Benda and a storage area for services. As you approach you see a woman with deep brown hair bending over the roses pruning them. She wears a woolen skirt and a sensible, warm leather tunic.

At your approach she turns around, taking off her leather gloves and tucking them in her belt. She puts the shears into a holster on her belt. She is an older woman, likely over forty by the look of her face, yet her hair is thick and shining, with not a drop of grey in it.

Warmly she greets you. "Welcome travelers. What brings you the field this fine morning?"

<<Is everyone going to the Field? Are there other things characters would like to do?>>

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert wakes early, eager to leave the city and be on the road again. Not wanting to sit in the common room where they had fought the night before, he eats dried meat from his pack for breakfast while standing outside waiting for his companions to wake.

He accompanies the others to the Field of Chauntae. When Lady Benda addresses them he hangs back, letting the others do the talking.

[onlie2005]

Maria is if anything a slow waker. She still had to get used to waking up early. Especially when she was sleeping in a real bed. Still it was nice to actually sleep in a bed for once and she was not aching all over when she eventually got up. She washes up and prepares her spells for the day while eating breakfast. Maria will go where Kale goes.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale is already awake when Maria starts to stir. He doesn't push her to wake, but lets her wake on her own accord. There are few times when they are able to sleep in actual beds, he likes to let her stay in one as much as he can, he knows how much she loves them. Once she is up and ready, he takes the man's body and joins the others downstairs. They travel to the Field and when prompted, Kale answers, "Greeting, my name is Kale. Last night we fought a woman, Shadar-Kai, who seemed to follow Sha. She was after this man," Kale lays the body down and unwraps his face, "and in the fray she slew him. We tried to protect him, for he seems not to want to go with her, but we were unsuccessful. We figured out he is a priest of your goddess and wanted to do right by him and bring him back home, for a proper burial. I am not one to hold stock in gods and goddesses, but he seemed like he needs a proper rest, and if his goddess can give him that, then so be it. I am sorry." Kale doesn't have much emotion in his voice, but he usually doesn't. But those of you that have been with him for a while know that he is being sincere. Kale raises up from his knee, after covering the man's face again, and waits for the, what he can assume is a priestess, to respond.

[CalebRoberts]

The woman's face grows curious as Kale comes forth with the large bundle but turns ashen when the man's face is revealed. She drops to her knees next to the body, cradling the man's head in her arms.

She looks up at Kale's impassive face with tears running down her cheeks. "Who would do this to Gervan?! Why did he leave Winterhaven?"

She continues to rock with the body, sobbing gently for some time. "Shadar Kai? Shar? What does this have to do with the followers of the Mother?"
She looks right at Kale since he seems the leader to her. Her eyes are furious, her hands clenched. She takes breath and seems to let the rage go. "You did right bringing him here. I thank you for that.

I do not wish for revenge. That is not our way. Yet I would ask you to go to Winterhaven if you will. I fear for the people there. Gervan would not have left unless dire circumstances forced him to.

If any small aid I can give would help, please ask it of me."

[Kevin Burns]

"Well, you see one of are group almost fell as well and our biggest problem is safety not just for ourselves but for anyone else who might fall prey to the followers or Shar." "We would accept any items that might help give us an advantage in order to prevent others from ending up like ... Gervan." "We are going to try our hardest to prevent the followers of Shar from harming anyone else and if possible put an end to them altogether."

[CalebRoberts]

The woman actually laughs hoarsely at Immeral's proclamation of putting an end to the Shar worshipers.

"Ha! You are not from this area, are you? An end to the followers of Shar? The entire Empire of Netheril are followers of Shar."

At this she really gets going, fury flowing from her.

"They kill life, just to bring it back as undeath. They are the antithesis of a connection to the land, of harmony with the world. Yet they are vastly powerful. The Godess of the Dark bolsters them, feeds their evil."

The steam seems to run out of her then. "I have no items to give you I am afraid. Our Lady blesses farm and farmers. Rarely she will make a weapon or armor but none such have been seen in hundreds of years. The last I know about was said to........

......have been in......

...... Winterhaven?

The great Knight Gwen of the Rose was said to have used Aecris to kill the Grey dragon Shadraxil."

She looks puzzled.

"Could the blade be what they are after? It makes no sense. The sword was said to be anathema to evil and shadow.

If the Nertherese can wield a weapon such as that, the consequences could be dire."

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja took this moment to speak up, rubbing her chin thoughtfully, "If Shar's servants are after such a weapon, I can only imagine they are doing so to pervert its purpose for some blasphemous ritual. Thank you for telling us what you know, Lady Benda. We will do everything in our power to make sure that Gervan is given a proper burial in the town that he served. And we will make sure that whatever it is that these foul worshippers of the Midnight Goddess are planning, it will be stopped."

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak woke up earlier than his companions, already at the table having a light breakfast. He sleeps but requires little, much lesser than mortals for full rejuvenation. When his companions gathered, he gave a slight nod rather than a merry morning greeting. His face mostly covered by shadow of his hood as usual.

He followed them to the field of Chauntae. The journey was short but discomforting, particular the light that swarmed the entire field. A cavern denizen like Natshikrak who was accustomed to darkness, even after years of living on the surface and his personal fondness of admiring the colorful scenery, still feels sporadic sting in his eyes.

"Or...they intend to take away the only weapon capable of threatening the return of their Dark Lady. When the sword is in their possession. The Goddess may return with no fear." Natshikrak added to what Freja said, "And maybe, someone in the organisation intend to use it as a tool to remove their Goddess...once their foul plans succeed."

He then turned to the woman and asked in a low measured voice," Can you tell more about the sword, its last known location. How do one activate its power?"

[CalebRoberts]

"Lady" she says in response to Freja. "You should leave Gervan here with me. I will see that he receives a burial with the full rights of Chauntae. Besides, traveling with a corpse for several days would be difficult and odorous."

"Yes, Aecris..." Her face grows a bit dark again, perhaps fear or apprehension. "Follow me good people and I will show you."

She walks inside the small building, motioning for you to enter. With all of you in there is is really cramped despite there being little besides a bed and a small stove. On the wall she points to a tryptich, painted, carved wood panel.

The left panel depicts a Knight in armor, their helmet sprouting sheafs of wheat like wings. On their shield is emblazoned a red rose. It their hand is a long, thin blade backlit with a halo. The knight stands on top of a crenelated castle tower. Wrapped around that tower is an immense gray dragon full of spines and teeth. It is shown seemingly coming down to devour the lone Knight.

The middle panel is set on the ground. The dragon lies on its side, limp. The knight stands within its jaws. The shining sword blade appears to be coming out of its head, the hilt presumably within the mouth. In the background is the rubble of the fallen tower. The last key detail is that the knight is holding Her helmet under one arm with her long brown hair streaming to the right in wind.

Lady Gwen
http://studio930.com/jetrefilm_photography/grace_holley_plate4.jpg
Gray Dragon
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/mof_gallery/MonFaePG42.jpg
The right panel shows a dragon's skeleton, full of spines and teeth being interred in a great pit. The head is severed from the body, as well as the wings. Many men work to shovel earth onto it as the female knight watches on, resting on her glowing sword.

"This is the Lady Gwen who slew the Gray Death, Shadraxil upon the tower. It is said she burned and buried the evil dragon in a pit somewhere near the castle.

The odd thing is that after this, little to nothing was recoreded of the rest of Gwen's days. There are some stories and rumors written in priest's journals but nothing seems very credible. Some say she went mad. Others say she lived a long life and was interred in the castle crypts. None mention Aecris specifically. But, to tell the honst truth, few if any have really looked into this matter. We of the Field have been too busy aiding harvests, villagers, and those who stand against the Dark of Shar.

Old Master Valthrun in Winterhaven may know more, and he may not. He might have come across some accounts that have not been translated or copied. Truly, I just don't know."

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert watches wide-eyed as Lady Benda describes the triptych. It is the most intricate artwork he has ever seen. When he was a boy his master had taught him to whittle and to weave, but the little trinkets and functional items they had made could not compare to artwork like this. Bert hadn't ever expected that people could make art that looked so real. He wondered what the artist had used to make all the colors.

"That man, Gervan, he was concerned about a 'return' in Winterhaven," Bert said to the others when Lady Benda had finished speaking. "Could this be what he was afraid is returning? I believe we need to seek out this Master Valthrun and learn more about the lady knight and her dragon. ...even if it's not connected to Gervan and the Sharrans, Winterhaven is our destination anyway, so it cannot hurt."

[onlie2005]

Maria really lets the adults talk. To be honest she has nothing to add to the manner and is anxious to get going to Winterhaven. And religion and religious activities were not her thing. It tended to bore her. Although she did listen to the priest's words and even though she seemed only interested in delivering the body and honoring the dead, she also found the stories interesting. The mural peaked her interest even more since she was the adventurous type and like most children found such tales of adventure exciting.

"Who is Valthrun? Is he another priest?"

[Solinvitus]

"You mentioned castle. Do you know where is the castle? Or is it another hearsay?" The dark elf questioned after a short muse.

[CalebRoberts]

"Who is Valthrun? Is he another priest?"

"Master Valthrun is a sage of no small knowledge, but he is bit of a recluse. He chose Winterhaven many years ago as his hermitage of sorts. He lives in the old watchtower, around which the village of Winterhaven exists, such as it is. He knows much, but is an... eccentric fellow. We have not seen him down from Winterhaven in years. I would suspect it is the same with Highmoon on the other side of the Thunder Peaks.

Personally, i doubt he has an affiliation to any deity or force beyond knowledge itself, but, you can never be sure with him."
====
"The castle is very much there, dark elf, or, at least what is left of it. It lies at the source of the Winter river, up the valley from the town. Why it was built there..." she shrugs and lifts her hands unknowingly. "Though the forces of old Cormyr never did things without purpose."

[onlie2005]

Maria nods to the Chauntean priest's words. She makes a mental note to try and visit this Valthrun. Otherwise she is done with the questions and just waits for everyone to get going to Winterhaven.

[AvianMalkavian]

"We thank you for your time, Lady Benda. You have been most gracious and accomodating. We will do our best to get to the bottom of this mystery, you have my word," With that, she turned and made certain that she had everything she needed packed away, "We should get moving while its still light out."

[Solinvitus]

The dark elf rest his hands on the hilts of his katar and scimitar, and nods in approval. It seems to him the lady can offer no further information.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Not being a linguist, Kale just listens to the lady's stories. When she is finished, he nods in appreciation of her knowledge, and the fact that she chose to share it with them. He then waits for the others to finish their questions. Once they do he stands, makes a few short sentences about some thanks to the lady, and waits for the others to leave.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert nods in agreement at Freja's suggestion that the party set out sooner rather than later. He stays quiet, letting the skald and the genasi handle the thank yous and farewells, and stands ready to depart with the others.

[CalebRoberts]

All

You say good bye to the exceptionally nice Lady of the Field, leaving the body of Gervan behind for a proper burial (i think?)

The way out of town towards Winterhaven and the pass goes right by the tavern from last nights happenings. As you come closer you can see the barkeep and what looks to be a few employees dragging something wrapped in canvas tarp onto a horse cart. As soon as the barkeep see you he come bustling up, face red as a beet.

"What in the Hells is wrong with you people! Leaving the naked, dead body of that woman in on of my rooms! You people are disgusting!" He spits at your feet.

Seeing Nashikrak he walks right up to the Drow. "Ah bet this one is responsible! Disgusting filth from the dark."

Git out ah Arabel and don't come back!"

He makes an offensive gesture at you then heads back to carting the body off.

[Solinvitus]

The dark elf bows his head slightly to allow his hood to drop lower. He peers under the curve edge at the angry man, and his lips curls back to reveal his white teeth, set against his dark skin. This is possibly one of the few occassion the dark elf let off a non-threatening smile. He reaches for his pouch, grabs a coin and saunters toward the man. "Here's for ye trouble" he drops 2 gold coins onto the eager man's palm and walks a way. "Thank you for the laugh. I haven't had one for so long"

[CalebRoberts]

The man looks incredulously at Nashikrak for moment as the coins are pressed into his hand. With a snarl he throws them at Nash's chest. "Gold fer me floor and tables is one thing, filth! This!..." he points a finger trembling with rage at the body

"...This is beyond sumthin gold can fix. Yer disgusting Drow." The man just sputters angrily as he walks off.

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja shakes her head at Nashikrak's latest attempt to embarrass the party, letting out a disappointed sigh, "And I thought the Dark Elves were so good with people. In the future, can we avoid leaving dead bodies in rooms for Innkeepers to find later? Otherwise, I think we will quickly run out of places to sleep."

Looking to the Innkeeper, she smiles apologetically, "I am sorry for the inconvenience that this has caused. Please believe me when I say that the Drow's action is his alone. Sadly, we have important business in Winterhaven, but when we are done we will gladly seek some means of recompense."

Diplomacy Roll: [roll0]

[onlie2005]

Maria gives Nashikrak one of those knowing looks but pretty much says nothing. She could not believe the dark elf at times but she has known him well enough to know that it was useless trying to talk sense into him. He did what he did. Shaking her head she says, "Come on guys. Damage is done. We have a job to do."

[Solinvitus]

The dark elf's rare smile ceased abruptly from his face, his lips a thin line and eyes glared menacingly at the man like a tiger ready to pounce on his prey. When his comrade intervened with diplomacy, he shut his eyes and his chest rise to draw a long breath. Then he turned and walked out of the tavern, "Time to go...before more blood is spilled." Natshikrak said it loud enough for that man to hear.

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral just shakes his head and with a smirk he is ready to move on.

[Rjanag]

Maria gives Nashikrak one of those knowing looks but pretty much says nothing. She could not believe the dark elf at times but she has known him well enough to know that it was useless trying to talk sense into him. He did what he did. Shaking her head she says, "Come on guys. Damage is done. We have a job to do."


Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert holds his tongue. Part of him wants to speak out on Natshikrak's behalf against the innkeeper's racist remarks--after all, as Bert was taught, there is a circle of life, and all living creatures (not just drow) are conceived in darkness before they are born into the light. But on the other hand, the drow did do what the innkeeper accused him of.

So Bert chooses to remain silent and, as usual, let Freja do the talking. For once agreeing with Maria, he stands a little ways ahead of the others, waiting to move on when they are ready.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale just stood as the Innkeeper, Nashikrak, and the others seemed to go back and forth. Kale didn't care what the drow did in his spare time, for the most part, but the unwanted attention was not good. "Nashikrak, do what you will, I am not here to be your mother......but do not bring attention to us like that. It is bad enough that we are going to Winterhaven, we don't also need to leave a trail for people to follow so easily. You put Maria in danger......and we will have words...." Kale was not threatening Nashikrak in any way, merely warning him of the dangers of unwanted attention.....and putting his little one in unwanted danger. "Let us be away from here."

[CalebRoberts]

All

With that rather uncomfortable situation at an end, you get going. The road from Arabel to the East is wide and well travelled. The rains of last night have washed away the traces of any previous traffic and you can see that a few wagons have gotten on the road ahead of you. The morning is pleasantly brisk and by midday it has warmed to an ideal temperature. The going is easy and you make camp just off the road near an idyllic bend in the Winter river that comes off the Thuner Peaks.

The second day is much the same, and by the end of it you are well into the foothills of the Thunder Peak. You can see the mountains looming in the not so far distance, their rough spires cloaked in clouds.

Just after midday you reach the top of the pass. It is a small, grassy clearing among small stone spires. A carved wooden sign post stands to the side of the path. The sign says "Highmoon" and points down the descending Northeast road. Below on the sign it says "Winterhaven" and points to the Southeast down a narrower cart track. The track to Winterhaven winds its way into, and presumably through, a boulder field not far from your location.


===========

If you want to detail your journey here some more please do. If you want to have any conversations along the way please do.

After that, please tell me how you all proceeded. Feel free to discuss option In Character or Out of Character.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert gives an audible sigh of relief as the party leaves Arabel and takes to the road. The well-worn path may not be quite wilderness, but it's certainly more free and open than the crowded buildings and streets where they had spent the past few days. Bert's mood changes noticeably after not much time in the road, and he chats freely with the others over the next two days of traveling, seeming relaxed, even carefree.

"It looks like we're close," he says, looking off into the boulder field, when the party stops momentarily at the fork in the road. "Freja, you seem to know these parts... do you think we can make it to Winterhaven before nightfall?" Bert would not normally mind spending another night in the outdoors. But these mountains feel different than the forests where he grew up. The vegetation is smaller--where there is any at all--and area around seems a little too vast. The further the party had gone up the mountain, the more naked and unprotected he felt.

"We should move carefully," he adds. "The path does not look well-traveled. Who knows what lives up here in the mountains."

[onlie2005]

Maria Fireheart (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=458331)

OOC: I have always loved this THEME (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEJCaTLfRGQ). Might go well with representing Maria and her courageous life as a 9 year old adventuring wizard with a dangerous past. What do you think?

If there was one thing this adventuring life was not something to complain about, was the openness and adventure that came with it. Mind you she still suffered from a sore behind from time to time from all the riding, but she in some ways felt free and more relaxed while doing so. Better than a stuffy library that's for sure, although she still loved libraries and the knowledge that came with it.

As the first day passed, at least she was now used to the daily grind of wilderness travel. Especially since she now had a horse and her feet did not hurt her much from all the walking. For those who do not have horses and feel to tired to walk she would offer her her mount but for now she was happy to keep off her feet. The girl stays in the middle of party and is as alert as she can possibly be. Although being new to the adventuring scene she was still not good at it. Still she tried, concentrating on the road ahead of her and behind from occasion. The girl is at least trying to pull her weight as best she could and takes first watch always. She refuses to sleep the entire night while others spend hours awake guarding her back. Along the way she will also look for edible berries to pick while travelling. One can never be too long on rations.

Nature Check:[roll0]

When they approach the fork, she just holds her position and keeps on the lookout for trouble.

Perception Check:[roll1]

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja wrapped her cloak about herself tightly, wanting to ward off the cold air that greeted them as they made their way into the Thunder Peaks. She did her best to keep an eye out, but assured herself that her companions were far more capable of doing so than herself. At Bert's question she turned, looking around to try and get an idea of where they were exactly, "It's possible, if we move quickly enough. Winterhaven lies within the midst of the Thunder Peaks," The Skald pointed up at the mountains ahead of them, "So it is not beyond our reach. And the sooner we get there, the better, the Peaks are also home to creatures who would not take kindly to our presence."

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak did not say a word throughout the journey, nodding and crossing his head being his only responses whenever the conversation with him occurred. He wore a sulky face since the party left the inn. One might have suspected it was most likely the words of Kale that disturbed him.

The dark elf had very little interactions with the civilized world and understood much less of their strange ways. For the first decade of his life, he lived in vast underworld with his kind. House Menzoharask had taught him nothing more than the way of deliberate cruelty. After the house fell, he cheated death but ended up, for another decade, as a slave in caverns of a beholder. Even after his escape later, when he was recruited into his current organisation, he was thrown into rigorous training that taught him no more about the surface world than he needed to know to be efficient. The first real experiences he had was with this party.

His behaviors had been a natural extension of him, a product of his dark past. He was not upset by Kale's words at all. He was just confused and something in him wanted to adjust, in accordance to the standards of the surface world. Not that he should throw away his personal beliefs entirely but at least, like what kale said- not to attract too much attention to the group. He will try...though he reckoned it is going to be tough.

[CalebRoberts]

Freja knows that Winterhaven can easily be reached by the end of the day. You all cannot see it but it is not that far off.

Maria:
Nature: Maria finds at least a days rations worth of berries.

Perception: As with the rest of the road, the cart track was also washed clean. Fortunately this makes the tracks much easier to see.

They are wolf or dog tracks, though the large amount of them suggests a pack of some sort.

They are mostly smeared and seem to have been laid down when the mud was the freshest, right after the storm.

[onlie2005]

Maria looks down at the tracks with concerned eyes. She looks ahead and has a feeling of apprehension. But she will continue on as the party continues on to Winterhaven.

"Um guys I think a pack of wolves or dogs of some sort might have been through here last night. Maybe we should tread a little more carefully as we approach Winterhaven, especially if they are wolves."

Nature Check to Identify Tracks:[roll0]
Nature Check to Glean Nature of Animals that made tracks:[roll1]

[CalebRoberts]

Maria:
Yes, they are wolf tracks.

There is at least one set of larger wolf tracks, but anything more about the nature of the animals is impossible to gain by just the tracks.
Bert:
As bert looks at the tracks he beings to get a sense of unease, as if something is out of balance in the natural world. He cannot pinpoint it but there is definitely something not quite right.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert stoops down to examine the tracks that Maria points out. "It was right of you to show this to us, child," he tells her, hoping to reinforce her good behavior. Then he turns to the rest of the party and continues, "Something is...off...about these. The girl is right, we should be careful...not just as we continue, but now. Something feels unnatural about this place."

He continues to examine the tracks, trying to get a feel for whether or not the area is safe. In particular, he looks for any signs of how recently the wolves have passed through, whether this is a path they follow frequently, and whether the tracks continue towards the boulder field that the party is about to cross. The more he looks at the tracks, the closer his hand creeps to the handle of his battleaxe.


Nature check: [roll0]

[CalebRoberts]

Bert:
Bert can tell nothing more the Maria. The rains washed away evidence of any previous travels. The wolves were likely here just after the rains.

The tracks indicate that they came down the cart track to just above the main road. circled around for a while, marked their territory, then headed back up the trail.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert stands up and says to the others, "I think we should get moving again. Whatever was here before might come back soon, and I'd just as rather not be here when it does. There's something downright wrong here." He takes his axe in his hand and moves a few paces down the path towards Winterhaven, hoping to get the others moving as well.

[CalebRoberts]

All

If the party is moving up the path you can attempt a group stealth check if desired.

Rules:
• 4/6 successful stealth checks required. DC: 13
• the Aid another action can be used but the Aiding PC will not accrue a success or failure for the group check.

=======

If individuals would rather stealth on their own, rather then with the group, please state that and your check will apply to only you. The ratio of successes will be adjusted accordingly.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale walked next to, but a little in front of, Maria's horse. He tended to walk with Maria, as opposed to riding with her, because horses didn't usually like his....warmer....nature. He walked as a silent guardian next to her, ever watchful. They got to the fork and started down the road to Winterhaven. His little one noticed some tracks and made him proud. "Good little one, we will be careful from here on out. Everyone keep an eye out for anything strange." Kale wasn't too worried about the wilds, but something didn't feel right. Kale unsheathed his sword and held it at his side. He then put his left hand out, as if he was feeling for something.

Making an Arcana check to see if there are any oddities on the trail ahead of us, or around us. [roll0]

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
As the party continues down the path and towards the boulders, Bert walks at the head of the group, axe in hand, looking all around for signs of movement.


Perception check: [roll0]

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja draws her own sword, sticking close to the group and keeping an eye out for danger. The others were saying that something wasn't right with the tracks, which didn't really surprise the skald, "If the servants of Shar are after something here, it seems likely that their presence has disrupted the natural order."

Perception Roll: [roll0]

[Kevin Burns]

With talk of wolves Immeral has an uneasy feeling about the whole thing especially when Bert brings up how wrong things are. He knows that nothing good can come of it.

Group Stealth Check:
[roll0]

"It sounds to me that we should tread a little more carefully, just in case we do run into something or something wants to run into us."

Usually this is where Immeral would slink away from the group but this time it may be important for the group to stay together and out of sight. Besides, I would miss these guys if something bad happened. He thought with a smile

[Kevin Burns]

After seeing the others draw their weapons he does the same drawing dagger and short sword. "Better safe than sorry."

Immeral takes a look around.
Perception Check:
[roll0]

[onlie2005]

"There was a larger wolf among them as well. We might want to be very very careful. I suggest we head as quiickly as possible to Winterhaven before nightfall. Somehow I don't like the idea of fighting this particular pack, especially at night.", Maria says as she takes her wand out of her right pocket. If anything she agrees that the weapons are a necessity.

OOC: Nature Check to see if Maria may have some knowledge of wolves either through research or maybe observing them from time to time personally. After all she grew up in the Dalelands. :smalltongue:

Nature Check:[roll0]
Nature Check:[roll1]

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak crouched and studied the trails along with his comrade to find out what else can he tell about the wolves. Then his hands slid to his blades instinctively as he stood up and gave the surroundings a brief study.

"Follow my steps...if you do not wish to be seen or heard." The dark elf's light footstep carried him into the shadows of the terrain at a pace his comrades could follow.

Nature:
[roll0]
Perception
[roll1]
Knack of Ambush (stance) after his roll, allies within 10 feet gain +2 stealth until next turn.
[roll2]

[onlie2005]

Maria gets off her horse and says, "Maybe someone could get on this horse? It is kind of conspicuous but I am easier to hit than any of you guys. And a horse travelling alone with a saddle is kind of suspicious."

Maria is regretting this decision though. She does not want to put anyone in danger while she hides.

[CalebRoberts]

Everyone is on edge, their senses hyperalert. Kale searches for magic use but cannot find anything around.

Nashikrak corroborates Maria's theory of a bigger individual and further determines that there is a single larger pack member.

The really surprising thing is that you make it almost to the Winterhaven vale, within sight of the end of the boulder field before the attack you all know is coming happens.

A massive wolf, bigger then any wolf should be lurches from around the massive boulder at the end of the rocks. A thin, dark purple smoke like field wafts from its black eyes. It seems like is not fully in control of it's faculties.

At the same a whole pack of wolves shows itself all around your small group, howling an yipping. Maria's horse goes into a panic. (Whomever is on the horse at this point must make a DC 12 Acrobatics or fall prone)


=======

Please roll initiatives and make perception check.



Group Stealth = FAIL

Success:
Nashikrak
Bert
Immeral

Failure/did not participate:
Maria
Kale
Freja

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale immediately grabs Maria, moving her away from the horse so she doesn't get kicked. In doing so, he scoops her behind himself, facing off to as many wolves as he can and still keep him between them and her.

Just a nice flavor post
Perception [roll0]
Initiative [roll1]

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja practically grins when the wolf shows up, ready and even eager for another battle. She spins the sword in her hands before taking a ready stance, "Careful, everyone. This is bound to be a bit more difficult than those thugs in the tavern."

Initiative: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
"What in the nine hells is that..." Bert mutters when he sees the large wolf. As he prepares to defend the party, he looks closely at the large wolf and its pack to see if he recognizes what they are.


Initiative: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]
Monster Knowledge (Nature check on the big wolf, let me know if I need a separate one for the small ones): [roll2]

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak continued to move forward, his weapons readied with the blades covered by his arms in backhand position. His blue eyes surveyed the battle situation to further determine which to strike. "Go for the Alpha of the pack.." He thought himself as he pursed his lips while allowing them to widen.

Initiative [roll0]
Perception [roll1]

[onlie2005]

"I think that is a dire wolf.", Maria says as she readies her wand.


Initiative:[roll0]
Monster Knowledge(Nature): [roll1]

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral moves closer to the group. "This should be...interesting, never a dull moment with you guys" Immeral says with a smirk.

Perception Check:
[roll0]

Initiative Check:
[roll1]

[CalebRoberts]

Initiatives:
[roll0]

[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]
[roll13]

[CalebRoberts]

Perception Checks:
Freja, Bert, & Nashikrak spot two creatures crawling down the cliff face to their right.

It looks like this:

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad214/Archangel_EPOB/DnD4e_Pics_project/Things/FRCG240-kir-lananwing.jpg

Those who did not spot the creatures grant CA to it until the end of the first round. (Kale, Marianna, Immeral)
Monster Knowledge Checks:
???: All you know is that this thing is in no way natural.
- Minor Action - Religion check for more info

Large Wolf: Its size is unnatural. It is not the separate species known as the Dire Wolf that is differentiated by bony protrusions. This wolf has been somehow enlarged or perverted from its natural state.

All wolves: You know that they like to gang up on weaker or mor vulnerable prey, especially those that are down on the ground (Prone)

Defenses:
???: Unknown
Large Wolf: unknown
Healthy Wolves: AC:16 FORT:14 REF:15 WILL:13
Starving Wolves (minion): AC:16 FORT:14 REF:14 WILL:13


=================

Along with the massive wolf, and entire pack emerges from the rocks all around you. A few of the wolves are a bit larger then the rest. They look strong and healthy. The majority of them are scrawny, looking like they have not had a decent meal in a while and are ravenous.

Two of the thin wolves bolt forward ahead of the rest, too eager for a meal. Immeral is ready and blocks the snapping jaws. Freja is surprised from above. She takes a nasty bite to the shoulder and trips over a stone.

Maria is UP!

Enemy Actions:
Starving Wolf 1
Charge Immeral - [roll0]
Hit: 5 damage

Starving Wolf 6
Move: E13 to G13
Standard: Bite Freja - w/CA (attack from above) - [roll1]
Hit: 6 damage and knocked prone


=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Ambush01.png

Map Features:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: difficult terrain.
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: double difficult terrain - requires 3 squares of movement to move through.
Elevated Rocks: takes 2 squares of movement & DC 10 athletics to get up. (A passive check of 10 or higher is sufficient without a roll)

Effects:

Characters:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kale.png - Kale
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Marianna.png - Marianna
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Nashikrak.png - Nashikrak
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Immeral.png - Immeral
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Freja.png - Freja
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Bert.png - Bert
Enemies:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Large-Wolf.png - Large Wolf
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Hunting-Wilf.png - Healthy Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Minion.png - Starving Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kir-Lanan.png - Unknown so far
Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 23 | Starving Wolf 1 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 20 | Starving Wolf 6 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 20 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
| 19 | Healthy Wolf 1 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
| 19 | Healthy Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/15/13 |
| 18 | Immeral | 34/34 | 7/7 |
| 16 | ???1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 16 | Starving Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 16 | Starving Wolf 7 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 14 | Starving Wolf 8 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 13 | Freja | 27/33 | 8/8 | PRONE
| 12 | Bert | 32/32 | 9/9 |
| 11 | Healthy Wolf 2 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
| 10 | Starving Wolf 4 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 9 | Starving Wolf 5 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 8 | Large Wolf | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | ???2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | Kale | 42/42 | 11/11 |
| 7 | Nashikrak | 29/29 | 7/7 |
| 6 | Starving Wolf 2 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |[/table]

[onlie2005]

Maria is about to cast a spell when she realizes that the wolves are too spread apart. She knows that this pack is going to swarm them but she also knows that the spells she has work better again congregated enemies. So she decides to cast another more direct spell and wait for the wolves to move in a more accessible position. Until then she mutters a spell that causes lightning to form around her wand and shoot out towards two of the wolves.


Standard Action:Cast Arc Lightning on Starving Wolves 1 and 6. INT vs REF. If critical hit on any enemy, 12 damage total.

Arc Lightning on Starving Wolf 1:[roll0]
Damage on Starving Wolf 1:[roll1]
Reroll 1:[roll2]
Arc Lightning on Starving Wolf 2:[roll3]
Damage on Starving Wolf 2:[roll4]
Reroll 1:[roll5]

[onlie2005]

OOC: Sorry DM it is +6 damage not +5. Also I would like to use my Heroic Effort racial feat on the attack on Starving Wolf 1 adding +4 to the attack and thus making it a hit.

[CalebRoberts]

NOTE: this is not actually a quote, just using it for the box.

I forgot to mention. Melee attacks down from above benefit from CA. All combatants get this bonus.

In additon, attacking a creature occupying a double difficult space also benefits from CA due to the target being off balance on a slope.


With little more then a pain yelp, the two front runners go down under little Marianna's lightning. The bigger wolves dart in.

Again Immeral rebuffs the fierce jaws but Nashikrak block to late and takes a bite to the forearm. Both wolves dart back out of reach, snarling an snapping.

Immeral is UP!


=================

Enemy Actions:
Healthy Wolf 1
Move: D10>E9>F9>G10
Standard: Bite Nashikrak
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1]
Effect: shift 2 to D8

Healthy Wolf 3
Standard: Charge to I14 - Bite Immeral
Attack: [roll2]
Hit: [roll3]
Effect: shift 4 to J19



=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Ambush02.png

Map Features:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: difficult terrain.
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: double difficult terrain - requires 3 squares of movement to move through.
Elevated Rocks: takes 2 squares of movement & DC 10 athletics to get up. (A passive check of 10 or higher is sufficient without a roll)

Effects:

Characters:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kale.png - Kale
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Marianna.png - Marianna
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Nashikrak.png - Nashikrak
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Immeral.png - Immeral
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Freja.png - Freja
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Bert.png - Bert
Enemies:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Large-Wolf.png - Large Wolf
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Hunting-Wilf.png - Healthy Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Minion.png - Starving Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kir-Lanan.png - Unknown so far
Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 20 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 1 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/15/13 |
| 18 | Immeral | 34/34 | 7/7 |
| 16 | ???1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 16 | Starving Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 16 | Starving Wolf 7 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 14 | Starving Wolf 8 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 13 | Freja | 27/33 | 8/8 | PRONE
| 12 | Bert | 32/32 | 9/9 |
| 11 | Healthy Wolf 2 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
| 10 | Starving Wolf 4 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 9 | Starving Wolf 5 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 8 | Large Wolf | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | ???2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | Kale | 42/42 | 11/11 |
| 7 | Nashikrak | 18/29 | 7/7 |
| 6 | Starving Wolf 2 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |[/table]

[Kevin Burns]

After watching Maria's lighting course through the wolves in front of him Immeral readies a dagger for his foe.

Standard Action: Deft Strike, Dexterity vs. AC
Move: I13>I14

Attack: [roll0] on Starving Wolf 8

Hit: [roll1]

[CalebRoberts]

Immeral misses with the dagger and the wolf snarls back.

One of the things on the cliff hisses, then laughs like a man. It says something that is clearly language but noting any of you have heard before. Leathery wings sporting a claw at the joint unfold and it glides down closer to you all. Its clawed hands come up, palms towards you all. A sickly green-black beam lances out at Marianna but she just barely dodges it.

Most of the wolves to your rear gang up on Immeral as he emerges from the protection of the group and the boulder. The eladrin is knocked to the ground and savaged by the three wolves even before Burt can come to his aid.

Bert and Freja are UP!


=================

Enemy Actions:
??? 1
Move: Fly P21 to N16
Standard: Enfeebling Ray vs REF
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1], -2 to attacks, grants CA until the end of ??? 1's next turn

Starving Wolf 3
Standard: charge Immeral - F16 to I15
Attack: [roll2]
Hit: 4 damage

Starving Wolf 7
Move: D13 to H14
Standard: Bite Immeral
Attack: w/CA [roll3]
Hit: 4 damage and knocked prone

Starving Wolf 8
Move:G16 to J14, avoids OAs
Standard: w/CA [roll4]
Hit: 5 damage if prone, if not 4 damage and knocked prone



=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Ambush03.png

Map Features:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: difficult terrain.
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: double difficult terrain - requires 3 squares of movement to move through.
Elevated Rocks: takes 2 squares of movement & DC 10 athletics to get up. (A passive check of 10 or higher is sufficient without a roll)

Effects:

Characters:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kale.png - Kale
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Marianna.png - Marianna
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Nashikrak.png - Nashikrak
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Immeral.png - Immeral
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Freja.png - Freja
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Bert.png - Bert
Enemies:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Large-Wolf.png - Large Wolf
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Hunting-Wilf.png - Healthy Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Minion.png - Starving Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kir-Lanan.png - Unknown so far
Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 20 | Maria | 25/25 | 6/6 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 1 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/15/13 |
X | 18 | Immeral | 21/34 | 7/7 | PRONE
X | 16 | ???1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 16 | Starving Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 16 | Starving Wolf 7 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 14 | Starving Wolf 8 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 13 | Freja | 27/33 | 8/8 | PRONE
| 12 | Bert | 32/32 | 9/9 |
| 11 | Healthy Wolf 2 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
| 10 | Starving Wolf 4 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 9 | Starving Wolf 5 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 8 | Large Wolf | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | ???2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | Kale | 42/42 | 11/11 |
| 7 | Nashikrak | 18/29 | 7/7 |
| 6 | Starving Wolf 2 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |[/table]

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja growls as she climbs back to her feet, raising her sword and letting out a ferocious battle cry, "Come on! Lets send these beasts back to whatever hell they crawled out of!"

Move Action: Stand up.
Minor Action: Activate Skald's Aura.
Standard: Convert to Minor, activate Song of Savagery.

Song of Savagery:
At-Will + Martial
Minor Action Personal
Effect: Until the end of the encounter or until you use
another bard at-will attack power, your skald's aura gains
the following effect: Each time you hit an enemy with a
basic attack, one of your allies in the aura gains a +4 power bonus to his or her next damage roll before the end of your next turn.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
As the smaller wolves harry the party, Bert keeps his focus on the large one with the purple eyes. He doesn't know what this abomination to nature can do, but he knows he needs to keep it away from his companions. Bert hesitates for a moment when Immeral is knocked down, but quickly decides he can help more by keeping the large beast away.

"Handle these, I'll hold the big one off," he barks to Freja, as he takes off down the path towards the hulking unnatural wolf. He darts between his companions and then, once past them, charges headlong at the big wolf, smashing it with the back of his axe in attempt to knock it down.

Once he has the wolf knocked over, he stands near it, ready to keep it there if it tries to move away. He steals a glance over his shoulder at the things coming down the cliff, in order to see if he can tell what they are.

(OOC: After posting my original rolls I just decided to add a minor action to Monster Knowledge on the question marks, I'll roll it up in the OOC because I'm afraid if I try to edit in a roll here I might mess up my good attack roll!)


Move: J13 to H8, provoke OA from Starving Wolf 8
Standard: Charge to H6 and use Knockdown Assault on Large Wolf
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: 4 damage, and Large Wolf is knocked prone. (Hit or miss, Large Wolf is marked until the end of Bert's next turn.

[CalebRoberts]

Monster Knowledge Check:
The creatures are certaintly something out of the evil empire of Netheril. They seem to be made of the stuff of shadows and corrupted with vile spells.

Bert abandons Immeral to the savage wolves. Charging across the battlefield he knocks the big wolf on its side. But, he is immediately swarmed by wolves he did not see behind the small hill the party had been rounding.

The warrior is knocked off his feet but valiantly keeps the massive, trapped jaws from bitting him in half. Though, he suspects it had more to do with the beast being clumsy then his own prowess.

Marianna avoids the first ray but steps right into the second. The awful energies arc through her, deadening her senses.

Kale and Nashikrak are UP!


=================

Enemy Actions:
Wolf 8 OA vs Bert
[roll0]
Hit: 4 damage

=============

Healthy Wolf 2
Move: M9 to R11
Standard: Bite Horse
Attack: [roll1]
Hit: [roll2]
Effect: Shift 4 to I13

Starving Wolf 4
Standard: Charge Bert
Attack: [roll3]
Hit: 4 damage

Starving Wolf 5
Move: K6 to G7, avoid OA
Standard: Bite vs Bert
Attack: w/CA [roll4]
Hit: 4 damage and knocked prone

Large Wolf
Move: Stand
Standard: Bite vs Bert
Attack: w/ CA [roll5]
Hit: [roll6] (use only the 1st d8 if not already prone. Bert falls prone

??? 2
Move: Fly P15 to N13
Standard: Enfeebling Ray (REF) vs Marianna
Attack: [roll7]
Hit: [roll8] necrotic damage, -2 to attacks and grant CA until the end of ??? 2's next turn


=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Ambush04.png

Map Features:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: difficult terrain.
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: double difficult terrain - requires 3 squares of movement to move through.
Elevated Rocks: takes 2 squares of movement & DC 10 athletics to get up. (A passive check of 10 or higher is sufficient without a roll)

Effects:
Purple Square: Skald's Aura

Characters:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kale.png - Kale
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Marianna.png - Marianna
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Nashikrak.png - Nashikrak
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Immeral.png - Immeral
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Freja.png - Freja
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Bert.png - Bert
Enemies:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Large-Wolf.png - Large Wolf
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Hunting-Wilf.png - Healthy Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Minion.png - Starving Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kir-Lanan.png - Unknown so far
Status:
Round 1

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 20 | Marianna | 15/25 | 6/6 | -2 to Atk, grants CA ue ??? 2 nt (Rnd 2)
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 1 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/15/13 |
X | 18 | Immeral | 21/34 | 7/7 | PRONE
X | 16 | ???1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 16 | Starving Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 16 | Starving Wolf 7 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 14 | Starving Wolf 8 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 13 | Freja | 27/33 | 8/8 | PRONE
X | 12 | Bert | 28/32 | 9/9 | PRONE
X | 11 | Healthy Wolf 2 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
X | 10 | Starving Wolf 4 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 9 | Starving Wolf 5 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 8 | Large Wolf | -4 | ?/?/?/? | Marked
X | 8 | ???2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | Kale | 42/42 | 11/11 |
| 7 | Nashikrak | 18/29 | 7/7 |
| 6 | Starving Wolf 2 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 0 | Riding Horse | 32/36 | 14/15/13/10[/table]

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak shifted his stance in sparse of seconds, dashed pass the smaller wolves, skidded with a sharp turn and threw his swing and stab at the big wolf like a hungry tiger gnawing at its prey. "Sorry Bert...I am late...I hope I still in time for the party!" He flashed his pearly white teeth, "Let's get this FAT dog out of the way!"

Minor Action: Aspect of Charging Ram (+2 damage, knock prone, doesn't provoke OA while moving.)

Move: G3 (charging)

Standard Action: Big Wolf (Flank and Prone)
Attack
(1) MBA: [roll0]
(2) Dual Attack: [roll1]
Damage
(1) MBA: [roll2]
(2) Dual Attack: [roll3]

Free Action: Ongoing poison and weakened if dual attack hit. Poison Katar.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale sees Immeral in trouble and runs over to help him, slashing at the wolf attacking the horse behind him, hoping to give him some room to move.

Actions
Move - H13
Standard - Booming Blade vs AC [roll0]
Damage - [roll1], and if the target is adjacent to you at the start of its next turn and moves away during that turn, it takes [roll2] thunder damage
Minor - Aegis on 8

[CalebRoberts]

Kale misses the wolf but his arcane sigil draws it's attention none the less.

Nashikrak joins Bert in the assault on the behemoth but cannot get past the thick fur. Bert does notice that the drow's katar is not the same as the one he has been using in the past. It is enameled purple all over the blade. Bert recognizes it as the same blade that the Shadar-Kai woman used to bring him down in the Arabel tavern.

The last, sickest wolf joins in on the frenzy over Immeral. It tears wildly at his arms, shredding the skin.

Marianna's horse panics from the wolf bite. Its eyes roll wildly as it rears and jerks about. It flees through boulders, heedless of its own safety.

Marianna is UP!


=================

Enemy Actions:
Starving Wolf 2
Move: K21 to K15
Standard: Bite Immeral
Attack: w/CA [roll0]
Hit: 5 damage

Riding Horse:
Double Move: I11/J12 to L5/M6


=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Ambush05.png

Map Features:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: difficult terrain.
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: double difficult terrain - requires 3 squares of movement to move through.
Elevated Rocks: takes 2 squares of movement & DC 10 athletics to get up. (A passive check of 10 or higher is sufficient without a roll)

Effects:
Purple Square: Skald's Aura

Characters:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kale.png - Kale
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Marianna.png - Marianna
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Nashikrak.png - Nashikrak
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Immeral.png - Immeral
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Freja.png - Freja
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Bert.png - Bert
Enemies:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Large-Wolf.png - Large Wolf
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Hunting-Wilf.png - Healthy Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Minion.png - Starving Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kir-Lanan.png - Unknown so far
Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
| 20 | Marianna | 15/25 | 6/6 | -2 to Atk, grants CA ue ??? 2 nt (Rnd 2)
| 19 | Healthy Wolf 1 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 |
| 19 | Healthy Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/15/13 |
| 18 | Immeral | 16/34 | 7/7 | BLOODIED!, PRONE
| 16 | ???1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 16 | Starving Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 16 | Starving Wolf 7 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 14 | Starving Wolf 8 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 13 | Freja | 27/33 | 8/8 |
| 12 | Bert | 28/32 | 9/9 | PRONE
| 11 | Healthy Wolf 2 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 | Aegis (Kale)
| 10 | Starving Wolf 4 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 9 | Starving Wolf 5 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 8 | Large Wolf | -4 | 19/?/?/? | Marked
| 8 | ???2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | Kale | 42/42 | 11/11 |
| 7 | Nashikrak | 18/29 | 7/7 |
| 6 | Starving Wolf 2 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 0 | Riding Horse | 32/36 | 14/15/13/10[/table]

[CalebRoberts]

Round 1 Summary

The party is assaulted by the wolf pack, just before reaching the Vale of Winterhaven. The strongest members of the pack dart in for quick attacks, then flee to relative safety. The weaker pack members close for the kill, heedless of the danger.

Two winged creatures blast at the obvious threat the young mage Marianna exhibits, scoring a devastating hit.

The melee combatants of the group spread out and are quickly isolated from one another. Immeral strikes out, only to be knocked down and torn into by five wolves. Kale moves to help the beleaguered eladrin.

Nashikrak and Bert engage the obvious threat of the unnaturally large wolf and are also swarmed by starving wolves.

Freja remains with Marianna, gauging her best course of action.

[onlie2005]

Maria realizes that she is in a very exposed area. But she also knows that her friends are in danger. So she once more makes a circular movement with her wand and then thrust it down, then up once more creating the powerful pillar of fire that served her well during the combat at the Gilded Lady.


Standard Action: Cast Fountain of Flame centered on H6. INT vs REF. Burst 1 within 10 squares. 3d8+5 damage if hit. Half damage if miss. 30 damage if critical hit. Afterwards any enemy entering or ending its turn within area of effect takes 5 damage. Because this is an evocation spell, I get to reroll a roll of 1 on one damage roll.

Fountain of Flame against Large Wolf:[roll0]
Fountain of Flame against Starving Wolf 4:[roll1]
Fountain of Flame against Starving Wolf 5:[roll2]
Damage Roll 1:[roll3]
Damage Roll 2:[roll4]
Damage Roll 3:[roll5]
Reroll 1:[roll6]

[CalebRoberts]

Surprisingly, the big wolf does not even react to the flames, though it's skin is getting rather charred. The Things on the rock screech and chitter loudly. Finally the big wolf whimpers a bit. This seems to get it's pack going.

One of the healthier ones darts into the flames, biting at Bert.
(Bert knows that wolves generally avoid fire at all costs)

One of the other healthier wolves closes with poor Immeral again. It bites, then leaps onto the rock, circling round the party.

Both Bert and Immeral fend off the attacks.

Immeral is UP!


=================

Enemy Actions:
Healthy Wolf 1
Standard: Charge Bert to G7 (AC) - Takes 5 fire damage
Attack: w/CA
Hit: [roll1]
Effect: wolf 1 shifts 3 squares to E9

Healthy Wolf 3
Move: J19 to H15
Standard: Bite Immeral (AC)
Attack: w/ CA [roll2]
Hit: [roll 2d6+6
Effect: Shift 4 squares to E13


=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Ambush06-1.png

Map Features:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: difficult terrain.
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: double difficult terrain - requires 3 squares of movement to move through.
Elevated Rocks: takes 2 squares of movement & DC 10 athletics to get up. (A passive bonus of 10 or higher is sufficient without a roll)

Effects:
Purple Square: Skald's Aura

Characters:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kale.png - Kale
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Marianna.png - Marianna
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Nashikrak.png - Nashikrak
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Immeral.png - Immeral
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Freja.png - Freja
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Bert.png - Bert
Enemies:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Large-Wolf.png - Large Wolf
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Hunting-Wilf.png - Healthy Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Minion.png - Starving Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kir-Lanan.png - Unknown so far
Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 20 | Marianna | 15/25 | 6/6 | -2 to Atk, grants CA ue ??? 2 nt (Rnd 2)
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 1 | -5 | 16/14/15/13 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/15/13 |
| 18 | Immeral | 16/34 | 7/7 | BLOODIED!, PRONE
| 16 | ???1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 16 | Starving Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 16 | Starving Wolf 7 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 14 | Starving Wolf 8 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 13 | Freja | 27/33 | 8/8 |
| 12 | Bert | 28/32 | 9/9 | PRONE
| 11 | Healthy Wolf 2 | -0 | 16/14/15/13 | Aegis (Kale)
| 10 | Starving Wolf 4 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 8 | Large Wolf | -26 | 19/?/?/? | Marked (Bert)
| 8 | ???2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | Kale | 42/42 | 11/11 |
| 7 | Nashikrak | 18/29 | 7/7 |
| 6 | Starving Wolf 2 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 0 | Riding Horse | 32/36 | 14/15/13/10[/table]

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral lays bloody on the grown, the situation seems even more grim as other enemies approach. Using his natural fey power of teleportation he falls back and throws a dagger his the closest foe.

Easy Target, Dexterity vs. AC
Move Action:
Teleport I14>I11

Standard Action:
Attack Roll: [roll0] (-2 prone)
Hit: Ranged Dagger [roll1] and the target is slowed and grants combat advantage to you (save ends both). Miss: Half damage, and the target grants combat advantage to you until the end of your next turn.

Minor Action: Skald's Aura
[roll2] to Hp

[CalebRoberts]

The creature on the rock launches out and glides to the big rock that the path curves into. It rapidly springs at Marianna, raking at her with it's claws. The attack is so vicious and the cuts are so deep, that Marianna simply feints, hitting her head hard on the ground.

Kale, spurned on by Marianna's plight fends off both wolves.

Immeral is immediately beset by one of the skinny wolves. It tears into him, driving his breath away, just as he was getting it back.

Freja has an OA vs ??? 1
Freja and Bert are UP!


=================

Enemy Actions:
??? 1
Move: fly N16 to F14
Standard: Mobile Melee vs Marianna (AC) - Fly F14>F13>F12>G11>F10 (Provokes OA from Freja)

Effect: the ??? can move 1/2 its speed. It can make one melee basic attack at any pont during that move. The movement does not provoke and OA from the target of the attack.

Attack: w/CA [roll0]
Hit: [roll1] damage +[roll2] necrotic damage + [roll3]

Starving Wolf 3
Move: I15 to I14
Standard: Bite vs Kale (AC)
Attack: [roll4]
Hit: 4 damage

Starving Wolf 7
Move: Shift H14 to G13
Standard: Bite vs Kale (AC)
Attack: w/CA [roll5]
Hit: 4 damage and knocked prone

Starving Wolf 8
Standard: Charge Immeral to
Attack: w/CA [roll6]
Hit: 5 damage + 2 for the CRIT



=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Ambush07.png

Map Features:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: difficult terrain.
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: double difficult terrain - requires 3 squares of movement to move through.
Elevated Rocks: takes 2 squares of movement & DC 10 athletics to get up. (A passive bonus of 10 or higher is sufficient without a roll)

Effects:
Purple Square: Skald's Aura

Characters:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kale.png - Kale
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Marianna.png - Marianna
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Nashikrak.png - Nashikrak
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Immeral.png - Immeral
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Freja.png - Freja
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Bert.png - Bert
Enemies:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Large-Wolf.png - Large Wolf
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Hunting-Wilf.png - Healthy Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Minion.png - Starving Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kir-Lanan.png - Unknown so far
Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 20 | Marianna | -2/25 | 6/6 | DYING, PRONE, -2 to Atk, grants CA ue ??? 2 nt (Rnd 2)
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 1 | -5 | 16/14/15/13 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/15/13 |
X | 18 | Immeral | 20/34 | 7/7 | PRONE
X | 16 | ???1 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 16 | Starving Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 16 | Starving Wolf 7 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 14 | Starving Wolf 8 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 13 | Freja | 27/33 | 8/8 |
| 12 | Bert | 28/32 | 9/9 | PRONE
| 11 | Healthy Wolf 2 | -6 | 16/14/15/13 | Aegis (Kale), Grants CA & Slowed (Save Ends)
| 10 | Starving Wolf 4 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 8 | Large Wolf | -26 | 19/?/?/? | Marked (Bert)
| 8 | ???2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | Kale | 42/42 | 11/11 |
| 7 | Nashikrak | 18/29 | 7/7 |
| 6 | Starving Wolf 2 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 0 | Riding Horse | 32/36 | 14/15/13/10[/table]

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
On the ground, Bert rolls around frantically, just barely managing to avoid the snapping jaws of several wolves. He is momentarily startled when one of them leaps into the fire after him--no natural wolf would have done that of its own accord.

Bert pulls himself to his feet as the ethereal flames lick around him. He shoots a glance back towards Immeral, feeling a shred of remorse for literally leaving his companion to the wolves. But then he shakes the feeling off and refocuses his attention on the great wolf looming before him. One threat at a time, Bert...

Knowing that the flames will soon take care of the scrawny wolf next to him, he decides to do what he can to keep the large wolf from being a threat. He waits for an opening, and then smashes the back of his axe down on the wolf's head, trying to knock it back to the ground. As it falls, he grits his teeth and summons up an extra ounce of energy from somewhere deep within himself, and hacks ferociously at the wolf on the ground, taking advantage of the moment to daze it. Hoping to create an opening for Natshikrak, he shouts to the drow, "To the high ground!", gesturing towards the rocks above.


Move: Stand up
Standard: Knockdown Assault on Large Wolf
Attack: [roll0] vs. Fortitude
Hit: 4 damage, Large Wolf is knocked prone. Hit or miss, Large Wolf is marked until the end of Bert's next turn.

If this attack hits:
Action point: Covering Attack on Large Wolf
Attack: [roll1] vs. AC
Hit: [roll2], and Natshikrak can shift up to 2 squares as a free action
If it hits, I'll use Surprise Strike as a free action to make the Large Wolf dazed until the end of Bert's next turn.

[CalebRoberts]

Quick Update:
Large wolf is bloodied, prone, dazed and marked.

Nice work Bert!

[AvianMalkavian]

"Foul demon! You will pay for harming the girl!" Freja growled viciously, slashing at the thing with her blade as it attempted to fly away.

Opportunity Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

If the attack hits:
Activate Lesser Ringing Weapon: 5 thunder damage and target grants combat advantage and cannot benefit from partial concealment until the end of my next turn.
Song Of Savagery: +4 damage to Bert's next damage roll before the end of Freja's next turn.

From there, she moved about to face one of the wild wolves, blade practically singing as she swung it through the air at the foul beast, "Die monsters! You will not have us this day!"

Standard Action: Basic Melee Attack vs. Wolf in I13 [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

If the attack hits:
Song Of Savagery: +4 to Immeral's next damage roll before the end of Freja's next turn.

Minor Action: Using Skald's Aura to let Marianna spend a healing surge and gain an additional [roll4] hit points.

Move Action: Converting to Minor and activating the Cautionary Tale Daily Power. Until the end of the encounter, Freja's skald's aura gains the following effect: Allies in the aura do not grant combat advantage while flanked. In addition, once before the end of the encounter, one of Freja's allies in the aura can deal 2d10 extra damage on any one attack that hits an enemy.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale, seeing what the big flying monster is about to do, jumps into action, trying to protect his little one. He throws up an arm, engulfing Maria in a protective arcane barrier, shielding her from part of the attack of the mysterious beast.

Kale cracks "Channeling shield", reducing the damage done to Maria by 8, so she should be at 6 HP, and still conscious. Also, the next successful attack I have does an additional 3 damage.

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak's smirk becomes visible as Bert's attack strike true and the beast falls flat on ground. "This should buy be time and space to build up a killing blow!" Almost reflexively, the dark elf shifts his footsteps backward and when enough distance is created, he spurs forward like a raging bull with his blades whirling menacingly in the air before they find its way deep into the beast.

Stance: Aspect of Charging Ram (+2 damage, knock prone, doesn't provoke OA while moving.)
Free Move: Shift 2 square back (compliment from Bert. : P )
Move: Toward the Wolf
Standard Action: Big Wolf (Prone)

Attack
(1) MBA: [roll0]
(2) Dual Attack: [roll1]

Damage
(1) MBA: [roll2]
(2) Dual Attack: [roll3]

Free Action: Ongoing poison and weakened if dual attack hit. Poison Katar.

[CalebRoberts]

The Large wolf has seemingly taken enough punishment to rouse it from it's odd stupor. With foam flecking it's lips it bites at Bert. The tough man takes most of the force on his forearm but he is still thrown back some.

Triggered Action: Immediate Reaction to the Large wolf being bloodied

Close Blast 2 - Bert is the only target after Nashikrak's shift back.
Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage, target is pushed 2 and knocked prone
Miss: Half damage and pushed 1 square

[CalebRoberts]

The large wolf, now roused but on it's back wriggles out of the flames. Hearing that their pack leader is in trouble, the pack begins to move towards the larger wolf. Freja and Bert turn back fleeing jaws.

Kale is distracted by Marianna coming so close to death. He only notices that the winged creature is attacking him when its claws rake his back. The tears in his elemental skin feel odd, like life energy is drained from that area. Not so much like a poison but like a removal of life. Odd.

Nashikrak & Kale are UP!


=================

Enemy Actions:
Healthy Wolf 2
Standard: Bite Freja
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1]
Effect: shift 2 squares to H15
Move: H15 to G14

Starving Wolf 4
Standard:Bite Bert
Attack: [roll2]
Hit: 4 damage
Move: I6 to H8 - provokes OA from Bert

Large Wolf
Move: Crawl G4/H5 to G3/H4


??? 2
Move: Fly N13 to I14
Standard: Mobile Melee Attack vs Kale (does not provoke OA from Kale) Fly I14 to E12
Attack: [roll3]
Hit: [roll4] damage + [roll5] necrotic damage
16 damage from + (1d6)[3] = 19 damage (4 necrotic)


=================

Map:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/AmbushXX.png

Map Features:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: difficult terrain.
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/DifficultTerrain.png: double difficult terrain - requires 3 squares of movement to move through.
Elevated Rocks: takes 2 squares of movement & DC 10 athletics to get up. (A passive bonus of 10 or higher is sufficient without a roll)

Effects:
Purple Square: Skald's Aura

•Cautionary Tale: Allies in the Aura do not grant CA for being flanked. Once, before the end of the encounter, an ally can add 2d10 damage to an attack that hits.

Characters:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kale.png - Kale
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Marianna.png - Marianna
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Nashikrak.png - Nashikrak
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Immeral.png - Immeral
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Freja.png - Freja
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Bert.png - Bert
Enemies:
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Large-Wolf.png - Large Wolf
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Hunting-Wilf.png - Healthy Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Minion.png - Starving Wolves
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/Kir-Lanan.png - Unknown so far
Status:
Round 2

{table=Head] Turn | Init | Name | HP | Surges/(AC/F/R/W) | Condition
X | 20 | Marianna | 15/25 | 6/6 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 1 | -5 | 16/14/15/13 |
X | 19 | Healthy Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/15/13 |
X | 18 | Immeral | 20/34 | 7/7 | PRONE, +4 Dmg to Nxt Atk ue Freja's nt (Round 3)
X | 16 | ???1 | -20 | ?/?/?/? |
X | 16 | Starving Wolf 3 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 16 | Starving Wolf 7 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 14 | Starving Wolf 8 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
X | 13 | Freja | 27/33 | 8/8 | Cautionary Tale (see map effects)
X | 12 | Bert | 18/32 | 9/9 |
X | 11 | Healthy Wolf 2 | -23 | 16/14/15/13 | BLOODIED!, Aegis (Kale), Grants CA & Slowed (Save Ends)
X | 8 | Large Wolf | -51 | 19/17/?/? | BLOODIED!, Marked (Bert), DAZED ue Bert's nt (Rnd 3)
X | 8 | ???2 | -0 | ?/?/?/? |
| 8 | Kale | 23/42 | 11/11 | +3 to Kale's next damage uent (Round 2)
| 7 | Nashikrak | 18/29 | 7/7 |
| 6 | Starving Wolf 2 | -0| 16/14/14/13 |
| 0 | Riding Horse | 32/36 | 14/15/13/10[/table]

[CalebRoberts]

Bert slays the skinny wolf as it turns it's back on him, opening the way for Nashikrak's charge up the slope at the big wolf.
Nashikrak charges through the flames. He stabs his long blade through the bottom jaw, pinning the mouth of the great creature shut. Then, despite the thrashing he slams his katar through it's glowing eye, silencing the beast.

Stance: Aspect of Charging Ram (+2 damage, knock prone, doesn't provoke OA while moving.)
Standard Action: Charge Big Wolf

Attack
(1) MBA: (1d20+14)[33]
(2) Dual Attack: (1d20+14)[20]

Damage
(1) MBA: (1d8+8)[13]
(2) Dual Attack: (1d6+5)[11]

[CalebRoberts]

With the Alpha male dead, the pack splinters. All the wolves spin and run into the rocky hills.
<<If you wish you make take OAs. Let me know who wants to.>>

The flying creatures hiss wildly at you, making threatening movements but they flap up into the air. Quickly they depart, fly towards, then on past Winterhaven.

You have several small wolf corpses and one big dead one as well as a riding horse running away from the area as fast as it can. It seems to be sticking to the clear ground and avoiding the hills.

================

You man take a short rest if you wish.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert's eyes follow the winged creatures as they flee, and then they are gone. He does not make a move to pursue the wolves, but rather stands in place for a moment, breathing heavily. He then walks over to the large wolf and kneels down beside it, placing a hand on the mangy fur of its side. The words he utters are barely audible. "We are sorry that this thing was done to you, child of Mielikki. May your soul now be free from this unnatural body, and be at rest."

Only after this does he remember Maria's horse running away. He stands up and catches a glimpse of it, but knows he can't outrun it. Unless it is willing to come back at the girl's call, he surmises, it may be beyond reach.

If we do take a short rest, I'll spend 2 surges to get back to full HP.

[onlie2005]

"Spitfire come back here!", Maria yells, whistling, trying to get the horse's attention. She tries to sound serious and commanding as possible.

Nature Check(Calm Animal):[roll0]

[onlie2005]

OOC: I forgot to add the +8 to the roll so the total roll is 19.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale took a moment for himself to recover, for the last attack by the winged beasts hit him very hard. After recovering from the battle, Kale watched Maria try and get the horse back. If it decided to not come back, he would carry Maria on his shoulders until they got to Winterhaven, he did not mind for her. "Do not worry little one, if the horse doesn't come back, you can ride on me until we get to Winterhaven. You are not heavy," he ends with a small smile.

Use two surges to get to full.

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=459051), Human Skald
Freja looked around the now empty battlefield, save for the slain bodies of the wild beasts that had attacked them. She wiped her sword clean of the blood before putting it back into its sheath, letting out a heavy sigh of contentment and relief, "Ah, the battle was hard fought, but was the outcome ever in doubt, my fine companions? We should take a few moments to gather our wits, and then continue on our way to Winterhaven. Events certainly seem to be more dire than we had realized if such twisted creatures roam freely on the roads."

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
"Twisted indeed," Bert says in response to Freja's remark. "Such a creature as this could not have come from the natural world. What is more, I believe something was controlling or influencing even the most normal of those wolves. They showed no fear and no inclination towards self-preservation; it was as if something was compelling them to attack us. We must find out as quickly as possible what is usurping nature like this, and stop it." After a moment's thought, he adds, "I am fairly certain those flying creatures came from Netheril--I've heard of no other place that could produce such abominations. I wonder if they are connected to those Sharrans from the inn, and whatever it was Gelvan wanted us to investigate."

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak etches a weak smile at Bert and a appreciative voice slipped from his slightly open lips, "Nice job..."

Without waiting for the fighter's response, he moved toward the big dead wolf, tapped the body with his boot and walked around it with inspecting eyes. Then he studied the tracks to see where these monster came from.


Search the body
Perception:

Look for the trail.
Nature: [roll[1d20+8

[Solinvitus]

search for trails.
[roll0]

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral stands and dusts off his armor.There is no doubt in my mind that our quest and those monsters are connected. If that is the case someone doesn't want us to see it through. Unfortunately for them that just makes me more eager to complete it.

I take a short rest and use 2 surges.

[CalebRoberts]

The horse slows why Marianna calls out. It eventually comes to a halt and begins to eat grass. Finally, it saunters back, but is too nervous around the wolf corpses to be ridden at the moment.

Nashikrak finds nothing special about the normal sized wolves except that they were clearly omegas, eating the scraps and cast off of the the more statused individuals. The big wolf is already showing signs of decay when the drow examines is, though it died only minutes before. It is hard to tell if the decay was there already or if it is post mortem.

<<a Heal check might tell you more>>

Once the examinations are complete Nashikrak tracks some of the wolves. As far as he cares to track on his own, the trails continue separately but all curve towards the higher peaks.

The cart track to Winterhaven is obvious as well as you all being able to see the central tower by now, if not the walls from certain vantage points.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
When Nashikrak's inspection of the big wolf turns up its rapid decay, Bert hurries to take a closer look. Of course, he thinks. It should be possible to learn more about what was done to the poor creature. How did I not think of that before? He examines the body closely, using his knowledge of the healing arts to try and deduce what may have happened to the wolf.


Heal check: [roll0]

[CalebRoberts]

Bert leans on everything Master An`dal taught him, trying to decipher the miserable end of what was once a magnificent animal.

Right away, Bert finds that the decay had begun before you encountered it. The skin on the belly and in the joints is worn away, showing bone in some places, viscera in others. This evidence was to difficult to spot in the chaos of melee but now it is rather obvious. How long ago this all began is impossible to tell, any assertion would be a guess.

Bert is also close to certain that the decay has accelerated since the wolf's death. Already the skin is slimy in most places and the hair is falling out. It's eyes have bulged and it's swollen tongue fills it's mouth. Nothing like this was evident during the brief battle.

During the examination the body seems odd. Finally Bert realizes that is seems put together a bit wrong. The legs are too short in proportion to the massive body, and the head is bigger still. Somehow this beast was forced to grow. Perhaps it's life force was just stretched too thin to keep it all alive?

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert describes his findings to the others. "It is as if the wolf was already dead, and just being made to move and act via some unnatural means," he speculates. "I think we should make haste to Winterhaven and see if we can't get to the bottom of this."

[onlie2005]

Maria slowly approaches her horse and whispers soft, comforting words to the animal, stroking its mane to calm it down. She then moves over to the large wolf and does a cursory inspection of the animal. The girl is trying to get a feel of what kind of magic would be used on such a wolf and uses her arcane knowledge to ascertain as best she can what it would entail. It is clear to her that it was undead.

Arcana Knowledge Check:[roll0]
Religion Knowledge Check:[roll1]

[CalebRoberts]

Arcana Knowledge Check:[roll0]
Religion Knowledge Check:[roll1]

Marianna finds that the wolf was not actually UN-dead, but more like partially dead or mostly dying, the distinction may not matter much.

The magics used are mostly gone now, the horse was quite far away and took a long time to coax back. She can tell that some type of necromantic magic was used, both for control of the beast and for shaping it to it's unnatural form. Marianna has not ever heard or read of necromancy beging performed on the living but there is a first time for everything.

[onlie2005]

"This wolf must have been experimented on by necromancy. It was already dying though so maybe we really did it a favor by killing it.", Maria says sadly as she returns to her horse and gets on the saddle.

"I think we should head to Winterhaven immediately. I'm ready."

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert nods at the girl's suggestion. He takes a moment to drag the wolves' bodies off the main path and put them behind the boulders, where they might naturally decay and return to the bosom of Silvanus. He then returns to the group and stands ready to continue towards Winterhaven.

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak stood up from crouch and pointed toward the higher peaks,"All the trails I can find point us there. Our presence is compromised. We should take great cautions as with proceed."

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale is more silent than normal while they check out the unfortunate animals, and their tracks. On the outside he seems to look as he normally does, but on the inside the winged creature seemed to have sparked a memory of when he was in the Chaos. Winged creature there, too, used to fly in the sky, just looking for poor creatures to be out in the open to fly down, take away, and rip apart for feasting upon. Maria's touch wakes him from his waking nightmare he replays in his head, and he helps her back onto her horse, though he keeps a hold of the horses head as she does, just in case the beast spooks.

He nods his head at the others and starts down the road, next to Maria, to Winterhaven. Outwardly ok, but inwardly disturbed a little.

[CalebRoberts]

Bert's gets the smaller wolves into the boulders easily. When he goes to move the big wolf, the skin where he is grasping slips off the muscles. Its splits and a putrid ooze pours forth.

Bert is able to move it eventually but the ooze will get all over him.


================

The old ramparts and tower of Winterhaven are partially visible once you are out of the boulders. Even from several miles away you can tell that the wall is gone in places.

A lonely feeling creeps up on you as you walk the open cart track. The land slopes up gently but consistently, clearly ending in some sort of rise just before the walls. Rocky farmland occupies every open space since the boulder field ended. Much of the land looks to be used for grazing. You do know that Winterhaven is know for it's fine, thick wool but not sheep can be seen.

Bert & Nashikrak
The freshest animal dung you can see is at least 5 days old. You can't spot anything fresher.

Knowledge due to Nature skill.

Everyone is constantly looking around, searching for another ambush but nothing happens. Only the chilly wind and your boots make any noise. You top the rise and the rest of the valley unfurls in front of you.

Rolling meadows stretch for a mile or a little more beyond the town. Beyond that the jagged grey rocks of the Thunder Peaks thrust forth.

Nashikrak
Nashikrak spots some sort of manmade structure within the rocks. It looks like it is not far from the valley

Passive Perception

Winterhaven is in a sorry state, though you are pretty sure the decay of the stonework is old and ongoing, not a recent event. Most of the walls still stand about fifteen high, made of the same grey stone as the rocks around. Portions have collapsed into hills of rubble no more then five feet high. A gate with a lowered portcullis occupies the middle of the wall. Most of the guard towers are no longer protected by skirt walls and are no more then observation platforms at this point.

The Purple Dragon of Cormyr is engraved into the stone on both sides of the gate. The symbol has seen better days though and is mostly devoid of paint.

http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/HobbesIris/Shadows/PurpleDragon.png
Just as you top the hill you can see a few people leaving the town through the breaks in the wall. A path has been worn and smoothed through some of the rubble.

As soon as you are spotted you hear a whistle blow which is then repeated at other locations on the wall. A crew of five figures armed with long spears jogs to the rubble piles as the people scurry back inside. Three more figures show themselves at the top of the wall, more then likely holding crossbows.


<< You are at extreme shouting range right now. You will have to move closer if you want to do anything other then announce your presence to the entire world around you >>

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert makes a face as the dead wolf's bodily fluids splatter on him. Having spent his whole life killing and eating his own food, he is not normally one to shy away from blood and gore, but the putrid ooze from the body of this creature gives him an altogether different feeling and makes him sick to his stomach. He tries his best to wipe himself off before they continue down the road.

He quickly senses that something is wrong as the group nears Winterhaven. "No livestock have grazed here for days," he tells the group ominously, after having stooped down several times to examine the ground.

When the figures appear at the walls of Winterhaven, Bert's first instinct is to take cover--after all, for all he knows these could be people who invaded the city. But, he thinks, the sentries had already seen him, so it's too late for hiding. "I think we should put our hands up and approach slowly," he suggests to the others. "The place seems to be on edge; we'd best not startle them. The bumblebee only stings when it feels threatened."

[CalebRoberts]

<< You are also well out of arrow range (and spell range) ~ 1000 feet or more >>

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja Fangbreaker (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=459051), Human Skald
"Good idea, Bert," Freja said as they continued to approach the city, raising her hands in as passive a way she could. The skald would wait until they were within a reasonable shouting distance, "Please do not attack! We mean no harm! I am Freja Fangbreaker and these are my companions! We come to Winterhaven in hopes of dealing with whatever dark force that threatens you!"

[onlie2005]

Maria stays in the middle of group and does not move from there. She does keep her hands where they can be seen and her wand in her pocket. She makes no threatening moves of any kind and lets the adults talk.

[CalebRoberts]

The spokesman considers Freja's statement for a little while. "Yah can't come in unless yah c'n prove what ya say. Besides, howdya git past them wolf packs?"


<< Diplomacy was effective but now you have to try and prove what you are saying. >>

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
When the guard asks how the party got past the wolves, Bert steps up in front of Freja. He gestures towards his cloak and tunic, which are still covered with the (now mostly dried) blood and pus of the dead wolf he dragged off the road, and says, "With some difficulty."

Then he leans towards Freja, whom he trusts to be a better spokesman than himself, and says in a low voice, "Do you think it would help if they knew Lady Benda and Gervan sent us? I don't really know how they expect us to prove ourselves..."


I don't know if I should roll a skill check for what Bert is doing (or what it would fall under---he's not trying to imply "let us in or you'll end up like those wolves", but rather just to show that we're not bad guys, we fought through the wolves fair and square). Here's an intimidate roll in case it's relevant, if it should be something else just let me know and I'll roll again (or feel free to just adjust the modifier for the appropriate roll)
Intimidate: [roll0]

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja Fangbreaker (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=459051), Human Skald
Freja sighs at the comment from the citizens, glancing over at Bert and nodding in agreement. She turns her attention back to the apparent representative, continuing to approach them so that she doesn't need to speak quite as loud, "Do you know a man by the name of Gervan? He was slain by agents of Shar, but his dying words brought us here. We were attacked by the wolves, yes, but we, as you may be able to tell, are skilled adventurers, and were able to drive them back. Please believe me when I say that we come here to aid you against whatever malevolent force has poisoned the land and twisted its creatures."

Using Diplomacy again. Also using my Words of Friendship power to get a +5 bonus to the roll.

Diplomacy: [roll0]

Wow, that was low. Maybe you guys could roll to assist me? :smallsmile:

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale was growing impatient, while these guards were surely paranoid at any danger trying to attack their town, their group was not dangerous....at least to the townspeople. "We can talk about this all day, guardsmen, but can we do it behind the walls? Keep a spear to my neck if it makes you feel better, but I have a little one to attend to, and I would rather her not stand out here with murderous, necrotic-infused wolves and flying beasts. Now, will you allow us to at least approach slowly and come to a safer distance, for my little girl here?" Kale finishes, steps to one side, showing Maria to the guards and making sure they get a good look at her, and steps back in front of her, in case some of these guardsmen have itchy trigger fingers.

[Solinvitus]

The drow peered through the curve of his hood and a smile was visible while he added to what Bert said, " AND IT WAS BLOODY..." He raised his gloved hands at his shoulder, and took calm strides toward them, "let us in...I had enough for the day...we are here to help..."

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert puts his hand to his brow, shuts his eyes, and slowly shakes his head for a moment when he sees his drow companion's smile. Then he holds his hands back up and joins Freja in trying to look friendly. Not everyone was taught to treasure life the way you were, Bert, he reminds himself; best to just leave it. The drow means well, even if he did enjoy that killing a little too much.

[onlie2005]

Even at her tender years of 9 Maria knew that the drow tended to make situations worse by well, being an arse. She had learned already that he did not hold the same reverence for life like her and the others.

"Let me go to them first. Maybe they won't fire on a child."

[Rjanag]

"Let me go to them first. Maybe they won't fire on a child."

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
"Maybe you should stay in back, child," Bert interjects. "If they're going to fire, let them fire on us adults. Besides, I'm sure Kale doesn't want you up there unprotected."

[Solinvitus]

The drow swiveled his head slowly to the child's courageous proposal and raised a brow. "You are helpful...kid...I appreciate your bravery...but just let the grown-ups do their jobs...If anyone of us ever die for that...you can give us a good burial..." Natshikrak hissed amusingly. Then he stepped forward, his gaze froze dead ahead, hands still in the air, and spoke loud enough for them to hear. "You can take me as hostage if you like. All we are asking is a good talk..."

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
As soon as the words had left her mouth, Kale was already moving more in front of Maria so she couldn't go running off in front of them, "I don't think so little one. I haven't watched over you for this long to see you get shot up by some overly aggressive guards. Just stay behind me so I know you will be safe, and can concentrate on their weapons on me......not on you."

[CalebRoberts]

The people guarding the walls pretty much ignore all the chatter. But, at Freja's words they are clearly listening. One man responds. "Gervan made it! We all though he was a goner for sure, thought the wolves would tear him apart or the fliers would get him. We though sister Linora was mad to send him. Clearly the Field provides paths to the faithful as she always says.

Come closer. You clearly dealt with the wolves, and, if you know of Gervan you must be the aid Sister Linora said would come to us. Hurry through."

The guards part ranks and admit you into the walled town of Winterhaven.

.....

<< I am very tired right now and i have a double shift tomorrow. I just wanted everyone to know I am still here and we are still going. Your patience is greatly appreciated. >>

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert brings up the rear as the party files into the city. "You know about the 'fliers' as well?" he says to the guard who spoke. "We would like to learn what you know about them, and how you think we can aid you. Where can we meet this sister of yours?"

[onlie2005]

Maria beckons the horse forward but goes no faster than the other party members. She will not abandon them to any attacks while trying to get behind the walls of Winterhaven. Only when they are within the walls will she relax.

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale leads the pack of allies in, keeping sure he stays in front of Maria, just in case. Once they are in, then he lets him self relax, if only a little, and takes a look around his surroundings.

[CalebRoberts]

Once you are all inside the guards retake their positions on and around the wall and look out. Clearly their concern lies outside the walls and no longer with you. They are all armored in a motley collection of leather, chain, scale, and plate with no one having a complete suite of anything. One strong looking woman wears a steel colander on her head for a helmet. Another man sports frying pans as pauldrons. Their weapons are equally motley. Some actually have very old looking spears and swords, the metal mottled and rusted. Their crossbows are all in surprisingly good repair but when you look a little closer you see that they are all of the hunting style. Accurate but possibly not powerful enough to penetrate substantial armor.

You have entered into a central courtyard of sorts. Beneath your feat is very old paving stones, worn flat and smooth by obvious long years of use. Moss has grown in the cracks though, indicating a lengthy period of light traffic.

To your right, about fifty feet away, is the gatehouse. Only one sentry is visible standing atop it holding a crossbow. To your left the wall continues. It is broken where you entered but generally whole as it goes further and wraps around behind the buildings. There are ladders propped up along the inside of the wall, likely for the guards to get up top since the guardhouse is no longer fully connected.


=================

Town description coming tomorrow.

[Kevin Burns]

Immeral looks around amazed at how they could withstand any enemy with their equipment. He sees the woman with a colander for a helmet and laughs lightly to himself. He thinks to himself "They must be doing something right if they have lasted this long but how much longer can they hold out." Immeral turns to Freja, "Whats first on our list, finding lodging or speaking to someone about our mission?"

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak strolled around the premise, counting the number of guards and noting the surroundings of where they stood as he moved. Then he returned to his comrades and asked in a low measured voice, "Who is your leader? We would like to speak to him?"

[CalebRoberts]

The small town nestled inside the walls is not exactly what you would expect of a walled settlement. The buildings closest to the road are in better repair then the walls but are still old and decrepit. Many of the buildings off the road are crumbling and rotting.

Wood smoke is rising from the chimneys of most of the buildings on the road and you can even see smoke coming from several of the crumbled structures further away.

Up against the far town wall is a tower that rises about thirty feet high. Smoke rises from the stovepipe chimney sprouting from the conical roof.


<< Can I have a perception check from Nashikrak please? >>

One of the central buildings is two stories tall and looks to be in the best repair of any building. A sign is tacked to the wall by the door with a painting of a bed. Clearly this is the inn and you all have heard of Winterhaven being a decent if sparse place to rest for the night.


==================

In answer to Nashikrak's question the man leading them shrugs a moment. "Ah suppose Hamerk wuld beh who yer askin after. He got us all here when this business all started. 'Ee should be in the gatehouse around thata way.

Sister Linora aint no sister ah mine by blood." He tilts his head, looking at Bert like the fighter is a bit daft. "She be the sister ah the Field, Chauntae's Field. She is probably in the Field right now, tending to the wounded. You'll find it back by Master Valthrun's tower.

Ah best be gitting back to tha wall. Ah hope yah last longer then that uther band ah fellows who were here when this all began."

The man strides wearily back to his post.

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert's face turns a little red at the soldier's response and explanation of Sister Linora's position. While Master An`dal had taught Bert something of the major dieties of the wilderness, Bert had never been able to keep all their different religious customs and titles straight.

After the soldier leaves, he turns to his companions and says, "It sounds like we need to meet with both Sister Linora, to learn more about why we were brought here, and this Hamerk, to find out the situation in the town... maybe he could also tell us what happened to those other 'fellows'. How about we split up? I would like to see what Linora knows about the unnatural creatures here." Remembering the dark elf's propensity for ruffling people's feathers, and the bard's skill at unruffling them, he quickly adds, "Natshikrak, maybe you should stick with Freja..."

[onlie2005]

Maria nods at Bert's suggestion but has one of her own. Besides it was highly unlikely that she would be of any use talking with adults. And like most children she got hungry after not eating in a while.

"Maybe we should look for an inn to stay while we are at it. Some of us are kind of injured and need lots of rest. And besides we might learn more from local gossip at a tavern or taproom than most of the people in charge."

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=459051), Human Skald
Freja sighs a bit at having the Dark Elf following her, but she simply accepts it, "It's a good enough plan. And it shouldn't take too long to talk to each of them and then meet back somewhere where we can get some rest and prepare for whatever is ahead of us. If you like, Maria, you and Kale can go look for lodging for the night. We'll all meet back here then when we've finished?"

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak gave a the premise a good scan, filling his eyes with as much details as possible.


Perception
[roll0]

[Kevin Burns]

I turn to Bert "Looks like I'm with you Bert, I just hope she has some answers about those beasts."

[CalebRoberts]

Natshikrak gave a the premise a good scan, filling his eyes with as much details as possible.

Nashikrak notices everything I mentioned before but nothing new.


===================

Freja & Nashikrak
You head off to the wall gatehouse. It is in a poor a condition as the rest of the ancient stonework. The lowered portcullis blocks large arched entryway. The metal unbelievably rusty.

Candle light can be seen through the window of what was once the guard station. Inside is a sparse room. A sturdy table and chair are against one wall. A man, presumably Hamerk sit in the chair, sharpening a sword that looks to be of a very old style but well made. He turns as you open the door.

"Dayl I told......Oh, fresh faces. Clearly you made it past the wolf packs. Though why you just didn't head back down to the Dalelands is beyond me." He gives a weary sigh, not bothering to stand or even offer a hand to shake. "Well, what do you want with Winterhaven then, not that it'll do you any good. Its not as if any of us are leaving here alive."

Immeral & Bert
The two of you walk through the little, decrepit town. Past the less worn buildings on the paved road you come to the bones of old buildings. The old wooden frames are rotted and crumbling. The stonework has fared little better against the ravages of time. You do spot several families squatting around open fires inside these ruins. They look up at you with pale faces that show too much bone structure. Babies wail and children's soot stained faces bear the marks of recent tears

As instructed you walk towards the tower and are there in just a few minutes of leisurely walking. Bert can feel a spark of life growing closer. Once they see the Field he knows not quite all is lost. An older woman in a brown wollen dress is tending to beautiful fruit trees. Trees that should not be able to grow in the harsh mountain climate Bert notices.

Immeral can tell that the broach on her dress is the same design as dead Gervan's is but of superior craftsmanship. It is also likely worth a fair amount.

The woman, likely Sister Linora does not hear you approach.

Kale & Marianna
It is fairly clear from cursory examination of the small street that there is only one inn like establishment in Winterhaven. You walk up to the door next to the sign showing a bed. Kale's hand is raised to knock when the door swings in to reveal...nothing. Marianna however is at eye level with a charming looking halfling couple. "Come In! Come In!" the practically shout. Kale sees their enthusiasm as genuine bu Marianna sees through the bluster and recognizes the acting.

[Kevin Burns]

I clear my throat in order to get the woman's attention. "Sorry to disturb you but my group just arrived here from Arabel, you wouldn't happen to be Sister Linora would you? We were sent by Lady Benda. We have questions about some... unnatural beasts." "I am Immeral Furittus and this is Bert." I gesture towards Bert.

[Solinvitus]

Natshikrak sauntered toward the window, peered into the room from the edge hood and hissed, "Ye have a story...TELL...I am listening. Maybe I can get you out of this ALIVE..." His voice cold and confident.

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja Fangbreaker (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=459051), Human Skald
Freja sighed at her companion, moving forward to address the man, "Are you Hamerk? I am Freja and this is my.. traveling companion Natshikrak. I was hoping you might be able to tell us about what is going on here. When did these creatures appear? Do you have any idea? We're here to try and put an end to it, if we can."

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert accompanies Immeral to the Field. He runs his hand over the bark of one of the trees as Immeral introduces themselves to Sister Linora. Otherwise, he stays quiet for now, waiting to hear what Linora has to say. If she seems distrustful he will mention Gervan's name to her as well. If she does not directly say what she summoned them to prevent, he will ask her, "Gervan said something about stopping 'the return' at Winterhaven. What is 'the return'?"

[onlie2005]

Maria is cautious and immediately as she enters the inn, she sees through the halflings. The girl wonders just how good the service is in the inn. However she is not about to ignore an invitation. And for all she knows they might not have anything to hide. They simply are just....well fake.

"I am with him.", Maria says politely gesturing to Kale,"Well first of all I would like to have my horse stabled for a few days please and would like a beef stew and some cow's milk if you have any. I don't know what Kale here will be ordering though."

Insight: [roll0]

[Irish Musician]

Kale (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhido4YHDA), Genasi Swordmage
Kale smiles at the couple, or what counts as a smile for him, and thanks them for the invite. He walks in with Maria and notices her hesitance with the couple and entering the inn, which puts him on edge immediately. He puts a protective arm around her and continues his ordering. "Stew is fine, and an ale," is all that the owners get as he leads Maria to a table in the corner of the Inn, so that he is able to survey the entire Inn, and have a wall to his back. "What is it, little one? Why are you nervous about this place?" he whispers to her, once the owners are out of ear-shot, looking around the Inn.

Perception check around the Inn [roll0]

[onlie2005]

Maria just shrugged and whisperedd, "It's those halflings. They may seem enthusiastic but I don't think they meant it. Just my observation. They just seemed to be acting rather than actually being enthusiastic."

[CalebRoberts]

Marianna & Kale
"Yes, Yes! right away" responds the matronly little woman to the requests of food and drink.

The little man nods fervently as well to Marianna's request for a stable and hay. "I'll just take yer animal 'round back to the stable."

You find a booth and wait in the dimly lit room for a bit until the woman comes back with your order. What is set in front of you appears like what you ordered at first glance. Upon tasting it you discover that this is meager fair indeed. The stew is thick with potatoes but the precious little meat does not even seem to be cow. It is stringy and touch with a heavy gamey taste.

The milk is pungent and tastes of fermentation. Marianna thinks it might have been goats milk at one time.

The ale is still good though, with a fine head and a light touch of hops and darkly roasted barley.

The woman watched you take your first bites with manic glee on her face.

Immeral & Bert
The woman startles at Immeral's voice and whirls around with her hoe. Immeral ducks and Bert simply catches the shaft. Her hands fly to her mouth, red embarrassment spreading over her cheeks. "I meant no harm gentlemen. You startled me and I find I am jumpy these days."

At the mention of Sister Benda and then Gervan, she grows excited. "Gervan made it, this is wonderful news. Where is my chivalrous fellow?" Her face and body falls as you tell her of the brave man's death.

She cries for sometime in the orchard, unresponsive too anything you might do to rouse her. Finally she sits up and dries her tears but is clearly still disturbed. "come" she sighs weakly and leads you to the nearby tower.

The tower is three levels tall, about thirty feet. When you get up close you can see that the circular wall is not decayed like the rest of the town. It's stone retains its strength, even showing a slight pinkish hue in certain places.

Sister Linora operates the door handle and the door swings out silently to reveal a small entry way with two doors. She leads you through the door to the right that is at 90° to the inner surface of the exterior wall. It open onto a steep, spiral staircase leading up. As you ascend you pass another door that presumably leads to the second floor but the stairwell is encased in stone and does not allow you to see into the room. Tall, thin windows like exaggerated arrow slits show glimpses of the countryside around Winterhaven, though little detail (unless you stop to linger?).

The stairway ends into a simple wooden door that opens towards you to reveal a large circular room. A fire blazes merrily in the small hearth and a rush of warm air chases away your chills. The walls are completely occupied with bookshelves, which are in turn almost full of books. Books of all different sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. A figure sits at an expansive desk littered with books, papers and writing materials. He scoots back his chair, stands, and turns to you.

The man is tall of frame but seems very skinny. He wears simple, yet warm looking blue woolen robes. He picks up a rod straight staff of a light brown wood. His face is craggy and severe yet his eyes sparkle and his voice is warm like the fire. "Good sister, you have brought me visitors. Company is greatly welcomed in these dark times. Come, sit by my fire and talk a while."

Sister Linora takes a seat. She looks stunned and is withdrawn. The man introduces himself when seated. "I am Valthrun. Some call me Valthrun the wise, yet it is only a product of my reading. Long ago I was a magistrate of Cormyr but I content my self with my books and my quiet now. Why are you come to this dammed place of Winter's Haven? I suspect our good sister's silence has to do with this?"

Freja & Nashikrak
The man has a quick throaty cough, maybe a laugh at Nashikrak's boast. "Alive! Sonny, wer' all dead, yah just don't know it yet." Freja speaks up and he laughs for real, deep and long. "Lady, yah might be pretty, and even good with that blade but yer a crazy as the drow if ya think ya c'n do anything here. Why are you here anyways. Who in ther' right mind tries to fight them wolf things?" He waves his hands as Freja starts to explain. "No, no, don't even tell me. I don't care. I'll tell yeah whats goin' on 'n you can be fools like them other "adventurers" were.

Sit down, yer making mah neck hurt.

'Bout ah week ago it all began. Ah bunch a folks went missin', didn't come home that night from the fields. I as out in mah fields too, didn't see 're hear nothin'. Ah had ta form a search party that night. We went out at first light and found tracks outa each a the missin' person's fields. Only one set each, nothin else showin. We tracked 'em to that old castle up in the foothills. He thrusts his thumb in the direction you assume the castle is in. "Folks never go up there, haunted they say. Crumblin' an' rotten I used ta say, now, Ah couldn't tell yah what ah believe. Tracks lead right ta the gatehouse. looks like this 'un, just a bunch bigger.

Them flying bat-people things attacked out nowhere. Lester 'n Jake got hit with sum kinda death magic 'er something. They got all far eyed 'n slackjawed 'n started walkin inta the castle. The wolves attacked us then. Funny thing is, ah ain't never been 'ttacked by a wolf an' a've lived here all my life. Those flyin' things cackled and we ran. Wolves chased us for a bit but stopped short and weh made it back here. Town was under attack when weh got back. Gods dammed corpses were in tha streets. It was long dead people 'ah Winterhaven too. Grandparents, greatgrandparents, babies, kids. it was insanity. But they were just mindless corpses, we pushed em back an' out that walls. They shambled off ta somewheres.

Weh been posting the watch ever since but aint seen nothing until them flyers came by earlier. Cause quite a ruckus.

We've lots a few more stupid folks since that day an' now. They tried ta go home ta git supplies. We ain't seen um since."

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert awkwardly watches Linora's crying for a minute, not sure what to do. Then he says to her, "There, there. Surely a sister of the Field such as yourself knows that death is not Gervan's end. He has returned to nature's embrace and is a part of us all. You should know that there is nothing to cry about." His words don't seem to have the comforting effect he hoped, though; while he knows much about the circle of life, clearly he still has much to learn about human emotion.

As they ascend the stairs, Bert pauses momentarily by the windows to look out over the countryside, seeing if he can spot anything that would give him more information about what has transpired in the area. After a quick glance, though, he hurries on to catch up with Sister Linora and Immeral.
Perception check: [roll0]

In the library, he takes a seat at Valthrun's invitation. In response to the old man's question he says, "We came here at the request of your man, Gervan. He said something about stopping 'the return' at Winterhaven, but told us nothing more about what you need us to do here. I presume it has something to do with the creatures from Netheril that have been intruding on the area?"

[Kevin Burns]

I stand silently while watching Bert's attempt to comfort the woman. As we ascend the stairs I take a quick glance out the window.
[roll0]
"I am Immeral and this is Bert." I say gesturing to Bert. "And as he said we are here to find out more about 'The Return' and the creatures."
I find a seat by the fire.

[onlie2005]

Given the owners somewhat false intentions and the manic glee that she sees in the woman that served the food, she simply pretends not to notice. Maria does try to ascertain, from her tastes and from what she can feel and see of the meat, what kind of animal she is feeding on.

Nature Knowledge Skill:[roll0]

[Solinvitus]

The edge of the drow's lips stretched back and up, with one raised brow, he hissed, "My comrades would like to right some wrong here. So here I am. To help them."

He sat next to the man and asked, "This castle...How far is it?"

[AvianMalkavian]

Freja Fangbreaker (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=459051), Human SkaldFreja frowned softly as the man spoke, taking a seat at the table and listening intently to his story. When he was finally done, the young skald smiled to him, "Hamerk, I can understand your pessimism, but I assure you that we will put an end to this horror that has visited your town. We will restore the previous peace."

She looked to her dark elf companion, "At least we have some idea as to where this evil has originated from."

[CalebRoberts]

Bert & Immeral

Sister Linora is seemingly unaffected by Bert's attempt to comfort her. If he had to guess he would say that even with her faith, the sheer amount of horror these people have suffered outweighs any small comfort.

Out the slit window Bert can see the massive Thunder Peaks, magnificent in their sheer brutalness. Between Winterhaven and the peaks is rolling and rocky grassland, much like what you walked through before. The grasslands lead to a few foothills then rapidly up into the high peaks. The window is too small though for Bert to see much detail.
...............
Valthrun considers for just a moment. "Gervan, yes. He is not my man. Where is the good priest now? I trust you escorted him back."

Immeral informs Valthrun of Gervan's demise. A flash of some emotion passes over Valthrun's wizened face but you are not quite sure what since he keeps his emotions well in check.

<< You may roll an insight check if you wish, however your scrutiny of Valthrun will be noticed by him >>

"That is terrible news indeed master Immeral, master Bert .... Ah, yes, yes. This Return. Our dear sister Linora here has had a disturbing vision. Her patron Lady Chauntae gifted her the sight of a shadowy draconic form emerging from a black portal. She was as well gifted with the insight of the thing's name, Shadraxill. I found this odd. I knew the Shadraxill was once the ruling force in these mountains. He was an old Grey dragon, fierce and cruel as all Greys are.

Sister Linora and I conversed about this for sometime. This was before the "happenings" started you see. Once the undead and those Kir-Lanan started killing us I was fairly certain what the premonition was about.

You see, when Lady Gwen slew Shadraxill, it's huge skeleton was buried up near the Cormyr Castle. I suspect that the devotees of Shar, evidenced by the Kir-Lanan, are attempting to add to their might by summoning what Shadraxill has now become.

I also posit that the villagers that have gone missing are being used as sacrifices to power this terrible ritual."

[Rjanag]

Bert (http://iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxheTRlchQLEgtDaGFyYWN0ZXJWMhj-9IUHDA), Human Fighter
Bert notices that Valthrun's reaction to the news of Gervan's death is quite different from Sister Linora's, although he can't quite place the emotion. He looks and listens around the room for any small clue that might give him a better read on the old sage. Although, feeling somewhat suspicious now, he tries to do it as inconspicuously as possible--if you're snooping around a wolf den you don't let the wolves know you're doing it.


Insight check (I'm not adding modifiers other than my Insight bonus, but if there would be a penalty for trying to be inconspicuously insightful then you can subtract from this or just let me know if I should re-roll): [roll0]


After listening to Valthrun's explanation, Bert asks, "Kir-Lanan? Are those flying creatures? We were attacked by a wolf pack outside the city that seemed to be led by a pair of flying creatures; they fled when we killed the alpha wolf. I believe the alpha wolf was one of those undead creatures of which you speak."

After hearing his answer and any questions Immeral might add, Bert says, "Then it seems our next task is clear: try to track these Sharrans to their base and stop them from completing their ritual. Cormyr Castle and its surroundings seem a reasonable place to start. Valthrun, do you know anything about these Sharrans that might help us find them? Or anything about the ritual you think they may be performing--how it works, and what we might need to do to stop it?"

After his questions are answered, if Immeral has no further questions, Bert thanks Valthrun and Sister Linora for their help and suggests to Immeral that they return to the inn to meet up with the others.