The Depths of Korimir [IC]

[darklink_shadow]

BATTLE MAP (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aiv_WQITYzESdGtDckRJZXFaNmNkdWwxNVk1ZzViT 1E#gid=0)

The town of Korimir is small, but bustling. Near the center of a large empire, many people stop at Korimir in order to rest while they head elsewhere, and due to that, most of the town makes its money by running or maintaining inns.

There is plenty of gossip that accumulates in this city, and a few enterprising people have set up shops that deal in nothing but secrets, and rumor mongering. For a fee, you can learn anything from the grapevine, or plant your own gossip there. Unfortunately for the shops, most gossip can be gotten for free from the inns.

Streetwise DC:10
A lich recently visit Korimir. A barmaid was frightened by it, and dropped a bowl of stew and a pot of coffee on him. The lich glared at her, killing her instantly. He was chased out by the officals, but the Lich vowed to destroy the town. That was just last week too!

Streetwise DC: 5
Abberant creatures were seen a few nights ago, but they disappeared. A dragon was also seen, but a local man found his corpse a few days ago. Yesterday a man went to collect the scales to sell, but the entire corpse was gone.

History DC: 10
Many times this city has been fully razed to the ground and rebuilt after a large conflict. Now the king has had an enchantment cover the area so that buildings can repair themselves with just a little help from mages.

--

You find yourself sitting in a crowded inn, they are celebrating the inn's 50th year in service, and are giving out free food. The table you are sitting at has three other people sitting at it (this is the party,) all of whom look capable in battle. Everyone else in the inn seems to be commoners or other forms of weaklings.

Just as you finish your meal, you hear a scream from outside cut short by a gurgling choke, as the person's mouth fills with her own blood. Standing outside, having apparently ascended from the well just out of the inn, stands a large insectile monster, and four smaller members of its brood.

Nature DC 10: Ankhegs dig mazelike networks of tunnels, which might contain other monsters that have claimed part of the tunnel network as their own.
Nature DC 15: Ankhegs are found in nesting pairs, their broodlings rarely emerging from the safety of their tunnels.
Seeing them here means some greater evil has taken hold of their nest, forcing them out.

Map
http://i45.tinypic.com/28vbp7a.jpg
A is larger insect, a is smaller, c is a corpse.

You can be anywhere inside the inn, move action to get up from the table.
Initiative

Aarien
Melhved
Belshaazar
Heksan
Creatures

[Felhammer]

The imposing Goliath known as Heskan was having a very merry time. He was meeting new people, drinking profuse amounts of alcohol and even worked up the courage to talk to a fair maiden... Then he heard the scream that turned into a gurgle. Heskan had slain many creatures and bandits since leaving his tribal homeland - he knew this sound well. The towering man slowly raised himself up, unhooked his flail, turned sharply and ran out of the inn at full speed. Like a raging barbarian Heskan dropped the full weight of his massive flail down upon the back of the largest, most ornery looking creature.

Move: Stand Up.
Swift: Draw Flail
Standard: Charge from D-4 and move to F-8, attack A

Melee Basic Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Demonic Jester]

While others were merrily enjoying their drinks, Aarien stood in the corner silently biding his time drinking silently out of bordem.

As if to answer his prayers a loud shriek was heard outside. Grabbing his totem he looked up seeing the brutish giant sprint out the door. Not to be outdone Aarien quickly grabbed his totem and ran to the door, he spotted the giant fighting with a swarm of monstrosities and swiftly Aarien unleashed a torrent of ice and hail onto the uninvited assailants

move: E1 -> G5
standard: Freezing Burst
Int vs Ref'; AB1 within 10; Each creature in burst; 1D6+Int cold damage and you can slide the target 1 square

Attack:
[roll0] versus Giant insect
[roll1] versus small insect (H10)
[roll2] versus small insect (H11)

Damage:
[roll3] and they are slid (all towards the well)

[Demonic Jester]

OOC
guess i should specify that I chose G10 as the origin square, sorry tired

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

If you have never seen such a thing as a seven foot wallflower, it's an odd sight. Nearly three hundred pounds of armor-bound muscle trying to disappear into the wall paneling at the end of the bar. Not trying to hide, just trying to not be a sight stared at. She had been trying to overhear tavern talk about rumored creatures in the area. But that changed when the scream rang out. Following two others who had reacted faster than she had, Mel ran for the door, toppling one poor fellow standing up from his seat. From the doorway, she could see chaos centered on many legs and a body. After pausing for a moment, she drew her sword, reached out for the spirits with her heart, and charged the largest creature.

Move Action:
C1 to G6
Standard Action:
Charge to G8(or nearest adjacent to big Ankheg), MBA vs large Ankheg
MBA vs AC - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]
Free Action:
Mark all adjacent enemies

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar, sitting facing the doorway, sees the creatures as soon as the scream makes him look up from his trencher. Grabbing his sword and shield off the back of his chair, he charges forward in the wake of the Goliath who had been eating on the other side of the table.


Move: stand
Swift: draw sword
Standard: charge from E3 to G8, attack the big one

Melee Basic: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[darklink_shadow]

All:
Very busy day. 10 hours of class, and in an hour I have a 2 hour meeting. So, I apologize, but no map update. Here is the revised situation though!

Chattering in fury, the quartet shift into quick action. The broodling in E10 grabs the now dead woman and crawls back down the well, while his twin, the one just behind him rears onto his hind legs and charges at the icey mage.

The big Ankheg, however, snatches at Heksan, grabbing him with its vicious pincers and shifts down, just inside the well. The smaller broodling at H11 freezes solid, and rolls off the back of its nasty mother, and falls into the well, a small squeek is heard at it passes by the broodling who carried away the woman. The final broodling chirps loudly, before running down the well.

DJ
4 Damage

FH
11 damage

WL
You feel the earth beneath you shaking, slightly, as if something is burrowing up just beneath you.

DM only.
You shouldn't be reading this.
33 damage total.
Yes
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Demonic Jester]

Ouch! What the hell?! Aarien stumbled from the assault of the infantile insect

Silly beast! You have put yourself right into my sights now. To drive the point home Aarien yanked his arm away from the gnashing maw of the young arthropod and quickly tumbled away from it

He looked over to his side and saw a crowd of terrified onlookers sitting behind the table. He grinned and shouted If you value your lives, you might find the upstairs much more conducive to keeping them! And with that he raised his palm to the beast and unleashed a bright silver bolt from his hands straight into the monster's face.

Move Action: Shift from G5 -> G4
Standard Action: Magic Missle on insect in G6
Attack: Autohit, 8 damage

Magic Missle
At-Will Arcane, Evocation, Force, Implement
Standard Action Ranged 20

Target: One creature

Effect: 2 + Intelligence modifier force damage.
Level 11: 3 + Intelligence modifier force damage.
Level 21: 5 + Intelligence modifier force damage.

Special: If the implement used with this power has an enhancement bonus, add that bonus to the damage. In addition, you can use this power as a ranged basic attack.

[Felhammer]

Heskan is startled by the sheer strength of the beast, it had been a many season since he fought something so powerful, so worthy. As the bug tries to drag him into its villainous tunnel-hole, the Goliath calls upon the strength of his ancestors to forcibly burst open the beast's mandibles. Once free, Heskan realizes the folly of his gambit has the beast, in its torment flings the Goliath down the shaft. Thanking quickly, Heskan pushes off of the bug's head and lunges across the gaping maw, clear to the other side. The Goliath pulls himself up and roars with excitement - this was going to be fun!

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar lashes out at the large creature, seeking to distract it long enough for the Goliath to regain his footing.


Changed to just a standard attack
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Spinning to keep track of all the flying insect legs, Mel feels a tremor beneath her feet. "Watch to the ground! They're diggers!" she warns her fellow defenders. Guardedly moving to keep safe, she swings again at the large beast to keep its attention focused on her. Her blade flies wide, missing the beast entirely, but she keeps at the ready in case it gives her an opening.

Move Action
Shift to J10

Standard Action
Weight of Earth attack vs Ankheg - [roll0] vs AC AUTOMATIC MISS
Damage - [roll1]

Free Action
Mark Ankheg

Warden's Fury and Warden's Grasp if it attacks someone besides Mel

[darklink_shadow]

Erupting from the ground, a second large insect sprays acid over Belshazaar, then chattering in fury at the sight of a dead broodling. The first insect chatters back and lunges for the Warden, but misses as the second goliath it attacks proves more spry, and dodges out of the way. Feeling rather wounded, the creature retreats a step, closer to it's lair.


Bz
11 acid damage. Condition: Ongoing 5 acid damage and slowed, save ends both

[Demonic Jester]

Aarien hears the eruption of earth outside and quickly moves out of the inn to gain sight of the enormous beast closing in on his fellow warriors.

He channels his inner tempest and summons a ray of ice to slow down the beast dead in its tracks.

Move: move from I5 -> D8 (on the google excel sheet)
Standard: Ray of frost on Large insect A2
Int vs fort, 1D6+8 damage and target is slowed until the end of your next turn

Attack:
[roll0]
Damage:
[roll1]

Ray of frost
At-Will Arcane, Cold, Evocation, Implement
Standard Action Ranged 10

Target: One creature

Attack: Intelligence vs. Fortitude

Hit: 1d6 + Intelligence modifier cold damage, and the target is slowed until the end of your next turn.
Level 21: 2d6 + Intelligence modifier cold damage.

[Felhammer]

Getting his barrings, the Goliath runs as fast as he can over to the first large insect. Calling upon the strength of his heritage, the Goliath heaves his heavy flail into the air. With great speed and ferocity the Fighter slams the flail into the beast's back not once, not twice but thrice! As the third blow is struck Heskan roars, "YOU WILL NEVER DROP ME INTO A PIT AGAIN!"



Move: Walk from H-14 to G-13

Standard: Rain of Blows! v the original A's AC. This power lets me attack three times! :smallsmile:

Attack 1: [roll0]
Damage 1: [roll1]

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage 2: [roll3]

Attack 3: [roll4]
Damage 3: [roll5]

Swift Action: None

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Where are you going?" the Goliath thinks to herself. Reaching out with the spirits of the forest, she tries to grab the beast and bring it closer. Spectral vines snare the ankheg and drag it towards the warden, squeezing some life out of it in the process. "Now we're cooking!" With both enemies near, she keeps looking for a chance to slip her blade in any opening.

Standard Action
Thorn Strike vs A AC - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1], pull to I10

At-Will Primal, Weapon
Standard Action Melee 2
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage, and you pull the target 1 square.

Minor
Stone's Endurance
Encounter
Minor Personal
Effect: Gain resist 5 to all damage until the end of your next turn.

Free
Mark both ankhegs. Ready to use Warden's Fury and Warden's Grasp if either doesn't include me in an attack.

Warden's Fury
At-Will Primal, Weapon
Immediate Interrupt Melee weapon
Trigger: An enemy marked by you makes an attack that does not include you as a target
Target: the triggering enemy
Attack: Strength vs Fortitude
Hit: 1[W] + Str modifier (+5) damage, and target grants combat advantage to you and your allies until the end of your next turn

Warden's Grasp
At-Will Primal
Immediate Reaction Close burst 5
Trigger: An enemy marked by you that is within 5 squares of you makes an attack that does not include you as a target
Effect: You slide the target 1 square. The target is slowed and cannot shift until the end of its turn.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar takes another swing at the big bug in front of him, calling out to the Goliath, "Attack it while I have its attention!"


In the interest of keeping things moving while I get everything sorted out character-wise I'll just use an MBA again. Once I'm done driving for 6-8 hours a day at the end of this week I'll be much more helpful, I swear!

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[darklink_shadow]

Clearly enraged, the first insect grabs the annoying warden, crushing into her and scuttling away, trying to flee with her down the well as it had done with the previous Goliath. As it runs, it's mandibles crush into her, viciously trying to end her life.

The beast stops just over the well, holding its prey still on the earth, too slow to get very far. However, this prompts the second bug to follow suit, and go after its prey, however Belshaazar nimbly ducks under the mandibles aiming to bite him open.


14 damage to the Warden, from two sources, reduced to 4 from the first bugger

[Nightgaun7]

With a roar, Belshaazar dashes forward and stabs at the ankheg attacking Melhved, opening a small gap in its chitin plates. "Strike it where I weakened it!"


Move: to G12
Standard: Warlord's Strike on bug in the well
[roll0]
Hit: [roll1]
Until the end of your next turn, all of your allies gain a +6 bonus to damage rolls against the target.

[Demonic Jester]

Aarien watches the bug tangle with the warden. He quickly draws on his inner strength and sends a bolt at the monster

Standard: Attack A2 bug with Magic Missle
Attack: Auto hit
Damage: 8 damage

Magic Missle
Auto Hit; Range 20; 2+Int Force damage; May be used as Ranged basic attack

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Struggling in the beast's mandibles, Mel stabs downward trying to pierce the creature and the earth in one stroke. Her blade strikes true, stabbing through the monstrosity and hitting earth. The ground begins to ripple, making the creature's footing unsteady. With a wrench of strength, the warden frees herself from its grasp, landing in ready position to strike if the creature leaves itself unguarded.

Standard Action
Roots of Stone vs Ankheg A AC - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]

Encounter Close burst 1
Effect: The burst creates a zone of rippling earth that lasts until the end of your next turn. Make the following attack.
Target: Each enemy in the burst
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage. The target is knocked prone when it leaves the zone.

Move Action
Escape grab Athletics vs Fort - [roll2]

Free Action
Mark Ankheg A

Use Warden fury/Warden Grasp if other is attacked

[Circio]

Having been woken from slumber by the sound of a woman's scream, Morlag comes downstairs just in time to see a goliath grappling with a giant bug.

Seeing the goliath break free of the creature's grasp, Morlag assumes the stance of the Dancing Cobra and rushes forward to help.


Move
Move to I7

Dancing Cobra (Move)
At-Will - Move
Move your speed +2

Attack
Attack: [roll0] vs Reflex
Damage: [roll1] damage

Dancing Cobra (Attack)
At-Will - Standard - Melee touch - One creature
Attack Dex vs Ref
Hit: 1d10+Dex mod damage. If the enemy has taken an attack of opportunity against you this turn, the target takes extra damage equal to your Wis mod.

No Action
Damage: 7 damage

Stone Fist Flurry of Blows
At-Will - No action - Target 1 creature
Trigger: You hit an enemy with an attack during your turn
Effect: You deal 3 + Str mod damage to the creature, +2 if the target wasn't targeted by the triggering attack

[darklink_shadow]

In his death thrones, the large insect surrounded by foes reels up at viciously dismembers Heksan, grabbing him firmly in it's mandibles before tightening, and then falling down the well, dead.

The second beast roars in frustration, then burrows into the earth, moving as fast as he can to flee, leaving a massive tunnel behind him. You hear angry clicks and shrieks as he goes, and feel the earth rumble a bit. The tunnel goes straight down several feet, too far to tell, before any of you have a chance to react. You'd need repelling gear to give chase.

Bek, you can attack of opportunity on him though, to give him a parting goodbye smack.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Gods, that was sudden! Does this happen often? You there, dragon man. What know you of this? Has this been happening much of late?"
Her tone is forceful, brisk, but not insulting. She stomps around the holes, obviously eager to jump down but too concerned about what she does not see.

[Nightgaun7]

Couldn't say. I'm just a traveller, recently come here myself. We could find some of the locals and ask them. I've heard tell of an ancient dungeon in these parts...

[Demonic Jester]

Aarien walks up the hole that was once the well, he eyes carefully seeing if he can notice any unnatural auras coming from the hole or anything pertinent about the bugs and whether or not this is natural for them to come to the surface

[spoiler]Arcana check [roll0]
Nature check [roll1][/spoiler

[darklink_shadow]

Aarien sees strange flickering auras far down the tunnel, but they are much too large to be coming from the insects. Thinking back, Aarien is also pretty sure that these bugs would not normally have risen to attack a city unless they were starving or driven out of their homes. It is not surprising, however, that the second one fled, however it may well attack again, if it believe it can catch someone off guard.

[Demonic Jester]

There is something unnatural about this cavern, something almost... evil...

With that Aarien begins to scope the tunnel for a way down without risking too much danger

[darklink_shadow]

The tunnel looks nearly impossible to climb down, but not impossible. In it's wake, the insect did leave a few foot holds. However a rope would ease the difficulty dramatically. Similarly, the insects appear to have come from the well, but the rope that used to hold the water is frayed and bloody, laying on the ground just south of the well.

To conclude, Aarien decides they need a rope, likely about 100ft of it.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Peering down into the depth, Mel wonders what could have driven these creatures into the middle of a village. Hunger? Desperation? It seemed unnatural.

Digging through her pack, the goliath bring out 50 feet of hempen rope.

"It's only fifty feet, but it's a start. Anyone have more?"

Nature check for clues to their motivation for attack - [roll0]

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Finding others absorbed in their own thoughts, she walks to the inn. She enters and peers around. With no locals is sight, she raises her voice,

"Ho there! I am in need of rope! Assistance anyone?!"

[darklink_shadow]

The inn is absolutely silent, and everyone seems to have fled upstairs. After a few straining moments you hear someone call from the floor above: Are they gone?

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Indeed, they have. In fact, we mean to give chase but find ourselves short of rope. Have you any? Lacking that, can you point us in the right direction for some? The sooner we give chase, the sooner they don't come back...or something......like that."

As she calls to this invisible patron, she scans the room looking for decorations, tapestries, or anything with which to fashion a climbing rope extension.

[darklink_shadow]

The voice calls down: Thars a green bag at the corner table. If you promise to go after them, you can take it. It has some stuff in it.

If you look for the bag, you'll easily find it. Not only is it green, it's that ugly shade of green that sort of makes you sick to look at.

Contents
Inside is just under 150ft of hemp rope, four pitons, and some food, you estimate about three days worth for a single person.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Thanks for sharing."
She shoulders the bag, placing it to her back to keep it out of her line of sight. From a small pouch on her belt, she fishes out a gold coin and leaves it at the table where the bag was.

Lightly jogging outside tot he hole, she digs through the unnaturally green bag and produces the rope and pitons.
"We have means! Who's with me?" she asks as she begins pounding the spike into the ground with the back of a handaxe.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar jogs back towards the hole with a large coil of rope the inn's hostler gave him.

"I'm ready. I'll belay you?"

[Demonic Jester]

Aarien peers down the pit, realizing hes not the strongest arm in the group he mentions Probably best if the big girl goes first and the dragon hoists us down

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Receiving the rope, she secures the rope to the well's foundations, loops it several times around the piton she drove into the ground for safety and lowered the remaining length in to the creatures' hole.
"I'd appreciate if you'd make sure it goes no where. That said, you may also want to follow as soon as possible. Don't want to miss the fun."

With a wink, Mel begins to lower herself down the rope into the hole.

Climbing (Athletics)
Goliaths take better of two rolls
Roll 1 - [roll0]
Roll 2 - [roll1]

[darklink_shadow]

After a long climb, one that very quickly ends up being in near total darkness, you find the end of your rope us about an inch too short to reach the ground. A dim light to the north sheds just enough light for you to see the floor you are standing on, and a ruined, but obviously paved pathway towards the light. The silence screams danger, but the air is not as stale as you expected. Suddenly the light winks out and you feel as if the whole world ended. The only sensation you feel is the weight of your body on your feet and the coarse rope in your hand.

The air is dead, there is no scent in the air, no sounds to be heard, nothing but blackness. After a brief moment of terror the light winks back on, and suddenly the air tastes like copper, and your skin crawls.

When the others follow, no such experience happens.

DC to get down is 15, on a 10 you only fail when the hole widens, and only fall 40ft. Below that you fall the whole distance.

[Demonic Jester]

Looking around at the others Aarien mocks

Well if no one else is going to volunteer I guess I will go next

With that he loosely tied his belt to the side of the rope and began his descent

Athletics check:
[roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

Jester
When you reach the bottom, its dark, with a single dim light to the north, and the air tastes Lome copper.

[Nightgaun7]

Ready for me to lower another?

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Lighting a sunrod from her pack, she looks around, sword drawn.

She calls up to the surface, "Unless someone's lined up, tie it off and slide on down. Seems we may need you here."

[darklink_shadow]

The sunrod emits a glow that reveals the 30 ft around you to be paved floor. In a dim shadowy way, it also reveals a perfectly circular wall that surrounds you, just 20ft away from the edge of the well lit circle created by your sunrod. To the north, there is what appears to be a broken part of the wall that has a corridor that leads off into the darkness. Just to the southwest is an area of aggravated rock. It's in the shadows and difficult to see.

Your voice doesn't carry up the hole you descended very well, and nobody above ground hears you.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Turning to the human beside her, the Goliath speaks grumbly, "Well, it looks like it's up to us. I'm Mel. If you'll keep an eye on my back, I'll be sure there's nothing hiding in the rocks before we tackle that corridor."

Stepping towards the rocks in the southwest, she holds the sunrod in her shield hand and pokes around the pile.

Perception - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

The rubble is apparently caused by something burrowing. Since everywhere else is paved and flat, you don't think there is anyway for you to climb down the hole after it, as there is no where to secure a rope.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Well, this is an open wound," she says gazing at the inaccessible hole. "No security in a back door that won't close. Hmmm." Looking around and seeing little, she quickly stacks a loose pile of rocks in front of the hole. "This won't keep any out, but we might hear them topple and get a moment's notice. It'll have to do unless you have some magical whammy you can put on it," she says turning to Aarien.

"Now, to the main event. Shall we?," Mel asks, gesturing to the northern corridor. She moves to the entrance gazing inside.


What does the corridor look like? Size? Man/big bug made? What's visible?
Perception - [roll0]

What could be causing that coppery taste?
Insight - [roll1]

[darklink_shadow]

The corridor is wrought from heavy flagstones, clearly made ages ago. The walls are worn, but in places you can tell they were ornately decorated with carvings and some form of pictography.

You do not recognize its origins, but the general message of danger and joy is felt from the designs. At the end of corridor is a heavy stone door, with no visible means of opening it.

If you step into the corridor, the walls suddenly fill with dozens of runes that glow blue, beating regularly.

Perception 15
Some runes towards the entrance you are at are missing.
Arcana 15
The runes are dangerous. The spell is old, so you can't tell how they work, but they guard this hallway.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"I've got no mind for magical words like these. What do you make of them, sorcerer?" she says, turning to Aarien.

[WaffleLord]

Just as Mel is about to step into the chamber, a hand falls upon her shoulder.
"I wouldn’t do that, unless you enjoy pain." She turns and finds the mage Aarien, his eyes aglow. "I see runes that would great harm upon those who would cross them. Let me see if I can unravel them." The mage steps forward and begins silent gestures about the entrance.

Hearing a noise from behind, Mel turns with her sword drawn. Two figure walk into the light: a Dragonborn and a half-orc. The Goliath remembers them from the surface and lowers her guard.

"Our apologies for the late arrival. These points of leverage can be tricky. I am Belshaazar. Wise in the ways of battle and a ready blade in the service of good, at your service," says the Dragonborn bowing slightly. "This wanderer is Morlag. Fists as fast as I’ve seen though, to be honest, I’ve not heard much more out of him than his name. I assume he’s here to help, yes?" he adds, looking questioningly at the cloth dressed half-orc. Morlag gives a simple nod and looks to the mage with concern.

"That’s Aarien, an enchanter," Mel explains. "You can call me Mel. Sword and board’s my specialty. It looks like we have the makings of a fine crew," she says glancing at each approvingly.

"Well, let’s see what trouble we can find," growls Belshaazar. "Onward!"

And they march forward into history.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar peers into the darkness, looking for any clues about what they might be venturing into.

Rolling history if there are any carvings, writing, etc. that I might recognize
[roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

You recognize that this place is ancient, nothing more. It may well be that the citizens of the city have no idea these ruins are here.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Shaking her head from the strange daydream she had, she finds there is indeed a Dragonborn beside her. "Say, friend," she says looking down into those deep, reptilian eyes, "can you make sense of this? I am far from acquainted with the arcane."

[Nightgaun7]

I know something of the history of these lands, but these halls are beyond my knowledge, and in matters of the arcane I am as a hatchling, but...let us see if we can find anything nearby that might have further clues.

Arcana [roll0]

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"I've made a search and thought about it a while but I've come up blank. I just lack the knowledge." She removes a five pound rock from the pile of rubble. "Perhaps some first-hand experience?" She lobs the rock into the corridor fifteen feet.

[darklink_shadow]

There is a small sizzling noise then a few runes explode, filling the cavern with fire, releasing a jet of fire out of the hall way. When the fire settles, there is no more rock.

Reflex DC 15 for 5 fire damage, otherwise 10 fire damage, and ongoing 1, save ends, or DC 10 acrobatics check to roll it out.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Well," she says, patting her dreadlocks to be sure they are not on fire, "I think that speaks for itself. It might take quite a few rocks to get through this way, but I'm not seeing another option."

How long is the corridor?
About what percentage of the runes went out.
How much of the corridor is lined?
What's her opinion of her plan: Insight - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

The corridor is only about 20ft long, but only the runes where the rock hit the ground had exploded, leaving about 75% still active, mostly ones near the ceiling the sides, and at the far end you didn't reach to. You think you will quickly run out of rocks if you just hurl them down the ways.

You need something a little better than that.

[Nightgaun7]

Balshaazar hisses as smoke rises from his singed scales.

We may need a bigger rock...

He inches forward, careful not to touch the runes, and peers down the hallway.

[darklink_shadow]

The runes change color slightly as you approach, as if they sense you are nearby, but are not close enough to set them off.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Hmmm. Well, we may get well toasted before we wipe them all out. Perhaps there's a mechanical switch? Or a path of safety through them? Just shufflin' out loud."

Perception for switch - [roll0]
Perception for safe path - [roll1]

[darklink_shadow]

The walls are entirely smooth... except... Next to the door! There is a small indentation. But it goes in, and throwing something into the small of a hole would be next to impossible.

The place is pretty well covered in most places still, but if you crawled, you guess you could it all the way to the point where the rock had landed, however the path is then covered by runes.

[Nightgaun7]

"We could roll some more rocks in to clear a path along the ground? Need to test how close we can get to intact ones though."

So have the others vanished or are they NPCs?

[darklink_shadow]

You could probably make a crawl path, and test the distance you must stay from the runes with your available rocks.

You can decide. I would say, why don't you both take them over yourselves. I have no intention of playing as them. So your choices are to help me re-recruit, which I don't really have the time for this week, or you can take them over, or I can say they never came down, or they died from the explosion. If you re-recruit with me, which, admittedly, will really you being doing it with my approval unless you wait a very long time for my scraps of free time to all add up to a real recruitment, or if you take them over, I won't change the difficulty of the game. If you make this a duo game, then I will make you fight challenges appropriate for a two man party. I would prefer not to do the last option though.

To summarize, they are not NPCs, they are your PCs or they died. If they die, you can recruit to replace them, or you can go duo. If you recruit, you can do it with or without much help from me.

If you need me to do the bulk of the work, I cannot do it very quickly as I am very busying working on many projects that eat up all my time in the day, giving me only weekends free from work, but I also have social demands that eat up most of the weekends.

If you do the work, you can decide who joins, or ask me to decide.

All of this is up to you two to decide. We can also restart if you want, we aren't very far in, although on the same token, if we restart, I don't plan to change the intro you've just barely started. You'll start by fighting big nasty bugs, and then somehow railroaded down a well.

Maybe I am being too brutally honest with you... but I'm just telling you like it is.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

*whoosh whoosh whoosh THUMP* The last coil of rope falls to the ground next to Tombak.

"Hmm. Well then. Hope something in here is worth my while." the halfling says, using his red-lensed bull's-eye lantern to cast light around at the base of the hole. Setting the lantern down, he takes a step toward the rope and starts coiling it up. 45, 46, 47, 48, 49. Well I suppose it was too much to hope for the full 50.

With his eyes now used to the reddish glow of the lantern, he glances around, trying to get his bearings, and trying to figure out where to head next.

So, the bull's-eye lantern (http://www.wizards.com/dndinsider/compendium/item.aspx?id=381) works as follows:

A bull’s-eye lantern is equipped with a lens that enables it to project a beam of bright light 2 squares wide out to 10 squares. This way, you can illuminate long hallways without lighting up the whole area.

The ruby lens (http://www.wizards.com/dndinsider/compendium/item.aspx?id=385) changes the light from bright light to dim light.


Perception: [roll0]

Dungeoneering: [roll1]

[Surrealistik]

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/images/215498/ClassPortSorcerer.png

Lotharos (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=618219)
Lovable? Ex-Con Wizard

Dry laughter sounds from the chamber.

"You and me both..." Says an ornately garbed stranger, his arms crossed, body leaning heavily against the curved walls of the antechamber. A wry smile is set upon the man's lips, as though amused by this newcomer.

"You're either a damn fool to have come down here, or a man who knows what he's in for; either way, we'd probably do well to stick together."

He shrugs with an affectation of indifference, reluctantly hefting himself from his weathered support. A crystalline orb of dull violet suddenly materializes in the mage's right hand, marked over with conspicuous runes and arcane sigils that seem to slowly drift and flow about its polished surface.

"There are others here, but they have come on an errand far more virtuous than ours it would seem..."

He pauses for a moment, voice syncopating to silence whilst the human's brown eyes stare off aimlessly into the distance.

"...It makes no difference though; I would sooner aid them than hazard these caverns alone. Several runes bar the way ahead; I've taken to their study and that of these ancient remnants."

Crunch:
Arcana vs Sigils (Identify; How to Disable): [roll0]
History vs Ruins (Identify): [roll1]
Adept's Insight, Augment 1: [roll2] (may apply depending on results)

[darklink_shadow]

The arcane runes speak to Lotharos, whispering their secrets easily. A passphrase disables the traps, and allows for safe passage. Kol Ri Sarha'tha, words whose language is long past dead, and yet they echo easily in Lotharos' mind.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"The name's Melhved," she politely extends her hand towards the newcomers. "Always glad for volunteers in the extermination of evil."

[Meltheim]

Tombak

The curious Halfling tilts his head to the side. "The whatnow? I'm here for the treas . . . " he pauses for a moment, looking at his companions and sharing a private wink with Lotharos, "yes, extermination of evil sounds quite nice." he says, nodding enthusiastically.

Extending his hand, he offers, "I am Tombak, and this is Lotharos." With a sweep of his hand he indicates his taller companion.

"Wait a tick . . . is this your rope?" he holds the frayed end in front of him. "The folks topside seemed to think that you wanted it back, though the knot must have been too complicated for them or something."

[Surrealistik]

"Evil is generally better off exterminated, yes. That aside, it's a genuine pleasure to have made your rather... unlikely acquaintances."

He nods to the others, offering a smile that twists into a subtle half-smirk as he catches Tombak's wink. Turning abruptly towards the corridor, Lotharos gestures at the span ahead with a deft flick of his wrist.

"As for our dilemma, me and the intangibles had a bit of a chat. After some back and forth, I believe I've hit upon the solution to our curious little problem."

Casually drawing forward with a stretch and yawn, he recites the password with measured cadence.

"Password controlled. Pretty clever of the ancients; if only their runes weren't so talkative."

Once confident that the magics within the hall have dimmed and pose no further threat, he invites Melhved ahead, hand sweeping outward.

"Ladies first; I was never well suited to playing point man anyways."

[Nightgaun7]

I am Belshaazar. And while your whispers may have done the trick, wisest to let a rock try them first I say.

And the dragonborn warlord lobs another fist-sized rock down the hallway.

[darklink_shadow]

The rock lands with a -crick- and breaks, but other than that, nothing happens.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Well, that was easier," she says dropping the heavy rock in her hand, slightly putout that someone else solved the problem. "I appreciate that, friend," she says, taking the rope and stowing it in her pack. "They couldn't untie it? It was nothing complex, just sturdy. Hmm. I hope another way out makes itself known or you'll be lifting us out of here on your back," she jokes to the halfling.

Sword in hand, she gingerly enters the room, moving towards the door to get a better look at the indentation she had noticed earlier.

Perception on the indentation - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

The indention seems to have a small crystal inside, pulsing with magic.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

His eyes light up as he sees the soft glow from the indentation. "So . . . what evil are you all trying to exterminate?" Setting his lantern down, Tombak inches his way closer so that he can see the source of the pulsing light.

"I mean, what brought you down here? I heard a commotion near the inn and all, but that's it." he says, trying to hide his obvious magpie-like attraction to the crystal.

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos appears likewise drawn to the crystal albeit for differing reasons, eyes transfixed upon the indentation as he draws ever closer, seemingly beckoned by its throbbing magics like a moth to flame. When his gaze at last falls directly upon the curious thing, he raises a hand, as though to ward off the others.

"Hold; best I examine it before we start touching and taking. That goes double for you Tombak!"

Apparently the halfling's covetous leers were not missed in spite of Lotharos' own strange preoccupation. Within moments, the human's pupils and orb begin to echo the same resonant glow of the gem.

Arcane: [roll0] (Identify crystal, gauge magics)
If needed: Adept's Insight, Augment 1: [roll1]

[darklink_shadow]

The slow throb of the crystal reminds you of the runes, and after a few moments contemplation, you decide the switch either deactivates the runes, detonates them or merely turns them back on. Unfortunately, you're not sure which if any, the crystal does. You are, however, sure it can do more than one thing due to the currents of magic that flow through a decision gate, which you know will alter its effects drastically. You worry any manipulation, magic or otherwise, will simply set it off.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Stepping away, deferring to Lotharos, she faces Tombak. "Several large insect like creatures burst from the ground in the plaza. We forced them back and pursued. They may have ducked down that other hole, but we uncovered these ancient passages. Now that our ropes have been 'returned' to us, proceeding has become more important."

[Surrealistik]

Snapping out of a sort of standing trance, Lotharos reorients himself, head panning rapidly about the room as he regains his bearings. With a mighty throat clearing ahem, he at last deigns to speak.

"The good news is that I know it's a control. The bad news is that I don't know how to control it..."

He offers a thoughtful pause before elaborating on the statement.

"...or rather, how to achieve an outcome that doesn't involve a meaningful chance of inadvertently detonating all of those runes. If we learn how the mechanism works, that knowledge would certainly be useful to us in the immediate future; no doubt we'll be seeing more of these."

Snapping his fingers, a faint hand of scintillating violet suddenly materializes before the crystal.

"My plan is we all duck and cover in, uh, relative safety while that spell manipulates the gem."

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Watch yourselves! We got a good toasting plying with this before." Based upon her previous experience, Mel retreats to a safe location.

Insight to pick a good spot - [roll0] + past experience
Edit: Ooooooo... bad choice

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos raises a single quizzical eyebrow as he watches Melhved hunker down behind a small mound of loose rubble; natural grapeshot to be sure in the event of any kind of explosion... besides being clearly within the rune's blast radius.

"Pah, I said safe! Out of the hall, all of you! Take cover around the corner in the vestibule."

Muttering incoherently to himself (apparently a display of the famed wizard crotchetiness), he waits on the others to get into position.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

While they're distracted, I can snag the gem. This is so awesome! Wait, did he say something about being safe? Hmmmm. Oh, he's yelling.

Tombak nods his head and slides around the corner, tucking his small frame into a tiny ball and throwing his cloak over his head. A small necklace, a few coppers and a dented whistle clatter around him - evidence of his previous attempts at pilfering from the inn's guests.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Sheepishly, the Goliath retreats out of the room and around the corner.

[Surrealistik]

With everyone in place, Lotharos moves to safety himself before commanding his hand to tweak the crystal.

Loth will twist, turn, pull and otherwise manipulate the mechanism through his Mage Hand until he gets some kind of reaction from the runes, at which point he'll stop.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar waits for the others to finish their mystic fiddling. He is ready for anything to come out once the runes are either disabled or detonated.

"Anyone know a good knock-knock joke?"

[darklink_shadow]

After just touching it, all the runes, including the ones previously detonated, glow bright red before settling down to a dull glowing blue again. Further manipulation does nothing. You feel as if just manipulating the crystal without other stimulus avails nothing else.

After interacting with the crystal you:

Arcana 10

Think it resets the runes.
Arcana 20

Think spoken command words prior to touching the runes can effect it differently
Arcana 25

Know that damaging the crystal at all will detonate all the runes at once as a safety mechanism.

[Surrealistik]

When the daunting wave of crimson effulgence has passed and the runes have settled into their prior glow, Lotharos recites his password as a precautionary measure before reluctantly peeking out into the hall. From there, he attempts to more fully gauge the effects of his tampering.

Arcana: [roll0] + 3 from Adept's Insight, and +2 from any Aid Anothers.
Adept's Insight, Augment 1: [roll1] as necessary.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Seeing Lotharos pause, she remembers something she had seen another wizard try.

"Try a shake/twist/push combination. I saw that work for a jammed magical door once," she calls from behind the wall. "It...a...loosens the magical flow so...the...uh...arcanishness...moves better."

Arcane Aid Another - rolled 8 in the OOC

[Meltheim]

Tombak

While Melvhed distracts Lotharos with chattering about technique, Tombak sees an opportunity to try and slip down the hallway to watch the device in action.

While doing so, he slips on the previously-dropped dented whistle, stumbling into Lotharos and sprawling across the floor. "Ahhh . . . . sorry?"

ugh, rolled a 3 on my attempt to aid another. So that's what, a -2 cumulative now?

[Surrealistik]

Nearly bowled over by his unexpected collision with Tombak while Melhved simultaneously assaults him with inane, nonsensical advice, a beleaguered Lotharos struggles to complete his examination, the harmonic link between him and the crystal momentarily lapsing as his concentration is nearly broken. Those more observant might see his forehead knot and twitch with barely suppressed anger. After several moments of protracted silence, he sees fit to speak:

"Bah, buffoons! The both of you!"

Exclaims the mage, throwing up his hands in a rather exaggerated show of resignation. His right fingers clench into a lecturing point, mage hand imitating his motion as though to chide the pair before he seems to think better of it and they disperse with a sigh.

"No matter; you were just trying to help I suppose. At any rate, it does appear to be a control mechanism of some kind as suspected. By default, touching it appears to reset the runes to their primed state; however certain command words will effect different results of which I am uncertain."

Lotharos offers a shrug as though to punctuate his ambivalence.

"Either way, it would be useful to keep it intact for now; no pilfering Tombak! There'll be time enough for that later."

He grins, shaking his head.

"Look, I'm as much about treasure as the next guy, probably more so, but this is one we'll have to pass. Besides, it's a single shard, thing wouldn't catch more than a couple of gold pieces; maybe a couple hundred at best if we find a dealer especially interested in its origins, but that's grasping in my view. Best we move along."

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Hastily running a hand through his hair, Tombak picks up his lantern and rearranges his clothes. "Sorry about that. Magicky stuff gets me all . . . what's the finger-equivalent of tongue-tied? Either way, point me at a real trap and I'll more than make up for myself." he says, puffing up with a little bit of pride at that last bit.

Before venturing out into the hallway, Tombak turns back around, the halfling's eyes once again wide and curious. "So . . . eh . . . it's safe now, right?"

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos nods.

"We're good to go. I'm not so sure about the door however; you may want to check that for traps."

Apparently taking his own advice, he fixates on the portal ahead, eyes assuming their by now familiar glow.

Arcana: [roll0] (Examine for magical traps/residues/elements)

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Nodding - and grinning - foolishly, Tombak and his little red light bob down the dark hallway toward the door. His eyes trace the edges of the door, and slowly make their way around, bringing everything into view, evaluating the door for any hidden surprises.

Passive Perception is 16

Perception: [roll0]

If trapped, then Thievery: [roll1] + 2 for Thieves Tools (http://www.wizards.com/dndinsider/compendium/item.aspx?id=199) to disable, and then Perception (see below) to listen for activity.

If door is not trapped, then I will pull out my Listening Cone (http://www.wizards.com/dndinsider/compendium/item.aspx?id=382)and press against door, trying to listen for anything on the other side (Perception): [roll2] +2 for Cone

[Nightgaun7]

Having done his best at arcane assistance, and no more skilled at manipulating mechanism, Belshaazar idly twirls his blade while awaiting a foe more suited to his talents.

[darklink_shadow]

The door has several traps, both mundane and arcane, however they appear to already be disabled, however you see no way of opening the door currently. With the listening cone's help you hear .... nothing.

[Surrealistik]

"So Tombak... feeling brave tonight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PDF9mAHSWZg&t=189)? A door needs cracking and a room scouting; clearly someone's been through here already and I don't intend to chance being their next victim (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PDF9mAHSWZg&t=202)."

OOC:

Man YT was being a total PITA with that first link; kept skipping 45 seconds in.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Having been useless and scolded, Mel draws her sword and positions herself where she can see both the action at the door and the burrowed hole in the southwest, determined to be of use at her profession.

"Buffoons! I'd like to see him face down the bulettes of Forest Hallow. Turn him into land shark chum, for sure," she thinks to herself.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

The pint-sized thief pulls the cone away from his ear and puts it back in his pack. He runs his hands across the surface of the door, looking for some sort of release or mechanism or something to open it. He takes a step back, looks at the door with a furious glare, and kicks it. Then kicks it again. And again. And again. His tiny boots wailing against the lower third.

"It's not locked. It was trapped. But now . . . now it just sits there." he says, his frustration obvious in his slow, measured pace.

Clenching and unclenching his fists, he turns to the others, "This is a door, right?"

He then starts pulling a crowbar (http://www.wizards.com/dndinsider/compendium/item.aspx?id=255) from his pack. "If it's a door, I can open it. One way or another." he mutters to himself.

[Surrealistik]

"Given the absence of any opening mechanism, I'd assume the crystal controls the door. Sadly if so, I lack the command word required to open it."

Lotharos pauses in thought, stroking pensively at his beard.

"Perhaps it may reveal its secrets to me with further study, as the runes did."

Arcana: [roll0] (Commune with the door)
History: [roll1] (Recall relevant historical information about these entrance types)
Adept's Insight, Augment 1: [roll2] If studying takes long enough for Adept's Insight to recharge.

[darklink_shadow]

Studying the door reveals many things. Foremost in Lotharos' mind is that it is ancient beyond modern understanding of time. The word billions has rarely come up in any discussions Lotharos has had, but that is the age of this door. However, other magic, some that is as modern as to be less than 100 years old has sealed the door and warded it against physical damage. The magic holding it shut is powerful, far beyond your abilities and tainted with a sort of magic none of you has ever seen.

Unfortunately, while Lotharos can hear the word that would open the door, when spoken, nothing happens due to the tampering. But in a flash of brilliance the lacks of which his comrades could never understand, Lotharos figures a way to cause the tainted tampering to go into an infinite feedback loop, causing it to absorb magical damage, amplify it a hundred fold until its breaking point and detonate it into the door. Now any amount of magic will cause the door to explode violently.

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos intently stares at the door for several minutes in awkward, unbroken silence, eldritch light flaring from his pupils, posture rigid and still. When he at last rouses from this strange torpor, the mage's face is seized with an odd expression somewhere between elation, astonishment and dismay, as though awestruck by some great epiphany.

"The door is... incredibly ancient. Billions of years old, perhaps existing since the genesis of this planet. I know how it might be opened, but it would mean destroying it, with no way to contain what lay beyond. The command word strains to make itself known to me, but is silenced by a ward of power far beyond my ability to dispel."

He frowns, strident worry darkening his features.

"Strangely this seal is a recent addition, less than a century old, suffuse with a destabilizing taint... and therein lies the vulnerability. Because of it, the enchantments are precariously balanced on a sort of razor's edge; were I to upset that equilibrium, it would result in a catastrophic reaction, utterly obliterating the thing... and perhaps us with it if we don't take cover..."

He gestures to the antechamber.

"Believe me, this is nothing we want to take more of a chance with than we have to."

With that, he departs the hall, back pressed hard against the wall of the landing.

OOC:
Once everyone is in position, Lotharos will use an enlarged Stone Blood (area burst 2) to magically charge the door from safety.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

The Halfling beats a hasty retreat to whatever point of safety indicated by the wizard.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

With a glance skyward as if to say, "Here we go again," Melhved returns to her previous safe haven.

[darklink_shadow]

The explosion is deafening. After a few moment you shake off the dazing effects and see an black smear where the runes used to be and a gaping hole in the wall where there was once a door. And on the other side, a half dozen angry looking insects.

Roll Initiative.

[Surrealistik]

Casually drawing a staff of weathered steel from his backstrap, Lotharos strikes a pose, bracing for battle.

"Well Mel, Bel, looks like it's the moment you've been waiting for; it's go time."

[WaffleLord]

Melvhed

"Now you're talking my language, wizard!"

Her drawn sword lifts to ready position while primal forces gather around her.

[Nightgaun7]

Wanted to get this in before I have to go to work, where I have no internet, and others take their turn. If it's not doable I'll fix it later

Balshaazar moves forward, drawing in a great breath, and then unleashes a roaring blast that dances over the ankhegs, crackling and flaring where it touches them.


Dragon Breath
Lightning
Minor Action
Close Blast 3
All creatures in area
[roll0] damage
Attack: vs Reflex

Since I don't know how many ankhegs there are, I will just make several rolls, use as appropriate.

No. 1:[roll1]
No. 2:[roll2]
No. 3:[roll3]
No. 4:[roll4]
No. 5:[roll5]

Inspiring Breath - Allies gain +5 damage against enemies hit by dragon breath

[darklink_shadow]

Assuming double move, and this as your minor, you can easily get in range to attack 3 the way they are clumped now. However, based on your rolls, they all nimbly dodge out of the way.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Following Balshaazar's bold charge, Mel steps from behind the wall and howls ferociously. Her long blade at the ready, she rushes forward to block the hallway. Steeling herself, she entreats the spirits to grant her protection in her duties. From the earthen walls come light tendrils of energy, enveloping, armoring the Goliath

"Step right up! There's plenty for all!"

Move and Standard
Double Move to I9 (by way of H10 to avoid OA)

Minor Action
Stone's Endurance - Gain resist 5 all UEoNT

Free Action
Nature's Wrath - mark all adjacent enemies UEoNT (Anhkeg A2)

If AnhA2 doesn't include me in its attack:
Warden's Fury
Immediate Interrupt
Trigger: An enemy marked by you makes an attack that does not include you as a target
Target: the triggering enemy
Attack: +11 vs Fortitude
Hit: 1d8+5 damage, and target grants combat advantage to you and your allies until the end of your next turn

and then

Warden's Grasp
Immediate Reaction
Trigger: An enemy marked by you that is within 5 squares of you makes an attack that does not include you as a target
Effect: You slide the target 1 square. The target is slowed and cannot shift until the end of its turn.

I would slide it one square back.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Startled by the sudden explosion, Tombak finds himself pressed up against the wall, when suddenly the Goliath sprints down the hallway, shouting a battle cry of some sort.

Preferring to do his attacks a bit more stealthily, Tombak hops and jumps through the rubble until he gets within range, then hurls a shining dagger toward the large ankheg nearest him, hoping to catch it off guard.

First Strike: I have combat advantage at the start of the encounter against any creature who has not yet acted.

Move: Walk to I15

Standard: RBA vs A2

Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage

Free: Sneak Attack (if RBA hits) for [roll2] bonus damage

[Surrealistik]

With his allies in place and a decisive choke created, Lotharos spots an opportunity to head off the enemy threat. Holding his orb aloft, its core pulses with sudden radiance as a ball of lightning crackles into existence in front of Belshaazar, forks of plasma arcing from it at every angle, filling the cavern with the stench of ozone.

Move: Move 1 square to G17.

Standard: Storm Pillar
Effect: A pillar of crackling energy is conjured in H8, occupying its square. The pillar lasts until the end of Loth's next turn. Each enemy that moves into a square adjacent to the pillar during its turn takes 1d6 + 6 lightning damage.

[darklink_shadow]

The two large creatures hissed and spat gouts of acid as they approached the angry pair of adventurers, marching on them haughtily, protecting their young.

Keenly aware of the danger a huge pillar of electricity would have, the young skitter away, some borrowing into the walls, and some assaulting the invaders.

Bel
13 acid damage

Mel
13 acid damage and 4 physical damage

Loth
Roll damage against A1

All
Spread sheet is busted... doesn't display hit or miss properly. I have no idea how to fix it. Maybe Melthiem can fix it!

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Shaking excess acid from her hair, she collects the tendrils of energy whirling around her and stomps her foot thunderously on the ground as part of a wide, slicing lunge, trying to cut into both opponents within her reach. Her blade bites deeply into the large insect while cutting the smaller one in twain, bringing a smile to her face. Melora be praised, her thoughts intone. The primal forces stream down her leg into the ground. The floor around the Goliath begins to ripple and undulate, threatening to topple her opponents if they try to move.

STANDARD ACTION
Roots of Stone
Standard Action Close burst 1
Effect: The burst creates a zone of rippling earth that lasts until the end of your next turn. Make the following attack.
Target: Each enemy in the burst
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage. The target is knocked prone when it leaves the zone.

vs A2 AC - [roll0] ** Yes, I will take the critical hit, thank you.
vs A2 AC - [roll1]
***Markings of the Victor - Benefit: The first time you make an attack roll during each encounter, you can roll twice and use either result.
vs a2 AC - [roll2]

Damage - [roll3]
Critical Damage - 14+1 (15) Wimpy crit roll (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15765536&postcount=235)

FREE ACTION
Nature's Wrath
Mark A2 and a2

If A2 or a2 doesn't include me in their attacks:
Warden's Fury
Immediate Interrupt
Trigger: An enemy marked by you makes an attack that does not include you as a target
Target: the triggering enemy
Attack: +11 vs Fortitude
Hit: 1d8+5 damage, and target grants combat advantage to you and your allies until the end of your next turn

and then
Warden's Grasp
Immediate Reaction
Trigger: An enemy marked by you that is within 5 squares of you makes an attack that does not include you as a target
Effect: You slide the target 1 square. The target is slowed and cannot shift until the end of its turn.

I would slide them back towards where they came from, avoiding square I8.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar meets the Ankheg on the left, checking its advance with his shield while lashing out with his blade, while exhorting Melvhed to strike it too. Then, seeing the trio of foes on the right, he attacks the largest Ankheg with a fury that leaves a great gash in its chitinous carapace. Hit the weak spot!


I'm hoping this works due to the forum format and all the monsters going at once. If not I can edit it out. If I goofed up somewhere let me know, just wanted to try and get something up before work so I don't hold things up.

In the round preceding, I use
Vengeance is Mine on A1
Immediate Reaction - Personal
Trigger: An enemy hits you
Effect: Make a basic attack against the triggering enemy, and one ally within 5 squares of you can move his or her speed and make a melee basic attack against the triggering enemy as a free action.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1].

In my turn this round, I will attack the other big bug, using my move action as necessary.
Warlord's Strike on A2
Standard Action - Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: [roll2]
Hit: [roll3]
Until the end of your next turn, all of your allies gain a +5 bonus to damage rolls against the target.

[Meltheim]

Tombak - Round 2

Seeing that the large Ankheg is currently off balance, Tombak once again picks himself through the rubble. Once in position, he reaches down, touches a small gem on the side of his boots, then shoots off toward the creature. As he crashes into it, dagger extended, he rebounds, landing a few feet away, while the creature appears unfazed.

Move: Unbalancing Trick (http://www.wizards.com/dndinsider/compendium/power.aspx?id=12719)(Shift to H 14 or H13, depending on how you read "2 squares" in difficult terrain)

Effect: You shift up to 2 squares. The next time you hit an enemy with a melee basic attack this turn, you can knock it prone.

Standard: Charge (MBA) vs A2

Attack: [roll0] + 1 (charge) = [16] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] + 5 (Bel's Warlord's Strike) = [16] damage and A2 is knocked prone (see Unbalancing Trick, above)

Free: Boots of Adept Charging (http://www.wizards.com/dndinsider/compendium/display.aspx?page=item&id=745) - I shift back 1 square to I11

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

The Goliath thinks back to what she did right before her great attack. Stepping over, at the warlord's insistence to take advantage of an opening he created.

Move to H8 drawing OoA (Mel gets +2 AC vs Opp Attack.)
MBA vs A1 AC - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]

Then for move action on her turn, she'll shift back to I9

[Surrealistik]

As the melee continues to unfold in the hall beyond, Lotharos makes the most of the diversion presented by his companions. Ever conscious of his lack of protection, he remains still, doing his best not to draw any undue attention. Reinforcing the fading magics of his lightning construct, his sphere pulses with a low, ominous thrum, like a promise of imminent ruin.

Free Action: Orb of Imposition
Effect: Storm Pillar persists until the end of Lotharos' next turn.

Standard Action: Ready Howling Wall, triggering when A2 takes any action or leaves its space during its turn.

[darklink_shadow]

Claimoring up, the nasty Ahnkeg on the right snaps at the Goliath as she passes, but misses utterly. However the second angry insect latches onto Belshaazar, while a pair of tiny insects leap from the walls to attack him just before the large bug scuttles away with his prey.

Tombak can hear the shifting sounds of burrowing insects in the wall beside him...

Bel
A whomping 15. Both bugs hit, but the bigger one hit for almost minimum! And it missed with it's second attack!

Loth
You can take your action. I didn't look up what your readied, because I am way too tired, but the bug missed on any attack rolls it was going to take anyways. Also, did you move last turn? Because I just realized you don't have LOS to the spell you cast last turn. I assume you did move, just move your guy... again... too tired for... anything else... zzzz

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar beats the beast with his pommel, forcing it to relent for a moment. With a second to spare, Belshaazar tells Melvhed to make a concentrated effort to down his foe, then roars out a battlecry and attacks the ankheg again.


Brash Assault
Standard Action - Melee weapon
Target: A1
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1]
Effect: The target can make a melee basic attack against you as a free action and has combat advantage for the attack. If the target makes this attack, an ally of your choice within 5 squares of the target can make a basic attack against the target as a free action and has combat advantage for the attack.
Harlequin Style: Against the target of this exploit, you gain a +4 bonus to defenses until the start of your next turn

Move Action:
Knight's Move on Melvhed: Move as a free action

Inspiring Word on myself as a minor action
[roll2], bringing me back to max. Good thing I remembered I had that!

[Surrealistik]

A2's Turn (Readied Action):

As the second Ankheg moves to strike, the dormant power in Lotharos' orb flares to life, manifesting as a turbulent whirlwind that howls across the battlefield. The effect is to scatter his foes and regroup his allies, driving Mel's assailant into the busily crackling lightning sphere. The latter now serves an impromptu (and effective) bug zapper, frying the second Ankheg completely, causing its exoskeleton to messily rupture in several places while its death spasms cease.

Immediate Reaction: Howling Wind (Wall 6, G9 to K9, K9 to K10)
Attacks vs Fortitude:
[roll0] vs Ankheg 1
[roll1] vs Ankheg 2
[roll2] vs Bel
[roll3] vs Mel
[roll4] vs Ankheg 4 (CA since A4 can't see Lotharos).
Hit Effect: The target is slid 4 squares and slowed. If the target is already slowed, it's knocked prone. Lotharos gains a +2 item bonus to all defenses against the target until it is no longer subject to an effect by him.

Forced Movement:
A2: slides 1 square to I7 then is slid 1 square to H6, then slid 2 squares to G6, then back to H6, ending its forced move in the 2x2 space H6-I7. It is proned as it left Mel's close burst 1. This incurs 5 instances of damage from Storm Pillar (5 squares adjacent to Storm Pillar entered on its turn) with a +5 bonus to the damage roll from Warlord's Strike:

[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

75 damage total to A2 which kills it.

A1: Is slid 4 squares into the 2x2 space B4 to C5

a4: Is slid 4 squares to G7.

Bel: Is slid 0 squares (miss).

Mel: Is slid 1 square H10.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

The Halfling stands there, mouth agape, watching the ankheg be put through the bug zapper. After a few seconds, he finally says quietly, to himself, "<expletive deleted> me. Wow." He glances at Lotharos and says, "Same team, right?" while giving him his best ingratiating grin and a huge thumbs-up.

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos awkwardly returns Tombak's regard with an improvised salute, staff briefly raised aloft with a tip of his head. The wizard answers his companion's query with an amiable chuckle.

"So long as you keep your hands where they belong!"

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar roars aggressively and smashes his pommel against his shield, small sparks shooting from his mouth in an echo of the larger pillar of energy.

[darklink_shadow]

Having seen the vicious slaughter, the Anhkeg all burrow out of sight, save one poor little insect that is zapped by the pillar when it attempts to escape.

The little one burrow straight upwards, and produce holes too small for you to follow, and the large one has dug diagonally upwards away from you, off the map. You could chase after it if you wanted to, if you do, say so in the OOC and I will make a new map, otherwise you can let them flee from you.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

After coming to an abrupt stop against the wall, Mel smooths her statically charged hair.

"Hmmm," she thinks after the shocking display, "perhaps I would be more concerned for the bulettes."

[Nightgaun7]

Well, we can either follow those fleeing beasts, and perhaps be rid of them once and for all, or go through this next area.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Carefully resheathing his dagger and picking up his lantern, Tombak joins the others in the room where the insects appeared.

Looking over the rubble from the ruined door, the corpses from the deceased creatures, and spying an exit of sorts at the other end, he suggests, "I'm interested in the finer things in life, the least of which involves chasing bugs down a small, dirty tunnel. That said, it is clear that something beyond giant insects lived here at some point. Perhaps something worthwhile lies beyond?"

At the last, he gestures northward, and he and his bobbing red light move toward the hallway.

Tombak would like to examine the corpses for anything worthwhile, such as bits of chitin or ankheg oil or other things that could be sold (he is an opportunist, above all else).

Also, here are a couple of knowledge checks on the hallway to try and learn more about its construction (made by critters burrowing, carved by man/machine intentionally, etc.) and any indication of where it might lead.

Dungeoneering (Trained): [roll0] + any assists
Perception (Trained): [roll1] + any assists

Also, Tombak will use Dungeoneering to leave well placed marks (with his dagger, with some small stones, etc.) while they are underground, to help the party avoid getting lost (this is an Easy DC, according to the Compendium). Please let me know how you want to resolve this. I am trained in Dungeoneering and have a +6 right now.

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos seems to be in agreement with the halfling, head nodding tersely.

"I see no reason to pursue; they've been scared witless. I doubt whether they'll regroup to attack. After we've finished scouring the room, let's proceed."

Noting a one Tombak engaging in his due diligence about the roughly hewn chamber, he joins in to assist, and conduct his own examination of the area. Diligently, his ever faithful mage hand sorts without pause through the various piles of debris, tending to tedious, manual labour below the purview of such lofty wizards as its master. Besides, Lotharos has better things to do, like ruminate over where he may have seen such peculiar architecture in the various historical texts he's perused over years.

Unfortunately the wizard's absent minded hovering (to say nothing of that damnably noisy conjuration) proves to be an unwelcome distraction to his halfling comrade, though his anatomical knowledge proves invaluable in discerning what, if anything, might be salvageable from the fallen Ankhegs.

Perception: [roll0] Search room for notable elements.
Perception, Aid Another (Tombak): [roll1] vs DC 11

Nature: [roll2] Search/salvage corpses for valuables.
Nature, Aid Another (Tombak): [roll3] vs DC 11

History: [roll4] (Recall important details about ruins/architecture and their origins)
Adept's Insight, Augment 1: [roll5]

Short Rest afterwords.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"I'm less concerned with the bugs than I am with getting ourselves out of here. Unless you've got yourself a flying carpet, Lortharos, we may very well be working our way through the Dark Realm to get back to the surface," she says cleaning her blade to a high shine. She slips it back into her scabbard, then quietly leans towards Lotharos, "DO you have a flying carpet?"

[Nightgaun7]

"Onward, then" Belshaazar growls "Let's find out what this place is and what we're dealing with down here."

[darklink_shadow]

The Ahnkegs seem to produce almost nothing of value or use. All of the chitin harvested is brittle.

After a few minutes of snooping around, looking at the room, you decide that someone obviously built this room, eons ago, and it seems well maintained. Yet, Tombak manages to notice, despite the annoyance of Lotharos, that the wall where the Anhkeg burrowed is moving slightly, slowly repairing itself of damage. By the end of your short rest, there is only a fist sized hole left, and it's continuing to heal. The healed areas look brand new, and perfect, which might explain why a place you figure to be abandoned seem well maintained: magic ic maintaining it.

Lotharos has never heard about a place like this before, or even magic that could perform such feats.

Just as you ready yourselves to leave, a troop of giant ants crawls into the cave from below you, burrowing up and grabbing the bits and pieces of messy dead anhkeg, only to crawl back down their newly made holes. Knowing to look for it now, you can see the floors are slowly regenerating.

[Surrealistik]

"Oh? So eager to abandon your mission?" Lotharos can't help but smirk at the goliath's comment as he turns from his efforts.

"I must admit, I thought you to be a more heroic sort than that." An impish grin precedes stilted, momentary laughter.

"But to answer your question, sadly no... were I only so fortunate. In fact, had I possessed something so markedly precious I certainly would not have deigned to join you in this miserable hole; much as these ruins are at times fascinating, I am not here due to some unquenchable intellectual curiosity I assure you."


As the ants rise to feast upon messily strewn ankheg bits, the wizard's eyebrows pique in a mixture of concern and astonishment, doubtlessly compounded by the odd spectacle of regenerating surfaces.

"Uh oh, giant ants. We certainly haven't seen the last of these burrowers." With a resigned sigh, he trudges towards the exit. "At least we know what we're in for."

[Meltheim]

Tombak

"So . . . leaving, yes?" the halfling says, hoping one of the taller party members will take the lead.

As he watches the floor repair itself, he pauses for a moment, then stabs into the ground with his dagger. After watching the response to his minor assault a few times, he shakes his head and says, with worry, "Guys - I think it would be bad if one of us fell into one of these holes. Let's keep moving."

Tombak does his best to hide the fear that he knows is creeping into his voice.

[darklink_shadow]

The north hallway goes on for a great distance, nearly 100 feet or so you'd guess. Along the hallway are many runes and symbols. Every ten feet is a vertical pillar of light, and every other pillar is connected at the top, making a series of 9 squares. The end of the hallway is adorned with a very intricate sqaure, similar to the others, but with 18 detailed into the pillars of which the square is comprised. There are six on the left pillar, six on the right and six across the top.

[Nightgaun7]

"Show me a hundred foes with mettle before the tricks of a magician!" Belshaazar glances towards Lotharos, then rumbles "Even if they are good to have as friends"

I guess I should say Short rest like Lotharos did.

[roll0] for History

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Don't get me wrong, StormBringer, I'd love to track those bugs down to insure they'll never return, but Mama always said, 'Dead shepherds feed wolves.'"

After catching her breath, she follows along the new hallway, mentally running through past experiences for light displays such as this.

Dungeoneering - [roll0]
and Short Rest, indeed.

[Surrealistik]

Fascinating... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=cFods1KSWsQ&t=4) Lotharos cannot help but openly gape at the wondrous sight before him, eyes flitting between the runes and shimmering pillars in a bout of compelled study, excitement clearly borne upon his features. "...It's almost enough to revive the sense of wonderment that first got me into wizardry."

Arcana; Studying/analyzing the Magic of the pillars and runes: [roll0] + Aid Another (2 from Tombak) + 5 (Adept's Insight, Augment 1, see OOC) = Total: 35
History; Recollecting historical record/details pertaining to the pillars and runes: [roll1] + Aid Another (2) = Total: 14

[Meltheim]

Tombak

"You guys recognize any of this? Too much light for my liking." the Halfling says, extinguishing his lantern and stowing it in his pack for the time being.

History (aid another): [roll0]
Dungeoneering (aid another): [roll1]
Arcana (aid another): [roll2]

Just pile these on to whoever had the top roll in each category :smallcool:

[darklink_shadow]

After a short collaboration, pooling your collective insights, you determine that you have accidentally trapped yourself in a prison cell, according to the runes hints, and the whisperings of magic. But as it turns out, who ever built this place believed in criminals surviving trials to earn their freedom. Each "doorway," as it were, leads to a trial. Fortunately for you, it seems teams of convicts in groups of four were set up. The distant ornate door houses four spheres, in which you must all place your right hands for the room to determine your punishments.

It's too late to leave, the only path forward is to accept that you are now criminals in the eyes of a massive self-regenerating automated city whose birth seems to have coincided with the birth of the universe in which you reside.

In short, you have 18 trials ahead of you, and you cannot leave until you complete them. The runes on each door are labels, telling you what the challenges are to be, however their magic whispers nothing, and the runes are meaningless at this time. Lotharos hypothesizes this must be because your fates have yet to be determined by the automated prison.

You have learned one more piece of information, this prison is called:


Dungeon Crawl.

[Surrealistik]

The sea change that sweeps over Lotharos' features is painfully evident as his studies come to their dismal fruition, his prior wonderment soured to anger and crestfallen dismay.

"I'm not quite sure what fool impulse compelled me to ford down that hole; even at the time it seemed absurd. In retrospect it was unbelievable, and now all the more so."

He crosses his arms, head shaking, expression seeming to betray a profound sense of disbelief as though the magi were unable to reconcile with the nature of his situation; or perhaps signifying a denial of it. Before long however, his characteristic smirk breaks though the malaise, signifying some manner of realization.

"May as well get this over with. Given the power of this gauntlet's arcana, I don't believe we've much chance of escape."

In spite of himself the wizard manages a resigned chuckle, feet moving towards the spheres with renewed purpose.

"Guess I'd always known my profligacy would get me into trouble sooner or later... I just never imagined it'd be so extravagantly wrought."

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

A wave of incredulity crashes over Melhved. "That's impossible! How could we be....Read that again! It can't be! I've never so much as.... I don't belong here!" She screams at the walls, "How dare you you lock us in here! You have no right to judge us!" She pounds her fists upon the blank walls with growing anger until at last she collapses to her knees. "One door was almost our end. We'll never make it through here."

She rises to one knee and lowers her head. Fishing her holy symbol out of her tunic, she holds it tightly in both hands."Melora, Wild Goddess, your servant is in need. Release us and I shall devote myself more fully to spreading your word. I shall hunt the followers of Asmodeus where they hide. Please."

Waiting in silence, she breathes heavily. At last, she rises to her feet and lifts her head slowly. She lovingly kisses her medallion and places it gently inside her tunic. Tightening her pack, she turns and faces the wizard, a look of stern resolve on her face. With a voice that is steady, she says, "I am with you, Lotharos. Let us begin." She steps to the spheres and looks to the others.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar walks up and sticks his hand in.

[darklink_shadow]

With three hands in, the power of the large ornate door begins to come to life. The final sphere glows beckoningly, demanding a fourth. You three feel your minds probed, and your worst mistakes highlighted, your most minor sins and crimes pried out and into the machine. The orbs shift to a short of yellowish green shade, as hum while the final sphere hums differently, reverberating as a verbal demand of the thief, commanding in words he does not understand.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Though normally verbose, the halfling has remained quiet these past few minutes as the latest news is revealed. Snorting to himself, he flips the dagger up, catches it and slips it in the sheath at his hip. "Prison is prison. Sometimes you do a night for nicking some apples, other days its a week in the stocks with a barrel of rotten fruit for all the kids to throw. Me ... I haven't found a prison yet I couldn't escape. I welcome the challenge!"

With that, he moves to put his hand at the indicated place, doing as his companions have done.

Bluff check (to convince the party of his bravado): [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

The final orb hums contently for a while then turns a deep shade of orange. They sit there for a while, humming together until finally disappearing suddenly. On the other side of the room, another square flares brightly, and the runes upon it shift, and turn, spelling out words you cannot read. Then four orbs appear on that square, looking identical to the ones before. Thin gossamer chains of light lead from the orbs to your right wrists so that each of your in bound to a different orb. After you hesitate, the chains pull slightly, shortening in length.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Drawing her sword with her free arm, she follows the sphere with little resistance, determined to face whatever may come with courageous resolve.

[Surrealistik]

"Not much left to do now; guess it's time we meet our fate."

Seemingly reassured by Tombak's show of bluster, Lotharos appears notably heartened, and though not quite so eager as his goliath companion, the purpose and drive in his movements are unmistakable as he claims his sphere amongst the others.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar tries to bang his orb against the stone, then grunts in frustration as the chains shorten. "What the wizard said. Follow me!"

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Pulling his dagger free from its sheath, Tombak mutters a curse as the chain tightens around his wrist. The muttering turns into full on squawking as he tries to pry his hand free from the chains, to no effect. "What? Seriously? What is this? Hnhhhhh!" he struggles against the chain for a few seconds more before sighing and walking in with the others. "And this is why I have tongs . . . serve me right for sticking my hand in strange holes." he says to no one in particular.

[darklink_shadow]

With a high pitched hummed and then a flash, you four are transported to another room, another realm. Rain falls heavily as lightening cracks the sky. The angry rolling of thunder booms.

Before you stands a hobbled old man with a cane, and behind him a dark, forbidding tower. The man waits a moment, gazing at your patiently, then asks Do you have any questions before we just send you of to fight the Dragon's Tower? His right eye is solid white a a large scar tells you something with claws and him once fought hand to hand. But he is old and weak now, shivering in the cold of the night.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

The weather catches the warden off-guard be she seems to relax in the shower from above, washing off the clammy, dust of the underground. Closing her eyes and lifting her face to the dark clouds, she drinks in the rain as it caresses her cheeks. "Thank you, my Lady."

Startled by the old man's speech, she looks to him, then the tower, then him, then the tower, and lastly, back to old man.

"Questions? Umm...who, where, why, what in the Vale is going on?"

[darklink_shadow]

The man frowns at you, puzzled by your words. What do you mean? He looks behind him at the castle then back to you. Are you not intending to slay the dragon of the tower and save my village?

Suddenly angry he points at you with one time-gnarled finger. You cannot just refuse us now! That dragon has been rampaging through the valley and slaughtering our livestock. And by the Divines, were you not sent here to atone for your sins? Sir Galderhil will know you ran if I do not tell him otherwise! Now go! Go! Bring me the head of that dragon!

[Nightgaun7]

"What is in the tower, old one?"

[darklink_shadow]

The man turns, and his frown deepens. A dragon and his minions! Well, actually, the evil that lives in the tower has been there long before the dragon, but there is a dragon who lives on the ... the uh... top part. And he flies down and eats all of our sheep. With a slow shrug he pauses. But there are other evils inside, even if they usually don't venture out of the tower. So, unless you can fly, you'll have to fight your way to the top of the tower to slay the dragon!

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Throwing his hood up over his head to keep the rain off, the halfling nods along as the elder rambles about evil and dragons. "What about treasure? We keep what we kill?" he shouts into the thunder and rain, hoping the man's ears hear his inquiry.

[darklink_shadow]

The old man spits on the ground. Degenerate scum. Of course, even as you work to repay your debts to society all you care about is wealth. By all means, whatever loot is up there is yours, who cares if it's the livelihood of a few villages and the lives of dozens of dozens of peasants. Keep whatever you collect as your "reward." Spitting on the ground in disgust again, he scowls bitterly. When I was an adventurer, we didn't just keep what was clearly robbed possessions, but I'll leave it to you own moral compasses to decide what you do. Nothing I can do to change the avarice of criminals.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Beneath the safety of his hood, the halfling makes a mocking face and mutters something about 'an arrow to the knee' before turning to the others. "We're doing this right? I mean, faster we go through this, faster we get out?"

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos remains perhaps uncharacteristically silent throughout the whole exchange. When one looks to his face, cringing and soured by nausea and vertigo, the why becomes rather obvious, the human obviously not having taken well to this sudden transposition. Leaning heavily on his staff, he mutters to himself before doing his best to straighten and regain his footing. Looking about his lips part, seeming almost anxious to remark on the nature of where the party happens to find itself, though silence wins out as the wizard takes a studious eye to these new environs.

Arcana: [roll0] determine nature of surroundings; is this a new plane or a convincing illusion?
Insight: [roll1] sense illusions.

[Nightgaun7]

The dragonborn looks at the old man and growls out a question, "What sort of minions?". He begins marching towards the tower, then calls back over his shoulder, "And is there aught else we need know of this place?"

[darklink_shadow]

There's not much else to know, it's a den of monsters. I've few ideas of what manner of beasts lurk within. Myths claim demons, harpies and all manner of beasts so numerous there is no way they could possibly fit half of them inside. The old man coughs a bit, and staggers a bit. You can tell the cold is getting to him, and he has been putting on a tough act, but he is actually quite frail.

Lotharos
You detect no illusion, but other than that, you aren't sure what is going on. You are fairly certain this is real, however.

[Surrealistik]

"Ah, good sir, please forgive the acquisitive and abrasive ways of my friends; they are survivalists and salvagers by nature and had surely meant no offense."

Lotharos offers the old man a preternaturally charming smile, features suddenly aglow and devoid of flaw; an angel's face basked in the light of a halo... at least to the deceived eyes of the latter.

"As my Dragonborn companion has queried, perhaps you might instruct us as to what perils lay within and about that tower? Have you heard anything of its defenses and layout that may prove of use?"

The wizard all but exudes a near-tangible sense of comradery and warmth, while his voice has since assumed a soothing, melodic cadence.

"Rest assured, the more we know, the better our chances of sparing the townsfolk their unfortunate fate; please do your utmost to assist us."

Lotharos uses Suggestion allowing him to substitute his Arcana skill for a Diplomacy check
Diplomacy: [roll0] (+2 from Regalia).

[darklink_shadow]

The man coughs again. I really couldn't say. It's a forbidden tower, filled with evil. Sometime brave men go there, but they never return. So we don't know. I guess it's well agreed upon, though, that the talk of demons is nonsense. Demons wouldn't just sit in the tower and wait. Whatever is there are lurkers. Be careful of ambushes. I can't really say more, because I don't know anything else. Good luck though. I'm sure whatever you're in trouble for is one of their faults. That halfling seems especially culprit.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Perhaps I judged our jailer too swiftly, thinks the Goliath. Paying penance through service for the good of the people. Justice and recompense. Wise. In my quests I have done no less than these tasks. Perhaps, I am a sort of prisoner myself. A prisoner to my sense of duty, of honor, of revenge. Hmmm.

Melhved stands quietly to the side, hearing little of the discussion, until the word "ambushes" snaps her out of her reverie. She returns her focus to the group.

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos bows his head in acknowledgement and gratitude.

"You have my sincerest thanks; I've no doubt this information will prove most useful in our mission. We'll not disappoint you."

With that, the wizard promptly turns and follows after his tower-bound companions, glamour fading to reveal the considerably less picturesque truth of his rainsoaked countenance.

[darklink_shadow]

As you approach the tower, the rain dies down slowly, but only to be replaced by a thick fog. The tower seems rather generic and non-descript, and you sense no creatures lurking outside. Gargoyles hang onto the ledges, scaring away birds and would be adventurers, and a few giant stone statues wielding great axes stand guard at the gates. It's dead quiet.

No history of this place comes to mind.

[Surrealistik]

Having experienced enough of such tedious sentries from his past work, Lotharos suspiciously eyes the gargoyles, pupils aglow as they set about their scrutiny.

Perception: [roll0]
Insight (detect illusions/deceit): [roll1] +5 (forgot to update my copy/pasta) for a total of 11
Arcana (detect magical auras/signatures/effects): [roll2] +10 (forgot to update my copy/pasta) for a total of 22

[darklink_shadow]

You detect magic, but unfortunately the entire keep radiates magic, and lots of it, so you cannot detect any potentially weaker auras. In short, you detect that the keep is a bastion of powerful magic, and nothing more.

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos can only regard the keep briefly with his peculiar senses before the sight becomes tangibly painful to him, face contorting in obvious discomfort. It isn't long until the wizard cannot bear another second, abruptly turning from its vertical sprawl.

"This tower is all but blinding. Mel, Tom, give each of those gargoyles a solid hit; with such magic about I scarcely trust them to remain still."

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar eyes the gargoyles warily, sword and shield ready for anything.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

"Gladly" the halfling says, hefting his dagger in his hand. Taking aim, he flings it toward the closest gargoyle.


RBA vs Gargoyle
Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage + [roll2] damage from Sneak Attack

[darklink_shadow]

Your dagger bounces uselessly off the gargoyle, as he is in a dormant state. However, afterwards, it instantly breaks that, roars and charges into the halfling who attacked it unprovoked. After striking the halfling to the floor, it flies into the sky, about 20 feet up, and 10 feet away, laterally.

11 damage and you are now prone. You dealt 0 damage to the gargoyle. I'm not going to make a battle map right now.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Drawing her sword and walking toward the second gargoyle, she is nearly knocked off her feet by the charge of the gargoyle hit by Tombak.

"Kraken!" she spits. "Now the question we'll ask ourselves tomorrow is 'would it have done that if we'd just walked by harmlessly?' No time for 'what if's' now."

Melhved steps next to the fallen halfling, sword drawn, ready for the beast to swing back.

Move to adjacent halfling on beast side.
Ready action: When a gargoyle gets within 2 squares, I will use Thorn Strike to pull it to a square so I stand between it and the halfling. I will also mark it as a Free Action hit or miss.
Thorn Strike
Standard Action Melee 2
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage, and you pull the target 1 square.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar roars a challenge at the stone beast, readying himself for the next pass.


Ready action to use Brash Assault if it comes in range.

[Surrealistik]

At once recognizing the danger, Lotharos strides forth, an orb held aloft presaging a familiar glow. Shadows about the towering gallery of gargoyles and statues flare and waver at each pulse of the implement before weaving into a morass of gnashing, many-clawed horrors. A flick of his wrist gives life to a lightning obelisk that hangs ominously above Tombak, crackling and buzzing.

The wizard seems to regard the axe wielding statues with a wary leer.

"Mind the statues. I doubt these gargoyles are the only threat to be contended with."

Standard Action: Enlarged Grasping Shadows
Attacks:
[roll0] vs Gargoyle 1's (G1's) Will
[roll1] vs Gargoyle 2's (G2's) Will
[roll2] vs Gargoyle 4's (G4's) Will
[roll3] vs Statue 1's (S1's) Will
[roll4] vs Statue 2's (S2's) Will
[roll5] vs Statue 2's (S6's) Will
[roll6] vs Statue 2's (S10's) Will

Effect: An area of shadows is created in H1 to L5 and is 5 squares high. Any creature that enters the area takes 5 psychic damage and is slowed until the end of its next turn.
Hit Effect: [roll7] psychic damage, the target is slowed and Loth gains a +2 item bonus to all defenses against the target until the end of Loth's next turn (Staff of Aversion).

Free Action: Spend Action Point

Standard: Storm Pillar
Effect: A pillar of crackling energy is conjured in J6, altitude 1 occupying its square. The pillar lasts until the end of Loth's next turn. Each enemy that moves into a square adjacent to the pillar during its turn takes 1d6 + 6 lightning damage.

Move Action: 3 squares to I6.

Immediate Action: Shield
Trigger: An enemy hits Lotharos with an attack targeting AC or Reflex by 4 or less
Effect: Lotharos gains a +4 power bonus to AC and Reflex until the end of his next turn.

[darklink_shadow]

With a mighty roar, one of the statues breaks free from his mineral shell, revealing a darker obsidian skin. The sound of his voice shatters the shells around the remaining statues, revealing several types of earth fleshes. A leap bring the obsidian guardian down onto the poor wizard. The crunch of snapping bones is heard as the mage's lifeless body is thrown into the moat.

A jade warrior charges beside his emerald ally, and together their weapons split the halfling before them. Gargoyles rain down upon the golaith who thought she faced a single foe, and their combined clawings rend the life out of her.

Before the dragonkin can react, seven statues have a chance to hack of his head. At least one succeeds.

With a high pitched hummed and then a flash, you four are transported across space and time. Rain falls heavily as lightening cracks the sky. The angry rolling of thunder booms.

Before you stands a hobbled old man with a cane, and behind him a dark, forbidding tower. The man waits a moment, gazing at your patiently, then asks Do you have any questions before we just send you of to fight the Dragon's Tower? His right eye is solid white a a large scar tells you something with claws and him once fought hand to hand. But he is old and weak now, shivering in the cold of the night.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Swinging at gargoyles long gone, the Goliath catches her breath and checks her body. The rends were gone, her armor restored, and naught affected but her mind. "Of course," she thinks to herself, "death would not be an escape for the guilty. No easy way out for the wicked. I respect the builders of the hellish prison and curse them. Though the innocent fear not the difficult path, nor do they relish it."

"No, old man," she says aloud, sheathing her sword with resignation. "I think we get the picture."

[darklink_shadow]

Hmph. Good. Ye looked trustworthy enough. Well, you did. Be careful, nobody knows the real dangers of that place. With that, the old man hobbles off down the road, away from the tower.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Looking at the old man with suspicion as he walks away, the thief bounces the dagger in his palm while momentarily entertaining the idea of burying it between the man's shoulder blades. Thinking better of it, he instead looks to his companions, and gestures wordlessly toward the castle.

[darklink_shadow]

When you arrive at the tower, it looks exactly as it did before. There are sleeping stone guardians, angry looking gargoyles, but your corpses are gone.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar growls "Let's get through this." and approaches the tower once more, waiting for those with ranged attacks to make the first move.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Approaching the tower once more, this time with hand on hilt but sword in scabbard, she neared the bridge to the moat, stopping when she reached the edge of the water. Caution and inescapable memories prevented her from just walking blindly on. She collected her wits while waiting for others to join her.

Move to I11.
Updated same Battle sheet.

[Surrealistik]

Pending a brief moment of disorientation and reflexive alarm, Lotharos quickly catches on to the reiterative nature of his situation. Wonderment fades to annoyance, a vexed eyeroll and frustrated mumble punctuating the wizard's sour disposition as he ambles towards the tower.


****

As the party's footfalls once again resound across the bridge, the ex-grafter sees to caution his fellows:

"May as well get this over with; if they're triggered by aggression, perhaps simply crossing is the best approach; best be wary though and ready yourselves; as probable guardians, I sincerely doubt attacks are the only thing they respond to."

Moving cautiously behind Melhved's protective bulk, he inches towards the entrance.

Lotharos readies an action to cast Howling Wall whenever an animated statue or Gargoyle moves to a square closer to the party.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

The Halfling follows behind, hoping to avoid conflict this time around.

[darklink_shadow]

You walk within 10 feet of the door before there is any reaction. The stone giants standing closest to the door shift slightly. In unison they grumble: Halt, and hark our warning. Inside lurks many evils which we keep locked away to defend the lands. Ever since Gredwin, the Arch-Magnus of the Order of the Entombed Spirit first locked away these beasts, none escaped further than this very door. You approach at your own doom. There is a short pause, and the statues seem to suddenly change thier voices. You speak now with the Entomed Spirit Kala'mir. Speak and answer: for what purpose have you come to Tower Rivenhaft?

Dust falls off the massive bodies of the twin statues, but they speak without moving their mouth, and with magic instead.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Looking at his party, then the giants, Tombak puffs up his chest and says, confidently, "We come to slay the Dragon."

Tombak is here for treasure and because the old man said so, so this is a bluff

Bluff =[roll0] + any aid another's you all can throw on there

Edit: ooh nice roll for me! /fingerscrossed

[darklink_shadow]

There is a long moment of near silence, while a low rumble reverberates through the statues. She is not one of our captives. We have no orders to aid in either her survival or destruction. Very well. You may pass, but you may not leave this place until the dragon is slain, and even then, we must be assured you are not possessed by evil. The axes blocking your way arch up, back to their masters as the gate to the caste opens.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar motions Tombak forward to the door to inspect it.

[darklink_shadow]

There is no door, there is a gate, and behind that a portcullis, and beyond that an open, but small courtyard. Well, beyond THAT is a door, which leads to the actual tower. It's a heavy wooden door, made from a local wood that you are not familiar with, and riveted with enchanted steel.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

The halfling quickly ducks through the gate and past the portcullis, not eager to spend any more time near the gargoyles or statues than necessary. At his companions' behest, he glances around the courtyard before looking back toward the wizard.

"Can that spectral hand of yours open doors?" he asks of Lotharos, trying not to appear hesitant to provoke the next destructive being.

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos, whether lost in thought or dazzled by overwhelming magical radiation of the area, starts at Tombak's question; evidently his torpor, whatever its source, endured even the loud rumblings of the statues. Given how he appears to be alternately massaging his temples and cradling his forehead, chances are it's probably more so the latter.

"...Oh. Oh, yes, of course. Twenty pounds of force or less mind you; though very, uh... handy, it is rather lacking in strength. Suppose I might also examine the door for magic while I'm at it."

The mage sighs, tone of the last sentence notably morose as he fixes the wood with an annoyed stare. A flick of his fingers gives life to a spectral set of digits that hover nearby, expectantly turned towards its conjurer as though seeking direction.

Arcana: [roll0]

Mage Hand

[darklink_shadow]

The door, itself, is not magical. Now that you are inside, you realize the magic that had almost blinded you before were thousands of wards to protect the stones and keep the evil here inside. Beyond, inside the tower itself, there is magic, but the ancient spells that surround the place muddle your ability to detect magic. You wonder if, now knowing that this place was made by magi, if they hoped to limit the amount their enemies could detect them.

The door is latched, but not locked, and opens inwards. Beyond is a dark corridor, and several unlit torches on sconces.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"The journey of a thousand miles...etc...etc," Mel mumbles to herself as she draws her sword and looks around the entry way. With great effort she pushes the door all the way open. She fishes a sunrod out of her pack and lights it as she steps inside.

Perception - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

It's clearly a foyer, now that you've had a look at it. And of course, that means there is nothing but doors in this room. Any decoration there used to be within has long been destroyed or rotted away. Straight ahead there is a door, and there is another on the right wall. The door straight ahead is open.

Your vision with the sunrod is 60ft (the last 30ft is low-light). Beyond that is inky blackness. And the map is updated

[Surrealistik]

"May as well toss out a flare or two, keep things lit ahead. I've got a couple of Everburnings to spare."

As though in confirmation, the wizard's mage hand procures one from his pouch, holding it aloft before Melhved.

"Here. From the look of you, I'm going to assume you'd be able to toss it the furthest. These don't shine quite as bright as the sunrods, so I'd probably throw a couple of those too."

Lotharos' face then galvanizes with sudden purpose.

"Oh, and best be prepared for anything that doesn't care so much for the light; have your arms at ready."

Holding his orb aloft, the mage seems rather keen to follow his own advice.

Ready: Howling Wall
Trigger: A hostile seeming creature/entity moves to a square closer to the party.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Sheathing her sword momentarily, she takes the offered torch, and, taking a couple steps forward, she throws the everburning torch as close to the doorway as possible. Quickly, nearly before the torch has landed, she draws her sword back to readiness.

Ranged Basic Attack? - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

The torch lands near the doorway, and then rolls off to the side. A moment later you hear a shriek. After a chillingly silent moment, three more shrieks return the call, and then, nothing but silence.

Ever burning torches light up 5 squares. Line of sight is also important.

[Nightgaun7]

The dragonborn warlord moves alongside the goliath, sword and shield ready.

[WaffleLord]

Nature to recognize the shriek - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

All the calls were from something avian. Something dreadful. The cockatrice. http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/053/8/3/Cockatrice_by_evil_santa.jpg
Image by Evil_Santa
You know that their evil bite can slowly turn people to stone. You also know that they are typically cowardly. Lastly, you know the tailfeather of a cockatrice can cure petrification.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

"Uh, heeeeere birdy birdy" the Halfling starts, as he slides into position near his allies. "Psst. One of you smashy smashy types go investigate. I already did my turn of stupidly bravely running into danger."

[Surrealistik]

"May want to do something about that door to the right first." Lotharos notes, head inclining towards the aforementioned. "Unsecured entries are a liability to us."

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Nodding his head, Tombak walks over to the door and examines it, looking for anything untoward with the door, such as a trap, spring, or other mechanism that could trigger. He pulls out his dagger and tosses some caltrops near the door, just to slow down anything that might try to surprise the party.

"Birds now, door later" he says, looking to the rest of the party to get the encounter going.

Use my Thievery roll (27) from OOC to jam the door if possible. if not, then i'll just hang out near it until we get combat started. Caltrops at the door opening should slow anyone who comes through the door.

Now then, can we just start the fight?

[darklink_shadow]

The birds are silent now, and nothing is happening. Melhved remembers that cockatrices are cowards, and prefer to ambush their prey, not attack outright.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar growls "Melvhed, you first. Try to keep them clustered for me and Lotharos."

[Surrealistik]

Seizing the initiative, Lotharos motions Melhved forward to shield him before he jams the door shut with a set of iron spikes.

"I'll lead with an area blast; no doubt they're all bunched up by the door."

With everyone in place (i.e. contingent on Loth having a meat shield set up), the wizard thrusts his orb towards the space beyond the door, its resonant hum growing to an abruptly silenced crescendo.

Iron Spikes: Jammed door takes a Standard Action to attempt to open, and requires succeeding on a DC 15 Strength check.

Stone Blood, Enlarged:
(origin square to be determined, 5x5x5 Area 2 burst)

Attack Roll #1: [roll0] vs Fortitude (CA because Lotharos can't be seen; apply top to bottom, left to right)
Attack Roll #2: [roll1] vs Fortitude
Attack Roll #3: [roll2] vs Fortitude
Attack Roll #4: [roll3] vs Fortitude
Hit Effect: [roll4] damage. The target is slowed and Lotharos gains a +2 item bonus to all defenses against it until the end of his next turn.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

With a steadying breath and a muttered, "Well, it's been a while since I've been stoned," she draws her sword and steps forward into the door way.

Jumping in with both feet

[darklink_shadow]

You all never rolled perception, but they actually rolled bad enough stealth rolls, I'll say you won.

A single cockatrice steps gingerly into the light, slowly, and hisses at you, while the two on either side are hunkered down, low to the ground, feathers ruffled up.

The single cocktrice, having revealed himself crowns loudly, and the hallway door makes a loud BANG, BANG, BANG noise as something hit it hard, knocking all the iron things jaming the door out of place. A few stay in place, but the wood begins to crack.

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos' head jerks to the right as the sound of the splintering door compels the wizard's attention.

"Whatever's locked away in there, it is damned strong, and I don't want it anywhere near me. Mel's doing fine sealing his breach; see if you can block off that door Bel."

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar quickly clears a couple of caltrops out of his way and prepares to face whatever comes through the door


Ready action to use Brash Assault on the first thing through the door. Tombak can make the basic attack granted if the enemy swings.

Brash Assault
Martial, Weapon
Standard Action - Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: [roll1] damage.
Effect: The target can make a melee basic attack against you as a free action and has combat advantage for the attack. If the target makes this attack, an ally of your choice within 5 squares of the target can make a basic attack against the target as a free action and has combat advantage for the attack.
Harlequin Style: Against the target of this exploit, you gain a bonus to defenses equal to your Charisma modifier (+4) until the start of your next turn

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Having gotten a good look inside the room, she drops the sunrod inside and steps back into the hallway. "We got three cockatrice here ready to stare us down," she calls to her companions. "I doubt they're going to come close enough for my sword. Just remember, their tail feathers can help cure petrification, in case your meat shield becomes a stone one." She readies herself to attack any cockatrice that moves close enough.

Free Action: Drop sunrod
Move Action: Shift back 1 to J14.
Standard Action: Ready Thorn Strike for any cockatrice that comes within 2 squares.

Thorn Strike
Standard Action Melee 2
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage, and you pull the target 1 square.

[Surrealistik]

As Lotharos' primed sorcery takes effect, the lone Cockatrice in the light appears to grow notably sluggish, its once spry and abrupt movements now halting and tentative.

"If it refuses to approach, I'll just have to _force_ it to."

At that, the wizard's implement strobes with an almost hypnotic rhythm, and though the party remains largely unaffected by its display, the cockatrice before them isn't nearly so lucky. Within moments, the rooster-thing falls still, then lurches forth as if by some self-destructive urge, motions robotic seeming and clearly unnatural, leaving Melhved to seize on the naked opportunity so thoughtfully presented to him.

Satisfied, Lotharos ambles further away from the splintering door, clearly alarmed by the door's tenuous hold.


Standard Action: Charm of Misplaced Wrath
Attack: [roll0] vs C2's Will
Hit Effect: C2 is slid 4 squares to J13 and is dazed until the end of Lotharos' next turn.
Effect: C2 makes a ranged basic attack itself with a +2 bonus to the damage roll, provoking an OA from Melhved.

Move Action: Lotharos shifts to I21.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Now that's service!" she thinks as the cockatrice moves closer and closer. She whips her sword forward, lashing out with tendrils of primal force. However, even in its semi-lucid state, it still manages to avoid the whipping fingers of energy. "Hmmph," she thinks, keeping a close eye on the bird, looking for any opening.

Readied Action - Thorn Strike vs C2 AC - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1] and pull 1 square (not that she needs to)
Free Action - Mark C2

[darklink_shadow]

With a slam the door flies open, and an explosion of feathers litters the room as a hulking cocktrice leaps over Belshaazar, and biting the back of his neck.

The other cockatrices fall back, but appear to be readying an assault now that a large threat distracts the party of intruders.



Bel, take 9 damage, and you're slowed, save ends. Fail and you're immobilized, save ends.

[roll0] (Super secret Recharge, 5 or 6 only)

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar, blinded by the flurry of feathers, opts for caution and waits for the feathers to clear before attacking again.


Cancel readied action, prepare readied action to attack big cockatrice when the feathers go away

[roll0]

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Momentarily blinded by the flurry of feathers from the larger cockatrice, the Halfling ducks down low (even for a Halfling) and tries to use the cover to his advantage as he strikes out against the creature.

Move: Shift to I-16 using Unbalancing Trick

Effect: You shift up to 2 squares. The next time you hit an enemy with a melee basic attack this turn, you can knock it prone.

Free: Backstab vs K

Trigger: You make an attack roll against an enemy within 5 squares of you using a basic attack with a weapon. The enemy must be granting combat advantage to you.

Effect: You gain a +3 power bonus to the attack roll, and the enemy takes 1d6 extra damage if the attack hits.

Standard: MBA vs K

Attack: [roll0] vs AC (+11 base, -5 blinded, +2 CA, +3 Backstab)

Hit: [roll1] damage + [roll2] Sneak Attack damage + [roll3] Backstab damage (see Backstab above) and K is knocked prone (see Unbalancing Trick above)

No Action: Surprise Strike vs K (only if my attack hits)

Trigger: When using a basic attack or an at-will weapon attack power, you hit an enemy that is granting combat advantage to you.

Effect: The enemy is dazed until the end of your next turn.

edit: 24 damage, prone, dazed. Not bad :smallbiggrin:

Tombak's dagger finds purchase and a loud *squawk* is followed by a *whump* as the big cockatrice falls prone.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Gathering primal energies around her, she grunts to herself, "Let's try that again." Lashing her sword forward, as if a whip, ribbons of energy flow around the wounded cockatrice, trying to ensnare the beast. They tighten and squeeze as they drag the creature closer to the reach of Mel's blade.

Second verse, same as the first...
Thorn Strike vs C2 AC - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1] and pull 1 square to J13
Free Action - Mark C2

9 damage and I pullet 1 square.:smallwink:

[Surrealistik]

Lotharos raises his orb skyward, electricity forking from its scintillating core until a sizzling double materializes above the large cockatrice, crackling with tangible menace, hovering ominously; a promise of pain to come.

Standard Action: Storm Pillar
Effect: Lotharos creates a storm pillar conjuration above K. Whenever an enemy enters a square adjacent to it during its turn, it takes 1d6+6 lightning damage.

[Nightgaun7]

The large cockatrice attempts to renew its attack, but Belshaazar plunges his blade deep into its side, provoking an outraged squawk.


Readied Action: Bastion of Defense
Standard action
Keywords: martial, weapon
Range: melee weapon
Target: K
Attack: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: (3d8+5)[8][6][4](23); Allies within 5 squares of you gain a +1 power bonus to all defenses until the end of the encounter.
Effect: Allies within 5 squares of you gain 9 temporary hit points.

Messed up the code for rolling the attack, kept the damage and reposting with a new roll

[darklink_shadow]

The larger cockatrice leaps to it's feet and jabs it's cursed beak into Tombak's shoulder, completely shrugging off the daze as if it never experienced any such debilitation.

The cockatrice pushing into the doorway shreiks and rams into Melhved ineffectively, essentially doing nothing. The other two move and can no longer be seen by anyone.

Tombak takes 10 damage and is slowed, save ends. If you fail your save, you are immobilized save ends. If you fail that one, you are petrified.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"The others have fled, eh? Well, I'll just keep pecking at this one, I guess."

Imbuing her sword with the powers of the earth spirits, she levels a blow, hoping to de-wing this beast. Her blade drinks deeply the broth of the bird.

Standard Action
Weight of Earth
At-Will Primal, Weapon
Standard Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs AC
Hit:1[W] + Str mod and target slowed until end of my next turn.

Attack vs C2 AC - [roll0] CRIT!
Damage - [roll1] 18 damage and "bird"-a-doodle is slowed UEoMelNT

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar makes a furious strike against the large cockatrice, distracting it from attacking Tombak.


Brash Assault
Martial, Weapon
Standard Action - Melee weapon
Target: K
Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage.
Effect: The target can make a melee basic attack against you as a free action and has combat advantage for the attack. If the target makes this attack, Tombak can make a basic attack against the target as a free action and has combat advantage for the attack.
Harlequin Style: Against the target of this exploit, you gain a bonus to defenses equal to +4 until the start of your next turn

[Surrealistik]

With his trap set, Lotharos' next action proves a given as his orb again comes to life with the characteristic thrum of gathering energies.

Standard Action, Ready: Howling Wall
Effect: When K leaves its current space or takes an action during its turn, Lotharos will use Howling Wall.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

The Halfling bides his time while the others take their shots, and then he once again unleashes his dagger against the Cockatrice.

Standard: MBA vs K

Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage


Save vs Slow: [roll2] = SUCCESS!

Blood pours from the creature's side while Tombak stares it down, indicating that the gaze has no effect on him.

[darklink_shadow]

The smaller cockatrice in the doorway squawks pitfully, and takes a snap at the enemy before her, but misses. The larger one has a gleam in his eye, and stares angrily at the mages, but does nothing.


C2 Misses,
K readies an action.

[Surrealistik]

Not much caring for the cockatrice's sourbear stare, Lotharos invokes the power of his implement, sending a winding cyclone through the melee. The distinct smell of fried chicken carries on the air as the larger of the two is sent hurling adjacent to the wizard's sizzling conjuration, attracting several lightning strikes.

Immediate Reaction: Howling Wall
[roll0] vs K Fortitude (CA as K can't see Loth)
[roll1] vs Tombak Fortitude (CA as can't see Loth)
[roll2] vs Melved's Fortitude (CA as can't see Loth)
[roll3] vs C2's Fortitude (CA as can't see Loth)
Hit Effect: The target is slid 4 squares and is slowed until the end of Lotharos' next turn. If already slowed or immobilized, they're knocked prone. Lotharos gains a +2 item bonus to all defenses against the target until he longer has an effect active against it.
Slide 4 Tombak: Tombak is slid to I17.
Slide 4, K: K is slid to I16 alt 1, J16 alt 0 slowing it (save ends), then I16 alt 1, then back to J16 alt 0.

Damage from Storm Pillar (if applicable) vs K: [roll4], [roll5], [roll6], [roll7]

42 total lightning damage.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Focus here, crazy chicken. Don't let the pretty lights distract you." Her knotted hair whipping in the wind, the goliath brings her sword around again, lifting a weight of power with it. The blade catches the bird full on the neck, shaving feathers and skin in a horrific spray of gore. Its head flops to the side as the wings and body crumple to the floor.

"NEXT!"

Standard Action
Weight of the Earth
At-Will Primal, Weapon
Standard Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs AC
Hit:1[W] + Str mod and target slowed until end of my next turn

Attack vs C2 AC - [roll0] WHAT!!!! Where's my lottery ticket!!
Damage - [roll1] 18 damage + 5 crit bonus. Oh, and it's slowed, again.

Free Action
Mark C2, just because....eh, no need..

[Meltheim]

Tombak

"Hey, what's with all the wind eh?" the Halfling shouts over the torrent of air flying his direction. "Same team, same team!" he continues, before realizing what the wizard had done. "Oh .... nice!"

Tombak lunges at the large Cockatrice, taking full advantage of his ally in the flanking position.

Standard: MBA vs K

Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage +[roll2] Sneak Attack Damage

"That'll teach you, overstuffed chicken." he says, grabbing a fistful of the creature's feathers and sheathing his dagger.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

Holding the feathers in his hand, he looks around and realizes that the fight is over. "Uh ..." he says, walking over to his petrified ally. "Here?" he says, rubbing the feathers over Belshaazar, hoping for an effect. Looking toward Lotharos, he says, "I don't know how this stuff works. My instinct is to loot him and draw a mustache on his face. . . Help?"

With a deep sigh, Tombak hands the feathers over to the wizard scans the area, trying to figure out what all happened.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Falling back carefully while watching the doorway, Mel take several glances around the battleground behind her, her looks quick and suspicious. Not ready to give up her defensive attitude, she fires a barrage of questions at the team. "We done? Anything I'm missing? Is that doorway unblockable? What else is in there?"

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"I have seen this before. May I?" she asks as she takes the feathers from the wizard. Placing the quills of the pinions against the sight of the wound, Mel works them back and forth just underneath the skin as if knitting. Color and movement slowly returns to the reptilian skin of their companion.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

The halfling marvels as his companion is un-petrified, but keeps his eyes peeled for any sign of the remaining cockatrices. Once the party is back in order, Tombak takes a short rest to regain his breath.

Once we're all back in fighting shape (i.e. no more status effects) I think we should take a short rest and heal back up before leaving the room.

[Surrealistik]

The mage seems once again lost in the torpor that had seized him earlier, evidently still struggling to reconcile with the dazzling magics rife throughout the tower. Without the rousing threat of battle, it appears evident that there is little to distract Lotharos from this constant assault on his senses.

"Yes, yes of course..."

He replies to the Goliath's query with a sort of absentminded dispassion, eyes commuting a glassy thousand-yard stare even as he surrenders the cockatrice down.

[Nightgaun7]

The dragonborn hisses and snaps as his limbs regain feeling. "Should just burn this whole place down..." he says, clearly disgruntled by their first encounter.


Spend a surge to get up to full

[Meltheim]

Tombak

"Agreed!" the Halfling says, as he sits down and takes a short rest.

Taking a short rest. Spending a surge. Expecting chickens but don't care :smallbiggrin:

[darklink_shadow]

During your rest you hear all manner of screams and wails in the castle. You feel a dangerous entity, the castle itself, aware of you now. But nothing approaches you as you sit and wait.

[Nightgaun7]

"Let's go get those things before they decide to attack again." Belshaazar motions the goliath forward and makes ready to follow.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

"Ready when you are, Rocky," she says with a devilish grin. Readying her sword, she moves forward into the main room. She gives a quick look, ready to charge one of the cowardly chickens.

Move to J12
Perception - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

The next room appears empty.

I'm a little wrecked with school work, but I have your next encounter jotted down here on my desk. But my notes for the map of this place are AWOL. Not that it really matters, but hopefully tomorrow night I can update the map to be better.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Moving carefully across the room, sword at the ready, she listens carefully at the next door to see what could have happened to the two cockatrice.

Perception - [roll0]
"What?! What'd ya say, sonny?"

[Meltheim]

Tombak

"Looks clear?" the little thief asks as he stands up and stretches, flexing his sore muscles. "Let's go then, I suppose." he draws his dagger, rolls his shoulders, and starts toward the next room.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Seeing and hearing nothing to dissuade her, Mel proceeds forward into the room, sword at the ready, looking about, and paying close attention to the next door.

"Come along, friends. Let's not keep the good dragon waiting."

Move to J4

[darklink_shadow]

The room appears empty. You're not sure were the other cockatrice got to, because the only thing you see in the room is a closed door, although there is rubble, and cracks all over the walls.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar moves forwards alongside the Goliath, sword and shield ready.

[Meltheim]

Tombak

"Well, hmm." he points his dagger toward the door. "Let's keep going. The sooner we're done the better."

The halfling strides toward the door, checks that his colleagues are ready, and then opens it.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

The goliath draws her weapon, ready to confront whatever they may see in the new room.

[darklink_shadow]

The door resists being open, screeching and grinding against the floor. The air smells foul, and a thick layer of dust covers the hallways that split off either way. Straight before you in another door.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

Approaching carefully, the goliath looks both ways down the dusty paths, then checks her companions behind her. "Where is that darn wizard?" she thinks as she listens intently at the door ahead of her.

Perception - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

Melhved hears water trickling in the room beyond the door. Something is also scraping against stone, but she can't tell what it is.

[Nightgaun7]

Belshaazar goes to secure the wizard while Melhved and Tombak work on the latest door apparent.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved

While the goliath waits for Belshaazar to return with the wizard, she moves to the dusty side hallways and peeks up the north corridor, starting with the one on the left.

Perception? - [roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

Despite her vigilance, the goliath sees nothing but a short corridor down each path. She does notice, however, additional doors. She can surmise, however, that beyond the turns down the twin hallways is a convergence of the two.