[4e] XCOM mission 1A: Operation Silent Sword

[bst1]

Frantic shouting rings throughout the dormitory tunnels, rousing you from your sleep. A panting aide opens the door to your tiny cell and yells that you need to gear up and get to the briefing room immediately. Before you have a chance to react she's already running down the corridor. Other soldiers begin to peek out from their cells, milling about in confusion at what's going on.

Despite the general uproar you manage to make your way to the briefing room with little difficulty. Your dwarvish commanding officer Major Karlsson is there. Surprisingly, he is standing at attention off to the side rather than addressing you. Instead, a magical projection hangs in the air, broadcasting the image of several shadowy silhouettes. You realize that this can only be XCOM's fabled governing council, often spoken of in rumor but never before seen (even in outline) by rank and file XCOM operatives.

The center silhouette speaks, its voice and accent carefully neutral but distinctly male. "By now you have probably already surmised the gravity of the situation. Extradimensional entities of an unidentified nature have made a large-scale breach and are openly conducting attacks on our plane. So far they seem to be conducting small-scale raids in a limited geographical region, but from our preliminary analysis of these creatures' capabilities and motivations we have every reason to expect them to escalate in both scope and scale. We must try to do what we can to nip these attacks in the bud, before they can establish a foothold in this dimension."

"Ladies and gentlemen: this is what we've been training for. As the best operatives XCOM has at its disposal, you are our first and last line of defense. The fate of the entire world may rest in your hands. Good luck, and godspeed."

Major Karlsson steps forward and clears his throat as the image blinks out. "We have identified two primary hotspots of extradimensional activity in Whitehill and Hausenberg. Your mission is to seek out and eliminate any X-Ds in the target areas. Our initial attempts at communication have failed, and you may assume that any X-D entities you encounter are hostile--your orders are to engage on sight." He gestures to an aide, who hands out a small docket of papers to each group. "We have up-to-date maps of the target areas. Your drop zone is highlighted in blue. As per XCOM doctrine you will be deployed in small strike teams. Squad A will deploy in the Wyvern and will consist of Syrin, Dolien, Waifera, and Kaeravek; Squad B will take the Eagle and consist of Tharrok, Cinder, Khitan, and Akamenos."

The major stiffens. "We know that there have been doubts raised about the need and use for the XCOM initiative. Together we've built something bigger than any of us, though, and now it's time to show the world. Make us proud, lads." He dismisses you, turning to an aide to lead you to the hangars. The Skyrangers inside are a new prototype airship: small, sleek, and faster than anything in the skies, capable of deploying anywhere in the world within a matter of hours. Powered by pure air magic they float without needing an air-filled envelope, keeping their profile small and eliminating a crucial vulnerability.

The two squads split up, and along with the rest of A Squad you climb into the Wyvern. Soon you find yourself zooming through the skies on a low trajectory towards Dracomar, and in a short while you see the destination approaching on the horizon. A once-sleepy market town on the outskirts of Rega Mar, you might have missed the hamlet--if not for the plumes of smoke rising from it. The Skyranger comes in low, skimming over the treetops and setting down gently on the outskirts of town.

An eerie silence descends as the bay door opens and you descend onto solid ground again. The enemy is waiting, somewhere in the town before you.

http://i.imgur.com/U52UVid.jpg

You've landed in the blue drop zone. Post your marching order and formation and decide where you're heading first.

Please include your character name at the top of each of your posts.

[chronoreverse]

"Let's go!" Waifera said quietly and stepped off the Wyvern.

Waifera quickly scans the area while waiting for the rest of the party to get into position.

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin follows close behind Waifera and whistles for the rest of the squad to hurry and join them below.

" Speak up if you hear or see anything. Nothing worse than fighting blind."

[Surrealistik]

Kaeravak's training comes into effect the very moment his Wyvern's ramp parts from the craft's hull, knees reflexively bent, dagger held out at the ready, panning from side to side as he sweeps the immediate area for signs of hostiles.

"Remember our training. Best thing is to secure the houses to door to door, and minimize the size of our flanks; we don't want to be exposed to surprise attack."

Wasting no time, he decisively points out the lone house to the west.

"Let's start there."

Should the immediate area prove clear, with a consensus direction reached, the tiefling will take up a position near the centre of the party.

Perception: [roll0]

[chronoreverse]

"Sounds like a plan," said Waifera as she scans in that direction.


Perception:[roll0]

[Merellis]

Dolien

Dolien manages a heavy landing, already shifting into an attacking stance with her spear. "Lets do this!" She seems rather enthusiastic about the prospect of unknown enemies.

The bloodthirsty druid tries to get sniff out the enemy from the front of the group.

Perception [roll0]

[trajet]

Syrin

"Let's move."

Syrin takes point and unsheathes his sword, measuring the lay of the land and looks intently hoping to spot the enemy before their position is given away.

Perception [roll0]

[bst1]

The house stands empty, its door flung wide open. Peering inside the contents of the room are disheveled and it's obvious someone left in a hurry, although there are no signs of a struggle.

Dolien catches the scent of something wrong in the air, confirming your briefing, although it's too faint to pinpoint the source beyond what you already knew. No other signs of the enemy are immediately apparent to you.

Feel free to outline a general path of exploration; I'm assuming that you're searching sensibly along the way, we don't need to go house to house. Obviously once you make contact you're going to have to stay sharp, but outside of combat you're not going to get into trouble for not specifying every spot you're searching and every point of cover you're using.

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin beckons the group to follow him as he crosses the roadway and slips between two of the houses.
"Keep to the shadows, off the trail. Let's head this way." He signals to the north east and looks to Dolien. "I'm counting on those senses of yours."

Syrin keeps close to the ground and moves alongside the trail, but never on it, peeking into each building as he comes to it.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[chronoreverse]

Waifera follows a few paces behind at ready.

[Merellis]

Dolien

She nods then smoothly slides ahead to scout the area, taking care to stay in the shadows.

Perception [roll0]
Stealth [roll1]

Sneaky skills, I do not have. Oh well!

[Surrealistik]

Kaeravak follows in the centre of the unit, implement twitching at every rustle and wayward sound as he advances with his squad. His posture is crouched and low to the ground per his training, keeping to the walls and shadows whenever possible.

Perception: [roll0]
Stealth: [roll1]

[bst1]

The next few houses prove to be as empty as the first. As Syrin and Dolien peer around the edge of the large bakery on the corner, however, they spot something amiss in the small square to the north. Several bizarre humanoids are huddled around a squat glowing stone of alien origin. They are short, scrawny and twisted creatures perhaps a bit larger than a halfling, with bulbous heads and bulging eyes. Two of them appear to be somewhat tougher and are equipped with spears and some form of rudimentary armor, parts of which glow with an eerie otherworldly light. The rest of them are entirely naked, although they appear to lack any external genitalia. All six are armed with tiny, sleek looking crossbows.

Despite their armament, though, they have a weak and cowardly air and you doubt that this handful of shriveled creatures could subdue an entire town--you suspect that this is a small scouting or work party you've caught isolated. They appear to be busying themselves over the comatose bodies of several civilians clustered near the monolith. Whatever they are doing with their fallen victims, it appears to have their full attention. They seem to be oblivious to the group's presence around the corner.

I've got a battle map up in Google Drawing here (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit). Note that the map is quite large, you'll probably have to scroll down to see your position.

The building you are hiding behind appears to be some sort of bakery and has no north-facing windows. You have not been noticed yet, so you can reposition yourselves freely as long as you stay out of sight. You probably could not make it across the road, but there is enough cover in the alleyway to the north that you could try sneaking across to the taller building to the north, which appears to be a small inn.

[bst1]

Clarification: You can freely reposition yourselves on the battlemap anywhere behind the building you're behind now or the building(s) to the north of it, as long as you don't move out onto the road; there is enough cover that you can pass by the back of the alleyway without a check, although if you're going to try to use the barrels as cover to sneak all the way up you're going to need a stealth check.

If anyone thinks to check, the back door of the tavern to the north is locked with a crude padlock, and the windows seem to be latched; you could try breaking in, but there's no guarantee the creatures wouldn't notice someone infiltrating the building next to them.

Once everyone's ready and happy with their positions, you can feel free to roll initiative and take a surprise round as long as nobody's tried something stealthy and botched it.

[Surrealistik]

As the report of hostiles filters back, Kaeravak shakes his head, neck angling towards the north.

"They're too far to engage; heading up into the alley. Figure we've got enough cover to close the distance and take em by surprise. Hoping at least one of you come with to give me a buffer."

Kaeravak will head north behind the barrel bushes as indicated on the battlemap if there are no objections. I assume I have cover or concealment from my position?

Also does my Stealth check from earlier apply?

[bst1]

Anyone who's rolled Stealth can go ahead and continue to use that roll for this movement. To answer your question in the other thread, the barrels are difficult terrain. The large barrel should be treated as only covering its main space, although the space to its south still has partial cover and a successful stealth check will remain hidden there.

[Merellis]

Dolien follows Kaeravak towards the barrels, holding her spear ready! "... I really wanna just bite the throat out of one of them." She whispers, peeking past the corner for a moment.

[bst1]

Most of the group seems committed to the alley for attack. I think it's reasonable to assume that Syrin will follow suit, so if you guys are ready feel free to roll initiative and post actions for a surprise round. Remember that you only get 1 action for a surprise round; feel free to continue repositioning yourselves first as long as you stick to spots that have cover, though (again, the spaces on the south edge of the barrels still have sufficient cover.)

[Surrealistik]

After everyone has moved into position, and signified their readiness, Kaeravak proceeds to take the initiative.

"Alright Wyvern squad; let's light em up!"

With a deft flick of his wrist, a seething mass of liquid flame roars to life in the tiefling's palm before being promptly hurtled towards the enemy. That impromptu charge soon finds itself exploding amidst the two nearest bogies, dousing them and the surrounding earth in tenacious, scouring fire.

Initiative: [roll0] (Unless there are group initiative modifiers I don't know about)

Surprise Round:

Standard Action: Ignition
Attack vs Alien #1's Fort: [roll1] (+2 due to CA)
Attack vs Armoured? Alien #1's Fort: [roll2] (+2 due to CA)
Hit Effect: [roll3] fire damage.
Effect: The burst creates a zone until the end of Kaeravak's next turn. Creatures that enter the zone or end their turn there take 2 fire damage. A creature can only take this damage once per turn.

Kaeravak is no longer Hidden.

[chronoreverse]

"Taking the shot," called out Waifera as she draws and fires an arrow at ED1.


Longbow:[roll0]

[trajet]

Syrin

The Extra-Dimensionals on the road are unaware of his squad's presence, at least for the moment and then his allies begin the assault. Syrin knows his strength is in being ready at a moment's notice and so he prepares his defenses and waits.



Initiative: [roll0]

Standard Action: Readying Booming Blade to attack if enemy comes within range.

[Merellis]

Dolien can't really see by the Inn, so she's gonna do what she thinks she should. A fierce grin crosses Dolien's face, even as her body begins to undergo twisted changes. Soon, in place of Dolien, there is a strange creature that looks feline in nature, barring the ridiculous tusks and ornate horns upon her head.

The creature crouches and growls in anticipation.
I had no vision of them past the wall, and the only thing I could prepare would involve me knocking them back.

So she uses Wildshape to get ready for when the going gets fun. :smallbiggrin:

Initiative [roll0]

[bst1]

Dolien shifts, her bestial form snarling in anticipation. That leaves it to Kaeravak to open the assault, which he does with panache as he hurls a blast of flame into the aliens' midst. The ground between the two closest aliens bursts into flame, and the scrawnier of the two is quickly consumed by the fire. It falls, flailing impotently. The tougher armored warrior is badly burned, but shrugs off the worst of the blast.

The sudden eruption startles Waifera and Syrin, who are a bit slower to start. Syrin prepares himself for the oncoming onslaught as Waifera opens up with her bow. Unfortunately, the arrow is narrowly deflected by the creature's armored harness.

Dolien: 23
Enemy Group 1: 20
Kaeravak: 17
Syrin: 6
Enemy Group 2: 4
Waifera: 3

Dolien has the initiative. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit)

[Merellis]

The creature bursts past the barrels and into the fray, skidding to a stop as she notices a naked being well within her sights, and carrying a crossbow at that. Dolien howls with fury and charges towards the E-D, grasping it with razor-sharp claws!


Dolien moves so that UA2 is within range of her charge attack, then dives in while using her Grasping Claws power to slow it down!

Charged Grasping Claws [roll0] vs Reflex
Damage [roll1] and target is slowed until the end of my next turn

[bst1]

With sylvan grace Dolien pounces on one of the unarmored aliens and tears its throat out. The unnatural thing collapses in a heap under her.

Seeing its cohorts falling rapidly, the burnt soldier scuttles back behind the pulsing black monolith for shelter. It fires off a snap shot at Dolien with its hand crossbow, but the bolt goes wide and disappears into the distance.

With the only cover in the square occupied, the naked creature at the rear scurries away to cower behind a nearby building. From its new hiding spot, it begins concentrating hard, focusing on the other unarmored alien. It is unclear what the creature is doing, but a faint aura flickers into vision around the exposed alien, seemingly emanating from the cowering creature behind the building.

Dolien: 23
Enemy Group 1: 20
Kaeravak: 17
Syrin: 6
Enemy Group 2: 4
Waifera: 3

Kaeravak and Syrin have initiative and can move in any order. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit)

[Surrealistik]

Pressing the assault, Kaeravak rushes forward from his entrenchment, both hands roaring alight like blazing suns as they form thrusting jets that propel him towards the hostiles. Upon nearing his quarry, the tiefling jabs his palms forth at the two armoured aliens, unleashing twin spears of compressed fire which explode on impact.

Unfortunately his aim is compromised by the sheer velocity of the charge: the first ray succeeds only in glassifying the ground just behind the first alien, while the second scores but a glancing hit. Even that much however, proves enough to badly savage the invader, disintegrating what little flesh it touches, and blackening much of its side with scathing convection.

Move Action: Kaeravak moves 6 squares.

Standard Action: Kaeravak uses Elemental Bolt
Free Action: Kaeravak uses Elemental Escalation
Free Action: Kaeravak shifts 3 squares from Elemental Escalation.
Attack vs Armor 1 Reflex: [roll0]
Hit Effect: 29 fire damage (see OOC).

Attack vs Armor 2 Reflex: [roll1]
Hit Effect: 13 fire damage (see OOC).

Ignition zone ends.

[trajet]

Syrin

The battlefield begins to shine with his compatriots vigor and Syrin is compelled by the arcane blood flowing through his body to fight. With feyborn magic, Syrin steps through the shifting sands of reality and suddenly is standing next to Kaeravak. Without a moments hesitation he charges towards the XD ahead of him.



Move Action: Syrin uses Feystep to teleport 6 squares, adjacent to Kaeravak.

Standard Action: Syrin charges UA1

Attack vs AC: [roll0]
Damage (if hit): [roll1]

[bst1]

Kaeravak continues to blast away at the tougher armored aliens, leaving both of them in pretty bad shape.

Syrin takes this as his cue to charge forward, slamming into the unarmored alien with brutal force. Somehow the creature seems to take strength from the glowing energy being fed to it, however, and just barely manages to remain standing from the onslaught. It carefully edges away from Syrin and fires a point-blank shot that lands solidly center mass, its force seemingly enhanced by the same energy (10 damage to Syrin, 21/31 HP).

Syrin's sudden rush forward leaves Kaeravak exposed, however, and the second armored alien seizes the opportunity to charge at the tiefling, brandishing its spear. Still staggering from the fiery blast, its wild charge seems clumsy but its drunken movements prove too difficult for him to follow and he dodges the wrong way at the last minute. With rather more luck than skill, the spear buries itself in Kaeravak's leg (13 damage to Kaeravak, 19/32 HP).

A series of angry cries and guttural snarls erupt from the yard behind the buildings to the east. Two more of the scrawny humanoids run into view, taking cover as best they can. With them is another altogether alien creature running on all fours; its figures are vaguely canine, but its face consists of an exposed skull, its twisted flesh pulled back to reveal an impossibly long mouth.

Dolien: 23
Enemy Group 1: 20
Kaeravak: 17
Syrin: 6
Enemy Group 2: 4
Waifera: 3

Dolien and Waifera have initiative. For reference, the newcomers all act on Enemy Group 2's count. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit)

[Surrealistik]

Goaded by injury, Kaeravak fixes his attacker with a furious glare, countering with an off-hand lash of flame that emanates from his blade to further scour the unfortunate alien.

Free Action: Infernal Wrath
Effect: Armoured 2 takes [roll0] fire damage.

[chronoreverse]

Waifera moves forward quickly before uttering a Majestic Word.

Kaeravak heals hissurge value plus 4 from my charisma modifier.

I also shift him one square

[chronoreverse]

Leveling a glare at the closest ED, Waifera berates it, "Try a little harder you little runt!"


Vicious Mockery (charisma vs will):[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
If hit, -2 to attack rolls on target

[Merellis]

The beast growls and slyly makes it's way behind the armored creature before diving upon it with a snarl!


Dolien moves two squares to the right then charges the Armor 2 for the flank!

Charge with Combat Advantage! Woo!

Grasping Claws! [roll0] vs Reflex for [roll1] damage. Target is slowed if hit!

[Surrealistik]

After Dolien savagely tears apart his attacker, Kaeravak shoots the druid and his fellow tiefling a grin and nod, obviously grateful for their assistance despite the resultant mess on his combat fatigues.

"Thanks, I owe you one."

[bst1]

Kaeravak's relief is short lived. Weighing its options, the remaining armored humanoid realizes that it has little hope of escaping to safety and decides to hurl itself at the tiefling in a last ditch attempt at revenge. Its spear slices across the meat of his arm, a mere flesh wound, but as the creature's bulging head begins to throb suddenly Kaeravak feels overcome with an all-consuming sense of dread. Everything fades from his view but the twisted, horrible visage of his foe, and in a panic he reflexively stumbles backwards several yards. (7 damage, Kaeravak is pushed 2 and is marked by Armored 1, 24/32 HP.)

At the back of the battle, the creature feeding purple energy to its comrade peeks out from its hiding spot and takes a pot shot at Syrin. Another one of the aliens' strange quarrels lodges itself in his arm (7 damage and bloodied, 14/32 HP.)

Dolien: 23
Enemy Group 1: 20
Kaeravak: 17
Syrin: 6
Enemy Group 2: 4
Waifera: 3

Kaeravak and Syrin, you're up. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit)

[Surrealistik]

Grimacing at the cut, Kaeravak's anger is resurgent before his foe's assault, blade flaring to life like an echo of his fury.

"If it's death you seek, I'm only too happy to oblige!"

Wasting no time, he strides ahead, circling about his quarry, palm and dagger thrust forth as they wreath it in a spread of roaring conflagration. In spite of himself, the pyromancer lets up when his target crumples beneath the flame, noting that Command would vastly prefer a live specimen over a cinder.

"Another bogie down. We'll secure him after the skirmish."

Move Action: Move 5 squares.

Standard Action: Elemental Bolt
Attack: [roll0] vs Armoured 1's Reflex
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] fire damage.
Special: Knock out if target is reduced to 0 hit points or less.

[trajet]

Syrin advances to the nearest enemy and channels arcane power into a thundering slash. His body is taking a beating, but he was born in the beautifully insane and treacherous realm of the Feywild. He was made of more than flesh and bone.


Move Action: 1 square to UA1
Standard Action: Booming Blade
Attack: [roll0] vs UA1's AC
Damage: [roll1] thunder damage
Special: Target takes 1d6+3 if adjacent to Syrin at start of turn and moves away.
Minor Action: Mark UA1 (if he doesn't die obviously)

[bst1]

Syrin smashes into his target again with reverberating force, sending the alien's broken corpse flying. The aura of energy being sent from its companion in hiding dissipates into nothingness.

The houndlike creature coils its powerful legs and leaps at Syrin, but suddenly with an audible tearing sound it teleports the distance between them in an instant, landing on the startled Syrin before he has a chance to react. It wraps its horrible elongated mouth around Syrin's arm and pulls down hard, bringing Syrin to the ground. (10 damage and Syrin is prone, 4/31 HP).

Fortunately there are advantages to his new position. A fusillade of bolts flies past the space where he once stood as the newly arrived enemies open fire on him; although one sinks into the dirt dangerously close by, he is not further harmed.

The group has little time to relax, however. Apparently this squad of reinforcements was larger than previously apparent, as two more dash out from behind the alley and take up flanking positions. Waifera is caught off guard by the sudden shots from behind and is hit in the shoulder (7 damage, 19/26 HP). Another shot whizzes past Kaeravak's head, to no effect.

Dolien: 23
Unarmored #3: 20
Kaeravak: 17
Syrin: 6
All Other Enemies: 4
Waifera: 3

Waifera and Dolien are up. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit)

[chronoreverse]

Waifera grits her teeth before continuing on and calling out a Majestic Word on Syrin.

Syrin healing surge + 4

Turning her attention to UA3, she issues more Vicious Mockery, "Why don't you come out into the open instead of slinking around like a rat!"


Charisma vs Will:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
On hit:-2 to attack until end of my next turn

[bst1]

Between the strain of its severed mental connection and Waifera's magically-enhanced words, the naked creature behind the building is simply overwhelmed. It lets out a strangled cry as it collapses into a comatose wreck.

Dolien: 23
Unarmored #3: 20
Kaeravak: 17
Syrin: 6
All Other Enemies: 4
Waifera: 3

Down to Dolien. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit)

[Merellis]

Another beast in this fight? Not if Dolien has anything to say about it! She dives upon the twisted thing with a vicious snarl, intending to keep it from getting away!

Dolien moves down two squares and charges the beast with Grasping Claws
[roll0] vs Ref for [roll1] damage and the target is slowed!

[bst1]

Dolien rakes the unnatural hound badly, pinning it with her vicious claws.

Dolien: 23
Kaeravak: 17
Syrin: 6
All Other Enemies: 4
Waifera: 3

Sorry, just dawned on me that we don't have anything left on the first initiative group! That means we're back to Kaeravak and Syrin. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit)

[Surrealistik]

With the strange houndlike creature engaged and on the precipice of a flank, Kaeravak signals a pincer motion at Syrin before subtly pointing at himself and the two EDs taking cover due east of the stone house.

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin is hurt badly when the arcane music reaches his ear. He jumps to his feet and catches Kaeravak's signaling in time to run full speed at the hound, his aim to run it through.

Move: Stand up
Free: Wield sword in both hands, +1 to damage
Standard: Charge at Hound
Attack vs. AC [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Free: One-handed longsword, regain Swordmage Warding bonus.

Action Point
Minor Action: Mark Hound with Aegis of Shielding

[Surrealistik]

Following up after Syrin's assault, Kaeravak makes good on his unspoken promise, repositioning to the right of the melee as a savage ball of flame coalesces in his palm. No sooner does he finish moving than the burning sphere craters between the two EDs taking cover by the well, exploding into a brilliant firestorm. The effect is to incinerate them utterly, skin charred through with terminal burns.

Move Action: Move 6 squares.

Standard Action: Ignition
[roll0] vs UA5's Fort
[roll1] vs UA6's Fort
Hit Effect: [roll2] fire damage.
Effect: The burst creates a zone until the end of Kaeravak's next turn. Creatures that enter or end their turn in this zone take 2 fire damage. A creature can only take this damage once per turn.

Immediate Action: Guardian Counter
Trigger: The hound hits an ally within a close burst 2.

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit

[bst1]

As Kaeravak obliterates the eastern flank of the aliens' assault, Syrin crashes into the alien beast in a pincer maneuver with Dolien. The pincer is short-lived, however. The hound again slips between space and reappears behind Syrin, lashing again with its uncanny jaws.

This time, though, Kaeravak is ready. The instant the creature teleports he is dashing forward, shoving Syrin out of the way to meet the hound's jaws (7 damage, Kaeravak is at 17/32 HP.) Even as the twisted hound's teeth clamp down, though, he is priming another bolt of elemental fire which he unleashes point blank at the surprised beast.

Kaeravak triggers Guardian Counter
Kaeravak's Elemental Bolt: [roll0] vs. Ref
Kaeravak's Damage: [roll1] + [roll2]

To the south, one of the last of the humanoid aliens scampers for better cover and takes a shot at Kaeravak, hitting the tiefling in the shoulder (7 damage, Kaeravak is at 10/32 HP.) The other one bides its time, waiting for a better shot.

[bst1]

Kaeravak's sudden blast of fire strips the last of the flesh from the hound's bones, leaving it a smoldering corpse.

Dolien: 23
Kaeravak: 17
Syrin: 6
Enemies: 4
Waifera: 3

There's an unbroken block of initiative for everyone now, so everyone can take their turn in any order. We're down to mop up here. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit)

[chronoreverse]

"Wow, I hope your buddies aren't as ugly as your face!" shouted Waifera with more Vicious Mockery at UA7.


Charisma vs Will:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
On Hit:-2 to hit

[bst1]

As Waifera dashes forward, the alien crouching by the stone workshop takes the opportunity to let loose the bolt it had readied. It catches the tiefling in the arm, lightly wounding her (7 damage, 12/26 HP and bloodied). The fresh wound does nothing to lighten the sting of her magical taunts, however, and the creature's companion shrivels up in a shrieking, sobbing mass (UA7 drops.)

[Surrealistik]

As before, Kaeravak sustains his flame until the foe falls subdued and limp, mindful of the research team's need for live specimens above the indignant pain of his injuries. When the jet ceases, all fight has left the seeming hound in its incendiary throes.


****

Sparing no time, he prepares another impromptu charge soon lobbed at the hunkered ED whilst wholly concealed behind the workshop. Kaeravak's projectile catches the lone combatant by surprise, blastwave heralding a predictably fatal outcome.

Hound? knocked unconscious with Elemental Bolt.

Standard Action: Ignition
[roll0] vs UA8's Fort (+2 from CA as U8 has no LoS to Kaeravak)
Hit Effect: [roll1] fire damage.
Effect: The burst creates a zone until the end of Kaeravak's next turn. Creatures that enter or end their turn in this zone take 2 fire damage. A creature can only take this damage once per turn.

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1sTl1ZhTR4N_oBq_r7UyMqypSvQ_bl070rLL1TyxmD8w/edit

[bst1]

As the crackling of Kaeravak's flames subsides, a sense of stillness falls over the square. The squad waits for several wary moments to see if any other enemies will reveal themselves, but the area appears to be secure for the moment, giving them the opportunity to pause and catch their breath. An inventory of the party's wounds reveals that none of their injuries are serious--they'll need some patching up later, but for now a moment's rest (and some encouraging words from Waifera) is all everyone needs to get back up to fighting shape. By the sounds of conflict in the distance, they'll need it.

The group takes the opportunity to examine their fallen foes. Their weapons and armor are constructed oddly, built for frames smaller than humans', and forged of some strange, hard, glossy material of unknown origin. None of them appear to have any equipment beyond the weapons and armor they have already displayed.

http://i.imgur.com/RkONYSp.jpg

Short rest for everyone. Encounter powers are recharged and everyone can spend as many healing surges as they want (with +4 HP per surge, thanks to Waifera.) Up to you guys to decide how to proceed from here.

[Surrealistik]

Quickly shoving the nearby chest between the workshop and adjacent building as an impromptu barricade, Kaeravak settles into his makeshift cover, retrieving myriad first aid supplies from his pack. As he sets about tending to his wounds, tearing lengths of bandage and applying salve, the tiefling points out the still smouldering houndthing and ED.

"Let's secure and blindfold our samples; bodies we'll worry about retrieving after the mission is complete. Command sure as hell ought to be happy after they see these trophies of ours."

In spite of his injuries, the cringing pain of disinfectants and exhaustion trailing in the wake of a fading adrenaline rush, Kaeravak appears nonetheless elated, grinning exuberantly at his comrades.

"Not a single man downed to boot, all told an excellent job. We keep this up, and I haven't a doubt we'll be the A team in more than just name."

With the last of his dressings applied and bolts removed, the elementalist pushes himself from the wall to stand ready, rope and manacles in hand while he sets about to bind the squad's captives.

Kaeravak will shackle/blindfold the aliens with the assistance of his squadmates, and will spend 2 healing surges with a +4 bonus to each from Song of Rest, bringing him back up to 32/32 HP

[Merellis]

The beast seems to blur away, leaving a rather sweaty elf behind. Dolien grins at her companions as she casually leans on her spear, quite pleased with herself.

"That went pretty well, I think. Any chance o' finding more of these?"

[Surrealistik]

Upon securing, silencing and blindfolding the last of the unconscious aliens, barricading each away in a separate nearby structure with the (presumed) assistance of his companions, Kaeravak nods his head in reflexive answer to Dolien's query.

"There are others about to be sure; our job here is not yet done. Only when the sounds of conflict have fallen to silence and we have swept this town's every corner and crevice will Command authorize our return."

Retrieving a map of the village, Kaeravak sets the illustration down upon his makeshift blockade. A series of black arrows scrawled across its parchment are readily noted, the tiefling's finger tracing their continuity:

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1-pesVKYYodFT2fdChHvlKgBe-FTqmEMvvSfnijLzfrc/edit

"This route here would seem to give us good coverage of the town without exposing our squad to undue peril, roundabout as it may be. If any of you have suggestions for improvement, have at it; if not, let's move out; we haven't time to waste."

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin leans against one of the houses for support as he enters a trance. Focusing on the fey blood within him and taking comfort in the soothing song of Waifera, his body begins to mend and his trance ends. He moves with Kaeravak and aids in binding the EDs.

"Kaeravak is right, we need to move out right away. The EDs may already suspect our presence and we have no clue how they communicate with one another."

He takes a summary glance of the map and beckons the rest of his squad to follow suit.



Syrin will aid Kaeravak in binding the Eds and go back to 30/31 HP with one surge used thanks to Waifera's SoR.

[chronoreverse]

"Let's go then," said Waifera as she refocuses her concentration and sets out.

[Merellis]

Dolien simply nods and takes off, following the route mapped out by Kaeravak, though the ones who notice her face before she slips on ahead would note an almost feral smile on her face at this point.

"Lets get going then!"

Stealth [roll0]
Perception [roll1]

[Surrealistik]

As before, Kaeravak takes up a position in the middle of the group, head and dagger engaging in rhythmic, measured sweeps, vigilant for any threats.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[bst1]

Kaeravak's roundabout route proves to be a good idea. Sweeping around the southern outskirts of town, the group finds ones of the crossroads to be heavily defended. After a careful probe of the area it appears that one of the armored aliens is directing a group of its lessers in constructing a crude barricade across the path, while another of the inferior naked aliens holds one of the hound creatures.

In the center of the group is something the squad hasn't seen yet: one of the aliens is unarmored, but wears some sort of unusual eyepiece and carries a large, unidentified weapon. Like the smaller arms of the other aliens it resembles a crossbow, but this one is much heavier and bulkier and is topped with some sort of boxy-looking magazine.

Acting as scout, Dolien carefully scans further around the edge of the enemy deployment and discovers two more creatures skulking in the alleyway, apparently hoping to flank any parties coming up the main roads. Thanks to Dolien's stealth they do not yet notice the squad moving about behind them.

New map is here (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1FkJtuLEobd70aVUc3WkSm67gQrxQ5oAmt9wWhkv3WJs/edit). The shaded areas are deemed to be sufficiently outside of enemy LOS that you can position yourselves anywhere in the shaded area without alerting enemies. You can also attempt to move up in the unshaded area as long as you have cover, but this requires a stealth roll (make a fresh roll if you plan on doing this.) As before, assuming no one blows a stealth roll everyone can get into position and then take a surprise round.

[chronoreverse]

Waifera quietly moves into a shooting position and stands ready for the go ahead.

[Surrealistik]

Settling into cover, Kaeravak takes a moment to address his squad:

"Thinking we infiltrate into one of the buildings, if possible, take up an advantageous position, some solid cover. If we can manage it, high ground as well. Massed fire on the XD with a big gun, we need to put him down ASAP; he looks especially dangerous."

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin positions himself aside Waifera having spied a hostile around the corner. "If we keep them pipelined this won't be a problem. Take whatever cover needed, I'll deal with them out here."

[Surrealistik]

After a brief survey of the area, Kaeravak replies, voice constrained to a low whisper:

"I'm thinking we use bakery as a firebase; we'll infiltrate through a side window, and execute. Access will be controlled. Secure whatever windows we can after entry, and throw down."

He quickly indicates the building on his map, finger sweeping between the bakery and enemy positions.

"The door should give me a clear shot on the gunner and the armoured guard. Definitely looking for someone melee capable to reinforce and hold that entry once done."

With that, he gives Syrin a rather expectant look.

[chronoreverse]

"As long as they don't just bring down the entire building on us," Waifera muttered.

[Surrealistik]

In spite of the situation's gravity, Kaeravak manages a terse chuckle; whether out of bravado or legitimate mirth is uncertain.

"Assuming we take down their big gun, I wouldn't be too worried."

[chronoreverse]

Let's try it then, grinned Waifera before shifting again.

[Merellis]

"Close quarters? Works for me!" Dolien grins and slips into the building, setting herself up to get deep into the enemy at the first opportunity

[bst1]

It sounds like everyone's mostly got positions figured out; you can roll initiative and post surprise actions any time you want. Feel free to continue repositioning yourselves until you put in your action though.

[chronoreverse]

Waifera readies herself again


Initiative:[roll0]

[Surrealistik]

Signing to his team that the assault was to begin, Kaeravak eases open the bakery door whilst the aliens appear to be looking elsewhere. No sooner does its parting allow the thin heft of his blade than the air about the unarmoured and heavily armed aliens begins to waver and distort. In scant moments, they and the immediate vicinity are spontaneously caught alight in a concussive explosion.

The aftermath sees the crude cover and naked XD alike savagely blown apart, only licking flames and burning rubble remaining alongside the surviving other. The latter does however remain intact enough to offer a tentative modicum of cover.


Kaeravak's position is pretty well set; these actions are assumed to occur after everyone has gone where they intend to be.


Standard Action: Ignition
Free Action: Elemental Escalation

[roll0] vs Heavy Weapons Fortitude (CA from surprise, -1 because vs Fort)
[roll1] vs UA1 Fortitude (CA from surprise, -1 because vs Fort)
Hit Effect: [roll2] [roll3] + 9 [roll4] (16) fire damage (affects the barricade as well).
Effect: The burst creates a zone that lasts until the start of your next turn. Any creature that enters the zone or ends its turn there takes 2 fire damage. A creature can take this damage only once per turn.

Free Action (Elemental Escalation): Shift 3 squares.
Stealth Check: [roll5]

Initiative: [roll6]

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin keeps his position until Kaeravak begins his assault. Both sides need to be put down quickly, otherwise they could be overwhelmed by the XDs.



Move: Adjacent to UA6, 5 squares.
Initiative: [roll0]
Free: Syllable of Grace (+2 to initiative)
Initiative is 12

[Merellis]

Dolien

She picks up a couple of stones and whispers gently to them for a moment. The pair of rocks glow with an eerie green light before flying off to their targets!

Magic Stones at UA#6. [roll0] vs Ref for [roll1] damage, push UA#6 one square.

Magic Stones at Armored #1. [roll2] +2= 15 vs Ref for [roll3] damage, push Armored #1 one square.

Initiative [roll4]!

[bst1]

I see chronoreverse repositioned Waifera after the call for surprise round, so I'm assuming everyone is where they want to be.

Once again Kaeravak opens the battle explosively, preemptively striking down one of his lesser foes and nearly obliterating the aliens' makeshift barricade. Dolien contributes to the volley with her enchanted stones, craftily taking out a second alien while battering at their apparent leader.

The armored alien is quick to react, even as the flying stone sends it reeling backwards. Rushing forward to the bakery wall, it smashes open the window in front of it and squeezes off a reflex shot at the first target it sees; luckily, Dolien dodges out of the way with sylvan grace. Nearby, one of its weaker subordinates again concentrates, and a purple aura flickers into being around the wounded heavy weapon bearer.

The quick-thinking aliens then hunker down behind their respective barrels as their newly-reinforced comrade levels the lethal-looking contraption at the squad's position and launches a small spherical object through the now-open window. A split second later the world inside the bakery explodes in a burst of light and sound, throwing Kaeravak clear of the doorway and slamming him hard into the ground (14 damage, Kaeravak is pushed 1 space and is prone). Dolien, her reflexes heightened by her recent near miss, just manages to ride out the edge of the blast wave safely. Her sharp elven eyes then spy the heavy gunner retreating around the corner to begin the laborious process of reloading.

Moments later, the hound creature bursts through space to land inside the bakery.


Enemy Group #1 (UA #3, Armor, Hvy Weapon, Hound): 20
Kaeravak:15
Dolien: 14
Waifera: 12
Syrin: 12
Enemy Group #2 (all other UAs)

Everyone's initiative wound up chunking together, so you can move as a block. Everyone feel free to post actions in any order. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1FkJtuLEobd70aVUc3WkSm67gQrxQ5oAmt9wWhkv3WJs/edit)

[Surrealistik]

At first taken aback by the radiant explosion, head ringing with its thunderous din and concussive force, Kaeravak's surprise quickly fades to evident, seething rage as he hefts himself off the ground, tumbling into cover. Eyes like knives, he fixes the nearest two XDs with a murderous glower, air about them roiling violently with the promise of conflagration.

"Burn."

Unrelenting cones of flame erupt from both of the tiefling's palms in an attempt to savage the attackers though both go wide, equilibrium still clearly compromised by the earlier blast.

Move Action: Stand from prone.

Standard Action: Elemental Bolt
Free Action: Elemental Escalation
Attacks:
[roll0] vs Hound 1's Reflex
[roll1] vs Armoured 1's Reflex (-2 due to Cover)
Hit Effect: [roll2] + [roll3] + [roll4] fire damage.

Free Action (Elemental Escalation): Shift 3 squares.
Stealth Check: 13 (see OOC). Hidden from Heavy Armour, UAs. Maybe hidden from Armored if considered totally concealed.

[Merellis]

Dolien, Elven Druid

She takes a moment to shout out to Kaeravek before shifting into a more comfortable form. "Big weapon's at 2 O'clock! Behind the building!"
And then her voice is lost to the growls and snarls of the beast as she charges the hound!

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/Ookami900/Therian/DemonWolf.jpg
Minor Action: Wildshape
Standard Action: Charge Hound, attack with Savage Rend. [roll0] vs Reflex for [roll1] damage, and will push hound into the corner of the room.

If hound is pushed, then Dolien will use her Move Action so that the hound is stuck either attacking or taking an AOO from her.

[chronoreverse]

Waifera shifts for a better view of UA5 before letting off Vicious Mockery, "Why don't you run back to whatever ugly pool you crawled out of?"



Vicious Mockery (charisma vs will):[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
If hit, -2 to attack rolls on target

[bst1]

Waifera's dashes forward to assist her comrades in the bakery, her enchanted tongue turning the pitiful naked creature in the alleyway into a whimpering wreck catatonic with fear and doubt. Dolien rips into the twisted beast assaulting the bakery as Kaeravak's fire goes wild.

Enemy Group #1 (UA #3, Armor, Hvy Weapon, Hound): 20
Kaeravak:15
Dolien: 14
Waifera: 12
Syrin: 12
Enemy Group #2 (all other UAs)

Still waiting on Syrin. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1FkJtuLEobd70aVUc3WkSm67gQrxQ5oAmt9wWhkv3WJs/edit)

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin moves to attack the XD in the alley, but Waifera expertly handles the enemy combatant. Without a moments hesitation, Syrin dashes into the bakery acting on instinct to guide his blade as he swings on the hound.



Move Action: Move 6 squares adjacent to Hound.
Free Action: Wield sword in both hands, +1 damage.
Standard Action: Attack Hound with Booming Blade.
Attack: vs. AC [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Minor Action Mark Hound with Aegis of Shielding
Free Action: Wield sword in one hand. Regain warding bonus.

[bst1]

With fluid grace Syrin bursts directly through the window and hammers the hound with a resounding clang. The beast recoils and snaps angrily at the nimble eladrin, but its jaws close on air (miss).

Dolien's keen ears pick up an ominous clunk from the building the heavy gunner disappeared behind. Stepping around the corner, it levels its formidable launcher at the bakery and sends another explosive sphere through the open window. Again the room erupts into chaos as the concussive blast shreds the heavy tables and sends massive splinters flying through the air. Dolien's luck finally runs out as the shockwave picks her up and slams her bodily into the jagged remains of one of the tables, piercing her furry hide (critical hit, 19 damage and bloodied, Dolien is pushed 1 and falls prone). Kaeravak also finds himself face-down on the floor again (9 damage and bloodied, Kaeravak is pushed 1 and falls prone). Thankfully, the blast does not reach the corner of the room and Syrin remains unscathed--although so does his wounded prey.

The alien outside the window clambers in and attempts to impale Syrin, but he easily parries the blow.

To the north, one of the lesser aliens scurries forth into the alleyway and takes a potshot at Waifera from behind a barrel, winging her in the arm (7 damage). Its companions advance cautiously, too far away from the battle to open fire, although one of them takes the opportunity to strengthen its comrades with another of their strange energy bonds.

Enemy Group #1 (UA #3, Armor, Hvy Weapon, Hound): 20
Kaeravak:15
Dolien: 14
Waifera: 12
Syrin: 12
Enemy Group #2 (all other UAs)

Ouch! Not a good turn for you guys. Don't forget most of you still have an action point, and you're due to hit a milestone after this encounter. Map (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1FkJtuLEobd70aVUc3WkSm67gQrxQ5oAmt9wWhkv3WJs/edit)

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin instinctively reacts to each blow heading his way and dodges them artfully, though his compatriots do not find the same ease in avoiding harm. Taking the opportunity to attack both of the XDs near him, he channels Fey Magic through his sword intent on branding the alien beings with runes of fire and destruction.


Free Action: Versatile Sword, +1 damage
Standard Action: Attack Hound and Armored with Sword of Sigils.
Attack vs AC:
Hound: [roll0] Marked if hit
Armored:[roll1] Marked if hit
Damage: [roll2]
Free Action: One-handed sword
Minor Action: Mark Armored with Aegis of Shielding
Move Action: Shift down 1

[Surrealistik]

Bloodied but not unbowed, Kaeravak lurches to his feet, spitting blood, face set in a vengeful rictus. Without fanfare or delay, he launches a spear of engulfing flame at the nearest XD, though his splitting concussion again forces the projectile wide, sailing through the window to glassify a patch of earth beyond.

Drawing upon his rage, the tiefling fights through the disorientation, delivering another salvo of fire that nearly obliterates the armoured alien outright, leaving him a charred husk scarcely clinging to life.

Move Action: Stand from Prone

Standard Action: Elemental Bolt
Attacks:
[roll0] vs Armor Reflex
Hit Effect: [roll1] + [roll2] fire damage.

Free Action: Action Point

Standard Action: Elemental Bolt
Attacks:
15 vs Armor Reflex
Hit Effect: 17 fire damage.

[chronoreverse]

Her features twisting with anger, Waifera unloads her Infernal Wrath on the UA that had hit her:


Close Burst 10
Fire Damage: [roll0]


Immediately afterwards, she moves in to support her allies with a loud Shout of Triumph:


Close Blast 3
Charisma vs Fortitude: [roll1]
Hit Thunder Damage: [roll2]

[chronoreverse]

Have at them! Waifera encourages Dolien with a Majestic Word.


Minor Action
Healing Surge +4 from my charisma modifier

[Merellis]

The beast growls in pain as it stands back up, looking out the window.

Dolien glares at the XD with the heavy weapon, sliding into position as the visage of the wolf fades away, leaving only a wounded elf. "Come out and fight, coward!" She picks up three stones and throws them, the hum of energy surrounding them as they fly to their targets.

In her fury, Dolien will grab another round of rocks and attack the XD's again!

Move Action: Stand
Minor Action: Wildshape back to elf, get a free shift for the trouble.

Standard Action:
[roll0] vs Ref for [roll1] against Heavy Weapon, will push up one square
[roll2] vs Ref for [roll3] against UA#4, will decline the push.
[roll4] vs Ref for [roll5] against UA#3, will push up one square.

Action Point Standard:
[roll6] vs Ref for [roll7] against Heavy Weapon, will decline the push.
[roll8] vs Ref for [roll9] against UA#4, will decline the push.
[roll10] vs Ref for [roll11] against UA#3, will decline the push.

[bst1]

Syrin unleashes a deadly arcane flurry with his blade, slicing open the hound. The armored alien fights him off while trying to duck gouts of fire from Kaeravak, but hard-pressed as it is, it is not long before it winds up catching a full blast of flame.

Waifera cruelly finishes off the creature in the alleyway with a casual burst of fire and brimstone before following her comrades into the bakery. Her ringing shout of victory stuns the badly wounded alien, sending it tumbling to the ground.

Taking inspiration from her words, Dolien overcomes her wounds and crawls through the window. She draws upright to her full human height, standing proudly upon the barrels, and unleashes a deadly barrage of stones. Bolstered by their comrades, the aliens withstand her barrage at first... until a well-aimed stone manages to slip past and strikes the rearmost creature. The psychic tether sustaining its allies snaps, triggering a chain reaction as the other two aliens spontaneously crumple to the ground. In one fatal burst of activity the battlefield falls quiet again.

Relatively quiet. Ominous crashes some distance to the north remind you that the town is not yet cleared of hostiles.

Another encounter down. You have enough time to reasonably take a short rest and spend whatever surges you want, and everyone gains 1 action point for reaching a milestone.

[Surrealistik]

When the combat syncopates to relative silence, and the threat appears to have passed, Kaeravak limps off to a corner in the bakery, again resorting to the wall as his backstop, blood soaking through to mar the stucco finish; whatever remains of it that wasn't blasted away by concussive force at any rate.

"Hate to be the owner of this place, tell you that much."

The tiefling mumbles, his words punctuated with a tired sigh. Teeth clench as his pain at last seems to reflect the tattered state of his body. In spite of this obvious discomfort, he nonetheless manages speech.

"Would also hate to have to fight another alien armed with one of those damned launchers; next time we see one of those bastards, we take em out with extreme prejudice, no screwing around, A1 priority."

Drawing on his field kit once more, Kaeravak fishes out his assortment of poultices and wound treatment, this time less generously than before, as though he feared the need for rationing. Numbing agents however, are not so conserved, smeared liberally along the worst of his wounds. When the work is done, and the last of his sanguine, torn flesh is concealed beneath a layer of gauze white, he draws up from his perch, taking stock of the surrounding area.

"Quiet here it seems, but the north is still crawling with vermin. We've done an excellent job thus far, but there is yet more to be done. Stitch and seal what you can; we move out again soon."

Kaeravak spends 2 healing surges, restoring 24 HP and putting him at 32/32 HP. He regains 1 action point.

[trajet]

Syrin

As the ebb and flow of battle settle into calm, Syrin calls once more on his Fey magic to heal the wounds he had sustained in the first battle.

"Indeed, they pack quite the punch. Ready for action."

Syrin waits for the others in his company to ready themselves for another battle.


Syrin spends 1 surge and is at 31/31 since he took no damage this encounter. Regain 1 AP for a total of 1 APs.

[chronoreverse]

Humming a Song of Rest Waifera feels reinvigorated as she readies for the next encounter.


Song of Rest means your surges are +4
Waifera spends one surge and is at full HP now.

[Surrealistik]

Kaeravak remains poised and wary whilst the squad resumes moving along its plotted route, keeping to the shadows and cover as best he's able.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[Merellis]

Dolien, Elven Druid

She follows along silently, the so-called blood of the XD's still trailing over her armor, skin, and matted in her hair.

Stealth! [roll0]
Perception! [roll1]

[trajet]

Syrin

Syrin stays ahead of the group, low to the ground, watching for any disturbances along the plotted path.

Stealth:[roll0]
Perception:[roll1]

[Inspectre]

As you are preparing to move deeper into the town towards the sounds to the north, a prickle runs down your spine. A moment later, a soft wind kicks up, whispering to you the words of a Sending magick. The message, as usual for such things, is short and to the point, but its contents are nonetheless chilling.

Return to base immediately. X-COM HQ is under heavy attack by an unknown number of X-Ds. Repeat, X-COM HQ under attack, return immediately.

Falling back to the Skyranger, you pause only long enough to gather up your unconscious prisoners before boarding the airship and departing. It was unpleasant to abandon your mission, but HQ would not employ such magic if you were not urgently needed to help fend off the attack. It's a several hours-long flight to get back to HQ, however . . . you just had to hope that you wouldn't arrive too late.

Link to the new IC thread. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16799553#post16799553)