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  1. - Top - End - #1
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    Planetar

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    Default Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Night
    Twenty-sixth of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 6 of 6

    Akara's spell was true and the three-foot-high, weathered obelisk exploded into a thousand pieces.

    As one, the shadows shrieked.

    Except they weren't really shadows anymore. Where they had once been insubstantial forms, difficult to see let alone target, their bodies were now clearly visible: skeletons one and all, bits of clothing and ancient skin dangling from their bodies, the stink of the grave rolling from them. They still hovered above the ground, certainly, and the sockets of their humanoid skulls burned with a dim, cold blue fire, but they were no more insubstantial than the Company was. And Dergosh, in the more calculating part of his mind, could also sense that the dark power that was animating them, strengthening them, had been dissipated.

    Spoiler: Tactical Map
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    Spoiler: Tactical Notes
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    For ease of reference, the old IC thread is here. The OOC thread has had its references updated in the first post as well.

    Just an interruption here because it matters: with the destruction of the obelisk, the shadows have lost their incorporeal subtype, and their turn resistance. Not only does this mean no miss chance, but they have to contend with your full AC now when trying to hit you, and can be turned easier. (Their attacks still drain STR though.)

    Initiative Order:
    Korlann, Three, Gizonde, Akara
    Monsters
    Dergosh, Kuros

    Though this leaves almonds and Zombulian to post before the monsters get their turn - remembering Shadows 1, 2, and 3 are stunned and it looks like Shadow 4 is going to attack Kuros.

  2. - Top - End - #2
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Zombulian's Avatar

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Gizonde couldn't help but let loose a gleeful guffaw at Akara's quick thinking.

    "Great work, Akara! We may survive this yet!"

    With a sudden hiss and a pop, a tiny glowing figure appeared on the field - seeming to bounce giddily in the air.

    "Quickly! Kill the one targeting Kuros!"

    With the tide of possibly changing, Gizonde had to resist the urge to unsling his bow. His blood was afire with retributive fury, but he was mindful that these creatures were particularly dangerous to him, and he had to make the best use of his sanctuary while he had it. He began yet another summoning spell.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    The Coure appears at K18 and casts Magic Missile at Shadow 4. (2d4+2)[10]
    Kuros, Akara, and Gizonde benefit from the Magic Circle Against Evil effect it generates.

    Gizonde is casting another SMIII, this time to summon a Celestial Bison at J16, where it should have a decent chance to charge either group of shadows.
    Quote Originally Posted by Deeds View Post
    Caster backstories require a reason as to why they can cast spells. Wizards study hard to learn spells. Sorcerers often learn of their powers and then hone them through traveling. Clerics use piety to find the gift of spells through the gods or their ideals. Druids shun deodorant until a riding dog appears and they learn Entangle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Red Fel View Post
    Zom, my imaginary hat is off to you. *Horns? *What horns? *It's just an unusual hairstyle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Venger View Post
    There are certain advantages to a game being as badly written as 3.5.

  3. - Top - End - #3
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    almondsAndRain's Avatar

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    The magic from her infusion bore into Three’s crossbow deeper than the older enchantment by Artenak’s apprentice, entangling itself beneath it like roots grown beneath the foundation of a home. She watched as the [i]real/[i] spellcasters got to work - Dergosh unleashing a bellow to stun their intangible opponents, Gizonde bringing in more bodies to throw at them, and Akara perhaps turning the tide of the battle with Shatter - and leveled her crossbow with the one beast still capable of killing Kuros. But… what to do with the other ones?

    Three yelled out to them, knowing they were (technically) intelligent, but unsure if they could understand common: “He can barely move, let alone fight!” The warforged squeezed the trigger on her target, hoping for a clean shot, before beginning the process of reloading her crossbow with one of her few magical ones. “Come eat us, we can still escape!”

    Spoiler: Mechanics
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    Standard Action: Three of Three follows the coure’s lead and attacks Shadow 4 with her crossbow.
    Attack Roll: (1d20+10)[11]. This is an automatic hit if it rolls a 30 or miss if it rolls an 11. Undead cannot be critically hit, so that’s irrelevant right now.
    +3 from her dexterity modifier, +2 from her base attack bonus, +1 from the weapon’s base enchantment bonus, +2 from Bane; Undead, and +2 from Gizonde.
    Base Damage Roll: (1d8+3)[10].
    +1 from her weapon’s base enchantment bonus, +2 from Bane; Undead’s enchantment boost.
    Bane; Undead Damage Roll: (2d6)[9].

    Average of 14.5 damage here, barring me missing or botching all three damage rolls, this should kill Shadow 4 after the coure tore into it.

    Move Action: Three loads her crossbow with one of her Flaming bolts. If any time was the time to burn through consumables, it’d be now.

    She has 25 normal crossbow bolts remaining. Because I forgot to mention it in my last post, she also has 3 first level and 2 second level infusions remaining.

  4. - Top - End - #4
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Night
    Twenty-sixth of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 6 of 6

    The sudden shift gave the Company enough time for Gizonde to finish one incantation and start the next. The Coure he had summoned blasted away with magic missiles, its hole radiance shrouding most of the party in a shimmering shield of protection. Still, its magic missiles didn’t kill the shadow they were aimed at, and although three of them were stunned, the others came on even harder, the rancid stink of the grave across each of them.
    Kuros easily fended off the blow of the one nearest to him, the one that had been hit with the missiles. Dergosh got caught from behind by another as one bony hand reached his body, chilling his blood. Three drew the attention of another. It screamed its victory as it got its hands past her body … only to find no living flesh to draw lifeblood from, despite the warmth of the magic fields mimicking a living form which presumably had drawn it. Perhaps they wouldn’t be dying tonight.

    Spoiler: Tactical Map
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    Spoiler: Tactical Notes
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    Map has the Coure, and that glow around it is meant to be the Magic Circle Against Evil. 10 foot radius for what it’s worth.

    Dergosh took two attacks, and one did get through. 4 STR damage on him.
    Three got attacked and hit … but constructs aren’t subject to ability damage, so it did no damage to her.

    Initiative Order:
    Korlann, Three, Gizonde, Akara
    Monsters
    Dergosh, Kuros

    As always: 48 hours for Mercurion and bcool to check in, and I’ll update and/or indicate people can continue on if the situation doesn’t markedly change as a result.

  5. - Top - End - #5
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Kuros

    Being on the brink of death, a random fleeting thought passes through Kuros’ mind, ‘I don’t want to die lying in the dirt.’

    So Kuros prepares himself to defend against the surrounding enemies, and pushes himself on arms as weak as a newborns to his feet.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    standard action: Total defence to negate the bonus they get to hit me prone.

    Move action: Stand from prone. Kuros current AC is 25 with total defence. Add the 2 from magic circle against evil for a total of 27. So even with the prone bonus to hit they need a 23 to hit Kuros with the AoO.
    Avatar by MeanMrsMustard

  6. - Top - End - #6
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Night
    Twenty-sixth of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 6 of 6

    Kuros put all of what remained of his strength into getting off the ground, resorting to instinct as the shadows belatedly reached for him.

    But even in his weakness, the training from Geralt was still with him, and he got to his feet, shield ringing from fended-off blows from the stinking creatures, but untouched by their foul hands.

    Spoiler: Tactical Map
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    Spoiler: Tactical Notes
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    Dergosh is on total defense for this round. Kuros gets to his feet without getting hit but is otherwise on total defense, and as said practically unhittable.

    Initiative Count:
    Korlann, Three, Gizonde, Akara
    Monsters
    Dergosh, Kuros

    This leaves Blues, almonds, Zombulian, and dizz with 48 hours to check in, or drop until after the monsters act.

  7. - Top - End - #7
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Dergosh half-stumbled backwards as the intang’s touch sent a weakening chill up his mace arm. With the numbness he was feeling, he chose to call once more upon Gruumsh’s magic that attempt to crack the now tangible skull of one of the foes.

    A stream of murderous black hornets streamed from Dergosh’s mouth, encircling one of the intang’s still surrounding Kuros and then exploding in a cacophonous blast.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Cast sonic blast, aiming for whichever shadow is still standing around Kuros when it gets to his turn. A DC 15 Fort save halves the damage and nullifies the deafness effect.
    (2d4)[4]
    Dergosh the Loud M Half-Orc Clr 3/Bar 1 | HP: 38 (26 with rage)| Init +10 | AC 17 T12 FF15 | Fort +7 Ref +3 Will +6 | Listen +1, Spot +4 | ATK +7 (+9 w/rage) melee 1d8+3/x2, +5 ranged 1d6+3/x2 | Cleric Spells: 0--guidance, guidance, light, resistance; 1st- summon monster I, cause fear (DC 15), sonic blast D (DC 15), resurgence; 2nd-restoration, lesser (x2), sonic weapon D
    Domain ability: piercing scream (DC 15)


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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Gizonde grinned as the shadow impotently tried to feed on Three's constructed form. Seeing Dergosh attempt another damaging and disabling spell at the shadows, Gizonde called out to the cleric.

    "Dergosh, they are undead, their faculties cannot be damaged by the spells that would do the same to us! Try to channel your faith into them once more!"

    With another ripping and popping, a shining bison appeared on the field next to Dergosh and charged towards the floating corpses. The coure continued her barrage on the shadows looming over the now erect Kuros.

    With a few moments remaining of warding, Gizonde begins to chant yet again.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Celestial Bison summoned at K17, charges and attacks with a smiting gore attack on Shadow 6.
    (1d20+14)[33] to hit (10 base + 2 Charge + 2 Dark Knowledge)
    [ROLL]1d8+9+5[/ROLL]

    Coure casts magic missile at Shadow 4 again. (2d4+2)[10]
    Moves to K17.

    Gizonde begins casting Conjure Ice Beast I to summon an Ice Beast Badger at J18.
    Quote Originally Posted by Deeds View Post
    Caster backstories require a reason as to why they can cast spells. Wizards study hard to learn spells. Sorcerers often learn of their powers and then hone them through traveling. Clerics use piety to find the gift of spells through the gods or their ideals. Druids shun deodorant until a riding dog appears and they learn Entangle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Red Fel View Post
    Zom, my imaginary hat is off to you. *Horns? *What horns? *It's just an unusual hairstyle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Venger View Post
    There are certain advantages to a game being as badly written as 3.5.

  9. - Top - End - #9
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Korlann watches, warily, as the creatures are forced into a more physical form. His scowl deepens as he sees the group surrounding Kuros continue to rain down bows on the beleaugered warrior, and he crouches down, readying himself to move - and deftly slipping the pouch of throwing stars off of his belt to clatter to the ground. Finally, he springs forward, a primal kiai bursting from his lips as he rears back to strike at one of the shadows harrying the armsmaster, spines blazing with ki.

    Spoiler: Mechanics
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    First, dropping my pouch of Shuriken as a free action - as that's the only item I'm holding at this time (the backpack being on the wagon, and the Sang Kauw not having been picked up when he woke up), other than the belt pouch which carries negligible weight, Korlann will no longer be encumbered, and as such will get his full AC.

    Second, going to move to J17 - charging if possible (I'm uncertain with all the summoning going on if I have a clear charging route or not) - and attacking Shadow 3 with a Fists of Iron enhanced strike.

    To Hit: (1d20+2)[20], +2 if the movement counts as a charge.
    Damage: (1d8-2)[0] + (1d6)[3]
    Zio Avatar by acelegna

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    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    The shadow’s hand grasped Three’s arm, but… nothing. Where Dergosh and the others had their vitality sapped, the warforged stood as solid as she ever was. It was odd, as what little knowledge she has on these creatures would place them as a threat to all life, even artificial life. Regardless, this was something to investigate later - she might be immune to these monsters’ attacks, but the others are not. Leaving the shadow that attacked her behind, Three darted past Gizonde in hopes of having a clear shot at one of the ones attacking Kuros.

    Spoiler: Mechanics
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    Move Action: Three moves to L21, so as to avoid the Shadow being able to treat Kuros as Light Cover.

    Standard Action: Three attacks Shadow 2 with her crossbow. It has a Flaming bolt loaded.
    Attack Roll: (1d20+6)[24]. This automatically hits on a rolled 26 and misses on a rolled 7.
    +2 from her Base Attack Bonus, +3 from her Dexterity, +2 from Bane’s enhancement bonus, +1 from her crossbow’s normal enhancement bonus, and +2 from Gizonde. -4 from firing into melee (forgot to account for this last time, but I botched anyway).
    Damage Roll: (1d8+3)[6].
    +1 from the weapon’s enhancement bonus, +2 from Bane’s enhancement bonus.
    Flaming Bolt Roll: (1d6)[3].
    Bane Undead Roll: (2d6)[4].

    Three has 6 Flaming Bolts remaining.

  11. - Top - End - #11
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Night
    Twenty-sixth of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 6 of 6

    The tide began to turn.

    With a great, trumpeting roar like a battlehorn, the space between planes split open and a great, muscular, bovine mass charged through. The bison thundered across the ground, lowering its horns, putting space between Korlann and the shadows, and with a flare of light from the Celestial, crashed into the shadow to which Gizonde had directed it. Pale blue light poured from the injury as the shadow was rocked by the great creature’s impact.

    The Coure sent packets of arcane energy sizzling towards its target – the shadow standing over Kuros. The magic missiles struck, and with a final flare of blue light, that shadow exploded into a cloud of grey dust.

    Korlann thundered his fist into another. Three turned, aimed, and loosed her crossbow at another of the shadows … and the bolt smashed right between the creature’s eyes, and again another final flare of blue light and a thump as a cloud of grey dust replaced it.

    Distracted by the sudden arrival of the creatures summoned by Gizonde, most of the shadows focused their efforts on the Coure and bison. One managed to get its bony hand on the Coure, drawing a shriek from the outsider and a shuddering of the faint light that glowed from it. Others struck at the bison, drawing terrible shrieks from it.

    Dergosh managed to get his own shriek out, against the shadow closest to him. His scream blasted the undead abomination to dust.

    Spoiler: Tactical Map
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    Spoiler: Tactical Notes
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    - Akara drops into the second group having missed deadline.
    - Coure takes a hit. Yes, even while incorporeal. STR 3 drained. However, it also finishes off one of the shadows.
    - Bison takes a couple of hits. STR 8 drained.
    - Three and Dergosh finish off two shadows. This’ll count as Dergosh’s actions for the round.

    Initiative Count:
    Gizonde, Korlann, Three
    Monsters
    Dergosh, Akara, Kuros

    As said, Dergosh’s actions have been taken this round. This leaves dizz and bcool with 48 hours to supply their actions, and then we can update.

  12. - Top - End - #12
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Kuros draws his weapons. His hammer near too heavy to lift, his longsword barely clearing the scabbard, bat and cat held in shaking hands. Kuros slashes out with his longsword at the shadow flanked between himself and Korlann.


    Spoiler: OOC
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    move action: draw weapons until hands are full.

    Standard action: Attack with Longsword.

    Attack: (1d20+6)[7] (net +1 bab/str, +1 magic, +2 flank, +2 dark knowledge)
    Damage: (1d8)[1]
    Avatar by MeanMrsMustard

  13. - Top - End - #13
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Night
    Twenty-sixth of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 6 of 6

    Kuros' swing went agonisingly wide, the warrior battling to compensate for the loss of strength in his limbs.

    Spoiler: Tactical Map
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    Spoiler: Tactical Notes
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    - Akara and Dergosh go on total defense for the round.

    All other situations unchanged.

    Initiative Count:
    Gizonde, Korlann, Three
    Monsters
    Dergosh, Akara, Kuros

    Zombulian, Blues, and almonds have 48 hours to post actions and we'll see where things then are.

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Gizonde finished his final incantation with an exhaled breath. The air that exited his mouth flowing towards the battle, taking on a visible quality of frost as it traveled and eventually landed next to Kuros in the form of a crystalline badger. Immediately the construct let loose a frenzy of swipes and bites.
    Meanwhile the Coure moved away from its attacker and let loose another blast of force.
    The bison continued to attempt to gore the now-solid apparitions.

    "Look alive, friends! Else we may not have the chance again."

    As the sanctuary dissolved, Gizonde moved to be closer to Three, muttering one more small prayer as he drew his bow.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    So I double checked and realized that I don't actually need to specify beforehand where my summoned creature will go. I can decide that on the turn that the spell completes, so that's cool.

    Big ol summary:
    Sanctuary ends, I think.

    Conjure Ice Beast appears on I19. Ice beast template is easy to find with a google. Parts of the template that are of note are +2 AC, +10HP (no con), and Construct type.Badger is too.
    Full attack routine:
    Claw: (1d20+6)[24] to hit
    (1d2-1)[1] plus (1d6)[5] frost damage
    Claw: (1d20+6)[17] to hit
    (1d2-1)[0] plus (1d6)[3] frost damage
    Bite: (1d20+1)[20] to hit
    (1d3-1)[1] plus (1d6)[1] frost damage
    Slam: (1d20+1)[21] to hit
    (1d4-1)[1] plus (1d6)[2] frost damage

    Bison
    Gore: (1d20+8)[12] to hit
    (1d8+3)[8] damage

    COURE
    5ft step to L18
    Magic Missile
    (2d4+2)[6] force damage to Shadow 1

    Gizonde
    moves to M21, drawing his bow as he does so. Casts Guidance on himself.
    Quote Originally Posted by Deeds View Post
    Caster backstories require a reason as to why they can cast spells. Wizards study hard to learn spells. Sorcerers often learn of their powers and then hone them through traveling. Clerics use piety to find the gift of spells through the gods or their ideals. Druids shun deodorant until a riding dog appears and they learn Entangle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Red Fel View Post
    Zom, my imaginary hat is off to you. *Horns? *What horns? *It's just an unusual hairstyle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Venger View Post
    There are certain advantages to a game being as badly written as 3.5.

  15. - Top - End - #15
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Korlann lashes out with another blow augmented by a fierce shout and a flare of ki, putting all of his waning strength into the single strike.

    Spoiler: Mechanics
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    Attacking Shadow 1, using Fists of Iron to augment the strike.

    To Hit: (1d20+4)[5]
    Damage: (1d8-2)[4] + (1d6)[4]
    Zio Avatar by acelegna

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Three watches as the Company ravages the nearest two shadows, and instead targets the one that has thus far gone unaccosted on the opposite end of the field. She brought one of the magical bolts down the rail of her weapon, and took a few steps closer to the bulk of the fighting in hopes of finding a clear shot before squeezing her trigger.

    Spoiler: Mechanics
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    Free Action: Three five-foot steps to K21.

    Move Action: Three loads a Flaming Bolt into her crossbow.

    Standard Action: Three attacks Shadow 5 with her crossbow. It has a Flaming bolt loaded.
    Attack Roll: (1d20+6)[10]. This automatically hits on a rolled 26 and misses on a rolled 7. It is worth mentioning that the targeted shadow has soft cover from, like, half the battlefield. It is also worth mentioning that I’m happy that sources of soft cover don’t stack with each other XD.
    +2 from her Base Attack Bonus, +3 from her Dexterity, +2 from Bane’s enhancement bonus, +1 from her crossbow’s normal enhancement bonus, and +2 from Gizonde. -4 from firing into melee (forgot to account for this last time, but I botched anyway).
    Damage Roll: (1d8+3)[4].
    +1 from the weapon’s enhancement bonus, +2 from Bane’s enhancement bonus.
    Flaming Bolt Roll: (1d6)[5].
    Bane Undead Roll: (2d6)[6].

    Three has 5 Flaming Bolts remaining.

  17. - Top - End - #17
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Night
    Twenty-sixth of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 0 of 6

    It took a few agonising moments of blood, steel, fist, and shadow, but it was over. Korlann landed one last strike on the final remaining shadow, and with something akin to a shriek it exploded into dust, just like all the others of its ilk. A few moments later, the creatures Gizonde had summoned - bison, Coure, and badger - all blinked out of existence, and Gizonde's own spell of Sanctuary flickered out. The little siding on the trail was silent at last.

    Somehow, they had won. But not without cost. Kuros, Korlann, and Dergosh all had drawn, pained looks on their faces even if not a drop of their blood had been shed. It would take some time, and some riding out of subsequent nightmares, before their lifeforces regenerated themselves and they were back at full strength. Indeed Kuros was almost at the point of death and Korlann not far behind him. But they had survived nonetheless. The night stars blazed silently far above in victory and a night breeze caressed their faces.

    It was Three who first noticed one other difference in the landscape around them. It related to the obelisk that Akara had shattered. Blowing the obelisk apart had revealed something more where the little monolith had once stood. Not only was there something small lying at the centre of the blast radius, but beneath the circle of the blast, the base on which the obelisk had stood had likewise cracked clean in half. A long-dessicated skeleton's arm protruded from the destruction. It wasn't some sort of undead, rather part of an ancient corpse. The arm - and a skeletal hand, drooping and barely holding to the arm - were raised like some sort of accusation. The obelisk was not just a monument or a warning; it seemed it was a grave marker too.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Let's talk about the bad news first:

    Dergosh has taken 4 STR damage.
    Korlann has taken 12 STR damage.
    Kuros has taken 16 STR damage.

    Leaving aside any spells, ability damage comes back at 1 point per 8 hours of rest, or 2 points with 24 hours of complete bed rest. Someone who administers the Heal skill - which does not count as complete bed rest, and you can't give the Heal skill to yourself - can double that rate to bring it back at 2 points per 8 hours rest and 4 points with 24 hours of complete bed rest. You may want to plan your activities accordingly, remembering that complete bed rest means no Foraging and you're going to have to consume rations.

    Now let's get to the good news: that fight nets you 1067 XP each. That might raise some of you up a level, which can be applied right now.

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    With the combat ended, Gizonde’s body relaxed and he took a slow, deep breath. He approached Kuros, who had taken the brunt of the assault, and laid a hand on his shoulder.
    “I’m sorry, I don’t have the magic to restore you. Though, with Dergosh’s help, maybe I could…”

    He drifted off and his eyes came to rest on the now revealed hand. He approached it to examine.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Knowledge (Religion): (1d20+14)[26]
    Quote Originally Posted by Deeds View Post
    Caster backstories require a reason as to why they can cast spells. Wizards study hard to learn spells. Sorcerers often learn of their powers and then hone them through traveling. Clerics use piety to find the gift of spells through the gods or their ideals. Druids shun deodorant until a riding dog appears and they learn Entangle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Red Fel View Post
    Zom, my imaginary hat is off to you. *Horns? *What horns? *It's just an unusual hairstyle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Venger View Post
    There are certain advantages to a game being as badly written as 3.5.

  19. - Top - End - #19
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Kuros does his best not to collapse under the light hand placed on his shoulder by Gizonde. At a snail’s pace he staggers over to Three’s cart and begins to unload his burdens. His bag, his bow and arrows, and most of his weapons are deposited into the cart until Kuros is left with little more than his shield and three blades hanging from his hips. Only then does he stand a little straighter and with more confidence of not falling over.

    “Well, this was a fine beginning to an assault on the Stag Lord.” Kuros says with a note of sarcasm that is unusual for the forthright warrior, “Barely made it a day’s ride away and I am out of the fight until I can recover enough strength so my legs don’t shake like a newborn foal.”
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Korlann can only nod at Kuros's comments, allowing himself to fall into a sitting position after confirming that the last of their foes are fallen. "Agreed, Kuros," he says to the other warrior. "I can barely hold a proper stance after the touch of those things... the masters back at Xin Jubei would have a great deal to say about my performance here, almost none of it good."
    Zio Avatar by acelegna

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    Ettin in the Playground
     
    Planetar

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Night
    Twenty-sixth of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 0 of 6

    When Gizonde got closer to the upraised corpse's arm, he found - illuminated only by starlight - that the grave which had contained the body had been exposed, more or less completely, by the destruction of the obelisk.

    He immediately found this odd since whilst Akara's spell was potent by design, it shouldn't have been that powerful as to cause a disruption to the surrounding ground of that magnitude. But the oddness was - perhaps - explained by what he found among the remains of the obelisk. It didn't look like the obelisk had been made from solid rock. Rather, it was some sort of hollowed-out stone inside which a complex (and now shattered) crystal had been installed. And at the centre of that crystal, and lying on the ground as though discarded, was a brass rod maybe a foot and a half long and thick though as his wrist. There were some writings on it, but he'd have to wait until daylight to understand them. Gizonde had enough to suspect this was some kind of metamagic rod. The crystal might have been utilised in combination with it to sustain the multiple shadows they'd fought ... but that might be something for study with the Testament in the morning.

    More relevantly, the skeleton revealed by the obelisk being shattered was clad in ancient, rusted, and completely useless old plate mail. The style didn't look recent at all. The skeleton's right hand wore a single ring, a heavily tarnished silver band with a chip of emerald mounted in it.

    But then there was the sword and shield.

    Oh, yes.

    These items were completely untarnished by what must have been their decades, centuries, or aeons' internment in the grave. The shield was made of burnished copper, as intact as though it had been newly-forged, and had a symbol on it that wasn't easily discernible without more light. And the sword - a longsword, revealed in the long-decaying sheath that held it but exposed part of its length - wasn't steel, exactly. It was iron. Iron of the same variety as that of the sickle they'd recovered in the kobold caverns. Cold iron, holding the light of distant stars as though corralled. But even then, cold iron alone would have surely decayed in the grave like any other iron. This weapon had not.

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    "Ohh..."
    Gizonde can't help but express his excitement. What a strange place they have stumbled upon. He opens his testament and utters a prayer to Oghma before taking the items in his hands one at a time for a closer inspection.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Gizonde casts Lore of the Gods for a +10 insight bonus to his knowledge checks (also an optional retry, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it) and Detect Magic to let him make Spellcraft checks to identify.
    Rod: Know Arcana (1d20+22)[31]
    Spellcraft (1d20+14)[15]
    Sword: Know Arcana (1d20+22)[25]
    Spellcraft (1d20+14)[32]
    Shield: Know Arcana (1d20+22)[35]
    Spellcraft (1d20+14)[21]
    Quote Originally Posted by Deeds View Post
    Caster backstories require a reason as to why they can cast spells. Wizards study hard to learn spells. Sorcerers often learn of their powers and then hone them through traveling. Clerics use piety to find the gift of spells through the gods or their ideals. Druids shun deodorant until a riding dog appears and they learn Entangle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Red Fel View Post
    Zom, my imaginary hat is off to you. *Horns? *What horns? *It's just an unusual hairstyle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Venger View Post
    There are certain advantages to a game being as badly written as 3.5.

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Night
    Twenty-sixth of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 0 of 6

    Gizonde took a closer look at the items he'd recovered. All three of the things were radiating magical aurae.

    Spoiler: Gizonde
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    The rod, he surmised from both the near-overpowering aura and how it was configured, was most likely a Lesser Metamagic Rod of Extend. It was a little oddly-designed in that the way the magic aura was radiating from it was ... unorthodox, but it would certainly function in that manner. It might have been the rod was somehow used in the dweomer used to both drag and sustain shadows to this location, but that was impossible to tell now.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    The style of it is old, but it'll function the same as a Lesser Metamagic Rod, Extend.


    The sword was indeed a cold iron longsword. Undorned, no engravings or indications of who had made it -- but the style of the weapon was old, far older than even the gladius-style weapons that Kuros had recovered here and there around this area. The blade almost had no quillons at all, the cutting edge almost three inches wide. And magical; the strength of the field suggested it had a fairly potent enchantment laid upon it, enough to guide its edge to a target's weak spots.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Gizonde's thinking it's a +3 cold iron longsword.


    The shield, meanwhile, was easily magical, this one designed to withstand heavy blows. There was an obscure-looking insignia on the shield, but Gizonde couldn't recall seeing anything like it; it might require a consultation of the Testament to learn more about it beyond its arcane capabilities.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Gizonde's view is that it's a +1 large steel shield.

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    As Gizonde examines the area and items discovered, Kuros focuses on preparing to rest for the night. Hopefully this weakness will pass with time and rest. Besides, even if he wanted to find a better campsite, Kuros is too tired to venture forth.
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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    "Hmm! Three, you may want to take a look at these."

    Gizonde totes the items to the warforged and explains what he suspects they are, before excusing himself to prepare supper for the party.
    Quote Originally Posted by Deeds View Post
    Caster backstories require a reason as to why they can cast spells. Wizards study hard to learn spells. Sorcerers often learn of their powers and then hone them through traveling. Clerics use piety to find the gift of spells through the gods or their ideals. Druids shun deodorant until a riding dog appears and they learn Entangle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Red Fel View Post
    Zom, my imaginary hat is off to you. *Horns? *What horns? *It's just an unusual hairstyle.
    Quote Originally Posted by Venger View Post
    There are certain advantages to a game being as badly written as 3.5.

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    Nerdomancer in the Playground Moderator
     
    DruidGuy

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    with the battle finished, Akara takes a moment to gather her thoughts on what has transpired. Unfortunately, the War College didn't prepare her to heal, only to destroy, so she had nothing to offer her weakened companions. While they rested and regained some measure of strength, she could scout out their surroundings from the air. Nodding to Flit, they take to the air and fly a circle pattern around the camp to get the lay of the land.

    Spoiler
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    spot's if you want them, myself and flit

    (1d20-1)[11]
    flit (1d20+10)[23]

    Spoiler: Medals & Current Characters
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nifft View Post
    More sources, more choices, more power. Welcome to D&D.
    Quote Originally Posted by Peelee
    I mean, I have been assuming Jdizzlean looks like Nathan Fillion this whole time to start with...
    The Mod Life Crisis If you need me to address a thread as a Moderator, please include a link

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    “Well, it sounds like you’ve done a fine job with these items already, Gizonde.” Three reached out and collected the Rod first, and ran a finger down its side to inspect both its physical design and metaphysical ambiance. A pretty little thing, and useful - and more importantly, its effect was unique among all of the other objects the Company had picked up in their travels. The sword and shield could wait their turns, the Rod goes first. “But I’ll double check, if you like.”

    Just before starting her inspection, her eyes wandered back to the obelisk’s corpse. She shrugged, and pulled off the dead man’s ring. She doubted it was magical, but that little gem may be worth selling. And if it’s not… perhaps one of the wards would appreciate it?

    Spoiler: OOC
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    I’m not entirely sure what Three can do with the three items Gizonde passed over since he already identified them as magical and knows their properties. She gives them a once over anyway, I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. She’ll look at the ring too, because why not? It has a line dedicated to it, maybe it's magical despite being tarnished. Worst case, the emerald chip in it won’t weigh anyone down and might be worth a tiny bit of gold.

    Artificer Knowledge Rolls:
    Lesser Metamagic Rod of Extend: (1d20+7)[13].
    +3 Cold Iron Longsword: (1d20+7)[10].
    +1 Large Steel Shield: (1d20+7)[9].
    Ring: (1d20+7)[15].

    Artificer Knowledge rolls take one minute each. A 15 or higher determines if an item is magical or not (but we already know this for most of them). +4 from her artificer level, +3 from her intelligence modifier.

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    OrcBarbarianGuy

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Dergosh sat down heavily on the wagon next to Korlann, flexing his arms experimentally. “Intags eat my muscles I think.” The half-orc gazed over the site, watching as Gizonde played in the dirt with the newly uncovered skeleton.

    “Gruumsh make us strong again tomorrow,” he said confidently, though he was tired and aching. “One-Ear will hear us and BANG! Orcs strong again for fight against Staggy.”

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Dergosh will try to Heal both Kuros and Korlann while the party rests.
    Kuros - (1d20+4)[24]
    Korlann - (1d20+4)[15]
    Dergosh the Loud M Half-Orc Clr 3/Bar 1 | HP: 38 (26 with rage)| Init +10 | AC 17 T12 FF15 | Fort +7 Ref +3 Will +6 | Listen +1, Spot +4 | ATK +7 (+9 w/rage) melee 1d8+3/x2, +5 ranged 1d6+3/x2 | Cleric Spells: 0--guidance, guidance, light, resistance; 1st- summon monster I, cause fear (DC 15), sonic blast D (DC 15), resurgence; 2nd-restoration, lesser (x2), sonic weapon D
    Domain ability: piercing scream (DC 15)


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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Kuros was bedded down for the night near the wagon. He had removed his shield and the remainder of the weapons he can wield without straining himself. They sat close to him close enough to reach quickly should something occur, but Kuros doubted he would be able to act with his usual prowess. He listened to Dergosh promise restorative miracles from Gruumsh in the morning, and he heard the voices of Three and Gizonde conferring over magical treasure newly found.

    Before he closed his eyes to sleep Kuros whispered a prayer to Bahamut to watch over the company this night.
    Avatar by MeanMrsMustard

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    Default Re: Kingmaker in the Forgotten Realms [IC Thread II]

    Hills, the Stolen Lands
    Morning
    Twenty-seventh of Kythorn, Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR


    Complication Dice: 2 of 6

    Dergosh was red-eyed (even for Dergosh) by the time the sun rose again. He'd administered all his tender arts and given Gruumsh's blessings to Korlann and Kuros, and while they had improved somewhat, they each had a fair amount of healing to go.

    It had also given the rest of the Company some time to take stock of their situation. Akara hadn't seen anything last night, and nothing had disturbed their rest. Her flight around the camp the next morning had revealed nothing but the flight of some singing birds in the skies, a thin plume of smoke off to the southeast, and a lazy-looking herd of elk that were slowly making their way down a narrow defile nearby.

    Three, meanwhile, had the opportunity to check over the items Gizonde had recovered. She found nothing to disagree with his conclusions about the provenance of the items or their functions, at least from what her databanks indicated. She was, however, able to conclude that the ring was indeed nonmagical, and the intricate engravings on it, some sort of lettering, were not intended to contain arcane or divine might of any kind.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    As said in the OOC thread, some healing and one day closer to the destruction of Oleg's Outpost. What now?

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