Raam: The City of Anarchy IC

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 12/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

Lazaar commands his cohort, pressing the Emissary to advance to Zantos' aid while the Vicar screens with a series of gestures. Qoh complies, drawing forth another mound of earth, while Greven surges over the sands and fires off another emerald claw at a wilder. Lazaar coalesces a flame in his palm, prepared to defend his wilder from assaults on his person.

Spoiler: OOC

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Qoh and Lazaar use their movement to follow Qoh's sand barriers.

Qoh Casts Mold Earth to raise a mound of sand for Greven to use and interlocks them to grant cover.

Lazaar readies firebolt to fire if anyone approaches within 10ft/view of his sorcerer. (1d20+5)[8] for (1d10)[6] fire. Distant/Sicken Raze on rabble or out of the way.

Greven BA casts Chill Touch at psionic wilder at the bottom of the knot of foes: (1d20+5)[13] for (1d8)[8] necrotic on psi warrior, cannot regain HP for a turn if hit.

Spoiler: Warped Beasts Positions and actions

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Giant Elk: retired by force.

Badger bites downed ganger. (1d20+2)[12] (1d20+2)[13] advantage to deal two death save fails.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 16/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 35/35 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 9/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Suddenly, Ptekme's dream slowly turns to black. Pain shoots through his body as he regains consciousness. The only good thing is the sweet taste of berries that still lingers in his mouth. He slowly sits up and surveys his surroundings before crawling into hiding.

Faldar remains behind the wall, nodding gratefully as he sees Qaba kneel near the spot where Ptekme disappeared.

Finishing Mohali, Bontar smiles and quickly heads over to Mordekai. "My lord, it's good to see you and your men. Korno has gone down, as have most of his men. What should we do next?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Ptekme
Hiding [roll]1d20+8[/roll[ or [roll]1d20+8[/roll[

Faldar

Bontar

[RandomWombat]

Jumping down into the corner, Zantos peers around and fires an arrow at the dwarven thug, who flattens up against the wall to avoid the shot. A new mound rises up next to him, with Greven soon dashing and sliding into place, firing a spell quickly at one of the dwarves. A spectral, skeletal hand grasps at the psion, choking much of the life from him.

Lazaar remains ready with a spell of fire, cautious and remaining in safety with Faldar. But no foes risk venturing further out of cover to give him a chance. On the wall, Qaba helps Ptekme up and then moves alongside Jiro to the end of the wall, surveying the stubborn dwarves from above.

Across the rift, Bontar meets up with Mordecai Lufi, who is loading another stone into his sling. "Good to see you as well, Bontar. The rampaging giant and the giant beast were welcome aid." The Vespos mercenary warriors line up alongside him, aiming their stonebows at the last few foes and unleashing a volley of stones that brings down two more enemies.

From the stairway above, mercenary captain Amon drops down and slashes his scimitar across the last dwarf's back, ending the last vestige of resistance. He flicks the excess blood off of his blade and looks around at the fallen. "Area here is clear! Bring the clerics to Mordecai Lufi and finish the fallen." He commands, and his mercenary forces begin carrying out the orders.

Mordecai lufi turns to the Lufi soldiers, and Bontar, to answer Bontar's question. "We will secure the area and our prisoners, burn the Killers' bones to prevent the rising of vengeful undead, and bury our own dead. Then we will use the Killers' outpost here to rest. We have wounded, and traveling through the city while vulnerable will invite our rivals to attack. Bontar, instruct Faldar and his warband to meet with me inside of the outpost." He nods, dismissing the soldiers to carry out their orders.

Spoiler: Combat Log

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Zantos shoots at Dwarven Thug, but misses.
Qaba uses a Goodberry to heal Ptekme for 1, bringing him back to consciousness.
Jiro dashes.
Qoh casts Mold Earth, creating a new dirt mound.
Lazaar readies a spell attack.
Greven Dashes forward, then casts a swift cantrip for 8 damage, Bloodying the southern Psi Warrior.
Badger executes Human Rabble.
Faldar moves forward with the cover.
Ptekme takes cover along the wall and Hides (rolled a nat 20).
Bontar moves to meet up with Mordecai.

Merc Warriors fire a volley, dealing 6 and KOing one Psi Warrior, then 12 damage and Bloodying another.
Lufi Psion casts Eldritch Blast, dealing 9 damage and KOing Dwarven Thug.
Several enemies are executed.
Captain Amon drops down and slashes Psi Warrior, dealing 6 damage and KOing the last foe.

Spoiler: Initiative

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Earth Cleric - n20
Captain Amon - 21
Mordecai Lufi - 20

Killers Psi Warrior - 18

Zantos' Crew - 17.3
Kalashandra - 17
Mercenary Warrior - 16
Lazaar's Crew - 12
Vespos Defiler - 12
Lufi Psion - 10
Water Cleric - 10
Faldar's Crew - 9.3

Raider Wilder - 9
Lufi Guard - 9
The Hand - 6
Thri-kreen Guard - 6
Vespos Ballistician - 6

Mul Gladiator - 5
Human Rabble - 5

Lieutenant Heira - 4
Urvus Defiler - 4

Mul Rabble - 4
Dwarven Thug - 3

Merc Soulblade - n1

[Bobthewizard]

[QUOTE=Bobthewizard;25206528]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 8/26 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 0/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 8/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3LR Chan Divin: 0/1SR Spell Slots: 1st: 0/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 3 AC: 15 HP: 14/29 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 1/3 Goodberies: 5 Conditions: --

The elves help find a safe spot to rest, and help gather the dead and stabilize the almost dead. They also slit the throats of any of the enemy that might still be breathing. If Qaba finds any almost dead Lufi servants, he will secretly give them a goodberry to help their recovery.

They then report to Faldar to see if he wants them for the meeting with Mordecai.

"Any instructions, Boss?" Zantos is in his usual cheerful mood.

Spoiler: OOC

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[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 16/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 35/35 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 9/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

As the 'all clear' sign is given, the men survey their wounds, and send quick prayers, thanking the gods for not losing anyone. It was a close call for some, especially Ptekme, but they pulled through, with a great result!

Faldar moves from behind the sand wall, while nodding at the prophets. "That's a good tactic you've got going here, with the moveable cover. Makes combat a lot safer for us casters." He then rendevouz with his bodyguards and Zantos. "Alright, good work ...." After which Bontar interrupts him. "Already talked to your brother. He plans to take a short rest here in the outpost before we head back to the estate." Faldar thanks him. "Let's get inside then. Ptekme, can you get Hand as well? Don't want him running around with this many different troops around."

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 12/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

Qoheleth bowed slightly in acknowledgement of the noble's praise. He replied, "The silts rise to protect the servants of the Grey."

Greven added, "We are fortunate for the tactical advantages spontaneous field fortifications provide. Where shall we consolidate? The vicar can provide us a small redoubt in this transition."

The elder prophet listened to these exchanges and watched the piecemeal army set about clearing the dead and collecting the wounded. He noted the absorption of the clerics into the raiders. The tactic had merits, if it also risked treachery that the Prophets did not fear from their zealots. He looked for a suitable place to direct his own priest to establish a command mound for their security and comfort under the sun if a more suitable building did not remain for the conquerors.

Spoiler: OOC

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[RandomWombat]

Leaving the rank and file to clean up, the warband re-enters the arena. Molding the earth of one of the tiers of the battlefield, Qoheleth is able to provide some shade from the harsh sun where the commanders may discuss next steps.

Mordecai and Captain Ammon gather with Faldar and his band. The lieutenant is absent, her wounds being treated with the others below in the tunnels, where soldiers file out carrying the bodies from within. The clerics of earth, using similar magic, bury the bodies beneath the arena's surface where they will decay and nourish the soil - where it has not already been turned ashen by the defiling magics thrown around during the fight.

"The accommodations are not the best, but this place will be safer than traveling the city still exhausted from combat," Faldar's brother explains, looking down towards the underground. "Once it is cleaned out, we can use what cots and beds the gang already stockpiled for themselves."

"What should be done with this place?" asks the mercenary captain, folding his hands in front of him and looking to Mordecai. "If we leave it abandoned, another gang will move in. But the merchants' district lie between this and our headquarters. Any group stationed here would risk being cut off if House M'ke makes a move."

"Or we will be poised to strike M'ke in the back, should they make a move," Mordecai points out. He regards Faldar and the rest thoughtfully. "Taking this place was in large part due to your warband's contribution. Do you think we should claim it?"

[Bobthewizard]

[QUOTE=Bobthewizard;25206528]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 8/26 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 0/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 8/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3LR Chan Divin: 0/1SR Spell Slots: 1st: 0/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 3 AC: 15 HP: 14/29 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 1/3 Goodberies: 5 Conditions: --

Zantos and Jiro don't seem to have an answer for this. They both look to Qaba. He looks around the compound and then nods as he makes a decision. He moves up to Faldar and whispers in his ear.

"Sir. If we seal off the tunnels to the vents, this could be easily defended by 10-15 men. Keep a small crew here, then we could use it as a base for our explorations. It could get you out from under scrutiny of your family and the other noble houses, and make it harder for one of them to betray you."

Spoiler: OOC

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[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 12/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

Qoheleth and Lazaar conferred silently with the Mind-Speaker. He took their counsel, distilling the concepts and rearranging them to make them palatable to the outsiders. Greven added, "The elf's counsel has wisdom. This place would be good for causing your foes to hesitate in attacking the noble houses. Let us send word to our brothers. They could send auxiliaries to bolster this alongside your troops stationed here, as a sign of goodwill."

The elder prophet nodded slightly to show his support to this gesture. He pondered how long it would take to bore a shaft from the enclave to this bastion. With their Silt priests, they would swiftly have a presence within the tunnels below. The arena would then afford a greater means to herald others into their master's army.

Spoiler: OOC

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[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 16/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 35/35 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 9/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Both Ptekme and Bontar stand near Faldar, facing outward and watching for trouble, while Faldar listens.

"Thank you for your advice, my allies. I like the way your thinking. You come up with possibilities, rather then let fear hold us back." Faldar nods to both the elves and the prophets. He then turns back to his brother. "What they say sounds like a good plan to me. Let's make this an outpost for our auxilliary forces. That way we hold military power in the area, threatening House M'ke from the back. But it's not a juicy target as it does not hold any of our core strength or leadership. Besides, it would bring some rest to this troublesome area and may even allow us to recruit any returning gladiators. The only challenge might be getting supplies in here, but that's something we can work out."

"How would the other houses feel about this, brother?"

[RandomWombat]

Though Mordecai eyes the prophets with a healthy amount of skepticism, he nods along with Faldar's agreement. "It would be a good strategic move. And House M'ke is a trade house, their primary concern is profit. Negotiating safe supply lines should be within House Lufi's means. House Vespos will have no problem letting us deal with the logistics, it will be less on their plate. And that will be two of three in favor. Enough to reach consensus."

Taking a few steps, he paces in a small oval, eying the stands which now serve as makeshift fortifications. "This place could use some adjustments. The stairs on the outside leading up to the stands is counter to a good defense. A lack of ways up from the inside, the whole place being made to keep gladiators in instead of people out, it mounts upon the issue. The Killers 'solved' the issue with crude ditches and pungee pits, but at that point you may as well not have walls at all." He critiques the arena carefully, drumming his fingers upon his spear's haft. "Prophets, do you have with you able stoneworkers and builders? Our Earth Clerics can get started, but only in stopgap measures. This place needs some love and care before it can truly be a fort, and such skills are in short supply these days. Our alliance's currently fall under House Urvus' sway, and they are still none too pleased with your warband."


After discussing some of the logistics further, the group is dismissed to take a well-deserved rest while the rank and file secure the perimeter. The former prison cells below hold makeshift bedding which, while not glamorous, beats hard stone or packed dirt and sand under the beating sun. The Hand descends with them, after helping with the clean up.

For a time, the warband is left to their own devices, to talk among their own. Though the cell bars offer little privacy from the Houses' warriors and clerics going to and fro working on tasks.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 16/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 35/35 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 9/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

As the group settles in, Faldar grows silent and ponders a bit. Bontar has no such qualms and lays down in a corner, nodding off in minutes. Ptekme remains alert, his insectlike features showing no emotions at all. Even though he nearly died again, this battle, his hunter like instincts make him focus on the moment. And in this moment he is alive, and making sure Faldar does not befall any harm.

Then, Faldar speaks up. "Thank you, my prophetic allies, it seems like we vanquished a common foe today. We took great risks and came out on top. And if you don't mind me saying, I think we work well together." He grins, and then quickly turns more serious again. "So, with our common enemy gone, our common cause seems to be gone as well. .... Yet I couldn't help noticing that you offered work together longer and even get your brothers involved. That would bring us closer to becoming real allies. And while that may cause some turmoil with our other allies, I'm sure my brother can sort stuff out. But first I want to know more about your intentions for the ... our future. Would you share those with us?"