Keep on the Shadowfell IC

[TurboGhast]

The four of you vote on whether to set out or rest, and Melhved's plan of going to the burial site today, then scouting the kobold lair to prepare for an attack tomorrow wins. After finishing your meals, you try to rouse Noxtol so he can participate, but he's sleeping too deeply, so you leave without him. Melhved leaves his share of the money gained by selling the kobolds' equipment in his room.

You leave Winterhaven by a road leading to the southwest. The first half-hour of your trip is uneventful, but soon after you find a formation of rocks and trees similar to the one in the previous ambush. (It's not the same place despite being represented by the same map.)

Spoiler: Game Actions

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Place your characters within the blue square on the battle map and make a perception check.

At least one person must be in the southernmost spaces of the markers. If nobody's in one of the southernmost spaces of the square once everyone's placed their markers, the group will be advanced along the road in the same formation until someone is.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved Brombriar

Melhved feels good to be back on the road with fresh purpose and good companions. It was a shame about Noxtol but Mother has a path for everyone. Mel is just glad to have the next step in her puzzle revealed. "To think the kobolds that attacked us were actually my next signpost. Mother, I thank you for your guidance. On the topic of kobolds, this looks to be a similar set-up to the last time we encountered them. Another ripe ambush. Best be ready." She gazes about looking for signs of trouble.

Spoiler: Perception

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Perception - (1d20+7)[19]

[onlie2005]

Regan just shrugs though she is relieved that the party has decided to rescue her mentor. She was terribly worried about him and is more than willing to tag along. She only hoped that the party was rested enough in case of another combat. She has her bow out and is ever vigilant and alert lagging behind the party where if combat does come she is in a position where she is more useful and effective.

Spoiler: Actions

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See Map

(1d20+9)[11] Perception.

Note that because Regan has the Alertness feat she cannot be surprised.

[Rakaydos]

Sarathi grumbles happily, looking foward to seeing Douven again.

(d20+3)[10] init

[TurboGhast]

(The above roll was taken as a mislabeled perception roll.)

Melhved's prediction of an ambush turns out to be true, but nobody manages to eke out their hiding spots before it begins. Despite this, Regan manages to react to the war cry and respond the moment the kobolds break out of the underbrush.

Spoiler: Game Actions

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A battle has begun! Link to initiative rolls.

Regan can act during the surprise round, due to the effect of her Alertness feat. Then, the kobolds will take their surprise round turn.

[onlie2005]

Regan reacts instantly to the kobolds, using multiple arrows against the nearest kobolds behind some rocks. She knows it is a bit of a longshot but she has to try.

Spoiler: Surprise Round Actions.

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Standard Action: Rapid Shot centered on K4 targeting K3, K4, K5. 14 damage if critical hit.

Longbow Attack on R3: (1d20+4)[12] for (1d10+4)[12] damage if hit.
Longbow Attack on R4: (1d20+4)[23] for (1d10+4)[7] damage if hit.
Longbow Attack on R5: (1d20+2)[10] for (1d10+4)[13] damage if hit.

[TurboGhast]

The kobolds charge, undeterred by the single hit Regan landed. One breaks west of the rock alongside the road to attack Sarathi, while another breaks east of that rock to attack Melhved. Two more emerge from the rocks east of the road, also charging Melhved. Their swords and spear all strike true.

The last one to arrive, a kobold wearing crimson-dyed hide armor and a mask of bone carved into the shape of a dragon's head, cuts his charge short and begins chanting. Once their incantation is complete, a glowing sphere of acid appears in his hand. He throws it at Melhved, and it lands on a cut another attack opened.

This ambush is clearly more coordinated than the last one.

Spoiler: Game Actions

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K1's turn:
Minor: Shift north one space
Move: Move to the space five spaces south of Sarathi.
Standard: Charges Sarathi, attacking with a short sword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+10)[28] vs AC (+7 base, +1 charge, +2 combat advantage for attacking surprised target) Hit.
Hit:(1d6+3)[4] damage, and Sarathi is marked until the end of K1's next turn.

K2's turn:
Minor: Shift north one space
Move: Move to the space seven spaces south and one space east of Melhved.
Standard: Charges Melhved, attacking with a short sword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+10)[25] vs AC (+7 base, +1 charge, +2 combat advantage for attacking surprised target) Hit.
Hit:(1d6+3)[5] damage, and Melhved is marked until the end of K1's next turn.

K3's turn:
Minor: Shift west one space
Move: Move northwest six spaces.
Standard: Charges Melhved, attacking with a short sword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+11)[23] vs AC (+7 base, +1 mob attack ability, +1 charge, +2 combat advantage for attacking surprised target) Hit.
Hit:(1d6+3)[9] damage, and Melhved is marked until the end of K1's next turn.

K4's turn:
Minor: Shift north one space
Move: Move northwest five spaces, then north one space.
Standard: Charges Melhved, attacking with a spear.

Attack Roll:(1d20+11)[19] vs AC (+6 base, +2 mob attack ability, +1 charge, +2 combat advantage for attacking surprised target) Hit.
Hit:(1d8)[3] + (1d6)[2] damage. 5 total.

K5's turn:
Minor: Shift north one space
Move: Move northwest four spaces, then west two spaces.
Standard: Creates and lobs an orb of acid at Melhved.

Attack Roll:(1d20+8)[22] vs Reflex (+6 base, +2 combat advantage for attacking surprised target) Hit.
Hit:(1d10+3)[5] acid damage.

This ends the surprise round.

Everyone will take a turn, then the kobolds will take a turn.

[Phantom Genius]

K2's turn:

Attack Roll:[roll2] vs AC (+7 base, +1 charge, +2 combat advantage for attacking surprised target)
Hit:[roll3] damage, and Melhved is marked until the end of K1's next turn.

K3's turn:

Attack Roll:[roll4] vs AC (+7 base, +1 mob attack ability, +1 charge, +2 combat advantage for attacking surprised target)
Hit:[roll5] damage, and Melhved is marked until the end of K1's next turn.

[/SPOILER]

I haven't DM'ed 4e, so am wondering if Melhved can be marked by two different enemies. (?)

[onlie2005]

Regan realizes that the kobold spellcaster is more of a danger than the rest so she unleashes an arrow at it first.

Spoiler: Actions

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Minor Action: Aspect of the Pouncing Lynx.
Standard Action Clever Shot on K5 to knock kobold prone. If critical hit does

(1d20+10)[25] attack on K5 for (1d10+4)[9]

[Rakaydos]

Repeating her earlier trick with the shield-kick, Sarathi moved to engage the caster.

Spoiler: OOC acton

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Last round reaction: Shield Riposete on K1: (d20+6)[8] vs Fort, on a hit (d10+3)[7] damage, push 1, shift 2 to be adjacent to the target, and Sarathi gains 3 temp HP. Hit or miss, target is marked.

Move action: if K1 is still up, shift

Standard: Ferocius charge into Crushing surge. (if Shield repose missed, this may provoke from K1)
(d20+7)[18] vs AC, (-2 because I forgot mark) on a hit, K5 is marked, Sarathi gains 6 temp HP, and K5 takes [roll]d8+d6+5[/roll] damage, and takes the ironwolf charge attack. On a miss, K5 is marked and Sarathi gains 3 temp HP.

Iron wolf charge attack (K5 only): (d20+3)[18] vs Will, and the target is pushed 0 and takes a -2 to attack rolls.

[Rakaydos]

(1d8+3)[8]
(1d6+2)[8]

[TurboGhast]

Spoiler: OOC

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Multiple factors have caused me to change my mind about how turns will be resolved in this battle. Specifically:

1. The adventure as written railroads the party into being surprised by an attack they could reasonably expect to occur.
2. I didn't answer how surprise rounds would work in advance.
3. My first answer feels sloppy, inelegant, and tacked on.
4. Retroactive combat actions are annoying to process. (This is the least significant reason.)

Gameplay wise, Drang and Melhved will get a turn, and only then will the kobolds get another. The previous post will be edited to conform with this.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved Brombriar

"These dragonlings don't care much for travelers. The sooner we deal with Kalarel the better." She fills herself with Mother's power and swings about her in a great arc. Most of the primal power flows from her into the area. She takes a measured step back and uses the rest of Mother's love to fortify herself for the coming battle.

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard Action: Roots of Stone
Encounter Primal, Weapon, Zone
Standard Action Close burst 1
Effect: The burst creates a zone of rippling earth that lasts until the end of your next turn. Make the following attack.
Target: Each enemy in the burst
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage. The target is knocked prone when it leaves the zone.
Attack vs K2 - (1d20+8)[26] Damage - (1d8+4)[7] and falls prone if it leaves the zone.
Attack vs K3 - (1d20+8)[17] Damage - (1d8+4)[7] and falls prone if it leaves the zone.
Attack vs K4 - (1d20+8)[17] Damage - (1d8+4)[8] and falls prone if it leaves the zone.

Free Action: Natures's Wrath, marks K2, K3, K4

Move Action: shift west 1 sq.

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

Action Point: Second Wind, add Con mod to AC, EoNT

[Phantom Genius]

Drang steps up to K1 and attempts a healing strike (Encounter power, causes healing surge for Melhved.)

(1d20+5)[23]
(2d10+4)[15]

[TurboGhast]

When Sarathi charges away from the kobold next to him, the kobold slashes at him. He barely manages to block the attack. The caster he charged backs up, lobs another orb of acid at him, and takes cover behind a rock.

The kobold that opportunity attacked Sarathi breaks away from the group to charge him, yelling something in draconic as he does.

Spoiler: For those who know draconic

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"You're not going to escape me!"

His charging slash barely hits, but it leaves a mark.

Meanwhile, the kobolds that attacked Melhved move to surround her again. They stab and slash at her, but the primal power she summoned prevents most of the damage they would inflict.

Spoiler: Game Actions

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Previous round reactions:
K1: Opportunity attacks Sarathi with a shortsword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+10)[17] true value 15, because (+2 CA via flanking) was mistakenly applied before vs AC (+7 base, +1 mob attack). Miss.
Hit:(1d6+3)[9] damage.

K5's turn:
Minor: Shift one space northeast.
Standard: Creates and lobs an orb of acid at Sarathi.

Attack Roll:(1d20+6)[11] vs Reflex (base). Miss.
Hit:(1d10+3)[7] acid damage.

Move: Takes cover behind the northeasternmost rock.

K1's turn:
Minor: Shift south one space
Standard: Charges Sarathi with a shortsword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+8)[18] vs AC (+7 base, +1 charge). Hit.
Hit:(1d6+3)[9] damage, and Sarathi is marked until the end of K1's next turn.

K3's turn:
Minor: Shift west one space
Standard: Attacks Melhved with a shortsword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+7)[10] vs AC (Melhved has temporarily improved defenses at the moment). Miss.
Hit:(1d6+3)[4] damage, and Melhved is marked until the end of K3's next turn.

K2's turn:
Minor: Shift northwest one space
Standard: Attacks Melhved with a shortsword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+8)[24] vs AC (+7 base, +1 mob attack). Hit.
Hit:(1d6+3)[5] damage, which falls to 0 after resistance. Melhved is marked until the end of K2's next turn.

K4's turn:
Move: Move to the space north of Melhved
Standard: Attacks Melhved with a shortsword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+10)[27] vs AC (+6 base, +2 CA by flanking, +2 mob attack). Hit.
Hit:(1d8)[8] + (1d6)[2] damage, which falls to a total of 5 after resistance.

Everyone will take a turn, then the kobolds will take their turns.

[onlie2005]

Regan's shifts to the side and this time unleashes a barrage of arrows at the kobolds surrounding her friend.

Spoiler: Actions

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Minor: Aspect of the Pouncing Lynx.
Move Actions: Shift one square.(see map.)
Standard Action: Rapid Shot centered on Melhved(point of reference) targeting K2, K3, and K4. If attack is critical hit automatically does 14 damage.

(1d20+6)[18] attack on K2 for (1d10+4)[7] damage if hit.
(1d20+6)[24] attack on K3 for (1d10+4)[8] damage if hit.
(1d20+6)[10] attack on K4 for (1d10+4)[12] damage if hit.

[Rakaydos]

Spoiler: Reaction to K5's shift

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Immediate interrupt- Combat Challange
Melee basic attack on K5- (d20+4)[12] vs AC (mark debuff included) (d8+3)[7] damage on hit.

[Rakaydos]

Sarathi growls, and turns to the dragonshield. Angling her shield, she presses the kobold between her shield and the rock, putting her weight into crushing the little lizard.

Spoiler: OOC

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Press of Steel (Daily)- (d20+6)[7] vs AC, on a hit, (2d8+3)[19] damage and Restrained (save ends). On a miss, Half damage and Immobilized until end of Sarathi's next turn.

[Rakaydos]

Spoiler: Action point

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Crushing Surge on Dragonshield- (d20+6)[10] vs AC, [roll]d8+3 damage and 6 temp HP on hit, 3 temp HP on miss.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved Brombriar

Feeling better with both Mother's love and attention from the dwarf, she bears down and gets to work thinning the numbers. Focusing on the weakest of the three, she whirls with her sword to hit the spear-carrying dragonling with a satisfying 'thunk', a spark of Mother's remaining power jumping to the kobold. She takes a calculated step backwards to keep from being surrounded. "Focus your fire! Shave their numbers!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard Action: Weight of Earth
At-Will Primal, Weapon
Standard Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs AC
Hit:1[W] + Str mod and target slowed until end of my next turn
Attack vs K4 - (1d20+8)[28] Damage - (1d8+4)[8] and target is slowed until EoMNT CRIT! Max damage - 12

Minor Action: Nature's Wrath - mark K2, K3, K4.

Move Action: shift 1 sq. NW, beside Drang

[Phantom Genius]

Drang attacks K4 with an Invigorating Strike, which would give Melhved 3 temp hp.

(1d20+5)[21]
(1d10+4)[9]

[TurboGhast]

As the caster takes cover in a bit of foliage, the dragonshield battling Sarathi tries to move between him and the caster, but is pinned in place by Sarathi's shield. Despite this, he manages to land a slash around it. Their caster performs a particularly rapid chant that invigorates the remaining kobolds, leaving them enough time to try to lob another orb of acid at Sarathi. Only to try, though, as Sarathi evades it.

The dragonshields near the rest of the group from into a line in front of them. While they consider attacking Drang for taking down an ally, they find Melhved too dangerous to ignore. Their continued attacks land true.

Spoiler: Game Actions

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K1's turn
Minor: Shift a space northeast.
Move: Shift a space east. (These actions cannot be performed due to the immobilized condition.)
Standard: Slashes at Sarathi with a short sword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+7)[22] vs AC (base). Hit.
Hit:(1d6+3)[7] damage, and Sarathi is marked until the end of K1's next turn.

K5's turn
Move: Move four spaces northwest, into concealment provided by the foliage.
Minor: Performs a faith-inciting chant, granting their allies 5THP each and can shift a space.

K1 doesn't move, K2 shifts a space northwest, K3 shifts a space north.

Standard: Lobs an orb of acid at Sarathi. Miss.

Attack Roll:(1d20+6)[12] vs Reflex (base).
Hit:(1d10+3)[8] acid damage.

K2's turn
Standard: Slashes at Melhved with a short sword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+8)[19] vs AC (+7 base, +1 via mob attack). Hit.
Hit:(1d6+3)[5] damage, and Melhved is marked until the end of K2's next turn. Melhved's 3 THP is depleted, and 2 damage hits her HP.

K3's turn
Standard: Slashes at Melhved with a short sword.

Attack Roll:(1d20+8)[27] vs AC (+7 base, +1 via mob attack). Hit.
Hit:(1d6+3)[7] damage, and Melhved is marked until the end of K3's next turn. (K2's mark is overwritten.)

Everyone will take a turn. Then, the kobolds will take their turns.

[onlie2005]

Regan moves slightly north(See map) and again using precise marksmanship attacks the kobold spellcaster.

Spoiler: Actions

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Minor Action: Aspect of the Pouncing Lynx.
Move Action: See Map.
Standard Action: Aimed Shot at K5. Ignores partial concealment. 14 damage if critical hit.

(1d20+8)[23] attack on K5 for (1d10+4)[9] damage if hit.

[Phantom Genius]

"Sarathi, you're a wee bit far from my divine rejuvenation. How're ye feeling?"

Drang attacks K2 (not the mountain) with another Invigorating Strike, designating the temp hp to Melhved.

(1d20+5)[17]
(1d10+4)[12]

Drang grumbles as he misses by a whisker.

[WaffleLord]

Melhved Brombriar

Seeing that she is still the focus of attention of the dragonling to her right, that is where she attacks. She brings down her sword with Mother's influence, but the kobold is ready and deflects the attack.

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard Action: Weight of Earth
At-Will Primal, Weapon
Standard Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs AC
Hit:1[W] + Str mod and target slowed until end of my next turn
Attack vs K3 AC - (1d20+8)[14] for (1d8+4)[5] damage and target is slowed until EoMNT. miss

Minor Action: Nature's Wrath - mark K2 and K3

[Rakaydos]

"Still speak common, well enough. When all roar, snarl, then hurt bad." Sarathi was feeling the pain, but not enough to lose control to bloodlust. Trying to hit the dragonshield let it slip from her shield, but Sarathi was able to regain some of her balance.

Spoiler: OOC and HP

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Sarathi HP: 17/31 (bloody at 15/31)
Action: Crushing Surge on Dragonshield- (d20+6)[25] vs AC. On hit, 6 temp HP, (d8+3)[6] damage. On miss, 3 temp HP

[TurboGhast]

The caster approaches Drang and Melhved, then chants a new incantation. His mouth fills with acid, which he unleashes upon them with painful results. The dragonshields in front of them follow up by attacking Melhved. The first slash nearly makes her fall unconscious, but she barely remains up. Fortunately, she completely blocks the second.

Meanwhile, the kobold Sarathi's engaging misses a slash. A look of concern forms on his face as he realizes he's given his opponent a good opportunity to change targets.

Spoiler: Game Actions

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K5's turn:
Move: Move two spaces northwest, then three spaces west.
Standard: Unleashes a wave of acidic breath. (Close blast 3 directly to the southwest)

The initial post had incorrect formatting, so the attack rolls are on a post in the rolls thread. Both attack rolls are hits.
Hit (Drang, Melhved): (1d10+3)[11] acid damage. Of the damage to Melhved, 3 is absorbed by temporary HP.
Miss: Half damage (5 acid damage).

Minor: Shift one space east.

K1's turn
Standard: Slashes at Sarathi with a shortsword.

Attack roll:(1d20+7)[8] vs AC (base). Miss.
Hit: (1d6+3)[7] damage, and Sarathi is marked until the end of K1's next turn.

K2's turn
Standard: Slashes at Melhved with a shortsword.

Attack roll:(1d20+8)[27] vs AC (+7 base, +1 mob attack). Hit.
Hit: (1d6+3)[6] damage, and Melhved is marked until the end of K2's next turn.

K3's turn
Standard: Slashes at Melhved with a shortsword.

Attack roll:(1d20+8)[9] vs AC (+7 base, +1 mob attack). Miss.
Hit: (1d6+3)[6] damage, and Drang is marked until the end of K3's next turn.

Everyone will take a turn, then the kobolds will take their turns. If you're waiting on someone else's turn improve the outcome of your turn, please state so.

[Rakaydos]

Free of the dragonshield's skillful distraction, Sarathi leapt back, out of the dragonshield's reach. distracted by the sound of casting, Sarathi hesitated for a moment, then went after the easier prey, closer to her allies.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move: shift
Standard: Charge K5- Melee basic attack. (d20+7)[10] vs AC, (d8+5)[12] damage, and marked by sarathi.
If successful, use Iron Wolf charge- Extra (d6)[4] damage on main attack, and all enemies in burst 2 get the following attack.
Vs K5: (d20+3)[9] vs Will, if successful, push 0 and penalize K5's attack rolls by -2.
Vs K2: (d20+3)[14] vs Will, if successful, push 2, Mark, and penalize K2's attack rolls by -2.
Vs K3: (d20+3)[22] vs Will, if successful, push 2, Mark, and penalize K3's attack rolls by -2.

[onlie2005]

Regan unleashes two more arrows at one of the dragonshields and the kobold spellcaster.

Spoiler: Actions

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Minor: Aspect of the Pouncing Lynx
Standard Action: Rapid Shot centered on Sarathi(point of reference). Targets K5 and K2. If attack critical hit does 14 damage.

(1d20+6)[15] attack on K5 for (1d10+4)[14] if hit. Use Heroic Effort Human encounter power to add +4 attack bonus making attack roll 19 which hits.
(1d20+6)[23] attack on K2 for (1d10+4)[9] if hit.

[Phantom Genius]

Drang uses his daily Beacon of Hope power.

Spoiler: Beacon of Hope Results

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Drang, Sarathi, Melhved and Regan heal five hp. (I don't think Regan is hurt.)
Attack vs. Will or be weakened
K2 (1d20+6)[11]
K3 (1d20+6)[12]
K5 (1d20+6)[7]

Drang uses a minor action to give Melhved a healing surge+5 (Beacon)+3 (healer's lore.)
Drang is now at 20/26 hp and has successfully completed an attack one time in seven tries.