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[WinterSpartan]

Character Sheets:

Beleren - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5dX5gcSM5hHdk0zYnFaaUplVkk/edit?usp=sharing
Derath - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5dX5gcSM5hHWWx2OWk5UjJXRmM/edit?usp=sharing
Hroksull - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5dX5gcSM5hHMjJrclFnRUt3OUE/edit?usp=sharing
Merik - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5dX5gcSM5hHOGY5eW9aSHU4LUU/edit?usp=sharing
Veonis - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5dX5gcSM5hHUjctcV9aRTVPV2M/edit?usp=sharing

Current Status

Party Level 2 (XP 1070/2250)

Merik: HP 29/42, Surges 11/11, 1 Action Point, Earthsoul (+1 Fort)
AC 20, Fort 15, Reflex 15, Will 14

Veonis: HP 24/30, Surges 8/8, 1 Action Point
AC 19, Fort 12, Reflex 14, Will 16

Hroksull: HP 36/36, Surges 8/8, 1 Action Point
AC 16, Fort 16, Reflex 14, Will 14

Derath: HP 24/28, Surges 7/8, 1 Action Point
AC 17, Fort 15, Reflex 15, Will 17

Beleren: HP 19/27, Surges 6/6, 0 Action Points
AC 16, Fort 15, Reflex 13, Will 18

Initiative order (active parties underlined):

Gnome Skulks
Merik, Hroksull, Veonis, Derath, Beleren
Panthers

Gnome Skulk
31-39 hp
Ac 16, Fort 14, Reflex 14, Will 12

Panther
50-55 hp
AC 18, Fort 16, Reflex 18, Will 15

The remaining gnome has taken 24 damage (bloodied!)
The panther has taken 29 damage (bloodied!) and has -2 AC until the end of Veonis's turn.


   For one reason or another, your travels have brought you here, to the Antler & Thistle tavern near the town gate of Brindol. It's convenient for travelers, the food is decent, and the beer is good. As you step into the common room, you notice a few scattered patrons enjoying a drink or a meal, as well as three in the back playing a game of cards. The bartender is looking around the room as he polishes up some mugs. It appears to be a rather slow night; the room could comfortably seat many more patrons. There are two small storerooms in the back, with another door directly between them. A large stone fireplace burns low in the center of the room. The only noteworthy decoration seems to be a large, but old and tattered, banner with a red hand, which hangs behind the bar.

(OOC: I haven't presumed any of you have entered yet; I'll let each of you describe doing so, and what you do when you come in. Feel free to roleplay your characters meeting one another, or beginning to interact with any of the NPCs. They won't take much notice of the humans or the half-elf, but Hroksull's height and Merik's "unique complexion" will stand out.)

[Watno]

Derath is confused. He has been told by the High Priest of his order to investigate the strange happenings in the Vale, so he has packed his traveling stuff and set out to the gate. The orders he had gotten hadn't been were precise, so when leaving the gate, he asked Erathis for her guidance and summoned a Hand of Fate. To his bewilderment, when he asked what direction he should set out in, the hand hadn't pointed out of the city, but back inside, to this tavern next to the Gate.
He doesn't understand how visiting this tavern would help him on mission, but who is he to question the wisdom of the Erathis? So heenters the tavern and orders a cup of watered wine, then sits down at one of the tables.

[Kuildeous]

When Hroksull pushed the door to the Antlers and Thistle Inn, he did not expect it to swing so freely. The loud report announced his presence, not that Hroksull needed a herald. The inn's patrons stared as he stooped to squeeze his seven-and-a-half-feet-tall frame through the door. He quickly surveyed the room to assess any possible threats.

To his dismay, Hroksull did not see anyone that he felt would be a challenge. This would not be the place to make his first kill. The journey to Brindol disappointed him. Hroksull heard tales from the elders of rampaging monsters and rapacious bandits, but nothing attacked him on the road. He only met other travelers, none of whom posed a threat. In fact, the humans he encountered shied away from him as he traveled. Most of the people in this room similarly averted their gazes and scooted their seats a few inches farther away from him.

The bartender did not show any signs of fear. Unknown to Hroksull, others from his village came here before. Remembering what the village elders taught him about human settlements, Hroksull walked awkwardly to the bar, jostling two tables along the way. Cries of disgust reached his ears as mugs emptied their contents into the laps of their owners.

Not only did Hroksull fail to find adversity on his travels, but prey was equally sparse. His stomach grumbled in protest when the savory aroma of baked bread and roasted meat greeted him. He gravelly said, "Food?"

The bartender looked Hroksull up and down. The goliath's imposing size was made even more terrifying by the cacophony of tattoos winding across his hairless head, but the bartender had seen worse. His concern with Hroksull was not his size but money. "Sure, buddy," he drawled nonchalantly. "Do you have the money to pay for it all?"

The words shot across the bar far more quickly than Hroksull expected. The elders taught him the language of the humans, but he never held actual conversations. He expected humans to speak their words just as slowly as Hroksull did. The exchange surprised him, and he reeled back, knocking his elbow into the man sitting at the bar so hard that the human tumbled to the floor. Instinctively, Hroksull started to lean down to pick up the deposed human, but the look on the human's face told Hroksull that his help would not be welcomed.

Instead, Hroksull mulled over the bartender's quick speech. He identified the word, "money." Hroksull reached into his pouch and pulled out 20 gold coins. The elders explained to him that those outside the village cherished this metal and would willingly give away goods in exchange for some of the metal. They also explained that there were other metals, but they had been in the village for so long, they couldn't remember which metals were more valuable. In broken Common, Hroksull said, "Have 20 gold coins. Give you…" He wondered how much he could offer and still get food. It seemed like there was a lot of food here, and it smelled more succulent than anything he had growing up. "Give you 5?"

[WinterSpartan]

The bartender's eyes widen a bit. "You're lucky I'm honest, friend," he says. "Most places they'd just have taken all 5." He pushes all but 1 of the gold pieces back to Hroksull, then pulls eight smaller silver coins from a pouch at his waist and adds those to the stack. "Now, just two of these - maybe three - should get you a meal most anywhere in these parts. If anyone tries to get more than that from you, they're cheating you."

As Hroksull tries to digest this information, he's presented with something much more familiar (and easy to digest). "Sit yourself down, enjoy your meal, and stay awhile. If you need anything else, you just let me know."

*********************************************************************

Derath - like everyone else in the tavern - can't help but notice the imposing entrance of the seven-foot goliath. Is this what you wanted me to wait for, my Lady? he wonders.

[Grujah]

[OOC I've just written stuff and was about to post but Winter ruined it for me now, will have to change a bit . How much can you eat for 1GP anyway?]

[WinterSpartan]

[OOC I've just written stuff and was about to post but Winter ruined it for me now, will have to change a bit . How much can you eat for 1GP anyway?]

(OOC) 1GP = 10 silver pieces (SP); 2SP will buy you a decent meal.

[Grujah]

[OOC, I'll consider that order of this introductory posts is chronological. My character would be most interested in the Genesi, but I'll assume he didn't "make an entrance" yet]


This was supposed to be easy. You're supposed to go out, find an adventure, slay the dragon, save the princess and get your well-earn piece of fame. Yet, since he has left his home, the closest that he has got to an "adventure", or a "job" even was tavern owners asking him to "magically" clear the floors or move some stock. Ugh, parlor magic. Bel refused, of course. And it has been almost two weeks already.

He came to new tavern today Antler & Thistle, early. He took a table at the far end. He always does so, so that he could listen to rumors and news and so. As usual, nothing of interest. Town gossip and dirty jokes. And this tavern did look promising, being near the gates and all. He has already finished his meal and been ordering, well, ice water (after few nights, he found that beer dampens his senses too much)  and reviewing his notes (while trying to listen for anything important going on).
Gi
Tavern became awfully quite when a giant figure walked in. He looked like standard-issue brute: big, strong, dumb and slow. Bel wouldn't give much attention to him, hadn't he bumped quite a few people and made a mess. Bel hasn't been in a bar fight yet, but he could see one coming. He slightly opened his robe and summoned his familiar. The dragonling was obviously annoyed, as he was sure Bel was summoning him to for some trivialities again (and he was right). Bel ordered him to fly up and behind this huge character and "be ready if trouble happens". 'Yeah, sure.', Ashe said 'You should get yourself an owl and stop bothering me with this meaningless tasks.' Reluctantly, Ashe did what his master asked of him.

Then, the giant thing at the bar, it spoke. 'Food', Goliath said said. 'Of course' Bel though. But when Bel saw that the brute didn't even realize the concept and worth of money, Bel barely contained himself from bursting into laughter.

[Watno]

The honesty of the bartender pleases Derath greatly. Most would have taken advantage of that beast's ignorance, and broken the laws of hospitality Erathis had decreed. And after he has loudly demonstrated his naivity, surely some of those who had heard it will try. His parents sure would have done that, and Brok would have done it as well. But he's not Brok anymore, and those thieves aren't his parents. Now he is Derath, reborn as child of Erathis and her humble servant.

But surely this creature is a sign from the goddess, why else would her hand have guided him this way. It hasn't been to a city before, that's obvious to him, so it must have come from outside. Maybe it knows what's going on in the Vale.

So he approaches the beast, though its belching greatly disturbs him, and says: Be greeted in the name of Erathis. What leads you into this city?

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull nodded sheepishly at the bartender and performed some calculations in his head. "Yellow metal wanted more than grey metal," he muttered. "Elder Hurn did know better about human money than Elder Thaquina." He pocketed the money that was returned to him. He paused briefly and then retrieved one of the gold coins. He planted it on top of the bar with a thick finger and slid it to the bartender. "You have fed me. Now I feed you and yours. Thank you for explaining that."

He greedily ate his meal, aware that people were moving away from him but not aware of why. He basked in the warmth that the food gave him and thought about where he should go next. He left on his pilgrimage to find adversity, and he instead found hospitality amid a sea of fear and trepidation. A voice caught his attention, saying, "Be greeted in the name of Erathis. What leads you into this city?" Hroksull continued mopping the last of his soup with bread. He caught the bartender looking pointedly at him. When Hroksull met the bartender's gaze, the human's eyes shifted to the origin of the voice.

"Oh!" exclaimed Hroksull. He had been so used to humans talking around him that it startled him to be addressed directly by one. How luck had found him. He traveled for days without any company, and now two humans had politely talked with him. Trying to remember the manners that the elders taught him, he spoke slowly and deliberately, taking care to use the correct word in Common and not in Giant. "Kord calls for us to prove ourselves. I have spent 17 summers learning to fight so that I may take this journey. I have heard cities are good for companionship. No man should walk the earth alone." He pondered this and ruefully added, "But I did walk alone and found nothing to challenge me. If this keeps up, I will die alone."

[Grujah]

[Do I recognize that Hroskull is Goliath? If I do, what do I know about them?]


"Well, cry me a river" Bel thought. But this "journey" quite a lot like an "adventure", so he continued to listen.

[WinterSpartan]

[Do I recognize that Hroskull is Goliath? If I do, what do I know about them?]


"Well, cry me a river" Bel thought. But this "journey" quite a lot like an "adventure", so he continued to listen.

Nature check for you:

Rolled 1d20 : 11, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

Beleren recognizes that Hroskull is a Goliath, but doesn't know much more than that. Just that they're big (which has recently become rather obvious, as Hroskull's a good few inches past seven feet tall) and live in the mountains and desert to the south.

[Axxle]

"Ugh, the big city."  Merik thinks as he walks in with a bit of a scowl on his face.  "I didn't think I'd have to come back here." But cities were usually the best place to find work, and Merik sure could use some.

Merik pauses for a second upon seeing the Goliath at the bar, but makes for it upon seeing that the giant appears to be pleasantly talking to a priest nearby.

"Bitter Black, and put a bit of cinnamon in it." It was Merik's drink of choice. He couldn't get enough of the bitter ale mixed with the heat of the spices. And Kord knows that he needs a little alcohol in him before he tries to negotiate prices with anyone interested in hiring him. Merik puts some coin on the table, stares at the torn banner, and casually listens in on the conversation next to him.

History for the banner

Rolled 1d20+9 : 12 + 9, total 21

[Gveoniz]

[I was quite sick earlier, I will post mine as soon as possible.]

[Grujah]

[Do I recognize what Merik is/what do I know about Genasi? I guess Arcana Check?]

[Gveoniz]

[OOC: I think Veonis is the last one to enter the tavern? And he has zero coins in the pdf, is it true of it is just an error?]

Veonis has spent all day on the road, He is glad to find a tavern and takes some rest at last. He sits down at one of the table, and looks around to see if there are any interesting person. A tough person chatting with a priest, and a man with strange complexion, He think he have seen similar men before, in his long journey after leaving his tutor, but seldom.

[Do Veonis knows what Hroskull and Merik are?]

But then he look into his pocket, it is near empty again. "I guess I still need to do some work tonight then" he sighs. He walked towards the bartender. "Do this tavern need any entertain work? I know how to play some music. If the patrons are happy, I believe everyone here can have a better outcome."

[WinterSpartan]

Though Merik's never seen the banner before, he's sharp enough to put two and two together. The Red Hand's attacks nearly destroyed Brindol a century ago; several trophies from those attacks are housed in a museum of sorts, called the Hall of Great Valor, but private families kept trophies of their own. This banner would seem to be one such spoil of war, taken by the bartender's great-grandfather perhaps.

[Do I recognize what Merik is/what do I know about Genasi? I guess Arcana Check?]

Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17

[OOC: I think Veonis is the last one to enter the tavern? And he has zero coins in the pdf, is it true of it is just an error?]

[OOC: Sadly, it is not an error. You had a ridiculous amount of gear you needed to start with, and that used all of your starting cash.]

[Do Veonis knows what Hroskull and Merik are?]

Nature check:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23

Arcana check:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

The bartender looks at Veonis and shrugs. "Need's a bit of a strong word, but if you want to play, be my guest. Maybe you'll get some tips. If you're good, supper'll be on the house."

Veonis is quite familiar with goliaths and their habits; in his travels, he's even met a few. Reclusive, nomadic, and fond of a challenge they may be, but he's found that they can make fine companions. He has no idea what the other strange creature might be, though...

Beleren, on the other hand, instantly recognizes Merik as a genasi, though he's surprised to see one here since he knows they're from the Elemental Chaos. He knows about the five elements they may manifest - earth, air, fire, thunder, and water - and that some are tied to multiple elements. This genasi, at least for now, is an earthsoul, so Beleren would expect him to be cautious and slow to speak. (Beleren may very well be WRONG, in this particular instance, since Merik has another element, but that's not apparent to the eye).

[Gveoniz]

"Thank you," said Veonis to the bartender, then he take out his flute, walked to a proper position and started playing.  "Hopefully I can have a good performance." he talks to himself. Then he starts concentrate on his own music.

[Kuildeous]

[OOC: Not sure if Hroksull's Passive Perception would notice the dragonling lurking above. Not sure if it was trying to be sneaky or not. If he does notice it, he'll keep staring at it and keep his hands near his weapons. He's not hot-headed enough to attack anything weird, but he's not very subtle when staring down potential danger.]

[Watno]

[nature check to find out how much i know about goliaths:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

]

He didn't meet anything challenging on the way through the wilderness? That beast was either not easy to impress, or Erathis had protected him on his way here so he could meet him.
"I have heard stories of Goblins, Orc, and even worse roaming the wilderness. Hasn't anything attacked you on your journey?" he asks.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull's face fell at the human's question. Shaking his head ruefully, he replied, "No. There is nothing that dares approach my village. The elders have already hunted them all. I hoped to find something here. I wonder if I angered Kord somehow."

Realization struck the goliath, and he remembered what he was taught before embarking on his pilgrimage. "My name is Hroksull. It is...." He fumbled over the translation, "pleasant to meet your acquaintance." His brows furrowed as he rebuked himself for not getting the right word. He hoped that the human wouldn't notice, but the flummoxed look on his face belied his nervousness.

[WinterSpartan]

[nature check to find out how much i know about goliaths: This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15]

(OOC: About the same as Beleren.)

[Grujah]

Bel has almost forgotten about the hulking giant once he saw a Genasi enter. Whoah. He shifted all of his attention to the humanoid elemental when it struck him.

All that magical, inborn potential and he.. seems.. to be fighthing.. with.. a sword. Why, in Correlon's name? Why waste your powers so? Terrible.
And then the damn bard started singing. Even worse.

[Perception to see if I hear what Hroskul and Derath are talking about?

'd20' is not a valid dice string!

]

[OOC: We should have chosen easier names, I keep confusing it. Too many Aeriths, too few Bobs].

[Grujah]

Rolled 1d20 : 13, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

Since Hroksull and Derath aren't attempting to hide their conversation, Bel is able to pick up most of it.

******************************

Looking around in his nervousness, Hroksull catches sight of the dragonling fluttering overhead. Derath is mildly perplexed as the goliath's full attention turns to this new sight rather than to the conversation.

[Grujah]

Beleren heard "Orc, Goblin" coming from a man sitting with the giant. Well, it actually sounded like well, a possible journey. Though, seems like Bel will have to actually ask for more details.

Bel quickly picked up his stuff from the table and hurried through to room to meet with Derath. He unsummoned the dragonling, as the giant an no longer seemed like a threat. Once he came to table, he completely ignored Hroskull and immediately spoke to Derath (in a quick fashion):

"Hi, I'm Beleken. Of the Sorkin family, you've probably heard of us. You said Orcs? Here? Where? How many? How well equipped? How are they organized? Who leads them? What did they do so far? Any apparent weaknesses? Some less apparent ones maybe? Tell me."

[WinterSpartan]

Derath blinks, opens his mouth, and stares at Bel for a moment. Before he answers, everyone's attention is momentarily distracted by sudden screams and other loud noises from outside. As Veonis lowers his flute and Hroksull reaches for his weapons, the front door flies off its hinges with a crack to land between the two front tables. Four hobgoblins with drawn swords rush into the bar. "For Sinruth! For the Hand!" they bellow.

Derath finds his voice. "Hobgoblins, apparently," he replies. "As for weaknesses, we'll shortly find out."

OOC: Combat map has been added to the first post. I'm rolling initiative and, next post, Nature checks for you all.

Initiative rolls:

Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+2 : 10 + 2, total 12

Merik -

Rolled 1d20 : 12, total 12

Derath -

Rolled 1d20 : 8, total 8

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20-1 : 20 - 1, total 19

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20-1 : 19 - 1, total 18

Hobgoblin Grunts -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

?? -

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

NPCs -

Rolled 1d20 : 5, total 5

[Grujah]

[OOC: Why the HELL did I unsummon Ashe?]

[WinterSpartan]

Nature checks.

On goblinoids:

Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14

Derath -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20 : 8, total 8

On hobgoblins:

Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+9 : 18 + 9, total 27

Derath -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 18 + 3, total 21

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20 : 14, total 14

On Hobgoblin Grunts:

Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+9 : 15 + 9, total 24

Derath -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 7 + 3, total 10

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20 : 15, total 15

[Grujah]

[OOC: Can you host a map externally (dropbox, tinypic), it seems I cannot open the attachment (I cannot find it, but see that there is one when I refresh the page, for a moment only)

[WinterSpartan]

(OOC: Sure, Grujah; I'll just provide a link instead of putting it in the first post. Give me a moment or two. Kuildeous and Axxle, I'm sending you each some info on hobgoblins. Info on Hobgoblin Grunts is in the first post.)

(Is that visible now? Everyone is free to roleplay, and everyone but Derath is free to act. The other patrons are too stunned to react quickly - or at least, that's what the NPC initiative roll tells me. )

[Grujah]

[Yeah, I can see it. In future I want to be represented with this one .
How does horizontal movement count? it was 7.5 feet (1.5 speed) in 3.5, is it the same here?]
[If there is a NPC between myself and my target, is my casting obstructed?]


I yell (free action?) "Everybody stand aside! You, Genasi, keep the grouped and cornered! They fight better grouped, but I can fell them all at once!"

I move to 9J. Minor action to summon Ashe again. I use Stormwalk, shift to 8J, and strike the Goblin at M6.

Attack roll vs Fortitude:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

Damage roll (if I hit)

Rolled 1d8+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

[Axxle]

[Yeah, I can see it. In future I want to be represented with this one .
How does horizontal movement count? it was 7.5 feet (1.5 speed) in 3.5, is it the same here?]
[If there is a NPC between myself and my target, is my casting obstructed?]


I yell (free action?) "Everybody stand aside! You, Genasi, keep the grouped and cornered! They fight better grouped, but I can fell them all at once!"

I move to 9J. Minor action to summon Ashe again. I use Stormwalk, shift to 8J, and strike the Goblin at M6.

Attack roll vs Fortitude:
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22
Damage roll (if I hit)
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d8+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

[in 4e diagonal movement is 1]

[Grujah]

Yeah, found it in rules later, its only that you cannot move past corners.

[Axxle]

[@mod: I have luring strike, not lightning lure as my at will power]

"Haha, this is what I needed to get the day rolling!"

Merik unsheathes his sword and moves towards the hobgoblins grinning.

If the hobgoblin has been felled:
Move into the space he was (M6) and use Sword of Sigils. Making a sweeping attack at the hobgoblins:
M5:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 13 + 7, total 20

N5:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12

N6:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 10 + 7, total 17

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

I'll then use a minor action to mark M5, N6, or N5 in order depending on who survives.  "You yellow-bellied monster, scared of a bit of swordplay?"

Otherwise:
Move to L6, use a minor action to mark N6 with my Aegis of Shielding: "You yellow-bellied monster, scared of a bit of swordplay?"
Attack M6 with Booming Blade, saying to the customer at L8: "Cover your ears, this might get a bit loud!"

Rolled 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

With a thunderous crack, Beleren's spell drops the first hobgoblin. As Merik whirls into the fray, he cuts down another, but the other two avoid his blows.

(OOC: It doesn't look like I can update the map from my ipad, so unfortunately not until Sunday night. The M5 and M6 hobgoblins are dead. N6 is marked by Merik.)

For posterity: Hobgoblin Grunt - AC 17 (+2 when adjacent to another hobgoblin), Fort 15, Reflex 13, Will 12
Hobgoblin Grunts work together instinctively, even if they are the least disciplined and trained hobgoblin soldiers. They are armored in leather and armed with longswords and shields.

Goblin Blackblades - AC 16, Fort 12, Reflex 14, Will 11

[Gveoniz]

[OOC: It took me ages to fully understand what it going on and deciding what to do, if I actually understand it right.]

Veonis stops playing as he hears the noise, he turned around and, behind a patron, he see 4 creatures coming into the tavern, he remember stories about those evil Hobgoblin Grunts.
As he is about to react, he sees a man rushes through right besides him. The strange creature apparently called Genasi and the Goliath also seem ready for a combat. "I don't need to deal with these thing on my own now, I think"
[Writing half way then disturbed by new post, therefore it probably sound strange now]
 Then 2 of the Hobgoblins are down. "I am join you," said Veonis to the spellcasting men and the strange creature. Then he dropped his flute, then quickly drawing his sword, moved around the patron (to M7) and try to swing at one of the remaining 2 Hobglobins (at N6) with Guiding Strike (penalizing its AC).

Guiding Strike at N6 (if I am doing it right)

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

[OOC: It took me ages to fully understand what it going on and deciding what to do, if I actually understand it right.]

(OOC: Sorry for the confusion! Everything is perfectly right, though - minor action to draw your sword, move up to the hobgoblin, and standard action to attack.)

The hobgoblin expertly parries Veonis's blow. "You cannot stop us, elf-man!"

[Axxle]

With a thunderous crack, Beleren's spell drops the first hobgoblin. As Merik whirls into the fray, he cuts down another, but the other two avoid his blows.

(OOC: It doesn't look like I can update the map from my ipad, so unfortunately not until Sunday night. The M5 and M6 hobgoblins are dead. N6 is marked by Merik.)

[The other one is also marked due to my Sword of Sigils power, although it's not a proper Aegis of Shielding mark] [nevermind, it's only on hit]

[Grujah]

Do I see anything important outside, through the door/windows?

If needed, here's a perception check:

Rolled 1d20 : 3, total 3

[WinterSpartan]

Do I see anything important outside, through the door/windows?

If needed, here's a perception check:
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20 : 3, total 3

You see absolutely nothing outside, being rather focused on the fight inside.

[Kuildeous]

[OOC: Well, haven't used the dice-rolling mechanic before, so here goes. Also, not sure if the GM text about drawing weapons was flavor text or not. I'm going to assume I did not have my weapons out yet. If I did, then Minor Action to do Hunter's Quarry.]

Breaking into a mighty toothy grin, Hroksull scurries to a position behind a table (J4) and hurls an axe at one of the hobgoblins (N5)

Basic Attack 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17
Damage 1d6+5 : 3 + 5, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

Hroskull's aim is true, but the other hobgoblin sees the incoming projectile and catches it on his shield with a solid thud. Looking at the stiff resistance, he calls something out the door in Goblin. A moment later, as he and his surviving companion return to the attack, more hobgoblins and a small black-cloaked goblin crash through the doorway to join them.

(OOC: It's my turn; I'm trying to figure out if there's a way I can do this without being able to update the map, short of confusing everyone, or if I just need to do it tomorrow night. Leaning towards the latter.)

[Kuildeous]

I actually wouldn't mind a Google spreadsheet. It's not as pretty as a scanned map, though.

But then again, I'm one of those that is perfectly fine using dice to represent characters.

[Grujah]

I actually wouldn't mind a Google spreadsheet. It's not as pretty as a scanned map, though.

But then again, I'm one of those that is perfectly fine using dice to represent characters.

Last session, we used halved peanut flips to represent some faeries.

[Axxle]

Bottle caps for all the characters!  They even come in different sizes for the giants and dragons we fight.

[WinterSpartan]

(Sorry for the delay, all. Here we go.)

The goblin glances around quickly, spies the banner behind the bar, and runs towards it. On his way, he tosses a small vial of frothy red liquid towards Merik, Veonis, and the hapless patron sitting frozen behind them. As it hits the table, it explodes violently, setting the surrounding area of the bar aflame.

The hobgoblins move to attack the front-line party members (primarily Merik), being careful to stay back from the flames.

Explosion vs. Merik:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18

Explosion vs. Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Explosion damage:

Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5

K4 Hobgoblin Grunt vs. Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16

L5 Hobgoblin Grunt vs. Merik:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 15 + 8, total 23

M5 Hobgoblin Grunt vs. Merik:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 17 + 6, total 23

N6 Hobgoblin Grunt vs. Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18

N7 Hobgoblin Grunt vs. Merik:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 2 + 8, total 10

Nature checks.

More Nature checks.

On goblins:
Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+9 : 10 + 9, total 19

Derath -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 1 + 3, total 4

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20 : 7, total 7

On Goblin Blackblades:
Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+9 : 8 + 9, total 17

Derath -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 16 + 3, total 19

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20 : 7, total 7

(One more post after I see results of these rolls.)

[WinterSpartan]

The poor farmer doesn't even have time to scream as the flames consume him. Merik and Veonis are hard-pressed as the well-trained hobgoblins attempt to keep them contained. Even Hroksull is not immune, as his foe searches out any weakness. "The Red Hand will rise again!"

Faced with this, most of the patrons begin to scatter. The bartender heads for the back door, and the people who'd been listening to Veonis (and even tossing him a few silver coins) follow suit. The card players in the back corner - perhaps having had too much to drink, perhaps determined to guard their winnings (or potential winnings) to the end - stand up but make no move to leave, grabbing mugs or table legs and looking as threatening as they can manage. (It's not especially threatening.)

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull was taken aback by the teamwork demonstrated by the hobgoblins. He had heard stories, but it was more impressive seeing it in action. It was no wonder that many from his village never returned home. The elders spoke of befriending others, but many of the young goliaths dismissed those tales. Hroksull might do well to heed the elders' advice. For now, however, there were more immediate threats.

Hroksull heard the decree that the hobgoblins should be contained, but surely they wouldn't miss one little hobgoblin straying from the pack. Hroksull quickly looked the hobgoblin up and down, made note of how the hobgoblin favored one leg, and brought his axe down in that direction.

Minor: Hunter's Quarry on K4.
Hit and Run on K4.

Battle axe 1d20+6 : 5 + 6, total 11
Damage 1d10+5 : 6 + 5, total 11
Quarry 1d6 : 5, total 5

If the hobgoblin is still standing, then move 3 spaces up. If the hobgoblin is down, then move to L1.

[Gveoniz]

[OOC: Would I be damage by the fire at some moments or other things happens?]

Veonis He decided to sing a magical song to heal himself as well as getting away from the approaching Hobgoblins and burning floor, but then he saw the strange men standing, who seems to be also injured by the hobgoblins. Veonis hesitated for a slight moment and ask: "Are you alright? do you need any help?"'

[WinterSpartan]

[OOC: Would I be damage by the fire at some moments or other things happens?]

(OOC: Ending turn in the fire, or moving from outside the fire into the fire, will both cause you to take 1d6 damage. So I might suggest moving out of the flames - perhaps by shifting to N8, since walking away will give the hobgoblins opportunity attacks against you. Also, since your Majestic Word is a minor action, you can move, heal, and still attack.)

[Gveoniz]

[OOC: Would I be damage by the fire at some moments or other things happens?]

(OOC: Ending turn in the fire, or moving from outside the fire into the fire, will both cause you to take 1d6 damage. So I might suggest moving out of the flames - perhaps by shifting to N8, since walking away will give the hobgoblins opportunity attacks against you. Also, since your Majestic Word is a minor action, you can move, heal, and still attack.)

[Thank you for your answer, I was thinking about the same thing but I am a bit concern of Merik.]
[Can Veonis move/slide to L8 where there is a chair there?]

[Watno]

The beast Derath was talking to introduces itself as Hroksbul, or some similiar barbaric name. But before Derath can answer and introduce himself as well, suddenly a bunch of Goblins storm into the room. Derath is quite perplexed, and before he can do anything, a battle has broken out and the table next to him is on fire. So this is what the Goddess has sent him here for. He is her agent to protect the peoplehere from the uncivilized hordes that attack.

He calls upon the power of the goddess to assist him in the combat against the beasts, and invokes images of what happens to those who don't obey the holy laws of Erathis in front of the hobgoblins, hoping they will move back a bit in their shock, so that the people on the table, who are bravely fighting off the attackers, can move out of the fire.

Maledictor's Doom on K4-N8
Move to J6
Visions of Blood on K3-M5
Attack rolls (from top to bottom, +4 vs Will)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21
Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16
Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

Psychic damage:

Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

Push the goblins to the left if they're hit.
All goblins have -1 to attack and saving throws, the ones hit by Vision of blood have -1 to all defenses until my next turn.

Please check wether this is right. (I don'Ät get the implement bonus on Visions of Blood, right?)

[Watno]

[nice, all it. I want to change my pushing a bit:
K4->J3
L5->L4
M5->N4]

It works, the goblins scatter and take a few steps back.
"Get out of there", Derath shouts to the men standing in the fire.

[Watno]

[Oh, i think I confused the figures. I'm the guy at F7, so i can't move to J6, can I?
I'll do it all from J5 then. I don't provoke an opportunity attack because it's a close power, right?
Also, I then have to push K4->K3, L5->M4, M5->N5]

[shraeye]

info on goblins has been sent to those of you who rolled well enough; you are all now up and free to act in any order you please.

Can we pretend like I roll natural 20s on all lore-type checks as I follow along?

[Axxle]

"Aha!  Great shot, priest!"

"I'm fine for now, singer, but I wouldn't say no to a bit of fighting music!" [I could probably do with a bit of healing, but not so much to take up an encounter power at the moment.  Not sure what you're capable of in that regard]

Merik swings at the hobgoblin's feet (at N7) attempting to switch up it's movement [using luring strike]

Luring Strike:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 10 + 7, total 17

Damage:

Rolled 1d8 : 5, total 5

[Axxle]

His friend blocks the attack, and Merik quickly rolls away from the flames [shift to N5]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull panics briefly. This was nothing like the practice spars at the village. Hroksull often bested many of his friends and siblings (except for his younger sister who dwarfed him in height and breadth), but these hobgoblins were far more organized. If it were not for these brave humans and human-likes, Hroksull probably would face his paradise with Kord with nary a quarry to pursue.

Hroksull refused to look weak before Kord. He would slay one of these hobgoblins to be slain over and over again forever.

[Grujah]

[@Axxle - I think that Derath pushed a gobo at N5 and that it is occupied. Anyway, board update would be great before I act..]

[Axxle]

[@Axxle - I think that Derath pushed a gobo at N5 and that it is occupied. Anyway, board update would be great before I act..]

[I'm pretty sure all the hobgoblins are minions (ie 1hp so should be dead)]

[WinterSpartan]

[OOC: Would I be damage by the fire at some moments or other things happens?]

(OOC: Ending turn in the fire, or moving from outside the fire into the fire, will both cause you to take 1d6 damage. So I might suggest moving out of the flames - perhaps by shifting to N8, since walking away will give the hobgoblins opportunity attacks against you. Also, since your Majestic Word is a minor action, you can move, heal, and still attack.)

[Thank you for your answer, I was thinking about the same thing but I am a bit concern of Merik.]
[Can Veonis move/slide to L8 where there is a chair there?]

(Yes, you could; moving from one square to another on the same "table" would count as difficult terrain, and require two spaces of movement, but that doesn't affect any of your current shifting options. Also, Watno, since diagonal movement just counts as 1 in 4e, you were able to make it to J6.)

By the Power of Erathis, three of the hobgoblins cry out in terror and are suddenly silenced, convulsing and collapsing to the ground.

(Also, Axxle, Veonis can use Majestic Word twice per encounter as a minor action. Each time, the target may heal a surge +4 hitpoints and slide 1 square.)

[Grujah]

The bard and the Genasi seem to be  taking care of the goblin goonies, so I'll take care of the more threatening looking one.

Move to J5. Ashe stays at my old square, I think?
Use Frost bind Encounter Power targeting the hooded goblin.
Charisma vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16

If hit, damage is:

Rolled 3d6+7 : 3, 4, 2 + 7, total 16

And he gets -2 to Reflex.

[Grujah]

It's a hit! The bad Goblin is enveloped in ice.

"Barbarian, try not to kill that one, I want him interrogated!"

Edit: Unless he is already dead, which seems like a possibility.

[Axxle]

It's a hit! The bad Goblin is enveloped in ice.

"Barbarian, try not to kill that one, I want him interrogated!"

Edit: Unless he is already dead, which seems like a possibility.

[you can always chose to do nonlethal to an enemy without taking a penalty IIRC]

(Also, Axxle, Veonis can use Majestic Word twice per encounter as a minor action. Each time, the target may heal a surge +4 hitpoints and slide 1 square.)

[Go for it then and slide me to a flanking position]

[Grujah]

[you can always chose to do nonlethal to an enemy without taking a penalty IIRC]

[Seems like if you get him to 0, you get to choose whether he's dead or not. PHB 295]

I choose to knockout the gobbo if I happen to "kill" him.

[Gveoniz]

[Go for it then and slide me to a flanking position]

Veonis used his Majestic at the strange man, sliding him to O5, flanking the one on N6,
Then guiding strike on N6:
attack roll(+2 because of flanking)

Rolled 1d20+9 : 14 + 9, total 23

damage roll

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Veonis then shift to N6 if the hobgoblin has died,
or else to N8(if it is a possible location),
or else he just move to L8 out of the fire(and burn in the flame)
[or should I spend the action point to move again out of the fire?]

[WinterSpartan]

As the hobgoblin's attention is taken by Merik circling around him, Veonis stabs his undefended back, brings him down, and vaults out of the flames to where the hobgoblin stood.

But the flames continue to spread:

Rolled 9d8 : 6, 7, 8, 4, 1, 6, 6, 7, 1, total 46

[WinterSpartan]

Merik glances backwards into the street. It appears empty, for now; which is good because the flames force him and Veonis ever closer to the door. The bartender throws open the back door and attempts to make his escape, but stops short with a muffled gurgle as he ends up on the blade of yet another hobgoblin charging in. Hroksull, looking past the newest intruders, sees that the street behind also appears clear - no further reinforcements should be arriving, in the short term.

But that won't save those who have already fallen, nor will it save the card players as a second goblin throws another vial of the alchemical fire at them. The halfling who appears to have been winning the game dives on his coins, and succeeds in shielding them from the blast at the cost of his own life. As the hobgoblins cut down another, only two patrons now remain alive in the tavern besides our valiant heroes; both attempt to take shelter behind tables back towards the front.

Cursing in pain, the goblin behind the bar rips down the banner and heads for the back door, lunging viciously at Hroskull as he approaches.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

Rolled 2d6+2 : 5, 3 + 2, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

Between the banner and his freezing wounds, however, the goblin is unable to penetrate Hroskull's defenses. The hobgoblin at the front door - trapped between the flashing blades of Merik and Veonis - hesitates, then attacks Merik once again. This time, he's the one surrounded by foes.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

[WinterSpartan]

(Ooh, critical hit!)

But he is not dismayed! "FOR SINRUTH!" he bellows again, driving his blade past Merik's defenses. "FOR THE HAND!"

(You're up once again. I love it when stories write themselves - even if that poor hobgoblin's likely destined for a short and bloody end.)

[Axxle]

"All these flames, if I only had enough time to change," Merik thinks as the hobgoblin slices open another wound.

[Axxle]

"You two!" Merik shouts at the two men left in the bar. "Get out of here, jump out the window if you have to! We can't protect you from the flames!"

[Grujah]

[Is there anything I can do about those flames, magically? I guess not.]

Bel lets a curse out upon seeing new Goblins arriving. HE moves to G5 in attempt to take as many of the as he can. Than I use Burning Spray on F5-D7. [unless this can cause more fires, than I'll reluctantly use my daily instead]

Charisma vs Reflex:
Vs hoodie goblin: [I roll for each one individually, right?]

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

vs E7 goblin:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

vs D7 gobo:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18

Damage for hooded gobo, others are minions:

In case I used Burning Spray:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

If I used Lightning Breath:

Rolled 3d8+7 : 2, 3, 4 + 7, total 16

If the fire can hurt Ashe (he is flying, though) than I will recall him with a Minor action.

[Axxle]

Burning Spray:

[just what we needed, more fire ]

[WinterSpartan]

(You can keep your spray above floor level, so I'll let you do it without igniting things further Also, you did it correctly; you roll attack individually but damage jointly. Also, cold spells could put out the flames - nice of me to mention it after you used your Cold encounter power, isn't it?).

The stream of fire passes mostly over the head of the nearest goblin, and heads straight for the farthest, roasting him inside his armor.

[Gveoniz]

"Are you still alright? I can heal again." ask Veonis.

[Grujah]

(You can keep your spray above floor level, so I'll let you do it without igniting things further Also, you did it correctly; you roll attack individually but damage jointly. Also, cold spells could put out the flames - nice of me to mention it after you used your Cold encounter power, isn't it?).

[I do have at-will Dragon-frost though]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull became distracted at the announcement of a barbarian in the inn. He was old enough to remember the barbarian raids on his village that resulted in his older brother losing an eye. Hroksull was too young to join the fight, so he welcomed the chance to prove himself against the barbarians here. Confused at being unable to find the barbarian, Hroksull instead focused on one of the goblins circling him. The other goblin was awfully close to the hobgoblins, and these adventurers seem to excel at handling groups of people.

With a bestial yell, he swung his battleaxe and took advantage of the momentum to move away of the other goblin.

Minor: Hunter's Quarry on H3.
Move: Activate Stone's Endurance.
Standard: Evasive Strike on H3.

Battleaxe 1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25
Damage 2d10+1 : 8, 10 + 1, total 19

Shift to J3 after attack regardless of the goblin's well-being.

[Kuildeous]

Err, I typed 2d10+1d6+5 for damage. That apparently didn't take. So, looks like I still need a d6 and 4 more damage.

Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Assuming the 19 didn't drop him.

Oh, and since this seems a worthy foe, Hroksull will actually kill the goblin if possible. He's still not used to people addressing him.

[Grujah]

[19 did kill him, he was already bloodied at 16 (means more than half hp is lost)]

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull's mighty blow - the first time his axe has connected with anything all night - earns him a foe for the afterlife. It also sends the goblin's head careening back behind the bar.

[Gveoniz]

Seeing another group of innocent people being killed by the hobgoblins, Veonis is extremely angry for what the heartless murder have do to the patrons and bartender. Before anyone could answer his question, Veonis quickly shift to the back of the hobgoblin(O7) and then strike at the hobgoblin. (Guilding strike penalizing AC, if it still matter)
attack (flanked +2)
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+9 : 19 + 9, total 28
damage
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[Gveoniz]

I did not tamper them.
if you need a reroll

Rolled 1d20+9 : 7 + 9, total 16

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

(Your initial roll is fine. Any idea why it would've done that?)

Veonis cuts down another hobgoblin, his blade singing as his flute had done just a few minutes before.

(You still have a minor action, so you could still heal someone if you wanted to.)

[Grujah]

[He probably edited the post

And why is this moving so sloow  ]

[Axxle]

[Oh, wait, did the turn go around again?]

"Ah, you're quick but I'll get you this time!" Merik bellows at the hobgoblin.

Luring Strike:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

Rolled 1d8 : 6, total 6

[Axxle]

"Bah, I'll leave you to deal with him, bard!"

Meris shifts backwards [to N4 with the luring strike effect] and then makes his way toward the other group [H4].

[WinterSpartan]

[Oh, wait, did the turn go around again?]

"Ah, you're quick but I'll get you this time!" Merik bellows at the hobgoblin.

Luring Strike:

Bad news: You missed.
Good news: Veonis just killed that hobgoblin, so you couldn't do that anyway.

Take 2?

(Yeah, it went around again; I try to keep the first post updated with whose turn it is.)

[Axxle]

[Ah, forgot you took his tampered roll, what a good ability to have!]

"Aha, nice shot, bard!" Merik exclaims, while charging headlong into the new group of goblins.

[Moves to I4 then charges to G4 attacking the goblin with a basic attack]

Rolled 1d20+5 : 20 + 5, total 25

Rolled 1d8+1 : 1 + 1, total 2

[WinterSpartan]

(Again with the bad news/good news...)

Bad news: 2 damage is pathetic.
Good news: 9 damage isn't as pathetic. Critical hit, so maximum damage.

The goblin staggers as Merik's blade rips deeply into its side.

(Watno, Derath is up.)

[Watno]

"You shall be punished by Erathis for what you have done", Derath shouts and conjures terrible images in front of the goblins

Move to G4 (I can't move to G6 without triggering an attack of opportunity, right?
Use Visions of Blood on D5-F7

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5
Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5
Rolled 1d6+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

All hit targets have -1 to defenses.

[Kuildeous]

And dice hate Watno.

[Watno]

better go and post the guilds cards already.

[WinterSpartan]

"You shall be punished by Erathis for what you have done", Derath shouts and conjures terrible images in front of the goblins

Move to G4 (I can't move to G6 without triggering an attack of opportunity, right?

You can get to G6 (diagonal movement is a thing). I'm putting you there, because you can't get to G4. Merik's already standing there.

Rolling for the fire spread:

Rolled 20d8 : 7, 7, 1, 6, 6, 7, 3, 8, 4, 8, 7, 5, 7, 6, 4, 3, 6, 3, 2, 7, total 107

[Watno]

You can get to G6 (diagonal movement is a thing). I'm putting you there, because you can't get to G4. Merik's already standing there.

But i thought i can't go around corners diagonally?

[WinterSpartan]

You can get to G6 (diagonal movement is a thing). I'm putting you there, because you can't get to G4. Merik's already standing there.

But i thought i can't go around corners diagonally?

Oh. Well, right you are. My mistake.

I suppose you're in F4, then; that's the closest place you could've reached and made that attack from.

[WinterSpartan]

As sheets of flame continue to roar up, cutting most of the heroes off from the front door (and Veonis off from the rest of the heroes), the remaining foes fight with the fury of despair. Derath has stumbled, and Erathis did not answer his call; they seize on this vulnerability...

Hobgoblin Grunts:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15

Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17

Goblin Blackblade:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 13 + 7, total 20

Rolled 2d6+2 : 2, 6 + 2, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

Derath cries out in pain as he is badly wounded, though the determination in his and his compatriots' eyes suggests this is likely the last blow these goblins will strike. The remaining two patrons take their opportunity to flee through the front window, as Merik had suggested. (You're all up once again.)

[Grujah]

"Foolish priest, get out of the way, or I'll have to blast you too!" Bel kindly suggests Derath to heal up and shift away so that he could wipe them all at once.

[Kuildeous]

This sounds awfully dangerous, so Hroksull will wait until the other players have acted before he makes his move....assuming that's even needed.

[Watno]

Something has gone wrong. What have i done to anger Erathis?, Derath wonders. He stumles and is hit hard by the attacking goblins. He decides to back of for now and try to recover his strength. Hopefully the other people will be able to save his life, but they seem quiete strong.

Use second Wind
Shift to G3

[Grujah]

Minor to unsummon Ashe. She instantly appears as a small banner with holy symbol of Bahamut on my belt.

Bel starts casting, and flames appear out of his hands again.
Burning Spray on F5 - D3.

Charisma vs Reflex:

Against the Hooded Hobgoblin:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Against the F3 goblin:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Against the E4 goblin:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

[Grujah]

Seems like all this smoke is getting in a way of my accuracy. Ugh.

[Axxle]

Merik suddenly stomps, shaking the floor violently

Earthshock:
vs Blackblades

Rolled 1d20+5 : 5 + 5, total 10

vs Grunt

Rolled 1d20+5 : 8 + 5, total 13

[Axxle]

The goblins were able to keep their footing, despite Merik's best efforts.

He surrounds his blade with a violent current of air and slashes at the Blackblade with Booming Blade

Rolled 1d20 : 5, total 5

Rolled 1d8 : 1, total 1

[Axxle]

[missed the plusses there, but guess it wouldn't matter]

Merik marks the grunt with Aegis of Shielding.

[Grujah]

Bel is baffled by the incompetency of these two brave fools. "Just.. just leave it."

If not too late, I'd like to shift to F6 too, as a move action.


[Also Could you explain Action Points, actually?]

[WinterSpartan]

Bel is baffled by the incompetency of these two brave fools. "Just.. just leave it."

If not too late, I'd like to shift to F6 too, as a move action.


[Also Could you explain Action Points, actually?]

[Action points? Sure. When you use one, you get another standard action, usable immediately. After every two fights in the same day, you get one more. At the start of each day, your current action point total resets to one.]

[Kuildeous]

Hmm, this goblin is obviously quite the elusive one. Perhaps Hroksull can take advantage of the distraction.

Move: G5
Minor: Hunter's Quarry on goblin.
Standard: Twin strike

battleaxe 1d20+6 : 17 + 6, total 23
damage 1d10+1 : 7 + 1, total 8

hand axe 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26
damage 1d6+1 : 6 + 1, total 7

quarry damage 1d6 : 4, total 4

[Grujah]

[Pretty sure it is important which route you take because you will trigger attacks of opportunity. Though at least you finished this, most likely!]

[Grujah]

Bel, however, is quite dissatisfied with the fact that the Barbarian didn't spare any info-worthy goblins. 

[Gveoniz]

Veonis look out of the window, then shout and those fighting on the other side of the fire.
"Maybe I should inform the local authority before this whole thing burn down? Or should I try to join you?"

[Axxle]

"Yeah, bring someone down if you can, we should see if any of these people can be saved!"

"Hey, big guy.  Can you grab that bag by the bar while we deal with these two? All my stuffs in there." [I imagine Merik probably walked in with everything since he wouldn't have bothered to find an inn.]

[Gveoniz]

Veonis opens the door, then gets out of of the tavern. He looks around to see the surrounding environment and the condition of the two patrons previously escaped.
[or may be I should not split us in to two groups?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Well, you do have a ranged attack, Misdirected Mark - if you could bring down the last enemy from over there, we'd be out of combat again and things would flow a bit more cleanly. Otherwise, a combat round is only ~6 seconds, so you're not going to get a whole lot down right now.]

[Gveoniz]

[Alright, could I change that? I also realized that if he had gone outside, he will lost his flute]
Veonis draw his wand(minor), use misdirect mark on the goblin (standard). Then he suddenly remember that his flute was left on the floor (on around K10 if I remember correctly)."Oh on,'he exclaims and then quickly try to run through the chairs trying to reach the flute before it burn down.(move).[how far can he go if he try to cross the table?]
He looked out of the window to see if there are anyone out side. (if anyone is out there, Veonis will told them to find some help.)

misdirect mark

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

[You can just go around the table; you're fine.]

Veonis snatches his flute off the floor as the flames continue to consume the tavern. There can't be much time left before the whole place comes down.

Rolled 12d8 : 1, 5, 1, 8, 4, 1, 2, 8, 3, 2, 3, 5, total 43

Rolled 17d8 : 5, 4, 8, 1, 6, 2, 2, 6, 4, 8, 8, 2, 5, 7, 1, 8, 8, total 85

[WinterSpartan]

Silent now, but determined to fight to the end, the final hobgoblin strikes at Merik one more time.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

[WinterSpartan]

...And once again, fighting with the fury of despair, a hobgoblin drives past all of Merik's defenses and inflicts a grievous wound. (The dice are not your friend. I will be shocked if you can't manage to kill him and flee the building this turn, though.)



(Oh, Gveoniz - right now your wand doesn't actually give any to-hit bonuses, so there's no need to use it or drop your sword. Better wands would, though.)

[Axxle]

[Doesn't he need to use his implement to cast his spells though?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Doesn't he need to use his implement to cast his spells though?]

(No, actually; implements usually give a to-hit bonus when used, but not generic ones. They aren't strictly necessary.)

[Grujah]

Frustrated by goblin's evasiveness, Beleren casts Burning Spray once again (F5 - D2).

Cha vs Ref

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

No need to roll damage I guess.

[Grujah]

And he strikes true! Goblin should be dead .

Beleren's looks around to see where are any patrons that might still be alive (wounded and/or unconscious)  Perception if needed:

Rolled 1d20+0 : 12, total 12

[Gveoniz]

Do Veonis see anyone out side the window? If anyone is out there, Veonis will told them to find some help.

preception:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis doesn't notice anyone in the street, but the billowing smoke makes it hard to see. He should probably just get out.

Looking around quickly, Beleren realizes that four of the patrons (the ones killed by the fire) are a lost cause, but both the bartender and the farmer that were cut down by hobgoblins may - or may not - be able to be saved. If there's any hope, though, he'll need to get them out of here now.

[WinterSpartan]

(In case there was confusion - we are now out of combat. Anyone may act at any time as they see fit, just like we did at the beginning.)

[Grujah]

Any souce of water available? I could use my 15'x15' sheet of cloth to soak it and contain the fire, perhaps.

Bel yells "you lot [pointing at the PCs] get them [pointing at the bartneder and the farmer] out, through the back door, and I'll try to contain the fire!".

I will then, if possible, try to use my only available cold spell (Dragonfrost) to "attack" the fire square nearest to the NPCs that we are trying to save.

[Grujah]

Also, I check if any of the goblins look alive.

[WinterSpartan]

Also, I check if any of the goblins look alive.

Given that both of them are currently headless, that's a no.

[Watno]

[I'm really sorry, but I'm afraid this really sin't my cup of tea. I'm thinking of posting here as a obligation rather than something I really want to do, and while my motivation might go up peridodically, i don't think i can keep it up continoously. Would it be ok for you if I dropped out?]

[WinterSpartan]

[I'm really sorry, but I'm afraid this really sin't my cup of tea. I'm thinking of posting here as a obligation rather than something I really want to do, and while my motivation might go up peridodically, i don't think i can keep it up continoously. Would it be ok for you if I dropped out?]

[Sorry to see you go, but I understand. Better to get it out of the way early if you aren't enjoying it.

Hopefully this won't delay the rest of us too long - shraeye has volunteered to take watno's place, so welcome! Shraeye, you are welcome to either take over Watno's character or I can help you create an invoker/wizard/druid of your own if you'd prefer; it shouldn't take too long.]

[shraeye]

[I'm really sorry, but I'm afraid this really sin't my cup of tea. I'm thinking of posting here as a obligation rather than something I really want to do, and while my motivation might go up peridodically, i don't think i can keep it up continoously. Would it be ok for you if I dropped out?]

[Sorry to see you go, but I understand. Better to get it out of the way early if you aren't enjoying it.

Hopefully this won't delay the rest of us too long - shraeye has volunteered to take watno's place, so welcome! Shraeye, you are welcome to either take over Watno's character or I can help you create an invoker/wizard/druid of your own if you'd prefer; it shouldn't take too long.]

[I'm going to check out watno's character, it's Derath, correct?]

[Watno]

[Thx shraeye, and thx WinterSpartan for giving me the opportunity to try this]

[Axxle]

[I'm really sorry, but I'm afraid this really sin't my cup of tea. I'm thinking of posting here as a obligation rather than something I really want to do, and while my motivation might go up peridodically, i don't think i can keep it up continoously. Would it be ok for you if I dropped out?]

[Sorry to see you go, but I understand. Better to get it out of the way early if you aren't enjoying it.

Hopefully this won't delay the rest of us too long - shraeye has volunteered to take watno's place, so welcome! Shraeye, you are welcome to either take over Watno's character or I can help you create an invoker/wizard/druid of your own if you'd prefer; it shouldn't take too long.]

[I can retrain my character to use the at will fire blast attack to help fill the controller niche if shraeye want's to go a different route for his character, I don't want him ending up playing a character he doesn't enjoy]

Merik grabs his backpack from the bar and throws it out the back door. He then tries to half drag, half carry the bartender out the back door

Athletics?

Rolled 1d20 : 19, total 19

[Axxle]

+6 = 24, so probably?

[sorry to see you go watno, thanks for giving it a try!]

[shraeye]

[I plan on keeping watno's character.  I just need time to figure things out, I'll be prepared by Thursday; hopefully that's not too long of a delay]

[WinterSpartan]

+6 = 25, so probably?

[sorry to see you go watno, thanks for giving it a try!]

Merik effortlessly hoists the bartender outside. As he exits the tavern and lays the man down a safe distance from the burning building, he looks around. It is obvious that this was not an isolated attack - columns of smoke rise from several points across the city, and screams and the sound of combat drift through the night air.

(Oh, a few things now that we're out of combat. First, you've all earned 110 experience - only 890 to go until you level up! Second, feel free to spend healing surges; your "surge value", the amount you heal, is on the first page of your character sheets,  and it should be about 1/4 of your max hp. Anyone who hears Veonis sing, chant, or play his flute can gain an extra 4 hp healed on their first surge.)

[Axxle]

The sight of all these burning buildings is ticking Merik off.  The others see his rocky exterior glow for a bit before bursting into flame. Merik has activated his firesoul.

[I'll use 3 healing surges]

[shraeye]

[I use 2 healing surges; i imagine that will be enough to cover the loss so far]

Derath's head reels as he contemplates what just transpired...he feels like he's right on the edge of an important thought, but nothing comes immediately to mind.  Surely things will sort themselves out soon enough.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis is undecided whether to escape through the window or to help the people in the opposite side of the room.
[OOC: sorry for the delay, this is exactly what happened to me too]
But seeing the fire continue spread across the entire tavern, and the people there are busying saving lives, Veonis run towards those people and see if he can help out. He try to move the remaining farmer out of the tavern through the back door.
Athletics

Rolled 1d20 : 4, total 4

[Gveoniz]

(If Veonis cannot move the the farmer himself, he would told the Goliath to help.)

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis struggles to move the unconscious man. "Help," he calls to Hroskull and Beleren, "I can't lift him!"

(I could also use a heal check from Derath, if he's trying to staunch the bartender's wounds.)

[Grujah]

Am I managing to do anything about the fire?

[Kuildeous]

Grunting affirmatively, Hroksull recovers his thrown axe and grabs the limp body. He ducks his head as low as he can to avoid the smoke, though his large frame makes that difficult.

Taking 10 on Athletics for a grand total of 20.

[shraeye]

[Ok...sooo heal check is]

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

[was that correct]?

[Jorbles]

info on goblins has been sent to those of you who rolled well enough; you are all now up and free to act in any order you please.

Can we pretend like I roll natural 20s on all lore-type checks as I follow along?

Me too! 

[Axxle]

info on goblins has been sent to those of you who rolled well enough; you are all now up and free to act in any order you please.

Can we pretend like I roll natural 20s on all lore-type checks as I follow along?

Me too! 

Does shraeye still roll nat 20s on all loretype checks? He'll be a great asset to the team!

[Axxle2]

Merik has activated his firesoul.

"Grraah!!! These goblins need to be stopped! Where the hell are all the guards!?"

[WinterSpartan]

Grunting affirmatively, Hroksull recovers his thrown axe and grabs the limp body. He ducks his head as low as he can to avoid the smoke, though his large frame makes that difficult.

Taking 10 on Athletics for a grand total of 20.

"Taking 10" isn't actually a thing anymore, unfortunately. (I don't think it ever was in high-pressure situations, but I could be wrong.)

Rolled 1d20+10 : 14 + 10, total 24

[WinterSpartan]

[Ok...sooo heal check is]
Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19
[was that correct]?

[Perfect.]

Hroksull brings the farmer out and lays him beside the bartender, as Derath finishes bandaging the first man's wounds. "He's hurt pretty badly, but I think he'll live now - the bleeding stopped and I don't think any of his vitals were destroyed."

Beleren's efforts were vital in giving Veonis time to get around the flames and the others time to drag the unconscious victims out of the building, but he can see that he's only delaying the inevitable. [You can slow or stop the spread, but you haven't been putting the fire out.]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull looked at the columns of smoke. "We would save just one building out of many lost."

The thrill of battle overcame him, but seeing the devastation saddened him. This was something that his family feared would happen to his village. Now he witnessed someone else's home being destroyed.

"We should find other survivors?"

[Axxle2]

Hroksull looked at the columns of smoke. "We would save just one building out of many lost."

The thrill of battle overcame him, but seeing the devastation saddened him. This was something that his family feared would happen to his village. Now he witnessed someone else's home being destroyed.

"We should find other survivors?"

"Survivors? Let the others take care of them. If we don't go after the ones who did this the survivors won't be survivors for long!"

Perception to see where the most ruckus is coming from:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 17 + 1, total 18

[Axxle2]

If that works: "Let's break some heads, you idiots coming?"

[Axxle]

[my fire soul is a bit more brash than my earth one, and he probably will insult his friends like this too]

[Gveoniz]

Veonis try to help the farmer with his injury situation as he have learnt a little bit of healing before.

Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

Although Veonis have experienced a lot during his journey, he seldom get involved in violent situations. He cannot think of any plan after the battle, "Would should we do right now?" He asks.

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis try to help the farmer with his injury situation as he have learnt a little bit of healing before.

Veonis's efforts do not help at all, and before long it is clear that nothing can be done - the man is dead. He sits back and sadly asks, "What should we do now?"

"Do?" Merik snaps. "That smoke there looks fresh - more hobgoblins. Let's break some heads, you idiots coming?"

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull held a weapon in each hand. His joy for the battle had been eclipsed by the somber sight of so many innocent lives being extinguished.

With a grim determination, Hroksull trod in the direction Merik indicated, his keen eyes and ears keeping alert for any ambushes.

[Grujah]

As all the others leave, Bel runs out of the building as well. (Through the back door, I assume? Or wherever everybody are).


"Well" he says, to the now-fiery Genasi, "that's the best idea I've heard the whole day. Try not to stay too much behind" He continues, running towards the place that Merik pointed to.

[Grujah]

Oh, I am also sad that we manage to save only 1 person. That's.. pretty inefficient, and loss of innocent life is pretty bad, too.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis sees others running where the Genasi was pointing at, "What else can I do?" He look at the farmer that he failed to save, then follows the others.

[shraeye]

[What sort of check would I have to make to know a bit 'o something about this city? History? Streetwise?]
History

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

Streetwise

Rolled 1d20+3 : 9 + 3, total 12

As he exits the building, Derath reflects on his wounds from the hobgoblin attack.  He realizes that Erathis had not been punishing him out of anger, but rather was forcing him to rely on these warriors around him.  Surely, it couldn't be fate that so many skilled fighters happened upon the same tavern right as these hobgoblins attacked.

Though he didn't see exactly where the Genasi pointed to, he runs along with the others; he thanks Erathis and the others (well, any in earshot) aloud "Thanks be to Erathis for bringing our paths together this night; I would have never survived but for you all."

[WinterSpartan]

Oh, I am also sad that we manage to save only 1 person. That's.. pretty inefficient, and loss of innocent life is pretty bad, too.

[To be fair, two others escaped out the front windows. You saved 3 of the 8.]

The bartender has recover enough to sit up against a building. "Go," he calls after you, "Kill some of them for me!"

As you advance, the shouts grow louder, and you pass several townsfolk running in the opposite direction. Round a corner, you discover the curious sight they were fleeing from: an ogre, yoked to a wagon loaded with casks. In the back, riding atop the casks, are two hobgoblins with bows and torches.

[Nature check time.]

On Hobgoblin Archers:

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 12 + 9, total 21

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 10 + 3, total 13

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20 : 9, total 9

On Ogres:

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 1 + 9, total 10

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 14 + 3, total 17

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20 : 19, total 19

On Ogre Savages:

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 10 + 9, total 19

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 5 + 3, total 8

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20 : 11, total 11

Initiative rolls:

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+2 : 8 + 2, total 10

Derath:

Rolled 1d20 : 3, total 3

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20-1 : 6 - 1, total 5

Merik:

Rolled 1d20 : 20, total 20

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20-1 : 5 - 1, total 4

Hobgoblin Archers:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

Ogre Savage:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

Derath quickly calls out the weaknesses he perceives in their foes (two natural 20s on knowledge checks?!?), as Merik seizes his opportunity to attack. (Note that your encounter powers can be used again - as this is a new encounter.)

Hobgoblin Archer - AC 17, Fort 13, Reflex 15, Will 13
Hobgoblin archers prefer to fire from a safe position, forming up to benefit from coordinated fire. They are not afraid to draw swords and fight in melee if their front lines are broken.

Ogre Savage - AC 19, Fort 21, Reflex 16, Will 16
An ogre savage angrily lashes out with its club, trying to pound enemies to a bloody pulp. Its appetite for destruction is insatiable, and it never knows when to pull out of a fight.

Information on ogres has been sent to Derath, Merik, Beleren, and Jorbles.

[Kuildeous]

Clearly, Merik is the only one of us not heavily affected by the smoke, as he gets to react before the villains.

*cough cough gasp*

[Axxle2]

"Kyahahaha, come on Vandra, let's get that big guy!"  [Vandra is Merik's sword's name, or at least what Merik's firesoul calls her]

Merik moves to P16, and uses Luring Strike, shifting toward the Ogre [O16] before slashing.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

Rolled 1d8 : 3, total 3

[Axxle2]

"Damn he has some tough skin"

Merik's attack does no lasting damage, but he's able to care a small mark instilled with arcane energy.  (He uses a minor action to mark the ogre)

[WinterSpartan]

The ogre roars and lashes out at Merik with a sweeping blow of its club.

Rolled 1d20+11 : 4 + 11, total 15

Rolled 1d20+11 : 12 + 11, total 23

Rolled 2d10+5 : 7, 4 + 5, total 16

Meanwhile, the hobgoblins (carefully keeping the torches away from the barrels in the wagon) fire a pair of arrows at Beleren.

Fire one:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 11 + 9, total 20

Rolled 1d10+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

Fire two:

Rolled 1d20+11 : 19 + 11, total 30

Rolled 1d10+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[WinterSpartan]

"Yahahaha, you shouldn't have done that..." Merik growls through the pain.
Red flames pop up where the ogre hit him. They writhe, glowing yellow, then blue, then white until finally exploding outward.

Rolled 1d20+5 : 6 + 5, total 11

Rolled 1d6+3 : 1 + 3, total 4

Beleren staggers and nearly falls, as both arrows cleanly pierce his torso.

[WinterSpartan]

The ogre leans out of the way of the flames, appearing unperturbed. (The hobgoblins seem a lot more nervous about the sudden flame.)

[The party is now up.]

[Gveoniz]

Seeing the other getting seriously injured, Veonis immediate runs forwards(to S17) as he sings a magical war song(majestic word) to heal the man who got shot (Beleren), then cast astral seal on the ogre, attempting to help the seriously harmed man who rushed towards the ogre before Veonis can react.

Astral Seal

Rolled 1d20+5 : 11 + 5, total 16

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull grunted in approval at Merik's bravery. The ogre would be just out of reach if it weren't for what Hroksull's elder taught him. Hroksull sprinted across the grass and spun around, using the momentum to drive his battleaxe toward the ogre.

He briefly considered his tactic. Hard and reckless or cautious and reserved? The ogre's attention seemed drawn to Merik. Perhaps Hroksull could strike and vanish before the ogre even noticed him. The archers were a concern, but they seemed to be worried more about fire. In that regard, Hroksull may seem less threatening. Reckless it would be then!

Minor: Hunter's quarry on the ogre.
Move: Move to Q17.
Standard: Use Evasive Strike to shift to N17 and swing.

Attack 1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10
Battleaxe damage 2d10+5 : 6, 8 + 5, total 19
Quarry damage 1d6 : 3, total 3

[Kuildeous]

Sad panda

[WinterSpartan]

The ogre is bathed in a glowing light that seems to illuminate its weaknesses. [Note that thanks to Astral Seal, it has -2 to all defenses until the end of Veonis' next turn, and whoever hits it next will heal 6 hp.]

[Grujah]

[@GM Shouldn't I be at 14HP? I had 3 after I got shot, than my healing surge was used (5) + Dragonling bonus (2) + Veonis's Cha bonus (4)?]

Awwwww!

That hurt like the Seven Hells! Bel did occasionly get hurt during his combat training at home , but jeez this was waaaaay worse. Bard's song did lift his morale, though, so he decided to pay back the monsters for his injury.

Bel runs towards his attackers, and unleashes all his arcane furry on them.

Move to Q5.
Minor to summon Ashe.


Use Frostbind on Ogre:
Cha vs Fort (currently 19):

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

Damage if hit:

Rolled 3d6+7 : 6, 5, 5 + 7, total 23

If it hits, he has -2 to reflex.

I use an Action point to do the following:
Lightning Breath on P15 N13

Cha vs Ref
vs Ogre:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23

vs Hobo:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Damage:

Rolled 3d8+7 : 7, 5, 1 + 7, total 20

Rolled 1d20+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[Grujah]

shit, Merik was low as well, should have let him hit the ogre first. :s

[Grujah]

[Error:I also rolled 1 extra d20]

So, I completely freeze the ogre, and than exhale a thunderstorm which strikes fries the ogre pretty hard and the poor goblin even harder [it's a crit?]

Edit: Also, I sparkle!

[WinterSpartan]

[You're correct - I had missed the dragonling bonus. Thanks. Also, that was indeed a critical hit on the hobgoblin, so it does maximum damage.]

With a mighty display of power, Beleren blasts the ogre with frost and lightning. It's obviously worse for the wear, but it's a surprisingly tough creature.
The hobgoblin behind it, on the other hand, looks nearly dead. Apparently an iron helmet and breastplate don't help much against concentrated electricity...

[Experimenting with marking and quarry; I think those symbols look a bit neater. Still have Derath and Merik to go.]

[shraeye]

Seeing the hobgoblin has taken a mighty hit from the sorcerer, Derath tries to quickly dispatch him, hitting what other enemies he can at the same time.

Derath charges into range at R15, "For Erathis!!"   

[I cast Vangaurd's Lightning at M14]

Attacks
Hobgoblin(M13) Wisdom vs. Reflex

Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

Hobgoblin(N13)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17

Ogre

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20

Damage (lightning)

Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

This second burst of lightning is all the hobgoblin can take, and he collapses backwards into the wagon (smoldering just a little).

[Axxle2]

Merik ducks and weaves into the blast, positioning himself in a prime location to strike the Ogre. [Shift to O15, use luring strike's effect to shift to N14]

Luring strike with combat advantage:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14

Rolled 1d8 : 2, total 2

[Axxle2]

Merik curses in Primordial has his sword bounces off the ogre's thick skin.

Seeing that he's made his way into a dangerous situation, he slows his breathing a bit and takes a defensive stance. [spends an action point to use a second wind]

[WinterSpartan]

(N14 is part of the wagon - you unfortunately can't shift aboard the wagon. Climbing aboard would likely be a normal move action; I'll have to think about that. Sorry for not being clearer. O14 okay?)

[Axxle2]

In that case I'll shift to O14, and shift away to O13 after my attack misses.

[WinterSpartan]

I still don't think that works - you shift to O15 before the attack (move action), and then to O14 after (Luring Strike's effects). Or P14, if you'd prefer.

Since the ogre has reach, that doesn't change the enemy turn.

Recharge for ogre's Angry Smash:

Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2

[WinterSpartan]

The ogre spins, trying to catch Merik with its club before he can get away behind the wagon.

Rolled 1d20+11 : 20 + 11, total 31

Rolled 2d10+5 : 1, 9 + 5, total 15

The hobgoblin, meanwhile, attempts to shoot over Merik's head at Beleren, somewhat puzzled at how the sorcerer has shaken off the previous two arrows' effects:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

Rolled 1d10+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

The arrow flies well wide of its mark - but Merik is not as fortunate as Beleren. The tree that the ogre wields as a club catches him squarely and crushes him against the wagon (critical hit... ouch). He drops to the ground senseless.

[You are all up again. Merik will need to roll a saving throw against death unless he is healed before his turn - three failed saves in the same day, and he's dead. Anyone adjacent could make a DC 15 heal check as a standard action to stabilize him - but I suspect Veonis may have the Majestic Words to get him back on his feet more easily. Sorry about the dice Axxle; this has not been Merik's day.]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull's eyes widened at the collapse of the strange genasi. He hardly knew him, but he admired his martial prowess. At least Hroksull was pleased he was not yet dead, judging from the gurgling cough erupting from his bloodied mouth, but that good news cannot last long. Hroksull narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw. Flawlessly, he muttered in a tongue that the ogre could understand...and fear. "No more death at your hands, brute. Your body will grace Kord's paradise, and you will feel me killing you over and over for eternity!"

Minor: Stone's Endurance
Move: None
Standard: Twin Strike

This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Battleaxe hit 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19<br />Battleaxe damage 1d10+1 : 9 + 1, total 10
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Hand axe hit 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14<br />Hand axe damage 1d6+1 : 5 + 1, total 6

If the ogre still stands after this, I'll spend an action point. The ogre has reach, so Hit and Run will not save me from the ogre's attack, I believe. If I'm wrong, then apply only the first of the following rolls with +4 damage. Otherwise, do another Twin Strike.

This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Battleaxe hit 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19<br />Battleaxe damage 1d10+1 : 1 + 1, total 2
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Hand axe hit 1d20+6 : 15 + 6, total 21<br />Hand axe damage 1d6+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

In any case, I'll apply quarry damage to the first strike that hits.
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Quarry damage 1d6 : 1, total 1

[Kuildeous]

Hmm, previewing your post apparently makes the numbers all wonky. I'll have to remember to just copy the text and paste if I ever preview my post again.

I can reroll, if you wish.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis didn't want to see anyone dies, he gets closer to Merik  (Q14) while staying out of range of the ogre. Then use majestic word on Merik, and shift him away from the ogre (to P14). [Although he is still in the reach of the orge, right?]
Veonis then cast misdirect mark on the Ogre if it have not died/ or else on the hobgoblin. Veonis marked the target himself. [is it possible?]

attack roll

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

Hmm, previewing your post apparently makes the numbers all wonky. I'll have to remember to just copy the text and paste if I ever preview my post again.

I can reroll, if you wish.

[You're fine. Just don't let it happen again

Also, Hit and Run WOULD get you away - strangely enough, opportunity attacks don't care about reach by default. (There are monsters out there that can make opportunity attacks multiple squares away, but the ogre isn't one of them). Where did you want to flee to?

Veonis, you can't mark someone unless a power specifically allows you to (like one of Merik's powers does). That said, you can still use Misdirected Mark; it will still do damage.]

Veonis is relieved to see Merik groan and begin to open his eyes. He still doesn't look good, but at least he's alive and returning to consciousness. [Merik is prone - it will take a Move action to stand up again. No need for death saves, since you're back to positive hit points.]

[Grujah]

Hmm, previewing your post apparently makes the numbers all wonky. I'll have to remember to just copy the text and paste if I ever preview my post again.

I can reroll, if you wish.

[I almost always preview with rolls, and it never screwed up, not sure what you've done]

Bel was so surprised, shocked even, when Merik fell that he didn't even notice the arrow flying past him. Merik was a Genasi, a magical being, an elemental! How could have possibly a simply strike from a stupid, savage brute take down such a being?

On the other hand, Merik was dumb enough to wield a blade instead of using his magical capabilities, so he did this to himself, apparently.

Bel is determined on finishing the ogre.

Minor to maintain Lighting Breath effect.
Bel moves to O15. (Ashe is left where I was).

Burning Spray on N15 - M13 (Can this set wagon on fire? What is in the casks, do I know?)

Cha vs Ref

Against the Ogre (he has -2 to Reflex, still):

Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Against the Archer

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

Damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Beleren also yells to the Ogre:
"Hey, you big dumb coward! Attack me if you dare!"

[Kuildeous]

Also, Hit and Run WOULD get you away - strangely enough, opportunity attacks don't care about reach by default. (There are monsters out there that can make opportunity attacks multiple squares away, but the ogre isn't one of them). Where did you want to flee to?

I'll go to N20. See where the ogre's attention is directed.

[WinterSpartan]

[Oh goody! I was hoping someone would attack the wagon with fire...]

Neither the ogre nor the hobgoblin are directly affected by the spray of fire from Beleren. However, the hobgoblin doesn't have time to do more than look shocked and utter a very non-warlike yelp before the barrels in the wagon explode violently, sending flames and shrapnel flying.

M13 explosion:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 17 + 6, total 23

Rolled 3d6 : 2, 3, 3, total 8

M14 explosion:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

Rolled 3d6 : 5, 1, 5, total 11

N13 explosion:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 6 + 6, total 12

Rolled 3d6 : 6, 1, 1, total 8

N14 explosion:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10

Rolled 3d6 : 3, 5, 2, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

The effect is tremendous. The ogre and hobgoblin are still standing, though barely; a particularly large chunk of shrapnel levels Beleren; Merik's fire resistance protects him from the flames that came his way; and Hroksull congratulates himself for moving backwards just in time.

[Mechanically, that was four Close Burst 2 attacks vs. Reflex, with half damage on a miss.]



What's left of the wagon is now burning fiercely.

[Grujah]

[Meh, this is why PbF sucks IMO. I noticed the casks and wondered what they were (as Beleren would) but as this moves at such a slow pace I didn't want to waste time in examining it too much :/]

[WinterSpartan]

[Meh, this is why PbF sucks IMO. I noticed the casks and wondered what they were (as Beleren would) but as this moves at such a slow pace I didn't want to waste time in examining it too much :/]

[Sorry :/ I had tried to hint multiple times that the hobgoblins were worried about fire there, but obviously it wasn't enough. On the bright side, you did a lot of damage there - the ogre should drop if he gets hit one more time.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Shraeye? Axxle? Not sure if you realized it was your turns again.]

[shraeye]

Derath moves in to distract the enemies from the fallen Genasi; the thought of what those barrels were intended for sickens him, the thought of all those innocent lives that the hobgoblins were willing to take.  With a look of fury in his eyes, he turns these sickening thoughts back on his enemies.

[Move to O14 and cast Visions of Blood]

Hobgoblin attack:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23

Ogre attack:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

Damage:

Rolled 1d6+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[Axxle]

"Urgh..." Merik moans before regaining consciousness. 

"Damn that hurt" He thinks to himself, rising on his feet.

Merik swings his sword around, marking the ogre, and moves to T16 to try to catch his breath.

(He'll wield his sword with two hands if that's a free action)

[WinterSpartan]

[It is, so no problem there.]

Still on fire, the hobgoblin jumps down from the wagon and begins to flee. It doesn't look like he'll make it far.

Extra fire damage to hobgoblin:

Rolled 1d8 : 8, total 8

The ogre, now free of its harness, looks around in a bit of a daze. It totters forward (giving Derath a brief opening to strike with his staff) and swings halfheartedly at Hroskull.

Derath's attack of opportunity:

Rolled 1d20+2 : 16 + 2, total 18

Rolled 1d8 : 7, total 7

Ogre's attack:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 3 + 9, total 12

Rolled 2d10-3 : 1, 7 - 3, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

Before he's gone more than a few steps, in fact, the hobgoblin falls dead.

Derath misses what he knows would have been a killing blow by only a matter of inches. In his defense, he's not really used to fighting with the staff.

[You're all up again. Looks like we're about done with the second combat. Don't forget that you can make a DC 15 Heal check on Beleren as a standard action, if adjacent, to stabilize him; Derath and Veonis have the best chances of success.]

[Gveoniz]

[What about cooperation? Can Veonis do this together with Derath?]
Veonis steps forwards next to the hurt man. "We have to help him" says Veonis to the priest new to him. However Veonis is not confident with his skill after failing to save someone. "May be you will take the lead, I will assist you."

[Grujah]

[ I assume the cart is blown up?]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull grinned a mad, feral grimace. The ogre kept up with his backpedaling. Suddenly, Hroksull leaned back and propelled himself forward, swinging both weapons at once. "Kord will never show you mercy for your weakness," he growled in Giant.

Battleaxe attack 1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20
Battleaxe damage 1d10+1 : 9 + 1, total 10

Hand axe attack 1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15
Hand axe damage 1d6+1 : 2 + 1, total 3

Quarry damage 1d6 : 5, total 5

[shraeye]

[I'll assume that Beleran is the piece next to me]

As his fury subsides, Derath hears the Bard call out to him.  He quickly lays his hands on the dying man. "Grant us the strength to tend his wounds, that he may carry on fighting in your name!"

Heal:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[Axxle2]

Merik has had a bit of time to regroup and get a handle on the situation. "Damn that ogre" he mutters to himself as he moves in [to N17 via O16] and strikes.

Booming blade:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 18 + 9, total 27

Rolled 1d8+5 : 6 + 5, total 11

[Axxle2]

[yay it hit!]

[WinterSpartan]

[ I assume the cart is blown up?]

[Very much so, yes]

[yay it hit!]

[I kind of hate to break it to you, now that you finally hit - but it was already dead.]

Hroksull's blow brings the ogre down; a truly worthy foe that will provide excellent hunting in the afterlife. As its enormous corpse lands with a crash, a few minutes of silence prevail as Derath and Veonis frantically tend to Beleren's wounds. Then a most welcome sight appears - a small column of weary, soot-covered city guards, obviously drawn by the explosion. They halt and quickly begin to size up the situation.

[What about cooperation? Can Veonis do this together with Derath?]
Veonis steps forwards next to the hurt man. "We have to help him" says Veonis to the priest new to him. However Veonis is not confident with his skill after failing to save someone. "May be you will take the lead, I will assist you."

[I'll assume that Beleran is the piece next to me]

As his fury subsides, Derath hears the Bard call out to him.  He quickly lays his hands on the dying man. "Grant us the strength to tend his wounds, that he may carry on fighting in your name!"

[Yes, you can work together. Derath's roll wasn't good enough to get Beleren back on his feet - but it was good enough to give Veonis +2 to his roll.]

[Axxle2]

Pardon the language:





Merik takes the time to recover from encounter. Being so close to death made him sober up a bit. He reverts back to his earthsoul.

[Not sure how many healing surges I need to use, I think 2 is enough with the Bard's bonus?]

"Hey, if any of you guards have medical training we could use some help over here."

[Axxle]

Petition: enemy HP revealed, it might make combat run smoother.

[Kuildeous]

I'm generally in favor of unknown HPs, especially when you don't know what are minions and what are not, but I cannot disagree with Axxle's statement.

If you do decide to reveal HPs, only reveal them for enemies that took damage. That way, minions are still unknown.

But I'm good either way. I can see where a more complex fight means that PCs need to really choose order and specific tactics.

[WinterSpartan]

[I will note that when I put the "bloodied" status on a monster, it means it's lost more than half its hitpoints. That should give you a decent idea of what its total hitpoints are.

If that proves insufficient after a few combats, I'm more than willing to reevaluate. I could also put the minimum and maximum hitpoints you can calculate from that up front; maybe I'll do that.

Also, can't you only change manifestations once per day?]

The lieutenant in charge of the company nods and calls an order. One man hurries over to Derath, Veonis, and Beleren, and begins to inspect Bel's wounds. "Hmmm... it looks like you've been staunching the worst of the bleeding, that should help."

Rolled 1d20+9 : 1 + 9, total 10

The lieutenant then approaches Merik. "What happened here? Are there any more hobgoblins in the immediate area?"

[WinterSpartan]

[Taking a bit of a liberty here, but assuming Veonis still wants to help...]

The company medic is having some trouble, so Veonis begins murmuring a healing incantation under his breath.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 14 + 8, total 22

[The reason that's at +8 - we've had two rolls below the 15 necessary for healing but at the 10 required to make future checks easier]

[WinterSpartan]

With the three of them working together, Beleren regains consciousness.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull smiles briefly at the human's question. These humans weren't all afraid of him.

He helpfully replies, "I see no hobgoblins now." Pointing a nearby building, he says, "I could climb up there and look." He starts to lumber toward the building.

[Kuildeous]

I will note that when I put the "bloodied" status on a monster, it means it's lost more than half its hitpoints. That should give you a decent idea of what its total hitpoints are.

((Just so you're aware, I'm not good at going back to see what's been done in the past. At least not enough to make it a habit. So I won't know how much damage has been dealt. That isn't a reason to change things; I'll just gauge as best as I can whether the villains are low or not.))

[Axxle]

[I will note that when I put the "bloodied" status on a monster, it means it's lost more than half its hitpoints. That should give you a decent idea of what its total hitpoints are.

If that proves insufficient after a few combats, I'm more than willing to reevaluate. I could also put the minimum and maximum hitpoints you can calculate from that up front; maybe I'll do that.

Also, can't you only change manifestations once per day?]

[That'll be fine, and I can change my manifestation whenever I take a short or extended rest.  It's that other feat that will let me do it as a minor action once per day]

[Axxle]

The lieutenant then approaches Merik. "What happened here? Are there any more hobgoblins in the immediate area?"

"These hobgoblins seem to have been running amok in the city burning things left and right, we were only able to save some of the people in that bar over there.

I think we found where all the fire bombs were coming from. I think they've been... um... rendered unusable now. I'd imagine there are some goblins still around, it'd take more than a dozen or so to cause this much damage. Haven't seen them myself though."

[WinterSpartan]

The lieutenant then approaches Merik. "What happened here? Are there any more hobgoblins in the immediate area?"

"These hobgoblins seem to have been running amok in the city burning things left and right, we were only able to save some of the people in that bar over there.

I think we found where all the fire bombs were coming from. I think they've been... um... rendered unusable now. I'd imagine there are some goblins still around, it'd take more than a dozen or so to cause this much damage. Haven't seen them myself though."

"There were certainly more than a dozen. Just over an hour ago, they suddenly attacked two of the city gates. With an ogre in each strike force, they were able to break into the city. Most of the guards are fighting the main body of hobgoblins, but when some scattered - presumably to attack specific objectives - we were sent to hunt them down. If this group is dead, I'll continue my sweep through the city and return to the column." He pauses and scans the skyline, where there is already noticeably less smoke. "I think we've stopped them... but so many good men and innocent bystanders have died tonight."

[shraeye]

"So the worst is over for now? Do you have any idea where they came from, or what they were targeting?"

[WinterSpartan]

"Right now, your guess is as good as mine." He frowns. "I would recommend talking to one of the city councilors tomorrow once this has subsided. Councilor Troyas would probably be your best bet; he's new on the council and easier to get access to. He'll know what's going on, and could tell you how you might be able to help us."

[Kuildeous]

Upon hearing the lieutenant's assessment that the danger is over for now, Hroksull turned around and rejoined the others.

Reverting back to the tongue common among humans, he said, "I would like to meet Troyas too. I do not like seeing this town hurt like this. You seem good people."

An idea struck him. "You want I keep watch for nighttime attack? I sleep a bit and then walk around at night."

Hroksull turned to the other survivors of the tavern attack. "You fight bravely. Maybe I join you? Name is Hroksull."

[shraeye]

"Join us?  In truth, I haven't yet met any of these brave souls; it would seem, though, that divine circumstance brought us together this evening.

I can't speak for any others but I, Derath, would be glad to have you by my side as I root out this scourge."

Then remembering that Hroksull isn't a native speaker, he reiterates the message using simpler language. "My name is Derath. You can join."

[Gveoniz]

Veonis would not want to trust anyone so quickly, however he this Goliath seem to be quite trust worthy so far and have proven to be helpful against those attacker. In addition, Veonis cannot do anything without help from those survivors of the tavern attack, He probably need some company in order to save more innocent lives from the attackers. "Certainly you could join. I am Veonis Farion, nice to meet you."

In a relatively less related note, although Veonis know that Hroksull probably don't understand this, Veonis can't quite justify himself a greeting without a proper handshake.

[Grujah]

[Kinda busy, know this need attention so..]

Bel raises up. He is quite unhappy with himself, that was a reckless, stupid move, and he doesn't consider himself reckless nor stupid. It seems he has taken out the ogre and the Goblins with it, though, so all is not lost. He blow hit him hard though, so he takes some time to recover.

He mostly listens to what new info he can gather from City Watch, not inverting too much.

He looks at other PCs gathering a group. He frowns at the idea of joining in with common..ers?. Though, Bard did prove himself quite useful when Bel was shot with arrows. Bel is of Dragon's blood so he is naturally resiliant, but he does have limits, so the Bard he could stand. The big brute is quite dumb, and while he sometimes finds in funny, most of the time it annoying at best at him being unable to understand orders is a severe hinderance. He does have a knack for beheading goblins, and could take quite a beating it seems, so he would be tolerable. As for the others, though.. Bel is completely disappointing with sword-wiedling Genasi, both on principle of misusing his talents and on raw uselessness throughout the day (), and the priest didn't struck him as particularity .. anything, actually.

Ugh.

[WinterSpartan]

[Just a heads-up - I will be out of town this weekend with limited access. Once I get back I'll look to "move the story forward", unless there's a lot of roleplaying still going on. I LIKE what I've seen of the group's interactions so far, and more of that would be a good thing. I notice we're slowing down a bit - do you guys want more input from me? Is it the combat? If there's something I can change, please just let me know.]

[Axxle]

[Sorry, I'll get to this later tonight.  been a bit busy]

[WinterSpartan]

[Sorry, I'll get to this later tonight.  been a bit busy]

[?]

[Axxle]

[Sorry, I'll get to this later tonight.  been a bit busy]

[?]

[]

[Sorry, I'll get to this during lunch.  been a bit busy]

[Axxle]

His near encounter with death sobered up Merik quite a bit. He realizes now that he still has a ton to learn and that he would never have survived the day without the help of these fellows. Rockskull's honesty was refreshing to Merik, and the others...

"Veonis, I owe my life to you today. I would be honored to travel with you. Merik pledges his sword to you for as long as this journey takes us."

[Grujah]

[Do I know this Councilor Troyas character? or anybody other on the Council]

Bel uses 2 surges to heal up.

Bel watches as the rag-tag group gets together.

"Well, Veonis, seems like you can do a few more things than sing a few tunes.
My names is Beleren, of the Sorkins - blood of old dragons of Rhest flows through our family. And this is Ashe (pointing to Dragonling). I plan on finding the ones who orchestrad these attack and well, putting an end to them. I could use few fighting hands with me, and your.. nice little group needs a leader, so you are free to join me. I shall seek the audience with the city council in utmost hurry ]even today if possible, esp if I know somebody there personally] and we shall leave as soon as we gather some intel."


"Oh, and Hroksull, [speaking really slowly and gesturing] are you able to track where they came from?"

[WinterSpartan]

[Do I know this Councilor Troyas character? or anybody other on the Council]

I shall seek the audience with the city council in utmost hurry [even today if possible, esp if I know somebody there personally] and we shall leave as soon as we gather some intel."

Beleren doesn't personally know any of the council members. The sun is low on the horizon, and soon the only light will be from the smoldering rubble and any torches lit along the streets. He DOES know of a nearby inn where they might cheaply be able to stay the night before seeking the Councilor in the morning.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull grins at the exaggerated gestures coming from the human. And he thought the bard's performance was entertaining! He focused on what Beleren said and nodded solemnly. "I have spent much time tracking game near my village. Hobgoblins should be easier, I think."

The goliath was pleased that the dragonling was not an adversary. He would not have minded sharing the afterlife with something like this, but he would have preferred something larger. With even more friendliness, he addresses the dragonling, "Hello, Ashe. I am Hroksull."

[shraeye]

Noticing Bel's tone, Derath quickly makes the choice to let it slip by.  Perhaps it would have angered him before, perhaps he would have reacted even.  But that is not who Derath is. 

"It brings me joy that we are all linked with this common adversary.  If there's nothing more to be done tonight, perhaps we can find a...less destroyed inn for the evening."

[Gveoniz]

"It is just what I have to do, I can not let anyone pass away," Veonis said to Merik, he is glad that he can make contributions. But then he thinks of those life in the tavern and brings sorrow back to himself. But that is why he has to join the group to stop such thing from happening again.
The rest of the group also seems trustworthy, Veonis would join them. He also agree what Derath says, he have walked along the roads all day earlier, and now even the fights and deaths then he is not that used to even after training. Veonis would enjoy some rest and hopefully find out more about this massacre.

[WinterSpartan]

After a night's rest at Chantrell and Sons Inn, where the proprietor is all too happy to provide free rooms for anyone who looks like they could protect the place, the group rises early and makes their way to the city council chambers.

Brindol's city council is made up of various guildmasters and the heads of some of the oldest families in the town (what passes for "nobility" around here). The meetings are held in private, but you've arrived early enough that the council isn't currently meeting. To your surprise, immediately upon arriving and expressing your wish to see the council you are ushered into Councilor Troyas' presence.

As you walk into the well-furnished office, you see a half-elf just under middle age with dark hair and eyes sitting behind a desk full of papers. He rises and greets you solemnly. "Councilor Eoffram Troyas, at your service." Returning to his seat, he shuffles his papers and says, "I heard something of your exploits last night - it seems Brindol owes you a debt of gratitude for your assistance against those vile marauders. I have some things I'd like to discuss with you, but before I begin, do you have questions for me? I may be a good bit better informed about what happened yesterday than you are at the moment."

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull opened his mouth to speak and shut it again. He once more lowered his jaw and then promptly lifted it back up again. The goliath had been comfortable speaking around the village elders, but he did not know what to say to this human-elf. He looked at the others. They seemed more confident in dealing with the humans last night. Surely they knew the proper questions. He would mull things over and interject if it he felt they missed something.

[Grujah]

"Greetings, Counselor. My name is Beleren, of the Sorkin family. It was my duty to save those peasants, and I gave my best. Now, maybe you should give us some brief info before we start with questions? Just few things like: who organized last night's attack, how many are there, how are they organized, where did they come from, who is their leader, how well was the town protected, how did they breach it, and how will the defences be from now on?

[WinterSpartan]

Troyas chuckles a bit. "We still don't know everything, but I'll tell you what I can." He grows solemn again, and continues: "Last night, about 100 assorted goblins and hobgoblins attacked the city, along with a pair of ogres. They seemed to be led by a large hobgoblin called 'Sinruth'. We don't know where they came from. The only reason the attack had any success was the element of surprise - they shot down the gate guards, and used the ogres to breach the gates. Brindol maintains an armed force of 400 soldiers, with 200 under active duty and 200 off-duty at any time. Naturally, then, once they mustered we drove the hobgoblins off with heavy casualties - both ogres are dead, one thanks to all of you, and not much more than a score of hobgoblins seem to have escaped. We're keeping the entire militia on active duty for the foreseeable future, with patrols outside of the town to catch any further attacks ahead of time. The gates are already being repaired."

"Now, if that answers your questions, the Council may have some tasks for you. This Sinruth seems to have wanted to 'avenge' the Red Hand. Their main column drove to, and sacked, the Hall of Great Valor - which as you know housed the relics and trophies from the last war. We would like those back. More than that, however, we would like the return of our citizens; at least half a dozen were captured and carried off alive. There is some debate in the council about how to proceed. I believe that a small group of adventurers MAY be able to succeed in a rescue where a column of soldiers would only cause them to be killed. Unfortunately, our two resident adventuring parties - the Freeriders and the Farstriders - left for Overlook a few weeks ago to help with the orc threat. Is this something that all of you would undertake - and, more importantly, is this something that you COULD undertake? I must admit I am not used to entrusting important tasks to strangers."

[shraeye]

"So I take it Sinruth was among those who escaped?"

[WinterSpartan]

"Yes. He covered the retreat, in fact; defeated Kartenix, captain of our city guard, in hand-to-hand combat and dragged him away as one of the prisoners. Also got Kartenix's small son, if I remember correctly, when he ran after them crying for his father."

[Grujah]

"Any alive captives that are available for interrigations?"

[Grujah]

"Strangers? I am born and bread in Bristol. And we [pointing at myself, Hroksull and Veonis] apparently subdued a significant force of at attack, so, keep your worries to yourself."

[WinterSpartan]

"Born and bred in Brindol you may be, but you're a stranger to me. I've never met you before. Your work was impressive - I'll give you that - but it may have been just good fortune or divine favor. I can't say your manners are terribly impressive either." He pauses. "There IS one hobgoblin who was taken prisoner. He's in the stocks in the main square. If I decide to offer you this mission, and you decide to accept it, it would be wise to learn what you can before you go. I have NOT made any such decision yet, however."

[Grujah]

Well, that wasn't nice. Divine favor my ass! I am actually pissed of by that comment. Who's him to under-appreciate  ME? I won't stand for that.

[Is there anyone besides us 6 in the room?]

"I am not impressed by your tone or your snide remarks either. Had it not be for us, it would be that Ogre standing here and I'd say he would be way less patient that I am. I don't NEED you to OFFER me a "mission", there's nothing stopping me going out and hunting the goblins myself. I came here out of good will in hope you might have some help to provide.
As for that Divine Favor, you better pray for one, as though I am saving my best spells to fry that Hob I will not hesitate to use the rest of them on those who stand in the way.

So, brief me this "mission" of yours and give me the access to the captured Hob along any other help you can offer, and I'll be out of your way. You can thank me when I bring your precious relics and captain of the guards back. "

[Do I get an intimidate check?  ]

[Gveoniz]

Veonis listens to the conversation between Bel and the counselor, He don't think Bel is polite enough as Veonis would be towards the counselor, But probably this is how some nobles would talk, and he normally wouldn't see nobles in random taverns in he journey anyway. Although Veonis believes that he also have blood of noble in his body, he don't appreciate it.

Veonis decides not to talk right now. He thinks that he could use he talents to help out a bit if required. For now, the less the others knows, the better the effect will be, he thinks.

[Veonis treats all PC as ally, is the group insight taken account?]

[If someone lies, do I have to actively do the insight check or can I automatically notice if it happens If I have such ability?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Do I get an intimidate check?  ]

[You can always feel free to roll checks when you think they might be helpful or appropriate. In this case I'll do it for you.]

Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14

Veonis listens to the conversation between Bel and the counselor, He don't think Bel is polite enough as Veonis would be towards the counselor, But probably this is how some nobles would talk, and he normally wouldn't see nobles in random taverns in he journey anyway. Although Veonis believes that he also have blood of noble in his body, he don't appreciate it.

Veonis decides not to talk right now. He thinks that he could use he talents to help out a bit if required. For now, the less the others knows, the better the effect will be, he thinks.

[Veonis treats all PC as ally, is the group insight taken account?]

[If someone lies, do I have to actively do the insight check or can I automatically notice if it happens If I have such ability?]

[The bonus everyone else gets to Insight isn't on their character sheet, no; I also just realized I haven't been giving everyone else their Initiative bonus. It hasn't made a difference yet, though. You have sort of a "passive insight", so I'll let you know if someone is obviously lying, but you can also make an insight roll when you suspect it, or just want to figure out more about what someone is thinking. Sounds like that's what Veonis is doing right now.]

Rolled 1d20+10 : 16 + 10, total 26

[Grujah]

[That's one shitty roll]

[WinterSpartan]

[Is there anyone besides us 6 in the room?]

[Oh, also, there's a pair of guards present.]

Troyas stiffens angrily, as the guards put their hands on their swords. "You DARE threaten me? I don't care how 'helpful' you think you were, you didn't save the city yourself. Your group wasn't the only one who killed an ogre last night, and as I recall the goliath there finished it off anyway while you were unconscious on the ground." He looks at the rest of the party. "If any of the rest of you have more sense, and think you're worthy of this mission - and the supplies, money, and so on that the city could provide - please speak up now. It'd be better if YOU, Beleren Sorkin, say nothing at all."

It's decently apparent to everyone, but Veonis realizes that Councilor Troyas is not a man who takes kindly to being bullied. A more diplomatic approach might work a good bit better.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull alternated uneasy looks between Beleren and Troyas. Beleren had a sort of ferocity that Hroksull admired. It reminded him of some of the loudest warriors back home--the ones who brought back many boastful tales of conquests. Yet, Troyas was not cowed by Beleren's bravado. There was something to this human-elf. He held himself well, though he did not look like much of a warrior to Hroksull.

At hearing a reference to himself, Hroksull straightened his shoulders. He was pleased with the recognition of his fight last night, but that pleasure was marred by the realization that the human-elf used it to insult someone else.

"I could not fight that ogre by myself. That is something the elders can do. I am but a pebble. This Beleren fell while fighting the ogre. He has much bravery. If he did not trouble the ogre, then I might also be on the ground."

He shrugged his large shoulders. "I know I will go out to fight hobgoblins. Your bartender was good to me. I hope all humans in this town are good too."

((Hroksull lends his support for whomever would like to take the lead next. He only speaks his side of the story with a weary resignation that he will have to leave this town and find the hobgoblins without the town's help.))

Assisting Diplomacy 1d20-1 : 15 - 1, total 14

[Kuildeous]

Yay, +2 to the lead Diplomacy skill check, I do believe.

[shraeye]

"By my reckoning, this group worthy of the mission given.  Likely one or the other of us would fail alone, but I've seen us work together instinctively when the attack first landed.  And that was just providence that we were all in the same room at the same time.  Now that we realize our potential as a group, by the power of Erathis, we WILL rescue Kartenix and the others.  We hope to do this with your blessing and aid, that would certainly ease our burden."

[I'm not sure what this Diplomacy check is all about, but I'll just roll a d20, and somebody can tell me what modifiers affect it]

Rolled 1d20 : 15, total 15

[Grujah]

Bel is quite taken aback by this, kinda left speechless so he lets it slide.

[WinterSpartan]

[I'm not sure what this Diplomacy check is all about, but I'll just roll a d20, and somebody can tell me what modifiers affect it]

[You had a total of +4 to the roll - +1 from your Diplomacy skill on the character sheet, +1 from having Veonis around (he gives you all a +1 bonus to Diplomacy, Insight, and Initiative), and +2 from Hroskull's previous roll. So total result of 19.]

Eoffram nods slowly. "Well said, priest. I do believe the gods may be watching out for you - mentioning divine favor was not intended to be an insult." He sighs deeply. "None of us want this to be as bad as the last time the Red Hand attacked. I've only heard stories of it from my great-grandparents, may they rest in peace, but it was enough that I don't take this lightly. I think we all agree that there is a serious threat here."

After a brief pause, he turns to Veonis and Merik. "What of you, bard? Or you, warrior? Have either of you anything to add?"

[Kuildeous]

((Hroksull's participating. Yay! Where's my gold star?))

[Gveoniz]

"It is my pleasure to help the city." Veonis says "It would also be a great help if extra capital can be provided." Veonis do not need or care that much about rewards, but others may do, or at least replenish some supply.

Diplomacy

Rolled 1d20+11 : 20 + 11, total 31

[Gveoniz]

[Wow that roll is impressive, but I have add the cooperation bonus yet. +4 from Hroksull plus Derath? ]

[WinterSpartan]

[Wow that roll is impressive, but I have add the cooperation bonus yet. +4 from Hroksull plus Derath? ]

[Well, not quite - you aren't cooperating here so much as making your own roll. I realize that's a bit confusing, sorry. Pretty irrelevant in this case.]

Veonis launches into an impassioned plea for cooperation and assistance, which leaves all who hear it inspired and a little stunned by the sheer eloquence. After a brief moment of reverent awe, Troyas clears his throat. "Well. After that, I don't think there's much I can say, other than - thank you for being willing to help us." He begins rummaging through his desk, and pulls out a small pouch of money and some papers, which he proffers to Veonis. "The council's willing to offer 400 gold pieces for the safe return of the seven captured citizens, or proof of their demise, and an additional 200 gold for the recovery of the artifacts from the Hall of Great Valor. In case you need additional equipment or supplies for your mission, I'm offering you 25% of that up-front; there's 150 gold in this pouch. Full details on the captives and the artifacts are on these papers. I will also inform the guards in the town square that you are to be allowed to interrogate the hobgoblin there - just don't kill him before his trial. Now... is there anything else I can do for you all?"

[Note - I will be camping for the 4th of July weekend, and thus have no internet access from this afternoon until Sunday.]

[Kuildeous]

[Wow that roll is impressive, but I have add the cooperation bonus yet. +4 from Hroksull plus Derath? ]

((Basically, you declare beforehand if you are assisting or not. I knew my -1 wasn't going to make me a good face man, but I can at least contribute to the conversation. Hroksull just doesn't have the confidence to sway people on his own.

Interestingly enough, that would mean that at 18th level, you can assist in any skill since you'll have +9 to everything. Sooner, if your ability score is above average.))

[WinterSpartan]

[Gentlemen? Anything? Or are you all simply done with the conversation and ready to move on to the hobgoblin?]

[Grujah]

Bel is done. As they exit, he expresses that he is quite displeased that his "dialogue" with Counselor was interrupted so abruptly. Though, he does admit that they did a good job, though, he would have managed to do it anyway..

Before going to investigate the Gobo, Bel wants to visit a library and to try and find any book on goblins and/or ogres, as to prepare himself for the challenges to come.

[i.e. Bel is ready to proceed]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull is surprised at the prospect of getting paid to go kill some vermin, but he won't argue. He goes along with the others.

[Grujah]

"We are paid to rescue the hostages and recover the artifacts. Killing vermin in process is what makes it interesting".

[WinterSpartan]

[Any shopping you want to do? Any preparations any of you besides Beleren want to make? 150 gp is not enough for a magic item, but it's enough for most mundane items you could want. You could also simply bank it for later.]

[Gveoniz]

"I think we shall leave now, thank you for your help." Veonis says, then go along with others.

Veonis does not have preparation to do.

[Kuildeous]

"Depends on where the hobgoblins came from. If they came from the mountains..." Hroksull glances at the others. "...we'll need climbing gear. Maybe learn more from your prisoner."

[shraeye]

[Frankly, I'm not sure what sort of thing I would need.  A magic item would help my spells/attacks, but I can't afford that, right?

Derath wouldn't want trinkets for trinkets' sake...I feel like he would spend the bare minimum to be effective in his mission.  Perhaps you could enlighten me about the prices of armors?  Derath did after all, almost fall in battle in the tavern.]


[also also, I forgot about that goblin prisoner]

[WinterSpartan]

[Frankly, I'm not sure what sort of thing I would need.  A magic item would help my spells/attacks, but I can't afford that, right?

[Right - the cheapest magic items are 360 gp, and right now you only have 30 gp each.]

Derath wouldn't want trinkets for trinkets' sake...I feel like he would spend the bare minimum to be effective in his mission.  Perhaps you could enlighten me about the prices of armors?  Derath did after all, almost fall in battle in the tavern.]

[The chainmail Derath is wearing is the best nonmagical armor he can - it's the heaviest thing he has proficiency with. Magic armors are better, but again, price. Doesn't sound like anyone wants or needs to buy anything at the moment.]

Before going to investigate the Gobo, Bel wants to visit a library and to try and find any book on goblins and/or ogres, as to prepare himself for the challenges to come.

[Sent you a PM.]

Shortly thereafter, the group strides into the town square. Just as the councilor said, there's a lone hobgoblin in stocks and shackles standing there, flanked by two bored-looking town guards. His wounds from last night's battle have been bandaged, but the number of rotting tomatoes around (and on) him hints that his treatment, as you might expect, hasn't been completely kind.

As you come to a halt in front of him, he looks up wearily and says, "I ain't saying nothin' unless you people let me go."

[Grujah]

I tell Derath that I already have climbing gear.

Am I at the cell?

[WinterSpartan]

Yes, you're with the group in front of the hobgoblin. Your stop was relatively quick.

[Grujah]

I cast Lighting Breath at an empty space (as not to actually hit anyone).

"Listen now, you squirmy worm. I am not a town official, and I don't need to follow no procedures. There nothing stopping me in spilling your guts right here. So, if you don't fancy being incinerated right now, you better start talking. Start with the basic, where are the hostages taken, how many of you are there, and how do we breach the defenses?"
(Bel was light on questions, as Goblins are quite dumb and might be overwhelmed with his standard procedure )
 
Intimidate?

Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14

[Grujah]

[Dunno if this roll will be enough, but if it doesn't, Bel will seriously consider letting you guys do the talking stuff from now on...]

[WinterSpartan]

"You hurt me? Maybe you could, with me chained like this. Maybe not. Youse no warrior - and you don't scare me. I told you, I ain't saying nothin unless you let me go."

[Kuildeous]

"Would you like a warrior's death?" Hroksull asks solemnly. Despite this creature's vile temperament, Hroksull did not much like the idea of it being held prisoner, awaiting execution. "I don't think these humans want you to walk away. But I can ensure you die bravely and with a weapon in your hand. Just tell these people what they want to know, and I'll stand ready to receive you."

Diplomacy assist 1d20-1 : 13 - 1, total 12

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblin seems unsure of how to reply. [That's good for +2 to the next Diplomacy roll, but since you were specifically aiding another I shouldn't really give a reaction until said Another rolls...]

[WinterSpartan]

[Gentlemen? I hate to nag, but we are beginning to slip quite a bit on pace of play.]

[Grujah]

[I could slap him, but I am waiting on other's input]

[Gveoniz]

 "I wish to help you, but you have to cooperate with me and answer his questions first. " said Veonis "I may not be able to help you get out of here immediately, but with your crucial information, I can at least figure out some ways to help you and your kinds." Veonis hope that the goblin is dumb enough to believe his story.

Bluff

Rolled 1d20+11 : 17 + 11, total 28

Diplomacy ?

Rolled 1d20+11 : 14 + 11, total 25

[Gveoniz]

[Correction: Veonis whispers the above sentences to the goblin instead or saying.]

[WinterSpartan]

"You... will help Morrik?" The hobgoblin ponders this for a moment. "Then Morrik will help you. Sinruth is taking the prisoners back to the castle. All the goblin army was with Sinruth, but not our gnome friends." He shudders a bit. "Morrik does not like the gnomes. Or their dead pets."

[Grujah]

This makes no sense.

Castle? What castle? Moreover, goblins have a castle? Gnomes with dead pets?

Bel thinks to himself..

[Grujah]

Also, I come to Veonis and tell him to ask about that and the size of the army as well.

[Kuildeous]

Having not heard what Veonis promised the hobgoblin prisoner, Hroksull beams with joy at the prospect of facing this foe in battle. Even better, this Morrik acknowledged that Hroksull is willing to help him obtain a glorious death.

The words confused Hroksull, and he began to doubt that he even understood the common tongue correctly. As he saw the bemused looks on his companions' faces, he realized that he did indeed hear about the dead pets of gnomes and goblins living in a castle. This last part troubled Hroksull. He never heard of goblins living in a castle. Who was the real owner, he wondered.

[Grujah]

[I assumed that Gobo said it out loud, and not to Veonis only]

[Gveoniz]

[If the goblin did not said it out loud, Veonis tell the PC about what he said]

Veonis tries to figure out what is the goblin talking about.
Nature check on gnomes (particularly on their relationship with goblins, if possible)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16

"Morrik, I have a important message to deliver to Sinruth. Tell me where the castle is so I can head there as soon as possible. Also tell me size of your army so I can make preparation according to the situation. Also, cooperate with the humans and answer their questions, I have told them to delay your trial if you do, so I can have time to call for helpers to rescue you once this emergency is dealt with." said Veonis to the goblin.

[Do I need to make rolls again?]

[Grujah]

Also, traps, how do we avoid them?

[Kuildeous]

[I assumed that Gobo said it out loud, and not to Veonis only]

((I assumed that too, but if Veonis was quiet in his dealings, then Hroksull would piece together that Morrik agreed to help because of the prospect of a warrior's death. Although, tricking it into thinking that it'll be spared works fine and won't require me to spend healing surges afterwards. Just expect Hroksull to be confused.))

[shraeye]

"gnomes and goblins...?  Have any of you heard about anything involving gnomes last night?"
[this last question is directed at the guards and the PCs; the first is rhetorical and just muttered outloud]

Nature check on gnomes/goblins hanging together:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[WinterSpartan]

[If the goblin did not said it out loud, Veonis tell the PC about what he said]

Veonis tries to figure out what is the goblin talking about.

"Morrik, I have a important message to deliver to Sinruth. Tell me where the castle is so I can head there as soon as possible. Also tell me size of your army so I can make preparation according to the situation. Also, cooperate with the humans and answer their questions, I have told them to delay your trial if you do, so I can have time to call for helpers to rescue you once this emergency is dealt with." said Veonis to the goblin.

Rolled 1d20+11 : 12 + 11, total 23

[WinterSpartan]

"The castle is by the swamp. Fell down long, long time ago I think. Basement is still dry, though - good place for a warcamp. Morrik doesn't know how many soldiers still with Sinruth - lots died last night." He looks sad. "Morrik should have died in battle too, but it went black. The gnomes didn't come - we hobgoblins don't trust them. But Sinruth said we needed friends, and when soldiers died the gnomes made them pets. One still looked like Grung, but was not Grung - tried to bite me!"

The soldiers are as puzzled about gnomes as the party is. None were apparently involved in the attack. Nobody has any recollection of gnomes and goblins working together historically, either, though Beleren realizes it isn't out of the question - hobgoblins will generally ally with or enslave just about anything.

[Grujah]

"What was Grung? Goblin? Hobgoblin? Warg? "

[WinterSpartan]

"Grung was hobgoblin! Fought with Morrik! Killed dwarves with Morrik! Got axe in the head - not like Morrik."

[Grujah]

[Necromancers/Undead? What do I know about that?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Probably not much, since that's based on Religion checks. It'd be sort of a case-by-case basis with Monster Knowledge checks, since there are many different types of undead; Morrik's being far too vague to specifically identify them, likely because he doesn't have any idea himself.]

[Grujah]

He's being too vague about everything!

[Grujah]

"Are there traps at the castle?"

[Grujah]

"And where is the Castle? And what is teh one thing that Siruth is afraid of?"

[Gveoniz]

[Do Veonis know where "the swamp" is?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Veonis, and everybody else, could presume it's the huge swamp around the ruined city of Rhest, north of Brindol.]

Morrik narrows his eyes. "Wait a minute... you don't need ta know all a' that. You don't need to know about traps or Sinruth if he's just trying ta take a message there. And YOU don't even want to help me you said!"

[Grujah]

I am very much considering punching the Goblin right now in order to extort some information, though I do not want to ruin Veonis's effort. So, when Veonis and others are finished with their tact and diplomacy, and if guards don't object my swing, I'll go for it.

[WinterSpartan]

I am very much considering punching the Goblin right now in order to extort some information, though I do not want to ruin Veonis's effort. So, when Veonis and others are finished with their tact and diplomacy, and if guards don't object my swing, I'll go for it.

[I wish there was a way to +1 posts in this forum.]

[Gveoniz]

[Veonis emphasized "I" as the one who tried to help the goblins. But he can assume that the goblin can't distinguish them.]
Veonis don't consider explaining to the goblin, others may have better methods to get more information. But Veonis don't expect too much from him, he is just a goblin.

[Kuildeous]

[I think I'm ready to wrap up this interrogation if everyone else is.]

Hroksull looks expectantly around. Which weapon would the goblin prefer? He's probably wields a spear, maybe a mace.

[Grujah]

Ok, I go for the swing. A nonlethal punch.

Attack roll, if required, not sure which mods to use:

Rolled 1d20 : 20, total 20

"Now, don't play smarts with me. Answer the questions, or I'll stop playing nice and start incinerating you till you squeal!"

[WinterSpartan]

[Nice critical hit]. The goblin is floored - specifically, [thanks to maximum damage], the solid blow to the temple sends him unconscious. The guards look disapprovingly at Beleren. "Not that I'm fond of the bugger, but we're supposed to be keeping him safe for trial." (You could probably revive him/get him to come around, if you're still interested in further interrogation.)

[Grujah]

"Sorry about that, it wasn't supposed to knock him out. One never knows his strength, I guess."

I'll try to bring him back, with whatever I know, and get him to answer, but if this prolong for, lets say, 10 minutes more, I will abandon the whole thing, curse the damn goblin and be on my way.

[WinterSpartan]

Sniff. "Why you hit Morrik? Morrik never hurt you. Scared to fight Morrik when I have weapons, but not to hit me when I stuck here." He sniffles again and sighs. "I don't know about no traps; maybe the gnomes made some. And Sinruth not afraid of anything. You done asking me questions yet?"

[shraeye]

"I've heard and seen enough"

[Grujah]

[Do we know where the castle is?]

I am done, as well.

[Gveoniz]

[I am done]

[WinterSpartan]

[Do we know where the castle is?]

I am done, as well.

[Vaguely. The hobgoblins shouldn't be too hard to track anyway.]

With their preparations made, the party sets out on the trail of the hobgoblins. The trip will likely take most of the day - longer, if there's trouble following the hobgoblins' trail.

(I need an Endurance check and either a Perception or a Nature check from either of you. Feel free to insert roleplay comments on the journey as well. Also, Veonis, if you wish to cast the Traveler's Chant ritual that could speed up the journey significantly, raising the group's speed from 5 to 7).

Along the way, you peruse the documents that Councilor Troyas gave you. Most noteworthy is the following list:

Known Captives of the Hobgoblins

Kartenix, Captain of the Guard. Captured by Sinruth at the town gate.
Thurann, Kartenix's 8-year-old son. Captured chasing after his father.
Jalissa, Acolyte of Ioun. Captured when her temple was raided for relics of the Red Hand.
Sertanian, keeper of the Hall of Great Valor. Captured when the Hall was raided for trophies of the Red Hand. Former soldier, now past his prime.
Mirtala, cook at the Antler and Thistle. Had just left when she was captured by hobgoblins on their way to the inn.
Zerriksa. Old herbalist, wise woman, or witch, depending on who you ask. Captured during the hobgoblins' retreat.
Adronsius, dwarven alchemist. Captured when his shop was raided for the blasting fire used on the rest of the town.

There's also a list detailing the stolen treasures from the Hall of Great Valor. It appears that the taken items you've been contracted to bring back include an ornate, gilded dragonhelm once belonging to Azarr Kul (the hobgoblin general); Azarr Kul's iron gauntlets; a ceremonial platinum longsword (of no use as a weapon); three large shields with the Red Hand insignia, badly battle-damaged; and the standard of the victorious army which defeated Azarr Kul, depicting two hands clasped in a handshake.

[Grujah]

On the way out, Bel reluctantly has to admit a fact.

"Veonis, you seem to be bett.. good with people. And, for some odd reason, you too, Hroskull. I shell let further negotiating to you two."

 Looking at the list, Bel noticed something odd.

"Well, aside from this banner and the longsword, these all seem to be relics of their own ancestors. They might be just dirty, mindless goblins, but they should get to keep their heritage. For all I'm concern, they get to keep it. Those that do not put up a lot of resistance and actually survive, of course. I say we get the hostages out, get our stuff, and leave them with theirs."

[shraeye]

"But all these relics are part of both the hobgoblins' history and this town's.  The question of who has the right to ownership isn't nearly as simple as you make it.  We already accepted coin from Troyas for the return of these artifacts...well 25% of it, at least.  It would not be just to back out of our side of that contract."

[Gveoniz]

Veonis is bit glad that the goblin find out that he was lying, he do not want to leave the goblin with false hope.

Looking at Bel, he have some charms too, may be it is just the way he deals with people.

[Gveoniz]

[How far is the destination base on our original speed?]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull was pleased with the praise, but he felt a little uncomfortable about it. He just spoke plainly with nothing fancy. Perhaps that was enough for a day like today. He had heard tales from the elders of meetings with "politicians." The idea of people who do nothing but talk confused Hroksull. At the very least, someone should break out a weapon or swing a punch.

"Ready to find the castle," Hroksull said.

Endurance check 1d20+8 : 5 + 8, total 13
Nature check 1d20+9 : 6 + 9, total 15

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull struggled to maintain his composure after such a restless night. The thrill of the fight kept him awake much of the night, and the march was taking its toll on him. Walking so long with armor on certainly didn't do well to help him catch his breath.

Being mostly familiar with the desert, Hroksull had difficulty grasping the new surroundings, though he was thrilled with seeing some of these plants that the elders talked about.

[WinterSpartan]

[How far is the destination base on our original speed?]

[Again, part of it will depend on how the party holds up and how well they can follow the hobgoblins' tracks - these Endurance, Perception, and Nature checks (thanks for rolling that, Kuildeous! Still need them from the rest of you). But it's about 25 miles, so without Traveler's Chant you're looking at a 10-hour trip minimum. The ritual would shave off three hours. Also note that you get one ritual per day for free, so it isn't as if there's much opportunity cost.]

[Grujah]

Note to self: Hroskull has an unhealthy obsession with his elders.

"No, town has no right on it. Say, there must be some great hero within your church, is there not? Say he dies siegeing a town, wouldn't you make in an obligation to retrieve his body and belonging back to the church? I know I would if my mother or uncles did. Yes, goblins are savage and uncultured, I grant you that, but even they take pride in their heritage and heirloom. And as for money, I care not about it; if that concerns you, you can have my share."

[Gveoniz]

Veonis sing a traveler's chant, sometime switching to his flute.

Endurance

Rolled 1d20+1 : 5 + 1, total 6

Nature

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[Gveoniz]

Veonis is not quite sure on the topic Bel and Derath is talking about. They have taken the mission and money. But Bel is also reasonable.

[shraeye]

endurance:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 15 + 6, total 21

nature:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

"The money is irrelevant here. We have agreed to retrieve the artifacts; if you had objections to that, you should have told Troyas.  We cannot both take his money and not fulfill our agreement.  Or I mean to say that I am not willing to do that."

[Grujah]

Troyas can go to Hells, for all I care.

[WinterSpartan]

[Has anyone seen Axxle on any of the boards recently?]

[shraeye]

[He's been on, but hasn't posted in a while]

[WinterSpartan]

[Hmmm. We may need to find a replacement at least temporarily, then. Any lurkers interested? If you're interested in joining but not with that character, let me know anyway; I can work with the story.

It looks like I'm also waiting on Endurance and Nature/Perception checks from Beleren.]

[Kuildeous]

Actually, for group rolls like that, it may be faster if the GM does it. That way, there's no waiting or misunderstanding.

Although, I guess we'd have to let WinterSpartan know that we are cool with that.

So, I say that I give WinterSpartan permission to roll my skills for me in the interest of saving time. If there is a decision to be made regarding something that can modify the roll, then I may want to roll it myself or at least announce the decision I'm making.

[Grujah]

[Hmmm. We may need to find a replacement at least temporarily, then. Any lurkers interested? If you're interested in joining but not with that character, let me know anyway; I can work with the story.

It looks like I'm also waiting on Endurance and Nature/Perception checks from Beleren.]

Sorry, missed that, you could have rolled for me.

Endurance:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 18 + 5, total 23

Perception:

Rolled 1d20+0 : 3, total 3

[WinterSpartan]

[Apologies, all. You're right, I could've rolled for you; I was hoping for Axxle's return or for someone to volunteer for that spot. For now I'll just make the rolls to keep things moving.]

Endurance:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 18 + 10, total 28

Nature:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

The party presses on, trying to find the ruined castle where the hobgoblins lair. Veonis struggles a bit with the journey; he is not used to marching all day with very little pause. Derath serves as main tracker while Hroksull's knowledge of the wilds leads them safely through the rugged terrain. Unfortunately, none of the others prove much help on the journey.

Because of this, in the late afternoon, as Derath and Hroksull confer briefly at a rocky patch of ground where the trail is hard to see, nobody is keeping an eye out for other dangers. Veonis is taking a drink of water and trying to refresh himself; Beleren and Merik are simply ready for the journey to be over. They are all thus quite startled when...

Rolled 1d100 : 14, total 14

(Random encounter table, hooray! This was triggered by 3/5 failures on the Nature/Perception checks. Veonis will be docked a healing surge for failing the Endurance check.)

[WinterSpartan]

...3 panthers spring snarling from the trees. They seem hungry, and have sensed distracted "prey".

Initiative rolls:

Panthers

Rolled 1d20+8 : 19 + 8, total 27

Hroksull

Rolled 1d20+3 : 15 + 3, total 18

Beleren

Rolled 1d20+1 : 19 + 1, total 20

Merik

Rolled 1d20+1 : 2 + 1, total 3

Derath

Rolled 1d20 : 11, total 11

Veonis

Rolled 1d20-1 : 12 - 1, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

Please let me know where on the map you'd like to initially be positioned - somewhere between E4 and L10.

(Panther stats, for posterity:

Panther
AC 18, Fort 16, Reflex 18, Will 15)

[Grujah]

G8.

[Gveoniz]

H6

[Kuildeous]

column # 1d7 : 5, total 5
row # 1d8 : 4, total 4

[Kuildeous]

H8 it is for me.

I'm such a H8r.

[shraeye]

H9, I was right next to Hroksull per flavor text.

[WinterSpartan]

And I'll put Merik in the same general area, since it seems you're all there.

Column:

Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4

Row:

Rolled 1d4 : 3, total 3

Also, Jorbles has expressed a willingness to fill in for Axxle, so he should be taking that over soon. Thank you, Jorbles!

[WinterSpartan]

Bother, of course that's right on top of Hroksull. What direction should I shift him?

Rolled 1d8 : 4, total 4

[WinterSpartan]

I9 it is.

The panthers swiftly charge the party and pounce, leaping at the throats of Veonis and Beleren!

G5 panther:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 12 + 10, total 22

Rolled 2d6+4 : 1, 5 + 4, total 10

F6 panther:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 3 + 10, total 13

Rolled 2d6+4 : 1, 5 + 4, total 10

F8 panther:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 17 + 10, total 27

Rolled 2d6+4 : 5, 6 + 4, total 15

[WinterSpartan]

Both of them are carried to the ground by the force of the attack, though Veonis manages to roll out of the way of the second pounce. Beleren is badly wounded.

(You two, note that you are prone. While prone, you grant combat advantage to melee attackers and have -2 to your own attacks. You can stand back up as a move action; this doesn't provoke opportunity attacks.)

[Grujah]

[Can I crawl? I'll wait for Veonis to act before me, anyway]

[Gveoniz]

[Do Bel need shifting by majestic word?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Can I crawl? I'll wait for Veonis to act before me, anyway]

[You can crawl, moving up to half your speed - so 3 squares.]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull glanced worriedly at the panthers. They were formidable, and the group needed time to recover from the ambush. Hroksull hoped to buy that time momentarily.

Minor Action: Stone's Endurance to Resist All 5.
Standard Action: Evasive Strike to E6 before the attack to gain Combat Advantage.
Move Action: Hunter's Quarry on F6 panther.

Battleaxe Attack 1d20+8 : 16 + 8, total 24
Damage 2d10+5 : 9, 10 + 5, total 24
Quarry 1d6 : 6, total 6

[Kuildeous]

Ooh, well, that was nice.

[Grujah]

[Bel needs a healing surge]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull glanced sideways at the panther menacing Beleren. He nodded at Beleren to indicate that it should be safe to move. This tactic was contrary to his training. The elders taught that a hunter moves and strikes quickly. Only corpses lingered in the same spot during a fight. Still, seeing his newfound friends downed, he felt a need to stand his ground. Hroksull spent many years playing in the nearby obsidian field and came out with mere scratches. How much worse could a panther be?

[Gveoniz]

Veonis quickly stands up, sings a majestic word to heal Bel's serious wound. Then draw his sword out, ready to fight those panthers.

[Kuildeous]

Oops, forgot to draw my battleaxe. Hrm, well, I was prioritizing protection over damage, so drop the Hunter's Quarry. -6 to my damage.

[Jorbles]

[Hey guys! Looking forward to this, is that my character icon at I9? I think I know how to play my character competently in combat as a defender, but I may not bring the same personality to the character that Axxle did (I don't plan on opening a second account for Jorbles2). My understanding is that Kuildeous = Striker/Tank of sorts, Gveoniz = Buffer/Leader, shraeye = Striker/Glass Cannon, and Watno = Controller?/Debuffer, I'm not familiar with his class. I'm familiar with D&D, but not all aspects of 4th ed. I'll pick things up as I go.]

[shraeye]

[I understand almost nothing of what you just said Jorbles ]

[Kuildeous]

[Hroksull is not really a tank. He's definitely a striker. The fact that he has Toughness and an ability to resist some damage makes him slightly sturdier than a glass cannon, but his goal is to not really be there when it's the enemy's turn.

This fight, however, is a bit different, as if he doesn't draw some attention, then someone may get really hurt.]

[Jorbles]

[I understand almost nothing of what you just said Jorbles ]

[Haha, sorry, D&D 4th ed theory talk. I was trying to conceptualize your character archetypes so I could better strategize in combat. My character is more a defender than anything else, which means I try and draw attacks away from others to myself. What it means is that when my initiative roles around you can count on me to leap to your defense as you appear to be in danger of dying. (also I'll be less into shop talk and more into role playing when we're out of combat.)]

[Grujah]

[Kuli (Hroksull)and I (Beleren) are Strikers - we deal damage. We both have some defensive capabilities, though we are easily downed. He usually goes after 1 strong guy, I have AoE spells.
Gveoniz (Veonis) is a Bard. He is a leader, he buffs and heals. Shra is a controller, he debuffs. You are supposted to tank and take damage

@Veonis - I actually did need a shift backwards, but didn't realize it till now.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Kuli (Hroksull)and I (Beleren) are Strikers - we deal damage. We both have some defensive capabilities, though we are easily downed. He usually goes after 1 strong guy, I have AoE spells.
Gveoniz (Veonis) is a Bard. He is a leader, he buffs and heals. Shra is a controller, he debuffs. You are supposted to tank and take damage

@Veonis - I actually did need a shift backwards, but didn't realize it till now.]

[That's fine, you can have it.]

[Jorbles - welcome! Grujah's summary here is accurate. That is indeed you at I9, as placed by random roll. From a tactics perspective, one of the most important things you can do is use your Aegis of Shielding ability - it forces enemies to either attack you (and you're generally harder to hit), or attack your friends but be unable to do much damage.

Also, as a reminder, I don't really care if you go out of initiative order when it's the party's turn; the rules allow you to hold initiative anyway. You can go when it's convenient, as long as the party is up.]

[Kuildeous]

[So, that panther at F6 is indeed up and not bloodied? Is that correct? A much tougher encounter than I figured.]

[Grujah]

Bel is still down. As he gets up, he asks Veonis and Merik to cover the other two wolves, if possible.

As a move action, he stands up.
As a minor action, he summons Ashe.
As an main action, he casts Frostbind on H4 wolf:
vs Fort:
[roll]1d20+4

'
' is not a valid dice string!

3d6+7[/roll]

[Grujah]

Screwed that up. Again:
vs Fort:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

Damage:

Rolled 3d6+7 : 5, 2, 5 + 7, total 19

If hit, -2 to reflex.

[WinterSpartan]

[So, that panther at F6 is indeed up and not bloodied? Is that correct? A much tougher encounter than I figured.]

[It is indeed still up and unbloodied.]

[shraeye]

Derath steps to G8, and casts Maledictor's Doom, followed by Whispers of Defeat (all 3 should be in range of the blast; my remembering tells me that I have to roll attacks on all 3 seperately...if this is wrong, take just the first roll as the attack)

Maledictor's Doom
H4 panther:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

F6 panther:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

E9 panther:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

Whispers of Defeat
H4 panther:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

F6 panther:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16

E9 panther:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

[I'm unsure of the damage rolls, something seems to be up with the spreadsheets right now]

[Jorbles]

[If no one minds me going out of order then...]

Merik draws his sword and rushes to protect his comrades. His blade flashes a shielding rune singling out the panther that Hroskull had struck with his axe. Merik keeps half an eye on that one while he puts himself between Beleren and another of the predators. There's the sound of a thunderclap as he slashes down at it with his blade.

Move to F8
Minor action: Mark the panther at F6
Standard action: Booming Blade on panther at E9

vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[please double check that I'm using the right bonuses.]

[Jorbles]

[BOOM! Crits on my first roll!]

[WinterSpartan]

[Maledictor's Doom doesn't need attack rolls; it automatically takes effect. That said, you did the rolls right. When attacking multiple foes, you always roll attacks separately and then damage once which applies to all of them. THAT said, neither of those powers actually do any damage (although Whispers of Defeat will do 9 damage to them if they miss with their attacks). Did you want to push any of them with Whispers of Defeat? I've assumed not but let me know if you do.]

Derath's chants seem to deeply unsettle the beasts (-3 to hit for all of them). Two of them - the one he's challenged, and the one he's attacked - snap at Merik, while the other attempts to pounce on Veonis.

E7 panther:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 10 + 8, total 18

Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

E9 panther:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 12 + 8, total 20

Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

H5 panther:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Rolled 2d6+4 : 5, 3 + 4, total 12

[WinterSpartan]

The already-wounded panther screams as Derath's curse takes effect; the curse also stops the pouncing panther in midair. The other one presses harder at Merik's defenses.

Party's up.

[Kuildeous]

Since my success/failure could affect the person in E8 (sorry, can't line up names with icons just yet), I'll go ahead and attack the bloodied one.

Minor action: Hunter's Quarry
Move action: None
Standard action: Twin Strike on the blooded panther next to me.

Battleaxe 1d20+8 : 13 + 8, total 21
Battleaxe damage 1d10+1 : 3 + 1, total 4
Hand axe 1d20+8 : 6 + 8, total 14
Hand axe damage 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2
Hunter's Quarry 1d6 : 6, total 6

[Gveoniz]

Veonis shifts to his left(to H6) then strikes (Guiding strike penalizing AC) at the nearest panther.

Attack roll

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[Jorbles]

[@WinterSpartan: Can I trigger Firepulse on the Panther that hit me? If I can I do.]

As the panther breaks through Merik's defenses a burst of flames shoot out of Merik's body where the beasts claws struck him.

vs Reflex

Rolled 1d20+5 : 20 + 5, total 25

Damage

Rolled 1d6+3 : 2 + 3, total 5

[Jorbles]

[Wow another crit. That poor panther has got to be bloodied now. (Crits do max damage right, not double damage?)]

[Grujah]

Jorbles, is Merrik in fire or earth mode? if in earth mode, switch to fire mode! (I order this in Primordial, ha!).

[Jorbles]

[Do I have to switch? The character sheet doesn't indicate needing to do that. I gotta admit the race of this character is the trickiest thing for me to figure out. Is there pdf I could read on this somewhere?]

[shraeye]

[you are correct that I wanted no shift on the previous attack]

Derath further muddles the panther's minds, filling them with Visions of Blood; hopefully also exposing weak points to the others (-1 to defenses until next turn on hit)

[Derath shifts to F8 and casts Visions of Blood; on successful hit, shift E7-->D6 and E9-->F10, no shift on other]

Attack on H5/E7/E9:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6
Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9
Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

Damage:

Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[shraeye]

[well well well]

[Jorbles]

[Sorry shraeye, I appear to be using up the good rolls.  ]

[WinterSpartan]

[Wow another crit. That poor panther has got to be bloodied now. (Crits do max damage right, not double damage?)]

[Right, crits are max damage; which in your case was still unfortunately just 9.

Axxle did pick a more obscure race, Genasi; I believe you're right that not all the info is in the pdf. At any given time, you're either in earthsoul manifestation or firesoul manifestation. During a rest - and as I look at the feat, it appears only during a rest - you can change manifestations. While in earthsoul (which Axxle said he was by default), you have +1 to saving throws, +1 Fortitude, and access to the Earthshock power. In firesoul, you have +1 Reflex, 5 fire resistance, and access to the Firepulse power. Since you're in earthsoul right now, you can't use your Firepulse.]

[WinterSpartan]

[you are correct that I wanted no shift on the previous attack]

Derath further muddles the panther's minds, filling them with Visions of Blood; hopefully also exposing weak points to the others (-1 to defenses until next turn on hit)

[Derath shifts to F8 and casts Visions of Blood; on successful hit, shift E7-->D6 and E9-->F10, no shift on other]

[Not that it matters this time, since you missed anyway, but two notes about Visions of Blood: First, it's a BLAST power, not a BURST power, which means it attacks a 3x3 square area (like C7 to E9) rather than everything within 3 squares of you. There was no way to attack all 3 panthers with it.

Second, it targets each CREATURE in the blast rather than each ENEMY in the blast - which means if your friends are there they'll also get fried. Actually, almost all of your powers are capable of "friendly fire", so watch out for that.]

[Jorbles]

[Wow another crit. That poor panther has got to be bloodied now. (Crits do max damage right, not double damage?)]

[Right, crits are max damage; which in your case was still unfortunately just 9.

[Axxle did pick a more obscure race, Genasi; I believe you're right that not all the info is in the pdf. At any given time, you're either in earthsoul manifestation or firesoul manifestation. During a rest - and as I look at the feat, it appears only during a rest - you can change manifestations. While in earthsoul (which Axxle said he was by default), you have +1 to saving throws, +1 Fortitude, and access to the Earthshock power. In firesoul, you have +1 Reflex, 5 fire resistance, and access to the Firepulse power. Since you're in earthsoul right now, you can't use your Firepulse.]

[Oh well wasted crit then. Is there anything I should know flavourwise about this race? I'm pretty familiar with the regular fantasy trope races (elves, dwarves, trolls, giants, orcs) and some of the more esoteric ones (dark elves, dragonblood, beastmen, troglodytes, kobolds, fey, centaurs, nymphs), but I don't know much about genasi. I am some sort of elemental, which I at least know what it is, but are there any cultural things of note you should PM me? My experience with elementals is that they are something for wizards to summon and do their bidding, but I am clearly not that sort of elemental.]

[WinterSpartan]

[I'll send you a PM.]

[Grujah]

Sorry, no flavor, too tired. Move to J7, Storm Walk on bloodied panther. Shift right.

vs fort:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

Beleren points at the panther and cries out strange, arcane words of power. There is a flash and a resounding crack, and the panther falls.

[Only Merik is still up this round. Note that you can mark someone else now, since your original target is dead.]

[Kuildeous]

[Since each PC's name begins with a different letter, can you mark the PC icons with a letter to indicate who is whom? It'll save me from looking at the character sheet for the portrait.]

[WinterSpartan]

[I can try. For now: E6 is H; E8 is M; F8 is D; H6 is V; and J8 is B]

[Jorbles]

Minor action: Mark Panther at E9
Standard action: Luring Strike on Panther at E9 (I'm going to use the free shift after the attack.)

Attack vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19

Damage

Rolled 1d8 : 8, total 8

[Jorbles]

[If that hits use my Luring Strike on hit ability to shift to F7 and move the Panther to E8, and then use the free shift to move to G6.
If that doesn't hit. Use the free shift to move to F7.

Either way I should be able to make it follow me or reduce the damage it deals to anyone else it attacks.]

[Grujah]

[It hits, you can check it stats on page #1. AC is 18]

[WinterSpartan]

Hissing angrily, the panthers shift back a few paces and pounce once again. They ignore the heavily-armored targets, opting instead to attack what they view as weaker prey.

Attack vs. Hroskull:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 14 + 10, total 24

Rolled 2d6-4 : 5, 4 - 4, total 5

(Yes, the -4 was intentional; this is the panther marked by Merik).

Attack vs. Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 6 + 10, total 16

Rolled 2d6+4 : 3, 4 + 4, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

Once again, Beleren finds himself flat on his back, staring up at the sky as his lifeblood drains onto the grass. Hroskull too is knocked down, but Merik's arcane wards absorb most of the force of the attack.

You're all up again.

[Jorbles]

His fancy footwork was designed to get Merik into a better position to distract the panther that's been attacking Beleren. Now free of the marked foe he rushes to help his bloodied companion.

[Move to J7.]

As he reaches the spot between Beleren and the panther he raises his foot and slams it into the ground. The earth shakes beneath the creature as he does so.

Minor action:
Vs. Fort

Rolled 1d20+5 : 14 + 5, total 19

No damage from this attack, but if it works the panther is prone.

[Jorbles]

With the panther dropped to the ground, Merik takes advantage of the opportunity to slice down at the creature. Lightning licks off his blade as he swings at the prone creature.

[Prone grants combat advantage (+2) to us if we hit it before it gets up. As my standard action I'm using Booming Blade.]

vs AC

Rolled 1d20+9 : 16 + 9, total 25

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[Jorbles]

[Also I wasn't sure if Earthshock would target Beleren or only the panther, but since Beleren is already prone it doesn't matter since he can't become more prone.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Earthshock says it targets Enemies, not Creatures, so Beleren wouldn't be targeted. Everything looks in order.]

[Kuildeous]

[I think for this round I'd rather go later, so everyone else can go first, and then I'll choose my action.]

[Gveoniz]

Veonis used Majestic word on Beleren, then Move to L5 (by going around the panther)

Guiding Strike(AC) at the panther in K6 (flanking with Merik)

attack

Rolled 1d20+9 : 1 + 9, total 10

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[Grujah]

[What does Beleren know about the abilties and tactics of these Pathers so far, from what he has seen? (Cuz Grujah is confused, the seem to be able to shift, than move, than attack, than shift back?)

Also, do I get a penalty of an ally is between me and my target when I cast ranged spells?]

[Jorbles]

[I've been a little confused about this too. They do seem to be especially mobile enemies. I assumed they just had some advanced movement abilities. I think that what looks like a final shift that you're seeing is a result of them being able to move people a square with their pounce ability.]

[Kuildeous]

[It's not too unlike some of the ranger powers that emphasize mobility. Even at first level, I have the means to move in, strike, and shift away. For something like panthers, this seems a pretty reasonable tactic for them to have.

Also, it's not too unlike the 3rd-edition feat, Spring Attack.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Sorry for not being more explicit. They ARE getting a free shift after their attack, when it hits; part of their attack's ability. That shift-move-attack-shift thing is a result of them charging, which anyone can do; you move directly towards the nearest enemy, make a melee basic attack at +1 to hit, and then end your turn. So shift (move action), charge (standard action; the final shift is part of their basic attack). I guess they're just naturally shifty. Keep an eye on them.

Also, no penalty for your own allies between you and your target.]

[shraeye]

Before the panther can strike at Hroksull again, Derath shouts a curse at the marked panther.

Mantle of the Infidel

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13
Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

The panther seems unimpressed.

[Grujah]

Ok.
Bel is getting annoyed with these cats constantly pounding him to the grounds.

He gets up.
He casts Stormwalk on the pather that has fallen to the grounds (shifting to H9 before attacking).

vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 8 + 7, total 15

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull stood up, grumbling under his breath about how embarrassing it is to fall down during a fight. He eyed the panther who was out of reach. It looked like it was ready to pounce, but Hroksull wasn't sure in which direction. He readied both his axes to strike out at the animal.

Move: Stand up
Minor: Quarry the nearer panther
Standard: Ready action to use Twin Strike on the panther if it moves within range.

[Kuildeous]

[And you may roll my attacks if the panther does move close enough to me.]

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull is skilled at reading the ways of beasts. The panther sized him up, snarled, and sprang again. But his axes were already rising to meet it in the air...

Battleaxe:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16

Rolled 1d10+1 : 6 + 1, total 7

Handaxe:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 3 + 6, total 9

Rolled 1d6+1 : 5 + 1, total 6

Quarry:

Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2

Panther's attack:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 6 + 10, total 16

Rolled 2d6+4 : 6, 1 + 4, total 11

Meanwhile, the other panther struggles back to its feet (looking quite surprised, as a cat, that it ever left them). It snaps at Veonis's legs.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 5 + 8, total 13

Rolled 1d6+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

[Heh. Obviously, Kuildeous, you shouldn't let me roll for you. Upside is that I forgot to take the mark penalty into account; so that's actually 14 to-hit and 3 damage. It misses too.]

The cat seems to somehow change direction in midair as Hroksull lashes out at it. It's not injured - but neither is he. The combatants continue circling.

[shraeye]

[what does Quarry do?]

[Kuildeous]

[what does Quarry do?]

[Allows me to do +1d6 damage once per round…provided that I hit, which I did not this time.]

[Grujah]

I'll summon some frost hammers to punch out the panther at K6.

Dragonfrost vs pather's Fort:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

Damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

[Gveoniz]

Guiding strike on panther (penalizing AC) at K6 (still flanking)
vs AC

Rolled 1d20+9 : 7 + 9, total 16

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull was wary of this panther. He grunted to Derath, "If you get behind this thing, then we can distract it."

[I propose that after Derath does his attack, he moves to C5 without provoking an attack so Hroksull can attack from flank. This assumes that Derath is comfortable getting that close to the panther.]

[Jorbles]

Using the advantage the bard grants him by distracting the panther Merik swings his blade still crackling with electricity at the creature.

[Standard action: Booming Blade at nearby panther
Move action: (If possible I'd hold this to try and shift with the panther if it shifted. If that's not possible I'd just leave my move action unused).]

Attack vs AC (including flanking bonus)

Rolled 1d20+9 : 15 + 9, total 24

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

[You can only ready an action as a standard action, so no saving the move sadly.]

He strikes a solid blow, leaving the panther badly wounded.

[Kuildeous]

[Waiting to see if Derath is willing to flank this bad boy with me.]

[shraeye]

[flanking sounds great! I'm a little drukn right now, and this game takes more focus.  How the heck do I move to that spot without giving attaccks of opportunty?]

[Kuildeous]

[Go N, N, NW, NW, SW. Since you're most ranged, I presume you'll want to attack first and then move.]

[shraeye]

Move as described.  Attack with Mantle first.

Rolled 1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7
Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[shraeye]

[myrolls be gettin wors and worse.]

[Kuildeous]

Hit and Run and leave Derath alone with the panther!

Move: Shift to E5
Standard: Twin Strike
Minor: Quarry other panther if this one falls (seems unlikely)

Battle axe attack 1d20+8 : 1 + 8, total 9
Damage 1d10+1 : 5 + 1, total 6
Hand axe attack 1d20+8 : 15 + 8, total 23
Damage 1d6+1 : 5 + 1, total 6
Quarry damage 1d6 : 6, total 6

C'mon, no whammies!

[Kuildeous]

Well, at least the hand axe smarted.

[WinterSpartan]

Both panthers, surrounded and wounded, continue snarling but seem to have realized that the party is not easy prey. They might even flee, if given the chance. For now they continue to lash out like the cornered animals they are.

Top, vs. Hroskull:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

Rolled 1d6-4 : 5 - 4, total 1

(Yeah, right)

Bottom, vs. Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 6 + 9, total 15

Rolled 1d6+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis remains untouched. Hroksull marvels as the creature's claws rake harmlessly over his skin without piercing it, as the swordmage's wards prevent harm.

[Kuildeous]

[Not really a Handle Animal skill here. Would a Nature check give me a better idea on their intent? If they are content to flee, then I'll be glad to back off. If they're the type to slink off and pounce on us later, then I'll finish off this fight.]

Hroksull contemplated the injured panther. This would make a fine addition to the afterlife, but if the panther isn't even willing to commit to the fight, then it would be quite the disappointment in Kord's paradise.

[Grujah]

In that case, Beleren yells that we all charge them, yelling and roaring, at the same time, in order to make them back off.

[Dunno whether we should all roll separately, or you guys roll to "aid me" in intimidating cuz I got the most stats in it?

If you guys want to do this, of course]

[Jorbles]

[I have no problems with letting these panthers go if they are unlikely to show up again seeking vengeance. (If I were a panther I'd probably be bailing on this fight to go to my lair and lick my wounds.)]

[Gveoniz]

[I am alright doing this. And maybe some fear related ability would help?]

[Jorbles]

[Anyone have a good intimidate score?]

[shraeye]

Derath moves between both wounded panthers [move to H5] and yells a primal bellow, daring them to continue.

Intimidate:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 5 + 6, total 11

If allowed to make a Standard action attack as well, I'll accompany this with Whispers of Defeat

E3 panther/K5 panther/ damage

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21
Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15
Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23
Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[shraeye]

[Ignore the third attack roll in that section.  I got carried away, and specified first attack/second attack...so third is null]

[Gveoniz]

[Bel have trained intimidate.]

[Grujah]

[Anyone have a good intimidate score?]

I've got +9.

[WinterSpartan]

Pretty busy this weekend, so updates will be slow; sorry. Insight would be the skill for determining their intent, Kuildeous; let me roll that for Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+2 : 4 + 2, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull can't fathom the intent of the beasts.

[Gveoniz]

[Can I try?]

Rolled 1d20+11 : 9 + 11, total 20

[And for any PC near me you can get+1 to insight because of 'team insight']

[Kuildeous]

Well, scaring them seems just as good, as long as they don't come back, which I think they won't.

Won't commit to it just yet, but I'm good for it if everyone else is.

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis is certain that the panthers are tired and hungry - but also hurt and afraid. If they flee - which they will, if they think they can get away safely - they won't be coming back.

[Kuildeous]

Hroskull staggered only briefly as the panther struck him. Seeing it slink away, he joined in the cacophony of yells.

Intimidate assist 1d20-1 : 18 - 1, total 17

[Grujah]

I do what Hroskull does, I yell and charge towards them (the one in the north, in particular).

I guess roll Intimidate?

Rolled 1d20+9 : 19 + 9, total 28

[WinterSpartan]

That proves more than sufficient - the panthers turn tail and bound back into the woods, happy to escape with their lives. The party stands panting for a moment before sheathing their weapons and returning to the trail after as brief a rest as necessary.

(Feel free to spend healing surges as desired; thanks to Veonis, you get +4 hp healed from the first surge spent).

Within a few more hours the group stands atop the final ridge. Below, through one last valley, they can see the ruins of Castle Rivenroar with the sun coming down towards the horizon behind them. Beyond the ground sinks down into marshland as far as the eye can see.

Hroksull holds up his hand and frowns, sniffing the air. "Something's wrong," he frowns. Pointing to the dirt path in the valley below, he says, "See there? Bones - deer bones, I think. Stripped of meat. We should be careful."

[Kuildeous]

[Surge is 1/4 your HP rounded up, I believe?

So, I would get back 12 hit points with Veonis's help? Of course that's more than enough, but I want to be sure. I will spend one in any case.]

[Gveoniz]

[Spent 1 surge to get back to full health.]

[Gveoniz]

[Surge is 1/4 your HP rounded up, I believe?

So, I would get back 12 hit points with Veonis's help? Of course that's more than enough, but I want to be sure. I will spend one in any case.]

Each surge should give you +7 normally according to your character sheet.

[Kuildeous]

[Heh, silly me. I was looking at the first post and forgot I have a character sheet.]

[Also, I think it's sufficient to say that we travel down this path with weapons out.]

[Grujah]

1 surge to full.

[Jorbles]

Spend 1 surge.

[Jorbles]

[Also, I think it's sufficient to say that we travel down this path with weapons out.]

[I agree. Should I take the lead as I'm the most durable?]

[Kuildeous]

[Durability in the front is good. I can take second so that we can spot things sooner (hopefully).]

[Jorbles]

[I take the lead.]

[Grujah]

Hroksull, go last and cover our tracks? 

Nevermind, we already got to the castle.

[Gveoniz]

[Shall Veonis goes last to protect the team from the back?]

[WinterSpartan]

[I will admit to being unsure how much time for discussion you all want. Shall I proceed?]

[shraeye]

[I'm ready to proceed]

[Jorbles]

[Yeah, not much to say at the moment. Let's proceed. ]

[Kuildeous]

[The only thing I'd consider is stealth, but no one is skilled in that. I almost was, but that's long gone.]

Bravely we march forward. Keep an eye for ambushes.

[WinterSpartan]

As the party descends, weapons drawn, they notice strange marks on the ground in addition to the goblin footprints - holes in the ground that look as though they were left by spikes. Suddenly, several chittering armored creatures - like giant bugs - erupt from the ground to the north.

Initiative:

Kruthik Adults -

Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18

Kruthik Young -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23

?? ?? ?? -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20+1 : 18 + 1, total 19

Derath -

Rolled 1d20 : 2, total 2

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20-1 : 20 - 1, total 19

On kruthiks:

Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+9 : 3 + 9, total 12

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 19 + 3, total 22

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20 : 12, total 12

Derath -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Kruthik Adults:

Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+9 : 20 + 9, total 29

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 16 + 3, total 19

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20 : 17, total 17

Derath -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23

Kruthik Young:

Hroksull -

Rolled 1d20+9 : 16 + 9, total 25

Merik -

Rolled 1d20+3 : 20 + 3, total 23

Beleren -

Rolled 1d20 : 2, total 2

Derath -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

Veonis -

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

[WinterSpartan]

Kruthik Adults

AC 17, Fort 14, Reflex 15, Will 13
Adult kruthiks have fully developed tremorsense, able to find foes or weak areas in the ground merely by feel. Their snapping claws present a constant danger (a damaging aura), and can pack a punch. They also have venomous spines, which they use to poison and slow their victims. They can even propel these spines through the air.

Kruthik Young

AC 15, Fort 13, Reflex 14, Will 11
Young kruthiks are smaller, weaker, and faster than the adults. Their spines are not fully developed, so they are fully reliant on their claws in a fight.

The smaller creatures - "Kruthiks", according to Merik - cover the ground between themselves and the party with astonishing speed - though Veonis notices that they take a twisted, meandering path for no apparent reason. Merik, at the party's head, hefts his blade to meet them as they charge.

1st Kruthik Young:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

Rolled 1d8+2 : 4 + 2, total 6

2nd Kruthik Young:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

Rolled 1d8+2 : 2 + 2, total 4

[WinterSpartan]

Merik devotes his full attention to one of them, blocking every stroke of its claws. In doing so, though, he leaves himself open to the attacks of the other...



Veonis and Beleren are up. My apologies for the tiny size of the map - I'll zoom in once the adult kruthiks get closer. Sending info to Merik and Derath.

[Kuildeous]

What is the state of the terrain on the sides?

[Jorbles]

[Ouch, the crits turn against me. That one is dying first.]

[Gveoniz]

Veonis step forward and to the side, casting a spell on one of the incoming Kruthik.

Move to AG14
Misdirect mark on AC13

vs reflex

Rolled 1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

What is the state of the terrain on the sides?

Right, sorry. Mostly just grass, but there's a steeper slope either side of the path (about columns 3 and 22) that counts as difficult terrain to cross going uphill. Going downhill it's as normal.

[Kuildeous]

I believe we're waiting for Beleren to do his action and then the critters?

[Grujah]

I guess these guys can't be reason with?

AD 15: Use level 1 firey-breath spell to catch them both.

Closer one: (vs ref)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20

Other one:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

Rolled 1d8+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

Beleren is nipped by the creature as he stands close to it.

The adults advance, but - being slower - don't come close enough to immediately attack.

The rest of the party is up. (Also, Grujah, negotiation wouldn't work; they're beasts. Big ugly bug type ones, but beasts nonetheless.)

[Jorbles]

Minor action: mark the kruthik at AC13.
Move action: Shift to AD14
Standard action: Booming Blade at kruthik at AC14.

Attack vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[Jorbles]

[Critted when I didn't need to.  ]

[Kuildeous]

[Man, Jorbles is on fire.

Also, the first post does not reflect that I spent a healing surge to get up to full.]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull furrows his brow. What manner of creatures are these? Perhaps they are a test from Kord. The goliath must not disappoint the god of strength and battle. He warily kept an eye on the larger creatures. No doubt these will be harder to slay. Best to keep his strength up. The way that the claws lash about concerned him, but if he could strike solid, then the claws should not be a problem.

Move action: Move to AB12 by going NW first and then circling around to gain flank
Minor action: Quarry on AC13
Standard: Twin Strike on AC13

Battle axe 1d20+8 : 15 + 8, total 23
Damage 1d10+1 : 6 + 1, total 7
Hand axe 1d20+8 : 15 + 8, total 23
Damage 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2
Quarry 1d6 : 2, total 2

[WinterSpartan]

[First post is now up to date. Kuildeous, Jorbles is awesome - but was that terrible pun intentional?]

[Derath is up.]

[Jorbles]

[Man, Jorbles is on fire.

Also, the first post does not reflect that I spent a healing surge to get up to full.]

[First post is now up to date. Kuildeous, Jorbles is awesome - but was that terrible pun intentional?]

[I'm actually still a pile of dirt. I take it these things are hurting us when we hit them with their spikiness or something?]

[WinterSpartan]

[More when you end turn next to them, but yes.]

[shraeye]

Derath becomes concerned with dealing with the little ones before the adults fall upon his allies, particularly Merik.

Attempting to push the others away from the Kruthiks, Derath chants two curses upon the creatures:

Minor action: Maledictor's doom.
Action: Whispers of Doom (on hit push AC13->AD12 and AC14->AB-14)
Attack rolls in that order:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9
Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

[Oh, sorry - I misread that and thought Derath still had a standard action; thus the lack of updates. My mistake.]

The smaller insects scuttle about as the others - their parents? - approach, perhaps trying to keep the kill (and the meat) for themselves.

Vs. Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 15 + 3, total 18

Rolled 1d8+2 : 2 + 2, total 4

Vs. Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 19 + 1, total 20

Rolled 1d8+2 : 3 + 2, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

Merik maintains his defense, but Beleren's attacker is successful beyond all expectations, shaking off the curse Derath chanted his way. (Perhaps because it doesn't understand language?)

[Gveoniz]

Veonis runs to the back of a Kruthik and strikes at it.

move to AB16
guiding strike at Kruthik  at AC15 (flanking with Merik)

vs AC

Rolled 1d20+9 : 1 + 9, total 10

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

[Ouch. The dice are not your friends today.]

[Grujah]

Shift to AE17.

If Merik is in fire mode, I will cast BUrning Spray, catching him and two buggsies.
vs Buggsie AC15:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

vs other Buggsie:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

vs Merik

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

If he is not, I will only attack buggsie AC15 with Frostbind:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

damage:

Rolled 3d6+7 : 6, 6, 3 + 7, total 22

[Jorbles]

Shift to AE17.

If Merik is in fire mode, I will cast BUrning Spray, catching him and two buggsies.

Sorry I'm still in Earth mode.

[Grujah]

Np, I get one buggy for 22 damage nad -2 to reflex in that case

[WinterSpartan]

[Well, actually, the bad news is that it doesn't have the -2 to Reflex.

The good news is that that's because it's dead. That was impressive.]

Shards of ice burst from the ground, shredding the young kruthik beyond recognition. With angry screeches, the adults skitter forward and unleash a hail of toxic spikes on the adventurers:

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18

Rolled 1d8+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 12 + 5, total 17

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

One of the adults (Y13) seems to be having some trouble with the "unleashing" bit, as the spikes fall harmlessly to the ground. The other, though, pierces Beleren and Veonis, who shudder as the poison enters their veins. [As noted in the first post, you are now suffering ongoing poison damage and slowed (save ends both). This means that you can move no more than 2 squares, and at the start of your turn you will take 5 poison damage. At the end of your turn, roll 1d20; on a 10+, this effect ends.]



The non-poisoned members of the party are up.

[Jorbles]

[I know I'm the tank, but I could use some light healing if that's possible. Beleren probably needs it more though.]

Move Action: Shift to AC15
Standard Action: Luring strike on Adult Kruthis (whether it hits or not will determine my followup shifts).
Attack vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Damage:

Rolled 1d8 : 8, total 8

[Jorbles]

[Since I missed.]

Aftereffect of Luring Strike: Shift to AC16

[Kuildeous]

I believe that Hroksull is the only one left to act before the young kruthik goes. I was hoping to get a flank, but if it's just me you're waiting on, then I'll move up. I just want to make sure flank is not possible before the kruthik acts.

[WinterSpartan]

Derath is also yet to go, and he could provide you your flank.

[shraeye]

Derath is also yet to go, and he could provide you your flank.

[possibly, I got fairly behind on multiple things this weekend...I'll be catching up soon as I can]

[Kuildeous]

[Let me know if you're cool with flanking. I can shift into flank easily enough. If not, then I may move around to get him so the adults have farther to travel before reaching us.]

[Jorbles]

I believe that Hroksull is the only one left to act before the young kruthik goes. I was hoping to get a flank, but if it's just me you're waiting on, then I'll move up. I just want to make sure flank is not possible before the kruthik acts.

[Sorry that's my bad. I should have waited for you to do a flanking hit before I did my move.]

[shraeye]

[So how does flank work again? I thought you were at AB12, so that AD14 is providing it for you...On a related note, I still have no idea which marker is which character.  My guesses AB12=Hrok, AD14=Merik, AE16=Bel, AG14=Veonis, I'm the other one]

[Kuildeous]

[So how does flank work again? I thought you were at AB12, so that AD14 is providing it for you...On a related note, I still have no idea which marker is which character.  My guesses AB12=Hrok, AD14=Merik, AE16=Bel, AG14=Veonis, I'm the other one]

I think Jorbles was at AD14, but he's shifted to a new opponent, which is fine. I can attack this thing without flank, but +2 to hit is a nice bonus.

Of course, the downside to you taking flank is that it has an aura effect that will damage both of us if we can't take it down this round.

[shraeye]

Derath shifts to AE13, and casts Mantle of the Infidel on the baby buggsie.

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8
Rolled 1d6+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

[Kuildeous]

I should have looked at HPs first. Looks like we won't take it down this round. Hopefully, we can put some hurt on it. Will debate using an Action Point after the results of this roll.

Move: Shift to AC13
Standard: Twin Attack

Battleaxe 1d20+8 : 8 + 8, total 16
Damage 1d10+1 : 9 + 1, total 10
Handaxe 1d20+8 : 1 + 8, total 9
Damage 1d6+1 : 3 + 1, total 4
Quarry damage 1d6 : 2, total 2

Minor: Pending

[Kuildeous]

I believe it's bloodied, at least, but I don't think I can finish it off if I spend an Action Point. Better save that for the big bugs.

Minor: Stone's Endurance.

I think it's the baby's turn.

[WinterSpartan]

[So how does flank work again? I thought you were at AB12, so that AD14 is providing it for you...On a related note, I still have no idea which marker is which character.  My guesses AB12=Hrok, AD14=Merik, AE16=Bel, AG14=Veonis, I'm the other one]

[You're completely correct. Sorry for the lack of clarity - the "put letters on them" plan is not really proving possible with my map program. I could recreate the tokens with letters already on them, but I've been too lazy to do that...]

[WinterSpartan]

The young kruthik, wounded by Hroksull's axe, retreats from its attackers (shifting between Derath and Merik) and snaps at Merik again.

Rolled 1d20+5 : 20 + 5, total 25

Rolled 1d8+2 : 4 + 2, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

[And I prove that I'm just as good at critting as Jorbles is...]

Its claws find a weak spot, as Merik begins to stumble.

[Veonis and Beleren are up. I've already applied the poison damage you take at the starts of your turns; you're still slowed. Don't forget to roll the saving throw at the end of your turns!]

[Kuildeous]

[You're completely correct. Sorry for the lack of clarity - the "put letters on them" plan is not really proving possible with my map program. I could recreate the tokens with letters already on them, but I've been too lazy to do that...]

If it's easier to use letters and numbers on a Google Docs, I wouldn't mind. Might even be easier for me. But then I'm the kind of guy who sits down at a D&D table and uses a die to represent my character.

[Gveoniz]

[I cannot save both of you in one turn, I shall use it on Merik first to prevent him from dying during the Kruthik Adults' turn.]

Veonis steps back away from the enemies and try to regain some concentration as he felt the poison hurting him. He then sing a war song to hopefully help Merik.

Move: Move to AH14
Minor: Majestic word on Merik.
Standard: Second wind

save throw

Rolled 1d20 : 17, total 17

[Gveoniz]

shift Merik to AE15

[Jorbles]

[What's majestic word do?]

Merik shouts at Beleren to look out as he is shifted to the side.

[Gveoniz]

It let target spent 1 healing surge(healing some of his health), and also heal 4 additional hp. Target may shift a square.

[Jorbles]

[Excellent.]

I spend a surge.

[WinterSpartan]

[Already updated the healing on the first post  ]

[Grujah]

I should probably heal so that I don't die next turn.

I use a Second Wind (+7 hp, defenses up).
Move to AG16.

I was thinking about using my Actionpoint and/or Daily spell, but I think this might not be the best moment.

[WinterSpartan]

Rolling your saving throw:

Rolled 1d20 : 14, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

Toxic spike recharge rolls...

Y13:

Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5

AB16:

Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

[Ouch. Looks like they'll both be launching spikes again.]

Even as both Beleren and Veonis shake off the poison, the adult kruthiks reposition themselves and let loose another volley of spikes.

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 9 + 7, total 16

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 13 + 7, total 20

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

Rolled 1d8+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 8 + 7, total 15

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[WinterSpartan]

Once more, the rightmost (now topmost) kruthik finds its mark on both targets, while the other fails to make any impression whatsoever. Hroksull and Merik are both poisoned. (Also, the two of you and Derath are now up. Don't forget about action points and daily powers - it's late in the day, so you may not have another chance to use them before they recharge, and you might need them here anyway.)

[Jorbles]

[Do minor actions need to be done before the standard action or can I do them in any order?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Any order is fine. The only exception is if you charge, that ends your turn (not that I think that's likely to come up.)

Also, I'm on vacation this weekend. Internet access will be spotty to nonexistent.]

[Jorbles]

[Okay, I'm going to hold my move to try and mark one of the Adult Kruthiks after this little one (hopefully falls) if you guys want to go first.]

[Kuildeous]

Ah, didn’t realize we were at the end of the day. If we are planning on assaulting the goblins in the morning anyway, then let’s lay on the hurt.

Take 5 Ongoing damage (save forthcoming)

Move: Shift to AD13
Standard: Evasive Strike on AE14

attack 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16
damage 2d10+5 : 7, 9 + 5, total 21
quarry 1d6 : 3, total 3

What happens with this Kruthik determines what I do next. I will be spending an action point.

[Kuildeous]

Okay, with that roll, I’m pretty confident that the young one is killed (and wasted my quarry, but I didn’t want to risk leaving it with just a couple of hit points).

Continue my encounter power by shifting 3 to AB13.

Minor: Quarry the Kruthik on AA14.

Action Point!
Activate Hunter’s Bear Trap on AA14.

Attack 1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25
Damage 2d10+5 : 7, 5 + 5, total 17

Target is slowed. If I hit, it takes 5 ongoing. If I miss, I still do half damage.

Saving Throw

Rolled 1d20 : 4, total 4

[Grujah]

Ah, didn’t realize we were at the end of the day. If we are planning on assaulting the goblins in the morning anyway, then let’s lay on the hurt.

Yeah, WS said that sun is going down as we reached the castle.

[WinterSpartan]

Ah, didn’t realize we were at the end of the day. If we are planning on assaulting the goblins in the morning anyway, then let’s lay on the hurt.

Yeah, WS said that sun is going down as we reached the castle.

Yup; you spent a good chunk of the morning talking to the councilor and interrogating the goblin, and (including the panther incident) it took the rest of the day to travel here. The good news is that it took the goblins a long time to travel here as well, and you probably gained on them, so they haven't been back for long.

Hroksull cuts down the young kruthik and whirls to attack the adult.

Now that the kruthik young are dead, you can all go at any time. So everyone but Hroksull is up now.

[Grujah]

Bel doesn't really want to get near these monsters anymore, so he'll attack from safer distance.
He summons his smug yet trusty dragonling Ashe to fry the giant bugs.
Minor - summon Ashe.
Move - move Ashe to AA16.
Standard - Lightning Blast on AA 15 - Y13.

vs Reflex:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20

If I miss, he still takes half of the damage.
Damage:

Rolled 3d8+7 : 2, 5, 3 + 7, total 17

[Gveoniz]

[Who Should Veonis heal?]

[Grujah]

Merik seems to be in gravest danger, he seem to have taken most damage and is poisoned [actually, will die (or knockout, whatever) from poison if not healed]. As expected, he continues to fail to impress.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis steps a bit closer to the monsters. Then cast a spell to weaken the defense of one of the monsters. As he get near his injured teammate he sings a war song to encourage him not to give up.

Move: Move to AF14.
Minor: Majestic Word on Merik
Standard: Astral Seal on AA14 kruthik.

vs reflex

Rolled 1d20+5 : 2 + 5, total 7

[Jorbles]

[Alright, let's see how this goes.]

Move action: Move to AB15
Standard action: Second Wind, spend a healing surge
Action Point!
Standard action: Sweeping Frostblade

Attack:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

(if hit target is immobilized, save ends)
Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

(1/2 damage on a miss, immobilized until next turn)

Save:

Rolled 1d20 : 7, total 7

[WinterSpartan]

Merik seems to be in gravest danger, he seem to have taken most damage and is poisoned [actually, will die (or knockout, whatever) from poison if not healed]. As expected, he continues to fail to impress.

[A little late now, but I had jumped the gun on giving him his poison damage - he wasn't going to fall unconscious. Oh well.]

[WinterSpartan]

[I believe you still have a minor left to mark with, Jorbles, if you want to. Also Derath is up.]

The party's full fury seems to descend upon the kruthik at once, in vengeance for its venomous attacks. (Or something like that, anyway.)

[Jorbles]

[Oh I will use that mark as I have more life than I thought I would.]

Minor action: mark the kruthik.

[shraeye]

[Oh I will use that mark as I have more life than I thought I would.]

Minor action: mark the kruthik.

[which did you just mark?]

[WinterSpartan]

[I think he only has the range to mark the AA14 kruthik, the one he's standing next to.]

[Jorbles]

[I think he only has the range to mark the AA14 kruthik, the one he's standing next to.]

[Yes.]

[shraeye]

Derath moves past the healthy Kruthik to AC8 and casts Mantle of the Infidel on teh AA14 Kruthik, trying to bring down the foul beast

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14
Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[Spend an action point]
Derath also unleashes a powerful curse on the nearer of the beasts (AE10).  Focusing all his energy on the second attack, Derath calls down the fury of Erathis, nearly collapsing from the effort

[casting the daily power Silent Malediction, action surge gives +3 to attack; however I am dazed until the end of my next turn.  The target is stunned on hit...on miss is instead dazed until the end of my next turn and still suffers half-damage.]

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23
Rolled 2d6+4 : 1, 5 + 4, total 10

[also, I just noticed that enemies that I hit with daily/encounter powers have -2 to hit against me; has that been applied in the past?]

[WinterSpartan]

[also, I just noticed that enemies that I hit with daily/encounter powers have -2 to hit against me; has that been applied in the past?]

[Er, whoops. No, I don't think so. My deepest apologies; I hadn't noticed either.]

AA14 spikes recharge:

Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3

AE10 spikes recharge:

Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

Unable to move, the kruthik snaps at Merik. The other does naught but reel from the effects of Derath's spell.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 15 + 8, total 23

Rolled 1d10+3 : 8 + 3, total 11

Save vs. damage and slow:

Rolled 1d20 : 2, total 2

Save vs. stunned:

Rolled 1d20 : 15, total 15

[WinterSpartan]

Merik's ill luck continues, though the kruthik continues to bleed from the wounds Hroksull has inflicted. The other kruthik shakes off the effects of Derath's spell, and looks to be preparing to launch another set of the deadly barbs...

[Grujah]

I really want to finish up that near dead bug. So,

Minor to maintain effect of Lighting Breath.
Standard to summon giant icy hammers with which I try to splat! the bloodied bug (AA14):
vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Rolled 1d8+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

And, if it is still alive, I will waste an action point to try that again:
vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

Rolled 1d8+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

[Gveoniz]

Satire of Fortune on the AE11 kruthik
vs Will

Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16

damage

Rolled 2d8+4 : 3, 4 + 4, total 11

[Gveoniz]

Next time you miss it, you can roll the attack dice again.

[WinterSpartan]

The kruthik's obviously in bad shape, but not quite dead yet... [Did you want to push him with the effect of that, Grujah?]

[Grujah]

Dont think so.

[Grujah]

Satire of Fortune on the AE11 kruthik

There is nobody on AE11

[Gveoniz]

Satire of Fortune on the AE11 kruthik

There is nobody on AE11

I meant AE10

[Kuildeous]

Still poisoned. That's unfortunate. However, it looks like I can drop this one adult kruthik with one hit and then can lick my wounds next round.

Let's use probability against it.

Standard: Twin Strike
Move: None
Minor: Quarry the other kruthik if this one drops

Battleaxe 1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15
Damage 1d10+1 : 2 + 1, total 3
Hand axe 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19
Damage 1d6+1 : 4 + 1, total 5
Quarry 1d6 : 5, total 5

And my save:

Rolled 1d20 : 13, total 13

[Kuildeous]

Actually, if the battle axe kills it, I chuck the hand axe at the other adult and use my move action to draw another axe.

But I didn't specify that in my contingency before I rolled, so if you do not wish to accept that, then I understand.

[WinterSpartan]

The battleaxe missed anyway, unless there's something I'm not seeing? (I'm fine with you throwing the hand axe if that's the case - at a "real table", that would've happened).

[Jorbles]

[At the moment there's little I can do that won't get me killed almost immediately. Sorry guys. Hopefully I save otherwise I could just die to the poison.]

Move: Move to AE15
Standard action: Full defense

Save:

Rolled 1d20 : 19, total 19

[Kuildeous]

Oops, I was thinking the adults had AC 15, so yeah just the hand axe.

[WinterSpartan]

[Shraeye? Understand that you're busy, just wanted to bump this in case you'd missed that you were up.]

[shraeye]

[this is queued up as my afternoon distraction from work...sorry all]

[shraeye]

[I am dazed, right?  does that mean I can take no actions?]

[WinterSpartan]

[No - it means that you get only your Standard action. Stunned means you can take no actions (and if you were stunned, I wouldn't have been waiting on you  )]

[shraeye]

Still reeling from his last effort, Derath conjures up Visions of Blood (blasts come from where I'm standing, yeah?), painting imminent doom in the mind of the Kruthik.

Attack:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21
Rolled 1d6+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

The kruthik launches yet another wave of its spikes into the air. Heroes take heart - this monster has not hit either time it previously tried. Perhaps the trend will continue?

Rolled 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

Or perhaps not. As Derath and Veonis succumb to the poison, each and every member of the party is now wounded. Can the party slay the beast before it strikes again? Let's find out...

[Party's up. I've already applied the poison damage to Derath and Veonis for this round. Don't forget to roll the saving throw at the end of your turns, you two.]

[Gveoniz]

[More than 30 point to go. I would suggest the most damaging attacker go first to use my reroll.]

[Jorbles]

[More than 30 point to go. I would suggest the most damaging attacker go first to use my reroll.]

[I support this plan.]

[Kuildeous]

[I suspect that means the striker. I'll gladly take it.]

Rivulets of sweat and blood poured down Hroksull's face. Nausea threatened to incapacitate him, and the pain threatened to drop him. His legs protested any further movement, but Hroksull ignored their pleas. If he collapsed now, he knew he would never get back up.

Wiping the sweat from his eyes with his forearm, Hroksull turned his attention to the sole kruthik on the ridge. His first step was a little wobbly, but it inspired subsequent steps, galvanizing them into action. The momentum carried him up the ridge, pushing the two blades toward the creature.

Minor: Looks like I don't need it, but quarry the kruthik anyway.
Move: Regular move. I could move to its SE, E, NE, N, or NW without provoking an opportunity attack if anyone wants to flank. Anyone willing to do that to ensure better chances of hitting?
Standard: If I can get a flanking partner, then Ready. If no one says he can do so, then it'll be a Twin Strike. Will hold off on rolling for a bit.

[Grujah]

I will move to AF11, in that case. I have the most HP and also have +2 to AC, if that matters at all, so I am probably the best to do so.

Move to AF11.
I will hold my attack. After Hroskull strikes, I will use Stormwalk.

[Kuildeous]

Move: AD9 to flank.
Standard: Twin Strike

Battleaxe 1d20+8 : 19 + 8, total 27
Damage 1d10+1 : 4 + 1, total 5
Hand axe 1d20+8 : 3 + 8, total 11
Damage 1d6+1 : 3 + 1, total 4
Quarry 1d6 : 2, total 2

Let's see if I need to reroll an attack (and obviously the accompanying damage roll since that'd be cheating). It might be better to save that reroll for Bel's 1d8+7.

[Kuildeous]

Well, that was less than inspiring. I'm not going to blow the reroll on 1d6+1 damage. Shotgun approach isn't working so well here.

But I got him 7 points down at least.

[Grujah]

It must be used on first attack to miss, you cannot save it for my spell, so, I advise you to use it.

[Kuildeous]

Oh? Well, crap. Okay then.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 13 + 8, total 21
damage 1d6+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

C'mon 7 damage!

[Grujah]

Use Stormwalk.

I have combat advantage.
vs Fort. He has -1 to defenses, so I need to hit 13.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14

damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

after the attack, I SHIFT. I though about going back, but I will shift WEST, so that somebody can flank again.

[WinterSpartan]

The foul creature staggers, though it is not yet dead. Will it survive to strike again? Or will Veonis, Derath, and Merik be able to bring it down?

[Map update later tonight; pressed for time at the moment. Kuildeous, you forgot your saving throw.]

Save vs. Poison and slow:

Rolled 1d20 : 3, total 3

[Grujah]

So bad that this will be such a short campaign.
We all gather around the bug, fail to kill it, it does AoE damage thing, kills us all.

 

[Jorbles]

[I and maybe Derath will drop if we end our turn next to it. If Veonis can hit it we can run in and try to get the last hit on it so we don't have to drop to its end of turn damage. (that assumes Veonis saves)]

[WinterSpartan]

Just noticed: Hroksull was slowed, so he couldn't get to AD9, only to AD11. The good news is that the lack of flanking doesn't change any of his rolls. In light of this, where does Beleren want to be?

[Grujah]

Same.

[Gveoniz]

[I have one more attack than can help with other's attack, one of you can roll your d20 twice, if I hit]

The poison bites the body and will of Veonis, the kruthik seems a lot further away than before, that he can no longer reach it with his sword. Veonis took out his bow, which he haven't used in a long time, and aim at the kruthik.

Drop the sword.
Minor: Draw long bow
Load arrow
standard: prophesied strike at the reminding kruthik.
Vs AC

Rolled 1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15

Damage

Rolled 1d10+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[Gveoniz]

Rolled 1d20 : 9, total 9

[Grujah]

Dude, action point!

[Grujah]

No, wait, you've actually missed?

Thats no good. You can reroll, its only on hit (if that was your last post). Still, action point!

[Gveoniz]

No, wait, you've actually missed?

Thats no good. You can reroll, its only on hit (if that was your last post). Still, action point!

Yes, that is on hit.

action point!

Do that mean I can attack again?

Misdirected Mark on that monster
vs reflex

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[If I shot the arrow without a power It is 1d20+1 that does 1d10-1 damage]

[Gveoniz]

[still don't hit. ]

move to AF16

[WinterSpartan]

[Ouch... missed by 1 with the arrow!]

[shraeye]

[uh, so where do we stand?]

[WinterSpartan]

[You and Merik are up. You need to deal 10-15 more damage between the two of you to kill it; otherwise some people are going to go unconscious. Possibly several people.]

[shraeye]

[is using healing surges possible?]

[Grujah]

Yes. Veonis could have winded us too.

But Bel urges you just to kill him, otherwise he'll down 2-3 of us easily.

[Grujah]

And wait for Merik to act first, so that bug still has minus to defenses.

[shraeye]

[yes, i was planning to wait until after Merik.  Do I have to spend any actions using healing surges?]

[Grujah]

[I believe yes. That's why non of us healed. You can also use Second Wind if you didn't already]

[Gveoniz]

[There is a encounter power that everyone have called "Second wind" (written in your character sheet) which let you spent a surge to heal yourself and also get some extra defense. "Second wind" is a standard action.

Veonis (I) have a power that can let you spent a surge freely plus some extra healing, I have ran out of that power now unfortunately.]

[Jorbles]

[I can go in next. I believe I moved to AE15 last turn, but I don't appear to be at that location currently on the board. Can I get confirmation on my starting location?]

[WinterSpartan]

[You're correct, you're in AE15. I missed that.]

[Jorbles]

Alright here I go! There's a good chance you guys will need to patch me up after this!

Move: Move to AF9
Standard: Booming Blade

Attack vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 17 + 9, total 26

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[Jorbles]

[Well that's the most damage I could do. Did I kill it?]

[WinterSpartan]

Merik strikes deeply into the kruthik's hide, then stumbles back, swaying, barely able to stay on his feet. The kruthik, too, is obviously in bad shape; black blood covers the ground. But it isn't dead yet - it still has strength for one final blow. It prepares to strike - but Derath, though nearly fainting from its poison, has the opportunity to kill it first, if he can force his quivering limbs to obey...

[Grujah]

Derath, come to AD10, flank it, and kill the damn thing.

[WinterSpartan]

[Shraeye?]

[shraeye]

[Do I get flanking bonus if using ranged spells? what is the flanking bonus?]

[Grujah]

Flanking is when one opponent is on one side of a creature/character, and the other one on the opposite side.

(must be adjacent)

[WinterSpartan]

[Flanking bonus is just combat advantage (which can be gained multiple ways; this is the simplest). Combat advantage = +2 to hit (well, technically, -2 to their defenses, but it's all the same in the end).]

[shraeye]

[Well let's do that]

Derath struggles to move over to the creature, hoping that Erathis would keep him safe.

"Leave this realm, foul creature"


[moving to AD10, casting Mantle of the Infidel...extra +3 from flanking/debuffs]

Rolled 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21
Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[shraeye]

[saving throw at end of turn; as many healing surges as I can use]

Rolled 1d20 : 11, total 11

[Jorbles]

[I think that did it!]

[shraeye]

[except the saving throw part...what a stingy meanie, that Erathis]

[Jorbles]

[That's over 10, isn't that good for a save?]

[shraeye]

[I acutally have no idea]

[Jorbles]

[I'm pretty sure anything over a 10 is a save, so you probably saved.]

[shraeye]

[I take it back, Erathis!!]

[WinterSpartan]

The kruthik falls dead to the ground. There is not much rejoicing in this victory - each member of the party is wounded and lightheaded from the poison, with especially Merik and Veonis barely able to stand. But the last obstacle to reaching the ruins of Rivenroar has been defeated.

The massive, crumbling stone ruins at the foot of the slope (several hundred yards below) glow in the light of the sun, which is low on the horizon. There are no obvious signs of hobgoblin patrols, but none of you have really looked around yet.

[On a rules note - a saving throw succeeds on a 10+, so 55% chance even without any helpful modifiers.]

[Grujah]

[1 yard = 3 feet, ~ 1 meter, right ?]

I think we should be up and camp somewhere a bit futher away from the ruins, and try to recover. We are all severely wounded, but I think Veonis and Merik should skip guard duty tonight.

//I use my healing surges.

[Jorbles]

[Use as many healing surges as necessary.]

"I don't like the idea of camping where the enemy could catch us off guard, is there a good discrete area where we could setup camp nearby?"

[WinterSpartan]

[Yes, 1 yard ~ 1 meter. Apologies for my strange American units of measurement.]

There's a small patch of trees back up a ways - you could pitch a couple of tents in there, and they wouldn't be visible (especially at night) unless someone were to get close.

[WinterSpartan]

After a few minutes of rest and letting their heads clear, it becomes apparent that it's Beleren and Veonis in the worst shape - the elemental was more stunned than anything, but Beleren lost a lot of blood and Veonis took a strong dose of poison. [In game terms, Merik still has 3 healing surges, but Beleren's out and Veonis is down to one - therefore, they're feeling worse than he is even when everyone's at full hitpoints.]

[Grujah]

I investigate the corpses.

[Jorbles]

"Let's setup camp in those trees," Merik says as he goes to scout them out. He does not mind taking watch tonight.

[Also Merik switches to Fire mode. He's getting ready for an assumed combat tomorrow. Plus I think the Fire mode encounter power is more useful.]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull took a long drink of water. Feeling better already, he said, "I can keep watch in blackest of night. Just wake me up when it's time. Tell me who to wake up for morning watch." Softly whistling a jaunty tune, he propped himself against a tree and cleaned his weapons.

[shraeye]

"Mornings are more my pace.  I'll follow Hroksull."

[WinterSpartan]

I investigate the corpses.

The bodies are strange, almost alien. They have many insectoid characteristics (six legs, an exoskeleton) - but no insect should be this large. Their flesh beneath the armored carapace is scaly. Beleren turns away in revulsion (or perhaps he's just still faint from the battle).

[Jorbles]

Merik picks a vantage point and offers to take first watch. He peers around keenly for possible avenues of attack and settles into a comfortable position.

[WinterSpartan]

Merik's watch passes peacefully - as do Hroksull's and Derath's. All occasionally observe some lights flickering in the ruins of Castle Rivenroar, but nothing more than that - nothing ever approaches their secluded campsite. All are feeling much better when the morning dawns.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull awakened to the dawn's light. It's difficult to go back to sleep after staying up part of the night, but he had grown accustomed to taking naps wherever it's safe. Best to enter a short, light sleep that allowed him to listen to the outside world than to become so exhausted that he collapses into a deep slumber, oblivious to any attacker.

Though he still carried the gashes from last night's attack, he hummed a jaunty, off-pitch tune and searched around for edible plants. No sense digging into his rations. He contemplated the safety of hunting for animals but decided against it. The hobgoblins could have patrols that intersect the game trails. Besides, he glumly thought as he glanced at the rotting carcasses of the kruthiks, there likely wouldn't be any game to hunt.

[Jorbles]

Merik rises feeling a lot better than when he'd gone to sleep. His skin is flecked with sparks of fire now, he is annoyed with the outcome of the fight with the Kruthiks. He shouldn't have been so hurt after it, but his elemental body renews itself quickly. He quickly eats some trail rations, fuel for the day, and his inner fires.

[Gveoniz]

Although Veonis feels a lot better, the experience last day was certainly horrible and he would like to get things done as soon as possible and maybe get back to his normal traveling life. But when it comes to thinking a way to get the job done his mind go blank. Maybe he could talk and deceive their way though, but anyone with more intelligence can figure them out. No lie can last long, as Veonis recall from every single previous experience he had.

[shraeye]

Derath felt stronger, yet somehow tense this morning.  Having hoped to take in the normally calming atmosphere of a sunrise, Derath finds himself strangely unsettled this morning.  He couldn't say whether it was lingering effects from the Kruthiks' poison, the sun rising over the dark ruins of the once proud Castle Rivenroar, or simply the cumulative effect of the last few days.  None of those quite seemed to explain it, but something seemed out of sorts.  Derath feared that it might be brought on not by these external factors, but that some internal conflict was rising up to take hold of his thoughts.

Quickly and quietly, Derath performs his devotions to Erathis, asking for strength of spirit to conquer all of the struggles ahead.

[Jorbles]

Merik runs himself through some sword drills while he waits for everyone to be ready to march.

[Grujah]

I let Ashe out a bit to spread the wings, though I am ready to go.

[WinterSpartan]

The party cautiously makes their way down towards the ruins, weapons drawn. The castle was apparently destroyed in a siege long ago; the shattered walls and towers make that plain. At first, there is no sign of any inhabitants. But searching in the corner where the lights appeared the previous night, the party stumbles across (fortunately not stumbling DOWN) a yawning hole in the ground - a set of stone steps that lead down into darkness. A faint glow is visible from far below.

[Grujah]

Hmm.. maybe we could make a diplomatic move? Like, pretend that we want to pick up/pay for the hostages, or to join them as recruits or something?

[shraeye]

"I am uninterested in feigning allegiance to the hobgoblins.  But we could offer to pay for the prisoners and perhaps even negotiate a reasonable price."

[Gveoniz]

"I have considered that, but why would they trust random humans wandering into their base?" said Veonis.

[Can Veonis see what is in the hole? as I recall he have low-light vision]

[Jorbles]

"It would be a shame to lose the advantage of surprise to negotiate with those who are not known for their desire to negotiate. Or to negotiate fairly."

[Grujah]

[Do my spells have material/somatic components? Can I cast anything (like, breath attacks) hand-tied?]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull wrinkled his nose at the proposition. He was not accustomed to such underhandedness. He had heard tales of such ploys, but they were often in regards to villains. Still, he was in a new world with people who knew the ways of other tribes better than he.

Awkwardly, he said, "If it gets us closer to them, then okay." The way that he spoke belied his discomfort with the notion.

"But we should not buy the prisoners. That just encourages them to kidnap more people but with nicer weapons. They need to be stopped."

[Jorbles]

"If we had some leverage they'd probably be more inclined to negotiate, but we have little that they want. I'd suggest we try to get an advantage and then we can negotiate with them from a position of power."

[Grujah]

Maybe we could just snatch the main guy?

[Grujah]

[Wait, we are all full on surges?. Wow]

[Jorbles]

[Yeah, we had naps.  ]

[WinterSpartan]

[Can Veonis see what is in the hole? as I recall he have low-light vision]

[The angle's no good. You'd have to go down the stairs to see much. All that's visible is the beginning of a stone tunnel.]

[Jorbles]

"Watch for traps. Goblins love traps."

[WinterSpartan]

(Who's going in first? How are you going in - sneaking, attacking the first thing you say, calling out greetings?)

[Kuildeous]

[Is it reasonable to assume that the first two people can see what's ahead when forced to walk single file? If so, then Hroksull could take second since he  has a good Perception. Probably should have someone with high defenses be in the lead. If only the lead person can see what's going on, then Hroksull would volunteer to go first. Since there may be traps or ambushes, this may be more important than having armor in the front.

As for method, I don't recall seeing anyone with Stealth. Five people rolling with such low scores almost guarantees at least one failure. Can't really think of a way to talk to them…well, not without sacrificing the integrity of being heroes, which Hroksull is not thrilled with.]

[Jorbles]

[Do bards have rogue skills still or are we essentially without stealth characters?]

[Kuildeous]

[We are pretty much without stealth. I think Hroksull has the highest, and that's based on natural Dex. So, Hroksull is content with skulking about, but he's not going to wander too far from the group since he's not likely to evade notice for long.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Is it reasonable to assume that the first two people can see what's ahead when forced to walk single file? If so, then Hroksull could take second since he  has a good Perception. Probably should have someone with high defenses be in the lead. If only the lead person can see what's going on, then Hroksull would volunteer to go first. Since there may be traps or ambushes, this may be more important than having armor in the front.

As for method, I don't recall seeing anyone with Stealth. Five people rolling with such low scores almost guarantees at least one failure. Can't really think of a way to talk to them…well, not without sacrificing the integrity of being heroes, which Hroksull is not thrilled with.]

[The passage is wide enough for two to walk side-by-side. Sounds like you're planning to charge in - I'll implement that within the next few days unless someone objects.]

[Jorbles]

[Me and Hroskull can take lead if we think it's best to just go tanky, but there is a very good chance I'll fail any stealth roles I make.]

[Gveoniz]

[Do bards have rogue skills still or are we essentially without stealth characters?]

[Veonis(the bard)'s rogue skill is pretty poor mainly due to his bad dexterity]

[What about the rest of us? shall we all go in or wait for a while?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Hearing no further objections - and realizing that Hroksull, at +1, is the stealthiest member of the party...]

The silence is broken by a large shrug from Hroksull. "Enough talk. Time to kill goblins and save people."

Moving quickly but carefully, he heads down the stairs. Merik draws his sword and heads down right beside him, with the rest of the party forming up behind. The merry crackling flames of the excited genasi's hair reveal a dank tunnel that opens into a larger chamber, with several bored-looking guards - two hobgoblins with flails and two goblins with crossbows. Braziers flank double doors on the far (north) wall. There are faint grooves under them. At the sight of the party, they cry out in alarm and ready their weapons.

Initiative:

Hobgoblin Soldiers:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

Goblin Sharpshooters:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 17 + 5, total 22

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 3 + 3, total 6

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 10 + 1, total 11

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 7 + 1, total 8

Derath:

Rolled 1d20 : 20, total 20

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20-1 : 18 - 1, total 17

Knowledge, Hobgoblin Soldiers:

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 9 + 9, total 18

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20 : 19, total 19

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 6 + 3, total 9

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Knowledge, Goblin Sharpshooters:

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 2 + 9, total 11

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20 : 9, total 9

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 18 + 3, total 21

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

[WinterSpartan]

The goblins shove open the large doors behind them, and the braziers slowly start to move forward with the grinding of ancient machinery. They then level their crossbows and open fire at Merik and Hroksull, who are in the lead.

Vs. Merik:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 17 + 9, total 26

Rolled 2d6+4 : 4, 3 + 4, total 11

Vs. Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 18 + 9, total 27

Rolled 2d6+4 : 5, 2 + 4, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

Their aim is true and their little bolts are surprisingly painful. But the hobgoblins have been slow to react - Veonis and Derath are beginning to move.

(You two are up. You can freely move or attack through one another.)



Hobgoblin Soldiers
AC 20, Fort 18, Reflex 16, Will 16
These well-trained hobgoblins fight even better in formation - +2 AC when adjacent to an ally.

Goblin Sharpshooters
AC 16, Fort 12, Reflex 14, Will 11
Goblin sharpshooters prefer to hit and run, and will try to avoid a prolonged melee.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis rushes forwards to the left of the goblins and quickly attacked with his magic.

Move: Move to H7
Standard: Misdirect mark on the Hobgoblin Soldiers on G5 (Marking it by Merik)

Vs reflex

Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[shraeye]

[what does it mean to Mark through Merik?]

[Gveoniz]

[From the character sheet :
"... the target is marked by an ally within 5 squares of you until the end of your next turn."
If I understand that power correctly, that goblin have -2 attack penalty if he don't attack Merik.]

[shraeye]

"Pray that Erathis judges you kindly!"

Hoping to take advantage of his jump on the footsoldiers, Derath quickly casts Whispers of Defeat. [each creature it hits has an additional -2 on attacks against me.]

First is G5, second is G4

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21
Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblins advance, shoulder to shoulder. The one who believes he was challenged by Merik accepts the challenge, and issues one of his own; the other sees Veonis alone and strikes.

I5:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

Rolled 1d10+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

H6:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24

Rolled 1d10+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

Merik defends himself well, and the hobgoblin grunts angrily at his failures (and at the psychic pain of defeat, thanks to Derath's spell). Veonis, though, finds his back against the wall, with no alternative but to fight the hobgoblin attacking him directly (that is, he's marked and slowed - you can attack someone else, but at -2 to hit).

Merik, Hroksull, and Beleren's turns.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull crouched and launched himself between the hobgoblin and Merik, narrowly dodging the beast's weapon. Now that he was free from the confines of the hallway, Hroksull focused his attention on the exposed flank of the other hobgoblin.

Minor: Stone's Endurance.
Standard: Evasive Strike. Shift to H5. Strike at H6.

Attack 1d20+8 : 15 + 8, total 23
Damage 2d10+5 : 2, 9 + 5, total 16

Move:
If H6 is dropped, shift to H6.
Otherwise, Hunter Quarry on I5.

[Jorbles]

[Oo, that's some nice damage. Can I get a damage report before I make my move? I want to see if it's bloodied.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Oo, that's some nice damage. Can I get a damage report before I make my move? I want to see if it's bloodied.]

[It is not - the other one had taken 21 damage and is not bloodied, so the 16 damage on this one (while impressive) doesn't bloody it.]

[Grujah]

Minor: Summon Ashe
Move: Move him to Hroksull's square
Use Buring Spray I4-G6

vs Ref
I5

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

H6

Rolled 1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

Damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

[Jorbles]

[Man everything is so bulky in this world. I'm so used to playing Dungeon World where everything is fragile. I'll try and remove their AC buffs by seperating them.]

Standard: Luring Strike, if I hit move to I4 and shift hobgoblin into J4, after hit shift to I5. If I miss, shift to I4 after swinging.
Attack vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

Damage:

Rolled 1d8 : 3, total 3

[If I am hit by either of the hobgoblins I'd like to use Firepulse.]

[WinterSpartan]

As the goblins finish reloading their crossbows, the braziers grind forwards in their tracks and a sudden spout of flame jets between them. Nobody is in their path, but the sight is at least impressive.

Then the crossbows fire.

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 1 + 9, total 10

Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 19 + 9, total 28

Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis cries out as a bolt slams into his side. Hroksull reacts more swiftly and watches the missile intended for him fly harmless past into the stone wall.

Veonis and Derath are up.

[Jorbles]

[Does the Hobgoblins current AC on the front page still take into account their bonus?]

[Gveoniz]

Minor: Majestic word on Veonis himself
Standard: Guiding strike on H6 (penalize AC)

Vs AC (flanking +2)

Rolled 1d20+9 : 14 + 9, total 23

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

[Does the Hobgoblins current AC on the front page still take into account their bonus?]

[Actually, the listed AC of 20 never included their bonus - it was only shown below. Apologies for the confusion.]

[Kuildeous]

Just to get an idea of how the braziers work, it looks like they immolated anything that was standing in Rows C and D? Or just D?

[WinterSpartan]

Both rows C and D looked like extremely uncomfortable places to be standing.

[WinterSpartan]

Bump for shraeye/Derath.

[shraeye]

[sorry; ultra-busy week; will look at tomorrow]

[shraeye]

Turning his attention to the shooters in the back, Derath casts Vangard's Lightning at B7

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20
Rolled 1d6+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

[WinterSpartan]

As Derath casts his spell, he leaves himself open to a strike from the hobgoblin:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24

Rolled 1d10+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

(This is an opportunity attack; he gets this for free since you used an Area or Ranged attack {area in this case} while standing next to him. All monsters and players can do this.)

The hobgoblin strikes again, then shifts towards his compatriot.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 10 + 7, total 17

Rolled 1d10+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

His companion attacks Hroksull, then moves to stand back-to-back with the first hobgoblin. "Cursed adventurers! You can't stop the goblins!"

Rolled 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

Rolled 1d10+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[WinterSpartan]

Derath stumbles to one knee under the powerful blows. But the rest of the party is attacking now...

(Beleren, Merik, and Hroksull are up.)

[Grujah]

Can I cast area spell (Burning Spray) in area K5 - I7 ?

Is Merik fire-y?

[Jorbles]

I sure am!

[WinterSpartan]

Can I cast area spell (Burning Spray) in area K5 - I7 ?

Is Merik fire-y?

Yes and yes!

[Grujah]

I don't like them goblins.

I cast burning spray in area K5 - I7.

vs J5 gobo's Ref:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

vs I6 gobo's Ref:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

And I really don't like em goblins. If both of them are still alive, I will again cast the same spell.

vs J5 gobo's Ref:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

vs I6 gobo's Ref:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

[Grujah]

[Using the action point, of course.]

[WinterSpartan]

Those are not the attack rolls you were looking for...

Also, even though Merik's in fire mode, he's only fire-resistant, not fire-immune. A pair of attack rolls on him:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

[Kuildeous]

((I'll wait until Veonis goes before making my move. On the one hand, I could run up and menace the goblin archers, but I might need to stay down here if a hobgoblin needs my attention. Although if Veonis has something he'd like to do to the goblins, then I can stay in melee with them.))

[Gveoniz]

[I think Veonis's turn have just passed (along with Derath's) before the hobgoblin.]

(Beleren, Veonis, and Hroksull are up.)

[Should it be Beleren, Merik and Hroksull?]

[Kuildeous]

((Ah, I see. Well, in any case, I would be glad to go at the very last unless someone really wants to wait and see.))

[Jorbles]

Minor action: Sigil of Shielding on Hobgoblin at J5.
Standard action: Second Wind
Move action: Shift to H4

Merik takes a deep breath and takes on a defensive posture. Shifting away from one of the wounded hobgoblins while attempting to draw it after him with a minor spell.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull wiped sweat from his brow with the forearm not smeared with blood. These hobgoblins were formidable foes, and they fought well together. He shot a brief glance at the goblins safe behind the braziers. Something must be done.

Minor: Quarry nearest hobgoblin
Standard: Twin Strike

Battleaxe 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14
Damage 1d10+1 : 8 + 1, total 9
Handaxe 1d20+6 : 5 + 6, total 11
Damage 1d6+1 : 3 + 1, total 4
Quarry 1d6 : 2, total 2

My move action depends on what happens to this hobgoblin.

[Kuildeous]

Oh, for crying out loud! Action point to do the same.

Battleaxe 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16
Damage 1d10+1 : 9 + 1, total 10
Handaxe 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8
Damage 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2
Quarry 1d6 : 6, total 6

Again, my move action depends on what happens to this hobgoblin.

[Kuildeous]

Move action to cry?


I am willing to shift to a position to help give someone flank. Any suggestions?

[WinterSpartan]

[I think Veonis's turn have just passed (along with Derath's) before the hobgoblin.]

(Beleren, Veonis, and Hroksull are up.)

[Should it be Beleren, Merik and Hroksull?]

[Whoops. It should.]

[Jorbles]

Move action to cry?


I am willing to shift to a position to help give someone flank. Any suggestions?

[I5? Then the hobgoblin I marked would have to move away from his ally to strike at me.]

[Kuildeous]

Sounds good. Muscle my way into I5 for my move action.

[WinterSpartan]

The braziers grind forward and spout flame once again, while the goblin sharpshooters to reload, take aim, and unleash another volley.

B5 to Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 16 + 9, total 25

Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

B7 to Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 14 + 9, total 23

Rolled 1d6+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

By ill luck or strange sorcery, the goblins seem as unable to miss as Hroksull is unable to hit (seriously, four consecutive misses, ranger?). Nearly all of the combatants in the center of the room are showing wounds from this knock-down brawl.

Veonis and Derath are up.

[Gveoniz]

Who should Veonis heal(with additional shifting) first? Derath?

Move: shift to I7
Standard: Guiding Strike (penalize AC) on I7

Vs AC (flanking +2) (hobgoblin's AC is already lowered by 2)

Rolled 1d20+9 : 3 + 9, total 12

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Standard(Action point): Second Wind

[Still have a minor action left for healing.]

[shraeye]

[I'm feeling the pain, and I'm marked, so possibly will take more pain soon?]

[also, i was looking at the 17-hit that a goblin landed on me; I thought both soldiers had -2 to attack on me from #640 encounter power]

[shraeye]

Regardless, J5 goblin gets a face full of Mantle of the Infidel [he's marked by Merik, so on-hit his penalty on attack rolls goes to -4]

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17
Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[Gveoniz]

Veonis would use majestic word on Derath then.

Minor: Majestic word on Derath.

[Derath can shift one square for free. I will leave let you decide how to use it.]

[shraeye]

Regardless, J5 goblin gets a face full of Mantle of the Infidel [he's marked by Merik, so on-hit his penalty on attack rolls goes to -4]

This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17
Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

possibly a flanking bonus can be applied?

No shift.

[WinterSpartan]

[also, i was looking at the 17-hit that a goblin landed on me; I thought both soldiers had -2 to attack on me from #640 encounter power]

[That lasted until the end of your next turn; the 17-hit was immediately after the end of your next turn when the power had worn off. If I'd rolled 17 on the opportunity attack you're right, it would've missed.]

[WinterSpartan]

As Merik and Hroksull form a more solid defense, the hobgoblins shift their position as well and keep up the assault.

I4 to Merik:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 8 + 7, total 15

Rolled 1d10+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

H5 to Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 8 + 7, total 15

Rolled 1d10+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[WinterSpartan]

Merik's defense holds, but Hroksull is increasingly battered. The hobgoblins also look to be in poor shape, but determined to fight to their last breath. "If we fall, sound the alarm!" one bellows to the goblins. "Stop the intruders here!"

Merik, Hroksull, and Beleren are up.

[Kuildeous]

Looks like Hroksull may need to take a second wind. I could shift to either H6 or J4 to provide flank.

Alternatively, I could try to do a hit and run to drop one and flee from the other, but I won't get too far while slowed. Enough out of shift range.

I'll hold my action until the end unless you want me to be a flanker.

[Jorbles]

Minor action: Mark Hobgoblin at I4
Move Action: Shift to G5
Standard Action: Booming Blade at hobgoblin at H5

Merik shouts "Get those archers!"

Vs AC

Rolled 1d20+9 : 3 + 9, total 12

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull winced as the hobgoblin fell to someone else's blow. That should have been his, but he felt like he had angered Kord somehow. Spitting a glob of blood, Hroksull maneuvered around the other hobgoblin, keeping him at a distance with his axes. He only needed a moment...just a moment.

Move: Shift to J4
Standard: Second Wind

((I'm willing to shift to another spot, but I figured this allowed me to give the greatest opportunity for flanking. Speak up now if you want me to change my move.))

[Jorbles]

With the crack of Merik's blow, the hobgoblin falls to the floor dead, his neck broken.

Did their AC drop? I won't contest it, but I thought I'd missed.

[WinterSpartan]

Oh, whoops - you're completely right, I misread that 12 as a 22. At least I didn't update the map yet.

(Kuildeous, if you want to change your actions that's fine; we're also still waiting on Beleren.)

[Grujah]

Frostbind on B5 gobo:

vs Fort (12)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20

if hit, -2 to ref until my next turn.

Rolled 3d6+7 : 5, 2, 6 + 7, total 20

[Kuildeous]

I'll shift to H4 instead so I can provide flank for the next guy. Still Second Wind, though.

[WinterSpartan]

The braziers reach the end of their track, launch another impressive (and non-battlefield-affecting) jet of flame, grind to a halt, and begin to slowly move back towards the north end of the chamber. Again, the goblins fire (though one is clearly injured by Beleren's spell).

At Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 14 + 9, total 23

Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

At Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 2 + 9, total 11

Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

(As a strategy tip, one of the reasons I think you guys may be having some trouble is that your damage isn't concentrated at all - right now three of the enemies are bloodied and near-dead, but that doesn't slow down their damage output at all. Focusing fire to take them down may be a better idea in future.)

[WinterSpartan]

The only answer Hroksull receives, at least immediately, to his prayer to Kord is another wicked little crossbow bolt in the back. He can't help but reflect on how hunting is easier when your prey doesn't have weapons of its own.



Veonis and Derath are up.

[Gveoniz]

[Do casting Misdirect Mark next to an enemy cause an opportunity attack or have flanking bonus?]

[WinterSpartan]

All Ranged and Area attacks will suffer opportunity attacks if cast next to an enemy. I believe - can't double-check at the moment though - that you'd still get the flanking bonus.

[Gveoniz]

Misdirect mark on H5

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

Rolled 1d8+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

Shift to H6 if it is not dead yet, otherwise move to I5.

[Kuildeous]

(As a strategy tip, one of the reasons I think you guys may be having some trouble is that your damage isn't concentrated at all - right now three of the enemies are bloodied and near-dead, but that doesn't slow down their damage output at all. Focusing fire to take them down may be a better idea in future.)

One downside to PBF. It's more obvious on a tabletop when we are focusing on the same target. I feel like I'm ADHD or something since I check in briefly and then try to come up with a tactic that works for that round. I'll try to pay more attention.

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis's cruel glamor proves the final straw, and the hobgoblin collapses to the floor, a thin trickle of blood running from its mouth.

[shraeye]

Mantle on the Infidel on the I4 soldier.  Boom.

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14
Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblin is unbothered by Derath's attack, but he is clearly mortally wounded. He retains just enough sense to place his back to the wall, and takes a halfhearted swing at Hroksull. "Call the others," he wheezes - the command lacks much force.

This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+5 : 9 + 5, total 14 This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d10-4 : 4 - 4, total 0

[WinterSpartan]

This does put the party in something of a dilemma - what are their priorities?

Beleren, Merik, and Hroksull are up.

[Grujah]

Dragonbreath vs B4 guy.

vs Fort (12):

Rolled 1d20+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

(That was a miss, in case anyone else was waiting on the result.)

[Kuildeous]

Standard: Hit and run on I3.

Attack 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17
Damage 1d10+5 : 7 + 5, total 12
Quarry 1d6 : 2, total 2

Crazed from battle, Hroksull swung wildly at the hobgoblin, hoping for a connect. Using the momentum of the swing to pull away from the hobgoblin, Hroksull turned and ran toward the archers. Uncertain about the floor in the middle of the floor, he vaulted over several of the suspicious-looking flagstones, landing directly next to the battered goblin. Holding his axe menacingly, he snarled in Giant, "Go ahead, little man, run for help. You'll be able to count the number of steps you take on what's left of your fingers."

Move: Move to B5 (which I believe does not provoke), leaping after moving entering F5 (that's the minimum, right?) for as far as I can go, using the better of the two Athletics rolls.

Roll 1 1d20+10 : 3 + 10, total 13
Roll 2 1d20+10 : 14 + 10, total 24

Minor: Quarry goblin at B4.

[Kuildeous]

Bah, forgot to end my flavor text tag. And I'm not going to tamper with my rolls. I'll just pout at such a simple mistake.

[Jorbles]

What position are you trying to end on Kuildeous? I'll charge the Goblin near the door to try and pin it if it's still alive. The other one if it's not.

[Kuildeous]

What position are you trying to end on Kuildeous? I'll charge the Goblin near the door to try and pin it if it's still alive. The other one if it's not.

I'm positioning myself at B5. Since the goblin has a ranged weapon out, this should not provoke an opportunity attack, and I really hope I'm not wrong about that.

I'm avoiding row C, as it looks like the fire blasts will incinerate that row. Otherwise, I would have planted myself squarely in C4 so that the goblin has no place to move and shoot without provoking from me. If you can get to B3, that will nicely pin down that goblin and leave us the other one to worry about. I'm already painting a big target on myself by standing in front of the door.

[Jorbles]

[Alright I'll pin the other one then. I don't think those fireblasts are affecting the C row, but our DM may correct me.]

Merik runs at the unharmed goblin to pin it in the corner.
Move to C6.

He delivers a quick downward blow at the creatures face.

Standard action: Booming Blade
Vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[Kuildeous]

((If the fire blasts won't be moving to incinerate row C, then I do wish to end my move on C4 so that the goblin can't do much of anything without provoking [okay, he could actually smack me in melee I guess]. Based on the flavor text, I interpret it to move to C and D next. If you rule that I have no idea what's happening next, then I will definitely be in B5. Better safe than sorry.))

[Jorbles]

[Also we've got to be careful to not let that last Hobgoblin get away. Whoever is going right before it needs to make sure it's either dead or pinned.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Alright I'll pin the other one then. I don't think those fireblasts are affecting the C row, but our DM may correct me.]

[Consider yourself corrected.] The braziers grind back towards the entrance of the room and, to Merik's surprise, catch him in their most recent gout of flames. His innate fire resistance makes the flames rather ineffective, though. Damage:

Rolled 1d10-5 : 2 - 5, total -3

Crazed from battle, Hroksull swung wildly at the hobgoblin, hoping for a connect. Using the momentum of the swing to pull away from the hobgoblin, Hroksull turned and ran toward the archers. Uncertain about the floor in the middle of the floor, he vaulted over several of the suspicious-looking flagstones, landing directly next to the battered goblin. Holding his axe menacingly, he snarled in Giant, "Go ahead, little man, run for help. You'll be able to count the number of steps you take on what's left of your fingers."

The goblin snarls and spits at Hroksull, before quickly stepping back and firing a bolt at the Goliath's gut.

Rolled 1d20+9 : 20 + 9, total 29

Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

His companion glances over his shoulder, but seeing nowhere to retreat to save the path of the brazier, draws his sword and advances. [Target tbd - if Hroksull's down, this attack is on Merik; if not, it's on Hroksull.]

Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18

Rolled 1d6+2 : 6 + 2, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

The manuever takes Hroksull completely by surprise. He grunts, sways, and crashes backwards to the floor unconscious. Merik, though shocked, still is more than capable of defending himself from the other goblin in melee.

Derath and Veonis are up.

[Jorbles]

[The brazier's heal me 3HP?  ]

[Gveoniz]

[What would happen to Hroksull if he didn't get healed? (or get healed?)]

[WinterSpartan]

[What would happen to Hroksull if he didn't get healed? (or get healed?)]

[On his turn, Hroksull is going to have to roll a save vs. death. Three failures (rolls of 1-9) over the course of one day, and he's dead. If he rolls a natural 20, he can spend a healing surge and wake up. Any other result (10-19) and nothing happens; he remains incapacitated. As a standard action, or once out of combat, someone adjacent can roll a Heal check. A low success will stabilize him and keep him from having to roll more saves; a higher success will allow him to spend a healing surge and regain consciousness.]

[Gveoniz]

[I think there will be an opportunity attack no matter where we try to heal in this situation, right?]

[Kuildeous]

The B3 goblin is still using a ranged attack, so he cannot do opportunity attacks. The B6 goblin does have a melee weapon, though.

At least I was able to slow the goblin down from raising the alarm. Statistically speaking, I should have about 5-6 rounds before I perish. Of course, I say that and will probably roll three 1s in a row.

BTW, I give permission for DM to roll my death saves in the interest of saving time.

[WinterSpartan]

Right - you can pretty safely (for now) heal from, say, C4; but you might be better off finishing off a goblin. Hroksull has a few rounds before he's gone (unless the flames get him to negative bloodied, I guess, in which case he's, er, toast). Actually, maybe I should rule that prone things are safe from the flames due to being too low to the ground... we're going to go with that.

[Kuildeous]

Will the flames actually roast row B? I wouldn't have thought that the goblins would let themselves be trapped in there, but maybe they planned to step through the door before the flames got too close. In that case, I would understand being roasted.

[Gveoniz]

Move: Move to H2 (by moving up to row G before moving back to H)
Standard: Guiding strike at I3
vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[Gveoniz]

[Decrease it's will defense.]

[WinterSpartan]

[I don't wanna.] Veonis runs the hobgoblin through, putting it out of its misery. The tide has begun to turn.

[Since the hobgoblins are all dead, any other party member can go now. Unless he posts otherwise, I'll assume Hroksull's waiting for last and roll his death save when I take the goblins' next actions.]

[Grujah]

Move to I5. Call of Ashe. Storm Walk on B3 Gobo.

vs Fort (12)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 8 + 7, total 15

[WinterSpartan]

[Bump for Merik and Derath.]

[shraeye]

Mantle of the Infidel on B3 (if the soldiers are dead, which is true, yes?).

Rolled 1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7
Rolled 1d6+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[Jorbles]

[Sorry I thought I'd gone already.]

Move: Shift to C5
Minor: Mark goblin at B3.
Standard: Booming Blade on Goblin at B6

Attack vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[If I get meleed I want to use my fire encounter power, WS can roll it if it will speed things up.]

[WinterSpartan]

Death save for Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20 : 5, total 5

The braziers groan back towards the wall, releasing another burst of flames even on the goblins as they return to their original positions:

Rolled 1d10 : 2, total 2

[WinterSpartan]

Wounded and weary, both goblins back away from Merik and turn to run down the hallway [shifting to A4 and A5 respectively, then moving for their standard actions]. One of them feels the crack of Merik's spell as he flees:

Rolled 1d6+3 : 4 + 3, total 7

But the other escapes, calling out an alarm in Goblin as he runs.

[If you have any actions you'd like to take within the space of one round here, feel free - after one round it will be impossible to prevent him from fully sounding the alarm, if it isn't already. You may also wish to take the time to prepare for a potential counterattack, or duck into one of the side chambers.]

Glancing quickly around the room as he considers his options, Merik now notices faded bronze plaques over each of the three doors. The one on the left reads "Von Urstadt", the one on the right "Von Jallach", and over the center door (which the goblin fled through) "Rivenroar".

[WinterSpartan]

The thunder of Merik's blow is not quite enough to finish off the second goblin, either; but it's clearly enough to wound him past the point of recovery. Even if he manages to sound the alarm, he won't be surviving for long.

[Grujah]

Move to C4 - do I see the Gobo? How far away is he from me?

[Jorbles]

[Does it not take the Goblin's some amount of time to open the door on A4-A5? I positioned myself next to it for opportunity attacks.]

[WinterSpartan]

[The door's been open - they opened it at the start of the fight, which triggered the braziers. Sorry about that being unclear...]

The goblin's about 40 to 50 feet down the hallway (within 10 squares).

[Gveoniz]

Initiative order (active parties underlined):

Goblin Sharpshooters
Veonis, Derath, Beleren, Hroksull, Merik

I believe that it is actually my my turn right now? If it is I will wait to see if any one can take down the goblins quick enough.

[Do we know what do the word "Von Urstadt", "Von Jallach" and "Rivenroar" mean? What language are they? (Apparently the castle we are in are called "Castle Rivenroar".)]

[Jorbles]

[I guess I should probably go after them. What's the room look like they've run into? Do I see a bunch of Hobgoblins in it, or does it look mostly empty?]

[Jorbles]

[Oh wait reread a bit, go after the one goblin that's left.]

[Grujah]

Dragonfrost on GObo.

vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17

Rolled 1d8+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

The goblin freezes (quite literally) and falls dead. He won't be sounding the alarm. The other goblin - though mortally wounded - is still retreating down the hallway, though. Can anyone stop him before he summons help?

[Jorbles]

Merik decides to run him down. Raising his sword above his head he rushes the lone goblin.

[Move towards him and then charge.]

vs AC

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20

damage

Rolled 1d8+1 : 7 + 1, total 8

[Jorbles]

Without use of any of his sword magic Merik rushes the Goblin and casually runs him through. His skills aren't all based on his magical training it would appear.

[shraeye]

[so what's the status?  both down? one still running?]

[Jorbles]

[I hope that 8 damage kills a mortally wounded goblin, but we should probably wait for WS to confirm. Someone should probably try and stabilize Kuildeous.]

[Kuildeous]

*spurts blood*

[WinterSpartan]

Sorry about that. Yes, both are dead, someone probably SHOULD stabilize Hroksull, and the names over the doors are the names of ancient noble families in the area.

[Gveoniz]

[Do it mean we are out of combat?]
Veonis move next to Hroksull and try to stablize him.

Heal?

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

[Kuildeous]

*hemorrhage*

[shraeye]

Heal:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23

[Jorbles]

[Now, that's more like it.]

Merik glances around at the room/hallway he's in. Anything noteworthy?

He also checks the body of the goblins for any keys/loot, if he finds nothing he'll return to see how Hroskull is doing and then check the bodies of the hobgoblins.

[WinterSpartan]

The hallway Merik is in is relatively short, and ends at another thick set of double doors (currently closed). The goblins aren't carrying anything of note, and neither are the hobgoblins.

Derath quickly drags Hroksull out of the path of the braziers and bandages his wounds, praying quietly to Erathis. After a few moments Hroksull regains consciousness and opens his eyes.

[We are now well and truly out of combat, yes. Experience in the first post has been updated; including for the Kruthik fight, where I apparently forgot to award it. Feel free to spend as many surges as you would like, with +4 hp from the first one thanks to Veonis.]

[Jorbles]

[Spend one surge to gain 11 HP (7+4).]

In a low voice Merik says "The alarm does not appear to be tripped, but we probably don't have all day. Eventually someone will enter or leave this place or come to check on the guards. Where do you think we should go?"

[Kuildeous]

((Hmm, I'd be 1 HP over if I spend 3 surges. Just wondering if that'd be a good idea. Not sure if there may be a more efficient use of surges later on.

For now, spend 2 surges to gain 18 HP. May spend a third if it seems to be a good idea.

Definitely will need to play with the movement part of the striker in the next fight.))

[shraeye]

[just one surge, +10 and back to full]

[Jorbles]

((Hmm, I'd be 1 HP over if I spend 3 surges. Just wondering if that'd be a good idea. Not sure if there may be a more efficient use of surges later on.

For now, spend 2 surges to gain 18 HP. May spend a third if it seems to be a good idea.

Definitely will need to play with the movement part of the striker in the next fight.))

[If you're only going to waste 1 HP in spending the surge it's probably worth spending.]

[Gveoniz]

[What do Veonis know of those "ancient noble families"?]

History?

Rolled 1d20+6 : 18 + 6, total 24

[WinterSpartan]

The Rivenroar family, whose castle this once was the catacombs of, were wealthy and powerful nobles during the long-ago reign of the Dragon Emperor. But something happened, and the Emperor attacked this castle and destroyed it, scattering or utterly destroying House Rivenroar.

The Von Urstadts' fortune was closely linked to the Rivenroars - they were knights, paladins, and seneschals for them. They seem to have had a falling-out with the Rivenroars before the Emperor did, and descended into obscurity.

When the Von Urstadts fell, the Von Jallachs rose. Veonis doesn't remember much about them, since their time as the Rivenroars right-hand men was very brief.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull painfully got to his feet. He surveyed the carnage around him and looked down at his battered body. Clearly, Hroksull displeased Kord in some way, for he caught a glimpse of the empty hunting grounds. It would have been a bad time to die. Kord's promise was that the more enemies you defeat through strength, the more plentiful the quarry in the hunting grounds. Hroksull felt a need to save the weaker people, but he learned a valuable lesson. Though the goliath could better withstand harsh environments, his training did not involve deflecting swords and arrows.

Humbled by the experience, Hroksull knelt in the corner of the room in supplication to Kord. In the language of Giants, he swore to the god of strength that he would strive to demonstrate his prowess and fell many opponents. After the prayer concluded, Hroksull grimly stood up and faced the doors previously guarded by the goblins. With a renewed vigor, he said, "Goblin wanted down that hall. So do we."

((Spending 3 surges to be fully healed. Also, checking the weapons of the hobgoblins. Having the hand axe in the off hand is great for versatility but not so great for damage. Carrying an extra one-handed weapon would be good. ))

[Gveoniz]

Veonis tries to think of how the ancient family can be connected with goblins but don't have any idea considering they have faded long before the invasion from goblins. Perhaps the goblins just settled in whatever ruin they found?
The brazier does remind him of the gnomes that Morrik the goblin mentioned, which might have made traps. And Catacomb with gnomes' dead pets? Those connection get Veonis nervous of what they might have to face, "Maybe I should just forgot about those non-sense." he thinks to himself, but still decides to tell others about his concerns.

[Jorbles]

Merik goes to look at the door marked Von Urstad, he listens at it to see if he can hear anything, if not, he carefully tries the door to see if it is locked.

[Jorbles]

[Sorry Kuildeous, Merik is curious about the Von Urstad's apparently.]

[WinterSpartan]

Merik hears nothing through the thick stone. The door is not latched when he tries it, though.

[Jorbles]

Merik pushes open the door with one hand and peers inside. In his other he keeps his sword at the ready.

[WinterSpartan]

As soon as the door creaks open, Merik's ears pick up the sound of snarling, though he can't see whatever is making the noise. Another staircase winds further down (and to the right) into the dark, but this one's walls are decorated with a chipped and faded fresco showing knights riding pegasi above the clouds.

Perception:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 3 + 1, total 4

[WinterSpartan]

That's all Merik observes.

[shraeye]

What do you make of that hall?  I feel that our captives are down the hall Hroksull pointed out...but it seems we've stumbled across something perhaps larger.

[Kuildeous]

Intrigued by the possibility that things may not be as simple as they appear, Hroksull steps over to Merik and peers into the room beyond.

Perception 1d20+7 : 9 + 7, total 16

[shraeye]

Derath makes a quick check of both open doors and then kneels to pray to Erathis for guidance, for some knowledge of what lies down each path.  But feeling unsettled, he looks towards the closed door for a bit.  He feels drawn toward the unknown, but satisfies the itch simply by putting his ear against the door.

Riverroar/VonUrstadt/VonJallach (through closed door) perception (in order):

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9
Rolled 1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7
Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull hears the same snarling as Merik. He can't be sure, but thinks he also can make out a very faint blue glow far off in the darkness.

Derath listens very closely at the closed door. At first he hears nothing, but then there comes a brief confused sound that seems like the scurrying of many small clawed feet at a distance from the door. After a moment it is silent again.

[Gveoniz]

Do goblins have clawed feet?

Veonis attempts to look into the door that Hroksull looked, to see if he can see what humans can't with their vision.

Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[Or maybe we should move on? I am willing to go on to anywhere.]

[Kuildeous]

((Hroksull believes that going the direction that the goblins were heading is the more direct route, but he's not very imaginative. He would go along with any insistence that we check out a different door.

I read a Cracked article about certain video game tactics that wouldn't translate well in the real world. For example, you know the boss is behind Door #1, but you go through Door #2 first so that you can clear out loot. A firefighter goes straight to where the bodies are. He doesn't stop at a bookshelf first to look for a hat.

Although, the more tactical-minded people could certainly pose the scenario that exploring a side passage could lead us down a route that circumvents most of their defenses.))

[WinterSpartan]

Do goblins have clawed feet?

Nope.

Veonis attempts to look into the door that Hroksull looked, to see if he can see what humans can't with their vision.

Aaand that's also a "no, he can't."

[Jorbles]

[I don't have a strong opinion about this, but I think side routes tend to be more fun, and I'm making Merik think the same thing. (or that they're tactically superior for some aforementioned reason.) If anyone feels strongly one way or the other let me know, but if left to my devices Merik will eventually wander down that pathway that he's opened.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Should I assume that Merik does so, then? I haven't heard any disagreement. Or, well, anything at all.]

[Jorbles]

[Yup!]

Merik wanders towards the snarling sword at ready.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull lurks behind Merik. He keeps his eyes open for any possible traps, though the snarling hints that a loose cobblestone would be the least of his worries.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis follows Hroksull.

[shraeye]

Derath follows along as well.

[WinterSpartan]

The party descends into the darkness, by the light of Merik's merrily blazing hair. The staircase ends at yet another pair of stone doors. The sounds from the other side of the door are louder - they seem to be made by more than one large beast. But the keener-eyed of the party notice what Hroksull had above - though the light from the sun is no longer visible, Merik is not the only source of light. A strange blue light seeps under the door, and a faint buzzing sound can be heard when snarls and roars aren't interrupting it.

[Jorbles]

[Arcana check.]

Rolled 1d20+9 : 10 + 9, total 19

[WinterSpartan]

Merik senses some sort of magical shield, the source of the blue light and the buzzing. It's a defensive force, not offensive, and doesn't seem directly connected with whatever beasts lie within.

[Jorbles]

"Hmmm, I think there's a shield of some sort here. Something unusual and magical."

Merik tries the door, but doesn't open it all the way.

[Kuildeous]

As a child, Hroksull loved to play "Monster in the Dark" with the other kids. He often got pretty good at it. One of the children would make the noise of a fearsome predator, and another child would imitate an easy-to-hunt animal that had a deceptive growl. The other children would feel their way in the dark and try to discover the child imitating the lesser animal. Those children who found the fearsome predator were tagged and knocked out of the game (literally as Hroksull got older).

Perhaps this growl was something that he and the other children learned about.

((Doing Nature check now. Apply whatever penalties for not seeing it. Hopefully even if I fail this roll, it can be used once the door is open?))

Nature 1d20+9 : 12 + 9, total 21

((Oh, and if I didn't say it already, I'll spend a healing surge to put me to full.))

[WinterSpartan]

Merik discovers that the door will open inward quite easily; it's not latched.

[Hroksull's nature check is fine; I'll use the 21 when the door's open. For now, based only on sound...] Hroksull identifies the roars as belonging to some sort of drake - carnivorous reptiles that vary in size (depending on the breed) from smaller than a cat to larger than a horse. Unlike dragons, they are not sentient; they possess only animal intelligence. He can't tell which type of drake is making the noises, though it's certainly one of the larger ones.

[Jorbles]

Merik pushes the door open carefully ready to slam it shut if something rushes at the door.

[Jorbles]

[What do I see?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Right, sorry, was hoping to get the map up last night but ran out of time. I'll get it up this evening whenever you lot charge in there.]

This room is the final resting place of the Von Urstadts - or some of them, anyway. The bodies lie in alcoves around the walls of the room, and the wall is covered with more murals like the one atop the stairs, showing valiant knights and paladins defeating monsters of all descriptions. Sadly, most of these have been badly defaced by the passage of time and by goblin destruction and graffiti.

The goblins have also used this chamber as a stable for two rage drakes - the creatures responsible for the noise. Large, red, and angry, they're only tenuously domesticated. The goblins have apparently been feeding them by throwing food down through a hole in the ceiling that leads to a dark passageway above; beneath the hole, a pile of bones gives testimony to this. Peering through the crack, Merik doesn't think the drakes have noticed him yet - but they certainly will if he fully opens the door.

Another chamber opens up from the far side of this one, and it's the source of the blue glow and the buzzing noise. An old woman is sitting on the floor inside a large, blue dome, which seems to be keeping her safe from the drakes but also keeping her trapped inside. She matches the description of Zerriksa, one of the captured villagers.

[Jorbles]

Merik gently pulls the door shut and let's everyone know what he saw.

"I think we have to go in and save her. Whatever is causing that magic shield won't protect her forever. Does anyone have any preparations or plans they would like to complete before we rush in?"

[Tactically let's try to focus on whichever is closest to us to bring it down quickly before hurting the other one.]

We should probably roll relevant checks to see what we know about rage drakes?

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull's already rolled his, but for everyone else:

Veonis

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

Derath

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

Merik

Rolled 1d20+3 : 7 + 3, total 10

Beleren

Rolled 1d20 : 14, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

Rage Drake
AC 17, Fort 17, Reflex 15, Will 15
Rage drakes are vicious predators that will fight until killed. When wounded, they seem to grow more ferocious.

Information going to Hroksull.

[Jorbles]

[I think functionally that means they get a big buff when bloodied. More reason to focus fire one of them.]

[Grujah]

One (two) of us can distract them (Hroskull, he is buff? Me, I have the higest range?) while others save the granny?

We should also check the other chamber.

[Gveoniz]

But the shield also traps the granny, so she may not be rescued quickly enough.
And presumably the doorway is large enough for the drakes to go out (and chase after us after the rescue if we decide to run away) so they are not trapped in their stable.

[shraeye]

"But wait.  The door wasn't latched before.  What kept them here?"

[Jorbles]

"Lack of opposable thumbs?"

[Kuildeous]

"Maybe they have free reign. Goblins trained these. They eat anything without goblins. They aren't wild."

((What would it take to assert command over a "tamed" rage drake? I'm sure it's hard as hell, but it might be an amusing attempt before going to Plan B.))

[WinterSpartan]

"Lack of opposable thumbs?"

[Yup. Hard to open a "pull" door without them.]

"Maybe they have free reign. Goblins trained these. They eat anything without goblins. They aren't wild."

((What would it take to assert command over a "tamed" rage drake? I'm sure it's hard as hell, but it might be an amusing attempt before going to Plan B.))

[Hmmm. Adult rage drakes normally can't be tamed, but these ones already are (just by someone else)... I suppose this would be a series of Nature checks, maybe with some Diplomacy or Intimidate thrown in. You'd need multiple successes.]

[Jorbles]

[I'm going to rush into the room soon if anyone wants to add anything, do anything.]

[Jorbles]

[Well haven't heard anything so...]

Merik pushes the door open and rushes at the nearest rage drake, his sword raised over his head.

[WinterSpartan]

Initiative:

Rage Drakes:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 16 + 3, total 19

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 13 + 3, total 16

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 7 + 1, total 8

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 13 + 1, total 14

Derath:

Rolled 1d20 : 2, total 2

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20-1 : 9 - 1, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

The party bursts into the room on Merik's heels, causing the drakes to snap immediately to attention and pounce on Merik and Hroksull. The old woman in the other room is also startled, and calls (though her voice is muffled by the shield) "What? Who's that? Whoever you are, get me out of here!"

[Note: I placed you on the map in the order that you rolled initiative. If you for future want a "standard marching order", let me know.]

First drake's charge, on Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 20 + 10, total 30

Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Rolled 1d20+10 : 15 + 10, total 25

Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

Second drake's charge, on Merik:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 12 + 10, total 22

Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

Rolled 1d20+10 : 11 + 10, total 21

Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

The drakes' teeth and claws strike viciously into their targets.

Party's up.

[Grujah]

Where is the woman?

[WinterSpartan]

In another small room through the door at D-E0. I'll have to see if I can't get that added to the map, if you're headed that way.

[Grujah]

[How to AoO (Oportunity Attacks) work now, with large creatures as these? When do I trigger them?  like, if I went, C7 B6 B3 D1.

And I guess going straight through them both is not a good idea]

[WinterSpartan]

Moving from B6 to B5 would trigger the opportunity attack - you left one square adjacent to it and entered another.

[Grujah]

And B5-B4? Or he gets only one Aoo per round?

[WinterSpartan]

You can only provoke one AoO per enemy per turn, but each of you could provoke one. (So each drake could get one on you and one on Merik, but neither drake could get two on you.)

[Jorbles]

[Focus on the top one? (Hope I don't die?)]

[Grujah]

I'l move to F8-I5-I4 (6 moves), than use standard action to move to I2-H1-E1. I wanna try and save the granny.

[Jorbles]

I'l move to F8-I5-I4 (6 moves), than use standard action to move to I2-H1-E1. I wanna try and save the granny.

[She's still got that shield up so I assume she's safe for now, but maybe you can convince her to drop it and let you get her out of there.]

[Jorbles]

Move: Shift to E5.
Minor action: Sigil of Shielding on top drake.
Standard Action: Booming Blade on top drake.

Vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[If the top one hits me I would like to use Firepulse, DM can roll it for me.]

[Gveoniz]

Move: Move to B6
Standard: Guiding strike on the top drake (penalize AC)
Vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[I just notice that I completely forgot this ability:
Virtue of Prescience - When an enemy hits an ally, with 5 squares of you, ally adds your Wis mod to that defense until the end of the attacker's turn.
I would activate this the next time if possible]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull grimaced as the drake's claw slashes open his forehead. Blinking the blood out of his eyes, he knew he had to retreat to a safer position and regain his thoughts. Swinging the ax in a wide arc, he hopped backward out of reach and maneuvered himself to a different spot, cautiously watching it and keeping Merik between the two of them.

Minor action: Hunter's quarry on the top drake.
Standard action: Evasive Strike on the top drake. Shift to G8.
Move action: Move to H6.

attack 1d20+6 : 6 + 6, total 12
damage 2d10+5 : 1, 8 + 5, total 14

((Shouldn't Hroksull now have only 15 hit points left?))

[WinterSpartan]

No, 17 should be right - he was at full health and took 14 damage.

I believe only Derath is still up.

[Jorbles]

[We're not very good at rolling dice guys.]

[WinterSpartan]

[We're not very good at rolling dice guys.]

[Well, I seem to be.]

[Grujah]

I'l move to F8-I5-I4 (6 moves), than use standard action to move to I2-H1-E1. I wanna try and save the granny.

[She's still got that shield up so I assume she's safe for now, but maybe you can convince her to drop it and let you get her out of there.]

[She did yell that she needs somebody to get her out of there, and I am not sure how long will the shield work]

[Jorbles]

I'l move to F8-I5-I4 (6 moves), than use standard action to move to I2-H1-E1. I wanna try and save the granny.

[She's still got that shield up so I assume she's safe for now, but maybe you can convince her to drop it and let you get her out of there.]

[She did yell that she needs somebody to get her out of there, and I am not sure how long will the shield work]

[I would assume until the end of the fight, or there would be some sort of telltale flickering that it was about to die, but maybe we can get her out without killing these guys. It's not a terrible idea.]

[shraeye]

(sorry guys; I see i'm up too busy to line up maps and stuff now...off V/LA tomorrow)

[WinterSpartan]

[Shraeye?]

[shraeye]

Cast Maledictor's Doom minor action, and then Whisper's of Defeat (close burst 5 should affect both, yes?)

Whisper's on D4, then G3 drake

Rolled 1d20+4 : 6 + 4, total 10
Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[Grujah]

[Can I 'belatedly' use Minor to summon Ashe?)]

[WinterSpartan]

[Can I 'belatedly' use Minor to summon Ashe?)]

[Sure. Also, I'm sort of impressed - 5 player turns and 5 attack rolls later, none of you has a single hit. I guess you're trying to gently persuade the drakes to cooperate? ]

The drakes converge on Merik, trapping him between the two of them and both snapping ferociously.

Rolled 1d20+10 : 20 + 10, total 30

Rolled 1d10+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

Rolled 1d20+10 : 6 + 10, total 16

Rolled 1d10+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[Those rolls take into account their flanking bonus, as well as the Maledictor's Doom penalty. If one hits by less than 3, I'll apply Veonis's Virtue of Prescience (which we HAVE forgotten entirely to this point) to make it miss; if one hits at all, I'll apply Firepulse.]

[WinterSpartan]

Merik shouts in pain as the first drake's jaws clamp down on his torso. It also gets a faceful of of magma for its pains, though.

This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17 This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

And the party is able to act again.

[The "grab the prisoner and run, slamming the door behind us" strategy might not be an awful one, now that I think about it. At least, with the start you're off to.]

[Kuildeous]

Well, that setup is not what I had in mind.

So none of us hit the top one. In theory, we could focus on the bottom one since I'm in easy flank position, but that'll screw over the PC at the top (sorry, still can't identify by picture yet).

I can easily disengage from the bottom drake and move up to attack the top drake. I just want to make sure that this is preferred. Otherwise, I'd be happy to shift to flank the bottom one, but I think our maneuverability is reduced while the top one is alive.

I suppose there could be a part 2 to this scenario: Escape from the Goblin prison.

[Gveoniz]

[That PC on top is Veonis controlled by me.

I suppose we can focus on the bottom one if we really want to fight, Veonis can also move back to work on the bottom one as easily. (In fact we are basically symmetry, apart from the fact that there are no space above Veonis which is dangerous if I decide to shift to a flanking position.)

 If we don't want to kill the drakes though, we would better not damage them and trigger it into "rage mode".]

[If Bel move in to the room may be there are something of not in the other end of the room, we may want to consider that first.]

[shraeye]

[We could also all try to shift our ways into the far room, and then hopefully the drakes wouldn't be able to flank us]

[Grujah]

I move to C6. Going there, ask the granny how long does her shield last and if I can help her, and how?

Also dunno if I can see any further.

Also, I Don't want to use my action yet, until I get some response (dunno how much time it takes? is if free?).

[Grujah]

@Others: I can hit top drake from here with ranged attacks, and Ashe can hit both Drakes with my daily, if need be.

[Jorbles]

[I might need to spend my action point to heal up and still be effective. Might use my daily as well, which isn't a great one, but I can at least hit both of these guys in a single attack with some guaranteed damage. It'll pin them both in position as well which we could use to try and focus fire one while the other is stuck. I could go first to see whether I can pin one of them for longer than the other one if we think that'd be useful or we can just count on the fact that they'll both be stuck for at least 1 turn. (On hit my daily immobilizes save ends, on miss my daily immobilizes for 1 turn.)]

[WinterSpartan]

I move to C6. Going there, ask the granny how long does her shield last and if I can help her, and how?

Also dunno if I can see any further.

Also, I Don't want to use my action yet, until I get some response (dunno how much time it takes? is if free?).

"MY shield?" the old woman snaps. "I'm trapped in here! Kartenix's little brat called me a witch, so the goblins were afraid of my 'powers' and locked me in here, with the drakes out there just in case I got out. I don't have any powers! You can certainly help me though, young man - by getting me out of here alive!"

Belenor can see the rest of the room (it doesn't extend much further, and is a dead end). It holds a few more crypts that presumably contain more Von Urstadts.

[Talking is a free action.]

[Jorbles]

[Also my fireburst hit the top one. So it's taken 8 damage. It's probably better to focus on. Can Kuildeous get up and hit it? I need to shift away from the bottom one after my attack no matter what.]

[WinterSpartan]

[As a reminder, since this is your second encounter of the day, everyone will get a new action point after this fight. And since you're limited to using one in a single encounter (no stockpiling and spending 3 at once in a boss fight), if you haven't yet used it, this fight may be a good time.]

[Kuildeous]

[Also my fireburst hit the top one. So it's taken 8 damage. It's probably better to focus on. Can Kuildeous get up and hit it? I need to shift away from the bottom one after my attack no matter what.]

[I can easily disengage from the bottom drake with a hit and run. I still have to attack it to move freely, but it doesn't sound like I'll be in danger of bloodying it. Then I can be in position to smack around the top one. I just didn't expect this one to get so close to me.]

[Grujah]

What (How long) will it take for me to identify what kind of magic the trap is/how I can disable it?

[Jorbles]

[As a reminder, since this is your second encounter of the day, everyone will get a new action point after this fight. And since you're limited to using one in a single encounter (no stockpiling and spending 3 at once in a boss fight), if you haven't yet used it, this fight may be a good time.]

[I'll definitely be using my action point then for a Second Wind.]

[Jorbles]

[It'd be good for me if Gveoniz flanked the top drake before I go, but I can go after he has made his move.]

[WinterSpartan]

What (How long) will it take for me to identify what kind of magic the trap is/how I can disable it?

What it sounds like you're describing (identification, then deactivation if possible) would be an Arcana check, standard action.

[Grujah]

Hmm.. do that or fry the drakes?
I can fry them later, I suppose.

I'll do the Arcana check.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis can heal merik while sliding you one square, where do you need to slide to?

[WinterSpartan]

Hmm.. do that or fry the drakes?
I can fry them later, I suppose.

I'll do the Arcana check.

Ok; you're always free to roll those but I can roll this one for you.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16

[WinterSpartan]

As Beleren devotes his concentration to the enchantment holding Zerriksa captive, he feels that he is able to begin to understand it. It's old, and has some weaknesses, but still quite strong. Then his eyes widen, and he's just able to prevent the spell from damaging him and the old woman (as a backlash from being meddled with). He is not yet able to bring it down - such a task seems hard, but certainly not impossible though.

[You rolled well enough to not take damage - or more to the point, deal damage to Zerriksa (since it wouldn't do enough to incapacitate you); but you didn't roll well enough to disable the shield. You can keep trying in future rounds, or let someone else try.]

[Jorbles]

Veonis can heal merik while sliding you one square, where do you need to slide to?

[I want to be in a position at the start of my turn where I can hit both of them, but then move away from them with my shift. Actually if I keep a mark on the top one we can give it a minus to attack if I shift out of range of both it and the bottom one at the start of my turn. Can you shift me to D15?]

[Grujah]

Are the drakes chained?

[WinterSpartan]

No. They were kept in this room only by their inability to open the door, and kept from eating Zerriksa only by the force field.

[Grujah]

Who still needs to act?

[Jorbles]

[I'm waiting for Gveoniz to shift me before I move.]

[WinterSpartan]

Who still needs to act?

Everyone BUT you, actually.

[Gveoniz]

Standard: guiding strike on the top drake
Minor: majestic word on Merik, sliding him to D15.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[Gveoniz]

(penalise AC)

[Kuildeous]

Minor: Quarry bottom drake
Standard: Hit and Run bottom drake
Move: Move to B16 via F16

attack 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22
damage 1d10+5 : 9 + 5, total 14
quarry 1d6 : 1, total 1

[Kuildeous]

And of course I'm perfectly capable of hitting the drake that we're not focusing on. Stupid RNG.

[Jorbles]

Standard: Second wind to heal for 7 HP. (+2 to all defenses)

Keep mark up on upper Rage Drake. (-2 on future attacks that do not target me and I can reduce it's damage if it hits someone after attacking someone other than me)
Use action point for a second standard action:
Sweeping Frostblade on both Drakes
Top:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27

Bottom:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 8 + 7, total 15

Damage (1/2 damage on misses)

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Targets are both immobilized on hit or miss, but if it hits they are immobilized until they save.

Move action: Shift to C16

[Jorbles]

[There's a lot going on there so maybe double check I did it all correctly. I'm pleased with the crit though. ]

[shraeye]

mantle of the Infidel ontop dragon

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24
Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[shraeye]

I use action point as well; I believe I can hit both dragons with Maledictor's Doom (minor, automatic) and Whispers of Defeat.

action surge gives me +3 to attack

Top dragon, then bottom.
[roll]
1d20+7
1d20+7
[\roll]

[shraeye]

Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24
Rolled 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18

[shraeye]

Very nice.  when we hit them with fear-attacks we can shift them 1 square for next turn.

Shift bottom drake to G12 from the fear-attack hit.

Hit both with encounter power, so they are -2 to hit against me.

Top drake has -4 from marked condition instead of -2, from Mantle of Infidel

Both have another -3 to attack rolls to everyone (and -1 saving) from the MaledictorsDoom/WhispersofDefeat.  Also take 9 psychic damage when missing.

[Grujah]

We are totally not focusing on 1 guy only. 

[shraeye]

(I thought we were focusing on the top guy?)

[Grujah]

We are, but both of them have taken damage so far

[Kuildeous]

(I thought we were focusing on the top guy?)

Sorry, I had to hit the bottom guy in order to disengage from him safely. I didn't expect him to get all up in my goliath grille. Now that I have more maneuverability, I can focus on the top drake again.

Speaking of which, the bottom drake currently has my quarry, though that will eventually change.

[WinterSpartan]

I use action point as well; I believe I can hit both dragons with Maledictor's Doom (minor, automatic) and Whispers of Defeat.

action surge gives me +3 to attack

Top dragon, then bottom.
[roll]
1d20+7
1d20+7
[\roll]

Ugh. I hate to mention it, but you cast both of those powers last turn; and they're both encounter powers, so you can't use them again this fight. The rest of your turn stands (nice crit!), but you'll have to redo any action point action.

[Jorbles]

I don't think you've added my damage yet? My crit did 12 damage to the top drake, and the damage roll and miss did 5.5 (not sure if you round up or down in this system) on the bottom drake.

[shraeye]

dang, then there's no reason to take the action point now.

[WinterSpartan]

[Damage is updated now; I usually only update the top post when I'm updating the map here too.]

Trapped by the ice of Merik's spell, the lower rage drake can do nothing but snarl and manage to free himself. The upper snaps at Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 9 + 5, total 14

Rolled 1d10-5 : 9 - 5, total 4

But this distraction (and the fact that Merik got a hit on him) keeps him from working as effectively to break his icy bonds:

Rolled 1d20 : 14, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

Nevertheless, ice cannot long hold a rage drake. The respite bought was all too brief.

[Grujah]

I could blast them both with my daily, but I do not think that's what we are planning. Probably later when I can finish him off and damage the other one.

I say to the old women:
"I can disable the trap, but we need to deal with the drakes first. In meanwhile, where are the others, what do you know about the situation here?"

I cast Frostbind on top drake:
vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

if hit, -2 to Reflex saves and also this much damage:

Rolled 3d6+7 : 6, 4, 1 + 7, total 18

[Kuildeous]

Let's see if we can get this sucker down.

Minor: Quarry the top drake
Move: Shift to B15
Standard: Twin strike the top drake

Battleaxe 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18
Damage 1d10+1 : 7 + 1, total 8

Hand axe 1d20 : 19, total 19
Damage 1d6+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

Quarry 1d6 : 6, total 6

This is assuming it's still alive after Grujah's mighty strike. If it is down (unlikely), then I'd move to a different spot and apply the attacks to the bottom drake (except my minor action would be to do Stone's Endurance instead).

[Kuildeous]

Oops, forgot to add my bonus to my second weapon, but it is a solid hit regardless.

At least the RNG is treating me better this time.

[Grujah]

He is alive, he took 35 damage and wasn't even bloodied.

[WinterSpartan]

Belenor bloodied it, so it has between 71 and 106 hp. It's now taken 72 damage. It looks both extremely angry and also close to death.

[Jorbles]

[Oh hey, I'm up. I don't really have anything useful to do except walk up to it and hit it. So I guess I can do that.]

Move: Shift to C15
Standard: Booming Blade at wounded drake.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Rolled 1d8+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

Seeing the drake break free Merik shifts back in and swats at with his electrically charged blade.

[Jorbles]

Seeing his swat ineffective, Merik swears under his breath in the language of elementals.

[Jorbles]

[Bump?]

[WinterSpartan]

[It appears we're waiting on Derath and Veonis.]

[Gveoniz]

[sorry for the inactivity]

Once again, Veonis swings at the drake.

Standard: Guiding strike on the drake.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[Gveoniz]

The strike hits and shows the weakness of the drake to the group.
[AC of the drake -2]

[WinterSpartan]

As scales fly off the drake's sides at Veonis's blow, the drake lets out a floor-shaking bellow. Reflexively, Veonis plunges his sword into it again; it convulses, falls to the ground, and lies still. One drake down... one to go?

[Kuildeous]

Well, that's going better than I thought it would. Still wincing, but it's a little less worrisome.

[shraeye]

With one drake down, Derath steps into the room and focuses on the second beast.  He pounds his staff to the ground, bathing part of the room in a red shimmer (casting Visions of Blood from E16 to G14; hey, i learned how blasts work!).

Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12
Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

-1 to defenses if hit (and I'll take another action as well)

[shraeye]

Derath can't seem to maintain his concentration, and the red light quickly fades.

[WinterSpartan]

The death of his companion and the priest's attack seem merely to provoke the surviving drake. With a bound, the creature crosses the room, lashing out at Derath with both of its front claws.

Rolled 1d20+10 : 15 + 10, total 25

Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Rolled 1d20+10 : 8 + 10, total 18

Rolled 1d6+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

Derath's armor absorbs the effect of the charge, leaving him bruised but not bloodied.

[Grujah]

I move Ashe to E 13 and cast burning spray (with him as the origin) on the Drake:

vs REf

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

[Jorbles]

Merik attempts to pull the drake a Derath.

Move to G14 (C14->D13->E13->F13->G14)
Minor action: Mark rage drake with Sigil of Shielding.
Standard Action: Luring Strike (+2 flanking bonus).

Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14

On a hit I shift to H13 and the rage drake shifts to G13. On a miss just I shift to G15.
Damage:

Rolled 1d8 : 5, total 5

[Trying to setup Kuildeous for a flanking bonus from me, protecting shraeye at the same time if I can.]

[Kuildeous]

I'll gladly take the flank. Looks like Jorbles did not manage to lure it, so going off the current position of the drake. If I'm wrong, then I'll just move into whatever flank looks good (E13).

Move Action: Move to D15.
Minor Action: Quarry drake.
Standard Action: Twin Strike with flank.

Battleaxe 1d20+8 : 4 + 8, total 12
Damage 1d10+1 : 1 + 1, total 2

Handaxe 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15
Damage 1d6+1 : 3 + 1, total 4

Quarry 1d6 : 6, total 6

[Kuildeous]

*hurls virtual dice across virtual room*

[Gveoniz]

Veonis switch to his bow, trying to guide his teammate with his shoot.

Minor: Sheath the sword
Move(minor): Take out his bow.
Standard: Prophesied Strike on the remaining darke

Rolled 1d20+6 : 15 + 6, total 21

Rolled 1d10+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[If it hit, the next time one of you attack the drake, roll two d20 and us either one of them]

[WinterSpartan]

Again, Veonis calmly takes the lead as his arrow flies true. ("Like this, guys!") Derath's up and can do the "roll twice, take the highest" thing.

[shraeye]

I think I can safely cast Vangaurd's Lightning to F17, and the area burst 1 won't hit anything but the drake.

Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16
Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20
Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

(I'm out of town for the holidays until Jan. 6th, with no way to update the map. I'm inclined to just table the game until then, unless someone has an alternative idea?)

[Jorbles]

[I'm fine with that.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Aaaand we're back! Hope everyone's Christmas went as well as mine; and happy new year to you all!]

The rage drake is wounded by the arrow and the burst of lightning. Its eyes mist red as it backs into the corner, then furiously lashes out at Merik with no heed for its own well-being.

Rolled 1d20+11 : 18 + 11, total 29

Rolled 1d10+9 : 10 + 9, total 19

[WinterSpartan]

Sizzling-hot blood spatters everywhere as the drake's teeth sink deeply into Merik. It is readily apparent how the rage drakes got their name.



Party's up.

[Grujah]

It seems he is still in range 10 of me, right?

Dragonfrost vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

[WinterSpartan]

(He was, not that it was relevant).

[Kuildeous]

Any other ranged attacks? Hroksull will patiently wait until he moves up with axes flurrying.

[Jorbles]

Can other people go before me? If it's very very close to death I can try to finish it, or maybe you guys will, but at the moment I'm considering doing something more defensive.

[shraeye]

Derath casts Mantle of the Infidel

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20
Rolled 1d6+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

[Gveoniz]

Can other people go before me? If it's very very close to death I can try to finish it, or maybe you guys will, but at the moment I'm considering doing something more defensive.

[Or you could try some more healing from Veonis.]

Minor: Majestic word on Merik
Standard: Misdirect Mark on the drake

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[I will let Jorbles choose where Merik slides (at most one square)]

[Jorbles]

(I'll take the healing!)

I think I need to shift away.

[Shift to G14.]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull girds himself and launches at the rage drake, both arms driving the deadly axes forward.

Minor: Stone's Endurance
Move: Shift to E15.
Standard: Twin Strike.

Battleaxe 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22
Damage 1d10+1 : 10 + 1, total 11

Hand axe 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8
Damage 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2

Quarry 1d6 : 6, total 6

[Kuildeous]

Well, if it wasn't dead before I took my turn, I really hope it's dead now!

[WinterSpartan]

[It looks to me like it's taken 36 more damage? 9+10+17? For a total of 76? Nope, not dead yet... but Merik still has his turn...]

[Jorbles]

[Well if I drop you guys can revive me.]

After ducking back to recover himself. Merik catches his breath, covered in his own blood, he grits his teeth and rushes back in hoping to kill the beast.

Move: Shift to H15.
Standard action: Booming Blade.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[Jorbles]

[That's 84 damage total? Is it dead?]

[Grujah]

Gotta be.
71-80 hit points

[WinterSpartan]

With that final blow, the drake dies, and for a moment the only sounds are the warriors' exhausted panting (and Merik bleeding onto the floor). Then the old woman speaks up. "Well, finally! Good for you, you killed them! Now will SOMEBODY get me out of here before more things come?"

[As always when out of combat, feel free to spend any number of surges and heal; the first surge is at +4 thanks to Veonis.]

[Grujah]

[hmm, maybe the woman is a shapeshifter or something, but I'll take the chance]

"Calm down, we'll get you out shortly. Where are the others?"

@Party
"Can somebody help me decipher these runes and take this prison down?" [Other Arcanists? I'd like a "aiding hand" or whatever you call that thing when you check to give somebody else +2 or so]

[Jorbles]

I've got pretty decent Arcane knowledge, iirc.

Spend a couple surges to raise my health by 18 (I think that's max?).

Arcana roll:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 17 + 9, total 26

[Kuildeous]

I'll spend 1 Surge to put me at 28 HP. I'll be a little shy of max, so I'll be more skittish and evasive in combat than usual.

[WinterSpartan]

[Jorbles: Were you attempting to deactivate the portal yourself, or just aiding Grujah?]

"I don't know about most of the others. Like I said, they were afraid of me using magic or some such nonsense, so they put me here. They tried a couple times to get me to join them." She shudders. "The last time, though... they brought the captain's body in here. Kartenix. He was dead, but it wasn't just that... the body looked awful. All shriveled and empty, like he had the soul sucked out of him. One of the gnomes said he would do the same to me. I think I managed to scare them a little, but as soon as they left I started shaking and couldn't stop. You can't let them! I..." - the crone's face is pale, and she's trembling again - "I'm not afraid of dying, so much, but only the gods should have power after death. Please! Don't let them do that to me. Get me out of here!"

[Gveoniz]

Veonis tells himself to be careful with strangers, knowing gnomes' cunning nature. [I think he knows?]

Insight (Is she really in fear or is she just lying?)

Rolled 1d20+10 : 13 + 10, total 23

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis has seen real fear before.

This woman is clearly terrified.

[Grujah]

I think Jorbles was aiding me?
If so, Arcana to disable it.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8

"Don't worry, we will protect you. So, you can use magic?"

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull stands stoically before the two corpses, muttering, "I thank you Kord for the challenge you have given me. I see now why warriors fight together to defend a village. Your lesson in humility has been learned, Kord. I thank you for allowing me to fight alongside such capable warriors. It is too bad they cannot join me in the eternal hunting plain, but I relish the prospect of killing these rage drakes again." Though his prayer was in the language of the giants, it is obvious that he is highly reverent toward Kord.

After the prayer, Hroksull wanders to the strange magical prison while wiping his axes clean. He squints at the runes and decides to leave this to those who have a better grasp of magic than him. Instead, he returns to the drakes' den and cracks open the door leading to the staircase. He leans against the wall, letting his ear focus on the stillness beyond.

[Jorbles]

[I was aiding, but I appear to be much better with Arcana than Grujah.]

Merik takes [Grujah's character name that I forget right now, but will edit in momentarily.] Beleren aside and says softly, "Would you mind if I took the lead on this? My magical training is extensive, and you appear to be unfamiliar with this sort of shielding."

[Grujah]

@GM - you should add Jorbles's aid thing (+2) to my roll (dunno why it didn't get added, I did 1d20 +6 +2. Hopefully, I did not completely screw up and set a trap or something.


Bel lets out a condescending "Yeah, right" in Genasi, but let's the Arcane Swordsman take his shot.

[Jorbles]

Merik steps forward hoping this shield works similar to the combat shields he is familiar with. He sees if there's a way he can use his powers to turn it off.

Arcane roll:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 1 + 9, total 10

[Jorbles]

[Groaaaaan.]

Merik trips and falls over.

[Can we take 20 on this? Is that still a mechanic.]

[Grujah]

[I am not sure that we can, cause it might both take too much time and perhaps have some negative effects if we fail, like we did]

[WinterSpartan]

At Belenor's attempt, Zerriksa yells in annoyance, causing him to break off. "Ow! You're doing it wrong!"

Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2

Both of them are slightly stung by the spell's backlash.

Merik, obviously, fares no better.

Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2

"Well, I suppose if you kill me yourselves, the goblins won't be able to..."

[Taking 20 is a thing only when time and failure have no consequences. That doesn't really apply here. It might make sense for you to try again, with Belenor, Derath, and/or Veonis aiding you.]

[Jorbles]

[You guys want to roll to aid me? +9 plus a possible +6 seems like a good opportunity.]

[Grujah]

I'll id Jorbly.

Aiding

Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18

[Gveoniz]

Veonis'll aid him too.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

[shraeye]

aiding:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21

[shraeye]

also, use 2 surges to get to full.

[Jorbles]

[I think that means I get +4?]

With the advice of the others Merik attempts once more to remove the shield.

Arcana:

Rolled 1d20+13 : 4 + 13, total 17

(adjust the numbers as needed if I misinterpreted.)

[Jorbles]

[Well that's not a great roll, but it at least beats a DC 15, which we haven't hit on our attempts yet.]

[WinterSpartan]

Despite the collective efforts of the party, the shield holds (though they do at least manage to prevent the backlash this time). Zerriksa is both exasperated and frightened. "I don't know how long we have before a patrol comes! If you can't magic the shield down, figure out something else... please..."

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull glanced uneasily at the magical contraption when he heard the word "patrol." So far, he had heard nothing through the door, but she seemed concerned about being discovered. Content that nobody was approaching the door, he propped one of the dead drakes on its stomach and placed its head on its front paws. He wrinkled his nose at the macabre farce, but it might just lure someone into a false sense of complacency. The large divet in the skull would be a giveaway, but Hroksull tilted the head so it was not immediately visible. He shoved the other corpse behind this one.

Hroksull then stood by the door and continued to listen. If a patrol should enter, then maybe he has time to shut the door behind them and prevent their escape.

[Gveoniz]

[If we still wants to try, I will aid again]

Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

Veonis realized how terrible it would be if petrol find this room, he is too exhausted for an other battle and they are not going to be able to do anything else if the goblins find two dead drakes and an escaped prisoner. Veonis turned around and sees Hroksull trying to do preparation works, Veonis notices his arrow notably sticks out of one of the drake, he was going to try to make that less visible, but then he realize that such actions are basically futile - there are four corpse just outside in the entrance room.

The best he can think of now is capturing someone alive so as to know where everything is, or being captured alive.

[Gveoniz]

[]

[presumably that is also Veonis' expression]

[Grujah]

You guys go, I am going to catch up when I get her out, how about that?

[Jorbles]

[More assist rolls please?]

[Well while we try this again we might as well talk to her.]

"What can you tell us about the goblins? How many are there? Where are they keeping the other prisoners?"

[shraeye]

"The main entrance was the only way here, right?  Is that where the patrols would come from?"  [a question to the lady]

aiding:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

Zerriksa sighs. "I'm sorry, I probably won't be very helpful to you. I don't really remember how many goblins there were - only a dozen or so that brought me back, but some others had stayed here. I don't know where the others are, since they threw me in here right away." She at least knows the answer to Derath's question, though: "There's only the one set of doors. I don't think anyone's coming down the garbage chute, but I guess they could." She indicates a hole in the ceiling over one corner of the drakes' room - apparently, the goblins dump their trash and food for the drakes down that way.

[Jorbles]

[Grujah can you roll to aid again? it's our best shot, though the RNG seems to dislike us right now.]

[Kuildeous]

[As a point of housekeeping, would anyone object to the person making the skill check rolling for the assists as well? May resolve the action more quickly, and the person making the roll doesn't have to scroll back through previous messages to count the +2s. Just look at the sheets and make the rolls based on them. Any that make DC 10 can add the +2 retroactively.]

Hroksull perked up when he heard of the garbage chute. He wasn't sure if it would be wide enough for his frame, but he realized sickeningly that the sort of "garbage" goblins would dispose of could very well be full-sized humanoid corpses. He chanced another peek through the door to ensure no one was coming and examined the hole in the ceiling.

[Grujah]

AIDING

+I willl roll like 20 and jorbl will roll 2 after that, btw.

I hate thaat a geneasi swordsmen is apparently more familiar with this arcane trap than myself.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14

[Jorbles]

[@Grujah: I'm a master of magic swords and wards. Blame Axxle.

@Kuildeous: That would be a good bit of housekeeping to speed things up.]

"Alright I think I've got it this time."

Rolled 1d20+13 : 20 + 13, total 33

[Jorbles]

[BOOM! Crits on skill checks!]

[WinterSpartan]

The hole in the ceiling had rough-cut rock sides. It didn't look like it was originally part of the catacombs' design, but it also was a lot older than the goblins work. Getting a rope up there would be very tricky, but maybe not completely impossible.

Meanwhile, with the full concentration of the arcane members of the party, the shield finally collapses and Zerriksa stumbles out. "About time," she mutters. "Thank you all the same. What's the plan now?"

As the party considers this, they take the time to look more fully around this antechamber. Despite some drake damage and goblin graffiti, the murals and tombs remain mostly intact. One alcove looks to have recently been the resting place of a drake - and the lid is cracked open. Derath feels drawn to it, and wandering over discovers the body of some long-dead cleric or paladin. It is readily apparent merely by the feel that this was a holy man. Miraculously, the chainmail he wears and the rod clasped in his skeletal hands remain as bright and clean as the day they were forged.

[Jorbles]

[Hooray, magic treasure. What are the mechanics of identifying magic stuff in this version?]

[WinterSpartan]

(There really aren't any. I can just tell you the stats.)

Rod of Divinity +1
+1 to attack rolls and damage, +1d6 damage on a critical hit
Power (Daily): Free Action. Trigger: hit with a divine attack power using this rod. Effect: You gain one extra use of your Channel Divinity power during this encounter.

Divine Retribution Chainmail +1
+1 AC
Power (Encounter): Immediate Reaction. Trigger: An enemy hits you with a melee or a close attack. Effect: Until the end of your next turn, you gain a bonus to damage rolls against the triggering enemy equal to the armor’s enhancement bonus.

Only Derath can use the rod, but either he or Veonis could wear the armor.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull continued to mull over the idea of wriggling his way up the chute with a rope for a surprise attack, but he looked with concern at Zerriksa. Obviously she would not want to travel that way. As much as he wanted to strike at the goblins from the inside, he considered her safety to be more important. Perhaps if she stayed with the horse, she could tend to any other prisoners that were freed.

Then, maybe that hole...

[Gveoniz]

Veonis is attracted to the magical chain mail, but then he realized that he would be grave robbing if he take it. It probably would not be useful for the dead men anymore, but Veonis hesitates to takes things from someone else's tomb.

He agrees that taking Zerriksa outside of this castle would be the best, judging from last night's experience the goblin don't seem to petrol the outsides.

[shraeye]

Derath takes the Rod of Divinity, exchanging his current staff for the one in the tomb. "May Erathis bless you eternally for this gift; I vow to bring your resting place its deserved sanctity."

To Veonis: "From beyond the grave, he is granting us tools to bring him eternal peace...surely he wishes for you to have this."

[if Veonis is still uncomfortable, Derath would also switch chainmail with the entombed priest]

[Jorbles]

[Do we want to try and climb up the hole or just go back the way we came and explore some more?]

[Kuildeous]

[Do we want to try and climb up the hole or just go back the way we came and explore some more?]

[Definitely escort the lady out to our horses. I personally am cool with the idea of sneaking up through the garbage chute, but goliaths are also mad climbers. Will go either way, but it may be easier to surprise them from inside their ranks when they don't have bunkers and traps along the way.]

[Jorbles]

[Yeah I like that idea, too.]

Merik offers to escort her back to the horses with anyone else who wants to.

[WinterSpartan]

The trip back to the horses is brief but uneventful - Zerriksa shudders at the sight of the corpses in the entrance chamber, but says nothing. When Merik turns to leave, she clutches his arm again. "Are you sure it will be safe out here? When will you be back? What... what if you aren't back?"

[Veonis, are you taking the chainmail? Everyone, what's the plan? I'll be unavailable this weekend, but am willing to make some progress before that if we can.]

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull furrowed his brow when Zerriksa expressed concern about being left alone out here. There could be, after all, be goblins returning to the keep. While Merik talked with her, he scouted the area for good hiding places, possibly a leafy crook in a tree. Spotting some berries, he decided that she should be left with some food.

[Nature check? Perception check?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Nature check.]

[Kuildeous]

Nature 1d20+9 : 2 + 9, total 11

[Kuildeous]

Clearly there's nothing around to hide in. He asked her, "Are you well enough to travel back to village?"

[Gveoniz]

[Veonis, are you taking the chainmail?

Veonis takes the chain mail.

Clearly there's nothing around to hide in. He asked her, "Are you well enough to travel back to village?"

"I don't think the path back to the village would be safe for her to travel alone."

[Kuildeous]

Clearly there's nothing around to hide in. He asked her, "Are you well enough to travel back to village?"

"I don't think the path back to the village would be safe for her to travel alone."

Hroksull grunted in assent. "No, you're right. Staying here not safe but better than walking alone. Got to rescue more people." With his hand axe, Hroksull freed some foliage and arranged them as inconspicuously as he could into a makeshift bluff for the woman. Embarrassed, he kept his eyes to the ground and mumbled, "Not good hiding place but not out in open. We come back for you with others."

[Jorbles]

We reenter the structure.

[Anything changed?]

[WinterSpartan]

Zerriksa seems reluctant to see you go, but accepts it, mumbling something about how you'd better be back by nightfall. Nothing has changed inside - apparently the goblin patrols are not so frequent, at the moment, as she had feared.

[Kuildeous]

So where to go? The garbage shaft may well lead to the leader so we can take him out and possibly scatter the others. We know where the front door is. I think there was a door to the left of the initial room?

I'm voting for the shaft.

[Jorbles]

I'll second that.

[shraeye]

"it could be worth it if we can get up there, AND do it quietly.  I'm a little worried on that front.  But perhaps it was more than just chance that diverted us to that room in the first place.  I'll go if others decide to."

[WinterSpartan]

So where to go? The garbage shaft may well lead to the leader so we can take him out and possibly scatter the others. We know where the front door is. I think there was a door to the left of the initial room?

I'm voting for the shaft.

There are three unexplored paths remaining - the initial room forked three ways, with doors to the left, right, and straight ahead. You took the left path, which dead-ended except for the garbage shaft.

[Kuildeous]

"it could be worth it if we can get up there, AND do it quietly.  I'm a little worried on that front.  But perhaps it was more than just chance that diverted us to that room in the first place.  I'll go if others decide to."

Hroksull nodded in assent. "None of us shadow hunters," he said. "And first fight we find will be plenty noisy. Seems no one near garbage shaft. Would hear fight with rage drakes." The goliath's face cracked into a grin as he added, "No alarms inside compound. Only at entrances."

[Gveoniz]

[I also agree with that plan, how do we get up there though?]

[Kuildeous]

[Assuming the shaft is not smooth, it should be possible for Hroksull to get a hold along the sides and work his way up to the top. He can lower a rope to help others climb up. Not sure if climbing a rope while bracing yourself against two opposing sides would warrant a skill check. The possible fly in the ointment is whether someone shows up at an inopportune time to dump garbage. If that happens, I guess I'm chucking a goblin down the hole. If things get hairy, I'll do something drastic like jump down. It'd be easier to prop the rage drakes under the shaft to give me height anyway. It would be better than landing on stone.]

[Jorbles]

Merik thinks this plan seems good, and says so.

[shraeye]

"If we dive right into the lair, we may find the hostages first; normally good, but if we then have to fight goblins while protecting the hostages, that could be very very difficult.  Of course, if the goblins feel like they are going to be raided anyway, it's possible that if we work our way methodically to the deepest parts of this lair, that we'll only find dead hostages...  I don't know, there are arguments for both sides, but perhaps getting company for the old woman as quickly as possible should be a priority."

[Kuildeous]

So, consensus is the garbage shaft?

If so, then let's shove a dead drake under it and get to work. *does stretching exercises*

[Jorbles]

Merik flexes his elemental muscles and lends aid to shoving the drake.

[WinterSpartan]

[Hroksull climbing definitely warrants an Athletics check; everyone else climbing warrants an easier one. I'll go ahead and roll Hroksull's. Sorry for not being very present - just got engaged  , so I've been a bit busy lately.]

Rolled 1d20+10 : 20 + 10, total 30

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull shinnies up the shaft without any problems at all. As he reaches the top, he has to lift a flimsy cover off - this shaft seems to have doubled as an impromptu pit trap. But he manages, crawls out, and lowers a rope to his friends below. As he does so, he looks around - he's in the middle of a tunnel. Behind him, a few yards away, is another set of thick closed stone doors. In the other direction, the tunnel stretches off into the darkness; Hroksull can make out a side passage leading off to the left which breaks away from the main one. For the moment, everything is quiet.

[Jorbles]

[Do we need to check to climb?]

[Kuildeous]

Sorry for not being very present - just got engaged  , so I've been a bit busy lately.]

Congrats. Now get back to GMing, you slacker.

[WinterSpartan]

[Do we need to check to climb?]

[Yes.]

[Gveoniz]

[If we don't need to climb up in specific order, I'll roll first.]

Rolled 1d20+0 : 14, total 14

"Are there proper light source up there? We may consider bringing one up there in case we want to explore the dark tunnel."

[WinterSpartan]

[If we don't need to climb up in specific order, I'll roll first.]
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+0 : 14, total 14
"Are there proper light source up there? We may consider bringing one up there in case we want to explore the dark tunnel."

Veonis scrambles up the rope, arriving beside Hroksull. The hallway is quite dark - the only light comes from Merik's hair, merrily blazing away at the bottom of the shaft.

[Jorbles]

Merik uses the light from his glowing body to aid his climb.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

Merik struggles, but eventually reaches the top. As he approaches the edge, Hroksull worriedly notices another light approaching from down the darkened tunnel. Someone or something is coming.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull silently pointed down the hall. Once Merik cleared the rope, Hroksull shook it violently, indicating to those below that trouble is coming.

[shraeye]

awesome, I have a -1 to athletics...

Rolled 1d20-1 : 1 - 1, total 0

[shraeye]

hahaha; that's the best.

[Jorbles]

[haha, that's awesome.]

Merik draws his sword and attempts to find something to duck behind to hide the light he provides.

[Stealth check?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Go ahead and roll it, but you glow and it's an empty hallway...]

Halfway up the rope, Derath slips and falls back to the floor below. He's bruised a little, and he and Beleren won't have time to reach the top before whatever's coming rounds the bend.

Rolled 1d10 : 5, total 5

[Jorbles]

Rolled 1d20 : 11, total 11

[shraeye]

Assuming the rope is still being held...otherwise I suppose I'll wait

Rolled 1d20-1 : 6 - 1, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

Merik glances frantically around the hallway, but can't find any place to hide. The other light stops moving, and a rough voice calls out something in Goblin.

[Derath and Beleren are still at the bottom.]

[Jorbles]

Ruh roh.

Merik decides that catching whoever found them before they can alert the whole base is worth the risk. He rushes around the corner sword drawn.

[Kuildeous]

Looking for a place to tie the rope off, Hroksull holds it tightly and braces for the next climber.

[WinterSpartan]

Merik rushes towards the light, nearly running into the arms of an entire hobgoblin patrol...

Roll initiative.

[Sorry for the slow pace of my updates - combat map coming on Monday.]

[Jorbles]

[Any initiative bonuses for rushing them?]

Rolled 1d20 : 19, total 19

[Gveoniz]

Rolled 1d20-1 : 2 - 1, total 1

[Kuildeous]

Rolled 1d20+2 : 6 + 2, total 8

[shraeye]

is that rope tied off?

[Kuildeous]

That depends. I mentioned holding onto it if there is nothing to tie it off to, but I suppose I should make it obvious.

Tie off the rope to something secure. If nothing is available, continue holding the rope.

[shraeye]

Derath climbs again.  Boy, he wishes he had paid more attention in rope-climbing class.

Rolled 1d20-1 : 5 - 1, total 4

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull is still holding the rope.

Initiative checks for everyone else:

Derath

Rolled 1d20-1 : 10 - 1, total 9

Beleren

Rolled 1d20 : 11, total 11

Hobgoblin Soldier

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Hobgoblin Grunts

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

[WinterSpartan]

Almost forgot

Initiative for ?

Rolled 1d20+5 : 8 + 5, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

Merik catches the group by surprise. He'll have at least a few moments to act before they respond...

[Jorbles]

Let's try to focus the Soldier down (assuming anyone else can get to me to help with this.) AOE attacks look good here.

Move action: B4
Standard Action: Booming Blade on the Soldier.

Attack vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[shraeye]

[I suppose I wait for my initiative to climb the rope again?]

[WinterSpartan]

[I suppose I wait for my initiative to climb the rope again?]

[Yeah, I'm going to go ahead and roll for both you and Beleren to climb on your initiative.]

The hobgoblins advance, but the narrow tunnel doesn't allow them all to be effective. One carefully sidesteps behind Merik, while another charges him with sword raised. The other two hang back, awaiting their chance to strike.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 14 + 8, total 22

As the sounds of combat ring out, the doors behind Hroksull swing open and the snap of crossbows is heard. Two goblins skulk in the shadows, already reloading for the next shots.

Rolled 1d20+11 : 7 + 11, total 18

Rolled 2d6+4 : 3, 6 + 4, total 13

Rolled 1d20+11 : 14 + 11, total 25

Rolled 2d6+4 : 5, 6 + 4, total 15

As Hroksull reacts to this surprise attack, Beleren and Derath attempt to climb the rope and join their comrades above. Beleren shoves Derath aside, muttering something about incompetence, and shimmies easily up the rope first.

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 20 + 8, total 28

Derath:

Rolled 1d20-1 : 14 - 1, total 13

The leader of the hobgoblin patrol aims a deadly blow at Merik, intending to deal with him and reach the fresh intruder(s) behind.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12

Rolled 1d10+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

Both bolts strike true, slamming deeply into Hroksull and sending him to the floor unconscious once again. But the rope, tightly wrapped around his wrist, holds, and Beleren reaches the top in time to steady it and - finally - help pull the priest up behind him. Merik is fending off the hobgoblins quite capably; the goblins are perhaps the more immediate threat - but they're on the wrong side of the pit...

[Athletics check to jump across, DC 20 or 10 with a running start. Veonis, Merik, and Hroksull are up - remember that if Hroksull is still unconscious on his turn he'll need to make another death saving throw.]

[Jorbles]

[Can I activate Firepulse on the one that hit me or should I have specified that I wanted to do that before I ended my turn?]

[WinterSpartan]

[Can I activate Firepulse on the one that hit me or should I have specified that I wanted to do that before I ended my turn?]

[Normally I'd allow it but here, since it would have killed him (and opened room for another to attack), I'm going to rule that it's too late. Sorry about that.]

[Gveoniz]

Move: 9C
Standard : Misdirected mark on C4 goblin.
Minor: Majestic words on Hroksull
vs Reflex

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[Jorbles]

[Can I activate Firepulse on the one that hit me or should I have specified that I wanted to do that before I ended my turn?]

[Normally I'd allow it but here, since it would have killed him (and opened room for another to attack), I'm going to rule that it's too late. Sorry about that.]

[That's fair.]

Merik falls back defensively. He does not see Hroksull's fall, but hears chaos behind and guesses that something else is going on.
Move: Shift to C5.
Standard action: Booming Blade on C4.
vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[Prep Firepulse for any melee attacks.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Veonis killed that Grunt - please redo your move so that you can attack someone else.]

[Jorbles]

[I guess I just stand still and swing at the grunt at C3 then? Do you want me to reroll?]

[WinterSpartan]

[I guess I just stand still and swing at the grunt at C3 then? Do you want me to reroll?]

[No, your roll's fine. He's down too. Hroksull's up, and conscious thanks to Veonis - I'll update his HP on page one.]

[Kuildeous]

[As a group, how do we want to split our attacks? I could easily move and then charge west into the fray. I could jump the pit, but there's about a 25% chance I'll fall, and I'm in no position to handle that.

Oh, first I need to stand up, which means I probably won't be charging the goblins this turn.

In all the chaos, I haven't kept track of people's preferences. Merik is melee, as am I. Anyone else want to jump into that mess?]

[WinterSpartan]

[As a group, how do we want to split our attacks? I could easily move and then charge west into the fray. I could jump the pit, but there's about a 25% chance I'll fall, and I'm in no position to handle that.

Oh, first I need to stand up, which means I probably won't be charging the goblins this turn.

In all the chaos, I haven't kept track of people's preferences. Merik is melee, as am I. Anyone else want to jump into that mess?]

[You do have a pending 1-space slide, if you want it, thanks to Veonis.]

[Kuildeous]

Sliding to B13 would help me no matter which course of action I take, so slide me there.

That wouldn't be enough to be considered a running start, would it?

[Jorbles]

[I think I should stay here and tank the patrol. I'll hold em off as long as I can, if we pick off all the grunts first I can probably go 1-on-1 with the soldier.]

[WinterSpartan]

Sliding to B13 would help me no matter which course of action I take, so slide me there.

That wouldn't be enough to be considered a running start, would it?

No, a running start is at least 2 squares of movement.

[Kuildeous]

In any case, I have to stand up, which will take a Move Action.

My Standard Action could be to move to C10, which will put me in range of the grunts or C12, which will put me in range of the sharpshooters.

I'm thinking that I should work on a wall with Merik and let the others have a firefight with the sharpshooters, but if they suck at melee, then having me in their face would be great. The problem being that they could just back up and shoot me, and I think they'd succeed.

So I'm leaning toward C10. Any input before I lock it in?

[Jorbles]

[Getting you out of range of the bowmen is probably a good idea. If I had known you were coming down here I would have marked the soldier, but hopefully you don't get picked off by him or a grunt.]

[shraeye]

[so i'll just work on climbing that rope and all]

[Kuildeous]

[so i'll just work on climbing that rope and all]

I got the impression that everyone made it up top:

Beleren reaches the top in time to steady it and - finally - help pull the priest up behind him.

If that's not the case, then that will change my action.

I didn't expect to be there either, Jorbles. But I'm not in the fight yet. I still have to stand up and draw weapons. I think I will end on C12. That gives me room to engage the sharpshooters if they are weak. I can also reach the grunts with some fancy footwork.

I could spend an Action Point, but that would be used for charging, which is not the best use of an Action Point, IMO.

Tentatively, my plan is to:

Standard: Stand up
Move: Move to C12
Minor: Draw weapons

That changes if Shraeye is not with us, but the map seems to indicate that he is.

[WinterSpartan]

He is - I rolled Athletics checks for him and Beleren on their initiative, and they both passed.

[Kuildeous]

Okay, that confirms my decision.

Standard: Stand up
Move: Move to C12
Minor: Draw weapons

[WinterSpartan]

As the first two hobgoblins fall, another charges Merik:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 19 + 8, total 27

[WinterSpartan]

His aim is true, but the cut on Merik's arm unleashes a gout of flames towards the hobgoblin's face:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 5 + 5, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

The grunt dodges out of the way unharmed.
At the other end of the passageway, the goblins raise their crossbows again and fire at Derath, as he tries to regain his footing:

Rolled 1d20+11 : 11 + 11, total 22

Rolled 2d6+4 : 3, 2 + 4, total 9

Rolled 1d20+11 : 1 + 11, total 12

Rolled 2d6+4 : 5, 4 + 4, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

One of the vicious little bolts catches Derath under the arm, leaving a growing red stain on his robes. The other deflects harmlessly off his chainmail.

Beleren and Derath are up.

[Grujah]

Those Sharpshooters seem annoying, also not sure how much can you guys deal with them wit the hole inbetween so...

Minor - Summon Ashe.
Move - move Ashe to C17.
Action - Cast Lighting Breath using Ashe on C18-B20.

B19 Shooter, vs Reflex

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

C19 Shooter, vs Reflex

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

If evaded, half-damage is dealt.

Damage

Rolled 3d8+7 : 6, 7, 4 + 7, total 24

[Grujah]

Thats 24 damage to both, nice.

Does Bel remember, from previous encounters, about how much hp do these sharpshooters have?

[WinterSpartan]

They're both bloodied, and don't look well.

[shraeye]

vanguard's lightning on the sharpshooters,

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19
Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

[Arbitrarily deciding that that attack roll was for the top sharpshooter, here's the attack roll for the bottom one:]

Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18

[WinterSpartan]

[Nicely done!]

As both Beleren and Derath unleash crackling bolts of lightning through their bodies, the sharpshooters convulse until their steaming bodies topple backwards through the doors.

The hobgoblin patrol leader continues to try to edge past Merik, striking at him once again.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 9 + 7, total 16

Rolled 1d10+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[WinterSpartan]

But Merik's stance is firm - he feels that he could defend this hallway for as long as necessary. And with his companions coming up behind him, the hobgoblins may not last long themselves.

Rest of the party is up.

[shraeye]

[Arbitrarily deciding that that attack roll was for the top sharpshooter, here's the attack roll for the bottom one:]

This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18

[It was! thanks for reading my mind.  For some reason I thought that the area-burst was automatic if the attack hit, so didn't roll the second]

[Kuildeous]

Would Veonis benefit from Hroksull waiting to engage the hobgoblin in melee? If so, then I'll wait.

Merik should probably wait until Hroksull and Veonis act in case that changes his strategy for defending. Sound good?

[Jorbles]

[Sounds good to me!]

[Gveoniz]

Would Veonis benefit from Hroksull waiting to engage the hobgoblin in melee? If so, then I'll wait.

Merik should probably wait until Hroksull and Veonis act in case that changes his strategy for defending. Sound good?

[Hroksull can go ahead. But since I am here right now I would make my move right now.]

Move: Move to B5
Standard: Guiding strike at C4 hobgoblin

Rolled 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[Kuildeous]

Just to clarify, the figure on C4 is the Hobgoblin Soldier, right? I just want to make sure I spend an Encounter power on the right target. And he's currently unwounded?

[WinterSpartan]

Correct on all counts.

[Kuildeous]

Okay, and now that I think about it, it didn't matter what order we did, since I won't be next to him anyway.

Minor: Quarry hobgoblin solder
Move: Move to C5
Standard: Evasive Strike on Hobgoblin. Shift to C8 upon conclusion of attack.

Attack 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14

Damage 2d10+5 : 6, 2 + 5, total 13

Quarry 1d6 : 4, total 4

C'mon, RNG.

And Merik is up next, I believe.

[Kuildeous]

Stupid RNG.

[Jorbles]

[So that's no hits on the bad dudes?]

Standard Action: Booming Blade on C3.
Vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Move Action: Shift to B5.
Minor Action: Mark Soldier at C4.

[Prep Flame thingy in case I'm hit.]

[Jorbles]

[Ooo critted.]

[WinterSpartan]

With no room to move in the cramped hallway, one of the grunts maintains the second line of defense, while the first charges at Veonis.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24

Beleren and Derath are up.

[Jorbles, you used your Firepulse last round - it missed the hobgoblin grunt who stabbed you. I also assumed you wanted C5, since Veonis was in B5.]

[Jorbles]

[Jorbles, you used your Firepulse last round - it missed the hobgoblin grunt who stabbed you. I also assumed you wanted C5, since Veonis was in B5.]

[Noted, but a question: critting on a grunt doesn't kill it?]

[shraeye]

Move to B10 and cast Vanguard's lightning at goblin on C3.

C3 goblin

Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

C4 dude

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

B4 dude

Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18

damage

Rolled 1d6+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

[WinterSpartan]

[Jorbles, you used your Firepulse last round - it missed the hobgoblin grunt who stabbed you. I also assumed you wanted C5, since Veonis was in B5.]

[Noted, but a question: critting on a grunt doesn't kill it?]

[Oh, my mistake. I thought you attacked the soldier. Would you prefer I leave the damage on him, or kill off the grunt? It wouldn't have changed the goblin turn - since only one could get to you anyway.]

[Jorbles]

[Onto the grunt!]

[WinterSpartan]

[Ok. Bel, note that both grunts are dead - only the soldier is left.]

[Grujah]

Minor to sustain effect.
Move left as much as I can.

Then I try to frostbite the simple-minded creature:
Frostbind, vs Fort (ugh, 18 is high):

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblin soldier strikes out at Merik again, falling back as he does so:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

Rolled 1d10+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[WinterSpartan]

But again he is unable to so much as dent the genasi's armor. Fear begins to fill his eyes.

Party's up.

[Grujah]

Ok, I need to do this differently based on what happens, actually.

My plan is to run by the goblin, hoping to trigger a Opportunity Attack, get him with Lightning Breath's lingering effect (5 damage + push), and than get into flanking position. Depending on whether I get a push or not, I'll use a different power/move differently.

Minor: sustain action.

I'll move to C6, C5, C4, C3. There I provoke a AoO, and

IF enemy hits me:
I pushing  him to B2. I move C2, B1, And use Burning Spray on him.
vs Ref (16).

ELSE
I move to B2, and Dragonfrost on him.
vs Fort(18).


This is my attack roll, in any case:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

and damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

I am in flanking position anyway.

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblin lashes out at Beleren as he passes:

This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+5 : 8 + 5, total 13 This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d10-4 : 7 - 4, total 3

[WinterSpartan]

But the swing is unsuccessful; too much of his attention is occupied by Merik.

[Grujah]

Meh, the one time I actually do want to get hit...

He took 22 so far, right? Bloodied?

[WinterSpartan]

Yes but no. First post updated.

[Kuildeous]

With the hobgoblin's attention split, Hroksull grimly walks up to him. The hobgoblin knows not to dismiss the twin axe blades, but he knows that turning his back on the genasi would be suicide. Hroksull patiently stands within weapon reach and lunges with both weapons when the hobgoblin takes his eyes away from the goliath.

Minor: Stone's Endurance (just in case)
Move: Move to B4.
Standard: Twin Strike

battleaxe 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15

damage 1d10+1 : 2 + 1, total 3

hand axe 1d20+8 : 3 + 8, total 11

damage 1d6+1 : 2 + 1, total 3

quarry damage 1d6 : 6, total 6

[Jorbles]

[Does he get more than 1 attack of opportunity?]

[Kuildeous]

[Does he get more than 1 attack of opportunity?]

As I recall, 4E now allows for opportunity attacks each turn, which means that once Grujah's turn ended, the clock reset, so to speak.

[Jorbles]

[Well I'll move to C2 and box him in and tank the opportunity attack.]

Move: Move to C2
Standard: Booming Blade

vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

(Not sure if I should have gotten a flanking bonus here.)

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[Gveoniz]

Standard: Misdirected mark

Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[Gveoniz]

Minor: majestic words on Hroksull

[WinterSpartan]

[Derath?]

[Grujah]

Can I use my action point to ready an action?

(I want to ready that as soon as he gets bloodied, I try to intimidate him into submitting by saying something "You are surrounded and have nowhere to run, surrender now!")

[shraeye]

Mantle of the infidel

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21
Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

Can I use my action point to ready an action?

(I want to ready that as soon as he gets bloodied, I try to intimidate him into submitting by saying something "You are surrounded and have nowhere to run, surrender now!")

Go ahead; he was bloodied as soon as Veonis hit him, though Derath's action will stand if he doesn't surrender on your check.

Updated map:

[Grujah]

I'll do so.

Action point. I'll try to indimitate him, to cow him into surrender!

"Measly goblin! You are surrounded! You have nowhere to run! Give your self in, if you value your life at all, or your death will be long and  gruesome, for I set little goblin on fire, just for fun!"

Rolled 1d20+9 : 8 + 9, total 17

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblin spits in Beleren's face. "Today is a good day to die. I burn now, but you will burn too! For Sinruth and the Hand!" And he launches himself at Merik once again.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Rolled 1d10+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

It would be more impressive if the hobgoblin could ever actually HIT anything, mind you, but at least he's dying with chutzpah?

Party's up. (Map is unchanged from above. Note, for future reference, Grujah: Intimidate checks to get an enemy to surrender are Will +5 or +10, depending on how much they hate you. You needed a rather high roll.)

[Grujah]

It would be more impressive if the hobgoblin could ever actually HIT anything, mind you, but at least he's dying with chutzpah?

Party's up. (Map is unchanged from above. Note, for future reference, Grujah: Intimidate checks to get an enemy to surrender are Will +5 or +10, depending on how much they hate you. You needed a rather high roll.)

Yeah, I know, I read the Intimidate rules before I did this.

Minor to sustain effect.
Do I get flanking's combat advantage even for casting? I'll add it as I think I do, subtract it if I don't.
Does the gobo get AoO if I cast in melee?
Anywhoo,

"As you wish, petty creature. Prepare to die." (cast to maim, not kill, even though I did say this).

Dragonfrost vs fort:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10

damage:

Rolled 2d8+7 : 1, 6 + 7, total 14

[Grujah]

Whoops, that should have been 1d8, but I've missed, anyway.

[WinterSpartan]

Do I get flanking's combat advantage even for casting? I'll add it as I think I do, subtract it if I don't.

[No - flanking only grants combat advantage for melee attacks. There is a feat, Distant Advantage, that gives you combat advantage for ranged attacks on a target your allies are flanking.]

Does the gobo get AoO if I cast in melee?

[Yes, using a ranged or area attack in melee provokes opportunity attacks. Not that it will matter, I'm sure, between the Mantle of the Infidel and Aegis of Shielding debuffs; but I'll roll it anyway.]

Rolled 1d20+3 : 13 + 3, total 16

Rolled 1d10-4 : 10 - 4, total 6

[Grujah]

[FWIF, I want him to hit me, I still have the Lighting thing suspended. ]

[WinterSpartan]

[Well, what do you know!]

The hobgoblin dodges Beleren's bolt of frost and catches the mage with a sweep of its flail, laughing. But as his weapon connects, Beleren's eyes flash, and with a sharp crack and the smell of sulfur the creature is thrown backwards to lie dead at Beleren's feet.

[Killed by Lightning Breath's effect.] Combat is over - I'll update XP tonight.

[Grujah]

"Told yah".

[Jorbles]

[Hooray!]

Merik quickly surveys the hall the patrol came from to see if there's any other threats lurking there.

[If it seems clear.] Seeing it clear, Merik checks the bodies for anything useful (mostly he's looking for any keys or bits of info that might be useful).

[If it doesn't seem clear, Merik will react to whatever he sees.]

[Grujah]

"See, big guy, [Hroksull (sp?), who seems impressed whenever somebody is downed], they just touch me and the die".


Edit:
Also, I congratulate Ashe on job well done and give him a small piece of a well-burnt gobo.

[WinterSpartan]

The hallway the patrol came from leads to yet ANOTHER set of those quickly-becoming-annoying thick stone doors. Nothing is coming or moving at the moment, at least.

The hobgoblins don't seem to have anything useful on their bodies - no paper, and no keys. Just broken weapons and smelly clothing. One has some unidentifiable meat in his pouch.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull realizes that many of these goblins do not appreciate honorable combat where you can smell the ragged breath of your enemy and concedes that he may need to even the odds the next time we're in a position of disadvantage. He hops over the garbage chute and gathers up the bows and arrows from the fallen goblins. He surveys the room quickly before returning to the rest of party. He awkwardly offers one of the bows to the group, its goblin size dwarfed ridiculously by his meaty hands.

[Grujah]

"Sweet of you, Hroksy my old pal, but I do not have use for such primitive devices as weapons."

[Gveoniz]

[I believe they are crossbows and bolts instead of normal bows and arrow so Veonis cannot even use the ammo.]

Veonis examine the crossbows, which he diffidently determined to be probably not as good as his own bow. Regretting his lack of any proper archery skill despite being an "elf", he looks at the rest of the part and see if the crossbows are of any use for them.

[Jorbles]

Are there just two doors out of the room?

[WinterSpartan]

There are three exits (four, if you count "back down the hole") - the room the goblin crossbowmen were in, the tunnel the hobgoblin patrol came from, and the side tunnel (I believe it's visible on the map). That one has another faint glow visible in the distance. The dust in the passageway seems curiously undisturbed.

[Jorbles]

Arcana check on the glowing dust.

Rolled 1d20+9 : 9 + 9, total 18

[WinterSpartan]

The dust is not glowing. There is a glow off in the distance. Merik confirms that the dust is perfectly normal dust that just hasn't had anybody walk on it in a long time.

[Jorbles]

"This dust is perfectly normal dust," Merik reports.

[Jorbles]

[I admit I'm a little turned around, do I know which way would lead to the entrance?]

[shraeye]

"This dust is perfectly normal dust," Merik reports.

[hahhahahahaha, oh man.  This is why I love roleplaying]

[shraeye]

" It seems pretty clear that's not where our prisoner's will be found, I say we finish the task we were given.  Can anyone tell where the patrol came from?"

[Kuildeous]

"We should find way back to entrance so we know fast way out." With a wicked grin, Hroksull says, "And goblin guards on this side won't expect us to come up from behind. Silence all alarms."

[So yes, if we were to lay the maps over each other, which way seems likely to lead to the exit? I'm guessing the room with the crossbowmen has another way to access this hallway since a 10-foot-wide pit is an impractical feature for a home.]

[Jorbles]

"I think that patrol came from the [top of the map door]. They came around the corner after finding us climbing the ladder."

[WinterSpartan]

"We should find way back to entrance so we know fast way out." With a wicked grin, Hroksull says, "And goblin guards on this side won't expect us to come up from behind. Silence all alarms."

[So yes, if we were to lay the maps over each other, which way seems likely to lead to the exit? I'm guessing the room with the crossbowmen has another way to access this hallway since a 10-foot-wide pit is an impractical feature for a home.]

[To be fair, there was a cover on the pit that Hroksull lifted off - it was easy to miss in the description though. The exit is probably through the room the goblin crossbowmen came from.]

[Kuildeous]

After ensuring that the goblinoids have nothing else of value, Hroksull slings one crossbow over a shoulder (Twin Strike could still work as long as I use my Move Action to reload?). He begins dragging the bodies toward the pit for easy disposal. The blood stains will be a giveaway, but goblins are not clean creatures. Perhaps tossing a few handfuls of dust and gravel will make the hallway look normal.

[OOC since Hroksull is not educated enough to think of these things, but I wonder if the glow represents something the goblins can't figure out, so maybe we can solve it and gain a boon. Or…it could be something the goblins fear and with good reason too.]

[Jorbles]

[It might be a mystery we want to solve once we've found the prisoners though.]

[Kuildeous]

[True. It won't take long for the goblins to be on high alert, so we should plunge deeper into the keep.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Bump? What are you all doing? Any healing?]

[Jorbles]

Right. I use a surge to heal up.

I assume others will too, once we do let us open one of the normal doors. My vote is on the one at the top of the room.

[Gveoniz]

[I agree]

[shraeye]

two surges; what's Hroksull's status?

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull is wounded and winded. He obviously won't be able to handle many more attacks. Fortunately he has a crossbow that he may rely upon until he knows that Merik has the enemies tied up. Then the axes come out.

[Grujah]

I'll use 1 Surge.

I don't suppose any Goblin is able to talk? I'd rather go to where the warriors came from, unless we split, which might not be bright.

[WinterSpartan]

No, the goblins are slightly preoccupied with being dead. (Hobgoblins, too.)

[Jorbles]

[If no one voices opposition to me opening a door, I open the door at the top of the room.]

[WinterSpartan]

The chamber contains four stone sarcophagi and five startled hobgoblins, though they seem to have already been on their guard. This ornate burial chamber apparently belonged to the Rivenroar family itself, given the inscription running around the ceiling: "Here lie the Rivenroars until the Day of the Black Sun. If you seek their monument, look to the lands around you." An alcove in the north wall holds a wrought-iron spiral staircase, leading downwards; an alcove in the east wall holds two black marble altars.

The Rivenroars haven't fared as well under hobgoblin occupation as the Von Urstadts did; the lids have been ripped from the sarcophagi and an untidy heap of treasure is piled in one of the corners. Judging from the assorted garbage, the bedrolls, and the smell, this room has also served as the hobgoblins' main living quarters.

At the sight of Merik, the hobgoblins raise their weapons and begin to shout, whether in alarm or challenge he cannot tell.

Initiative:

Hobgoblin Grunts:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18

Hobgoblin Archer:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

? #1:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

? #2:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 12 + 3, total 15

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 12 + 1, total 13

Derath:

Rolled 1d20 : 3, total 3

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 19 + 3, total 22

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 14 + 1, total 15

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20-1 : 4 - 1, total 3

[WinterSpartan]

[I'll delay the archer slightly on the first round for the purpose of getting the party into two blocks in initiative order instead of three. This means Hroksull is first to act. Merik is on the map; the rest of you are in row N or points south. Hroksull, the hand crossbow you picked up will, since it's based on dexterity, be -2 to hit and -3 damage compared to the hand axes on your character sheet. Don't forget that you can throw the hand axes, though!]

[Kuildeous]

Considering my lack of surges, does anyone object to Hroksull being safe in O8 until the boundaries of the skirmish are established? If two people would really, really rather be in row O, I can be in row N.

In any case, Hroksull pulls out two handaxes and hurls them both into the room (as I recall, allies helpfully move out of the way so there is no chance of hitting an ally in the way; if I'm wrong, then I'll definitely choose to be in N7 and replace Quarry with Stone's Endurance).

Minor: Quarry hobgoblin in K7
Move: Draw axes
Standard: Twin strike (second shot on I8 if K7 should somehow drop)

first attack 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

second attack 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

first damage 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2

second damage 1d6+1 : 3 + 1, total 4

quarry damage 1d6 : 2, total 2

[Kuildeous]

And Hroksull apparently just flings open his bag, and a couple of axes tumble out.

[Jorbles]

I plan to run up and get in their faces. Hopefully this will keep you safe, I think you should stay on the back row as you have no surges left.

[Kuildeous]

I fully intend to make use of Merik's marking ability so that I can harry them. But first I need to make sure they're safely beating on Merik before I chance it. 

[WinterSpartan]

The archer fires a shot at Merik, the only one in his field of vision. Three of the grunts then charge at the genasi, while the other runs towards the steps and calls down. The pounding of feet echoes on the staircase.

Archer:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 13 + 9, total 22

Rolled 1d10+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

Grunts:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19

Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

Firepulse (assuming Merik wants, as usual, to use it, and that at least one grunt hits him:)

Rolled 1d20+5 : 20 + 5, total 25

Rolled 1d6+3 : 5 + 3, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

Struck deeply by the arrow, Merik is distracted and his defenses are unprepared for the rush of hobgoblins. The first to strike is roasted by a jet of liquid flame, but Merik is beaten to the ground in front of his allies. The surviving hobgoblins cheer.

[The entire party can go now - both of the "question marks" are still making their way up the stairs this round.]

[Jorbles]

[Ouch. Those Grunts are mean.]

[WinterSpartan]

[I was a bit surprised too. I still have the best dice of the party - that was 3 crits in 5 attack rolls.]

[Grujah]

[what are the rules on walking on Merik's tile]

[Gveoniz]

[Do Merik wants to be slid (and healed)?]

[WinterSpartan]

[what are the rules on walking on Merik's tile]

[Walk right over him, no problems. Just don't end your move there.]

[Jorbles]

[Do Merik wants to be slid (and healed)?]

Healed, yes definitely. Slid, whatever you think works.

[Gveoniz]

Minor: Majestic words on Merik, sliding him to L7
Move: Move to M8
Standard: Guiding Strike on L8 (penalize AC)

Vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

[Bump? Anybody but Veonis?]

[shraeye]

Vanguard's Lightning on the archer:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14
Rolled 1d6+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[Kuildeous]

Whew, I'm glad you slid Merik there. That gives us some breathing room so that we don't get hemmed in.

Merik, will you be marking the one in L8? What you do may determine which power I use. In any case, I'll likely move to M7; I just might not stay there for long.

[Jorbles]

I'll mark the L8 orc if it's still standing when I get my turn, otherwise L9. Am I able to act or do I have to spend a turn recovering?

[WinterSpartan]

I'll mark the L8 orc if it's still standing when I get my turn, otherwise L9. Am I able to act or do I have to spend a turn recovering?

Standing up takes a move action, but you have HP back and are otherwise good to go. First post updated.

[Jorbles]

Move action: Stand.
Standard action: Second Wind.
Action point!
Standard action: Luring Strike on Grunt at L8. Moving myself to K7.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

Rolled 1d8 : 4, total 4

Minor action: mark of shielding on grunt at L8 if I missed him, mark of shielding on grunt at L9 if I killed the other grunt.

[Kuildeous]

Dice are cold again. Let's hope I find a hot pocket.

Minor: Draw battleaxe/hand axe.
Move: Move to M7.
Standard: Twin Strike M7.

In the unlikely event that M7 drops after my battleaxe, I'll use the second part of Twin Strike to chuck the hand axe at his buddy.

battleaxe 1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10

Rolled 1d10+1 : 5 + 1, total 6

hand axe 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19

Rolled 1d6+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

Unfortunately, being in the back row means I couldn't move and quarry. And my little quarry buddy is dead.

[WinterSpartan]

[That only leaves everybody's favorite sorcerer to act this round. While I'm thinking about it, two notes:

1) Everyone's going to get another action point after this fight.
2) When you level up (another 2 or 3 fights, depending which way you go), the same powers that grant you increased abilities (divine, magical, whatever; we'll see what makes sense at the time) will also restore your health and surges. Otherwise, you wouldn't have the ghost of a chance of cleaning this whole place out without leaving and coming back another day. If anyone objects to this, let me know, but I suspect you won't...]

[Jorbles]

[That sounds good to me.]

[Grujah]

I will move to I5 and use Frostbind on the Archer.

vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Damage

Rolled 3d6+7 : 5, 3, 4 + 7, total 19

[Grujah]

Drat.

[WinterSpartan]

The surviving hobgoblins leap back into battle, as the one atop the stairs charges Merik and the other steps back into combat with Veonis. The hobgoblin archer circles, fitting an arrow to his string and firing at Veonis as well.

Charging grunt:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 2 + 8, total 10

Other grunt:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

Archer:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 11 + 9, total 20

Rolled 1d10+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

Also, a small green guard drake reaches the top of the stairs. It seems to be on a long leash. Whatever is holding the leash still isn't visible.

[WinterSpartan]

[Aaaand another crit. Eesh.]

Veonis goes down to the arrow, his song abruptly cut off.

[Jorbles]

I'm going to attack the Grunt first because if I hit it or not will determine the rest of my moves.

Standard Action:
Booming Blade on Grunt at J7.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[Jorbles]

Sigh.

Minor Move: Mark the Grunt.

Keep standing where I am.

[shraeye]

Vanguards Lightning at I8

roll for archer hit first, goblin hit second

Rolled 1d20+4 : 5 + 4, total 9
Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11
Rolled 1d6+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[shraeye]

[misses all around ]

[Grujah]

Drakes have animal intelligence?

I will cast Burning Spray on G6 - J8

vs Warrior

Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

vs Shooter

Rolled 1d20+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

Damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

[Jorbles]

[Can't buy a bucket.  ]

[Kuildeous]

[Can't buy a bucket.  ]

Well, we better buy it soon, because we're going to kick it.

[WinterSpartan]

Drakes have animal intelligence?

[Yes. They're nonsentient.]

A hobgoblin soldier comes up the stairs, holding the drake's leash. He releases it and bellows a command.

Map update Monday - before if I find time this weekend.

Hroksull and Veonis are up. Veonis is going to have to roll a save vs. death, unless Hroksull has some healing ability I'm overlooking.

[Kuildeous]

Move to L8
Twin Strike on goblin grunt

battleaxe 1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10

damage 1d10+1 : 6 + 1, total 7

If he drops, I chuck my handaxe at the grunt at J7, which will make this attack roll 2 lower.

hand axe 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

damage 1d6+1 : 2 + 1, total 3

[Kuildeous]

Actually, let's Action point that. Same as last time but with better numbers.

battleaxe 1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15

hand axe 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

[Kuildeous]

Well, I would have liked to take down both grunts, but I'll take what I can get. Since the sarcophagus provides me cover, I'll hold off on using Stone's Endurance until I get into the middle of things (unless I misinterpreted the battlefield and I did not drop the guy next to me, in which case I'll use it).

So I'll use my minor to quarry the grunt, not that it matters.

[Gveoniz]

Rolled 1d20 : 4, total 4

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblin arriving atop the stairs takes a moment to get his bearings, keeping a tight hold on the drake's leash. [Delayed the soldier's actions to get him to reach the same initiative block. This will let the party go in whatever order - and incidentally held back the drake a bit.] The remaining grunt continues trying to find a weakness in Merik's defenses, while the archer takes aim at Beleren.

Grunt:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 15 + 6, total 21

Archer:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 17 + 9, total 26

Rolled 1d10+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

[Good grief. Have I missed yet this combat?]

Merik is once again wounded. Like Hroksull, his stamina is draining. Veonis continues to bleed out on the floor... [He'd probably appreciate a Heal check from Derath; since he hasn't used his Second Wind yet this encounter, it's only a DC 10 to get him on his feet. Standard action. Up to you, though.]

[Grujah]

-> go G4 and Burning Spray on Drake and Gobo. Leave you guys with the other two, I cannot efficiently cast while you guys are near.

vs Drake, Cha vs Ref:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

vs Gobo

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

[shraeye]

Since I can't hit, I'd better heal

Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[Grujah]

[there are no "confirm crit" rolls in 4.0, right?]

[Gveoniz]

Move: Stand up
Standard: Misdirected mark on I9
vs Reflex

Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

[there are not "confirm crit" rolls in 4.0, right?]

[Nope, every 20 is a crit. So the soldier took 15 damage instead of 10. Did I miss some other effect you have on a crit?]

[Kuildeous]

Move: Move up to Goblin Archer.
Minor: Quarry Archer.
Standard: Evasive Strike on Archer. Shift back to my starting space behind the sarcophagus.

Battleaxe 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16

Damage 1d10+5 : 8 + 5, total 13

Quarry 1d6 : 2, total 2

[Jorbles]

I think that was a miss from Kuildeous?

Standard action: Booming Blade on J7.
Attack vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

(Will finish turn after I see whether I hit or not.)

[Jorbles]

Minor: Re-mark this extremely skilled grunt.

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblin soldier drops the guard drake's leash, and the two of them circle the sarcophagus to jointly attack Beleren. The archer drops back and fires another arrow at Merik, while the grunt (who's going to earn himself a name and a recurring villain badge, at this rate) continues to press his attack.

Soldier:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

Rolled 1d10+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Drake:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 5 + 6, total 11

Rolled 1d10+3 : 9 + 3, total 12

Archer:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 3 + 9, total 12

Rolled 1d10+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

Grunt:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15

[WinterSpartan]

But Beleren and Merik put up astonishing displays of defense, and nothing slips through to injure them. [I'm astonished, at least.]

Party's up. Derath, you should probably spend an action point at some time this combat - you have 2 and are getting another, and you can only spend one per combat.

[Kuildeous]

Hmm, need a plan to protect Beleren. Merik is tied up with this grunt for the moment, so I'll try to free him up.

Move: K6
Standard: Twin Strike

Battleaxe goes to J7 no matter what.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18

Rolled 1d10+1 : 1 + 1, total 2

...to be continued

[Kuildeous]

Right, so that should drop the amazing grunt.

Minor: Quarry drake

Use the second part of Twin Strike to hurl a hand axe at the drake.

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

Rolled 1d6+1 : 3 + 1, total 4

Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3

[Gveoniz]

Misdirected mark on G7
vs will

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

[Gveoniz]

Action point: Second Wind
Move: Move to L5
Minor: Sheath the sword (to switch to the bow next turn)

[shraeye]

so grunt is down?  archer, soldier, drake left?

[Grujah]

Casting here triggers 2 AoOs? Also going over the coffin?

[shraeye]

I'm going to try to push them off you, if you let me move first.

[Grujah]

[Sure, otherwise I'll blame you guys for me getting cornered and having to resort to actually using derogatory technique of stabbing people with a dagger]

[WinterSpartan]

so grunt is down?  archer, soldier, drake left?

Correct! The archer is bloodied, too (I haven't updated with the damage from Veonis).

Casting here triggers 2 AoOs? Also going over the coffin?

Also correct. Hopefully Derath will save you from that fate, though.

[shraeye]

OK, start by moving to I7.
Minor: cast Maledictor's doom (put the blast H7-D3) and it should cover all baddies.  -1 to attack and saving throws; fear attacks let me shift them 1 as a free action. Also, they're all hit with an encounter power, so they have -2 to attack rolls against me.

Standard: Whispers of Defeat (a fear attack!), attack vs will (burst 5 gets them all)

Archer (will 13)--If hit, shift to F6
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+5 : 2 + 5, total 7
Drake (will 12)--If hit, shift to G6
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+5 : 4 + 5, total 9
Soldier (will 16)--If hit, shift to F5
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+5 : 13 + 5, total 18

Damagenot for this power, silly shraeye.
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d6+5 : 5 + 5, total 10

Using action point as well; that's incoming.

[shraeye]

Action point: (also +3 to attacks now)

Cast Visions of Blood (fear attack!), attack vs. will, burst from H7-F5.

Archer (will 13)--If hit, shift to F7

Rolled 1d20+8 : 13 + 8, total 21

Drake (will 12)--If hit, shift to G6

Rolled 1d20+8 : 4 + 8, total 12

Soldier (will 16)--If hit, shift to F6

Rolled 1d20+8 : 2 + 8, total 10

Damage

Rolled 1d6+5 : 3 + 5, total 8

[shraeye]

Ok, results: [sorry about the edit; i forgot Whispers of Defeat has no damage...there's no way I would 'tamper' those rolls to suck so hard]

Soldier is now at F5 and has -3 to attack, -5 to attack against me (until next turn); if he misses, he takes 9 psychic damage, unless my +1 rod affects this as well.

Drake is now at G6, and has -1 to attack, -1 to defenses until my next turn; took 8 damage.

Archer is now at F7, has -1 to attack, -1 to defenses until my next turn; took 8 damage.

[WinterSpartan]

Maledictor's Doom lets you push, not slide, which forces you to move the enemies away from you (along at least one axis); this means the soldier's at E5 and was out of the range of Visions of Blood. Fortunately (?), you missed him anyway. Very impressive turn! Beleren and Merik are still up. Merik, note that your mark on the archer is from Veonis's Misdirected Mark spell - you're still free to put your Aegis of Shielding on whoever you'd like. And Beleren's nicely set up for a Burning Spray on everything. (Note for future reference that Burning Spray does NOT provoke attacks of opportunity - Ranged and Area attacks provoke, Close and Melee attacks do not.)

[Jorbles]

I'm going to loop around behind the archer.

Move action: move to E8 (J7-I8-H8-G9-F9-E8)
Standard action: Booming Blade on the archer.
Minor action: Mark the drake with Sigil of Shielding

vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[Grujah]

(Note for future reference that Burning Spray does NOT provoke attacks of opportunity - Ranged and Area attacks provoke, Close and Melee attacks do not.)

Noted.

"Hah, just as I planned! Good work, Bard! Now, let's burn them to crisps!"

Move to H5, Burning Spray on all of em.

all vs Ref.
vs Archer:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

vs Drake:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

vs Fighter:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 8 + 7, total 15

[Jorbles]

[Grujah]

At least I burned the Drake. And damage roll was awesome!

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblins dodge promptly out of the flames, though the guard drake is badly scorched. The archer twists out of the way of Merik's blade as well, nocks another arrow, and fires:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 20 + 8, total 28

Rolled 1d10+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

The guard drake heeds Merik's challenge and the archer's call, and shifts back to its master's side, snapping at the genasi's legs:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 9 + 5, total 14

Rolled 1d10+9 : 5 + 9, total 14

The hobgoblin soldier, mind confused from shadows Derath has summoned that only he can see, advances and lashes out at Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17

Rolled 1d10+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[WinterSpartan]

[Another crit and a statistically improbable hit on Beleren instead of more damage for the hobgoblin soldier... Beleren is marked and slowed for this turn, meaning if he doesn't include the soldier in his attack he has -2 to hit and his move speed is only 2. Also Merik's down again, Veonis.]

These hobgoblins show the valor that let them rampage through Brindol, as the archer's arrow pierces almost completely through Merik and drops him to the floor again, and the soldier overcomes the terrors in his mind and catches Beleren solidly with his weapon.

Party's up.

[Gveoniz]

Minor: Majestic words on Merik
Move: Draw the bow (Veonis have already sheathed his sword)
Standard: Prophesied Strike on the Drake
vs AC

Rolled 1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25

damage

Rolled 1d10+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[Gveoniz]

The next time you attacks the drake, before the end of my next turn, you can roll a d20 twice and uses either result.

[Grujah]

[Another crit and a statistically improbable hit on Beleren instead of more damage for the hobgoblin soldier... Beleren is marked and slowed for this turn, meaning if he doesn't include the soldier in his attack he has -2 to hit and his move speed is only 2. Also Merik's down again, Veonis.]

Soldier gets 3 damage from Burning Spray lingering effect, btw.

[WinterSpartan]

Bump for everyone but Veonis?

[Kuildeous]

I'm contemplating using my daily on something, so everyone else should go before me so I can decide if I still want to do it.

[shraeye]

Imma do this:  Vanguard's Lightning at E7.  But the Drake and Archer have -1 to defenses until I move...so maybe others should go first?

[shraeye]

actually, at F6, so I don't hit Merik

[Jorbles]

[I want to keep trying to kill the archer as he seems to do the most damage of them, but I can't with my current amount of move actions.]

Move action: stand up.
Standard action: Booming Blade on the Drake.
Minor action: Mark the Drake.

vs ac:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[Jorbles]

Not that it matters because Merik is drunk and incapable of hitting anything.

[Grujah]

I am getting repetetive, but Burning Spray on Archer and Drake.

vs Ref.
Archer:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Drake:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15

(Veonis's ability gives me reroll)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

That archer seems to lead a charmed life.

The guard drake's a crispy critter, though. Another one bites the dust!

[Jorbles]

[I forgot about Veonis's ability. I should have used that, but the drake is dead at least.]

[Kuildeous]

Sounds like I can save my daily for another fight.

Move: F6
Minor: Quarry archer
Standard: Twin Strike

Rolled 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16

Rolled 1d10+1 : 5 + 1, total 6

Rolled 1d20+6 : 7 + 6, total 13

Rolled 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2

quarry 1d6 : 6, total 6

[Kuildeous]

I do believe that with -1 to its defense I hit for 12 damage? And I believe another one gone?

[shraeye]

everyone done but me?  Confirmation on that kill?

[WinterSpartan]

Kill confirmed. Only Derath is left to act, only the hobgoblin soldier remains to oppose you.

[shraeye]

F4, Vanguards Lightning.

Attack vs Reflex (16)

Rolled 1d20+5 : 2 + 5, total 7

Rolled 1d6+5 : 6 + 5, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

As the drake is fried and Hroksull cuts down the archer, only the hobgoblin soldier remains. He advances furiously on Beleren once again.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26

Rolled 1d10+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[WinterSpartan]

And Beleren again falls unconscious. The hobgoblin is outnumbered, but bellows a challenge anyway - the party is in bad shape, bruised, bloodied, and battered. Can they strike him down before he does the same to them?

[Kuildeous]

Mutha...

If somebody wishes to move to I4 and ready an action to strike when I move into flank, we can improve our chances.

If not, then I could move around to the north side and rely on my goliathness to resist 5 points of damage. I get the feeling we can't drop him in one round, which makes me wonder if I should use my daily, but I think that's best saved for another fight.

[Grujah]

He gets 3 damage from fire.

[Grujah]

[What actions can I do when I am unconscious?]

[Gveoniz]

Move: move to H6
Standard: Heal Beleren

Heal

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[Gveoniz]

[Would a failed heal hurt him?]

[Jorbles]

[I feel like these monsters are bigger than us.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Failed heals don't hurt.

When you're unconscious your whole turn consists of rolling a save vs. death - 3 failures in one day and you're dead, a natural 20 heals you without other intervention. I would wait and see if Derath decides to heal you or do something else first, though.

Same-level monsters will always have more hp than the PCs (with the exception of minions), because in theory they do significantly less damage/other effects than the PCs. Someone forgot to tell these hobgoblins that, though.]

[shraeye]

Also heal

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

[Kuildeous]

[I feel like these monsters are bigger than us.]

1st level is usually pretty painful too. That's why 4E gives you more HP at 1st level compared to previous editions.

[Jorbles]

[I feel like these monsters are bigger than us.]

1st level is usually pretty painful too. That's why 4E gives you more HP at 1st level compared to previous editions.

[It does explain why my DM decided we'd just level up after the first session we played of 4th ed instead of following the normal XP rules.]

[Kuildeous]

[I'm actually against XP rules in general. I played a 3E Midnight game where I suggested that the GM doesn't give us XP. He would give us a level only after story milestones. It was actually pretty satisfying. I'm in a 13th Age game now, and I'm happy to see that they have adopted that tactic. No XP. Just level up at milestones, though 13th Age took it a step further and has incremental advances. You can increase one aspect of your level like skill advance, hit points, spells, etc. So, you can still "level up" a few times before you do your main level.]

All right, no takers on flanking, which doesn't surprise me since our melee people are recuperating. I can't tank for long, but I can keep him busy for a round.

Move: G4
Minor: Stone's Endurance
Standard: Twin Strike

I really should keep my roll text somewhere so I can copy and paste.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17

Rolled 1d10+1 : 3 + 1, total 4

Rolled 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14

Rolled 1d6+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

[Kuildeous]

And a lotta whiffing.

When our melee people are back up, don't expect me to stay in that spot for long, but I can hang around long enough to provide flanking. We're going to need to draw him out into the open and possible aid each other to overcome that AC.

[Grujah]

[I'm actually against XP rules in general. I played a 3E Midnight game where I suggested that the GM doesn't give us XP. He would give us a level only after story milestones. It was actually pretty satisfying. I'm in a 13th Age game now, and I'm happy to see that they have adopted that tactic. No XP. Just level up at milestones, though 13th Age took it a step further and has incremental advances. You can increase one aspect of your level like skill advance, hit points, spells, etc. So, you can still "level up" a few times before you do your main level.]

This is what I do, levels at milestones.
 
If somebody misses a session or otherwise would not gain XP, he lingers a bit.
Never really had people use XP for paying for stuff, but that can come into play and you can reduce "by heart", I think.

[Jorbles]

[I'm actually against XP rules in general. I played a 3E Midnight game where I suggested that the GM doesn't give us XP. He would give us a level only after story milestones. It was actually pretty satisfying. I'm in a 13th Age game now, and I'm happy to see that they have adopted that tactic. No XP. Just level up at milestones, though 13th Age took it a step further and has incremental advances. You can increase one aspect of your level like skill advance, hit points, spells, etc. So, you can still "level up" a few times before you do your main level.]

This is what I do, levels at milestones.
 
If somebody misses a session or otherwise would not gain XP, he lingers a bit.
Never really had people use XP for paying for stuff, but that can come into play and you can reduce "by hearth", I think.

[This is what I usually do in systems I play in that have more numeric XP systems. It takes a lot of the complexity out of it. That said I usually play Dungeon World these days which levels you pretty fast anyways.]

Move: H5 (I think this gives me a flanking bonus)
Standard: Booming Blade at soldier
Minor: Mark him with shield of sigils.

vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 9 + 9, total 18

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[Jorbles]

[If this guy kills us it'll be pretty hilarious.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Shraeye's heal was effectual - Beleren, you're up. You'll need a move action to stand up though.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Grujah?]

[Grujah]

[As it seems that standing up doesn't prove AoO]

Get up and shift to the right.

[Grujah]

Actually, If this also doesn't provoke AoO, Storm Walk, shifting right before the attack, striking Gobo.

vs fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

[/roll]1d8+7[/roll]

[WinterSpartan]

The valorous hobgoblin attempts to take Merik down again:

Rolled 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21

Rolled 1d10+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

*thump* *crash*

Party's up.

[Jorbles]

[We should recruit this guy. He's better at fighting than we are.]

[Grujah]

Move 3 to the right, use Dragonfrost on him.

(I will push him towards the wall if that has any effect).

vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Rolled 1d8+7 : 5 + 7, total 12

[Kuildeous]

Minor: Quarry
Standard: Hit and Run
Move: Move up and around to G7

Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

Rolled 1d10+5 : 1 + 5, total 6

Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6

[Kuildeous]

Blargh

[Gveoniz]

Minor: Withdraw the bow
Move: Move to K4
Standard: Misdirected mark on the goblin
vs will

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

[Kuildeous]

[Is Merik pretty much out of this fight? I haven't been keeping track of healing powers.

With his high AC, we may consider a couple of us aiding, although some of these die rolls are atrocious enough that it doesn't matter.

I have pretty good damage (1d10+1d6+5 if I use hit and run), but if we want to focus on the minuses to attack and defense that others can dish out, I'd support a movement for Hroksull to aid, though I do think that the damage would be better.]

[shraeye]

I can heal (but maybe not more than once per combat?).

I also have some of those minuses to attack/defense that people like.

[WinterSpartan]

[Merik's probably pretty much out of it. He can only get healed to +1, and that's a DC 15 Heal check as a standard action.]

[Jorbles]

[Probably not worth getting me up until the fight is over. Only one of us needs to still be standing when this guy goes down.]

[WinterSpartan]

That's a whole lot of whiffs to Derath (defense debuffs would probably come in handy). Merik also needs to roll his save vs. death, although I can roll it for him when I update the map if he hasn't done it by then.

[Jorbles]

Save vs death!

Rolled 1d20 : 15, total 15

[shraeye]

I'm not sure where everybody is right now, but I'm trying to see if I can get off my daily power (clost blast 3) without hitting any teammates?

Good thing about that, is that it's guaranteed damage; and target will either be stunned (on hit...he gets no action?) or dazed (on miss...i think this removes AoO?)

[Kuildeous]

I'm not sure where everybody is right now, but I'm trying to see if I can get off my daily power (clost blast 3) without hitting any teammates?

Hroksull is far away from G4, so don't let him stop you. Not sure if anyone else got in the way, but I couldn't find a flanking buddy, so I doubt it.

[shraeye]

So is anyone in H5-F3?  If somebody is, what about H4-J2...I think I could get to H% and attack without triggering AoO...and maybe this would help Hroksull with the flanking?

[Gveoniz]

Veonis is in K4.

[WinterSpartan]

H5-F3 is open. Nobody's adjacent to the hobgoblin. Stunned makes him lose his entire next turn; dazed makes him lose his move and minor actions. Both make him grant combat advantage, so attacks get +2 to hit (this is also the effect of flanking, so flanking wouldn't have any further bonus).

[shraeye]

Then let it be done;

Silent Malediction on this unbelievable dude (vs Fort)
To hit:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 20 + 5, total 25

Thuuuuunder damage!:

Rolled 2d6+5 : 4, 3 + 5, total 12

[shraeye]

hell yea.  Stun that fool with thunder of criticalness.

[WinterSpartan]

So all the hobgoblin does is attempt to snap out of the stun:

Rolled 1d20 : 16, total 16

[WinterSpartan]

Naturally (seriously, he seems some sort of god of war), he manages to shake off the thunder. At least he's not looking so good, though. Party's up again.

[WinterSpartan]

Oh, almost forgot your new rod's +1d6 damage on a crit:

Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3

[Gveoniz]

Standard: Astral Seal on Goblin
vs Relfex

Rolled 1d20+5 : 14 + 5, total 19

[If this hit, all of his defense will decrease by 2. The fist one who damage will gain 6 hp (regardless of your surge)]

[Grujah]

Does he have combat disadvantage?

Anyway, I am low, so:
Move to G7. Burning Spray on Goblin and debris, without hitting my mates.

vs Ref

Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Rolled 1d8+7 : 8 + 7, total 15

Gain some hp.

[Grujah]

Actually I missed so no hp for me.

[shraeye]

Oh, almost forgot your new rod's +1d6 damage on a crit: This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3

An extra +1d6?  So the normal 2d6+5 maxed out (17), and then another 1d6 on top?  Or does the 1d6 replace the normal +1?

[shraeye]

I add lightning to the thunder; yay storms.

Vanguards Lightning (vs Reflex)

Rolled 1d20+5 : 6 + 5, total 11

Rolled 1d6+5 : 4 + 5, total 9

[shraeye]

good that I didn't steal that HP from somebody who needs it more

[Kuildeous]

I have zero surges, but so does Merik. Since he's the best at tanking, I'll wait for him to strike and possibly gain the 6 hp. Not that it'll help him tank that much, but it can buy us a round.

[Kuildeous]

Wait, I thought Merik had been healed. But now I can't see where that happened.

Is there a way to get Merik up so he can swing at the hobgoblin? If not, then I'll take the swing.

[Jorbles]

Wait, I thought Merik had been healed. But now I can't see where that happened.

Is there a way to get Merik up so he can swing at the hobgoblin? If not, then I'll take the swing.

I am not dead, but I am unconscious. When I got up last time I was immediately crushed again.

[Kuildeous]

Okay, going for 6 HP then...and hopefully a freakin' dead hobgoblin.

Move: G4
Standard: Twin Strike

Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18

Rolled 1d10+1 : 7 + 1, total 8

Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

Rolled 1d6+1 : 3 + 1, total 4

Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6

[Kuildeous]

So, with the -2 to Defense, the first strike should hit, I believe, and do 14 damage and heal me 6? And I think that may kill the hobgoblin?

[Kuildeous]

The suspense is killing me.

Hopefully, it's killing him instead.

[WinterSpartan]

[Sorry - I was sure I'd replied already!]

Kuildeous finally hacks the hobgoblin down. He falls with a clash of armor, and lies still. Victory is yours, in this smaller battle - but at what a cost... Merik still lies on the floor, in need of aid, and most of the rest of the party is grievously wounded.

[Grujah]

Heal up (don't forget my familiar bonus ).

I'll aid anybody who tries to save Merik.

After that, I want to check the graves - what do they look like, engravings, have they been opened recently, can they etc..

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull lurks at the top of the stairs, listening for any other hobgoblins. He holds a large rock in his hands and prepares to fling it onto the heads of anyone sent to investigate.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis searches the bodies of the hobgoblins to see if there are any thing useful.

Cooperating with probably Derath to heal Merik

Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

[Jorbles]

[From beyond the grave: Wasn't there treasure in the corner of the room?]

[shraeye]

Veonis searches the bodies of the hobgoblins to see if there are any thing useful.

Cooperating with probably Derath to heal Merik
This dice roll may have been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

any more assistnece?  I can do the check once people chime in.

[Kuildeous]

Before picking up a large rock to pelt any upcoming hobgoblins, Hroksull looks over the wounds. Very messy. This is definitely something the village healer is much better at. Still, Hroksull had to endure similar wounds on his own body.

Rolled 1d20+2 : 2 + 2, total 4

[Kuildeous]

"Doesn't look too dangerous. Rub dirt in it. The stinging means it's helping."

[Jorbles]

Sounds legit.

[WinterSpartan]

The stairs are clear, for now. While Hroksull's "help" distracts Derath from attending to the wounds, Beleren looks around the room. These graves belonged to members of the Rivenroar family proper, though not the leaders of the family, and the hobgoblins have definitely tampered with them. There's a pile of their findings in the corner. There are some gems, coins, and gold or silver baubles of little value - about 170 gp worth in total, he estimates - as well as an obsidian-bladed axe that radiates dark energy. Near the pile is the only other item of interest in the room, an altar that the hobgoblins have desecrated.

Lifedrinker Battleaxe +1
+1 to attacks, +1 damage, +1d6 necrotic damage on a critical hit
When you kill an enemy with this weapon, +5 hit points

[Jorbles]

[Let's go kill some ants with the battle axe.  ]

[Kuildeous]

[I had been lamenting not having a second battleaxe. Any objections to me using that one? I do get +1 damage with axes.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Let's go kill some ants with the battle axe.  ]

[Ants aren't enemies Nice try though!]

[Kuildeous]

[So no objections were raised about Hroksull wielding the shiny new battleaxe. May he bring honor and glory to the party.

An alternative would be to let Merik use the battleaxe to try to get HP out of enemies, but that's kind of risky since he'll drop the first time he's hit. Maybe…just maybe we could stage the fight so that Hroksull hands the axe over to Merik to use on a bloodied foe and try to get him some hit points. And hey, minions are easy to drop.

Once we heal Merik, we should probably determine if we want to press on or turn tail. Numerically, things are looking bad for us. But adventurers are a foolhardy bunch. I'd be fine with pushing on and taking whatever consequences come about, but I'm also not the one with only 1 hit point, though I do have 0 surges, so I'm not looking so good either.

We're so close to leveling that it does seem appealing to escape and rest up, but I fear this may mean the end of the remaining prisoners. No local heroes we.

Speaking of healing Merik, I guess shraeye should go ahead and attempt the heal? If that fails, I'll assist again next round. Guarding the stairs will just have to wait.]

[Grujah]

Is that axe not, by any chance, one of the artefacts that we need to "bring back" ?

[shraeye]

Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16

healcheck

[Gveoniz]

This probably belongs to the Rivenroars instead of the Hall of Great Valor, and we do have a list of artifacts:

There's also a list detailing the stolen treasures from the Hall of Great Valor. It appears that the taken items you've been contracted to bring back include an ornate, gilded dragonhelm once belonging to Azarr Kul (the hobgoblin general); Azarr Kul's iron gauntlets; a ceremonial platinum longsword (of no use as a weapon); three large shields with the Red Hand insignia, badly battle-damaged; and the standard of the victorious

Veonis looked around and remembered the inscription he saw when entering the chamber.

"Here lie the Rivenroars until the Day of the Black Sun. If you seek their monument, look to the lands around you."

Do Veonis understand (or remember) what it mean by black sun and the monument to the lands around you?

History

Rolled 1d20+6 : 18 + 6, total 24

And what can be seen on the other path that we cannot see on the map?

[Grujah]

Yeah, we are pretty beaten up, we'll only be able to stand for a few more fights.

What kind of altar is it? What happened to it?

I ask the big guy to remove the lid from one of the graves. I want to know what did goblins did to it (you said they've been tampering).

[Jorbles]

Is 16 big enough to get me back on my feet?

[WinterSpartan]

16 is enough to get Merik back up (with 1 hp). Remember that when you level, you'll also fully heal (I'll deus ex machina it if I have to; makes a better story than running away).

The Day of the Black Sun is a legend something like Ragnarok, where the world ends. The Rivenroar's monument being the lands around them is an unintentionally ironic statement - it was intended to refer to strong castles, bustling villages, and prosperous farms being the Rivenroar's legacy. Now, however, their lands are under the swamp, and the castle is nothing but a ruin...

That other path isn't really a path, just an alcove that holds the desecrated altar. You can't tell who the altar was originally dedicated to (at least, not without a religion check), but the hobgoblins have smashed some symbols and drawn their own, repurposing it for a different deity.

[Jorbles]

Merik gingerly gets to his feet. Holding his hand over a wound.

He looks down the staircase where the goblin disappeared and came back with the drake.

"We could probably explore down there safely. Any other goblins that were down in that room would have come up to fight us when he grabbed the drake."

[Jorbles]

[Do I have time to switch to Earth Form? Fire form isn't going to help me stay alive at all. Earth Form probably won't either, but it might make the difference if something attacks vs Fortitude.]

[Kuildeous]

Did not realize hit points return when leveling. I presume all daily abilities are still spent, though?

[Jorbles]

[How much XP does the average creature dropped provide? I haven't really been paying attention to the XP charts.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Yes, you have time to switch forms. XP depends on enemy level - most goblins are level 2, most hobgoblins level 3, so they're worth 25-30 xp each. Minions (the 1-hp ones) are worth less. I also awarded some XP for rescuing Zerriksa alive.]

[The default rules don't provide for healing when leveling. They also don't assume more than ~5 encounters in a day. I'm going to refresh all hit points and daily abilities when leveling, so it will be like a new day started.]

[Jorbles]

[Yes, you have time to switch forms. XP depends on enemy level - most goblins are level 2, most hobgoblins level 3, so they're worth 25-30 xp each. Minions (the 1-hp ones) are worth less. I also awarded some XP for rescuing Zerriksa alive.]

[The default rules don't provide for healing when leveling. They also don't assume more than ~5 encounters in a day. I'm going to refresh all hit points and daily abilities when leveling, so it will be like a new day started.]

No new surges though?

[WinterSpartan]

I'll refresh the surges too. It will basically be a new day.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis agrees with Merik that going down the stairs is a good idea.

[Jorbles]

Did we do the usual search for keys/clues on the bodies of the fallen? (if not I do that)

[Kuildeous]

Searching the room!

Then down the stairs!

[WinterSpartan]

No further items of interest were found in the room.

Heading down the stairs, the party finds more filthy furs and bedrolls, and sacks and rucksacks of basic provisions and unappetizing food. The goblins have been using this chamber too for their camp. But there's nobody here at the present. In the far corner of the room, a short hallway leads to another set of those thick stone doors.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull tosses a few of the bedrolls on the way to the hallway, ensuring that there are no drunk hobgoblins who missed out on the party above.

Unless prompted to stay in this room, he listens for anything interesting behind the stone doors.

[WinterSpartan]

Perception check? (Unless someone else is doing something first; I'm presuming Hroksull's putting his ear to the door to listen.)

[Kuildeous]

[Sorry, should have mentioned that I'm accessing docs less frequently now. I got a message from work admin asking for justification of my use of sharing sites, like Photobucket and Google Docs. So I go off of memory if I access this from home. Still, I'll roll 1d20 and ask you to apply the modifier? During the evening, I'm more accessible.]

Rolled 1d20 : 17, total 17

[WinterSpartan]

(With your +7, that's a 24). Hroksull can indistinctly hear an argument in Goblin on the other side of the door. There are two different voices involved, and they don't seem to be moving closer or further away.

[Jorbles]

[Think we can drop a couple Goblins (let's assume they're tough ones)? We're pretty banged up right now, but we're going to have to fight something probably to get our level up.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Veonis and Hroksull still have their dailies, and everyone just got a new action point. On the other hand, you have no tank, and Hroksull is fragile too.]

[Jorbles]

[Maybe we can get the drop on them? Is anyone able to do a good goblin impression?]

[Kuildeous]

I don’t think anyone even knows the language.

Hroksull can probably do an ogre impersonation, but his Charisma sucks.  That would lose our element of surprise.

Barging in on them would probably be the most surprising, as none of us have Stealth either.

[Jorbles]

[I was thinking someone might be able to do a good goblin impression to get them to come out and investigate, but yeah, given our skills, just kicking the door in might be most effective.]

[Kuildeous]

[And not that Hroksull is a good tank, but he does have Stone's Endurance he can activate in the first round to give him a little reduction. But don't expect him to stay engaged for too long.]

[Gveoniz]

[Veonis is probably best the best tank we have with enough HP and AC.]

"We may choose to lure them out even if we cannot impersonate them, they may just be a bit more readied, I don't think those thick stone door can be kicked down." whispers Veonis at a distance from the door.

[Jorbles]

[Well we doing this? I'm okay with exploring elsewhere if we don't think this is a good option.]

[Kuildeous]

"No, not kick," muses Hroksull as he examines the doors. "Two of us open doors. Others rush in. Veonis take lead?"

[Gveoniz]

"That is one way, but maybe we can also try a diplomatic method and take advantage of the argument."

[shraeye]

"I don't see what you're driving at."

[Gveoniz]

"I thought we may be able to deal with them using a diplomatic approach, namely intervening their argument, but it is improbable. What Hroksull suggested is probably better."

[Kuildeous]

The gears in Hroksull's mammoth skull grind slowly as he takes in the suggestion. Looking around, he notes that nobody here has the same skills as the scouts in his tribe, so stealth is not an option. Since they couldn't be stealthy anyway, there is no harm in attempting to drive a wedge between two possible factions in this ruin. Images run through his head of an interloper dramatically flinging open the doors and striding in confidently while flanked by capable warriors. The thought strikes him as absurd, but he smiles regardless.

With a shrug he says, "Could try. Not sneaky anyway."

[Jorbles]

"We'll have to try and look like we're less worse for wear than we feel."

[Possibly an intimidate check to look like we're not bleeding to death?]

[WinterSpartan]

"We'll have to try and look like we're less worse for wear than we feel."

[Possibly an intimidate check to look like we're not bleeding to death?]

[Technically, you're the only one bleeding at the moment. Hroksull's lightheaded from blood loss, but he's not actively bleeding. ]

[WinterSpartan]

[Bump? What's the plan?

Also, I'll be on hiatus from ~June 20 to ~July 8.]

[Kuildeous]

I'm cool with the diplomacy attempt, but we'll position ourselves for a fight.

[Jorbles]

Yep, me too. Whatever anyone wants to take the lead on really. Merik standing in the front will be neither charming nor imposing.

[shraeye]

[down for whatever]

[Gveoniz]

[Veonis can go in first whether we go with force or diplomacy. The bigger problem is that I just have no idea what to say. We can still try though, at most we would miss the surprise attack.]

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull, with his ear still to the door, suddenly realizes that the arguing on the other side has stopped and the far room is (as best as he can tell through the stone) quiet.

[Kuildeous]

Unwilling to reveal their presence, Hroksull remains silent but draws his weapons, indicating that things have changed. He steps back from the doors and glances briefly at his companions.

[shraeye]

Derath warily follows Hroksull's lead...

[Gveoniz]

Veonis guesses that they might have been noticed. He also step back from the door. Then, pointing at the door, Veonis asks without speaking whether they should go in or stay. Veonis also tries to reminds others that he shall be the one who speaks, and not to show too much aggressiveness in front of them.

[Jorbles]

Merik draws his sword in one hand, and picks up a rock that looks like it might leave a dent in something in the other. He stands behind everyone else.

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull hefts both axes in his hands and then lowers them to avoid looking too threatening. He looks at Veonis and then cocks his head toward the door.

[shraeye]

Derath nods, letting Veonis take charge.

[Jorbles]

[Does the door open inwards or outwards? (Could I open the door while hiding behind it to move the plot forward?)]

[WinterSpartan]

[Does the door open inwards or outwards? (Could I open the door while hiding behind it to move the plot forward?)]

[Sure, that would work. Sorry; I could've done that myself, but I've been rather busy. I'll try to get a map/combat update tonight.]

[Jorbles]

Merik grabs the door and pulls it towards himself while hiding behind it. He reminds himself that discretion is often the better part of valour and all that, but still feels a little cowardly about the whole thing.

[WinterSpartan]

Merik flings the door open, and the party quickly takes in the scene. A hobgoblin, in robes and wielding a staff, stands near the door with arm outstretched - apparently about to open it himself. Behind him, and behind a table that seems to have been serving as the site for a primitive council of war, are three goblins, the center one bedecked with the charms of a priest and the other two stripped to the waist, wielding large axes, and in warpaint. One of these two upends the table, papers and all, into a corner, and calls out a shrill battle cry.

A quick glance around the room reveals a set of stairs behind the goblins, leading back up, and a set to the party's right (the goblins' left), leading still deeper into the blackness.

Initiative:
Hobgoblin Warcaster:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 12 + 5, total 17

Goblin Acolyte:

Rolled 1d20 : 17, total 17

Goblin Skullcleavers:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 18 + 3, total 21

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 9 + 1, total 10

Derath:

Rolled 1d20 : 8, total 8

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 4 + 3, total 7

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 11 + 1, total 12

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20-1 : 8 - 1, total 7

Knowledge checks, on Hobgoblin Warcasters:
Beleren:

Rolled 1d20 : 14, total 14

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 4 + 9, total 13

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 9 + 3, total 12

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+41 : 2 + 41, total 43

Goblin Acolytes:
Beleren:

Rolled 1d20 : 7, total 7

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 10 + 9, total 19

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 18 + 3, total 21

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+41 : 14 + 41, total 55

And Goblin Skullcleavers:
Beleren:

Rolled 1d20 : 9, total 9

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 1 + 9, total 10

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 7 + 3, total 10

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+41 : 18 + 41, total 59

[WinterSpartan]

Before the party can so much as speak, the skullcleavers charge at them, engaging Derath and Veonis (in that order):

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

Rolled 1d10+5 : 8 + 5, total 13

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

Rolled 1d10+5 : 9 + 5, total 14

The warcaster calls a spell to his lips, and sends a pulse of force leaping past the front line at Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 10 + 5, total 15

vs. Fortitude

Rolled 2d6+4 : 3, 2 + 4, total 9

And the acolyte calls upon his dark god to bind Derath in place:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 10 + 5, total 15

vs. Fortitude

Rolled 1d6+5 : 2 + 5, total 7

[WinterSpartan]

[Veonis, your Virtue of Prescience (which neither of us has remembered before, I don't think) will work to block one of the casters' attacks on your friends. Hroksull would take 9 damage and be pushed 3 squares, while Derath would take 7 damage and be immobilized for a turn. Which would you prefer to prevent?]

The fierce attack of the goblins crashes into the party like a wave on a sandcastle...



Party's up.

[Jorbles]

[Wow +41 to all knowledge, Veonis must have babysat these hobgoblins or something? He knows their names, their parents, their hobbies, their favourite colour and the time in elementary school that they cried.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Lol, whoops. Obviously that should've been a +4.]

[Gveoniz]

I will block the attack for Horksull. (I can heal Derath later.)
[Can the goblins response to our speech before we do the rest of our turns? If not I think we should just abandon that approach.]

[WinterSpartan]

[You can speak, but if you wanted to try to convince them not to attack we're talking Standard Action-level Diplomacy/Intimidate checks. And dealing with a mage, a priest, and a couple of berserkers... your odds wouldn't be too good. Maybe better if you hadn't all flubbed the initiative rolls, but oops.]

[Gveoniz]

[Then we should just fight them, at least for the berserkers. I suppose the casters may be more likely to negotiates , especially after we take down the melee force. They are also more possible that they are the ones who argued.]

[Is the one in purple the Acolyte so that Derath can be healed? If he cannot bot be healed I would like to protect him instead.]

Minor: Majestic words on Derath. [Do Derath wants to be shifted by one square?]
Move: Draw the sword if I have not been holding them.
Standard: Guiding Strike on D8 goblin (reduce AC by 2 if it hits)
vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[Gveoniz]

Action point: Second Wind

[WinterSpartan]

[Is the one in purple the Acolyte so that Derath can be healed? If he cannot bot be healed I would like to protect him instead.]

[Yes, it is. Sorry for the lack of clarity.]

[WinterSpartan]

[Bump - all but Veonis are still up. Reminder that as of Friday I'll be gone until July 8 or later.]

[Jorbles]

Merik will throw his rock at someone once it's determined who is worn down a bit more.

[shraeye]

[i'm not frozen? o r stunned? or whatever that condidiont is?]

[WinterSpartan]

[You're immobilized - that means you can't move, but you still have all your actions.]

[Kuildeous]

Well, that initiative order definitely puts us in a quandary.

Will you allow me to move up to strike D9 with an Evasive Strike, which allows me to shift back into the room? I could just wait for someone to attack and then shift, but since I'm not a good tank right now, I would likely just Evasive Strike anyway.

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis had his sword drawn, so he has an excess Move action to shift away with if he wants. If he does, then you'd be free to enter and shift back out of C9.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis would shift to B8 then.

[Kuildeous]

At least we have the means to flit in and out. I think they hold the advantage here, so let's see what we can do. Looks like D8 has been tagged first, so I'll try to bring him down faster.

Move: Move to C9.
Minor: Quarry D8.
Action: Twin Strike on D8.

magic battleaxe 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21

damage 1d10+2 : 2 + 2, total 4

normal battleaxe 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22

damage 1d10+1 : 8 + 1, total 9

quarry 1d6 : 3, total 3

My next action depends on whether D8 drops or not. Apparently he gets nasty when bloodied, but is he a liability for the other side when he gets bloodied? I'm thinking it's best to put him down rather than hope he tears into his buddies, but the latter is possible.

[Kuildeous]

To clarify, I'm spending my action point, but the state of the D8 hobgoblin will determine if I do a Hit and Run or an Evasive Strike.

[WinterSpartan]

Unfortunately, D8 isn't quite bloodied yet.

[shraeye]

[i'd like to action point too, but my attack will affect anyone in front of me...so try not to end there ]

[shraeye]

Minor action: Maledictor's Doom (-1 to attacks/saves; fear attacks can push 1 square)

Standard: Visions of Blood (D7toF9): (-2 to all defenses)

vs D8 and D9 (will is 12)

Rolled 1d20+5 : 2 + 5, total 7
Rolled 1d20+5 : 8 + 5, total 13

vs E7 (will is 14)

Rolled 1d20+5 : 11 + 5, total 16

damage:

Rolled 1d6+5 : 2 + 5, total 7

[shraeye]

oops, that's -1 to all defenses on hit...not -2.

Also push:
D9 to E8

[shraeye]

Action point!  (with +3 to attack)

Whisper's of Defeat: (-2 to attack rolls; missing gives 9 psychic damage...is that 9+1 because of my fancy weapon? Or is this damage different than direct damage?)
vs D8 dude (will is 12)

Rolled 1d20+8 : 13 + 8, total 21

vs E8 dude (will is 12-1)

Rolled 1d20+8 : 6 + 8, total 14

vs E7 (will is 14-1)

Rolled 1d20+8 : 11 + 8, total 19

vs G9 (will is 14)

Rolled 1d20+8 : 12 + 8, total 20

[shraeye]

[cool.  Looks like the total is -3 on all baddies' attacks until my next turn (and an additional-2 against me from Baleful Malediction...is that for the whole encounter?).  Damage when they miss, can push when hit with Fear.  E8 Skullcleaver and the E7 acolyte have -1 to all defenses.  I'm happy.]

[Kuildeous]

Sorry, I was trying to say that my turn wasn't over yet.  Hopefully this won't change your tactic, since it sounds unlikely that I'll even drop this guy.

Action Point

Evasive Strike on D8.
Shift to B10.

I believe that should easily keep me out of your way, but let me know if you prefer a better spot for me to be in.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

Rolled 2d10+6 : 6, 8 + 6, total 20

pleasedon'tmissplease'dontmisspleasedon'tmisspleasedon'tmiss

[Kuildeous]

*tableflip*

[Jorbles]

Standard: Merik throws a rock at D8. (I'm not sure what my bonuses are in throwing rocks or what damage will be for it. WS can roll it when he sees this.)
Minor: Aegis of Shielding on D8. (-2 to attacks that don't include me)
Move: Merik goes back a few spaces into the previous room (C5? the map won't load for me right now, I'm not sure if this space is viable).

[WinterSpartan]

[Unfortunately for Merik, improvised ranged attacks are based on Dexterity...]

Rolled 1d20 : 6, total 6

Rolled 1d4 : 4, total 4

[WinterSpartan]

Merik misses terribly.

Beleren is up.

[Grujah]

"Let's get this over with fast! Burn, lowlife!"


C9, Burning Spray on D8-F6, Action Point, Burning Spray again.

vs D8:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

vs E8:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20

vs E7

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

Damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

--------------

vs D8:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17

vs E8:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

vs E7

Rolled 1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24

Damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 5 + 7, total 12

I have two stacks of "fireish armor".

[WinterSpartan]

The warcaster and one of the berserk skullcleavers are badly burned by the sorcerer's furious attack. A red mist fills the barbaric goblin's eyes, and it loses all control, lashing out wildly at...

Rolled 1d4 : 3, total 3

(1: Derath, 2: Beleren, 3: Warcaster, 4: Other skullcleaver)

[WinterSpartan]

Rolled 1d20+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

Rolled 2d10+5 : 1, 9 + 5, total 15

(I'm assuming Merik won't use his shield to save the hobgoblin, but there's still a total of -5 in attack penalties.)

[WinterSpartan]

The hobgoblin mage fearfully dodges, Derath's eyes flash, and with the last of his strength spent the goblin crashes to the ground.

The other skullcleaver leaps forward (to D9, again - no map update until tonight) and swings at Beleren in response:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 2 + 3, total 5

Rolled 1d10+5 : 8 + 5, total 13

And the warcaster, despite his wounds, shifts into battle position (D8) and unleashes a massive pulse of force that washes over the whole party, save Merik who's cowering in the corner:

Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2

Rolled 2d8+4 : 1, 6 + 4, total 11

(Attacks are vs. Reflex)

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 17 + 4, total 21

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

It strikes with massive effect, sending all four targets flying backward (one square up - C to B, B to A) and to the floor (all four are prone). "My magic just as strong as yours, human," the hobgoblin taunts in a guttural voice.

The acolyte summons hands of shadow again, attempting to pin Beleren and Derath where they lie:

(vs. Fortitude)
Derath:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 4 + 5, total 9

Rolled 1d6+5 : 4 + 5, total 9

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+5 : 5 + 5, total 10

Rolled 1d6+5 : 3 + 5, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

But as Derath silently mouths a prayer to Erathis, the power of Maglubiyet is neutralized. The goblin cleric's chants are of no effect.

[Jorbles]

That guy who dropped, how much XP did he give us? Am I feeling recharged?

[WinterSpartan]

No; you collect XP at the end of an encounter.

[shraeye]

your face collects XP at the end of an encounter.

[Jorbles]

No; you collect XP at the end of an encounter.

Hope you guys like me throwing rocks!

[Kuildeous]

I picked up a bow of some sort from an earlier encounter. You can take it off my back and fire arrows at them.

[Jorbles]

@WinterSpartan: Can I grab that bow as a minor action? (after moving next to Hroksull of course)

[WinterSpartan]

Sure. Your odds of hitting aren't any better, but at least you'll do d10 damage instead of d4 if you do hit.

[Jorbles]

Sounds good to me!

Move action: Move to A11.
Minor action: Grab crossbow.
Standard action: Fire at D8 goblin.

Vs AC

Rolled 1d20 : 14, total 14

Damage:

Rolled 1d10 : 7, total 7

[Gveoniz]

Who needs healing more urgently? I can only heal directly once more.

[WinterSpartan]

[I'm back! But it doesn't look like anyone did anything in the past two weeks - bump?]

[Kuildeous]

I thought we all went and were waiting for the monster update upon your return.

Who still has yet to act?

[Grujah]

Basically, if we hit the Skullcleaver, he is likely to berserk and attack his buddy?

Hm.. Frostbind or Flame again..

Minor: Ashe
Move: Move him to B7
Action: via Ashe, Burning Spray on both enemies

all vs ref.

vs Skullcleaver

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17

vs other guy (caster right next to him)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

damage

Rolled 1d8+7 : 7 + 7, total 14

[WinterSpartan]

I thought we all went and were waiting for the monster update upon your return.

Who still has yet to act?

You, Derath, and Veonis (per the front page).

Basically, if we hit the Skullcleaver, he is likely to berserk and attack his buddy?

[Based on the previous behavior you've seen, he's likely to berserk and attack whoever's standing closest to him, yes.]

The blast of flame from Beleren's dragonling scorches the goblin badly, and the telltale signs of berserk rage start to appear in him as they did in the other goblin axeman.

[Grujah]

Hm... should I have gotten -2 for being prone?

I would hit anyway, but just to know for later.

[WinterSpartan]

Normally, but I'm going to say no in this case because Ashe was the source of the spell, not you.

[Gveoniz]

Move: Stand up
Minor: Majestic word on Derath. Slide to A8.
Standard: Astral Seal on Acolyte

vs Reflex

Rolled 1d20+5 : 6 + 5, total 11

If it hits, it get all -2 to all defense. The next one who hit him get to heal 6 hp (regardless of their surges).

[Gveoniz]

[Perhaps we should use our daily powers, will it get reset too when we level up?]

[shraeye]

Stand, and Vangaurd's Lightning (vs. Reflex) at D9 (I'm not sure what bonuses apply)

D8 dude

Rolled 1d20+5 : 3 + 5, total 8

D9 dude

Rolled 1d20+5 : 14 + 5, total 19

damage

Rolled 1d6+5 : 4 + 5, total 9

[Jorbles]

[Perhaps we should use our daily powers, will it get reset too when we level up?]

Mine is gone, but if anyone has there's left, I say yes.

[Kuildeous]

I do have my daily, but I'm not in a good position to use it.

Right now, I'm seeing Hroksull as just standing up and...going defensive. He has two melee weapons in his hands, so he'd have to drop one to pull out a hand axe and chuck it. That's well and good, but then I'd have to spend the next round recovering the melee weapon. So I see two options for Hroksull:

* Stand up (move), drop battleaxe (free), draw hand axe (minor), throw axe (standard). Next round pick up battle axe (minor), move (move), attack (standard)
* Stand up (move), quarry (minor), defense (standard). Next round move (move), attack (standard) with a free minor action.

Okay, now that I spelled it out, I think the first bullet is preferable. I won't get quarry damage, but I stand to inflict some damage. I could use my daily on my ranged attack, which seems wasteful when you compare 2d6+3 to 2d10+5. It would have the added bonus of slowing the target, which would be great if all of our people were more than 2 squares away from the raging hobgoblin. The biggest advantage is that it's guaranteed damage, and it could possibly grant ongoing damage if I hit, but my ranged attack is 2 less than my melee attack, so that's a risky proposition.

I'll likely choose the first bullet and just do a basic ranged attack and save my daily for when I get into melee. I'll post the results of that in a couple hours to give someone a chance to talk me out of it.

[Kuildeous]

All right, let's do this. I can't possibly bring down the Skullcleaver, but I can bring it a little closer to death. Hope he takes out his buddy.

Move: Stand
Free: Drop nonmagical battleaxe
Minor: Draw hand axe
Standard: Basic ranged attack (unless you let me do Twin Strike, but I don't have another action to draw a second hand axe)

hit 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16
damage 1d6+5 : 1 + 5, total 6

[Kuildeous]

Looks like the daily would have paid off after all. Ah well. There's a caster just itching for 5 ongoing damage later.

[WinterSpartan]

[Actually, Kuildeous, it looks like you overlooked that Derath hit the skullcleaver with Vanguard's Lightning for 9 damage.]

Hroksull's axe flies true, catching the goblin squarely in the throat and dropping it before it has a chance to enter a frenzy. The hobgoblin caster looks strangely relieved.

Apparently out of ranged spells for the moment, the warcaster advances on Derath and rams the point of his staff towards the invoker's chest, as sparks begin to fly from its tip.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 4 + 8, total 12

Rolled 2d10+4 : 10, 10 + 4, total 24

Rolled 1d3 : 3, total 3

Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6

The goblin acolyte laughs, and again summons a cloud of shadow that begins to pool around Hroksull.

Rolled 1d20+5 : 17 + 5, total 22

Rolled 1d6+5 : 3 + 5, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

The shadowy hands drag Hroksull closer to the cleric, as Derath releases a startled cry and deflects the hobgoblin's sparking staff.

Party's up.

[Jorbles]

I can't remember if I've asked this before, but can I use luring strike to provoke attacks of opportunity?

[Merik is probably going to rush in on that wounded caster, hopefully with not disastrous results.]

[Kuildeous]

We should probably punch a hole through the Warcaster and then swarm the Acolyte. Hroksull is in a good position to either smack the Warcaster from behind or attack the Acolyte. It might be best if the people in the first room can take out the Warcaster with any people with remaining actions moving on the Acolyte.

For that reason, Hroksull will wait. If the Warcaster is still up after everyone else goes, then I'll focus on him. Otherwise, it's time for a daily power on the Acolyte.

[WinterSpartan]

Luring strike does not provoke, no. But Merik probably should get involved somehow; it's definitely crunch time.

[Grujah]

Can I shoot through allies with no penalty?

(apply penalty if there is some).

So, move to get up, and freeze that goblin ass (Frostbind on Warcaster).

vs Fort

Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6

damage

Rolled 3d6+7 : 3, 4, 1 + 7, total 15

And -2 on Ref saves till my next turn if it hits.

[Jorbles]

I'm assuming that's a miss.

Move: Go to B7.
Standard: Booming Blade on Warcaster.
Minor: Sigil of Shielding if he's still standing.

vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24

(Is he flanked? +2 if he is)

Damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

[Jorbles]

Unimpressive damage

[shraeye]

hits are hits

[WinterSpartan]

The warcaster is indeed still standing.

[Gveoniz]

Move: Shifts to B9
Standard: Guiding Strike on warcaster (-2 AC if it hits)

vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull and Derath left to go...

[Kuildeous]

The dice are conspiring to kill us.

It seems unlikely that either Derath or I could finish off the Warcaster by ourselves, but maybe if we both hit (or I crit).

Turning this into a 5-on-1 instead of a 5-on-2 would be really helpful, so I'll use my daily on this guy.

Minor: Quarry Warcaster
Move: Move to C8
Standard: Hunter's Bear Trap on Warcaster

Attack 1d20+9 : 2 + 9, total 11
Damage 2d10+6 : 6, 9 + 6, total 21
Quarry 1d6 : 5, total 5

If hit, then Warcaster is slowed and takes Ongoing 5 with save ends.
If miss, then Warcaster takes half damage and is slowed until the end of my next turn.

Maybe I can free Derath up to hurt the Acolyte and give myself a little HP boost.

[Kuildeous]

So I think 10 damage to the Warcaster. Is he still up?

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull's blow to the warcaster's leg drops the hobgoblin to the floor, and the goliath follows up with a sweeping blow that caves in the creature's head. The warcaster is dead.

[Kuildeous]

Yay, and hit points! Sweet, sweet hit points. Drink deeply, you little psychotic axe.

[shraeye]

all that's left is me to go, and that acolyte in the room is the only guy up?

[Jorbles]

Yeah, I guess do what you can. Hopefully he doesn't use some aoe spell to wipe us out.

[shraeye]

Move to F6, and cast Vanguard's lightning (vs reflex)

Rolled 1d20+5 : 9 + 5, total 14

[roll[1d6+5[/roll]

[shraeye]

That's a hit, so here's the damage for real...

Rolled 1d6+5 : 1 + 5, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

Seeing the warcaster fall, the acolyte ducks around the corner to where Derath stands and slashes at the priest with a short, sharp handaxe - similar to those the skullcleavers carried, but smaller.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22

Rolled 1d10+3 : 5 + 3, total 8

[WinterSpartan]

Derath cries out in pain, and when he looks again, the acolyte is gone, lost in shadows! Cackling reveals that the goblin is still present, but Derath just can't pinpoint where...

(He's invisible to Derath, and only Derath, this turn - that means Derath has -5 to hit him and can't help flank him).



Party's up.

[Gveoniz]

Move: Move to F10
Standard: Satire of Fortune on the acolyte

vs will

Rolled 1d20+4 : 15 + 4, total 19

damage

Rolled 2d8+4 : 6, 1 + 4, total 11

If it hits, the next time any of you misses the target with an attack, I roll a d20 and replace the missed attack roll with mine.

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis' arrow strikes true, badly wounding the goblin. (He is bloodied.)

[Jorbles]

I think given his positioning flanking is impossible so I guess we should just rush him?

[Kuildeous]

I could flank him, but it'd provoke. I don't want to risk a critical against my person.

So...

Move: Move to H6
Minor: Draw hand axe
Standard: Twin strike

Battleaxe attack 1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26
Battleaxe damage 1d10+2 : 7 + 2, total 9
Hand axe attack 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8
Hand axe damage 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2

[Kuildeous]

I wondered if I should have quarried instead. There's our answer.

[shraeye]

[it's not much, but whenever the target makes an AoO before my next turn, he takes 2 damage (possibly 3 because of my +1 weapon?)]

[WinterSpartan]

[He's not dead yet...]

[Jorbles]

Hmm, Merik attempts to use his powers to protect those on the front lines, while making himself difficult to hit. He doesn't think the party has the damage to drop the creature this round.

Move: Move to H7.
Minor: Sigil of Shielding on goblin.
Standard: Full defense.

[WinterSpartan]

[Whether the party can kill the goblin acolyte this round is likely up to whether or not Beleren hits - he definitely has the potential to take it down. And the next attack gets a reroll if it misses...]

[Gveoniz]

[I will be V/LA for the next week (20/7 - 27/7) with basically no access to this site. If a level-up is expected during that period, I may need handle it sooner.]

[Grujah]

With re-roll, I think I have ~87% to hit.

Move to D10.
Dragonfrost and push him 1 square (that way Derath is in less danger? dunno if push is good).

vs Fort (12)

Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14

[Grujah]

It hits, so here's damage:

Rolled 1d8+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

[Grujah]

Pretty much this happens if I am reading stats right:
0:15
#t=15

[WinterSpartan]

[Yup, hit and a kill.]

Beleren's ray of frost sears the cursed creature, and the goblin cleric falls dead. Derath rises to his full height, shaking off his blindness. "Goddess," he calls, "Hear your servant. We are weak and wounded, but these foul creatures have not been stopped. They spit on your gifts, and worship Maglubiyet's darkness and chaos instead of your order. Holy civilization itself is threatened in this valley if we do not make an end here, today. Grant us the power to fight on!" As he raises his rod above his head, a brilliant, blinding light flashes from it. Erathis has heard his prayer... and Erathis has answered. The entire party feels a wave of warm, healing light wash over them. Every wound closes, and each of them feels as strong as when they began the day. No - stronger... But Derath also feels a warning from the goddess. She will not intervene in this way again, at least not any time soon.

[You are all now level 2. I'll update the first post with new HP totals tonight. You're also each going to get a feat and a utility power; I'll send options tonight by PM, but if you have the books yourself you can make your own selections.]

[Jorbles]

[We did it!]

[WinterSpartan]

[First posted is updated, and everyone's up-to-date character sheets are uploaded except Beleren's. I haven't heard from Grujah what power and feat he'd like.

Feel free to continue roleplay or exploration of the room.]

[Jorbles]

The experience of the previous few days has toughened Merik. He has seen new ways to protect both himself and his team mates. [I took Toughness for the bonus HP and a utility Encounter power to prevent damage once per encounter.]

[Jorbles]

Bump!

[Gveoniz]

[I took "improved majestic word" for feat to improve the healing, it now gives additional temporary hp. I also took a utility power to slide a ally by 4 square.]

Veonis search the bodies of the goblins for anything special.

[WinterSpartan]

The warcaster and acolyte were fairly high-ranking goblins - their crude belt pouches contain 100 gp in coins and gems. The goblin cleric's unholy symbol of Maglubiyet is not innately magical, but is solid gold and should be worth another 80 gp. (The monetary value each character has is on the updated character sheets.)

The warcaster's staff, though, IS magical, and helps explain how he was so easily able to send the party flying:

Staff of Wind +1
+1 to attacks and damage
+1d6 damage per critical hit
Daily, Minor Action
Close Blast 5
Targets each creature
Charisma vs. Fortitude
Hit: Push target 1 square and knock them prone.

[Grujah]

[How does staff implement work?]

[WinterSpartan]

You just cast through it. Have to hold it in one hand.

[Grujah]

And my spells get +1 to hit and damage?
And critical strike?

[Jorbles]

It relies on the staff skill to use? It looks pretty sweet.

[Grujah]

I'll snatch the Staff in any case (and wield it).

[WinterSpartan]

And my spells get +1 to hit and damage?
And critical strike?

Yep. And you do need staff implement proficiency to use it.

[Jorbles]

Merik consoles himself, "Someday Merik, there's got to be some treasure out there you're capable of using."

[WinterSpartan]

Bump? Grujah, I still need Beleren's feat choice; everyone, what're you doing? Backtracking? Exiting? Searching for something specific? Whistling jaunty tunes and building a campfire?

[Gveoniz]

Veonis look up the staircase(?). What is on top the the staircase?

Also do Veonis have a sense of what time it is?

[Jorbles]

Merik peers intently at the staircase. "It's been awhile since we've seen any sign of the prisoners. I hope they're alright."

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull nods grimly. "They keep lady alive so they do not kill all prisoners. Maybe they keep others alive," he muses hopefully.

Hroksull patrols the perimeter and listens at each entrance to ensure nobody is investigating the sounds of battle. He recovers his dropped axes and steels himself for the next task.

[Is there a rough map of how we've traveled? We shortcutted (theoretically) some of the ruin by going up the garbage shaft, but I'm so turned around.]

[WinterSpartan]

The spiral staircase behind you leads back the way you came; the straight stairs at the west edge of the room lead up to another set of stone doors; and the straight stairs at the south side of the room lead down into what appears to be another empty room, though the lighting down there is dim.

Here's a map of where you've been so far:



It is still the same day as when you entered the ruins. You were hungry, although the recent deus ex machina has fixed that.

[Jorbles]

Let's check out the seemingly empty room to make sure that it is in fact empty (and maybe find some clues or something).

[Kuildeous]

Hroksull agrees. Prisoners are sometimes kept in deep areas. If nothing, then Hroksull advises going up the unknown stairs.

[Gveoniz]

Veonis agrees.

[Jorbles]

Merik enters the seemingly empty room. [I assume we've waited enough now?]

[WinterSpartan]

As the party descends the stairs, everything seems quiet... Suddenly, the north door of the room creaks open. Merik quickly turns and glances in that direction, but sees nothing.

This room itself is mostly empty. A few more broken Rivenroar tombs line the walls.

Initiative:

Beleren:

Rolled 1d20+2 : 18 + 2, total 20

Derath:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 20 + 1, total 21

Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 20 + 3, total 23

Merik:

Rolled 1d20+2 : 14 + 2, total 16

Veonis:

Rolled 1d20 : 16, total 16

? #1:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 19 + 8, total 27

? #2:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 5 + 8, total 13

[WinterSpartan]

From one of the alcoves to the south, and from by the doorway to the north, come the snap of crossbow strings. Veonis and Hroksull both instinctively try to dodge.

At Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 4 + 9, total 13

Rolled 2d6+3 : 3, 5 + 3, total 11

At Hroksull:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 4 + 9, total 13

Rolled 2d6+3 : 6, 6 + 3, total 15

[WinterSpartan]

Both bolts clatter futilely against the walls. The party is now free to act.

[Gveoniz]

Are there places to hide in the room or is it clear that the bolts just come out of the air (or wall)? 

[WinterSpartan]

Creatures could've been hiding behind the door or one of the old tombs. You're not completely sure where the shots came from.

[Jorbles]

Can I do an Alertness check to try and see what's going on?

[Kuildeous]

Yes, I'm not too thrilled about blindly walking over there, but if that is necessary, I'll do so.

[Gveoniz]

[Assuming they have to be next to it to crack open the door, whether they are invisible or just hiding, one of the enemy would still be in J12 or J13 . We can just try hit there with area of effect.]

[Kuildeous]

I'll certainly wait for an area of effect to go off before getting in the way.

Incidentally, I'll be at GenCon the rest of this week, so my responses may be slower than usual.

[shraeye]

I can cast a clost burst 5 that hits only enemies; seems like a reasonable option.

[WinterSpartan]

You can spend a standard action to make a Perception check. If one of you finds the enemies, you can tell the others, but those who can't see them still have -5 to hit them, except with AoEs.

[Jorbles]

Perception Check:

Rolled 1d20+2 : 2 + 2, total 4

(I'll wait on results before acting further.)

[Jorbles]

Although I assume the results are nothing, now that I see the number I rolled.

[WinterSpartan]

You assume correctly. The room still appears empty to you. (You're free to move/use a minor if you want though.)

[Jorbles]

Move action: Run to K12 and attempt to open door. If no resistance continue to G12. (If I encounter some villain I'll stop when I'm next to them and use my Sigil of Shielding on anyone I encounter.)

[WinterSpartan]

As your move comes to a halt, you feel something swinging at you from your right.

Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14

Rolled 1d8+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

Looking down, you see nothing more than a bit of rubble on the floor... But something definitely attacked you.

To your left, in the room, you spot two panthers like those you fought outside the dungeon. They've apparently been penned up in here by the goblins, and whatever opened the door earlier (Merik didn't need to; the door was still open) did so to release them on the party.

[Jorbles]

Oh noz! More panthers!

[There's a good possibility we're dealing with something invisible here (or I just really suck at perceiving things).]

[WinterSpartan]

[Bump for non-Merik party members...]

[Gveoniz]

[I don't have any AoE, I would recommend hitting J13-I13 with AoE.]

[Kuildeous]

I hate using my standard for this, but I think I have the highest Perception, so Hroksull hunkers down and peers in the dimness, his ears listening for anything unusual.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 11 + 8, total 19

[WinterSpartan]

Hroksull still can't pinpoint their foes' location. Given that Merik was just attacked, however, it seems a safe bet that one stands beside him (G13).

[AoE attacks will work as normal, if the enemy is in the area. Single-target attacks can be made as normal, except they'll have -5 to hit (assuming the enemy is in the square you attack).]

[Jorbles]

[Does anyone have something in their inventory that could maybe be tossed over an invisible creature? (a blanket, some flour, an opaque fluid?)]

[Grujah]

I have a 10x10 sheet of cloth.

[Kuildeous]

There really isn't anything I want to do with my move and minor actions, so I forfeit the rest of my turn.

[shraeye]

I move to L12, and cast Whispers of Defeat (close burst 5; only hits enemies; vs. will)

I'm assuming 2 invisibles, you can roll if there are more; first hit is for near Merik

Rolled 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14
Rolled 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19

-2 to attacks (-4 to attacks at me) on hit; 5 psychic damage if they miss.

[WinterSpartan]

Attack has been resolved. You... see nothing.

[Gveoniz]

Move: Move to H13 unless I bump into something
Standard: Guiding Strike at G13 or the thing that I bump into

vs AC (-5)

Rolled 1d20+2 : 19 + 2, total 21

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[WinterSpartan]

Veonis feels his sword cut into something, causing a yelp of pain.

[WinterSpartan]

Grujah? Are you still around/interested?

[Grujah]

Sorry, I didn't realize we were in combat, I would have acted sooner.
I still didn't choose my feat, I found few that I like but wasn't at my computer for a few days so can't check them out again and deicide.

Move to H13, Burning Spray at diagonally north-east.

Rolled 1d20+5 : 14 + 5, total 19

Rolled 1d8+8 : 8 + 8, total 16

I assume that I equiped Wind Staff in meanwhile, if I didn't, -1 to both attack adn dmg.

[Jorbles]

[Did he hit anything?]

[WinterSpartan]

Beleren's fireball is met with a scream of pain and several choice curses.

The panthers come tearing down the corridor, pouncing on Merik (fortunately for the less-well-defended members of the party):

Rolled 1d20+11 : 7 + 11, total 18

Rolled 2d6+4 : 1, 2 + 4, total 7

Rolled 1d20+11 : 19 + 11, total 30

Rolled 2d6+4 : 3, 6 + 4, total 13

[Jorbles]

[I think I'm still in fire form? Can I blast that Panther that hit me with my reaction fire elemental thingy?]

[WinterSpartan]

[You changed to Earthsoul form, which the first post is clarifying; you can switch forms between encounters though. Earthsoul is +1 Fort, Firesoul is +1 Reflex, in addition to their powers.]

Merik fends off the first panther, but the second one's pounce knocks him to the floor heavily.

Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24

Rolled 1d8+1 : 2 + 1, total 3

Rolled 1d20+5 : 2 + 5, total 7

Rolled 2d6+3 : 2, 1 + 3, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3

[WinterSpartan]

[Apparently the forum die roller can't handle 1d8+1d6+3].

A bloodied and scorched gnome fades into view, glaring angrily at Beleren and attempting to stab him in the leg with its war pick. A small hand crossbow is slung over its shoulders.

A bolt from a similar crossbow flies past Derath's head, leading to more cursing from the vicinity of one of the tombs (the party still can't tell which one).

Party's up.

[shraeye]

grasping Shards (vs Fort) at E12...4 radiant damage and slowed on hit.

Gnome

Rolled 1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20

E13 panther

Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

F11 panther

Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

[shraeye]

Do i get crit damage on that panther too?

Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5

[WinterSpartan]

Do i get crit damage on that panther too?

[Yes, you do].

[Jorbles]

[That gnome still standing? Because if he is I'm going to knock him over!]

[WinterSpartan]

[Go right ahead!]

[Jorbles]

Move Action: Stand up.
Minor Action: Earthshock Gnome and Panther next to me (and any invis units that happen to be next to me if applicable, I don't think it does, but just in case). If hit they will go prone.
Earthshock vs Panther's Fort:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20

vs Bloodied Gnome's Fort:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 15 + 6, total 21

vs any Invisible Gnome's Fort:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20

[WinterSpartan]

The panther and gnome both fall to the ground. You still have a standard action, and combat advantage against prone foes.

[Jorbles]

Merik struggles to his feet after the panther's pounce and with an arcane word muttered, taps his sword on the ground letting out a ripple of earth knocking enemies near him prone. (Does this cause the Panther to fall down the stairs?)

Merik is a practical sort of warrior, not an honourable sort. He doesn't mind stabbing someone while they're down. Especially someone who was trying to kill him. Merik attempts to run the prone bloodied gnome through as his blade crackles with lightning.

Booming blade vs AC:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 20 + 10, total 30

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

[Jorbles]

CRIT! (Not that it matters, that was a blessed pair of rolls)

[Jorbles]

(Does this cause the Panther to fall down the stairs?)

I was curious so I looked up the D&D wiki on Stairs:
Assuming these are Gradual Stairs the only relevant bit of info I found for our situation is:

Gradual Stairs

Stairs that rise less than 5 feet for every 5 feet of horizontal distance they cover don’t affect movement, but characters who attack a foe below them gain a +1 bonus on attack rolls from being on higher ground. Most stairs in dungeons are gradual, ...

WE MUST MAINTAIN OUR HIGH GROUND ADVANTAGE ON THIS PANTHER!

[WinterSpartan]

With a flick of his blade, Merik cuts the gnome's throat. It spasms and lies still.

[Also, no, the panther doesn't fall down the stairs.]

[Jorbles]

With a flick of his blade, Merik cuts the gnome's throat. It spasms and lies still.

[Also, no, the panther doesn't fall down the stairs.]

[I figured, but you know, worth a try. I'm just pleased to discover the height advantage.]

[Gveoniz]

Move: Sheath my sword
Minor: Draw my bow
Standard: Jinx Shot at E13

Vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23

damage

Rolled 1d10+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

If it hits, next time it miss a attack before the end of my next turn, it fall prone.

[Grujah]

I want to use my Wind staff to push the panther down the stairs and get him to tumble down. I assume I get combat advantage against the one of the panthers cuz he is prone, is there additional +1 for stairs?

No wait, this is daily and can get a whole 5x5 room of goblins prone. Thats a way better use.

Frostbind on prone panther! (still +2 for prone or +3 for prone and lower ground? I will assume only +2).


vs Fort (16)

Rolled 1d10+7 : 10 + 7, total 17

damage

Rolled 3d6+8 : 4, 4, 4 + 8, total 20

[Grujah]

He also gets -2 on ref saves till end of my turn.

[Grujah]

(Do we remember their approx hp from previous encounter?)

[Kuildeous]

We only have the two panthers left, right? Or do we have an invisible gnome still around?

I'd like to go after the panthers. I can't reach any right now, but if people can clear a space on the right for the goliath, that'll prepare me for next round.

If a gnome is still around, I could use my standard action again to find him. A natural roll of 11 failed, so I have at most a 40% chance of succeeding.

[WinterSpartan]

Grujah: You had the +1 for lower ground. However, prone foes only grant combat advantages to melee attackers; they actually are harder to hit at range (-2 for ranged attacks), so you had a net +4 instead of +7. That would've missed with a roll of 10. HOWEVER, you rolled a d10 not a d20; so I'll go ahead and roll again for you anyway (your damage roll still stands, there weren't any problems with it).

Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17

As per the first post, panthers have somewhere between 50 and 60 hp.

There's still an invisible gnome around somewhere. Or, at least, something shot at Derath and missed.

[WinterSpartan]

And the panther eats the damage and -2 reflex.

[Kuildeous]

Hmm, I can't really reach the panther just yet. Sounds like I may get into melee soon, so my quick action is to draw the second battleaxe.

I'm assuming that once I pinpoint the gnome, I can still keep track of him even when he moves. If so, I'll use my standard to look for that gnome. If not, then disregard this message. I'll go throw an ax at a panther instead if I can't properly track the gnome. 

Rolled 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15

Move to J12, which will get me within striking range of just about anybody.

[WinterSpartan]

The panther on the ground shakes itself, gets to its feet, and lashes out at Merik:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 9 + 9, total 18

Rolled 1d6+4 : 1 + 4, total 5

The other panther springs at Veonis, who just shot it, yowling angrily. Merik takes a wild swing at it as it pounces past him:

Rolled 1d20+1 : 10 + 1, total 11

Rolled 1d8+1 : 6 + 1, total 7

And then it's on Veonis:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 12 + 10, total 22

Rolled 2d6+4 : 1, 1 + 4, total 6

Another crossbow bolt whistles towards Derath:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 18 + 9, total 27

Rolled 2d6+3 : 1, 2 + 3, total 6

[WinterSpartan]

Another gnome appears in N7, crowing triumphantly as his bolt glances off Derath's chainmail. Realizing his cover's blown, the gnome scampers around the corner and is lost to view again.

Veonis is knocked to the ground by the panther, but otherwise unhurt.

[Kuildeous]

Move: Move to G13
Minor: Quarry F13 panther
Standard: Evasive Strike on F13 panther and shift back to J12.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 2 + 8, total 10

Rolled 2d10+6 : 7, 3 + 6, total 16

quarry 1d8 : 1, total 1

[Kuildeous]

Pfft

[WinterSpartan]

Post-Labor Day bump.

[Jorbles]

Merik does his best to hold these two panthers back and tries to focus on bringing them both to focus on him. [Everyone they do less damage to you now.]

Standard: Sword of Sigils on the both of them.
Vs AC (F11):

Rolled 1d20+9 : 8 + 9, total 17

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 7 + 4, total 11

Vs AC (F13):

Rolled 1d20+9 : 3 + 9, total 12

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 5 + 4, total 9

He prepares to use his Channelling Shield if he is hit by the panthers. (If I'm going to take 8 or more damage from an attack trigger Channelling Shied.)

Minor Action + Move Action: Pass

[Jorbles]

[I just realized I should have only had a +8 bonus on the second panther, though it didn't matter.]

Can I actually change my Minor action to Mark the F13 panther? I am unsure if Sword of Sigils still Marks on a miss.

[Gveoniz]

Move: Stand up
Standard: Prophesied Strike At F13 panther.

Vs AC

Rolled 1d20+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

Damage

Rolled 1d10+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

If this hits, the next time you attacks the target before the end of your next turn, rolls a d20 twice and uses either result.

[WinterSpartan]

The panthers nimbly dodge the party's every attempt to inconvenience them.

[Grujah]

I'd usually wait so that -Ref sticks a tiny bit longer, but just to speed things up:

I send my dragon to burn this panthers to crisps.
Minor: Ashe
Move: Move Ash to Merik's space (G12)
Burning Spray on G11 F13

vs Ref
vs F11: (he has -2, I assume I got +1 from staff and +1 from lower ground)

Rolled 1d20+9 : 7 + 9, total 16

vs F13:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 3 + 8, total 11

damage:

Rolled 1d8+8 : 6 + 8, total 14

[shraeye]

Another grasping shards at E12, which should hit both cats.

F11 cat

Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

F13 cat

Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18

A paltry 4 damage on hit; also target is slowed.

[shraeye]

more bonus damage!

Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4

[WinterSpartan]

Beleren's fire and Derath's radiance prove too much for the wounded panther; they light it up, and it dies. The surviving panther pounces on Merik:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 6 + 10, total 16

Rolled 2d6+4 : 5, 5 + 4, total 14

And another crossbow bolt comes flying towards Derath out of the darkness:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 9 + 9, total 18

Rolled 2d6+3 : 3, 3 + 3, total 9

[WinterSpartan]

Merik easily fends the panther off, but Derath is struck hard in the back. The other gnome materializes in the middle of the room behind him, crowing with his own success. He doesn't seem to realize he's dropped his invisibility.

[Kuildeous]

Aha! An opportunity!

I believe that the gnome would not get an opportunity attack since he has a ranged weapon out. If that's the case, then I move to N7 to corral him in. If that would provoke, then I'll move to M7.

Minor: Quarry da gnome
Move: Move to N7 or M7
Standard: Basic attack with the only weapon I have out.

attack 1d20+8 : 5 + 8, total 13

damage 1d10+5 : 6 + 5, total 11

quarry 1d8 : 4, total 4

I'm willing to move to a different spot if Derath wants me out of the way for something.

[Gveoniz]

Move: Move to K12
Minor: Majestic word on Derath
Standard : Jinx Shot at the gnome

vs Ac

Rolled 1d20+7 : 10 + 7, total 17

damage

Rolled 1d10+4 : 6 + 4, total 10

[Grujah]

Oh, I just gotta use my new tricks!

Hey, Merrik, you can handle that panther on your own, can ya? We have a gnome to catch.

Standard action: Sorcerous Sirocco
Me and Veonis lift into air and can fly for this round (our movement speed +2). I want to block the gnome So I will move to N6.
I will also use my action point to try and grapple him.
I'd like you to roll, as I do not know exact grapple rules for 4e. (for any other RPG that I play, I always have to look that up ).

[WinterSpartan]

Grujah, hold up: As soon as Veonis shoots the gnome, it shouts, curses, and disappears again. (It still may be in the same square, though... You could attack, at -5 unless it's a burst or blast, and find out).

Grappling is an attack with your Strength modifier vs Reflex. If you wanted to try and grapple it, you'd have d20 + 3 -5 for invisibility (so you'd need to roll a 16 or higher).

[Grujah]

I'll just do the same and Burning Hands on N8 - L11. Burn Burn Burn the guy.

vs Ref

Rolled 1d20+8 : 9 + 8, total 17

Rolled 1d8+8 : 1 + 8, total 9

[WinterSpartan]

Cries of pain confirm that the gnome is still present though invisible.

[Grujah]

(Veonis can move and whatnot)

[Jorbles]

Well I can at least keep it from getting past me. (I don't really do much damage, I mostly absorb it.)

Standard Action: Booming Blade on the Panther

vs AC

Rolled 1d20+8 : 18 + 8, total 26

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 4 + 4, total 8

Minor action: Maintain mark on panther.

(Continue holding channeling shield in readiness, use it on anyone within range who would take 8 or more damage next turn as an interrupt.)

[Gveoniz]

Veonis moves to G13

[Grujah]

Veonis moves to G13

[[OOC: mebbe you could have flown over him to like E13 to flank, I do not think panthers can make AoO if you fly over them? Not sure. Doesn't matter now, just stating for future.]]

[shraeye]

Move to I13

Mantle of the Infidel on Panther (vs will)

Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7

Rolled 1d6+5 : 6 + 5, total 11

[shraeye]

(accidentally chant the recipe to my mother's mutton stew recipe)

[Jorbles]

(accidentally chant the recipe to my mother's mutton stew recipe)

I'm imagining it:

"1 pound mutton, bone in
2 potatoes, diced
1 large carrot, diced..."

[WinterSpartan]

The panther pounces towards Merik again:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 3 + 10, total 13

Rolled 2d6+4 : 3, 3 + 4, total 10

Hroksull feels movement near him:

Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14

Rolled 1d8+3 : 5 + 3, total 8

Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3

[WinterSpartan]

But Merik's defenses stand, and Hroksull and Beleren see no other sign of the gnome.

[Jorbles]

Move action:
Shift to F13 (starting to setup flanking)

Booming Blade on Panther:

Rolled 1d20+8 : 2 + 8, total 10

Damage:

Rolled 1d8+4 : 8 + 4, total 12

Minor action: Maintain mark.

Prep channeling shield.

[Jorbles]

Merik cautiously attempts to move past the panther. He swats at it as he passes, but the panther dodges away easily.

[Grujah]

[How do Caltrops work?]

[Jorbles]

This might help:

[http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Caltrops]

[WinterSpartan]

This might help:

[http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Caltrops]

(That's 3.5. 4e: http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Caltrops_%284e_Equipment%29)

[Jorbles]

This might help:

[http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Caltrops]

(That's 3.5. 4e: http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Caltrops_%284e_Equipment%29)

Woops, my bad.

[Kuildeous]

Since I got swung at, do I know from which direction? Do I know if gnomes move after attacking?

[WinterSpartan]

You guess that the gnome hadn't left his square before attacking you. Anyone can move after attacking, though, as long as they didn't charge; you can spend your standard, move, and minor in any order.

[WinterSpartan]

[Bump? Only Merik has acted this round.]

[Kuildeous]

Well, I'm in an uncomfortable pickle.

Attack the space where I thought the gnome is, using Hit and Run.

Rolled 1d20+3 : 1 + 3, total 4

Move to J12.

Quarry the panther.

[Gveoniz]

Move: Sheath the bow
Minor: Draw the sword
Standard: Guiding strike at Panther(-2 AC)

vs AC

Rolled 1d20+8 : 9 + 8, total 17

damage

Rolled 1d8+4 : 3 + 4, total 7

[shraeye]

Grasping shards (vs Fort) at M8

Rolled 1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15

4 damage and slowed on hit

[WinterSpartan]

Derath's shards fill the area he targeted, but there's no reaction or sign that the gnome was even there.



Beleren is still up.