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Of Kobolds and Castles - D&D Learning Adventure I
It is a busy day in the Freeport Adventurer’s Guild. A new battle has broken out between a few local lords, and many mercenaries are looking to get a piece of the action. It is loud, hot, and stuffy in the building. It is in this environment that five new adventurers have just finished filling out their application papers. The employees of the Guild really don’t have time to deal with a bunch of new adventurers, but they eventually root through the stack of requests looking for some way to get the youngsters out of their hair. An intern comes out from the back room with a solution, and gathers the new adventurers together outside the building.
“Right, we have received a request requiring that you travel to a place called Winterhaven. It’s a small town to the north, really just full of a bunch of farmers. Since no one else wants to walk that far, you’re stuck with it. Don’t take it personally. The first request is from the wife of a man named Dougen Stahl - apparently he left for Winterhaven about three months back on some sort of expedition, but hasn’t returned. She wants you to go find him. It doesn’t say if there’s a reward or not, but I assume you’ll get something for your troubles. If not, come back here and let us know. The Guild isn’t a free service, you’ll be paid in some form. Another request is something about some old ruins out there. Apparently some scholar wants a map of them. He’s offering 250 gold pieces for a complete map of the ruins. Not much, but if you’re already out there, then you may as well do this too. Also, some cleric girl came in the other day saying that she thinks there’s some death cultists running around in the woods somewhere up there. Figures they’re trying to destroy the world or some such. Anyway, she’s pulled together 250 gold for whoever can bring back proof that the cult has been crushed. I doubt there actually is one, but you lot may as well check while you’re out there. And that’s about it, really. We’ve arranged for you to travel with a trade ship heading north - it’ll be a long trip, so you’d best start getting ready. The captain wants to be away by sunrise tomorrow. So long, and good luck." The group doesn’t miss their ship, but the sunrise isn’t seen that morning, nor is the sun itself seen for even a second of the three day voyage. All of the adventurers are too miserable to really converse much, and Thia comes down with a particularly nasty cold and is forced to spend most of the voyage sleeping. After reaching their interim destination, the group sets off for Winterhaven two days journey to the northwest. Some time after noon, the sky clears, and the groups spirits are raised. Soon it is nightfall, and the adventurers settle down to a meal of fish which Zeno had caught with a borrowed fishing pole during the voyage. Introduce yourselves to the group, give a little bit of backstory if that's your sort of thing, or just head to bed. The game will continue once everyone has posted so that i know you all know where this thread is. |
"This does not augur well for our journey, we should be wary of traveling at night."
Daituk had been on this kind of trip before, when he fled from the monastery, after the incident. The undead that had overwhelmed his order had most certainly been sent by one of his guild's enemies, of which they had gathered quite a few by the time the fated day arrived. These were dark times, and many a day the Gith wished he had not been away chasing after that necromancer and that he had died an honorable death fighting alongside his brethren. Kelemvor would have welcomed him heartily, had he died fighting the horde of skeletal monstrosities that attacked the monastery that day. He knew not if others besides him had survived, but even if any had, finding them would be a near impossible task, now that their headquarters were completely overtaken by the blighted creatures. He still couldn't believe that the order of paladins of Pelor, who had their own monastery near the Githzerai's, did not lift a finger to destroy the undead until well after Daituk's brethren were completely overwhelmed. They had been suspicious of the Ghitzerai ever since they had arrived in this plane, claiming that they were stealing their work by ridding the undead of this world without demanding any penance or tithe from the population. Dark times indeed, when so called worshipers of the sun god would be willing to let an order dedicated to destroying the living dead be decimated so. The avenger pondered his fate while the guild representative talked, paying mostly no heed to his words, until the mention of the cult of the dead. This got him back to the present day, and immediately his sense of duty told him that his next course of action lay in investigating this claim further. "You will lead me to this cleric girl once we are at port. If there is indeed a cult of the dead, then either they will help me find others of my ilk, or they will pay for the abominations that they are bringing back into this world." A funny thing, worshiping a god of death. Few were those who understood that the Gith's patron deity wished not for the doom of all living creatures, but simply that their passage from this world be respected when it came time. The premature slaying and reanimation of the commonfolk was the greatest affront to Kelemvor's will, as it meant that those who suffered this fate might never be given their final reward, which was to join the others who had left before them in eternal slumber. |
Thia could only shuffle and lurk in the shadows nearby. She does NOT get sick. She just get intolerant of people especially on a boat. Luciel is the only reason why Thia had signed up along with her. She eyed the others wearily and wonders how they could they get together in such randomness of the situation. Surely they all wondered greatly about her too since she has such an odd threatening look about her. She debates if she should reveal her history with Luciel with the others. In due time she thought, and out of respect for Luciel.
Not to be the last one to speak in the group, she allowed herself to be visible to the others and show she means no harm or to default from the group. To show with honest intentions is harder than she would purposely mean to. After all, it'd be hard for any sentient being to relate with a creature that is nothing but of shadow and darkness. How does one would speak without showing the horrors out of her mouth? How does one gesture anything remotely human with her hands being like talons? She did the only thing she could do. She used her powers of shadow to morph a small figure in her cupped hands and show it to the group. The figure would display itself as a crooked tree with smaller figures standing in front of it looking back as if they were hiding behind it. Then it morphs into a person with a long sharp weapon slicing into a victim. Then into a large eye being capable of seeing through a thick veil of fog that would also appear as a being but could also meant as through a being's mind. She'd only hope that'd also relieve the others that the first thing she showed them was meant with a sense of alliance and protection she'll offer however thin (and crooked) it may seem. Second thing was to show that she'll slice and dice an enemy of the group, even if it isn't clear. Third was to show she should be able to see what is necessary for the group to see, even however terrifying it may be. Finally, she morphed the figures in her hands into a thin lettering with a hint of elven language but mostly common. Thia will follow. Whichever is the plan for the party, she'll be among of them. For what reasons she wouldn't say, but she hopes she showed enough reasonable cooperation, if only so they know she's there in the shadows. If not, as a creature of the shadow to assist them in ways they cannot do. |
It sure was going to be interesting. As a regular human traveling with the strangest of other intelligences around, I had little to compare in my studies of arcana and flora and fauna. Joining me were two very grim looking characters: A death-obsessed lizard-man (or whatever race he is a part of--I should make a note to look into that), a rather disturbed-looking witch with superior magical powers, but much less talkative (I bet she'll open up later, the trick with the lettering was impressive at least), an impressively prepared elven cleric-- which I was relieved to see, as my powers of healing were laughable at best (I found the best medicine to be a swift workout, not lying in bed the entire trip. All the same, I envied the girl's restful state-- My mind was not at ease and I feared no amount of meditation would change that). There was also the dwarf warden, who I would at least be able to have an easier time of conversation with. I had trained with the tough and durable dwarven people years ago and picked up their tongue somewhere along the way, so there was that bit of commonality.
Of course, I was a bit quicker on the uptake then most dwarves, so I would be right next to the warden, preparing to assault whatever might come at us! Now, despite my lack of cooking in previous travels, I was glad that the fish I had caught would be sufficient for a meal before we departed-- Blessed be the drunk sailor to lend me his fishing pole... right before he, err, 'released' his dinner over the side of the boat. I hope he was not needing it very soon after his unscheduled nap. Turning to the group, I pressed my right fist to my open left palm and bowed, as it was a proper greeting in my order of monks: "Hello all! Enjoy the fish that I caught at the shore, I'm Zeno and I'm ready to take on those cultists and uh... whatever else it was we were going to do!" |
In some cultures, when a newborn baby sees, points at, or starts drooling towards an object of some kind, he or she is named for it. This has led to entire villages of people with names like Cowpat or Themtharhills - names not particularly suitable for heroes.
Truckbus, thankfully, was not born into such a tradition. The dwarf was a Grimtooth, one of a family of dwarves who had fallen on such hard times that they had to sell off their ancestral arms just to be able to afford their meager meals of mystery meats and rock-hard dwarven rye. And so, as soon as Truckbus was old enough, he was thrown out of his home, with the instructions: "Go make us some gold. And find our family heirlooms while you're at it." Truckbus gladly obliged, partly because he was sick of sharing a bed with his parents and four siblings, and partly because he had made up his mind to be a hero. A legend! A dwarven warrior-king whose exploits bards would spin tales about for centuries to come! That would be in his future. For right now, it was all Truckbus could do to stop himself from heroically voiding the contents of his stomach into the sea. But he ate the monk's fish anyway - in his family, food was never wasted. His father's voice rang in his head: " If you're gunna eat like a damned bird and waste all them good, nutrilicious bones, then you might as well clear outta this house and be a damned elf." As Truckbus was halfway through chewing on the fishbones, the monk introduced himself. "Pleasure to meet you, Zeno. I dunno much about taking on cow tits, since my family never could afford a whole cow or anything, but I'm up for making gold any way you folks want to." "Oh, and my name is Truckbus, of the Grimtooths. I'm just here for the fighting and the treasure, nothing special about me." He glanced at the others as he was introducing himself and flashed them all a huge grin. |
Luciel looked at the group and nodded back. She looked at Truckbus as if to measure the warden. So far he was the muscle of the group.
"So long you keep the defensive line strong, the fights need not be long," Luciel nodded to the Dwarf. It seemed he understood that he was the tank of the ship and that without him absorbing the blows, this party would have none other choice than to be deft and swift with their attacks to assure any one battle would be unnecessarily long. For Luciel, this was the first expedition she was ever to come across with such a diverse aggregate of fighters. The one hindrance on Luciel's mind was Thia. In Luciel's mind, Thia was much too young to be cast in face of danger. However, the creature was like a child to Luciel and she could not pass up Thia's ebullience to be useful for this expedition. She placed her hand on the Thia's shoulder as she formed letters of alliance and looked back at the group again. Luciel is an elven woman of few, but direct and deliberate words. She laid out the map of the current route as if to confirm with everyone of tasks the group was about to take on. She raised her head, looking into the eyes of each. She gave one quick nod again as if to say, "Move out." |
After an uneventful night's rest, the group continues on their journey. A cool breeze blows from the north, but no rain falls from the cloudy sky, and so the adventurers are fairly comfortable for most of their journey. The road is clearly in severe disrepair - only a few old cobblestones poking through the dirt give any sign that the road was, in fact, paved at some point in history.
As they approach a group of large boulders, the group is startled by the war cries of a group of small reptilian humanoids. Five of them rush out onto the road, clearly looking for a fight. They catch the adventurers completely off guard, and three of them rush the group. The other two hurl javelins from where they stand. Truckbus laughs as the attacks bounce off his armor, and Daituk easily dodges his attacker, but Zeno isn't so fortunate. Dragonshields and Slinger delay until after minions. Zeno takes 8 damage, 4 from both attacks against him. All other minions miss. Another creature appears from behind a rock on the left side of the road - he moves out of his hiding place and launches an odd sphere toward Daituk with his sling. The sphere misses by an inch, and bursts into flames when it lands a few feet away. At the same time, two more of the creatures slide out from behind a rock on the other side of the road and rush Daituk, hoping to catch him off guard. He manages to block the first attack, but the second finds its mark. Daituk takes 9 damage from the Kobold. Marked by the north dragonshield until the end of its next turn. :savepoint:Thia 9, Daituk 9, Zeno 5, Truckbus 3, Luciel 2, Kobold Minions 10, Kobold Slinger 9, Kobold Dragonshields 9 Bushes are difficult terrain and provide cover against ranged attacks. Boulders also provide cover. oops, forgot defenses Minions - AC 15; Fortitude 11, Reflex 13, Will 11 Slinger - AC 13; Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 12 Dragonshields - AC 18; Fortitude 14, Reflex 13, Will 13 |
That boat ride sure did a number on Daituk. The kobolds didn't look particularly bright or agile, yet they got the jump on him as easily as they would have a newly trained initiate.
No matter, he wasn't about to let them keep the aggression on very long. Oath of Enmity on Dragonshield to the North. Overwhelming Strike on the same one Shift to M3 while sliding the Dragonshield into my space Shift to M3 Crap, I just noticed that the enemy had to be the only one adjacent to me for my Oath of Enmity to allow a second roll. I missed :( Daituk needs to get his shit straightened out or these kobolds will get the best of him! :cmb: (done) |
So Thia was just shuffling along glaring at every single blade of grass in her path as if the shimmering of the blades weren't shiny enough. But then she heard their breathing. She curses herself for not paying attention... but then again, she also sighs reminding herself that she is beholden to a group of odd sorts and Luciel herself. Not that she needs to behave around her, but out of respect she'll try. Fuck this she also thought.
Move to I3 To the dark bushes! DAMN THEM ALL! Inescapable Blade to Minion J5 The fucker dies. What do you know. Is it really that weak. Well then, lets throw something else! Assassin's Shroud to Dragonshield N5 Lets see how that one likes being anal probed. |
The nerve of these rat things, attacking my party! I'll show them!
"So, you like to attack helpless young adventurers eh? Too bad we're not helpless, or young! Well, at least not myself, but anyway.... URRAGGGHHH!" Thundering Roar against Minion M5 Naturally, it was shocked to discover that my bark was as bad as my bite, given the current situation. It promptly fell over, quite dead from the looks of its unmoving corpse. A job well done if I say so myself. "A job well done! Now for the rest of you uglies!" I surveyed the situation and held my place, waiting to strike in a few moments. |
Zeno's roar is louder than even he expects, and causes three of the kobolds to jump, though only one actually seems fazed after all is said and done. It doesn't fall over, though, contrary to what Zeno seems to think. Mayhaps Zeno had a little too much to drink the night before...
No difference in the end. Dragonshield at M5 takes -2 to attacks for a round. |
Truckbus brushes off the kobold's javelin - "You lost a toothpick or something there, friend Kobold? HAW HAW." He makes a move towards the critter right in front of him, but as he does, Zeno's sudden yell startles him, causing Truckbus to stomp just a wee bit too hard during his lunge.
Earth Spikes against Minion L5... HIT! Unfortunately for Truckbus, his sword swings wide. Fortunately for Truckbus, his right boot lands right onto the kobold's foot with all the weight of the stocky dwarf warden - and then some. The force of Truckbus's stomp causes the earth to rise up around the kobold, driving sharp rocks into both the dragonshield and the last kobold minion, injuring the former and perforating the latter quite nicely. Truckbus's target, meanwhile, is thrown up by the buckling ground. There is a sickening tearing sound as the kobold's leg, still pinned down by the boot, separates itself from the rest of the kobold's body. Any enemy adjacent to L5 takes 5 damage at the beginning of its turn until the end of Truckbus's next turn. (Kobold K5 and Dragonshield M5) I guess that also automatically takes out kobold K5, right? No move action. |
Luciel remains calm as she raises her weapon in the air and silently mutter her spell.
Luciel casts Healing Word on Daituk... Hoping to dodge any immediate attack, she shifts her footing to the side. Move to M2. Will update later |
Luciel mends Daituk's wounds with a word, and then gets ready to do... something. She was going to do it really well, whatever it was. She eventually settles for burying an arrow into the nearest kobold - which makes the mistake of keeling over in pain only to find its head impaled upon an earthen spike.
Kobold Dragonshield takes 13 damage, plus 5 at the start of its turn. slain. The remaining dragonshield watches four of its allies drop dead in a span of six seconds. It then cleverly decides to regroup with the rest of its allies, calling out to them in a language none of the group understands. The two kobolds being yelled at move forward to continue pelting Zeno with javelins - Zeno endures the hits, but it's clear he's not having the best day ever. Zeno takes another 8 damage from javelins. Bloodied. The kobold with the sling attempts to throw another strange sphere, this time at the dwarf - but his hand slips, and instead of moving forward, the sphere drops and breaks over the kobold's head, spreading sticky goop everywhere. The slinger shares Zeno's sentiments about his day. Kobold Slinger is a klutz, hits himself with a gluepot. immobilized (save ends) :savepoint:Thia 9, Daituk 9, Zeno 5, Truckbus 3, Luciel 2, Kobold Minions 10, Kobold Slinger 9, Kobold Dragonshield 9 Note - Inverse triangle on the dragonshield is Thia's shroud. color of the triangle will go from white to light grey to dark grey to black as shrouds pile up. |
Thia chuckled as she was resting in the bushes at their cowardice. The hypocrisy didn't escape her either, she's more amused at the slinger kobold. She's glad that she had sent her slithery bugs after the slinger. Either he saw them and got distracted or one of them things bit into his toe! Better yet right on the ass. She'd grimace.
Move to I8 She slithered through the bushes towards them and stood there with eyes wide open. Perhaps they should have ran away further. No matter, she trust that she can kick some ass here. They're nothing! She spoke in a deep grunt. She'd outreach her arm and slowly morph it into a long thin point at the end. Then it'd appear if she was giving it the finger, but no, she shot the whole piece of her own arm at it. You sure didn't see me coming didn't you. She chuckled wryly. Shadow Storm to Dragonshield I9 Assassin's Shroud to Dragonshield I9 Oh you're still alive? Gritting her teeth she is. |
"..."
"Thank You. Fair elven one." Is all that Daituk can muster. He has been on this plane for a while now, and never has someone so unselfishly taken their time to help him. At least, never an elf, or a human, for that matter. They tend to regard his kind as invaders, or at the very least, as unwanted ones. Maybe this group will be different. Feeling re-energized, the Gith refocuses himself to the task at hand, moving swiftly to engage the lizards that tried to catch his group by surprise. Move to J8 Oath of Enmity to Dragonshield Overwhelming strike on same Swing and a miss :cmb: wish there was a sad mario paint smiley :( |
"*cough* well... looks like I've taken on.. *cough* more then I planned."
I was injured, much to my own chagrin. I decided that a dead fighter wasn't going to do the group much good, so I rose to a somewhat standing position, despite the pain needling throughout my body, and made my way towards the healer, who thankfully was away from those annoying rat things. Move to K2 Still, I was going to just wait around while they might attack either. "Got a little *cough* present... from back here, courtesy *cough*, ugh... I mean, of my FIST!" Energy Strobe on Dragonshield, Thunder-type damage That monster in the witch's shroud was getting a current update on how pissed I was, via my thundering attack. While I was pressing the limits on my range, I was confident that the attack hit it at least. The attack I managed to make, made me dizzy, especially with my wounds. I sat down to hopefully let the vertigo pass uneventfully. I also silently prayed that my companions would have better luck then I at vanquishing these pests. |
Zeno misses. He wanders back towards Luciel in a daze, in the hopes that the elf might have a better grip on the situation than he does.
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Fresh from an inadvertent victory over a couple of puny kobolds, Truckbus jogs over to join his companions at the fray further down the road.
Move to H8 As he does so, a javelin whizzes by him and buries itself in Zeno. "Whoa, those toothpicks got some bite to them after all. Hey you, quit that!" Strength of Stone on Kobold H9 7+7 = 14... MISS! Truckbus's swing meets empty air as the kobold dances out of the way. The dwarf shoots it a frustrated glare. Kobold H9 marked. |
Covering for Shorty temporarily here guys. I wish her well soon!
Healing Word to Zeno K2 Luciel hopes its enough for Zeno, she felt bad she didn't heal him earlier seeing that he got worse off than usual. She offered a few of her precious wraps to clean up a bit of his bloodied self. I'm so sorry Zeno. She then turns and was caught looking at Thia with a worried expression on her face. She better not push herself... That...bit.. She caught muttering to herself almost thinking and cursing like Thia but with better judgment to compose herself better. But all the same, Luciel just knew the risks of bringing Thia along and must act much more precariously to stop her from acting so reckless and yet so carelessly with her own will. Its only a matter of time before Thia just decides any sort of skin is worth delving into. She must act. I suppose its true then, having the worse part of you nearby also does brings out the best out of you. Move to K7 Luciel then gracefully with such instinctual reflexes and speed, she whips out her longbow and gleamed at the Minion within her sights. We do not fear failure, she exclaimed in such unnerving fashion. Silvery Arrow to Minion J10 But alas, its worth a shot. She could only then cringe after the missed shot. Only serving her as a harsh reminder of how dangerous the battle can be. She then wishes she was more like Thia in boldness and as well as nearly invincible. Not as in body, but as in mind... after all, she's only my shadow... she has nothing to fear. |
The Dragonshield and his remaining two allies hold the line, dodging almost all of the attacks sent their way. On the other hand, they're not much more effective than their opponents.
A whole lot of missing all 'round. The Slinger brushes the glue off of himself, and unloads the last of the three strange spheres at Thia. Thia isn't so irritated that she's been hit with something until she realizes she's on fire. Slinger hits Thia with a firepot. Thia takes 8 damage and ongoing 2 fire damage. :savepoint:Thia 9, Daituk 9, Zeno 5, Truckbus 3, Luciel 2, Kobold Minions 10, Kobold Slinger 9, Kobold Dragonshield 9 Forgot to remove the bloodied icon - Zeno's no longer bloodied. |
She burns. No, with such FURY. NO WORDS.
Assassin's Shroud to Dragonshield I9 Shadow Storm to Dragonshield I9 INVOKE SHROUDS Shadow Jaunt to L5 I'll eat your DEAD. See how you fuckers like that. Still though, she had met with mild disappointment as she shoved the bleeding flesh into her hole of a face. Even more still as she's shimmering with the burns and the fury in her eyes. She then sighs with a second of breath. Sputtering with clotting blood in her corners of her mouth, she roared at the others that the Dragonbastard is still standing. Be sure to destroy him, and if you do, you've earned my saving grace. |
Since his blade doesn't seem to want to hit his enemies, Daituk decides to take a step back and get inside their minds to wreak havoc instead.
Shift to J7 Shared Madness on Koblod at J9 12 damage to kobold and to Koblod Dragonshield as second target It is as he thought. the weak-minded fools crumble under the brunt of his psychic invasion. |
I was out of the worst of it, or at least I hoped, but my companions weren't faring much better, their attacks hitting nothing but air. I ran up to join their attack, or at least give some support if nothing else.
Move to I8 The dizziness was still there, and so I didn't want to risk an attack, but I had no choice in what I wanted versus what needed to be done. Things weren't going the way I had hoped, I doubt for any of us, and I felt my lungs give voice to a great charge of anger at everyone wrong with the world, particularly directed at the rat creature in front of Daituk. "URAGGGGHHH, YOU'RE PISSING ME OFF *cough cough* Ugh... dammit" Cacophonous Shout against Minion I9 That seemed to at least damage them a little bit, I thought, but I couldn't be sure yet until things settled down in my head. |
Once more Zeno's shout echoes across the field. The kobold before him drops dead, but the slinger is made of slightly tougher stuff. The fact that his ears are now bleeding, however, is an indication that he's not feeling so great.
minion is toast. 14 damage to the Slinger, which is now bloodied. ouch, that hurt. |
Three kobolds fall in rapid succession, one to yet another one of Zeno's shouts. "I'll never get used to that," Truckbus mutters. He isn't quite sure what happened to the other kobold, but the expression on its face reminded Truckbus somewhat of his friend's expression after he confessed exactly what he had eaten for lunch that day.
The dwarf shakes himself out of his reverie and sees an opportunity to teach the slinger some manners. It's rude to throw glue pots and firebombs around. Indoors and outdoors. Truckbus's lesson is especially pointed - and made of steel. Move to G10 Strength of Stone on Slinger... HIT! 7 damage. +4 temporary HP to self Slinger marked |
The last of the Kobolds falls, and silence covers the valley. The adventurers have all survived the ambush.
Victory! 475XP (95 each) The group decides to rest for a while and recover their strength before continuing on the path to Winterhaven. Making you guys take a short rest. One of these lasts about 5 minutes, during which you can spend healing surges to recover lost HP, loot the bodies, or just generally take a moment to relax. Taking a short rest restores your uses of Encounter powers, but not Daily powers. |
Truckbus pulls his sword out of the kobold's chest, shakes the blood off, and carefully sheathes it. "Well, that was pretty exciting - you think these kobolds knew we were coming?"
The dwarf carefully removes all the gluepots and firepots he could find from the corpse. He then picks the dead kobold up by its feet and begins shaking it vigorously to see if anything else falls out. "I don't reckon any of you folks can use this sling? I'd try, but last time I tried to use one of these to hunt deer, I hit Aunt Majorie square in the face with a rock. Dunno if it's such a good idea for me to have it." Check kobold slinger for salvagable items, and any indication that the attack was meant for us. Is the sling usable? |
"These kobolds were indeed awfully aggressive to attack such a large, armed group as ours in such an open place. Something doesn't seem right here."
The Gith decides that a good course of action would be to check the kobolds for anything that might hint to a hidden hand behind the attack. He starts by checking the better armed ones, as they seemed to be in charge of this pack. He also checks them for any currency or valuables, and he investigates their weapons to see if anything is worth the trouble of carrying around. Loot the Kobold Dragonshields Perception (?) check on all corpses for anything unusual |
Trckbus' investigation of the Slinger's inventory turns out to be a disappointment - the bandolier which once contained the ceramic globes is empty, its contents having already been thrown at the adventurers. The sling itself is still perfectly serviceable, however.
Daituk checks the bodies, but finds nothing of value. He doesn't notice anything to suggest that the attack was in any way aimed at the adventurers, a theory which is confirmed by the quite thoroughly flattened areas of dying grass and bits of food found behind the boulders where the kolbolds were hiding. The kobolds have clearly been camping here for a while, waiting for merchants or the like to pass by their hiding place. |
I found a small patch of grass at the side of the road to sit down upon and began to rest my body from the ordeal, mentally playing back the events of our unexpected combat.
"Those kobolds... I wonder why they decided to ambush us here...", I wondered aloud to no-one in particular. My wounds were healing and my head felt balanced to the ground and sky again, so I couldn't much complain. At the same time though, I was intensely curious about what our group might encounter down the road. The others were looking at the remains of the rat creatures so I suppose AN answer would be provided one way or another. |
Oh its over already? She glanced over to where the slinger died. She felt a pang of regret for not finishing the bastard herself, after all the damage he managed to hit her with. But nevertheless, she smirked at how they went all out on her upon her ambush. They must NOT LIKE HER.
Thia checks herself, inspecting her dark skin, wondering if she's still burning. Then she inspects the carcass in front of her. She slides into the remains in her shadowy self as if she's absorbing the nutrients or rather to heal/insulate/immunize herself from the burns if possible. If anything, it is to refresh herself from the heat of the sun as well. Sunlight is never her friend, she'd seek out dark areas for decent mobilization. The blood on the grass, the cold dirt, and the underside of the remains counts for it. |
After Thia quickly puts out the few remaining smoldering spots on her armor, and she and Zeno have taken a moment to recover from their wounds, the group continues along the road to Winterhaven, keeping a much closer eye on the road ahead than they had been prior to the ambush.
The rest of the day passes uneventfully, and the group reaches Winterhaven just before nightfall. It is a small town, existing primarily to support the numerous farms and mills which operate in the nearby countryside. The adventurers head towards the only inn in town, Wrafton's, to find lodging and perhaps some more detailed information than what they were given at the guild. |
As soon as he enters the inn, Daituk wastes no time in asking the keeper and whoever is around for details on the death cult that was rumored to be active in the area. He may not be particularly trusting of humans, but he doesn't see any real alternative to help him on his way.
"I hear there is a cleric girl in this town who recently informed the Freeport Adventurers Guild that a cult of the dead has been active in this area. No one here would happen to know this young woman, or where her place of residence may be?" |
As soon as he enters the inn, Truckbus wastes no time in asking the keeper and whoever is around for details on their selection of fine ales and hard cheeses.
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Truckbus makes a beeline for the bar, but is disappointed by the inn's selection. They have beer and wine, of course, but nothing even remotely exotic save for the local brewery's ales, which Truckbus has never even heard of - but if the price is any indication, Truckbus had best not get his hopes up.
Daituk's question about the cleric girl come up blank - it seems that the cleric in question wasn't from Winterhaven, but Freeport. Daituk asks an older man in robes about any signs of the cult they had been sent after, hoping that he might be of some help. "There hasn’t been an honest to goodness evil cult in or around Winterhaven in more than a hundred years. Where are you getting these strange ideas, my friend? Someone, I fear, is trying to lead you astray." The man proceeds to introduce himself as Valthrun, a sage and scholar who moved to Winterhaven many years ago to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. He seems glad to have company, and if he is bothered by Daituk's kind, he shows no signs of it. "What could bring such a diverse group as yourselves to our tiny little town? I hope it isn't only this alleged cult of yours - if that were the case you'd have come an awful long way for nothing." The other adventurers look around the inn. An old man sits at a table with a soldier, talking away. The soldier nods every once in a while, but otherwise show no sign that he's actually listening. The only other patron in the bar is a lone elven hunter sitting in a corner alone, occasionally taking a sip of her beer but offering no other indication that she is even awake at all. |
Years of deprivation have made Truckbus something of a chowhound. His other goal, during his travels, is to sample as many different cuisines as he possibly can - within a reasonable budget, of course.
Disappointed at the selection, the warden purchases a flask of the cheapest local brew. He then borrows a writing instrument from the staff (if possible) and labels it with a tag - FOR EMUHJENSIES ONLY. Truckbus then saunters over to Daituk to listen to their conversation. Something about Valthrun's words doesn't sit right with him. Once, his mother was asked if the rumors were true that Truckbus's family had eaten kobolds during a particularly desperate winter. His mother said, "Oh, mercy, where are you getting all these awful, awful ideas from?," and then, when the nosy neighbor did invite herself for dinner one night, served her a very special stew. In any case, Vaithrun reminds him of a dwarf caught eating kobold, so Truckbus starts paying really close attention to his words. Insight check, 15+1 = 16 |
Daituk sees his dwarven companion's unease quite easily, and decides to pursue his line of questioning a bit longer. Maybe a little incentive would get the man to open up about the cult.
"Are you quite certain there is nothing at all that has happened of late that could hint to a cult's activities? I highly doubt the Freeport Adventurer's Guild would send us on such a wild goose chase if there was absolutely nothing going on. I assure you that if this cult exists we will find it with or without your help." "We were also told that a scholar was looking for a map of some nearby ruins. You look like the scholarly type, wouldn't happen to know anything about this either, would you?" crap, I forgot I have a sig now. :eagletear: |
As I entered the Inn, the familiar and overpowering scent of sweaty, tired bodies and the usual whiff of mead which followed, filled my nostrils. I suppose it would be unbecoming of a monk to indulge in the bottle, but I sometimes found that a good carefully prepared drink could enhance my fighting abilities. Unfortunately, they only served very strong and stubborn types of spirits here, with a very limited selection at that.
I noticed the Dwarf marking something on one of the bottles, and sauntered over to see what he was doing. The spelling could be better but the message was clear. I may just have to borrow his idea for another time. Right now though, my goal was information. Looking around, I spotted an Elf nursing a bottle and generally keeping to herself. I decided that since the others were chatting up the scholar, I should explore other avenues. "Excuse me Miss... my apologies in interrupting you, might I be able to ask for some general information? I have heard tales of the Ranger's prowess in discovering hidden places, and my companions and I seek the whereabouts of a rumored cult in these northern lands." She seemed annoyed that I was interrupting, but I thought if I bought her a drink, she might be more willing to open up to conversation. |
Despite Tuckbus' best efforts, he doesn't see any indication that the old man is lying. Maybe, just maybe, he's telling the truth!
Valthrun smiles and nods politely to Daituk's strong words. "Be that as it may, i have heard nothing of this cult you speak so strongly of. If you do find one, i would be more than happy to help you, but I still find the idea highly unlikely." "I know the keep of which you speak, however. It was built during the height of the old empire. Some sort of watchtower or something, i don't know what for. Some people figure it was to guard against gnoll marauders, but i don't think that's right. Whatever its original purpose, the keep outlived its usefulness. It's been a ruin for well over a century. Probably a goblin lair by now, you know how they like old places like that. Still, you've got me curious about it myself. I'll look through my library and see what i can find. Hopefully I will be able to give you more information next time we meet." Zeno approaches the elf in the corner with an offering of alcohol. She looks at him for a moment, then snatches the bottle from his hand, though she makes no move to remove her feet from the other chair at the table so Zeno can sit. She rolls her eyes at Zeno's compliment, but perks up at his mention of the cult. "A cult? You’ve heard about it? Thank goodness! I was afraid this whole village was in league with the monsters! I’ve been watching the cult members. They come and go from a cave behind a waterfall, high up in a cliff to the east and south of the village. You’ll need to be careful, though. I think they’re in league with the kobolds." |
Huh. Maybe Truckbus should leave the thinking and the observing to the smart folk.
The dwarf liked the idea of exploring a ruined keep. There might be treasure there. Treasure means being able to buy better food. And maybe an axe to smack kobolds around with. The sword he was using - well, it was serviceable, but a dwarf really needs an axe, you know? Belonged to the old man he traveled with when he first left his home. The old man taught him how to "listen to the plants and the rocks," or so he put it. And when the old man died in his sleep, very suddenly. Truckbus buried him, said some last rites, and then took his sword. He had nothing else to help him fend off wildlife. The old man wouldn't mind. He sidles up to Daituk and whispers, perhaps a tad too loudly, "This guy seems a bit kooky, but I wonder if we should try going to this keep of his." |
"Though that sounds like a reasonable course of action if we don't succeed in getting any more information, I'm not so sure we have to give up on finding the cult so fast. And if it's treasure your after, it is my experience that cults such as this one usually make use of objects of great value in their rituals, which could either be of great use to us or at the very least could fetch a fair price."
"But for now..." Daituk signals for the warden to be silent and follow him, as he has overheard Zeno's conversation with the elven woman. He heads directly to their location and without pause addresses the elven woman. "Pardon my intrusion, but this cave you speak of, would you be able to lead us to it?" |
"Quietly? Of course!"
Stealth check to get across the room quietly 2 + (-2) = 0 :tpg: Truckbus walks into a table and makes a spectacular mess. Tankards fly up into the air like confetti. |
The Elf just stared in what I assume is either amazement or confusion as Truckbus managed to spill perfectly serviceable alcohol and knock over a table and several chairs. At least the Dwarf crashed into the table instead of anyone else, I thought. I figured a drunken dwarf is about as spectacular a sight as a sleeping town guard. From the back of my head I could feel all of the Inn's staff and visitors staring at us, but I tried to ignore them.
"Please excuse my friend, he is...uh, passionate about finding this cult. You said a cave yes? That cave would be an excellent place to start!, I said to the Ranger, nodding to Daituk to affirm our mutual destination. Before the Elf could respond, it occurred to me what she had said about the town: "...but I think we should find someplace less... loud to discuss this.", I quickly added, and looked around to see where the others were. |
The elf had been mildly irritated when Zeno had came up to her, but the arrival of the two new overly excited adventurers, not to mention the fresh coating of beer, was more than she was willing to put up with for one night. After quickly sketching a map with directions to the cave on a bit of parchment to get these irritating jerks out of her hair, the elf walks out of the inn and disappears into the night. As she passes Luciel and Thia near the front door, Luciel's sharp hearing picks up a few mumbled words about "adventurers" and "nothing but trouble".
The map is crude, but should get the group to the cave well enough. You guys can feel free to go to bed and leave for the cave the next morning, or continue to ask the other patrons about stuff pertaining to Winterhaven or your other quests. I'll assume there's no more stuff to do if nothing happens within the next 36 hours or so. |
Figuring they had already caught the attention of pretty much everyone in the bar by their behavior, Daituk takes it upon to make sure they disturbed the only people he hasn't spoken to yet, the old man and the soldier.
"You guys wouldn't have happened to see a guy called Dougen Stahl come through here by any chance?" And somehow the Gith still wonders why most of the races on this plane can hardly endure his kind. |
Free beer is only good when it doesn't have to be wrung from kobold stained attire. Truckbus gathers up the remains of his dignity, walks out of the room with his head held high, and wanders off to see to his sleeping arrangements.
|
The old man at the table perks up at the mention of Dougen Stahl right away.
“You knew Dougen? I always wondered what happened to him! He had questions about the old burial site southwest of the village. Thought a dragon might be buried there! I told him it was probably just an old trash heap, but he wouldn’t hear of it, no sir! Well, of course I gave him directions to the place. I am something of a historian of the area, you know! Oh yes, Dougen! Well, he took my directions, and we haven’t seen him since. I do hope the poor man is all right!” The old man turns back to his counterpart only to find an empty chair. Apparently Daituk's intrusion had been just the distraction the soldier had been waiting for. "Huh. Well, then." The old man yawns, and proceeds to explain to Daituk how to get to the burial site. The old man falls asleep halfway through his directions, but finishes explaining them anyway. Finally he goes quiet, and the tavern is filled with an eerie silence, save for the clinking of glasses as the barkeep washes some dishes in the back room. The group gets rooms in Wrafton's, and has a restful night. The next morning, they awake, ready for whatever the day may throw at them. Everyone should vote on whether they want to follow the old guy's directions to find Dougen or look for the waterfall cave. |
Though the accommodations where surprisingly adequate for such a small town in the middle of nowhere, Daituk barely slept, his anticipation of the next day getting the best of him. As he finds everyone gathered outside the inn, he addresses the party to figure out what their next step will be.
"So, is everyone ready for some cult-smashing action? If anyone has any qualms with doing this now would be the time to voice them. Otherwise, I suggest we move out now and go stake out this cave while the light of the sun is still accompanying us." This is going to be a good day, the Gith thinks to himself. |
The adventurers wake up after a good rest and prepare to move out, Daituk barely able to contain his excitement at the thought of slaughtering some evil cultists. The group heads out the gate and follows the road to the south-east. They talk amongst themselves as they walk along the road...
Suddenly, war cries erupt from the bushes to the side of the road, and an unhealthy-looking orb flies over Luciel's head. Thia able to prepare herself for the attack, but her companions are not so fortunate. Four kobolds jump out from their hiding places and rush the leaders of the group - Truckbus isn't able to deflect two attacks at once at the best of times, and he is simultaneously stabbed and slashed by the kobolds coming out from behind the rock. Daituk watches two other kobolds rush toward him, but misjudges his opponent's attack and takes a blade to the ribs. The damage isn't much, but it's enough to slightly dampen Daituk's excitement about his day. 14 damage to Truckbus from Skirmisher and Dragonshield. Marked by Dragonshield at G29 7 damage to Daituk from Dragonshield Defenses http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...agonshield.jpg Dragonshields: AC 18; Fort 14; Reflex 13; Will 13 http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...skirmisher.jpg Skirmisher: AC 15; Fort 11; Reflex 14; Will 13 http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...wyrmpriest.jpg Wyrmpriest: AC 17; Fort 13; Reflex 15; Will 15 :savepoint: Thia (surprise round), Daituk 25, Wyrmpriest 21, Luciel 20, Skirmisher 17, Dragonshields 10, Zeno 10, Thia 6, Truckbus 4 In a surprise round, you get one action, Standard, move, or minor (free actions are fine). Thia gets one action, and then no one is surprised anymore, and Daituk starts the normal turn order. Phew that's a lot of dice rolls |
Alright you lot. Surely you guys can HEAR THEM breathing. She does not appear surprise to see the group taken back by what has just occurred. Fools she thought, ROUND TWO!
She stood steadily behind Daituk, effectively utilizing his own shadow towards her sneak counterattack. Thanks Daituk, you're my buddy. She sneered greedily and then gutted out a snake out of her mouth to toss it over at the lumbering priest wannabe. You'd think it was her own tongue since she went quiet. Oh no, she would then spat on the Skirmisher with her remaining pieces of her mouth. Whatever reason, she really loves to pick at her own dagger like teeth. It makes for a good weapon after all. And it creeps them the fuck out. Assassin's Shroud to Wyrmpriest C31 Inescapable Blade to Skirmisher G28 She does this little dance jig after wards. |
Well, it looks like more of these dumb lizards are looking to end their lives prematurely.
Only slightly shaken by the blade that has just gone through him, Daituk quickly shifts away from the offending party and gets into range of the spear-wielding lizard. Shift to H27 Oath of Enmity on Skirmisher Overwhelming strike on Skirmisher 18 damage to Skirmisher :cmb: Dammit, forgot the sig again. :( |
Thia and Daituk act quickly to try to remove the threat they haven't seen before. Thia is only able to deal a glancing blow, but Daituk's blade sinks deep into the kobold's shoulder, causing it to scream out in pain.
Skirmisher is bloodied. The kobold with the funny mask scuttles over to hide in the bushes by the road. As it moves, it lets out a call - the other kobolds seem encouraged by the shout and redouble their efforts to flank the adventurers. It then proceeds to toss another ball of acid at Truckbus. All kobolds shift 1 square and gain 5 temp HP. Energy Orb deals 8 acid damage to Truckbus. Bloodied. :savepoint: Luciel 20, Skirmisher 17, Dragonshields 10, Zeno 10, Thia 6, Truckbus 4, Daituk 25, Wyrmpriest 21 |
After a long silence, Luciel picks up her bow and readies aim at the already wounded Skirmisher.
Move to G25. Take aim and shoots Silvery Arrow at Skirmisher. 15 damage to Skirmisher. Cast Healing Word towards Truckbus. Now if only the dwarf wouldn't go barging in like a horse without a saddle... And sigh, as Daituk is in line of sight as he gets healed instead of Truckbus. Daituk gets a measly bandaid of +4 health. Oh, lovely. |
Luciel heals most of Truckbus' wounds, and launches an arrow into the nearest kobold. The kobold tries to stay on its feet, but can't keep fighting and collapses to the ground.
Allies don't block line of sight, and even if they did the power doesn't say you need to be able to see the target, so. Also they get surge + 1d6, not just 1d6. Damage roll 7 + 5 = 13, just enough :( The dragonshields attack Truckbus with all they've got, and proceed to undo all of Luciel's hard work. They're sort of jerks that way. Truck is healed for 14 HP, and then proceeds to get hacked up and lose 16 HP. Marked by both dragonshields south of him. Old mark of the north one disappears. :savepoint: Zeno 10, Thia 6, Truckbus 4, Daituk 25, Wyrmpriest 21, Luciel 20, Dragonshields 10 |
There's only one reason a dwarf would allow himself the indignity of being poked by tiny kobold weapons again (andagainandagainandagainandagain), and that would be a massive hangover from drinking half of a certain emergency flask of beer the night before.
In a moment of weakness. Of course. (Not the best drinker the dwarven race has ever brought forth.) In any case, it took several bleeding gashes for Truckbus to finally snap out of his stupor. He roars and lashes out at one of the dragonshields, once again bringing forth sharp rocks from the ground. Earth Spikes on Dragonshield I29, 17+7=24 11 damage on Dragonshield I29 I29 and I28 take 5 damage at the start of their turns. |
That's a real shame Lucy, how can you fumble at that one. She thought nostalgically but not for long, she turns her attention to poor Truckbus. She hasn't given him much of a thought other than what a dwarf he was. Drunk, disorderly and such a dork. Here, lets pummel them back for you. As she was feeling generous, she summoned her darkly shadows around the Dragonshield's feet into a mass of creepy crawlies to devour what's good enough on his flesh. She'd then cut into his side of HIS FACE with her rapier and takes a step back to watch it yelp in pain.
She also takes care to remind herself, there's that bumbling idiot to the far left doing not much but gleefully watching. She'd then fire a eyedart at the priest reminding him, I'm WATCHING you. -------> Shadow Storm to Dragonshield I28 Assassin's Shroud to Wyrmpriest F32 Shade Form on I27 Just to try it out and see how it works, she then reverts to her shadowy form. |
I felt like I had been away from reality far longer then I needed to be; thus, I snapped to attention and spotted more of those retched kobolds. Honestly I had half a mind to wipe them all out personally, but I knew I needed to be a team player about the whole thing. I moved swiftly to my target.
Move to J28 Fallen Needle on Dragonshield Ordinarily a witch like that girl Thia might've distracted me, but I had a clear intent: I focused solely on the ugly thing beside her and punched hard at its body. My mind's concentration helped out more then I realized and the attack connected beautifully. There's always a downside to battle, as I must have hit its very thick skull: my hand felt swollen and it seemingly only flinched from my attack. |
Daituk's on the move once again. Seeing that his dwarven ally is in trouble, he decides to bring out the big guns and show these Kobolds what's what.
Argent Mantle 19 damage to Kobold at G28 10 damage to Kobold at I28 Shift to G27 Oath of enmity on Kobold G28 Sparks fly as two of the kobolds writhe around in pain from the lightning that springs forth from Daituk's body. "You Should have stayed in your little wood huts, that way you might have lived to see another day." Says Daituk like the smug bastard that he is. :cmb: |
The group gets to work, and between them they manage to fell one of their aggressors without too much trouble.
Zeno uses Fallen Needle. Crit for max damage of 14. Thia uses Shadow Storm for 12 damage. Dragonshield bloodied. other attacks land. The kobold with the weird mask launches another orb, this time aimed at Zeno. The orb connects, but instead of the sort of acid it was supposed to hold, it contains orange juice, which, while it does have the same effect in terms of Zeno's being very wet, still leaves the Wyrmpriest looking mildly inept. Citric acid doesn't have as much bite as the hydrochloric variety, apparently. hit! 4 acid damage to Zeno. :savepoint: Luciel 20, Dragonshields 10, Zeno 10, Thia 6, Truckbus 4, Daituk 25, Wyrmpriest 21 |
Alarmed at the position issue, the Elven Cleric quickly gathered her thoughts. Hide behind those rocks next to the kobold, or move further south across the ditch in order to get around the cluster party?
In any case, she decided to shoot, then aim. Cast Healing Word on Truckbus yet again. Attack with Silvery Arrow to Kobolt on I28. |
Luciel's arrow flies just wide of its mark, but it turns out to be a moot point - as the kobold turns to see where the missile came from, it cuts itself on some of the spikes jutting up around it, and collapses.
5 damage to both southern kobolds at the start of their turn. I28 baddie bites the dust. Fed up with the dwarf whose wounds kept closing up as fast as they could inflict them, the two remaining kobold warriors turn towards some easier targets. One deals a painful blow to Zeno, while the other slides around Daituk and attempts to get the elf to stop undoing all their hard work. Luciel sees the attack coming just in time, and only just manages to avoid taking a blade in the ribs. Zeno, distracted by the delicious juice he is trying to suck out of his robes, takes the full brunt of the other kobold's attack. The area around the wound froths a little bit as the blood mixes with the juice. Dragonshield attacking Luciel misses. Dragonshield attacking Zeno gets a critical hit - 9 damage. Zeno is bloodied and marked. :savepoint: Zeno 10, Thia 6, Truckbus 4, Daituk 25, Wyrmpriest 21, Luciel 20, Dragonshields 10 |
Being alone in her thoughts once more prompted her to bring herself to the battle in front of her. Thia was only merely half asleep in there, dreaming about the cold and the dark. She slowly emerges from her shadow gleefully. You guys didn't see me? Or could hit me? Awesome, I got a nice little nap out of that.
Alright, lets see which idiot can suffer from the cold metallic blade of mine! She didn't care to move at all. Thia true to her nature, doesn't mind attacking over one of their dead if it'd prompt them to return with such fury that would only amuse her so. If anything, she finds that attacking is her favorite suit, it'd bring forth all sorts of expressions, sounds, smells like never before. Thia lived for blood, fear, and their souls being wavered in front of her. I love this game! Inescapable Blade to Dragonshield I29 Assassin's Shroud to Wyrmpriest F32 Resumes the Shade form Yep, he gets it again! After slashing away mindlessly (and failing lol), she also sent another shadowy mist over to the lone masked kobold to face ever so impending doom once she unleashes them later. Thia also didn't care of their new tactics, it'd only bring them closer to death or at least smelling like one of their dead like the one in front of her and underneath her feet. |
I was a bit too focused on getting the (admittedly pretty tasty) juice out of my robes to sense that it was my opportunity to attack, so the witch took her attack to one of the ugly, stupid rat creatures. I suppose I should thank her later, but right now I had more important things to consider, such as the gaping wound I had suddenly suffered.
Painful as it was, I had to keep fighting. There was one of the kobolds next to our lovely healing elf and I wasn't about to let my source of replenishment get attacked. "Ohh... *cough* no you don't!" Move to H26 via Crane's Wing Stone Fist of Fury to Kobold @ G26 My stone fists were quite the handy tool and I silently wondered why I had not used them as often as I could have before. |
Truckbus takes full advantage of the respite and swings at the remaining dragonshield. Music swells in his head, the music that kept him afloat when he was a wee dwarf. The bullies kept coming at him until one day, he snapped and buried all their faces in a nearby wall. He felt a sudden surge of strength return to him.
Strength of Stone Hit on I29 8 damage. +4 temporary HP |
"All right, this has gone on long enough."
Says Daituk while getting in position for his next move. Shift to F28 Shared madness to Dragonshield at G26, secondary target, wormpriest Oh fidgit Prepare Divine Guidance for use on whomever chooses to attack the Dragonshield I have marked with my Oath of Enmity Much to the Gith's surprise, the Kobolds seem completely unaffected by his intense ill-will towards them. Is Kelemvor unwilling to assist him in his attempts to send them his way? Is he still too fuzzy from his lack of sleep? Or maybe he just isn't able to conjure up enough negative mind-energy because the fact that they are so pathetic to him is affecting his willingness to crush their primitive minds!?! One thing that is certain is that this development is puzzling. :cmb: |
Zeno gets his revenge by kicking the dragonshield that attacked him hard enough to send it flying backwards. He then proceeds to leap over Thia's ghostly form for no readily apparent reason, and give the other kobold warrior a solid punch to the face. Zeno hadn't felt this cool in months.
H30 dragonshield (formerly I29) bloodied by Zeno. As the dragonshield reels from Zeno's attack, Truckbus and Thia close in. Thia sends a blast of shadow energy from her rapier into the kobold, and Truckbus seizes the moment and brings his sword down in a mighty slash. The blade doesn't stop until it cuts through the kobold's heart - which is impressive considering that the blade had to go through a layer of armor, a shoulder, and several ribs to get there. Executive decision - Truck and Thia move one space closer so they can reach. Dragonshield killed by Truck. What is it with you people and getting exactly the amount of damage you need? Daituk takes a step away from the kobold he's fighting and focuses his wrath on the thing's mind. Unfortunately, the kobold is too busy thinking about what it was that he ate for lunch that was making him feel so lousy to worry about the weird sensation in the back of his mind. The Wyrmpriest moves out of the bushes, mumbling something incoherently. Then it opens its mouth - and breathes a cloud of green acid at the adventurers. Truckbus manages to turn away in time to avoid the acid making contact with most of his skin, but still takes the worst of the attack. Daituk also takes a splash of the stuff to the face, though by the time it has reached him most of the acid has been blown away by the breeze. 4 acid damage to Daituk, 6 acid damage to Truckbus. :savepoint: Luciel 20, Dragonshield 10, Zeno 10, Thia 6, Truckbus 4, Daituk 25, Wyrmpriest 21 |
"Ugh, what a mess."
Luciel glared upon the state of bloodied bodies of kobolds shrewn about and let out a brief sigh in thankfulness that none of the dead bodies consisted of her allies. Picking up her lance from her back, she twirled it back as she muttered her next casting spell. "Seekers of Avandra, lend me thy strength--to those of my allies, bring faith..." As she took a sweeping motion back with her lance, she uttered her final words as she thrust the tip of the lance to the kobold in front of her. Fiercely thrust Lance of Faith to Dragonshield on G26. 6+5+wisdom mod makes 16 hit? correct me if I'm wrong... Using the force of her attack, Luciel somersaults forward to G28 and cringes when she steps on a particularly oozy kobold brain. Yuck. "...and strength within." she sighed, as she uttered the last casting word of Healer's Mercy, all balance left her knees and she kneeled lower to the ground. She looked back hoping to find the Dragonshield dead... |
Luciel faces down the kobold by closing her eyes and saying a prayer. The slightly confused creature takes a swing at her while she's not looking, and its sword hits her arm. Luciel finishes her prayer, and a light from the sky punishes the kobold. Luciel then runs all the way around the kobold, another swing glancing off her armor as she turns to move.
Luciel takes 6 damage from Opportunity Attack for using a ranged ability in melee. Deals 7 damage with attack, Dragonshield bloodied and Daituk (chosen by lottery because Shorty didn't specify) gets +2 bonus for next attack against the Dragonshield. She then takes the long way round to get to where she wants to go so she can get there without getting attacked more than once. One Standard action per turn, so no healer's mercy for you. The dragonshield tries to attack Zeno, but the monk is paying attention this time, and he easily jumps out of the way. The kobold warrior tries to move closer to his leader, working his way quickly through the group without leaving any opening for an attack. Attack against Zeno fails horribly. Kobold double shifts to I28. :savepoint: Zeno 10, Thia 6, Truckbus 4, Daituk 25, Wyrmpriest 21, Luciel 20, Dragonshield 10 |
I was getting the hang of the ebb and flow of battle again, it had been too long. Only a couple kobolds remained and I decided to try and get the one closest to me.
Move to H27 Unfortunately, my attack only struck the impartial air, missing the ugly thing entirely. "You can't run forever you little shrewd rat!" |
YES! Back to business finally! Then she cocks her head in wonder at the Wyrmpriest. What's the use of the helmed kobold again? Lets give him a sense of purpose with his silly helmet!
Assassin's Shroud to Wyrmpriest G31 Invoke Shrouds Move to H31 Shadow Storm to Wyrmpriest G31 Remain in Shade Form She laughs all the way to his eyeballs. She sincerely hopes the Wyrmpriest is at least bloodied. |
Thia focuses on the wyrmpriest. Finally, she would be able to unleash some proper pain on the thing. All that waiting, biding her time... now it would finally all pay off. She gets so focused, however, that she forgets to watch the dragonshield. The kobold's sword swishes through her misty form, and while it doesn't cause nearly as much pain as it would if she hadn't been mostly mist, some of those pieces of Thia which were now floating away in the breeze were kind of important.
Thia takes 3 damage from AO. Wyrmpriest takes 21 damage and is bloodied. |
Thorn Strike (Melee Range 2) on Wyrmpriest.
Miss. Truckbus tries to summon vines to pull the Wyrmpriest closer to him, but ends up summoning alfafa sprouts instead. Godsdammit. Shift to I28 to flank Dragonshield. No minor. |
As his companions rush to surround the remaining Kobold Dragonshield, Daituk sees an opportunity to slip around to the north of the Wyrmpriest and get the drop on him. As the lizard turns around to see what's up, he quickly realizes that it is the Gith's blade.
Move to F31 by going to the north of the boulder, so as to not draw an OA Overwhelming strike to Wyrmpriest Argent Mantle says 16 damage plox It takes quite a bit longer for the Kobold to realize that the blade is now resting between his feet. He sort of lost track of it around the time that it passed right between his eyes on its way down. And here he is now, looking towards Daituk. Or, to either side of him. That is, if his brain survived the blade passing through it. Maybe this is just Kelemvor rewarding Orjerbs on a stylish finish with what can only be described as a unique sight. *Disclaimer: Flavor text written in anticipation that 16 damage will do the Wyrmpriest in. In any case, he should be pretty banged up at the very least. :cmb: |
The group changes targets as soon as they see Thia land a potent attack on the kobold leader - the thing falls to the ground in two pieces, dead before Daituk's blade even gets to its heart.
Argent Mantle lets you reroll damage rolls, not attack rolls. That said, flanking gives you combat advantage, which gives you +2 to attack rolls, which is just enough to land a hit with the first roll. disregard the dice rolls to the right, i wasn't paying attention :savepoint: Luciel 20, Dragonshield 10, Zeno 10, Thia 6, Truckbus 4, Daituk 25 |
Just as she begins to move out of the kobold's reach, a voice calls out to Luciel. No one else reacts, but it causes Luciel no shortage of surprise. Luciel is tempted to fall to her knees even as she hurries to a place where her abilities will be more effective, but she couldn't leave her friends hanging. Avandra didn't usually speak to her followers so directly, but Luciel had clearly caught her diety's eye for some reason. She wasn't sure whether or not she wanted that kind of attention.
No one knows exactly what happened next. Luciel emitted a blinding light, and then emitted an extremely powerful force causing all present to have to avert their eyes. When the light subsided, Luciel was simply gone. As Truckbus would one day recount the event, "She got really shiny, and then just sort of disappeared." Thia was afraid of the light. It was the the opposite of the darkness from which she drew her existence. In her current form, she was even more vulnerable to it than usual. However, when the shockwave reached her, instead of destroying her, as Thia expected, she simply heard Luciel's gentle voice saying, "So long, my friend." The wave of light is not so kind to the remaining kobold. It is thrown back with considerable force against the boulder at the side of the road. The kobold slumps oddly to the ground, the shattered bones in its limbs allowing it to fall to the ground in a very strange fashion, legs bending in more places than is generally natural. Victory! 125 XP each. Their foes defeated, the four remaining adventurers are left to try to make sense of what just happened. |
As the bright light produced by Luciel fades, Daituk' mantle of light also dissipates. This was the first time the Gith actually witnessed the direct intervention of a deity with his own eyes. He took a moment to salute Kelemvor, his faith renewed buy this experience.
And then he proceeded to loot the hell out of some dead koblods. Check kobold bodies for cool loots! |
Daituk searches the bloody remains of the ambushers. A couple of them have a few coins on them, but that's not all. The left hand of the wyrmpriest is clutching a small obsidian figurine, which turns out to be of a small dragon. The brass hoop on the dragon's head indicates that it was once a necklace, but the string was cut in two along with the rest of the kobold. There is something etched into the figure's base, what appears to be a skull with horns. Other than that, there is nothing interesting on any of the bodies other than their basic equipment, a couple of spears and some shields, but nothing particularly valuable.
Found 10gp and dragon necklace. |
Truckbus is left blinking.
"What happened to Luciel? She got really shiny, and then sort of disappeared." That reminded him of the time his cousin Duckfuss disappeared. Only that it was in an explosion. Which is was kinda shiny, but mostly really hot and full of sharp pieces of metal flying everywhere. Check if kobold shield is usable by a dwarf. Pick up the alfafa sprouts he summoned for consumption later - no sense wasting perfectly nutritious microgreens. |
Thia wasn't in the mood for any sort of post battle festivities. She usually finds the time to wind down and to recover. Luciel's sudden departure was a partially the reason of her being calm. She then sat down and explained to the group of her origins.
Luciel was rather one of the kinder honest figures Thia would have come to know. But its not Luciel that Thia has originated from, she reminds them. Its Luciel's alter ego, her fears, and her past and present memories that represents Thia's character in whole in physical form and developing mental status. In truth, Thia's material form ultimately originated from the Black Monster that lives in the abyss. But the finer details of her form is identical to Luciel and her alter ego true form combined. In fact that Thia isn't all that vile looking is a testament to Luciel's likeness to purity in spirit. Thia was also a result of Luciel's request to aid her. The very idea that you summon your own alter ego is a very daunting task, more or less to believe that you could put a handle on said being and for however so long. But she was brave, honest, and was willing to sacrifice for the greater good, she was to be trusted in the end. The Black Monster don't necessarily deviate a part of itself unless it was out of amusement that would end quite quickly and brutally. Thia suddenly turned silent. Under a few certain circumstances would she ever talk about the Black Monster. It is to be more or less to be understood that the Black Monster isn't a topic of a conversation but rather to understand that such being exists should horrify any existing ideal of living beings capable of not living in fear. She then said, "I only wished Luciel would once argue with me. Or scold me. She never did." If only then they could see how even her eyes would get misty despite of the flat tone in her distorted voice. And just as calmly, she got up look around for a shade to rest under. She rarely in a talkative mood, but only then she did realize she is her own existence now. Only she is responsible for her own actions, no one else. |
I clasped the shoulder of Truckbus in response to his question as a gesture of understanding. I suspected dwarves were lacking a native word for the word subtlety, and so I spoke in Dwarven to him intent on getting my point across.
"I'm not sure we will ever find out, or that we were even meant to know... but she will be missed" My other comrades were checking the -very- dead rat creature's bodies for anything of value. I noticed they had some rudimentary equipment and a few weapons, which probably would do better for them then for myself, given my own weapons were already 'equipped' in a sense, but all the same, no harm in looking. Check to see if any of the kobold equipment is usable |
The four remaining adventurers proceed to look for some new equipment, but they don't find much of consequence. Certainly nothing better than one could find at an apprentice blacksmith's at any rate. The shields the larger kobolds were carrying didn't seem to be any more or less effective than the shield Truckbus was currently carrying, but they were made of dragon's scales, so they certainly looked cooler.
Feel free to use healing surges, do whatever else you feel like doing whilst we wait to see if any other newbies want to jump in. |
As he walks towards a shaded area to recuperate from the events that had just transpired, Daituk takes the time to investigate the dragon amulet that he has just found more closely, to see if it is of any use aside from decoration.
Use two healing surges to get back to full HP Carefully examine amulet. |
Daituk examines the amulet. It doesn't seem to be magical in any way, but he feels like he's seen the symbol carved on the bottom of the pendant somewhere before.
Daituk recognizes the carving as a representation of Orcus, lord of the undead. Perhaps the rumors of a death cult operating in the area were more true than the villagers believed. |
As he realizes the significance of the amulet, Daituk feels energized by the thought that they are getting closer to their goal. Followers of Orcus are an unnatural sort, and the group will do well in Eliminating them. Coming back from his rest, Orjerbs addresses the group:
"We will be heading into the cult's lair shortly. Be prepared for anything. If these are truly followers of Orcus, we had better strike at them before they have a chance to do so for us, as the followers of the dark lord of the undead are among the most vicious in existence. Steel yourselves, and may your blades strike true!" And with that, he prepares to set out for the cave, hoping that his comrades are still willing to follow. Seriously, where is everyone? :erm: |
Having seen nothing of value in the vaniqshed enemy's arsenal, I made my way to the nearest tree for a good long nap and recovery.
"Yawn..." I awoke. Aside from the sky being darker and the quiet chippering of some sort of bug off in the distance, I noted that the Lizard-man seemed keen on continuing forth, quite anxious even. As I stood up and stretched, I could feel my muscles getting a fresh dose of air. Overall I felt very rested although still a bit groggy. Still, I wondered just how long I had dozed off, and in no particular hurry made my way over to my companions. |
Napping is all well and good. Little Mac may enjoy his snooze but THERE ARE OTHER PLANS.
HIGH ABOVE HIM PLANS
GIANT STREAKING FIREBALLS FROM THE SKY PLANS. Well, ok. One fireball. Still. IT LANDS RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF ZENO. Awakened from his ephemeral dream about a love affair with some hairy halfling, the monk looks into the dust cloud. He hears it before he sees it. Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: From the smoke emerges a robot. Oh yes. A robot with a glowing axe. I AM OPTIMUS PRIME |
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The group of adventurers doesn't react much to Prime's arrival, but instead continues down the road, leaving the alien to wonder exactly how his entrance could possibly be any flashier. You'd think meteorite-from-space would get people's attention, but apparently this group had other things to do. Optimus would just have to follow them if he wanted to find out what it was.
The group follows the instructions given to them by the elf and soon find themselves not far from a large waterfall. The adventurers hear voices coming from near the waterfall as they approach. |
Truckbus puts on his scout hat and goes a scoutin' to check out the source of those voices. The tall, self-important warforged looks climbable enough. And then from the warforged, a leap into a tree. This is an infallible plan.
Acrobatics check to climb up Optimus Prime and jump into a tree. NAT FUCKING TWENTY OH YEAHHHHHH |
Optimus bellows forth.
NOISE MAKERS. SHOW YOURSELVES, FOR I AM OPTIMUS PRIME. Prime likes to make himself known, that much is for certain. |
"Dammit, what's all this noi..."
Orjerbs turns and notices for the first time the warforged that has for some reason appeared in their ranks. For a man who prides himself on being a silent stalker, the fact that he missed the arrival of the loud metalloid makes him feel serious shame in his abilities. True he had been ahead of the group to scout a bit, but this box of bolts is louder than a caravan of goblins riding wolves on the night of a full moon. They're most probably gonna get along JUST FINE. As their cover is quite obviously blown, the Gith decides that hiding in the nearby forest would probably be a good idea right about now. Head for cover in the general area where Truckbus' tree is :cmb: |
I had no words for its arrival and felt a great opportunity missed in addressing the lingering questions that flooded my thoughts. There was a meaning and purpose to the chaos that enveloped our lives, I was sure of it. I mean, a mechanical thinking monster just doesn't appear for no reason. I decided there was a cause and intent behind its deliverance... I just had to find out what that was.
Still, I was taken aback by the improbability of such a thing occurring; albeit rather then what exactly this warforged... thing actually was. It was back and forth in my mind: Incredulity versus Confirmation. Nearing a waterfall, I looked around carefully while the dwarf and lizard headed for the tree. Good idea but I wanted to see if hiding was even required. Perception check to spot any enemies and/or danger. |
As Truckbus executes his perfect backflip from Prime's shoulders into a tree, he thinks he spots a considerable number of kobolds standing around the clearing on the other side of the line of trees. They don't appear to have noticed the adventurers just yet.
Daituk moves forward, hiding himself behind a particularly large tree next to the one Truckbus jumped into. Zeno quietly calls forward that he counts about a dozen kobolds scattered around the area. A sneak attack might actually be possible for a change. Possible, that is, until Prime's voice bellows forth, sending birds scattering from the trees and causing everyone, kobold or otherwise, to jump in surprise. Truckbus almost falls out of his tree, but hangs on and manages to steady himself. The kobolds turn to the source of the voice, and immediately draw their weapons. Daituk winces and rolls his eyes. So much for the element of surprise. This was going to be wonderful. :savepoint:Zeno 24, Slink 22, Thia 22, Truck 21, Daituk 17, Dragonshield 16, Slinger, 14, Minions 8, Prime 7 Defenses: http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...gff/minion.jpg Minions - AC 15, Fortitude 11, Reflex 13, Will 11 http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...2gff/slink.jpg Slink - AC 15, Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 13 Note - Slink cannot be targeted by melee or ranged attack unless it is the nearest enemy. http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...ff/slinger.jpg Slinger - AC 13, Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 12 http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...agonshield.jpg Dragonshield - AC 18, Fortitude 14, Reflex 13, Will 13 Dragonshield and Slink will delay until after the minions, so everyone except Prime can go ahead. |
As he spots a kobold standing inside what seems like some sort of altar or circle of power, Daituk rakes his brain to try and find the significance of the circle. The kobold dragonshield at the center of it looks like a perfect target for an attack, and the Gith wastes no time in taking advantage of his situation.
Religion Check on altar (the circle with the dragonshield in it, to be clear) Oath of enmity on Kobold Dragonshield Shared Madness on Dragonshield 15 damage to kobold Dragonshield and relayed to Slinger These weak-willed kobolds won't last long now that Orjerbs has wormed his way into their minds. What fun it is wreaking havoc inside such a constrained space. :cmb: |
Sneaking into the local gymnastics club was worth it, after all! Too bad Truckbus was thrown out for not being a paying member - the gap between the tree he was in and the next tree suddenly appeared to be about seven leagues wide.
The dwarf had originally flung himself into the tree to get a better look at the situation, but stuck where he was, he had no real way of helping. He liked the warforged better when he was just a handy footstool. Now, Truckbus had two choices. Climb back down the tree, wasting precious time - or make his dwarven kin proud by risking it all for a moment of GLORY. GLORY! GLORRRYYYY!!! Acrobatics check HELL YES :tpg: Move to AH10 "FOR THE ANCESTORS!" Truckbus swings across effortlessly by using his spectral vines as impromptu ropes. Landing on a stout branch, he then spins around and lashes out at the Dragonshield with his vines. Thorn Strike on Dragonshield AH12 18 to hit.. hit! 5 damage. Will not pull unless it won't interfere with Daituk's attack. If it doesn't, I want to string the kobold up like a trussed turkey. For a moment, Truckbus wonders if he has elf blood somewhere in his heritage, and then shudders at the implications. |
Oh hey, battle time! That's just all it takes for Thia to wake up to the call of blood. Lots of trees too, she's beholden with glee. After moving through the thick of the trees, she was taken back by Truckbus' GLORY and only hopes to do the same! And yet at the same time, she took a look back at the chunk of metal that bellowed earlier. The fuck? I don't think I can even guesstimate any of his moves anyway.
Move to AF10 Assassin's Shroud to Slinger Inescapable Blade to Dragonshield Revert to Shade Form Thia wants to get close enough to be in range with the Slinger and to make an attack on the Dragonshield at the same time. But alas, perhaps multitasking isn't exactly in her favor. She only scratches the Dragonshield some. |
After relaying the enemy positions to my allies, I decided a... direct approach was needed. The lizardman called Daituk had started the assault on the kobold in some circle of arcana, undoubtedly of significance. Perhaps later I would be able to study it in detail.
For now though, the time was for killing. To do that, I'd have to exercise a little and pound one of the rat creatures. With my fist. Move to AH8 Crane's Wings to Dragonshield at AH12 With a running start, I managed to leap into the circle and smack the Dragonshield a little bit, although he looked more irritated then hurt. |
aaagggghhhh, sorry i'm so slow everyone, it's been a busy last couple of days
Zeno moves forward, but isn't really sure what to do. He wants to jump over the trees and kick the kobold dragonshield in the face, but not even Zeno's that good. He settles for throwing a shining energy ball at the thing instead. The kobold puts up with the fireball better than one would expect, but it still looks pretty painful. Zeno uses Energy Strobe since it's the only thing that'll reach. Attack roll (13) + Attack bonus (+3) - Cover penalty (-2) = 14 = 14 reflex defense, so hit. Kobold takes 10 fire damage. It's not very effective... Truckbus executes a perfect leap into the next tree, and launches spectral vines from his blade. The kobold is captured by the vines and hauled toward the tree, despite its best efforts to stay in the circle. The dragonshield is quickly strung up, helpless to do anything about the rest of its attackers. Dragonshield and Slinger bloodied by Daituk's attack. Daituk examines the glowing runes on the other side of the trees. They appear to give those nearby some sort of power, making their attacks just a little bit more ferocious. Magic Circle - attacks made from within the circle of runes (anywhere in the circle, not just the middle) get a +1 attack bonus The kobolds are not happy about their colleague being strung up like a party favor. They immediately converge on the adventurers, javelins flying everywhere. One of the kobolds runs up to Truckbus' tree and thrusts his spear into the foliage. He is rewarded with a loud yell, and the dwarf falls out of the tree like a rock. The fall doesn't hurt Truckbus nearly as much as it hurts the kobold he falls on top of. 220 pounds of heavily armored dwarf crush the dragonshield's ribs as though they were made of styrofoam. Minions attack. 4 damage to Zeno and Optimus, and 8 damage to Daituk. Truckbus takes only 7 damage from stabbing and falling - dragonshield is not so fortunate. it dies. Truckbus is prone. The slink moves quickly toward the fray, staying out of the heat of the battle for the moment. The slinger throws a curious orb towards Thia - the glue it contains holds her misty form in place, not allowing her to move without leaving a fair chunk of herself behind. slinger deals 4 damage to Thia. She is immobilized (save ends). :savepoint: Prime, Zeno, Thia, Truck, Daituk, Minions, Slink, Slinger |
Seems the little green girly men would have none of Optimus's authoritative bellowing. A shame. FOR THEM.
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: With a massive trailer coming out of hammerspace and giving him the edge he needs for SIGNIFICANT SMASHING, it becomes clear what he must do. Charge to AI8. Ardent Strike versus minion AI9 17 + 6 + 1 = 24 = hella dead minion Sparklingly shiny grill meets Kobold face at a significant velocity. Splattered into a fine paste, Optimus remembers he's going to have to clean that out of there later, lest he wants to have a rust problem. |
Oh yay, the slinger is bloodied. :D Lets roll! Thia then summoned an mischievous looking barrel with some gunk inside. "No Truck, its not your grog", she takes sensitive care to point out as it rolled past him. "Sure don't want to see a dwarf looking like if someone stole his life's purpose," she chuckled.
Assassin's Shroud to Slinger Invoke Assassin's Shrouds Go Oscar! Granted its not a trash can but it'll do! :D Thia also attempted to move but only ends up falling flat on her face. She still tried to spat at the minion nearby screaming but to no avail. It only ended up making her look even more darn silly. |
Well it looks like it's on now. Though these kobolds may not be very worthy opponents on their own, their numbers are making them more of a threat than the Gith expected. He spies a couple of stragglers to the south, and decides it might be a good idea to take them out for fear of the group being overwhelmed and surrounded shortly.
Move to AJ8 Oath of Enmity on Kobold at AK9 Overwhelming strike on same As evidenced by that more than underwhelming strike, Daituk appears to be somewhat out of focus at the moment. Surely it has nothing to do with the fact that the group is basically swimming in Kobolds. That would be ridiculous. "You there, reptile! That was just a practice swing, but I'm sure you can see what would happen if I actually tried to hit you. You can tell your friends too!" Those kobolds must be scared something fierce now. :cmb: |
Truckbus remains on the dead kobold for a few seconds. He was lost in that moment - that burst of aerial grace, the rush of air around him, the sting of the leaves in his face as he swung through the trees like a gods-forsaken monkey. It felt.. right, somehow.
And then, a barrel of grog rolls past him. OH GODS THAT GROG IS SO FRESH IT'S STILL MOVING Move action to stand up. Exchange standard action for move action. Move to AH11 As Truckbus runs headlong after the sweet, sweet barrel of grog, a swarm of kobolds appears in his hazy, liquor-crazed vision. He bellows and lets loose an massive overhand swing directly onto the head of the hapless kobold in front of him. "GET OUT OF MY WAY!!" Action point. Earth Spikes on Kobold AH12 5+7+1 = 13 The kobold easily sidesteps the blade. The barrel is still maddeningly out of reach. :dwarvensadface: |
My brief experiment in attempting teleportation was a complete failure, but with the kobolds moving closer to punching range, I figured I'd be more serious about this and layeth a smackethdowyn on their heads. Plus, get revenge for them attacking me, its only natural.
Move to AK8 Fallen Needle against Minion @ AK9 The rat creature looked downright stunned from my attack, and I couldn't help but chuckle at its predicament. |
Zeno and Prime each knock out a koblold, but the rest of the group proves woefully ineffective at removing more of the little menaces from the battle. Thia says something about grog, which distracts Truckbus long enough for him to find himself almost entirely surrounded. The kobolds set to work, poking a considerable number of holes into Truckbus with their spears.
Truckbus takes 12 damage from kobold horde, Thia takes 4 (assuming retained shade form). Both are bloodied. The sneaky looking kobold takes a jab at Truckbus, but the blow bounces off his shield. The slink immediately backs away, another kobold moving forward to protect it. The slinger has a good deal more luck with its attack, catching Truckbus square in the chest with another of the strange orbs that hit Thia, holding him in place. Slink misses, uses special ability to move back and switch with the kobold that moved after its attack. Slinger hits Truckbus - 8 damage and immobilized (save ends) :savepoint: Prime, Zeno, Thia, Truck, Daituk, Minions, Slink, Slinger |
Font Of Life: Saving throw at the beginning of the turn. Save vs immobility. Critical failure. The pain of several kobolds stabbing Truckbus brings his beer-crazed bloodlust to a screeching halt - literally. The dwarf finds himself stuck and surrounded by kobolds. He reaches down into the depths of his soul for the strength to endure. Dwarven Resilience: Second Wind as minor action. Earthstrength: Gain additional AC equal to Con modifier upon second wind until the end of my next turn. +10 HP, +2 to all defenses, +additional 4 to AC A vision of spiced meat and potato pie appears before his eyes. Mmmmmmm, pie. Truckbus feels his strength return to him, like... like.. gravy flowing down a mountain of meat! His eyes fly open. He swings at the kobold in front of him. Strength of Stone on Kobold AH12 6+7+1=14 Once again, the kobold neatly dodges Truckbus's blow. It seems to be taunting him. Frustrated, Truckbus yells - "I'm going to knock the stuffing out of all of you! Just you wait!" Nature's Wrath: Free action, mark all adjacent enemies. Normal end-of-turn save vs immobility... saved. Truckbus frees himself from the disgusting kobold glue after much straining. Now, NOW, they will pay! |
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file:
Robot Mode! http://blog.prim3.my/wp-content/uplo...-energyaxe.jpg ALRIGHT DECEPTIJERKS, IT'S GO TIME Charge to AE8, time to smack a bitch. 6+6+1=13 = Miss, fuck Seems like Optimus has the same accuracy problems with his weaponry here as he does everywhere else. Next time STOP, THEN slash. Yes. |
With one Kobold down, I figured his equally annoying comrade nearby should get a taste of my fist as well.
Move to AK9 Fallen Needle against Minion @ AL9 Oh yeah, I was on a roll :cool: |
Now that these stragglers are taken care of, Daituk knows that the circle will be the place to be. As such, he heads in to help out the until recently drunken mad dwarf out of the tight spot he's found himself in, determined to at least get a hit in this time.
Move to AI10 Oath of Enmity on Kobold at AI11 Overwhelming strike on same oh boy max damage And Daituk smugly watches the kobold fall beneath his blade. The smug bastard. :cmb: |
Hey Prime. I'm bleeding here. Can you give me your oil? She pleaded as she sweats unhealthy amount of drops from the nasty gashes from those blasted kobolds.
Disappointed in Oscar, she wants to try something else with that barrel. She thinks for moment and realizes that PRIME is a robot. What she could do next should inspire him to graciously appreciate her ingenuity. Assassin's Shroud to Slinger The barrel then sprouted a sorts of mechanical functions that appears similar to R2-D2. Oh yes, its now looking rather very ominous does it. Thia then turns to focus on the baddie that is standing to the right of her. She's only glad that the bastard is close enough for her to attack. Shadow Storm to AE10 There! She grins as she made the attack with her sword with dark clouds swirling around the kobold. She then sighs and wonder when this damn glue can be washed off of her. |
4 damage to Truck (bloodied again), 2 damage to Thia. Will add flavor later, have class shortly. They stabbed a lot, Truck was a tank, etc. etc.
:savepoint: Prime, Zeno, Thia, Truck, Daituk, Minions, Slink, Slinger |
With no time for bullshit, Optimus just plants his axe clear halfway into the skull of the little green decepticon in front of him.
Virtuous Strike vs Minion AD8. Squished. Despite all his smashing, he notices this little wispy person thing standing next to him. Bleeding or something? Do shadows bleed blood? Do shadows even...uhh...well, this is too much to think about. SO HE PUNCHES HER IN THE FACE. WITH ENERGON. Lay on Hands Thia The punch makes such a loud exploding noise that Thia is instantly liquified and then wraps ALL THE WAY AROUND to being a whole person again. Optimus is just that great. The noise is so loud that the nearby kobold goes insane with robot envy. Happens a lot, apparently. Divine Challenge Minion AF10 |
Free of the cloudiness in his head, Truckbus realizes that he is being flanked by the kobolds. He also could not help but notice the HEALPUNCH that Prime has performed on Thia. Yes, even through the trees, but that's probably due to just how awesome Prime's hands are. Prime has the touch. Prime has the powerrrrrrr!
Truckbus tries, again, to smash an annoying kobold. Strength of Stone on AG11 Damage on minion.. oh wait, why did I roll that again? :tpg: +4 temporary HP As the dwarf cleaves the hapless kobold in two, he feels the strength surge back into his muscles,from deep from within the earth. A fierce grin begins to play on his face. "That's one down.. and the rest of you are next." Shift to AH12 Nature's Wrath to mark all adjacent enemies. |
I've seen some strange things, what with my studying the myriad lifeforms on this planet, but its not every lifetime I see a mechanical transport punch someone to full health.
I may have to borrow some of Truckbus's beer later. Move to AJ11 Fallen Needle to AI11 Unfortunately the kobold I moved towards to attack was nible and dodged my fist. I guess it wasn't curative enough? "Stupid, stupid rat creatures!" |
Go R2D2! The unsuspecting little barrel robot extended its little metal parts outward to cut the beast into bite size pieces. R2D2 then put the edible pieces on a metal plate and began frying it with its laser. Now that Slinger should be more than fried. :)
Assassin's Shroud to Slinger Invoke Assassin's Shrouds Thia was nearing the enemy that was aghast with Prime's metallic gloss, since the kobold wasn't paying attention, she got close enough to land a decent chunk of her rapier through its shoulder blade. Inescapable Blade to AF10 Thia is more than frustrated now at her luck getting this glue off. Its even in her friggin HAIR. God, she cannot come up with a better time to say she needs to wash her hair to her date. But thanks to the heavy duty punching from Prime she so deserves, she feels a little better now. |
Just as Daituk finishes with one kobold, a new one takes its place, ready to be similarly skewered. Nothing better than being able to stand in place and have your foes come to you for their comeuppins.
Oath of Enmity on Kobold at AI11 Overwhelming strike on same That's one more dead kobold The gith is really starting to get in the groove now. "come on you puny excuses for cult members, at least try and stand in our way!" |
The adventurers get their collective act together and start busting kobold skulls. Everyone but Zeno knocks out another one of the reptiles, reducing their numbers considerably. The remaining kobolds surround Truckbus, and while he barely manages to fend off the minion's attack, the sneaky one stabs him in the rear. As if Truckbus' behind hadn't already sustained enough punishment after falling out of that tree.
7 damage to Truckbus. The slinger becomes rather agitated at the loss of so many of his meatshields. As he rushes across the stream, he shouts to his allies. Hold them off! Irontooth must be warned!" His eyes bulge a little as the kobold realizes what he had just done. He hurriedly fires an object at Zeno, hoping to distract the group long enough for them to forget what he said. Zeno braces himself for a sticky situation, but instead of bursting upon hitting him, the thrown rock simply bounces off his head and lands in front of him. Blood trickles down Zeno's face as he tries to piece together why he isn't covered in goop. 8 damage to Zeno. Bloodied. :savepoint: Prime, Zeno, Thia, Truck, Daituk, Minion |
Everything seems fine in this corner. Optimus is pleased. But not PLEASED ENOUGH. There are squishies to flatten.
Move to AH10. AXE TO THE HEAD MINION AH11. FAIL MISERABLY. The announcement of the small one's plans to go do some warning thing DISTRACTED HIM. Robots become quite ornery when distracted. "HEY. ASSHOLE. GET BACK HERE." And with that, he put his hand on this weird looking one's shoulder. "YOU. BE PREPARED." ACTION POINT PICK UP DAITUK, THROW HIM TOWARDS FLEEING GREEN PANSY MAN No idea how far he goes but 15 should be good for something |
She sits down and starts playing solitaire. She casually looks up and sees the hilarious teamwork at work.
After several losses at her own cards, Thia begins to wonder what was this place that gives these enemies so much "luck"? She sets out to investigate... |
Truckbus roars in pain as the kobold's blade sinks into his flesh. However, the pain does not divert his attention from an opportunity to flank a kobold and hopefully finish it off. Neither does the sight of a flying githzerai, for that matter.
Shift to AG13 Strength of Stone on AH11 +4 temporary HP With a mighty swing, Truckbus sweeps his blade into the kobold's midriff, nearly cleaving it in two. The kobold goes down in a fountain of blood and ichor. The dwarf then turns to the remaining kobold, vengeance in his eyes. "This one here is mine. Go get that one across the water before it gets away!" |
As he spies one of the kobolds trying to escape and decides that he is his next target, Daituk suddenly feels himself being lifted into the air. As he's about to land on his face, his avenger senses give him just enough time to lay his hands in front and spring back into the air.
Oath of enmity to fleeing Kobold Spring to AI16 Pointy sword to ribs 12 damage to Slinger As Daituk arrives close to the kobold, he sticks out his sword in its general direction. The fullblade strikes firmly into the fleeing coward. :cmb: |
Oww! That really hurt! I mean I know it was just a rock but that REALLY HURT! There's even blood on my face.
Oh yes, I mad. "Come on you scared little shrieking bag of custard, don't run!" RUN to AK17 Crane's Wings against Slink In my anger, the Slink evades my attack just barely. At least the lizard man was here to give support. |
The slink suddenly finds itself very alone on a very dangerous battlefield. It decides that a tactical retreat is in order. Slipping away from Truckbus, and giving Daituk a wide berth, the slink slips around and gives Zeno a well-placed jab. The sorceror/monk holds up to the punishment, but it's clear he can't afford to take too much more.
Zeno takes 8 damage from the Slink's attack. One final hurrah before my last munchkin gets chopped into bite-sized pieces. :savepoint: Prime, Zeno, Thia, Truck, Daituk, Slink |
COME BACK HERE DECEPTICREEP.
Move to AL13. Wading only ankle deep into the stream, Optimus's light-piping glowed with robo-rage. CHARGE. END WITH ARDENT STRIKE. He lets go of his axe and...starts dribbling it. Somehow it bounces off the ground. How this happens, no one cares to ask. And at the very end, a short hop, skip, and jump away and... HE'S ON FIRE. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KNZH403imb...Edition_S4.PNG BURY DAT AXE ALL THE WAY HOME. 8 damage. Divine Sanction if not dead. |
Given our new ...ally's exceptional ability to squash small creatures, and given my current condition of BLEEDING, I decided to double back to a less dangerous spot, especially since the battle was almost over anyway.
Move to AI14 Second Wind on myself, +25 HP |
The monk retreats - a reasonable course of action. But Truckbus doesn't have that sort of presence of mind, oh no. As his Aunt Mariel said, one evening, just before his entire tribe descended into a massive free-for-all over who should have the last slice of mystery meat and moss pie: "Ach, but the only reasonable dwarves are the dead ones!"
Move to AK17 Thorn Strike 6 damage. No sliding. Once again, Truck unleashes his spectral vines, landing several whip-like blows on the kobold. |
As the slink tries to escape from the group, Daituk gives him as close a chase as possible. Their hopes of taking the cult by surprise might not be lost yet. Of course, with their new companion's propensity for shouting challenges at anything that moves, it might all be for naught.
Move to AK18 Bond of Pursuit on Slink 13 damage to Slink The slink can't have long to live now. :cmb: |
The dark assassin's ongoing struggle with her luck with the damning glue had been going for a while. And finally, she was successful. Again, being put in her place though certainly reminds her of her weakness of not capable of doing anything much.
|
The final kobold falls to furious assault of the group, and the area becomes still. The mess of bodies and blood everywhere, including the fact that all of the bodies belong to their enemies, is an encouraging thing.
Victory! 115 XP each. Presumed Zeno did what he was talking about doing so that i don't have to try to kill him. The roaring of the waterfall continues as if nothing had ever happened. Now that they have a moment to themselves, the adventurers take a moment to look at their surroundings. There are two caves next to the waterfall, one on each side. The kobold which had made a break for it had been heading for the southern entrance. Take time to heal, do whatever else you want to do, etc. you guys are in control, so do whatever. Cave will be revealed as you go inside. |
Burn single surge to get to full.
The robot quickly searches the bodies. Maybe there is something on them of some use, and if not, maybe something that could shed a little light on the situation at hand. Y'never know. Loot bodies Suddenly, he remembers a movie he once saw. Maybe this'll work. He quickly searches for a spear, or any suitably lengthy branch from a tree, and checks if any of the kobold skulls haven't been caved in. If successful, sever it, impale head on a stick for future sneaking assistance. |
Finally, a bit of respite. These kobolds may not be the biggest threat to the group, but a bunch of them as big as the one they've just dispatched sure does slow them down in their endeavors.
Use on healing surge Search the slink for any clues to what may lie inside the cave After searching the slink and taking a quick breather, Daituk heads toward the construct who has recently joined their ranks. "You there, otherworlder. Would it be too much to ask that the next time we have a chance to sneak up on our foes and observe them to possibly further our quest, you not start shouting your battle cries before we collectively agree to reveal ourselves?" "And another thing, if your going to be laying your hands on me again with the intention of trying to launch me to the stars, could you at least try and give me a fair warning so I can prepare myself somewhat? I know you paladin-types have a sense of being divinely justified in every one of your actions, misguided as they may be, but our collective endeavors might be better served in us all not having to worry about one of our own trying to deliver any one of us into the hands of the enemy on a flying sliver platter. Your lucky I'm as fast on my hands as I am on my feet." Oooooooh. Did he ever tell him. :smug bastard: :cmb: |
Optimus just looks at Daituk.
He realizes how easy it would be to dismember him, if he has to. This is good information to keep on hand for future use. |
As my second wind died down, the cuts and bleeding on my body seemed to slow down and even stop, and I accelerated this process by washing my wounds in the waterfall-fueled river.
Rest until full health and no longer bleeding or anything like that |
3 healing surges to get back up to full.
The battle over, Truckbus takes a short moment to catch his breath and patch himself up the best he can. Then, he frowns. The barrel of grog seems to be gone. Damned kobolds. He kicks the slink's corpse because of a lingering disgust at its backstabbiness, then searches it. From his previous encounters with the kobolds, he does not have high hopes for any salvage, but it's worth a try. Truckbus then returns to the slinger's corpse. The sling is probably useless, but he decides to carefully wrap any remaining gluepots or ammo in strips of the kobold's attire. Might come in handy some day. Maybe as a condiment? Search slink and slinger. That done, Truckbus catches sight of Prime, remembers how the warforged transformed during the skirmish, and approaches him. "Friend golem! Can you teach me how to be a chariot?" |
2 Healing Surges to full.
Thia wonders if there's anymore available glue to be found and to be used for later? She looks about in amazement and hope to find something handy. Search the ground around her. 5x5 Oh that reminds me Truckbus, lets share a barrel of grog together! |
The group finds nothing more interesting than the last two times they fought the kobolds, just the dragonshield's sword (the shield had some major cracks running through it from when Truckbus had so graciously landed on its owner), the slinger's empty orb-holder, and a whole lot of pointed sticks. These guys were going to need some more advanced weaponry if they wanted to be effective combatants against anything other than fat merchants. The kobolds have some money on them. 5 gold coins might get one a nice brew, if one was very, very lucky, but hey, it's something.
5gp found. also spears and javelins, but nobody actually cares about those. As the group goes about the business of tending to their wounds, Daituk gives Optimus what-for, and Thia looks for anything terribly interesting in the vicinity. The goop which had entrapped her was already starting to solidify, and as such it wasn't going to be of much use to anyone anymore. As she searches the area, Thia comes across some interesting rocks, and a neat looking bug, but nothing actually useful. Prime chops off a kobold head and puts it on one of the spears. He can make its mouth open and close when he shakes the stick up and down! what fun. Prime creates kobold head-on-a-stick. In related news, children everywhere are pretending to chop off each other's heads. Transformers is canceled by producers in concessions to angry mobs in exchange for their lives and the show never returns. |
Prime throws a single dollar to everyone.
They're rich. Horray! With his kobold puppet, Prime moves forward, popping his head around carefully to the two cave mouths to see if he can see anything. |
Truckbus's question is met by money in his face. A little flummoxed, he takes it and wanders off. He'll have to figure out this transforming thing on his own.
The southern cave entrance was where the kobold was headed for, so he could expect to find kobolds instead. The north entrance was a little more mysterious. Truckbus checks the area surrounding both entrances carefully for tracks, spoor or any indication as to what lies within - aside from kobolds, that is. Nature check... 21 Once he is done with that, he doubles back around to Thia. "When you say grog, lass, I'm all ears!" |
After a healing surge I decided to investigate the entrances to the caves along with Truckbus, but I doubt I'd find anything he hadn't. Before I could actually look though, I was suddenly presented with a dollar. Hmm, guess fighting to my near-death was at least worth something
"Thanks for the gold, I'll spend it later." I was standing there looking pretty daft when it hit me, or rather, the waterfall did. I had an idea. Check for anything around the Waterfall, such as a hidden entrance |
Truckbus discovers that the areas around both cave mouths is thoroughly trampled down, though the one to the north is less so. considering how much closer this entrance was, why didn't the kobold just use it instead of trying to dash across the stream? A mystery.
Prime pokes his head around the north cave entrance, and pulls it back immediately - he spots three kobolds in the area he could see alone, and there were a lot of places out of his range of vision. If the group wants to get any more information about the cave's layout without alerting its inhabitants, they're going to have to be pretty quiet about it. Prime thinks he spots something moving in his glance through the southern cave entrance, though he can't tell what it is. Zeno looks closely at the waterfall. He can see faint light reaching through from the other side, but he can't tell much more than that. The waterfall could provide a way for the adventurers to surprise anyone in the cave, presuming they could get through without being crushed by the water. Option for entry - moving through the waterfall takes three moves and requires a DC15 endurance check to avoid being knocked prone. |
Stealth Check
Perceptive Check Acrobatics Check Revert to Shade Form I spy a couple of kobolds in there! Thia starts to creep along the riverbank after hearing them. Or so she believes anyway. She KNOWS she's wispy enough for that waterfall to hit her but she still had an idea of just literally an Aeon Flux/Matrix jump through the waterfall somehow. But to be safe, she goes through her shade form to cover her possible fumble. |
Thia's misty form leaps towards the waterfall... and is instantly pulled down into the pool. That form just didn't have enough substance to make it through the watery curtain. Thia's misty self swirls below the water for a moment before being pushed out into the stream. As she collects herself (as much literally as figuratively) downstream, she scowls inwardly at the gods who had created this world. Stupid physics, always ruining her fun.
|
Truckbus sees Thia fail in her attempt to enter the waterfall. The dwarf, however, is somewhat more solid - even if he thinks that a WALL OF WATER is UNNATURAL AND INDECENT AND NOT VERY NICE AT ALL.
He says to his other compatriots, "That north cave probably has less kobolds innit. Don't know about big uglies though. Or I can try to pull you folks through that water wall, because I'm a big strong dwarf." Then he, too, plunges through the waterfall. Endurance check.... 25 :cmb: Hawk, can I roll an Athletics or Endurance to try to assist anyone else who wants to go through the falls? |
It seems like the waterfall will be the way in for the group. Even though it seems like a bit much for his somewhat frail constitution, Daituk summons up his courage and heads straight for the waterfall, looking into it for any sign of the dwarf's outstretched hand or anything else that could help him get across.
The Gith crosses the waterfall as smoothly as his fullblade goes through a kobold's hide. He assumes a proud pose as he stands up on the other side, before suddenly realizing that he might do well to look around a bit in case anyone or anything besides his companions had also been witness to his athletic prowess. Look around the cave and try to detect any hint of movement Prepare to aid others to cross the waterfall :cmb: |
I figured that with my lean fit body and with a good running start, I could get through that waterfall un-assisted.
Okay, so this waterfall is pretty stubborn. The second time through I barely missed the ledge and slid back down. After flailing around for a third time, I decided that me and mr. waterfall would never be good friends and I should just call it quits. I reconvene with Thia to plan the next move for us non-waterfall-beating companions, and dry off my clothes. |
Prime watches everyone try to perform the simple task of walking forward.
He robo-sighs as he watches a little rain bring everyone to a stop. Pansies. Go to north side of north cave mouth Head on a pole is going to become more useful than he thought. He sticks just the head around the corner, and waggles it to make it "talk". "Hey guys I need a hand, can Jimmy and Joe Bob and Jimbo all come over here?" Lure out the three minions I can see from there Optimus signals to the rest of his crew. Maybe they'll pay some attention. Form up, get ready, three coming. Shank 'em. Ready charge + Ardent Strike on the first one to leave the mouth of the cave. 8 + 6 + 1 = 15. Hit minion vs AC when/if they come out. |
Thia decides to join Prime via the northern entrance. (Keeping with the checks earlier? Or do I need to reroll those?)
Shadow Darts to any approaching minion. |
Looks like the mechanical has a plan with a disturbingly useful head on a stick. Better then nothing I suppose.
I took position near the two and prepared for anything that might come out of there. Energy Strobe against anything that comes out 16 + 4 = 20 against Minion vs Reflex, like Prime |
Truckbus stays put behind the waterfall, because he's a stubborn dwarf like that. Hopefully this means he can get the jump on whatever's lurking nearby.
|
Optimus waves his head-on-a-stick through the cave mouth. As soon as he sees the scaly foot around the corner, Prime jumps out and decapitates the unfortunate kobold on the spot. Alas, none of the others had noticed the poor imitation, but they did notice the scream of their ally just before it was cut short. Unfortunately for them, the kobolds weren't prepared for battle. The sounds of the battle outside were nothing compared to the roar of the waterfall echoing about the cavern. Prime, Thia, and Zeno rush into the cavern entrance, further startling the kobolds within.
Daituk and Truckbus power their way through the waterfall to find a group of four playing cards on the stone floor of the cavern. The jaw of the kobold facing them drops, and then he throws down his cards and starts shouting. The rest of the players are rather offended until they spot the reason for his destruction of their good time. The entire group scrambles about, grabbing for weapons and shouting warnings. Chaos reigns in the cavern for a few seconds. Surprise round! Everyone gets one standard action, and then the rotation begins as normal. Surprised opponents grant Combat Advantage. :savepoint: Daituk 23, Skirmishers 21 (surprised), Truckbus 21, Thia 19, minions 18 (surprised), Prime 12, Zeno 7 |
Truckbus emerges from the waterfall, shocking the living daylights of the kobolds hanging out in the cave - and is it any wonder? He looks like a wet, dangerous dwarf. He smells like a wet, dangerous dwarf. And he snarls like a- well, the kobolds probably got the idea.
Charge to AG25 Melee basic attack on Minion AH25. Despite Truckbus's sudden appearance before him, the kobold blocks wildly and manages to deflect his attack. For his trouble, Truckbus gets a nice bruise on his forearm. Undeterred, the dwarf turns to another kobold and winds up for an even stronger attack. Shift to AH26 Earth Spikes Minion AI26 This, too, misses. The waterfall pounded on Truckbus's head a bit too much, perhaps. :gonk: Nature's Wrath to mark AH26 and AI26 |
HONK HONK
COMIN THROUGH MOTHERFUCKERS Charge to AB-5 Ardent Strike on Minion. squelch OH YEAH BABY THAT'S HOW WE DO IT IN B'MORE |
Daituk hears the commotion going on at the other cave entrance and doesn't think very long before figuring out what happened. As he starts measuring his Blade out to see if the serration is heavy enough to work as a valid can opener, he turns and spots the kobolds in front of him staring blindly at him and the dwarf.
At least this time they got the chance to make their entry before their position was made known to everything in the vicinity of a 12 foot organ pipe out in the open air. Shared Madness to kobold at AI24, relayed to the one at AH25 Yippee Thankfully, these kobolds are just as flimsy as the last group they encountered. As two of them fall at the mere sight of the Gith, Daituk is confident that this should not take long. :cmb: |
Optimal Lime, as I think the construct called itself, went for the first kobold around the corner; After rushing over, I tried to assist my associate in his attack, but my fist just seemed to bounce off the rat rather then do anything harmful
Charge to AB22 Basic melee attack against the kobold if Prime didnt kill it, otherwise I stand there looking menacing and ignore those previous dice rolls |
Confused to where to start or to hit or to move, she is at a stand still.
Remain in Shade Form |
As battle breaks out, the adventurers race in. All except Thia, anyway, who opts to instead resume her less substantial form. Prime crushes a kobold skull, and Daituk drives two of the less powerful kobolds insane will little more than a glare. Now, however, the fight begins in earnest.
As Truckbus rushes forward, he spots large pile of what appears to be gold in the far corner, along with a particularly large goblin sitting back and dozing away. 3 minions down. Enemies are no longer surprised. :savepoint: ROUND 1 Daituk 23, Skirmishers 21, Truckbus 21, Thia 19, minions 18, Prime 12, Zeno 7 |
Though the kobolds are flimsy, Daituk learned the hard way in the last fight that their blades are still sharp enough to be wary of them. Since the dwarf has proven in the very short time they have traveled together that he is quite headstrong, Daituk decides to try and keep his back covered as best he can.
Move to AF23 Oath of Enmity on kobold at AE24 Overwhelming strike on same Squish goes the kobold. :cmb: |
goldgoldgoldgoldgoldgoldgoldgoldgoldGOLDGOLDGOLDgoldgoldgoldgoldgoldgold
Move to AF26 Strength of Stone on AE26 Kobold go smoosh +4 temp HP Mark skirmisher using Nature's Wrath. |
Daituk moves forward and crushes another kobold, trusting the dwarf to watch his back. These kobolds were certainly a lot less irritating when you got the jump on them, instead of the other way around.
Truckbus gets terribly excited at the sight of shiny objects, but finds himself unable to move due to a strange power. Three kobolds armed with spears and shields move towards Truckbus and Optimus. Prime can't quite block the incoming attack from his opponent. Truckbus easily dodges his first attacker, but doesn't see the second one coming and gets a spear in his already rather sore rear as a result. 4 damage to Prime, 10 damage to Truckbus. new - colors! this might help identify different enemies, instead of using clunky coordinates all of the time. There's generally too many minions to do it for them, though, so. :savepoint: Truckbus 21, Thia 19, minions 18, Prime 12, Zeno 7, ROUND 2, Daituk 23, Skirmishers 21 also just realized i never put the defenses up - come on Hawk, get with it. Minions - AC 15; Fortitude 11, Reflex 13, Will 11 Skirmishers - AC 15; Fortitude 11, Reflex 14, Will 13 |
As Truckbus attempts to go for the gold, a voice echoes in his head.
"Now, Truck, I thought I told you. You cannot hear the voice of the earth when you are blinded with greed. You would risk that silence for mere gold? The dwarf stops in his tracks. It had to be his imagination. He glances at his sword. The old man is long dead. There's no way-- His thoughts are rudely interrupted by a spear in his behind. Truck yelps as he realizes that in his hurry to get to the gold, he has allowed Daituk and himself to be surrounded by kobolds. Shift to AG23 Strength of Stone on Red :tpg: Marked. |
I was beginning to get the idea that my MANLY body wasn't as durable as the construct, a thought which terrified me.
I decided to take out this terror on the nearest kobold which was conveniently right next to me. melee basic attack against Kobold @ AA25 My fist smacked its head hard. "Take that, stupid rat creature!" |
Zeno, you should at least stay back because you know, being shirtless and all doesn't mean you're MAN enough to take anymore punches.
Move to AB25 Assassin's Shroud to Skirmisher AA25 Shadow Storm to Skirmisher AA25 Remain in Shade Form And it is a miss. For whatever reason, since that robot showed up or Zeno used up his last healing surge or that Luciel had left, Thia has been feeling a little less motivated from what she used to be. Maybe its that damn glue. She amuses herself wondering why there's even gold at the end. |
Over half of the wimpy looking kobolds are already dead, but those still standing fight with desperation. But the stress is clearly getting to them, and they fumble about uselessly. All minion miss. :savepoint: Prime 12, Zeno 7, ROUND 2, Daituk 23, Skirmishers 21, Truckbus 21, Thia 19, Minions 18 |
Who is this guy. Why is he here? Optimus is unsure.
He tries to axe it a question. dammit He fails. *roboshrug* Divine Challenge Green |
The construct seemed agitated and I could understand why, these things were awfully persistent. I continued my assault while the kobold was distracted by the loud war machine.
Basic melee attack against Kobold @ AA25 My fist smacked it hard once more, and I wondered for a moment how the others in the second area were doing. |
Daituk is somewhat baffled by these kobolds' insistence on stepping forward to be slaughtered. Then again, is it a surprise that worshippers of the undead who want to become the fetish of their buddies as fast as possible. As he doesn't wish to disappoint, Daituk swiftly directs his blade towards the next lucky lizard on his path.
Oath of Enmity to kobold minion at AF24 Overwhelming strike on same We have a winner! Shift to AF24 Having granted another kobold his wish, Daituk immediately steps over the corpse and directs his attention towards his friend who was standing behind him. :cmb: |
Prime and Zeno both take a swing at the kobold in front of them, but they both miss. Prime gives the kobold a glare, as if daring it to try something. It responds by stabbing him in the face. They're kind of jerks that way, really. Both of the kobolds in the other room strike true at their opponents as well.
Zeno gets a critical! ... 4 damage. :gonk: 6 damage to Prime, 5 damage to Truckbus, 4 damage to Daituk. Skills, Prime's current HP should be at 17 including the hit from earlier. :savepoint: Truckbus 21, Thia 19, Minions 18, Prime 12, Zeno 7, ROUND 3, Daituk 23, Skirmishers 21 |
Truckbus makes another attempt to split a minion in two, but ends up swinging his sword uselessly instead.
Free Action: Sigh loudly "I really need an axe. A good old dwarven-made axe." Mark all adjacent with Nature's Wrath. |
Thia pulls her pants up and decide to be man enough to do much better at this swinging thing.
Shadow Storm to Skirmisher AA25 SUCCESS! 21 vs AC, 13 damage to Skirmisher (am I doing it right) Remain in Shade Form She'd move but she's worried that a possible OA would occur and not only that she'd leave Zeno exposed as well. Lets tread lightly here. |
Truckbus gives his sword a hefty swing, but the kobold target he had in mind easily sidesteps the attack and sticks its tongue out at him. Now they were just getting cocky.
Thia has more luck, leaving a considerable gash in her opponent. Thia does 16 damage to the Skirmisher. Your math was perfect Philia, you just forgot about Shadow Storm's special effect which is +1 damage for each creature adjacent to the target. Skirmisher bloodied up good. The three remaining runty looking kobolds attempt to do some further damage, despite the fact that most of their kind are lying about in varying numbers of large pieces. The kobold next to Truckbus gets through his armor, but the javelin thrown at him bounces harmlessly away. The kobold aiming at Daituk misses entirely, his javelin landing in a nearby corpse with a squishy thunk. 4 damage to Truckbus. :savepoint: Prime 12, Zeno 7, ROUND 3, Daituk 23, Skirmishers 21, Truckbus 21, Thia 19, Minions 18 |
Dinged up a little bit, Optimus registers a bit of a problem with his optical sensors.
http://colonelskills.belkanairforce....inked/Nsmb.jpg Listen Mac! Dodge his punch then counter punch! what http://colonelskills.belkanairforce....inked/Nsmb.jpg Join the Nintendo fun club today Mac! The black man starts pounding his shoulder slightly faster. He feels...invigorated! Suddenly, he sees a star over the little green bastard. Ardent LEFT HOOK 14 damage
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The construct felled the rat next to me like some sort of caged beast in heat, so I took the time to head over to the other side of the cave, whilst eyeing the gold in the far corner.
Move to AE27 Now I could see a better view of what else was bothering us, and decided to puctuate the atmosphere with some energy! Energy Strobe to Minion @ AF25 My attack just passes over one of their short heads, displaying a very colorful but ultimately futile light show. |
Daituk breathes a sigh of relief as he notices the first of his estranged companions coming to join in his and the dwarf's fight.
He takes a step back to get a better swing at the kobold in front of him. Shift to AE 24 Oath of Enmity on Yellow Overwhelming Strike on same 10 damage woot Prepare Divine Guidance if ever someone else attacks Yellow this turn Daituk struggles with the corpses under his feet as he lunges towards the kobold, yet his blade still manages to cause quite a gash, with a nice spurting blood effect to boot. :cmb: |
Prime finishes off another Kobold in spectacular fashion, and suddenly starts hearing cheers come from all around him. Apparently it wasn't just his optical sensors having issues.
Zeno rounds the corner and just misses his target with a flashing ball of energy. Daituk has more luck, giving the kobold yet another thing to worry about. First cards, now this. Today just wasn't going well. The skirmishers lash out in retaliation. One takes advantage of Truckbus' distraction at being surrounded and makes a spirited thrust, but the dwarf's shield comes around just in time. Daituk parries the attack sent at him. Both Skirmishers miss. That's the best chance to hit Truck i've had yet :( An angry shout comes from the north end of the cave. Zeno can see the speaker clearly - it's a goblin, clearly bigger and tougher than your average goblin. He's sitting in the corner with his eyes closed. "HEY! What's going on over there! If you guys are fighting over your stupid card games again, i swear i'll come over there and fix the problem. And you won't like my solution!" :savepoint: Truckbus 21, Thia 19, Minions 18, Prime 12, Zeno 7, ROUND 4, Daituk 23, Skirmishers 21 |
Finding himself surrounded over and over again was starting to get tiresome. Truckbus deflects a blow, spins around and handily scalps the kobold standing behind him.
The newly separated cranial section falls into the water. In time, the nutrient-rich blood and brain matter from the hapless kobold will carry out of the waterfall, where it will nourish strings of green, slimy algae growing in the less turbulent parts of the stream. Fish will dart in and around the algae, and as they do, the algae will lend them succor. These small fish in turn get eaten by bigger fish, and the bigger fish? By other fish, maybe. By birds and beasts of various kinds. An occasional bear. Certainly, various tribes of subhumans and humans - a troll looking for his next meal. Human fishermen seeking sustenance for their own. Terry the fisherman is one such fellow. As he opens his fish trap, a contraption that is essentially a wicker basket with a one-way door, he smiles. A good catch for the previous night. Enough for himself, his wife Alhana and his little girl Olive. Enough for him to sell at the market for some extra coin. He needs grain and fresh straw. And maybe a toy for his little Olive. She will be so delighted, and that will do his heart some good. There have been whispers. Even with only seven summers on her, Olive is already bigger and more muscular than other girls her age and thus needs more to eat. Her peers had already started teasing her - "You big fat troll! You Olive Ogre, Olive Ogre, Ogre Olive har har har." But Terry would not let his daughter wilt under the teasing. "Now, you listen to me, Olive... those other kids? They're just jealous because you're so big and strong. You're human because your mother and I are both human, okay? So there's no way you're an ogre." Alhana watches from a window as Terry brings back the catch, a dreamy smile on her face as she thinks about that night, seven years ago. Oh, but that ogre was so handsome, and his cock was soooooo big. Strength of Stone on minion AG22, hit +4 temp HP Shift to AF22 |
Thia jumps into action disregarding that silly fat goblin. He can stew all he wants over there. But he's in range long enough for her to send a bug up his ass. She smiled and hopes he doesn't notice in the midst of all that gold that's surely blinding him.
Move to AF25 Shadow Storm to Skirmisher AF24 16 + 8 vs AC, 3+5+4? = 12 damage Assassin's Shroud to Fat Bastard X33 Remain in Shade Form |
Truckbus crushes the kobold behind him a quickly moves out of the way of the other two. Thia comes around the corner and stabs a very confused opponent in the back.
Thia does 11 damage, since Truck had already moved away. Skrimisher is bloodied. No assassin's shroud because Thia lacks line of sight to her target. The two remaining runty kobolds, out of sticks to throw, move forward. they turn out not to be very good at stabbing people right next to them either. Both minions miss. :savepoint: Prime 12, Zeno 7, ROUND 4, Daituk 23, Skirmishers 21, Truckbus 21, Thia 19, Minions 18 |
The voice from afar doesn't sound so friendly. Optimus tries to reassure it.
"Uh, everything's under control. Situation normal." The Goblin sounded confused. "What happened?" "Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?" "I'm coming up." "Uh, uh... negative, negative. We had a reactor leak here now. Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large leak, very dangerous." Bluff Check on attempt to get Goblin to ignore noise. 17 is pretty good Not giving the guy any time to get up and take a look at him, Optimus continues fixing the...erm..."leak". Move to AC-21 Charge to AF-23 Ardent Strike on bloodied Skirmisher AF-24 12 Damage, Divine Sanctioned if not dead The leak makes a crunching noise. The robot is pleased. |
I heard their leader or something like that shouting from across the cave. Evidently killing is disruptive to the ambiance of the area. Tough luck, I thought, while Prime went to work on bluffing around the bend.
I tried smacking the stupid rat thing in front of me as it seemed like the right thing to do, to support Prime's endevour of fixing the situation. I usually fixed things with my fist. "Hiii--yah!" Somehow my fist wasn't fixing much, other then the stale cave air with a light breeze :gonk: |
The kobolds' numbers have dwindled quite rapidly with the arrival of the rest of the crew. Not wanting to be the one to stop the streak, Daituk promptly sets his sight on the kobold right next to him.
Oath of Enmity to minion at AF25 Overwhelming Strike on same Success! :cmb: |
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