[DnD] D&D Arena: The Tale of the Piano Duo, Ebony and Ivory

4 Dice Rolls Initiative--Soldiers

Welcome to the first iteration of D&D Arena. It is my first time on the other side of the 'screen'. If I do anything wrong, don't hesitate to tell me in the discussion thread

I'd like to have an introductory prologue of sorts. It's more of a learning experience for me, rather than a "getting-accustomed-to-your-characters" for Shin and lurker (well, since both are veterans of Pang's game). I promise we'll get to the real arena soon enough.

House Rules
- 100% resale value on all items
- 4 encounters per level
- 1 action point per encounter; action points cannot stack
- No limitation on use of item powers

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Ivory, a grizzled old longtooth shifter cleric played by Shin.

Biography

For 45 years, Ivory traveled across the lands, slaying foul demons wherever

they reared their ugly head, in the name of protecting what little good there

was left. But lately, things have changed. He was finding it harder and harder

to get up in the mornings. Where once he relished the prospect of a day filled

with cart chases and apprehending perpetrators, now all he longed for was a

nice hot bath and some soft fruit.

The full moon was just three days away, and Ivory had decided that would mark

his retirement. He would go back to his old village and settle down with his

long suffering wife, Trish. Finish building that lean to, go fishing on his

underused boat, and relax into his twilight years. His desire for retirement

was in no way lessened by his recent companion, the ever-enthusiastic Ebony,

whose lust for bloodshed might infect a less strong-willed retiree.

Character Sheet | Wiki entry.

Ebony, a brash young kobold ranger played by a lurker.

Biography

Yo this is your boy Ebony here, K-dawg up in the house, straight up from the 'burbs,

every nigga wants a piece of me. They ain't got shit, though. I've been runnin'

around the block, hustlin' since i was in knee pants; hell, since old man Ivory had

his original knees I was gettin' money, fuckin' bitches, smokin' trees n'

oregano. I did my crimes, times were tough and we had to make do. Now, I ain't into

that no more. I am a changed man, I'm working with the system to build

a better world for my brothers and my sisters of all colors.

See, look at what the establishment wrought upon us. Let your eyes fall on

old man Ivory here; shriveled, slow, got pants hiked up to his goddamn ribs.

Ain't nobody gonna take him seriously. This is a man who cares more about his peonies

than his pee pee, you hear me? His dick, son. And the force is full'a

these old timers waiting to be picked off by thugs. Well, I ain't about to let that

shit happen. Nigga's a little slow but he got the wisdom and we ain't goin'

nowhere unless we stand on the shoulders of giants in order to touch the stars.

F'real.

Character sheet | Wiki entry.

Mounts:
RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWGGHH, a Level 5 Dire Wolf.
Stat Card

Spoiler:

Once upon a time, in an isolated village inhabited by monsters, there lived Ebony and Ivory, the motliest most mismatched pair that ever existed.

Ivory was a grizzly old cleric, half-man half-wolf with a ferocious temper when provoked. The other is an up-and-coming adventurer, Ebony - a talking little lizard - is the name.

It is a moment of peace for our heroes, an idyllic lull between adventures. Ivory sat in front of a fire pit, roasting a delicious dire boar that strayed into the village. Ebony, obedient little critter, was assisting by taking water from the well. For Ivory, the moment was more than a little poignant. For he cannot ignore his old bones any longer, and his body is starting to show the signs of wear and tear. Were this moment to last forever, he surely wouldn't mind a bit.

Alas, their pleasant little interlude was not going to last that much longer.

There it is, Captain! The thieves who stole the King's boar!
Vile scoundrels! You'll pay dearly for your crime! Take those meatsacks, and make it painful!

To arms!

Terrain notes: Tiles with water are "difficult terrain". Well provides cover. Dining table provides cover to Ebony.

Passive Perception 15: To Ivory's practiced eye, the soldiers look a little run down. It seems they're ready to fall apart any minute.

Initiative! Ivory (20), Soldiers (16), Captain (15), Ebony (6)
Warforged Soldiers: AC 18, Fort 16, Ref 16, Will 14
Warforged Captain: AC 20, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 14

Resource Tracking (always updated)

EBONY: HP 43/49 Surges: 3/9
ENCOUNTER: Action Point | Second Wind | Hurling Charge | Avenging Charge | Tumbling Dodge
DAILIES: Scything Blow | Wounded Beast
ITEM POWERS: Flesh-seeking Hand Axe | Shared-suffering Hide Armor | Brooch of No Regrets
CONSUMABLES: 1x Healing Potion, 1x Dragonfire Tar, 2x Clockwork Bomb, 1x Acid Elixir of Dragonbreath, 2x Fire Blastpatch, 2x Acidic Fire, 1x Caustic Whetstone

IVORY: HP 15/47 Surges: 2/7
ENCOUNTER: Action Point | Second Wind | Healing Word (2/2) | Destined Duel | Exacting Utterance | Channel Divinity
DAILIES: Virtue's Touch (4/5) | Shield of the Gods | Return from Death's Door | Iron to Glass | Cure Serious Wounds
ITEM POWERS: Swiftshot Crossbow | Dwarven Finemail | Hearth of Bordrei | Catstep Boots
CONSUMABLES: 1x Healing Potion, 1x Tethercord, 3x Dragonfire Tar, 3x Clockwork Bomb, 1x Acid Elixir of Dragonbreath, 2x Fire Blastpatch, 2x Acidic Fire, 1x Caustic Whetstone, Harbinger of Death

RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWGGHH: HP 39/67 Surges: 0/1
ENCOUNTER: Second Wind

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Ivory was feeling tired. For 45 years he had travelled across the lands, slaying foul demons where ever they reared their ugly head in the name of protecting what little good there was left in the land but lately things had change. He was finding it harder and harder to get up in the mornings and where once he relished the prospect of a day filled with cart chases and aprehending perpetrators, now all he longed for was a nice hot bath and some soft fruit. The full moon was just three days away and Ivory had decided that would mark his reitrement. He would go back to his old village and settle down with his long suffering wife, Trish, finish building that lean to, go fishing on his underused boat and relax into his twilight years.

His desire for retirement was in no way lessened by his new companion, Ebony. The young Kobold seemed slightly unhinged and was far too enthusiastic about murdering monsters and worse, he was into all that flashy sword fighting nonsense that Ivory had never been able to get the hang of.

Ivory lay stil, refusing to open his eyes and admit the presence of a new day just yet. Aah, three more days to retirement.

The sadly all-too familiar sound of shouting broke his reverie and he rolled painfully to his feet. A bunch of scruffy looking robots were running towards them muttering something about a boar. Ivory knew that the most sensible thing to do in these situations was to kill the ringleader. He also knew that Ebony would relish the opportunity for a long, drawn out battle with the guy and as usual, his role would be to keep the others off his back.

He trudged forward a few steps and gave the closest robot his best possible angry scowl, which was enough to stop a rampaging dragon in it's tracks at times.

Move to L9, Gaze of Defiance on Soldier in range

Most amazing jew boots

5 Dice Rolls Bull Rush vs. Ebony

At this proximity, the roast smells undeniably delicious, but prolonged exposure to a still active fire might result in bodily injury.

In any case, food is the farthest thing from the cleric's mind. Ivory's extremely stentorian gaze momentarily freezes one of the soldiers in his tracks.

Captain, the subject resists apprehension and is glaring at me! Query, what is the best course of action?
The usual. Surround and flank!

The mechanical soldiers rush to obey, one of them breaking into a run in order to surround the lycanthrope. The logs were difficult to traverse, after all. Alas, the the exertions were too much for the aging machine, and it collapsed into a pile of gears and strange flesh - quite dead.

Longsword vs. Ivory, +9 vs. AC 21 (additional +1 bonus due to battlefield tactics), 11+ to hit.

Ivory takes 16HP damage.

The warforged captain strides towards Ivory, and suddenly...

CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE!

He launches full tilt into a bull rush towards the kobold, but the speedy lizard dodged the attack. A pity. Maybe he can pick up the little squirt and throw it down the well during his next turn.

Ebony (6), Ivory (20), Soldiers (16), Captain (15)

Ivory is marked by Soldier 1.
Ebony has a +3 attack bonus against Soldier 2.
Soldier 2 has a defense penalty of -2 from running.
Soldier 2 dies.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Yo this is your boy Ebony here, K-dawg up in the house, straight up from the D1, every nigga wants a piece of me. They ain't got shit, though. I've been runnin' around the block, hustlin' since i was in knee pants; hell, since old man Ivory had his original knees I was gettin' money, fuckin' bitches, smokin' trees2. I did my crimes3, times were tough and we had to make do. Now, I ain't into that no more. I am a changed man, I'm working with the system to build a better world for my brothers and my sisters of all colors.

See, look at what the establishment wrought upon us. Let your eyes fall on old man Ivory here; shriveled, slow, got pants hiked up to his goddamn ribs. Ain't nobody gonna take him seriously. This is a man who cares more about his peonies than his pee pee, you hear me? His dick, son. And the force is full'a these old timers waiting to be picked off by thugs. Well, I ain't about to let that shit happen. Nigga's a little slow but he got the wisdom and we ain't goin' nowhere unless we stand on the shoulders of giants in order to touch the stars.

F'real.

So when I see dem tin can niggas roll up I was all hell naw

Marauder's Rush on captain
move to n8 (I don't have to shift do I? Since I'm out out of the guy's range for AoO)

1: From the suburbs.

2: Frequently, oregano.

3: Mostly petty larceny or vandalism.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

1 Die Roll 4+ to hit!

Ivory gave the youngster his best angry scowl but the robot acted like nothing had happened. That was the problem with kids these days, they'd get jacked up on Avandra only knows what potions and powders then cavort around like they owned the place with no damn respect for their elders and betters.

The old man waited for the inevitable flash of blades as his enthusiastic companion rushed past him to attack their foes, as was his wont, but nothing happened. A quick glance over his shoulder and Ivory's heart sank as he saw that today was one of the days the damn fool lizard chose to start the battle tossing his hair about and making daft comments, rather than run ahead and protect him like he's supposed to. He turned back to the oncoming robots just in time to see three swords swinging towards him. Once upon a time he would have avoided such clumsy strokes with ease but old as he was and so soon after waking up his refelxes were dulled and two of the strokes drew blood.

Well if these fool robots wanted a fight then a fight they would get. Ivory backed away from the mob of robots carefully, edging around the remains of the fire which was barely smouldering by now, putting enough distance between himself and his assailants to give him time to gather his wits.

The rush of blood to his head as he ducked under the swinging weapons gave him enough energy to try another scowl, becuase damn it he wasn't ready to give up on an old, tried and tested formula just yet.

Maybe robots are immune to angry glares.

Shift to M8, move to O7 (We are using the house rules about moving round corners, right?), Divine Fortune, Action point, Gaze of Defiance on Soldier 1

I was speaking idiomatically.

7 Dice Rolls Grab Ebony

The little ranger strikes hard and true, plunging its challenge-seeking short sword deep into the warforged's gut.

Initial threat assessment inaccurate. YOU are the greater threat! It is most fortunate you chose not utilize your quarry ability.

18 damage to Warforged Captain.

Ebony danced around the captain, not presenting any chance for an opportunistic attack.

The soldier marking Ivory swings his longsword as his marked foe shifts away, but hit only air. The old shifter responded to this affront with another withering look, but the warforged is unaffected.

COME BACK. WE HAVE NOT YET CHASTISED YOU APPROPRIATELY!

Both soldiers pursue, but found their path blocked by a cute little kobold which their commander just called the greater threat. A longsword swing seems appropriate, but both attacks miss the speedy ranger.

Enough of this. To the well with you!

Grab: Standard. Strength (+6) vs. Reflex.

More swiftly than is thought possible, the senior warforged successfully grabs hold of the ranger with a chokehold on his throat. He can no longer move, but can still attack freely.

Ebony immobilized. Escaping a grab is a move action. Make an Acrobatics check against Reflex or Athletics Check vs. Fortitude, your choice. If successful, you shift 1 square.

Ebony (6), Ivory (20), Soldiers (16), Captain (15)

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

4 Dice Rolls damage: short sword roll 2

Is... is this fuckin' rusted piece of junk mocking me? That dog won't hunt, bitchass.

I thought back to this one time when I was expelled from school. My momma loved Oprah, so that's all we'd watch all day. She was doing this special week on self-defense, just an excuse for all dese bitches to kick these faggot-ass men in the junk. So, I kick this faggot-ass in the junk.

While he's distracted I tell him I got a little bitchass sword for a little bitchass nigga, and i put that shit to his fuckin' face.

Then I kindly remind old man Ivory that his

Athletics v Fortitude to get this nigga out of my personal bubble
12 (athletics) + 14 (roll) > 17 (fortitude)
shift to 08

hunter's quarry on captain

another marauder's rush
11 (weapon attack) + 19 (str) + 4 (roll) > 20 (captain's ac)
6 (roll 1) + 2 (roll 2) + 8 (short sword) + 4 (str modifier) + 2 (wis modifier) = 22

I'm gonna try doing the dice this time so if I did it wrong please reroll for me

FELIPE NO

2 Dice Rolls Damage

Ivory's erstwhile companion was doing what he loved best, poncing about like a lunatic doing all those fancy, schmancy sword attacks kids these days seem so fond of. He had the right idea though, wailing on the ringleader and Ivory begrudgingly admitted that he had perhaps been a little hasty in his deisre to chastise the impudent younglings rather than formulating something approaching a plan of combat.

Backing further away from the swirling melee, the old wolf pointed a gnarled finger at the Warforged Captain and uttered a challenge.

"You know sonny Jim, once upon a time people like you had some respect for your elders and betters but if it's trouble you want, you just come over here and I'll put you across my knee like you were one of my own"

His words seemed to form almost tangible barbs of light as he spoke them which shot towards the robot, stabbing through him in several places and knocking him off balance somewhat.

Move to O6, Destined duel on Captain (+9 vs relfex requires a 6 to hit) with bonus to Ebony (I don't really need to say that I guess).
Hit (barely). Opponent takes 1D10+7 radiant damage and Ebony gains +2 power bonus to attacks againt the Captain until my next turn.
Woohoo, 8 unmodified damage!

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

4 Dice Rolls Longsword damage

You don't need to say it Shin, but I appreciate it when you do remind me!
Ebony aims a kick at the captain's crotch. Startled, the Warforged instinctively shields his nonexistent genitals, and released his grip from the kobold.

Ivory further disengages from melee by pressing his back into the wall, squeezing

Squeezed: You grant combat advantage and take -5 to all attack rolls.

Just this time, I'll just assume you attacked first before squeezing.

himself somewhat.

Ivory's words stab at the captain like a half-dozen pinpricks. He was immediately reminded of his childhood. Oh, his old grandpappy used to say the same things to him. Once, he even carried it out. He still has the dents to prove it.

But wait. Wasn't he built in a factory? This bears more thinking.

The soldiers find the old shifter beyond their reach once more, and satisfy themselves by stabbing his pet lizard. The captain, distracted as he is, makes a halfhearted stab which barely penetrates the creature's hide.

8 + [1 + 4] = 13 damage to Ebony.
Ebony has +2 power bonus to hit against Captain until end of Ivory's next turn.

Ebony (6), Ivory (20), Soldiers (16), Captain (15)

How ya doing, buddy?

at-will: Shifty to P-9
move: to R-9 (does this put me at 2 squares or 3?)
Throw and Stab Captain
Free Charge converted to Marauder's Rush, also on Captain
EBONY TIME

There's nowhere I can't reach.

7 Dice Rolls Hunter's Quarry damage

The ranger powers up, and launches a devastating strike at the Captain. But not before he takes a swing at the kobold.

Aha! Think you can move away from me, do you?

The sword catches Ebony by surprise.

Ebony takes [3 + 4] = 7 damage.

The ranger's retaliation was far, far worse. The construct staggers back, vital fluids leaking from wounds opened up by a particularly vicious axe.

Throw and Stab: 6 + 2 = 8
Marauder's Rush: 1 + 8 = 9
Bonus from mixing attacks: 2
Hunter's Quarry: 1

Warforged Captain takes 20 damage. Bloodied, f'real.

Lurker, R9 is considered 2 squares. Normally you won't be able to shift onto difficult terrain, so do take note next time

Ivory (20), Soldiers (16), Captain (15), Ebony (6)

The only map change is Ebony is now at P9.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

1 Die Roll Hit

Ivory continued to skirt around the swirling melee, impressed by the brutallity of his partner's attack. He had taken a light hit but nothing serious enough to warrant patching up just yet. Instead the old cleric treated the Captain to one of his withering glares, hoping the senior robot was more susceptible to them than his underlings.

Move to P7 (That's under an overhanging tree branch rather than in a bush, right?), Gaze of defiance at Captain.
+9 vs Will, requires a 5 to hit

Apparently the Captain was no more bothered about being stared at than the other robots had been.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

4 Dice Rolls Longsword damage

I... REFUSE to be brought down by a tiny lizard!

The Captain activates Warforged Resolved, gaining 14 temp HP.

Inspired by their leader's show of defiance, the soldiers mercilessly bring their swords to bear on our heroes. If Ivory thinks he can take cover under a tree, he's got another thing coming!

Ivory takes 8 HP damage. Bloodied and marked by Soldier 3.
Ebony takes 8 + [ 4 + 5 ] = 17 HP damage. Bloodied and marked by Soldier 1.

Blood is drawn all around. Ebony looks to be in particularly bad shape and may not be able to survive another such mauling.

It is obvious that continuing this battle is futile. Surrender now and save yourself some pain.

Ebony (6), Ivory (20), Soldiers (16), Captain (15)

How ya doing, buddy?

1 Die Roll Extra healing

Ivory was perplexed that what had initially looked like a relatively open area to stand and fight in was apparently impossible to run around in and the walls were all twice as thick as they looked, meaning one had to squeeze to stand next to them. Had he known about this from the start of the fight, he probably would have stood somewhere else.

It was too late for regrets now though, the robots needed killing and if his run of bad luck continued, he might never live to see his retirement party.

Noticing that Ebony was looking a little the worse for wear, the cleric muttered a few words of encouragement to him that seemed to perk him up a bit. The smile of gratitude on the little guy's face made Ivory feel a fair bit better himself.

Healing Word on Ebony, Second Wind.
Ivory regains 10hp, +2 to all defences until next turn.
Ebony regains surge +1D6 (1)hp

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Hootie hoo, Ivory! I ain't done with this wack-ass nigga yet.

Delay move until Ivory (in case that wasn't implied)
Marauder's Rush on Soldier 1, hoping he gets nixed
Shifty onto non-difficult terrain, O10
Move onto O11
Action Point
Throw and Stab captain
Free Charge converted to Marauder's Rush
feel the burn

FELIPE NO

6 Dice Rolls Ebony's OA vs Captain

A few words of inspiration is enough to grant Ebony renewed vigor, a vigor he now applies towards his opponents. Hampered as he is by the blood running down his eyes, the kobold somehow manages to land a hit on the Soldier who marked him.

The decrepit warforged collapses immediately into a pile of metal and acid.

Ebony regains [ 11 + 1 + 5 ] 17 HP. No longer bloodied.
Soldier 1 killed.
Square O8 is now difficult terrain.

No! R66-X! His retirement's tomorrow, you MURDERING LIZARD!

The remaining soldier shifts away from Ivory and stabs at the ranger mercilessly. The captain, sensing that the fight might not be as easy as he initially thought, takes one last whack at the kobold before moving far away.

Hold the line, soldier, while I will go for reinforcements!

All attacks, including Ebony's parting shot at the fleeing coward, miss. How sad.

Ivory (20), Ebony (6), Soldier (16), Captain (15)

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

1 Die Roll Hit

With his comrades dead and leader gone, Ivory hoped that the last robot would be a bit more susceptible to angry glares.

Gaze of defiance on remaining bad guy

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Bitch you think you can just leave this curbstomp? Hell naw. Just cause you suddenly got all fast an' shit, dodging my deadly blows don't make you hot shit.

Shifty to O10
Move to O11
Throw and Stab Captain
Free Charge converted to Marauder's Rush, also on Captain

There's nowhere I can't reach.

6 Dice Rolls Longsword vs Ivory

Ebony enthusiastically pursues the fleeing warforged captain, but both attacks miss by a hair's breadth.
Throw and Stab: 10 + 8 + 1 = 19 vs. AC 20
Marauder's Rush: 11 + 7 + 1 = 19 vs. AC 20
Ahaha

S-stay back!

The captain continues his escape, risking a very painful opportunity attack from the ranger. He takes [ 6 + 2 + 5 = ] 13 HP damage, all but obliterating the HP gained from his earlier resolve.

His double-move takes him past a corner of Ivory's hut, and out of Ebony's sight.

DO NOT LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT. IT MAKES MY VISUAL RECEPTORS FEEL ODDLY UNCOMFORTABLE!

The soldier's subsequent perfect hit, fueled by indignation at being constantly glared at, re-bloodies the shifter.

8 damage to Ivory. Bloodied.

Ivory (20), Ebony (6), Soldier (16), Captain (15)

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

1 Die Roll Punch in the FACE

Tiring of his continued inability to glare at a barn door from 20 paces, Ivory smashes his fist into the face of the unruly robot.

Punch soldier, shift to P8

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I tear off after the captain, chucking my axe as he turns the corner. It's cool, I saw this in a movie once.

Move to Q7, or R7 if Q7 is blocked
Throw and Stab at Captain

Most amazing jew boots

6 Dice Rolls Captain vs Ebony

Ebony briefly thinks about going after the soldier. But Ivory punches the machine with his fist as a signal, prompting the ranger to re-devote his full attention to the captain. The axe strikes hard and true, but the resulting stab was ineffective.

Warforged Captain takes [ 2 + 1 + 6 = ] 9 HP damage.

I---I'm not long for this world. But I... *wheeze* will go down *gasp* fighting!

The soldier takes an ineffective swipe at the old werewolf, while the Captain mounts a last-ditch effort to incapacitate his foe.

Maximum damage to Ebony: 8 + 4 = 12.

Ivory (20), Ebony (6), Soldier (16), Captain (15)

How ya doing, buddy?

1 Die Roll Watch me roll a 1 again

With his young partner off in hot pursuit of the leader, Ivory ducked back from a clumsy swipe and gathered his will for his most withering stare of the day so far. By the Gods this impudent curr was going to be affected by one his stares before this day was through!

Shift one square NE, gaze of defiance on soldier

FELIPE NO

I wonder what old man Ivory's doing. I don't hear him yelling at the other guy to get off his lawn; he must've just fallen asleep or something. Ain't no thang, Ebony here is just gonna get shit done like usual.

Shifty to N23
Move to P23
Throw and Stab Captain
Free Charge converted to Marauder's Rush on Captain

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

3 Dice Rolls Ivory's OA vs Soldier

As the captain collapses right in front of old man Ivory's shed, Ebony could only ponder how his elder will react to the new trash heap he just made. In fact, Ebony spends the next six seconds thinking of a good rejoinder to forestall any complaints about how abusive "kids these days" are.

Without a valid enemy to charge, the second half of Throw and Stab is invalidated. Ebony stays at P23.

The old shifter's glare, while ineffective, has finally unnerved the soldier. What's left of his resolve crumbles as his audio receptors pick up the sound of metal crumpling to the ground, mere seconds after Ebony hurled his axe at the captain. He decides to flee.

S-STOP IT! I-I-I-YA-YA-YA-YAI!

Ivory feebly tried to kick the fleeing robot. Alas, his arthritis made it impossible to connect. Ivory watches helplessly as the soldier turns the corner and disappears from both his and Ebony's view. (He's at H15, both of you will be able to see him if you move north at full speed.)

Ivory (20), Ebony (6), Soldier (16)

Jam it back in, in the dark.