[DnD] Of Kobolds and Castles - D&D Learning Adventure I

2 Dice Rolls rocks

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.

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

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!

I was speaking idiomatically.

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.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

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.

FELIPE NO

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.

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

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

How ya doing, buddy?

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.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

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.

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

1 Die Roll religion check

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.

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

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?

I was speaking idiomatically.

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.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Napping is all well and good. Little Mac may enjoy his snooze but THERE ARE OTHER PLANS.

HIGH ABOVE HIM PLANS

YouTube Video

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

FELIPE NO

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.

How ya doing, buddy?

1 Die Roll Behold, a flying dwarf.

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


Jam it back in, in the dark.

Optimus bellows forth.

NOISE MAKERS. SHOW YOURSELVES, FOR I AM OPTIMUS PRIME.

Prime likes to make himself known, that much is for certain.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

1 Die Roll Now you see me.. [Stealth]

"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



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

1 Die Roll looking for badies

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.

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

9 Dice Rolls slinger init

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.

Zeno 24, Slink 22, Thia 22, Truck 21, Daituk 17, Dragonshield 16, Slinger, 14, Minions 8, Prime 7

Defenses:

Minions - AC 15, Fortitude 11, Reflex 13, Will 11

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.

Slinger - AC 13, Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 12

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.

I was speaking idiomatically.

3 Dice Rolls Dragonshield brain buster

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.



What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

3 Dice Rolls Damage

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
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.

FELIPE NO

2 Dice Rolls Attack

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.

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

2 Dice Rolls Attack

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.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

16 Dice Rolls gluepot damage

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).

Prime, Zeno, Thia, Truck, Daituk, Minions, Slink, Slinger

There's nowhere I can't reach.

1 Die Roll furious truck slamming noises

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:
WILD SHAPE CHANGE...INTO A TRUCK

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.

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

3 Dice Rolls Saving grace?

Oh yay, the slinger is bloodied. 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!

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.

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