[DnD 4E] Broken Chains (Game Thread)

Denada · May 2009

Broken Chains
a Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition campaign for five 11th level characters

Where It Begins:

War has ravaged the kingdom of Cinosa for twelve long years. A constant struggle between the last free kingdom of the world and the blight of the frozen north, Redfrost Cavern, has left the country in ruin.

The Dark Lord Arkhaziel's army has brought devastation to all but the last of Cinosa's great cities: El'Ethara, the Shining City, built by the eladrin and given as a gift to the humans of Cinosa. It has withstood the sieges of Redfrost Cavern for nearly four years.

Now, all that has changed.

In one critical error, El'Ethara's defenses have fallen, and the Dark Lord's army has flooded the city, taking lives, slaves, and loot all in the name of Arkhaziel.

The war, however, is not yet won. Hatierre Keep, the center of Cinosan rule, still stands. General Li'Sala, the leader of not only Cinosa's army, but her people as well, remains defiant. As long as his banner still flies above the land, the Cinosan people will rally beneath it.

As the Red Edge, Dark Lord Arkhaziel's elite strike force, you are tasked with tearing that banner down. Enter Hatierre Keep, kill the general, and leave no one alive to take his place.

The Party:

Rathas, Tiefling Warlord (played by Rius)

Skard, Shifter Warden (played by robp85)

Maelvictus, Human Invoker (played by MolotovCockatoo)

Spyre, Elf Avenger (played by Acratia)

Corianan, Genasi Barbarian (played by Fiaryn)

The Details:

This is an evil campaign in the PbP format, designed to take five characters from 11th level to 30th level. Your DM is me, Denada. Your sheets are on myth-weavers. Your dice rolls will be made on invisiblecastle. I expect you to post at least once per workday. More is welcome, but not required. Posting isn't expected on weekends or holidays, but is also still welcome.

I want to make it clear from the outset that if you are unable to post for an extended period of time, you may be removed from the game. I'm a reasonable person and I don't mind if you miss a day or two here and there, but if you're gone for too long you will be replaced. It's nothing personal; the game just needs to keep moving.

Alright, with that out of the way, it's time to have some fun!

Denada · May 2009

Spoiler:

The knights trade worried glances at the sight of their commander being struck down. "Kill them all!" one knight yells, his worried glance turning into a furious glare. His cry is echoed throughout the courtyard as he and his companion swing their war picks at Corianian and Spyre. The picks turn into weapons of pure energy as they swing them, the same way the other knight's arrow did when it was shot at Rathas. Corianan and Spyre expect their armor to absorb the impact, but the picks completely ignore their protection.

Spoiler:

Next turn: Skard

robp85 · May 2009

Skard charges into the fray, heading straight for the knight attacking Corianan. As he nears his target, he swings his pick down on the knight finding a weak point between the armor in the knight's arm. The pick pierces the knights skin easily causing blood to trickle from the wound. Skard laughs, twisting his normally wooden expression into something much more sinister. "Is it really that easily to hurt you?" Skard smiles baring his fangs before turning expressionless once more.

Spoiler:

Next: A1-A3

Denada · May 2009

Round 2

Spoiler:

The archers lose their focus worse than the knights do. Instead of their coordinated attacks on your party's leader, they let their arrows fly almost at random. One of them strikes Maelvictus, but even that isn't particularly damaging.

Spoiler:

Next turn: Corianan

Fiaryn · May 2009

No sooner had the Knights blow connected with Corianan then the Genasi had returned fire with considerably greater force, staggering the man. Sidestepping into the foliage with ease, his steps seeming to be scarcely hindered at all, Corianan delivered yet another vicious, rending blow to the hapless defender. And yet while the Knight was gasping for air, his body on the brink of death, his assailant seemed to slow down as well. Corianan was winded, and his guard weakened.

Spoiler:

Next Up: Our Victims

Denada · May 2009

Corianan's shift into the trees sparks a chain reaction of strikes that, unfortunately for the knight, ends with Skard's pick going through his skull.

Spoiler:

After watching another of his comrades fall to your combined might, the next knight hesitates with his bow, just long enough for Spyre to anticipate and sidestep his shot. The knight curses and starts making for the gate, leaving his war pick in the dirt.

Spoiler:

Next turn: Rathas

Rius · May 2009

As Corianan is struck by the knight's attack, Rathas' sash glows with mystical power and Corianan looks markedly better. Rathas notices the retreat of the knight and rallies his barbarian friend to the attack.

"Do not let him escape! With me, Corianan!"

Rathas turns and charges at the knight, his flaming spear proving to be only a distraction, but enough of one for Corianan to follow behind him and strike an impressive blow.

Spoiler:

Up Next: Maelvictus!

MolotovCockatoo · May 2009

The archer's errant shot barely grazes Maelvictus' shoulder, bouncing harmlessly off his glittering finemail. The devil-soul looks down at the spot where he was hit, then back up, meeting the gaze of the terrified Cinosan trainee.

This time, the Hellfire bolt does not miss.

The hapless shooter is blasted into naught but a charred skeleton. The hellish energy tendrils dance over the blackened bones as if alive, seemingly disappointed there is no more flesh to consume. They leap back across the intervening distance and flow into Maelvictus' body, bathing him in an unholy reddish light; as it subsides, he is as unmarked as he was when he entered the courtyard moments ago.

Breathing a deep sigh of satisfaction, Maelvictus whips his head around at Rathas' cry. He takes in the sight of the fleeing knight with visible glee; his hands raise, fingers clawed, and his shout rattles the stone of the keep walls, thundering for hundreds of feet beyond so all can hear: "There is no escape from the wrath of Lord Arkhaziel! By dawn of next day, there will be only two kinds of beings left in Hatierre Keep - the dying, and the dead!"

As the booming words shake dust and stone all around, red-hot iron chains burst from the earth at the retreating knight's feet. They leap up and entangle him, dragging him down to one knee even as they sear his flesh, heating and warping his metal armor where they don't burn his exposed flesh. He cries out in fear, pain and surprise.

Maelvictus begins to laugh, deep and loud.

Spoiler:

Go Go A4!

Rius · May 2009

Spoiler:

Denada · May 2009

The faces of the humans around you have gone from stern, to scared, to furious. Now, they are well and truly terrified. The archer on the right wall hesitates with his bow drawn, looking back and forth between you and his comrades. He shakes his head, then sets his aim on the archer nearest him. He makes his shot, sending his former ally plummeting to his death.

"I'll join you," the new traitor yells as he trains his bow on the knight by the gate, "I'll serve the Dark Lord. Just let me live."

Spoiler:

Next turn: Spyre

Acratia · May 2009

Nimbly avoiding the two incoming missiles, he draws the heavy blade backward, murmuring beneath his breath and focusing upon the knight who dared assault him with the strange energy weapon. Bringing the fullblade overhead in a spin with its edge wreathed in reality-splitting energy, nonetheless even his inhuman accuracy bears no fruit, the blade dulling as it buries in the soil, evaded completely.

Releasing a string of barely audible curses, he plucks the weapon free and presses on, evading and making use of the underbrush to foil his foe's armour-sundering weapon.

Actions:

Spoiler:

Status Updates:

Spoiler:

Next: C3

Denada · May 2009

As Spyre shifts away, the frightened knight tries to take an opportunistic swing with his pick. His trembling hands make for a sloppy attack, and Spyre is already gone before the knight could hit him.

The knight then moves into the trees in hasty pursuit, but fares no better with his next attack.

Spoiler:

Next turn: Skard

robp85 · May 2009

Skard steps behind the knight one more time. With the knight's back to Skard, he brings his pick down on the back of the opponent. The Shifter's weapon easily pierces the back of the knight's armor cutting the knight deep. Skard's bloodlust cannot be satiated and he knows his next attack will be even more effective.

Actions:

Spoiler:

Status:

Spoiler:

Denada · May 2009

Round 3

Spoiler:

The other archer doesn't yell, or hesitate, or do anything else that might make you think he was still a part of the fight. He simply drops his bow and disappears over the other side of the wall. It would appear these trainees aren't well equipped to cope with impending doom.

Spoiler:

Next turn: Corianan

Fiaryn · May 2009

With a great bellow, reminiscent of the sound of a volcano roaring to life, Corianan reared back with his blade and put the fullness of his weight into one great horizontal blow, the hilt of his weapon digging into his palm to draw power in blood. The Knights armor parted in a flash of crimson, Corianan's victim only just managing to evade bisection.

Spoiler:

Next Up: Nearly dead Knight!

Denada · May 2009

The knight struggles against the infernal chains pulling at his body, throwing a fist at Corianan. His pitiful attempt at an attack doesn't even connect, much less do damage.

Spoiler:

Next turn: Rathas

Rius · May 2009

Laughing at the knight's pitiful attempt to strike Corianan, Rathas raises his tratnyr high, blue flame cascading down his arm. Enough foolishness; this one dies now. His strike is true and punctures the knight's lung, yet somehow he still draws breath to scream, even as the flame cascades over his body. Rathas mockingly salutes the dying knight before turning his back to him and issuing an angry order;

"Enough chatter, Maelvictus! Send this one to the Nine Hells!"

Spoiler:

Next Up: Maelvictus! (And then Rathas!)

MolotovCockatoo · May 2009

"Hmph, it appears to me you already have, Devil-kin..."

Maelvictus turns his back on the flery and wailing form of the knight, letting the iron chains suck back into the earth with a hiss. His hands come up once more, towards the last standing knight, then falter -

"Beast-creature and feyborn! You are in the way! Cease toying with that mouse and put it out of its misery!"

He punctuates his point with a stream of hellfire that washes over the beleaguered knight, now beset on all sides.

Spoiler:

Go Rathas!

Rius · May 2009

Spoiler:

MolotovCockatoo · May 2009

Rius wrote: »

Spoiler:

The whole point of that was so that Corianan and I could charge the last knight, heh. Next time I'll be more clear =)

I'll probably just charge us out anyway since he's unarmed and any opportunity attack will be a weak and flailing thing. Post coming in a few minutes!

Spoiler:

Fiaryn · May 2009

Spoiler:

Rius · May 2009

Glancing one last time behind him, Rathas nods.

"Our work is done here, Corianan; let us take the fight elsewhere."

Stepping away from the doomed man, he charges one last time at the remaining able knight, stabbing him in the shoulder. Corianan follows suit, ignoring the feeble swing of the restrained knight and delivering a slashing cut to the now hopelessly surrounded foe.

Spoiler:

Next Up: A4, then Spyre!

MolotovCockatoo · May 2009

Spoiler:

Denada · May 2009

Spoiler:

Your new ally leaves the knight by the gate to die. He fires an arrow at the other knight, but isn't as accurate in his treachery this time around.

Spoiler:

Next turn: Spyre

Acratia · May 2009

Shimmering out of phase with the material, Spyre passes directly through the trees and foliage unhindered, shifting into position to take advantage of Rathas' tactical expertise.

This time, the Avenger's strike is true. Scything with a hum of spliced air, the steel sends the beleagured knight reeling, with the barest speck of life left in his body.

Actions:

Spoiler:

Status:

Spoiler:

Next: C3

Denada · May 2009

The knight struggles to look down at his bloodied body, up at the cold faces of his attackers, and around him at the corpses of his former allies. His limbs tremble, his shoulders sink, and his weapon slips pitifully from his hand. Though in another time he may have had the strength to press on, that strength is not there now. The knight sighs, and seems as though he might surrender. Skard, however, is unwilling to endure such a pathetic display of weakness. The last thing the knight sees before he dies is the tip of a war pick jutting through his chest.

Spoiler:

robp85 · May 2009

Skard puts his foot to the knight's back, pushes forward and pulls the pick out from where it was lodged. The pick, now covered in blood, is wiped across the ground to clean it off before Skard puts it back on his belt. He then scours the bodies of the fallen knights for anything of value to him and the group.

Spoiler:

Rius · May 2009

Spoiler:

Rathas surveys the courtyard and nods with grim satisfaction, turning his gaze upon the traitorous archer on the walls. He holds his tratnyr aloft, still aflame and pointing at the turncoat.

"As you wish to live beyond this day, you will tell me; why was this keep so poorly defended? Where has the Cinosan army fled to?"

Spoiler:

Fiaryn · May 2009

Corianan gives the archer an appraising, even look as he began to wipe his blade clean on his fallen enemies. The barbarian's fury had seemed to subside, the flames on his body dying down to mere embers. Quietly and in his typical rumbling tone he gave his assessment of the man to Rathas, out of the audible range of the archer in question:

"I for one support letting him live if he tells us something of use. Had he just surrendered, I'd say kill him but he did put an arrow through one of his "comrades" skull. Shows a willingness to act."

With his piece said, the Genasi Warrior took to standing watch while their fearsome leader did his thing.

Acratia · May 2009

Pulling free the holy symbol draped around his neck below the armour, he touches to it and speaks a short prayer, offering up the blood of their last fallen foe to his lord. Spreading the blood from his blade across the dirt with a swish of the blade, it returns to its place on his back, as he pulls back his hood to reveal his visage once more.

The ritual complete, he sets about the inevitable process of scouring their bodies for information, equipment or otherwise alone with Skard, whilst Rathas interrogates their treacherous new ally.

Spoiler:

Denada · May 2009

The archer puts down his bow before answering. "They haven't fled. They've attacked. The entire Cinosan army, joined by the ranks of The Falconess, is invading Redfrost Cavern as we speak."

The knights' equipment is entirely mundane, except for the belt the dragonborn sentry was wearing. It's a thick black chain, covered in arcane runes etched in steel.

Spoiler:

Fiaryn · May 2009

Spoiler:

Denada · May 2009

Spoiler:

Rius · May 2009

Spoiler:

Denada · May 2009

Spoiler:

robp85 · May 2009

Spoiler:

Rius · May 2009

Spoiler:

Denada · May 2009

Arkhaziel is still in Redfrost Cavern. You five have been in command of his army during the last year of the siege. During most of the war you've been using a magic orb to communicate with the Dark Lord, but recently the Cinosan wizards have found a way to disable those kinds of communications. For the last few months you've been using runners to receive orders and send back reports.

While the runners are able to make the journey in only a few days, it would take you about two weeks of hard riding to get back to Redfrost. The last runner you sent was the one sent yesterday to inform the Dark Lord that El'Ethara's defenses have fallen and that you've entered the city. You have two runners waiting in the camp, and one that should be returning tomorrow.

A do just want to mention that, being evil, the thought crosses your mind(s) that if Arkhaziel is defeated, he will almost certainly take out a large chunk of the Cinosan army in the process. If you then go on to defeat General Li'Sala and take hold of El'Ethara and Hatierre Keep, you would all of a sudden be the five most powerful people on the entire continent. Just throwing that out there.

Rius · May 2009

As Rathas ponders the implications of the attack on Redfrost Cavern, his mind reels. Lowering his weapon in disbelief, he realizes he must tread carefully indeed. Admirable, he thinks. Completely unexpected, yet admirable. They desert their city in an attempt to crush us... They must believe if they can kill Arkhaziel, his army here will collapse on itself. If I can prevent that from happening, such power would I wield... This opportunity is unique.

"What fools! Arkhaziel will crush them!"

Addressing the rest of the Red Edge, he speaks boldly, showing no cause for alarm.

"Men! We will continue as planned and cleanse whatever filth remains in Hatierre Keep. Once our glorious work is done here, we shall send word back to Redfrost of our victory and await the triumphant arrival of our Dark Lord!"

MolotovCockatoo · May 2009

Spoiler:

Denada · May 2009

Linked Portal could be used to get back, but whatever ritual or device the Cinosan wizards have constructed is still disrupting magical communication and effects between Redfrost and here. There's no reason that Hand of Fate wouldn't work normally though.

Penny Arcade

[DnD 4E] Broken Chains (Game Thread)

Posts