The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
Please vote in the Forum Structure Poll. Polling will close at 2PM EST on January 21, 2025.
[DnD 4e PbP] Vale of Buried Shadows, Chapter 2: Signs & Portents (IC)
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
The half-orc snarled, grunting as he was forced to dodge out of the way of the stinging necrocreeper vines lashing their way across the ground towards him. "You idiotic plant," he yelled, "The rest of these folk are trying to help yer leafy backside...though I'd be more than happy to turn you into a salad if you keep trying to kill us." The corrupted dryad recoiled slightly, considering her future options as she gathers her energy, perhaps coming to her senses...although this may have been complicated by the fact that Snarl's dagger is now lodged firmly in the back of the woody lady.
Willow Dryad Lich - The Really Angry Part
--- Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @K9; Status: Beast Form Motac - HP 9/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @E7; Status: Bloodied, Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
--- Willow Dryad Lich - HP 51/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5] [AP: 1/2] @I9; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Aegis of Shielding
--- Atherton - HP 32/62+10 THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @I11; Status: Normal Snarl - HP 42/50+4 THP; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @K12; Status: Normal Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @N16; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save Ends Both) Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @F10; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K11; Status: Spirit Companion, Immobilizes Adj. Enemies at SOT (EONT Aidan)
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
In between Snarl's using the treant as a convenient storing place for his various pointed cutlery, the Dryad's anger is punctuated by distressed sobbing. She looks longwise at Atherton's entreaty, hair mangled by the lingering corruption around this place and the fury of the current battle, "But why come here. I only wish to be left alone, to be with...with...something that is now gone and will not rise once more while this swamp is concentrated with the filth that you, or these Hags, or someone spreads. They ruin the harmony of the land." This brief interlude into sanity is then interrupted as she claws and scrapes at the handhold that has appeared in her back, with the most innocent looking half-orc not making eye contact behind her.
Rakash grimaces in frustration as the vines whip him away from the Dryad, not at all certain he'll be able to communicate with her effectively from forty-five feet away. Still, there's more than one way to win an argument; he trades one spear for another and hurls his lion-headed persuader, butt end first, towards her. Despite earlier difficulties, perhaps due to a certain familiarity with the weapon, his throw lands true; blunted end smashing solidly into her chest and knocking her to the ground.
Willow Dryad Lich - The Really Angry Part
--- Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @K9; Status: Beast Form Motac - HP 9/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @E7; Status: Bloodied, Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
--- Willow Dryad Lich - HP 30/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5] [AP: 1/2] @I9; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Aegis of Shielding, Prone
--- Atherton - HP 32/62+10 THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @I11; Status: Normal Snarl - HP 42/50+4 THP; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @K12; Status: Normal Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @N16; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save Ends Both) Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @F10; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K11; Status: Spirit Companion, Immobilizes Adj. Enemies at SOT (EONT Aidan)
tzeentchlingDoctor of RocksOaklandRegistered Userregular
Aidan wracks his mind trying to find a way to help the druid - something that might help compensate for the severing of the link between her and her tree. In the mean time, almost as a second thought, he stabs his spear into the ground and sends a burst of primal energy streaking towards Rakash, severing the bonds that were holding the ranger in place.
Nadia meanwhile imparts a burst of energy to Snarl, who sees another opening. "Don't kill her!" Nadia implores the half-orc, and for whatever reason Snarl decides to agree, slamming the butt of his dagger into the creature's temple, almost knocking her out.
Willow Dryad Lich - The Really Angry Part
--- Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @K9; Status: Beast Form Motac - HP 9/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @E7; Status: Bloodied, Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
--- Willow Dryad Lich - HP 4/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5] [AP: 1/2] @J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Aegis of Shielding, Prone
--- Atherton - HP 32/62+10 THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @J11; Status: Normal Snarl - HP 42/50+4 THP; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @I11; Status: Normal Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @N16; Status: Infected (Stage 1) Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic5 Poison] @F10; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K11; Status: Spirit Companion
Up Next: Lyedyn
0
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
edited January 2013
Combat is over!
Aidan's cry is well-timed as the half-orc grunts and shifts his attack to a less lethal one. The enraged dryad stumbles as Snarl's dagger sends her reeling, nearly falling to the ground. She claws at the air uselessly as the thorned claws upon her hands retract before your eyes. Any bloodlust that was there seems to have burned itself out when you presented a front of unexpected compassion and worry instead of continuing the fight. Wails of anguish turn to weeping and quiet sobbing as the realization of what has occurred here begins to sink in, while any fight left in this creature has long since faded away.
She looks up at your group, wounded and bleeding but still trudging along through this inhospitable swamp, and begins to speak in an almost cathartic manner, "The Kindly Ones: their whispers, promises, assurances passed to us from crooked mouths and sneering faces. Trees whisper that they came from the deep south where the swamp continues forever on into lands long since reclaimed by the wilds. We saw the corruption spreading, felt its pull on our souls, our friends, but no matter what we did it did not stop. They offered us a way to protect our tree..." The dryad continues, trailing off into weeping as she recalls that her tree is now dead, never to return. As if to punctuate this fact, a branch creaks and sinks into the muck, its broken body no longer able to support its weight as the corrupted flora's remaining stomach acid lingers to eat away at whatever living material is left.
"It was our twin for so long and we could not see a way to stop its roots from soaking up the swamp's foul new stench. But...they offered us a way! Watch out for trespassers, kill those that try and approach their new home, warn them of whispers of dissent or challenge. So we stop, ever present against their enemies. But it wasn't enough was it? My tree became hungry...always hungry." She descends into sobs, clutching and pulling at weeds which have long since withered, disintegrating in her hands as she removes them from the defiled soil.
As for you, you stand now upon this small refuge within the larger corrupted swamp bloodied and weary. The silence that had permeated your entry into this infernal land returns now that the trashing of the tree and wailing of the dryad is gone, the only sounds coming from your own feet and the dryad's anguish. From the look of what the tree's current diet was, it would seem the bullywugs have learned to give this place a wide berth, which could provide your group some solace for at least a short time.
Surges and the like should be spent, though the larger consideration will be whether to take an extended rest or not.
tzeentchlingDoctor of RocksOaklandRegistered Userregular
edited January 2013
Nadia moves in to the fallen Dryad. "Hush, now. You did what you thought was best. No doubt those hags have tongues of silver. Now is a time for mourning, but soon will be a time for redress."
Aidan leans heavily on his spear, breathing hard. He appears exhausted, but determined.
Aidan will spend one surge.
tzeentchling on
0
KayWhat we need...Is a little bit of PANIC.Registered Userregular
"You are not to blame," Atherton says, wearily. "The Kindly Ones, those wicked creatures, those who despoil nature's bounty. Those are the ones that must be held responsible for this."
The Swordmage then looks around what once must have been a living grove, before turning back towards his allies. Rakash, Aidan and Nadia, and Lyedyn are all addressed: "Is there anything we can do to help her? Any method to cleanse, or at least stop the corruption that plagues her here? Or must we destroy the Hags before any healing can be had?"
Atherton spends two surges, which should put him back at tip-top condition. 2/11 remain.
I'll also roll Nature, because I like rolling dice. And maybe Atherton could figure out at least some partial solution to the immediate problem here.
Lyedyn tentatively approaches the Dryad, reaching down to take her hands. "There is no need for recriminations here. There is work to be done." Lifting the Dryad to her feet, Lyedyn embraces her. "If... When our work is successful, the spirits will return to rebuild this place. You will need to be ready to welcome them."
Lyedyn looks about, searching for some sign of life to give the Dryad hope, but knowing full well that she would likely just be leaving the poor creature to clear away the remains of her corrupted companion.
Casting off the withering remnants of vines that had held him steady, Rakash buries his spearhead in the mud and walks away, unable to lay his eyes on the dryad or the source of her mourning. As the others attempt to console her he simply stands in thought, one hand on the symbol hanging from his neck, the other clenched in absolute rage. Atherton's question, unheard at first, eventually filters down through his emotions and brings him back to the moment at hand.
"I doubt there is much we can do beyond what we already have, apart from killing the "Kindly" ones," he says with a muttered curse. "A task to which I will gladly set my hand. But for now, I need to rest."
Rakash will spend a surge for the hell of it, and an extended rest sounds like splendid idea.
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
edited January 2013
Rakash & Lyedyn both recover from Dusanu Rot!
Lyedyn:
No life remains within sight, this deep within the corrupted bogs. The tree's sustenance has come, it would appear, almost wholly from whatever it was fed to it, dying tissue or not.
Typically dryads are able to adapt to a new host tree if their originally is destroyed, over time and with not guaranteed success. Whether it is possible for such a corrupted and maddened dryad to do the same is impossible to tell. They can last for several days without a new host, though, so there may still be time for something to change.
The creature still sobs, caught up solely in grief, as you approach, though she startles briefly when Lyedyn grasps her hands. That brief moment of hope quickly vanishes as she settles in the dirt, oblivious it seems to the world now around her. Notwithstanding the area's current state, it seems paradoxically well-suited to be used as shelter for the time being. Occasionally you even spy shapes passing by through wisps of fog in the distance, but each all seem to deliberately keep their distance from this area, likely learned over time.
The Witchlight Fens are eerily quiet as you sleep, punctuated only by the moaning and shrieks of undead caught up in their mindless struggles. There are no frogs, no wildlife, no insects to punctuate the night air and even the fact that it is night is kept from your as nothing seems to be able to pass through the lingering fog. Occasionally the tree stump gurgles as the acid within it churns about, slowly eating its own pocket into the swamp below it and hastening the decomposition of the dead treant. Smells of course are the strongest things keeping you awake tonight. Between the dead and rotting treant, the bog itself, and the rampant corruption, there are a host of stomach-churning scents that serve as much a distraction to sleep as any loud noise.
But you gain some measure of recovery by resting here among the dead trees and rotting nature, aside from Lyedyn & Rakash who tend to their own bouts of disease, one with a trusted ally, the other within his own body. They recover as much as they can and soon you are set to continue into the depths of the Fens, your magical map and the vision previously given to you guiding your steps further along the path to finding these supposed Hags. The sobs and whimpering of the dryad continues even as you leave, her form hardly having moved much during the night, still crouched near her tree, stroking it occasionally without much regard to the world around her.
Oddly enough the terrain around you changes slightly as you near the end of your trek. The swamp remains, but its moisture disappears for the most part, instead taken over by a kind of peat or solid foundation that might support grass and plants were it not barren and twisted. And in fact you could even go further and suggest that a forest might even arise were it healed, as you spy in the distance the forms of twisted branches and gnarled roots, too small to be anything of significance yet in such number as to suggest plentiful life some time in the past. As you near it becomes clear that this assortment of growth is a kind of thicket forest with curling and twisting branches almost like a thorn bush tangling together to form some larger mass that reaches above your own heads. While it bars your progress slightly, requiring a concerted effort to hack through in order to progress, its strength indicates that it is deliberately crafted or suited to this festering Fens, a convenient set of concealing foliage that you imagine the Hags appreciate as well.
Finally you slog your way through the last of the thicket and break through into a clearing, the ground around you dipping slightly into what looks like a bowl, perhaps a pool of swamp at some point were it not thoroughly stripped of moisture. The ground wriggles and writhes in places, moving to some unknown and likely tainted form of natural power coursing through the area. But this is not what captures your party's attention: propped up among a makeshift stone pedestal is a glowing stone slab, pulsing now and again with clear magical power. Boulders are arranged strategically around it in a circle as if to capture whatever energies are being given off, and occasionally tendrils of colours light escape into the night sky hanging clear above you, a break in the fog that has surrounded your journey through these Fens for so long.
"We have visitors, Gillistrex, visitors indeed," the first of the grotesque creatures says, its attention having previously been on the magical stone within the clearing now fully turned to glare at you with a hideously deformed face. "Quite, quite, Oraxid darling. Drawn to the stone, to the bog, or to their own demise?" The second ponders, it too turning to gaze at your group, slightly less brutish yet far more sinister in gaze, an intelligence behind its eyes that chills you just looking at it. The last of the Hags then rises from its perch among the corrupted ground, slowly and methodically turning around to size up the apparent intruders to their glade. Its form is deformed like the other pair, but in contrast to the first large brutish creature and the smaller-of-stature second, this one is lithe, with long limbs ending in claws, and an age to it which betrays a lengthy and bitter life. "They come for our treasure, our jewel within the North. It calls to be freed. Perhaps they hear it as well, singing to us in the night from beyond the ether, its promises and prizes waiting to be unlocked. Do they come to free it? Sadly, sisters I think not. Oraxid, my dear, show them how their quest is for naught." With a gesture from all but the largest of Hags, two of their forms then slow down and seem to harden. Their bodies become rigid and set in place as if turning to stone. But the first of the Hags to speak shows no sign of slowing down; instead, it roars with a terrifying bellow at the night sky, turning your blood almost into water at the prospect of facing such a beast.
---
Map:
* The statues represent stoned Hags, currently lying dormant. They are immune to damage, but otherwise function as impassable terrain, with all of the cover benefits that come of such.
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
Status:
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 131/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2]
@; Status: Aura 2, Aura 5
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@; Status: Normal Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@; Status: Normal Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison]
@; Status: Normal Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@; Status: Normal Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@; Status: Normal
KayWhat we need...Is a little bit of PANIC.Registered Userregular
"Nay to all," Atherton says, as he swaggers into the center of the depression, his sword held loosely by his side. "One was drawn here by the sway of your fey beauty, fair ladies."
The Swordmage clicks the fingers of his free hand, conjuring up his defensive spells. He almost manages to sound sincere, as his blade rises, mirroring the glow of his protective aegis in the polished metal.
Rakash slides into the crater with lupine grace before striding forward into the heart of the depression, apace with Atherton. Whilst his ally banters he trails the tip of his spear, causing hot sparks to engulf the shifting ground. He stands off from Atherton, focused on two things;
The Hag, and the shortest path to take to bury his spear in her heart.
Lyedyn hangs back, circling around behind the boulders, keeping an watchful eye on the petrified Hags. Motac dances back and forth at her feet, a low rumbling signalling his keenness to strike.
Initiative: 1d20+712
I'll start in V8, with Motac in U9.
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
edited January 2013
Round 1!
Rakash:
The two Hag statues are most assuredly stone, an almost remarkable replica of a living creature as if these Hags were part gargoyle rather than elusive magical creatures.
But it's the living Hag that gives you pause. This beast is very strong and well built for a Hag and more disconcerting is that it appears to be scored by numerous scars, tattoos, and other markings that outline some form of arcane lettering or patterns. A mage might be required for this, but it's obvious that this goes beyond simple ritual markings.
Aidan:
Being creatures of fey, Hags you recall are far more understood in magical terms rather than anything that nature might describe. That being said, your sense of right and wrong decisively brings you to become aware of the patches of black ground scattered throughout this depressed area which are most decisively wrong. It's hard to tell exactly what they might be from this distance, but you doubt anything good will come of living creatures stepping within them. The grass that might have been there has been twisted and warped into something that is even beyond what the rest of the Fens' has experienced to this point.
The hag cackles as Atherton offers a minor joke, a sound that comes across as a mixture of a primal roar that a bear might make and a satisfying laugh from a very evil individual. Large, muscular arms scrape the ground as the creature moves in place, claws resting at the end that seem to be very dedicated at tearing flesh apart. "We will keep you for last," it growls, pointing one of these very claws at the swordmage, "For you amuse us."
Occasional bursts of magical energy escape from the stone upon the pedestal, its purpose still not entirely sure but to which it seems to continue unabated.
---
Map:
* The statues represent stoned Hags, currently lying dormant. They are immune to damage, but otherwise function as impassable terrain, with all of the cover benefits that come of such.
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
Status:
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @Q12; Status: Normal Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @V16; Status: Normal
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 131/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2] @J10; Status: Aura 2, Aura 5
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @Q16; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V8; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @M1; Status: Normal
Rakash snarls at the Hag, a low guttural rumble as he circles warily around her. His nose twitches as he moves, wondering what manner of foul deceits she can bring to bear. As he nears the stone he levels his fire-blackened spear, charging towards the Hag with a furious, wordless battle cry. Heedless of the danger to himself he closes range, thrusting out across the shrinking distance between them to spear one of her muscular arms.
Black flames flicker up the spear's haft, transferring to the Hag's arm as Rakash sounds a cry of triumph. The Hag shrinks before him, hesitant to strike back against such a determined foe.
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @Q12; Status: Normal Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @V16; Status: Normal
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 100/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2] @J10; Status: Aura 2, Aura 5, Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EO Rakash NT)
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @Q16; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V8; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @M1; Status: Normal
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
Rakash's reactions to the Hag as he attacks her are almost fitting, a rage and bloodlust not foreign to the shifter but perhaps not completely natural. Still, its purpose is serve and he rends the fey creature with a well-placed strike by his spear. Unfortunately, as he makes contact with her arm, the runes upon her body flare, a bright azure force which pulses outward and knocks the Shifter off his feet and flat onto his back. Meanwhile, as his thoughts fill with nothing but carnage, destruction, and unbridled aggression, he also feels his body unnaturally anchored to nothing in particular.
Opportunity Action (when a non-adjacent enemy hits Oraxid with an attack) - Retributive Shielding (Close Burst 10, Force): 1d20+1029, Hit! vs Reflex. Rakash takes 5 Force damage and is knocked Prone in J12.
Aura 2 (Arcane Mist) - Creatures cannot teleport while within the aura.
Aura 5 (Aura of Bloodlust) - A nonbloodied enemy that ends its turn within the aura takes 10 damage if it didn't hit Oraxid that turn.
Status:
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @J12; Status: Prone Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @V16; Status: Normal
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 100/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2] @J10; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash)
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @Q16; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V8; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @M1; Status: Normal
tzeentchlingDoctor of RocksOaklandRegistered Userregular
Aidan moves closer to the Hag as Nadia manifests into existence in front of her. With a yell Nadia releases a large burst of energy, but other than slightly staggering the Hag it has no serious effect.
Move: Move to Q11.
Minor: Summon Nadia to K10.
Standard: Wrath of the Spirit World vs Oraxid: 1d20+812 vs will - miss! She still takes 3d6+516/2 = 8 Damage.
Status:
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @J12; Status: Prone Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @Q11; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 19; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K10; Status: Spirit Companion
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 92/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2] @J10; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash)
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @Q16; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V8; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @M1; Status: Normal
Up Next: Hag
0
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
A cackling laugh bursts forth from Oraxid, a terrible screeching, grumbling noise that seems to mix a sense of hilarity with deadly primal rage. "Give in to your rage, puny things. The call compels you to shed your pitiful existence while you still have it, can't you hear it? It sings of a beautiful time, a time that you...will not be around to see. LOOK!" She then gestures with a large clawed hand at the floating shard upon the pedestal, tendrils of power coiling around it now which quickly lash out and strike at a pair of half-buried corpses among the festering battlefield. Soon these corpses begin to rustle, rising from the dirt and standing, bullywugs of some sort, long-dead but now reanimated and with souls as black as night. "Can you claim to call upon such power?"
Her question only lingers in your minds as the form of the brutish Hag darts around faster than it has any right to. First a claw whips out and snags Rakash, wrapping around his body like a vice from his position upon the ground. He is then unceremoniously dragged and dumped into a pile of festering rot, the ground mixed with decay and death, nearly choking up from its sheer stench. But rather than being left to the Hag's mercy, Oraxid instead charges across the battlefield, backhanding Aidan with a shoulder and causing the Dwarf to sail back...at least as far as the Dwarf will himself be thrown. The Hag then roars, her primal rage burning hot and calling upon who wishes to be next.
The Arcane Fragment upon the Pedestal is now revealed to have certain powers that might be called upon during the course of the battle. Fortunately for you, it might be possible to activate them. Unfortunately for you, this requires you to be adjacent to the fragment on the pedestal (and use a minor action), unlike the Hags who may call upon it from any distance.
* The statues represent stoned Hags, currently lying dormant. They are immune to damage, but otherwise function as impassable terrain, with all of the cover benefits that come of such.
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
Status:
Rakash - HP 21/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @L8; Status: Bloodied, Prone
--- 2x Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17 @M9/Q22; Status: Normal
--- Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @S11; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K10; Status: Spirit Companion
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 92/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1] @P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash)
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @Q16; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V8; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @M1; Status: Normal
KayWhat we need...Is a little bit of PANIC.Registered Userregular
edited January 2013
"Remember," Atherton states as he walks around the Hag, always careful to keep facing her, "You did promise to leave me until last, my sweet."
He manages to hide the bulk of his disgust, and his concern for the Ranger, as he lays a wisp of a tracking spell upon the Hag, linking it to his consciousness so that he may channel his protections through it at a moment's notice. Averting his eyes from the undead things Oraxid conjures up, he moves to the floating shard, and peers at the artifact curiously. At least he doesn't have to fake that emotion.
"Pray tell, what is this?" the Swordmage asks, without really expecting an answer.
---
Actions:
Move Action: Move to N13
Minor Action: Aegis of Shielding
--> Mark Oraxid
Standard Action: Move to J16, to investigate the shard.
Status:
Rakash - HP 21/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @L8; Status: Bloodied, Prone
--- 2x Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17 @M9/Q22; Status: Normal
--- Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @S11; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K10; Status: Spirit Companion
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 92/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1] @P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash); Aegis of Shielding
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @N13; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V8; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @M1; Status: Normal
Lyedyn peeks around her boulder looking at the Hag descending on her position. Reaching into her bag, she plucks out her amphibious friend and tosses him out towards the foul witch. "Keep her distracted for me... I'm trying to concentrate". The toad bounds dutifully forward, springing at the hag and covering the creature in his corroding saliva.
Lyedyn concentrates on focusing her transformative powers, taking her dryad form without allowing her rage to overwhelm her.
Move to V9, Motac to V10
Standard: Summon Giant Toad to Q10 Giant Toad vs Reflex: 1d20+10281d8+68
Minor: Beast Form
Status:
Rakash - HP 21/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @L8; Status: Bloodied, Prone
--- 2x Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17 @M9/Q22; Status: Normal
--- Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @S11; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K10; Status: Spirit Companion
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 84/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1] @P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash); Aegis of Shielding
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @N13; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V8; Status: Beast Form Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Giant Toad - HP 28/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 @Q10; Normal Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @M1; Status: Normal
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
edited February 2013
Round 2!
Snarl emerges from behind the rock, glancing first at the Hag but then at the zombie rising above Rakash. Figuring that this Hag is likely to live long enough to give him some satisfaction of driving a dagger into her gullet, he charges from the ridge and smashes the zombie to the ground with a forceful swipe of his short sword, then taking a moment to dodge the reactive death bite of the foul creature. A bloodlust burns in his eyes, however, as the ground itself also tries to slow him down.
Meanwhile, Atherton moves up next to the rune on the pedestal and can now make out the assortment of runes crisscrossing its surface. It's evident now why there were strong traces of binding magic back at the forest keep as numerous ancient magical references to some form of containment ritual are virtually plastered across the stone's surface. The wards remain strong, but traces of power emanate periodically from the stone and it appears that the Hags have managed to devise away to tap into this magical energy. Now that you are close enough to make out the runes, it could be possible to siphon off the same power.
---
Arcane Fragment (adjacent players), choose one and then teleport 5 or more squares away from the Arcane Fragment:
* All enemies within 10 squares of the fragment make a saving throw. On a failed save they are Slowed (save ends), on a successful save they suffer -2 Speed until the end of their next turn.
* One or two creatures within 5 squares of the fragment gain THP equal to their healing surge value.
* One or two creatures within 5 squares of the fragment gain Resist 10 to the resistance of your choice until the end of your next turn. They are Slowed until the resistance wears off.
* Slide any one enemy within 10 squares of the fragment up to 3 squares and then they make a saving throw. On a failed save they are knocked Prone.
Festering Corruption - Whenever a living creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it must make a saving throw. On a save, there is no effect. On a failed saving throw, the creature takes 5 Necrotic damage and is Slowed until the end of its next turn. Whenever an undead creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and its speed until the end of its next turn.
Immediate Interrupt (when the Festering Zombie is dropped to 0 hit points) - Clamping Bite Death Chomp at Snarl, 1d20+11=16, Miss! vs AC.
End of Turn: Snarl takes 10 damage from the Bloodlust Aura. He then makes a saving throw with respect to the festering corruption, 1d20=14, Success! Nothing happens!
Map:
* The statues represent stoned Hags, currently lying dormant. They are immune to damage, but otherwise function as impassable terrain, with all of the cover benefits that come of such.
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
* Festering Corruption - Whenever a living creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it must make a saving throw. On a save, there is no effect. On a failed saving throw, the creature takes 5 Necrotic damage and is Slowed until the end of its next turn. Whenever an undead creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and its speed until the end of its next turn.
Status:
Rakash - HP 33/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 6/7] @L8; Status: Bloodied, Prone
--- 2x Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17 @M9/Q22; Status: Normal
--- Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @S11; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K10; Status: Spirit Companion
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 74/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1] @P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, Aegis of Shielding, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash)
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @J16; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V9; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @V10; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Giant Toad - HP 28/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 @Q10; Normal Snarl - HP 40/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @N9; Status: Normal
Rakash hauls himself up out of the muck, nodding his thanks to Snarl. Sensing an opportunity with the Hag temporarily distracted by Lyedyn's toad, he charges out of the blackened ground into point-blank range, spear driving at her back. She whirls in a flash, speartip catching nothing but slivers of shredded clothing. Howling in rage, he sweeps the blunt end of his spear in a low arc, once again knocking her to the ground before jabbing his speartip, lightning-quick, into her torso. Fully satisfied with the resultant spray of blood, he shifts clear of the melee, readying another charge.
Rakash - HP 33/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 6/7] @S15; Status: Normal
--- Festering Zombie - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17 @Q22; Status: Normal
--- Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @S11; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @K10; Status: Spirit Companion
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 47/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1] @P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Bloodied, Prone, Hunter's Quarry, Aegis of Shielding
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @J16; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V9; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @V10; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Giant Toad - HP 28/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 @Q10; Normal Snarl - HP 40/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @N9; Status: Normal
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
edited February 2013
The zombie, finally upright and fully formed in what appears to be a mass of decaying, long-dead flesh, moans in the manner accustomed to the half-dead and then proceeds to slam into the nearby frog.
Standard Action: Slam (Melee 1) at Giant Toad, 1d20+11=28, Hit! vs AC. Giant Toad takes 8 damage.
tzeentchlingDoctor of RocksOaklandRegistered Userregular
edited February 2013
As Nadia drifts over to one of the other pillars, ghostly spear raised en guarde, Aidan calls upon the bloodlust present in his companions. With twin shrieks, both Lyedyn and Rakash charge at the fallen Hag. While on the ground, Oraxid cannot move fast enough out of the way of the twin blows. Her feeble attempt to dodge Rakash's spear strike to her heart only puts her neck in range of Lyedyn's claws. The sound of her neck breaking is a sharp crack, like the snap of a fire.
Move: Nadia to F15.
Standard: Vengeful Blood Spirits, targeting Lyedyn and Rakash. Both gain +2 attack and damage for charges for the rest of the encounter, and may immediately charge an enemy as a free action, doing an extra D10 damage.
Both charge Oraxid.
Lyedyn ends up in Q10, Rakash ends up in P12. Both have CA on the attack since the Hag is Prone.
Rakash charges Oraxid using Marauder's Rush: 1d20+2+2+1335 vs AC - hit! 1d6+3+2+1d10+1d6+628 damage. Actually, that's missing an extra d10 of damage from the power even, but it doesn't matter.
Oraxid takes a total of 49 damage. She's dead, Jim.
Pause to see what happens with the other columns/hags. Still have a minor left.
Status:
Rakash - HP 33/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 6/7] @S15; Status: Normal
--- Festering Zombie - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17 @Q22; Status: Normal
--- Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @S11; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @F15; Status: Spirit Companion
--- Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP -2/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1] @P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Bloodied, Prone, Hunter's Quarry, Aegis of Shielding
--- Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @J16; Status: Normal Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @V9; Status: Normal Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @V10; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Giant Toad - HP 20/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 @Q10; Normal Snarl - HP 40/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @N9; Status: Normal
Up Next: Atherton
tzeentchling on
0
AegisFear My DanceOvershot Toronto, Landed in OttawaRegistered Userregular
edited February 2013
Oraxid grunts, her scowls and protests becoming ever more bestial as you inflict more and more pain upon her twisted form. The last few thrusts, however, seem to take the fight out of her, her actions slowing very noticeably, and a flicker of fear passes across her eyes, however briefly. When the last of you close upon her, she raises her arms up in front in a protective gesture and screams, a bloodcurdling sound cut short by the snap of the creature's neck. At the moment of the snap, though, a percussive explosion of force ripples out from the hag's dead body sending most of the party flying backwards into the muck. When the dust clears, where once was a dead hag now simply rests a stone statue, the last image of the Hag raising her arms about her and her neck now twisted in place forever molded into cold hard stone.
You regain a few moments to catch your breath and take in your victory over at least one of the hags. This relief is only temporary, as you fear, when a voice from behind you cackles, "There were three of us, dearies. Oraxid was a brute, a useful tool of a sister to protect our secrets and studies. You will find Gillistrex much less capable of being run over like a dog. This hag, no longer stone, stands far more lean and sinister looking than the almost barbarian nature of the previous Hag. Her hands remain extended claws, but now they grasp a pair of twig wands being raised towards your group. And as Atherton is about to experience, where the Hag walks, a thick cloud of biting insects appears to follow and chew at everything too far off the ground.
Oraxid is then removed from play, replaced by a statue in P11 acting as blocking terrain much like the other statues. Each party member regains the use of one encounter or daily power of their choice and can spend a healing surge. After this resolves, Gillistrex arrives in L21 out of the statue there.
And as Atherton is about to find out when he starts his turn, the Aura 5 is: Cloud of Biting Insects (Aura 5) - Any enemy that starts its turn in the zone must choose to either take 10 damage or fall prone.
Map:
[img][/img]
* The statues represent stoned Hags, currently lying dormant. They are immune to damage, but otherwise function as impassable terrain, with all of the cover benefits that come of such.
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
* Festering Corruption - Whenever a living creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it must make a saving throw. On a save, there is no effect. On a failed saving throw, the creature takes 5 Necrotic damage and is Slowed until the end of its next turn. Whenever an undead creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and its speed until the end of its next turn.
Status:
Rakash - HP 20/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 6/7] @P15; Status: Bloodied, +2 Attack & Damage on Charges
--- Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17 @Q12; Status: Normal
--- Aidan - HP 29/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10] @S11; Status: Normal Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21 @N15; Status: Spirit Companion Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force] @J16; Status: Normal
--- Hag Coven (Gillistrex) - HP 131/131; AC 21; F 19, R 20, W 19 [AP: 2] @L21; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Cloud of Biting Insects)[/color]
--- Lyedyn - HP 42/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7] @S8; Status: +2 Attack & Damage on Charges, Beast Form Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21 @V10; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies) Giant Toad - HP 14/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 @T11; Status: Bloodied Snarl - HP 34/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic4 Poison] @K6; Status: Normal
tzeentchlingDoctor of RocksOaklandRegistered Userregular
Aidan stumbles back, but draws upon his inner reserves to shake off the effects of the hag's death blast. Meanwhile, Nadia, cursing in Dwarvish about picking the wrong statue, disappears and reappears in front of the newly woken Hag.
Move only one square back. Spend a surge to regain 13 HP. 9/10 surges left. Regain Vengeful Blood Spirits, I guess.
With my remaining minor action, I choose to Dismiss Nadia. Free action (from Sudden Call) resummon Nadia in L20.
Posts
Intimidate: 1d20+10 25. Success!
Move Action: Move to I11.
Standard Action: Riposte Strike vs Willow Dryad Lich: 1d20+12+2+1 30 1d6+7+2d8+4+1 23 damage!
Status:
---
Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@K9; Status: Beast Form
Motac - HP 9/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@E7; Status: Bloodied, Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 51/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5] [AP: 1/2]
@I9; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Aegis of Shielding
---
Atherton - HP 32/62 +10 THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@I11; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 42/50 +4 THP; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@N16; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save Ends Both)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion, Immobilizes Adj. Enemies at SOT (EONT Aidan)
Up Next: Rakash > Aidan
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
Skill Challenge: 4/?? Successes, 1/3 Failures
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
Free: Stow Exsiccating Longspear
Minor: Hunter's Mark on Willow Lich Dryad
Standard: Clever Shot vs Willow Dryad AC (22) (1d20+11=28) Hit! The Dryad takes 21 damage and falls prone.
EoT: 1d20=7 Still stuck over here!
Status:
---
Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@K9; Status: Beast Form
Motac - HP 9/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@E7; Status: Bloodied, Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 30/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5] [AP: 1/2]
@I9; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Aegis of Shielding, Prone
---
Atherton - HP 32/62 +10 THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@I11; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 42/50 +4 THP; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@N16; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save Ends Both)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion, Immobilizes Adj. Enemies at SOT (EONT Aidan)
Up Next: Aidan
Inquisitor77: Rius, you are Sisyphus and melee Wizard is your boulder
Tube: This must be what it felt like to be an Iraqi when Saddam was killed
Bookish Stickers - Mrs. Rius' Etsy shop with bumper stickers and vinyl decals.
Nadia meanwhile imparts a burst of energy to Snarl, who sees another opening. "Don't kill her!" Nadia implores the half-orc, and for whatever reason Snarl decides to agree, slamming the butt of his dagger into the creature's temple, almost knocking her out.
1d20+12 18 ehhhh
Minor: Sudden Restoration on Rakash: Rakash Save vs Necrotic/Restrained:
1d20 18 - he's free!
Standard: Snarl MBA vs Dryad:
1d20+12+2+1 26 vs AC - hit!
1d6+7+1+2d8+4 26 non-lethal damage. Dryad at 4 HP.
---
Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@K9; Status: Beast Form
Motac - HP 9/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@E7; Status: Bloodied, Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 4/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5] [AP: 1/2]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Aegis of Shielding, Prone
---
Atherton - HP 32/62 +10 THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J11; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 42/50 +4 THP; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@I11; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@N16; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion
Up Next: Lyedyn
Aidan's cry is well-timed as the half-orc grunts and shifts his attack to a less lethal one. The enraged dryad stumbles as Snarl's dagger sends her reeling, nearly falling to the ground. She claws at the air uselessly as the thorned claws upon her hands retract before your eyes. Any bloodlust that was there seems to have burned itself out when you presented a front of unexpected compassion and worry instead of continuing the fight. Wails of anguish turn to weeping and quiet sobbing as the realization of what has occurred here begins to sink in, while any fight left in this creature has long since faded away.
She looks up at your group, wounded and bleeding but still trudging along through this inhospitable swamp, and begins to speak in an almost cathartic manner, "The Kindly Ones: their whispers, promises, assurances passed to us from crooked mouths and sneering faces. Trees whisper that they came from the deep south where the swamp continues forever on into lands long since reclaimed by the wilds. We saw the corruption spreading, felt its pull on our souls, our friends, but no matter what we did it did not stop. They offered us a way to protect our tree..." The dryad continues, trailing off into weeping as she recalls that her tree is now dead, never to return. As if to punctuate this fact, a branch creaks and sinks into the muck, its broken body no longer able to support its weight as the corrupted flora's remaining stomach acid lingers to eat away at whatever living material is left.
"It was our twin for so long and we could not see a way to stop its roots from soaking up the swamp's foul new stench. But...they offered us a way! Watch out for trespassers, kill those that try and approach their new home, warn them of whispers of dissent or challenge. So we stop, ever present against their enemies. But it wasn't enough was it? My tree became hungry...always hungry." She descends into sobs, clutching and pulling at weeds which have long since withered, disintegrating in her hands as she removes them from the defiled soil.
As for you, you stand now upon this small refuge within the larger corrupted swamp bloodied and weary. The silence that had permeated your entry into this infernal land returns now that the trashing of the tree and wailing of the dryad is gone, the only sounds coming from your own feet and the dryad's anguish. From the look of what the tree's current diet was, it would seem the bullywugs have learned to give this place a wide berth, which could provide your group some solace for at least a short time.
Surges and the like should be spent, though the larger consideration will be whether to take an extended rest or not.
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
Aidan leans heavily on his spear, breathing hard. He appears exhausted, but determined.
The Swordmage then looks around what once must have been a living grove, before turning back towards his allies. Rakash, Aidan and Nadia, and Lyedyn are all addressed: "Is there anything we can do to help her? Any method to cleanse, or at least stop the corruption that plagues her here? Or must we destroy the Hags before any healing can be had?"
I'll also roll Nature, because I like rolling dice. And maybe Atherton could figure out at least some partial solution to the immediate problem here.
But I rolled poorly: Nature: 1d20+10 12
3DS FCode: 1993-7512-8991
Lyedyn looks about, searching for some sign of life to give the Dryad hope, but knowing full well that she would likely just be leaving the poor creature to clear away the remains of her corrupted companion.
Nature: 1d20+14 18
Play with me on Steam
"I doubt there is much we can do beyond what we already have, apart from killing the "Kindly" ones," he says with a muttered curse. "A task to which I will gladly set my hand. But for now, I need to rest."
Rakash will spend a surge for the hell of it, and an extended rest sounds like splendid idea.
Inquisitor77: Rius, you are Sisyphus and melee Wizard is your boulder
Tube: This must be what it felt like to be an Iraqi when Saddam was killed
Bookish Stickers - Mrs. Rius' Etsy shop with bumper stickers and vinyl decals.
Lyedyn:
Typically dryads are able to adapt to a new host tree if their originally is destroyed, over time and with not guaranteed success. Whether it is possible for such a corrupted and maddened dryad to do the same is impossible to tell. They can last for several days without a new host, though, so there may still be time for something to change.
The creature still sobs, caught up solely in grief, as you approach, though she startles briefly when Lyedyn grasps her hands. That brief moment of hope quickly vanishes as she settles in the dirt, oblivious it seems to the world now around her. Notwithstanding the area's current state, it seems paradoxically well-suited to be used as shelter for the time being. Occasionally you even spy shapes passing by through wisps of fog in the distance, but each all seem to deliberately keep their distance from this area, likely learned over time.
The Witchlight Fens are eerily quiet as you sleep, punctuated only by the moaning and shrieks of undead caught up in their mindless struggles. There are no frogs, no wildlife, no insects to punctuate the night air and even the fact that it is night is kept from your as nothing seems to be able to pass through the lingering fog. Occasionally the tree stump gurgles as the acid within it churns about, slowly eating its own pocket into the swamp below it and hastening the decomposition of the dead treant. Smells of course are the strongest things keeping you awake tonight. Between the dead and rotting treant, the bog itself, and the rampant corruption, there are a host of stomach-churning scents that serve as much a distraction to sleep as any loud noise.
But you gain some measure of recovery by resting here among the dead trees and rotting nature, aside from Lyedyn & Rakash who tend to their own bouts of disease, one with a trusted ally, the other within his own body. They recover as much as they can and soon you are set to continue into the depths of the Fens, your magical map and the vision previously given to you guiding your steps further along the path to finding these supposed Hags. The sobs and whimpering of the dryad continues even as you leave, her form hardly having moved much during the night, still crouched near her tree, stroking it occasionally without much regard to the world around her.
Oddly enough the terrain around you changes slightly as you near the end of your trek. The swamp remains, but its moisture disappears for the most part, instead taken over by a kind of peat or solid foundation that might support grass and plants were it not barren and twisted. And in fact you could even go further and suggest that a forest might even arise were it healed, as you spy in the distance the forms of twisted branches and gnarled roots, too small to be anything of significance yet in such number as to suggest plentiful life some time in the past. As you near it becomes clear that this assortment of growth is a kind of thicket forest with curling and twisting branches almost like a thorn bush tangling together to form some larger mass that reaches above your own heads. While it bars your progress slightly, requiring a concerted effort to hack through in order to progress, its strength indicates that it is deliberately crafted or suited to this festering Fens, a convenient set of concealing foliage that you imagine the Hags appreciate as well.
Finally you slog your way through the last of the thicket and break through into a clearing, the ground around you dipping slightly into what looks like a bowl, perhaps a pool of swamp at some point were it not thoroughly stripped of moisture. The ground wriggles and writhes in places, moving to some unknown and likely tainted form of natural power coursing through the area. But this is not what captures your party's attention: propped up among a makeshift stone pedestal is a glowing stone slab, pulsing now and again with clear magical power. Boulders are arranged strategically around it in a circle as if to capture whatever energies are being given off, and occasionally tendrils of colours light escape into the night sky hanging clear above you, a break in the fog that has surrounded your journey through these Fens for so long.
"We have visitors, Gillistrex, visitors indeed," the first of the grotesque creatures says, its attention having previously been on the magical stone within the clearing now fully turned to glare at you with a hideously deformed face. "Quite, quite, Oraxid darling. Drawn to the stone, to the bog, or to their own demise?" The second ponders, it too turning to gaze at your group, slightly less brutish yet far more sinister in gaze, an intelligence behind its eyes that chills you just looking at it. The last of the Hags then rises from its perch among the corrupted ground, slowly and methodically turning around to size up the apparent intruders to their glade. Its form is deformed like the other pair, but in contrast to the first large brutish creature and the smaller-of-stature second, this one is lithe, with long limbs ending in claws, and an age to it which betrays a lengthy and bitter life. "They come for our treasure, our jewel within the North. It calls to be freed. Perhaps they hear it as well, singing to us in the night from beyond the ether, its promises and prizes waiting to be unlocked. Do they come to free it? Sadly, sisters I think not. Oraxid, my dear, show them how their quest is for naught." With a gesture from all but the largest of Hags, two of their forms then slow down and seem to harden. Their bodies become rigid and set in place as if turning to stone. But the first of the Hags to speak shows no sign of slowing down; instead, it roars with a terrifying bellow at the night sky, turning your blood almost into water at the prospect of facing such a beast.
---
Map:
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
Status:
@; Status: Aura 2, Aura 5
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@; Status: Normal
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@; Status: Normal
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@; Status: Normal
Initiatives & Checks!
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
The Swordmage clicks the fingers of his free hand, conjuring up his defensive spells. He almost manages to sound sincere, as his blade rises, mirroring the glow of his protective aegis in the polished metal.
Initiative: 1d20+3 20
Arcana - Monster Knowledge: 1d20+11 17
--> No point using Use Vulnerability on THAT roll.
3DS FCode: 1993-7512-8991
The Hag, and the shortest path to take to bury his spear in her heart.
Initiative! (1d20+9=11) That simply will not do. Let's use the Time Link daily power.
Initiative (redux) (1d20+9=29) Hoo, boy. Vengeance is at hand?
Perception (1d20+12=30) Spare a healthy glance at the two Hag statues. And pray I roll this decently in actual combat, haha.
I'll start at Q12.
Inquisitor77: Rius, you are Sisyphus and melee Wizard is your boulder
Tube: This must be what it felt like to be an Iraqi when Saddam was killed
Bookish Stickers - Mrs. Rius' Etsy shop with bumper stickers and vinyl decals.
Initiative: 1d20+7 12
I'll start in V8, with Motac in U9.
Play with me on Steam
Rakash:
But it's the living Hag that gives you pause. This beast is very strong and well built for a Hag and more disconcerting is that it appears to be scored by numerous scars, tattoos, and other markings that outline some form of arcane lettering or patterns. A mage might be required for this, but it's obvious that this goes beyond simple ritual markings.
Aidan:
The hag cackles as Atherton offers a minor joke, a sound that comes across as a mixture of a primal roar that a bear might make and a satisfying laugh from a very evil individual. Large, muscular arms scrape the ground as the creature moves in place, claws resting at the end that seem to be very dedicated at tearing flesh apart. "We will keep you for last," it growls, pointing one of these very claws at the swordmage, "For you amuse us."
Occasional bursts of magical energy escape from the stone upon the pedestal, its purpose still not entirely sure but to which it seems to continue unabated.
---
Map:
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
Status:
@Q12; Status: Normal
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@V16; Status: Normal
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 131/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2]
@J10; Status: Aura 2, Aura 5
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@Q16; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V8; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@M1; Status: Normal
Up Next: Rakash > Aidan
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
Black flames flicker up the spear's haft, transferring to the Hag's arm as Rakash sounds a cry of triumph. The Hag shrinks before him, hesitant to strike back against such a determined foe.
Move: To L16, passing through her Aura 5 at O15.
Minor: Hunter's Quarry on Hag Oraxid.
Standard: Charge (Marauder's Rush) to J12 vs Hag Oraxid AC (19) (1d20+14=25) hit! Oraxid takes 26 damage.
No Action: Iron Wolf Charge vs Hag Oraxid Will (18) (1d20+7=24) Hit! Oraxid takes 5 damage, is not pushed, and suffers a -2 penalty to attack rolls until the end of my next turn.
Status:
@Q12; Status: Normal
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@V16; Status: Normal
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 100/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2]
@J10; Status: Aura 2, Aura 5, Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EO Rakash NT)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@Q16; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V8; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@M1; Status: Normal
Up Next: Aidan
Inquisitor77: Rius, you are Sisyphus and melee Wizard is your boulder
Tube: This must be what it felt like to be an Iraqi when Saddam was killed
Bookish Stickers - Mrs. Rius' Etsy shop with bumper stickers and vinyl decals.
Opportunity Action (when a non-adjacent enemy hits Oraxid with an attack) - Retributive Shielding (Close Burst 10, Force): 1d20+10 29, Hit! vs Reflex. Rakash takes 5 Force damage and is knocked Prone in J12.
Aura 2 (Arcane Mist) - Creatures cannot teleport while within the aura.
Aura 5 (Aura of Bloodlust) - A nonbloodied enemy that ends its turn within the aura takes 10 damage if it didn't hit Oraxid that turn.
Status:
@J12; Status: Prone
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@V16; Status: Normal
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 100/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2]
@J10; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@Q16; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V8; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@M1; Status: Normal
Up Next: Aidan
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
Minor: Summon Nadia to K10.
Standard: Wrath of the Spirit World vs Oraxid:
1d20+8 12 vs will - miss! She still takes 3d6+5 16/2 = 8 Damage.
Status:
@J12; Status: Prone
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@Q11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 19; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K10; Status: Spirit Companion
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 92/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 2]
@J10; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@Q16; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V8; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@M1; Status: Normal
Up Next: Hag
Her question only lingers in your minds as the form of the brutish Hag darts around faster than it has any right to. First a claw whips out and snags Rakash, wrapping around his body like a vice from his position upon the ground. He is then unceremoniously dragged and dumped into a pile of festering rot, the ground mixed with decay and death, nearly choking up from its sheer stench. But rather than being left to the Hag's mercy, Oraxid instead charges across the battlefield, backhanding Aidan with a shoulder and causing the Dwarf to sail back...at least as far as the Dwarf will himself be thrown. The Hag then roars, her primal rage burning hot and calling upon who wishes to be next.
The Arcane Fragment upon the Pedestal is now revealed to have certain powers that might be called upon during the course of the battle. Fortunately for you, it might be possible to activate them. Unfortunately for you, this requires you to be adjacent to the fragment on the pedestal (and use a minor action), unlike the Hags who may call upon it from any distance.
---
Actions:
Move Action - Haul Away: Oraxid moves half her speed and pulls her grabbed target with her. Oraxid moves to M8 and pulls Rakash to L9.
Minor Action - Arcane Fragment: 2 Festering Zombies appear, in M9 & Q22.
Action Point: Charge (P11) using Slam (Melee 2) at Aidan, 1d20+12+1-2=17, Hit! vs AC. Aidan takes 2d8+6=19 damage and is pushed to S11.
Map:
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
Status:
@L8; Status: Bloodied, Prone
---
2x Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17
@M9/Q22; Status: Normal
---
Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@S11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K10; Status: Spirit Companion
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 92/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1]
@P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@Q16; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V8; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@M1; Status: Normal
Up Next: Atherton > Lyedyn > Snarl > Rakash
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
He manages to hide the bulk of his disgust, and his concern for the Ranger, as he lays a wisp of a tracking spell upon the Hag, linking it to his consciousness so that he may channel his protections through it at a moment's notice. Averting his eyes from the undead things Oraxid conjures up, he moves to the floating shard, and peers at the artifact curiously. At least he doesn't have to fake that emotion.
"Pray tell, what is this?" the Swordmage asks, without really expecting an answer.
---
Actions:
Minor Action: Aegis of Shielding
--> Mark Oraxid
Standard Action: Move to J16, to investigate the shard.
Status:
@L8; Status: Bloodied, Prone
---
2x Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17
@M9/Q22; Status: Normal
---
Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@S11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K10; Status: Spirit Companion
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 92/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1]
@P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash); Aegis of Shielding
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@N13; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V8; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@M1; Status: Normal
Up Next: Lyedyn > Snarl > Rakash
3DS FCode: 1993-7512-8991
Lyedyn concentrates on focusing her transformative powers, taking her dryad form without allowing her rage to overwhelm her.
Move to V9, Motac to V10
Standard: Summon Giant Toad to Q10
Giant Toad vs Reflex: 1d20+10 28 1d8+6 8
Minor: Beast Form
Status:
@L8; Status: Bloodied, Prone
---
2x Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17
@M9/Q22; Status: Normal
---
Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@S11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K10; Status: Spirit Companion
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 84/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1]
@P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash); Aegis of Shielding
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@N13; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V8; Status: Beast Form
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@U9; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Giant Toad - HP 28/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21
@Q10; Normal
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@M1; Status: Normal
Up Next: Snarl > Rakash
Play with me on Steam
Snarl emerges from behind the rock, glancing first at the Hag but then at the zombie rising above Rakash. Figuring that this Hag is likely to live long enough to give him some satisfaction of driving a dagger into her gullet, he charges from the ridge and smashes the zombie to the ground with a forceful swipe of his short sword, then taking a moment to dodge the reactive death bite of the foul creature. A bloodlust burns in his eyes, however, as the ground itself also tries to slow him down.
Meanwhile, Atherton moves up next to the rune on the pedestal and can now make out the assortment of runes crisscrossing its surface. It's evident now why there were strong traces of binding magic back at the forest keep as numerous ancient magical references to some form of containment ritual are virtually plastered across the stone's surface. The wards remain strong, but traces of power emanate periodically from the stone and it appears that the Hags have managed to devise away to tap into this magical energy. Now that you are close enough to make out the runes, it could be possible to siphon off the same power.
---
Arcane Fragment (adjacent players), choose one and then teleport 5 or more squares away from the Arcane Fragment:
* All enemies within 10 squares of the fragment make a saving throw. On a failed save they are Slowed (save ends), on a successful save they suffer -2 Speed until the end of their next turn.
* One or two creatures within 5 squares of the fragment gain THP equal to their healing surge value.
* One or two creatures within 5 squares of the fragment gain Resist 10 to the resistance of your choice until the end of your next turn. They are Slowed until the resistance wears off.
* Slide any one enemy within 10 squares of the fragment up to 3 squares and then they make a saving throw. On a failed save they are knocked Prone.
Festering Corruption - Whenever a living creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it must make a saving throw. On a save, there is no effect. On a failed saving throw, the creature takes 5 Necrotic damage and is Slowed until the end of its next turn. Whenever an undead creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and its speed until the end of its next turn.
Actions:
Move Action: Move to Q6.
Standard Action: Charge (N9) at Festering Zombie, 1d20+12+2+1=26, Hit! vs AC.
Immediate Interrupt (when the Festering Zombie is dropped to 0 hit points) - Clamping Bite Death Chomp at Snarl, 1d20+11=16, Miss! vs AC.
End of Turn: Snarl takes 10 damage from the Bloodlust Aura. He then makes a saving throw with respect to the festering corruption, 1d20=14, Success! Nothing happens!
Map:
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
* Festering Corruption - Whenever a living creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it must make a saving throw. On a save, there is no effect. On a failed saving throw, the creature takes 5 Necrotic damage and is Slowed until the end of its next turn. Whenever an undead creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and its speed until the end of its next turn.
Status:
@L8; Status: Bloodied, Prone
---
2x Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17
@M9/Q22; Status: Normal
---
Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@S11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K10; Status: Spirit Companion
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 74/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1]
@P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Hunter's Quarry, Aegis of Shielding, -2 Attack Rolls (EONT Rakash)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@J16; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V9; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@V10; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Giant Toad - HP 28/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21
@Q10; Normal
Snarl - HP 40/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@N9; Status: Normal
Up Next: Rakash
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
Move: Stand up
Standard: Charge (Marauder's Rush) to O11 vs Hag AC (19) (1d20+14=15) Oof, critical miss. There's the sad, shameful failure I was expecting
Action Point!
Standard: Wolf's Rend; Wolf's Rend vs Hag Ref (17) (1d20+12=20) Hit! The Hag takes 4 damage and falls prone. Wolf's Rend vs Hag AC (19) (1d20+12+2=33) Hit! The Hag takes 23 damage and is Bloodied; I shift to S15.
Status:
@S15; Status: Normal
---
Festering Zombie - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17
@Q22; Status: Normal
---
Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@S11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K10; Status: Spirit Companion
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP 47/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1]
@P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Bloodied, Prone, Hunter's Quarry, Aegis of Shielding
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@J16; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V9; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@V10; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Giant Toad - HP 28/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21
@Q10; Normal
Snarl - HP 40/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@N9; Status: Normal
Up Next: Zombie
Inquisitor77: Rius, you are Sisyphus and melee Wizard is your boulder
Tube: This must be what it felt like to be an Iraqi when Saddam was killed
Bookish Stickers - Mrs. Rius' Etsy shop with bumper stickers and vinyl decals.
Standard Action: Slam (Melee 1) at Giant Toad, 1d20+11=28, Hit! vs AC. Giant Toad takes 8 damage.
Up Next: Aidan
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
Standard: Vengeful Blood Spirits, targeting Lyedyn and Rakash. Both gain +2 attack and damage for charges for the rest of the encounter, and may immediately charge an enemy as a free action, doing an extra D10 damage.
Both charge Oraxid.
Lyedyn ends up in Q10, Rakash ends up in P12. Both have CA on the attack since the Hag is Prone.
Lyedyn charges Oraxid:
1d20+2+1+9+1+2 17 vs AC - miss!
Using Elven Accuracy to reroll this.
Elven Accuracy reroll: 1d20+2+1+9+1+2 26 vs AC - hit!
1d8+3+2d10+2 21 damage.
Rakash charges Oraxid using Marauder's Rush:
1d20+2+2+13 35 vs AC - hit!
1d6+3+2+1d10+1d6+6 28 damage. Actually, that's missing an extra d10 of damage from the power even, but it doesn't matter.
Oraxid takes a total of 49 damage. She's dead, Jim.
Pause to see what happens with the other columns/hags. Still have a minor left.
Status:
@S15; Status: Normal
---
Festering Zombie - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17
@Q22; Status: Normal
---
Aidan - HP 35/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@S11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@F15; Status: Spirit Companion
---
Hag Coven (Oraxid) - HP -2/131; AC 19; F 21, R 17, W 18 [AP: 1]
@P11; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Bloodlust), Bloodied, Prone, Hunter's Quarry, Aegis of Shielding
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@J16; Status: Normal
Lyedyn - HP 48/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@V9; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@V10; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Giant Toad - HP 20/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21
@Q10; Normal
Snarl - HP 40/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@N9; Status: Normal
Up Next: Atherton
You regain a few moments to catch your breath and take in your victory over at least one of the hags. This relief is only temporary, as you fear, when a voice from behind you cackles, "There were three of us, dearies. Oraxid was a brute, a useful tool of a sister to protect our secrets and studies. You will find Gillistrex much less capable of being run over like a dog. This hag, no longer stone, stands far more lean and sinister looking than the almost barbarian nature of the previous Hag. Her hands remain extended claws, but now they grasp a pair of twig wands being raised towards your group. And as Atherton is about to experience, where the Hag walks, a thick cloud of biting insects appears to follow and chew at everything too far off the ground.
---
No Action (on dropping to 0 hit points) - Fall Into Slumber (Close Burst 3, Enemies),
* Snarl, 1d20+10-2=11, Miss! vs Reflex. Pushed to K6.
* Rakash, 1d20+10-2=19, Hit! vs Reflex. Pushed to P15.
* Lyedyn, 1d20+10-2=18, Miss! vs Reflex. Pushed to S8.
* Giant Toad, 1d20+10-2=12, Miss! vs Reflex. Pushed to T11.
* Aidan, 1d20+10-2=15, Miss! vs Reflex. Pushed to V11 or U11.
-Rakash takes 2d6+6=13 damage, while Snarl, Lyedyn, the Giant Toad, & Aidan all take 6 damage, with everyone in the burst being pushed as above.
Oraxid is then removed from play, replaced by a statue in P11 acting as blocking terrain much like the other statues. Each party member regains the use of one encounter or daily power of their choice and can spend a healing surge. After this resolves, Gillistrex arrives in L21 out of the statue there.
And as Atherton is about to find out when he starts his turn, the Aura 5 is: Cloud of Biting Insects (Aura 5) - Any enemy that starts its turn in the zone must choose to either take 10 damage or fall prone.
Map:
* The clearing itself dips down into a bowl of sorts. Moving from outside to inside, and vice-versa, clearly denoted by the rough circle requires an extra square of movement.
* The various boulders around the edge provide cover. They are not difficult terrain, but objects.
* Festering Corruption - Whenever a living creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it must make a saving throw. On a save, there is no effect. On a failed saving throw, the creature takes 5 Necrotic damage and is Slowed until the end of its next turn. Whenever an undead creature ends its turn in an area of festering corruption, it gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and its speed until the end of its next turn.
Status:
@P15; Status: Bloodied, +2 Attack & Damage on Charges
---
Festering Zombies - HP 1/1; AC 18; F 19, R 18, W 17
@Q12; Status: Normal
---
Aidan - HP 29/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 10/10]
@S11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@N15; Status: Spirit Companion
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 11/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@J16; Status: Normal
---
Hag Coven (Gillistrex) - HP 131/131; AC 21; F 19, R 20, W 19 [AP: 2]
@L21; Status: Aura 2 (Arcane Mist), Aura 5 (Cloud of Biting Insects)[/color]
---
Lyedyn - HP 42/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7]
@S8; Status: +2 Attack & Damage on Charges, Beast Form
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@V10; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies)
Giant Toad - HP 14/28; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21
@T11; Status: Bloodied
Snarl - HP 34/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 7/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K6; Status: Normal
Up Next: Party Decisions > Atherton
Currently DMing: None
Characters
[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
With my remaining minor action, I choose to Dismiss Nadia. Free action (from Sudden Call) resummon Nadia in L20.