[DnD 4e PbP] Vale of Buried Shadows, Chapter 2: Signs & Portents (IC)

Aegis

Atherton:

The Hangman Tree is a tree of much debate among scholars. One side suggests that these trees are dark reflections of treants, manifesting in a number of ways, either through a rip into the Shadowfell, a more mundane corruption that twists them from the inside, or even from a Treant that has fallen into some dark times sufficient enough to cause it to become malevolent and hungry. The other side, meanwhile, suggests that hangman trees first arose following the lynching of a notorious assassin who favoured the garrote. When his blood mixed with the soil beneath the oak where his enemies executed him, it corrupted the acorns lying there and thus birthed the first hangmen trees.

Although dimwitted, hangman trees are cunning predators. They are capable of using both illusion and scent to attract prey, luring them close enough for their vines to strangle their victims and draw them up into an orifice near the top of their trunks that is filled with acidic sap.

In terms of specific capabilities, the Hangman Tree has first and foremost its vines which can extend outwards of 15 feet, entagling upon contact and slowly crushing its victim. The tree is capable of sending multiple vines out if pressed, even.

Its other main form of assault is that once grabbed, the tree can drop unwilling victims into its gullet that rests within its trunk. This spells almost certain doom as the cavity is filled with acid that quickly eats away at anything dropped in there, while anything living faces a hard time attempting to escape given the downward-pointing growths surrounding the top opening.

But what is perhaps most illuminating about the tree is that it is capable of trickery and illusion to entice prey toward it. The Hangman is capable of disgusing its form as any other Tree or Treant that is nearly impossible to pierce. And in a more mundane form of trickery, the Hangman Tree continuously expels an alluring scent tailored to the likes of the prey in question. This inexorably draws in unsuspecting prey, making them easy targets for its vines.

Success vs Hard DC. The Hangman Willow has only Vulnerable 5 Fire.

Rius

"So. Destroy the tree first and the Dryad might be freed of her affliction? If we're lucky, that'll be the case. If we're very lucky she'll be able to aid us in cleansing the swamp."

Rakash brings his flame-blackened spear to bear, grimly advancing with the Willow firmly fixed in his sight.

"If we're not, then Melora will provide."

Initiative! (1d20+8=12) Hmm, that's a lousy roll; I'll use my Time Link armor.
Initiative! (1d20+8=11) Well, at least that's not a 3 wasted on an attack, hehe.
I'll start at R12.

Aegis

Round 1!

The trees shambles in place, its roots churning across the ground while nooses bob and weave in its canopy just waiting for fresh meat. The Dryad, meanwhile, continues to scream and chase after the bullywugs which do not exist, too crazed and single-minded in her current state to realize that you are attacking.

---

Map:

* Swamp squares (edges of the map) are difficult terrain for creatures without a swim speed.
* Squares which are predominately black are areas of Festering Corruption. A living creature that ends its turn in Festering Corruption must make a saving throw. On a fail, they take 5 necrotic damage and are slowed until the end of its next turn unless it takes no necrotic damage.
* Tree squares grant Cover to non-adjacent enemies and all contain a trunk at the centre of their 3x3 square which functions as blocking terrain.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 47/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/7]
@O5; Status: Normal
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 165/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22
@C9; Status: Aura 3
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 184/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@G11-I13; Status: Normal
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@R20; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@P16; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7]
@R12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@S17; Status: Normal

Up Next: Lyedyn

soxbox

Lyedyn darts forward, Motac appearing at her heels and following her in. They skirt around the tree as much as possible as Lyedyn continues her chanting. As she moves, the dead grass and dirt across the ground swirls up around her rising into a swirling cloud until she comes to a stop and crouches down. the debris in the air stops dead before accelerating impossibly fast over her head and thundering into the Dryad's back and across the trunk of the tree.

Move to H6, Motac to I6.
Standard: Thorn Spray vs Fortitude @ C7/D12: 2#1d20+10 26 24 1d6+6 10 - Double hit.
Minor: Beast Form, shift back to I5

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 47/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@H6; Status: Beast Form
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@J5; Status: +1 defence to adjacent allies.
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 155/165; AC 17; F 15, R 14, W 17
@C9; Status: Aura 3, -5 to all defences (EONT lyedyn)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 174/184; AC 19; F 16, R 13, W 14 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@G11-I13; Status: -5 to all defences (EONT lyedyn)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@R20; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 50/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@P16; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7]
@R12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@S17; Status: Normal

Up Next: Baddies

Aegis

The dryad screeches as a storm of brambles and dead needles crash into her back, startling out of her daze. "YOU!" she screams in your direction, "You tricked me just like all the others. You're here to despoil our grove and kill me! Kill them, Kill them all tree!" In a rage her arms dig into the ground, vines spreading just beneath the surface and aimed at Lyedyn like a torpedo in water. They strike the legs of the elf and drag her forcefully around the side of one of the dead trees encircling the clearing. The vines hold fast, preventing movement and action while having a smell of deadwood and rotting vegetation.

Meanwhile the tree does not move as quickly as you'd figure it might. It takes its time lumbering five feet forward and then stops, content to stand quite far from the party. Snarl quickly demonstrates why this is: his nose perks up and he is soon overtaken by the most alluring smell of fresh baking and food. His feet step out from the shade of his tree and you all witness as he walks forward all the way up to the tree's trunk. Snarl stops and a pair of noose vines whip down from the tree, each fastening around a separate arm, binding him fast and beginning to lift him off the ground.

---

Actions:

Lydyen's Festering Corruption Saving Throw: 1d20 13

Willow Dryad Lich
Bluffed: The Willow Dryad Lich gets only 1 action during this round.

Standard Action: Necrocreeper Vines (Ranged 10) at Lyedyn, 1d20+11=28, Hit! vs Reflex. Lyedyn takes 2d6+3=14 damage, is slid to G2, and takes Ongoing 5 Necrotic & is Restrained (save or Escape DC 14 ends both).

Corrupted Hangman Willow
Move Action: Move to I11-K13.
Minor Action - Alluring Scent (Charm, Close Burst 5),
* Motac, 1d20+11=14, Miss! vs Will.
* Snarl, 1d20+11-2=21, Hit! vs Will.
-Snarl is pulled to L12.
Standard Action - Lashing Vines (Melee 3, make 2 Noose Vine attacks):
* Attack #1, 1d20+11=27, Hit! vs Reflex. Snarl takes 2d6+3=12 damage and Snarl is Grabbed (DC 17). Until the grab ends Snarl takes Ongoing 5 and this grab persists even if the tree is unable to take actions.
* Attack #2, 1d20+11=23, Hit! vs Reflex. 2d6+3=11 damage. Snarl is still grabbed, yada yada.

Map:

* Swamp squares (edges of the map) are difficult terrain for creatures without a swim speed.
* Squares which are predominately black are areas of Festering Corruption. A living creature that ends its turn in Festering Corruption must make a saving throw. On a fail, they take 5 necrotic damage and are slowed until the end of its next turn unless it takes no necrotic damage.
* Tree squares grant Cover to non-adjacent enemies and all contain a trunk at the centre of their 3x3 square which functions as blocking terrain.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 33/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@G2; Status: Beast Form, Cover, Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save or Escape DC 14 ends both)
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@I6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 155/165; AC 17; F 15, R 14, W 17
@C9; Status: Aura 3, -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 174/184; AC 19; F 16, R 13, W 14 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@I11-K13; Status: -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@R20; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 27/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@L12; Status: Grabbed & Ongoing 5 (DC 17)
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7]
@R12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@S17; Status: Normal

Up Next: Atherton > Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Kay

As Snarl walks directly into danger, Atherton follows, angling around to the tree's flank while it is distracted. At the last moment, the young mage throws up a protective shield in front of the half-orc, blunting the tree's mad lashing, then captures some of the thing's strength for his own use.

"Predictably," he calls, "This thing will be weak to fire."

Atherton's enchanted blade bursts into arcane flame, as he thrusts it into a knot in the Hangman Willow's trunk, expelling the magic into the thing's wood. The wound continues to burn with a lingering threat, creating an anchor the Swordmage can use as a beacon for his teleportation spells.

Actions:

Immediate Interrupt: Channeling Shield
--> Shield Snarl from 8 of the Hangman Tree's damage
--> Atherton gains +3 damage (untyped bonus) on his next successful attack

Free Action: Use Vulnerability
--> Atherton gains +4 on all defenses versus the Hangman Tree UEoNT
--> Atherton gains +3 damage (power bonus) versus the tree UEoNT

(I think this will expire at the end of this turn, as the Arcana roll was with initiative?)

Move Action: Move to L14

Minor Action: Aegis of Shielding on Tree

Standard Action: Blazing Pursuit
--> 1d20+12: 25
--> 1d8+5+5+3+3 19 Fire Damage
--> If the Tree is within 5 squares of Atherton at the end of its next turn, as a free action he can teleport to a space that must be adjacent to the target.

Action Point? Pending OOC Thread question.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 33/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@G2; Status: Beast Form, Cover, Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save or Escape DC 14 ends both)
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@I6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 155/165; AC 17; F 15, R 14, W 17
@C9; Status: Aura 3, -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 155/184; AC 19; F 16, R 13, W 14 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@I11-K13; Status: -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn), Aegis of Shielding, Blazing Pursuit.
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@L14; Status: Use Vulnerability (Tree) EoNT
Snarl - HP 35/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@L12; Status: Grabbed & Ongoing 5 (DC 17)
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7]
@R12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@S17; Status: Normal

Up Next: Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Horseshoe

Snarl easily wriggled out of the tree's thorny grasp, hacking off a large piece of its trunk as he did so. The corrupted willow shuddered from the blow as Snarl looked for a more advantageous position.

Snarl takes 5 damage

Move: Escape Grab (Acrobatics): 1d20+14 33

Minor: draw shortsword

Standard: Dazing Strike vs AC: 1d20+12 28 1d6+7 8

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 33/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@G2; Status: Beast Form, Cover, Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save or Escape DC 14 ends both)
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@I6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 155/165; AC 17; F 15, R 14, W 17
@C9; Status: Aura 3, -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 147/184; AC 19; F 16, R 13, W 14 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@I11-K13; Status: -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn), Aegis of Shielding, Blazing Pursuit, Dazed (EONT Snarl)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@L14; Status: Use Vulnerability (Tree) EoNT
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@L12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7]
@R12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@S17; Status: Normal

Up Next: Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Rius

I'm too emo to RP this post. Just imagine Rakash charging in, spear full of fire, flailing around ineffectually for a few seconds then slinking away to hide under the tree in shame. And plan a darker haircut with a black dye job.

Minor: Hunter's Quarry on the Hangman Willow
Free: Draw Exsiccating Longspear
Standard: Charge (Marauder's Rush) to M13 vs Hangman Willow AC (19) (1d20+16=18) Aaaaaaaand a miss. Bummer dude.
Action Point!
Standard: Evasive Strike vs Hangman Willow AC (19) (1d20+14=18) Oh boy.
Shift to R15.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 33/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@G2; Status: Beast Form, Cover, Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save or Escape DC 14 ends both)
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@I6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 155/165; AC 17; F 15, R 14, W 17
@C9; Status: Aura 3, -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 147/184; AC 19; F 16, R 13, W 14 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@I11-K13; Status: -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn), Aegis of Shielding, Blazing Pursuit, Dazed (EONT Snarl)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@L14; Status: Use Vulnerability (Tree) EoNT
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@L12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 5/7]
@R15; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@S17; Status: Normal

Up Next: Aidan > Lyedyn

tzeentchling

Nadia shimmers into existence between Snarl and Atherton. With a shout, she stabs at the ground in front of the tree, causing it to burst upward. The tree recoils, roots flicking through the air, as Nadia gathers the ground as a shield around her and the two other members of the party.

Minor: Summon Nadia to L13.
Standard: Steadfast Mountain Guardian vs Tree:
1d20+8+2 24 vs Fort - hit! 1d10+5 12 damage. Push tree 1 square directly backwards, please.
Effect: Allies next to Nadia gain +3 all defenses.
Move: Aidan to P15.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 33/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@G2; Status: Beast Form, Cover, Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save or Escape DC 14 ends both)
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@I6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 155/165; AC 17; F 15, R 14, W 17
@C9; Status: Aura 3, -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 135/184; AC 19; F 16, R 13, W 14 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: -5 All Defenses (EONT Lyedyn), Aegis of Shielding, Blazing Pursuit, Dazed (EONT Snarl)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@L14; Status: Use Vulnerability (Tree) EoNT
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@L12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 5/7]
@R15; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@P15; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 19; F 20, R 18, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@L13; Status: Spirit Companion, +3 to all adjacent ally defenses until EOAidan'sNT

Up Next: Lyedyn

soxbox

Seeing Lyedyn in distress, Motac charges over, tearing at the vines and letting Lyedyn free. Hunkering down behind the relative safety of the tree, Lyedyn summons up a spirit of fire to harass the corrupted dryad while she gathers herself for a further assault.

Move: Athletics Escape: 1d20+8 24, Shift to F2, Motac to G3
Minor: Standard Form
Standard: Fire Hawk vs Reflex @ dryad: 1d20+10 20 1d8+6 7 Fire Damage anything that provokes an OA will cause a second attack (feel free to roll for me).

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@G2; Status: Beast Form, Cover
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@I6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 148/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22
@C9; Status: Aura 3, Fire Hawk (EONT Lyedyn)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 135/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Blazing Pursuit, Dazed (EONT Snarl)
---
Atherton - HP 62/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@L14; Status: Use Vulnerability (Tree) EoNT
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@L12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 49/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 5/7]
@R15; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 54/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@P15; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 19; F 20, R 18, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@L13; Status: Spirit Companion, +3 to all adjacent ally defenses until EOAidan'sNT

Up Next: Baddies

Aegis

Round 2!

Another shrill scream pierces the battlefield as the hawk of flame darts around a panicking dryad, her hands batting this way and that to try and shoo away the terrifying conjuration. In a fit of fear or rage, the dryad sprints across the field into the safety of the Willow's dead branches hoping to lose the bat. When it still pursues her, she jumps into the Willow's body, vanishing from the field and reappearing out of the tree to the south that two of your party has taken refuge under. Unfortunately for everyone involved, this act of natural teleportation causes a minor explosion of dead thorns and brambles that rakes at the skin of Atherton, Rakash, & Aidan who were uncomfortably close to her impromptu movement. As Rakash and Aidan recover from the unexpected arrival of the Dryad within their reach

Meanwhile, the Willow slows down its ponderous movements for the time being. This nevertheless allows it to continue lashing vines out at the nearest targets, missing Snarl this time but entangling the party's defender as a vine tightens around his neck and lifts him slightly off the ground.

---

Actions:

Willow Dryad Lich
Start of Turn: Willow Dryad Lich regenerates 5 hit points. This regeneration doesn't function if it has taken radiant damage in the previous turn.
Move Action: Move to K13. Willow Dryad Lich takes 1d8+6=8 Fire damage from fire hawk.
Move Action - Necrotic Treestride: Willow Dryad Lich teleports up to 8 squares if it begins and ends the move action adjacent to a tree, a treant, or a plant of Large size or greater. When it teleports in this manner, the Willow Dryad Lich deals 5 Necrotic Damage to all creatures adjacent to it at the beginning and end of the teleport.
-Willow Dryad Lich teleports to Q15. Atherton, Aidan, & Rakash each take 5 Necrotic Damage

Aura 3 - Weeping Death (Necrotic)

Any creature without forest walk takes 2 necrotic damage each times it moves into, or is pushed, pulled, or slid into, a square within the aura.

Corrupted Hangman Willow
Standard Action - Lashing Vines (Make 2 Noose Vine Attacks):
* Atherton, 1d20+11=23, Hit! vs Reflex. Atherton takes 2d6+3=7 damage and is Grabbed (DC 17), taking Ongoing 5 until the grab ends.
* Snarl, 1d20+11-2=22, Miss! vs Reflex.

Map:

* Swamp squares (edges of the map) are difficult terrain for creatures without a swim speed.
* Squares which are predominately black are areas of Festering Corruption. A living creature that ends its turn in Festering Corruption must make a saving throw. On a fail, they take 5 necrotic damage and are slowed until the end of its next turn unless it takes no necrotic damage.
* Tree squares grant Cover to non-adjacent enemies and all contain a trunk at the centre of their 3x3 square which functions as blocking terrain.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@F2; Status: Cover
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G3; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 145/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@Q15; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 135/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Blazing Pursuit (EONT Atherton), Dazed (EONT snarl)
---
Atherton - HP 50/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/11 / Resist: 10 Force]
@L14; Status: Grabbed & Ongoing 5 (DC 17)
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@L12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7]
@R15; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Cover
Aidan - HP 49/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@P15; Status: Cover
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@L13; Status: Spirit Companion, +3 All Defenses to Adj. Allies (EONT Aidan)

Up Next: Atherton > Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Kay

The tree's vines tighten around Atherton's neck, only to grasp the wisps of magical fire as the swordsman's body melts away, to reappear behind the thing, now with a potion in hand. He grimaces as he quaffs the thick grey liquid, stifling a gag at the awful taste, before tossing the empty bottle aside.

"Snarl! Strike true!" the young mage urges, as his own spell-enhanced blade bounces off the Treant's bark.

"Take your own advice!" Lenoire croaks, from where he circles the battlefield.

Actions:

Free Action: Blazing Pursuit
--> Teleport to G11
--> Grab is broken at the end of the Treant's turn

Ongoing Damage: Zero! Grab broken!

Minor Action: Draw Gravespawn Potion

Move Action: Quaff Gravespawn Potion
--> Spend 1 surge
--> Atherton gains resist 5 necrotic and resist 5 poison until the end of the encounter.
--> Atherton also gains a +5 power bonus to his next Endurance check against any disease of level 5 or lower.

Standard Action: Booming Blade vs AC24
--> 1d20+12: b]20[/b]
--> Miss

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@F2; Status: Cover
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G3; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 145/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@Q15; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 135/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Blazing Pursuit (EONT Atherton), Dazed (EONT snarl)
---
Atherton - HP 50/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@G11; Status: Normal
:arrow:Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@L12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7]
@R15; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Cover
Aidan - HP 49/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@P15; Status: Cover
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@L13; Status: Spirit Companion, +3 All Defenses to Adj. Allies (EONT Aidan)

Up Next: Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Horseshoe

Snarl darted closer to the tree... he harried it with vicious strikes and continued to hack toward it's hideous heart!

move: to K12 (dazed tree cannot OA)

standard: Riposte Strike vs AC: 1d20+15 23 1d6+7+2d8+4+1 18

...and if the tree attacks snarl, snarl may make str vs ac basic attack as an immediate interrupt

EDIT:

whoops that's actually a miss isn't it

when i posted i thought the tree still had lowered defenses

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@F2; Status: Cover
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G3; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 145/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@Q15; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 135/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Blazing Pursuit (EONT Atherton), Dazed (EONT snarl)
---
Atherton - HP 50/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@G11; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
:arrow:Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7]
@R15; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Cover
Aidan - HP 49/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@P15; Status: Cover
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@L13; Status: Spirit Companion, +3 All Defenses to Adj. Allies (EONT Aidan)

Up Next: Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Rius

Rakash curses as the Dryad steps between trees, looking beyond her to the Willow still towering over his companions. Without a second thought he reaches down to his belt, coming up with and drinking a dull grey potion in one smooth motion. Thusly bolstered he dashes into the open field leaving himself open for a passing swipe from the Dryad.

He runs up alongside Nadia and behind Snarl, spear slashing out to score the Willow's bark, aided by Atherton's flanking teleport. The combination of his lingering wound and the rotten terrain unbalances him, leaving his speartip to flash uselessly through the empty air next to Snarl.

"Curse this thrice-damned swamp!"

Minor: Pull and chug a Gravespawn Potion
--> Spend 1 surge
--> Rakash gains resist 5 necrotic and resist 5 poison until the end of the encounter.
--> Rakash also gains a +5 power bonus to his next Endurance check against any disease of level 5 or lower.

Standard: Charge (Marauder's Rush) to L12 vs Hangman Willow AC (24) (1d20+16=19) Miss.

Save: Unnecessary!

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@F2; Status: Cover
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G3; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 145/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@Q15; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 135/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Blazing Pursuit (EONT Atherton), Dazed (EONT snarl)
---
Atherton - HP 50/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@G11; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 4/7] / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@R15; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Cover
Aidan - HP 49/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10]
@P15; Status: Cover
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@L13; Status: Spirit Companion, +3 All Defenses to Adj. Allies (EONT Aidan)

Up Next: Aidan > Lyedyn

Aegis

Rakash's charge gets him out of the way of the dryad and closer to the Tree, but as he does so he leaves himself open to any opportunistic swipe by the Dryad. In her rage she slashes out and scores a rotting strike against the Shifter, though helpfully the potion he just consumed will blunt any of the lasting effects.

Opportunity Attack: Rot Claws at Rakash, 1d20+13=28, Hit! vs AC. Rakash takes 2d6+5=9 damage and suffers Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends).

tzeentchling

As Aidan backs away from the mad dryad, working his spear defensively, he searches his pockets for one of the potions gifted to them before they set out into the swamp. Finding it, he pops the cork out with his teeth and chugs it down. Immediately, the dark presence seems to lift just a bit, the rotting energy given off by the dryad and the swamp around them fading away.

Finding a temporarily safe spot, Aidan snarls. "Aye, this is for those spirits ya were charged wit' protectin', and ya failed! Not only failed, but perverted! Let their wrath fall upon ya'!" Slamming his spear into the ground, a wild rush of energy flows out of both him and Nadia, who had moved to flank the Willow. The dryad was knocked to the ground by the force, while the tree's roots flailed out as it ever so slowly tipped over, the explosive force of the energy resounding with the spirits the tree had already consumed.

Minor: Grab a Gravespawn potion and drink.
Move: Nadia to K11, Aidan shifts to O14
Standard: Wrath of the Spirit World vs Tree, Dryad:
1d20+8+2 20 vs Will (Tree) - hit!
1d20+8 22 vs Will (Dryad) - hit!
Both take 3d6+5 15 damage and are knocked prone.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@F2; Status: Cover
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G3; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 130/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@Q15; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 120/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Blazing Pursuit (EONT Atherton), Dazed (EONT snarl), Prone
---
Atherton - HP 50/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@G11; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 4/7] / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@L12; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Cover, Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends)
Aidan - HP 49/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10] / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@O14; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion,

Up Next: Lyedyn

soxbox

Her flaming birds left without a target, Lyedyn circles out of the now dubious cover of the trees and directs her attention to the Hangman Willow. Thrusting her hands out, she directs her birds into the canopy, setting what dry material they can find alight and sending the putrid stench of burning flesh into the air as the corpses begin to melt from the branches.

Move: J5, Motac to J6.
Fire Hawk vs Reflex: 1d20+10 21 1d8+6 11 fire damage (+5 vulnerable)

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@J5 Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@J6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 130/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@Q15; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 104/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Blazing Pursuit (EONT Atherton), Prone, Fire Hawk
---
Atherton - HP 50/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@G11; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 44/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 4/7] / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@L12; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Cover, Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends)
Aidan - HP 49/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/10] / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@O14; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion,

Up Next: Baddies

Aegis

Round 3!

The lich's incessant wailing is briefly interrupted when both she and the Tree are dumped to the ground by a gnashing of wailing spirits. This doesn't stop her from leaping into the nearest tree and reappearing next to the large Willow. Her scream returns and a large shockwave of bursting rotted vegetation boils out of the ground, but is helpfully intercepted by the Willow's large bulk which takes the brunt of the assault.

On the other hand, the Willow's temperament seems to quickly turn sour as its roots anchor into the ground and lift its bulk back off the dirt. It lets loose a pollen cloud which draws in both Aidan and Rakash beneath its boughs and follows up on this helpful natural charm with a lashing of vines. Both find their targets, roping themselves around both Aidan and Atherton's legs and lifting them up off the ground. However, where Atherton's lift stops only a few feet up off the ground, Aidan is less than fortunate. The noose tightens and then quickly hurls the dwarf into the air in the direction of the trunk. A gaping maw filled with slime opens up at the top and quickly gulps the dwarf down with a very audible slurping noise, a horrific sound as the rest of you look on helplessly.

---

Actions:

Willow Dryad Lich
Start of Turn: Regenerate 5 hit points.
Move Action - Necrotic Treestride: Willow Dryad Lich teleports to J10.
Standard Action - Blight Burst (Close Burst 3, All Enemies),
* Atherton, 1d20+11-2=12, Miss! vs Fortitude.
* Snarl, 1d20+11-2=16, Miss! vs Fortitude.
* Rakash, 1d20+11-2=17, Miss! vs Fortitude.

Corrupted Hangman Willow
Move Action: Stand Up.
Minor Action - Alluring Scent (Close Burst 5, All Enemies, Charm),
* Motac, 1d20+11=17, Miss! vs Will.
* Aidan, 1d20+11=20, Hit! vs Will. Aidan is pulled to K10.
* Rakash, 1d20+11=26, Hit! vs Will. Rakash is pulled to K13.
Standard Action - Lashing Vines (Make 2 Noose Vine Attacks),
* Noose Vine (Melee 3) at Aidan, 1d20+11-2=23, Hit! vs Reflex. Aidan takes 2d6+3=7 damage and is Grabbed (DC 17). Until the grab ends Aidan suffers Ongoing 5 Damage.
* Noose Vine (Melee 3) at Atherton, 1d20+11=21, Hit! vs Reflex. Atherton takes 2d6+3=13 damage and is Grabbed (DC 17). Until the grab ends Aidan suffers Ongoing 5 Damage.
Action Point: Swallow (Melee 3, one creature the tree is grabbing, Acid) at Aidan, 1d20+11-2=25, Hit! vs Fortitude. Aidan takes 4d6+9=21 Acid damage and is Swallowed (Escape DC 17). While swallowed, Aidan is removed from play and suffers Ongoing 10 Acid. When the effect ends or the tree drops to 0 hit points, Aidan can reappear in an unoccupied square adjacent to the tree.

Map:

* Swamp squares (edges of the map) are difficult terrain for creatures without a swim speed.
* Squares which are predominately black are areas of Festering Corruption. A living creature that ends its turn in Festering Corruption must make a saving throw. On a fail, they take 5 necrotic damage and are slowed until the end of its next turn unless it takes no necrotic damage.
* Tree squares grant Cover to non-adjacent enemies and all contain a trunk at the centre of their 3x3 square which functions as blocking terrain.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@J6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 135/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 109/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Prone, Fire Hawk
---
Atherton - HP 37/62; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@G11; Status: Grabbed & Ongoing 5 (DC 17)
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 35/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 4/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@K13; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends)
Aidan - HP 21/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@??; Status: Bloodied, Swallowed & Ongoing 10 Acid (DC 17)
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Atherton > Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Kay

As the tree moves in to strike at the pollen-addled dwarf, Atherton realises what the thing's plan must be.

"Aidan!" he yells, thrusting his sword at the thick, solid trunk, with a spell of translocation on his lips.

The blow is turned aside by the bark, and the whipping vine strikes the Shaman. However, the other part of the Swordmage's spell triggers, blunting the impact, even though the tendril still grips his ally. The next strike wraps around the young mage, and holds him fast as the tree swallows the party's healer.

"No!" Atherton shouts, struggling against his bonds. With a flash of arcane power, he teleports out of the tree's grasp, and strikes the tree again, this time with the flat of his blade. The resonating spell of power cast upon his blade takes hold, and the Hangman Willow starts to vibrate dangerously whenever it sways away from the Swordmage. Some of the energy returns to Atherton, cushioning him from the beast's next strike.

Actions:

Immediate Interrupt: Aegis of Shielding
--> Trigger - Noose Vine versus Aidan
--> Using Transposing Lunge
--> 1d20+12+2: 16 Miss! OH NO!
--> Reduce 8 damage from the strike, so it does no damage

Ongoing Damage: Take 5 damage

Move Action: Armathor's Step
--> Teleport to J14
--> Grab ends
--> Gain +2 to hit versus adjacent enemies on his next attack.

Standard Action: Booming Blade
--> 1d20+12+2: 30
--> 1d8+5 11 damage
--> If the tree is adjacent to Atherton at the start of its next turn and moves away during that turn, it takes 1d6+3+2 thunder damage.
--> Rose King's Step triggers - Atherton gains 10 Temporary HP

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@J6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 135/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 99/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Fire Hawk, Booming Blade
---
Atherton - HP 32/62 + 10THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@J14; Status: Pissed off!
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 35/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 4/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@K13; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends)
Aidan - HP 28/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@??; Status: Swallowed & Ongoing 10 Acid (DC 17)
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Rius

Rakash gasps in horror as Aidan is unceremoniously flung into the Willow's maw. As Atherton flashes from one side of the tree to the other, breaking the noose-hold of the Willow's vines, Rakash winds up for a wild smash at the tree's roots. At this close range it's almost impossible to miss; thankfully, his strike finds purchase, searing a large swath of the tree's roots with a blast of flame. The blackened section of trunk erupts with boiling sap and the tree sags, limbs drooping downward.

Deciding that now would be an excellent time to take a breather, Rakash backs away from the fight, preparing himself for yet another charge.

Standard: Wolf's Rend vs Willow Ref (18) (1d20+12=23) Hit! Praise the gods. The Willow takes 4 damage + 5 fire damage, and is knocked prone and bloodied.
Wolf's Rend vs Willow AC (24) (1d20+14=15) I see IC is still having a bit of fun with me this encounter.

Move: Invigorating Stride; Shift to J17 and use my Second Wind.

Saving Throw: (1d20=8) Derpaderp.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@J6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 135/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 90/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Fire Hawk, Booming Blade, Prone
---
Atherton - HP 32/62 + 10THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@J14; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 47/49; AC 22; F 22, R 21, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@J17; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends), Second Wind
Aidan - HP 28/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@??; Status: Swallowed & Ongoing 10 Acid (DC 17)
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Aidan > Lyedyn

tzeentchling

Aidan finds his world disoriented as he is lifted off the ground and dropped in the tree's "gullet." The acids there are agonizing, and in desperation he stabs his spear out blindly, jabbing at whatever he can. He must have hit a sore spot, perhaps damaged by his friend's earlier attacks, as he suddenly finds himself ejected much the same way he came in, landing with a crash near the tree's base.

Ongoing: Take 10 Acid damage, at 18/54.
Escape check: Escape from tree stomach (Athletics)!: 1d20+4 23 Escape!

Aidan lands in G11.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@J6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 135/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 90/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Fire Hawk, Booming Blade, Prone
---
Atherton - HP 32/62 + 10THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@J14; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 47/49; AC 22; F 22, R 21, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@J17; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends), Second Wind
Aidan - HP 18/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@G11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Lyedyn > Monsters

soxbox

Lyedyn hesitates as Motac growls warningly at the ground in front of them. "Quiet boy, I've got something for this", rooting around in her pack to find where she put her potion. Still holding forth her staff while she does so, a gesture causes the flames amongst the branches to flare again.

Minor: Draw gravespawn potion
Minor: Drink it.
Standard: Fire Hawk vs Reflex vs Tree: 1d20+10-2+1 18 1d8+6+5 14

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/7]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 24/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@J6; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 135/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 76/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Fire Hawk, Booming Blade, Prone
---
Atherton - HP 32/62 + 10THP; AC 22; F 19, R 19, W 20 [AP: 1 / Surges: 4/11 / Resist: 10 Force 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@J14; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 47/49; AC 22; F 22, R 21, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@J17; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends), Second Wind
Aidan - HP 18/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]]
@G11; Status: Normal
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Monsters

Aegis

Round 4!

Both Tree and Dryad stumble amid the ground as the pull each themselves up in turn, dusting off bits of dirt, thistle, and leaves. Motac yelps as a number of vines suddenly wrap themselves around his legs and drag him forcefully toward one of the trees, stripping him from the protective aegis of Lyedyn's side. Fortunately for the rest of you that is about the extent of your enemies' retaliation as the Tree is unable to land any angry vines, roots and branches thundering into the ground in a flurry. Only Rakash finds himself compelled to step forward closer to the tree, a whiff of friendly pines overcoming his senses and ushering him forward.

---

Actions:

Willow Dryad Lich
Start of Turn: Regenerate 5 hit points.
Move Action: Stand Up.
Standard Action: Necrocreeper Vines (Ranged 10) at Motac, 1d20+11=25, Hit! vs Reflex. Motac takes 2d6+3=10 Damage, is slid to G2, and suffers Ongoing 5 Damage & Restrained (Save or Escape Ends Both).

Corrupted Hangman Willow
Move Action: Stand Up.
Minor Action - Luring Scent (Close Burst 5, Charm),
* Rakash, 1d20+11=24, Hit! vs Will. Rakash is pulled to H14.
Standard Action - Lashing Vines (Make 2 Noose Vine Attacks),
* Snarl, 1d20+11-2=15, Miss! vs Reflex.
* Rakash, 1d20+11-2=13, Miss! vs Reflex.

Map:

* Swamp squares (edges of the map) are difficult terrain for creatures without a swim speed.
* Squares which are predominately black are areas of Festering Corruption. A living creature that ends its turn in Festering Corruption must make a saving throw. On a fail, they take 5 necrotic damage and are slowed until the end of its next turn unless it takes no necrotic damage.
* Tree squares grant Cover to non-adjacent enemies and all contain a trunk at the centre of their 3x3 square which functions as blocking terrain.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 14/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G2; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 & Restrained (Save or Escape Ends Both)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 140/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 75/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Bloodied, Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Booming Blade, Fire Hawk
---
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]
@J14; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 47/49; AC 22; F 22, R 21, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@H14; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends), Second Wind (SONT)
Aidan - HP 18/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@G11; Status: Bloodied
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Atherton > Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Rius

Rakash is momentarily overtaken by a powerful yearning for the forests of his homeland. As the tree's massive vines smash around him he returns to his senses, taking advantage of the tree's slow recovery to step both away from the Willow and out of the sickening grey mist.

Immediate Reaction: When the tree misses with it's melee attack, activate Goblin Stompers and shift to I15.

Kay

Atherton attempts to sidle around the massive tree, into a more advantageous position. His sword feels around for an opening in the thing's defenses, but the spell-bound blade fails to find purchase against his foe.

Actions:

Move Action: Shift to K13

Standard Action: Miss like a chump
--> Booming Blade vs TREE - AC24: 1d20+12+2 18 1d8+5 8

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 14/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G2; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 & Restrained (Save or Escape Ends Both)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 140/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Prone
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 75/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Bloodied, Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Booming Blade, Fire Hawk
---
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]
@K13; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 47/49; AC 22; F 22, R 21, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@H14; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 Necrotic (Save Ends), Second Wind (SONT)
Aidan - HP 18/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@G11; Status: Bloodied
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Aegis

The half-orc spits out a glob of blood into the ground, the endless crusade against this tree slowly taking its toll on a body that would need to see much more punishment before it would ever start lessening the amount of fury contained within. Unfortunately for him though, all the fury in the world couldn't crack the thick, wooden bark of this stubborn tree. Twice Snarl is stymied: once on the way in, an attempt to pierce the side of the wounded beast that simply bounces off; and once on the way back, redirecting the momentum of the repelled strike into a backhand slash that simply resounds with a THUD against much the same bark.

Standard Action: Piercing Strike at Corrupted Hangman Willow, 1d20+12+2+1=16, Critical Miss!.

Free Action: Nasty Backswing (On a miss with a melee attack), 1d20+12+2+1=21, Miss! vs AC.

Up Next: Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Rius

Rakash takes advantage of the chaos of the fight, putting his seperation to good use. After a deep breath and a moment's hesitation he rushes through the mist, repositioning. Emerging from the far side of the cloud he wheels around for yet another charge. This time his footing is true and his spearhead finds a vertical gash in the Willow's bark, sending a torrent of flame up it's side.

Move: to C12

Standard: Charge (Marauder's Rush) to F12 vs Willow AC 24 (1d20+16=33) Hit! The Willow takes 25 damage.

Save: Save vs Poison (1d20=12) Cleared!

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 14/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G2; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 & Restrained (Save or Escape Ends Both)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 140/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death)[/b]
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 50/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Bloodied, Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Booming Blade, Fire Hawk
---
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]
@K13; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 47/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 18/54; AC 17; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 3/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@G11; Status: Bloodied
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Aidan > Lyedyn

tzeentchling

Gasping, Aidan tries to draw on his inner reserves to steady himself. Gulping breaths of air, he warily disengages from the cursed willow. Meanwhile, Nadia encourages Snarl to strike again, but the half-orc's blade glances off the tree's thick hide as it has this entire encounter, eliciting a growl of anger and frustration.

Minor: Second wind. Regain 13 HP, currently at 31/54. Gain +2 to all defenses.
Standard: Claws of the Eagle, Snarl makes a MBA against the tree.
Snarl MBA vs Tree:
1d20+12+2+1 20 vs AC - miss! RAAARGH!
Move: Shift F10.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 21, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J5; Status: Normal
Motac - HP 14/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@G2; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1), Ongoing 5 & Restrained (Save or Escape Ends Both)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 140/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death)[/b]
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 50/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H11-J13; Status: Bloodied, Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Booming Blade, Fire Hawk
---
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]
@K13; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 47/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 19; F 20, R 18, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Normal, Second Wind;
Nadia - AC 22; F 22, R 20, W 23
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Lyedyn

soxbox

Lyedyn growls as the witche's necrotic vines pull at Motac and tumbles across their path, tearing through the vines and releasing her friend so that he may nurse his wounds. Circling around the tree, she roars and hisses angrily, watching for an opening before lowering her head and charging headlong at the creatures trunk, trying in vain to break through the thick bark that had been foiling her companions attempts. Eventually however, she finds a crack in the tree's defenses and plunges her claws into the heart of the creature, thrashing around and leaving a gaping hole that rapidly fills with think black sap.

As the tree spins about in confusion, trying to escape from her fury, it stumbles aside, exposing the dryad from her cover. Spotting the now vulnerable enemy lying on open ground, Lyedyn dives at her, driving her further into the befouled ground and leaving her gravely wounded and confused.

Motac takes 5 ongoing damage.
Minor: Beast Form
Move: To D8,
Motac makes an escape: Motac Escape DC 14: Acrobatics with 20 DEX: 1d20+5 15, moves to E7
Standard: Charge to G12: Savage Rend vs Tree: 1d20+10+1+1+2 20 1d8+6+1d10 18
Hit for 18 damage, tree slides east one square to H12/J15
Action Point: Predator's Flurry vs Tree: 1d20+10+1+2 17 1d6+6+1d10 11
Elven Accuracy: Predator's Flurry vs Tree: 1d20+10+1+2 30 1d6+6+1d10 13
Shift to J9: Predator's Flurry vs Dryad: 1d20+10+2 32 1d6+6+1d10 14
CRITICAL: Crit Damage: 6+6+10+2d6 30
Activate Staff of Withering Daily: Dryad is weakened (save ends).

Oops - noticed the dyrad wasn't prone any more - taking 10 damage away because I had no CA.

Tree takes 31 damage total, is dazed (EONT) and weakened (save ends).
Dryad takes 20 damage and is dazed.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J9; Status: Beast Form
Motac - HP 9/24; AC 21; F 17, R 21, W 21
@E7; Status: Displacement (Aura 1, +1 power All Defenses to Allies), Infected (Stage 1)
---
Willow Dryad Lich - HP 120/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Dazed (EONT Lyedyn), Weakened (save ends)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 19/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H12-J14; Status: Bloodied, Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Booming Blade, Dazed (EONT Lyedyn)
---
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]
@K13; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 47/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 19; F 20, R 18, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Normal, Second Wind;
Nadia - AC 22; F 22, R 20, W 23
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Baddies

Aegis

Round 5!

The dryad's wails are cut into an incoherent gargle as the fury of Lyedyn's attack staggers her in and out of her current insanity. She growls in primal fashion, taking some cue from Lyedyn's current form and lashes out with claws that drip black ichor. Fortunately for the elf in your party, her speed is no match for Lyedyn's own reflexes and she avoids a very painful wound.

In the tree's case, though, time seems to be quickly running out for it. Holes and torn off bark cover large portions of its trunk, the acidic sap that Aidan painfully met first-hand doing its best to flow out and plug these gaping wounds. Even a few branches lie broken and discarded throughout the battlefield, a testament to its repeated poundings that have evaded harming your party too badly. Still, it has some fight left in it and it shows this by slapping a vine around Rakash's neck, catching the shifter offguard only moments after his own charge pierced the trunk's side. Much of this blow is captured by Atherton's own shield as the swordmage tends to his wards while dodging branches of his own like some form of arcane acrobat.

---

Actions:

Willow Dryad Lich
Start of Turn: Regenerate 5 hit points.
Standard Action: Rot Claws (Melee) at Lyedyn, 1d20+13=16, Miss! vs AC.
Saving Throw v Weakened, 1d20+2=12, Success!

Corrupted Hangman Willow
Standard Action - Lashing Vines (make 2 Noose Vine Attacks),
* Rakash, 1d20+11-2=22, Hit! vs Reflex.
* Atherton, 1d20+11-2=13, Miss! vs Reflex.
-Rakash takes 2d6+3=8 damage and is Grabbed (DC 17). Until the grab ends Rakash suffers Ongoing 5 Damage.

Map:

* Swamp squares (edges of the map) are difficult terrain for creatures without a swim speed.
* Squares which are predominately black are areas of Festering Corruption. A living creature that ends its turn in Festering Corruption must make a saving throw. On a fail, they take 5 necrotic damage and are slowed until the end of its next turn unless it takes no necrotic damage.
* Tree squares grant Cover to non-adjacent enemies and all contain a trunk at the centre of their 3x3 square which functions as blocking terrain.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J9; 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 125/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Dazed (EONT Lyedyn)
Corrupted Hangman Willow - HP 19/184; AC 24; F 21, R 18, W 19 [Vulnerable 5 Fire]
@H12-J14; Status: Bloodied, Aegis of Shielding, Hunter's Quarry, Dazed (EONT Lyedyn)
---
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]
@K13; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 39/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F12; Status: Infected (Stage 1), Grabbed & Ongoing 5 (DC 17)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 19; F 20, R 18, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Second Wind (SONT)
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Atherton > Snarl > Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Kay

Atherton's sword tries to find purchase on the Willow's bark, hoping to pull it away from the strangled Ranger, but to no avail. He curses under his breath, and moves around the tree, gesturing for Snarl to do the same on the thing's other side.

"Strike it from the rear!" he urges.

Standard Action: Miss with Luring Strike:
--> Luring Strike vs Hangman Willow - AC24: 1d20+12 23 1d8+2 3
--> Shift to K14

Move Action: Shift to J15

Aegis

Snarl grumbles as the shifter's positioning and the tree's movement has removed the convenient distraction that the half-orc was exploiting to play lumberjack with the thing's backside. Atherton's order elicits a louder grunt in the tone of What do you think I'm trying to do? before he strikes out with a quick, measured strike at the trunk, trying to draw a response that would finally end the beast. But whether out of fury at being bested by a vegetable, or simply sheer power, the half-orc's slash severs some kind of interior vein within the side of the Willow. It creaks and moans as a gushing, acidic ooze pours out of its side before finally collapsing violently into a heap in the middle of the battlefield.

The noise, naturally, does not stop. When the tree hits the ground, the dryad's wailing becomes almost unbearable. What had been barely intelligible utterances from her have become completely chaotic and distraught, her please alternating between anguish and revenge at the sight of her dead Willow. The few of you that look at her to see if she might be reasoned with think that this is likely to cause some headache, and a few more scrapes and bruises, if you are to get through to the long-lost woodland guardian.

All the while that this is happening, you only see Snarl jumping up and down with the largest, self-satisfied smile you've ever seen on his face, oblivious to the current lich's "issues".

Riposte Strike at Hangman Willow, 1d20+12=32, Critical Hit!. Yea, that'll kill it.

Willow Dryad Lich gains 1 Action Point and a second initiative count at +10 of her original. She may, or may not, be reasoned with while she goes berserk.

Up Next: Rakash > Aidan > Lyedyn

Rius

Rakash can't help but cheer as the Willow finally collapses. Once, long ago, it may have been a natural living thing, or perhaps contained the essence of one. But to him it was an unfortunate abomination and it's destruction was definitely cause for celebration.

Until he sees, and finally hears, the Dryad's lamentations. Well... Shit. He looks to his right with a grimace.

"Aidan, how's your 'reasoning with crazed corrupted forest creatures practice' going?"

While the Dryad is still distracted, Rakash moves through the shattered remnants of the Willow towards the group's mage, away from the Dryad and Lyedyn still in her feral form. In those few seconds, he thinks of something, anything that might aid such an effort, before committing himself to an unsavory task.

Flipping his spear end over end he charges at the Dryad, hoping to deliver a solid smash with the blunt end of his spear. However, the unfamiliar and unbalanced swing whistles over her head despite an almost ideal approach.

Minor: Nature (1d20+12=28) Hoping to come up with something to assist Aidan/Atherton in any reasoning attempts.
Move: To J14
Standard: Charge (Marauder's Rush) to J12 vs Dryad AC (22) (1d20+16=19) Ahh, boo.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J9; 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 125/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [AP: 1 / Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Dazed (EONT Lyedyn)
---
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]
@J15; Status: Normal
Snarl - HP 30/50; AC 20; F 19, R 21, W 17 [AP: 1 / Surges: 5/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 4 Poison]
@K12; Status: Normal
Rakash - HP 39/49; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 19; F 20, R 18, W 21 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Second Wind (SONT)
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion

Up Next: Aidan > Lyedyn

Aegis

Rakash:

The very shock of severing the dryad's connection with her tree is overwhelmnig her already fragile psyche. You believe that such shock (if it doesn't kill the creature outright) will eventually wear down with time, but by dispelling the illusion of her tree as an uncorrupted, pristine thing, you might be able to reason with her in an attempt to calm her down by clearly pointing out what her tree had become.

In the meantime as Rakash thinks of what might aid their fight against this dryad, he does notice and quickly remove vestiges of the dead tree's acidic boils around the battlefield to prevent the dryad from accidentally furthering her own corruption.

1 Success!

tzeentchling

"Working on it! Aidan shouts back. Standing still and taking aim, Aidan crafts a spiritual spear of brambles and flings it at the dryad. Distracted as she is, the dryad can't dodge the attack. It hits her in the small of the back, and Nadia responds immediately by sprouting brambles and wrapping the dryad in a hug.

"Dryad, please, listen," Nadia begs her. "Your tree was corrupted. It spread to you as well. We are only here to help, but you have to open up and let us!"

Standard: Bramble Ally vs Dryad:
1d20+8 26 vs Reflex - hit! 2d6+5 14 damage. Until EOMNT, she can't move if she's next to Nadia.
Minor: Healing Spirit on Snarl. He spends a surge and heals 12 HP. Rakash heals : 2d6 7 HP. Both Rakash and Snarl gain 4 THP.
Minor: Insight check on the Dryad's ramblings. Maybe Aidan/Nadia can discern how to help her from her mutterings?
Insight: 1d20+12 14 Probably not.

Status:

Lyedyn - HP 28/48; AC 21; F 15, R 23, W 21 [AP: 0 / Surges: 1/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J9; 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 111/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [AP: 1 / Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Dazed (EONT Lyedyn)
---
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]
@J15; 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 46/49 +4 THP; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 18; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Normal[/b]
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion, Bramble Ally until EOAidan'sNT

Up Next: Lyedyn

soxbox

Lyedyn circles away from the Dryad, growling angrily at her. b]"There is nothing here but the stench of death. Come away with us, and leave this waste behind."[/b] She slashes her feet through the corrupted earth, kicking some of it towards her, watching her face closely to see how she will react, but finding nothing but confusion and rage in her opponent's face. "Are you blind or just stupid? Look around you, look at me! We are trying to save you you stubborn cow." Lyedyn's voice breaks as she speaks, her shouts emerging as thin squeaks her fear breaks through her anger.

Letting out a frustrated yelp, she charges forward, slashing wildly at the Dryad's chest. "Stay down!" She dances around again, slashing at her more and more. "We're helping, you fool!"

Move: I6 I guess
Intimidate: 1d20+2 3 - not so good.
Charge to K9: Savage Rend vs Reflex: 1d20+10+2+1 18 1d8+6+1d10 19

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 92/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [AP: 1 / Regeneration 5]
@J10; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death), Bloodied
---
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]
@J15; 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 46/49 +4 THP; AC 20; F 20, R 19, W 19 [AP: 0 / Surges: 3/7 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@J12; Status: Infected (Stage 1)
Aidan - HP 31/54; AC 18; F 18, R 16, W 19 [AP: 1 / Surges: 2/10 / Resist: 5 Necrotic 5 Poison]
@F10; Status: Normal[/b]
Nadia - AC 20; F 20, R 18, W 21
@K11; Status: Spirit Companion, Bramble Ally until EOAidan'sNT

Up Next: Dryad

Aegis

Round 6!

"YOU are the corruption," the dryad yells in between further screeching brought on by the continual wallops sent her way. "You killed my tree and try and tell me that you're helping me?! You're worse than those hags who ply for my help!" Her speech then descends back into a cacophony of rage and distress as vines rip through the ground and air, trying to catch hold of any living surface and choke the life out of whatever they find.

You've seen these vines from her before but in her rage the sheer number of this corrupted flora sends a sense of disgust into your stomachs. When the first wave fails to find any purchase on either Lyedyn (whose bestial nature bats away the encroaching corruption) or Rakash (who dodges deftly out of harm's way), another pair is released, missing Snarl but finally catching up to Rakash who is quickly pulled away from the main group and fastened to the ground even as the corruption is mostly warded off by the magical potion he drank minutes earlier.

Still, the creature's rash actions open her up to a barrage of attacks as her rampaging state lends itself to abandoning all forms of caution in an attempt to kill everything that is an affront to her.

---

Actions:

Willow Dryad Lich
Start of turn: Regenerate 5 hit points.
Standard Action - Necrocreeper Vines (Ranged 10, one or two targets),
* Lyedyn, 1d20+11-2=10, Critical Miss!.
* Rakash, 1d20+11-2=18, Miss! vs Reflex.
Action Point - Necrocreeper Vines (Ranged 10, one or two targets),
* Snarl, 1d20+11-2=15, Miss! vs Reflex.
* Rakash, 1d20+11-2=19, Hit! vs Reflex. Rakash takes 2d6+3=2 Necrotic Damage (5 Resisted, 4 Absorbed), is slid to N16, and suffers Ongoing 5 Necrotic & Restrained (Save Ends Both).

Map:

* Swamp squares (edges of the map) are difficult terrain for creatures without a swim speed.
* Squares which are predominately black are areas of Festering Corruption. A living creature that ends its turn in Festering Corruption must make a saving throw. On a fail, they take 5 necrotic damage and are slowed until the end of its next turn unless it takes no necrotic damage.
* Tree squares grant Cover to non-adjacent enemies and all contain a trunk at the centre of their 3x3 square which functions as blocking terrain.
* The former Treant is now difficult terrain.

Status:

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 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 97/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5] [AP: 1/2]
@I9; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death)
---
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]
@J15; 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: Opportunity Attacks (Snarl, Rakash, Lyedyn) > Atherton > Snarl > Rakash > Aidan

Skill Challenge: 1/?? Successes, 1/3 Failure

Another note that I missed earlier but doesn't take effect until now anyway: the treant's former squares are now difficult terrain.

Aegis

nothing here

soxbox

Lyedyn dodges away from the Dryad's vines, taking advantage of her overreach to slash viciously at her chest.

Savage Rend vs Reflex: 1d20+10+1 30 1d8+6 14

Status:

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 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 79/165; AC 22; F 20, R 19, W 22 [Regeneration 5] [AP: 1/2]
@I9; Status: Aura 3 (Weeping Death)
---
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]
@J15; 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: Opportunity Attacks (Snarl, Rakash) > Atherton > Snarl > Rakash > Aidan

Kay

"This simply will not do," Atherton mutters, as he skirts around the fallen, corrupt Treant, to stand close enough to the Dryad to perhaps draw her ire. "Listen to us, we came here, following the vile arcane scent of the Hags' defilement," the Swordmage insists, as reasonably as he can manage. "That trail led here, by denying them, you have brought down their cursed power upon you and your grove. They did this to you. They corrupted your home. We, however, wish to stop them. We are only defending ourselves from your anger, anger you have towards the Hags whom have wronged you, Dryad."

He lays his distracting Aegis upon the fey creature, hoping that it will draw her attention away from the harm done, and make her focus on his words, his point of view.

Actions:

Move Action: Move to I11

Minor Action: Aegis of Shielding on Dryad

Standard Action: Sacrifice for Minor
--> Diplomacy: 1d20+9 29
--> C-C-C-C-C-CRITICAL HIT!!!

Status:

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 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 79/165; 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: Snarl > Rakash > Aidan