Zones and Other Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Current Round (7)
26 - Giant Ant Froster (FRMO): (26,8) HP: 15/46
—Turn: Frostwave [CB3 (25,8) Target Captain - 24 vs FORT 22: Hit 9 Cold Damage (+5 Singed - 14 Total) | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)]
—Effs: Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), *Bloodied*
22 - Ambrose Guard Captain: (25,8) HP: 38/74
—Turn: Captain's Strike [Target FRMO - 27 vs AC 18: Hit 10 Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)
Zones and Other Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Giant Ant Boomer:AC: 17 F/R/W: 17/15/15
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Charger:AC: 19 F/R/W: 19/17/15
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Focused Charge (Immune: Marking, Single Target)
Adult Giant Ant Defender:AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Adult Giant Ant Soldier:AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Giant Ant Harvester:AC: 16 F/R/W: 17/18/13
—Note: Aerial Superiority [+4 DEF vs Ranged, Area attacks]
Giant Ant Drone:AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Blazer:AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Singed
Giant Ant Froster:AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Frostbite
Giant Ant Soldier:AC: 19 F/R/W: 17/16/13
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}
GAE10R07A
With the destruction of the fire ant, a large portion of the ants has been wiped out. Only those to the north seemed to remain in the area. As Matthias begins to push north, he feels the ground tremble yet again. Unsure of what to make of that, he utters words of encouragement to Inutchuk. The ant genocide machine feels inspired to do more of what he's been doing so well.
Unaware that their rescuers are nearing the guards fight on, sort of. As the Captain trades blows with the frost ant, two of his guardsmen fire their crossbows into the sky, the buzz of one of the harvesters likely distracting them from the threat before them.
Beat them up guys. Go for broke! | Don't blink now. | Get ready! Triumph or Die. | Go for broke! Hey! Come On! Stand up! Go for it, man! | It all adepends on your skills. Faces straight. | It's show time. Go for it. | You can't give it up. Next Up: Assoc Prof Nim
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (2), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN) Then: Jenny
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (1)
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
0
Lord Palingtonhe.him.hisHistory-loving pal!Registered Userregular
Nim pushes north, spotting those under siege separated from their crew by only a few more ants. He blasts some nightmare energy at the ant that throws flame, and he studies it as it readies another shot. How can these creatures manipulate and spit fire? What glands and humours are at work here?
Zones and Other Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Giant Ant Boomer:AC: 17 F/R/W: 17/15/15
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Charger:AC: 19 F/R/W: 19/17/15
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Focused Charge (Immune: Marking, Single Target)
Adult Giant Ant Defender:AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Adult Giant Ant Soldier:AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Giant Ant Harvester:AC: 16 F/R/W: 17/18/13
—Note: Aerial Superiority [+4 DEF vs Ranged, Area attacks]
Giant Ant Drone:AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Blazer:AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Singed
Giant Ant Froster:AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Frostbite
Giant Ant Soldier:AC: 19 F/R/W: 17/16/13
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}
GAE10R07B
The fire ant shudders from Nim's assault, and a double tap of Jenny's crossbow bolts puts it out of its misery. Riding the wave of momentum of this attack, Vicks charges toward the frost ant... and misses. He ducks to avoid an arrow to his head on top of that. Fighting to the bitter end, a soldier ant advances on a guard, who is able to fend off the attack.
Beat them up guys. Go for broke! | Don't blink now. | Get ready! Triumph or Die. | Go for broke! Hey! Come On! Stand up! Go for it, man! | It all adepends on your skills. Faces straight. | It's show time. Go for it. | You can't give it up. Next Up: Quinnten
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (4), {Q: Dragonflame Mantle: On hit/negate - 3 Fire Damage} Then: Inutchuk
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (1)
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Quinnten made his way forward closer to another one of those soldier ants that he had been so well acquainted with lately. Leaning on his staff, he slowly gathered up some power before turning it another of his frosted blasts. He righted himself even on his own so that he could use his staff to be direct the frigid assault. Another bolt of frost launched itself towards an chitinous adversary and, once again, struck true damaging the insect.
Move Action: Move to 15, 18
Standard Action: Dragonfrost vs SOTH [Fort 17]
Arcane Reserves: +2 Damage to At-Wills Dragonfrost vs SOTH: 1d20+8241d8+10+213 Hit
SOTH takes 13 cold damage and is down to 16/54 health
Ready Dragonflame Mantle in case of melee hit or against an attack that can be defended by an extra 1 to defenses
5 - Inutchuk: (17,19) HP: 49/52 [9 Temp]
—Turn: Move (17,19 -> 21,14), Charge [(21,14 -> 25,9), Target BUTS - 29 vs AC 18: Hit 14 Damage]
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
5 - Matthias: (21,14) HP: 37/40
—Turn: Move (16,18 -> 21,14), Astral Seal [Target FRMO - 23 vs REF 15: Hit Seal (-2 DEF [AC: 16 F/R/W: 15/15/10], {NA <Next Ally who Hits> Seal: Target <Next Ally who Hit>: +6 HP})]
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
Zones and Other Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Current Round (8)
26 - Giant Ant Froster (FRMO): (26,8) HP: 1/46
—Turn: Frostwave [CB3 (25,8) Target Captain - 29 vs FORT 22: Hit 9 Cold Damage | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO),
Target Inutchuk - 25 vs FORT 22: Hit 9 Cold Damage (-9 Temp - 0 Total) | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO),
—Effs: *DEAD*[/color]
22 - Ambrose Guard Captain: (25,8) HP: 35/74
—Turn: Captain's Strike [Target FRMO - 20 vs AC 16: Hit 12 Damage {NA Seal [Target Captain: +6 HP]} *FRMO KO'd*]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)
5 - Inutchuk: (17,19) HP: 49/52
—Turn: Move (17,19 -> 21,14), Charge [(21,14 -> 25,9), Target BUTS - 29 vs AC 18: Hit 14 Damage]
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
5 - Matthias: (21,14) HP: 37/40
—Turn: Move (16,18 -> 21,14), Astral Seal [Target FRMO - 23 vs REF 15: Hit Seal (-2 DEF [AC: 16 F/R/W: 15/15/10], {NA <Next Ally who Hits> Seal: Target <Next Ally who Hit>: +6 HP})]
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
Zones and Other Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Giant Ant Boomer:AC: 17 F/R/W: 17/15/15
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Charger:AC: 19 F/R/W: 19/17/15
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Focused Charge (Immune: Marking, Single Target)
Adult Giant Ant Defender:AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Adult Giant Ant Soldier:AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Giant Ant Harvester:AC: 16 F/R/W: 17/18/13
—Note: Aerial Superiority [+4 DEF vs Ranged, Area attacks]
Giant Ant Drone:AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Blazer:AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Singed
Giant Ant Froster:AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Frostbite
Giant Ant Soldier:AC: 19 F/R/W: 17/16/13
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}
GAE10R08A
Inutchuk thunders across the battle field as a frosty blast of air erupts beyond the barricade from Quinnten's attack. The frost ant that the goliath introduces himself to doesn't seem too pleased to see him, or maybe it was reacting to the soft glow of Matthias' astral seal?
"Ach, who are you?" the Guard Captain asks. Inutchuk's window to reply is cut short by the frost ant's breath attack. Shaking off the frost the captain slams his hammer down into the beasts head. The carapace gives, and frosty air bubbles out from where the impact was made. Behind the two, the guardsmen continue to do their job, striking down the last ant. Though it was quite the gauntlet... it seemed that the battle was finally over.
Beat them up guys. Go for broke! | Don't blink now. | Get ready! Triumph or Die. | Go for broke! Hey! Come On! Stand up! Go for it, man! | It all depends on your skills. Faces straight. | It's show time. Go for it. | You can't give it up. (Encounter Clear!)
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
0
Lord Palingtonhe.him.hisHistory-loving pal!Registered Userregular
Nim takes a moment to catch his breath, then pulls out a small bound book and hastily starts scrawling notes and designs of these monstrosities, social niceties forgotten at the moment.
The Invasion might have lasted only a few minutes, but to a goliath's somewhat geologic sense of time it could have been a split second... or perhaps nineteen months.
Inutchuk's chest made gravelly noises as his breath heaved in and out. Slowly, he began to cool down and his brain began to function a bit more normally. The confusing haze of battle cleared from his mind. Textures began returning to the world, colors became more fluid, and the other bipeds around him slowly regained their appearance of race, sex, and individual features.
The guard captain stood there for a few moments, watching as his words were slowly processed the giant-kin's mind. His mouth opened and closed thoughtfully. His eyes slowly blinked and looked between the Captain and the ground a few times. Finally, he raised a hand, and pointed toward his own chest with a large rocky thumb.
How many more were there to fight before this fight was over? Quinnten whirled about trying frantically cover all possible angles of possible assault. Was that a shadow of an antennae in that alleyway? A thorax or just a roofing tile on that roof over there? Did ants learn to walk two feet and wield weapons and armor? No, that last one was a guard. With that realization, Quinnten finally noticed that the battle had finally reached a conclusion and they weren't dead which, as always, he was very grateful for.
"Why do I keep on finding myself in the middle of these things," Quinnten mumbled to himself and as he let himself relaxed. He took a few slow deep breaths to steady himself before carrying on. He eyed what looked to be a guard talking to Inutchuk and Quinnten figured he ought to head over there.
"There isn't more those things anywhere, is there? Either way shouldn't we find some place safer to get everyone."
The Party Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
While an unsteady peace fell upon the area, outside of the walls of the central market the sounds of chaos continued on.
"Damned good job, son." The dwarven guard captain nods at Inutchuk and then turns to address Quinnten. "You're right, we need to get these people out of here."
"Captain, most of the civilians have already been evacuated. Ambrose... is lost," Vicks says as he looks around, "and who knows how much time we have before more of these godsdamned ants come."
As if to underscore this, the ground briefly trembles.
"Aye, there's only one problem: the gate is locked and barred from the other side" The captain notes.
"Professor Nim!" A younger looking gnome runs up to Nim, who was still inspecting the ant husks.
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
0
Lord Palingtonhe.him.hisHistory-loving pal!Registered Userregular
Nim looked up sharply at whoever was trying to interrupt his sketching of what looked to be the gland responsible for the fiery goop the ant had spit.
Or was that the spleen?
"Oh, Brinnmin! Good to see you alive. How is the rest of the research team?"
The Party Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
Brinnmin looks at Nim and then away.
"The ants... they took them! There were so many." He struggles to maintain his composure.
A few feet away, another conversation is going on. With the gate sealed, there was still no way out. Even though the ants had been driven back it was only a matter of time before they regrouped and attacked once more.
"Wait, wasn't there a catapult back there?" Vicks asks. Before any could respond, the ground begins to tremble. The tremors subside and no new ants appear. Even the skies above you, which had once been filled with harvesters had cleared…
The good vibes from getting to these people has reset your HP to its max, without spending surges.
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Quinnten looked around uneasily as the ground trembled. Was another attack imminent? He held his breath as he waited through the earth shaking and even a few moments passed. When he saw nothing else was about to attack them, he exhaled gratefully. He wasn't quite sure what had happened but he wasn't about to start being concerned about not fighting for his life.
"Is that is, then?" He asked all most afraid that by talking he'd break the calm reprieve. "Anyone see any more of them?"
Lord Palingtonhe.him.hisHistory-loving pal!Registered Userregular
The fog of academia begins to clear from Nim's mind. He clasps his student's hand and fixes him with his gaze. "Brinnmin, you have done well. We shall find them. You need to get clear, follow these soldiers to a safer area."
He reaches into his robe and pulls out a small bound book. "Here are the notes on the area so far, as well as what I have gleaned from these ants. Make sure they get back to the Academy if I do not."
"Ants come out of Ground, Mister Quinnten. Maybe... gone back in?"
Inutchuk scratched his head. His brain had not quite vented the excess body heat and still struggled with the idea. There might be no end to the ants. So long as there was more of The Ground, there would have to be more ants? There was certainly a lot of The Ground.
"That would be great," Quinnten responded to Inutchuk "But it does leave the question of why they were here in the first place and whether they might come back." Quinnten frowned at the idea. However he wasn't sure whether he was more concerned about the answers or how they would actually have to go find those answers.
Lord Palingtonhe.him.hisHistory-loving pal!Registered Userregular
"I believe I may have a theory about that particular conundrum," Nim seamlessly inserted himself into the conversation, one of the few social arts the gnome had perfected. "We had originally come to study uncertainties in the magical fields in this area."
Seeing the blank looks, he conjured up some small figures of light to assist in his explanation. "This area has long had at its center non-conforming magical energies." The lights formed into neat geometric patterns. "These energies will slowly corrode and corrupt the standard fields of magical energy, often with unpredictable results." The geometric patterns slowly begin decaying from random sparks and dead zones. "To make an incredibly long story impossibly short, I believe that these energies have something to do with the size, ferocity, and capabilities of these ants."
The Party Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
"I see," Vicks nods at Nim with feigned understanding. "You two, come with me now. The rest of you stand guard, in case any more arrive" Vicks states as he begins to move to the south.
Once there he begins to rotate the catapult to face toward the door. realizing his intent, you herd the remaining bystanders away from the door. Loading the catapult with some flaming debris, Vicks fires the device into the northern gates of the marketplace. The result is instantaneous: freedom! With their escape in sight the civilians struggle to succumb to the desire to simply run off into the city.
"Ach, That's comin out of yer pay, son!" the Captain mutters with a smile. Mirth turns to terror as the ground trembles yet again, and the group realizes that they need to get out of town. "Go on, lick yer wounds!"
With your help, the group begins its pilgrimage south, to the docks. There are few survivors along the path taken. Screams of terror continue to ring out elsewhere in the city, but it seemed you lucky, for now.
Walking along, the sight of the some of the wards in the city giving off a strange glow makes Quinnten think about what he'd seen earlier. Could the magical energies of the wards be what caused all this? Could there have been someone behind this? The giant came from the tunnels. The very same tunnels that had been sealed by a warning. Pieces fell together in his head, and the picture that came together wasn't too pretty...
Not even the scent of smouldering wood managed to cover over the stench of Lake Ambrose. City guardsmen shouted orders over teh screams of the civilians, while other guardsmen watch your approach from behind makeshift battlements. As you make your way through the broken husks of ants and men, you notice bowmen along the rooftops of several buildings. Most of the boats on the lake are moving toward the island in the middle of it, and only two remain docked. From the looks of things, the evacuation of the city was just about over. The Captain utters some words to Vicks, before going off to rejoin the guardsmen.
"We appreciate your help back there," Vicks says to the group. "But this isn't over yet. I've gotta ask you to come with me for now, please?"
He begins to make his way toward the one of last boats…
(I've got to do the recruiting thing and all that stuff. In the meantime, your characters are now level 6! Please See the OOC thread for more information. The game will resume once we have the replacements!)
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
The Party Chapter 5: "Counterstrike?"
Lake Ambrose - Refugee Boats
A thick fog hangs in the air around you, and with it comes the smell of death, ash and lavender. The vessel you're on slowly bobs up and down, and in the distance you can hear the faint sounds of the inhabitants of the other boats. Despite the dire circumstances, you can even hear what sounds like children playing. That those children, despite surviving through the horrors that occurred only a few days ago, were now laughing and playing showed that there was still hope for Ambrose.
But that hope wasn't completely shared by all. It would be some time before things would be the same in the town of Ambrose, and even its adjacent plains. The horde of giant ants that rose from the depths of the earth saw to that. The creatures displayed no mercy, took no quarter. For as many as were saved more had fallen, dragged into the depths by worker ants or plucked from their rooftops by their harvesters. Even now, guardsmen watch the skies cautiously.
Only days had passed since the attack and evacuation. But still the people waited on a cluster of boats moored around the lone island in the middle of lake Ambrose. As new ships came from abroad they were stopped and their captains found themselves with stalled cargo and decks of refugees. The Merchant's Guild knew that the situation was slowly beginning to heat up. With that knowledge guards had been sent back into the city as scouts by the Merchant's Guild. Most returned, and none spoke of ants.
How could an invasion force so massive disappear so quickly? There was something amiss. Unwilling to turn to the Empire for help, the Merchants Guild of Ambrose has looked within. Five volunteers stepped forward:
Inutchuk (Horseshoe)
The goliath stood toward the prow of the vessel. His eyes focused on the smoldering shore of the city. There lay the ants, a worthy adversary.
Quinnten (SnowSquall)
Looking around the deck of the ship, he represses the voice in his head that asks him why the hell he volunteered for this.
Associate Professor Nim (Lord Palington)
Having lost several students to this chaos, the gnome was both fascinated by the giant ants and hopeful to the students he couldn't save.
"Gramps" (El Skid)
Having fought through and lead a few random townspeople to safety, the old man felt the fires of adventure burning in his bones yet again. The goliath, sorcerer and gnome seemed rather familiar with each other, he notes. Perhaps they were another group brought together by such circumstance.
Bartholomew (godmode)
After working with "Gramps" to save lives felt compelled to volunteer as well. His wolf, Bongo, sniffs the air. He seemed to be on edge, as there was much tension in the air.
Drifting between them and the guards was Vicks. He and his men would set up the base camp for this expedition. They looked nervous. Vicks held onto a map that had the scouting routes for the missing men. With his team as the nucleus, the Volunteers would try and find them and any clues that they may have found, and most importantly, ensure that the ants were truly gone. In a few minutes, both his men and your group would be loaded onto several dinghies and launched to the shore. It was time to take back Ambrose.
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
It was hard to believe that it had only been days since that city had been invaded and overwhelmed by hoards of giant ants. It was even more unbelievable that all the scouting parties that had ventured back had found none of the gigantic creatures. However all of that was superseded by the fact that Quinnten, once again, found himself in the middle of some foolhardy venture that would likely see him dead by its end. Of course, it not like he had much choice in the matter. He was stuck with everyone else either on or floating around that sole island, and that sudden attack showed that anywhere could be attacked from those ants.
It was only then that he found that he had been drumming a repetitive rhythm on the deck with the butt of his staff which, if he could read from those near him, was very annoying. He stopped immediately before glares turned into something worse. Quinnten cleared his throat.
"So...what's the plan when he get back? Are we looking for anything in particular?..." As he voiced his question he realized how absurd it sounded to ask for something specific on a fact finding mission. He quickly tried to cover himself, "...Or rather anywhere in particular? Do we know where they first emerged? It might be good to take a look at that spot."
Lord Palingtonhe.him.hisHistory-loving pal!Registered Userregular
"I," Nim began with his familiar lecturing tone, "believe that if we were to follow the arcane trails of the wards back to where they had originally begun showing signs of warping."
The professor looked out at the city. "Besides, some of my students may yet live. They knew what they were signing onto, of course. Any gnome from the Academy is willing to lay down his or her life for the greater cause of knowledge, but still..."
He pauses a moment, then continues on as if that last sentence had never been said. "Quinnten, dear boy! I must say your arcane evocations, wild and unpredictable as may be, have been quite useful! When we have some more time, I would love to sit down and discuss some theory with you, help you get ahold of these energies. Many a mage back home would love the raw power you exhibited. Not me, of course, as my talents lie in the more subtle field of illusion." He reaches up to pat the human on the shoulder. "With your power and my knowledge, we just may save this city." He nods over to Inutchuk, "Not to mention his sheer muscle and the tactics of our good Commander, of course."
0
El SkidThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
Gramps looked at Quintenn and then back out to the direction the ants came from. "I dunno 'bout you, but I think we need ta find the queen insect and put an end to this once and fer all. When I was a young'un, watching ants was a passtime of mine- we couldn't afford all these newfangled toys you all seem to have had, and I was never one fer magic, ya see... but ants now- you can learn alot about tactics and such from ants. They attack together and work with each other, and so long as the queen survives, the colony can rebuild itself real quick if they get beat. The key is always the queen- if the colony loses its Queen, it don't matter what else happens- they stop workin' together and die off real quick." the old man paused and grunted. "Dunno how long it takes a colony of giant ants to rebuild itself, but the tiny ones come back at full strength in a matter of days.'
Inutchuk listened to Quinnten and Nim's voices. For such a little man, the little man was very loud. Maybe it was because he was Very Smart, and it was important for people to hear what he was saying.
He couldn't quite remember if he knew where the ants came from. He hadn't needed to think about it, because nobody had asked him. It seemed like such a long time ago. It was hard to remember things when you had different dirt between your toes. It was easy to remember the mines, but the soft world outside of them had been much more confusing and difficult to track. Back then he had just come out of the mountains, and there was a short person who talked mean to him and the elf with the scar on his face (who might also have been a girl). And worst of all, Halfthrok, who turned out to be a Bad Dwarf who Stole Things. They were very bad people who may or may not have broken something they shouldn't have. Especially the little man who said bad thinigs and thought his nice clothes made him better than other people. It was all very vague.
"I... maybe know where Ants came from."
Nim and Quinnten looked toward the back of the ship as the giant-kin's gravely voice rolled toward them like a landslide. Inutchuk, at nearly 8 feet tall and made of stone, looked more like cargo than passenger. He appeared more still than usual, which probably meant he was thinking. As Nim knew from his studies, and Quinnten knew from familiarity with Inutchuk, memory could be difficult and dangerous territory for your average Goliath. But what could he possibly know about such a magical disturbance?
Quinnten quickly rummaged through some of the ideas presented, well as quickly one learned to be a farmer could be. The Associate Professor had a good point about the magical ward. He had noticed during the fight that the wards were glowing a bit differently, perhaps even menacing manner. However, that all could have been due to the fact he was busy trying not to be eaten, burned, frozen or otherwise dying in some manner. And for the other matter, brought by Gramps, a new acquaintance, Quinnten started to respond.
"That's good and all, but where..." And didn't finish as Inutchuk's voice carried from, well he wanted. A tall bearing and good set of lungs meant that you can be heard from wherever you wanted to. Quinnten turned towards the back of the ship. He wasn't sure exactly what Inutchuk was thinking or whether it would be helpful or practical. The Goliath did have a way simplifying things that were complicated and things right now were from simple from Quinnten's perspective.
Bartholomew crouched over his gear he had laid on the deck before him, listening to the conversation of the others. He went through his routine methodically: unstringing the bow, gently wiping down the wood, waxing the string, restringing, then finally glancing at the arrow fletchings before gathering and repacking his belongings. All the while he contemplated the ants, and the destruction they'd left in their wake.
He nodded to Gramps, "You're right about the queen. Our best chance at stopping them must be killing her." He glanced out at the water as he pulled out a biscuit, breaking off chunks to feed to Bongo, who lapped at Bartholomew's hand contentedly. "Inutchuk, tell us more about this door and the priest. I'm unfamiliar with the name."
Inutchuk's mood immediately brightened. He seemed to be happy to talk about something other than the door.
"Father Baern is very smart. He's a dwarf, you know. I was lost in the dark and didn't know where I was and then I heard his voice and he found me. He taught me things and told me to Be Good and not use words if I don't know what they mean and he talked to Moradin for me and that the Big Sky wasn't so bad and he taught me some prayers and..."
One got the impression he would keep talking about this former mentor of his if he was not interrupted.
"Yes, yes, he sounds like a great man," Bartholomew replies, raising his voice to be heard over the goliath. "Do you think there is some way he could be of assistance to us?"
Bartholomew glances doubtfully at the fog hanging around the ships. "I do not think that searching for him in the city would be wise...What was it about that door you mentioned?"
The Party Chapter 5: "Counterstrike?"
Lake Ambrose - Refugee Boats
Vicks turns his attention from encouraging the guardsmen that would be accompanying the group to the words of the goliath. Floating here on the lake like this, it was hard for anyone to miss what he was saying. The warlord briskly runs over to Inutchuk.
"Armor looks good on you big guy, didn't think it was possible to make you look even more imposing. But I need you to quiet down just a bit. Gods know if what you're saying is true is huge, but... it almost sounds like you're saying you helped cause this mess. Can you see where that'd be a bit of a problem?"
Vicks steps back and paces, trying to figure out why this kind of thing always seems to happen just minutes before he embarks on some task.
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Bartholomew thoughtfully strokes Bongo's fur as he looks about the ship. "What do you think, Gramps? Where do we go from here?"
0
El SkidThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
Gramps looked at the Goliath, weighing his words before speaking. "Sounds to me like this is the best lead we have. Inutchuk, do you know the way to this door?"
0
Lord Palingtonhe.him.hisHistory-loving pal!Registered Userregular
"A door, a dwarf, a goliath, giant ants, old man, dog, young man, mystical wards, violent, warped..." Nim seems happy to continue his word association game quietly to himself. One would be surprised how many magical breakthroughs were the result of saying just the right word at just the right time...
"Well, then...let me think about that," Quinnten answered. He took a moment to scratch the back of neck while he organized his thought. "We found you down in the tunnels or sewers or whatever they were beneath that farm southwest of the city. Never really got explore where they went, thanks to those annoying wards on the doors, but it wouldn't be out of the question to think they might connect to the city."
The Party Chapter 5: "Counterstrike?"
Lake Ambrose - Refugee Boats
"Interesting... so that's one other place we may be able to start off searching." Vicks looks at Inutchuk, still trying to figure out what exactly he meant. "There's always been rumours about tunnels stretching out across the plains."
(Decision time! You can head toward the city, or follow Inutchuk's lead and head southwest through a forest/mountainous region to Steve's farm!)
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Bartholomew nods at Quinnten. "Sounds like we should go to the farm and examine the tunnels. Anything would be preferred to going back into the city right now."
0
Lord Palingtonhe.him.hisHistory-loving pal!Registered Userregular
"If the ants are harvesting, their victims will no longer be in the city. I concur that we should explore these tunnels. I am most curious to see these wards..."
Posts
Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
Round 7
Map
Previous Round (6)
—Turn: Spitfrost [Target GDDS - 18 vs REF 16: Hit 11 Cold Damage (-5 TEMP - 6 Total) | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)]
—Effs: Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire)
22 - Ambrose Guard Captain: (25,8) HP: 52/74
—Turn: Charge [(20,7 -> 25,8), Target FRMO - 25 vs AC 18: Hit 15 Damage]
—Effs: Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUTS)
21 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUTS): (24,11) HP: 28/46
—Turn: Spitfire [Target Captain - 23 vs REF 19: Hit 11 Fire Damage | Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUTS)]]
—Effs: Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire)
20 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDHI): (12,10) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target BUTS - 29 vs AC 19: Hit 8 Damage]
—Effs:
19 - Civilians: (??,??) HP: N/A
—Turn: N/A
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
19 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRT): (16,11) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - 18 vs AC 19: Miss]
—Effs:
18 - Giant Ant Froster (FRRE): (19,14) HP: -4/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Assoc Prof Nim: (22,21) HP: 23/37
—Turn: Move (22,21 -> 21,21), Nightmare Eruption [Target ASGH - 17 vs WILL 14: Hit 10 Damage]
—Effs: Goo'd (2), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN)
17 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASGH): (17,10) HP: -5/72
—Turn: Grasping Mandibles [Target Vicks - 25 vs AC 20: Hit 10 Damage (-4 Temp - 6 Total) | Grabbed | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Jenny: (12,23) HP: 38/38 [5 Temp]
—Turn: Twin Strike [Target ASGH - 21 vs AC 21: Hit 7 Damage, Target ASDF - 21 vs AC 21: Hit 5 Damage (+1 Quarry - 6 Total *ASDF KO'd*)], Move (10,26 -> 12,23)
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
14 - Giant Ant Harvester (HVOM): (4,22,6) HP: 34/47
—Turn: Delay
—Effs:
13 - Vicks: (19,25) HP: 16/37
—Turn: Viper's Strike [Target ASGH - 25 vs AC 21: Hit 11 Lightning Damage *ASGH KO'D*]
—Effs: Lightning Longsword (Lightning Damage), Goo'd (3), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN), *Bloodied*
14 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDDS): (18,6) HP: 6/36
—Turn: Crossbow [Target FRMO - 18 vs AC 18: Hit 6 Damage]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO), *Bloodied*
13 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOTH): (8,9) HP: 29/54
—Turn: Grasping Mandibles [Target GDRE - 24 vs AC 18: Hit 12 Damage]
—Effs:
12 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOEN): (21,8) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUAN): (18,18) HP: 7/46
—Turn:
—Effs: Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), *BLoodied*
12 - Adult Giant Ant Defender (DANT): (13,19) HP: -6/65
—Effs: *DEAD*
10 - Giant Ant Holes (---): (Multiple) HP: -/-
—Turn: None
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
10 - Quinnten: (21,24) HP: 23/37 [1 Temp]
—Turn: Dragon Frost [Target BUAN 27 vs FORT 17: Hit 20 Cold Damage]
—Effs: Goo'd (4), {Q: Dragonflame Mantle: On hit/negate - 3 Fire Damage}
9 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASDF): (12,21) HP: -4/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
9 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRE): (10,8) HP: -3/36
—Turn: Stung (Ongoing 5 Acid *GDRE Ko'd*)
—Effs: *DEAD*
7 - Giant Ant Soldier (SODD): (21,6) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
5 - Inutchuk: (17,19) HP: 49/52 [9 Temp]
—Turn: Charge [(14,21 -> 17,19) Target BUAN - 21 vs AC 18: Hit 13 Damage *BUAN KO'd*]
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
5 - Matthias: (16,18) HP: 37/40
—Turn: Move (18,24 -> 16,18), Healing Word [Target Inutchuk - -1 HS, +25 HP]
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
Zones and Other
Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Current Round (7)
26 - Giant Ant Froster (FRMO): (26,8) HP: 15/46
—Turn: Frostwave [CB3 (25,8) Target Captain - 24 vs FORT 22: Hit 9 Cold Damage (+5 Singed - 14 Total) | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)]
—Effs: Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), *Bloodied*
22 - Ambrose Guard Captain: (25,8) HP: 38/74
—Turn: Captain's Strike [Target FRMO - 27 vs AC 18: Hit 10 Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)
21 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUTS): (24,11) HP: 28/46
—Turn: Spitfire [Target Captain - 18 vs REF 19: Miss]]
—Effs: Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire)
20 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDHI): (12,10) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - *1* vs AC 19: Miss]
—Effs:
19 - Civilians: (??,??) HP: N/A
—Turn: N/A
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
19 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRT): (16,11) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - *1* vs AC 19: Miss]
—Effs:
18 - Giant Ant Froster (FRRE): (19,14) HP: -4/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Assoc Prof Nim: (22,21) HP: 23/37
—Turn:
—Effs: Goo'd (2), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN)
17 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASGH): (17,10) HP: -5/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Jenny: (12,23) HP: 38/38 [5 Temp]
—Turn:
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
14 - Giant Ant Harvester (HVOM): (4,22,6) HP: 34/47
—Effs: *FLED*
13 - Vicks: (19,25) HP: 16/37
—Turn:
—Effs: Lightning Longsword (Lightning Damage), Goo'd (3), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN), *Bloodied*
14 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDDS): (18,6) HP: 6/36
—Turn:
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO), *Bloodied*
13 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOTH): (8,9) HP: 29/54
—Turn:
—Effs:
12 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOEN): (21,8) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUAN): (18,18) HP: -6/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Adult Giant Ant Defender (DANT): (13,19) HP: -6/65
—Effs: *DEAD*
10 - Giant Ant Holes (---): (Multiple) HP: -/-
—Turn: None
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
10 - Quinnten: (21,24) HP: 23/37 [1 Temp]
—Turn:
—Effs: Goo'd (4), {Q: Dragonflame Mantle: On hit/negate - 3 Fire Damage}
9 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASDF): (12,21) HP: -4/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
9 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRE): (10,8) HP: -3/36
—Effs: *DEAD*
7 - Giant Ant Soldier (SODD): (21,6) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
5 - Inutchuk: (17,19) HP: 49/52 [9 Temp]
—Turn:
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
5 - Matthias: (16,18) HP: 37/40
—Turn:
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
Zones and Other
Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Unit Details
—Status:
Jenny HP: 25/38 AC: 18 F/R/W: 16/18/15 HS: 1/6 AP: 2
—Status: Death Counter (1/3)
Matthias HP: 40/40 AC: 20 F/R/W: 14/14/19 HS: 4/8 AP: 1
—Status:
Assoc Prof Nim HP: 37/37 AC: 18 F/R/W: 15/17/17 HS: 7/8 AP: 0
—Status:
Quinnten HP: 26/37 AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/14/20 HS: 1/6 AP: 0
—Status:
Vicks HP: 37/37 AC: 20 F/R/W: 20/17/15 HS: 6/7 AP: 1
—Status: Tactics (Allies: +2 Init, Allies: +2 ATTK, +2 DMG on AP attacks)
Ambrose Guard Captain AC: 22 F/R/W: 22/19/17 HS: 6/7 AP: 1
—Status: Captain's Aura [Aura 3: Bloodied Allies that start their turn within this aura gain +5 TEMP HP], Rally (Recharge: All allies gain +2 ATTK/+2 DEF ENT, +5 TEMP)
Civilians: AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Pacifist, Fear, Minion; A missed attack does not damage a minion.
Guardsmen: AC: 18 F/R/W: 16/16/15
—Note: Crossbow Bolts (x10), Shortsword
Giant Ant Boomer: AC: 17 F/R/W: 17/15/15
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Charger: AC: 19 F/R/W: 19/17/15
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Focused Charge (Immune: Marking, Single Target)
Adult Giant Ant Defender: AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Adult Giant Ant Soldier: AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Giant Ant Harvester: AC: 16 F/R/W: 17/18/13
—Note: Aerial Superiority [+4 DEF vs Ranged, Area attacks]
Giant Ant Drone: AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Blazer: AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Singed
Giant Ant Froster: AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Frostbite
Giant Ant Soldier: AC: 19 F/R/W: 17/16/13
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}
GAE10R07A
With the destruction of the fire ant, a large portion of the ants has been wiped out. Only those to the north seemed to remain in the area. As Matthias begins to push north, he feels the ground tremble yet again. Unsure of what to make of that, he utters words of encouragement to Inutchuk. The ant genocide machine feels inspired to do more of what he's been doing so well.
Unaware that their rescuers are nearing the guards fight on, sort of. As the Captain trades blows with the frost ant, two of his guardsmen fire their crossbows into the sky, the buzz of one of the harvesters likely distracting them from the threat before them.
Beat them up guys. Go for broke! | Don't blink now. | Get ready! Triumph or Die. | Go for broke! Hey! Come On! Stand up! Go for it, man! | It all adepends on your skills. Faces straight. | It's show time. Go for it. | You can't give it up.
Next Up: Assoc Prof Nim
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (2), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN)
Then: Jenny
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (1)
Standard: Nightmare Eruption vs Will (BUTS): 1d20+8 18 HIT! 1d8+5 13
Nim pushes north, spotting those under siege separated from their crew by only a few more ants. He blasts some nightmare energy at the ant that throws flame, and he studies it as it readies another shot. How can these creatures manipulate and spit fire? What glands and humours are at work here?
Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
Round 7
Map
N/A or pending... idk.
Current Round (7)
26 - Giant Ant Froster (FRMO): (26,8) HP: 15/46
—Turn: Frostwave [CB3 (25,8) Target Captain - 24 vs FORT 22: Hit 9 Cold Damage (+5 Singed - 14 Total) | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)]
—Effs: Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), *Bloodied*
22 - Ambrose Guard Captain: (25,8) HP: 38/74
—Turn: Captain's Strike [Target FRMO - 27 vs AC 18: Hit 10 Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)
21 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUTS): (24,11) HP: -1/46
—Turn: Spitfire [Target Captain - 18 vs REF 19: Miss]]
—Effs: *DEAD*[/color]
20 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDHI): (12,10) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - *1* vs AC 19: Miss]
—Effs:
19 - Civilians: (??,??) HP: N/A
—Turn: N/A
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
19 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRT): (16,11) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - *1* vs AC 19: Miss]
—Effs:
18 - Giant Ant Froster (FRRE): (19,14) HP: -4/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Assoc Prof Nim: (21,18) HP: 23/37
—Turn: Move (22,21 -> 21,18), Nightmare Eruption [TargeT BUTS - 18 vs WILL 12: Hit 13 Psychic Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
17 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASGH): (17,10) HP: -5/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Jenny: (15,17) HP: 38/38 [5 Temp]
—Turn: Move (12,23 -> 15,17), Hunter's Quarry (BUTS), Twin Strike [Target BUTS - 22 vs AC 18: Hit 4 Damage (+8 Quarry - 12 Total), Target BUTS - 28 vs AC 18: Hit 4 Damage *BUTS KO'd*]
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
14 - Giant Ant Harvester (HVOM): (4,22,6) HP: 34/47
—Effs: *FLED*
13 - Vicks: (25,19) HP: 16/37
—Turn: Move (19,25 -> 23,13), Charge [(23,13 -> 25,19) Target FRMO - 13 vs AC 18: Miss]
—Effs: Lightning Longsword (Lightning Damage), Goo'd (3), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN), *Bloodied*
14 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDDS): (18,6) HP: 6/36
—Turn: Crossbow [Target FRMO - *1* vs AC 18]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO), *Bloodied*
13 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOTH): (8,9) HP: 29/54
—Turn: Move (8,9 -> 10,8), Grasping Mandibles [Target GDDH - 14 vs AC 18: Miss]
—Effs:
12 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOEN): (21,8) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUAN): (18,18) HP: -6/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Adult Giant Ant Defender (DANT): (13,19) HP: -6/65
—Effs: *DEAD*
10 - Giant Ant Holes (---): (Multiple) HP: -/-
—Turn: None
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
10 - Quinnten: (21,24) HP: 23/37 [1 Temp]
—Turn:
—Effs: Goo'd (4), {Q: Dragonflame Mantle: On hit/negate - 3 Fire Damage}
9 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASDF): (12,21) HP: -4/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
9 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRE): (10,8) HP: -3/36
—Effs: *DEAD*
7 - Giant Ant Soldier (SODD): (21,6) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
5 - Inutchuk: (17,19) HP: 49/52 [9 Temp]
—Turn:
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
5 - Matthias: (16,18) HP: 37/40
—Turn:
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
Zones and Other
Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Unit Details
—Status:
Jenny HP: 25/38 AC: 18 F/R/W: 16/18/15 HS: 1/6 AP: 2
—Status: Death Counter (1/3)
Matthias HP: 40/40 AC: 20 F/R/W: 14/14/19 HS: 4/8 AP: 1
—Status:
Assoc Prof Nim HP: 37/37 AC: 18 F/R/W: 15/17/17 HS: 7/8 AP: 0
—Status:
Quinnten HP: 26/37 AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/14/20 HS: 1/6 AP: 0
—Status:
Vicks HP: 37/37 AC: 20 F/R/W: 20/17/15 HS: 6/7 AP: 1
—Status: Tactics (Allies: +2 Init, Allies: +2 ATTK, +2 DMG on AP attacks)
Ambrose Guard Captain AC: 22 F/R/W: 22/19/17 HS: 6/7 AP: 1
—Status: Captain's Aura [Aura 3: Bloodied Allies that start their turn within this aura gain +5 TEMP HP], Rally (Recharge: All allies gain +2 ATTK/+2 DEF ENT, +5 TEMP)
Civilians: AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Pacifist, Fear, Minion; A missed attack does not damage a minion.
Guardsmen: AC: 18 F/R/W: 16/16/15
—Note: Crossbow Bolts (x10), Shortsword
Giant Ant Boomer: AC: 17 F/R/W: 17/15/15
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Charger: AC: 19 F/R/W: 19/17/15
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Focused Charge (Immune: Marking, Single Target)
Adult Giant Ant Defender: AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Adult Giant Ant Soldier: AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Giant Ant Harvester: AC: 16 F/R/W: 17/18/13
—Note: Aerial Superiority [+4 DEF vs Ranged, Area attacks]
Giant Ant Drone: AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Blazer: AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Singed
Giant Ant Froster: AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Frostbite
Giant Ant Soldier: AC: 19 F/R/W: 17/16/13
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}
GAE10R07B
The fire ant shudders from Nim's assault, and a double tap of Jenny's crossbow bolts puts it out of its misery. Riding the wave of momentum of this attack, Vicks charges toward the frost ant... and misses. He ducks to avoid an arrow to his head on top of that. Fighting to the bitter end, a soldier ant advances on a guard, who is able to fend off the attack.
Beat them up guys. Go for broke! | Don't blink now. | Get ready! Triumph or Die. | Go for broke! Hey! Come On! Stand up! Go for it, man! | It all adepends on your skills. Faces straight. | It's show time. Go for it. | You can't give it up.
Next Up: Quinnten
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (4), {Q: Dragonflame Mantle: On hit/negate - 3 Fire Damage}
Then: Inutchuk
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (1)
Standard Action: Dragonfrost vs SOTH [Fort 17]
Arcane Reserves: +2 Damage to At-Wills
Dragonfrost vs SOTH: 1d20+8 24 1d8+10+2 13
Hit
SOTH takes 13 cold damage and is down to 16/54 health
Ready Dragonflame Mantle in case of melee hit or against an attack that can be defended by an extra 1 to defenses
Next Up: Inutchuk
—Buffs/Debuffs:Goo'd (1)
Then: Matthias
—Buffs/Debuffs: Goo'd (2)
Next: Matthias
Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
Round 8
Map
Not necessary!
Previous Round (7)
—Turn: Frostwave [CB3 (25,8) Target Captain - 24 vs FORT 22: Hit 9 Cold Damage (+5 Singed - 14 Total) | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)]
—Effs: Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), *Bloodied*, Seal (-2 DEF [AC: 16 F/R/W: 15/15/10], {NA <Next Ally who Hits> Seal: Target <Next Ally who Hit>: +6 HP})
22 - Ambrose Guard Captain: (25,8) HP: 38/74
—Turn: Captain's Strike [Target FRMO - 27 vs AC 18: Hit 10 Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)
21 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUTS): (24,11) HP: -1/46
—Turn: Spitfire [Target Captain - 18 vs REF 19: Miss]]
—Effs: *DEAD*[/color]
20 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDHI): (12,10) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - *1* vs AC 19: Miss]
—Effs:
19 - Civilians: (??,??) HP: N/A
—Turn: N/A
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
19 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRT): (16,11) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - *1* vs AC 19: Miss]
—Effs:
18 - Giant Ant Froster (FRRE): (19,14) HP: -4/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Assoc Prof Nim: (21,18) HP: 23/37
—Turn: Move (22,21 -> 21,18), Nightmare Eruption [TargeT BUTS - 18 vs WILL 12: Hit 13 Psychic Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
17 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASGH): (17,10) HP: -5/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Jenny: (15,17) HP: 38/38 [5 Temp]
—Turn: Move (12,23 -> 15,17), Hunter's Quarry (BUTS), Twin Strike [Target BUTS - 22 vs AC 18: Hit 4 Damage (+8 Quarry - 12 Total), Target BUTS - 28 vs AC 18: Hit 4 Damage *BUTS KO'd*]
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
14 - Giant Ant Harvester (HVOM): (4,22,6) HP: 34/47
—Effs: *FLED*
13 - Vicks: (25,19) HP: 16/37
—Turn: Move (19,25 -> 23,13), Charge [(23,13 -> 25,19) Target FRMO - 13 vs AC 18: Miss]
—Effs: Lightning Longsword (Lightning Damage), Goo'd (3), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN), *Bloodied*
14 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDDS): (18,6) HP: 6/36
—Turn: Crossbow [Target FRMO - *1* vs AC 18]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO), *Bloodied*
13 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOTH): (8,9) HP: 16/54
—Turn: Move (8,9 -> 10,8), Grasping Mandibles [Target GDDH - 14 vs AC 18: Miss]
—Effs: *Bloodied*
12 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOEN): (21,8) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUAN): (18,18) HP: -6/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Adult Giant Ant Defender (DANT): (13,19) HP: -6/65
—Effs: *DEAD*
10 - Giant Ant Holes (---): (Multiple) HP: -/-
—Turn: None
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
10 - Quinnten: (15,18) HP: 23/37 [1 Temp]
—Turn: Move (21,24 -> 15,18), Dragonfrost [24 vs FORT 17: Hit 13 Cold Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Goo'd (4), {Q: Dragonflame Mantle: On hit/negate - 1 Fire Damage}
9 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASDF): (12,21) HP: -4/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
9 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRE): (10,8) HP: -3/36
—Effs: *DEAD*
7 - Giant Ant Soldier (SODD): (21,6) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
5 - Inutchuk: (17,19) HP: 49/52 [9 Temp]
—Turn: Move (17,19 -> 21,14), Charge [(21,14 -> 25,9), Target BUTS - 29 vs AC 18: Hit 14 Damage]
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
5 - Matthias: (21,14) HP: 37/40
—Turn: Move (16,18 -> 21,14), Astral Seal [Target FRMO - 23 vs REF 15: Hit Seal (-2 DEF [AC: 16 F/R/W: 15/15/10], {NA <Next Ally who Hits> Seal: Target <Next Ally who Hit>: +6 HP})]
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
Zones and Other
Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Current Round (8)
26 - Giant Ant Froster (FRMO): (26,8) HP: 1/46
—Turn: Frostwave [CB3 (25,8) Target Captain - 29 vs FORT 22: Hit 9 Cold Damage | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO),
Target Inutchuk - 25 vs FORT 22: Hit 9 Cold Damage (-9 Temp - 0 Total) | Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO),
—Effs: *DEAD*[/color]
22 - Ambrose Guard Captain: (25,8) HP: 35/74
—Turn: Captain's Strike [Target FRMO - 20 vs AC 16: Hit 12 Damage {NA Seal [Target Captain: +6 HP]} *FRMO KO'd*]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO)
21 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUTS): (24,11) HP: -1/46
—Turn: Spitfire [Target Captain - 18 vs REF 19: Miss]]
—Effs: *DEAD*[/color]
20 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDHI): (12,10) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - 13 vs AC 19: Miss]
—Effs:
19 - Civilians: (??,??) HP: N/A
—Turn: N/A
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
19 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRT): (16,11) HP: 36/36
—Turn: Crossbow[Target SOTH - 24 vs AC 19: Hit 16 Damage]
—Effs:
18 - Giant Ant Froster (FRRE): (19,14) HP: -4/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Assoc Prof Nim: (21,18) HP: 23/37
—Turn: Move (22,21 -> 21,18), Nightmare Eruption [Target BUTS - 18 vs WILL 12: Hit 13 Psychic Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
17 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASGH): (17,10) HP: -5/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
17 - Jenny: (15,17) HP: 38/38 [5 Temp]
—Turn: Move (12,23 -> 15,17), Hunter's Quarry (BUTS), Twin Strike [Target BUTS - 22 vs AC 18: Hit 4 Damage (+8 Quarry - 12 Total), Target BUTS - 28 vs AC 18: Hit 4 Damage *BUTS KO'd*]
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
14 - Giant Ant Harvester (HVOM): (4,22,6) HP: 34/47
—Effs: *FLED*
13 - Vicks: (25,19) HP: 16/37
—Turn: Move (19,25 -> 23,13), Charge [(23,13 -> 25,19) Target FRMO - 13 vs AC 18: Miss]
—Effs: Lightning Longsword (Lightning Damage), Goo'd (3), Singed (Vulnerable 5 Cold ENT:BUAN), *Bloodied*
14 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDDS): (18,6) HP: 6/36
—Turn: Crossbow [Target FRMO - *1* vs AC 18]
—Effs: Frostbit (Vulnerable 5 Fire ENT:FRMO), *Bloodied*
13 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOTH): (8,9) HP: 0/54
—Turn: Move (8,9 -> 10,8), Grasping Mandibles [Target GDDH - 14 vs AC 18: Miss]
—Effs: *Bloodied*
12 - Giant Ant Soldier (SOEN): (21,8) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Giant Ant Blazer (BUAN): (18,18) HP: -6/46
—Effs: *DEAD*
12 - Adult Giant Ant Defender (DANT): (13,19) HP: -6/65
—Effs: *DEAD*
10 - Giant Ant Holes (---): (Multiple) HP: -/-
—Turn: None
—Effs: {Note: Initiative Placeholder}
10 - Quinnten: (15,18) HP: 23/37 [1 Temp]
—Turn: Move (21,24 -> 15,18), Dragonfrost [24 vs FORT 17: Hit 13 Cold Damage | *Bloodied*]
—Effs: Goo'd (4), {Q: Dragonflame Mantle: On hit/negate - 1 Fire Damage}
9 - Adult Giant Ant Soldier (ASDF): (12,21) HP: -4/72
—Effs: *DEAD*
9 - Ambrose Guardsman (GDRE): (10,8) HP: -3/36
—Effs: *DEAD*
7 - Giant Ant Soldier (SODD): (21,6) HP: -2/54
—Effs: *DEAD*
5 - Inutchuk: (17,19) HP: 49/52
—Turn: Move (17,19 -> 21,14), Charge [(21,14 -> 25,9), Target BUTS - 29 vs AC 18: Hit 14 Damage]
—Effs: Goo'd (1)
5 - Matthias: (21,14) HP: 37/40
—Turn: Move (16,18 -> 21,14), Astral Seal [Target FRMO - 23 vs REF 15: Hit Seal (-2 DEF [AC: 16 F/R/W: 15/15/10], {NA <Next Ally who Hits> Seal: Target <Next Ally who Hit>: +6 HP})]
—Effs: Goo'd (2)
Zones and Other
Name [Type (X,Y) Effect]: Owner
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Mystic Debris [R5 (22,42) Difficult Terrain]: Nim
Phantom Chasm [AB1 (19,17) If Enemy Enters, Prone]: Nim
Unit Details
—Status:
Jenny HP: 25/38 AC: 18 F/R/W: 16/18/15 HS: 1/6 AP: 2
—Status: Death Counter (1/3)
Matthias HP: 40/40 AC: 20 F/R/W: 14/14/19 HS: 4/8 AP: 1
—Status:
Assoc Prof Nim HP: 37/37 AC: 18 F/R/W: 15/17/17 HS: 7/8 AP: 0
—Status:
Quinnten HP: 26/37 AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/14/20 HS: 1/6 AP: 0
—Status:
Vicks HP: 37/37 AC: 20 F/R/W: 20/17/15 HS: 6/7 AP: 1
—Status: Tactics (Allies: +2 Init, Allies: +2 ATTK, +2 DMG on AP attacks)
Ambrose Guard Captain AC: 22 F/R/W: 22/19/17 HS: 6/7 AP: 1
—Status: Captain's Aura [Aura 3: Bloodied Allies that start their turn within this aura gain +5 TEMP HP], Rally (Recharge: All allies gain +2 ATTK/+2 DEF ENT, +5 TEMP)
Civilians: AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Pacifist, Fear, Minion; A missed attack does not damage a minion.
Guardsmen: AC: 18 F/R/W: 16/16/15
—Note: Crossbow Bolts (x10), Shortsword
Giant Ant Boomer: AC: 17 F/R/W: 17/15/15
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Charger: AC: 19 F/R/W: 19/17/15
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Focused Charge (Immune: Marking, Single Target)
Adult Giant Ant Defender: AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Adult Giant Ant Soldier: AC: 21 F/R/W: 19/15/14
—Note: Defensive Presence [Aura 3: Unmarked Enemies that start their turn within this aura are treated as though marked by the Defender until ENT]
Giant Ant Harvester: AC: 16 F/R/W: 17/18/13
—Note: Aerial Superiority [+4 DEF vs Ranged, Area attacks]
Giant Ant Drone: AC: 15 F/R/W: 15/13/13
—Note: Frenzy {FA ON DEATH OF NON-DRONE ANT}, Minion; Missed attacks do not damage minions.
Giant Ant Blazer: AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Singed
Giant Ant Froster: AC: 18 F/R/W: 17/17/12
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}, Tempered (Resist 5 Cold, Resist 5 Fire), Inflicts Frostbite
Giant Ant Soldier: AC: 19 F/R/W: 17/16/13
—Note: Death Convulsion {FA ON DEATH: ??}
GAE10R08A
Inutchuk thunders across the battle field as a frosty blast of air erupts beyond the barricade from Quinnten's attack. The frost ant that the goliath introduces himself to doesn't seem too pleased to see him, or maybe it was reacting to the soft glow of Matthias' astral seal?
"Ach, who are you?" the Guard Captain asks. Inutchuk's window to reply is cut short by the frost ant's breath attack. Shaking off the frost the captain slams his hammer down into the beasts head. The carapace gives, and frosty air bubbles out from where the impact was made. Behind the two, the guardsmen continue to do their job, striking down the last ant. Though it was quite the gauntlet... it seemed that the battle was finally over.
Beat them up guys. Go for broke! | Don't blink now. | Get ready! Triumph or Die. | Go for broke! Hey! Come On! Stand up! Go for it, man! | It all depends on your skills. Faces straight. | It's show time. Go for it. | You can't give it up.
(Encounter Clear!)
Inutchuk's chest made gravelly noises as his breath heaved in and out. Slowly, he began to cool down and his brain began to function a bit more normally. The confusing haze of battle cleared from his mind. Textures began returning to the world, colors became more fluid, and the other bipeds around him slowly regained their appearance of race, sex, and individual features.
The guard captain stood there for a few moments, watching as his words were slowly processed the giant-kin's mind. His mouth opened and closed thoughtfully. His eyes slowly blinked and looked between the Captain and the ground a few times. Finally, he raised a hand, and pointed toward his own chest with a large rocky thumb.
"Inutchuk."
"Why do I keep on finding myself in the middle of these things," Quinnten mumbled to himself and as he let himself relaxed. He took a few slow deep breaths to steady himself before carrying on. He eyed what looked to be a guard talking to Inutchuk and Quinnten figured he ought to head over there.
"There isn't more those things anywhere, is there? Either way shouldn't we find some place safer to get everyone."
Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
While an unsteady peace fell upon the area, outside of the walls of the central market the sounds of chaos continued on.
"Damned good job, son." The dwarven guard captain nods at Inutchuk and then turns to address Quinnten. "You're right, we need to get these people out of here."
"Captain, most of the civilians have already been evacuated. Ambrose... is lost," Vicks says as he looks around, "and who knows how much time we have before more of these godsdamned ants come."
As if to underscore this, the ground briefly trembles.
"Aye, there's only one problem: the gate is locked and barred from the other side" The captain notes.
"Professor Nim!" A younger looking gnome runs up to Nim, who was still inspecting the ant husks.
Or was that the spleen?
"Oh, Brinnmin! Good to see you alive. How is the rest of the research team?"
Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
Brinnmin looks at Nim and then away.
"The ants... they took them! There were so many." He struggles to maintain his composure.
A few feet away, another conversation is going on. With the gate sealed, there was still no way out. Even though the ants had been driven back it was only a matter of time before they regrouped and attacked once more.
"Wait, wasn't there a catapult back there?" Vicks asks. Before any could respond, the ground begins to tremble. The tremors subside and no new ants appear. Even the skies above you, which had once been filled with harvesters had cleared…
The good vibes from getting to these people has reset your HP to its max, without spending surges.
"Is that is, then?" He asked all most afraid that by talking he'd break the calm reprieve. "Anyone see any more of them?"
He reaches into his robe and pulls out a small bound book. "Here are the notes on the area so far, as well as what I have gleaned from these ants. Make sure they get back to the Academy if I do not."
Inutchuk scratched his head. His brain had not quite vented the excess body heat and still struggled with the idea. There might be no end to the ants. So long as there was more of The Ground, there would have to be more ants? There was certainly a lot of The Ground.
Seeing the blank looks, he conjured up some small figures of light to assist in his explanation. "This area has long had at its center non-conforming magical energies." The lights formed into neat geometric patterns. "These energies will slowly corrode and corrupt the standard fields of magical energy, often with unpredictable results." The geometric patterns slowly begin decaying from random sparks and dead zones. "To make an incredibly long story impossibly short, I believe that these energies have something to do with the size, ferocity, and capabilities of these ants."
Chapter 4: "Invasion!"
Ambrose Hills - Central Marketplace (Midday)
"I see," Vicks nods at Nim with feigned understanding. "You two, come with me now. The rest of you stand guard, in case any more arrive" Vicks states as he begins to move to the south.
Once there he begins to rotate the catapult to face toward the door. realizing his intent, you herd the remaining bystanders away from the door. Loading the catapult with some flaming debris, Vicks fires the device into the northern gates of the marketplace. The result is instantaneous: freedom! With their escape in sight the civilians struggle to succumb to the desire to simply run off into the city.
"Ach, That's comin out of yer pay, son!" the Captain mutters with a smile. Mirth turns to terror as the ground trembles yet again, and the group realizes that they need to get out of town. "Go on, lick yer wounds!"
With your help, the group begins its pilgrimage south, to the docks. There are few survivors along the path taken. Screams of terror continue to ring out elsewhere in the city, but it seemed you lucky, for now.
Walking along, the sight of the some of the wards in the city giving off a strange glow makes Quinnten think about what he'd seen earlier. Could the magical energies of the wards be what caused all this? Could there have been someone behind this? The giant came from the tunnels. The very same tunnels that had been sealed by a warning. Pieces fell together in his head, and the picture that came together wasn't too pretty...
Not even the scent of smouldering wood managed to cover over the stench of Lake Ambrose. City guardsmen shouted orders over teh screams of the civilians, while other guardsmen watch your approach from behind makeshift battlements. As you make your way through the broken husks of ants and men, you notice bowmen along the rooftops of several buildings. Most of the boats on the lake are moving toward the island in the middle of it, and only two remain docked. From the looks of things, the evacuation of the city was just about over. The Captain utters some words to Vicks, before going off to rejoin the guardsmen.
"We appreciate your help back there," Vicks says to the group. "But this isn't over yet. I've gotta ask you to come with me for now, please?"
He begins to make his way toward the one of last boats…
(I've got to do the recruiting thing and all that stuff. In the meantime, your characters are now level 6! Please See the OOC thread for more information. The game will resume once we have the replacements!)
Chapter 5: "Counterstrike?"
Lake Ambrose - Refugee Boats
A thick fog hangs in the air around you, and with it comes the smell of death, ash and lavender. The vessel you're on slowly bobs up and down, and in the distance you can hear the faint sounds of the inhabitants of the other boats. Despite the dire circumstances, you can even hear what sounds like children playing. That those children, despite surviving through the horrors that occurred only a few days ago, were now laughing and playing showed that there was still hope for Ambrose.
But that hope wasn't completely shared by all. It would be some time before things would be the same in the town of Ambrose, and even its adjacent plains. The horde of giant ants that rose from the depths of the earth saw to that. The creatures displayed no mercy, took no quarter. For as many as were saved more had fallen, dragged into the depths by worker ants or plucked from their rooftops by their harvesters. Even now, guardsmen watch the skies cautiously.
Only days had passed since the attack and evacuation. But still the people waited on a cluster of boats moored around the lone island in the middle of lake Ambrose. As new ships came from abroad they were stopped and their captains found themselves with stalled cargo and decks of refugees. The Merchant's Guild knew that the situation was slowly beginning to heat up. With that knowledge guards had been sent back into the city as scouts by the Merchant's Guild. Most returned, and none spoke of ants.
How could an invasion force so massive disappear so quickly? There was something amiss. Unwilling to turn to the Empire for help, the Merchants Guild of Ambrose has looked within. Five volunteers stepped forward:
Inutchuk (Horseshoe)
The goliath stood toward the prow of the vessel. His eyes focused on the smoldering shore of the city. There lay the ants, a worthy adversary.
Quinnten (SnowSquall)
Looking around the deck of the ship, he represses the voice in his head that asks him why the hell he volunteered for this.
Associate Professor Nim (Lord Palington)
Having lost several students to this chaos, the gnome was both fascinated by the giant ants and hopeful to the students he couldn't save.
"Gramps" (El Skid)
Having fought through and lead a few random townspeople to safety, the old man felt the fires of adventure burning in his bones yet again. The goliath, sorcerer and gnome seemed rather familiar with each other, he notes. Perhaps they were another group brought together by such circumstance.
Bartholomew (godmode)
After working with "Gramps" to save lives felt compelled to volunteer as well. His wolf, Bongo, sniffs the air. He seemed to be on edge, as there was much tension in the air.
Drifting between them and the guards was Vicks. He and his men would set up the base camp for this expedition. They looked nervous. Vicks held onto a map that had the scouting routes for the missing men. With his team as the nucleus, the Volunteers would try and find them and any clues that they may have found, and most importantly, ensure that the ants were truly gone. In a few minutes, both his men and your group would be loaded onto several dinghies and launched to the shore. It was time to take back Ambrose.
It was only then that he found that he had been drumming a repetitive rhythm on the deck with the butt of his staff which, if he could read from those near him, was very annoying. He stopped immediately before glares turned into something worse. Quinnten cleared his throat.
"So...what's the plan when he get back? Are we looking for anything in particular?..." As he voiced his question he realized how absurd it sounded to ask for something specific on a fact finding mission. He quickly tried to cover himself, "...Or rather anywhere in particular? Do we know where they first emerged? It might be good to take a look at that spot."
The professor looked out at the city. "Besides, some of my students may yet live. They knew what they were signing onto, of course. Any gnome from the Academy is willing to lay down his or her life for the greater cause of knowledge, but still..."
He pauses a moment, then continues on as if that last sentence had never been said. "Quinnten, dear boy! I must say your arcane evocations, wild and unpredictable as may be, have been quite useful! When we have some more time, I would love to sit down and discuss some theory with you, help you get ahold of these energies. Many a mage back home would love the raw power you exhibited. Not me, of course, as my talents lie in the more subtle field of illusion." He reaches up to pat the human on the shoulder. "With your power and my knowledge, we just may save this city." He nods over to Inutchuk, "Not to mention his sheer muscle and the tactics of our good Commander, of course."
He couldn't quite remember if he knew where the ants came from. He hadn't needed to think about it, because nobody had asked him. It seemed like such a long time ago. It was hard to remember things when you had different dirt between your toes. It was easy to remember the mines, but the soft world outside of them had been much more confusing and difficult to track. Back then he had just come out of the mountains, and there was a short person who talked mean to him and the elf with the scar on his face (who might also have been a girl). And worst of all, Halfthrok, who turned out to be a Bad Dwarf who Stole Things. They were very bad people who may or may not have broken something they shouldn't have. Especially the little man who said bad thinigs and thought his nice clothes made him better than other people. It was all very vague.
"I... maybe know where Ants came from."
Nim and Quinnten looked toward the back of the ship as the giant-kin's gravely voice rolled toward them like a landslide. Inutchuk, at nearly 8 feet tall and made of stone, looked more like cargo than passenger. He appeared more still than usual, which probably meant he was thinking. As Nim knew from his studies, and Quinnten knew from familiarity with Inutchuk, memory could be difficult and dangerous territory for your average Goliath. But what could he possibly know about such a magical disturbance?
"That's good and all, but where..." And didn't finish as Inutchuk's voice carried from, well he wanted. A tall bearing and good set of lungs meant that you can be heard from wherever you wanted to. Quinnten turned towards the back of the ship. He wasn't sure exactly what Inutchuk was thinking or whether it would be helpful or practical. The Goliath did have a way simplifying things that were complicated and things right now were from simple from Quinnten's perspective.
"Where would that be?"
"There was a door. It was Under Ground. I remember the door... and the dark... and then I remember Father Baern."
He nodded to Gramps, "You're right about the queen. Our best chance at stopping them must be killing her." He glanced out at the water as he pulled out a biscuit, breaking off chunks to feed to Bongo, who lapped at Bartholomew's hand contentedly. "Inutchuk, tell us more about this door and the priest. I'm unfamiliar with the name."
Inutchuk's mood immediately brightened. He seemed to be happy to talk about something other than the door.
"Father Baern is very smart. He's a dwarf, you know. I was lost in the dark and didn't know where I was and then I heard his voice and he found me. He taught me things and told me to Be Good and not use words if I don't know what they mean and he talked to Moradin for me and that the Big Sky wasn't so bad and he taught me some prayers and..."
One got the impression he would keep talking about this former mentor of his if he was not interrupted.
"Father Baern stayed in the city to help others. He told me that I must Be A Good Lad."
Chapter 5: "Counterstrike?"
Lake Ambrose - Refugee Boats
Vicks turns his attention from encouraging the guardsmen that would be accompanying the group to the words of the goliath. Floating here on the lake like this, it was hard for anyone to miss what he was saying. The warlord briskly runs over to Inutchuk.
"Armor looks good on you big guy, didn't think it was possible to make you look even more imposing. But I need you to quiet down just a bit. Gods know if what you're saying is true is huge, but... it almost sounds like you're saying you helped cause this mess. Can you see where that'd be a bit of a problem?"
Vicks steps back and paces, trying to figure out why this kind of thing always seems to happen just minutes before he embarks on some task.
There was a pause as the rest of the group pondered the strange logic of his statement.
"Mister Quinnten... do you remember where Father Baern found me? I might could replace steps from there."
Chapter 5: "Counterstrike?"
Lake Ambrose - Refugee Boats
"Interesting... so that's one other place we may be able to start off searching." Vicks looks at Inutchuk, still trying to figure out what exactly he meant. "There's always been rumours about tunnels stretching out across the plains."
(Decision time! You can head toward the city, or follow Inutchuk's lead and head southwest through a forest/mountainous region to Steve's farm!)