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[IC] Dungeons & Dragons 4e - The Dragons
Shinyo
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
A brief backstory on Dragons - Legend has it that the first dragon was Io, a diety who crated all other dragons in his own image. They were the epitome of mortal form, without equal in the world. Chromatics in particular forged a name for themselves. When you hear of a dragon who has ravaged the land, stolen great treasures, kidnapped a princess and played the local court against itself, you're hearing about a Chromatic.
Humanoid races are little more than rodents compared to a Dragon. Dragons live centuries in seclusion, outliving entire nations and religions, and sometimes species. They are notoriously proud and avaricious. Indeed, any dragon who you meet treats you as if they have already done you a favor - for they have. They chose not to eat you on the spot.
- - -
Gettin' together an Adventurer's Company is harder than ya might think. Y'all can't just round up some tough lookin' guys at the local tavern and expect to go take on the forces of evil, no sir. An Adventurer is a special breed, someone set apart from the common man. If any ol' shmuck could go take down a swarm of illithid, a horde of zombies or a rampaging dragon, well we wouldn't need savin' in the first place now would we?
- - -
The five of you have come to the middle of freaking nowhere. More specifically, on a mountain, in a forest, just off the road of the middle of freaking nowhere at a small wayhouse. Just a large shack where you can fill your canteens, rest your feet, or stay the night in the middle of a long journey. You all agreed to meet a contact there as a halfway point. The contact turned out to be a plump woman, probably a house wife or something from a nearby village that's looking to hire.
"...our little town of Marelaus has recently run into some troubles you see. We're just a fishing community on the coast, it's a lovely place to live really, but if it's not one thing it's another. Oh sure, the weather can get a little rough sometimes, but that's just part of life on, or rather next to, the sea.
But then a few years ago the fishing started to get worse and worse. Boats were bringing in fewer and fewer hauls, and with so little income we needed a new way to trade and fast. But the road on the way in is just riddled with monsters you see - JUST RIDDLED WITH THEM! So we decided to make a new road, one that goes THROUGH one of the mountains instead of all the way around the whole mountain range. It's just ever so clever.
But now that too has become a broken down plan. More of those pesky monsters - kobolds I think they're called - have completely taken over our mining operations from the inside out! The little buggers must've been in there the whole time!
We could really use your aid in exterminating them, nobody in our town is really that good with a sword or a spell, and your company came highly recommended to me by my second cousin over in whatsitcalled.....Anyway! The job pays 300 gold, what do you say?"
This woman has been talking your collective ears off for well over an hour now. She seems nice, but she just wouldn't let any of you get a word in edgewise; it's almost as if this were some sort of nefarious tactic to get you to accept. But the money's pretty good, and it seems like a good way to get your Adventuring Company off the ground. Classic adventuring stuff.
Humanoid races are little more than rodents compared to a Dragon. Dragons live centuries in seclusion, outliving entire nations and religions, and sometimes species. They are notoriously proud and avaricious. Indeed, any dragon who you meet treats you as if they have already done you a favor - for they have. They chose not to eat you on the spot.
- - -
Gettin' together an Adventurer's Company is harder than ya might think. Y'all can't just round up some tough lookin' guys at the local tavern and expect to go take on the forces of evil, no sir. An Adventurer is a special breed, someone set apart from the common man. If any ol' shmuck could go take down a swarm of illithid, a horde of zombies or a rampaging dragon, well we wouldn't need savin' in the first place now would we?
- - -
The five of you have come to the middle of freaking nowhere. More specifically, on a mountain, in a forest, just off the road of the middle of freaking nowhere at a small wayhouse. Just a large shack where you can fill your canteens, rest your feet, or stay the night in the middle of a long journey. You all agreed to meet a contact there as a halfway point. The contact turned out to be a plump woman, probably a house wife or something from a nearby village that's looking to hire.
"...our little town of Marelaus has recently run into some troubles you see. We're just a fishing community on the coast, it's a lovely place to live really, but if it's not one thing it's another. Oh sure, the weather can get a little rough sometimes, but that's just part of life on, or rather next to, the sea.
But then a few years ago the fishing started to get worse and worse. Boats were bringing in fewer and fewer hauls, and with so little income we needed a new way to trade and fast. But the road on the way in is just riddled with monsters you see - JUST RIDDLED WITH THEM! So we decided to make a new road, one that goes THROUGH one of the mountains instead of all the way around the whole mountain range. It's just ever so clever.
But now that too has become a broken down plan. More of those pesky monsters - kobolds I think they're called - have completely taken over our mining operations from the inside out! The little buggers must've been in there the whole time!
We could really use your aid in exterminating them, nobody in our town is really that good with a sword or a spell, and your company came highly recommended to me by my second cousin over in whatsitcalled.....Anyway! The job pays 300 gold, what do you say?"
This woman has been talking your collective ears off for well over an hour now. She seems nice, but she just wouldn't let any of you get a word in edgewise; it's almost as if this were some sort of nefarious tactic to get you to accept. But the money's pretty good, and it seems like a good way to get your Adventuring Company off the ground. Classic adventuring stuff.
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"Kobolds in your mines? I believe we can assist." The towering Warforged looked at the other members of the group, its eyes flickering red, as it traced one finger across the edge of the blade slung across its back, with the faint rasping sound of steel on steel.
Nemeia plopped down onto a stool, her leathery tail curling around the legs. "I mean, you guys are all good with the blade, right? At least, I know Z'ad is."
The three robots fixed the petite Tiefling with unblinking stares as the Dragonborn snorted.
"You guys just don't think big enough. We should be taking on a beholder at least. But nooooo..."
With an overly dramatic sigh the woman began to snap her fingers, little static shocks of lighting erupting filling the room with annoying pops and cracks.
The Dragonborn continued to funnnel a pitcher of water into his canteen... cups simply did not work for a person without lips.
"I do not wish for to have a loom... I have not the hands for it. I buy cloth. They do not wish for to have swords... because kobolds will bite them. They buy sword in our hand. Is very... progressive. The civilized world is a fascination of this kind, not like the Zudd at all."
Z'ad scratched at his shiny black scales as he mentioned the swamps... this place was inconveniently dry. At these times Nemeia somewhat regretted having taught him even the most rudimentary of economic principles.
"Maybe someday we fight this 'beholder' of yours. I... am assuming a beholder is not also a kobold. But still, it is not having sense in defeating one until we are to be paid for it. Raze understands, yes?"
The Warforged wasn't so comfortable with being called a mercenary, it brought back experiences he'd almost rather forget. Unfortunately, he'd learned that deceiving himself was not something he was willing to do. At the moment, he was a mercenary, no doubt about it.
"I say we take the job, we'll need the gold eventually. And we'd be helping this place grow and prosper. Not to mention that the kobolds may decide they don't just want the tunnels but the town that dug them as well. I've heard of it happening before."
"And a beholder is a big floating eyeball with teeth and spells. If we got lucky and had surprise on our side, we could maybe take one down. Still, I'd rather have some bigger weapons before trying it."
The word eternity was said with a lot more gravity than it deserved. There was also an ominous hand gesture.
"Eternity. Kobolds."
After a moment she blinked. "Hey, wait a second Z'ad. Aren't Kobolds cousins of yours? I'm sure I read that somewhere that you dragonfolk and kobolds were a breed or two apart. Not that I'm implying you're a Kobold, mind. Just..."
She saw the black-eyed deathgaze Z'ad was fond of as he finished filling his canteen.
"Yeah, let's go get those Kobolds! Yes indeed!" Nemeia said with a forced smile.
"Do not speak of this 'Eternity of Kobolds' or gods will hear and make it so. If it gives to you comfort, the Kobold often works for the more powerful. Maybe not your 'beholders'... but the power of Tiamat's servants is far beyond Kobold."
Z'ad corked his canteen and lashed it to his crude leather belt.
"A kobold wants the power. He serves a greater servant of Tiamat, or tries to please them. A slave of slaves. It is stupid: I doubt that Tiamat likes it."
He would not even noticed the old woman wrapping up her dismissible monologue, had it not been for the argument picking up between his comrades. An occurrence all too frequent, he genuinely enjoyed these squabbles. Oblvious to any bit of information passed he catches only the last bit of the dragonborn's always humorless, rebuttal. Catching an opening, E927 speaks on the matter.
"Yes, Kobolds, said to be cousins to the mighty Dragonborn, much like yourself Z'ad. However I'm afraid my studies have not entailed much beyond what the average adventurer has passed along."
Z'ad paused for a moment.
"I have told you this before, E. Are you still in disbelief... or is this humor?"
Nemeia looked at the rest of the group, stretching her legs out. "Are we going to take this job? I don't want to spend the rest of my life killing kobolds, but this might get our name out there for bigger and better ones."
"My appologies, Brother. I did not mean to rattle you." Rolling his shoulders to bring himself out of the slouch he has grown accustom to within his bulky armor, E addresses the old woman.
"And my appologies to you Miss. I wish only to serve in safeguarding your people, the Goddess favors those who take action, and with that I offer my protection. Perhaps you could point us in the direction of this mine, so we do not waste more of your time in petty discussion?"
"Yes, yes of course. You can all follow me, the road back to Marelaus is also the road to the mine. It's only about a half a days walk. Oh yes! I almost forgot, here's a map of the area for you."
"If we leave now, we can make it to the mines before dusk."
Two long steps, and it was at the door of the wayhouse.
"We can accompany you as far as the crossroads, ma'am. I believe we should deal with this infestation as promptly as possible."
The plump woman parts with you at the fork in the road, and continues on towards her village. As her road slowly winds downwards to the shore, so does yours wind uphill to the mountain forest. The closer you get, the more tools you notice abandoned on the side of the road. Iron beams, carts, pickaxes, shovels and the like.
Your party has only to turn the next bend and enter the mine...
Teron reaches around his back and draws his crossbow, resting it over one shoulder. His other hand runs lightly down his bandolear, checking that everything is in its place. His hand then touches the orb set into his armor and he quietly mutters some arcane formulae, causing the rune etched there to flash.
"Alright, I'm ready to move."
The construct took a step forwards, crushing the shaft of a pickax underneath its foot. "The miners left in a hurry... and it certainly doesn't look like the kobolds are here to mine. I wonder what happened here."
Raze eyed the scattered tools, wondering how the kobolds had begun their attack. What were their tactics like? Time enough to find that out when they met.
The mouth of the mine is as expected, seemingly deserted at the entrance. Large wooden shafts helping to hold up the walls, which have been carved smooth by the work of men.
It then occurs to you...
It's rather dark in there.
Much better.
His blue eyes dimly glow in the cavern as he surveys the path before them.
If so E takes cover behind the second left pillar in front of Raze. (Too see past the corner)
If not, E moves to the pillar directly on Raze's right.
1d20+2=7
Five Kobolds come from the northern tunnel!
Initiative! (1d20+1=12)
Perhaps it's time I had upgraded these eyes of mine.
1d20+2=14
Little lizard men are sneaky, have to remember that.
As it turns to focus it's attention on the metal behemoth, the lizard's spear arm is sliced open from the steel of a longsword, hindering it's chances to land an attack.
Divine Challenge on Kobold Skirmisher
Enfeebling Strike attack roll (1d20+6=20) HIT!
Skirmisher takes Damage Roll (1d8+3=7) Damage, and has -2 penalty to attack rolls until end of my next turn, and is also marked per previous Divine Challenge.
Kobolds up Next...
One of the little bastards sees an opening between E-927 and Z'ad and slips through - only to stumble backwards at the sight of a Tiefling glaring him down.
Another follows suit by flanking Z'ad, but his pitiful attack is deflected.
The remaining two charge at E-927, one of them managing to graze one of the chinks in his massive armor.
#5 rolls a 3 which fails miserably.
Teron is up
Minor: ready crossbow
Attack: Use Magic Weapon Power on kobold #2. 1d20+5:13 Miss (even with the +1 I forgot is part of the Magic Weapon power)
Move: Shift one square up.
The kobold won't turn down this dare! He counter-attacked, thrusting his weapon with just as much recklessness. But the Kobold didn't realize that Z'ad was no fool. He parried the Kobolds blow, and created an opening for Nemeia.
The swing misses wildly, though E is able to regain his footing as he spins through the attack. Now pointing at the lizard to his left, he channels his divine powers inviting the kobold to retaliate.
"Spare the chance to save your friend, while I am here in your range, little one."
Divine Challenge on Kobold #5
I will be gone for the rest of the evening, wanted to make sure my post went through...not sure if Z'ad was still up for a turn.
Kobold's up?
The wounded Kobold recovers from Nemeia's spell, and attacks E-927's side while he's not looking, viciously stabbing into his side!
He attacks E-927 for 27, a natural 20. Damage is 8.
One of the Kobolds flanks Z'ad and quickly cuts a strike to his arm.
Another one of the Kobolds slips between the same gap his predecessor did and lashes out at Nemeia.
~
Kobold 1 - 20/27 HP
Kobold 2 - DEAD
Kobold 3 - 27/27 HP
Kobold 4 - 8/27 HP
Kobold 5 - 27/27 HP
The nearby kobold noticed Teron's distraction and thrust a spear forward. The point struck Teron's lower leg and skittered off the armor, leaving a shallow scratch.
Minor: ready crossbow
Standard: Magic Weapon power: 1d20+6=11 Miss
Kobold #3 gets to make an opportunity attack because I used a ranged power in threatened square: 1d20+6=23
Damage: 1d8=2
Teron HP: 26/28
Fury gripped Raze, and a cold metallic howl echoed through the tunnel as he charged the wounded kobold in the center of the group. His hand twitched as his blade descended, and the kobold managed to catch the blow on his armor.
Damage (1d10+4=5, 1d8=7) 13 damage, not enough to drop him, so...
Action Point!
Devastating Strike vs. Kobold 1 (1d20+9=22) Another hit!
Damage for action-point Devastating Strike (1d10+4=13, 1d8=7) That's enough to kill him(damn, I wish I had rolled that first.)
So, I gain 4 temp HP from Rageblood Vigor, and I use my Swift Charge encounter power to charge Kobold 4, moving diagonal-down-right and down, and I can use Howling Strike on the charge! Booyeah!
Howling Strike v. Kobold 4 (1d20+8=12) And I miss.
Damn. I was hoping to take out two in one turn, but nooo.
Oh, all enemies are at a +4 to hit Raze thanks to his two uses of Devastating Strike. Just in case they're interested.
rarrr infernal wrath acid orb! (1d20+6=21, 1d10+10=14), Kobold 4 is dead
"I've got your back, Paladin! Show them whose gods are stronger!"
Standard... against Kobold 5
kobold squeak (1d20 6=19), damage (1d8 1d6=3)
raze razin' (1d20 7=26), damage (1d10 4=6)
dammit that could have been more awesome... still bloodied that little bastard for a total of 14 damage though!
Minor: Inspiring Word on E, who can spend a healing surge and gain additional inspiring hit points (1d6=6)
However the creature easily dodges the slow swing, ducking past E's blade as it crashes into the ground. Calling upon Avandra, E shouts at the Kobold which still seems compelled to focus on the paladin.
"You will not live to tell of this day, lizard."
Bolstering Strike (1d20+6=8) Miss Kobold #5
Divine Challenge is still up on Kobold #5.
Put that little bastard down.
Kobolds up.
~
The construct narrows his eyes and quickly reaches for a second bolt. He looses the missile and his eyes flash a bright blue as the the bolt thunks solidly into the creature's back.
Standard: Magic Weapon: 1d20+6=9 Miss
Spending an Action Point. Magic Weapon: 1d20+6=18 Hit
Damage: 1d8+3=6
Nemeia and Z'ad both get a +1 attack bonus and +3 damage bonus till end of my next turn.
Devastating Strike damage (1d10+4=13, 1d8=8)
Kobold 3 - HP 6/27
And as always, everything is at a +2 to attack me until the end of next turn.