"Ahh!" grunted Jack as he juggled the hot knife between his hands. "I'm no expert, but this thing must have been set on fire somehow... think its part of some ritual... maybe the cloaked one used some arcane trick to flee the scene..."
In his new armor, he gleams more blindingly than ever. His long hair streams around him as he turns his head from side to side looking for threats as the rest of the party argues about a dagger.
"Calm, Lady Lethe. The dagger will be a dagger whether you see it or not," he says. "We seem to have been victorious, now we need to mop up."
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AriviaI Like A ChallengeEarth-1Registered Userregular
edited August 2009
You rush out the front door of the manor to find yourself in the eye of the storm. Outside the curtain wall, the horde of orcs and goblins you saw before is fighting a losing battle against the Cormyrean army, all shining steel and whirling blade. The famed Purple Dragon Knights crash against makeshift barricades and infantry lines, while the War Wizards wheel high above on gryphons, blasting holes for armsmen to hold and swordsmen to cut out. Explosions, the ring of metal on metal, and the cries of the dying and injured fill your mind and give you energy: a stirring in your heart that won't go away, that sings of valor and duty.
Someone out there cries loudly "THE NETHERESE ARE AMONGST US! KILL THE SPIES!" and you can see Cormyreans turning in on one another, standing on goblin corpses as their blades run red with human blood.
In front of you, at the gap in the curtain wall, a small element of infantry is putting the end to a group of orcs. With a wet slick thud, one of the halberdiers breaks the chest of a tusker open, and they turn to look at you. In the air, a War Wizard flies by over the manor. Seeing you, he shouts out: "Kill the Netherese!" and throws down a gout of flame. While his aim is uneven, the gryphon making a sharp turn, the fire does not abate, a blaze that grows hotter by the moment. At the command of the wizard, the six soldiers take position, their bows ready to fire.
Map:
Same as usual: the orange boxes are the buildings (impassable terrain). Grey is the wall; if someone really wants to climb it we can work something out, I guess.
The spark effect is the fire; anyone entering it will take damage at the end of their turn, of course.
Beltenebros 33/33 | AC 22, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15
Kisha 28/28 | AC 16, Fort 13, Ref 16, Will 16
Lethe 33/33 | AC 16, Fort 14, Ref 15, Will 14
Jack 31/31 | AC 17, Fort 14, Ref 14, Will 17
Rhogar 24/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 14, Will 12
Yanthil 34/34 | AC 20, Fort 14, Ref 16, Will 13
PDH1 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDH2 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDL1 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDL2 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDS1 34/34 | AC 17 (16), Fort 17 (16), Ref 16 (15), Will 15 (14) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont)
PDS2 34/34 | AC 17 (16), Fort 17 (16), Ref 16 (15), Will 15 (14) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont)
This could be a problem, Yanthil thinks to himself, seeing the group of Purple Dragon soldiers in front of them. Instead of fighting them outright, Yanthil holds his ground. With a swift movement, he throws off the cloak that he was using as a disguise, and shouts, "Hold your fire, we are not your enemy!" He then buckles down, ready to defend himself should they still attack.
Minor: Take off cloak
No Move
Standard: Total Defense - +2 to all Defenses until EONT
Jack shrugged off his robe as well, and with outstretched hands presented an unarmed target to the Purple Dragons up ahead. Under his breath he whispered words of arcane power, loosening his tongue and steeling his nerves. Without moving forward a step, he called out in calm, soothing words.
"We're not your enemy - My name's Jack Harloun, Captain of the Forward Guard. These are my men. Among them is honored knight-errant, Beltenebros," He gestured to the postively shiny Beltenebros then, "We've important revelations about the evils of this place - and we've slain the evil Sharran priestess here, Zeira. We'll not harm you, and you can take us with you under escort if you so wish - but I'll not let my men be slain. Please, let us be peaceful.."
"See look at us!" Lethe pulls of her armband and waves it at the Cormyr patrol. "We're with you guys!"
Minor: Throw off cloak
Talk to the guard. Diplomacy = 12
I'll be starting in I-12 just in case
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Powerpuppiesdrinking coffee in themountain cabinRegistered Userregular
edited August 2009
H12 to protect the wee girl
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AriviaI Like A ChallengeEarth-1Registered Userregular
edited August 2009
The War Wizard dives in again, shouting "Kill the spies!" He drops another gout of fire, a river that pours down and onto Yanthil and Jack.
20 hits Yanthil's Reflex, 18 Jack's. Both take 10 damage, and H8-I9's fire deals 1d6 to those standing in it at the end of their turn.
At his urging, the Purple Dragon swords charge in, flanking Rhogar and slicing at him with their wide, flat blades. One woman almost drops her sword, but the man's aim is true, tearing into the gap of his armor. The archers have much the same luck - a particularly thick arrow with a vicious barbed shaft goes through one side of Rhogar and exits out the other.
11 and 22 to hit Rhogar's AC: 5 damage.
21 and 13 to hit Rhogar's AC: 13 damage, and 2 ongoing (save or move action ends.)
Map:
Yellow/gray areas are impassible. Anyone in a fire area takes 1d6 damage if they end their turn there.
Beltenebros 33/33 | AC 22, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15
Kisha 28/28 | AC 16, Fort 13, Ref 16, Will 16
Lethe 33/33 | AC 16, Fort 14, Ref 15, Will 14
Jack 21/31 | AC 17, Fort 14, Ref 14, Will 17
Rhogar 16/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 14, Will 12 | 2 ongoing damage (save or move action ends)
Yanthil 24/34 | AC 20, Fort 14, Ref 16, Will 13 | +2 to all defenses (eont)
PDH1 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDH2 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDL1 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDL2 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDS1 34/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 15, Will 14 | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont)
PDS2 34/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 15, Will 14 | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont)
Kisha frowned, stepping out of the flames as she pointed her staff at the oncoming warriors. Lich-liege! These fools don't realize we're in the middle of a war?
A gout of flame enveloped the advancing soldiers, crisping them all quite nicely. Kisha smiled, tapping the end of her staff on the ground.
Move: Start in H9, move to J7
Standard: Scorching Burst centered on B9. 1d20+7 vs. Reflex!
PDH1 - 27, crit!
PDL1 - 19, hit!
PDL2 - 16, miss!
Damage - d6+5=11 to PDS1 and PDL1, and 14 to PDH 1 from the 1d6 crit die.
PDH1 - 24/38
PDL1 - 21/32
Minor: Be totally smug.
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Powerpuppiesdrinking coffee in themountain cabinRegistered Userregular
edited August 2009
Rhogar shrugs off his enemy's blade, but the arrow leaves him gasping. Gritting his teeth, he dodges past one opponent, hacking at the soldier as he passes. The man darts forward, ducking under the blade. He turns as if to face Rhogar, but is obviously unwilling to turn his back to Lethe. Rhogar closes with his foe, battering aside his weapon and burying his new blade deep into his opponent's chest. The ranger's wounds are serious, and he staggers as he wrenches his sword free.
Beltenebros quickly looks over the situation. This is ridiculous.
He runs forward to just in front of the group, throwing off the cloak (if he even bothered to put it back on after putting on his new armor) and leaving his sword in the scabbard. He raises his empty hands for calm.
"STOP!" he shouted in a strong clear voice over the clamor of battle. "I am Beltenebros, Telsword," he continued, speaking quickly and carefully. "Once-bodyguard to Stephan Bathory at the Battle of Breadfield, now a knight-errant and leader of this duly registered adventuring company. In service to Cormyr and the Temple of Tymora, we have struck down the evil Zeira, one of the enemy leaders and now emerge in peace to meet you. If you wish an honest fight, let us talk first and we will be at your service at any time more convenient. Meanwhile, we can help you in your fight against our common enemy."
His hair shimmered in the light, the sweat glistening on his manly brow. He stood straight, awaiting a response without fear. His bearing marked him out clearly as a warrior trained of Cormyr, one who would not brook any interference with his speech until he got an answer.
Move: Run (7) to D10 (I grant CA)
Free: Speech
Standard: READY a bull rush vs. the first enemy to move adjacent to me with hostile intent, with the goal of pushing them back bodily one square before they can stab me.
Bull Rush Strength roll: 19 1d20+5+2=19
This is going downhill fast, thinks Yan, knowing its time for action. He moves from the fire, and tries to get in good position with Lethe opposite the Purple Dragon. He takes a brief moment to shout in response to Belt's plea, "We already tried that, didn't work!"
With that, fire flows from his hands into his sword as he brings it up through the soldiers armor. His sword finds its way between the armor of his enemy slicing deep into the soldiers flesh. The then looks over at the other soldier and points at him with fire in his eyes.
Move: G10 Standard:Greenflame Blade on PDS1
To hit: 1d20+8 (+6 normal, +2 flanking) = 13+8 = 21 HIT
Damage: 1d8+6 = 6+6 = 12 Damage (Fire) Minor: Mark PDS2
Also, I have 5 resist fire, so I actually only took 5 damage from the fire attack.
My Status:
Yanthil 29/34 | AC 20, Fort 14, Ref 16, Will 13
Beltenebros stands firm, facing down his misguided allies.
INSIGHT CHECK to see if these NPCs are really this stupid or if they're a bunch of traitors or what? 1d20+10=27
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AriviaI Like A ChallengeEarth-1Registered Userregular
edited August 2009
Beltenebros:
You see an array of emotions playing across their faces. Some of them are crazed with bloodlust, others trembling with fear for their lives, but all, despite their exhaustion, are fighting as best they can.
"Fellows, get back to the mansion, I'll hold them off as long as I can! If anybody is going to go against the Purple Dragon Knights, it will be one of their fellow soldiers." Beltenebros shouts, seeing that their famed discipline has broken down completely in less than five minutes amongst these Purple Dragon Knights. "Go! You must kill Telmar and Raelor before they can escape!" They must be new recruits, led by an incompetent. It will be an honor to teach them.
He turns to face the rowdy soldiers and puts up his gauntlet-encased fists. "Right, you lot. I'm a Telsword, as you can clearly see if you'd look. If I have to beat some discipline into you recruits, I'll do it."
(If I could) retroactively
minor action to Divine Challenge PDS1
standard action to Intimidate (+7): 23 1d20+7=23, since this isn't really a Bluff nor will Diplomacy cut it. I want to delay them while my pals bugger off.
Jack frowned, he had seen this before, men lost in the heat of battle to their own fears, insecurities, bloodlust. There was nothing for it. "Alright men, looks like they want a fight... let's give em our best. Maybe it's time the Purple Dragon's learn to tangle with the Forward Guard."
And with that, his expression changed to one of steeled determination - he wouldn't let his men fall, nor would he run and risk repeating the same incident again and again as other Purple dragons interpreted their flight as the act of a fleeing coward. From within the shroud of flames he issued out a high pitched wail directed at the Purple Dragon harrying Rhogar. The arcane weave threaded through the piercing sound debilitates the man, filling his head with the ear-shattering waves.
As the deafening scream distracted the Purple Dragon, Jack emerged from the flames like a grim specter, brandishing his steel with a gauged intent - despite the difficult nature of trying to turn your blade and still strike effectively, Jack managed to bring down the hilt of his blade squarely on the head of the man he opposed... sending the poor thing reeling. "You'll submit, or we'll force you to submit. The Forward Guard has mercy."
Standard: Focused Sound vs. Ref (1d20+5=25, 1d10+4=7) CRIT. 14 Damage from Crit. Hit: Until ENT (Jack) any attack against the target can score a crit on a 18-20. Move: to H10, getting CA on PDS1. Action Point for addition Standard:Guiding Strike Vs. AC (1d20+9+2=27, 1d8+5=6) vs. PDS1. 6 damage to PDS1. -2 to PDS1's AC until ENT Jack. Minor: Majest word on Rhogar (Rhogar, spend 1HS and gain additional 4 hp, can slide one square for free).
Summary: PDS1 takes 14+6=20 damage from Jack. Rhogar heals HS+4.
I think PDS1 has 2 hp remaining.
"Let's see if your honor will allow you to attack an unarmed man," said Beltenebros, "Because my Cormyrian honor prevents me from drawing steel on my brothers-in-arms. Come at me, if you dare, and I will knock you down and show you what is honor."
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Powerpuppiesdrinking coffee in themountain cabinRegistered Userregular
edited August 2009
Rhogar shifts to G13, now has 22 hp, 2 ongoing damage.
Lethe utters words in a forgotten language under her breath as she focuses her mind. She points her rod at the bloodied soldier to her left and fires a bolt of dark energy at him, but the bolt goes awry.
This is getting bad.
Lethe looks back to the house and begins to run for cover, hoping to control the battle from a safer location.
Minor: Curse PDS1
Standard: Eldritch Blast vs PDH1: 12 vs Ref misses.
Move: Move to J7: This grants me concealment because of my 'Shadow Walk' class ability (Moved more that 3 spaces)
OA's: I provoke from both people with my ranged attack
I don't think I provoke again from moving, cause I'm pretty sure an enemy can only take one OA each during my turn. Unless I'm wrong or these guys have some ability.
Also if PDS1 takes an OA I think he dies.
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AriviaI Like A ChallengeEarth-1Registered Userregular
edited August 2009
As Lethe flees, the blades cut at her with huge sweeping strikes. Both hit, slashes of crimson staining her robes. One immediately falls over into the dirt thereafter, caked in blood and ash.
23 and 23 against Lethe's AC is two hits, one for 7 and one for 5 /2 = 2 damage.
"Turn to the scaled one!" one of the archers shouts, and as the swordswoman wheels to deal a blow to Rhogar, the quick arrows fall from the sky, the thorns somehow missing many of you. Jack catches an arrow in his leg, moving slower as the pain hits him.
8, 8, and 11 miss Yanthil, Lethe, and Kisha. 17 hits Jack, who takes 10 damage, 2 ongoing, and is slowed.
Above you, there is a sudden shrill cry and a pained shout, a green ray lancing through the sky. Whatever the reason, the flying War Wizard that has beset you is suddenly falling, falling, his gryphon turned to smoke and ash. He crashes into the manor, an upper window disappearing in noise and flames.
Map:
Same as usual: the orange boxes are the buildings (impassable terrain). Grey is the wall; if someone really wants to climb it we can work something out, I guess.
The spark effect is the fire; anyone entering it will take damage at the end of their turn, of course.
Red terrain is difficult; white boxes are entrances to the interior of the manor (the closer the doors, the farther the hole in the wall.)
Beltenebros 33/33 | AC 22, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15
Kisha 28/28 | AC 16, Fort 13, Ref 16, Will 16
Lethe 24/33 | AC 16, Fort 14, Ref 15, Will 14
Jack 11/31 | AC 17, Fort 14, Ref 14, Will 17 | slowed (save ends); 2 ongoing damage (save or move action ends)
Rhogar 22/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 14, Will 12 | 2 ongoing damage (save or move action ends)
Yanthil 29/34 | AC 20, Fort 14, Ref 16, Will 13
PDH1 24/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDH2 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDL1 21/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDL2 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDS2 17/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 15, Will 14 | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont); hunter's quarry; weakened
"Don't you dare attack her," growls Beltenebros at the two Purple Dragons. "She's more noble than you'll ever be." Don't throw off the protection of my honor so quickly, you low-born scum.
He watches as their blades cut deep. "That's it!" he shouts, as his wrath knocks one of them down. "You have crossed the line. Knock this one down, fellows!" he says, and his hand goes to his sword.
He looks up as the gryphon is destroyed and the war wizard flies through a window of the manor. "Then the rest of you," he addresses the line of archers, "get to the manor! We have to rescue your commander before he is captured or killed in his injury!" he shouts.
Abusing the talking as a free action thing a bit for dramatic effect
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Powerpuppiesdrinking coffee in themountain cabinRegistered Userregular
edited August 2009
Scowling at the misplaced idealism of his ally, Rhogar flees the soldiers before him. Once inside the building, he takes a moment to bandage his arrow wound.
Move to M12, provoking an OA. Move action to end ongoing damage. 20 hp.
Yanthil feels the energy of his declaration against the soldier flow through him, and for an instant he disappears. Not a second later, he reappears next to the soldier, the blunt side of his sword flying towards the Purple Dragon. Seeing the guard still standing, Yan brings his sword back up, striking again with the blunt edge of the blade. The second attack knocks the guard on the ground, his chest moving in and out.
Looking towards the door, Yanthil makes his way back inside the building.
"Come on Jack... one foot in front of the other... forward guard never falls..." Jack seemed to be saying to himself, urging himself onwards. It seemed to work for the moment, as he ignored the pain of the arrow that his leg had sprouted, getting closer and closer to his goal ... "Just gotta make it up those stairs.."
Start of turn: Ongoing 2. 9 HP remaining.
Minor: Majestic word on self, heal HS+4 and slide one square to I11. Current HP 9+11=20HP Remaining.
Move: Move to J12.
Move: Move through Door (if open) to L12. save vs. ongoing save vs. slow (1d20=17, 1d20=3)
Lethe eyes Jack as he runs through the doorway, and quickly follows behind. As she walks through the doorway she spits at the soldier and curses him under her breath.
Double Move through the doorway. I have plenty of movement.
Minor: Curse PDS2. Just in case.
As his comrades run past him into the mansion, Beltenebros faces down the squad of archers, his sword yet undrawn. "We're going to rescue your commander. Follow us or flee, but do not hinder us," he says, spreading his empty hands wide. "If you choose to shoot an unarmed man, the stain will be on your conscience."
Still roleplaying out that intimidate roll, just in case circumstance bonuses have come into effect.
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AriviaI Like A ChallengeEarth-1Registered Userregular
edited August 2009
You rush inside the manor once again, to avoid arrows and fire from above. You hear, in the distance, a hurried conversation across the manor field, bows and arms returning to rest. Someone calls out: "Don't kill us! We're not coming in! Just let us collect our friends!" The armsmen cross the courtyard, sling a body each across their shoulders, and retreat out of sight, range, and mind.
Inside the manor once more, it is quiet except for the creak and raze of the fire burning above.
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Powerpuppiesdrinking coffee in themountain cabinRegistered Userregular
edited August 2009
Rhogar leans against a wall, trying to catch his breath. "I'm hurting bad, friends. A night's sleep will have me hale once more, but I can't fight much more without rest. "
Beltenebros bows to the archers respectfully and backs into the mansion, closing the door behind him, to allow them to do as they will outside. He regroups with his friends, his sword yet undrawn. "They're not going to follow us," he announces as he uses a cloth to polish his armor to a respectable sheen, despite having wandered unhurt through the previous altercation. He does not inquire after Rhogar's health, not wanting to dishonor the proud warrior and not having any means to help in any case, but he makes a mental note to stay close to try to take any attack directed at his comrade. I won't have him die without first being honored as a member of the Forward Guard.
His luxurious hair hangs limp down his back, and he flips it around absent-mindedly, adding body. A glint echoes off his teeth as he opens his mouth once again: "So, what's the plan, fellows?"
"We should start by leaving, since this building is on fire." Kisha doesn't waste any time watching the Paladin polish his armor. With a flick of her wrist, her robes are returned to their usual pristine state, and she begins looking around for a hallway or similar to get to the back of the manor house.
"Let's not panic, this is a mansion. They catch on fire all the time," says Beltenebros without concern. "Why, I set fire to the family mansion once, and it burned for years!" Wait, how did that work?
"Hold on, that was the fireplace," he said cheerfully, determined to be worthy of his assumed name. "I suggest we hurry to the upper floor to look for the cloaked figure and then make our way out by a back door and look for somebody in charge to whom we can report our deeds."
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Powerpuppiesdrinking coffee in themountain cabinRegistered Userregular
edited August 2009
Rhogar chuckles, appreciating the paladin's silly tale and his tact in ignoring the dragonborn's own painful admission.
"And that is why we never let the paladin near the cookfires..." laughed Jack, who - despite his own crippling injuries - managed to keep his wits and humor about him. "And if a place is burning - the last place you want to go is *upstairs* ... whoever went up, is gonna come down - I say we beat feet through the backdoor."
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Powerpuppiesdrinking coffee in themountain cabinRegistered Userregular
edited August 2009
I'm as ready as I'm going to be...
Rhogar stands up straight, though his motion is stiff and all can tell the motion takes effort.
Lethe falls in skipping behind him and humming. Still noticeably excited about the current switch in her recent circumstances.
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AriviaI Like A ChallengeEarth-1Registered Userregular
edited September 2009
You rush up the stairs to the second floor of the manor, the thick smell of smoke in the air. You find the massive gaping hole in the house where the War Wizad tumbled over and crashed in by following the smoke, and the fire inside what remains of a bedroom is too hot to approach. Still, you can catch glimpses and squints past the flame, of bones turning to ash and metal melting.
Perception DC 18:
You can see a metal crest inside the flames, a little pin tied to a fold of the War Wizard's cloak. The black enamel bears a simple line image of a yellow fox. A moment later, the fire flares up and boils it away.
Inside the flames, someone spots potions and a rod - magics that are sure to perish and explode. "Duck!" they cry, and so you do - just soon enough as the once-doorway explodes with green radiance. None of you are injured, but as your hearing returns, you can hear the sounds of the manor's supports giving way, and you rush out the door once more.
---
"Breathe! Breathe, klarath!" Jhaele leaned over Starauth, pressing air into his lungs as hard and fast as she could. The sword's breastplate had been undone and now laid at his side, his jerkin torn open from neck to hip, exposing a torso caked with blood and rent with shallow slashes. The Cormyrean boy's face was pale, his chest only moving by Jhaele's motion and not by memory.
Astan put a hand on her shoulder, leaning on his bow for a moment. "Give him a moment to breathe. Hawksong's method won't work without a pause, no matter how much you try. Ylael, Ternath, Torm's given us pause for a moment, right?"
Without looking, the three standing around their edge of the ditch along the wall - Horil among them - nodded. Ylael spoke in her slow, soft tongue, a memory of her exotic Tethyrian mother: "Just a moment, before we'll have to move again." She hit the ground with the end of her halberd. "Six harvests for an auspician right now, but in all this violence, we'll be lucky to see sundown."
Inside his own head, Starauth couldn't think much about the chaos of the battlefield. He could feel his body almost in pieces, his legs shattered and the blood of his life seeming to pour out at the seams. There was nothing there to inhabit, he thought, just a broken home. "Tymora save me from Death's fury," he whispered in thought, "let the light-life be comfort from this pain." He thought of life, in his last moments, long summer days in Rainrest on the edge of the Wyvernwater: helping Old Maeril and later his father take in fish and the occasional thrash-shrimp, Nemora's goldenberry pies dashed with exotic cinnamon (and a delightful steal off the warm hearthstone), and eventually leaving home for the camps at Arabel, to learn to fight for and serve Cormyr.
In his family, there was no necessity towards social climbing or military service as escape - no, his father had sat down with him one day and said that someone needed to know how to swing a sword, that when the odd kobold or tusker came, someone had to be ready to cut them down. So Starauth went, trained, and made friends. He saw the sights, the exotic travelers, the sounds of men fighting in alleys for women, gold or just their lives. He remembered going to the Net of Pearls with Astan, seeing a noblewoman fitted for something made of nothing more than jewels and strategically-placed lace, ducking back out and chortling in the pause on the edge of the road.
He remembered the message earlier this morning, brought down from the Heralds or the Lord in some way, telling the Dragons to arm themselves and set out for the King's Forest at once. He remembered the nervous, jagged tension of the march, each man and woman outwardly strong and ready to put their skills to the test, finally, but inwardly praying Tymora and Torm would hold them safe. Starauth smiled, somewhere: his lot had been cast, he guessed. He remembered the rush of valor and power, the Dragons all shining, bearing down upon the stinking fetid goblin camps, cutting out the blight in Cormyr, only to find hatred and hate amongst themselves. He remembered the first War Wizard to blow fire down on them, Ranrath disappearing before his eyes. Starauth didn't have time to say goodbye to his friend, all he could do was grab the man's prized jeweled scabbard and rush on from the pain. He was faced with Gelene - oh gods, beautiful Gelene - her eyes boiling with black bile and bloodlust, and he had to cut her down to keep moving.
Only on the edge did he find Astan and the others, and then that group of Beshaba's children, spies or whatever, they couldn't go back or the Wizard above could blast them, tlaern and hellfire, and they had to fight, and then he fell.
Starauth's last thoughts were interrupted by the bright cry of trumpets, twelve or twenty in number, loud enough to cut through the fog in his head. His chest caught under Jhaele's ministrations, ribs in the right alignment for his lungs to throw the wreck forward once again. Starauth felt trapped, siphoned down, down into himself once again, and as the swordswoman wept tears of relief his eyes fluttered open once more. He couldn't see much for the pain or the gunk in his lashes, but on the high hill across the field there was something all sparkling silver and steel, everyone frozen towards it. "Is it Torm? Is this solace?" he whispered, unsure of life or death. Wherever he was, he swore inwardly, he wanted to learn how to write.
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"Calm, Lady Lethe. The dagger will be a dagger whether you see it or not," he says. "We seem to have been victorious, now we need to mop up."
Someone out there cries loudly "THE NETHERESE ARE AMONGST US! KILL THE SPIES!" and you can see Cormyreans turning in on one another, standing on goblin corpses as their blades run red with human blood.
In front of you, at the gap in the curtain wall, a small element of infantry is putting the end to a group of orcs. With a wet slick thud, one of the halberdiers breaks the chest of a tusker open, and they turn to look at you. In the air, a War Wizard flies by over the manor. Seeing you, he shouts out: "Kill the Netherese!" and throws down a gout of flame. While his aim is uneven, the gryphon making a sharp turn, the fire does not abate, a blaze that grows hotter by the moment. At the command of the wizard, the six soldiers take position, their bows ready to fire.
Map:
Same as usual: the orange boxes are the buildings (impassable terrain). Grey is the wall; if someone really wants to climb it we can work something out, I guess.
The spark effect is the fire; anyone entering it will take damage at the end of their turn, of course.
You can start anywhere from H8 to I13.
Status:
Yanthil 19
Jack 16
Lethe 12
Cormyreans 12
Kisha 8
Rhogar 4
Beltenebros 2
Beltenebros 33/33 | AC 22, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15
Kisha 28/28 | AC 16, Fort 13, Ref 16, Will 16
Lethe 33/33 | AC 16, Fort 14, Ref 15, Will 14
Jack 31/31 | AC 17, Fort 14, Ref 14, Will 17
Rhogar 24/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 14, Will 12
Yanthil 34/34 | AC 20, Fort 14, Ref 16, Will 13
PDH1 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDH2 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDL1 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDL2 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDS1 34/34 | AC 17 (16), Fort 17 (16), Ref 16 (15), Will 15 (14) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont)
PDS2 34/34 | AC 17 (16), Fort 17 (16), Ref 16 (15), Will 15 (14) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont)
Yanthil's up.
No Move
Standard: Total Defense - +2 to all Defenses until EONT
"We're not your enemy - My name's Jack Harloun, Captain of the Forward Guard. These are my men. Among them is honored knight-errant, Beltenebros," He gestured to the postively shiny Beltenebros then, "We've important revelations about the evils of this place - and we've slain the evil Sharran priestess here, Zeira. We'll not harm you, and you can take us with you under escort if you so wish - but I'll not let my men be slain. Please, let us be peaceful.."
Minor: Shed Cloak
Minor: Words of Friendship +5 to Diplomacy
Standard: Diplomacy to affect hostility, Diplomacy (W/ Words of Friendship Bonus) (1d20+10+5=22)
"See look at us!" Lethe pulls of her armband and waves it at the Cormyr patrol. "We're with you guys!"
Talk to the guard. Diplomacy = 12
I'll be starting in I-12 just in case
PSN: ChemENGR
At his urging, the Purple Dragon swords charge in, flanking Rhogar and slicing at him with their wide, flat blades. One woman almost drops her sword, but the man's aim is true, tearing into the gap of his armor. The archers have much the same luck - a particularly thick arrow with a vicious barbed shaft goes through one side of Rhogar and exits out the other.
21 and 13 to hit Rhogar's AC: 13 damage, and 2 ongoing (save or move action ends.)
Map:
Yellow/gray areas are impassible. Anyone in a fire area takes 1d6 damage if they end their turn there.
Status:
Yanthil 19
Jack 16
Lethe 12
Cormyreans 12
Kisha 8
Rhogar 4
Beltenebros 2
Beltenebros 33/33 | AC 22, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15
Kisha 28/28 | AC 16, Fort 13, Ref 16, Will 16
Lethe 33/33 | AC 16, Fort 14, Ref 15, Will 14
Jack 21/31 | AC 17, Fort 14, Ref 14, Will 17
Rhogar 16/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 14, Will 12 | 2 ongoing damage (save or move action ends)
Yanthil 24/34 | AC 20, Fort 14, Ref 16, Will 13 | +2 to all defenses (eont)
PDH1 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDH2 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDL1 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDL2 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDS1 34/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 15, Will 14 | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont)
PDS2 34/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 15, Will 14 | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont)
A gout of flame enveloped the advancing soldiers, crisping them all quite nicely. Kisha smiled, tapping the end of her staff on the ground.
Standard: Scorching Burst centered on B9. 1d20+7 vs. Reflex!
PDH1 - 27, crit!
PDL1 - 19, hit!
PDL2 - 16, miss!
Damage - d6+5=11 to PDS1 and PDL1, and 14 to PDH 1 from the 1d6 crit die.
PDH1 - 24/38
PDL1 - 21/32
Minor: Be totally smug.
Move:Shift to G13, ongoing stops.
Minor:Hunter's Quarry on DS2
Standard: Sudden Strike on DS2: off-hand attack: First attack of sudden strike (1d20+9=11) - miss! shift to G14 and strike with main weapon - Second attack of sudden strike - flanking bonus (1d20+12=30) - hit! Damage from sudden strike (2d10+1+4+1d8=17) and DS2 is weakened until end of my next turn.
This is ridiculous.
He runs forward to just in front of the group, throwing off the cloak (if he even bothered to put it back on after putting on his new armor) and leaving his sword in the scabbard. He raises his empty hands for calm.
"STOP!" he shouted in a strong clear voice over the clamor of battle. "I am Beltenebros, Telsword," he continued, speaking quickly and carefully. "Once-bodyguard to Stephan Bathory at the Battle of Breadfield, now a knight-errant and leader of this duly registered adventuring company. In service to Cormyr and the Temple of Tymora, we have struck down the evil Zeira, one of the enemy leaders and now emerge in peace to meet you. If you wish an honest fight, let us talk first and we will be at your service at any time more convenient. Meanwhile, we can help you in your fight against our common enemy."
His hair shimmered in the light, the sweat glistening on his manly brow. He stood straight, awaiting a response without fear. His bearing marked him out clearly as a warrior trained of Cormyr, one who would not brook any interference with his speech until he got an answer.
Free: Speech
Standard: READY a bull rush vs. the first enemy to move adjacent to me with hostile intent, with the goal of pushing them back bodily one square before they can stab me.
Bull Rush Strength roll: 19 1d20+5+2=19
With that, fire flows from his hands into his sword as he brings it up through the soldiers armor. His sword finds its way between the armor of his enemy slicing deep into the soldiers flesh. The then looks over at the other soldier and points at him with fire in his eyes.
Standard:Greenflame Blade on PDS1
To hit: 1d20+8 (+6 normal, +2 flanking) = 13+8 = 21 HIT
Damage: 1d8+6 = 6+6 = 12 Damage (Fire)
Minor: Mark PDS2
Also, I have 5 resist fire, so I actually only took 5 damage from the fire attack.
My Status:
Yanthil 29/34 | AC 20, Fort 14, Ref 16, Will 13
Jack
1d20+10=27
They must be new recruits, led by an incompetent. It will be an honor to teach them.
He turns to face the rowdy soldiers and puts up his gauntlet-encased fists. "Right, you lot. I'm a Telsword, as you can clearly see if you'd look. If I have to beat some discipline into you recruits, I'll do it."
minor action to Divine Challenge PDS1
standard action to Intimidate (+7): 23 1d20+7=23, since this isn't really a Bluff nor will Diplomacy cut it. I want to delay them while my pals bugger off.
And with that, his expression changed to one of steeled determination - he wouldn't let his men fall, nor would he run and risk repeating the same incident again and again as other Purple dragons interpreted their flight as the act of a fleeing coward. From within the shroud of flames he issued out a high pitched wail directed at the Purple Dragon harrying Rhogar. The arcane weave threaded through the piercing sound debilitates the man, filling his head with the ear-shattering waves.
As the deafening scream distracted the Purple Dragon, Jack emerged from the flames like a grim specter, brandishing his steel with a gauged intent - despite the difficult nature of trying to turn your blade and still strike effectively, Jack managed to bring down the hilt of his blade squarely on the head of the man he opposed... sending the poor thing reeling. "You'll submit, or we'll force you to submit. The Forward Guard has mercy."
Move: to H10, getting CA on PDS1.
Action Point for addition Standard: Guiding Strike Vs. AC (1d20+9+2=27, 1d8+5=6) vs. PDS1. 6 damage to PDS1. -2 to PDS1's AC until ENT Jack.
Minor: Majest word on Rhogar (Rhogar, spend 1HS and gain additional 4 hp, can slide one square for free).
Summary: PDS1 takes 14+6=20 damage from Jack. Rhogar heals HS+4.
I think PDS1 has 2 hp remaining.
This is getting bad.
Lethe looks back to the house and begins to run for cover, hoping to control the battle from a safer location.
Standard: Eldritch Blast vs PDH1: 12 vs Ref misses.
Move: Move to J7: This grants me concealment because of my 'Shadow Walk' class ability (Moved more that 3 spaces)
OA's: I provoke from both people with my ranged attack
I don't think I provoke again from moving, cause I'm pretty sure an enemy can only take one OA each during my turn. Unless I'm wrong or these guys have some ability.
Also if PDS1 takes an OA I think he dies.
PSN: ChemENGR
"Turn to the scaled one!" one of the archers shouts, and as the swordswoman wheels to deal a blow to Rhogar, the quick arrows fall from the sky, the thorns somehow missing many of you. Jack catches an arrow in his leg, moving slower as the pain hits him.
Above you, there is a sudden shrill cry and a pained shout, a green ray lancing through the sky. Whatever the reason, the flying War Wizard that has beset you is suddenly falling, falling, his gryphon turned to smoke and ash. He crashes into the manor, an upper window disappearing in noise and flames.
Map:
Same as usual: the orange boxes are the buildings (impassable terrain). Grey is the wall; if someone really wants to climb it we can work something out, I guess.
The spark effect is the fire; anyone entering it will take damage at the end of their turn, of course.
Red terrain is difficult; white boxes are entrances to the interior of the manor (the closer the doors, the farther the hole in the wall.)
Status:
Jack 16
Lethe 12
Cormyreans 12
Kisha 8
Rhogar 4
Beltenebros 2
Beltenebros 33/33 | AC 22, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15
Kisha 28/28 | AC 16, Fort 13, Ref 16, Will 16
Lethe 24/33 | AC 16, Fort 14, Ref 15, Will 14
Jack 11/31 | AC 17, Fort 14, Ref 14, Will 17 | slowed (save ends); 2 ongoing damage (save or move action ends)
Rhogar 22/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 14, Will 12 | 2 ongoing damage (save or move action ends)
Yanthil 29/34 | AC 20, Fort 14, Ref 16, Will 13
PDH1 24/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDH2 38/38 | AC 19 (18), Fort 18 (17), Ref 17 (16), Will 17 (16) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; threatening reach 2
PDL1 21/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDL2 32/32 | AC 15 (14), Fort 16 (15), Ref 18 (17), Will 16 (15) | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally
PDS2 17/34 | AC 16, Fort 16, Ref 15, Will 14 | gains +1 to all defenses when adjacent to an ally; gains +1 to AC against the first attack against it (eont); hunter's quarry; weakened
Don't throw off the protection of my honor so quickly, you low-born scum.
He watches as their blades cut deep. "That's it!" he shouts, as his wrath knocks one of them down. "You have crossed the line. Knock this one down, fellows!" he says, and his hand goes to his sword.
He looks up as the gryphon is destroyed and the war wizard flies through a window of the manor. "Then the rest of you," he addresses the line of archers, "get to the manor! We have to rescue your commander before he is captured or killed in his injury!" he shouts.
Looking towards the door, Yanthil makes his way back inside the building.
Melee Basic: Melee Basic 1d20+1(half level)+3(Str Mod)+3(Prof With LS)+1(Feat Bonus) (1d20+1+3+3+1=18) - HIT *NOTE: I think this is right, not using my longsword as an implement, I gain my profencey with my weapon, But I did forget Combat Advantage Due to flanking.
Damage:Damage, +3 Str Mod, +3 Feat bonus (1d8+6=9) - 9 Subdual
Standard Action: Melee Basic, Subdual
1d20+1+3+3+2=18 - HIT
Damage: Damage (1d8+3=9) - 9 Subdual Damage
PDS2 is KNOCKED OUT
Move: K11, just inside the building. (I hope!)
Minor: Majestic word on self, heal HS+4 and slide one square to I11. Current HP 9+11=20HP Remaining.
Move: Move to J12.
Move: Move through Door (if open) to L12.
save vs. ongoing save vs. slow (1d20=17, 1d20=3)
Lethe eyes Jack as he runs through the doorway, and quickly follows behind. As she walks through the doorway she spits at the soldier and curses him under her breath.
Minor: Curse PDS2. Just in case.
PSN: ChemENGR
Inside the manor once more, it is quiet except for the creak and raze of the fire burning above.
PSN: ChemENGR
I won't have him die without first being honored as a member of the Forward Guard.
His luxurious hair hangs limp down his back, and he flips it around absent-mindedly, adding body. A glint echoes off his teeth as he opens his mouth once again: "So, what's the plan, fellows?"
Wait, how did that work?
"Hold on, that was the fireplace," he said cheerfully, determined to be worthy of his assumed name. "I suggest we hurry to the upper floor to look for the cloaked figure and then make our way out by a back door and look for somebody in charge to whom we can report our deeds."
Rhogar stands up straight, though his motion is stiff and all can tell the motion takes effort.
PSN: ChemENGR
Perception DC 18:
Inside the flames, someone spots potions and a rod - magics that are sure to perish and explode. "Duck!" they cry, and so you do - just soon enough as the once-doorway explodes with green radiance. None of you are injured, but as your hearing returns, you can hear the sounds of the manor's supports giving way, and you rush out the door once more.
---
"Breathe! Breathe, klarath!" Jhaele leaned over Starauth, pressing air into his lungs as hard and fast as she could. The sword's breastplate had been undone and now laid at his side, his jerkin torn open from neck to hip, exposing a torso caked with blood and rent with shallow slashes. The Cormyrean boy's face was pale, his chest only moving by Jhaele's motion and not by memory.
Astan put a hand on her shoulder, leaning on his bow for a moment. "Give him a moment to breathe. Hawksong's method won't work without a pause, no matter how much you try. Ylael, Ternath, Torm's given us pause for a moment, right?"
Without looking, the three standing around their edge of the ditch along the wall - Horil among them - nodded. Ylael spoke in her slow, soft tongue, a memory of her exotic Tethyrian mother: "Just a moment, before we'll have to move again." She hit the ground with the end of her halberd. "Six harvests for an auspician right now, but in all this violence, we'll be lucky to see sundown."
Inside his own head, Starauth couldn't think much about the chaos of the battlefield. He could feel his body almost in pieces, his legs shattered and the blood of his life seeming to pour out at the seams. There was nothing there to inhabit, he thought, just a broken home. "Tymora save me from Death's fury," he whispered in thought, "let the light-life be comfort from this pain." He thought of life, in his last moments, long summer days in Rainrest on the edge of the Wyvernwater: helping Old Maeril and later his father take in fish and the occasional thrash-shrimp, Nemora's goldenberry pies dashed with exotic cinnamon (and a delightful steal off the warm hearthstone), and eventually leaving home for the camps at Arabel, to learn to fight for and serve Cormyr.
In his family, there was no necessity towards social climbing or military service as escape - no, his father had sat down with him one day and said that someone needed to know how to swing a sword, that when the odd kobold or tusker came, someone had to be ready to cut them down. So Starauth went, trained, and made friends. He saw the sights, the exotic travelers, the sounds of men fighting in alleys for women, gold or just their lives. He remembered going to the Net of Pearls with Astan, seeing a noblewoman fitted for something made of nothing more than jewels and strategically-placed lace, ducking back out and chortling in the pause on the edge of the road.
He remembered the message earlier this morning, brought down from the Heralds or the Lord in some way, telling the Dragons to arm themselves and set out for the King's Forest at once. He remembered the nervous, jagged tension of the march, each man and woman outwardly strong and ready to put their skills to the test, finally, but inwardly praying Tymora and Torm would hold them safe. Starauth smiled, somewhere: his lot had been cast, he guessed. He remembered the rush of valor and power, the Dragons all shining, bearing down upon the stinking fetid goblin camps, cutting out the blight in Cormyr, only to find hatred and hate amongst themselves. He remembered the first War Wizard to blow fire down on them, Ranrath disappearing before his eyes. Starauth didn't have time to say goodbye to his friend, all he could do was grab the man's prized jeweled scabbard and rush on from the pain. He was faced with Gelene - oh gods, beautiful Gelene - her eyes boiling with black bile and bloodlust, and he had to cut her down to keep moving.
Only on the edge did he find Astan and the others, and then that group of Beshaba's children, spies or whatever, they couldn't go back or the Wizard above could blast them, tlaern and hellfire, and they had to fight, and then he fell.
Starauth's last thoughts were interrupted by the bright cry of trumpets, twelve or twenty in number, loud enough to cut through the fog in his head. His chest caught under Jhaele's ministrations, ribs in the right alignment for his lungs to throw the wreck forward once again. Starauth felt trapped, siphoned down, down into himself once again, and as the swordswoman wept tears of relief his eyes fluttered open once more. He couldn't see much for the pain or the gunk in his lashes, but on the high hill across the field there was something all sparkling silver and steel, everyone frozen towards it. "Is it Torm? Is this solace?" he whispered, unsure of life or death. Wherever he was, he swore inwardly, he wanted to learn how to write.