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Post by Bingo on Jun 5, 2006 20:21:31 GMT -5
Thank you blessed goddess for sending this elven master of elements.
I give Caldor a brief smile (Eldar) "Many thanks, friend."
Ah Minerva, you are indeed a difficult teacher. You deliver me from the grasp of these creatures of fire, but restrain me from making quick work of them. I pray that your lesson in wise battle does not bring me to your presence too soon.
I move 30’ and drink my potion (cure serious wounds)
(north) XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXSXXXXXXX XXXCXSXXXXVX XXXXXXXXXXXX (south)
(elder)”Caldor, if you are able, move out of the battle and to the south.”
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DrSpice
Master of the South Wind
Posts: 467
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Post by DrSpice on Jun 6, 2006 6:20:30 GMT -5
Resisting his urge to stand up, sing and play his lute (he is wearing his cloak after all) Job enjoys the fine banquet and makes toasts to his gracious hosts.
He turns to the knights, "Sir Bartold and Sir Chapin, it always stirs the blood to hear talk of adventure. Had you arrived but a short while ago, I would say that I was stirring for some travel and excitement myself. However, now that Galen has arrived, we may ourselves have some business to attend to. Do your travels, of necessity, take you to Constantinople? Or might you be more flexible with your destination given proper motivation?"
Job whispers to Galen when there is no chance of being overheard, "Any word from Caldor?" And a little later he whispers, "So, tell me what you know of the axe. Even if you aren't sure what we are to do with it, what clues have you gleaned? What hints? What wisdom?"
When Job eventually returns to Ravenloft, he will try and meet with Sir Bogdan to assess castle defenses and overall troops status and readyness.
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Post by TerraDave on Jun 6, 2006 9:12:51 GMT -5
Galen: after a substantial delay, you receive Caldor’s reply. He seems to still be alive, unfortunately. Also, Job is getting bored with present company (OoC: see the two posts above). And there are no elves in the room. You are carrying the axe and your bastard sword.
Job: The banquet isn’t over yet (OoC: if you want to do something at the castle, let me know when you are heading to or reach the castle. I won’t remember.).
The banquet: The knights are always up for adventure! They speak of finding treasure, and then more treasure. Of defeating their enemies in various regional conflicts. They note they have heard of your adventures, oh what glorious things you must have found.
As the night wears on, Bartold, who seems to do most of the talking, notes the greatest treasure can be ancient wisdom. Like the first Templars were said to find in the ruins of the ancient Temple. What secrets you must have found in your adventures? And of course the Order might consider someone with such treasure and renown—though, Galen, all their members are currently men (meaning human). With his gracious charm, the reticent dwarf and distracted swashbuckler would feel very comfortable telling Bartold all their adventures and findings (but what is said is of course up to them).
Galen (spot) notices the two men who are probably the squires leave the room. The night is finally coming to a close. More leave. Then it is announced, to the two of you, that two special guests are coming, and wouldn’t it be kind if you wait to meet them? The other knight must also leave to greet the special guests. Who are they? A very wise dwarf and wise man who have come far, and would be very pleased to meet both of you.
Bartold continues the conversation. He takes things in a new direction. “Of course it is one thing to fight for ones own glory and power. But these are difficult times. Lord fights vassal, son turns on father. Bandits and beasts prohibit trade and terrorize the countryside. As you know, the Coven infiltrates high positions, and uses their influence to spread this chaos. And some good men are weak, they do not do what needs to be done. Of course, we are not black friars” laughs “but we knights, we are willing to do what needs to be done”… “Imagine, the glory and power of a great empire, like that of ancient Rome, or of the ancient Achaeans, being restored in these lands. Across Europa. The benefits it would bring.”…
Many have left. You two, Bartold, the two Saxxon dwarves Ardon and Gornor, Jergen and Job’s follower, remain. But you hear others coming. (you can retroactively add to the past conversation, and or the current one, or something else).
Caldor: you go for the Salamander! Doing so provokes an attack of opportunity, which the Salamander takes by instinct (and is perhaps more scared of getting grappled). He misses. You now try to initiate the grapple (grapple check 25) and succeed! You pull him into your area and are now grappling. (you don’t cause damage from the spell, only an attack by the Salamander does, but I will treat most grapple maneuvers as an “attack”).
But then you hear the warning from Viator…followed by a much bigger surprise.
Viator: you are hit by the other Salamander as you make your retreat, and brought to the very edge of consciousness (the fire resistance is the difference). You manage to drink the potion. (HP: 21) Then you spot, what in the name of Minerva!?
The bone devil: Flies in from the west of the bridge “This isn’t some dirtball, this is the City of Brass. You can’t get rid of me just like that”. (Viator: yes, of course, the many portals…). He lands next to the grappling two, and take a bite out of the elf. (59hp, 61hp on the stoneskin). The 9’ tall monstrosity seems hardly affected by the blue flames (Nrml dmg: 13 hp), but the elf begins to feel fear from the bony spiked tailed devil. He shrugs it off (will save 25).
The salamanders: The free one gleefully charges the wizard. Who finally gets a break and is missed. The grappling one goes on the offensive, and constricts the elf, who takes a little fire damage (56hp, 53 hp on the stoneskin). The salamander is hurt worse (Nrml Dmg: 11hp).
The beggar: Caldor, you just spot the beggar creeping along the edge of the bridge on the north-west side. The haze in the air may give him some concealment: no one else seems to notice him.
(100' north) XXXXXXXX XBBXXXXX XBBGXXSV XXXXXXXX (40' south)
the devil is large, he is the 4 bs, the bridge is only 40' wide, the Salamender and Caldor are the G
Next turn due by Friday, 8:00 AM EST
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Post by Bingo on Jun 6, 2006 21:03:48 GMT -5
This has certainly taken a turn for the worse.
TISHU SHICLAN
(I defensively cast chain lightning save DC 24. The salamander in front of me is my primary target. I will arc to the grappled salamander, hoping to only effect it, but willing to accept the consequences if I don't. I will also arc to the Bone Devil, though I doubt I'll penetrate his SR)
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Post by Andric on Jun 7, 2006 22:02:42 GMT -5
The aura of fear from the bony devil feels...familiar. I am reminded of a similar wave of fear during the drumhead trial on the battlefield of Barovia, or perhaps it was my nerves. I also recall distantly that I have felt such dread during my courtship with Vela, during our visits to her tainted relatives. Black Friars, Tainted elves...is there a connection?
As I grapple with this salamander, I see the agony in its face and hear the cracks of pain from the cold. This creature must succumb! I can only hope that Viator has a plan to assist me with this recalcitrant creature.
I attempt to pin the salamander, so that he is more vulnerable to external attacks than I. Only now do I realize I have no weapons usable in a grapple.
[auran] Viator, keep an eye on the beggar to the north; see how he evades the bridge...why? Should we flee to the north, forgoing the bridge itself? What does this bridge tell your arcane senses?
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Post by galen on Jun 9, 2006 8:15:30 GMT -5
Galen begins to wonder if he has had too much ale, what with the strange non-nonsensical sending from Caldor and the Sir Bartold's talk of restoring ancient empires. He considers whether he should even bother with another sending to Caldor to try to get a response from him that makes some sense. "May just be a waste of a spell", he mutters to himself. "Well," he sighs, "may as well. Perhaps later."
He snaps out of his reverrie, annoyed for letting his mind wander yet again, and turns his attention back to the conversation at the table.
"Ah, Sir Bartold, that would be quite an ambitious plan. Yes, certainly there are great benefits that come with the power of empire - of that there can be no doubt. But one must be wary, for with great power also comes great corruption, and great evil."
Galen's gut tells him there is something peculiar going on. Perhaps it is just that he is cynical after all these years. Or perhaps it is the ale.
He will try again to sense Sir Bartold's motives. He will also listen carefully to the sound of the approaching visitors to try to discern, if he is able, size, number and whether or not he can tell if they are armed. "After all, the dwarf thinks to himself, "no harm in being cautious. Caution may just keep this old drawf on the rock of this earth a bit longer..."
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Post by TerraDave on Jun 9, 2006 10:05:09 GMT -5
Galen: As is so often the case, your premonitions are all too correct. Sir Bartold certainly has a way with words, about that there is no doubt. Beyond his enthusiasm for ancient empire, you sense little. But then again, he is talking loudly, and his voice almost covers up what you listen for: the sound of about a dozen marching towards the hall, and it sounds as if some, or all, are armored. And is Job awake? You stand up as others begin to enter.
Job: It was a long day, maybe just to snooze a little. Why did that piece of food just hit your face. Jergen?
The entrance: From the main entrance to the south, and from a door to the north, a number of men and dwarves begin to enter the room.
You can see:
The two squires and Sir Chapin, now in plate armor. Each squire bears a mighty bastard sword, one also carries a huge tower shield, the other a second sword. The knight has a zweihander as long as he is tall.
What Galen realizes are forsaken dwarves, each with breastplates and chain armor and bearing great axes equal in length to their four foot height, with great crushing blades.
And the two guests of honor: a timid looking Max Skeldar, and a crippled looking forsaken dwarf Galen realizes is the Old One.
Max “Jocko, Galen, my old friends. Now is the time to cooperate”.
Ardon: “What, what is all this, this the Lord of Barovia, this is the Meeting Hall!”
The surprise round:
Sir Bartold: “It is your fear of ‘evil’ and ‘corruption’ that weakens you. This is your last chance”. He leaps on the table before you, drawing his dagger in the process. Something glistens on its blade. “Or you will die”.
The other knightly types and forsaken dwarves: continue their advance into the room. Though galen can see, down the main hall that leaves the room, that some forsaken just seem to come out of no where and begin securing the double door that is the exit of the hall.
Jergen: hides under the table
Gornor: Begins to grapple with Ardon
Galen (?).
______________D_____________ X-X-X-X-X-X-fdM.Ofd X-X-X-X-X-X X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X X-X-P-T-T-.P.Xfd-X-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-X-P-T-T-.P-X-Xfd-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-X-gsT-T-P-X-X-X-T-T--F-X-X-X-X X-X-P-T.jg-P-X-X-X-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-X-J-.T-B-.P-X-X-X-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-X-G.T-T-.P-X-X-X-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-X-P-T-T-.P-X-X-X-T-T-X--S-X-X-X_-X-X-X-X X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-C-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-S-X-X-fd-X-fd-fd-X-X-X ----------------------------------------------DD
X: a 5’ square; T: part of a table; P: part of a raised platform; D: door; J: Job; G: Galen; B: Bartold; C: Chapin; M: Max Skeldar; O: Old One ; F: follower of Job; S: squire; jg: Jergen; gs: Gordor, (wrestling with the other Saxon); fd: Forsaken Dwarf
Caldor: You don’t come close to pinning the fire-snake-man.
Viator: you easily cast the spell. And lighting arcs from the first salamander, to the second, to the devil (Nrml Dmg: 40; DM rolls 17 on salamander reflex save!). It affects all three, but all remain alive.
The elf speaks to you in the language of air (see post above). He has picked up a clear fire accent from his time here. You don’t see the beggar, and the three notable things about the bridge are 1) its fine construction, 2) It is crossing a river of burning oil 3) A bone devil and two salamanders on it are trying to kill you.
The bone devil: laughing with a skeletal glee, the devil launches a full attack on the elf. He hits with a claw and his stinger, which fail to penetrate the stoneskin. (56hp, 44 hp on the stoneskin; Nrml dmg from chill shield: 13 hpx2). Caldor, you feel your luck continues.
The Salamanders: The one on the Roman attacks with tail and spear. The spear hits once, as does the tail (Hp: 9), the fire resistance helps a bit, and you cannot be grappled again, though the fire beast tries. The one on the elf does nothing.
Next turn due Tuesday 8:00 AM EST.
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Post by galen on Jun 12, 2006 15:55:38 GMT -5
Galen, while not too surprised at the ambush, is alarmed by the number of foes who manged to get into the hall and to see Max Skeldon and the forsaken.
Galen wonders if he should try to parlay with Max Skeldon. He immediately rejects the thought.
Galen thinks to himself, "No, no use for it. There will be no cooperation with the likes of Max Skeldon and certainly not with the forsaken. There can be no bandying of words. There fight to be had and it is a fight we will give them!"
Galen seeing that a battle is unavoidable and enraged that the forsaken would try to get the axe and by the tactics of ambush, shouts to Job "Job, wake up! Its an ambush!", . Galen draws his bastard sword and begins casting Righteous Might upon himself.
OOC: Galen assumes from the diagram that there is still enough space between himself and Sir Bartold that he will not draw an attack of opportunity if he begins casting.
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Post by Bingo on Jun 12, 2006 17:38:18 GMT -5
(Auran) I see no beggar and besides the fine craftsmanship, the burning oil it bridges and the extra-planar creatures attempting to kill us, I see nothing unusual about the bridge.
TAIZEUC ALEGRIL
(I defensively cast cone of cold save DC 23. I begin the cone directly in front of me, to make sure the salamander accosting me gets hit.)
I then take a five foot step to the north.
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Post by Andric on Jun 12, 2006 22:43:46 GMT -5
This salamander is crafty, I think to myself. My plans to freeze this creature under my cold-flamed body is not working quite as planned. In addition, I may have learned all there is to know about fire salamanders from this up-close-and-personal study.
I attempt to break free from the grapple session (my grapple attack roll = +12). Perhaps it is time to rejoin my comrade-in-arms.
If I am successful in escaping the grapple during the standard action, I will attempt to move 30' north as my move action.
[auran]Viator, I strive to join you on the north side of the bridge as quickly as I am able!
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DrSpice
Master of the South Wind
Posts: 467
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Post by DrSpice on Jun 13, 2006 0:43:26 GMT -5
When he realizes what is going on, Job shouts, "Once more into the breach, eh Galen!" He draws Irene and his Magic Stiletto.
Job will attempt to take a "five foot step" to the East onto the table, either by tumbling or levitating. If he can indeed take a five foot step, he will then execute his full attack on Sir Bartold.
If he cannot accomplish the move by way of a five foot step, he will still make his move action to the same spot, and then instead execute a tumble-enhanced total defense (+6 Dodge bonus to AC +2 Panache +4 Dex).
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Post by TerraDave on Jun 13, 2006 9:59:44 GMT -5
Galen: Becomes the biggest dwarf in the room! But not for long. (As this was the surprise round, I assumed that getting the spell off was more important then drawing a weapon).
Max: “They will show no mercy”. He takes a five foot step and…casts a spell?
The Old One: Grey and ancient, he stares and then barks “It is as I have foreseen, they carry both artifacts. Slay them!” He hobbles forward about 15 feet.
Next Round.
Job: Wakes up! He draws both weapons and leaps to the table (this all takes a move action). He then shows surprising caution.
Bartold: Strikes with the dagger, but is evaded by the swashbuckler. He tumbles off the table.
Chapin and the squires: Advance across the room.
The forsaken: The grey dwarves are long rumored to have strange powers. They confirm the rumors: some vanish into thin air, and one gets as big as Galen!
Jergen: stays hidden
The Saxon dwarves: continue to wrestle.
The follower: flees across the room
Galen: (?)
_____________D_____________ X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-.X-X.X-X-X-X-X-X X-X-X-X-X-X-X-M-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X X-X-P-T-T-.PededX-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-X-P-T-T-.PededO.T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-X-gsT-T-P-X-X-X-.T-T--X-X-X-X-F X-X-P-T.jg-P-X-X-X-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-X-P-.J-T-.P-X-X-X-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-G-G.T-T-.P-B-X-X-T-T-X-X-X-X-X X-G-G-T-T-.P-S-X-X-T-T-X--X-X-X-X_-X-X-X-X X-X-X-X-X-X-C-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X X-X-X-X-X-X-S-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-fd-fd-X-X-X ----------------------------------------------DD
the four ed's is one enlarged forsaken dwarf.
Caldor: The snake man offers no resistance and you escape. You instinctively put the salamander between you and the devil, which provides some cover as the devil attacks with its tail as you move north. Thanks to that cover, it fails to hit.
Viator: At last! Cold blasts all three creatures. The salamanders issue a final scream before collapsing. Their corpses slowly turn to ash before your eyes and begin to blow off the bridge. The devil seems unaffected. You take your step.
The beggar (!?): You both-barely-see the beggar pop up over the edge of the bridge—is he hanging there??—and throw a rock that hits the bone devil in the head! And it seems to hurt the creature. The beggar disappears again as the devil looks back.
The devil: In a furry advances towards Viator.
[glow=red,2,300]A 10’ high ring of fire [/glow]
surrounds the outsider and wizard on three sides, cutting off the elf. The devil now seems in a better mood. Theroman feels the heat of the flames and hears their crackle.
(50' north) XXXXXXXX XXXXXCXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXBBXV XXXXBBXX XXXXXXXX (40' south)
Next turn: 8:00 AM EST Friday
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Post by Andric on Jun 14, 2006 21:52:25 GMT -5
My sudden friend and colleague, Viator, has just been engulfed in a great wall of diabolical flames on the Elemental Plane of Fire.
The glint in the eyesocket of this devil bodes ill, if not fatal, for Viator. I am sure that Viator must be near the brink. I press my sooty river-rock palms together and find my center, and I pray to the very element of fire itself, to channel through me it's power and energy, as I cast:
WANYA KURU (Dispel Magic)
From my elven core, I cast Targeted Dispel Magic against the Wall of Fire spell.
[eldar]May the elements protect us from all elements!
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DrSpice
Master of the South Wind
Posts: 467
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Post by DrSpice on Jun 15, 2006 4:48:35 GMT -5
Job shouts across the room to his follower, "(Insert name)!!! Find somewhere safe to hide in this room, but stay within earshot. Your life depends on it!!!" While shouting, Job uses his move action to accelerated tumble northeast two squares, trying to tumble past attack(s) of opportunity by continuing his move action going North two and then Northeast one to put himself right next to Max Skeldar.
He attacks Max Skeldar with Irene.
Flame On, Irene!!
Continued.....
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DrSpice
Master of the South Wind
Posts: 467
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Post by DrSpice on Jun 15, 2006 6:34:24 GMT -5
IF Job can't reach and attack Max, he will attempt two move actions instead, first seeing if he can move adjacent to Max using his full movement without incurring any attacks of opportunity.
If he cannot trace a path using normal movement without risking an attack of opportunity, he will instead see if a path can be traced using one regular move (if he can do so without attacks of opportunity) and one regular tumble (movement 9 total) or two regular tumbles (movement 6 total).
If a direct path adjacent to Max takes him more than this, but less than 10, he will do one tumble and one accelerated tumble, and finally if he needs the full movement and is under steady threat of attack, he will do two accelerated tumbles to try and end adjacent to Max.
In short, walk if he can, tumble if he's threatened, and accelerated tumble if he needs the extra distance.
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