The gnome listens to what Eli, Reverie and Michael have to say before speaking his own mind. “It seems we all have differing views but use similar means. While Reverie has a pact with a being of the stars, my pact is with beings of the Feywild, home of my ancestors.” Shale chuckles as he continues, "Woe be the foe who draws my ire, as I take great pleasure in making fools of those who do wish me harm."

Shale then mutters, "And as you have already seen, I also enjoy using the power that flows through my veins in all aspects of my life when applicable. While shadow walking is fun, someday I hope to be able to bend the Feywild to my will enough to teleport around with far greater ease than what most Eladrin are capable."

Silently waiting while the lead officer 'releases the hounds', is a large soldier that has been assigned to the mission. The soldier does not speak up while it observes the four arcanely gifted civilians speak amongst themselves. Although whether it is just being polite or if it doubts it has permission to speak is anyone's guess.

What makes this soldier unique in the group is that the soldier isn't a typical flesh and blood being like everyone else, but a living construct, a Warforged. With its armored skin looking like the hide of a wild beast with hide armor attached to its body and a heavy shield is not worn but instead attached to its left arm this soldier is clearly a melee combatant. This is further reinforced by the long sword sheathed at the soldier's side.

While silent the soldier is not still, as it glances around to observe the group's surroundings. If anything the soldier looks slightly nervous, as if half expecting the group to be attacked at any moment and thus must be ready to leap into action in an instant.

As the group nears the forest, the road bends between two steep rocky hills.  Remnants of what looks like the remains of ancient destroyed defensive stone structures are seen to the north and south of the road.  The hound begins to snarl and bark angrily at the road ahead though there are no visible or audible signs of anything but trees in the area.  The dog's officer warns the others with a hand signal.

"Freedom," the command addresses the warforged in a hushed tone after stopping the cart, "That signal means there's an ambush ahead.  Warn the bounty hunters to disembark.  Then fetch my horse."

(Hand signals would have been covered in basic training.  The commander's reminder could be considered an insult of the warforged's ability to remember, his inexperience, or could just be a comic-book quirk where the obvious is stated out loud for the sake of the reader.  The commander's horse's reigns are attached to the back of the cart.)

http://spreadsheets.google.com...3bxPD0pRS9hKJpYCweXw

(( "Several" mounted police have been nerfed to mean 3.  The commander, the beastmaster, and Freedom.  The fourth horse pulls the cart.  Please place your "figs" somewhere near the back of the cart.)

Freedom's eyes dim slightly for an instant as the warforged nods once to the commander out of respect before turning to instruct the bounty hunters to silently disembark from the cart as there is an ambush ahead.

Freedom then quickly detaches the reigns to the commander's horse from the cart while placing a hand on the horse to both silently comfort and to signal the horse to follow. Then Freedom brings the horse to the commander and hands over the reigns before taking a step back to get out of the way before giving the hand signal stating that he is ready for his next order.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Sat 30 May 2009.

Reverie ohs, bringing her hand close to her mouth as Freedom addresses her and the others. Silent as can be, Reverie gracefully steps out of the cart, almost seeming to flow out of it like water. She readies her wand, giving it a wiggle, causing it's tip to dimly glow. Then smiles and follows Freedom over to the commander, waiting for commands. She double-checks that her newfound allies are ready and OK.

Eli tries not to smile TOO much at what Michael said. After all... not only does he agree with Michael's statement, he's very happy to finally meet someone who finds violence to be less than desirable even in combat. But before he can add to the conversation, things are cut short and he disembarks as instructed, staying behind for the most part. After all, he was "advised" to be very cautious and to do exactly as the commander said. Eli agreed and his word is his bond. Looking around, Eli can see why they were stopped. That and he heard the dog bark. Always trust a dog's nose over your own eyes. Eli asides to Michael in a quiet tone, "I'll watch our backs..." this said, he turns his back to the others and faces the opposite direction, putting full attention there in case someone should try to ambush them.

Michael tightens his grip upon his staff as he is informed about the ambush up ahead. A slow grin forms upon Michael's face as Eli volunteers to take up a rear guard position as Michael thinks to himself, 'Eli is already seeing the big picture and calculating for the unknown instead of focusing only on the known. Quite impressive for his age.'

Michael nods as he says softly in a low tone, “Then I'll focus on foes that try and attack us from head on, but be ready to shift your attention to another direction if needed,” as Michael gets out of the cart and circles around it.

Shale frowns upon hearing that an ambush has been spotted up ahead and mutters, “It would be foolish to think we'd not face some opposition on this mission. Time to have some fun.”

Shale then hops out of the cart and moves near Michael, making sure he has moved far enough to trigger Shadow Walk as Shale knows that is enough to let him use Reactive Stealth to hopefully safely get into a good position from which to strike in order to turn this ambush against those who originally set it up.

Small creatures hiding behind the rocks spring into view and begin to move toward you. With a shriek, the small humanoids attack. Scaled and rust-colored, they have reptilian heads and tails.


(Initiative is: Heroes > Villains.)

http://spreadsheets.google.com...3bxPD0pRS9hKJpYCweXw

Kobold Slinger
HP 24; Bloodied 12
AC 13; Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 12

Kobold Minions
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 15; Fortitude 11, Reflex 13, Will 11; –2 penalty to all defenses while not adjacent to another kobold minion

Kobold Dragonshields
HP 36; Bloodied 18
AC 18; Fortitude 14, Reflex 13, Will 13
Resist 5 (fire)

"ATTACK!" the leader of the unity search party commands as he mounts his horse.

((OOC: I'll have the WotC software write up some random allies for you when I'm done with the F.R. posts.))

Reverie calls out to the Kobolds:

"Perhaps you simply desire blood?
And our faces pressed in the mud?
But can't we all just get along?
Or does my diplomacy not belong?"

She asks, holding up a bag of rations.

She can only hope they speak common. She sure as Sehanine doesn't know Draconic.


(Skill check: Nature 14)
(Skill check: Diplomacy wound up failing too. But then, Rev didn't even pose trying that much, heh)
(Initiative: 17)

(Failed Nature check, but wrote this in case I succeeded:
"What is it you desire, you who revere dragons? (DC 15)
Does your master wish to devour the stallion?"

she presents one of the horses present.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:30, Tue 14 July 2009.

Eli keeps his attention on the back side, knowing it only takes one second for an enemy to take advantage and jump out of nowhere with a sneak attack.

He hears the command to attack, looks over his shoulder and flings his hand in the direction of the goblins he sees. A flame sprouts up and burns them, instantly knocking out the minion.

He continues to keep his eye out for an ambush on his end, hoping he didn't just ruin Reverie's possible diplomacy.

(Skill check: Nature. Rolled a 19, making for a total of 25. He knows goblins well.)
(Initiative: natural 20. He goes first. Period. Unless a goblin rolls a natural 20 and has a higher modifier.)

(Standard: Scorching Burst)
(vs Slinger: 15+5=20 hit. Dmg: 3+5=8)
(vs Minion: 17+5=22 hit. Minion KO-ed.)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Tue 14 July 2009.

Seeing the battle has begun, Reverie wastes no more time. She moves into a position to get a clearer view of any other goblins that may be around and then recites another of her poems.

"If pain is what you most desire,
Then let me light your soul on fire.
Please consider humble surrender
Lest your soul be burned... forever."

This said in her oh-so pleasant, soft tone of voice as usual. A look of hope and anxiety comes upon Reverie's face. Whether she hopes the goblin surrenders or burns forever is anyone's guess.

Despite it being broad daylight, a star appears in the sky and shoots a beam of light on the Goblin Slinger. The light BURNS like an otherworldly fire. And since the slinger JUST felt some arcane fire, he can tell this... is different. Eerie whispers warn the goblin more pain is in store for him if he moves closer to Reverie.

(Move: Duh)
(Minor: Curse)
(Standard: Dire Radiance)
(9+4=13 vs fort = win.)
(3+4(+2 from curse damage)=9 for damage on the goblin slinger)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:25, Tue 14 July 2009.

Randal nocks an arrow and fires it at the Kobold directly to the east, and fires the arrow directly into the Kobold's eye, killing it instantly.  Then with blurring speed he knocks a second arrow and fires it at Kobold to the northeast, but the arrow deflects harmlessly off the stone structure it's hiding behind.

Randal's dog barks in typical bloodhound fashion.

((OOC: Randal = the beastmaster ranger.  Mortin = the warlord leader of the search party.))

Randal twin strike 1 vs. Minion

1d20 +4 >= 15
20 + 4 = 24 ... success

Randal twin strike part 2 vs. Minion
1d20 +4 >= 15
11 + 4 = 15 ... success had cover, missed.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Wed 15 July 2009.

Mortin spent most of his time and attention to mounting his horse, so he failed to notice that his next action, closing the distance to the dead Kobold to the northeast, would be a tactical blunder that opens himself up to be flanked by the kobolds to the south.  He realizes his mistake and admits it with his next command.

"Freedom!" he shouts, his voice sounding authoritative rather than frightened, "Cover my rear!  Randal!  Defend the others!"

((OOC: By "cover my rear" he's referring to the area below him on the map as he's facing the top of the map.  Mounting his horse took a standard action, so all he had left was a move action to move northeast.))
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Wed 15 July 2009.

Freedom has his horse move around the wooded area near him, taking up a position just south of Mortin while only saying, “Yes sir!”

Facing south, Freedom has a clear line of sight on the two Dragonshield Kobolds and points his longsword at the Dragonshield Kobold 1 as spectral thorns sprout from your weapon and grasp at the Dragonshield Kobold,  but the kobold presses against the defensive turret it is standing next to and avoids the spectral thorns as they return to Freedom's sword.

_{[OOC:
Move Action: Move to R-S 9-10
Standard Action: Thorn Strike vs Dragonshield Kobold 1
[269] 09-07-15 23:31:08 CEST - Freedom using Thorn Strike against Dragonshield Kobold 1.
1d20 +7 >= 18  -> 7 + 7 = 14 ... failure]}
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Wed 15 July 2009.

Shale grins slightly as he moves up and forward to the Turret closest to him and looking north he sees that the closest monster that he can see is the Kobold Slinger. Shale glares at the Kobold Slinger with his eyes briefly gleam with brilliant colors. Your foe reels under your mental assault, and you vanish from his sight.



_{[OOC:
Shale can't see the Kobold Dragonshield's due to them being on the opposite side of the defensive turret. Thus I can't place my Warlock's curse on them.
Move Action move to Q12, triggers Shadow Walk so Shale has concealment and +2 to all defenses.
Minor Action: Warlock's Curse placed on Kobold Slinger.
Standard Action: Cast Eyebite on Kobold Slinger.
[270] 09-07-15 23:47:24 CEST - Shale casting Eyebite on the Kobold Slinger (vs. Will)
1d20 +5 >= 12  -> 19 + 5 = 24 ... success
[271] 09-07-15 23:49:04 CEST - Shale's Eyebite damage + Warlock's Curse on Kobold Slinger. Also Shale is invisible to the Kobold Slinger till the start of Shale's next turn.
2d6 +4  ->  2 + 2 + 4 = 8
Kobold Slinger takes 8 damage and now has 12hp left and is blooded.]}

Michael grins as he sees an opportunity to close off a route of attack moving slightly and then saying, “Let's see how desperate they are to try and surround us, and if they are willing to pay the price,” as he summons a crackling column of lightning appearing to his east, lashing out at any enemy who moves near it.

_{[OOC:
Move Action: Move to O14
Standard Action: Cast Storm Pillar placed at  T14, any enemy that moves adjacent to the storm pillar takes 1d6+4 lightning damage. The pillar occupies 1 square and lasts until the end of Michael's next turn. Each enemy that moves into a square adjacent to the pillar takes 1d6 + 4 lightning damage. (Moving through multiple squares = take damage multiple times since it doesn't restrict the damage to only occurring once for an enemy.)
Minor Action: Unused.]}

Two kobold minions charge at Mortin from behind the northeast structure, stabbing him with their spears.  A third minion hurls a javelin at him but misses.  Their eyes flicker with an unearthly glow, and they remain silent.

Minion javelin attack vs. Mortin's AC
1d20 +4 >= 17
5 + 4 = 9 ... failure

Minion charge attack vs. Mortin's AC
1d20 +5 >= 17
17 + 5 = 22 ... success

Minion charge attack vs. Mortin's AC
1d20 +5 >= 17
20 + 5 = 25 ... success

8 total damage to Mortin
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Thu 16 July 2009.

With the same eerie silence the minions displayed, the slinger shifts away from Mortin and his longsword before it slings a small pot at him that bursts into flame when it hits.  It then darts into the nearby wooded area.

((OOC: The first shift was a minor action thanks to the kobold racial ability. ))

Slinger firepot vs. Mortin AC
1d20 +6 >= 17
17 + 6 = 23 ... success

Firepot damage vs. Mortin
1d6 +3
6 + 3 = 9 damage to Mortin and 2 ongoing fire

Without a word, the dragonshields move to the east then charge Freedom in unison as methodically as a machine.

((OOC: Freedom is marked by dragonshield 2, the southernmost one.))

Dragonshield short sword charge vs. Freedom
1d20 +9 >= 19
16 + 9 = 25 ... success

Dragonshield short sword charge vs. Freedom
1d20 +9 >= 19
14 + 9 = 23 ... success

dragonshields combined damage
2d6 +6
1 + 6 + 6 = 13 total damage to Freedom

Reverie would be fine with the Slinger running away if it weren't for the fact it might report to its masters or simply trying to reposition for another ranged attack. So Reverie continues her own attack.

"Trying to run away from me?
You won't escape so easily."

As she weaves from her original position and between Randal and Freedom, Reverie's form becomes darker and slightly translucent, her red eyes seeming to be a little more emphasized from it. Then, in a dark tone and a foreign language that sounds... scary.. Reverie curses the minion who is near the commander.

With a power any warlock would recognize, Reverie flicks her wrist and a ball of darkness that seems to have black lightning dance about on it flies from Reverie's wand and towards the Slinger.

As she does this, Reverie calls out to Shale.

"You remember this power well
My new friend and ally, Shale.
Let's make sure he won't escape
Or our efforts may be erased."

(OOC: Thinking about using Dreadful Word next if the guy isn't KOed by then. And the more I read on Star Pact, the more I'm creeped out by it. Is it just me, or is Star Pact the single creepiest thing in DnD, rivaling even gibbering orbs? <Even then, I suspect the gibbering orbs and star pact are eerily connected somehow>)

(Move: Duh.)
(Minor: Curse Minion. The one closer to Rev, obviously. Language: Deep Speech.)
(Standard: Eldritch Blast vs Slinger)
(9+4=13. Just barely missed his reflex of 14.)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Thu 16 July 2009.

Eli picks up on the creepiness the kobolds are emitting. But before he even utters a word, he waves his hand again to cause a small explosion of arcane fire behind the minions. "These kobolds aren't fighting of their own will!" he yells out. "Be careful not to kill them if you can help it! This isn't their fault!"

Reverie may have seemed sweet and even adorable earlier... but Eli's starting to honestly get a little creeped out by her. That's those childlike instincts that tell you when you are near powers you aren't supposed to mess with. You know... those instincts grownups learn to ignore?

(Standard: Scorching Burst vs Minions)
(10+5=15 hit. 5+5=10 not hit. Even with taking out the first minion, a -2 to Reflex would still mean 11. :p)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Thu 16 July 2009.

Shale cackles slightly as he realizes an opportunity to have some fun and moves adjacent to Freedom and Reverie as a pale blue flame appears above Shale's brow as the gnome utters a condemnation, “You two have drawn my anger, now make amends and fight for me!” As Shale invokes the power of the feywild to make the two Dragonshield Kobolds temporarily mistake each other as enemies. Shale cackles with glee as he forces the two kobolds to strike at each other, and laughs when one of the two hits the other, but when the other misses, that kobold ends off even worse. Shale laughs even harder when he the chaos he has caused triggers a response from Freedom. Shale can be heard chuckling, “I love my job,” as the gnome quickly returns his attention to the fact he is now close to the middile of the battlefield, although he can't help but keep grinning at the mischief he just caused.

_{[OOC:. Mittens and I realized a goof and I've fixed it, this power is a blast not a burst, was working after midnight so only the two dragonshield are targeted which means that the attack rolls are used in order, so the two attack rolls against the minions get used againt the two dragonshield...
Move Action: Move to Q9, which sustains Shadow Walk, granting +2 power bonus to all defenses.
Minor Action: Place Warlock's Curse on Dragonshield Kobold 1.
Standard Action: Decree of Khirad, targets Both Dragonshield Kobolds and the two Kobold Minions adjacent to Mortin.
Target: Each enemy in blast (close blast 3)
Dragonshield Kobold 1 is slid to U7, Dragonshield Kobold 2 is slid to U8
[296] To hit dragonshield 2 due to fixing error) Result: success (Crit)
[295] To hit Dragonshield 1 due to fixing error) Result: success (Crit)
Decree of Khirad Damage (Psychic) is maxed due to only two targets are both critted = 6+4 = 10
[301] Curse damage to Dragonshield Kobold 1 = 1d6 -> 3 = 3
[304] Dragonshield Kobold 1 Basic Melee attack vs Dragonshield Kobold 2 Result: success
Dragonshield Kobold 2 is now marked by Dragonshield Kobold 1. (overwrites Freedom's Mark on Dragonshield Kobold 2.
This attack triggers Freedom's Warden's Grasp (Immediate Reaction; at will) * Primal, Weapon * Close Burst 5 on Dragonshield Kobold 1. Freedom slides the target 1 square. The target is slowed and cannot shift until the end of its turn.
[305]  Dragonshield Kobold 1's damage to Dragonshield Kobold 2 is 7
[316] Dragonshield 2 missed it's basic melee atack on Dragonshield Kobold 1.  10 psychic damage (due to crit on attack roll maxing damage to this mob.)
Results: (This is hilarious!!!)
Dragonshield Kobold 1 takes 3 Damage from Shale's Warlock's Curse, and is Slowed and cannot shift until the end of its turn.
Dragonshield Kobold 2 takes 10 psychic damage and 7 damage from Dragonshield Kobold 1 and is marked by Dragonshield Kobold 1. (17 damage total.)]}
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Fri 17 July 2009.

Michael can't help but gawk at the stunt Shale just pulled and mutters, “Remind me to not piss off the gnome...” as Michael does not fancy the idea of being made to attack an ally like that. Michael quickly realizes how best to capitalize on the current situation as he moves up and quickly conjures forth a lingering swarm of ice crystals that chill the two Dragonshield Kobolds to their bones. Although he thinks about it, Michael refrains from making the obvious 'chill out joke'.

_{[OOC:
Minor Action: Unused
Move Action: Move to Q8
Standard Action: Chilling Cloud, centered at T8 (Where Dragonshield Kobold 2 currently is.
Target: Each enemy in burst. (Both Dragonshield Kobolds) Effect: Until the end of Michael's next turn, any enemy in the power's area takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls. Attack: +5 vs Fort. Hit: 4 damage. (Int bonus)
[307] 09-07-17 00:47:59 CEST - Michael's Chilling Cloud vs Dragonshield Kobold 2
1d20 +5 >= 14 -> 14 + 5 = 19 ... success
[306] 09-07-17 00:47:02 CEST - Michael's Chilling Cloud vs Dragonshield Kobold 1
1d20 +5 >= 14 -> 9 + 5 = 14 ... success
Both Dragonshield Kobolds take 4 cold damage.
Dragonshield Kobold 1 has now taken 7 damage. (29hp left)
Dragonshield Kobold 2 has now taken 21 damage. (15hp left and bloodied)
Any kobold in the chilling cloud]}
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Fri 17 July 2009.